Thursday, May 30, 2013

Manning's Working Overtime With Ball

(CBS4 Denver)
With veteran Willis McGahee skipping OTAs and Knowshon Moreno being held out while recovering from a knee injury, second-year running back Ronnie Hillman has been running with the first-team offense in Denver.

Behind Hillman is rookie running back Montee Ball, who was drafted in the second round (58th overall) out of Wisconsin by the Broncos in April.

To help his development, quarterback Peyton Manning has been staying after every practice to work with Ball.

“This is just the start," Manning said after practice at Dove Valley on Thursday. "This is the first couple of practices of OTAs and we still have some time with training camp and then preseason."

"You are only allowed a certain amount of time on the field because of the new rules, so [...] I have taken Montee after practice each day and just kind of going through plays, going through games, getting him comfortable hearing audibles at the line of scrimmage."

Manning is investing a lot of time in Ball, and for good reason.  A consistent rushing attack may be Manning's key to returning to the Super Bowl.

The Broncos are hoping Ball can be their man in the near future.

"We are going to count on him in a big way this year," said Manning.  "He’s a rookie, but Coach (John) Fox is not going to bring him along slowly.

"We are going to put him in there and make him a contributor this year. So, the more repetitions we can get out here talking football, talking scenarios, I think the more comfortable he’ll be once the regular season gets here.”

Tight End Joel Dreessen Has Knee Surgery

(Photo via Kurt Hanson)
The Broncos were back on the practice field to continue OTAs on Thursday.

It marked the first day of practice for newly-signed defensive back Quentin Jammer, Von Miller once again wore bold socks, and there were a few skirmishes.

But the most notable news came after practice when Coach John Fox addressed the media.  According to Fox, tight end Joel Dreessen had a knee scope procedure, which will keep him out of OTAs.

Thankfully, Fox says Dreessen will be back in time for training camp.  With Dreessen sidelined, Fox noted that third-year tight end Julius Thomas will see extended time with the starters.

Based on reports from practice, it sounds like Thomas is already making the most of his opportunity.

New Contracts Looming for Clady, Colquitt?

(CBS4 Denver)
It was just a subtle "this may happen" note, but it's worth passing along.

"Besides left tackle Ryan Clady, the Broncos might also try to work out a long-term contract with punter Britton Colquitt in the weeks before training camp in late July."  Those were the words written by the Denver Post's Mike Klis on Wednesday.

Colquitt has already signed his one-year, $1.323 million tender for 2013.  But Clady is refusing to sign his one-year, $9.828 million franchise tag in hopes of earning a multi-year contract extension.

Colquitt will become an unrestricted free agent in 2014, as will Clady if he signs his tag.  In order to keep them around, the Broncos may try to extend their deals before they run out.

Clady is currently skipping OTAs and recovering from shoulder surgery on his own.  If he does not come to a contract agreement before August, Clady may end up holding out into training camp.

Zane Beadles "Loves" Fast-Paced Offense

The offensive linemen in Denver may be big, but they can also be agile.

That's a good thing, too, considering that Denver has made it no secret that they plan to run a fast-paced offense this fall (they ran no huddle looks on the first day of OTAs).

“I love it, offensive guard Zane Beadles said earlier in the week.  "I think it could be a huge advantage for us. And, it’s a lot of fun. I think we have a lot of smart guys on our side of the ball and on the offensive line. It is a challenge for us, but at the same time, it’s fun for us to be able to take on that challenge. I think it is going to be a big advantage for us.”

Beadles isn't the only one who approves of the move to a fast offense.  More on the player reactions can be found on MileHighReport.com.

Peyton Manning's Quite the Golfer

(govolsxtra.com)
He's a four-time NFL MVP and one of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever played the game.

But Peyton Manning is more than just a talented football player.

Manning and Denver's front office recently made a trip to play at Augusta National, home of the Masters.  Manning shot a 77.

At the April Masters, Tiger Woods closed with a 70.

Prior to his strong performance at Augusta, Manning shot a hole in one at Castle Pines Golf Club outside Denver, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"The guys I was playing with this time, they were so excited. I mean, I was excited, but you've seen me when I throw a touchdown; I'm kind of ho-hum. These guys went nuts," Manning told the Times.

Manning's best round at Augusta was a 77; John Elway's was a 72.

The big men in Denver—Elway and Manning—know a thing or two about winning Super Bowls.  In their spare time, they make the average pleasure golfer look like W.C. Fields on the golf course.

Von Miller's Swag Ratings Off the Charts

Von Miller is a two-time Pro Bowler, chicken farmer, and in his mind, a double threat capable of playing both defense and offense.

Add swag specialist to his list of accomplishments.

Miller, known for sporting flashy socks to practice and wearing bold glasses to press conferences, is not afraid to make fashion statements.

On Wednesday, a photo emerged of Miller with fellow defender Omar Bolden in Vegas.  Normal enough, except for the fact that Miller was wearing a onesie.

It's a look that not many could pull off, and that's probably exactly what Miller would tell you.

Last year, Miller said on the Jim Rome Show that his big glasses look is the epitome of swag.

“There were guys that had the glasses look before me, but in my opinion, I think I took it to another level," Miller said in 2012.

“It’s not just my look,” he said, “but it’s a swag that only a few can embrace.”

A jumpsuit onesie is another swag few can embrace.  Count Miller among them.

Hat tip to Bleacher Report, who originally hat tipped Shots of Ginn.

Is Jammer's Signing Bad News for Adams?

(BroncoTalk.net)
Earlier this offseason, the Denver Broncos were briefly linked to free-agent defensive back Antoine Winfield.  More recently, the team brought in veteran safety Charles Woodson for a visit.

Winfield went on to sign with the Seattle Seahawks and Woodson signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he is in a jersey number dispute with cornerback Tracy Porter over No. 24.  That was two strikes for the Broncos, who landed their third target, Quentin Jammer.

Jammer signed a one-year contract with the Broncos on Wednesday and according to CBS4 Denver, Jammer will play "primarily" at safety.  With so much interest shown at safety, the Broncos were clearly looking for more depth at the position, or perhaps and upgrade.

This all sounds like bad news for Mike Adams, who joined the team as a free-agent last summer.

Adams started in all sixteen games for the Broncos in 2012, recording 80 tackles, a sack and forcing two fumbles.  At age 32, Adams is entering his eleventh season.

There will be tough competition for Adams' job this summer from returning safeties David Bruton and Quinton Carter, first-year player Duke Ihenacho, rookie Ross Rasner, and recently-signed Quentin Jammer.

Bruton figures to have a roster spot locked up after signing a three-year deal with the team in March.  Carter is a dark horse to watch.  After a solid rookie season and phenomenal performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2012 playoffs, Carter missed most of last season with injuries.

Meanwhile, Rahim Moore has the other starting safety job all but locked up. Although Moore is likely wishing fans still remembered him by the play that made him famous locally rather than the play that put him on the map nationally, he has little to worry about going into training camp.

Moore improved from his rookie campaign last season and was recently dubbed a "Secret Superstar" by ProFootballFocus.com.  Moore will have competition, but he is in no danger of being released.

Adams, on the other hand, has been put on notice.  It's time for the 32-year-old veteran to step up or ship out.

Your move, Adams.

Jammer Joins Former Chargers in Denver

(CBS Sports)
Yesterday, veteran defensive back Quentin Jammer signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos.

Jammer spent the first eleven years of his career with the San Diego Chargers, going 6-6 against the Broncos during that time frame.  Now in Denver, Jammer is joining a few familiar faces.

Offensive guard Louis Vasquez and pass rusher Shaun Phillips, two other former Chargers, signed with Denver earlier in the offseason.  Fullback Jacob Hester is also still on the roster—he joined the Broncos in 2012 after spending his first four seasons with San Diego.

"It's great to have familiar faces," Jammer told Gray Caldwell of the team's official website.

Both Phillips and Jammer were key cogs in San Diego's defense from the early 2000s until the present, with Phillips earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and Jammer being named to the team' 50th Anniversary team in 2009.

Meanwhile, Vasquez was by far San Diego's best offensive lineman in 2012, earning a 13th overall ranking among all NFL guards in overall productivity from ProFootballFocus.com last season.

In Denver, Phillips and Jammer figure to be rotational defenders while Vasquez is all but assured to earn a starting gig.  If the Broncos carry a fullback this season, Hester has the best shot at winning the job.

The Chargers, on the other hand, have two former Broncos on their roster in wide receiver Eddie Royal and fullback Chris Gronkowski.  Royal signed with the Chargers last summer and went on to catch 23 passes for 234 yards and one score in 2012.

Gronkowski spent most of 2012 on Denver's roster, active for fourteen games, catching one pass for 11 yards.  He is expected to compete for the Chargers' fullback job in training camp.

In an offseason noted by veteran players joining former division rivals, the Broncos appear to have gotten the best of the AFC West once again.

Broncos Sign Quentin Jammer to 1-Year Deal

(NBC Sports)
On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos announced that cornerback Quentin Jammer signed with the team.

But when the team announced the signing, they dubbed Jammer a "defensive back," a sign that likely indicates the team is not planning to play him solely at cornerback.  He may compete for a nickel position, and CBS4 Denver's Vic Lombardi reported that he was brought in "primarily to play safety."

Jammer is entering his twelfth season at age 33, but the Broncos know from first-hand experience that he can still make big plays on defense.


Jammer has started in all sixteen games in eight of his eleven seasons in the league, including last year when he recorded 64 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble.  Since 2003, Jammer has missed just three starts, starting in the most games by an NFL cornerback during that time (157).

The Denver Post has speculated that Jammer's one-year deal is close in value to the ten-year veteran minimum of $940,000.  Interestingly, the 'Post also notes that Jammer's former agent, Mike Sullivan, is now in charge of Denver's salary cap and contract negotiations.

Jammer's current agent is Andy Ross, who stepped in when Sullivan joined Denver last year.

In twelve career games against the Broncos, Jammer went 6-6 while recording four interceptions and returning one of them for a touchdown in 2012.  With running back Willis McGahee currently owning jersey No. 23, Quentin's number in San Diego, Jammer has tentatively chosen No. 34.

Jammer (6'0", 204 pounds), spent the first eleven years of his career with the San Diego Chargers after being selected fifth overall in the 2002 NFL Draft.  A safety at the University of Texas, the Chargers converted Jammer to cornerback when he landed in the NFL.

Expected to again switch back to safety, Jammer played quarterback in high school.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Manning Says He May Play Until He's 40

(NFL Network)
Last week, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning participated in a Q&A with CBSSports.com's Senior NFL Columnist Pete Prisco.  One of the most notable questions asked was in regards to how long Manning is going to play.

Manning is currently 37 and entering his second season with the Broncos.  If Manning plays out his five-year contract, he will be 40 when his deal expires following the 2016 season.

But Peyton is clearly slowing down physically.  So does he really expect to play four more years?

"I really don't know.  I take it one year at a time."

According to Spotrac.com, Manning is scheduled to earn $17.5 million both 2013 and 2014 and $21.5 million in both 2015 and 2016.  But the Broncos can get out of the deal if Manning doesn't pass a physical leading up to one of the following league years remaining on his contract.

"My contract is really four one-year deals.  I wanted to be fair to the Broncos.  I don't feel like I've put them in any type of a bind and I could go out there and play freely."

John Elway, Denver's current executive vice president of football operations and former All-Pro quarterback, won a pair of Super Bowls with Denver at ages 37 and 38 in 1998 and 1999.

Elway retired before what would have been seventeenth season at age 39.  Manning is about to enter his sixteenth season at age 37.

"If I can still go out there and perform and be effective, and still enjoy doing it, I will do it."

Manning's full Q&A with Prisco can be read at CBSSports.com.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Nalen: "We ran the same play five times"

(BroncosTV)
On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos announced that former center Tom Nalen will be inducted into the team's Ring of Fame this fall.

Throughout his playing career, Nalen participated in a media ban with his fellow offensive linemen who were less than willing to give quotes to the press.

Ironically, Nalen now co-hosts his own radio show on ESPN Denver, the Les and Nalen show on 102.3 FM from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Nalen, now unafraid to speak his mind, participated in a candid and humorous interview with the media on Thursday to talk about his recent Ring of Fame induction and career memories.

One of the topics was zone blocking and former offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, who was recently brought back as an offensive line consultant by the team.

“The whole zone-blocking thing is kind of crazy to me because every team has run it," Nalen said on Thursday.  "Obviously Alex had a big imprint on how many times we’d run it during the game, but to be honest, we ran the same play over and over until teams stopped it. It just happened to be a zone play."

That sounds more like high school football play calling than a sophisticated blocking scheme.  But it worked.

"There were games where we played—I think we played the Colts here in Denver, I don’t know what year, but we ran a trap like five times in a row. Yeah, we ran zone blocking a lot more than traditional powers and counters and things like that, but I guess in 1995 we started to do a lot more, yeah.”

Using that scheme (and running the same plays until defenses figured out a way to stop them), the Broncos produced eleven 1,000-yard rushers during Nalen's tenure with the team (1994-2008).

Nalen's full presser can be viewed on DenverBroncos.com.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Broncos Induct Tom Nalen into Ring of Fame

(NFL Network)
The Denver Broncos announced on Wednesday that former center Tom Nalen has been elected as the 24th member of the team's Ring of Fame.

Nalen, who played in Denver from 1994-2008, will be inducted into Denver's Ring of Fame during halftime of the Broncos' Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 29.

During Nalen's tenure in Denver, the Broncos offensive line produced eleven single-season 1,000-yard rushers and allowed only 395 sacks, the third-fewest allowed during that time frame.

"Thrilled for Tommy Nalen on his Ring of Fame election!" Team executive John Elway, a former teammate of Nalen, tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.  "He is the epitome of grit, toughness, and athleticism for centers!"

Nalen was drafted in the seventh round (218th overall) of the 1994 draft and went on to earn five Pro Bowls and win two Super Bowls with the team.  He is the second offensive lineman to be inducted into the team's Ring of Fame, joining Hall of Fame guard Gary Zimmerman, who played with Nalen for four seasons (1994-1997).

Nalen, 42, now candidly co-hosts the "Les and Nalen" radio show on ESPN Denver's 102.3 and 105.5 FM from 12:00-3:00 p.m. MT on weekdays.

Broncos Waive Injury-Riddled Mario Fannin

(BroncoTalk.net)
Not all undrafted rookie stories have happy endings.

On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos announced that third-year running back Mario Fannin has been waived.

Fannin (5'11", 224 pounds) entered the league out of Auburn as an undrafted college rookie with Denver in 2011 but battled injuries throughout his time with the team.  After spending the last two seasons on Denver's injured reserve list, Fannin's tenure with the team has come to an end.

After Fannin's release, Willis McGahee, Ronnie Hillman, Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball, Lance Ball, Jeremiah Johnson, and C.J. Anderson are the seven remaining running backs on the roster (eight if you count fullback Jacob Hester).

Denver also on Wednesday designated safety Blake Gideon as reserve/retired.  Gideon signed a future contract with the Broncos in January.

Going into training camp, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman figure to be the only "locks" to make the team after being selected in the second and third rounds, respectively, over the past two years.

Denver's training camp schedule is expected to be announced in late June.

Charles Woodson Signs With Raiders

(FOX Sports)
On Tuesday, free agent defensive back Charles Woodson visited the Oakland Raiders.

While Woodson's visit was going on, Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey was confident the fellow veteran wouldn't sign with Oakland.

"That's a negotiation tactic, there's no freaking way he'd want to go to Oakland," Bailey told the Les and Nalen Show on ESPN 102.3 on Tuesday afternoon.

As it turns out, Bailey was dead wrong.

Woodson visited the Broncos last week and was in discussions with them throughout his free agency tour but ultimately landed in Oakland, signing a one-year with the Raiders worth a base value of $1.8 million and a max value of $4.3 million with incentives, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.

Denver's offer to Woodson last week was lower, as the team offered him $3.7 million, according to the Denver Post.  Woodson was drafted by the Raiders in 1998 and is now returning to the team where he started his career.

On a different note, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher retired on Wednesday after a thirteen-year career.  Urlacher lost his final game against the Broncos in 2011 by a score of 13-10.

Monday, May 20, 2013

McGahee, Clady No-Shows at Denver's OTAs

(via @lindsayhjones on Instagram)
On Monday at Dove Valley, the Denver Broncos got back to work by kicking off organized team activities (OTAs).

Among the notable players that did not show up for the voluntary workouts were running back Willis McGahee and left tackle Ryan Clady, according to multiple on-site reporters on Twitter.

McGahee, of course, often skips OTAs to work out on his own—his agent, Chafie Fields, told the Denver Post's Mike Klis that McGahee is not trying to send a message.

But even with the team working out on a "voluntary" basis, McGahee skipping does not help his chances of making the team.  After drafting Montee Ball in the second round (58th overall) in April, the Broncos are primed to part ways with a few running backs this summer.

As for Clady, he is still recovering from shoulder surgery at his own pace.  He is also in the midst of a mini-contract dispute with the team.

Denver placed a $9.6 million one-year franchise tag on Clady earlier in the offseason. But until Denver offers him a long-term deal, Clady doesn't figure to show up this offseason.

Meanwhile, quarterback Peyton Manning answered every question in typical Peyton Manning form on Monday.

"I feel fine," Manning said when asked about his health.

When asked about the possibility of the team adding free-agent defensive back Charles Woodson, Manning added, "He'd be a great addition to our team."

OTAs will run through Wednesday and pick up again next week and conclude in June.

NFL Draft To Take Place in May in 2014

Moving forward, the NFL draft will take place in May (instead of in April) and the league year will begin before the Indianapolis scouting combine, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter.

As Schefter notes, the 2014 NFL draft will take place from May 15-17.  The league year would begin before the combine starting in 2015.

The tentative dates for the NFL draft in 2015 would be May 7-9 and in 2016 it would be May 5-7, according to Schefter.

Schefter also noted on Monday that cornerback Charles Woodson is "intrigued" by the possibility of finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders, the same place where he began his career.  But Woodson, of course, may still pick Denver.

Ad: Check out fantasy football competitions at www.fanduel.com.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Manning Deal Saves Broncos $2.5M in 2013

(CBS Sports)
Late Thursday evening, quarterback Peyton Manning signed a renegotiated contract with the Denver Broncos.

At the time Peyton signed the deal, it was believed that the adjusted contract had no new salary cap implications, merely adding a $10 million injury insurance clause for the team.  As it turns out, that is not the case.

Manning's new contract pushes back payments previously scheduled to hit the team's salary cap figures in 2013 and 2014, according to ShutdownCorner.com.  Originally slated to earn $20 million in each of the next two seasons, Manning will now be making $17.5 million in both 2013 and 2014.

That extra $5 million that will not count against the team's cap over the next two years will count in 2015 and 2016, when Manning is scheduled to now make $21.5 million twice in his final two seasons.  To put it simply, Manning is still being paid the same amount of money; when the NFL recognizes it as being paid is what has changed.

If Peyton plays out his entire contract, he will be 41 before hanging up his cleats.

After reworking Manning's contract, the Broncos now have $9.9 million in available 2013 salary cap space (according to Yahoo!).  That's more than enough necessarily to finalize a deal with free agent defensive back Charles Woodson.

Woodson is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, but if the Broncos up their offer, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says Woodson may still end up in Denver.

Montee Ball Really Did Grow Up a Terrell Davis Fan

In his post-draft press conference last month, new Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball beamed with excitement over joining the team after following the franchise as a child.

According to Ball, his favorite player growing up was former Broncos running back Terrell Davis.

“The Broncos have been my favorite team ever since I started watching football," Ball said in April.

“I grew up watching him—I’ve watched Terrell Davis—all of his interviews; all of his highlights; everything.”

As it turns out, Ball has photographic evidence.
Ball participated in the 2013 Rookie Premiere over the weekend, giving fans a first look at what he will look like in orange and blue.

Ball has already picked up on the 'Mile High Salute," a sure confirmation that Ball grew up watching Davis, who made the salute popular in the 1990s.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Broncos Made Charles Woodson an Offer

(Photo provided courtesy of ESPN)
On Wednesday, free agent defensive back Charles Woodson visited the Denver Broncos Dove Valley headquarters.  He left without a deal, but is still "in discussions" with the team.

Since then, a few new teams have entered the mix. Most notably, the Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers have shown interest, according to multiple reports.  According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Woodson is planning to fly to Oakland for a visit on Tuesday.

But if money is going to be a key factor in Woodson's decision, the Broncos would make sense.  Denver has over $7 million in 2013 cap space and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, they are the only team that has offered Woodson more than the veteran minimum.

The minimum for Woodson, a player with more than ten years of experience, is $940,000 a year, as Doug from IAOFM pointed out.  Woodson reportedly wants a two-year and is presumably seeking more than just under $1 million per season.

As Rapoport reports, other teams have "balked" at giving Woodson more than the veteran minimum, which would seemingly make Denver the favorite if they have already made him his best offer.  But after visiting the Raiders on Tuesday, Woodson's price tag may be increased.

All is quiet going into the weekend.  Until Woodson visits (or cancels) with Oakland, expect it to stay quiet.

Manning's New Contract Has Same Money Terms

(Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)
Update: Manning's revised contract actually saves the Broncos $2.5 million in cap space in both 2013 and 2014.

Quarterback Peyton Manning did sign a slightly altered contract on Thursday evening, but the financial terms and cap numbers were not adjusted.

As USA Today's Lindsay Jones reported, the team merely added an insurance clause to Manning's deal that would come into play if the veteran QB is unable to play in 2014.  The team submitted the new contract to the league on Thursday, when it appeared on NFL.com's transaction page.

But Manning's salary and cap hit will remain the same.  According to spotrac.com, Peyton will be paid $20 million in both 2013 and 2014 and a non-guaranteed $19 million in both 2015 and 2016.

The Broncos currently have over $7 million in cap space, with three more rookies (Sylvester Williams, Montee Ball, and Kayvon Webster) still to sign.  After parting ways with several veterans later this summer, Denver will create more cap room.

A candidate to eat up some of that cap space is veteran defensive back Charles Woodson, who has drawn interest from the team.  With Manning's contract language now finalized, Woodson remains on Denver's radar.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Broncos QB Peyton Manning signs restructured contract with Broncos

Update: Manning's revised contract saves the Broncos $2.5 million in cap space in both 2013 and 2014. Original story below.

Late Thursday evening,—and pointed out by many folks on Twitter—that NFL.com/Transactions had recorded a renegotiated signed contract between quarterback Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

Such an occurrence would be a huge story, which makes it surprising that there has been no confirmation (or denial) of the report from the media or the team as of early Friday morning.  It may have been a mistake or some form of a typo, but NFL.com's transaction page presumably is fed information straight from the teams.
In any case, NFL.com's transaction list should be taken with a grain of salt, as the site also says defensive end Dwight Freeney visited the Indianapolis Colts (he visited the San Diego Chargers), and the Cleveland Browns signed Josh Cribbs (he signed with the Oakland Raiders), as was pointed out by sportamerika's Bert Jan Brands.

Until the report is confirmed (or debunked), consider it just a rumor (even if it was created by NFL.com).

Woodson and Broncos Still "In Discussions"

(Screengrab courtesy of FOX)
On Wednesday, free agent defensive back Charles Woodson flew to Denver and visited with the Broncos.  But Woodson left Denver without a contract, leaving the door open for him to explore more options.

Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he is "still in discussions" with the Broncos, shortly before ESPN's Ed Werder reported that Denver was hoping to get a deal done with Woodson quickly before another team slowed down presumed negotiations.

While Woodson was visiting Dove Valley, the New York Giants re-entered the picture, slowing down Woodson's talks with Denver.  The Giants were one of four teams that expressed interest in Woodson back in March.

The Oakland Raiders are another team vying for Woodson's services, although their interest may have been exaggerated by Poston in order to drive up Woodson's value. Currently, the Broncos appear to be the frontrunners to land the veteran defensive back.

Woodson is a 36-year-old defender that can play both cornerback and safety. His accolades include a Super Bowl ring, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight Pro Bowl selections.

If he were to land in Denver, Woodson would help provide veteran leadership in Denver's secondary while providing great depth at a position that has been battling injuries in recent seasons for the Broncos.  Right now, no news is probably good news—things may be getting done behind closed doors.

Denver's Von Miller Drawing High Praise

(Screengrab courtesy of NBC)
Thursday appeared to be Praise Von Miller Day.

Miller is a third-year outside linebacker coming off an 18.5-sack season with the Denver Broncos.  Entering 2013, he is widely considered one of the top defenders in the NFL.

On Thursday, ProFootballFocus.com profiled Miller as a pass rusher, giving him a +52.9 grade against the pass.  According to PFF's numbers, Miller totaled 92 total QB pressures last season, an astounding number.

The profile listed Miller's greatest strength as rushing inside.  As for his weakness, he has "none," according to PFF.

It's no surprise then that Miller was also ranked as the Top Player Under 25 by BleacherReport.com.  Players under 25 ranked lower than Miller included J.J. Watt, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, A.J. Green and Patrick Peterson.


Miller, 24, is entering the third year of the four-year, $21 million deal he signed with Denver as a rookie.  The Broncos would be wise to extend his contract before it expires in 2015.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Charles Woodson is Flying to Denver

(FOX Sports)
Does Denver's front office ever get a lunch break?

On Monday, the Broncos announced that seventh round draft pick (234th overall) Zac Dysert had signed a four-year deal with the team—leaving only their top three draft picks (Sylvester Williams, Montee Ball, and Kayvon Webster) still unsigned.

On Tuesday, news broke that the team has scheduled a visit with free agent defensive back Charles Woodson, a 36-year-old veteran defensive back.  CBS4's Vic Lombardi was the first to report the news.

Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that the cornerback/safety hybrid is flying to Denver today and will meet with them through Wednesday.  The likelihood of Woodson landing with the team seems to be high, considering that the interest is mutual.

Woodson is a sixteen-year veteran who spent the first two stints of his career with the Oakland Raiders and most recently the Green Bay Packers.  An eight-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion (XLV), and Defensive Player of the Year (2009) winner, Woodson would add nice depth to the team's secondary.

If the veteran does land in Denver, expect him to push fellow veteran Mike Adams for a starting gig.  A versatile player, Woodson can play multiple positions in the secondary.

Another report surfaced on Tuesday that the team is also talking with free agent middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.  That report, however, is false.

The Broncos have debunked their reported interest in Urlacher through 104.3 The Fan, CBS4 Denver, the Denver Post, and ESPN.  As of now, Urlacher is not in Denver's plans.

But Woodson has caught their eye.  As Denver continues to build the pieces necessary for a Super Bowl run, signing Woodson to a one-year deal may be the next step.  Stay tuned.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Fantasy Football '13: Watch for Broncos' Ball

If you're looking for a sleeper running back for your fantasy football leagues this fall, we've found your man.
(See Ball's highlights on YouTube)

The Denver Broncos entered the 2013 NFL draft after ranking fourth overall in total offense (397.9 yards per game) and second overall in points scored (481) in 2012.  The rich got richer on draft day, when the team landed Wisconsin running back Montee Ball in the second round (58th overall).

While in college, Ball scored 83 career touchdowns, smashing many NCAA records along the way.

Now in Denver, Ball will see wide running lanes with defenses preparing to defend quarterback Peyton Manning and his top three targets—Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker.  Last season, Manning ranked sixth in the league with 4,659 passing yards and third with 37 touchdowns.

With two Pro Bowl receivers in Thomas and Welker and a young rising star in Decker, Manning is poised for another big year in 2013.  And now he will be supported by a promising running back, a scenario comparable to Terrell Davis' role in John Elway's success in the late 1990s.

But entering an already potent offensive attack isn't the only positive for Ball.

On Sunday, the Broncos brought back Alex Gibbs as an offensive line consultant, according to a Denver Post report.  Per the 'Post, Gibbs served as the team's offensive line coach from 1995-2003.

During Gibbs' tenure in Denver, the Broncos produced multiple 1,000-yard rushers, including Davis, thanks in large part to Gibb's famed zone blocking scheme.  The addition of Gibbs only increases Ball's potential as a rookie.

When your fantasy draft rolls around, keep an eye on Ball in the mid-to-late rounds. Chances are, you won't regret it.

Broncos Wrap Up 2013 Rookie Minicamp

(File photo)
Happy Mother's Day, Broncos Country!

Over the weekend, 31 rookies and first year players participated in the Denver Broncos 2013 rookie minicamp practice sessions, their first exposure to life in the NFL.

After being encouraged by Coach John Fox to reach out to their respective mothers, the rookies are heading home after a successful first few days on the job.  Up next for the team will be organized team activities, which will begin on May 20.

The youngsters on the roster put in a lot of work over the weekend, but it hasn't been all work and no play for the team.

Last week, quarterback Peyton Manning and a host of his teammates attended a Colorado Rockies game (Colorado defeated the New York Yankees, 2-0).  Manning and wide receiver Eric Decker decided the trip would not be complete without somebody being pranked (naturally).  So they chose offensive tackle Orlando Franklin.

While appearing on a TV interview, Franklin suffered a pie-to-the-face smearing, courtesy of Decker.  Pranking is nothing new for Manning—he got Decker with a phony workout bill earlier in the offseason and was caught on TV pranking Wes Welker at the 2009 Pro Bowl.

While the veterans have been enjoying a few jokes and the rookies have been learning the system, the front office has continued to improve the team—on all levels.

Over the past week, the team has signed former Cleveland Browns G.M. Tom Heckert as a director of pro personnel, brought back former offensive line coach Alex Gibbs as an offensive line consultant, signed three drafted rookies, and worked out two undrafted rookies with the intention of signing them on Monday.

That's quite the week, and that's only a short summary.

We are now 115 days away from the team's Week 1 season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.  But training camp is only a few months away—see you there!

NBC Will Get Plenty of Denver Broncos in '13

Last week, NBC announced that Faith Hill, who has performed the Sunday Night Football intro since 2007, will be replaced by Carrie Underwood this fall.

The news is notable seeing as the Denver Broncos will play three games on NBC in 2013—with a Sept. 5 Thursday night season opener against Baltimore, an Oct. 20 Sunday night showdown in Indianapolis and a Nov. 24 Sunday evening spot in New England.

Underwood, the American Idol Season 4 winner and six-time Grammy Award winner, will still perform Hill's popular Waiting All Day for Sunday Night piece, but the song will be tweaked to fit Underwood's style, according to NBC.

Last fall, the intro video included appearances from more than twelve different players, with no Broncos making the cut.  With Denver scheduled to play three times on NBC this fall, it wouldn't be surprising to see a Bronco included in the intro this year (keep an eye out for Von Miller and Peyton Manning).

In 2007, Underwood co-hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live with Manning, who was a member of the Indianapolis Colts at the time.  Underwood also performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, a game in which Manning's Colts fell to the New Orleans Saints, 31-17.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

'Madden 25' Releases Awkward Screenshot Featuring Broncos' Manning, McGahee

(Photo provided courtesy of EA Sports — numbers added for emphasis. Larger image here.)
The folks at EA Sports are in the process of hyping up the August release of Madden NFL 25, the companies twenty-fifth installment of the wildly popular football video game.

This year's version of the game apparently is going to highlight running backs and their moves, as EA has been rolling out new features and screenshots geared specifically towards the backfield.

On Wednesday, EA released a screenshot featuring Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Willis McGahee and a Green Bay Packers defender.

Related: Denver's Von Miller, Terrell Davis Bounced In 'Madden 25' Cover Vote

A few observations from the image:

  1. Manning's face and facemask (especially near the top of his helmet) looks extremely awkward. Let's hope this is a screenshot from very early on in the game's developmentthe graphics leave much to be desired. 
  2.  The turf flying up around McGahee's feet is merely four triangles, another graphic glitch.  And the choice of McGahee is curious, even if he is penciled in as the team's current starter.  The Broncos selected Wisconsin running back Montee Ball in the second round of the draft last month, threatening McGahee's starting gig.
  3. Are both of Shield's ankles broken?  They appear to be, and McGahee's wrapped ankles are awfully bulky.
Madden dropped the ball with this screenshot.  There is still plenty of time to work out the kinks before the game comes out later this summer, so get to it, EA.

Von Miller's Dream Job: Chicken Farming

(NFL Network)
There is a lot to love about Denver Broncos third-year outside linebacker Von Miller.

The former Texas A&M star arrived in Denver in 2011 as the No. 2 selection in the draft.  Since then, he has averaged 15 sacks per season and earned two Pro Bowl selections.

Miller is a dominating player on the field.  But off the field?  Consider him just another easy-going chicken farmer.

That's right, chicken farmer.

Miller was a poultry science major in college and has a unique interest in chickens. Recently, he landed his own flock:
"If I called you a chicken that would be an insult, but if you've actually raised a chicken, (you would realize that) they are actually pretty brave," Miller told NFL Network for their "NFL Season" spot in January.

"(Chicken farming) is something I could see myself doing," said Miller, "the chicken industry is a billion dollar industry—if you're successful in the poultry industry, you're very successful."

"That'd be alright for me, just growing chickens for the rest of my life.  That's what I envision for me after my football career."

Miller has plenty more football left to play, but when he is ready to hang up his cleats, he is already well on his way to being successful post-football.  Who knew that he would find that success raising chickens?

ESPN: Broncos Have $8.4M in Cap Space

(Ball's Retro rookie card.)
It is unclear if their numbers include the one-year, $1 million deal that pass rusher Shaun Phillips signed with the team last week, but ESPN.com is reporting that the Denver Broncos currently have $8.4 million in cap space.

That leaves the team with plenty of room to sign their seven drafted rookies and still have roughly $3-4 million remaining going into the summer.  That extra cash may be used on a free agent or two, as wide receiver Brandon Stokley and defensive end Dwight Freeney remain two veteran options for the team.

On a different note, quarterback Peyton Manning made an appearance at a Children's Hospital Gala over the weekend and sang "Prison Blues" on-stage with Luke Bryan (video here).  The event raised over $1 million for the children's hospital.

Denver's rookies will report to Dove Valley next Friday for rookie minicamp on May 10.  The team's training camp schedule is expected to be announced in July.