NFL Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning Is NFL MVP Through Week 7

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By @Brandon__Raper

Peyton Manning NFL Touchdown Record

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With 16 years of experience, multiple neck surgeries, and one Super Bowl ring already in his collection, it’s hard to think that Peyton Manning might be playing some of the best football of his career. Still, each time he takes the field to lead the Denver Broncos in 2014, he’s proving he’s still got it, and that’s why he’s got to be the NFL MVP through Week 7.

Before we dive in a little deeper, I hear fans of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys clamoring for their guys, Aaron Rodgers and DeMarco Murray. The same goes for Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts. All three of those guys are having great seasons so far, but when we’re talking about the league’s Most Valuable Player, then Manning is the one who fits the bill above all the rest.

Through six games, Manning has completed 68.66% of his passes for 1,848 yards and 19 touchdowns. He just got through decimating the San Francisco 49ers, a team who had the top-ranked pass defense in the entire league, on prime time. Oh yeah, and you might have heard he set the career touchdown record along the way, but who’s counting?

The Manning effect starts on offense, where he’s turned Julius Thomas into a budding star at tight end, developed instant rapport with Emmanuel Sanders, and elevated even Demaryius Thomas’ already stellar game to a new level. This Broncos offense has put up 189 points in just six contests, while ranking just 25th in rushing. Call it one-dimensional, but it’s proven to be a winning formula.

His influence has translated over to the defense as well. Not only do the Broncos generally go on defense with excellent field position, but when they have confidence that Manning will put points on the board, they’re free to play fast and aggressive. The Broncos’ six sacks of 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick give them 21 on the year, tied for third in the league. That’s what happens when you know you’ll be playing with a lead.

All in all, there simply hasn’t been anybody who has proven to be more valuable to their team’s success than No. 18. Manning just keeps getting better, and he’s proven that he’s more than capable of taking this team on his back for another deep run into January.

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer and an NFL contributor for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.

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