Peyton Manning has been one and done nine times in the playoffs; the most by any quarterback in NFL history. “The Sheriff” has won one Super Bowl ring and has numerous NFL records that he has earned with an amazing career, but he’s not getting any younger and it may be time for number 18 to hang it up.
Manning will be 39 in March and has a lot to ponder. During the regular season, the future Hall of Famer is dominant and a touchdown throwing machine, but come January he’s a different quarterback. Take last year for example, he and the Denver Broncos were expected to play a tight game against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, instead they lost 44-8 in the big game. Granted Manning wasn’t the only issue, but taking into consideration their play throughout the regular season and the playoffs that performance was unacceptable.
In 24 playoff games, Manning is 11-13 with 38 touchdowns, 24 interceptions, and a 63.96 completion percentage.
Many thought Manning would be an Indianapolis Colt his entire career, but after an extensive neck injury that required serious surgery, the Colts decided to part ways in favor of drafting Andrew Luck. At that point it was unknown how Manning would recover and if he could play at the same level. Number 18 quickly put any doubters in their place when he signed with the Broncos.
In three seasons with Denver, Manning has thrown for 14,863 yards with 131 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. His best season with the Broncos came in 2013 when he threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns; it also happened to be the best season of his 16-year career.
There is more concern with injury the older Manning gets. He looked off toward the end of this season and just didn’t look right in the Broncos loss to the Colts in the Divisional round of the playoffs. It was reported after the game that he had been playing through a torn right quad for more than a month. When injured his age greatly shows, and severe injuries will continue to be a concern for the Broncos if he chooses to play another year.
The Sheriff’s legacy is also at stake here. Take Brett Favre for example, he overstayed his welcome in the NFL because he had trouble calling it quits for good. Favre should have retired a lot sooner than he did and the fact that he didn’t will always be associated with his name.
While it would be nice for Manning to cement his legacy with another ring, it’s highly unlikely to happen. If he couldn’t get one last year, the window on another Super Bowl is closed. Record wise, Manning has a fair share. Here’s a look at some of the records Manning holds: first quarterback to beat 31 franchises (2007), and one of two QB’s to beat all 32 teams (Favre is the other),
Owns the single-season touchdown pass record with 55 in 2013, single season passing yards with 5,477 in 2013, a five time league MVP, and most career touchdown passes with 530 to name a few.
There’s no doubt Manning is headed for Canton, his name is written all over the NFL record books, but he doesn’t want to taint his legacy by sticking around too long and showing serious regression. Although he may not go out on top as a Super Bowl champ, retiring now would be best for the QB.
Not only is his health and overall legacy a concern, but the Broncos recent coaching situation. Head coach John Fox was fired and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has signed a deal with the Oakland Raiders to be their new head coach. Denver will be making quite a few changes this offseason, which could greatly influence Manning’s decision for the better.
Manning was asked after Sunday’s loss to the Colts whether or not this was his last season and he couldn’t give an answer; it’s not an easy question for an athlete hoping for more in his career, but is a decision they all must make at some point.
A 16-year career at the level Manning has played is something special. He will be known as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game despite only winning one Super Bowl. In those 16 years he has accomplished things most players never will and that is something that will always be respected and admired by players and fans alike.
The 2014 season should go down as Manning’s last as an NFL quarterback. Sure he was hurt, but showed a lot of regression this past month; and with the overhaul the Broncos are going through, it should make his decision easier.