The mind of Peyton Manning now powering the Denver Broncos

Mike Martz was watching the Broncos practice, not like the television commentator he's practicing to be but as the offensive coordinator he had been. Specifically, Martz was observing quarterback Peyton Manning, who is new to the Broncos but not to the NFL. Because anticipation is one of Manning's greatest qualities, Martz explained, his greatest adjustment with the Broncos would be becoming familiar with his new set of receivers.

"See that ball right there?" Martz said excitedly.

As if on cue during the Aug. 24 practice, receiver Brandon Stokley sprinted forward from the slot with a defensive player backpedaling close by. Stokley came to a halt, still well covered, and cut to his right. As Stokley moved out of his cut, he gained a step on the defender.

The ball was already airborne. The pass wasn't hurried. Stokley's fingers were not in peril. But as he turned, the ball was coming. Catch, gain of 10 yards.

"He threw the ball right out of the cut," Martz said, marveling at the hardly simple completion. "He doesn't have to gun it. Kurt Warner was like that. Neither one had the strongest arm, but that strong-arm stuff is overrated."