Peyton Manning: Play vs. 49ers Proves Legend Is Headed Towards Pro Bowl Season

Peyton Manning's fused neck, or anything else, is not going to keep the football legend from having a dynamic 2012 season.

Manning, sans a little arm strength, looks just like the dominant version of himself that terrorized the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts.

Coming into the third preseason game, Manning looked solid physically, but his results left room for questions. His passer rating was a terrible 36.3. His numbers look a little better now. 

ESPN pointed that out with this tweet. 

"

#PeytonManning has 2 TD and 0 Int today. He entered this week with no TD and league-leading 3 Int in preseason. #nfl

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 26, 2012"

Manning piled up those two TDs in just three series as he was a model of efficiency. He finished the Niners game by going 10-for-12 with 122 yards to go with the two touchdowns. 

Former Bronco Byron Chamberlain has a good feel for what this performance means. 

"

Peyton Manning 10-12 122yards 2 TD's vs the 49ers best D in the league. So are there anymore questions?

— byron chamberlain (@bc_chamberlain) August 26, 2012"

It is worth mentioning that the Niners defense Manning faced was not the same version that shut down offenses last year. They were missing Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, and they weren't as aggressive with the blitz. 

However, the ease with which Manning was able to run this offense, make the right reads and deliver the ball where it needed to be showed amazing progress—enough so that Bronco fans should start getting giddy over the thought of watching this QB all year. 

Manning is not rifling balls in with the same velocity, and that may return or it may not, but it isn't going to keep him from performing. He will adapt and work around the handful of passes a game where his diminished arm strength keeps him from making a certain throw. 

Manning is surrounded by a solid offense and the best running game he has had in years. He is going to go over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.