In the days leading up to the night in which Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning would become only the second player in NFL history to surpass the 70,000-yard passing mark, fans in Denver would have thought they had Ryan Leaf about to take the field for them.
Following a disappointing first game (a win, mind you) to start the 2015 season, the future first ballot Hall of Famer had the orange and blue faithful trembling with trepidation about whether or not he still had any arm strength, or if he could adapt to Gary Kubiak’s offense.
As Mile High Sports columnist penned on the day of the game, it was time for Manning to change the narrative. And so he did. Not only did Manning eclipse the 70K yard mark, he shirked off Kubiak’s offense and went out and led his team on two key touchdown drives, one to end each half.
When finally allowed to play in a style that suits his game at 39 years old, Manning quieted the doubters. Just like he did about the myth he couldn’t play in the cold, he rewrote the narrative on whether or not he is washed up. (He got a little help from the defense, too.)
As they do for every Broncos game, the team at MHS was covering every snap, dissecting every play, and offering up their thoughts on the hottest storylines as they unfolded.
Here’s where they weighed in on Manning (with an assist from the Broncos PR staff)…
On Manning passing 70,000 yards:
Peyton Manning is the 2nd player-and fastest-in NFL history to 70k pass yds. He reached mark in 35 fewer gms and 812 fewer att than Favre.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) September 18, 2015
That’s it. That’s the list.#DENvsKC pic.twitter.com/jEdVLeRVny
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 18, 2015
On Manning’s comfort & arm strength:
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/644674118529323008
Gotta hit one of those. Overthrown again. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2015
Only a matter of time until Manning connects with Sanders. Gotta put a little more loft on that bad boy. Emmanuel had a step too
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) September 18, 2015
Can't blame #Broncos Manning for being skittish about getting hit, but if he would have held ball a little longer he might have hit Sanders.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 18, 2015
The downtown shots are OPEN. Keep throwing em.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) September 18, 2015
What a throw by the SHERIFF…. Manning still has it folks.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) September 18, 2015
Manning stepped up and hit DT for 19 yards. He needs time. #DENvsKC
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) September 18, 2015
That's what happens when he's in shotgun! It's not rocket science, coach…. https://t.co/jYFblFrWPr
— Robin Carlin (@robincarlin) September 18, 2015
Manning playing with the old man anger now. #Broncos
— JGoRadio 🇺🇦 (@JGoRadio) September 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/644695961764130816
The SHERIFF is playing very well. Kubes must let him run these last 16 minutes.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) September 18, 2015
Once #Broncos Manning starts hitting those passes consistently (DT), this offense will be dangerous.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 18, 2015
Manning just completed the outside back-shoulder throw he has struggled to get this season.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 18, 2015
Pretty good zip on that ball…just sayin’
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) September 18, 2015
If you're still sticking to the "Manning is done" nonsense, you're stubborn to a fault. Gotta let him play his game. That's all. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2015
