Sunday was supposed to be special for Peyton Manning.
The Denver Broncos quarterback led his undefeated team into Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts, the team that drafted him and where he spent his first 14 NFL seasons. Manning also sat just 285 passing yards away from breaking the league’s all-time record, held by Brett Favre.
After Adam Vinatieri’s 55-yard field goal gave Indy a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter, Manning looked to drive his Broncos down the field and win the game. However, on the first play — while sitting just 4 yards away from the record — Manning threw an interception to Colts (and former New England Patriots) cornerback Darius Butler.
The Broncos would’ve had a chance on another late drive after their staunchy defense forced a goal-line field goal, but an illegal block in the back penalty gave the Colts a final first down, icing the game and handing Denver its first loss of the season.
The Internet, as it always does, had a field day with Manning’s customary choke and the circumstances surrounding it.
One fan mocked the Colts’ “2014 AFC Finalists” banner.
Others just took aim at Manning.
And ESPN, while not exactly “trolling” the Broncos, didn’t exactly cushion Denver’s loss.
The Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers are the only remaining undefeated NFL teams.
Thumbnail photo via Thomas J. Russo/USA TODAY Sports Images
