Peyton Manning Makes Denver Broncos Debut, Plays One Possession

Peyton Manning made his NFL return on Thursday night when he played in one full possession with the Denver Broncos.

During his brief time on the field, Manning threw 4 of 7 passes for 44 total yards against the Chicago Bears before being intercepted just outside of the endzone.

Manning nearly turned the ball over during the first play from scrimmage after his pass was broken up by Lance Briggs and tipped by Geno Hayes before Denver’s Jacob Tamme managed to grab the pigskin for a 12-yard gain.

Manning then handed the ball off to Willis McGahee and followed up that play with a 10 yard pass to Eric Decker on his left. Manning stuck with Decker on his next throw, hitting a 19-yarder to place the ball on the 14.

Manning then attempted a third down pass at the 12, which was deflect by Bronco’s player Brandon Stokley and recovered on a diving interception by Chicago’s Major Wright.

After the game Peyton Manning told reporters:

“I know how much hard work I’ve put in and how much help I’ve gotten along the way. I know once we get to Pittsburgh, it’ll be all about the game. I’m not going to be too reflective.”

Coach John Fox then added of his star QB’s performance:

“He’s going to continue to improve. That’s the whole challenge of our team. That was a good first start, good first outing, and it’s what we do with it from here on out that’s going to count.”

Denver rolled over the Chicago Bears with a final score of 31-3.