The addition of quarterback Joe Flacco was another key point for McFarland and Salters as they addressed the Broncos' outlook. Salters, as a Baltimore resident, said she thinks she sees something a little different from the former Ravens quarterback — and it's not just a different color uniform.

"I live in Baltimore, and as I was telling Joe Flacco on the sideline, it was odd seeing him in orange," Salters said. "But the one thing when I got back home to Baltimore, people kept telling me, like, 'Wow, Joe Flacco looked really engaged.' And he just seems different to me. Not that he isn't always very considerate and thoughtful with us, but he just seemed to have a little bit more, a little bit different juice this time around. And I think he's got a chip on his shoulder too."

McFarland picked up on that as well and noted that he believes Flacco's experience with strong defensive teams has prepared him for the kind of team the Broncos have.

"I think if you look at Joe Flacco, coming from Baltimore to Denver, he understands how to play for a defensive team," McFarland said. "And so Joe has to come in, take care of the football, don't turn it over, don't try to be a hero, make sure you play for your defense. …

"I would just say this: I don't think the book is closed yet on Joe Flacco. I think he's the right person for that team."

But more than just the quarterback, Denver's defense may be the biggest reason McFarland and Salters expect success from the Broncos this season.