To understand why Peyton Manning's performance Sunday night dripped significance, don't watch the game. Watch when Manning was watching.
He conversed with teammates. He smiled. He discussed options with boss Gary Kubiak, rather disappearing to the bench for long stretches to talk over plays with quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp.
Manning was engaged. And revived. After seven months of tinkering, talking and adjusting, Kubiak and Manning found common ground in the hybrid offense.
The 39-year-old completed 21-of-29 passes for 340 yards, showing vintage accuracy and timing. Manning returns to Indianapolis, his former home, needing 284 yards to eclipse Brett Favre's career passing mark.