Peyton Manning Sets All-Time Passing Record in a Career-Worst Start

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning entered Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs two yards shy of Brett Favre’s record of 71,838 passing yards. And on a 4-yard toss to running back Ronnie Hillman, Manning became the new all-time leader.

But that was just about the only highlight in a dismal game for the 39-year-old quarterback.

When he was benched late in the third quarter, the Chiefs led 22-0 and his stat line was terrible: 5-20 with 35 yards, zero touchdowns, and four interceptions. Worst of all, he had a career low QB rating — of 0.0. Backup Brock Osweiler took over and got the Broncos on the board, but it wasn’t enough. Kansas City won, 29-13.

“He’s still a great quarterback — just not what he used to be,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said.

Before the game, Manning said he had a sore right foot, injured ribs, and a pain in his right shoulder. Still, “I thought I felt good enough to play,” Manning said after the game. “Maybe it was a false feeling or a wrong feeling.”

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said he’s sticking with Manning as long as he’s healthy. But late Sunday, the Associated Press reported that Manning has a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot. (That’s a tear in the tissue that forms the arch of the foot.) 

The injury might leave Manning on the sideline, which is a tough place for any player. For Manning, though, he has one more record within reach: He’s tied with Favre for all-time wins by a QB with 186.


Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images