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)

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...

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

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)

Fox, Coordinators Enjoy a Night to touch on all things Broncos

Fox, Coordinators Talk All Things Broncos

Gray Caldwell

Editor, DenverBroncos.com / Team Media

Follow Gray on Twitter

The "A Night with the Coaches" event took place Tuesday night at +Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Coach John Fox, #Broncos coordinators took part in A Night with the Coaches @SportsAuthField: http://t.co/iYspaAgwNv pic.twitter.com/6TQQYHjt3l
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 14, 2014

DENVER -- On Tuesday evening, Sports Authority Field at Mile High got a little taste of football.

Thanks to +U.S. Bank and +Del Frisco's, Broncos suite holders and sponsors got a chance to spend "A Night with the Coaches."

Head Coach John Fox, Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio, Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase and Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers each chatted with emcee Dave Logan and took questions from the crowd at the exclusive event. +NFL, AFC West Division, Denver Broncos Coaches and two Broncos HOF Members were all there.

Topics broached included Denver's additions through free agency and the draft, a Week 3 matchup with Seattle, construction at the team's Dove Valley headquarters and even pushing back the extra point. Broncos signed Fox to 3 year extension this offseason.

Original Photo Courtesy & Rights: Denver Broncos (AP)

Below are the highlights from the night's Q&A.

JOHN FOX
Related: John Fox Photo Gallery +Denver Broncos.com

On bouncing back from last season: 

"When you don't win your last game -- there's only one team that gets to experience that, and we want to be that team. That's our goal. That's really our No. 1 goal. It starts the minute that game's over. Whether it was the first year -- losing in the playoffs at New England -- whether it was two years ago losing at home against Baltimore or whether it was losing the Super Bowl -- I know that was a big disappointment for everybody in this room -- but you learn from it and you try to improve from it. We've worked very hard. I think it's probably been the most productive offseason. I think our team is even more hungry than it was the previous two years. Luke Richesson, our strength coach, has told me, 'Coach, I've never in my years as as strength and conditioning coach seen a team work this hard.' So our guys are at it already and have been for the last three weeks. We're in what we call Phase Two. Our coaches have them now, and it's an incredibly good group. I think we've improved the talent level. We've gotten a lot of the injured folks we lost along the way a year ago back, and I think people will like what they see."

On whether the matchup with Seattle is Denver's biggest regular-season game in 2014: 

"It'll be a very important game. I really can't think of a much bigger stage than to lose to Baltimore in the playoff game here at home a year ago and then to open the NFL season on Thursday night in front of the world -- that was pretty big. But they all count the same. I know it sounds like coachspeak, but it's really true. They don't count as two losses; you don't get two wins. It's one game. I don't think that early in the season it's going to define our season. They're all big -- you only get 16 of them. Down the road, they have implications. Just like every year, this year our goal will be to win the AFC West, to win our division, because when that happens you're guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Again, this year -- just like every year -- we'll try to create home-field advantage, which I think was a huge thing this past season. Then, ultimately, winning and hoisting that Super Bowl Lombardi Trophy, and this year it will be in Arizona, is our goal."

RELATED: A Night with the Broncos Coaches (Video)

JACK DEL RIO
RELATED: Broncos DC, Jack Del Rio on FA additions, Rookie Class

On free agency:

"I had a wish list. I said, you know, if I could make it happen it would be a dominant rush end, a strong safety that will come up and really strike fear in an offense and really be a tone-setter, and a premium corner. I said, that would be my wish list. There's no way we'll get that done, but I'd love to see that happen. Any way you can make that happen, Mr. Elway? But John pulled it off! You've got to be kidding me! That was outstanding! But no, it was a great collection. Our offseason has been one where, as Coach Fox said, as a football team we want to improve. Every year you look to improve. We made a choice to go after a couple star players and made it happen. I'm not sure how we pulled it off, but that was a good get. And that was the beginning, because we obviously had the draft as well. But those free agents coming in here, they're all mature guys, they've all kind of cut their teeth already, they're all proven players in this league and they're going to plug in real well for our defense."

On adding that much talent:

"When you have guys like DeMarcus (Ware) and Von (Miller), if you have just one, they can slide protection to that guy. When you have two, it makes it very difficult to slide protection. And if you're too busy fanning out to protect them both, then you're vulnerable to things up the middle and other places. It gives you an opportunity to put more pressure on the offense. And then from a coverage standpoint, having a guy like Aqib (Talib), he's a premium corner. He's a guy that can go out and match up on the top wideout of any other team. So having that kind of guy on the roster allows you to then put a player of his caliber across from a talented wide receiver and not feel the need to provide a safety over the top all day."

On the defensive scheme:

"The idea is to not let the quarterback get comfortable. What helps a quarterback not be comfortable is to have corners that can cover and defensive ends that can rush. Then they make every design that you have look a lot better -- that's just the way it is. So good coaching goes hand-in-hand with good players, and then you can have great production. We expect to be a great defense."

ADAM GASE

On adding Emmanuel Sanders and the growth of Montee Ball:

"We were extremely happy Emmanuel (Sanders) lasted as long as he did in free agency. We were a little bit surprised -- he was our top guy. It was one of those dialogues back-and-forth with Coach Fox, John Elway -- I'd get a text every once in a while, 'Hey, I think Emmanuel's back in this.' When we signed him, that was a big signing for us and filled a big void for us. We see him being a big contributor. We have four veteran guys at the wide receiver position that we're very excited about, then obviously the young guy (second-round pick Cody Latimer) is coming in. Then with Montee (Ball), he developed probably better than any other player that we had last year as far as making huge strides. Montee came in, it took him a minute to realize what was going on -- that's why Knowshon (Moreno) played so much earlier. We balanced it out, then Montee really came on and was big for us late in the season, and in the playoffs he was really good. He really carried a big load for us."

"We expect big things from him this year."

JEFF RODGERS

On pushing back the extra point:

"They're going to tinker with it a little bit in the preseason. We'll see how it goes. I'm not sure it's going to change the game as much as it may change some head coaches' decision-making in the preseason to maybe try out a few two-point conversions. We'll see if we can an extra period during practice to work on those things. We'll see. I really don't think it will change all that much, but certainly with rule changes, fourth down seems to be a focus."

On the team's returner in 2014:

"There are some guys we have on our team who have done it. Emmanuel Sanders has done it. +Wes Welker has done it. Omar Bolden was our returner at one point. Andre Caldwell went to the house against Tennessee and it got called back. There are some options with guys who have played in this league. (Bradley) Roby, our first-round pick, has done kickoff return. We picked up a free agent that we liked, Isaiah Burse from Fresno State, who had some production. So there are some options. We'll see how it plays out."

"It'll be an exciting battle for us in training camp."

A couple Denver Broncos Icons, Hall of Famers, came by as well. (Floyd Little & "Zim")
Original Photos Courtesy and Rights: +Denver Broncos

Fox Understands Higher Results are Wanted

Fox understands Broncos want more - Doubt he would get the gig if he didn't think so - +BRONCOS CR3W 

H/T +ESPN.com  

Three consecutive AFC West titles, back-to-back 13-3 finishes and a Super Bowl are certainly cause for pause in a business where getting any of that done is difficult at best.

But the +Denver Broncos didn’t re-up head coach John Fox because that was enough. The team slid another contract in front of Fox because they think there’s more to be done and that he understands that.

“We’ve got work to do,’’ Fox said.

Or as executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway put it; “We like the direction, we like where were are compared to where we were, but we’re here to compete for world championships, this year, next year, every year. People keep telling me we’re acting like we want to win now. I want to win now, but I want to win every year and we’re going to try to make decisions that are the best for the Denver Broncos to make sure we can.’’

When the Broncos and Fox/Fox's agent Bob LaMonte finished the negotiations for Fox’s deal -- which now runs through the 2016 season and puts him in the $5 million a year club -- the message got through. Both sides had a chance to give and take in the give and take.

The message that, despite how folks outside the Broncos’ Dove Valley complex feel, this it isn’t just about this year. The good the Broncos have done since the 4-12 finish in 2010 is, well, good, but not everything they want for owner Pat Bowlen.

AP Photo/Paul Spinelli 

Recently extended head coach 

John Fox knows his boss John Elway wants more 

from the Broncos than just Super Bowl appearances.

“I couldn’t be happier being part of this organization,’’ Fox said this weekend. “We’ve made some strides, but we’re not a finished product by any means. And we talked about winning championships, we’ve won three AFC West championships, one AFC (title), but now the goal, and always has been, bringing a Super Bowl championship back to Denver.’’

So, in the end the Broncos wanted Fox to hear the message that three consecutive division titles is a quality run, but the team’s decision-makers would still like a little more. Especially since the Broncos have let two opportunities to put another Super Bowl trophy in Bowlen’s lobby slip away in the last two seasons.

The kind of opportunities many teams haven’t even seen once, let alone have repeated in a 12-month span.

Fox understands where the Broncos are coming from and conveyed that in his discussions with Elway after the 35-point loss in Super Bowl XLVIII. After all, Fox would like to put a Super Bowl ring on his own finger as well.

And Fox, having lived through a miserable season in his final year in Carolina when he was also in the last year of his deal, wanted a little more stability in his pocket when dealing with the players in his locker room, the meeting rooms and on the practice field. He also got a nice raise and will get a bonus if the Broncos do win a Super Bowl on his watch.

“We’re ready to get to work and happy it worked out, and it worked out for both sides,’’ Fox said. “ … We’ve got things to do now and over the long haul.’’

Sanders in "Wide Receiver Heaven"

Agreed, Mr. Sanders, no doubt you have landed yourself in a primo spot. +Denver Broncos and Mile High equal "Wide Receiver Heaven." What? With joining the NFL Record Setting Offense of +NFL history in regards to scoring, passing and receiving statistics. Some of the +BRONCOS CR3W posts as we experienced such historic accomplishments, albeit probably short-term due to a longer season and the general speed of offensive plays and play selection. A topic even, Mr. Peyton Manning himself has essentially proclaimed. That still doesn't diminish the upside of being a speedy WR coming into his prime and joining forces with the Broncos offense.

Emmanueal Sanders, newly acquired Broncos WR, signing on board with "Wide Receiver heaven"
Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos ( +The Associated Press )

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Sunday afternoon, Emmanuel Sanders was officially introduced to, as he called it, "wide receiver heaven."

"To play with Peyton Manning is like wide receiver heaven," Sanders smiled. "I feel like he's one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game. Definitely I look up to him a lot in terms of his preparation, and I know that he's going to make me a better player whether it's mentally and physically. I know that I'm in a great environment."

WR Heaven Welcomes you Mr. Emmanuel Sanders

At the start of free agency, Sanders told his agent, Steve Weinberg, that depending on what happened with former Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker -- who signed with the New York Jets as an unrestricted free agent -- he would love to play with Manning.

"I told Steve to make sure he called over to the Broncos and let them know that I'm interested," Sanders recalled. "So we started the free-agency process, but every day I was asking Steve, 'Did they call? Did they call?' And they finally called."

When the numbers Sanders was asking for matched up with what the Broncos were willing to offer, there wasn't much else to think about.

"This is the team that I wanted to go to during free agency," Sanders said. "Yesterday was probably one of the best days of my life."

Now that he's in Denver, Sanders just wants to fit in with an offense he watched set NFL records in 2013.
-----
Elway Crossing off List of High Priorities
-----
"I remember sitting at my house like, 'Man, that's what I want to be a part of someday,'" he said. "They had a really good season last year. Hopefully we can repeat the same thing but this time finish it off."

Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said when introducing Sanders that the receiver will "add a tremendous amount to the offensive side" of the football. After the press conference concluded, Elway elaborated.

Best of Emmanuel Sanders, 2013

"He'll fit in great," Elway said. "He can play inside or outside. He'll be inside, he'll be outside. He's explosive and really does a good job after he catches the ball."

"He was the guy that we had targeted from the very get-go and we were fortunate enough to land him."

When describing his own game, Sanders said he doesn't like to label himself just an inside or outside receiver, to Elway's point.

"I'm going to always try to be versatile," he said. "I just like the craft of being a receiver."

But what is about him that helped him cause 15 missed tackles, which according to +Pro Football Focus was fourth-most among +NFL wide receivers in 2013?

"My game is I like to get the ball in my hands. I like to run after the catch. I feel like from a speed perspective, I like to go down the field," Sanders said. "I feel like I've got the all-around package, even from a run perspective. I'm going to give it my all from a blocking perspective, because I know if I'm blocking downfield, that allows the running back to take the ball 80 yards. Like I said, I just want to win."

The wide receiver said that Manning texted him as soon as he decided to sign with the Broncos, and he's already gotten a coveted invite to Duke University to work out with the quarterback and his top targets.

And he hopes that he will add a new type of threat to the receiving corps, making it tough on defense that try to focus on slowing down a big, physical receiver like Demaryius Thomas.

"Now that I'm on the other side, a speed guy, a quick guy, a run-after-the-catch guy, it's going to be hard," he said. "It adds another dimension to your offense."

It's no secret that the Broncos have a World Championship on their minds entering 2014. After falling in Super Bowl XLVIII, the team wants to make sure it doesn't come up short this coming season.

Sanders know's exactly how the players feel. After all, he was on the losing end of a Super Bowl in his rookie season, and broke his foot in the process.

"I remember 2010, I ended up breaking my foot in the Super Bowl," Sanders said. "And the only thing that I remember from the Super Bowl is walking off that field and seeing the confetti fall and seeing the Green Bay Packers celebrating. I said, 'You know what? Someday I've got to get back here and I want the confetti falling down on me.' My ultimate dream is, I just had a son, and I want to go hoist that Lombardi and have my son run onto the field.

"This is a place that can make that dream come true."

Emmanuel Sanders Presser: "Wide Receiver Heaven" Video

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Sanders-in-Wide-Receiver-Heaven/fbabcd0f-2e6f-4438-8367-3fe38ab9d7b7

+NFL (twiiter)

Elway Statement of Free Agency Being akin to Dating

The hoopla it created, but never was confirmed with a solid source to be said or out of context. +Denver Broncos John Elway compared +NFL free agency to dating in what we presume a humorous fashion. Irregardless, +BRONCOS CR3W, says keep on doing whatever it is you are doing Mr. Elway! Dating has probably been a relatively easy facet of Elway's so is free agency really that smooth? Doubtful, but he shows no signs of such and we Love It!

Pat Bowlen and Elway do not Know any Other way. Let's not call it "all in"

Emmanuel Sanders, former Steelers WR, signs 3-Year deal with Broncos

NFL

BY TIM POLZER

Emmanuel Sanders recorded career bests in his fourth NFL season. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Emmanuel Sanders recorded career bests in his fourth NFL season. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The +Denver Broncos are expected to sign free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Albert Breer of NFL Network later reported an agreement to terms.

Denver is giving former Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders a 3-year, $15M contract. Team announced agreement.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2014

Emmanuel Sanders' deal in Denver is for three years, per Broncos source. Not sure on length of his Chiefs' deal.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2014

The former +Pittsburgh Steelers wideout reportedly was scheduled to visit the 49ers Saturday after previous meetings with the +Jacksonville Jaguars  and +Kansas City Chiefs.

On Friday, ESPN’s Scott Brown reported some NFL teams were wary of medical concerns surrounding Sanders including a screw in each foot. He has not missed a game in each of the past two seasons after missing eight games in his first two NFL seasons.

Sanders, who turns 27 on Monday, recorded career bests in receptions (67), receiving yards (740) and touchdown catches (six) in his first season as a fulltime starter.

He reportedly is believed to be seeking a contract similar to the five-year, $31.5 million deal ($13.25 million guaranteed) given former Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate by the Lions earlier this week.

BURKE: NFL free agency’s winners and losers

The free agent market for receivers was reduced Saturday morning when the Patriots re-signed Julian Edelman. The Broncos are likely looking at Sanders as an option after receiver Eric Decker signed a five-year, $36.25M deal with the Jets on Thursday.

Original piece below:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000334406/article/emmanuel-sanders-agrees-to-join-denver-broncos

Elway Breaks Down Free-Agent Frenzy

EVP of Football Ops/GM John Elway discussed the three newest Broncos and how the team stands in regards to the salary cap on 850 KOA.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Broncos were active during the first 24 hours of free agency, to say the least.

Adding defensive end DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib and safety T.J. Ward will, as Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway put it on The Dave Logan Show on 850 KOA, "help us tremendously on the defensive side."

But the big-name signings have led some to believe that the Broncos have put themselves in an "all-in" mode for the present while disregarding the future.

Elway made sure to dispel those concerns.

"I think that’s really the misnomer of the reporting – obviously these contracts are big contracts, but there’s some fluff in some of these contracts, too," he explained. "I think that the bottom line is that we’re not doing anything to mortgage our future. I’ve always said that everyone keeps talking about, ‘Well, you’re doing this to win now.’ I say, ‘No, we’re doing this to win now on.’ That’s what we’re doing. We’re not mortgaging our future. We had some cap room this year and we had some cash available and we’re able to get in the bidding for these top free agents."

"By no means have we done anything cap-wise or anything to mortgage or take away from the future," he continued. "(Owner and CEO) Pat Bowlen is the one that is insistent on winning from now on. I hear him loud and clear.”

Read the rest of the article on DenverBroncos.com: This is to win "Now on..." posted by:

Posted Mar 12, 2014

 Gray Caldwell

Editor, DenverBroncos.com / Team Media

Follow Gray on Twitter

Broncos can Adjust: Have plan if Beadles "Situation" is Unfortunate :(

Hopefully Beadles Situation is simply better with the Broncos than "The Situation" in general...

While it breaks +BRONCOS CR3W's heart, the fact of the matter and the unfortunate mantra we have for +NFL is "situational" is the measure of success. As great of a draft pick and impactful starting Left Guard for the +Denver Broncos the reality of the "situation" is that the cost to retain him is high on their priority list, and the options they have to input a quality player in that spot, the reality of the 'situation,' The cost does not measure up to their priorities, needs, assets, and ability to maintain the high standard of play and consistency as Beadles is why he is potentially not going to be in Orange next season. 

Zane Beadles, alum +UTES CR3W (right), with Coach Fox during
Fox's surprise Thanksgiving visit after heart surgery in 2013 season.
Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos 

Numerous options are open to the Broncos despite taking a 'small' risk at losing depth at the offensive line group. They also have some returning from injury that add back to the depth they had previously. Despite the safety debacle in the Super Bowl, Manny Ramirez was an excellent Center for the Broncos last year. A natural fit would be the Supermen of offensive lineman, Clady and Vasquez. We all know where Clady will set up his brickwall, Vasquez has proven capable to play either guard position, we can imagine if he was as excellent as he was as a Right Tackle vs the +Indianapolis Colts last year when Franklin was out. He did not allow a sack, not commit a penalty. Safe to presume he could play Left Guard just as dominantly. Ramirez can play RG, C as he's shown so he could move over and fill in capably. Playing the best football of his career. Also, Chris Clark who filled in admirably at Left Tackle, might be better suited for RT or LG. Move in one spot seems to fit his strongest attributes and not facing the speed rushers as often. 

We haven't even delved into the extremely deep draft class it is this year at really all positions. It is safe to presume a mid round C, OG draft pick would be potential for starter or a solid security blanket and refilling the depth at that group. Dan Koppen, who missed all of last year, has mainly played Center his whole career and had a great season before this last one with the Broncos. He could be the Center if Ramirez fits the mold to their plans or potentially even Koppen (depth from injury, similar to Clady). They've also got a couple practice squad players, a path Chris Clark took to be a success. Undrafted, as well.

During the league's scouting combine this past week, Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations/general manager John Elway gave a clear, unvarnished opinion of how the team will approach its own group of soon-to-be free agents. 

Fortunately, the Broncos, and football's success
is how they handle situations. Unfortunately, for
the Denver Broncos lifelong John Elway fan, his
situation to the Broncos is more akin to the "#DB"
'Situation' from Jersey Shore.
Not needed, unnecessary, untimely ending, &
a neccessary conclusion.

The successful result in the Beadles 'situation' is one where if he stays, it is not a difference in market value or Broncos needs, priorities foremost are solidified from their perspective. Specifically, DE (DT hybrid if need be), Safety, CB (today's NFL, always a priority), Draft has some extremely talented prospects at  these positions it appears as well as RB, WR. After the top or the froth is skimmed, TE might have the least depth in the draft. A position, the Broncos appear fine with All-Pro Julius Thomas. Gerrell Robinson could see some snaps as a pass catching TE if Tamme and Dreesen go. Virgil Green may be ready to be a piece of that pie. A position the Broncos appear okay at if they go after one late in the draft or undrafted rookie FA. Their is potential for undrafted FA's this year to make the roster and be impactful as a 2nd day draft pick might be. DB, WR, S, OL, DL specifically this year. 

It's unfortunate because Beadles, and the bad timing, situation will possibly lead to an end in what appeared to be a perfect marriage from the loyal, stand up, and great ambassador for the organization for the man that he is, and player. +University of Utah Athletics can attest to the ambassador and player he was as a collegiate player and no doubt, Bowlen, Elway, Ellis, Fox, and Broncos Crew members can attest in his very successful 3 years as a professional and exactly what you hope for when you draft a player. Hopefully he is still in Dove Valley in a month, this much we know! Always will be fond of guys that came in and did it the "Bronco Way" and there's value in that. Hopefully, the situation and time will tell the same. From the outside, though, it appears it is of a different situation.

That is, the team won't approach them. At least not out of the gate. At least not before those players can see if the bank accounts are greener on the other side of the fence.

Zane Beadles winning on and off the field -  Just as he did in college

"I think they have to hit the market, the market sets those," Elway said. "Especially where you look where we are and what we have coming up." 

+BRONCOS CR3W by +Marleigh Crews 

Here is a glimpse into the type of man, Beadles is, appearing on the +Ellen DeGeneres show gives one an idea of who he is and no doubt the local pieces from when he was a +NFL draft prospect a short time ago. 

A video clip about his foundation from +KSL Sportsbeat:

Elway Trying to Navigate a Repeat in History

Elway looks to repeat history in offseason

By Jeff Legwold

When Mike Shanahan was hired by the Denver Broncos in 1995, he inherited a future Hall of Famer at quarterback in John Elway. Shanahan proceeded to help turn the Canton-bound Elway into a champion by constructing an offense that asked Elway to do less, not more.

By building around Elway, the Broncos only had to break the hero-needed glass when there was a football emergency.

So it shouldn't be a shock that Elway, now the Broncos' chief football executive, will look to use the same template to build around his own Canton-bound quarterback in Peyton Manning as the Broncos recover from the bruises left behind by a 35-point Super Bowl loss. In many ways the 2013 season was an almost weekly coronation of the passing and scoring numbers the Broncos put up, but it's already clear just a few weeks into this offseason that 2014 will have a
little different flavor.

AP Photo/Tom DiPace

John Elway didn't find Super Bowl success until Mike Shanahan surrounded him with players that allowed him to do less.

The hope is that a little less of Manning could mean one win more, at least if the Broncos get what they want out of all this.

“We're still going to have the same personality we had offensive and defensively ... our personality is not going to change because of Seattle and they won the Super Bowl,'' Elway said. “Our personality is going to be the same and we're going to get better. We're going to continue to do what we do, but obviously we've got to get better in the running game, take some pressure off (Manning).''

That's because Elway remembers history and would be more than happy to repeat it.

Elway was everything to the Broncos for much of his career. Miracle comebacks, remember-when plays, annual slices of athletic history people still call up off the mental hard-drive when the games are topics of conversation.

But until Shanahan arrived, until the Broncos stumbled onto a running back they had selected in the sixth round of the draft named Terrell Davis, until they were all stirred together in an offensive playbook that was perfect in its time and place with pass-catchers Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Ed McCaffrey, Elway was not in an offense that could consistently remove some of the responsibilities from his shoulders very often.

At no time before Shanahan's arrival did Elway play in an offense that rushed for 2,100 yards in a season. In the four seasons Shanahan was Elway's head coach the Broncos topped 2,300 yards rushing three times and won Super Bowls in two of those seasons.

Now, times have changed, offenses have changed, the rules book has certainly changed as the game has taken flight. But helping your Hall of Fame quarterback is as important as ever.

Teams that find a way to put enough defense and enough of a run game around the uber-passers are the ones who will still succeed the most. Teams that find a way to have their one-of-a-kind quarterback do what he does and yet still find a way to keep him from having to do everything, will enjoy victories.

The one-trick ponies don't win the races nearly as often in January and February.

The Broncos were a never-before-seen affair on offense this past season. A 606-point colossus that saw Manning toss a record 55 touchdown passes. OK, they've been there, they've done that.

Now it's time to get down to the business adding more to the mix. Adding more, so the Broncos can consistently stop opponents on third down, can consistently get to other quarterbacks and consistently pound the ball at somebody else's defense to keep them from sending all they have at Manning. Elway threw at least 25 touchdown passes in five of his 16 seasons with the Broncos. Four of those seasons came after Shanahan's arrival -- Elway's last four seasons in the league -- and those four came when the Broncos had a top-five run game.

A better run game meant a more well-rounded Elway, a more well-rounded Elway on a more well-rounded team resulted in two titles. And as the guy who gets the last word before the ball is snapped, Manning will have to buy in just as Elway once did.

It is why, even as linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is the first prominent free agents set for a visit to Dove Valley, the coming decisions will reflect Elway's continued desire to have Manning finish his career with the Broncos as Elway finished his.

That Manning's best chance for a title is in the idea of him doing less to get it.