Chris Johnson lands with Jets

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. (+The Associated Press Sports Writer)

AP - Sports

AP

NEW YORK (AP) -- Always fast on the field, Chris Johnson is looking to quickly prove his critics wrong.

The +New York Jets signed the former Titans running back Wednesday, a little over a week after he was officially released by Tennessee.

Johnson met with the Jets all day Tuesday - the first team he visited - and stayed in town to watch the Knicks-Nets game in Brooklyn before signing Wednesday. The Jets announced the move, but didn't release terms.

In a text message to The Associated Press, Johnson confirmed it was a two-year deal.

''I have a fresh start,'' Johnson told The Tennessean. ''Now I am going to go out there with a chip on my shoulder. I know a lot of people are doubting me.''

Johnson was told by the Titans of their decision April 4, ending a six-year stint in Tennessee during which he became one of the NFL's most exciting running backs. The former 2,000-yard rusher will team with Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell to give coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg a deep and dangerous backfield.

The Jets also have Mike Goodson, who is dealing with legal issues and recovering from torn knee ligaments.

''I've always been a big fan of the Jets,'' Johnson told the team's website. ''There was some thought into this, but just at the end of the day, I was comfortable here. I just felt like it was the right situation.''

While his days as a workhorse running back - he carried the ball over 300 times in each of the 2009 and 2010 seasons - might be over, Johnson could be the perfect complement to the bruising Ivory and versatile Powell. In Mornhinweg's first season as offensive coordinator, the Jets finished sixth in the league in rushing last year with Ivory and Powell sharing the load.

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson
watches the second half of an NBA basketball game in New York

Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson watches the second half of an NBA basketball game …


Despite the solid production, New York still entered the offseason aiming to improve the position with a big-play runner.


That's exactly what they're hoping to get in the speedy and durable Johnson, who turns 29 in September and is only the sixth player to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons.


''I see this as a team on the rise,'' Johnson told newyorkjets.com. ''This is a winning team.''

But there have been questions about whether he'll ever be the same player who rushed for 2,006 yards in 2009, when he earned his ''CJ2K'' nickname.

Johnson finished with 1,077 yards - the second-lowest total of his career - and a career-worst 3.9-yard average last season. He also rushed for 100 or more yards just twice.

The Jets held Johnson to just 21 yards on 15 carries in their 38-13 loss last season at Tennessee, but Johnson gouged them for 122 yards on 21 carries, including a career-best 94-yard touchdown run, in 2012.

The splashy move is reminiscent of the one the Jets made in 2010, when they signed an aging LaDainian Tomlinson, who turned out to be a useful role player. While being deliberate throughout free agency, general manager John Idzik has now signed arguably the three best players available at their positions in Johnson, quarterback Michael Vick and wide receiver Eric Decker.

New York also showed early interest in free agency in running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Donald Brown, but they signed elsewhere.

The +Tennessee Titans cut ties with Johnson, making him a free agent, to avoid paying the $8 million he was due for this season, along with the final three seasons left on the $53.5 million contract he signed in September 2011. Johnson, who set several franchise and +NFL records during his time in Tennessee, repeatedly said he wouldn't take a pay cut this offseason.

That prompted the Titans to unsuccessfully explore trade options this offseason- including with the Jets - before releasing him. Johnson's exit appeared inevitable when Tennessee signed Dexter McCluster to a three-year deal and re-signed Leon Washington to join Shonn Greene in the backfield.

''The Titans were ready to move on,'' Johnson said in his interview with The Tennessean. ''They didn't want me anymore. But everything is going to work out.''

Johnson was the 24th overall pick in the 2008 draft out of East Carolina, and had never missed a game because of injury - despite having surgery after the season to repair a torn meniscus that he played with most of the year.

He has 7,965 career yards on 1,742 carries for a 4.6-yard average, including 50 touchdowns, and ranks third on Tennessee's franchise rushing list behind Eddie George and Earl Campbell. Johnson also has caught 272 passes for 2,003 yards and eight TDs.
---

AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker in Nashville, Tenn., contributed to this report.
AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

Chris Johnson to be Released by Titans per Sports CR3W

NASHVILLE — The Chris Johnson era in Tennessee is over.

The +Tennessee Titans cut their star running back Friday, ending a six-year stretch when he electrified and ultimately frustrated fans

Chris Johnson Released by Tennessee +SPORTS CR3W

"As an organization, we want to thank Chris for his contributions to the Titans. Chris produced many memorable moments, broke franchise records and was durable over his six year career with our team," read a statement released by the Titans.

Q: where might Johnson play next?

"We have had an open dialogue with Chris' agent, Joel Segal, over the last few weeks, and we appreciate the patience and professionalism they have shown throughout this process. We made an effort to trade Chris but were unable to do so.

"We wish Chris the best and thank him for the six seasons he spent with us."

Johnson was scheduled to make $8 million this year following a season when he ran for 1,077 yards and a career-low average of 3.9 yards per carry. The Titans attempted to trade him after the start of the league new year on March 11, but could not work out a deal with any other team.

Johnson posted a statement on +Twitter : "I'd like to thank all of my teammates, the fans, the staff and the coaches who have supported me throughout my journey with the Titans. I have grown so much as an individual and as teammate over the past few years, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and talents to a new organization. I'm looking forward to the next chapter and can't wait to contribute to my new team."

TRADE: +Tampa Bay Buccaneers deal WR Mike Williams
Johnson flew from his home in Orlando to Nashville late Thursday and reported to Saint Thomas Sports Park on Friday morning to meet with general manager Ruston Webster and take a physical related to knee surgery he underwent in January for a torn meniscus.

The Titans begin their offseason workout program on Monday, and Johnson told The (Nashville) Tennessean recently he planned to be there. If he took part in the program and suffered a serious injury, the Titans would have been on the hook for his $8 million salary.

The Titans saved $6 million in salary-cap space by releasing Johnson. He will count $4 million against the cap in 2014 and then be off the team's books, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Where will former Titan, Chris Johnson land? Jets and Broncos among Candidates

New York Jets, Denver Broncos among possible landing spots for Chris Johnson

BY CHRIS BURKE

Chris Johnson averaged 3.9 yards per carry in 2013, the lowest output of his six-year NFL career. (Al Tielemans/SI)

Chris Johnson’s time with the +Tennessee Titans ended on Friday. What does that mean for the running back formerly known as “CJ2K”?

The 28-year-old Johnson has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in every one of his six NFL seasons, and he had that breakthrough 2,006-yard 2009 season that earned him both his nickname and the AP Offensive Player of the Year honor.

Johnson may be hoping to land another starting job somewhere. His better hope may lie in finding a steady RB-by-committee situation, with the door open for him to take over the No. 1 job if he performs well. Here are a few teams that might be interested:

• +New York Jets: Multiple reports have touched on the Jets’ potential interest in Johnson. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport even surmised that the Jets were passing on DeSean Jackson because “perhaps they’re allotting money for Chris Johnson.”

Here, as with just about every spot on this list, Johnson would have to accept and settle into a tandem role in the backfield. The lead dog for the moment is Chris Ivory, who led the team with 833 yards rushing last season. In theory, Johnson would serve as an upgrade over Bilal Powell (176 carries for 697 yards in 2013) as the speed option alongside Ivory. Powell also served as the Jets’ pass-catching back, with 36 reception to just two for Ivory. Johnson has averaged 45.3 catches over his six +NFL seasons.

• +New York Giants: The Giants are another team that reportedly inquired about Johnson once he hit the trade block. (+Dallas Cowboys, up next on our list of possible destinations, also tested the waters.) The Giants already have signed ex- +Oakland Raiders, Rashad Jennings this offseason, so the addition of another veteran back might indicate that they’re not expecting David Wilson (neck) to be ready for the start of 2014. The balance between Jennings and Johnson would be similar to that of Ivory and Johnson.

• +Dallas Cowboys: Again the question, would Johnson accept a secondary role? With the Cowboys he would be behind DeMarco Murray, who topped 1,100 yards on the ground last season. Of course, Murray only played 14 games and has yet to make it through a full season, a stark contrast from the extremely durable Johnson.

In that context, Johnson would fit as a sturdy safety net plus as an improvement over the Joseph Randle/Lance Dunbar/Phillip Tanner cluster behind Murray. That said, Johnson has never carried the ball fewer than 250 times in a season and has not finished below the 1K-yardage mark. He likely would not challenge either of those numbers running behind Murray on the depth chart.

• +Chicago Bears: Random shot in the dark here, offered up mainly because the Bears have tried mostly in vain to limit Matt Forte’s wear and tear. Michael Bush certainly did not solve the problem, even as a goal-line back, and he’s now off the roster.

Johnson is a completely different runner than Bush, a power back Chicago preferred to turn to on the goal line and in short yardage. Johnson’s more similar to Forte, a shifty, versatile runner/pass-catcher. The need may not be there for the Bears, and Johnson likely wants a more promising situation, but Johnson’s skillset might pair nicely with Marc Trestman’s offense.

• +Arizona Cardinals: Rashard Mendenhall’s retirement stripped the Cardinals of their leading rusher from 2013, though Mendenhall hardly set the world ablaze with his 3.2 yards-per-carry average. Two 2013 draft picks remain: Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor. The former has earned the right to be a No. 1 guy, even with head coach Bruce Arians insisting he’ll continue to limit the back’s touches.

The match here is a debatable one, at best. Arizona would love to find someone who can shoulder some carries on early downs or in short-yardage (hence the signing of free agent Jonathan Dwyer). Johnson definitely can pick up some slack, but he has not done much in the way of grinding out yards recently.

• +Denver Broncos: Clearly, the Broncos are all-in for this season. So why not add a potential game-breaker at a relatively thin position? The franchise prepared for Knowshon Moreno’s exit by drafting Montee Ball last year, and he’ll bump up to the top RB spot for 2014.

But while the stable is not exactly bare behind Ball, with Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson on the roster, Johnson would provide a boost. The heavy attention on Peyton Manning and the passing game could provide him the opposite of his situation in Tennessee, where teams stacked the box in hopes of forcing Jake Locker to the air. A spread offense that allows Johnson to work sideline-to-sideline might be just the ticket to revive his game.

• +St. Louis Rams: The Rams already have an overloaded RB group in Zac Stacy, Daryl Richardson, Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead. There simply may not be additional room for Johnson. The clear connect-the-dots tie here is that head coach Jeff Fisher drafted Johnson during his time with the Titans.

• +Jacksonville Jaguars: Gus Bradley and Co. seem to have a pretty clear vision for their rebuilding project, and Johnson may not fit it. If he does, though, this stands out as one of the few spots where Johnson could have a legitimate chance at the No. 1 job heading into the season.

Jacksonville signed ex- +Minnesota Vikings RB Toby Gerhart, who has been impressive in spurts during his short career but has been stuck behind Adrian Peterson. In other words, the jury is out on if he can handle the starting job for a full season. Gerhart currently stands as the de facto replacement for Maurice Jones-Drew, who’s now in Oakland. Johnson’s style would complement the hard-nosed Gerhart well.

Woodyard rubbed the Wrong way by change in Role from Broncos DC, JDR

Not that this appears to be really much, figured we would post it. H/T to +The Denver Post

Wesley Woodyard: Photo Courtesy: +Denver Broncos (AP)

Wesley Woodyard rubbed the wrong way by the decrease in his role once the playoffs came around. As we would expect though, knowing "Hammer," we would expect the change in role for him to rub him the wrong way and not be happy about it. He is a competitor, what should he do? Be cool with it... Nuh, +BRONCOS CR3W does not fret over this regarding +Denver Broncos. If they were, we hope they would be wearing something different than Orange.

_______

“It rubbed me the wrong way” — Wesley Woodyard on his benching by Jack Del Rio

Wesley Woodyard 

(Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

By Nick Groke
The Denver Post

Wesley Woodyard began last season for the Broncos as a team captain and starting middle linebacker. He was a captain for a reason, a key cog in Denver’s run toward the Super Bowl.

Then he got benched.Woodyard, a full-time starter all of 2012 and half of 2013, suddenly was a substitute, a nickel package linebacker.

On Tuesday, he told the tale of his interaction with Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and the Denver coaching staff — and what he would have changed about the Broncos’ defense in the Super Bowl. Here’s the video:

Broncos' free agent Phillips signs with Titans

Matt Boyer, KUSA

(Photo: Ron Chenoy Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

After only one year with the Denver Broncos, free agent Shaun Phillips is headed east to sign with the Tennessee Titans. Phillips joins a defensive line that was ranked in the bottom-half of most significant statistical categories in 2013.

ESPN.com's +Adam Schefter first reported the story, with the 2 -year deal being worth an estimated $6 million dollars. The Broncos hinted that Phillips may have become expendable after they signed former Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware to a 3-year, $30 million dollar deal.
Phillips recorded 35 tackles, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles over the course of the regular season. Prior to his only season with Denver, Phillips spent nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, recording 69.5 sacks and 473 combined tackles during his time in Southern California.

----

Photo Courtesy: Denver Broncos (AP)

+Tennessee Titans also have signed former +Denver Broncos LB, Wesley Woodyard. The Titans are starting with a new coaching staff and head coach in the former +Chargers Offensive Coordinator, +Arizona Cardinals Head Coach, Ken Wisenhunt. Phillips lead the Broncos in sacks last season and probably would have been signed on if not for the big splash of DeMarcus Ware being signed as mentioned.

Broncos Tend to Put Opponents Down in Second Half

+BRONCOS CR3W Lucky #7 (Elway) Keys to the Game

Outside of the one obvious, recent letdown after halftime, the +Denver Broncos tend to show that containing them for 60 minutes is much more unlikely and difficult than the first 30 minutes. They rarely get rattled by early deficits or slow starts and almost seem to wake up after allowing a couple unnecessary plays or turnovers. Some may deem this as "playing with fire." Others might call it "Just a matter of time playing against what has been a +NFL record setting offense that just overwhelms opponents whether it is up tempo or slowed down. One aspect that was perhaps the most encouraging of all of their games this year. #VonMiller has really started to put his imprint as the premier edge rusher in the NFL.

Matt Prater and Britton Colquitt celebrating an NFL
Record 64 Yard FG against the Titans last Sunday.
Photo Courtesy: +NBC Sports (Sports Media Images)

#1 Key: Takeaway Margin: Despite what many would believe, +Denver Broncos with an extraordinary 11-2 record, Sunday's game vs +Tennessee Titans was only the 2nd game this year that the Broncos did not commit a turnover. It was also only the 3rd game of the year that they won the turnover battle as well. This is obviously the aspect that has gripped the Broncos back down this year. It was the first game in which they did not commit a turnover and forced one or more. This is a good sign obviously. Both turnovers were created by +Von Miller who's value cannot be misrepresented and overstated, as to affecting the game entirely with that offense that is putting up historic numbers. With a lead, his effect increases as he can only put pressure on the QB without Jack Del Rio expecting him to stay at home and play things tight and close to the vest in a close ball game.

#2 Key - QB Pressure: Both of these QBs can dissect any defense in the league if they have ample time. Bringing pressure is tough to not risk getting beat on a big play. This number is really what will either make the Broncos season a success or it won't in our opinion. It relies on ball security and especially when the ball security does not hold up on the field. Broncos giving teams free TDs or short fields is a double whammy to them more than most clubs. Anything that takes the record breaking offense off of the field is a negative. Turnovers obviously does this, and if it is in their own half of the field, the opponent is getting the variable that almost all have proven to need to remain in a 'fighter's punch,' distance on the Broncos.

#3 Key - 3rd Down Efficiency: Both sides of the ball. The Broncos are #1 in the league in 3rd down efficiency. The Chargers are #2 in the league in 3rd down efficiency.

+Chargers at +Denver Broncos
Week 15 (Game 14)
Graphic Preview Courtesy:
DenverBroncos.com

#4 Key - Redzone Efficiency: Both sides of the ball. The Broncos are #1 in the league in redzone efficiency. Chargers explosive offense drops down to #26 in the league in redzone efficiency.

Leading right up to #5 Key - The reason San Diego is 6-7 instead of on of the leaders for last wild card spot is because teams force FG's over TD's on them. Denver needs to make sure they continue this at home and force FG's by the Chargers offense or 4th down stops as San Diego will go for it when knowing TD's are an element they've got to get. If the Broncos can come out on top of this along with the takeaway's, #1 Key, they should win by about the amount the Vegas books are putting it at. Broncos favored by 10 pts.

#6 Key - Get the Chargers offense off the field, and get pressure on Rivers. Rivers tends to turn the ball over under durress. Von Miller has been electric lately with 5 sacks in his last 6 games. And that doesn't include the sack/pass deflection that was an interception as he met Fitzpatrick at the point of his release.

#7 Key - Allow the numbers and trends to continue. Peyton Manning is undefeated against division opponents since coming to the Denver Broncos. And they have not lost at home this year, with only two losses at home including the Ravens 2OT heartbreaker last year.

QB pressures aside, but if he can cause a takeaway on a regular basis, that is something this Broncos defense had a year ago that put teams on their heels and the defense took full advantage of it. In some respects, the special teams and a few defensive mistakes have been the Broncos defense's culprit. But when it come to being stiff and forcing a punt, they pull it off at a fairly high rate amongst NFL defenses. With the offense doing what it does, it is fairly sensible for the defense to take risks and try to make things happen whereas if they knew they had to be a bit stiffer and more of a bend don't break defense, they would probably have a lot of pass underneath completed but they like to get pressure and force opponents to either make a quick decision or quicker than they want on most plays. Sometimes, the loss of Rahim Moore, clarifies this, since he was one of the leagues best free safeties in denying teams home run plays in pass/run coverage, they will have an adjustment with Bolden, who has mainly been a backup DB his first 3 seasons is now being tossed into live game action as an FS. Defensive Coordinator, Jack Del Rio is surely trying to make adjustments to the loss of Moore and he will minimize that loss especially with a return of a full Champ Bailey and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Pass rush is providing consistent pressure and turnover chances more often because of it. 

Week 14 Ripples: Broncos vs. Titans

Broncos put up 51, clinch berth, Titans eliminated from berth

With Sunday’s loss in Denver, the +Tennessee Titans have been eliminated from the AFC South title race. Sitting at 5-8 the Titans have fallen to tenth place in the AFC, diminishing any hope of reaching the playoffs.

Peyton Manning in 7 degree wind chill sliced up a
good Titans secondary for 397 for 4 TDs.
Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com (AP)

Peyton Manning, a familiar foe of the Tennessee Titans as a former member of the +Indianapolis Colts, led the charge drowning Tennessee’s season. The +Denver Broncos offense managed to score an impressive 51 points hosting the Titans in Game 13's matchup.

Despite leading at the half, 21-20, the Titans were unable to control Manning and the Denver offense allowing the Broncos to enter Tennessee territory on every drive of the game. Completing 39 of 59 pass attempts, Manning threw for 397 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers. Denver’s scoring total was the highest of any team on Sunday, a day that featured 90 touchdowns around the league, which is the most in NFL history while 59 pass attempts is the most ever by Manning in a single game. Adding to Manning’s impressive performance, kicker Matt Prater ended the first half with a 64-yard field goal breaking the previous record for longest field goal in NFL history of 63 yards shifting the momentum in favor of the Broncos.

Clinching a playoff berth, Peyton Manning was able to silence critics who continue to bash Manning for his poor performances in cold weather following a shootout loss to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Knowshon Moreno (27), Denver Broncos RB
vs TEN in Game 13.
Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com (AP)

Granted, Denver has been a one of the top teams all season, Tennessee seemed confident and in great position to challenge the AFC leading Broncos out of the gates. Scoring a touchdown on their first two drives and forcing Denver to go for it on two fourth down situations, it seemed as if “Fitzmagic” and the Titans could pull off the upset. However, the Broncos looked like a totally different team in the second half.

In most of the Tennessee losses this season, one aspect of the Titans game has lacked whether it was special teams, the ground game or poor defensive play. In Sunday’s loss the Titans were unable to find their rhythm in any aspect of the game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick only completed 13 of 24 pass attempts for a mere 172 yards with his lone touchdown coming in the third quarter on a 41 yard bomb to rookie wide out Justin Hunter who continues to be a bright spot for the Titans. Fitzpatrick also threw an interception leading to a Knowshon Moreno touchdown extending Denver’s lead to two scores.

To coincide with the irrelevant passing game, the Titans could not get the ground attack going in the second half. Shonn Greene and Chris Johnson scored a combined three rushing touchdowns in the first half but only managed to gain 46 yards each on the day. Recording 254 total yards, the Denver Broncos were able to more than double this amount recording 551 total yards and doubled the Titans’ time of possession as well.

Though only recording 46 yards rushing, Greene’s performance served as a reemergence for the veteran back after a season tainted by injuries. However, the same cannot be said for Chris Johnson who continues to struggle for Tennessee. Averaging 3.8 yards per carry and recording three touchdowns on the year, Johnson has been on the hot seat for the past several weeks. Sunday’s performance might have been the nail in the coffin for Johnson’s time in Tennessee, fumbling after being hit by Von Miller, which put the game out of reach for Tennessee. Von Miller has started to create havoc for opponents recently and if the Broncos can secure the ball as they did and force turnovers as they did, they are pretty hard to beat even if they lose the turnover edge. Against the usual percentage of winning when the takeaway battle is won or lost.


           CBS Fantasy Football Today Set Recaps the +Denver Broncos hosting the 
                                            +Tennessee Titans for Week 14

Johnson has expressed interest in staying in Tennessee next season, but reports have said otherwise. At least not under he current cap hit and contract. The Tennessee Titans have been reported as saying that they will release Johnson at the conclusion of the season along with firing head coach, Mike Munchak, and declining Jake Locker’s 2015 option. These claims put Tennessee in immediate contention in the quarterback market looking ahead in his year’s draft and free agency. Though Tennessee was forced to work with the cards that were dealt to them this season, it was a tough one for Titans fans to endure. With a fully loaded draft class, this may be the time for Tennessee to revamp. Starting fresh with a new coach and starting quarterback might be the pick-me-up the Titans need. With three games left to play, the Titans return home to face the streaking +Arizona Cardinals and finish up with a pair of divisional matchups with the +Jacksonville Jaguars and +Houston Texans who have both previously beaten Tennessee. Because the playoffs are out of the question, Tennessee is playing for a draft pick to bolster their resurgence in 2014

With Sunday's 51-28 Win, the Broncos Clinched a Spot in the Postseason

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos are headed to the playoffs.

Wild finishes gave the +Miami Dolphins and +Baltimore Ravens wins earlier in the day, meaning only a Broncos win against the +Tennessee Titans would secure the club a place in the postseason.

Peyton Manning On a Boot from Game 13,
Broncos hosting Titans with a 51 - 28 win.
Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com (AP)

Four quarters later, a 51-28 victory clinched it.

“That’s our goal," Head Coach John Fox said of the playoffs. "But our goal is still to win the division and obviously get the best seed we can. Our biggest goal is to get to the big game and win the big game.”

It marks the team's third consecutive playoff berth, and the franchise's 20th overall.

The win gave quarterback Peyton Manning his 13th season in which his team has made the playoffs, which according to Elias Sports Bureau surpassed Brett Favre's previous record for the most by a +NFL quarterback in history.

"It’s good," wide receiver Eric Decker said. "I guess you have some security but our job is not finished – winning this division is number one and winning this conference is number two. And we have to make sure that we get better as a team as a whole. We have a big goal and expectations for this year, and that’s just one week at a time and grinding away."


                                 Brought to you by +FOX Sports

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. echoed those sentiments, noting that there are still three more games to improve the team's seed.

But the team still has the one-week-at-a-time mentality that has served it well to this point. And that means all eyes are on the +Chargers for a Thursday Night Football matchup in just four days.

"We're just trying to keep pushing," linebacker Von Miller said. "We're not worried about playoffs. We want to take care of San Diego right now. Continue to take it one play at a time. We don't want to bite off more than we can chew. That's what's been working for us, so we're going to stick to it."

Broncos Prep Week 14 in Review

Joan Niiesen from The Denver Post reported:

Links to and all photos courtesy of: +The Denver Post

In the week leading up to facing the Titans in Week 13, things were pretty uneventful at Dove Valley. Monday morning for once brought no new major injuries, with the biggest worry for the week by far the frigid temperatures. Coach John Fox also returned to his duties after four weeks away, which slotted Jack Del Rio back into his role of just defensive coordinator.

The Broncos will face the Titans at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. For those of you smart enough to know that standing for hours in single-digit temperatures is perhaps an unwise move, it’ll be broadcast on CBS.

John Fox speaks to the media at Dove Valley on Monday, his first day back on the job. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

Monday: Fox returned to Dove Valley Monday morning and resumed his duties as the team’s head coach. Fox addressed the media for about 25 minutes, talking about everything from the stress of being away to what he’s seen in recent games. In more good news for the Broncos, there were no major injuries from Sunday’s game, a rare occurrence after injuries have dominated recent Mondays.

Tuesday: The Broncos had Tuesday off, and it was for the most part a quiet day, which has been unusual of late.

Montee Ball celebrates after making a long run against the Chiefs Sunday. (Aaron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

Stories:
• “John Fox returns to work as Denver Broncos’ head coach,”by Joan Niesen, The Denver Post
• “Derek Wolfe released from hospital, returns to Broncos after seizure-like symptoms,”by Mike Klis, The Denver Post
• “Hochman: Broncos’ Knowshon Moreno tears up, and Montee Ball tears it up,” by Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
• “NFL should at long last trade chains for lasers when marking 1st downs,” by Joan Niesen, The Denver Post

Wednesday: The Broncos practiced indoors on Wednesday, their first such practice of 2013. With temperatures in the single-digits and snow falling strong enough to impede visibility, going outdoors simply wasn’t an option. Wednesday also marked Fox’s first practice since his bye-week heart surgery and another day off for Peyton Manning.

Stories:
• “Broncos’ Peyton Manning would have changed Tennessee Titans,” by Mike Klis, The Denver Post
• “Broncos Mailbag: With Peyton Manning, is Denver’s playbook too slim?” by Mike Klis, The Denver Post
• “Peyton Manning ices out critics of cold-weather play,” by Lindsay Jones, USA Today
• “2013: The Year of the Injury?” by Jenny Vrentas, The MMQB
• “The NFL’s Three-Quarters-Season Awards Winners,” by Bill Barnwell, Grantland

Peyton Manning drops back to throw during practice Thursday, wearing his glove.(John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Thursday: The Broncos practiced outside Thursday after being relegated to the indoors Wednesday. In single-digit temperatures, Manning did not actually disintigrate into a cloud of dust, shocking all the cold-weather naysayers. He practiced in full, as did Joel Dreessen, who also missed Wednesday. Only Derek Wolfe and Trindon Holliday missed practice, and only Demaryius Thomas was limited.

Stories:
• “Kiszla: No hurry, hurry for Peyton Manning’s big call,” by Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post
• “Record books await rewrite by Denver Broncos offense,” by Joan Niesen, The Denver Post

Friday: Friday was a relatively uneventful day at the Broncos’ facility, apart from the coldest temperatures yet of the week. Only Derek Wolfe missed the team’s final practice before it faces Tennessee on Sunday.