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‘Banged-up’ Peyton Manning benched after breaking passing yards milestone

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s record-breaking day ended in ignominy on Sunday watching from the sidelines as his side were beaten 29-13 by the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning about to pull the trigger against the Kansas City Chiefs in Denver. Photo: AFP

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s record-breaking day ended in ignominy on Sunday watching from the sidelines as his side were beaten 29-13 by the Kansas City Chiefs.

He came in Saturday and his ribs were bothering him a little bit. I probably should have made the decision not to play him in the game
Gary Kubiak, Broncos coach

Manning had become the National Football League’s all-time passing yards leader early in the game, then was benched as he produced one of the worst performances of his Hall of Fame carer.

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The 39-year-old completed just 5-of-20 passes for 35 yards and four interceptions and coach Gary Kubiak said after the game that he probably should not have started his veteran quarterback.

“He came in Saturday and his ribs were bothering him a little bit. I probably should have made the decision not to play him in the game,” Kubiak said. “I'm disappointed in myself.”

Manning, who started the game three yards shy of the all-time mark of 71,838 yards, broke the record after completing a four-yard pass to Ronnie Hillman in the first quarter.

Peyton Manning can’t bare to watch the game unravel. Photo: AFP
Peyton Manning can’t bare to watch the game unravel. Photo: AFP
The game was briefly stopped to recognise the achievement and the Broncos also showed a video tribute to the quarterback, who acknowledged the ovation from the home crowd and tossed the Hall of Fame-bound ball to the Denver sideline.
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But the celebration was short-lived as Manning produced wobbly inaccurate throws and the Broncos (7-2) lost their second successive game.

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