Is it just me,or has this offseason felt more like a dream than reality? Okay, so maybe it has felt more like a nightmare! 

The Bronco faithful have never experienced such a drastic change in personnel. 

Although the break was understood, it was immensely painful to learn that long time coach and fan favorite Mike Shanahan would no longer be with the organization.  Shanahan was such a patriarchal figure for so many years, leaving a huge void to fill. 

Enter Josh McDaniels.  The budding prodigy of Bill Belichick definitely has the resumé and credentials to make any team owner salivate.  McDaniels’ past achievements and successes with the New England Patriots made the decision easy for Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to hire him. 

Fortunately for Bronco nation, both Bowlen and McDaniels seem to possess the same desire and dedication to win.  It is that same dedication that led up to the trade involving Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler.  

The star quarterback became uncooperative when rumors surfaced that McDaniels was considering him in a possible trade involving now Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and former McDaniels student Matt Cassel. 

If history has taught us anything, it has proven that disgruntled or “problem” players, no matter what level of ability, always tend to drag a team in the wrong direction. 

After several failed attempts at reconciliation, Bowlen and McDaniels had no choice but to part ways with the disgruntled quarterback. 

Along with some key offseason acquisitions and an above average draft, Bronco fans are ready to awaken from this nightmare to a reality that involves winning. 

History has also taught us that a majority of new head coaches do not taste success as sweetly as they would like in their first season.  The 2009 Broncos under McDaniels may in fact prove to be a rare exception. 

With the tension surrounding the Culter situation now eased, the Broncos can now look forward to molding a competitive team on both sides of the ball.  The offense may show a decline from the record numbers that were attained last season, but the revamped defense should balance out the lopsided numbers of a year ago. 

A healthy Champ Bailey, a rejuvenated D.J. Williams, and the addition of Brian Dawkins should enable the ranks of both the offense and defense to be more symmetrical when juxtaposed. 

A Super Bowl championship may not be feasible, but the Broncos have definitely taken the necessary steps to soon reach that goal. 

Having a head coach with Super Bowl history doesn’t hurt either, but even Mike Shanahan would tell you that past success does not ensure future success. 

McDaniels’ past success may be what most hinders him.  With success comes the expectation of continued success.  If McDaniels is initially unable to mold a competitive team, there will surely be an uproar amongst the faithful, as well as tremendous pressure to correct problems.

More important than theoretical speculations, is the fact that every Bronco player seems to be on board with the new direction of the team.  Such unity will be needed in anticipation of one the league’s toughest schedules.  

Let’s not forget about our division either!  With the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders also having successful and busy offseasons, and the San Diego Chargers retaining a strong roster, look for the 2009 Broncos season, and especially the AFC West, to be as unpredictable as ever.

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