2008 Denver Broncos Preview

Offense
Quarterback Jay Cutler (467 ATT, 297 COMP, 3,497 YDS, 20 TDs, 14 INT), who starts Soccer jerseyshis third NFL season, is a talented competitor. WR Brandon Marshall (102 REC, 1,325 YDS, 13.0 AVG, 7 TDs) and WR Tony Scheffler (49 REC, 549 YDS, 11.2 AVG. 5 TDs) lead a deep and athletic receiving unit. With wideout Javon Walker going to Oakland, Marshall becomes the featured pass catcher. However, Marshall was in a car accident in the off-season and may not be ready to go at the top of 2008. Both O-line and running game are weak.
Defense
Corner back Champ Bailey, who was ineffective in 2007, is focused on being a game changing force in 2008. Safety Dre’ Bly (5 INT) is a sound performer. The secondary needs more depth. Linebacker, D.J. Williams, who transfers to the weak side from the middle, had 141 tackles in 2007. Boss Bailey, an excellent strong side performer, has to maintain his health for this unit to be effective. The D-line needs to be improved.
Special Teams
Place Kicker and game winner Jason Elam went to the Falcons. The Broncos will miss his clutch performances. Kicker Matt Prater, who was charged with kickoffs last season, may become the field goal kicker too. He must be more consistent to hold onto that job. Draft-pick Eddie Royal, a speedy runner, stands to improve the return game.
Overview
Don’t look for the Broncos to be in the post-season in 2008. The D- and O-lines are both works-in-progress. But another year of good draft picks, some free agent signings and experience garnered this season will help create a better Bronco team in 2009. They have some fine young talent to develop
Sunday, August 24, 2008 -- Head coach Mike Shanahan (138-83 with Denver, 146-95 overall) is in his 15th season with the Denver Broncos. This year, he faces the challenge of putting up winning numbers during a massive rebuilding effort
In 2007, Denver (7-9) had its first, and if Shanahan can help it, its last losing season in a decade.