It’s time to be accountable. Peyton Manning must take accountability and accept the much deserved criticism for his play last night and throughout his career in the clutch. Denver Broncos fans have much love and admiration for Peyton Manning because frankly he saved the masses from the Tebowmania that swooping through Denver. Manning was everything that Tebow wasn’t; a Super Bowl winning QB, a proven NFL star, a pocket passer, a man who could throw a football, someone who was respected by offensive players, a viable offensive threat, need I go on?
[adinserter block=”1″]Peyton Manning has been given a pass during his short time in a Denver Broncos uniform and throughout his entire NFL career. The Colts dared not criticize their savior or hero and fans and media alike in Denver have been avoiding the same. Peyton Manning will go down as one of the greatest Quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL, regardless if he doesn’t win another championship. But, Manning although brilliant in the weekly game plan, should also be remembered as a man who is mentally soft, high maintenance and folds under the pressure of big games and high expectations.
No need to look at the stats when the proof is in the pudding. Need examples? Go to a home Broncos game at Sports Authority Field. As a season ticket holder, I cannot remember at any time where John Elway would ask the home crowd to shut up during an offensive series. Maybe a handful of times at the goal line with the game on the line could that be an acceptable request. Is Manning really incapable of running an efficient offense at his home stadium unless it is silent? This is a game atmosphere and fans pay top dollar to watch one of the proudest and most successful franchises in NFL history, I’ll be damned if I’m going to shut my mouth so that you can pretend its training camp or practice.
Peyton Manning cannot perform at a high level in cold weather. That is a problem when football is a COLD WEATHER GAME!! Manning owns a 3-6 record when playing in temperatures below 32 degrees. In those games, Manning has a touchdown-turnovers ratio of 9 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. What is Manning and the Broncos to do if they play a cold weather game from now until February? Manning needs to toughen up and bare the elements, rather than fidgeting with his gloves, worrying about personal comfort and other variables outside of his control, just as his teammates who have sacrificed their bodies and careers for his health, his wellbeing and the success of the team.
Peyton Manning let his team down last night when they needed their leader to show some guts and drive the ball down the field in overtime. Bill Belicheck literally slapped the face of Peyton Manning by deferring the ball in overtime and choosing to play with the wind at their backs. Belicheck and the entire nation knew that Manning couldn’t do these things: play in cold weather, with a glove on his throwing hand, into the wind and in a game where he ultimately had to be the best player and carry his team to victory.
[adinserter block=”2″]Manning failed his team when they needed him most. Go ahead and blame the receivers for not catching the overthrown balls or the balls thrown behind them. Go ahead and blame Holiday for causing DRC’s injury or for muffing punts. Go ahead and blame Wes Welker and Tony Carter for the miscue in overtime. I’m putting my blame on the leader and true captain of the team. As a Bronco fan you should too, instead of continuing to give him a pass because he beat Rex Grossman in the Super Bowl.
Roberto Padilla is a Radio Talk Show Host in Denver, Colorado. He is originally from Springfield, Virginia and has been in Denver since he was moved as a young child during the Redskins Super Bowl XXII season, one that saw the Redskins defeat the Denver Broncos 42-10 in Super Bowl XXII. You can follow Roberto on Twitter @RealRobertoNFL or send questions and feedback to The.Roberto.Padilla@gmail.com
This is ridiculous! I'm a Pats fan, and I think you are being WAY TOO HARD on Manning!! I love how you say, "no need to look at the stats when the proof is in the pudding"……yeah, because the stats show that he's AWESOME. You guys have the best record in the NFL, and you're complaining??? How many QBs have had their "faces slapped" by Belicheck? Look at the majority of the other teams in the NFL…..their fans can expect them to win maybe half of the time, but do you hear the Lion's fans or San Diego's fans, even Colt's fans (who's QB lost BIG TIME this weekend!), bitching about how their team can't win EVERY game?? You sound like the whiny Texans, or worse — Jet's fans!! 😛
Sure, be disappointed with your loss (trust me, I get it — losing to the freakin' GIANTS…..TWICE??? Arrrgh!!!!)…….but be excited about what a great team you guys have and how your chances of winning in the playoffs and even the Super Bowl are so much better now, and how the Bronco's are SO fun to watch, even for other team's fans! Stop expecting your QB to be invincible and perfect, and just support your team. SHEESH!!
Hey LisaDiane, I am a Pats fan too. I don't think anyone is saying that Peyton is NOT awesome. His stats prove it . He is likely one of the best, if not the best REGULAR SEASON QBs ever. I emphasized "regular season." All people and the author are saying is that he has a PLAYOFF record of 9-11 for a reason. The man has a hard time in the playoff games, whether he could not get used to the snow and the cold (when he played in Indy in particular), or he just has mental errors, or whatever. That is all. Call his former owner, Irsay, what you want, but Irsay was just saying, "stats are nice, but he wanted more rings."
Great blog. I agree with every word he said. Peyton has to toughen up, if he is going to go deep into the playoffs.
unfortunately I feel sorry for those who were and are on the manning bandwagon,especially if he never wins a big game
PEYTON, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE BRONCS LOSE A BIG GAME. THEY FALL OFF THE BAND WAGON EN MASSE. TRUE FANS ARE STILL WITH YOU THOUGH.
historically bringing in an aging , injured star qb has always failed.front office,coaching and player jobs are always lost in the aftermath of these failures as well.If the Broncos fail with Manning in the playoffs, the coaches and some players will get the ax, but not the person who pursued and made the decision,ELWAY.
About time someone realizes Manning isn't all he is cracked up to be and has flaws.