Peyton Manning is getting serious about the 2013 season. The Denver Broncos were a game away from heading to the Super Bowl in 2012, but a loss to the Baltimore Ravens ended their season early. Now, the team has done their best to surround Manning with the kind of offensive weapons that could make them one of the best teams in the league. After acquiring Wes Welker to pair alongside Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, the teammates visited Duke University of a throwing session in preparation for the 2013 Manning Passing Camp.
Manning threw his first pass to Welker on Wednesday. The Broncos picked up the former New England Patriot during free agency, a move that could give the Broncos the edge they need in 2013. The veteran quarterback was joined by his wide receivers at Duke where they worked with Duke football coach David Cutcliffe, Manning's old offensive coordinator at University of Tennessee. He oversaw many of Manning's workouts while he was recovering from neck surgery. Manning said the workouts are essential to gaining chemistry with Welker.
"There are certain guys you feel like you need it to happen with right away. He's a guy who has a great feel for getting open, understanding route concepts. He played a sophisticated offense in New England. He's smart. You can see why he's such a productive player," Manning told ESPN.
Productive is the perfect way to describe his new weapon. Welker spent almost every year in New England leading the team in receiving yards and catches. In 2012, he caught 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns. He is the ideal slot receiver, averaging 11.5 yards per catch. Welker left the Patriots in the offseason after long contract negotiations, signing a two-year deal worth $12 million.
The workout sessions were not all serious football business. The 12-time Pro Bowler had a few jokes up his sleeve, targeting Decker with a little prank. Manning had a bill drawn up and sent to Decker listing all of the charges and money he owed for the workout sessions. The bill included charges for laundry service, on-field instruction, and a facility fee. However, the airport shuttle bus was free. It totaled $3,217.50. Decker took to Twitter to have a good laugh at Manning's joke.
