How Peyton Manning's arrival has change fortunes for Denver Broncos? – NFL Special
On March 20, 2012, quarterback Peyton Manning signed a five-year contract with Denver Broncos. It was a very risky decision of Broncos Vice President John Elway.
Manning went through two major (neck and spinal fusion) surgeries in 2011 due to which he missed his career’s first National Football League (NFL) season.
Indianapolis Colts were not sure whether Manning would be able to give his best performances after these surgeries and released the veteran on March 7, 2012. Manning had been playing for the Colts since starting his NFL career as the first overall draft
pick in 1998.
Elway was criticized by fans because Broncos’ ex-quarterback Tim Tebow, who was released to accommodate Manning, had led the team to playoffs in the 2011 season.
The former Heisman Trophy winner had replaced Kyle Orton in the 2011 season’s Week 5 game against San Diego Chargers and finished the season by completing 126 of 271 for 1,729 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Last year Broncos ended up the season at 8-8, and led the American Football Conference (AFC) West. In the wildcard playoff round, they defeated Pittsburgh Steelers, but lost the next divisional game against New England Patriots.
As Broncos decided to let Tebow go, many fans expressed disappointment, but the gloom was overcome by the excitement of signing a player like Peyton.
In Manning’s first regular season game with Broncos, he completed his 400th touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers and won the game by 31-19. He became the third player in the NFL history who reached this mark.
Broncos were 3-3 before their bye week in Week 7. After the bye, Broncos have won four games in a row, taking their current winning streak to five games.
Manning’s performance is exceptional this season as he has scored a total of 24 touchdowns, gaining 2,975 yards. He is rated as the best quarterback this season.
With Peyton, Broncos’ chances of making the playoffs this season are very bright. This year is full of surprises for Broncos as they are now Super Bowl contenders and leading AFC West at 7-3.
Broncos were ranked quite below in the offensive rankings chart of the 2011 season, but Peyton’s arrival has lifted them to reach among the league’s best offences this season.
Manning started his NFL career by brilliant performance. He set four rookie records by scoring 26 touchdowns passes, passed 300+ yards in 4 games, played 15 games with at least one touchdown pass and 13 consecutive games with one touchdown pass.
In his 14 seasons with Colts, he received a number of honours including. He is the only four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league, while the quarterback has also received honours like Best NFL Player, Pro Bowl selections and AFC Offensive Player
of the Year.
Broncos fans, who were upset with the trade of Tebow, have forgotten him completely and enjoying the game with Manning’s great performances.
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