It’s not often that a 6-0 team has much concern.
This is the case, however, with the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Peyton Manning, 39, is in a funk – and it’s one that has NFL fans around the world buzzing, perhaps rightfully so.
Manning has thrown seven touchdowns and ten interceptions in 2015, including three interceptions in a 26-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns on October 18. In two games this season, he has failed to throw a TD pass. Perhaps the physical side of things is coming into play and age is becoming a serious factor.
The sky seems to be falling in Denver as some fans have even called upon Brock Osweiler to take the reins at quarterback and have Peyton benched. A bit of an extreme approach for a team that is undefeated, huh?
Manning is on pace to throw 26 interceptions, which would be the most since his rookie season. He has thrown at least one pick in each of his first six games, the third time that has happened in his career, with the first two being his first two seasons in the league. His eighth interception was the most he’s had through six games of a season since 2002.
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It’s not often we hear the older Manning lead the NFL in interceptions. It’s a rarity, and it’s one Denver fans need to learn to cope with, however painful it may be.
If you have watched Manning this season, you can see his play has clearly diminished – there’s no fabrication in that. For those who still like to compare him to Tom Brady, who is perhaps playing his best football at the age of 38, it is an unfair comparison at this point in time.
There is a definite reason for concern with Manning, but once again, the team is 6-0 – much in part to the Broncos’ stifling defense.
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While the Broncos have squeaked by some inferior competition, they will need more consistent play from Manning against some of the bigger threats in the AFC – including two home games later this season against New England (Nov. 29) and Cincinnati (Dec. 28).
Right now, the star of the show in Denver continues to be its defense, as it leads the league with 17 takeaways and 4 touchdowns through six weeks. Manning has the second-worst passer rating among starters in the league (72.5), trailing Houston’s Ryan Mallett whose passer rating of 63.6 ranks the lowest, although he has far fewer passing attempts with 147.
Manning’s QBR is 46.4, by far the worst of his career.
It’s easy to forget that Manning was one of the best quarterbacks in the league last season, statistically speaking. Even one of Manning’s teammates needed to come to his quarterback’s defense after the game against Cleveland.
Manning has not played well, and it’s clear bad throws are being made on the field, but at the end of the day, would you trust one of the best quarterbacks this league has ever seen?
You can make a case that you would. Right now, it’s a matter of Manning having better communication with his receivers and reading the field better. Instead of taking what the defense is giving him, he is forcing far too much, and defenses are figuring him out.
Whether it’s arm strength issues or just making bad decisions, Manning will need to perform better following the bye week to get his critics off his back – at least for the time being.
A change is not necessary; the Broncos are 6-0.
While Manning has as many interceptions now as he had in the whole 2013 season, a year in which he won his fifth Most Valuable Player Award, he can rewrite this season with a few good performances, even with age becoming more of a factor.
For fantasy owners, Manning may not be the best guy to start right now. From bad throws to bad luck, it’s just not the time.
But with a championship-type defense, will Manning be the reason the Broncos fail to meet expectations and fail to reach Super Bowl aspirations? Only time will tell.