Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Colts vs the Broncos…
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver.
When: Sunday September 7, 20:30 ET
Watch live: Click here to watch online with Channel 4.
Watch live: Click here to watch online with NBC Sports (USA only)!
After being dominated in the Super Bowl last season, the Denver Broncos go back to the drawing board and start the journey all over again in their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Since leaving Indianapolis after missing the entire 2011 season, quarterback Peyton Manning has led the Broncos to back-to-back 13-win seasons and set NFL records with 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 yards in 2013.
However, while the individual records may have tumbled, it didn’t lead to the ultimate prize as the Seattle Seahawks ensured that there was no fairytale ending to the season for Denver.
Nevertheless, the more immediate concern for the Broncos now will be the absence of Wes Welker, after he was suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
“A lot of people are going to have to step up and raise their play,” Manning said.
“When you don’t have one of your best players, a guy who is one of your top contributors, I think it falls on more than just one person. That’s our challenge.”
Opposite number Andrew Luck is also looking forward to the challenge after leading the Colts to consecutive 11-win seasons since taking over from Manning.
The talented signal caller insists that he has felt no additional pressure since being selected with the No.1 overall pick in the 2012 Draft, and he will look to continue to develop in the coming years.
Ex New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks has been brought in to strengthen the offensive unit which already possesses T.Y Hilton, while the Broncos added significantly with the acquisitions of DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib to name but a few.
In one of the picks of the opening weekend games, the Colts and Broncos promise to produce a thrilling encounter between two contenders in the AFC.
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