Offensive MVP

Thomas and Manning immediately connect and impacted the game Sunday night. Either player could be the MVP, but Thomas was sensational on both good and slightly poor passes. The two connected on eight passes for 168 yards, three of which were for over 15 yards. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving before halftime and he looked worth all $70 million he signed for in the summer. He caught every ball within his wing span and made the Packers cornerbacks look silly. His presence as Manning’s go-to receiver opened up things in the running game and passes to the tight ends as well.

“It was good to have a game like this, running-wise and passing-wise. We put up 500 yards on a good defense. It was big. It was one of those nights and hopefully we can continue to do it,” Thomas said.

Peyton Manning, was precise, efficient and conservative and that is just what the Broncos needed. He had only a few throws that did not find their way to receivers hands, including an inconsequential, late interception. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 340 yards and finished with a 96.9 passer rating.

Honorable mention: The offensive line was dominant in both the pass and rushing game. They didn’t give up a sack to the Packers, who trailed only the Broncos in sacks entering Sunday. Also both running backs had impressive evenings. Anderson’s 101 yards was aided by Hillman’s 60. They also combined for all three of the team’s touchdowns

Defensive MVP

It is hard to pick an MVP from such a complete domination of an opposing offense. The biggest play of the game came from Ware. His sack and forced fumble continued the defense’s streak of putting points on the board. He finished the game with three combined tackles, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a sack. He has 5.5 sacks of the season and his sack Sunday night put him in a tie with Leslie O’Neal and Lawrence Taylor for 11th all-time.

Honorable mention: Bradley Roby held the Packers receivers he covered to only one catch in the contest. Rodgers notoriously picks on younger cornerbacks but could not take advantage of Roby. Derek Wolfe also had a fine performance. He led the team with seven combined tackles, one for a loss while shoring up the middle of the defensive line.