Bold Predictions for Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning in 2014
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the first quarter against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Peyton Manning is the reigning MVP. He’s fresh off of his best season ever as a professional football player, throwing an unprecedented 55 touchdown passes.
What’s so crazy about that is not even the most diluted of Manning supporters would have predicted such a season as that. Heck, you might have been deemed over-zealous if you had predicted over 40 touchdowns for Manning last year.
It’s time to start getting bold, Broncos fans. It’s time to make bold predictions for Peyton Manning, in the first part of what will become a pre-training camp series here at Predominantly Orange. Here are my bold predictions for Manning, as well as some of the predictions from the rest of the staff.
My Predictions
I am with my partner in crime, Chad Jensen, here (you’ll soon see). Peyton Manning will throw 50 touchdown passes again. I don’t honestly know if he will need to because of some other factors, like having a better defense. I believe the Broncos’ margin of victory will increase this year and they might be able to match last year’s scoring numbers.
What’s crazy about last year’s 55 touchdowns is that the Broncos were only not conservative with the ball (it seemed) when they could not afford to be. I would like to see the Broncos have a killer mentality all throughout a game, even when they are already up big. I’m not a fan of bad sportsmanship, but I want to see the Broncos absolutely drubbing opponents this season.
Another prediction I would have for Manning is that he will again be the league MVP. At his age, Manning isn’t the likeliest MVP candidate but not all candidates are Manning. This guy is stronger than ever. He’s more focused than ever. He just put together the greatest season for a QB we have ever seen. He can exceed those lofty expectations, in some regards.
Staff Predictions
Chad Jensen – I predict that Peyton Manning becomes the first QB in the history of the NFL to throw for 50+ TDs in back-to-back seasons. But he lost Decker and Moreno, you say? Let me introduce you to Emmanuel Sanders and Montee Ball. This offense will be even more explosive than it was in ’13. Besides, as we saw last year, it’s simply not in Adam Gase’s nature to tone it down. He’ll have the pedal to the floor, whether the Broncos are up by 18, or 6.
Matty Petrero – (heaven forbid) Peyton Manning does not play all 16 games. Aside from the time missed due to the neck surgery, PFM has been injury free throughout his career. The law of averages and the fact that he’s going into his age 38 season, something’s got to give.
Khalid Alshami – Peyton Manning suffers a injury to his Collarbone in week 2 forcing him to miss 8 weeks plus the bye. During his absence Brock Osweiler leads the team to a 6-2 record, finishing off the Chiefs, with wins over Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco, New England, Oakland and St. Louis cementing himself as the Broncos starter next year when the team parts ways with Peyton Manning following another disappointing playoff exit.
Erick Trickel – Peyton Manning plays in all 16 games, leading Denver to a 14-2 record after he passes for over 50 touchdowns and over 5,500 yards. All while throwing only four interceptions. He then leads the Broncos to the Super Bowl where he throws over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns to beat the Green Bay Packers.
Amy Richau – Peyton Manning will play all 16 games but will not break any records this season. Leaning more on the running game and shorter and shorter passes Manning will only be intercepted twice this season.
***
Aside from Khalid’s slightly depressing diagnosis for this season, I think the staff has some great thoughts here. What are your thoughts? Leave us your bold predictions in the comment section.