His departure still leaves some holes. Lynch wasn't an every-down starter for the Broncos in training camp, coming off the field in passing situations, so he told coach Mike Shanahan he wanted to be released so he could look for a better situation. The Broncos granted that request.

Lynch's main value on the field to the Broncos was against the run. Denver is coming off a miserable season against the run, and Lynch had an injury-plagued season.

More than anything he would have done on the field, Lynch will be missed as a leader in the locker room. Lynch, along with linebacker Al Wilson, were the unquestioned leaders of the defense for Lynch's first three seasons. Then Wilson was released before last season, and Lynch is gone as well.

"You never find players like John Lynch from a leadership standpoint," Shanahan said. "They're one in a million. He's got everything you look for in a person, as a player."

--The team took a business-as-usual approach to receiver Brandon Marshall the first week of camp, even though Marshall was waiting to hear from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about a possible suspension.

Marshall showed he is way past an arm injury that was a concern this offseason. He has been perhaps the best player in the Broncos' camp, making several spectacular catches every day. The Broncos will adjust if Marshall is suspended, which they were hoping to avoid.

"We'll wait and see," coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's ready to go, he's ready to practice, and regardless of whatever happens, he's going to be out there practicing."

--Tackle Gary Zimmerman's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a source of pride for the Broncos. Zimmerman was adamant he was going into the Hall as a Bronco, even though he spent more seasons with Minnesota. The Broncos now claim two Hall of Famers, Zimmerman and John Elway.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Zimmerman's toughness set a tone for his teams. Zimmerman once was told at halftime of a game against the Raiders that he had to come out of the game because his shoulder was out of place.

"He said, 'I am not going out until No. 7 (Elway) goes out,'" Shanahan said. "With his shoulder out of his joint, he goes out and plays the entire second half. He wasn't coming out unless John was coming out. That gives an idea of his mental toughness."

--The Broncos rookies were thrilled to have a day and a half off after their first week of training camp. They survived the mental and physical stress intact, but needed a rest on their time off.

"Sleep, get a lot of sleep," rookie receiver Eddie Royal said about his plans during the short break. "I'm going to have the playbook in the bed, so I don't have to go anywhere."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I felt like I owed it to him to look at his options, football, retirement, whatever he wants to do." -- Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, on S John Lynch.

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