Peyton Manning has had a career season with the Denver Broncos, breaking several offensive records previously held by Drew Brees and Tom Brady. Come January, however Manning has created quite the reputation in the playoffs, and it’s not a good one. The quarterback is one of the best to play the game, but come January, Manning struggles and makes crucial mistakes.
Sunday will mark Manning's 13th year in the playoffs, as the Broncos face the San Diego Chargers; the most playoff appearances by any quarterback in the Super Bowl era. In a total of 20 playoff games, Manning has thrown 21 interceptions. Something that is rather unusual for number 18.
Since 2006, in games with a fourth quarter lead, Manning is 87-6 compared to 6-5 with a fourth quarter lead in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Manning, he's been known to throw picks late in the game which contributes to said record.
He has also been one and done in the playoffs eight times, the most by any quarterback in the Super Bowl era, including last season as the Broncos lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional round. Odds aren’t necessarily in his favor this week either as he is 0-2 against a Philip Rivers led Chargers team in the playoffs.
In 12 playoff seasons, Manning has only won one ring, but has made it to the Super Bowl more than once. Despite being on great teams with high expectations, Manning has made mistakes contributing to elimination, but he can avoid a one and done playoff appearance this year.
The top seed and playoff bye week isn’t always a good thing, last year Manning had the bye and lost the week after. This year he will look to change that trend and end his substantial reputation in the playoffs.
The Chargers are a team that weren’t expected to make the playoffs, in fact they were expected to battle with the Oakland Raiders for last place in the AFC West. Instead, San Diego had a strong season and made the wild card. They beat a Bengals team, that like Manning, have struggled in the playoffs. It won’t be easy for Manning, but he can avoid a premature playoff exit.
These teams know each other very well, and with homefield advantage and an experienced team to support him, Manning should do just fine this time around. He may not make it all the way to the Super Bowl, although they are favorites in the AFC, but Manning can very well advance to the next round.