Peyton Manning: Aqib Talib was the toughest corner Broncos faced last seasonBy Josh Sanchez SI.comJune 4 2014
Aqib Talib’s 23 career interceptions are tied for 13th-most among active players. (Ed Andrieski/AP) The Denver Broncos went on a free-agent spending spree this offseason in an effort to build on both sides of the ball after being blown out by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and star quarterback Peyton Manning has some high praise for the team’s new additions — specifically cornerback Aqib Talib. When Manning was discussing the team’s newest defensive back, he said Talib “was probably the toughest corner that we played against last year.” Yes, that means Manning says Talib was tougher to go against than Seahawks star Richard Sherman. Denver had success against the Patriots in last year’s AFC Championship game, but a bulk of Manning’s yards did not come until Talib was off the field. If he can bring his shutdown talent to the Mile High City, the Broncos six-year, $57 million financial investment will be well worth it. Talib enters this season coming off of a thigh injury, but he says his health should not cause any concerns heading into the 2014 regular season. “My health is great. I feel great,” Talib said, via the Associated Press. “I’m out here moving, running with Emanuel [Sanders] and [Demaryius Thomas]. If I can run with them guys then I must be feeling great.” The Broncos enter 2014 as the reigning AFC champions, and they are hoping they can finish the job that they fell short of completing last season.