20-Nov-2009 17:20pm
 
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Denver Broncos
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The Broncos will look nothing like the team from last season. They had as much turnover as any team in the league. Not only do they have a new coach, Josh McDaniels, but they have a new starting quarterback, running back and safety. The Broncos had quite a busy offseason. Kyle Orton and Chris Simms will compete for the starting quarterback job with Jay Cutler traded. Rookie Knowshon Moreno takes over the starting running back duties. And Brian Dawkins becomes the starting free safety in Denver.

As mentioned, the Broncos traded Jay Cutler, an All Pro quarterback and supposed heir apparent to John Elway. This leaves a huge void for the Broncos to fill. Denver also lost cornerback Dre' Bly, linebacker Jamie Winborn, safety Marquand Manuel and defensive end John Engelberger. None of these guys are huge losses, but still losses, creating some depth issues for the Broncos.

STRENGTHS

The Broncos might not have a top quarterback, but they sure have some great options at receiver. Brandon Marshall remains one of the best in the game, topping 100 receptions last season. He is the real deal. Rookie Eddie Royal proved to be a great pickup for the Broncos, having a huge rookie season. He could build on that with a year under his belt. And Jabar Gaffney should be a top No. 3 for the Broncos. He knows the offense and has past success in this role. The Broncos also have Brandon Stokley, who played well in a reserve role last season and is a former 1,000-yard receiver. The Broncos have a lot of quality options at receiver.

WEAKNESSES

The passing game has potential, but a lot will depend on their quarterback play. And we would be concerned, having to choose from Orton and Simms. Orton could do alright, but he might not have the intangibles to run this high-flying offense. He is a big step back from Cutler, who possessed a rocket for an arm and a gunslinger attitude. Their passing game is likely to take a few steps backward this season because of the quarterback concerns.

The Broncos entire defense is a weakness. They suffered against the rush (27th) and pass (26th) last season. And surprisingly, they made more changes on the offensive side of the ball during the draft and free agency, which has to make you wonder if McDaniels is in over his head. Denver's defense is a big-time concern for the coming season. They don't have a good pass rush and their secondary is very weak outside of Champ Bailey.

OUTLOOK

The Broncos will be in a lot of high-scoring games, but probably on the losing end most weeks. We wouldn't count on them returning to the playoffs this season. Their defense is really, really bad. It could be a long first season for McDaniels.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 20, 01:03 PM Frack Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) will not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20, but head coach Josh McDaniels said Orton has a chance to play Week 11. Orton will be listed as questionable for the game.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.

Fantasy Impact: Buckhalter is a game-time decision.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. The Broncos have not ruled him out for Week 11 and said he is feeling better.

Fantasy Impact: He'll be a game-time decision. Either way, he is a big risk for fantasy teams even if he plays.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos RB LaMont Jordan (back) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.

Fantasy Impact: Jordan is iffy to play at this point.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos OT Ryan Harris (toe) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He likely will not play in Week 11 unless he makes a significant recovery.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos FS Josh Barrett (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He could play in Week 11 if he does not have a setback.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (neck) participated in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will be able to play in Week 11.
Nov 20, 12:43 PM Denver Broncos FB Peyton Hillis could be active for Week 11 if RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) or RB LaMont Jordan (back) are not able to play.
Nov 19, 04:53 PM The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms is likely to start in Week 11 against the San Diego Chargers after taking snaps with the first team again Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 03:13 PM Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) missed his second straight practice Thursday, Nov. 19, with a severely sprained ankle. He is still hoping to play in Week 11.
Nov 19, 03:13 PM Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall (neck) returned to practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 03:13 PM Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos FS Josh Barrett (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 12:33 PM Frank Schwab, of the Colorado Springs Gazette, reports Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said the game plan in Week 11 will not change if QB Chris Simms has to start in place of QB Kyle Orton (ankle).
Nov 18, 11:43 PM The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) has torn ligaments in his left ankle. However, he is still hoping to start in Week 11. 'I'll come back as fast as I can and try to lead the football team and try to be in the huddle just like everybody else,' Orton said. 'In this sport, you've got to play when you are dinged up, and the quarterback is no different.'
Nov 18, 11:43 PM The Associated Press reports Denver Broncos QB Chris Simms practiced with the first-team offense in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 03:13 PM Mike Klis, of The Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton (ankle) did not practice during the media portion of practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Fantasy Impact: Orton still has a shot to play this week.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Nick Greisen, LB; Brandon Gorin, OT; Kyle Orton, QB; Scott Young, G; Chris Simms, QB; LaMont Jordan, RB; Andre' Goodman, CB; Andra Davis, LB; Brian Dawkins, S; Darrell Reid, DT; Correll Buckhalter, RB; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Renaldo Hill, S; Lonie Paxton, OL. 

Losses:
Selvin Young, RB; Adam Bergen, TE; Darrell Hackney, QB; Jay Cutler, QB; Karl Paymah, CB; Mike Leach, LS; Dre' Bly, CB; Jamie Winborn, LB; Marquand Manuel, S; Niko Koutouvides, LB; Nate Jackson, TE; John Engelberger, DE; Dewayne Robertson, DT; Chad Mustard 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  12 Knowshon MorenoRB
 # 1  18 Robert AyersLB
 # 2  5 Alphonso SmithDB
 # 2  16 Darcel McBathDB
 # 2  32 Richard QuinnTE
 # 4  14 David BrutonDB
 # 4  32 Seth OlsenOL
 # 5  5 Kenny McKinleyWR
 # 6  1 Tom BrandstaterQB
 # 7  16 Blake SchlueterOL

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 1:00PM      at Cincinnati
2     Sep 20 4:15PM      Cleveland
3     Sep 27 4:15PM      at Oakland
4     Oct 4 4:15PM      Dallas
5     Oct 11 4:15PM      New England
6     Oct 19 8:30PM      at San Diego
-- Week 7 Bye --
8     Nov 1 1:00PM      at Baltimore
9     Nov 9 8:30PM      Pittsburgh
10     Nov 15 1:00PM      at Washington
11     Nov 22 4:15PM      San Diego
12     Nov 26 8:20PM      New York Giants
13     Dec 6 1:00PM      at Kansas City
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      at Indianapolis
15     Dec 20 4:05PM      Oakland
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      at Philadelphia
17     Jan 3 4:15PM      Kansas City