1 What is Jay Cutler's next step?

The Broncos are looking for a little more patience in the pocket from their third-year quarterback. The thinking is if he's more willing to work the underneath stuff, the big plays that are the product of his rare arm will present themselves more readily because the defense has other things to worry about.

2 Who will lug the rock?

It seems like an almost annual question these days. The Broncos again are sifting through the backs, looking for someone to consistently carry the load. Not since Clinton Portis in 2002 and 2003 has the team had a back carry the ball at least 200 times in back-to-back seasons. And during the past two seasons, a fairly good yards-per-carry average overall has not yielded the timely, quality yards to put them into the postseason.

3 Wither the pass rush?

It is almost unanimous - when other teams are quizzed about the Broncos defense - that the team's pass rush is its biggest weakness. No, they don't always need sacks, as the Broncos have often said during the past two seasons. But they do need consistent pressure on opposing passers, and haven't gotten it.

4 So, who will be the game-changers on defense?

Champ Bailey still is the defense's best player, but his impact is muted if the Broncos can't force the quarterbacks they face to get rid of the ball more quickly amid discomfort in the pocket. Linebacker D.J. Williams should also be a difference maker with his move back to the weak side on defense. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil is a game changer at times, but he had eight games with no sacks last season and nine of his 121/2 sacks came in four games.

5 Do the Broncos have the right stuff?

Mike Shanahan and Pat Bowlen have talked a lot about the character needed in the locker room to be in the Super Bowl mix. They say they now have it, but the proof will be in the standings and in just how many times both are forced to answer for what goes on off the field.