Peyton Manning exquisite in Broncos third preseason game

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Denver, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

This was the Peyton Manning that Denver Broncos fans have been waiting for.

The doubters who found a voice after Peyton Manning struggled in his first two preseason games in a Denver Broncos uniform have been silenced.

Manning was nearly perfect in Week Three against the San Francisco 49ers.

The 36-year-old looked to be in his prime against Jim Harbaugh‘s heralded defense, completing 10 of 12 passes (83%) for 122 yards in under one quarter of work. Two of his passes went for touchdowns to Eric Decker, while another was a beautiful 38-yard sideline bomb to Lance Ball. The Broncos scored on all three drives under Manning, gaining a 17-0 lead on the 49ers.

Manning was a perfect 8-for-8 on his two touchdown drives.

Hope Harbaugh enjoyed his “evaluation” of Manning first-hand at Sports Authority Field at Mile High today. I know I did. Are the cobwebs shaken off Broncos fans, or are you still exercising caution?