During his final four years with the Denver Broncos, from 2012 to 2015, Peyton Manning shared the field with star cornerback Chris Harris. In a recent interview on the “Up & Adams Show” with Kay Adams, Harris recounted his experiences going up against Manning in practice for those four years.
Harris described Manning as an incredible player who was always prepared for any situation. He would simulate different weather conditions by wetting the ball or his hands to prepare for playing in the rain. According to Harris, Manning’s attention to detail and preparation made him a better player, particularly in terms of his ability to come out of breaks quickly as a defensive back.
Harris also noted that Manning’s timing and precision were unmatched. The ball would be released from Manning’s hands before the receiver even made their break, ensuring that it would reach them perfectly. This level of accuracy forced the receivers to be exactly where Manning needed them to be, resulting in incredibly catchable passes.
Harris attributes much of the success of the Denver Broncos’ defense, especially their secondary known as the “No Fly Zone,” to Manning’s influence on their game. He believes that facing a quarterback of Manning’s caliber in practice pushed them to reach new levels of performance and ultimately contributed to their Super Bowl victory in 2016 (Super Bowl 50).
In his interview with Adams, Harris emphasized how important it is for defenders facing top-tier quarterbacks like Manning in practice because it forces them constantly improve and adapt. Harris credits Manning’s dedication to perfection and meticulous preparation for leaving a lasting impact on him and his teammates during their time together in Denver.
Overall, Peyton Manning’s presence on the field during those four years with the Denver Broncos had a significant impact on many aspects of play, including preparation and performance levels among defenders such as Chris Harris.