Denver Broncos Season Preview

The improved play of Jake Plummer (456 ATT, 277 COMP, 3,366 YDS, 18 TDs, 7 INT) was a major factor in Denver’s push for the AFC Championship. If Plummer can continue his progress, the Broncos offense will be blistering. If he runs into trouble, Denver’s first-round draft pick, Vanderbilt’s dynamic QB Jay Cutler, will be waiting on the sidelines.

Although Mike Anderson (239 ATT, 1.014 YDS, 4.2 AVG, 12 TDs) led the team in rushing, he was released to ease the salary cap squeeze. That leaves either Tatum Bell or Ron Dayne to step in. Both looked promising last season, with Bell (173 ATT, 921 YDS, 5.3 AVG, 8 TDs) making the most of his playing time.

WR Rod Smith (85 REC, 1,105 YDS, 13.0 AVG, 6 TDs) is Plummer’s favorite target. Sometimes, it seems like he’s the only target. The Broncos need another reliable go-to pass catcher. They are hoping that Green Bay’s Javon Walker, who spent last season in rehab after major knee injury, will be the answer.

The offensive line, which allowed only 23 sacks and helped the Broncos gain 2,539 rushing yards, is back in its entirety. Great news for all concerned.

The defense did a fine job stopping the run but had a terrible time putting pressure on quarterbacks. With only 28 sacks and finishing 29th against the pass, the Broncos must find a solution. Most don’t think releasing versatile DE Trevor Pryce was a good move even though he was ineffective on the pass rush.

The linebackers—Al Wilson, Ian Gold and D.J. Williams—are topnotch players. Wilson (90 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 9 passes defended) is the leader of the Denver defense. Intense, smart and quick, he forces the opposition to make mistakes.

The secondary, which features Champ Bailey, made big plays seem like everyday occurrences. Bailey had 8 of the team’s 20 interceptions and ran back 2 for touchdowns. This corps is olid.

Denver has some tough road games against New England and Pittsburgh and equally difficult home contests against Indianapolis and Seattle. Another 13 -3 regular season record? Maybe not. But another AFC West title—yes.

For more info on the Broncos AFC West division rivals check out the Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders team previews from the MadduxSports.com experts.

For more info and news on the 2006 Denver pro football team visit the Broncos team section at NFL.com.