Rob Ninkovich: 'Peyton Manning class makes defeat easier to take'

New England Patriots defensive lineman Rob Ninkovich has claimed that the quality of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning makes last night's playoff defeat easier to take.

Manning threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns to help the Broncos to a 26-16 victory in the AFC championship game, guiding his side into their first Super Bowl since 1998.

"Losing is never easy. But when you have somebody as talented as [Manning], who puts in as much work and effort, and has done it for so long, it's a little bit easier to swallow," Ninkovich told The AP.

Manning will look to end a record-breaking season with his second Super Bowl ring when the Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks on February 2.