The demise of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has become perhaps the hottest topic of the 2015 NFL season, but Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson doesn’t agree with the talk.
According to Troy Renck of The Denver Post, Peterson said he doesn’t feel Manning’s performance has suggested he has nothing left.
#vikings Adrian Peterson said talk that Manning is done "is ridiculous… Doesn't look done to me."
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 30, 2015
There’s no question Manning’s velocity has dipped, but the veteran has still completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 755 yards and five touchdowns.
Plus, head coach Gary Kubiak instituted a new look last Sunday, using Manning in the pistol formation, which combines what both Kubiak and Manning love. Kubiak wants to run the ball, but Manning is at his best when reading defenses from shotgun.
Denver’s running game was predictable during the first two games of the year, since the running back must be offset from the quarterback. In the pistol, however, the runner is directly behind Manning.
Led by a top-tier defense, the Broncos are 3-0 heading into their matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. As long as Manning continues his efficient play behind center, velocity doesn’t matter as much as a few loud voices might proclaim it should.
Peterson wasn’t simply lavishing undeserving praise on a future Hall of Famer. Manning is declining, but he certainly isn’t done.