Incomplete Masterpiece 2014

INCOMPLETE

MASTERPIECE Peyton Manning is looking forward after shattering records in 2013

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Game by Game Season schedule breakdown

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

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ONLINE Get more news, information and analysis from Gazette reporters an columnists. Post a comment if you like. Find sports blogs at gazette.com/blogs.

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Follow Gazette sports columnists Paul Klee and David Ramsey on Twitter: @Klee_Gazette @davidlukeramsey

CONTACT US Phone: 636-0250 Email: sports@gazette.com Fax: 636-0163 Jim O’Connell, Editor 636-0263 jim.oconnell@gazette.com Matt Wiley, Assistant Editor 636-0361 matt.wiley@gazette.com

NFL RULE CHANGES

1. On the cover: Peyton Manning 5. Broncos schedule 6-7. Gazette sports columnist Paul Klee breaks down the Broncos’ schedule 8-12. Get all the facts on each team the Broncos play this season 13-19. COVER STORY

Incomplete masterpiece 4

20-21. The Broncos wouldn’t be the first team to rebound from a Super Bowl blunder stronger than ever.

22-26. CAN RECORD 2013 SEASON BE TOPPED?

28-29. New Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders just wants to be Emmanuel Sanders.

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

30-35. INJURED AND ABSENT AT SUPER BOWL, BRONCO DEFENDERS RETURN WITH MISSION.

36-37. As dynasties decline will Seattle be next?

AFC BREAKDOWN 38. Patriots work on defense 39. Broncos roster

40-41. Predicting the AFC West 42. West Division 43. East Division 44. North Division 46. South Division NFC BREAKDOWN 47. West Division 48. East Division 49. North Division 50. South Division

Rules changes for the 2014 season include: The uprights of the goal post are extended an additional 5 feet to 35 feet above the crossbar.

The game clock will keep running after a sack outside two minutes of each half.

Blockers cannot roll up on the side of a defender’s leg.

Referees can now consult with members of the NFL officiating department during replays.

Reviewable plays now include recovery of a loose ball in the field of play.

There are also a number of rule clarifications, including making it illegal for defenders to pull receivers’ jerseys.

SEPT. 7

OCT. 12

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 11 a.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS. COLTS

NOV. 9

DEC. 7

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

AT JETS

AT RAIDERS

SEPT. 14

OCT. 19

NOV. 16

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 11 a.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS. CHIEFS

VS. 49ERS

DEC. 14

AT RAMS

SEPT. 21

OCT. 23

NOV. 23

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 6:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

AT SEAHAWKS

VS. CHARGERS

VS. BILLS

AT CHARGERS

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM DEC. 22

VS. DOLPHINS

AT BENGALS

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: ESPN RADIO: 107.9 FM

OCT. 5

NOV. 2

NOV. 30

DEC. 28

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: FOX RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS. CARDINALS

AT PATRIOTS

AT CHIEFS

VS. RAIDERS

Games can now be flexed into “Sunday Night Football” as early as Week 5. The league can also “cross flex” select games between CBS and Fox.

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

5

BY PAUL KLEE • THE GAZETTE

Against rugged schedule, Broncos still finish 13-3

W

What’s a prediction without an apology?

Sorry, Seattle. I stink at predicting Super Bowls. No Redhook for me.

But predicting the regular season? Straight cash, homey.

Last year, I missed the Broncos’ final record by one. When the NFL released its schedule, I had the Broncos going 14-2. They finished 13-3. The culprit was San Diego’s Thursday-night upset at Denver. Philip Rivers, you rascal.

This edition of Predicting the Broncos Schedule is money in the bank.

I think.

Week 1: Broncos vs. Colts

Date: Sept. 7 (6:30 p.m., NBC) If there’s an Andrew Luck banner flapping outside Sports Authority Field, the NFL has some ‘splainin’ to do. There won’t be a Flacco Flag Fiasco, but there will be another reunion. Can’t see Peyton Manning losing to the Colts again. Can you?

Prediction: Broncos 37, Colts 20 (Record: 1-0)

Week 2: Broncos vs. Kansas City

Date: Sept. 14 (2:25 p.m., CBS) We had the Chiefs pegged in 2013. Andy Reid’s new club was a cute story — and a product of a favorable early schedule. Once again, the Broncos should worry about the Chiefs winning the AFC West like Manning should worry about bankruptcy.

Prediction: Broncos 30, Chiefs 23 (Record: 2-0)

Week 3: Broncos at Seattle

Date: Sept. 21 (2:25 p.m., CBS) Note to self: Don’t pick against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Their fans will send hate mail and harassing phone calls for months. Hey, I lived in the great state of Washington for four lovely years. You deserved a title, Seattle.

One question, though: Is the nickname “12s” a nod to the number of ‘Hawk fans before Pete Carroll arrived?

Prediction: Seahawks 43, Broncos 8 (Record: 2-1)

Week 4: Bye Week 5: Broncos vs. Cardinals

Date: Oct. 5 (2:05 p.m., Fox) Last season the Broncos got a sneak peek at the site of the Super Bowl with an early season game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Next season we can ask a similar question: can they return to University of Phoenix Stadium on Feb. 1, 2015?

Prediction: Broncos 33, Cardinals 16 (Record: 3-1) 6

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

Week: 6: Broncos at New York Jets

Date: Oct. 12 (11 a.m., CBS) If Peyton Manning had considered Eric Decker an indispensable part in the Broncos’ offense, Jesse’s husband still would be breaking hearts in Colorado.

Instead, the Big Heartthrob is in the Big Apple, where I suspect he will prove the doubters wrong.

Prediction: Broncos 27, Jets 6 (Record: 4-1)

Week 7: Broncos vs. 49ers

Date: Oct. 19 (6:30 p.m., NBC) The West is best. No other division is predicted to win more games than the NFC West (35.5 wins), according to the folks in Las Vegas. Only the Broncos are expected to win as much as the 49ers and Seahawks (11). The loser: East Coast bias.

Prediction: 49ers 17, Broncos 16 (Record: 4-2)

Week 8: Broncos vs. San Diego

Date: Oct. 23 (6:25 p.m., CBS) Ex-Charger Shaun Phillips is now an ex-Bronco. Considering the cash awarded to DeMarcus Ware ($20 million guaranteed), the ex-Cowboy better out-produce the 12 sacks scored by Phillips in his one season with the Broncos.

Prediction: Broncos 27, Chargers 21 (Record: 5-2)

Week 9: Broncos at New England

Date: Nov. 2 (2:25 p.m., CBS) It must be nice to be the Patriots. Once again, Las Vegas believes the Pats own an easy road to the playoffs. The predicted win totals for the AFC East foreshadow another division title: New England (10 wins), Dolphins (7.5), Bills (6.5), Jets (6.5).

Prediction: Broncos 37, Patriots 36 (Record: 6-2)

Week 10: Broncos at Oakland Date: Nov. 9 (2:05 p.m., CBS)

Manning’s game at Oakland last year was the finest display of quarterbacking I’ve seen: 266 yards and four touchdowns — in the first half. But it was just the Raiders, you say? Oakland players fought with coaches on the sideline. They cared.

Prediction: Broncos 37, Raiders 17 (Record: 7-2)

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Week 11: Broncos at St. Louis

Date: Nov. 16 (11 a.m., CBS) The Rams nabbed reliable middle linebacker James Laurinaitis in the 2009 draft. Nice pick, St. Louis. He’s started every game the past five seasons. The Broncos had 10 picks in 2009. How many are still here? Only special teams whiz David Bruton Jr.

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Prediction: Broncos 42, Rams 14 (Record: 8-2)

Week 12: Broncos vs. Miami

Date: Nov. 23 (2:25 p.m., CBS) Familiar faces line the Broncos’ 2014 schedule like a high school reunion.

Welcome back, Knowshon Moreno. Here’s a fun game: gather your buddies for a friendly wager. Who scores more fantasy points on Nov. 23, Moreno or Montee Ball?

Prediction: Broncos 35, Dolphins 24 (Record: 9-2)

Week 13: Broncos at Kansas City

Date: Nov. 30 (6:30 p.m., NBC) Did Emmanuel Sanders do the Chiefs wrong? Kansas City thinks so. Before the Broncos signed the wideout, the Chiefs thought they had a deal. “There was no handshake,” Sanders said. There won’t be during his first game at KC, either.

Prediction: Broncos 28, Chiefs 24 (Record: 10-2)

Week 14: Broncos vs. Buffalo

Date: Dec. 7 (2:05 p.m., CBS) Still stinging from the Smackdown in the Swamp? Super Bowl losses leave a mark. Ask the Bills, who own the NFL record for consecutive defeats in the Big One (four). They can’t trump the Broncos, who own the most Super Bowl losses, period (five).

Prediction: Broncos 45, Bills 17 (Record: 11-2)

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Week 15: Broncos at San Diego

Date: Dec. 14 (2:05 p.m., CBS) The sunshine of San Diego has hosted three Super Bowls, the most recent in 2003. Hey, Chargers: time to renovate those digs? Sites of the next three Big Games: Glendale (Ariz.) in 2015, Santa Clara (Calif.) in 2016 and Houston in 2017.

Prediction: Chargers 21, Broncos 20 (Record: 11-3)

Week 16: Broncos at Bengals

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Date: Dec. 22 (6:30 p.m., ESPN) Manning is super for a football team. He’s awful for print deadlines. Denver has five games in prime time — vs. Indianapolis, vs. San Francisco, vs. San Diego, at Kansas City, at Cincinnati — and all five opponents figure to be in the playoff hunt.

Prediction: Broncos 28, Bengals 24 (Record: 12-3)

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Week 17: Broncos vs. Oakland

Date: Dec. 28 (2:25 p.m., CBS) Unfortunately, we didn’t get our wish on draft day. The Browns, not the Raiders, drafted Johnny Manziel. Bummer. But keep your mohawks up, Raider Nation.

Second-round pick Derek Carr has the goods to make the Raiders relevant again.

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Prediction: Broncos 47, Raiders 17 (Record: 13-3) THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

7

Breaking down the Broncos’ opponents

BY KALYN KAHLER AND QUENTIN SICKAFOOSE • THE GAZETTE

SEPT. 14

VS. CHIEFS

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 2 Jamaal Charles

TOP PLAYERS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck celebrates his touchdown with tight end Coby Fleener (80) and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) during the second half vs. the Denver Broncos in 2013.

SEPT. 7

VS. COLTS

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 1 Andrew Luck

TOP PLAYERS

LAST SEASON

Andrew Luck, QB: Luck threw for

Record WIN 11 LOSS 5 Notable: AFC South champs; lost to in divisional playoffs; beat Broncos 39-33

3,822 yards and 23 TDs. Luck ranked second behind Manning in the postseason for passing yards (772) and first in TDs (6). The Colts have won nearly 69 percent of their games since naming Luck as starting QB before his rookie season in 2012.

T.Y. Hilton, WR: Hilton’s stats against the Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs (13 receptions, 224 yards, 2 TDs) is one of the greatest single-game postseason receiving performances of all-time. Only four players, including Hilton, have gained more than 220 yards in a single playoff game.

Robert Mathis, OLB: Mathis’ 19.5 sacks led the league in 2013 and

Points per game OFF DEF

24.4 21.0

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 341.8 232.8 108.9 Defense 357.1 231.9 125.1

cemented his status as the Colts’ career sacks leader (111). He is suspended for the first four games for a violation of the league’s policies regarding performance-enhancing substances.

KEY TO GAME Protect the ball. In 2013’s loss to the Colts, the Broncos committed three

turnovers and lost two fumbles and the Colts’ defense took advantage of the opportunities.

Manning was sacked four times, twice by Mathis. According to ESPN Stats and Info, when the Colts sent five or more pass rushers, Manning faltered, completing 2-of-8 passes against that pressure. The Broncos offensive line needs to provide Manning with better protection to give the team a shot.

8

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

Jamaal Charles, RB: Charles’ 5.6

yards per-carry career average gives him the NFL’s all-time record for yards per carry. Charles had four 100-plus yard games in 2013 and led the Chiefs in rushing and receiving.

Justin Houston, LB: Houston recorded 11 sacks in 11 games last season, as he suffered an elbow injury in Week 11.

KEY TO GAME Shutting down Kansas City’s sack-happy defense. In Denver’s

two wins over K.C., Manning went untouched. Prior to the teams’ first meeting, the Chiefs defense led the NFL in sacks (36). Sack duo Justin Houston and Tamba Hali return, but this time with first-round draft pick Dee Ford, who will look to bring even more power to “Pass-Rush City.”

LAST SEASON Record WIN 11 LOSS 5 Notable: Lost to the Colts in playoffs; lost twice to Broncos (27-17, 35-28) Points per game OFF DEF

26.9 19.1

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 337.3 208.8 128.5 Defense 367.8 247.6 120.2

OCT. 5

VS. CARDINALS

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: FOX RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 4 Larry Fitzgerald

TOP PLAYERS Jared Veldheer, LT: Cardinals signed

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll celebrates his team’s win in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

SEPT. 21

AT SEAHAWKS

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 3 Russell Wilson

TOP PLAYERS

LAST SEASON

Richard Sherman, CB: Sherman’s eight interceptions led the league last year. The self-proclaimed “best corner in the game” made the play that sent the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.

Russell Wilson, QB: Wilson has an NFL-record 28 victories in his first two pro seasons, including playoff wins. He’s recorded back-to-back 100-plus passer ratings and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in just his sophomore season.

Marshawn Lynch, RB: Lynch’s 1,257 yards in 2013 marked his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. Lynch has shouldered much of Seattle’s offense, with 4,051 yards on 901 carries and 39 touchdowns in the past three years.

Record WIN LOSS

13 3

Notable: NFC West champions; earned No. 1 seed in NFC playoffs; defeated Saints 23-15 in postseason, then beat San Francisco 23-17 in the NFC Championship game; Behind league-leading defense, the Seahawks used four turnovers to defeat former AFC West opponent, the Denver Broncos, 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII for franchise’s first NFL championship in its second Super Bowl appearance.

Points per game OFF DEF

26.1 14.4

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 339.0 202.3 136.8

KEY TO GAME Containing the Seahawks defense. Seattle owned last season’s stingiest

Super Bowl rematch At CenturyLink field Seattle

defense (14.4 points allowed per game). Seahawks re-signed defensive end Michael Bennett, one of their best players on the defensive line (8.5 sacks) and signed six-time Pro Bowl tackle Kevin Williams to add to the powerful force that stopped the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Denver’s defense will need to step up, Seattle forced four turnovers in the Super Bowl, while Denver had forced 26 all season. The Broncos will need one of the best performances to beat Seahawks in Seattle and silence the 12th Man.

Veldheer, one of the league’s top left tackles, in the offseason to address a weak position the team has struggled with in recent years.

Veldheer will provide quarterback Carson Palmer with the pass protection he needs to lead the team on a legitimate run for the playoffs.

Carson Palmer, QB: The veteran QB threw for 4,274 yards and 24 TDs in his first year with the Cardinals.

Patrick Peterson,CB. The highest-paid cornerback in the league had three interceptions for 59 yards last season.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR: The veteran receiver had 82 receptions for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013.

KEY TO GAME Stick to the passing game. Arizona

had the league’s best run defense last season, 84.4 yards allowed per game, but when it came to pass defense, the Cardinals ranked in the middle of the pack.

LAST SEASON Record WIN 10 LOSS 6 Notable: Did not make the playoffs; Did not play Broncos in regular season Points per game OFF DEF

23.7 20.3

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 346.4 250.1 96.3 Defense 317.4 233.0 84.4

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

9

5 OCT. 12

OCT. 19

OCT. 23

NOV. 2

p.m.; Time: 112:05 a.m.; TV:TV: CBSFOX RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 6:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS.JETS CARDINALS AT

Season 2014 • Game 5

VS. 49ERS

Season 2014 • Game 6

Chris Johnson

VS. CHARGERS

TOP PLAYERS

Season 2014 • Game 8

Season 2014 • Game 7

Colin Kaepernick

Rob Gronkowski

Ryan Mathews

TOP PLAYERS

Chris Johnson, RB: His legendary

2,000-yard season may be five years ago, but in his first year with the Jets, Johnson is by far the best running back on the team. He’s never rushed for less than 1,000 yards each of his six seasons.

Jace Amaro, TE: As a junior last season at Texas Tech, Amaro set an FBS record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,352, catching 106 passes.

In 2013, Jets tight ends combined for 63 catches, 856 yards and six touchdowns. Adding Amaro will give the offense a new dimension.

Eric Decker, WR: Decker had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with Denver and amassed 222 receptions for 3,070 yards, never averaging less than 12.5 yards per catch over four seasons. With the Jets, Decker will have to prove he can be the same receiver without Peyton Manning at quarterback.

AT PATRIOTS

TOP PLAYERS

Colin Kaepernick, QB: In 2013,

Kaepernick completed 243 of 416 pass attempts for 3,197 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for another 524 yards and four touchdowns. He’s just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win each of his first three road playoff starts.

Michael Crabtree, WR: Crabtree should be back to full strength after suffering an Achilles injury in May 2013 that limited him to five games and 284 yards last season.

Ahmad Brooks, LB: The Pro Bowler had 8.5 sacks, an interception and forced two fumbles in 2013. Even with fellow outside linebacker Aldon Smith facing suspension, Brooks is part of a deep linebacker corps that includes Pro Bowlers NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis playing the inside position.

Rob Gronkowski, TE: Gronkowski

TOP PLAYERS

Ryan Mathews, RB: Mathews was a

big reason San Diego beat Denver in the second meeting between the teams in 2013. Mathews ran for 127 yards on 29 carries in the Chargers’ victory. He had his second career 1000-plus yard season.

Dwight Freeney, LB: A torn quadriceps sidelined Freeney after the first four games in 2013. Before the injury, Freeney had played well in his first year as a Charger. According to Pro Football Focus, he registered 15 quarterback hurries, the second-most among 3-4 outside linebackers.

KEY TO GAME

should be back from an ACL injury by the time the regular season starts.

‘Gronk’ has played just 17 games over the past two seasons, but has been an offensive weapon for the Patriots, catching 39 passes for 592 yards and four TDs in just six games in 2013.

Stevan Ridley, RB: With the departure of LeGarrette Blount to the Steelers, Ridley will have an even bigger role in Brady’s offense. Ridley ran for 773 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Darrelle Revis, CB: Still one of the league’s top defensive backs, Revis joins New England’s secondary for his first year. The five-time Pro Bowler broke up 11 passes, forced two fumbles and had two interceptions last season with Tampa Bay.

The Broncos have not played the Jets since Tim Tebow was quarterback three seasons ago. Denver’s defense will need to shut down ex-Bronco Decker and the game should be a fairly easy win.

49ers strong running game and defense will be a tough matchup for the Broncos. The 49ers won two road playoff games to make their way to the NFC Championship game last season, and the Broncos defense will need to contain Kaepernick at Mile High in order to win.

Keep Peyton on the field. In the Broncos’ lone loss to the Chargers last season, quarterback Philip Rivers kept his offense on the field for nearly 39 minutes. Ryan Mathews led the Chargers run game that chipped away at the Broncos defense, but when Mathews missed a chunk of the playoff matchup, the Chargers never got a solid run game going. The Chargers have a weak secondary so it’s key for Manning to connect with receivers like Sanders and Thomas.

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

Record WIN 8 LOSS 8 Notable: Did not make the playoffs; Did not play Broncos in regular season

Record WIN LOSS Notable: Lost to Seahawks in NFC Championship game

Record WIN 9 LOSS 7 Notable: Lost to Broncos in second round of playoffs

Record WIN 12 LOSS 4 Notable: Lost to Broncos in AFC title game; beat Denver 34-31 in OT in Week 12

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

KEY TO GAME

18.1 24.2

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 318.1 183.3 134.9 Defense 334.9 246.7 88.3 10

KEY TO GAME

12 4

25.4 17.0

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 323.8 186.2 137.6 Defense 316.9 221.0 95.9

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

KEY TO GAME

Beating the Patriots secondary.

Revis and Brandon Browner make up the strongest unit of the Patriots’ defense. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was sacked the second-most times his career (40) last season. If DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller can put pressure on Brady, Denver can win.

LAST SEASON

24.8 21.8

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 393.3 270.5 122.8 Defense 366.5 258.7 107.8

27.8 21.1

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 384.5 255.4 129.1 Defense 373.1 239.0 134.1

OCT. 95 NOV.

VS.RAIDERS CARDINALS AT

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS FOX RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 9

NOV. 30

NOV. 16

NOV. 23

Time: 11 a.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS. DOLPHINS

AT RAMS

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: NBC RADIO: 107.9 FM Season 2014 • Game 12

Season 2014 • Game 11

Season 2014 • Game 10

Maurice JonesDrew

AT CHIEFS

Alec Ogletree

TOP PLAYERS

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB: After

spending eight seasons in Jacksonville, the Jaguars’ second-round pick in the 2006 draft has found a new home in Oakland. Jones-Drew posted three consecutive 1,000-plus rushing yards seasons for the Jaguars (2009-11). His strong inside running game will add to the Raiders’ options in the backfield along with Oakland favorite Darren McFadden, who’s listed second on the depth chart behind Jones-Drew.

Matt Schaub, QB: Despite coming off a recent 2-14 finish in 2013 with the Houston Texans, Matt Schaub has proved his worth with a decade of NFL experience. He’s posted three 4,000-plus passing yard seasons and retains an overall quarterback rating just shy of 90. He’ll be the stability Oakland lacked at his position last season, as the Raiders filtered through three separate starting quarterbacks in Matt Flynn, Matt McGloin and Terrelle Pryor.

KEY TO GAME

TOP PLAYERS

Ryan Tannehill, QB: Entering his third

TOP PLAYERS

Aaron Donald, DT: Although he’s yet to play an NFL game, rookie Aaron Donald has been turning heads of St. Louis coaches through team OTAs and training camp. Donald was picked 13th overall in this year’s draft and is looking to build upon his college successes. He’s explosive, and led the nation with 2.3 tackles for loss per game in his senior year at Pittsburgh.

Alec Ogletree and James Laurinaitus, LB: St. Louis has a strong

middle on the defensive end. Last season, the Rams were powered by linebackers Ogletree and Laurinaitus, who highlighted the defense with 233 total tackles combined.

Offensive production via passing – aside from veteran cornerback, Oakland lacks star power on defense.

The Raiders edged their 2013 opponents in rushing yards allowed, but gave up more when the football was in the air, which is good news for Denver’s offensive style. The Broncos scored 71 points against Oakland in two games last season.

KEY TO GAME

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

Record WIN 4 LOSS 12 Notable: Did not make the playoffs; lost to Broncos 37-21 and 34-14

Record WIN LOSS Notable: Did not make playoffs

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

20.1 28.3

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 333.8 208.8 125.0 Defense 363.7 255.8 107.9

Dwayne Bowe

Ryan Tannehill

Shutting down St. Louis’ rushing game. The Rams found more success in 2013 when running the football, but if the Broncos force fifth-year quarterback Sam Bradford to become a playmaker, they should like their chances. Last season, Bradford connected on just 60 percent of his throws.

season in the NFL, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has played all 16 games in each of his first two campaigns for Miami. Despite a low completion percentage (59.4), he’s thrown for 7,207 yards on the Dolphins’ pass-friendly offense.

Charles Clay, TE: Clay is a versatile offensive player in the fact that his impact runs deeper than his receiving numbers. He’s also effective when placed in the backfield. His 6-foot-3, 250 pound frame is used often to open up holes for Dolphins running back Lamar Miller.

Lamar Miller, RB: On paper, Lamar Miller’s statistics aren’t all that impressive. But when he’s given space to work, it’s a whole different story.

Miller has footspeed, as the NFL saw after his last college season at Miami when he clocked a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash at the 2012 Combine.

KEY TO GAME

Put out the stronger offense. Both Denver and Miami had a tendency to run up the scoreboard in 2013. But with the Broncos’ improved defense, Denver should be able to rely on Peyton Manning to outperform Tannehill.

21.8 22.8

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 304.8 195.3 109.5 Defense 345.0 242.1 102.9

with Kansas City since he was drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft and has played a vital role ever since. He finished last season 20 yards behind team-leader Jamaal Charles in receiving yards (673), averaging 11.8 yards per catch.

Alex Smith, QB: Smith proved in 2013 that the Chiefs were one strong quarterback away from being relevant in the AFC again. He picked up 3,313 yards en route to 23 touchdown passes on the season.

KEY TO GAME

Keeping composure on the road.

Playing at Arrowhead Stadium is no easy task, especially for AFC West teams. Denver and Kansas City typically split the regular season, so be on the lookout for the team seeking revenge from the Week 2 matchup in Denver.

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON 7 9

TOP PLAYERS

Dwayne Bowe, WR: Bowe has been

Record WIN 8 LOSS 8 Notable: Did not make playoffs; did not play Broncos last season

Record WIN 11 LOSS 5 Notable: Lost in first round of playoffs to the Colts; Lost to Broncos 27-17, 35-28

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

19.8 20.9

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 312.9 222.9 90.0 Defense 359.4 234.5 124.9

26.9 19.1

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 337.3 208.8 128.5 Defense 367.8 247.6 120.2

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

11

DEC. 7

DEC. 14

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:05 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

AT CHARGERS

VS. BILLS

Season 2014 • Game 14

Season 2014 • Game 13 C.J. Spiller

DEC. 22

DEC. 28

Time: 6:30 p.m.; TV: ESPN RADIO: 107.9 FM

Time: 2:25 p.m.; TV: CBS RADIO: 107.9 FM

VS. RAIDERS

AT BENGALS

Season 2014 • Game 16

Season 2014 • Game 15

Philip Rivers

Charles Woodson

TOP PLAYERS

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

TOP PLAYERS

TOP PLAYERS

Kiko Alonso, LB. Alonso is a key

component to Buffalo’s defense. In his debut season last year, he led the Bills in total tackles with 159 (77 more than any other defensive player) and interceptions, snagging four picks (tied for most with safety Aaron Williams).

C.J. Spiller, RB: Spiller shares nearly equal time with fellow running back Fred Jackson, but the Clemson product carries a slight edge. Together, the duo accounted for 1,823 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Philip Rivers, QB: Rivers played every offensive snap for San Diego last season and is entering his 11th year in the league. In 2013, he threw for 4,478 yards and 32 touchdowns.

He played a major role in leading the Chargers to four straight wins to close out the regular season and earn a spot in the playoffs.

Eric Weddle, S: Weddle was San Diego’s defensive star in 2013. He led the team with 115 total tackles (88 solo) and grabbed two interceptions and deflected nine opposing passes.

TOP PLAYERS

Andy Dalton, QB: Dalton proved to

be a threat when airing the football out last season. He was among the league’s leading passers with 4,293 yards and 33 touchdowns. Wide receiver A.J. Green remained one of Dalton’s go-to players; he averaged 14.6 yards per catch.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB: Green-Ellis is more reliable than most running backs. Through 220 carries in 2013, he fumbled only twice.

Tracy Porter, CB: After spending four years in New Orleans, Porter played six games in a Broncos uniform in 2012 before arriving in Oakland last season. His 2013 campaign showed that he’s bounced back, playing all 16 games for the Raiders a year ago.

Charles Woodson, S: The combination of Porter and Woodson in Oakland’s backfield will present a challenge to Manning and his tendency to throw the football. It will force Denver to get creative, or at least call more “quick hit” shorter-distance passes to the Broncos tight ends.

KEY TO GAME

Containing quarterback EJ Manuel’s offense. In 2013, Buffalo surrendered more than 24 points per game. Denver’s defense should allow it to take care of business on the offensive side of the ball.

Like a divisional rivalry game, the key will be to pull the full 60 minutes of regulation with a good possibility of facing overtime. In three matchups last year, every game between the Chargers and Broncos was decided by eight points or less.

Matching offensive production.

Both Denver and Cincinnati showed their strengths on offense in 2013.

The Bengals outproduced their opponents both rushing and passing.

Expect a high-scoring affair in Cincinnati in the later part of the regular season.

Don’t look past Oakland. Although in recent years the Raiders haven’t proved to be much of a threat, the final game of the regular season is always a good opportunity for Oakland to give Denver a dose of reality before the postseason. The game usually features temperatures in the sub-20s and sometimes even snow, but the rivalry remains heated - especially when the Raiders have nothing to lose.

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

LAST SEASON

KEY TO GAME

KEY TO GAME

Record WIN 6 LOSS 10 Notable: Did not make playoffs; did not play Broncos last season

Record WIN 9 LOSS 7 Notable: Lost to Broncos 24-17 in playoffs; Beat by Broncos 28-20, won 27-20

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

21.2 24.3

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 338.1 193.9 144.2 Defense 333.4 204.4 128.9 12

24.8 21.8

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 393.3 270.5 122.8 Defense 366.5 258.7 107.8

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

KEY TO GAME

Record WIN 11 LOSS 5 Notable: Lost in first round of playoff to San Diego, 27-10; didn’t face Denver

Record WIN 4 LOSS 12 Notable: Did not make the playoffs; lost to Broncos 37-21 and 34-14

Points per game OFF DEF

Points per game OFF DEF

26.9 19.1

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 368.2 258.5 109.7 Defense 305.5 209.0 96.5

20.1 28.3

Yards per game Total Pass Rush Offense 333.8 208.8 125.0 Defense 363.7 255.8 107.9

TIME FOR BRONCOS TO FINISH THEIR MASTERPIECE A record season ended in heartbreak.

How do the Broncos approach a blank canvas - and produce winning strokes?

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

COMMENTARY

The faces of dejection on the Bronco bench in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl Feb. 3 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

PAUL KLEE paul.klee@gazette.com/636-0140

DENVER • The process begins with a vision, a loose suspicion of what it can become. At its genesis, the process is more idea than inevitable, more dream than realization.

How can 22 actors operate as one? For the process to work, it’s the only option: 22 bodies harmonized in a single movement. A lone outlier can undermine like a virus.

The process, in this case, was a bold

“AS A DANCER, WE LOVE THE PROCESS. FINISHING IS ALWAYS THE HARD PART.” performance by the Colorado Springs-based Ormao Dance Co., titled Protest! Resistance and Rebellion.

“It was a big piece, 22 dancers. It was emotional work,” says Jan Johnson, founder and artistic director of the Ormao Dance Co. “We had a variety of dancers. Some had a lot more experience than others. We had a limited rehearsal schedule.

“It was one of those where the process had to unfold quickly.”

Does all that sound familiar?

“As a dancer, we love the process,” Johnson says. “Finishing is always the hard part.”

With its foam horse heads nodding up and down, Broncos Country agrees.

The Broncos’ process began with a monthlong preseason and a final masterpiece in mind: a Super Bowl title at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015. For Peyton Manning and the Broncos, the process rarely is an obstacle; more like a welcome structure, a step-by-step outline for success.

Yet finishing the masterpiece remains the hardest part.

From Manning’s seven touchdown passes in a season-opening win against the Ravens, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning looks over at the end of the Super Bowl as the Seahawks sideline celebrates.

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

to a stirring triumph against Tom Brady’s Patriots in the AFC championship game, the Broncos painted a work of art during the 2013 season. Denver crushed a list of offensive records, won the AFC West for the third straight year and reached the Super Bowl for the first time since John Elway was a quarterback, not an executive.

The win at Oakland, in which Manning threw for 266 yards and four touchdowns in the first half, was a football landscape

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Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is engulfed in confetti during the trophy ceremony after the AFC Championship game Jan. 19 in Denver.

The Broncos defeated the Patriots 26-16 to advance to the Super Bowl.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

17

designed by a master of his craft. The win at Dallas, in which Manning ordered Knowshon Moreno to fall short of the goal line to seal a victory, was a football sculpture carved with obsessive attention to detail.

The 606 points, 76 touchdowns, 55 passing touchdowns, 5,477 passing yards, five players with at least 10 touchdowns and three games of 50 points all tied or established NFL records. The sixth Super Bowl appearance under Pat Bowlen, the dedicated team owner, tied a league record.

The Broncos’ season was a work of art, an almost masterpiece. With the NFL MVP at quarterback, it showcased the best thing in sports: a great being great.

That is, aside from one glaring detail: 43-8.

Yeah, about that.

During the week of hype that led into Super Bowl XLVIII, in a New Jersey hotel ballroom, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett told The Gazette: “It doesn’t matter who we play. We do what we do.”

The Seahawks did what they do better than what the Broncos did what they do.

Like a figure-skating routine cursed by a toe loop gone wrong, a bestseller with a misplaced chapter, a violinist who breaks a string, their head-shaking performance in Super Bowl XLVIII splashed a streak of blue paint across the Broncos’ canvas.

The process was football artistry. But in the end, the masterpiece was stained, a forgettable conclusion that offered a painful reminder: finishing is always the hardest part.

“I’ll never forget walking off that field (after losing the Super Bowl in 2010 as a member of the Steelers),” wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders says. “Walking off that field, seeing that confetti not falling on you, what you put your body through that whole time, knowing the camaraderie that you and your teammates had. That might be the last time you and your teammates play together.”

Whether it was Sanders (with a different team), Champ Bailey (a 15-year veteran losing his first Super Bowl appearance), Montee Ball (an NFL rookie) or Manning (a Super Bowl champion), the Broncos learned that a masterpiece isn’t complete without the final touch that turns a possibility into a poster.

“It’s not how you start the race,” coach John Fox says. “It’s how you finish it.”

For a Colorado artist such as Steve Wood, the process also begins with a vision.

“For me, starting a painting is so easy,” said Wood, whose nonprofit, public art program, Concrete Couch, is based in Manitou Springs. “You just jump in and play. The middle is where I need to dig in and really work out the bugs. The end, bringing it to 18

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

an awesome completion, takes some time.”

For a Colorado dance company like Ormao, the process is necessary. “I always feel like there’s not enough time,” Johnson said.

“THERE’S NO CALLING PEOPLE AND SAYING, ‘GEE, WE’RE NOT QUITE READY YET. NO, THE SHOW WILL GO ON. THERE’S A DEADLINE.” “There’s no calling people and saying, ‘Gee, we’re not quite ready yet. No, the show will go on. There’s a deadline.”

How long will Manning play? The Broncos have a deadline.

The 2014 Broncos field an all-star team.

Talent is not an issue. With Manning, the football perfectionist, the daily grind figures to operate like clockwork. The process is not an issue. For these Broncos, finishing promises to be the hardest part.

—

Twitter: @Klee_Gazette

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Broncos’ receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) makes a catch against the Seahawks’ Byron Maxwell (41) during the Super Bowl.

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19

A PERFECT RESPONSE

BY QUENTIN SICKAFOOSE

sports@gazette.com —

THE BRONCOS WOULDN’T BE THE FIRST TEAM TO RETURN FROM A SUPER BOWL BLUNDER STRONGER THAN EVER.

THE 1972 DOLPHINS DID IT IN A BIG WAY.

ENGLEWOOD • Training camp is all about being tested. Since Day 1, Broncos players have been challenged in practice, drilled by the media and even been thrown some challenging NFL trivia.

The question that stumped many of the players entailed identifying the NFL team that had an incredible run in the regular season only to be blown out in the Super Bowl.

If it sounds familiar, just wait. It gets better.

This team was an offensive powerhouse. It outscored its opponents nearly double with an experienced quarterback at the helm and a leading rusher who barely broke the barrier of carrying for 1,000 yards in a single season.

This team breezed through their regular-season matchups, losing only three games before entering the playoffs. Of those defeats, road losses to the Patriots and Colts were included.

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

“Uh, was it us?” defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said with an apprehensive tone in his voice.

The description does fit Denver’s 2013 campaign nearly perfectly, and, until February, it still has potential to be.

But for the time being, there has only been one team in NFL history to lose the Super Bowl and rebound the following season too win the championship game.

“Who is it, the Spurs?” cornerback Chris Harris said with a laugh.

“I know that’s not right, but I can’t think of any other team.”

Every player who was put on the spot gave up until the answer of the 1971-72 Miami Dolphins was provided to them.

Coincidental comparisons can definitely be drawn between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Bob Griese, running backs Knowshon Moreno and Larry Csonka, even Miami’s poor performance in Super Bowl VI resulting in a 24-3 loss with Denver’s 43-8 blowout in XLVIII. But the biggest tie drawing the two together remains in the Broncos’ “Super Bowl or bust” mentality they hold entering a new chapter. It seemed to work for the Dolphins, who bounced back and polished off the only undefeated season (17-0) in Super Bowl-era history en route to becoming NFL champions.

COINCIDENTAL COMPARISONS CAN DEFINITELY BE DRAWN BETWEEN QUARTERBACKS PEYTON MANNING AND BOB GRIESE, RUNNING BACKS KNOWSHON MORENO AND LARRY CSONKA, EVEN MIAMI’S POOR PERFORMANCE IN SUPER BOWL VI RESULTING IN A 24-3 LOSS WITH DENVER’S 43-8 BLOWOUT IN XLVIII.

“Woah … that’s a tall order right there,” Harris said. “But we do have a talented enough team that’s up for the task. And I know I’ll do everything I can to make sure we get back there.”

Powering through the “Super Bowl hangover” may be easier said than done. With the exception of last year’s Broncos squad, only three players on the team have experienced falling one-game short of a championship ring.

Newly acquired wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders tasted it his rookie season with the Steelers, Manning is 1-2 in the biggest game of the year and Wes Welker has traveled home from the Super Bowl empty-handed three times.

“I’m sure I could (tell them about it), but we’re not there right now. We just have to keep getting ready for the next game,” Welker said.

Now 38 years old, there’s a time stamp looming between Manning and another title that continues to shrink. Yet that still hasn’t altered the way he goes about conducting his business as Denver’s THE ASSOCIATED PRESS huddle leader.

“It’s a new season. There are players on this team that weren’t on Miami Dolphins running back Larry last year’s team. I think every player has to look at it that way — Csonka in action during the 1972 season. that’s how I do,” he said at the training camp opener. “I’ve always thought the NFL doesn’t owe you anything. Nothing is given, you have to go out there and earn it.”

As for the trivia, perhaps they deserve some slack. Not a single player on the roster had been born the first time history was made.

But they’re going to try their hand in being responsible for making it happen again.

—

Twitter: @QSickafoose

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

CAN 2013 BE TOPPED? W

HEN WE TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE, WE ALWAYS SAY WE WANT TO DO BETTER. WE STRIVE TO IMPROVE. WE YEARN TO EXTEND OUR REACH. PITY THOSE WHO LABOR FOR THE OFFENSE OF THE DENVER BRONCOS. THEY ARE LEFT WITH THE IMPROBABLE TASK OF IMPROVING IN 2014.

“We’re not satisfied with what we did last year.

We’re trying to do better,” said tight end Julius Thomas in a matter-of-fact voice. “We don’t look at last year’s success and rest our hat on that.

We’re going to push ourselves to be better.”

Let’s stop and consider the immensity of his statement. Last season the Broncos scored 606 points, including more than 30 points 13 times, 40 points six times and 50 points three times. Six receivers caught 60 or more passes.

COMMENTARY

DAVID RAMSEY david.ramsey@gazette.com/476-4895

2013 NFL LEADERS

37.9

POINTS PER GAME

To put the 2013 scoring explosion in perspective, consider these numbers: The Jacksonville Jaguars scored 247 points during the entire 2013 season. The 2013 Broncos scored 265 points in their first six games. The 1966, 1967 and 1968 Broncos scored 547 points over the course of 35 games, or 21/2 seasons.

The offense delivered staggering numbers in 2013, but the current Broncos say they will be even mightier in 2014. They have no choice. They

NFL RECORDS SET

457.9 YARDS PER GAME

606 TOTAL POINTS

55/5,477 TD PASSES/YARDS

BY PEYTON MANNING

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

can’t say they plan to be worse.

“Our goal is to do better,” tight end Jacob Tamme said in a gruff voice.

Well, of course it is.

The view of the Broncos season is forever obscured by the devastating cloud of smoke left from the 43-8 Seahawks beatdown in the Super Bowl.

With nearly half of the American population watching, the Broncos’ offense went into hibernation.

Still, despite the smoke damage, the performance of the 2013 was a masterpiece and creating another offense with as much potency will be difficult, if not impossible. Will the 2014 Broncos create an offensive masterpiece to match last season’s?

Here are two reasons to wonder: One – Is Montee Ball an improvement over Knowshon Moreno as the Broncos’ featured running back?

Recently I received an e-mail message from Leo, a Colorado Springs Gazette reader and a 2013 Moreno convert.

“I never cared much for Moreno,” Leo wrote. “It seemed he would either fumble or get hurt. And then came last season when he turned into a completely different running back.

He was crazy good. And very dependable.”

I agree with Leo. Yes, I realize Moreno’s long run for 2013 was a 31 yards. He is not the back who will sizzle his way down the sideline on his way to an 86-yard touchdown.

I also realize he slashed his way to 224 yards against the Patriots. He did not lose a fumble during the entire season. He caught 60 passes. He provided expert pass protection for

Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with guard Zane Beadles (68) after scorning a touchdown against the Redskins in the fourth quarter of their game on Oct. 27, 2013 in Denver.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

25

Manning.

John Fox and John Elway, the men who run the Broncos, did not agree with Leo and me.

They did little to stop Moreno from running away to Miami.

Why? Because Fox and Elway believe in Ball.

And there’s reason for belief.

At Wisconsin, Ball scored 55 touchdowns and gained 3753 yards … in his final two seasons.

Last season, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry in the Broncos’ final eight games. He solved his early season fumble troubles.

And yet …

Questions remain. Ball arrived in the NFL as a pass-blocking novice, largely because he had no practice in the art of protecting quarterbacks. Wisconsin’s Badgers barely pass, which means Ball also has limited experience, and skills, as a pass receiver. Ball lost needed time to work on his catching and blocking weaknesses after an Aug. 4 appendectomy.

Ball said he welcomes the pressure of laboring as the Broncos top running back, and will enjoy the blessing of running into defenses that have been left in a state of frightened disarray by Manning’s pass attack.

But has Ball risen to “crazy good” levels?

We’ll see.

Two – Will the 38-year-old version of Peyton Manning be as effective as the 37-year-old version?

Julius Thomas was running open in the back of the end zone. Not wide open, but open enough for a virtually sure touchdown pass from Manning.

One of football history’s greatest quarterbacks wound up to throw and released … a

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning drops back to pass against San Diego during the first quarter Dec. 12, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver.

CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

wounded vulture of a pass. The ball slowly fluttered its way to Thomas.

The pass never arrived in the tight end’s hands. Bronco defensive back Omar Bolden swatted the ball away and began a brief happy dance of celebration.

On the preseason throw, Manning looked old. His right arm has delivered 5,532 regular-season completions for 491 touchdowns and 64,964 yards.

His right arm has endured a supremely high pitch count.

The Manning era for the Broncos is not a forever thing.

His days are numbered. His brilliance is moving closer to its conclusion.

He was astounding at 37, with the painful exception of the Seahawks apocalypse.

He’s a year older.

And a year better?

Broncos running back Montee Ball fights to get past New England defensive back Devin McCourty in the fourth quarter of Denver’s 2616 win over the Patriots on Jan. 9 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Twitter: @davidlukeramsey

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE

—

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27

PLAYER TO WATCH

Emmanuel Emmanuel Sanders Sanders just wants just wants to be to be Emmanuel Emmanuel Sanders Sanders 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

COMMENTARY

DAVID RAMSEY david.ramsey@gazette.com/476-4895

NFL wide receivers are known for traveling loudly and colorfully through their football lives. They rank at the top of the NFL’s diva list.

Of course, there are exceptions. DeMaryius Thomas speaks in a near whisper and strenuously avoids controversy.

And then there’s Emmanuel Sanders, the newcomer from the Steelers who must replace Eric Decker in the hearts and minds of Broncos fans. Good luck on the heart part, Emmanuel. Tens of thousands of Broncos female fans remain bitter about Decker’s departure.

“You know, I always hear words about Eric Decker and that I’m here to replace Decker,” Sanders said, smiling as he shook his head.

“No, I’m not here to replace Decker. I’m here to be Emmanuel Sanders, and that’s all I can be. I’m not trying to talk about myself in the third person, but that’s all I can be. I’m not coming here thinking that it is just going to be given to me.

“I know that I got to work every single day with Peyton to get on the same page and just be myself. And hopefully I can come in and be a great addition to this team.”

Sanders has not been a quiet addition to the team. Kansas City Chiefs leaders protested upon hearing the news of Sanders signing with the Broncos. Sanders, the Chiefs leaders said, told them he would be moving to Missouri.

Then Sanders started comparing Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

You might be thinking Big Ben loses in this comparison.

You would be correct.

“I feel like Peyton is a far better leader, in terms of staying after practice, catching balls, wanting guys to get on the same page with him, things of that sort,” Sanders told Denver radio station 104.3 The Fan. “… He’s not one of those guys you’ve got to chase down. He’s going to be right

in the same spot, ready to work, every single day.”

“I’ve got so much love for Ben, At the same time, I’m not going to lie. I’m happy to be part of this organization and happy that Peyton is my quarterback.”

Wow. But those are not the only fun comments from Sanders, who talked honestly about Manning’s evasive techniques. This time, Big Ben came out ahead.

“Ben, he still has his legs. He still has his ability to escape, so of course, Peyton, you know, he can escape sometimes but that’s not his game.”

Sanders comments about his current quarterback and his former quarterback did accomplish one important task.

He escaped, for a time, comparisons between himself and Decker.

Over the past two seasons, Decker caught 172 passes for 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Sanders was catching 111 passes from Roethlisberger for 1,366 yards and seven touchdowns.

Of course, Decker’s numbers were inflated by the Manning factor. If you labor as a full-time receiver in an offense led by Manning, massive numbers result. This is true in Denver. This was true in Indianapolis.

Sanders will be catching passes from one of the most accurate quarterbacks ever to throw a football, but there’s a catch.

Much has been given to Sanders for the 2014 season.

And much will be expected.

“I don’t have any pressure,” Sanders said.

“I feel like whenever you put pressure on yourself, you’re just adding stress to your life. Me, I’m just one of those guys, I’m going to bust my butt off and whatever happens, happens. And that’s all I can control, so in terms of who I’m playing with or who’s throwing the football, it doesn’t matter. I’ve just got to take care of myself.”

Good answer.

—

Twitter: @davidlukeramsey

SANDERS VS. DECKER

Here’s a comparison of the 2013 statistics former Bronco receiver Eric Decker and Emmanuel Sanders, who played with the Steelers.

87

67

1,288

11 740

Receptions

Yards

6

Touchdowns

CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE

Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders salutes fans Aug. 7 against the Seahawks.

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

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Injured and absent at Super Bowl, Broncos defenders return with mission

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2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

WHAT IF?

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

31

THE ADDITIONS OF WARE, TALIB AND WARD SPLASHED “SUPER BOWL WIN OR BUST” ACROSS NATIONAL HEADLINES. WITH HEFTS OF MONEY COME HEFTY EXPECTATIONS.

COMMENTARY

PAUL KLEE paul.klee@gazette.com/636-0140

DENVER • The What If game started, oh, about when the first snap of Super Bowl XLVIII sailed over Peyton Manning’s head and into the chilled New Jersey night.

“I did the What Ifs,” Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson said during a reflective moment in training camp. “I did the What Ifs too many times.”

What If the Broncos had their entire contingent of players against Seattle? What If injuries had not stripped their defense of five regulars, not to mention its identity?

“The game would definitely have been different,” Vickerson said.

All the What Ifs in football won’t change the embarrassment that played out Feb. 2 before 82,529 at MetLife Stadium and 111.5 million on TV, the largest audience in U.S. history: Seahawks 43, Broncos 8.

To relocate their mojo, not to mention their pride, the Broncos and their defense enter the 2014 season with a not-so-secret weapon: the five players who didn’t play in the Super Bowl due to injury are expected to be healthy for the majority of this season.

They weren’t free agents. They didn’t arrive on red carpets like free agents Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward. They didn’t leave Colorado and come back.

They were always there, on the roster, rehabbing injuries and recovering their self-esteem that took a hit when Seattle delivered a series of nasty blows in New Jersey.

While the additions of Ware, Talib and Ward splashed “Super Bowl Win or Bust” across national headlines, the Broncos 32

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

Cornerback Aqib Talib signed with the Broncos after losing to the team as a member of the Patriots in last season’s AFC title game. Talib earned a contract that pays $12 million annually.

Broncos safety T.J. Ward joined the Broncos after signing a deal worth $23 million over four seasons.

Ward was a Pro Bowl defender with the Cleveland Browns last season.

Broncos signed defensive end DeMarcus Ware to a deal that pays $13 million per season. Ware has 117 career sacks in nine seasons with the Cowboys.

should get a comparable boost simply by having their returning starters in one piece. Safety Rahim Moore (leg), tackle Derek Wolfe (seizures), linebacker Von Miller (knee), cornerback Chris Harris (knee) and Vickerson (hip) participated in some or all of the training camp.

Would their presence in the Meadowlands have altered the final result of the Super Bowl? Doubtful. The Seahawks ruled. Does their return raise expectations for a Broncos defense that ranked near the bottom of most NFL statistics? Definitely.

“Practice, I haven’t seen it this competitive since I’ve been here,” Harris said.

That says plenty, since Harris was an emerging talent on the 2012 defense that ranked second in the NFL. That’s why Peyton Manning’s best shot at a Super Bowl title came in 2012 (the loss to the Ravens), not in 2013 (the loss to the Seahawks).

Two seasons ago, Denver had an elite defense to balance its record-setting offense.

Last season, Denver had a defense that too often performed like a sieve.

“It’s time to turn the page,” Vickerson said.

Considering the names up and down the Broncos defense, if it doesn’t rank among the top 10 in the league, something went terribly wrong. Ware and Talib earned contracts that pay $13 million and $12 million annually. The Broncos signed Ward to a deal that pays $23 million over four years. With hefts of money come hefty expectations.

But none of the big-splash additions compare to the returning player who

Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer gets rid of the ball incomplete as he’s hit by Broncos defenders Danny Trevathan, left, and Von MIller in the fourth quarter of Denver’s 37-6 win over the Raiders Sept. 30, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

33

was already on the roster but wearing a walking boot. Miller, the All-Pro pass-rusher, has set a goal of becoming the best defensive player in the league. The ability is there.

But is his head? After a year of off-thefield distractions that made you wonder if the NFL or the NFL lifestyle is his top priority, Miller said he has a singular goal in mind.

“I want to be the best. That’s my mis34

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

sion,” Miller said. “I’m aiming for it. I’m working hard for it.”

In 2012, when Miller harassed quarterbacks for a living and scored 18.5 sacks, Denver’s defense was second in the NFL. In 2013, when Miller endured a six-game suspension, gained too much weight and missed the playoffs with a knee injury, the defense ranked in the lower third of the NFL. “Adversity reveals character,” Miller said.

How will the Broncos defense reclaim its identity as a dominant unit? The equation isn’t complicated. Get the starters back from injury, mix in three Pro Bowlers, reintroduce Vonnie Football to the football world.

Problem solved. Then, perhaps, What If? can be replaced with What Time’s The Parade?

—

Twitter: @Klee_Gazette

LEFT: Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe forces Drew Brees to cough up the ball in the first quarter Oct. 28, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE

RIGHT: Broncos free safety Rahim Moore, right, is greeted by teammate Tony Carter after recovering a fumble during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 8, 2013, in San Francisco.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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35

As dynasties decline will Seattle be next?

BY HOWARD FENDRICH • THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Seahawks routed the Denver Broncos 43-8.

The NFL does what it can via the draft, salary cap, free agency and, coming soon, expanded playoffs to engineer a sense of parity, making each team and each fan base believe it has a chance to win on any given Sunday — and to reach any season’s Super Bowl.

Those efforts might finally have brought about the death of dynasties: It’s been a decade since the New England Patriots won the 2003 and 2004 titles, the longest stretch without a repeat champion in nearly a half-century of Super Bowls.

36

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

“The days of the dominant teams may be gone forever,” said Ted Sundquist, a former general manager of the Denver Broncos and their director of college scouting when they won back-to-back Super Bowls in the late 1990s. “It’s hard. It’s beyond hard. There are different types of players now, different types of systems set up. The game’s changed.”

Sundquist is among those who thinks the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks could be equipped to buck the recent trend. Their roster was the fifth-youngest in the league

last season, according to STATS. They have plenty of stars on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Russell Wilson and cornerback Richard Sherman; and GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll set the tone.

“From a leadership perspective, John and Pete are not the kind of guys who will lose their focus — and I think that will trickle down to the players,” Sundquist said.

“What’s really working against Seattle is that they’re in a dadgum competitive division.”

“THEY HAVE A LOT OF THINGS GOING FOR THEM. THEIR STARS ARE YOUNG. THEY PLAY IN A VERY TOUGH PLACE TO COMPETE FOR OTHER PEOPLE.” JOE THEISMANN, NFL ANALYST, TALKING ABOUT THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Joe Theismann, the quarterback on Washington Redskins teams that won the Super Bowl after the 1982 season and lost in the championship game a year later, also thinks Seattle is in a strong position.

“They have a lot of things going for them.

Their stars are young. They play in a very tough place to compete for other people,” Theismann said. “I would be extremely shocked to see what we’ve seen from other world champions. Baltimore, two years ago — so many guys retired, so many guys left, and now they’re retooling a little bit. That’s not happening in Seattle.”

The Seahawks’ fans certainly are holding onto last season, trotting out fake Lombardi Trophies to training camp practices. But the Seahawks are not boasting about the franchise’s first championship or talking about the route to No. 2.

From the moment the preparation for this season began, they were concentrating on the facets of the game that helped them rule the league a year ago, primarily the sure-handed offense and opportunistic defense that allowed Seattle to lead the NFL in turnover differential.

“When we came back in, there was no talk about repeating,” receiver Doug Baldwin said. “It was (about) going back to the basics.”

The Seahawks opened the preseason schedule with a penalty-filled 21-16 loss in a Super Bowl rematch against the Denver Broncos.

The history of the Super Bowl has often been very much about prolonged success, from the Packers’ triumphs in the first two meetings between the champions of the AFL and NFL, to the repeats by the Dolphins, Steelers (twice), 49ers, Cowboys, Broncos and Patriots.

So what happened?

Teams are less deep nowadays. That makes health more important, because if a key player goes down, there tends to be a bigger drop-off. Keeping a roster intact is tougher, because players depart via free agency (Seattle lost receiver Golden Tate and defensive end Red Bryant, for example).

Assistant coaches get hired away. Younger players might think they’re under-appreciated and demand more money (Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch initially held out). Older players might not have the

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE

Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway holds the Super Bowl trophy as he celebrates the Broncos’ 31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. same drive anymore.

The shorter offseason, Baldwin pointed out, means champs “don’t have as much time to recover” physically or mentally. The instant-celebrity world and heightened media attention create more distractions.

Schedules get tougher for a winner — another element in the NFL’s path toward parity — and, of course, everyone wants to

try to beat the previous season’s best.

“There’s always the unknown. Injuries.

Off-the-field and offseason situations. Contract holdouts. Kind of that ‘fog of war,’ I like to call it,” Sundquist said.

“It’s like NASCAR: You can be flying along and all it takes is one cylinder to pop on you and you’re not running at full efficiency.”

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

37

Pats work on defense

BY HOWARD ULMAN • THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FOXBORO, MASS. • The Patriots’ defense struggled for much of last season. And that was before it faced the NFL’s best offense in the AFC championship game.

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos won 26-16 and piled up 507 yards, the most New England allowed in Bill Belichick’s 14 years as coach.

So the Patriots stocked up on players to fix that.

Cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner lead the group of defensive newcomers that includes linebacker James Anderson, end Will Smith and lineman Dominique Easley, their first-round draft choice. Three key defenders — linebacker Jerod Mayo and tackles Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly — return from injuries that sidelined them for most of 2013.

All that should improve a defense that gave up the seventh-most yards overall and third-most yards rushing in the league on a team that still managed to go 12-4.

“This year is going to be a little special just because of what I’ve been through and how far I came along” from a torn Achilles tendon, said Wilfork, who starts his 11th training camp with the Patriots on Wednesday.

Young linebackers Dont’a Hightower, entering his third year, and Jamie Collins, starting his second, improved as the 2013 season progressed.

“He’s blossomed a lot sooner than anybody (expected),” Hightower said of Collins.

“He was a lot more mature his first year than some people are in their third year.”

Revis is one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks.

Browner is one of the biggest, but must miss the first four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. They also have cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, a starter last season.

How good can the secondary be?

“The sky’s the limit,” Revis said after minicamp last month. “When we get back in training camp we have to be ready to go.

We need much improvement. We do. That includes everyone, including me.”

Some things to watch as the Patriots begin camp:

Happy together?

Revis, while with the New York Jets in 2012, called Belichick a “jerk.” Now, it seems, they’ve made up.

“We had a conversation about it and it’s in the past,” Revis said after joining the Pa38

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New England cornerback Darrelle Revis reaches for a pass during minicamp June 17.

Revis, while with the New York Jets in 2012, called coach Bill Belichick a “jerk.” triots.

Since then, he’s seen a more positive side of Belichick.

“I think that’s the biggest thing people don’t understand about Bill,” Revis said.

“He’ll ask questions. He’ll try to get other people’s insights, especially veterans, to see if we have any insight from playing for so many years. Yeah, he’ll sit down and have a conversation with you. I think that’s why he’s so genius at what he does.”

Brady’s targets

Imagine how great Tom Brady would be if he had a consistent deep threat. In 13 seasons as a starter, he’s had just one — Randy Moss from 2007 until being traded in 2010.

Wes Welker caught 672 passes over six seasons, but most were short throws. The only veteran addition is Brandon LaFell, who had a career-high in catches last year with Carolina, just 49.

Wide receivers Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce are back after last year’s rookie season.

“You’re only a young player for a certain amount of time in the NFL and at that point people are just waiting for you to produce,” Brady said.

Waiting for Gronk

When will tight end Rob Gronkowski play a full regular season? He missed five games

in 2012 with a broken forearm and nine in 2013 while recovering from forearm and back surgery before tearing ligaments in his right knee. He participated on a limited basis in minicamp but ran hard on the sideline.

Backup Michael Hoomanawanui is primarily a blocker. Fullback James Develin could see time at the position.

“I love being out here with him,” Brady said of Develin. “Whatever role we’ve asked of him he’s done it to the best he could possibly do it.”

Divisional dominance

An 11th AFC East title in 12 years seems likely. The Dolphins added running back Knowshon Moreno, the Jets signed wide receiver Eric Decker and running back Chris Johnson, and the Bills hired defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and chose wide receiver Sammy Watkins with the fourth draft pick. But the Patriots remain the class of the division.

Quiet time

Unlike last year, the Patriots start camp without serious distractions. The signing of quarterback Tim Tebow and the arrest of tight end Aaron Hernandez, both last June, took the focus from the field. Tebow is out of football now. Hernandez is charged in three killings in two different cases.

(PRESEASON)

MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE FILE

DAVID BRUTON NO. 22 Anderson, C.J. 68 Anunike, Kenny 76 Austin, Marvin 28 Ball, Montee 48 Barrett, Shaquil 57 Barrow, Lamin 35 Bibbs, Kapri 31 Bolden, Omar 20 Boyett, John 46 Brewer, Aaron 30 Bruton, David 19 Burse, Isaiah 12 Caldwell, Andre 38 Carter, Quinton 32 Carter, Tony 51 Chaney, Jamar 78 Clady, Ryan 75 Clark, Chris 34 Clay, Brennan 4 Colquitt, Britton 71 Cornick, Paul 2 Dysert, Zac 8 Ewald, Mitch 50 Fort, L.J. 16 Fowler, Bennie 74 Franklin, Orlando 91 Fua, Sione 63 Garland, Ben 85 Green, Virgil 87 Hardin, Greg

POS. RB DE DT RB LB LB RB S S LS S WR WR S CB LB T T R P T QB K LB W T DT G TE WR

HT. 5-8 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-6 6-5 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-7 6-1 6-5 6-5 5-10

WT. 224 260 312 215 260 229 212 195 203 230 217 188 200 200 175 242 315 305 202 205 310 221 176 230 217 320 310 308 255 171

AGE 23 24 25 23 21 23 21 25 24 24 27 22 29 26 28 27 27 28 22 29 25 24 23 24 23 26 26 26 26 23

JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE FILE

KEVIN VICKERSON EXP. 2 R 4 2 R R R 3 1 3 6 R 7 4 5 5 6 6 R 6 1 2 R 1 R 4 4 1 4 R

COLLEGE California Duke N. Carolina Wisconsin Colo. St. LSU Colo. State Arizona St. Oregon S. Diego St. Notre Dame Fresno St. Florida Oklahoma Florida St. Miss. St. Boise St. S. Miss.

Oklahoma Tennessee N. Dak. St. Miami (OH) Indiana N. Iowa Mich. St. Miami (Fla.) Stanford Air Force Nevada N. Dakota

NO. POS. 25 Harris Jr., Chris CB 52 Harris, Jerrell LB 23 Hillman, Ronnie RB 27 Ihenacho, Duke S 56 Irving, Nate LB 97 Jackson, Malik DE 53 Johnson, Steven LB 77 Justice, Winston OT 98 Knighton, Terrance DT 82 Konz, Jameson TE 60 Larsen, Cody DT 14 Latimer, Cody WR 62 Latta, Greg DE 18 Manning, Peyton QB 54 Marshall, Brandon LB 55 McCray, Lerentee LB 73 Miller, Ryan OL 58 Miller, Von LB 41 Mitchell, Charles DB 64 Montgomery, Will C 26 Moore, Rahim S 86 Morrah, Cameron TE 45 Murphy, Jerome DB 47 Nelson, Corey OLB 11 Norwood, Jordan WR 17 Osweiler, Brock QB 70 Painter, Vinston OT 13 Palmer, Nathan WR 61 Paradis, Matt C 69 Pericak, Will DE

HT. WT. 5-10 199 6-3 242 5-10 195 6-1 207 6-1 245 6-5 293 6-1 237 6-6 317 6-3 335 6-3 234 6-4 300 6-2 215 6-5 261 6-5 230 6-1 238 6-3 249 6-7 320 6-3 250 5-11 205 6-3 304 6-1 195 6-3 251 6-0 200 6-0 231 5-11 180 6-8 240 6-6 309 5-11 198 6-3 300 6-4 300

AGE 25 25 22 25 26 24 26 29 28 28 26 21 22 38 24 23 25 25 24 31 24 27 27 22 27 23 24 25 24 24

EXP. 4 1 3 2 4 3 3 8 6 3 1 R R 17 2 2 2 4 2 9 4 4 4 R 5 3 1 2 R 1

MICHAEL CIAGLO, THE GAZETTE FILE

DEMARYIUS THOMAS COLLEGE Kansas Alabama S. Diego St. S. Jose St. N. C. St. Tennessee Kansas USC Temple Kent St. S. Utah Indiana Purdue Tennessee Nevada Florida Colorado Texas A&M Miss. St. Va. Tech UCLA California S. Florida Oklahoma Penn State Arizona St. V. Tech N. Illinois Boise State Colorado

NO. POS. 5 Prater, Matt K 66 Ramirez, Manny C 9 Renner, Bryn QB 89 Robinson, Gerell TE 29 Roby, Bradley CB 10 Sanders, EmmanuelWR 72 Sanford, Brian DE 79 Schofield, Michael OT 93 Smith, Quanterus DE 42 Sullen, Jordan DB 21 Talib, Aqib CB 84 Tamme, Jacob TE 88 Thomas,Demaryius WR 80 Thomas, Julius TE 40 Thompson, Juwan RB 59 Trevathan, Danny LB 96 Unrein, Mitch DT 65 Vasquez, Louis G 49 Vaughn, Chase LB 99 Vickerson, Kevin DT 43 Ward, T.J. SS 94 Ware, DeMarcus DE 36 Webster, Kayvon CB 83 Welker, Wes WR 33 Williams, Jerodis RB 92 Williams, Sylvester DT 15 Wilson, Greg WR 95 Wolfe, Derek DE 39 Young, Louis CB

HT. WT. 5-10 195 6-3 320 6-3 228 6-4 220 5-11 192 5-11 1 80 6-2 280 6-4 303 6-5 255 6-0 200 6-1 205 6-3 230 6-3 229 6-5 250 5-11 225 6-1 240 6-4 306 6-5 335 6-1 242 6-5 328 5-10 200 6-4 258 5-11 198 5-9 185 5-10 203 6-2 313 6-0 185 6-5 285 6-1 196

AGE 30 31 24 24 22 27 26 23 24 24 28 29 26 26 22 24 27 27 25 31 27 32 23 33 23 25 23 24 22

EXP. 8 8 R 1 R 5 4 R 2 R 7 7 5 4 R 3 3 6 R 9 5 10 2 11 1 2 1 3 R

COLLEGE C. Florida Texas Tech N. Carolina Arizona St. Ohio State SMU Temple Michigan W. Kentucky Tulane Kansas Kentucky Ga. Tech Portland St. Duke Kentucky Wyoming Texas Tech CSU-Pueblo Mich. St. Oregon Troy S. Florida Texas Tech Furman N. Carolina Fordham Cincinnati Ga. Tech

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

39

BY PAUL KLEE • THE GAZETTE

PREDICTING THE AFC WEST RACE IN PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:

1. DENVER BRONCOS

2. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS

40

1. DENVER BRONCOS

Will win the West if: Von Miller and the defense can clone its identity from 2012 — and confirm 2013 was an outlier. What was the biggest difference between the 2012 defense that ranked second in the NFL and the 2013 defense held afloat by Peyton Manning’s offense? In ’12, Vonnie Football had 18.5 sacks. In ’13, he had a six-game suspension and knee surgery. Bring back Miller, bring home a fourth-straight AFC West title.

Won’t win the West if: Manning is sidelined for a long period of time with (gasp!) an injury. It doesn’t happen often. Take away the neck-surgery season in 2011, and Manning hasn’t missed a start in 15 years. This is his, and Denver’s, division to lose.

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

2. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Will win the West if: coach Mike McCoy continues his masterful game plan against the Broncos. When McCoy left his job as Denver’s offensive coordinator to take over in San Diego, did he take the playbook with him? In San Diego’s 27-20 Thursday night win in Denver last season, it felt like the Chargers knew what was coming.

Won’t win the West if: Ryan Mathews doesn’t chew up yardage — and the clock — in both games against the Broncos. The running back had 127 rushing yards and helped to keep Manning’s offense off the field in San Diego’s Week 15 win. But in a playoff loss at Denver, the injury-plagued running back managed only five carries for 26 yards.

Philip Rivers

3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Will win the West if: the football world enters a Black Hole and swallows the Broncos whole. The Chiefs were paper contenders in 2013, winning their first nine games before losing six of the next eight, including a choke job at Indianapolis in the playoffs. Kansas City shows one division title over the past decade — in 2010.

Won’t win the West if: Kansas City coach Andy Reid doesn’t loosen the leash on Alex Smith. Hey, we like Smith more than most. But 6-yard outs don’t stretch a defense and give Jamaal Charles room to operate. Smith’s yards per pass attempt in 2013: 6.52, which ranked 29th in the NFL. After gifting wide receiver Dwayne Bowe with a $56 million contract, what’s with the ultra-conservative playcalling? Let it fly, KC.

4. OAKLAND RAIDERS

Will win the West if: a promising draft class produces Pro Bowl results sooner rather than later. Pass-rusher Khalil Mack and quarterback Derek Carr offer hope at premium positions. Keep an eye on Carr, the second-round pick out of Fresno State. Matt Schaub is the starter. Matt Schaub isn’t the answer. Carr might be.

Won’t win the West if: history is any indication. Did you know it’s been 12 years since Oakland won the AFC West?

Considering the rise of the Warriors and the consistency of the A’s, you’d think the Raiders could steal a few secrets from their Bay Area brothers. Alas, it’s still the Raiders. One request: Can we move them to San Antonio? “Texas Raiders” has a sweet ring to it.

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41

WEST DIVISION The Broncos return hungry for a Super Bowl win. Denver addressed its defensive weaknesses by adding former Dallas pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware, safety T.J. Ward, cornerback Aquib Talib and first-round draft pick cornerback Bradley Roby. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers should be even better in his second year in the Mike McCoy offense. Chargers added former Colts running back Donald Brown to a loaded position that includes Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews. Linebacker Dwight Freeney should return healthy to lead a group of pass-rushers who struggled last season. Corey Liuget led San Diego in sacks last season with 5.5. Last season the Chiefs made one of the most impressive turnarounds in the NFL, rebounding from the worst record (2-14) in 2012 to finish 11-5 in 2013. Another quarterback in his second year of a system, Alex Smith will have the chance to prove he is a franchise player. Oakland made a huge move in the offseason by trading for quarterback Matt Schaub. Although Schaub had a dismal season in 2013 for the Texans, if he can return to 2009 form when he led the league in completions, attempts and passing yards, the Raiders will have a healthy offense. Rookie quarterback Derek Carr out of Fresno State will challenge Schaub for the starting job. The Raiders drafted defensive end Khalil Mack with the fifth overall pick in hopes of turning around a defense that finished 29th in the league in points allowed.

Prediction

1. Denver Broncos 2. San Diego Chargers 3. Kansas City Chiefs 4. Oakland Raiders

MONTEE BALL

Players to watch

DeMarcus Ware, DE, Denver Broncos: Ware is coming off the most unproductive season of his career (six sacks), but if the seven-time Pro Bowler can get back to his 2012 numbers (11.5 sacks), he’ll add much-needed power to the Denver defense.

Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno left for the Dolphins, and the run game belongs to Ball (after a summertime appendectomy). As a rookie, Ball rushed for 559 yards and four touchdowns.

Khalil Mack, DE, Oakland Raiders: The versatile playmaker had 10.5 sacks for Buffalo last season.

Broncos schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 23 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 42

Indianapolis Kansas City at Seattle BYE Arizona at N.Y. Jets San Francisco San Diego at New England at Oakland at St. Louis Miami at Kansas City Buffalo at San Diego at Cincinnati Oakland

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:25 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

Chargers schedule Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 23 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

at Arizona 8:20 p.m.

Seattle 2:05 p.m. at Buffalo 11 a.m.

Jacksonville 2:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets 2:25 p.m. at Oakland 2:05 p.m.

Kansas City 2:05 p.m. at Denver 6:25 p.m. at Miami 11 a.m.

BYE Oakland 2:05 p.m.

St. Louis 2:05 p.m. at Baltimore 11 a.m.

New England 6:30 p.m.

Denver 2:05 p.m. at San Francisco 2:30/6:15 at Kansas City 11 a.m.

Chiefs schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Tennessee 11 a.m. at Denver 2:25 p.m. at Miami 2:25 p.m.

New England 5:30 p.m. at San Francisco 2:25 p.m.

BYE at San Diego 2:05 p.m.

St. Louis 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets 11 a.m. at Buffalo 11 a.m.

Seattle 11 a.m. at Oakland 6:25 p.m.

Denver 6:30 p.m. at Arizona 2:05 p.m.

Oakland 11 a.m. at Pittsburgh 11 a.m.

San Diego 11 a.m.

Raiders schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at N.Y. Jets 11 a.m.

Houston 2:25 p.m. at New England 11 a.m.

Miami (London) 11 a.m.

BYE San Diego 2:05 p.m.

Arizona 2:25 p.m. at Cleveland 2:25 p.m. at Seattle 2:25 p.m.

Denver 2:05 p.m. at San Diego 2:05 p.m.

Kansas City 6:25 p.m. at St. Louis 11 a.m.

San Francisco 2:25 p.m. at Kansas City 11 a.m.

Buffalo 2:25 p.m. at Denver 2:25 p.m.

EAST DIVISION

1. New England Patriots 2. New York Jets 3. Miami Dolphins 4. Buffalo Bills

The Patriots will look similar to last season’s AFC East champion squad. New England addressed its main weakness in the secondary by picking up Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, although Browner will sit the first four games due to a suspension. The Patriots lost running back LeGarrette Blount in the offseason but rookie fourth-round pick James White out of Wisconsin is making his case. The Jets’ 29th-ranked scoring offense (18.1 points per game) will improve exponentially with addition of former Broncos receiver Eric Decker and former Titans back Chris Johnson. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked 58 times last season, and due to that and a hazing investigation, the offensive line experienced the biggest turnaround in the offseason. The Dolphins added Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert and drafted tackle Ja’Wuan James in the first round to provide Tannehill with better pass protection. The NFL’s longest active playoff drought will most likely continue in Buffalo, where rookie receiver Sammy Watkins Jr. won’t be enough to carry the team. Watkins can help with the development of second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel, but the defensive side of the game may struggle with the loss of coordinator Mike Pettine and star linebacker Kiko Alonso to ACL injury. Buffalo’s defense was its strength last season, ranked second in interceptions (23) and 10th overall (333.4 yards per game allowed).

Eric Decker

Players to watch

Sammy Watkins Jr., WR, Buffalo Bills: In three seasons at Clemson, the rookie had 240 catches for 3,391 yards and 27 touchdowns and averaged 14.1 yards per catch.

Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets: Decker is coming off two consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons in Denver and will be a reliable receiver in New England.

Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets: New York’s success depends on Smith’s performance. Smith was ranked 40th in the league by Pro Football Focus last season, but is likely to be the starter over Michael Vick.

Patriots schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Miami at Minnesota Oakland at Kansas City Cincinnati-x at Buffalo N.Y. Jets Chicago Denver BYE at Indianapolis Detroit at Green Bay at San Diego Miami at N.Y. Jets Buffalo

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.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.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Jets schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 16 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Oakland at Green Bay Chicago Detroit at San Diego Denver at New England Buffalo at Kansas City Pittsburgh BYE at Buffalo Miami at Minnesota at Tennessee New England at Miami

Dolphins schedule 11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 23 Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Bills schedule

New England 11 a.m. at Buffalo 11 a.m.

Kansas City 2:25 p.m. at Oakland (London) 11 a.m.

BYE Green Bay 11 a.m. at Chicago 11 a.m. at Jacksonville 11 a.m.

San Diego 11 a.m. at Detroit 11 a.m.

Buffalo 6:25 p.m. at Denver 2:25 p.m. at N.Y. Jets 6:30 p.m.

Baltimore 11 a.m. at New England 11 a.m.

Minnesota 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets 11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Chicago 11 a.m.

Miami 11 a.m.

San Diego 11 a.m. at Houston 11 a.m. at Detroit 11 a.m.

New England 11 a.m.

Minnesota 11 a.m. at N.Y. Jets 11 a.m.

BYE Kansas City 11 a.m. at Miami 6:25 p.m.

N.Y. Jets 11 a.m.

Cleveland 11 a.m. at Denver 2:05 p.m.

Green Bay 11 a.m. at Oakland 2:25 p.m. at New England 11 a.m.

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

43

NORTH DIVISION Wide receiver Steve Smith will solidify a Ravens passing game that struggled last year. Aside from Torrey Smith, no other Ravens receiver had more than 524 receiving yards last season. A healthy Dennis Pitta will energize the offense and give quarterback Joe Flacco another weapon to rely on. The Ravens bolstered their defense by drafting Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley and Florida State defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan. Mosley won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker this past season and Jernigan had 108 tackles and six sacks over the past two seasons for the BCS champs. The Bengals may struggle to duplicate their AFC North champion season without two coordinators who led the team to three consecutive playoff runs. Former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer left for a head coaching job with Minnesota and former offensive coordinator Jay Gruden joined the Redskins as head coach. The Steelers addressed their defensive woes by adding rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier, nose tackle Cam Thomas and safety Mike Mitchell. Shazier should improve Pittsburgh’s run defense, which ranked 21st in the league. With a stronger defense, Pittsburgh should end its two-year playoff drought.

The Browns switched head coaches for the third time in three seasons, making former Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine head coach.

Cleveland’s offense will struggle without franchise receiver Josh Gordon, who faces suspension for a failed drug test. The performance of quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer, and whoever earns the starting role, will determine the team’s success.

Prediction

1. Baltimore Ravens 2. Cincinnati Bengals 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 4. Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel

Players to watch

Steve Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Ravens picked up the fivetime Pro Bowler, who will be playing for a new team for the first time in his career. Smith has caught 64 or more passes in eight of the past nine seasons and his 62 catches for 745 yards were better than all Baltimore receivers besides Torrey Smith.

Ryan Shazier, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: The rookie had 144 tackles and seven sacks for Ohio State last season and should immediately see playing time at linebacker.

Johnny Manziel, QB, Cleveland Browns: Johnny Football is the rookie everyone will be watching, and if he stays focused, he could lead the Browns to the team’s first five-plus win season since 2007.

Ravens schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 11 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 24 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 44

Cincinnati 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh 6:25 p.m. at Cleveland 11 a.m.

Carolina 11 a.m. at Indianapolis 11 a.m. at Tampa Bay 11 a.m.

Atlanta 11 a.m. at Cincinnati 11 a.m. at Pittsburgh 6:30 p.m.

Tennessee 11 a.m.

BYE at New Orleans 6:30 p.m.

San Diego 11 a.m. at Miami 11 a.m.

Jacksonville 11 a.m. at Houston 11 a.m.

Cleveland 11 a.m.

Bengals schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 22 Dec. 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

at Baltimore 11 a.m.

Atlanta 11 a.m.

Tennessee 11 a.m.

BYE at New England 6:30 p.m.

Carolina 11 a.m. at Indianapolis 11 a.m.

Baltimore 11 a.m.

Jacksonville 11 a.m.

Cleveland 6:25 p.m. at New Orleans 11 a.m. at Houston 11 a.m. at Tampa Bay 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh 11 a.m. at Cleveland 11 a.m.

Denver 6:30 p.m. at Pittsburgh 11 a.m.

Steelers schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 11 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Cleveland at Baltimore at Carolina Tampa Bay at Jacksonville at Cleveland Houston Indianapolis Baltimore at N.Y. Jets at Tennessee BYE New Orleans at Cincinnati at Atlanta Kansas City Cincinnati

Browns schedule

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Pittsburgh 11 a.m.

New Orleans 11 a.m.

Baltimore 11 a.m.

BYE at Tennessee 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh 11 a.m. at Jacksonville 11 a.m.

Oakland 2:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay 11 a.m. at Cincinnati 6:25 p.m.

Houston 11 a.m. at Atlanta 11 a.m. at Buffalo 11 a.m.

Indianapolis 11 a.m.

Cincinnati 11 a.m. at Carolina 11 a.m. at Baltimore 11 a.m.

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45

SOUTH DIVISION Prediction

Indianapolis won the AFC South as the only team possessing a .500-or-better record in 2013, but this season it will have more competition in the division. A healthy Reggie Wayne will be back with new acquisition Hakeem Nicks and emerging star T.Y. Hilton to support quarterback Andrew Luck’s passing game. The Titans’ success depends on the health of quarterback Jake Locker.

Tennessee’s first-round pick in 2011 has only started 18 games in three seasons. New coach Ken Whisenhunt, known for his work with quarterbacks, will be good for Locker’s development. Houston filled many needs in the draft, but it may not be enough to put together a winning season. No. 1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney will combine with 2012 Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt to add spark to the Houston defense. Texans also added guard Xavier Su’a-Filo and defensive tackle Louis Nix III in the draft. Both are expected to contribute as rookies, but the question at quarterback may be too much for the Texans to overcome. The Jaguars are slowly building a solid team, but this year won’t be their year. Third overall pick quarterback Blake Bortles will likely spend the year learning from starter Chad Henne, and the additions of defensive tackle Red Bryant and linebackers Dekoda Watson and Chris Clemons will improve a defensive unit that allowed 28.1 points per game, fourth worst in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts 2. Tennessee Titans 3. Houston Texans 4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jadeveon Clowney

Players to watch

Bishop Sankey, RB, Tennessee Titans: Sankey, the Titans’ second-round pick out of Washington, should see action this year in the role left open by former Titans 1,000-plus yard back Chris Johnson. The Titans rookie had 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Houston Texans: Houston has high expectations for the No. 1 overall pick, and Clowney should complement J.J. Watt well and give Houston a real pass-rushing threat.

Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: For the first time in his career, Gerhart will get a starting role as an every-down back with Jacksonville. Gerhart spent the past three seasons backing up Adrian Peterson, and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in four seasons with the Vikings.

Colts schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 46

at Denver Philadelphia at Jacksonville Tennessee Baltimore at Houston Cincinnati at Pittsburgh at N.Y. Giants BYE New England Jacksonville Washington at Cleveland Houston at Dallas at Tennessee

Titans schedule

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

at Kansas City 11 a.m.

Dallas 11 a.m. at Cincinnati 11 a.m. at Indianapolis 11 a.m.

Cleveland 11 a.m.

Jacksonville 11 a.m. at Washington 11 a.m.

Houston 11 a.m.

BYE at Baltimore 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh 6:30 p.m. at Philadelphia 11 a.m. at Houston 11 a.m.

N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets 2:05 p.m. at Jacksonville 6:25 p.m.

Indianapolis 11 a.m.

Texans schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Washington 11 a.m. at Oakland 2:25 p.m. at N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

Buffalo 11 a.m. at Dallas 11 a.m.

Indianapolis 6:25 p.m. at Pittsburgh 6:30 p.m. at Tennessee 11 a.m.

Philadelphia 11 a.m.

BYE at Cleveland 11 a.m.

Cincinnati 11 a.m.

Tennessee 11 a.m. at Jacksonville 11 a.m. at Indianapolis 11 a.m.

Baltimore 11 a.m.

Jacksonville 11 a.m.

Jaguars schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 28

at Philadelphia 11 a.m. at Washington 11 a.m.

Indianapolis 11 a.m. at San Diego 2:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh 11 a.m. at Tennessee 11 a.m.

Cleveland 11 a.m.

Miami 11 a.m. at Cincinnati 11 a.m.

Dallas (London) 11 a.m.

BYE at Indianapolis 11 a.m.

N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

Houston 11 a.m. at Baltimore 11 a.m.

Tennessee 6:25 p.m. at Houston 11 a.m.

WEST DIVISION The 49ers offense will take them to the top of the division with a healthy Michael Crabtree and offseason additions of wide receiver Stevie Johnson and drafting talented standouts Bruce Ellington and Carlos Hyde. Colin Kaepernick will have many more weapons in his arsenal. Seattle’s Percy Harvin will be healthy again and will see a major role in the offense with Golden Tate is gone to Detroit. Russell Wilson, in just his third season, has plenty of potential to lead a Seattle team that returned its most important players to another successful season. Arizona lost inside linebackers Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby, which will have a major impact on the defense. The offensive line is improved with the addition of Jared Veldheer, who will give quarterback Carson Palmer solid pass protection. Palmer will be more familiar with the Cardinals offense in his second year with the team. St. Louis is the weakest team in the NFL’s strongest division, but boasts a nasty defensive line, featuring Robert Quinn (19 sacks in 2013) and Chris Long.

Percy Harvin

Players to watch

Stevie Johnson, WR, 49ers: Before he struggled with injuries last season, Johnson had three consecutive 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons.

Percy Harvin, WR, Seahawks: Harvin will return healthy this season, Playing in just one game last season, he sealed the Super Bowl victory by taking the second-half kickoff for an 88yard touchdown.

Sam Bradford, QB, Rams: Bradford returns from having surgery on his left knee and will be the key to the Rams’ success or failure.

Prediction

1. San Francisco 2. Seattle 3. Arizona 4. St. Louis

49ers schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 28

at Dallas 2:25 p.m.

Chicago 6:30 p.m. at Arizona 2:05 p.m.

Philadelphia 2:25 p.m.

Kansas City 2:25 p.m. at St. Louis 5:30 p.m. at Denver 6:30 p.m.

BYE St. Louis 2:05 p.m. at New Orleans 11 a.m. at N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

Washington 2:25 p.m.

Seattle 6:30 p.m. at Oakland 2:25 p.m. at Seattle 2:25 p.m.

San Diego 2:30/6:15 p.m.

Arizona 2:25 p.m.

Seahawks schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Green Bay 6:30 p.m. at San Diego 2:05 p.m.

Denver 2:25 p.m.

BYE at Washington 6:30 p.m.

Dallas 2:25 p.m. at St. Louis 11 a.m. at Carolina 11 a.m.

Oakland 2:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants 2:25 p.m. at Kansas City 11 a.m.

Arizona 2:05 p.m. at San Francisco 6:30 p.m. at Philadelphia 2:25 p.m.

San Francisco 2:25 p.m. at Arizona 6:30 p.m.

St. Louis 2:25 p.m.

Cardinals schedule Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Rams schedule

San Diego 8:20 p.m. at N.Y. Giants 11 a.m.

San Francisco 2:05 p.m.

BYE at Denver 2:05 p.m.

Washington 2:25 p.m. at Oakland 2:25 p.m.

Philadelphia 2:05 p.m. at Dallas 11 a.m.

St. Louis 2:25 p.m.

Detroit 2:25 p.m. at Seattle 2:05 p.m. at Atlanta 2:05 p.m.

Kansas City 2:05 p.m. at St. Louis 6:25 p.m.

Seattle 6:30 p.m. at San Francisco 2:25 p.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Minnesota at Tampa Bay Dallas BYE at Philadelphia San Francisco Seattle at Kansas City at San Francisco at Arizona Denver at San Diego Oakland at Washington Arizona N.Y. Giants at Seattle

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

47

EAST DIVISION If quarterback Nick Foles can build on his outstanding second season in the NFL where he completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,891 yards, 27 touchdowns and threw just two interceptions, the Eagles will easily win the division. The Cowboys brought in Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to control the Dallas passing game. If he can recreate what the Lions have in Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, the Cowboys will be very dangerous. The weak defense will improve with the addition of defensive tackle Henry Melton, who missed the majority of last season due to injury but was one of the league’s top tackles in 2012. The Redskins will bounce back from a disastrous drama-filled 2013 season to finish in the middle of the division. If RGIII can stay healthy and focused, the offense will be difficult to beat. Coming off its first losing season since 2004, New York will be motivated but quarterback Eli Manning will need to overcome his poor play last season where he led the league with 27 interceptions.

Nick Foles

Players to watch

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: With another impressive season, Foles could prove he is the Eagles franchise quarterback.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Washingston Redskins: Redskins added Jackson in the offseason to their already deep wide receiver corps of Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson, Adrick Robinson and Santana Moss. Jackson had 1,332 yards and averaged 16.2 yards per catch last season.

Rashad Jennings, RB, New York Giants: Jennings is on the up and up. He’s coming off his best season as a pro with the Raiders where he had a career-high 733 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He’s averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in three of his four seasons. He’ll help out a Giants team that ranked 29th in the rushing yards last season.

Prediction

1. Philadelphia Eagles 2. Dallas Cowboys

3. Washington Redskins 4. New York Giants

Eagles schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 10 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 48

Jacksonville at Indianapolis Washington at San Francisco St. Louis N.Y. Giants BYE at Arizona at Houston Carolina at Green Bay Tennessee at Dallas Seattle Dallas at Washington at N.Y. Giants

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:30/6:15 11 a.m.

Cowboys schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 27 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

San Francisco at Tennessee at St. Louis New Orleans Houston at Seattle N.Y. Giants Washington Arizona

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m. at Jacksonville (London) 11 a.m.

BYE at N.Y. Giants 6:30 p.m.

Philadelphia 4:30 p.m. at Chicago 6:25 p.m. at Philadelphia 6:30 p.m.

Indianapolis 2:25 p.m. at Washington 11 a.m.

Redskins schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 27 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 28

at Houston Jacksonville at Philadelphia N.Y. Giants Seattle at Arizona Tennessee at Dallas at Minnesota BYE Tampa Bay at San Francisco at Indianapolis St. Louis at N.Y. Giants Philadelphia Dallas

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:30/6:15 11 a.m.

Giants schedule Sept. 8 at Detroit Sept. 14 Arizona Sept. 21 Houston Sept. 25 at Washington Oct. 5 Atlanta Oct. 12 at Philadelphia Oct. 19 at Dallas Oct. 26 BYE Nov. 3 Indianapolis Nov. 9 at Seattle Nov. 16 San Francisco Nov. 23 Dallas Nov. 30 at Jacksonville Dec. 7 at Tennessee Dec. 14 Washington Dec. 21 at St. Louis Dec. 28 Philadelphia

5:10 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

11 a.m.

NORTH DIVISION The Packers will return to the top of the division if they can keep quarterback Aaron Rodgers healthy. Chicago can challenge Green Bay for the top spot with a revamped defense. The Bears’ run defense ranked last in the league last season, but the addition of defensive end Jared Allen will improve it and give balance to the explosive offense led by Jay Cutler and receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. The Lions’ offense will return much stronger after signing former Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate in the offseason. Quarterback Matt Stafford finally has a solid receiving duo in Tate and Calvin Johnson that will make for a powerful passing game. The Vikings will improve off of last season’s dismal 5-10 record with Matt Cassel as starting quarterback, and a new coach in Mike Zimmer.

Players to watch

Jared Allen, DE, Bears: The five-time Pro Bowler has had at least 11 sacks in his past seven seasons.

Golden Tate, WR, Lions: The Super Bowl champ had 898 yards and 14 yards per catch last season.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: He’s the NFL’s all-time career leader in passer rating during the regular season (104.9) and second all-time in the postseason (103.1)

Aaron Rodgers

Prediction 1. Chicago 2. Green Bay 3. Detroit 4. Minnesota

Bears schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 at Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Buffalo 11 a.m. at San Francisco 6:30 p.m. at N.Y. Jets 6:30 p.m.

Green Bay 11 a.m.

Carolina 11 a.m. at Atlanta 11 a.m.

Miami 11 a.m. at New England 11 a.m.

BYE at Green Bay 6:30 p.m.

Minnesota 11 a.m.

Tampa Bay 11 a.m. at Detroit 10:30 a.m.

Dallas 6:25 p.m.

New Orleans 6:30 p.m.

Detroit 11 a.m. at Minnesota 11 a.m.

Packers schedule Sept. 4 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 2 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Seattle N.Y. Jets at Detroit at Chicago Minnesota at Miami Carolina at New Orleans BYE Chicago Philadelphia at Minnesota New England Atlanta at Buffalo at Tampa Bay Detroit

6:30 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:25 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Lions schedule Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Vikings schedule

N.Y. Giants 5:10 p.m. at Carolina 11 a.m.

Green Bay 11 a.m. at N.Y. Jets 11 a.m.

Buffalo 11 a.m. at Minnesota 11 a.m.

New Orleans 11 a.m. at Atlanta (London) 7:30 a.m.

BYE Miami 11 a.m. at Arizona 2:25 p.m. at New England 11 a.m.

Chicago 10:30 a.m.

Tampa Bay 11 a.m.

Minnesota 11 a.m. at Chicago 11 a.m. at Green Bay 11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 2 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at St. Louis 11 a.m.

New England 11 a.m. at New Orleans 11 a.m.

Atlanta 2:25 p.m. at Green Bay 6:25 p.m.

Detroit 11 a.m. at Buffalo 11 a.m. at Tampa Bay 11 a.m.

Washington 11 a.m.

BYE at Chicago 11 a.m.

Green Bay 11 a.m.

Carolina 11 a.m.

N.Y. Jets 11 a.m. at Detroit 11 a.m. at Miami 11 a.m.

Chicago 11 a.m.

THE GAZETTE / 2014 PREVIEW

49

SOUTH DIVISION The Saints’ improved defense will lead them to the division title. In the offseason, New Orleans added veteran cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Jairus Byrd to help bring the defense up to the level of the high-powered offense. The 2013 AFC South title winner Panthers lost their top four wide receivers, Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn and Domenik Hixon. If Cam Newton can get things going with the replacements, including veteran Tiquan Underwood and first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina can have another successful season. The Falcons should improve on last season’s miserable 4-12 record if wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White can stay healthy. New coach Lovie Smith should improve the quality of Tampa Bay’s defense. He added defensive end Michael Johnson, cornerback Alterraun Verner and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald in the offseason to create a solid foundation.

Jimmy Graham

Players to watch

Josh McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL journeyman McCown stepped in for the Bears starter Jay Cutler last season and proved his value. He completed 66.5 per-cent of his passes for 1,829 yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception. Will he be able to continue that success in Tampa without the best receiver duo in the league?

Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints: Graham’s 86 catches for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns make him the highest-performing tight end in the league.

Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans Saints: Saints picked Cooks in the first round of the draft. Cook had 128 catches for 1730 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior for Oregon State. He’ll add even more power to the Saints’ already explosive offense.

Prediction

1. New Orleans Saints 2. Carolina Panthers

3. Atlanta Falcons 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Saints schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 30 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 24 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 15 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 50

at Atlanta at Cleveland Minnesota at Dallas Tampa Bay BYE at Detroit Green Bay at Carolina San Francisco Cincinnati Baltimore at Pittsburgh Carolina at Chicago Atlanta at Tampa Bay

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:25 p.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.

Panthers schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Oct. 30 Nov. 10 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

2014 PREVIEW / THE GAZETTE

at Tampa Bay Detroit Pittsburgh at Baltimore Chicago at Cincinnati at Green Bay Seattle New Orleans at Philadelphia Atlanta BYE at Minnesota at New Orleans Tampa Bay Cleveland at Atlanta

Falcons schedule

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.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.

11 a.m.

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

New Orleans at Cincinnati Tampa Bay at Minnesota at N.Y. Giants Chicago at Baltimore Detroit (London) BYE at Tampa Bay at Carolina Cleveland Arizona at Green Bay Pittsburgh at New Orleans Carolina

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

2:25 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

Buccaneers schedule Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 18 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Carolina 2:25 p.m.

St. Louis 2:05 p.m. at Atlanta 6:25 p.m. at Pittsburgh 11 a.m. at New Orleans 11 a.m.

Baltimore 11 a.m.

BYE Minnesota 11 a.m. at Cleveland 11 a.m.

Atlanta 11 a.m. at Washington 11 a.m. at Chicago 11 a.m.

Cincinnati 11 a.m. at Detroit 11 a.m. at Carolina 11 a.m.

Green Bay 11 a.m.

New Orleans 11 a.m.

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With an open kitchen you’ll never miss a play AFTER

BEFORE

Your REMODELING Specialist!

I have carefully chosen my cabinet lines for quality construction, diversity of door styles, wood species, dependability of delivery and proven customer satisfaction. Near-custom cabinetry is more affordable than you may think.

- Joy Houdmann, Designer/CEO

Designing with YOU in mind

25 Years of Experience SE Corner of Barnes & Austin Bluffs Parkway 4557 Austin Bluffs Parkway (719) 596-9990 www.KBD123.com

Call for a Free Design Consultation in Your Home