Sunday night's dominating win over the Packers wasn't redemption. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning insisted such, although his efficient, 21-for-29 day for 340 yards with only one meaningless interception quieted some questions about his age and those 10 interceptions going into the game.
"How do I say this without hurting anyone’s feelings?" Manning said to the assembled media (via the Denver Post). “I just don’t give what you all say a lot of merit. ... So I don’t look at this like an I-told-you-so moment because I don’t listen to what you say in the first place."
MORE: Top 10 players to catch a Manning TD pass | Rare photos of Peyton and Eli
Now hear this, though: Manning’s season-best night sets up a week rich in irony and story lines.
This week, the Post noted, Manning returns to Indianapolis for only the second time since an emotional (if awkward) departure, after multiple surgeries on his neck and the Colts' desire to draft Andrew Luck.
Adding to the story lines, Manning needs 284 yards to pass Brett Favre’s all-time record. He also needs one victory to break Favre’s record for wins as a starting QB. After the unbeaten Broncos' win Sunday over Green Bay, Manning and Favre sit at 186.
Let the media chatter resume.
