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.

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