Denver Broncos

Via Brian McIntyre and Yahoo Sports: Last week, the Denver Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning agreed to a renegotiated contract with the primary intent on adding insurance language for the 2014 season. Instead of earning $20 million in fully guaranteed base salaries in 2013 and 2014, Manning received a $10 million salary advance and his base salaries in 2013 and 2014 have been lowered to $15 million in each season. The $10 million salary advance is treated like a signing bonus and will be prorated over the next four seasons, reducing Manning's cap number from $20 million to $17.5 million in both 2013 and 2014. The nature of the beast also means that Manning's cap number will rise from 19 million to 21.5 million in 2015 and 2016. If for some reason the Broncos and Manning parted ways before then, his cap hit would be 2.5 million in dead money each season. Overall I like the move. It provides the Broncos some cap relief the next two seasons when the Broncos have a slew of freeagents to resign. It also isn't a big enough restructure that the Broncos will be handicapped by it in future seasons. According to the article, the Broncos now have approximately 9.9 million in cap space this year.

This Denver Broncos golf bag doesn’t help anyone’s score or golf swing but it sure is nice to look at on the golf course! The 2013 NFL schedule has been released, the draft is over, offseason workout programs have been implemented, the stadium renovations appear to be complete, and the rookie mini-camp is over….  all we have to do is wait a bit longer, and the REAL 2013 NFL season will be here.  As I sat reflecting this past weekend, I looked at the calendar and was astonished at where we’re at in relationship to the end of last season and the upcoming season. As of today, we are three and a half months away from the home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.  To put that in perspective, even though some days it feels like just a few days ago that the Ravens ended the Denver Broncos 2012 season on that bitterly cold January day, that was actually just over four months ago.  In other words, we’re over the hump and are actually closer to the start of a new season than we are to the end of the previous season.  Hallelujah! So, what’s a Bronco fan to do for the next three months to pass the time? As an out-of-state Bronco season ticket holder, one of the tasks I thoroughly enjoy each offseason is planning my fall/winter road trips to the state of Colorado for Bronco football games.  Since I have to ensure my allotted vacation days fulfill my role as husband and father as well, I have to evaluate the Bronco schedule and choose the best games to attend.  Many would find this a burden and too challenging, but I consider it useful because it allows me to start analyzing each opponent months before the game actually takes place.  So far, and a bit out of the ordinary, I am heavily leaning toward the Oakland Raiders game and the Philadelphia Eagles game in weeks three and four.  Not only will I be able to catch two Bronco games in one trip, but my father in-law and I are planning on three or four rounds of high altitude golf in between the two games!  Another game penciled in is the Washington Redskins and the return of Mike Shanahan to his old stomping grounds.  I am remaining optimistic and hoping that a couple of trips to Colorado will be required in January 2014 when the Broncos make the playoffs. As I mentioned in a post about three months ago, I also find it enjoyable to inventory my Bronco wardrobe and watch old Bronco games on DVD or YouTube to help pass the time during the offseason.  Since I am a golf fan, I also look forward to the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament held each summer in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.  The celebrity golf tournament, which is being held July 16-21, features many current and ex-professional athletes and coaches.  In addition to watching the celebrity golf tournament, I also enjoy hacking my way around the golf course on weekends.  This golf season is a bit more special thanks to the Christmas gift I received from my in-laws (see photo).  As I told my thirteen year-old son, the new golf bag doesn’t take any strokes off my score nor does it improve my golf swing, but it sure is nice walking back to the cart and seeing such an awesome bag! Regardless of what you like to do during the offseason, always look on the bright side and remember that in about three months, Bronco football season will be here….  one that, hopefully, ends much better than last season. Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

I have noticed the sentiment out there that there isn't much difference between the teams from about 15-26 and I agreed with that. Every ranking from here to number 15 is really just splitting hairs. The NFC East gets tons of hype every single year and since I'm on the west coast, you won't see that from me. The NFC East is severely limited in talent, but not on pride or arrogance. Chip Kelly has his work cut out for him, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Everything will depend on how quickly he can install his style of offense. 23. Philadelphia Eagles (2012 Record: 4-12) Eagles 2013 Draft Picks 1.4 Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma 2.3 Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford 3.5 Bennie Logan, DT, LSU 4.1 Matt Barkley, QB, USC 5.3 Earl Wolff, SS, North Carolina State 7.6 Joe Kruger, DE, Utah 7.12 Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State 7.33 David King, DE, Oklahoma The Eagles draft was pretty meh for me up until the beginning of Day 3 when the jumped ahead to select Matt Barkley, thus saving him from Oakland Raider purgatory. To me, it looks like new boss Chip Kelly plans to roll with Michael Vick this year and groom Barkley to replace Vick in 2014. I think this is the right move and I also think Matt Barkley is destined to succeed in the NFL - especially since he was stolen away from the Raiders. In comparison to previous USC quarterbacks, Barkley is superior in every way. You look at his down season that caused his draft stock fall from Top 5 to Day 3 and I attribute it more to a horrible coaching staff and surrounding talent. You put top tier talent around any quarterback and you'll end up with Matt Leinart's and Mark Sanchez's on your team. I still think this team has some talent deficiencies, especially on the defensive side of the ball and it will take a year for this team to really start to implement the new regime's scheme. Previous: 24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Next: Tune in tomorrow at Noon MST Follow Me on Twitter!Like Me on Facebook! Poll Are the Eagles ranked too high or too low here? Too High Too Low Just Right 2 votes | Results

Peyton Manning Category 2012 Numbers Over/Under Bronco Mike's bet Completions 400 390 Over Attempts 583 550 Over Passing Yards 4659 4500 Over Completion Percentage 68.6% 67% Over Average per attempt 8.0 7.7 Push Touchdowns 37 30 Over Interceptions 11 15 Push QB Rating 105.8 100.0 Over You heard it here first, Peyton will exceed 4,700 yards, approach 40 TD's and approach 70% completion percentage. These would all be among career highs. The fact that he had such a historic season under the circumstances he faced tells me things can be even better in year 2. For context though, let's take a closer look. - Peyton has had more than 390 completions 4 times in 14 seasons. He's also accomplished that feat the last three active seasons. - has attempted 550 or more passes in 9/14 seasons. - has reached 4500 yards 4 times and all three previous seasons. - has reached or exceeded 67% completion percentage 5 times in his career. - has reached or eclipsed 7.7 yards per attempt 8 times - has exceeded 30 TD passes 7 times. - has had 15 INT or less 9 times - has eclipsed a passer rating of 100 4 times. Very impressive numbers over the life of his career. It was interesting to hear John Elway refer to a "pitch count" in training camp. I'm wondering if they limit his throws in practice all season in order to preserve his arm strength--I wonder if they'll look to have a more balanced approach? One thing is for sure, I would expect to see Brock Osweiler a ton more especially when the Broncos have a lead. All of these things have the ability to impact any numbers Peyton puts up in 2013. Film Study: Peyton Manning's Interceptions Bronco Mike studies and analyzes the interceptions Peyton Manning threw in 2012 While I was perusing the all time NFL record book, I discovered some interesting ones that Peyton holds: - 46 career games with a passer rating of 120.0 or better - Tied with Craig Morton with 4 perfect passer rating games in career (never would have thought that about Morton). - Most seasons with 550 or more pass attempts (9) - Most seasons with at least 350 completions (8) - Most games with at least 70% completion percentage (71) - Most games with 300 or more yards passing (72) - Most games with 3 passing TD's or more (73) - Most seasons with 25 or more passing TD's (14) We already witnessed something historic last season. Very much looking forward to a repeat performance. I would even bet that Peyton's arm is a bit stronger than where he ended the season last year. As long as he doesn't throw anymore balls across his body the other way while scrambling we should be fine. Poll Do you speak Gaelic? Yes No 0 votes | Results

Six Seahawks have tested positive for PEDs since 2011 | ProFootballTalkPlenty of players test positive for performance enhancing drugs. But the Seahawks definitely are in the midst of a troubling trend. As pointed out by Eric D. NFP Sunday Blitz | National Football PostWhen Schiano was the head coach of Rutgers in 2007, he visited Glennon at Westfield High School in Fairfax County, Va., to recruit him Glennon told Schiano his goal was to play in the ACC, not in the Big East. Denver Broncos News and Blogs Broncos shouldn't add too many old guys - The Denver PostWelcome, Woodson. Is free agent Charles Woodson too old to help the Broncos win a championship? No! Bring him on board. Get this Hall of Famer another ring. Competition Benefits Broncos | DenverBroncos.comDepth on the roster will lead to tough competition at the wide receiver and middle linebacker positions. Want a Sneak Peek at Sports Authority Field Upgrades? " DenverBroncos.comMaybe you’ve already seen the photos of the new Sports Authority Field at Mile High scoreboards being installed. Carrying the Workload | DenverBroncos.comThe Broncos know Montee Ball can handle 20 carries a game and more than 300 in a season, as he did each of his last two seasons at Wisconsin, racking up 307 (21.9 per game) in 2011 and 356 (25.4 per game) last year. In 2011, he handled 52.6 percent of the Badgers’ run calls; a year later, that spiked to 58.6 (adjusting for sacks, which count as runs in NCAA statistics). Woodson Comes, Woodson Goes...Broncos Remain A Favorite - Predominantly OrangeCharles Woodson has come and gone. We know the Broncos made him an offer but seeings how he is not on the roster, we can assume the offer was too low for Woodson’s tastes. Peyton Manning: novo contrato, mesmo acordo. " BroncosBrasil.comAno passado, quando foi anunciado que Peyton Manning assinara um contrato milionário com nosso querido Denver Broncos, muitos acharam um absurdo o valor de 98 milhões de dólares. Entretanto, ficou claro que para o primeiro ano eram "apenas" 18 milhões, o resto ficando sujeito a exames médicos. NFL News and Blogs Dwight Freeney, San Diego Chargers agree on contract - NFL.comDwight Freeney and the San Diego Chargers reached an agreement Saturday on a two-year, $8.75 million contract, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported. Nick Saban: Rolando McClain 'being fair' to Ravens - NFL.comRolando McClain signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens in early April, only to announce his retirement a month later. Nick Saban says his former player has been fair to the Ravens. Greg Schiano says Glennon can win the starting job for the Bucs - Bucs NationThe quarterback controversy continues! This time, Greg Schiano fuels the Mike Glennon/Josh Freeman quarterback controversy, while simultaneously reinforcing that Josh Freeman is the starter. Oh yes, good fun. Chargers sign Dwight Freeney, Willie Colon thinks Goodson will be released - SBNation.comIt was a slower day on Saturday, but one of the big-name free-agents remaining on the market was signed, and we found out that the NFL is bringing rugby to the United States. Lynch is back on the national stage at USF | National Football PostWhen Aaron Lynch decided to transfer from Notre Dame, it was supposed to be a big blow to the Fighting Irish defense. Chargers Sign Dwight Freeney To Two-Year, $8.75 Million Contract | GridironGrit.comDwight Freeney has finally found a new home after more than two months on the open market, as he agreed to terms to sign a two-year contract with the San Diego Chargers, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Inside the Super Bowl L and LI voting process | ProFootballTalkWith only two cities vying for Super Bowl L and then only two cities squaring off for Super Bowl LI on Tuesday, the voting process becomes much more simple than if three or more cities were being considered for one game. Super Bowls L and LI to be awarded this week | ProFoo

The Denver Broncos have reportedly made Charles Woodson a contract offer, but the free agent safety is still considering his options, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Per Rapoport, those options include the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Oakland Raiders. "(Woodson) still can do it on the field." Woodson doesn't "just" want to be signed to be a de facto assistant coach helping rookies. -Woodson's agent Carl Poston, via NFL.com Beside the Broncos, the Raiders are the most actively interested. Woodson has accepted an invitation by the Oakland Raiders to visit the team this Tuesday. The draw to Oakland might not be strictly financial for Woodson; should he sign with the Broncos' AFC West rival, he would be reunited him with his original NFL team. The Raiders drafted Woodson in the first round (4th overall pick) of the 1998 draft; Woodson spent eight years in Oakland. Meanwhile, the Broncos' offer is standing, and was reportedly for more than the veteran minimum. Other teams have "balked" at offering Woodson more than the veteran minimum, according to Rapoport, but this visit with Oakland is a sign that may change. Credit Woodson's agent for doing his job: using the media to drum up interest around the league, legitimate or not, and likely upping the price tag for his future Hall of Fame client in the twilight of his career. The Broncos now have serious competition in the Charles Woodson sweepstakes.

Three months ago, just after the Indianapolis Colts released Dwight Freeney, Peyton Manning reportedly texted him, telling his former Indianapolis Colts teammate, "Don't worry, come play with me in Denver." Instead, the sack specialist will play against Manning twice a year, as a member of Denver's division rival, the San Diego Chargers. After an extended free agency period that drummed up mixed interest from a handful of teams, including the Broncos, Dwight Freeney and the San Diego Chargers have agreed to a two-year, $8.75 million deal, USA Today reports. The deal could reportedly pay Freeney $13.35 million over two years, should he hit incentives tied to him remaining on the roster and hitting sack thresholds. Freeney, 33, spent the majority of his career as a 4-3 defensive end, but tallied only five sacks as a 3-4 outside linebacker with the Colts last year. The Chargers also run a 3-4, suggesting at first glance that Freeney might not be the best fit with San Diego. However, USA Today reports the Chargers plan "to adjust some schemes that would put Freeney in his more natural position as a down lineman." The Chargers' interest in Freeney peaked after outside linebacker Melvin Ingram suffered a torn ACL in organized team activities this week. The Broncos' interest in Freeney waned after they grabbed their own sack specialist in April: ex-Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips, who is expected to see time at defensive end in Denver. This free agency soap opera between Manning, Freeney and Phillips has turned into a prequel to the drama that will unfold on the football field in 2013: Freeney will be trying to take down his friend and former teammate Peyton Manning, while out-performing the defender the Broncos chose instead, Shaun Phillips. Meanwhile, Phillips will have a score to settle of his own, playing against his former team. The time for texting is nearly over. Let the games begin.

In reading some of the comments of the many quality Broncos fans, I have come across comments here and there about Manning and the playoffs. The comments have denoted negativity in his playoff abilities. And I understand why. That is the notoriety that he has carried for awhile now. And in his first year in a Broncos uniform, he makes the game deciding mistake in the overtime of the Raven nightmare. But as a guy that has watched him pretty closely for a decade, I just want to give some perspective on the matter. I don't want to write a blind defense of his mistakes. But to offer a broader viewpoint. Colts fans knew Manning and understood what he had done in the regular season and the playoffs. Tho understandable, it's a little strange to read comments from Broncos fans who speak negatively of Peyton. They may not be completely mistaken, but they didn't watch him closely for a decade. They may react to what his reputation has been. Peyton is now a Bronco. That was his choice. And I hate to see comments of the good Mile High fans in a negative light when it comes to the man who is committed to being your Quarterback. A fan has a right to criticize a player. And perhaps at this point you owe him nothing. And if you feel that Manning is a bad playoff quarterback, it doesn't mean that you hate him and are rooting against him. You are a Broncos fan, so you want the Broncos to win regardless of who the QB is. But I think its good to have a broader perspective on how he has gotten that reputation. And good for Bronco country not to add to the negativity. I have read many comments from media and observers about Manning and his playoff career the last few years out of curiosity. They are wide ranging. Some say that he is fatally flawed and cannot perform in the playoffs. His sub .500 record proves clearly that he is a choker and incapable of leading a team in the postseason.. Others suggest that all of Peyton's playoff losses have been a result of complete failure by his teammates and coaches, and that he is pretty much free from blame... Those are the extremes.. Most opinions are somewhere in the middle. Some saying that tho he has not always been terrible, he is clearly not the same quarterback in the postseason.. Others saying, while he has not been perfect in the postseason, at times he has been great. And he has not benefited from ever having what wins championships, a really good defense. First I think it is good to look at how he first developed that reputation. It started early on in his career. I thought I would go through his whole career and give an overview of what happened to the Manning lead Colts over the years. 1999-2006 The Colts were a cellar dwelling team that Manning helped elevate to the playoffs in his second year. However they could not get over the hump, losing in three straight playoff games in '99 '00 and '02. The voices were starting to raise that Peyton couldn't win a game in the playoffs. And he didn't play particularly well in those games. He tried to do too much and made mistakes that were uncharacteristic. 2003 Soon the Tony Dungy era would come in and give some structure to the defense. One of the worst defenses in the league would make some improvement. In 2003, the Colts broke out of the postseason slump, coincidentally against the franchise Peyton would join in the twilight of his career. The Colts did not punt once in this game against the Broncos. Peyton was 22 for 26 and threw for 377 yards and five touchdowns. Then they went onto the next round to beat the Chiefs in another game in which the punter stayed on the sidelines. But the postseason ended on a snowy night in New England a week later. Peyton played terrible getting picked off four times and throwing the ball into coverage where it should not have been thrown. Colts fans were upset at the physicality of the the New England defense. It was very physical with the WR's, throwing them off of t

What do you all think of this? I thought that we'd still get him, but I feel confident in our DLine and think we could still pick up Abraham. I'm not that worried about Freeney facing Clady, after all. What do you all think? Should we have given more effort in obtaining him, or will our DLine be sufficient to destroy the rest of the AFC West and beyond? I like Freeney, but am not entirely sad we missed out. I'd rather have Phillips. What do you all think of this? I thought that we'd still get him, but I feel confident in our DLine and think we could still pick up Abraham. I'm not that worried about Freeney facing Clady, after all. What do you all think? Should we have given more effort in obtaining him, or will our DLine be sufficient to destroy the rest of the AFC West and beyond? I like Freeney, but am not entirely sad we missed out. I'd rather have Phillips.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Dwight Freeney signed with the San Diego Chargers on Saturday, meaning two former teammates will face off twice a year. Freeney is good friends with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning from their days with the Indianapolis Colts. He was once believed to be headed for a reunion with Manning in Denver, but instead will play for the rival Chargers. The question is, what does the Freeney signing mean for the Broncos? Whenever a division rival upgrades their talent base, it’s something to take notice of, but the Broncos should not be too concerned about Freeney with the Chargers. Firstly, Freeney is not the pass rusher he was four or five years ago as his sack numbers have decreased in recent years. He also benefited from playing with leads when he and Manning played for the Colts, making it easier to rush the passer. The Chargers are unlikely to be playing with big leads very often, especially versus the Broncos. Freeney also had Robert Mathis on the other side when he was with the Colts, an advantage he won’t have with the Chargers. Teams, including the Broncos, will be able to game plan for Freeney without having to worry about a second pass rusher. However, the biggest reason that the Broncos shouldn’t be too concerned about the presence of Freeney with the Chargers is Ryan Clady. Clady is one of the best left tackles in the NFL and is coming off of his best season as a pro. Throw in the fact that Manning knows Freeney and gets rid of the ball quickly, and the Broncos will be fine when facing the Chargers. What’s funny is the Broncos signed former Charger Shaun Phillips for a fraction of what the Chargers are paying Freeney, and I’m willing to bet that Phillips has a better year than Freeney. The new Charger may end up with more sacks, but Phillips will have more of an impact. Freeney had a chance to play with the Broncos and benefit from the leads that Manning is likely to build, but he passed on it and now has to chase his friend twice a year. Good luck with that. Follow me on Twitter @Jemorrone7