Peyton Manning should know when to fold 'em
Benjamin Hochman, Denver Post:
I went back to look at some stuff about the Chargers and Patriots playoff games we won last year, because I was trying to figure out if the Broncos, who have gone 38-10 the last three regular season played well in ANY post season game. And I think the Patriots game is the closest to playing "well" you could find. They essentially played well in 1.5 out of 5 playoff games in the Peyton Manning era.
Devastating loss to the Ravens on January 12, 2013 that was only made possible by two return TD's by KR Trindon Holliday, otherwise it would have been a start to finish loss to the Ravens. Then two less than inspiring wins in last year's playoffs before getting obliterated in the Super Bowl.
In 2013, QB Peyton Manning completed 450 of 659 passes for 66.2%. He threw for 5,477 yards with 55 TD's and only 10 interceptions. On passes over 20 yards, the QB rating was 58.5. Passes thrown between 10-19 yards, the QB rating was 134.6. Passes under 10 yards, the QB rating was 119.6.
The 2014 campaign showed similar statistics through 12 games with 36 TD passes and nine interceptions with a QB rating of 121.8. The past five games have produced four TD's, six interceptions, a QB rating of 79.9 and another first round home playoff loss. The final play was a short pass to an uninspired WR, DeMaryius Thomas which went for 24 yards. The pass moved Peyton Manning past Tom Brady for career playoff passing yards with 6,800 to Tom's 6,791.
The 51 yard TD completion against the Baltimore Ravens by New England WR Julian Edelman to WR Danny Amendola travelled 35 yards in the air. That distance is well out of the range of Peyton Manning. Edelman, the former QB from Kent State, now has 31 TD's and 31 interceptions in his lifetime. Peyton still leads Julian Edelman in neck surgeries, 4-0.
Rob Demovsky, ESPN:
"New York Bozo" is the new "Omaha." That was Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' call before a play on their first drive of the game. Running the no-huddle offense, Rodgers often makes play calls at the line of scrimmage like Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who often uses "Omaha."
After nine first round losses in the playoffs, Peyton Manning should retire "Omaha" as well on his way to Canton, OH.
It is time for Denver Bronco's General Manager, John Elway to seek a replacement for QB Peyton Manning. The 2008 trade with the Chicago Bears brought QB Kyle Orton, two first round picks and one third round selection for QB Jay Cutler. Kyle is no longer available due to retirement, but the main player in the trade is. Nobody has worn his uniform number since he left.
And the cost for return will be bargain basement.
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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