Lots of people use the phrase "fake news" now.  I don't know why it's so important to this story.

I'm not sure the Broncos believe in their QB's as much as you say.  Romo would've come with a lot of financial and health baggage, and like you say Elway makes smart business decisions, for the most part.  
Personally, I think the reason the Broncos haven't pushed too hard is also because at the end of this season some pretty big QB names are hitting the market (Brees being one) that Elway might be putting together speculative plans to sign. McCarron could fit into that if they only want him for the year and believe him better.  So, this might actually be true.

Elway took this opportunity to keep the defense strong and build that o-line because he knows the Manning's don't grow on trees, so there will be times where the team has to do with much less.

I like the management's approach, inclusive of the coaches.