Denver Broncos: Expectations for Peyton Manning in 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Jul 31, 2015

When it comes to the Denver Broncos and expectations for quarterback Peyton Manning heading into the upcoming season, major changes are coming that might not yield results. With a new offensive system built on a ground-and-pound rushing mentality, things might be a bit harder this time around for Manning. With a new offensive oriented head coach in Gary Kubiak, things will drastically change on how Manning use to run this offense like he did in the past.

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Gone will be the constant shotgun formations for a more traditional approach directly under center. This will establish a dominating running game led by running back C.J. Anderson while also setting up play-action plays nicely. It’ll take some getting use to, but it might prove to be quite the learning curve for Manning as he enters his 17th season in the NFL without the usual freedom he’s been use to have on offense.

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Known for his constant yet unique audibles, Kubiak is going to run things a bit more methodical in the grand scheme of it all on offense. Manning will need to execute everything flawlessly even if it means losing most of the creative control he use to have on offense. This could be an area that could pose to be problematic for Manning if he starts to miss a beat due to timing or execution on plays without having the extra few seconds in a shotgun formation.

Another major setback is the fact that Manning will be without one of his favorite targets in tight end Julius Thomas. Make no mistake about it, he’ll be missed sorely as Thomas was one of Manning’s security blankets to keep those chains moving or get hit in the end-zone for a touchdown.

The past two seasons when Manning arrived on the Broncos back in 2012, he’s hit Thomas for a total of 24 touchdowns. The Broncos tried to compensate for losing Thomas by bringing in tight end Owen Daniels via free agency into the mix. A player who is decent at best but won’t be able to replicate anything close to what Thomas brought to the table for Manning.

May 27, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak walks the field past quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the start of organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Combine a new system, losing a premiere part of his offense as well as a ton of new faces on the Broncos’ offensive line, Manning will need to bring his top game to ensure he’s able to deliver yet again entering the final few playing years of his prolific career.

The truth of the matter is that Manning is only getting older and his window of opportunity to once again reach and win another Super Bowl is getting closer and closer to being shut. At 39 years old, Manning most likely and realistically has about another year or two left before the Broncos start to think about life without him. It’s inevitable and could be coming sooner than many think depending on what he is able to accomplish this upcoming season.

Overall, the odds are stacked against Manning delivering another magical season like he did back in 2013. That was quite the season that saw Manning total 5,477 passing yards on 450 completions for 55 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He achieved this when he had the keys to run everything on offense how he deemed fit but now he’s going to have to follow what he’s told to do and hope everything goes according to the Broncos’ offensive plans.

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