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Denver Broncos2009 record: 8-8 (Second in AFC West)
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Bucky Brooks
With big questions on both sides of the ball, it looks like the Broncos will take another step back in Josh McDaniels' second season.
Prediction: 7-9, third in AFC West
Vic Carucci
Injuries have hit them hard on both sides of the ball. The biggest was to Elvis Dumervil, one of the league's best defenders.
Prediction: 7-9, third in AFC West.
Pat Kirwan
Fell apart down stretch last year, and have since lost best pass rusher, traded away best receiver, and the running backs are hurt.
Prediction: 6-10, last in AFC West
Jason La Canfora
Their defense won't be the same without coordinator Mike Nolan and Elvis Dumervil. They lost quality pass catchers as well.
Prediction: 5-11, last in AFC West
Michael Lombardi
Injuries have taken their toll on the Broncos this preseason, but they are better than last year. More physical on both lines.
Prediction: 9-7, second in AFC West
Steve Wyche
Running backs will return from preseason injuries but they're prone to more. Losing Elvis Dumervil is huge, and Ryan Clady might not be healthy until it's too late.
Prediction: 6-10, third in AFC West
8
Defeats the Broncos suffered in their final 10 games to squander an impressive 6-0 start. This season the Broncos can only hope to start so fast and reverse their poor finish.
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Josh McDaniels
The head coach has placed himself on the hot seat after jettisoning more of the team's top playmakers (Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler). The exodus has left the team without an elite offensive star, and they hardly strike fear in opponents. Although he is regarded as an offensive wizard, he must show that his tactical skills are enough to overcome his personnel decisions. Knowshon Moreno
Moreno led all rookies with 947 rushing yards as a part-time starter for the Broncos a season ago. Although he failed to crack the 100-yard mark in a single game, he flashed dynamic running skills as a nifty cutback runner. Given an entire offseason to work on his patience as a runner, Moreno should experience another jump in his performance and production in his second season.
Gaffney ready to be No. 1
Rookie Demaryius Thomas might get more attention in fantasy circles, but Jabar Gaffney could be the real sleeper in the Broncos pass attack. Not only does he have an in-depth knowledge of coach Josh McDaniels' offensive attack, but he also gained a nice rapport with Kyle Orton in training camp.
Three pivotal games
Oct. 24 vs. Oakland
The Broncos-Raiders rivalry might be the most intense of all those dating back to the AFL days, possibly in all of the NFL. Denver could have some extra motivation coming into this one, as the Broncos were 8-5 and fighting for a playoff berth last season before the Raiders knocked them off, seemingly ending the season right there.
Nov. 14 vs. Kansas City
Remember how fired up coach Josh McDaniels was last year when the Broncos defeated the Patriots? While it might not be as emotional, you'd have to think McDaniels will be amped to face his old New England mentors and friends in Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, who serve as offensive and defensive coordinator, respectively, for the Chiefs. Think they might know each other's schemes?
Nov. 22 at San Diego
The Broncos will play the Chargers in the team's lone primetime game on Monday Night Football. Denver and San Diego have battled for the top spot in the AFC West over the last three years, but the Broncos might not be expected to do as much this season. Denver will need a win here if it wants to remain in the mix for the postseason.
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