Denver Broncos look for a return to winning ways against Houston Texans
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be pleased that he faces the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 23, 2012 as he looks to get back into form after an unsatisfactory performance in week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Manning has a long history with the Texans against whom he has won 16 games while losing only two and his best passer rating is also against Houston.
All eyes will once again be on the National Football League’s (NFL) only four-time MVP player as the loss against the Falcons once again raised questions about the quarterback’s health.
Manning threw three interceptions against Atlanta in one of his poorer performances making it only the second time in his career that he has been intercepted thrice in a game.
This led to questions by analysts over whether the veteran quarterback is healthy and his recovery from neck surgery which kept him out for an entire year in 2011/12.
Manning though has dismissed all suggestions that he is not healthy enough and blamed poor decision making for the interceptions.
Speaking after the game against Atlanta he said:
"Really, three poor decisions, three throws into coverage."
Adding further he said:
"Each turnover has its own story that no one really wants to hear. I've just got to take care of the ball better."
He will get the chance against Houston to show his doubters that his brilliant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 1 was not a one-off and that he has the ability to go head-to-head with the best.
The Denver Broncos too will hope that their offensive leader finds his groove back and gets their season back on track against Houston who are currently on a roll.
Houston won both of its games and will now be aiming for three consecutive victories on Sunday making it the first time in the franchise’s history that it has gone 3-0.
The Texans dominated both their first two games but their opposition was not in the same class as Denver as Houston faced Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars in their first two encounters.
Denver are a completely different prospect and Houston players are not going to take things easy especially with their nemesis Peyton Manning leading their opponents.
Houston left tackle Duane Brown said:
"You've got to respect his greatness. You see what he's able to do when he's on the field, and keeping him off the field is the best defence for us."
The Texans currently boast the best defence in the league this year giving up just 196 yards per game in total defence and will provide a stern test to the Broncos while their offence is also delivering.
This will be a tough contest but if Manning finds his groove the Texans will be in for a rude awakening.
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