The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Amid reports that Manning is still unable to throw effectively, former Colts vice chairman Bill Polian offered a much different observation during an interview with ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" on Thursday, recounting that he last saw Manning throw in late December."It's marked (improvement) from where he was back in September," Polian said. "He threw it accurately, he threw it with a good, tight spiral, and he threw it with velocity."

Diehards Line:Polian added: "Generally, he looked like a pretty confident quarterback out there. ..." Polian also indicated that Manning was able to make a variety of throws and throw across his body. The update from Polian, which supports the claim by Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, paints a much different picture than recent reports from NFL Network's Jason La Canfora and Michael Lombardi -- among others -- on Manning's ability to throw effectively. Polian went on to say that Manning's recovery is "coming, but coming slowly. But, nonetheless, its making progress." The bottom line? Polian believes Manning is out to prove he can play again and "cross another hurdle." Polian believes Manning will return to the NFL, and will return "at a high level." Our advice? Believe it when you see it.