Denver Broncos Offseason Headlines:

• Broncos Mailbag: John Elway, John Fox clock in Day One of new season – Q: Hi, Mike. Just wanted to say as a grieving fan, I enjoyed your recent column: Broncos’ loss leaves a long-lasting hangover with fans. It was a therapeutic read. That being said, what’s your initial assessment of where the Broncos stand for making a championship run next season? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>>
• Broncos devising strategies for free agency in March, draft in April – Q: Aside from re-signing Ryan Clady, what will be Denver’s free-agency priorities this offseason? Who do you expect the Broncos to lose/not retain? What players and/or positions do you expect them to target? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>
• Examining the 7 Biggest 2013 Offseason Priorities for the Denver Broncos – In 2012, the Denver Broncos had a historic regular season.  In the postseason, they quickly faded from the spotlight, falling to the Baltimore Ravens 38-35 in the divisional round of the playoffs. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>
• Denver Broncos: The Offseason Plan – If you are a football fan, today is not your favorite day of the year. The season is over, free agency is over a month away and the draft is over two months away. Unless you are a fan of the Baltimore Ravens, today is not a fun day. However it is never too early to look ahead. Mike Shanahan once said that the Monday after the Super Bowl is one of his favorite days of the year. Why? Because, in reality, it’s the first day of the next season and everyone is 0-0 again. The new league year does not start till March but teams are busy at work all ready trying to ensure that they are the ones celebrating next year. Read more from Rant Sports >>>>
• Denver Broncos Must Sign OT Ryan Clady to Long-Term Deal – The Denver Broncos may have the most important player in the NFL, and he’s currently facing free agency unless the Broncos make a move and pay the big bucks or slap a franchise tag on OT Ryan Clady for next season. Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

Other Headlines:

• Broncos TV Highlights Top Offensive Plays of 2012 – So far, Top 10 Tuesdays have brought us Peyton Manning’s Top 10 Touchdown Passes and Von Miller’s Top Ten Plays. This Tuesday, Broncos TV is taking a look at the best offensive plays of the season. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>
• Denver Broncos Are The 2014 Super Bowl Favorites – Even though the Denver Broncos didn’t make it past the divisional round of the playoffs in 2012, they are the Vegas favorites to win Super Bowl XLVIII which will be played at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Read more from Predominantly Orange >>>>

NFL Draft Headlines:

• Draft Scenarios Favor the Denver Broncos – The Denver Broncos will be good again in 2013 as long as Peyton Manning and Von Miller are healthy. Getting over the hump and winning a Super Bowl is the goal and to do that the Broncos have a little work to do. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>
• Super Bowl shows draft talent can be found anywhere – What happened in New Orleans on Sunday night, in and around the first Super Bowl power outage and a nail-biting, back-and-forth affair was another nod toward scouting. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

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Broncos’ Von Miller wants to follow LBs like Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis into Super Bowl - America loves its quarterbacks, but this Super Bowl might have a throwback flavor. It just might be one for the linebacker. It will be Ray Lewis’ final game at linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, who also sport another former NFL defensive player of the year at the position in Terrell Suggs. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Peyton Manning has big vote in Broncos offense, but not the only vote - Q: Given the fact that it’s Peyton Manning’s offense, how much of an influence does that have on the front office when it comes to free agents and the draft regarding offensive players? Does Peyton’s opinion influence most decisions? Do they ask Peyton for his opinion and judgment on the potential wide receivers and tight ends in the draft class that he likes when it comes to picking potential draftees? Last year both (Brandon) Stokley and (Jacob) Tamme joined because of their familiarity with Manning. Could the same thing happen this year with Austin Collie if Peyton wanted him brought in? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Q&A with Mark Schlereth - DenverBroncos.com talked with former Bronco lineman Mark Schlereth during Super Bowl week in New Orleans. Schlereth played six seasons with the Broncos and earned two Super Bowl titles with the club. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

The Biggest Question Marks Surrounding Denver’s Offseason - The Denver Broncos’ 2012 season is one of mixed emotions for most Bronco fans. Denver went 13-3 in the regular season and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Broncos looked dominant at times. They outscored their regular-season opponents by a total of 481-289, newly-acquired quarterback Peyton Manning looked great as he threw for over 4,600 yards and the Bronco offense averaged 398 yards and 30 points per game. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

2013 NFL Draft Team Needs: Denver Broncos – Except for perhaps the miraculous return of Adrian Peterson, the biggest storyline of the 2012 NFL season was the semi-miraculous return of Peyton Manning. Manning, who surprised some by signing with the Denver Broncos last off-season, was coming off of four major neck surgeries, and at 36, most figured his best days were in the past. Read more from NFL Soup >>>>

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Rookie quarterback Brock Osweiler played in five games his rookie season, mostly handing the ball off in the game’s waning moments. It wasn’t until the Denver Broncos’ regular-season finale that Osweiler attempted a pass, finishing the season 2-of-4 passing for 12 yards.

But we never expected to see much of Osweiler in 2012, and if we did, that meant Peyton Manning wasn’t playing.

In the team’s end-of-season press conference nearly three weeks ago, executive vice president of football operations John Elway and head coach John Fox each gave Osweiler their endorsement, saying the rookie quarterback has the skills to be Manning’s successor-whenever that happens.

New offensive coordinator Adam Gase, the Broncos’ former quarterbacks coach, agrees, telling DenverBroncos.com:

“He really prepared as though he was going in the next snap and he really went out of his way to make sure that when we talked about things, his release point, the way he dropped, his balance as a passer, his progressions, he really pushed himself to do those things right.”

Osweiler started training camp as the Broncos’ No. 3 quarterback behind Manning and Caleb Hanie, but moved up to backup before the 2012 season. Osweiler dressed for every game, while Hanie was often not active on game day. The Broncos were confident in having only two quarterbacks available.

The Denver Broncos are confident in Brock Osweiler. (personal photo)

Still, we know the Broncos will have probably four quarterbacks at training camp and three on the final roster. That’s just how it’s done.

What does this mean for Hanie and the Broncos? Maybe nothing. Maybe something. I’m not sure if Hanie has a future in the NFL, but that’s merely my opinion. If he’s hoping for more playing time, it won’t happen here. If he’s content being the No. 3 guy, that’s a different story.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos: 5 Players That Should Go Before the 2013 Season
• Denver Broncos: Bailey, Miller to Visit Troops in Afghanistan
• Rant Sports: Peyton Manning Should Win NFL MVP

Coming up later today on DHF, I cast my vote – a vote that doesn’t count in any real balloting – for the NFL awards that will be announced this weekend: MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, etc.

I’ll share my picks and see how they stack up against the rest of the Aerys Sports NFL contingent.

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Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller was voted as a starter to the Pro Bowl.

But last week, just days before the game, Miller announced he would not be playing. Miller, who’s in New Orleans as part of Super Bowl XLVII festivities, told The Denver Post Wednesday he’s dealing with a minor shoulder injury, and decided it was best to skip the all-star game in Honolulu:

“I feel OK. If this was a Sunday playoff game and we were getting ready to play, I’d be ready to go. I was just being conscious about the offseason, but I’ll be ready to go. I mean, I’m ready to go right now. I’m just trying to do what’s best.”

Miller said he first “tweaked” the left shoulder during his first game of his rookie season, but it wasn’t serious enough to require much medical attention or surgery. He played on with a brace, but decided to get another opinion on the shoulder following the Broncos’ Jan. 12 divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Don’t fret about Von Miller’s shoulder injury; he hasn’t. (personal photo)

Miller said surgery isn’t needed and he expects to participate in the team’s offseason program in April.

Von Miller talks about the importance of nutrition and his first two NFL seasons >>>>

Other headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Free Agents the Denver Broncos Should Avoid at All Costs
• Denver Broncos: Torrey Smith on Champ Bailey
• Denver Broncos: Stokley: ‘I Still Love This Game’
• The Denver Post: Tim Tebow gone, not forgotten: What separates him from quarterback?
• The Denver Post: Broncos’ Ben Garland continues to impress with work ethic, quick feet
• ESPN: Manti Te’o a Bronco? They should hope
• Yahoo! Sports: Offseason Needs: Broncos Need a Big-time RB to Reach the Next Level
• Yahoo! Sports: 7 Reasons the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl Window Remains Wide Open

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Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco’s turning point came in Dec. 16 loss to Denver Broncos – At the time, it seemed like a face-planted, body-prone, rock-bottom moment. Instead, Joe Flacco turned his low point into a turning point. In a Dec. 16 game against the Broncos, Baltimore trailed 10-0 late in the first half, but Flacco, the Ravens’ quarterback, used a 43-yard pass play to Jacoby Jones to quickly maneuver his offense into a first-and-goal situation with about 30 seconds remaining. Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Getting best players to play their best is key to any Super Bowl run – Ozzie Newsome has been in the Ravens’ front office, as vice president of player personnel or his current job of general manager, since 1996 — the team’s first year in Baltimore after the move from Cleveland. Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Can Jets, Broncos work another big trade? – The New York Jets and Denver Broncos made headlines last offseason when they combined to make the most-hyped trade in 2012 for Tim Tebow. Could these two teams work out another blockbuster in 2013 with star cornerback Darrelle Revis? Read more from ESPN >>>>

Broncos Mock Draft: Instant Contributors Denver Can Use – When the Broncos’ 2012 season came crashing down two weeks ago, John Elway and staff started looking to the future. On January 14, the Broncos’ pick for the 2013 NFL draft was set; they would pick 28th.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

‘Tis The Season For Denver Broncos To Improve - The Denver Broncos have to get better to contend for postseason honors in 2013-2014. You know that. I know that. And the Broncos know that – from owner Pat Bowlen down to those lucky youngsters who run errands during practices. It should be simple, this self-improvement process. Read more from Predominantly Orange >>>>

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Odds are some future Broncos are working at the Senior Bowl this week - The Casino Del Sol All-Star Game is a newly minted affair, and the East-West Shrine Game is a quality event, played for the best of causes. And the NFL Players Association has tried to jump into the college all-star game biz with its invitation-only affair. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Should Colin Kaepernick have been a Broncos draft pick at QB? - Today’s question about the Broncos comes from Marv Robbins: Q: No one has written about the Broncos trading the No. 36 pick in 2011 to San Francisco, who then selected (quarterback) Colin Kaepernick. He could have been a Bronco, your thoughts?  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Goodell Chats with Season Ticket Holders - Hours the Broncos’ Divisional Round matchup kicked off, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a fan forum with Broncos season ticket holders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Broncos President Joe Ellis, who told the crowd he has known Goodell for 22 years, introduced the commissioner and thanked those in attendance for all they do for the franchise. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

New Denver Broncos QBs coach Greg Knapp to work with Peyton Manning at Pro Bowl - The relationship between Greg Knapp and Peyton Manning will be jumpstarted this week. When Mike McCoy was hired as San Diego’s new head coach, quarterbacks coach Adam Gase was promoted to offensive coordinator. Read more from Examiner >>>>

4 Things the Denver Broncos Need to Improve Upon in 2013 - The 2012 Denver Broncos had their season ended by the eventual AFC championBaltimore Ravens a couple of weeks ago in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss at Mile High. The Broncos entered the game as 10-point favorites and there was little doubt that they would move on to the AFC Championship game. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Denver Broncos 2013 NFL Draft Wish List - The 2013 NFL Draft will be here in the blink of an eye and the Denver Broncos are scheduled to select 28th overall in round one (if they do not trade out of that spot).  What positions should the Broncos address? Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

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It’s more surgery for Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper has been on the losing end of luck.

He suffered a gruesome lower left leg injury in the 2011 regular-season finale, requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation. Then Kuper suffered a fractured left forearm in training camp. Then came the sprained ankle – the same ankle that was hurt a season before.

The Denver Post reported Tuesday that Kuper was invited as a replacement player to Sunday’s Pro Bowl, but turned down the offer because he needs another surgery on his lower left fibula.

A plate that was inserted last year to hold together Kuper’s fibula has shattered, resulting in a new break.

X-rays on the ankle earlier this season didn’t show a fracture, until several weeks later when Kuper was experiencing more pain.

Kuper, who only started six games this season for the Broncos, played in the team’s divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Teammate and left guard Zane Beadles is going to the Pro Bowl in place of Kuper after Logan Mankins of the New England Patriots withdrew due to injury.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: Questions the Denver Broncos Must Answer in the Offseason
• Denver Broncos: Broncos TV Counts Down Manning’s Top TD Passes
• Predominantly Orange: Tackles A Big Deal On Denver Broncos’ Offensive Line
• Rant Sports: Denver Broncos’ Fans: It’s Time to Calm Down

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Denver Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter will not play in the team’s regular-season finale Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Porter, who suffered a concussion in last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, did not practice this week.

Returner Trindon Holliday (ankle) is doubtful.  He also did not practice this week, an indication that he won’t play.  Guard Chris Kuper (ankle/head) practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable.

Here is the updated injury report, including the Kansas City Chiefs, via DenverBroncos.com:

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning still haven’t played a nail-biter in 2012
• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos’ 5 Biggest 2013 Offseason Decisions
• Denver Broncos: Pro Bowl Familiar Territory for This Year’s Selections
• Denver Post: Do the Denver Broncos have what it takes to win the Super Bowl?
• Denver Post: Broncos look to be well grounded for a potential postseason run

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It’s time to do a little renovating.

About $30 million worth. 

Sports Authority Field at Mile High will undergo $30 million in improvements this offseason.   The project includes installing a new HD video board, updating the current video boards, swapping out TVs in the concourses and public areas, and a paint job.

These changes could also help Denver’s chances of landing an upcoming Super Bowl, something the city is interested in doing.

On the injury front, it’s looking more and more like Chris Kuper (ankle) will not suit up Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.  Kuper missed Friday’s practice, and is officially listed as doubtful.  The right guard has been plagued by injuries in 2012.

Fullback Chris Gronkowski (hamstring) is listed as questionable.

Other Headlines:

• Bleacher Report: The 8 Best Highlights of the Denver Broncos’ 2012 Season So Far
• Denver Broncos: Dominating Defense Fuels Win Streak
• Denver Broncos: Broncos vs. Browns: Final Preview
• Denver Post: Broncos’ Mike Adams looks forward to Sunday reunion with Browns

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Assuming we live on another day – and I fully suspect we will – here’s to what I normally do this time each day: Delve into Denver Broncos headlines.

Quick aside: I spent about 45 minutes last night on Wikipedia reading List of dates predicted for apocalyptic events, and guess what?  Not a single prediction has actually come to fruition.  Moving on…

In an unsurprising development, the Broncos’ continued success has shined the spotlight on offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as possible head coaching candidates in 2013.  McCoy interviewed with the Miami Dolphins last offseason, and was also rumored as a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.  As for Jacksonville, Del Rio was head coach there for nine seasons before joining the Broncos.

So it seems the Broncos’ revolving door at DC could extend another year, because, let’s face it, there will be some job openings here in a few weeks time.  And McCoy, who was credited last season for overhauling a playbook midseason to accommodate Tim Tebow, did another drastic makeover in 2012 for Peyton Manning.  There aren’t two more different quarterbacks.  Seriously.

Other Headlines:

• Associated Press: Health, depth both key to Denver Bronco’s success
• Bleacher Report: Denver Broncos’ Backfield Trio Will Key Postseason Success
• CBS Denver: Bad Cleveland Browns Bring Remarkable Rookies To Face Denver Broncos
• Denver Broncos: Strength Versus Strength
• Denver Broncos: Broncos Bracing For Weeden
• Denver Post: Robert Ayers’ progress with Broncos skewed by draft slot, new coaches
• Denver Post: Peyton Manning knows what this year’s rookie QB class is going through

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