Denver Broncos show they can get it done with Peyton Manning playing poorly

Since Peyton Manning arrived in Denver, the Denver Broncos have always been thought of as a one-dimensional team, relying on the play from their quarterback. Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills was a completely different story as Denver won with perhaps their best player playing at his worst. Denver held on to defeat the Bills at Sports Authority Field, 24-17.

Peyton Manning perhaps played his worst game of the season Sunday afternoon, completing 14-of-20 passes for just 173 yards and zero touchdowns – snapping his 51-streak of collecting at least one touchdown pass. Manning went on to throw two interceptions which also bumped me out of the fantasy football playoffs – thanks Peyton!

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Heck, even Kyle Orton outplayed Peyton in his return to Sports Authority. Orton threw for 355 yards on 38-of-57 passes, notching one touchdown pass while throwing two picks of his own. Chris Hogan was the recipient of Orton’s touchdown pass while Sammy Watkins exploded for 127 yards on seven receptions.

Denver’s defense and run-game helped push them over the top in Sunday’s action. Denver’s run-game rushed for over 133 yards on 29 carries – 13 yards coming from a hand-off to Emmanuel Sanders. C.J. Anderson recorded just 58 yards on the ground, carrying the ball 21 times but reached the back of the endzone three times. Juwan Thompson averaged a whopping 15.8 yards per carry, carrying the ball 4 times for 63 yards.

Wes Welker has been basically a non-factor in his offense all season, but Manning connected with him a lot vs. Buffalo. Welker was targeted six times, catching all six for 82 yards. Emmanuel Sanders tallied 56 yards of his own as Demaryius Thomas was held to just 11.

Chris Harris and Brandon Marshall each recorded a pick off of Kyle Orton, holding Buffalo to just 17 points; 14 of which came in the fourth quarter. Denver sacked the quarterback four times Sunday afternoon with Malik Jackson, Chris Harris, and Von Miller each collecting one – Terrance Knighton and Steven Johnson both had half a sack.

The game was ugly but proved that Denver can win even when their quarterback has an off-game. As long as the run-game is there, Denver should be in good hands. Lets hope No. 18 can find his rhythm next week as they take on the San Diego Chargers.

The Denver Broncos (10-3) hit the road next Sunday as they take on the division rival San Diego Chargers. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:05 PM EST, 2:05 PM MST from Qualcomm Stadium.