The final drive creates an urge. Operating from the shotgun formation, Peyton Manning completed five passes Thursday night, steering the Broncos down the field for the tying touchdown at Kansas City.
It raised the obvious question: Why not just run no-huddle permanently?
The statistics tell the story. While the Broncos have passed plenty, they haven't passed effectively. The Broncos' 4.2 net yards per attempt ranks last in the NFL. Twenty-two yards represents their longest pass play, and the seven sacks allowed are fourth worst. Opponents are crowding the line of scrimmage, sending frequent blitzes because they don't fear a running game that averages 2.