Rick Dennison ran offenses well in Denver nearly a decade ago. But whether his new Broncos offense will, um, run more remains uncertain until Peyton Manning decides on his future.
after agreeing to work with well-known fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone in New Orleans.
“We’re going to do what we do best and see what our team ends up with. It’s certainly no rush. (Manning) deserves to take his time and figure out what he wants to do,” Dennison said at Tuesday’s introductory news conference. “He’s a phenomenal player.”
Dennison followed Broncos coach Gary Kubiak from Baltimore, continuing a friendship that started when the two golfed together while playing for the Broncos. Dennison has been by Kubiak’s side at every stop, and last guided the Broncos’ offense from 2006 through 2008. That group ranked seventh overall during that stretch, finishing in the top 10 in rushing and passing.
Manning finished with 39 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions last season, but struggled with a quad injury and working under center over the last seven games as the team recommitted to the run. The five-time league MVP wants to talk with general manager John Elway soon before determining whether he will play an 18th season.
Speed kills. A former all-state quarterback at Arvada High and an all-American wrestler at Wyoming, Joe DeCamillis began his coaching career in Denver under Dan Reeves.
“I was basically a secretary,” he said.
DeCamillis worked his way up the food chain, and brings a strong reputation as a special teams coach back to Dove Valley. His group will have a specific identity.
“We want to play faster than our opponents,” DeCamillis said. “When you look at the tape, I want them to know we’re going to be a fast and physical team. And we want to be fundamentally sound. That really fits in to what ‘Kube’ is asking for, too.”
DeCamillis became a Broncos’ fan as a child. He didn’t hesitate when relaying his favorite memory.
“The first Super Bowl with (coach) Red Miller. I can remember having a big party at our house, the Orange Crush, all that stuff,” he said.
Footnotes. The Broncos continued finalizing their staff, . Pagac, who owns a 13-year NFL resume, worked for the Bills last season. Coaxum, a former player and coach at Army, served in Baltimore as special teams intern on a staff which included Kubiak and Dennison. … Linebacker Brandon Marshall, who finished tied for first in pass coverage ranking in Pro Football Focus in a 4-3 defense, continues to successfully rehab his foot injury. He was limited to 40 snaps in the Broncos’ season-ending playoff loss.
