Football

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Peyton turns cold, tosses big picks

Couldn't pull out win, even wearing gloves

By: Pat Graham

Posted: 01/13/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Enlarge Image

Peyton Manning (CP)

DENVER -- Usually more comfortable in the pocket, Peyton Manning scrambled to avoid pressure.

Usually so accurate, the Denver Broncos quarterback threw a pass he would like to have back.

Late in the first overtime, Manning tried to thread a throw to Brandon Stokley, only to have the pass intercepted by Corey Graham. A few plays after switching sides to start the second extra period, Justin Tucker hit a 47-yard field goal to help the Baltimore Ravens rally for a 38-35 win in an AFC divisional game on a bitterly cold Saturday.

Like that, Manning was once again left out in the cold. He's now 0-4 in games in which the temperature at kickoff is less than 4.4 C.

Manning even wore gloves on each hand to fight off the frigid conditions as temperatures that started out at -10.5 C dipped into single-digits. He heated up, too, only to cool off at the end.

This loss may even sting a little more than any other for Manning. The Broncos were winning late in the game when Joe Flacco hit Jacoby Jones for a 70-yard TD with just 31 seconds left in regulation.

Soon after, the Ravens snapped the Broncos' 11-game winning streak and ended Manning's impressive comeback from four neck operations that kept him out all last season.

To add insult, it was here, in this stadium, where Manning's predecessor, Tim Tebow, connected with Demaryius Thomas for a game-winning TD in overtime against Pittsburgh in the playoffs last season.

After Tucker's kick, Manning began a slow walk to the other side of the field, where he worked his way into a circle of reporters that surrounded Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis. Once inside, he gave Lewis a quick hug before trudging off the field.

Lewis will play another week, his retirement party on hold.

Manning, well, his season is done. He made a costly throw at a costly time.

"He's one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and for us to come in here and confuse him the way we did and make the plays we did?" Lewis said. "We gave up two big special-teams touchdowns, but the bottom line is we kept fighting."

Manning finished 28 of 43 for 290 yards and three scores. But more memorable than those touchdowns will be his two picks.

Sure, one was tipped -- that happens. But the other? It's a throw that maybe he's gotten away with at times in his 15-year career. Just not this time.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 13, 2013 B5

Factual inaccuracy? Something missing? Help improve our journalism.

Know about news? Share your story suggestions, photos and video.

Spelling error? Punctuation problem? Send us an email if you’ve found a typo.

More Football

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.