Ryan McBean: Blessed With Second Chance

When the Denver Broncos entered the 2009 offseason, many thought the majority of their time and money would be invested in the defensive line.

Now three months since the beginning of free agency, Denver has added eight new defensive linemen to the mix, although none are extremely high profile.

One of the signees is former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan McBean, a fourth-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 2007.

McBean joined a very crowded defensive line in Pittsburgh, and has seen very little action in his two years in the league.

He hopes all of that can change now that he is with the Denver Broncos.

“I’m adding whatever the coach asks for me. Whatever he tells me to do I’m going to do it.”

For what he lacks in game experience, McBean definitely makes up for it in appearance.  The third year player definitely looks the part at 6’5″ 290 pounds, ideal for a 3-4 defensive end.

McBean has been practicing with Denver’s first team defensive line for the first few organized team activities. While fans are told not to take too much stock in the current depth charts, it is definitely a huge leap for a guy who has only played in one regular season game.

“It’s (competition) the same for every guy. (We) gotta come out here and work hard regardless (of where we are on the depth chart.) I didn’t look at it too much, just like ‘OK, time to go to work.

(But) it’s been great. Guys getting their repetitions and taking every day for what it is.”

While he seems like the ideal fit for the Broncos as a defensive end as the team transitions to the 3-4 defense, sticking his hand in the dirt is not all McBean has to offer this defense.

When asked how his coverage skills were, McBean gave a big smile, laughed and said, “Real good.”

McBean also said that while in Pittsburgh, he mostly played as a down end, but has the capacity to cover.

His versatility does not end there. McBean has played an even “bigger” role in the Broncos’ offseason activities.

“Right now I’m playing end, and sometimes I’m playing nose (tackle) too.”

McBean also addressed the progress of the rest of the defensive unit. If the Broncos’ defense is going to improve as a whole, they must use last season as motivation. Maybe even play with a “chip on their shoulder.”

“Yeah you can tell with our guys that they want to win. They heard about the stats from last year, and we want to change that a whole lot…The guys are willing to play hard.”

Right now, the Broncos’ defensive line is a group of relative unknowns. 

Perhaps this third year player can make a name for himself in the Mile High City and help restore what fans once called the Orange Crush.

 

Breaking News: Broncos’ Marshall Cleared of Suspension, Holdout Next?

When Denver Broncos’ Pro-Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall was arrested for the seventh time in his professional career, many had written him off for half of the upcoming season.

Marshall learned Tuesday that he would not face any punishment from the National Football League.

“The NFL has confirmed that based on their own investigation, there will not be a suspension or any discipline issues as a result of Mr. Marshall’s arrest on March 1,” said Marshall’s attorney Harvey Steinberg. “I had been in touch with the NFL since right after the incident occurred, and we were under the belief that what took place would not rise to the level of any form of discipline.”

Broncos fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, as their top receiver the past two seasons and biggest playmaker on the offensive side of the ball will be in uniform for all 16 regular season games, provided he can stay healthy.

“We are humbled, enthused and excited by this decision by the commissioner’s office,” Marshall’s agent Kennard McGuire said. “We also understand that Brandon has to continue to grow, be accountable and responsible. We have no doubt he’ll do all the above and more.”

The young wide receiver is no stranger to second chances. 

Marshall was arrested not too long after being drafted by the Broncos, and before the 2006 season even started, he was out for half the season with an injury.

In 2007, Marshall broke onto the NFL scene, emerging as one of the league’s premiere players, showing great ability to gain extra yardage after the catch.

In 2008, Marshall was suspended for the Broncos’ season opener in Oakland, but he could have missed much more. He appealed a three game-suspension, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell saw something in him that he liked, so he only suspended Marshall for one game and two games pay.

Through a nagging hip injury, Marshall had his best season as a professional in 2008, catching 104 passes en route to his first ever trip to the Pro Bowl.

Entering his fourth year in the league, the young receiver hopes to earn a big paycheck and a long extension with the Broncos. It has even been rumored throughout the league that Marshall is holding out for the extension.

Marshall’s agent refutes the accusation that his client is going to skip out on team activities because of money reasons, and Bronco fans should have reason to believe this is true.

Earlier this offseason, Marshall had surgery on his hip and has been unable to participate in any practice due to his rehab.

It would seem like the perfect time for him to hold out, as he is physically inept anyway. 

Marshall is due $2.2 million in 2009, and the Broncos may be skeptical of signing him to a long-term deal due to his legal history. Still, he is a great receiver, and the team should do what it can to keep him wearing the Broncos’ shade of orange.

Clearly, Marshall is on board with the McDaniels’ regime, even though the new head coach traded away one of Marshall’s very good friends in Jay Cutler. 

Some believe that a fully healthy Marshall can rival the likes of Larry Fitzgerald among the league’s elite. If he cleans up his act, this young receiver will lead the Broncos to far greater things than imaginable.

Denver Broncos Linebacker Wesley Woodyard “Bulking Up” For New Role

As the Denver Broncos make the transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme, undersized linebackers are no longer in the picture.

In 2008, the Denver Broncos were fortunate enough to snag undrafted linebacker Wesley Woodyard after the NFL Draft.  Woodyard went undrafted due to the fact that he was undersized at 218 pounds, and NFL scouts did not know whether he would be a safety or a linebacker at the next level.

When D.J. Williams went down in 2008 with an injury, Woodyard filled in very nicely.

The undrafted rookie out of Kentucky started six games for the Broncos, recording 55 tackles in all including a 13 tackle performance against the New York Jets.

Now that the Broncos will be utilizing four linebackers, Woodyard figures to have a chance at more playing time, but not as a hybrid linebacker/safety, so he has added weight.

“I played last year at 218 pounds and right now I am 230,” Woodyard said. “I worked on my lower body in the offseason to pick up some weight, so I will be ready for everything because I added a few more pounds.”

Last year for the Broncos, Woodyard played a little bit of a rover or strong safety role at times, and while he would like to play safety again, he has not been working with the defensive backs thus far.

“Of course, I would love to play safety right now, but we’ve strictly talked about working at linebacker.”

It is typical for each linebacker in a 3-4 scheme to be near or over 250 pounds, and Woodyard is still checking in at 230.  His quickness makes him an attractive rush linebacker, but his coverage skills could give him an edge in the middle.

“That’s (my position) still to be determined. We still have the whole camp to go through,” Woodyard said about the position search. “The coaches are working on me at several positions so who knows what is going to happen.”

Right now, Denver’s first-team linebackers are Elvis Dumervil, Darrell Reid, Andra Davis, and the aforementioned D.J. Williams, so Woodyard is concentrating on finding his role in the Broncos’ new defense.

“We are just going through some different schemes on the defense,” Woodyard said. “Right now, where I’m going to be out on the field is still up in the air. Right now it’s just contributing on special teams like I did last year and basically having fun.”

Woodyard is an exciting prospect for the Broncos.  He brings a great intensity to the defensive side of the ball, and Denver coaches will have a tough time keeping him off the field.

Quotes courtesy of the Daily Camera

Matt Cassel a Denver Bronco in 2010? Why the QB’s Stay in KC Could Be Short

If you follow the trail very closely, the Jay Cutler fiasco in Denver was not the fault of Josh McDaniels.

It was also not the fault of Cutler.

It was not even the fault of Matt Cassel.

If Denver fans want to blame anyone for what went down this offseason, they should look no further than Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, the man who blew out Tom Brady’s left knee in the 2008 season opener.

If Pollard had not nailed Brady, Cassel would probably never have played, and McDaniels likely would not have even thought about trading Cutler away for him.

Regardless, that is all in the past, and what happened has happened—end of story.

But after all that work and no reward, could McDaniels still end up with his man?

Kyle Orton has a chance to be great in Denver with a full arsenal of weapons and the brick wall that is Denver’s offensive line, but McDaniels may not be able to pass up the opportunity to have his homegrown product on hand.

Cassel has yet to restructure his contract with the Chiefs, and to be quite honest, there are no signs of improvement. 

If Cassel plays well in 2009, Kansas City will have no other option but to franchise tag him next offseason, where his one-year franchise tender will be valued at more than $17 million.

With an uncapped year likely, the Chiefs may not even see this as a problem.

Still, it seems as though the feeling of Cassel reuniting with his mentor McDaniels in Denver is a mutual one. 

This is definitely a move to watch for in 2010. Both Orton and Cassel are set to hit the free agent market, and Denver may be in a bind as to which one to pursue.

On one hand, you have Orton, who has a golden opportunity placed in front of him. He could have a career season and force Denver to give him a hefty extension.

However, if Orton flops, there is no doubt the Broncos will pursue Cassel. Denver fans seem to be bent out of shape about the fact that they traded away their own first-round pick in next year’s draft because they had a chance to get a quarterback.

Well, Denver fans, you may get your wish. The Broncos just might give up the final piece in the Jay Cutler trade for the man they initially had their hearts set on. 

If that situation presented itself, irony would not even come close to being the word that would do it justice.

It appears as though Matt Cassel’s stay in Kansas City will be only for a short while, and he may have his heart set on the Mile-High City.

J.J. Arrington Release Comes As No Surprise, But Is Denver Wooing Ellis?

The extremely crowded Denver Broncos’ backfield was thinned out a bit when the team released running back J.J. Arrington.

The release of Arrington really comes as no surprise as it seemed both he and second year back Ryan Torain were on the proverbial chopping block because of injuries.

Unfortunately for Arrington, his microfracture surgery will cost him the entire 2009 season, and even worse his signing bonus with the Denver Broncos. 

Arrington was signed along with Correll Buckhalter in the early stages of free agency, but complications with his contract delayed the official move for a couple of weeks.

When the Broncos signed Arrington, they also signed Buckhalter, Darius Walker, Kestahn Moore, and drafted Knowshon Moreno, so his role on the team was virtually unknown.  He was expected to be a kick return man and third down back by many.

With a roster spot now freed up by Arrington, could the Broncos look to a rush linebacker to help their young, relatively inexperienced group?

As it stands right now, the starting hybrid linebackers for the Broncos would be Darrell Reid and Elvis Dumervil, with Robert Ayers and Jarvis Moss on the second team.

Could Denver be looking for help in the form of former Dallas Cowboy Greg Ellis?

Ellis has been on the trading block for about a week now, and if the Broncos hold out long enough they may be able to get him for a late round draft pick.

If the price is right, the Broncos need to make the move.

Ellis is a 33-year-old veteran of the game who has great experience in the 3-4 defense, and the Broncos could certainly use him.

If not, free agent defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday is also still available, and the Broncos could bring him in for a look at defensive end.

Broncos Passing Camp Update: Chris Simms Takes First-Team Reps at QB

The Denver Broncos concluded their three-day passing camp today, and the media arrived to a bit of a surprise.

Quarterback Chris Simms, not the heavily favored Kyle Orton, was taking reps with the Broncos’ first offensive unit. 

Still, fans and observers are being told this is no guarantee whatsoever that Simms will be the starting quarterback in Game One, and that both he and Orton are just learning the ropes.

“Both of them will take reps with the ones, and we’re going to keep doing that until it becomes clear and apparent, and it’s not yet. They’re both doing some good things, and they’re both making some mistakes.”

Simms was not the only first-team surprise at the passing camp. 

While it is not usually the best indication of who the starters will be this early in the off-season, Denver featured many new faces on the defensive side of the ball.

On the defensive line, those running with the first team were Ryan McBean, Ronald Fields, and Kenny Peterson.

At rush linebacker were Darrell Reid and Elvis Dumervil, and in the middle were D.J. Williams and Andra Davis. 

There were not many surprises in the defensive backfield, but only one familiar face in Champ Bailey. Aside from him, the starters were Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill, and Brian Dawkins.

Despite all the fresh faces, the Broncos appeared to be very cohesive during the practice session. In a hypothetical drill in which the clock had only one second remaining, Simms hit Daniel Graham for a touchdown. Still, Dumervil tried to plead his case to head coach Josh McDaniels that he sacked Simms prior to the pass.

The touchdown stood.

On special teams, kicker Matt Prater hit eight field goals on eight attempts.

At the end of practice, the Broncos had a little bit of fun with punt returns. 

Nose tackle Chris Baker fielded a punt that saved the defense from extra meetings, and fellow undrafted rookie Nate Swift, a wide receiver, caught a punt while already holding onto three balls he had previously fielded.

This is the time of year for NFL fans to be optimistic, and the Denver Broncos appear to be giving their fans reason to be giddy.

Practice info courtesy of the Denver Broncos’ official website.

 

Ten Reasons The Denver Broncos Should Sign Michael Vick

It has been two seasons since the National Football League and its fans have seen the greatest athlete to play the game since Bo Jackson.

Two seasons is much too long of a drought.

While he is still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons, many are already speculating as to which teams make logical sense for the beleaguered quarterback. Teams like Pittsburgh, New England, and Miami have been mentioned as possible destinations due to their elite level of management and history of dealing with personalities like Vick.

One franchise that has yet to be mentioned in the competition for Vick’s services is the Denver Broncos, who in case you have not heard, traded their Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears over a month ago.

Throughout the off-season I have been a huge supporter of Denver quarterback Kyle Orton. I firmly believe that Orton can run Denver’s offense sucessfully with all of the great weapons around him.

There is always a chance that Orton could flop or get injured however, and Denver’s backup plans are nothing to write home about.

Chris Simms has not started a game since rupturing his spleen, and rookie Tom Brandstater will not be ready to start for two or three years.

Does Michael Vick make sense for the Broncos? Can rookie head coach Josh McDaniels handle him? Here are some reasons why Vick in Denver does make sense, and why it would not make sense.

1.  Kyle Orton

As I stated before I have been, and will continue to be, a supporter of Kyle Orton. He has  experience in the spread offense in college where he became one of the nation’s top passers, and could really benefit from the excellent receivers, running backs, and offensive line that Denver has to offer.

Still, there is always a chance that Orton could flop or get injured. There is no guarantee that he will make a smooth transition to Denver, and the Broncos do not have a very stable option otherwise.

Chris Simms has not played in a regular season game for a long time, and Tom Brandstater is a big project at this position. Signing Vick as a backup would be an excellent option for the Broncos.

2.  Marketing

Prior to his dog-fighting incident there was not a more marketable player in the NFL.  Michael Vick would sell jerseys, tickets, and merchandise for Denver. In this dire economy, no team can pass that opportunity up.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning Vick’s past. What he did was downright putrid, but the man has paid his debt to society and the NFL. 

Even if the Broncos do not end up signing Vick, whatever team does go after him is going to sell out every single game next season. Vick is like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant in the sense that no matter where he ends up people always want to watch him play.  He is captivating on the field, and can make the impossible seem possible.

3.  Athleticism

Does anything even need to be said? Michael Vick is the second best athlete to have ever played professional football. He has one of the strongest arms I have ever seen, and he is also one of the fastest players I have ever seen.

Granted, he is probably a little rusty from his time in prison, but what do you think he has been doing since he got there? I would be willing to wager he has done nothing but work out and become a physical marvel.

4.  Risk/Reward

After two seasons out of the league and his background of off-field issues, how expensive is Michael Vick really going to be? Any team that signs him is going to get a great football player for a very, very reasonable price. 

5.  Versatility

Thanks to his excellent running ability, Vick could provide the Broncos with much more than a strong-armed quarterback. Even though he has had trouble fumbling the football (55 in his career), he could help Denver in kick returns, wide receiver, and maybe even running back.

6.  Tony Dungy

One of the most well respected and well known coaches in the National Football League thinks Vick has a chance to make a comeback in the league. If there is any opinion that an NFL fan or coach should hold in high regard, it is that of Dungy.

7.  Josh McDaniels

While Vick is probably a better fit for the “wildcat” offense, Josh McDaniels has a great track record of developing quarterbacks. Vick would benefit greatly from his tutelage.

8.  No Bull Allowed

McDaniels is running a really tight ship in Denver. If at any point he decided that Vick was a distraction or affecting the team in a negative way, his butt would be out of Denver faster than Maurice Clarett.

9.  Changed Man

Say what you want, but the time he has spent in jail has to have changed Vick for the better. I do not claim to know this man as a person, and given the circumstances, none of us really have any reason to believe he has changed his ways. 

I feel that being in jail for a year and a half, losing nearly $20 million, losing every endorsement, and being away from the game you love has to be a humbling experience.

Vick is now 28 years old, and likely has matured. Think Randy Moss.

10.  Vick has something to prove

Michael Vick knows he owes his life to the NFL. If the Denver Broncos are willing to give him a shot, I have no doubts he will give that team his everything, and do anything to help them win football games.

Can Mike Nolan and D.J. Williams Restore the Orange Crush in Denver?

When thinking of the most consistent defensive units over the last four or five years, teams that come to mind are the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and the Shawne Merriman-led San Diego Chargers. 

What do all of these teams have in common?

If you have not guessed by now, it is that all of these teams use a 3-4 defensive scheme, which is clearly one of the most effective ways to run a defense in today’s NFL.

When the Denver Broncos hired Josh McDaniels, he immediately sought after defensive guru and 3-4 specialist Mike Nolan to run his defense.

This is important because “back in the day”, when Denver’s defense was considered dominant, the Orange Crush was known for its impenetrable 3-4 scheme.

Can the Broncos make a smooth transformation to this particular style of defense?

While one could argue that the cardinal rule for starting a 3-4 defense is to have a stud nose tackle to clog two or three blockers in the middle, I would contend that the most important factor in building this type of defense is the middle linebacker.

For that, the Broncos have one of the best in the business in D.J. Williams, who could be the biggest benefactor of the new transition.

As fellow Broncos writer Punkus pointed out in his article, Williams has already done quite a bit of moving around in his career thus far, playing all three linebacker positions in Denver’s 4-3 scheme and now middle linebacker in the 3-4. 

Williams, like the Ray Lewis of old, Patrick Willis, or Tedy Bruschi, is a player Denver can build its young defense around for years to come.

As for the present?

With their second first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Robert Ayers, a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker out of Tennessee. 

While Ayers never had one really standout season at Tennessee statistically, scouts say he is playing the best ball of his football career, and could continue to escalate into his professional career. He is a very good run-stuffer, which is something the Broncos desperately need.

As for the other outside linebacker spot, the Broncos hope that fourth year player Elvis Dumervil can have a James Harrison-type of impact as a pass rusher.

Dumervil has led the Broncos in sacks each of the past three seasons, and could flourish as a rush linebacker at the next level. 

One of the main things coach McDaniels has carried over from his days in New England is placing great value on high character and leadership from his players. 

To fill a leadership role at linebacker in Denver, he brought in longtime Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Andra Davis.

Over the last seven years, Davis has averaged 103 tackles per season, and was a team captain for Cleveland. He gives the Broncos a much needed vocal leader that they have not had since Al Wilson left the team.

In addition to bolstering their group of linebackers, the Broncos spent a lot of time and money revamping a secondary that needed a major face lift.

All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey will return fully healthy this season, and the Broncos added breakout veteran Andre’ Goodman to start alongside him.

Goodman led the resurgent Miami Dolphins last season with five interceptions.

In addition to Goodman, the Broncos spent a first round pick in 2010 on Wake Forest All-American Alphonso Smith, one of the most dominant collegiate cornerbacks over the last four seasons.

Think the price was too steep? The Broncos gave Seattle their first round pick in next year’s draft in exchange for the 37th overall pick in 2009, and many Denver fans were irate with the decision. 

However, it was very necessary given Denver’s inability to create turnovers in 2008, which is something Alphonso Smith did very often in his time at Wake Forest.

At the safety position, Denver significantly upgraded its awful 2008 group by signing future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins and veteran Renaldo Hill.

Neither player is quite in the form they once were, but they are solid veterans with great leadership qualities. Most importantly, both are very good tacklers.

For passing situations, the Broncos drafted safeties Darcel McBath (second round) and David Bruton (fourth round). 

McBath had seven interceptions in 2008, and was named All Big 12 first team.  Bruton was known for his special teams play at Notre Dame, but has great speed and ideal size, and could compete for playing time. 

He will compete with second year player Josh Barrett, who has a very similar skill set and compares favorably in size and speed.

As far as the big men up front, the Broncos do not have anybody who is going to make opposing offensive linemen cringe, but they do have a young group of guys who want to come in and compete.

Third year player Marcus Thomas will be the anchor of this line, which will feature two new starters for 2009. 

The likely candidates to start alongside Thomas up front are Kenny Peterson and undrafted rookie Chris Baker out of Hampton.

It seems as though the days of classic defenses in this league are over due to the salary cap and disloyalty to respective teams.

However, due to their humble, competitive nature, this group of Broncos defenders could come out in 2009 with “chips” on their shoulders.

Maybe, just maybe, the new defensive scheme in Denver can bring back the old shade of orange.

 

Meet Eddie Royal: The Consummate Professional

It is a shame that the National Football league is known better for its “bad boys” than its “good guys.” Oftentimes, the rare player who goes about his business like a professional and backs it up on the gridiron with toughness, heart, and determination goes unnoticed.

For Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal, being the consummate professional is what he was raised to do. Royal is the youngest of seven children who were all raised by Pearl Royal, a single mother.

While it was tough for Pearl to raise these seven children all by herself, she never lost track of what was important in life. Her family consistently attended church, and she made every effort possible to avoid conflict. Still, it was noticeable that she was struggling to keep the family properly nourished.

Eddie states that he is “still amazed at how she provided dinner for us every single night.” 

Royal was always soft-spoken and rarely ever got into trouble. However, he struggled to earn good grades in high school.

According to an article written in the Rocky Mountain News, Royal was motivated to do well the final two years of high school due to the similar experience of his brother Chris, whose grades prevented him from a football career at Marshall University.

He soon found out that if he would just put a little more time into his studies, he could earn a scholarship to college to play football.

“I saw struggle and lived it, and I didn’t want to go through that. I didn’t want my family to go through that,” Royal said. “It kind of molded me into a hard worker.”

Lee Rasizer, formerly of the Rocky Mountain News, sums up Royal very well:

“Royal has a tendency to treat opponents the way he has chased his goals—sidestepping or taking them head-on, but ultimately getting to where he wanted to be.”

While the speedy receiver has always been considered undersized, he more than makes up for it with his heart and determination, as cliché as it may sound.

As if going through a rough childhood wasn’t humbling enough, Royal has also experienced other venues of turmoil. 

He attended high school with former Virginia Tech schoolmates who were killed in the tragic shooting in April of 2007, and his sister Christina is serving in Iraq.

He used all of that as determination on the football field, setting numerous ACC and Virginia Tech records as a wide receiver and return specialist. His play for the Hokies earned him a trip to the Under Armour Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where he “wowed” scouts with his great hands and route-running skills.

Royal then continued his strong offseason with an eye-opening performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he led all wide receivers with 24 bench press reps at 225 pounds apiece.

His offseason was so impressive that former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan chose him in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Initially, Royal was projected to be primarily a return specialist and maybe a fourth receiver for the Broncos.

Quickly, he erased those expectations and created some of his own.

Royal was so impressive in the offseason camps and workouts that he was promoted all the way to the No. 2 wide receiver spot, behind Brandon Marshall. 

There was not a pass this kid could not handle.

He continued his impressive showing all the way through training camp and the preseason, and Broncos fans were eager to see how he would fill in for the suspended Brandon Marshall on Monday Night Football on opening weekend.

Not only did he fill in, he also made then-Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall look silly.

Royal had nine receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos’ 41-14 victory, capping off the most impressive rookie wide receiver debut in Broncos history.

Still, the rookie receiver was not satisfied. 

He called his mother directly after the game, not wanting praise or helium for an ego balloon; he wanted to know what he did wrong.

“It’s hard to do everything the right way,” Royal said. “That’s what drives me.”

Royal went on to have arguably the most impressive rookie season for any Denver Broncos wide receiver in team history. He finished the year with 91 receptions for 946 yards, and he also led the team in punt return yards and kick return yards.

Also, he was the only player on the team to record a pass attempt, rush attempt, reception, kick return, and punt return. 

In his second year in the NFL, Royal can only hope to improve on what was a fantastic first season. It is unfortunate that his contributions to the league have gone largely unnoticed due to the fact that Royal did not change his last name to “Diecinueve” or throw popcorn in his face when he scored a touchdown.

If I were a betting man, I would say Royal would not have it any other way.

 

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Previewing the 2009 Denver Broncos: Can They Exceed Expectations?

In 2009, there has been no shortage of excitement for Denver Bronco fans.  A team that seemingly would be participating in the playoffs as the AFC West Championship took a turn for the worst with three games left to play in the 2008 campaign.

As many of you may know by now, the Broncos capped off the worst collapse perhaps in the history of the National Football League with a 52-21 loss to the division rival San Diego Chargers.

The historic demise of Denver resulted in the subsequent departure of the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL, Mike Shanahan.  It was an emotional time for Bronco fans all across the country, as well as for some of the players in the locker room.

None was more astounded or appalled by Shanahan’s firing than quarterback Jay Cutler, who agreed to remain calm as long as Jeremy Bates, the quarterbacks coach, was retained on the new head coach’s staff.

Shortly thereafter, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen hired one of the top head coaching prospects in the country: Josh McDaniels.  McDaniels was best known prior to coming to Denver for his superb ability to develop quarterbacks, as well as to orchestrate potent offensive attacks. 

Since McDaniels’ specialty was with the quarterbacks, Cutler’s wish for the Broncos to retain Bates was not granted, and more harsh words were hashed out by the disgruntled quarterback.

Still, Broncos fans were optimistic that Cutler could settle down and mesh well with McDaniels.  Since McDaniels is an expert on quarterbacks, and Cutler is a rising star at the position, Broncos fans expected it to be a match made in heaven, and one that would vault the Denver offense to a level none had ever seen before.

McDaniels quickly found himself to be a celebrity in the Mile High City, and when the free-agent signing period commenced, he was being regarded as the savior of this underachieving football team. 

Within the first three days of the free-agent frenzy, McDaniels had signed three new projected defensive starters, including former Philadelphia Eagle and future Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins.

Denver fans were ecstatic, but on that same weekend, the impossible became a terrible reality. Reports from Adam Schefter’s blog on NFL.com indicated that the Broncos were approached by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots about a trade that would have sent Denver’s Pro Bowl quarterback to the Buccaneers, and former McDaniels protege Matt Cassel to the Broncos. 

Cutler caught wind of the proposed trade, and became irate.  In fact, he was so irate, that he ended up demanding a trade out of Denver.

Nobody quite knows who was to be blamed for the Cutler situation, which was dubbed “McJaygate”, but it can be reasonably assumed that both parties had something to do with the downfall of Cutler in Denver.

The disgruntled quarterback was sent to the Chicago Bears in exchange for quarterback Kyle Orton and a slew of draft picks so that the Broncos could begin to re-build their awful defense.

With the loss of Cutler, the media immediately has thrown Denver out of any discussion for playoff contention, and unfairly so.  Cutler was 17-20 as the starter for his now former tean, and despite the fact that he had no support from his defense, Cutler often kept them on the field by turning the ball over.

In his tenure with the Broncos, which spanned 37 games, the gunslinger turned the ball over a total of 45 times. This is not to downgrade Cutler as an athlete or as a playmaker, but his strong arm put the Broncos in the loss column just as often as they were in the winner’s circle.

With the departure of Cutler, many “experts” seem to have forgotten that the Denver Broncos have significantly improved their team otherwise, hiring defensive guru Mike Nolan to run a defense that will now feature the likes of Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Andre Goodman, Robert Ayers, Andra Davis, Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, and Darrell Reid among others.

Undoubtedly, Josh McDaniels has inserted a group of players that use their intelligence to their advantage on the field, along with many great athletes with superb leadership qualities.

With all of the changes in the front office and on the field, is the loss of Jay Cutler really going to set the Broncos back as much as many believe that it will?  Can the Broncos exceed the expectation of the media?

 

Offense

Quarterback

Cutler is gone, and many close to the team along with the fan base feel that Kyle Orton will replace him. Say what you will about Orton, but he was a big winner from the Cutler trade. Orton inherits an offense that features a stellar group of skill players, and an offensive line that could rival any in the National Football League.

The arrival of Orton instantly makes the Denver Broncos more red-zone friendly, and should improve the league’s 16th ranked scoring offense from 2008. Last season, the Broncos ranked second in the NFL in yards per game, but their minus-17 turnover ratio paralyzed their ability to put teams away. 

With Orton at the helm, I fully expect the Broncos to be a more efficient offense that takes advantage of every opportunity, rather than trying to create opportunities of their own. If he can minimize turnovers and put the ball in the end zone, Denver’s offense will flourish.

As insurance, McDaniels brought in Chris Simms, the veteran southpaw formerly of the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Simms is expected to compete with Orton for the starting job, but likely will be edged out due to the fact that he has not started a game in roughly two years.

With McDaniels at the helm, it was widely expected that Denver would bring in a young quarterback via the NFL Draft to be groomed similar to Tom Brady and Matt Cassel were for the New England Patriots.

To fill that role, the Broncos traded up in the sixth round to select former Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater. Thanks to McDaniels’ reputation for offensive prowess, particularly in developing quarterbacks, Broncos fans are excited about the future of Brandstater, who has a strong arm, is extremely smart, and is a great leader on the field.

 

Running Back

A position that saw nine different faces for the Broncos in 2008 will have a much clearer identity for 2009.  Denver revamped this position in the off-season, bringing in five new backs in all.

With their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Denver selected former Georgia superstar running back Knowshon Moreno.  Moreno is fully expected to come in and start for the Broncos, and he has all of the tools to be a great NFL running back. 

Since Bobby Turner was retained on the coaching staff, the Broncos figure to continue to implement some form of their zone-running scheme into Josh McDaniels’ offensive plans. 

Moreno is the quintessential “one cut and go” running back that Turner has made so successful over the past decade plus.  Not only is he a physical runner, but Moreno is a willing blocker, and a very capable receiver. 

Along with the new face of Moreno will come three other running backs with a winning mentality.  Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and J.J. Arrington were all signed as unrestricted free agents earlier this offseason.

Buckhalter has been injury prone throughout his career, but last year he proved why he is so valuable as a backup in this league.  He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and maybe the most intriguing stat is that Buckhalter has only one fumble in the last three seasons combined, none from 2007-2008.

Jordan is a power back who will likely be used in goal-line situations, but like Moreno and Buckhalter he has great hands for a running back.  He has a nose for the end-zone.

Arrington will likely be used as a receiving specialist, as well as a return man if needed.  He was a big part of Arizona’s Super Bowl run, and he figures to have a similar impact for Denver in 2009.

Last year’s fifth-round selection, Ryan Torain, was the only natural running back retained from Mike Shanahan’s staff.  At one point, he was compared to Terrell Davis by Mike Shanahan, and in the one game he started against Cleveland gave Broncos fans a bit of a tease of the talent he possesses. 

However, he is made of glass, so to speak, and will have to have a fully healthy training camp and preseason if he wants any shot at making the final roster.

The Broncos also signed third-year player Darius Walker, formerly of the Houston Texans. Walker has a similar repertoire to that of Kevin Faulk from the New England Patriots, and he will compete for a roster spot.  His signing indicates to me that the team is not convinced that Ryan Torain and J.J. Arrington’s injuries are progressing as planned.

 

Fullback

Peyton Hillis will be in serious contention for the title of the league’s top fullback/h-back this season. In the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos used the pick acquired in the Jake Plummer trade to select the former Arkansas Razorback, and it paid huge dividends.

A freak hamstring injury de-railed a promising rookie season for Hillis, who was really coming into his own as a running back late last season due to a slew of injuries to other Denver backs.  The “Rumblin’ Redneck”, as he has become affectionately known among Denver fans, is a superb receiver, an accomplished runner, and an effective blocker. 

Hillis will be backed up by fellow 2008 draftee Spencer Larsen, a converted middle linebacker who became the first NFL player ever to start a game on kick coverage, offense, and defense.  Larsen’s versatility and toughness very valuable to this team.

 

Wide Receiver

The Broncos’ best group of skill position players is led by Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, who has taken the NFL by storm over the last couple of years.  The former fourth round pick out of Central Florida is one of only two receivers in the NFL (Wes Welker) to amass over 100 catches over the last two seasons. 

At 6’4″ 230 pounds, Marshall is a constant mismatch for defenders, and provides Kyle Orton with a consistent deep threat as well as possession receiver.  In 2008, he played through a hand injury resulting in a large quantity of dropped passes, and will look to rectify that phase of his game in 2009.

It is unknown whether the star receiver will be penalized by the NFL for his latest arrest, but many feel the punishment will not be severe as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell did not issue a suspension prior to the draft.  Either way, Marshall needs to get his act together and perform like a professional both on and off the field.

Alongside Marshall will be second year pro Eddie Royal, who had an astounding rookie campaign.  Royal led the Broncos in total yardage, and proved to be a very valuable commodity in the return game.  The speedy possession receiver out of Virginia Tech enters his second season with lofty expectations. 

Some observers have compared Royal’s game to that of Wes Welker, who was very prosperous as a slot receiver in Josh McDaniels’ system with New England.  If Royal can stay healthy, he should have his first 100-catch season.

While Royal and Marshall continue to develop as young stars in this league, they will benefit greatly from the tutelage of two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Stokley.  Stokley has been one of the NFL’s better and more consistent slot receivers over the last decade, and should flourish in a pass-heavy offensive scheme. 

He will be a safety valve on third down plays for Kyle Orton.  Stokley has great quickness, reliable hands, and he runs sharp routes.

To add reliable veteran depth, the Broncos signed free agent wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, formerly of the Patriots.  Gaffney was extremely effective as a red-zone target in his days with New England, and the Broncos will count on him to play a similar role in their offense which will feature many four wide receiver sets.

In the fifth round of the 2009 draft, the Broncos selected South Carolina wide receiver Kenny McKinley.  McKinley has great speed, hands, and a great football IQ.  He runs good routes, and he knows his role on the team.  Initially, McKinley will be a special teams player and a situational receiver, but he provides the team with excellent depth.

One of the more intriguing players on Denver’s roster is former Patriot Chad Jackson, who was signed last season to be an injury replacement.  Jackson had trouble with injuries in New England, but there is no doubt he has talent.  He will compete for the sixth and likely final receiver spot on Denver’s 53-man roster.

 

Tight End

Daniel Graham is quietly one of the best tight ends in the NFL today.  He is an offensive captain who has been regarded by some as an extra offensive tackle in the run game, although he is a huge asset to the passing game as well.  It took him a while to acclimate to Denver, but he finally found a niche in 2008, his first year as a captain. 

Graham is a tough player who is willing and able to do anything to help this team win.  He has had some troubles in the past with dropped passes, and that is really his only weakness at times.

To form arguably the top tight end duo in the league, the Broncos have a mismatch waiting to happen in Tony Scheffler.  Scheffler was the subject of many trade rumors this offseason, due to the fact that he has only one year left on his rookie contract, as well as the brutal truth that as good as he is, he has never played a full season due to injury. 

When healthy, Scheffler, at 6’5″ 260 pounds, is a huge mismatch for any defender.  He has great speed and great one-on-one ability, and is basically a wide receiver in a tight end’s body.

In addition to Graham and Scheffler, the Broncos have high hopes for second round pick Richard Quinn, whose selection really surprised many Denver fans.  Like Graham, Quinn is a blocking specialist, but scouts were really impressed with his receiving skills during the off-season workouts, and he could be a red-zone threat for Denver.

It is no guarantee he will make the roster, but the Broncos also have veteran Jeb Putzier.  Putzier is in the second year of his second stint with the Broncos, and with the three tight ends mentioned above him, he will have to make a significant impact on special teams in order to make the final squad.

Another intriguing fullback/h-back/tight end prospect that the Broncos are going to take a look at is undrafted college free agent Marquez Branson out of Central Arkansas.  Like Scheffler, Branson is a receiving specialist, and he has a nose for the end-zone. 

He would likely start the season on the practice squad unless there are a barrage of injuries, or he could be kept on the team as a fullback.

 

Offensive Line

While the Broncos may have only ranked 16th in scoring, it was no fault of their astounding offensive line.  Led by second team All-Pro and rookie left tackle Ryan Clady, the Broncos’ offensive line anchored an offense that ranked second in total yards, third in passing yards, 12th in rushing yards, and allowed a mere 11 sacks on 620 attempts.

Clady, the first year man out of Boise State, allowed only half a sack while protecting Jay Cutler’s blind side, and many feel he was snubbed of a Pro Bowl appearance.  Still, Clady’s snub of the Pro Bowl was justified by the fact that he was the one and only rookie in the NFL last year to be included on either All-Pro team. 

Backing up Clady will be fellow 2008 rookie Tyler Polumbus, who was impressive enough in camp last season to earn a roster spot. 

At left guard, the Broncos feature the effective, but oft-injured Ben Hamilton.  Hamilton is fairly undersized, but he uses his quickness to his advantage and is a better run blocker than he is in pass protection. 

Hamilton may have the starting left guard spot locked up for now, but the Broncos looked for his future replacement in last month’s NFL Draft in former Iowa offensive lineman Seth Olsen.  Olsen has been one of the top linemen in the country over the last four years, and his versatility appealed to the Broncos.  He should step in very nicely at left guard when called upon.

Last offseason, Denver was able to snag Casey Wiegmann out of the free agent pool very late in the process, and his initial intention was to provide insurance for Tom Nalen.  Nalen went down with an injury very early in the offseason, and Wiegmann filled in very nicely. 

The veteran center was selected as a Pro Bowl replacement in 2008, and put together one of the best year’s of his impressive career.

Still, Wiegmann not going to be around much longer, and the Broncos have a couple of replacements waiting in the wings.  2008 fourth round pick Kory Lichtensteiger played quite a bit as a rookie, but not as a center. 

The Broncos brought him in as a goal-line tight end, and he was very effective in that role.  His versatility gives the Broncos an injury replacement at either guard position, or center.

One of the more intriguing young players up front is 2009 seventh round pick Blake Schlueter, who is also extremely athletic.  Schlueter caught the eyes of scouts when he ran a 40-yard dash in under 4.80 seconds at his pro day at TCU.

Starting at right guard for the Broncos will be fourth year veteran guard Chris Kuper, who really came into his own in 2008.  Kuper was regarded by some experts as a Pro Bowl player last year, and he will only improve for 2009. 

The former North Dakota State star is quietly one of the better offensive linemen on the team, and will continue to take care of business up front.

Behind Kuper will be second year player Mitch Erickson, and undrafted player in 2008 out of South Dakota State.

Much like fellow first-year starter Ryan Clady, right tackle Ryan Harris had a dominant season in 2008.  He allowed only 2.5 sacks last season, and showed great athleticism.  Entering his third season in the league, Harris pairs with Clady to form one of the top offensive tackle tandems in the entire NFL.

As a means of insurance, the Broncos signed veteran offensive lineman Brandon Gorin from the St. Louis Rams.  Gorin can play either tackle position, and could fill in at guard if need be.

 

Defense

Defensive End

While the Broncos transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme, the biggest areas with question marks are up front on defense.  In fact, it is extremely wide open right now as to who will even start on the defensive line for Denver in 2009. 

I believe one starting spot at defensive end will be taken by third year pro Marcus Thomas.  Of the three defensive linemen Denver selected in 2007, Thomas has proven to be the best of the bunch even though he was the last one picked. 

The former Florida Gator is extremely athletic, but he needs to improve his run defense.  There is talk that he could move into the nose tackle position if he adds weight.

During the team’s most recent minicamp, the other defensive end running with the first team was Ryan McBean, a free-agent acquisition who was a fourth round draft pick of Pittsburgh in 2007.  McBean is the ideal size for a defensive end in the 3-4, but he has only started one game in his career.

Another candidate to start at one of the defensive end positions is Kenny Peterson, the only defensive free agent retained from last year’s group of players.  Peterson’s specialty is stopping the run, and he is a good veteran presence up front for the Broncos.

Denver fans are also really excited to see how Carlton Powell will do in his first year of playing after sitting out 2008 on the PUP list.  Powell’s specialty is stopping the run, and he seems like an ideal fit for the nose tackle position, but he would need to add weight to play there.

The Broncos also signed two undrafted college free agents to try out as five-technique defensive linemen in Rulon Davis of California, and Everette Pedescleaux of Northern Iowa. 

Also trying out for the defensive end spots will be Mathias Askew and Nic Clemons.

 

Nose Tackle

This position is definitely Denver’s weakest on paper, and more will only become clear as the Broncos get on the practice field more often.  For now, the nose tackle on Denver’s roster with the most experience is free agent acquisition Ronald Fields.

Fields comes to Denver from San Francisco, and will provide the Broncos with a capable run-stuffing nose tackle who can take up blockers.  He is not an elite talent like Shaun Rogers or Vince Wilfork, but he gets the job done.

Denver also added J’Vonne Parker as a free agent, and undrafted college free agent Chris Baker of Hampton.  Baker has great upside and should win a roster spot due to his athleticism, but off-field issues caused him to go undrafted and the Broncos feel that they have found a diamond in the rough.

 

Rush Linebacker

Former defensive end Elvis Dumervil figures to make the transition to rush linebacker in 2009, and many, including himself, expect him to succeed.  At the Broncos’ first mini-camp, Dumervil predicted a 16-sack season.  Such a number is not out of the question, and Dumervil has been the Broncos’ top pass rusher over the last three years.

While Dumervil specializes in pass rushing, the Broncos added a rush linebacker in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft who has a little bit more of a complete repertoire in Robert Ayers.  I was initially skeptical of the Ayers selection, as he only had one really great season at the collegiate level, but his ceiling has no limits. 

Ayers has the versatility and strength to also play the five-technique up front if need be, and you can be sure to see him on the field very often in 2009.

Additionally, the Broncos signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Darrell Reid, who is known best for his production on special teams.  Reid is expected to have his biggest impact on kicks and punts, but he is also athletic enough to play rush linebacker in the 3-4 defensive scheme.

An interesting situation to pay close attention to over the course of the next couple of months will be that of 2007 first day picks Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder.  Moss has yet to play a full season in the NFL, and did not fit well in the 4-3 scheme.

He will be given one last chance to make an impact on this team as a linebacker, but the team will have a low level of patience with him.

Crowder had an impressive rookie season, but was battling a nagging injury in 2008 and rarely saw the field.  He will have to prove himself in camp as well if he wants to make the team.

Denver also signed undrafted rookie free agent Jeff Schweiger from San Jose State, who was once regarded as the top football prospect in the nation.  Schweiger has great athleticism, but never lived up to the hype surrounding him.

 

Inside Linebacker

The Broncos’ middle linebackers will be headlined by D.J. Williams, who has put together a very impressive career so far in his time with Denver.  He signed a five year, $30 million contract on the eve of the 2008 season, and continued to show why he is one of the best defenders in the NFL.

Williams was a team captain for the Broncos last season, but he leads more by example than vocally.  He will benefit greatly from the arrival of former Cleveland Browns linebacker Andra Davis, who will man the other middle linebacker position.

Since 2003, Davis has averaged 103 tackles per season.  He is also a great vocal leader on the field, and could bring back some of the intensity that Al Wilson left when he was released from Denver back in 2007.

As it was mentioned in the fullback segment, the Broncos also feature the versatile Spencer Larsen at middle linebacker.  He does not have great speed, but he knows where he is supposed to be at all times, and he makes the opposition pay for crossing his path.  He is a YouTube legend, so to speak.

To add depth to this position, the Broncos signed veteran Nick Griesen.  Griesen has great experience in the 3-4 defense, and has spent time in the league with the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens.

Outside Linebacker

This is definitely one of the more intriguing spots on Denver’s defense.  It seems as though Josh McDaniels is building this team to fit some 3-4 defensive players, as well as some 4-3 players. 

Despite the fact that Denver has added numerous hybrid rush linebackers, they still have a slew of natural 4-3 outside linebackers that will be valuable in coverage.

Boss Bailey started last season at outside linebacker, and actually played very well prior to his season-ending injury.  Bailey is a very talented player, but it is very rare for him to play a full season and have a huge impact on a defense.

One of Denver’s many 2008 rookie standouts, undrafted Wesley Woodyard, will most definitely find a spot on the 2009 roster.  Woodyard got his first action on special teams, and when D.J. Williams went down with an injury, he filled in very well at outside linebacker.

This year, the Broncos feel they have found another gem in undrafted college free agent Lee Robinson of Alcorn State.  Robinson has ideal size and speed for the NFL, but scouts feel he was not dominant enough against lower level college competition. 

Louis Green and Mario Haggan will also compete for roster spots.

 

Cornerback

When he was injured against the Patriots in the middle of the 2008 season, Champ Bailey was playing some of the best ball of his career.  Teams were avoiding even throwing the ball to his side of the field, causing Dre’ Bly to be overexposed and quite frankly overworked. 

However, due to the fact that he was injured for a good portion of the 2008 season, Bailey’s title as the NFL’s best cornerback has been passed on to Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders.  Bailey will be out to redeem his title as the best corner in the league in 2009.

Opposite Bailey, the Broncos signed former Miami Dolphins cornerback Andre’ Goodman, who signed a four year deal this offseason.  In 2008, Goodman led the Dolphins with five interceptions, and is in the prime of his career.  He will definitely see a lot of action with the Broncos playing on the other side of a future Hall of Famer.

The Broncos made a bold move in this year’s draft by trading away their first round pick in 2010 to select Alphonso Smith with the 37th overall pick.  Smith has been one of the best cornerbacks in college football over the last four years, garnering All-American honors three out of four years at Wake Forest. 

With Denver, Smith will step in right away as the nickel cornerback and eventually as a starter.

The Broncos obtained a similar style of cornerback in the fourth round of last year’s draft in Jack Williams, who got off to a blazing start to his career.  In the preseason, he had an interception returned for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, and another that would have went the distance had he not been tripped up against the Dallas Cowboys. 

Still, he struggled in the regular season, and lost a lot of playing time.  He was replaced on the depth chart by undrafted rookie free agent Josh Bell, who was claimed early in the season from the San Diego Chargers.  Bell filled in well for Champ Bailey when he was injured, but he is still very raw and needs more time to develop.

 

Free Safety

In 2008, the Broncos had undoubtedly the worst duo of safeties in the NFL in Marquand Manuel and Calvin Lowery, and Josh McDaniels made it a priority to upgrade this position for 2009. 

At free safety, the Broncos signed another former Miami Dolphin in Renaldo Hill, who is a great tackler.  Hill, like fellow signee Andre’ Goodman, is playing the best football of his career.  He will be pushed in training camp by a couple of youngsters looking to make their mark on the league as well.

2008 seventh round pick Josh Barrett played very well after being called up from the practice squad last season, and will find a niche on special teams and third downs.  He has ideal size and excellent speed.

Barrett will be pushed for playing time by second round pick Darcel McBath, who was a first team All-American in 2008.  McBath has excellent ball skills, and will try and resurrect a defense that has not been able to consistently force turnovers.

 

Strong Safety

Brian Dawkins is one of the best safeties to have ever played the game.  He signed a big five-year deal with the Broncos on the opening weekend of free agency, and “Weapon X” figures to be a fit for opposing offenses for the Broncos this season.

Dawkins is instinctive, aggressive, and is effective against both the run and pass.  He may not have the speed he once did, but he knows where he has to be at all times, and is rarely out of place.  He is a great spiritual leader on the field, and he will help develop some of the young players Denver features in their secondary.

The Broncos retained veteran safety Vernon Fox who had one of the few exciting defensive plays of 2008 when he returned a fumble for a touchdown against the Jets.  Fox will have to make a splash on special teams if he is to make the final roster.

In the draft, the Broncos added Notre Dame safety David Bruton, who has a similar style of play to Josh Barrett.  Bruton is a gunner on special teams, and his excellent speed make him the perfect fit for that role in the short term.  He will benefit greatly from the tutelage of Brian Dawkins.

 

Special Teams

Kicker

Matt Prater has one of the strongest legs in the NFL, but he was unable to maintain his accuracy late last season.  As the year wore on, Prater’s leg became more and more fatigued, and that is largely the reason why he fizzled so late, and part of the reason his confidence was shaken.  His production will be key for the Broncos this season.

Punter

Rookie Brett Kern had an outstanding freshman campaign, and should continue to improve this offseason.  He is not a power punter, but his accuracy and hangtime were extremely effective for the Broncos last year, although Denver did not punt very often. 

 

Long Snapper

In a surprising move, the Broncos released long time long snapper Mike Leach, and replaced him with former New England Patriot Lonie Paxton.

It is unknown why McDaniels made this move, but Leach was well-liked in the locker room, and his release did not sit well with some of the players.  Still, Paxton is a good player, and he will fit in well with the Broncos.

 

2009 Premature Prediction

The loss of Jay Cutler was devastating to Bronco fans across the world, but people like Jamie Dukes and Todd McShay are writing the Broncos off way too soon.  Losing Cutler does not negate the fact that Denver has great skill players, a great offensive line, and a revamped defense. 

 

2009 Predicted finish:  10-6, second place AFC West, fifth seed in AFC

This article was also published at NFLTouchdown.com and BroncosBanter.com

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