Manning’s Magic leading Denver to playoffs…again

by UK American Sports Fans

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When the Denver Broncos pursued, wooed, and won the arm (quite literally) of Peyton Manning, they became not just the envy for most of the league, but genuine contenders to lift the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans early next year.

The hype that surrounded Tim Tebow’s trade to the New York Jets, paved the way for Manning to show the NFL that he was back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, after a career threatening neck injury.

Tebow became the new messiah for the Bronco fans, carrying them to an unlikely playoff spot in 2011, only to succumb to Tom Brady’s Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots. The optimism carried through the off-season when the Manning signing was confirmed. A playoff team now being steered forward by a proven winner. The Mile High team were now in heaven.

An opening weekend win over Pittsburgh only served to fan the flames of the Denver faithful. The next 2 games saw narrow defeats to Atlanta and Houston, 2 teams that have continued to light up the scoreboards in winning runs. Oakland were outclassed, and then the playoff rematch with the Patriots. With Manning now on board this was a grudge match in many ways, as Peyton’s old team, the Indianapolis Colts, would lock horns with Brady’s bunch for AFC bragging rights.

New England again came out on top 31-21, which was a huge improvement on the playoff defeat a 45-10 reverse. Wins against San Diego, New Orleans and Cincinnatti improved the Broncos to a 5-3 record at the halfway point of the season. Sitting on top of the AFC West a game clear of the Chargers they are well set for the playoffs.

The number three offense in the league isn’t all down to Manning; Willis McGahee has gained 620 yards on the ground, tacking on four touchdowns. Eric Decker has 46 catches for 583 yards, and has found the end zone seven times. The big hitting plays are often found going to Demaryius Thomas who has averaged 16.8 yards per catch, scoring four times. Even kicker Matt Prater is perfect so far going 10 from 10 in field goal attempts.

Not to be outdone the defense is contributing too. Its number 10 rank is no fluke. Wesley Woodward leads the team in tackles, a huge 75 (46 of which are solo efforts) add to this three sacks, two picks and one forced fumble he really is leading by example. The pass rush is huge as von Miller continues to be the main threat and has nine sacks to his name to sit 2nd in the league totals. Eight interceptions have also helped the cause, the secondary still being led by veteran Champ Bailey.

Make no doubt that this Denver team is very dangerous. They have the experience of last year’s playoff run behind them and going into a run which could see them end up with home field advantage, anything is possible with this talented hungry group.

New Orleans bound? Start the Mardi Gras now.