Denver Broncos are title contenders in transition

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The occupy a rare spot for an NFL franchise. They are in a do-or-die season Carlos Santana Jersey  with a first-year head coach. They have experienced a great deal of change this offseason, yet own a top-five NFL roster. They are absolutely contenders, yet they are undeniably in transition. And it's a transition that might only last a year before retires. That puts a lot of pre sure and attention on getting up to speed fast. "I'm going to tell you one thing I am not: in the least bit," Manning said this week. "I am stimulated by studying. I feel like I'm engaged in trying to learn something new from Gary Kubiak (and  Jimmy Foxx Jersey offensive coordinator) Rick Dennison."Manning loves football on an intellectual level and perhaps this last challenge in his career is just what he needs. There's no doubt in my mind the upgraded schematically by exchanging former offensive coordinator Adam Gase and defensive chief Jack Del Rio for Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. "Instead of being stymied by any type of change, be stimulated by them," Manning said. "That's been true for me, and that's been a real positive, to tell you the truth."We don't know how Manning's arm will look in December, but don't be surprised if the have one of the best offenses in the league again in September. It's just going to look different. With Denver's minicamp wrapping up Thursday, here are some other takeaways from their offseason of adjustments:The are resting Manning in practice more often under Kubiak. Fourth-year pro appreciates the extra reps, and the additional time on the sideline is a reminder that Manning's career is very much year-to-year at this stage.Kubiak a "little concern" about the team's ability to find a nose tackle Greg Luzinski Jersey  for Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. , 2013 first-round pick , and are all options. Williams is the most likely player to e sentially replace , but it's a different role for him to learn. Still, the have a quietly promising defensive line with and candidates to improve.First-round pick has barely practiced this offseason because of turf toe and then a quad injury.With out for the season, the have already settled on rookie second-round pick as their Larry Bowa Jersey  starting left tackle. The rest of their starting lineup: guard , center , right guard , and right tackle . Perhaps they could be a ? Wide receiver didn't show up for mandatory minicamp, and either without a new deal, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. These situations usually work themselves out by mid-August, but the spate of receivers wanting new contracts -- including , , and -- could slow things down as Thomas waits for someone else to make the first move.With Thomas out of the mix, second-year pro has had a chance to step up. He's going to be the team's No. 3 receiver Nick Pivetta Jersey  this season. While received positive reviews this offseason, it's notable that he continued to split first team reps with throughout minicamp. The latest Podcast , and Conor Orr calls in for the debut of a new segment. Find more content on .