A year after an AFC West championship and a win in the Wild Card Round of the AFC Playoffs, expectations were already high for the Broncos.
They only got higher with a free agency class that included four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning.
But as far as Head Coach John Fox is concerned, he’ll let all the bold predictions come from outside the building.
“At the end of the day, I’ve been of the school (of thought) of understate, overproduce,” Fox said. “We’re obviously very pleased to have Peyton, yet we’re still trying to get ready as a football team, and we’re definitely not there yet.”
At the same time, Manning said the Broncos’ focus from the first day of offseason conditioning is on one thing — the Super Bowl.
“That’s our goal as a team every day,” Manning said. “That’s why we’re working hard, that’s why we pushed through two-a-days, that’s why we’ll be lifting weights here in 10 minutes, and trying to get better.”
Manning has reached that goal twice in his career, winning Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears.
Now in his 15th NFL season, the quarterback’s desire to get to the top of the league each and every year hasn’t waned.
“I really have tried to play with a sense of urgency since I’ve been 22 years old,” he said. “I think it’s only fair to the players on that current team that you give your very best. We all know that there’s not many players — the same players aren’t on the team in 2012 as they are in 2013, so it’s only fair to the people here that you’re giving your best effort in trying to have a sense of urgency, in trying to win now.”
But the next task ahead of the Broncos is the third game of the preseason, likely the starters’ final tune-up before the regular season begins. And Manning echoed Fox’s sentiment — the team still has work to do.
“There is a lot of time, and a lot of things are going to happen, between now and when the Super Bowl is played,” Manning said. “Our goal right now is to get better this week, play well against San Francisco, and try to beat Pittsburgh (in the regular-season opener).”
-Gray Caldwell
Thanks Gray! Nice article. I like their focused attitude. No more sideshow… it’s all about football!
http://predominantlyorange.com/2012/08/23/peyton-manning-trying-to-follow-john-elways-path-in-denver/
Colts are working on a huge trade. Jim Irsay is a crazy man… I wonder if he is on any kind of medication.
Cat: who are they trading?and for who?
All he said was it was a veteran player for a high pick. People are thinking Mike Wallace MJD or Vonte Davis… No idea!
But who puts it on twitter before they even make a deal? Gosh I’m glad that John Elway is running things. He’s crazy but not mental.
Likely a corner but of course its just rumors!
thanks for the info Cat.
those three positions they need badly…
Yes! It better be epic because why act like a five year old at Disney World if its not epic?
Rumors for Colts trade
http://www.stampedeblue.com/2012/8/23/3264170/my-big-fat-colts-trade-rumor-update-fueled-by-jim-irsay
Just getting caught up ’round here.. As far as Manning having problems throwing the ball to the right side of the field, I’m not buying it. I think he’ll be fine, as long as we can run the ball effectively. I hate to be a broken record, but if we can run the ball, play solid defense, controll the clock, and let Manning pick his spots, then the sky is the limit for this team.
When Manning comes out of the game on Sunday, most likely in the 3rd quarter, I hope we give EVERY SINGLE rep to Osweiler. Don’t waste these limited reps on Hanie or Weber, make them count and give them to the kid!
I hope that Peyton reaches a 3rd SB appearance and wins it all. Peyton sets the standard. BRONCOS 2012!!!
Hey strand. A few blogs back people were talking about East Coast bias when referring to the Broncos, and I would have to agree that it exists. I’m constantly defending the Orange & Blue out here.. I think DB pointed out, and I agree 100%, that of we have some serious success with Peyton, the Denver Broncos as a whole could get a serious lift in public perception, both past and present.
Yes. DB is right. Peyton is going to bring us back to the spotlight for all the good reasons.
It makes me laugh when I read the media clowns try and suggest that John Elway (of all people) does not know how to properly evaluate QB’s. My money is on Elway getting the last laugh with both Manning and Osweiler in his stable.
OT honestly the media sucks. I’m over it.
We were never ever going to win a Super Bowl with John Elway either if I recall
First and foremost to get in. Gradishar, Wright, TD, Meck, and Tombstone Jackson. Later bring in Atwater, Rod Smith, and even Rick Upchurch. The first 3 should be a lock as of today, SHOULD BE!!!!!!!!
Haha.. Sorry to bring up old stuff cat… I’m a bit behind today
That tune I wrote says it all. Two back to back SB wins!! HaHa!!
Ot no you’re fine! I love talking all things Broncos! I think they keep snubbing TD and I know his career was short but 20000 yard runners don’t come around everyday.
If Gale Sayers can get into the HOF by just playing 6 years, TD should also. And TD won back to back SB`s. He should be a shoe in.
My 0000 went crazy.
LOL Cat!
Yep but Sayers was a Bear. Different set of standards I guess.
Its Chicago, theres even crime in football when it comes to Chicago. LOL
Yep, I’d like to see all those guys get in.. Simon Fletcher and Dennis Smith too! Sounds like we need to send out letters to those who vote….
Yes! I mentioned Fletcher a day or so ago. And Dennis Smith was at the tail end of his career when Atwater came in. Smith was one of the hardest, toughest, punishing Safetys to ever put on an NFL uniform.
Yes but I think on 3/19/12 the history of the Broncos changed forever.
Dennis Smith
No. 49
Safety
Personal information:
Date of birth: February 3, 1959 (age 53)
Place of birth: Santa Monica, California
Career information:
College: USC
NFL Draft: 1981 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15
Debuted in 1981
Last played in 1994
Career history:
Denver Broncos (1981-1994)
Career highlights and awards
6× Pro Bowl selection (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993)
Denver Broncos #49 inducted into Broncos Ring of Fame
Career NFL statistics:
INT 30
INT yards 431
Sacks 15
Stats at NFL.com
Oh, so Smith and Atwater got to play together for 8 years. Thats a great Safety tandem. Time flys. WOW
Dennis Smith deserves this! I bet he has better stats than tons of guys in the Hall who played same time he did
Randy Gradishar
No. 53
Linebacker
Personal information:
Date of birth: March 3, 1952 (age 60)
Place of birth: Warren, Ohio
Career information:
College: Ohio State
NFL Draft: 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14
Debuted in 1974
Last played in 1983
Career history:
Denver Broncos (1974–1983)
Career highlights and awards
7× Pro Bowl selection (1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983)
5× First-team All-Pro selection (1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981)
1× Second-team All-Pro selection (1983)
7× All-AFC selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983)
1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
2× Denver Broncos MVP (1978, 1980)
2× All-American (1972, 1973)
Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Ohio State Varsity Hall of Fame
Ohio State Football All-Century Team
Career NFL statistics
Sacks 20.5
Interceptions 20
Tackles 2,049
Stats at NFL.com
College Football Hall of Fame
Karl Mecklenburg
No. 77
Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth: September 1, 1960 (age 51)
Place of birth: Seattle, Washington
Career information
College: Minnesota
NFL Draft: 1983 / Round: 12 / Pick: 310
Debuted in 1983
Last played in 1994
Career history
Denver Broncos (1983-1994)
Career highlights and awards
6× Pro Bowl selection (1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993)
3x AP First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986, 1989)
4x NEA First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986, 1987, 1989)
1x AP Second-team All-Pro (1987)
Career NFL statistics
Sacks 79.5
Interceptions 5
Games 180
Stats at NFL.com
Louis Wright
No. 20
Cornerback
Personal information
Date of birth: January 31, 1953 (age 59)
Place of birth: Gilmer, Texas
Career information
College: San Jose State
NFL Draft: 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17
Debuted in 1975
Last played in 1986
Career history
Denver Broncos (1975-1986)
Career highlights and awards
5× Pro Bowl selection (1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985)
2× Associated Press First-team All-Pro selection (1978, 1979)
3× Newspaper Enterprise Association First-team All-Pro selection (1978, 1979, 1983)
3× Pro Football Weekly First-Team All-Pro selection (1978, 1979, 1984)
1977 Football Digest NFL Defensive Back of the Year
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Career NFL statistics
INT 26
INT yards 360
Touchdowns 1
Stats at NFL.com
You go OT!!
Steve Atwater
No. 27
Safety
Personal information
Date of birth: October 28, 1966 (age 45)
Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Weight: 218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
College: Arkansas
NFL Draft: 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20
Debuted in 1989 for the Denver Broncos
Last played in 1999 for the New York Jets
Career history
Denver Broncos (1989–1998)
New York Jets (1999)
Career highlights and awards
8× Pro Bowl selection (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998)
2× First-Team All-Pro selection (1991, 1992)
Second-Team All-Pro selection (1996)
2× Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Career NFL statistics as of 1999
Tackles 1,180
Interceptions 24
Interception yards 408
Sacks 5
Stats at NFL.com
Cat, Dennis Smith hit like a freight train, brutal, punishing hitter he was. The NFL was a different game back then.
You get me a list of voters and Ill write letters. You don’t have to convince me brow! We got to convince those east coasters!
Rick Upchurch
No. 80
Wide Receiver
Return specialist
Personal information
Date of birth: May 20, 1952 (age 60)
Place of birth: Toledo, Ohio
Career information
College: Minnesota
NFL Draft: 1975 / Round: 4 / Pick: 95
Debuted in 1975
Last played in 1983
Career history
Denver Broncos (1975-1983)
Career highlights and awards
4× Pro Bowl selection (1976, 1978, 1979, 1982)
5× All-Pro selection (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982)
Super Bowl XII Appearance
Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
Career NFL statistics
Return Touchdowns 8
PR yards 3,008
KR yards 2,355
Stats at NFL.com
*bro
Correction, Smith and Atwater played 6 years together.
Upchurch is the best Return Specialist the Broncos ever had. Upchurch was very Electric!
Rod Smith
No. 80, 19
Wide receiver
Personal information
Date of birth: May 15, 1970 (age 42)
Place of birth: Texarkana, Arkansas
Career information
College: Missouri Southern State
Undrafted in 1994
Debuted in 1994 for the Denver Broncos
Last played in 2006 for the Denver Broncos
Career history
Denver Broncos (1994–2006)
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl selection (2000, 2001, 2005)
2× All-Pro selection (2000, 2001)
2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
NFL awards and accomplishments
Career NFL statistics as of 2006
Receptions 849
Receiving yards 11,389
Touchdowns 68
Stats at NFL.com
College Football Hall of Fame
Terrell Davis
No. 30
Running back
Personal information
Date of birth: October 28, 1972 (age 39)
Place of birth: San Diego, California
Career information
College: Long Beach State
Georgia
NFL Draft: 1995 / Round: 6 / Pick: 196
Debuted in 1995
Last played in 2002
Career history
Denver Broncos (1995–2002)
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl selection (1996, 1997, 1998)
3× All-Pro selection (1996, 1997, 1998)
2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
2× AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1997, 1998)
1998 NFL MVP
1998 PFWA NFL MVP
1996 UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year
1998 Super Bowl MVP
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Single Season 2,000 Rushing Yards Club
Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
Career NFL statistics
Rushing Yards 7,607
Average 4.6
Touchdowns 60
Stats at NFL.com
Simon Fletcher
No. 73
LB / DE
Personal information
Date of birth: February 18, 1962 (age 50)
Place of birth: Bay City, Texas
Career information
College: Houston
NFL Draft: 1985 / Round: 2 / Pick: 54
Debuted in 1985
Last played in 1995
Career history
Denver Broncos (1985-1995)
Career highlights and awards
NFL Record 10 straight games with a sack
Denver Broncos all-time sacks leader with 97.5
Career NFL statistics
Sacks 97.5
Interceptions 2
Fumble recoveries 10
Stats at NFL.com
So Atwater and TD share the same birthday. LOL
Rod Smith is the BEST undrafted Wide Receiver to EVER PLAY IN THE NFL!
Simon Fletchers #s are eye popping. And he holds the Broncos sack career record. Awesome!