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| | Wednesday, August 23 Broncos: Back in the saddle | |||||||||||||||
| By Mark Cannizzaro Special to ESPN.com Don't let the Denver Broncos' disappointing 6-10 season in '99 fool you. From coach Mike Shanahan on down the chain of command in Denver, the Broncos consider themselves favorites to win the AFC West again ... and get to the Super Bowl. The Broncos, remember, are only one bad year removed from being two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Of course, they're not quarterbacked by John Elway anymore, and running back Terrell Davis is returning from major reconstructive knee surgery.
Without question all eyes will be on Davis, who blew out his knee against the Jets in Week 4 last season. The former NFL MVP has impressed teammates with offseason workouts and claims to be faster than he was before the injury. Fortunately for the Broncos, if Davis struggles in his comeback, their safety net is Olandis Gary, who as a rookie last season gained 1,159 yards in only 12 games. Key position battle With Steve Young safely retired, in theory, the quarterback position is Brian Griese's. But Griese, despite decent numbers in '99 (3,032 yards passing), doesn't have a strong arm and struggled to win his teammates' confidence last year. Waiting in the wings is free-agent signee Gus Frerotte, who's had his own problems in Washington. One thing's for sure: The winner of this battle will still find himself squarely in Elway's sizeable shadow. Biggest adjustment The Broncos still haven't figured out how to win without Elway. They cannot win on defense and Davis alone. With reliable target Shannon Sharpe gone to Baltimore, the quarterback will have even more pressure to keep the offense productive. Rookie report The Broncos are excited about No. 1 pick (15th overall) Deltha O'Neal, who is expected to become an immediate impact as a kick returner and could compete for a starting cornerback job. Michigan linebacker Ian Gold and Arkansas safety Kenoy Kennedy, both second-round picks, should be good special teams additions right away. Texas A&M receiver Chris Cole, though raw, has great potential.
| ALSO SEE Chiefs: An offseason to forget Raiders: Will they be kicking themselves? Chargers: Life of Riley to get better Seahawks: Repeat a tough encore AUDIO/VIDEO   Terrell Davis' early exit against Dallas was nothing too serious.wav: 126 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Mike Shanahan still needs to fill a wide receiver spot before the start of the season.wav: 163 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Rod Smith is seeing a lot of competition this year at camp.wav: 142 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Brian Griese thinks wide receiver Travis McGriff has proven himself.wav: 109 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Billy Jenkins prepares for the expectations in Denver.wav: 134 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
