Denver Broncos: Five Things We Learned v Houston Texans

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning Looks Stronger

While the question marks naturally have been around what Peyton Manning’s arm strength would look like, his overall strength was noticeably improved.

One look at Peyton Manning’s physique left no doubt that the 39-year-old signal caller has put in some serious work this offseason in order to return to his early season form of 2014.

Manning will never be confused for a linebacker but his calves, core, and shoulders were noticeably more defined in training camp, prompting former and current teammates to rave about the work he’s put in before coming into the Broncos’ match-up against the Houston Texans.

As great as Manning being five pounds lighter and physically stronger is, all eyes still honed in on his soon-to-be 70,000-yard golden right arm.

While, from a football standpoint, the above throw isn’t the best decision or result — as Manning forces the ball into coverage and almost gets intercepted — note the velocity on the 20+-yard-pass.

While he’s still no Joe Flacco, when Manning “reached back” for some zip: it was there.

Only time will tell if his arm strength will be maintained throughout a grueling season. However, gunning” the ball isn’t Manning’s game anymore at this stage anyways.

Rather, it’s the ability to replicate pinpoint passes like the one above instead of looking to try to muster any sort of a vapor trail on his ball.

Remember, Manning started off last year extremely hot as well in throwing 34 touchdowns in the first 11 weeks of the season; while finishing with only five in the team’s final five weeks.

That said, head coach Gary Kubiak’s much more heavy run offense should aid Manning greatly in maintaining strength as the season wears on.

Manning wasn’t discouraged after a spotty performance in this new offense and offered — as he so often does — a bigger-picture perspective on what transpired Saturday.

“You want to be able to overcome (mistakes), but when you only play four possessions it’s hard to. Sometimes if you have a drop or a missed throw or a penalty, you either overcome on that drive or the next drive,” Manning said to Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post.

“I don’t see those things being a constant. We will see some good things from the film and certainly some things we can improve upon. All of us.”

There should be little doubt that with: joint practices with this week’s opponent the San Francisco 49ers, the return of Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas getting more into the swing of things; this first-string offense should improve dramatically within the next week under the stewardship of Manning.

Next: Demaryius Still Shaking Off Rust