The Associated Press
DENVER BRONCOS (15-4)
New faces: DE DeMarcus Ware, SS T.J. Ward, CB Aqib Talib, NT Marvin Austin, WR Emmanuel Sanders, rookies WR Cody Latimer, CB Bradley Roby.
Key losses: CB Champ Bailey, DE Shaun Phillips, WR Eric Decker, RB Knowshon Moreno, LB Wesley Woodyard, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Strengths: QB, OL, TE, WR, DL, DB, K, P.
Weaknesses: PR, RT.
What’s New: Broncos plan to run more behind reconfigured O-line that received big boost with return of star LT Ryan Clady. On defense, Broncos committed more than $100 million to add thumpers Ware, Talib and Ward in free agency. Plus, they’re getting back LB Von Miller, S Rahim Moore, CB Chris Harris Jr., DL Derek Wolfe, FS Quinton Carter and LB Lerentee McCray from injuries that sidelined them in ’13.
Expectations: One goal: becoming first team since 1972 Dolphins to win Super Bowl year after losing it. At 38, Peyton Manning looks even better and stronger than last year, when he threw for more yards (5,447) and touchdowns (55) than any QB in NFL history. But don’t be fooled: time is running out. With owner Pat Bowlen stepping away from daily duties because of Alzheimer’s disease, GM John Elway would love nothing more than to hoist Lombardi Trophy and declare, “This one’s for Pat.”
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