Peyton Manning wants to play as long as he can this week

Preseason Week 2, it’s an interesting time of the year.

For starters, they have to get some work in, but know they won’t be in there the entire game. For Peyton Manning, this game will be his first test against actual opponents. And he really wants to play.

“A lot of guys are looking forward to getting out there, playing against a good team, and get to see somebody different,” Manning said Thursday afternoon, the last training camp practice of the year. “And, obviously, get to see some of their starters a little bit longer.

“Look, obviously you always want to be out there,” Manning continued about wanting to compete. “And you want to play as long as you possibly can. Whenever they take you out, that’s what they do. But, you’re trying to get ready to play a four-quarter game and get ready for regular season games. So, that’s kind of your mental approach.”

While quarterback is definitely a cerebral position, no one has mastered the mental side of the game quite like Manning has. He loves studying football just as much as he does playing the game, even if he is 39 years old and this is only a preseason contest.

Manning explained that ideally the offense would be able to work third-down, short-yardage and goal line situations against Houston this week, which will only prepare them for the coming regular season.

Speaking of getting ready for regular season, the youthful offensive line has a tough test this Saturday night against reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

“He’s one of the most active defensive players that I’ve played against,” Manning said of the pass-rushing monster, Watt. “You can’t just label him as a defensive lineman. Kind of like a Junior Seau or a Bruce Smith, in my early years; you always knew where those guys were and always wanted to be sure that your running back knew where they were.

“It’s a great test for our guys up front on Saturday,” Manning continued. “But I don’t think he’s a guy you want to hold the ball for a real long time against.”

No. 18 also said his offensive line has improved just in training camp while working with and against one another. But nothing will be like Watt coming full force after Manning Saturday night. And when the quarterback does have time to throw the ball, he’ll have a multitalented weapon to throw to.

Just like with his quarterback, this will be No. 1 receiver Demaryius Thomas‘ first game action of the year following his lengthy contract holdout. “I thought he had a really good week,” Manning said of Thomas’ preparation. “It’s taken him some time but he’s really turned it on this week…To me he looks like DT and I’m looking forward to getting out there with him this week.”

While the Broncos will have Thomas back, they won’t have Emmanuel Sanders opposite of him. Sanders is resting a hamstring which means Cody Latimer will get the start for the second straight preseason game. Latimer put up four catches for 49 yards in the Broncos win over the Seattle Seahawks last week. Get the full injury update here.

The Broncos and Texans are set to kickoff at 6 p.m. MT this Saturday.

Also, Manning thought the Patriots bugged the opponent’s locker room in New England.