John Elway in for long haul according to Broncos’ Joe Ellis - Broncos president Joe Ellis, in a wide-ranging interview Friday, said the team’s 2013 schedule, which includes five primetime appearances, means the team’s profile is back where owner Pat Bowlen wants it. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

The road to the NFL draft can be one crazy ride - There are times for those who are in the NFL draft when the whole thing turns into some kind of amusement park ride. With ups, downs, twists and turns, all in real time in this age of social media. ”At first I kind of looked at what’s out there,” said Colorado product Nick Kasa, a tight end. “Maybe check the Internet to see what people were saying and one day you’re great, you’re rising. The next day you’re not great, you’re falling. You have questions or whatever. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Would Saints’ Chris Ivory remedy the Broncos’ needs at RB? - Today’s question about the Broncos comes from Dillon Pauls: Q: Would the Broncos consider trading their second-round pick to the Saints for Chris Ivory? It might seem desperate, but he’s exactly the type of running back the Broncos are looking for, correct? Not only does he have the ability to break tackles and move the pile, but he’s also shown breakaway speed … The Broncos can either roll the dice on a rookie running back, or they can trade for somebody who’s already proven himmself at the age of 25. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

9NEWS Extended as Broncos’ Official Television Partner - In 2011, the Broncos announced 9NEWS as the team’s official television partner. The video celebrating the partnership can be viewed above. On Friday, the club announced a multi-year extension with the television station. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Ellis: ‘Hopefully We’ll Put on a Good Show’ - When Team President Joe Ellis received the Broncos’ 2013 schedule, he immediately called Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen. ”In his 30 years of ownership, I sensed in his voice that this was the most excited he was about an opening game,” Ellis said. The Broncos, for the first time in franchise history, will take part in the NFL’s annual Kickoff Game, scheduled for the Thursday prior to the first Sunday of the season. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

New Scoreboard and Audio System Highlight Stadium Upgrades for 2013 - When Broncos fans next walk into Sports Authority Field at Mile High, they will be greeted by an array of stadium enhancements. The most noticeable will be the brand new, 220-foot-long scoreboard on the South end of the stadium that headlines the $30 million investment into enhancing in-game experience for fans. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos draft options – Let’s take a look at some possible targets of the Denver Broncos, who have the No. 28 pick in the April 25-27 draft. Read more from ESPN >>>>

Super Bowl or bust: Denver Broncos facing highest expectations - In a moment of insightful levity few others in the NFL could possibly provide, Denver Broncosquarterback Peyton Manning dug deep this week to explain the difference between simply appreciating his return to football in 2012 and souring on the final result. Read more from NFL.com >>>>

Peyton calls chance for revenge ‘an exciting opportunity’ - The Denver Broncos won’t have to wait long for a chance to avenge their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Peyton Manning and the Broncos will host the defending Super Bowl champions on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the NFL’s annual kickoff game. The Ravens upset the Broncos in double overtime on a frigid January day in the divisional playoffs en route to their Super Bowl win. Read more from USA Today >>>>

Denver Broncos 2013 NFL Schedule: Initial Reaction Is Fear - Much can be said about the way the Denver Broncos came to play in 2012, ending the season with an 11-game win streak that was derailed in a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Today, the NFL released its full 2013 NFL schedule, and quite honestly, the initial reaction to seeing the schedule leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

2013 Denver Broncos Schedule: Game-by-Game Predictions, Info and Analysis - The 2013 schedules have been released, which means we now know the path the Denver Broncos must follow to get to the postseason. We have known the opponents for a while, but the order of those opponents can also have an impact on the season. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Broncos player surprises Swanson Elementary School teacher - Val Cordova helps kids at Swanson Elementary get active as part of the Fuel Up To Play 60 program, sponsored by the NFL, National Dairy Association and the U.S. Department of Argiculture. The goal, to get kids to get active for 60 minutes a day. Read more from KDVR >>>>

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My Peyton Manning (as an Indianapolis Colt) Christmas ornament has a new companion: This figurine I found at Target today, a clearance item no less!

But when has Manning’s knees been that dirty? The Denver Broncos offensive line is better than that.

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Better late than never, but the Denver Broncos 2013 regular-season schedule has been released.

• Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens: Thursday, September 5 at 6:30 p.m. MDT
• Week 2 at New York Giants: Sunday, September 15 at 2:25 p.m. MDT
• Week 3 vs. Oakland Raiders: Monday, September 23 at 6:40 p.m. MDT
• Week 4 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Sunday, September 29 at 2:25 p.m. MDT
• Week 5 at Dallas Cowboys: Sunday, October 6 at 2:25 p.m. MDT
• Week 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, October 13 at 2:05 p.m. MDT
• Week 7 at Indianapolis Colts: Sunday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. MDT
• Week 8 vs. Washington Redskins: Sunday, October 27 at 2:25 p.m. MDT
• Week 9 – BYE
• Week 10 at San Diego Chargers: Sunday, November 10 at 2:25 p.m. MST
• Week 11 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Sunday, November 17 at 2:05 p.m. MST
• Week 12 at New England Patriots: Sunday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. MST
• Week 13 at Kansas City Chiefs: Sunday, December 1 at 11 a.m. MST
• Week 14 vs. Tennessee Titans: Sunday, December 8 at 2:05 p.m. MST
• Week 15 vs. San Diego Chargers: Thursday, December 12 at 6:25 p.m. MST
• Week 16 at Houston Texans: Sunday, December 22 at 11 a.m. MST
• Week 17 at Oakland Raiders: Sunday, December 29 at 2:25 p.m. MST

Sunday kickoff times for Weeks 11 through 17 are subject to flex scheduling.

View more of the 2013 Denver Broncos regular-season schedule >>>>

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Today was supposed to be the day the NFL released the full 2013 regular-season schedule.

But on Monday, the league admitted it wasn’t quite ready and needed to push the release back.

This morning, the NFL announced the 2013 regular-season schedule will be revealed on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. MT.  We know the Denver Broncos will play the following non-AFC West teams at home: Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins. The following are Denver’s non-AFC West road opponents: Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and New York Giants.

Broncos on TV

I knew there was a 30 for 30 in the works spotlighting the quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. And perfectly timed for next week’s NFL Draft—a draft notably devoid of standout quarterback talent—ESPN will air the 30 for 30 production titled Elway to Marino on Tuesday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m. MT.

View Elway to Marino trailer >>>>

Word on the street (i.e. Broncos beat writers on Twitter) is this 30 for 30 production is spectacular. Then again, most of them are, but this one has special meaning for Broncos Country.

Other headlines:

• Baltimore Sun: Ravens finalize one-year contract with quarterback Caleb Hanie, source says
• Denver Broncos: Moore’s Mentality: ‘Let’s Go Try Again’
• Denver Broncos: Thomas: ‘It’s Going to be Hard for Guys to Stop Us’
• Denver Broncos: Carter Inks Exclusive-Rights Tender
• Denver Post: Broncos one of many teams looking for help at DB in this draft class
• Denver Post: Champ Bailey: “Whatever it takes,” Broncos must improve minus Dumervil
• ESPN: Will Denver draft a quarterback?
• Fox News: Denver Broncos 2013 Draft Preview
• USA Today: Broncos’ Peyton Manning seeks ‘uncomfortable atmosphere’ in Denver

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Klis: Tim Tebow’s contract is tough for New York Jets to swallow - A $1.53 million payment owed to the Broncos explains why Tim Tebow remains employed by the New York Jets. The quieted but ever-ready-to-sound-off Tebow fandom would like the quarterback released from the Jets, whose coach, Rex Ryan, refused to play him much last season. Ryan no doubt would like to dismiss the distracting attention Tebow brings to the locker room. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

2013 NFL Draft Linebackers Week Recap - As we head toward the 2013 NFL Draft, DenverBroncos.com is taking a week-by-week look at prospects at each of the positions. This week, we focused on linebackers. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Ten Significant Events in Denver Broncos’ History - recently saw a question posed by SBNation: “What are the ten most significant events in your franchise’s history.” I thought I would set out ten significant events in the life of the Broncos for your consideration. Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

Five Reason Denver Broncos Tight Ends Will Be Forgotten in 2013 - The Denver Broncos head into the 2013 NFL season in a very precarious situation: how do you keep everyone in the offense happy? This will be a very tall task for new offensive coordinator Adam Gase and quarterback Peyton Manning. Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

2013 Denver Broncos Road Games Worth Attending - In two days, the NFL will release the 2013 regular season schedule – let the offseason planning begin!  Being an out-of-state Denver Bronco season ticket holder, this is one of the most important offseason milestones for me, because it allows me to start planning my fall & winter trips to Colorado!  Obviously, this planning is only for home Bronco games….  but what if money and time were no object, and I could attend any and all Bronco games – whether at Denver, or on the road?  Continue reading for my prioritization of 2013 Bronco road trips worth attending! Read more from Predominantly Orange >>>>

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Looking ahead:

We’re a day away from the start of the Denver Broncos offseason program. Optional phase I workouts begin Monday.

On Tuesday, the NFL will release the complete 2013 regular-season schedule.

Broncos’ base formation on offense leaves little room for a fullback - Q: I really liked the way the Broncos used to run the ball — with zone blocking and a two-back set. Do you think that the Broncos will ever go back to, at least, the two backs? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ John Elway says this year’s NFL draft is not top-heavy - It’s not who the Broncos will select in the first round of the NFL draft that excites Front Range football fans. It’s the anticipation of who they might draft. Take this time last year when there was slight hope that defensive tackles Dontari Poe or Michael Brockers might slide to the Broncos, or the team would pounce on running back Doug Martin. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

NFL mock draft: Jeff Legwold’s first-round predictions - Less than two weeks remain until the opening picks of the 2013 NFL draft, and teams around the league are making final calls and stacking their boards for selection weekend. Some of the biggest question marks, the most headache-inducing puzzlers are at quarterback. Opinions vary all with many evaluators saying the need is so great for many teams that at least one or two quarterbacks will be selected in the opening round. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Adams to Participate in NFL Franchising Boot Camp - While this year’s rookie class enters the NFL via the draft this April, Broncos safety Mike Adams will be preparing for life after football. Adams is one of 21 players – 12 former and nine active – that will take part in the new NFL Franchising Boot Camp April 26-29, 2013, at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Kiper Sees Hayden as Denver’s No. 1 Pick - In his latest conference call covering a variety of topics on the 2013 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. specifically discussed how he sees the Broncos’ draft unfolding. Kiper currently has Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden, headed to Denver in the first round. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

AFC West running back update - With the draft less than two weeks away, here’s a look at the running back situation for each team in the division. Read more from ESPN >>>>

Von Miller talks Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s influence on team – Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller discusses what Peyton Manning’s leadership means to the Broncos, the impact of losing Elvis Dumervil and the addition of Wes Welker. Watch video from NFL.com >>>>

Former Bronco Mecklenburg to speak in La Junta - Karl Mecklenburg, former all-pro captain of the Denver Broncos, will be speaking about his life story, followed by a book signing, on April 20. Read more from BC Democrat Online >>>>

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Broncos to see ample opportunities in NFL draft to address pass rush - Q: Will the Broncos address (a need) at pass rusher in the first round? I think they could maybe use two high picks on defensive ends to slide (Derek) Wolfe into his natural interior position. Is that a possibility? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Unrein Signs Tender - This week, running back Lance Ball and tackle Chris Clark have already signed their contract tenders. On Thursday, defensive tackle Mitch Unrein joined that list, singing his exclusive-rights tender. Unrein has played 30 games, starting two, in his two seasons with the Broncos. He has notched 27 tackles, one fumble recovery and even one touchdown catch in his career. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Manning’s Duke Workout Photos - Images from quarterback Peyton Manning’s workouts at Duke University. See gallery on Denver Broncos >>>>

Mile High Salute to Fans Tour - The Broncos thank fans for from 20 different Colorado cities for their support. Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Peyton and Eli Manning back at Duke for informal workout - Peyton and Eli Manning listened intently to Duke coach David Cutcliffe’s instructions as the NFL quarterbacks worked up a sweat, briskly throwing a mix of deep and short passes at the Blue Devils’ indoor practice field. Read more from the Associated Press >>>>

Peyton Manning pranks Eric Decker with phony bill - Peyton Manning might be all business on the field, but the man knows a good prank. The Denver Broncos quarterback worked out at Duke with new teammate Wes Welker and returning receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas, among others, on Wednesday. Read more from USA Today >>>>

What Does the Broncos’ Interest in Quarterbacks Say About Brock Osweiler? - The Broncos are sniffing around a couple of the late-round prospects at the quarterback position. Zac Dysert out of Miami was in for a visit and Matt Scott out of Arizona is also scheduled for an appointment (via Denver Post). One visit might not indicate anything, but two visits is the start of a trend. Whether it’s Dysert, Scott or someone else, the Broncos could be considering adding another quarterback in the draft. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Denver Broncos 2013 NFL Draft: Eddie Lacy a Must-Pick in First Round - Every NFL fan is well aware of the fact that the draft is rapidly approaching, and the mock drafts are everywhere. If you have been following Rant Sports, you know that we have been doing those mock drafts for weeks now and yours truly has been doing the ones for the Denver Broncos. Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos work to replace Dumervil in Todd McShay’s latest mock - It will be awhile before people forget the gaffe that cost the Denver Broncos the rights to Elvis Dumervil thanks to a faulty fax machine, but it will not be that long before they start to address their pressing need on pressuring the quarterback. They will have to address that very soon. Read more from SB Nation >>>>

Would the Denver Broncos Call the Chicago Bears About Cornelius Carradine? - NFL draft trades have become a regular thing the past few years. As a team gunning for a title, it seems the Denver Broncos could strike early. If there is an outside shot at Cornelius Carradine, could they place a call to the Chicago Bears? Read more from Gather.com >>>>

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It’s that time of year again.

Players return to Dove Valley.

The Denver Broncos begin their voluntary offseason program on April 15. Below is the team’s updated offseason schedule:

Phase 1 Workouts: April 15-18 and April 22-25

What’s allowed: These are relatively light workouts limited to strength, conditioning, and physical rehabilitation. Quarterbacks are allowed to throw to undefended wide receivers, but no other players can use footballs.

What’s not allowed: Helmets and coaches on the field (Exception: strength and conditioning coaches)

Phase 2 Workouts: April 29-May 2, May 6-9, May 13-16, May 23


What allowed: All coaches are allowed on the field in Phase 2. Players can now participate in position drills.

What’s not allowed: Helmets and offense vs. defense drills

Rookie Minicamp: May 10-12

What it is: Drafted and undrafted rookies will get fitted for equipment, undergo physicals, and participate in minicamp drills. NFL rules allow some non-rookies to participate. According to the Denver Broncos, 30 players took part in 2012 rookie minicamp.

Organized Team Activities: May 20-22, May 29-31, June 3-6

What’s allowed: Player and position drills are permitted, including special teams and offense vs. defense drills—just as long as those drills do not involve live contact. Players can now wear helmets.

What’s not allowed: Pads and shells. No live contact in drills.

Mandatory Minicamp: June 11-13

What it is: Veterans will first go through physicals then participate in player/position drills much like OTAs. In fact, the same rules are in effect.

Once minicamp ends, players are not allowed to take part in any team-organized workouts until the start of training camp.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is putting in some reps with new teammate Wes Welker.

Manning and the former New England Patriots wide receiver have played together—as Pro Bowl teammates—but this time around, it’s much different. Wednesday’s practice at Duke University was their first session together since Welker joined the Broncos last month.

And it’s all caught on tape >>>>>

Fellow Denver wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas are also in North Carolina with Manning this week.

This is also listed on the right side of every DHF page.

NFL Draft countdown: 14 days

The NFL Draft begins in exactly two weeks, and I have yet to write about it on Denver Horse Force. That will change this weekend. The NFL released on Wednesday the list of 23 players who will attend the draft. Here are more draft-related headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos Have Met with Two Quarterbacks; Will They Draft One?
• The Denver Post: Broncos Mailbag: Denver’s needs entering NFL draft — RB, CB, D-line
• The Denver Post: Matt Scott of Arizona to visit with Broncos as prospect at quarterback
• Denver Broncos: The NFL Draft Has Come a Long Way
• SB Nation: 2013 DBN Mock Draft: Denver Broncos Select Barkevious Mingo at No. 28

Because who doesn’t love infographics?

Here’s a nifty little infographic by Noah Veltman that was circulating around Twitter Wednesday, showing NFL team fan bases—based on reality and geography. (Not pictured: Alaska and Hawaii)

Not completely surprising, the Broncos have the largest geography fan base, covering much of the Mountain Time Zone. The reality, however, is somewhat different.

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Broncos may open NFL season with rematch against Baltimore Ravens - There is a strong possibility the Broncos will open the NFL’s 2013 season with an AFC playoff rematch against the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

2013 NFL Draft Preview: Linebackers - In the weeks leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, DenverBroncos.com is taking a look at the draft prospects position-by-position. We will devote a week to each group, looking back at some of the Broncos’ previous picks at the position and showcasing some of the top prospects through top stories, blogs and Broncos TV videos. This week: linebackers. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Robert Griffin III’s jersey is top seller - Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III not only ended the year with the best selling jersey in the league, more of his No. 10 jerseys were sold in the NFL this fiscal year than any jersey in league history. Exact sales numbers on NFLShop.com from April 1, 2012, to March 1, 2013, were not revealed by the NFL. Read more from ESPN >>>>

The Most Overrated & Underrated NFL Free Agents Still Available - Though the attention has shifted in the NFL from free agency to the draft, there are still a number of veteran players looking for new teams. Not all of them will find one, of course, and many will have to wait until the draft is over or when training camps begin to be given a shot to become a starter once again. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Bixby’s Chris Harris – A Rising NFL Star - Bixby native Ch He even had a trademark play last season – a 98 yard interception return against eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore, the longest interception return for a touchdown in Denver Broncos history. Read more from KTUL >>>>

D.J Williams a Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing - When the Bears broke off negotiations with Brian Urlacher and signed D.J. Williams, you weren’t the only Bears fan who wondered what the heck they were thinking at Halas Hall. Though he was aging, Urlacher was a known entity. Williams, on the other hand, spent much of his 2012 as a Bronco on the bench because of two different suspensions. Read more from NBC Chicago >>>>

Denver Broncos 2013 Pre-Draft Position Breakdown: Offensive Line - Leading up to the draft, I will evaluate the current Broncos offensive roster. I will break down QB’s, RB’s, WR’s/TE’s, and OL individually and devote a write up to each position group. Scotty Payne will be taking on the defense. By the time the draft comes, you should have a good idea where the Broncos might be looking to add quality starters or necessary depth to round out a very talented roster. Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

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