Peyton Manning's play points to possible problems in Denver
I don't know if the
Broncos are the "least convincing" double-digit-win team, but
Peyton Manning's obvious recent physical struggles leave me unconvinced they've got a return visit to the
Super Bowl in their short-term future. The
glass half-full view of Denver's offense the past month goes like this: They're still winning games, and their emerging running game suits "playoff-style" football. The
glass half-empty view:
The running game is covering up Manning's diminishing ability to push the ball downfield.
The numbers reveal an inarguable decline. Manning posted a passer rating of 100 or better in six of Denver's first seven games this season, and he threw just three picks in that span. In the team's past seven contests, by contrast, Manning has topped the 100 mark just three times while throwing eight interceptions.
Forget the stats, though, and just use your eyes: Manning's passes -- never confused for the tight spirals thrown by Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady -- are fluttering more than ever. On Sunday,
Broncos receivers had to continually adjust to underthrown balls. And what about the mysterious illness (or was it a thigh injury) that
led to the unthinkable(backup
Brock Osweiler taking snaps!)? Point is, something's going on here ... and it doesn't look good.
One thing seems clear: If Peyton's gonna get a ring in the twilight of his career, he'll have to do it the same way his boss, John Elway, did: leaning on a once-unheralded running back.