Broncos 2015: There should be no concern on Peyton Manning
By Tylor Walden
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with head coach Gary Kubiak on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos defense came out to play on Sunday as they went out Kicking and Screaming like John Elway wanted. However, there was one player out there whom some have concern on.
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning seemed a bit lost in the game. His final numbers for the game were a little uncharacteristic for him. 24 completions on 40 attempts for 175 yards. That is an average of 4.4 yards per pass and one interception for a 59.9 rating.
It is amazing that after just one game, some are screaming that the sky is falling and that Manning needs to get benched. “Oh, bring in Brock Osweiler, Peyton Manning is washed up.” For those people, I am going to imply what Aaron Rodgers said to the fans of Green Bay last year.
R-E-L-A-X
How quickly fans forget that this is a brand new offense. And in this offense, it is focused on the running game. The offense is set to take some pressure off of Peyton Manning.
Also lost in the overall poor offensive output by the #Broncos was the fact that they had a 16-play and 18-play drive in the same game
— Predominantly Orange (@PredomOrange) September 14, 2015
Strange But True: In last 3 games that Peyton Manning has failed to throw a TD, Broncos are 3-0. pic.twitter.com/Bpyg3dDcWe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 14, 2015
Also remember in 2012, when Peyton Manning first arrived in Denver, the team struggled a bit and went 2-3 heading into San Diego. It was the second half of the sixth game that they were able to gel together and pull off 11 straight wins.
Broncos fans need to relax and just let Peyton Manning get used to the offense. Instead of jumping on his back every time he makes a mistake. In my opinion, I give it just a few more weeks when everything comes together. I am glad we have the defense that we have.
Yes, I know it is alarming to see Manning’s numbers the way they are dating back to last season, but he will get the hang of the zone blocking scheme offense.
Another thing, for what it’s worth, the offensive line struggled. This unit needs to get better at gelling and keeping the pressure off of Peyton Manning. Manning is one of the fastest players to get rid of the football. But he won’t be able to if the O-Line can’t keep linebackers and defensive line players at bay.
And one more thing. The Broncos won the game did they not? Granted it was not a pretty win, a win is a win in my books and brings us one step closer to the playoffs.
So, stop worrying about Peyton Manning. He will be okay. Stop pressing the panic button. Give it time. I do not mind seeing the defense pick up some slack until then. They look phenomenal. Until then, let’s see what adjustments they make in the short week.