5 reasons why the Packers will beat the Broncos (and 1 reason why they might not)

A lot of people are getting on Peyton Manning for being over the hill. "It's sad seeing what Manning has become," they say. "It's time for him to hang it up," others quip.

I say that's nonsense. Manning should play until he's eligible for the Senior Olympics. Watching Manning play NFL quarterback today is like watching me playing NFL quarterback, minus the beer belly (I also have a Midwestern accent, not a Southern drawl). It's a crazy amount of fun.

Manning sort of stumbles backwards after taking the snap. You actually worry that he's going to break a hip if he has to go into anything more than a three-step drop.

When he finally plants to throw, he puts his entire body into it. I can remember when I was little kid, I tried and tried and tried over and over again to throw a tennis ball over the roof of our house. I put every single once of energy and strength into each attempt until finally I did it.

That's what Manning does on every throw. He winds up and loads up like he's going to throw an end-of-half Hail Mary 65 yards downfield, but he's really just trying to get enough air under the ball for a 9-yard curl route.

When's the last time you saw Manning throw a perfect spiral? It's been at least 20 games. His passes look like shanked punts. 

All of that said, Manning is still an effective quarterback. That's why he's still so much fun to watch. His targets end up catching a fair amount of those shanked punts that leave his right hand.

I don't care what his QB rating is or how great Denver's defense is, you don't go 6-0 with an incompetent scrub at QB.

Manning is like Eddie Harris, the crafty veteran pitcher in Major League who was over-the-hill but did whatever he could to get by, including putting snot on the ball and drinking Jobu's rum.

Somehow Harris made it work and he helped his team win the pennant. Somehow Manning is making it work and he's helped his team start 6-0.

Never stop, Peyton Manning. You're an inspiration to Uncle Rico's everywhere.

Here are 5 reasons why the Packers will beat the Broncos under the lights at Mile High: 

On the mend
All signs point to the return of Davante Adams, Morgan Burnett and B.J. Raji, as well as a closer-to-100-percent Eddie Lacy and Randall Cobb. If the injured players do return and the wounded ones have regained more health, it's a case of the rich Packers getting richer.

QB advantage
I'm not on the "Peyton Manning is done" bandwagon like so many others, but he's clearly not as good Aaron Rodgers. That's the X-factor in so many of these games, isn't it? The Packers have the better quarterback, so the Packers end up winning. Even if Rodgers has an off game or an average game, he never throws those back-breaking interceptions or does anything that puts the Packers behind the 8-ball too far.

Lesson learned?
The Packers allowed 500 yards passing in nearly losing to Philip Rivers and the Chargers in week 6. Rivers' arm might not be what it used to be, but the veteran made presnap adjustments, picked out matchups he liked, then dissected the Packers bland pass coverage looks. Manning has made a career out of doing the exact same thing and that's what he'll try and do tonight. Hopefully Dom Capers and his crew learned their lesson against Rivers and will have a few counters to Manning's presnap moves. Hopefully.

Frustrated Manning
Not only is Manning frustrated by his own physical limitations as he approached 40 years old, he also seems irked at Gary Kubiak's new offensive system. With the exception of a few games at the end of last season, Manning thrived under John Fox and offensive coordinate Adam Gase. Under Kubiak, Manning doesn't seem to have as much control at the line and everything appears to move slower. 

Dick Rodgers
Call me crazy, but I think Richard Rodgers ends up being the X-factor on offense. Rodgers has come close to breaking out lately. He dropped an easy touchdown pass against the Rams and narrowly missed hauling in a long sideline pass (his foot ended up just out of bounds) against the Chargers. While the rest of the world focuses on the return of Adams, how much Lacy weighs, and whether Cobb can find an opening, I think Rodgers busts out for a couple big catches.


What if Uncle Rico has one more shining moment left in him? Here's how the Broncos could come out the victors tonight:

Do what Rivers did
As I've mentioned earlier in this post, Rivers had his way with Capers and the Packers before the snap. He set up matchups he liked then took advantage of them. That's literally what Manning has done his entire career, even before his arm turned into a noodle. He'll try and do the same tonight, and if Capers isn't ready with some adjustments, Manning could turn the clock back to 2003.

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Comments (13)

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Since'61's picture

November 01, 2015 at 07:45 am

Going for 7-0 with 5 reasons why the Packers will defeat the Broncos:

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Aaron Rodgers
5. Aaron Rodgers

Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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Tundraboy's picture

November 01, 2015 at 12:20 pm

With you again!

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Jeff Hayes's picture

November 01, 2015 at 07:59 am

Capers now has a scheme in place it's called Dam the Rivers so Manning will not do what he did :)

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Funcrusher's picture

November 01, 2015 at 08:07 am

Biggest advantage the Packers have is that they rarely turn the ball over. The Broncos have been dependent on their defense getting turnovers and scoring on those turnovers. That won't happen against the Pack. Gonna be a tough game but we should win this!

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Dan Stodola's picture

November 01, 2015 at 10:42 am

Totally agree Acme Shellacking. Packers are extremely turnover averse on offense. Rodgers doesn't throw INT's except rarely and Lacy usually has very good ball security. Don't turn the ball over, that prevents the Defensive scores they've been reliant on. Get some immediate/quick pressure on Manning and the ball is up for grabs.

Packers win the turnover game and they win. I'm thinking 24-16.

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jh9's picture

November 01, 2015 at 09:19 am

Something needs to be said. We talk and write a lot about Aaron Rodgers, as well we should. However, Aaron is right NOW at a point in his career where history will judge where he belongs in the pantheon of NFL quarterbacks. From this game tonight against Peyton Manning and the Denver defense all the way through this year to the end of next year, I believe is the most crucial time for him to create his legacy. And, I feel we must talk and write about him even more.

If Aaron is truly one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, this is the time when he has to show it. We have all seen how well he has played up to this point. But if he is to be ranked as one of the top three quarterbacks of all-time, I believe he has to take his game right now up to another level.

I know that’s asking a lot. But I believe Aaron has it in him. He is smart enough to understand where he is in his career and we all know he wants to be a perfectionist. I believe it is that character trait that will propel his talent to the next level and this game tonight could (and hopefully will) be that game.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens.

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Dan Stodola's picture

November 01, 2015 at 11:17 am

Elways legacy was written in the last 2 season he played. Disgree totally that THIS year defines Rodgers legacy. That will be defined at the end of his career.

I will allow that its important for the Packers to reach and win a SB very soon. They had a chance blown up by themselves last year. This year and the next few the Packers need a SB or 2. Given the way Brady is playing, barring a catastrophic injury to Rodgers (knock knock on wood) we have close to another decade. Very important the Packers win at least a couple more SB in that time.

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NickPerry's picture

November 01, 2015 at 01:13 pm

To start lets get some road wins over a tough defense. I think this is a big deal tonight for this football team. In past years they haven't done well away from home against quality opponents. A win would be a would give this team a lot of confidence.

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Dan Stodola's picture

November 01, 2015 at 02:53 pm

Getting a win on the road against a great D would be a welcome sight. No doubt. The game is a big deal, but next wk is bigger since its against and NFC opponent. A W against Denver and/or Carolina, would be a great sign that this team is ready and able to make a legit run to SB 50.

I just don't see THIS season as a legacy for Rodgers. His legacy is far from written, however this is another prime year to bring home Lombardi's Trophy. Lets hope they bring it tonite and Lombardi home to Lambeau.

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egbertsouse's picture

November 01, 2015 at 08:31 am

The formula for Denver beating GB: Manning throws no picks and there are no fumbles. Manning dinks and dunks for a couple TDs a la Rivers. Altitude gets to Packers in 4th qtr and Denver pulls it out on late score through a gassed Packer D.

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John Galt III's picture

November 01, 2015 at 11:16 am

I keep mentioning Von Miller as I watch the Broncos every week. If he is not kept in check that to me is the game changer. He usually lines up on our right side. Brian Bulaga and our TE's and blocking backs will have their hands full. Our coaching staff watches film and have a game plan to contain him. So far, no NFL team has come close to containing him. We must. He is their CM III and is everywhere on every play playing 100%. He does not take time off.

So to me, it isn't Manning (not taking anything away from him) but it is Von Miller that is the key.

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D Ernesto's picture

November 01, 2015 at 10:36 pm

Told wife I bet against the packers becuase I believe as I have all season, this pass defense is the worst in football and Manning will have a career night, rogers not so good against that pass defense! The pass defense they built VIA free agents. Drafting a late round bum named datone doesn't cut it.

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D Ernesto's picture

November 01, 2015 at 10:40 pm

If the packers are as good as the fans think, this should be a close game! If they are closer to what I think, its a rout!

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