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Wednesday, July 18
Updated: July 19, 6:07 PM ET
 
Broncos: Defensive makeover

By Mark Cannizzaro
Special to ESPN.com

After a couple of years out of the mix in the hunt for a Super Bowl appearance, the consensus on the 2001 Broncos is that they're poised to be legitimate contenders to win it all again.

 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Brian Griese
Brian Griese missed six games in 2000.
  Location: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colo.
Rookies report: July 26
Veterans report: July 26
Preseason schedule:
 Aug. 11: at Dallas
 Aug. 20: at Green Bay
 Aug. 25: New Orleans
 Aug. 31: San Francisco

Mike Shanahan has retooled his team and hired a new defensive coordinator in the fiery Ray Rhodes, formerly the head coach of the Packers.

As has been the case even in their best years as Super Bowl champions, the Broncos' offense has always been better than their defense. So perhaps the presence of Rhodes catches up the defense.

Man in the spotlight
Quarterback Brian Griese must prove that his previously-ailing right shoulder is back to full strength and stay healthy for a full season. He's coming off a Pro Bowl season and has been signed to a healthy extension, but questions still remain about whether he's the real thing for the long term.

Key position battle
Incredible as it sounds, but running back is the position in the spotlight -- and it's hardly a position of weakness. The candidates to be the feature back are former 2,000-yard rusher Terrell Davis along with proven 1,000-yard runners Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson, who was the star last year. No team in the land has a stronger group of running backs.

Biggest adjustment
The Denver defense to Rhodes. Gone is the energetic Greg Robinson as well as both starting cornerbacks, Terrell Buckley and Ray Crockett. In are Rhodes, defensive tackles Chester McGlockton and Leon Lett and former Titans' starting cornerback Denard Walker.

Rookie report
In theme with the above thought, the Broncos' first three draft picks were used on defensive players -- Minnesota cornerback Willie Middlebrooks, Marshall defensive end Paul Toviessi and Iowa State defensive end Reggie Hayward. The Broncos also drafted Cal punter Nick Harris in the fourth round with hopes he'll step right in.

Offseason moves
Players signed Players lost
QB Steve Beuerlein (signed as free agent)
QB Brian Griese (re-signed)
FB Howard Griffith (re-signed)
DE Leon Lett (signed as free agent)
DT Chester McGlockton (signed as free agent)
LB John Mobley (re-signed)
WR Keith Poole (signed as free agent)
CB Tyrone Poole (signed as free agent)
DL Trevor Pryce (re-signed)
DE Lester Archambeau (released)
LB Glenn Cadrez (released)
TE Byron Chamberlain (signed with Vikings)
CB Ray Crockett (signed with Chiefs)
DT Keith Traylor (released)

  • Broncos' complete offseason moves







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