Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) congratulates wide receiver Wes...

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) congratulates wide receiver Wes Welker (83) after Welker caught a touchdown pass from Manning against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter. (Oct. 27, 2013) Credit: AP

Peyton Manning has been called everything from "a general" to a consummate professional by Broncos teammates. And in the past two seasons, the quarterback's approach to the game has rubbed off on them.

"Peyton's attention to detail, that's probably what separates him from other guys and other people that have played this game," tight end Julius Thomas said Monday. "I try to recreate that in my preparation."

But Manning's intensity can be intimidating, receiver Demaryius Thomas said. "I've been nervous around him since I met him," he said. "And I'm still nervous. I don't want to mess up."

For that reason, former Jet and Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin gave the Broncos the edge. "I think the advantage comes with Peyton Manning, his mind and his understanding of the game," he said on ESPN Radio. "He can go out there and it's like playing chess."

Broncos go to FloP

The Broncos finally got a taste of the Jets' hospitality when they traveled to Florham Park by bus Monday. Before leaving, coach John Fox said of the Jets' indoor facility: "Our operations guy tells me that the guys will be complaining that it is so much nicer than ours, so he is not real excited about it."

DRC to retire?

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, 27, said he's considering retirement if Denver wins. "Coming out of college, I gave myself a five-year goal. If I could just make it five years, I would be all right," said the cornerback, who is a cousin of Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie. " . . . [I am] not a Champ Bailey or Peyton Manning who have a legacy of going out on top. I had a goal of five years and I reached that. I will see how I feel after the game."

A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We’re celebrating Women’s History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

Celebrating Women's History Month at Newsday A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We're celebrating Women's History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We’re celebrating Women’s History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

Celebrating Women's History Month at Newsday A winemaker. A jockey. An astronaut. We're celebrating Women's History month with a look at these and more female changemakers and trailblazers with ties to long Island. 

Newsday LogoSUBSCRIBEUnlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months
ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME