After six games, the Denver Broncos are 6-0, but there are major concerns about the team’s offensive productivity after Peyton Manning had another marginal outing, throwing three more interceptions to go with just one touchdown. On the year, Manning now has three more interceptions than TDs.
Manning opened Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns with an interception. He allowed a second interception, which went for a touchdown, and gave the Browns the lead in the fourth quarter. Manning was intercepted again on the Broncos’ first possession of overtime.
But Manning and the offense managed to string together a final, 72-yard drive that resulted in a field goal for the 26-23 overtime win. Denver converted some critical third downs and got help on a penalty outside of field goal range to help Manning pad his NFL-record game-winning drive (54) stat. It was one of the few positive stats for the Hall of Fame QB on the day.
In total, Manning’s line read like this: 26-for-48. 290 yards. One touchdown. Three interceptions. 53.3 passer rating.
Denver was just 4-for-18 on third downs and was 0-for-three on red zone opportunities.
Manning’s performance, and that of the Broncos offense, was highly criticized throughout the game to the point that some of the biggest names in football took notice. When guys with such strong ties to Denver like Rick Reilly and Mark Schlereth start calling out the offense, it’s time to start worrying.
Here’s how the criticism piled on and the disappointing stats piled on as the game wore on and the offense continued to look out of sorts…
The Broncos currently have eight offensive TDs so far this season. If that holds, it would be their fewest through 6 games since 2006.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 18, 2015
FYI, Adam Gase and PM were frustrated last year when the O was changed. Neither liked it. And it's carrying over. Somethin needs to give.
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 18, 2015
If the #Broncos offense doesn't score a TD here in the 3rd quarter, it will be 8 quarters/2 games since they have. #ThatsNotGood
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655817842411999237
Everyone knows where the #Broncos are throwing on third and short. So predictable.
— Sam Cowhick (@SamCowhick) October 18, 2015
Tebow offense was more exciting. I'm dead serious. https://t.co/mtWmfccigH
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/655820937615515649
More sideline animation. First Manning. The Sanders. Now Kubiak. It's animation Sunday. Yelling won't fix this.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 18, 2015
Manning has been awful on 3rd down but the play calling on 3rd down has been equally as awful
— Robin Carlin (@robincarlin) October 18, 2015
Unbelievable graphic CBS just put up. 23 drives since Broncos score offensive TD. Longest drought in NFL. What bizarro NFL world is this?
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655822521762119680
https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/655823895027585024
Most Broncos fans see more of Brandon McManus than their spouse.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) October 18, 2015
McManus 39-yarder FG makes it 16-7… One TD, any TD, would seal this game.. Browns hanging around bc #Broncos offense can't put them away
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 18, 2015
What do ya know… another Broncos game going down to the wire. 16-14 Denver in the 4th.
— Rod Mackey (@RodMackeySports) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655828973327257600
#Broncos in serious trouble now. Manning throws behind Hillman. Dansby to the house.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) October 18, 2015
Running back Ronnie Hillman wanted to hear none of the criticism, however. Following this game, he offered this to those chiding Manning…
Ya need to get off Peyton that's our QB bottom line .You fake fans don't say anything when he is winning us the game smh
— Ronnie Hillman (@MrHillman2U) October 18, 2015