20Yardline

The Denver Broncos started the 2006 season with Super Bowl aspirations.  They had reached the AFC Championship game in 2005 and appeared to be on the right track.  They had what may become one of the best drafts in team history.  In the first round, they traded up to get Jay Cutler, who appears to be a franchise type quarterback.  He is cool under pressure, can scramble around, and can make every throw in the game.

To help Cutler out, the Broncos traded for Javon Walker with a second round draft pick and then drafted Tony Scheffler and Brandon Marshall.  Walker had a 1000 yard season after missing most of 2005 with a knee injury.  When Cutler took over as starting quarterback for the Broncos in game twelve, we began to see the talent that Scheffler and Marshall had.  Scheffler proved he can get open over the middle and quickly became a favorite target.  Brandon Marshall has been impressive with his run after catch ability.  In Cutler's first game, Marshall took a short pass 71 yards by breaking several tackles along the way to score the game tying touchdown.

The Broncos defense was spectacular early but faded late in the season.  Rookie Elvis Dumervil led the team in sacks with 8 ½ despite not being a starting player.  He looks like he has the ability to be an excellent defensive end for years to come.  Gerard Warren was also good on the interior of the defensive line both in stopping the run and creating penetration into the backfield.  Al Wilson, D.J. Williams, and Ian Gold were sensational at times at linebacker and give the Broncos one of the fastest groups of linebackers in the league.

Ultimately, Denver faded as the season progressed after a fast start.  There were a few weaknesses that became evident that they will have to address with free agency and the NFL draft.  One glaring weakness is at the running back position.  They do not have a stud running back after being a running back factory for many years.  To help the running game and the passing game, they could use some help along the offensive line as well.  On the defensive side of the ball, they really could use a dominant defensive tackle, a pass rushing defensive end, and a good cover safety as they are in a division with Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates, two of the best TE’s in the game.  They will also need corner help after the tragic death of fan favorite, Darrent Williams.

If the Broncos can address just a few of their needs, they will challenge for the AFC West crown and can be a true Super Bowl contender in 2007. 

By A. Goodin, 20Yardline.com

March 1, 2007