Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning left the locker room Sunday night stung by another premature playoff exit and non-committal about returning next season. He talked with general manager John Elway on Monday, but substantive discussions about his future were tabled until more time passes between the loss, and clarity emerges in the search for a new coach after a mutual parting of ways with John Fox.
Manning’s advancing age (38) and declining play in the second half of the season have created speculation about his next step. The season sinking into oblivion on Sunday, Manning made a play that provided a snapshot of how his physical limitations were impacting his mental decisions.
He rolled right needing 5 yards for a first down. The nearest Indianapolis Colts’ defenders stood 20 yards away. Manning stopped at the line of scrimmage and attempted to squeeze a pass into a covered Emmanuel Sanders along the sideline. Sanders couldn’t keep his feet inbounds, and the Broncos’ drive ended.
A strained right quadriceps, sustained on an awkward blocking attempt for running back C.J. Anderson on Dec. 14 at San Diego, left Manning compromised. He left that game briefly, was limited in practice before the final two regular-season games, and skipped consecutive workouts during the playoff bye week for the first time since joining the Broncos.
A team source said the injury never advanced beyond the strain, which involves fraying of muscle fiber. Regardless of the severity of the injury, Manning’s play on Sunday reflected an aging quarterback working at less than 100 percent.
“I knew he was injured. Obviously, I don’t know to what extent. I saw him getting treatment,” backup quarterback Brock Osweiler said. “I think it’s a true testament to his character and his toughness to battle through the injury and be out there playing.”
Against Indianapolis, Manning overthrew receivers a season-high eight times, taking the Colts’ bait to try to beat them deep. According to Pro Football Focus, last season’s MVP completed only six of 19 passes of 20 yards or more. He went 20-for-23 on passes that either lost yards or did not exceed 9 yards.
“I’m not smart enough to be able to answer every single question about reasons for things,” said Manning when asked about not playing well. “But I’ve always taken a pretty accurate look and fair evaluation of myself. I think I’m as honest with myself as anybody else is and probably as critical of myself as anybody else is. I didn’t play well enough (Sunday) and didn’t play well enough consistently in the second half of the season, especially in the games that we lost.”
Manning never missed a start, but slumped over the final seven games, beginning with a 22-7 loss at St. Louis. Manning began the season with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions, setting the all-time record for passing touchdowns. He finished with 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Broncos placed emphasis on re-establishing the running game during this stretch, leaving Manning under center more often, which, at times, affected his timing with receivers.
Time will heal his leg injury — and a solid base is imperative in a quarterback’s throwing mechanics. However, Manning can’t stop the calendar. He must decide if he can still play at a high level as he needs 2,148 yards to eclipse Brett Favre for the all-time passing yardage record.
“Absolutely I’d love to see him back,” left guard Orlando Franklin said. “I have played with three quarterbacks since I’ve been in this league, and I’d take Peyton Manning any day of the week. He’s a phenomenal quarterback. Yes, we’re all going to make mistakes. Nine times out of 10, he’s going to put you in the best situation and best position to win games.”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or
