Don’t let Peyton Manning fool you. He’ll try it on the field, . And he’ll try it off, trudging off the practice field looking bitterly unimpressed with what he just saw.
Such was the case Wednesday after the Broncos’ practice at Dove Valley. Only this time Manning couldn’t keep up the act once he reflected on the team’s a few days prior. Especially in regard to tight end Julius Thomas, who was named the after catching three touchdowns in Sunday’s win over the Colts.
“I was really happy with the way he played and competed, and it’s nice to see him get recognized. He got a parking spot out there, by the way,” Manning said jokingly while looking out into the Dove Valley parking lot. “Player of the Week. I don’t know if you noticed it out there.”
Manning was also pleased with the play of running back Montee Ball, who rushed for 67 yards on 23 carries with one touchdown in his first start in place of the departed Knowshon Moreno.
“I just kind of like the look in his eye the other night as the starting running back for the Broncos,” Manning said of Ball. “I think he’ll just keep getting better all season.”
Denver returns to Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday for their Week 2 matchup against the Chiefs, a game Manning and coach John Fox have repeatedly said is the biggest test this season for the team.
“There’s no gauge until after Week 1,” Fox said. “Whether it’s how you react in coming out after halftime, whether it’s just playing four quarters for the first time since a year ago — there’s many reasons why you have a gauge and have something to work off of.”
The game will be the Broncos’ first division matchup in what Manning says is the toughest in the league.
“What happened last week, you throw it out the window,” he said. “(This Sunday) is a division game, two teams very familiar with each other, well-coached, talented football team — it’s going to be a physical football game. And that’s how we have to play, because we know that’s how they’re going to play.”
Much remains up in the air for the Broncos, however, as the National Football Players Association and the league continue to , one that could affect the Broncos more than others. Wes Welker, who is currently serving a four-game suspension for testing positive for amphetamines, could possibly return to the field as early as Sunday if the league’s proposal is approved.
“We’ve tried to stay abreast of what’s going on,” Manning said. “I’ve been in contact with Wes, I know he’s chomping at the bit to get back.
“It’d be great if it got resolved today. I’d love to get Wes back.”
FOOTNOTES: When asked for his thoughts on the Ray Rice situation, Manning refused to continue the conversation: “I think it’s been pretty well addressed by a number of people,” he said. “For us, we’re getting to play the Chiefs this week, and that’s plenty to focus on, so I don’t think we need to continue to be talking about it.” … When asked about him nearing the 500 mark in career passing touchdowns, Manning said: “It’s kind of like beating all 32 teams: It just means you’ve played a long time and you’re an old player. Throwing touchdowns, it’s part of your job in order to help your team win.” … Fox said David Bruton, who dislocated his shoulder in Week 1, “made improvement” but is still day-to-day. … Manning said he has kept in touch with Ryan Leaf through the years and, upon hearing the news of Leaf’s five-year prison sentence, Manning said Leaf is “in his thoughts.”
Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or at
