Denver Broncos 2008 Season Preview

Denver Broncos Preview: Overview

The Denver Broncos had their first losing season since 1999 in 2007, going 7-9. Caused mostly due to extensive injuries and the deaths of two players on the Denver Broncos roster, the team is ready to move on in 2008. The Denver Broncos roster has been restocked, the injuries healed, and locker room cancers have been cut out. The new Denver Broncos are ready to start fresh and can make a push for the Super Bowl.

Denver Broncos Preview: Off Season

Entering the 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos needed to upgrade their aging offensive line. Luckily for the Denver Broncos, the 2008 NFL Draft was stocked with linemen that fit their zone-blocking system. First round pick LT Ryan Clady will start right away and has the speed and footwork to be a textbook Denver Broncos lineman. The Denver Broncos snagged a similar lineman, G Kory Lichtensteiger from Bowling Green. The Denver Broncos used their second round pick on WR Eddie Royal to replace the void left by Javon Walker. RB Ryan Torian could be a starter and future 1,000-yard rusher. FB Peyton Hillis will be an immediate starter and is a thumper in the blocking game.

The Denver Broncos cut two talented but troubled players in RB Travis Henry and WR Javon Walker, making for a more stable team. Veteran RB Michael Pittman was brought in to bring leadership to the young running back rotation. The Denver Broncos defense was upgraded by the acquisition of players such as OLB Boss Bailey, DT Dwayne Robertson, LB Niko Koutouvides, and S Marlin McCree. WRs Samie Parker and Darrell Jackson will add new dimensions to the offense.

Denver Broncos Preview: Offense

Quarterback Jay Cutler enters his third year in the NFL and is firmly entrenched as the Denver Broncos franchise offensive player. With one of the biggest arms in the NFL, Jay Cutler can hit any spot on the field. The Denver Broncos offensive line has become legendary for their ability to turn any RB into a 1,000-yard rusher. Rookie LT Ryan Clady will be expected to protect Jay Cutler’s blindside for the next decade and has the agility to run the zone-blocking scheme perfectly. RT Erik Pears enters another year as a starter and is great in the run game. Rookie C/G Kory Lichtensteiger will be groomed to replace longtime C Tom Nalen and could start at either position.

The Denver Broncos totally restocked their skill positions in the off season. WR Brandon Marshall remains the starter and has quickly become one of the best, even at his young age. Veteran WR Darrell Jackson is the experienced leader of the receiving corps and his teaching will be invaluable to WRs Eddie Royal and Samie Parker. WR Brandon Stokley is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL and can play the No. 2 spot as well. The running backs of the Denver Broncos have always been the key to their success, and it continues in 2008. RB Selvin Young returns and will rotate in with newly acquired veteran RB Michael Pittman. Rookie FB Peyton Hillis will start immediately and is a threat to run and catch as well as block.

Denver Broncos Preview: Defense

The Denver Broncos also focused on tuning up their front seven. Space-eating DT Dwayne Robertson was brought in to pair with penetrating three-tech DT Marcus Thomas. 2007 first round pick DE Jarvis Moss is healthy and should develop into an elite pass-rusher. Third-year DE Elvis Dumervil is a dynamic pass-rusher and should pair with Jarvis Moss to form a scary tandem. Deep D-Line depth allows the Denver Broncos to rotate in completely new lines to rest the starters or to fit situations. LB DJ Williams is the leader of the front seven and has become a force at all three slots. DJ Williams will be joined by two new LBs in Niko Koutouvides and the speedy Boss Bailey. Speed is held at a premium on the Denver Broncos front seven. 

The Denver Broncos also boast one of the best secondaries in the NFL. CB Champ Bailey is the de-facto best CB in football and maybe the only true shutdown cornerback in Pro-Football. CB Dre Bly pairs will Champ Bailey to keep the deep ball in check or eliminated altogether. Nickelback Dominique Foxworth is a starter quality CB as well. S John Lynch is a crafty veteran and leader of the Denver Broncos defense. John Lynch’s hard hits keep even the most dedicated receivers from going over the middle. S Marlin McCree is the speed to John Lynch’s power in the secondary, but he also doles out punishment.

Denver Broncos: Special Teams

Rookie WR Eddie Royal was drafted primarily for his kick and punt return ability. He will compete with WRs Edell Shepherd and Glenn Martinez for both return man spots. The vastly improved return game will help the Denver Broncos with the critical field-position battle. The Denver Broncos enter their first season in more than a decade without K Jason Elam. Rookie K Garrett Hartley is a Lou Groza winner and will compete with K Matt Prater for the job. P Sam Paulescu returns to help in the field-position game.

Denver Broncos Preview: Outlook

The Denver Broncos will once again set their sights on the AFC West Title. The Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs have struggled as of late but are rebounding. The Denver Broncos have been in a bitter rivalry with the San Diego Chargers for years and it continues with two more meetings in 2008 that will decide the AFC West crown. Outside the AFC West, the Denver Broncos will have to face the likes of the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the fearsome New England Patriots. With head coach Mike Shanahan at the helm, the Denver Broncos always have a chance to beat any opponent on any-given Sunday. The cold winters and thin air of INVESCO Field at Mile High will give the Denver Broncos its own unique home-field advantage.