So Denver, apparently, is banking on a system that has produced successful runners like Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, and of course Portis. And in turn, they hope Bailey can significantly change not only the quality of the defense, but also allow the squad to be more aggressive in their blitzing schemes. With the Broncos now being a little unproven at some of the skill positions on offense, there are concerns that this move could come back to haunt them. But it’s a risk that team officials felt was worth the potential reward should they successfully fill the hole at running back yet again.
Quarterback
Considering he was playing in a new system in 2003, the fact that Jake Plummer put together the best passer rating and highest completion percentage of his career has to be encouraging for the Broncos. After throwing more than 20 interceptions in four of his six years in Arizona, Plummer reduced that total to just seven last season, although he missed five games with shoulder and knee injuries. He is at his best when he is out of the pocket, so look for the Broncos to move him around a lot again this year. Durability does become a concern with his style of play, but he struggles when forced to be a pocket passer, so it’s kind of a catch-22 situation.
Veteran backup Danny Kanell is penciled in at No. 2, and he can be an adequate backup when he has a strong running game, but he doesn’t handle pressure well and he tends to throw off his back foot. Seventh-round rookie Matt Mauck appears to have third spot as a developmental prospect. He is an intelligent player with nice mobility, but he lacks size.
Running Backs
The Broncos always seem to have success in the running game no matter who they put back there, but make no mistake... The loss of Portis is a huge one. Quentin Griffin has shown the ability to start, but he is undersized and it’s not known whether he can hold up for a full season as the feature back. He has speed and elusiveness, and he catches the ball well out of the backfield, but the Broncos will have to keep him fresh to keep him healthy.
Rookie second rounder Tatum Bell will push 33-year-old veteran Garrison Hearst, who was brought in as a free agent during the off-season, for playing time behind Griffin. Hearst is obviously on the downside of his career, but he brings a lot of experience and coming out of the West-Coast system in San Francisco he obviously has good receiving skills. Bell has good speed and a great burst through the line, so he should be a good fit for this offense, but he must hang onto the ball better than he did in college.
Hybrid fullback Mike Anderson was lost for the season to a groin injury, so Reuben Droughns will take over starting duties. He is a versatile player who can carry the ball and is a very good receiver, but he doesn’t have Anderson’s blocking ability.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
With the retirement of last year’s No. 3 receiver Ed McCaffrey, the pressure is on 2002 first-round draft pick Ashley Lelie to become a consistent performer at No. 2 as the team searches for a replacement for the veteran. Rod Smith is headed into his 11th year in the league and will start opposite Lelie. He may have lost a step and is nearing the end of his career, but he still runs great routes and has excellent hands.
After the starters, the Broncos receiving corps becomes very suspect. Second-round rookie Darrius Watts has looked good in the preseason and will be given every opportunity to prove he can handle the No. 3 role, but he has durability issues to go along with his lack of experience. A less-than-impressive group that includes fellow rookie Triandos Luke (6th round), Charlie Adams, and Adrian Madise will battle for the final roster spots.
The loss of another veteran weapon with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe magnifies the lack of depth the Broncos have at receiver. As a result, Denver will use fewer two-tight end sets. Byron Chamberlain and Jed Weaver were brought in as free agents, but were recently released, so the team will head into the season with three tight ends – Jeb Putzier, Patrick Hape, and Mike Leach. Putzier has the best pass-catching ability of the remaining tight ends and has the potential to break out this year now that he will likely see plenty of playing time.
