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Paige: Which one of Pat Bowlen's seven kids will take over Broncos?

By Woody Paige The Denver Post July 27, 2014 When the Broncos open the regular season at home Sunday night, Sept. 7, owner Pat Bowlen, who always wanted to do everything the right way and be No. 1, should be honored appropriately. The circle of roads around the stadium should be renamed "The Pat Bowlen Way," and Broncos jersey No. 1 should be retired. Pat, who for five years has confronted the most difficult struggle of his life, leaves an indelible imprint on the Colorado sports landscape. And he leaves his family — and two of his closest friends — to carry on the Broncos' tradition of success. and will administer the business and football operations, as they have for the past three years. Suddenly, though, there is emphasis on which progeny will emerge to serve the Bowlen Family Trust as Pat's successor. His seven children have been thrust into public spotlight and scrutiny. And it's very possible that ultimately all four major professional teams in Denver — the Broncos, the Rockies, the Nuggets and the Avalanche — will be owned and directed by sons and/or daughters. The heirs are apparent. still owns the Avs and the Nuggets. But, by NFL rule, he is supposed to divest his financial interest in both teams by the end of this year. However, Stan's son, Josh, is the president of the franchises and ultimately will become the official owner. His sister, Whitney Kroenke Burditt, lives in Los Angeles and has concentrated on being a stage actress, a film producer and a philanthropist. Dick Monfort reaffirmed to me just before this season that he and brother Charlie will never sell, and fully intend to give the franchise to their seven children. Dick has two sons (Walker and Sterling) and a daughter (Lindsey), and Charlie has two sons and two daughters (Kenny, Ciara and twins Lucas and Danica). Walker has been with the Rockies in a variety of jobs since 2010 and is now the director of corporate sales. Sterling is a scouting assistant. Thursday, new Broncos CEO Joe Ellis said in regard to the ownership issue: "It is Mr. Bowlen's hope that a child will come along, earn the right to sit in his seat and run the team." Pat has two daughters by former wife Sally Parker (widow of ex-NFL offensive lineman Don Parker). Beth Bowlen Wallace is the Broncos' director of special projects and events, and her sister Amie Bowlen Klemmer lives in Hawaii and is married to a prominent doctor. Pat and Annabel Bowlen have sons Patrick Bowlen III and John Bowlen Jr. (named for his grandfather). Patrick is the Broncos' director of facilities. "Johnny" was recruited to the University of as a defensive back but gave up football because of an injury. He received an MBA in sports and entertainment from the University of Denver and is in executive training with the Broncos. Brittany Bowlen, a recent graduate of Notre Dame, works in the "junior rotation" at the NFL offices in New York. Daughter Annabel Bowlen is in college, and the youngest, Christianna Bowlen, attends a suburban Denver high school. Ownership of professional sports franchises has taken on a realm reflecting British monarchies, American corporations and political dynasties (Houses of Windsor, Ford, Kennedy, Bush). A theory of relativity. The have been overseen by the Rooney family (Art, Dan, Art II) since the franchise originated in 1933. Virginia Halas McCaskey, 91, has been the principal owner of the since her father, George, died in 1983. More than half the NFL franchises were inherited by sons, daughters and/or wives, and 17 teams in baseball, hockey and basketball have stayed in the families. The AFC West already has three sons who took over from their fathers. In 1993, replaced father Alex with the San Diego Chargers. Five years later, the elder Spanos disclosed that he was suffering from dementia. When Al Davis, who was the Oakland Raiders, died in 2011, son Mark, who hadn't been involved with the team, became managing general partner. Upon the death of , the ' founder, , one of four children by two marriages, was chosen as the new chairman. In 2009, after Pat Bowlen first told me he had "short-term memory loss," I asked about his kids, and he said: "They're all doing great. But none of them has ever expressed any interest in running the team. I hope they will." Yes, they will ... in, it must be hoped, the Pat Bowlen way to be No. 1.

Kiszla: Pat Bowlen's example with Broncos there for Rockies' Dick Monfort

By Mark Kiszla The Denver Post July 27, 2014

The Broncos give their blood, sweat and tears 365 days a year to win the .

The Rockies are a cool party deck with a lousy baseball team attached.

The local NFL franchise strives to do Denver proud.

The local major-league baseball franchise is a joke.

When Alzheimer's disease forced Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to step down last week, the city wept tears of compassion.

When Rockies owner Dick Monfort tells customers tired of bad baseball to stay away from the ballpark, Colorado fans feel taken for granted.

After only five losing seasons in 30 years of Bowlen's reign, the Broncos know exactly what they must do to honor the legacy of an owner who directed the franchise to six Super Bowl appearances.

"You can't fill Mr. Bowlen's chair, but you must do what he did very well. You have to hold people accountable for the team's success, on behalf on his family, on behalf on the organization and on behalf of everybody in this community who loves this team and shares in emotional or financial equity of the Broncos. If you lose sight of that, you're done," team president Joe Ellis told me.

"I think there's been the impression over the years that this is a Broncos town, and all this team has to do is open the ticket window for the stadium to get sold out. But (Bowlen) and I would have regular conversations with one thing in mind: We'd better never get complacent. This world changes fast. And anybody who starts believing that all we have to do is open the gates will be quickly left behind. You never take success for granted. You strive to improve all the time. We went to the Super Bowl last year. But we didn't win it. So there's room for improvement."

Here's a little free advice for Monfort: Steal a page from the Broncos' playbook. There's no shame in taking a peek on how Bowlen conducted business. Altitude is not the No. 1 hindrance to building a winning baseball franchise in Colorado. The real problem is the management culture of the Rockies. It settles for mediocrity. It makes excuses. It stinks.

Monfort is reluctant to fire anybody. He regards that attitude as compassionate. But it's also a cop-out. A winning organization demands accountability and places respect for fans' hard-earned dollars ahead of friendships within team headquarters.

Twenty years ago, was fired after two short seasons as coach of the Broncos. When the Broncos announced Bowlen's resignation Wednesday, this is what Phillips wrote on Twitter: "Pat Bowlen has great compassion for people. He hugged me and cried when he let me go in Denver. I have a hug and a tear for him right now."

The way the Rockies do business is disrespectful of paying customers.

Monfort honestly believes he's operating his baseball business with compassion for his front-office executives.

Many of us see a far different truth: Rather than dealing with the problem, Monfort is avoiding it.

Klis: Broncos will get their chances to shut the Seahawks' big mouths

By Mike Klis The Denver Post July 27, 2014

Can't anybody tell those mouthy Seahawks in Seattle to shut up?

What an annoying bunch of Richard Shermans. Pete Carroll, the head coach, was the first to pop off.

"We really felt like we could knock the crud out of these guys," Carroll said shortly after 43-8.

Sure enough, the rest of the Seahawks took on the personality of their coach. Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright said his team would beat the Broncos "90 out of 100. They might've got lucky those other 10 times."

Come on, Seahawks. Act like you've won it before. Oh, wait. They hadn't.

"That's where they get their edge from," Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said. "They have a quarterback (Russell Wilson) who came in underrated. People don't talk about their offensive line. Sherman was a fifth-round pick. Then they have receivers with chips on their shoulders.

"That's how they make themselves feel better, or build their image. But they have the right talk."

That's pretty much the standard line every Broncos player and coach has been using. Champs can chirp all they want.

Chest-thumping became cheap shot, though, when another windbagged Seattle linebacker, Bobby Wagner, took the bait from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, a loquacious man himself.

"They looked scared out there," Wagner said. "Nobody wanted to catch the ball. Nobody wanted to come up the middle. ... They were very timid."

Scared and timid? If the Broncos are to get revenge this season, if the Broncos are to toughen up and win that final game, those have to be fighting words.

It's correct to say Seattle destroyed the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Beat them up. Bullied them. But scared to come up the middle? set a Super Bowl record with 13 catches — averaging 9 tough yards per reception.

Granted, the record meant nothing. Many of those catches were in garbage time. But it does mean Wagner's claim is a lie.

Wes Welker caught eight passes. He receives between the hash marks.

"It wasn't a case of intimidation," said Broncos tight end Julius Thomas, who caught four Super Bowl passes. "That's certain. When you win and you're the Super Bowl champion, you've earned the right to say whatever you want. That's something that can't be taken away from them.

"But this is a new year. We're not focused on what happened last year. We're focused on building toward what we want to do this year. They're on our schedule. We'll play them. We'll get to see if they feel that same intimidation that they felt last year."

The Broncos and Seahawks meet again in their preseason opener, Aug. 7 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The starters won't play long. Just long enough to get some pushing and shoving in.

The teams meet again for keeps in Week 3 of the regular season. That game will be played in Seattle. Home of the gloats. The visiting team's locker room figures to have a filled bulletin board.

"Me, personally, I'm tired of hearing about it: Seahawks, Seahawks, Seahawks," Knighton said. "We accomplished some things last year. Not everything we wanted, but we took a step forward from the year before. We're going to reload, and when the time comes, we'll be ready to play them. And it's a good thing we play them twice."

Broncos' Chris Clark wants to be the best at new spot: right tackle

By Mike Klis The Denver Post July 27, 2014 After testing his patience, life is going Chris Clark's way. His NFL career began with two years on the ' practice squad and three years on the Broncos' bench. Clark finally got a chance to start last season for the injured at left offensive tackle. Opportunity came as Clark's wife, Stacy, was delivering their first child, Chris Jr. Nearly one year later, Clady is back, Clark is now the Broncos' first-string right tackle, Chris Jr. is 1 year old and Stacy is pregnant with their second child. "All at once," Clark said Saturday. "Taking it all in. New position, new start. I felt like I haven't done anything. Last year is out the window. That doesn't mean anything to me. I'm feeling new. Another baby on the way. I've been blessed." Counting the postseason, Clark started 17 games at left tackle, his natural position, last season. The difference between left tackle and right tackle? "It's about switching the hips," Clark said. "I was a little nervous at first because I've played left all my life. But after playing right every day (in the offseason) and getting accustomed to it, I'm starting to get it done. I want to master it. I want to be the best." Clark alternated with veteran Winston Justice through the offseason, but it has been all Clark so far in camp. Osweiler update. Backup quarterback , understandably eager to play as he moves into his third season, may have pressed some during the offseason. He has appeared more in control during the early days of camp. "He was really aggressive and probably turned the ball over a bit too much in the spring, and he knew that," Broncos offensive coordinator said. "We sat down, and Coach (Greg) Knapp did a good of 'Hey, it's training camp now. We have to start playing like it's a game.' "He has done a good job out here so far protecting the ball, not turning it over, getting through his progressions, making sure he is getting completions and moving the sticks." Injury update. Defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (hip) and linebacker (knee) remained limited. Cornerback Chris Harris will fly Sunday to Florida for his meeting Monday morning with knee surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Even if the knee checks out, Harris may not get cleared for practice until Aug. 6, which would be the six-month mark from his Feb. 6 operation. Backup safety John Boyett, the energy of the Broncos' practice Friday, developed back tightness Saturday, as did defensive lineman . Perhaps, the most significant injury was a knee strain suffered by undrafted rookie defensive end Greg Latta. Chauncey, Slowik visit. Colorado basketball legend Chauncey Billups and former Broncos defensive coordinator Bob Slowik attended the training camp practice Saturday. Billups, who has 15,802 points and 5,636 assists in his 17-season NBA career, grew up a Broncos fan like just about everybody else in Park Hill. "Just came out to watch my guys," he said. "I'm excited. I think they'll go all the way." Slowik followed coach Mike Shanahan to the Washington Redskins for the previous four years. Slowik was impressed by how physical Denver's defense practiced and pointed out the play of new strong safety T.J. Ward and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.

Dove Valley Days: Defense ahead of the offense

By Mike Klis The Denver Post July 26, 2014 Highlight: The defense. It dominated the offense Saturday in the Broncos' first contact practice since Super Bowl week. The Broncos' recording-setting offense of 2013 is well aware it will be going up against a much better defense day-in and day-out in 2014. "It's a challenge," said Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. "We knew going into the spring that it was going to be tough. Now that we've got the pads on, and the addition of DeMarcus Ware and T.J. (Ward), it's made a big difference there." In fairness to the offense, Day 1 was primarily a running game practice. Perhaps, saved his passing attack for the practice Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High where fans are invited free of charge. The stadium practice begins at 11:30 a.m. Lowlight: The offense. During one team drill, Montee Ball pulled away from a Peyton Manning handoff on a sweep right and bobbled the ball before gathering it for a loss. On the next running ball, a pitch from Manning to wound up on the ground. During one completion from Manning to , the receiver was tackled to the ground by Ward. Sanders got up and had words with Ward. The second-string offense had more success running the ball as Hillman, C.J. Anderson and each had their share of explosive runs. Position battle: Hillman is getting a look at kickoff returns. Undrafted rookie Isaiah Burse has a legitimate chance to make the team as both the punt and kickoff returner, a role filled the previous two seasons by Trindon Holliday, who is now with the . If Burse doesn't make the cut, the Broncos may use slot receiver as their primary punt returner. Burse did have one nice return Saturday, but he hasn't always been clean catching punts. "I was a little rusty, a little shaky," he said. "It will only get better." Burse has a chance to add more production as a receiver. He received a $12,500 signing bonus, the most among the Broncos' undrafted rookies.

Camp facts: The Broncos will practice Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. It's the first chance fans can see the Broncos practice this year. Admission and parking are free. This is not a scrimmage. That will be held at the stadium on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Broncos Wes Welker uses age as a motivational tool

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post July 27, 2014

Early Monday morning, in the sunshine-lit Half Hour Power studio, Wes Welker walked through the door, grabbed a purple training band and went to work. Trainer Howard Waldstreicher stood nearby, providing instructions.

"He calls this a warm-up," Welker said, raising his eyebrow, and perspiring from the intensity of the core exercises for his back. "Yeah, a warm-up."

Welker trains relentlessly, this just another long day in an NFL career that critics believe may be running short on remaining time. At age 33, he entered Broncos training camp embracing the scrutiny, delivering a rebuttal with each explosive lateral step and rotational paddle row during his 30-minute, 46-second routine.

"I love it when they say I can't do it, that I am too old," Welker said. "It's something that motivates me, another challenge. From not getting any college offers except from Texas Tech, from going undrafted, from being traded, and from being in Denver now. It's been one thing after another to overcome. Now it's being old. Yeah, I love it."

Finding purpose is easy for the Broncos. Players will participate Sunday in the team's first public practice at Sports Authority Field at Mile High with a singular focus: Super Bowl victory or bust. Welker recognizes the importance not only of setting an example for younger teammates but of carrying out the team's message. This can't be accomplished through poor eating and marginal effort. Looking for an edge, Welker switched to a gluten-free diet three months ago.

"You can't throw away a day at the gym with a greasy burger," Welker said of his commitment to more healthy eating.

During the first two practices of training camp at Dove Valley, Welker beat defensive backs with clinical efficiency.

"You have to be about it, not talk about it," Welker said.

After a disappointing end to last season, one interrupted by two concussions, Welker sought improvement. The NFL, he explained between quick-burst drills, demands players evolve or else. At his wife Anna's urging — she's a former model — Welker wandered into Waldstreicher's Cherry Creek gym six months ago, the sting of the 43-8 loss to the Seahawks still fresh. The workouts, always done from a standing position, focus on lateral quickness, strength and core muscles, shaping the glut to the hamstring to the back.

"If Wes could bench-press 500 pounds, how would that help him on the field?" said Waldstreicher, who has professional tennis players among his clients. "We are doing exercises that will improve his performance, make him fast and injury free."

The idea of weightless training appealed to Welker for years. He adopted routines at home, but "this workout is what I always wanted," he said, "and I had never seen it offered."

Welker recognizes that bulking up will not help him hit the snooze button on Father Time's clock. In college, he played at 200 pounds and 14 percent body fat, admitting it sabotaged his 40-yard dash and contributed to him going undrafted. He's faster now than when he left Texas Tech — "He's lightning in a bottle," said receiver Emmanuel Sanders — and is 5-foot-9 and weighs 185 pounds, with 4 percent body fat.

"I don't think it's bad to lift weights. I just don't see the need to lift heavy weights," Welker said. "I have learned that over the years because every time I did, I'd get hurt. I've had ACL, rotator cuff, wrist and ankle injuries."

Beyond football IQ, Welker's ability to excel hinges on his first step off the line of scrimmage. He makes his money on underneath routes. Those demand precise execution, where one foot can make the difference in a critical third-down catch or an . He pushed through lateral drills last Monday, knowing it could cause a cornerback to shade slightly in one direction in his stance, creating a window of separation for Welker.

"That first step is everything. When I have that, my confidence is high. I know that guy across from me is in trouble," Welker said. "Once he has to cheat to the inside or outside, then it's like, 'All day, it's on. Let's go.' "

Part of the 30-minute workout's appeal was the connection to the Broncos' offense. The Broncos play at full throttle. Stamina becomes a factor. Welker goes faster, longer in his workouts than required in passing routes to make game speed comfortable.

"Can you get off the ball and get open when you are tired? Can you be strong? If not, you will get mauled," Welker said. "You want to be sharp when you see that guy across from you with his hands on his knees. I might be hurting, but I want to be ready. If I am able to get that one jab step when he can't, it makes all the difference in the world. He's done."

Watching Welker wring out calories like a kid half his age, it's hard to imagine his career is near the finish line. His jersey will likely have to be ripped off him.

You'd have to catch him first.

"I love playing," Welker said. "For me, it's all about my health. If I feel good, I will keep on playing. There are times where I sit there and think, 'I can do this five or six more years.' Then there's days where I think, 'This is it!' I feel really good. Some years, you have to search for motivation. Not now. I've got people saying I can't do it anymore. It's great. It drives me."

Working out with Wes

At age 33, Wes Welker is old by wide receiver standards. According to footballoutsiders.com, the average snap-weighted age of NFL offensive players in 2013 — those who played snaps — was 27. Welker is attempting to outrun Father Time through his training. His evolution, as described by NFL reporter Troy E. Renck:

In 2003, final college season:

• Welker weighed 200 pounds and had 14 percent body fat.

• Lifted heavy weights, bulked up and lost speed.

• Went undrafted.

In 2014 with the Broncos:

• Welker weighs 185 pounds and has 4 percent body fat.

• Does weightless training.

• Adopted a gluten-free diet.

• Runs faster than he did as a rookie. Renck: Broncos' Montee Ball works hard to improve his blocking

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post July 27, 2014

The rules remain simple, if not ironic: Want to run the ball for the Broncos? You had better be able to pass block.

"Coach E () makes it clear our job is to keep them off Peyton," Montee Ball said.

Manning threw the ball 659 times last season. The Broncos' aerial gumbo of audibles and short routes assaults the senses. It also humbles even the best athletes. Ball's breakthrough last summer ended abruptly. He landed on the bench when he couldn't keep Manning upright.

The Broncos believe in Ball, inserting him as the starter after Knowshon Moreno's defection to the Dolphins. Ball possesses NFL-workhorse qualities, including a sturdy frame and a college résumé that included 924 carries and 77 rushing TDs at Wisconsin.

He can run, but can he hold his own in the octagon behind the line of scrimmage? Perhaps nothing is more important over the next six weeks than his ability to take on a fire-breathing blitzer.

That point was driven home Saturday. As part of the Broncos' first padded practice, the team held one-on-one drills. A daunting exercise involved running backs squaring off against safeties and linebackers, who were permitted a 4-yard running start. No chipping blocker, no tackle to change their paths. Full throttle into the running back. C.J. Anderson stood up T.J. Ward, drawing praise. Kapri Bibbs won against David Bruton.

Ball chose his opponents: and . It didn't insulate him from failure. By design.

"I wanted to make it is tough as possible," he said.

Trevathan worked him over. Irving overpowered him. The drill tilted toward defenders, but was a reminder of the reps needed. "I don't think I was good. I didn't do well today, but I am challenging myself," Ball said. "It's going to make me better. After practice, I am going to watch the film to see what I need to do to improve."

Ball weighs 215 pounds, and he added bulk in his upper body since last season. The weight won't hurt if he becomes a 241-carry back, like Moreno last season, and should will help him as a layer of Manning's security team.

"You have to get your hands into them and have good balance," Ball said. "We all know how important it is. If you don't do it right, Peyton will let you hear it. That's what we expect."

Ball takes nothing for granted, regardless of the depth chart. He carried off his equipment Saturday, no rookies around as caddies. He had film to watch. And lessons to learn.

"I am looking forward to the next time we do it," Ball said. "That's the great thing about practice."

Broncos' running game creates physical first padded practice

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post July 26, 2014

It was a little after 9:30 a.m., a few minutes before local hoops legend Chauncey Billups arrived, and before the sun began mercilessly bearing down on the manicured grass at Dove Valley. The Broncos' first-team offense lined up opposite the starting defense for the first time in pads. Players lined the sidelines, eager for prime viewing spots. And the initial play after the historic single-season passing assault was, of course, a handoff to running back Montee Ball.

"I want the guys to be physical early on, and see who imposes their will," coach John Fox said.

Typical, even for the Broncos, the offense was behind the defense, especially against an overhauled unit that has "left smaller running lanes," Ball said.

"We all know what kind of quarterback we have," Ball continued. "The ball is going to be in the air, so it was nice to see what we can do with it."

Nobody worries about the Broncos making plays with Peyton Manning under center. The defense stole the spotlight, even if it's an opinion shared privately, was welcomed. The Broncos' defense allowed 110 more points in 2012 than 2013, the league's fourth-worst regression.

"It felt good out there. This is what linebackers live for, to hit somebody," said linebacker Danny Trevathan. "At the same time we have to be smart."

The Broncos' work will be repeated Sunday before a much bigger audience. The first of three, free open practices will be held at Sports Authority Field from noon to 2 p.m. as a concession to fans being unable to watch the team at Dove Valley because of the $35-million renovation project.

"We can't wait to get out there in front of them. Anytime you are in the stadium, it feels like a game," defensive tackle Sylvester Williams said. "And the fans give you energy."

With a large crowd anticipated, the Broncos are encouraging fans to arrive early. Nearly 45,000 attended last season's open practice at the stadium. Entry is permitted through gates 4, 8, 9 and 10. Other notable moments on Saturday:

• There were minor injuries: Defensive end Derek Wolfe (tightness in back), safety John Boyett (back tightness) and defensive end Greg Latta (strained knee) missed time. A few players dealt with cramping in their calves, including Trevathan.

• Receiver Emmanuel Sanders scored on a route down the middle, beating rookie , and punctuated it with a dunk over the goal post.

• Defensive back Louis Young continued his strong early showing with multiple good plays in pass defense.

• Ronnie Hillman, who held the blue football as a reminder of ball security, made nice run up the middle, bursting outside with good separation. However, he also fumbled once.

• Cornerback Jordan Sullen, who has played well early on, incurred the wrath of coaches by losing his lane on return coverage.

• Billups, a big Broncos fan, watched nearly two hours of practice from the sideline.

• Coordinator Adam Gase on backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, who is working on his consistency: "During the spring he was trying a few different things. He was really aggressive and probably turned the ball over a little bit too much. He knew that. We sat down and coach (Greg) Knapp did a of a good job of saying, 'Hey, it's training camp now, we have to start playing like it's a game.' He's done a good job so far out here protecting the ball, getting through his progressions."

Miller reshapes physique and image in 2014

By Arnie Stapleton The Denver Post July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Von Miller wants to forget about last season, not just the way it began with a drug suspension and ended with a torn ACL but also how he experimented with packing on too much muscle.

He's dropped at least 25 pounds, saying, "a Ferrari isn't built to carry luggage to and from the airport."

"You just want to be light, streamlined and that's just what I'm trying to get to," said Miller, who's back in the 240s like he was when he collected 30 sacks in his first two NFL seasons before slipping to five in nine games last year.

"I figured out when I was 280 pounds, 275 pounds, (offensive linemen) are still going to hold you," Miller said. "So, I might as well be at a weight where I'm comfortable."

Miller spent his offseason rehabbing both his surgically repaired right knee and his reputation.

He calls his new physique and image byproducts of his desire to put last season in the rearview and regain his status as one of the league's best players.

"I think it just made me a better person," Miller said of his rough 2013 season. "Adversity reveals character and I think all the stuff that happened, I handled it well and I'm in a blessed situation to be where I'm at today."

Miller handed out eyeglasses to underprivileged kids through his Von's Vision foundation this offseason and spent endless hours at the team's Dove Valley complex, where those pounds he packed on a year ago melted away.

Although the added muscle in his upper body benefited his bull rush, it also appeared to bog him down, stealing that athletic dip that made him so special coming out of Texas A&M as the second overall draft pick in 2011.

That extra weight might even have played a role when his right knee buckled in a game at Houston in December, relegating him to the sideline at the Super Bowl. Miller said the weight loss will help him play as he did in 2012, when he set a franchise record with 18½ sacks.

"I feel good where I'm at," he said.

And even better about who's with him: former Cowboys star pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware, whom Miller patterned his game after while growing up in .

"Those two guys if they're healthy, there's two beasts coming off the edge that are tough to deal with," general manager John Elway said.

One thing that made Ware so attractive to the Broncos was the notion he could be the kind of positive influence on Miller that Elvis Dumervil was before bolting to Baltimore last year.

"He's definitely a mentor and I definitely appreciate having him," Miller said.

Miller won't be lining up with Ware in team drills for a few weeks because he's limited right now to individual workouts and 7-on-7s.

Still, Miller consistently beats the rest of the linebackers in post-practice conditioning runs.

Working hard and staying out of the news this offseason has endeared him to his coaches.

"I don't have any question that Von will be ready to roll and be at his best this year," defensive coordinator said. "I think he's worked extremely hard with (strength and conditioning coach) Luke Richesson and the staff and 'Greek,' (head trainer Steve Antonopulos) and the trainers. He's been a real good teammate, working hard with the guys. I have no doubt he's going to have a special year."

Neither does Miller, who said, "I want to be the best and that's my mission."

Miller, who turned 25 this spring, suggested fans needn't worry about him slipping up, either.

"I'm definitely different, more mature," he said. "I'm one of the oldest guys in the linebacker room now. I was talking to Wesley (Woodyard, now with the ) the other day, and I was like 'Bro, I'm one of the oldest guys in here right now,' and we started laughing. That's just part of it. You've got to grow up."

NOTES: On the first day of padded practices, SS T.J. Ward had two big hits, on RB Ronnie Hillman and WR Emmanuel Sanders. ... DE Derek Wolfe and S John Boyett both left practice with lower back tightness and DE Greg Latta hurt a knee. Broncos don't want penalties to be red flag

By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The have made no secret they want to be more physical on defense in the coming season.

They want to do a better job slowing down opposing receivers, they want to disrupt the timing of opposing offenses and they want to get opposing pass-catchers out of their routes. And yet they’ll have to do all that with the NFL’s officials looking, under the “points of emphasis’’ edict from the league, to tighten things up even more on defenses when it comes to illegal contact on receivers and defensive holding. “It’s hard on defense these days, man,’’ cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. “They want scoring, they want , you just have to see how they’re going to call things and go from there.’’

It is certainly a potential issue for the Broncos because when you combine defensive holding and illegal contact penalties the Broncos were tied for the league lead last season – with the Kansas City Chiefs – for those two fouls combined. Harris, who plays both on the outside and in the slot in the Broncos defense had four of the team’s 13 defensive holding penalties while Duke Ihenacho had three and Tony Carter had two.

In all it does mean a Broncos defense that is looking to be more rugged will have to find the line about how far it can go.

“My biggest thing is to really understand how they’re trying to emphasize and call it and make sure we’re teaching our guys, so we can play within the rules,’’ Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “I don’t waste a whole lot of energy worrying about whether I like it or don’t like it. To me, it’s about helping our guys understand what they have to do to play well and spending your energy on that and teach and instruct. Hopefully, they get an understanding of how we can play within the rules and make sure we’re prepared to do that.’’

As part of the effort to show players and coaches what the officials will be looking at on that front, officials will visit each team in the preseason. Several of the league’s officials will be at the Broncos complex next week to break it all down during video sessions as well as on-field during several practices. But the Broncos didn’t sign the likes of cornerback and safety T.J. Ward in the secondary because they’re interested in playing back on their heels. Denver is looking to make life far more difficult for opposing receivers, who were too often allowed to get free releases off the line of scrimmage and run free beyond the coverage.

Some of the issues were traced directly to injuries – five defensive starters were on injured reserve by season's end, including Harris Jr. and safety Rahim Moore in the secondary alone. But many personnel executives around the league simply believed the injuries showed the Broncos didn’t have championship level depth and lacked team speed at the defensive skill positions once the second- and third-teamers were forced into the lineup.

Overall the team was 27th in pass defense in the regular season, surrendered an alarming 61 pass plays of at least 20 yards – an enormous jump from 38 such plays surrendered in the 2012 season – and data from ESPN’s Stats & Information group shows the Broncos allowed 58 completions on passes that traveled at least 15 yards in the air before being caught, tied for fourth most in the league.

The Broncos believe a healthy Von Miller to go with free-agent signee DeMarcus Ware in the pass rush will help significantly, given the best pass defense is often played by those defenses that are the most proficient at preventing the quarterback from throwing the ball.

Del Rio, however, said he believes the Broncos' defensive coaches have a good idea on what the boundaries are going to look like in pass coverage in the coming season. Asked Saturday if he felt like he had a good understanding of what would constitute illegal contact or defensive holding, Del Rio said, “I do, based on what I heard when they came through [earlier in the offseason]. [The officials will] be in next week, and we’ll get a better feel for it as they work with us in practice. It’s always beneficial for us.’’

Del Rio added: “You know there are things that are going to be emphasized. Depending on how that goes—if the emphasis results in a five hour game, then they probably would de-emphasize it. Again, I don’t think I need to worry about that kind of thing. It typically takes care of itself. We just make sure, as coaches, that we instruct the best we can so guys are well-prepared.’’

But it’s an issue that’s going to come up, and come up quickly, with quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, Carson Palmer, Colin Kaepernick, and Tom Brady all on the Broncos’ schedule in the season’s first eight games.

Broncos Camp Report: Day 3

By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – A daily review of the hot topics coming out of Denver Broncos training camp:

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who is slated to return to practice Monday after spending the first four days of training camp in Georgia after the death of his grandmother, will be eased into drills upon his return. Or as offensive coordinator Adam Gase put it; “He has got a great grasp of our offense. There is no concern with me. Once he gets back, he will just jump right in. We will probably be smart with him, make sure that we don’t do anything crazy. He is not going to come out here and just run all go routes -- none of that on the first day. We will work him back in, we will be smart, make sure he gets caught up to speed with his conditioning, but then he will slide right in.’’

Another day, another reason the Broncos signed Aqib Talib. The Broncos practiced in full gear for the first time in this camp Saturday morning. As a result, they did plenty of work in the run game, including some one-on-one drills when the team’s wide receivers were asked to block the cornerbacks as if it were a running play. Talib was easily the toughest cornerback to block in the group as he repeatedly tossed aside the receiver who had tried to block him. The Broncos believe safety T.J. Ward and Talib will significantly improve the Broncos’ ability to pressure the line of scrimmage in run defense behind the team’s front seven.

In the usual ebb and flow of training camp, the defense tipped the scales its way much of the time Saturday. That figures to change a bit as the offense continues to dial in over the coming days and weeks. But as the offense went through some of its offerings in the run game, but Broncos' defensive front was stout and aggressive, particularly in the middle of the field. Ward also was easy to find, arriving first on many run plays outside the tackles. “I like what I’ve seen in the meetings. I like the way he conducts himself,’’ defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. “He’s going to bring some toughness to our defense, and we’ve got some tough guys on our defense so he’ll fit right in with that. A welcomed addition.’’

During Elvis Dumervil’s time with the Broncos, he routinely credited his work against Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady on a day-to-day basis as a big reason Dumervil became a player. And while those battles were always of high quality, Saturday gave a quality glimpse into one that could be even better as Clady and DeMarcus Ware went at it both in one-on-ones and when the Broncos' starting offense went against the starting defense. Ware, who said he has dropped some weight this season, was consistently quick off the ball and repeatedly tested Clady’s ability to get into his pass sets. The work will certainly benefit both players.

Chris Clark, who is getting the first look at right tackle with the starters, had some tough moments in the one-on-ones as well as on some two-on-twos, when the Broncos offensive linemen were working on their footwork against a variety of stunts. Guard Louis Vasquez spent some time off to the side with Clark, going over hand placement to maximize the first contact on the opposing rusher.

Odds and ends: Ward forced a on wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in the morning practice … Ben Garland, who has spent two years on the Broncos’ practice squad as both an offensive and defensive lineman after completing his service commitment in the U.S. Air Force, has been at the left guard spot with the second- team offense. … Paul Cornick, who was on the Broncos’ practice squad last year, has worked as the No. 2 right tackle, behind Clark in the early going … Quote of the day fromlinebacker Danny Trevathan on Ward and Ware: “Those guys are savages.’’ ... The Broncos moved their second practice of the day indoors because of lightning in the area. They held a walk-through on an undersized field adjacent to the team's weight room.

Klee: Which Aqib Talib did the Broncos get?

By Paul Klee The Colorado Springs Gazette July 26, 2014

DENVER - Carrying his helmet and a quizzical look, Aqib Talib sauntered over to fellow cornerback Bradley Roby with a question.

Hold on. The All-World cornerback interrogating the NFL rookie? Please explain.

"I was trying to learn myself, seeing what they was in and what he was looking at," Talib said after his second practice as a member of the Broncos. "So I don't make the same mistake."

Good start, Mr. Talib. , good. Mistakes, bad. He's had enough already.

On Sunday, Broncos Country gets a first-hand look at the cover corner who can lock up the best receivers in the NFL while somehow managing to avoid being locked up himself. The Broncos host an 11:30 a.m. open practice at Sports Authority Field.

It is quite a precarious tightrope act that Talib has performed in the NFL. Let's all hope this is one of the few times we have to read about it.

But it's worth knowing, just in case the volcano erupts again.

See, in a perfectly orange-and-blue world, you won't hear much about Talib in his first season with the Broncos. The less you read about the All-Pro defender, the better. On the field, you rarely want to hear about the cornerback, because if you do, that usually means he got beat. That doesn't happen often with Talib, who blankets NFL wide receivers like a 6-foot-1, 205-pound straightjacket. He ranks as one of the top-three cover guys in the league. That's what Broncos safety T.J. Ward told me, and Boss Ward isn't in the business of mincing words.

Off the field, you rarely want to hear about Talib, either. Put it this way: if you had a rap sheet that resembled his, you wouldn't have a job that pays $12 million annually.

NFL suspensions. Fights with teammates. Burglary charge. Assault charge. That whole allegation of shooting-a-gun-at-another-human thing in 2011. As much as Talib and the Broncos would prefer to ignore his past, there's no getting around it. These are things that happened.

"You know how you guys do it. You make things bigger than they really are," Talib said at his Broncos introduction, referring to the media. "I just think it was blown out of proportion. It's in the past, man. I'm older now and I do different things with my life."

Perhaps that's true, fingers crossed. Consider me among the few who's not sold.

There seem to be two Aqib Talibs. One is the gregarious, fun-loving teammate who, on Friday, could be seen mentoring the likes of Roby, and Tony Carter on the sideline at Dove Valley. On the practice field, he's always talking, teaching, trying his best to make teammates better. And his teams are better for it.

The other Talib is decidedly less endearing. We went over that already.

But man, can he ball. And in the convoluted world of professional sports, if you can ball, all the digressions, as slight or scary as they might be, fall to the wayside.

Talent trumps trouble almost every time. If there are five cornerbacks in the NFL who are superior to Talib, the passing games assuming control of the league are in trouble.

If you were to clone the ideal corner, Talib might be the blueprint. With a neon- orange undershirt and a towel flapping from his waistband, the Texas native stands out on the practice field. To borrow an ESPN scouting term, his physical abilities are freaky.

"Not only that, but he plays confident," wideout Emmanuel Sanders told me.

John Elway said Talib was the best cornerback to line up against the Broncos during the 2013 season.

"I'm not going to face too many corners with his size, his mindset, his physicality," Sanders said.

In the age of Richard Sherman, cornerbacks have replaced receivers as the selfie kings of football. So I asked him: Where do you rank in the hierarchy of corners?

"That's an offseason topic. Right now we're just trying to get ready for the season," Talib said. "All that talk about best corner, we're just trying to be the best team."

And what defines a great season for Talib?

"Super Bowl, man," he said. "Gotta win it." Pat Bowlen: Respected, Revered, Unequalled and a Cool Cat.

By Jennifer Eakins SouthStandsDenver.com July 26, 2014

Last week, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stepped down from day-to-day operations of the team due to his somewhat private battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

As he steps away from the game and a franchise that he was directly involved with day in and day out for over 30 years, we at South Stands thought it would be only right to honor him by reflecting on two of his greatest attributes: his coolness and his ability to win.

When Bowlen and his family purchased the Broncos in 1984, he was 40 years old and poised to take the NFL by storm. He was shy and somewhat of an introvert therefore perceived by some to be arrogant, brash and somewhat aloof. Of course, it didn’t help that he rocked a fur coat on the sidelines to protect himself from those harsh Colorado elements. What people didn’t realize is that they were looking at who would become one of the most respected, humble and winningest owners in NFL history.

The Broncos won three AFC Championships with Bowlen’s first head coach Dan Reeves, (1986’, 87’ and 89’), another two with Mike Shanahan in 97’and 98’, and the last in 2013 with coach John Fox. Two of those resulted in Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. In his tenure as owner of the Broncos, Bowlen’s teams have won 300 games, the most ever by an NFL owner.

Perhaps the most amazing of all the stats and geeky facts surrounding Bowlen’s time as owner of the Broncos is that they have only had five losing seasons in 30 years.

Five losing seasons.

With the nature of the NFL and the any given Sunday theory, that’s nearly impossible. Think about all the losing seasons teams like Tampa Bay, Detroit and Cleveland have endured in that time frame.

We could go on and on with the seemingly endless facts about all the positives that have occurred on Bowlen’s watch , like home games have been sold out for what seems like eternity and Denver has the most nationally televised games while Bowlen has been owner; however we’d like to focus on Pat Bowlen, the man. Hearing the barrage of former Broncos telling their assorted tales and memories of Bowlen on sports radio last week, one thing was constant: his dedication to the athletes, their families and the amazing culture he created. He knew everybody’s name and made it a point to get involved in every aspect of the organization, without micromanaging his staff in the process. He let them do their jobs and trusted in the people he hired.

Bowlen worked out with the players, hung out in the training room and got to know each and every person involved with the team. In an era when most owners are perched high up in a luxury box, Bowlen was always a man of the people, and was great at it.

Some of the key decisions in his career were undoubtedly difficult ones, but were made for the greater good of the franchise. Letting go of Mike Shanahan in 2008, after failing to reach the playoffs for three straight seasons was a bold move and one that some owners would never have done. Firing a coach who allowed you to hoist up that Lombardi trophy two times was probably very difficult yet it was necessary to ensure the Broncos moved in the right direction. After his replacement coach Josh McDaniels turned out to be a horrific mistake, Bowlen admitted the error, righted his wrong, and replaced McDaniels with now head coach John Fox.

While everyone is singing the praises of Pat Bowlen and all the positive things he has done for Denver sports, it’s tough to ignore the glaringly opposite effect the Monfort brothers have had on the Mile High City in their tenure as owners of the Colorado Rockies. It seems that the priorities of these two ownerships are completely reversed. While Bowlen’s focus has always been on winning, the Monforts are more concerned about the depth of their pockets than whether the Rockies are involved in a pennant race.

Let’s hope that somehow this somber time of one of the greatest owners in sports history stepping down due to failing health, can perhaps motivate the Monforts to want to create a winning culture with the Rockies. Maybe, just maybe, Dick and Charlie are watching and reading all of Bowlen’s accolades and something just clicks. They decide, “Hey, perhaps we should try this winning thing, and spending money in order to improve our roster.”

Sadly, we all know that probably won’t be happening, however a gal can dream, right?

Until then, we all have the memories that Pat Bowlen’s Broncos have provided us for 30 years and the knowledge that the team has been left in good hands moving forward. We wish the Bowlen family all of our support when going through this difficult time and thanks for all that he and his family have done for the Mile High City. Broncos Ready to Perform For Fans

By David DeChant DenverBroncos.com July 27, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- For all the fans who are just dying to see the 2014 edition of their team on the practice field, the wait is almost over.

Even better, the players are just as amped to strut their stuff in front of the team's most fervent supporters.

After strapping on the pads for the first time Saturday morning, the team is taking their gear to Sports Authority Field at Mile High today for the first of three stadium practices that are free and open to the public. Practices at Dove Valley have been eerily quiet without the fans' presence on the west berm, which should make Sunday's atmosphere even more electric.

"It’s going to be my first time actually playing in there so it’s going to be exciting getting in front of fans and just playing in the stadium," T.J. Ward said Saturday.

Ward is just one of several big-name acquisitions the team brought in this season who the fans haven't had the chance to cheer for yet. That will change Sunday, in front of what should be an enormous crowd.

"They’re really excited about seeing us and this will be our first real initial introduction to the fans at the stadium," DeMarcus Ware said. "And why not have it at the stadium?”

Returning players are looking forward to training in front of the crowd as well, and will be sure to make up for lost time afterward.

"We love to give back to the community because they do so much for us," Montee Ball said. "They provide us with so much support, which we love. We love to play in front of them and sign some autographs for sure.”

Not that the team needs any more energy than it displayed on Saturday, but the crowd's presence might just provide some extra juice.

"We have such great fans," Head Coach John Fox said. "That obviously sparks (the players), especially since the fans aren’t able to come out here. I think they are definitely looking forward to it."

"(The physicality) will probably pick up a little bit tomorrow in the stadium so I’m looking forward to tomorrow," Ward said. *The gates will open at 10 a.m., the team will have a walkthrough at 11:30 a.m. and practice will run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Parking lots will open at 8 a.m. Entry and parking are free to the public. Fans planning on attending the event can click here for more information.

Ball Seeks Out Toughest Challenges

By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Montee Ball wants to test himself, and he wants the most rigorous challenge possible.

During the first one-on-one pass-protection drill for running backs Saturday morning, he asked for it -- and got it. He faced nothing but first-teamers: Danny Trevathan once, and Nate Irving twice. Both got to the tackling dummy used for where the quarterback would be standing.

No one was harder on Ball than the second-year running back himself.

“Today, I don’t think was good," he said. "I didn’t do too well today in the one-on- one's with the linebackers, because I’m challenging myself and going against the best linebackers we have -- on purpose, because it’s going to make me better."

Ball handled his blocking responsibilities during the team periods of practice with greater success. That's the situation that matters most, anyway, rather than an open-field drill in which an oncoming pass rusher has no reason to account for the other possibilities of the play.

And based on his work in blitz pickup late last season, when his repetitions increased, the one-on-one period was an exception rather than the rule of his developmental curve.

"He did a good job last year as a rookie," said Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase. "Usually you don’t say that about a lot of guys, and he has only gotten better since the spring and training camp with the first three practices."

That's exactly what the Broncos need to see from Ball, who is expected to replace free-agent departure Knowshon Moreno -- and, they hope, replicate or surpass his effectiveness and production.

Ball didn't see Moreno's winding development to his breakthrough 2013 season. He only saw the finished product, a quick, versatile player who could block, receive and run to equal effect.

"His physical mentality that he had before every snap in practice and the game. He was a very, very physical runner and I most definitely am going to try to throw that into my game and be more physical in pass protection. He took a lot of pride in pass protection. I’m, most definitely trying to steal that from him.” Ball has shown signs of being the same kind of back, incorporating the afore- mentioned improvement as a blocker. Moreno was also a capable receiver, and Ball has shown similar effectiveness at that task during training camp. That was evident Friday when he caught a pass from Peyton Manning up the right sideline in spite of tight coverage from Danny Trevathan.

In every facet of his game, Ball feels that his slightly increased bulk will help. He said in May he was at 220 pounds, and planned to play the regular season at 218.

"Upper-body strength," he said. "Upper-body strength to protect the ball a lot better, take more hits, deliver a lot more hits and be able to pick up pass protection.”

And as Ball's bulk and understanding of the pro game has changed, so has the guidance given to him by Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville, who, like Ball, spent years of his life in Madison, Wisc.

"He's a lot more confident in me. He takes me to the side and he just says, ‘Hey, we need you to move faster here on this play. We need you to do this, we need you to do that.’

"He will yell at me," Ball admitted, "but I can tell he has a lot more confidence in me and he’s a lot more comfortable with me in the backfield.”

So is Gase.

"You can see it has slowed down for him, protection-wise especially," said Gase. "He is a natural runner, but with the schemes that we run we are trying to do things that fit him as well."

And by subjecting himself to the sternest tests in practice in the areas where he needs work, Ball hopes the result is a second-year running back who fits in anything Gase and Studesville ask.

Broncos Happy to Finally Play 'Real Football'

By Lauren Giudice DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- For the first time in many months, “thuds” and “pops” could be heard during the Broncos’ practice at Dove Valley. The Broncos finally put the pads back on and, according to Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio, this is when camp “officially” starts.

“It’s always good to get the pads on,” Del Rio said. “Camp has really started now. Before you put the pads on, it almost doesn’t count. It was good though—a good morning and a good first day. We’ve got a good football team. Part of what we have to do—and Coach Fox talks about it—is be really competitive but take care of each other. I think we’re working to get that balance.”

While there were numerous hard hits and players on the ground, the Broncos are working to be careful and avoid injury.

“Some guys were on the ground, which we need to do a better job of staying up and keeping each other safe but I think the physicality was good for the first day and it will probably pick up a little bit tomorrow in the stadium so I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” T.J. Ward said. “Guys are going to be a little sore but I think they’ll be a little more comfortable because it will be the second day.”

The day after the team’s first practice in pads will be when they are most sore, according to Ward. He also said it takes time adjust to the weight of the pads and sometimes timing can be off when players have been practicing without the pads for so long.

“As a defensive player you’ve got to love to put pads on because you get to hit somebody,” said linebacker Lerentee McCray. “If you dread putting the pads on then you don’t need to be playing football.”

Other members of the defense echoed the same sentiment.

“This is what linebackers live for, to hit somebody,” Danny Trevathan said. “But at the same time we’ve got to be smart. It’s my third year. I know how to keep it smart but also get my work done.”

Defensive end DeMarcus Ware said the pads require endurance and stamina. “You keep the jerseys on for a little bit, but that’s not what football’s about,” Ware said. “It’s about putting the pads on and really getting down into the grit, and we’re starting with the pads first day today and we had a good day.”

Defense Learning From Ward’s Toughness

By Lauren Giudice DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Once the pads are on, that’s when real football starts. It’s a sentiment that so many players echo.

Saturday, the Broncos’ first day donning pads in months, was like Christmas for hard-hitting T.J. Ward.

Ward’s first victim of the day was former Pittsburg Steeler Emmanuel Sanders. Ward, a former Cleveland Brown, said even though their former teams are division rivals, that they are fully teammates now and that bad blood is nonexistent.

Ward said getting hit is part of the game and even though Sanders was a little upset about the hit, Ward responded by telling him to “just get back to the huddle, we’ve got a long practice.”

“We’re complete teammates right now, there’s no rivalry there,” Ward said. “It’s all competition. We’re still in practice. I know how competitive he is, how competitive I am. It was just a play where I tried to get the ball out and he fell. It was just a bang-bang play. Nothing too serious. “

Ward always has a sense of eagerness and anticipation for the first hit of training camp. He compares hitting people to riding a bike. Adjusting to the added weight of pads and “getting your feet under you” takes a little time, but it’s relatively simple for him to find his rhythm again.

But Ward thrived in practice today. The hit on Sanders got the defense riled up and later, in the second-to-last period, he got the best of Ronnie Hillman with a big hit in the backfield. Hillman couldn’t get outside fast enough and Ward flew towards him and hit him for a loss.

Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said he likes what Ward has shown him so far.

“He’s going to bring some toughness to our defense, and we’ve got some tough guys on our defense so he’ll fit right in with that,” Del Rio said. “A welcomed addition.” Ward and fellow new defensive acquisition DeMarcus Ware are fostering a new, tougher mentality on the defense. Ward is known as one of the most physical players in the league and that’s part of the reason the Broncos signed him.

When Ware first joined the team, he called the defense’s additions "an investment in brutal nasty."

Linebacker Danny Trevathan said Ward will “come and get you.”

“Those guys [Ward and Ware] are savages, man,” Trevathan said. “Anything that’s out there left to be picked up, they’re going to go out there and clean it up and they’re going to leave everything out there on that field. That’s just the type I am too. I think they did a good job of filling in guys and bringing new guys in that fit within the type of scheme that we play.”

Today was only the team’s first day in pads and Ward does what he can to avoid hurting his new teammates. He said that, like in games, once you get the first hit, everything just “kind of flows evenly.” Ward has always been the kind of player that doesn’t hold back.

His big hits bring life and excitement to the defense, just like his energetic personality.

“Especially as a defense, we’re like ‘alright now we’ve got the pads on, let’s see what you’re going to do with the pads,” Ward said. “You’ve seen some of those situations today where it wasn’t the same like in OTAs or in the first couple of days of practice. As a defensive player, I know especially me, I’m eager to lay that first hit on whoever.”

It’s fun for him to get “a little bit of thud going on.”

Mason's Five Thoughts from Camp Day 3

By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- If you're going to be the best, you've got to beat the best. What the Broncos hope is that the offense and defense work symbiotically to achieve that, and build what DeMarcus Ware called "1 and 1" -- two units atop the league.

Ware is one of the primary reasons why the offense has been challenged in a way it was not during training camp last year. Safety T.J. Ward is another. Ware has consistently generated pressure from the edge, while Ward's ability to read runs as they develop puts pressure on the running backs to get to the edge quicker, or risk being run down for no gain.

"Those guys are savages, man," said linebacker Danny Trevathan. "Anything that’s out there left to be picked up, they’re going to go out there and clean it up and they’re going to leave everything out there on that field."

The defense is still without cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and -- in the team periods, Von Miller and Kevin Vickerson. Yet it has been dominant at times, including Saturday, when the pads went on, allowing Ward and others to hit at close to full throttle.

"It has been a challenge," said Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase. "We knew it in the spring that it was going to be tough and now that we have the pads on, we can see the addition of DeMarcus Ware and T.J. You can see a real big difference now."

The defense looks like it listened to the directions that, according to urban legend, are the only ones George Lucas provided during much of the filming of the original Star Warsin 1977: "Faster. More intense."

That can only help the offense, which has the firepower to respond and match it, which makes the move-and-countermove duel of the units worth watching in the next few weeks.

For now, here's five thoughts from Saturday's practice:

1. Ward brings something new to the defense -- a safety who can discombobulate the run game, but also drop into coverage effectively on the next play. On this play, Hillman had a bit of room running to his left after being forced outside, but Ward arrived so quickly that the speedy third-year back had no chance of getting to the outside in time. Ward's hit rattled throughout the practice field.

With Ward, Lerentee McCray and others in the back seven consistently filling gaps, there is scant room for the running backs to roam.

"The running lanes are a lot smaller, and that’s great," said running back Montee Ball. "It’s great going against this type of defense, it will make us better for the games."

To Hillman's credit, he secured the football in anticipation of contact, a positive sign given his fumbling issues last year. However, Hillman also fumbled a toss pitch from Manning, although he managed to recover the football.

2. DeMarcus Ware is still wreaking havoc:

It was a classic Ware pass rush. He sprinted around the edge, and did not hesitate when Peyton Manning executed a play-action fake, perfectly reading the intent of the play. One play earlier, Ware got the first 11-on-11, full-contact team period off to a thunderous start by blowing up a handoff to Montee Ball. Ball took the handoff up the middle.

Ware had been one of the most dominant players without pads, using his speed. Saturday, he added power and an array of upper-body pass rush moves to keep the offensive tackles off-balance. It was vintage Ware, as though he'd turned back the calendar two or three years.

“I still have my strength and my speed," said Ware. "When you’re in pads, it’s all about endurance and stamina, so I’m trying to make sure I keep that this whole season.”

3. A camp standout:

Austin is the X-factor of the defensive tackle corps, a high-ceiling, low-risk offseason pickup. If he's healthy and consistent, he could make the group one of the deepest in the league. He could also provide insurance while Vickerson eases his way back into full-speed work following his hip injury of last November.

Austin was dominant in line drills, but most important was how he carried that into the 11-on-11 periods.

What stands out about Austin is his quickness off the snap. At one point, he was too quick, as he jumped offside after biting on a hard count from Brock Osweiler. But he repeatedly anticipated the play and was often in the backfield before the offensive line was set. 4. The cornerbacks got in on the hitting, as well. One of the louder collisions came when blew up a swing pass from Osweiler to rookie wide receiver in the left flat.

Kayvon Webster also had one of the best plays of the day, when he burst through a Wes Welker block to tackle in the right flat for no gain on a screen pass. He also forced Manning to throw away the football when he applied pressure from the inside.

5. This isn't one thought, but simply a series of small neural oscillations:

Brock Osweiler made some good decisions, and Gase noted that he is doing well at avoiding turnovers. He did well to feel a pass rush from , checking down to a short pass to Kapri Bibbs instead of staying put or evacuating the pocket too quickly. But the play he would like to have back was a deep pass up the right sideline to Anderson, which Tony Carter intercepted. Anderson was in double coverage, as rookie was also close by.

C.J. Anderson brings toughness and persistence to his blocking assignments. Although the 5-foot-7 running back is outsized in the one-on-one drill, he compensates with technique and leverage; he does a good job getting his legs set and then using his hands to hold off an oncoming rusher.

Ball was beaten three times in the one-on-one pass-rush drill, but noted after practice that he wanted tough assignments -- which meant he faced nothing but first-teamers: Nate Irving twice and Trevathan once. Ball fared better at blitz pickup during 11-on-11 work.

Anunike, an undrafted rookie from Duke, is one of the sleepers of camp. He was a consistent standout in the line drills, repeatedly beating his man with a quick move to the outside, and forced multiple pressures.

Linebacker Brandon Marshall has done well at reading plays as they develop, and closing gaps when the offense tries to run. He also doesn't get caught biting on a play-fake; when he had a rush up the middle, he kept right on coming and provided pressure.

Training Camp 2014: Day 3 Quick Hits

By David DeChant DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --An energetic first day in pads brought plenty of exciting moments, particularly with the defense flying around the field. With Saturday being the first chance to go full throttle for the linemen, we'll start today's highlights with a special focus on the big guys.

ROLL CALL

Chris Harris Jr. (knee) remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Kevin Vickerson (hip) and Von Miller (knee) were limited again.

Demaryius Thomas remains excused from practice to attend to funeral arrangements of his grandmother.

INJURY REPORT

Derek Wolfe and John Boyett left practice early with back tightness and Greg Latta left with a strained knee.

"Other than that, we are pretty much all healthy," Head Coach John Fox said.

IN THE TRENCHES

Marvin Austin had one of the most dominant performances of any player in training camp thus far, and did so while playing on multiple units. He blew up at least four or five run plays in the team period and beat many different linemen in pass rush drills. Perhaps he was too amped up at times, taking Ronnie Hillman down in the backfield with a full tackle at one point and drawing reproach from Fox. But it couldn't take away from the former Tar Heel's excellent day.

Another defensive tackle from UNC flashed his skills, as Sylvester Williams followed up yesterday's big play with a strong practice. Particularly noticeable was his raw power in pass rush drills: When he didn't get by his opponent, Williams' initial pop drove Orlando Franklin and (among others) deep into the backfield.

Veteran lineman showed good versatility, handling power moves and spin moves quite easily against Mitch Unrein. DeMarcus Ware made two great plays at the beginning of the team period, standing up Montee Ball at the line on a run play and getting around Chris Clark for a "sack" a play later.

Undrafted rookie defensive end Kenny Anunike showed up repeatedly, forcing run stops and routinely getting near the quarterbacks for what would be big hits or even sacks in a live game. He maintained the production in line drills, beating Winston Justice on a few occasions.

Terrance Knighton rightfully gets recognized for his great strength, but he showed great use of his hands Saturday in pass rush drills to maneuver around initially strong blocking from Manny Ramirez.

Louis Vasquez looked as precise as ever, calmly handling rushers in pass rush drills without giving much ground.

OTHER PLAYMAKERS

Kayvon Webster showed his physical style with an active day, hounding receivers in one-on-one drills and blowing through a Wes Welker block for a big tackle for loss on a screen play in team drills.

Webster was also one of a few players to use well-timed blitzes for "sacks" in the team period. Webster got through the line to Peyton Manning and linebacker Brandon Marshall reached Brock Osweiler a bit later.

Though there weren't many big plays in the run game, Ronnie Hillman had a pair of nice carries, using his shiftiness to weave through the middle of the line. Against the first-team defense, he broke through over left guard and exploded with a cut to his right, going for a huge gain up the sideline.

Emmanuel Sanders had a few heated battles and exchanged words with defenders, but responded well, scoring a on a deep post against Bradley Roby during one-on-one drills that he capped with a dunk over the goal post.

Nate Irving worked his way past Montee Ball twice during blitz pick-up drills with good tenacity and quick hands.

Rookie Cody Latimer continued to flash his ability, running a crisp post-corner route against Omar Bolden in one-on-one drills and making a great catch for a touchdown even after a small stumble. Latimer and Bolden connected for a big collision later in practice on a quick screen from Osweiler.

Tony Carter turned in a solid performance, blanketing Wes Welker on a route in one-on-ones and later snagging an interception down the sideline from Osweiler. Former CSU Ram linebacker used a nifty spin move to beat and get to the tackling dummy during blitz pick-up drills.

Julius Thomas continued his strong camp, running a nice route to beat T.J. Ward in one-on-one drills.

Second-year linebacker Lerentee McCray flashed near the ball several times, filling gaps on consecutive run plays late in practice and threatening the pocket from the edge on a regular basis.

QUICK HITS

Perhaps the player most excited to get the padded practice going was Aqib Talib, who worked a number of dance moves into his stretches and chatted up several teammates into the walkthrough.

Talib and Andre Caldwell had some competitive battles during one-on-one drills, with the pair trading good plays.

Denver native and former Nuggets star Chauncey Billups stopped by to watch practice today. He chatted with several Broncos players, including Kevin Vickerson and Chris Harris Jr., as well as Jack Del Rio and John Elway. Ex-Broncos tight end Jeb Putzier was on hand, along with former assistant coach Bob Slowik.

Williams Gaining Experience, Confidence

By Lauren Giudice DenverBroncos.com July 26, 2014

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It’s not often that a defensive tackle makes the play of the day. On Friday during practice, Sylvester Williams did just that.

He saw that quarterback Peyton Manning was getting ready to throw the ball. So he put his arms up and jumped, tipped the ball and intercepted it. His teammates in white on the sideline went crazy.

“It felt good,” Williams said. “It was just one of those things where it was like, ‘Wow, it was right there’ and I jumped up and tipped it and then I was able to intercept it.”

Unfortunately, Williams attempted to pitch it to safety Quinton Carter, who couldn’t control it. But Williams recovered the fumble.

“I was the one that pitched it,” Williams said laughing. “I had to go get it back.”

Though the lateral wasn’t well-executed and Williams admits he likely threw it too hard, the impressive interception exemplified William’s mindset going into his second year in the NFL. He feels more comfortable with the defense and in his understanding of what the offense is running.

He feels that he is better both mentally and physically than he was last season. During camp thus far he feels more aware and at last year’s camp he “didn’t have a very good understanding of what was going on.”

“I’m able to work through the kinks and able to read my keys,” Williams said. “Pre- snap I’m able to get off the ball and I’m able to read blocks better than I did last year.”

Not only does Williams have more experience on his side, but he also has linemates who “all fit together.” He uses them to help him as he develops.

“You talk about guys that are big time playmakers in this league,” Williams said. “Terrance Knighton, DeMarcus Ware. Those guys are big time playmakers so I learn from those guys a lot to help me get through the hard times and if I don’t know something I just ask them because they pretty much have the answer to everything.” Specifically, Williams said Ware is a future Hall of Famer who keeps the defense motivated and teaches them. While Williams is more confident in his individual potential than he was last year, he is also excited about the defense’s potential.

Williams’ only interception of his career was in 2011 when he was in college at North Carolina. He’s hoping he can get some NFL interceptions under his belt this season. For now, he said he is just focused on improving now and not looking to the season. But, he certainly did enjoy his pick during practice.

According to teammate T.J. Ward, “That was a SportsCenter Top Ten.”