Sports

Manning Leads Balanced Offense Into Playoff Game vs. Indy

Published

11 years ago

January 8, 2015

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning keeps his hands warm in a pouch while waiting to throw the football during practice for the team’s NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

PAT GRAHAM, AP Sports Writer

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The longer Peyton Manning talked about his former team, the hotter he became.

He wasn’t mad. Just cold.

The Denver Broncos quarterback rarely took his reddened hands out of the pouch around his waist Wednesday following a two-hour practice in 16-degree, windy weather.

After nine minutes of chatting about a showdown with Indianapolis in an AFC divisional playoff game Sunday, he went inside to get warm, softly muttering, “It’s cold out here, huh?”

Manning’s numbers tend to dip when the thermometer does. He’s 12-13 in his career when the temperature is 40 degrees or below, according to STATS.

This should warm up Manning and Broncos fans, however: Forecasters are calling for a warm-up this week and balmy conditions are expected on game day, with the high in the 40s, maybe a cool breeze and no precipitation.

“Peyton is going to go out there and play well,” declared running back C.J. Anderson. “But it takes a team and we have to help him.”

Even if a cold front were to suddenly descend upon the city — this is Denver, after all — the Broncos are built for harsher conditions these days. They no longer rely so heavily on Manning’s right arm but on a revamped running game and a dominant defense that features five Pro Bowlers and a couple of notable snubs.

“We’ve played in about every scenario that I can think of in my three years here,” tight end Jacob Tamme said. “We’ve had the unbelievably cold and the absolutely beautiful. We have a team built that can win in any conditions. And that’s what you need right now.”

Although Manning’s record is sub-.500 in chilly conditions, his overall numbers really aren’t that ghastly. He’s thrown 43 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions while completing 62.6 percent of his passes, according to STATS. His completion percentage since joining the Broncos in 2012 is 67.7.

When the wind picks up, though, Manning’s numbers don’t exactly soar. He’s 3-6 with gusts of 20 mph or more and has thrown 11 interceptions and just seven TD passes. His completion percentage is 58.5 percent.

But it’s not supposed to be that windy Sunday against the Colts. Kyle Fredin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the latest forecast models have the wind blowing in the 10-to-15 mph range.

If that is indeed the case, Manning is 10-11 when the winds are 15 mph or more, with 29 TD passes and 23 interceptions.

“I think we can win this year in any conditions,” Tamme said.

Since a Nov. 16 loss in St. Louis when Manning threw the ball 54 times, the Broncos have worked on being more balanced. They’ve run the ball 186 times over the last six games and attempted 194 passes.

“I feel pretty good physically,” Manning reiterated Wednesday. “Like all players, I’ve battled through some injuries. I think the bye week came at a good time for us to give some guys a chance to get healthy. We’ve tried to find different ways to win football games and hopefully that prepares us well when you get into these playoff games and anything can go on. Different games take on different identities.

“You never know what it’s going to be but I think we’ve proven we can win games differently and hopefully that serves us well potentially on Sunday.”

Manning also has a stalwart defense to help out, which features Pro Bowlers Chris Harris Jr., Von Miller, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and DeMarcus Ware. Defensive lineman Terrance Knighton and linebacker Brandon Marshall also played at a Pro Bowl level but weren’t named to the squad.

“The Colts are a big-time team, too, and it’s always hard to beat a team twice,” said Miller, whose squad knocked off the Colts 31-24 at home in the opening game of the season. “We’ve got to take advantage of the opportunity now, and that’s where everybody’s mindset is at.”

After all, at 38, Manning is trying to supplant his boss, John Elway, as the oldest QB to win a Super Bowl.

“I think our team has played with a sense of urgency all season, to tell you the truth,” Manning said. “That is what we’re going to have on Sunday because it’s helped us win a lot of games this year.”

___

AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 months ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

9 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.