Wilfork on Big Show: 'Peyton is Peyton'

Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork made his weekly appearance on The Big Show Monday, discussing the team's 52-28 win over the Bills on Sunday and the challenges that are ahead for the team. 

Up next for the 2-2 Patriots is a matchup with Peyton Manning and the Broncos at Gillette Stadium. After having his ups and downs through the first three weeks of the season, Manning was sensation Sunday against the Raiders. In that game, a 37-6 Denver victory, Manning completed 30 of 38 passes for 338 yards with three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 130 quarterback rating. 

"Peyton is Peyton," Wilfork said. "Let's get that straight from the get-go. He's going to run that offense the way he knows how to run it. They're going to run the ball, they're going to play action pass, they're going to get the ball down. He's just a smart quarterback, so we know exactly how we need to play this guy."

Wilfork praised Manning's toughness and said that making the 36-year-old uncomfortable will be critical on Sunday.

"We know Peyton wants to stand in the pocket and throw the ball," he said. "He wants to be in the pocket. If he has to get out, he'll get out, but he's not scrambling to run. We know that. We have to do a really good job up front of making sure he doesn't have those lanes where he can just step up and deliver the ball because he can deliver a ball with somebody just breathing down his neck. He's a tough quarterback. 

"He'll stand tall in that pocket and he'll deliver. He'll take a shot and he'll get up. It's going to be real crucial for us this week to make sure we can get him off that spot and make him uncomfortable out there, but he does a real good job. Like I said, Peyton is Peyton. He's going to make some fine throws. He's one of the best." 

Wilfork also said that he doesn't feel Manning's lost 2011 season due to multiple neck surgeries have changed the player or the threat that he presents.

"He's a great quarterback," Wilfork said. "He is one of the best that have ever done it. We know we have our hands full again."

For more on the Patriots, visit weei.com/patriots [1].