Peyton Manning Throws in Denver: Shows He's Still Got It

With the Denver Broncos starting organized team activities Monday, much of the NFL was wondering if Peyton Manning would have the same type of arm strength he had before injuring his neck. 

According to ESPN and the Associated press, he's still got it. 

Before being released by the Colts, rumors were circulating that Manning no longer had the elite arm strength that had made him the most feared QB in the NFL.  Obviously, performing well in OTAs is far from succeeding in the regular season when 260+ pound outside linebackers and defensive ends are bearing down on you....but it's a good first step. 

Last year, the Denver Broncos were carried to the playoffs by a productive running game and stingy defense in spite of one of the least productive passing games in the NFL.  If Peyton Manning is healthy and back to his old form, the rest of the AFC West will be playing for second place. 

Peyton Manning is a field general that makes every player around him better in a way that few athletes aside from Michael Jordan have been able to do.  He is one of the smartest players in the NFL and one of the hardest workers.  His work ethic and dedication rub off on players around him.  He's also a very vocal leader that will call players out when they're not pulling their own weight. 

Add his leadership abilities and production to a running game and defense that carried the Broncos to an AFC West Championship last year, and the Broncos could be playing football well after New Years.

And I had just written an article picking the Broncos as one of the 6 teams to make the playoffs in 2011 that won't return in 2012.  I guess Manning decided he needed to make me look like an idiot.  Thanks for that, Peyton.