Five questions for the Broncos

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 23, 2008 at noon

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The latest edition of "The Broncs Zoo." See if you can replace the automatic Jason Elam.

1 What is Jay Cutler's next step?

The Broncos are looking for a little more patience in the pocket from their third-year quarterback. The thinking is if he's more willing to work the underneath stuff, the big plays that are the product of his rare arm will present themselves more readily because the defense has other things to worry about.

2 Who will lug the rock?

It seems like an almost annual question these days. The Broncos again are sifting through the backs, looking for someone to consistently carry the load. Not since Clinton Portis in 2002 and 2003 has the team had a back carry the ball at least 200 times in back-to-back seasons. And during the past two seasons, a fairly good yards-per-carry average overall has not yielded the timely, quality yards to put them into the postseason.

3 Wither the pass rush?

It is almost unanimous - when other teams are quizzed about the Broncos defense - that the team's pass rush is its biggest weakness. No, they don't always need sacks, as the Broncos have often said during the past two seasons. But they do need consistent pressure on opposing passers, and haven't gotten it.

4 So, who will be the game-changers on defense?

Champ Bailey still is the defense's best player, but his impact is muted if the Broncos can't force the quarterbacks they face to get rid of the ball more quickly amid discomfort in the pocket. Linebacker D.J. Williams should also be a difference maker with his move back to the weak side on defense. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil is a game changer at times, but he had eight games with no sacks last season and nine of his 121/2 sacks came in four games.

5 Do the Broncos have the right stuff?

Mike Shanahan and Pat Bowlen have talked a lot about the character needed in the locker room to be in the Super Bowl mix. They say they now have it, but the proof will be in the standings and in just how many times both are forced to answer for what goes on off the field.

• July 23, 2008

  1:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  ShowMe writes:

  I'm less worried about player personnel than I am about the play calling. Let's see if the coaching staff has moved into the 21st century yet with the offensive and defensive plays.

• July 23, 2008

  3:09 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  LingLingfor_prez writes:

  Go Chargers!

• July 23, 2008

  3:11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  fjv1026 writes:

  Yeah...we'll see.

• July 23, 2008

  3:18 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  1.) Jay is more comfortable with the system, now. He will make much better decisions and feel much more comfortable in the pocket. We also will have some running backs to help ease the pressure, which brings me to the next question.
  2.) Selvin Young will be the guy. Pittman will be in there to spell him. FB's will be Peyton Hillis, who will be sharing the load with Ryan Torain.
  3.) Our defense made changes during off season and we have them healthy again, unlike last year. Koutouvides will be our middle linebacker. DJ on the weak side (as you stated) and we have Boss in there.
  4.) Champ will always be Champ. Dre will be much more comfortable now that he has a year here. Boss will be a factor as will Koutouvides. Remember, it's a TEAM effort!
  5.) If we can keep Marshall in check, we should be fine. We got rid of the "rebel-rousers".
  TIME TO GET SERIOUS AND GOOOO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!

• July 23, 2008

  3:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  fjv1026 writes:

  I love Shanahan and the Broncos but something tells me that this might be Shanny's last year.

• July 23, 2008

  4:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  fjv1026, sorry, but I think you're wrong. Shanahan and Bowlen are tight. Plus, I think we will have a great season. Think "glass half full", not "glass half empty". Positive chi, my friend.

• July 24, 2008

  11:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  bigbadthor writes:

  1) Cutler will have a huge season, provided schelfler is healthy and B. Marshall isn't suspended for more than 4 games, He will have a great bunch of weapons in Marshall, Schelfer, Grahm, and soon to be Rookies of the Year canidates Torain and Hillis. Hillis will be a monster in this system.

  2) Torain will be the monster back that we have wanted for a long time, 225lbs and has speed.

  3) Biggest question mark, if DT can play, then the edge rushers will do fine, but if the DT play bad then long year.

  4) DJ will have the break-out year, he is back at his natural position and has the expereince to make things happen.

  5) These are the types of years Denver thrives in, nobody expects anything we typically do the best. They have the talent, D-line and health will be the answers.

• July 24, 2008

  1:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  bigbadthor, I agree. However, it's hard to say who will be used more as a RB/FB. Torain is a natural FB but also plays RB. Hillis is a HUGE (250 lbs.) FB who is an excellent blocker. They will share the load. Sapp? Who knows. Our DT's will have to stand up and be recognized. Our LB's are solid, with Boss leading the way. Our CB's are solid. Our S's are solid. We will have a productive MLB in Koutouvides. I just hope we get our 2 draft picks signed (Clady and Royal). I hate this waiting and wondering, as to whether they will hold out? Let us hope for the best.

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