Playing in his final preseason game (maybe ever?!!!), Peyton Manning spent most of his snaps running away from the San Francisco 49ers pass rush as the Denver Broncos still won thanks to their defense 19-12.
Offensively, things didn’t look good. Manning with 14-of-21 for 124 yards, throwing one interception and getting sacked three times. The Broncos got their points from field goals, a safety on Colin Kaepernick and a late touchdown by Juwan Thompson to win the game. He was sacked twice by NaVorro Bowman.
But during Manning’s drives? Not a whole lot. The offensive line offered very little protection and Manning threw the interception in the end zone to Kenneth Acker. In 11 possessions led by Manning in the preseason, the Broncos have 0 touchdowns and only two field goals.
C.J. Anderson didn’t look too bad with 49 yards on 13 carries, while Ronnie Hillman, hoping to get as many backup running back touches as possible, looked good with 35 yards on 5 attempts.
The Broncos defense held the 49ers to just 237 yards, forcing Colin Kaepernick into runs and sacking him twice. With Manning slow to get back into rhythm (had a longer break than usual this summer) the Broncos might have to rely on their defense more than they’ve gotten used to.