Broncos a force? Notion met with deafening silence

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Originally published 08:52 p.m., May 20, 2008
Updated 03:08 p.m., May 21, 2008

Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Denver Broncos linebacker Boss Bailey stretches before taking part in the team's quarterback camp at the Broncos headquarters on Wednesday. Bailey was signed as a free agent from the Detroit Lions.

Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Denver Broncos rookie tackle Ryan Clady stretches before taking part in the team's quarterback camp at the Broncos headquarters on Wednesday. Clady was the team's first-round pick in the NFL draft last month from Boise State.

David Zalubowski / Associated Press

The Broncos' Jay Cutler, left, with coach Mike Shanahan, is a "great quarterback" who gives the team a chance to "do a lot of things," veteran cornerback Champ Bailey said.

Hear that? No?

The Broncos aren't hearing much, either, when it comes to the NFL's talking heads this offseason, particularly from a positive viewpoint.

And, in their estimation, silence is golden.

Usually around this time, the franchise has completed its star search in free agency, flashed plenty of cash and has earned preseason mention as a contender as its organized team activities open.

This year, there's no hype, just a ranking in the league's lower third in various expert "power polls."

A 7-9 record last season is a chief culprit in the lowered expectation level beyond the Dove Valley walls. The defense often was steamrolled, the offense field-goal oriented, the special teams inconsistent.

Losing the likes of Jason Elam and Javon Walker didn't enhance the team's perception as a possible contender, either.

Now pick the sexiest roster addition of the past several months.

Dewayne Robertson? Boss Bailey? Darrell Jackson?

It's no wonder New England, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and others are embedded more in the national conversation.

"One thing I can really say is, nobody's really excited about the Broncos this year outside of this locker room. But we are," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "We know what type of talent we have, and one thing you have to do is stop listening to the outside world anyway and keep our confidence up because anything's possible. When you've got a great quarterback, you can do a lot of things. And I think we're on the verge of having a great one."

Even with Jay Cutler's potential emergence, Bailey admitted he was skeptical when the offseason began about the roster being assembled. But he maintained that after listening to people, paying attention, doing his homework and, most of all, going through the offseason program with the newly assembled Broncos, his perception has changed.

"There's always going to be questions because you don't know what's going on a lot of times. But down the road, things start explaining themselves," he said. "A few years ago, we drafted three cornerbacks, and it showed up later why. You've just got to be patient."

Overall, 36 new players dot the roster, which is slightly more than the usual turnover, with about one-third of the names changing. So patience might be needed, especially early, as everything evolves.

"We made our moves and it wasn't big names but it was great for us, even if it's not the big, crazy names," defensive end Elvis Dumervil said. "I think the pieces of the puzzle we're putting together fit. And we got a lot of big names the year before and it didn't really work out that well. Now you're bringing in guys who fit the system and it's not a bunch of individual guys. They want to work and do what it takes to take another step."

The talent level now is "good," Dumervil said. "We've got depth. And we've made some great choices."

But he isn't alone in the knowledge that skepticism about those statements exists, especially after two straight nonplayoff seasons after a trip to the AFC title game in the 2005 season.

"I've dealt with that my whole life, in coaching and in personnel," vice president of football operations Jim Goodman recently said of the seemingly low expectations outside Dove Valley. "People have to write what they have to write. And you have to rank them somewhere. But I want you to look back at 2005. Where did they rank us then? You have to play the games. Everybody else is good, but we feel we're pretty good, too."

• May 21, 2008

  7:18 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  R8R_H8R writes:

  After 3 decades of eager anticipation, great excitement and hope for the start of a new season, like many others (nationwide) I view the Denver Broncos as the "New Detroit Lions, Cincinnatti Bengals, Cleveland Browns", perennial losers. Buried in mediocrity. Nothing has happened this off-season to give a fan any reason to think the Broncos will compete with the Colts, Patriots, Jaguars, Steelers, or Chargers. Another year, another damaged goods d-lineman brought in. The games are won in the trenches, and Shanahan has been trying to get by with other teams left overs for years. The AFC WEst is not the power it used to be with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders now being checked off as an easy "W" by legitimate play-off contenders. We ARE the Cleveland Browns. Any one that thinks otherwise has the blinders on. Thanks coach.

• May 21, 2008

  7:20 a.m.

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  bronc4evah writes:

  It's a mistake to rate last years progress on their record alone with all the starters we lost to injury. With these key players back, Cutler healthy, and the new free agents and draftees in camp, let them say what they want. We have an improved team that will be competitive. Winning 10 games is more probable than not and a lot of the naysayers will be whistling another tune after the first 6 games.

• May 21, 2008

  7:29 a.m.

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  warrengfunk7 writes:

  I always think the Denver broncos will win the Super Bowl, until I hear the fat lady sing. I ain't heard no fat lady!

  I personally like what the Broncos have done this season. Re-establishing an athletic and effective offensive line is vital to controlling the game with Shanahan's offensive scheme. The offensive line kind of fell apart quickly and unexpectedly on them last season. It happens, it's a rough sport and the lines take the blunt of it.

  Also, Denver's Defensive lineman they drafted last season, are really going to start making an impact this season. Controlling the run will HAVE to be re-established and will be. The new dimension which will emerge this season, is the pass rush talent of the combo of Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss. The only way to beat teams like the Colts and Patriots is to contain their running game and yet get enough pressure on the QB to hurry his passes to reduce his accuracy and challenge his decision making.

  With re revamped LB'er core to help the D-line contain the run and put additional pressure on the QB, Denver's CB's will not be left with so much responsibility, and be able to take advantage of early passes and passes with less accuracy because they were hurried.

  As Champ said, anything is possible with a great QB. Even the greats such as Elway and Marino struggled with inconsistency their first two seasons. It is rare for great QB's to pick up the NFL game right away -- they take time to develop. Cutler has the tools and really showed glimpses of what's to come, last season. With a rebuilt O-line to better protect Cutler and open up the running game, he looks to have a breakout season and establish him as one of the league's elite QB's THIS SEASON.

  I Ain't Heard No Fat Lady!!

• May 21, 2008

  7:36 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  hdfresh writes:

  We are definately in a rebuilding stage for the moment but I think the additions at linebacker will be a make or break. If they can stop the run better this year we will certainly have a legitimate run to win the AFC West if not sneak in as a wildcard. I am confident the offense is going to be successful. The only real question mark is the defense and how they improve and gel together.

• May 21, 2008

  8:14 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BMat writes:

  The Donx will have fewer wins than Travis Henry has iligitimate Baby Mama's.

  Ryan Clady = George Foster.

• May 21, 2008

  8:31 a.m.

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  BJB writes:

  OK H8R,
  I officially have blinders on. I think you have a really, really, really negative take on this off season.
  I think we have imroved across the board in all positions, both skills based and character wise.
  Here we are all complaining about a 9 and 7 and then a 7 and 9 season (which most other franschises would take in a heart beat as bad seasons).
  Lets cut to the chase, the 13-3 season with Jake behind center was an anomaly....that was an REALLY over acheiving team.
  Check it out: I will take Cutler over Plummer any day (and I really like Plummer).
  I will take Marshall, Jackson, Stokely, Sheffler, Colbert, Graham over Smith, Lelie, Adams, Puzier and Alexander.
  The running back stable is solid.
  On the D Line, I would say comparable talent to the 2005 guys NOW, but very young with a lot more upside. This is a VERY talented D Line that will mature, and I dont think we should be doubting Robertson...he has had that knee condition since he was a junior in college and has been monitores ever since...successfully. He has missed only a handful of games in 5 seasons.
  The O Line has improved from the 2005 team....a lot younger with more upside.
  Special teams is a lot better compared to the 2005 versions.
  The only deficiency in my opinion is in the kicking and punting game, but this may pan out.
  I like we are in a rebuilding phase, but this team is oozing talent and character.
  I think we will surporise.
  Thanks!

• May 21, 2008

  8:43 a.m.

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  NJBroncosFan writes:

  Year in and year out it seems the Ravens and Bears have what many call a QB carousel, I feel its the same way in Denver only its not the QB changing every year its the RB. I feel the BRONCOS need to find and keep a legitamate RB, Henry started off strong last year but had a few nagging injuries and it really slowed him down, now depending on his performance, Shanahan will have to make a decision on whether to keep him or not, he turns 30 in October, but then again im not a big beleiver of the whole age issue with RBs yeah your body wears down over time but regardless these guys are still professional athletes. Another thing what happened to Mike Bell? did he fall into the coaches bad side? he looked good his rookie year

• May 21, 2008

  8:58 a.m.

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  xbfan writes:

  The NFL pundits are right. No hope this year.

• May 21, 2008

  8:58 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  MarcoPolo writes:

  Regardless of what happens, one thing's for certain.
  We'll cheer our team.
  We'll laugh.
  We'll cry.
  At season's end, we'll wonder 'why'.

• May 21, 2008

  9:02 a.m.

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  opusuno writes:

  Lot's of hopeful apologists here .. That's great, I used to be that way too.

  Now I'm a jaded 35 year Bronco fan that agrees with H8R 100%. No way this team leaps the Chargers, and the wildcard will not be out of the West. They'll rise to play teams like the Patriots, maybe even beat them to get everyone's hopes up, but in the end it'll be another year of embarrassing losses to the really bad teams to keep Denver in that loser category.

  That's my prediction..

• May 21, 2008

  9:23 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JohnnyBallgame writes:

  Hey R8R LovR you are calling us the Browns, Thanks they are pretty good right now. And I am all for perople being critical of their team but at least support them otherwise go root for someone else, because we dont want you as a fan and it must be boring for you to root for a team you have no love for!!

• May 21, 2008

  10:27 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jibbons writes:

  Good point Johnny, there is a difference between being critical and being 'jaded.' Being jaded means you view things through crap colored glasses, being critical means taking all stats into consideration when making judgements.

  Personally I have some concerns circling Marshall's nerves, Clady's experience, Hamilton's head, and Dre's gambling ways. However I can also see that Jackson will catch alot of balls like he does when he has a decent QB. I can see that an inexperienced, but athletic Clady is still an improvement over an old Lepsis (no offense to Matt, but he just wasn't very good last year). I can see that even if things don't pan out for Hamilton, Kuper played very well at left guard, and will probably keep improving. I can see that Dre will keep doing what he has always done, make more big plays than he gives up (he will give some up, but name a CB who doesn't). As for Marshall, we will not know what the long term impact of his nerve damage is until he shows us, until then I am content in knowing he isn't sitting around waiting to see like we are, he is working hard, and that is all we can ask of him now.

  I am not concerned about Robertson, just look at his past several seasons, he has been good even though he was miscast, and the knee hasn't slowed him down significantly since he hurt it years ago in college. I am not concerned about Boss, who did very well against Gates and Gonzalez last year, and figures to be better if properly utilized on passing downs. As for Niko, the only bad thing people have to say about him is that he is not as good as Lofa, but most mikes aren't either.

  I don't care if you are a glass half full or a glass half empty type, there are still 4oz in a 8oz glass. We can argue about why the glass has 4oz in it, we can argue about the measurements used, but the person who is right is the person that realizes that half full and half empty are the same thing. Until the season starts you don't really know how much water is in that glass, but it looks like 5-7oz to me (depending on the question marks above).

• May 21, 2008

  11:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Coltgm writes:

  We will have challenges this year without a doubt. It is up to each and every Player to step up to these challenges. I think we will not be as bad as everyone is predicting. We have a good team that is growing and will continue to learn and get better. The Defense will play with heart and improve and Jay Cutler will lead a very good attack. 10-6 this year with no Playoff luck. Next year we will dominate and win it all. GO BRONCOS!!!

• May 21, 2008

  12:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Super7 writes:

  Raider Hater,

  It tells me what kind of person you are when your online moniker says more about who you dislike than who you like.

  If you hate the Broncos so much, then don't root for them. If you hate Coach Shanahan so much, then stop trolling the web looking for Broncos related news, as he is the head coach, and for the forseeable future will be. Unless you're a Broncos employee or a minority owner of the team, then how can you possibly be so upset? If you're a season ticket holder, sell them! What is this uncontrollable urge to try and bring down everybody who reads an article on the Broncos with the highest level of negativity EVREY day. Do you need a job?

  Your trolling of the Denver Post and RMN are excruciating. Denver loves the Broncos through thick and thin and if you don't want to, then don't. But understand that the rest of us are going to love the orange and blue no matter what.

  Your goal is obviously to 'stir the pot' and start an argument. That's befitting of anyone whose title includes the word "Raider".

  Go Broncos!

• May 21, 2008

  12:36 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  clos777 writes:

  Well said super7.. I am so tired of Bronco Haters this time of year.

  No one is forced to follow, buy, watch anyhing Bronco if you dont want to. the best way to show you displeasure is just turn the other way. Crying and winning on every forum available is jsut childish, grow up man.

  I am a season ticket holder, and I understand there has been bad choices along the way, but the choices were made trying to make the team win, they did not pan out but thats just how football is.
  But I chear my team win or loose, look how many Pats fans there is now, back in the 90's you never saw anyone wearing Pats gear cause they were the laughing stock of the NFL.

  This season I will be chearing as much and even more then when the Broncos were favorites to contend.
  I really like the youth movement they got going right now with Cutler, Marshall, Dumerville and I really want to see the progress the guys who got drafted last year make, hopefully one of those Dline works out to compliment Dumerville on the DLine.
  Look forward to see the guys they just drafted hopefully a couple of them can make an impact this season.

  "True Bronco Fans Cheer Louder When The Team is Down"

  GO BRONCOS..

• May 21, 2008

  1:28 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Griesedogphilly writes:

  R8R H8R comes on every day, 1st post, and shoots out the negative, its his (her?) way of getting attention. Why all the complaining when the Broncos finally do the right thing, build through the draft and take the necessary lumps while doing it? Remember the Chargers 5 years ago? Oh right, neither do i, they stank! But they did the right thing, committed to the draft, and now their talent level is as good as any team in the league. It doesn't happen overnight, lets see if Clady adapts quickly, Royal gives some decent field position, Crowder, Thomas, Moss start to contribute, and, most importantly Cutler. If you've ever run a marathon or a triathlon and "bonked" you kind of get the idea of how it must feel to play football with undiagnosed diabetes. The fact that Cutler never complained, while his weight dropped to 200 and he played on is incredible reason for optimism, the team has a real warrior playing the most important position and his physical tools are second to nobody. Physically Rivers isn't even in the same zip code, let Cutler develop with Marshall, Royal, Scheffler, et al and an offensive line that can give him time, you'll see why he's so highly regarded. Also, I'd rather be sitting on 2 world title trophies and 6 trips to the Super Bowl as a Bronco Fan than the 1 hellish blowout San Diego fans can point to since the merger. Remember the Steelers in 69, 70, 71 - it wasn't pretty and they hated Bradshaw up until the 1st super bowl (he got platooned that season with hanratty and gilliam) but they had patience, drafted well and it paid off. Give Shanahan that chance, hes a great coach, he just needs the right trigger man and a defense he can trust on the other side.

• May 21, 2008

  1:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  T1anda writes:

  The Broncos NEED true and faithful fans. Fair weather fans are a dime a dozen!! To all of you REAL Bronco/football fans I say KUDOS!!!

  Hurry up football season!! Ugh! a little over three months to go!! I can't wait!!

  Go Broncos!!!!

• May 21, 2008

  1:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  nonayerbsns writes:

  YO, ROCKY: FIX YOUR WEBSITE. THE LINK TO 'WHERE DID MARIO GO WRONG' IS HOOKED UP TO THE BRONCO THING.

• May 21, 2008

  1:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  kc02 writes:

  The last 2 off seasons, nobody was higher about the Broncos than me. And what did they doo? They tanked. And now, they just aren't getting any better. 6-10, 7-9, mayber 8-8.
  I do think Mike Shanahan is a terrific head coach, but teams run in cycles. The Broncos are bottoming out.

• May 21, 2008

  4:53 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Big_D writes:

  I say we are going to see a better Jay with more experience and a team without star power may play better as a team. Look at Javon if you question my logic on that. A running back is only as good as the line in front of them so any college standout can be excellent with the right line for their style. I say they make the second round this year and better next. Remember Elway started pretty rough and Jay is doing better than I have expected and is not even in his prime yet. Winning organizations don't come out of just acquiring big name veterans. Look at the Raiders if you don't believe that. I am ready for a team that has players not stars. We should hear from the team captains and nobody else should say a word or show up in the press except for public service awards.

• May 21, 2008

  5:26 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  myerda00 writes:

  OK guys I have the answer to the GHE 'fans'. (btw, ghe means glass half empty which is what I started on this web when some of the other teams bloggers decided to 'hound').
  For r8r, bmat and any other 'jaded' blogger; we must ignore them and not respond to their reterick.

  Jibons is right, we do not have answers to how 'our' team will lineup or jell. You know that the news wires rate us middle pack but gave us good writeup about who we drafted; here is where the players were ranked by three outlets.
  NFL Insiders top 200;
  12 Clady OT
  84 Barrett SS
  89 Royal WR
  111 Woodward LB
  130 Williams CB
  131 Hillis FB
  149 Lichtensteiger C
  172 Larsen LB
  182 Torain RB
  106 Alridge RB
  198 Powell DT

  Scout.com
  25 Clady
  78 Hillis
  83 Royal
  102 Williams
  107 Lichtensteiger
  109 Barrett
  127 Torain
  134 Alridge
  151 Woodward
  163 Powell
  180 Larsen

  SportingNews within position
  1 Clady OT
  1 Kern P
  3 Lichtensteiger C
  5 Barrett S

• May 21, 2008

  5:28 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  dano writes:

  Cutler sucks. Draft picks are horrible. Another year down the drain. Bowlen needs to sell to Anschutz before 2010, Phil doesn't need the cash.

• May 21, 2008

  5:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  rickg19611 writes:

  Don't worry. Shanahan has a plan. Just like he had every other losing season too.

• May 21, 2008

  6:17 p.m.

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  R8R_H8R writes:

  I'm not a bandwagon fan old yella. I stayed strong even through humiliating superbowl blow-outs. That didn't phase me. The post-superbowl champion era of endless mediocrity has finally gotten me to the point of "enough is enough". It's the same every year with this coach. Empty promises. The same bone-head moves picking up broken down injured players that are not wanted by anybody else. We've got a career back up for Middle linebacker. D.J. Williams was supposed to be a "supreme" talent. But he loses the spot to a career back up/ special teams player. Enough is enough. This team is going no where. I'm sick and tired of getting my hopes up, getting excited every year, only to be let down by a terrible team.

• May 21, 2008

  6:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AKRNA writes:

  Gentlemen,

  I'm brand new to this site. I have however been a Bronco's fan since 1963 when all you had to cheer about was Rich Jackson and soon after Floyd Little.

  To those of you who are negative I'd suggest you post somewhere else (the DP) They have lots of negative fans and I'm sure they'd like more.

  Anyway, I'm quite excited about the upcoming season. They've upgraded in almost every position with youth and talent. I would expect them to get better as the season progresses, not worse as we've seen lately.

  Give Shannahan credit! He's almost entirely rebuilt a roster since 2005 with only last season as a losing one! (how many other teams would love to boast that!)

  So,, great posts from you real fans! You seem very knowledgable and insiteful I enjoy reading your comments!

  I'll be back!

• May 21, 2008

  10:29 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  gkb2008 writes:

  Sad times for the Denver Broncos and their longtime loyal fans like me await in Autumn 2008 as the club sinks to its lowest level since 1971 as the outlook is for 4-12; with just home wins over OAK, KC, and MIA; and a road win over ATL. Hopefully its not this bad and the club wins some upsets to contend for a wild card slot.

• May 22, 2008

  8:18 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JohnnyBallgame writes:

  RickG Said:

  " Don't worry. Shanahan has a plan. Just like he had every other losing season too."

  Hey Rick you mean all 2 losing seasons!!!!

• May 25, 2008

  11:33 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Kooiman writes:

  I know I'm late. The pessimists have obviously moved on. Now that they're gone I have to admit one thing. Every year players are bragged up who turn out to be at best mediocre. Marshall being an exception. I think we will have a very good year, especially with nthe schedule we have. However, I don't want to get fooled again into thinking certain players are better than they actually are.