It's a steamy Wednesday afternoon, and Peyton Manning stands on the podium at the Broncos' headquarters. He looks less agitated than last Sunday during his meeting with the media.
The Broncos keep winning, perched atop the AFC West with a 5-0 record. But the Manning-led attack continues to lose ground. Six months away from turning 40, Manning remains dogged by questions about a "ThirtySomething" offense.
The Broncos average 302 yards per game, 30th overall. Their seven interceptions, all on Manning, sit 31st. Their 71. 6 rushing yards per game are 30th. Every time the Broncos fail to convert a third down — their 32 percent success rate ranks 28th — the criticism returns to Manning.