What to Expect from Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos Offense in Week 12

In Week 11, Denver Broncos fans and NFL fans alike were delivered a shock when the Rams topped the Broncos 22-7. It was Denver's third loss of the season, yet easily its ugliest.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Julius Thomas left the game early with head and ankle injuries, respectively. What was most shocking was the final score—Denver's seven points were by far its lowest total output of the Peyton Manning-era (and its lowest score as a team since January 1, 2012, when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 7-3).

Fast forward to Week 12. The Broncos are hosting the Miami Dolphins, a team that ranks second in total defense and second in passing defense this season. 

The Dolphins certainly have the defensive prowess to beat the Broncos, yet they are walking into a very difficult situation. The only thing scarier than facing a Peyton Manning-led offense coming off a convincing win is facing it when it is coming off a humiliating loss. Denver has a huge chip on its shoulder after last Sunday's dismal showing, and it is plenty hungry to eat it all. 

The Broncos are very confident, yet not ignorant, when acknowledging their current "slump." As reported by Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today, Manning said he "wouldn't use [the] word [panic]" when describing the current mood in the Denver locker room following two losses in three weeks. "I think there is certainly a sense of urgency," he added. 

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

For the embattled Denver offense this week, there are still many questions. Two of them are the aforementioned Sanders and Thomas. Both are listed as questionable for the game as of Friday, per Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com, and neither has practiced this week.

Should Sanders and/or Thomas not play, Denver would need veteran wideout Wes Welker, wide receiver Andre Caldwell and tight end Jacob Tamme to step up and play significant roles in the offense. With Demaryius Thomas being both the healthiest and most-skilled wide receiver on the team, it would be no surprise at all to see the Dolphins double-team him throughout the whole game. 

Thomas will still be productive, even in crowded coverage, but Manning will be looking elsewhere. The good news is that Manning has had considerable success working with Welker, Caldwell and Tamme. Welker racked up 73 receptions and 10 touchdowns last season with Manning throwing to him.

Caldwell joined the Broncos during the same offseason that Manning did, and he stepped up last season when Welker was injured (accumulating six catches, 59 yards and two touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers last December). Tamme and Manning were teammates in Indianapolis, so the two are very familiar with one another. 

The signs certainly point to Manning and the passing offense not struggling for two games in a row. Regardless of who his targets are, Manning will get them the ball—as long as he has time to throw. 

Over the last three weeks, Manning has been sacked three times—twice against New England and once against St. Louis. While those aren't shocking figures, the pressure on Manning was consistent in both of those games, and it's obvious that the Denver offensive line needs to play better and protect the team's most valuable weapon. 

Better production from the offensive line would also likely lead to a much-needed boost in the Denver running game. Denver has struggled immensely to get a consistent rushing attack going this season. Running back Montee Ball started the season, yet went down with an injury following three games of mediocre production.

Ronnie Hillman then claimed the starting job and had three weeks of promising production, but he went down with a foot injury. 

Ben Margot/Associated Press

The healthiest and most experienced running back on the depth chart is now third-string back C.J. Anderson. The second-year back boasts a very nice rushing average of 5.2 yards per carry and has shown great prowess as a pass-catcher. However, his speed leaves a lot to be desired. Rookies Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs are the final running backs on the roster at the moment. They certainly have potential, but their skills are very raw. 

Ideally, Denver would like to have either Hillman or Ball back in action so it can work a timeshare between one of them and Anderson. Right now, both backs are decidedly questionable for Sunday's game, per Hank Domin of Syracuse.com. 

There has not been a week this season, or possibly throughout Manning's time in Denver, where there are so many question marks surrounding the offense. Last season, Denver was known for stellar offense and subpar defense. This season, it boasts the second-best rushing defense and the fifth-best overall defense. While its offense still ranks third overall and second in passing, there's no denying that the scales have balanced in Denver. 

On Sunday, expect Denver to continue to rely on its improved defense while making smart and conservative choices on offense. Denver will try to win this game by keeping the offense on the field, so a high amount of rushing plays and short passes wouldn't be a surprise.

The guys with the hardest job on Sunday, however, are the five biggest guys on the Denver offense. The Broncos offensive line needs to keep Manning upright and free from pressure, allowing him to do what he does best—be Peyton Manning.