We’ll be doing our previews randomly over the next 32 days or so. Fifth up, the Broncos.
Last Season: 8-8, Second in AFC West.
What We Like: Eddie Royal was the most impressive rookie wide receiver in the NFL last season, picking up 91 receptions and 980 receiving yards. He did lose Jay Cutler, but he did gain Kyle Orton. That means more screens and divots that Royal has perfected as a 2nd year player. His 91 receptions could go up if Orton uses him as a safety valve instead of one his running backs.
Which brings us to the depth they have at running back. Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan and Knowshon Moreno should all see some time as the primary back this season and Peyton Hillis will get his share of touches when he is not blocking at his normal position of fullback. Moreno and Buckhalter are the two guys we think will get he majority of the carries. Moreno may be a rookie, but we think he has an off shot at a 1,000 yard season if Buckhalter doesn’t impress the coaching staff early in the year.
However, we have faith that Buckhalter could become the next Michael Turner going from back-up to starter and having major success. He’s going to get the opportunity, just like Derrick Ward will, and he has shown some promise in the past while filling in for Brian Westbrook.
Brandon Marshall is a top 10 wide receiver talent wise in the league, but his character issues have really effected his chances of making a positive name for himself as one of the better players in the game. Still, he should be able to produce a 1,000 yard season as a wide out.
They tried to improve their horrific defense via free agency this off-season. Taking Brian Dawkins from the Eagles was a huge move that could really bolster that secondary that now contains Dawkins, All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey and even an impressive rookie in Alphonso Smith who was drafted out of Wake Forest. We’re rooting for Darcel McBath, whom the Broncos selected with the 48th pick in the draft.
Random Prediction: Tony Scheffler’s numbers won’t show how good of a player he is.
Randon Prediction #2: Elvis Dumervil will get six sacks.
Schedule: Loss @ Cincinnati, Win vs Cleveland, Win @ Oakland, Loss vs Dallas, Loss vs New England, Loss @ San Diego, Bye, Loss @ Baltimore, Loss vs Pittsburgh, Win @ Washington, Loss vs San Diego, Loss ve New York Giants, Win @ Kansas City Chiefs, Loss @ Indianapolis, Win vs Oakland, Loss @ Philadelphia, Win vs Kansas City.
6-10. It’s fair to say that Jay Cutler meant two wins to this team. The defense should be better, but Kyle Orton is in fact Kyle Orton, so the offense won’t be nearly as high powered as it was last season. We like the running game, but other than Marshall and Royal picking up yards after the catch, their won’t be much excitement on the offensive end.
