Top Denver Broncos Position Battles for 2009 Offseason

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels has proclaimed that nobody on his team is guaranteed a starting job. Obviously, there are players like Ryan Clady, Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, and Brandon Marshall among others who are shoe-in’s for starting positions, but where are the key position battles for the Broncos in 2009?

 

1.  Quarterback

The messy divorce between the Broncos and former quarterback Jay Cutler has left Denver with two viable options at the position for 2009:  Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. 

Orton comes to Denver in the trade for Cutler with mixed expectations from fans and observers of the team.  Many NFL analysts feel the Broncos are much worse off without Cutler, that his superior athleticism and strong arm were the only things keeping the Broncos afloat.

Some feel that with an offensive line that allowed a league low one sack every 57 attempts and a slew of talented skill players that Orton will be able to succeed in Denver.  With the Bears, his top target was a rookie running back, and his offensive line was aging and past its prime.

Then there is Chris Simms, who has not started a game since his days in Tampa Bay.  The lefty seems to have a small outside shot to win the starting job, but if Josh McDaniels feels he gives the team the best chance to win, then he will get the nod opening day.

Still, the fact that he has not played in so long makes it seem likely that McDaniels will opt for the more experienced player in Orton.

In the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater.  Brandstater has all of the qualities McDaniels looks for in his developmental quarterback prospects, and figures to start a few years down the road if the opportunity arises. 

For now though, he will observe from the sidelines and in the film room.

Projected Starter:  Kyle Orton

 

2.  Nose Tackle

This position battle will not receive as much publicity as the quarterbacks, but it is arguably the most important on the team.

Many were surprised that the Broncos ignored this position in the draft, missing out on both prospects I initially had projected to go to them in picks that sandwiched Denver’s fourth round selection: Western Ontario’s Vaughn Martin and Stillman’s Sammie Lee Hill.

Still, as a college free agent, the Broncos were able to sign the third best nose tackle in the draft: Chris Baker of Hampton.

At 6’2″ 326, Baker is the ideal fit for a nose tackle in the 3-4 defensive scheme.  He has great athleticism, and if not for some off-field issues in college, he likely would have been a third to fourth round draft choice.  Many feel that the Broncos have found a gem with this kid. 

While Baker is raw and inexperienced at this level, the Broncos also brought in Ronald Fields from the San Francisco 49ers to compete for the job. Fields has been an adequate rotation man in his time with San Francisco, but nothing more.

If he wants to start for Denver, he will have to really show the coaching staff something in camp and in the preseason.

Along with Fields, the Broncos added J’Vonne Parker, a journeyman looking to find a niche with some NFL team. He will have to impress to even make the final roster, but since Denver is thin at the position he has a good shot.

It has been rumored that Denver’s defense looks more like a 2-5 than a 3-4, so it will be interesting to see if the Broncos decide to use a player like Carlton Powell or Marcus Thomas at the nose tackle position.

Powell is essentially a rookie, as he spent all of 2008 on the physically unable to perform list after being drafted in the fifth round out of Virginia Tech.  In college, he was known for his run-stuffing abilities. 

As a nose tackle in the 3-4 defensive scheme, it is essential that you are able to stop the run.  If Powell can add 20-25 pounds, he could fill that role very nicely.

Projected Starter:  Chris Baker

 

3.  Outside Linebacker

As the Broncos transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme, they will be looking for their own version of Shawne Merriman, James Harrison, or DeMarcus Ware.

Too fill that role the team plans to convert its top pass rusher over the last three years, Elvis Dumervil, to rush linebacker.  Dumervil is short for a defensive end, but actually compares quite favorably in size to the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison.

If Dumervil is able to hone his skills in pass coverage, he could be a force as a rush linebacker.  He has great quickness off the ball, and due to his short stature, he is able to get great leverage with opposing offensive linemen.

Along with Dumervil, the Broncos plan to give former first round pick Jarvis Moss one more chance to prove that he can produce as he was expected to.  Moss has not even played a full season in his two year NFL career yet, and he needs to impress the coaches in camp enough to just make the team.

In the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected defensive end/linebacker Robert Ayers out of Tennessee.  Ayers has the versatility to play either outside linebacker or the five-technique in a 3-4 defense, which is why the Broncos selected him as high as they did.  Many expect Ayers to come in and start right away.

Like Ayers, former second round pick Tim Crowder has the size and versatility to play either the five-technique or stand up and rush the quarterback as an outside linebacker.  He had a disappointing sophomore campaign after a very promising rookie season with the Broncos, and now finds himself in the same boat as fellow 2007 draftee Jarvis Moss.

As free agents, the Broncos signed veteran special teamer Darrell Reid, who also has the versatility to put his hand in the dirt or stand up and put pressure on the quarterback, and Lee Robinson, a college free agent from Alcorn State who is very underrated.

All will compete for playing time, but only two can be named as starters.

Projected Starters:  Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers

 

4.  Running Back

Rookie Knowshon Moreno seems to have the starting job locked up as of now, but the Broncos have a great quantity of backs that will be competing for playing time in addition.

Through free agency, the Broncos added Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan, and Darius Walker.  The Broncos also signed college free agent Kestahn Moore from Florida to compete with second year player Ryan Torain for the chance to carry the ball for Denver.

It is unknown at this point, but my best guess is that the Broncos are not impressed with the progress of Torain and Arrington with their injuries, and have signed Walker and Moore as insurance in case of emergencies.

Buckhalter is held in high regard by many Philadelphia fans due to his versatility and resiliency.  He is a great receiver out of the backfield, which actually seems to be some sort of a theme among most of Denver’s new running backs.

Jordan followed McDaniels to Denver from Patriots, giving the Broncos a bruiser at the position who can also add another dimension to the offense with his receiving abilities.

Arrington is known as a third down back who is very effective in screens and in space.  He will not do much damage inside the tackles, but can be very effective elsewhere.

Projected Starter:  Knowshon Moreno

 

5.  Kick Returner

Last year, Eddie Royal was a very serviceable kick and punt returner, but he figures to have a more prominent role in the offense this year, and the Broncos can not afford to risk his injury on a return play. 

Two rookies stand out as the top candidates to return kicks for the Broncos, and they are wide receivers Kenny McKinley and Nate Swift. 

McKinley was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, and has great speed and vision.  He said in an interview at the team’s first mini-camp that he expects to make an impact on special teams, and this could be his calling.

Swift was signed as an undrafted college free agent from Nebraska, and was very effective as a return man for the Cornhuskers.  He draws comparisons to Wes Welker of the New England Patriots with his quickness.

 

The Broncos will feature many new faces at prominent positions in 2009, and their performances will dictate the immediate future of this franchise.

Sharpe Added to Denver Broncos Ring of Fame

The Denver Post is reporting that Shannon Sharpe will be inducted into the Denver Broncos’ Ring of Fame during the team’s home game on September 20th, 2009.

“Sharpe, the first tight end to join the Ring of Fame,” reports the Post, “spent 12 seasons in Denver and helped the Broncos win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998.”

Sharpe is second on the all-time Denver Broncos list in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. 

Denver Broncos Personnel Guru: Cutler Has Chance to Be Special

Amongst the various head-scratchers that have come from Dove Valley in the last several months, none has gotten less press than the firing of Jim Goodman, the Broncos’ vice president of football operations/personnel and the promotion of Brian Xanders to general manager.

But perhaps of all the moves (sudden or otherwise) the Broncos have made this offseason, the turnover in the front office is the move that’s most curious.

The firing of Goodman came one month to the day after the Broncos affirmed they would not be hiring a general manager and that Goodman would have final say on personnel matters.

New general manager Xanders then brought in a new personnel team, including Keith Kidd as director of pro personnel, and Matt Russell, director of college scouting to replace Goodman.

So the question looms, with Goodman gone, who’s making decisions on the roster? Who has final say?

I don’t know much about Russell, who worked previously as a scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots.

But fortunately, prior to getting the Broncos’ pro-personnel position, Keith Kidd worked as a scout and analyst for ESPN and Scouts, Inc.

Accordingly, there’s a lot of analysis on the record for Kidd.

And the record speaks clearly—Kidd, whose job is to evaluate pro talent, not college talent, loved Jay Cutler.

In a September 2008 Scouts, Inc. piece, Kidd ranked Cutler the second best young quarterback in the league in front of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, the San Diego Chargers’ Phillip Rivers, and the Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Romo. Only Eli Manning ranked higher to Kidd.

At the time, he commented “Even with significant personnel input from the coaching staff and equal competition at the position, there’s a lot of luck involved in picking the right [quarterback]. Make a mistake at the position, especially early in the draft, and it can set a franchise back for years.”        

On Jan. 16, 2009, Kidd responded to the hiring of McDaniels by saying, “I love the move. I thought it was very aggressive for them to get one of the rising stars in the NFL.  I can’t wait to see this Denver offense under Jay Cutler in this system in the fall. But the Broncos need to address the defensive side, which they will.”

On Feb. 3, 2009, just 20 days before taking the Broncos job, Kidd had this to say about the Cutler-McDaniels team:  “I think you’re going to be amazed at how this offense will be in Denver under Josh McDaniels and how he handles all the moving parts. Jay Cutler has a chance to be special before it’s all said and done.”

These comments are even more curious when one realizes that McDaniels and Kidd both worked in New England together.

Presumably, McDaniels had some input about who was hired, since both Kidd and Russell have roots in the New England scouting system.

Presumably, Kidd understood the system that McDaniels was trying to put together and whether Cutler would fit.

But one thing’s been proved so far this offseason: presumption means nothing when you have no idea who is running the show.

Maybe that’s what Cutler thought, too.   

 

 

The ALMOST All Time Denver Broncos Defense

This series lauds players who aren’t, or maybe never will be, inducted into Canton.

NOSE TACKLE : Rubin Carter

Rubin was drafted in the 5th round by the Broncos in 1975.

The Broncos were using the 4-3 defense then, and Rubin started 8 games at DT his rookie year.

The Broncos started to switch over to the 3-4 defense the next year, and Rubin would start at Nose Tackle until 1986.

As a key member of the famous “Orange Crush” defense, his specialty was controlling the line of scrimmage, and stopping the run.

In 1979, he scored the only touchdown of his career off of a fumble recovery.

Rubin started just 2 of the 5 games he played in 1986, then retired.

Though he was never named to the Pro Bowl, Rubin Carter was one of the best Nose Tackles in the NFL during his time. He probably is the best the Broncos ever had.

Greg Kragen deserves mention as well.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE : Bud McFadin

Bud was the Los Angelos Rams 1st round draft pick in 1951.

He did not actually play for the Rams until 1953, when he appeared in 7 games.

He was starting the next year, and made the Pro Bowl in 1955 and 1956. He even kicked 2 field goals on 9 attempts for the Rams.

Bud was then out of football until 1960, when he joined the expansion Broncos in the AFL.

In his 4 years with the Broncos, Bud was named to the AFL All Star Team each year.

He also was named to The Sporting News All Star Team in his first 3 years.

Then Bud joined the Houston Oilers in 1964 and retired after the 1965 season.

Paul Smith, a Broncos Ring Of Honor member, Dave Costa, and Trevor Price all deserve mention.

Bud McFadin has appeared in more Pro Bowls than any other defensive tackle in Broncos history, and is one of their best ever.

DEFENSIVE END : Rulon Jones

Rulon was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1980 draft by the Broncos.

He was spotted mostly in his rookie year, and started 2 games. He also recorded the first safety of his career that season.

Jones was starting the next season, and would remain as such until the final year of his career.

In the strike shortened season of 1982, the NFL began keeping sacks as an official statistic. Rulon had 2 in the 9 games played that year.

He missed 4 games the following year, but did record 4 sacks and a safety.

One of his better years was 1984, and he had 11 sacks, and scored his only touchdown off of a fumble recovery.

Jones had 10 sacks the next year, as well as a career best 3 fumble recoveries.

He was named to his first All Pro Team that year, and would achieve that honor for the final time of his career the next season after recording a career high 13.5 sacks and the final safety of his career.

Rulon was named the UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year on defense for his efforts.

1987 was his final season as a starter, and Jones had 7 sacks.

Now used as a pass rush specialist, Jones recorded 5 sacks and retired at the end of the season with 52.5 sacks, 3 safeties, and a touchdown.

Noted for his length and toughness, Rulon Jones is one of the best defensive end’s in Broncos history.

 

DEFENSIVE END : Rich Jackson

Rich “Tombstone” Jackson was signed by the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1966. He played in 5 games as a rookie before joining the Broncos the following year. 

Rich played as a reserve that year, and recorded a safety,

Jackson earned the starting job in 1968. He would be named an All Star that year, then the next 2 seasons.

Jackson suffered a knee injury in the 7th game of 1970, and was out the rest of the year.

After playing in 4 games in 1971, the Broncos traded hom to the Cleveland Browns. He retired at the end of that year because of his knee woes.

Rich was a fierce pass rusher with a wide variet of moves.

He was also ferocious and strong, and once broke a helmet with one of his famous headslaps.

He is a member of the Broncos Ring Of Honor, and is in the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame. He is also on the AFL’s All Time Team.

Some think Rich Jackson was the best Defensive End to have ever played the game, and he is probably the best the Broncos have ever had.

Barney Chavous surely deserves mention.

LINEBACKER : Karl Mecklenberg

Karl was drafted in the 12th round of the 1983 draft by the Broncos.

He was used as a pass rush specialist his first 2 seasons, and had 9 sacks over that time. He also had 2 interceptions for 105 yards.

The Broncos moved Karl to ILB in 1985, and the move paid off big.

He had a career high 13 sacks, and was named to his first All Pro Team.

He would get this honor over the next 2 years, as he had 16.5 sacks and 3 interceptions over that time.

He returned to the Pro Bowl in 1989 after getting 7.5 sacks and a career best 143 tackles. He then got a safety in the next season.

1991 saw Karl get 9 sacks and 130 tackles, garnering another Pro Bowl nod.

He was named to his final All Pro Team in 1993 after getting 9 sacks.

He retired after the 1994 season with 79 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 1,104 tackles.

Karl Mecklenburg is in the Broncos Ring Of Honor, and the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame. He is one of the best the Broncos have ever had.

Randy Gradisharis a future CCC profilee, but deserves mention.

LINEBACKER : Tom Jackson

Tom was drafted in the 4th round of the 1973 draft by the Broncos.

He started half of the 8 games he played in his rookie year, and would remain a starter for the rest of his career.

1976 might of been his best season, when he had a career best 7 interceptions for 136 yards. He also scored off of a 46 yard interception return.

Tom scored off of one of his 4 interceptions in 1977, going 76 yards. He would be named to his first All Pro Team that year, helping the Broncos reach Super Bowl XII.

Tom scored the last touchdown of his career the next year off of one of his 3 interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl again that year as well.

Tom made his last Pro Bowl Team in 1979.

He retired after the 1986 season with 20 interceptions for 340 yards and 3 scores.

He was officially credited with 13 sacks because the NFL didn’t start recognizing the stat until 1982, but he was known as a complete linebacker with the ability to rush the passer or cover any receiver.

Jackson also 3rd in Broncos history in games played.

Tom Jackson is a member of the Broncos Hall Of Fame, and may be the best all around Linebacker in Denver Broncos history.

LINEBACKER : Al Wilson

Al was the Broncos 1st round draft pick in 1999.

He quickly earned the starting job, and got his first sack that year. He had a career high 5 sacks and 3 interceptions the next year.

In 2001, Al was named to his first All Pro Team, and would achieve that honor the next 2 seasons as well. He had a career high 100 tackles in 2002.

Wilson returned the the Pro Bowl in 2003, then scored his only touchdown, off of an interception, the next year.

Al made the Pro Bowl the next 2 seasons, but suffered a neck injury at the end of 2006. He tried to rehabilitate the injury, but ultimately had to retire.

Though his career was cut short, Al Wilson is one of the best Linebackers to have ever played for the Broncos.

LINEBACKER : Bob Swenson

Bob was signed as a free agent rookie by the Broncos in 1975.

Though he was a reserve in his rookie year, he did manage an interception. He swiped 2 more the next year after starting in 6 games.

By 1977, he was an important starting member of the “Orange Crush” defense that went to Super Bowl XII.

In 1979, Bob scooped up a fumble and returned it 93 yards for a touchdown.

He made his only Pro Bowl Team the next year, but got hurt in the 4th game of 1982. He did play in 2 games the next year, but retired at seasons end.

John Mobley, Michael Brooks, Bill Romanowski, Ian Gold, and John Bramlett are just a few others who deserve mention.

Bob Swenson was the ultimate team player who is an important ingredient in Broncos history.

Bob is No. 51

STRONG SAFETY : Dennis Smith

Dennis was the Broncos 1st round draft of the Broncos in 1981.

Dennis started just 2 games in his rookie season, but did pick off a pass and returned it a career long 65 yards.

Firmly entrenched as a starter the next year, and for the rest of his career, Dennis had 2 sacks and an interception.

Dennis had a career high 5 sacks in 1983, and 4 interceptions. 

He had 3 interceptions, and returned a fumble for the only touchdown of his career the next season.

Smith made his first All Pro Team in 1985 after getting 4 sacks and 3 interceptions.

Dennis made the Pro Bowl Team the next year, an honor he would not attain again until 1989.

He would keep making the Pro Bowl Team until 1991, where he had a career high 5 interceptions.

Smith had a career best 120 tackles the next year, and returned the Pro Bowl for the final time of his career in 1993.

He retired after the 1994 year with 30 interceptions, 3 sacks, and 1,152 tackles.

He is a member of the Broncos Ring Of Fame, and the Colorado Hall Of Fame, making Dennis Smith the best Strong Safety in Broncos history.

FREE SAFETY : Goose Gonsoulin

Goose was a 17th round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 1960 NFL Draft, and a first round selection of the Broncos in the AFL Draft.

He started right away for the Broncos, and set a still standing team record with 11 interceptions in his rookie season.

He also had 4 interceptions in one game, which is still tied as a team record.

Goose was named to the first of five consecutive Pro Bowl Teams.

In 1961, he had 6 more picks, then followed that up with 7 the following year.

He also scored his first touchdown that year on a career long 64 yard return.

Goose had 6 interceptions the next year, and scored the last touchdown of his career.

He followed that up with 7 more swipes in 1964 with 7 more interceptions.

Goose had 6 more the following year, but did not make the Pro Bowl Team for the first time in his career.

1966 was the only season where Gonsoulin did not pick off a pass, and his 61 consecutive games played streak ended when he missed 4 games due to injury.

Still, he was good enough to be named to his final All Pro Team.

Goose joined the 49ers and started just 7 of 14 games in 1967, picking off 3 more passes.

He then retired as the AFL’s all time interception leader with 43, and is a member of the AFL All Time Team.

He is an inaugeral member of the Broncos Ring Of Honor, and is a member of the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame.

In fact, Goose is a fringe member of my CCC profiles, but his only playing 8 seasons has him on the table for consideration.

Steve Atwater and his 8 Pro Bowls and 24 interceptions were strongly considered for this nod. There is a chance he may still get inducted into Canton, though many more deserving Safeties await their call as well.

One could even mention the Broncos all time interception leader Steve Foley, who played the first 4 years of his career at cornerback.

Goose Gonsoulin ranks second behind Foley with 1 less interception, and is maybe the greatest Safety in the Broncos illustrious history at this position.

CORNERBACK : Louis Wright

Louis was drafted in the first round of the 1975 draft by the Denver Broncos.

Wright started all 11 games that he played in his rookie year. He intercepted 2 passes and recovered one fumble.

In 1977, he had 3 interceptions for 128 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career.

Wright was a key member of the “Orange Crush” defense, picking off 3 balls, that went to Super Bowl XII. Wright would garner his first Pro Bowl nod that year as well.

Wright would make the Pro Bowl in each of the next 2 seasons as well. In 1979, Wright took a fumble 82 yards for a touchdown.

In 1980, Wright was named to the UPI All-Conference Second Team.

He ended up missing half on 1981 due to an injury, but still was named to the UPI All-Conference Second Team. Wright came back at full health for 1982 with 2 interceptions.

Wright snared a career high 6 interceptions in 1983, and was named to the Pro Bowl team.

In 1984, Wright would return a fumble for a touchdown and was named to The Sporting News All-NFL First Team, Pro Football Weekly All-NFL First Team, Pro Football Weekly All-Conference First Team, UPI All-Conference Second Team, and Newspaper Ent. Association All-Conference Second Team.

In 1985, he intercepted 5 passes, and scored the last touchdown of his career. Wright also made his last Pro Bowl team that year as well. Wright played his last season in 1986.

Louis Wright is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

Louis was a shutdown cornerback the day he walked onto an NFL field. Teams would hardly throw the ball to his side of the field.

Wright was also a hard hitter, and was one of best run supporting cornerbacks of his era. The Broncos were #1 in the NFL against the run in 1977.

Louis Wright was consistently excellent.

His 163 starts rank seventh on All-Time in Broncos history. Opponents feared him.

He is the greatest defensive back in the history of the Denver Broncos.

Many of his contemporaries feel he was the best cornerback in the AFC, if not the entire NFL, during his career. He was big, and fast.

If you were blessed enough to have seen Louis Wright play, then you would agree he deserves induction into Canton.

CORNERBACK : Bill Thompson

Champ Bailey may get into Canton, so I’m plugging Billy in here.

He started out his career as a CB, and played the position for the first 4 years of his career. Thompson was drafted by the Broncos in the 3rd round of the 1969 draft.

He started right away, and picked off 3 passes in his rookie year for 92 yards. He took one swipe 57 yards for a touchdown.

Billy also was the Broncos return specialist. He led the league with an average of 11.5 yards per return on 25 punt returns. He also led the league with a 28.5 yard per return average on 18 kickoff returns.

Billy only returned 25 more kickoffs in his career, but still returned punts on and off in his career.

Thompson played 9 games in 1970 because of injury, but still managed 2 more interceptions for 65 yards.

Thompson had a career high 5 picks for 83 yards in 1971. Billy got hurt after 8 games the next year, but still managed an interception.

The Broncos decided to move Thompson to Strong Safety in 1973, and he responded with 3 interceptions for 96 yards. He took one ball for a career long of 59 yards for a score.

He also scooped up a fumble and took it 80 yards for another touchdown. He also led the NFL with 366 punt return yards on 30 returns.

Billy tied his career high of 5 interceptions the next year, and scored a touchdown off of an interception.

He again matched that total in 1977, gaining a career best 122 yards, as the Broncos would reach Super Bowl XII.

Thompson was named to his first All Pro Team, an honor he would again garner the following season after picking off 4 passes and returning a fumble for a score.

Thompson picked off 4 more balls in 1979, and score off another fumble return.

Billy scored his last touchdown the following year, off of a fumble, to go with 2 more picks.

1981 was the last year Billy played, and he also made his last All Pro Team when he had 4 interceptions.

When he retired, he had 40 interceptions for 784 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also took 4 of his 21 fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

Thompson also had a career average of 11.6 yards on 157 punt returns, and a career average of 25.1 yards per return on 46 kickoff returns.

To say Bill Thompson was productive, or a game changing player, is a vast understatement.

He is a member of the Broncos Ring Of Fame, and is easily one of the greatest defensive backs in Denver Broncos history.

PUNTER : Jim Fraser

Jim was a 21st round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 1959 draft. He didn’t make the team and was out of football until 1962.

He joined the Broncos then as a Linebacker and Punter. He picked off a pass, and even managed to make the only 2 extra point attempts of his career that season.

He also punted the ball 55 times for a 43.6 yard average. He boomed one ball a career best 75 yards, which led the AFL.

Jim was named to his first All Pro Team in his rookie year.

Fraser made the All Pro Team again the following year, when he led the AFL with a career high 81 punts for 3,596 yards and a 44.4 average. He also had a AFL leading 3 punts blocked.

Jim made his final All Pro Team in 1964. He intercepted another pass, and led the AFL with a 44.2 average on 73 punts.

Jim joined the Kansas City Chiefs for the 1965 season, but mainly played defense. He attempted only 3 punts the entire season.

Fraser then joined the Boston Patriots in 1966. He picked off the final pass of his career, and punted the ball 55 times for a 37.2 yard average.

He did not play much the next year, but did suit up for 2 games for the New Orleans Saints in 1968 and punted 11 times. He retired after that year.

Jim retired with a career average of 42.2 yards per punt on 278 attempts, to go with his 3 interceptions.

His 3 All Pro nods are the most by any Punter in Denver Broncos history.

Though Broncos like Bob Scarpitto, Mike Horan, and Luke Prestidge deserve mention, Jim Fraser may be the greatest Punter in Broncos history.

HEAD COACH : Dan Reeves

Dan started in the NFL as a Halfback for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965 to 1972.

He ran for 1,990 yards, caught 129 balls for 1,693 yards, and scored 42 touchdowns total. He also threw 2 more TD’s on 32 passing attempts, completing 14 total.

He was a member of the Cowboys Super Bowl VI winning team as well. He then joined the teams coaching staff until 1980.

The Broncos named him their Head Coach in 1981, and Reeves helped bring winning back to Denver. He helped lead the Broncos to 3 Super Bowls that decade, though they lost in each game.

He left after the 1992 season to join the New York Giants. He stayed there until 1996 before joining the Atlanta Falcons. He helped the Falcons reach the Super Bowl in 1998, and stayed in Atlanta until 2003.

Dan won 110 of his 190 total wins with Denver, and is one of the best coaches in Broncos history.

 

Who Will Start for the Broncos in 2009? (Part Two)

(This is part two of a two-part article. The first part can be found here.)

In remembering the defenses that the Broncos have put out the last couple of years, I know it’s hard to get really excited about the “new changes” to the Defense. 

However, as a member of Bronco Nation, I can truthfully say that this year’s changes have to get you excited about the upcoming season!

It all starts up front for a defense.  Without solid line play, the Broncos have no chance at stopping opposing offenses.  On the other hand, a dominant defensive line will send the Broncos to the playoffs this year.

 

Defensive Tackle

The Broncos have eight defensive tackles on their roster as of now: Matthias Askew, Chris Baker, Nic Clemons, Ronald Fields, J’Vonne Parker, Kenny Peterson, Carlton Powell, and Marcus Thomas.

For a 3-4 defense to be successful, the Broncos need three big bodies on the defensive line, which turns large defensive tackles (310-plus lbs.) into nose tackles and regular-size defensive tackles (290-plus lbs.) into defensive ends. 

Weighing in at 315, 325, and 326, respectively, Fields, Parker, and Baker are the only defense tackles that can be viewed as true nose tackles. 

Fields is a five-year veteran, and has the best chance at winning the starting nose tackle spot at this time. He has the size and strength to be a stout nose tackle in the NFL, but one has to wonder why San Fransisco let him go so easily. 

Parker has ideal size and strength, but has little experience in the NFL. He’s a journeyman defensive tackle, and will be a good backup in the nose tackle rotation for Denver.

Baker will be the talk of camp this year.  The Broncos signed him out of college as an unrestricted free agent, which will turn out to be a very good value as the season progresses.  

Baker was severed from the Penn State football program for accepting money for work he didn’t do. Regardless of his past indiscretions, the kid has talent—enough talent that he could be the starting nose tackle when September rolls around. 

The nose tackle position is pretty much in the air, because there are so many unknowns trying out this summer.

Out of the other five defensive tackle prospects, Peterson and Thomas should be the starting defensive ends for the 3-4 defense.  All of the other tackles are unproven players that have a chance to make the squad. 

Again, the defensive end position is up in the air, especially since this would be a position change for these players, and because there are five more defensive end prospects on the roster.

 

Defensive Ends

Like the defensive tackles, the defensive end prospects are career backups, or rookies with limited playing experience on the line. The defensive end prospects are as follows:  Tim Crowder, Rulon Davis, Ryan McBean, and Everette Pedescleaux. 

Crowder has the most experience and upside, but at 275 lbs, he lacks the size to be a 3-4 line player.  If Crowder comes to training camp at 285, then he would be a great rotation player on the line.

McBean has ideal size for a defensive end in the 3-4, but not a lot of experience.  It will be interesting to see what he brings to the table at camp.

The last two prospects were just signed as rookie free agents and have no experience in the NFL. However, they are intriguing players with possible upside.

Pedescleaux is my favorite of the two to start.  At 6’6″ inches and 305 lbs, he could be a beast on the end.  With his height, he can stand to gain 20-30 lbs in a professional training program. This could be our next starting nose tackle!

Davis is a Marine. Enough said. These guys are considered tough at 200 lbs.  At 281 lbs, I’d drop my gun and pray this man didn’t eat me.  Davis is also, 6’5″ inches tall, so like  Pedescleaux, he could stand to gain 20 lbs.

These two rookies could find themselves starting in the middle of this season.

 

Defensive End/Linebackers Hybrids

Now this is the exciting part of the off-season! The hybrid players are guys that were originally slotted as pass rushing ends in a 4-3 defensive scheme, but have the ability to play the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 defensive scheme. 

Starting a hybrid instead of a linebacker gives a defense a stout pass-rushing end and better run support off of the edges. The problem these players run into is that they don’t have the coverage skills it takes to defend against the pass. 

The hybrid ends on the Broncos roster are as follows: Robert Ayers, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Darrell Reid.

Ayers is a stand out 3-4 lineman from the University of Tennessee.  He was the No. 18 overall draft choice in the 2009 draft, and looks to start at outside linebacker for the Broncos this year.

This guy is a gamer. He’s quick, strong, and intelligent. He has all of the ability to be a star in this league. Hopefully he pans out.

Dumervil is the Broncos resident sack master.  If you need someone to hit the quarterback, he’s your man. I envision Dumervil as starting opposite of Ayers at outside linebacker. 

As long as his coverage skills improve, Dunmervil should be a Pro Bowler at this position.

Moss could easily fight for a starting position as an outside linebacker. However, to this point in his career, he hasn’t shown the talent that got him drafted out of Florida three years ago.  This could possibly be scenario that Moss has been waiting for. If Moss comes to camp swinging, there is going to be a heck of a lot of competition for the hybrid spot this summer.

Reid is a special teams stand out. I’m not really sold on him being a starter. He’s kind of a tweener at 288 lbs—too big to be an outside linebacker, too small to be a defensive end.  It’s quite possible that he may crack the 53-man roster, but as of now, I’m not holding my breath.

Linebackers

The Broncos have 11 linebackers coming to camp this summer. They are as follows: Boss Bailey, Andra Davis, Louis Green, Nick Greisen, Mario Haggan, Braxton Kelley, Lee Robinson, Jeff Schweiger, D.J. Williams, Wesley Woodyard, and Spencer Larsen. 

A lot of these player’s futures will be based on how strong the hybrid players above come out in training camp. If the hybrids don’t pan out, there will be four starting spots open for these linebacker prospects to compete for.

If the hybrid players do pan out, then the inside linebacker positions are the only starting jobs available. Davis and Williams will be locks at these positions. 

These two players will be a huge force in the middle for this defense. Both are run-stuffers, and both can blitz the quarterback with agility and speed. However, if the right outside linebacker spot is open, then I will expect Williams to play in that spot, since it is his natural position.

The other veteran linebackers—Bailey, Green, Greisen, Haggan, Woodyard, and Larsen—all have the opportunity and ability to start or be considered in the rotation on this defense.  At this point, the linebacker position will be figured out in training camp.  There are no other clear-cut starters.

Schweiger, Kelley, and Robinson are all rookies; therefore, I have nothing really to go on for these players.

Schweiger is an interesting prospect because of his size.  At 6’5″ and 276 lbs., he has the physical attributes to be another hybrid linebacker. He may be a diamond in the rough who could see playing time with the Broncos in the future.

 

Cornerbacks

The Broncos have eight cornerbacks on their roster as of now, but they most likely are only competing for the nickel and backup roles. 

They are as follows: Champ Bailey, Joshua Bell, Tony Carter, Andre’ Goodman, D.J. Johnson, Rashod Moulton, Alphonso Smith, and Jack Williams.

Bailey and Goodman are the veterans and starting cornerbacks for the Broncos at this time.  They should be the starters, barring an incredible camp by Smith, a rookie. 

Smith should be the starting nickel back, due to his tremendous play in a college and the fact that they Broncos traded a future No. 1 draft pick for him in this years draft. I’m fairly confident that he will pan out and become a starter for this team. His highlight reels and interviews were excellent. 

All of the other prospects do have a chance to be starters, but it just isn’t likely. They will most likely end up being depth players, or trying to crack a starting role on special teams. 

 

Safeties

The safety positions are all but taken care of, due to the signing of free agent juggernaut Brian Dawkins and veteran Renaldo Hill. The safety prospects are as follows: Josh Barrett, David Bruton, Brian Dawkins, Vernon Fox, Renaldo Hill, Herana-Daze Jones, Darcel McBath.

I am 100 percent sure that Brian Dawkins will be the starting strong safety.  Renaldo Hill is an above-average free safety, and should be the starter this year. 

I believe that Barrett has the talent to start in this league and should be a solid backup this year.  The Broncos may look at putting him at strong safety as well in the future.

McBath is another safety of the future and may end up at the backup spot to Renaldo Hill at free safety.

Bruton, Jones, and Fox should start on special teams. Bruton could break the starting lineup in the future through his special teams play. 

 

Below are my two starting scenario predictions on defense for the 2009 Denver Broncos:

DLE  Marcus Thomas
NT   Chris baker
DRE  Kenny Peterson
LOLB Robert Ayers, Jarvis Moss
LILB  Andra Davis
RILB  DJ Williams
ROLB Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss
CB1  Champ Bailey
CB2  Andre’ Goodman
CB3  Alphonso Smith
SS   Brian Dawkins, Josh Barrett
FS   Renaldo Hill, Darcel McBath

Or

DLE  Marcus Thomas
NT   Chris baker
DRE  Kenny Peterson
LOLB Robert Ayers, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss
LILB  Andra Davis, Boss Bailey
RILB  Spencer Larsen, Boss Bailey
ROLB D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss
CB1  Champ Bailey
CB2  Andre’ Goodman
CB3  Alphonso Smith
SS   Brian Dawkins, Josh Barrett
FS   Renaldo Hill, Darcel McBath

 

 

 

One-on-One with Denver Broncos All-Pro Left Tackle Ryan Clady

Every week, the press has the opportunity to hear from each NFL teams’ “divas”, most of the time a quarterback.  More often than not, the men who protect the quarterback do not get the publicity they deserve.

And they would not have it any other way.

In his first organized team activity in 2008, rookie left tackle Ryan Clady showed that he is a very soft-spoken guy, one who is humbled by the NFL experience as a whole.

Due to his soft-spokenness, and the fact that offensive linemen stay away from the press more often than not, it would be an honor to sit one-on-one with the Denver Broncos’ only All-Pro performer.

 

1.  What does it mean to you to be the only rookie named to either All-Pro team?

I would anticipate Clady to respond with a statement of how he is honored, but there is always room for improvement.  Offensive linemen are never satisfied. 

 

2.  Do you feel, as an All-Pro, that you were snubbed of a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl?

Being the only rookie selected to the All-Pro team is honor enough, but given his performance Clady easily should have been selected to the Pro Bowl.  The Denver Broncos attempted 620 passes in 2008, and Clady only allowed 0.5 sacks.

 

3.  You should have been drafted much higher than 12th overall, do you carry that as a chip on your shoulder?

Clady entered the 2008 NFL Draft as a junior out of Boise State, and was projected by some to be the best offensive lineman in the draft.  The fact that he slipped all the way to No. 12 overall is astounding, but it was a blessing for Clady and the Broncos.

 

4.  Since you had such a great rookie season, do you feel the pressure of avoiding the sophomore slump?

I think every second year player feels the heat of their first year performance.  Clady is transitioning from a zone blocking, run oriented offense, to Josh McDaniels’ pass heavy offense.  It will not be an easy transition, but he seemed to make the transition from college to the pros fairly easily.

 

5.  Will you miss Jay Cutler?

The NFL is a business, and Clady realizes that.  Even though many NFL observers feel it is ridiculous to even suggest that a 25 year old, Pro Bowl quarterback should be traded, maybe it is for the best.  Kyle Orton will be a great teammate and he will get the job done for the Broncos.

 

6.  You received a few votes for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.  Do you feel like offensive linemen are far too underrated due to the fact that they don’t throw, run or catch?

Matt Ryan is a great player, and so are Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton.  How good would they be without a strong offensive line?  It is unfortunate that the only stats kept for the big boys up front are pancakes and sacks allowed. 

It is hard to judge their performance based on statistics alone, so they do not get the recognition they deserve.  However, Clady probably does not care too much about personal accolades or recognition.  That is not how linemen are.  Linemen lead by example, and they keep their mouths shut.

 

7.  How big of an advantage is it having played tight end early in your football career?

For an offensive lineman in a pass-heavy scheme, it is crucial to have good feet and to be extremely athletic.  In addition to his great size (6’6″ 320 lbs.), Clady has some of the quickest feet in the NFL at his position.  In fact, he was given the nickname “Sweet Feet” by his peers after the team’s first mini-camp in 2008.

 

8.  The Class of 2008 featured many key contributors to last year’s Denver Broncos team.  What was it like playing on the youngest team in the NFL, or did you even notice?

It is kind of hard not to notice the second most injuries in the NFL, and there were a ton of fresh faces in Denver in 2008.  As a player, you still have to go about your business and become a chameleon of sorts; adapting to any and all surroundings.

 

9.  It’s easy for a rookie’s ego to inflate like a balloon, what has kept you so humble?

From what I have seen and heard, offensive linemen in the NFL are highly ridiculed if they become divas of any sort.  Being the best offensive lineman on the team does not give Clady any bragging rights over those on the team with seniority. 

 

10.  Who, if anyone, was the toughest player you faced throughout the course of your first season in the NFL?

Clady had the opportunity to go up against some of the league’s top pass rush specialists, including Carolina Panthers’ defensive end Julius Peppers.  Despite Peppers’ prowess as a pass rusher, Clady was able to mystify him.

In fact, Clady was so dominant against Peppers, they had to move him to the other side of the field to have any sort of success.

 

11.  Another testament to your dominance is the fact that you had only three penalties (one holding) in over 1,000 snaps. Those are numbers some veterans can not even claim to have recorded. How were you able to stay so mistake free?

In my mind, the easiest way to keep a streak alive is to not know it’s going on in the first place. You have to be disciplined and make every rep in practice count. Go through the quarterback’s cadences in your head.

 

It would be interesting to say the very least to get into the head of an offensive lineman.  I have always wondered what they are thinking, which is why I chose to do my “mock” interview with All-Pro Ryan Clady.

How the AFC West Can Be Won

The AFC West looks to be one of, if not the worst division in all of football next season.

The good news for teams like the Denver Broncos, who are looking to improve off of a  2008 season, is that their not out of it yet.

The bad news is that the San Diego Chargers are also in the division and will be heavy favorites entering the season.

The Broncos have certainly had the most interesting off season of the four division teams, first with the firing of head coach Mike Shanahan and the hiring of youngster Josh McDaniels all the way through some questionable draft picks last month. Not to mention trading their pro-bowl quarterback for a less talented quarterback and some draft picks.

The Kansas City Chiefs look to rebound from a terrible 2008 season and do so with a new coach and general manager. They also traded for New England quarterback Matt Cassel after roughing it with Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen last season.

The Oakland Raiders look to improve and hope to do so with JaMarcus Russell stepping up and becoming the quarterback the Raiders hoped he would be when they drafted him No. 1 overall. Darren McFadden staying healthy wouldn’t either.

This team already had a decent defense, but they did come under intense scrutiny when they drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey No. 7 overall out of Maryland with Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin still on the board. We’ll just have to wait and see if he pans out.

The San Diego Chargers merely need to stay healthy and they should run away with the division. Injuries to LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman, and Antonio Gates crippled their season, although they were able to salvage some of it by rebounding to win the division win a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Injuries were another recurring theme with another team in the division.

For the Broncos, the bulk of their injuries came at the running back position, where running backs Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Peyton Hillis and Ryan Torrain all ended the season on injured reserve.

The team addressed the issue at running back by signing LaMont Jordan, J.J Arrington and Correll Buckhalter in free agency as well as drafting Georgia standout Knowshon Moreno with the 12th pick in this year’s draft.

But for the Broncos, their biggest question marks are: Can Kyle Orton and Chris Simms step up and fill the shoes left by Jay Cutler, and Will their porous defense from a year ago be any better?

These are questions that will not be answered until the season begins. With the defense, it still seems like there are still several holes. Brian Dawkins was added for leadership purposes at the safety position and Andra Davis was signed to help the linebacking corps.

But the defensive line is still a huge question mark. Many of the old faces are gone (which may not be a bad thing) but there are still holes.

Robert Ayers was drafted and the jury’s still out on 2007 draft picks Tim Crowder, Marcus Thomas and Jarvis Moss, but Thomas is the only one who has contributed thus far. Here’s hoping they can thrive under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

Also not helping is the brutal non-division schedule the Broncos will face. They will have difficult home games against the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, and near-impossible road games against the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles.

In the end, the Broncos just have too many question marks to be competitive this season. The Raiders and Chiefs are still a few years away (at least). The bottom line is, if the Chargers stay healthy and play hard, they should run away with the division.

20 Questions with Broncos Safety Brian Dawkins

Pick any player from your team, and list all of the questions you would ask for a feature interview.

Brian Dawkins came to Denver from Philadelphia via free agency this offseason. The 35-year-old Pro Bowler leaves a situation where the Eagles were one game from the Super Bowl to join the the Broncos, a team in transition.

1. How difficult was it to leave the Eagles where you were the face of the defense for so many years?

2. Hindsight being 20/20, would you have come to Denver if you had known the upheaval that was about to take place with the team’s offense, in particular the trade of franchise QB Jay Cutler?

3. You’re 35 year olds in a sport that isn’t catered toward older players. How much longer do you see yourself playing?

4. The secondary has undergone numerous changes this offseason with the release of Dre’ Bly and the addition of players like Alphonso Smith, Andre Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Darcel McBath. How do you see this group gelling together and performing in 2009?

5. Who is the leader of this defense, you or Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey?

6. The secondary would seem to be the strength, right now, of Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense. How will the defensive backs help make the front seven a more formidable group and allow them to get more pressure on the QB, something the team lacked in 2008?

7. Fellow former Philadelphia Eagle Correll Buckhalter came along with you to the Mile High City. Before the team drafted Knowshon Moreno in the first round of this year’s draft Buckhalter was being pegged as potentially the team’s No. 1 back. Can he still fill that role in spite of the his injury history?

8. If the season started today, do you feel that the Broncos have enough talent across the board to make a run at the AFC West title and the playoffs or is this team in rebuilding mode?

9. Last year, the Eagles were minutes away from a return to the Super Bowl after a late-season run, how did that compare to Philadelphia’s run to the 2005 game against New England?

10. How do you think the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels feud will impact the team this season, especially on offense?

11. Was trading Jay Cutler a good, sound move for the overall morale of the team instead of having the potential headache of a very public feud hanging overhead throughout the season despite his immense talent?

12. You recently donated two tickets to the Broncos game in Philadelphia later this season to a former Eagles employee who was fired for comments he made criticizing the team for letting you leave. How much did that kind of support mean to you and your Eagles teammates when you played there?

13. What is your impressions of new head coach Josh McDaniels in the time that he’s been on the job?

14. Is there any awkwardness knowing that your head coach is two and half years younger than you or could you see him turning to you for advice during the season?

15. Unlike the NFC East, especially last season where the competition was stern from top to bottom, the AFC West boasts two of the weaker teams in the league, at least record-wise in 2008, and had a division champion that won just eight games. What do you expect to see from a competitive standpoint this season in the AFC West?

16. What were your impressions of Josh McDaniels’ flirtation of acquiring former protege Matt Cassel from New England to succeed Jay Cutler as the team’s quarterback?

17. What will you miss the most about not playing for former defensive coordinator Jim Johnson?

18. If there’s one player on another team in the NFL that you would you like to have as your teammate here in Denver that could be the missing piece to the puzzle, who would that be and why?

19. You signed a five-year contract to come to Denver, which, by the time it expires you would be 40. Can you see yourself playing until then?

20. Denver has won just one playoff game—a 2005 Divisional Playoff game against New England—since John Elway retired in 19999. Are you the answer in not only getting the team back into the playoffs, but also winning in the postseason? 

Jay Cutler Gone, New RBs and QBs Arrive as Denver Broncos Change Identity

When Josh McDaniels replaced long-time Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan on Jan. 12, he inherited an offense that ranked second in the NFL in 2008 in yards per game. But with that potent offense came a defense that, for lack of a better words, didn’t live up to those same standards.

But, boy, how quickly things have changed. In four months, more than just the coaching staff has had a facelift.

Denver gave up 28 points per game, third most in the league last year, surrendered almost 375 yards per game, and had just six interceptions. Those numbers were downright Detroit Lions-like, and we all know how they did in 2008.

So it’s only fitting that McDaniels, a disciple of Bill Belichick in New England, would address the Broncos’ defensive woes this off-season.

Though the team didn’t re-sign starting cornerback Dre’ Bly, Denver has more than turned its attention to the defensive secondary with the signing of Philadelphia Eagles favorite Brian Dawkins, former Miami Dolphins cornerback Andre Goodman, safety Renaldo Hill and three draft picks, including second-rounders Alphonso Smith and Darcel McBath.

The new, and hopefully, improved defense should help. But with the exception of Tennessee linebacker/defensive end Robert Ayers in the first round of April’s NFL Draft and a couple of bit pieces in free agency, McDaniels and new general manager Brian Xanders haven’t, at least in terms of personnel, beefed up the Broncos’ woeful defensive line. Denver’s defense recorded just 26 sacks a year ago.

With new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers on board, the Broncos will make the transition to a 3-4 defensive setup in 2009. In doing so, many of last year’s holdovers will be lining up elsewhere.

Former first-round pick Jarvis Moss, an undersized defensive end, will move to outside linebacker, likely opposite of Ayers. Elvis Dumervil and Tim Crowder will man the defensive end spots, while the early bet is that Matthias Askew or Marcus Thomas will start at defensive tackle.

But the nose tackle position, widely considered the centerpiece of a 3-4 defense along with the linebacker corps, wasn’t addressed in the draft and the team may look for an upgrade again once free agency gets rolling after June 1 cuts are made.

And of offense, oh, where do you start? Jay Cutler, remember him, he’s gone, shipped to the Chicago Bears in April for three draft picks and quarterback Kyle Orton.

The team also retooled its running back corps. Last season, the Broncos went through seven starting running backs as injuries rattled Denver’s ground attack.

The team has parted ways with Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, and Anthony Aldridge already. Another holdover, most likely Ryan Torain, is expected to be shown the door sooner rather than later.

In their place the team signed Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, and Lamont Jordan during early free agency and selected Georgia standout Knowshon Moreno with the 12th pick in last month’s draft.

But for an offense that averaged 23.1 points per game a year ago, the bigger change is behind center. Cutler, a 25-year-old Pro Bowl-caliber signal-caller, had a falling out with McDaniels that led to his departure.

In his place stand journeymen QBs Chris Simms and Orton. Neither will ever be compared to Cutler and his arm strength, but, in McDaniels’ offense, they don’t have to be.

Remember McDaniels coached an offense in New England that succeeded with Tom Brady and Matt Cassell, neither of whom entered the league with the pedigree that Cutler did.

Yes, the Patriots had Randy Moss and Wes Welker available to catch passes from the New England QBs, but it’s not like Denver’s hurting in the wide receiver department.

With the likes of Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, not to mention new wideout Jabar Gaffney, another New England castoff, in the fold, Denver’s passing game just might not fall off as far as many seem to think.

And if all else fails, maybe McDaniels found his next QB gem in Frenso State’s Tom Brandstater in the sixth round of the draft. Then again, maybe not.

Only time will tell, and for the Broncos, with the way this offseason has been, it’s that time that they’ll need to prove to their doubters that things aren’t as bad on the surface as they would appear to be.

The 1998 Denver Broncos: The Greatest Team in Orange and Blue History

While the 1997 Broncos were the first to win a Super Bowl in Denver, the year that followed, 1998, was the greatest team ever assembled in orange and blue.

Everything fell into place in 1998, as the city of Denver and the whole Rocky Mountain region was a mile high over the Broncos first ever championship season.

As Denver was defending champs, they knew they would get every team’s best, every game—but they didn’t falter through most of the season, starting a remarkable 13-0.

The run was 18 straight games dating back to the ’97 postseason, tying the NFL record then.

The 1998 Broncos were a team through-and-through, starting from the top at Pat Bowlen and going all the way down to Keith Burns’ special teams standout.

 

Front Office

Pat Bowlen, Broncos owner in 1984, when he bought the team from Edgar Kaiser and saved it from possible bankruptcy.  He showed he was one of the best owners in sports, getting the Broncos to their fifth Super Bowl in 15 years.

Bowlen fired Wade Phillips after a two year experiment process and brought in Mike Shanahan to run the team as head coach and general manager. Shanahan brought winning ways, acting as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 1994 (when they won the Super Bowl), and his desire to do things his way—the right way.

Shanahan and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak were revolutionaries of their time, and 1998 was the year Shanahan became “The Mastermind.”

Shanahan’s offensive vision was crystal clear, and when he combined his brain with the Broncos’ brawn, it was all over for any opponent that stood in their way.

 

The Players

The ’98 Broncos were a talented, athletic, and dominant group, especially on offense.

Starting with John Elway, the Broncos sent seven offensive starters to the Pro Bowl after their dramatic season was all said and done.

Elway, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, had a solid year with 2,800 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions all coming on only 12 games played after Junior Seau injured Elway’s ribs in week 13.

Bigger than his statistical performance though, was Elway’s leadership—guiding the team through a historic season, and taking questions from the media to relieve pressure off of teammates.

I remember Elway being interviewed on MNF in week 10 and Al Michaels asking him if the Broncos will go undefeated. Elway answered, “We have to go 10-0 before we can go 16-0.”

While John Elway was the undoubted leader and commander of the Broncos, their most important player in 1998 was definitely Terrell Davis.

Davis was a star that burned so bright he could only sustain his luster for a short time in the NFL.

Davis, noted sixth round draft pick out of Georgia in 1995, turned into an elevating icon that got better year after year.

From 1995-98 Davis improved his running yards steadily, with 1,100, 1,500, 1,750, and finally 2,008 yards in 1998. Davis was only the fourth running back in NFL history to run for over 2,000 yards in a season at the time.

To add to his amazing total in yards, Davis had 21 touchdowns, a 5.1 yard/carry average, and ran for 125 yards per game!

TD had so many TDs he beat Jason Elam, the Broncos kicker, in scoring.

His superior running ability in 1998 led him to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, got him the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the NFL MVP trophy as well.

In 1998, not only was Terrell Davis the best running back in the league, he was the NFL’s most dominant player overall.

Along with the Broncos tremendous running game was their numerous passing threats that allowed Elway to decide how he wanted to beat opposing teams’ defenses.

Ed McCaffery and Rod Smith each had 1,000 yard receiving seasons, only the second tandem to accomplish the feat in NFL history at the time. Either Smith or McCafferey could go deep or run crossing patterns in the middle of the field, causing headaches for secondaries all season.

Shannon Sharpe was also on the team, the tight end credited with revolutionizing the game for the position. Sharpe was dominant in ’98 creating matchup problems for defenses, because he was too fast for a linebacker and could beat safeties too.

Sharpe finished the season with 768 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Possibly the best and most underrated part of the ’98 Broncos offense was the offensive line. Centered by Tom Nalen, it included fellow Pro Bowlers Dan Neil and Tony Jones. The Broncos O-Line of the late 90s was overbearing to almost any defensive line as they opened huge holes for TD to run through and kept Elway off his back.

In all, the 1998 Broncos scored 501 points, a Denver record and a staggering number when you think about it.

Denver not only won in ’98, they blew teams out regularly having 12 points per game average. Some of the biggest routes include a 41-16 shellacking of the Eagles, a 40-14 beating of the Raiders, and a 38-16 commanding win over the Redskins.

After finishing with an NFL and Broncos best 14-2 record, Denver asserted their supremacy over teams in the playoffs as well.

In a rematch with the Dolphins, who had beaten Denver three weeks prior, the Broncos took control from the beginning, winning in commanding fashion 38-3.

In the AFC Championship game, the NY Jets put up a stronger fight, but Vinny Testeverte’s untimely turnovers sealed the deal for New York as Denver won again 23-10.

The Super Bowl was intriguing because it matched up Elway versus his old coach and one time nemesis Dan Rieves, the then coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Broncos dodged a bullet of sorts when the Falcons out kicked the Vikings in the NFC Championship game—The Vikings were the only team to score more than Denver in 1998.

In the lead up to the game, Elway dispelled rumors that the two still feuded and Elway let his play talk for him.

The performance was a career best for John Elway, as he threw for 336 yards, a touchdown, and ran for another score to easily overcome the Falcons 34-19.

Elway became the Super Bowl MVP and ended up riding his back-to-back championships into the sunset,into Canton, and the Football Hall of Fame.  

In all, the 1998 Denver Broncos sent 10 players to the Pro Bowl, including Elam who kicked an NFL record-tying 63-yard field goal in week eight against Jacksonville.

The team has one Hall of Famer in Elway, but should have at least a few more in the coming years joining him.

Davis may not make it, but should get some consideration.

Sharpe is an almost lock, and so is Nalen, eventually.

Others that should get a look over include Rod Smith, Steve Atwater, and Elam.

The 1998 team set many Broncos records including: overall scoring, points per game, wins, wins in a row, and finished off back-to-back Super Bowls.

If Elway doesn’t retire, who knows…the Broncos were so good they could have possibly been the first ever three-peat Super Bowl Champions.

It’s a fond idea to mull over in the Rockies, just as the 1998 Broncos should always be remembered in a fond way.

Never, before or since, have the Broncos come close to the amazing production of 1998, but we can all hope they can again soon.

 

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