What happened: Last season's success has put a target on Denver and made the 2026 challenge harder, the quarterback said. He pointed to the club's playoff experience as evidence it can handle tougher competition.
Why it matters: An AFC West title and the conference's No. 1 seed raised expectations for the coming season. Continuity gives Denver a stable foundation, but prior results carry no advantage into the new schedule.
By the numbers: Denver won 14 games in 2025, claimed the AFC West and earned the AFC's No. 1 seed.
What to watch: Denver opens its preseason schedule Aug. 14. The starters are poised to receive some work during the three-game slate.