At 39 years old, after taking a $4 million pay cut, and while playing for a new coaching staff and behind an overhauled offensive line, every single snap Peyton Manning takes this season will be scrutinized, every throw a referendum on his present and his future.
That was indeed the case Thursday night in Denver's 31-24 win against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which Manning threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and also three touchdown passes.
But the Broncos will continue to ride it as long as their defense continues to bail Manning out.
While Manning led a 10-play, 80-yard drive in the final three minutes of the game to tie the Chiefs at 24, the Broncos defense won it with Bradley Roby's 21-yard fumble return with less than 30 seconds remaining.