There’s a reason Peyton Manning is struggling.
He doesn’t have Julius Thomas.
Manning’s production began to slip last season when Thomas injured his ankle after the ninth game of the season. At that point, Manning had thrown 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He was dominant.
With Thomas limited or out in the final seven games, Manning threw 10 touchdowns and eight picks.
Now, look at this season.
Manning has played five games, throwing six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
So in the 12 games Manning has played without a healthy Thomas, dating to last season, he has thrown 16 touchdowns and 15 picks.