Manning looks like himself in OTAs: The Broncos opened their OTAs on Monday to the media, and all eyes were on quarterback Peyton Manning. According to first-hand accounts, including those of the Denver Post, Manning looked like his old self. He displayed his trademark accuracy on his passes short and long, which were thrown with plenty of velocity. Manning worked with his entire receiving corps and was vocal with them through the practice. The quarterback was pleased with the tempo of the practice and was ultimately happy to get back on the field against a defense after missing so much time with his neck injury. "I really need to use this time," Manning said. "I do think there's a difference when you are on the field, in helmets, going up against the defense. Up until now we haven't been able to go against a defense, so this will be great work for me. This was one step, and there are different phases; training camp will be your next phase, putting on shoulder pads, then preseason and regular season. I'm just taking it one day at a time, but I was excited for this day to get here." (Updated 05/21/2012)
Injury Report
Neck - Questionable for start of 2012 training camp (Updated - 2/14/12)
Fantasy Analysis
The more we hear about Manning having success in practice, the more we'll feel comfortable calling him a rock-solid No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. Really, the only issue that remains is how he'll handle getting hit by opposing defenses, and that's something we won't know until probably Week 1. We should all wait until Manning goes through his paces in training camp and the preseason before getting really excited about him. If he looks as good as we remember, he'll be in the discussion as the seventh quarterback taken in drafts, right behind brother Eli, in Round 3 or 4. If he's not quite as smooth but clearly on track to play, he'll be more of a fifth-round pick with the likes of Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger. And if he's not playing at all but still expected to be ready for the season, Fantasy owners might start gambling with him starting in Round 6 or 7. We'll continue to pay attention to Manning's progress this offseason. (Updated 05/21/2012).
05/24/2012 19:52 Fantasy owners can have their stats; Alex Smith cares only about W's
Alex Smith doesn't rate on your fantasy football big board? He says he couldn't care less. Excuse Clark Judge while he stands and applauds, and also gives examples of how big-yardage quarterbacks don't always win.
After missing all of 2011 and being released by the Colts, quarterback Peyton Manning is apparently healthy enough to play for the Denver Broncos, who he signed with in March. Questions remain about just how good his arm is after having it affected by multiple neck surgeries, but first-hand accounts from people he's worked out with say he's as good as new. We want to see him take part in camp practices and preseason games before we get as excited, but with receivers like Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker at his disposal as well as a familiar face in Jacob Tamme joining Manning in Denver, there's all sorts of potential for Manning to return to his 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown ways. If he looks as good as we remember, he'll be in the discussion as the seventh quarterback taken in drafts, right behind brother Eli, in Round 3 or 4. If he's not quite as smooth but clearly on track to play, he'll be more of a fifth-round pick with the likes of Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger. And if he's not playing at all but still expected to be ready for the season, Fantasy owners might start gambling with him starting in Round 6 or 7. (Updated 5/24/12)
