QB-PEYTON MANNING (on the Universityof Tennessee retiring his No. 16) Training Camp
"The fact that Reggie White is no longer with us is a tragedy, and that will be a very emotional time for his family. But it's a tremendous honor, for all of the players that have played there. I still take it very seriously, kind of my role as an ambassador to the University. I go back quite a bit in the offseason, still work out with the team, and I'm still very involved with the University.
"I'm still a big Tennessee guy. It's going to be during the bye week, which will be my first time back (to a game) in Knoxville in a few years. But I'm extremely honored and just proud to be an alum of the University."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on if he feels the offense has gotten into any rhythm yet this preseason) Training Camp
"Looking back, that first drive against Atlanta, which was very encouraging to see, right out of the blocks from training camp to do that, so that certainly shows that we're capable of doing it. That was a pretty error-free, mistake-free drive, no penalties, solid technique. So, we have that to go back to, because last season is over with. If we can eliminate some of those mental mistakes, I feel we can find that rhythm. We certainly have the players to move the ball to score."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on if playing changes that much year-to-year) Training Camp
"It really does. (Offensive Coordinator) Tom Moore made a good point. In the NFL, you don't pick up where you left off. That's not really a true expression. You have to go out and earn it this year. But guys have been here in the offseason, guys have paid the price this offseason, so we expect to see the results and see the dividends. The fact that these are mental and concentration errors…it's one thing if you say, 'We just don't have the ability to block this play or throw this pattern.' That's not the case, just sharpen up some of the mental aspects of it. I feel we'll be in good shape, but we need to go out and do it."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on if the preseason gives you a good idea of how a team is going to do) Training Camp
"I think it can go different directions. You've seen the studies of teams that have had bad (preseason) records. I've played teams in the preseason and I've left saying, 'Boy, they're not very good this year,' maybe an NFC team, and the next thing you know, they're on fire and undefeated. Certain guys have different gears they switch to. At the same time, it's like (Head) Coach (Tony) Dungy said, 'Every time you play, when you put on pads, fans are there watching. And you want to play good football and display good football.' We'd like to do that on Saturday night, because we certainly did not do that against Chicago."
