Super Bowl 50: Five keys for the Denver Broncos
By Dani Bostick
4. Devise an ideal game plan for Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is a sentimental favorite, but he is the weak link of the Denver squad. In nine regular season starts, Manning had only nine touchdowns and an astoundingly horrible 17 interceptions.
Also problematic, Manning is essentially immobile and has a feeble arm. The biggest variety in his game right now is the cadence of his “Omaha” battle cry.
The Broncos must figure out how to maximize Manning’s existing strengths and empower him to become a true game manager. Against the Steelers, the Broncos took several time outs only to return to the field and execute a terribly ineffective play.
Though the Broncos have several talented receivers, Manning’s arm is too weak to reliably connect with them downfield. Smart play calling and a clever strategy are they only ways Manning can hold up against the Panthers defense.
Shorter passes and handoffs to running backs have been the bread and butter of the Broncos offense with Manning at the helm. Within those constraints, head coach Gary Kubiac and company need to devise a game plan that confounds the Panthers and mitigates Manning’s weaknesses.
Next: 3. Avoid penalties and dumb mistakes