Denver Broncos Might Need a Rest
By Adam Malnati
The Denver Broncos have wrapped up the AFC West for the fourth year in a row. The question now becomes, what does Monday Night Football represent for them? Obviously, it is an opportunity to guarantee a first round bye, and a home game in the playoffs. That is not the only thing a win on Monday does for Peyton Manning, et al.
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There is some concern in Broncos Country with the health of the Sheriff. Just using the eye test over the last few games shows that Manning is struggling. The running game has stepped up. The defense has stepped up. The Broncos have not lost since the St. Louis debacle, and so we should all be happy. The Broncos have proven over the course of this four game streak that Manning does not have to be at his best for this team to win a regular season game.
However, with the playoffs looming, it is important that Denver gets healthy, and quick. The loss of Danny Trevathan will affect the defense, as will Brandon Marshall’s injury (listed as day-to-day). Anymore big hits, and “next man up,” will become an empty catch phrase. The health of this team includes Peyton Manning and his right arm.
Anymore big hits, and “next man up,” will become an empty catch phrase.
Yes, he has been good, but it is obvious that PFM is struggling. The flu did not help the situation against Sand Diego, and so it can be expected that Manning will look better against Cincinnati. That being said, the Broncos should consider shutting Manning down if they win on Monday night.
With the New York Jets this week, and the Buffalo Bills in week 17 on the Patriots’ schedule, home field advantage is probably going to reside in New England. What does Denver gain if they send Manning out against the Raiders for the last game of the season? Probably nothing. So, why put him in harm’s way? The way the schedule works out, John Fox and Peyton Manning can make that decision at the last second.
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox greets Denver Broncos tackle Chris Clark (75) and Denver Broncos guard Louis Vasquez (65) after the Broncos second quarter field goal against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Should something happen, and the Patriots trip over a tough Buffalo team, Manning can start against Oakland. However, if there is really nothing to play for, and there is a chance to rest for an extra week, why not do that. Resting players can backfire, and Bronco fans might be concerned about that heading into the playoffs. Not having players at their best because they are playing through injuries during games that don’t matter would be an even bigger problem.
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It would be better to get healthy. The Raiders are inconsequential. Bronco fans hate losing to the Raiders, but they will hate losing in the playoffs more if they don’t have a team that is as healthy as possible.
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter gainst the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports