Two weeks in the sweltering August heat created concern reserved for the numbing December cold. Questions have long surrounded Peyton Manning, but typically don’t surface until the temperature drops.
Manning guided the Broncos’ offense to zero touchdowns in 10 preseason drives spanning 62 plays. Based on the handwringing, you’d think he was filming a Direct TV “Don’t be like this Peyton Manning” spot. The thing about those commercials — ‘High Voice’ Manning will soon be complemented by an ad about legs — is that he almost always gets the last laugh.
If Manning’s preseason did not inspire confidence, his season-openers should provide solace. Manning performs in those games like he does in most regular-season games — exceedingly well. In his previous 16 openers, Manning owns a 12-4 record with an average stat line of 24 completions in 36 attempts for 285 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
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As a Bronco, he’s 3-0 with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions.
“We will be just fine. We have 18 back there,” tight end Virgil Green said. “He’s going to pick apart defenses left and right because that’s what he does. I know nobody in this lockerroom on the offensive side is worried one bit, not at all.”
Multiple factors make Sunday different. Manning is operating in a new offense which marries hurry-up, no-huddle concepts with a physical, under-center, zone-blocking running scheme. Manning is 39, an age when no quarterback has won a Super Bowl. And the starting offensive line and Pro Bowl receiver Emmanuel Sanders didn’t take a single snap together in the preseason.
Under construction aptly describes the situation. But it doesn’t mean the offense won’t be functional against the Baltimore Ravens.
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“We’ve got some new guys playing, and we’ve got some new things we’re doing. I am excited to see how we perform,” Manning said. “I have said all along, the thing is for us to improve throughout the season, throughout the course of a game. Are you going to dominate all four quarters? I don’t know if anybody’s ever done that against Baltimore. Hopefully you can be efficient enough to win. I think that can be a lot like our season — keep improving.”
Manning, who hasn’t thrown a season-opening interception since 2009, looked uncomfortable at times in the preseason when not in the shotgun or pistol. He used a three-on, one-day off schedule in training camp, and beginning in the season’s third week will likely rest on Wednesdays. Coach Gary Kubiak remains open to adjustments in the offense, his humility suggesting the Broncos will tweak until finding the right combination.
“What is important is to do what you do best. I think we have the ability to a do a lot of things schemewise,” Kubiak said. “But as we go, it’s just important to continue to isolate on the things we do best.”
The value of Manning won’t change, but he will be measured beyond the boxscore. He will be asked to change the Broncos out of negative running plays, make big plays — but not every play.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco worked with Kubiak last season, posting career numbers. He said the line protections meshed, allowing him to “play fast, and play confident with a quiet mind.”
“I am sure they’ll get some play-action shots (for Manning),” Flacco said. “And the run game might help out a little bit, too.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s view of Manning hasn’t changed. Manning is 2-0 against Baltimore in season openers, riddling Harbaugh’s 2013 team for 462 yards and seven touchdowns.
“We’re preparing for Peyton Manning just like he’s everything he’s ever been and is still,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback, and from what I see on tape, he’s got it all still.”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or
For openers
Peyton Manning and the first string offense didn’t score a touchdown in 10-preseason drives. However, Manning excels in openers in general, and against the Baltimore Ravens in particular. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck breaks it down:
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| Peyton Manning in season openers | |
| Overall record | 12-4 |
| Streak | Three consecutive victories |
| Avg. performance | 24-for-36, 285 yards, two TDs, one interception |
| Record vs. Ravens | 2-0 |
| Statistics vs. Ravens | 48-for-78, 716 yards, seven TDs, 0 interceptions |
