The NFL handed down an $8,258 fine on Peyton Manning today for the confrontation that occurred with Houston Texans' safety D.J. Swearinger in the second quarter of last Saturday's game.  

Following a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, Manning ran after Swearinger and expressed his anger verbally over the hit on Wes Welker that came the play before and resulted in a concussion.  Manning was flagged for a 15-yard taunting penalty, the first of his career.  Swearinger was not flagged for his hit on Welker.

Welker caught a 9-yard pass over the middle and was met immediately by Swearinger who drove his forearm and shoulder into Welker's helmet. The concern over Welker's well-being, the concussion was his third in 10 months, wasn't the only reason for Manning's outburst.

 During the three days of joint practices between the two teams, Swearinger had been an instigator and active combatant in nearly every fight that broke out between the Denver Broncos and Texans.  He had also intercepted a pass of Manning's in one practice session and celebrated as if it had just won the Super Bowl for the Texans.  Swearinger was on the Broncos radar and Manning wasn't going to let him get away with the final insult, the hit on Welker.

Following Manning's confrontation with Swearinger, the team couldn't stop talking about it.

You love to see that passion from your leader," offensive guard Louis Vasquez said.

Since the Broncos embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in last February's Super Bowl,  the talk around the team has been about the need to get tougher with a nastier edge.  Manning's confrontation with Swearinger was the team leader showing the players that it wasn't just talk.  

Manning told ESPN's Chris Mortensen:  "I accept the fine. It's money well spent."

The NFL is reviewing the hit on Welker and a decision on whether Swearinger will be fined is expected on Friday.

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