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 vs Chiefs NFL Week 2 Matchup Preview

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

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

Broncos CR3W supports Elway on this extremely difficult decision: "Hear Here" ;-b

To The Duke Of Denver: aka John Elway,

BroncosCR3W, Broncos Country, United In Orange are 100% behind your decision and statement regarding Pat Bowlen and the level of team and quality quality, winning football, and organization does not accept divisional round home losses street defending home field all year.

There is a standard set by the very one that made this call. 5 SB trips spoiled Broncos CR3W because of the greatest QB in NFL history.

If some find this difficult to believe, we are so lucky as fans and supporters to have a man run the organization to a set of expectations and winning championships. Go cheer for Oakland if you don't want a level of accomplishment to be a failure.

He (Elway) went through the same type of situation until we got a great aggressor and play caller behind Mr. Elway in HOF coach Mike Shanahan as well as Gary Kubiak. Gase is to be that guy or like we said Todd Bowles in the rant post earlier.

ELWAY: “I thank John Fox for his many contributions during his four seasons as head coach.” [http://t.co/5Unl79Ots5] pic.twitter.com/qvcuHdcdzH

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 12, 2015

In a statement from Elway: “John Fox and I met for more than an hour on Monday afternoon to discuss the 2014 season and our goals for the future. During our open and candid conversation, it became clear that it was best for both the Denver Broncos and Coach Fox to move on and make this change.

“On behalf of the Broncos, I sincerely thank John for his many contributions during his four seasons as head coach. He helped establish a positive, winning culture for this team and deserves a lot of credit for the Broncos’ turnaround. 

“While we have made significant progress under Coach Fox, there is still work to be done. I believe this change at the head coaching position will be in the best interest of our long-term goal, which from day one has been to win World Championships. 

“Our organization is fully dedicated to reaching Pat Bowlen’s high standards for his team as we begin the process of finding the next head coach to lead the Denver Broncos.”

This is an omen to make the tough call, Mr. Elway! Want a Coach that plays to win instead of 'not to lose?'

Todd Bowles will change the mentality of this team to play like it had nothing to lose instead of the other way around. Cannot win playing for the beautiful Lombardi trophy, on your heels, not to make a mistake out of being on the attack. Or? Do you want to play to win the Lombardi in the only way you can. Attacking the other team? John Fox is not your coach to win with all the chips out. Belichick will completely do anything new in order to advance in playoffs. Harbaugh, Paganos. If not Bowles, then Pagano, the +Chargers DC, if not him, then Mike McCoy, who we really want back in the organization would be worth the compensatory picks. Dan Quinn, the +Seattle Seahawks DC.

Love ya Foxy, but two playoff divisional round losses in MILE HIGH and the team played timid, not to make mistakes, instead of putting the inferior team on its heels on the road, the stakes rise and the Broncos seem like they are just trying to sneak it out instead of crushing the team across the line of scrimmage. Bowles exemplifies that perfect!

If Elway is paying attention. He failed on the OL personnel moves (lack of). Exposed in center of line since NE loss. Peyton was always throwing before he wanted to because of the rush, blitzes almost exclusively in the area of 2 gap DT's.

Every coach would line up to have the reigns to this team. +BRONCOS CR3W wants a coach that isn't afraid of losing and plays to win. Not playing games to 'not to lose.' The Baltimore heart crushing loss 2 years ago is another perfect example. 39 seconds left and we kneel on it to go into OT despite having the best record in the NFL and highest scoring offense. Three conservative post season losses and two at home and one in SB, please please go get the Cardinals DC, Bowles or someone with a similar philosophy in regards to getting after the opponent. Dropping Von Miller is great but the fact he wasn't rushing the #1 passing QB this season more often than not, says everything we need to know about JDR and John Fox's approach.

They approached the season with all this talent thinking to not get to fancy with schemes and/or plays because of the talent, but there comes a point where vanilla and 3 and outs effect this club and then they play tight. Need someone that makes this roster play loose and aggressive! Someone to fortify and stop the blitzes that Peyton would burn teams for doing if an offensive line does a great job. Have to expect the defensive holding and pass interference to be overlooked in the playoffs and run the damn ball down the Colts throats. This game should be the end of this staff, as harsh as that sounds. If we want this club to do damage in the post season, there has to be a different coach and mentality...

He is the most promising coordinator in the game. What he does with that defense and going after it. He'd rather foo down paying on the attack than sit on his heels. Sounds like the opposite of the current coach in Denver.

We want an aggressive mentality, like NE or SEA, that pulls it all out when it's all on the line. Defense was trying to keep teams in front of you. Bowles, wants to move the ball backwards, even with his defense.

Coaching and addressing the OL are musts or they'll have the same results. Bless Trevathan, Irving, and Brandon Marshall back to health. That heart, edge, emotion of Trevathan was evidently missed by this unit all year. Similar to Beadles edge playing left guard, Woodyard's leadership was sorely missed. OL was exposed more following the Super Bowl.

Regarding, the Coach, we need a younger gamer that BRINGS IT on gameday. Maybe somebody that relates to the younger players, too? I think the sign is blaring from my take regarding the last 3 losses in AFC Playoffs. Note have seen the pattern 3-straight times. A team timid, and not with it all out on the line. It's the best way to lose big games. Team collapses in the spotlight following their coach into battle.

Need a new message in that locker room. Fox and JDR just kept saying, go ahead Andrew, pick us apart despite are insane size, speed on defense, we'll play on our heels.

Setting this, Elway had no choice not to change the environment at the teams facilities & headquarters.

OL was a bust and Elway thought it would not backfire, but Beadles was missed terribly. Got to get Bowles!!

Only "pro" from losing is that he is still available and interviewing. Not for long. Think of the mindset the Pats play with, while it feels very different under Fox. Great guy but not a playoff coach that will go full assault. He is too conservative. Defense was in prevent from the start. Look what happened when pressure was brought with turnovers. Blown call on fumble in third was huge and those 4 pts the Colts got from the refs. Still, we think this can be a blessing on disguise. Never really felt like Fox was the coach to take team all the way. Always had doubts, regardless of success, with Fox doing the necessary risks and tough calls to go on the aggressive.

Why isn't this team on the aggressive from the opening kick??? This faction of Broncos CR3W doesn't want to go through a full off-season, draft, and great record, playoff berth, only to see them play cautious and on their heels against a team that will take that game because they are there "TO WIN." Bowles is the perfect guy at the perfect time for this team to embrace his traits and concepts.

Todd Bowles, looks to be the former Defensive Coordinator of the +Arizona Cardinals shortly, with an Head Coach position likely to be offered by a number of teams. (Photo Courtesy - +Sports Illustrated - IMG)

Hillman looks like he is NFL ready and is running with confidence, great instinct

#Broncos #Chargers #NFL #SDvsDEN14 #Hillman #Peyton Exchange #TimeToRide #ProtectOURBall http://t.co/MHzxNDdJ4K pic.twitter.com/7yD45cRPPD
— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) November 1, 2014

+Denver Broncos - Photo Courtesy (AP) +BRONCOS CR3W 

FORMER SDSU AZTEC, HILLMAN BECOMING A BIG NAME IN FANTASY FOOTBALL, TOO

Manning Brady Hard to Beat: NFL Game Ratings for Week 9

+NFL Week 9 Game Rankings: Hard to beat 

Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning

Brady and Manning meet again in a rematch of last season's AFC championship game.
+Getty Images

Last week was Statement Week for pretty much every team in the league that needed a win.

Can that continue again?

Every potential contending team that was under extreme duress to win -- +Seattle Seahawks, +New Orleans Saints, +Cincinnati Bengals, +Pittsburgh Steelers and +Buffalo Bills -- won. Even those that simply couldn't really afford to lose to weaker opposition, like Detroit and Cleveland, got the job done. Then there's Chicago. The +Chicago Bears imploded in New England and is sinking to new depths.

But you get the prevailing sentiment that comes into this week. The team that needed the game most, in almost every instance, won in Week 8 -- whether it was a blowout or hard-fought. This week there aren't nearly as many cases where one team that's in the playoff mix really has its back against the wall and needs to prove something.

With six teams on the bye -- the +Detroit Lions, +Atlanta Falcons, +Green Bay Packers, +Buffalo Bills, Bears, and +Tennessee Titans -- there is a dearth of divisional games. There are three total, although two of them are humdingers -- Ravens at Steelers and Saints at Panthers. 

And, in the coveted 4:25 p.m. (EST) slot, which always dominates ratings, we have on what might be the regular-season game of the year on CBS -- possibly the final meeting between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

So why don't we get right to the footlongs on that note, my friends.

Cont on to +CBS Sports H/T: Jason La Canfora

Hard to Beat Manning vs. Brady

MANNING, SANDERS HOOK UP FOR 3 TDS TO LIFT BRONCOS OVER CHARGERS

+The Associated Press 

Associated Press (DenverBroncos.com)

With this much speed and acceleration, it's no surprise Emmanuel Sanders is so adept at catching up.

Sanders waited six long weeks to join the list of players who have caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning. Now, he has four in less than a week.

Manning and Sanders connected for a trio of touchdowns Thursday night in the +Denver Broncos' 35-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers .

"We understand in this offense, it can be anyone's night at any moment," said Sanders, who didn't catch his first TD pass for Denver until Sunday night, when Manning set the career record. "I'm just happy tonight was my night."

Sanders caught all nine passes Manning threw his way and gained 120 yards Thursday night.

He needs just 106 more yards to top his best season he ever had in four years in Pittsburgh. That's all in a night's work for Sanders, who has four career 100-yard receiving games, all this season.

"I'm enjoying playing with him," Manning said. "He's got a great work ethic. He really loves football and he brings that energy to practice every day and also to the playing field. ... He was pretty special tonight."

With the Chargers' banged-up secondary double-teaming red-hot receiver Demaryius Thomas, Sanders caught TD throws of 2, 31 and 3 yards. The last one followed Chris Harris Jr.'s interception of a flustered Philip Rivers.

Shots of the Game: #Broncos-#Chargers #SDvsDEN14 #NFL #BroncosCR3W http://t.co/NN5WE0l9AN pic.twitter.com/RWIgKIPWKJ
— Broncos CR3W (@BRONCOSCR3W) October 28, 2014

Rookie running back Juwan Thompson added two TD runs as the Broncos (6-1) tightened their grip on the AFC West division in the +NFL over the Chargers (5-3), who lost their second straight game.

"It's an accomplishment for the room," said Ronnie Hillman, who carried 20 times for 109 yards. "It's a touchdown for the room. He's taking them, but that's all right. He earns them. That's a tough 2 yards to get. I'm just playing my role getting him down there."

Manning finished 25 of 35 for 286 yards with three TDs and no interceptions or sacks five nights after breaking Brett Favre's career touchdown mark.

Sanders' speed, combined with Hillman's second gear, is the juice GM John Elway had in mind when he said the Broncos could be better this year than they were last season.

"John Elway and his staff went out and wanted to increase our team speed in all phases of the game and I think we've done that," coach John Fox said.

+BRONCOS CR3W - http://bit.ly/1wbzK6s

Sanders called Denver "wide receivers' heaven" when he joined the Broncos in the spring. He spent his first five games in a Broncos uniform piling up the yards -- 473 of them -- but wistfully wishing to become the 45th player to catch a touchdown pass from Manning.

The only blemish in Sanders' breakout night was his fumble in the fourth quarter that +Wes Welker recovered.

His teammates teased him that he'll be carrying around the football with the green beanie as punishment next week.

"But it's not big deal," Sanders said. "It's only going to make me better."

Each time Thompson scored, Rivers and the Chargers responded with 80-yard drives that ended with touchdown catches by tight end Antonio Gates. His first score was a 4-yard grab on fourth down, his second a 10-yard catch with 9 1/2 minutes left that made it 35-21.

Rivers finished 30 of 41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions.

Brandon McManus missed a 53-yard field goal with six minutes remaining, giving the Chargers great field position, but safety Rahim Moore intercepted Rivers' pass to Malcolm Floyd at the Denver 4 and the Broncos grounded it out from there.

With Sanders having a big day, Demaryius Thomas quietly topped 100 yards himself for the fourth straight week, finishing with 105 yards on eight catches, a team record.

Manning broke another of Favre's records on this night, albeit a much more obscure one: he now has 16 seasons with 20 or more touchdown passes, one more than Favre. And he's approaching another of Favre's marks: with his 157th career multiple TD game, Manning is two shy of Favre's mark in that category.

After losing at home to the Chargers on a Thursday night in December -- Denver's only home loss last season -- the Broncos changed their work week. They practiced without pads and helmets.

But their first two drives led to punts as defensive coordinator John Pagano again found ways to thwart Manning even with a banged-up secondary that was missing cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (concussion) and Steve Williams (groin).

Then, Sanders starting finding the end zone.

+Denver Broncos : Photo Courtesy (AP) +NFL +CBS Sports +Chargers 

"They're better than us right now," San Diego safety Eric Weddle said. "That's the reality of it. It's a long season. When we meet them again, however many more times, we'll be better."

Even Manning found something he didn't like on his and Sanders' big night.

He didn't like it when the scoreboard operator fired up the crowd when the Broncos were trying to chew up the clock.

"I'm not sure what he's doing, he's playing music and showing players dancing and getting the crowd fired up when we have the ball," Manning complained. "I don't think we should be doing that. I don't think we should be showing their quarterback on the sideline. I thought that was disrespectful.

"Our fans are great. Our fans are loud. Our scoreboard operator, it wasn't his best night."

Notes: Gates became the Chargers' career leader in yards receiving with 9,610, breaking the mark set by Hall of Fame WR Lance Alworth (9,584). ... Broncos LB Lamin Barrow sustained a concussion.

Revisiting the great ROF Class from Sunday, week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs of 2014 Season

Courtesy of +Jim Saccomanno twitter: @Broncos_Sacco

Three former Broncos icons will finally get a well-deserving place in the Ring of Fame during the induction ceremony this weekend at halftime of the Broncos-Chiefs game at Mile High.

When the current +Denver Broncos are taking a 15-minute break at halftime during the +Kansas City Chiefs game Sunday, two former Broncos players and a former head coach will get some longtime-coming and well-deserved recognition at Mile High.

The three former Broncos icons - halfback/kicker Gene Mingo (1960-64), wide receiver/returner Rick Upchurch (1975-83) and Head Coach Dan Reeves (1981-92) - will be inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, an honor Pat Bowlen inaugurated in 1984 when he took over ownership of the team.

The three honorees represent the most Ring of Fame inductions in a single year since 1988 when quarterback Craig Morton, wide receiver Haven Moses and kicker Jim Turner were elected. Mile High Report will have individual posts honoring each of the inductees.

The @Broncos #RingofFame is shining even brighter tonight with new inductees Gene Mingo, Rick Upchurch & Dan Reeves. pic.twitter.com/Q20E1RG2Pf
— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) September 13, 2014

"It means the world. It really does," said Upchurch on Friday. "Not so much for myself. It shows the type of team that we had. When you have guys that are working awfully hard for you, and then this happens for you...all I have to say is every guy that ever blocked for me, all the guys that ever helped me out, all the coaches that put together game plans, all of them are Ring of Famers, and I represent them."

It means the world. It really does. It shows the type of team we had. When you have guys that are working awfully hard for you, adn then this happens for you...all of them are Ring of Famers. -RIck Upchurch, wide receiver/kick returner 1975-1983

Reeves was also complimentary of those who provided the opportunity for his success.

"It's unbelievable. First of all, for a coach, unlike a player, you get this award because of an awful lot of people," Reeves said, naming Bowlen and owner Edward Kaiser who hired Reeves. "Usually in your first coaching job, you don't have a real good football team. I had a great football team. We won - I think - 10 games that year because we had a lot of great players.

In fact, Reeves pointed out that seven of the players he inherited were in the Ring of Fame, including now Upchurch.

"I've been fortunate to have a lot of great players, a lot of great coaches, a good front office, owners and all those people," he said.

After Sunday's induction ceremony, there will be 27 players and coaches in the Ring of Fame. These latest three are among several players fans have been asking to be included for years.

Gene Mingo, one of four players in the Ring of Fame to have come from the original Denver Broncos team, said he'd get calls from fans every time an inductee would be named and it wouldn't be him. When President Joe Ellis called him last spring to say he had been voted in, Mingo said he "lost it."

"I lost it for I don't know how many seconds, but I couldn't say anything. All I could do was shed tears," Mingo said on Friday, adding that even after he played on other teams, the Broncos were always his team. "When I was playing with other teams, I would always look in Monday morning's paper to see what the Broncos did - if they'd won or lost. I was very happy for them."

Fifty years later, @Broncos' Gene Mingo is getting some well-deserved recognition - "I'm in a cloud." #RingOfFame pic.twitter.com/3zytvaVH2V

— Laurie Volkmann (@docllv) September 13, 2014

Now that he's finally going in, Mingo could care less how long it took.

"But all I have to say is I'm very, very proud and happy to be going in now," Mingo said. "I am in a cloud."

Just coaching is such a joy. To have had the opportunity to do that here for 12 years is great. -Dan Reeves, head coach 1981-1992

Upchurch and Reeves would also hear rumblings from fans when they would get passed over for the ROF.

But the former coach wisely noted that he learned long ago not to worry about what he could not control. And the standout wide receiver/kick returner added that he never really thought about it.

"If it happened, then that was fine. If not, that's OK, too," Upchurch said. "I do know what we did here as a football team. We did some positive things, and I was a part of that."

Although Mingo played in a different stadium that no longer exists, he has fond memories of scoring the first points in the original stadium, running 82 yards, and even enduring extra conditioning with coach Chuck Gavin.

"He would work me out worse than any coach I've ever had," Mingo recalled. "I wanted to fight him some days. That was Chuck Gavin. Chuck wanted me to get into the Ring of Fame."

Reeves, too, reflected on some of his favorite memories while coaching the Orange and Blue.

Not wanting to pick his "favorite team he ever coached," Reeves did mention going to the Super Bowl via John Elway's "The Drive" as a top contender.

"To do it in the circumstances of playing on the road, in a tough environment, doing it the way we did it - driving 98 yards - you don't ever forget those things," Reeves said Friday. "That's a special memory. Just coaching is such a joy. To have had the opportunity to do that here for 12 years is great."

Congratulations to the newest members of the Ring of Fame.

Go Broncos!

2-0 Baby! Kinks to Iron out, but the W's are all that matter!

Relive #Broncos’ Sunday victory here with full highlights —> http://t.co/i4eLFfYQ0N pic.twitter.com/uhffJs28br
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 15, 2014

Week 1 Final: A "W!" at home vs the Colts. Tale of two halves. Roby looks ready for the part!

Broncos give $12,500 signing bonus to Isaiah Burse, highest of all Denver CFAs

Broncos give $12,500 signing bonus to Isaiah Burse

By +Mike Klis

+The Denver Post

Want to know which undrafted free agent has the best chance to make the +Denver Broncos’ roster this year? The money says receiver/returner Isaiah Burse and former Colorado State linebacker Shaquil Barrett have the best odds. They got the largest signing bonuses among the Broncos’ 14 undrafted players. And don’t fall asleep on former +Michigan State receiver Bennie Fowler.

Former Colorado State running back Kapri Bibbs, meanwhile, is a considerable underdog. He tied for the second-smallest signing bonus at $2,000. Then again, in 2011 the Broncos a +Kansas Jayhawks defensive back named Chris Harris to a $2,000 signing bonus.

A 15th undrafted free agent, receiver Greg Hardin, is finishing up at North Dakota and won’t report until Monday. The signing bonuses for 14 Broncos undrafted free agents who have signed:

Player, pos., signing bonus
1. Burse, Isaiah WR …… $12,500
2. Barrett, Shaquil LB … $10,000
3. Fowler, Bennie WR …… $7,000
4. Clay, Brennan RB ……. $5,000
4. Young, Lou DB ………. $5,000
6. Renner, Bryn QB …….. $4,000
6. Sullen, Jordan DB …… $4,000
8. Thompson, Juwan RB ….. $3,500
9. Cobble, Mister DT …… $3,000
10. Anunike, Kenny DE ….. $2,500
10. Sterling, Aslam T ….. $2,500
12. Bibbs, Kapri RB ……. $2,000
12. Latta, Greg DE …….. $2,000
14. Clark, Steven P ……. $1,000

Peyton Manning speaking with David Letterman about his neck Surgery (Full Length)

+Denver Broncos prolific QB of the +NFL record setting offense last year discusses his neck surgery. (Full Clip of Aired) -Former +Tennessee Vols

BRONCOS CR3W: How does Broncos QB, Peyton Manning, Read a Play 

BRONCOS CR3W: David Letterman and Peyton Manning Talk about "Omaha!", Goodell 

Julius Thomas showing off what it is to be Against Physics, Newton's Laws of Gravity

Post by Julius Thomas.

+Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas with +ESPN's Sport Science

5 Headline NFL 2014 Preseason Games at First Glance

Seahawks - Broncos to rematch in Broncos first NFL preseason game (despite slated in regular season as well)

Nate Irving (#56 of Denver) breaks up pass intended for J. Kearse (#15 of Seattle) in 1st quarter of Super Bowl.

They'll rematch in the 2014 regular season as well. Photo Courtesy +Denver Broncos (AP)

The Five Most Intriguing Games On The 2014 NFL Preseason Schedule

Are you ready for some (pre-season) football? With the release of the NFL Preseason schedule earlier today, football-starved fans across the Internet finally have something concrete to look forward to, and talk about. While the games will be meaningless come December, there will be position battles to be won and lost and, of course, the longer extra point experiment. For the first two weeks of the preseason, the ball will be spotted at the 20-yard line for extra point kicks, which will turn extra points from 20-yard chip shots into something slightly more interesting. Last year, close to 99% of extra points were converted, which created little incentive for fans to stay in front of their televisions after the first six points. With that in mind, we've broken down the five most interesting preseason games, starting with the Chargers opener against the Cowboys.

Broncos to break in Levi's Stadium (49ers Pristine New Home) in Preseason

Week 1: Cowboys at Chargers: Last season Chargers PK Nick Novak had the worst success rate for kicks between 30-39 yards, going 13-16, or 81%. At the equivalent of a 38-yard field goal, the extended extra point could be an adventure for Novak. The game may also be as expensive some of the games on the Chargers schedule for the regular season, as the Cowboys almost always drive up prices on the road, even for their preseason games.

Week 4: Jets at Eagles: Week 4 is typically the week when starters take a seat. If Geno Smith beats out Michael Vick for the Jets starting job, this game could be a match-up of Michael Vick vs.Mark Sanchez, two once-franchise QBs. While not exactly the return of Andy Reid last year, it will be the most interesting pre-season game on Eagles schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with football. Vick spent five years in Philadelphia and he has the franchise to thank for giving him a second chance and a deal worth $100 million. In return, he delivered two wild-card playoff losses, and it will be interesting to see how the ever-honest fans at Lincoln Financial Field greet Vick in his return.

Week 2: Broncos at 49ers: If not for Richard Sherman, this could have been a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. It will be the second year in a row the Broncos Schedule sets up a pre-season visit to San Francisco. While last year was Peyton’s final visit to Candlestick Park, this year will be his first to Levis Field. It will also be the first football game played in the $1.2 billion stadium, aka, the Field of Jeans. Given that novelty element, it will likely be sold out or close to sold out. Levis has a capacity of 68,500, which makes it on the small side for a football stadium. As a point of reference, the first ever game at Metlife Stadium brought in 67,511 fans for a game against the Jets and the Giants. The game was technically a home game on the Jets schedule, which may have been part of the reason almost 20,000 seats went unfilled.

August 3rd, Hall Of Fame Game: Giants Vs. Bills: While this would have been a potential Super-Bowl Matchup in the early 90s, in 2014, it’s a match-up of two teams just looking to compete. It is, however, the first snap of the football, and therefore, exciting.

Week 1: Seahawks at Broncos: While the preseason is often meaningless, this rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII should have a lot of meaning for the +Denver Broncos. After getting demolished by the Seahawks in the SuperBowl, a win in the rematch could allow the Broncos to shake some of the nightmares that they've surely lived with since February. For Broncos fans, a close game will give them a chance to imagine what could have been. A win would likely give them confidence about success for the Broncos schedule that’s ahead. Another blowout loss could lead to some serious soul searching, even if Peyton manning only takes a quarter of the snaps. (This statement should put any sports, football casual journalist on suspension for its miraculous attempt at making keyboard millennial trolls jump all over this and ride it for what it is worth, nothing) Something we see on +Bleacher Report and others horrifying articulation of pointless things. Sports CR3W would like to hope that we admit when we are following the lead of such a fuss on anything and will delineate what is worth keeping up in the brain for future use, reference. 

Broncos and Seahawks square off in Week 1 of Preseason

We say, "In what way is this even feasible?? Soul searching from ONE quarter in the "bleep,,, bleeping,, bleeeping" PREASEASON!! You're 'bleeeeep!ng' joking, right?"

+SPORTS CR3W will have to disagree with this statement or any other 'pundit' and/or 'analysis / insight' about a PRESEASON match whether it is a rematch or not. The same will be said of the +Seattle Seahawks and Broncos regular season matchup in Seattle that has all sorts of variables in it that weigh no significance regarding the Super Bowl debacle. 

To say and buy into ANY hype of a preseason game and its results is just plain misleading, ignorant, and naive. Sorry to all those expert journalists that will make so much of this matchup and the writers that are actually qualified to vote on matter of Hall of Fame inductees to MVP awards, etc. If qualifications pass for them on the latter matter's mentioned, they should know better than to say the result of this preseason game merits a single ioda towards a possible meeting about 5 months from then. Sorry preseason, John Fox and the Broncos use base defense, do not gameplan on offense and the point of the preseason is to give fringe players (especially the 1st and 2nd preseason games) a look at how they mesh or play with starters and players that are deeper on the depth chart. Mainly to see if they can make the cut or not, of course.

Especially, in special teams analysis of who could/should make the team for defense/special teams and hone their other skills at the perspective position. Simply said, do not give a damn about the result here, it has no relevance as to how the regular season will unfold for either club. Broncos will be using a lot of new faces on defense as well as old that were not on the team's Super Bowl roster. A reminder to all those that forget. 8 turnovers, the Broncos would have lost to the Canadian Football League champs to put it lightly. Suffice it to say, the Seahawks did not beat the Broncos "A" team as we've written before.

h/t +Forbes

Oversight : Piece #3 for Mile High Welcoming Committee - Mr.. Demarcus Ware

Welcome to the only Mile High around, Mr. Ware! Glad you are orange of Broncos Country & Broncos CR3W!! +Denver Broncos +BRONCOS CR3W +NFL

Photo Courtesy:
Denver Broncos (AP)

DeMarcus Ware Happy to be whom Von Miller looks to

How the Broncos Fared with Free Agency Additions, NFL New Year, 2014

Broncos' free agency scorecard: Arrivals

In the it-seems-like-a-lot-longer department, NFL free agency will have been open for about a month by the time Wednesday afternoon rolls around.

And for the +Denver Broncos those six days were filled with plenty of negotiations and some big checks. As Broncos’ executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway has put it, it was all in the name of filling “glaring needs’’ on the roster. The idea, Elway said, is to have enough salary cap space to participate in free agency if you wish, limit the dead money (salary cap charges for players no longer with the team) and position the Broncos to look at the draft board in May and select the best players available with each pick instead those who are needed the most.


Ward

S T.J. Ward

What did he sign for? Four years, $22.5 million, $5 million to sign

Why him? Ward estimated he played “about 70 percent of the time’’ down in the box for the Cleveland Browns last season. And that’s just the kind of presence the Broncos want, and need, in a defense that spends much of its time in specialty looks.

He had 112 tackles last season in that role and will bring some toughness into the team’s secondary. The Broncos do prefer their safeties to be interchangeable if possible and able to line up as strong safeties in some situations and play out in coverage more as free safeties at times as well.

This will be the player, the casual fan suddenly falls in love with because of his intensity, physicality, and generally, great play that they overlooked (or did not really know of him) because of the other big splash free agent signings. He has just started his prime as well. Outside of Jarius Byrd, Ward was the best available safety and probably the best run support safety in free agency. The +Denver Broncos defense was more of an aberration than most last year. They've got talent at all positions and with the type of home field they've instituted as well as the NFL's record setting offense to use to their advantage. The main focus is stopping the run so teams cannot keep them off of the field. But creating takeaways and the turnover battle was the sole negative attribute to the AFC Championship squad. The special teams are included in that category as a turnover on special teams or even an allowed return is as good as a pick 6. These plays are that evident in teams win percentage when getting one or allowing one. 

What happened in the Super Bowl, they effectively turned it over 8 times in that game, by the special teams analogy mentioned above. They ranked #2 in the NFL the year before with a much healthier defense and the Broncos have as much talent, if not more on this side of the ball, when healthy. Elway did his usual thing, the first signing was a significant player, a bit unknown, but a major addition that will be a significant strength for them. Last year it was Louis Vasquez as +BRONCOS CR3W was very happy with. Similar to signing Ward. With a healthy Rahim Moore, Talib, Von Miller, Chris Harris, Pot Roast, Danny Trevathan, DeMarcus Ware, Sly Williams and co., they are a list of very stout, stellar defensive players.

While the game film shows Ward has clearly played the role of strong safety far more in his career, he has the ability to drop into coverage when asked. It was no accident he was the Broncos’ first target when the bidding began and after the team initially believed Ward would be out of their price range, the two sides found a deal to their liking.

Ward has $7 million guaranteed in 2014 with the potential for a $4 million guaranteed next March and a potential $2.5 million guaranteed in March of 2016.

At the moment Ward projects as the Broncos’ strong safety with Rahim Moore, former +UCLA Bruins standout, returning at free safety. Ward could also line up as a weak-side linebacker in some of the Broncos’ specialty dime (six defensive backs) and seven-defensive back looks.

Grade = A (9.5/10) (if a rating on a scale of 1 to 10 clarifies it better for some)


Talib
CB Aqib Talib

What did he sign for? Six years, $57 million, $5 million to sign.

Why him? Talib represents the Broncos’ biggest gamble in free agency. The deal is far more salary-cap friendly for the team than was initially believed when the numbers were first floated after the two sides agreed to terms.

If Talib plays every game in ’14 he gets $12 million guaranteed this season -- signing bonus, roster bonus and base salary to go with another potential total of $500,000 in game-by-game bonuses. If for some reason things don't go as hoped for them, the Broncos can part ways after ’14 with limited salary cap implications and the potential impact goes down significantly each year after that.

But Talib has never played 16 games in a season. He has said the hip injury many have cited -- that’s how the +New England Patriots listed him this past season on the injury report -- was not, in fact a hip injury, but rather a thigh injury and that he’s “100 percent’’ on his arrival to the Broncos.

He has top-level speed, has matched up with some of the league’s best -- he held the Saints’ Jimmy Graham without a catch last season -- and plays with a physical edge. It’s all needed in the Broncos defense and why the Broncos moved so quickly last Tuesday night when apprised of Talib’s interest in them.

But the injury issue is there. If he can consistently stay on the field, however, it’s a win at a high-need position for Broncos. Regardless, the +Denver Broncos released franchise All-Pro CB, Champ Bailey, and were in need of placing a top CB in the +NFL on their roster. Talib offers a lot of versatility. Much like +BRONCOS CR3W have mentioned on many occasions about Chris Harris. Talib is even a little bigger and longer. Giving the Broncos a CB that can go inside and play the slot WR/TE or go on the outside.

DRC provided the Broncos with an unexpected necessity of having a top CB in the lineup with all the injuries they suffered. Albeit, the Broncos pass defense was a below average 19th in the NFL last year. Talib, not only was plucked from the +New England Patriots as mentioned but also is signed to multiple years entering his prime. Many sources confirmed the Broncos had a very similar type offer to DRC, who signed later with the +New York Giants for much less. Elway isn't about to take a 'siesta' when the NFL "New Year" begins. If DRC hadn't panned out, they could have been looking at FA CB's that are not of that caliber and/or hoping to replace that big of piece through the draft. Fortunately, Elway doesn't play 'wait and see' and landed Talib who was a big time asset for the Patriots, now wearing Orange. Patriots were fortunate to land Darrelle Revis after being released and many sang the praises of Belichick, but overreacting would be putting it nicely. Originally thought to be 1 year, it is a 2 year deal with a significant cap hit. Manu oblivious statements like, "Broncos mortgage..." their cap and future by the contracts they putting out there.

For those paying attention though, after much more research into the specifics of the contracts and the cap space they were taking a hit on or risking next year or the following year showed nothing really of the sort. They were paying Champ a similar salary and released him. Essentially just retaining that contract. Cap space increases over the last two years and what is expected to be more again next. Silly thing is that if that were the case, why didn't the Broncos overspend on Decker, D'Qwell Jackson (now an +Indianapolis Colts LB), and Zane Beadles (+UTES CR3W). Basically scaling out the losses and releases to the additions of current free agent contracts, cap space. Looking into the cap for the following few seasons and Elway emphasized this by the jump to the conclusions, breaking second news reporters that often knee jerk react instead of waiting to hear out details. Not a surprise, "Elway Effect" is becoming a common phrase by the ability to land the big name free agents and navigating the salary cap to do so.

Talib is one of the best CB in the game and although +BRONCOS CR3W often referred to Chris Harris as the best kep secret in the NFL for CB's and thanks to Chris Harris and his awesome play, it is no longer remaining a secret. Some gasped at the signing bonus etc, but the bones includes a significant payout if he were to suffer a career ending injury. Writing in between the lines that no tweet or short paragraph posts from +Bleacher Report, +FanSided, and/or +RantSports that has no depth or clarity. Just a headline grabber to stir the 'millenial' troll pot a little bit and to get a page driven click. We declare on the outset that we are not gonna blow minds with most articles, but we will do some diligence in the title or opening paragraph as to the nature of our posts. Read some headline from +Bleacher Report and it end up being completely irrelevant or lacking any cool graphic. pic. They are fairing off well and we enjoy some of their posts, but many of them use +Pro Football Focus rating to 'make it appear' like there is depth to their analysis with all PFF does it make rating that are so badly based from the out set, we are baffled they even attempt to pass them off as valid analysis or statistical analysis. That's the rag on the blog culture out there for the Broncos CR3W, "Monday Already" segment to roll out down the road.

It is the 3rd offseason 'pundits' have spoken such.  Elway certainly was adamant about that and he also has no fear of being fired or let go as a GM. Elway does not rely on this to give him creed for future GM slots around the league. This IS Elway's Broncos'. It's only appropriate that the team he would spend so much time performing his job is the franchise the he himself built as a Hall of Fame QB of the Broncos. Elway isn't afraid of being fired, he is an extremely successful philanthropist, entrepreneur, and business owner. He is not concerned about that or being fired and in some way, may gives him an advantage because Elway is a "football player" at heart. He always said that to critics during his playing days. He did not think of himself as a QB, he was a football player, first and foremost.

Grade: A (9.5/10)


Ware

DE DeMarcus Ware

What did he sign for? Three years, $30 million, $5 million to sign.

Why him? The Broncos had red-alert issues on the depth chart in the secondary and at defensive end when free agency opened. In terms of initial guaranteed money, the Broncos dove in with more for Ware than they gave to Talib.

Ware has $16.5 million guaranteed out the gate, including his $3 million base salary in ’14, his signing bonus, another $5 million bonus and $3.5 million guaranteed in his $7 million base salary for 2015. Ware also has and additional $6.5 million worth of potential guarantees in 2015 if he’s on the roster on the fifth day of the league year.

That’s a big commitment to a player who will soon be 32 years old, but the Broncos see a player with 117 career sacks who has missed just three games in his career and who was playing at a high level until he tried to play through an injury last season. Ware had elbow surgery early in the offseason and says “I’m ready to go’’ for the Broncos.

He’s a potential every-down player for the Broncos, but they will monitor how they use him to maximize his impact. A powerful and accomplished lead-by-example guy they believe will help mentor Von Miller as well as 2013 draft pick Quanterus Smith.

Broncos CR3W will be honest, at first, this signing and the expediency of it. Ware went through his first season with nagging injuries costing him playing time and quality of play. That said, Ware is not in his mid 30 that many start to see that decline of performance unfolding. He is still 31 and has pep in his step. He is very good rushing the passer obviously but he can remain in there for rushing personnel as well. Rushing the pass was possibly the biggest variable the Broncos need to address after coming up short in Super Bowl XLVIII last season vs the +Seattle Seahawks. Von Miller tore his ACL late in the season last year. Kevin Vickerson, Derek Wolfe were on IR as well. The signing in the secondary would be reckless if they didn't address this and the addition of Ware was massive. Peyton's window is shrinking as many would say. Without a pass rush and man know, Von Miller could be the best in the league when he is at his best. Miller demands double teams often and that luxury will be much tougher with possibly the best pass rushing interior DT's in the NFL, Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton, last year's #1 pick, Sylvester Williams, and a markedly improvement by Malik Jackson who can go outside and play DE on downs. The draft has some very deep talent and prospect pool for nearly all positions and many consider, as do we, the best draft class in 15 to 20 years. Initially, we gave this a B (8/10)

DeMarcus Ware Highlights on Broncos TV 

Grade: A- (9/10)

Miller's return is unknown and it could be very possible to see him need next season to get that last 5% that some with ACL repairs find missing less than a year removed from an ACL repair. Chris Harris suffered a torn ACL too, but he did not tear the MCL or PCL, so many suspect his return should be quicker an easier way to find the remaining 5% from that 100%. There's only one Adrian Peterson that comes back from 6 months removed of ACL surgery and is better than ever...

WR Andre Caldwell

What did he sign for? 2 years, $3.45 million.

Andre "Bubba" Caldwell running for a TD after connecting with Peyton Manning. Baybay Thomas (right)
blocking Chargers DB. Week 15, 2013 +NFL season. Photo Courtesy: +NBC Sports (Sports Images/Getty)

Why him? The Broncos had just two wide receivers -- Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker -- on the roster when free agency opened who had also been on the team’s 53-man roster last season.

The Broncos see a deep and speedy class of big, physical receivers on the draft board and will give a long look toward using a premium pick on one of them. But signing Caldwell, a player quarterback Peyton Manning trusts in the offense, before free agency formally opened allowed the Broncos to have some patience in the opening waves of the bidding and as they prepare for the draft.

Grade = B+ (8.9/10) *with an even higher upside to the grade*

Caldwell has made the most of his chances when he has seen the field. The fact that he was signed the same off season as Peyton Manning (signed prior to Peyton signing) lends itself to have some very high upside here. Peyton showed many times, and even in the Super Bowl that he has confidence and is not going to hesitate throwing to Caldwell. He ended up with 3 TDs for 3 starts. Filling in when Welker sat out. The familiarity is there and Caldwell knows Peyton's checks, etc. Last year, during the off-season when Peyton set up throwing and practicing with his WRs, RBs, skill players, Caldwell was not there. Baybay, Decker, and +Wes Welker were. This year, Caldwell was invited in the same offeror dialogue with Demaryius, Welker, and Julius Thomas. Caldwell is now in his 3rd year with the Broncos and really in the prime of his career at this moment. He's shown he can grab receptions in live action and we do not see why it would not be the same. Hard to argue for a select few that others' offer what Eric Decker did as a receiver.

Broncos record-setting offense would probably find Caldwell putting up some nice stat line if he saw the field as often. Maybe a bit of a stretch. Not too mention the draft as we've pointed out, is so deep at WR talent, it is hard to fathom some are going to be a late first round to even mid round selections. Just one year earlier, WR's picked well into the 2nd and 3rd rounds this year cold have been one of the first 5 WRs chosen last year. Position is pretty locked up and some potentially raw, unpolished talent in the practice squad ranks. Julius Thomas, Rod Smith are just a couple names to come from such places. After signing the speedy, just entering his prime/peak of his career and had the best season statistically of his career, the Broncos added to, fortify, having Caldwell (whose grade became an A (10/10) after Emmanuel Sanders was signed to terms.


Sanders

WR Emmanuel Sanders

What did he sign for? 3 years for approximately $17 million.

Why him? The league is abuzz with the fact he had agreed to terms with the +Kansas City Chiefs, but he agreed to terms with the Broncos Sunday.

The two sides had agreed to terms Sunday and he was scheduled for a physical Sunday at the team’s Dove Valley complex. The Broncos discussed plenty of receivers in the opening days of free agency and had Sanders at, or near, the top of their list, but waited for some of the dust to settle a bit.

Sanders is undersized so the Broncos will be a smaller group overall, at least until the draft, than they were with Eric Decker in the mix last season. But he has versatility in that he can play, with production, both the outside and slot positions.

He does drop some passes at times, but he gives the Broncos more speed on the depth chart with the ability to play all over the formation.

Grade = A- (9/10)

There is no denying that the +Chicago Bears, +New England Patriots, +Tampa Bay Buccaneers amongst others did well in free agency, but it is very difficult to dispute the +Denver Broncos did not address their needs and depth via free agency for what it is already a loaded roster. As we always say at +BRONCOS CR3W, "Time will Tell..."