Peyton Manning under center creates balance in Broncos' run game

At the Broncos' regular-season finale, fans waited for one man. That man waited 49 days for his moment of redemption. As the Broncos steered and veered toward the playoffs, quarterback Peyton Manning stood in the shadows, his injured left foot creating concern that he might not play again this season.

With the Broncos trailing 13-7, Manning entered as a reliever for the first time in his NFL career, rallying the Broncos to their fifth consecutive AFC West title and a No. 1 playoff seed. His return provided a Red Bull energy boost, and created some interesting looks.

Not counting kneel downs, Manning spent 10 snaps under center and 12 in shotgun formation. Such balance remained largely absent…