ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Even while he was trying to diminish expectations, Peyton Manning couldn't have envisioned this scene playing out.

Three times, the Broncos quarterback dropped back to pass. Three times, he threw into a seam near the numbers down the right side of the field.

Three times, a defensive back followed Manning's eyes, cut over and turned whatever small opening the quarterback had seen into an interception.

All that in the first quarter alone of what turned into a 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons - matching the most turnover-riddled quarter the 15-year veteran had played as a pro.

Asked after the game if the interceptions had more to do with his surgically repaired neck or his decision making, Manning wasted no time.

"Decision making," he said.

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