When Broncos OTAs began in mid-May, coach Vic Fangio labeled them the start of the season. The team had already gone through its offseason workout program, had already held numerous meetings, had already begun to install its new system.



Despite the league’s ban on live contact, OTAs offered the first real chance to put the teachings to work.



“It’s to get that confidence as a group,” Joe Flacco said after the first practice. “It’s to become a team so that when we get into the tough of the battle, we can look to the guy next to us and know that he’s got our back.”



Now, with OTAs a wrap and mandatory minicamp looming, the Broncos are approaching a critical juncture in their offseason when they’ll really be able to assess their progress and lingering needs.



When they return from their summer break in mid-July — camp starts especially early for the Broncos this year because of the Hall of Fame...