Aug 9, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) under center against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE)

If you found yourself researching a running back named Xavier Omon after the Denver Broncos preseason game against the Bears last week, you were not alone. There was no shortage of stars during the Broncos 31-3 demolition of Chicago, but several players stood out and made names for themselves. Omon carried the ball 7 times for 36 yards and a touchdown. He finished with an average of 5.1 yards-per-carry and caught one ball out of the backfield. He ran with the authority and toughness that NFL fans love to see and it will be interesting to find out if he can keep it up when he plays against some better competition.

The running back battle was one of the deepest and most competitive camp battles going in Denver, and that was before we were forced to take notice of Omon. The Broncos will most likely carry 4 or 5 running backs depending on how things shake out. With Willis McGahee and Ronnie Hillman locks to make the final roster, and Chris Gronkowski the likely starting fullback, there are possibly 2 roster spots available for other running backs. Lance Ball, Knowshon Moreno, Jeremiah Johnson, and Omon have all shown that they have their sights set on one of those spots, and it’s going to be the camp battle to watch the rest of the way.

Here are some other observations from the Broncos first preseason game of 2012:

• Denver’s electrifying performance did nothing to temper the excitement of fans in Broncos Country. It’s easy to overstate things after a single preseason game, but Denver came to play across the board and looks like a team with the talent to make some serious noise in 2012.
• A lot of draft day doubters feel much better today after watching Derek Wolfe completely destroy the Bears’ offensive front. He finished with 3 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 tackle for loss in his Denver debut. If he can play with that kind of presence consistently the defense will be in great shape going forward.
• Peyton Manning’s only series of the game had some mixed results, but that should have been expected considering it was his first real game action in a year and a half. He ended up going 4/7 for 44-yards passing and an interception on the goal line after a deflection. Despite the ending, the first drive of the game was beautiful. 5:39 came off the clock in 11 plays and it went for 50 yards. The highlight of the drive was a 19-yard completion to Eric Decker for a first down conversion on 3rd-and-17. Manning still has some rust to shake off, but it looks like the Denver offense is going to be a lot of fun to watch with Manning at the helm.
• All four quarterbacks showed some flashes against Chicago. Brock Osweiler and Adam Weber both threw for a score and Caleb Hanie made some nice throws after a rough couple of series. Hanie is getting the reps with the second team for now, but it would surprise me if Osweiler doesn’t move into that position soon.
• The defense as a whole played with tenacity and tackled very well, and it looks like Jack Del Rio has already made an impact. Some youngsters like Mike Mohamed and Nate Irving made some nice plays in space and will get some praise in the film room.
• Tight end Cornelius Ingram is another lesser known player who turned some heads last week. He caught two passes for 45 yards including a 25-yard touchdown reception from Weber. The tight end position is another one with a logjam of players, but Ingram could sneak in there and take a roster spot. Keep an eye on him.
• One of the most underrated things coming out of the Bears game was that the Broncos escaped relatively injury free. The preseason is always a nerve-racking time in regards to injuries, and the injury bug has already seriously bitten some other teams around the league. Hopefully this will be a trend for Denver during the preseason.
• The first preseason game at home will be against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, August 18th. I’m sure the atmosphere at Mile High will be electric and Broncos Country will be soaking up every moment. Hit me up on Twitter so we can break it down in real time. Go Broncos!

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Dan Gronkowski (left) Chris Gronkowski pose for a photo with a member of the military during the NFL players visit to Camp Atterbury. (Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE)

Fullback Chris Gronkowski found out that he was being traded to the Denver Broncos after an OTA in Indianapolis in May. The Indianapolis Colts were heavily using their two tight end package and Gronkowski knew his role was diminishing right before his very eyes.

That’s why when the deal that sent Cassius Vaughn to Indianapolis for Gronkowski went through, he was thrilled. The first person to call him was his brother, Dan, who played for the Broncos in 2010.

“I made sure I talked to him right away,” Chris Gronkowski said. “He told me he loved it here. He told me it’s a great place, and he’s happy that I came here. He was sad that he was gone.”

Of course Chris and Dan are the lesser known of the Gronkowski brothers. Rob is the star of the family on the field, and he’s the character off the field. So how does Chris compare to his brothers?

“I’d probably say I’m right in between them two. Dan’s real conservative, quiet. Just kind of stays to himself kind of deal. Doesn’t really go out on the media and go crazy like my younger brother, Rob. I think I’m right in between.”

Chris said that he’s excited to actually get the chance to play with Peyton Manning, block for Willis McGahee, and play with former Maryland teammate Lance Ball.

Chris will meet his brother, Rob, in week five when the Broncos travel to New England. Then he will meet Dan in week 16 when the Broncos host the Browns.

“Having three brothers in the league has been fun for the whole family. We’re trying to keep it going.”

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Chris Gronkowski against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

AFC rival Tom Brady has a Gronkowski so why shouldn’t  Peyton Manning have one too?

The Denver Broncos Wednesday morning traded cornerback Cassius Vaughn to the Indianapolis Colts for fullback Chris Gronkowski (Rob and Dan’s brother).

Gronkowski entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2010 where he played for the Dallas Cowboys. There he had 5 carries for 17 yards, and 7 receptions for 35 yards in 14 games.

Gronkowski was then shipped to the Colts where he suited up in seven games, but did not record any carries or receptions. Of course, he missed playing with new teammate Manning in Indianapolis.

The Broncos needed to pick up a fullback since Spencer Larsen signed with the New England Patriots.

With the Broncos picking up Tracy Porter, Drayton Florence, and Omar Bolden this year, Vaughn was seen as expendable at corner. Vaughn had 20 tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown last season.

Chris Gronkowski is the second Gronkowski to suit up in orange and blue. His brother, Dan, was a tight end with the team in 2010.

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