Peyton Manning was the Denver Broncos’ most successful quarterback since current general manager John Elway led them to two Super Bowl titles in the 1990s.
When Manning talks, it makes a ton of sense to listen. He did just that recently in talking up new Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco. In fact, Manning seemed to throw his full support behind the much-maligned signal caller.
“It’s a fresh start. He handled it well last year. He was a pro and tried to do the best for the team,” Manning said, via Troy Renck of ABC 7 in Denver. “Having a chance to go to a new place and be a starter, he will probably be hungrier than he’s been in awhile.”
Those are some extremely kind words from Mr. Manning right there. He’s not wrong in concluding that Flacco handled last season well in Baltimore after being benched for rookie Lamar Jackson following an injury.
From an on-field standpoint, the former Super Bowl winner has a lot to prove and is facing some intense pressure. Flacco has accounted for just 64 touchdowns compared to 46 interceptions while boasting a 24-27 record in 51 starts over the past four seasons.
In addition to trading for Flacco, the Broncos added Missouri quarterback Drew Lock in the second roun of April’s draft.
This might very well be Elway’s final chance to get it right at quarterback following Manning’s retirement back in 2015.