Can the Kansas City Chiefs beat Peyton Manning in 2015?
By Nick Floyd
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) following the game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Peyton Manning is the Kansas City Chiefs‘ kryptonite.
With the vet recently announcing that he’s prepared for the 2015 season, the Chiefs will more than likely face the future Hall of Famer for a fourth consecutive year—and for the fourth consecutive year, he’ll likely be in a Broncos jersey.
Any Chiefs fan will know that Kansas City has had a problem facing Manning in both the regular and postseason. Since he has started donning Denver’s colors, the Chiefs are 0-6 against the Broncos. Manning has been able to tear apart Kansas City’s secondary more times than not, all the while leading his team to victories at both Denver and Arrowhead.
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Manning’s stats (with Denver) versus the Chiefs are listed below:
2012
Week 12: 22-of-37 (59.5%), 285 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 90.5 PR (passer rating)
Week 17: 23-of-29 (79.3%), 304 YDS, 3 TDs, 144.8 PR
2013
Week 11: 24-of-40 (60%), 323 YDS, TD, 94.1 PR
Week 13: 22-of-35 (62.9%), 403 YDS, 5 TD, 2 INT, 118.2 PR
2014
Week 2: 21-of-26 (80.8%), 242 YDS, 3 TDs, 143.9 PR
Week 13: 17-of-34 (50%), 179 YDS, 2 TDs, 85.3 PR
As we can see from the stats, with the exception of the last game in 2014, Manning has been able to do what he wants to the Chiefs defense. One might even argue that the second game in 2014 was a result of the injury he suffered earlier in the year. But that aside, the Chiefs have never been able to reel Manning in. Even in the rivals’ second meeting of 2014, he posted a significantly lower passer rating in comparison to the clubs’ previous contest, and the Broncos still managed to beat the Chiefs 29-16.
Year in and year out, fans read the same recycled keys to beating Peyton Manning (e.g. apply pocket pressure), but it’s easier said than done. However, it is showing that Manning is starting to age quicker than he would like. He will, if Denver decides to keep him, be 39 years old when the 2015 season starts.
Manning has a relentless motor for that elusive second Super Bowl, and yes, the man who signed him, John Elway, was the oldest QB to win a championship. But even though Elway has that distinction, the game in the 90s was a lot different than it is today. There is no doubt that Manning is one of the best to ever play the game, but does his need to go out on top put the Broncos in a bad position? Manning looks old, and while his struggles could have been injury-related, they could have also been from Father Time telling him to stop.
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (94) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Manning will be back—make no mistake about it. His drive and determination are too great to lose in a horrid playoff game. Chiefs fans should rejoice at that fact.
His return means that Kansas City could not only dethrone Denver but beat their quarterback. If John Dorsey is able to draft well and finally add some receiving options around Alex Smith—as well as upgrade the defense—the Chiefs might just pull it off.
For now, while we wait to hear what Denver decides to do with their quarterback, we can only hope that Manning decides to return so that we can get two more cracks at beating him.
What say you, Addicts? Do you think Manning will return? If so, can the Chiefs finally beat him while he is wearing Broncos orange? Sound off below.
Thanks for reading!
Go Chiefs!
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