Broncos Notebook, Nov. 5: Vernon Davis Takes Reps With 1st Team Offense

Cold but clear day at Broncos practice, with temperature around 40 degrees. Team practiced outside this week (game this weekend is indoors).

WR Jordan Norwood back at practice after his wife gave birth to a baby girl yesterday, but Norwood still rehabbing his hamstring.

New tight end Vernon Davis took reps with the 1st team offense during the brief walk-thru open to media.

Peyton Manning making his 2nd return trip to Indy this week, he downplayed the homecoming and the chance to break a few records but several of his teammates have said they want to win this one for Peyton.

Having the NFL's best defense will certainly help. Broncos rank first in total defense (261 ypg), scoring defense (16.0 ppg), pass defense (172 ypg), sacks (29) and forced fumbles (12) and rank in top 5 in every major defensive category.

Offensive line improving as well, giving up just 5 sacks the last 5 games after giving up 7 the first 2 games.

Broncos are 12-9 all time vs Colts in regular season (0-3 in playoffs though). Denver hasn't won in Indianapolis since 2003.

Besides Manning record watch... Gary Kubiak can become just the 3rd coach to start 8-0 with a new team; DeMarcus Ware needs one sack to move into top 10 in NFL history (132.5 currently); Demaryius Thomas can break Rod Smith's record for most 100 yd receiving games (31).

- Update from Mark Haas