Interception No. 5 – vs. Minnesota
Game Situation: Fourth Quarter | 9:13 on the clock | Broncos 20, Vikings 17
Down and Distance: First and 10 | Denver’s 34-yard line
What Happened: Emmanuel Sanders was lined up wide left, with Demaryius Thomas in the slot. Sanders runs a go route, while DT runs a post pattern. Manning tries to hit Thomas when he’s bracketed by four defenders, lofting the ball over the two linebackers and in front of the two safeties. The timing is right, as DT is open when Manning throws the ball. But the pass sails, getting intercepted by Harrison Smith. A perfect throw results in a completion; with four defenders in the area, however, it’s a dangerous throw.
Thomas is open, but the ball has to be thrown perfectly in between four defenders forming a box around the wideout.
To Watch the Entire Play: Click Here
Cause: Errant Throw – To some extent, Manning expected Smith to go with Sanders on the go route. That said, even with the safety jumping the route, it’s a completion if the ball isn’t overthrown.
