The “narrative” (cue collective groan) that unfolded thanks to the four-letter network this week is that Peyton Manning is an old man who can barely get dressed without assistance.
Well, Manning was the best he’s looked so far in the young 2015 season, going 31-for-42 and 324 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a win at Detroit on Sunday. He took one self-sack after a missed block by C.J. Anderson, but also managed to get around well in the pocket and make several plays on the move.
Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak also appear to have found a middle-ground in the “war of offenses,” going to a pistol formation that helps Manning see the field and move better, while still giving Kubiak some options in the running game.
Throughout the 24-12 Broncos win, the Mile High Sports team and the Denver media at-large were closely following these two “narratives” and offering their editorial commentary. We’ve gathered their best from Twitter right here.
On the “Manning looks old” narrative…
Peyton Manning takes the field. No walking cane. Good to go.
— Paul Klee (@bypaulklee) September 27, 2015
Great job by Manning to step up and away from the rush … Looking spry.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 28, 2015
Peyton scrambling to his left hits Sanders to convert a 3rd and long. Great throw by Peyton on the move…? Who knew? #DENvsDET
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) September 28, 2015
#Broncos Manning pass to Sanders outside the numbers might have been his best all season.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/648329714508038144
Right there…That's all the stuff they said he couldn't do
— Nate Lundy (@natelundy) September 28, 2015
Peyton making some plays. His receivers making some mistakes.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) September 28, 2015
18 looks spry tonight. #jazzercise
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) September 28, 2015
Looks like someone's arm isn't gonna fall off, eh @espn?
— Robin Carlin (@robincarlin) September 28, 2015
Manning may dress slowly at his locker after this one.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) September 28, 2015
Great game for #Broncos Manning… But also give credit to DT and Daniels for a pair of tough TD catches & Sanders great catch.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 28, 2015
On formations and the Kubiak offense vs. Manning offense…
#Broncos start in the gun … pass and the no-huddle
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) September 28, 2015
#Manning under center.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 28, 2015
Three-and-out. Disappointing start. Two snaps in pistol, one in the shotgun. All no huddle. All passes. DT drop costly on that series.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/648295961731710976
Peyton in the pistol is perplexing. Stop. Shotgun. Now.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) September 28, 2015
Get the ball down field for Cripes sake. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) September 28, 2015
Broncos didn't go away from pistol/shotgun until they were in goal-to-go. 7-0 after McManus' PAT. 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:25 on the drive.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 28, 2015
Check out Manning taking that snap under center. #Athleticism
— JGoRadio 🇺🇦 (@JGoRadio) September 28, 2015
Play action pass actually worked. PM to Emmanuel for 15 yards. Broncos to the 35. #DENvsDET
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) September 28, 2015
If there's any doubt that #Broncos Manning & Kubiak could meet in the middle on an offense…. Shotgun-under center=pistol
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 28, 2015