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Peyton Manning “all-in” on Gary Kubiak’s offense

By Matt Verderame

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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There has been plenty of talk about the Denver Broncos this season. One of the main talking points is whether future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will adjust well to the new offensive scheme that head coach Gary Kubiak is bringing to the table.

Kubiak runs a much more mobility-based game that depends on the quarterback to perform bootlegs and play-action passes. Manning, for all of his otherworldly traits, is not mobile. However, the 39-year-old believes he will be a good fit for Kubiak’s style, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.

"“This is just part of the process and we’re learning,” Manning said following the teams minicamp practice. “But I’m committed, I’m all in on trying to make any adjustments that I have to and at the same time do some of the things that I’ve done well and hopefully keep doing those well and improve on things I need to improve on.”"

Manning will have his work cut out for him after watching general manager John Elway put together a curious offseason. Denver failed to pick up any key free agents while allowing tight end Julius Thomas, receiver Wes Welker, guard Orlando Franklin and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton walk out of the building. The loss of Franklin is especially damaging, coupled with left tackle Ryan Clady going down in OTAs with a season-ending torn ACL.

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Manning is also excited about second-year running back C.J. Anderson, who broke into the starting backfield toward the end of last year. Anderson will see plenty of action in 2015 with Kubiak always favoring quick passes to the back along with ample running plays.

"“I’m learning, I’m learning about the requirements of me,” Manning said. “I’m learning how [tight end] Owen Daniels runs his routes, running back C.J. [Anderson] obviously getting more repetitions with him. C.J. of course, if you talk to him you think he’s about a 12-year veteran starter and he’s only started six games. I’m getting a ton of reps with him, and the sky is the limit for him, I will say that … But [overall], what we do scheme-wise is kind of between us.”"

Denver won’t look the same as it did during its Super Bowl run in 2013, but the offense will remain potent if Manning stays upright. For now, the task is simple for the Broncos. Learn the system.

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