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Quarterback Jake Plummer took a big step forward last season, going from erratic to consistent. Plummer put up career bests in almost every major passing category, finishing with 3,366 yards and 18 touchdowns with just seven interceptions for a rating of 90.2.
Plummer’s emergence had been years in the making, but was the main reason for the Broncos’ return to the playoffs. Should Plummer falter, the Broncos made a big move in the NFL Draft in adding Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler.
Cutler has proved to be wise beyond his years and extremely talented in the preseason and could be ready to step in should Plummer get hurt or struggle.
In addition to Plummer’s passing exploits, the Broncos continued their tradition of posting big numbers in the rushing attack. No matter whom the team plugs into the starting running back job, he always seems to post big numbers. That’s why the Broncos felt comfortable parting with last year’s leading rusher, Mike Anderson, in the offseason.
The competition for the starting job has been heated in training camp. Undrafted rookie Mike Bell is the leader for the job, but speedy Tatum Bell figures in the mix. Despite Plummer’s advancements in the passing game a season ago, the Broncos lacked a big-play receiver to complement the guile and grit of veteran leader Rod Smith. Smith returns after another in a long line of good seasons, but in an effort to boost the passing game, Denver traded for Green Bay receiver Javon Walker.
Walker was the team’s big offseason addition after the Broncos flirted with the idea of signing Terrell Owens. Walker is coming off a serious knee injury, but when healthy is one of the league’s most explosive receivers. Darius Watts, David Terrell and Charlie Adams also figure into the receiving mix.
At tight end, the Broncos went for youth by adding Tony Scheffler in the draft. Scheffler is an excellent pass catcher and could prove to be a good red zone target.
For all of the Broncos’ success in recent years, perhaps no unit has been more integral than the offensive line. The zone blocking schemes employed by the Broncos have set the tone for the power running game and this year should be no different.
Center Tom Nalen remains the anchor in the middle with help from guards Ben Hamilton and Cooper Carlisle and tackles Matt Lepsis and George Foster.
On defense, the Broncos boast one of the finest linebacking corps in the league. Middle linebacker Al Wilson is the heart and soul of the group and is one of the most tenacious defenders in the league. Ian Gold and D.J. Williams provide athleticism, speed and ferocity next to him with the ability to get after the passer and cover tight ends, running backs and the occasional receiver.
In the secondary, the Broncos are led by cornerback and perennial Pro Bowler Champ Bailey. Bailey has been a mainstay of the defense after coming in a trade from Washington last offseason.
Helping Bailey is a pair of young cornerbacks added in the 2005 NFL Draft. Darrent Williams was one of the league’s best young defenders last season and solidified his spot as a cover corner and returner. Dominique Foxworth has also made strides and gives the Broncos three good cover corners.
Elsewhere in the secondary, the Broncos use hard hitting John Lynch at strong safety. Lynch can still get it done in run support and in coverage. Nick Ferguson and Sam Brandon have competed for the free safety spot next to Lynch.
Up front, the Broncos made huge strides last year by getting the most out of a group of players that failed elsewhere, namely Cleveland. Defensive end Courtney Brown, a former No. 1 overall pick, and defensive tackle Gerard Warren, a former No. 3 overall pick, both played better than at any time in their stints with the Browns, solidifying Denver’s line.
The Broncos parted ways with Trevor Pryce in the offseason, but they still have a solid rotation that includes Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger and Kenard Lang.
A Look at the Opponent - Denver
A Look at the Opponent - Denver
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