Manning no longer The Man

[DenverChief]

Interesting take by the DP about Manning and Kubiak

Manning no longer The Man

In the season's first eight games, Peyton Manning threw 24 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He finished with 39 scores and 15 picks. Advancing age, a reshuffled offensive line, a reconfigured rushing attack and a strained right quadriceps compromised the league's reigning MVP.

The issues manifested themselves in the playoffs against the Colts, who took away slant routes and pick plays. Indianapolis also tackled well, preventing yards after contact on short passes and dared Manning to throw long. He went 6-for-19 on passes of more than 10 yards.

"The Colts' game plan against him was fantastic," said former NFL linebacker Chad Brown, who is a regular on local radio and TV shows. "They forced him to throw outside the numbers."

After the poor showing, Manning remained noncommittal about returning, wanting to take time off to make his decision. He turns 39 on March 24.

Can he fit in the zone-blocking, run-friendly, bootleg offense that Kubiak prefers? Or would Kubiak adjust to Manning's strengths?

The Broncos ran the ball well over the final six games, and in hindsight should have run it more against the Colts to help Manning. C.J. Anderson had 80 yards on 18 carries in the playoff game, but rushed just six times in the second half for 14 yards.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci...os-were-headed