Grasping New Concepts, Schemes, Are the Keys to Success for Denver in '09

Out with the old, and in with the new.  This seems to be the norm in Denver these days.  However, this offseason that also applies to the coaches as well.  Gone are the likes of Mike Shanahan and Slowik.  Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan are in. 

McDainels and Nolan both bring completely different schemes and ideas to the table as compared to last season.  On the offensive side, McDaniels is expected to bring his complicated yet highly efficient New England offense to Denver. 

As Mike Nolan goes, the job will be much easier.  This will be the fourth defensive coordinator to take over for Denver in the past four years.  So it is just business as usual for Champ Bailey and the returning starters on defense.

Engaging in new schemes will not be that hard for some.  Denver has gone through it's usual off-season overhaul (mega- overhaul anyone?).  First year coach McDaniels has brought in double digit free agents to help plug the holes.  With so many new faces the changing of administrations shouldn't be that hard.

Good news for Broncos fans is that the starting QB would have had to learn a new system regardless.  Kyle Orton coming from the Bears is kind of like a no hurt no foul to switching playbooks.

Bad news for the Broncos is that Mike Nolan is installing his 3-4 defense.  While it shouldn't be bad for the Broncos in the long run, not having the personnel to run that program right now will provide growing pains the these new coaches.

The 2009 season hinges on completely giving in to a new style of thinking and playing for these Broncos.  If they bury themselves in it, the 2009 season may not be as bad as many people think.  It just depends on how much of a learning curve you are willing to give them.