Earning home field advantage through the AFC playoffs was huge for the Broncos.
But even bigger might have been the results of quarterback Peyton Manning found while adjusting to the conditions in Denver.
Dealing with weather was always an issue for him when he was playing indoors for the Colts, as he’s 0-3 in playoff games played below 50 degrees, and has just one win (in six tries) when it’s below 60 degrees.
So the last two weeks, he’s worn a glove on his right hand, and he strafed the Browns and Chiefs for three touchdowns in each game.
“You know, for wearing it for the first time in my entire football career, I guess you could say it’s been okay the past two weeks,” Manning said, via Andrew Mason of MileHighSports.com.
While his improved numbers the last two weeks can be attributed to his growing comfort in Denver or his sub-playoff-level competition, the fact he’s gotten used to passing while wearing the glove is critical, since January temperatures in the Rocky Mountains sometimes fall below 50.
“That’s been pretty impressive to see him throw the glove on and it’s like it’s not even there. It’s working great,” tight end Jacob Tamme said.
Credit Manning for experimenting when he had the opportunity, so he could always revert if it didn’t work. If he can keep hold of things with the glove, he might be able to change his cold-weather record.
