Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with center Dan Koppen (67) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Slow and steady wins the race? Not for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos offense. The big bosses at Dove Valley no doubt have big plans this off season to turn the offensive line into a speed machine; and there is no better man to help that area than one of the greats at reading lines. Even though Manning’s debut year was only last year, that gave the four-time MVP enough to analyze on what he can do to make most of him being at the helm. Under Peyton’s leadership, the Denver Broncos had 190 offensive possessions during the 2012 regular season. The Broncos scored 481 points. Each time Manning and and his offense had their hands on the football, they averaged 2.53 points, according to a source at the Denver Post. In fact with Manning leading the way, the Broncos were 2nd in league scoring in 2012. Not bad for his debut run after sitting out a year and recovering from numerous neck surgeries.
The goal isn’t to be second place, it is to be first place and win Super Bowls. You can bet that Manning knows the key to this is speed. “Hurry! Hurry!”, sound familiar? I swear that is all I heard watching the games on TV was Manning yelling that phrase, but it’s true. “For whatever reason, our offense plays better the faster we go.” Peyton tells Mark Kiszla from the Denver Post at the team’s practice facility Monday. ” I think that was clear cut last season. The receivers liked it; they got into a rhythm. Anything we can do as an offense to build off that, anything we can do to make us more efficient as an offense, that’s what we’re looking to do.”
It is not only about being fast, but being efficient with that speed. As the team begins their off-season conditioning practices, there is a lot to work on with the receivers. Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker have already had opportunities to practice with Manning at Duke University recently. Imagine what they will be like with the team in a few months. I remember when Manning first began practice with the Broncos and the time he took to truly build a working relationship and rapport with each player. Being 2nd in the league for scoring and the 13-3 record is a direct result of excellent team communication.
Tomorrow, the NFL is expected to release the dates of the regular season home and away opponents. Next week, the NFL Draft begins. The best is yet to come!
Go Broncos!
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