Broncos Need to Take Next Step in 2005

Ever since the Broncos lost John Elway and Terrell Davis after back-to-back Super Bowl wins, they have been adrift, searching for anything to get them back to the top. It looks like most of the pieces are in place for Denver to take that next step.

The defense will be even better this year than last, in spite of what the experts are saying. What they are forgetting is the talent of Trevor Pryce, the unbelievable speed of the linebackers, and the fact that Denver had one of the best defenses in the league last year. The only weakness is in the secondary, but if they get that settled, they will be strong from top to bottom.

Offensively, the Broncos showed signs that they are ready to dominate teams. This was Jake Plummer's best pre-season, and the running game looks awesome. Anderson, Bell, and Dayne are all capable of putting up big numbers.

For the Broncos to actually take the next step, they must do 2 things; improve at the wide receiver position and get much better in short-yardage situations. The receiver situation remains to be seen, but there is already improvement in the short-yardage game. Mike Anderson and Ron Dayne give Denver what they didn't have the last couple of seasons, size and power.

From the Rocky Mtn News:

Last season, the Broncos went only 32-for-54 (59.3 percent) in third-and-2 or shorter and produced only five scoring runs that were 5 yards or shorter in the regular season. Overall, the team's 37.9 percent conversion rate on third down was the worst in coach Mike Shanahan's 10 seasons.

That sums up the problems from last year. And that problem should go away this year.

Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts are the other issue. Both must get better and more consistent. Lelie could be on the brink of a breakout season. And, of course, Jake Plummer must also improve. He made some real bonehead plays last year, and those must be avoided this year.

The Broncos have a difficult schedule this year. In addition to their own tough division they must play both of last year's Super Bowl teams, plus Baltimore, New York Jets, and at Buffalo and Jacksonville. And no doormats.

But the difficult schedule shouldn't keep them out of the playoffs. If the defense can improve in the secondary and the receivers improve as much as the running game, Denver could make a serious run at the Super Bowl.