Tennessee football’s top 10 NFL single seasons of 2010s

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 06: Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 06: Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Passing yards and touchdowns record; MVP; First-Team All-Pro

Was there ever any doubt about this one? Tennessee football fans got to see their favorite son put together the greatest statistical season in NFL history this year, and it was one of the most fun seasons ever to follow Peyton Manning.

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After earning Comeback Player of the year honors in 2012, John Elway upgraded Manning’s weapons by adding Wes Welker to his collection of weapons, which included Eric Decker and his go-to guy, Demaryius Thomas. Add in the emergence of tight end Julius Thomas, and the Denver Broncos’ offense was loaded.

With Manning back into football shape and having more familiarity with the guys, expectations were through the roof. He did not fail to deliver. Manning immediately made headlines, throwing for seven touchdowns in the Broncos’ season-opening win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Through his first four games, Manning had 16 touchdowns and no interceptions. He continued that dominance all year and set NFL records that still stand with 55 passing touchdowns and 5,477 yards. Manning only threw 10 interceptions with those touchdowns, and he led the league again with an 80.9 QBR.

Simply put, this was the most dominant year ever by an NFL player. Manning helped the Broncos get the No. 1 seed in the AFC and reach the Super Bowl. This was also the best year, by the way, for Eric Berry and Cordarrelle Patterson, making it the best year overall for former Tennessee football players in the NFL.