8 Questions For Brandon Stokley Before The Broncos-Steelers Game

DENVER (CBS4) - Former wide receiver Brandon Stokley recently joined CBS4's Mark Haas to answer a series of questions about the Broncos in the playoffs. The former teammate of quarterback Peyton Manning has high hopes for this year's Denver team.

Why is Peyton Manning the best choice to start on Sunday?
He's the guy with the experience. He's the guy with the pedigree. He has won a Super Bowl. And nobody knows that more than Coach Gary Kubiak. He has been around Manning and Brock Osweiler all year. He knows their tendencies. He knows their flaws. He knows their strengths. He understands that if the Broncos want to take it to the next level and win the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning has to be that guy.

Can Manning put together a good performance in the playoffs?
I'm very confident. I think the rest -- the six weeks off -- has really helped him, physically and mentally, and just kind of take a step back and realize what he needs to do moving forward in the playoffs to help this team be successful.

What will Kubiak's offensive game plan be against the Steelers?
The Broncos have to run the ball and run it consistently, and stick with it for four quarters. I think that's going to help them in the fourth quarter, help them in the third quarter, it's going to help their passing game and it's going to help their offensive line, which has been so inconsistent this whole year. Just stick with the run game, even when it's only getting 1 or 2 yards a pop.

Does Peyton Manning need to be under center or can he go back to his more preferred pistol or shotgun formation?
I think Peyton can be under center if that's what they need. These last six weeks have really helped his body. He's healthy. He's rejuvenated, he's fresh.

How is Manning approaching what could be his last appearance in the NFL postseason?
I think there's no question when you're in his situation and you're 39, you realize it could be your last game, it could be your last season. But he's not going to approach this game any different than he has any other game that he's played his whole career. I think he's excited about this opportunity and he's looking forward to it. He knows he's got a team that can win it all.

Can having to play as a backup for the first time in his pro career help Manning at all?
He approaches the game the same way whether he's starting, he's not starting. He's going to give it all he's got. Every week, week in and week out he's going to prepare the same way, no matter if he's the starter, the backup, if he's injured or he's healthy. He's not going to approach the game any different, and that's what I love about the guy.

What needs to be done differently this year in the playoffs so the Broncos are able to avoid an early exit?
You need to forget about the regular season. That's done with. Put that in the past. You've got to play your best football right now and moving forward. Whatever you did in the regular season doesn't matter. I think they've learned from those experiences in the last few years that it doesn't matter if you have a home playoff game, if you're on the road, you have to play good football in the playoffs or you will go home.

Do you think the Broncos have the pieces in place for a Super Bowl run?
Yes. No question about it. I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited about it. And I know those guys are, too. There's no doubt in my mind they have everything in place to make the run and win the Super Bowl this year.