16 Denver Broncos players about to become free agents By Mike Klis The Denver Post December 26, 2013

For some well-known Broncos, this is it.

The game Sunday at Oakland will be the last time during the regular season a few players headed for unrestricted free agency will wear a Broncos uniform.

There will be another one, two or three games to play in the postseason, but regardless of how long the Broncos survive in the NFL's single-elimination tournament, the end for some is near.

The Broncos have 16 players headed for free agency, including 12 who have started at least one game in 2013. The list ranges from every-game offensive starters Eric Decker, Knowshon Moreno and Zane Beadles to veteran backups Quentin Jammer, Michael Huff and Winston Justice.

The way it works with free agents in the NFL's salary cap economy, it's often the better players who are the most difficult to re-sign.

"You always have some interesting decisions to make, especially if you have a good football team," said John Elway, who heads the football operations department of the 12-3 Broncos. "The better you are, the harder the decisions."

The defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens are the latest example. A month after celebrating in New Orleans in early February, the Ravens parted with prominent starters Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams and Ed Reed largely because they couldn't afford them.

Exactly which players will be re-signed and which will move on will be decided by Elway's football operations department, and in some cases by the players themselves.

The 16 Broncos who are eligible for unrestricted free agency: Decker, wide receiver; Moreno, running back; Beadles, offensive guard; Shaun Phillips, defensive end; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback; Wesley Woodyard, linebacker; Mike Adams, safety; Robert Ayers, defensive end; Paris Lenon, linebacker; Andre Caldwell, wide receiver; Chris Kuper, offensive guard; Quentin Jammer, cornerback; Jeremy Mincey, defensive end; Michael Huff, safety; Steve Vallos, center-guard; and Winston Justice, offensive tackle.

A look at three the most high-profile pending free-agent Broncos:

• Decker figures to be the highest priority but also the most expensive to re-sign. The Broncos are built around Peyton Manning, and the quarterback's top two receivers in the past two seasons have been Decker and Demaryius Thomas, a free agent after the 2014 season.

Given the contracts of similar No. 2 receivers in the league, Decker can command a deal of least five years and $40 million, with at least $8 million in the first year.

• The toughest decision may be on Moreno. The Broncos drafted Ronnie Hillman two years ago in the third round and Montee Ball this year in the second round, with the plan of replacing Moreno when he became a free agent after this season.

But nothing alters plans like player performance. Moreno has been invaluable as a rusher (1,015 yards), receiver (55 catches) and blocker (Manning has taken a league-low 17 sacks).

But Moreno's market value of at least $4 million per year may be difficult to fit under the team's projected salary cap of $126.3 million.

"Oh, snap," Moreno said, meaning he wasn't expecting the subject. "I'm not worried about. End-of-the-season thing, you know what I mean?"

• Before the 2012 season, the Broncos re-signed middle linebacker Joe Mays to a three-year, $12 million contract of which $4.5 million was guaranteed. Given this, it appeared a month ago linebacker Wesley Woodyard could command at least three years and $15 million, with more than $5 million guaranteed.

But the five-year captain has been reduced to a sub-package player in recent weeks. Although his value may be reduced, Woodyard would likely generate interest in the free-agent market.

Meanwhile, the Broncos likely need to defeat the Raiders on Sunday to secure the No. 1 AFC playoff seed.

"We're going to finish this year out and concentrate on this year," Elway said. "We'll worry about next year next year."

To free or keep?

In terms of name recognition, the Broncos' top three unrestricted free agents after this season are Eric Decker, Knowshon Moreno and Wesley Woodyard. A look at some other Broncos starters who can become free agents:

1. Zane Beadles, offensive guard

Started all but two games in four years. May be in line for the five-year, $25.5 million contract extension Chris Kuper received before 2010 season.

2. Shaun Phillips, defensive end

Outplayed his contract, registering 10 sacks in return for a $1 million base. Could command $3 million to $5 million next year.

3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback

Future may be partially tied to what the Broncos do with the $9 million owed Champ Bailey next year.

4. Mike Adams, safety

Two-year starter is rare safety who can play both the free and strong positions.

5. Robert Ayers, defensive end

A first-round pick from the 2009 draft is having his best season with 5½ sacks.

Wes Welker, Derek Wolfe, Kayvon Webster return to Broncos practice By Joan Niesen The Denver Post December 25, 2013

The Broncos got three gifts on Christmas Day, in the form of Wes Welker's, Derek Wolfe's and Kayvon Webster's returns to practice.

Welker, a receiver, hasn't practiced since he suffered a concussion in the team's Dec. 8 game against the Titans, and he's missed the past two games. Wolfe has been out since he fell ill on the team bus on Nov. 29, missing the past four games. Although the team hasn't given specific details of what was wrong with the defensive end, coach John Fox said last week that he's been looking better and better.

Webster, a rookie cornerback, broke his thumb in the team's Dec. 12 loss to the Chargers. His return Wednesday didn't come as much of a surprise; the team has hoped since the injury and his surgery the next day that he'd be able to return this week and play with a cast on his right hand.

Tight end Joel Dreessen and center Steve Vallos were both missing from the team's Christmas Day practice Wednesday. Vallos suffered a concussion on Sunday.

Welker returns to practice field By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Wes Welker returned to the Denver Broncos practice field on Christmas Day for the first time since suffering his second concussion on Dec. 12.

He was allowed to participate on a limited basis according to the league's concussion protocol.

Also returning to practice was defensive end Derek Wolfe, who hadn't practiced since having a seizure-like episode on the team bus trip to the airport on Nov. 29.

And rookie cornerback Kayvon Webster practiced for the first time since undergoing surgery on his right thumb on Dec. 13 after breaking it in the first half against San Diego the night before.

The only player who didn't practice was backup center Steve Vallos, who sustained a concussion during Denver's 37-13 win at Houston on Sunday.

Ramirez has fended off doubters, d-linemen alike By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Manny Ramirez has arguably the toughest job in pro football. As Peyton Manning's center, he literally works under the most demanding quarterback in the NFL.

Not only that, but before this season, the seventh-year journeyman from Texas Tech hadn't played a full year at center since his junior year at Willowridge High School in Houston — way back in 2000.

With Ramirez as its anchor, the Broncos' offensive line has allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (17), giving Manning time to throw his record 51 TD passes and plowing the way for Knowshon Moreno to top 1,000 yards rushing for the first time.

The Broncos (12-3) are 28 points shy of becoming the first 600-point team in history and a win at Oakland (4-11) on Sunday will secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

"Manny's been awesome," Manning said after a Christmas afternoon practice in pads. "That is no easy task to go from guard to center, especially in a sophisticated, fast-moving, always-changing offense. I think it would be one thing if you knew what play was going to be called and you had 40 seconds to process it. But we call one play and change it to the next with five seconds on the play clock and when we change a play, Manny has to make his own calls and he has just gotten better each week."

He's got the brawn and backbone to match the brains, too, Manning said.

"I know he has played through a lot of injuries. It speaks to his toughness," Manning said. "He is one of the strongest guys on our team, so it's very impressive. I'm not sure people (appreciate it). I think people in this building understand with the sophistication of our offense just how difficult his job is and he's just been outstanding."

Ramirez is an unlikely fulcrum for this historic offense, spending all season casting aside doubters and defensive linemen alike.

"This summer, I'm hearing all kind of grief about Manny can't do this, Manny can't do that," offensive line coach Dave Magazu said. "Well, I think Manny's proven all those people wrong."

Coach John Fox laughs now that nobody seemed to believe him when he kept saying in the offseason that Ramirez was his starting center and that he wasn't just keeping the position warm for J.D. Walton or Dan Koppen or Ryan Lilja or Steve Vallos or even Chris Kuper.

Ramirez, whose claim to fame before this season was bench-pressing a school-record 550 pounds in college, didn't listen to the skeptics but he couldn't help but hear them, either.

"Truthfully, and unfortunately, that's been my entire life," Ramirez said. "You know, even when I was playing in middle school and high school, I've always had doubters, and that's fine. That's always been motivation for me."

He's been proving people wrong since he first starting playing football.

"Growing up, where I'm from, people aren't shy to tell you to your face, 'You're not going to make it. You're a Mexican, for one thing. There's not many Mexicans that play in the league anyways. You're not smart enough. If you go to college, you're going to have to go to a juco first and then go to college if you get an opportunity,'" Ramirez said. "I don't know, it's just some dumb stuff people were always saying, trying to put me down for whatever reason it might be. But you've just got to put all that to the side."

Ramirez started 11 games at right guard for Denver last year, but free agency was barely 20 minutes old when he got a call from his old college teammate, Louis Vasquez, informing him he'd just signed a four-year, $23.5 million deal with the Broncos to play right guard.

"I was shocked, but at the same time I was excited because Louie and I got a bond that's like brothers, so I was happy for him," Ramirez said. "And then my mindset was I've just got to fight for a job."

The Broncos had a plan in mind for Ramirez.

When Manning began the second chapter of his career in Denver following the series of neck surgeries that affected his famed right arm, he rebuilt his throwing motion from the ground up.

No longer does he rely as much on his arm strength so much as he does on proper mechanics, using more of his hips and torso to direct his passes and generate speed. So, it's imperative that he has room to step into his throws.

That means, the Broncos needed more height and beef in the middle of their line, and they got it with Vasquez (6-foot-5, 335 pounds) and Zane Beadles (6-4, 305) at guard and Ramirez (6-3, 320) at center.

"That's helped us become a little more powerful on the run and a little stouter on the pass," Fox said. "So, those are areas you try to get better at physically. And then mentally is the thing that Manny's done a great job with.

"He's got a quarterback behind him that's a pretty demanding guy and changes and does things on the fly, so you've got to be a sharp guy and you've got to earn his trust and he has and done an excellent job."

Ground game as big as aerial fireworks show in NFL By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos 335-pound defensive tackle Terrance Knighton sat at his locker and chuckled at the thought of his first trip to the playoffs, his belly shaking like a shopping mall Santa Claus.

It's almost time for some throwback football, he said, for the jelly-belly linemen and the tailbacks so often overlooked in today's pass-heavy NFL to dust off the cobwebs and take center stage again.

"I think during the regular season, it's about who puts up 40 points," Knighton said. "But in the playoffs, you've got to take care of the ball, eat up the clock and play good defense."

The teams that reached the Super Bowl last season weren't the ones with the best records but the two that led all playoff teams in carries per game in the postseason.

That's one reason the Broncos followed their free agent acquisition of slot receiver Wes Welker by drafting 220-pound running back Montee Ball, the bruising Badger who could move the sticks in the fourth quarter. That's something they were unable to do with lightweight Ronnie Hillman during their playoff pratfall against the Ravens last January.

Not that Peyton Manning, the first quarterback in the NFL's 93-year history to throw for 50-plus touchdowns and 5,000-plus yards in a season, will suddenly just hand off next month. But he knows a good ground game is the foundation for a solid aerial show.

"When you're just throwing it over and over again, teams start to bring more and more pressure and just tee off on you," Bengals offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth said. "We're creating that scenario where it's hard to know which one you want to do. Even though people say throwing is the new generation, running the football will always be the hammer in the sense that it can eliminate many defensive game plans.

"That's why it's so pivotal to be able to stop it for every team in the league," Whitworth added. "If you can stop the run you're going to be a good defense, and if you can't, you never will be a good defense."

Denver couldn't stop the run earlier this month against San Diego, which leads the league in time of possession (33:21). The Chargers upset Denver 27-20 when Manning spent most of his night on the sideline.

"The longer you keep the ball and the less he has it, the better off you're going to be," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said after providing a blueprint on how to thwart what might go down as the first 600-point team in league history.

"If a team can run the ball, they're going to control the clock," Knighton said. "That's what San Diego did. We were on the field way too long. And the type of offense we have, our guys need a rhythm. So, that's going to come down to us to get the ball back for Peyton."

The metric that best shows effectiveness running the football or stopping the run is first-down percentage. It's akin to on-base percentage in baseball.

Of the teams who have clinched a playoff berth or are in the running heading into the final weekend, Kansas City, behind the AFC's leading rusher, Jamaal Charles, has the best first-down percentage at 24.9, followed by New England at 23.0 and Denver at 22.7.

In the NFC, it's Philadelphia, led by the league's top rusher, LeSean McCoy, at 26.6, followed by Green Bay at 25.9 and Carolina at 24.9. Of those three teams, only the Panthers have clinched a playoff spot.

Now, the other side.

Baltimore is the best in the AFC at getting off the field and getting the ball back for its offense, allowing a first down on just 17.6 percent of all running plays, followed by Cincinnati (18.9) and Kansas City (20.2).

In the NFC, the top teams are Arizona (18.7), which could go 11-5 and miss out on the postseason party, Carolina (19.6) and San Francisco (19.7).

Even though it's almost New Year's, chances are still pretty good the ball will go through the air once it gets in the quarterback's hands. Last week, 54 percent of all plays were passes, but of the 16 teams that won, they averaged 33 runs and 30 passes.

Compare that to the opening weekend of the season, when 59 percent of all plays were passes and the teams that came out on top threw an average of 37 times and ran 30 times.

Teams got a taste of what January — and the Super Bowl in East Rutherford, N.J. on Feb. 2 — might be like earlier this month. An Arctic blast dumped snow on most of the country and games were played in icy or even blizzard conditions.

In the playoffs, the mercury usually falls some more and the pressure only rises.

And if there is a sunny day in there somewhere, you can bet the ground game will still be a priority.

"When you run the football, they've got to respect that part of the game that much more," Broncos receiver Eric Decker said. "The safeties come down a little harder. Linebackers may bite on play-action more. It just opens the middle of the field, gives you more 1-on-1 opportunities. And that is how this game is played. It's complementary. You've got to be able to run the football to pass. You've got to be able to pass the ball to run.

"Especially this time of year, you see teams that make it to the championship, they're running the football."

Belichick questions NFL offseason workout limits By John Wawrow Associated Press December 25, 2013

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Patriots coach Bill Belichick is blaming recently instituted NFL rules shortening offseason practice time for what he claims to be an increasing number of player injuries.

"I'm in favor of total preparation for the players for the season," Belichick said during a conference call with Buffalo reporters this week in leading up to New England's home game against the Bills on Sunday. "And I think that's been changed significantly and, I would say, not necessarily for the better when you look at the injury numbers."

Belichick said players are more vulnerable to being hurt because they're less prepared, and described the limits placed on offseason workouts — including training camp — as being counterproductive.

"Personally, I think that's taking the wrong approach," he said. "You have a gap between preparation and competition level. And I think that's where you see a lot of injuries occurring. We get a lot of breakdowns. We get a lot of situations that players just aren't as prepared as they were in previous years, in my experience anyway."

Belichick was specifically challenging several new rules negotiated into the NFL labor deal that ended an offseason-long lockout in 2011.

Teams were prevented from holding two-a-day practices during training camp. Limits were also placed on how many times players practiced in pads throughout the year. In the spring, offseason team activity time was reduced from 14 to nine weeks (10 if the team changed head coaches).

What's in question is whether injuries are, in fact, on the rise in the NFL, as Belichick suggested.

Though he didn't cite specific numbers, Belichick said he was citing "a matter of record not opinion," in saying injuries league-wide have been on the rise over the past three years.

League spokesman Michael Signora disputed Belichick's assertions.

"We carefully monitor player injuries," Signora said. "There is no evidence that the new work rules have had an adverse effect on the injury rate or that injuries have in fact increased."

The NFL declined to released its numbers. But according to STATS, the number of NFL players finishing a season on injured reserve has risen significantly over the past 14 seasons.

From 2000-06, there was an average of 239 players on IR. That average has jumped to about 314 over the past seven years.

The low over that span was 192 in 2001, with the high being 353 in 2010, but that was before the new offseason rules came into effect.

As of Monday, there were 288 players on IR, the lowest total since 287 in 2008.

Those figures, however, don't include players who have been on injured reserve and released by their teams during the season.

It has also been difficult to measure how many regulars have missed games due to injury.

The Patriots (11-4) have been beset by a rash of injuries to key contributors this season. They have six starters on IR, including tight end Rob Gronkowski (right knee), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer, linebacker Jerod Mayo, defensive lineman Vince Wilford (Achilles tendon) and safety Adrian Wilson.

Belichick insists injuries are up.

"When you see the number as high as they are, then I don't think that's a randomness that's been two years in a row," Belichick said. "I've got to think there's some correlation there."

Wes Welker in uniform at practice By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, who suffered two concussions in a four-week span, and defensive tackle Derek Wolfe, who has not practiced since suffering "seizure-like symptoms" on Nov. 29, were both in uniform for Wednesday's practice.

The Broncos adjusted their schedule for Christmas, moving meetings as well as the start of practice -- both usually in the morning on a Wednesday -- into the afternoon. Wolfe and Welker worked through largely noncontact drills during the open portion of practice as Wolfe quickly moved over to work with the team's strength and conditioning staff when the defense ramped up the tempo a bit.

Welker, who suffered a concussion just before halftime of the Broncos' Dec. 8 victory over the Tennessee Titans, has not practiced since that game and has been held out of the past two games.

Wolfe had not practiced since his incident, which occurred on the team's bus ride to the airport for the trip to Kansas City for the Dec. 1 game against the Chiefs.

Welker, Wolfe and cornerback Kayvon Webster were all formally listed as limited, although Wolfe is still expected to be held out of Sunday's game in Oakland.

"He's just in the process of getting back into it," said Broncos coach John Fox. "Football is a unique game, you can try to simulate different things in the weight room, in different areas, but until you get out here and start running around it's not quite the same. He's back out there, he's got everything under control, now it's just a matter of him getting back in football shape."

Welker, who also suffered a concussion in the Broncos' Nov. 17 win over the Chiefs, remains a major question mark for Sunday's game as he continues to work through the league's concussion protocol.

"He's still in the steps of the concussion protocol, and we're taking it day to day," said Fox. "It was good to see him out there."

Before he can play in a game, Welker would have to be declared symptom-free by both the Broncos' medical staff as well as a designated independent physician who has been approved by both the NFL and NFL Players Association.

Webster, who had surgery Dec. 13 to repair a fractured right thumb, returned to practice Wednesday sporting a cast on his hand. Webster did not practice last week or play this past Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Injury epidemic can't be ignored By John Clayton ESPN.com December 25, 2013

One of the biggest stories in 2013 has been injuries.

In Week 16, the problem only escalated. Tony Romo suffered a herniated disk. Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller and St. Louis Rams left tackle Jake Long suffered torn ACLs. Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith suffered a PCL knee injury.

Games Missed By Starters

Games missed by starters due to injury or suspension through 15 games over the past four seasons.

Team 2013 2012 2011 2010

ARZ 54 44 38 29

ATL 69 30 31 13

BAL 34 58 24 43

BUF 35 50 79 53

CAR 52 56 77 61

CHI 47 20 52 19

CIN 31 51 40 36

CLE 23 52 47 42

DAL 53 65 34 23

DEN 61 58 30 41

DET 34 64 22 52

GB 56 77 42 83

HOU 45 22 33 33

IND 52 59 83 64

Team 2013 2012 2011 2010

JAX 55 63 37 34

KC 21 51 50 18

MIA 30 19 24 34

MIN 44 26 34 42

NE 62 35 72 71

NO 71 21 17 30

NYG 87 41 62 25

NYJ 11 43 19 30

OAK 78 46 51 25

PHI 26 57 19 40

PIT 47 62 53 47

SD 74 35 59 63

SEA 64 13 62 51

SF 42 6 19 32

STL 41 25 72 33

TB 51 50 34 47

TEN 25 45 29 34

WAS 39 70 58 28

Total 1,514 1,414 1,403 1,276

Source: John Clayton's research

Though I include suspensions, NFL teams have had 1,514 missed starts this year. That's more than the 1,428 missed starts for the entire 2010 season. The final count is expected to also exceed the 1,541 total last season, 1,559 in 2011 and 1,532 in 2009.

For the record, I looked at the 22 starting positions and maxed out at 16 for any one position. If an expected starter is hurt before the season and then is cut from the injured reserve list, I don't count his missed games; instead, I track his replacement from the start of the year. If an injured starter comes back but doesn't reclaim his starting job from his replacement (for example, Michael Vick in Philadelphia), then I don't count the original starter's misses.

Reasons for the injuries are many. The expanded period of offseason time in which players are on their own to train has led to more non-contract injuries in organized team activities and training camp. What needs to be studied is whether the limited amount of hitting and tackling in training camp can adequately get NFL bodies ready for the season.

What's clear is that injuries increased since the advent of the new collective bargaining agreement. From 2011, when the new CBA started, the injuries have increased. This year's finally tally should be about 1,650.

Through 15 games, the New York Giants lead the NFL with 87 missed starts. The Oakland Raiders are next with 78. San Diego has 74. New Orleans has 71. Sixteen teams have more injuries than they did through the first 15 games last season.

I hope offseason studies will be done to cut down on the injuries, because the impact of lost starters has changed how teams have performed this season.

From the inbox

Q: Just wondering your take on Peyton Manning still throwing for scores with less than five minutes left of the Denver-Houston game. They had an insurmountable lead (17 points) and could have easily just run it. He was just voted Sportsman of the Year, but this seems unsportsmanlike as he was just running up the score and padding his own personal stats. For the record, he would still have had next week to break the single-season TD record. Rob in Davenport, Iowa

A: I have no problem with it. It still was only a 24-point victory. I know this might sound silly, but the Texans could have come back. Remember, the Broncos blew a 24-point lead against New England. While the Texans aren't New England, they still had Matt Schaub, who has the potential to mount a comeback. Plus, Manning has been through enough Week 17s in which there was no guarantee he would play because his team was already in the playoffs. On top of everything, it's a coaching decision to change quarterbacks in a game. I don't think John Fox gave it any thought.

Q: With one week of regular-season games to go, do you foresee any team that follows the recent trend in which the supposedly good-but-not-great team gets hot toward end of regular season/start of playoffs and ends up winning the Super Bowl? The past three SB-winning teams (and you can

also count the 2005 Steelers) seem to fit that bill. If this year's Steelers, Chargers or Cardinals somehow make playoffs, then either of those teams will have done it by closing its regular season on a serious winning streak. Sanniyus in Jakarta, Indonesia

A: The San Francisco 49ers, who could be a low seed, are a great team and they could get hot. If the Carolina Panthers lose their finale and the New Orleans Saints get the No. 2 seed, I could see Carolina getting hot in the playoffs as a lower seed. There is more of a chance of a not-so-great team getting hot in the AFC because the AFC is not so great. That could lead to a Cincinnati or Indianapolis getting hot. Despite that, I think home field will be more important in the postseason than it has been in past years.

Q: I've seen a lot of rumors going around about Jon Gruden possibly returning to the Raiders. So as a die-hard Raiders fan, I'd like to ask: Should Oakland just keep Dennis Allen for continuity and give him one more season to see what he can do with a fuller roster or should they fire Allen after the season and try to get Gruden back? Brandon in Jacksonville, Fla.

A: I struggle to think the Raiders would pony up $9 million to $10 million a year to bring back Gruden. Plus, I think he's going to stay at ESPN regardless. I feel your point on yet another coaching change. The Raiders have been lacking continuity since Gruden's trade to Tampa Bay. They didn't do a good enough job with the draft choices they acquired for him. Then the franchise kept hiring a bunch of first-time coaches who could do no better than getting the Raiders to .500. Raider fans just want to win, baby. The constant change prevents that from happening. My problem in changing coaches this time is I doubt another coach could go in there and do better.

Q: Bill Belichick is a great coach, but at what point do we start to question his drafting ability and/or ability to develop players? A lot of talk has been made about Tom Brady winning despite his supporting cast, but shouldn't the question be, "How has Belichick built this team?" I understand that Aaron Hernandez's arrest changed things, but they have not drafted well. Steve in Pittsburgh

A: The Patriots have drafted well enough to win the AFC East title, but of late, the drafts have left them more vulnerable to playoff losses. If there is a criticism, I'd offer it's that Patriots scouting is too coach-driven. Belichick will rely on the opinions of college coaches and coaches on his staff instead of the scouting department. You sense that trend when the Patriots take clumps of players out of the same college, one that has a head coach Belichick trusts and respects. Belichick changed the game, though, when he drafted Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, turning to a two-tight end offense that could score 30-plus points a game. He deserves credit for that. The true test of recent drafts on defense will be how many of those choices are signed to extensions. It can't be horrible because the Patriots

win so many games, but they are coming up short on Super Bowls, which leaves them open to some criticism.

Q: I don't think Kirk Cousins will be able to show enough to merit a team trading a first-round draft pick in a draft that may be very quarterback-heavy. I can see the Cousins situation playing out very similar to what went on with Matt Flynn. Some QB-desperate team is going to take a flyer on him anyway. Whom do you think that will be, and what will they have to give up? P.J. in Houston

A: You might be right about Cousins, but it's too early to judge, especially after just a three-game stretch. If Cousins struggles in the season finale against the New York Giants, the best the Redskins might receive in a trade is a second- or third-round pick. The market will be determined by how many quarterbacks are available in the draft. If there aren't enough quality quarterbacks in the draft, a couple of teams might bid on Cousins. A couple of bidding teams could escalate the price over a second-round pick. Many think that the Redskins should keep Cousins because Robert Griffin III might be oft-injured like Michael Vick, who only once has played a full 16-game regular season during his career. The Redskins need better players around Griffin, and a second-round pick could aid the offense. Washington can find a backup quarterback elsewhere, so trading Cousins is the right move.

SHORT TAKES

Al in Cheyenne, Wyo., is a frustrated Miami fan who doesn't like the Miami Dolphins hanging around .500 for the past couple of years. He cites Seattle, San Francisco and Kansas City as teams who have rebuilt themselves and got out of that .500 trap. Al, those three teams landed good quarterbacks and finally stabilized their rosters. The Dolphins have a decent quarterback in Ryan Tannehill. They need to stabilize the roster and keep getting better to make that next jump. ... Fred in Tampa, Fla., didn't think Pittsburgh Steelers special-teamer Terence Garvin was fined enough for his hit on Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber, who suffered a broken jaw and a vertebrae injury. He suggested a one-game suspension would have made sense. Too much. Garvin was fined $25,000. If Huber was not a punter, Garvin might not have been fined. I'm not a big fan of the defenseless punter rule unless the punter isn't allowed to tackle. ... Alex of York, Neb., suggests a punter could be protected by allowing him to run to the sideline and be replaced by a special-teams tackler. You would need punters with 4.3 speed to make that work. The special-teams substitute couldn't get downfield in time to make a difference.

Broncos look to shore up third downs, wrap up No. 1 seed By Lindsay H. Jones USA TODAY Sports December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — So what if he already has a shiny new touchdown record and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning isn't cruising through Christmas Day or the final week of the regular season.

Why would he, when there is so much still to fix?

Manning may have spent Wednesday morning like many dads, unwrapping presents with his son and daughter, but by afternoon, he was back to work.

The Broncos would clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win in Oakland. Should the Broncos lose to the Raiders, New England could move into the No. 1 seed with a win against Buffalo.

"There are a number of things we still have to improve on offensively, and some goals that we're trying to achieve each week, as far as ball security, eliminating penalties. This is another opportunity to improve on those, and hopefully we can get a win at the same time," Manning said.

For all the gaudy offensive numbers that Manning and the Broncos offense have recorded on a week-to-week basis this season, there is one especially frustrating area: Third down, where their conversion percentage has dropped in each of the past three games.

In Sunday's 37-13 win at Houston, Denver's third-down conversion rate was just 18.2%, a season-low, and well below Denver's season average of 45.3%. In each of Denver's past two games, the Broncos had a stretch of three consecutive series without picking up a first down.

Those series are maddening for an offense built so much upon rhythm, with Manning dictating the pace of play, and preying on opposing defenses through precision timing with his receivers.

"We'd like to stay on the field more," Manning said.

Manning pointed out that the Broncos had only nine third-down attempts last week against Houston — a sign that the offense was more effective on first- and second-downs, which was improvement from the prior week against San Diego. But making just two of those attempts, as well as a failed fourth-down try — their first failure in nine attempts this year — wasn't nearly good enough.

"We studied that. It's something you always want to do, to stay on the field, especially when you're down there in the red zone and have a chance to ensure a touchdown possibility instead of a field goal," Manning said. "We made it tougher on ourselves with some penalties. We had some third downs converted, and it was wiped out by penalties. That's definitely a point of emphasis that we can improve on."

It isn't a coincidence that Denver's third-down rate has dropped since slot receiver Wes Welker suffered a concussion on Dec. 8 — his second concussion in four weeks. Welker missed half of that game against Tennessee and the next two, a loss to San Diego and the win at Houston.

He returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since the second concussion, a sign he will be ready for the Broncos' first playoff game on Jan. 11 or 12, if not for Sunday's regular-season finale at Oakland.

"I think just getting back out there, running around, being with his teammates, getting his timing back — all those type of things," head coach John Fox said. "He's still in the steps of the concussion protocol, and we're taking it day-to-day. It was good to see him out there."

Though No. 4 receiver Andre Caldwell and versatile tight end Jacob Tamme have helped replace Welker, there is little doubt the Broncos are more dangerous when Welker is available as a third-down weapon for Manning.

Welker is tied with Demaryius Thomas for the most third-down catches for the Broncos, with 18. Fifteen of those catches by Welker have resulted in a first down. But perhaps as important is the attention Welker draws from defenses on third down, which helps his teammates such as Thomas and Eric Decker (15 catches, including 13 for a first-down).

"This team has faced adversity all season, and when some of your top players are down, whether it's Wes, someone else has to step up, and we've done that all year," Manning said.

NFL MVP Projection: Will Peyton Manning win unanimously? By John Breech CBSSports.com December 26, 2013

Peyton Manning isn't just going after Tom Brady's on-the-field records, Manning's going for his off-the-field records too. Manning broke Brady's single-season touchdown pass record on Sunday by throwing his 48th, 49th, 50th and 51st touchdown passes of the season against the Texans.

That performance might make it possible for Manning to match another Brady record, an MVP record. If Manning were to win the MVP award unanimously, he'd become only the second player in NFL history to earn every vote, joining Brady, who did it in 2010.

Manning's won the MVP Award four times in his career and here's a look at how the voting has broken down in the top-3 of each of those wins.

2003 (50 votes)

Peyton Manning: 16 votes

Steve McNair: 16 votes

Tom Brady: Eight votes

2004 (48 votes)

Peyton Manning: 47 votes

Michael Vick: One vote

2008 (50 votes)

Peyton Manning: 32 votes

Chad Pennington (Jets): Four votes

Michael Turner (Falcons): Four votes

2009 (50 votes)

Peyton Manning: 39.5 votes

Drew Brees: 7.5 votes

Philip Rivers: Two votes

Anyway, lets stop talking about old MVP ballots and get to the projection.

NFL MVP Projection

1. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning: If you like drama in your MVP race, then you probably don't like Peyton Manning right now. Manning more or less sewed up the award with a 400-yard, four touchdown pass performance in the Broncos win over Houston. Tom Brady probably doesn't like Peyton Manning right now either because Manning's four touchdown passes gave him 51 for the year, breaking Brady's single-season record. If Manning has 266 yards by halftime against Oakland on Sunday, they can probably just give the MVP award then. If Manning reaches that number, he'll break Drew Brees' single-season record for passing yards (2,476) set in 2011.

2. Saints quarterback Drew Brees: Drew Brees might be an MVP candidate, but don't tell that to Saints coach Sean Payton. On a fourth-and-12 play against Carolina, Payton called a fake field goal and let backup quarterback Luke McCown throw a pass. Think about this, Payton pulled Brees off the field to let McCown try and convert a fourth-and-12. As you can imagine, things didn't go well and McCown threw an incompletion. As if your coach going with the backup quarterback on a pivotal play isn't bad enough, Brees then had to watch his defense let Cam Newton march down the field and throw a game-winning touchdown pass with under 30 seconds left. Brees is probably giving everyone on the team the silent treatment this week, except for Jimmy Graham, I don't think he would do that to Jimmy Graham.

3. Eagles running back LeSean McCoy: There's only one player in the NFL dominating his position this season like Peyton Manning's dominating the quarterback position and that's LeSean McCoy. Through 15 games, McCoy has 1,476 rushing yards, which is 14.7 percent more than his next closest competitor. To put that in perspective, Manning only has 9 percent more passing yards than his next closest competitor. The Eagles have won six of their past seven games and the only game they lost in that span was in Week 15 when Chip Kelly went crazy and decided to only give McCoy the ball eight times. Kelly must not have known that the Eagles are 1-6 since 2010 when McCoy gets 10 or less carries.

4. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson: The argument against Russell Wilson winning the MVP this season has been: 1. he might not even be the MVP of his own offense and 2. The Seahawks win with defense. If you want to know how important Wilson is to the Seahawks, just look at their last three games. In Week 14 and Week 16, Wilson played two of his worst games of the season and Seattle lost both times. In Week 15, Wilson played bad too, but Seattle was playing the Giants and Eli Manning was giving the Seahawks defense early Christmas presents in the form of interceptions, so Seattle ended up winning. Wilson can also do something Brees

and Peyton Manning can't do: Run the ball. Wilson's rushed for 540 yards so far this season, a number that ranks 34th in the NFL.

5. Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles: If Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid decides to rest Jamaal Charles this week, you can't really blame him because here's what the Chiefs would lose if Charles got hurt: Their leading rusher, their leading receiver and their leading scorer. That's right, Charles leads the team in all three categories. Reid shouldn't let Charles anywhere near the field on Sunday, he shouldn't even let Charles out of the locker room. As a matter of fact, Reid should just tell Charles to watch the game from a local Applebee's.

6. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady: After Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowksi went down in Week 15, everyone said the New England offense would fall apart -- and by 'everyone said the New England offense would fall apart,' I mean me. That didn't happen though. The Patriots came back from a 26-14 fourth quarter deficit against the Browns that week without Gronkowski to win the game. Then Week 16 happened. Without Gronkowski, the Patriots put up their second-highest scoring total of the season in a 41-7 win over Baltimore. Sure the Patriots defense scored two touchdowns, but Brady had New England up 27-7 before that happened. I think we need to start respecting Brady more. And no, I can't believe I just typed either.

Watch all of Peyton Manning’s 51 touchdowns, and some incredible tidbits on his record By Frank Schwab Yahoo! Sports December 25, 2013

In 1920, Babe Ruth hit 54 home runs. That was more home runs than any other team in the majors, except the Philadelphia Phillies (and Ruth's Yankees, of course).

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's 2013 season isn't reaching that level of dominance, but it's close.

Manning already broke the NFL record of 50 touchdown passes in a season, with four touchdown passes on Sunday against Houston. He still has another game to add to that record. He also needs 266 yards to break the NFL's single-season record for passing yards.

Manning is the first player in NFL history to have 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in a season. With a fairly typical game on Sunday at Oakland, he can also become the first member of the 5,500-55 club.

Here are some crazy facts from Manning's record-setting season, which is one of the greatest of all time in any sport:

• Manning has 51 touchdowns this season. John Elway had 53 in his two best seasons combined.

• Russell Wilson and Tom Brady, often cited as MVP candidates, have 49 combined touchdown passes, two fewer than Manning.

• This season, 11 NFL players have at least 10 touchdown receptions. Four of those players are Broncos (Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Julius Thomas).

• Manning has 16 more touchdowns this season than Drew Brees, who is in second place, and 20 more than any other NFL quarterback.

• Manning has thrown 34 touchdowns (and no interceptions) just in the red zone this year, a number that is higher than anyone's total number of passing touchdowns this season aside from Brees.

• Manning has thrown at least two touchdowns in all but one game, a 27-17 win against Kansas City on Nov. 17. He has thrown at least four touchdowns eight times. The previous record for four-touchdown games in a season was six, set by Dan Marino in 1984 and tied by Manning in 2004.

• Manning has thrown 25 touchdowns in the first half of games and 26 in the second half. He has thrown 27 in eight home games and 24 in seven road games.

• If Manning hadn't thrown one touchdown on the road all season, he would still be tied for seventh in the NFL in touchdown passes. His 26 touchdowns after halftime of games is more than players like Brady, Wilson, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick have all season.

• Manning's 51 touchdown passes this season are greater than the team totals for the Jaguars (47) and Chiefs (44) over the last three seasons (2011-13) combined.

• In standard Yahoo fantasy football leagues, Manning has 393.34 points. Nobody else has more than 331.64 points and only two players are within 100 points of him.

• Denver is 18 points from breaking the 2007 Patriots' record of 589 points in a single season.

• The Broncos are the first team in NFL history to have five different players score 10 touchdowns from scrimmage this year, according to Broncos PR chief Patrick Smyth. No other team has more than three.

• Denver has scored 356 points on Manning's passing touchdowns alone, counting extra points after those scores (the Broncos had one failed two-point conversion after a Manning passing touchdown). There are 15 teams in the NFL that haven't scored 356 points all season. Arizona, Pittsburgh (359 points each) and Indianapolis (361 points) barely beat Manning, who would pass them if his one rushing touchdown is added.

Wes Welker returns to Denver Broncos practice field By Chris Wesseling NFL.com December 25, 2013

Two days after learning that All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller is done for the season with a torn ACL, the Denver Broncos received a bit of good news.

Wide receiver Wes Welker, defensive end Derek Wolfe and cornerback Kayvon Webster were back on the field for the start of Wednesday's practice.

Welker has missed the past two games after sustaining his second concussion in the past two months. Returning to practice is a positive, but that does not mean he's been cleared for game action.

One of Denver's key run-stoppers, Wolfe is back on the field for the first time since being hospitalized with seizure-like symptoms in late November.

Here are the rest of the Christmas Day injury updates from around the league:

1. Tony Romo (herniated disk) was not at practice or team meetings because he's still getting treatment and "doesn't seem overly comfortable." Coach Jason Garrett reiterated that Romo's status is "day to day" leading up to Sunday night's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

2. The Green Bay Packers didn't practice, but their simulated report lists quarterback Aaron Rodgers as limited and linebacker Clay Matthews as out with a broken thumb. The Packers will know by Thursday if Rodgers can play at Chicago versus the Bears.

3. Calvin Johnson was one of nine players unable to practice for the Detroit Lions on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's clash with the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Jim Schwartz has said he wants the star wide receiver on the field, if medically cleared, even though his team has already been eliminated from postseason contention. Johnson declined to comment Tuesday when asked about a Deadspin.com report that he's playing through a partially torn PCL in his knee.

4. New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen appears to have avoided a serious groin injury leading up to Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. He was listed as limited on Wednesday's simulated practice report while safety Devin McCourty was held out with a concussion.

5. The knee injuries to Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Batimore Ravens signal-caller Joe Flacco won't affect their ability to suit up Sunday. Tannehill was a full participant Wednesday while Flacco was left off the Ravens' injury report.

6. Two key Cincinnati Bengals players were held out of practice Wednesday ahead of the team's tilt with the Ravens. Leading tackler Vontaze Burfict is going through the concussion protocol, and tight end Tyler Eifert is battling a stinger injury.

7. As expected, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith missed practice with a sprained PCL. Smith is highly doubtful to play in Atlanta against the Falcons.

8. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders would have missed practice with a sprained meniscus had the Pittsburgh Steelers taken the field on Wednesday. He's optimistic about playing Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, but still taking it "day by day."

9. Tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion) would not have participated had the Browns practiced.

10. Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (concussion) and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (knee) failed to practice on Wednesday.

11. Coach Jeff Fisher indicated that rookie wide receiver Tavon Austin (ankle) has a better chance to play this week than he did last week.

12. San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) did not practice today but still is expected to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Wes Welker returns to Broncos practice By Josh Alper ProFootballTalk.com December 25, 2013

It wasn’t Santa Claus with a sleigh filled with goodies, but the Broncos did have some very welcome faces at practice on Wednesday.

Joan Niesen of the Denver Post reports that wide receiver Wes Welker participated in practice for the first time since suffering a concussion against the Titans on December 8th. It’s unclear whether he’ll play in the season finale against the Raiders, but getting back on the practice field is a good sign about his progress through the league’s concussion protocol.

Defensive end Derek Wolfe also returned to practice for the Broncos, marking his first time back on the field since he fell ill on the team bus on the way to the airport to travel to Kansas City in November. Cornerback Kayvon Webster completed the trio of Christmas returnees as he made it back to the field after breaking his thumb two weeks ago. He hopes to play this week with a cast on his right hand.

The release of the Broncos practice report will reveal how much work they did on Wednesday, although it’s a good bet that they’ll be limited. Whatever they could do, having them back now should help make sure they’re ready to go when the playoffs roll around.

Webster, Welker, Wolfe Return By Gray Caldwell DenverBroncos.com December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It was a merry Christmas for the Broncos on the injury report.

Cornerback Kayvon Webster, wide receiver Wes Welker and defensive end Derek Wolfe all returned to practice Wednesday afternoon. All three were limited participants in the session.

"You want to get all your players back, whether its Champ – it was great to have him back last week – Derek Wolfe, Wes," quarterback Peyton Manning said. "Any player that has been injured, you love to get him back around this time."

Wolfe has missed the past four games after suffering from seizure-like symptoms as the team was preparing to travel to Kansas City in Week 13.

"He’s just in the process of getting back into it," Head Coach John Fox said. "Football is a unique game in that you can try to simulate different things in the weight room and different areas, but until you get out here and start running around playing, it’s not quite the same. So he’s back out there. We’ve got everything under control. Now it’s just a matter of him getting back into football shape.”

Welker suffered a concussion in the team's Week 14 win against the Tennessee Titans, and Wednesday marked his first day back at practice.

“I think just getting back out there, running around, being with his teammates, getting his timing back – all those types of things," Fox said of Welker's participation. "He’s still in the steps of the concussion protocol and we’re taking it day-to-day. It was good to see him out there.”

As for Webster, the rookie cornerback fractured his thumb on Thursday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers in Week 15. He missed last week's win in Houston after undergoing surgery, and was wearing a cast on his right hand as he ran through drills Wednesday.

“He’s day-to-day," Fox said. "He’s out there, he’s running around, the rest of him is healthy. Just how he deals with it and then we’ll make that decision as it gets closer to game time.”

The positive injury news comes a day after the Broncos officially placed linebacker Von Miller on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Linebacker Brandon Marshall, who

spent the first 16 weeks of the season on the team's practice squad, filled Miller's spot on the active roster.

"Obviously feel bad about losing Von and feel bad for Von, but this team has faced adversity all season and when some of your top players are down, whether it’s Wes, everybody else has to step up," Manning said. "We’ve done that all year and we’ll have to continue to have to do that again this week.”

Productive Christmas Practice for Broncos By Mike Morris DenverBroncos.com December 25, 2013

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Although the Broncos strapped on their helmets and pads for a Wednesday practice session at Dove Valley, there was still plenty of time for players to spend Christmas morning with those who truly mean the most – their families and friends.

While the Broncos were splashed in golden afternoon sunshine on the practice field instead of working out during their customary morning time slot, it also meant that players were able to unwrap gifts and spend time with their loved ones on Christmas morning.

“We came in three hours later – usually we’re in here at 7:20 a.m.,” Head Coach John Fox said. “We brought them in at 10:20 a.m. Guys with young kids and families had a chance to have Christmas morning if they choose to be with their families.”

Fox also noted that the Christmas schedule also allowed for players to return home to their families in time for their holiday dinners.

“We’ll get them out of here right now, after practice – we won’t have afternoon meetings so they can go home and have Christmas meals with their families, as well,” he said.

Still, it meant that players were in at Dove Valley for a day of work on the practice field. And, as quarterback Peyton Manning noted, maintaining focus on football during the holidays is always a difficult task for teams throughout the NFL.

“I think it’s always a challenge for all teams. Thanksgiving, Christmas – there is a fine balance between trying to have a good practice and manage the schedule adjustments and whatnot,” Manning said. “I think we have the right kind of guys to do it. But you can’t just talk about it, you’ve got to do it. It really doesn’t get reflected, I think, until game day.”

Still, Manning was quick to note that Wednesday’s practice session was a productive one for the Broncos – and that Fox spread a little holiday cheer to help ensure the team’s focus.

“But I thought today was a good practice for Christmas Day – Coach Fox gave us a nice gift with full pads,” Manning said to a chorus of laughter. “I think we’ve been

pretty good, too. So I guess that was our present and I thought guys responded pretty well.”

And for Manning, the true meaning of Christmas was still intact.

“I think you always have an appreciation for this day,” Manning said. “It’s a special day, Christmas Morning is, and it’s no question it’s special – this morning, having the little ones running around. But it’s always been special.”