It’s not often a quarterback gets a taunting penalty. It’s less often that quarterback is Peyton Manning.
Manning reached his breaking point Saturday, shouting a two-word invective to Texans safety D.J. Swearinger, who helpfully clarified Manning’s words to any particularly inept lip-readers after the 18-17 Houston win:
https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/503393543994765312
According to the Denver Post, Manning’s salty language was understandable. Swearinger had just knocked Broncos star Wes Welker out of the game with a shot to the head that resulted in an unnecessary-roughness penalty and a concussion — especially troublesome for the wide receiver, who’s had a history of head injuries.
So, casually, Manning darts a 29-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders on the next play, and made a beeline for the Houston defensive back.
The video of the confrontation is beautiful in its transparency: You can’t see Manning’s face, but just by the cadence of his bouncing helmet, there’s little doubt of the stream of words leaving the superstar’s mouth.