Manning goes off on Broncos scoreboard operator

DENVER — Peyton Manning heard the boos that echoed through Sports Authority Field at Mile High Thursday night when the scoreboard operator showed San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' face.

Manning heard the cheers, too, when the picture immediately switched to a live shot of himself on the Broncos' sideline.

But oddly enough, Rivers — arguably the opposing player who irks Broncos fans the most — was the one who was smiling, and Manning was the one who was sour.

"Our fans were great," Manning said. "But the scoreboard operator, it wasn't his best night."

Manning, five days removed from setting the NFL's all-time passing touchdown record and shortly after a 35-21 win against division rival San Diego on Thursday, went off on that scoreboard operator in his post-game press conference.

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If it wasn't clear enough that Manning wants things done his way after he (and his receivers) orchestrated a silly game of keep-away with the record-breaking touchdown on Sunday, his post-game rant should have sealed it.

"I have no problem with our fans, our fans are great. I've got a problem with our scoreboard operator. I've got to have a little talk with him," Manning said, his tone very serious. "I'm not sure what he's doing. He's playing music and showing our players dancing and getting the crowd fired up when we have the ball. I don't think we should be doing that. I don't think we should be showing their quarterback on the sideline. I thought it was disrespectful."

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.