Broncomania: Nothing short of Lombardi expected

"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." -Vince Lombardi.

It's fitting that the NFL's ultimate prize, the Lombardi Trophy, memorializes an individual who set the standard for "greatness" in professional sports. Each NFL season, only one team can be immortalized within Lombardi's timeless legacy. Football is war - one winner, one loser - and "effort" awards are not given to teams who play hard, but fall short.

2012: The Denver Broncos Reformation

For over a half-century the Broncos brand has provided Denver's community with a shared heritage. In 1960, historic Mile High Stadium hosted the Broncos, Denver's first professional sports team, AFL charter season. The stadium, originally constructed in 1948 for Denver's minor-league baseball team, served as a tangible manifestation of the "Mile High" identity, the "5280 Ethos," until its deconstruction in 2002.

Week 13 Preview: Broncos Defense Pivotal for Seventh-Straight Victory

Following an unexceptional Week 12 victory at Arrowhead Stadium, the Denver Broncos (8-3) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) in the Mile High City. A Denver victory will solidify the Broncos as a legitimate AFC contender in the eyes of both the "5280 Faithful" and the national media.

The Broncos Defense: Call of the Wild

FIGHT OR FLIGHT – a Quarterback's subconscious choice at the line of scrimmage. Philip Rivers clearly selected Option C, all out retreat. In Week 11, the Denver Broncos hosted the San Diego Chargers for an AFC West-dictating grudge match. A Broncos loss at the hands of Rivers & Co. jeopardizing their chances for a playoff berth.

Mile High Elite: Demaryius Thomas

In 2010, the Denver Broncos drafted Demaryius Thomas as the 22nd overall pick.  Thomas not only possesses elite speed, with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash, but also exceeds most NFL Wide Receivers in sheer physical size, measuring in at 6'3" 229 lbs. This lethal combination has plagued opposing NFL secondaries throughout the 2012 season. With Week 11 underway, Thomas has emerged as Peyton Manning's primary target, an honor reserved for elite receivers including Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

The Denver Broncos: Playing at a Mile High Level

Peyton Manning’s arrival in the Mile High City supersaturated Broncomania ’12 with expectations bordering on perfection. After a disappointing 2-3 start, Denver's momentous comeback (35 unanswered in the 2nd half) in Week 6 against the Chargers solidified the Broncos' as the best team in the AFC West. Moreover, Manning's air-raid on the Chargers secondary marks the ignition of a 4-game winning streak, spearheaded by potential MVP candidate and Field General, Peyton "Papa John's" Manning.