Denver Post Broncos writer Troy Renck posts his Broncos Mailbag on Wednesdays during the season.
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With Gary Kubiak saying that he wants to give Peyton Manning more rest, would it be realistic for Manning sit out a few regular-season games? If so, does this give Brock Osweiler an opportunity to prove that he can be the next quarterback for the Broncos?
— James, Portland, Ore.
James: It would be completely unrealistic. Manning would rather have a cheese grater rubbed on his shins than miss a regular-season snap. Manning has reluctantly bought into the idea of taking practices off. Kubiak learned this from coach Mike Shanahan, resting veterans early to keep them sharp and healthy late. It paid huge dividends during John Elway’s final two seasons. Osweiler’s opportunity . He has to demonstrate improved footwork and quicker decision-making. This offense suits him better than the previous one, but it’s time for him to star in games, or it will raise the possibility that Manning’s successor is not on the roster.
Now that , do you see the Broncos showing interest in Evan Mathis for some offensive line help? Or any other free agent offensive lineman?
— Collin Anderson, Sioux City, Iowa
Collin: For now, the Broncos are determined to give the Baby Blockers a chance. When they open the preseason on Friday at Seattle, center Matt Paradis, left guard Max Garcia and left tackle Ty Sambrailo will boast zero regular-season experience. Any team can go young. Going young and getting good is the hard part.
Coach Gary Kubiak and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison embrace the teaching element. They have been encouraged by what they’ve seen in camp. There will be inconsistency — as there always is with young players. But if they continue to see enough progress, it will prevent Denver from making a move. , but didn’t see him as an upgrade over Sambrailo or Ryan Harris at this point. Long is also coming off back-to-back ACL injuries and struggled last season. Realistically, Mathis, a terrific player, would be hard to fit in the salary cap at this point.
What is the kicker situation in Denver? Has Connor Barth sealed the position or is Brandon McManus going to get another shot?
— Brad Johnston, Mesa, Ariz.
Brad: The competition remains open entering the first preseason game. Barth brings consistency, though less power. He proved terrific last year . If Barth shows he can kick off better than a year ago, the Broncos will go with one kicker. Carrying two is a luxury. But McManus is a weapon on kickoffs. As it stands, Barth holds the lead in my opinion, leaving the issueof whether McManus can stick as a specialist.
Are the Broncos really thinking about bring Manning back next year? Don’t you think it’s time to move on? Thanks, Troy!
— Doug Nelson, Chico, Calif.
Doug: It’s never time to move on from an elite quarterback. If he’s performing well and healthy, why wouldn’t you bring him back? You can’t win in this league without a quarterback. It is odd that the most high-profile position in U.S. sports struggles to find functional replacements. The spread offense in college — the NFL’s minor league — does not help develop NFL quarterbacks anymore. So when you ask, “Is it time to move on?” I would counter: Move on to what? If Philip Rivers becomes a free agent, or possibly Eli Manning, then it becomes an interesting conversation. But I am in no hurry to run off Manning if he’s healthy, regardless of his age.
I’m confused. The Colts are widely seen as an AFC favorite, more so than the Broncos. But there are many similarities with both teams overall: Both have a strong quarterback, strong receivers and similar offensive lines. Is this all based on Manning’s less-than-stellar performance toward the end of last season and this being Kubiak’s first big gig in Denver?
— Manuel Garcia, Falcon
Manuel: The Colts moved ahead of the Broncos because of a confluence of factors. They have the best young quarterback in football in Andrew Luck (sorry, Russell Wilson). , and they improved in free agency with the additions of running back Frank Gore, receiver Andre Johnson and linebacker Trent Cole. These contracts might hurt them long-term, but history says accomplished, if not slighted, veterans typically play well in their first season with a new team.
The Patriots remain the class of the AFC. They are the champs until they are not. And the Pats own the Colts. For me, Denver sits in an interesting position this season, not unlike the Ravens in 2012. They are solid, a bit under the radar. If they can get hot at the right time, playing their best football at the end of the season, it could be a fascinating January.
What are the chances for local player Chase Vaughn making the 53-player roster. I know he will play his heart out and is dedicated to playing football. He has proven to be a quality player as well as a quality human being. It would be a great day if he makes the team.
— Art Pineda, Aurora
Art: Vaughn is a great story. He transferred from Adams State and starred at CSU-Pueblo for coach John Wristen, someone I have known since I was a kid. Vaughn has ability. The NFL, however, is about talent and opportunity. As it stands, the odds are against Vaughn because of the depth at the linebacker position. But preseason remains a platform for players in his position. Make a great tackle on special teams, notch a sack, and who knows what will happen here or with another team?
Peyton Manning is expected to throw the ball on the run in Kubiak’s new system. Does this mean Peyton Manning will have to learn how to run?
— Jeremy, Alberta, Canada
Jeremy,
Manning believes he’s more mobile than people realize. He can roll out and throw effectively. It won’t be the staple of this offense. Can he do it? Yes. Will he have to learn to run? No. Kubiak has traditionally asked his quarterbacks to scramble for at least one first down per game. Manning scrambled in practice last week. The mouth agape reactions spoke volumes. He did well, but you don’t want to see a 39-year-old placing himself in harm’s way. So, no he won’t run much if at all. But Manning will be effective on rollouts especially on passes to the tight ends.
Sup, Troy? Looking at , I noticed this year that some of the players have some sort of device in a pocket in the back of their practice jersies (at the top, in between their shoulder blades). What is this? Some sort of electronic performance tracker?
— Eric, Canby, Ore.
Eric: It is called Catapult — basically a GPS device on the back of their shoulders with multiple sensors that track movement in real time. The Broncos are using it to track how hard and how much players are exerting themselves in practice so they can customize workouts to minimize injury and maximize production. The Eagles have been at the forefront of this movement. I love the progressive thinking.
Which of the undrafted free agents have the best chance of making the team this season?
— Louie, Cheyenne
Louie: It remains a fluid situation. Entering the first preseason game, there are couple of candidates, beginning with Nebraska linebacker Zaire Anderson. Though undersized at 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, he has impressed coaches with his big hits and knowledge of the defense. He is in the mix for a backup insider linebacker spot. He is making a move.
Receiver Jordan Taylor popped early in camp, then struggled. At 6-foot-5, he is hard to cover and brings a huge catch radius. He faces a challenge because the receiving corps is deep with four locks, it appears, leaving little room to find a spot. Fullback as is offensive lineman Dillon Day. An undrafted free agent has made the Broncos’ roster 11 consecutive seasons, and I expect the streak to continue.
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Troy E. Renck: t renck@denverpost.com or t
