What exactly are the Denver Broncos' offseason needs? The answer is simple: DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE.
With Mike Shanahan being shown the door, the Broncos ' offseason started differently than most people thought. Yes, a lot of fans were calling for his head on a platter, but the day he got fired, most of us regretted saying so. Mike Shanahan only had two losing seasons in 15 seasons; that number in itself is all you need to know.
Now the Broncos go into the offseason without a head coach for the first time in 15 seasons. Denver seems to be interviewing plenty of candidates for the job. The one that looks like will be a good fit is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Steve orchestrated the defensive effort in last years Super Bowl victory that stopped the offensive juggernaut that was the New England Patriots. What his defenses brings is pressure on the Quarterback, something Denver has missed since 2005.
Without a pass rush , Denver's corners have been getting beat on a consistent basis. If teams have learned anything, a good pass rush is better than "lock down" corners.
If the Broncos want a stout defense right away, Pat Bowlen will have to once again open up the pocket book for free agents. The free agents that should be on the top of their list will be Defensive End Julius Peppers or Defensive Tackle Albert Haynsworth, either of which would boost the defense significantly.
With the first-round draft pick, it should be the story of a Trojan. If by some chance linebacker Rey Maualuga falls to pick 12, look for the Broncos to jump all over him, solidifying their line backing core.
If Rey doesn't fall, which seems more likely, they could get safety help from Taylor Mays, also a USC Trojan. If anything, it's going to be a busy offseason in Denver.
2 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Henry Gula 6 months ago
Good piece. I think that basically sums up what the Broncos need for next season. The defense would be instantly improved with an all pro pass rusher in Peppers and an all pro run stuffer in Haynesworth. It would also give Dumervil a chance to once again get more sacks as he wouldn't be double teamed anymore. I also think that almost everyone agrees that a USC grad is a must for the first round. I'd be thrilled with Maualuga, but Mays would be perfectly fine too.
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Ben Hundley 6 months ago
Very good piece, the people that you stated we should get are also on my list in the article I published a bit ago. i.e. Rey, Mays, Albert & Peppers. I also had one other but more as a joke lol so we won't go into that. And look for the Broncos to take another WR late in the draft. But as a whole look for nothing but D-Line men, LB's & Safetys. Possibly a "True" fullback.
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