2007 Outlook:

2006 was chalked up as a failure for Broncos fans, but 2007 brings a renewed optimism to the team. Second-year quarterback Jay Cutler now has the starting job from the beginning and he’ll be more comfortable with the team’s offensive scheme and he’ll be a better leader for his teammates. Furthermore, the Broncos have retooled at running back with the addition of former Tennessee Titan, Travis Henry. Denver also added some flare to their secondary by trading for Dre Bly, formerly of the Detroit Lions. Bly will come in to replace the tragic loss of cornerback Darrent Williams, whose life was sadly taken shortly after the end of the Broncos season.

2007 Draft Review:

The Broncos must have felt that it was time to cut off the Cleveland-to-Denver pipeline for defensive linemen because they addressed both the offensive and defensive lines with all four draft picks. Defensive ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will revamp the pass rush and Marcus Thomas will help get a push up the middle as a defensive tackle. OT Ryan Harris will hopefully carry on the tradition of the Denver running back factory by providing some depth to an already formidable Denver offensive line. Draft Grade: B+

Key Acquisition:

With the departure of Tatum Bell to Detroit, Denver needed to go out and get a quality replacement at running back. The free agent signing of Travis Henry was the most important move of their offseason. He’ll come in to provide veteran experience and should have no problem becoming the next great Broncos running back. With the addition of Henry, Mike Bell will be able to move back to more of a lead back role in the offense, which despite what he believes, is truly where he belongs in this offense.

Key Departure:

The loss created by the tragic death of CB Darrent Williams is not something that can be measured in wins and losses, and especially not in statistics. More important than numbers, Williams was a close friend and teammates share a special bond that cannot easily be replaced. Hopefully Williams will be an inspiration for his teammates and he will most definitely serve as an example of how quickly it all can be lost. The Broncos hope that Bly can come in and replace the play of Williams.

Offensive Preview:

The Denver offense has a new look to it. Cutler is the young stud at the controls and behind him is the new heir to the Broncos running back throne. This offense will be more dynamic and explosive than last year. Cutler has an absolute cannon and is much more of a deep ball threat than Jake Plummer ever was. The acquisition of Brandon Stokley will also give the young QB a reliable target from the slot. The pieces are there in Bronco-land for a return to the playoffs. If Henry runs with the same emphasis he did in Tennessee, it just may be a special offensive season for the Broncos.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

Recent draftees Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will provide an infusion of young talent into the Denver defense. These two will be counted on to provide much needed pressure on the opposing quarterback. The linebacking corp will have a new look to it after the departure of Pro Bowler Al Wilson. Along the back line, Champ Bailey and Dre Bly will be the best cornerback combination in the NFL. These two will be able to shut down nearly any wide receiver duo in the league. The Denver defense was one of the more formidable units in the league last season and there is no reason to believe that they will not at the very least, equal that output. Jason Elam is back for his 15th season and is one of the more reliable kickers around. There will be a platoon system for returning kickoffs and punts.

Season Prediction:

Denver has a nice all-around team and a Hall of Fame coach in Mike Shanahan. The offense has a refreshing look to it and the defense got some much needed help during the offseason. We see the Broncos making a playoff push, but in the end they’ll fall a little short. Don't fret Bronco fans, your team is but a year away from not only contending for a playoff birth, but possibly returning to a Super Bowl. Cutler just needs another year under his belt before this club will be able to challenge the likes of San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England.

Projected Finish

9 Wins, 7 Losses (2nd in the AFC West)

Got a comment about the preview? Let your voice be heard! There's an active topic going on in the forum. Click here to get in the action!