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Denver Broncos | News

Notebook: Brother Helping Brother

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Sometimes, there are perks to sharing a job with a sibling.

For quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, they're using it to their advantage this season.

"Eli and I actually play the same divisions in the AFC and NFC -- we didn't realize that until this week," Peyton said after the Broncos' 31-23 win in Cincinnati. "I'm sure we will (talk about common opponents). I gave him some Pittsburgh thoughts. We've always done that through our time together."

With Eli's New York Giants set to square off against the Bengals, and the Broncos facing the Panthers -- a team the Giants defeated 36-7 earlier this season -- this Sunday, the brothers shared some pointers this week.

"We talked," Peyton said. "Sometimes a team will play maybe us differently than they did the Giants or whoever. But it's just good to talk football with somebody that's played them before and just give you -- there's something about playing a team as opposed to just seeing them on film, just to give you a little first-hand talk. But you still have to go out there and do it yourself. I don't know if it helps a ton, but I know it doesn't hurt."

Tight end Joel Dreessen played coy when asked if Manning has shared any of the information he learned from his brother with the rest of the locker room -- "Maybe," he smiled -- but he said that built-in relationship between the two Super Bowl-winning siblings can serve as a benefit.

"Obviously that's two very talented quarterbacks who have excelled at what they do in this league, in this game," Dreessen said. "I'm sure it helps a lot."

'A SPECIAL DAY'

Throughout the month of November, the NFL is recognizing Veteran's Day and honoring the military with its annual Salute to Service campaign.

Each team in the league has designated one home game to honor the military, and for every point scored during the contests, the NFL will donate $100 to the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO and the Wounded Warrior Project.

This Sunday is Carolina's Salute to Service game, and it just happens to fall on Veteran's Day.

"It's always special to play on Veteran's Day," tight end Jacob Tamme said. "The sacrifices that these guys and gals make, you can't put it into words, really."

Safety Mike Adams said it means even more to be able to play the game that he loves on a day celebrating the military.

"Being from New Jersey, I know some people — close friends — that were around 9/11," he said. "Just thinking about that moment, just that in itself is emotional. It's an emotional day. I'm pretty sure nerves will be flying and guys will be revved up."

EXPANDED ROLE FOR HOLLIDAY?

Wide receiver and kick returner Trindon Holliday admitted htat it "took a little time" to get adjusted to a new NFL team once he was picked up by the Broncos in early October.

"But it's going pretty good right now," he said. "I've made good strides since I've been here. But I have a lot to learn as a returner. I've got a lot more to do, so we're going to get back in this week, see what I need to improve on and be ready for Carolina."

Holliday, an eight-time All-American in track and field, put his speed on full display in last Sunday's win against Cincinnati, blazing 105 yards down the field for a kickoff return touchdown, the first of his NFL career.

That play-making ability had some wondering whether Holliday could see some time on the offensive side of the ball in addition to his special teams duties.

"I think (Offensive Coordinator) Mike McCoy is always looking to put playmakers on the field," Manning said. "I think he has proven this year that he is very flexible in his play calling, in his schemes as far as putting guys out there that he thinks can give us a chance to make plays and get down the field. Trindon, that was a huge play for us on special teams. And he's obviously an offensive player, so we'll see on that. He's obviously got some explosive capabilities for sure."

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