Battered Broncos ready for Chiefs test

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has declared himself ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday after a bruising opening weekend that left him on the injury list after being sacked four times.

The 39-year-old needed treatment to a sore back after the Broncos 19-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, and is bracing for another rough ride against the Chiefs strong defense.

But Manning is confident the Broncos will be able to weather whatever the Chiefs throw at them after surviving Sunday's encounter with the Ravens.

"I feel like that Thursday probably couldn't come soon enough to have another opportunity," Manning said.

"I think everybody wants to do their job better."

Manning was dumped four times by the Ravens defense on Sunday, and also suffered another hit which led to Jimmy Smith snaffling an interception and romping home for a touchdown.

However the Chiefs defense is likely to prove just as much of a handful for Manning and the Broncos on current form.

Kansas City recorded five sacks in their 27-20 win over Houston last weekend, and will be at full strength against Denver, with safety Eric Berry and linebacker Derrick Johnson expected to start.

Manning acknowledged the size of the task facing the Broncos, warning they faced "growing pains" as the team developed.

"I think it's pretty significant and that will help them with some veterans that are back," Manning said.

"It's a stout, tough test. We've got some new players that it will be their first time playing at Arrowhead (Stadium) and playing against this defense.

"There will be some growing pains along the way. We've just got to keep chugging along and keep sawing wood as an old coach used to say. I think that's what we'll keep doing."

The Broncos will also need to reinvigorate a misfiring offense.

Denver's running game was virtually non-existent for the opening three quarters of the Ravens win, going to air 39 times against 13 rushing plays.

"We would like to be balanced. That's one thing that we'd like to be and hopefully we can get back there this week, but to be balanced you have to feel like you're making some headway running the ball and we weren't until the end of the game," head coach Gary Kubiak said.

Manning was also keen to draw positives from the opening win, despite an offensive performance from the Broncos that averaged a paltry 3.2 yards per play and no offensive touchdowns.

"I think we had to keep reminding ourselves around here that we did actually win the game and that we are 1-0. Thank goodness because I can't imagine what it would have been like had we lost the game," Manning said.

"We are 1-0 and feel good about that."
Source: AFP