Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to pass against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
All week, the same tired narrative has continued.
“What’s wrong with Peyton?” “Something’s going on with Peyton, just look at his numbers, and they never lie.” “Is this it for Peyton?”
This is nothing new for Broncos Country. It’s all we’ve heard since the St. Louis Rams game. And the game after that. And the game after that. And the game after that. And the game after that.
As noted here a few weeks ago, no athlete in the world faces the pressure or scrutiny as Manning. He’s set the bar so high that no matter what he does, it’s never good enough. If he does go through a “tough” stretch, the sky is falling, all hell breaks loose and he’s finished.
Now the talk, for some, is that Manning will actually keep the Broncos from winning since he’s struggled so mightily the last few weeks.
Nonsense.
By all accounts, he’s looked great at practice this week. For those who say he’s the biggest question mark as Denver enters the playoffs: What if he’s not? What if he “goes off” on Sunday? I can play hypothetical game as well as anyone else.
What if he doesn’t and the Broncos still win? What then? Oh yeah, it’s, “Denver won but Manning just isn’t right.”
I’m a lot of things, but able to predict future isn’t one of them. But how awesome would it be for PFM to come out Sunday, throw five touchdowns and after the game say, “We can stick that narrative where the sun don’t shine.”