Manning Closes in on History

It’s a matter of when, not if, for Peyton Manning. The reigning MVP is just one touchdown pass shy of 500 for his incredible career and only nine away from matching Brett Favre’s career record.

“It’s greatness,” said Denver coach John Fox. “If somebody reaches that kind of statistic in their career, it’s remarkable.”

The odds say Manning will enter the 500 club on Sunday when his Broncos host the Cardinals; the last time Manning started a game and failed to throw a touchdown was Nov. 14, 2010, when he was still with the Colts. The Cardinals have the skills to snap the streak — Arizona’s fearsome threesome of Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie and Tyrann Mathieu can deter any passing game — but Manning will be motivated to make it happen at home.

Manning is off to another terrific start this season. He has thrown eight touchdowns against just one interception and his passer rating of 108.5 ranks fourth in the league (minimum 50 attempts). Additionally, his final drive in Week 3 against the Seahawks was the stuff of legend.

No. 18 will have to be at his best in this, his 17th season. After coasting to division titles throughout most of his career, Manning’s Broncos figure to be challenged by both the Chargers and Chiefs this time around. If Manning can hold off those challengers — and drop a few more records along the way — he will have an excellent chance to win his sixth MVP award.

“I have reflected on how many great teammates and coaches I’ve had along the way that have been a part of [those 499 touchdowns],” Manning said. “You can’t throw that many touchdowns without a lot of help.”

The Other End of the Spectrum

Speaking of MVP quarterbacks, former Raiders quarterback (and 2002 MVP) Rich Gannon is speaking out against his bumbling former team. Oakland has not posted a winning season since Gannon’s MVP campaign.

Gannon, speaking on his SiriusXM radio show, had this to say about current Raiders employees: “They ought to give the check back. … When you lose like that, how can you go to the bank and cash the check? Should be embarrassed.”

The Raiders, who are on bye this week, fired head coach Dennis Allen on Monday. Tony Sparano takes over as the interim coach; he had been coaching Oakland’s offensive line after four years as Miami’s head coach. Sparano has the tall task of turning around a franchise that has lost a league-high 10 straight games.

The good news for the Raiders? Rookie QB Derek Carr said on Wednesday he plans to play against the Chargers in Week 6 after spraining his MCL last week against Miami.

The bad news? Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden said this week on ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike that he is “not even thinking about coaching.”

As for that losing streak, we predict it won’t last much longer. Look for the Raiders to rally around Sparano and upset the Chargers in Oakland in Week 6.

More Quarterback News

Rams coach Jeff Fisher on Wednesday named Austin Davis his starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Davis had been filling in for Shaun Hill, who injured his calf in the season opener but is now fit to play. While Hill was on the mend, Davis seized the moment.

“He deserves an opportunity,” said Fisher of Davis. “He’s worked very hard. I think he’s proven that with a week’s worth of preparation what he can do on the field.”

The third-year quarterback from Southern Mississippi has completed a league-best 72.3 percent of his passes. He engineered a game-winning drive against the Buccaneers and threw for over 300 yards and three scores against the Cowboys in a game the St. Louis defense ultimately gave away.

Davis is still raw and learning as he goes. But Fisher is making the only logical decision: you do not bench a young, athletic, live-armed quarterback in favor of a low-ceiling journeyman. Now, someone please pass that message along to Bills coach Doug Marrone.