Sub-par Manning Primes Denver for an Early Playoff Exit

DENVER, Colo.—After Peyton Manning’s dismal four interception game and a 37-28 Denver loss to the Bengals, are the Broncos’ hopes of a Super Bowl Ring diminishing?

One could say that Manning single-handedly lost the game for the Broncos. Along with his four picks, Manning went 28-44 in passing attempts along with a Quarterback Rating (QBR) of 24.1.

Manning’s poor performance on Monday night was one of many within the past several weeks as well.

Prior to Monday, in week 15 Manning had a sub-par “Peyton” performance against the San Diego Chargers, throwing only one touchdown and 233 yards. Prior to that game, Manning had his worse in a Broncos uniform throwing two interceptions with zero touchdowns and only 173 yards.

Manning has slowed down at the most inopportune time if the Broncos plan on making back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.

Going back to Manning’s Monday night performance, after a five-yard pass from Manning to receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the second half to go up 28-27, Cincinnati cornerback Adam Jones picked off Manning on the team’s next drive.

The Bengals would take a chip-shot of a field goal to take the lead for good from the Broncos.

However, Manning continued to throw interceptions. With the Broncos’ final two drives, Manning would throw two picks to cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, one turning into a pick-six.

Lack of physical ability had nothing to do with Manning’s woes. Manning just was not there mentally.

Manning seemed fidgety throughout the game. He missed many open targets, targeting receiver Demaryius Thomas 14 times throughout the game and only throwing seven catchable balls.

At the end of the game, the Broncos had to make up 81 yards and two points in four minutes. Usually Manning can do that with ease. Last night, not so much.

Despite a loss, the Broncos can still clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs with a win against the 3-12 Oakland Raiders, a safe bet. However, with the recent slide of Manning, the Broncos seem susceptible. If Manning cannot keep up with the likes of Tom Brady, Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers in the playoffs, look for an early exit from the Denver Broncos.

Come October, Expect Rejuvenated Marlins to Compete

Once considered a team that could never compete, the Miami Marlins are aiming to take over the NL East division.

After signing hometown star Giancarlo Stanton to the biggest contract in Major League Baseball history, the team acquired all-star second baseman Dee Gordon and veteran starter Dan Haren in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shortly after, the team acquired Cincinnati ace Matt Latos. The two deals favor building a team around Stanton that can compete next year.

“We are going to be surrounding [Stanton], we have already started to surround him, with All-Star-caliber players,” said Jeff Loria via the Miami Herald.

The NL East is up for grabs and arguably is the easiest one to take. With these two trades, the Marlins took full advantage of that.

Last season, the Washington Nationals won the division with 96 wins. Second place went to the Atlanta Braves with 79 wins.

The Nationals are favorites to win the division again, but the Marlins can very well be contending for a wild card spot. No one else in the division seems like they will be getting better.

Atlanta traded away outfielder Jason Heyward for pitcher Shelby Miller while signing Oriole outfielder Nick Markakis. Not much of an upgrade at either position to warrant a winning percentage above .500 for the Braves.

The New York Mets are a mess. Amidst young, talented arms is aging veteran in 41 year old Bartolo Colon, injury plagued David Wright, disappointing Curtis Granderson and a mess of a lineup filled with below average players. Look for the Mets to digress from their 79-win season last year.

The Philadelphia Phillies finished last in the division last year. They too, are plagued by aging veterans on the downside of their careers. Looking to rebuild, the Phillies do not seem like a threat in the NL East.

Now inserts the rejuvenated Marlins. In trading for Gordon, Haren and Latos, while also signing underappreciated outfielder Michael Morse to a two-year deal, the Marlins have filled many of their holes in last year’s roster.

Gordon is inserted into the leadoff role while moving outfielder Christian Yelich into batting second. With Gordon’s league leading 64 stolen bases and Yelich’s .362 On-base percentage, the team can score early and often.

Morse also solidifies Miami’s three-four-five spots in the lineup when combined with Stanton and outfielder Marcell Ozuna. Morse also expects to play first base as well as the outfield for the Marlins, which solidifies the position after a dismal year from Garrett Jones.

The Marlins also have a potent staff when combining Latos and Haren with young guys Henderson Alvarez, Jarred Cosart and Jose Fernandez.

Expect Latos to pitch close to his career average 3.34 ERA and 200 innings post-knee and elbow injuries and Haren to provide leadership for the rest of the staff.

And if Fernandez comes back from Tommy John Surgery pitching like he did before the surgery, expect 85-90 wins from this team.

The Marlins have taken advantage of a lowly NL East. They acquired talented players to go along with their young core of guys that immediately fill most of their needs. By playing the Braves, Mets and Phillies 54 times throughout the season, expect the Marlins to be a contender come October.