Peyton Manning passed 57 times for 438 yards and two scores in Sunday's 43-21 blowout loss to the New England Patriots at Foxborough.
Battista: That stinking feeling
However, it was perhaps the hollowest 400-yard game of Manning's career. His two interceptions -- specifically the one that was his fault for not seeing Pats linebacker Rob Ninkovich in the second quarter -- allowed the Patriots to pull away.
"I was talking to (Broncos radio personality) Dave Logan and he said 'I've never heard you say you stink before,' and I don't usually stink," Manning said. "But I stunk today. I don't make excuses, I don't say it happens every now and then. You don't need to let it happen. You got to play better. You got to practice better."
In his 16th meeting against Tom Brady, Manning was out-dueled by his nemesis and out-schemed by Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who kept Manning guessing with a diverse, multiple-scheme attack.
"I need to play better and usually can overcome some things," Manning said. "I didn't do that today."
There is still a long way to go this season, but the loss could have cost the Broncos a chance to host the AFC Championship Game.
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