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The Denver Broncos believe in quarterback Peyton Manning the same way that the Minnesota Vikings believed in Brett Favre in 2009. Just as Favre was signed late in his career to help Minnesota make a run at a title, Manning is being asked to do the same in Denver. The question is will Manning be able to succeed where Favre just fell short?
The 2009 Vikings made it all of the way to the NFC championship game before losing in overtime to the eventual world champion New Orleans Saints. Minnesota went 12-4 that season, their best record since 1998. Throughout the season the Vikings gained confidence and by the post season believed that Favre was going to take them to the Promised Land.
In looking at the Broncos, one can see similarities to the Vikings. It took a Hail Mary pass in week three against the San Francisco 49ers that completely sold the Vikings on Favre. A comeback from 24 points down to beat the San Diego Chargers in week six of this season may be the game that Denver looks back on and says that Manning won them over.
The Broncos currently sit at 5-3 and lead the AFC West. All of their losses have been against winning teams in the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and New England Patriots. Denver still has one game left with the second place Chargers and a battle with the Baltimore Ravens. However, a 6-2 second half of the season seems possible and would probably win them the division title.
Week after week the Broncos and Manning seem to be gaining momentum and confidence just as the Vikings did. After the win over San Diego, Denver defeated New Orleans behind 305 yards and three touchdowns by Manning. On Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Manning threw for two touchdowns and 291 yards in a 31-23 victory. The Broncos have won three straight.
Led by quarterback Tim Tebow, Denver won the division in 2011 with an 8-8 record. The Broncos then won a first round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This success was enough to make Denver take a chance and sign Manning.
The Broncos have put all of their eggs in the Manning basket just as Minnesota did with Favre. If Denver is able to win a Super Bowl then it will be worth it. If the Broncos do not then they may have to wait a while until a new, young quarterback currently not on the roster can adjust to the pro game. This is what the Vikings are experiencing with second year man Christian Ponder at the helm.
There are many similarities between the Broncos and 2009 Vikings. Denver may get the same chance that Minnesota did to reach the Super Bowl.
If the Broncos do they had better take advantage or they will be a carbon copy of the Vikings.
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