Broncos Did Not Rely On Peyton Manning to Win

Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning has been the staple for the Denver Broncos offense since he joined the team in 2012. In a rare game, the Broncos actually won without Manning having a big game.

Peyton Manning only completed half of his passes (he went 17 of 34) for 179 yards and two touchdowns. It could be believed that with those numbers, the Broncos would not be able to come out with a victory. However, newly acquired kicker Connor Barth converted all five of his field goal attempts and C.J. Anderson had another big game as he had 185 total yards and one touchdown. The defense also had a good game as they had five sacks on Alex Smith and stopped Kansas City on eight of nine of their third downs.

It was quite amazing that the Broncos had such a balanced offense against a solid Chiefs defense. Peyton Manning did not need to put the game on his shoulders. He had quite a great supporting cast in this game. The only real problem that I saw from the Broncos offense was their inability to convert in the red zone. But that is an issue to cover at another time. This game on Sunday Night in Arrowhead was perhaps the best game that they have played in quite some time.

I am pretty confident that Peyton Manning was happy that the game did not have to come down to him in order to bring the team back. The great addition of C.J. Anderson really has helped Peyton Manning as far as taking some pressure off of the future hall of fame quarterback.

With this balanced offensive attack, the offensive line improving, and a solid defense, the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning could have finally found their chemistry and could be ready to do what they can to give Peyton Manning another Super Bowl ring. They took a huge step by taking control of the AFC West. Let’s hope that this balanced offense continues to run the table.