Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Another classic Manning bowl goes in favor of eldest brother Peyton Manning as the Denver Broncos overcome younger brother Eli Manning and the New York Giants in Metlife Stadium.
Both offenses were stymied for most of the first half, but both came alive in the second half as the Broncos’ Manning finished 30 of 43 for 307 yards and two touchdowns.
On the other side, the Giants’ Manning went 28 of 49 for 362 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions. Eli Manning is already the league leader in interceptions two weeks into the season.
Perhaps the biggest takeway from this game continues to be the well-oiled machine that is the Broncos’ offense, as they not only continued to show off their great cast of receivers, they also found a running game, something that is rare to find with a Peyton Manning team. With the Broncos largely on a running-back-by-committee approach, the game ball for the running game goes to Knowshon Moreno, who ran for 93 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. The Giants only managed a meager 23 yards on the ground, as Denver’s defense put on a strong performance to make the Giants one-dimensional.
Turnonvers were also the difference maker, as Eli Manning threw a career-high four interceptions. In the NFC East, the Giants have started out with a big disadvantage, as the Dallas Cowboys, despite their Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, look to be playing the best football out of their division.
The Broncos, however, look to be playing the best football out of the entire AFC conference. And while it’s only been two weeks, let’s remember who they have at quarterback. The Broncos have it all on offense: quarterback, the offensive line, weapons at receiver, and a good enough running game to keep defenses honest. Despite the loss of several starters, including All-Pro linebacker Von Miller (suspension) and longtime veteran Champ Bailey (injury), the defense has performed well.
The Broncos are undoubtedly the team to beat in the AFC, and they’re gonna have plenty to say as the season continues.
