Peyton Manning: Historic QB Continues to Put Broncos on His Back

There are still questions about whether Peyton Manning can stay healthy for the entire season, but there is no debating his impact on the Denver Broncos anymore.

On Monday night against the San Diego Chargers, Manning went 24-of-30 for 309 yards and three touchdowns to one interception, while Philip Rivers imploded in the second half. The result was a 35-24 victory and a place atop the AFC West.

Not bad for a guy coming off of three neck operations.

While there are still questions about the Broncos defense (c'mon, some of that was Rivers on Monday night), one thing the Broncos should be thankful for is that they have a consistent quarterback. That is something they haven't had in a while (and, yes, that includes when they had Tim Tebow last season).

Denver is positioned to win the division for a second straight season and that is largely because of the leadership and experience Manning has directing an offense in big games.

In the Broncos' other game against an AFC West opponent this season, Manning went 30-of-38 for 338 yards and three touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders.

With the Broncos trailing the Chargers 24-0, Manning led them to three straight touchdown drives in the second half as Rivers coughed up the ball left and right.

By the end of the game, it was clear who the best team was in the AFC West. The Chargers have plenty of talent this season, but they don't have direction like the Broncos do; that's the difference.

This is part of the reason why John Elway went after Manning during the offseason. He saw something in the 11-time Pro Bowler that he saw in himself: a leader and a Super Bowl champion. He saw a man who could not only lead the Broncos to a division title, but make the team dangerous in the playoffs.

It's certainly not over yet in the AFC West, but it would take a minor miracle for anyone to wrestle the division away from the Broncos this season.