Denver is a declining team.
Here's why:
1) Cutler is a bust. Similar to Ryan Leaf, Cutler cannot handle the limelight nor his own body very well. He was how old and needed to figure out how to handle his diabetes? Please... Furthermore, Cutler is immature. Just listen to his press conferences, sounds like he's in college. "Coach?" Cutler is not an Elway, Denver fans just don't know it yet.
2) Defense lacks significant players and is too old. Where are all the hardcore pass rushers of old, and what about a D-line that moves people back? Not there anymore. Linebackers are too small and inconsistent. Other players are old and near the end of play. Is there even a name on the Broncos D worth knowing this year?
3) Shanahan is a great coach, making miracles that can't last. When KC and the Raiders both can blow you out in THIS YEAR'S SEASON that tells you that someone has figured you out. NORV TURNER will learn from those games and put the screws to DENVER tomorrow.
4) Denver's best years are behind them. KC and Raiders are already rebuilding and the Chargers have a strong offense and will fix up several holes in the D next year. That leaves Denver at the bottom of the AFC west for the next few years.
Better get used to it Denver fans.