2010 NFL Predictions: Denver Broncos

June 23, 2010

Despite their 8-8 record, the Denver Broncos don’t have too far to go to put themselves in contention for the AFC West title. A 6-0 start to the 2009 season was all for nothing as they stumbled down the stretch losing crucial games to Oakland and Kansas City. Much of their losing ways was due to the inconsistency of their quarterback Kyle Orton.

Orton was looked upon as a failure in Chicago, and Denver fans thought the same way when he was brought in through a trade for Jay Cutler. Cutler was looked upon as the next John Elway in terms of leading the Broncos back to the Super Bowl. However, he had a horrible year in Chicago which made this trade look good for a little while. Orton guided this squad to a 6-0 start despite passing for over 300 yards just 1 time. Unfortunately for Orton, the Broncos didn’t have the running game that made them World Champions back in the late 90’s.

A platoon between Correll Buckhalter and rookie Knowshon Moreno isn’t exactly what a new quarterback wants to see when trying to lead a team towards the playoffs. Buckhalter has never cracked the 1000 yard barrier as he was behind Brian Westbrook for several years in Philadelphia. He was expected to carry the load for the Broncos, but didn’t have what it took to keep opposing defenses honest. Moreno is still a project and will need a year or two more to get acclimated to the speed of the NFL game.

Currently most NFL predictions for the 2010 Denver Broncos are the same as they were last year. Many football experts foresee the Broncos finishing second in AFC West behind San Diego. While this may seem like a realistic forecast, it is very possible that with a break here or there the Broncos could take the division title.

Defensively they are loaded. Linebackers Elvis Dumervil and D.J. Williams are perhaps the best tandem in the NFL. Champ Bailey is still one of the best corners in the league, and has help from the safety position with Brian Dawkins. The defensive line allowed need much improvement in the run stop as they allowed over 128 yards per game last year. Not much attention was brought to the “D” line via the draft, but they made some acquisitions through trades that may be enough to get them by.

The most significant acquisition this off-season was getting quarterback Brady Quinn. Quinn still has yet to prove himself in the NFL, but it’s hard to read how good he can be due to the fact that he played on a horrible Cleveland team for his first few years. He has a ton of potential, and should be named starter prior to their first game this season. If he can get a grasp of the offense out of the gate it will open the door for the running game.

Only time will tell what direction this team goes, but if the defense can hold their own, the offense may not need to do much to keep this 2010 Broncos squad in games. Expect at least a 9 win season with the potential to win 10 or 11 a possibility.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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