QB-PEYTON MANNING (on being excited about moving on to the regular season) * *
"Sure, everybody's excited. All players around the league are excited that the real games are here, and the fans are excited. I think it's only the third time since I've been here in 10 years that we've played at home in the season opener, so that will be nice for our home fans, and we're looking forward to hopefully starting out the season right."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on the number of new guys on the team)
"I think you realize that these guys are going to still be learning during the season and that, ultimately, games are the best teacher and they're not going to be a veteran on opening night. So, I think until those guys get more and more comfortable, you probably lean on the guys that have been here, guys like Dallas (Clark) and Marvin (Harrison) and Reggie (Wayne). At the same time, you never stop helping these guys learn and talking to these guys about what you're looking for, whether it's (Anthony) Gonzalez or one of the new running backs, helping these guys get more comfortable, because I can remember what it's like being a rookie starter, and it's not very comfortable. So the more you can help them adjust, the better chance they have."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on WR-Anthony Gonzalez watching previous film of Brandon Stokley)
"That was kind of the idea, because we haven't really had anybody like Brandon in that position, and last year he was hurt a lot, so we had to dig up some old tape for him to study. But at the same time, he has to be himself. He has to do the things that made him a great college player. He's worked real hard, and there's always that game experience he doesn't have, but the work ethic has been good for him."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on the Saints defense)
"They play really well together. All 11 guys and some of the subs in the nickel and dime package, they just play real hard. It seems like they're always on the same page, certainly don't see anybody running wide open because of a busted coverage. They communicate well. Like all defenses, it starts up front. Having to block (Will) Smith and (Charles) Grant will be a great challenge for our up-front people. Then, of course (Mike) McKenzie is an excellent cover corner. Then bringing in Jason David, a guy that we know real well—a guy that we're going to miss, a great teammate, a great locker room guy. So it will be a great challenge for us."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on his impressions of QB-Drew Brees) Sunday, September 2, 2007
"Drew's had an outstanding career. Certainly coming into New Olreans last year, his first year there and the year he had, is a great credit to him. But he was a great player in San Diego as well. I've known Drew for a long time, since he was in college, and I know he's a hard worker. He will be a tough challenge for our defense, trying to stop Drew and their passing attack."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on if he is excited to see where the offense goes since it is finally healthy)
"Sure, you're always excited to get the season started. But we have some new guys, and there is always the big question mark. Obviously, you're excited and you're hoping that these guys are going to respond, but some guys, when the lights turn on, take their game to another level, and some guys maybe not do quite what you want them to do. So, we're going to put them out there and see
