All-Time Playoff Record: 16-14
Previous Playoff Results: Click Here
Strengths:
The Broncos biggest strength on offense is their running game, which starts with their athletic linemen. Reuben Droughns is the latest running back to be plugged into a system that seemingly makes whoever the ball carrier is irrelevant. And that's not a knock on Droughns, who is a big, powerful runner. It's simply a compliment to a unit that is consistently among the best in the league. The Broncos also like to change things up in their running game with the more explosive Tatem Bell.A huge key for the Broncos in the playoffs will be the play of quarterback Jake Plummer. When he is on his game, the Broncos have a nicely balanced attack, and at times he can get into a groove and put up some great numbers. He also has a solid pair of receivers in Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie to work with.On the other side of the ball, the run defense gives up less than 95 yards per game on the ground. The Broncos have a solid defensive line with excellent depth. And the addition of Champ Bailey at cornerback gives Denver more confidence in their secondary, which allows them to move a safety into the box in running situations.Denver also has the underrated Al Wilson at middle linebacker with rookie sensation D.J. Williams on the outside running down anyone who manages to slip past the first line of defense.
The Broncos special teams boast one of the better placekickers in the league in Jason Elam.
Weaknesses:
As I mentioned, Plummer has the ability to make the big play, and he can be a dangerous signal caller, but he can also be the Broncos worst enemy. He has a knack of making things happen, but unfortunately, he makes things happen for the other team as well. Plummer has a tendency to make bad decisions in pressure situations, and when he gets rattled, he has a hard time shaking it off. And while Smith and Lelie are solid receivers, the unit lacks the depth to really spread opposing defenses.
Overview:
The Broncos have the potential to be a surprise team in the playoffs, but only if Plummer takes care of the ball. They run the ball well, they're strong against the run, and they make the ocassional big play. But with the quality of the competition, they will have to play mistake-free football and control the clock if they hope to get far.The Broncos will also be forced to beat some very tough teams on the road. And while the weather should not affect a team that plays its home games in Denver, going to Pittsburgh or New England will be no small challenge. And that's assuming they get past Indianapolis in the first round.
Denver may very well be the best Wild-Card team in the playoffs this year, but, in my opinion, they will have a tough time getting out of the first round.
Team Roster:
Offense
13 Danny Kanell QB
16 Jake Plummer QB
26 Tatum Bell RB
34 Reuben Droughns RB
39 Kyle Johnson RB
36 Johnathan Reese RB
37 Cecil Sapp RB
81 Charlie Adams WR
85 Ashley Lelie WR
10 Triandos Luke WR
80 Rod Smith WR
17 Darius Watts WR
89 Dwayne Carswell TE
86 Patrick Hape TE
83 Mike Leach TE
88 Jeb Putzier TE
66 Tom Nalen C
72 George Foster OT
74 Cornell Green OT
78 Matt Lepsis OT
69 P.J. Alexander OG
65 Cooper Carlisle OG
70 Tyson Clabo OG
50 Ben Hamilton OG
62 Dan Neil OG
63 Tim Stuber OG
Defense
92 Marco Coleman DE
98 Reggie Hayward DE
99 Raylee Johnson DE
95 Anton Palepoi DE
93 Trevor Pryce DE
97 Demetrin Veal DE
68 Mario Fatafehi DT
61 Ellis Johnson DT
75 Monsanto Pope DT
55 Patrick Chukwurah LB
53 Louis Green LB
58 Terry Pierce LB
59 Donnie Spragan LB
57 Jashon Sykes LB
52 D.J. Williams LB
56 Al Wilson LB
45 Roc Alexander CB
24 Champ Bailey CB
31 Kelly Herndon CB
40 Jeff Shoate CB
42 Sam Brandon S
25 Nick Ferguson S
28 Kenoy Kennedy S
47 John Lynch S
32 Chris Young S
Kicker/Punter
1 Jason Elam K
6 Jason Baker P
Coaching Staff
Mike Shanahan – Head Coach
Gary Kubiak – Offensive Coordinator
Larry Coyer – Defensive Coordinator
