Magnificent Manning fires Broncos to win over Raiders
DENVER: Quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw seven touchdowns in Denver’s opener, tossed another three on Monday night, and the Broncos routed the Oakland Raiders 37-21 at Sports Authority Field.
The 37-year-old American has the most touchdown passes after the opening three games of the NFL season with 12 so far.
‘‘You see flashes of good things,’’ said Manning, who hasn’t thrown an interception so far. ‘‘When we are executing and not making mistakes, you can go the distance.’’
Manning became the first quarterback in 51 years and sixth overall to throw seven touchdowns in a game in Denver’s opener against the Baltimore Ravens. He had two passing touchdowns against the New York Giants in week two.
Manning was 21-of-24 for 264 yards and three scores in the first half against the Raiders. He finished 32-of-37 for 374 yards for Denver.
The Broncos improved to 3-0 on the season and have outscored their opponents 127-71 this season.
Eric Decker caught eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Wes Welker grabbed seven passes for 84 yards and a touchdown for Denver.
‘‘Our wide receivers did a good job getting open and finding the some holes in the zone,’’ Manning said.
The Broncos are winning on the field but they have problems off it. Left tackle Ryan Clady was put on season-ending reserve after suffering a foot injury in the win over the Giants. Chris Clark started in Clady’s place on Monday.
And suspended linebacker Von Miller continues to be a distraction as news broke that the all star allegedly collaborated with a sample collector in an attempt to beat an NFL drug test.
Raiders’ quarterback Terrelle Pryor completed 19 of 28 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown.
Oakland were coming off a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week two.
The Broncos jumped ahead 10-0 before Oakland even picked up a first down, and they took a commanding 17-0 lead in the second quarter.
‘‘We had a good game plan that kept them off balance. It wasn’t just about the passing game,’’ Manning said.