Regular Season Success Hasn't Led to Postseason Prowess
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Wednesday, September 6, 2006
For the Denver Broncos, the issue has not been reaching the playoffs in recent seasons. The concern is what has transpired when they get there. After going 13-3 last season, Denver earned home-field advantage in the postseason, then lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC title game.
Conditions appear favorable for another strong regular season for the Broncos, especially given the situation of their division rivals. San Diego has inexperienced Philip Rivers at quarterback. First-year Kansas City coach Herman Edwards perhaps will need a couple of seasons to round the Chiefs into form. Oakland is Oakland.
This summer, quarterback Jake Plummer has become well acquainted with new wide receiver Javon Walker, the former Packer who missed all but one game last season with a knee injury. The Broncos also added undrafted rookie running back Mike Bell, who has made both surprising and significant strides, placing him ahead of Tatum Bell and Cedric Cobbs on the depth chart. Denver's unhappy wide receiver, Ashley Lelie, is now in Atlanta.
And waiting behind Plummer is Jay Cutler, who has looked impressive during the preseason as a rookie.
There is enough statistical evidence to appreciate Denver's delight with Plummer. He's 32-11 as the Broncos' starter and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. Defensively, John Lynch and Champ Bailey lead the secondary on a defense that finished tied for third in the league in points allowed (16.1 per game).
Before losing in the AFC championship game, the Broncos broke New England's 10-game playoff winning streak, and they bring back 19 of 22 starters.
"I know I had one of my best years last year, and I look to improve on that, whatever that means," Plummer said. "I didn't expect to go out and throw that little amount of interceptions [seven in 456 attempts], but I would like to do the same again this year, up the TDs and just lead the team the best I can."
