Worst passer rating game of Manning’s career, no argument

Sunday’s 29-13 loss to the Chiefs was arguably the worst game of quarterback Peyton Manning’s career.

Statistically, at least in passer rating, there is no argument. The 0.0, built on four interceptions and 5-of-20 passing, was his worst.

Then he was benched late in the third quarter, with Brock Osweiler finishing the game.

“Made some really bad plays and just put our team in a really bad position,” Manning said.

The Chiefs should receive plenty of credit for the performance. Four of their five interceptions came against Manning. So did two of the Chiefs sacks.

Plus Manning is hurting. He missed practice time during the week with injuries to his foot and ribs.

“I have a really hard time using that as any type of excuse,” Manning said. “I had some injuries during the week. I felt good enough to out there and play.

“I have a hard time saying that’s why I played badly. Could that be the reason? I guess it always could be. But to me, that’s an easy way out.”

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said he got Manning out of the game for his own good.

“To be honest with you, I was protecting him because I was worried about him,” Kubiak said. “I probably should have made the decision not to play him in the game.”

Kubiak said he gave Manning a couple of series early in the second half to move the Broncos. But after Manning’s fourth interception, he went with Osweiler.

Manning was never comfortable Sunday, even when the game was stopped in his honor. A 4-yard completion on the Broncos’ second series allowed Manning to pass Brett Farve and into first place on the NFL career passing yardage list.

The game was stopped, even as the Broncos’ faced a third-and-8.

“I think that’s an awkward situation,” Manning said. “To have any kind of stoppage in the middle of the game. I wasn’t off to the best start, we were looking at a third and long coming up, it’s an awkward position to be put in to tell you the truth.”

The entire day was awkward for Manning.

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 10:10 PM with the headline "Worst passer rating game of Manning’s career, no argument."