TEAM: Denver Broncos
OFFENSE B+
DEFENSE D-
SPEC. TEAMS B-
COACHING B-
FRONT OFFICE D-
SCOUTING C-
OVERALL C-
STRENGTH QB, WR, DC, KS
WEAKNESS DE, DT, OG, DS
OFF. MVP Jay Cutler
DEF. MVP D.J. Williams
TOP ROOKIE Eddie Royal
Comments: The Broncos lend testimony to the fact of just how far of just how far the NFC West division has fallen in recent years. The once formidable Broncos balanced offense has developed into basically a pitch and catch offense with Jay Cutler and wide receivers Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal leading the way. The clubs once vaunted running game today is comprised of three free agent backs, none of whom have stepped up and shown the ability to carry the full load. The offensive line features one of football’s rising stars in left tackle Ryan Clady, but is just an average grouping. The above mentioned Royal has also proven to be the clubs savior as a special team’s performer.
Defensively, the Broncos over the past two seasons have shown almost a total inability to restrict the running game. The front is undersized and as a group is at best adequate. Jarvis Moss a 2007 top draft selection has been a major disappointment thus far in his career. D.J. Williams is a first rate “willy” backer, and cornerback Champ Bailey is still one of the very best, but the club has not proven to be particularly good up the middle.
Head coach Mike Shanahan is one of the leagues very best tacticians, but the rest of the club’s front office administration and scouting staff is in my opinion under manned and highly over matched.
Competing in a division with an inept Raiders Chiefs and under achieving Chargers, I believe this marginal 2008 Broncos squad has a real chance of capturing a division title, but advancing beyond the wildcard, even at home, appears to be just wishful thinking.