Wait! Let’s not make excuses for Peyton Manning. He played like he couldn’t move without a walker on the field. No one in the organization reported that he had a rib and foot injury in the injury report leading up to the game. It’s something that was made up so he can save face after playing a horrible game. Let’s not talk about records and other stuff. Let’s speak on the truth. He got benched. I know this will upset many people, but why do we give superstars a free pass when they play horribly. It helps us to sleep at night knowing that he gave it the old college try! Not in this case. Manning was behind the 8-ball from kick off. Let’s recap Sunday’s 29-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Denver.
Broncos Offense
After throwing his second interception of the first half, Coach Kubiak should’ve pulled Manning after he got the record. He ended up with four interceptions which hung over the passing record. His play showed how the speed of the game has changed for him. He’s been in the league for a while and the speed of the game is much faster from last year. Prototype cornerbacks are 6 feet and up and run like dears. The defensive coverage varies from play to play. His first pass attempt was picked off and he fumbled the second time he dropped back. By half time he had thrown three interceptions and early in the thrid quarter threw his fourth interception. Brock Osweiler came into the game to replace him. Manning finished the game 5-20, for 35 yards and the aforementioned four interceptions. Manning currently leads the league with 17 interceptions so far this season.
Broncos Defense
Defensive Head Coach Wade Philips said some of the defensive penalties on Sunday were unacceptable. Safety T. J. Ward was ejected for launching himself with a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jeremy Maclin with 11 minutes left in the game. Aquib Talib was out serving his one game suspension. T.J. Ward even took a swing at Maclin while they were on the ground going after the ball. For a team that is supposedly tough on defense, it appears that the Broncos are coming apart at the seams. The Broncos let the Chiefs off the hook with the erratic play on the defense side of the ball. Alex Smith looked like a Super Bowl caliber quarterback on Sunday.
My 2 cents
The Broncos will bounce back against the Bears on next Sunday. After that the New England Patriots come to Denver for an AFC showdown. Denver will be just fine fans. Let’s get back on track and start playing like we’ve played before.
