Everyone wanted to see another bad Peyton playoff performance. I have no idea when it shifted from people sort of haphazardly defending Manning's struggles to everyone expecting him to succumb to the pressure. Manning is a great quarterback no matter if it is in the regular season or the playoffs. He did not press at all in the game, and Manning's interception really did not affect the game although it could have put the game out of reach early in the first game. Additionally, it was not the typical Denver performance where the offense moved up and down the field. They were a controlled attack giving San Diego a test of their own medicine.
The whole year San Diego has been known as a team who controls the clock and wears you down with Danny Woodhead, Ronnie Brown and Ryan Mathews. Denver basically decided to play copycat and used their own version with Knowshon Moreno and Montee Ball. Denver duo had 133 yards on 34 carries, and while they only averaged about four yards per game, they still slowed down the game to keep San Diego off the field. With the year Manning had this season, people forget this team can run the football at an above average level. Yesterday, they needed it more than ever. I think it controlled Manning putting him at a more relaxed state which is important to him and his success. This will need to be how Denver plays for the next couple of games if they want to win the Super Bowl.If people forgot, or they decided to give in for a significant other, female roommate, sister, brother, male roommate who wanted to watch the Golden Globes Red Carpet, San Diego scored 17 points in the final quarter. People will probably not make much of it, but it should be one of the things that should scare the living hell out of Broncos fans. Remember Denver's coach is John Fox, and one of the biggest criticism of Fox throughout his Carolina years was his ability to turn into the biggest conservative play caller when his team has a big lead. Fox showed that on Sunday, and in fact, he showed it when New England and Denver met for the first time. I realize this is not Fox's philosophy, but he really needs to put the foot down on the throat when they have a chance. Do not worry about the 'what if' and just finish the deal. Broncos and Fox made it too close for comfort in the final quarter on Sunday.
The narrative shifts from 'Manning cannot win the big one' to 'Brady versus Manning' and the debate that comes with it. Manning has a chance to make it to his third Super Bowl while Brady could break a record for Super Bowl appearances with six. This will be a top notch football game, and you just hope conditions are perfect for a complete duel between these quarterbacks as this might be the last time we see it in the playoffs.
Charlie.
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