For the last five years or so, myself, and a few of my friends always look forward to reading the column that Woody Paige writes about the Denver Broncos upcoming season. We enjoy it so much because Paige runs down each game on the schedule and has our beloved Broncos running the table and finishing at 16-0. By the time we get done reading we are saying, “Yeah I can see that happening”. So in honor of Wood Paige I am going to come out with my first annual Denver Broncos Miracle Run.
This is the year that the Denver Broncos return to glory. All the pieces of the puzzle are in place. Quarterback Jay Cutler is entering his third season, second as full time starter. Cutler should be coming into his own this year, and start to establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Look for him to put up great numbers and help get his team deep into the post season.
Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley led a deep and talented group of wide outs that should help Cutler. The Broncos brought in veterans Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert and Samie Parker. Also look for rookie Eddie Royal to make a splash.
The running back situation is up for grabs. Last year’s starter Travis Henry was cut earlier this year, to make room for Michael Pittman who was brought over from Tampa Bay. The speedy Selvin Young is expected to be the starter.
The most improved part of the team may have been on defense. The Broncos added some key free agents to help bolster an underachieving group from last season.
The Linebackers are very fast and strong. With D.J. Williams moving to right outside LB Nate Webster at middle and Boss Bailey at left outside the broncos will be a very intimidating force to be reckoned with. Niko Koutouvides rounds out what should be one of the Broncos stronger line backing corps over the last few years.
The D- line should be vastly improved, now that Marcus Thomas, Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss have a year under their belts. Elvis Dumervil is very explosive, and should be one of the best Ends in the league this year. Expect him to be a pain for opposing teams to try to block.
Now that Dre’ Bly is in his second year teaming up with Champ Bailey they should create havoc on the opposing quarterbacks. I don’t know why any team would even want to try and throw on the broncos. Hamza Abdullah and newcomer Marlin McCree gave the Broncos enough talent and depth in the secondary for the broncos to part ways with All Pro John Lynch. Expect the secondary to be much more improved over last year’s squad.
Week One
The Broncos open up on Monday Night Football. They face division rival Oakland Raiders in Oakland. Although the Raiders should be much improved Denver never loses the season opener. Cutler throws two touchdown passes, and Denver wins 21-10.
1-0.
Week Two
The home opener welcomes in the San Diego Chargers. The Denver defense never forgets. After getting embarrassed by laDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers twice last year, the D will hold San Diego to under 100 yards rushing and Champ and Boss will score. Denver 35-14.
2-0.
Week Three
Drew Brees brings his NFC hopeful Saints to town. Selvin Young breaks out and has 200 yards and 3 scores en route to a big day for the offense. Dre’ Bly gets an interception and Denver wins 21-13
3-0.
Week Four
Denver finds themselves in Arrowhead Stadium in late September. This bodes well for Denver, because historically they have not been so great in KC, so it is nice to get it over with now rather than later. Brandon Marshall comes back fresh off his suspension and snares 100 receiving yards and hooks up with Cutler for two touchdowns. Champ Bailey grabs a game saving interception as Denver escapes Kansas City with a 17-14 win.
4-0.
Week Five
Home sweet home. Denver overpowers Tampa Bay. Selvin Young takes over NFL rushing lead. Cutler and the defense sparkle again. Denver gets the win 21-7.
5-0.
Week Six
In week six, Denver squares off against another 5-0 team in Jacksonville. But Denver flexes their muscle and shows the league that they are for real. Cutler and Marshall put on a show and Dumervil records three sacks as Denver rolls at home 24-13.
6-0.
Week Seven
It’s a Monday night showdown as the Broncos take on the defending AFC champs in New England. Champ Bailey has two touchdowns and the Broncos get help on special teams as Eddie Royal scores on a punt return. Selvin Young has a good day rushing and Denver runs out the clock. Winning 21-17.
7-0.
Week Eight
Bye week. A time for people to get healthy
Week Nine
Miami comes to town. This one is no contest. Denver puts up 28 first half points and cruises to their first shutout of the season wining big 31-0. Halfway to perfection.
8-0.
Week Ten
Denver goes to Cleveland and stops a much-improved Browns team who was looking to be one of the surprise teams in the AFC. Cutler finds tight end Daniel Graham to be very reliable. Graham hauls in two of Cutler’s three touchdown passes. The Bailey brothers shut down an explosive offence and Denver wins again 27-17.
9-0.
Week Eleven
The second shutout comes at the hands of Atlanta. The running game plays a huge factor as Denver piles on 250 yards in the ground game. D.J. Williams, Bly and Bailey all force turnovers. Denver wins in a run away 28-0.
10-0.
Week Twelve
Denver looks to remain perfect as they host the hated Raiders in a AFC West showdown. With the Raiders close to Denver in the standings the Broncos have a second half comeback. Down 17-3 at the half, Cutler rallies the troops for three-second half touchdowns all to Marshall. The defense settles down in the second half, and Champ Bailey seals the deal as he gets an interception with time running out. Denver wins 24-17.
11-0.
Week Thirteen
Last year Brett Favre stole one when the Packers played Denver on Monday Night Football. This year Favre is with the New York Jets. The Broncos humble the Jets 31-10.
12-0.
Week Fourteen
The Chiefs trying to catch Denver put up a big fight. Once again Selvin Young rushes for over 100 yards and powers the Broncos to a huge victory. Denver hangs on to win 17-14 in OT.
13-0.
Week Fifteen
Champ Bailey puts the clamps on Steve Smith, as Denver deals Carolina a heavy blow. The passing game for the Broncos is to great for the Panthers to overcome. Marshall and Cutler put up big numbers. Denver wins 28-17.
14-0.
Week Sixteen
Buffalo puts up a fight shutting out Denver in the first half. Boss Bailey has a fumble retuned for a touchdown. Cutler finds his groove in the second half. Denver edges out the Bills 21-17.
15-0.
Week Seventeen
Denver has a chance to put San Diego out of the playoffs. Cutler has three scores and the defense forces four turnovers. Denver becomes the second team in two seasons to run the table in the regular season as they take the charge out of San Diego. 27-14.
16-0.
Opening day is September 8th. We should be in for one heck of a ride.
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