Peyton Manning’s proud record of never missing a start during an NFL season in which he has been fit to play will end next week after he was benched by the Denver Broncos, reports said Monday.
The legendary quarterback suffered arguably the worst game of his career on Sunday during the Broncos’ 29-13 mauling by the Kansas City Chiefs, with coach Gary Kubiak opting to replace him during the third quarter.
Manning, who had earlier passed Brett Favre’s all-time passing yardage record, made just five completions in 20 attempts for 35 yards while being sacked twice.
Kubiak replaced Manning with back-up Brock Osweiler, who will start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Aside from the 2011 season, which he missed through injury, Manning has never been benched before.
Kubiak told reporters Monday that Manning was suffering from niggling injuries and the 39-year-old was being rested to help him recuperate.
He suggested however that Manning had been unhappy about being told he would be benched against Chicago.
“I’ve never met a player who agreed to that,” Kubiak said about Manning’s reaction.
Kubiak said in hindsight he regretted playing Manning against the Chiefs: “I am disappointed in myself. This is on me. I should have probably made the decision not to play him.”
Manning meanwhile insisted he had believed his fitness was not an issue.
“I have a really hard time using my injuries as an excuse. I have a hard time saying that’s why I played badly,” Manning said.
“I thought I felt good enough to play, that’s what I thought. Maybe looking back that was a wrong indication by me. And by going out there trying to help the team, I ended up hurting the team. I’m disappointed about that.”