Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning says he is all right physically following Monday night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Manning was sacked twice and hit a litany of other times. He also struggled throwing the ball, tossing a season-high four interceptions.
Peyton Manning says his health isn’t an issue
Manning struggled against the Bengals and was injured in Week 15, but says his health was not a factor on Monday Night.
Manning has been dealing with thigh and back issues, dating back to a game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 15. The injuries surfaced late in the second quarter when Manning acted as a lead blocker for running back C.J. Anderson. Manning went to the Denver locker room after the play but managed to return in the second half.
While Manning was able to play against the Bengals, his sub-standard performance raised questions about whether his injuries were a factor. When asked about his health, Manning was succinct, via ESPN:
Asked following Monday’s game if he’s OK physically Manning said, “Um, yeah.” Asked if the right thigh injury he suffered last week in San Diego affected him Monday night, Manning simply added, “No.”
Manning has thrown for 4,454 yards and 39 touchdowns but also 15 interceptions, the highest mark of his career since 2010. He has been hit 15 times and sacked seven times since Week 11’s loss to the St. Louis Rams. In addition, 10 of those 15 hits and four of the seven sacks came against the Bengals and Rams, Denver’s last two losses.
Denver and the playoffs
The Broncos can clinch a first-round bye with a win at home against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, a venue where they are 7-0 this season. Denver is aiming to get back to the Super Bowl after being blown out 43-8 last year by the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. If Manning gets there, it would be his fourth trip to the big game.
At 38, Manning has two years left on his five-year, $96 million deal and is due $21.5 million in each of the seasons.
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