Peyton Manning has a long list of names to memorize in Denver's locker room, but one of his new teammates requires no introduction.
That's because Tracy Porter, the former Saints cornerback who signed a one-year deal with the Broncos on Thursday, has haunted Manning's dreams for the last 776 days.
Porter remains Public Enemy No. 1 in the state of Indiana after his fourth-quarter, 74-yard interception return of Manning signed, sealed and delivered a Saints' victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
Had things been different, had Porter perhaps arrived a second later on the throw intended for Reggie Wayne, maybe Peyton's legacy in the playoffs, today, doesn't rank second to his younger brother, Eli.
The Broncos aren't preoccupied with old grudges. John Elway and Co. can't possibly top the Manning signing, but the addition of Porter gives Denver a proven starter and a gritty cover man. On paper, it fortifies a pass defense that ranked 18th in the league last season.
Porter will compete with Andre Goodman for the right corner spot across from some guy named Champ Bailey, and if the former Saint can recapture some of that playoff magic from 2010, you can bet Manning will bury the hatchet.
