P-Rez25

The Denver Broncos weren't going to stand in Mike Heimerdinger's way of having full control over the offensive plans somewhere else.


Heimerdinger went from Denver to Tennessee in January. The Titans knew Heimerdinger from his days as their offensive coordinator and were interested in having him as a replacement to fired coordinator Norm Chow.


Heimerdinger was the Broncos' assistant head coach/offense, but wasn't in charge of the offense. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has always held a lot of control over the team's offensive plans.


The only public statement Shanahan made on the issue was when the team granted the Titans permission to interview Heimerdinger.


"The opportunity in Tennessee would give Mike the chance to go back to an organization and work with a head coach with whom he is very familiar, handling the entire offense and having full control over game planning and play-calling responsibilities," Shanahan said.


The Broncos are now without the men who were the top assistants on offense and defense last year. Assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates stepped down after he was offered a reassignment.


Unlike the Broncos' defense, the offense didn't struggle in 2007. Under Heimerdinger, quarterback Jay Cutler continued to make progress and young players like tight end Tony Scheffler and receiver Brandon Marshall showed they have a bright future.


Rick Dennison held the title of offensive coordinator last year and will continue to oversee the running game. Jeremy Bates will probably see an increase in responsibility and oversee the passing game.


Notes, Quotes
• Offensive tackle Matt Lepsis was put on the reserve/retired list, officially ending his career with the Broncos. Lepsis joined the Broncos in 1997 and had a good career for the team.


However, Lepsis suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2006 and never seemed to fully bounce back from the injury in 2007. Ryan Harris, Erik Pears and Chris Kuper are three candidates to take over at left tackle.


• The Broncos added a few players in early February, hoping one or more wins a roster spot in 2008. Denver signed receiver Derrick Hamilton, a former 2004 third-round choice of San Francisco.


Denver also claimed linebacker Brandon Archer off waivers from Indianapolis and signed linebacker William Kershaw. Building linebacker depth will be a priority for the team this year.


Quote To Note: "It's kind of an unreal thing. It hasn't sunk in yet." -- Former Broncos offensive tackle Gary Zimmerman, who was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame


Strategy And Personnel
There are plenty of areas the Broncos want to address this offseason. The front seven has to be the biggest area of need after a poor season on defense that led to assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates stepping down. The Broncos need pass rushers, although second-year linemen Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas could help there.


Offensively the Broncos think a young, talented group of players will be a cornerstone for the team. However, there are a few questions. Receiver depth needs to be addressed, and the Broncos have to find a replacement for retired left tackle Matt Lepsis.


TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY


One thing the Broncos won't have to worry much about is their own crop of free agents. Aside from kicker Jason Elam, who wants to stay and probably will, there are no key members of the team's nucleus up for free agency. Defensive end John Engelberger and safety Nick Ferguson are probably the top two after Elam.


What the Broncos will have to decide is what to do with a couple of their key offensive players who are due large bonuses this offseason. Running back Travis Henry could come back with a restructured contract. Receiver Javon Walker is less likely to be back with the team.


1. Defensive line: The Broncos made some strides last year, finding young linemen that can hopefully help them for years to come. But for a team that struggled to stop the run most of the season, more linemen are needed to help that turnaround.


2. Linebacker: D.J. Williams had a solid year in the middle, but might have been miscast. If the Broncos can find a good option at middle linebacker, Williams might move back outside. Depth at outside linebacker might also help.


3. Wide receiver: Unless Javon Walker comes back, which seems unlikely given some inflammatory comments after the season and large roster bonuses due this offseason, the Broncos need someone to go with Brandon Marshall. Brandon Stokley is a good third receiver, but the Broncos don't want him to be a full-time starter.


MEDICAL WATCH


• C Tom Nalen is recovering fine from a torn biceps muscle and the team expects him back at 100 percent in 2008.


• G Ben Hamilton, despite missing all of 2007 with post-concussion symptoms, should return to the team this year but his history means he will be closely monitored.


• DE Ebenezer Ekuban tore his Achilles' tendon in preseason, he should be able to participate in offseason workouts.


• TE Nate Jackson suffered a torn groin muscle that ended his season, but should be a full participant this offseason.


FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• TE Stephen Alexander is very unlikely to be back, he will probably retire.


• DE Ebenezer Ekuban missed all of last season with an Achilles' tendon injury, but could be back with a short deal.


• DE John Engelberger is a hard worker and solid against the run, and will probably be back.


• K Jason Elam will probably be back; both sides are interested in having him return.


• S Nick Ferguson was benched last year and finished his second straight season on injured reserve. He will look at his options in free agency.


• TE Nate Jackson is coming off a season-ending groin injury, but the Broncos have always liked the converted receiver.


• FB Cecil Sapp should return, he's a versatile performer who fits the Broncos offense well.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• S Hamza Abdullah is a potential starter at safety for the Broncos after being in that role the last half of 2007.


• CB Domonique Foxworth plays cornerback and safety and has been a solid performer for the Broncos.


• C Chris Myers filled in well for Tom Nalen last year, and his versatility will be an asset even if Nalen returns at 100 percent this season.


• CB Karl Paymah took steps in his third season and should continue to be part of the nickel and dime packages.

PLAYERS LOST


• LB Warrick Holdman (released).


• OT Matt Lepsis (retired).


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