BROCK ON!! Mile High Magic is in the Air!

This week's regional cover: Brock Osweiler is two-for-two as the @Broncos' main man https://goo.gl/5iw0cm pic.twitter.com/prxsD5xhtI

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 1, 2015

+Sports Illustrated
Magic happens on legendary seasons... This is the start of an absolutely beautiful relationship!! Even if it's gets #TheSherriff back on field, fully healthy and he rides off into sunset like the greatest QB ever, #DukeOfDenver #MrElway!! 

Brock Osweiler plays well, Broncos win, now does he keep the job?

Get ready for Osweiler-Brady Bowl I next week. Probably, anyway.

The +Denver Broncos can’t go back to Peyton Manning next week, can they? There’s the question if he’ll be healthy enough to play with a significant foot injury, but quarterback Brock Osweiler might have made that point obsolete.

Osweiler was very efficient, the Broncos’ run game came to life and Denver won at the Chicago Bears, 17-15. Osweiler had a 127.1 rating in the game, completing 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Manning’s rating this season is 67.6.

Osweiler did things in the offense that Manning hasn’t been able to do. The bootleg pass was back, a staple of Broncos coach Gary Kubiak’s offense through the years. His rushing offense also relies on the threat of the quarterback keeping the ball on outside zone run plays, and that has been missing. With Osweiler’s mobility, the Broncos passed their season average for rushing yards in the third quarter. The Broncos, 29th in the NFL in rushing yardage and also with a lackluster 3.8 yards per carry coming in, had 170 rushing yards as a team on Sunday.

H/T - +Yahoo Sports: What a way to turn 25,begin the prime of your career, Mr. Osweiler.

TV Broadcast and coverage of the

Week 11 Map. If you live in the red you will get the #Broncos in the early game… vs Bears https://goo.gl/2raaf6

GameDay Baby! Leggo! Mile High CR3W

It's dark now. But ... soon.
#KCvsDEN pic.twitter.com/fGzITRuTRT

Packers eager to erase memory of loss in Denver - Yahoo Sports

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Sunday can't come soon enough for the Green Bay Packers even with an undefeated Carolina Panthers team awaiting them.

Looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season and their worst performance in ages, the Packers returned to practice Wednesday, seeking to put their 29-10 loss to the Denver Broncos behind them and focus on a pivotal game against a fellow NFC contender.

''We went out there and we just laid an egg. We didn't do hardly anything right,'' safety Micah Hyde said. ''Immediately after the game, (and even) during the game, you just have that feeling like, you want to go out there and start the game over again. But, it's the NFL. You're not going to win every game, so you've got to move on. And it is a good thing that we have a quality opponent this week that's undefeated. We can go in there and have a big opportunity to make a splash win.'

Packers eager to erase memory of loss in Denver - Yahoo Sports

Broncos off to sharp start vs Packers - Battle of Unbeatens

#RonnieHillman Powers Up the Middle for the 1st TD of the Game! | #Packers vs. #Broncos | #NFL https://goo.gl/3ar2gY

"NO FLY ZONE"

Broncos come off of bye with key Healthy players back on the field, prepping for big match for visiting the GB Packers

Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos +Associated Press 

DeMarcus Ware, Sanders, ready to go, healthy coming off of bye week.

Winning Championships with D! (Brian Billick)

Broncos Defense not Getting Love it Should Be

JUST WAIT TILL PEYTON AND OFFENSE MAKES ALL BABY STEPS, TOO, & THEY'RE UNDEFEATED! SCARY FOR NFL THE REST OF +NFL, WE BELIEVE THE +Denver Broncos DE ARE JUST SCRATCHING SURFACE. DEFENSE WINNING US GAMES. HAD PEYTON HAD THAT AT ALL IN HIS CAREER?!

Broncos Defense Jumps on Peyton's Rally, Finish Chiefs off

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - After leading the 11th fourth-quarter or overtime game-winning or -tying drive in his +Denver Broncos career and eclipsing the 70,000 career-passing mark, it's easy to see why quarterback Peyton Manning says that Thursday's stunning 31-24 win over divisional foe +Kansas City Chiefs is one he'll never forget.

"To win a division game on the road, [in] a great atmosphere," said Manning. "This place is always just a great place to play football and the crowd was rocking tonight and they were into it. I thought it was two really good teams battling out there and we were real fortunate to come up on top. But this is one that you'll always remember. Certainly the way it ended."

Manning isn't exaggerating about the Broncos' wild ending, either. H/T - +The Denver Post  

Broncos Offense Clicks at right time, defense pounces on its Chances to Stun AFC West foe, Chiefs, in Thriller

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Peyton Manning made history Thursday night. And not by becoming the first player to announce his retirement during a game. After persistent talk of his demise, Manning showed resolve in the +Denver Broncos' 31-24 victory over the +Kansas City Chiefs that will long be remembered for Denver's two touchdowns in nine seconds that came in the last minute of the AFC West game.

With the Broncos trailing 14-0, criticism of Manning could be heard from Arrowhead Stadium to old Mile High. Legends, outside of John Elway, rarely exit on their own terms. There's an awkward dance of diminished skills and hurt feelings. Manning will leave someday. But not on this day.

"This guy took a lot of (bleep) this week," coach Gary Kubiak said as he gave Manning a game ball, as shown on postgame video posted online by the Broncos.

Manning beat the Chiefs for a ninth consecutive time — no other quarterback has done that — and the Broncos won their 13th consecutive division road game, an NFL record... H/T +The Denver Post - Original (rest of story) click here

The "DENVERS" are just getting out of idle...

" ... game tied at 24, but the Denvers weren't done yet!" #DENvsKC newsreel http://t.co/ExyyZVHoMd pic.twitter.com/uRmExJT7WT

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 19, 2015

Broncos vs Chiefs NFL Week 2 Matchup Preview

Peyton Manning flies young girl with cancer in for Broncos opener versus Ravens

Dear Peyton Manning, 

You took the time to read her letter. A letter that I can only imagine is one of thousands you receive in a week.

You probably choked up. Kari Barnett Bollig's story is one that makes even tough football giants cry. 

And then you did the miraculous. What Kari never expected in a million years you would do.

You didn't put that letter down, thinking to yourself "too bad for that woman." You didn't traipse out onto the field, loosen up your shoulder and start throwing.

You walked in to your people at Mile High Stadium and you told your people to call that woman. I can hear you saying it now: "Get that woman out here. I want to meet her." 

I didn't love you before, Peyton. Even when you were in Indianapolis, even when you won a Super Bowl for the Colts during the 2006 season. I didn't love you even when you made me cry with laughter in "Saturday Night Live" or those goofy ESPN commercials....

H/T -   Continue to read from Indy Star, HERE

Peyton Manning's take on 2015 being his last, "I don't give it much thought"

It really seems like Peyton Manning's retirement will come out of the blue, sometime in the middle of a cold offseason.

Will it be next offseason? Who knows. But Manning has avoided the retirement talk since he came to Denver. He simply will not talk about his future plans and when he might walk away from the NFL. After his play slipped late last season, and the Denver Broncos asked him to take a pay cut, the common thought has been that the 2015 season might be it. But there will be no farewell tour, at least this season.

In a promotional interview for +NFL Sunday Ticket on +DIRECTV, +Yahoo's Evan Doherty asked Manning when he's going to retire.

"I don't have those thoughts," said Manning, who is 39. "I think about playing football to the best of my ability in 2015."

Continue to read story from Yahoo Sports - here:

Goodell Appears to be Taking a Turn for the Better of the NFL and Commissioner's Office Perception (of Transparency)

GOODELL UPHOLDS TOM BRADY DEFLATEGATE 4 GAME SUSPENSION - (Brady Destroyed Phone after Suspension Recently Shed Light Upon, Making Him look even worse and more guilty than before)

Broncos get Going for the start of 2015 OTAs in the beautiful Dove Valley Facilities

Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos (AP) - +Eric Lars Bakke (Photographer)

Broncos CR3W Members Optimistically say, "Good Riddance - Orange Julius..."

Good thing he did not get a big contract then, Peyton is busting it with torn quads and Rodgers can hardly step on foot...? Pot Roast could benefit once DeMaryius gets his. Julius must not like Peyton's off-season work ethic. Get his check and get paid, elsewhere, please.

Original Link - H/T BSN Denver

Not to mention, as great of a "Wide Receiver," is, he is vulnerable and a liability in the "Passpro & Runpro" aspects with Thomas' arsenal of skills. With Kubiak at the helm and the zone blocking scheme as the heart of the offense, Thomas' value is not as high for the +Denver Broncos moving forward, in our opinion. Granted, he would have been a big playmaker on play action, when opposing +NFL teams are forced to load the box, and bite on the run fake; hoping to "contain" the run game since it is extremely hard to "stop."

It has been proven year after year since Terrell Davis proved he is a Hall of Fame caliber player and Kubiak went on to make Arian Foster one of the NFL's best and Justin Forsett for the +Baltimore Ravens as a journey man who had one of the best seasons of any RB last year and Forsett's best individual season after 7 years mainly as a backup RB as a +Seattle Seahawks player before Baltimore.

We've faith Broncos will adapt just fine despite Clady injury

"Ty's a very athletic young man. That's a lot to ask of a very young player, but we've got a good month here of work," Kubiak said of the rookie. "We felt like, when we drafted Ty, he was athletic enough to play on both sides."

Kubiak indicated that 2014 third-round pick Michael Schofield is an option at both tackle spots.

Excerpt from NFL.com writer Michael Weseling article

If there is a man for the job and working out offensive line situations, it's our beloved new Head Coach, Gary Kubiak. Hate to say this but, we did see a degradation in protection from Clady last year. Could've been the protection schemes and the defenses gameplan that attacked a very pass happy offense. We cannot deny wondering if the Achilles and Lisfranc injury has taken its toll, which is too often, and unfairly, overlooked by us, supporters and fans.


Despite that, we want Clady to be back at full strength and a healthy, speedy recovery and back in Mile High Orange as soon as possible!

Photos Courtesy: Denver Broncos  (AP)

Kubiak Believes that 2 pt conversion will increase in value from the PAT rule changes made by NFL

Posted by Michael David Smith on Pro Football Talk of NBC Sports 

+Getty Images

Does the +NFL's new rule moving extra point kicks back 13 yards make much of a difference to how teams assemble their rosters?

It does according to Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who sees NFL teams signing players specifically for their ability to score on two-point conversions.

“I think there [are] going to be two-point specialists from the standpoint of how you go about doing it. Coaching, those are things that you work on,” Kubiak said, via +Lindsay H. Jones of +USA TODAY Sports. “You probably practice those things during camp. It’s not very much and, all of a sudden, it becomes part of the game. That’s a big part of practice. It’s going to change the way you go about doing things. I know that.”

The player most often named as a potential two-point specialist is Tim Tebow, whose presence on the +Philadelphia Eagles' roster has some thinking that Chip Kelly must have some two-point conversion tricks up his sleeve.

Continue to read full article, here...

The morning after a Great Memorial Weekend

That Tuesday-morning-after-a-3-day-weekend feeling. We know, we know. pic.twitter.com/32bcATsAmL

— Pac-12 Networks (@Pac12Networks) May 26, 2015

Vance Walker has Chance at Redemption: Plus, he chose Mile High over Seahawks (+Denver Post)

Vance Walker brings value, versatility in attempt to rebound with Broncos

Defensive end was used sparingly with Kansas City Chiefs last season

Original story by +Troy Renck of +The Denver Post

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Vance Walker sits on the bench against the Denver Broncos at +Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sept. 14, 2014. (Doug Pensinger, +Getty Images)

Mar 12:
Broncos sign DE Vance Walker to two-year, $4M contract

Mar 11:
DE Vance Walker to visit with Broncos this week

Vance Walker found obscurity in Kansas City.

It wasn't supposed to happen this way. The Chiefs chased Walker in free agency last March, turning him into their prized offseason acquisition, and almost immediately he became lost on their depth chart.

Walker played well. If he played. He started twice and logged more than 20 snaps in only three games. Seen as a catalyst to an evolving defensive line mix, he turned into a casualty, released after one year.

"I dealt with that when it happened. It's an unfortunate situation. I can complain about it, but I've let it go months ago," Walker said last week.

For the Broncos, Walker's inability to crack the Chiefs' rotation might be the best thing to happen for them. He remained a productive, if sparingly-used player, last season. The Chiefs guaranteed Walker $3.75 million on a three-year, $13.75-million contract. The Broncos  kept him from signing with the Seahawks when he agreed to a two-year, $4-million contract with a $1.5-million signing bonus.

Story continued at original source

Vance Walker brings value, versatility in attempt to rebound with Broncos http://t.co/ikSGubJGVB by @TroyRenck pic.twitter.com/gQKLH1r8s3

— Denver Post Broncos (@PostBroncos) May 23, 2015

Bleacher Report touches upon the Denver Broncos 2015 Breakout Stars

Peyton Manning Appears on the late night Legend, Dave Letterman's, last "Late Show" Episode

#Broncos' Peyton Manning on David @Letterman's final "Late Show" http://t.co/CWtKpBXXgt by @NickiJhabvala pic.twitter.com/bWNFz0vEPo

— Denver Post Broncos (@PostBroncos) May 20, 2015

Broncos' Peyton Manning on David Letterman's final 'Late Show'

+Denver Broncos Quarterback will be among many paying respects to longtime late-night host

Original story by: 

+Nicki Jhabvala
The Denver Post

The lineup of guests set to appear on David Letterman's final "Late Show" episode, which was being taped Wednesday afternoon at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, has started to leak out.

One name on that list: Peyton Manning.

WATCH: Peyton Manning appears on final "Late Show with David Letterman"

The Broncos quarterback, who has appeared on Letterman's show multiple times over the years, is in New York and will be among the many paying their respects to the longtime late-night host.

RELATED: Denver sports stars who have appeared on the "Late Show"

Manning became friendly with Letterman during his days as the Colts' quarterback, as Letterman is from Indianapolis. Manning felt it was important that he honor "The Late Show" host in his final show.

Letterman, 68, is the longest-running late night talk show host in history, at 33 years. Last April, he announced that he would retire as host this May, passing the reins to Stephen Colbert.

Peyton Manning and David Letterman. (John Paul Filo, CBS)

NFL Owners vote 30-2 to move the PAT back to the 15 yard line as well as a couple other wrinkles

SAN FRANCISCO -- As expected, NFL owners on Tuesday voted 30-2 to approve a change in the rule governing extra points after touchdowns

BREAKING: @NFL PAT kicks have been moved to the 15-yard line & two-point conversions stay at the 2. Defenses can return for two points.

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 19, 2015

The owners considered three proposals but ultimately approved a rule change endorsed by the competition committee. The new rule pushes the kick back to the 15-yard line and leaves the two-point conversion at the 2-yard line.

It also makes the play "live," meaning the defense could return a blocked kick or a turnover on a two-point play for two points.

The New England Patriots proposed snapping the ball from the 15 for a one-point kick or placing the ball at the 2-yard line for a two-point try. According to the Patriots' proposal, a team's choice was not final and was subject to change following a timeout or penalty.

The Philadelphia Eagles proposed snapping from the 15 for the kick but moving the ball to the 1 for a two-point conversion. The Eagles also wanted the defense to be able to score points if it returned a turnover on the two-point conversion to the other end zone.

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith pointed to the high rate of success of extra points as a reason for the change.

Washington and Oakland were the only teams to vote no. The rule change will be reviewed after one year.

NFL to move extra point tries to the 15-yard line in 2015 http://t.co/7bErrBCJ71

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 19, 2015

NFL place-kickers have converted at least 98 percent of their extra points since 2000. That figure has hovered above 99 percent since 2010, providing little incentive to go for two-point plays. Coaches attempted them after just 4.9 percent of touchdowns last season; they were converted at a rate of 47.5 percent.

There were 41 field goal attempts last season from 33 yards. Only two were missed. The conversion rate for 33-yard field goals over the past five seasons is 92.8 percent (154-of-166). Extra-point kicks are currently from the 2-yard line.

Although it has been proposed as a one-year rule to see how it plays out in 2015, Smith says the intent from the competition committee is that rule change stays a part of the game for the long haul.

"We tried to add some skill to the play, which is the reason why we moved it back to the 15," Smith said. "And then the other element is how do we create a more exciting play? And so to give the defense an opportunity to score, it adds an element there, as well as obviously incentivizing teams to go for two.

"So our hope is what we've done is we've added skill to the play, and then we will also see some increase in the attempts to go for two. We just felt like it was a play that was almost a ceremonial play, the way it has languished here recently."

And Troy Vincent, in charge of NFL football operations, noted that placekickers can handle such an alteration. "The kicker's a skill position now,'' Vincent said. "We're not trying to take the foot out of the game.''

NFL kickers are not necessarily on board with the change.

"What did the NFL really accomplish?" said kicker Jay Feely, a 14-year NFL veteran, via Twitter. "It's still nearly automatic (90%vs 99%) but greater risk of injury to Oline."

I thought NFL was concerned about player safety? Those 60 plays will be much more dangerous for OLine now. https://t.co/IEQfEA3CXQ

— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 19, 2015

NFL vice president of football operations Troy Vincent acknowledged their concerns.

"The feedback that we got when we adjusted the field goal at the Pro Bowl didn't go over too well," Vincent said. "But they understand. The kicker is a skill position now. They are extremely accurate. We are not trying to remove the foot out of the game."

NFL officiating chief Dean Blandino said if conversion rate for PATs from 15 doesn't fall much below 99 percent, may move kicks back further

— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) May 19, 2015

Brady to Kraft, "I'm Innocent and had nothing to do with the AFC Championship Deflated Balls..."

+New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft continues to lash out against the +NFL for its Deflategate punishment because he has unwavering trust in his quarterback.

Kraft, who’s already in San Francisco for the NFL Spring Meeting -- where he’ll be face-to-face with commissioner Roger Goodell and the other 31 team owners -- told the MMQB.com’s +Peter King that he believes Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had no knowledge of deflated footballs.

“Yes. Because we had the discussion: 'If you did it, let’s just deal with it and take our hit and move on,'” Kraft said. “I’ve known Tommy 16 years, almost half his life. He’s a man, and he’s always been honest with me, and I trust him. I believed what he told me. He has never lied to me, and I have found no hard or conclusive evidence to the contrary.”

Click for Rest of the story by +Doug Kyed from NESN.com

Many Many issues with this whole dynamic Mr. Kraft?! If Kraft is so peeved and apparently what we would call, "... on the defensive," why would you restrain Ted Wells' investigation by not letting him speak to the ball boys. How come Kraft suspended them after the ruling. This is what PR experts for big kahunas like Kraft and companies like +Gillette and professional franchises like the Patriots' would do in circumstances to abuse the 'due process' by civil, criminal, and even the +NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell.

How come these ball boys were not made available to the appropriate people immediately? How come Tom Brady, if he were innocent, go against all sensibility and complete and utter logic (even by +University of Michigan standards) and give up access to his phone and email to prove his innocence beyond any shadow of a doubt immediately and lay it to rest?

Photo Courtesy: Simon Brunty +Sports Illustrated

Brady might be out of touch with a normal person's perspective, given his celebrity status and sense of 'entitlement' (something that is a very common theme amongst the Patriots franchise). Practically have earned the name "PatsGate" to be linked to every accomplishment Belichick has made, Brady's, and your own name, Kraft? Even a bigtime player such as yourself is not that untouchable.

Shall the members and fans that love the game of football, NFL, and +BRONCOS CR3W just stop there? The timing and your actions tell us that you are on the defensive over something that was committed and it was not utter innocence and coincidence that it was the Patriots that have come under fire for breaking and bending the rules several times. The only other team that committed similar acts, was the +Denver Broncos, who faced punishment and came clean with their own breaking of the rules. Broncos were under the lead and acumen of Josh McDaniels, who was the former Patriots Offensive Coordinator, prior to his position in Denver. Whom is back as the current Patriots Offensive Coordinator. Glad Bowlen said that was the last straw and kicked McDaniels to the curb!! Mile High will be ever so grateful to not be tarnished like their rival in New England.

No such thing as coincidences from where we sit. Brady, whom apparently is above and worthy of bending the rules just like your Head Coach, is considered a role model by only 61% of avid NFL supporters. That is a daunting number. A number that is below even Charles Barkley when he spat on a fan playing in the +NBA for the +Phoenix Suns and said, "I am not a role model," blatantly, loud, and clear. It certainly is sufficient enough. How about Belichick? Who went on the complete offensive after the AFC Championship game versus the +Indianapolis Colts and said that he does everything to account for margin of error so that they do not fall under any fault of breaking the rulebook and the operation of NFL teams prior to, during, and after games??

There are more holes in all 3 of their stories and press conferences than the +PGA TOUR's US Open and +Augusta National Golf Club.events... Starting to acquaint this franchise and team to the likes of Lance Armstrong, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Floyd Landis. The question is do we place these guys amongst the likes of the previously mentioned athletes and competitors? Or does he go amongst perhaps a player like Nelson Cruz of the +Seattle Mariners in +MLB, Justin Gatlin, of the United States Olympic Track & Field team, that faced their punishment and came back to succeed by following the rules and not violating them? Appears the answer has already been served as you and your coach and QB will deny what appears to be utter obvious attempts at undermining the game and those that play within the lines and rules,,, 

DeMarcus Ware comes in at No. 87 on the NFL Networks Top 100 of 2015 voted on by his NFL peers

United in Orange continues to prove their unmatched LOYALTY! Broncos CR3W loves their club like no other CR3W!

#OTD in 2014: #BroncosCountry ensures a 45th consecutive sellout season: [http://t.co/C5MntNUnic] pic.twitter.com/GuqgjcXlEF

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 15, 2015

A LEGACY TO LAST! Enough so, that Winning Championships will be an everlasting Standard in Mile High

Broncos' alumni talk about Mr. Bowlen's legacy http://goo.gl/WidnyM

Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos - +Associated Press 

Lorenzo Doss signs Contract with Broncos and inks the promising future Broncos CR3W (members) feel he has in store

#Broncos fifth-round pick @Lorenzo_Doss put pen to paper today on his first @nfl contract: [http://t.co/LZ2na3RH5u] pic.twitter.com/psOUqlkpPB

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 15, 2015

DeMarcus Ware comes in at #87 on Top 100 Players list!

A bit lower than expected, we want D. Ware up 50 spots, tbh! We'll take it, of course! Go Broncos!!

No. 8⃣7⃣ -- @DeMarcusWare! https://t.co/SHVRxc9Deg

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 14, 2015

Emmanuel Sanders Makes the Top 100 Players of the NFL (Voted on by his peers) - Congratulations Mr. Sanders!!

Well Well Mr. T*m Br*dy - karma puddin?

Darian Stewart signs 2 year deal with the Broncos

The contract numbers for Broncos’ free-agent safety Darian Stewart are in.

His two-year, $4.25 million deal had previously been reported by The Denver Post, but union documents reveal his contract included a fairly impressive $1.5 million signing bonus. Stewart also has $1.75 million in playing-time bonuses. It adds up to where Stewart is getting paid like a player expected to start, but is not assured. His contract:


2015
*$750,000 salary (full guarantee)
*$1.5 million signing bonus (full guarantee)
2015 total: $2.25 million (full guarantee)
*750,000 in playing-time incentives

2016
*$2 million salary (non-guaranteed)
*$1 million can be added to his salary if he reaches playing time thresholds in 2015.

Roby is Plenty Good Enough To thrive at a Cover Safety Role

Reunification with "Kub"

One of the standout wide receivers of his generation is set to leave Houston.

According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are allowing Andre Johnson to seek a trade. If Johnson is not dealt, he will be released, the Chronicle reported.

According to the Chronicle, the Texans told Johnson he would have a lesser role in 2015, which led him to ask for his departure from Houston.

Johnson is slated to make $10 million in salary in 2015, per NFLPA data.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 draft, Johnson has played his entire 12-season career with Houston, catching 1,012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 TDs. He has made seven Pro Bowls.

While Johnson turns 34 in July, he should nonetheless appeal to clubs looking to add a proven veteran presence to their receiving corps. He caught 85 passes for 936 yards and three TDs in 2014.

A Miami (Fla.) product, Johnson quietly starred on a string of mediocre-to-poor Texans teams early in his career. Houston finally made the playoffs in 2011, his ninth NFL campaign.

If Johnson’s Texans career is indeed at an end, he will leave having caught 10 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in his final game with the club, a 23-17 victory over Jacksonville in December. Though the Texans took care of business in the season finale, they fell just short of the playoffs. In many ways, it was an apt end to Johnson’s run in Houston — the star wide receiver doing his job well while the team fell just short in the end.

With Johnson likely gone, third-year wideout DeAndre Hopkins will become the Texans’ go-to receiver, a role he’s probably ready to assume.

Nevertheless, it will be jarring to see Andre Johnson, one of the Texans’ all-time greats now and forever, playing for someone else.

H/T +@ProFootballTalk

One more "Saddle Up!"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Keep BOTH Thomases. & No. 18 fights off Father Time & Is it <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos">@Broncos</a> final push for Super Bowl? <a href="http://t.co/tgDgoE1R0m">http://t.co/tgDgoE1R0m</a> <a href="http://t.co/XnaqmREMTd">pic.twitter.com/XnaqmREMTd</a></p> - NFL (@nfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nfl/status/572097749103091712">March 1, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He'd advocate the fullback! Especially with an altitude advantage and a solid attacking defensive scheme!!

Lombardi Loved Fullbacks and quick OL!! Howard Griffith was key in Broncos "Lombardi's"

http://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/571550415277465600/photo/1

THE REASON JULIUS THOMAS WILL BE MOVING ON IN ALL LIKELIHOOD

Never doubted it:) Gonna be a special year!

#Peyton #TheSheriff tells +@Broncos he’s ready to play in 2015 #NFL #BroncosCR3W #VolsCR3W http://bit.ly/1MmeO4j

This Should not be News in Broncos CR3W opinion but some jumped to it with Fox departure, why? NFL Network, Fox Sports cough cough, not ESPN though ironically...

Broncos' Ware: I think Peyton Manning will be back in 2015

(USATSI)

by +Michael Hurcomb | +CBS Sports

(10:36 am ET) +Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware is confident quarterback Peyton Manning will choose to continue his NFL career in 2015, according to +Lindsay H. Jones of +USA TODAY Sports.

"Me and Peyton will always talk back and forth about things. Now he's just looking forward to the next season and how we can get better," Ware said Thursday. "I think he'll be back. I feel like he still has a couple years in him."Manning, who will turn 39 years old on March 24, was noncommittal about his future following Sunday's playoff loss against the Colts.

"He just needs time to get healthy, rest," Ware said. "Calm the brain down. Turn it off a little bit and then hit the restart button once it's time."

Is Gase interview affirmation that this is who. John Elway, has pegged to lift the Lombardi for Broncos, in his eyes..?

Broncos interview OC Adam Gase for head-coach job

+Associated Press

                                         Chris Humphreys / +USA TODAY Sports

Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase is aiming for a promotion.

ENGLEWOOD, COLO. — John Elway is looking for the right man to fix a 12-4 team, not a 4-12 debacle like John Fox inherited four years ago.

Instead of starting from scratch with high draft picks and low expectations, Denver's next coach will step into a win-or-else pressure cooker where Elway walks the talk on ''Super Bowl or bust'' and 49-22 wasn't good enough.

The next coach will be expected to execute Elway's mantra to ''not only win now, but from now on'' and to do so with or without Peyton Manning, who's mulling his football future after a difficult stretch run.

It'll help the successful candidate if his teams can show more fire in big games, too.

Elway said Fox's squads didn't go down ''kicking and screaming'' like they should have in a stunning 24-13 loss to Indianapolis at home last week or in their 35-point demolition in last year's Super Bowl.

The new coach will inherit a talent-laden roster featuring an NFL-best 10 Pro Bowlers. Only two of them are among Denver's dozen unrestricted free agents, too: Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, whom Elway pegged as his top priorities once he finds Fox's replacement.

This situation is a little like when Jerry Jones replaced Jimmy Johnson with Barry Switzer back in the 1990s and asked him to keep the Dallas Cowboys championship express rolling right along.

''We've got a lot of work to do but we have a good roster, we have depth and talent,'' team president and chief executive officer Joe Ellis told The Associated Press. ''And we get some of the injured guys back, Danny Trevathan, Brandon Marshall, who wasn't 100 percent healthy last Sunday, so we should be optimistic.

''And I think our fans should be optimistic about where we go next year.''

That goal remains the Super Bowl, no matter who it is calling plays or who's under center, said Elway, who has asked Manning not to make a rash decision about his future.

The roster features the Thomases, Emmanuel Sanders and Ryan Clady on offense and a star-studded defense led by Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, all of whom were selected, along with Manning, to play in next week's Pro Bowl.

The +Denver Broncos are the first team since the 1996 Carolina Panthers to have four free agent acquisitions named to the all-star squad in their first year with their new team.

(+BRONCOS CR3W believes that the coach has to have an edge, a mentality),

Elway said he will dive into free agency again this offseason. He'll also have eight or nine draft picks, depending on compensatory selections.

''I think it all makes it an attractive opportunity for the next head coach, I really do,'' Ellis said. ''I think the situation here is good.''

The new coach will be asked to mesh his system and create a chemistry to put the Broncos over the hump, and the sooner, the better.

''John feels, and I believe he's right, we've got a good roster in place and we can compete for a championship, OK? And if that's the case, which we believe it is, what's it going to take to close the deal?'' Ellis said. ''And hopefully during the search we can find somebody that can articulate the answer the way John wants to hear it so we can bring somebody in here who can take us to a world championship, and do it the right way.''

Elway's search began Thursday when he interviewed offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was passed up a day earlier for the +San Francisco 49ers' job that went to Jim Tomsula.

Elway also has an interview lined up with coveted Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and he's asked the +Baltimore Ravens if he can interview offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who was his backup QB in Denver from 1983-91.

Elway told Manning he wants him back in 2015, but he's not necessarily searching for a coach who can persuade the five-time +NFL MVP to return for a fourth season in Denver.

''Peyton Manning is one of the game's greatest players today and of all time, and a player like that is entitled to make his decision as he sees fit,'' Ellis said.

Ellis said the new coaching hire is entirely Elway's call and he can't envision differing with his selection.

''John Elway was signed on to make those decisions, and John has shown strong acumen in every area in his job since he's taken it on,'' Ellis said. ''He's going to make the right choice and we're going to go forward with that choice.''

Broncos Interview Adam Gase for Head Coaching Position

We believe #GASE is the next GREAT Head Coach for the #Broncos. It's who we want, truthfully. Also suspect reasoning for departure of Fox

— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) January 15, 2015

HAVE TO DISAGREE about Julius and Demaryius: Can't trust Julius to remain healthy and that is a major factor in millions of dollars. Julius is a WR in reality, it is not true. also. bigger bodied, faster, TE are infiltrating football at mass amounts, but they all really serve as WR's. Demaryius lines up at every WR position and Latimore can be another big body to throw too. Peyton throws more and a possession type big body TE will serve just fine in this offense. Julius' ankles have given him problems since he was drafted. No way we risk the loss of one of the Top3 WR in the +NFL trusting those ankles Mr. Trapasso.

Dear next Broncos coach, here are 3 things you'll want to do immediately
By Chris Trapasso, www.cbssports.com
View Original
January 15th, 2015

Here is a direct note to the next +Denver Broncos head coach. It describes what he must do from the moment he's hired to keep Denver on top of its division and remain an AFC playoff contender.

1. Get Peyton Manning's cell number: John Elway has it. Don't send the legendary quarterback 20 pleading texts in five minutes like an ex-girlfriend while he mulls his future away from team facilities.

One succinct message will get the job done.

"Peyton, I want you on this team. I NEED you on this team" or something along those lines. Get your point across, but sprinkle in some humor. Let him know a second Super Bowl is attainable next season, and if he's fully healthy, he'll be an MVP candidate -- again -- at age 39. No doubt in your mind.

You've found yourself in a tremendous but unusual situation for a just-hired head coach. You're inheriting a club that won four-straight division titles and was in the Super Bowl a year ago. These type of jobs usually don't open. Clearly, there's not a talent issue.

But because of all that, a lofty standard has been set.

You got this though. Can't come in expecting a regression.

Get in touch with Peyton Manning immediately.Photo by: USATSI

2. Bond with the front office: After carefully crafting your message to Manning, your next order of business is to grab a Coors Original with Elway, Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell and Director of Pro Personnel Tom Heckert. The latter is an underrated cog in Denver's front office, by the way. Just make sure to take a cab.

(Yes, Elway is a Coors guy through and through. Thought you should probably know that.)

Begin discussing the massive list of current Broncos who will hit free agency on March 10. Identify a few you all believe should be signed well before those players even get a chance to test the market.

I'll help with this.

Get Orlando Franklin done. If he waits until March 10 without a new deal from Denver, he'll probably bolt to greener pastures, and by "greener" I mean pastures with more money. A young powerful offensive guard who has played tackle in the past and played it well will be held in high regard by many teams looking for improvement up front.

Linebacker Brandon Marshall, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 and is just 25, needs to be re-signed. He plays the ever-important weakside linebacker position and only DeAndre Levy, Von Miller and Khalil Mackwere given higher overall grades by Pro Football Focus at the 4-3 outside linebacker spot. Make it known you want him back, even if the team has to pay a bit "extra" to keep him in town.

After somewhat of a down season, Marshall's linebacker buddy, Nate Irving, should be offered a new deal too. He's only 26, and at worst, he'll serve as solid Danny Trevathan insurance in the future. Should be relatively cheap. Make Steven Johnson priority No. 3 in this pecking order.

Obviously, if upper management can't re-sign all three linebackers, the world won't end. Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson, picks in the 2014 draft, are athletic youngsters waiting for their shot. Remember though, linebackers are key to a sound run defense, and Denver allowed fewer than 4.0 yards per carry in each of the last three years. Impressive.

Wes Welker, Rahim Moore, Terrance Knighton, Jacob Tamme, Will Montgomery and Quinton Carter are goners, although Montgomery will be tough to lose.

Mention you'd like to see backup tight end Virgil Green back on an inexpensive deal as well.

Reach for your wallet to pay for the beers, but you probably won't need to -- I doubt Elway ever pays for a beer in Denver, especially not Coors.

3. Thomas situation: Oh, yeah...you have two other monster free agents -- Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas. Don't hurry to make a rash decision here, and I suggest consulting with Manning before anything is settled.

However, I will say you should ink Julius instead of Demaryius if that's what it comes down to, and being able to sign both to huge contracts isn't likely.

Sure, after a "sub-par" campaign from Julius -- that, mind you, featured 12 touchdown catches -- the fans and media won't like your team prioritizing the tight end over the receiver, especially because Demaryius has pieced together one of the most outrageous three-year spans in NFL history.

He had over 90 catches, 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012, 2013 and 2014. That's Jerry Rice caliber. No, seriously. Rice and Marvin Harrison are the only other receivers to ever eclipse those marks in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in three-straight seasons.

Due to those consistent figures, Demaryius has an insane amount of leverage -- Julius doesn't -- and frankly, the former Georgia Tech pass-catcher probably deserves a gargantuan deal.

But, I'll let Sports Illustrated's Aaron Nagler explain an astute philosophy to live by in regard to free agency:

A reminder as we head into the offseason: The best extensions/signings are the ones that do not reward players for what they've already done — Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) January 14, 2015

Thomas has size and speed and proved to be a legitimate No. 1 receiver, but it's much harder to find a Julius-type tight end than it is to find a Demaryius-type wideout, and this year's receiver draft class is strong.

Don't forget about last year's second-round pick, 6-2, 220-pound pass-catcher Cody Latimer. He basically redshirted as a rookie.

When Julius is healthy this upcoming season, averaging a touchdown per game, you'll be happy you made him the top priority.

Lastly, just in case Peyton doesn't come back, you'll want to get a list together of the draft-eligible quarterbacks, free-agent quarterbacks and schedule a film session meet-and-greet with Brock Osweiler.

You have plenty of work to do, but be glad you're the head coach of such a talented squad in the AFC West.

Jim Rome: John Elway backs Peyton Manning

Playoff Failure Spelled end to Fox-Broncos Marriage:

Playoff failure spelled end for #JohnFox #Broncos #BroncosCR3W #NFL http://bit.ly/BrnCR3W4SB50

Peyton Manning played with torn right quadriceps (yep plural) since Week 14 (Adam Schefter Reported)

As reported by +Adam Schefter first, of +ESPN 

Pssss... to anyone reading, I, staff member of theCR3W(r) of +Denver Broncos believes Kubiak is coming to town and Elway has complete confidence in Osweiler over the next couple seasons. Going to get younger to patch up a few minor deficiencies. Ones that are not necessarily personnel problems at all, but was the coaching. It was especially glaring in the losses and even some of the wins that Fox is of the old school and he can rally a group together and inspire but as far as gametime coaching tact, skill appears to be good, but not great. For a Lombardi, need great in the big games especially at Mile High. 

I am not an idiot though, the doors are WIDE OPEN for Peyton and Gase to finish what they started 4 years ago. Alike Mar believes, I do believe this move will take them over the top. The right coach, a fiery one, one with an edge, almost ab EGO when it comes to calling plays, but very humble and intelligent, great at adjustments and putting players in the best position to succeed as one unit. I really. I believe Gase is the guy for the job and it is who is number 1 on Elway's list. Elway effect!! Love Elway's fire! Shanahan? It is not that far fetched tbh.

I will also add that it is fairly impressive, to say the least, that "The Sheriff" was one game from random and unbiased scheduling, to repeating for a 3rd straight #1 seed in AFC. When you win at that level, divisional round home losses are unacceptable. Its the reason they have the highest home winning pct in the AFC, maybe it was the +NFL. Follow up on that statistic, we'll do. We won't be given the chance to play +New England Patriots in Mile High next year because of the consecutive seasons has taken notice. Lame, but we'll get past it because Broncos CR3W sticks through the good and bad as that is what supporters and fans should do. If not, take that negativity to someone elses house, always cause for optimism and belief for all those that love the +Denver Broncos.

#Broncos LB @BMarshh54 on team's offseason mantra: "Get healthy. Come back with a chip on your shoulder." http://t.co/7gWdXrXRbb
— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) January 13, 2015

Magic happens at Mile High and this team. There is a mentality and belief and the Broncos exhibited it so well in the regular season, but in the last 3 post seasons, that was a bit overwhelming to the Coach and it filters down. Players can feel that. Fox is as chill and resolute as anyone. Perhaps too resolute for a team that has a giant target on their back. They have to get an edge and swag back or in essence, they need to do the same as they do in the regular season, carry that same mental edge and that no one can stop you. Kinda sounds like 59?! Next to 58 and 54, behind 98, 92, and in front of 43, 26, 25, 29, 21. Those numbers should be bringing to anyone they face. OL is the link that needs replaced and strengthened. Quicker and stronger in the interior of it especially. ONE UNIT