2015 Broncos Special Section by Peter Dettmann

September 13, 2015

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NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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contents

usic is as much a part of the lifeblood of the NFL as sellout crowds, big hits and jaw-dropping pass plays. To the players, music is a way of life, helping them through workouts in the offseason, practices in the heat of August and pregame preparation on game day. In this year’s preview magazine, The Denver Post decided to look at just how big music is to the Broncos in the aftermath of the team bringing their band back together. Broncos executive vice president John Elway hired his good friend Gary Kubiak as head coach in January, the first big move in getting the the group back on stage.

Kubiak, a former teammate of Elway, is better known for being the offensive coordinator working with Elway when the Broncos won their two Super Bowls. Kubiak then hired Rick Dennison as his offensive coordinator and Wade Phillips as his defensive coordinator. Elway, Kubiak and Dennison all played for the 1989 Broncos, the same year Phillips coordinated one of the NFL’s top defenses in Denver. New to this band? The lead singer, quarterback Peyton Manning, whom Kubiak will attempt to get to another Super Bowl, just as he helped Elway. — Scott Monserud, AME/Sports

FEEL THE MUSIC

Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

Three quarterbacks huddle together with a common goal Peyton Manning under center, Gary Kubiak scanning the plays on the sideline and John Elway watching at a distance. This unlikely trio has come together in Denver. Two, Kubiak and Elway, have a common past, but they all share a common goal: winning a Super Bowl title — now. The question is how Manning will fit into Kubiak’s zone-blocking, running back-friendly offense. Elway is confident that Manning and Kubiak can make it work. »8F

Headphones aren’t just a fashion statement. They are a way for athletes to stay focused. But what beat are the Broncos bobbing to as they take the field or kick back in the locker room?

WOODY PAIGE Joe Walsh and the rest of the Eagles are a great reunion band that could inspire the Broncos to take it to the limit at least one more time. »32F

Von Miller »5F Sylvester Williams »19F Virgil Green »29F Chris Harris »35F Malik Jackson »45F T.J. Ward »52F David Bruton »55F Omar Bolden »57F

MARK KISZLA The old band is back together, but the question is whether quarterback Peyton Manning will fit in with the Broncos of yesteryear. »46F

04 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Drop that beat! Watch those Broncos dance By Nicki Jhabvala The Denver Post

It takes only four words to get Von Miller going: “Now watch me whip …” His right fist flies out in front of him, his stance widens and his head tilts to the side. Commence: The Whip. Continue with The Nae Nae. Repeat, again and again, until cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Kayvon Webster join in. Maybe safety T.J. Ward too. It’s a routine that has become commonplace at Broncos practices when Silento’s catchy tune blares from the loudspeakers. When the beat drops, Miller comes alive. And when he comes alive, so do his teammates and the thousands of fans watching at training camp. When the song tapers off, the outside linebacker saunters onto the field to assume his next position, on the edge of the line of scrimmage, his arms by his side now, his head looking forward, his eyes square on his targets. The opposing offensive tackle is the first to feel the brunt of his power. Then the guard. Then the quarterback. The beat is the spark, sometimes inspiring a game-changing play, often celebrating it. Music has become as much a part of the spectacle as the game. And the Broncos have found a way to inject sound into nearly every crevice of game day at Sports Authority Field at Mile High — when the NFL approves, of course, and when the songs are warranted. Before the start of the 2014 season, the Broncos hired Cassidy “DJ Bedz” Bednark, a familiar face at Nuggets games and a regular on 95.7 The Party. For about an hour before the start of Broncos home games, DJ Bedz is parked near the 25-yard line, spinning a live mix as players warm up. The moments before a game are as crucial as the weekday practices for players. Having your favorite beat thump throughout the stadium to help your mind focus and your body stay loose is a must. So, before the start of the season, and anytime they find a new must-hear on iTunes

Miles, the Broncos’ mascot, joshes with fans as In The Whale performs on the main stage at the 2015 Underground Music Showcase in Denver. Seth McConnell, Denver Post file during the season, players submit their requests to Bedz. Some players don’t make any. Others request new ones often. “If Drake goes on a hot streak and starts releasing a new song every other week,” safety Omar Bolden said, “then it’s going to be every other week.” For Miller last year, it had to be French Montana’s “Ain’t Worried Bout Nothin’ ” — and Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” For DeMarcus Ware, it was Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone.” Emmanuel Sanders needed Drake’s “0 To 100.” Demaryius Thomas? Had to be Rich Gang’s “Lifestyle” and Schoolboy Q’s “Man

of the Year.” The songs play, the adrenaline flows. But sometimes, even the mere prospect of live jams airing is enough to excite. Bolden first noticed Bedz as he ran out of the tunnel for the Broncos’ preseason opener against Seattle in 2014. The sight of a DJ on Broncos turf instantly drew him in. Bolden stopped by Bedz’s turntable to say hello, and a tradition was born. Every home game, Bedz received a greeting from Bolden. “When it’s not time to play football, when I’m out enjoying myself, I always like to say what’s up to the DJ,” Bolden said. “When I’m back home in California, I always like to say what’s up to the DJ in case there’s some-

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feel the music thing I want to hear while I’m in there. I always want to show that love. They’re the guys that control the mic and the music. I like things like that.” Bolden isn’t the only one. Which is why the Broncos’ DJs begin planning for game days long before the gates open. Before the season opens, the team submits about 3,000 songs to the NFL for officials to vet and ensure they are appropriate to play. Each track serves a purpose, fitting every scenario imaginable. Craig Turney, the team’s other DJ who is responsible for all in-game sound, plans every possibility and ensures every song is vetted by the league, a requirement since last season. There’s the Broncos’ touchdown song. The interception song. The Demaryius Thomas80-yard-touchdown-catch-from-Tim Tebow song. The 15-second sound bite for Miller’s latest sack dance. An interception by Champ Bailey back in the day would elicit a snippet of Jadakiss’ “The Champ is Here.” And Robert Ayers fittingly got Flo Rida’s “In The Ayer.” The music is as ingrained in the game as the playbooks and audibles. And it’s as much a part of the players’ routines on the field as it is their lifestyles off the field. Nathan Palmer, a backup wide receiver, is an aspiring R&B singer who spends much of his offseason holed up in a studio laying

down new tracks. Over the summer, he performed four shows, including a sold-out event in downtown Denver with many of his teammates in the crowd. A day before the team’s preseason opener at Seattle, Palmer’s latest single, “Rings,” was released on iTunes. The cover art? A photo of John Elway and Gary Kubiak sharing a laugh during the Broncos’ picture day in 1988. Peyton Manning, a man who has a love for music that runs deeper than 30 seconds of dancing to “Rocky Top” at practice, is a longtime friend of country music star Kenny Chesney. They met when Manning was the star quarterback at the University of Tennessee and Chesney was an up-and-coming musician in Knoxville. When Manning signed with the Broncos in 2012, his first appearance at Sports Authority Field was on stage during a Chesney concert. For Bolden, the musical connections are indirect but just as significant. He listens to who he can relate to — Drake — and whose lyrics hold meaning to him. For most of the players, the headphones they wear before games and the songs they choose in warm-ups reveal much of who they are. The music isn’t just complementary to the game. It’s a part of it.

Linebacker

Von Miller

John Leyba, The Denver Post

Nicki Jhabvala: 303-954-1299, njhabvala@denverpost.com

Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib, left, can’t help but do a little dancing as music plays over speakers before practice.

Few — in football and out — have tastes as eclectic as Von Miller’s. His music preferences are as far out as his apparel, ranging from hip-hop to folk and including country and techno. When the Broncos’ DJs field requests from players for pregame warm-up music, Miller is the one who, in the same breath, will ask for Lil Wayne and Norman Greenbaum. He is the one who will dance to the new-school “Watch Me” and the old-school “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” and pull out some air guitar for Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” Only Von Miller. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

Kathryn Scott Osler, Denver Post

FAVOITE SONGS Post Malone — “Too Young” Lil Wayne — “Living Right” Sauce Twinz — “Sauceanese” Nirvana — “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

ARTIST Lil Wayne

06 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

the sound of football Bet you don’t know this fight song The Broncos’ fight song was a regular feature during halftime entertainment at Bears Stadium in the 1960s. While the teams regrouped in their locker rooms, fans were encouraged to belt out this spirited chant: Hail, Mighty Broncos, Pride of the West Like the mountains tow’ring high, over the rest. Fight Denver Broncos, Fight for your fame Fight Broncos, Fight, Fight, Fight, We’ll win this game. Yippie, Oh, Ay, Take it boys, go all the way Yippie, Ay, Oh Watch the Broncos go Yippie Ay, Yippie Ay, The Broncos win today, HEY! Back to the chorus now, and all join in! — Jeff Neumann, The Denver Post

Youngsters contribute to a fund to improve Bears Stadium and keep the Broncos in Denver in 1967. Denver Post file

I can name that tune in three notes . . . By Jeff Neumann The Denver Post

“The Super Bowl Shuffle” — by Chicago Bears Shufflin’ Crew (1985), with its egocentric and hamlipped rapping — is perhaps the best-known football tune ever. We are the Bears Shufflin’ Crew Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you. We’re so bad we know we’re good. Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would. You know we’re just struttin’ for fun Struttin’ our stuff for everyone. We’re not here to start no trouble. We’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle. But let’s get past the amateur opening act to queue

up a list of headlining football-themed songs: 1. “Are You Ready for Some Football” by Hank Williams Jr., a retooling of “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.” 2. “Blind Man in the Bleachers” by Kenny Starr, a schmaltzy song about a son who never makes the field until the day his blind dad dies. 3. “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney, a nostalgic look at high school football by a close friend of Peyton Manning’s. 4. “Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goal Posts of Life)” by Bobby Bare, the world’s only Christian football waltz. 5. “Football Rap” by LL Cool J, a minimalist rap from the Goldie Hawn movie “Wildcats.”

6. “Football Card” by Glenn Sutton, a humorous pickin’ and jawin’ song about betting and losing on football.

12. “San Dimas High School Football Rules” by The Ataris, a pop-punk return to adolescence.

7. “Heart of a Champion” by Nelly, kind of a mashed-up mess of synthesized Roman horn tooting, rap and ’80s soundtrack schlock.

13. “You Gotta Be a Football Hero” by Big Bernie & All the Lads, a warbling big band radio ditty from 1933.

8. “Football Son” by Stompin’ Tom Connors, an attempt at writing a Canadian Football League anthem. 9. “Football Fight” by Queen, a quite horrible cheesy synthladen tune from the “Flash Gordon” soundtrack. 10. “High School Football Hero” by AFI, a poppy punk anthem. 11. “Mud Football” by Jack Johnson, a Caribbean-flavored pop song harkening back to a game with friends.

14. “Coney Island Baby” by Lou Reed, the poetry-reading intro touches on his high school football career. 15. “All Kinds of Time” by Fountains of Wayne, dreamy, Zenlike reflections of a pocket passer. 16. “Touchdown King” by Meat Puppets, meandering psychedelic roots hero worship. 17. “Not as Much as Football” by Mojo Nixon, a quirkabilly ode to loving a girl more than a whole slew of redneck pursuits, but not more than football.

18. “The Fall of the High School Running Back” by The Mountain Goats, a short acoustic yarn that follows a running back from star to blown-out knee to slinging drugs. 19. “Put Me in the Game” by Lil Wayne, a rapper in love with the pigskin 20. “Big Game Hunter” by Buck Owens, Top-10 country hit in the ’70s about football obsession. 21. “The Ball” by James Otto, a sappy ballad about a fumble. 22. “First and Ten” by Ten Yard Fight, a hardcore chant about playing football all day long. 23. “Classic Battle” by Sam Spence, one of the symphonic NFL Films theme songs.

Jeff Neumann: 303-954-1267, jneumann@denverpost.com or twitter.com/neumannjeff

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the sound of football

NFL players who kept on playing – on stage By Jeff Neumann The Denver Post

When football and music collide, the result can be as cringeworthy as seeing a punter try to make a tackle. Here are some NFL players who have tried their hands at music.

on the Billboard hot 110, making the 1985 Bears the only professional sports team with a hit single. The song lives on as a karoke favorite in Chicago bars.

Free Reign

LaDainian Tomlinson Mike Reid

Doug Flutie

A defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1970-1974, Reid turned to country music when injuries sidelined his football career at age 27. Beginning in 1980, Reid became a top songwriter in Nashville and in 1984 won the Grammy Award for best country song with “Stranger in My House,” which was recorded by Ronnie Milsap. Reid’s 1990 hit, “Walk on Faith,” hit No. 1 on the country songs chart and he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. Reid has written seven musicals, including the Civil War play “A House Divided.”

The former NFL quarterback (1986-89 and 1998-2005) drummed for the Barenaked Ladies and was named the NFL’s best musician. He won a “Monday Night Football” competition titled “Monday Night at the Mic” during halftime of a game played Dec. 13, 2003. The Flutie Brothers Band, with his brother Darren on guitar, plays classic rock hits and wrote and recorded the “Saturday Night Football” theme song for the Canadian Football League.

In 2010, the NFL running back (2001-11), decided to celebrate making the playoffs in a song. The 1980s dance-inspired electro-rap track “TL Slide Electric Glide” included a goofy low-budget video.

Kyle Turley The offensive tackle (1998-2007) retired from the NFL, moved to Nashville and founded Gridiron Records with Tom Pickett. His “power country” debut album “Anger Management” was released in 2010.

(Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis, Cory Proctor) Guitarist Justin Chapman and almost 1,000 pounds of offensive linemen — Marc Colombo (2002-11), Leonard Davis (2001-12) and Cory Procter (2007-10) — formed the “heavier than metal” band Free Reign when a predicted NFL lockout threatened to cancel the 2011 season. The band released its debut EP, “Tragedy,” in 2010.

Chris Kluwe The former punter (2005-12) formed an alternative/progressive metal band, Tripping Icarus, in 2009. It released a debut EP, “The Sideshow Sessions,” with Kluwe on bass.

Deion Sanders Terry Bradshaw The four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers released three country albums from 1976-81, crooning the Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” on his first single, which reached No. 17 on the top-100 chart. In 1996, Bradshaw released a Christian Christmas album titled “Christmas Songs for the Whole World.”

The Hall of Fame cornerback (1989-2000 and 2004-05), recorded the rap album “Prime Time” in 1994. The album peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard hip-hop songs chart. The album’s single, “Must Be the Money,” failed to register on the charts.

Trevor Pryce Super Boys

1985 Chicago Bears (Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, William Perry, et al.) Three months before their Super Bowl XX victory, the Bears got together for the onehit wonder “Super Bowl Shuffle.” The song featured players rapping about their exploits on the field and lasted nine weeks

(A bunch of Dallas Cowboys) After winning Super Bowl XXVII in 1994, quarterback Troy Aikman (1989-2000), along with current and former players and special-teams coach Joe Avezzano, formed the Super Boys, releasing the country album “Everybody Wants to Be a Cowboy,” with the rather atrocious Aikman lead single “Oklahoma Nights.”

The former Broncos, Ravens and Jets defensive end (1997-2010) taught himself to play bass and piano. He started his own independent music label, Outlook Music, and released albums stretching back to the early 2000s by bands such as Daphne Loves Derby and Vaux. Later, he turned his attention to writing and television. In June 2015, Netflix ordered a 13-episode season of “Kulipari: Army of Frogs,” based on a trilogy of books that Pryce wrote.

Jeff Neumann: 303-954-1267, jneumann@denverpost.com or twitter.com/neumannjeff

08 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

First-year Broncos coach Gary Kubiak has a plan to win another Super Bowl championship. The former Denver backup quarterback was the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offensive coordinator when the Broncos won their only championships during the 1990s. John Leyba, The Denver Post

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The old gang bands together to make a run at another title By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

On a sweltering summer day, far from the uncomfortable offseason pay-cut negotiations, Peyton Manning stands under center. Gary Kubiak, who has two decades on his résumé as a coach and offensive coordinator, scans the play sheet. Twenty yards away, John Elway, hand on hip, watches the play-action develop, finishing with a short crossing route to tight end Owen Daniels. Three quarterbacks intersected at Dove Valley this offseason, forming an unlikely alliance as the Broncos attempt to erase the memory of last season’s one-and-done playoff exit. When Elway, the general manager, hired Kubiak as Denver’s 15th head coach, it cued a soundtrack: The band was back together. The Broncos won their only two Super Bowls in the 1997 and 1998 seasons with Elway running the plays and Kubiak calling them as coach Mike Shanahan’s offensive coordinator. The Broncos own four consecutive AFC West titles and haven’t lost a divisional road game since Dec. 19, 2010. Yet when the Indianapolis Colts embarrassed the Broncos in the playoffs, the uninspired performance spawned change. Elway believed coach John Fox had taken the Broncos as far as they could go, and “it wasn’t as far as I wanted to go, so it was a good opportunity to go in a different direction.” In his fifth season in charge, Elway trusts his gut more. But this is not the first time he has made a bold decision. Forget whims; he’s chronically attuned to win.

Broncos general manager John Elway’s vision for winning a Super Bowl has changed after four consecutive AFC West titles but no NFL championships. Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

What made the Kubiak decision remarkable was Manning. He enters the season at 39, an age when a quarterback never has started a Super Bowl, let alone won one. His contract runs through the 2016 season, but this could be his last gasp, his final chance to add a second championship and first with the Broncos. Therein lies the motivation for this abrupt change beyond Elway’s desire to have a team that will go out

“kicking and screaming.” A Super Bowl title remains the only thing Manning hasn’t accomplished since arriving in Denver. And now he is going to try to pull it off with a new head coach and new offense. “I just know with Gary and his style and how he works,” Elway said. “He’s going to get along with everybody to find out a way to get it done. He’s not one of the guys who is going to back himself » 10F

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into a corner and say ‘Absolutely not.’ If he feels like there’s a better solution, he will make that change. A lot of times, he doesn’t have that ego where you can’t get better and work with people. That’s why the transition with Gary and Peyton coming together — everybody talks about that — it never concerned me at all because I know how Gary is.” Beginning in 2012, Manning has delivered the greatest three consecutive regular seasons by a quarterback anyone has witnessed. At the same time, his 14,863 yards and 131 touchdowns over this span didn’t result in a ring. Manning has designs on becoming the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two teams, something not even Brett Favre, Joe Montana or Johnny Unitas could do. To give the Broncos their best opportunity, Elway turned to Kubiak, his longtime backup and training-camp roommate. The faith in those two resonates with Broncos fans. Connecting the dots with Manning remains more difficult. No one disputes Manning’s excellence. The issue is how he fits in Kubiak’s zoneblocking, running back-friendly offense. “Great quarterbacks like Peyton can play in any offense. I don’t think it will be a tough year. He’s going to play well because he’s highly motivated to show that December and January weren’t the real Peyton Manning,” said NBC analyst and

Gary Kubiak is a better offensive coordintor than a head coach In his 12 seasons as an offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak as been ranked in the top 10 for points per game every year but one. In his last year as a head coach (before 2015), Kubiak’s Houston Texans were ranked dead last in W-L percentage. This is the second time Denver has hired a head coach with such a dismal ranking. John Fox’s 2010 Carolina Panthers were also ranked 32nd before Fox was hired as head coach of the Broncos in 2011. OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR HEAD COACH

Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com Infographic by Jeff Neumann, The Denver Post

Many observers have said Peyton Manning runs the offense on his teams. That’s not the case now with Gary Kubiak looking over his shoulder. David Zalubowski, The Associated Press

Team rank in points scored per game

32 teams

31 teams

30 teams

First Fourth

Second

Seventh

Ninth

Seventh 10th

10th

Ninth

18th

1995 24.2 pts. scored per game

1996 24.4 pts.

1997 29.5 pts.

1998 31.1 pts.

1999 19.6 pts.

2000 30.3 pts. BRONCOS

2001 21.2 pts.

2002 24.5 pts.

2003 23.8 pts.

2004 23.8 pts.

2005 24.7 pts.

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another local team reunion former Colts coach Tony Dungy, who won a Super Bowl with Manning in the 2006 season. “He’s smart, and accurate, and they have put together an offense that’s going to score points and help them suffocate teams with a top-five defense.” Two preseason appearances failed to soothe nerves as Manning failed to produce a touchdown drive in 62 plays. He didn’t have speedy receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury, or new left guard Evan Mathis, who will make his debut in the season-opener Sept. 13 against Baltimore . And the Broncos kept the playbook rather vanilla. Still, concern surfaced to the point where Manning was asked if he would lobby to use more shotgun formations and pass plays. “This is the Broncos’ offense,” Manning said. “I don’t know about how much negotiation is going on, but I think they’re all trying to put us in the best situations for us to move the ball and get down the field. And it’s our job to do that.” Since taking a $4 million pay cut in March, money he can earn back if the Broncos win the AFC championship and Super Bowl, Manning has committed fully to Kubiak’s system. He wanted to finish his career in Denver, not bounce around. Manning changed his offseason conditioning and diet. He added muscle and dropped 5 pounds,

working out between speaking engagements and hunting trips. He accepted Kubiak’s plan to practice three days and receive one day off, a routine designed to keep him fresher over the season’s final months. Manning is not expected to practice on Wednesdays during the season. Elway followed an identical schedule in his final years. Manning’s drive is so intense, it’s easy for his teammates to see the doubters inspire him. “He has a chip on his shoulder,” Sanders said. “You watch.” Manning threw 39 touchdown passes last season, second in the NFL, but only six over the final six games, counting the postseason. He strained his right quadriceps Dec. 14 at San Diego, viewed by Manning as a fluke injury because he was suffering from dehydration after becoming sick on the eve of the game. Manning’s finish spawned talk he might never win another championship. Elway concluded his 1996 season with a heartbreaking home playoff loss to Jacksonville, raising questions if he would ever win a single championship. Kubiak acknowledges parallels when explaining why he believes this marriage of blended offenses — Manning’s arm and audibles and the gaping holes in the running game — will work. “I remember being part of that at the » 12F

Team rank in W-L percentage Third Seventh 11th 14th 17th

NOTE: On Dec. 6, 2013, Kubiak was ﬁred by the Texans with three games remaining in the 2013 season

Eighth

20th 24th

2006 6-10 regular-season record

2007 8-8

2008 8-8

2009 9-7

2010 6-10 TEXANS

2011 10-6

2012 12-4

32nd 2013 2-14

2014 25.6 pts. RAVENS

Rockies’ confab has been rough to this point Editor’s note: A look at how other local pro franchises that brought back former players as their leader are doing in Denver. By Patrick Saunders The Denver Post Dick Monfort’s words were telling. On Nov. 9, 2012, the Rockies owner stood before a crowd of select fans and formally introduced Walt Weiss as the sixth manager in franchise history. “Walt is very refreshing. He’s a Colorado guy. He lives in Colorado,” Monfort said. “We got a guy who wants this team. He doesn’t want the Yankees. He doesn’t want any other team. He wants the Colorado Rockies.” And the Rockies, an organization that often celebrates its family-style loyalty, got the man they wanted. Weiss, who played for the Rockies from 1994-97 and also served as a special assistant to former general manager Dan O’Dowd from 2002-08, was the insider Monfort, O’Dowd and assistant GM Bill Geivett wanted. “Obviously, I think a big part of it is the familiarity with the organization and the personalities,” Weiss said recently. “There is a comfort factor there that you know what you are getting. There are relationships that have been established. “I think that’s one of the reasons they reached out to me.” Weiss also knew, firsthand, about the peculiarities of playing baseball in Denver’s mile-high altitude. “There are some unique challenges to playing here, so I was familiar with that,” Weiss said. “I think that was a big factor. There was a comfort level, and that’s a big factor for those making the decisions at the top.” Weiss, considered a player’s manager, took over a team that lost 98 games under manager Jim Tracy in 2012. Tracy, fed up with meddling from the front office, walked away from the final year of his contract, leaving $1.4 million on the table. Weiss was seen as a company man and a good communicator. But deep into his third season, Weiss hasn’t been able to turn things around. The Rockies are on pace to lose 97 games. In his first two seasons the Rockies lost 88 and 96 games. Weiss was coaching baseball at Regis Jesuit High School when the Rockies hired him as a rookie big-league manager. He bristles at criticism that he wasn’t ready, noting that he played for two Hall of Fame managers — Bobby Cox in Atlanta and Tony La Russa in Oakland. However, he understands the downside to “staying within the family.” “Sure, it’s important to go the other direction sometimes,” he said. “I think it all depends on the individual circumstances. I don’t think you could make a blanket statement either way. It all comes down to where an organization is at, where they are heading. Sometimes new blood makes sense.”

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp

12 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015 another local team reunion

Mixed success for Avalanche under Roy Editor’s note: A look at how other local pro franchises that brought back former players as their leader are doing in Denver. By Terry Frei The Denver Post They were three of the cornerstones of the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup teams in 1996 and 2001. Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and four years after his retirement, Adam Foote remains respected as one of the top physical, stay-at-home defensemen of his era. Two years ago, soon after Sakic was named the Avalanche’s executive vice president of hockey operations and general manager, he was instrumental in the hiring of Roy as the franchise’s vice president and head coach. The former goaltender had spent the 10 years since his retirement with major junior hockey’s Quebec Remparts, serving as part-owner, general manager and for the final eight seasons head coach. “When I took this job,” Sakic said at the time, “and I knew I had to find a coach, Patrick was always my top candidate.” Foote also joined the staff as a defense development specialist, skating with the Avs at practice and working with the organization’s defensemen. Roy’s former road roommate might have become a full-time assistant coach if he hadn’t wanted to help coach his sons in the Colorado Thunderbirds youth program in the Denver area. The reunion of former Avs greats produced spectacular results in the ensuing 2013-14 regular season, when the Avalanche’s 52-22-8 record and 112 points were the third-best in the NHL. That was especially remarkable because in the previous, lockout-shortened season, Colorado had the second-worst record in the league. In June 2014, Roy was named winner of the Jack Adams Award as the league’s coach of the year. The future seemed bright, for both the franchise and the reunited buddies working together. Last season, though, the Avalanche regressed, going 39-31-12, finishing last in the Central Division, 12th in the Western Conference and 21st overall in the 30-team league. So, as the 2015-16 season — the third under Sakic and Roy — approaches, the question is which of those previous two seasons was “real” and which was the aberration.

Terry Frei: tfrei@denverpost.com or twitter.com/TFrei

Play-action is a huge part of the Broncos’ new offense, as Peyton Manning demonstrates with a fake handoff to C.J. Anderson during the preseason. John Leyba, The Denver Post

FROM 11F

end of John’s career, and what we were trying to do with the team,” Kubiak said. “We had a young back, obviously. We stumbled across (Terrell Davis). We are sitting there and going: ‘This guy is something else. We can take a lot of pressure off John,’ and we knew our defense would play well,” Kubiak said. “(With our current team), I think we have a chance to be great on defense between the skill and talent we have. I see a lot of similarities, and I also see the same hungry guy like we saw in John. And if we show up and say: ‘Peyton, it’s yours. You are going to have to throw it 50 times for us to win today,’ I know he’s ready to do that. I have no doubt.” Kubiak has long demonstrated versatility in his play-calling and ability to maximize his personnel. He is the only coach to have a receiver (Andre Johnson 2008-09), running back (Arian Foster 2010) and quarterback (Matt Schaub 2009) lead the NFL in yards. Kubiak will adapt. Manning already has changed, executing rollouts and even scrambling for a 1-yard gain during training camp. The change, however, is jarring for fans accustomed to watching

the Broncos race up and down the field. Kubiak’s ground game owns an average rank of 10th as an offensive coordinator and head coach. Manning hasn’t played for a team with a top-10 running game since 2001. Finding common ground requires compromise, and with the preseason as proof, repetition. The Broncos, it can be argued, have won only one game when Manning hasn’t played well, last November’s 29-16 victory at Kansas City. He shouldn’t have to shoulder a similar load this season. “If you are throwing the ball every down like he was for his whole career, where it was more about the passing yards, there is an adjustment,” Elway said. “Those numbers are great, but we have to figure out how to blend those together: Get numbers and win a championship. Plus, at 39 years old, you are not what you used to be even though your mind thinks you are better. Believe me, I went through it. Sometimes the body can’t answer what the mind wants to do. This is why, to me, in the long run it’s going to help Peyton. He’s going through it, getting adjusted to it, and realizes that especially with the defense

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 13

another local team reunion

Rapids’ results under Mastroeni haven’t been impressive Editor’s note: A look at how other local pro franchises that brought back former players as their leader are doing in Denver. By John Meyer The Denver Post

John Elway pitches the ball to Terrell Davis during the Broncos’ second Super Bowl victory, against the Atlanta Falcons. Sun-Sentinel file

we have and the different ways we can play, it’s going to be a different style. He can still be a tremendous help in what he knows, his football intelligence. He will be as important as he ever was. It will just be in a different way.” Value is subjective. Huge stats make quarterbacks go early in fantasy-league drafts. They haven’t proved to be a reliable formula to win in January. The past four Super Bowl champions — Patriots, Seahawks, Ravens, Giants — have leaned on reasonable to heavy doses of running games and strong defenses. In Manning’s lone Super Bowl championship season, he threw 31 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. “Exactly,” Elway said. “Do that and get us in the right plays in the passing game and get us out of bad running plays. His value is still the same.” Manning’s role, though, has changed. The Broncos no longer are defined by the lead singer. It is about the entire group. Why else would they get the band back together? “At this stage, to have a chance to come back and coach the Broncos, you never dream stuff like this would happen. It’s been really special,” Kubiak said. “And

John Elway and Gary Kubiak had a lot of good times together as teammates. Denver Post file

the fact that I have got a lot of people with me that have been a part of this place, we want to do it again. We want one of those rings. That’s what we want to do. With Peyton and the talent that John has put together on this team, this place gives you a great chance to do that.” Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

Like the Avalanche, the Rapids went with a fiery former player when they made their most recent coaching hire in 2014. The difference was that Patrick Roy at least had some coaching experience, albeit at the major junior level. Pablo Mastroeni was a recently retired player who suddenly found himself at the Rapids’ helm after predecessor Oscar Pareja left the team in a lurch weeks before the regular season to become the head coach at FC Dallas. Mastroeni fought and bled as a Rapids midfielder for 12 seasons. He loved the club and was one of the team’s most beloved players. The hotheaded player turned into a cerebral coach, and the results haven’t been good. Through last week, Mastroeni’s record was 16-27-17. Included was an 18-game winless streak from July 25, 2014, until April 10, 2015. They were 2-6-9 this season before going on a three-game winning streak before the all-star break. They lost that momentum and lost their next three games after the break. Last year the defense was porous — its 2.41 goals-against average on the road was the thirdworst in league history. This season the defense has been better, but the Rapids have had trouble scoring goals. Management has been inclined to be patient with Mastroeni because he lacked previous coaching experience, and because of his history with the club. “There’s no one in that organization that wants to be successful more than Pablo,” team president Tim Hinchey said. “From a learning curve perspective, I think he’s done some very positive things. He’s got guys who play for him. There’s no way I’ve seen him lose the locker room. “Over 18 months, I don’t know if that’s enough time to have a brand new guy be where he needs to be yet.” He added, however, “We need to get better.” As for Mastroeni, he continues to work on becoming a better coach. “Am I enjoying myself? This is my passion,” Mastroeni said. “It’s not like my coaching career is depending on this season. My job is to become a better coach every day.”

John Meyer: jmeyer@denverpost.com or twitter.com/johnmeyer

14 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware smiles as he plays catch during a day off for the veterans during training camp. John Leyba, The Denver Post

FUN & GAMES

In between drills and reps, the Broncos find a little time for fun and the fans

Broncos fans in their orange and blue wait for the gates to open for training camp at Dove Valley. Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman shows off the new mouthguard he is wearing, given to him by Loudmouth. John Leyba, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 15

Broncos defensive end Josh Watson has shoulder-pad duty as he walks off the field after practice during training camp. Broncos cornerback Curtis Marsh gets air during a drill knocking down a volleyball. John Leyba, The Denver Post

John Leyba, The Denver Post

Jenna Daniels keeps her 5-month-old baby, Arya, cool as they watch the Broncosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first practice of training camp at Dove Valley. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post

Aubrey Munro, 14, appears stunned while Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning signs an autograph at the first day of training camp. Brent Lewis, The Denver Post

16 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 20116

Elway turns to country as music tastes mature By Cameron Wolfe The Denver Post

A lot has changed since 1989 when defensive coordinator Wade Phillips joined quarterbacks John Elway and Gary Kubiak and linebacker Rick Dennison in Denver for the first time. In football, the San Francisco 49ers were coming off their first of two consecutive Super Bowl championships. Paul Tagliabue succeeded Pete Rozelle before the season as NFL commissioner. And there were only 28 NFL teams, two of them in Los Angeles (Rams and Raiders). In music, “Look Away” by Chicago and “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles. Michael Jackson was named “King of Pop” and Ice Cube left N.W.A. to begin a solo rapping career. We asked “The Band” what tickled their fancy in 1989 in football and music compared to now. Here’s what they said:

John Elway

John Elway, left, was a fan of Billy Idol during the 1980s, when he shared the sideline with the likes of coach Dan Reeves and backup quarterback Gary Kubiak. Denver Post file

FOOTBALL: A lot has changed for Elway since he was the gunslinging quarterback leading the Broncos in their heyday. He recalls being roommates with Kubiak and sharing the field with more than 100 players in training camp in Greeley. But his mission has remained the same: “Continue to make the Denver Broncos great.”

Denver Broncos

MUSIC: Elway took the field to Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” during his playing days, but now finds himself listening to Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean and Darius Rucker. “Gary was really the country guy. He was all country. I never really liked it. So I have come a long way. Now I am 95 percent country.”

owner Pat

new head coach Wade Phillips, left, in January 1993 shakes hands with Bowlen as Phillips’ wife, Laurie, looks on after a news conference announcing Phillips’ hiring. Associated Press file

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Gary Kubiak FOOTBALL: Kubiak was at the end of his stint of backing up Elway, trying to figure out a way to extend his career, but he always knew his next path. “I had two days off between the AFC championship game, and Texas A&M put me on the road recruiting. That was my career switch right there.” MUSIC: Kubiak said his music taste hasn’t changed much. And throughout the years, has gotten Elway and Dennison to acclimate to his taste. But when Kubiak gets in his truck, he always puts on the same thing. “I like all them old country boys. I’m a big 98.5 (FM) guy.”

Wade Phillips FOOTBALL: Phillips learned from former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan when he spent three years there as defensive coordinator. But it was when Phillips arrived in Denver in 1989 that he established his true identity. “One of the most exciting things I’ve ever been around was when we won the AFC championship here and the team came back out and took a bow. The whole crowd was still there cheering them. I still get chills from that. Those memories are great.”

MUSIC: Since Phillips was coaching when the other three were playing, his music taste has diversified a bit. “I’m more East Coast rap than West Coast,” Phillips joked. “Coming from Texas and being there most of my life, it was mostly country music. And of course oldies. They weren’t oldies back then, though.”

Rick Dennison FOOTBALL: Dennison marvels at the size of players nowadays, but feels like the camaraderie in 1989 was better. “There were a lot more guys. There were two practices a day in pads, but the game was a game. It was more tight-knit, because all you had to do was football, all day.” MUSIC: Dennison joked that he and Kubiak get along so well partly because of their love of country music. “I listened to George Strait; I know we went to a couple concerts of his. Southern rock. I listened to a lot of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now, I’m mostly country.” Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/CameronWolfe

Rick Dennison works out with the Broncos linebackers at Washington Park in Denver in 1982. Denver Post file

Old Broncos take the reins Until this season, the last time John Elway, Gary Kubiak, Rick Dennison and Wade Phillips were together on an NFL team was 25 years ago, with Phillips as defensive coordinator and Elway, Kubiak and Dennison as players for the Broncos. Kubiak, Dennison and Phillips coached together in their current positions — as head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator — for the 2011-13 Houston Texans. The best combination of any of these players/coaches was Elway as QB and Kubiak as offensive coordinator/QBs coach for the Broncos, who won the Super Bowl at the end of the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

NFL position Broncos coach/GM

Broncos player

NFL coach (for a team other than the Broncos)

On the same team

JOHN ELWAY GARY KUBIAK RICK DENNISON WADE PHILLIPS

2015 Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com

2010

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

Infographic by Jeff Neumann, The Denver Post

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18 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Football’s call made it impossible for Dennison to wave goodbye By Cameron Wolfe The Denver Post

When former Broncos linebacker Rick Dennison retired as a player in 1990, he thought he was done with football. “I was going to be an engineer. My life was pretty much planned doing something else. I thought I could just walk away,” Dennison said. It wasn’t that easy. He got a job as a materials engineer at Converse but was not happy. The lure of football was too strong. “It was too much,” he said. “I wanted to be around the sport, so I started coaching prep schools.” And within a few years, he was back with the Broncos. He paid his dues as an assistant high school football and basketball coach at Suffield (Conn.) Academy in Connecticut for three years before getting a call in 1995 from his old friend and teammate Gary Kubiak, who at the time was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator. Kubiak wanted him as an assistant. At the time, Dennison didn’t have much experience, but he quickly accepted the of-

Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison played at every level of football in Colorado, from the preps to the pros. John Leyba, The Denver Post

Since 2010, Rick Dennison has been Kubiak’s right-hand man After four years as an offensive coach for the Broncos, Rick Dennison joined the Houston Texans in 2010 under head coach Gary Kubiak. Dennison followed Kubiak to the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 and now to the Broncos.

fer. He played on defense his whole NFL career, but he was no stranger to the offensive side of the ball. At Colorado State, Dennison was a tight end. He switched to defense to make an NFL roster. More than that, though, Dennison trusted Kubiak, believing he was following a man he could learn from. “I always wanted to be a coach,” said Kubiak, who was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator from 1995-2005. “That’s what I wanted to do before nine years of playing got in the way. And once he realized it, Rick wanted the same.” Although born in Montana, Dennison is a Colorado guy through and through. The three-sport star at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins stayed in town to play football at CSU, where he got his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering. Dennison was never the best athlete on the college or pro teams he played for, but he earned a reputation as a hard worker who

would put in the time to make himself better. And he has treated coaching the same way. “I’m the same guy,” said Dennison, 57. “That’s what I was told when I first started coaching: You can’t emulate anyone; you have to be yourself when you’re coaching.” Kubiak and Dennison would team up as coaches to help the Broncos win back-toback Super Bowls after the 1997 and 1998 seasons, when Dennison was the specialteams coach. When Kubiak left the Broncos to take over as head coach of the Houston Texans in 2006, Dennison succeeded him as offensive coordinator. But four years later, he rejoined his friend in Houston as the Texans’ offensive coordinator. Kubiak was fired near the end of the 2013 season in Houston and became offensive coordinator in Baltimore a year ago, where Dennison rejoined him as the quarterbacks coach. Now, they’re joined at the hip once again in Denver hoping to regain that 1997, 1998 magic. Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/CameronWolfe

Team rank in points scored per game

Ninth

NOTE: Dennison was quarterbacks coach under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak for the 2014 Baltimore Ravens

16th

17th

NOTE: Dennison was demoted to offensive line coach in the 2009 season

21st

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Eighth 10th

31st

Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com Infographic by Jeff Neumann, The Denver Post

2006 19.9 pts. scored per game

2007 20.0 pts.

2008 23.1 pts.

BRONCOS

2009

2010 24.4 pts.

2011 23.8 pts.

2012 26.0 pts.

TEXANS

2013 17.2 pts.

feel the music

Nose tackle

Sylvester Williams It’s obvious to anyone who merely glances at the hulking lineman. Sylvester Williams is William Leonard Roberts II, a man better known as Rick Ross. And if you tell Williams otherwise, he’ll give you a blank stare as if he’s offended. The Broncos’ nose tackle is a dead ringer for the rapper — the beard, the round face, the sleepy eyes. So it’s only fitting that Williams’ favorite artist is Ross, and one of his favorite songs is “Hustlin.’ ” Add in DJ Khaled’s hit “Go Hard” and Williams paints a nice picture of his mind-set this season after working feverishly over the summer to be the anchor of the Broncos’ defensive line and to help fill the void left by Terrance Knighton. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Go Hard,” DJ Khaled featuring Kanye West and T-Pain “Hustlin’,” Rick Ross “The Real Is Back,” Young Jeezy

ARTIST Rick Ross

John Leyba, The Denver Post

20 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson cuts back to pick up extra yards in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers during the Aug. 29 preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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All need to be in the zone for blocking system to succeed By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

His NFL playing career over, Gary Kubiak knew he knew offenses. He recognized play calls and route trees. Then Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum hired him in 1992 to coach the Aggies running backs. Kubiak fought boredom as he watched spliced game film of the offensive line. “I was working with Mike Sherman at the time. He pulled me aside and said you better learn this (expletive) stuff, too,” Kubiak recalled. Kubiak has worked as a head coach or offensive coordinator for two decades. He played quarterback, but is known for establishing successful running games. Over the past 20 years, the average rank of his ground game is 10th. Kubiak is a play caller with versatility and without ego. He has learned well. At the core of his attack is a reliable ground game built on zone blocking. The zone-blocking system relies on communication among the linemen, on repetition of blocks and on precise timing by running backs. “We keep it simple,” Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “We want to stretch the play out and cut the field in half (with the running back).” Kubiak learned the concept from line coach Alex Gibbs when Kubiak joined Mike Shanahan’s Broncos staff in 1995 as offensive coordinator. For five years, Gibbs “beat up” Kubiak with information. “Alex taught me about all the problems other people have. As a coordinator, sometimes you are attacking the defense, just calling plays,” Kubiak said. “He taught me that you have to understand everything that is going on.” What once happened with the Broncos up front and should again is a ballet of big men. That is the first principle of the zone-

The 1959-67 Green Bay Packers were using what head coach Vince Lombardi called the “do-dad” block. In “Vince Lombardi on Football,” the famous coach explained it this way: “The guard and the center do-dad, or area-block, the defensive tackle and middle linebacker.” No one’s really sure who invented zone blocking, but Lombardi utilized blocking an area

Broncos center Matt Paradis, left, and right guard Louis Vasquez double-team

instead of a man for

Seattle’s Jordan Hill during the Aug. 14 preseason game at CenturyLink Stadium

pro football’s

in Seattle. Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Packers. blocking scheme. Everyone works together as a group. “It doesn’t matter if we are all wrong. If we are all wrong together, we are right,” said former Broncos Pro Bowl left guard Mark Schlereth. The outside zone-blocking play is central to the offense. When running right, for example, the center, guard and tackle on the strong side fire off the ball, pushing and bait-

ing the defensive linemen in that direction. As the defenders move with the play, they tend to lose their spacing. The offensive linemen on the backside of the play then cut block. This is where the holes emerge. Within three steps, the running back makes his read. Any longer and the linemen struggle to hold their blocks. The running back doesn’t cut back. He cuts up field. It is » 22F

22 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

In the zone

FROM 21F

The Broncos will employ a zone-blocking running scheme. New Broncos coach Gary Kubiak has enjoyed success with the system. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck looks at the top 10 single seasons that running backs have had in the scheme playing for Kubiak. Runs of 10 yards Yards or more Terrell Davis, Broncos, 1998

2,008

Terrell Davis, Broncos, 1997

1,750

Arian Foster, Texans, 2010

1,616

Terrell Davis, Broncos, 1996

1,538

Clinton Portis, Broncos, 2002

1,508

Mike Anderson, Broncos, 2000

1,487

Arian Foster, Texans, 2012

1,424

Steve Slaton, Texans, 2008

1,282

Justin Forsett, Ravens, 2014

1,266

Arian Foster, Texans, 2011

1,224

an important distinction. When executed perfectly, the running back cuts in a direct line behind the center. As Gibbs explained in one of his many coaching clinic teaching videos, “If the tailback is (trailing) the center, you have no zone wide play. And if the tailback is ahead of the center, you have no center and better find one.” Broncos Ring of Famer Terrell Davis mastered this play, showing impeccable timing when putting his foot in the ground and heading upfield. During the Broncos’ only two Super Bowl championship seasons — 1997 and 1998 — Davis rushed for a combined 3,758 yards and 35 touchdowns. Even more impressive, he posted 96 runs of 10 yards or more. “What it does, is it clears the vision up. In man schemes, there are guys chasing guys. It makes the picture cloudy. If it’s a zone scheme, it just clears the picture up where you can see what you’re supposed to do a lot better,” Davis said. “There’s not a lot of things crossing your eyeballs or coming across your peripheral. To me, that’s what it does. Then, if you’re deep enough — like 6 or 7 yards deep—to me, it just allows you time

Coach Rick Dennison’s zone-blocking offense The Broncos are blending a zone-blocking offense with Peyton Manning’s strengths at the line of scrimmage and in the shotgun formation. The idea of the zone-blocking running attack is simple: The linemen block in one direction, moving the defensive linemen with them. The running back exercises patience then cuts behind the blockers approximately where the center began on the play. The scheme is simple. As former Texans tackle Eric Winston said, “You are blocking the same play with six different formations and three different personnel groups. It’s a lot of repeating the same technique over and over again.” Sources: Denver Broncos, Troy Renck, Sports Writer

to see that stuff, too.” In the zone, the running back reads his linemen, aiming for soft spots. The upfield cut might come off the guard’s block. Or if the tackle keeps the outside linebacker or defensive end inside, the running back can bounce the play outside. The Broncos feature an offensive line blended with experience — former Pro Bowl guards Louis Vasquez and Evan Mathis and veteran tackle Ryan Harris — and youth (center Matt Paradis and left tackle Ty Sambrailo never have taken a snap in a regular-season game). “When we execute, the holes are huge,” Broncos running back C.J. Anderson said. The system requires linemen with good feet, with athleticism to reach the second level on blocks and with enough strength not to get pushed backward. It is not complicated. “Sometimes you are blocking the same play with six different formations and three different motions,” said former Houston Texans tackle Eric Winston, who spent the bulk of his career playing for Kubiak. “You are able to rep a lot of the same techniques over and over again, so it allows you to perfect them.” The line graduates from pedestrian to outstanding through trust and communication.

Linebackers move in pursuit of the running back.

LINEBACKER

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

NOSE GUARD Doubleteamed

TIGHT END

TACKLE

UNCOVERED

COVERED

GUARD COVERED

A. The running back’s initial run is nearly parallel to the line running left ...

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Key words are used at the line to communicate, calling for a combination block or a switch in a different direction. “It can be one word or as simple as ‘Hey! Hey! Hey!’ ” Schlereth said. This is where quarterback Peyton Manning can prove invaluable, even in the the running game, because of his ability to audible into the right call after looking over the defense. The system aims for two goals on running plays: no negative yardage and big plays. In his one year as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator last season, Kubiak turned to vagabond Justin Forsett after the Ravens cut Ray Rice. The running back reached the Pro Bowl, rushing for 1,266 yards. He posted 40 rushes of at least 10 yards, second only to DeMarco Murray’s 45. Three steps. Cut up. Watch the yards add up at 4, 5, 6 per clip. That’s when you know the running backs are in the zone (offense). “It’s a matter of getting everyone on the same page. Tying the front side and backside together,” Dennison said. “Keep it simple and cut the field in half.”

Peyton Manning waits under center as offensive linemen Ryan Harris, left, and Louis Vasquez prepare to block against the San Francisco 49ers during the Aug. 29 preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

High Stadium. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

2ND LEVEL 2

Initial step of offensive line is diagonal to the left, except for the right-side TE, whose block cuts off pursuit.

LINEBACKER

1ST LEVELL

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

| 23

DEFENSIVE END

Uncovered blockers can move into the second level or double-team a defensive lineman. Once one of the blockers controls the defensive player, the other can peel away to the second level. In the zone

Zone blockers don’t pick a man but block whomever is in their zone. Tight end cuts off pursuit.

CEN NT

GUARD

UNCOV V

UNCOVERED

TACKLE COVERED

TIGHT END

ZONE

COVERED

B. ... or the running back cuts up field into a lane that is opened up by the zone blockers.

Handoff

QUARTERBACK

RUNNING BACK Jeff Neumann and Severiano Galván, The Denver Post

24 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

broncos offense skill positions By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

The Broncos looked to their past to change their future. After winning four consecutive AFC West titles, and setting the NFL single-season record for points scored in 2013, the trophy case remained lonely. No Super Bowl titles since the 1998 season. General manager John Elway believed coach John Fox took the team “as far as he could go and it wasn’t as far as I wanted to go.” The Broncos will return to a hybrid of their old zone-blocking offense under new coach Gary Kubiak, using what they hope is a strong running attack to open up play-action passes and limit hits on quarterback Peyton Manning. In his 20 years as an offensive coordinator and a head coach, Kubiak’s running attack has finished, on average, 10th in the league. Manning hasn’t played for a team that finished in the top 10 in rushing since 2001. Finding common ground requires compromise and repetition, which means the offense could require a handful of regularseason games to gain traction. The unit remains talented with lofty expectations, beginning with a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

quarterback

runningback

fullback

wide receiver

tightend

Rushed for seven touchdowns in December, paving way for first Pro Bowl berth. Averaged only 11.9 carries per game. Can he become a bell cow back and log 20 per game this season?

A hybrid tight end/ fullback. Casey, built like a linebacker, boasts strong blocking skills and should become a receiving weapon on third-andshort.

Set goal to break Calvin Johnson’s singleseason record for receiving yards. That seems unlikely in this offense, but 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns are easily attainable given the mismatches in the play-action.

Set career highs in yards, receptions and touchdowns in first season in Denver. His most important stat that should translate this season in playaction: Sanders made 16 catches of at least 25 yards, second best in the NFL.

Daniels provides reliability and talent. He knows this offense as well as anyone but coach Gary Kubiak. He finds soft spots on underneath routes. Last year, he caught eight passes on third down, seven for first downs.

backup

Andre Caldwell, 6-foot, 200 pounds, 30, eighth season, Florida

Cody Latimer, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, 22, second season, Indiana

Virgil Green, 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, 27, fifth season, Nevada

Latimer lost momentum after a strong preseason opener. He needs confidence, but how can he get it without results? Without progress, he is likely to lose time to Jordan Norwood and Andre Caldwell early in the season.

Premier run blocker whose role will expand in the passing game. Green is a big target, and his ability to function in pass protection is key to camouflaging plays with double tight-end sets.

Peyton Manning, 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, 39, 18th season, Tennessee Finished with 39 touchdown passes last season but had six two-interception games. Will be asked to throw less. Should be more effective at season’s end from a lighter practice schedule. Needs eight victories to pass Brett Favre (186) as the winningest quarterback in NFL history.

C.J. Anderson, 5-foot-8, 224 pounds, 24, third season, California

backup backup

Ronnie Hillman, 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, 23, fourth season, San Diego State

backup

Brock Osweiler, 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, 24, fourth season, Arizona State Enters final year of contract after encouraging preseason. Big arm and ability to roll out make him a better fit in this offense than the previous one.

third string

Trevor Siemian, 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, 23, rookie, Northwestern

James Casey, 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, 30, seventh season, Rice

Ran in zone blocking scheme at San Diego State and looks comfortable in the system. Zoomed past Montee Ball in camp while making strong case to receive six to 10 carries a game because of his speed and burst.

third string

Juwan Thompson, 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, 23, second season, Duke

Virgil Green, 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, 27, fifth season, Nevada Premier run blocker whose role will expand in the passing game. Green is a big target, and his ability to function in pass protection is key to camouflaging plays with double tight-end sets.

Demaryius Thomas, 6-foot-3, 229 pounds, 27, sixth season, Georgia Tech

Quarterback friendly because he knows plays, knows assignments. Versatility on special teams has long helped him make rosters. And he earned a spot with two long touchdown catches in the preseason. In fact, he played so well he could take snaps away from Cody Latimer.

third string

Bennie Fowler, 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, 24, first season, Michigan State Fowler led the Broncos with 10 catches for 155 yards in the preseason. Big receiver with good body control who can make tough catches in traffic. Also a solid special teams contributor.

Emmanuel Sanders, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, 28, sixth season, Southern Methodist

Owen Daniels, 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, 32, 10th season, Wisconsin

third string third string

Jordan Norwood, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, 28, sixth season, Penn State Did his best Wes Welker impersonation as a slot receiver in the third preseason game. When Emmanuel Sanders returns for the opener, he could move outside with Norwood in the slot. Regardless, Norwood has gained the confidence of Peyton Manning in the preseason.

Mitchell Henry, 6-foot-4, 252 pounds, 22, rookie, Western Kentucky Rookie who had 78 receptions in college. Projects as TE/FB type.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

the line

kicking team

left tackle

left guard

center

right guard

right tackle

Ty Sambrailo, 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, 23, rookie, Colorado State

Evan Mathis, 6-foot-5, 298 pounds, 33, 11th season, Alabama

From Colorado State star to protecting Peyton Manning. It has been a magical ride for Sambrailo. He shows great footwork and intelligence against an outside pass rush but must continue to add upper-body strength and improve his hand technique to anchor the position.

Mathis, 33, enters the season as the NFL’s oldest starting offensive lineman. He’s also one of the best, excelling at zone blocking and reaching the second level on blocks. Should help accelerate Ty Sambrailo’s development.

A redshirt season on the practice squad paid huge dividends. Caught coach Gary Kubiak’s eye early on and continues to impress with his leadership and communication skills.

backup

Michael Schofield, 6-foot-6, 301 pounds, 24, second season, Michigan Made an early push to start in training camp before injuring his back. The Broncos would like to feature two young tackles in the future, which would create financial flexibility at other positions, but Schofield needs to make a big jump. He struggled as a left tackle in the preseason finale, meaning the Broncos would likely move Louis Vasquez to left tackle during the game if an injury occurred.

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backup

Max Garcia, 6-foot-4, 309 pounds, 23, rookie, Florida Florida rookie earned the starting spot in camp, beating out Shelley Smith and Ben Garland before Mathis was signed. The team views him as a future first-teamer, but needed experience between Matt Paradis and Sambrailo. Garcia can play guard and center.

third string

Ben Garland, 6-foot-5, 308 pounds, 27, second season, Air Force

Matt Paradis, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, 25, rookie, Boise State

Louis Vasquez, 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, 28, seventh season, Texas Tech

Ryan Harris, 6-foot-5, 302 pounds, 30, eighth season, Notre Dame

Back at right guard, Vasquez brings toughness, size and the ability to maul defenders. He has embraced a bigger leadership role after the season-ending injury to Ryan Clady.

Harris returns to the Broncos after turning the corner last season in Kansas City. Healthier, hungrier and focused on winning a Super Bowl, Harris gives the Broncos three veterans up front.

backup

Last year, the Broncos spent much of the season carrying three kickers on their roster: place-kickers Brandon McManus and Connor Barth and punter Britton Colquitt. In a mild surprise, the Broncos released Barth before their third preseason game and awarded the job to McManus. McManus can kick for longer distances, but he lost his spot to Barth last season because of inaccuracy. This offseason, he eliminated a jab step from his “windup” and said it has made his kicks a lot smoother and more consistent. After a tough 2014 season, Colquitt took a nearly 50 percent pay cut and had to overcome competition from YouTube sensation Karl Schmitz and late training-camp waiver pickup Spencer Lanning to retain his punting job. — Cameron Wolfe, The Denver Post

kicker

punter

backup James Ferentz, 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, 26, first season, Iowa Mainstay at Iowa where he played for his father.

Shelley Smith, 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, 28, sixth season, Colorado State

Michael Schofield, 6-foot-6, 301 pounds, 24, second season, Michigan

Slow to gain traction in camp, leaving him fighting for a roster spot. Ability to play both guard positions is a plus.

Made an early push to start in training camp before injuring his back. The Broncos would like to feature two young tackles in the future, which would create financial flexibility at other positions, but Schofield needs to make a big jump. He struggled as a left tackle in the preseason finale, meaning the Broncos would likely move Louis Vasquez to left tackle during the game if an injury occurred.

Brandon McManus, 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, 24, third season, Temple Made nine of his 13 field-goal attempts last season after being acquired in a September trade with the New York Giants. Connor Barth was signed to replace McManus in late November after McManus missed a 33-yard field-goal attempt against Miami. McManus was re-signed to be the kickoff specialist for the rest of the season.

long snapper

Aaron Brewer, 6-5, 230 pounds, 25, fourth season, San Diego State He has been the Broncos’ long snapper since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He signed a four-year contract in March.

Britton Colquitt, 6-3, 205 pounds, 30, eighth season, Tennessee

Averaged 44.2 yards on punts last season, the worst of his NFL career. He downed 25-of-69 punts inside the opponent’s 20yard line. Colquitt is the franchise leader in gross (45.5) and net (39.0) punting average. His brother, Dustin, is the Kansas City Chiefs’ punter.

26 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

RB Anderson still plays with a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder By Cameron Wolfe The Denver Post

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson lives by a motto he calls “Blame myself.” He blames himself for not getting drafted. He blames himself for not getting on the field much during his rookie season. And he blames himself for being a healthy scratch for a game in early October against Arizona last fall. But the event that eats at him the most occurred two years ago. He received an NFL combine invitation after sharing a platoon role with Isi Sofele for two years at California, but not a single team asked him to come in for a formal interview. “I didn’t get that opportunity, so it just motivated me,” Anderson said. “The NFL thinks it knows what it knows, but it didn’t stop me.” Now he has gone from undrafted rookie eager to make an NFL roster to a bell cow running back for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. But, he hasn’t let his guard down or removed the boulder-sized chip he proudly wears. “Working hard is something that’s either in you or it’s not,” Anderson said. “I want to leave my mark, to let everybody know who C.J. Anderson is.” Not many Broncos fans knew who he was before the second half of last season. He played little as a rookie, and through his first seven games a season ago he had run for just 116 yards from scrimmage. But he broke out in an early November game at Oakland. He took a short pass from quarterback Peyton Manning and broke three tackles, zigzagging 51 yards for his first career touchdown. Anderson ended that game with 163 yards from scrimmage, which eclipsed his previous career yardage total. It also kicked off an unreal string of eight games, six in which he ran for more than 100 yards. He ended the season with 849 yards

C.J. Anderson was ranked 10th in the NFL in 2014 in average yards per carry (4.7) . Here are his stats for last season:

7 games started 179 849

rush attempts yards rushing

rushing, 324 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. And a starting job. He will have the chance to improve on those numbers this season in coach Gary Kubiak’s new offense, which Anderson stopped just shy of calling a running back’s dream.

Powerful, one-cut runner Anderson appears to be the perfect Kubiak back — a powerful, one-cut runner with elusive quickness and an innate ability to gain 3 or 4 yards after contact. “If you feel that soft spot, go take it,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “Putting his foot in the ground and going downhill, he’s done that very, very well.”

The Broncos’ all-time leading receiver, Rod Smith, has an affinity for Anderson as he, too, went undrafted. Broncos standout cornerback Chris Harris also is a member of that family, and Smith often preaches to them what he used to motivate himself. “Just because you’re undrafted doesn’t mean you can’t play,” Smith said. “It just means you have to work harder to show them that you can.” Anderson’s face lights up when you mention his reward for that hard work in the 2014 season: a $150,963.26 performance bonus, which was a 30.5 percent pay increase from his $495,000 base salary. His first purchase with

4.7

average yards per carry

rushing touchdowns

receptions

324

yards receiving

9.5

average yards per reception

receiving touchdowns

The Broncos’ C.J. Anderson eludes Indianapolis Colts safety LaRon Landry and runs for a first down during last season’s playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. AAron Ontiveroz, Denver Post file

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

his new riches was a new Honda CRV — but not for himself. He bought it as a surprise for his grandmother. “My mom always said: ‘If you take care of the game, the game will take care of you,’ and when that time comes, I plan to take care of them better,” Anderson said. He still has the text he received from running back coach Eric Studesville when he made the Broncos’ 53-man roster as a rookie: “All the hard work has paid off. All your dreams have come true. Congratulations. Team meeting Monday, get to work.” Anderson, a 5-foot-8, 218-pound bruiser, squeaked his way on the roster, but he rarely got on the field as a rookie. He got stuck behind high draft picks Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball and finished the season with seven carries and 38 yards. A year ago, Anderson dropped another spot in training camp when undrafted rookie running back Juwan Thompson outshined him in offseason workouts. Suddenly, Anderson was in danger of not making the roster. Then he channeled the advice of his favorite back growing up, LaDainian Tomlinson, and transferred his focus from getting the last spot on the depth chart to becoming the best back he could be and letting the chips fall where they may. “Coming from the bottom, working up — it fueled me everyday,” Anderson said. “I stayed in the practices and learned from Ronnie’s mistakes, learned from Montee’s mistakes and

learned from Juwan’s mistakes.” Ball and Hillman eventually suffered injuries, allowing Anderson a chance to play. He’s not about to stop working now. Anderson kicked off the Broncos’ first padded training camp practice by looking for linebackers and safeties to hit as he ran through the open field. “He always hits the hole as hard as he can, and that’s what you love from a line perspective,” left guard Max Garcia said.

Broncos running

Taking pressure off Peyton

The Denver Post

back C.J. Anderson is happy to take the low road regarding the spotlight, working hard to gain yards. Joe Amon,

Anderson hears the noise. The hype. He hears friends and fans salivating over a potential 2,000-yard season. “I believe in the (bell cow),” Kubiak said. “If a

“Working hard is something that’s either in you or it’s not. I just want to leave my mark, to let everybody know who C.J. Anderson is.”

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guy goes out there and he shows he can play three downs, can protect the quarterback and can handle it, then he should stay out there.” Anderson’s job is to block it all out and play his game. He sets goals but is careful not to let anyone know his aspirations. If he doesn’t achieve them, then he can only blame himself. “My head ain’t got too big,” Anderson said. “Let Peyton (Manning), D.T. (Demaryius Thomas) and Emmanuel (Sanders) be the superstars. I just stay in my lane and keep working.” Anderson said the coaching staff was explicit about his role this season — help take pressure off Manning. Anderson laughed off the notion that anybody could take pressure off the five-time MVP. But he quickly noted he’ll be ready. He’s always ready. “I’ve put teams on my back, and I’m ready to do it again,” Anderson said. “But you don’t have to talk about it. Just go do it.” Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or twitter.com/CameronWolfe

28 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

O≠ense loosening reins to give tight ends freedom By Nicki Jhabvala The Denver Post

Other than scoring in the red zone, Owen Daniels is a competent replacement for last year’s Julius Thomas. How the two tight ends did last year:

13 10

games started

48 43 receptions 527 489 yards receiving

11 11.4 average yards per reception

4 12

touchdowns

Don’t let the money fool you. After Julius Thomas accepted a five-year, $46 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, the Broncos went out and got Owen Daniels at a bargain rate of $12 million over three years. On paper Daniels was the replacement, the guy brought in at a fraction of the cost who would attempt to fill the void left by Thomas, a red-zone nightmare for opposing defenses. Daniels’ role in the Broncos’ offense, though, will differ from the one Thomas held the past two seasons. It will be bigger. In Gary Kubiak’s zoneblocking, stretch-run offense, tight ends do a bit of everything. And Virgil Green, one of the NFL’s top blocking tight ends who resigned with the Broncos in the same week that Daniels signed, will share the work load. “We line up everywhere — the line of scrimmage, out wide, in the backfield,” Daniels said. “A lot of responsibilities, not just run blocking and running routes. It’s a challenge, yeah, but you have so many different spots and a lot of opportunities to make plays.” Succeeding in the new offense also requires a keen sense of awareness. Knowing what opposing linebackers and safeties are going to do in coverage and staying ahead of the snap count are key. The duo, along with tight endfullback James Casey, have to know the offense inside and out. For Daniels, a two-time Pro Bowler and 10-year veteran who has played for Kubiak his entire career, the job requirements are not new. But for Green, they expanded overnight. In the Broncos’ old offense, Green, a fifthyear player, primarily was a blocking tight end, an area of weakness for Thomas, who instead relied on his speed and 6-foot-5, 250pound frame to score 17 touchdowns in the red zone the past two seasons. In the NFL, only Jimmy Graham (20) and Dez Bryant (18) had more red-zone touchdown receptions. “In years prior, our offense was so precise,” Green said. “You had to be at 12 yards or at 14 yards when you run a route. Now it’s more about reading what guys are doing. Can you go over the top of the lineback-

Owen Daniels has played for coach Gary Kubiak during his entire 10-season NFL career, but this is the tight end’s first year with the Broncos. John Leyba, Denver Post file er on this route? Can you go underneath him? You don’t have to be robotic.” Casey, also a Kubiak disciple who last played in Philadelphia, further expands the Broncos’ roster of offensive weapons. Twotight-end formations? How about three occasionally? One fullback and one tight end in a base set? How about using Casey out wide? “It’s more a newer thing now that some offenses are trying to do, getting big guys out there and split them out wide and creating mismatches,” Daniels said. “But Kubiak has been using his tight ends for a long time. It’s always been a staple of his offenses. That’s why I love playing for him.” Last season in Baltimore, Daniels was targeted 79 times and made 48 receptions for 527 yards and four touchdowns. And in 2008,

in Houston, where he played alongside a 1,300-yard rusher in Steve Slaton and a 1,600yard receiver in Andre Johnson, Daniels still was targeted 101 times and had 70 receptions for 862 yards and two touchdowns. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is known to love his tight ends too. Thomas last season was targeted 62 times on pass plays — for 43 receptions, 489 yards and 12 touchdowns. Such numbers landed him a bigger paycheck and tropical locale, but it probably will come with many double coverages. The 2015 Broncos, meanwhile, with their multithreat tight ends, are nothing if not cost-efficient. Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickijhabvala

feel the music

Tight end

Virgil Green Green rarely strays from his routine. When the headphones come on, the beat immediately pulls him in. His head starts bobbing. His legs start moving. His shoulders start to sway. A few seconds later the lyrics follow. “Don’t think about it too much, too much, too much, too much.” The words just flow out, as if they were sitting on the tip of his tongue, waiting to greet anyone who will listen. Drake’s “Too Much” is too much for him to suppress. “There’s no need for us to rush it though.” Green will “sing” most anytime he has the right song. Pregame? He’ll do his warm-ups in sync with the tune blaring from the loud speakers at Sports Authority Field. Practice? He’ll give you a few lyrics between sled drills. Afterward? Well, anything goes then. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Track Two,” Ab-Soul “Brand New Guy,” A$AP Rocky, feat. Schoolboy Q “Too Much,” Drake

ARTIST Ab-Soul

John Leyba, The Denver Post

30 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Thomas sets goals high in a season of new contract, new o≠ense, new responsibility By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

In the second-to-last practice of training camp, Demaryius Thomas took off down the right sideline. Cornerback Bradley Roby ran with him, stride for stride. Peyton Manning peeked left then lofted a tight spiral in Thomas’ direction. In NFL parlance, it was a throwto-open play, the quarterback throwing to a spot where he believes the wide receiver will be when the ball plummets from the sky. Thomas never got open. It didn’t matter. He reached back and plucked the throw as it prepared to hit Roby’s helmet, then trucked into the clear. Wide receiver, by definition, remains a dependent position. But watch Thomas’ athleticism and it’s easy to realize much of the Broncos’ big-play success depends on him. They didn’t sign Thomas to a five-year, $70 million contract (with $43 million guaranteed) in July to run underneath routes. He stretches defenses and runs over defenders. “He does things other receivers just can’t do,” said defensive end DeMarcus Ware. Thomas opened eyes before training camp when he stated his goal was to break Calvin Johnson’s NFL season record of 1,964 yards receiving. Thomas is a three-time Pro Bowler, a twotime all-pro, including last season, but is it realistic to put up those kind of numbers in Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking offense? History suggests it’s possible. As head coach of the Houston Texans, Kubiak has employed the league leader in yards rushing (Arian Foster, 2010), yards receiving (Andre Johnson, 200809) and yards passing (Matt Schaub, 2009). Kubiak had no problem with Thomas raising the bar. “As a coach, you love that. He’s a great player,” Kubiak said. “I’m looking forward to him doing great things.” General manager John Elway, who has been eager for the Broncos to play with attitude and an edge, appreciated the confidence. That’s why the Broncos committed to Thomas as a cornerstone rather than let him play out this season on the franchise tag. “No. 1, I like having guys with goals like

Demaryius Thomas was ranked second in the NFL in 2014 for receptions and receiving yards. Here are his stats for last season:

GAMES STARTED

that,” Elway said. “That’s what it’s about. You always have lofty goals, and the bottom line is with Demaryius, he has that ability to be able to do that. I like his mind-set and the fact that he wants to be that, he wants to be that good and he set that goal. I’m hoping he can get there. You never know. I think there’s a concept with the offense and how we do that, but there are also a lot of things that are built into it. Bottom line is I like the idea that he’s thinking that way.” Thomas flourished in former coordinator Adam Gase’s aerial-assault offense. Thomas turned bubble screens into touchdowns and provided difficult matchups on outside routes. The new offense, Thomas explained, provides opportunities for big plays coming off play-action passes.

Fewer catches perhaps, but bigger gains. It harkens back to his final season at Georgia Tech, when he caught 46 passes for 1,154 yards. “I know I will have more than (46) catches, so I am fine with that,” Thomas said, smiling. “Big time, I like this offense. It’s going to leave me one-on-one and probably open down the field a lot.” The tight end combination of Owen Daniels and Virgil Green remains critical to helping Thomas. Last year, after tight end Julius Thomas suffered an ankle injury and wide receiver Wes Welker faded, opponents could slide double-teams toward D.T. and Emmanuel Sanders. Daniels masters the underneath crossing route, and Green showed good hands in training camp. Thomas, 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds, doesn’t

111

RECEPTIONS

1,619

RECEIVING YARDS

14.6

AVERAGE YARDS PER RECEPTION

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS

101.2

RECEIVING YARDS PER GAME

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas works for yardage after the catch against Texans linebacker John Simon during a preseason game at NRG Stadium in Houston. John Leyba, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

need much space to be effective. He led the NFL in yards after the catch in 2013 with 718 and ranked fifth last season with 680. When Kubiak first met Thomas at the start of training camp — Thomas skipped the offseason work while waiting for a new contract — he left impressed with his physical presence. Kubiak sees a lot of Johnson in Thomas. “No. 1, that’s the first thing that jumps at you,” Kubiak said. “Those guys with that type of size are hard to bump. And they’re workers. I know D.T.’s a worker. But when you’re able to run with that type of size outside, it’s very difficult for people to get their hands on you.” Thomas spent part of August getting into football shape and adjusting to new play calls. The routes are similar in Kubiak’s offense, he explained, but the verbiage is different. Timing came quickly with Manning, who has worked the past three seasons with Thomas. Manning appreciates Thomas’ reliability as much as his ability. “He’s been a real pleasure to play with, been a great teammate, been very accountable,” Manning said. “He’s a guy that he’s there for you every single Sunday. He’s played through a lot of injuries. He’s dependable. That’s what you want in your premier receiver.” This represents a special season for Thomas in multiple ways. His new contract comes with new responsibilities to have a larger voice in the locker room. It also features a new audience. His mother, Katina Stuckey Smith, is expected to see him play in person for the first time in November after President Barack Obama commuted her prison sentence. That figures be more nerve-wracking than trying to break Johnson’s record. “I can’t wait,” Thomas said. “I am not going to say I’ll play different, but I’ll feel different, knowing she’s in the stands. I had enough pressure when she was in prison and watched on the TV. So I know I’ll get more now.” Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has set his sights high this season, stating that he wants to set some NFL receiving records while helping Denver win games. John Leyba, The Denver Post

Top NFL receivers Ranking the NFL’s top receivers based on the most yards gained in the past three seasons: Player Yards Avg. annual salary Calvin Johnson, Lions 4,533 $16,207,143 Demaryius Thomas, Broncos 4,483 $14,000,000 Antonio Brown, Steelers 3,984 $8,392,000 Andre Johnson, Texans* 3,941 $7,000,000 Dez Bryant, Cowboys 3,935 $14,000,000 *With Colts for 2015 season Salary source: Spotrac.com

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32 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Fireworks go off on the night the Eagles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the band, not the team from Philadelphia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; play at the new Mile High stadium on Aug. 11, 2001. The Broncos are hoping for an explosive season as blasts from the past, including Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips, take the field for a run at a Super Bowl championship. Andy Cross, Denver Post file

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 33

Paige: Broncos, Eagles in it for the long run, long pass Take it to the limit one more time — The Eagles, 1975 Take it to the title one more time — The Broncos, 2015 In quantum physics, there would be a certain cause-and-effect symmetry, consonance, harmony linking the Broncos (the team) and the Eagles (the band). On Jan. 12, 1998, the Eagles flew to their induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thirteen days later, the Broncos rode to their first Super Bowl championship. On Aug. 11, 2001, the Eagles played the first concert, before 55,000, at Denver’s new football stadium. Two weeks later, the Broncos played the first game, before 74,000, at their new home. The flash of the Eagles and the Broncos was sparked in Colorado in the 1970s. The Eagles would meet their producer, play Tulagi’s club in Boulder and record their first hits in 1972. The Broncos reached their first Super Bowl five years after. The Eagles would become one of the most successful bands in history. The Broncos would become one of the most triumphant teams in football . The Eagles split. The Broncos broke up. The Eagles found their way again in the mountains of Colorado in 1994. The Broncos have come together again on the plains of Colorado in 2015. Bands can get back together. “You realize you were great once before, and can be even greater with a second chance. The whole is better than the individual parts if everyone does his assignment perfectly, and that’s true in music and football.’’ The speaker is a latter-day philosopher singer and guitarist labeled the “insane genius’’: Joe Walsh of the Eagles. “I am a Broncos fan,” Walsh told me the other day on the phone from his home in

WOODY PAIGE

Denver Post Columnist

Southern California’s Pleasant Valley, perhaps located near Hotel California. “Have been a fan since I lived in Boulder in the ‘Orange Crush’ days’’ — an exultant time in his, the band’s and the Broncos’ lives. “I also am a Cleveland Browns fan . . . in remission.” “The Eagles proved you can regroup and do something special,’’ says Walsh in his unique, raucous voice during an hour-long

conversation about the Eagles, the Broncos, reunions and Colorado ties. (He has played clubs and arenas in Aspen and Denver, at the state fair in Pueblo and at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and in a stadium producing the 10thhighest grossing concert ever.) Walsh, who will be inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame next year, left the James Gang band in 1971 and was persuaded to move to Boulder, where he formed Barnstorm, the first group to record at the internationally famous Caribou Ranch studio. He wrote “Rocky Mountain Way,’’, which suggests “couldn’t get much higher’’ and became an anthem for marijuana legalization here. » 34F

Just after the gates opened at 5:30 p.m. for the Eagles concert at the new Mile High stadium on Aug. 11, 2001, the Broncos logo in the upper bowl began filling with fans. Cyrus McCrimmon, Denver Post file

34 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

FROM 33F

“Some of that was going on for me then,” he said. “I was trying to finish the last song for Barnstorm’s second album. I had the music, but no lyrics. One day I was mowing the backyard at my house up against the foothills, looking up at the snow-tipped peaks and the beautiful sky, and the words instantly came to me. I was afraid I’d forget them, so I ran inside and wrote down everything. “When I went back outside, the lawnmower had gone out of control, crossed the street and tore up the neighbor’s garden.” In 1975, Walsh was asked to join the Eagles. His eclectic, electric guitar riffs, high-energy stage presence, rock ’n’ roll influence, flowing blond hair and high maintenance lifestyle helped elevate the Eagles to America’s No. 1 band. The music died in 1980 because of infernal, internal friction. The music thrived again in 1994. “We met in Aspen and talked about getting together again. We had a lot of problems to solve. The biggest problem was me,’’ Walsh admitted. “I had hit rock bottom, as it were. Don (Henley) and Glenn (Frey) said they wouldn’t bring the band back without me, and they couldn’t do it with me … unless I got sober and off drugs. I told them I’d do it. I’d probably be dead soon if I hadn’t. I went into an addiction center for 15 days, and we started rehearsing the next day. That wasn’t easy.” The Eagles were much older and wiser. “No drugs, no alcohol. We began going to the gym and eating smart. And we discovered sleep,” Walsh said. “What a concept. We started touring again. We loved it, and people still liked our music.’’ Over the past three years, the Eagles have appeared in 149 concerts, including one in Denver in 2013 at The Can. “We had great solo careers, but, on a good night, when everything

Joe Walsh, who in 1975 was asked to join the Eagles, appears on stage with, from left, bandmates Timothy B. Schmit, Don Henley and Glenn Frey at the new stadium Aug. 11, 2001. Hyoung Chang, Denver Post file

and everyone meshes, nobody is better in the world than we are. We’re a great team.’’ The Broncos are a great team wannabe. In mid-January of this year, John Elway and Gary Kubiak finally reunited their band. The boys are back. Plus Peyton. The drive is alive. Rock ’n’ roll. In 1983, Elway was the No. 1 pick by the Baltimore Colts in the NFL draft, and Kubiak was an eighth-round selection by the Broncos. After THE Elway trade, the two met at camp and became teammates, roommates, close friends. One would be the starting quarterback, and the other his backup. They advanced to three Super Bowls (losses). Elway would go on to win two Super Bowl rings, with Kubiak as his offensive coordinator. Actually, new Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison was the first to arrive in Denver, as a Broncos linebacker in 1982. Then, there’s Wade Phillips, who was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator in 1989, and

is again. Those four, joined by special-teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis (then assistant to head coach Dan Reeves), reached the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl in the 1989 season. All members of that 1989 group eventually would go separate ways. But, like the Eagles, they have reunited. The Broncos band has a friend in Joe Walsh. “I went to the (Mile High) stadium for games in the ’70s. Years ago, I met Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and John Elway and saw a game with them. I’ve cheered for and against John. ABC asked me to record a ‘Rocky Mountain Elway’ version for a Monday night game.’’ I’d like to return to Colorado. Say it’s so, Joe. “I’d be honored to sing ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ at a game this year.’’ The Eagles and the Broncos: Life in the fast lane. And the bands play on. Woody Paige: woody@woodypaige.com or twitter.com/woodypaige

feel the music

Cornerback

Chris Harris Chris Harris is, for now, keeping it mainstream. His tastes vary, and his list of top songs rotate often. For now, he’s going with some of the more popular artists, including Lil Wayne and Future. The Broncos’ cornerback and Oklahoma native has an eye for the flashy. For road games, he’ll arrive wearing the latest duds, with metallic shows and a few gold chains draped around his neck. His musical selections seem to match. The first line of Future’s “March Madness” — “Dress it up and make it real for me” — tells it all. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “March Madness,” Future “Living Right,” Lil Wayne “Watch Out,” 2 Chainz

ARTIST Lil Wayne

John Leyba, The Denver Post

36 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Broncos outside linebacker Brandon Marshall puts a stop on Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes during the first quarter of a preseason game in August at NRG Stadium in Houston. John Leyba, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 37

In Wade’s world, 3-4 defense and one gap add up to dominance By Nicki Jhabvala The Denver Post

Wade Phillips typically is the first to saunter out to the Broncos’ practice fields. Each morning, his small steps lead him out, his sleepy eyes gaze around with wonder, and his grin grows larger with every bystander he greets. His soft voice and round frame add to the guise he’s worn so well in his 37 seasons as an NFL coach. Don’t be fooled. Phillips, the man DeMarcus Ware calls a father figure, is the mastermind behind a relentless attack, a defense built on speed and pressure that he hopes to turn into one of the most fearsome units in the league. When general manager John Elway decided to overhaul the Broncos’ coaching staff in January, his reasoning was simple. Yes, the Broncos had just clinched their fourth consecutive AFC West title under John Fox. But a lackluster performance in a divisional playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Denver exposed the Broncos’ weaknesses. They didn’t go out “kicking and screaming,” as Elway said. So, when new Broncos coach Gary Kubiak hired Phillips as his defensive coordinator, it was clear that Elway’s message was heard. In his nearly four decades in the NFL, Phillips has been a part of 19 top-10 defensive units and has coached 27 Pro Bowlers. He mostly recently was the defensive coordinator on Kubiak’s staff in Houston, where he took over a Texans unit that ranked 30th in the league in total defense (376.9 yards allowed per game) and steered it to a No. 2 ranking (285.7 yards) in 2011. Before that, as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach from 2007-10, Phillips helped Ware accumulate 60½ sacks as an edge pass

The 3–4 defense was originally devised by Bud Wilkinson at the University of Oklahoma in the 1940s, although it then was called a 5-2 defense. The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the first team to win a Super Bowl with the 3–4, going undefeated. By the

Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson pressures San Francisco 49ers quarterback

mid-1990s, only a

Colin Kaepernick in the second quarter of the Aug. 29 preseason game.

few teams used a

Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

3–4, most notably the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, but it came back big. As of 2015, 17 NFL teams regularly incorporate the 3–4 as a base.

rusher and twice lead the league in sacks. Back for a second run as Broncos’ coordinator, Phillips has implemented his version of the 3-4 defense that simplifies the duties and exploits the depth and weapons on his roster. It’s a system that is adaptable, and one that his players have embraced. “We try to fit what the players can do in the defense rather than saying, ‘OK, we’re a 4-3 or we’re a two-gap 3-4,’ ” Phillips said. “We’re a team where if a guy can stunt and

rush the passer, we let him do that. If a guy is a power guy, we try to let him be that. It’s all what individual players can do.” It begins with the line, where in the base defense three linemen play a one-gap scheme, unlike the two-gap scheme in many other 3-4 alignments. This means the nose tackle and two defensive ends are responsible for the offensive lineman in front of them and one gap — not both — to the side of that » 38F

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FROM 37F

lineman, allowing them to move up the field and attack the passer instead of waiting for the play to unfold and reacting. This defense puts a greater onus on the two inside linebackers to step up and take on a guard, and also stuff the run and fall back in coverage when needed. Phillips has said his inside linebacker corps this year is among the deepest he has had, but the return to full health of starters Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan from injuries a season ago is crucial. “Danny and I, we’re naturals together,” Marshall said. “Whenever we’re at practice, we’re able to feed off each other. He knows the checks, I know the checks.” The variations, of which Phillips has plenty and is known to utilize depending on his personnel, are seen most with the outside linebackers. This year he has two elite ones (Von Miller and Ware) and possibly a third (rookie Shane Ray). Phillips has been toying with three-outside linebacker sets. He has been moving Ware and Miller up to the line occasionally.

Aggressive defense expected to be turned loose The base set of Wade Phillips’ 3-4 features three linemen and four linebackers in the front seven instead of the standard 4-3 alignment. It employs two defensive ends and a nose tackle. In his 3-4, Phillips prefers versatile inside players who can get up the field. In the absence of a larger nose tackle, Phillips will ask Sylvester Williams to shoot gaps, rather than take on double-team blocks. Sources: Denver Broncos, NFL.com, Troy Renck, Sports Writer

And he’s letting them do what they do best. “We rush them a lot,” Phillips said, grinning slyly. “If they can rush the passer, we let them rush.” Allow Ware to expound. “In the 3-4, you have five linemen on the front end and only two linebackers,” he said. “It’s a one-gap scheme. My job is now I can be a lot more aggressive on the outside, set the edge on the outside and make sure everything is funneled to the guys in the middle. It’s like (having) one responsibility.” The aggressiveness extends to the secondary, where Phillips has three Pro Bowlers in safety T.J. Ward and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. The trio didn’t make the NFL’s top 100 for 2015, a ranking selected by their peers. But the added chip was welcome. Talib believes the Broncos’ secondary a year ago was among the best in the NFL. Ward, now in a defense that allows him to blitz more, wants their status, and his, to be indisputable in 2015. “I want to lead the league in interceptions,” he said. “I want to lead the league in sacks from the secondary and lead the

league in turnovers. If we do that, we’ll be pretty good.” The benchmark is Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” secondary, a group that helped the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances and one world championship. Under defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s tutelage last season, the Broncos allowed 305.2 yards per game, the third-fewest in the NFL, and only 79.8 yards rushing, second-fewest in the NFL. But they ranked ninth in yards passing allowed (225.4), tied for 16th in scoring (22.1 points) and recorded only 25 takeaways, tied for a mediocre 13th. The one-gap philosophy raises the risk, but also the reward. A breakdown in communication can leave a running back a clear path down the field. But a talented, in-sync defense can create havoc. “We always thought we could be good, but we know we can be good now,” Miller said. “I don’t know how Coach Phillips did it, but we’re ready to go.” Nicki Jhabvala: njhabvala@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickijhabvala

QUARTERBACK TIGHT END

TACKLE GUARD

CENTER

CONTAIN Defensive ends align themselves on the inside of the offensive tackles to prevent them from gaining a leverage position. Depending on the versatility of the defensive end, they can move around frequently.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

NOSE TACKLE

DEFENSIVE END

Outside linebackers Phillips will use DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller to “rush like (heck).” But both are good in space and sound tacklers, so it will free Phillips to move them around.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 39

“We rush them a lot. If they can rush the passer, we let them rush.” Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said, smiling

Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the first quarter of the Aug. 29 preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High . Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

WADE PHILLIPS’ 3-4 FRONT

TIGHT END

TACKLE

His defense relies on a basic principle: Get to the quarterback. With cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib comfortable playing man coverage, Phillips will use creative blitzes from a variety of spots to create sacks and turnovers.

GUARD

C CUTBACK/ BOOT Defensive end aligns on the inside of the offensive tackle.

PERSONNEL Phillips’ 3-4 defense is tailored to his players; they aren’t squeezed into his system. The scheme exploits the strengths of each, resulting in a framework that is unique and adaptable.

Nose tackle

1ST LEVEL

DEFENSIVE END

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

In Phillips’ one-gap 3-4, the nose tackle is asked to push the line of scrimmage and move up the field instead of holding ground at the point of attack. The “gap” responsibility is determined by offensive alignment. Sylvester Williams says this style suits him much better because he can play without worrying about covering his man and both gaps.

Defensive ends

2ND LEVEL

Inside linebacker INSIDE LINEBACKER

The inside linebacker remains responsible for stopping the run. With the defensive lineman typically shooting up field, the linebackers must be able to shed blockers to make stops. It helps that Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan are considered strong tacklers.

These linemen must have the size, reach and strength to play both two-gap and one-gap schemes. As one Broncos player describes it: “If you have to rush the B gap, stay in the B gap. Then as the play develops, you can come under late and go into the A gap.”

Severiano Galván, The Denver Post

40 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 20154

broncos defense the line By Nicki Jhabvala The Denver Post

Wade Phillips’ defensive approach is simple: Attack the quarterback. The longtime coach and coordinator tailors his system to his players; he doesn’t force his roster into the mold of any defense. His 3-4 features three down linemen and four linebackers in a base set, but unlike many other 3-4 defenses that employ a twogap scheme, Phillips’ defense is primarily one-gap. The nose tackle and defensive ends are responsible for defending the offensive lineman in front of them as well as one gap — not both — to the side of that lineman. This allows them to move up field and pressure the quarterback. The biggest weapons are the outside linebackers. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are proven edge rushers who will have more freedom to find their way to the quarterback. Sandwiched between them are two inside linebackers who are asked to take on guards but also fall back into coverage when needed. In Chris Harris and Aqib Talib, Phillips has Pro Bowl cornerbacks who have the speed and athleticism to play man-toman coverage. And in fellow Pro Bowler T.J. Ward, Phillips has a safety with the power to stuff the run and the speed to blitz.

linebackers

defensive end

nose tackle

defensive end

strongside lb

weakside lb

Jackson was the thirdmost efficient defender on the Broncos last season, behind Von Miller and Chris Harris. His length and power make him wellequipped to handle double-teams and disrupt the weak side of the interior line.

Miller is the prize in Phillips’ defense. His 14 sacks ranked sixth in the league last season — and that was in defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s 4-3. In the 3-4, the plan for Miller is clear: “We’re going to let him rush,” Phillips said. Playing on the strongside, Miller will have more free reign to bend under tackles and speed past linemen to get to the quarterback.

Ware tallied 60.5 sacks during his four years with Phillips in Dallas. His chemistry with Miller produced a force on the edge last season (the two combined for 24 sacks) that could be even more dangerous in the 3-4.

Antonio Smith, 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, 33, 12th season, Oklahoma State fter the Broncos’ trimmed their roster to 53 men, they slipped in a notable change on their depth chart, moving the veteran Smith ahead of Vance Walker at defensive end. With usual starter Derek Wolfe unavailable until Week 5 because of a fourgame suspension, Smith’s experience is key. Having played for defensive line coach Bill Kollar, Kubiak and Phillips in Houston, Smith’s knowledge of the 3-4 may have given him an added boost in the positional rankings.

backup

Vance Walker, 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, 28, seventh season, Georgia Tech Walker, a free-agent acquisition who played sparingly for the Chiefs last season, offers the versatility Phillips covets in his defensive linemen. He has played both tackle in the 4-3 and end in the 3-4, and has recorded 10 career sacks in six seasons.

third string

Derek Wolfe, 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, 25, fourth season, Cincinnati Wolfe figures to be a key part of the line in the 3-4, but the Broncos won’t be able to use him until Week 5 because of a four-game suspension for using a performance-enhancing drug. Last season, he started all 16 games and totaled 35 tackles (24 solo), 1.5 sacks and one pass defended.

Sylvester Williams, 6-foot-2, 313 pounds, 26, third season, North Carolina Williams anchors a defense that previously was led by Terrance Knighton. But in the 3-4, his role will differ slightly from that of the larger Knighton. Phillips’ one-gap scheme reduces the responsibility of Williams to handle two gaps so he can push the line up field and pressure the quarterback.

backup

Darius Kilgo, 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, 23, rookie, Maryland The Broncos’ sixth-round pick has earned praise from Williams for his work ethic and aptitude for the position. In the team’s first two preseason games, Kilgo tied for a team-high two sacks and added six total tackles (three solo).

Malik Jackson, 6-foot-5, 293 pounds, 25, fourth season, Tennessee

backup

Kenny Anunike, 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, 25, second season, Duke Anunike’s tenacity and quickness won over coaches -- and teammates -after a strong showing in training camp and in two preseason games. The second-year defensive end has endured a string of injuries in college and the pros, and he had his knee scoped in the preseason. But the team hopes to have him available for the opener, if not for Week 2.

Von Miller, 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, 26, Fifth season, Texas A&M

backup

Shaquil Barrett, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, 22, second season, Colorado State Barrett spent much of last season on the practice squad, but he altered his diet and training regimen to come out strong in the 2015 preseason. After two games, he led the team with six tackles and two sacks. And he figures to produce much more as he spells Miller.

third string

Lerentee McCray, 6-foot-3, 249 pounds, 25, third season, Florida

DeMarcus Ware, 6-foot-4, 258 pounds, 33, 11th season, Troy

backup

Shane Ray, 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, 22, rookie, Missouri The Broncos received a gift when Ray fell in the draft because of a marijuana citation. They traded up to get the Missouri linebacker, whose tenacity and speed could give Phillips the option of using a three-edge-rusher set as well as give Ware the chance to rest in his 11th NFL season.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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secondary inside lb

inside lb

left cornerback

strong safety

free safety

right cornerback

T.J. Ward, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, 28, Sixth season, Oregon

Darian Stewart, 5-foot-11, 214 pounds, 27, sixth season, South Carolina

Johnson, a fourth-year player who started in place of Trevathan in the latter half of last season, is a part of an inside linebacker group that Phillips said is among the deepest he has ever coached. Last year, Johnson made 22 tackles (13 solo).

Trevathan led the team with 124 total tackles (84 solo) in 2013, but his 2014 season was marred by injuries. He returns from knee surgery expecting to play a more prominent role in the defense. In Phillips’ 3-4, he’ll be asked to stuff the run and fall back into coverage when needed.

Talib took offense to no one from the Broncos’ secondary making the NFL Top 100 players list. As one of three Pro Bowlers in the Broncos’ secondary, Talib recorded 63 tackles (54 solo), a career-high 17 passes defended and led the team with four interceptions last season. In the 3-4, his speed and power will be utilized in man-toman coverage.

The thought of blitzing more — which is expected in Wade Phillips’ defense — has excited Ward since the day the Broncos hired Phillips. He led all safeties in quarterback hits (four) and had the second-most total tackles (74) for the Broncos en route to earning his second Pro Bowl berth last season. Expect even more aggressive play from Ward this season. In addition to blitzing more, he’ll have to fill the gaps in the middle as the front seven pressures the passer. Ward will miss the season opener while serving a one-game suspension for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.

Stewart takes over the starting job vacated by Rahim Moore, but the former Raven offers a more imposing presence than his predecessor. Stewart recorded 53 tackles and had four passes defended, one forced fumble and one blocked punt last season for Baltimore. He offers a versatility that Phillips loves. He can alternate between free and strong safety and is strong enough to tackle in the open field.

Harris was among the league’s best in coverage last season, not allowing a touchdown catch and recording 10 passes defended. The playoff loss to the Colts still eats at Harris, who questions why he wasn’t matched with the speedy T.Y. Hilton. In Phillips’ system, he’ll be “left on an island” more in man coverage, something he says he’s looking forward to.

Brandon Marshall, 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, 25, fourth season, Nevada

Danny Trevathan, 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, 25, fourth season, Kentucky

backup

Todd Davis, 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, 23, second season, Sacramento State Davis was a welcome surprise for the Broncos’ defense last season. The waiver claim from New Orleans came into his own late in the season when Marshall went down with an injury. He has added bulk to play in Phillips’ 3-4 this season and could be a reliable backup option once again.

backup

Corey Nelson, 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, 23, second season, Oklahoma Nelson’s versatility and athleticism propelled him past last year’s backup, Steven Johnson, when the Broncos had to make difficult cuts this season. Nelson, a second-year linebacker out of Oklahoma, ranked second on the team with 12 total tackles (nine solo) in four preseason games, and his speed comes in handy on special teams coverage.

Aqib Talib, 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, 29, eighth season, Kansas

backup

Kayvon Webster, 5-foot-11, 198 pounds, 24, third season, South Florida Webster has dealt with a string of injuries since December 2013, including rib soreness during training camp this year. He saw action on both defense and special teams in 2014 and has a chance to play a bigger role in the 3-4 behind Talib.

third string

Lorenzo Doss, 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, 21, rookie, Tulane

backup

David Bruton Jr., 6-foot-2, 217 pounds, 28, seventh season, Notre Dame Bruton, one of the mosttenured Broncos and a team captain the past two seasons, brings versatility. He has worked some as a linebacker and some as a safety. “He’s one of the smartest guys we have, so that helps also,” Phillips said.

third string

Josh Bush, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, 26, fourth season, Wake Forest

backup

Omar Bolden, 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, 26, fourth season, Arizona State In addition to being the Broncos’ leading punt and kick returner, Bolden has gotten in work at both safety positions and cornerback this summer. His speed and versatility are welcome at a position that requires both in Phillips’ 3-4.

Chris Harris Jr., 5-foot-10, 199 pounds, 26, fourth season, Kansas

backup

Bradley Roby, 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, 23, second season, Ohio State Roby gave himself a C-minus for his first season in the league, but the Broncos’ coaching staff seems to have a different take. It is finding ways to keep him on the field longer, using him at cornerback and possibly at safety as well.

third string

Curtis Marsh, 6-foot-1, 197 pounds, 27, fourth season, Utah State

42 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Happily riding the D for possible last rodeo By Terry Frei The Denver Post

A year ago, Wade Phillips was out of football for a full season for only the second time since he got into coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston in 1969. He was 67 years old. His hair long had been silver. He was vested in the NFL pension. Conversations about going elsewhere with potential head coaches didn’t lead to anything except frustration. Several told him if they landed head coaching jobs for 2014, he was their defensive coordinator. “The ones I wanted to go with didn’t get a job,” said Phillips, the defensive coordinator under Gary Kubiak with Houston for three seasons and the interim coach of the Texans for the final three games in 2013 after Kubiak’s firing. So did he think it might be the end of the road? A convenient time to retire? “No,” he said. “I think I have a lot to offer.” It was going to take a lot more than not

Wade Phillips is the son of Bum Phillips, the former head coach for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints (197585) and the father of Wes Phillips, the tight ends coach for Washington.

being offered a job he wanted for one year to get him to say, OK, that’s it. Had a nice run. It’s over. His son, Wes, who worked under his dad when Wade was head coach of the Cowboys from 2007 to 2010, is an assistant with the Washington Redskins. Wade and his wife, Laurie, went to a handful of Redskins games last season. Otherwise, his family room was a sports bar. “My wife would go in the other room on Sundays when I watched all eight games at once,” he said. “She couldn’t stand that, but other than that, it wasn’t bad.” He viewed the downtime as more of a sabbatical than an exit. “I wasn’t retired,” he said. “But I know that if you stay out too long, age doesn’t matter. It’s hard to get back in the league.” He kept in casual contact with Kubiak when the former Broncos quarterback was on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff last season.

Wade Phillips takes over his eighth defense

“It was nothing like, ‘Hey, if I get a job …’ ” Phillips said. “I thought Gary was going to stay as a coordinator. And he would have if this job hadn’t come along.” After Kubiak agreed to take the Denver job and it became apparent the Broncos weren’t going to be allowed to interview Cincinnati Bengals assistant Vance Joseph for the defensive coordinator position, Phillips’ hiring and a return to Denver were predictable. Phillips has overseen the installation of the 3-4. “I think we’re progressing well,” Phillips said after a recent practice. “I hate the thing that the coach comes in after the game and says we made too many mistakes. That points back at me.” Is this his last rodeo? “I hope so,” he said. “I hope we do well here and we coach here a while. I was here six years the last time I was here and was in Buffalo six years. A six-year run is pretty

Team rank in points allowed per game 28 teams

Wade Phillips has been coaching in the NFL since 1976 — his first five years as a linebackers coach and then defensive line coach for the Houston Oilers. Phillips has been an interim head coach twice, taking over the Atlanta Falcons from Dan Reeves for three games in 2003 and for three games with the 2013 Houston Texans after Gary Kubiak was fired.

Eighth 12th

12th 14th 19th 22nd

24th DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR HEAD COACH Source: Pro-Football-Reference.com Infographic by Jeff Neumann, The Denver Post

1981 23.6 pts. allowed per game

25th 1982 17.8 pts.

1983 21.1 pts. SAINTS

1984 22.6 pts.

1985 25.1 pts.

1986 19.5 pts.

1987 25.3 pts. EAGLES

1988 19.9 pts.

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Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips watching the defense play during the preseason game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Stadium. Joe Amon, The Denver Post

good anywhere you are in this league.” That would take him to age 74 and get him past the 50-year mark as a coach.

Head coach of six NFL teams Regardless of how things play out in Denver, Phillips will remain the answer to a trivia question: Who’s the only man to be head coach of six NFL teams? Phillips has been the head coach of the Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Cowboys, plus interim head coach with the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Texans. Wherever he has been, he has dispensed homespun wisdom with a twang, sounding a bit like his father, Bum. Bum was an assistant with San Diego when Wade was a Houston Cougars linebacker. “I’d never thought about after college, and I went out to the Chargers’ training camp and I looked at their linebackers, and they were all big and fast and I was slow,” Wade said. “I realized then: ‘Hey, after next year, I’m not going to be playing football anymore. What do I want to do?’ I thought about it and said I still want to be a part of it. » 44F

Team rank in W-L percentage Team rank in points allowed per game

31 teams

30 teams

First Third

Fifth

Sixth Eighth Ninth

12th 17th

19th

17th

23rd

NOTE: Phillips did not coach in 2001

23rd

1989 14.1 pts. allowed per game

1990 23.4 pts.

1991 14.7 pts.

1992 20.6 pts.

BRONCOS

1993 9-7 regular-season record

1994 7-9

1995 20.9 pts. allowed per game

1996 16.6 pts.

1997 22.9 pts.

1998 10-6 BILLS

1999 11-5

2000 8-8

2001

44 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

“He’s a great coach. … (And) with what his defense brings to the table, we can

“It’s the business,” he said. After that, Phillips moved on, both as a defensive coordinator and a head coach, and he’s one of the handful of proven football men dealing with a label as a terrific coordinator, but a so-so head coach. “I kid about it, actually,” Phillips said. “I’m proud of what I did. I worked hard everywhere I was, they paid me everywhere I’ve been. Perception isn’t always reality, but that’s all right. I’m in the moment. Help this team and do as well as we can.”

be aggressive and really put pressure on offenses.” — DeMarcus Ware, on Wade Phillips

FROM 43F

“I figured coaching was a natural. I knew what a coach did. I didn’t know what an engineer did, unless you drove a train.” After coaching three years at a high school in Orange, Texas, Wade was an assistant at Oklahoma State and Kansas before joining his father during Bum’s head coaching tenures at Houston and New Orleans. “Greatest time of my life,” Wade said. “I worked 10 years with my dad, and it was really special. You idolize your dad and get to work with him and get to know him more as a person.” After a three-year run as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Phillips joined Dan Reeves’ Denver staff in 1989 then succeeded Reeves as head coach in 1993 and 1994. Phillips’ Denver tenure didn’t end well, after a 7-9 record in 1994, but it didn’t end bitterly. Phillips met with owner Pat Bowlen. “He just said, ‘I gotta let you go,’ ” Phillips recalled. “We hugged and we cried.” Phillips shrugged.

Team rank in points allowed per game

“Calming influence around guys” So, 20 years after serving as the Broncos’ head coach, Phillips is back. “For me on a daily basis, there’s not a situation that Wade hasn’t been in as a coach and as a head coach,” Kubiak said. “So I can pull from him all the time.” Kubiak also noted that most of the Broncos’ defensive staff had worked under Phillips at Houston. “So it was a very comfortable ‘Hey, let’s go back together and do this again’ type of situation,” Kubiak said. “Wade’s also a calming influence around guys. He has a way about him, and guys have a lot of confidence and go play.” Veteran outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware was with the Cowboys when Phillips was head coach from 2007 to 2010.

“He’s a great coach,” Ware said. “It’s the same defensive terminology, and with what his defense brings to the table, we can be aggressive and really put pressure on offenses.” When cornerback Chris Harris was born in June 1989, Phillips was about to begin his first training camp as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator under Reeves. “He’s told us stories,” Harris said, laughing. “I mean, he coached with the Houston Oilers! He’s been in the game for a while. That’s good, because it brings us experience. We’ve loved his attitude. He’s given us a lot of motivation. He’s a guy that if you’re doing something bad, he’s going to tell you. And when he does, it makes you feel bad, so you want to make him happy.” Kubiak largely entrusted the defense to Phillips at Houston, and all signs point to a repeat in Denver. “He’s the head coach,” Phillips said. “It’s similar to what it was with Dan. He wants to know what you’re doing and will ask why you’re doing certain things certain ways. He’s still the head coach, and if he told me to play three-deep zone every play, I’d do it. I think he has confidence in me, like Dan did. He feels I know how to coach them and lets me do that.” Terry Frei: tfrei@denverpost.com or twitter.com/TFrei

Team rank in W-L percentage

NOTE: Phillips became Head Coach for ﬁnal three games in 2013 and went 0-3; the team ﬁnished 2-14

32 teams

Second Fourth

Fifth Seventh

Eighth 11th

23rd

30th 2002 19.6 pts. allowed per game

NOTE: Phillips became Head Coach for ﬁnal three games in 2003 and went 2-1; the team ﬁnished 5-11

2003 26.4 pts. FALCONS

2004 19.6 pts. allowed per game

ninth 12th

13th

20th 24th

NOTE: Phillips did not coach in 2014

32nd 2005 19.5 pts. CHARGERS

2006 18.9 pts.

2007 13-3 regular-season record

2008 9-7

2009 11-5

COWBOYS

2010 6-10

2011 17.4 pts. allowed per game

2012 20.7 pts. TEXANS

2013 26.8 pts.

2014

feel the music

Defensive end

Malik Jackson Malik Jackson mixes it up. His playlists feature the popular with the lesser known, the older with the newer. And his music choices, purposely or not, reflect his past. The Broncos’ starting defensive end spent two years at Southern California before transferring to the University of Tennessee. Don Trip, a Memphis rapper who over the past five years has become popular nationally, has long been a familiar face on the local circuit in Tennessee. He’s at the top of Jackson’s list. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Lil’ Homie,” Don Trip “I Serve the Base,” Future “Fu-Gee-La,” Fugees

ARTISTS Future Don Trip

John Leyba, The Denver Post

46 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

There’s no looking back — and no riding shotgun — in a Gary Kubiak offense. For the first time in his career, quarterback Peyton Manning may not get to run an offense tailor-made for him. John Leyba, The Denver Post

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Kiszla: Manning yet to get in sync with this new band If there’s a soundtrack to this NFL season for Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, it can been found in the music of his friend Kenny Chesney, whose voice packs the sweet bite of Tennessee whiskey in the country hit “Don’t Blink.” Here’s betting Manning knows the chorus of that song by heart: Trust me friend a hundred years Goes faster than you think, So don’t blink At age 39, Manning has autographed gaudy statistics, unforgettable victories and as many great yesterdays as any quarterback in the Hall of Fame. But there are no guarantees of tomorrow, much less a Super Bowl ring. Fall short again of the ultimate goal this season, and there might not be a next year for Manning. Yes, with Pro Bowl talent everywhere you look, Denver has the look of a legit contender on paper. Broncos executive John Elway, however, is the first to say, “How many championships has paper won?” Denver hasn’t won a championship since the 1998 NFL season, and maybe the best way to describe how long ago that was: In ’98, Manning was an NFL rookie. For the past three years, Denver has tried in vain to win a title by doing it Manning’s way. From the moment when the veteran quarterback’s salary was trimmed $4 million during this past offseason, however, it was apparent things have changed in a big way. The Broncos are now doing things the Elway way. In a quest for a championship, Elway put the old band back together by hiring one of his best friends in the business, Gary Kubiak, to coach the team, by re-establishing the zone-blocking tradition that made Terrell Davis famous and by reuniting with Wade Phillips to put the crush back in the

MARK KISZLA

Denver Post Columnist

Denver defense. But here’s the thing: If bleeding orange is now a prerequisite for winning a championship, Manning doesn’t quite fit in. He’s more Smoky Mountains than Rocky Mountains. And his Super Bowl ring was won in Indianapolis, not Denver. To describe the most obvious change in this team, Manning needed only five words. “This,” he said, “is the Broncos’ offense.” Does he really know what that means? Denver is working on a mystery. I’m not sure anybody in Broncos Country, from fans wearing orange-tinted glasses to Kubiak or Manning himself, has a firm grip on what the Broncos’ offense will be in 2015. Is it all about the cut blocking, a QB under center and the reasons Kubiak was hired? Because that style is not Manning, and it’s definitely not what the Broncos were during the past three years, after they lured him to Colorado on a promise to build an offense around what made Manning great: hurryhurry, shotgun and Star Wars numbers. During the exhibition season, what we got was an often-awkward hybrid of a scheme designed by Kubiak and adjusted for Manning, resulting in an offense that didn’t know where to turn in the red zone for touchdowns.

Grasping for a definition of this team, Elway said, “I think it’s still a work in progress.” After the primary dress rehearsal of the preseason, a game against San Francisco in which Kubiak appeared wishy-washy in his play-calling and the veteran quarterback seemed uneasy at the controls of the offense, I asked Manning if he agreed with Elway’s assessment that the team’s personality is far from a finished product. “Would we like to be a finely tuned machine going into Week 1? Sure. With some newness, some different players and some different things that we’re doing, that’s what we’re working toward,” Manning said. “Certainly the key is for us to improve throughout the season. Now, we aren’t making excuses. You can still win games as you’re still kind of finding your identity.” Manning is a creature of habit, uncomfortable as anything less than the master of his football universe. Wrapping his head around a new Denver offense, as well as his diminished role in the franchise’s championship quest, will take time and test patience. Even at age 39, there can be growing pains. “We’re still very much kind of figuring out who we are and what we’re going to be as far as the things we can hang our hat on,” Manning said. My two cents: 1) A half-Kubiak, half-Manning offense is a bad idea. 2) Pick one. And go with it. Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or twitter.com/markkiszla

48 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

THE MAN Peyton Manning runs a new oâ&#x2030; ense with old-time talent

Fans crowd around Manning as he signs autographs at Dove Valley on July 31. Brent Lewis, The Denver Post Quarterbacks Peyton Manning, right, and Brock Osweiler warm up before the Aug. 23 preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

Manning keeps an eye on the pressure coming from 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman during their Aug. 29 preseason game. Steve Nehf, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Peyton Manning prepares for the San Francisco 49ers before the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos hosted the San Francisco 49ers in a Aug. 29 preseason game. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

| 49

50 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Getting closer to immortality

Peyton Manning has 69,691 yards passing in his NFL career, only 2,148 yards from breaking Brett Favre’s record. Manning is expected to surpass Favre’s total of 71,838 yards this season, placing him above the stratosphere of elite NFL quarterbacks.

NFL’s top-10 career yards passing leaders DREW BLEDSOE

VINNY TESTAVERDE

FRAN TARKENTON

WARREN MOON

JOHN ELWAY

TOM BRADY

DREW BREES

Drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round (first overall). PLAYED FOR New England Patriot: 1993–2001 Buffalo Bills: 2002–04 Dallas Cowboys 2005–06

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (first overall). PLAYED FOR Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1987–92 Cleveland Browns 1993–95 Baltimore Ravens 1996–97 New York Jets 1997–2003 Dallas Cowboys 2004 New York Jets 2005 New England Patriots 2006 Carolina Panthers 2007

Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (29th overall). PLAYED FOR Minnesota Vikings 1961–66 New York Giants 1967–71 Minnesota Vikings 1972–78

Undrafted coming out of the University of Washington; signed with the Canadian Football League. Six years later, he entered the NFL. PLAYED FOR Houston Oilers 1984–93 Minnesota Vikings 1994–96 Seattle Seahawks 1997–98 Kansas City Chiefs 1999–2000

Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round (first overall) and was traded to the Denver Broncos. PLAYED FOR Denver Broncos 1983–98

Drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (199th overall). PLAYED FOR New England Patriots 2000–present

Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (32nd overall). PLAYED FOR San Diego Chargers 2001–05 New Orleans Saints 2006–present

1993-2006

Red-dotted circles are for active players

1987-2007

DREW BLEDSOE Yards

VINNY TESTAVERDE

44,611

46,233

Games it took for top-10 leaders to reach their final destination Active players in bold Favre Manning Marino Brees Brady Elway Moon Tarkenton Testaverde Bledsoe

Games

Average yards per game

302 256 242 202 209 234 208 246 233 194

237.9 272.2 253.6 277.4 254.8 220.0 237.1 191.1 198.4 230.0

Sources: NFL, Pro-Football-Reference.com

1961-78

FRAN TARKENTON

47,003

37,626 Manning wins his first Super Bowl, and MVP trophy, with a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Feb. 4, 2007.

1984-2000

WARREN MOON

49,325

41,626 At this point, Manning became the first quarterback to beat all 31 other franchises, with a 31-7 win at Carolina on Oct. 28, 2007. Tom Brady tied the record later that afternoon, beating the Washington Redskins 52–7.

1983-98

JOHN ELWAY

51,475

2000-present

2001-present

TOM BRADY

DREW BREES

53,258

56,033

Most seasons with 350+ completions

Most games throwing for 300+ yards

D e n v e r 54,828 Manning signs with the Denver Broncos after being released by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

Most passing TDs in a game (tied, 2013)

Most 400-yard passing games, season (tied the record, 2013, set by Dan Marino in 1984)

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Placing the career record for touchdown passes out of reach When Manning threw his 509th, he broke Favre’s mark, and the eventual record will be tough to surpass.

100th

Indianapolis Colts

200th

touchdown (Marvin Harrison, Nov. 11, 2001)

Denver Broncos

400th

300th

touchdown

(Reggie Wayne, Nov. 21, 2004)

(Joseph Addai, Dec. 9, 2007)

| 51

This season’s total alone would have put him sixth on the Denver career passing TD list.

500th

touchdown

(Demaryius Thomas, Sept. 9, 2012)

(Julius Thomas, Oct. 5, 2014)

55 49 33 26

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

DAN MARINO

PEYTON MANNING 1998-present

Top-10 season yards passing leaders

Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round (27th overall). PLAYED FOR Miami Dolphins 1983–99

Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round (first overall). PLAYED FOR Indianapolis Colts 1998–2011 Denver Broncos 2012–present

5,500

1983-99

Sept. 6, 1998 Manning’s first NFL game was against Marino. • The Colts lost 24-15. • Manning was 21–of–37 for 302 yards, one TD and three interceptions • Marino was 13–of–24 for 135 yards and one TD.

5,260

Manning threw 1 yard more 5,476 than Drew Brees, the NFL confirmed after some controversy, on 5,235 Jan. 1, 2014.

5,140

5,084

5,380

5,069

5,020 4,900

Dan Marino (1984)

5,038

Drew Matthew Tom Brees Stafford Brady (2008) (2011) (2011)

Manning was sidelined with a neck injury for the year.

2008

2009

2010

2011

He finished 2014 season with 539 career TDs. 2012

2013

2014

BRETT FAVRE 1991-2010 5,477

5,177 5,162 4,967

4,952

Drew Matthew Drew Brees Brees Stafford (2011) (2012) (2012)

Drew Brees (2013)

Drew Peyton Manning Brees (2013) Ben Roethlisberger

Career completions and attempts

(2014)

Manning didn’t finish 2014 as he did 2013, but he managed to throw for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns — the second- and third-highest season totals, respectively, of his career. 4,682 Total

1,839

Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round (33rd overall). PLAYED FOR Atlanta Falcons 1991 Green Bay Packers 1992–2007 New York Jets 2008 Minnesota Vikings 2009–10 Dec. 20, 2010 Favre, as a Minnesota Viking, played his last game, against the Chicago Bears. His last pass was to Sidney Rice, for 12 yards. • The Vikings lost 40-14.

1,245 Attempts

Completion percentage

9,049 Denver Broncos

67.7%

Completions

5,927

DAN MARINO

Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts

64.9%

7,210

PEYTON MANNING

61,361

69,691

B r o n c o s It was a record-breaking year for Manning and the Broncos in 2013. He finshed the season with 5,477 yards passing. His wide receivers—Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Wes Welker — and tight end Julius Thomas each finished with at least 10 touchdown receptions. Facing the Patriots in the AFC championship game, the Broncos’ offense racked up 507 total yards without turning the ball over or giving up any sacks, and Manning punched a ticket to his third Super Bowl.

606 Most points scored in a season (2013)

BRETT FAVRE

Most passing attempts in a game

Season TD passes

342.31

(2013, tied the franchise record set by John Elway in 1993)

(2013, shattering Tom Brady’s record of 50 set in 2007 )

(2013)

Highest yards-per-game average

5,477 Most passing yards in a season (2013)

Most four-touchdown passing games (2013, record was six, set by Dan Marino in 1984)

Became one of two QBs (along with Brett Favre) to beat all 32 teams when the Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-24 in the season opener on Sept. 7, 2014.

Most seasons passing for 4,000+ yards

Most consecutive seasons with 25+ touchdowns

71,838

Top-10 oldest QBs to start a game Rank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 100

Retired

George Blanda Steve DeBerg Vinny Testaverde Warren Moon Doug Flutie Earl Morrall Mark Brunell Brett Favre Vince Evans Joe Ferguson Peyton Manning

1975 1998 2007 2000 2005 1976 2011 2010 1995 1990 ???

Last team

OAK. ATL. CAR. K.C. N.E. BALT. NYJ MINN. OAK. BUF. DEN.

Age

48 44 44 44 43 42 41 41 40 40 39

Severiano Galván, The Denver Post

feel the music

Safety

T.J. Ward T.J. Ward is the Bay Area, through and through. He was born in San Francisco, attended high school about 30 miles away, has a Golden State Warriors tattoo on his torso and often prefers artists from the West Coast. These days, his headphones are booming RJ and Iamsu!, two artists from California whose mixtape hit “Get Rich” is a favorite among many Broncos players. But Ward, one of the team’s more animated players when the music blares, doesn’t limit his playlist. Take a tour of his Instagram account and you’ll hear a handful of the melodies he’s into. Take a look at him on the practice field and you’ll see he’s not shy about getting in a few dance moves in between drills. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Stick Talk,” Future “Get Rich,” RJ and Choice, feat. Iamsu! “Big Tymin,” Nef The Pharaoh

ARTISTS Future Iamsu!

John Leyba, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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Who’s hot right now: five acts to watch in Colorado music By John Wenzel The Denver Post

The Denver music scene — blessed with dozens of venues, eager crowds and a friendly but competitive creative rivalry — is on the rise again with nationally charting artists. Big Head Todd and the Monsters, the Fray, OneRepublic and DeVotchKa have ably represented Colorado’s eclectic musical output in recent years. Now, a new number of Colorado artists are making a splash. Here is who’s hot in the Mile High City.

1. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats The Denver folk singer turned soul singer and his sprawling band released their first album on the legendary (and recently revived) Stax imprint in August, after a flawless TV debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and starry-eyed reviews from international media. Expect to hear a lot more from them, especially as a result of their nearly sold-out fall tour, with fellow buzzworthy Mile High City denizens Land Lines.

2. In the Whale If you thought guitar-drums duos were a thing of the 2000s, you haven’t been paying attention to In the Whale. The blistering Fort Collins-bred band has chalked up one success after another thanks to its high-energy live show, including appearances at the Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits music festivals, and hype among national music tastemakers.

3. Tennis This hyper-melodic act, led by the married couple of singer/keyboardist Alaina Moore and guitarist Patrick Riley, proved its local draw with a headlining set at The Denver Post’s Underground Music Showcase in July. Its sound continues to morph from girl group-indebted indie rock to rousing,

blue-eyed soul-pop with national reach. Expect to hear a new song or two on its fall tour, which swings by the Bluebird Theater on Oct. 23 and 24.

4. Rose Quartz The Denver quartet’s own fall tour should help build on the local buzz its moody, synth-driven songs have garnered among critics and scenesters. Sparkling, dance-worthy and ’80sflavored, it has plenty of potential to reach more ears outside Colorado.

5. Sound of Ceres The relatively new Sound of Ceres, which rose from the ashes of experimental Fort Collins folkies Candy Claws and former Denver indie-titans Apples in Stereo, is taking advantage of high-profile national press from sites such as Pitchfork with a new album and upcoming tour dates. Its patient, dreamy pop music is at once classic and forward-looking in its lush, comforting tones. John Wenzel: 303-954-1642, jwenzel@denverpost.com or twitter.com/johnwenzel

Ryan and Karen Hover make up Sound of Ceres, which rose from the ashes of experimental Fort Collins folkies Candy Claws and former Denver indie-titans Apples in Stereo. AAron Ontiveroz, Denver Post file

54 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Musical reunions: challenges, rewards, dumpster fires By John Wenzel The Denver Post

No matter how badly music fans want certain teams to reunite, it’s up to the players to make it happen. And that means pulling together through legal and financial battles, personal beefs and more. The musical reunions that work best tend to protect an established brand more so than building upon it. And the ones that don’t work? They’re basically dumpster fires, coming off as crass money grabs that blunt a group’s legacy. Here are 10 that got our attention — for better or worse.

Fleetwood Mac

Blur

Van Halen

Rating: A

Rating: B-

Rating: D

This commercial and artistic powerhouse’s most indelible lineup did its best work amid drug-fueled romantic entanglements in the mid-to-late 1970s. Despite the stop-start nature of its reunions, the “Rumours”-era members still shine brilliantly on stage, as they proved at a Pepsi Center show in April.

This Britpop torchbearer released a respectable reunion album in this year’s “The Magic Whip,” but it’s hard to muster the same enthusiasm for Damon Albarn and Co.’s return when the youthful snark and passion seems to have been diluted by years apart.

What’s the value in bringing back the clownish David Lee Roth — whom many consider the only real singer of these guitar heroes — if the results are embarrassing? As Reverb’s Jason Blevins wrote of the group’s “spectacularly flat” Red Rocks show in July, “Maybe it’s time to take a page from the Journey playbook and start trolling Manila nightclubs for a singer who can hit those sustained notes.”

Sleater-Kinney

OutKast Rating: C

No one really doubted that indie-punk figureheads Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein (now of TV’s “Portlandia”) and Janet Weiss had another killer album in them. But this year’s “No Cities to Love” and the resulting reunion tour proved their creative fire has not dimmed a bit.

The recent “Key & Peele” comedy sketch skewering this acclaimed Atlanta hip-hop duo’s 2014 reunion, which finds Big Boi suffering through Andre 3000’s whimsical self-indulgence, nails the dynamic of many former musical duos. That said, OutKast’s dozens of reunion shows were suitably provocative, if a bit overplayed.

New Kids on the Block

The Eagles

Rating: B

Rating: C

Hate them if you must, but this 1980s boy band marshaled a shocking amount of enthusiasm during a late 2000s comeback. The music is essentially the same (formulaic, corny), but we have a feeling that wasn’t exactly the main draw here.

Rampant egos and deep-seeded personal enmity failed to keep this twangy juggernaut away for long. Since the Eagles’ mid-1990s reunion (after its 1980 breakup), the band has been nearly as ubiquitous as during its 1970s salad days, despite mining the exact same vein of golden-vibed soft rock.

Rating: A

touchdown: Sleater-Kinney successfully reunited behind new album “No Cities to Love.” Getty Images file

Creed Rating: DCreed singer Scott Stapp is everyone’s favorite Internet punching bag, but it’s important to remember that’s as much of a reaction to his metal-lite act’s appalling music as much as his own irritating, if pitiable, personality. Utterly inessential, then as now.

Guns N’ Roses Rating: F

Less a reunion and more a branded cash-in by lead singer Axl Rose, GNR’s overhyped studio fiasco “Chinese Democracy” and recent live shows have proven there’s an excellent reason Slash and most of the original members have continued to shun Rose’s amateur-hour antics.

Pixies Rating: C-

This innovative, wildly influential alt-rock act broke up in 1993, arguably at the height of its powers. Its 2003 reunion was promising at first, but the same can’t be said more than a decade later, especially since key player Kim Deal split again in 2013.

punt: David Lee Roth returns to a “spectacularly flat” Van Halen. Denver Post file

feel the music

Safety

David Bruton “I am phenomenal With every ounce of my blood With every breath in my lungs Won’t stop until I’m phe-nom-enal I am phenomenal ...” The hook sets the mood. Eminem’s verses lay the path: “Time to slip in that zone till I find myself / Inside the realm of the unknown and boldly go.” The first song released on the “Southpaw” soundtrack is made to pump the adrenaline, a niche that Eminem has filled well over the years, starting with the iconic “Lose Yourself” in 2002. It’s also a niche that Broncos safety David Bruton seems to appreciate. Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Phenomenal,” Eminem “Kings Never Die,” Eminem, feat. Gwen Stefani “Watch Out,” 2 Chainz

ARTIST Eminem

John Leyba, The Denver Post

56 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Modern halftime shows sometimes outperform the display on the field By Nick Kosmider The Denver Post

The only thing bigger than the Super Bowl these days is the Super Bowl halftime show. Taylor Swift is the biggest pop star on the planet, which makes it believable that the NFL is rumored to be in negotiations with her to perform at Super Bowl 50. The pairing would make perfect sense for the league’s biggest celebration yet of its big game. But long before Katy Perry was dancing with sharks (XLIX) and Janet Jackson’s wardrobe was malfunctioning (XXXVIII), the Super Bowl halftime show was a modest affair mostly of local marching bands filling time while fans went to refill their beer mugs or grab another hot dog. Everything changed in 1993 when Michael Jackson graced the stage at the Rose Bowl and put on an electrifying performance before a worldwide audience. And so was born the era of the super Super Bowl performance. Not all halftime performances have hit the perfect note. Following is a look at the three best, and worst, halftime shows America’s biggest game has had to offer. Let the debate begin.

Michael Jackson performs during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 31, 1993. The King of Pop permanently changed the way the big game’s halftime shows operated. Getty Images file

bandleader Al Hirt

SUPER BOWL XXXV, 2001 Performers: Aerosmith, N’SYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Why it stunk: Just read that list of performers one more time. You couldn’t pick a more random group of performers if you tried, and the sound and general theme of the show were predictably convoluted. SUPER BOWL XLV, 2011 Performers: Black Eyed Peas Why it stunk: The band that sticks songs in your head you can only pray go away took the stage in robot uniforms that lit up like a strand of monochrome Christmas lights. The problem was they performed like robots, too.

and the Anaheim

BEST

High School drill

SUPER BOWL XXVII, 1993 Peformer: Michael Jackson Why it rocked: Few were more electrifying during the height of their fame than the King of Pop, and he ushered in the era of the Big Game’s Big Show.

Halftime entertainment for Super Bowl I (Jan. 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) included the University of Arizona symphonic marching

WORST

band, the Grambling

SUPER BOWL XXIX, 1995 Performers: Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle Why it stunk: So. Much. Lip-synching. Sure, it’s the Super Bowl halftime way, but this performance was the worst offender. The weird Temple of Doom theme didn’t fit the performers, either.

State University marching band, trumpeter and

team and flag girls.

SUPER BOWL XXXVI, 2002 Peformers: U2 Why it rocked: The first post-9/11 halftime show featured a moving tribute of victims’ names being scrolled across a giant backdrop. Plus, is there a band more made for the arena than U2? SUPER BOWL XLI, 2007 Performer: Prince Why it rocked: It clearly inspired Peyton Manning, who left the locker room after Prince’s moving performance and marched the Colts past the Saints for his first — and only — Super Bowl victory. OK, so Manning probably wasn’t listening. But, c’mon, it was Prince. You know it was great. Nick Kosmider: 303-954-1516, nkosmider@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickkosmider

feel the music

Safety

Omar Bolden Bolden, a West Coast product, can spot a DJ from a mile away. The veteran safety has a pregame ritual of saying hello to the Broncos’ DJ at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Why? “They’re the guys that control the mic and the music,” Bolden said. “I like things like that. “When I’m back home in California, I always like to say what’s up to the DJ in case there’s something I want to hear while I’m in there. I always want to show that love.” It’s also why he’s one of Drake’s biggest fans. The actor-turned-rapper makes hits with lyrics that hit home to Bolden. “I’m more about peace and having fun,” he said. “And that’s what Drake is talking about.” Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

FAVORITE SONGS “Get Rich,” RJ and Choice feat Iamsu! “Watch Out,” 2 Chainz “3005,” Childish Gambino

ARTIST Drake

John Leyba, The Denver Post

58 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

The preseason was full of distractions for New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as he mixed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deflategateâ&#x20AC;? court appearances with training camp. Stacy Revere, Getty Images

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 59

afc preview

Patriots’ road to repeat has some big potholes By Nick Kosmider The Denver Post

So much for giving the rest of the league a head start. On Sept. 3, federal judge Richard Berman ruled in favor of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to finally bring an end to “Deflategate” — America’s saga centered on the air pressure in footballs. The four-game suspension originally handed down by the NFL to Brady is no more, and the Patriots have returned to their spot as conference favorites. Or have they? Repeats don’t come easily. Targets ramp up the pressure. On top of that, New England took huge hits on the defensive side of the ball with the departures of starting cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner and mammoth defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Still, few teams have embraced the mantra of “Next man up” more than the Patriots, who have made winning with unheralded castoffs a theme of many championship runs. And they avoided having to shout for the next man up at quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, and will instead have one of the greatest QBs in NFL history at their disposal all year. So, while acknowledging the challenging road in front of them, to judge the Patriots as anything but a strong Super Bowl contender would be unwise. There are other contenders, of course. The Colts have continued to rise up the AFC ranks during Andrew Luck’s brief yet brilliant career, reaching the conference title game last season before getting blown out by New England. Now, Indy appears primed to take the next step. The Colts added veterans such as

A look at players who will have the biggest impact during their first season on a new team: LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: Unceremoniously dumped from the Eagles in the offseason, McCoy should fit perfectly into Rex Ryan’s run-first offensive formula.

Andre Johnson, Frank Gore and Trent Cole and drafted talented wide receiver Phillip Dorsett to give Luck another weapon — as if he’s not putting up big enough numbers already. The Steelers may be the most explosive team in the conference, centered on a dynamic top three of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell. And, their defense has made strides. Perennial playoff participants such as

the Bengals and Ravens figure to be in the mix again, as do the up-and-coming Dolphins, who added Ndamukong Suh to bolster a young defense, and the Bills, who are now coached by Rex Ryan and have a terrific defense. It’s the Patriot Way to find a way. And Brady and coach Bill Belichick have made a habit of making doubters look silly. So the big question in the AFC is ready to be answered: Who will have the last laugh?

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Dolphins: Let’s just say this quarterback-crunching force probably wasn’t Tom Brady’s favorite new addition to the AFC East. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: No team needed more help at wide receiver than the Chiefs, and picking up Maclin was a good start. Frank Gore, RB, Colts: Gore may be approaching his golden years as an NFL running back, but his consistency is something Indy has lacked. Vince Wilfork, DT, Texans: The big man in the middle will solidify Houston’s already stout defense.

New Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore — along with fellow veterans Andre Johnson and Trent Cole — provides quarterback Andrew Luck another weapon, as if Luck’s not putting up big enough numbers already. AJ Mast, The Associated Press

60 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

afc west

Once again, West must be won through Denver

players to watch D Jamaal Charles,

RB, Chiefs: There might not be a running back more important to his team than Charles, who has scored at least 14 total touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.

The West has been colored orange four straight seasons. The Broncos’ streak of winning the division goes back to 2011, and they’ve been dominant with Peyton Manning, who is 17-1 against the Raiders, Chiefs and Chargers during his three seasons as Denver’s quarterback and has yet to lose a divisional road game. Has the rest of the division improved enough to put a dent into that streak of dominance?

Broncos (12-4)

Raiders (3-13)

Prediction: 11-5

Prediction: 5-11 Judging on a strong rookie season, Derek Carr just may be the long-term answer at quarterback for Oakland, and the addition of top draft pick Amari Cooper, the superlative wide receiver from Alabama, could give the Raiders some offensive juice. The defense, though, still isn’t ready for prime time.

Peyton Manning is not the same quarterback who smashed NFL single-season passing records just two seasons ago. The Broncos, though, appear to have one of their stingiest defenses in several years, and if they become more well-rounded on offense under first-year coach Gary Kubiak, they may just have a recipe for playoff success.

Chiefs (9-7) Prediction: 8-8

Kansas City added desperately needed talent at wide receiver by acquiring Jeremy Maclin in the offseason. The Chiefs also have a grueling schedule through the first half of the season that could make or break Andy Reid’s squad.

Baltimore @ Kansas City @ Detroit Minnesota @ Oakland @ Cleveland BYE Green Bay* @ Indianapolis Kansas City @ Chicago New England* @ San Diego Oakland @ Pittsburgh Cincinnati San Diego

Chargers (9-7) Prediction: 10-6 Melvin Gordon, a rare running back drafted in the first round (15th overall), provides hope for an offense that has missed a consistent big-play threat on the ground in recent seasons. The Chargers struggled mightily rushing the ball last season, finishing 31st out of 32 NFL teams.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in five seasons. Gregory Shamus, Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs

Denver Broncos Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Jan. 3

Khalil Mack, LB, Raiders: After a promising rookie campaign in which he tallied 75 tackles and four sacks, Mack is already carrying a heavy load as the new leader of the Raiders’ young defense.

2:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

* Subject to change ** in London

Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Houston Denver @ Green Bay @ Cincinnati Chicago @ Minnesota Pittsburgh Detroit BYE @ Denver @ San Diego* Buffalo @ Oakland San Diego @ Baltimore Cleveland Oakland

Oakland Raiders 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 3

Cincinnati Baltimore @ Cleveland @ Chicago Denver BYE @ San Diego N.Y. Jets @ Pittsburgh Minnesota @ Detroit @ Tennessee Kansas City @ Denver Green Bay San Diego @ Kansas City

Ladarius Green, TE, Chargers: San Diego is expecting big things from Green, especially while Antonio Gates serves a four-game suspension.

San Diego Chargers 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 3

Detroit @ Cincinnati @ Minnesota Cleveland Pittsburgh @ Green Bay Oakland @ Baltimore Chicago BYE Kansas City* @ Jacksonville Denver @ Kansas City Miami @ Oakland @ Denver

2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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afc east players to watch

Patriots’ dominance will be put to the test

D Ryan Tannehill,

QB, Dolphins Miami handed a big contract to the fourthyear QB, who has been the first to offer stability at the position in Miami since Dan Marino. Now, Tannehill has to win.

Might this finally be the year New England sees its reign as AFC East champion come to an end? The Patriots have won the division six straight times. After a federal judge overturned Tom Brady’s four-game suspension, New England also has its all-world QB back for the full season. Still, a walk to the division title won’t be easy. Might the improving Dolphins or defensively stout Bills have enough to unseat the kings?

Bills (9-7)

Patriots (12-4)

Prediction: 9-7

Prediction: 11-5 The defending Super Bowl champions ended a tumultuous offseason on a high note by getting Brady’s suspension overturned. But will four extra games of having the future Hall of Famer under center be enough to offset the losses of some major pieces — Darrelle Revis and Vince Wilfork among them — from their defense?

One thing is certain: With Rex Ryan on the sideline as Buffalo’s new coach, the Bills will be entertaining. They might also have the best defense in the AFC, led by talented defensive linemen Mario Williams and Kyle Williams. Add LeSean McCoy as the new running back, and the Bills will be a tough out.

Dolphins (8-8) Prediction: 10-6

Jets (4-12)

The Dolphins spent big this offseason on one very disruptive defensive force. The question is how much defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s special brand of nasty can rub off on a Dolphins team that has made big strides the last couple seasons but has finished shy of the postseason.

Prediction: 4-12 The Jets already had issues when, during the middle of training camp, linebacker IK Enemkpali broke starting quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw. Clearly, Todd Bowles has plenty on his plate as he begins his first season as coach in New York.

Indianapolis New England @ Miami N.Y. Giants @ Tennessee Cincinnati @ Jacksonville BYE Miami @ N.Y. Jets @ New England @ Kansas City Houston @ Philadelphia @ Washington Dallas N.Y. Jets

11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

* Subject to change; ** in London

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Washington @ Jacksonville Buffalo N.Y. Jets BYE @ Tennessee Houston @ New England @ Buffalo @ Philadelphia Dallas @ N.Y. Jets Baltimore N.Y. Giants @ San Diego Indianapolis New England

Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets: After winning a Super Bowl with rival New England, Revis is back in New York, where he spent his first six seasons.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for 4,045 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Miami Dolphins

Buffalo Bills Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 12 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: McCoy voiced hard feelings after he was shipped out of Philadelphia, but he has a chance to carry a heavy load with the Bills, who were still unsettled at QB at the end of training camp.

11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

New England Patriots

N.Y. Jets

Sept. 10 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 12 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Pittsburgh @ Buffalo Jacksonville BYE @ Dallas @ Indianapolis* N.Y. Jets Miami Washington @ N.Y. Giants Buffalo @ Denver* Philadelphia @ Houston Tennessee @ N.Y. Jets @ Miami

6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Cleveland @ Indianapolis Philadelphia @ Miami BYE Washington @ New England @ Oakland Jacksonville Buffalo @ Houston Miami @ N.Y. Giants Tennessee @ Dallas New England @ Buffalo

11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

62 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

afc north players to watch

You can color this group black, blue and winning

D Justin Forsett, RB,

Ravens: The veteran back had a career year in Gary Kubiak’s zoneblocking run scheme last season with 1,266 yards rushing. Can he duplicate that with Kubiak gone?

The black-and-blue North was as good as ever last season, producing three playoff teams. Even the only team to miss the postseason, the 7-9 Browns, were a tough out along the way. With steady and experienced quarterbacks guiding the division’s top teams — Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton, Baltimore’s Joe Flacco and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger — there’s no reason to expect much dropoff among this bunch.

Ravens (10-6)

Browns (7-9)

Prediction: 9-7

Prediction: 5-11 Quarterback uncertainty is rarely a harbinger of success in the NFL. Just when second-year Johnny Manziel seemed primed to realize some of the immense potential he flashed in college, an elbow injury sidelined him halfway through the preseason. So Cleveland moves on with Josh McCown, who played poorly for the Bucs last season.

Baltimore landed speedy receiver Breshad Perriman and burly tight end Maxx Williams in the draft to give Flacco some new weapons on offense. But the Ravens’ defense, for years the team’s calling card, is aging and lost a key piece in defensive lineman Haloti Ngata.

Bengals (10-5-1) Prediction: 10-6 Dalton’s numbers were down last season, but much of that was a result of the injuries suffered by receivers A.J. Green and Marvin Jones and tight end Tyler Eifert. If those weapons are healthy, coupled with the 1-2 backfield punch of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati will be dangerous.

Steelers (11-5) Prediction: 12-4 With Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell in the lineup, the Steelers don’t lack for offensive firepower. Whether Pittsburgh can make a title run will depend on whether the defense can make up for several key losses.

Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 1 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 16 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Jan. 3

@ Denver 2:25 p.m. @ Oakland 2:05 p.m. Cincinnati 11 a.m. @ Pittsburgh 6:25 p.m. Cleveland 11 a.m. @ San Francisco 2:25 p.m. @ Arizona 6:30 p.m. San Diego 11 a.m. BYE Jacksonville 11 a.m. St. Louis 11 a.m. @ Cleveland 6:30 p.m. @ Miami 11 a.m. Seattle* 6:30 p.m. Kansas City 11 a.m. Pittsburgh* 6:30 p.m. @ Cincinnati 11 a.m.

* Subject to change ** in London

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: You can’t really call tallying 1,041 yards a down year, but it was by the lofty standards of Green, who missed all or part of five games last season. Cincy needs him healthy to make the playoffs.

@ Oakland San Diego @ Baltimore Kansas City Seattle @ Buffalo BYE @ Pittsburgh Cleveland Houston @ Arizona St. Louis @ Cleveland Pittsburgh @ San Francisco* @ Denver Baltimore

Justin Forsett had a career breakthrough season in 2014 for the Baltimore Ravens. Jared Wickerham, Getty Images

Cleveland Browns 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ N.Y. Jets Tennessee Oakland @ San Diego @ Baltimore Denver @ St. Louis Arizona @ Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh BYE Baltimore Cincinnati San Francisco @ Seattle @ Kansas City Pittsburgh

Justin Gilbert, CB, Browns: After an up-and-down rookie season, Cleveland is counting on big things from Gilbert in Year 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 10 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 1 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ New England San Francisco @ St. Louis Baltimore @ San Diego Arizona @ Kansas City Cincinnati Oakland Cleveland BYE @ Seattle Indianapolis* @ Cincinnati Denver @ Baltimore* @ Cleveland

6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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afc south players to watch

Colts have the upper hand for taking a weak division

D Jadeveon Clowney, LB, Texans: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft had his rookie season cut short by injury, but if he can stay healthy and live up to lofty expectations, watch out.

The Colts have taken another step forward in each of Andrew Luck’s three seasons in the league. Climbing another rung on the ladder this season would land Indianapolis in Super Bowl 50. That is a major leap to make, but it’s no stretch to say Indy is an odds-on favorite to capture another South title, with the Jaguars and Titans still a couple of years away from competing and the Texans still searching for a complete offense.

Texans (9-7)

Jaguars (3-13)

Prediction: 10-6

If there is anything evident from “Hard Knocks,” the HBO show that highlighted Houston’s training camp this preseason, it’s that the Texans’ defense can hit as well as it can talk. The question is whether Houston has enough firepower on offense, particularly without Arian Foster in the backfield.

Prediction: 4-12 The Jaguars liked what they saw from QB Blake Bortles during his rookie season, and they believe he has a big jump forward in store for Year 2. But Jacksonville was dealt a major blow when its top draft pick, LB Dante Fowler Jr., suffered an ACL tear during his first pro practice.

Colts (11-5)

Titans (2-14)

Prediction: 12-4

Prediction: 4-12 Tennessee has placed a sea of hope on rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Oregon, but as preseason returns illustrated, the Titans still have a long way to go in building an offense around the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

The Colts are beginning to take the shape of the team they were during Peyton Manning’s heydey in Indy: a near-constant lock to win the division. This season, the addition of Andre Johnson, who’s out to prove he still has plenty in the tank, could make the Colts even more of a threat.

Kansas City @ Carolina Tampa Bay @ Atlanta Indianapolis @ Jacksonville @ Miami Tennessee BYE @ Cincinnati N.Y. Jets New Orleans @ Buffalo New England @ Indianapolis @ Tennessee Jacksonville

Jadeveon Clowney of the Houston Texans played in only four games during his rookie season of 2014. Bob Levey, Getty Images

Indianapolis Colts

Houston Texans Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 16 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Bishop Sankey, RB, Titans: After an upand-down rookie season, the Titans will be looking for more from the former Washington star in order to help take pressure off rookie QB Marcus Mariota.

11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

* Subject to change; ** in London

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Buffalo N.Y. Jets @ Tennessee Jacksonville @ Houston New England* New Orleans @ Carolina Denver BYE @ Atlanta Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh* @ Jacksonville Houston @ Miami Tennessee

Jacksonville Jaguars 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Carolina Miami @ New England @ Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay Houston Buffalo** BYE @ N.Y. Jets @ Baltimore Tennessee San Diego @ Tennessee Indianapolis Atlanta @ New Orleans @ Houston

D’Qwell Jackson, LB, Colts: Jackson made the Pro Bowl last season, his first with Indianapolis, after tallying 140 tackles and four sacks.

Tennessee Titans 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Tampa Bay @ Cleveland Indianapolis BYE Buffalo Miami Atlanta @ Houston @ New Orleans Carolina @ Jacksonville Oakland Jacksonville @ N.Y. Jets @ New England Houston @ Indianapolis

2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

64 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is despondent after throwing an interception to New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler near the end of Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz. David Goldman, The Associated Press

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nfc preview

Can the drama pick up where it left o≠? By Nick Kosmider The Denver Post

The close calls demonstrated the razorclose nature of the NFC last season. Last winter, each playoff game seemed to provide a tighter, more nailbiting finish than the week before. First, the Lions fell to the Cowboys on wild-card weekend after a would-be pass interference penalty on Dallas was controversially not called late in the fourth quarter. The following week, the Cowboys felt a sting of their own when Dez Bryant’s amazing catch on a deep fourth-down pass from Tony Romo was ruled incomplete, costing Dallas a trip to the NFC championship game. In that conference title game, it was the Packers who absorbed a gut punch. Green Bay, leading by a touchdown, was unable to secure an onside kick in the final minutes. Aaron Rodgers watched helplessly as Seattle marched down the field for a score that forced overtime, then got the ball first in the extra session and found the end zone to punch a ticket to their second straight Super Bowl. Of course, no NFC team suffered more heartbreak than the Seahawks, who came a yard away from a repeat before Russell Wilson’s pass on the goal line was intercepted, giving the Patriots another title. The tooth-and-nail nature of that postseason was a snapshot of just how close the NFC was bunched during the regular season, and don’t expect anything to change in 2015. With the return of running back Marshawn Lynch, the addition of top tight end Jimmy Graham and a defense that continues to plug

A look at players who will have the biggest impact on new teams this season: Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks: Seattle is well on its way to solving its nagging goal-line issues with the addition of Graham.

capable players into a fast, physical scheme, Seattle has earned its badge as the conference’s preseason favorite. The road, though, is perilous. Within their own division, the Seahawks must contend with a Cardinals team that was 11-5 last season and now has a healthy Carson Palmer at quarterback. Green Bay has the best quarterback in the league in reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, who will find ways to deal with the loss of Jordy Nelson and make the Pack-

ers’ prolific offense hum. Dallas managed to re-sign the dynamic Bryant and continues to improve on defense. Chip Kelly’s offense in Philadelphia may be as dynamic and dangerous as ever with a healthy Sam Bradford at quarterback. Dark horses such as the Saints, Lions and Vikings muddy the playoff picture further. It will be hard to top last year’s playoff drama in the NFC — but don’t count it out.

DeMarco Murray, RB, Eagles: Not only did Chip Kelly add last season’s league-leading rusher to his team, he pulled him away from Philly’s biggest division rival in Dallas. Haloti Ngata, DT, Lions: There is no replacing Ndamukong Suh, but Detroit lessened the blow of his departure with the addition of Ngata. Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers: Speedy QB Colin Kaepernick will enjoy this speedy receiving weapon to match. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams: The highestdrafted running back in years (10th overall) should star as a rookie in St. Louis.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason game. Rodgers will have to demonstrate his wizardry without top receiver Jordy Nelson, out for the season with an injury. Joe Robbins, Getty Images

66 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

nfc west players to watch

Division makes title road tough for ’Hawks

D Jimmy Graham,

TE, Seahawks: Conventional wisdom says Graham won’t be nearly the receiving target as he was in New Orleans. But rest assured, QB Russell Wilson will use his new tight end plenty.

The Seahawks have told anyone who will listen that they have put their excruciating Super Bowl loss behind them and are ready to make another run at the title. First, they must contend with a division that continues to sharpen its teeth each season. With a healthy Carson Palmer, the Cardinals will be a major threat. With its stout defense, the Rams are tough. And Colin Kaepernick makes the 49ers dangerous.

Cardinals (11-5)

49ers (8-8)

Prediction: 11-5

Even with quarterback Carson Palmer injured for much of the 2014 season, Arizona nearly stole the division crown from Seattle. Now, Palmer is healthy and, teammates say, throwing the ball better than he has in years. That will make receivers Larry Fitzgerald and speed demon John Brown a handful.

Prediction: 7-9 San Francisco has a new coach in Jim Tomsula, who has had to deal with one distraction after another during a tumultuous offseason that culminated with the release of troubled linebacker Aldon Smith. Besides Smith, the 49ers experienced major roster turnover on defense that will be difficult to replace.

Rams (6-10)

Seahawks (12-4)

Prediction: 7-9

Prediction: 12-4 The Seahawks were a yard away from a second straight Super Bowl victory in February. That would have meant they began this season chasing a dynasty. As it is, Seattle is out to prove the formula it has produced has staying power and another championship is in sight.

The best defensive line in football makes running against the Rams a major chore. But can the offense, led by new quarterback Nick Foles and prized rookie running back Todd Gurley, provide enough firepower to trade blows in one of the league’s top divisions?

New Orleans @ Chicago San Francisco St. Louis @ Detroit @ Pittsburgh Baltimore @ Cleveland BYE @ Seattle* Cincinnati @ San Francisco @ St. Louis Minnesota @ Philadelphia Green Bay Seattle

Seattle tight end Jimmy Graham carries the ball in last month’s preseason game against Denver. John Froschauer, The Associated Press

St. Louis Rams

Arizona Cardinals Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Nick Foles, QB, Rams: The Rams waited and waited for Sam Bradford to be their franchise QB, but he could never stay on the field. Now, Foles is trying to prove he can succeed in the league regardless of the scheme he’s playing in.

2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

* Subject to change ** in London

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Seattle @ Washington Pittsburgh @ Arizona @ Green Bay BYE Cleveland San Francisco @ Minnesota Chicago @ Baltimore @ Cincinnati Arizona Detroit Tampa Bay @ Seattle @ San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Minnesota @ Pittsburgh @ Arizona Green Bay @ N.Y. Giants* Baltimore Seattle @ St. Louis Atlanta BYE @ Seattle Arizona @ Chicago @ Cleveland Cincinnati* @ Detroit St. Louis

Tyrann Mathieu, S, Cardinals: His troubles at LSU apparently long behind him, Mathieu has developed into a bright, young DB.

Seattle Seahawks 8:20 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ St. Louis @ Green Bay Chicago Detroit @ Cincinnati Carolina @ San Francisco @ Dallas BYE Arizona* San Francisco Pittsburgh @ Minnesota @ Baltimore* Cleveland St. Louis @ Arizona

11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

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nfc east players to watch

NFL’s drama division will o≠er more in 2015

D Morris Claiborne,

CB, Cowboys: A season-ending injury to Orlando Scandrick means Dallas will rely heavily on Claiborne, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft, to produce in the secondary.

The NFC East is the TMZ of the NFL. Always plenty of drama. The division dominated the headlines in the offseason. From the Eagles swapping starting quarterbacks with St. Louis to the Redskins’ Robert Griffin III getting hurt — again! — to the Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul losing a finger in a fireworks accident, there was never a dull moment within the division. Don’t expect the 2015 season to be any different.

Cowboys (12-4)

Eagles (10-6)

Prediction: 12-4

Prediction: 10-6 The Eagles have a new quarterback (Sam Bradford) and a new running back (Murray). How those two, providing they stay healthy, adapt to coach Chip Kelly’s frenetic offensive pace will say a lot about how deep of a playoff run Philadelphia will be able to make.

Dallas must replace last season’s NFL rushing leader in DeMarco Murray, who has joined the rival Eagles, but a powerful offensive line and the return of prolific wide receiver Dez Bryant should leave the Cowboys with more than enough firepower to contend for their second straight NFC East title.

Giants (6-10) Prediction: 7-9

Eli Manning dramatically reduced his interceptions in 2014, and he should be even sharper in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. But will the Giants’ defense, possibly without the services of the aforementioned Pierre-Paul, be able to keep the pace?

N.Y. Giants @ Philadelphia Atlanta @ New Orleans New England BYE @ N.Y. Giants Seattle Philadelphia* @ Tampa Bay @ Miami Carolina @ Washington @ Green Bay N.Y. Jets @ Buffalo Washington

Redskins (4-12) Prediction: 5-11 RGIII’s sterling rookie season seems like a decade ago already. Since suffering a major knee injury in the playoffs that season, the former Heisman Trophy winner hasn’t been the same, and Washington has already tabbed Kirk Cousins as its Week 1 starter as RGIII recovers from a concussion.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne needs to take a step up this season, most likely as a full-time starter. Tom Pennington, Getty Images

N.Y. Giants

Dallas Cowboys Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants: This human highlight-reel was dominant as a rookie. He caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just a dozen games. What numbers can he put up in a full season?

6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

* Subject to change ** in London

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Dallas Atlanta Washington @ Buffalo San Francisco* @ Philadelphia Dallas @ New Orleans @ Tampa Bay New England BYE @ Washington N.Y. Jets @ Miami Carolina @ Minnesota Philadelphia

6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Kiko Alonso, LB, Eagles: Philly gave up RB LeSean McCoy to get Alonso, who missed all of last season due to injury.

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Redskins

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

@ Atlanta 5:10 p.m. Dallas 2:25 p.m. @ N.Y. Jets 11 a.m. @ Washington 11 a.m. New Orleans 11 a.m. N.Y. Giants 6:30 p.m. @ Carolina* 6:30 p.m. BYE @ Dallas* 6:30 p.m. Miami 11 a.m. Tampa Bay 11 a.m. @ Detroit 10:30 a.m. @ New England 2:25 p.m. Buffalo 11 a.m. Arizona 11 a.m. Washington 6:25 p.m. @ N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

Miami St. Louis @ N.Y. Giants Philadelphia @ Atlanta @ N.Y. Jets Tampa Bay BYE @ New England New Orleans @ Carolina N.Y. Giants Dallas @ Chicago Buffalo @ Philadelphia @ Dallas

11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m.

68 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

nfc north players to watch

Reloaded North could be stronger than ever

D Anthony Barr, LB,

Vikings: After a strong rookie season in which he posted 70 tackles and four sacks, the Vikings are looking for even more out of the former UCLA standout.

The Packers were one drive away from the Super Bowl last season. The Lions were a highly questionable call away from advancing to the second weekend of the playoffs. The Vikings have a bright, young quarterback and an MVP running back returning to the backfield. The Bears have a new coaching staff and a renewed sense of optimism. Some cold games in the North deep into the year are going to have real meaning.

Bears (5-11)

Packers (12-4)

Prediction: 8-8

Prediction: 12-4 The loss of top wide receiver Jordy Nelson to a preseason ACL injury was a crunching blow for the Pack. The good news: It wasn’t QB Aaron Rodgers who was hurt. As long as it has the reigning NFL MVP under center, Green Bay remains a title contender.

After four seasons — and four AFC West titles — in Denver, John Fox was shown the door after the 2014 season. It was quickly opened by Chicago, which is hopeful Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase can bring some direction to an organization that has had its fair share of dysfunction the past several seasons.

Lions (11-5) Prediction: 10-6 Detroit lost one of the most disruptive forces in football during the offseason, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. But the Lions still have more than enough talent to compete for a playoff spot and even the division title they narrowly missed last year.

Green Bay Arizona @ Seattle Oakland @ Kansas City @ Detroit BYE Minnesota @ San Diego @ St. Louis Denver @ Green Bay San Francisco Washington @ Minnesota @ Tampa Bay Detroit

Vikings (7-9) Prediction: 9-7 Teddy Bridgewater was one of the surprise rookies of the 2014 season, and the coaching staff is convinced he can take a big leap in year two. The return of running back Adrian Peterson, who was suspended nearly all of last season, will bring balance on offense and should take pressure off Bridgewater.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr bears down on Chicago receiver Dante Rosario on Nov. 16. Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Detroit Lions

Chicago Bears Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: Cutler had a down year with 24 turnovers in 2014. Can former Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase get the most out of the 32year-old quarterback this season?

11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

* Subject to change ** In London

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 13 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ San Diego @ Minnesota Denver @ Seattle Arizona Chicago Minnesota vs. Kansas City** BYE @ Green Bay Oakland Philadelphia Green Bay @ St. Louis @ New Orleans San Francisco @ Chicago

Green Bay Packers 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Chicago Seattle Kansas City @ San Francisco St. Louis San Diego BYE @ Denver* @ Carolina Detroit @ Minnesota Chicago @ Detroit Dallas @ Oakland @ Arizona Minnesota

Davante Adams, WR, Packers: The secondyear player should have a lot more looks after Jordy Nelson’s season-ending ACL tear.

Minnesota Vikings 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 2:25 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:25 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ San Francisco 8:20 p.m. Detroit 11 a.m. San Diego 11 a.m. @ Denver 2:25 p.m. BYE Kansas City 11 a.m. @ Detroit 11 a.m. @ Chicago 11 a.m. St. Louis 11 a.m. @ Oakland 2:05 p.m. Green Bay 11 a.m. @ Atlanta 11 a.m. Seattle 11 a.m. @ Arizona 6:25 p.m. Chicago 11 a.m. N.Y. Giants 11 a.m. @ Green Bay 11 a.m.

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 69

nfc south

Only way to go is up for 2014’s worst group

players to watch D Jameis Winston,

QB, Buccaneers: The rookie has a national championship and a Heisman Trophy from his days at Florida State. None of that matters now — only whether the big QB’s skills work in the NFL.

The NFC South has always been an unpredictable, topsy-turvy division, but last season it was just cover-your-eyes terrible. The Panthers finished first — and got a home playoff game! — with a 7-8-1 record, edging out the 7-9 Saints. The division still doesn’t appear to have anything approaching a bona fide Super Bowl contender, but finishing the season without a single team sporting a winning record isn’t likely.

Falcons (6-10)

Saints (7-9)

Prediction: 7-9

Dan Quinn, the mastermind of the Seahawks defense that won one Super Bowl and came within inches of winning another the past two seasons, takes over as the new coach of a Falcons team that has been leaky at best on that side of the ball in recent seasons. Opening against the Eagles will provide a stiff test.

Prediction: 11-5 The Saints have a favorable schedule, particularly at home, where they must regain the dominance that was so common several seasons ago. Drew Brees may have lost a step since his days as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, but he’s still Brees, and he has plenty of talent on offense around him.

Panthers (7-8-1)

Buccaneers (2-14)

Prediction: 8-8

Prediction: 6-10 Tampa Bay has a promising young defense led by dominating tackle Gerald McCoy, and the unit should be further improved. The Bucs’ success — or lack thereof — will come down to how fast rookie QB Jameis Winston can adjust to the speed of the pro game.

Carolina was clearly the best team in the division during the second half of last season, winning five of its final six games. The Panthers may have the best overall talent in the South, but make no mistake: The loss of star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (ACL) will sting.

Philadelphia @ N.Y. Giants @ Dallas Houston Washington @ New Orleans @ Tennessee Tampa Bay @ San Francisco BYE Indianapolis Minnesota @ Tampa Bay @ Carolina @ Jacksonville Carolina New Orleans

Quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles against Cincinnati in a preseason game. Cliff McBride, Getty Images

Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Jairus Byrd, S, Saints: After signing a huge contract with New Orleans before last season, Byrd suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game of 2014. The Saints need him to bounce back.

5:10 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

* Subject to change; ** in London.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Jacksonville Houston New Orleans @ Tampa Bay BYE @ Seattle Philadelphia* Indianapolis Green Bay @ Tennessee Washington @ Dallas @ New Orleans Atlanta @ N.Y. Giants @ Atlanta Tampa Bay

New Orleans Saints 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

@ Arizona Tampa Bay @ Carolina Dallas @ Philadelphia Atlanta @ Indianapolis N.Y. Giants Tennessee @ Washington BYE @ Houston Carolina @ Tampa Bay Detroit Jacksonville @ Atlanta

Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers: With Kelvin Benjamin lost for the season, Carolina is relying heavily on another big year from Olsen.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Tennessee @ New Orleans @ Houston Carolina Jacksonville BYE @ Washington @ Atlanta N.Y. Giants Dallas @ Philadelphia @ Indianapolis Atlanta New Orleans @ St. Louis Chicago @ Carolina

2:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:05 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6:25 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m.

70 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

broncos schedule WEE K 1

WEEK 13

Sept. 13 vs. Baltimore, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Sports Authority Field at Mile High The last time these two teams met in a season opener, in 2013, Peyton Manning tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes.

Dec. 6 at San Diego, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4; Qualcomm Stadium The Chargers are the only AFC West team that has defeated the Broncos during the Peyton Manning era.

WEEK 14

WEEK 2

Dec. 13 vs. Oakland, 2:05 p.m., KCNC-4; Sports Authority Field at Mile High Might this be the perfect spot for Brock Osweiler to get a full game of regular-season experience under his belt?

Sept. 17 at Kansas City, 6:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Arrowhead Stadium The Broncos haven’t lost to the Chiefs since a 7-3 setback in the final week of the 2011 season.

WEEK 3 Sept. 27 at Detroit, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9; Ford Field This prime-time clash will feature perhaps the league’s top two wide receivers — the Lions’ Calvin Johnson and the Broncos’ Demaryius Thomas.

WEEK 4 Oct. 4 vs. Minnesota, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31; Sports Authority Field at Mile High After Adrian Peterson spent almost a full season on the sideline, will the Broncos’ defense be facing a player who has returned to his MVP form?

WEEK 5 Oct. 11 at Oakland, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; O.co Coliseum The Broncos have won every game by double digits against the Raiders during the Peyton Manning era.

The Broncos look for their first regular-season win against the Patriots since Week 12 in 2009. Above, Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas pulls in a pass against New England cornerback Brandon Browner last season. Joe Amon, Denver Post file

WEEK 6

WEEK 1 0

Oct. 18 at Cleveland, 11 a.m., KCNC-4; First Energy Stadium Will improving second-year quarterback Johnny Manziel be the starter under center for the Browns by the time this game rolls around?

Nov. 15 vs. Kansas City, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Sports Authority Field at Mile High The Broncos had their best rushing game of the season against the Chiefs last season — a 214yard output in Week 13.

WEEK 7

WEEK 1 1

Bye

Nov. 22 at Chicago, 11 a.m., KCNC-4; Soldier Field The Broncos visit their old friend John Fox. The first-year Bears coach parted ways with the Broncos after last season’s early playoff exit.

WEEK 8 Nov. 1 vs. Green Bay, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9; Sports Authority Field at Mile High Manning vs. Aaron Rodgers. Sounds like must-see TV.

WEEK 9 Nov. 8 at Indianapolis, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Lucas Oil Stadium It’s the first shot at revenge against the Colts, who sent the Broncos to an unceremonious playoff exit in Denver in January.

WEEK 1 2 Nov. 29 vs. New England, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9; Sports Authority Field at Mile High The Broncos haven’t beaten the Patriots during the regular season since a 20-17 overtime victory at home in 2009.

WEEK 15 Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Heinz Field This road game starts a finishing stretch of three consecutive games against AFC opponents that could have big playoff implications.

WEEK 16 Dec. 28 vs. Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m., ESPN; Sports Authority Field at Mile High The Broncos’ only regular-season loss after Nov. 16 last season came at the hands of the Bengals.

WEEK 17 Jan. 3 vs. San Diego, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4; Sports Authority Field at Mile High Will the Broncos be playing for a playoff spot? Home-field advantage? Will there be a chance to get Peyton Manning off his feet? Nick Kosmider, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Nicki Jhabvala, The Denver Post

Seating zones

Season ticket price per game

Field level prime

Gate 4

Gate 5 518

$180

523

519 520 521 522

517

Field level between goal lines

$155

Field level corner

$115

Field/plaza end zone

$95

Red zone club seats

$335-395

Gray zone club seats

$270-330

Orange zone club seats

$205-265

Purple zone club seats

$170-230

Gate 3

Gate 2

Gate 1

North end zone

$95

Upper level sideline

$77

Upper level corner

$65

320 321 322 319 515 113 318 111 112 514 317 111 112 113 110 316 111 513 110 315 110 512 314 109 109 313 108 511 108 312 107 107 510 311 310 106 106 509 516

Upper north end zone $50 ADA seating All ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ticket sales will be made through the Broncos’ ticket office with a direct phone number just for disabled patrons. Call the special ADA seating telephone number, 720-258-3337.

508

309 105 105

507

308 104 104 307 103 103 306 102 305 102 304 101 101

506 505

BRONCOS

Last year it was the language. This year it’s the fighting. Before the start of the 2014 season, NFL game officials vowed to penalize players using racial slurs or verbal abuse. This year game officials are emphasizing the need to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct. And they are trying to crack down on fights such as the one that broke out on the second-to-last play of Super Bowl XLIX. Starting this season, game officials will eject players who show “flagrant conduct” and will fine anyone who does not leave the area when a fight breaks out. Also, a 15-yard penalty will be given to those who try to pull opponents off a pile after a loose ball because many such instances have led to fights. In addition to the points of emphasis on personal conduct, other rules have been tweaked to emphasis player safety. Among them: • Intended receivers of a pass will receive “defenseless player protection” after an interception or a potential interception. Hitting an intended receiver in the head or neck area, or using the top parts of a helmet to hit him while he is tracking the ball and unable to fend off a tackle, will result in a 15-yard penalty. • The ban on illegal peel-back blocks extends to all offensive players, not just those in the tackle box when the ball is snapped. • All chop blocks involving a back are banned. Previously, the ban applied only if the contact occurred outside the usual position of the tight end. • If game officials and medical staff fail to notice a player showing signs of disorientation, an independent certified athletic trainer in the press box will alert the officials so play can be stopped and the player can get medical help.

Sports Authority Field at Mile High 524

525 323 324 325 326 526 327 527 114 115 116 328 117 117 329 528 116 114 115 118 330 529 117 118 331 118 530 332 119 119 333 531 120 120 10 334 20 121 121 532 335 30 122 122 336 533 40 50 40

VISITORS

Rules changes aim to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct problems

30 20 10

Gate 6

123 123 337

534

124 124 338 339 125 125 340 126 126 341

535

Gate 7

536

Gate 8

537

127 127 342 538 128 128 343 303 100 100 539 503 302 100 135 134 133 132 131 130 129 128 344 540 345 502 301 129 135 501 541 300 135 134 133 132 131 130 129 346 500 542

504

236 235 Gate 10

234 233 232 231 230

228 229 Gate 9

The Denver Post

Ticket office: 720-258-3333

93 walk-through metal detectors change the way fans enter building There will be no more awkward patdowns or annoying hand wands this season before games at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos introduced 93 new walkthrough metal detectors before their preseason opener against San Francisco. “Our goal is to increase safety and reduce lines for all fans attending events at our stadium,” said Scott Bilek, the assistant general manager of Sports Authority Field. The new security system is similar to the ones used by transportation security administration officials at the airport, but most fans will need only to remove their phones from their pockets. Fans will not be required to remove their shoes, belts, watches, wallets or jewelry. Those who are unable to enter metal detectors for any reason will be subjected to a different

screening process. “As these new security procedures are being implemented, we are asking fans to plan accordingly and allow plenty of time to enter the stadium and get into their seats prior to kickoff,” Bilek said in a release. The metal detectors will be mandated in all NFL stadiums by 2017. Another change at Sports Authority Field this season will be in the food and drink department with 10 new concessions. The food additions include fried chicken cones, hot ham & cheese pretzel buns and jalapeño cheddar brat burgers. New cocktails include bourbon bacon bloody marys, mile high mules and colorado bulldogs. Most of the new food choices take place on the fifth level. Cameron Wolfe, The Denver Post

| 71

72 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Rookie Shane Ray, whom the Broncos drafted from Missouri, figures to add to the team’s already formidable pass rush. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

NEW GUYS ON THE BLOCK

The Broncos hope that Ray, Daniels, Mathis, Sambrailo, Casey, Paradis and Stewart will make a di≠erence

From left, Broncos guard Evan Mathis, fullback James Casey and offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo. Photos by John Leyba, The Denver Post

NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

| 73

From left, defensive back Darian Stewart, center Matt Paradis and tight end Owen Daniels. Denver Post and Associated Press photos

Defensive back Darian Stewart played for the Baltimore Ravens last season and Broncos tight end James Casey is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Kenneth Acker, left, and outside linebacker Corey Lemonier during the preseason. Jack Dempsey, The Associated Press

the St. Louis Rams before that. David Zalubowski, The Associated Press

Left offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo signs autographs for fans, but his main job is to protect Peyton Manningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blind side. John Leyba, The Denver Post

74 | NFL Preview | The Denver Post | September 13, 2015

Broncos predictions

Broncos punter Britton Colquitt makes angels in the confetti with his wife Nikki Hairrell after the Broncos won the AFC Championship game over the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver on January 19, 2014. Denver Post file

NICKI JHABVALA, NFL REPORTER

TROY E. RENCK, NFL REPORTER

WOODY PAIGE, COLUMNIST

CAMERON WOLFE, NFL REPORTER

13-3

11-5

12-4

The Broncos’ schedule works in their favor. It could have benefited them more if the Steelers game were in the first two weeks, when Pittsburgh will be without Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant. But as it stands, the 2015 Broncos, with Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense, could pick up 13 victories. Despite the questions on offense, the defense will carry them into the postseason. An AFC championship? Yes. A Super Bowl victory? Not quite.

This feels a lot like 2012. The Broncos could stutter offensively during the first month but learn to win ugly with a dominant defense. Make it an 11-5 record for a fifth consecutive AFC West title. The lack of a home-field advantage will prove costly with a road loss in the AFC title game.

Perfect at home; good enough on the road; Broncos kick and scream their way to win the Super Bowl.

An identity shift will lead to a dominant defense carrying the load and the offense depending more on their running game to take pressure off Peyton Manning. The Broncos will win their fifth consecutive AFC West title but will lose in the AFC championship game.

MARK KISZLA, COLUMNIST

10-6 Check the rearview mirror. The gap between the Broncos and the rest of AFC West is closing.