Let’s focus on 2013. Opening the season with a win against the defending Super Bowl champions, Manning threw an impressive seven touchdowns with no interceptions against the Ravens to win the game. In week three, Manning broke Tom Brady’s record of most touchdown passes in the first three games with 12 touchdown passes. In week 16, Manning broke another Brady record, this time for the most touchdown passes in a single season. Manning finished the regular season with 55 touchdown passes, and held the league record for passing yards with 5,477.

Making his second Super Bowl appearance since 2007, many fans went in thinking this would be an easy win for Manning and the high-powered Broncos offense. It wasn’t. The Broncos loss was not on Manning. He threw a Super Bowl record of 34 completions. He threw only one interception and had one fumble, but both of these were due to factors outside of Peyton’s control.

The Broncos offensive line struggled through the whole game against the highly touted Seahawks defense. They made it to the Super Bowl for a reason, and it was because of their ability to shut down an offense and have the game completely in their control. Peyton’s single interception came when a Seahawks lineman batted his arm. The Broncos have a very effective offensive line that usually allowed Manning plenty of time to throw all of those touchdown passes. Another crucial mistake was by Demaryius Thomas. While he still managed to break a Super Bowl record of 13 receptions, he fumbled the ball to Seattle.

Denver’s loss was not a result of Peyton Manning in any way. Had the Broncos defense performed better, they might have had more of a chance, but it just goes to show that defense can still win championships (we’re looking at you, Bud Foster).

I have full confidence that both the Broncos and Peyton Manning will return to the Super Bowl before Peyton’s time is up. Manning deserves so much more than a single Super Bowl ring, and I think he will get what he deserves before his career is over. Until next week, go Broncos and Go Hokies!