Peyton Manning goes Bill Belichick with ‘we’re on to Cincinnati’

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning left Thursday’s practice to receive treatment on his thigh, which he strained during last weekend’s win over the San Diego Chargers. Manning chalked up his early exit to just getting some extra treatment, but Broncos fans are concerned.

Not surprisingly, Manning didn’t want to get into detail about the injury when reporters asked if he is going to play on Sunday.

“I feel OK,” he said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post. “I certainly hope so.”

After that, Manning channeled his inner Bill Belichick. Earlier this week, Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton guaranteed that Denver is going to win the Super Bowl. What was Peyton’s take on that remark?

“Terrance has a lot of confidence, that’s a good quality about him,” Manning said. “As far as me though, I’m on to Cincinnati.”

Hmm, that phrase sounds familiar. When asked a question about the flu-like symptoms he battled against the Chargers, Manning repeated himself.

“I’m past talking about it,” he said. “We’re on to Cincinnati.”

If you remember, Belichick repeated the phrase “we’re on to Cincinnati” about a half-dozen times after his team was demolished by the Kansas City Chiefs in late September. Belichick was later mocked by Rex Ryan and Adrian Peterson’s lawyer even got in on the fun.

For what it’s worth, the Patriots have won nine of 10 games since Belichick’s infamous “we’re on to Cincinnati” press conference. Manning will be hoping the phrase has the same effect on his team.