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Peyton Manning was sick to his stomach, and obviously off his game.

But the teammate they call Pot Roast more than made up for it with a bold post-game guarantee.

According to Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post, Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton was so pumped after yesterday’s win over the Chargers that he was ready to proclaim that they wouldn’t lose again.

“It doesn’t matter what happens. At the end of the year, we’re hoisting that trophy,” Knighton said. “I don’t care if New England doesn’t lose again. I don’t care where we have to play. I don’t care who our opponent is. We’re not going to be satisfied until we hoist that trophy. So if we’ve got to go to New England [in the playoffs] and win somewhere we’re not used to winning, we’re going to make it happen.”

Given the opportunity to clarify a pretty clear statement, Knighton added: “Write that. And put a big period after that one.”

He then considered his punctuation options and decided on: “Exclamation point!”

The Broncos have answered many of the questions about their fitness for January and February games, by playing stout defense and running the ball and not just trusting Manning to fill up a stat sheet.

But until they’re able to get past the Patriots again, and perhaps the Seahawks again, the strength of the Manning postseason narrative will persist.