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Things could have been much worse for the Broncos on Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs kicked five field goals on the way to their 29-13 victory. It's cold comfort to think that a missed play here or there and Broncos fans could have been easily been feasting on a 50-burger.
Peyton was injured and should not have played. Where does the blame fall for that? Coach Gary Kubiak claimed responsibility, but it's not all on him. I don't buy that Manning was making all the throws in practice on Friday. Sure, he needed only three yards to break the record, but it can't be all about that. It can't be about protecting Peyton's feelings when all evidence points to a need for him to rest. We learned that lesson the hard way when the Broncos limped into their early exit from the playoffs last year. At his age, Manning needs to be full-go in order to be effective.
So where do the Broncos go from here? The strategy needs to be team-focused and less about protecting Manning's records and his desire to play. What kind of coach is Gary Kubiak going to be? Can he make the tough call if Manning needs to rest? We just can't prop Manning up in Chicago and hope that things magically improve. On Sunday we saw what happens when evidence is ignored. Crossed fingers and hope for miracles does not an offensive strategy make.
I don't think it's over for Peyton in Denver. The Broncos are going to need him to make their run in the playoffs and it's time Denver made moves to get him healthy, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be. It may not be the popular move, but it's the right move. Kicking and screaming, indeed.
HORSE TRACKS
Who wouldn't want to relive yesterday's disaster in Denver?! Here's a bunch of recaps.
Kansas City Chiefs terrorize Peyton Manning, crush Broncos in Denver 29-13 | FOX Sports
Three Keys, Unlocked: Chiefs 29, Broncos 13 | Denver Broncos
Chiefs dismantle Broncos, ruin Peyton Manning's day - NFL.com
What really stings about Sunday's loss is that Broncos fans didn't get a chance to celebrate Manning's passing yardage record. By the time it was set, the meltdown at Mile High was already in full swing. Plenty of articles this Monday morning about Manning getting benched on the same day that he set the record.
Peyton's Take: 'I wanted to be out there for the team' | Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning of Denver Broncos pulled on same day he sets NFL record for yards | ESPN
Denver Broncos: Brock Osweiler replaces Peyton Manning - NFL - SI.com
Paige: Despite record, Peyton Manning strikes out - The Denver Post
So where do the Broncos go from here regarding who starts at quarterback for the Broncos?
Kubiak says Peyton will start when healthy | ProFootballTalk
View from Denver: Broncos have two choices at QB, neither good | The Kansas City Star
Just how bad was it Sunday? Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos matches Peyton Manning |ESPN
Where was recent trade acquisition Vernon Davis on Sunday? Davis would like to know as well. Broncos notes: Vernon Davis 'confused' by play time | #9News #9Sports
Frustration boiled over on the defensive side of the ball as well. Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward ejecting for hitting Chiefs' Jeremy Maclin in the head - 7NEWS Denver TheDenverChannel.com
It's the Sunday Sacco. Here's a look at the Chiefs role in Broncos history. Sundays with Sacco: The Chiefs, back in the day | Denver Broncos
Kudos to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for bringing attention to an ugly incident during the moment of silence for Paris. Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay Packers upset by 'prejudicial' shout during moment of silence at Lambeau Field | ESPN
Unfortunately, the Packers didn't fare so well against division rival, Detroit. Lions stun Packers, break long losing skid in Green Bay - NFL.com
Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears found their mojo on Sunday. The Broncos will be in Chicago to put them to the test next Sunday. Jay Cutler, solid supporting cast deliver Chicago Bears' signature win | ESPN
It's fall! We've observed daylight savings, the leaves have fallen, turkey purchases are surging, and Sam Bradford has been injured... again. Sam Bradford suffers left AC joint sprain, concussion - NFL.com
The Patriots didn't escape the New York Giants totally unscathed. Report: Julian Edelman broke a bone in foot | ProFootballTalk
Good news coming out of Seattle. Cardinals guard Mike Iupati was taken to the hospital in an ambulance on Sunday night and the prognosis appears to be very positive. Cardinals guard Mike Iupati taken off in ambulance | ProFootballTalk
The Seahawks' late game surge was thwarted by the Cardinals. Things are getting interesting in Seattle. Palmer, Cardinals hold off Seahawks' comeback in win - NFL.com
Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel had a career day with regard to stats, but not points. Manziel puts up big numbers; Browns only put up one TD | ProFootballTalk
The Raiders fell to the Vikings on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson put up some gaudy numbers for the sixth time in his career. Adrian Peterson matches all-time record for 200-yard games | ProFootballTalk