Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning marks return to NFL against Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL Preview
Sunday, 9th September 2012, will mark the return to the National Football League (NFL) of one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game as Peyton Manning makes his NFL return with the Denver Broncos against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This will be Manning’s first game in the league since he underwent surgery on his neck and missed out on the entire 2011-12 season.
The four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) was released by his previous franchise Indianapolis Colts in this year’s offseason and he was later picked up by the Denver Broncos.
All eyes will be on Manning as his performance will finally answer the much asked question of how his body will cope with hits during a game.
The quarterback himself though is trying to keep the attention on the game against the Steelers rather than himself.
According to ESPN Manning said:
"I know how hard I've worked to get back to this position and how much time I've put in to rehabbing and how much time I continue to put in. I'm going to play as hard as I possibly can, so that's really all I know to do."
Pittsburgh Steelers though remain wary of Manning and head coach Mike Tomlin expects Manning to deliver his very best when the two sides meet.
He said:
“Guys like him make their reputations in rising up in moments like this. He has battled some adversity with injury and being in a new city. We should anticipate his very best. That's what guys like Manning do."
The Broncos and Steelers delivered one of the most exciting games in the playoffs last year as their wildcard encounter saw former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow lead the franchise to victory in overtime with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas.
However, this is a new start for both teams with both rosters boasting amazing talent in offence and defence making it one of the hardest games to call.
The Broncos will be looking to Manning to provide their talented receivers with service with both Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker capable of making big plays while on the rush the Broncos are formidable.
Pittsburgh Steelers though boast one of the meanest defence in the league and allowed just 271.8 yards per game last year.
On offence too the Steelers look strong and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of the best in the game as his two Super Bowl rings attest.
Even though most of the attention will be taken by Manning as both fans and analysts will follow and discuss his each and every movement, the game itself will be one of the most exciting encounters of the first week of the new NFL season.
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