Key Highlights
- Peyton Manning’s last NFL loss was against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.
- Alex Smith’s victory over Peyton Manning led to a remarkable 10-game winning streak for the Chiefs.
- Manning finished his career with a win in Super Bowl 50 after losing to the Chiefs.
- Smith’s performance against Manning was pivotal in securing his tenure as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback.
The Last Game: Manning vs. Smith
In November 15, 2015, Peyton Manning faced off against Alex Smith for what would become his last NFL loss. The game took place in Denver at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Despite Manning’s illustrious career record of 200-89 as a starter, the Chiefs emerged victorious with a score of 29-13.
Manning admitted to throwing four interceptions, which contributed significantly to his defeat. “I think I threw four interceptions,” he said, highlighting that he was solely responsible for losing the game by himself. The loss was particularly memorable as it marked Manning’s last career start in a regular-season game.
Manning’s Legacy and Rebound
Following the loss to Kansas City, Manning faced a significant setback when Gary Kubiak had to bench him for Brock Osweiler. The Broncos finished that season with a record of 1-5. However, by the end of his career, Manning led Denver to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers, making him one of few players ever to retire after winning a championship.
“Yeah, I think I threw four interceptions,” Manning reiterated, emphasizing the severity of that particular game. Despite his struggles during that period, he went on to lead Denver to a Super Bowl win in his final season, showcasing his enduring impact on the sport.
Smith’s Remarkable Comeback
Alex Smith’s performance against Peyton Manning in 2015 set the stage for an impressive comeback. The Chiefs, who had started the year at 1-5, went on to secure a 10-game winning streak under Smith’s leadership. This remarkable run was highlighted by their 30-0 victory over the Houston Texans in the wild-card playoff game, which marked Andy Reid’s only career shutout before last week.
Smith’s success continued into the next season when he led the Chiefs to another playoff berth with Patrick Mahomes on the bench.
However, that run ended with a heartbreaking 22-21 home loss against Marcus Mariota and the Titans in the wild-card round of January 6, 2018. This defeat marked Smith’s final start for Kansas City as he was traded to Washington for defensive back Kendall Fuller and a draft choice.
The Future of the Chiefs
The article concludes with a reminder that Patrick Mahomes is now leading the Chiefs, highlighting his first MVP season. The loss to Mariota in 2018 marked the end of an era, as Mahomes took over as the franchise’s top quarterback and led them to continued success.
As fans and analysts reflect on these events, they recognize the significance of Manning vs. Smith and its impact on both players’ careers and the Chiefs’ future in the NFL.
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