Quick Hits:

• The Denver Broncos make a 21st straight Monday Night Football appearance – the longest such streak in the league.
• Denver’s five primetime nationally televised games this season ranks second most in franchise history.
• Think the Broncos’ schedule is especially tough?  Well, because it is.  The Broncos regular season opponent had a 2011 winning percentage of 54.3% (139-117), making it the second-toughest strength of schedule in the NFL.
• All Sunday games from Week 11 – Week 17 are subject to flex scheduling.

(All times Mountain)

Week 1: Sept. 9 vs. Steelers 6:20 p.m.

Week 2: Sept. 17 at Falcons 6:30 p.m. (Monday Night Football)

Week 3: Sept. 23 vs. Texans 2:15 p.m.

Week 4: Sept. 30 vs. Raiders 2:05 p.m.

Week 5: Oct. 7 at Patriots 2:15 p.m.

Week 6: Oct. 15 at Chargers 6:30 p.m. (Monday Night Football)

Week 7: BYE

Week 8: Oct. 28 vs. Saints 6:20 p.m.

Week 9: Nov. 4 at Bengals 11:00 a.m.

Week 10: Nov. 11 at Panthers 11:00 a.m.

Week 11: Nov. 18 vs. Chargers 2:15 p.m.

Week 12: Nov. 25 at Chiefs 11:00 a.m.

Week 13: Dec. 2 vs. Buccaneers 2:05 p.m.

Week 14: Dec. 6 at Raiders 6:20 p.m. (Thursday Night Football)

Week 15: Dec. 16 at Ravens 11:00 a.m.

Week 16: Dec. 23 vs. Browns 2:05 p.m.

Week 17: Dec. 30 vs. Chiefs 2:15 p.m.

View the NFL’s complete 2012 schedule here >>>>

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The NFL schedule is coming.  Soon.  As in today.

The full 2012 NFL regular season schedule will be unveiled at 5:00 p.m. MDT on ESPN in a 3-hour special.  Thanks to the addition of a certain quarterback with a laser rocket arm…

we can safely assume – and will know for certain tonight – the Denver Broncos will be featured in many high-profiled games this upcoming season.

Here are the Broncos’ 2012 opponents:

HOME: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, New Orleans, Tampa Bay

AWAY: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England, Atlanta, Carolina

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.

This morning, we learned of the passing of John Mackey, former NFLPA president.  Associated Press reports the Hall of Fame tight end died at the age of 69.  He had struggled dementia following his 10-year career.

Drafted out of Syracuse, Mackey played for the Baltimore Colts from 1963-71 and San Diego Chargers in 1972.  Mackey is often regarded as the first offensive threat tight end.  His breakaway speed, size, and strength earned him five Pro Bowls.

Of his nine touchdown receptions in 1966, six were 50 yards or longer (51, 57, 64, 79, 83, and 89).  Mackey’s most defining moment is still considered among the best Super Bowl plays ever; he caught a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas in Super Bowl V to score a 75-yard touchdown – a record at the time.

Watch NFL.com video of John Mackey here >>>

Former Broncos tight end Daniel Graham won the John Mackey Award in 2001. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

In 1992, Mackey became the second tight end inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, four years after Mike Dikta.  Six tight ends have since joined them, including former Broncos standout Shannon Sharpe, who will be enshrined next month.

Mackey’s dementia forced him into an assisted-living facility in 2007.  His care costs were much higher than his NFL pension of $2,500 a month.  The story pushed the NFL and players’ union to create the “88 Plan.”  Named for Mackey’s number, the “88 Plan” provides $88,000 annually for nursing home care and up to $50,000 a year for adult day care.

Mackey’s wife has said she will donate her husband’s brain for research.  Boston University School of Medicine is conducting an ongoing study of brain damage in athletes.

In 2000, the John Mackey Award was established to honor the nation’s most oustanding collegiate tight end.   Former University of Colorado and Denver Broncos tight end Daniel Graham won the award in 2001.

Veteran quarterback retires

Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins is calling it quits.

The 16-year veteran announced his retirement today.  In statement released by his agent and posted on NFL.com, Collins said:

38-year-old quarterback Kerry Collins retired today. (Courtesy Ray Montgomery)

“The past several months have brought on much introspection, and I have decided that while my desire to compete on Sundays is still and always will be there, my willingness to commit to the preparation necessary to play another season has waned to a level that I feel is no longer adequate to meet the demands of the position.

“I want to wish Mike Munchak and the Tennessee Titans the best of luck in the future.  I have had a fantastic five years here, and my family and I look forward to remaining part of the Middle Tennessee community that has been extremely gracious towards us and an honor to play for.”

Collins’ 40,441 yards ranks 11^th in league history.  The fifth overall draft pick in 1995 out of Penn State, Collins was the first player ever taken by Carolina Panthers.  He also played for the Saints, Giants, and Raiders.  Collins was selected to two Pro Bowls 12 years apart – 1996 and 2008.

Collins’ departure leaves even more uncertainty at quarterback for Tennessee.  Vince Young is expected to be traded or released once the lockout ends.  The Titans drafted Washington quarterback Jake Locker with the eighth overall pick in April.  Rusty Smith is the only other quarterback on the roster.

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Since John Fox arrived in Denver, there’s been little attempt to dispel rumors that the new head coach is hoping to bring his old running back, DeAngelo Williams, along for the ride. A variety of reports on the running back stir have ranged from giving current starter Knowshon Moreno one more year to prove himself, to accounts the Broncos’ new management has already given up on him.

Knowshon Moreno hasn't produced like his college days at Georgia. (Courtesy Jkt1234)

Given Knowshon Moreno’s continued battles to remain healthy, it’s still difficult to say if the running back out of Georgia deserved to be the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. However,  NFL.com’s Steve Wyche recently took a look at many of the running backs selected in that draft, and found that so far, Moreno may have the most to prove.

The two backs selected after Moreno were Donald Brown and Beanie Wells.  Just to give you a sense of how they’re panning out: Wyche points out Indy drafted a running back in the 4th round this year as Joseph Addai is now a free agent, and Arizona grabbed Ryan Williams in the second round this year.  Those aren’t exactly signs of support for the current backfield staff at the two clubs.

The big winners at running back in the 2009 draft now appear to be Philly and Houston.  LeSean McCoy went off the board to the Eagles as the 53rd overall pick.  In two seasons he’s amassed more than 2,600 yards, and scored 13 touchdowns.  Arian Foster went undrafted, but that seemed to pan out pretty well for the Texans this past season.

Shonn Greene also gets an honorable mention for the work he’s done with the Jets.

In fairness, Moreno could very well be the most gifted of the class, but few backs stand much of a chance when they’re constantly being met at the line of scrimmage by 2 to 3 defenders.  If there’s one thing Knowshon Moreno isn’t, it’s a battering ram.  However, with the blooming success of several of his 2009 classmates, it’s apparent that Moreno needs to make his mark this year.  Whether he gets that opportunity in Denver has yet to be determined.

Arian Foster, who went undrafted in 2009, had a breakthrough season for Houston in 2010. (Courtesy AJ Guel)

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Good Wednesday.

Time for Broncos headlines!

Yahoo! Sports profiles Marcell Dareus, the 3rd overall pick in the recent NFL Draft.  It’s no secret Dareus is none too pleased with the two teams that passed on him – Carolina (Cam Newton) and Denver (Von Miller).  The Broncos play Dareus’ Bills twice next season, one preseason game in Denver and a Christmas eve affair in Buffalo.

Former Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith talked with The Denver Post about Sunday’s deadly tornado in Joplin, Missouri.   Smith has close ties to Joplin.  He has several friends in the area and played college football at Southern Missouri State University.

UCLA’s Daily Bruin reports on what Broncos rookie Von Miller is up to.

Bleacher Report counts down the 10 most clutch quarterbacks in NFL history.  You better believe John Elway makes the list.

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Good morning.

It will be even better after perusing this Broncos/NFL headlines:

Wanted: NFL team to appear in upcoming season of ‘Hard Knocks.’ Direct application and resume to commissioner Roger Goodell.  NFL.com reports Tampa Bay turned down offer.

The Denver Post reports on Tim Tebow’s latest Big Apple adventure.  He was in New York City over the weekend for a Jockey fashion show.

Marcell Dareus is scorned after being passed by Carolina and Denver writes Inside the Bills.

Football News Now previews the 2011 season for the AFC West.

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Head coaches know it’s important to stay in the front office’s good graces, but there’s approval perhaps even more important -

Fans.

Broncos’ head coach John Fox, playing the role of un-Josh McDaniels, reached out to some 6,500 season-ticket holders in Monday’s conference call – the second of three put on by the Broncos.  Fox answered more than 30 questions.

Fittingly, first on the list, if a team needs defensive line help, why ignore those players in the NFL Draft?  Fox’s answer, according to The Denver Post:

Fans are supportive of Von Miller's selection (as seen here from Jackson's Thursday night), but are puzzled about the DT omission. (personal photo)

“We haven’t had free agency yet, but there will be that [at] some point.  That will be the area that we address. It is full of a lot of talented players.  It’s not that we didn’t try to acquire a defensive lineman in the draft.  The way it fell, we didn’t want to reach for need.”

“What I remind all the fans is there’s really two pools of players that we have to improve our team each year. We just completed that one through the college ranks, the draft. We have not had free agency at this point. There will be one at some point — I can’t predict when. But at that point when we get into that market that will be an area that we address. It’s an area that is filled with a lot of talented players.”

Another free agency target for Denver is running back.  Fox said the Broncos wanted to select a running back in the draft, but the plan didn’t come to fruition.

DeAngelo Williams, we’re waiting for you…

Despite earlier announcements that Kyle Orton was the “if the season started today” quarterback, and John Elway’s recent praise of Tim Tebow, the Broncos are expectedly tepid about naming a starting quarterback.   Fox said the decision would be made later:

“First of all, these guys are all new to me. I’m familiar with all three players, evaluated them coming out. I know them from afar. As I get to know them, watch them practice, watch them compete. That’s when you start ranking them 1-3.”

Fox believes the Broncos will improve in 2011, but wouldn’t estimate how many wins next season.  Among his 2011 goals, following in Kansas City’s footsteps by completing the AFC West worst-to-first shift.  Fox added he’s especially optimistic about defensive improvement, citing a significant turnaround made during his time with Carolina:

“When I was in Carolina, we went from 31st in defense to second in just one year. I think that can be done. I’m not making any predictions, I’d rather understate and over-perform, but it can be done. I have the utmost confidence in our staff and the players.”

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As you can imagine, most headlines pertain to former Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was released from a Miami hospital yesterday after being stabbed in the stomach.  Authorities have charged his wife, 26-year-old Michi Nogami-Marshall.  The Denver Post has a timeline of Brandon Marshall’s troubles, if you’re interested.

Assuming Denver drafts defense with the second overall pick, the Broncos will have the player of its choosing.  The Denver Post reports all signs indicate Carolina drafting a quarterback at No. 1.

CSNWashington is looking back on Washington coach Mike Shanahan’s draft decisions, including those made during his Denver tenure.  This weekend’s focus is defensive backs.

A few days ago, we learned the 2011 NFL schedule is designed to be “lockout accommodating,” but ESPN reports the league has not set a deadline for game cancellations.

Enjoy your Sunday!

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He has an enormous smile, and perhaps the ego to boot.

His charisma is undeniable, but then again, so are questions surrounding his college eligibility or criticisms targeting his father’s crooked interests.

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton makes his Dove Valley visit today. (Courtesy Matthew Tosh)

His athleticism is evident, but does he have the polish to run an offense?

Cam Newton is a hero in Auburn, Alabama, with legions of adoring fans celebrating his sheer talent.  It seems Newton is vilified nearly everywhere else.

Newton is easily is the polarizing figure – the antagonist, if you will – in next week’s NFL Draft.  Newton is likely an early selection, possibly No. 1 overall, but first, a stop today at Dove Valley to meet with Broncos officials.

John Elway has lauded Newton’s arm, though it’s unlikely Denver drafts the Heisman Trophy winner with the second overall spot.   Taking a quarterback so early would be a major failure by the Broncos, given far more pressing needs on the defensive end.  Even if Denver wanted Newton, it’s becoming increasingly apparent the decision-makers in Carolina don’t believe quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who was drafted last year, is the answer (something I could have told them last year).

The Denver Post also reports two other players are visiting Dove Valley today: Edmond Gates, a wide receiver from Abilene Christian, and Baylor running back Jay Finley, a former teammate of Broncos center J.D. Walton.

The Broncos have additional meetings planned Wednesday.  The other top quarterback available in next week’s draft, Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert, will be in town, along with guard/tackle Benjamin Ijalana of Villanova and Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas.

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Adios, weekend.

Hello, work.

Before you head off to the daily grind, catch up on these Broncos-related headlines.  Show off your knowledge at the water cooler and be the hit of the office.

The Denver Post:  In a fascinating article, Mike Klis explores how the NFL lockout is putting much-needed attention one the challenges of retired players.

National Football Post: A former NFL quarterback believes NO quarterback will be taken in the first five picks of the draft.  If that’s true, does Carolina opt for defense with the first overall pick?  That scenario means Denver may not get its first choice on defense, assuming the Broncos want defense at No. 2.

Kansas City Star: Staying on the subject of draft chatter, the ongoing lockout is playing a role in how teams approach the draft.  Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan compares 2011 to the 1980s.