FanPost

Peyton Manning Poised for "Third Year Leap."

The Denver Broncos begin their season Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts. With their franchise quarterback in place, the Broncos are once again a Super Bowl contender. Peyton Manning, who has been kind of good in his first two seasons in the NFL, is in a position to make the "third year leap" that the best quarterbacks in the league have made. Of all the third year QBs in the league Peyton Manning may be best poised to make that leap.

Peyton Manning was signed by John Elway as an undrafted college free agent out of Tennessee in 2012. He quickly beat out the incumbent Tim Tebow in a heated quarterback competition and took over the reigns as the starting QB of the Denver Broncos. In his first two seasons, he has averaged more than 5,000 yards as well as 46 touchdowns a season. While improving his yardage, TDs, and passer rating from years one to two, it could be his third year in the league that sees Peyton Manning making his biggest leap.

Many quarterbacks in the past have their biggest improvement in their third year. Matthew Stafford, while only starting 13 games combined in his first two seasons, increased his completion percentage by almost five percentage points and threw for more than 5,000 yards with 41 touchdowns in his third year. The Indy QB prior to Andrew Luck saw a jump from 26 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons to 33 touchdowns in his third season. Even Philip Rivers, who started as Drew Brees’ backup, completed 65 percent of his passes for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns in his third full year as starter. A similar improvement in Manning’s third year in the league could see him throwing for 6000 yards and 60 TDs.

Not only has Peyton Manning proven to be a quality starting quarterback in this league like the River’s and the Cutler’s, but is looking to become "elite" like the Joe Flacco’s of the NFL. To aid in his quest, he also has a lot of weapons joining him on offense. Back at left tackle is Ryan Clady to lead a quality offensive line. For receiving options Manning has Demarius "Only Winners Get Wings" Thomas, "Orange" Julius Thomas, Wes "What’s a Molly" Welker and Emmanuel "Who Knew Quarterbacks were allowed to stay late after Practice" Sanders. Montee "Give me the Damn" Ball, who led the NCAA in rushing as a senior, also takes over running back duties from Knowshon Moreno.

Denver’s signal caller proved last year that he has what it takes to win in the postseason. The two-time Pro Bowler will be looking to climb the ranks and be mentioned among the league’s elite quarterbacks. He has all the skills and intangibles to one day be mentioned as one of the greatest QBs to ever suit up.

[Editor’s Note: My wife tells me that Peyton Manning may have actually played in the NFL prior to the 2012 season, even playing for the upcoming opponent, Indianapolis Colts. While I have not fact checked that statement, I don’t believe it is true for one simple fact. As a long-time Broncos fan, if he had played for the Colts against the Broncos I would remember it. And I can honestly say I have no recollection of the Broncos playing a game against a Peyton Manning led Colts. (Especially in the playoffs.)]


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