Early Criticism of Peyton Manning is Ridiculous

While trying to enjoy Monday Night Football this week, I couldn’t help but be irritated by all the comments about Peyton Manning on Twitter. People were live tweeting like usual, and of course the topic was Manning’s interceptions.

Obviously the guy had a terrible first quarter, throwing 3 interceptions on his first three drives, something he’s never done before. He was the first player since Trent Edwards (2008), to pull this off. Certainly not great company.

So clearly the Denver Broncos (Manning) now had the deck stacked against them for the rest of the game.

People were just going off on Twitter, ragging on Peyton to the point where INT was trending worldwide. Like any of these people have ever played a down as an NFL quarterback, let alone be one of the five best of all-time.

I had a Stephen A. Smith moment thinking to myself, have some respect!

Anyways, I just sat back and waited, because I knew Peyton would lead a comeback…

Fast forward to 3:26 left in the game, and Manning has just orchestrated a drive to bring the Broncos within 6 points. All he needed was one more stop from his defense, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Even though Manning couldn’t bring them all the way back, it was still fun to watch. To dig a hole that deep, and still be right there at the end, made for very entertaining football.

I just don’t get the doubt and criticism of one best to ever play the game.

It’s not only the the armchair quarterbacks, it’s the four letter network as well.

What’s the lead story after the game guys? Breakdown of Peyton Manning’s struggles, of course.

Sure it’s the biggest storyline from the game, but my point is that people need to realize that this is Manning’s second game back, on a new team, after almost two years away from football. Give the guy a little time.

Even with the Loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos still seem like a team that will make some noise this season. They’re only going to get better as the season progresses, and I’m confident that they will make the playoffs. From there, we all know anything is possible, especially when you have one of the greatest field generals in the history of football on your side.

Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish