Peyton Manning, Trindon Holliday Named AFC Players of the Month

Sep 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos kickoff returner Trindon Holliday (11) returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in team history, the Denver Broncos have two players named AFC Players of the Month for the same month. Quarterback Peyton Manning was named offensive player of the month for September, and Trindon Holliday was named special teams player of the month.

Manning leads the NFL in every passing category and statistic that matters, and Holliday averaged 14.7 yards per punt and 46.3 yards per kick return with two touchdowns.

Both of these players were acquired last season, with Peyton Manning obviously coming aboard after a long free agency courting. Holliday was waived by the Houston Texans, who don’t have any return touchdowns this season.

Say what you want about John Elway as a personnel guy, but he’s been pretty incredible for Denver thus far, even if getting Manning has amplified every other move. Elway set out to get the Broncos in position to win a Super Bowl as possible, and by some stroke of fate, the stars have aligned to bring some of the most talented players in the league Denver’s way by whatever circumstance.

Having two AFC players of the month is a small indication of just how good the Broncos have been in all three phases of the game.