Mile High Sports

Peyton Manning does enough to win, not enough to satisfy some critics

MHS Staff
Peyton Manning the respect

A win is a win is a win, especially a playoff win. But when the man under center for that win is tied for the most wins in NFL history and named Peyton Manning, the expectations are higher. That was abundantly clear on Sunday as Manning led the Broncos to a 23-16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but failed to completely satiate many of the critics who had a bitter taste in their mouth after his last start ended with a loss and four interceptions.

Forget that Manning hadn’t started a game since before Thanksgiving. Or that he had played almost the entire season with a torn plantar fascia that figuratively and literally hobbled his play as the season hit the dog days of November. Manning doesn’t get such passes because he’s the greatest passer in NFL history.

His lack of playoff success – an 11-13 record entering Sunday’s contest – has been the fatal flaw throughout his career and the greater-Denver sports media was out like a pack of wolves trying to pick off the oldest Bronco on the field Sunday. But like a stubborn old nag, Manning wasn’t going to go down like the critics wanted.

After commanding an offense that had generated only four field goals through three quarters despite excellent field position on three occasions, Manning led the Broncos on a go-ahead, fourth-quarter drive that had some folks doubling back on their harsh criticisms. Denver’s 223 yards through those first three quarters had them looking at a possible third exit in the first round of the playoffs in four years, but Manning did like he’s done 57 times prior and led his team on a fourth-quarter comeback/game-winning drive.

Manning finished the day 21-of-37 for 222 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception and he was sacked once for a seven-yard loss. His passer rating was a 74.4, the seventh time this season that his passer rating has been below 90.

Without question, this has been Manning’s worst year since his rookie season. Statistically and just based on the eye test, Manning has regressed from the player he was even two years ago when the offense set all-time NFL records. It seems that he’s still being held to that standard, though, as he grinds his way to the finish of an illustrious career.

The 39-year-old quarterback looked on Sunday much like he has throughout this season. He made plays when needed, but also left opportunities on the field. His passes weren’t as crisp as in years past, but he checked into critical play calls on multiple occasions. He relied on his defense and did just enough to get a one-score win. With that win, Manning is now just two away from a Super Bowl title. When only three wins are needed to secure football’s ultimate prize, a win is a win is a win, and Manning will take it, no matter what the critics say.

Here’s a quick look at some of the criticism that rained down from Twitter as the game played out, plus some praise for the future Hall of Fame quarterback once the final outcome had been decided…

There were more than a handful of local and national media who didn’t have much good to say.

https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/688871121316270080

https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/688873598497329152

But when it was all said and done, and the Broncos emerged with a win there were some willing to give him his due…

https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/688886703268868096

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