Denver Dailies: Broncos Headline Roundup – 4/8/13

Broncos defense still searching for answers in NFL Draft - As the Broncos continue to grind through the NFL Draft meetings as the selection weekend approaches, they have largely done what work in free agency they’re going to do until they see how their draft class shakes out. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Players Who Got Away in the Draft - Every team has a list of players they passed on in the draft who went on to be big stars elsewhere, so no one team can moan about players whom they did not choose. After all, we get to our pick, and we choose. We get to select whomever we want, so no beefing about the guys we do not select. However, in the early years of the American Football League, which began with the Denver Broncos as one of the eight charter members in 1960, the AFL competed with the well-established National Football League for players. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Behind the Scenes of Quarterback Peyton Manning’s New Buick Commercial - Last night during the NCAA Final Four games between Louisville and Wichita State (recap), and Michigan and Syracuse (recap) on CBS, Buick debuted its latest spot featuringDenver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Denver Broncos History: John Elway’s Top 5 Moments - In light of NFL.com’s anointing of John Elway as the best number one over all pick for a quarterback in NFL History, I thought I would review and rank the five greatest moments of his career. There were plenty to choose from too, given he retired with the best win/loss record of all-time and the only quarterback ever to lead his team to five Super Bowl berths. Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Headline Roundup – 4/4/13

Broncos’ Robert Ayers had hand in fateful play vs. Ravens in playoffs - Q: With the recent attention on Robert Ayers, now that (Elvis) Dumervil is gone, could you help me with two conflicting assessments about Ayers’ role in (Ravens quarterback Joe) Flacco’s game-tying touchdown that knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs this past season? 1.) He almost saved the season by sacking Joe Flacco, but was a split second too late. He’s a game changer the Broncos can count on in 2013. Or 2.) He left his assigned lane to try another route to give Flacco an open lane to take the extra steps forward he needed to complete a long touchdown pass. His grasp for glory was just as harmful to his team as was Rahim Moore’s ill-conceived, and ill-timed, attempt at an interception. Which is correct and what does it say about the Broncos’ chances of every player executing their assignment in 2013? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Raiders sign CB Tracy Porter –  The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent cornerback Tracy Porter, adding an experienced starter to an untested unit. General manager Reggie McKenzie announced the move Wednesday. Read more from the Associated Press >>>>

Broncos Position Breakdown: Wide Receiver - Once Wes Welker signed his two-year contract last month, the Broncos’ top tier of wide receivers was set — for this year, at least. The front-line trio of Welker and holdovers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker has no discernible weakness. Each has a unique skill set, and Welker’s specific role as a slot receiver will allow Decker to play exclusively as an outside receiver, according to Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway in a Monday afternoon radio interview on KOA-AM 850. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>Denver Broncos Headlines (NEW Denver Dailies)

Our Greatest Latest Picks - Draft mania continues in the NFL among the millions of fans, with countless stories being produced by local and national press. I thought we might take a slightly different perspective on the draft today. Most of the attention centers, rightly so, on the first, second and third rounds of the NFL draft, since that is where the best known players are most often selected. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Wes Welker, Peyton Manning dined - Wes Welker said Wednesday in an ESPN Radio interview he’s had a chance to speak with both his new quarterback, Peyton Manning, and his old one, Tom Brady, since his decision to leave theNew England Patriots to sign with the Denver Broncos. Read more from ESPN >>>>

Commentary | Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie expects big things with Denver Broncos - When Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie arrived in Philadelphia two years ago, along with a package of highly touted free agents, the Eagles were anointed a dream team. The dream, unfortunately, turned into a nightmare with longtime Eagles coach Andy Reid getting fired and Mike Vick looking more like an albatross than a franchise quarterback. Read more from Bradenton Herald >>>>

Showcasing Denver Broncos’ Biggest Strengths and Draft Needs - The Denver Broncos were one pass defense away from eliminating theBaltimore Ravens from the playoffs, the eventual Super Bowl champions. Instead, Jacoby Jones got loose for a miracle touchdown and Peyton Manning’s first season in Denver ended with a Divisional Round loss. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Scotty’s Denver Broncos Mock Draft - The Broncos have been enjoying a pretty successful offseason. Outside of a Fax Machine mishap, the Broncos added plenty of talent via Free Agency. They added guardLouis Vasquez, receiver Wes Welker, defensive Tackle Terrance Knighton, cornerback Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Inside linebacker Stewart Bradley. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Headline Roundup – 4/3/13

Ashley Lelie, former Broncos WR, starts coaching career at Nevada - Former Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2002 draft, has started a coaching career at the University of Nevada whose “pistol” offense sent quarterback Colin Kaepernick into the NFL. The school announced the hiring Tuesday. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

2013 NFL Draft Preview: Wide Receivers - 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: wide receivers. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

AFC West pass-rusher checkpoint - The pass-rushing position has been in the spotlight in the AFC West this offseason. Let’s take a look where each team in the division stands. Read more from ESPN >>>>

If, And, But: The Denver Broncos Will Be in the Playoffs in 2013 - It would have been the classic storybook ending to a great season. But we all know that the editor eventually has the final say. Here were the Denver Broncos, armed with one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history heading into the NFL playoffs as the AFC’s number-one seed. Read more from Yahoo! Sports >>>>

Out To Stud: Top Denver Broncos Plays of 2012 - Is there a set limit? Not necessarily, but every edition will feature at least one offensive and one defensive play. When a spectacular special teams play occurs, I’ll even break that down. Rest assured, I’ll pick only the best of the best BroncosCountry. At the end of each post you can vote on your favorite and at the end of the series we’ll do the same. Now let’s get into it! Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

What's Happening!! In Broncos CountryThe Biggest Draft Busts in Denver Broncos History - Each team has to deal with busts when it comes to the NFL draft and the Denver Broncos are not excluded from this. Although the Broncos have drafted plenty of studs over the last few decades, they have also drafted their fair share of duds. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos select Alec Ogletree with 28th pick - The Denver Broncos will be looking for pass-rushing help after the Elvis Dumervil fiasco. This is expected to be one of the strongest draft classes in years for front seven talent, but if Denver doesn’t find what they’re looking for at the 28th pick, they could go in a different direction. Read more SB Nation >>>>

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Roundup (Wednesday Edition)

Brock Osweiler’s selection by Broncos in draft still draws puzzlement - Q: It’s an old question but one I’ve never heard a reasonable explanation to … why on earth would the Broncos spend a second-round pick on Brock Osweiler? If (Peyton) Manning goes down, the season is over anyway and he’s not getting any younger — so it seems like the more prudent decision would have been to provide him as much help as possible to win right now. Offensive line, linebacker, defensive back, any of those would have been better choices than someone to hold (a) clipboard for the next three to five years. Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos, John Elway have enough room to play smart in NFL free agency - Q: Is there any chance that the highest-paid Broncos (Elvis Dumervil, Champ Bailey, Peyton Manning) restructure their deals to provide more flexibility to the team? And with Wesley Woodyard on board, is D.J. Williams out? What salary cap penalties would apply if the Broncos cut him? Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

2012 Season Review: Third Quarter - In the third chapter of DenverBroncos.com’s four-part series reviewing the 2012 season, the Broncos clinch the AFC West and go 4-0. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Burns Named Washington Special Teams Coordinator - After 17 seasons with the Broncos, former Assistant Special Teams Coach Keith Burns’ career has taken him elsewhere. Burns, who played 11 seasons and coached for six more in Denver, has been named the new special teams coordinator of the Washington Redskins. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Defensive Plays of the Year Rundown – Top 10 Tuesday is upon us again, and this week Broncos TV is counting down the top defensive plays of the season. So far, we’ve seen the top 10 Peyton Manning touchdown passes, Von Miller plays and offensive highlights. Next week’s video will be a little different — the best pregame sound from the season, not exactly in a top 10 countdown format. So without further ado, let’s get to the top 10, as we saw it. Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

See you in New York next February? - A week removed from the Super Bowl, who is the early favorite to win it all in 2014? Read more from ESPNW >>>>

Should the Denver Broncos Trade for Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin? - On Saturday, WCCO’s Mike Max broke the news that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin had a blowup with Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier last season, which will likely lead to Minnesota trading the fourth-year receiver this offseason. If Harvin does hit the trading block, the Denver Broncos may come into play. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Setting Odds the Denver Broncos Sign These 2013 NFL Free Agents - Heading into free agency, the Denver Broncos have $18.5 million in total cap space to work with. Assuming Ryan Clady accounts for roughly half of that money, Denver still has the room to attract some talented free agents in 2013. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Denver Broncos 2013 Off-Season Needs - The Broncos held the best overall record in the AFC and tied with Atlanta for the best in the NFL. Yet in the end, it meant little as the Broncos lost their first playoff game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

Denver Broncos Have Options At Running Back - Running back isn’t a top priority for the Denver Broncos this off season, but there sure are some pretty names out there (at least at one time or another). Among them is Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson (if he voids his 2013 option), Felix Jones,Shonn Greene, and Rashard Mendenhall. Read more from Predominantly Orange >>>>

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Roundup (Wednesday Edition)

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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Tuesday Headlines: Shoulder Surgery for Ryan Clady

Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady is set to undergo surgery to repair his right shoulder. Clady hurt his shoulder in the team’s regular-season finale, but did play in the Broncos’ divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Denver Post reports Clady, who was selected to the Pro Bowl and withdrew due to injury, should be okay for the 2013 season, but will likely miss much of the Broncos’ offseason program.

Ryan Clady will undergo surgery on his right shoulder. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Clady is slated to become an unrestricted free agent, though John Elway has said keeping the tackle in Denver is a top offseason priority.

Other Headlines:

  • Denver Broncos: 2012 Season Review: First Quarter
  • The Denver Post: Brian Xanders, ex-Denver Broncos GM, hired by Detroit Lions
  • The Denver Post: Broncos offense under John Fox seldom features fullbacks
  • Examiner: Rumor: Denver Broncos John Elway interested in trading for Darrelle Revis
  • Mile High Report: 2013 Denver Broncos offseason: Champ Bailey

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John Elway Finishes Second in Executive of the Year Voting

The executive who lured Peyton Manning to Denver?

Or the executive who helped Indianapolis move on from Manning?

The honor of Sporting News’ Executive of the Year was really a two-man race between Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway and Indianapolis Colts General Manager Ryan Grigson.

And it’s Grigson who takes home the honor, edging Elway by a 9-to-8 vote.

As I wrote earlier this month, my vote was for Elway—by a smidge. Turns out, I was right about the close vote…just not as correct with my winner, though I had a hunch all along Grigson would win. (Just as I think Adrian Peterson will win MVP, despite my case for Peyton Manning.)

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider finished third with three votes. Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen and Houston Texans general manager/executive vice president Rick Smith each received two votes.

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Roundup (Post Pro Bowl Edition)

Did you watch?

I did, but only a few series; I had other plans. I am glad to have seen Jeff Saturday’s final snap to Peyton Manning.

The NFL Pro Bowl could be on borrowed time. Commissioner Roger Goodell could decide in April to scrap the game altogether. He’s previously expressed his displeasure about how the game is played, or more specifically, the overall lack of effort. Was Sunday’s 62-35 victory by the NFC the final nail in the coffin? We’ll likely find out in a few months.

Pro Bowl Headlines:

Proof I watched the Pro Bowl…or at least had it on my TV long enough to take this photo. (personal photo)

Other Headlines:

  • Denver Post: Kiszla: It’s time to thank Josh McDaniels for Broncos’ 2010 draft
  • Denver Post: John Elway wants youth to be big part of Denver Broncos’ future
  • Mile High Report: Denver Broncos 2012 Review: Full Year Rookie Report

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Sunday Headlines: Peterson’s MVP Confidence and More Revis Talk

The NFL will announce its end-of-season award winners Super Bowl weekend, but as far as Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is concerned, he’s locked up league MVP.

Peterson told the Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla Saturday:

“I’m going to win it. I will get it.”

It’s a two-man race for NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year between Peterson and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Earlier in January, I made my argument for Manning over Peterson for MVP, fully knowing that seems to be the unpopular opinion.

My point is simple: Manning did more for the Broncos than Peterson did the Vikings. That’s not to take anything away from Peterson’s almost record-breaking season, a season coming off a knee injury. I won’t be upset if Peterson wins; he’s deserving, but then again, so is Manning.

And like Peterson, Manning returned to football from injury, but unlike Peterson, Manning missed the entire season before. Personally, I believe Manning’s injury was more difficult to overcome. Though impressive, Peterson is just one of many players who return to action after a knee injury. That statement isn’t meant to diminish his stellar 2012, because it was a true joy to watch, but neck injuries often have a more dire consequence than knee injuries.

Adrian Peterson is confident in his MVP chances. (courtesy Mike Morbeck)

So, in the battle of Comeback Player of the Year, my vote also goes to Manning.

Don’t hate me, Vikings fans.

When word surfaced earlier this week the New York Jets are considering trading star cornerback Darrelle Revis, the Twitter world buzzed with chatter of which team should make a play for him. Given the poor performance of the Broncos secondary in the team’s divisional-round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Denver was a natural answer.

I asked Broncos fans on Twitter and Facebook to weigh in on the Revis debate, and the response was evenly mixed. In the end, I really doubt the Broncos will trade for Revis. For one, the Jets, should they pursue a trade, will likely demand a lot in exchange, maybe a top draft pick or two, or a team’s top player. Plus, there’s paying Revis, and he’s not cheap.

I’m of the mindset to let Revis either stay in New York or land elsewhere, preferably outside the AFC West, just to be safe.

Other Headlines:

  • Bleacher Report: The 2012 Denver Broncos All-Underrated Team
  • Examiner: Peyton Manning roasts fellow NFL all stars at Pro Bowl
  • Rant Sports: Denver Broncos: Top Five Areas to be Addressed

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Denver Dailies: Broncos Roundup (Saturday Edition)

Mark Kiszla: NFL willing to open the book on the read option – Has the game of football passed by Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning? As a traditional pocket passer in a league where the read-option offense is all the rage, is Manning the last of the dinosaurs? Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Is it time to sack the Pro Bowl? No, just move it – Is the Pro Bowl worth saving? The NFL’s all-star game lacks three things that make Americans shamelessly addicted to football: big hits, ruthless competition and violence. While talking about the serious issue of concussions, Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen told me, “Nobody wants to watch a game of two-hand touch.” Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ John Elway riffs on guns, politics and the Super Bowl with Piers Morgan - Fake girlfriends, guns, President Barack Obama, the Super Bowl and Dove +Men. Broncos vice president for football operations John Elway talked about all of them with CNN’s Piers Morgan in an interview that aired Thursday. Morgan called Elway “a true legend” in introducing him. Read more from The Denver Post >>>>

John Elway talks Denver BroncosWatch video from CBSSports.com>>>>

The Denver Broncos Should Stay Away from Darrelle Revis - Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis should not be wearing the orange and blue of the Denver Broncos next season. On Wednesday, rumors spread that New York Jets owner Woody Johnson was open to trading their star cornerback due to his contract situation. Revis will be a free agent at the end of next season and the Jets have been unable to get him signed to a new contract on several occasions the past two seasons. Read more from Yahoo! Sports >>>

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