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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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)

• Denver Broncos: Preview of Fox Wired for Sound
• Denver Broncos: Post Pro Bowl player reaction
• Denver Broncos: 2013 Pro Bowl photos
• Denver Post: Peyton Manning-led AFC no match for NFC in Pro Bowl blowout

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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Nearly two weeks later, and the comparisons rage on.

I recently tackled the question of “Which playoff loss was worse: Jacksonville or Baltimore?”

Saturday was painful because the Broncos by many accounts did enough to win, but managed to make just enough mistakes to not. Many could say that makes it worse than 1996 when the Denver Broncos were just outplayed. It’s a valid point, but I think we have to remember the broader context of 1996.

The Jacksonville game came at a time where the conversation had begun about how much longer Elway would be around. When Denver earned home field after a stellar 13-3 season a narrative emerged of finally getting that Super Bowl for Elway. The Broncos had not been in such an opportune position for five years, and with the clock ticking on Elway’s career it seemed this could very well be the team’s last best shot.

Yes, the Ravens divisional-round loss hurt, but the Jaguars loss during the 1996 playoffs was worse. Of course, we know what happened the following season for Denver. The Broncos, fueled by the postseason embarrassment of 1996, won the Super Bowl.

And then Denver won the Super Bowl again. The following year. For good measure.

But the questions remains: Can the 2013 Denver Broncos do the same?

The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla writes:

 While Denver has established the talent base of a legitimate contender, the Broncos must approach next season as if it is their last, best shot to win the NFL title.

The above is perhaps the best one-sentence summary of how the team must approach 2013. It’s a mantra that hopefully players think about daily – from now until February 2014.

The 1997 Denver Broncos laid out a blueprint for the 2013 team, but that path is no guarantee we’ll see a similar result. Bottom line: A lot of things have to go well, be it luck or good fortune, not to mention the league has changed.

Other Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: (VIDEO) Practicing for the Pro Bowl means Peyton Manning gets additional on-field time with Adam Gase and Greg Knapp to get a jump on next season.
• The Denver Post: NFL and college football intersect at Senior Bowl
• The Denver Post: Broncos offense to strive for more power; defense to seek help at MLB
• Mile High Report: 2013 NFL Free Agency: Should the Denver Broncos trade for Revis?
• Predominantly Orange: History Says Broncos’ Fans Have Much To Look Forward To

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Still a little bitter?

Yep, same here.

Sports Authority Field was quiet Sunday, as were the nearby parking lots. No tailgating. No rowdy fans. No United In Orange fever.

The first week of the Denver Broncos offseason is officially behind us.

Paige: Take a knee? It’s still the wrong decision by Broncos (The Denver Post)

There should be a sign at the football stadium: “No Game Today.”

Because the Broncos went down not trying.

While the Ravens and the Patriots meet in New England, the Broncos sit, not play, at home Sunday.

Their guitar gently weeps.

Forever linked in infamy in Broncos lore will be the phrases “Half-A-Loaf” and “Take-A-Knee.” Continue reading >>>>

Broncos’ Rahim Moore has good company among Colorado sports “goats” (The Denver Post)

There is fame and there is fortune. And then there is failure. Epic public failure.

Broncos safety Rahim Moore discovered that in the blink of an eye. When he failed to knock down Joe Flacco’s game-tying, 70-yard bomb to Jacoby Jones in last Saturday’s AFC playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Moore became part of Colorado sports infamy, his name forever linked to one of the lowest moments in Broncos history.  Continue reading >>>>

 Other Headlines:

• The Denver Post - Mike McCoy, back in Denver, talks about leaving Broncos for Chargers
• Rant Sports - Denver Broncos QB Coach Adam Gase “Perfect” Choice For Offensive Coordinator
• Predominantly Orange - John Elway Has Midas Touch On Denver Broncos
• Mile High Report - 2013 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Production Ratio

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The Denver Broncos’ latest injury report is unchanged from Wednesday.

On Thursday, linebacker Wesley Woodyard (ankle) and right guard Chris Kuper (ankle) were both limited participants in practice.  Returner Trindon Holliday (knee), wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (shoulder), and wide receiver Matthew Willis (knee) were full participants in practice.

For the Baltimore Ravens, LB Jameel McClain has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a neck injury.

View the latest injury report >>>>

More Ravens Week Headlines:

Close pals Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil stretch out side-by-side during training camp. (personal photo)

• Baltimore Sun: Ravens-Broncos picks from Baltimore Sun staffers
• Denver Broncos: The Phase That ‘Could Change the Game’ (Hint: It’s not offense, and it’s not defense.)
• Denver Post: Peyton Manning’s former coach running the Ravens’ offense now
• Denver Post: Ray Rice a handful for Broncos defense with Ravens run and pass

A big contributor to the Broncos’ success is defense, in particular the standout play of Doom and Gloom.  But what you might not know is that DE Elvis Dumervil and LB Von Miller have developed a strong friendship off the field.  As Miller told DenverBroncos.com:

“We’re like brothers.  I go over his house, call him whenever. He is always welcoming. He isn’t like that with everybody, but he is like that with me and that’s what makes it more special. We really, really have a friendship.”

Both credit their friendship for helping their play on the football field.  A little competition, even friendly competition, never hurt.

Other Headlines:

• Denver Broncos: Streaking with Style – Comparing this year’s eight-game win streak to last year’s six-game streak
• Mile High Report: Avoiding Mediocrity, Saving Broncos, Is John Elway’s Best Comeback Yet
• Opposing Views: Denver Broncos have a Stud in Demaryius Thomas
• Rant Sports: Kiss My Rant: Broncos Are The Most Complete Team in the NFL

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Happy Election Day, America!

Good riddance to all those campaign ads…but brace yourselves; those Christmas ads are already in full swing.

Anyhoo…

The diagnosis is in, and it’s a severely sprained left ankle for Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper.  With Kuper expected to be out up to a month, Manny Ramirez will likely get the nod at right guard.  He was Kuper’s replacement earlier this season.

As for the upside, well, the Broncos did win, and we’re still not entirely ready to move on just yet.  The mood Monday in and around Dove Valley was upbeat, positive, and a bit reflective.  And there’s something for everyone.

For those franchise history buffs, you have Trindon Holliday’s reaction to his Broncos’ record-setting touchdown – 105-yard kickoff return:

“When you come to a new team, you know it’s part of the business, but you really want to show your (new) teammates, you’re bringing something, that you can help.  I haven’t been in Denver that long, but it seemed like forever to make a big play.”

For those number fanatics, Week 9 gave us some impressive figures.

And lastly, for those naysayers who believe there’s nothing more to the Broncos than Peyton Manning, the Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla begs to differ:

No. 1: Denver can be a championship contender without quarterback Peyton Manning acting like a football god every Sunday.

No. 2: Only a fool (like me) even thinks about calling Champ Bailey too old to play NFL cornerback at age 34.

Other game headlines:

• CBS Denver: Denver Broncos Week 9 report card
• Mile High Report: Broncos at Bengals game insights from inside Paul Brown Stadium.

Other headlines:

• Associated Press: Peyton Manning has been worth every penny for the Broncos.
• Bleacher Report: Linebacker Von Miller might be the best pass-rusher in the NFL.
• Denver Broncos: Sunday’s game in Carolina will be a homecoming of sorts for ex-Panthers head coach John Fox.
• Denver Post: Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is quite the schemer…and it’s paying dividends.
• Examiner: They’ll always be connected; Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning, so let’s compare their seasons!

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Note: New month.  New format.  Consider this the latest incarnation of Denver Dailies: Broncos Roundup.  Enjoy!

Happy Thursday…and happy November, Broncos fans!  The team will fly to Cincinnati tomorrow, but cornerback Tracy Porter’s status remains up in the air.  Porter participated in some drills Wednesday.  ‘Some’ is better than nothing, I suppose:  on a limited basis Wednesday – but at least he was in full pads:

Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter, on the inactive list for the past two games, was in full gear for Wednesday’s practice but did not participate in all drills.

Am I alone in thinking the Broncos are being a little too vague about this entire situation?

Staying on the injury front, the Denver Post (via team officials) puts all fears about quarterback Peyton Manning’s right thumb to rest:

According to reports from the team, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw well with no adverse effects during Wednesday’s practice, which no doubt allowed everyone within the organization to exhale.

Manning wore a piece of tape on his right thumbnail, which had collided with the helmet of Saints defensive end Martez Wilson after Manning threw a pass Sunday night in the Broncos’ 34-14 home victory.

The Bengals have dropped three straight games, but are entering Sunday’s game off a bye.  Head coach John Fox talked about the Broncos preparations in his Wednesday news conference.

Other headlines:

• BroncoTalk: The Broncos need to curtail the fumbles. (Affirmative.)
• Bleacher Report: Can the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl?
• CBS Denver: The AFC West race is far from over.
• Denver Broncos: Willis McGahee explains to children the importance of physical activity…and he did more than just talk.
• Mile High Report: Denver’s defensive dominance was especially true on third downs.

And for those Halloween fans out there (I like candy; not costumes), some players looked back on their favorite costumes, and here’s a look at Demaryius Thomas’ 2012 getup.

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Peyton Manning better acquaints himself with Denver via pizza business - Maybe Peyton Manning finally has the excuse needed to get to know Denver. Mingle. Ring some doorbells. Deliver us pizza.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

New Orleans Saints face Denver Broncos while bounty effects linger - Sshh. Don’t tell Roger Goodell, but if any law-abiding citizen heard the conversations at the line of scrimmage before the snap, or in the seconds after a play was done?  There would be reason to fear for a fellow human’s life.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos’ Tracy Porter listed as questionable for Sunday’s game - Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter missed his second consecutive day of practice Friday as he waits for medical clearance to return to the lineup.  Porter practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but did not practice Thursday or Friday. And despite Porter’s desire — “Me, I want to play,” he said — it is unlikely the fifth-year veteran would play against the Saints on Sunday night.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Notebook: Eliminating Self-Inflicted Mistakes - The Broncos are approaching Sunday’s game against New Orleans more concerned with what they can control than what the opposition will bring to the table.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

All Hands On Deck to Contain Brees - The Denver defense knows it’s going to take a near perfect all-around effort to keep Saints quarterback Drew Brees from lighting up the scoreboard.  ”Last (49) teams haven’t figured that out,” Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said, referencing Brees’ NFL-record 49 straight games with a touchdown pass. “We get our crack at him Sunday.”  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Porter Waiting for Right Time to Return - It hasn’t been an easy stretch for cornerback Tracy Porter.  Prior to the team’s Week 6 game in San Diego, he experienced symptoms similar to those he felt in August when had what was diagnosed by the team’s medical staff as a seizure. He stayed behind in Denver and was held out of the game.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

Strong finishers: Broncos enjoying big-time success in fourth quarters - Some teams like to say the fourth quarter is theirs. The Denver Broncos are taking it to a different level.  With Peyton Manning putting a new spin on the art of the comeback almost every week and the Denver defense doing its part to keep him in every game, the Broncos have outscored their opponents 79-6 in the fourth quarter this season.  Read more from Associated Press >>>>

New Orleans Saints-Denver Broncos: Inside the game - Kickoff: 7:20 p.m. Sunday Sports Authority Field at Mile High; Coaches: Saints’ Joe Vitt (0-0 as interim coach, 4-7 in career), Broncos’ John Fox (11-11 in two seasons in Denver, 84-82 in career).  Read more from NOLA.com >>>>

Trades the Denver Broncos Should Look to Make: Running Back - With the NFL trade deadline approaching, there has begun a flurry of talk about trades and players on the block prior to the deadline. Now there are actually very few trades around that deadline, but talking about ways to upgrade the Broncos in the short term and the long term is an important discussion to have.  Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

Denver Broncos Vs. New Orleans Saints: Game Preview - Sunday night’s matchup up features the 3-3 Denver Broncos against the 2-4 New Orleans Saints. The Broncos are coming off of their bye week and trying to win two straight for the first time all season. Meanwhile, the Saints are coming in with two straight wins after losing their first four. The Broncos own a 7-2 advantage all-time (4-1 at home, 3-1 away). The last time these two teams met was in September ’08 and the Broncos beat the Saints 34-32. The Broncos are tied for the NFL’s second best record (17-6) in games immediately following the bye week. For the 13th straight week, the Broncos will have a network’s No. 1 broadcasting crew calling the game. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.. MDT on NBC.  Read more from Predominantly Orange >>>>

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Broncos’ Peyton Manning looks forward to facing hometown Saints - Peyton Manning was born in New Orleans, where his father starred for the NFL’s Saints, and where he and his family spend much of their time in the offseason. But the Broncos quarterback said his new home is where 100 percent of his heart resides, especially Sunday night in Denver.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos want to mind their own business in the AFC West race - Despite a 3-3 record built on more than a little drama, an argument could be made that the Broncos exited their bye week as an island of calm in the storm of the AFC West.  With 10 regular-season weeks to go, the Broncos might have the inside track to the division title, even as they bat away such notions as if they were gnats swirling around their ears.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos know what to expect from Saints offense: Drew Brees in spades - It’s often illogical to describe any NFL team as a one-man band. It simply takes too many people, from top to bottom, consistently doing the right things to have success. Yet there are times when the New Orleans Saints come as close as an NFL team can be to just that.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Broncos Show Kids How to Stay Happy, Healthy - A dozen players joined hundreds of kids at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Tuesday, partaking in games and activities that promote happy and healthy lifestyles.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Saints Week – Wednesday: Fox - Head Coach John Fox talks about carrying momentum over from Denver’s Week 6 win at San Diego and preparing for the team’s Week 8 matchup vs. New Orleans.  Watch video from Denver Broncos >>>>

Denver Broncos 2012: Keys to Week 8 Victory over Saints - Coming off one of their most improbable victories in years, Peyton Manningand the Broncos (3-3) will be looking to extend their winning streak next Sunday night against the New Orleans Saints (2-4)  at Invesco Field in Denver.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Breaking Down the Future of the Denver Broncos Backfield - Willis McGahee surprised the football world with the resurrection of his career as a Denver Bronco.  He signed with Denver upon his release by the Baltimore Ravens in July 2011 after a five-year stint filled with great accomplishments, as well as a plethora of injuries. At the time, his role was to be the backup running back to Knowshon Moreno and provide some relief in the backfield. Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Broncos, kids have a blast at Sports Authority Field - It’s not often you see bruising linebacker Wesley Woodyard act like a chicken – but it happened.  On Tuesday at the Denver Broncos Hometown Huddle, more than 350 kids from the United Agency and members of the Denver Broncos acted like chickens, played hot potato and ran in circles in support of the Play 60 mission at Sports Authority Field.  Read more from Mile High Sports >>>>

Peyton Manning Should Be Front Runner for League MVP - There is no doubt that many throughout the NFL and its fans believed that Peyton Manning would come back from a nineteen month layoff after four neck surgeries and not be the same quarterback.  The Denver Broncos and Executive VP John Elway met with Manning, saw him throw and basically took a gamble that even a Manning at 80% was better than Tim Tebow running the offense.  Read more from Rant Sports >>>>

Denver Broncos Say “Good” Bye - The NFL introduced the concept of a bye week in 1990. This schedule addition meant that each team would play sixteen games spread out over a seventeen week schedule. The timing of the bye week in each team’s schedule is based upon the previous season’s final regular season record and upon post-season participation. An interesting footnote to this addition is that in 1993, the NFL tried adding two bye weeks per team, but that plan was dropped in the 1994 season.  Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

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Broncos’ gamble on four free-agent keepers provides big payoffs - Sure, the names sounded great when they passed through the NFL transaction wire this year — Brandon Stokley, Keith Brooking, Jim Leonhard and Dan Koppen, all veterans who had played in conference championship games or Super Bowls, looking for another shot with a new team.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Crash course from venerable Champ Bailey might buoy Broncos’ young DBs - With 11 trips to the Pro Bowl on his resume, the last thing Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey needs is another umbrella drink in Hawaii. Here’s the award we’d like to see Bailey win:  NFL Teacher of the Year.  Read more from the Denver Post >>>>

Inside the Numbers: Week 6 - 4: Tackle Ryan Clady is one of just four tackles in the NFL to have started all six games without allowing a sack to start the season.  Read more from Denver Broncos >>>>

10 Denver Broncos Who Are off to the Best and Worst Starts - We are now six games into the 2012 NFL season. Divisional races are beginning to take some shape. Teams are beginning to sink or swim.  The Denver Broncos enter their bye week 3-3 and tied for the lead in the AFC West.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Buying or Selling Peyton Manning as a Denver Bronco in 2013 - The Denver Broncos head into their Week 7 bye where many people may have thought they would be, sitting at .500 with a 3-3 record.  The Broncos have hurt themselves with slow starts in losses to Houston, Atlanta and New England, but in every game this season, including their losses, Peyton Manning has been very impressive.  Read more from Bleacher Report >>>>

Denver Broncos Week 6 Rookie Report - The Broncos had a monster comeback win in week 6 with everyone contributing. How did the rookies do?  Read more from Mile High Report >>>>

Ottewill: Broncos are a Trick and a Treat - Who are the Denver Broncos?  Thus far, they’ve been two distinctly different football teams. In any given half of play, they’ve been either Jekyll or they’ve been Hyde (or is it hide?). If the Broncos are appointment viewing for you and yours, you’ve been tricked, and you’ve been treated.  Read more from Mile High Sports >>>>

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