ESPN.com - NFL/PREVIEW06 - 2006 Broncos preview: "By John Clayton, ESPN.com


Coach Mike Shanahan made several interesting changes on a team that went to the AFC title game last season. He shook up the backfield by letting leading rusher Mike Anderson go. He lost pass-catching tight end Jeb Putzier, who was a key target for quarterback Jake Plummer. He traded away disgruntled wide receiver Ashley Lelie. How will the changes pan out? The answer to that question will dictate whether the Broncos move forward or backward.
The backfield is the biggest question. Shanahan is putting his faith in undrafted halfback Mike Bell over the more explosive Tatum Bell, who hasn't shown consistency on short-yardage plays. Javon Walker finally gives Shanahan a proven second receiver. Defensively, the Broncos are loaded. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer has a deep rotation of athletes to fit his aggressive defensive game plan. Coyer loves to zone blitz and keep the linemen moving. The secondary is solid, and the linebacking corps remains one of the best in football. The key for the Broncos this season is how well they handle adversity. Everything came together in 2005. The tough games were at home and the Broncos won. Injuries never slowed the team down. Shanahan believes the Broncos could be a better team this year, with a trip to the Super Bowl a possibility. "