Inside the Broncos' locker room, tucked away from the bitter cold and snow, the players talked, laughed and traded barbs. In the days leading up to their biggest game to date — a near must-win Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals — they responded with their best week of practice this season, defined by confidence, fast tempo and focus.
The Broncos didn't win 10 of their first 12 games by sitting on constant boil. They played with swagger. And in their previous high-profile matchups, against Green Bay and New England, they played with chips on their broad shoulders.