Denver, however, comes in with the NFL's No. 2 pass defense, the NFL's sacks leader in Elvis Dumervil, and a secondary full of Pro Bowl defensive backs.

"It's hard to imagine a secondary I've ever played against that has this much experience between [Champ] Bailey and Ty Law and [Brian] Dawkins, even [Renaldo] Hill and [Andre'] Goodman have been around a long time," Manning said. "They are stingy against the pass, don't give up many points and it will be tough to move the ball against them."

Manning has solved those problems before, which is why the Colts are on the cusp of breaking New England's record.