Mile High Sports

Near loss in Cleveland raises more doubts about Broncos offense

Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

After six games, the Denver Broncos are 6-0, but there are major concerns about the team’s offensive productivity after Peyton Manning had another marginal outing, throwing three more interceptions to go with just one touchdown. On the year, Manning now has three more interceptions than TDs.

Manning opened Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns with an interception. He allowed a second interception, which went for a touchdown, and gave the Browns the lead in the fourth quarter. Manning was intercepted again on the Broncos’ first possession of overtime.

But Manning and the offense managed to string together a final, 72-yard drive that resulted in a field goal for the 26-23 overtime win. Denver converted some critical third downs and got help on a penalty outside of field goal range to help Manning pad his NFL-record game-winning drive (54) stat. It was one of the few positive stats for the Hall of Fame QB on the day.

In total, Manning’s line read like this: 26-for-48. 290 yards. One touchdown. Three interceptions. 53.3 passer rating.

Denver was just 4-for-18 on third downs and was 0-for-three on red zone opportunities.

Manning’s performance, and that of the Broncos offense, was highly criticized throughout the game to the point that some of the biggest names in football took notice. When guys with such strong ties to Denver like Rick Reilly and Mark Schlereth start calling out the offense, it’s time to start worrying.

Here’s how the criticism piled on and the disappointing stats piled on as the game wore on and the offense continued to look out of sorts…

https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655817842411999237

https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/655820937615515649

https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655822521762119680

https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/655823895027585024

https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/655828973327257600

Running back Ronnie Hillman wanted to hear none of the criticism, however. Following this game, he offered this to those chiding Manning…

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