ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos still find themselves chasing the New England Patriots in the race for home-field advantage in the AFC, so it was fitting quarterback Peyton Manning drop a smattering of references to Patriots coach Bill Belichick following Thursday’s practice.
Oh, not blatant, not by name, but three times Manning offered some variation of “we’re on to Cincinnati’’ in answers about various topics. Earlier this season, the day after the Patriots’ 41-14 Sept. 29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick offered some variation of “we’re on to Cincinnati’’ five times when asked questions about the team.
Thursday, Manning sprinkled three such references within a 7-minute, 10-second interview session.
On Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton saying following Sunday’s win in San Diego the Broncos would win the Super Bowl, Manning said; “I think Terrance has got a lot of confidence, I think that’s a good quality about him. As far as me though, I’m on to Cincinnati.’’
On the prospect of potentially resting players in the season's final week since the Broncos have clinched their fourth consecutive AFC West title, Manning said;
“We’re full speed ahead trying to win this game,’’ Manning said. “That is really all we’re thinking about … you want to keep a winning streak going if you can and keep some momentum … playing a team that, like I said, has a ton on the line and is right in the thick of the playoffs and the division. We’re on to Cincinnati.’’
And as he was about to wrap up the session, Manning was asked if he could speak to how difficult it is for a player to play in a game when sick, as he did, with flu-like symptoms in San Diego.
“No, I can’t. I couldn’t do that," Manning said. "I think I’m past talking about it. So, we’re on to Cincinnati.’’
The Broncos and Patriots are each 11-3, but New England owns the playoff tiebreaker as a result of the 43-21 victory over the Broncos Nov. 2 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Broncos’ remaining two regular-season games are against the Bengals and the Oakland Raiders.
The Patriots face the New York Jets Sunday and close out the regular season against the Buffalo Bills.