The Broncos enter the second half of the 2006 season as a definite contender, but much like previous seasons, several questions about the ballclub remain. Most Broncos fans are delighted at Denver’s fine 6-2 record, good enough for a first place tie with San Diego in the AFC West, and second in the conference. Indeed, Denver’s record is especially impressive in light of the fact that they have overcome a difficult schedule featuring a combined record of 35-29 ( 54.69%) for Denver’s opponents. On the other side of the coin, however, the Broncos must show that they can overcome inconsistency at a number of positions and the major injuries that have befallen the team in the last two weeks.
QUARTERBACKS
On balance, Jake Plummer has been disappointing this season. For most of the season, Plummer has struggled to keep his completion percentage at or above 55%, a statistic generally considered below average for a starting NFL quarterback in a modern, sophisticated passing system. Plummer’s ability to read defenses, pre snap and post snap, has simply regressed to a level at which he was at in Arizona. Plummer’s touchdown to interception ratio, yards per attempt and quarterback rating are all in need of major improvement. The news hasn’t been all bad, however, as the embattled Bronco starter has fought back at critics in his last two games, posting a completion percentage of 60%, while throwing 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Broncos season will hinge on whether Plummer’s improved level of play is merely an aberration or whether it signals a consistent trend.
RUNNING BACKS AND FULLBACKS
Fourth year pro Tatum Bell has surprised doubters this season, showing improved power and more consistency in his game. Among the conference leaders in rushing statistics, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy has largely taken the bull by the horns this season after being miffed at rookie Mike Bell’s earlier ascendance to the starter’s position. While Tatum Bell has stepped up his game, the Arizona rookie still shows better vision for Denver’s cutback scheme and a more impressive display of power. Rookie Mike Bell, while not possessing the sheer speed of Tatum, also tends to trip and fall less than his counterpart. On the whole, this group has been steady, if not spectacular for Denver, although both will need to improve, especially in the passing game if Denver’s offense is to take its traditional place among the best in the league. FB Cecil Sapp has done a fine job replacing Kyle Johnson on various occasions. Sapp excels at lead blocks from the I and has shown outstanding power during the few times he has carried the ball.
WIDE RECIEVERS
The good news for Denver fans is that Coach Mike Shanahan hit the jackpot with his draft day trade for Javon Walker. The explosive pass catcher looks all the way back from his ACL injury and has stepped up as Denver’s unquestioned primary threat. Unfortunately, the Broncos have gotten little production from the rest of the wide receivers. Veteran Rod Smith has definitely lost a step this season and before recent weeks, was about as visible as a ghost. Fitting with tradition, Denver has gotten virtually no production out of its backup receivers, except for very occasional flashes from David Kircus and the rookie Brandon Marshall. Bronco fans have to be salivating over the well built and speedy Central Florida product though, who is starting to slowly dazzle folks in ways reminiscent of training camp after finally getting healthy and adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
TIGHT ENDS
This group has been a definite disappointment. The Broncos had great hopes (and still do) for rookie Tony Scheffler, who has only occasionally made noise this season. Veteran Stephen Alexander, while a fine blocker, especially against Indianapolis, is rarely a mismatch in the passing game that opposing coaches have to fret over. Former San Francisco 49er Nate Jackson is going through another season of failing to provide any dividends after his switch from the wide receiver position a few years ago. Solid blocking tight end Chad Mustard, has, however, acquitted the coaches well in their decision to keep him on the 53 man roster.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Not unlike 2004, the Denver offensive line has started to come together and play a consistent game after starting poorly. Losing premier left tackle Matt Lepsis against Cleveland was definitely a blow, but Bronco fans can take comfort in the fact that the young Eric Pears has performed nicely after being inserted into the starting lineup. Fourth year pro George Foster has had, on balance, a solid campaign after a somewhat disappointing 2005 season. The interior of Denver’s line, led by aging wonder Tom Nalen, has continued to get the better of opposing front sevens on inside zone plays.
DEFENSIVE LINE
After starting out the season strong, the defensive line problems that most Broncos fans were fearing have begun to take their effect. Possessing generally below average talent at all positions outside of DT Gerard Warren has resulted in a distinct lack of pass rush from the front four in recent weeks. The result has been that opposing quarterbacks, especially Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger have had an almost outrageous amount of time to scan the field and find open receivers. To be fair though, the line has suffered in part due to the injuries of Gerard Warren and Courtney Brown. Nonetheless, it appears that unless the coaches can work some of their magic, the line may yet again be at the root of another playoff disaster this year. A bright spot for Denver is 4th round rookie Elvis Dumervil, who has racked up 6 sacks and possesses an outstanding first step. Denver’s bargain basement free agent pickup of Kenard Lang has also proven to be a wise pickup, as he has eclipsed the 2005 production of his highly paid predecessor, at a mere fraction of the “pryce”.
LINEBACKERS
Denver’s much hyped trio of speedsters has not disappointed this season. The heart and soul of the unit, middle linebacker Al Wilson is having yet another outstanding campaign, while outside linebackers Ian Gold and D.J. Williams are among the most disruptive in the league, making life difficult for opposing tight ends and running backs. Gold has made a number of plays at opportune times this season and is especially good in coverage. The well built and athletic Williams has made his presence known in opposing backfields, leading the club with 4.5 tackles for a loss and flashing great speed in pursuit. The unit’s only problems it would appear, are discipline in maintaining minimal gaps between zones and effectiveness on blitzes.
SECONDARY
There is not much to say about all-universe corner Champ Bailey that has not already been written. Indeed, local and national writers have spilled a great deal of ink heaping praise on the all-pro, who has 5 interceptions on the year and is rarely tested. The 2006 season has been somewhat of a disappointment for dazzling 2005 rookie Darrent Williams, who struggled mightily against Reggie Wayne and has had difficulties in positioning and technique this season. Williams speed and ballhawking ability have resulted in several nice plays, however, most notably his game sealing interception against the Baltimore. Fellow second year man Domonique Foxworth is having a solid, albeit not spectacular sophomore campaign. Denver has taken a hit with the loss of “big nickel” safety Sam Brandon, but starters John Lynch and Nick Ferguson look more composed in coverage this year and as a result have been beaten to the corners less frequently then in the past. Lynch’s outstanding football instincts continue to do an excellent job masking his declining physical attributes.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The most senior Bronco, kicker Jason Elam, is off to another fine start this year, converting on over 80% of his attempts, although his range has fallen off a little bit in the last few years. Former late round pick Paul Ernster has also done a commendable job, replacing Todd Sauerbrun, although in recent weeks, his consistency in yardage and timing have started to fall off. With an extra roster spot because of Sam Brandon’s injury, Denver may (and should) consider enlisting the services of Mr. Sauerbrun once again.
