Colorado Classics: Jim Saccomano, information guru

By Irv Moss The Denver Post July 31, 2013

In the sports world, farewell tours usually are reserved for those who have displayed career longevity and exemplary performance.

Jim Saccomano is making a farewell tour of sorts this season with the Broncos. Fortunately, his institutional knowledge of Denver's NFL franchise won't be lost. He'll be moving up the road from Dove Valley to a new "retirement" office at Sports Authority Field at Mile High after the 2013 season.

Saccomano has spent 36 years helping pave the way for the media to do their job covering the Broncos. At times, it was tougher than trying to run the ball into the end zone from the 1-yard line against a goal-line .

"I'm going to be at every game this year and making all the road trips," Saccomano said last week before announcing he will retire at the end of the season. He would like the season to extend to February 2014 and the .

"I'll still have value for historical and institutional knowledge, and I'll continue to gossip with all my Bronco friends," Saccomano said. "The Broncos are the team of my life. I've seen 853 Broncos games in person, from when I still was in junior high school, and as an employee of the team, I've seen 333 victories."

Saccomano has worked with a who's who of prominent names in Broncos history. His span has touched owners Gerald and Allen Phipps, Edgar Kaiser and . Saccomano has been kept busy by coaches Red Miller, , Wade Phillips, , Josh McDaniels and John Fox. The media circus was more than a full day's work. Saccomano can't talk about Broncos history without mentioning and the Super Bowl championships.

Saccomano won't attempt to name his all-time favorite players. The list would run off the page, but he had some "go-to" guys who always answered the call when the media needed someone to talk to. He could count on Rod Smith, Karl Mecklenburg, Tom Jackson, Rich Karlis, and Billy Thompson, among a long list.

"I probably called Billy Thompson 'Captain' more than I used his first name," Saccomano said.

He credits Bowlen with insisting that a winning attitude permeate the franchise. "All Pat Bowlen cares about is winning," Saccomano said. "When we talk during the week, he never asks about program sales or financial things. He wants to know who's playing right tackle."

Bowlen could reach a milestone this season by becoming the first NFL owner to record 300 victories in 30 years. Saccomano would love to write the news release.

Saccomano grew up in Welby, a small farming community in the north metro area. He followed Denver's sports teams and developed a keen interest in the New York Yankees. One of his retirement goals is to see the Yankees play in every big-league park. He has 13 parks to go.

"Everybody I knew were Yankee fans," Saccomano said. "With players such as (Joe) DiMaggio and (Phil) Rizzuto, what else would you expect?"

Saccomano thought at first he would build a career around his interest in baseball. His first job was with general manager Jim Burris and the Triple-A Denver Bears in 1977. Denver oilman Marvin Davis was in the process of trying to move the Oakland Athletics to Denver, adding to Saccomano's interest in working for a major-league franchise. Davis wasn't successful, and Saccomano moved to the Broncos' media department in 1978. At the time, the Bears and the Broncos were owned by the Phipps Brothers and Empire Sports Inc. Saccomano never looked back.

Four years ago, he elected to cut back his duties with the Broncos. He said it was time to pass the torch to Patrick Smyth. A more relaxed schedule allows Saccomano time for daily visits to his mother, who is nearing 100 years old.

There have been disappointments along the road. The 30-27 playoff loss to the on Jan. 4, 1997, and the crushing, double-overtime 38-35 playoff loss to the this past January top the list.

But there have been many more highlights to reflect back upon.

"I've seen some of our players go into the Hall of Fame," Saccomano said. "I like to say those are my guys. When you're in the game of sports, there's nothing you can put higher than winning a world championship."

Nothing could be better than for and the Broncos to take Saccomano on a farewell tour to the Super Bowl and a third world championship.

Jim Saccomano bio

Born: Dec. 16, 1948, in Denver High school: Mount Carmel, Denver

Colleges: Metropolitan State, University of Colorado

Family: Wife Jo Ann, daughter Jennifer, son Jeffrey

Hobbies: Reading, theater, movies

Looking ahead: Staying in touch with baseball

Residence: Denver Hochman: Broncos' "Super Bowl or bust" mind-set is good for the team

By Benjamin Hochman The Denver Post July 31, 2013

The vociferous veteran, fiery and fierce, spoke to his team.

"Camp doesn't just start today — the quest starts today," the football player said, voice rising. "We are not here to survive practices; we are here to attack practices. We are not here to make money; starting today, the currency in our lives is the motivation of dedication — and the on-field sensation of domination."

Goose bumps.

"Let my words pierce your brains. This season, gentlemen, it's ..."

He paused for effect.

"It's AFC WILD-CARD ROUND OR BUST!"

Obviously, this never happens.

This isn't the NBA, where success is on a scale, and a good season for one team can mean winning a playoff round (or so they tell me in Oakland). This is the NFL, where it's Super Bowl or bust (SBOB). In recent years, we've seen both elite teams and Eli teams win. As long as you're pretty good, you've got a chance to win it all, as we've seen with No. 6 seeds hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

As such, I Googled "Super Bowl or bust" — OK, first I Googled "Huey Lewis And The News reunion tour?" — and my search gave me Super Bowl or bust-y stories about the Falcons, 49ers, Redskins, Giants, Cowboys (Cowboys?), Packers and, obviously, the Broncos.

OK, so it's Super Bowl or bust for, like, everyone.

But here in Denver, it's not a mantra, it's a mind-set. Last season, the team was one miscue by and Tony Carter (let's not forget Tony Carter, guys) from beating Baltimore. Since then — you know the story — the team added , , Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Sylvester Williams and Louis Vasquez (a risque selection for Denver's best offseason pickup).

Look, they didn't sign Peyton Manning to win divisional titles. "There is always a lot of noise — sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad," Broncos coach John Fox said. "You better be able to focus through the noise. ... What you do is prepare your players to be able to stay focused through those situations, whether it's training camp, preseason, regular season, playoff season. I think it's an important part of being a good, championship football team. I've been to a lot of horse races where I've seen a lot of favorites not win, so you have to take care of things between those lines and everybody in that building understands that."

Or, as left tackle said recently, "We definitely have a lot of expectations: Super Bowl or bust, for the most part."

I like this mentality, if harnessed properly. Having this singular goal means you cannot coast through a workout or lose a day. Every practice is a building block. Every person is accountable. You know the clichés.

"Everybody in the building understands what we (accomplished last season) and knows what we got in this building, so expectations are high and we accept all challenges," said Kevin Vickerson, who is entering his ninth NFL season. "We can't run from them. If we run from them, we'll be 0-16. So, we've got to man up, face it."

I'm no doctor, but if I were a psychologist or psychiatrist, I would bet having a championship as your goal is healthy. Players should prepare for greatness. The Broncos should win 13 games, and as such, this is a daily dose of motivation. I've covered sports long enough to know that the mentally strong teams are generally the ones that win (unless it's freezing in January and Champ is suddenly no longer Champ and, OK, OK, I'll stop). Then again, it was Clady who said of this year's SBOB mind-set, "It's a lot of pressure, unlike last year where we kind of just rolled in and tried to get things together."

So, the pressure is on. Idiotic or not, it's Super Bowl or bust in Denver ... and Atlanta ... and San Francisco ... and most everywhere except Jacksonville, where it's AFC wild-card round or bust. Broncos' running back battle heats up, with Hillman in the lead

By Mike Klis The Denver Post July 31, 2013

When the Broncos competed during the offseason workouts in gym shorts and T- shirts, Ronnie Hillman was the team's No. 1 running back.

When training camp opened, rookie Montee Ball and veteran had not moved to the front of the line. The Broncos put the pads on and started knocking one another around for the first time Saturday. Three padded practices later, Hillman went into the camp off day Tuesday with his arm wrapped tightly around the starting running back spot.

A fun competition among friends? Come on. Friends, yes, but this isn't the backyard. This is the NFL.

"I'd say it's a tough competition," Hillman said. "Knowshon, Montee, Jeremiah (Johnson) is doing pretty good. Really good. It's definitely one of the toughest position battles going on in training camp right now."

When Broncos front office boss John Elway and coach John Fox constructed their running backs stable, a clandestine peek at the blueprint wasn't necessary to understand their vision.

Eventually, Ball is to be the featured back. His proven durability and production in his four seasons at the University of Wisconsin made him the team's second-round draft pick in April. The Broncos hope he develops into a 15- to 20-carry back in the NFL.

There's the plan. But just as in constructing a home, it doesn't go from blueprint to flipping the remote from the living room couch overnight. It's built in stages.

"How it moves forward — we don't know enough about Montee Ball yet," Fox said. "We know what style he has. I've been very impressed with his football character. And you do find out pretty fast at that position."

The college rushing statistics of Hillman, Ball and Moreno are ridiculous. Taking just the two seasons Moreno played at Georgia, Hillman at San Diego State and Ball's final two years at Wisconsin, the trio combined for 9,731 yards rushing and 121 rushing . That's more than 1,620 yards and 20 touchdowns per season for each back. When Hillman, Ball and Moreno were drafted into the NFL by the Broncos in rounds three, two and one, respectively, they discovered carrying the ball was secondary.

"Honestly, it's 60 percent pass protection, 40 percent running the ball," Ball said. "In the NFL, it's no secret: It's a passing league. And on this team, when you have a great like we have, you've got to protect him."

Moreno is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery that sidelined him through most of the offseason. He might be third on the depth chart, but come Sept. 5 when the Broncos play against Elvis Dumervil, Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore Ravens, you had better believe Moreno will get his share of snaps.

"We all got here by running the ball in college," Moreno said. "Everyone here can run the ball. It's those little things, what can you do besides run the ball. Pass protection. Catch the ball out of the backfield."

A tailback on offense is what a safety is on defense — the last line of protection. It's where Hillman struggled last season as a rookie. It's why he was the No. 2 back to Willis McGahee in the first half of the season. And it's why Hillman was leapfrogged by Moreno after McGahee went down with a knee injury.

That Hillman has maintained his No. 1 spot on the tailback depth chart from Day One of the 2013 preseason speaks to his improvement in blocking for quarterback Peyton Manning.

"I've made it a priority, and I think I'm making strides at it and it's paying off," Hillman said. "I'm trying to get better every week at it so it becomes second nature."

The competition for Broncos' starting running back didn't really start until the pads went on. Pads mean contact. How can anyone evaluate a running back if there's no contact?

"When the pads come on, that's when you've got to show how physical you are," Hillman said. "You have to continue to keep your body up. The competition heats up when the pads come on."

Hillman has maintained his starting position through every stage this year. Through the voluntary organized team activities that McGahee skipped. Through the mandatory minicamp when McGahee was cut. Through the first week of training camp.

The next round is preseason games, starting with back-to-back road games Aug. 8 against the and Aug. 17 against the stout . You had better believe the depth chart won't be affected by the leading rusher alone.

Running back competition

The Broncos kept five running backs on their 53-man roster last season. Here's a look at the competition for No. 1 and the next four roster spots:

1. Ronnie Hillman, 5-10, 195, second year

Is carrying 15 more pounds than he did while running with two arms around the ball against Baltimore in the playoffs.

2. Montee Ball, 5-10, 215, rookie

Rushed for 3,753 yards and 55 TDs in his final two seasons at Wisconsin.

3. Knowshon Moreno, 5-11, 220, fifth year

Up 20-plus pounds from 2011 lockout season. He might not start, but he will play when it counts because of pass protection/receiving ability.

4. Jacob Hester, 5-11, 225, sixth year

A fullback type who can pick up blitzes and tough yards.

5. Lance Ball, 5-9, 224, fifth year

No flash, but considerable substance. Special teams will help him make roster.

6. C.J. Anderson, 5-8, 224, rookie

Once the pads went on, his stock rose. would make sense.

7. Jeremiah Johnson, 5-9, 210, fourth year

As usual, he's having a terrific camp rushing the ball. As usual, the odds are against him cracking the 53-man roster. "having a solid camp" as Broncos rookie

By Jeff Legwold The Denver Post July 30, 2013

Good health has meant a lot to Broncos rookie wide receiver Tavarres King as the team works through the early portion of its preseason preparations. King, who was troubled with a thigh injury for much of the offseason workouts, has garnered some attention in the first week of camp.

"He's done a good job. We didn't get to see a ton of him during (offseason workouts)," offensive coordinator Adam Gase said. "But he's made some big plays down the field. He is catching the ball fairly consistently, and he's done a good job of not being the guy we are calling out to fix things. He studied his book, obviously, this summer and made sure he wasn't going to be the guy making mistakes."

Cornerback Chris Harris was asked if any of the team's young receivers had caught his eye in camp's early going. "I would say King," Harris said. "He's been having a solid camp."

King did not have a 50-catch year or a 1,000-yard season in his time at Georgia, but he had some things scouts love to see in receiver prospects.

He played in a school-record 56 games for the Bulldogs, a testament to his abilities in a power conference like the SEC. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at the scouting combine with a career average of 19.1 yards per catch.

King had two seasons with the Bulldogs when he averaged more than 20 yards a catch against some of the nation's best prospects at defensive back.

"I do feel like I can get deep and contribute in that way if they need me to," King said. "I did it in college, and if I do the things I need to, stay in my playbook, do the work, I feel like I can do that at this level."

Phil Anschutz invests in tech startup and iPad app maker PlayerLync

By Andy Vuong The Denver Post July 30, 2013

Denver billionaire Phil Anschutz is throwing his financial muscle behind technology startup PlayerLync, maker of iPad playbooks for the Denver Broncos and 15 other teams.

Anschutz's investment will allow Englewood-based PlayerLync to expand its software platform from the playing field to the corporate office.

The two-year-old company is eyeing an expansion into industries such as medical, transportation, energy, telecommunications and retail. It employs 12 and plans to grow to 30 by the end of the year with the cash infusion from Anschutz's venture- capital arm, Anschutz Investment Co.

"It is rare for Anschutz to come in at something in this stage, but that's because the opportunity they see is so large," PlayerLync co-founder and CEO Bob Paulsen said Monday. "It should be a fun ride."

Anschutz Investment Co. primarily invests $25 million to $500 million in its portfolio companies, according to a Businessweek profile.

Paulsen wouldn't disclose the size of Anschutz's investment in PlayerLync but said the company has raised "many millions of dollars."

"It's an undisclosed amount, but we hope that it's enough to dominate this new emerging industry as tablets take shape in corporate America," Paulsen said.

Last season, the Broncos dumped paper playbooks for PlayerLync's app, eliminating the need to print 500-page playbooks every week for more than 100 players, coaches and staff members. PlayerLync's tablet software's automatic content- management tool allows clients to push and pull documents, images and videos, such as game film, to players, employees and others.

After reeling in half of the NFL, as well as teams in other sports such as baseball's Colorado Rockies, PlayerLync will now target retail and field-services companies, among others, with its software. "If a restaurant group wants to adjust employee procedures to align with recent changes in state legislation, the company can simply edit a training video or task list and push it to the iPads to keep everyone current and consistent," Paulsen said.

Employers can also use the program to securely and remotely collaborate with employees.

"We share PlayerLync's vision for the future of these robust, easy-to-use collaboration tools," Augie Cruciotti, managing director of Anschutz Investment Co., said in a statement. "We believe PlayerLync has the platform that corporate America needs as tablets become increasingly common."

The investment creates another tie to the NFL for Anschutz. Through Anschutz Entertainment Group, the business tycoon is aiming to bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles.

Paulsen's background is in telecom, which provided the connection to Anschutz, who founded Qwest Communications.

PlayerLync's software works with iPads and Windows 8 tablets, with Android support coming soon.

Broncos adjust down and distance when confidence is required

By Jeff Legwold The Denver Post July 31, 2013

Teams with defenses that project to be in the NFL's upper tier, as the Broncos expect theirs to be, often make developmental life tough on in training camp practices.

Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase monitors how the quarterbacks are doing in practice to see if they need to dial things back a bit to get some momentum.

"We try to let them be aggressive, but if you are having one of those practices where there are a lot of incompletions going on, (quarterbacks coach) Greg Knapp does a great job of letting them know that we need to get some completions," Gase said. "Everything is situational, so we give them a down and distance every play. So, if it is second-and-3 and we're calling a shot play and it's not there, we'll tell them to get to the check-down. Make sure we get to first down and move on.

"Once we start getting completions, then that guy's confidence starts to build and he'll get a little more aggressive and take a shot down the field."

Scrimmage on deck. After the players' day off Tuesday, the Broncos will have three days of work at their Dove Valley complex before a scrimmage Saturday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Last season, Peyton Manning's first with the Broncos, 41,304 fans showed up for the team's scrimmage at the stadium.

Manning took 14 snaps against the second-team defense in last summer's scrimmage and led the offense on a drive after an early .

Footnotes. The Broncos officially moved center Dan Koppen to injured reserve Tuesday. He tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's practice and will have surgery. ... Wed nes day's practice will begin at 10:25 a.m. and is open to the public.

Shannon Sharpe on the cover of Fitness RX magazine

By Mike Klis The Denver Post July 30, 2013

I’ve said this many times: is the only NFL player I know who got in better shape after he finished playing.

Sharpe recently posed shirtless for FitnessRX magazine.

So why does Sharpe, 45, work out more now than ever?

“What else am I going to do?” said Sharpe, the former Broncos and Ravens Hall of Fame .

“Some people retire and play golf. Some people hunt. Some people fish. I work out. I love to work out.” Day 5 report from Denver Broncos Training Camp 2013

By The Denver Post July 30, 2013

In case you missed the action on Monday, The Press Box gives this Day 5 report from Dove Valley, including questions about what’s going to happen under center with Dan Koppen now out with an ACL tear and J.D. Walton recovering from his latest ankle surgery. Report: Broncos want OL Ryan Lilja

By Bill Williamson ESPN.com July 30, 2013

The Denver Broncos are considering reuniting Peyton Manning and offensive lineman Ryan Lilja.

Fox Sports reported Tuesday night that the Broncos are talking to Lilja, 31, about ending his retirement. Lilja, who has seen time at guard and center, played with the Chiefs from 2010-12 after his stint with Manning in Indianapolis from 2004-09.

Denver is looking for help at center now that Dan Koppen out for the year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Starter J.D. Walton is out until at least November with an ankle injury. Right now, the starting center would be Manny Ramirez.

I can see why Denver is interested in Lilja. He is a veteran with experience at center -- and he has a rapport with Manning. In an emergency situation, Denver could do worse than Lilja.

In other AFC West notes:

The Chargers signed rookie safety Tony Burnett out of USC. They also cut rookie quarterback Mike Hermann and gave rookie Kenny Okoro the waived- injured designation, meaning that the team could keep him, on the reserve-injured list, if he clears waivers.

The Chiefs cut defensive back Buddy Jackson. Power Rankings: Despite early camp injuries, talented Broncos lead pack

By Pete Prisco CBSSports.com July 30, 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.

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.

MOVE RANK TEAM (LW)

The Miller situation is one to watch, and losing two centers for a period of time will hurt. But there is 1 Broncos (1) too much talent on this roster -- especially at all the key spots.

They have to find a speed weapon outside during camp. Is that A.J. Jenkins? It almost has to be. The 2 49ers (2) scary thing is is faster. Is that a good thing?

Now that the Matt Ryan contract situation is resolved, they can concentrate on getting back to 3 Falcons (3) football. This camp will be about young players emerging at key spots such as defenssive end.

The beginning of camp couldn't get here fast enough for the Patriots after the Aaron Hernandez 4 Patriots situation. This team will be tested because of it, but (4) they have the best coach to get past it. Oh, and they have .

If is gone for a long time, or even the 5 Seahawks season, that's a huge hit. But they did do well (5) without him in 2012. The defense should be MOVE RANK TEAM (LW)

special.

It's all about that defense. Dom Capers has to improve that side of the ball and teach those 6 Packers (6) players a thing or two about the read option. The offensive line also needs to improve.

Hard Knocks will go behind the scenes with the 7 Bengals Bengals. They picked a good team. Cincinnati is (7) talented. It's all on Andy Dalton.

They are now the targeted. How do they handle 8 Ravens that role? Joe Flacco has to take over this team (8) now.

It's time to quit thinking regular-season success 9 Texans matters. They are past that now. Can Matt Schaub (9) take them to more?

It's hard to get a gauge on this team after their 10 Giants disappointing second half last season. But Tom (10) Coughlin is good when people don't expect much.

This is the season that the Bears get with the times 11 Bears and throw the football around. It starts in camp (11) with Jay Cutler letting it looose.

The Colts spent a lot of money in free agency to 12 Colts improve their starting 22. And they are better, but (12) their numbers would show a step-back in 2013 MOVE RANK TEAM (LW)

before becoming a true force in 2014..

The preseason will be all about the progress of 13 Redskins Robert Griffin III. How is he bouncing back from (13) the knee? And is his style going to change?

Jason Garrett opens camp on the hot seat, which is the way it should be. The keys at camp: Getting 14 Cowboys (14) the interior of the offensive line fixed and implementing the 4-3 scheme.

Word is they will open up the offense. We shall see. 15 Rams (15) They need to do so with .

Sean Payton is back and so is the Saints' swagger. 16 Saints (16) has to fix that defense.

There will be a lot of new faces starting in 2013, but that's the Steelers way.. There are still a lot of 17 Steelers (17) good players around, especially quarteerback Ben Roethlisberger.

It's all about . He is playing for a new 18 Buccaneers deal, and if he plays well, the Bucs could be a (18) playoff team.

They have to be less reliant on Adrian Peterson and 19 Vikings more reliant on the passing game. Can that (19) become a reality? MOVE RANK TEAM (LW)

Don't sleep on Cam Newton. He was much better in 20 Panthers the second half of 2012. He's almost the forgotten (20) guy now. He shouldn't be.

New coach Bruce Arians has a quarterback he can win with in . Are the rest of the 21 Cardinals (21) pieces in place? They've added some more help in Eric Winston and John Abraham.

They have some strong areaas on this team, and the offensive line could be one oof the best. It's on Jake 22 Titans 6(28) Locker now. I think they could push for a playofff spot.

There is talent in a lot of spots, but the one that 23 Dolphins matters is under center. Can Ryan Tannehill take a 1(22) big step forward?

The Chiefs have talent. And they have a good 24 Chiefs coach in Andy Reid. But do they have enough to (24) push for a playoff spot?

Chip Kelly's camp will bring a lot of new things. Will 25 Eagles (25) it bring a new starting quartterback?

Let's not forget they still haave . He was 26 Chargers asked to do too much last season and he didn't (26) have a lot of help.

27 Browns New coach Rob Chudzinski is known for his offense, (27) and he has a good coordinator in Norv Turner, but MOVE RANK TEAM (LW)

is that enough to get Brandon Weeden where he needs to be?

Jim Schwartz is likely coaching for hiss job. Once 28 Lions again, the focus is on improving the defense and 5(23) the running game.

The Raiders face a long rebuilding process, and I 29 Raiders am not sure is the right guy to lead it. (29) Are you?

Geno Smith or ? I bet it will be Sanchez. And it probably should be since word is 30 Jets (30) Smith hasn't looked all that hot. Just aask John Idzik who it will be. Right, ?

They picked EJ Manuel in the first round. So get on 31 Bills (31) with it. Give him the job. Let him play.

Their camp will be all about the quarterback spot. 32 Jaguars Can Blaine Gabbert finally show he's worth being a (32) high first-round pick? Training camp roundup: Adrian Peterson gets a kiss

By Josh Katzowitz CBSSports.com July 30, 2013

Before I dropped my kids off at preschool Tuesday morning (literally, not figuratively), both of them wanted an extra hug and a kiss before I slipped through the exit doors and they got on with their day of playing on water tables, reading books, taking naps and learning how to get along in this crazy, cruel world.

I obliged by kissing my girl and my boy on the lips. That's just how I do it.

Apparently, so does Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who treated photographers to this sweet moment Tuesday, via SI.com's Andy Gray.

See, if your NFL hero is Adrian Peterson and you have kids who you peck on the kisser, you and your NFL hero have something in common. Except you probably don't have a helmet in your hand when you're off to the ol' salt mine and your kid probably isn't going to melt back into a crowd of hundreds who have taken time out of their schedules to watch you play a game while you make tens of millions of dollars.

And to remind you about that cruel, cold world, here's what Titans safety Bernard Pollard said was the note the Ravens left in his locker to inform that he was no longer welcome in Baltimore in March.

In case you can't read the reasoning for the termination, the Ravens checked off the category of “In the judgment of the Club, your skill or performance has been unsatisfactory as compared with that of other players competing for positions on the Club's roster.”

Yikes, after a review like that, it'd be nice to have your child around to smooch away the pain.

Which leads us back to Peterson and his adorable son.

That photo also should remind us that PDAing with your kids is a cool thing -- and probably always be a cool thing if you're the parent. But it won't be very long when those children won't even want to be seen at the movie theater with you, let alone kiss you in public. Even if you are an NFL hero to so many.

Injury bug

--If you're a Redskins fan who enjoys watching your team's try keep the opposing quarterback at bay, this isn't the greatest photo you'd want to see today.

That, of course, is DeAngelo Hall, the team's No. 1 cornerback. And he's standing in a walking boot.

The team doesn't think it's serious, but still, for a man who plays a position where speed is an imperative, a walking boot on a sprained ankle isn't a great look.

After practice, Hall told reporters that the ankle could keep him out anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

--Some good news in Arizona. Running back Ryan Williams, who's played just five games because of injuries since the Cardinals drafted him in the second round of the 2011 draft, decided not to get a second opinion on his problematic knee and reportedly is feeling better.

The team is off Wednesday, and he's expected to return to practice Thursday.

Williams underwent an MRI on Tuesday after a flare-up for an old knee injury at practice. But the MRI came back clean, and though the team originally said he would go in for a second opinion, that apparently has been canceled.

Perhaps here's one reason why. Asked by reporters if this was a make-or-break year for Williams, coach Bruce Arians said, “I would think so.”

-As CBSSports.com's Dave Richard reported, we don't seem to know when Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will return to practice.

Stewart had surgery on both ankles in the offseason, and Richard reported that doctors are unsure why his left ankle is healing better than his right. But for now DeAngelo Williams is taking the No. 1 reps at the running back spot. And for Stewart (who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list)?

"It could be any day or it could carry on into the regular season," the source told Richard.

--Rookie fourth-round pick Quinton Patton, who's trying to become the 49ers starting receiver opposite Anquan Boldin, has been limited to non-contact drills because of a broken finger. Other San Francisco receivers out with injury: Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Kassim Osgood and Kyle Williams. --As for Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin, he'll have surgery on Thursday for the torn labrum in his hip. Meanwhile, he tries to remain optimistic.

Zac Boyer@ZacBoyer DeAngelo Hall watching walkthrough in a boot: pic.twitter.com/Jjg4Lg09H8 8:27 AM - 30 Jul 2013

That, of course, is DeAngelo Hall, the team's No. 1 cornerback. And he's standing in a walking boot.

The team doesn't think it's serious, but still, for a man who plays a position where speed is an imperative, a walking boot on a sprained ankle isn't a great look.

After practice, Hall told reporters that the ankle could keep him out anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

--Some good news in Arizona. Running back Ryan Williams, who's played just five games because of injuries since the Cardinals drafted him in the second round of the 2011 draft, decided not to get a second opinion on his problematic knee and reportedly is feeling better.

The team is off Wednesday, and he's expected to return to practice Thursday.

Williams underwent an MRI on Tuesday after a flare-up for an old knee injury at practice. But the MRI came back clean, and though the team originally said he would go in for a second opinion, that apparently has been canceled.

Perhaps here's one reason why. Asked by reporters if this was a make-or-break year for Williams, coach Bruce Arians said, “I would think so.”

-As CBSSports.com's Dave Richard reported, we don't seem to know when Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will return to practice.

Stewart had surgery on both ankles in the offseason, and Richard reported that doctors are unsure why his left ankle is healing better than his right. But for now DeAngelo Williams is taking the No. 1 reps at the running back spot. And for Stewart (who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list)?

"It could be any day or it could carry on into the regular season," the source told Richard.

--Rookie fourth-round pick Quinton Patton, who's trying to become the 49ers starting receiver opposite Anquan Boldin, has been limited to non-contact drills because of a broken finger. Other San Francisco receivers out with injury: Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Kassim Osgood and Kyle Williams. --As for Seahawks receiver Percy Harvin, he'll have surgery on Thursday for the torn labrum in his hip. Meanwhile, he tries to remain optimistic.

Percy Harvin ✔@Percy_Harvin Nobody was more anxious and excited about season then....but I will be back strong as ever..i appreciate all the love and prayers 5:59 PM - 30 Jul 2013

And in case you were wondering about the whereabouts of Harvin's teammate, Sidney Rice, Carroll said that Rice currently was visiting Switzerland.

Sure, sure. Switzerland is the place to go for your knee trouble.

But seriously, there seems to be a good chance that Rice is undergoing stem-cell treatment in Europe in an effort to return to the field faster.

--Redskins left tackle Trent Williams re-injured his wrist during practice Tuesday, but he told reporters afterward that it was a minor injury and that he'd be fine. Reportedly, he's been dealing with a sprained wrist for much of training camp.

We all scream for …

I love ice cream. What say you, Ravens Arthur Jones?

Looks like Jones, via USA Today, agrees with me.

Anybody need a beer?

If so, this dude at Bengals practice has some to spar. Just untangle a locket of his beard haird, and you're good to go.

Spy vs.

The only way the Redskins would face off against the Patriots this season is if the two squads made the Super Bowl. And then, it would be interesting to see what Robert Griffin III could accomplish against the likes of , and with a league title on the line.

But even if that Super Bowl matchup isn't the most likely scenario, that doesn't mean Griffin wasn't looking for some intel at Patriots practice on Tuesday. At least that's who I assume is in the Redskins No. 10 jersey.

Not my Super Mario Brother's keeper

Do not ask Bills coach Doug Marrone about the health of defensive end Mario Williams, via the Buffalo News. Correction: do not CONTINUE to ask Marrone about the health of Mario Williams.

To be fair, the team has been awfully secretive about Williams' reported foot injury and when he will return to practice. Maybe it's because the Bills really don't know.

Your daily Tebow update

Because we know you can't live a day without hearing some kind of news on Patriots offensive player Tim Tebow, here's the latest.

At one point, we thought Tebow might spend more time with the tight ends, but instead, it sounds like he'll primarily play at quarterback.

As the Globe's Ben Volin reported, "Ninety-nine percent of Tebow's activity during his time with the Patriots has been spent learning to play quarterback in the team's system. He has only spent time in the quarterback meeting room, he wears a red non-contact jersey on the field and he runs the third-team offense during team drills."

Tebow has spent time working withthe skill-position players during practice, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said that was pretty normal for a quarterback in his system so he can work on his open-field running. Broncos hope to sign Lilja

By Alex Marvez FOXSports.com July 30, 2013

The Denver Broncos have reached out to a longtime teammate of Peyton Manning.

And it isn’t .

FOX Sports has learned that center/guard Ryan Lilja is contemplating an offer from the Broncos.

Lilja, 31, announced his retirement last December following his third season with the . Lilja started 59 games for the Manning-led at guard from 2004-09. Lilja played center with the Chiefs in 2012.

Lilja’s potential addition would comes on the heels of the season-ending knee injury suffered Sunday by Broncos center Dan Koppen during training camp practice. Koppen was replacing starting center J.D. Walton, who is sidelined until at least October following offseason ankle surgery. The Broncos shifted Manny Ramirez from guard to center in subsequent practices.

Lilja's agent, Craig Domann, was unavailable for comment.

Saturday’s name was mentioned in media speculation as a potential Broncos signing because of his longtime affiliation with Manning as his center in Indianapolis. Saturday, though, will remain retired and serve as an NFL television analyst. Fantasy Team Preview: Broncos

By Adam Meyer FOXSports.com July 30, 2013

Editor's note: Ignore the fact that I’m drinking out of a Denver Broncos' coffee mug, sitting next to a Denver Broncos' blanket, and wearing Denver Broncos pants (ok, maybe not that extreme). So, suffice it to say, I’m a fan. Now that I’ve given you that full disclosure, let me also note that I’m the biggest critic of the teams that I follow and can remove any and all bias.

Overall outlook: The fifth-best passing offense added the seventh-highest scoring fantasy wide receiver, Wes Welker, (ironically, sandwiched between Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker) in the offseason. Also, the 16th-ranked running offense drafted a running back in the second-round. Aside from the loss of Elvis Dumervil, I’d say the defending AFC West champs are ready to defend that title.

Bye week: 9

Quarterback: Peyton Manning

His arm strength, or lack there of, worried those owners who rolled the dice on the Broncos' quarterback in fantasy drafts at the beginning of the season. However, as the year played out, Manning compiled 37 TDs and 4,659 passing yards to land fourth on the fantasy QB list (431 points). Adding Tom Brady’s favorite weapon, Wes Welker, to Manning’s arsenal will only boost his passing stats in 2013. Plus, Manning has had over a full year to recover from his most recent neck surgery.

Running back: Montee Ball

Maybe I mention it too much, but I love competing in a college fantasy football league. Besides the obviously thrill of playing MORE fantasy football, you also have the ability to “scout” players before they enter the pros. In the three years that I’ve been playing, Ball has been on the championship-winning team each time. In 2010, as a sophomore, he stepped up when John Clay injured his MCL and rushed for almost 1,000 yards (996) and 18 TDs. The following season, Ball was the full-time starter and racked up nearly 2,000 yards (1,923) and rushed for 33 TDs. During his senior season, Ball suffered a concussion and still managed 1,800-plus yards and scored 22 times.

Running back: Ronnie Hillman Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno combined for 69 percent of Denver’s running attack, but McGahee is now a free agent and Moreno is relegated to clean-up duties. For my money, I’m thinking Hillman gets the backup carries and possibly earns the starting gig if Montee Ball doesn’t live up to expectations. In his rookie season, Hillman rushed for 330 yards on 85 carries (3.9 yards per attempt) and scored once. Hillman's main focus in camp must be ball security. With Peyton Manning at the helm, any lost means less rushing attempts the rest of the game (Hillman fumbled twice last year, losing one).

Wide receiver: Wes Welker

It goes without saying, except I'm going to drive the point home, but Denver has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Atlanta fans will argue, I’ve noticed, but this is a slam dunk. Reviewing 2012 fantasy stats, the Broncos have three players in the top eight (Roddy White placed ninth and Julio Jones finished 11th in fantasy points scored). I know that Welker's stats came via Tom Brady, but the matchup issues Denver’s receivers create opens the door for even more fantasy points. Defenses can’t cover all three.

Wide receiver: Demaryius Thomas

Peyton Manning targeted Thomas 141 times last season and connected for 1,434 yards and 10 TDs. Granted, turnovers are an issue for the wide receiver. In his first season with Manning, Thomas fumbled three times (he was the only WR to fumble). His 89.6 yards per game led the team and were 23 more than the No. 2 receiver, Eric Decker.

Wide receiver: Eric Decker

Even as the second option in Denver last year, Decker totaled 269 fantasy points (eighth-most among all wide receivers). Unfortunately, he’s likely to have his numbers drop the most with the signing of Wes Welker. was the WR with the third-most targets, receptions, yards, and TDs in 2012. Decker is much younger than Stokley, so I would imagine he would tally better stats at the No. 3 guy.

Tight end: Jacob Tamme

With no clear-cut favorite tight end, Tamme did receive more targets and recorded more receptions than his colleagues on the end. Also, Tamme is more of a weapon when Peyton Manning has more of the field to work with. Tamme had 29 catches that created a first down compared to Joel Dreessen’s 19.

Tight end: Joel Dreessen Though Jacob Tamme had more playing time, Dreessen was targeted more often inside the red zone. When Denver was within scoring distance, Dreessen received 14 targets (15.1 percent). Tamme only had six targets inside the 20 (6.5 percent). This explains why Dreessen recorded five touchdowns compared to Tamme’s two last season.

Placekicker: Matt Prater

I try not to spend my time breaking down fantasy kickers. Prater ranked ninth in scoring among kickers in 2012 with 144 points. In 2011 P.M. (pre-Manning), he was 29th in fantasy points by a kicker. The offense makes all the difference. Prater is draft-worthy.

Team defense

DANG YOU, RAHIM MOORE!

Sorry about that.

Denver was third in passing defense (199.6 yards per game) and third against the run (91.1 yards per game). Consequently, the Broncos ranked third in fantasy scoring, too (172 points). However, Elvis Dumervil is in Baltimore and Von Miller could possibly be suspended the first four games of 2013. Those two combined for 29.5 sacks, which is 57 percent of the Broncos’ total.

Denver did add Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to their secondary. That’s a needed boost with ’s talents depleting daily. Prove me wrong, Champ. More padding the issue of concussions and better helmets With player safety preeminent in and the NFL, more attention is on helmets

By Gary Mihoces USA Today Sports July 30, 2013

When the University of South Carolina opens preseason football practice Friday night, the plan is to have the Gamecocks, including defensive star , outfitted in Guardian Caps. The padded shells, made of polyurethane fabric, are designed to fit over helmets and reduce impacts to the head.

There's controversy whether the caps violate helmet certification standards. But South Carolina tried 32 of them on linemen in the spring, liked them and bought 75 more to go team-wide for practice, says athletic trainer Clint Haggard.

"I've talked to our team physicians and discussed all that stuff, and I've talked to a bunch of people around the country," says Haggard. "And we're still going to use them. ... It seems like it will help."

Player safety has become the catch phrase for colleges and pro football, with the NCAA and the NFL also facing lawsuits over concussions. Punishment in college football this season for "targeting" -- taking aim, especially at the head or neck, with apparent intent beyond a legal tackle or block -- will include ejection. The NFL is requiring players to wear more pads and will penalize running backs who lead with the crown of their helmets.

Lee Hanson, founder of the firm making the Guardian Cap, says his product reduces head impacts "up to 33%" in lab tests. He gave out the caps them out for testing in 2011, sold about 8,000 in 2012 ($55 individually with team discounts) and anticipates He anticipated about 12,000 being used among youth, high school and college teams across the USA and Canada this year. Thirty-five states have schools and/or leagues using at least 20 Guardian Caps.

The Guardian Caps have compartments padded with foam rubber that are arranged on top of the helmets, and Hanson says using these compartments dissipates energy better than a solid shell. One issue is whether soft shells might stick together or be more easily grabbed and cause neck injuries. Hanson says his caps "just slip off of each other." "Our goal," Hanson says, "is to provide the best protection to a kid as possible. ... If you want to protect your shoulders, you wear shoulder pads. And if you want to protect your head, you put more padding. More padding on anything is better."

Build a concussion-proof football helmet and the world will beat a path to your door. Shy of that wishful goal, there's a surge in the business of trying to protect the brain.

*A Pennsylvania firm offers extra head padding that includes bullet-proof vest material.

*Riddell, official helmet of the NFL and a co-defendant in the concussion lawsuits, is introducing this season a sensor system in the helmet that transmits when impacts exceed a player's history on hits, geared for youth and high school teams.

*Reebok has a new impact sensor that flashes when impacts exceed certain thresholds.

So why does the Colorado High School Activities Association warn that any school using the Guardian Caps in games will not be in compliance with the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), which sets helmet certification, and cautions groups to "seek more information" before using caps at any time.

Indeed, Hanson says he has lost an order for 500 caps from a California youth league and other orders from various U.S. school districts, and at least one league is returning its 300 in use.

"There are coaches and athletic trainers and parents that have seen Guardian on their children for the last two years, and they've seen the number of injuries decrease on those teams," says Hanson. "Now, you're going to tell them to take them off?"

Standards in question

Makers of sensors don't claim they diagnose concussions; the sensors are promoted as screening tools. Makers of extra padding don't claim to prevent concussions, but they say they the padding reduces impacts.

NOCSAE recently stated that add-ons to helmets could void certification and warned It warns against "quick solutions." It says the primary focus should be limiting "unnecessary" hits and medical handling of concussions.

"Equipment changes are probably fourth or fifth on the list of things that are going to make the biggest difference. Maybe even further down," says Mike Oliver, NOCSAE executive director. NOCSAE sets test standards, which involve using sensors to measure impacts on dummy heads inside helmets. Helmet makers do the tests -- Oliver says each model needs its own testing and that changes mandate new certification.

"If you talk to any doctor out there, you're going to get 14 different opinions on what causes a concussion," Hanson says. "We don't know if it's a big hit or if it's a whole bunch of little hits. ... We can prove scientifically (Guardian Caps) reduce that amount of impact."

But Oliver says the caps are in "a little bit of a gray area" according to NOCSAE's position that a helmet addition that "changes or alters the protective system by adding or deleting protective padding … or which changes or alters the geometry of the shell or adds mass to the helmet, whether temporary or permanent, voids the certification of compliance."

Nonsense, says Haggard: "The way that thing was written, anything you put on there, whether it be a face shield or anything like that, falls under that category."

Last year, Unequal Technologies of Kennett Square, Pa., introduced helmet padding "fortified with Kevlar." The padding, with a sticky surface, fitted over existing pads. Unequal still has that product. But this year it also has padding designed to be fit inside the helmet but not affixed, the Gyro (at $79.95). There is also a padded skull cap, the Dome ($89.95).

Robert Vito, president of Unequal, says quarterback Michael Vick will use the skull cap, that roughly 100 NFL players use Unequal head padding and about 10,000 players at all levels use it. Vito has issues with NOCSAE.

"To blindly say that anything that goes in, on or around the helmet will now void the certification needs to be recanted," says Vito, who urges NOCSAE to make sure "we're not leaving a lot of great products on the sideline."

Haggard says linemen at South Carolina with the Guardian Caps in the spring had no concussions.

"They could tell the difference in the perceived impact," he says. "I actually had some of our linebackers and some of our fullbacks come to me and say, 'Hey, I want to try this out, too.' "

At the June annual meeting of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, University of North Carolina concussion researcher Kevin Guskiewicz told attendees said there is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet. He said while Helmets prevent fractured skulls, he said, but the brain is still "sloshing around" after a hit. "So those neurons are still being stretched," Guskiewicz said, "86 billion neurons that we have in the human brain. ... There are no studies ... to show that in fact these devices (extra helmet padding) reduce concussion."

Sensors to monitor hits

Hits happen. Assorted devices are designed to sense them and measure them.

Riddell's InSite Impact Response System includes a sensor pad in the liner of the helmet that transmits when certain impact levels are exceeded to a handheld "alert monitor" on the sideline. Software stores data on player histories of exposures to hits. It's priced at $150 per helmet (if you already have a helmet) and the monitor is free with 12 helmet units ($200 if bought separately). The product is an offshoot of Riddell systems used by college teams and researchers.

X2 Biosystems of Seattle has the X-Patch, a small, sensor-equipped patch to be worn behind the neck. It transmits hits data to a mobile device. Now used by college in research, it will be sold commercially in 2014, says company co- founder Rich Able.

"Our tools are not going to make a diagnosis," he said. "Our tools are just giving data to the people who are highly knowledgeable about head injuries."

Reebok's new CheckLight ($150) has an impact sensor in a skull cap. An LED light on the rear is designed to flash yellow or red (more severe) when impacts meet hit certain thresholds. It does not transmit data but displays how many hits occur in practice or a game.

"It's just an extra set of eyes ... to just pull the off the field as soon as possible after a light is triggered to assess the athlete," says Bob Rich, Reebok director of advanced concepts.

Chris Nowinski, co-founder of Boston's Sports Legacy Institute, advocates a "Hit Count" to keep head impacts, especially in youths, at a minimum: "Simply trying to get fewer yellows and reds (with CheckLight) is important."

Patrick Kersey, medical director of the USA Football national youth organization, says sensors are promising but not yet of proven value.

"A lot of the newer products we have out there are very exciting," he says. "The problem we have in the medical world is that we don't have validation that states if they are actually helpful tools -- or are they neat and flashy tools?" Retired Ryan Lilja reportedly interests Denver Broncos

By Dan Hanzus NFL.com July 30, 2013

The Denver Broncos' search for a starting center is starting to feel like a rejected "Final Destination" screenplay.

Two starting options -- J.D. Walton and Dan Koppen -- have seen their seasons wiped away by injury before we've reached August. Now a twist in the script: The Broncos reportedly are eyeing a player whose career is technically over.

FoxSports.com's Alex Marvez reported Tuesday night that the Broncos have reached out to guard/center Ryan Lilja about coming out of retirement.

Lilja was Peyton Manning's teammate with the Indianapolis Colts from 2004 to

2009. Lilja, who turns 32 in October, is familiar with Manning's line calls, a huge plus for a Broncos team searching for stability at the position.

Lilja hardly is a perfect fit. He played guard, not center, during his time with Manning and the Colts. There are also physical question marks; Lilja underwent surgery on his toe and knee after starting 15 games for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Still, Lilja might be a better option than Manny Ramirez, the guard who is currently acting as Denver's center.

Lilja had been in talks to come out of retirement and return to the Chiefs this spring. A phone call from his old buddy Peyton might get him over the hump. Top 10 New NFL Batterymates

By Frank Cooney The Sports Xchange July 30, 2013

In a National Football League built for passing, it should be logical that the most important offseason moves are those that best match up quarterbacks and receivers, in the draft, with trades or through free agency.

But it's not quite that simple. Just putting the best-looking wide receiver with the best-playing quarterback doesn't necessarily make the best marriage.

Looking at candidates for the Top 10 New NFL Batterymates -- to borrow a baseball term -- the most obvious considerations would include wide receivers Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace and Wes Welker.

They all attained a level of greatness with their former teams. Question is, will that reputation survive in a new relationship?

Harvin, traded to Seattle from Minnesota, already has an injury issue, creating doubt that he will team with second-year quarterback Russell Wilson to dominate the NFC West.

Wallace, formerly with the as the feared deep threat for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, is getting to know second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill in Miami.

And Welker jumps from one future Hall of Fame quarterback to another -- from New England's Tom Brady to Denver's Peyton Manning.

So how does that work out for the 2013 season?

There is one team with a bunch of new pass-catch combos that didn't quite make the top-10 list, the .

Whether the Bills' starting quarterback is EJ Manuel or Kevin Kolb, the team opened camp with 13 receivers, including two rookie receivers worth watching in Roberts Woods (41st overall pick) and (78th overall).

Goodwin was not only the fastest player in the draft, but is tied with Denver's Trindon Holliday with the fastest 40-yard time at an Indianapolis Combine, 4.21 seconds. With input and training camp updates from team correspondents for The Sports Xchange, here is a look at how the Top 10 New NFL Batterymates might pan out for 2013:

10. : QB Jay Cutler to TE Martellus Bennett.

Bennett signed a $20 million, four-year deal with the Bears after one season with the . Bennett was one of the top tight ends available in free agency. Finally a starter, he set career highs with 55 catches for 626 yards and five touchdowns with the Giants in 2012 after spending his first four NFL seasons in as a backup to Jason Witten. For his career, he has 140 catches for 1,472 yards and nine scores. Bennett has the athletic skills and a reputation for big plays, but has not been consistent. Now in a full-time starting role, he will be expected to make 60 catches or more and help the Bears rediscover a position they haven't emphasized since trading Greg Olsen. Cutler and Bennett must properly assimilate the cerebral approach of head coach Marc Trestman.

9. : QB to WR Greg Jennings.

The Vikings tried to pluck a plum from division rival Green Bay, but may wind up with a prune. The Vikings paid 30-year-old, injury-prone Jennings $47.5 million over five years. This is the same Jennings who missed eight of the Packers' first 11 games last season, had abdominal surgery and, well, isn't that enough? But perhaps even more of a problem here is that Ponder has looked bad early in training camp. That could invite an early hook, pushing Kansas City Chiefs retread Matt Cassell into the starting job. Either way, the best pass-catch tandem here may become any quarterback to rookie wide receiver (No. 29 overall pick, Tennessee).

8. : QB Ryan Tannehill to WR Mike Wallace.

Expectations are ridiculously high after Wallace signed a free-agent contract worth $60 million. But the only thing that contract guarantees is $30 million for Wallace. He spent the last four years catching 235 passes for 4,032 yards and 32 touchdowns for Pittsburgh. That includes 27 receptions of 40 yards or longer. His smooth and deceptive speed burned many a defense, but that was with Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback. They were a perfect pair, especially on broken plays. Roethlisberger would scramble around and launch a long-range missile that Wallace caught on the horizon. The Dolphins use a variation of the , which Tannehill is grasping well. But can Wallace run disciplined routes? It certain won't accentuate his established strength -- burning defenses deep on broken plays.

7. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford to WR . As the No. 8 overall draft pick, Austin arrives with heavy expectations, such as being compared to Percy Harvin for versatility. It is a heavy load Austin can handle as a returner. But he may need time as an NFL receiver. The 5 8 1/2, 175-pound Austin led the nation with an average of 198 yards total offense last year, his first primarily as a wide receiver after playing running back since high school. However, his goodbye speed (4.28 seconds in 40 yards) was featured at West Virginia in coach 's Air Raid offense, a variation of the old Run-and-Shoot (USFL Houston with ), with four receivers, two on the outside and two in the slot. Austin caught 114 passes for 1,289 yards in that scheme last year. It will be interesting to see how quickly he adjusts to the NFL and how many ways the Rams find to make him Bradford's favorite weapon.

6. : QB Carson Palmer to WR .

Although Fitzgerald admits he needs to learn the intricacies of new head coach Bruce Arians' offense, he also says he feels better about this season than he has since former quarterback Kurt Warner retired in 2010. Palmer is the reason. Fitzgerald is viewed as one of the best wide receivers in the league, evidenced by his rating as the No. 23 best overall player in the NFL Network poll. That is down from No. 14 in 2011, but only because he has not had a good quarterback. Enter Palmer, who managed to throw for more than 4,000 yards and 22 touchdowns for a horrible Oakland Raiders offense last season. He is especially impressive on deep passes. The talents of these two should rank higher on this list, but the offensive line needs to prove it can do its part first.

5. Kansas City: QB to WR Dwayne Bowe, et al.

There were a lot of San Francisco 49ers fans who were aggravated when coach Jim Harbaugh stuck with Colin Kaepernick last year after Smith returned from being out with a concussion. Smith was an outstanding quarterback for the 49ers, with 13 touchdowns, five and a passer rating of 104.1 when he was benched permanently. His strengths are avoiding mistakes and accuracy on short-to- medium passes. He throws a decent long ball, but nothing that defenses lose sleep over. Smith was acquired in a trade and should vastly improve the Chiefs' passing game under new head coach Andy Reid. Bowe is the best receiver on the team and it will be interesting to see how much he benefits. Bowe is at his best as a deep threat. But he does well on other routes, has great hands and Smith will hit those hands often.

4. Seattle Seahawks: QB Russell Wilson to WR Percy Harvin.

This is where this tandem was rated before the announcement of Harvin's hip problems. Not coincidentally, it was Harvin's health issues -- migraines, ankle, leg - - that prevented this new tandem from being in the top three. Also, Harvin is a slot receiver whose best patterns are inside and Wilson is the shortest starting quarterback in the league, so getting the ball to Harvin quickly would mean Wilson needs his offensive line to provide a passing window. When Minnesota traded Harvin to Seattle, it was one of the hottest deals in the offseason, one which some thought could tip the balance of power against San Francisco in the tough NFC West division. But it may be moot unless Harvin finds a way to get on the field.

3. San Francisco 49ers: QB Colin Kaepernick to WR Anquan Boldin.

The 49ers acquired Boldin from the Baltimore Ravens for depth and insurance. It paid off faster than they wanted when No. 1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree was knocked out, probably for the season, with an Achilles injury that required surgery. Now in his first full year as the starting quarterback, Kaepernick's top wide receiver is Boldin, who provides a big, strong target. Last year, Crabtree was Kaepernick's favorite target and he is a different style receiver with outstanding quickness, speed and hands. But Boldin is sure-handed, so if Kaepernick can get him the ball, these two should work well together. Helping their cause is the best offensive line in pro football and one of the best catching tight ends, .

2. : QB Tom Brady to WR .

Although it seems as if coach and Brady have a plug-and-play offense in which players are just interchangeable parts, Amendola will certainly get plenty of opportunity to show he is not just the Patriots' latest widget. With injuries and other issues depleting the tight end position, a key part of this scheme, Amendola should be a prime weapon on the seam routes that Brady uses to tear apart defenses. Amendola is stepping into the slot spot vacated by 100-plus-catch-a-year Wes Welker, who felt dissed by the team's offer and bolted for the Denver Broncos. Amendola showed traits while with the St. Louis Rams that were similar to Welker, but in order to catch 100 passes in a season he will need to stay healthy, something he has often failed to do. He played in only 42 of a possible 64 games at St. Louis and just 12 of 32 the last two seasons. Regardless, the Patriots gave him a five-year, $31 million contract, far less than they offered Welker.

1. Denver Broncos: QB Peyton Manning to WR Wes Welker.

This appears to be a can't-miss matchup as what is possibly two future Hall of Famers take a late-career shot at another Super Bowl with another team. In his second year with Denver, Manning is still a tall, accurate passer who eats up defenses with quick passes to slot receivers (among others). Welker defines what a slot receiver is, evidenced by his catching more than 100 passes in five of his last six seasons with the New England Patriots. His quickness and route running were always among the best in the league. His hands were flawless until a couple of memorable drops in the last two seasons, which were only remembered because of the shock of seeing him drop a pass, even a bad one. In what may be an interesting historical footnote, the Patriots actually agreed to a deal with Welker's replacement, Danny Amendola, before they allegedly lost Welker in his free-agent signing with Denver. The Broncos' deal with Welker, technically announced a day after the Amendola signing, was similar to the Patriots offer two years, $12 million, but the Broncos offered a little more guaranteed money. Rod Smith Says Peyton Manning Needs Another Super Bowl For Greatness

By Matthew J. Buettner CBSDenver.com July 29, 2013

DENVER (CBS4) – Broncos great Rod Smith has never been one afraid to speak his mind and on Xfinity Monday Live! he offered his thoughts on Peyton Manning, whose overall playoff record is 9-11.

“For the quarterback position, that’s what they judge you on; they judge you on Super Bowls, they really do,” Smith said. “I still remember everybody was talking about how Terry Bradshaw was so much better than John (Elway), and then when John won the back-to-back Super Bowls and road off in the sunset, he immediately vaulted past a lot of quarterbacks in the league.”

Smith said getting to the playoffs is one thing, but winning in the playoffs sets great quarterbacks apart from the good quarterbacks.

“The quarterback is the only position they define it at and he will go down as one of the all-time greats, but we need to win a Super Bowl,” Smith said.

CBS4’s Vic Lombardi asked Smith if he thinks the cold weather affected Manning more than other players because of the nerve issues in his neck.

“Not really, he’s a professional. That guy put his body through so many different things. You saw him practicing in gloves and things like this because he knows what he can do. He physically knows better than anybody and he knows how to adjust,” Smith said. “You don’t throw for as many yards and won as many games as he has without knowing how to adjust. That’s why I am so glad he is on our football team.”

Smith said he was excited to see the Broncos land wide receiver Wes Welker in the offseason.

“Wes Welker is the best addition to our defense. I tell people that and they look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about?’ We keep the sticks moving, they stay on the sidelines. We keep the defense on the bench. This guy, he’s known for catching passes, keeping the sticks moving, and with the big guns outside, we’re going to have an explosive offense.”

Smith said Welker just knows how to get open. “Especially working with a guy like Peyton, it is going to be that much better … just like he was with (Tom) Brady, they have a connection. I’m telling you it will be real hard for a lot of defenses.” Camp So Far: An Overview

By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com July 30, 2013

Andrew Mason checks in with his observations from the first five days of training camp, including competitions of note, ascending players, and players to watch.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- After an offseason in which a Super Bowl buzz steadily built around the Broncos, the start of training camp provided a useful, stark reminder that predictions, prognostications and even bold statements like Von Miller's March Super Bowl guarantee via Twitter assure little more than column inches, airtime and gigabytes of social-media interaction.

Dan Koppen's season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament provided the same kind of punch to the Broncos' plans that early-camp injuries to wide receiver Percy Harvin and tight end Dennis Pitta did to the Seahawks and Ravens, respectively. The San Francisco 49ers were thrust into the same position during OTAs when they lost wide receiver Michael Crabtree to a torn Achilles' tendon.

For all those teams, a disruption in plans did not result in a change in goals. It never does - even when the injury is at quarterback. But while the target remains the same, the process - and the people who will get you - there is fluid, which is why training camp is worth watching as some patterns have developed in recent days.

Competitions of note:

1. Safety: Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said July 27 that he wanted to shuffle his safeties around to see what combinations worked. Six different safeties have worked on the first team at various points in camp, and Quinton Carter's gradual return to full work after missing the entire offseason following knee surgery could truly change the dynamic of the position, given that he was an effective, instinctive starter as a rookie before his knee began bothering him. It's rare for a team to keep six safeties, so the individual stakes here are massive.

2. Running back: Ronnie Hillman has taken the lead role and hasn't lost any of his speed playing at 200 pounds. He looks more confident than he did last year - and is also healthier, since he hasn't grappled with the hamstring injuries that dogged him last summer. Montee Ball is enduring a rookie's typical ups and downs, but when it comes together for a young running back, it usually happens fast, and often during games. Knowshon Moreno has been solid, and Jeremiah Johnson has broken off some nice runs. 3. Middle linebacker: Nate Irving got the first crack beginning in organized team activities and has held on to the role, becoming more assertive in setting the base defense before the snap. The Broncos know that veteran Stewart Bradley can handle the role if the need arises, and he has starting experience there with Philadelphia earlier in his career; for now, they want to see all they can from Irving before making the final call.

Ascendant players:

1. TE Julius Thomas: Every day, he makes a play that leaves onlookers wowing at his athleticism and body control. This is why the Broncos picked him in the fourth round two years ago, and why they and numerous other teams had a high grade on him in spite of just one season of football experience after his freshman year of high school. But he needs to display that in games to truly underscore the Broncos' faith in him.

2. S Duke Ihenacho: He stuck on the practice squad for most of the 2012 season and is justifying the Broncos' patience with him, showing solid instincts in coverage and against the run, while doing an excellent job of reading the quarterback, which set himself up for a pair of interceptions in consecutive days. Ihenacho could also factor into special teams, enhancing his chances of sticking on the final 53.

3. DT Sylvester Williams: Until his minor knee injury Monday, the first-round pick was off to a strong start, showing his pass-rush moves in one-on-one drills. The next step is taking that work and applying it to team periods of practice.

Best moments:

1. Peyton Manning throwing two passes to a young fan who was called out of the gallery during the July 26 practice.

2. Ihenacho's celebrations of his touchdowns off interception returns, which roused the crowd. I'm partial to his mock free-throw, in which he shot the football -style over the crossbar.

3. The daily post-practice routine. Manning often works with Hillman and Ball. Brock Osweiler loves signing autographs for fans until the horn blasts. Monday, Ryan Clady gave some one-on-one pointers to rookie offensive tackle .

Players to watch in the next few days:

1. C Manny Ramirez: He's been working at the pivot of the offensive line since organized team activities, so his first-team role isn't new, but now he doesn't have a former Broncos starter of recent years looming around him on the depth chart. How will he handle knowing that role is no longer simply a cameo, but might be permanent for the 2013 season, barring injury?

2. WRs Greg Orton and Tavarres King: Both have been frequent targets of Osweiler, and with Andre Caldwell coming off a hamstring injury, the door could be open for them to enhance their standing on the roster in the next few days.

3. DL Malik Jackson: He will have the chance to consolidate his place on the roster thanks to solid work in one-on-one line drills and around the defensive line, plus minor injuries to Williams, and Derek Wolfe that could provide an uptick in team-period repetitions. Consistency Most Important Step for Jackson

By Mike Morris DenverBroncos.com July 30, 2013

After contributing in his rookie season, defensive end Malik Jackson feels more comfortable in his second training camp and is now looking to achieve greater consistency on the field.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – For Malik Jackson, the world spins a few revolutions more slowly today than it did at this time a year ago.

Maybe more than just a few.

A year after experiencing a rookie whirlwind in his initial training camp, the Broncos’ second-year defensive end noted that he’s trying to loosen up on the field, allowing him to hone in on details and better understand his individual role on the defense.

“Last year, you come in and you don’t know anything. And it goes fast, you’re just shocked by everything,” Jackson said after Monday's practice. “This year, I just really want to calm down, go out there and do my assignment, play-in and play- out. Slow everything down and not take it so seriously -- just play football.”

Despite the rigidness, Jackson – who the Broncos selected out of Tennessee in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL draft – navigated the razor-sharp learning curve, tying for the team lead with two preseason sacks and ultimately making the 53-man roster.

Jackson eventually found his way onto the field for the Broncos in 2012, appearing in 14 games and making five tackles.

But with the offseason departure of Elvis Dumervil, a heightened need for playmakers on the defensive line has opened opportunities for a core of young Broncos to step up -- with the critical prerequisite of getting into the backfield regularly and disrupting plays.

For Jackson, that means taking significant strides from raw rookie to valuable contributor. And it’s also meant shifting his focus towards becoming versatile enough to match the play of teammates like Derek Wolfe, helping to strengthen the rotation on the Denver defensive line.

“It’s just really showing these coaches that I can be what they want me to be, be that guy who can step in if (Derek) Wolfe goes down and act as if nothing happened,” Jackson said. “Just keep the ball rolling, be consistent, and show them that I can be that guy.”

At 6-foot-5, 293 pounds, Jackson embodies the same type of size that Wolfe has exerted on opponents in becoming an impact player on the line.

It’s the type of size that enabled Jackson to rotate between defensive end and defensive tackle in college at Tennessee, where he was a first-team All- performer, logging 136 tackles, 13 sacks and four forced in his collegiate career.

But for Jackson, developing consistency and being more conscious of individual assignments are the most important steps for taking his game to the next level – lessons that Jackson soaked up during his first season.

“Really, you learn that it’s crucial to be consistent,” Jackson said. “Everyone’s counting on you to do your job, so you’ve got to go out there and be in your spot when you need to be there. That’s pretty much what I learned. You’re accountable.”

Now, with an extra year under his NFL belt, he will look to pitch in on a defensive line that – despite the loss of Dumervil – Jackson believes is loaded with playmakers capable of turning up the heat on opposing quarterbacks.

“Even though we lost Elvis, which was a big deal to us, we’ve still got guys who can step up,” Jackson said. “We’ve got Robert Ayers, Derek Wolfe, Shaun Phillips, and Von (Miller), of course. We’ve got a lot of capable guys who can go in there and rush the passer just as well as Elvis did.”

“I think we’re looking really good.” Watch Denver Broncos Preseason Games Online

By DenverBroncos.com July 30, 2013

Watch preseason games online, live or on-demand, on your computer or mobile device!

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – It’s been about seven months since the Broncos last laced up their cleats and squared off against an opponent.

That wait is about to end as the team is just one week away from traveling to San Francisco for its first preseason game of the 2013 season televised locally by KUSA- TV.

Fans in and outside of the Denver area can now watch preseason games live and online with Preseason Live.

For just $19.99, all 65 NFL preseason games are available live and on-demand in high definition on your computer or tablet device. Preseason Live includes condensed games that allow fans to bypass the commercials as well as create big- play markers that makes it easy to instantly view the most exciting plays of the game.

After traveling to San Francisco, the Broncos will take a trip to Seattle on Saturday, Aug. 17 before returning home for a game against the St. Louis Rams on Saturday, Aug. 24. The team will wrap up its preseason schedule on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Arizona Cardinals. All of those games, as well as every game around the league, can be seen live in high definition with Preseason Live.

Click here for more information and to subscribe today.

Note: International Fans can watch every game of the preseason and regular season live, online and in HD with NFL Game Pass