Peyton Manningplayed only one quarter of football Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers were happy to see him go in their 29-24 preseason victory over the Denver Broncos.
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Reports this week suggested Manning was struggling on passes to his right, but that didn't appear to be the case on a 16-yard completion to Demaryius Thomas on an opening-drive that ended with a field goal.
On his second drive, Manning tossed his first touchdown in a Broncos uniform on a quick-strike 10-yarder to Eric Decker. Manning was a perfect 6-for-6 passing on the nine-play, 83-yard scoring drive that ate nearly five minutes off the clock. He later threw another touchdown to Decker.
Manning's most impressive throw came on a 38-yarder to Lance Ball (again) down the right sideline. Of note: Manning was flattened by 49ers linebacker Parys Haralson on the play, but jumped back up.
Earlier in the game, Manning missed on a wobbler over the middle to Brandon Stokley. It was his least impressive pass and hinted at a downside to Manning's play (and forgive us if we sound like we're searching for something). With a gaping hole in front of him on the third-and-7 incompletion, a more mobile passer could have moved the chains with his feet.
Manning's chemistry is improving with Thomas and especially Stokley. He looked like the passer of old on play-action passes, spreading the ball to his backs and tight ends.
After shriveling up with Tim Tebow under center, Denver's wideouts are blooming with Peyton at the wheel. This was their best show to date.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
