Ware: Broncos set up for 'a better year than last year'

The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl last season with an all-time great defense and a wildly mediocre offense.

Despite the 12-4 record and the losses of Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler, Danny Trevathan, and Malik Jackson, linebacker DeMarcus Ware believes Denver can be better in 2016.

"I think it's going to be a better year than last year," Ware told his team's website.

Ware expects his workload to diminish somewhat, particularly in practice, and sees young pass-rushers Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett as a big part of the Broncos defense this season.

"I told (Ray), 'You can use your athleticism to a certain point, but when you can think about the mental aspects of the game, the fundamentals, the techniques, that's what's going to get you over the top. And how consistent can you be for a whole game, instead of a play here, a play there. When it comes to crunch time, are you going to show up?'"

The 12-year veteran has made his money and insists he's in it to win championships, welcoming a pay cut to stay with the Broncos and help his team to improve.

"I know it's that part of my career where what I bring to the game, it's an intangible thing of leadership and motivating the guys and getting out there and playing when I can," said Ware. "I'm here to go over and beyond and build a legacy for the Denver Broncos. And I think (taking a pay cut) was a smart move by everybody, and I'm glad I'm still able to be here playing."