Denver Broncos (7-9)
Expectations were high for 2007, but the Broncos were just another team that failed to live up to them.
- After the addition of running back Travis Henry, experts predicted the Denver Broncos to be a sleeper team go for into the post season. Why not though? They appeared to have all the young guns on offense to go with a play making defense. They had few flaws, and would go as far as Jay Cutler's arm took them.
The season would start off in miracle fasion. Down 14-12 with only 11 seconds remaining, the Broncos field goal unit rushed onto the field, only to get the snap off with one second left and win the game. The Broncos would once again win in ugly fasion in a week two game against the Raiders. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski was lineing up for the game tieing field goal, and it would appear so as he kicked it threw the upright. However, what they didn't realize is Broncos coach Mike Shanahan called a timeout, and they would have to rekick it. This time would be different. The kick would go wide, and this would make Denver 2-0.
Good times wouldn't last. The Broncos would only win five more games, and miss the playoffs with a 7-9 record. A lot can be contributed to the horrible defensive play. The Front seven was a huge let down, and something must be done going into 2008. Expectations won't be nearly as high, but next season will have the same goal. The Denver Broncos success will be determined by Jay Cutler. If he plays like last year, they're in for another average season.
TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008
1.) Defensive Tackle:
- The Broncos defensive line was beyond horrible last season. They may have a ton of average ends, but the defensive tackle spot needs a lot of help.
2.) Offensive Tackle:
- Matt Lepsis retiring has left a huge on at the left tackle spot. If your whole season rides on one players success, you may want to protect him. Ryan Clady was recently drafted in the first round.
3.) Linebacker (Middle of Outside):
- D.J Williams was a huge disappointment at middle linebacker, and sadly he is the best they have. Niko Koutovides was signed, but he is more of a special teamer.
2008 Offseason Moves:
Notable additions: WR Darrell Jackson, WR Sammie Parker, C Casey Weigmann, S Marquand Manuel, OLB Boss Bailey, WR Keary Colbert, MLB Niko Koutovides
Notable resignings: FB Cecil Sapp, DE Ebenezer Ekuban, TE Nate Jackson
Notable releases: WR Javon Walker, OLB Ian Gold
Notable departures: G Chris Myers, K Jason Elam, SS Nick Ferguson
Grades:
Quarterbacks: B-
- Quarterback Jay Cutler preformed well in his second year with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but he could be way better. If he plays to full potential, the Broncos are dangerous.
Runningbacks: B
- Starter Travis Henry has been in trouble lately, but Selvin Young and Andre Hall are great backups. As always, Denver is solid at runningback.
Wide Receivers: C
- Brandon Marshall is too busy slipping on McDonalds bags to be a star in this league. Darrell Jackson, Brandon Stokely, and Keary Colbert add good depth, but none are good enough to fill the role as number two.
Offensive Line: C
- The retirement of Matt Lepsis has taken this unit a step back. They should be very average, and looked to be improved before the start of the season.
Tight End: B
- Tony Scheffler is a very underrated athlete (see his catch in Chicago game) and preforms well with quarterback Cutler. Daniel Graham also helps make them a one two punch.
Defensive line: D
- The Broncos defensive line really led to their downfall in 2008. Ebenezer Ekuban, Elvid Dumervil, and Jarvis Moss are average at the end, and the defensive tackle appears to be their number concern at the moment. Some improvement is needed.
Linebackers: D+
- The team tried to move D.J Williams to the middle, but that experement failed. They contributed to the Broncos front seven being horrible. Boss Bailey was added, but is that enough?
Defensive Backs: A
- We all know Champ Baily is an all pro at corner. Dre Bly and Domonique Foxworth are two other solid corners. John Lynch still appears to be getting the job done at such an old age, and even with the release of Nick Ferguson, the Broncos still have Hamza Abdullah, and recently added Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree. However, how could this unit carry this team if their front seven is so bad?
Special Teams: C
- Matt Prater has a difficult job. Jason Elam has been very clutch for the Broncos for quite some time, and he will be missed. Glenn Martinez is an underrated kick returner, and Punter Sam Paulescu.
Coaching: B
- Mike Shanahan really must show Denver fans, and the NFL media for that matter, that he can take the Broncos to the Super Bowl without a quarterback not named John Elway.
Draft:
12. Ryan Clady- OT Boise State
42. Eddie Royal- WR Virginia Tech
108. Kory Lichtensteiger- OG Bowling Green
119. Jack Williams- CB Kent State
139. Ryan Torain- RB Arizona State
148. Carlton Powell- DT Virginia Tech
183. Spencer Larsen- OLB Arizona
220. Josh Barrett- S Arizona State
227. Peyton Hillis- FB Arkansas
2008 Schedule:
4:15 p.m.1 Sept. 8 (Mon.) at Oakland Raiders 10:15 p.m. 2 Sept. 14 San Diego Chargers 4:15 p.m. 3 Sept. 21 New Orleans Saints 4:05 p.m. 4 Sept. 28 At Kansas City 1 p.m. 5 Oct. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4:05 p.m. 6 Oct. 12 Jacksonville Jaguars 4:05 p.m. 7 Oct. 20 (Mon.) at New England Patriots 8:30 p.m. 8 Oct. 26 Bye 9 Nov. 2 Miami Dolphins 4:05 p.m. 10 Nov. 6 (Thurs.) at Cleveland Browns 8:15 p.m. 11 Nov. 16 at Atlanta Falcons 1 p.m. 12 Nov. 23 Oakland Raiders 4:05 p.m. 13 Nov. 30 at New York Jets 1 p.m. 14 Dec. 7 Kansas City Chiefs 4:05 p.m. 15 Dec. 14 at Carolina Panthers 1 p.m. 16 Dec. 21 Buffalo Bills 4:05 p.m. 17 Dec. 28 at San Diego Chargers
Prediction:
NFL football games are won in the trenches, and the Broncos are weak in both areas. Jay Cutler needs take this team on his back, but he won't be able to do so with a below average offensive line. Denver will again suffer on defense. It also doesn't help some of their stars may not be there longer (John Lynch and Dre Bly). Expect another 7-9 or 8-8 season in Mile High.
