DENVER BRONCOS (12-5)
OPEN CAMP: July 31, Englewood, Colorado.
LAST YEAR: Broncos began last season as prohibitive Super Bowl favorite after loading up on defense with Pro Bowlers. Peyton Manning had terrific first half before thigh injury derailed his season. John Fox headed off to Chicago after Denver's third straight postseason implosion, this time at home to Indianapolis. John Elway brought in old pal Gary Kubiak as Fox's replacement to try to coax another title out of aging QB.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: Kubiak; TE Owen Daniels; FB James Casey; LT Ty Sambrailo; DE Vance Walker; C Gino Gradkowski.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: LG Orlando Franklin; TEs Jacob Tamme and TE Julius Thomas; NT Terrance Knighton; S Rahim Moore; WR Wes Welker; C Will Montgomery.
CAMP NEEDS: Get young offensive line to jell so that 39-year-old Manning can focus on perfecting Kubiak's new offense. Hope RB C.J. Anderson's Pro Bowl season wasn't fluke and Montee Ball can avoid another injury-marred campaign so Broncos can have 1-2 punch in backfield to ease pressure on passer. With DE Derek Wolfe facing four-game suspension, get MLBs Danny Trevathan (new kneecap) and Brandon Marshall (foot) up to speed to anchor Wade Phillips' 3-4 defensive scheme.
EXPECTATIONS: Broncos again are loaded with talent, especially on defense, but big questions in trenches must be answered quickly for them to again challenge Tom Brady and New England for AFC supremacy and give Manning chance to close out career on top.
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