Peyton Manning could enjoy his best season yet
The 2013 NFL Season could turn out to be the best yet for veteran quarterback Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos.
Manning has one full season under his belt since having multiple neck surgeries that cost him the entire 2011 season.
In his first season back from his surgeries, Manning led the Denver Broncos to a 13-3 regular season and the AFC West title.
The Broncos were the No. 1 seed in the AFC and Manning was named to the Pro Bowl for the 12th time. He also was named for the sixth time as first team All Pro.
Denver is one of the odds on favorites to win this season’s Super Bowl and a big part of that is due to Manning once again being completely healthy. Many observers believe Manning’s season this year will top any of his previous seasons in the NFL.
The Broncos QB hit 68.6 % of his passes, which led the league and was just short of his best season in the NFL in 2009 when he completed 68.8%. Last season Manning had a NFL passing efficiency rating of 105.8, which was second best in the league and second best in his career, just behind his 2009 season with the Indianapolis Colts.
His totals stats for the season were very impressive considering he was playing after a full season on the sidelines, after multiple neck surgeries and with a brand new team.
Nevertheless, the QB had 4,659 yards through the air, just 41 yards short of his best season as a professional. Manning threw for 37 touchdowns, which was his second highest number of TD passes in his career.
If there was a shortcoming for Manning in 2012, it was the problem he had on occasion with arm strength.
It was not surprising his arm strength was not what it had been in the past. He could not practice throwing the ball or even work out while recovering from his neck surgeries.
However, as obvious as it was in the beginning of the season, he showed improvement during the entire season. In the postseason, it was obvious Manning had regained his arm strength.
This season Manning’s biggest protector, Ryan Clady, at left tackle will return after being given the franchise player tag by Broncos management.
Denver will have a new running back this season as they released Willis McGahee the veteran and have replaced him with Montee Ball the team’s second round pick.
The Broncos let veteran receiver and one of Manning’s favorite targets Brandon Stokley go, but replaced him with Wes Welker, one of the best receivers in the game today.
Welker has great speed, is quick off the line and runs very precise patterns. This makes him perfect for the Manning offense and will make the passing game for Denver one of the league’s best.
The 2013 regular season is still just less than three months away, but the Broncos already have been labeled as one of the best teams in the NFL and a threat to win the Vince Lombardi trophy.
