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Denver Broncos

Mike Klis of The Denver Post: "The meshing of [John] Fox and [Peyton] Manning, and Manning and the Broncos, begins today with the Broncos' first organized team activity (OTA) workout at their Dove Valley headquarters."

Denver has reportedly started talks on a contract extension with left tackle Ryan Clady.

Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com offers a preview of the team's OTAs that start Monday.

SI.com's Don Banks includes running back Jamaal Charles among those players primed for a bounce-back season in 2012.

Oakland Raiders

Toni Monkovic of The New York Times' Fifth Down Blog asks: "To put it in today’s terms, was the Raiders’ use of illegal pads [back in the day] on par or even worse than the Saints’ bounty system?"

Wide receiver Denarius Moore says he's fine with receiving added attention from defensive backs.

San Diego Chargers

Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego: "For eight long years, since just after the dawn of the A.J. Smith period, we’ve been teased with every reason to believe that this is the year a Chargers team that looks so good will actually be good enough. And so … with the caution that this could well be like the movie trailer that promises thrills and chills only to turn out to be 'John Carter,' I am intrigued enough by what I see and hear to deliver the teasing news that the Chargers have perhaps found the final pieces of the puzzle."

Scott Bair of the North County Times goes one-on-one with rookie safety Brandon Taylor.

» NFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East

Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Broncos and why.

John Elway’s second tenure with the Denver Broncos has gone well so far.

The legendary Denver quarterback has earned rave reviews around the league for his work as Denver’s primary football decision-maker since he took over in January 2011. On the surface, things are looking good in Denver, and there really isn’t a lot of pressure on anyone as the Peyton Manning era begins.

However, if Manning doesn't bounce back from the neck injury that sidelined him for the 2011 season, the heat will be on Elway. By all indications, Manning, 36, should be fine and plenty of teams would have taken the same risk as Elway did.

But if the 2012 season somehow starts without Manning behind center in Denver, Elway is going to hear it from fans. He will be asked every day how he could trade away Tim Tebow and sign damaged goods like Manning.

It will not be a pretty scene if that happens. The odds are Manning will be fine, but Elway needs to hope the odds play out as expected because he is all-in with Manning.

How much respect does John Fox have for Junior Seau?

Enough to fly from Denver to San Diego on Friday after the Broncos’ rookie minicamp practice to attend a celebration of life in Seau’s memory at Qualcomm Stadium on Friday night. Fox will return to Denver for the Broncos’ practice Saturday. Fox will be joined by Denver vice president John Elway and quarterback Peyton Manning at the ceremony.

The Chargers are hosting the event. Seau committed suicide May 2. He was 43.

Fox, a San Diego native like Seau, was on the Chargers’ staff in 1992-93. Seau was part of that team.

“I have the utmost respect (for Seau),” Fox told reporters Friday afternoon before flying to San Diego. “It was a tragedy losing a guy of that magnitude both as a person and as a player. It is going to be about celebrating Junior and his life and I’m more than happy to be there.”

In other AFC West news:

In an Insider piece , Gary Horton looks at scheme changes for each AFC West team.

I’ve received a lot of questions from readers about the impact of the Broncos parting ways with general manager Brian Xanders on Monday.

I know the move appeared to come out of the blue, and the fact that a general manager has left the team can result in major change. But allow me to reiterate my thoughts from Monday when the news broke: Nothing will change in Denver.

There will not be any structural or philosophical change. Xanders was not in command of the team, nor did he make major decisions. He was third in charge.

President John Elway is essentially the general manager in Denver. He is the decision-maker, and he works in accord with coach John Fox.

Xanders is a smart football man, but his role was reduced because of Elway’s appointment as executive vice president last year. Elway is comfortable in his role.

Xanders simply wasn’t in the team’s plans. But his departure does not mean the Broncos will be run differently than they have since Elway took over.

The three-man leadership structure is Denver is down to two.

General manager Brian Xanders is no longer with the team.

Denver leader John Elway and Xanders told the Denver Post that the team and Xanders have mutually parted ways. Elway told the paper the Broncos are streamlining their leadership structure and Xanders will not be replaced.

I think the move was made because Elway is comfortable in his role. The legendary quarterback became Denver’s primary football decision maker in Jan. 2011.

Elway released this statement:

“Brian deserves a tremendous amount of credit and recognition for the contributions he made to the Broncos during his four years with the organization. His hard work and dedication played a major role in the recent success of our team, most notably last season’s division title and playoff win.

“Brian and I had a very productive conversation earlier today. Although it was an extremely difficult decision, it became clear that it was best for both the Broncos and Brian to part ways. I believe a change to the structure of our football operations will be mutually beneficial, allowing the department to improve its efficiency while affording Brian the opportunity to continue his promising career with another NFL team.

“My responsibility to the Broncos and our fans is to build a championship football team. The setup we have throughout every phase of our football operations will better position us for success going forward.

“Making a change with someone of Brian’s caliber is not easy. I thank him for everything he did for the Broncos and wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

In the past year it became clear the Broncos were top heavy. Elway and coach John Fox have a terrific working relationship and there is a great comfort level between the two.

Simply put, there just wasn’t enough for Xanders to do. Elway is essentially the general manager and Xanders’ role was decreasing. After a little more than a year into the Elway-Fox relationship, the Broncos felt comfortable moving on with a smaller leadership core.

Mike Shanahan brought in Xanders in 2008 and was promoted to general manager early in the Josh McDaniels’ era in 2009. When Elway became the leader in Denver, Xanders’ future was clear.

This decision is another sign that the Broncos are Elway's team.

Friday was a good draft for the AFC West. The Chargers were stars, the Broncos had a terrific Day Two after bailing out of Day One and the Chiefs have quietly added big beef so far.

• I give credit to Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie for being patient. Most first-time GMs would get antsy and trade up if they had to wait until the No. 95 pick. But with only the fifth- and sixth-round picks to trade (Oakland’s three compensatory picks cannot be traded), McKenzie likely would have had to dip into future years to move up. He wants to stop the Oakland trend of trading future picks and I don’t blame him. McKenzie is going to get what he can from this draft and move on. Smart move.
• I wonder if the Chargers will try to move up and get Miami running back Lamar Miller. If not, they might have to sign a free agent.
• Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins is still out there. He’d be a real nice value for Kansas City in the fourth round.
• As the ESPN telecast ended, Jon Gruden lauded the AFC West. The former Oakland coach said he believes this is becoming a potent division.
• Denver coach John Fox said the Broncos' third-round pick, running back Ronnie Hillman, will get a chance to be a returner.

Derek Wolfe might not have been the sexist name among available defensive tackles, but he might have been the safest pick at No. 36.

The Denver Broncos frustrated some fans Thursday night when they twice traded down, going from No. 25 to No. 31, then No. 36.

After the first round, Denver czar John Elway basically said the team's top targets at defensive tackle were not available, so the Broncos went down to a spot where they thought they could good value for a player they wanted.

Bypassing the better-known Jerel Worthy of Michigan State and Kendall Reyes of Connecticut, Denver went with Wolfe out of Cincinnati.

I think the pick works. Defensive tackle was Denver’s greatest need and he should step right into the rotation.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper has been beating the drum for Wolfe to Denver for weeks; Friday he said he thought Wolfe is one of the more underrated players in the draft. He is a high-motor player who has outstanding pass-rushing skills as an interior player. He can also stop the run. Kiper called him the most productive defensive tackle in the draft.

He will be well coached in Denver by John Fox and Jack Del Rio; I expect him to be a nice player. The Broncos have another pick in the second round and a pick in the third. They have three picks in the fourth round and I could see them trying to get another third-rounder.

Denver coach John Fox just released a statement on the retirement of Denver safety Brian Dawkins. I will be back soon with some thoughts on Dawkins leaving the game.

Here is Fox’s statement:

“Brian Dawkins is one of the best to ever play the game, a future Hall of Famer who changed the way his position is played. In many ways, he helped my job as a coach with his great leadership and preparation. He brought so much to the table, and was such an enormous asset to our football team.

“His contributions go far beyond the wins, interceptions, sacks and Pro Bowls he accumulated during his career. Brian is the definition of class, and is what you want in a leader. I know our players, coaches, fans and so many within the National Football League feel the same way.

“I competed against Brian for many years with the Giants and coached him once in the Pro Bowl, but to be around him every day for a season was truly special. I’m not sure there was a more respected guy in our building than Brian. He knows defense, he knows football, and he knows what it takes to win. I’ve got the utmost admiration for him as both a player and person.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to coach Brian. Although I will miss the positive impact he had on our team, I congratulate Brian on a tremendous career, and wish him and his family all the best going forward.”

It was midday on the Saturday of the NFL combine in February. The cavernous media room was bustling with activity when a trendy, middle-aged man walked briskly through.

Wearing designer jeans, a leather jacket and looking like he just walked out of a Beverly Hills hair salon, John Elway smiled winningly, shaking hands and offering quick quips as he breezed through.

In the often stodgy world of the NFL, Elway was working the combine his own way. NFL front-office leaders are usually not the leather-jacket-and-$100-dollar-haircut types. Neither are they Super Bowl winning, Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

“John is a very confident, calm, poised executive,” Denver president Joe Ellis said. “There’s no question, he is a qualified leader who is the right man for this franchise.”

Back-to-back Super Bowl wins capped Elway's 16-year playing career with the Broncos. Now 15 months into his newest role, he is showing he has the chance to be successful in his second life in Denver. Since he became the team's primary decision maker in January 2011, the Broncos have begun the process of becoming a front-line franchise -- as they were for much of Elway’s tenure as a player.

He took over a team that had gone 4-12 in 2010 and had lost 22 of its past 28 games. Elway spearheaded an effort that turned the Broncos into a surprise AFC West champion that upset Pittsburgh in the first round of the AFC playoffs -- the Broncos' first postseason win in six years.

Elway made the right choice in hiring John Fox and made the right call last April when the Broncos drafted linebacker Von Miller with the No. 2 pick. Miller notched 11.5 sacks and 64 tackles in his first campaign and was named the NFL Defensive of Rookie of the Year. The quarterback known for late-game brilliance engineered his greatest scoring drive as an executive last month when he won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

When his kindred spirit picked up the phone on the morning of March 19 and told Elway that he had chosen the Broncos, Elway finally got the superstar quarterback he wanted. That let him end the Tim Tebow experiment. Tebow never fit what Elway wanted in his quarterback. Manning did.

Elway received much credit, inside and outside the organization, for outlasting Tennessee and San Francisco. Manning said at his introductory news conference in Denver that Elway played a major role in his decision to sign with the Broncos.

“Certainly, I have had a relationship with John and it goes back a long way, but I’ve seen John now in a different role,” Manning said. “I’ve always seen him as a quarterback, never had to play against him, but that’s always the role I saw him as. Now I’ve seen him as a leader of a franchise and I really like what he had to say. Everyone knows what kind of competitor he is as a player, and I can tell he is just as competitive in this new role. That got me excited, I know he’s going to do everything he can do to help this franchise win.”

Although the decision to move away from wildly popular Tebow could have been controversial, the decision to pursue Manning was considered a no-brainier around the league. Trading Tebow after a playoff win was a bold move by a decision maker bent on making a call he believed was in the best interest of his team -- the court of public opinion be damned.

Elway talked about the thrill he felt when he signed Manning in a video interview with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Elway likened it to the joy of winning a Super Bowl as a player. Those comments jibe with what some friends have said about Elway in the past year. They said this new role has filled a void in his life and given him a chance to compete, something he dearly missed. When he was hired in Denver last year, Elway joked that he had played enough golf in his retired life.

At the combine, Elway said his role as an executive has reignited his competitive juices.

“To go to Mile High on Sunday and to get butterflies, that’s why I came back,” Elway said.

After his retirement as a player, Elway, 51, was involved in several businesses and ran the Denver franchise of the Arena League with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, whom he remained close to after his playing days ended. Elway often talked about joining the Broncos in a front-office role, but he wasn’t around the team much. However, near the end of the disastrous 23-month Josh McDaniels era, the Broncos believed the time was right to hand the franchise's keys to their greatest and most beloved player.

The combination of Elway’s experience as a Hall of Fame player, his Stanford education, his Arena League and business success -- and the fact that his late father, Jack, was a well respected Denver personnel man -- all made him an attractive leader. Still, everyone heard the whispers that Elway could be another in a long line of playing-field legends turned coaching or personnel failures.

“I think people underestimated how hungry John was and his love for the Broncos,” Ellis said. “He’s been waiting to do this. He brings a deep skill set, including a willingness to roll up his sleeves and work hard. … He has a terrific, deep base of football knowledge and he commands strong business skills. He is perfect for the big picture of our organization.”

Elway has been praised by people inside the organization for not having any ego and for his willingness to learn on the job. “He knows what he doesn’t know,” one team employee said. Agents around the league have been impressed with Elway’s professionalism and knowledge of players and contract situations. They have found him easy to deal with.

His first move may have been his most important. Elway and Fox have meshed beautifully, insiders say, and they have similar personalities and approaches.

“There’s no question, we needed a culture change, and together, John and John Fox have created it,” Ellis said. “We are very confident and happy about where we are with John as our leader.”

The AFC West was the tightest division in the NFL in 2011.

The Broncos, Raiders and Chargers finished 8-8 with Denver prevailing as the division winner via a tiebreaker. Kansas City was a game behind at 7-9. The Chiefs were a blocked field goal attempt against Oakland in Week 16 away from winning the division.

Each team marches toward 2012 with hopes of winning the division. While there is still some work to do in terms of the draft, let’s play the “what if” game. Below is five ways each team in the division could win the AFC West in 2012 if certain things occur. Hat tip to the reader who suggested the idea:

Denver

If Peyton Manning is fully recovered from a neck injury that kept him out of the entire 2011 season: Manning’s health is the key to Denver’s entire season. The team and Manning think he will be fine. If he is, the Broncos will be in great shape.

If Demaryius Thomas develops into a true No. 1 receiver: The third-year player has potential and showed great flashes last season. Playing with Manning should spark his career.

If Denver gets a running mate for Willis McGahee: McGahee had a great season in 2011, but he was dinged up a lot and he needs some help. If Denver can draft a player such as Miami’s Lamar Miller, Boise State’s Doug Martin or Virginia Tech’s David Wilson in the second round, they should be in great shape.

If Denver improves at defensive tackle: The Broncos need some help at the position and it is their most pressing need. Watch for Denver to take a defensive tackle at No. 25 in the first round and that player needs to contribute right away.

If the change at defensive coordinator is smooth: With Dennis Allen now the head coach in Oakland, former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio is Denver’s seventh defensive coordinator in the past seven seasons. This change could be seamless, though, because Del Rio has previously been a coordinator on John Fox’s staff, and Fox plays a major role as a defensive coach.

Kansas City

If quarterback Matt Cassel plays better than he did in 2011: Cassel took a step back last season after a strong 2010 season. Instead of replacing him, though, the Chiefs gave Cassel more weapons. He has everything a quarterback needs to succeed. Now, he has to be a success.

If the Chiefs’ injured stars are recovered from serious knee injuries: Running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki all suffered torn ACL’s in September. All are expected back. If they are all fully recovered, the Chiefs should be fine.

If the Chiefs get an impact defender in the first round: The Chiefs have a strong defense, but they can use another stud. Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe or Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly would both be solid fits.

If Stanford Routt fits in the defense: The Chiefs opted to sign former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt and let Brandon Carr walk. Kansas City thinks Routt will flourish as the No. 2 cornerback next to Brandon Flowers. If Routt struggles, the defense will suffer.

If Romeo Crennel’s late influence is intact: Crennel went from the interim coach to the permanent coach because he sparked the Chiefs in the final three weeks of the season. His team played very hard for him and went 2-1. Let’s see if the good vibes continue.

Oakland

If quarterback Carson Palmer adjusts to the West Coast offense: Palmer is both trying to re-energize his career and adapt to playing in a West Coast offense. The Raiders and Palmer believe it is a good fit.

If receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford continue to develop: I think these three players have showed flashes. If they continue to develop, the Raiders will have a lot of firepower.

If running back Darren McFadden can stay healthy: McFadden has missed a total of 19 games in four NFL season and at least three games in all four seasons. He missed the final nine games of last season with a foot injury. With backup Michael Bush now in Chicago and Oakland sporting young backups, it is imperative the special McFadden stays healthy as much as possible in 2012.

If the defensive front can stay healthy: The Raiders’ defensive line is their best aspect of a defense in transition. It must stay healthy and be an anchor to the unit.

If rookie coach Dennis Allen can have fast success: At 39, Allen, who has just one year of experience as a defensive coordinator, is the youngest head coach in the NFL. He must prove quickly that he is up to the task.

San Diego

If quarterback Philip Rivers can avoid the interception bug: He threw a career-high 20 interception in 2011. Rivers threw a total of 22 interceptions in the previous two seasons combined.

If running back Ryan Mathews can take the next step: San Diego coach Norv Turner recently said he expects Mathews to have a breakout season in 2012, his third in the NFL. He has shown flashes, but he needs to be more consistent.

If the receivers, as a unit, can make up for the loss of Vincent Jackson: The Chargers like their receiving crew even after Jackson signed with Tampa Bay. San Diego added Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal, and already has Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown. Jackson is a star and he will be missed, but the Chargers think they have made up for his loss by having a deeper rotation.

If the Chargers' defense can be better on third down: San Diego had the worst third-down defense in the NFL last season. Improving in that area is a point of emphasis for new defensive coordinator John Pagano.

If the Chargers can add an impact pass-rusher in the first round: The Chargers need a young pass-rusher to emerge. It will be their top priority with the No. 18 pick.

Thanks to the Broncos’ PR staff for sending out a transcript from coach John Fox’s media session at the owners meetings in Florida on Monday. Let’s look at some of the highlights (you can guess what was the focus of the session):

On Peyton Manning’s impact on the offense: “As he would tell you, he’s done it a certain way for 14 years and obviously had great success. We’d kind of be silly if we wouldn’t take some of what he’s done in the past and utilize his strengths and comfort zone. I think that was a factor and of course that came up. He hadn’t been through the process in so long, being in one place, I thought he did a terrific job in handling that.”

My take: Fox is going to hand the keys to the Denver offense to Manning and let him do his thing. It’s the right call.

On Manning organizing workouts with Broncos players: “I did hear about that. He’s that guy. He’s going to round them up and get them working. I do know that much about his reputation in the past.”

My take: It’s one of the reasons why Denver signed Manning. He takes control of the team, and the Broncos are thrilled about it.

On whether the Broncos will pass more than his offenses have before: “I think it’s hard to compare, but if you look at the past, he has had great success in that area. I think sometimes what defines you as a quarterback, is your ability to convert on third downs and he’s had a pretty good history in that area. Tim [Tebow] is going to develop, as I said even before we traded him, he’s a young player that is getting better at maybe the hardest position in sports to compete at. He’s just going to get better. I’m not changing my tune just because he’s not with us anymore. I think the Jets got a heck of a player and he’ll grow and develop there. He ran the ball more last year than maybe [ever] in my head coaching and all of a sudden I was innovative (laughing). I didn’t quite get that one either.”

My take: This is the reason why Manning was pursued. The Broncos want to be a pass-oriented offense and in Manning, they have the offense they are looking to run.

On how much of an adjustment center J.D. Walton will have to make: “We have a lot of strong feelings about J.D. We think he is a very good, young player. I think J.D. will really look forward to the opportunity to be with Peyton Manning. We’ll have time to start trying to catch up those snaps. He’s had his share of quarterbacks already in his career, so I think he’s looking forward to that opportunity.”

My take: I think the Broncos caught a break when Jeff Saturday signed with Green Bay. Manning and Walton (who are already working together) will find a comfort level. Walton is part of a good, young offense. He should be the center in Denver.

Barring a setback from the neck injury that cost him the entire 2011 season, Peyton Manning has the Denver Broncos’ offense covered. That side of the ball will be fine and will be in playoff form.

But what about the defense?

That side of the ball will be a key to Denver's season. If the 2012 Denver defense can make the strides it did in 2011, the Broncos have a chance to be a serious contender.

Bill Polian, who knows Manning well, has said he thinks the potential of the Broncos' defense is one of the reasons Manning chose to play in Denver. Polian, the Colts’ former general manager who brought Manning to Indianapolis and who is now an ESPN analyst, said last week he thinks the Denver defense could be a spark for the Manning-led offense.

“John Fox is going to coach up that defense and it has a chance to play great defense,” Polian said. “That will only help Peyton.”

However, I believe the Broncos have work to do before they can start playing great defense.

This unit is a work in progress. It went from No. 32 in 2010 prior to Fox’s arrival to No. 20 in 2011 under the guidance of Fox and coordinator Dennis Allen, who is now the head coach in Oakland. The 2011 Denver Broncos will be remembered for the wild days of Tim Tebow, but it was the defense that rose up and solidified the team. With Manning running the offense and former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio running the defense, the team has a chance to go to the next level.

The defense in Denver starts with pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. The pair combined for 21 sacks last season and they should be one of the most dynamic pass-rush duos in the NFL for years to come. Polian called the pair special and an anchor for the defense.

Denver upgraded at cornerback by signing Tracy Porter of New Orleans. He is a solid No. 2 cornerback and will make a strong pairing with the aging, but still dominant Champ Bailey. Porter, who has had challenges staying healthy, is an upgrade from Andre Goodman. Underrated safety Mike Adams was signed from Cleveland. He will pair with second-year player Quinton Carter, who made strides as the season went on. The team will give 2011 No. 2 pick Rahim Moore a chance to rebound from a rookie season in which he regressed. But Adams and Carter should be a serviceable pairing.

There are some problems, though. Outside linebacker D.J. Williams, one of the better defenders on the team, is facing a six-game NFL suspension for using a banned substance. He is fighting it in the form of a lawsuit. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley signed with New Orleans. Bunkley was a tone-setter, and even though he played only 43 percent of the snaps, he will be missed.

Denver has a major void at defensive tackle and it probably will take advantage of a strong draft class at the position and use the No. 25 pick on a player such as Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox, Penn State’s Devon Still or LSU’s Michael Brockers. They also want to re-sign Marcus Thomas and hope 2011 free-agent signee Ty Warren is healthy after missing the past two seasons.

There is no doubt this is still a building project and that concerns Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.

“I was very worried about this defense, but now I feel a little better about it after it signed Porter, who is a very solid No. 2 behind Bailey,” Williamson said. “But I still have my worries about the defense up the middle. Losing Bunkley hurts quite a bit, but maybe Ty Warren can help out this year. The safety position worries me. But they can sure rush the passer. The question is will be they be able to handle a physical offense.”

After being the bright spot of a surprise team in 2011, the Denver defense must take the next step in a year when, suddenly, much is expected from this team.

Via the Broncos, here is how the team’s current draft class looks after the Tim Tebow trade, and statements from John Elway and coach John Fox on the decision to trade Tebow to the Jets on Wednesday night:

Denver Broncos 2012 draft choices

Rd. (No.) How Acquired

1 (25) Own pick

2 (25) Own pick

3 (25) Own pick

4 (13) From New York Jets

4 (25) Own pick

5 (2) From St. Louis

6 (18) From New York Jets

Statement from Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway:

“Tim Tebow deserves an enormous amount of credit for what he accomplished and how he carried himself during his time with the Broncos. From taking over a 1-4 team and leading it to the playoffs to energizing our fans and this community, Tim left an extraordinary mark on this organization. His time in Denver will always hold a special place in Broncos history.

“As a former player, I know the last two weeks were not easy for Tim. He was put in a difficult situation, and I commend him for how he handled it with the same first-class manner he displayed throughout his career in Denver.

“Our goal was to do the best thing for Tim and the Broncos, and I believe the opportunity that presented itself with the New York Jets accomplishes that objective. Tim made a lot of strides last year and has a very promising career ahead of him. If anyone is willing to put the work in to be great, it’s Tim Tebow.

“I have a great deal of respect for Tim and the positive impact he makes both on the field and in the community. He has a bright future in this league, and I’m hopeful he will enjoy continued success with the Jets.”

Statement from Broncos coach John Fox:

“Tim Tebow brought an incredible spirit and spark to our team that helped us turn the season around. Along the way, he earned the trust of his teammates and coaches while inspiring our fans. His competitiveness, clutch performances and will to win played an instrumental role in our team earning a division title and advancing in the playoffs.

“Tim works as hard as any player I’ve ever coached, and that work ethic will continue to serve him well with the Jets. He goes out to practice early, stays late and comes in on his day off. Tim does everything in his power to get better. He’s not afraid to work, and we saw the results of his commitment last season.

“For good reason, Tim has always had a great following. He handled that aspect exceptionally during the amazing run we had. The poise and focus Tim displayed were remarkable and speak volumes for the strength of his character.

“A player and person like Tim don’t come around very often. He is real and he walks the walk. I’m looking forward to watching him continue his career with the Jets, and I wish him the very best."

As the Denver Broncos continue to try to figure out a trade for Tim Tebow – the Jets and Jaguars are still in play – let’s review the difference in the comments Denver executive John Elway made in January when he said Tebow would be the starter going into training camp and Tuesday’s press conference to announce the signing of Peyton Manning:

Elway in January

On the plan for Tebow: “I think Tim has earned the right to be the starting quarterback going into training camp next year. I think that he made some good strides this year. He obviously played very well against Pittsburgh and played very well in a lot of football games. So, he made great strides, and he has earned the right to be the starter going into training camp next year.”

Elway on what Tebow has to do to improve this offseason: “The thing that we talked about is the fact that with the way the season was last year — not having the offseason — and with Timmy being named the starter, I think the sixth week of the season, and it was a tough situation for him. Obviously, we’ve talked about the improvement that Timmy needs to make with mechanics at the quarterback position, so we’re looking forward to having this offseason with him. There’s no question — and he realizes it too — that we’ve got to get better in that area. We ran the ball tremendously this year, No. 1 in the league in rushing, but obviously, the passing game wasn’t where we wanted it to be, so those are the strides that we’re going to have to make for us to the offensive team that we want to be. That’s what we’re looking for this offseason, and we know what kind of mentality Timmy has. He’s a great worker, and we know he’ll work his tail off this offseason. We’re looking forward to this offseason to be able to see him improve in that area. I think he will make those improvements.”

Elway on his plans to work with Tebow in the offseason: “I’m looking forward to spending considerable time with him as well as all the quarterbacks, along with Adam Gase, the quarterbacks coach, as well as Mike McCoy, the offensive coordinator. I think that there are things that I can add. There are a lot of things that I didn’t go directly to Timmy with but talked to Adam Gase quite a bit about during the season. The thing is, as a quarterback, the last thing that you want is to have too many voices talking to you. I think there’s got to be one singular voice that’s talking to him — or two voices. Where I can help him, and as well as I can give my experiences to him as well as Adam and Mike, I’m looking forward to being able to do that.”

Elway on Tuesday

On how Tebow fits in with the Broncos: “We are going through that process now. We are going to look at that. Coach [John] Fox and I called Tim last night and talked to him about it. I think having been in this game as long as I have, and seeing as many friends as I have seen in this game that all of a sudden they are gone one day and another or retire or leave, that this is a tough business. I will tell you the toughest thing about this whole thing is Tim Tebow because of what I think about Tim Tebow. The things that he did last year were tremendous in helping turn this organization around from a 4-12 team to a playoff team and winning the division. I have a great deal of respect for him as a person and the things that he does. There is no question the hardest thing about this business is the personal side. We just had to make a decision as an organization — myself, Coach Fox, the personnel department, coaches — for what would be the best opportunity to be competitive for a world championship and Peyton Manning was that. That is why we chose to go that direction.”

On giving Tebow an opportunity compete for a starting job elsewhere: “I would love to be able to do that, just because of the type of guy that Tim Tebow is and the situation and where he is in his career. Obviously, we’re coming off of last year, the competitive side that he has. There’s no question I would love to be able to, whether it be — not knowing what we’re going to do with it — but it would be our goal to put him in the best situation possible for him to have success also.”

My take: Yes, they are certainly two different takes. Two months ago, Elway was all-in on Tebow. This week, Elway all but shut the door on Tebow.

I don’t think Elway should be criticized for the change of heart. He wasn’t lying two months ago. At the time, he thought Tebow was going to be his starter.

The Manning pursuit happened. All bets were off and that’s why Denver is working hard to finalize Tebow's trade out of town. It’s pretty simple. It’s the NFL. Things change.

We had no earthly clue all this would happen (frankly, our heads are still spinning), but what a goodbye it was for Tim Tebow in Denver.

The last memory of Tebow in Denver was a victory lap much to the delight of a delirious -- and adoring -- home crowd after a stunning 80-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime to give Denver its first playoff win in six years.

Thanks for the memories, Tebow-mania. It has been forever closed in Denver.

The state of Colorado is all yours, Peyton Manning.

And John Elway and John Fox must be congratulated for it. Thanks to New York -- though it took a few hours longer than expected -- they escaped Tebow-mania.

Ending a surreal 12-day turn of events, the Broncos sent Tebow to the Jets on Wednesday. The Jets sent two picks -- a fourth-rounder and sixth-rounder in 2012 -- to the Broncos in exchange for a seventh-round selection. After realizing the deal also included a $5 million payout, the Jets then balked before the two teams agreed to split the difference in the day.

This wasn’t about compensation. The Broncos will take their third-day draft picks and move on. It’s all about Manning in Denver.

Manning is all Elway and Fox are thinking about and they are thrilled. Oh, and they are relieved. Give Denver credit for making a bad fit work last year. It changed its offense on the fly, dealt with the pressure of Tebow-mania and it went much further than anyone ever thought it would be with the unpolished kid, who the new brass inherited from former coach Josh McDaniels.

This is the perfect ending for Denver.

It was an ending Denver couldn’t foresee. That’s why Elway said, directly after the season, that Tebow would enter training camp as the starting quarterback. Elway was not intentionally lying.

He believed it at the time because he didn’t think any other better options were available. The only options that would have allowed the Broncos to end Tebow-mania were draft prospects Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, but Luck and Griffin were both out of reach.

But when the Colts cut Manning, the Broncos made him their priority. When Elway’s phone rang Monday morning with Manning’s decision, Tebow was gone from Denver.

Who can complain? Everybody has to understand this decision. Elway said Tebow even understood.

Now, Elway -- one of the most dynamic football players of all-time -- is able to run his football team the way he wants to. He has a superstar quarterback. It had to hurt Elway’s football senses that his team’s offense had to get by with the option last season. Folks joked that Elway looked pained when Tebow pulled off his fourth-quarter or overtime wins.

Elway loved the winning, but he had to find a way to do it his way. Signing Manning is his way. Now, he can build his team around Manning and he can do it without the intense fishbowl that Tebow-mania created.

Fox won’t have to worry about designing versions of the options to keep defenses at bay. Nor does he have to wonder if Tebow’s accuracy issues will ruin his Sunday afternoon.

It’s Manning’s offense now and it’s all about football. That’s all the Broncos wanted. That’s why they traded him less than 24 hours after signing Manning.

The Denver Broncos, once again, are a football team and no longer a sideshow.