Peyton Manning Crushing Defenses, Passing Records

Peyton Manning (18) throws the ball during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Peyton Manning is a thoroughbred on the track and he’s not looking back.

During Monday’s win against the Raiders, Manning went 32-for-37 (86.5%) for 374 yards with three touchdowns, which makes for a 135.8 rtg.

Manning has 12 touchdowns and no interceptions through the Broncos’ first three games of the season. A touchdown to interception ratio like that has never been inked in the NFL record books before.

“Just good play-calling,” Manning said of not throwing a pick this season. “Trying to make good, smart, sound decisions. I think guys are doing a good job getting open on time. I think guys have a good clock in their head about when to come out of the break versus different coverages. Protection has been good, so it gives you a chance to see the field and try to throw accurate footballs.”

In terms of touchdowns, Manning leads the pack by a Mile. Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers are next in line with eight touchdowns on the season.

When Tom Brady had 50 touchdowns during the course of the 2007 season, he had 10 touchdowns and an interception through his first three games. Even Manning himself, when he had 49 touchdowns during the 2004 season, had nine touchdowns and an interception through the first three games.

The last time any quarterback threw 12 touchdown passes before throwing an interception was when Michael Vick did it in 2010.

“I still think we can correct some things,” Manning said of the offense. When we have those chances down in the red zone, third-and-1, to have to settle for a field goal on that one drive. You’re not looking to play the perfect game. You’re looking to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.”

Spoken like a true record setter.

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