With such a heavy investment in quarterback Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts decided to throw him right into battle from the get-go. The above photo shows him lining up under center in the Colts season opener, which the Miami Dolphins won, 24-15.
Manning made a credible appearance for a rookie with no professional experience, completing 21-of-37 passes for 302 yards and one touchdown. However, he also tossed three interceptions. In fact, he threw a total of 11 interceptions over his first four games, leading some to speculate that the Colts had chosen the wrong quarterback when they opted for Manning over Washington State's Ryan Leaf.
Manning certainly had his struggles as a rookie, especially early on, but it wasn't long before it became clear he was destined to be a superstar.