Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos in awe of Cam Newton

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning knows to win Super Bowl 50 he will likely need to beat the NFL MVP.

Manning said Wednesday morning at the Santa Clara Marriott that Cam Newton deserves the honor for his play in leading the Carolina Panthers to a 17-1 record.

"If I had a vote, he's the winner because of the season he's had," Manning said. "He's a great quarterback, I can tell you that."

Head coach Gary Kubiak said Newton is thriving in an offense that is perfectly tailored to his strengths.

"It's a good thing we've had two weeks," Kubiak said. "He has gotten his part, a big-time weapon, something different for us to prepare for than what we've been preparing for, but I think the bottom line is they've been the best football team, the most consistent football team in football this year."

Manning and Kubiak paused from preparation Wednesday to recognize another great quarterback, late Oakland Raiders star Ken Stabler. The Sports Xchange reported early Wednesday that doctors discovered Stabler had advanced brain disease.

"What a prince of a guy," said Manning, who reached out to Stabler's family when he died in July. "He was a good friend of my dad's and I got to know him. Truly one of a kind."

Manning, who had spinal fusion surgery in 2011, said he does think about his own long-term health but primarily when doctors remind him of what might be down the road.

"I don't ask," said Manning, who said he was told he would likely need hip replacement surgery.

Kubiak, himself a former quarterback, knew Stabler from his time in Houston, and said he wasn't well informed enough to comment specifically on the discovery of brain disease.

As for Sunday's game, injuries are no issue for the Broncos as the team heads to the practice field on Wednesday.

Safeties Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward were planning to take the field with the team and plan to play Sunday. Both suffered injuries in the AFC Championship Game.

"We wouldn't be here today if not for all 53 of us," Kubiak said. "We've had injuries on offensive line, at quarterback, it took all of us."

Kubiak said he spent time Tuesday talking to the entire team about Sunday being a game day they should approach differently.

"You warm up, there's a lot of down time, a lot of activities, halftime is longer -- I think the biggest thing is trying to keep them even keeled," Kubiak said. "We've talked about it and we'll make some adjustments to handle that."