The Broncos faced a major crisis last January. The University of Florida wanted Mike Shanahan. He was interested. In the end, Shanahan got a few encouraging words from owner Pat Bowlen and decided to stay, so the Broncos are already ahead of the game. After all, Shanahan is the best in handling the difficult coach-general manager role in the cap era. If anything, Shanahan needed to get a few pats on the back because it's not easy trying to make that next run at the Super Bowl.

Since back-to-back Super Bowls, the Broncos have a 25-23 record and one trip to the playoffs. Last season, Shanahan tried to outspend the league to lock up his young players, but the strategy produced a disappointing 8-8 record. This year, Shanahan took a few selective stabs at improving depth and chemistry, bringing back tight end Shannon Sharpe and adding defensive tackle Lionel Dalton, right tackle Ephraim Salaam, left tackle Blake Brockermeyer and wide receiver Rob Moore.

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	Brian Griese threw a career-high 19 interceptions last season.
	Location: Univ. of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo. Rookies report: July 25 Veterans report: July 25 Preseason schedule:    Aug. 10: at Chicago    Aug. 19: San Francisco    Aug. 24: at Arizona    Aug. 29: Seattle

Whether the Broncos are a Super Bowl team or not may come down to the quarterback, Brian Griese. The team is loaded at wide receiver and tight end. It's the deepest team in the NFL in the backfield with four players who could start at halfback. Defensively, the Broncos have size on the defensive line and quickness at linebacker.

Good thing Shanahan struck around.

Man in the spotlight
Griese is playing on a $39 million contract, but the Broncos aren't getting the complete end of the deal. Sure, he's completed 60 percent of his passes during his career. Sure, his career quarterback rating is a solid 83.6. Sure, he's put up Pro Bowl numbers in the first half of most seasons and was selected to the 2000 Pro Bowl. But his record as a starter is 19-19. Shoulder problems have been one of the problems. Bad luck has been another problems. But it's time for Griese to start showing that he can finish seasons strong and get his winning percentage closer to his completion percentage.

Key position battle
It was interesting that the Broncos signed veteran Blake Brockermeyer as an insurance policy at left tackle. All last season, the Broncos tried to sell everyone on the notion that Trey Teague was the answer. Teague wasn't re-signed and Matt Lepsis moved over to the position this offseason. Let's just say that the Broncos need improved play at tackle. Lepsis is a prime athlete who is versatile enough to play left or right tackle, and Ephraim Salaam was signed to play right tackle. But if Brockermeyer wins out at left tackle and let's Lepsis play on the right side, the Broncos may have their most talented line.

Injury update
Wide receiver Ed McCaffrey is ahead of schedule on his recovery from a broken leg. Wide receiver Rod Smith should be okay despite some problems from a leg stress fracture. Backup quarterback Steve Beuerlein is coming back from elbow surgery and needs a good training camp to secure the backup job. Veteran receiver Rob Moore is coming off knee problems and has been slow at times this spring. Cornerback Willie Middlebrooks has had ankle problems. The biggest story is halfback Terrell Davis, who continues to fight leg and knee problems. Davis had a scope on his knee this spring. Can he stay healthy? Great question because he's still the best back on the roster, able to gain 100 yards when he's in uniform.

Rookie report
Shanahan rarely asks rookies to be major contributors unless there are injuries. The Broncos have too intriguing rookie prospects on offense. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie is the deep threat the team has been seeking for years, but his offseason has been nagged by hamstring problems. Clinton Portis could be the long-term answer at halfback, but remember, he has three pretty good ones -- Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson and Orlandis Gary -- ahead of him.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.