Kiszla: Don't underestimate Ryan Clady's

importance to Broncos' hopes

By Mark Kiszla The Denver Post

August 14, 2013 How many Hall of Fame players does a Super Bowl champion require?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, has space already reserved for

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and cornerback Champ Bailey.

But is it too early to start talking about offensive tackle Ryan Clady?

If this season ends with a Broncos victory in the Super Bowl, then Clady will have taken one giant step toward Canton.

The Broncos player who has the most fame to gain by a championship run?

Here's a vote on behalf of Clady.

Although often unnoticed by spectators, the numbers suggest that the Pro Football Hall of Fame has always liked the grunts in the trenches, from Jim Parker to Art Shell to Willie Roaf.

The Broncos win the Super Bowl and Clady would go from a young, perennial all-star to a 27-year-old offensive tackle in his prime, with the spotlight shining brightly on him.

OK, first things first.

Let's keep Manning feeling safe and cozy in the pocket.

Worried about the chemistry of the Broncos offensive line?

"No," Clady said Tuesday.

Is there any lingering pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder?

"No," Clady said. "It's sore from time to time, but no pain."

Any more questions?

The least of Denver's worries is the offensive line, which has come under an uncommon amount of hand-wringing from Broncomaniacs who should probably be

more concerned about mowing the lawn or buying back-to-school supplies. But coaches consider the offensive line to be one of the team's strengths.

If the starting unit turns out to be Clady plus Zane Beadles, Ryan Lilja, Louis

Vasquez and Orlando Franklin for the vast majority of games, there's every reason to believe the Broncos will lead the NFL in scoring.

Not to make anyone relive a nightmare, but this week marked the seven-month

anniversary of the 38-35 loss to Baltimore that ended Denver's season far sooner than anyone expected.

And no member of the Broncos has had more on his mind since Jan. 12 than Clady.

His patience was tested by a protracted contract squabble. Worse, he dealt with rehabilitation from a shoulder injury that hasn't allowed him to put a really good lick on somebody for way too long.

"It's definitely humbling," Clady said. "You definitely do feel like you're not a football player."

The Mile High Meltdown has been dissected 70 different ways. Safety Rahim Moore took the blame for a blunder on the game-tying touchdown pass by Joe Flacco.

Cornerback Champ Bailey was burned for two touchdowns. Peyton Manning threw a dead duck of an interception in overtime that ultimately killed Denver's chances to

escape with a victory. Coach John Fox ordered his team to take a knee.

The most overlooked factor in the defeat, however was the torn labrum that Clady suffered near the end of last season. He was a warrior, refusing to sit down with

the injury. But he wasn't Clady, three-time Pro Bowler. With one bum shoulder, he wrestled with Ravens pass rusher Terrell Suggs. It wasn't pretty.

Here's the point: A healthy Clady is worth every penny of the five-year, $52.5 million contract he signed with the Broncos.

When Elvis Dumervil walked, front-office executive John Elway had few regrets.

The defense figures to struggle if the four-game suspension against Von Miller is upheld. Manning, however, might not survive four games in one piece without Clady to protect his blind side.

No offense to Bailey, Demaryius Thomas or any other Denver star. But who's the

second-most-essential player on this team?

Manning is driving the bus to the Super Bowl.

Clady is the road grader.

Broncos defensive lineman Malik Jackson

demonstrates improvement

By Terry Frei The Denver Post

August 14, 2013

Malik Jackson is still listed as the Broncos' second-team left defensive end, behind fellow second-year pro Derek Wolfe. As often is the case with depth charts, that's oversimplification, starting with the fact that the Broncos will likely again line up in

the base 3-4 for only about one-third of their defensive snaps.

So far in training camp, at least, Jackson not only has shown signs of maturation and improvement over his rookie season, he also seems to be convincing his

coaches of his versatility and trustworthiness at either end or tackle, even sometimes on the nose in nickel packages. At 6-foot-5, 293 pounds don't laugh

at this he's not "big" enough to be the coveted space-eater inside against the run, but he can put pressure on the passer or cause blocking dilemmas when rushing the passer from the inside.

"I usually just call myself a defensive lineman, because I like to pride myself on

being able to do all that stuff," Jackson said Tuesday. "The more you can do, the more chances you have to be on the field. I'm just trying to be better at each

position and work my craft every day."

Wolfe and Robert Ayers, listed as the No. 1 right end, also can play tackle in many packages, but Jackson is making a case for being used more than the 113

defensive snaps credited to him last season.

"I've always been a firm believer that it takes about a year to get used to the speed and size of this game and become technically sound, especially as a front person," Broncos coach John Fox said when asked about Jackson's progress. "They're

fighting so close to him, the technique has to be very sound. He's improved in all those areas. He's big enough to be inside on third down, and he's athletic and

sound enough on early downs as an end. That does give you good flexibility."

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio labeled Jackson one of the bright spots of camp, adding he "really stood out in the front" against the 49ers in the exhibition opener

last week.

"He generated some pressure on the quarterback and was stout against the run," Del Rio added. "Malik is having a good camp and quietly making a move himself. His flexibility to play inside or outside is great. But he has just been much more

disruptive and confident this year."

Jackson, a fifth-round 2012 pick who played two years at Southern California before transferring to Tennessee in the wake of NCAA sanctions against the Trojans'

program, admitted he questioned the notion that he had a lot to learn in making the transition to the NFL. By now, though, he can laugh and admit he was wrong.

"At the time, I thought you couldn't tell me anything," Jackson said. "But last year

was a whirlwind. You have so much information coming in, and they put me in the spots where I knew I was going to back up inside and outside.

"Now, having a year under my belt, it really helps to have sat back and see how

things work. As a defensive lineman, you really need to grow and know what you're doing out there."

When Wolfe, the Broncos' second-round choice last year, was ill earlier in camp, Jackson got more work with the first defense, and he turned heads. Also, it would

be a mistake to discount the possibility that praise of Jackson secondarily is intended as a challenge to Wolfe. But there's evidence of Jackson's progression on

video.

"We hang out and stuff, but there's still that competition," Jackson said of Wolfe. "It's still in the back of my mind that he's not better than me, that kind of thing,

but that's just the way we're made as football players. Nobody wants to be No. 2."

Broncos restructure guard Chris Kuper's

contract

By Mike Klis The Denver Post

August 13, 2013 The Broncos and guard Chris Kuper have agreed to a restructured contract that

gives the six-year starter a strong chance to make the 53-man roster providing he proves sufficiently recovered from his left ankle injury.

The new contract will reduce Kuper's 2013 salary from $4.5 million, zero of which

was guaranteed, to $1.05 million, all of which is guaranteed. Kuper can also make another $1.7 million in game and playing time bonuses.

Had the Broncos waived/injured Kuper, they would have saved the $4.5 million, but

he would have been entitled to a $1.05 million injury protection settlement. Thus, the base salary in his new deal. Kuper's non-guaranteed salaries of $5 million in 2014 and $5.5 million in 2015 remain intact.

Kuper, though, hasn't made the team, yet, as his recovery is not assured. There

can't be much history of players returning from the type of trauma Kuper's left ankle has taken since Jan. 1, 2012.

It was the final game of the 2011 regular season when Kuper suffered a gruesome

dislocated ankle injury that included other bone breaks and torn ligaments and tendons. Major surgery attempted to fix the ankle, but a broken forearm early in

the 2012 set him back. Kuper started only five games last season when a plate holding his ankle together shattered.

He played with the shattered ankle plate in the Broncos' playoff loss to Baltimore, then had a second major operation.

As the team goes through its training camp practices, Kuper has been doing footwork drills on the side under the supervision of strength-and-conditioning coach Luke Richesson. The plan is for Kuper to begin practicing on a limited basis next

week, then play in the fourth and final preseason game on Aug. 29 against Arizona.

If the Broncos deem Kuper fit, he would become a backup guard to starters Zane Beadles and Louis Vasquez. Kuper was a fifth-round selection in the Broncos' once

formidable 2006 draft that also included the likes of Jay Cutler, Tony Scheffler, Brandon Marshall and Elvis Dumervil.

Kuper became a starter early in the 2007 season at left guard, then switched to right guard for the start of the 2008 season. He had missed just two games in the

five-year span from 2007-11 before suffering the ankle injury.

C.J. Anderson continues to impress

Denver Broncos at running back

By Caitlin Swieca The Denver Post

August 13, 2013 Broncos running back C.J. Anderson is used to crowded backfields. In his senior

year of college at Cal-Berkeley, Anderson ran for 790 yards on 126 carries, despite battling two other running backs for playing time.

The lessons learned from that experience have come in handy as Anderson, an undrafted rookie, tries to earn a spot on the Broncos' roster.

"Just be patient, stay in your playbook, know your assignments, know what to do and keep showing up," Anderson said. "When you get your opportunity in the

game, perform, and things will get better for you."

So far, that method has worked well for Anderson, who became one of the surprises of the preseason when he ran for 69 yards on 15 carries in the team's first preseason game last week at San Francisco.

The Broncos' top three running backs Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno are all locks to make the roster. Anderson is competing with three other running backs to earn a spot on the team. Though the odds are long, his standout

performance seems to have given him an edge in the competition.

Although Anderson's carries against the 49ers came against second- and third-teamers, his performance has seemingly moved him up the depth chart at Dove

Valley. Anderson worked with quarterback Brock Osweiler and the second team Tuesday and scored two touchdowns in a goal-line drill.

"Each one of these opportunities are a chance for them to get better, and he's

taken full advantage of it. We reward performance," coach John Fox said. "He'll earn the time he deserves."

Anderson, who played the first two years of his college career at Laney College in California, said that he changed his mind-set and work ethic after his junior year at

California, when he ran for only 345 yards on 72 attempts.

"My junior year at Cal, I thought I was already it, going to a big-time D-1 school and thinking you're the man already," Anderson said. "I never knew I had to put in

the work....Coming in here, you have to work. If you don't clock in every day, you're going to be cut or your reps start getting limited, and I just don't want that to happen."

http://work....coming/

Now that he's grabbed the spotlight at Dove Valley, Anderson will try to continue his eye-catching preseason heading into Saturday's preseason game in Seattle.

"Fifteen carries for 69 yards, that's solid," Anderson said. "I'm the kind of player

that wants 15 carries for 100 yards. I've got goals for myself and I'm still hungry, but I don't feel any pressure at all."

Broncos' Chris Kuper returns to practice,

snaps to Peyton Manning

By Caitlin Swieca The Denver Post

August 13, 2013

After agreeing to a restructured contract with the Broncos, guard Chris Kuper participated in training camp for the first time this year on Tuesday and spent time snapping the ball to Peyton Manning early in practice.

Kuper spent time at second team right guard during positional drills and sat out team drills, but stayed on the field practicing snaps for about 10 minutes after practice ended.

Since Dan Koppen's season-ending injury, the Broncos have had a competition at

center between Ryan Lilja and Manny Ramirez. Kuper said he hadn't played center in a game since his junior year of college.

"I just kind of started today," Kuper said of playing center. "I've done a little bit in

the past, but nothing extensive. All of it's going to be a process, coming back and getting healthy, and transitioning, trying to be the best at whatever position I can

play."

The eight-year veteran had been sidelined with a left ankle injury that has required two major surgeries in the past 20 months. His restructured lower contract gives him a better chance of making the final roster.

Coach John Fox mentioned Kuper's leadership skills and experience as advantages.

"Throughout my years here I've tried to take over as guys got older and moved on," Kuper said. "I was kind of the elder statesman in my sixth year. I definitely hope to bring that to the table again."

If healthy, Kuper could give the Broncos another option for their depleted offensive

line. Though Kuper is not expected to be a starter, his return would give the team a strong veteran presence as a second-string option.

Left tackle Ryan Clady also continued his road to recovery from shoulder surgery,

wearing full pads for the first time in camp and doing limited team work. J.D. Walton also was walking around without a boot, another good sign for the offensive

line.

The Broncos appeared to be toying with their defensive line, giving defensive tackles Sylvester Williams and Terrance Knighton repetitions with the first team and moving Kevin Vickerson to the second team.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_23851047/broncos-restructure-guard-chris-kupers-contracthttp://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_23751073/dan-koppens-knee-injury-big-blow-denver-broncos

Rookie running back C.J. Anderson continued to impress, working with the second team in goal-line drills and scoring twice.

Despite being intercepted on the goal line by safety Duke Ihenacho, Manning was

more successful in scrimmage drills Tuesday. His impressive day was highlighted by a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Wes Welker.

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and tight end Jacob Tamme also were in

practice, continuing their recoveries from ankle and quadriceps injuries, respectively.

Safety Quinton Carter (knee), running back Jeremiah Johnson (knee) and wide

receiver Quincy McDuffie did not practice Tuesday. Wide receiver Lamaar Thomas left practice and was being evaluated for a concussion.

Broncos' goal-line work at training camp

brings out best in both sides

By Christopher Dempsey The Denver Post

August 13, 2013

Highlight: It's never easy to tell what makes a coach happiest when one unit dominates another in a team drill. So the setup on Tuesday morning was this: goal-line work. The offense scored touchdowns on a Montee Ball run and a C.J. Anderson

short catch. But, Duke Ihenacho grabbed some glory for the guys in orange when he picked off a Peyton Manning end-zone attempt.

So, John Fox, which makes you happier?

"As I always say, whenever we work against each other the Broncos win," the

Broncos coach said. "You don't get that many reps during the season, so I like doing that in camp. Not too close to game time, but just to get it on tape. They get

the corrections they need and there is a lot to be learned off those practice tapes."

Lowlight: Wide receiver Lamaar Thomas left the field during practice to be evaluated for a concussion.

Quarterback watch: Manning was mostly sharp, and even found Wes Welker for a

couple of long passes, including a 40-yard touchdown pass in an 11-on-11 session. Brock Osweiler and Virgil Green had an early connection in practice as well.

Position battle: The plot continues to thicken with the Broncos running backs as Tuesday saw C.J. Anderson increasing his rep load with the second team. His flashy

start against San Francisco and subsequent solid practices since then suggest he'll log some second-team reps on Saturday when the Broncos face Seattle in the

team's second preseason game.

"He's one of those guys where there are opportunities for him to get better and he's taking full advantage of it," Fox said. "We reward performance, so he will earn the

time he deserves."

Broncos OT Ryan Clady would like to play

at least once in preseason

By Christopher Dempsey

The Denver Post

August 14, 2013

Broncos offensive tackle Ryan Clady has rehab limits, and he's more than happy to

use them, but if at all possible he would like to play at least once in the preseason.

"It's just getting out there, getting comfortable and getting into a groove," Clady said after Tuesday's practice. "I've been around for a little bit now, so (playing in

the preseason) isn't necessarily mandatory, but I could definitely use it."

Clady, who signed a five-year, $52.5 million deal in mid-July, has been brought along slowly as he recovers from shoulder surgery. He has begun his first work in full pads this week.

"The shoulder is coming along," Clady said. "I just have to get comfortable with it

and get used to getting my strength back and whatnot. It's different, but I'm ready to get back out there. It's kind of a progression. We have a plan. So kind of just

stick to the plan and get better throughout that time."

Glimpse into the future? Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, was asked if he has thought about a plan if linebacker Von Miller misses any time in connection

with his ongoing NFL drug-violation case.

Del Rio said: "No, I haven't spent a lot of time on that. There is plenty of time for that. Right now, we are just preparing the team that we have here working and trying to be at our best in preparation."

And yet there are a few glimpses into what might happen most recently, putting linebackers Stewart Bradley and Nate Irving on the field at the same time.

Irving, who is vying for middle linebacker this season, played an outside linebacker spot last season, so it's nothing new. Asked what coaches are looking for out of

him, Irving said, "Just being in practice and meetings, they want to see me finish on the ball more, be more efficient with movements and just be a true, nasty

middle linebacker."

Bradley has been a pleasant find at the middle linebacker spot. Although he and Irving are competing to start at middle linebacker, they might be on the field at the

same time if Miller is suspended. Miller's appeal of a four-game suspension is scheduled to be heard Thursday.

Fox, on Quanterus Smith. Broncos coach John Fox updated the progress of draft pick Quanterus Smith, a defensive end from Western Kentucky, who continues to

make strides.

"He's doing good," Fox said. "Coming off an ACL injury is never an easy thing for any ballplayer, and it's no different for him. But he has fought through it and has

done an excellent job. He is gaining strength and confidence every day." Footnote. Wide receiver Lamar Thomas left the field during practice to be evaluated for a

concussion.

Malik Jackson: Supplement to upcoming

story on Broncos D lineman

By Terry Frei The Denver Post

August 13, 2013

I spoke with Broncos second-year defensive lineman Malik Jackson who is threatening to claim more playing time this season after practice Tuesday for a feature.

As we were finishing up, I asked him about playing at both Southern California and Tennessee as a collegian. Because of NCAA sanctions against USC, he was able to transfer and not have to sit out a season before becoming eligible at Tennessee.

Frankly, I asked it more out of curiosity than professional purpose, but his answer

was interesting enough to pass along as a supplement to the story.

I think it helped a lot, because all together, Ive had maybe five defensive line coaches and three defensive coordinators, said Jackson, born and raised in

Southern California. You can pick some stuff off everybody. All five defensive line coaches helped me be the person I am today.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/author/terry-frei/

Broncos are now THE favorites to win the

Super Bowl

By Mike Klis The Denver Post

August 13, 2013

I keep seeing and hearing reports that the Broncos are co-favorites to win the Super Bowl this season.

Not true. They are the prohibitive favorites. Here are the best odds to win the

Super Bowl, as set by the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino sports book, which pretty much sets the odds for all of Vegas:

Broncos . 5-1 49ers 6-1

Seahawks 7-1 Patriots 8-1

PACKERS . 8-1 TEXANS . 14-1 FALCONS 18-1

SAINTS . 18-1 STEELERS .. 20-1

GIANTS . 20-1 REDSKINS .. 20-1 BENGALS 25-1

RAVENS . 30-1 BEARS .. 30-1

The wise guys dont think much of the new Ravens do they? Which is fine except I

think Ozzie Newsome is wise, too.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/author/mike-klis/

Broncos guard Chris Kuper returns to the

field

By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Chris Kuper put on pads for the first time in 214 days,

snapped a few footballs to Peyton Manning and lined up some at guard Tuesday.

"I feel like a football player again," he said.

But he's a long way from being able to win a spot on the Denver Broncos' 53-man roster.

Before he can compete for a backup job, the former captain and anchor of Denver's

offensive line has to get healthy.

Kuper's latest comeback try is from a second surgery on his jigsaw-like left ankle, which was grotesquely dislocated in the 2011 regular-season finale.

He admittedly rushed back last year and ended up hobbling through the playoff loss

to Baltimore with a shattered plate in his repaired ankle that caused him to skip the Pro Bowl, where he was named an alternate despite having played in just seven

regular-season games.

This second comeback has proven even tougher.

"The setback with the ankle surgery and the infection put me behind on the eight-ball. I wasn't able to rehab the way I wanted to and wasn't able to get my strength back and conditioning back," Kuper said. "That's how football works, that's how the

NFL is. Every year you have to compete for a spot."

After making enough progress to get back on the field, Kuper agreed to a restructured contract Tuesday that reduced his 2013 salary from a non-guaranteed

$4.5 million with a $1.05 million injury protection settlement to a guaranteed $1.05 million base, plus a chance to make another $1.7 million in incentives.

"I'm glad to be here and have a chance to hang around and compete for a job,"

Kuper said.

If Kuper makes the team, he'll almost certainly serve as a backup to guards Zane Beadles and Louis Vasquez, at least initially, although coach John Fox said he'll get

a look at center, too.

Kuper has been the Broncos' emergency center in the past, but the last time he snapped the ball in a game was his junior year at North Dakota in 2004.

"It's all going to be a process, coming back and getting healthy and transitioning,

trying to be the best at whatever position I can play," Kuiper said. "I'm just trying to earn a spot on the roster right now. The main thing is I have to get healthy

enough to try to compete for that spot."

Kuper didn't give a glowing report on his ankle.

"It's OK. I'm not there yet, but I'm hoping just working through this stuff on the field that I can work some of that stuff out," he said. "Time is probably what's going

to heal it."

That's something he doesn't have a lot of. The Broncos' last preseason game is just over two weeks away.

Although he was excited to finally get back on the field, it wasn't like Kuper had to

remind himself to hold back: "No, not today. Today I was really just kind of feeling it out. I'm really not in great football shape quite yet, so we're being careful with it."

Kuper refuses to set a timetable for when he expects to be back up to speed

because "I did that before and it didn't work out the way I wanted to."

Last year, Kuper's prolonged absence was felt quite literally by Manning, who was sacked 21 times, but only twice with Kuper in the lineup.

"Being injured is hard, having surgery is hard, and when you're an athlete and just

coming back to performing your skill, it's a long road," Fox said. "It takes tough-minded people and he is that guy."

The Broncos' O-line has been a hodgepodge this whole offseason. Beadles was the

only starter who came out of last season unscathed. Left tackle Ryan Clady has been working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery and hopes to make his

preseason debut Aug. 24 against St. Louis.

Clady understood exactly what Kuper was talking about when he said he finally felt like a football player again.

"It's weird not practicing every rep with the team. It's definitely humbling," Clady said. "You definitely do feel like you're not a football player."

Kuper's just out to prove that, come cut-down day Aug. 31, he still is one.

In memo, union tells NFL players HGH

testing close

By Howard Fendrich Associated Press

August 13, 2013

The NFL Players Association "tentatively agreed" to let the league take 40 blood

samples for HGH tests each week during the season, with a positive result drawing a four-game suspension, according to a memo the union sent players.

A copy of the NFLPA's email, written in a question-and-answer format, was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.

The memo says "a computer program will randomly select" five players apiece from eight teams each week to take the blood tests.

First, though, every player participating in NFL training camps this year will provide

a blood sample and information about "height, weight, age, and race/ethnicity" for a "population study" to determine what level of HGH will result in penalties, the

union wrote.

The NFLPA's letter says that if more than 5 percent of all training camp samples are above that threshold, players who fail will have "reasonable cause" testing during

the next two seasons meaning they'll be subject to additional testing. A player testing positive again during the 2013-14 or 2014-15 seasons will get an eight-game suspension. A player without another positive result in that time will be

removed from the extra testing program.

Tuesday's email to players indicates the union has signed off on various aspects of the HGH program and says owners and players "will likely finalize soon" the in-

season weekly testing. But the memo does not make clear what exactly the NFL has agreed to at this point or give specifics about what stands in the way of a final

accord.

No date has been set for the start of testing, because there are still issues that need to be negotiated between the NFL and union, including whether the commissioner or a neutral arbitrator will handle certain types of appeals of

discipline.

League spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to comment on any specifics in the NFLPA memo, writing in an email to the AP: "We do not have yet a comprehensive

agreement for HGH testing."

The league and the union originally paved the way for testing in the 10-year collective bargaining agreement they signed in August 2011, but two complete NFL

seasons have come and gone and a third is right around the corner without a single HGH test being administered on a player.

During the two years since, the sides have haggled over various elements, including

details of the appeals process and the union's insistence on a population study to determine what is a naturally occurring amount of HGH in NFL players.

HGH is a banned performance-enhancing drug that is hard to detect and has been

linked to health problems such as diabetes, cardiac dysfunction and arthritis.

In January, shortly before the Super Bowl, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Darrell Issa, a California Republican, and ranking

Democrat Elijah Cummings of Maryland wrote NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith to chastise the union for standing in the way of HGH testing and to warn that lawmakers could ask players to testify on Capitol Hill.

Late last year, that House committee held a hearing at which medical experts testified that HGH testing is reliable and that the union's request for a population study was unnecessary. But in March, a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport

in a case involving a cross-country skier raised questions about the reliability of thresholds for HGH tests.

Broncos' Heckert can return to work

Thursday

Associated Press

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) One of two suspended Denver Broncos executives can

return to work this week after serving a monthlong punishment.

Tom Heckert, the team's director of pro personnel, will be allowed back at team

headquarters Thursday. Director of player personnel Matt Russell is serving an indefinite suspension.

John Elway's top two advisers, Heckert and Russell were arrested and jailed on suspicion of drunken driving in separate incidents within a month of each other this

summer, resulting in the biggest black eye for the organization since a videotape scandal cost former coach Josh McDaniels his job in 2010.

Heckert, 46, was arrested June 11 in Parker, just 36 days after Elway hired the

former GM of the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.

Camp Confidential: Denver Broncos

By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Live on Colorado's front range long enough, and you live with an unshakable, that's-the-way-it-is truth. That most days, as in 300 or so a year, the sun shines brightly and the skies are blue.

But when the storm clouds come rolling down the mountains, it's an ambush --

they come fast and with menacing intent. And that, really, is the story of the Broncos' offseason.

"Hey, you have to deal with all kinds of things along the way," said Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, now entering his 10th season with the team.

"And we've had plenty of things to deal with around here over the years; sometimes we've done a good job with it, sometimes we haven't. I tell the young guys all the time, we'll see how we handle things. We can be good, but we have to

get to work, because thinking you're good and being good are always two different things."

The Broncos entered free agency as Super Bowl favorites, then they signed Wes Welker to a Peyton Manning-led offense that had already been good enough to be

No. 2 in scoring in 2012. They drafted well, and filled some other needs with veteran signees Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Stewart Bradley and Shaun Phillips.

Yep, football sunshine and blue skies.

Then there was Faxgate and Elvis Dumervil's rather messy exit from the team that

drafted him in 2006.

Then two high-ranking front-office executives -- director of pro personnel Tom Heckert and director of player personnel Matt Russell -- were arrested on drunken driving charges a month apart. Heckert was eventually suspended a month without

pay -- he's due to return to the team Thursday -- and Russell was suspended indefinitely.

Then defensive playmaker Von Miller was slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, a revelation that came with the

rather troubling fact that Miller had previously violated the policy to get to the suspension phase.

Miller's appeal will be heard Thursday by league officials, and a decision is expected

before the regular-season opener against the Ravens. Toss in a pile of injuries, especially to the offensive line, and it's clear coach John

Fox's task will be to keep a talented team on track as it wrestles with the

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1758/champ-baileyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5941/wes-welkerhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5941/wes-welkerhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1428/peyton-manninghttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11250/dominique-rodgers-cromartiehttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10531/stewart-bradleyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5623/shaun-phillipshttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9712/elvis-dumervilhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13976/von-miller

expectations around it, as well as the pothole-filled road it has already traveled.

"It's been my experience if you don't expect a lot, you don't get a lot," Fox said. "Keep the bar low, and that's where people go. We're going to keep the bar high --

I don't mind expectations -- and I think the guys have had good focus. They know the work that has to be done, and I know they'll do it."

THREE HOT ISSUES

1. Deal with it. Former Broncos defensive end Alfred Williams might have said it best. Williams said the Broncos are the only team in the league "with 20 preseason games."

So true. After a 13-3 finish that included an 11-game winning streak dissolved into

a crushing playoff loss to the Ravens, the team's fan base essentially sees the coming regular season as little more than an inconvenience before another postseason chance.

That can be a lot to handle for a team, especially if players and coaches get too

focused on the potential lack of appreciation from the outside world for anything that happens along the way. More than one person inside the team's Dove Valley

complex has expressed frustration in the past six months over the fact that few folks bring up the 13-3 record, the win streak or the division title, and that it is all Ravens, all the time in any discussion about the 2012 season.

Frustrating indeed, but the Broncos have to find some peace of mind somewhere as

they move through the next four months.

2. Front-line issues. Left tackle Ryan Clady, a newly minted five-year, $52.5 million contract in hand, is still working back from offseason shoulder surgery and is not

yet 100 percent.

Center J.D. Walton had ankle surgery just before minicamp and isn't expected back in the lineup until late October or early November at the earliest. He was just seen at the Broncos' complex this past week without a walking boot on for the first time

since the operation.

Walton's backup, Dan Koppen, tore his ACL in the first week of training camp and is done for the year.

It leaves Manny Ramirez, who just started his first career game at center in the Broncos' preseason opener in San Francisco, and 31-year-old Ryan Lilja, who was

signed out of retirement after two surgeries (knee, toe) earlier in the offseason, as the options in the middle.

Given that defensive coordinators routinely believe the best way to pressure Manning is through the middle of the formation, the Broncos will need

an answer to protect him.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/201/alfred-williamshttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11246/ryan-cladyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13303/jd-waltonhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4622/dan-koppenhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10561/manny-ramirezhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8313/ryan-lilja

3. Defense will tell the tale. We get it, it's a quarterback league. The rulebook

essentially begs/demands that people put the ball in the air almost nonstop in any situation. Offense puts people in the seats.

Whatever. Remind me, but wasn't the Super Bowl -- a Super Bowl played by the two teams that ran the ball the most during the playoffs -- won on a goal-line stand

when an offense couldn't/wouldn't punch it in from the doorstep?

The Broncos put up 35 points this past January and were sent home to the collective couch. And when you get right down to it, in back-to-back playoff losses, the Broncos have surrendered 694 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns with

just one interception and one sack combined against Tom Brady to close out the 2011 season and Joe Flacco to close out 2012.

So, Manning to Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker looks nice on a magazine cover, but how the guys on the other side of the ball do will have plenty

to say about how far this team goes.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

It's a talented roster with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time behind center and a remember-when defensive talent bursting with potential in Miller. Denver is a balanced team that finished in the top five in both offense and defense last season

with one of the great home-field advantages in the league. Oh, and the guy running the team is a Hall of Fame quarterback who knows a thing or two about what a

title-winning locker room should look like. REASON FOR PESSIMISM

There are some in the league who looked at the Broncos' drama-filled offseason

and said they had the tumultuous profile of a team that had won the Super Bowl instead of losing two rounds before the title game. The Broncos have had the infamous fax issues, the off-the-field troubles, a reality show, a looming suspension

of a superstar and more than their share of injuries. Maybe when the games count, none of that will matter, but history is littered with teams that put the

championship cart before the horse, content to enjoy the fruits of potential rather than the actual title.

OBSERVATION DECK

Welker's signing is going to work out -- barring injuries, of course -- exactly the way everybody wanted it to, including Welker. He fits the

offense. Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase will even expand Welker's reach in Denver's playbook compared with

what Welker did in New England, and Welker has worked hard to fit in. There has been some hand-wringing both near and far about where the "catches"

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2330/tom-bradyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11252/joe-flaccohttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13216/demaryius-thomashttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13271/eric-decker

were going to come from for a guy with five 100-reception seasons. The answer is that the catches are already in the offense. Working mostly out of

the slot last season, tight end Jacob Tamme and wide receiver Brandon Stokley combined for 97 receptions, 1,099 yards and seven touchdowns.

Those numbers from Welker would fit quite nicely. The offensive line is an issue to keep an eye on until the Broncos prove it's

not. Getting Clady back in the lineup -- he's still on track to start the opener

-- will help greatly, but they've struggled to protect the quarterbacks in practice against their own high-end defense, as well as in the preseason

opener. If things don't improve, the Broncos will spend an awful lot of time tossing dump-offs to the hot receiver or shallow crosses because they can't protect long enough to go down the field.

Miller's potential and ability are almost limitless. Former longtime Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier, the guy who called the shots for the

Orange Crush defense, has said Miller has the potential to be the franchise's best-ever defensive player. But Miller, the results of his appeal of his four-game suspension notwithstanding, has to hold up his end of the bargain,

both on and off the field, to make that happen. And the Broncos will have to decide over the next season or so -- his contract is up after 2014 -- just how

high they'll want to go on an extension and whether the investment will be worth it over the long term.

Folks can wish it were different, especially as they wrestle with their fantasy lineups each week, but every indication on the practice field -- as in EVERY indication -- is that Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball are going to share the

workload in a variety of down-and-distance situations. And Knowshon Moreno and Jacob Hester figure to at least be in the third-down mix as well

at times. Hillman, however, should benefit from Gase's concerted effort to create more

impact in the run game outside the hashmarks. The Broncos weren't all that

good, or committed, to the outside runs last season. And if Hillman runs with decisiveness and the Broncos can get it done up front -- they brought

longtime assistant Alex Gibbs back to help with the zone-run game -- there are some big plays waiting.

The games will ultimately be the gauge, but safety Rahim Moore has had a

quality camp in an offseason in which many wondered how he would bounce back from the ill-fated leap in the playoff loss to the Ravens. But the bottom

line is Moore played more snaps (1,044) than any other player on the defense last season with substantial improvement over his rookie year in 2011, and if everyone else had played their assignments on the Jacoby Jones

touchdown, Joe Flacco wouldn't have even thrown the ball that way in the first place. So, those guys should buy Moore a nice dinner for taking the heat

and watch him in the starting lineup again. Thomas sported a heady 15.3 yards-per-catch average on the way to 1,434

yards receiving last season. But that per-catch average should go up given

the choices defenses are going to have to make with Welker in the formation. If defenses double in the short and intermediate area to deal with Welker,

the Broncos' tight ends and Thomas can overpower most defensive backs down the field.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11373/jacob-tammehttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1858/brandon-stokleyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/1858/brandon-stokleyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14895/ronnie-hillmanhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15823/montee-ballhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12516/knowshon-morenohttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12516/knowshon-morenohttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11303/jacob-hesterhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14050/rahim-moorehttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10517/jacoby-jones

Defensive end Robert Ayers has consistently said, since the team made him the 18th pick of the 2009 draft, that he has far more to offer when the

opportunity comes. And the opportunity has arrived with Dumervil's departure. Ayers has just 6.5 career sacks in his four seasons and has played

for four defensive coordinators along the way, each of whom wanted something a little different from him. But Jack Del Rio is back for a second consecutive year, and Ayers is the starter at rush end. Now's the time.

Reports of Bailey's demise are exaggerated, but he is certainly a 35-year-old entering his 15th season. Or as he put it: "I had some plays in the playoff

game I should have made, pure and simple. I didn't, but I can let it drag me down or just get back to it. I still think I can play and I think I have shown I can still play at a high level." The Broncos will pick their spots more when

they single him up, but he has been top-shelf throughout training camp while running stride for stride with the Broncos' best receivers.

The Broncos have an awful lot riding on how Gibbs and offensive line coach Dave Magazu get things worked out on the offensive line. If the Broncos can add some pop out of the play-action run game and consistently protect

Manning out of a three-wide receiver set, the points should follow. Some say Welker's presence in the offense means the Broncos will throw

more in '13. However, Manning's 400 completions last season amounted to the second-highest total of his career, and his 583 attempts were the third-

highest. In a perfect world, the Broncos would like those totals to be slightly lower this time around -- Manning himself has said "we'd like to run it more" -- because it would mean they simply ran the ball to close out games in

which they already had the lead.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12432/robert-ayers

Broncos look to Kuper for depth at center By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com

August 13, 2013

Not only has Chris Kuper dealt with surgery, a major infection, a long rehab and a

contract shave that could cost him roughly $3.5 million, but now he gets to handle a new position as well.

Given that they have one center (J.D. Walton) on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, another already on injured reserve (Dan Koppen) and the current starter

(Manny Ramirez) has never started a regular-season game at the position, the Broncos continue to look for reinforcements in-house.

And so, even as he returns from offseason ankle surgery, Kuper will be asked to

practice at center at times. He took some snaps in individual drills in Tuesday's practice, his first of this training camp.

"[That's] pretty much it ... I pretty much started today," Kuper said. "I've done it a little bit in the past, but nothing extensive."

Kuper said the last time he had played center in a game was during his junior

season at North Dakota, when he moved from left tackle to center in a game for "three snaps.'' In Mike Shanahan's tenure as the Broncos' coach Kuper was a backup long snapper.

It will still take some time, however, before Kuper is fully integrated into practice as

he works his way back to full strength. He has dealt with a variety of issues with his left ankle since suffering a fracture and dislocation in the 2011 regular-season

finale. He played in seven games last season, starting five, but had additional surgery

following the season as well as treatments for an infection in the joint, and so he was held out of the offseason program and the early portion of this training camp.

"Not there yet," Kuper said. " ... I'm not going to put a time frame on it just because coming back from this thing before and it didn't work out the way I wanted

it to."

As far as Kuper's future at center, Broncos coach John Fox said: "We'll look at it. Guys have that flexibility."

"We've all talked about doing it," Kuper said. "And [it's] something I need to work on."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9747/chris-kuperhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13303/jd-waltonhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4622/dan-koppenhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10561/manny-ramirez

The Broncos went through a full-blown goal-line period Tuesday and rookie Montee

Ball was the running back in the lineup with the starters.

Ronnie Hillman continues to get the majority of the work with the starters in team drills, but the Broncos certainly want to see the 215-pound Ball in action at the goal line behind the first-team offensive line and against the first-team defense. Ball was

able to put the ball in end zone, getting around the corner for the score.

Rookie safety Duke Ihenacho intercepted a Peyton Manning pass during the same goal-line period. Ihenacho, who was on the practice squad for most of last season, continues to hold down a starting safety spot.

"You don't get that many [goal-line] reps during the season, so I like doing that in

camp, not too close to game time, but to get it on tape," Fox said. " The Broncos continue to monitor rookie defensive end Quanterus Smith's

progress. Smith tore his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last November.

After they selected him in the fifth round of April's draft, they brought him along slowly through the offseason program, eventually letting him do team drills as they

finished things up in June. He has participated in every practice of training camp thus far, though he was pulled out of the Aug. 1 workout because of knee pain.

Smith has looked less mobile of late, but Fox believes he's simply still working his way back from the surgery.

"I think coming off an ACL injury is never an easy thing for any ballplayer," Fox said. "It's no different for him. But he has fought through it ... he's gaining strength

and confidence every day."

The Broncos, especially if all or part of Von Miller's four-game suspension is upheld, want Smith as a spot-duty option in the pass rush. But at 255 pounds Smith needs to be able to cut, plant and work opposing offensive linemen to both the inside and

outside to be his most effective.

To do that, he has to confident his leg will hold up. It's a common challenge for players recovering from ACL surgery as they return to game-speed and one Smith is working through right now.

"Left tackle Ryan Clady, who has begun to practice on a limited basis this week,

expects to gradually increase his workload as he returns from offseason shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum.

"We have a plan, so kind of stick to the plan and get better throughout time," Clady said.

The Broncos are being cautious because a team that wants to line up in a three-

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wide receiver set as much as they do needs a left tackle who can hold the blindside edge on his own. Any issues with Clady would be felt through the entire offense's

game plan.

The Broncos want Clady ready for the regular-season opener and beyond, so they'll continue to go slowly in his return.

"And some odds and ends ...

Rookie wide receiver Lamaar Thomas, who caught the team's attention a bit with his work in the preseason opener in San Francisco, left Tuesday's practice with concussion symptoms ... Safety Quinton Carter (knee), running back Jeremiah

Johnson (toe), wide receiver Quincy McDuffie (hamstring) and wide receiver Greg Orton (ankle) did not practice. Tight end Joel Dreessen (knee) was also held out

and is expected to miss the preseason.

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Broncos' Chris Kuper returns to practice By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com

August 13, 2013

Broncos guard Chris Kuper took another step Tuesday morning in what has been a

long road back from multiple ankle surgeries when he took part in his first training camp practice of the summer.

Kuper had missed all of the Broncos' offseason work and the early portion of

training camp after offseason surgery to repair/replace pins and screws in his ankle as well as treatments to clear up an infection in the joint. Kuper originally suffered

a gruesome fracture and dislocation of his left ankle in the 2011 regular-season finale.

He was taken off the physically unable to perform list Tuesday morning and took part, on a very limited basis, in individual drills, during the padded practice.

"Feel like a football player again,'' Kuper said. " ... [I'm] not going to lie to you and say it was a piece of cake, but no injury is.''

Up until his injury Kuper had started at least 15 games in five consecutive seasons

and was a team captain. Last season he played in seven games and started five as he dealt with ankle pain after he had also missed the first four games of the year with a fractured forearm suffered in last year's training camp.

Kuper has worked with the team's strength and conditioning staff in recent days,

gradually picking up his workload until he made the return to practice Tuesday. The Broncos, given a run of injuries in the offensive front, will also work Kuper at center

as well in the coming weeks. Kuper also agreed to a pay cut before his return, knocking his base salary from

$4.5 million to $1.05 million. The $1.05 million will be fully guaranteed.

Previously, like any vested player, Kuper's base salary wouldn't have been guaranteed until he was on the opening-game roster. At $4.5 million, given the Broncos decreasing cap room after new deals for left tackle Ryan Clady and punter

Britton Colquitt, Kuper's roster spot would have been tenuous as a player now battling to return in a possible backup role.

The pay cut gives him a chance to stay. Had they waived him injured, with a $4.5 million base salary, the team would have gained some cap savings even after a

$1.05 million payout for injury protection in his old deal.

He still has two years remaining on his deal for 2014 and 2015.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9747/chris-kuperhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11246/ryan-cladyhttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12773/britton-colquitt

"I'm glad to be here and have a chance to hang around and compete for a job,'' Kuper said. "[I'm] just trying to earn a spot on the roster right now. The main thing

is be healthy enough to compete for that spot.''

Kuper is not 100 percent and won't be in the immediate future. His activity level was severely curtailed as he was being treated for the infection this past offseason so he could not maintain his conditioning even with cardio workouts as his ankle

improved.

"It's hard, being injured is hard, having surgery is hard. When you're an athlete and you're just coming back performing your skill, that's a long road,'' coach John Fox said. "It takes tough-minded people and he is that guy.''

Broncos rookie report: Webster steps up

By Jeff Legwold

ESPN.com August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With one preseason outing already in the books -- a 10-6

victory over San Francisco -- most of the Broncos rookies can expect a little less work this weekend in Seattle.

That's because the team's veterans figure to play far more against the Seahawks

than they did against the 49ers, keeping many of the rookies on the sidelines for more of the game.

With that in mind, heres the rookie report, a weekly check-in with how Denver's first-year class is doing.

The draft class DT Sylvester Williams

Williams got some work with the defensive regulars against the 49ers, but also stayed in the game with the second-team defense into the second quarter. He

played 23 snaps on defense to go with one special teams play. He did not register a tackle against a physical 49ers front. But Williams did show he can push the pocket and he continues to track toward playing more, at least early on in the regular

season as a pass-rusher in the 4-3.

RB Montee Ball

Ball is still slightly behind Ronnie Hillman in the rotation. Quarterback Peyton Manning and most of the Broncos offensive skill position starters played just seven snaps against the 49ers. Ball entered the game on the

Broncos' third possession of the game. On a night when the Broncos struggled to control the line of scrimmage for the most part, he finished with just five yards on

nine carries (1.8 yards per carry) and played just 11 snaps on offense. He has continued to get some spot carries with the regulars through this week's practices and still sits at No. 2 on the depth chart.

CB Kayvon Webster

When the Broncos looked at Webster before the draft, one thing that caught their attention was his willingness to play in press coverage -- something you don't often see in college as most coordinators prefer to keep their cornerbacks off the ball,

even in man coverage. For this part, Webster has continued to show that ability in practice. And against the 49ers, the Broncos pulled Champ Bailey and Chris Harris

out of the game early -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did not play because of an ankle injury -- so Webster was plenty busy. He finished with 43 snaps on defense -- 43 percent of the defensive plays in the game -- to go with 11 snaps on special

teams and snared one of two Broncos interceptions in the game. He doesn't figure to get as much work against the Seahawks, but the Broncos liked what they saw

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from him.

DE Quanterus Smith Smith has shown some difficulty in coming back from surgery to repair a torn ACL

he suffered in the 10th game of the 2012 season at Western Kentucky. He was removed from one practice last week and hasn't quite practiced with the same explosion, at times, as he did early on in camp. He continues to say he feels fine,

but he played just 15 snaps against the 49ers on a night when most of the team's younger players got more work than that. He also appeared on two special teams

plays. It will bear watching over the next two or three weeks given the Broncos would like Smith for spot duty in the pass rush in the regular season, especially if Von Miller does not win his appeal of a four-game suspension for violating the

league's substance-abuse policy.

WR Tavarres King King continues to show savvy beyond his years in the way he handles himself on the field. He also continues to push Andre Caldwell to be the No. 4 player, but

Caldwell has lifted his game in practice in response to the challenge. King played 29 plays against the 49ers -- Caldwell finished with 21. King was targeted three times

by backup quarterback Brock Osweiler and finished with two catches for 14 yards. He figures to get some playing time in the second half against the Seahawks.

T Vinston Painter Painter played a team-high 55 offensive snaps -- 82 percent of the offensive plays

the Broncos ran against San Francisco. He added two plays on special teams. But it was quality work for Painter, who played as the No. 2 right tackle, including plenty

of time in the game blocking in front of Osweiler. Painter is on track to make the final 53 and any playing time he gets in the remainder of the preseason will benefit him greatly.

QB Zac Dysert

Dysert got to dip his toe in the NFL pond with 14 snaps as the No. 3 quarterback. He finished the night 3 of 3 passing for 16 yards, but also took a sack behind what was spotty protection for all of the quarterbacks. Dysert is still quick to pull the ball

down and take off when he feels pressure coming from the edge. The Broncos want him to continue to stand in the pocket and show he can run the offense. He might

not get much work against the Seahawks. Undrafted rookies

Among the team's undrafted rookies, running back C.J. Anderson came away with the most momentum. And while through the years plenty of August heroes have

not gone on to make an NFL roster in September, Anderson caught the Broncos' eye with his 69 yards on 15 carries (4.6 yards per carry). He was quick to the hole and decisive in his first cut to get up the field. He will, however, have to continue to

try and improve his consistency in practice. He still has a concentration lapse from time to time and if the coaches don't trust you to do it right, they aren't going to let

you carry the ball when the games count. At 224 pounds, Anderson is a big-back option, but he hasn't been able to move up the depth chart and would need the

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team to keep five backs or to make a surprise cut at this point to crack the final 53.

Linebacker Larentee McCray finished with a sack -- one of two the Broncos had in the game -- and two tackles in his 19 plays. McCray also turned in nine plays on

special teams. And he has to carve out a niche on special teams to make the roster. But at 6-foot-3, 249 pounds he's still one of the biggest options at the position and the Broncos like the way he attacks the line of scrimmage.

Wide receiver/Kick returner Quincy McDuffie flashed some potential in camp's early

going, but has been sidelined of late with an ill-timed hamstring injury. He missed the 49ers game and has not practiced this week. Wide receiver Lamaar Thomas made the most of his chances, with quality routes, as he finished with a catch for

14 yards and was targeted twice in his 32 plays.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16091/quincy-mcduffiehttp://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16113/lamaar-thomas

Dumervil's exit still squeezing Broncos'

cap By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com August 14, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Just before free agency opened the Denver Broncos were

cruising along in good salary-cap standing, with less than $100,000 worth of dead money -- charges for players no long on the roster -- against their 2013 salary cap.

That was just before Elvis Dumervil couldn't find a fax machine and the Broncos had to release him to avoid paying a $12 million salary guarantee. Boom for Doom,

and not only was Dumervil gone, but a $4.869 million dead-money charge was on the Broncos' books immediately after his departure.

Then the Broncos released linebacker D.J. Williams, who was already carrying a $500,000 dead-money charge for '13 because of some earlier business. And with

that, another $1.832 million in dead money went on the books.

After they released running back Willis McGahee in June -- he remains unsigned -- another $500,000 in dead money was added. The release in July of linebacker Joe Mays created $3.5 million in cap space the Broncos used to help sign Ryan Clady to

a long-term deal, but also added a $666,667 dead-money charge.

So, the Broncos went from having less than $100,000 in dead money to deal with on this year's cap, a remarkable piece of work given where things were two years ago, to $7.868 million in dead money. That's still not in the OMG territory some

teams are operating in, but it will impact at least a few of the choices the Broncos will soon make.

It also had at least some impact on why the Broncos renegotiated guard Chris Kuper's contract -- his base salary went from $4.5 million to $1.05 million -- at the

same time he was set to move off of the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Tuesday to return to practice on a limited basis.

Certainly Williams' release was a given after his off-field issues began to far outweigh his on-field production. The Broncos had significant concerns about

McGahee's knee after he stayed away for much of the offseason program. And the Broncos needed cap space to sign Clady and Britton Colquitt even as Mays was

going to have a difficult time making the roster when all was said and done. But Dumervil's flip-flop from no to yes on a renegotiated deal that led to the fax

snafu certainly stung when it happened. And it will sting, at least some, once again when the Broncos cut the roster to 53 players next month.

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Broncos battered line welcomes return of

Chris Kuper

By Lindsay H. Jones USA TODAY Sports

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Chris Kuper, despite being a longtime team-captain and the

longest-tenured play on the Denver Broncos offense, had three big reasons to be worried about his employment.

The Broncos had signed a new right guard, Louis Vasquez, on the first day of free agency, Kuper was due a salary of just over $4 million this year, and Kuper was unable to practice all offseason and through the first two and a half weeks of

training camp while recovering from ankle surgery.

Two of those problems are solved.

Kuper agreed to a salary reduction Tuesday for 2013, and then suited up for his first practice of training camp.

The team has not released details of Kuper's restructured deal, but The Denver Post

reported that Kuper will make $1.05 million guaranteed this season, and has the chance to earn $1.7 million more in playing time bonuses. Kuper would have

received a $1.05 injury settlement had he not restructured and been released.

"I'm glad to be here and have a chance to hang around and compete for a job," Kuper said.

Kuper, part of the 2006 draft class that also included Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall

and Elvis Dumervil, suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle in the 2011 regular season finale. That injury required multiple surgeries in the 2012 offseason, and he suffered a setback with the ankle late last season. He returned in time to play for

the Broncos in the divisional playoff game against Baltimore, but was clearly not at full speed.

He had another surgery this offseason, sat out all of the spring practices and

started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Kuper admitted he is still not healthy, but getting back into cleats and doing individual and position drills is an important step in his recovery process.

"It's frustrating, but a day like today kind of relieves some of that," Kuper said. "I

feel like a football player again."

Kuper's return was just one of several positive developments for a Broncos' offensive line that has been in disarray for much of the offseason.

Left tackle Ryan Clady, who had surgery in January to repair a torn labrum in his

right shoulder, was in full pads Tuesday (after wearing only shoulder pads in the last two practices) and is looking increasingly more comfortable in live team drills.

Clady said he is hoping to make his preseason debut on Aug. 24 in the Broncos' third preseason game against St. Louis.

"The shoulder is coming along. I just have to get comfortable with it and getting

used to getting my strength back," Clady said.

Kuper, in addition to taking his familiar reps at right guard, will also spend time practicing at center. Manny Ramirez remains the starting center (filling in for Dan Koppen, who had been filling in for J.D. Walton), though recently-signed Ryan Lilja

is pushing him. Kuper said that learning to play center will help his chances of not just making the 53-man roster, but also the team's game-day roster, when only

seven offensive linemen suit up.

"That's going to be an adjustment, snapping, making the line calls, and moving two feet over makes a difference, too," Kuper said. "Everything just looks a little bit

different. For the past seven years, I can make every call at right guard. It's a little bit of an adjustment doing it from center."

Kuper and two offensive line teammates stayed on the field after practice was over to run through some extra snaps, under the eye of head athletic trainer Steve

Antonopulos.

Just before Kuper walked off the field, carrying his cleats and his helmet in his hand, Walton walked to the locker room. For Kuper to see that felt nearly as good

as it did when he put on his shoulder pads.

Walton had surgery in June after doctors discovered an infection in his surgically repaired ankle, and spent the first two weeks of training camp wearing a protective

boot and wheeling himself around the Broncos' facility on a scooter that he operated with his healthy leg.

Broncos have depth, desire to live up to

mile-high expectations

By Pat Kirwan CBSSports.com

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD -- Last year the Broncos made one mistake in a playoff game to the

Ravens and lost the opportunity to go to the Super Bowl. It reminded me of the same slip the Brett Favre-led Vikings made that sent the Saints to the Super Bowl.

The difference is Peyton Manning is back and more intense than ever while Brett Favre couldn't decide if he was going to play and showed up late for camp. This

Broncos team is driven to get to the Super Bowl and has made significant improvements to complete the mission.

Last year Denver dominated the AFC West, winning all six games by an average

score of 31-13. In division games, Manning threw for 16 touchdown passes and 1,816 yards and was only sacked eight times in 230 pass plays. Things look just as good again in 2013.

Things I heard or saw at practice

1. I watched the Broncos' version of the 'pistol' and can see how it will fit in with the offense. Just because Peyton Manning can't threaten the flank with the keeper off the running back ride doesn't mean it doesn't present a threat to a defense.

Manning pointed out that putting the RB behind him makes it difficult for the defense to set their pressure call since the back can go either way. It also presents

a run threat either way, something an offset back has trouble convincing a defense it can do. Don't be surprised if the Broncos get real creative with the package and you see a guy like Wes Welker behind the QB before the season is over.

2. Last year Manning convinced me his arm was strong enough to throw enough

quality deep passes to keep defenses honest. At camp he was overthrowing wide receivers, and I saw a number of balls in the air that went over 50 yards. Manning

said it was nice to not have to throw the perfect deep ball but launch some bombs the receivers could run under. Beware of the deep speed now.

3. The Broncos top two tight ends are on the sideline with injuries but the ripple

effect of that problem is the emergence of former basketball player Julius Thomas as a big-time receiving threat in an already dangerous passing game. John Fox and Elway both love the receiving skills of Thomas, and Manning loves the way he

works at his blocking and route running. Thomas may be operating as the third or fourth read in this offense, but he will have a few 10-reception days if teams fall

asleep on this guy. I watched Manning spend a lot of time working on the nuances of the bootleg game with Thomas and he quickly adjusted to the recommendations from Manning.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/DEN/denver-broncoshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/BAL/baltimore-ravenshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/superbowlhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/MIN/minnesota-vikingshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/NO/new-orleans-saintshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/superbowlhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12531/peyton-manninghttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/superbowlhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/493735/wes-welkerhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1755056/julius-thomas

4. Demaryius Thomas is always open right over the top of his head. If I saw one throw I saw 10 thrown to Demaryius Thomas when Manning simply threw the ball

slightly over the head of Thomas and he went up and caught most of them. I asked Manning about his passing game, and he said each one of these guys have a key

spot they want the ball and Thomas is a leaper that can't be covered by the average corner.

5. What makes the Bronco linebackers unique is how many positions all of these

men can play. Von Miller and Stewart Bradley told me they like the way Coach Richard Smith moves everyone around so they are capable of playing multiple spots. Stewart is competing for the middle linebacker spot but could easily play

strongside (Sam). Wesley Woodyard can play all three spots and as well as Nate Irving. The Broncos could keep just five linebackers and be ready for any situation.

Keep in mind that the Broncos already know they should once again play 65 percent of their defense in nickel or dime packages with reduced linebackers on the field.

6. With three weeks to go in the preseason, the Broncos could have injuries that

quickly dissolve their quality depth, but if they stay healthy there will be quality players potentially cut or tradable at running back, tight end, wide receiver, and in

the secondary. John Elway said the cornerback position is the deepest on the roster.

7. I really like to go to practice with little background about the young nondescript

players on the roster and see who jumps out at me. The Broncos didn't disappoint as running back C.J. Anderson, cornerback Aaron Hester and safety Duke Ihenacho look like they belong on the active roster.

8. Ex-Chargers guard Louis Vasquez should have never been available as a free

agent after watching him in a live practice. Assistant offensive line coach Alex Gibbs had a smile on his face watching Vasquez run block and, later in the day, pass

block. Vasquez is a starting guard and the team will run the ball behind him, but he can also slide outside to right tackle if need be and play well enough to win.

9. Cornerback Chris Harris started 12 games last year and looks like a solid starter once again, but he could wind up at the nickel corner spot if Dominique Rodgers-

Cromartie is the 4-deep starter. Harris told me he dropped five interceptions last year and couldn't care less about the four picks he had last season. He is working

to not drop another pick and he spends time on the jugs machine getting it right.

10. John Fox loves to tell players that 'I don't pick the team you do.' This team is talking technique, mistakes and all the things to make them better during practice.

Not every team operates on the practice field like the Broncos. It looks like the work ethic of Peyton Manning is rubbing off on the whole team.

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Broncos storylines: What happens if Von

Miller is suspended?

By Pat Kirwan CBSSports.com

August 13, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With training camps in full swing, one overall storyline has

not changed: The Broncos are among a handful of consensus Super Bowl favorites. Before the Broncos reach the New York Super Bowl, they have to work through a

few storylines of their own, starting with the availability of their best defensive player.

Top Broncos storylines

1. Von Miller's possible suspension: Denver's top pass rusher is facing a four-game suspension for a drug issue. Miller told me he isn't focusing on that, even though a decision is coming to this week. It will hurt the club if he loses his appeal, but it's

not the end of the world in Denver. Former Chargers LB Shaun Phillips, who can rush the passer, was acquired in the offseason to back up Miller. I asked Broncos exec John Elway about his four-man rush in the first month of the season

(potentially without Miller) and Elway liked Phillips, Robert Ayers, Derek Wolfe, and maybe Malik Jackson. Rest assured, if Miller is not on the field, defensive

coordinator Jack Del Rio can create pressure on the quarterback.

2. Will Welker get his catches? Some wonder how Wes Welker will get his standard 100 receptions in an offense that has Demaryius Thomas (94 receptions in 2012)

and Eric Decker (85 catches). It's simple, Welker gets the 45 receptions Brandon Stokley got and half of the tight ends' 98 receptions and just like that he's close to his 100. Also helping: I expect Peyton Manning to throw the ball 600 times this

season.

3. Injuries at tight end: Last season, the tight ends caught 98 passes, but both are injured. Jacob Tamme (quad) and Joel Dressen (knee surgery) are very capable

tight ends but not available. All may not be lost at this spot because emerging rookie Julius Thomas shows promise.

4. Offensive position battle: Running back -- There a lot of good backs on this team

-- so many that Elway can't keep them all. Ronnie Hillman is holding off rookie Montee Ball for the time being. Knowshon Moreno came through last season when injuries plagued this team and is a 1,000-yard back if he were a full-time starter.

Rookie C.J. Anderson and Jeremiah Johnson have looked good in camp (I doubt Denver gets Anderson to the practice squad without someone claiming him), and

Lance Ball easily makes a number of teams if cut.

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5. Defensive position battles: Safety -- Rahim Moore's gaffe cost the Broncos a shot at the Super Bowl, but he is having a solid camp -- though Quinton Carter is right

behind him. The strong safety battle is heating up with Duke Ihenacho getting first-team work, pressing Mike Adams. You have to wonder where Quentin Jammer

figures in the final equation. Middle linebacker -- It was assumed Nate Irving would be the starter after D.J. Williams left for the Bears, but free agent pick up Stewart Bradley is giving Irving all he can handle.

6. Keeping a healthy center: First, the Broncos lost starting center J.D. Walton (ankle) but he may be back in November or December, according to the front office. Then backup Dan Koppen (knee) was put on the IR list. So I came to camp

worried about the situation at center. Ryan Lilja was coaxed out of retirement, and that's a good thing. But I was impressed with Manny Ramirez at practice. He can be

the center for a championship team, or at least until Walton gets back.

7. Developing Osweiler: Last year was The Peyton Manning Show, and rookie QB Brock Osweiler was a fill-in when Manning was tired. A year later, Osweiler looks like a real candidate to be developed and potentially replace Manning when he

retires. One coach on the sideline at practice said, "Osweiler has made a quantum leap in one year."

8. Manning's arm strength: Manning can throw a deep ball when he wants to. He

convinced me of that during practice. So you can bet Decker, Thomas and even Andre Caldwell will be at the end of a few bombs a game.

9. Rookie report: It's difficult for a rookie to break into this lineup, but two first-

year players will make an impact. Ball will be in the RB rotation. DT Sylvester Williams will be in the DT rotation, and will play even more when he learns to get off the ball better.

10. Where they end up: This is a top contender for a Super Bowl run -- 12 regular-

season wins is realistic and 13 is possible.

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Power Rankings: Despite early camp

injuries, talented Broncos lead pack

By Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

August 13, 2013

It's that time of the year when everybody is good, every player is improved, all the

hard work in the offseason looks to be paying off and the true leaders are emerging all over the National Football League.

Everything is beautiful.

Only we know better.

The optimism of July will quickly turn to concern in August for a lot of teams -- if it hasn't already with a glut of season-ending injuries -- and by November we will know for sure how many of the 32 teams had false summer hopes. Some are easy

to figure out, while others a little harder. The tough part is pegging the teams that have more problems than we think, and those that have fewer than expected.

As we ready for the NFL preseason to begin, and we get more on-field looks to find

flaws and spot gems, it's time for another batch of the CBSSports.com Power Rankings. This is the first real set that has nothing to do with 2012.

That's gone.

So Baltimore, which won it all, isn't in the top spot. I used to keep the Super Bowl

champions in the top spot to open the season, just for doing it out of respect. Now, I like to look ahead more for the coming season.

The Ravens could be a playoff team again, but they are not the best team in the

league heading into the season.

The Denver Broncos are that team. Even if outside pass rusher Von Miller is suspended for four games, which is on appeal, they are the team to beat and

therefore open in the top spot of the rankings.

The Broncos have to focus on January, and not the regular season. They learned that lesson well in 2012. One thing that will help in 2013 is a more aggressive approach. I expect coach John Fox, who has been known to play it tight, to cut

Peyton Manning loose more. And he should.

You can bet there will be a handful of non-playoff teams from a year ago who get into this season's tournament. Trying to figure those teams out is a tough task.

Some early possibilities: Tampa Bay, the Giants, Miami and Tennessee have shots.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/superbowlhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/DEN/denver-broncoshttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1620879/von-millerhttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/12531/peyton-manning

In a month, there will be another batch of rankings coming before the season once we get through this preseason madness. Until then, enjoy the sunshine.

After all, when it comes to NFL summers, you need tons of sunscreen since

everything is so bright and sunny.

RANK TEAM

MOVE (LW)

1

The Miller situation is one to watch, and losing two centers for a period of time will hurt. But there is too much talent on

this roster -- especially at all the key spots.

(1)

2

They have to find a speed weapon outside during camp. Is

that A.J. Jenkins? It almost has to be. The scary thing is Colin Kaepernick is faster. Is that a good thing?

(2)

3

Now that the Matt Ryan contract situation is resolved, they

can concentrate on gettin