The 2012 Denver Broncos have the makeup to be the best team that Peyton Manning has ever been a part of. This is not because of their explosive offense, or impressive but rather the emergence of their defense as one of the league’s premier units. In Manning’s days as a Colt, he had a defense that was referred to as a ‘play ahead’ defense. That is not the case in Denver, as this Broncos’ defense is primed for success regardless of the situation. The quarterback position was the missing piece to this team in 2011, and now they have one of the league’s best ever.

While the heat in Denver has been aimed at Josh McDaniels, his team has been quick to defend him, saying that ire has been misplaced.