Peyton Manning: Biggest Concerns for Broncos QB Heading into Season

Over his career, Peyton Manning has been one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. However, things will be much different this season.

The four-time NFL MVP will be playing his first games with the Denver Broncos this year after playing for the Indianapolis Colts for 14 years. While he still has a tremendous amount of talent, there should still be concerns for Manning and his fans as he starts a new chapter in his career.

These are the biggest questions the quarterback will need to answer to have a successful year.

Is He Healthy?

Manning required four surgeries for a neck injury that kept him out for all of 2011. His surgeon, Dr. Robert Watkins, has cleared him to play football and it was confirmed by neurosurgeon Hank Feuer, according to Stephania Bell of ESPN.

Even with these statements, Manning still has to see for himself if he can take the punishment of being an NFL athlete.

He passed the first test of getting hit in a game. The quarterback was able to hop up and continue the drive, but he will need to do that many times throughout the season. 

It is safe to say that the entire organization will be holding their breath every time a defensive player even gets close to the quarterback.

Is He Rusty?

Prior to last season, Peyton Manning had not missed a single game in his professional career. He never had to deal with coming back from as much as a week off and returning to the field.

After missing all of 2011, he must attempt to regain his timing and accuracy that he needs to be successful.

In his first two preseason games, the quarterback has been underwhelming. He has completed 20 of his 30 attempts, but he added three interceptions with no touchdowns. They were not all his fault, but they are still mistakes that we are not used to seeing from the elite passer.

It might take a few weeks into the year to truly see Manning get comfortable in the pocket.

Can He Trust His Receivers?

Few quarterbacks in history have been able to have as much consistency in their receiving corps as Manning. Between Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, he was also able to throw to someone he could trust. 

This year he has a young but very talented group of receivers led by Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. While Thomas could be the most athletic target Manning has ever had, Decker is the more consistent route-runner and should receive more looks.

For the team to be successful, this duo needs to put in the extra work to get the perfect timing with their new quarterback. Otherwise, there will be a lot of miscommunications on the field. 

How Will the Offensive Line Hold Up?

Ryan Clady is one of the best tackles in the NFL. He has made two Pro Bowls and has started every game in his career.

After Clady, however, the line gets a little shaky. The unit allowed 42 sacks last season, which was ninth worst in the league.

He will also no longer have Jeff Saturday in front of him at center. The veteran had been snapping the ball to Manning since he joined the league in 1999. J.D. Walton has been solid at that position, but change is never good for a quarterback.

Considering the money that the team put into Manning this offseason, the offensive line will be under a lot of pressure to protect that investment. 

Will the Defense Do Its Part?

This is less of a concern to Manning on the field, but a giant issue regarding how well the season goes for the Broncos.

Last season, the squad was 20th in yards allowed and 24th in points given up per game. However, they did have a knack for making big stops when the game was on the line.

With a much improved offense, that will be all the defense needs to do to keep them competitive throughout the season. 

Peyton Manning definitely did not come to the Broncos to have an average season. He has won double-digit games in each of the past nine years.

For him to continue this streak, everyone on the team will need to do their part and help provide a favorable response to all of these questions.

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