2008 NFL Preview > Denver Broncos Preview

2008 Denver Broncos Football Preview

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

2007 Record: 7-9

Key Additions: OLB Boss Bailey, OT Ryan Clady, WR Keary Colbert, WR Darrell Jackson, S Marlon McCree, RB Michael Pittman, DT Dewayne Robertson, WR Eddie Royal

Key Losses: K Jason Elam, S Nick Ferguson, OLB Ian Gold, RB Travis Henry, OT Matt Lepsis, S John Lynch, WR Javon Walker

The Broncos offseason has not been without its share of drama. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall was suspended for the first 3 games of the regular season by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s conduct policy due to a variety of off the field incidents, his most egregious offense being an arrest for domestic violence on March 6. Marshall also suffered nerve damage to his right forearm when horsing around with his brother and accidentally putting his arm through a TV. However, he has shown no ill effects in the preseason. After the incident, quarterback Jay Cutler admitted Marshall wasn’t his “favorite person right now.”

2008 Denver Broncos Offense:

Cutler’s play should be much improved after playing last season with an untreated diabetic condition. The young gun slinger still threw for 20 touchdowns and almost 3500 yards. Selvin Young is expected to handle the majority of the carries in the running game. The former Texas Longhorn averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season. The offensive line lost longtime starter Matt Lepsis but replaced him with first round left tackle Ryan Clady. The once meritorious Denver line has a couple question marks at center (Tom Nalen is ancient) and right tackle. Also, the receiving corps lacks a reliable starter opposite Marshall. Darrell Jackson had one of the worst seasons of his career with the 49ers and Keary Colbert has accomplished little since his rookie season with Carolina. Brandon Stokely is a solid slot receiver and could emerge as a nice compliment to Marshall if the team gives him a chance. Also, Denver drafted Eddie Royal in the second round and the rookie has started both preseason games. Tight end Tony Scheffler emerged last season as a viable pass catching threat.

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2008 Denver Broncos Defense:

The Broncos defense was an absolute joke last season, allowing 25.6 points per game, the fifth worst total in the NFL. The Broncos (or perhaps we should refer to their defense as the Ponies) could not stop the run and allowed over 146 yards a game, the third highest total allowed league wide. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, Denver has not seriously addressed this issue in the offseason. One can only assume Shanahan is hoping the acquisition of Dewayne Robertson will help, but that seems like wishful thinking, considering his lack of success with the Jets. The Broncos however, fared much better against the pass. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil tallied 12 sacks and Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly form one of the best cornerback tandems in the league. Also, D.J. Williams has become one of the best linebackers in the AFC.

2008 Denver Broncos Special Teams:

Eddie Royal is penciled in as the starting kick and punt return man. The Broncos will be without kicker Jason Elam, who departed for Atlanta and will replace the possible future hall of famer with Matt Prater. Sam Paulescu will handle the punting duties.

2008 Denver Broncos Expectations:

The Broncos offense has some serious potential in the passing game with Cutler and Marshall. It remains to be seen whether Selvin Young can effectively handle a full time workload at running back, but he was impressive in limited action last year. However, question marks on the offensive line and Marshall’s three game suspension could limit the unit’s effectiveness as a whole. The defense most likely still won’t be able to stop the run and this will ultimately be the team’s Achilles heel once again, especially in a division with LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and Darren McFadden.

2008 Denver Broncos Prediction: 2nd place in the AFC West

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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