The Facts: Manning is getting used to being under center again as he adapts to coach Gary Kubiak's run-oriented, play-action offense with all its rollouts, handoffs and mobile pockets. Manning, who has been much more comfortable operating from the shotgun late in his career, is coming up to the line of scrimmage on almost all of his snaps right now. "We know the other end of the stick is fine. It's something he's been doing forever," Kubiak said. "So, we're going to spend a lot of time under center initially. ... He's been very responsive and he's working extremely hard."

Diehards Line: After what he called the Broncos' "first real day of practice in shoulder pads," Manning said he's eager to smooth out the roughness in this new hybrid offense, saying, "I feel I can do whatever they ask me to do." Manning ended 2014 on a down note, affected by both a thigh injury and the old coaching staff's wholesale shift at midseason in both his pocket of protection and run/pass ratio. But AP sports writer Arnie Stapleton reports that Manning looked strong and sharp Wednesday, whistling throws whether short, medium or long. He looked quick on his feet and also appears to be in top condition, especially at 39.