Chris Collinsworth was trying to say that Peyton's absence was the cause of the defensive problems as well. His argument was something along the lines of how the offensive problems disrupt the defense's rhythm, and that the whole defense is designed to stop teams playing desperately and from behind (due to all the Colt scoring that Manning would produce).It's like Peyton Manning played on the defense, too.
I don't buy any of that. They look old, tired, and clueless. I think for years Manning's ridiculous talent has been covering up gigantic holes in that team, and this year those flaws couldn't be ignored any longer. If Manning were playing this team is 4-3 at best. They would be losing games 45-38 instead of 45-7, that's all.