by Jimmy Patrick

Created on: September 14, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The Denver Broncos of 2007 will go as far as the arm of Jay Cutler will take them. If arm strength were any indicator of success, I would say the Broncos are going to win the Super Bowl. Cutler has a true cannon for an arm. He makes throws across his body, off his back foot and off balance in the same way Brett Favre has done over the years. The problem is he can be a little too overconfident at times and, much like Favre, will force throws he probably shouldn't try to make. If he learns to be patient and take the plays that are there for him, the Broncos will probably win the tough AFC West.

The Broncos defense is as good as any in the NFL. With Champ Baily and the new addition of Dre' Bly playing the two corner back positions, teams will have a hard time throwing to their wide receivers.

The addition of Simeon Rice is a great lift to the pass rush of the Broncos. Rice is getting up there in years at the age of 33, but the Broncos are not asking him to play every down. He is a back up to Elvis Dumervil who is ten years younger. Rice was one of the best defensive ends in the game just a few years ago with Tampa Bay. Of all the active players in the NFL, he has the second most career sacks. It is quite a luxury to have him coming off the bench. He will put pressure on many a quarterback, especially on key third downs. With Rice rushing at them and Baily and Bly covering the targets, opposing quarterbacks are in for a rough ride.

Tom Nalen at 36 years old and Matt Lepsis at 33 years old still anchor the Broncos offensive line at Center and Left Tackle respectively. Always the key to the Broncos running attack, the two veterans don't have many good years left. If they continue to open running lanes for Travis Henry the way they have over the years for other Denver backs, Henry will have a fantastic year.

In week one against Buffalo, Henry ran for 139 yards. They are off to a good start.

The three keys to all successful football teams are a good running game, a good defense, and a good quarterback. The Broncos have the first two without any doubt and may have the third in Cutler. Time will tell, but this sports writer feels Cutler is the real deal. The Broncos will have great success in 2007.

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