Energy drains, optimism reigns.
Hello training camp. Goodbye preseason.
With few exceptions, NFL fans across the country believe their team will reach the postseason after watching games over the past month. The Broncos provide hope each year with an ownership committed to winning. What set up as a possible transition season shifted two weeks ago when the Broncos added veteran offensive lineman Evan Mathis. It drove home the point the Broncos view themselves as a Super Bowl contender.
Mathis, who will be the NFL's oldest starting offensive lineman at 33, brings experience, freakish strength — his calves are the size of a super model's waist — and a calming influence.