Key Additions in ‘09: Brian Dawkins, Knowshon Moreno, Kyle Orton
Offense: Jay Cutler is out, Kyle Orton is in. Translation: good luck, Josh McDaniels. Orton is the bad news for Denver; the good news is RB Knowshon Moreno, the Broncos 1st Round Pick from Georgia. Moreno is an elite talent and an all-around thread on offense. He is projected to be the starter for Denver this season, with backups Lamont Jordan and former Eagle Correll Buckhalter pitching in as well. Another positive going into this season is the offensive line - they are a solid group and have all five starters returning from last year. If Brandon Marshall shows up at camp and can remain healthy and happy, the Broncos may have a decent offense in ’09. I just can’t get past Kyle Orton, though. With Jay Cutler this team could hope to compete with the best, without him I just don’t see it happening.
Defense: The other big offseason story in Denver was the signing of Philly fan-favorite Brian Dawkins. Dawkins will bring stability to the safety position, something Denver was lacking last year. He had a solid year for the Eagles last year and looks like he has a couple of good years left in him. Champ Bailey is still a shutdown corner, and if he can stay healthy will probably be one of the best in the league again. One issue with the secondary is age, with all four starters being over 30 - durability could be a factor down the stretch for the old-timers. The D-line is the real issue on Denver’s defense. Their DE’s have one combined start among the four on the roster, and I dare you to name one of their DT’s. They need someone to step up or it could be a long season for the group. They have solid depth at linebacker and should be productive as a unit. DJ Williams is expected to have a breakout season at ILB.
Fantasy Studs: Brandon Marshall: 104 Rec, 1265 yds, 6 TD’s in ’08. He’s a lock to be a fantasy stud, back-to-back 100 reception seasons in ‘07 and ‘08. Knowshon Moreno: 1st round pick out of Georgia should be the starter right out of the gate. He was one of the best RB’s in college football last year and is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Eddie Royal: 91 Rec, 980 yds, 5 TD’s in ’08. Royal had a breakout rookie season in ’08 and if he can repeat that performance will be worth taking in any league.
Prediction: 6-10. Kyle Orton is no Jay Cutler - I think they struggle this season
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Kyle Orton may be adequate if Marshall produces like he has. Lets just say Marshall and Royal are significant upgrades to what he had in Chicago. I think they could win 8 or 9 games again due to a weak division.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Buckhalter would consider coming back to the birds in a reduced role after he gets cut by Denver?