QB-PEYTON MANNING(On playing aggressive against New Englandand minimizing the turnovers) 1-12-05
"That's how we try to play every game – score points and protect the ball. I am not going reminisce about games years past against these guys. Something that will be important."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On expectations this weekend) 1-12-05
"Once again, I am not going to get into that. I don't have a lot of earth shattering answers today. It is important to try and execute. It is important to move the ball. We have to do our job in the red zone. They do a great job in the red zone – keeping teams out of the end zone or holding them to three or creating turnovers."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On what he appreciates most about this year's group of receivers) 1-12-05
"I appreciate their work ethic. That is the one thing that jumps out at me. Obviously, they have had an outstanding season this year and some outstanding careers. The work ethic of all them is great. I appreciate their intensity, their work ethic in the offseason. They have always reported to the mini-camps and training camps in good shape. They don't take a Wednesday practice off here and there. They are always there practicing. That is sort of my motto. They have played extremely well this year."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On revisiting previous games against New England) 1-12-05
"You really don't. I study on film the previous games, especially the one we played this year. It doesn't have a whole lot to do with what happened in a particular game. Our record up there is not good, but whoever executes the best, whoever makes the most plays, whoever protects the ball better is probably going to win the game this Sunday. In the years past, New Englandhas done that. We haven't played all that well, but they have caused that. I made the comment that I didn't play well in that game last year but a lot of that was caused by what New Englanddid. All of the credit they have gotten they deserve. They can make you make mistakes."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On how relevant tapes of early New Englandgames this season are because injuries have brought a new look to the secondary) 1-12-05
"I will refer to them because they have always done a good job with whatever players are in there. Other guys have always stepped up and done well. It is a real credit to the players who have stepped in and to the coaches who have gotten those guys ready to play."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On whether the success of New Englanddefense is because of the various schemes it may employ or because of the personnel) 1-12-05
"It is a combination of both. They have excellent players and they are very well coached."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On whether officials are calling the game differently this season when it comes to how defenses are covering pass receivers) 1-12-05
"I haven't really seen a lot of difference myself. I know people have pointed out the number of calls and statistics showing a change but that's not for me to analyze. I haven't seen that up close and personal."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On confidence in his receiving corps being a by-product of off-season work)
"Receivers and quarterbacks are both creatures of habit. Quarterbacks throw to the guys who get open in practice. Receivers sort of know what patterns they are going to get the ball. In years past, maybe we have had certain patterns where only this guy got the ball and the backside was kind of a clear out route. That sort of changed this year with every pass pattern because all five guys have been live and been eligible as I call it. They have been full-speed routes. I have spread the ball around. Some of that has to do with the play calling and also because of their ability to get open."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown who has also played extensively as a defensive back) 1-12-05
"He has been impressive. He has played well. That's a real credit to him."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On whether the fact the Colts have been close to reaching the Super Bowl ratchet ups their desire to reach the championship game) 1-12-05
"I think so. That's what every player wants to do. We have kind of knocked on the door in years past and just haven't quite gotten there. With some teams and some players, they kind of feel sorry themselves with what happened the year before and don't bounce back the next season. They miss the playoffs and sit there feeling sorry for themselves again. The one thing we have done is sort of respond the following year and try to give ourselves another opportunity. No question, last year was a disappointing ending, but I am proud of the way we have bounced back. I am also proud of how we have bounced back after the opening day loss this season."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On his reaction to Mike Vanderjagt's comments about the Patriots) 1-12-05
"It is well documented how I feel about the Patriots and the respect I have for them. Our team has also expressed that. I was thinking today about how I voted for the Pro Bowl. Everybody votes for (Richard) Seymour. I voted for Seymour, (Willie) McGinest, (Mike) Vrabel, (Tedy) Bruschi, (Rodney) Harrison and (Eugene) Wilson. I didn't vote for Ty Law because of his injuries. Harrisonhas had an outstanding year and Wilsonis a heck of a player. Vrabel and McGinest speak for themselves. They are the world champions. We have a tremendous challenge, especially playing at their place."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On being superstitious about playing New England) 1-12-05
"No. We just have to play better. (Head) Coach (Tony) Dungy talks about the same things he does every week – protecting the ball, being good in all three phases of game, trying to make more plays than they do."
QB-PEYTON MANNING(On how Dungy keeps the players on an even keel) 1-12-05
"His calm, poised expression the sideline carries over to the rest of team – especially our young players. It has helped our young players be calm not only in the first quarter, but in the fourth quarter when the pressure is at its highest. He is an excellent leader. He is an excellent head coach."
