Peyton Manning says he felt "some additional arm strength" during five recent workouts at Duke University. The publicized workouts took place with Manning's new three-receiver set of Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker. Thomas corroborated Manning's story, saying he thinks Peyton's arm has "gotten a little stronger" this offseason. Manning's noticeably reduced arm strength only barely affected his 2012 performance, though it was an issue in the Broncos' playoff loss to Baltimore.

Peyton Manning says he's healthier now than he was last season. Manning missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing four neck surgeries in the time period between March 2, 2010 and September 9, 2011. His arm strength clearly wasn't what it used to be last season, even if he was prolifically productive on the field. "I still would like to make some more improvement," Manning said. "I still work at it. ... I still have hopes and (am) determined to try to seek some more improvement. But, yeah, I'm certainly better than I was last year. But I'm still not quite where I was before I was injured."

By keeping Peyton Manning on the roster with his contract intact on Tuesday's first day of the new league year, the Broncos guaranteed his base salaries for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Manning, whose birthday is later this month, will be 38 1/2 when the 2014 season kicks off. Keeping him on the roster guaranteed Manning $40 million because his 2013 and 2014 salaries are each $20 million. The 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Manning finished his first season in Denver with a league-best 68.6 completion rate and a 37:11 TD-to-INT ratio. Though still highly productive, the game tape strongly suggests Manning has lost plenty off his fastball. We're interested to see how well he'll continue to age.

Colts owner Jim Irsay said that, if the Colts have earned the third pick or lower in 2012, they would have kept QB Peyton Manning. "There's this myth that there's no loyalty in football," Irsay said. "Well, there's tremendous loyalty and emotion and respect that go into the coaches and players you've gone into battle with. But as an owner you have to make the decisions that are the right ones for the organization, that are the right ones that will help you win. And you have to have a vision of how you're going to get there.'' That vision included releasing Manning on March 6 last year and selecting Andrew Luck with the first overall pick.

Coach John Fox thinks Peyton Manning (neck) will be even better health-wise in 2013. "His type of injury, a lot was made of the neck and the surgeries," Fox said. "But the reality is it was a nerve situation and it takes a while for nerves to grow. He's getting better every day. Health-wise he'll be even better this year." Manning won Comeback Player of the year as a 36-year-old in 2012.

Peyton Manning was voted as the Associated Press' 2012 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Manning lost to Adrian Peterson for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, but his return from four neck surgeries won't go without recognition. He finished with an NFL-best 68.6 completion-percentage to go along with 37 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and a 105.8 quarterback rating in 2012. Manning had 32 votes to Peterson's 17. Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles also received a vote.

Broncos hired ex-Raiders OC Greg Knapp as quarterbacks coach.

New Broncos OC Adam Gase plans to increase the speed and tempo of Denver's offense in 2013. This is becoming a trend around the NFL, in case you haven't noticed. "We're looking to go pedal to the metal and play as fast as possible and be aggressive and score as many points as possible every game," said Gase. "We're looking to play as fast as possible, and put Peyton Manning in a position to play as fast as he can play. I don't think it can ever be maxed out."

Broncos executive VP John Elway confirmed that the team does intend to pick up Peyton Manning's option for the next two years at $40 million total. Even with the disappointing loss in the Divisional round of the playoffs, it's a no-brainer for the Broncos. Owner Pat Bowlen called Manning "the real deal," adding, "I don't think he's going anywhere. I got more than I expected." Turning 37 in March, Manning is coming off his sixth first-team All-Pro selection and his first since 2009.

Coach John Fox says he "(wasn't) aware" of any physical issues with Peyton Manning in Saturday's Divisional Round loss. However, Fox did say "you'll have to ask (Manning) that" for a definitive answer. Manning had trouble generating velocity on his throws after halftime, and dinked and dunked for a large majority of the proceedings. His 6.7 yards per attempt was 1.3 lower than his season average of 8.0. However, if Manning was playing through injury, it doesn't appear to be something that will affect his offseason preparation.