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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Denver Broncos have won the AFC West in each of the past four seasons. However, they have failed to win a Super Bowl in that time, and suddenly everything is changing. This offseason brought legions of new faces with head coach John Fox being fired and replaced by Gary Kubiak.

On the field, general manager John Elway watched as a mass exodus took place in free agency. Nose tackle Terrance Knighton, left guard Orlando Franklin, receiver Wes Welker, safety Rahim Moore, tight end Julius Thomas and center Will Montgomery all left the Mile High City, while only Owen Daniels and Darian Stewart were notable signings. Without question, Denver is relying on 39-year-old Peyton Manning to get the job done once again.

Major Battle

After left tackle Ryan Clady tore his ACL in OTAs, the Broncos need to find a pair of competent tackles. Immediately after Clady went down, Denver signed free-agent Ryan Harris to a one-year deal. Harris is expected to compete with rookie tackle Ty Sambrailo and Michael Schofield for the two spots. Whomever ends up at left tackle has plenty of pressure, protecting Manning’s blindside.

Expectations

With Manning at the controls, it is normally about getting to the Super Bowl. With this quite possibly his last year, there is no doubt what the goal is. Manning played poorly the last two months of the season in 2014, but he is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer for a reason. If Mannign bounces back, this team is potent. If not, it could miss the playoffs.

Next: Kansas City Chiefs

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