Broncos remain committed to building around Peyton Manning

The Broncos are moving from postseason to offseason mode with several questions to be answered and needs to be addressed.

by Mike Kaye

Feb 4, 2014, 10:21 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos' Super Bowl loss has left the team facing many questions and concerns moving forward. From Peyton Manning's status to the stability of the defense, the Broncos will have a lot of questions to answer next season. Denver executive vice president John Elway and head coach John Fox met with media on Tuesday to discuss what was one of the most lopsided losses in Super Bowl history.

Fox started the press conference by talking about the transition to the offseason and the future of the team, following the tough loss:

John Fox "we're shifting gears from the in season to the offseason. we have hard decisions to make to improve our football team" #Broncos
— Cecil Lammey (@cecillammey) February 4, 2014

Elway made it clear that despite Manning’s possible retirement this offseason, the team will plan for him to return:

Elway "we're going to keep building like Peyton's going to be here. we'll be ready for the transition when that time is over." #Broncos
— Cecil Lammey (@cecillammey) February 4, 2014

The press conference also featured the Broncos' top decision-makers addressing other parts of the roster. Fox was very supportive of backup quarterback and possible Manning replacement Brock Osweiler. Elway was complimentary of rookie running back Montee Ball, who he believes showed improvement each week of the season. Ball's development will be crucial as the Broncos are not expected to re-sign incumbent starter Knowshon Moreno this offseason.

Elway also discussed the frustration and disappointment he felt about the team coming so close and falling short in the big game. He said that the team had a great season, but that the entire organization was upset about the way it ended. Elway said that the disappointment will eventually fade, but that the impact of the loss will linger for the members of the team, adding that he still not over the three losses that he suffered as a player. This Super Bowl failure adds to those unpleasant memories.