The Denver Broncos offense under Gary Kubiak was supposed to look surprisingly different than in years past. Peyton Manning, apparently, didn’t get the memo.
In his first preseason appearance on Saturday against the Houston Texans, Manning looked much like the Manning Denver saw in his first three years with perhaps a few more snaps from under center. The Broncos elected to pass far more frequently than expected, including several passing plays on short-yardage third downs.
The final line on Maning: 8-for-14 and 52 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and no points. Perhaps the most telling stat of the night? Denver had just three first downs with Manning at the helm, one of which was a first-down run for 14 yards by C.J. Anderson. In fairness to Manning, his receivers had drops on at least two potential third-down conversions.
On Denver’s only possession that entered Houston territory, the Broncos managed to get to just the 41 yard line of the Texans before getting backed up on a penalty, then punting.
All the talk of the Broncos being a run-first team may have been just talk, if Saturday’s preseason debut for Manning was any indication.
As the game unfolded, and it became more and more clear that the offense still centers around Manning, members of the Mile High Sports team were there to offer their observations. Here are the highlights…
Breath holding time. #Broncos #Manning
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
Shotgun shotgun shotgun. . . Some compromise. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) August 23, 2015
Ok I've seen enough of Peyton
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 23, 2015
Love the fact the sheriff is still calling the shots. He's earned that right. Do we really want a 39-year old to change what he's good at?
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
If it was good enough for John Elway, it's good enough for Peyton Manning. Run the offense! #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
An overthrow! He does have some zip!!
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/635249071947563008
10 out of first 12 plays were passes. That's Adam Gase-esque. I want the head coach to be the boss, not the QB.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
PFMs 18 months removed from orchestrating the greatest offense in NFL history because his coach was a boob & he should be stripped of power?
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
Eddie Vedder is doing Audi commercials.. Peyton Manning seems to be the new #Broncos head coach– — It's insanity!!!!
— Benny Bash🎧 (@TheBennyBash) August 23, 2015
Those who said #Broncos Manning shouldn't play in pre-season, this is why he should–just doesn't look sharp, although, some dropped passes.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) August 23, 2015
DEEP breaths around Denver. Peyton survived another meaningless week. Phew.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
Can't wait for the overreaction about #Broncos Manning… Bottom line: He's the last player anyone should worry about.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) August 23, 2015