The Denver Broncos began their voluntary offseason workout program Monday and with it came a new sense of optimism and a new quarterback in Peyton Manning.

Manning continues to work himself into his new team and new surroundings and is looking forward to getting back to work after missing all of last season in Indianapolis after neck surgery.

"I am (looking forward to the offseason program), there's no question," Manning said. "And I think a lot of players around the NFL will probably tell you the lockout last year probably threw a lot of players off their routine of what they're used to. Guys have been looking forward to this day, I think, for some time now."

Manning was let go by the Colts, who decided against paying him a $28 million roster bonus. He has been rehabbing with head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos and strength and conditioning coach Luke Richesson since he signed with the Broncos in March.

"I'm continuing to work hard on my rehab — certainly part of my phase in my time with 'Greek' in the training room," Manning said. "It's been good to get into that consistent routine with Luke and with 'Greek.'

"That is one thing that I haven't been doing up until the time I signed here — kind of traveling and going to different places and not really having a home base to set up out of. I'm working hard with 'Greek' and with Luke and just trying to make progress. I'm enjoying being under one roof, being supervised by those two guys."

 

Peyton Manning, Broncos open season vs. Steelers

It won't take long for new Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning to seize the spotlight.

He and his new teammates take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on the opening Sunday night of the football season according to the league schedule, which was released Tuesday.

There are several exciting games on the opening week of the season, Sept. 5-10, including the Giants-Cowboys which starts the campaign and Raiders-Chargers which snared the first Monday night tilt.

"The first thing I always look for is our division games -- when we play them and the circumstance you're under," Chargers coach Norv Turner told ESPN of opening against the Raiders. " ... It's a great rivalry and it's a real test when you go on the road for a Monday night game to open the season."

 

Manning working hard with Broncos receivers

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is going through an offseason throwing program with Denver Broncos receivers to help regain his form.

A video on the Broncos' website is highlighted by Manning saying his work with Denver receiver Eric Decker is helping to develop timing and chemistry and will also pay off in the regular season.

"You don't feel it necessarily right now, but you know that it's going to pay dividends for you in the fall, when there's a third-and-5 and there's a pass pattern that you complete to Eric Decker," he said. "And you say, you know, 'We worked on that back in April and May, and that time we put in was worth it because it came on a critical third-down conversion or a touchdown pass."

Manning is looking to come back after missing all of last season after neck surgery. The injuries, uncertainty regarding his ability to play and a $28 million roster bonus led to the end of his days as an Indianapolis Colt.

The Super-Bowl winning quarterback is no stranger to working hard in the offseason and knows how important it is to get the work in.

"I've seen that firsthand over the course of my career -- that offseason work makes a big difference come fall," Manning said. "You can't just show up in September and expect to be successful, expect to win games. And so this offseason work is critical."

 

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