The Denver Broncos were eliminated from the postseason last night in surprising fashion-with Peyton Manning sputtering to 211 yards and just one touchdown in a meek loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Many speculated that Manning's slowdown over the last five games of the regular season was an effort to keep his 38-year-old right arm fresh for the playoffs, when he'd need to be in top form. Despite major reliance on the running game as the season wound down, and a bye week in the postseason's Wildcard round, Manning was inaccurately throwing ducks all day long.
From Week 12 through Sunday's playoffs loss Manning topped 300 yards just once-from Week 1-11 he averaged 330 yards per game and threw three or more touchdowns in six of those 10 tilts.
Those final few weeks weren't of the "bad for Peyton Manning" variety either. They were legitimately terrible fantasy outings, and cost some owners title quests. The fact that his playoff dud came off a bye week raises the question of what to do with him next year-is Peyton done as a Top 5 quarterback?
In 2013 despite some shaky looking throws Manning did not tail off at season's end. He averaged 351 yards and four touchdowns a game over his final five contests in 2013, so did Father Time take swift revenge on this all-time great at the worst possible time?
Unlikely. New information has surfaced via ESPN's Adam Schefter that Manning played the final month of the season with a torn quadriceps, which might explain the lack of any apparent zip on his passes.
Broncos QB Peyton Manning played Sunday's Divisional Playoff loss and the past month of the season with a torn right quad, per two sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2015
Before this injury struck Manning was his usual self, throwing bombs to Demaryius Thomas, elevating Emmanuel Sanders to a WR1 level, and making Julius Thomas look like the best tight end in football.
Next season, should Manning return, is safe to draft in the Top 3 at his position. Based on youth, Andrew Luck should be viewed as a superior option. Aaron Rodgers is likely to win an MVP award, so go ahead and draft him too. Other than that, expect Manning to be a rock once more come 2015.
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