revrew
03-21-2009, 05:45 PM
DOVE VALLEY, Colo. - After the flurry of discontent that was the Denver Broncos' training camp, three straight preseason victories have fans and players looking forward to the upcoming season.
As the Mile High News reported, Broncos' GM Rev Rew had publicly bemoaned his inability to draw in elite defensive free agents in the offseason, leading to some hurt feelings among current players, especially on defense, where Rew ranted about "tossing millions at players to improve our %&$* pass rush, only to watch them sign elsewhere for less."
And while Denver's crop of free agent acquisitions does lack luster, a few victories, a few bright spots, and some diplomatic silence on Rew's part have been a balm to the Broncos.
One of those bright spots has been running back Barry Word. A former second round draft pick who notched up 10 touchdowns his rookie year in Dallas, then went on to have an 1100-yard season with the Saints two years ago, Word was brought in to spell Broncos star runningback Joe Carter. Word, however, has made an impression on the coaches.
"I'm not sure why Barry didn't excel more in his previous homes," said coach Ricardo Lane. "He's been very impressive in training camp and the preseason, and frankly, shows the stuff to challenge Carter for the starting job."
Joe Carter, Denver's 2nd all-time leading rusher, had a career year last season, but is entering his 8th season, and may be served well to split time with the new workhorse, the bruising 6'2", 235-pound Word.
Another bright spot on offense is WR Terance "Air Wolf" Mathis. The 1st rounder had a solid rookie season, notching up 919 yards and looking to easily eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this season.
On the downside, however, Rew is right to be frustrated with the lack of improvement in key areas. Denver's pass rush ranked near the bottom of the league last year with 29 sacks, and the aging offensive line surrendered a near-league high 48. No significant improvements were made in the trenches on either side of the ball, leading some to worry about the Broncos' chances this year.
And while SS Brad Edwards, a talented young player who gives tremendous depth behind young star, Steve Atwater, was a solid pickup, the Broncos' secondary was one of the few bright spots already in last year's 8-8 team.
Looking ahead, the Broncos' schedule presents a mixed bag. Denver plays the always tough AFC North, a division the Broncos would be lucky to pull 2 wins from. On the flip side, Denver also plays the NFC North, a weaker division where only Chicago presents a dominating squad.
Predictions: Little has changed from last year's 8-8 team, so little change in record is expected. Mile High News predicts a 9-7 tally, good enough for second or third in the tight AFC West, with the first big tests coming in weeks 2 and 3, when the Broncos play Chicago and Baltimore. Denver can't afford to lose the opener to K.C., however, or they may go into their week 4 bye in an 0-3 hole.
As the Mile High News reported, Broncos' GM Rev Rew had publicly bemoaned his inability to draw in elite defensive free agents in the offseason, leading to some hurt feelings among current players, especially on defense, where Rew ranted about "tossing millions at players to improve our %&$* pass rush, only to watch them sign elsewhere for less."
And while Denver's crop of free agent acquisitions does lack luster, a few victories, a few bright spots, and some diplomatic silence on Rew's part have been a balm to the Broncos.
One of those bright spots has been running back Barry Word. A former second round draft pick who notched up 10 touchdowns his rookie year in Dallas, then went on to have an 1100-yard season with the Saints two years ago, Word was brought in to spell Broncos star runningback Joe Carter. Word, however, has made an impression on the coaches.
"I'm not sure why Barry didn't excel more in his previous homes," said coach Ricardo Lane. "He's been very impressive in training camp and the preseason, and frankly, shows the stuff to challenge Carter for the starting job."
Joe Carter, Denver's 2nd all-time leading rusher, had a career year last season, but is entering his 8th season, and may be served well to split time with the new workhorse, the bruising 6'2", 235-pound Word.
Another bright spot on offense is WR Terance "Air Wolf" Mathis. The 1st rounder had a solid rookie season, notching up 919 yards and looking to easily eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this season.
On the downside, however, Rew is right to be frustrated with the lack of improvement in key areas. Denver's pass rush ranked near the bottom of the league last year with 29 sacks, and the aging offensive line surrendered a near-league high 48. No significant improvements were made in the trenches on either side of the ball, leading some to worry about the Broncos' chances this year.
And while SS Brad Edwards, a talented young player who gives tremendous depth behind young star, Steve Atwater, was a solid pickup, the Broncos' secondary was one of the few bright spots already in last year's 8-8 team.
Looking ahead, the Broncos' schedule presents a mixed bag. Denver plays the always tough AFC North, a division the Broncos would be lucky to pull 2 wins from. On the flip side, Denver also plays the NFC North, a weaker division where only Chicago presents a dominating squad.
Predictions: Little has changed from last year's 8-8 team, so little change in record is expected. Mile High News predicts a 9-7 tally, good enough for second or third in the tight AFC West, with the first big tests coming in weeks 2 and 3, when the Broncos play Chicago and Baltimore. Denver can't afford to lose the opener to K.C., however, or they may go into their week 4 bye in an 0-3 hole.