Shanahan Says Give Manning A Break, Broncos Will Be Better

DENVER (CBS4)- Former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan says in order to make the Broncos a better team, they need to rely on quarterback Peyton Manning less.

Shanahan talked to Broncos Insider Vic Lombardi about his former team.

WEB EXTRA: Shanahan Talks Manning, Broncos

He even tried to lure Manning to Washington before the Broncos moved in.

But Shanahan says the Broncos are too reliant on Manning and the team needs balance.

"If you've got to play an eight man front against Peyton Manning, you're going to be in for a long day. And let's have running games going, takes away the pressure of the quarterback," said Shanahan. "If your defense is playing well, obviously it takes away a lot of pressure where you're not always going to have to score touchdowns. And I know that's John's goal."