Denver was probably expecting a tougher battle than the one they got when they rolled into Arrowhead to open their first December game of the year. The last time the Broncos were able to notch a win against the Chiefs on the road in December was when Wade Phillips was the head coach. Since then Arrowhead in general, but especially in December, has been something of a Waterloo for the boys in blue and orange.
That was before they faced one of the worst teams in pro-football. Coming off a huge win over the Giants on Thanksgiving, and with a three day rest advantage, Denver destroyed the Chiefs in an almost pitiful fashion, overwhelming them 44-13. The Broncos moved the ball with ease the entire game, only being stopped by their own miscues with one interception and couple of fumbles, one of which led to Kansas City's only score.
Coach McDaniels leaned heavily on a smothering defense that forced three turnovers, two sacks and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. The Denver offensive line dominated in the run game to the tune of 245 yards and gave the woefully inept Chiefs little hope of getting on the field.
Denver Broncos rally before rushing onto the field at Invesco Stadium before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers during the NFL football game Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, in Denver. (AP Photo/ Chris Schneider )
After a hot start, the Broncos hit a two game skid against the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, revealing a few chinks in the Broncos armor. While the defense seemed to hold up just fine (for the most part), the offense really struggled to come up with sustained drives that led to scores, and the punting game has been nothing short of awful.
Denver travels to FedEx field this week to take on the Washington Redskins and try to regroup and get the wagon back on the wheels.
On his quest to destroy every odds-maker and doubter while re-inventing the Broncos in his image, Josh McDaniels has done in five games what some thought he'd never do period: come out of the shadows of not one, but two of the great minds in the game. Josh McDaniels no longer lives in the valley between Mike Shanahan, whose team he inherited, and Bill Belichick, whose knowledge he was bequeathed. He has taken what both men have left him and put his own stamp on it, making it uniquely his own. From dumping Jay Cutler to inventing the new "Wild Horse" formation, Josh McDaniels is showing his stuff. While the young coach has a long ways to go to match the HOF credientials of the men who came before him, he's shown, if nothing else, that he has the right stuff.
Congratulations to the Josh McDaniels-led Denver Broncos on the perfect start to the 2009 season.
Broncos News
How ya like me now? Josh McDaniels starts his career 3-0. Broncos defeat Oakland, 23-3 Sep 27, 2009, 19:45
Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels reacts during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Some pundits claimed that the Broncos would win four games all season, but in week three of the NFL season, the Broncos are among seven 3-0 teams in the NFL right now, and Josh McDaniels has come up from a tumultuous offseason smelling like a rose. After beating the Oakland Raiders soundly, the name of the game in Denver is "Defense," with the Broncos giving up only 16 points in three games.
The Broncos will face the Cowboys at home in week 4.
Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley (14) runs off the field after they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 12-7 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Cincinnati. Stokley scored the winning touchdown on an 87-yard pass reception. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
On what was otherwise an "ordinary" day for the new look Denver Broncos offense, Brandon Stokely delivered an extra-ordinary touchdown that will go down as the current longest pass play in the last minute of the game in NFL history (and one of the most memorable in Broncos history). After a frustrating game and an excruciating late game drive that saw the Bengals capitalize on a series of big plays, Brandon Stokley took a tipped Kyle Orton pass 87 yards downfield for a game winning touchdown, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Broncos News
McBath, Bruton and Brandstater sign Jul 26, 2009, 19:10
As training camp continues to approach, the Broncos signed three more rookies to contracts on the eve of reporting date. They include: second-round safety Darcel McBath, fourth-round safety David Bruton and sixth-round quarterback Tom Brandstater. Only Robery Ayers and Knowshon Moreno, Dever's two first round picks, remain to be signed.
Broncos News
Alphonso Smith announces signing on facebook. Jul 26, 2009, 09:25 Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith recently announced on his Facebook page that he and the Denver Broncos agreed in principal to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was the league leader in interceptions as a senior at Wake Forest where he played much bigger than you'd expect for someone his size. Smith was coveted by the Broncos not only for his playmaking ability but for his high character and leadership ability.
The Broncos traded one of their extra first round draft picks in the 2010 draft to obtain Smith. The move was highly controversial due to the low expectations that pundits have for the team. Many feel the pick traded will be at least in the top fifteen, which makes Smith's ability to develop paramount to ensuring fair value in the trade should the Broncos' season go poorly.
Broncos News
Broncos sign McKinley, Quinn and Olsen as camp nears. Jul 23, 2009, 20:10 With camp just a few days away, the Denver Broncos began making the process of signing the remainder of their 2009 draft class. The first to sign was fifth round draft pick Kenny McKinley, the talented receiver from South Carolina who was hampered by a hamstring injury his senior year. McKinley signed a deal worth $1.95 million with a $200,200 signing bonus.
Following McKinley was second round draft pick Richard Quinn out of North Carolina. Quinn is the highest draft pick selected to sign. His con tract is reported at $2.68 million and includes a $930,000 signing bonus. Quinn was a controversial pick because the Broncos traded two of their third round picks for a player that some feel was an excellent blocker but lacked the receiving pedigree that usually warrants a first day selection.
Iowa guard Seth Olsen also signed a contract on Thursday worth $2.16 million that included a $414,120 signing bonus. Olsen is a versatile lineman with experience at gaurd and tackle.
Broncos News
Marshall to report to camp Jul 17, 2009, 14:03 Facing potential fines for not attending mandatory meetings, underpaid pro bowl receiver Brandon Marshall is ready to end his holdout and come to camp.
Marshall is in a difficult situation. His salary for his production is well below average, and the alleged incompetence of the Broncos medial staff has soured his confidence in the organization. However Marshall's off the field incidents have taken a toll on his public image. The suspension from Roger Goodell means he's already on very thin ice and would be a gamble for any team to take on, and so his leverage with the team is non-existent.
Broncos News
Casey Wiegman extended; Boss Bailey Cut Jun 17, 2009, 08:46 At least one of the Broncos' former Pro Bowl players will not be disgruntled this season. Broncos Center Casey Wiegman was signed to a two year extension on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Wiegman's return will keep intact an offensive line that set franchise records for sacks allowed per pass play.
Champ Bailey's brother Boss was cut on the same day ending what has largely been a disappointing sting here in Denver. Boss was signed to a very expensive contract despite less-than spectacular on field work and a long history of injuries. Boss failed to stay on the field very much at all last season, and was still battling with injuries prior to his release. Neither Champ nor Boss have commented on the decision.
"By skipping the mandatory minicamp, the
Broncos have the right to dock their receiver $35,329 in fines and seek
repayment of the signing bonus he received in 2006.Marshall would face
additional fines if his holdout continues into training camp, and he
would have to repay another $78,750 of his signing bonus if he holds
out through Aug. 12.
Perhaps more significant, Marshall could risk forfeiting his
fourth season of service — which in turn would put him another year
away from un-restricted free agency — if he doesn't report by Aug. 12"
Lloyd is at most a third receiver that will provide depth and may have been brought in because of his rapport with former bears quarterback Kyle Orton. Lloyd is infamous for being one of the big name players that Daniel Snyder traded for that had little production as well as a player who's work ethic has been questioned.
Tickets on sale early
Home game tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale July 18th this year; A full week and half earlier than many previous years.
Broncos News
Kyle Orton named starting QB for camp. Jun 13, 2009, 11:23 Josh McDaniels announced today that Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos going into the training camp. Orton losing out to Chris Simms seems unlikely, especially since reports out of Dove Valley suggest Orton has been learning the system faster than Simms. Orton was also hand picked by McDaniels in the Cutler trade, chosen largely for his ability to make reads at the line and throw under duress.
McDaniels repeatedly mentioned that the starting job would be awarded when one player had clearly sepperated himself which suggests that moment has arrived. McDaniels was very clear to point out that Orton would have to "keep" the position by continuing to play well.
Broncos News
Bowlen and Marshall meet about receiver's absence Jun 12, 2009, 20:08 In a somewhat surprising but also understandable move, Brandon Marshall failed to show up for the team's three day mandatory mini camp. The absence confirmed what many suspected, and that is that Marshall's back-to-back 100+ catch seasons warrant more money than the fourth round money he is making.
Brandon is considered one of the top ten best receivers in the game, but according to the Denver Post, Marshall is making less than 58 other receivers in pro football. With two seasons totaling 206 receptions, 2590 yards and 13 touchdowns, a holdout seems unsurprising.
The Broncos are likely reluctant to ink Marshall to a new deal because of the repeated offseason trouble he has gotten himself into, some as recently as a few months ago. Marshall was cleared of any wrongdoing for the most recent incident, but a court case is still pending regarding his issue with his ex-girlfriend that could have ramifications on his ability to play. These issues aside, Marshall's history has put him at odds with Commissioner Roger Goodell and has already been suspended for his behavior. These issues, along with the recovery back from hip surgery, may have made the new front office a bit gun-shy about a new deal.
Today Marshall met with Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen for about an hour. It appears the entire situation will be handled in house.
Broncos News
Marshall cleared by the league Jun 2, 2009, 11:50 Brandon Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league for his March 1 disorderly conduct arrest. Marshall and his fiance' were arrested in Atlanta after their argument turned physical. Neither party would testify against the other and the charges were dropped.
Marshall isn't completely off the hook. He still has a pending court case for alleged battery charges from his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley. These charges are unlikely to affect Marshall's ability to play in the upcoming season.
The decision to not suspend Marshall suggests that Denver might move to extend Marshall's contract this season.
Broncos News
Failed physical forces release of Arrington May 27, 2009, 16:32
J.J. Arrington's career as a Bronco was not to be. The Broncos have reported that Arrington was released following a failed physical. It is likely that Denver's ability to draft Knowshon Moreno also played a role in Denver deciding to part ways with Arrington.
It is not known how much of Arrington's four year contract Denver is on the hook for, but most NFL contracts have language that protects teams in the event of a failed physical.
Broncos News
Broncos hire Lenny McGill as assistant director of college scouting May 2, 2009, 19:45
Denver hired Green Bay college scout and former NFL defensive back Lenny McGill to be the assistant director of college scouting. McGill was responsible for the central plains region in Green Bay, and his hiring part of an ongoing effort to replace lost personnel in the scouting department.
Broncos News
Broncos hire CU alumnus to head College Scouting May 1, 2009, 06:04 The Denver Broncos announced Matt Russell as the Director of pro scouting on Friday. Russell was a former linebacker for Colorado University and won the Butkus award. He has served as a pro scout for the New England Patriots and a national scout for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Russell helps fill the void that was left when the Goodman's were terminated following Brian Xanders' promotion to General Manager. He brings a wealth of experience with two teams that are very good at drafting prospects, as well as the honor being the scout who helped the Patriots draft Matt Cassell.
Broncos News
Selvin Young released May 1, 2009, 05:34 The Denver Broncos released Selvin Young on Thursday because of a failed physical related to a neck injury. Young was a feel good story as an undrafted rookie free agent that worked his way into the starting position. Unfortunately the same injury issues that made Young undraftable have pushed him off the team. The drafting of Knowshon Moreno has made much of the depth on the team exependable.
The Broncos also cut fullback Andrew Pinnock. More help
McXanders continued to bolster the roster with fresh faces by signing three more free agents; Two rookies and one veteran.
Linebacker Nick Greisen is a journeyman who played for the Ravens last year. He provides experience and physicality at the linebacker position.
Rookie free agent linebacker Braxton Kelley played at Kentucky with current Bronco Wesley Woodyard. Kelley was a four year starter and earned second-team all-Southeastern Conference honors.
Defensive end Jeff Schweiger out of San Jose State is an intriguing prospect. He's a versatile player with a variety of skills, but fell out of the draft because of poor prodcution and injury concerns. Scweiger played at USC before transfering to San Jose State to increase his playing time. He has the ability to play end or outside linebacker in a 3-4.
RB Kestahn Moore, Florida: Moore was a team captain that served as a jack of all trades. He blocked on punts and kicks and so will serve as possible depth on special teams.
WR Nate Swift, Nebraska: A productive but athletically underwhelming receiver.
WR David Grimes, Notre Dame: Undersized and underutilized high character developmental prospect.
WR Travis Shelton, Temple: Undersized receiver that fielded kicks in college returning 4 for touchdowns.
WR Lucas Taylor, Tennessee: A very high character receiver with first day hard but FA athletic ability.
TE Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas: More of an H-back, Branson's small stature pushed him out of the draft. Could be a Kevin Faulk type.
OT Marcus Gordon, Louisville: Former JUCO transfer turned offensive tackle for Louisville.
OT Stanley Bryant, East Carolina: Raw offensive lineman who will fight for a practice squad position.
DE Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa: Extremely talented and troubled small school prospect who projects as a 3-4 defensive end.
DE Rulon Davis, California: Davis has survived everything from a war to being run over by a truck. His age and lack of speed pushed this hard working player into free agency. Will make hard for you to cut him.
DT Chris Baker, Hampton: Small school one gap defensive tackle with several huge off the field issues. Almost as talented as he is troubled.
LB Lee Robinson, Alcorn State: Dominating force at his school, lack of speed and raw skills project Robinson as a project rush linebacker.
CB Tony Carter, Florida State: Productive and fast four year starter at conerback. Carter is physically very underdeveloped.
CB Domonique Johnson, Jackson State: Large framed defensive back who lacks the fluidity to play corner in the pros. Could project as a FS on the scout team.
P/K Britton Colquitt, Tennessee: Strong-legged athlete who's inconsistecy on and off the field (Alcohol issues) resulted in suspension of his scholarship and free fall into free agency on draft day.
Broncos News
Day 2 of draft brings in toughness, depth. Apr 27, 2009, 07:59
Day 2 opened quietly for the Broncos who had traded both their third round picks to acquire blocking tight end Richard Quinn in the second round. The trading didn't stop there, though. Denver continued to wheel and deal to land the players they felt had the best chance to help the team immediately.
Round 4 (114): S David Bruton
Bruton is an athletic special teams ace that played corner and safety. Coach McDaniels heralded him as the second best special teams player in the draft. He also adds more depth and youth to the Denver secondary. He has the honor of being the only Golden Domer taken in the 2009 NFL draft.
Round 4 (132): G Seth Olsen
One of the most versatile linemen in the draft. Olsen played every position on the offensive line at Iowa and earned 1st Team all Big Ten honors at guard his senior year, Olsen is hard nosed and plays with a mean streak.
Round 5 (141): WR Kenny McKinley McKinley was a four year starter South Carolina who is a smart route runner with good hands. He is elusive and crafty in attacking the secondary. His lack of bulk and physicality will likely relegate him to work in the slot in the pros.
Pick 6 (174): QB Tom Brandstater
Brandstater is a stereotypically built QB with sneaky athleticism. After an excellent junior year, Tom fell off his senior year throwing too many interceptions. He will likely project as a career backup and fills the roll of third QB that Denver needed after releasing the immaculate Darrell Hackney.
Tom will have to over come the stigma of being a McDaniels sixth round draft pick named Tom B. as well as the burden that comes with Denver trading their fifth round pick in the '10 draft to pick him.
Round 7 (225): C Blake Schlueter Schleuter is a prospect who has an under-developed body for the pros, but has such a good understanding of leverage and technique that he performed his way into the draft. Will have to deal with being undersized, but is the type of player that will make it hard for you to cut him.
Broncos News
Denver surprises in costly first day Apr 25, 2009, 20:21
Josh McDaniels does not shy away from controversy. And in need of a new defensive line - and what some felt was a more than adequate offense - the new Broncos coach left more than few people scratching their head. With his first official draft as the new Broncos head coach, McDaniels and Xanders stuck to their plan, and the results were not always popular.
Pick 12: RB Knowshon Moreno The talented Georgia running back is the best back in this draft. His pass protection and receiving skills make him a versatile player in the McDaniels' offense and should help the Broncos' red zone woes. But will they regret passing on super-athlete Brian Orakpo?
Pick 18: DE Robert Ayers
Ayers is a talented defensive lineman out of Tennessee who's draft stock really took off because of an outstanding senior bowl and combine. Versatile and intelligent, he can play SOLB in the 3-4. There were questions about his underwhelming numbers at Tennessee.
Pick 37: DB Alphonso Smith Denver's third pick is the wildly talented, albeit diminutive defensive back Alphonso Smith. Smith lead the league in interceptions and plays with an agressive edge. The problem is Denver traded their 2010 first round pick away for him. That defensive tackle Ron Brace was still on the board during the time only to be taken by the Patriots shortly thereafter is odd.
Pick 48: FS Darcel McBath
McBath is an intelligent and speedy defensive back who spent time at corner and safety at Texas Tech. McBath has great athleticism and ball skills and adds a need at the safety position. Some are concerned that he could have been had later especially when other players like William Moore were on the board.
Pick 64: TE Richard Quinn
Quinn is a bruising blocker that didn't get many reps as a pass catcher because of his three talented receiver teammates at North Carolina. Quinn is a hard nosed player that blocks like a guard and has better hands than his stats indicated. Once again, the cost of Quinn raises eyebrows as McDaniels traded both his third round picks to move up and get Quinn. Some feel the selection is redundant with Daniel Graham already filling that role.
Denver nabbed some great football players, but high cost and perceived need for more defenders especially along the front seven has drawn heavy criticism. Ultimately it will take a few years to really know how well or how poorly the new organization's first draft has gone.
Broncos News
Offensive Tackle Brandon Gorin inked Apr 17, 2009, 12:11
Pro Football Talk has reported that the Denver Broncos signed journeyman offensive tackle Brandon Gorin to a one year deal. Terms were not disclosed. Gorin will likely compete in camp for a back up spot.
TBA (Aug. 13-17) at San Francisco TBD
TBA (Aug. 20-24) at Seattle TBD
Sunday, Aug. 30 CHICAGO 6 p.m. (NBC)
Thursday, Sept. 3 ARIZONA 7 p.m.
Regular Season
Sunday, Sept. 13 at Cincinnati 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 20 CLEVELAND 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Sept. 27 at Oakland 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 4 DALLAS 2:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Oct. 11 NEW ENGLAND 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Oct. 19 at San Diego 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Oct. 25 BYE
Sunday, Nov. 1 at Baltimore 11 a.m. (CBS)
Monday, Nov. 9 PITTSBURGH 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 15 at Washington 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 22 SAN DIEGO 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Nov. 26 N.Y. GIANTS 6:20 p.m. (NFLN)
Sunday, Dec. 6 at Kansas City 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 13 at Indianapolis 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 20 OAKLAND 2:05 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 27 at Philadelphia 11 a.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 3 KANSAS CITY 2:15 p.m. (CBS)
The Broncos will once again open the season on the road, which is the fourth time they've had to do so in a row. Denver has an unusually high number of early games with five. Denver also maintains their streak for consecutive seasons with a Monday Nigh football game. They will actually get three, which is a bit more than can be expected for a team not expected to win very much this season. The schedule in the second half of the year is often altered with the new "flex" scheduling, and so some changes could still take effect.
Broncos News
Broncos release Darrell Hackney Apr 6, 2009, 18:40 The Denver Broncos released backup quarterback Darrell Hackney on Monday. Hackney was a strong-armed, mobile quarterback whose small stature prevented him from ever being starting material. His ability makes him more of a fit for the west coast offense and not the Erhardt-Perkins system which more suited to tall, accurate pocket passers that make plays at the line.
The Broncos will not be having a press conference.
Denver was probably expecting a tougher battle than the one they got when they rolled into Arrowhead to open their first December game of the year. The last time the Broncos were able to notch a win against the Chiefs on the road in December was when Wade Phillips was the head coach. Since then Arrowhead in general, but especially in December, has been something of a Waterloo for the boys in blue and orange.
Rookie cornerback Alphonso Smith recently announced on his Facebook page that he and the Denver Broncos agreed in principal to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Smith was the league leader in interceptions as a senior at Wake Forest where he played much bigger than you'd expect for someone his size. Smith was coveted by the Broncos not only for his playmaking ability but for his high character and leadership ability. 
With camp just a few days away, the Denver Broncos began making the process of signing the remainder of their 2009 draft class. The first to sign was fifth round draft pick Kenny McKinley, the talented receiver from South Carolina who was hampered by a hamstring injury his senior year. McKinley signed a deal 
Facing potential fines for not attending mandatory meetings, underpaid pro bowl receiver Brandon Marshall is ready to end his holdout and come to camp.
At least one of the Broncos' former Pro Bowl players will not be disgruntled this season. Broncos Center Casey Wiegman was signed to a two year extension on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed. Wiegman's return will keep intact an offensive line that set franchise records for sacks allowed per pass play. 
The Denver Broncos signed talented yet underachieving receiver Brandon Lloyd on Monday. Terms were not disclosed. 
Josh McDaniels announced today that Kyle Orton will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos going into the training camp. Orton losing out to Chris Simms seems unlikely, especially since reports out of Dove Valley suggest Orton has been learning the system faster than Simms. Orton was also hand picked by McDaniels in the Cutler trade, chosen largely for his ability to make reads at the line and throw under duress.
In a somewhat surprising but also understandable move, Brandon Marshall failed to show up for the team's three day mandatory mini camp. The absence confirmed what many suspected, and that is that Marshall's back-to-back 100+ catch seasons warrant more money than the fourth round money he is making.
Brandon Marshall will not face disciplinary action from the league for his March 1 disorderly conduct arrest. Marshall and his fiance' were arrested in Atlanta after their argument turned physical. Neither party would testify against the other and the charges were dropped.
The Denver Broncos announced 
The Denver Broncos released 
The Denver Broncos released backup quarterback Darrell Hackney on Monday. Hackney was a strong-armed, mobile quarterback whose small stature prevented him from ever being starting material. His ability makes him more of a fit for the west coast offense and not the Erhardt-Perkins system which more suited to tall, accurate pocket passers that make plays at the line. 
