When Gary Kubiak won the AFC championship game, one issue remained unresolved for Broncos’ critics. Kubiak has never won a Super Bowl. He has, however, worked for a coach who has won three Super Bowl rings. Mike Shanhan’s offense dominated the San Diego Chargers, and, as boss of the Broncos, he won the team’s past two titles.

He didn’t earn the nickname “Mastermind” for his appearances on “Jeopardy.” His football blueprint left an imprint with Kubiak, who has leaned on his experience with Shanahan in shaping his practices this week as he installed the game plan as if the Broncos were playing Sunday.

“Absolutely. I saw Mike last week, spent some time with him. I watched him prepare for these games,” Kubiak said. “Yeah, I take a lot with me on what Mike taught me and how he prepared this team for these types of situations.”

Shanahan, who interviewed for the head coaching jobs in Miami and San Francisco, is proud of Kubiak’s achievement. The two became close as Kubiak worked as his offensive coordinator.

“Anytime you go into situation where a team has won and they expect you to win and get back to a Super Bowl, it’s very hard to do that. Gary has met the challenge,” Shanahan said. “And you can see why his leadership skills have given them the ability to get back to the Super Bowl. I know Gary as well as anybody — he’s not happy with just getting there. He wants to win it.”

One of a kind

There’s nobody like quarterback Cam Newton. So said Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Newton features a special skill set. He’s capable of throwing out of the pocket, but is featured regularly in the running game. The latter is the hardest part to duplicate in practice.

Quarterbacks Brock Osweiler and Trevor Siemian have simulated Newton on the scout team.

“He’s a one of a kind,” Osweiler said.

Added Siemian, “I have done my best. You are not going to do to good job of impersonating him. He’s such a dynamic athlete.”

Injury update

Safeties Darian Stewart (knee) and T.J. Ward (ankle) and guard Louis Vasquez (knee) did not practice on Friday. Vasquez intended to, but was held out from working on the Astroturf when the team shifted into the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse because of the wind. All are expected to be ready for the Super Bowl. Vasquez remains in a three-man rotation at guard with Evan Mathis and rookie Max Garcia, a concession to his knee injury.

Footnotes.

Broncos players appreciate the differences in how this Super Bowl has been handled. The players on the injured reserve are traveling on the team charter, same as everyone else, on Sunday and were included in the team picture. Two years ago, the injured players arrived late in the week. “It shows the true team aspect. Everybody has contributed,” said cornerback Chris Harris, who missed Super Bowl 48 with an injury. “Look at a guy like (tackle Ryan) Clady. He has missed both Super Bowls (with injuries). I definitely know this means a lot for him.” … Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips downplayed his role in the team’s success, even as his players praise him. “I am just riding the train clanging the bell,” he said.

Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post