How long before Peyton Manning's long goodbye gets uncomfortable? By Mark Kiszla Denver Post February 10, 2016 The bumpiest ride in Peyton Manning's long NFL career ended with a parade and a smile shared with one million of his closest friends in Denver. As soon as Manning hopped off Engine No. 18 during the Super Bowl celebration, however, he was done as quarterback of the Broncos. What happens next is the long goodbye. How long it goes on will reveal much about the relationship between Manning and Broncos general manager John Elway, after a year in which the team often made life difficult on the league's five-time MVP. Yes, all the leading indicators point to Manning's retirement. Retirement clearly has been on Manning's mind, since before I asked him if this was his last rodeo at the outset of Denver's thrilling playoff run. The sport is telling Manning he is washed up, and the point was driven home in Super Bowl 50, which Denver won in spite of its quarterback. His family wants him to quit, with his mother concerned about Manning's health and his father sold on the idea of going out on top with nothing left to prove. The Broncos want to get on with life without Manning, as starter-in-waiting Brock Osweiler can become a free agent on March 9. But here is where it could get tricky. Manning should take all the time he needs to make up his mind what to do next, whether he needs to research a new employer or write his retirement speech. He should proceed slowly and deliberately, even if it's to the short-term detriment of the Broncos. Manning should do whatever's best for Manning. He owes Denver nothing. Manning already gave the team and the town 17,112 yards passing, 45 regular-seasons victories and a championship. By NFL standards, that's more than a fair exchange for the $77 million paid to him during four seasons in Colorado. Before the Broncos even took a victory lap through downtown, Elway was asked when Manning would decide if Super Bowl 50 was his final game. "So you want this decision today? You think he's had enough time? No, there is no deadline," Elway replied Tuesday, on a morning meant for laughter. A short while later, Elway got down to the real nitty-gritty of Manning's decision: "Retirement is always hard. You can butt up to that line and cross that line, taking that final step, saying, 'I am moving on.' Even if that first 99 percent is easy to get there, the last 1 percent is as hard as that first 99 percent. That's why he's going to have the time he needs. It's basically going to be up to him."

And here is where Manning holds all the cards. The Broncos would look bad trying to push a Hall of Fame quarterback out the door, no matter how much Elway might want to get Manning's $19 million salary for next season off the books, especially when there are new contracts with important young players such as defensive lineman Malik Jackson and Osweiler to negotiate. It's a distinctly different scenario than a year ago at this time, when coming off a shocking loss to Indianapolis in the playoffs, Elway cut Manning's pay by $4 million and hired a coach in Gary Kubiak that scrapped the favored offensive scheme of his veteran quarterback. Both Elway and Manning are top-rate pros. But, after first-hand observation of the Broncos throughout the season, I don't think it's a stretch to say the relationship between Elway and Manning was strained by a bumpy ride through 2015. How Kubiak handled a delicate situation, dealing both with a superstar quarterback whose physical abilities had slipped and a boss that demanded success, was nothing short of amazing. The best that can be said about Manning's performance in the Super Bowl: He played worse than Cam Newton, but unlike the Carolina quarterback, did not freak out to the extent it damaged his team's psyche as well as its ability to score touchdowns. That's a credit to Manning's grit. Conduct a game-by-game analysis of Manning's 18th season, in which his quarterback rating of 67.9 ranked 34th in a 32-team league, and it's hard to fathom how any prospective employer would value him as worthy of a $10 million salary in 2016. But if the Los Angeles Rams want Manning for his marketing value or the Houston Texans think their stout defense needs only a savvy game-manager at quarterback, then those are possibilities a 39-year-old NFL legend would be wise to consider before walking away from the game. There's a scene from the team's Dove Valley headquarters on a late summer afternoon in 2014 that sticks in my mind. "Tom Brady said he was going to play until he ... sucked. That's a pretty good line. I kind of feel the same," Manning said. "Some guys can hang on, hang on and hang on and get another year vested, I guess, if that's the goal. If you can really produce and help a team, and you enjoy playing, I think that's up to the individual ... Yeah, right until you suck. I think that's a pretty good rule right there." By his own Hall of Fame standards, Manning now stinks. I think he's ready to retire. But if this long goodbye goes on to March 1, there's going to be a stink at Broncos headquarters.

Denver Broncos sign nine players to futures contracts By Cameron Wolfe Denver Post February 10, 2016 Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Broncos already are making moves toward next season. Denver signed nine practice squad players to reserve-futures contracts Wednesday: receiver Jordan Taylor, running back Kapri Bibbs, safety Ryan Murphy, guard Dillon Day, tackles Cameron Jefferson and Kyle Roberts, tight end Nick Kasa, defensive end George Uko and linebacker Zaire Anderson. Taylor is the most notable due to his emergence as Peyton Manning's personal practice receiver as the veteran quarterback rehabbed from his left foot injury. Taylor continued the role afterwards. Murphy was sent back to Denver during Super Bowl week after being involved, but not arrested in a prostitution sting in San Jose. Former Northern Colorado receiver Jace Davis was waived.

Brewers Association sends craft beer package to Peyton Manning By Joe Nguyen Denver Post February 10, 2016 The American craft beer community really, really wants Peyton Manning to try what it has to offer. After the Super Bowl, Manning told CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson: “I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight … I promise you that.” In response, the Brewers Association felt the future hall of famer deserved beer that may be more appropriate. “Wouldn’t he rather have a beer more fitting of his superstardom; maybe a beer that more closely represents the Broncos’ status as an underdog? That’s what we believe small and independent craft brewers represent,” the CraftBeer.com staff wrote Thursday. So the BA staff sent a care package and a congratulatory letter to Manning for his Super Bowl victory. “I handpicked them out yesterday with the idea of variety, style diversity, sessionability because Budweiser’s a brand that’s very drinkable and sessionable and also wanting to stretch his (Manning’s) palate out further,” said Julie Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com. The care package includes 10 beers, including six from Colorado: • Apricot Blonde from Dry Dock Brewing Co. (Aurora) • Craft Lager from Upslope Brewing Co. (Boulder) • Colorado Kolsch from Steamworks Brewing Co. (Durango) • Mojo IPA from Boulder Beer Co. (Boulder) • Sawtooth Ale Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co. (Longmont) • Graham Craker Porter from Denver Beer Co. (Denver) • Black Bavarian from Sprecher Brewing Co. (Glendale, Wis.) • Racer 5 IPA from Bear Republic Brewing Co. (Healdsburg, Calif.) • Samuel Adams Boston Lager from Boston Beer Co. (Boston) • Session Premium Lager from Full Sail Brewing Co. (Hood River, Ore.) “We represent the majority of breweries in the United States,” Herz said. “And one beer does not always satisfy every beer occasion. So we felt it was only proper to give give Mr. Peyton Manning some options — several being from his own state and backyard.” To make sure Manning receives the care package, two were sent out — one to his agent and the other to Broncos headquarters. Manning has made headlines for his beer selection in the past. Left Hand Brewing earlier this week offered a free pint of craft beer in exchange for an empty can or bottle of Budweiser (That promotion ended Tuesday).

In Denver, Factotum Brewhouse made “Oatmaha,” a Manning-themed beer touting the quarterback’s oft-used call, which will be available in March. According to Factotum, it’s a light craft beer, made with Manning’s beer-drinking taste in mind. “How we feel is ‘Yay, he chose beer,’ but secondary what represents the ethic and blood, sweat and tears that he emulates is really the small breweries in the U.S.,” Herz said.

“Omahallelujah” is the catchiest song about Peyton Manning you’ll hear By Joe Nguyen Denver Post February 10, 2016 Singer-songwriter Chris Thile — along with a bevy of other musicians — performed an ode to Peyton Manning last Saturday on “A Prairie Home Companion” As one of my colleagues told me, “the song totally captures how folks feel about him. He is a folk hero across the state” of Tennessee. The song, “Omahallelujah,” is a reference to his oft-used call at the line. “Omaha is not only a lovely city in Nebraska,” Thile said, “but also a word Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning often shouts for no apparent reason.” Lyrics: I’m 12 years old Growing up in Maryville, Tennessee We all watched the Vols Taking a weekly beating in the SEC And then the whole town talks about How good we used to be Way back when Peyton Peyton Manning was our QB Guess I thought he died (thought he died) Based on the tears That tend to well in the grown-up eyes So just imagine when I just beheld The man making Sunday brunch Of the best defense of the NFL Is that God or Peyton Manning? I cannot tell I’ll follow him All over the map From Indianapolis to Denver Slice of Papa John for dinner Omahallelujah We bow our heads One nation In shotgun formation Out of the no-huddle With No. 18 calling audibles (Omaha!) Omahallelujah

And now I watch the news There’s been some wear and tear between This and that Super Bowl (nine years ago) Where they named you MVP But these allegations of HGH are just low and mean I bet you Peyton Manning They’re from New England On the eve of what could well be your last ride Listen to me Oh Peyton, just like Nationwide I’m on your side So is everyone outside of the Carolinas Sorry, Cam Newton Peyton’s going to be doing the dab this time We followed him All over the map From Indianapolis to Denver Slice of Papa John for dinner Omahallelujah We bow our heads One nation In shotgun formation Out of the no-huddle With No. 18 calling audibles (Omaha!) Omahallelujah I’ll see you there I prayed to Peyton Peyton Manning can hear our prayers (He really can) I prayed to Peyton Peyton Manning has heard our prayers Ah-Manning

Get your copy of “Fight to the Finish,” a book of the Broncos’ 2015 championship season By Staff Denver Post February 10, 2016 Get your copy of The Denver Post’s commemorative book chronicling the 2015 season. Remember where it started, with John Elway’s offseason moves — bringing the band back together and hiring his old roommate, Gary Kubiak, and bringing back defensive coach Wade Phillips — to create a team that would fight its way through the doubts and struggles of the season. Find stories and photos from the award-winning Post staff as they followed the team’s progression throughout the season, from the perfect 6-0 start, the amazing win over Green Bay, the disastrous losses — one that led to Kubiak to bench hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning. But the wins, under the leadership of backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, kept coming for the Broncos, including the spectacular overtime win over the Patriots. The bumpy road to the playoffs didn’t stop there, and, as Bronco coach Gary Kubiak said, “That has become a theme for us — to grind and work and just keep us in a position to be successful.” The high-quality, 160-page hardcover book is available for order now — look for the mail-in ads in The Denver Post or go to denverpost.com/broncosbook to order online. Save $15 off the cover price if you order before the book lands in stores next month.

Blue Broncos lights on Castle Rock star go out; firefighters burn By Kieran Nicholson Denver Post February 10, 2016 The Castle Rock star, which sits illuminated atop a rock formation above town, has apparently been vandalized, according to local firefighters. Castle Rock Fire Department Local 4116 posted on social media Wednesday night that half of the lights on the 45-foot tall star are out. The star had been lit in orange and blue, a nod to the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, and the blue lights are out, according to a Twitter post. "It appears someone has vandalized our beloved star on top of Castle Rock," the firefighters said on Twitter. "Unsure of damage extent, but blue half of the star is out." The star has been lit up since 1936, typically from just before Thanksgiving through the end of the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Castle Rock firefighters, who maintain the lights, broke out the orange and blue color scheme on Jan. 27 as the Broncos made their way to the Super Bowl. Firefighters expressed distress Wednesday over the recent development. "We are aware of the condition of our beloved Castle Rock star and we share your disappointment" the local said on Facebook. "It appears that someone vandalized the lights and unfortunately, we will have to turn it off either tonight or tomorrow. Whoever did it can never kill our town spirit though!" The Facebook ended with a salute: "Go Broncos!"

Verizon’s 10 extra towers for Broncos parade helped people use 3.1 TB data By Tamara Chuang Denver Post February 10, 2016 During Tuesday’s Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 victory parade, one million spectators consumed 3.1 terabytes of data by taking photos and videos, texting friends and possibly even calling someone. And that was just Verizon’s customers. Verizon said that massive amount of data — equivalent to 517 Verizon customers maxing out on a 6 GB monthly plan — occurred between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Festivities of the Broncos Super Bowl 50 victory parade started at 10 a.m. with music, with the parade at noon and the rally about 30 minutes later. But if you were one of those million people in downtown, you know wireless service was a challenge. Verizon may be ranked as the area’s top provider, but it too struggled even with its 19 existing LTE sites plus 10 extra portable cell towers wheeled in for the event. “With the number of people attending the Broncos parade and rally on Tuesday, there were connection spikes on the network, which could have resulted in some temporarily delayed connections. Imagine every car in Denver trying to turn onto Colfax at the same time – traffic will slow down, and some cars won’t be able to turn onto the street,” explained Meagan Dorsch, a Verizon spokesperson. “In the end, we believe our network performed very well and the proof is the 3 TB of data our customers were able to share. We know this is important to our customers and their network of Broncos fans.” Verizon earlier said that during the Super Bowl, its customers used 7 TB of data at Levi’s Stadium in California. At the last home Broncos game when the team won the AFC Championship, Verizon users downloaded or uploaded 1.17 TB of data.

Peyton Manning to appear on Tonight Show By Allison Sylte 9 News February 10, 2016 Fresh off of his second Super bowl victory, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton manning is set to appear on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon right after 9NEWS at 10 p.m. And, if a preview shared by the Tonight Show is any indication, it should be pretty good. As in, Magic Johnson smashing an egg on Peyton Manning’s head while Jimmy Fallon laughs hysterically good. And that's not a figure of speech -- it looks like that's what happens.

Here's how many Denver students called in sick for the Broncos Parade By Allison Sylte 9 News February 10, 2016 Hundreds of thousands of people flooded Civic Center Park Tuesday to bask in the glory of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl victory. So perhaps it’s no wonder that more kids than usual took a day off from school. According to Denver Public Schools, 24,152 kids had an excused or unexcused absence from class on Tuesday. For context, the district serves more than 90,000 students – so almost a third of kids were absent for at least part of the day. The 24,152 kids who missed class on Tuesday is 10,000 more than the number who were absent last Wednesday – and 9,268 more than were gone on Monday.

Were there really 1 million fans at the Broncos rally? By Nick McGill 9 News February 10, 2016 Early estimates say one million people were downtown Tuesday for the Denver Broncos Super Bowl Parade and Rally. Some have questioned these numbers. So, 9NEWS tried to do the math on our own. When calculating the most densely-packed crowds, folks typically estimate each person uses roughly 2.5 feet of space. Using Google Earth, we determined Civic Center Park – including the streets and other spaces we saw people standing – measured out to roughly 1.2 million square feet. Divide that by 2.5 and you’ve got 480,000 people. We used that same math to determine the number of people along the parade route. Google Earth estimated that the width of the sidewalk along the route was 40 feet wide. We multiplied that by the length of the parade route (1.3 miles) and arrived at 549,120 feet. Divide that by 2.5 and we get an estimated 219,648 people along the parade route. Add that to the total at Civic Center Park and you’ve got an estimated grand total of 699,648 people who attended Tuesday’s parade and rally. That’s far from one million (but still a lot). But this is our attempt at math, and we’re journalists – not mathematicians.

Broncos' gamble on Gary Kubiak paid off with Super Bowl 50 win By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com February 10, 2016 Call it the executive equivalent of throwing deep on fourth-and-1 with a two-point lead and two minutes to play. The Denver Broncos were in pretty good shape, but John Elway wanted more because he thought Pat Bowlen would have wanted more too. When the Broncos as an organization and, specifically, Elway as the team’s top football decision-maker, decided to part ways with John Fox, a coach who had led the team to four consecutive AFC West titles and one Super Bowl appearance, it was a major roll of the football dice. The message: The playoffs are nice, but trophies are the goal. For instance, the Lombardi Trophy the Broncos brought back to Denver from Super Bowl 50 and displayed in front of an estimated one million people Tuesday at the team’s parade and rally. The trophy Gary Kubiak was hired just more than a year ago to help the team win. At one point in the days leading up to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, Elway described the situation he brought Kubiak into as “hotter than any seat in the league.’’ But under Kubiak, the Broncos -- sometimes ugly, sometimes dominant, but always “grinding,’’ as the coach put it -- went 12-4, earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC and rode a historic defense to the franchise’s third Super Bowl win. “This team kind of embodies [Coach Kubiak's] personality, in my mind: tough, gritty, selfless and hardworking,’’ team president and CEO Joe Ellis said. “With his leadership, we grinded it out, as he likes to say. He did an unbelievable job this season of keeping his finger on the pulse of this team.’’ Clearly, the Broncos' surprising gamble worked out exactly as they hoped it would. The Broncos had their share of injuries: Two left tackles (Ryan Clady and Ty Sambrailo) went on injured reserve, DeMarcus Ware missed five games, T.J. Ward missed three games, special teams captain David Bruton Jr. finished the regular season on injured reserve, and quarterback Peyton Manning missed seven starts with a left foot injury. Kubiak managed the Manning-Brock Osweiler situation as well as it could be managed, many Broncos players said. Kubiak made a point of talking to the quarterbacks each week before addressing the team while the Broncos started their preparations for the upcoming game. The Broncos played a high-end schedule that included seven regular-season games against teams that would make the playoffs. They won five of those games. Including the playoffs, 11 of the Broncos' wins were by seven or fewer points. All season, the team played in only five games -- Sept. 27 win over

Detroit, Nov. 1 win over Green Bay, Nov. 15 loss to Kansas City, Dec. 6 win over San Diego and Sunday’s Super Bowl win -- decided by more than seven points. “Coach Kubiak, man, he kept us solid,’’ cornerback Aqib Talib said. “He came in here and was straight with us, told us how it is and put us in position to play.’’ It was quite a turnaround for Kubiak, who was fired by the Houston Texans after the 2013 season because some thought he didn’t have the resolve to push the Texans toward a rebound for a 2-14 finish that year. He spent one season with the Baltimore Ravens as John Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator, fully intending to “stay there and learn how they do it, how John does things, how [general manager] Ozzie [Newsome] does things,’’ until Elway called with hot seat in hand. “I dreamed that I would get back in that position,’’ Kubiak said this week. “Did I think that I’d end up here a couple of years later? No, I can’t sit here and say that. It’s really a blessing, but I think as a coach, you understand the business. I have had a lot of confidence in myself throughout my career -- not just now. I knew when that opportunity was lost that there was another great one out there for me, and I wanted to keep going.’’ With the Broncos making a record-tying eighth trip to the Super Bowl, they have more Super Bowl trips than losing seasons during Pat Bowlen’s tenure as owner. Kubiak is now one of seven current head coaches to have won a Super Bowl as a head coach. He joined Harbaugh, Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, Mike McCarthy, Pete Carroll and Sean Payton. “I love what I do. I love teaching. I love being around guys like John and Joe and the battle in this business,’’ Kubiak said. “I think I have a lot left in me. I just feel very, very fortunate that I got this opportunity. I understand that. I count my blessings every day. It’s been great. Hopefully, there are some more to come.’’

Von Miller will wear franchise tag before long-term deal By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com February 10, 2016 The free-agency dance the Denver Broncos are about to do with linebacker Von Miller is a familiar one. Since John Elway began calling the football shots, when the Broncos want to keep their most prominent free agent on the roster they have followed the same step-by-step procedure. Miller should get ready to wear the franchise player tag. Because Elway has used the franchise player tag three times in the last four years and the Broncos then used that time to sign all three players -- kicker Matt Prater, left tackle Ryan Clady and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas -- to long-term contracts before training camp opened. Miller, the Super Bowl MVP, would easily be the most sought-after free agent if he hit the market. "The goal is always to get a long-term deal," Elway said, when asked about re-signing Miller. "But, again, that goes back into the same old process of trying to include everybody in what we're looking at and looking at it from the 20,000-foot view of how this team is going to look, not only next year but two or three years down the line. As you know, our goal is always to be competitive year-in and year-out, and that's what we want to do." The Broncos will choose either the exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tag on Miller. The exclusive tag would prevent Miller's representatives from negotiating with any other team and would guarantee Miller a one-year contract for the average of the top five salaries at his position or 120 percent of his previous year's salary, whichever is higher. The non-exclusive tag also guarantees the designated player the average of the top five players at his position, but uses a five-year collection of data to get to the number. In this case, the player can negotiate with other teams, but the Broncos would have the right to match any contract offer to Miller or receive two first-round picks if they did not match. The non-exclusive tag is the most commonly used. This year the franchise player salary for linebacker is expected to be more than $14 million, while defensive end would be about $15.5 million. Feb. 16 is the first day teams can designate franchise players and the deadline to use the tag is 4 p.m. ET March 1 . Miller, who was Elway's first draft pick, is a cornerstone player as a Super Bowl MVP and a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Miller has also rebounded from his 2013 suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy and has fulfilled the program's obligations. He was cleared from the program before the 2015 season, which meant Miller was no longer subject to increased testing and not subject to punishment for repeat offenders. "He's matured," Elway said. "I think he's grown up quite a bit. I think it's a compliment to him and the people around him with some of the things that he had to go through when he was younger. He's grown up tremendously. ... It was a matter of him channeling all of his talents in the right way and I think you saw him do that this year. He picked up momentum and the bigger that the game got, the bigger he played. I couldn't be happier for Von."

Miller's consistently said he'd leave the negotiations in the hands of his representatives, but expects the process to "be peaceful." However, he will command a deal north of $100 million if it's a six-year contract. Justin Houston signed a $101 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs last summer. If the Broncos follow the template, they would try to sign Miller to a long-term deal before training camp. In 2012 the Broncos used the tag on kicker Matt Prater in March and signed him to a four-year, $13 million deal in July. In 2013, the Broncos tagged offensive tackle Ryan Clady in March and then signed him to a five-year, $52.5 million deal less than 24 hours before the deadline to sign players with the franchise tag. And last year the Broncos tagged receiver Demaryius Thomas in March and signed him to a five-year, $70 million deal before training camp. The lone wrinkle would be Clady and Thomas, on the advice of their agents and to the slight frustration of the Broncos, skipped the team's offseason program before signing their long-term deals.

Von Miller's selfless act in 2011 is about to pay off By Adam Schefter ESPN.com February 10, 2016 As it turns out, the one person who helped position Von Miller for a mammoth new contract was ... Von Miller. And it happened not just from his superb play, but for the bold stand he took at a time when no other player entering the NFL was willing to take it. As a named plaintiff in the 2011 “Brady Case” against the NFL’s lockout of its players when the CBA expired, Miller became the only rookie to step up and attach his name and stature to the case. The case needed to have named plaintiffs representing all three classes of players: veterans under contracts, veterans who were about to be free agents, and incoming rookies. The issue with all incoming rookies was the new CBA was going to move money from top 10 rookie contracts into veteran contracts, and very few young players were willing to help. Thinking selflessly and in a way that drew some criticism at the time, Miller agreed to become a part of the case. At the time, he knew the system did not initially benefit him personally the way it did the vast majority of players because he was such a high pick, but it will benefit him now. And what once was a controversial decision now will be rewarded. Miller either will receive the Broncos’ franchise tag or a massive long-term extension, expected to surpass the six-year, $101 million contract that included $52.5 million in guaranteed money that Kansas City gave linebacker Justin Houston last offseason. The Broncos already have said they would like to get Miller that fat, new long-term deal, and it is likely to get done at some point this offseason. But whenever it does get done, it’s fair to say that no player in the league will deserve it more, not only for what he did this postseason but for what he did back in 2011.

10 sleeper NFL free agents for 2016 By Sam Monson ESPN.com February 10, 2016 Free agency is one of the crazy periods in the NFL calendar. Teams have a rare opportunity to add talent and patch holes in an instant, but the catch is they are in direct competition with every other team in the league. It leads to something of an auction mentality, where each year some teams overbid for players they decided they had to have. The marquee names will see the big money thrown their way, but often the best free-agent pickups are the lower-profile players. Let's take a look at 10 sleeper free agents who could make big impacts in 2016. Dwayne Allen, TE, Indianapolis Colts In 2012, thanks largely to his work as a run-blocker, Allen was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded tight end -- as a rookie. That's above Rob Gronkowski. Even adjusting that to value receiving more, Allen was a top-10 tight end, but injuries have robbed us of the player he was becoming. That season, Allen caught 45 passes, but he has caught just 57 since. Allen is only about to turn 26 and will likely be far from most teams' top priority, but his ceiling is still incredibly high. Walter Thurmond, S, Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly's reputation as a GM is in tatters, but Thurmond is one of his quiet success stories. A former cornerback, Thurmond was brought in to play safety, and he ended the season as the 26th-rated safety with a score of 79.3. Thurmond earned positive grades in every facet of play PFF measures and was particularly effective on the blitz, where he notched two sacks, two hits and two hurries. Adam Jones, CB, Cincinnati Bengals Jones is 32 years old (he will be 33 in September) and has a long line of baggage to his name, but is still playing cornerback at an extremely high level. Teams targeting Jones in 2015 had a passer rating of just 60.7, the fifth-best mark in the league. He allowed just 9.7 yards per completion and only one touchdown the entire season. Jones isn't a long-term solution for anybody but is still playing like one of the better corners in the league, and could be a very good short- to medium-term option. Mark Barron, LB, St. Louis Rams Barron was a first-round pick in 2012, selected No. 7 overall as a safety out of Alabama. He has been poor as a safety in the NFL, but looked promising this season as a weakside linebacker. Barron's speed was impressive in the box and he also became an effective player on the blitz, with 16 total pressures and a batted pass on the rush. Barron could be a very effective option at linebacker in a class that isn't overflowing with them. Brandon Boykin, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Every time Boykin has seen the field as a slot corner he has played well, but he can't seem to convince his team to appreciate that play. The Eagles traded him away because they were happy with the depth behind him, and the Steelers kept him on the bench despite awful corner play in front of him. When he did get on the field, he notched five pass breakups and an interception in only 178 coverage snaps. Boykin may not excel on the perimeter, but anybody needing a slot corner could nab a quality player. Robert Ayers, DE, New York Giants Ayers has quietly become an excellent player, but he has played in the shadow of Jason Pierre-Paul. This season, he had 9.5 sacks and 48 total pressures on just 581 snaps. Over the past two seasons, he had 14.5 sacks and 79 additional pressures -- among the best edge rushers in football. Maybe it's time for somebody to increase his playing time. Patrick Robinson, CB, San Diego Chargers Like several of the players on this list, Robinson is a former first-round pick, and that seems to taint the opinion many have of him. He will never be elite, but he has a track record of very solid play as a starting corner. This season, he allowed just one touchdown and a passer rating of only 74.0 when targeted. It is the second season running that he has allowed a passer rating under 76, and over the past three seasons he has allowed only two scores. Dwight Freeney, DE/OLB, Arizona Cardinals Believe it or not, Freeney's spin move still has juice. About to turn 36, Feeney is a short-term rental for somebody, but if your team is struggling to generate pressure on defense, Freeney is well capable of playing 300-plus snaps and providing a guaranteed level of pressure. He had 36 pressures in just 264 snaps this season. Mike Harris, G, Minnesota Vikings Harris at tackle was very, very bad. Harris at guard looks like he could potentially be a good player. He ended the season as PFF's 23rd-rated guard with a score of 76.9, ahead of big names such as Jahri Evans. Harris still had bad games, but they weren't a product of competition as much as just bad days at the office. His good games were incredibly impressive. With another year playing inside, he could be a very nice pickup for a team in need of solidifying its interior. Mike DeVito, DL, Kansas City Chiefs Today's NFL is obsessed with the pass, but there is still a place for high-quality run-stuffing specialists, and now they can be had for peanuts because there is very little demand. DeVito offers very little as a pass-rusher but is one of the league's better run-stuffing specialists on the D-line. He ranked eighth among 3-4 DEs this season in run stop percentage, making a stop on 10.3 percent of his run snaps, just behind some guy named J.J. Watt.

What it's like to get cut in the NFL By Matt Bowen ESPN.com February 10, 2016 The phone calls start coming this time of year. You know, the ones that NFL veterans don't want to answer. Let it go to voicemail? I've done that. Deal with it later, I guess. But once you see the area code on the caller ID, you know: Dang, they got me. That call from the head coach's office at the team facility is always the same. He tells you how much you meant to the squad, how much he enjoyed working with you. You know, do the dance a little bit. And I don't blame him. But the message essentially boils down to: Time's up, pal. You've just been cut. We are watching this play out now, in real time, with veterans such as New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans and Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin. Those guys are true pros, vets who have played a lot of good football in this league. And now they're out of jobs. Many vets can see the writing on the wall during the season. Maybe it's injuries that have piled up over time, a slight dip in production and playing time, or a brash, young cat being developed to take your spot. Whatever the reason, a ton of players head into every offseason with the understanding that they could be the next veteran to get whacked. But even when players know that call is coming, as I did with both the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills, it still stings. Joe Gibbs called me when I had just landed in Las Vegas -- I was literally still on the tarmac. I let that one go to voicemail and called the Hall of Fame coach back once I had a couple beers in me and settled into a room at the MGM. I knew I was cut. What's another hour going to change? When the Bills called, my wife and I were having dinner with my grandmother at her house in Tampa, Florida. Rotisserie chicken, vegetables. A big spread on the table. I couldn't answer that call from head coach Dick Jauron either. Nah, I wasn't going to do that to Grandma. Let it go. Deal with it later. Coach had other calls to make anyway. After the initial shock of being cut, reality starts to set in. And it happens fast. Your gear, the contents of your locker? That stuff is all boxed up, and it shows up at your front door about two weeks later. There are no formal goodbyes or any of that nonsense for the common men of the NFL. Just boxes. And uncertainty. Call your agent? Sure. Every guy does. But this isn't a league in which jobs exist at every corner. And for journeymen like myself -- a guy entering his 30s with a reconstructed right knee and a rap sheet of injuries starting to pile up -- the idea that teams will be waiting with open arms at the start of free agency is false reality. The players who get cut now aren't the top-priority free agents we will talk about next month. Those guys get paid. The second- and third-tier free agents wait and hope a small deal presents itself.

So while your agent starts selling your skill set to folks around the league, you kind of float. And life doesn't stop when you get cut. Own a house? Better call a Realtor, regardless of the housing market. Even if you rent a place by the facility, you need to start packing up and calling around to find some storage. Heck, if you do get signed, you could be living in a hotel for a while in a new city. Married? If your wife works, well, it's time for her to change jobs too. My wife taught high school science in northern Virginia when I got cut by the Redskins. It was the middle of the third quarter. What do we do now? Should she finish the year? I didn't know the answer. This was all new. While that's being sorted, players also have to continue to train. No one is going to sign a guy who's out of shape, right? But without an NFL home -- one that includes a pro weight room, a strength coach, athletic trainers and a rehab center for offseason maintenance -- you are on your own. Some guys go down to training facilities in Florida or Arizona. Others skip back to their college towns and train on campus. Me? I hit up the local gym in the D.C. suburbs. And those gyms look and feel nothing like what pro players are accustomed to in terms of the equipment and the atmosphere. There were no platforms or power racks. Just moms who drove minivans and yoked-up guys walking around with protein shakes. I must have looked like a clown show, some kind of freak, doing hang-cleans and trying to make box jump platforms out of whatever I could find. And I hated it. Where was that pro feel to the weight room? Your teammates, the sounds of guys working? I love that stuff, and I missed it. Running, speed training, conditioning, defensive back drills ... I wasn't going to get that done with spin classes going on in that gym. So I just went over to a local park in Ashburn, Virginia. Put on some sweats, cleats and try to find some grass that wasn't littered with holes. (Don't want to blow out your knee.) There I was, running speed drills and backpedaling while little kids played on the swings. They all looked at me like I was crazy or something. And now that I think about it, I probably should've asked if any of those kids could throw to make my drills more realistic. But throughout my makeshift training, I kept waiting for a call from my agent. Just give me something, anything. I'm desperate here. There has to be one team that's willing to bring me in for a visit. Finally, my agent told me there was some interest from the Oakland Raiders. California? Why not? But it came with a catch. You see, this was back in 2005, when Al Davis was still running the show. And if you wanted to play for Al, then you better be able to run fast. How fast? Somewhere around a 4.5 40, my agent told me. That worried me a bit. Man, I hadn't run a 40 since the combine. What if I ran a 4.6? So, I went back to the park and started more speed training. I had no one to time me, and I couldn't trust the kids on the swings to give me a legit number on a stopwatch, so I just ran. Every day. I'd go to the gym, look like a circus act, and then head back to the park for more speed work. And it started to wear me down mentally. I was lost.

Luckily another call came. It was the Bills. There was some familiarity up there with the coaching staff and no 40s to run. Just a visit and a two-year deal to play in the AFC East. I flew up on a Wednesday, got home for the weekend, drank some champagne with my wife to celebrate and then drove back up north on Sunday to start offseason training. We sold the house, eventually, and my wife left her teaching job at the end of the third quarter to join me in New York. A new town, a new team, a new adventure. And some relief. No more parks or local gyms. Time to get back in a pro facility. Ah, the life of a journeyman, right? Yeah, but there's also a human element here for these guys, the ones getting those phone calls right now. I know they get paid good money. But it's about more than the loot for these players. It really is. They want to continue living that dream before the NFL pushes them out the backdoor for good. That's the final call, the one I got after a year with the Bills. Close the curtains and turn out the lights. Show's over. That one hurt. It still does. I wish the ending was better, just like the majority of players in this game. And it was the same drill. Look down at the phone, see the caller ID and let out a long, slow sigh. They got me -- again.

Brian Cushing delighted with Broncos' Super Bowl win -- kind of By Tania Ganguli ESPN.com February 10, 2016 Twice he said he wished it could have been Houston, but if it wasn't, Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was glad that Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips won this year's Super Bowl. "Oh man, that was awesome," said Cushing, while speaking at a charity event benefiting Dec My Room, a charity that helps personalize hospital rooms for patients with lengthy stays. The event was arranged by Hannah McNair, the wife of Texans' COO Cal McNair. "If anyone but us was to win it, definitely him. The coaching staff that brought me in and drafted me and taught me a lot of things. ... The first thing [people] say is how good of a guy and man and coach he is. Wade, coach Kollar, Reggie." Bill Kollar was the Houston Texans' defensive line coach and then joined the Denver Broncos staff when Kubiak became the head coach. Phillips was the Texans' defensive coordinator and was unemployed for a year before Kubiak hired him. Reggie Herring coached the Texans' linebackers under Kubiak and Phillips. It was Phillips' first Super Bowl title, at age 68. Cushing didn't realize it was Phillips' first Super Bowl victory until recently. He just assumed the accomplished coach had won one. "They’re both like father figures," he said of Phillips and Kubiak. "They just have such a cool aura. They’re both, especially Wade, relaxing people. He's not a big yeller. You just enjoyed your time with him. Both are excellent coaches. The opportunity to play for him and the experience to be around them was really cool."

'He's more than prepared to do that job.' Bill Polian on Peyton Manning as a GM By Tory Barron ESPN.com February 10, 2016 Bill Polian knows a thing or two about football. He also knows a thing or two about Peyton Manning. Which is why the former Indianapolis Colts general manager and Hall of Famer was confident in his assertion to SiriusXM NFL Radio that Manning (if he should choose to retire) could immediately make the transition to a front-office role: "I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos. The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he'd seen, players he'd seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He's more than prepared to do that job. All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language -- of which he's also very familiar, because of his own contract. He's well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he's ready. I don't know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it." So while The Sheriff's next move is yet to be determined -- on account of needing to throw back some beers with his teammates and take his family to Disneyland -- it is clear he has some options.

32 NFL players who need a change of scenery By Staff ESPN.com February 10, 2016 Mario Williams done in Buffalo? The Giants moving on from Jason Pierre-Paul? DeMarco Murray leaving Philadelphia after one disastrous season? NFL Nation reporters pick a player who needs a change of scenery for all 32 NFL teams. AFC EAST Buffalo Bills: There isn't a bit of hesitation on this question -- it's Mario Williams. The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end voiced his concerns last season about how he and other defensive players were being used in Rex Ryan's scheme. Williams' production dropped off dramatically, and he's widely expected to be released in the coming weeks. -- Mike Rodak Miami Dolphins: Wide receiver Rishard Matthews was once disgruntled and wanted out of Miami in 2015. It appears Matthews, an unrestricted free agent, will likely get his wish this offseason. Matthews earned the starting job out of training camp last summer despite long odds. He had a solid year with 43 receptions, 662 yards and 4 touchdowns before suffering season-ending rib and chest injuries in Week 12. But with 2015 first-round pick DeVante Parker projected to start next season, Matthews likely will look elsewhere to find a starting opportunity. -- James Walker New England Patriots: A year after putting up career-high numbers (74 catches, 953 yards, 7 touchdowns), wide receiver Brandon LaFell slipped to No. 4 on the depth chart in the AFC Championship Game, and he wasn't targeted. LaFell had just 37 catches for 515 yards and no touchdowns in 2015. Entering the final year of his contract, his fit in New England in 2016 is uncertain. -- Mike Reiss New York Jets: Former starting quarterback Geno Smith is a classic example of a player who could benefit from a fresh start. The fan base turned on him in 2014, and he never got a chance for redemption because his jaw was broken by a teammate's fist and he lost his job to Ryan Fitzpatrick, who enjoyed a career year. Smith has some physical talent, but he doesn't appear to have the mental makeup to thrive in a place like New York. -- Rich Cimini AFC NORTH Baltimore Ravens: Left tackle Eugene Monroe has failed to give the Ravens any reason to have faith in him. He has missed 16 games (including the playoffs) since signing a five-year, $37.5 million contract (with an $11 million signing bonus) before the 2014 season. Monroe only started and finished three games in 2015. Joe Flacco suffered his season-ending knee injury when Monroe's replacement, James Hurst, was pushed back into the franchise quarterback. Monroe isn't a Pro Bowl blocker, but he has talent. It might be easier for him to get his career on track elsewhere. -- Jamison Hensley Cincinnati Bengals: Although he hasn't voiced displeasure with the Bengals, cornerback Leon Hall, the team's first-round pick in 2007, seems the most in need of a new environment. The 31-year-old is one of the Bengals' 15 unrestricted free agents, and he's likely headed for a pay cut if he re-signs. His current deal paid him $9.75 million per year. In the five seasons since signing it, Hall has had two season-ending Achilles tears, and the Bengals have drafted two corners in the first round. With those young players

emerging, Cincinnati is unlikely to agree to a massive, long-term contract this time around. He may be on the downside of his career, but Hall can still help someone's team. -- Coley Harvey Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo was the sixth pick in the 2013 draft, but he has never found a position on the defense. The Browns have used him as a pass-rusher and as a drop linebacker and can't seem to settle on what to do with him. He could use a fresh start with a new team that can take advantage of his skills. -- Pat McManamon Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornerback Brandon Boykin entered his fourth NFL season eyeing an explosion into free agency, hoping to showcase versatility as a slot cornerback who is effective on the outside, too. Instead, the former Eagle was traded to the Steelers, who played him about a quarter of their defensive downs in 2015. Boykin should still have a healthy market in free agency, and he'll take advantage. Here's to guessing he goes elsewhere in 2016, though his experience in Pittsburgh was positive overall. Another Steelers corner that could use a change of scenery is Cortez Allen, who has had a rough two years since signing a long-term extension. He struggled in the first year, then missed 15 games in 2015 with a knee injury. -- Jeremy Fowler AFC SOUTH Houston Texans: Safety Rahim Moore started in Denver, but the Broncos let him go in free agency last spring. The Texans signed Moore, and he was their starter until Week 7. After that, he was inactive for every game. He called it mortifying. In the right situation, though, he can contribute. -- Tania Ganguli Indianapolis Colts: This shouldn't come as a surprise, but it's Dwayne Allen. The fourth-year tight end talked like a player who knew his time in Indianapolis was up at the end of the season. He felt like he wasn't used correctly in the offense, which was in reference to having to stay in and help block more instead of run routes because of the struggles of the offensive line. Allen only had 16 receptions and one touchdown last season. The Colts are more likely to try to re-sign Coby Fleener than Allen. -- Mike Wells Jacksonville Jaguars: Defensive end Chris Clemons had just three sacks in 2015 and didn't give the Jaguars what they needed from the LEO (pass-rushing end) position. Coach Gus Bradley said Clemons still played the run pretty well, but that spot has to generate pressure on first and second down, and Clemons didn't get it done. He's 34 years old and could latch onto a Super Bowl contender as a situational player, but his time in Jacksonville is likely over. -- Mike DiRocco Tennessee Titans: Running back Bishop Sankey could use a change of scenery, and that may be good news for him because he could have a hard time making the team. The first running back drafted in 2014 (No. 54 overall), he has been a major disappointment. The general manager who picked him, Ruston Webster, is gone. -- Paul Kuharsky AFC WEST Denver Broncos: Tailback Ronnie Hillman led the Broncos in rushing yards (863) and rushing touchdowns (seven), but he also has the misfortune of being eligible for the open market in the same year as the Broncos have key players on defense like linebacker Von Miller, defensive end Malik Jackson, linebacker Danny Trevathan and safety David Bruton Jr. The dollars in the Broncos' budget can only go so far. While the Broncos like Hillman's potential explosiveness, he averaged 2.5, 1.5 and 0.0 (0 yards on five carries) yards per carry in the Broncos' three postseason games. So Hillman could find himself looking elsewhere for an opportunity in an open market that isn't always kind to running backs. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs drafted running back Knile Davis in the third round in 2013 with the hope he could be Jamaal Charles' eventual replacement. That doesn't look like it will ever happen. Davis hasn't developed into the versatile back Andy Reid wants for his offense, and fumbling has been a frequent problem. Davis was passed on the depth chart by Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware after Charles' season-ending injury last season. -- Adam Teicher Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have two: cornerback D.J. Hayden and wide receiver Rod Streater. Hayden has been wildly inconsistent since being taken No. 12 overall in the 2013 draft. Going somewhere else as just another low-profile guy might be the best move for all involved as the Raiders look to revamp their secondary. Streater, meanwhile, was a jewel in the rough as an undrafted rookie in 2012, catching a combined 99 passes for 1,472 yards and 7 TDs his first two seasons. The last two years, though, he has caught just 10 passes for 92 yards and 1 TD in 4 games. He played in just one game last year, falling behind Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Andre Holmes in the Raiders' wide receiver rotation. -- Paul Gutierrez San Diego Chargers: He already shaved his gnarly beard after three seasons, and Eric Weddle will likely get a new team as well in 2016. The all-pro safety bristled when Chargers' brass refused to offer him a contract extension this summer. Making matters worse, the team fined Weddle $30,000 for not going into halftime of the Chargers' final home game against the Dolphins to watch his daughter perform, and placed him on the injured reserve for the final game of the season. Weddle, 31, still has gas left in the tank and likely will sign with a playoff contender once free agency begins in March. -- Eric D. Williams NFC EAST Dallas Cowboys: Technically, cornerback Morris Claiborne will be given the chance for a change of scenery because he will be a free agent in March, but last season he said numerous times he wants to stay in Dallas. The Cowboys made a bold move up in the 2012 draft to take Claiborne with the sixth overall pick. They said he was their highest-ranked defensive back since Deion Sanders. In four seasons, he recorded three interceptions. He was unable to play a full slate of games in his four years, missing time because of a concussion and hamstring, knee and ankle injuries. When he played, he was solid, but he could never live up to the expectations of the No. 6 pick. -- Todd Archer New York Giants: It's not that defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul doesn't love the Giants or that they haven't been supportive of him since his fireworks accident. He does, and they have. But the past year has been so traumatic in so many ways for Pierre-Paul that it's probably best for him to find a fresh start somewhere and just hit the reset button. Everyone wishes him well, especially after the graceful way he conducted himself upon his return. But the Giants need a pass-rush overhaul and a defensive rebuild. Pierre-Paul is better off going somewhere else as a part of an established pass rush than trying to be the anchor for a rebuilding defense. -- Dan Graziano Philadelphia Eagles: Running back DeMarco Murray could certainly benefit from a change of scenery after a nightmarish first season with the Eagles. The NFL's leading rusher in Dallas in 2014, Murray never fit in coach Chip Kelly's offense. Will Kelly's departure create enough of a change in scenery? The cap implications of trading or releasing Murray put a lock on most possible escape hatches. -- Phil Sheridan Washington Redskins: This one is obvious: quarterback Robert Griffin III. He'll get his wish quite soon, most likely via his release by March 9. Griffin hasn't helped himself with his lack of development, but he also has paid the price for his popularity, with every word parsed for meaning and every action dissected. To get his career back in order, he'll be best served doing so in another city where the focus won't be as intense as it was in Washington. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH Chicago Bears: Tight end Martellus Bennett is ready to move on. Bennett is a talented, two-way tight end who played three productive years in Chicago (208 catches for 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns). But he failed to ingratiate himself to the new coaching staff in 2015, missing the entire voluntary offseason workout program over a contract dispute and later publicly questioning his role on offense. Bennett ended the year on injured reserve with fractured ribs. A former Pro Bowler, Bennett wants a new deal. Unfortunately, the Bears likely have no interest in signing him to an extension. The best bet is that Bennett is either traded or released this offseason. Both sides are ready for a clean break. -- Jeff Dickerson Detroit Lions: Linebacker Kyle Van Noy gained a lot of attention after the Lions traded up to get up in the second round in the 2014 draft. But Van Noy has been unable to get on the field during his first two seasons with the Lions even though the team clearly had less-than-complete players at linebacker last season. In a season-and-a-half, Van Noy has played 125 defensive snaps and made only 11 tackles. He could still receive an opportunity with the Lions, but it feels like that window might be closing. -- Michael Rothstein Green Bay Packers: With the Packers intent on moving Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker, it probably means there's not room for Mike Neal and/or Nick Perry. General manager Ted Thompson may re-sign one of them -- Neal seems like the safer bet -- but not both. For Perry, the former first-round pick who never quite lived up to his draft billing, his best chance to become a bona fide starter might be elsewhere. When healthy, Perry has been productive, but injuries have dogged from the beginning. He has never played in all 16 regular-season games, while Neal, once viewed as injury-prone himself, has been the more reliable player of late. Neal has played in every game each of the past three seasons. -- Rob Demovsky Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings would have to pay Mike Wallace $11.5 million under the terms of his current contract for 2016, and if Wallace were to return next season, it's likely he'd have to do so under the terms of a restructured contract. For a variety of reasons, the Vikings didn't establish Wallace as a downfield threat like they'd hoped in 2015, and after a 39-catch, 473-yard season, he could decide to find a new team rather than restructure with the Vikings. -- Ben Goessling NFC SOUTH Atlanta Falcons: Defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman, a former second-round draft pick, is a talented player who is strong enough to push around anyone. But the fact that Hageman doesn't always play disciplined football in coach Dan Quinn's scheme might make Hageman a better fit elsewhere. Hageman could thrive in a different scheme. -- Vaughn McClure Carolina Panthers: This one is tough because the Panthers spent three years trying to perfect the culture of the locker room, and they believe they got it right for their Super Bowl run. There is no player you could call a virus in the locker room. But because of his 2016 salary cap figure ($15 million and change) and age (almost 30), I'll go with defensive end Charles Johnson. He's been a leader, but the Panthers need to become younger and better at that position. -- David Newton New Orleans Saints: Since cornerback Brandon Browner has reportedly been informed of his release, I'll go with New Orleans' other free-agent bust from last year, running back C.J. Spiller. The Saints barely used Spiller, with coach Sean Payton explaining that he lacked his usual explosion after a minor knee

surgery in the summer. Spiller has a fully-guaranteed roster bonus of $1.55 million due this year, and the Saints would save only $1.7 million by cutting him. There's a chance they'll keep Spiller around to see if he can return to peak form. But if they don't envision him playing a bigger role, they should let him go. -- Mike Triplett Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After four 1,000-yard seasons in a row, wide receiver Vincent Jackson caught just 33 passes for 543 yards and 3 TDs this past season. He has just five TD catches in the past two seasons combined. That's not enough production for a player who is scheduled to count more than $12 million against the salary cap in 2016. The Bucs can save $9.8 million by cutting him. -- Mike DiRocco NFC WEST Arizona Cardinals: Veteran inside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon lost the starting job when he missed nearly all of training camp with injuries. Yes, he has a rap as injury-prone, but he was relatively healthy during the season -- partly because he rarely played. He needs an opportunity to win a starting job and show he can still play at the level he once reached with the Falcons. That won't happen with the Cardinals, who start Kevin Minter. -- Josh Weinfuss Los Angeles Rams: Defensive end Chris Long has been the heartbeat of the locker room for many years and is the team's longest tenured player (eight seasons), but Long's production has dropped off in the past two years because of injuries and he's due to count more than $14 million against the salary cap next season. That means keeping him would almost certainly have to come after a pay cut, something Long has said he'd be open to. Making such an arrangement work might be difficult and Long has made it clear he's at a point in his career where winning is his top priority. As hard as it might be to let him go, it might be best for both parties to go their separate ways so the Rams can plan for the future and Long can seek a more successful situation. -- Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers: Two words: Colin. Kaepernick. Oh, I know all about how Chip Kelly is supposed to be the one who can "fix" Kaepernick and even Hall of Famer Steve Young had some soul-searching advice for the dual-threat quarterback to fall on the sword, own his missteps of the past few seasons and ask Kelly for help. But the report that came out during Super Bowl week that had Kaepernick not only wanting out of Santa Clara but wanting to go to the New York Jets was a clear sign that Kaepernick just might need a fresh start elsewhere. -- Paul Gutierrez Seattle Seahawks: On passing plays in 2015, Bruce Irvin dropped into coverage 30.5 percent of the time, according to Pro Football Focus. The outside linebacker deserves credit for developing into a versatile player, but he would probably prefer to line up on the edge every snap and get after the quarterback. That's not going to happen if he re-signs with the Seahawks as a free agent. Instead, Irvin might be best served to find a home on another team where he can focus solely on rushing the passer. -- Sheil Kapadia

Correction: Super Bowl-Broncos Parade story By Donna Bryson & Pat Graham Associated Press February 10, 2016 In a story Feb. 9 about Denver celebrating the Broncos Super Bowl victory, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of a fan and several of her relatives. The fan was Dorothy Ayze, not Ayce. Her daughter is Judy Klade, not Judy Ayce. Her granddaughter is Amanda Skenadore, not Amanda Ayce. A corrected version of the story is below: Broncos parade through Denver, leave questions for later Hundreds of thousands of fans cheered the Denver Broncos as the Super Bowl champions paraded through downtown Tuesday, putting aside some big questions about the future of the team for now -- From the top of a fire truck, Von Miller thrust the Super Bowl trophy into the air again and again as the Denver Broncos convoy made its way through streets lined with blue-and-orange clad fans. Behind Miller, the Super Bowl MVP, stood Peyton Manning and DeMarcus Ware. Behind them, the architect of this team and Hall of Famer John Elway. Fittingly, the group traveled the route, which was a bit longer than a mile, in fire truck No. 18 — Manning's number. Will he be back with the Broncos? A question for another time. Because Tuesday was parade day and a million fans — according to an estimate from the city's mayor — showed up to cheer on the Super Bowl champions after beating Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers 24-10 on Sunday. The supporters held up signs and screamed "Thank you, Peyton!" at the top of their lungs as they soaked in the sun while basking in the glow of the Broncos' third Super Bowl title — and first in 17 years. Fans packed in tightly along the route, while others watched from balconies, rooftops and even the branches of trees as the players rode by on a series of fire trucks. Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler signed footballs and threw them into the crowd as he rode by on another truck, while Annabel Bowlen, the wife of ailing Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, took a seat next to Miller. Pat Henderson and Melanie Novak usually cheer together at the stadium, where they met at a Broncos game a decade ago in a part of the stands they proudly described as the rowdy south section. During the season, "it's our responsibility to all the Broncos nation to help the team by yelling," Henderson said. The task Tuesday, she said as she stood with Novak along the parade route, was a bit different: "To have fun and represent Denver." The parade followed an outdoor concert by a trio of Colorado bands, including Big Head Todd and The Monsters, near City Hall and the state Capitol. The sea of fans went crazy on the sunny morning as the

music started. The smell of marijuana hung over the park, even though smoking pot in public is illegal in Colorado. People gathered for hours before the concert and parade. Classes were in session Tuesday, but school-age kids mingled in the crowd. Denver schools offered students excused absences if their parents let officials know. Once on stage, Manning acknowledged his teammates and the crowd, but he said nothing of his plans for the future. "Everybody has really stuck together this year. That's why we're here where we are today, and it's great to be with all these great fans," Manning said. Judy Klade drove nine hours with her 81-year-old mother Dorothy Ayze from the Chinle Navajo reservation in Arizona for the parade, arriving at the Denver home of Klade's niece late Monday. On Tuesday morning, Ayze's wheelchair was parked against a barricade. A plastic bag of drinks and snacks dangled from the chair. The family was ready to spend the day celebrating. "We brought our mats. We brought our food. We brought blankets for Grandma," her granddaughter, Amanda Skenadore said. Klade, speaking in Navajo, asked her mother whether she was there for all the Broncos, or especially for Manning. "Peyton," was the answer. "She just likes watching sports, and she's followed him for years," Skenadore said. Fans began celebrating Sunday night as the clock ticked down on the Broncos' win in Super Bowl 50. That crowd became unruly at times, but officers for the most part watched from the sidewalk. Police reported a handful of arrests, mainly for criminal mischief. On Tuesday, the mood was light. Even some people stuck in traffic near the parade route honked at fans dressed in Broncos jerseys walked on the sidewalk toward the event. Some kids had an impromptu snowball fight — making missiles out of remnants of snow from a week ago when the city received about a foot of fresh powder — while several adults painted their faces for the occasion. Although many took the day off, Gary Baca, chief of security for a downtown building along the route, was working. He wore a bright orange tie with his white dress shirt, and took a moment to survey the crowds he said were sending a message to the Broncos. "I want them to understand that we as fans truly love them," Baca said. "The love deep down is genuine." It meant the world to longtime Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar, the centerpiece the team's famed "Orange Crush" defense from the late 1970s. "I can see why Broncos fans are charged with being the greatest fans in the country," Gradishar said. "It's great to see all the excitement and enthusiasm." Miller, who was wearing a cowboy hat, couldn't agree more. A chance at a Super Bowl repeat?

"I think so," Miller said. "Back-to-back, right?!"

The 11 most intriguing players in the 2016 NFL draft By Michael Middlehurts-Schwartz USA Today February 10, 2016 The NFL draft is still more than two months away, but focus on college prospects will take off soon with the scouting combine coming up in two weeks. To give an early breakdown, we ranked the 11 most intriguing draft prospects right now. Keep in mind this is not a ranking of prospects' value - Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa are expected to be among the earliest picks, but the two established stars didn't make the cut for this list. 11. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama: The Heisman Trophy winner wasn't happy when he was given a second-round grade by the NFL draft advisory board, and he's got plenty to prove between now and the end of April. At Alabama, Henry's value was as a workhorse back. No NFL running back carried the ball more than 31 times in any game last season, but Henry did it in five games for the Crimson Tide. That workload, along with a rigid running style, might alarm NFL teams. But it's hard to ignore a 6-3, 242-pound ball carrier who finishes his runs the way Henry does. 10. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: A four-year starter for the Spartans, Cook is probably the draft's most established quarterbacks. Yet he's not without his questions marks.The 6-4, 219-pound signal-caller at times looks like a savvy veteran, but his accuracy has been spotty and he has been prone to wild lapses with his footwork and decision-making. There's plenty of demand for a quarterback with his skill set, but when will a team be ready to pull the trigger? 9. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State: There's not much left for Elliott to prove after a prolific collegiate career. His value as a test case for the NFL's evaluation of running backs earned him a spot on this list. Elliott might be the most well-rounded player in the draft, but teams still might be reticent to take a running back in the top 10 given the position's history of providing bargains in later rounds. But one year after Todd Gurley starred as the No. 10 pick for the Rams, Elliott could convince a team to move on him very early. 8. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis: Lynch';s inclusion here would have seemed odd at the beginning of the season, but he was plenty impressive while leading the Tigers to an 8-0 start this season. A crash-landing in his bowl game against Auburn, in which he completed just 16 of 37 passes for 106 yards, raised a few concerns after a season mostly spent picking on lower competition. With a 6-7, 245-pound build and the ability to move around, Lynch has plenty of attributes teams seek in a quarterback. A team patient enough to bring him along slowly could provide the setting for him to flourish. 7. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor: As the draft's best big-play threat, Coleman is an instant offensive jump-start. The Biletnikoff Award winner is extremely difficult to cover downfield, and he wins on contested catches despite being just 5-11 and 190 pounds. Coleman's route-running and run blocking are underdeveloped after playing in Baylor's system, and he'll have to cut down on his drops. But teams won't ignore his ability to pick up yards in big chunks. 6. Jared Goff, QB, Cal: The front-runner to be the top quarterback taken, Goff is about to go through the NFL's ringer of pre-draft scrutiny. He throws with remarkable anticipation and displays impressive pocket awareness. But questions about how he'll advance from Cal's simplistic offense will linger until

he gets to work with a team. But with so much to offer, Goff shouldn't be on the board long before a team is convinced of his ability to the reins to its offense. 5. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame: Smith has the make-up of a top-notch three-down linebacker, but he's just a month removed from tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. Now, medical evaluations at the combine could prove crucial for his stock. His ability to run down ball-carriers in the open field is nearly unmatched, but how will teams value off-ball linebackers in an age where pass-rushers are prized above almost everything else? 4. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA: Much like Smith, Jack will need to check out medically after he suffered a season-ending torn meniscus in September, though the UCLA product is further along in his recovery. If he recaptures his pre-injury form, Jack offers tantalizing versatility. Though he lacks ideal size at 6-1, 245 pounds, he can alter games from almost anywhere on the field. The biggest challenge for a defensive coordinator might be deciding how best to utilize his talents. 3. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky: Spence's career at Ohio State came to an abrupt end when he was banned from the Big Ten in 2014 after two failed drug tests. But with NFL teams mining the draft for elite traits, Spence didn't stay out of the spotlight for long. His explosion off the edge makes him one of the draft's most dynamic talents. But to be drafted as early as his talent warrants, Spence will have to convince a team he's learned from his past. 2. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: Reconciling potential with production will prove difficult in Nkemdiche's case. He resembles a top talent with incredible disruption on occasion, but he never fully assumed the role with consistent play. He also was banned from Ole Miss' bowl game after being charged with marijuana possession. The athleticism is enticing, but Nkemdiche could be in for a wait if teams can't account for his shortcomings. 1. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: No player is as likely to confound and divide opinions in the same manner as Wentz, a 6-5 signal-caller who at the FCS level went unnoticed by many. To some, his body of work at North Dakota State indicates a physical and mental readiness to be a high-end starter after an adjustment period. But any slip-ups will draw close inspection, as he is bound to be one of the draft's most scrutinized players. And for all the talk of Wentz due over the next few months, fans and teams might be in for a long wait before they get a read on how he'll fare in the NFL. Accept the mystery.

Here's who the Broncos could play in NFL's 2016 regular-season opener By John Breech CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 The Broncos' win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 officially marked the end of the 2015 season, which means now is the perfect time to start talking about the 2016 season. Sure, it's seven months away and there's a lot of things that will happen before then -- free agency, the draft, OTAs -- but I don't want to talk about those things right now. I want to talk about the 2016 regular-season opener, which will be played on Sept. 8 at Sports Authority Field in Denver. The Broncos get the game because the defending Super Bowl champion gets the honor of hosting the first game of the following NFL season. The big question is: Who will they play? Let's take a look at Denver's home schedule and see who has the best chance of playing the Broncos in the 2016 regular-season opener. Broncos 2016 Home Games (This list has been put together assuming that Peyton Manning retires. There is also a contingency list at the bottom in case Peyton stays in Denver for another season or signs with another team) 8. Falcons: If America got to vote on who plays in the opener, the Falcons would get zero votes. People in Atlanta wouldn't even vote for them because they would be afraid to watch their team get blown out on national television. Also, no one wants to watch Matt Ryan throw six interceptions during the first game of the NFL season; that would put a big damper on opening night and really, the entire season. Chances of Atlanta appearing in the regular-season opener: .01 percent. 7. Texans: No one wants to watch the Broncos' defense terrorize Brian Hoyer for four quarters, so it's unlikely the NFL puts the Texans in the regular-season opener. The only way the Texans will be opening the season in Denver is if Peyton Manning leaves the Broncos and signs with Houston. That's not going to happen though. At least, I think it's not. You know what, I'm not even sure, it totally could happen. The Texans have a stacked defense and all they need is a quarterback who's slightly more capable than Hoyer. Chances of Houston appearing in the regular-season opener: 1 percent. T-6. Chargers and Raiders: Putting a resurgent Raiders team in Denver would be fun just because it would mean we would get to see Raiders fans take over the Mile High city. The problem for both of these teams though is that the NFL hasn't been a big fan of putting a divisional opponent in the opening game. The Super Bowl champ has been hosting the opening game since 2004 and in the 12 games since then, there have only been two divisional games and both of those involved NFC East teams. Chargers-Broncos would be fun, but to the NFL, it's not quite as sexy as Cowboys-Giants (2012) or Redskins-Giants (2008), the only games that pitted divisional opponents against each other in the regular-season opener. Chances of Oakland appearing in the regular season opener: 5 percent.

Chances of San Diego appearing in the regular season opener: 5 percent. 4. Chiefs: If the NFL does decide to send a divisional opponent to Denver for opening night, the most logical choice would be the Chiefs. Kansas City gave the Broncos some serious trouble in 2015, and probably should've gone 2-0 against them. However, they didn't because Jamaal Charles fumbled the ball with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Week 2 and the Broncos returned it for the winning touchdown. Chances of Kansas City appearing in the regular season opener: 10 percent. 3. Patriots: Keep in mind that this list is based on Peyton Manning not being in Denver next season and if Manning's not in Denver, then Patriots-Broncos loses about 50 percent of its sexiness. That doesn't mean Brock Osweiler is a huge drop-off from Peyton Manning, it just means that trying to sell Brady-Osweiler is a lot harder than Brady-Manning. Although the NFL opener doesn't exactly need need to be "sold," it still needs something that will draw in the casual fan so that ratings will be huge, and Brady-Osweiler just doesn't do that. On a completely unrelated note, I would pay money to watch an actual chess match between Bill Belichick and Wade Phillips. Chances of New England appearing in the regular season opener: 20 percent. 2. Panthers: The problem with scheduling the regular-season opener in April, which the NFL has to do, is that you don't know how final rosters are going to shake out. Besides Manning, the Broncos could lose some key defensive players who played big roles in Super Bowl 50 (Danny Trevathan, Malik Jackson). The thing about putting the Panthers in this game is that it won't matter who leaves or who retires for either team because it's a Super Bowl rematch, which is basically ratings-proof. If this game ended up being Trevor Siemian vs. Derek Anderson, people would still watch. A big thing that might keep the NFL away from this game though is that it's inter-conference. Since 2004, the league has only had one AFC-NFC game to start the season (Saints-Colts, 2007). Chances of Carolina appearing in the regular season opener: 25 percent. 1. Colts: If Peyton does retire, then this game would be the perfect retirement party. The Broncos could give away bobbleheads, which would be the most amazing bobbleheads of all-time because of the size of Peyton's forehead. There could be Colts bobbleheads and Broncos bobbleheads and if either team wanted to be funny, they could include an Eli Manning sad-face bobblehead from Super Bowl 50. Also, this would be the perfect time for both franchises to honor Manning before the game. There could be a parade, there could be Budweiser and the Broncos could even raise their new Super Bowl banner with Peyton's help! Basically, it would be the perfect sendoff for Manning and the best part is that he could cheer for both teams. Although some might fear that the Colts would get blown out, Indy is 2-0 in its past two meetings against Denver. A healthy Andrew Luck is the perfect quarterback when it comes to neutralizing the Broncos' fast defense. Chances of Indianapolis appearing in the regular season opener: 33.99 percent. IF PEYTON STAYS IN DENVER FOR ONE MORE SEASON 1. Patriots: The potential final chapter of Brady-Manning on opening night makes so much sense it almost hurts. CBS lost this game last season (to NBC), but probably wouldn't complain too much here because we basically got the game back when Manning and Brady met in the AFC title game. Also, the NBC Brady-Manning game in 2015 turned into Brady-Osweiler, which wouldn't happen in Week 1 unless

Manning lost his job in training camp. There's no way he would come back and then lose his job in training camp, is there? I mean, seriously, that would be weird. 1A. Colts: Manning vs. the Colts will always be fun, but it's no Brady-Manning. IF PEYTON SIGNS WITH ANOTHER TEAM 1. Panthers: If Manning is playing for another team next season, then the big retirement party with the Colts wouldn't make much sense. The NFL could then toss this game in Week 1, which, as mentioned above, would basically be ratings gold because it's a Super Bowl rematch. NOTE: Again, if Peyton signs with Houston, that game would vault to No. 1 over the Panthers in this category. Also, if this girl offers to carve another wooden J.J. Watt, that could also help the Texans' chances. NOTE II: We're 2 for 2 picking the opening week game over the past two years, so let's hope this makes it 3 for 3. Anyway, here's a complete list of every team's home and away opponent for 2016. Exact dates for each game will be released in the spring. Here are the 2016 schedule dates we do know so far. Week 1: TBA at Denver. Week 4: Colts vs. Jaguars in London (Wembley Stadium) Week 7: Giants vs. Rams in London (Twickenham Stadium) Week 8: Redskins vs. Bengals in London (Wembley Stadium) Week 11: Texans vs. Raiders in Mexico City (Azteca Stadium, Monday night) Note: Teams traveling to London generally receive their bye the following week.

Bill Polian: Peyton Manning 'could very quickly' become an NFL GM By Will Brinson CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 Everyone believes Peyton Manning is going to retire after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. It would be stunning if he comes back, meaning he's (probably) going to find a new job. So what next? Peyton's former boss, the man who drafted him with the Colts, Bill Polian, thinks Manning could slide into a "John Elway-style" role. “I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos,” Polian said on Sirius XM Radio via Coaching Search.com. “The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he'd seen, players he'd seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC. “He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He's more than prepared to do that job." You can listen to the full interview below, but it's a logical leap for Manning. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora has been reporting for months about the possibility of Peyton joining a front office (the Browns and Titans could be landing spots), including the idea of joining up with Polian himself. Polian also mentioned giving a "brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language" to help Manning. Maybe he's helping to set himself up for something like that with this very interview? Whatever the case, if Manning retires, he could very well be a hot commodity in the front-office circuit.

Bennie Fowler gives Peyton Manning his potential last thrown ball back By Will Brinson CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 On Sunday in Super Bowl 50, Peyton Manning threw what might be his final pass. It was a two-point conversion thrown to wide receiver and future trivia answer Bennie Fowler. Fowler caught a total of 16 passes in his second season with Denver and a total of two catches in the postseason. The second one wasn't something that titled the Super Bowl, but it could very well be Manning's final pass if the Broncos quarterback retires after 2015. In a pretty awesome move, Fowler decided to give the ball back to Manning. Seems like the easy choice right? Well, not really -- Fowler has no clue if he'll ever get a chance to catch a two-point conversion pass in the Super Bowl (or any sort of scoring pass or any sort of pass in general in the Super Bowl). Giving away the pass puts him at risk of losing a pretty amazing keepsake. On the other hand, it looks like he's picking up some pretty sweet signed stuff from Peyton -- the jersey in Manning's hand sure does look like it might be signed which would be a pretty smart way to swap for a football.

Broncos linebacker says Peyton Manning jump-started his career By Sean Wagner-McGough CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 Peyton Manning owes the Broncos' defense for carrying him to his second Super Bowl ring. But Brandon Marshall -- the Broncos' linebacker, not the Jets' wide receiver -- owes Manning for his career. After the Broncos beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Marshall revealed how he ended up on the Broncos' active roster. It turns out Manning played a role in his promotion. "A lot of people don't know but Peyton is the reason I'm here," Marshall said, per Pro Football Talk. "When I got picked up on the practice squad, I was playing my tail off at practice. He was one of the ones that noticed me. He would ask the coaches, 'Who is this guy? Who is this guy Brandon Marshall? We have to get him up.' So he noticed me, and a lot of the offensive guys started talking about me, and that allowed me to get my chance. So I love Peyton. I have a different appreciation for him. I feel like he had a hand in me getting off the practice squad and onto that roster. I told Peyton before the game, I said, 'Man, I want to win this for you.' I've been feeling that way all year." Marshall, a former fifth-round pick of the Jaguars, joined the Broncos in 2013 and spent the season on the practice squad until getting called up for the final game of the year. Prior to joining the Broncos in 2013, Marshall was credited with just two combined tackles in his rookie season in Jacksonville. But, since the beginning of the 2014 season, Marshall's played in 30 of 32 regular-season games for the Broncos, totalling 215 combined tackles in that span. Marshall even led the Broncos' top-ranked defense in tackles this past season. Add "Finding Brandon Marshall" to Manning's unending list of accomplishments. Because of Manning's find, Broncos fans are probably having an easier time forgetting the other Marshall (the Jets' Brandon Marshall, not Sarah).

That brutal facemask in the Super Bowl? Aqib Talib has unlikely backer By Jared Dubin CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 Early in the second quarter of Super Bowl 50, Panthers wide receiver Corey "Philly" Brown caught a pass from Cam Newton while running right to left across the field. Brown turned the corner and headed toward the end zone, and he was chased down by Broncos corner Aqib Talib. Talib, in the process of attempting to tackle Brown, grabbed onto his facemask and yanked it around. Talib was flagged and the Broncos were penalized half the distance to the goal. The morning after the game, Talib said he actually committed the foul on purpose. “It was B.S. flags,” Talib said of that penalty and his other personal foul, via NESN.com. “One was on our sidelines [for taunting] -- the guy [Brown] was talking on our sideline. One I just did on purpose, and I just had to show him. It's probably going to be a fine. But, hey, we're world champs.” A fine is possible, sure. But some people have floated the idea that Talib can or should be suspended for his actions. Someone that doesn't agree with those people, though, is Brown himself. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

Peyton Manning's Super Bowl stats are really close to another great QB By Will Brinson CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 Sunday night's win in Super Bowl 50 was not Peyton Manning's greatest game in a football uniform. Manning, likely to retire after going out on top with the Denver Broncos' 24-10 Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, was average. At best. He couldn't push anything downfield (despite reports earlier in the week about his health) and he couldn't physically throw outside the numbers. All told the Broncos managed just five first downs through the air and completed just one third-down conversion. (Say this out loud: "The 2015 Super Bowl champions went 1-for-14 on third down." High-scoring offenses!) Peyton was a massive part of that. But what's really fascinating about Peyton's struggles are the comparison to another quarterback for the Broncos who struggled badly in a Super Bowl in his late 30's ... John Elway. SUPER BOWL STATS

PLAYER (YEAR) ATT/COMP (%) YARDS TD/INT YPA QB RATING

Peyton Manning (2015) 13/23 (56.5) 141 0/1 6.13 56.6

John Elway (1998) 12/22 (54.6) 123 0/1 5.59 51.9

Elway, of course, is now Peyton's boss (or about to be his former boss) and rejiggered the Broncos' roster in order to take the load of off Peyton in the late stage of his career. It's pretty wild how similar these games are though, because Elway wasn't about to retire. He would play one more season (winning a second Super Bowl) and then ride off into the sunset with his legacy firmly cemented despite not really being a huge factor in that first game from a passing standpoint. (Elway also rushed for a touchdown in that game as well.) The same holds true for Peyton. We think about how bad he looked now, but give it a decade or two and we'll just see a guy with a pair of Super Bowl rings on his fingers.

Peyton Manning keeps getting free beer, here's what he was just sent By John Breech CBSSports.com February 10, 2016 If you like free beer, all you need to do to get some is win a Super Bowl and then give a shoutout to Budweiser after the game. That plan seems to be working for Peyton Manning. Anheuser-Busch was so thrilled with Manning's shoutout at the Super Bowl that the company planned on sending 50 cases of Budweiser to Manning and his teammates, according to ESPN.com. At 24 bottles per case, that means Manning will be on the receiving end of over 1,000 bottles of beer. Anyway, the Brewers Association decided it didn't want Manning drowning himself in Budweiser, so they decided to send something more tasty: Craft beer. The group put together a care package of 10 beers and sent it to the Broncos quarterback, according to the Craft Beer program director at the Brewers Association, Julie Hertz. "To help you celebrate, we wanted to share some craft beers from the over 4,100 small and independent craft brewers in Colorado and beyond," Hertz wrote in a letter that was sent with the care package. "These indie brewers represent the ethic and integrity that makes our country so great and are also worthy of support. We've included a variety of choices for you to enjoy." The package means that Manning will get to enjoy the following beers, including six that were brewed in Colorado and one that was brewed just two hours away fromLevi's Stadium, the site of Super Bowl 50. Black Bavarian (German-style Schwarzbier) | Sprecher Brewing Co. | Glendale, WI Apricot Blonde (Blonde Ale) | Dry Dock Brewing Co. | Aurora, CO Craft Lager (American Lager) | Upslope Brewing Co. | Boulder, CO Colorado Kolsch (German-style Kolsch) | Steamworks Brewing Co. | Durango, CO Racer 5 IPA (India Pale Ale) | Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, CA Samuel Adams Boston Lager (Vienna-style Lager) | Boston Beer Co. | Boston, MA Mojo IPA (India Pale Ale) | Boulder Beer Co. | Boulder, CO Sawtooth Ale Nitro (Extra Special Bitter) | Left Hand Brewing Co. | Longmont, CO Session Cream Summer Ale (Cream Ale) | Full Sail Brewing Co. | Hood River, OR Graham Cracker Porter (American Porter) | Denver Beer Co. | Denver, CO On the other hand, Manning reportedly owns a stake in two Anheuser-Busch distributors, so he might just giveaway this care package. If he decides to go that route, I'll gladly take it Peyton. I love free beer. It's not as good as free tacos, but it's close. OK, they're equal.

Super Bowl 50 replay assistant reportedly hails from Denver By Nunzio Igrassia FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 This will probably not sit too well with Carolina Panthers fans. Super Bowl 50 replay assistant Jimmy Oldham resides in the Denver area and his wife attended the game wearing a Broncos jersey, according to The Big Lead. According to the report, Oldham's wife posted a celebratory video on Facebook with the caption "The moment we WON!" The NFL released a statement to The Big Lead after the outlet inquired about Oldham. "The replay assistant has no input into replay decisions and is on-site to help facilitate communication between the referee and the Vice President of Officiating, Dean Blandino, who typically works from the league's officiating room in New York. For the Super Bowl, Blandino was on-site at Levi's Stadium working from the instant replay booth with the replay official, Charles Stewart, and was in direct communication with the referee during all replay reviews." Panthers fans are probably still upset about Jerricho Cotchery's catch that was ruled incomplete on the field and then later upheld after replay. Cotchery juggled the ball on the first-quarter play about 20 yards downfield with the Panthers trailing 3-0. It was difficult to see if the ball touched the groud or if Cotchery maintained possession when he hit the ground. Cam Newton was sacked and had the ball stripped two plays later. The Broncos recovered in the end zone, giving them a 10-0 lead.

Broncos DE Jackson to make 'business' decision in free agency By Tom Torrisi FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson knows he's in line for a big payday as he prepares to hit free agency. And while Jackson told Pro Football Talk that he'd love to remain with the Super Bowl champion Broncos, he admitted his decision will be driven by business more than sentiment. “Oh yeah, I love it here man. I think I’m accustomed to living here,” Jackson said. "So for me it’s one of those things I would love to stay here and just kinda continue to start here with my boys. Continue this run with them and try to get another one with this defense, but you know it is a business and I gotta feed my family so we’ll see what happens.” In his fourth year with Denver, the 6-foot-5, 293-pound Jackson registered five sacks and started all 16 games for the first time. He scored the first touchdown of the Super Bowl, pouncing on a fumble in the end zone to give the Broncos a 10-0 lead. Denver general manager John Elway said one of his top priorities in the offseason is retaining Jackson, who said he'd gladly settle for the franchise tag.

Playoff success of Broncos' McManus no surprise to his college coach By Tom Torrisi FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 There was a point late in Super Bowl 50 when the idea of a kicker being named Most Valuable Player started to surface on Twitter. Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller doused that notion in the fourth quarter when he forced his second fumble to all but cement MVP honors and assure that teammmate and second-year kicker Brandon McManus would not be heading to Disney World. "The magnitude of the moment was nerve-wracking," observed Temple University head football coach Matt Rhule, who recruited McManus out of high school. "It was very surreal. This is probably the kid I've known the longest. ... We were saying, if he keeps doing what he's doing, he could be the MVP." McManus, 24, provided the only points put up by Denver's offense through the first three quarters of Sunday's 24-10 victory oer the Carolina Panthers, nailing all three of his field goal chances -- from 34, 30 and 33 yards -- and his only extra point attempt. @KCJoynerTFS Brandon McManus was 10-10 on FG this postseason. The most FG without a miss in a single postseason in NFL history (credit @ESPNStatsInfo). 10:35 PM - 7 Feb 2016 It capped a sensational playoff run for McManus, who set a postseason record by converting the most field goals without a miss (10-for-10) in league history. Not bad for a kicker who had been waived by the Broncos three-quarters through his rookie season in 2014. "It was very cool to see the journey. It hasn't always been easy for him," Rhule said via phone on Wednesday. "Not just for Brandon, but it's his mom and dad. It's nice to see them have that experience, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be such a part of that is very gratifying." McManus' brief NFL career has had its bumpy moments. An undrafted free agent who was waived by the Indianapolis Colts in 2013, he was traded from the New York Giants to Denver on the eve of the 2014 season. Just as McManus appeared to have a solid foothold on the starting job, he missed three kicks in a five-game span and was replaced by Connor Barth. Still, Rhule maintained an unwavering confidence in McManus, mindful of how his former kicker coped with any struggles at the collegiate level. "You always knew if he missed a kick he'd immediately bounce back," Rhule said. "At the end of the day, that's what (the NFL) is all about. It's who handles adversity and who bounces back the best." Rhule just completed his third season as head coach at Temple, guiding the Owls to a 10-4 mark that included an American Athletic Conferece East Division title and the school's first victory over Penn State.

An assistant at Temple for six seasons, Rhule forged a strong bond with the McManus family, even attending CYO basketball games with them. Rhule spoke with pride over how McManus sent an autographed football to his 11-year-old son, who kept the souvenir front and center while watching the Super Bowl. "I recruited him the whole way through. Obviously, he had a great leg, but he's very athletic, mentally strong and resilient," said Rhule, mentioning how McManus typically won team awards for his offseason work regiment. "I think a lot of that is why he's been so successful. He always wants to be the best at everything."

Denver shouldn't host the 2016 NFL season opener By Chris Chase FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 Besides the trophy, parades, calls from the president, trips to Disney World and shockingly low bonuses, the Super Bowl winner gets another nice treat: hosting next season's Thursday NFL kickoff. That means that just about seven months from now, on Sept. 8, the Denver Broncos will play host to one of the eight teams on its 2016 home schedule. This custom exists mainly because the reigning Super Bowl champion is a guaranteed draw for that opening game. People are interested. People want to see the reigning champs back on the field. The storyline is ready-made. But what if it wasn't? What if the Super Bowl champion had its Hall of Fame quarterback retire? What if its stud Super Bowl MVP flew the coop for bigger money (which could happen, though it's unexpected)? What if some guy named Brock was the starter and the star of the team, the reigning champ's defense, produced one of the ugliest, most boring Super Bowls in history, thus making the game itself nothing special? In that case, the NFL should end the custom, temporarily, and switch to a different game, right? That's what should go down next year. Peyton Manning is almost certain to be gone, though Von Miller should still be around given Denver's tag flexibilities. A quick look at the schedule, however, shows that there's no realistic Thursday opener that would be an automatic draw to fans. Here's who Denver faces at Mile High in 2016: New England (too big a game to waste so early); Carolina (ditto, very doubtful this happens); Atlanta (meh), Oakland (meh x 2); San Diego (meh x 3); Houston (meh x 4); Kansas City (maybe); and Indianapolis (probably). The NFL sells itself, but even the marketing whizzes getting high six-figures might have a hard time getting Brock Osweiler vs. an 8-8 team in continuous coaching turmoil to 25 million viewers. So just politely strip Denver of the game! It's not as if this tradition is written in the bylaws. Pete Rozelle didn't come down from on high with the words "Thou Super Bowl champ shall play on the second Thursday of September" etched in stone. This started only in 2004, after random teams opened the season in the game's first two years. My mom has stuff in her pantry that's older. (I know this because of an unfortunate salad dressing incident at Christmas.) It was a great idea — one of the NFL's best — but that doesn't mean it can't be changed. There are a number of teams that open 2016 with more national interest than Denver: New England, Carolina, Seattle and, just because they always draw well, Pittsburgh and Dallas. Don't subject us to a game with a mediocre quarterback that could be decided by strip sacks. I mean, the Panthers were far more interesting in defeat than the Broncos were in victory, and that's tripled when you take out Manning. Even last year, when there was the chance that Jimmy Garoppolo would start for a suspended Tom Brady, there was the rubbernecking factor for the opener. People wanted to see how the Pats would do without Brady — though he ended up playing, as we all know. I doubt the same interest will be there for Osweiler, given that we've already seen him play and we know he's going to be there for all 17 weeks.

The NFL is a television show. The opening Thursday is the season premiere — the show that needs the most fireworks to get people excited about the rest of the season. So unless the league is prepared to "waste" the New England or Carolina game, strip Denver of the opening Thursday night, give them a Sunday night consolation prize and give America a game it wants. Last year, the Pats-Steelers game got the second-highest rating in Thursday Kickoff history, even though the game wasn't great. The teams play again this year, this time in Pittsburgh. How about a rematch?

Panthers' Olsen: Broncos' defense wasn't as dominant as you think By Kevin Boilard FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has watched the game film of Super Bowl 50, and he's not buying the narrative that the Denver Broncos' defense shut down his offense. Instead, Olsen believes the plays were there to be made and the Panthers just failed to make them. Via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review: I watched it, and you feel worse after you watch it because this notion that they suffocated us and we couldn’t do anything. Go back and watch the tape, see the plays that were there to be made. See the guys we had that came up just a little short on a couple plays, but go back and watch it. This notion that we couldn't do anything offensively is not the case, and I think that's even more the tough part to swallow. They made a couple big splash plays that really turned out to be the difference in the game. The Panthers only scored 10 points, but they moved the ball better than the Broncos. They ran more plays (75 to 56), gained more yards (315 to 194), converted more first downs (21 to 11) and possessed the ball longer (32:47 to 27:13). Turnovers made all the difference, though, as Carolina turned the ball over four times while Denver did only twice. While the Broncos may have been outplayed for much of the Super Bowl, they made the most of the game's biggest opportunities. The Panthers, on the other hand, did not.

Turf expert: 'Hard-headed' players to blame for poor footing at SB50 By Kevin Boilard FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward could be seen struggling to find his footing after intercepting a pass from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the second half of Super Bowl 50. After the game, he and Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib both criticized the playing surface at San Francisco's Levi's Stadium. George Toma has heard the criticism, but the NFL's leading expert on playing surfaces isn't blaming the condition of the field. Instead, he's blaming "hard-headed" players who refused to change their cleats. Via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com: Sometimes these players are hard-headed. They won’t change their cleats and their play suffers. We gave the players the best playing field, a safe playing field. The cheapest insurance for an athlete from Pop Warner to the NFL is a good, safe playing field. And we try to give the fans in the stands and the fans on TV a thing of beauty. I know there’s a lot of controversy, but the field played excellent. But the two players that (complained), all they had to do was their change cleats. Toma is 87 years old and has examined fields at all 50 Super Bowls. He said the playing surface last Sunday was the second best he has ever seen, according to CSNBayArea.com. The Super Bowl XLI (Colts-Bears) surface at Miami's Sun Life Stadium -- which held up through a rain storm -- topped his all-time list. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller is one player who changed his cleats at Super Bowl 50, and he ended up winning the game's MVP award with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Goodell says extra-point rule is a success and more changes are coming By Sid Saraf FOXSports.com February 10, 2016 The New England Patriots and their fans may not get that vision of Stephen Gostkowski's extra-point kick sail wide right in their AFC Championship Game loss for quite some time. A gaffe that may have cost the team a seventh Super Bowl appearance in the Belichick/Brady era. But as far as the NFL is concerned, that's just the type of excitement the league wanted when it decided to move extra points back 12 yards before the start of the 2015 season. And with Year 1 wrapped up, commissioner Roger Goodell as declared the rule a success. "From a competitive standpoint, this season, more games were decided by one score than ever in our history," Goodell said, via Pro Football Talk. "That led to great competition and the average margin of victory lower than any time in our history. We'll continue to try to make the game more exciting as we did this last year with the extra point," Goodell said. And according to Goodell, more rules tweaks are coming down the pike. However, he didn't make clear what those changes would be. It's hard to argue with the results. In 2014, NFL kickers made 99.3 percent of their attempts. In 2015, that number dipped to 94.2 percent. Still a very high percentage, but not the automatic slam-dunk make of years past. What's more, NFL coaches became much more likely to go for a two-point conversion after touchdowns. In 2014, teams tried 58 times and converted 28, compared to 94 attempts and 45 makes in 2015. So, those of you hoping the rule would revert to the pre-2015 form are going to be disappointed. You won't be able to grab a drink during extra points anymore.

Greg Cosell's Super Bowl Review: How Broncos D shut down Carolina By Greg Cosell YahooSports.com February 10, 2016 Von Miller, of course, played very well in Super Bowl 50. The Denver Broncos’ defensive line, and in particular Malik Jackson, was dominant. Denver’s cornerbacks were strong, as usual. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips had a complex, effective game plan that had Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton off his game. And that was how the Broncos won a Super Bowl championship. The Panthers’ offense was never in a rhythm in Super Bowl 50, thanks to a special performance by the Broncos. The Panthers' multiple run game was stopped. On read option plays, the Broncos forced Newton to hand the ball off, and relied on their run defense up front to control the point of attack. They did that. Jackson was a star in that area. In the passing game, the Broncos showed a number of different coverages from the first quarter on, with many three-, four- and five-man rush concepts. With the Broncos doing such a good job mixing things up, Newton did not get a clear picture of the coverage on a number of snaps. The Broncos constantly changing with multiple coverage looks gave Newton problems, as did a constant pass rush. A lot of what the Broncos did well, schematically and execution-wise, converged on the signature play of the game: Miller’s strip sack of Newton in the first quarter. The Broncos were in dime, and the Broncos played a quarters-quarters-half zone coverage, with quarters to the two-receiver side. The Panthers had six men protecting Newton. The Broncos did an excellent job showing man coverage blitz before the snap, with safety T.J. Ward and linebacker Danny Trevathan on the line of scrimmage. Trevathan’s alignment impacted right tackle Mike Remmers; it slowed his outside pass set against Miller. Miller beat him off the edge.

The Panthers were a protection-first offense all year. They often kept two eligible receivers into protect, with a full slide from the offensive line one way and both players in the backfield protecting the other way. The Broncos simply beat it. On a third-and-8 in the first quarter, the Broncos had a man free blitz out of a dime package with six defensive backs. Safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart both “green dog” blitzed — meaning they blitzed as soon as they saw the players they were responsible for in coverage stayed in to blitz. Stewart had Fozzy Whittaker man-to-man, but when Whittaker stayed in to block Trevathan’s blitz, Stewart green

dog blitzed and came in unblocked. To blitz like this, you have to trust your man coverage, and the Broncos did.

The Broncos’ pass rush was a constant factor in the game. The Panthers missed some big plays because Newton didn’t have time to get to them. In the second quarter, the Panthers called a deep pass on first down. Ted Ginn ran a deep over route and was open for what would have been a touchdown. But an inside stunt by Sylvester Williams and Jackson forced Newton to move out of the pocket. Newton ran for 12 yards, but it should have been a 48-yard touchdown.

Newton was out of sync physically and mentally; that was evident early in the game. He was inaccurate early on. Throughout the game his ball placement was not as precise as it needed to be, and he forced his receivers at times to make tough catches and most of the time they did not make them. Here’s a good example, on a third-and-10 late in the second quarter. Corey Brown ran a deep dig and Newton missed him.

The Panthers’ run game couldn’t sustain drives, mostly because the Panthers couldn’t block Jackson. On the first play of the third quarter, the Panthers ran a zone read inside zone play with tight end Greg Olsen as the lead blocker. Carolina tried to double team Jackson. Jackson split the double team and blew up the play. Jonathan Stewart was dropped for no gain. Jackson, who can become a free agent this offseason, made many plays like this.

The Panthers still had a chance to win the game with less than five minutes remaining. And the Panthers dialed up a play that at very least could have gotten them a huge chunk of yards to get them into Broncos territory. But, yet again, Newton didn’t have time to get to it because of the pass rush. Devin Funchess ran a sail route and was wide open. That is where Newton was going with the ball. Mike Tolbert was offset in the backfield, in position to chip Miller, but he didn’t do that. Miller beat Remmers to the outside and knocked the ball out of Newton’s hand just as he started his delivery. This is a really tough play for the Panthers. They got what they wanted, and couldn't get to it.

The Broncos' defensive performance will go down in Super Bowl history. It was a great one, from the game plan down to the execution of it.

Listen to President Obama's call to the Denver Broncos By Jay Busbee YahooSports.com February 10, 2016 @WhiteHouse Watch @POTUS call to congratulate the Super Bowl champion Denver @Broncos. #SB50 7:38 PM - 9 Feb 2016 President Obama called to congratulatie the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, talking with head coach Gary Kubiak and linebacker Demarcus Ware. Obama had either been briefed thoroughly or had watched the game (possibly in the Champagne Room!) because he called out Peyton Manning, Von Miller, and, of all people, Wade Phillips. Surely a nice moment for the Broncos, and we fully expect Peyton to bring Budweiser and Papa Johns to the White House. And, as we always say whenever we show a president doing anything other than governing and someone pipes up with "he should be governing the country rather than calling football players" ... couldn't you be working right now?

2016 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting first two rounds By Chris Burke SI.com February 10, 2016 Seventy-seven days. That's what we have left between the time this mock goes live and the 2016 draft. Sounds like a long wait. After all, if we backtrack 77 days the other direction, Week 11 of the regular season would have just concluded, with the Colts, Giants and Falcons all in playoff position and the Buccaneers among the league’s hottest teams. A lot can happen in 77 days. There is free agency to come, for one. Players officially can sign with new teams beginning on March 9—just 27 days away. We promise not to drop a mock draft on you every morning, but there will be a few between now and April 28. Here is the latest, covering Rounds 1 and 2. 2016 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1 LAREMY TUNSIL OT, Ole Miss The remaining list of realistic options I see here (aside from trading down) includes Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey, LaQuon Treadwell and, if they like him better as a franchise left tackle, Ronnie Stanley. Are any of those players a better fit? Tunsil is a standout player at a position of obvious need. 2 PAXTON LYNCH QB, Memphis So, our first curveball comes early. To be clear, Jared Goff remains the top-ranked QB on the SI board and very well may be the most NFL-ready. But he definitely is not the unanimous No. 1 at QB across all 32 teams, with the view that Lynch and even Carson Wentz could hold higher upside. Lynch has all the physical traits but needs seasoning. Cleveland’s new guard can give it to him by allowing him to learn behind Josh McCown. This isn’t a one-year rebuild. 3 JALEN RAMSEY S, Florida State This mock has Ramsey–Myles Jack–Joey Bosa as the next three off the board. It is feasible to mix and match that trifecta in any combo among the Chargers, Cowboys and Jaguars. The choice at No. 3 is Ramsey because of how desperate San Diego should be for a boost in the secondary, especially with Eric Weddle exiting.

4 MYLES JACK LB, UCLA I’m still having a hard time believing the Cowboys will use this pick on a QB. Doing so almost would close the Tony Romo window—a backup quarterback isn’t getting them over the top. Jack won’t on his own, either, but his rangy, athletic game would make the Dallas defense much more formidable. 5 JOEY BOSA DL, Ohio State Strange things happen every year at the draft, but this is about as low as I can envision Bosa falling. Any of the current top four could fit him in as a defensive starter, which says something for his talent. Bosa doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of an NFL pass-rushing DE nor of a dominant interior lineman, but he bridges the gap to create a potential All-Pro. 6 NOAH SPENCE OLB, Eastern Kentucky A post on the Ravens’ website last week speculated that Spence could fall into Round 2. Forget it. But Baltimore could grab the edge-rushing dynamo here. Spence starred during Senior Bowl week, consistently beating tackles around the bend. Teams will have to dig into his character, but the talent is there to justify a top-10 spot. 7 JARED GOFF QB, Cal Everyone’s locked into the Colin Kaepernick–Chip Kelly match for the moment. But let’s expand those horizons. Goff isn’t cut from the Kaepernick mode as a “dual-threat” QB, but he’s also not a statue—his footwork in the pocket and desire to keep his eyes downfield are both pluses. Marcus Mariota isn’t walking through that door, and Kaepernick might be walking out of it. It is Goff’s talent as a passer that really would appeal to Kelly. 8 VERNON HARGREAVES CB, Florida Hargreaves or Mackensie Alexander would be fine selections by Miami, which must find some help in the secondary. The Florida product can thrive in any coverage set and has the quickness to close on the ball—he intercepted 10 passes and broke up 27 over three seasons. 9 RONNIE STANLEY OT, Notre Dame The Buccaneers need help at several key spots on defense. So then why a tackle here? Well, for two reasons: 1. The gap between Tunsil and Stanley is small, meaning this could look like a bargain. 2. There

is more depth at the pass-rushing spots and even at DB than at tackle. If Tampa Bay wants help along its O-line, this is the spot to pounce. 10 SHAQ LAWSON DE, Clemson Super Bowl 50 offered the latest reminder that a potent pass rush can undermine just about any team in the league. The Giants are lacking there, and Lawson is a force. He’s coming off a 12.5-sack, 22.5-tackle for loss season for Clemson. 11 REGGIE RAGLAND LB, Alabama There’s often hesitancy to take an inside linebacker early in Round 1 (and Ragland proved at the Senior Bowl with his lethargic performance that he is an ILB, not an OLB). But this is a terrific spot for Ragland, who instantly should be a standout NFL run defender. 12 DEFOREST BUCKNER DE, Oregon Others are higher on Buckner than I am (he was 18th on our last Big Board). However, the Saints could get on board because Buckner projects as a 3–4 run-stuffing end, yet also can slide inside on a 4–3. For a multiple-front defense like New Orleans has, that’s promising. 13 LAQUON TREADWELL WR, Ole Miss Honestly, it’s tough to get a read on the receiver class right now. Do teams wait on the position because of the depth, or do a bunch of prospects fly off the board early because of the talent? For now, lean the former. Treadwell remains the top option—a physically dominant receiver with plus blocking traits. 14 MACKENSIE ALEXANDER CB, Clemson His height notwithstanding, the 5' 11" Alexander has the look of an eventual No. 1 NFL cornerback. I say “eventual” because college quarterbacks’ reluctance to test him combined with his limited experience (he was a redshirt sophomore in 2015) presents limited tape. When the ball was thrown his direction, Alexander clamped down on receivers, erasing space with a physical demeanor. 15 CARSON WENTZ QB, North Dakota State

Of all the 31 teams currently in Round 1 (sorry, New England), I might argue that the Rams are most likely to take a quarterback at their current slot. The Browns might not fall in love with a QB enough to justify taking one with the No. 2 pick, the Texans could be too low to nab their future starter and there are few other obvious landing spots. But Los Angeles can open its new era by taking the high-upside Wentz, then seeing what he can do in camp. 16 A'SHAWN ROBINSON DT, Alabama The knock on Robinson is that he is limited as an interior pass rusher. Well, the Lions have multiple DTs who can help there (Caraun Reid, Gabe Wright, Tyrunn Walker if he re-signs), but they’re shy on early-down bulk. Haloti Ngata walks, and Robinson replaces him as a starter. 17 JAYLON SMITH LB, Notre Dame What to do with Smith? Is he top-10 because of his obvious talent? Day 2 because of the knee injury he suffered in Notre Dame’s bowl game? The answer will depend on which team has enough patience to wait on Smith’s health, even if it takes a season or two. Should he get all the way back, he’s exactly the type of player that Atlanta’s defense is missing. 18 JACK CONKLIN G/T, Michigan State Something about this fit has made it an easy one to make in our recent mocks. Perhaps it’s that the Colts have no choice but to upgrade their offensive line after a miserable 2015 season. Or, perhaps it’s that Conklin has the wherewithal to start as a rookie at either guard or tackle. 19 JARRAN REED DT, Alabama Consider this a strong depth addition to Buffalo’s 2015 D-line as well as a plan for the future—starting DT Kyle Williams will be 33 in June, and 82% of his $8.3 million cap hit can come off the books after the 2016 season. Reed (6' 3", 311 pounds) is a load up front. 20 DARRON LEE LB, Ohio State Lee is not the prototypical edge rusher that the Jets need to find. What he is, though, is a gifted athlete who can play inside when New York runs a three-man front or step outside in a 4–3 base. Oh, and he did notch 11.0 sacks between 2014 and ’15, showing a nice burst when Ohio State turned him loose as a blitzer.

21 ROBERT NKEMDICHE DL, Ole Miss Which team is going to take the shot? Nkemdiche is a top-five talent with major off-field concerns—in December, he climbed out a hotel window and then fell 15 feet, reportedly while under the influence of synthetic marijuana. But, man, his raw football talent might be unmatched in this class. He can line up just about anywhere and is a remarkable athlete. Tap into his full potential, and Washington could have a perennial All-Pro. 22 EZEKIEL ELLIOTT RB, Ohio State Do the Colts pounce on Elliott? How about the Jets? Or maybe a wild card like the Dolphins, at No. 8? If not, and assuming the top three QBs are gone, Houston has to take a long look. Elliott can have a Todd Gurley-like impact on an offense as a rookie. He is a three-down back with great vision and an innate desire to initiate contact. 23 TAYLOR DECKER OT, Ohio State Tough call here between nabbing Decker for the line or handing Teddy Bridgewater a standout receiver. But Bridgewater can’t use his receivers without more protection. And a huge bonus when it comes to Decker: He’s outstanding in the run game, which Adrian Peterson would appreciate. 24 ANDREW BILLINGS DT, Baylor Even in mock drafts, the Bengals somehow get the draft board to fall their way. Billings can step in from Day One on the nose, next to Geno Atkins. Or, truer to Bengals form, he can ease his way into the rotation alongside Domata Peko (a cut candidate), Brandon Thompson (if he re-signs cheap) and others. 25 DARIAN THOMPSON S, Boise State We talked about “draft crushes” on last week’s On the Clock podcast, and Thompson was on that list for me even before he excelled at the Senior Bowl. The Boise State product was all over the field in Mobile, breaking up countless passes in drills. Adding Thompson would allow the Steelers to use hard hitter Mike Mitchell more often as an in-the-box defender. 26 ELI APPLE CB, Ohio State Apple is a big (6' 1", 200), physical coverage corner who occasionally uses his hands too much. If that doesn’t sound like a Seahawks CB, I don’t know what does. Both Jeremy Lane and DeShawn Shead are

set to be free agents, and Seattle would prefer not to repeat the Cary Williams nightmare via free agency. 27 LEONARD FLOYD OLB, Georgia Listed at 231 pounds, Floyd probably is not going to overpower many (or any?) blockers as a pass rusher. He still gets home with regularity thanks to his technique. In addition, he also has experience in all phases of the game at LB, including dropping in coverage. 28 SHELDON RANKINS DL, Louisville Rankins grabs a “DL” assignment instead of being specified as an end or tackle because he offers that versatility—likely end in a 3–4, tackle in a 4–3. Either way, he’s going to get to the quarterback. Jaye Howard and Mike DeVito are impending free agents, so the Chiefs could use another playmaker up front. 29 EMMANUEL OGBAH DE/LB, Oklahoma State For all their recent success, the Cardinals have not had a ton of luck drafting pass-rushing help (though Markus Golden did show signs of life late in the 2015 season.) Enter Ogbah, a 275-pounder who could be a missing piece. His repertoire is a work in progress, yet he still totaled 22.5 sacks over his past two seasons. The Cardinals could move him around, too. 30 JASON SPRIGGS OT, Indiana If you watched even a few minutes of Super Bowl 50, you’ll understand why this pick is an offensive tackle. The Panthers boasted the league’s top-scoring offense despite starting Michael Oher and Mike Remmers; the latter was lit up by Denver when it counted most. Spriggs could slot in on either side of the line, and his quick feet would pair well with Carolina’s creative rushing scheme. 31 HUNTER HENRY TE, Arkansas The Broncos have their own issues at offensive tackle (and, you know, quarterback). They bypass the line here for the draft’s best tight end, a 6' 5" mismatch-creator. He is nowhere near the blocker Vernon Davis once was, but Henry could provide the type of passing-game target Denver thought it was getting from the veteran TE.

NFL DRAFT: ROUND 2 32 JOSH DOCTSON WR, TCU 33 JEREMY CASH S, Duke 34 DERRICK HENRY RB, Alabama 35 JONATHAN BULLARD DL, Florida 36 TYLER BOYD WR, Pittsburgh Notes on the above picks: Part of me is convinced Cleveland will mimic Minnesota’s 2014 draft route—trade back within the top 10 and take a defender, then trade up late in Round 1 to get a QB. If they follow the path laid out here (QB-WR), bank on them piling up defensive guys the rest of the way. Cash may be too similar to Da’Norris Searcy, but he is a Round 1 talent with underrated range. Henry’s a value pick here, too. The Bullard pick emphasizes again the depth of D-line talent in this class. Ideally, I think I’d have him as a 3-tech but the Chargers can toy with it. Boyd’s going to be a stud wherever he lands. 37 KENNY CLARK DT, UCLA 38 VONN BELL S, Ohio State 39 KEVIN DODD DE, Clemson

40 COREY COLEMAN WR, Baylor 41 VERNON BUTLER DL, Louisiana Tech Notes on the above picks: See ... defensive linemen. Clark, Dodd and Butler all figure to receive Round 1 grades from multiple teams, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the entire trio was gone before Thursday night wraps. Dodd exploded during Clemson’s run to the national title game; Butler’s a favorite among draft analysts. Give me Clark, a gifted 310-pounder who can play on the nose. Bell would give Gus Bradley yet another piece, adding him to earlier pick Joey Bosa and 2015 first-rounder Dante Fowler. He’ll be a handful for NFL receivers and tight ends. Treadwell was under consideration for the Giants at 10. Coleman is an excellent consolation prize—a 5' 10" receiver who plays big and can dominate downfield. 42 CODY WHITEHAIR G/T, Kansas State 43 RYAN KELLY C, Alabama 44 JOSHUA PERRY LB, Ohio State 45 MICHAEL THOMAS WR, Ohio State 46 KENTRELL BROTHERS LB, Missouri Notes on the above picks: This is an extremely solid quintet, consisting of five players who should compete for starting jobs in camp. Neither Whitehair nor Kelly will move the hype needle all that much, but they both could wind up with lengthy careers.

Coming back with Thomas at 45 gets the Rams a game-breaking threat, even if he falls shy of the top receiver tier. Ditto on the defensive side for Oakland (Perry) and Detroit (Brothers), which land impact prospects. Perry on the strong side could help round out the Raiders’ front seven, while Brothers can be a Stephen Tulloch replacement—now or in 2017. 47 KENDALL FULLER CB, Virginia Tech 48 SU'A CRAVENS LB, USC 49 SPENCER DRANGO OT, Baylor 50 BRAXTON MILLER WR, Ohio State 51 SHILIQUE CALHOUN DE/OLB, Michigan State Notes on the above picks: Even if he’s now viewed as strictly a linebacker, somewhat limiting his stock, Cravens at 48 is thievery. The Colts could use him on the weak side, inside or as a nickel defender. If Fuller comes back 100% healthy from the knee injury that sidelined him in September, he’ll outperform the 47th spot, as well. Drango probably winds up inside, but I’d give him a shot at tackle first. He appears to have an advanced understanding for how to play there. Two Big Ten guys to round out this group of five: Miller as the new No. 2 receiver behind Julio Jones, Calhoun as a versatile chess piece to play outside in Todd Bowles’s creative defense. 52 CHRISTIAN HACKENBERG QB, Penn State 53 DEION JONES

LB, LSU 54 MILES KILLEBREW S, Southern Utah 55 WILLIAM JACKSON CB, Houston 56 CHRIS JONES DL, Mississippi State Notes on the above picks: The Texans couldn’t pass on a QB again, right? I’m more than high enough on Cook to give the thumbs up for him here, but it’s easier to connect the Hackenberg-to-Bill O’Brien dots. Don’t rule out Cardale Jones, either. While he has a lot of work to do, his huge arm and mobility would make him intriguing in the O’Brien attack. A handful of guys being undervalued behind Hackenberg here. Jones opened some more eyes with his play at the Senior Bowl—he moves like a running back playing linebacker. Killebrew did well for himself in Mobile, too. That Jackson had to bail on the event due to injury was a shame; he would have stood out among a so-so cornerback crop. And Jones ... well, I’m not sure why more people are not talking about him. He has the quickness of the ball to be a one-gap monster, and the Seahawks would place extra value on his versatility. 57 NICK VANNETT TE, Ohio State 58 JOSHUA GARNETT G, Stanford 59 STERLING SHEPARD WR, Oklahoma 60 JORDAN JENKINS OLB, Georgia

61 CHRISTIAN WESTERNMAN OL, Arizona State Vannett didn’'t always get a chance to show it in Columbus, but he’s the movable TE that Green Bay is missing. The Ohio State product was another Senior Bowl stud. Garnett is also on the list. He was, hands down, among the most impressive linemen throughout the week of practices. And Shepard? He was named the Senior Bowl’s top wide receiver by scouts in attendance. (Miller probably should have won, not to take anything away from what Shepard did.) The 5' 10" receiver is a crisp route runner and has steel traps for hands. He would have been a great fit for the Patriots’ first selection at 60. Instead, with Shepard gone and no OTs really standing out here, they add some extra bulk to their linebacking corps. Jenkins’s best position is hard to pin down, but he could make an impact as a 4-3 end or pass-rushing OLB, or as a 3-4 OLB. Westerman is a capable mover along the interior. The Cardinals might be in need of a center and a guard, so taking a prospect who can handle either makes for a savvy play. 62 CARL NASSIB DE, Penn State 63 CONNOR COOK QB, Michigan State If Kony Ealy continues to play as he did in the Super Bowl, Carolina’s need at end is less severe. But it’s a need regardless. Nassib would produce as part of a rotation, with room to grow into more. As for Cook, I’m of the belief that Denver will take a quarterback somewhere even if it keeps Peyton Manning or (more likely) Brock Osweiler. Gary Kubiak should see in Cook moldable qualities, including that he can thread the needle while on the move. Cook’s current situation is a tricky one. There is too much negative chatter about his personality to ignore, but how much of it is being pushed by teams hoping to see him drop? In this class, I still peg him as a Round 1 candidate, right in step with Wentz from a talent perspective. Another one I still haven’t quite figured out: Shawn Oakman. The Senior Bowl MVP thanks to two sacks and a forced fumble, he probably gets a call somewhere on Day 2 (if not Day 1, should some front office roll the dice). The problem, as always, is that it’s so hit or miss with him. He showed up on game day in Mobile but was a non-factor during the all-important practices.

The story of technology in NFL: Past, present and future By Doug Farrar SI.com February 10, 2016 It should come as no surprise that Bill Walsh saw how technology would affect the game he loved the most. Walsh was a consultant and speaker for Silicon Valley firms after his historic tenure as the 49ers’ head coach came to an end in 1989, and in 2001, he spoke with Bain & Company, a leading management consulting firm, to get advice on how to better scale the NFL draft. At that time, Walsh was the 49ers' Vice President and General Manager, and out of those talks with Bain came the hire of Paraag Marathe as the team's COO. It was a high-tech, Moneyball move. Long before computers were common, Walsh sought to run his team with a technological level of perfection. He often referred to the offenses he developed as a “machine,” and at their best, they certainly seemed like that. In truth, football and computers have had an alliance for decades, but it's only recently that the partnership has been obvious. Today, the league strives to be as technically conversant as possible, but the start of this story was far more humble. The Past: “I bow to the machine” The Los Angeles Rams of the late 1950s had a pretty hefty front office: There was a PR guy named Pete Rozelle, there was general manager Tex Schramm, and there was a scout by the name of Gil Brandt. When Rozelle moved on to become NFL Commissioner in 1960, Schramm and Brandt took over the league’s newest team, the Dallas Cowboys. It was tough sledding at first, as it is for most expansion teams—Dallas posted an 0–11–1 mark in that first year and didn't have a winning season until 1966 (they finished 7–7 in ’65), but wouldn't have another losing one until 20 years later, in ’86. Schramm and Brandt left the franchise when Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989, but their legacy was secure: 18 playoff seasons, two Super Bowl wins, and an enormous roster of Hall-of-Famers from Bob Lilly to Roger Staubach to Tony Dorsett. How did they do it? Among other things, it was the franchise’s belief in the power of data that put them ahead of the pack for a very long time. And it all started when Schramm did some TV work in 1960. “Tex was finishing his work at CBS, and they were putting the Winter Olympics on at Squaw Valley,” Brandt recently told me. “IBM put a chip in a ski to tell you how fast a skier was going downhill. So, when Tex came back in March, he said, ‘We're going to try and do something with this.’ We went to IBM, and they sent us to a place called Service Bureau. We started from scratch, and I was laughing when we were going down to Santa Clara the other day, saying, 'I've been down this street so many times,' because we owned a computer company there in Palo Alto.” As Brandt remembers, the part that was the toughest—“starting from scratch”—was the definition of a system that would accurately combine the most important characteristics for every position. He compared the system to the ways in which certain restaurant chains pick out ideal locations based on traffic, so the question was, how were the Cowboys going to decide what the ideal traffic counter was for this? Schramm and Brandt asked fifty college coaches to describe the ideal football player—that was the start. The Cowboys' brain trust extrapolated the ideal characteristics from those lists based on what the coaches deemed essential for every player, regardless of position. Then, they combined those characteristics into bundles. For example, quickness, agility and balance were three separate things, and the Cowboys combined them into one stat. Strength and explosiveness

were two, and the Cowboys combined them into one. And so on. After Schram and Brandt did that, it was time to come up with a grading scale. Not only for athletes, but for scouts and coaches and executives. Brandt was smart enough to see early on that his team would have to alter and adjust the curve for the particular biases of every evaluator. Take the guy who grades everyone too high, and the guy who grades everyone too low, and bend their evaluations to the mean. A DVOA for scouts, if you will. The grading scale started at 3 and went up from there, and different positions had different requirements. From there, the Cowboys started to redefine how scouting was done. Or, to be more exact, they beat the system, and in doing so, redefined the system. “Let’s say you’re a quarterback, and you get a seven in mental alertness, and two in strength and explosion for a total of nine,” Brandt said. “I get a four in mental alertness and a six in strength and explosion, but I’m a defensive lineman, so I’m not anywhere near as highly-ranked as you are, because you are at the most important position.” As Brandt told me, you can do a ton more on any laptop now than the Cowboys did on the old IBM System/360, but someone had to get the ball rolling. And the key was not only to discern where the best players might be in hidden areas near the bottom of the draft, but to figure out how players from other sports might be best attuned to his game. Bob Hayes was a champion sprinter who became a top receiver. Cornell Green played basketball at Utah State, but the Cowboys turned him into a five-time Pro Bowl defensive back. Peter Gent, who later wrote the classic book North Dallas Forty, was a basketball player at Michigan State, but the Cowboys saw him as a receiver. Kicker Toni Fritsch was discovered in Austria during a European scouting tour in the early 1970s. Just as in the Moneyball ethos of today, it was about beating the table—finding a new way to count cards and take home all the money. Of course, not everyone in the building was on board at first. It took time for old school and new school to meet, even back then. Brandt told me an amazing story about a meeting just before the 1977 draft, when Dallas had made a trade with the Seahawks and were sitting pretty with the second overall pick. The Cowboys were in the market for a running back. Brandt wanted Pitt's Tony Dorsett, while scout Red Hickey—the former 49ers head coach and the man who basically brought the shotgun into pro football—was on board with Ricky Bell from USC. There was a final meeting, about 36 hours before the draft, when only three people in the organization knew the trade had been made, and the trade only went through if the player Dallas wanted was there with the second pick. “I had this big book,” Brandt recalled of the massive computer printouts he used to carry. “And I could tell you what chance you had of being an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, a starter, or a backup, by the grades. So, Red does his thing, and he loves Ricky Bell. I do my thing, and I'm the opposite. So, Coach Landry says, ‘Get the book out, Gil.’ I got the book out, and I read the numbers. Ricky Bell had a 62% chance of starting, and he has a 0% chance of being All-Pro. I read Dorsett’s thing. Dorsett has a 100% chance of starting, and 100% chance of being an All-Pro. “Red Hickey says, ‘I bow to the machine.’” The Buccaneers took Bell with the first overall pick, so Dallas had their guy. Sadly, Bell died in 1984 from heart failure due to dermatomyositis. He rushed for 3,063 yards and 16 touchdowns on 822 carries in an abbreviated career that ended in 1982. He never made the Pro Bowl, despite a 1,263-yard season in 1979. Dorsett rushed for 12,739 yards and 99 touchdowns on 2936 carries, made the Pro Bowl four times, and has a bust in Canton. Not that every combination of tech and scouting went that well, but the Cowboys were the first NFL team to bow to the machine, and it paid enormous dividends for them—and

eventually, for every team. Even guys like Vince Lombardi, who were making wisecracks about computers in the early ’60s, were asking Brandt a few years later how they could get in on the action. Brandt may be 82 now, but he still gets around just fine, and he’s sharp as a tack. He writes for NFL.com and works with STATS, Inc. When I met with him at the media center during Super Bowl week, he had a huge folder of stat breakdowns for college quarterbacks that broke everything down to the minutiae—basically, what STATS, or Football Outsiders, or Pro Football Focus, would do of their own accord. None of it would be possible, however, without Squaw Valley, and IBM, and Schramm and Brandt who saw things in a whole new way. The Present: Surfaces replace staples The process of getting information to players on the sidelines for in-game analysis wasn’t much different in 2012 than it was in 1982. That started to change when the NFL and Microsoft patterned to make the Surface the official tablet of the NFL in time for the 2014 season. I recently attended a Microsoft panel hosted by FOX’s Erin Andrews, with some heavy hitters on the stage. “I’m Joe Montana, and I think I represent the past.” “Drew Brees, the present.” “I guess I’m in-between, huh? Reggie McKenzie, general manager, Oakland Raiders.” That’s how the intros went at the Future of Football summit on Tuesday of Super Bowl week, at the Super Bowl 50 media center at Moscone Hall. In addition to Montana, Brees and McKenzie, there was NFL VP of Media Brian Rolapp and Mike Nichols from Microsoft. The purpose of the summit was to discuss the progress of the Surface in the NFL as it pertains to everything from sideline pictures to scouting. For Montana, it was an exercise in “what if”—what if one of the most cerebral and successful quarterbacks in NFL history, guided as he was by super-genius Walsh, had all this technology? The mind reels. What if he could study a Surface while traveling like players do these days? What if access to information was as easy and fast when he was playing as it is now? “We used to send the photos [overhead photos of in-game action], and they had these big metal clips, and there was a wire that came from the top. And the pictures slid down to our bench. Things have changed a lot, as fast as they get stuff on the sideline now. There are different views—it’s a lot better, I would imagine, especially for a quarterback; usually they’re the ones who watch the most film. I would have loved to spend more time [studying] on the plane rides, because we were on the plane a lot...it was refreshing not to have to do it, but it would have helped.” More to the point was that unless you were like Montana’s one-time teammate Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds and were such a film maven that you insisted on stocking up on film at the facility, there was nothing available to you. No internet, of course, so no All-22 on your laptop. You were in the dark unless you sought the light as much as you could. Montana’s career went from 1979 through ’94. Brees’s NFL career began in 2001. And when Brees spoke about the advancements in technology in the space of those years, it was surprising (and somewhat appalling) how little had changed until very recently. Brees said that until three years ago, players were getting basically the same pictures thrown down from above. Only now, there were more of them, stapled together haphazardly, which made the logistics even worse.

“After you go on a 15-play drive, somebody hands you about 40 pages worth of stuff,” the Saints QB said. “The staple doesn't go all the way through, so the pictures are dangling, and one falls out, and you don't know where it goes. You look through two plays, and all of a sudden, you have to go back out on the field. You have no idea what just happened the series before.” “Now, we walk to the sideline, and it's seamless. Here’s your Surface—it has every series that's taken place throughout the game. Just click on that first play, and up pops four images. I get a pre-snap photo, a post-snap photo, and I get two photos after that, that might be a half-second later. So, you're able to see the development of a play, and what the defense did—the front, the coverage, and all those things. Once I see that, I swipe to the next play. Swipe to the next one. If there’s something important for guys to see, or you need to make an adjustment, I can show it to them. I can draw with the pen. ‘I need your angle on that post route to be a little skinnier.’ Whatever it might be. So, your ability to see it in such a clear way, and make those adjustments and take it right to the field, it's really incredible what you can do, and it gets me excited about where we're going.” There isn’t the element of in-game video yet due to competitive concerns with the league, and it’s something the Competition Committee will discuss at the league meetings in March, but Brees shared one anecdote about how sideline video, held in the quarterback's hand, on-demand, could further advance game strategy on the fly. The NFL has given teams the ability to use video at the Pro Bowl, and during it, Brees had a fascinating interaction with Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. “Last year, I was watching a video of a series down in the red zone, and there’s a route where he’s running across the middle. He goes behind the defender instead of in front of him, and I see that. I immediately go over to him and ‘Hey, check this out—we’re going to come back from this play, and it’s a great play, but I need to go in front of the defender, and we’ll score. Two series later, we go back out there and call the same play, he crosses the defender’s face, and catches the touchdown. Without the video, I would not have been able to see that and communicate it to him. It does a lot for our preparation and our ability to adapt.” Brees said that there are some old-school coaches who have had issues adapting to the new technology, but when they see the differences, they come around. When it comes to convenience and accessibility, Brees says, the difference is truly amazing. As it was in Brandt’s day, it’s all about the ability to get the most possible information in the shortest amount of time. And from a personnel perspective, it could be argued that the new tech has helped GM McKenzie and his fellow executives even more. “We use it extensively,” McKenzie said of the Surface. “With the scouting department, you have a tablet for viewing [players], a tablet for player information, a tablet for writing reports, and this totally encompasses everything—all in one. You can get all the stat information, you can get all the report-writing done, you can get all the viewing from tapes, college and pro. You can travel with it—you scout in Florida, or New York—you can go anywhere and take this as your office, and still continue to do everything... “To echo what Drew was saying, as far as on the field [now], when our quarterback or a linebacker comes back to talk to the coaches, that interaction after the coaches have looked at the plays, and they can go right to the player... there's no downtime. It's all about real time.” When asked how many hours of film McKenzie has on his tablet, he brought it back to a story—the day before, he’d brought all his scouts in to start the Raiders’ draft meetings. They started at 7 a.m. and McKenzie left four hours later, when he got in his car to head to the summit. McKenzie said that his

scouts would be working on film until 6 p.m., all off the tape they had on their tablets. The Raiders, like every other NFL team, have made the tablet the go-to accessory for the study of their own players and the players on every other team. Whatever tape the Raiders have at their facility can easily be downloaded and accessed from anywhere. “Our scouting department can now see what our team is like,” McKenzie concluded. “And when I was beginning in the scouting department, before I became a general manager, I was on the road, and you don't know what your team is doing, how they’re playing, until you get in-house at the end of the week. Now, they can download tape and see it at their hotel. It’s a lot of film-watching, but it’s fun. When it’s made easy and accessible, that makes it even better.” I spoke with Brees a bit after the summit, and he wanted to make one extra point—the Surface malfunctions that happened in the AFC Championship Game between the Broncos and Patriots were a product of a network cable issue. “Imagine all the feeds that are coming into a stadium on gameday—from the television networks and this and that,” Brees said. “In many cases, the headsets will go down... people ask me, ‘Why does Coach Payton look like such a lunatic on the sideline; what is he doing?’ He’s usually yelling at the headset guy. But that’s a network feed issue, or a cable feed issue, or something is faulty and they get it fixed. But as far as the performance and functionality of the Surface, it’s never given us problems. In the 100,000-plus hours it's been used on the sidelines for games over the last couple of years, there have been zero issues with the Surface.” From players to coaches to scouts to the top executives, the tech revolution started by Schramm and Brandt all those years ago has taken hold more firmly than ever. The fan experience is the next thing to undergo a major renovation. The Future: Tabletop Football in a new way The Hololens, a 3-D holographic headset on the Windows 10 platform, is what Microsoft is betting on for its future, as much as Windows was the foundation to its establishment as a technological power, and the Xbox and Surface are the structures of today. CEO Satya Nadella has said that the Hololens experience is “like the first time you used Excel on a PC with a mouse and a keyboard,” and the clear hope is that it will reverse recent failures the company has had in hardware, from the Zune MP3 player to the Microsoft phone, that never really got off the ground. The Hololens is Microsoft’s chance to do what Apple has done so successfully throughout the Steve Jobs eras—control the hardware and software channels for devices the public deems indispensable. At this time, Microsoft’s team is using the Hololens to try a lot of different things, from anatomy to space exploration to 3D rendering. Its best use as a consumer device down the road, however, may be how it changes the ways in which the public sees its favorite spectator sport. The day after the summit, I was on Bryant Street in San Francisco, in an old Korean auto parts shop that Microsoft had converted into a lofty showspace. There, me and a handful of other NFL dorks would get a taste of what the combination of the Hololens and NFL football could do. Among my colleagues were Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times and NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson (me to Hanson at one point: “Can you imagine RedZone with this? Oh my God!”) After a quick briefing, we were escorted into a small room that's made to look like the standard Man Cave, with an HDTV plastered to the wall, and team paraphernalia everywhere. We sat on comfy leather couches and prepared to have our minds blown.

You put the Hololens on your head, at a bit of an angle, and you want the lens mechanism itself resting slightly above your nose. When the operating system first comes on, it looks like a standard HD television screen. Then, the flyout screens show on either side for stats, fantasy information and other sidebars. Then, you can adjust the virtual screen to play at the size of a living room wall. That’s all cool, but the real experience comes when the tabletop part of the experience comes in. Basically, this is the new-world version of the old tabletop football games of a generation ago, except that now, you’re seeing 3-D versions of the players in live game action. And the control over the viewer experience is otherworldly. I started to imagine the All-22 pieces I could do with this technology, and I had to go sit down for a minute. Using your phone, you can alter the angle, zoom in and out, and make the experience whatever you'd like it to be. You can go over the top of the action just as easily as you can stand on a virtual sideline. It’s tough to express what this version of televised football is like, and how different it is, except to compare it to going from checkers to the real-life intergalactic creature chess at the cantina in Star Wars. When you see it, the way you watch the game will change forever. Yes, that sounds like bogus ad copy, but it's true. So, you may ask, when do we get this stuff in our hands? At this time, the Hololens and the NFL are dating—the relationship isn’t quite ready for marriage. Margeau Veenstra of Microsoft Hololens Communications told me that the idea with the first rollout is to get it into the hands of developers and expand what the device can do. At this point, Microsoft sees the Hololens as glimmers of what could be, and there's a “Would it be cool if...?” aspect to the whole thing. The Developers’ Edition of the hardware starts at $3,000, and you have to apply for one. All I got was a tantalizing taste, but I am now wondering, along with everyone else in this story, what more can be done.

How Super Bowl QBs View Cam’s Choice Not to Dive By Robert Klemko MMQB.com February 11, 2016 I’ve never played quarterback in the NFL. You’ve never played quarterback in the NFL, probably. And yet, we all seem to know what should’ve been going through Cam Newton’s mind when, down six in the fourth quarter, Broncos linebacker Von Miller swatted the ball out of his right hand on third down. Get the ball! It’s the freakin’ Super Bowl! But that’s not what Newton did. He waffled. He peered. He took two half-steps, then a hop back and watched DeMarcus Ware drop his big paw on it. The Denver recovery at the Carolina 4-yard line led to an easy touchdown and sealed a 24-10 victory in Super Bowl 50. Hypothetically, a Panthers recovery followed by a punt and a three-and-out by the Broncos would have given Newton the ball with something like three minutes remaining, down 6. Phil Simms, the former Giants quarterback of 14 years and current CBS color man, echoed what America was thinking during the broadcast. “I guess he made a decision it wasn’t worth (it) to go in there and get it,” Simms said. “Should've dove in. Had a chance to recover it.” After the dust settled, Simms addressed his colleague, Jim Nantz: “Jim, when you see that football on the ground, no matter the situation, but especially the Super Bowl, you have to go in there and get that recovery.” After a pouty post-game press conference, Newton would go on to explain a day later: “I didn’t dive on one fumble because the way my leg was (positioned). It could have been contorted in a way. You say my effort? I didn’t dive down. I fumbled—that’s fine. That’s fine. We didn’t lose the game because of that fumble.” have my own feelings about that statement, which we’ll get to later. First, let’s hear from four guys belonging to the fraternity of 58 men who have actually been in Newton’s position—four Super Bowl starting quarterbacks who watched the play in hi-def and came away with four different opinions. “It’s a weak explanation,” says Joe Theismann, winner of Super Bowl 17 and loser of Super Bowl 18 with Washington. “The game’s about effort. And certainly he was under tremendous duress the entire game. But to come up with that excuse? … He has to grow up. There’s no question its all about him. Did anybody doubt that this entire season was about him?” Another Super Bowl quarterback, who asked not to be named, said the choice to pursue a fumble recovery or an interception return with less than 100% effort is a choice all quarterbacks make, but not in the Super Bowl—not in the final quarter of an elimination game. “We have all made business decisions at different times as quarterbacks,” said the quarterback, who is now retired. “It would have been pretty hard at that point in time for me to have made that business decision, but I wasn’t there, and I didn’t see what he saw in that moment.” Brad Johnson, quarterback of the Super Bowl 37 champion Buccaneers, had a more Newton-friendly take.

“The one injury that I always thought changed the course of this argument was the Drew Brees injury,” Johnson says. Indeed, Newton’s backers have spent the better part of the past 48 hours citing that play. The scenario: In the second quarter of a Week 17 loss to Denver in 2005, Broncos safety John Lynch hit Chargers quarterback Drew Brees from behind, forcing a fumble which Brees dove to recover, only to have 325-pound defensive tackle Gerard Warren land on his back, tearing the labrum in the quarterback's throwing shoulder and essentially ending his run in San Diego. Here's the key (and obvious) difference: Brees went down in a regular season game. He also went on to sign a mega-deal with the Saints, throw for 48,555 yards and 348 touchdowns over the next 10 seasons and earn Super Bowl 44 MVP honors. Not exactly the pessimist’s ideal cautionary tale. “It was a weird play, and he might have reacted slow, but he did go to the ground,” Johnson says of Newton, who dove for the ball only after Ware had landed. “Sometimes it’s hard to find the ball. Who’s to say? Maybe you would like him to dive on it a little bit quicker.” Former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme lost his only Super Bowl appearance, 32-29, to the Patriots in Super Bowl 38. In the divisional playoff game against St. Louis, Delhomme fumbled a snap at the Rams 5-yard line that was kicked around the turf of the Edward Jones Dome and eventually corralled by teammate Muhsin Muhammad for a go-ahead second-quarter touchdown. The Panthers won 29-23 in overtime, and the fumble was a happy footnote in the Super Bowl run. “I thought about that fumble when I saw the play in question,” Delhomme says. “I remember seeing the ball, and I’m looking to see if its gonna bounce out for me to scoop up, and then Muhsin pounces on it. That play is a way bigger deal if Muhsin doesn’t fall on that. “You’d like to think you’d jump on that ball if you're Cam,” Delhomme continues, “but I don’t know what I would’ve done.” There are points of agreement, though, for the quarterbacks. For one: Newton’s response, both during the post-game press conference and later in Charlotte, did not meet expectations. “You can’t really say it didn’t have an effect on the game,” Johnson says. “Every play has an effect on the next play.” Theismann took issue with Newton blowing off his press conference after the game (during which Panthers players could hear the jubilation of Broncos defenders in nearby interviews). “He has not handled adversity very well his entire career,” Theismann says. “There’s no question he was the most valuable player in the NFL, but he has things to learn when it comes to maturity.” Newton was supposed to be there. That was the narrative out of Charlotte at least. As far back as 2013, you’ll find articles comparing the ‘new’ Cam Newton, a reformed ‘Mr. Mopeyhead’ as Ron Rivera once called him, to former quarterback Jake Delhomme, who was notably deflective of praise and accepting of criticism during his seven seasons with the team. Additionally, Newton’s sprint to the MVP award was bolstered by a chorus of teammates who lauded his team-first attitude. And yet, Newton couldn’t muster up those hollow interview maxims about being proud of the team effort and coming back strong next year. That's not his style; he wears his heart on his

sleeve. And in doing so, he made it all about him. Again. And when offered the opportunity to accept blame, he deflected. “We didn’t lose the game because of that fumble,” he said. Delhomme, who defended Newton in 2012 and beyond (“He’s still a kid.”), appears resigned to the reality that Newton won’t soon be the prototypical leader many expect him to be. “He takes losses very hard,” Delhomme says. “People want the quarterback to have a CEO type of voice, but that’s not him. The finality of the Super Bowl is so abrupt. It happens and then everything’s over, everything you worked for.” It’s true that Cam Newton didn’t lose this football game. And it’s indisputable Newton still has work to do when speaking for a franchise. But that’s not the point. This is about being a quarterback, right? This is about never saying die. That’s what I thought when I saw the fumble. And that’s how several Broncos felt once I showed them the Vine of Newton hopping out of the way. “He didn’t want it!” Aqib Talib yelled in the winning locker room. T.J. Ward agreed: “He didn’t want it!” They weren’t talking about the ball; they were talking about the game. They’re talking about a 6-6, 260-pound quarterback, bigger, faster and stronger than any Super Bowl quarterback before him. They’re talking about the most athletic guy on the field next to Von Miller; the guy who did a front-flip into the end zone over a Texans defender, then popped up and mimed a Superman reveal. That wasn’t 2011, the year he was drafted—that was four months ago. It’s enough to make you wonder. “They played a better team, and this offensive line couldn’t block anyone,” Theismann says. “But the ending just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.” Says Delhomme: “It’s an all-in type of deal.”

Polian: Manning 'would be ready immediately' as GM By Marc Sessler NFL.com February 10, 2016 If Peyton Manning calls it quits, his Super Bowl-winning exit will forever mirror what John Elway accomplished with the Broncos in the late 1990s. Could that career parallel continue with Manning playing the role of general manager for a needy NFL team? "I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos," Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian told SiriusXM NFL Radio, per coachingsearch.com. "The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he'd seen, players he'd seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC." Said Polian: "He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He's more than prepared to do that job." Elway toiled in the shadows as CEO of the Colorado Crush from 2003 to 2008, but Polian doesn't believe Manning would need that kind of slow-cooked training before taking over an NFL club. "All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language -- of which he's also very familiar, because of his own contract," Polian said. "He's well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he's ready. I don't know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it." Two teams whispered about are the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. Manning's ties to the Tennessee region date back to his college days, while Browns owner Jimmy Haslam -- a fellow Volunteer -- has been close friends with Peyton for years. Both teams have leaders intact, though, while Manning has yet to decide on his playing future. If he bows out, we fully expect to see this "football nerd" running an NFL team before long.

NFL Power Rankings: Denver Broncos take throne -- then what? By Elliot Harrison NFL.com February 10, 2016 They did it. Super Bowl 50 belonged to the best defense, football defense, in the world. The Denver Broncos never looked like the top team in the NFL, switched quarterbacks and played some sloppy football in the late goings of the season. Yet, when it was time to turn it on, they collapsed pockets easier than housing markets. It was something to see. Von Miller made making All-Pro look like playing Candy Land after his dominant -- transcendent -- performance on Super Sunday. DeMarcus Ware has served as Miller's Pat Morita, but the seasoned vet also managed to faceplant Cam Newton in straight-up Miyagi fashion (See: Cobra Kai sensei in "Karate Kid II"). Meanwhile, pulling the strings on the masterful defensive showing was this dead-serious mastermind: @sonofbum A little Dab with do you but too much Dab will undo you! 8:24 AM - 8 Feb 2016 What's cooler than a 68-year-old defensive coordinator trolling on Twitter? The players couldn't be prouder of their DC. Gary Kubiak cringed. Fred Flintstone probably feels like there was some copyright infringement. And we'll teach Phillips how to turn off the autofill function on the iPhone: @sonofbum Don't know how with got in my tweet instead of will --Brylcreem Will be upset 7:10 AM - 9 Feb 2016 As for the full rundown on the NFL hierarchy after the conclusion of the 2015 campaign, check out the updated pecking order below. Two things to keep in mind: A) How teams fared at the end of the season is heavily considered, but ... B) ... several dropped due to new coaches and impending free agents. We'll get deeper into the latter when we do our annual Free Agency Power Rankings in March. Until then, let us know what you think of this rendering: @HarrisonNFL is the place. Let the dissension commence! RANK 1 15-4 BRONCOS They are here because they earned it. Winning the Super Bowl in the 2000s has evolved -- or devolved, depending on your predilection -- into whoever is the hottest team for a month. That is precisely what head coach Gary Kubiak challenged his group to be -- the best team in pro football from January to February -- and the Broncos responded.

After seeing that some fans thought the Super Bowl was "dull," I thought I might vomit in my mouth. Call me a purist, but watching Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware execute a full cadre of pass-rush moves on the Panthers' offensive line was more pleasing than any unnecessary one-handed Odell Beckham Jr. catch you'll ever see. RANK 2 17-2 PANTHERS In the wake of Super Bowl 50, much has been made of Cam Newton's handling of both a loose football and a postgame presser. It seemed that the stray football was too close to the 6-foot-5 quarterback for him to dive on it -- that said, his handling of postgame questions didn't shine up that lack-of-hustle moment during the Super Bowl for many fans and league observers. He'll be back. Newton was league MVP for a reason. If you need something to worry about with the Panthers, then perhaps Josh Norman potentially hitting the open market foots the bill. Still, I don't expect general manager Dave Gettleman to fumble that deal. RANK 3 13-5 PATRIOTS Been perusing the Patriots' draft needs as of late, and it goes something like this: OL, OL and OL. That might be an overreaction to injuries and the different combinations New England had to use up front -- not to mention, no offensive front shines against Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Getting a receiver who can stretch the field wouldn't be the worst idea, either. Or even a wideout who can win on 50-50 balls in the end zone. The Brandon LaFell experience has been, well, an experience. RANK 4 14-4 CARDINALS Arizona most assuredly will regroup following the debacle at Carolina -- and that includes Carson Palmer, who seems resilient enough to not let his turnoverpalooza in the NFC Championship Game seep into the 2016 campaign. In the meantime, Bruce Arians will be looking for pass rushers in both free agency and the draft. (As will over half the National Football League.) RANK 5 11-7 PACKERS Said it before, many times on "NFL HQ" (Monday through Friday, 8-10 a.m. ET on NFL Network #shamelessplug), and it bears repeating here: Jordy Nelson's injury in Pittsburgh back in the preseason was the most significant injury of the 2015 campaign. How much would he have helped in the overtime thriller versus the Cardinals? How much could he have helped Randall Cobb get open this season? Speaking of open, apparently Mike McCarthy isn't repressing any emotions about Ted Thompson's free-agent strategy. RANK 6 11-7 STEELERS We might be looking at a Super Bowl favorite for next year. Just onnnnnnnnne tiny, tiny, little, surmountable detail: The Steelers need secondary help. Now. Draft a safety or a corner. Or grab a corner or a safety in free agency. Heck, corner the market on safeties. Because if Pittsburgh does that, with this offense, look out. By the way, how does Mike Tomlin not get a whiff for Coach of the Year? Not a whiff! Let me get this straight: The dude loses his quarterback for a chunk of the season, loses the best RB in the game, loses the best backup RB in the game and loses the top wideout in the postseason .... wins 11 games ... and ... nothin'? What?

RANK 7 12-6 CHIEFS The 10-game win streak to end the regular season was awesome. The 30-zip shellacking of the Texans -- in Houston -- was awesome, too. So what can the Chiefs do to avoid repeating the not-awesome start they had in 2015? Keep Jamaal Charles healthy is the knee-jerk answer -- but wait, Kansas City was 1-4 with him in the lineup. O-line help is where it's at for this team. And it wouldn't hurt to get a little help at inside linebacker, where Derrick Johnson heads toward Year 12. Still, nice season, # ChiefsKingdom RANK 8 11-7 SEAHAWKS Marshawn Lynch retiring is a huge deal, even if the specter of Super Bowl 50 obscured one of the best players since Y2K hanging up his lime green kicks. Took guff last month from a few Seahawks fans for tweeting that his absence hurt the team. They all pointed to Thomas Rawls being a superior replacement. Sure, Rawls was productive. But can he energize his whole team -- defense included -- the way Beast Mode did? Will he come up big in the clutch, as Lynch often did? There's a reason everyone was shocked when Lynch didn't get the rock at the end of Super Bowl XLIX. None of this is to say Rawls can't be fantastic, but let's not shove Lynch out the door. Show the man some respect as he exits the stage. RANK 9 12-5 BENGALS The Bengals get a slight nudge up the Power Rankings with Andy Dalton being healthy again. Easy to forget that Dalton was in the MVP discussion before getting hurt late in the year versus the Steelers. After that time, Cam Newton ran away with the race, with Carson Palmer and Tom Brady finishing in a distant second place. For all the complaints about Dalton in the postseason, he's never turned the ball over six times. Read into that what you will. For all the complaints about Vontaze Burfict -- well, everyone is still complaining about Vontaze Burfict. RANK 10 11-6 VIKINGS Fantastic season, at least from a macro view, for the Vikings in 2015. From the micro view, what was even more stellar was the support for Blair Walsh in the locker room. Good teams stick together (See: Carolina Panthers). What also works in Minnesota's favor is a relatively painless free agency session on the horizon, at least in terms of who the Vikes must keep. Almost all of their free agents are parts (mid-tier guys whom management can get back if they so choose). This group will hold the fort. Can Adrian Peterson hold up entering Year 10? RANK 11 9-8 REDSKINS Washington resides in the 11-hole for now, but it is tenuous ground, to be sure. With Kirk Cousins' contract up, there must be a morsel of nervous energy residing in a few corners of the D.C. area. (Don't worry: RGIII will be the Cowboys' problem.) That said, looking just below in these here rankings, the Bills aren't a better team, the Jets don't have a legit QB under contract at the moment and many people don't think the Texans have a quarterback -- period. Another notable Washington free agent? Alfred Morris. RANK 12 9-8 TEXANS The deal with the Texans -- and, in particular, their ranking -- has much to do with the other teams around them in the Power Rankings. Are they the headless horsemen? The Redskins and Jets hope to re-

sign their starting QBs, and the Bills think they've found theirs. But Houston would be a better team than all of them with a healthy Arian Foster and a slight upgrade in Brian Hoyer's game. Of course, if you saw the playoff loss to the Chiefs, you might surmise "slight" to be a slightly-not-strong-enough word to describe the needed improvement. Or something like that. RANK 13 8-8 BILLS Other than free agency issues on the offensive line, Rex Ryan's group is pretty stable. The other issue to address is what to do with defensive end Mario Williams. Put another way: Buffalo probably will cut him. Williams posted a paltry five sacks last year and reportedly "checked out" well before the season was over. The Bills will survive. But can they get over the hump? One major point of concern: This reported altercation involving LeSean McCoy. We'll have to see what comes of that. RANK 14 10-6 JETS There is no question that the 2015 Jets were better than they were in the late days of Santonio Holmes or those three-picks-in-eight-passes days of Geno Smith. Yet, not making the postseason by virtue of dropping a second game to Sexy Rexy was massively disappointing. Moreover, the club must get Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract without massively overpaying. GM Mike Maccagnan's accounting cranium will be challenged this spring, as the Jets have more than 20 impending free agents, including Chris Ivory, Calvin Pace and Muhammad Wilkerson. RANK 15 7-9 RAIDERS David Carr and I were chewing the fat the other day on the set of "NFL HQ" about his brother, and the conversation turned to Amari Cooper moving close by to Derek so they can work out together in the offseason. Apparently they do so at a local park, like Rocky and Apollo on the beach in "Rocky III." Both are fans of the upper-quad shorts, too, I'd presume. I also asked if the park had a fort, monkey bars and a gravel play area. It all points to a developing tandem that figures to be in Oakland (hopefully) for a long time. Well, at least they will be with the Raiders for a long time. #stayinOakland RANK 16 7-9 LIONS If Calvin Johnson indeed retires, we will be forced to drop the Lions even lower, despite the 6-2 run Jim Caldwell's guys went on down the stretch. In fact, even if Megatron comes back, questions will remain: Is the passion still there? What about all the injuries he's dealt with? Oh, and what about the fact that he has appeared to slow down in recent years? By the way: For Johnson, slowing down is the equivalent of being in tip-top shape for other wideouts, which is why he's a Hall of Famer in my book. RANK 17 8-8 COLTS Indy should be much better in 2016 by virtue of Andrew Luck being much healthier, among other factors. Retaining Chuck Pagano was the right move. Drafting Phillip Dorsett in Round 1 was not. Yet, that perception could change with a year under the receiver's belt. Speaking of the passing game, the Colts must re-sign at least one of their tight ends, as both Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen are free agents. The ground game is another area of concern: Frank Gore heads into Year 12, while "Boom" Herron and Ahmad Bradshaw are free agents.

RANK 18 7-9 SAINTS Sean Payton is staying. Drew Brees is staying. Brandon Browner is not staying. Saints fans are happy about all three. Next blurb. Well, actually, before we go, we should mention that the most high-profile Saint due to hit the market is tight end Ben Watson, at least now that we know Payton isn't going to be traded for two picks and a player to be named later. (Vance Law? Doyle Alexander? Sorry -- '80s baseball talk.) Watson was sneaky good with 74 catches for 825 yards in 2015, despite having over a decade of service in the league. His service in the community, meanwhile, makes him irreplaceable. Have enjoyed every conversation I've had with the man, including his explaining to me that the Neal Anderson sweep in Tecmo Super Bowl was unstoppable. Yes: Ben Watson, Tecmo nerd. RANK 19 8-8 FALCONS Dan Quinn has much to do this offseason, and it involves more than getting more out of his defense. Quinn's discipline might be on that side of the ball, but finding a way to get Matt Ryan and the passing attack up to speed is imperative. Or, at least, helping offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan find a way to do so would be helpful. The Falcons are ill-equipped to stay in any brand of track meet with the Panthers, Saints or Bucs (if Jameis Winston continues to improve in Year 2). Atlanta needs a WR2 and a TE. RANK 20 7-9 RAMS The move to Los Angeles might invigorate the Rams. Perhaps having Todd Gurley for four more starts (which is how many he missed last year) will equate to a couple more wins. This is the section of the Power Rankings where, typically, the teams with coaching changes start falling into line, so you would think that the consistency at the top with St. Louis -- er, Los Angeles -- is a bonus. Jeff Fisher is usually good for 7-9 -- i.e., 20th feels right. RANK 21 6-10 GIANTS We'll try not to write an oversized blurb here about new Giants head coach Ben McAdoo. Or consider whether he is the right fit to replace legend Tom Coughlin. Maybe McAdoo's offense is tailor-made for Eli Manning, but the defense must be fixed. That starts with drafting players that suit McAdoo and Steve Spagnuolo's scheme. Bottom line: McAdoo has big shoulders to fill, following a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. RANK 22 5-11 RAVENS Steve Smith Sr. is coming back. Joe Flacco will be healthy. Ditto Justin Forsett. Essentially, this should automatically be a better football team than the 5-11 outfit we saw this past season. How about the fact that the Ravens dropped nine one-score games in 2015? The sheer percentages say no mas to that nonsense. First step back to the playoffs: C.J. Mosley taking the next step, and getting some secondary help in the draft. RANK 23 6-10 BEARS John Fox is in place. As is Jay Cutler. But Matt Forte is on his way out, and Alshon Jeffery is due to hit free agency. If Chicago re-ups No. 17 and Jeremy Langford performs as he did in 2015, the offense

should be OK. The defense, of course, is a question mark. The Bears have the 11th overall pick in April; look for them to try to land someone who can get after the quarterback. That's a unique strategy, if you don't consider half the other teams in the league. RANK 24 6-10 DOLPHINS So Miami really, really wanted Adam Gase. I guess Stephen Ross figured everyone else did, too. The Dolphins didn't just go after Gase hard -- they gave him final say over the 53-man roster. Gase is 37, and he's never been a head coach before. Does that mean he won't succeed? No. But working with Peyton Manning, then Jay Cutler last year -- coupled with his work ethic -- carved an impeccable reputation around league circles. The obvious first question, outside of whether Gase has the skill set requisite to be a successful head coach, is if Ryan Tannehill has the ability to be a successful quarterback. RANK 25 4-12 COWBOYS Even with Tony Romo getting healthy, can't move the Cowboys any higher than No. 25, which might seem low for a team many 2015 prognosticators had going to the NFC Championship Game (before Tony Romo went down). While Romo is set to return, he still has a plate in that shoulder area, and his collarbone has been broken three times -- and let us not forget the two back surgeries he had a couple of years ago. Planning on Darren McFadden to stay healthy and rush for 1,000 yards again seems far-fetched. Time to draft a running back. Hey, at least the rest of the NFC East still sucks (especially if Kirk Cousins slips out of Washington D.C.). RANK 26 7-9 EAGLES No quarterback + new front man with no head-coaching experience = low ranking. That said, unlike many pundits out there, I think the Doug Pederson hire feels right. So maybe the organization is trying to recapture the halcyon days of the Andy Reid era (well, minus the clock management), but who could blame them for that? The club did make five NFC Championship Game appearances under Reid -- though none came with Pederson on the staff. So why like the move? Because Pederson can work with whoever the quarterback is -- and let's be real, the best quarterback the Eagles will possibly have in 2016 is Sam Bradford. More Alex Smith-style play (the QB Pederson helped the last three years) and less Bradford-esque football would make even Howard Eskin happy. RANK 27 6-10 BUCCANEERS Low ranking for a team that looked to be playoff-relevant ... Of course, that was before the Bucs dropped four straight to end the season, a slide that ultimately led to the firing of popular coach Lovie Smith and the scratching of many heads. In fairness to Bucs management, Smith went 8-24 during his two-year stint in Tampa, and Dirk Koetter has the tools to take advantage of the plethora of talent on offense. Of course, Koetter could afford to be more involved with Jameis Winston, Mike Evans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins when he was merely offensive coordinator. Being head coach is a different animal. Getting Doug Martin re-signed would be helpful. RANK 28 5-11 JAGUARS Gus Bradley, owner of a 12-36 record, is also the owner of a fresh contract extension. Snickers might be deserved (the laugh, not the candy bar), but it's nice to see an organization be patient for a change. And unless you didn't ever watch a single Jags game, the Red Zone Channel, a highlight show or the Pro Bowl, you know this offense is explosive. (Well, every offensive player looks explosive in the Pro Bowl.

But you get the point.) Allen Robinson is clearly a star on the rise. Blake Bortles, if he can eliminate the situationally-caustic interceptions, is on the up and up. T.J. Yeldon can play. So Jacksonville is an easy fix -- as in, fix the defense, Gus. RANK 29 5-11 49ERS The Chip Kelly hire has some excited in the Bay Area, with many, many others wondering about his first big order of business: What to make of Colin Kaepernick? Kaepernick can, no doubt, run Kelly's system better than Sam Bradford in the sense that defenses will have to respect Kap's ability to run on read-option fakes. But can the former ascending star (under Jim Harbaugh) deliver the ball on time -- and accurately -- for Kelly? These are significantly larger questions. RANK 30 4-12 CHARGERS If there is any team that could fly up these charts rather quickly, it's the San Diego Chargers. They have continuity at head coach and quarterback, the first two items you look at when evaluating any pro football team. Second, there is no way they can be hit as hard by injuries as they were in 2015. But the whole L.A. B.S. -- and that is what it is -- is a distraction. And that is why they sit here at 30th. Can't wait to see what Keenan Allen does next season, though. RANK 31 3-13 TITANS Immediately after Mike Mularkey earned the full-time head-coaching gig, we saw, shall we say, "an adverse reaction" on Twitter from the Titans faithful. Not sure if fans in Tennessee are still depressed about the Mularkey move or not, especially after reviewing other hirings around the league. ( Titans fans? You there? Would love to know your current state: @HarrisonNFL.) Here is what I do know: Mularkey is capable of bringing hard-nosed football back to this organization. At least he has the pedigree to do it: Mularkey played under both Bud Grant and Chuck Noll, two coaches from a different era who always fielded tough teams, albeit in different ways. And Mularkey had a morsel of success in Buffalo. Much depends on the quarterback's growth in Year 2. RANK 32 3-13 BROWNS The Browns only wish they had a young quarterback to depend on ... (See: Preceding sentence from the blurb just above.) What a mess. That said, the swift decision on Johnny Manziel's future in Cleveland (or lack thereof) was the right decision. And, frankly, Hue Jackson might be as appropriate a fit in Cleveland as any of the new coaches are in their new NFL cities (or Mularkey, in his new/old city). Good news: The Browns have far fewer unrestricted free agents than most teams across the league. Bad news: Not sure Cleveland wants to retain a lot of its players anyway.

Mike Mayock's 2016 NFL Draft position rankings By Mike Mayock NFL.com February 10, 2016 With the NFL Scouting Combine beginning on Feb. 23, Mike Mayock unveils the first of his position-by-position rankings for the 2016 NFL Draft. Quarterback 1. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State 2. Jared Goff, California 3. Paxton Lynch, Memphis 4. Connor Cook, Michigan State 5. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State Running back 1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State 2. Derrick Henry, Alabama 3. Devontae Booker, Utah 4. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech 5. Jordan Howard, Indiana Wide receiver 1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss 2. Corey Coleman, Baylor 3. Michael Thomas, Ohio State 4. Josh Doctson, TCU 5. Will Fuller, Notre Dame Tight end 1. Hunter Henry, Arkansas 2. Austin Hooper, Stanford 3. Jerrell Adams, South Carolina 4. Nick Vannett, Ohio State 5. Henry Krieger Coble, Iowa Offensive tackle 1. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss 2. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame 3. Jack Conklin, Michigan State 4. Taylor Decker, Ohio State 5. Willie Beavers, Western Michigan Guard

1. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State 2. Vadal Alexander, LSU 3. Joshua Garnett, Stanford 4. Christian Westerman, Arizona State 5. Graham Glasgow, Michigan Center 1. Ryan Kelly, Alabama 2. Nick Martin, Notre Dame 3. Max Tuerk, USC 4. Evan Boehm, Missouri 5. Jack Allen, Michigan State Interior defensive line 1. DeForest Buckner, Oregon 2. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss 3. Sheldon Rankins, Louisville 4. Jarran Reed, Alabama 5. A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama Edge rusher 1. Joey Bosa, Ohio State 2. Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky 3. Shaq Lawson, Clemson 4. Leonard Floyd, Georgia 5. Kevin Dodd, Clemson Linebacker 1. Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame 2. Myles Jack, UCLA 3. Reggie Ragland, Alabama 4. Darron Lee, Ohio State 5. Deion Jones, LSU Cornerback 1. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State 2. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida 3. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson 4. Eli Apple, Ohio State 5. Cyrus Jones, Alabama Safeties 1. Karl Joseph, West Virginia

2. Vonn Bell, Ohio State 3. Darien Thompson, Boise State 4. Miles Killebrew, Southern Utah 5. Jeremy Cash, Duke

Best team fits for 2016 NFL Draft's top quarterbacks By Chase Goodbread NFL.com February 10, 2016 The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback for their immediate future, and the Dallas Cowboys need one for the more distant future, but the top two quarterbacks available in the 2016 NFL Draft could be a strong fit for either, according to NFL Media analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks. The two former NFL scouts revealed their top three prospects at the position in a recent NFL Now segment, and suggested a potential team fit for each. Jeremiah favored North Dakota State's Carson Wentz as the top quarterback, followed by Cal's Jared Goff and Memphis' Paxton Lynch. Brooks selected Goff as his top quarterback, followed by Wentz and Michigan State's Connor Cook. So where might they all land when the draft commences on April 28? Here are the fits the analysts identified for the top QBs: Carson Wentz Jeremiah: Dallas Cowboys "He'd get time to develop there behind Tony Romo for a year or two, and they eventually have their guy. They went a long gap between Troy Aikman and Tony Romo, some lean years for the Cowboys. Taking a quarterback this high helps them avoid that in the future." Brooks: Cleveland Browns "When you think about that division, the AFC North, big strong-armed passers that can play in inclement conditions. He's played in bad-weather games before." Jared Goff Jeremiah: Cleveland Browns "When I look at Hue Jackson and what he did with Andy Dalton, I think Jared Goff's a better player coming out that Andy Dalton. I think he fits with the Cleveland Browns and gives them the quarterback of the future they've been seeking for a very long time." Brooks: Dallas Cowboys "You think about what they've been able to build around with Tony Romo with a young quarterback. He can take some time to learn behind Tony Romo. They can built the system around him. I think you could have potentially what Green Bay had when Aaron Rodgers took over for Brett Favre." Paxton Lynch Jeremiah: Los Angeles Rams "They've got to get the quarterback position figured out. They've tried a bunch of different guys, it hasn't worked. I think with the weapons they have, with Todd Gurley, with Tavon Austin, get a mobile quarterback that can move around help you out a little bit in the run game. We've seen Cam Newton run that quarterback power, I can see Paxton Lynch doing the same thing in that offense."

Connor Cook Brooks: Philadelphia Eagles "Doug Pederson takes over, and he is going to re-install that West Coast offense that has been so successful for them. I think Cook would be a nice fit with that."

Polian: Peyton Manning ready to be GM immediately By Dana Hunsinger Benbow Indianapolis Star February 10, 2016 Dubbing Peyton Manning "a football nerd," ESPN analyst Bill Polian said Wednesday that the Denver Broncos quarterback — should he decide to retire — could immediately step in as general manager of an NFL team. The proof for Polian comes in the 14 years he and Manning spent together with the Indianapolis Colts, the team's former president said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "During our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he’d seen, players he’d seen in other parts of the country," said Polian. "He pays close attention to the rosters of the other (teams) in the league, with specific attention to the AFC." Polian went on to say: "He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He's more than prepared to do that job." The football world has been on a Manning standstill, of a sort, as it waits to see if he will retire after winning his second Super Bowl 24-10 against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The victory was his 200th (regular season and playoffs), passing Brett Favre for the most in NFL history. Another great name has been linked to Manning — John Elway, with many saying Manning's career mirrors just how Elway's played out in the 1990s. Elway, though, served as CEO of the Arena Football League's Colorado Crush from 2003 to 2008 before becoming GM of the Broncos. Manning won't need that kind of training before becoming an NFL general manager, Polian said Wednesday. "All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language — of which he's also very familiar, because of his own contract," Polian said. "He's well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he's ready. I don't know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it." Among the rumored teams that Manning could take the reins of are the Tennessee Titans or the Cleveland Browns. Some in Indianapolis hoped to see Manning step in as the Colts GM, replacing Ryan Grigson. Grigson, of course, recently signed a contract extension through 2019. But general manager isn't the only position Manning would be a good fit for, Tony Dungy, Manning's former Colts coach, told IndyStar in November. "I think he could be a coach at any level," said Dungy, now a broadcaster for NBC. "I think he could be a GM. I think he could go into broadcasting. I think people are going to be clamoring to get him after he's done."

Peyton Manning is going to retire, a relative believes

By C.J. Minneapolis StarTribune February 10, 2016 Peyton Manning just won Super Bowl 50, his second championship and his 200th NFL win, the most of any quarterback — of course, he’s retiring. I think I know why he didn’t announce that after the Broncos beat the Panthers on Sunday, but I thought I’d ask somebody who knows him better: Harold Crump, a retired Hubbard Broadcasting exec now living in Nashville. Crump and Manning are second cousins. “He knows he should retire and yet he doesn’t want to do it, so he’s putting it off and putting it off. That’s what I think,” said Crump. “When you are going to retire from something you’ve been doing all these years, for which you’ve become worldwide known, it’s a tough thing to finally decide, to say, ‘I’m going to do it because I’m going to be 40 years old. I don’t want to do it but I’m going to.’ He’s delaying publicly saying it. “Did you see the article in today’s USA Today on Eli and what he was thinking when he was watching the game?” Crump asked when I reached him by phone Tuesday. “It’s such a good article; you get a take on what Eli’s thinking.” Super calm Eli’s even more of a poker face than Peyton. I totally agree with USA Today writer/broadcaster Martin Rogers, who doubted Eli’s blank expression meant he was jealous that his big brother was equaling his own record for Super Bowl victories. Although it looked as if the Broncos were besting the Super Bowl favorites, Eli knows it’s dangerous to celebrate until the clock reads 00:00. While Crump is often back in the Twin Cities for Hubbard Broadcasting business, he fields a lot more Peyton questions in Nashville, because Manning played his college football at the University of Tennessee. “When they find out I’ve known him since he was a kid, they always want to talk,” he said. Crump said that because Peyton is the ultimate team player, he would never have announced plans to retire before the Super Bowl. “That’s the kind of guy that he is,” said Crump. As for losing quarterback Cam Newton, who left the postgame news conference in a hooded pout, “That’s the kind of guy he is,” Crump repeated. “He’s just a jerk and he was in college. He’s a damn good athlete but that wasn’t a surprise to me.” Overhearing our exuberant conversation Crump’s wife, Leigh, came on the line to note, “Peyton certainly hasn’t called us and announced his retirement.”

Bookmakers Don’t Expect a Broncos Dynasty By Victor Mather New York Times February 10, 2016 Super Bowl 50 is barely in the books, but it is certainly not too soon to start thinking about Super Bowl LI. If oddsmakers are to be believed, the 2016 season will end where so many others have: with the New England Patriots at or near the top of the heap. As of Wednesday, the Patriots were favored to win next year’s Super Bowl with most bookmakers. Close behind were the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks; depending on where you choose to bet, any of the three might be the favorite, with odds at 7-1 or 8-1. That list accounts for three of the four teams that played in the last two Super Bowls. But where are the defending champion Denver Broncos? Uncertainty about Peyton Manning’s future, as well as some skepticism about the team’s offensive talent in general — despite going 12-4 in the regular season, Denver outscored opponents by only 59 points, fewer than the Jets did — has led gamblers to leave the Broncos out of the top teams. Instead, they are in a cluster in the second tier, along with playoff teams like the Green Bay Packers, the Arizona Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, at odds ranging from 10-1 to 16-1. Two teams expected to improve are the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens. Dallas was an atrocious 4-12, but much of the blame for that has been pinned on the injury that limited Tony Romo to four games. With Romo expected back, Dallas is 25-1 or better to win the championship, around the same odds given to the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, who each had 11 wins. The Ravens’ terrible 5-11 season was their first below .500 since 2007; the next year, they made the conference championship game. With Elvis Dumervil holding down the defense and the sixth overall pick in the draft in their possession, the cupboard will not be bare. Bookmakers expect a bounce-back, listing the Ravens at about 33-1 to win the Super Bowl, better than quite a few .500 and winning teams. The Indianapolis Colts were among the favorites for this year’s Super Bowl, but with injuries to Andrew Luck, they ended up playing the 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck, Charlie Whitehurst, Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley at quarterback and finished 8-8. With Luck returning, they are listed at around 25-1. The only team with a winning record that is not fancied at all to win the title is Washington. The Redskins were 9-7 in the poor N.F.C. East and did not look good against Green Bay in the playoffs. Their chances at a title next season are listed as comparable to those of mediocre teams like the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers, at 50-1 or worse. The least likely winner of the Super Bowl seems quite clear. Although the Tennessee Titans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Francisco 49ers are all long shots, no victor would apparently be more surprising than the Cleveland Browns. A league-worst 3-13 record and a minus-154 point differential provide little hope for the future, and the off-the-field woes of Johnny Manziel, who is now likely to be

released, cast a cloud over an already gloomy season. If you disagree, odds of 150-1 to 200-1 are readily available to you. Before you take the Super Bowl LI odds as gospel, though, remember that the early favorites this past season were the Packers, the Colts and the Seahawks. Denver was only about the fifth choice, and the Super Bowl runner-up — Carolina, which finished 15-1 — was expected to be around .500. Super Bowl LI odds Patriots 7-1 Panthers 7½-1 Seahawks 8-1 Packers 10-1 Steelers 10-1 Cardinals 10-1 Broncos 12-1 Bengals 16-1 Chiefs 20-1 Vikings 22-1 Cowboys 25-1 Colts 25-1 Giants 28-1 Ravens 33-1 Saints 40-1 Falcons 40-1 Texans 40-1 Jets 40-1 Lions 50-1 Dolphins 50-1 Redskins 50-1

Rams 50-1 Chargers 50-1 Bills 50-1 Bears 50-1 Raiders 50-1 Eagles 50-1 Jaguars 66-1 Titans 66-1 Buccaneers 100-1 49ers 100-1 Browns 150-1

Manziel, Chip Kelly and yes, Deflategate: 10 NFL offseason questions By Bart Hubbach New York Post February 10, 2016 The NFL is now the league that never sleeps. Thanks to commissioner Roger Goodell’s vow to double overall revenue by 2027, the NFL is trying — and largely succeeding, if the draft’s TV ratings are any indication — to become a year-round sport with a “big” event each month. That’s why the immediate aftermath of the Broncos’ victory over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 last week will be just a temporary lull in the NFL’s jam-packed calendar. With the scouting combine just two weeks away, here’s a look at the 10 biggest offseason story lines: 1. Will they or won’t they? The league could lose two of its biggest stars this offseason if Peyton Manning and Calvin Johnson call it quits. Manning’s retirement appears to be all but a certainty, considering he turns 40 next month and limped through his 18th NFL season with an awful 67.9 passer rating. There is also the specter of a league investigation into allegations he obtained human growth hormone through his wife, which conveniently would go away if Manning hangs up his cleats. Johnson, meanwhile, reportedly plans to retire this week. The Lions star, a three-time first-team All-Pro selection, is just 30 but is said to be ready to walk away because of nagging injuries to his knees, ankles and hands. Johnson’s departure would free up an estimated $11.1 million under the salary cap for Detroit. It also would leave a huge void in the Lions’ receiving corps after Johnson had 1,000 or more receiving yards in seven of his nine seasons. 2. Deflategate still has a pulse If you thought the Deflategate saga ended last September, think again. Tom Brady still faces the possibility a four-game NFL suspension for his alleged role in the scheme, though a federal judge overturned it last summer just days before it was supposed to take effect. That’s because the NFL, worried about the case’s potentially dramatic impact on Goodell’s disciplinary powers, loaded up on pricey outside legal help and appealed judge Richard Berman’s decision. That appeal is set to be heard in early March, though Goodell — perhaps chastened by the vicious blowback from the union and the Patriots — said last week that he has not decided if Brady’s suspension will be reinstated if the league’s appeal succeeds.

Even if Brady ultimately escapes punishment, New England can’t say the same. The Patriots will pay for their role in the controversy when the draft opens in April after being docked their 2016 first-round pick. 3. Free agency right around the corner Free agency begins March 9, and almost all teams will have plenty of money to spend with the salary cap expected to jump into the vicinity of $155 million from $143 million last season. Thanks to the franchise tag, though, the quality of free-agent talent available is going to leave a lot to be desired. The five highest-rated players scheduled for free agency — Broncos Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, Jets defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson and Chiefs safety Eric Berry — are expected to stay in place either through the franchise tag or a contract extension. The Redskins likely are to do everything they can to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins, too, though the prospect of a $20 million tag complicates matters. That will leave a so-so group of veterans available — led by Buccaneers running back Doug Martin, Chargers safety Eric Weddle, offensive tackle Russell Okung and linebacker Bruce Irvin from the Seahawks, and running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey from the Bears. The list of possible free-agent quarterbacks isn’t exactly inspiring, either. The Eagles aren’t expected to retain Sam Bradford, and Brock Osweiler isn’t a sure thing to return to Denver. Ryan Fitzpatrick also will draw interest if the Jets aren’t able to re-sign him. Speaking of quarterbacks about to hit the open market … 4. Johnny Football in limbo Johnny Manziel won’t be the Browns’ problem much longer. Cleveland’s new management team all but confirmed in a statement last week the troubled quarterback will be released in early March — as soon as allowed under NFL rules — in the wake of yet another in a string of ugly off-field incidents involving Manziel. The latest incident — Manziel is being investigated by Dallas police for allegedly beating and kidnapping his ex-girlfriend last week — probably means the former Heisman Trophy winner will have a hard time finding another NFL job, at least this year. Manziel was thought to be headed to the Cowboys, where owner Jerry Jones has coveted him since the 2014 draft, but even Jones reportedly considers him radioactive in light of recent events. Not only is Manziel likely to be punished by the NFL, but he also faces possible arrest in Texas and has been in and out of drug rehab. That’s a lot of drama and heartburn for a backup quarterback, which is why Manziel probably can expect a cold shoulder from teams next month. 5. Familiar faces, new places? Robert Griffin III is another quarterback who has worn out his current welcome and will hit the streets next month, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Colin Kaepernick joined Manziel and RG3 in the unemployment line.

Griffin could be an option in Dallas — he was a Heisman-winning star just down the road at Baylor — now that the Cowboys reportedly are souring on Manziel. Kaepernick, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future with the 49ers after getting benched last season and receiving a tepid greeting from new coach Chip Kelly. Kaepernick is set to count $16 million against San Francisco’s cap in 2016, which is far too expensive for a backup. He could be released next month before his scheduled $11.9 million base salary becomes fully guaranteed April 1. 6. More catch controversy coming The NFL’s dreaded catch rule — still confusing to player, coach, fan and even referee alike — likely is to be upheld upon review this offseason. Though Goodell announced during the season that he had formed a committee of former players and coaches to suggest improvements to the rule, the league strongly indicated last week the convoluted process will remain in place. “We think that the rule is in a good place right now,” NFL officiating director Dean Blandino told the NFL Network last week. “Maybe there is another tweak that we can make in the rule to make it easier to understand. But I don’t anticipate any major changes.” 7. Going back to Cali The NFL’s long-overdue return to Los Angeles becomes reality this offseason when the Rams hold their first workouts in the city since getting approval in January to move back to the place they abandoned 21 years ago. L.A. appears to be excited about welcoming the Rams “home.” The team announced last month it had received 45,000 refundable $100 deposits in the first two days of its season-ticket campaign. The Rams will play in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for at least the next three seasons until owner Stan Kroenke’s gleaming new $2 billion stadium is completed in Inglewood. 8. A bad night that could linger Will Cam Newton’s Super Bowl meltdown have legs? The reigning NFL MVP isn’t going anywhere, but Newton certainly faces a long offseason in the court of public opinion after his epically terrible performance both during and immediately after Carolina’s Super Bowl 50 loss to the Broncos. From his “business decision” not to chase his own fumble with the game on the line to storming out of the postgame press conference in an immature huff, Newton made sure his status as a lightning rod for controversy won’t change anytime soon. 9. All eyes on Romo’s collarbone

As Tony Romo goes, so go the Cowboys. That was proven last season, when Dallas fell to 4-12 from 12-4 the year before with Romo missing all but four games. It also is why the Cowboys are watching with bated breath what Romo does this offseason with his chronically injured collarbone. Romo said last week he is considering having a plate inserted to reinforce the collarbone and help prevent the repeated breaks. Romo said he is gathering data on the surgery and expects to make a decision in March so that he would be able to return to the field in time for offseason workouts. 10. Chip heads West Chip Kelly didn’t need long to find a new coaching home after being fired by the Eagles in late December, latching on with the 49ers less than a month later. Kelly has a boss in San Francisco in general manager Trent Baalke, so it is unlikely Kelly can repeat the dramatic roster overhaul he pulled off in Philadelphia last offseason. But with the NFL’s wackiest and most unpredictable coach involved, you just never know.

Inspiration? Carolina Panthers need look no further than Denver Broncos By Joseph Person The Charlotte Observer February 10, 2016 As the gold confetti started falling Sunday night in Santa Clara, Calif., Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera looked across the field at Levi’s Stadium and hoped he saw the future. On the Denver Broncos sideline, players and coaches celebrated as the final seconds of Super Bowl 50 ticked off. The Broncos’ 24-10 victory came just two years after Denver was embarrassed 43-8 by Seattle in the Super Bowl at East Rutherford, N.J. When Rivera addressed his team for the final time Tuesday morning in Charlotte, he pointed to the Broncos as a worthy model to follow. “I told them right across the field is an example of a team that’s gone through what we are right now. A couple years ago they lose in New (Jersey) to Seattle. And then this year they’re back and they win,” Rivera said. “So we can learn from their example, is what I told our guys. Denver came off a very disappointing loss in a Super Bowl, got knocked out in the playoffs the next year. And a year later they’re Super Bowl champions. So there is a lesson there for our guys to learn and emulate.” A few days might have given Josh Norman’s tears time to dry and Cam Newton’s petulance to soften, but the loss to Denver will stick with the players well into the offseason. After a 15-1 regular season and two convincing playoff wins, the Panthers (17-2) fell short in the Super Bowl for the second time in their history. Only one team in history won more games than Carolina did this season without taking home the Lombardi Trophy – the 2007 New England Patriots, who finished 18-1 after losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. “I watched it and you feel worse after you watch it,” Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said Tuesday. “This notion that we couldn’t do anything offensively is not the case. That’s even more the tough part to swallow. They made a couple big splash plays that really turned out to be the difference in the game.” Denver outside linebacker Von Miller was responsible for two splash plays – sacks in which he beat right tackle Mike Remmers and stripped the ball from Newton. The Broncos recovered one of the fumbles in the end zone for a first-quarter touchdown. They came up with Newton’s second fumble at the Panthers’ 4 to set up the put-away touchdown. Miller was on injured reserve two years ago when the Seahawks whipped Denver at MetLife Stadium. The one-sided loss convinced Broncos general manager John Elway to overhaul his defense.

That offseason Elway spent a combined $109.5 million on three marquis free agents – outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, safety T.J. Ward and cornerback Aqib Talib. Ware (two sacks) and Ward (interception, fumble recovery) played big roles in the victory against the Panthers. Sunday’s Super Bowl defeat won’t necessarily prompt any sweeping changes in the Panthers’ locker room. While Remmers struggled mightily against Miller, the former St. Louis practice squad player was mostly solid in his first full season as a starter. Plus, the Panthers drafted a right tackle last year, Daryl Williams, who will compete with Remmers for the starting spot in 2016. The Panthers could stand to give Newton more offensive weapons. Although as general manager Dave Gettleman said this week, they get a first-round wide receiver back this year when Kelvin Benjamin returns from last summer’s ACL surgery. Defense wins championships It’s also worth noting Gettleman’s response to the first question he was asked Tuesday about the Super Bowl: “(The Broncos) were the top-ranked defense in the league. That doesn’t happen by accident,” Gettleman said. “I’ve told you a number of times offense scores points, defense wins championships. And kudos to Denver. They played up to that No. 1 role.” The Broncos had seven sacks, forced four turnovers and generally made Newton’s life miserable. With Charles Johnson not performing up to his contract (he’s due $15 million next season) and Jared Allen possibly headed toward retirement (Rivera seemed to hint at that Tuesday), the Panthers are in need of another pass-rushing defensive end to pair with Kony Ealy. Ealy had a break-through performance (three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery) against the Broncos and might have been the most valuable player had the Panthers won. So while Gettleman isn’t going to go on an Elway-like splurge this offseason, he has shown a knack for hitting on his draft picks and signing veteran free agents to plug holes and address any deficiencies. A different look It might not be an overhaul, but Rivera said next season’s roster will have a different look. “That locker room will never be the same,” Rivera said. “I’m very proud and honored to say I was head coach of the 2015 Carolina Panthers because they will not be the same group. There will be guys who will have moved on from that 2015 team.” While Allen mulls his future, the Panthers have five key players in their 30s with expiring contracts – defensive backs Roman Harper, Charles Tillman and Cortland Finnegan, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery and fullback Mike Tolbert. The top offseason priorities involve a pair of first-time Pro Bowlers – cornerback Josh Norman, who’s an unrestricted free agent, and defensive tackle Kawann Short, who is under contract through 2016.

But after Gettleman locked down Newton and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly with long-term deals last summer, the Panthers look well positioned to make a few more runs at the Lombardi Trophy. 2016 favorites? Las Vegas thinks so. Various sports books have installed the Panthers as one of three early Super Bowl favorites for next season, along with the Seahawks and Patriots. “We’ve got to keep going,” Ealy said. “Obviously, there are going to be different people in and out next year. Some people are going to retire, may get traded. That’s just the business of the game.” Olsen, the two-time Pro Bowler, says he trusts Gettleman and the rest of the front office to keep the Panthers on top. “They haven’t steered us wrong yet. The decisions made around here – while not always easy, while not always popular – have gotten us to this point,” Olsen said. “And the guys we know we have coming back are guys we can build around and are guys that are a big reason we’re here and are going to be a big part of our success going forward.”

Broncos point the way to the top for Texans By Aaron Wilson Houston Chronicle February 10, 2016 Swarming and flustering Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton with a relentless pass rush, the Denver Broncos' defense flexed plenty of muscle during Super Bowl 50. The Broncos also made a statement about the enduring value of a strong defense during Sunday's 24-10 victory by bottling up the Panthers' usually prolific offense. It happened through a hard lesson general manager John Elway applied to revamping his roster two years after the Seattle Seahawks' defense embarrassed his Broncos in the Super Bowl. How Denver reduced Newton, the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year, to a frustrated turnover machine and won despite a lackluster performance from quarterback Peyton Manning provides a blueprint for turning other defensive-oriented NFL teams like the Texans into Super Bowl contenders. The Broncos' performance was reminiscent of the intimidating style of Super Bowl bullies from the past, including the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2007 New York Giants and a 2013 Seahawks defense headlined by the "Legion of Boom" secondary. "This blueprint has been there numerous times in the history of football, and you can go all the way back to the old Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens and several others," said former Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets coach Herm Edwards, an ESPN analyst. "It's a quarterback-driven league, but there's only so many elite quarterbacks where you can trust them with the whole menu. You can win with a quarterback without a lot of high function if you can run the football and make life stressful with your defense. "If you don't have a special quarterback, you have to play this way. The Texans have the ability to do that, but they'll need more defensive pieces. If they get a quarterback who isn't errant with the football and put together a good running game, they'll have a chance to win a lot of games because of their defense. J.J. Watt is a huge difference-maker." The Broncos' formula is built around elite pass rushers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware and features athletic playmakers at every level of the defense. From tackle Derek Wolfe, fast linebacker Danny Trevathan and a loaded secondary, there was no weak link. Because the Broncos could lean on former Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' leadership and running back C.J. Anderson, they won despite Manning's being past his prime. The 39-year-old former MVP completed just 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards and a 56.6 passer rating in what could be his final game. Through the emergence of Miller, a former Texas A&M standout named the Super Bowl MVP thanks to 2½ sacks and two forced fumbles, signing Ware along with safeties T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart and cornerback Aqib Talib, corner Chris Harris' improvement, and hitting on late-round picks Trevathan and defensive lineman Malik Jackson, the Broncos transformed their team. Fired by the Texans after a stint as interim coach following the dismissal of now-Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, Phillips spent 2014 out of football before this resurgent year coaching the top-ranked Denver

defense. The Broncos tied a Super Bowl record with seven sacks and also forced four turnovers by Carolina. In the playoffs, Phillips' aggressive brand of defense paid off with successive victories over Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, New England quarterback Tom Brady and Newton. "I'm a defensive coach, and I believe you can really help your team win this way," Phillips said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "What makes you good is there's no weak links. We're blessed in all those areas, and we had great chemistry. "Yes, defense wins, but great defenses win championships. You've got to be great. You can't just be good. In our league, a lot of good defenses give up a lot of points. Football is so offensive-oriented with the rules and scoring emphasis. It's tough to be a dominant defense." The Texans have the elements for a strong defense, but it hasn't reached the Broncos' level. Headlined by Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Texans lack another disruptive lineman to complement him. Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus had a breakthrough year with a dozen sacks in the regular season and three more during the Texans' 30-0 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. None of the other linebackers, including frequently injured former top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing, consistently made an impact. Although the secondary had no Pro Bowl selections, with cornerback Johnathan Joseph the closest to approaching shutdown status, it's regarded collectively as a good unit. "The Texans came on strong in the second half. I thought they played really well," Phillips said. "J.J. is a once-in-a-lifetime player like Reggie White and Bruce Smith, and that's huge." Beyond addressing owner Bob McNair's stated goal of landing a franchise quarterback following Brian Hoyer's five-turnover debacle against Kansas City and the running back position with Arian Foster coming off an injury-plagued season, Edwards believes the Texans need to keep bolstering their defense. "The Texans need to be more dominant, and that has to be more than just what J.J. does, which is outstanding," Edwards said. "You've got to have domination on all three levels. In my opinion, a top-five defense has anywhere from five to six Pro Bowlers. "The Texans have really good players like Mercilus, but they need more of them to become an elite defense. They need a corner that can take away a third of the field. They're not there yet, but they aren't far away."

Magic Johnson recruits Peyton Manning to the Rams By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk February 11, 2016 The Rams reportedly are interesting in adding quarterback Peyton Manning. Former Lakers start Magic Johnson clearly is interested in the Rams adding Peyton Manning. Peyton and Magic appeared Wednesday on The Tonight Show, and Magic made a public pitch to get Peyton to L.A. “I tried to talk somebody out of retirement and come to the Rams,” Johnson told Jimmy Fallon, while pointing over his shoulder to Manning. “I said, ‘Man, if you play again, come to the Rams.’ I was working on him backstage. I will even chip in some money.” Manning sat quietly, laughing through it all as the rest of his face assumed the shade usually reserved for the middle of his forehead after taking off his helmet. “Look, look, look,” Magic said. “He’s turning a few colors over here.” “I’m getting embarrassed,” Peyton said. “I want to cheer for him if he don’t retire as a Ram,” Johnson later said. “I got my recruiting hat on right now.” No one knows what Peyton Manning will do in 2016, but we’ve all known for years that Peyton very much likes to be fully in control of every situation. And it’s hard to imagine Peyton walked into last night’s situation without being fully aware that Magic would bring up the subject on the air. It’s also hard to imagine that Peyton wouldn’t have done everything in his power to persuade Magic not to bring it up, if Peyton didn’t want to be put on the spot.

Broncos re-sign Jordan Taylor, and the guy they sent home last week By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 When Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was throwing on the side when he was injured, he sang the praises of wideout Jordan Taylor, who became his personal receiver when he threw. So upon the recommendation, the Broncos kept him. Via Cameron Wolfe of the Denver Post, the Broncos signed Taylor and eight others from the practice squad to future deals Wednesday, including running back Kapri Bibbs, safety Ryan Murphy, guard Dillon Day, tackles Cameron Jefferson and Kyle Roberts, tight end Nick Kasa, defensive end George Uko and linebacker Zaire Anderson. Murphy shows that they’re a forgiving organization, as he was sent home during Super Bowl week after he was involved but not arrested in a prostitution bust in San Jose last week.

Vernon Davis heads to free agency with no postseason stats By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 Tight end Vernon Davis finally won a ring. But his contributions to the effort were minimal. Traded to the Broncos from the 49ers in the last year of his contract, Davis caught no passes in three postseason games. He also had no receptions in a Week 17 win that clinched the top seed in the AFC. His last catch came on December 20 at Pittsburgh, when Davis had one reception for five yards. For whatever reason, things never clicked between Davis and Peyton Manning, especially after Manning’s return to the lineup in Week 17. And so Davis, who said after being traded that he’d been dreaming of playing with Peyton since leaving college, ended up doing nothing with Peyton in crunch time of the 2015 season. It suggests there’s a potentially great untold story regarding why Davis and Manning never connected. Maybe at some point that story will surface, especially as Davis tries to persuade another team to sign him to a contract worth something more than the veteran minimum.

George Toma: Sod on Levi’s field was second-best we’ve had at a Super Bowl By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 The quality of the playing field at Levi’s Stadium has been an issue since the stadium opened and it was an issue for some players during Super Bowl 50. Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib and safety T.J. Ward each criticized the surface after Denver won the game and a video showing Panthers tackle Michael Oher looking like he was wearing roller skates while trying to pass protect has been making the rounds online. Other players, including Von Miller, had no complaints and NFL turf consultant George Toma, who has worked on the fields at all 50 Super Bowls, said he hasn’t seen many better fields in the history of the game. “I’m an 87-year-old man and I’ve been in this game for 74 years and been to 50 Super Bowls,” Toma said, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. “And I thought this was the second-best sod we’ve had at a Super Bowl.” Toma said the turf in Miami for a rainy Super Bowl XLI, which was also won by a Peyton Manning-quarterbacked team, was the only one better than the one the Broncos and Panthers played on last Sunday. Toma said that players are “hard-headed” about which cleats to wear and that “all they had to do was their change cleats” to get better footing. CBS reported early in the game that several players on both teams were doing just that, although the Oher video shows that different players had different experiences on a field that the NFL’s longtime turf guru says was perfectly fine.

Bill Polian: Peyton Manning could be a G.M. “immediately” By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 Peyton Manning hasn’t shared his plans for the future, but if he wants to one day become a General Manager, one of the best to ever do that job thinks he’s ready now. Hall of Famer Bill Polian said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that Manning was a “football nerd” who used to have in-depth conversations about personnel with him when they were both with the Colts. “During our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he’d seen, players he’d seen in other parts of the country,” Polian said, via the Indianapolis Star. “He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC. “He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He’s more than prepared to do that job.” Many have wondered what path Manning will pursue — once he stops drinking beer — but Polian said he could start soon, and not need much time to get up to speed. “All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language — of which he’s also very familiar, because of his own contract,” Polian said. “He’s well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he’s ready. I don’t know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it.” The teams most closely linked with Manning as an executive — the Titans and Browns — have each made hires on that side of the ball recently. But if Manning indicated he was interested in pursuing such an option, there would likely be even more teams interested in giving him that chance.

Exclusive tag for Von Miller may be no more than the non-exclusive tag By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 As the Broncos close in on the possibility of applying the franchise tag to linebacker Von Miller, the question becomes whether they should use the non-exclusive version or the exclusive version. The non-exclusive version, which permits another team to potentially swipe the player in exchange for two first-round picks, typically costs less than the exclusive version, which prevents another team from signing the franchise player. The answer for the Broncos could be made easier if the exclusive tag ends up being lower than the non-exclusive number. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the exclusive tender for linebackers — determined by the average of the five highest-paid players at the position in 2016 as determined after the restricted free agent signing period — is currently on track to be $14.04 million. Last year, the non-exclusivefranchise tender cost $13.195 million. At least one estimate has the linebacker tender increasing to $14.1 million. So how can the non-exclusive number be higher? The non-exclusive number comes from a five-year rolling average based on the cap numbers for the five highest paid players at the position and the percentage of the cap consumed by that amount. And the CBA ensures that a player given the exclusive tag will get the non-exclusive tender, if the non-exclusive tender is greater. While the calculation of the exclusive tender won’t be finalized until April, the likelihood that it won’t be significantly more than the non-exclusive number points to the Broncos taking no chances with Miller and applying the exclusive version of the tag.

Philly Brown: Talib “immature,” but hope he isn’t suspended By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk February 10, 2016 In the first half of Super Bowl 50, Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib picked up a personal foul for throwing Panthers wide receiver Philly Brown to the ground by his facemask. After the game, Talib said that he did it on purpose because he “just had to show [Brown]” after exchanging words with him earlier in the game and that he didn’t think it was a big deal since the Panthers gained just over a yard as a result of the foul occurring on the Broncos’ three-yard-line. The NFL may not agree as they’re considering suspending Talib, who was also suspended one game during the 2015 season for poking Colts tight end Dwayne Allen in the eye. Brown said on Twitter Tuesday that he doesn’t want Talib to be suspended, especially if it would keep him out of the Panthers’ trip to Denver next season. “I don’t think Talib should be suspended. I hope he plays when we travel to Denver next year. He was frustrated that’s what immature pros do!!” Brown wrote. Panthers coach Ron Rivera didn’t offer an opinion about whether Talib should be suspended, but said, via the Charlotte Observer, he wished Talib wouldn’t have done it and said the cornerback’s admission “adds credence to the argument” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made last week about ejecting players who commit two personal fouls in a game.

Broncos sign nine practice-squad players to reserve-future contracts By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com February 10, 2016 All nine members of the Broncos' season-ending practice squad signed reserve-future contracts Wednesday. That group is headlined by WR Jordan Taylor, a training-camp standout last summer who proved invaluable to Peyton Manning's rehabilitation work in December as he worked his way back to playing shape from a torn plantar fascia. Along with Taylor, five other signees spent the entire season with the Broncos: ILB Zaire Anderson, RB Kapri Bibbs, offensive linemen Dillon Day and Kyle Roberts and DE George Uko. Bibbs was the only member of the group to see any regular-season action; he was active against Cleveland in Week 6 and played on special teams in the Broncos' 26-23 overtime win. Joining them are safety Ryan Murphy, OT Cameron Jefferson and TE Nick Kasa, who was signed to the practice squad just in time to begin practicing with the team on Jan. 28 before it left for Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif. Bibbs and Kasa are the only non-rookies in the group. Kasa was a Raiders draft pick in 2013 and did not take up the tight end position until late in the 2011 season at the University of Colorado, but still has untapped potential and unique athleticism for a 265-pounder at his position and should factor into the tight end competition throughout the offseason. Day, Roberts and Jefferson will also bear close monitoring in the coming months, given the historical trens of offensive linemen gestating on the practice squad or game-day inactive list for a year before pushing for playing time in their second season under Rick Dennison's watch. Anderson had an outstanding training camp and preseason last year and will likely push for a 53-man roster spot this season. Along with previous reserve-future signees, these nine players will officially return to the roster on March 9, when the 2016 league year begins.

Sacco Sez: The Prince of Palo Alto By Jim Saccomano DenverBroncos.com February 10, 2016 After an achievement as fabulous as what the Denver Broncos just accomplished, someone could just pick any angle and focus a column on it. I am choosing this one because I have been waiting for years to use the above headline. Seriously, I am writing it because I think it's a cool headline, but I think we all agree there is a lot of substance there. In my longtime role with the Broncos, I always tried to make time to talk with fans who cared enough to call long distance, and one of those was "Bennie from The Bronx." Bennie not only calls talk shows in New York regularly, but he has made a lot of team and league contacts over the years. One day he said to me, only half in jest, "What is it with the Elway guy? He plays for 16 years and you do nothing but win. Then he retires and you win not so much. Then he comes back, and you win all the time, all over again!" Bennie was so right. There is plenty of credit to go around in the Broncos' third World Championship — which, by the way, puts Denver into the top nine teams in number of Super Bowl wins — but John Elway certainly is at the center of the wagon wheel in terms of putting this together. Since Elway became the Broncos' general manager, Denver has had the best record in pro football, from 2012 through 2015. Twenty-one of the 22 starters were acquired by Elway, who recently told national sportswriter Peter King that "We don't draft all-pros. We develop all-pros." And Elway made the single greatest free-agent acquisition in NFL history in signing Peyton Manning, who took his legacy and legend to a new stratosphere in this Super Bowl win, becoming the first quarterback to lead two different teams to the title, in addition to a myriad of other career factoids. But this is about John Elway. He has joined the ranks of Jerry West in basketball and Ozzie Newsome in football as Hall of Fame members who became general managers and then won a World Championship in that capacity. Of course, John is the only Hall of Fame quarterback to become a general manager and win a Super Bowl with the same team that he quarterbacked to back-to-back World Championships. It seems pretty safe to say that mark will stand for a long, long time. But wait — with Elway, there is always more.

During the 2015 football season the Pac-12 Conference named its All-Century team, celebrating its 100 years of history by looking back at the best players its schools have had through the past century. Not only was Elway the quarterback, but the Broncos' general manager was named the Pac-12 Player of the Century, a staggering honor for its accomplishment and scope. Then, with the Broncos reaching Super Bowl 50, Elway actually returned to his old stadium and campus, the very site where he earned Player of the Century honors, because the AFC team was assigned to practice at Stanford University. It is a lot to digest, but with John, there always has been a lot to digest. One day about 30 years ago, one of the sportswriters in our press room said, "I just don't know what to write for tomorrow." A wise old writer, Joe Sanchez of The Denver Post, kind of turned his chair around halfway, peered over the top of his reading glasses and said, "Let me tell you something, kid. Always write about Elway. And the next day, follow it up." The thing is, we are in our fourth decade of John Elway providing plenty of reasons to keep him in the headlines. And it is why, in a football sense, he truly is The Prince of Palo Alto.