Manning's Denver debut a hit - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

It's the story most everyone in Indy is talking about today. Peyton Manning's performance last night in Denver left many Colts fans longing for the good old days.  While others are excited about the new era of Andrew Luck in Indianapolis.

A 20-point loss was not something Colts fans were accustomed to under the arm of Peyton Manning.  But it is a new era with Manning gone to the Broncos and top draft pick Luck, fresh out of Stanford, calling the signals for the Colts.

Both were playing their first regular-season games for their new teams Sunday.

Four of the five turnovers by the Colts in Chicago came at the hand of Luck. Add to that a missed field goal attempt and a fumble on a third quarter kick, and it's not hard to understand why the Bears won 41-21.
    
Manning enjoyed a much better night in Denver against the Steelers.  And it didn't help his return from multiple neck surgeries played out to a national TV audience on Sunday Night Football.  Under his arm, the Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. 

Manning gave a lot of the credit for the win to his teammates and his head coach, John Fox. "It definitely is a special win, don't get me wrong," Manning said. I know how hard I've worked and how many people have helped me in this process, and I'm grateful and definitely appreciative of the moment and the opportunity."

Perhaps it's not fair to compare the two performances Sunday, but Luck's stat line is eerily similar to Manning's debut as a rookie with the Colts.

Luck threw for a touchdown, but threw three interceptions, was sacked three times, and threw for 309 yards in Chicago.

In Manning's first game as a Colt in 1998, he matched Luck's single touchdown pass and three interceptions. He threw for 302 yards, while also getting sacked three times.

Manning also joined the 400 career touchdowns passing club. He stands at number three behind Dan Marino and Brett Farve. "You call it an individual record, but I kind of accept it on behalf of many great teammates and coaches," Manning said after the game. "But Dan Marino and Brett Favre are two of my favorite players of all-time, two of the best quarterbacks of all-time. I don't really feel comfortable being in that company, but to be mentioned amongst them is truly humbling and quite an honor."