This piece could have also been called, “7 Sweet Dreams vs. Peyton Manning”
First of all, it was sweet music to my ears to here long time ex-Bronco turned apologist, turned analyst, Mark Schlereth following the Chiefs first game against the Broncos in 2015 saying, “Old dogs, new tricks, It’s just not working for Peyton Manning.”
Yes, it was heartbreaking to see the Chiefs lose a close one, at Arrowhead no less but, to re-quote something I heard from someone today, which has made the most sense of all… “Peyton Manning didn’t retire from the game, the Game retired him.” The perfect lead in to 7 Sweet Dreams vs. Peyton Manning:
- One scintillating memory I have from that Arrowhead game is the 55 yard pick-6 by Marcus Peters. It not only heralded the beginning of what we all hope is his long fruitful career in red but, also signified a real changing of the guard.
- The Chiefs could have won that game. However, that loss made the game in Denver all the more delicious. And this wasn’t just any day for Peyton Manning’s career. To set that game up properly you have to know Peyton was only a few yards from setting the all-time completion yardage record.
- From the first three plays it was a dream come true: one yard hand off to Ronnie Hillman, then a two yard hand off to Hillman again, forced into third and long Peyton hits Marcus Peters. Mmm, I loves me some MP22. Five plays later, 7 zip K.C..
- On Manning’s next drive, it began with a sack, then a 4 yard swing pass (just enough for the record), then an incomplete.
- What I’ll never forget about that moment, was that frustrated hurt look of a loser on his face as the game was stopped to hail his achievement, when he knew he was getting stomped. For those of us who root against him, could there have been anything more satisfying to witness, and to have it happen in a Chiefs win in Denver? Apparently, there was.
- Getting to see Peyton Manning benched in the middle of a home game to any team would be great but, having it happen against the Chiefs was amazing. After 4 interceptions: to Peters, Sean Smith, Josh Mauga and Ron Parker and a 5/20, 35 total passing yards, 2 sacks and 1 fumble stat line, the joy in Arrowhead Addict streaming chat room could have been termed, somewhat elated. It’s always good to experience these moments of victory with your friends, family, and online brothers and sisters.
- With the Broncos scoring with 1:23 left in the game, it only made the 29-13 final score look closer than it really seemed because the Chiefs had the whole game in hand and had already manhandled Denver in Denver and with Mr. Manning at the controls… the controls that were taken from him by the men in red.
And… that… was a great feeling.
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