Manning proves his worth as Broncos power past Pittsburgh

Peyton Manning made a sparkling return after a year’s injury absence from the NFL, leading Denver to a 31-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in his Broncos debut.

Manning, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player who missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing four neck surgeries, completed 19 of 26 passes in front of his new home fans in Denver to join Dan Marino and Brett Favre as the only NFL quarterbacks to throw 400 career touchdowns.

“It’s a tremendous honour — I don’t feel like I belong in their category,” Manning said of joining the select club.