NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?

Oakland Raiders 2010: Can They Improve?

Last Years Record: 5-11

Wins: Chiefs, Eagles, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos

Losses: Chargers (2x), Broncos, Texans, Giants, Jets, Chiefs, Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, Ravens

Biggest Playmaker: Nnamdi Asomugha
CB, California, Drafted #31, Eight years
Asomugha is one of the top corners in the league and has been one of the only bright spots on the Raiders over the past few years. He may not put up the statistics, (only 3 interceptions in the last 3 years) but that is mainly because he is never thrown at.

Impact Player: Richard Seymour

DE, Georgia, Drafted #6, 10 years

The Raiders acquired Seymour for a first round pick last year. At 6’6” 310 lbs. Seymour has the size to play defensive tackle and the quickness to play end, so obviously he is a hard guy to block. Seymour is one of those players that makes everyone around him better, he draws a lot of double teams and does a great job of getting in QB faces and in their passing lanes. For the Raiders to have a winning season, they are going to need Seymour to have a big year.
Biggest Offseason Addition: Jason Campbell
QB, Auburn, drafted #25, six years
You would have to go back to 2005, with QB Kerry Collins under center, to remember the last time the Raiders had a reliable QB. After giving up on former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell, the Raiders will now hope Jason Campbell can be the answer. Campbell has showed improvement every year as a pro, but was not the right fit in Washington. The Raiders will see if he can be the right fit for them.
Biggest Offseason Loss: Greg Ellis
DE, North Carolina, Drafted #6, twelve years
Ellis was released to free up some cap for the Raiders. His veteran presence and team leading 7 sacks will be missed. Ellis was bothered by knee injuries at the end of the year but could have been a guy that could still help contribute this year.
Biggest Draft Steal: Bruce Campbell
OT, Maryland, Drafted #106, Rookie
Campbell has all the physical attributes that you look for in a tackle, he is 6’6” 314 lbs, very strong, and a great athlete for his size. He has all the physical talents but needs to get better with fundamentals and technique.
Biggest Draft Mistake: Kirk Morrison Trade
Drafting Rolando McClain 8^th overall in the draft seemed a bit odd at first because they had MLB Kirk Morrison. Morrison had started every game but one for the last five years for the Raiders, and had 115+ tackles every year. The Raiders promptly traded away Morrison for a 4^th round pick. It does not make a lot of sense to me that you trade away the leader of your defense and a guy that is still young for only a 4^th rounder. Plus, both Morrison and McClain are versatile enough to play outside linebacker, a position filled with question marks right now for the Raiders.
Offseason Grade: C+
Regardless of what the Raiders did this off-season, they were not going to be able to become a playoff team; there are just too many holes on their team. I really like Rolando McClain but do not agree with trading away Morrison. Getting Campbell was a good pick up and they did a good job in the later rounds of the draft getting some guys with a lot of potential.
X-Factor: Darren McFadden
RB, Arkansas, Drafted #4, three years
Coming out of college McFadden was a guy that had similar talents as Adrian Peterson. Big, strong, fast and could make people miss in the open. Yet, so far he has disappointed. For the last two years injuries have killed him. If he has one full healthy year, McFadden could be a huge playmaker for the Raiders.
Name You Should Know: Michael Bush
RB, Louisville, Drafted #100, three years
Bush probably would have been drafted top 15, but broke his leg in his first game of his senior year. Bush was able to make a comeback and has been a very good back for the Raiders. In his two years playing he has only gotten 218 carries but has averaged 4.6 yards.
Rising Star: Zach Miller
TE, Arizona St., Drafted #38, four years
Miller receptions and yards have improved every year as a pro; he had 66 receptions and 805 yards last year. Miller has yet to have any stability at the QB position while with the Raiders, and now with Campbell as the starter Miller may be able to have a break out year.
Offensive Outlook: C-
There are so many question marks on the Raiders defense: How will Jason Campbell do? Who will he throw to other than Zach Miller? Can McFadden stay healthy? Can the O-line protect the QB (let up 49 sacks last year)?
Defensive Outlook: C-
The Raiders defense seems to also be filled with holes except at cornerback and the defensive tackle spot. The rest of their defense is either inexperienced or unproven.
Special Teams Outlook: A-

Johnnie Lee Higgins has the ability to be a playmaker in special teams like he did in 2008, and they also have Speedster Yamon Figurs, and rookie Jacoby Ford. The kicking game is probably the most stable thing the Raiders have. Sebastian Janikowski has one of the best legs in the NFL and Shane Lechler is paid a ridiculous amount of money for a punter but may be worth it.

Projected 2010 Record: 3-13
When you look at the Raiders roster there simply is not a handful of guys that you know that you can rely on to have good years. Their team is a model of inconsistency. Every game they won last year was by 4 points or less, I think they were lucky to go 5-11. For them to have a great year, a lot of players would have to have breakout years, and I think that is very unlikely.

San Diego Chargers 2010: Winning Without McNeill and Jackson?

Last Years Record            13-3

Wins:  Raiders (x2), Dolphins, Chiefs (x2), Giants, Eagles, Broncos, Browns, Cowboys, Bengals, Titans, Redskins

Losses: Ravens, Steelers, Broncos

Biggest Playmaker            Philip Rivers

QB, NC State, Drafted #4, 7^th Year

Philip Rivers has turned himself from an above average, trash-talking quarterback into one of the game’s best.  Rivers is coming off a pro bowl season in which he threw for 28 touchdowns to just nine interceptions and for 4,254 yards.  With LT Marcus McNeill and WR Vincent Jackson currently holding out, Rivers is going to have to step up and play better than ever. 

Impact Player            Antonio Gates

TE, Kent State, Undrafted, 8^th Year

Gates, a college basketball star, worked out as an undrafted free agent for the Chargers and the Chargers made one of their biggest signings of the decade.  Gates has been to the pro bowl the last six years and is a threat vertically from his tight end position.  Gates is a huge red zone target for Rivers, and can change a game very quickly.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Ryan Mathews

RB, Fresno State, Drafted #12, Rookie

With the loss of record holding RB Ladanian Tomlinson, the Chargers needed a feature back.  They have incredible confidence in Mathews, as they jumped 16 spots to grab him at #12 in the first round.  Mathews will be immediately inserted into the starting lineup and may carry the ball around 300 times this year, according to HC Norv Turner

Biggest Offseason Loss            Jamal Williams

NT, Oklahoma State, Drafted 2^nd Round (Supplemental Draft), 13^th Year

Jamal Williams is aging (34), but made the pro bowl three straight years from 2005-2007.  After missing all but one game of the 2009 season with an elbow injury, Williams was cut by the Chargers and signed by the Broncos.  However, the Chargers may lose production here, as they list Antonio Garay as their starter and Rookie Cam Thomas as the backup at the ever-important 3-4 nose tackle spot.  Garay has appeared in 16 games since being drafted in 2003 (signed off the Jets’ practice squad last year) and Thomas may well end up starting, as a true steal in the fifth round. 

Biggest Draft Steal            Cam Thomas

NT, UNC, Drafted #146, Rookie

Thomas, standing at 6’3” and roughly 330 addresses a need of the Chargers with the departure of Jamal Williams and could push for a starting spot early on.  He was projected by many experts to go in the second round of the draft.  This draft was deep at defensive tackle, and grabbing Thomas in the 5^th round was definitely a steal. 

Biggest Draft Reach            None

The Chargers had a very solid draft overall.  They may have jumped a bit higher than they needed to take Ryan Mathews in the first round, but he will be a big factor in the Chargers’ offense from day 1 and proved he can be a feature back at Fresno State.  In addition, the Seahawks very likely could have taken Mathews at 14.  Second round ILB Donald Butler is out for the season with an achilles injury.

Offseason Grade            B

The Chargers had a good draft, filling needs with Mathews, Thomas and SS Darrell Stuckey from Kansas.  They gained depth at CB after the departure of Antonio Cromartie by signing Nathan Vasher and Donald Strickland.  Right now, their biggest concerns are two of their best players on offense, Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill.  Both could hold out well into the season, possibly not returning until week 10 (when they must return to accrue a season towards free-agency) or beyond.

X-Factor            Jackson and McNeill

The Chargers must have players step up in place of Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill during their holdouts.  I don’t believe they have anyone on their roster capable of their production (maybe Malcolm Floyd at WR) but replacing these two is crucial if the Chargers are going to contend in the playoffs.

Name You Should Know            Shaun Phillips

OLB, Purdue, Drafted #98, 7^th Year

Somehow Shaun Phillips is not a well-known playmaker.  He has been very consistent for the Chargers and has been overshadowed by fellow OLB Shawne Merriman.  He has recorded 41.5 sacks in the last five seasons and plays a crucial role opposite Merriman.

Rising Star            Malcolm Floyd

WR, Wyoming, Undrafted, 7^th Year

Malcolm Floyd may be a bit old to be considered a rising star, but when he was finally given the chance as the #2 receiver in 2009 he caught 45 balls for 776 yards, an average of 17.2 yards per catch.  If Vincent Jackson does not play this year, Floyd will be a go-to guy for Rivers.  He is an outstanding deep-threat with the ability to catch the ball with ease over smaller defenders. 

Offensive Outlook            B+

Insert Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill into the starting lineup and the Chargers offense receives an A.  However, they are not there, and the Chargers are likely left with Legedu Naanee as their 2^nd receiver (1 career start) and former undrafted free agent Brandyn Dombrowski at left tackle.   The Chargers also have an untested rookie RB, but they do have the ever-consistent Antonio Gates at tight end and Rivers at quarterback. 

Defensive Outlook            B

The development of a consistent, dominant nose tackle is vital for the Chargers.  Shawne Merriman recently returned from a holdout but simply must regain his 2007 (and earlier) form.  Stephen Cooper and Kevin Burnett will be solid inside, with the secondary composed of Quentin Jammer, Antoine Cason, Eric Weddle and rookie Darrell Stuckey

Special Teams Outlook            A-

Little Darren Sproles has been electric as a return man since he entered the league.  Nate Kaeding has the best field goal percentage in NFL history…in the regular season.  He has been sub-par in the playoffs, missing three field goals in the Chargers ‘playoff loss to the Jets.  Punter Mike Scifres is very good at what he does.

Projected 2010 Record            10-6

The Chargers are currently missing two important pieces in their WR and LT, but they have a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball.  If Merriman can return to his pro bowl form the Chargers’ pass rush will take a lot of heat off of the secondary, and the Chargers must be productive at the NT spot.  The Chargers are putting a lot on the shoulders of rookie RB Ryan Mathews, while Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates will continue to be deep threats in place of Vincent Jackson.    However, the Chargers will need to run the ball far more efficiently than a year ago, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.  All that said, the Chargers have a pretty clear path to an AFC West title.  

Kansas City Chiefs Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record: 4-12

Wins: Redskins, Raiders, Ravens, Broncos

Losses: Ravens, Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Chargers (2x), Broncos, Bills, Browns Bengals

Biggest Playmaker: Jamaal Charles

RB, Texas, Drafted #73 , 3^rd year

Charles had a great second half of the year in 2009. Statistically, only RB Chris Johnson put up better numbers. He ended up with an amazing 5.9 yards per carry along with 7 TDs and 40 receptions. With Charlie Weis as the new offensive coordinator, those numbers should only increase this year.

Impact Player: Dwayne Bowe

WR, LSU, Drafted #23, 4^th year

Bowe has the potential and talent to be a pro-bowler, he proved that in his first two season where he accumulated 156 receptions and 2,017 yards receiving. Last year Bowe was suspended for 4 games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy and was in Coach Haley’s dog house for most of the season. Chiefs fans are hoping they will see the old Bowe this season.

Biggest Offseason Addition: Thomas Jones

RB, Virginia, Drafted #7, 11^th year

I believed that Thomas Jones was one of the biggest free agent players on the market. Yet many teams passed on him because of his age (32 years old). Keep in mind that for the first 4 years of Jones’ career he never had over 150 carries. In his last 5 years he has been a workhorse for the Bears and Jets. He has had over 1000 yards rushing in the last 5 years and his most recent 2 years were the best of his career. So to me it does not make sense that Jones did not garner more interest. He should be a big addition to the Chiefs and should create a very good two back system.

Biggest Offseason Loss: Mike Brown

SS, Nebraska, Drafted #39 , 10^th year

The Chiefs had low expectations for Brown last year, a guy that has talent but was often injured. Brown ended up starting all 16 games, having the second most tackles on the team with 103, and racking up 3 interceptions and 2 sacks. The Chiefs will be replacing Brown with a very talented rookie in Eric Berry, but his presence will still be missed.

Biggest Draft Steal: Javier Arenas

CB, Alabama, Drafted #50, Rookie

Arenas was part of Alabama’s stingy national champion defense. Arenas is only 5’9”, but makes up for his lack of height with great athleticism and instincts. He is also a dynamic punt returner, who broke many college records. Arenas should find his a way onto the field for the Chiefs.

Biggest Draft Reach: Dexter McCluster

RB, Ole Miss, Drafted #36 , Rookie

Dexter McCluster reminded me a lot of Kevin Faulk, a little undersized to be a full time running back but perfect for 3^rd down draw plays, catching the ball out of the backfield and occasionally lining up in the slot. The Chiefs reached on him in order to make him their new slot receiver and ended up passing on proven college wide outs Arrelious Benn, Golden Tate, and Damian Williams. I think McCluster could end up being a good player, but I don’t think he was worth the 36^th pick overall and I do not know if the Chiefs are going to be using him in the right way.

Offseason Grade: C

Going into the offseason the biggest need for the Chiefs had to be their offensive line. Having a good offensive line to protect a young QB like Matt Cassel is extremely important to his development and keeping him healthy. Last year they let up 45 sacks and Cassel did not look nearly as comfortable as he did in New England.

X-Factor: Defense playing up to their potential

The Chiefs defense is filled with talent and top picks. They have filled their team will highly touted first rounders: DE Tyson Jackson drafted #3, DE Glen Dorsey drafted #5, S Eric Berry drafted #5, LB Derrick Johnson drafted #15, OLB Tamba Hali drafted #20. All of whom are under the age of 30. If their defense can put it together they could be very scary.

Name You Should Know: Chris Chambers

WR, Wisconsin, Drafted #52, 10^th year

Chambers was once a star in the league for the Dolphins, catching 11 TDs in a season two times. He completely dropped off since 2006 but re-emerged last year playing 9 games for the chiefs and bringing in 45 receptions for an impressive 16.2 yards per reception. I would not be surprised to see Chambers have a break-out year for the Chiefs.

Rising Star: Brandon Flowers

CB, Virgina Tech, Drafted #35, 3rd year

In only his second year Flowers emerged as one of the best players on the Chiefs, picking off 5 balls, forcing 2 fumbles and having a very impressive 23 pass breakups. Flowers should be someone we see playing in pro-bowl games in the coming years.

Offensive Outlook: C+

Charlie Weis and Todd Haley have very impressive track records on the offensive side of the ball so you have to like your chances with them as coaches. I also think that Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles could be one of the best tandems in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Chiefs there are some big questions marks with the offensive line and QB Matt Cassel.

Defensive Outlook B

There is so much talent on the defensive side of the ball for the Chiefs that this has to be the year that they become a top defense right? We will see what happens.

Special Teams Outlook: A

Adding Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster can’t hurt in the return game. Ryan Succop had an impressive rookie year and will only get better. Dustin Colquitt is one of the top punters, if not the top punter in the NFL.

Projected 2010 Record: 10-6

The Chiefs are a young team with a lot of potential. They are one of my favorite teams and I think there is no question we will be talking about them in the playoffs very soon. If they can play up to their potential they have the talent to make the playoffs. With Weis helping out Cassel and Jones and Charles in the running game I think their offense will be fine even with a bad offensive line. Their defense should surprise some teams this year. I pick the Chiefs as my surprise team for 2010.

Denver Broncos 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            8-8

Wins: Bengals, Browns, Raiders, Cowboys, Patriots, Chargers, Giants, Chiefs

Losses: Ravens, Steelers, Redskins, Chargers, Colts, Raiders, Eagles, Chiefs

Biggest Playmaker            Champ Bailey

CB, Georgia, Drafted #7, 12^th Year

Champ Bailey is a nine-time pro bowler and was chosen to the 2000s All-Decade Team.  Bailey has been consistent throughout his whole career recording 46 interceptions including three in his 2009 pro bowl campaign.  Considered one of the leaders of the Broncos’ team and defense he will have to prove that his age is not slowing him down and that he is still a top-3 corner in the league, which is how he is being paid.   

Impact Player            Brian Dawkins

Safety, Clemson, Drafted #61, 15^th Year

Brian Dawkins is an incredibly fun player to watch, known both for his hard hitting and tenacious play (and also his “double personality”).  He can completely turn the pace and momentum of a game with one hit, and he is absolutely a leader of the Broncos.  Click the link, you will see why he is an impact player.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Jamal Williams

NT, Oklahoma State, 2^nd Round (Supplemental Draft), 13^th Year

Jamal Williams will provide a big, dominating presence on the defensive line that was missing a year ago.  At roughly 350 pounds, Williams, a three-time pro bowler with the Chargers, can stuff the middle in the Broncos’ 3-4 defense and open holes for their inside backers.  Denver was ranked 26^th against the run last year and the addition of Williams will certainly help.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Brandon Marshall

WR, Central Florida, Drafted #119, 5^th Year

Brandon Marshall is without question a huge loss for the Broncos.  He made the pro bowl each of the past two seasons, during which he caught 205 balls for 2,385 yards and 16 touchdowns.  (He caught 102 balls for 1,325 yard and seven touchdowns in 2007.)  Not only is Marshall a tough player to lose because of his talent but also because of the lack of proven talent the Broncos are left with at wide receiver. 

Biggest Draft Steal            J.D. Walton

Center, Baylor, Drafted #80, Rookie

The Broncos were able to draft an immediate starter in the third round by drafting J.D. Walton.  Walton is a mean player and team leader who finishes his blocks, and to grab a first day starter in the middle of the third round is a great pickup.  It will be interesting to see how he can command the Broncos’ offensive line as a rookie, likely starting next to second-round pick Zane Beadles.

Biggest Draft Mistake            Tim Tebow

QB, Florida, Drafted #25, Rookie

Tebow is very possibly the most talked about prospect of the last ten years, and not because of his NFL talents.  Tebow comes out of Florida’s spread-option attack where he was essentially a passing running back.  He did put up great numbers, but his mechanics are not NFL-ready.  Tebow deserves credit for his work ethic and his passion for the game, but he very likely could have been picked up later on, and in the first round teams should not be interested in “projects.”  The first round is where you find players to build your franchise around, not players to build special short-yardage packages for.               

Offseason Grade            B-

I am not a fan of either of the Broncos first two draft picks, WR Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech or QB Tim Tebow.  Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow are both NFL projects…not to mention that Dez Bryant was on the board when Thomas was picked (and Dez Bryant is going to be a stud).  The Broncos also lost pro bowl WR Brandon Marshall and received just a second round pick in return (and a conditional 2011 second-rounder).  They did well in drafting Beadles and Walton who are listed as starters thus far in training camp to bolster their offensive line, and adding Jamal Williams is a plus.  The fact that they drafted two projects in the first round hurts their grade here and also puts a lot of pressure on head coach Josh McDaniels. 

X-Factor            Pass rush

The NFL’s 2009 sack leader, Elvis Dumervil, tore his pectoral muscle in training camp and will likely be out for the season.  Dumervil accounted for 43.5% of the teams’ sacks a year ago.  In his presence the Broncos’ will look to Jarvis Moss (when he returns from injury) and Robert Ayers, who have 3.5 sacks combined in their careers.    Even with Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins in the secondary, without a consistent pass rush receivers will be open eventually.  If Moss and Ayers can step in and provide even half of the production of Dumervil the Broncos can have a decent defense. 

Name You Should Know            D.J. Williams

ILB, Miami (Fla), Drafted #17, 7^th Year

D.J. Williams was chosen as a pro bowl alternate a year ago after making 122 tackles, 3.5 sacks and forcing 3 fumbles.  With the addition of NT Jamal Williams in front of him D.J. Williams will have an even bigger season.  

Rising Star            Ryan Clady

LT, Boise State, Drafted #12, 3^rd Year

Ryan Clady has started all 32 games of his career and is already considered a top 3 left tackle by essentially every NFL expert.  Clady is an excellent athlete and his leadership will be crucial with two rookies starting to his right.

Offensive Outlook            C

Kyle Orton can have a big impact on the success of this offensive unit.  During their six game win streak to open the 2009 season Orton threw 9 touchdowns to just one interception, but went the last 10 games with a mediocre 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.  Orton will likely be playing with two new, young offensive linemen, without Brandon Marshall and with a backfield that has been touched by injuries in training camp (Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter).

Defensive Outlook            B-

The loss of Elvis Dumervil was a huge blow for the Broncos’ defense and they really need Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers to break out and provide a pass rush for them.  They do have a solid core of veterans in Dawkins, Bailey and Jamal Williams who will likely lead a mediocre defense this year.   

Special Teams Outlook            B+

The Broncos have a very solid kicker in Matt Prater who hit on 85.7% of his field goals and tied for second in the NFL in touchbacks (28).  Punter Britton Colquitt is untested as his did not appear in a game in 2009.  Eddie Royal will likely handle most of the kick and punt return duties after returning a punt and kickoff for a touchdown in 2009 with a very healthy 11.2 yards per punt return.

Projected 2010 Record            6-10

The loss of Elvis Dumervil is going to have a bigger impact than people imagine.  The trade of Brandon Marshall, the inexperience on the offensive line and injury problems early at running back will definitely hinder the Broncos’ rebuilding attempts.  Adding Jamal Williams to lead a defense will allow D.J. Williams to have a breakout year and Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey, although aging, will continue to perform at a high-level.  The Broncos’ may finish at 7-9 given the weak conference they are in.  I think the Broncos will finish third in the AFC West behind the San Diego Chargers and the much-improved Oakland Raiders.

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