Broncos Are Looking for an Identity, and Other AFC West News

The Denver Broncos are looking for an identity on offense and defense. It's clear now that it's Peyton Manning's offense, but when he can't make all the throws, the offense morphs into something else. The defense is vanilla, and all the additions are still trying to find a rhythm with each other.

Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post says the Broncos are playing by trial and error. They're trying to sort through an offensive playbook to see what Manning can and can't do with the football, and the defense can't yet be trusted with more complex schemes.

Manning is learning his physical limitations, and the offense will ultimately be designed around what he can do best. That's a process for Manning and the Broncos, and it will take some time.

The Broncos also need to see what they have in rookie running back Ronnie Hillman. He might finally get an opportunity in Week 3. 

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio isn't likely to open up the defensive playbook, so Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil will have to be dominant players without any defensive gimmicks. 

Other AFC West news:

Denver

Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post reports that the speedy Hillman has been slow to get his first chance.

Oakland

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Rolando McClain missed practice with a concussion. 

Paul Gutierrez of CSN Bay Area asks if cornerbacks Brandian Ross and Michael Huff the the cavalry.

San Diego

Philip Rivers and Norv Turner were mic'd up last week. Check out the video on Chargers.com.

Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that safety Atari Bigby hasn't bought any pizzas for dropped interceptions. And he's been sleeping with a football to improve his chances of making an interception.

Kansas City

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star says the Chiefs might have to lower expectations of Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tony Moeaki. 

Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star says the Chiefs are built for an era in the past. 

Humor

Ben Rosen of Buzzfeed.com compares all 32 NFL quarterbacks to Muppet characters. Philip Rivers is angry Miss Piggy, Matt Cassel is Timmy Monster, Carson Palmer is Animal and Peyton Manning is Johnny Fiama.