Manning's arm looked fine to me all season. He made some incredible throws. He never has had an overpowering arm. He has always been about placement. In fact his football flutters more than most, but hits the target a remarkable number of times.
With 2 timeouts, 30 seconds, and 40 yards, it didn't have to be a miracle deep pass or anything with his arm tested. You can work the short sidelines in that scenario or mid-range middle.
That was a head coach decision to go for overtime. It really wasn't all that terrible of a decision. Denver had the ball in overtime 2 times with a chance to win. They just didn't execute.
Another key play to me happened in the first half. Denver drops a 3rd down pass on their way into likely FG range. Ended up punting from the opponent side of the 50, up 21-14. They catch that pass, it's likely (not gaurunteed, but likely) they position themselves for a FG. Would be up 24-14 and getting the ball to start the second half. If they score again, games all but over up 31-14, IMO.
Instead, they punt, the Ravens drive for the tying score and it's 21-21 at halftime. Same kind of hail mary type throw to end the first half.
I also love how Joe Flacco is called "great" by some today when he barely completed 50% (18-34) of his passes and at least 2 of those completions were incredible catches (like the TD to end the first half).
Broncos lost because an NFL safety doesn't understand "don't let ANYONE behind you." I knew that on the playground in elementary school.
