omac
01-31-2008, 02:49 AM
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/01/27/nfl-offseason-roadmap-denver-broncos/
NFL Offseason Roadmap: Denver Broncos
Posted Jan 27th 2008 10:50AM by Josh Alper
Filed under: Broncos, AFC West, Denver
NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason.
How far do the Denver Broncos have to go to return to the playoffs? Their team was ravaged by injuries en route to a 7-9 record this season. A healthy team could have easily won another couple of games and found itself battling for a wild card. A more pessimistic view might point out that they got old in several spots because they haven't built well through the draft. That would indicate there's a longer road back to success. Either way, the good news is that, in Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Elvis Dumervil, they've got building blocks for 2008 and beyond. Here's where they need the most immediate help.
1. Defensive Stability – Jim Bates was hired as defensive coordinator and immediately installed a scheme predicated on big defensive tackles. It was a total flop. Sam Adams and Amon Gordon couldn't occupy blockers, leaving the middle of the field open to all comers. They overhauled the line during the season, but found no better results and that led to Bates's firing. New coordinator Bob Slowik must establish a strategy and stick to it if the team is to improve defensively. Be they big DTs or athletic ones, the team can't afford to veer wildly in such a short amount of time.
2. Offensive Line – Matt Lepsis retired after a poor year. Tom Nalen got hurt and is inching toward the end of the line. The Broncos made their bones as a zone blocking team that could make the most ordinary runner into a 1,000-yard back but in 2007 they couldn't open holes nor protect Cutler. Young players like Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris and Chris Myers could pan out but the team needs to get a sturdy left tackle to man the fort while they develop.
3. Linebacker – D.J. Williams isn't a natural fit at middle linebacker but he did improve as the season went on. Outside backers Ian Gold and Nate Webster didn't make enough plays, though, and the team needs to bring in at least one starter to solidify the unit. It could be a middle man who allows Williams to slide back outside or they could leave him there and upgrade at another spot. The Bronco defense didn't make enough plays in '07 and this is a spot where they can improve next year.
4. Safety – Will John Lynch come back? The veteran can still do a number in the run game but even when healthy his slowdown is affecting them in the passing game. Hamza Abdullah looks like a player who could man one safety spot but the Broncos need a more athletic player to support Lynch, if he comes back, and replace him this year or next. Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly are still good enough on the corner to let a young player learn on the job so the draft could be the best route.
5. Running Back – Selvin Young is a useful player but he's not an every-down back. The team needs someone to do the bulk of the work. It could be Travis Henry. It was a lost season for Henry because of injury and the drug suspension that loomed and never came but he could still fill the role in 2008. His willingness to readjust his salary will play a role in the reckoning but if the Broncos still believe in Henry he should be back. With better line play and healthy wheels, he could help lead a Bronco resurgence.
NFL Offseason Roadmap: Denver Broncos
Posted Jan 27th 2008 10:50AM by Josh Alper
Filed under: Broncos, AFC West, Denver
NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason.
How far do the Denver Broncos have to go to return to the playoffs? Their team was ravaged by injuries en route to a 7-9 record this season. A healthy team could have easily won another couple of games and found itself battling for a wild card. A more pessimistic view might point out that they got old in several spots because they haven't built well through the draft. That would indicate there's a longer road back to success. Either way, the good news is that, in Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Elvis Dumervil, they've got building blocks for 2008 and beyond. Here's where they need the most immediate help.
1. Defensive Stability – Jim Bates was hired as defensive coordinator and immediately installed a scheme predicated on big defensive tackles. It was a total flop. Sam Adams and Amon Gordon couldn't occupy blockers, leaving the middle of the field open to all comers. They overhauled the line during the season, but found no better results and that led to Bates's firing. New coordinator Bob Slowik must establish a strategy and stick to it if the team is to improve defensively. Be they big DTs or athletic ones, the team can't afford to veer wildly in such a short amount of time.
2. Offensive Line – Matt Lepsis retired after a poor year. Tom Nalen got hurt and is inching toward the end of the line. The Broncos made their bones as a zone blocking team that could make the most ordinary runner into a 1,000-yard back but in 2007 they couldn't open holes nor protect Cutler. Young players like Chris Kuper, Ryan Harris and Chris Myers could pan out but the team needs to get a sturdy left tackle to man the fort while they develop.
3. Linebacker – D.J. Williams isn't a natural fit at middle linebacker but he did improve as the season went on. Outside backers Ian Gold and Nate Webster didn't make enough plays, though, and the team needs to bring in at least one starter to solidify the unit. It could be a middle man who allows Williams to slide back outside or they could leave him there and upgrade at another spot. The Bronco defense didn't make enough plays in '07 and this is a spot where they can improve next year.
4. Safety – Will John Lynch come back? The veteran can still do a number in the run game but even when healthy his slowdown is affecting them in the passing game. Hamza Abdullah looks like a player who could man one safety spot but the Broncos need a more athletic player to support Lynch, if he comes back, and replace him this year or next. Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly are still good enough on the corner to let a young player learn on the job so the draft could be the best route.
5. Running Back – Selvin Young is a useful player but he's not an every-down back. The team needs someone to do the bulk of the work. It could be Travis Henry. It was a lost season for Henry because of injury and the drug suspension that loomed and never came but he could still fill the role in 2008. His willingness to readjust his salary will play a role in the reckoning but if the Broncos still believe in Henry he should be back. With better line play and healthy wheels, he could help lead a Bronco resurgence.