NFL 2006: Denver Broncos

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Denver Broncos.)

The Denver Broncos had a disappointing ending to a very good 2005 season that saw Mike Shanahan's squad go 13-3 in the regular season and win the AFC West division. In the playoffs, the Broncos advanced to the AFC championship only to lose to the Steelers at home in Mile High.

A deep, veteran squad returns with the hope to go one step further than last season and give Shanahan a third Super Bowl victory.

Offense: Jake Plummer (3,366 yards, 18 touchdowns) led his team to a division title and deep into the playoffs, but he was inconsistent at times and non-existent in the championship game. The window of opportunity is closing for Jake the Snake, thanks to age and Jay Cutler, the Broncos number one pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Plummer is still the man, but the time is growing short. Bradlee Van Pelt is the third QB.

Mike Anderson and his thousand yard season are gone, but Tatum Bell returns and will be handed the starters job after a solid 921-yard, eight touchdown campaign. Shanahan loves to alternate backs, so expect to see a lot of Ron Dayne and/or Cecil Sapp as well. Kyle Johnson is an excellent receiving fullback who scored five touchdowns last season.

The big offseason acquisition for the Broncos was the trade for Packers disgruntled receiver Javon Walker. Walker missed all of 2005 due to injury, but he's recovered nicely and is one of the best wideouts in the game when healthy. Ageless wonder Rod Smith (85-1,105-6) returns to give Denver a potent 1-2 combo. Ashley Lelie (42-770-1) wants out of Denver and has threatened a training camp holdout. He really has no leverage considering he's under contract, but Shanahan may deal him just to shut him up. Darius Watts, Charlie Adams and rookies Brandon Marshall and Domenik Hixon will fight for playing time.

Jeb Putzier is gone at tight end, but veteran Stephen Alexander takes over and rookie Tony Scheffler will see plenty of time on the field.

What can you say about the Denver offensive line? Every season it's one of the best units in the NFL and this year is no exception. Shanahan is a master of the running game and his blocking schemes are tailored for the undersized quicker lineman that the Broncos have. All five starters return so expect Bell to rack up nice numbers. Tom Nalen is an All-Pro center, Ben Hamilton and Cooper Carlisle are at guard and Matt Lepsis and George Foster man the tackle spots. Greg Eslinger, Cornell Green, Taylor Whitley and former tight end Dwayne Carswell provide excellent depth.

Defense: This unit was considered a patchwork at the start of last season, but came together to be one of the top defenses in the league. Ten starters return and barring injuries, should be solid once again.

Long time Broncos favorite Trevor Pryce is gone, but Courtney Brown, reborn in Denver, is back at one end spot. John Engleberger, Ebenezer Ekuban (four sacks),and free agent pickup Kenard Lang will battle for Pryce's starting job. Rookie Elvis Dumervil is a pass-rushing specialist at end. Gerard Warren (three sacks) and Michael Myers anchor the middle. Demetrin Veal is a key reserve.

The strength of the Denver defense is the linebackers. Their quick, athletic, run to the ball and make big plays. Al Wilson (72 tackles, three sacks) is the captain from his middle linebacker spot, while D.J. Williams (55 tackles) and Ian Gold (88 tackles, three sacks) control the outside. Free agent addition Nate Webster and Patrick Chukwurah will see action as well.

Champ Bailey cemented his All-Pro status with eight interceptions last season and will lead a young, but impressive corner group in 2006. Domonique Foxworth (70 tackles, two interceptions) starts at the other corner slot. Darrent Williams (two picks) and Karl Paymah will play significant amounts of time. John Lynch (61 tackles, four sacks and two picks) starts at strong safety with Nick Ferguson (79 tackles, five interceptions) set as the free safety. Sam Brandon provides depth.

Special Teams: The special teams suffered a blow when punter Todd Sauerbrun (43.8) was hit with a four-game suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. Jeff Williams is currently the only other punter on the roster and Shanahan may elect to bring in a veteran free agent. No problem though with the kicker as Jason Elam (115 points, 24-32 field goals, 43-44 extra points), the all-time leading scorer in Denver history, is back for another season.

Williams (8.7) and Adams (8.3) will fight it out to see who returns punts, while Williams (23.9) and Roc Alexander (21.8) return kickoffs.

Outlook: This is a loaded, veteran team, barring injuries, that will challenge for the division, the conference and the Super Bowl. Plummer's time is growing short and the opportunity has never been more ripe for him to take advantage of. The addition of Walker opens up the offense and gives Plummer a serious deep ball threat. Shanahan is one of the top five coaches in this league and he may have his best team since his Elway Super Bowl runs in 1997-98.

Prediction: This team has the capabilities to win the AFC and the Super Bowl, provided they stay healthy and play at the level they did during the 2005 regular season. Denver is unbeatable at home so if Shanahan's charges do well on the road, the AFC title game could be played in Mile High once again. The Broncos will finish 12-4 or 13-3.

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