No surprise: Peyton Manning a Hall of Fame finalist; Birds’ Allen not

Peyton Manning, no surprise, is among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2021. The star quarterback, owner of a record five NFL Most Valuable Player awards and two Super Bowl titles, was the first finalist revealed by the hall on Tuesday night.

Manning, of course, was one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. In 18 pro seasons and 265 starts out of 266 games played since being the top overall draft choice by Indianapolis in 1998, he had 14 seasons with 4,000-plus yards passing.

When he retired following leading Denver to the 2015 league title, Manning held NFL records for career passing yards (71,940), career passing touchdowns (539) and consecutive seasons with at least 25 passing touchdowns (13).

Joining Manning as a finalist was one of the players he threw to, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, a finalist for the second time. Firstyear eligible Calvin Johnson and second-time finalist Torry Holt also made the cut among receivers. Wayne played in two Super Bowls with Manning.

Four defensive backs, including current 49ers general manager John Lynch, advanced. This will be Lynch’s eighth time as a finalist, while it’s the first for Charles Woodson in his initial year of eligibility, and Ronde Barber, and the second for appearance in the finals for Leroy Butler.

Eagles cornerback Eric Allen was not one of the finalists. He made it this far for the first time.

Falcons interview two for GM

ATLANTA » The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed two directors of college scouting, Brad Holmes of the Rams and Morocco Brown of the Colts, for their general manager position.

Atlanta is looking to replace Thomas Dimitroff, who along with coach Dan Quinn was

fired following a 0-5 start this season.

Giants defensive coordinator Graham gets new contract

EASTRUTHERFORD,N.J» Giants defensive coordinator Pat Graham is staying put. The Giants announced that Graham has signed a contract extension to remain as Joe Judge’s defensive coordinator. He is adding the title assistant head coach.

The Giants defense improved markedly this past season and Graham reportedly was being considered for the vacant head coaching job with the Jets.