Broncos, heed your coach’s advice: Do not engage in any bye week follies.

Don't do anything I wouldn't do... (personal photo)

Now, get out there and enjoy your extended football respite.

For only the second time in his 10 years as NFL head coach, Fox gave his team a four-day bye week break, though this time around, he didn’t have a choice.  Thanks to our friend, the new and improved CBA, players must have four consecutive days off.  How the players spend that time is entirely their choosing, but Fox told The Denver Post:

“I always tell them I don’t want to read about you unless you win the lottery.  You hope and pray and wish them the best and hope they make the best decisions.”

Players return practice Monday, the third this season with Tim Tebow as starting quarterback.  Having just one four-day player break under his belt, Fox is drawing on limited experience, but said the schedule affected the offense more than the defense.  He suspects the same with the somewhat revamped Broncos offense:

“We’re going to practice on Monday to get our timing and rhythm back, particularly in the passing game.  And that’s an area, I think, with the extended time off, we suffer some sometimes.”

Translation: “The Decision” – that to name Tebow starting quarterback ahead of the bye week – might be a bumpy ride next week in Dove Valley.

But at least there’s excitement again.  We haven’t seen much of that lately.

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Happy New Year.

The league year is officially underway, and my resolution is to watch more football.

Thankfully, I will get my wish very soon.

Players ratified a 10-year collective bargaining agreement Thursday afternoon, a celebratory moment for two reasons:

1. Players who signed contracts on or after July 26 can finally join teammates in practice
2. We don’t have to utter, let alone think about, the words ‘collective bargaining agreement’ for a long, long time

With the addition of Warren, the Broncos waived cornerback Chevis Jackson to get the roster to 90 players.

Orange Crush

The Broncos will wear the alternate orange jerseys at two home games this season:

Thanks for the confirmation, Denver Broncos, but is there anyone who didn’t think Oakland was an “orange-worthy” game?

• Monday Night Football: √
• AFC West rival: √
• Season opener: √

Detroit is a mild surprise.  The New York Jets and Chicago are sexier options.  Get used to orange; the Broncos are expected to make the move to orange jerseys full-time in 2012.

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The wait is almost over for Broncos free agents who are unable to practice due to CBA rules.  The Denver Post has more.

Also from The Denver Post, the Broncos are cleaning house – of the Josh McDaniels regime.

From the team’s official site, the Broncos’ offensive and defensive coordinators talk philosophy and goals for 2011.

Kyle Orton has established himself as the No. 1 QB for now at Dove Valley.  Sporting News writes about the Broncos quarterback situation.

Shannon Sharpe’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is now days away.  The Washington Post has more on Shannon’s inspiration and journey to Canton.

A former Bronco doesn’t like the new practice rules, writes ESPN NFC West blogger.

Ohio’s Tribune Chronicle reports on the voided deal that would have sent Brodrick Bunkley to Cleveland.  Instead, he was traded to Denver Monday.

Mocking the Draft projects the league’s top rookies in 2011. A certain second-overall draft pick is featured.

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Good Sunday morning to all.  Time for Broncos headlines.

The NFL and NFLPA are ironing out the final details of the CBA.  Here’s an update from The Denver Post.

The team’s official site announces the re-signing of three Broncos players.

Also from denverbroncos.com, a review of the team’s first practice in pads.

The just in: Denver has salary cap problems.  ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson has more.

Former Broncos TE Daniel Graham could have a new team, according to SB Nation Music City Miracles.

Speaking of Graham, NFL.com has details on another team interested in the tight end.

NFL Gridiron Gab ponders if Kyle Orton would make sense in Seattle.

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Kyle Orton remains focused, even with swirling trade rumors. (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

If – and that’s a big if – today’s first practice is any indication, Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2011.

Allow me to repeat: Denver Broncos.

Apparently unfazed by the Miami trade rumor, Orton methodically commanded the offense in this morning’s maiden practice with crisp, polished throws and the confidence of an incumbent.

Starting-quarterback-in-waiting Tim Tebow?  Eh, not so much.

With reports yesterday a Miami deal could be done by day’s end – yesterday’s end – it seemed unlikely we’d be in this position.  The deal isn’t dead, but talks have cooled significantly.  Citing sources, The Denver Post reports talks could re-intensify; under the new CBA, teams were not permitted to restructure contracts until 4:01 p.m. today.

Orton, who’s set to make $8.8 million in 2011, has one year left on his contract.  For now, Orton told The Denver Post leading the Broncos offense remains his focus:

“I’ve said this before, when you play this position, there’s always something going on. I’m here. My mindset is I’m going to be here. I’ve let the team know I want to be here. I plan on playing my best ball.”

Rookies Sign

Eight of the nine Broncos rookies are now signed.

Today, the team announced linebacker Von Miller (2nd selection overall), safety Rahim Moore (45th selection overall), and safety Quinton Carter (108th selection overall) signed contracts.

Miller’s deal is with worth $21 million, all guaranteed.

The only rookie who hasn’t signed is 3rd round linebacker Nate Irving.

Crunching Numbers

Robert Ayers is not only changing positions in 2011.

He’s also changing numbers…at least for now.

Ayers has dropped No. 56 in favor of 91, his college number at the University of Tennessee.  It’s also the number worn by Broncos DT Ronald Fields, an unrestricted free agent.

To see the Broncos jersey list, go here.

Robert Ayers is 56 no more? (Courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

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Oh happy day.

This is the first full day we can revel in the post-lockout world.  Few CBA technicalities aside, we can say the entire ordeal is behind us.

I’m slightly giddy.  Still bitter it didn’t happen sooner, but giddy nonetheless.

Curious about Broncos training camp or preseason tickets?  Look no further than the team’s official site.

Tim Tebow’s response to yesterday’s news: “Game on.” Read the story in The Denver Post.

Also from The Denver Post, players were – what else – working out when details of an approved deal started to emerge.

NFL.com has player Twitter reaction to Monday’s developments.

ESPN writes how the soon-to-be free agent market has changed the value of some players, including one the Broncos reportedly fancy.

SI.com has a list of undrafted free agents to watch and where some could end up.

Could Justin Bannan, who was released by the Broncos earlier this year, end up with the Seahawks?  Washington’s The News Tribune speculates.

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It’s going to be a big Monday for those who are paid to play in the National Football League.  From the perspective of those who love football, it better be a Monday that ends with votes in favor of getting back to work.  Last week ended with Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend,” pessimism.  This week needs to begin with a Hank Williams, Jr., “Are you ready for some football?” croon.

Basically everyone in the Lockout Watch universe seems to think the players will finally get on board and approve both a settlement and CBA.  They should.  The ball is in their red zone.  As Denver-based public relations specialist Pete Webb told the Associated Press on Friday:

“If fans aren’t going to get their fall appetite of football, it’s not only the fans that are going to be the losers but the players’ images are going to take a hit.”

To fully appreciate the importance of Monday to NFL players, it’s necessary to flash back a few days when the NFL touted a deal.

Last Thursday’s news conference featuring a bleary-eyed Roger Goodell was either a power play, or a milestone of progress depending on your level of cynicism.  What it wasn’t was a desperate move.  There’s no way the owners coffers run dry before those of the players — even without that “lockout insurance” TV money.  No, the speedy ratification of a new CBA signifies two things.  First and foremost it shows that NFL owners prefer to make money, even if it’s not entirely on their preferred terms.  It also shows they understand the way to make money off a professional football league is to…you know…play football.

Commissioner Roger Goodell and owners were all smiles last week.

Now back to the players.  While this legal saga has more complicated layers than party dip, the basic fact that fans recognize is that the owners were the ones who locked the doors.  Now they’ve agreed to unlock them, but alas the players have now dragged their feet.  Yes, it is perfectly reasonable for the NFLPA to read all the fine print before signing a deal that will last a decade. This is a complicated deal, and there is undoubtedly a lot of fine print to read.  The problem is that if that truly is the main cause of this delay on the players’ side, no one is saying so…at least not very well.  Basic timetables, and a thoughtful voice haven’t existed.  Instead it’s been a mixture of social media infighting, and sniping from the players.

That chest-thumping rhetoric was fine in March, when we all knew this thing would likely drag on until mid-to-late July.  Now that kind of talk is just plain concerning.  For roughly the past month the news from the lockout beat has been messages of progress.  That progress appeared to reach its apex last week, but the deal didn’t get sealed, and the crowing continued.  If…IF…for some mind-boggling reason the players fail to get this deal moving on Monday, and let another week slip by without showing up at team facilities the blame falls squarely on them.

It doesn’t matter if its deserved.  That’s just the way it goes.

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Yesterday: wow.  Just wow.

Prepare for another day of madness, mayhem, and likely everything in between.

For now, enjoy your calm, relaxing morning with these Broncos headlines.

KWGN reports a former Bronco is indicted on sex charges.

The Denver Post has a look at how the new CBA (once ratified) will affect rookie salaries, including Broncos LB Von Miller.

Also from The Denver Post and staying on the subject of salaries, veteran Brian Dawkins believes a pay cut is likely.

Yahoo! Sports has a fantasy preview of Tim Tebow.

PhinPhanatic speculates about Kyle Orton coming to Miami.

Arizona Desert Swarm has something you just need to see.

Chiefs fan site Arrowhead Pride counts down the worst moments in KC history.  There’s one that should bring a smile to Broncos fans.

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Good news: NFL owners tonight ratified a proposal to end lockout. 

Bad news: players decided not to vote.  At least tonight.

Technically, we still have a lockout.  Call this lifting intermission, if you will.

In a 31-0 vote, NFL owners approved a proposed collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout, pending player approval.  Oakland abstained, citing “profound philosophical differences of a football and an economic nature.”

(Oakland, of course.  Leave it to the Raiders.  By the way, if your franchise has “profound philosophical differences” of any kind, you vote NO.  Not not vote.)

Just an hour after that vote, player representatives from each team participated in a conference call led by NFLPA executive DeMaurice Smith.  Players opted against taking any action tonight.  NFL Network reports players aren’t responding positively to some specifics – even oversights – in the owners’ deal.

Pending player approval, the NFL is ready to open team facilities Saturday with the new league year beginning Wednesday.

Key provisions of the owners’ 10-year deal include:

• $120 salary cap in 2011
• Rookie pay scale
• $900 million – $1 billion in retiree benefits
• Unrestricted free agency status for players after fourth season; restricted free agency status for players following third season

Hall of Fame game canceled

The lone game casualty – so far – in the lockout is the Hall of Fame game between the Bears and Rams.  Commissioner Roger Goodell canceled the August 7 game, but promised the induction of the Class of 2011 will proceed as scheduled.

Head spinning from tonight’s unfolding drama? Still unsure what the heck is going on?  Can’t get enough of this nonsense? Whatever your reason, for more on the NFL lockout, visit Aerys Sports’ The Green Room.

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Close your eyes for a moment and let your mind travel back in time to a place where NFL players were voting today on a settlement.

It’s a pleasant thought, a thought of resolution, ending, finality, and most importantly, that critical step to bringing back football.

To dash your dreams – our dreams – the 12-year-old in me offers this response: PSYCH!

Associated Press reports players will not vote today on a deal to end the 126-day lockout, because an agreement between owners and players isn’t yet finalized.  However, NFL Network is reporting a conditional vote did take place today, meaning if certain unnamed issues can be resolved with owners, the players are ready for move forward with the settlement.  In other words, whatever vote that happened today is pending, and until X, Y, and Z are decided, the vote means little.

How does this holding pattern affect hopes of ratifying an agreement Thursday?  It doesn’t make that plan impossible, but if there was a way to make the eleventh hour deal even more eleventh hour (maybe eleventh-and-a-half-hour?), this would be it.

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