Why Broncos Fans Should Actually Be Encouraged by Peyton Manning's Performance

Three interceptions in his first three drives in just eight pass attempts.  Not what you would expect from Peyton Manning.

Nor should you.

Even after Manning's impressive return to the NFL against Pittsburgh last week, no one expected clear sailing for Manning and the Broncos going forward.

Even a future Hall of Famer like Manning will experience some growing pains getting adjusted to an entirely new team after missing 18 months of NFL game action.

Yes, the first quarter was brutal in its entirety for the Denver Broncos (and the NFL, if you want to count the officiating, but that's another issue), but Manning and the Broncos are a work in progress and will continue to improve.

If you think that Manning will continue to throw three picks in a quarter, you are as mistaken as the people saying the Broncos would be winning more this season if they would have kept Tim Tebow.  Yeah, those people do exist.

After the three-interception first quarter and a fumble courtesy of Knowshon Moreno, the Broncos only found themselves down 10-0.

Manning, looking completely unfazed by his errors, continued to regain his focus and helped turn the game around for the Broncos, getting them back within six by the time the game ended.

While the comeback effort ultimately fell short, I was very encouraged by Manning's professionalism and attitude despite his early mental errors.

A young quarterback could have quickly spiraled down even further, and the final outcome could have been a lot worse than it was.

Even after the game, Manning was the first to admit that the loss was on his shoulders and that the interceptions were his fault alone.  Other quarterbacks would have put the blame on their teammates. 

There are many reasons that Peyton Manning is a 14-year NFL veteran, a future Hall of Famer, and widely considered one of, if not the smartest football mind to ever play the game.

While he may not be the Peyton Manning of five years ago, he is still Peyton Manning.  Questions have arisen about his arm strength, and no one knows where his arm strength actually is right now except for Peyton Manning. Once he gets his mind right, the Broncos will still be a very dangerous team.