Browns-Broncos: Six Random Thoughts For a Heartbreaking Setback

5. The Broncos win in spite of Manning

That’s something I’d never thought I’d say. I am a big admirer and fan of Peyton Manning, going back to his days with the Indianapolis Colts. But, after seeing it first-hand Sunday, there’s a reason Denver is 6-0, and it’s not because of No. 18.

If Denver’s defense was the quality of, for example, the Browns’ defense, the Broncos would be 2-4 right now. Manning still has a bit of magic in his arm – that touchdown pass to Sanders was right on the money – but it’s not much.

With nothing but inexperience behind him, Gary Kubiak won’t make a QB switch – and it would certainly be an eyebrow-raising decision to pull a bonafide Hall of Famer with the team sitting unbeaten for an unproven third-year guy in Brock Osweiler.

But the Browns had Manning on the ropes; they just couldn’t land the knockout blow. And this was a team that many believe is one of the worst in the league, and they came within a few minutes of handing them their first loss. If Denver’s defense falters, the bottom could drop out on their season quickly.

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