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When the Denver Broncos players and coaches report to Dove Valley on Monday, it will quickly become apparent that there is no carry-over from the exultation of Super Bowl 50. Gone are Peyton Manning, Owen Daniels, Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan, Ryan Harris, Omar Bolden, David Bruton, Vernon Davis, Evan Mathis, Danny Trevathan, and, of course, Brock Osweiler.
2016 brings a brand new season.
Unfortunately, Von Miller won't be attending the workouts. Without a long-term contract, he'll do what all players in this situation do and not report. How this deal can't already be done kind of blows my mind. We all know that Miller's play last season (and previous seasons) means that his value sets the market. To eyeball what he's done and try to monetarily quantify it as anything less than top money is just a waste of time for all involved, especially the fans.
At the conclusion of today's work, coach Kubiak will be asked about Von and he'll give the customary, "we'll talk about players who are here," response. So that's what I'll do. Have you all been watching what quarterback Mark Sanchez has been saying and doing since he was traded to the Broncos?
Mark Sanchez wants the starting job and it shows. Nobody is more aware of the butt-fumbler reputation that Sanchez has earned than Mark himself. A guy who was once brashly confident in New York and then seldom seen in Philadelphia knows that this could likely be it for his career if it doesn't work out in Denver. When you're traded for a conditional 7th round pick, you need not wonder what your value is. So what's he doing? Holding passing camp in Los Angeles for all the receivers and the only other quarterback on the roster. There is a power vacuum at quarterback and Sanchez has positioned himself to take advantage. The question is though, is he capable of grabbing it with both hands and making the most out of it?
The start of offseason workouts signify the upcoming season has a heartbeat. It's time for the players to get that blood pumping.
HORSE TRACKS
VIDEO: Broncos 'eager' to get back to work | Denver Broncos
Broncos set to begin 2016 offseason workouts - The Denver Post
Mark Sanchez is saying and doing all the right things to earn the starting job. Now all he needs to do is to earn it.
Mark Sanchez not hiding his dedication to winning Broncos starting job | FOX Sports
"Nothing more important" to Sanchez than winning Denver starting job | ProFootballTalk
Mark Sanchez calls chance with Broncos: 'A gift-wrapped opportunity' - CBSSports.com
Von Miller doesn't have his fat new contract, so he's going dancing. Von Miller will not attend offseason program Monday - NFL.com
What do you think of the schedule? Former Broncos public relations guru Jim Saccomano recalled this quote from former Broncos coach John Ralston:
"Your schedules are like your kids. You might as well love them, because they are the only ones you have."
Sundays with Sacco: The schedule is what you make of it | Denver Broncos
In case you had any doubt who the final decision-maker is when it comes to the Denver Broncos, this should clear up any confusion. NFL draft 2016 - Ultimate decision-maker for all 32 teams, general manager, coach or both? | ESPN
You dare doubt the great John Elway? For shame! Doubt John Elway, and Broncos GM will keep proving you wrong | NFL | Sporting News
Are you disappointed there's not more draft-related news in this edition of Horse Tracks? Here's the Broncos Andrew Mason's mailbag wherein he discusses prospects including Paxton Lynch. Mason's Mailbag: Paxton Lynch, blue jerseys and more | Denver Broncos
In just a few short months, there will come a moment when Brandon Marshall and Brock Osweiler will lock eyes. Fear will be in the air, Brock may pee himself a little (or a lot), and the Broncos former backup quarterback will hit the ground... hard. Probably more than a few times. Can't wait. Brandon Marshall: We're coming for Brock Osweiler - NFL.com
The Houston Texans are releasing Brian Hoyer and keeping Brandon Weeden. It blows my mind that the Houston brain-trust refused to pull Hoyer from their 2015 playoff game in which he was clearly drowning. Weeden wasn't an option then, but now he is. Without checking salaries, I'm sure it comes down to money and not ability... Which is why the Texans will continue to struggle. Texans releasing Brian Hoyer | ProFootballTalk
So what about the Fitzpatrick situation with the Jets? Fitzpatrick, Jets talks could quickly get interesting | ProFootballTalk
Will it be Wentz or Goff? My money says the Rams already know. However, they are going to meet with both draft prospects to make doubly sure. Los Angeles Rams to meet with Jared Goff, Carson Wentz ahead of NFL draft | ESPN
Former Kubiak draftee Mario Williams is happy to be out of Buffalo. Mario Williams promises "the best attitude" he’s ever had | ProFootballTalk
The Seahawks are going to party like it's 2013. Brandon Browner heads back to Seattle | ProFootballTalk
When my recent move across country took me through Cleveland, I saw a sign off the highway that a business had put up angrily saying that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam owed the business a ton of money for something that he'd bought and never paid for. Could he be a crook? Let's just say that this isn't a good look for the deadbeat with the delinquent account. Haslam is fighting a court order to testify in lawsuit against Pilot Flying J | ProFootballTalk
It was fun while it lasted. Minnesota Vikings football is better when it's played outside. Sadly, they will return to the cozy safety of a covered stadium when they move into their new digs to start the 2016 season. Work on new Minnesota Vikings stadium 95 percent complete | ESPN
...because of course they forgot to turn off the sprinklers. Tennessee Titans host movie night, forget to turn off sprinklers | ESPN