Peyton Manning: Playoffs Determine Future with Broncos?
Peyton Manning will start for the Denver Broncos on Sunday against the Steelers, so will his playoff performance(s) determine his future with the team?
The Denver Broncos are set to take on an injury-riddled Pittsburg Steelers team on Sunday (1/17), and Gary Kubiak named Peyton Manning the starter for the game. After Brock Osweiler struggled in the first half of the season finale against the San Diego Chargers, Peyton Manning entered the game to see out a victory that ensured the Denver Broncos the top seed in the AFC.
Next: Denver Broncos Must Take Advantage of Banged-Up Steelers
By being the top rated seed in the AFC, the Denver Broncos earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and a few days after the victory over the Chargers, Gary Kubiak named Peyton Manning the starter for their home matchup against the Steelers. Before Peyton Manning succumbed to a foot injury, he was among the worst quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the position in interceptions up until the final game of the season.
After leaving the game against the Kansas City Chiefs (where he threw four interceptions), many believed that the Denver Broncos turned the page on Peyton Manning and would lean on Brock Osweiler for the remainder of the season. Osweiler had his ups and downs while starting for the Denver Broncos, but he did not possess a superior game managing ability like that of Peyton Manning.
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Moreover, Brock Osweiler held onto the ball for much longer than he should have, resulting in him taking big hits time and time again. Thus, in the clutch, Gary Kubiak turned to the veteran, future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning to bring home a win against the Chargers. With Peyton Manning entering the game, it sparked the quarterback controversy in the Mile High City, but opinions began to sway in Manning’s favor to start in the playoffs.
The Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL, taking pressure off the offense to perform at a high level. Now that the Broncos do not have to rely on Peyton Manning throwing for 300 yards and a few scores each game, Manning can manage the game on offense; while, the defense takes care of business.
After this season concludes, Peyton Manning has one year remaining on his contract, so it is safe to say that the playoffs could determine his future with the Denver Broncos. After Brock Osweiler assumed the starting role, many believed that Peyton Manning would be dealt after the conclusion of the season, with Osweiler taking the reigns in the 2016-2017 season. However, the future quarterback for the Denver Broncos remains a mystery.
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The Denver Broncos have a favorable divisional round matchup against the Pittsburg Steelers, who are without superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back DeAngelo Williams. With the Steelers’ offense hindered with injuries, the Denver Broncos’ defense looks to control the game and give way to the offense to lead the team to victory.
The Steelers have one of the worst defenses out of the teams in the playoffs, so the Denver Broncos should not find it tough to put points on the board. Peyton Manning is an elite game manager, and if the Broncos jump out to an early lead, the game may be over early. The Denver Broncos are near full-health, with Peyton Manning having Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as his primary weapons.
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However, as of late, the Denver Broncos’ running game has come into its own, with Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson providing much-needed production on the ground. With a revamped running game and superior weapons in the passing attack, Peyton Manning has all the tools needed for success on Sunday against the Steelers. If Peyton Manning falters, it will, more likely than not, be because he failed to lead a successful offense.
With Peyton Manning, once again, starting for the Denver Broncos, his future with the team lies solely in his production in the playoffs. If Peyton Manning were to lead the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl, you can put it in the bank that he will return to the team for the final season of his contract; however, if Manning squanders the opportunity, he may be on the chopping block following the conclusion of the season.
Peyton Manning has one of the most expensive contracts in the NFL, to-date, and John Elway does not put up with mediocre performances (just ask John Fox). So with high expectations entering the playoffs, Peyton Manning needs to show what he is worth, or he might be on the way out after the season. Only time will tell.
Next: Denver Broncos Must Take Advantage of Banged-Up Steelers
The Denver Broncos take on the Pittsburg Steelers on Sunday (1/17) at 2:40 pm (MST). Look for Peyton Manning to come out tomorrow with something to prove, as the playoffs are (somewhat) like a tryout for next year’s starting quarterback.