More impressive than Case Keenum's offensive teammates heaping praise on the veteran quarterback are the rave reviews emerging from his defensive counterparts.

Exhibit A is starting nose tackle Domata Peko, who was asked Monday about the value of Keenum under center.

“I’m really loving Case," he told reporters. "I thank Case, that he came out here for us and he’s exactly what we needed. A veteran guy, someone that won 13 games last year and just seeing him out here, he’s able to check the ball down when he needs to. He takes care of the ball, he’s not going to make those wild, crazy throws, trying to force plays. He’s going to maintain the game and he can sling that thing. Him and [WR] Emmanuel [Sanders] hooked up a lot yesterday. I’m excited for them this season and I’m excited for our offense.”

Living up to his $36 million contract (so far), Keenum has picked apart Denver's vaunted defense for the majority of training camp (so far). His throws have ranged from breadbasket bombs to needle-threads over the middle of the field -- and everything in between.

So when Peko sits down to grind tape, he notices Hall of Fame tendencies in the 30-year-old.

“I watch a lot of film," he said. "That’s when I see a lot of Case throwing some bullets out there and looking good. I was just telling my other teammate yesterday, ‘I like that no. 4. He looks like that gunslinger Brett [Favre].’ Yeah man, everything is going good, I appreciate you all. We’re at camp, and I’m starting to forget what day it is that’s when you know camp is here.”

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The Broncos don't need Brett Favre, though it would be nice. They don't need a world-beater or an All-Pro. They need, and finally have, a consistent hand at the sport's most important position, someone who blends equal parts leadership, stability and enough pizazz on the strength of his shoulder. Someone they can win because of, not in spite of.

That's Keenum, a night-and-day difference from the passive Trevor Siemian and turnover-prone Paxton Lynch.

“It’s a totally different feel," said inside linebacker Todd Davis. "They have a different swag to them. They play with a lot more confidence, and that’s all coming from No. 4 (QB Case Keenum). I think he came in and he’s doing a great job with our guys. They really feel like he’s the man. When you have somebody behind you that you know is going to come in and do his job and do a great job, it really allows you to play hard.”

Davis' partner-in-crime, Brandon Marshall, echoed a nearly identical sentiment.

“They actually kind of feel different," he said Saturday. "There is more confidence on that side of the ball. I’m sensing more confidence for them. It’s not the question mark like it was the past two years. Case takes command of the huddle. He takes control. I think it’s kind of contagious, right? I think everybody believes in Case and it’s going to be good.”

After putting pen to paper in March, Keenum aimed to prove he belonged, to win over his new peers. This was a challenge eagerly accepted by a career journeyman on his fourth NFL team in seven seasons.

And mission accomplished (so far).