Thankfully, the waiting is over.
Broncos training camp is here and I am excited as I have been going into camp as I have been in a long, long time.
There are several reasons.
1) THE BRONCOS HAVE SOLID LEADERSHIP. I think of the changes John Elway has made in his first year-plus on the job and I am astounded at how far the Broncos have come in such a short time. Starting with Elway’s hiring John Fox as the head coach right through his ability to land Peyton Manning, Elway has shown himself to be, at the very least, a more than capable executive. And I still think there are better things to come.
That doesn’t always happen when a Hall of Fame player makes the transition to the front office. Elway said he wanted to run the Broncos and put in the necessary work to do that in a way that would get them back to the top of the NFL. He is off to a great start. If anyone thought that Elway wouldn’t be willing to put in the time and effort his job demands, he has shown those concerns to be completely unfounded.
As an extremely talented player, Elway worked hard to help get his team to the top of the mountain. As an executive, he is taking the same approach. How refreshing.
It is a good foundation for success when things are solid at the top. There is no doubt things are solid at the top for the Broncos and I believe it is a major reason the vibe around the team has improved so much.
2) THE OFFSEASON MOVES WILL IMPROVE THE TEAM. Signing Manning put the Broncos on the front page, as well it should. For them to pull that off was nothing short of sensational and gave them well-deserved respect around the league. It should.
But the Broncos did more than land a high-profile free agent quarterback this offseason. They brought in Jack Del Rio as their new defensive coordinator. They addressed some pressing needs in the defensive secondary. They upgraded the tight end position in a major way.
All of these moves involved the Broncos turning to talented veterans. Having young talent is certainly important in the NFL. At the same time, experience is also critical. There is no substitute for having players who have been through pressure situations in the league. Tracy Porter, Drayton Florence, Joel Dreessen, Jacob Tamme, Mike Adams and others are really good players who still have good years left to play.
I acknowledge there are no guarantees that any given move will work out. Sometimes they don’t. I believe, however, that the Broncos made some moves that, over the course of the season, will prove to be really, really good.
3) THE HAVE “THE GUY” AT QUARTERBACK. I know some people will take this as a shot at Tim Tebow. Even though it isn’t and even though I don’t have to apologize, I will. I’m sorry some people will think that. This isn’t about Tebow at all.
This is all about Peyton Manning being the Broncos’ new quarterback.
Elite NFL teams typically have an elite quarterback. The Broncos now have one for the first time since John Elway wore number seven. Again, I am fully aware that doesn’t guarantee any amount of success. But it sure increases the odds.
Some people wonder if Manning will stay healthy. That doesn’t concern me. Every player in the league is a play away from missing games. I’m not ignorant to Manning’s recent health issues. I’m also not going to assume he’ll continue to have them after so many doctors have cleared him to play.
Peyton Manning is a winner. He is Hall of Fame-caliber talent at the game’s most important position. He is a Denver Bronco.
How in the world could I not be excited about that?
What gets you most excited as training camp gets underway? As always, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I look forward to another season with everyone.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: 2012 Training Camp, Mike Rice
What gets me most excited? That practice will be on TV and that we are two weeks away from PRESEASON FOOTBALL AGAINST THE BEARS!!!!!! I agree with what you said Mike… 100%
Great post Mike,we now have an elite QB!!!!!
Also,Clady nearing a 5 year 50 million dollar contract……YES,now that makes me happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the read Mike……….as always.
This is the most excited I’ve been for a season since Kyle Orton took over from Cutler! LMAO That’s a serious case of sarcasm if there ever was one. hahaha
But seriously………..I couldn’t be more excited for a season as this year. I really think our team has improved by strides on both sides of the ball and if our ST can step up, especially on kick coverage, we will be a force to reckon with.
There are so many doubters out there…………and I can’t wait til this team proves them all wrong. It’s not going to be easy………..as I think our division as a whole got a lot stronger, but we will come out on top.
GO BRONCOS!
Kod… yeah. I get to go spend the weekend with my family of doubters … I am praying that I have the words because I am mot going to let anyone steal my excitement. This is crazy! And I don’t know if I really ever believed it was truly happening. But it’s really happening!!! I can’t wait!!!!
And Tom Jackson is on EPSN reporting for us so that makes it better!
Some guy just posted a pic of the line going into training camp! Whoa!!!!!!!! I wish I could post it!
Cuz I don’t think this will work: “@dmac1043: That my friends is the line to get into broncos training camp – wow! http://t.co/ZZo7yA8o“
Yeah it didn’t work. I’m sure they’ll show it.
it worked cat………..and WOW!
Coffee is for closers, and John Elway was earned a lifetime supply in less than two years on the job. Landing the biggest FA in league history would be very impressive for any executive, especially one with little experience. Elway’s competitive drive, together with just being a bright guy, having an economics degree from Stamford, is what makes him such a great executive. He is here to stay, I couldn’t be happier about it. Like any good leader, he has surrounded himself with good people, and he values their opinions when making decisions. The haters will always hate, but they’re either jealous or just misinformed.
Oh I got another one then!
“@dmac1043: Lol well so much for my arrive at 8am advice ! Man the line is being described by crazy and long http://t.co/QRhLfEME“
YEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!
I amm sooooo ready. I am at work but I will still be on all day here and checking coverage!!! I just want to see GREAT updates on MANNING! The Colts are going to regret the day they let him go just like they did when they traded Elway to us!!! The colts trash is our treasure baby!!!
Two HOF QB’s now that have played for the broncos!!!!! LETS GET THAT THAT 3RD SUPERBOWL TITLE BABY!!!!
I love Tom Jackson! He can’t stop smiling, I bet he is SO proud to be a Denver Bronco!!
Practice starts at 8:50 MT.I think!
My 1st post since Tebowmania ended. But i have been reading all off season guys. Great stuff! Its the new start of the season, I hope that everyone stays healthy all the way through camp. I’m already getting pretty pumped for the preseason games. I live in Arizona so I will be at the 4th preseason game. Wont get to see starters but i hope to get some autographs!!
My 17 year old (275 lbs) will play NT this year,while my 16 year old will play slot WR and CB!!!
There is no doubt about it. Football rules this country like nothing else! Wow! Wish I could be in that line!
OT Tom Jackson is definitely the best part of this broadcast @ the moment.
Bud that’s awesome!!!
tlc,I have 2 things to be excited about…my Broncos and watching my boys play too,totally stoked!!!!!
I’m ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!
Is espn reporting on our training camp. What time.
Mike, greetings from Mexico from a longtime serious fan! i have the feeling that if we get past the first 3 games on a positive note, the road is clear for my Broncos to go a long way.
Counting the days til preseason!
cheers
Great post Mike!
This new season brings more hope & optimism than we’ve experienced here in Denver in quite sometime.
I agree with your statement that landing Peyton Manning in Denver doesn’t guarantee any amount of success but it sure does increase the odds. No question John Elway has done a great job with transitioning the Broncos into a contender in such a short amount of time. Great Job John !!
Best wishes to the Broncos organization as they take a new step forward!!
Go Broncos !!!
I hope Mike Wallace holds out. Each day he misses, hurts the team, and we got the Steelers week one.
Mr. Rice, Elway is the key ingredience to this franchise. Keep it going John.
Great things on the horizon…at home…and with our beloved Broncos. I found out last night that my wife and I are expecting our fourth child and today the Broncos start their trek on their journey to a successful season. Taking it one day at a time.
I am with you Kod….can’t be more excited for the season than I am. Here we go…Let’s get em boys! Go Broncos!
Congrats lonewolf on your 4th child,I have 3,don’t know if I could handle 4,lol.
Congrats Wolf!!
Let’s get this thing started baby!!
Congrats lonewolf7!! Best wishes to you & your family!!
Congrats Lonewolf!!!
Great article Mr. Rice. What gets me excited? Other than its a start to the new season…lol!
Our revamped secondary of course. I hope to see many INTs!!!
Broncos Country Strong 2012!
Thanks also to my other Bronco Bros Freak, Rbf1, and sndvl… I was rushing my reply… before I have to get my work finished so I can get home. Gotta go!
All Hail The Neck!!….Good job OC and Kod! I look forward to the next version.
Go Broncos!
Ahh! RIce takes is back. This has be a good thing as well as a sign that football is just around the corner.
Great piece Mike. I’m glad you commended John Elway on the work he’s done in his short time with the team as an executive. I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure, but I think him being with the Broncos was what every other team chasing Peyton lacked. Elway has been where Manning is now and that has to be worth a lot.
So many people (that I talk to anyway) seem to have some unjustified distaste for Elway in an executive role and that drives me nuts. He’s been successful out side of the game and more than “just a football player”.
Your optimism is contagious and I look forward to seeing what kind of impact the likes of Tracy Porter, Mike Adams, Derek Wolfe and the new TEs will have.
42 days until Pittsburgh! Not that I’m counting or anything.
Keep the god stuff coming, Mike!