There Is More to Broncos Than Just Peyton Manning and Other AFC West News

The Denver Broncos were victorious on Sunday, and Peyton Manning was a big part of the victory, but he was also a big part of why the Broncos fell behind by three points at the start of the fourth quarter and had to battle back on the road. Manning threw two inexplicable interceptions that let the Bengals come back from a 14-point hole to take the lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

According to Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post, the Broncos showed they’re made of more than Manning on Sunday. This probably shouldn't come as a surprise after the defense carried the team to the playoffs last season with the offense making just enough big plays to put points on the board.

It was the defense specifically that stepped up when the Broncos needed them with the pass rush of Von Miller and the coverage of Champ Bailey. Bailey was happy to see a fierce pass rush, according to the Denver Post. When the Broncos needed someone other than Manning to make a play, they did.

The pass rush helped Bailey secure an interception late in the game that gave Manning a chance at redemption. He did not waste it. Manning is great, but he’s not perfect, so it’s nice to have other great players to lean on when he’s not having the best day.

Other AFC West News

Oakland

Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group says Doug Martin had a performance of a lifetime against the Raiders.

Paul Gutierrez of CSN Bat Area reports that Marcel Reece is read to be a focal point of the offense.

Kansas City

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star says the time may be up for Glenn Dorsey in Kansas City.

San Diego

Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego says Robert Meachem shouldn’t be on the field as much right now.