Manning joins rare company in Thursday night opener

Broncos fans have to be encouraged by the performance of Peyton Manning and the Denver offense, particularly in the second half of the opener Thursday night. Manning joined rare company in having thrown for seven touchdowns in a game – only five others have accomplished that feat.

Manning had closed in on the mark twice previously, tossing six TDs against Detroit in 2004 and against New Orleans in 2003 (Marvin Harrison benefited to the tune of six touchdowns combined in those two performances). But last night he joined the likes of George Blanda, Sid Luckman, Adrian Burk, Y. A. Tittle and Joe Kapp.

I don’t think much should be drawn on the second-half collapse as far as Baltimore is concerned. They’re generally a fundamentally sound team and they appeared to run into a buzz saw last night. The Ravens have work to do, but that is still a talented team that will win a fair number of games before it is said and done.

But Manning is currently on pace to throw for 112 touchdowns on the season. That’s obviously an unattainable number. But a year more recovered from his neck injury, Manning looks like he’s got a shot to compete for the league MVP award again this season — he finished second to Adrian Peterson — who is chasing his own (probably) unattainable goal of 2500 yards rushing this season in Minnesota.

So what are your reactions to Manning’s start? And how many touchdowns do you think he will end up with this season? Share your thoughts in the comment below and vote in the poll as well.

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