Peyton Manning, the magician.
Manning, who has been superb all season long in his comeback, was spectacular again last Sunday, going 23-29 for 304 yards with three touchdown passes. His completion percentage of 79.3 was second-best on the season, while his 10.48 yards per attempt and passer rating of 144.8 were both season-highs.
First, he led the team downfield before allowing Knowshon Moreno to run the ball in for the 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, he was precise with his passing, hitting Eric Decker for two scores and the 21-3 lead at halftime. After the break, Manning tossed a ball that seemed as though it would sail over Demaryius Thomas' head before the freakishly athletic Thomas jumped up and plucked the ball from the sky with one hand for another touchdown.
When the game clock read all zeros, Manning and his merry men were victorious for an 11th straight time, a 38-3 win over the Chiefs.
The performance won Manning an NFL record 23rd AFC Player of the Week award – which ties Tom Brady – his second, the seventh POW honor for a Denver player this year. Tracy Porter, Wesley Woodyard, Matt Prater, Trindon Holliday, Von Miller (twice) and Knowshon Moreno have all been recognized for their profound play. (Click the links on the players' names to read what they did to be honored.)
Now Manning and his amazing Broncos wait for the Wildcard round to commence before they find out their opponents for next Saturday's game at 2:30 p.m. MT.
And as he told reporters Wednesday, “I talk about the different seasons, there’s kind of offseason, preseason, regular season and the postseason. There’s nothing quite like playoff football in my opinion.”
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Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist. You can follow Rich on twitter or facebook for all your Denver Broncos news and opinion.
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