The Broncos Are Banking on Mile-High Value for Incoming Veterans

Amidst the signing of multiple running backs, the trading away of Jay Cutler, and more offensive help than defensive in the 2009 draft, some of the Broncos signings have much more value than talent alone.

December 29, 2008.  The Broncos gear up for the regular season finale with rival San Diego Chargers, with everything on the line.  Winner gets a trip to the playoffs, loser goes home. 

Depleted by injuries, The Broncos have little to no depth at certain positions, and many backups starting.  A once promising and passionate Denver Broncos team in September, had no drive, determination, and real desire to keep playing football.  So called leader, Jay Cutler, showed no emotion, and Mike Shannahan’s offense went from playing organized efficient football to less organized than backyard football 

The end result, longtime coach Mike Shannahan fired, and Josh McDaniels is hired to rebuild the Denver Broncos project. 

Many questioned Pat Bowlen’s move to hire an offensive guy, with the so-called second best offense.  However, the Broncos are not the second ranked offense, yards do not win games, The Broncos were 16th in points, and that is simply average.  McDaniels led the highest scoring offense with the best red zone efficiency in the NFL. 

He also knows what players are required to win games at a high level.

Many Broncos fans were excited for the 2009 free agency, hoping to land defensive lineman like Chris Canty, Albert Haynesworth, or Igor Olshansky.  All three, young and very talented, however all have questionable motors, and character flaws. 

Most people don’t see that, most broncos fans see only disappointment when guys like Andra Davis, and “washed up” Brian Dawkins comes to Denver.  Both are team captains, love football, and are great mentors to young kids.  Both have desires to win, and fill in any role McDaniels assigns them. 

“Any time you’ve got a leader like him(Davis) on the team, that’s always good for the defense,” Woodyard said.

This was said after the two spent hours studying film, working hard, and discussing how to become better football players.  And go ahead, you can ask any Philly fan their opinion on Brian Dawkins, I bet not one questions his ability, and drive to help people and win football games. 

Renaldo Hill and Andre Goodman, both starters in the secondary for Miami last year, bring high praise from former teammates, and high IQ football, which Josh McDaniels searches long and hard for in a football player.  Correll Buckhalter should also have an immediate impact off the field in Denver, mentoring a future all star in Knowshown Moreno.

So when you’re watching Wesley Woodyard make a great tackle, or Knowshown make a great cutback with his vision, or even Darcel McBath have a pick six,  don’t question why we needed to sign those guys if we have these up and coming studs.  These veterans will aid in the molding of these young kids into men, and real football players, who bring heart and tenacity to a team meeting on Tuesday and the game on Sunday.

Broncos 2009 Offseason

February 28, 2009 was a day of much anticipation and excitement for Broncos fans. Free agency started with a few quiet signings. They first agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles running back Correll Buckhalter and Cardinal back JJ Arrington. 

Later that night, they made their biggest splash by agreeing to terms with future hall of fame safety Brian Dawkins.  Many die-hard fans anticipated free agency would provide as help for a weak front seven. 

The Broncos signed nose tackle Ronald Fields from the 49ers, who has close ties with the Broncos new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.  McDaniels and the front office also brought in Darrell Reid from the Colts for his versatility and special teams help, along with Andra Davis from the Browns. Davis had a down year, but has had great success in the past amassing 103 tackles per year from 2003-2008. 

The Broncos also signed two former Miami Dolphins defensive backs in cornerback Andre Goodman and safety Renaldo Hill.  Goodman had a breakout year in 08, intercepting a career high five passes, and although 31 years of age, has played better with age. 

Hill projects to be the week one starter but, after drafting talented cover safeties in Darcel McBath from Texas Tech and David Bruton from Notre Dame, expect Hill to be here for a short stint, possibly not even finishing the end of the season as the starter.

Other notable players signed by the Broncos include, wide reciever Jabar Gaffney, running back LaMont Jordan, and quarterback Chirs Simms.

However, the highlight of the Broncos offeason was the Jay Cutler saga.  After reports  leaked that the Broncos had shown interest in former Patriots QB Matt Cassell, Jay Cutler revealed his anger and demanded a trade.  After much back and forth name-calling and pointing, Cutler was eventually traded to the Chicago Bears. 

The Broncos in return received, quarterback Kyle Orton, a 2009 first round pick, 2010 first round pick, and 2009 third round pick.  The Broncos also had to ship a fifth round pick in 2009 to the Bears.

After collecting all of these picks, Broncos fans were more than excited for the 2009 NFL Draft.  Many anticipated help on the defensive line and linebackers, however with star nose tackle BJ Raji and defensive end Tyson Jackson off the board, the Broncos turned to the offensive side of the ball to draft running back Knowshon Moreno, by many considered the best running back in the draft. 

Many questioned this move but Moreno’s blocking ability and skill at catching the ball in the backfield will prove to be great assets to McDaniels new Amoeba offense, which features back who can run, catch, and block.

With the 18th pick the Broncos addressed the front seven for the only time in the draft by drafting defensive end Robert Ayers from the university of Tennessee.  Ayers shined in Senior Bowl practices and overall in his senior year.  He has great athleticism and versatility to play linebacker and defensive end.  Draft guru Mike Mayock, tabbed Ayers as the best defensive player in the draft.

The Broncos made several trades but eventually ended up with corner Alphonso Smith, safeties Darcel McBath and David Bruton, tight end Richard Quinn, offensive linemen Seth Olsen and Blake Shuleter, wide reciever Kenny McKinney, and quarterback Tom Brandstater.

Many jumped off the Josh McDaniels fan boat and where stunned with his draft.  In the process he traded away next years first round pick, however the Broncos still have Chicago’s which they traded to the Broncos in return for Cutler. 

The front seven was barely addressed, however there was one reoccurring thing that applied to all the free agent signings and draft picks.  They are all great people, team leaders, team captains, and always give 100 percent effort. 

The Broncos also added 15 undrafted free agents, some have great skill and will provide a fitting role to the offensive, defensive, or special teams aspect.  Many were wide recievers, most notably Nate Swift, and defensive lineman like Chirs Baker, who surprised many with his impressive athleticism shown at the combine.

After all these signings the Broncos still have holes to fill on the team.  They provided a lot of depth on both sides of the ball, however, nose tackle is still a major question.  Free agents Chris Baker, Ronald Fields, and J’vonne Parker are the only true nose tackles on the team, and they all lack experience and project as backups on most teams.  Fields will most likely start, but in the new 3-4 defense it is imperative the Broncos have an effective nose tackle, and it is not shaping up to look that way. 

While the Broncos also have a lot of depth at five technique defensive ends for the 3-4, there is not a whole lot of skill or experience there either.  Marcus Thomas, Ryan McBean and Kenny Peterson seem to be among the options.  Both nose tackle and defensive end will be great positional battles in training camp. 

Inside linebacker also feels to be battle contested. DJ Williams will be one of the starting inside linebackers in the 3-4, but Andra Davis and rookie sensation from last season Wesley Woodyard will most likely fight out for the other spot. 

On the offensive side of the ball, I think wide reciever will provide as the greatest battle.  Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal will start, but Brandon Stokely and Jabar Gaffney will fight for the third reciever spot.  The Broncos will most likely keep five recievers on the active roster and after signing five undrafted wider recievers, that seems like it will pan out to be the best fight as about six guys will fight for the fifth spot at reciever. 

Kyle Orton will be the starter at quarterback. There will not be much fight from Chris Simms.  Offensive line will retain all five starters from last year, and will look to build on a very stellar year they had last season. 

Knowshon Moreno and Corell Buckhalter look to get the majority of the carries along with fullback Peyton Hillis, who will get his share as well.  Moreno, Arrington, and Hillis will be the backs on third down as all three are great blockers and run very well with the ball after the catch. 

Daniel Graham will be the starting tight end, and Tony Scheffler will play on mostly passing situations and third downs, possibly in the slot position.  Second round pick Richard Quinn will have limited time, but will be an effective blocker, and good red zone threat.

While the Broncos lost Pro-Bowl QB Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels brings a certain swagger of success that has carried off on the other players.  The Broncos all have positive attitudes and are excited to contribute to this team.  Look for the Broncos to increase tunrovers on defense with a more aggressive attack, and have less turnovers on offense with the absence of Jay Cutler, who lost the ball 20 times last year.

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