denver broncos 2008 weekly press release

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1 Issue Date: Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 BRONCOS BEGIN 2008 PRESEASON WITH VISIT TO HOUSTON The Denver Broncos kick off their 49th year of professional football on Saturday night when they face the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in their 2008 preseason opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CDT, and the game will be televised locally on KCNC-TV (CBS 4). Denver, which made several upgrades to last season s squad that finished with a 7-9 record, will open its preseason away from home for the 11th consecutive year. The Broncos are 11-2 (.846) in preseason openers and (.696) overall in the preseason under Mike Shanahan, who begins his 14th season as Denver s head coach and 21st year overall on its coaching staff in Including regular-season action, the Broncos face the Texans for the sixth year in a row on Saturday. Houston, which posted an 8-8 record in 2007, will become the only non-divisional team in the NFL that Denver has played at least once (all games) every year since 2003 (a total of seven times). In the two clubs most recent meeting, the Texans defeated the Broncos on Dec. 13, 2007, in a Thursday night contest at Reliant Stadium. Coached by Gary Kubiak, who spent 11 seasons ( ) as Denver s offensive coordinator before being named Houston s head coach in 2006, the Texans feature 19 members of their organization with ties to the Broncos. Eight coaches, six players and five front office members who once worked for the Broncos are with Houston. Notable additions to the Broncos in 2008 include free-agent signees Boss Bailey (LB), Darrell Jackson (WR), Niko Koutouvides (LB), Marlon McCree (S), Michael Pittman (RB) and Casey Wiegmann (C). The club also acquired defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson in a trade and selected tackle Ryan Clady with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Broncos currently are holding training camp at their facility in Englewood, Colo., for the sixth year in a row. The club is scheduled to conduct 34 total practices (27 full team, 7 special teams) before breaking camp on Aug. 15. TELEVISION AND RADIO INFORMATION at HOUSTON TELEVISION: CBS (KCNC-TV - Channel 4): Gary Miller (play-byplay) and Reggie Rivers (color commentary) will call the game while Tim Ring will be reporting from the sidelines. Vic Lombardi will host the broadcast. LOCAL RADIO: KOA Radio (850 AM): Dave Logan (play-by-play) and David Diaz-Infante (color commentary) will call the game while Alan Roach reports from the sidelines. denver broncos 2008 weekly press release Preseason Game #1 Denver (0-0) at Houston (0-0) Saturday, Aug. 9, p.m. CDT RELIANT STADIUM (71,054) Houston, Texas MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT INFORMATION Jim Saccomano (303) jim.saccomano@broncos.nfl.net Patrick Smyth (303) patrick.smyth@broncos.nfl.net Dave Gaylinn (303) dave.gaylinn@broncos.nfl.net Rebecca Villanueva (303) rebecca.villanueva@broncos.nfl.net Erich Schubert (303) erich.schubert@broncos.nfl.net The Denver Broncos have a media-only Web site, which was created to assist accredited media in their coverage of the Broncos. By going to members of the press will find complete statistical packages, press releases, rosters, updated bios, transcripts, injury reports, game recaps, news clippings, photos and much more. The 2008 Broncos Media Guide is available in PDF format on the media Web site as well as a complete archive of gamebooks and flip cards for every game in franchise history. BRONCOS 2008 SCHEDULE PRESEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Time/Result TV/Rec. 1 Sat. Aug. 9 at Houston Reliant Stadium 7 p.m. CDT CBS 4 2 Sat. Aug. 16 DALLAS INVESCO Field at Mile High 7 p.m. MDT CBS 4 3 Fri. Aug. 22 GREEN BAY INVESCO Field at Mile High 7 p.m. MDT CBS 4 4 Fri. Aug. 29 at Arizona University of Phoenix Stadium 7 p.m. MST CBS 4 REGULAR SEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Time/Result TV/Rec. 1 Mon. Sept. 8 at Oakland McAfee Coliseum 7:15 p.m. PDT ESPN 2 Sun. Sept. 14 SAN DIEGO INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MDT CBS 3 Sun. Sept. 21 NEW ORLEANS INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MDT FOX 4 Sun. Sept. 28 at Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium 12 p.m. CDT CBS 5 Sun. Oct. 5 TAMPA BAY INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MDT FOX 6 Sun. Oct. 12 JACKSONVILLE INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MDT CBS 7 Mon. Oct. 20 at New England Gillette Stadium 8:30 p.m. EDT ESPN 8 Bye 9 Sun. Nov. 2 MIAMI INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MST CBS 10 Thu. Nov. 6 at Cleveland Cleveland Browns Stadium 8:15 p.m. EST NFLN 11 Sun. Nov. 16 at Atlanta Georgia Dome 1 p.m. EST CBS 12 Sun. Nov. 23 OAKLAND INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MST CBS 13 Sun. Nov. 30 at New York Jets Giants Stadium 1 p.m. EST CBS 14 Sun. Dec. 7 KANSAS CITY INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MST CBS 15 Sun. Dec. 14 at Carolina Bank of America Stadium 1 p.m. EST CBS 16 Sun. Dec. 21 BUFFALO INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:05 p.m. MST CBS 17 Sun. Dec. 28 at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium 1:15 p.m. PST CBS 2007 AFC WEST FINAL REGULAR-SEASON STANDINGS Team W L T PF PA Home Road AFC NFC DIV Streak z- San Diego Won 6 Denver Won 1 Kansas City Lost 9 Oakland Lost 4 z - clinched division DENVER AT HOUSTON 1 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

2 broncos 2008 weekly release BRONCOS VS. TEXANS POINTS OF INTEREST The Broncos begin their 49th season on Saturday against the Texans and own a 4-0 all-time record against the franchise in the preseason, including a 2-0 mark in road games... Denver last played Houston in the preseason in 2006 (17-14 home win)... In the regular season, the Broncos are 1-1 against the Texans and last played the club in 2007 (31-13 road loss)... The Broncos on Saturday will play the Texans for the sixth consecutive year (regular season and preseason) Houston is the only non-divisional team in the NFL that the Broncos will have played in each of the last six seasons (all games since 2003 total of seven times)... Denver owns a all-time record in preseason openers, including a 12-8 mark on the road, and will open its preseason away from home for the 11th consecutive season (longest streak in club history)... The Broncos have played 16 of 18 preseason openers away from home since Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.) is 11-2 (.846) in preseason openers and (.696) overall with Denver in the preseason Both records are the best in club annals... The Broncos are conducting their training camp at their facility in Englewood, Colo., for the sixth consecutive year... Denver is set to practice 34 times (27 full squad, 7 special teams) before breaking camp on Aug The Broncos will practice with the Cowboys in Englewood, Colo., on Aug leading up to their Aug. 16 preseason game against Dallas... The Texans are coached by Gary Kubiak, who spent 11 years ( ) as Denver s offensive coordinator after playing quarterback for the club from Nineteen former members of the Broncos organization are now with the Texans Eight coaches, six players and five front office members... Kyle Shanahan, the son of Mike Shanahan, is the Texans offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach At age 28, he is the youngest coordinator in the NFL... Notable additions to the Broncos in the offseason include LB Boss Bailey, WR Darrell Jackson, LB Niko Koutouvides, S Marlon McCree, RB Michael Pittman, DT Dewayne Robertson and C Casey Wiegmann... The club s first-round draft choice in 2008 was Boise State T Ryan Clady (12th overall)... QB Jay Cutler begins his third NFL season in 2008 Since being named Denver s starter in Week 13 of the 2006 season, he has totaled the 10th-most passing yards (4,498) in the NFL... Cutler last season posted the third-best completion percentage (63.6) for a year in Broncos history... WR Brandon Marshall had the third-most receptions (102) by a second-year player in NFL history in 2007, finishing second in club annals for receptions in a season and recording the fifth 100-catch effort by a Bronco (was fourth different player)... His 102 grabs ranked fifth in the NFL while his 1,325 receiving yards ranked sixth in the league and were third in club history for a season... CB Champ Bailey has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last eight years That streak is the longest in NFL history at the cornerback position, and his eight overall Pro Bowl selections tie for the second most at the position in NFL history (Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Haynes has nine)... DE Elvis Dumervil, who had 12.5 sacks in 2007, ranks sixth in the league with 21 sacks since being drafted in RB Selvin Young in 2007 posted the third-most rushing yards (729) by an undrafted rookie in NFL history (common draft era)... C Tom Nalen (1994) is the longest-tenured player on Denver s roster and ranks second in team history with 188 career starts... LB D.J. Williams led the AFC (2nd in NFL) with 141 tackles in 2007 according to NFL.com stats... The Broncos last year extended their streak of ranking among the league s top-10 rushing teams (122.3 / 9th) for the eighth year in a row (longest active streak in NFL)... The Broncos 34 forced fumbles in 2007 led the AFC and were their highest season total since T Gary Zimmerman, who played for the Broncos from , was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug WR Rod Smith, the Broncos all-time leader in every receiving category, announced his retirement at a press conference on July 24. GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/TEXANS 2007 COMPARISON BRONCOS TEXANS Record Division Standing nd (AFCW)....4th (AFCS) NFL Offensive Ranking th th Offense-Points Per Game Possession Average : :41 Total Net Yards Per Game Net Rushing Yards Per Game Net Passing Yards Per Game Had Intercepted/Yards Lost / /267 Sacks Allowed/Yards Lost / /174 Field Goals/FGA / /29 NFL Defensive Ranking th th Defense-Points Per Game Defense-Total Net Yards Per Game Defense-Rushing Yards Per Game Defense-Passing Yards Per Game Defense-Intercepted by/yards / /75 Defense-Sacks For/Yards / /196 Punts-Average Yards (Gross) Punts-Average Yards (Net) Punt Returns-Average Per Punt Returns-Average Per Allowed Kickoff Returns-Average Per Kickoff Returns-Average Per Allowed Penalties Against/Yards / /636 Fumbles/Lost / /17 Opponent Fumbles/Lost / /14 BRONCOS TEXANS PASSING YARDS Cutler ,497 Schaub ,241 Ramsey Rosenfels ,684 RUSHING YARDS Young Dayne* Henry* Walker Hall Green RECEIVING YARDS Marshall ,325 A. Johnson Stokley Walter Scheffler Daniels POINTS SCORED Elam* K. Brown Marshall A. Johnson Scheffler, Stokley Davis INTERCEPTIONS Bly Bennett Bailey Du. Robinson Paymah Six Players SACKS Dumervil M. Williams Crowder Okoye Mallard Kalu * - Not on club s 2008 roster DENVER AT HOUSTON 2 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

3 broncos 2008 weekly release GAME INFORMATION 2007 TEAM COMPARISON - OTHER KEY AREAS CATEGORY (NFL RANK) BRONCOS TEXANS 3rd Down Offense 40.4% (15) 44.6% (7) 3rd Down Defense 42.7% (27) 41.9% (23) Red Zone Offense TD Pct. 49.0% (21) 60.9% (4) Red Zone Defense TD Pct. 57.4% (24) 53.2% (19) Takeaways 30 (11t) 25 (22t) Giveaways 29 (14t) 38 (31) Turnover Ratio +1 (13t) -13 (31) BRONCOS/TEXANS SERIES BREAKDOWN (PRESEASON) Series Meetings: 4 Broncos Record: (Home: / Away: 2-0-0) First Game: Den. 20, at Hou. 12 (8/9/03) Last Game: at Den. 17, Hou. 14 (8/27/06) Current Streak: Won 4 Longest Den. Win Streak: 4 (8/9/03-8/27/06) Longest Hou. Win Streak: None Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 17, Hou. 14 (8/27/06) Last Den. Home Loss: None Last Den. Road Win: Den. 20, at Hou. 14 (8/13/05) Last Den. Road Loss: None Den. Shutouts: None Hou. Shutouts: None Most Den. Points: 31 (8/27/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 17 Most Hou. Points: 17 (8/27/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 17 Total Den. Points: 88 Total Hou. Points: 57 Average Den. Points: 22.0 Average Hou. Points: 14.3 Largest Den. Win: 14 (8/27/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 17 Largest Hou. Win: None Most Points, Both Teams: 48 (8/27/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 17 Fewest Points, Both Teams: 32 (8/9/03): Den. 20, at Hou. 12 KEY UPCOMING DATES Tuesday, Aug. 26: Roster cut to maximum of 75 players on active list by 2 p.m. MDT. Saturday, Aug. 30: Roster cut to maximum of 53 players on active/inactive lists by 2 p.m. MDT. Sunday, Aug. 31: Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players after 10 a.m. MDT. Sept. 4-8: Regular season begins. BRONCOS/TEXANS COACHING COMPARISON MIKE SHANAHAN GARY KUBIAK YR. AS AN NFL HEAD COACH: 16th 3rd YR. AS TEAM S HEAD COACH: 14th 3rd OVERALL YR. IN NFL: 25th 15th OVERALL YR. WITH TEAM: 21st 3rd NFL COACHING CAREER REG. SEASON RECORD: (.605) (.438) POSTSEASON RECORD: 8-5 (.615) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.606) (.438) WITH CURRENT TEAM REG. SEASON RECORD: (.625) (.438) POSTSEASON RECORD: 8-5 (.615) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.624) (.438) AGAINST OPPONENT REG. SEASON RECORD: (.500) (1.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 0-0 (.000) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.500) (1.000) AGAINST OPP. HEAD COACH REG. SEASON RECORD: (.000) (1.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 0-0 (.000) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.000) (1.000) NFL SCHEDULE - PRESEASON WEEK 1 Thursday, August 7 New Orleans at Arizona (ESPN) 5:00p (MST) Baltimore at New England :30p (ET) Kansas City at Chicago :00p (CT) NY Giants at Detroit :00p (ET) NY Jets at Cleveland :30p (ET) Friday, August 8 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh :30p (ET) Seattle at Minnesota :00p (CT) San Francisco at Oakland :00p (PT) Saturday, August 9 Atlanta at Jacksonville :30p (ET) Buffalo at Washington :00p (ET) Dallas at San Diego :00p (PT) Denver at Houston :00p (CT) Indianapolis at Carolina :30p (ET) St. Louis at Tennessee :00p (CT) Tampa Bay at Miami :30p (ET) Monday, August 11 Cincinnati at Green Bay (ESPN) 7:00p (CT) Philadelphia at Baltimore :00p (ET) DENVER AT HOUSTON 3 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

4 broncos 2008 weekly release GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/TEXANS ALL-TIME RESULTS (PRESEASON) Date W/L Score Site 2003 (8/9) W Denver 20, at Houston 12 Reliant Stadium 2004 (8/27) W at Denver 31, Houston 17 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2005 (8/13) W Denver 20, at Houston 14 Reliant Stadium 2006 (8/27) W at Denver 17, Houston 14 INVESCO Field at Mile High BRONCOS/TEXANS SERIES BREAKDOWN (REGULAR SEASON) Series Meetings: 2 Broncos Record: (Home: 1-0 / Away: 0-1) First Game: at Den. 31, Hou. 13 (11/7/04) Last Game: at Hou. 31, Den. 13 (12/13/07) Current Streak: Lost 1 Longest Den. Win Streak: 1 (11/7/04) Longest Hou. Win Streak: 1 (12/13/07) Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 31, Hou. 13 (11/7/04) Last Den. Home Loss: None Last Den. Road Win: None Last Den. Road Loss: at Hou. 13, Den. 13 (12/13/07) Den. Shutouts: None Hou. Shutouts: None Most Den. Points: 31 (11/7/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 13 Most Hou. Points: 31 (12/13/07): at Hou. 31, Den. 13 (12/13/07) Total Den. Points: 44 Total Hou. Points: 44 Average Den. Points: 22.0 Average Hou. Points: 22.0 Largest Den. Win: 18 (11/7/04): at Den. 31, Hou. 13 Largest Hou. Win: 18 (12/13/07): at Hou. 31, Den. 13 (12/13/07) Most Points, Both Teams: 44, 2x, last: (12/13/07): at Hou. 31, Den. 13 Fewest Points, Both Teams: 44, 2x, last: (12/13/07): at Hou. 31, Den. 13 BRONCOS/TEXANS ALL-TIME RESULTS (REGULAR SEASON) Season (Date) W/L Result Site 2004 (11/7) 31, Houston 13 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2007 (12/13) 31, Denver 13 Reliant Stadium BRONCOS PRESEASON OPENER BREAKDOWN Openers: 48 Denver Overall Record: (9-9 home; 12-8 away; 3-7 neutral) First Opener: at Bos. 43, Den. 6 (8/5/60) Last Opener: Den. 17, at S.F. 13 (8/13/07) Current Streak: Won 1 Longest Den Win Streak: 9, Longest Opp. Win Streak: 5, Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 31, Buf. 10 (7/26/97) Last Den. Home Loss: N.O. 10, at Den. 7 (8/9/86) Last Den. Road Win: Den. 17, at S.F. 13 (8/13/07) Last Den. Road Loss: at Det. 20, Den. 13 (8/11/06) Den. Shutouts: None Opp. Shutouts: 1 (8/11/72): at Was. 41, Den. 0 Most Broncos Points: 40 (8/3/88): Den. 40, at L.A. Rams 31 Most Opponent Points: 43 (8/5/60): at Bos. 43, Den. 6 Total Den. Points: 816 Total Opp. Points: 886 Average Den. Points: 17.0 Average Opp. Points: 18.5 Largest Den. Win: 24 (8/10/02): Den. 27, at Chi. 3 Largest Opp. Win: 41 (8/11/72): at Was. 41, Den. 0 Most Points, Both Teams: 71 (8/3/88): Den. 40, at L.A. Rams 31 Fewest Points, Both Teams: 13 (8/4/79): at Dal. 7, Den. 6 BRONCOS IN PRESEASON OPENERS 1960-@Boston 43, Denver Washington @Dallas 31, Denver N.Y. Giants @Houston 33, Denver New Orleans @Denver 27, Houston L.A. Rams 28, Denver 27 (Am. Bwl.) 1964-@San Diego 34, Denver Denver Rams Kansas City @Denver 17, L.A. Rams Kansas City Denver 10, Seattle 7 (Am. Bwl.) 1967-Miami 19, Denver Detroit 14, Denver 3 (HOF Game) 1968-@Denver 15, Cincinnati @ San Francisco 13, Denver @Minnesota 26, Denver Denver Bay @Denver 26, St. Louis L.A. Raiders 25, Den. 22 (Am. Bwl.) 1971-Washington @Denver 9, San Francisco @Washington 41, Denver Denver Francisco @Washington 14, Denver @Denver 31, Buffalo N.Y. Jets Denver Louis Baltimore Denver 20, San Diego 17 (Am. Bwl.) 1976-Denver 10, Detroit 7 (HOF Game) 2000-Denver @Denver 14, Baltimore Denver Denver Denver @Dallas 7, Denver Denver @Denver 17, Cincinnati Washington 20, Denver 17 (HOF Game) 1981-N.Y. Jets Denver Denver Rams @Detroit 20, Denver @Denver 10, Seattle Denver Francisco 13 DENVER AT HOUSTON 4 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

5 broncos 2008 weekly release PLAYING TEXANS FOR SIXTH YEAR IN A ROW Including regular-season action, the Broncos on Saturday face the Houston Texans for the sixth consecutive season. Denver played Houston in the preseason in 2003, preseason and regular season in 2004, preseason in 2005, preseason in 2006 and regular season in Including Saturday s game, the Texans are the only non-divisional team in the NFL that the Broncos will have played in each of the last six seasons (a total of seven games). The Broncos won their first five games against the Texans before losing to the club on the road during the 2007 season. BRONCOS VS. TEXANS, ALL GAMES Year Date Type W/L Result 2003 Aug. 9 Preseason W Denver 20, at Houston Aug. 27 Preseason W at Denver 31, Houston Nov. 7 Reg. Season W at Denver 31, Houston Aug. 13 Preseason W Denver 20, at Houston Aug. 27 Preseason W at Denver 17, Houston Dec. 13 Reg. Season L at Houston 31, Denver 13 MANY FAMILIAR FACES Nineteen former members of the Broncos organization now are with the Texans. Houston features eight coaches, six players and five front office members who once worked for the Broncos. GAME INFORMATION FORMER BRONCOS WITH TEXANS Individual w/denver w/houston Bob Beers College Scout ( ) College Scout Mike Bell Running Back ( ) Running Back Frank Bush Spec. Tms. ( )/ Secondary (2000)/LBs ( ) Sr. Def. Asst. Greg Eslinger Center ( ) Center Mark Fenton Center (2007) Center Nick Ferguson Safety ( ) Safety Alex Gibbs O-Line ( ) Asst. H.C./O-Line ( ) Asst. H.C./Offense Larry Kirksey Volunteer Assistant (2004) Wide Receivers Coach Gary Kubiak Offensive Coordinator ( )/ Off. Coord./QBs ( )/QB ( ) Head Coach Ed Lambert College Scout ( ) National Scout Mike McDaniel Coaching Intern (2005) Offensive Assistant Chris Myers Center ( ) Center Brian Pariani Tight Ends ( ) Tight Ends Coach Ray Rhodes Defensive Coordinator ( ) Asst. DBs Coach Ephraim Salaam Tackle ( ) Tackle Richard Smith Spec. Teams ( ) Def. Coordinator Rick Smith Asst. GM ( 06)/Dir. of Pro Pers. ( )/ Dir. of Pro. Scout. ( 00)/Def. Asst. ( ) General Manager Dale Strahm College Scout ( ) Dir. of College Scouting Doug West Equipment Manager ( ) Operations Manager BRONCOS ALL-TIME YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS YEAR PRESEASON REG. SEASON PLAYOFFS (S.B. loss) (S.B. loss) (S.B. loss) (S.B. loss) (S.B. win) (S.B. win) TOTAL (.538) (.529) (.531) DENVER AT HOUSTON 5 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

6 broncos 2008 weekly release GAME INFORMATION TRACKING DENVER S 2008 PRESEASON OPPONENTS Opponent Date/Result 07 Rec. LAST GAME THIS WEEK Houston Aug Won vs. Jacksonville, (Dec. 30) vs. Denver (Aug. 9) Dallas Aug Lost vs. N.Y. Giants, (Jan Div.) at San Diego (Aug. 9) Green Bay Aug Lost vs. N.Y. Giants, OT (Jan Conf.) vs. Cincinnati (Aug. 11) Arizona Aug Won vs. St. Louis, (Dec. 30) vs. New Orleans (Aug. 7) Combined 2007 regular-season record of opponents: (.656) OPENING ON THE ROAD The Broncos will begin their preseason away from Denver for the 11th consecutive year when the club takes the field in Houston on Saturday. That streak is the longest in club history with the previous longest occurring from when the Broncos played five preseason openers in a row away from home. During the last 10 years to begin the preseason, Denver has played eight road games in addition to competing in the 1999 American Bowl in Sydney, Australia, and the 2004 Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Denver s last home preseason opener was in 1997 when it defeated Buffalo at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos have played 16 of 18 preseason openers away from home since SHANAHAN IN THE PRESEASON During his 13 seasons as the Broncos head coach, Mike Shanahan has positioned Denver with the league s best in the preseason. Denver owns a record in the preseason under Shanahan since 1995, marking a.696 winning percentage that is the best by a coach in club history. The Broncos are 21-5 (.808) at home, (.593) on the road and 2-1 (.667) at neutral sites in the preseason under Shanahan. CAREER WINNING PERCENTAGE BY BRONCOS HEAD COACHES IN THE PRESEASON Head Coach Years Record 1. Mike Shanahan 1995-Pres (.696) 2. Red Miller (.667) 3. Dan Reeves (.577) 4. John Ralston (.552) 5. Wade Phillips (.444) 6. Jack Faulkner (.429) 7. Lou Saban (.375) 8. Mac Speedie (.222) 9. Frank Filchock (.100) DENVER IN PRESEASON OPENERS SINCE 1995 The Broncos are 11-2 in preseason openers under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.) for a.846 winning percentage that is the best by a coach in club history. Denver s only defeats in preseason openers during the last 13 years occurred in 2004 (Washington) and in 2006 (Detroit). CAREER WINNING PERCENTAGE BY BRONCOS HEAD COACHES IN PRESEASON OPENERS Head Coach Years Record 1. Mike Shanahan 1995-Pres (.846) 2. Red Miller (.750) 3. Wade Phillips (.500) 4. Dan Reeves (.417) 5. Lou Saban (.400) 6. Jack Faulkner (..333) 7. John Ralston (.200) 8. Mac Speedie (.000) Frank Filchock (.000) BRONCOS TRAINING CAMP For the sixth consecutive year, the Broncos are holding their training camp in 2008 at their practice facility, the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre, in Englewood, Colo. The Broncos first practice of camp was held on Friday, July 25, and the club is set to conclude training camp on Friday, Aug. 15, after 34 total practices (27 full team workouts / 7 special teams). Below is a look at where the team has conducted its training camp since the franchise s first year in BRONCOS ALL-TIME TRAINING CAMP SITES Years Site Location Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colo Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colo Colorado School of Mines Golden, Colo Broncos headquarters Adams County, Colo California Poly-Pomona Pomona, Calif Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colo University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre Englewood, Colo. DENVER AT HOUSTON 6 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

7 broncos 2008 weekly release BRONCOS, COWBOYS TO PRACTICE AUG For the fifth time under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.) and for the second consecutive year, the Broncos will practice against another team in the preseason when they train with the Cowboys in Englewood, Colo., on Aug Denver also practiced with the Cowboys last season in Dallas and worked out with the Texans in Houston (2003, 05) as well as the Panthers in Greeley, Colo. (1996). The combined final regular-season record of those Broncos teams that practiced with another club in the preseason is (.672). Denver and Dallas are scheduled to practice twice a day on Aug leading up to their game against each other at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Aug. 16. BRONCOS PRACTICING WITH ANOTHER TEAM IN THE PRESEASON, SINCE 1995 Year Team Location Final Rec Carolina Panthers Greeley, Colo Houston Texans Houston Houston Texans Houston Dallas Cowboys Dallas Dallas Cowboys Englewood, Colo. TBD NOTES FROM DENVER S SIX ALL-TIME MEETINGS WITH HOUSTON at HOUSTON 31, DENVER 13 (Dec. 13, Reg. Season) Playing on a Thursday for the third consecutive season, the Broncos suffer a defeat to the Texans in Houston... The loss eliminates Denver from playoff contention... Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall has 11 catches, becoming the first Bronco in club history to post consecutive games with at least 10 catches Tight end Tony Scheffler adds a career-high 100 yards on seven catches with one touchdown, marking the first 100-yard receiving game of his career and first by a Denver tight end since 2003 Denver s loss marks its first-ever defeat to Houston (1-1 regular season, 4-0 preseason), which entered the NFL in GAME INFORMATION TRACKING DENVER S 2008 REGULAR-SEASON OPPONENTS Opponent Date/Result 07 Rec. LAST GAME THIS WEEK Oakland Sept. 8, Nov Lost vs. San Diego, (Dec. 30) vs. San Francisco (Aug. 8) San Diego Sept. 14, Dec Lost at New England, (Jan Conf.) vs. Dallas (Aug. 9) New Orleans Sept Lost at Chicago, (Dec. 30) at Arizona (Aug. 7) Kansas City Sept. 28, Dec Lost at N.Y. Jets, (Dec. 30) at Chicago (Aug. 7) Tampa Bay Oct Lost vs. N.Y. Giants, (Jan. 6 - W.C.) at Miami (Aug. 9) Jacksonville Oct Lost at New England, (Jan Div.) vs. Atlanta (Aug. 9) New England Oct Lost vs. N.Y. Giants, (Feb. 3 - S.B.) vs. Baltimore (Aug. 7) Miami Nov Lost vs. Cincinnati, (Dec. 30) vs. Tampa Bay (Aug. 9) Cleveland Nov Won vs. San Francisco, 20-7 (Dec. 30) vs. N.Y. Jets (Aug. 7) Atlanta Nov Won vs. Seattle, (Dec. 30) at Jacksonville (Aug. 9) N.Y. Jets Nov Won vs. Kansas City, (Dec. 30) at Cleveland (Aug. 7) Carolina Dec Won at Tampa Bay, (Dec. 30) vs. Indianapolis (Aug. 9) Buffalo Dec Lost at Philadelphia, 17-9 (Dec. 30) at Washington (Aug. 9) Combined 2007 regular-season record of opponents: (.555) at DENVER 17, HOUSTON 14 (Aug. 27, Preseason) The Broncos earn a victory over the Houston Texans at INVESCO field at Mile High Former Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak returns to Denver for the first time since accepting the head coaching position for the Texans in January Broncos running back Cedric Cobbs totals 54 yards on seven carries (7.7 avg.) with one touchdown Jake Plummer and the Broncos first-team offense play through the first series of the third quarter, and the quarterback finishes the game 10-of-22 for 96 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. DENVER 20, at HOUSTON 14 (Aug. 13, Preseason) Denver improves its all-time preseason record against the Texans to 3-0 with its win at Reliant Stadium Broncos wide receiver Todd Devoe makes a 92-yard touchdown reception on a Matt Mauck pass that marks the second-longest scoring reception by a Bronco in the preseason in team annals (93-yd. reception by Jack Dolbin in 1975) Denver quarterback Jake Plummer plays three series against Houston, completing 6-of-10 passes for 76 yards with one touchdown, before being replaced early in the second quarter by Bradlee Van Pelt Darrent Williams starts at Houston to become the first Broncos rookie to start a preseason opener at cornerback since 1974 (Ozell Collier). at DENVER 31, HOUSTON 13 (Nov. 7, Reg. Season) Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer throws four touchdown passes for the second consecutive game to lead Denver to a win Plummer finishes the game with 234 yards on 16-of-24 passing for a passer rating Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith catches three passes for 29 yards with one touchdown and becomes Denver s all-time leader in career receptions and touchdown catches in the game Denver leads 24-7 at halftime and takes a 31-7 lead into the fourth quarter before Houston scores a touchdown midway through the final period Broncos running back Reuben Droughns notches his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the season with 120 yards on 29 carries. DENVER AT HOUSTON 7 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

8 broncos 2008 weekly release at DENVER 31, HOUSTON 17 (Aug. 27, Preseason) Quarterbacks Jake Plummer and Danny Kanell combine for 293 passing yards and two touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a win against the Houston Texans in Denver s preseason home opener at INVESCO Field at Mile High Rookie wide receivers Darius Watts (two catches for 76 yards) and Triandos Luke (a 74-yard touchdown reception) each show big-play ability for the Broncos while veteran Rod Smith posts a game-high four receptions for 44 yards The win marks Denver s second consecutive preseason victory Plummer finishes the game 12-of-22 for 159 yards with one interception and adds a 1-yard touchdown run. DENVER 20, at HOUSTON 12 (Aug. 9, Preseason) The Broncos kick off the 2003 preseason by defeating the Texans at Reliant Stadium Head Coach Mike Shanahan improves his preseason record with Denver to For his first completion in a Bronco uniform, quarterback Jake Plummer tosses a 14-yard pass to wide receiver Ashley Lelie, beginning a nine-play, 73-yard scoring charge that was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown strike to Chris Cole... Denver limits Houston to 3-of-15 (20 percent) success on third downs. BRONCOS/TEXANS CONNECTIONS FORMER DENVER BRONCOS Houston Head Coach Gary Kubiak served as offensive coordinator for the Broncos from and was a quarterback for the team from Texans General Manager Rick Smith spent 10 seasons from in various roles on Denver's coaching and personnel staff Texans Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith was special teams coordinator for Denver from and assisted with coaching its linebackers from Houston Senior Defensive Assistant Frank Bush was a special teams coach for the Broncos from , coached the secondary in 2000 and instructed its linebackers from Texans Wide Receivers Coach Larry Kirksey was a volunteer assistant with Denver in 2004 Houston Tight Ends Coach Brian Pariani instructed the Broncos' tight ends from Houston Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Ray Rhodes was the Broncos defensive coordinator from Texans Assistant Head Coach/Offense Alex Gibbs was the Broncos' assistant head coach from and was Denver's offensive line coach from Texans Offensive Assistant Mike McDaniel was a coaching intern with the Broncos during the 2005 season... Texans National Scout Ed Lambert was a college scout for Denver from Houston Director of College Scouting Dale Strahm was a college scout for the Broncos from Houston Operations Manager Doug West was the Broncos equipment manager from Texans College Scout Bob Beers served in the same capacity with Denver from Houston T Ephraim Salaam was a Bronco from Houston C Chris Myers was drafted by the Broncos in 2005 and played for Denver until he was traded to Houston during the 2008 offseason Houston C Greg Eslinger was on the Broncos' practice squad in 2006 and the beginning of 2007 In 2007, Texans C Mark Fenton spent the season on the Broncos GAME INFORMATION 2007 NFL FINAL REGULAR-SEASON STANDINGS AFC East Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC *- N.E Buf NYJ Mia AFC North Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- Pit Cle Cin Bal AFC South Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- Ind y- Jac y- Ten Hou AFC West Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- S.D Den K.C Oak NFC East Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC *- Dal y- NYG y- Was Phi NFC North Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- G.B Min Det Chi NFC South Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- T.B Car N.O Atl NFC West Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC z- Sea Ari S.F Stl * - Clinched Division and Homefield Advantage; x - Clinched playoff; y - Clinched Wild Card; z - Clinched Division DENVER AT HOUSTON 8 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

9 broncos 2008 weekly release practice squad Texans S Nick Ferguson spent with Denver Texans RB Mike Bell played for the Broncos from before signing with Houston during training camp. FORMER HOUSTON TEXANS Broncos Wide Receivers Coach Jedd Fisch was a defensive quality control coach for the Texans from FROM DENVER AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Texans Quarterbacks Coach Kyle Shanahan is the son of Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan and attended Cherry Creek High School in Denver Houston Offensive Line Coach John Benton coached the offensive line at Colorado State University from and is from Durango, Colo. Houston Offensive Assistant Mike McDaniel is from Greeley, Colo. Houston G Mike Brisiel ( ), TE Joel Dreessen ( ) and WR David Anderson ( ) played for CSU... Houston RB Chris Brown ( ) and G Mark Fenton ( ) played for Colorado. FROM HOUSTON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Broncos DE Tim Crowder played at the University of Texas from and attended Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas Broncos RB Selvin Young played at the University of Texas from and attended Jersey Village High School in Jersey Village, Texas. CROSSING PATHS (PRO) Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan along with Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Wide Receivers Coach Larry Kirksey and Tight Ends Coach Brian Pariani coached together for the San Francisco 49ers in Broncos Special Teams Coordinator Scott O'Brien coached for Miami in 2005 with Texans Defensive Coordinator Richard Smith... Denver LB Nate Webster ( ) was with Houston Special Teams Coordinator Joe Marciano ( ) in Tampa Bay... Houston Defensive Line Coach Jethro Franklin coached with Broncos Defensive Coordinator Bob Slowik in Green Bay from Texans CB Jamar Fletcher teamed up with Denver CB Dré Bly in Detroit in Bly and Houston DT Jeff Zgonina played for the St. Louis Rams from CROSSING PATHS (COLLEGE) At Texas A&M, Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Broncos Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson coached together from Broncos TE Daniel Graham and Texans RB Chris Brown were teammates at the University of Colorado in 2001 when the Buffaloes captured the Big 12 Championship Texans C Mark Fenton was a teammate of Broncos T Tyler Polumbus at Colorado from Broncos T Erik Pears ( ) and RB Cecil Sapp ( ) along with Texans Offensive Line Coach John Benton ( ), WR David Anderson ( ), G Mike Brisiel ( ) and TE Joel Dreessen ( ) played together at Colorado State University In 2003, Broncos Defensive Assistant Charlie Jackson and Texans Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Kyle Shanahan spent time together at UCLA... Broncos LB D.J. William was teammates with Texans WR Andre Johnson at Miami from Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal played four years at GAME INFORMATION Virginia Tech with Texans rookies LB Xavier Adibi and T Duane Brown... From , Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil was teammates with Texans DT Amobi Okoye at Louisville While at Texas, Broncos DE Tim Crowder and RB Selvin Young were teammates with Texans G Kasey Studdard ( ) and DT Frank Okam ( ) Broncos LB Niko Koutouvides was teammates with Texans CB Jacques Reeves at Purdue from At Notre Dame, Broncos T Ryan Harris blocked for Texans RB Darius Walker from FOND FAREWELL FOR SMITH On Thursday, July 24, Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith officially announced his retirement from the NFL in a press conference at the team s training facility in Englewood, Colo. Smith, who entered the NFL with the Broncos in 1994 as a college free agent from Missouri Southern, was named to three Pro Bowls and finished his 13-year career with Denver as its all-time leader in receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389) and touchdown catches (68). Those totals rank as the best by an undrafted player in NFL history, and his production rivals some of the top wide receivers in league annals. Among his accomplishments: * - Retired ranked 12th in NFL history in career receptions, 19th in career receiving yards and tied for 31st in career receiving touchdowns. * - Totaled more receptions than 18 of the 19 wide receivers currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and more receiving yards than 13 of the 19 wide receivers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. * - Helped the Broncos to seven postseason berths, three AFC West titles and two Super Bowl victories (XXXII in 97 and XXXIII in 98). Denver had a (.643) record in the 196 overall games he played. * - Recorded a nine-year streak ( ) of posting at least 70 receptions that tied for the second longest in NFL history. * - Holds five of the top-10 single-season reception totals in Broncos history, including his club-record 113 catches in * - Owns four of the top-10 single-season receiving yardage totals in Denver annals, including a club-record 1,602 yards in * - Set Broncos career records for combined yards (12,488), yards from scrimmage (11,737), overall touchdowns (71), 1,000- yard receiving seasons (8) and 100-yard receiving games (31). ZIMMERMAN ENSHRINED INTO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Tackle Gary Zimmerman, who played for the Broncos from after spending his first seven seasons with the Vikings, was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 2 at a ceremony at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. He joins quarterback John Elway, a 2004 inductee, as the second player named to the Hall of Fame who spent a primary portion of his career with the Broncos. Zimmerman was joined in his class by defensive end Fred Dean, cornerback Darrell Green, wide receiver Art Monk, cornerback Emmitt Thomas and linebacker Andre Tippett. Among his accomplishments: * - Earned seven Pro Bowl selections and became one of a handful of players in NFL history to be named to two All-Decade Teams (1980s and 90s). DENVER AT HOUSTON 9 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

10 broncos 2008 weekly release * - Received first or second-team All-Pro honors eight times. * - Helped Denver to its first-ever Super Bowl win (XXXII in 97). * - Blocked for Broncos offenses that led the NFL in total yards twice ( ) and units that posted three consecutive top-five league rushing rankings ( ). * - Started all 76 games played with Denver and all 184 games played during his NFL career. * - Inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in DENVER UPGRADES CLUB IN OFFSEASON Below is a look at the Broncos key acquisitions in the offseason leading up to their 2008 campaign. DRAFT T RYAN CLADY (Rd Boise State) Clady earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors during his final two years at Boise State, where he was a key part of its 13-0 squad in 2006 that finished the year ranked No. 5 in the country (AP). WR EDDIE ROYAL (Rd Virginia Tech) Royal set a Virginia Tech career record for all-purpose yards (4,686), including an Atlantic Coast Conference-record 1,296 punt return yards. C KORY LICHTENSTEIGER (Rd Bowling Green State) Lichtensteiger tied a Bowling Green State career record for starts (48) and earned All-Mid-American Conference honors during each of his four years at the school. CB JACK WILLIAMS (Rd Kent State) Williams totaled 20 takeaways (13 interceptions / 7 fumble recoveries) in 44 career games at Kent State, where he was a threeyear starter. RB RYAN TORAIN (Rd Arizona State) Torain averaged 93.8 rushing yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry during two seasons at Arizona State after transferring from Butler Community College. DT CARLTON POWELL (Rd Virginia Tech) Powell was a 13-game starter during each of his final two years at Virginia Tech, helping the Hokies field one of the nation s top defenses, but was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list with an Achilles tendon injury suffered in offseason workouts. LB SPENCER LARSEN (Rd Arizona) Larsen was a two-time All-Pacific-10 Conference choice at Arizona, where he finished his career ranked 15th in school history with 312 tackles. S JOSH BARRETT (Rd Arizona State) Barrett started 21 games in his final two years at Arizona State and was an honorable mention All-Pacific-10 Conference choice as a junior in FB PEYTON HILLIS (Rd Arkansas) Hillis set Arkansas career records for running backs for receptions (118), receiving yards (1,195) and touchdown catches (11) while blocking for two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden. GAME INFORMATION FREE AGENCY LB BOSS BAILEY (UFA-6th yr. Detroit) Bailey, the younger brother of Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, started at least 11 games in every season that he played while spending his first five NFL seasons with Detroit. WR KEARY COLBERT (UFA-5th yr. Carolina) Colbert played his first four professional seasons in Carolina, where he started 42 games for the Panthers and set a club rookie record with a personal-best 754 receiving yards in WR DARRELL JACKSON (FA-9th yr. San Francisco) Jackson owns three 1,000-yard receiving seasons for his career (seven years with Seattle, one with San Francisco) and has totaled the ninth-most receiving touchdowns (50) in the NFL since entering the league in LB NIKO KOUTOUVIDES (UFA-5th yr. Seattle) Koutouvides ranks seventh in the NFL in special-teams tackles (60) since he entered the league in 2004 and owns 20 games with multiple special-teams stops for his career. S MARQUAND MANUEL (UFA-7th yr. Carolina) Manuel has played 91 career games (38 starts) in the NFL with Cincinnati ( ), Seattle ( ), Green Bay (2006) and Carolina (2007). S MARLON McCREE (FA-8th yr. San Diego) McCree has started for clubs that reached the playoffs during each of the last three seasons with San Diego ( ) and Carolina (2005), helping them post a (.739) regular-season record in games that he played during that period. WR SAMIE PARKER (UFA-5th yr. Kansas City) Parker played for the Chiefs during his first four years in the NFL, posting consecutive 500-yard receiving seasons for the club from RB MICHAEL PITTMAN (UFA-11th yr. Tampa Bay) Pittman, who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2002, ranks second among active NFL running backs with 3,400 career receiving yards and has totaled 8,707 career yards from scrimmage with the Buccaneers ( ) and Cardinals ( ). C CASEY WIEGMANN (UFA-13th yr. Kansas City) Wiegmann has played every possible regular-season and postseason snap (7,062) since early in 2001 campaign, and that streak is the longest active streak of its kind among NFL offensive linemen. TRADES DT DEWAYNE ROBERTSON (6th yr. N.Y. Jets) Robertson, acquired by Denver from the Jets for a conditional 2009 draft choice, was the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft and has missed only three contests during his first five professional seasons. COACHES JEDD FISCH (8th NFL Season / Wide Receivers) Fisch spent the last three years coaching the Ravens quarterbacks and also instructed the club s wide receivers in 2006, a year in which Baltimore had one of four wideout tandems in the AFC with each player posting 65+catches (Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton). DENVER AT HOUSTON 10 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

11 broncos 2008 weekly release GAME INFORMATION 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW The Denver Broncos franchise-record tying seven-year streak of posting at least a.500 winning percentage came to an end in 2007 as the club wrapped up its 48th season with a 7-9 record and a second-place finish in the AFC West. The Broncos began the year with their first 2-0 start in four seasons, posting wins at Buffalo and against Oakland on walk-off field goals. Denver played its next five games against clubs that qualified for the postseason, including a Sunday Night Football win at home against Pittsburgh on Oct. 21, and entered the midway point of the season with a 3-5 record. Denver s second half of the year got off to a promising start as the Broncos earned their first win in Kansas City in five seasons before posting a victory against playoff-qualifier Tennessee the next week at home on Monday Night Football. They appeared to be on their way to winning a third consecutive game and improving to 6-5 for the year with a 14-point fourth-quarter lead at Chicago on Nov. 25, but the Bears rallied to earn a overtime victory. The Broncos struggled through a stretch of playing four-of-five games on the road and were eliminated from playoff contention following Week 15. They ended the year with a overtime win at home against a Minnesota squad that was fighting for a playoff berth. KEY NOTES FROM THE BRONCOS 2007 SEASON * - In his first full season as a starter, second-year quarterback Jay Cutler finished among the NFL s top-10 passers in yards per attempt (7.49-9th) and passing yards (3,497-10th) in addition to recording the third-best completion percentage (63.6) for a season in club history. * - Wide receiver Brandon Marshall totaled the third-most receptions (102) by a second-year player in NFL history while posting the second and third-best respective single-season outputs for receptions and receiving yards (1,325) by a Bronco in team annals. * - Champ Bailey was selected to his eighth Pro Bowl, a total that ties for the second highest in NFL history among cornerbacks. * - Elvis Dumervil tied for the NFL lead in takeaways (4) among defensive linemen and tied for sixth in the league in sacks (12.5) while linebacker D.J. Williams led the AFC (2nd in NFL) with 141 tackles. * - The Broncos four walk-off game-winning field goals were the most by an NFL team in the same season since * - The Broncos were among the league s top-10 rushing clubs (122.3 ypg. - 9th) for the eighth consecutive year (longest active streak in NFL). * - Denver appeared in the most overtime games (4 / 2-2 record) by an NFL team in four seasons and posted all seven of its wins with an even or positive turnover ratio (7-2 in those situations). * - The Broncos 161 overall games missed due to injury and 82 contests missed by starters both were the highest season totals for the club under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.). BRONCOS 2007 RESULTS PRESEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Result Rec. 1 Mon. Aug. 13 at San Francisco Monster Park W, Sat. Aug. 18 at Dallas Texas Stadium L, Sat. Aug. 25 CLEVELAND INVESCO Field at Mile High L, Thu. Aug. 30 ARIZONA INVESCO Field at Mile High W, REGULAR SEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Result Rec. 1 Sun. Sept. 9 at Buffalo Ralph Wilson Stadium W, Sun. Sept. 16 OAKLAND INVESCO Field at Mile High W, OT Sun. Sept. 23 JACKSONVILLE INVESCO Field at Mile High L, Sun. Sept. 30 at Indianapolis RCA Dome L, Sun. Oct. 7 SAN DIEGO INVESCO Field at Mile High L, Bye 7 Sun. Oct. 21 PITTSBURGH INVESCO Field at Mile High W, Mon. Oct. 29 GREEN BAY INVESCO Field at Mile High L, OT Sun. Nov. 4 at Detroit Ford Field L, Sun. Nov. 11 at Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium W, Mon. Nov. 19 TENNESSEE INVESCO Field at Mile High W, Sun. Nov. 25 at Chicago Soldier Field L, OT Sun. Dec. 2 at Oakland McAfee Coliseum L, Sun. Dec. 9 KANSAS CITY INVESCO Field at Mile High W, Thu. Dec. 13 at Houston Reliant Stadium L, Mon. Dec. 24 at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium L, Sun. Dec. 30 MINNESOTA INVESCO Field at Mile High W, OT 7-9 MISCELLANEOUS NOTES FROM 2007 All seven of the Broncos wins came when the club had an even or positive turnover ratio (7-2 in those situations)... During the final eight weeks of the season, Denver tied for third in the league in takeaways (20) and turnover ratio (+9)... Head Coach Mike Shanahan finished his 13th year as Denver s head coach ranked 10th in NFL history in career regular-season wins with one team (130-78) and 17th in league annals in overall career wins (146-95)... Denver s strength of schedule in 2007 tied for the eighth toughest in the NFL (.516 / ), and the club played seven games against teams that qualified for the postseason, including five contests in a row vs. playoff teams from Sept. 23-Oct The Broncos tied a franchise single-season record by appearing in four overtime games, the most by an NFL team in a season since 2003 (Carolina)... With RBs Selvin Young (729) and Travis Henry (691), the Broncos were one of four teams in the NFL to have two 650+yard rushers en route extending their streak of ranking among the league s top-10 rushing teams (122.3 / 9th) for the eighth year in a row (longest active streak in NFL)... Young finished fourth in the NFL in yards per rush (5.2) and totaled the third-most rushing yards (729) by an undrafted rookie in league history while becoming the first undrafted player ever to lead Denver in rushing... The Broncos 5.7 yards per play average was the fourth best in the league (sixth-best single-season total in club history)... WR Brandon Marshall, who led the NFL with 319 receiving yards after contact, also had three 10-catch games that tied for the most in the league... TE Tony Scheffler tied for fourth among league tight ends in receptions (47) during the final 11 weeks of the year... The Broncos 34 forced fumbles led the AFC and were their highest season total since Denver concluded the season by holding its final six opponents to 200 or fewer passing yards and was seventh in the league in pass defense (193.4 ypg.)... The Broncos Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee was CB Domonique Foxworth, and their Ed Block Courage Award nominee was DE John Engelberger. DENVER AT HOUSTON 11 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

12 broncos 2008 weekly release Mike Shanahan in 2008 begins his 14th season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, a franchise he has guided to two Super Bowl victories, three conference championship game appearances, seven postseason berths and nine winning seasons. His achievements since being named Denver s head coach on Jan. 31, 1995, have helped position the 49-year-old franchise among the most successful and highly regarded in all of professional sports. The veteran coach, who holds additional responsibilities as the Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations, has led Denver to 130 regular-season victories, a total that marks the 10th most by a head coach with one franchise in NFL history. Among the nine coaches who have more wins with one club than Shanahan, all eight who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been honored with membership to the game s most exclusive club. Shanahan s 130 regular-season wins with Denver tie for the most by an NFL coach in the last 13 years and give the Broncos the league s third-best record ( /.625) during that time. A leader whose standard continually has raised the expectations of the football team and entire Denver Broncos organization, Shanahan has the 17th-most overall career wins (146) by a head coach in NFL history and ranks second in that category among active coaches. His all-time winning percentage is a sterling.606 (146-95), including a.624 (138-83) mark in 13 seasons with the Broncos that qualifies as the best by a coach in club history. SHANAHAN YEAR-BY-YEAR Year Position Team Record 1975 Assistant Coach University of Oklahoma Assistant Coach University of Oklahoma Backfield Coach Northern Arizona Offensive Coordinator Eastern Illinois Offensive Coordinator University of Minnesota Offensive Coordinator University of Florida Offensive Coordinator University of Florida Offensive Coordinator University of Florida Asst. Head Coach/O.C. University of Florida Receivers Coach Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Denver Broncos Head Coach Los Angeles Raiders Head Coach Los Angeles Raiders Quarterbacks Coach Denver Broncos Quarterbacks Coach Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos Head Coach Denver Broncos 7-9 HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN SHANAHAN S NFL COACHING CAREER OVERALL YEAR: 16th as a Head Coach (14th with Denver) CAREER REG. SEASON HEAD COACHING RECORD: (.605) CAREER POSTSEASON HEAD COACHING RECORD: 8-5 (.615) OVERALL HEAD COACHING RECORD: (.606) REG. SEASON RECORD w/denver (HEAD COACH): (.625) POSTSEASON RECORD w/denver (HEAD COACH): 8-5 (.615) OVERALL RECORD w/denver (HEAD COACH): (.624) PLAYOFF APPEARANCES (HEAD COACH): 7 DIVISION TITLES (HEAD COACH): 3 SUPER BOWLS WON (HEAD COACH): 2 ( 97 and 98 w/denver) SUPER BOWLS WON (ASSISTANT): 1 ( 94 w/san Francisco) TOTAL SUPER BOWLS WON: 3 Including seven seasons as an assistant with Denver, a time period in which he helped the Broncos advance to three Super Bowls, Shanahan owns 20 years of experience on the Broncos coaching staff that tie for the highest total by an individual in club history. His 13 full seasons as head coach of the Broncos tie him with Jeff Fisher (Tennessee) as the longest active continuously tenured head coach in the NFL. Under Shanahan s superb guidance, the Broncos have had staggering team accomplishments, including: Posting the most wins in pro football history in a two-year period, seasons in which the club won back-to-back Super Bowls (33 in ; New England has since won 34 in ); Posting the most wins in pro football history in a three-year period (46 in 1998); Winning 18 consecutive games over to tie the all-time NFL record at that time for consecutive wins; And going undefeated for three consecutive regular seasons ( ) at home, just the second team ever to be undefeated and untied at home in three consecutive years. In 2004, Shanahan joined the exclusive club of head coaches to post 100 wins in his first 10 seasons with one club, finishing the campaign and decade tied for fourth on this ultra-impressive list of 12 coaches, six of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Shanahan s 138 wins with Denver include seven consecutive in the playoffs during the 1997 and 1998 Super Bowl seasons, years in which he established himself among the game s sideline greats. His postseason winning percentage is.615 on an 8-5 record. Shanahan elevated his career and the Broncos to new levels in 1997 and 1998 as the intense and personable Denver Broncos head coach made his mark on Super Bowl history, coming into the 2006 campaign as one of only 12 all-time National Football League head coaches with two Super Bowl victories. Over the last 16 years entering the 2008 season (13 in Denver and the previous three in San Francisco), Mike Shanahan s offenses have finished number one in the NFL four times, second twice, third three times and fourth once; in two of those campaigns Denver was just 17 and 83 yards short of the number one spot. During his NFL career, Shanahan has been a part of teams that have played in 10 AFC or NFC Championship Games in addition to his six Super Bowl appearances (five with Denver and the Super Bowl XXIX game with San Francisco). In his nine seasons coaching at the collegiate level, Shanahan s teams participated in eight bowl games, winning two national championships. DENVER AT HOUSTON 12 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

13 broncos 2008 weekly release HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN TOP 25 NFL HEAD COACHES ALL-TIME IN OVERALL CAREER VICTORIES REGULAR SEASON POSTSEASON OVERALL Coach Years W L T Pct. W L Pct. W L T Pct. 1. Don Shula George Halas Tom Landry Earl Lambeau Chuck Noll Marty Schottenheimer Dan Reeves Chuck Knox Bill Parcells Joe Gibbs Paul Brown Mike Holmgren Bud Grant Bill Cowher Marv Levy Steve Owen Mike Shanahan Bill Belichick Tony Dungy Hank Stram Weeb Ewbank Mike Ditka Dick Vermeil Jim Mora George Seifert CLIMBING THE CHARTS As illustrated in the chart above, Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan is 17th in NFL history in career victories with 146 (138 regular season, 8 postseason). He moved into sole possession of 17th in career wins after the Broncos win at Oakland on Nov. 12, Shanahan needs seven wins to tie Steve Owen (153 total) for 16th in NFL history in career victories. SHANAHAN STANDS SECOND AMONG ACTIVE COACHES IN CAREER VICTORIES Mike Shanahan s 146 career victories (138 regular season, 8 postseason) rank as the second-highest total among active NFL coaches. CAREER WINS, ACTIVE NFL HEAD COACHES Coach Reg. Post. Overall 1. Mike Holmgren, Sea (.607) 2. Mike Shanahan, Den (.606) 3. Bill Belichick, N.E (.626) 4. Tony Dungy, Ind (.648) DENVER AT HOUSTON 13 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

14 broncos 2008 weekly release HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN SHANAHAN AMONG NFL ALL-TIME LEADERS IN WINS WITH ONE TEAM Mike Shanahan s 130 career regular-season wins in 13 years as Denver s head coach mark the 10th most by a head coach with one team in NFL history. Shanahan moved into that spot, passing Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Hank Stram, with Denver s overtime victory against the Raiders on Sept. 16, MOST REGULAR-SEASON WINS WITH ONE TEAM, NFL HISTORY Head Coach Team Years Wins 1. George Halas Bears , 33-42, 46-55, Don Shula Dolphins Tom Landry Cowboys Earl Lambeau Packers Chuck Noll Steelers Bud Grant Vikings , Joe Gibbs Redskins , Steve Owen Giants Bill Cowher Steelers Mike Shanahan Broncos 1995-Pres Hank Stram Chiefs SHANAHAN SETS BRONCOS ALL-TIME WINS MARK With Denver s win against Baltimore on Dec. 11, 2005, Mike Shanahan became the Broncos all-time leader in career victories with 118. Shanahan, who now has 130 regular-season and eight postseason victories for 138 total wins as Denver s head coach, entered that Broncos game against the Ravens tied with Dan Reeves in career wins. Reeves collected 117 victories as head coach of the Broncos from , 110 of which he earned in the regular season and seven of which occurred in playoff action. CAREER WINS BY BRONCOS HEAD COACHES, ALL-TIME Head Coach Yrs. Reg. Post. Total 1. Mike Shanahan 1995-Pres (.624) 2. Dan Reeves (.596) 3. Red Miller (.627) 4. John Ralston (.507) 5. Lou Saban (.331) MOST POSTSEASON WINS IN CLUB HISTORY Mike Shanahan, who in 2005 passed Dan Reeves for first place in overall wins by a Broncos head coach, took over sole possession of first place on Denver s all-time postseason wins chart with a victory against New England on Jan. 14, Shanahan now owns an 8-5 career postseason record for a winning percentage of.615 that also is the best in team annals. CAREER POSTSEASON WINS BY BRONCOS HEAD COACHES, ALL-TIME Head Coach Yrs. Rec. Pct. 1. Mike Shanahan 1995-Pres Dan Reeves Red Miller SHANAHAN BRINGS THE MAGIC BACK TO THE MILE HIGH AREA Since taking over the coaching reins of the Broncos in 1995, Mike Shanahan has a (.760) regular-season record at home, the second-best home winning percentage among head coaches in the Broncos 49-year history. HOME WINNING PERCENTAGE, BRONCOS HEAD COACHES Head Coach (Years) Reg. Season Pct. 1. Dan Reeves ( ) Mike Shanahan (1995-present) Red Miller ( ) John Ralston ( ) Wade Phillips ( ) DENVER WINS UNDER SHANAHAN The Broncos have posted the third-most wins (130) in the regular season and have tied for the third-most overall wins (138) in the NFL since 1995 under the direction of Head Coach Mike Shanahan. REGULAR-SEASON WINS, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team Reg. Wins 1. New England Green Bay Denver Pittsburgh Indianapolis 126 TOTAL WINS, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team Reg. Post Tot. 1. New England Green Bay Denver Pittsburgh Indianapolis Philadelphia DENVER AT HOUSTON 14 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

15 broncos 2008 weekly release HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN BRONCOS OFFENSE CLICKS SINCE 1995 Under Head Coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos offensive success has ranked among the league s best. Denver leads the NFL in total yards and rushing yards while ranking second in the league in first downs and third in points scored since 1995 in regularseason play. TOTAL YARDS, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team Tot. Yards 1. Denver 74, Minnesota 73, Indianapolis 73, Green Bay 72, St. Louis 72,009 RUSHING YARDS, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team Rush Yards 1. Denver 29, Pittsburgh 28, Kansas City 25, Jacksonville 25, Minnesota 25,392 FIRST DOWNS, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team 1st Downs 1. Indianapolis 4, Denver 4, Green Bay 4, Kansas City 4, New England 4,076 POINTS SCORED, NFL, 1995-Pres. Team Points 1. Indianapolis 5, Green Bay 5, Denver 5, New England 4, Minnesota 4,870 SHANAHAN POSTS IMPRESSIVE WIN TOTAL THROUGH 200 REGULAR-SEASON GAMES With a 13-3 victory against Baltimore on Oct. 9, 2006, Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan tied Chuck Knox and Marty Schottenheimer for the third-most victories (125) by a coach through his first 200 career regular-season games among those who began their career in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Shanahan totaled a (.650) record in 180 regular-season games with Denver and posted an 8-12 mark in 20 regular-season games as the Los Angeles Raiders head coach ( ). Of the six coach coaches with the most victories through their first 200 regular-season games in the Super Bowl era, three are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. MOST REG. SEASONS WINS BY A COACH THROUGH 200 GAMES (AMONG THOSE WHO BEGAN CAREER IN SUPER BOWL ERA) Coach Years Wins 1. Joe Gibbs^ , Bud Grant^ Mike Shanahan , Chuck Knox Marty Schottenheimer Chuck Noll^ ^ - member of Pro Football Hall of Fame SELECT COMPANY In 2004, Mike Shanahan joined the exclusive club of head coaches to post 100 wins in their first 10 seasons with one club, finishing the campaign and decade tied for fourth on this ultra-impressive list with 108 total wins. COACHES WITH 100 WINS FOR ONE TEAM THROUGH THE FIRST 10 SEASONS WITH THAT TEAM (including playoffs) S.B. Team Years Reg Post Tot. Wins 1. Joe Gibbs, Washington John Madden, Raiders Don Shula, Miami Mike Shanahan, Broncos George Seifert, S.F Mike Ditka, Chicago Marv Levy, Buffalo Bud Grant, Minnesota Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Marty Schottenheimer, K.C Bill Walsh, San Francisco Dennis Green, Minnesota DENVER AT HOUSTON 15 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

16 broncos 2008 weekly release HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN SHANAHAN ONE OF NFL S LONGEST-TENURED HEAD COACHES Mike Shahanan, who has spent the last 13 seasons as Denver s head coach, is the second-longest continuously tenured head coach in the NFL. Only Tennessee s Jeff Fisher, who has coached 13 full seasons with the team (1995-Pres.) as well as the final part of the 1994 campaign, has more continuous service with one club than Shanahan. Shanahan was named Broncos head coach on Jan. 31, LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY TENURED ACTIVE NFL HEAD COACHES Coach Team Years with team 1. Jeff Fisher* Tennessee 13 ( ) 2. Mike Shanahan Denver 13 ( ) 3. Mike Holmgren Seattle 9 ( ) Andy Reid Philadelphia 9 ( ) 5. Bill Belichick New England 8 ( ) * - Fisher was the Oilers head coach for the final six games in DENVER STRIKES FAST UNDER SHANAHAN Since Mike Shanahan became Denver s head coach before the start of the 1995 season, the Broncos have not only scored the most points in the first quarter in the NFL, but they also have the biggest point differential in the opening period (+485). BEST FIRST-QUARTER POINT-DIFFERENTIAL SINCE 1995 Team Differential Points For Points Against 1. Denver , New England , Green Bay , Pittsburgh , Indianapolis , TURNOVER RATIO IN THE SHANAHAN ERA Below is a look at Denver s record by turnover ratio under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.). The Broncos are (.776) with an even or positive turnover ratio since 1995 and are (.351) with a negative turnover ratio during that time. BRONCOS RECORD BY TURNOVER RATIO UNDER HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN (1995-Pres.) Ratio Record Win Pct. -3 or Worse / or Better TOTALS FREQUENT PLAYOFF TRIPS Since becoming the Broncos head coach in 1995, Mike Shanahan has led Denver to the postseason during seven different seasons. That total ties for the sixth most in the league during that period. MOST POSTSEASON BERTHS, NFL, SINCE 1995 Team No. Years 1. Indianapolis ; ; Green Bay ; , 07 New England ; 2001; Philadelphia ; ; 06 Pittsburgh ; ; 04-05, Denver ; 2000; Dallas ; 98-99; 03; Tampa Bay ; ; 05; 07 Shanahan has twice led the Broncos to the postseason in three consecutive seasons, doing so most recently from CONSECUTIVE PLAYOFF BERTHS, BRONCOS HISTORY Consec. Years Dates SEVEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITHOUT A LOSING SEASON Head Coach Mike Shanahan led the Broncos to seven consecutive seasons with at least a.500 record from , a streak that tied for the longest in club history. The Broncos also went seven consecutive years without a losing record from , a time period in which they advanced to three Super Bowls. MOST CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH AT LEAST A.500 RECORD, BRONCOS HISTORY Consec. Seasons Years Playoff Berths DENVER AT HOUSTON 16 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

17 broncos 2008 weekly release HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN / PLAYER NOTES SHANAHAN ONE OF FOUR FORMER DENVER ASSISTANTS WHO ARE ACTIVE NFL HEAD COACHES Mike Shanahan is one of four active head coaches in the NFL in 2008 who were named a head coach after serving as an assistant on the Broncos staff. The three others are Mike Nolan of the 49ers, Gary Kubiak of the Texans and Wade Phillips of the Cowboys. All-time, 14 former Broncos assistants were hired as NFL head coaches after their time on Denver s staff. ASSISTANTS WHO BECAME NFL HEAD COACHES AFTER THEIR TIME ON THE BRONCOS COACHING STAFF Yrs. w/den. Yrs. as NFL Career Rec. Coach as an asst. Head Coach Inc. Postseason 1. Mac Speedie Den. ( 64-66) (.250) 2. Ray Malavasi Den. ( 66)/Rams ( 78-82) (.516) 3. Ed Hughes 1963 Hou. ( 71) (.321) 4. Jerry Smith 1971 Den. ( 71) 2-3 (.400) 5. Red Miller Den. ( 77-80) (.627) 6. Sam Rutigliano Cle. ( 78-84) (.475) 7. Rod Dowhower Ind. ( 85-86) 5-24 (.172) 8. Mike Shanahan 84-87, Raiders ( 88-89)/Den.( 95-Pres.) (.606) 9. Dick MacPherson N.E. ( 91-92) 8-24 (.250) 10. Wade Phillips N.O. ( 85)/Den.( 93-94) Buf. ( 98-00)/Atl.( 03)/Dal.( 07) (.570) 11. Chan Gailey Dal. ( 98-99) (.529) 12. Jim Fassel NYG ( 97-03) (.517) 13. Mike Nolan S.F. ( 05-Pres.) (.333) 14. Gary Kubiak Hou. ( 06-Pres.) (.438) Note: Bold denotes active NFL head coach. NALEN SECOND IN CAREER STARTS BY A BRONCO Center Tom Nalen ranks second in career starts by a Bronco with 188. Only John Elway (231 starts) has started more games in a Denver uniform than Nalen, who also is third in career games played (194) as a Bronco. Nalen is the longest-tenured player on Denver s roster, having joined the club in 1994 as a seventh-round draft choice from Boston College. The veteran also is the only remaining player from the Broncos backto-back Super Bowl championship teams of 1997 and 98. CAREER STARTS, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Pos. Starts Years 1. John Elway QB Tom Nalen C Pres. 3. Billy Thompson DB Tom Jackson LB Barney Chavous DE Dennis Smith S CAREER GAMES PLAYED, BRONCOS HISTORY Name Games Years Played 1. Jason Elam John Elway Tom Nalen Pres. 4. Tom Jackson Paul Howard Dennis Smith CUTLER AMONG NFL S BEST SINCE BECOMING A STARTER Since being named the Broncos starting quarterback in Week 13 of the 2006 season, Jay Cutler has totaled the 10th-most passing yards in the NFL. MOST PASSING YARDS, NFL, SINCE WEEK 13 OF 2006 SEASON Player Gms. Att. Com. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 1. Tom Brady, N.E , Peyton Manning, Ind , Tony Romo, Dal , Brett Favre, G.B , Jon Kitna, Det , Drew Brees, N.O , Carson Palmer, Cin , Matt Hasselbeck, Sea , Derek Anderson, Cle , Jay Cutler, Den , CUTLER CLIMBING DENVER PASSING CHARTS After totaling 3,497 passing yards in 2007, third-year quarterback Jay Cutler ranks ninth in Denver history in career passing yards (4,498). MOST PASSING YARDS, CAREER, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Att. Com. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 1. John Elway, ,250 4, , Craig Morton, , , Brian Griese, ,678 1, , Jake Plummer, , , Frank Tripucka, , , Charley Johnson, , Steve Ramsey, , Steve Tensi, , Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres , CUTLER COMPLETES SECOND SEASON Selected by Denver in the first round (11th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft from Vanderbilt University, quarterback Jay Cutler completed his second professional season in Below is where Cutler, who was in his first season as a full-time starter in 2007, ranked in the NFL among other quarterbacks last season. JAY CUTLER NFL RANKINGS AMONG QUARTERBACKS, 2007 Category No. NFL Rank Attempts th Completions 297 T-10th Comp. Pct th Passing Yards 3,497 10th Yds./Attempt th Touchdown Passes 20 13th TD Percentage th Interceptions 14 T-21st INT Percentage th Passer Rating th Rushing Yards 205 4th DENVER AT HOUSTON 17 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

18 broncos 2008 weekly release CUTLER AMONG LEAGUE LEADERS IN YARDS PER ATTEMPT, PASSING YARDS In his first season as a full-time starter in 2007, quarterback Jay Cutler placed ninth in the NFL in yards per attempt (7.49) and 10th in the league in passing yards (3,497). His 3,497 passing yards marked the seventh-highest single-season total in Broncos history. Cutler had three games in 2007 in which he averaged at least 9.5 yards per pass, including a season-best 9.74-yard average at Chicago on Nov. 25 that helped him record the second 300-yard passing outing of his career. He finished the season with two 300- yard passing games, reaching that total at Buffalo on Sept. 9 (304 yds.) and at Chicago on Nov. 25 (302 yds.). MOST YARDS PER PASS ATTEMPT, NFL, 2007 Player Att. Yards Y/A 1. Tom Brady, N.E , Tony Romo, Dal , Peyton Manning, Ind , Ben Roethlisberger, Pit , Brett Favre, G.B , Matt Schaub, Hou , David Garrard, Jac , Kurt Warner, Ari , Jay Cutler, Den , MOST PASSING YARDS, NFL, 2007 Player Att. Comp. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 1. Tom Brady, N.E , Drew Brees, N.O , Tony Romo, Dal , Brett Favre, G.B , Carson Palmer, Cin , Jon Kitna, Det , Peyton Manning, Ind , Matt Hasselbeck, Sea , Derek Anderson, Cle , Jay Cutler, Den , PLAYER NOTES THE BRONCOS RECORD WHEN JAY CUTLER... (Regular-season starts only) Situation Record Situation Record Throws 0 touchdown passes: Throws 1+touchdown passes: Throws 2+touchdown passes: Throws 3+touchdown passes: Throws 4+touchdown passes: Throws for less than 200 yards: Throws for 200+ yards: Throws for 250+ yards: Throws for 300+ yards: Was not intercepted: Was intercepted: Was not sacked: Was sacked: Rushes for 1+touchdowns: Rushes for 50+yards: Plays on Sunday: Plays on Monday: Plays on Thursday: Plays on Saturday: Plays in September: Plays in October: Plays in November: Plays in December: Plays at home: Plays on the road: Plays outside: Plays inside: Faces the AFC: Faces the NFC: Faces the AFC West: MOST PASSING YARDS IN A SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Att. Comp. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 1. Jake Plummer, , John Elway, , John Elway, , John Elway, , John Elway, , John Elway, , Jay Cutler, , JAY CUTLER 300-YARD PASSING GAMES, 2007 (CAREER) Date Opponent Att. Comp. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 1. Sept. 9, 2007 at Buffalo Nov. 25, 2007 at Chicago CUTLER RANKS WITH NFL S BEST ROOKIES Jay Cutler finished his first NFL season in 2006 by recording the second-highest touchdown percentage by a league rookie since the 1970 merger, throwing nine touchdown passes in 137 attempts (6.57%). The quarterback also totaled the third-best touchdown to interception ratio by a rookie since the 1970 merger, throwing nine touchdowns to only five interceptions (1.80 ratio). HIGHEST TOUCHDOWN PERCENTAGE, NFL ROOKIES, SINCE 1970 MERGER (MINIMUM 125 ATTEMPTS) Player Year Att. TDs Pct. 1. Dan Marino, Mia Jay Cutler, Den Jim Plunkett, N.E Ben Roethlisberger, Pit Jim Everett, L.A. Rams HIGHEST TD-TO-INT RATE, NFL ROOKIES, SINCE 1970 MERGER (MINIMUM 125 ATTEMPTS) Player Year TDs INTs Ratio 1. Dan Marino, Mia Charlie Batch, Det Jay Cutler, Den Shaun King, T.B Don Majkowski, G.B DENVER AT HOUSTON 18 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

19 broncos 2008 weekly release Some other notes on Cutler s rookie season in 2006: * - Cutler became the first rookie in NFL history and one of only two players in league annals (Mark Rypien) to throw at least two touchdown passes in each of his first four games. He also became only the fifth player in NFL history and second rookie (Dan Marino) to throw multiple touchdown passes in each of his first four NFL starts. * - Cutler recorded the highest passer rating (88.5), completion percentage (59.1) and touchdown percentage (6.6) among all rookies in Broncos history (min. 50 attempts). * - He ranked second in yards per pass attempt (7.31) among Broncos rookies and became the first Denver rookie to throw for at least 1,000 yards (1,001) in a season since John Elway in CUTLER VS FIRST-ROUND QUARTERBACKS THROUGH FIRST 16 STARTS Below is a look at how Jay Cutler s numbers through his first 16 starts compare with the two other quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He made the 16th start of his career in the Broncos game at Chicago on Nov. 25. Cutler was picked 11th overall by Denver while Vince Young was taken third by Tennessee and Matt Leinart was chosen 10th by Arizona. Cutler is 2-0 in regular-season play when starting against Young (34-20 win vs. Tennessee in 2007) and Leinart (37-20 win at Arizona in 2006). FIRST 16 STARTS, ST-ROUND QUARTERBACKS (Players listed by passer rating) Player S Record Att. Com. Pct. Yds. TD IN Rtg 1. Jay Cutler, Den , Matt Leinart, Ari , Vince Young, Ten , JAY CUTLER CAREER PASSING BREAKDOWN BY RECEIVER, CAREER: Player Comp. Yds. Avg. LG TDs WR Brandon Marshall 108 1, t 8 TE Tony Scheffler WR Javon Walker t 2 WR Brandon Stokley RB Selvin Young TE Daniel Graham WR Rod Smith FB Cecil Sapp WR Glenn Martinez RB Tatum Bell RB Travis Henry TE Chad Mustard RB Mike Bell TE Nate Jackson TE Stephen Alexander WR Brian Clark RB Andre Hall WR David Kircus FB Kyle Johnson TOTALS 378 4, t 29 PLAYER NOTES HOME, CAREER: G S Rec. Att. Com. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rate Career , ROAD, CAREER: G S Rec. Att. Com. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rate Career , AFC WEST, CAREER: G S Rec. Att. Com. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rate Career , BY QUARTER, CAREER: Quarter Att. Com. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rate First , Second , Third , Fourth Overtime TOTALS , MARSHALL NEARS TOP RECEPTION TOTALS BY SECOND-YEAR PLAYERS IN LEAGUE HISTORY Brandon Marshall s 102 receptions in 2007 marked the third-most receptions by a second-year player in NFL history. MOST RECEPTIONS BY A SECOND-YEAR PLAYER, NFL HISTORY Player Year Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Isaac Bruce, Stl , Larry Fitzgerald, Ari , Brandon Marshall, Den , Marques Colston, N.O , Lionel Taylor, Den , Sterling Sharpe, G.B , Kellen Winslow, S.D.* , Kellen Winslow Jr., Cle.* * - Tight end DENVER AT HOUSTON 19 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

20 broncos 2008 weekly release PLAYER NOTES MARSHALL EMERGES Second-year wide receiver Brandon Marshall led the club in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,325) and receiving touchdowns (7) in He posted four 100-yard receiving games for the year, including two in consecutive games (vs. Kansas City on Dec. 9 and at Houston on Dec. 13). The wide receiver finished the year fifth in the league in receptions and sixth in receiving yards. On Denver s all-time single-season lists, Marshall s 102 grabs ranked second while his 1,325 receiving yards placed third. Marshall s 102 catches also marked the fifth 100-reception season by the fourth different Bronco. He also became the first player selected by the Broncos in the NFL Draft to total at least 100 catches in a season. MOST RECEPTIONS, NFL, 2007 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cin , t 12 Wes Welker, N.E , Reggie Wayne, Ind , Derrick Mason, Bal , t 5 5. Brandon Marshall, Den , t 7 MOST RECEIVING YARDS, NFL, 2007 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Reggie Wayne, Ind , Randy Moss, N.E. 98 1, t Chad Johnson, Cin. 93 1, t 8 4. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari , t Terrell Owens, Dal. 81 1, t Brandon Marshall, Den , t 7 MOST RECEPTIONS, SINGLE SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Rod Smith, , t Brandon Marshall, , t 7 3. Ed McCaffrey, , Rod Smith, , Lionel Taylor, , MOST RECEIVING YARDS, SINGLE SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Rod Smith, , Rod Smith, , t Brandon Marshall, , t 7 4. Ed McCaffrey, , Steve Watson, , t 13 THE NFL S BEST AFTER CONTACT According to Stats Inc, Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall led the NFL in receiving yards after contact in A league-high 319 of his 1,325 receiving yards (24.1%) came after initial contact with a defender. MOST RECEIVING YARDS AFTER CONTACT, NFL, 2007 Player Yds. After Contact Pct. 1. Brandon Marshall, Den. 1, % 2. Brian Westbrook, Phi % 3. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 1, % 4. Donald Driver, G.B. 1, % 5. Jason Witten, Dal. 1, % MARSHALL HITS STRIDE WITH CUTLER AS QB Since Jay Cutler took over as Denver s starting quarterback on Dec. 3, 2006, against Seattle (21 games ago), Brandon Marshall leads the Broncos in receiving yards (1,558) and receptions (116). MOST RECEIVING YARDS, BRONCOS, LAST 21 GAMES, DATING BACK TO 12/3/06 VS. SEATTLE Player G Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Brandon Marshall , Tony Scheffler Brandon Stokley Javon Walker Daniel Graham MARSHALL S PRODUCTION RIVALS OTHER 2006 WIDEOUTS DRAFTED Selected by the Broncos in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft from the University of Central Florida, Brandon Marshall ranks second among wide receivers from his draft class with 122 career receptions. Marshall was the 16th wide receiver taken in the 2006 NFL Draft. MOST CAREER RECEPTIONS, 2006 WIDE RECEIVERS DRAFTED Player Draft Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Marques Colston, N.O , Brandon Marshall, Den , Santonio Holmes, Pit , Greg Jennings, G.B , Derek Hagan, Mia JACKSON A TOUCHDOWN TARGET Since entering the NFL in 2000, wide receiver Darrell Jackson has totaled the ninth-most touchdown catches (50) in the NFL. Jackson joined the Broncos as a free agent in the offseason after playing for San Francisco (2007) and Seattle ( ). MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, NFL, 2000-PRES. Player Gms. Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Terrell Owens, Dal./Phi./S.F , Randy Moss, N.E./Oak./Min , Marvin Harrison, Ind , Torry Holt, Stl , Hines Ward, Pit , Plaxico Burress, NYG/Pit , Tony Gonzalez, K.C , Joe Horn, Atl./N.O , Darrell Jackson, S.F./Sea , Chad Johnson, Cin , DENVER AT HOUSTON 20 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

21 broncos 2008 weekly release PLAYER NOTES SCHEFFLER SOLID DOWN THE STRETCH Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler has been one of the league s top players at his position during the final eight games of his first two professional seasons. He ranks sixth among NFL tight ends in receiving yards totaled during the second half of a season since entering the NFL in 2006, posting 607 of his 835 career yards (72.7%) during that span. MOST RECEIVING YARDS DURING THE FINAL EIGHT GAMES OF A SEASON, NFL TIGHT ENDS, Player Gms. Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Chris Cooley, Was Tony Gonzalez, K.C Jason Witten, Dal Antonio Gates, S.D Kellen Winslow, Cle Tony Scheffler, Den YOUNG CONTRIBUTES IN FIRST YEAR Rookie running back Selvin Young, who joined the Broncos in 2007 as a college free agent from the University of Texas, ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing average (5.2) among players with at least 125 carries last season. Young also finished the campaign with the third-most rushing yards (729) among league rookies and led the Broncos ground game for the season, becoming the first undrafted rookie ever to accomplish that feat. The running back posted the first two 100-yard rushing games of his career during the Broncos wins against the Chiefs. By doing so, he became the 12th different Bronco to record at least 100 rushing yards in a regular-season game under Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.), a total that ties with Carolina for the most in the league since Young posted 15 runs of at least 10 yards in 2007, including a career-best 50-yard rush against Kansas City on Dec. 9. RUSHING AVERAGE, NFL, 2007 (min. 125 carries) Player Att. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Adrian Peterson, Min , t Fred Taylor, Jac , t 5 3. Chester Taylor, Min t 7 4. Selvin Young, Den Ryan Grant, G.B t 8 RUSHING YARDS, NFL ROOKIES, 2007 Player Att. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Adrian Peterson, Min , t Marshawn Lynch, Buf , t 7 3. Selvin Young, Den YOUNG AMONG NFL S BEST UNDRAFTED BACKS IN 07 With 729 rushing yards in 2007, Selvin Young became the sixth undrafted rookie in league history since the inception of the common draft in 1967 to total at least 500 rushing yards. The University of Texas product finished the year ranked third in league annals in rushing yards by an undrafted rookie. His play marked the second consecutive year that a Broncos undrafted rookie running back reached the 500-yard mark. In 2006, Mike Bell (University of Arizona) totaled the fifth-most rushing yards (677) and tied for the second-most rushing touchdowns (8) by an undrafted rookie in NFL history. Denver is the only franchise to have two undrafted rookies each reach 500 rushing yards in a season. MOST RUSHING YARDS BY UNDRAFTED ROOKIES, NFL HISTORY (SINCE INCEPTION OF COMMON NFL DRAFT IN 1967) Player Year Att. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Dominic Rhodes, Ind.* , Fred Lane, Car.* Selvin Young, Den.* Clark Gaines, NYJ* Mike Bell, Den Samkon Gado, G.B.* * - Led club in rushing YOUNG CLIMBS DENVER ROOKIE CHARTS Selvin Young s 729 rushing yards in 2007 were the sixth most by a rookie in Broncos history. MOST RUSHING YARDS BY A ROOKIE, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Year Rd. Att. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Clinton Portis nd 273 1, Mike Anderson th 297 1, Olandis Gary th 276 1, Terrell Davis th 237 1, Bobby Humphrey st 294 1, Selvin Young 2007 CFA Mike Bell 2006 CFA Billy Joe th Rob Lytle nd Tatum Bell nd Floyd Little st DENVER AT HOUSTON 21 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

22 broncos 2008 weekly release PLAYER NOTES PITTMAN SHOWS PASS-CATCHING ABILITY Running back Michael Pittman, whom the Broncos signed as an unrestricted free agent from Tampa Bay in the offseason, has established himself as one of the NFL s top receiving threats out of the backfield during his 10 years in the league. Pittman s 3,400 career receiving yards rank second in the NFL among active running backs. MOST RECEIVING YARDS, ACTIVE NFL RUNNING BACKS Player Years Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Warrick Dunn, Atl./T.B Pres , Michael Pittman, T.B./Ari Pres , LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D Pres , Edgerrin James, Ari./Ind Pres , Brian Westbrook, Phi Pres , BAILEY PRO BOWL STREAK Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey was named to the Pro Bowl for the eighth consecutive season in 2007, a streak that is the longest in NFL history at his position group. His eight career Pro Bowl selections also tie for the second most by a cornerback in NFL history. Bailey also joins Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez and former Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden as one of three players in the NFL to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last eight seasons. MOST PRO BOWL SELECTIONS AT CORNERBACK, NFL HISTORY Player Pro Bowls Years 1. Mike Haynes* , 1982, Champ Bailey Lemar Parrish , 1971, , Deion Sanders , * - Pro Football Hall of Fame member PLAYERS TO EARN A PRO BOWL BERTH IN EACH OF THE LAST EIGHT SEASONS, NFL ( ) Player Position Consec. Pro Bowl Berths Champ Bailey, Den. Cornerback 8 ( ) Tony Gonzalez, K.C. Tight End 9 ( ) Jonathan Ogden, Bal. Tackle 11 ( ) INTERCEPTION TOTAL RISING FOR BAILEY Since joining the Broncos in 2004, cornerback Champ Bailey has totaled an NFL-best 24 interceptions in regular-season play. His 18 interceptions from marked the most by an NFL player in a two-year stretch since Everson Walls had 18 interceptions for Dallas from Bailey, who also has one interception in the postseason during this time, led Denver with a career-best 10 interceptions in MOST INTERCEPTIONS, NFL, 2004-PRES. (REGULAR SEASON ONLY) Player INTs Yds. 1. Champ Bailey, Den Ed Reed, Bal Darren Sharper, Min Asante Samuel, N.E Rashean Mathis, Jac PLENTY OF PICKS Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey owns four multiple-interception games for his career. CHAMP BAILEY MULTIPLE-INTERCEPTION GAMES, CAREER Game INTs Yds /17/99 at Ari /10/00 at Det /5/06 at Pit /17/06 at Ari IT STARTS WITH BAILEY Cornerback Champ Bailey, who earned the eighth consecutive Pro Bowl nomination of his career in 2007, made the 100th start of his career in Denver s win against New England on Oct. 16, Bailey s 141 starts trail only Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber (143) for most starts in the NFL since he entered the NFL in He started 99 consecutive games to begin his career before a hamstring injury forced him inactive for Denver s games at Jacksonville (10/2) and vs. Washington (10/9) in Those two contests, along with Denver s game vs. Pittsburgh (10/21/07 - quadriceps), are the only three games Bailey has missed in his NFL career. MOST STARTS BY A CORNERBACK, NFL, 1999-Present Cornerback Starts 1. Ronde Barber, T.B Champ Bailey, Den Sam Madison, NYG Chris McAlister, Bal. 122 A CHAMP ON OPENING DAY Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey has recorded an interception in five of the nine season openers that he has played since entering the NFL in CHAMP BAILEY S INTERCEPTIONS DURING SEASON OPENERS Date Opponent INT-Yds. Sept. 12, 1999 vs. Dallas 1-4 Sept. 9, 2001 at San Diego 1-5 Sept. 8, 2002 vs. Arizona 1-2 Sept. 12, 2004 vs. Kansas City 1-0 Sept. 11, 2005 at Miami 1-11 TOTALS 5-22 DENVER AT HOUSTON 22 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

23 broncos 2008 weekly release PLAYER NOTES / TEAM NOTES BAILEY OWNS BRONCOS INT STREAK RECORD Cornerback Champ Bailey has posted seven streaks of consecutive games with an interception during his career. In 2006, he posted two three-game streaks with at least one interception to mark the first time in his career he accomplished such a feat. He set the Broncos franchise record for consecutive games with an interception (5) during the 2005 season. CHAMP BAILEY INTERCEPTION STREAKS, CAREER GAMES INT Yds /20/00 at Stl /26/00 vs. Phi /24/00 vs. Ari.* 1 0 9/9/01 at S.D /22/02 at S.F /6/02 at Ten /11/05 at Mia /18/05 vs. S.D. 1 25t 5. 11/13/05 at Oak /20/05 vs. NYJ /24/05 at Dal. 1 65t 12/4/05 at K.C /11/05 vs. Bal /9/06 vs. Bal /15/06 vs. Oak /22/06 at Cle /17/06 at Ari /24/06 vs. Cin /31/06 vs. S.F. 1 70t BAILEY AND BLY FORM TOP DUO Denver cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dré Bly both entered the NFL in 1999, and their production during that time has been among the best in the league at the defensive back position. Bailey s 42 interceptions since 1999 rank as the second-highest total in the league while Bly s 38 interceptions are third. MOST INTERCEPTIONS, NFL, 1999-Pres. Player INTs Yds. 1. Darren Sharper, Min./G.B Champ Bailey, Den./Was Dré Bly, Den./Det./Stl Tory James, N.E./Cin./Oak./Den BAILEY BROTHERS Broncos linebacker Boss Bailey and cornerback Champ Bailey in 2008 are set to become the fourth pair of brothers to play for the Broncos in team history. The two defenders also will be the third pair to play for the Broncos at the same time and first since offensive linemen Dave and Doug Widell did so from Boss joined the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent from Detroit in 2008 while Champ has played for Denver since 2004 when the club acquired him in a trade from Washington. BROTHERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR THE BRONCOS, TEAM HISTORY Player Position Years GP GS Albert Carmichael Halfback N/A Paul Carmichael Halfback N/A Eldon Danenhauer* Tackle N/A William Danenhauer* End N/A Dave Widell* Center/Guard Doug Widell* Center/Guard * - Spent at least one season on the Broncos roster during the same time as his brother Boss and Champ will be the ninth brother combination to play on the same team in the NFL since 2000: BROTHERS WHO HAVE PLAYED ON THE SAME TEAM, NFL, SINCE 2000 Player Position Team Years Brendon Ayanbadejo Linebacker Miami 2003 Obafemi Ayanbadejo Running back Miami 2003 Akin Ayodele Linebacker Dallas 2007 Remi Ayodele Defensive tackle Dallas 2007 Chris Clemons Defensive end Washington 2005 Nic Clemons* Defensive end Washington 2005 Andre Dyson Cornerback Tennessee Kevin Dyson Wide receiver Tennessee Aaron Glenn Cornerback N.Y. Jets 2001 Jason Glenn Linebacker N.Y. Jets 2001 Darren Hambrick Linebacker Dallas Troy Hambrick Running back Dallas Dale Carter Cornerback Min./N.O Jake Reed Wide Receiver Min./N.O Darnell Walker Cornerback Detroit 2000 Marquis Walker Cornerback Detroit 2000 * - Currently on the Broncos roster DENVER AT HOUSTON 23 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

24 broncos 2008 weekly release DUMERVIL ADDS TO MULTIPLE-SACK TOTAL Second-year Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil posted four multiple-sack games in 2007, including a three-sack effort vs. Kansas City on Dec. 9. Dumervil now has six multiple-sack games for his career, and he is fourth in the league in 2+sack games (6) since he entered the NFL in His 21 career sacks rank sixth in the NFL during the last two seasons. MOST GAMES WITH 2+SACKS, NFL, SINCE 2006 Player Pos. 2+Sack Gms. 1. Shawne Merriman, S.D. LB 9 2. Jared Allen, K.C. DE 7 Aaron Kampman, G.B. DE 7 4. Elvis Dumervil, Den. DE 6 MOST SACKS, NFL, 2006-Pres. Player Sacks Yds. 1. Shawne Merriman, S.D Aaron Kampman, G.B DeMarcus Ware, Dal Jason Taylor, Mia Jared Allen, K.C Elvis Dumervil, Den ELVIS DUMERVIL MULTIPLE-SACK GAMES, CAREER Game Sacks Yds /15/06 vs. Oak /22/06 at Cle /16/07 vs. Oak /23/07 vs. Jac /21/07 vs. Pit /9/07 vs. K.C KOUTOUVIDES A SPECIAL-TEAMS STANDOUT Broncos linebacker Niko Koutouvides ranks seventh in the NFL in special-teams tackles (60) since entering the league in He joined Denver as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason following a four-year stint with Seattle to begin his career. Koutouvides owns a total of 68 special-teams tackles in 67 career games (including postseason) and has recorded 20 contests with multiple stops on special teams. MOST SPECIAL-TEAMS TACKLES, NFL, 2004-PRES. Player Gms Tot Solo Asst. 1. Brendon Ayanbadejo, Chi./Mia Gary Stills, Bal./K.C Larry Izzo, N.E Quintin Mikell, Phi Heath Farwell, Min James Harrison, Pit Niko Koutouvides, Sea TEAM NOTES CENTURY MARK AND BEYOND The Denver Broncos have had one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL since Head Coach Mike Shanahan took over in In addition to having six different players rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season (Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell), the Broncos are tops in the NFL with 93 individual 100-yard rushing games in the regular season since MOST INDIVIDUAL 100-YARD GAMES, NFL, 1995-PRES. 100-yd. Team Games 1. Denver Pittsburgh Indianapolis Jacksonville 65 Kansas City 65 Seattle Dallas N.Y. Jets Washington DIFFERENT RUSHERS REACH 100 IN A GAME With 109 yards at Kansas City on Nov. 11, 2007, Selvin Young became the 12th different Bronco to reach 100 yards in a game under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.) during regular-season play. That total ties with Carolina for the most in the NFL during that period. MOST DIFFERENT INDIVIDUAL 100-YARD RUSHERS, NFL, 1995-PRES. (Regular season only) 100-yd. Team Rushers 1. Denver 12 Carolina Green Bay Baltimore 10 Minnesota YARD GAMES SINCE 1995 Below is a look at a player-by-player breakdown of the Broncos 93 individual 100-yard rushing games in the regular season since BRONCOS INDIVIDUAL 100-YARD RUSHERS, NFL, 1995-PRES. 100-yd. Player Years Games 1. Terrell Davis Clinton Portis Mike Anderson Tatum Bell Reuben Droughns Olandis Gary Travis Henry 2007-Pres Selvin Young 2007-Pres. 2 Quentin Griffin Mike Bell 2006-Pres. 1 Aaron Craver Glyn Milburn TOTALS 93 DENVER AT HOUSTON 24 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

25 broncos 2008 weekly release TEAM NOTES MOST 1,000-YARD RUSHERS SINCE 1995 The Broncos rushing attack has produced 11 individual 1,000- yard rushing seasons since 1995, tying with Indianapolis for the highest such total in the league during that period. Denver has totaled 17 individual 1,000-yard rushing seasons in its history. Third-year running back Tatum Bell was Denver s 1,000-yard rusher in 2006, posting 1,025 yards on the ground for his first career 1,000-yard season. Bell was the sixth different Bronco to rush for at least 1,000 yards in a season since 1995, joining Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis and Reuben Droughns. The Broncos four-year streak of having a different 1,000-yard rusher from was the longest of its kind in NFL history. MOST IND. 1,000-YARD RUSHING SEASONS, NFL, 1995-PRES. Team 1,000-Yard Seasons 07 leader 1. Denver 11 Young yds. Indianapolis 11 Addai - 1,072 yds. 3. N.Y. Jets 10 Jones - 1,119 yds. 4. Seattle 9 Alexander yds. BRONCOS ALL-TIME 1,000-YARD RUSHING SEASONS Player Year Yards 1. Floyd Little , Otis Armstrong , Otis Armstrong , Sammy Winder , Bobby Humphrey , Bobby Humphrey , Terrell Davis , Terrell Davis , Terrell Davis , Terrell Davis , Olandis Gary , Mike Anderson , Clinton Portis , Clinton Portis , Reuben Droughns , Mike Anderson , Tatum Bell ,025 O-LINE PROVIDING PASS PROTECTION The Broncos offensive line, renowned for its ability to clear the way for a dominant rushing attack, also has proven to be equally adept in pass protection during the last five seasons. Denver, which set a franchise record in 2004 by allowing only 15 sacks, has given up the third-fewest sacks (126 for 764 yds.) in the NFL since FEWEST SACKS ALLOWED, NFL, SINCE 2003 Team Sacks Yards 1. Indianapolis Green Bay Denver San Diego New England BLOCKED KICKS BY THE BRONCOS Below is a look at the blocked kicks by the Broncos since The club has blocked at least one opponent kick (field goal, PAT or punt) in each of the last 10 seasons entering the 2008 campaign. BLOCKED KICKS BY DENVER SINCE 1995 Year FG PAT Punt Total TOTALS SPECIAL-TEAMS THREAT Glenn Martinez s 80-yard punt return for a touchdown vs. Tennessee on Nov. 19 was the 17th by a Scott O Brien-coached special-teams unit in the NFL. O Brien in 2008 begins his 16th year coaching special teams in the NFL and his second campaign with the Broncos. O Brien s special teams have now accounted for a total of 32 scores other than field goals and extra points in the NFL. Below is a breakdown: SPECIAL-TEAMS SCORES BY SCOTT O BRIEN-COACHED UNITS IN THE NFL (EXCLUDES FIELD GOALS AND EXTRA POINTS) Type No. Punt Returns 17 Kickoff Returns 9 Fake 2-Pt. Conv. 3 Fake FG for TD 1 Blocked Punt for TD 1 Blocked FG for TD 1 TOTALS 32 DENVER AT HOUSTON 25 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

26 broncos 2008 weekly release TEAM NOTES DISCIPLINED PLAY Since 2004, the Broncos are tied for third in the NFL in fewest penalties (347 for 2,724 yds.). In 2006, the Broncos finished the year committing the fewest penalties in the NFL (67 for 478 yds.) as well as the fewest in club history for a 16-game season. Denver also in 2006 allowed the fewest penalty yards (478) in any season in franchise history. FEWEST PENALTIES, NFL, SINCE 2004 Team Pen. Yds. 1. N.Y. Jets 322 2, Seattle 326 2, Denver 347 2,724 Pittsburgh 347 2, Indianapolis 353 2,724 HOLD IT RIGHT THERE When John Elway was ruling the roost in Denver, comebacks were often times the only thing people talked about. But since Head Coach Mike Shanahan took over the reigns in 1995, the Broncos have learned to not allow the opponents to come back on them. In Shanahan s tenure, the Broncos are (.865) in games in which they led after three quarters, including 12-1 in 2005, 6-3 in 2006 and 6-1 in BRONCOS RECORD WHEN LEADING AFTER THREE QUARTERS Year Record Pct Total BRONCOS HOLD NFL S LONGEST CURRENT SCORING STREAK With Minnesota s 34-0 shutout loss to Green Bay on Nov. 11, 2007, the Broncos 245-game scoring streak became the longest active streak in the NFL. Minnesota s shutout against the Packers snapped its streak at 260 games. Denver s scoring streak, which began on Monday Night Football with a overtime loss at Seattle on Nov. 30, 1992, is the fourth-longest such streak in NFL history. MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITHOUT BEING SHUT OUT, NFL HISTORY Team Games Years 1. San Francisco Cleveland Minnesota Denver Present 5. Green Bay Dallas Oakland New Orleans Washington ANATOMY OF DENVER S SCORING STREAK Denver has more often than not extended its current 245-game scoring streak rather quickly. In the impressive run, the Broncos have scored on their first possession 96 times, including one time they scored on their first touch (a punt return). Denver has scored in the first quarter 161 times during the streak and has had it extended by halftime 233 times. Denver has had to wait until the fourth quarter to extend the streak just twice (Sept. 20, 1993, at K.C. and Nov. 4, 2007, at Det.). BREAKDOWN OF THE BRONCOS 245-GAME SCORING STREAK SCORED ON/IN: Year Games 1st Pos. 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q * TOTALS * - Includes one punt return DENVER AT HOUSTON 26 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

27 broncos 2008 weekly release TEAM NOTES REGULARS ON PRIME-TIME, GETTING TO KNOW NO. 1 CREWS A total of 29 of Denver s previous 45 games (inc. postseason) have been broadcast by a network s top crew or shown on primetime. This includes 15 games broadcast by CBS No. 1 crew, one game broadcast by FOX s No. 1 crew and 13 prime-time games. In 2008, the Broncos are scheduled to appear twice on ESPN s Monday Night Football (Sept. 8 at Oakland, Oct. 20 at New England) and once on NFL Network s Thursday Night Football (Nov. 6 at Cleveland). BROADCAST CREWS OF DENVER S GAMES (OCT. 16, PRES., REG. SEASON AND POSTSEASON) BOLD DENOTES NO. 1 CREW OR PRIME-TIME GAME Game Kickoff Network Crew vs. N.E. (10/16/05) 2:16 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein at NYG (10/23/05) 4:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein vs. Phi. (10/30/05) 2:15 p.m. FOX Stockton, Aikman, Oliver at Oak. (11/13/05) 1:05 p.m. CBS Enberg, Gannon, Keteyian vs. NYJ (11/20/05) 2:15 p.m. CBS Harlan, Cross at Dal. (11/24/05) 3:17 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein at K.C. (12/4/05) 3:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein vs. Bal. (12/11/05) 2:15 p.m. CBS Criqui, Beuerlein at Buf. (12/17/05) 8:36 p.m. ESPN Tirico, Sharpe, Kolber vs. Oak. (12/24/05) 2:15 p.m. CBS Enberg, Dierdorf, Keteyian at S.D. (12/31/05) 1:35 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein vs. N.E. (1/14/06) 6:16 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein vs. Pit. (1/22/06) 1:08 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms, Bernstein, Keteyian at Stl. (9/10/06) 12:02 p.m. CBS Gumbel, Dierdorf vs. K.C. (9/17/06) 2:16 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms at N.E. (9/24/06) 8:20 p.m. NBC Michaels, Madden, Kremer vs. Bal. (10/9/06) 6:41 p.m. ESPN Tirico, Theismann, Kornheiser vs. Oak. (10/15/06) 6:21 p.m. NBC Michaels, Madden, Kremer at Cle. (10/22/06) 4:06 p.m. CBS Enberg, Cross vs. Ind. (10/29/06) 2:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms at Pit. (11/5/06) 4:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms at Oak. (11/12/06) 1:05 p.m. CBS Eagle, Wilcots vs. S.D. (11/19/06) 6:21 p.m. NBC Michaels, Madden, Kremer at K.C. (11/23/06) 7:12 p.m. NFLN Gumbel, Collinsworth vs. Sea. (12/3/06) 6:20 p.m. NBC Michaels, Madden, Kremer at S.D. (12/10/06) 1:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms at Ari. (12/17/06) 2:05 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms vs. Cin. (12/24/06) 2:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms vs. S.F. (12/31/06) 2:15 p.m. FOX Menefee, Johnston, Siragusa at Buf. (9/9/07) 1 p.m. CBS Johnson, Cross vs. Oak. (9/16/07) 2:15 p.m. CBS Harlan, Gannon vs. Jac. (9/23/07) 2:05 p.m. CBS Enberg, Cross at Ind. (9/30/07) 4:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms vs. S.D. (10/7/07) 2:15 p.m. CBS Nantz, Simms vs. Pit. (10/21/07) 6:15 p.m. NBC Michaels, Madden, Kremer vs. G.B. (10/29/07) 6:40 p.m. ESPN Tirico, Jaworski, Kornheiser at Det. (11/4/07) 1 p.m. CBS Harlan, Gannon at K.C. (11/11/07) 12 p.m. CBS Gumbel, Dierdorf vs. Ten. (11/19/07) 6:30 p.m. ESPN Tirico, Jaworski, Kornheiser at Chi. (11/25/07) 3:15 p.m. CBS Gumbel, Dierdorf at Oak. (12/2/07) 1:05 p.m. CBS Macatee, Beuerlein vs. K.C. (12/9/07) 2:15 p.m. CBS Johnson, Tasker at Hou. (12/13/07) 6:15 p.m. NFLN Hammond, Collinsworth at S.D. (12/24/07) 5 p.m. ESPN Tirico, Jaworski, Kornheiser vs. Min. (12/30/07) 2:15 p.m. FOX Rosen, Ryan BRONCOS IN DIVISIONAL PLAY The Broncos have posted at least a.500 record in AFC West play for the last 12 seasons (since 1996) and 29 times in club history since the division was formed in BRONCOS 12-YEAR STREAK OF AT LEAST A.500 DIVISIONAL RECORD Year Home Away Overall DENVER AT HOME VS. AFC WEST The Broncos 18-4 (.818) regular-season record at home in divisional play since they began playing games at INVESCO Field at Mile High in 2001 ties for the best such mark in the NFL. Under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.), the Broncos own a 37-9 (.804) regular-season record at home in divisional play that also ties for the best in the NFL during that period. BEST HOME RECORDS IN DIVISIONAL PLAY, NFL, 2001-PRESENT Team Record Pct. 1. Denver New England Seattle Indianapolis Kansas City BEST HOME RECORDS IN DIVISIONAL PLAY, NFL, 1995-PRESENT Team Record Pct. 1. Denver Green Bay Kansas City Minnesota Dallas FREE-AGENCY ERA SUCCESS (SINCE 1993) Since the league s current free-agent system began in 1993, the Broncos have been extremely successful. In fact, the team has the NFL s fourth-best record, (.608), during this time. Below are the NFL s top teams since free agency began: NFL S WINNINGEST TEAMS SINCE FREE AGENCY BEGAN (1993) Playoff Super Bowl Team Record Berths Wins 1. Green Bay (.633) New England (.625) Pittsburgh (.619) Denver (.608) Kansas City (.563) 6 0 DENVER AT HOUSTON 27 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

28 broncos 2008 weekly release TEAM NOTES INVESCO FIELD PROVIDES HOMEFIELD ADVANTAGE Since moving into INVESCO Field at Mile High before the start of the 2001 season, the Broncos have compiled a (.714) record at the stadium in regular-season action. The record includes a perfect 8-0 mark in 2005 that was part of the club s 13-game regularseason home winning streak. Denver s.714 winning percentage at INVESCO Field at Mile High ties for fifth in the NFL since BEST HOME RECORDS, NFL, 2001-PRESENT (REG. SEASON) Team Record Pct. 1. New England Seattle Indianapolis Pittsburgh Denver Baltimore Kansas City St. Louis THE NFL S BEST AT HOME SINCE 1995 The Broncos record at home since 1995 under Head Coach Mike Shanahan accounts for a.760 winning percentage that is the league s best during that time. BEST HOME RECORDS, NFL, REGULAR SEASON, SINCE 1995 Team W L T Pct. 1. Denver Green Bay New England Kansas City Pittsburgh Minnesota BRONCOS RECORD AT HOME, REGULAR SEASON, SINCE 1995 Year W L T Pct TOTALS HOME, SWEET HOME The Broncos have amassed the NFL s best home record since 1974 in the regular season and postseason. Denver also has the most regular-season home victories in the league since 1974 and the most total victories during that time: TOP HOME RECORDS, NFL, 1974-PRES. Team Regular Season Postseason Total Pct. 1. Denver (.742) 12-3 (.800) Pittsburgh (.713) 15-6 (.714) Miami (.682) 11-6 (.647) Dallas (.663) 14-5 (.737) Washington (.625) 10-1 (.909) FIVE UNDEFEATED HOME SCHEDULES Denver has proven to provide one of the NFL s best homefield advantages as evidenced by the Broncos five undefeated home schedules. Four of Denver s five unbeaten home records have come under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Present). Denver went undefeated at home in three consecutive seasons under Shanahan from and was 8-0 at home in UNDEFEATED HOME SCHEDULES, BRONCOS HISTORY Year Home Record Overall Record Denver s five unbeaten home records are the most in the NFL since the league adopted a 16-game schedule in There have been 39 undefeated home records in the NFL during that time with the most recent being New England in MOST UNDEFEATED HOME RECORDS, NFL, SINCE 1978 (16-GAME SCHEDULE) Team Undefeated Home Records 1. Denver 5 2. Green Bay 3 Kansas City 3 New England 3 DENVER AT HOUSTON 28 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

29 broncos 2008 weekly release TEAM NOTES BRONCOS ON THE ROAD The Broncos are (.524) in their last 21 road games dating back to 2005 and have the league s seventh-best road record (51-53) since BEST ROAD RECORDS, NFL, REGULAR SEASON, SINCE 1995 Team W L T Pct. 1. New England Green Bay Indianapolis Pittsburgh Tennessee N.Y. Giants Denver BRONCOS RECORD ON THE ROAD, REGULAR SEASON, SINCE 1995 Year W L T Pct TOTALS STARTING OFF RIGHT AT HOME The Broncos have won 10 of their last 11 games at home in September with their lone loss during that period occurring against Jacksonville with a defeat on Sept. 23. BRONCOS AT HOME IN SEPTEMBER, 2002-Present Date Opponent Result Sept. 8, 2002 St. Louis W, Sept. 22, 2002 Buffalo W, Sept. 22, 2003 Oakland W, Sept. 28, 2003 Detroit W, Sept. 12, 2004 Kansas City W, Sept. 26, 2004 San Diego W, Sept. 18, 2005 San Diego W, Sept. 26, 2005 Kansas City W, Sept. 17, 2006 Kansas City W, 9-6 OT Sept. 16, 2007 Oakland W, OT Sept. 23, 2007 Jacksonville L, THE NFL S BEST THROUGH THE FIRST MONTH The Broncos own the NFL s best record through the first month of the season during the last 11 years ( ) with a (.700) mark. Denver posted a 2-2 record through the first month of the 2007 season. TOP OPENING MONTH RECORDS, NFL, 1997-Pres. Team W L T Pct. 1. Denver New England Jacksonville Indianapolis Seattle DENVER VS. NFC CLUBS Under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Present), the Broncos have compiled a record (.615) in their 52 games played against NFC teams. The club faces the NFC South in 2008, playing vs. New Orleans (Sept. 21), vs. Tampa Bay (Oct. 5), at Atlanta (Nov. 16) and at Carolina (Dec. 14). The Broncos win percentage at home against NFC clubs since 1995 is.731 off a 19-7 record in those contests. On the road, Denver is (.500) against NFC teams since DENVER S RECORD IN NFC PLAY, SINCE 1995 Year Division Overall Home Away Win Pct NFC East NFC Central NFC West NFC East NFC Central NFC West NFC East NFC West NFC North NFC South NFC East NFC West NFC North NFC South TBD TBD TBD TBD TOTALS INTERCONFERENCE RECORD The Broncos.556 winning percentage off a record in interconference play since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger ranks as the fifth-best mark in the NFL. INTERCONFERENCE RECORDS SINCE 1970 MERGER Team Record Pct. 1. Miami Oakland Pittsburgh Dallas Denver DENVER AT HOUSTON 29 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

30 broncos 2008 weekly release BEEN THERE, DONE THAT With five former NFL players serving as Denver coaches in 2008, the Broncos had a combined 51 years and 734 regular-season games of NFL playing experience on their coaching staff. Below are Denver s five coaches with previous NFL playing experience that give it one of the league s most knowledgeable staffs during the 2008 season DENVER COACHES WITH NFL PLAYING EXPERIENCE Yrs. Gms. Years Coach Pos. Exp. Played Played Ronnie Bradford (DBs) DB Keith Burns (Spec. Teams Asst.) LB Rick Dennison (Off. Coord./OL) LB Jim Ryan (Linebackers) LB Steve Watson (Assoc. H.C.) WR TOTAL TEAM NOTES ALL IN THE FAMILY Denver s 2008 coaching staff includes five individuals who once played for the team DENVER COACHES WHO ONCE PLAYED FOR THE BRONCOS Gms. (Starts) Coach Pos. with Denver Years Ronnie Bradford (Defensive Backs) DB 26 (3) Started three games at cornerback for Denver during the 1993 season. Keith Burns (Spec. Teams Asst.) LB 166 (3) 94-98, 00-03, Led or tied for the Broncos season lead in special-teams tackles seven times. Rick Dennison (Off. Coord/OL) LB 128 (52) Ranked second on the Broncos with 133 tackles in Jim Ryan (Linebackers) LB 150 (91) Led Denver with 125 tackles in 1987 and was on two Super Bowl teams. Steve Watson (Assoc. H.C.) WR 126 (87) Posted three 1,000-yard seasons for Denver and had yard games. DENVER AT HOUSTON 30 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

31 broncos 2008 weekly release CB CHAMP BAILEY CAREER INTERCEPTIONS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) INTs 1. Steve Foley, Goose Gonsoulin, Billy Thompson, Tyrone Braxton, ; Mike Harden, Dennis Smith, Louis Wright, t. Champ Bailey, 2004-Pres. 24 8t. Steve Atwater, t. Randy Gradishar, t. Tom Jackson, t. Ray Crockett, t. Charlie Greer, Steve Wilson, t. Willie Brown, t. Deltha O'Neal, CAREER INT RETURN YDS., BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Yds. 1. Billy Thompson, Mike Harden, Steve Foley, Tyrone Braxton, ; Goose Gonsoulin, Dennis Smith, Steve Atwater, Louis Wright, Tom Jackson, Randy Gradishar, Champ Bailey, 2004-Pres. 304 CAREER INTS FOR TDS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) TDs 1t. Tyrone Braxton, ; t. Mike Harden, t. Champ Bailey, 2004-Pres. 3 3t. Randy Gradishar, t. Tom Jackson, t. Billy Thompson, t. Nemiah Wilson, RECORDS WATCH 2008 DENVER BRONCOS RECORDS UPDATE (as of 2008 Preseason) QB JAY CUTLER CAREER PASSING YARDS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Yds. 1. John Elway, , Craig Morton, , Brian Griese, , Jake Plummer, , Frank Tripucka, , Charley Johnson, , Steve Ramsey, , Steve Tensi, , Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres. 4, Steve DeBerg, ,819 CAREER PASSING ATTEMPTS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Att. 1. John Elway, , Brian Griese, , Jake Plummer, , Craig Morton, , Frank Tripucka, , Charley Johnson, Steve Ramsey, Steve Tensi, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres Mickey Slaughter, CAREER PASS COMPLETIONS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Comp. 1. John Elway, , Brian Griese, , Jake Plummer, Craig Morton, Frank Tripucka, Charley Johnson, Steve Ramsey, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres Steve Tensi, Steve DeBerg, CAREER TOUCHDOWN PASSES, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) TDs 1. John Elway, Craig Morton, t. Jake Plummer, t. Brian Griese, Charley Johnson, Frank Tripucka, Steve Tensi, Steve Ramsey, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres Mickey Slaughter, CAREER 300-YARD GAMES, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Gms. 1. John Elway, Brian Griese, Frank Tripucka, t. Charley Johnson, t. Craig Morton, t. Jake Plummer, t. Steve DeBerg, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres. 2 9t. Gus Frerotte, t. Jacky Lee, t. John McCormick, , t. Marlin Briscoe, t. Steve Tensi, CAREER RUSHING YDS. BY A QB, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Yds. 1. John Elway, , Jake Plummer, Brian Griese, Norris Weese, Mickey Slaughter, Craig Morton, Gary Kubiak, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres. 223 CAREER WINS AS A STARTER, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Wins 1. John Elway, Craig Morton, Jake Plummer, Brian Griese, Charley Johnson, t. Steve Ramsey, t. Frank Tripucka, Jay Cutler, 2006-Pres Steve Tensi, denver at houston 31 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

32 broncos 2008 weekly release WR BRANDON MARSHALL CAREER RECEIVING YARDS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Yds. 1. Rod Smith, , Shannon Sharpe, , , Lionel Taylor, , Ed McCaffrey, , Steve Watson, , Riley Odoms, , Vance Johnson, , Haven Moses, , Mark Jackson, , Rick Upchurch, , Al Denson, , Ashley Lelie, , Anthony Miller, , Bob Scarpitto, , Floyd Little, , Steve Sewell, , Clarence Kay, , Ricky Nattiel, , Gerald Willhite, , Dwayne Carswell, , Bill Van Heusen, , Brandon Marshall, 2006-Pres. 1,634 CAREER RECEPTIONS, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) Yds. 1. Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe, , Lionel Taylor, Ed McCaffrey, Vance Johnson, Riley Odoms, Steve Watson, Haven Moses, Mark Jackson, Rick Upchurch, Al Denson, Floyd Little, Gerald Willhite, Sammy Winder, Clarence Kay, Dwayne Carswell, Steve Sewell, Anthony Miller, Terrell Davis, Ashley Lelie, Dave Preston, Bob Scarpitto, Jon Keyworth, Glyn Milburn, Otis Armstrong, Brandon Marshall, 2006-Pres. 122 RECORDS WATCH C TOM NALEN CAREER GAMES PLAYED, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) No. 1. Jason Elam, John Elway, Tom Nalen, 1994-Pres Tom Jackson, Paul Howard, Dennis Smith, Rod Smith, 1995-Pres Barney Chavous, Karl Mecklenburg, Bill Thompson, CAREER GAMES STARTED, BRONCOS Rk. Player (Yrs.) No. 1. John Elway, Tom Nalen, 1994-Pres Bill Thompson, t. Barney Chavous, t. Tom Jackson, Dennis Smith, Ken Lanier, , Louis Wright, Rod Smith, 1995-Pres Steve Atwater, t. Billy Bryan, t. Rubin Carter, DENVER AT HOUSTON 32 SATURDAY, AUG. 9, 2008

33 DENVER BRONCOS 2007 FINAL REGULAR-SEASON TEAM STATISTICS (7-9) Date W-L Score OT Opponent Attendance 09/09 W at Buffalo 71,132 09/16 W OT Oakland 76,784 09/23 L Jacksonville 76,463 09/30 L at Indianapolis 57,274 10/07 L 3-41 San Diego 76,879 10/21 W Pittsburgh 77,038 10/29 L OT Green Bay 77,160 11/04 L 7-44 at Detroit 60,783 11/11 W at Kansas City 77,368 11/19 W Tennessee 76,590 11/25 L OT at Chicago 62,148 12/02 L at Oakland 61,990 12/09 W 41-7 Kansas City 75,895 12/13 L at Houston 70,747 12/24 L 3-23 at San Diego 65,477 12/30 W OT Minnesota 76,084 Denver Opponent Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty rd Down: Made/Att 80/198 91/213 3rd Down Pct th Down: Made/Att 7/22 10/13 4th Down Pct Possession Avg. 29:09 30:51 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 32/175 33/203 Gross Yards Att./Completions 515/ /279 Completion Pct Had Intercepted Punts/Average 60/ /43.9 Net Punting Avg. 60/ /38.7 Penalties/Yards 90/610 82/628 Fumbles/Ball Lost 30/14 34/16 Touchdowns Rushing Passing Returns 3 7 Score By Periods Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS Team Opponents Scoring TD Rush Rec Ret K-PAT FG S PTS Elam /33 27/ Marshall Scheffler Stokley Henry Sapp Graham Hall Crowder Cutler Jackson Jacobs LG Martinez Webster Young Prater LG /1 1/4 0 4 Team /33 27/ Opponents /42 27/ Pt. Conversions: Team 0-1, Opponents 3-3 Sacks: Dumervil 12.5, Crowder 4, Mallard LG 3.5, Mallard TM 3.5, McKinley 2.5, Gold 2, (group) 2, Bly 1, Engelberger 1, Lynch 1, Moss 1, Peterson 1, Williams 1, Winborn 0.5, Team 33, Opponents 32 FUM/Lost: Cutler 11/4, Henry 3/1, Marshall 3/1, Martinez 3/1, Clark (TM) 2/2, Ramsey 2/1, Young 2/1, Bell 1/1, Hall 1/0, Hixon (TM) 1/1, Scheffler 1/1 Rushing No. Yds Avg Long TD Young Henry Hall t 2 Cutler Sapp Marshall Ramsey Bell Walker Stokley Jacobs LG Team t 10 Opponents t 14 Receiving No. Yds Avg Long TD Marshall t 7 Scheffler Stokley Young Walker Graham Martinez Sapp Henry Mustard Clark TM Jacobs LG t 1 Jackson Hall Bell Team t 21 Opponents t 25 Interceptions No. Yds Avg Long TD Bly Bailey Paymah Dumervil Gold Williams Thomas Team Opponents t 2 Punting No. Yds Avg Net TB In Lg B Sauerbrun Ernster LG Ernster TM Paulescu Elam Team Opponents Punt Returns Ret FC Yds Avg Long TD Martinez t 1 Hixon TM Bly Team t 1 Opponents t 2 Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg Long TD Hall Martinez Hixon TM Clark TM Jacobs LG Jacobs TM Young Sapp Bly Team Opponents t 1 Field Goals Elam 0/0 11/11 6/6 9/12 1/2 Prater LG 0/0 0/1 0/0 1/3 0/0 Team 0/0 11/11 6/6 9/12 1/2 Opponents 3/3 8/8 8/9 6/7 2/6 Elam: (21G,48G,50N,43N,42G)(23G,45N,20G,23G)() (35G,22G) (30G) (49G)(45G,21G)(48N)(44G,50G) (21G,39G) (23G,22G) (29G,44G)(37G,37G)(41G,47G) (23G)(43G,30G) Opponents: (45N)(38G,52N)(19G,27G,18G)(22G) (26G,45G) (65N) (19G,26G) (43G,53G,38G)(38G,36G, 39G,53N)(56G,37G)(24G,44G,39G)(58N,38G,35N, 44G)()(41G)(40G,23G,29G)(22G) Passing Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating Cutler t 27/ Ramsey / Marshall /9 --- Team t 32/ Opponents t 33/

34 DENVER BRONCOS 2007 FINAL REGULAR-SEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS (7-9) (based on coaches' film review) PLAYER TT UT A S Yds. I Yds. PD FF FR 1 Williams Webster Bailey Gold Lynch Engelberger Bly Ferguson Dumervil Abdullah Foxworth Thomas McKinley Winborn Crowder Mallard Adams Gordon Paymah Moss Peterson Rice Shoate Burton Harris Cox Team TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS STATISTICS (based on press box statistics) PLAYER TT UT A FF FR BK BP TD 1 Winborn Beck Green Paymah Cargile Leach Sapp Bailey Foxworth Hall Jackson Jacobs Cox Smith, P Bell Clark Ferguson Hixon Johnson Scheffler Abdullah Webster Martinez TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS TACKLES BREAKDOWN TOTAL KICK PUNT PLAYER TT UT A TT UT A TT UT A 1 Winborn Beck Green Paymah Cargile Leach Sapp Bailey Foxworth Hall Jackson Jacobs Cox Smith, P Bell Clark Ferguson Hixon Johnson Scheffler Abdullah Webster TEAM MIS. TACKLES: Marshall 7, Holland 3, Cutler 2, Kuper 2, Scheffler 2, DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS: Crowder (FR vs. Pit., 10/21), Stokley 2, Team 2, Graham 1, Henry 1, Pears 1, Sapp 1. Webster (FR at K.C., 11/11). MIS. FUMBLE RECOVERIES: Cutler 3, Hall 2, Lepsis 2, Marshall 2, TWO-POINT CONVERSION STOPS: None. Henry 1, Ramsey 1, Young 1. BLOCKED PUNTS: Scheffler (vs. S.D. 10/7). MIS. FORCED FUMBLES: Pears 1. BLOCKED KICKS: None.

35 DENVER BRONCOS 2007 PRESEASON TEAM STATISTICS (2-2) Date W-L Score OT Opponent Attendance 08/13 W at San Francisco 66,764 08/18 L at Dallas 61,034 08/25 L Cleveland 75,361 08/30 W 21-3 Arizona 73,282 Denver Opponent Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty 7 9 3rd Down: Made/Att 17/48 25/58 3rd Down Pct th Down: Made/Att 3/4 1/5 4th Down Pct Possession Avg. 26:51 33:09 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 7/30 9/27 Gross Yards Att./Completions 99/51 126/76 Completion Pct Had Intercepted 2 4 Punts/Average 22/ /44.2 Net Punting Avg. 22/ /38.9 Penalties/Yards 31/220 25/235 Fumbles/Ball Lost 3/2 6/1 Touchdowns 9 7 Rushing 5 5 Passing 4 2 Returns 0 0 Rushing No. Yds Avg Long TD Young Sapp Bell A. Hall Henry Hixon Cutler Clark Hackney Cobbs Terrell Team Opponents Receiving No. Yds Avg Long TD Clark t 1 Hixon Jackson Marshall Morgan Young Walker Scheffler Graham Terrell K. Johnson Stokley McDaniel Martinez Henry T. Johnson Fleming t 1 Bell Team t 4 Opponents Interceptions No. Yds Avg Long TD Cargile Abdullah Bly Team Opponents Score By Periods Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS Team Opponents Scoring TD Rush Rec Ret K-PAT FG S PTS Elam /6 3/ A. Hall Young Clark Fleming Henry K. Johnson Morgan Pace /2 1/1 0 5 Team /8 4/ Opponents /7 5/ Pt. Conversions: Team 0-1, Opponents 0-0 Sacks: Dumervil 2, Gordon 2, Adams 1, Crowder 1, Engelberger 1, Moss 1, Veal 1, Team 9, Opponents 7 FUM/Lost: Cutler 2/1, Ramsey 1/1 Punting No. Yds Avg Net TB In Lg B Sauerbrun Ernster Team Opponents Punt Returns Ret FC Yds Avg Long TD Hixon Kircus Martinez Team Opponents Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg Long TD Morgan Clark Hixon Team Opponents Field Goals Elam 0/0 2/2 1/1 0/1 0/0 Pace 0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 0/0 Team 0/0 3/3 1/1 0/1 0/0 Opponents 1/1 2/2 1/1 0/1 1/3 Elam: (44N)(33G,20G)(29G)() Pace: (26G)()()() Team: (44N,26G)(33G,20G)(29G)() Opponents: (37G,28G)(51N,52G)(23G,46N)(19G, 50N) Passing Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating Ramsey t 2/ Cutler / Hackney / Parsons / Team t 7/ Opponents /

36 DENVER BRONCOS 2007 PRESEASON DEFENSIVE STATISTICS (2-2) (based on press box statistics) PLAYER TT UT A S Yds. I Yds. PD FF FR 1 Webster Lewis Abdullah Ferguson Williams Cox Green Lynch Mallard Bailey Foxworth Cargile Gold Peterson Bly Burton Shoate Gordon Kennedy Paymah Vaughn Dumervil Engelberger McKinley Thomas Hollowell Moss Adams Alford Harris, Q House Lang Crowder Rogers Ekuban Harris, S Veal TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS STATISTICS (based on press box statistics) PLAYER TT UT A FF FR BK BP TD 1 Leach Mallard Smith Abdullah Vaughn Cox Ferguson Foxworth Green Hall Hollowell Jackson Johnson Rogers Sauerbrun Terrell TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS TACKLES BREAKDOWN (based on press box statistics) TOTAL KICK PUNT PLAYER TT UT A TT UT A TT UT A 1 Leach Mallard Smith Abdullah Vaughn Cox Ferguson Foxworth Green Hall Hollowell Jackson Johnson Rogers Sauerbrun Terrell TEAM MIS. TACKLES: Cutler 1, Fenton 1, Henry 1, Scheffler 1. MIS. FUMBLE RECOVERIES: None. MIS. FORCED FUMBLES: None. DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS: None. TWO-POINT CONVERSION STOPS: None. BLOCKED PUNTS: None. BLOCKED KICKS: None.

37 HOUSTON TEXANS 2007 FINAL REGULAR-SEASON TEAM STATISTICS (8-8) Date W-L Score OT Opponent Attendance 09/09 W 20-3 Kansas City 70,080 09/16 W at Carolina 73,665 09/23 L Indianapolis 70,765 09/30 L at Atlanta 69,312 10/07 W Miami 70,156 10/14 L at Jacksonville 63,715 10/21 L Tennessee 70,734 10/28 L at San Diego 60,439 11/04 W at Oakland 49,603 11/18 W New Orleans 70,780 11/25 L at Cleveland 72,730 12/02 L at Tennessee 69,143 12/09 W Tampa Bay 70,237 12/13 W Denver 70,747 12/23 L at Indianapolis 57,262 12/30 W Jacksonville 70,660 Houston Opponent Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty rd Down: Made/Att 86/193 83/198 3rd Down Pct th Down: Made/Att 11/15 8/16 4th Down Pct Possession Avg. 29:41 30:19 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 22/174 31/196 Gross Yards Att./Completions 529/ /361 Completion Pct Had Intercepted Punts/Average 55/ /43.0 Net Punting Avg. 55/ /37.1 Penalties/Yards 82/636 81/614 Fumbles/Ball Lost 26/17 24/14 Touchdowns Rushing Passing Returns 7 3 Score By Periods Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS Team Opponents Scoring TD Rush Rec Ret K-PAT FG S PTS K. Brown /40 25/ A. Johnson Davis Dayne Walter Daniels Leach Dreessen Green Gado TM Walker D. Anderson Mathis Putzier Rosenfels Ryans M. Williams Team /40 25/ Opponents /43 28/ Pt. Conversions: Davis, Gado (TM), Walker, Team 3-3, Opponents 0-0 Sacks: M. Williams 14, Okoye 5.5, Kalu 3, C. Anderson 2, Maddox 2, Ryans 2, Cochran 1, Greenwood 1, Hutchins 0.5, Team 31, Opponents 22 FUM/Lost: Schaub 7/3, Daniels 4/3, Rosenfels 4/3, Jones 2/2, Leach 2/1, D. Anderson 1/1, Davis 1/1, Dayne 1/0, Echemandu (TM) 1/1, Echemandu (LG) 1/1, Gado (TM) 1/0, A. Johnson 1/1, Pittman 1/1 Rushing No. Yds Avg Long TD Dayne Walker Green Echemandu LG Echemandu TM Schaub Rosenfels Gado TM Walter Cook Leach t 1 Turk Jones Team Opponents Receiving No. Yds Avg Long TD Walter Daniels A. Johnson t 8 Davis t 3 Leach Dayne Jones Green Walker D. Anderson Gado TM Cook Putzier Dreessen t 2 Echemandu LG Echemandu TM Mathis Team t 24 Opponents t 25 Interceptions No. Yds Avg Long TD Bennett Du. Robinson C. Brown Hutchins Greenwood Clark Ryans T. Johnson Team Opponents t 1 Punting No. Yds Avg Net TB In Lg B Turk Team Opponents Punt Returns Ret FC Yds Avg Long TD Jones Wynn D. Anderson Team Opponents Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg Long TD Davis t 3 Wynn Mathis t 1 Jones Cook Leach Walter Boulware Team t 4 Opponents Field Goals K. Brown 1/1 6/7 6/6 7/10 5/5 Team 1/1 6/7 6/6 7/10 5/5 Opponents 0/0 14/14 6/7 6/8 2/4 K. Brown: (26G,28G)(25G,33G)(33G)(42G,37G,19G, 25N) (54G,43G,54G,20G,57G)(20G,35G,33G)()(40G) (40G,43B)(36G,53G,23G)(41G,46N)(45G,50G)() (41G)(49N)() Opponents: (30N,27G)()(36G,28G,35G)(28G,22G, 36G,46G,42B) (23G,40G,33G,48G) (42N,37G)(52G, 25G,21G,30G,28G,43G,29G,29G) ()(64N,22G)(52G) (25G,27G)(53N)()(41G,47G)(29G)() Passing Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating Schaub t 16/ Rosenfels t 6/ Team t 22/ Opponents t 31/

38 HOUSTON TEXANS 2007 FINAL PRESEASON TEAM STATISTICS (2-2) Date W-L Score OT Opponent Attendance 08/11 L Chicago 70,060 08/18 W at Arizona 64,405 08/25 W Dallas 70,512 08/30 L at Tampa Bay 64,321 Houston Opponent Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty 7 5 3rd Down: Made/Att 15/45 22/50 3rd Down Pct th Down: Made/Att 1/4 3/5 4th Down Pct Possession Avg. 28:39 31:21 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 6/35 8/67 Gross Yards Att./Completions 123/75 150/103 Completion Pct Had Intercepted 1 6 Punts/Average 15/ /41.3 Net Punting Avg. 15/ /27.3 Penalties/Yards 21/179 28/217 Fumbles/Ball Lost 3/2 7/2 Touchdowns Rushing 2 0 Passing 6 10 Returns 3 0 Score By Periods Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS Team Opponents Scoring TD Rush Rec Ret K-PAT FG S PTS K. Brown /11 9/ J. Jones Adams D. Anderson Fletcher A. Johnson Lundy Putzier Schaub Team /11 9/ Opponents /10 6/ Pt. Conversions: Team 0-0, Opponents 0-0 Sacks: Babin 2, Orr 1.5, Ch. Anderson 1, Cochran 1, Th. Johnson 1, Kalu 1, De. Robinson 0.5, Team 8, Opponents 6 FUM/Lost: Dreessen 1/1, Rosenfels 1/0, Van Pelt 1/1 Rushing No. Yds Avg Long TD Lundy Green Gado Dayne D. Walker J. Jones Cook B. Johnson Zabransky Rosenfels Schaub t 1 Van Pelt Mathis Team Opponents Receiving No. Yds Avg Long TD J. Jones Putzier Daniels Davis A. Johnson Mathis Gado Cook Dreessen D. Anderson t 1 Green Walter Lundy Adams t 1 McCardell B. Johnson Van Pelt Abbate Dayne Leach Bruener Team t 6 Opponents Interceptions No. Yds Avg Long TD Fletcher Hutchins Wynn Bennett Mitchell Team Opponents Punting No. Yds Avg Net TB In Lg B Turk Stanley Team Opponents Punt Returns Ret FC Yds Avg Long TD J. Jones t 2 Davis Wynn Team t 2 Opponents Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg Long TD B. Johnson Mathis Davis Killings Pass Team Opponents Field Goals K. Brown 0/0 4/4 3/3 2/3 0/0 Team 0/0 4/4 3/3 2/3 0/0 Opponents 0/0 2/2 1/1 3/3 0/1 K. Brown: (37G,20G,42G,29G)(25G,25G,38G,40G) (45N)(39G) Team: (37G,20G,42G,29G)(25G,25G,38G,40G)(45N) (39G) Opponents: (52N,44G,47G)(38G,22G)(23G)(41G) Passing Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating Rosenfels t 1/ Schaub / Zabransky / Van Pelt / Team t 6/ Opponents /

39 DENVER BRONCOS 2008 DEPTH CHART (as of Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008) Broncos Offense WR 15 Brandon Marshall 19 Eddie Royal 17 Glenn Martinez 10 Clifford Russell 16 Marquay McDaniel 9 Taylor Jacobs LT 78 Ryan Clady 64 Erik Pears LG 50 Ben Hamilton 65 Dylan Gandy 67 Kory Lichtensteiger C 66 Tom Nalen 62 Casey Wiegmann 69 P.J. Alexander RG 73 Chris Kuper 70 Montrae Holland 61 Mitch Erickson RT 74 Ryan Harris 76 Tyler Polumbus TE 89 Daniel Graham 88 Tony Scheffler 81 Nate Jackson 84 Brett Pierce 85 Chad Mustard WR 82 Darrell Jackson 14 Brandon Stokley 13 Keary Colbert 12 Samie Parker 87 Lorne Sam QB 6 Jay Cutler 11 Patrick Ramsey 4 Darrell Hackney RB 35 Selvin Young 23 Andre Hall 42 Ryan Torain 38 Anthony Alridge FB 37 Cecil Sapp 48 Peyton Hillis 28 Michael Pittman Broncos Defense LE 60 John Engelberger 91 Ebenezer Ekuban 96 Tim Crowder LT 63 Dewayne Robertson 99 Alvin McKinley 93 Nic Clemons RT 79 Marcus Thomas 90 Kenny Peterson 98 Josh Mallard 68 Steven Harris RE 92 Elvis Dumervil 94 Jarvis Moss 95 Paul Carrington 77 Larry Birdine WLB 55 D.J. Williams 51 Jamie Winborn 59 Wesley Woodyard MLB 58 Nate Webster 53 Niko Koutouvides 54 Spencer Larsen 56 Manuel Padilla SLB 97 Boss Bailey 52 Louis Green 57 Jordan Beck LCB 24 Champ Bailey 22 Domonique Foxworth 26 Jack Williams RCB 32 Dré Bly 41 Karl Paymah 25 Christian Morton 31 Lamont Reid SS 21 Hamza Abdullah 43 Roderick Rogers 36 Josh Barrett FS 20 Marlon McCree 33 Marquand Manuel 34 Vickiel Vaughn Broncos Specialists P 2 Sam Paulescu 1 Brett Kern K 5 Matt Prater 2 Sam Paulescu 1 Brett Kern KO 5 Matt Prater 2 Sam Paulescu 1 Brett Kern PR 19 Eddie Royal 17 Glenn Martinez 16 Marquay McDaniel 12 Samie Parker KR 19 Eddie Royal 23 Andre Hall 38 Anthony Alridge 10 Clifford Russell 17 Glenn Martinez PC 83 Mike Leach 88 Tony Scheffler 98 Josh Mallard KC 83 Mike Leach 98 Josh Mallard 84 Brett Pierce H 1 Brett Kern 2 Sam Paulescu 11 Patrick Ramsey [] designate an injured player Rookie and first-year players underlined BRONCOS PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Hamza Abdullah (HAHM-zah) Larry Birdine (bir-dine) Keary Colbert (KER-ee) Elvis Dumervil (doo-mehr-vill) Ebenezer Ekuban (EK-you-BON) Niko Koutouvides (KOO-tah-VEE-dees) Chris Kuper (KOO-pehr) Kory Lichtensteiger (LICK-ten-sty-ger) Josh Mallard (MAL-urd) Marquand Manuel (mar-kwand) Marquay McDaniel (mar-kway) Manuel Padilla (pah-dee-yah) Sam Paulescu (paw-less-cue) Erik Pears (PEERS) Matt Prater (PRAY-ter) Lorne Sam (LORN) Edell Shepherd (eh-dell) Ryan Torain (toh-rain) Vickiel Vaughn (vih-kell) Casey Wiegmann (WIG-mann)

40 2008 Denver Broncos Alphabetical Roster Updated: 8/3/08 NFL High School 2007 No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College Hometown How Acq. P-S-DNP-INA 21 Abdullah, Hamza S Washington State Pomona, Calif. PS(TB) Alexander, P.J. G Syracuse Tallahassee, Fla. FA- ' Alridge, Anthony RB R Houston Denton, Texas CFA- ' Bailey, Boss LB Georgia Folkston, Ga. UFA(Det)- ' Bailey, Champ CB Georgia Folkston, Ga. T(Was) Barrett, Josh S R Arizona State Reno, Nev. D7- ' Beck, Jordan LB Cal Poly/SLO Mount Hermon, Calif. FA- ' Birdine, Larry DE Oklahoma Lawton, Okla. PS(Ten)- ' Bly, Dré CB North Carolina Chesapeake, Va. T(Det) Carrington, Paul DE Central Florida Springfield, Ga. FA- ' Clady, Ryan T R Boise State Rialto, Calif. D1- ' Clemons, Nic DT Georgia Griffin, Ga. FA- ' Colbert, Keary WR Southern California Oxnard, Calif. UFA(Car)- ' Crowder, Tim DE Texas Tyler, Texas D Cutler, Jay QB Vanderbilt Lincoln City, Ind. D Dumervil, Elvis DE Louisville Miami, Fla. D4b Ekuban, Ebenezer DE North Carolina Bladensburg, Md. T(Cle) Engelberger, John DE Virginia Tech Springfield, Va. T(SF) Erickson, Mitch G R South Dakota State Hutchinson, Minn. CFA- ' Foxworth, Domonique CB Maryland Catonsville, Md. D3b Gandy, Dylan G Texas Tech Pflugerville, Texas FA- ' Graham, Daniel TE Colorado Denver, Colo. UFA(NE) Green, Louis LB Alcorn State Fayette, Miss. FA Hackney, Darrell QB Alabama-Birmingham Atlanta, Ga. FA Hall, Andre RB South Florida St. Petersburg, Fla. FA Hamilton, Ben G/C Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. D4a Harris, Ryan T Notre Dame St. Paul, Minn. D Harris, Steven DT Florida Coral Gables, Fla. CFA Hillis, Peyton FB R Arkansas Conway, Ark. D7b- ' Holland, Montrae G Florida State Ore, Texas UFA(NO) Jackson, Darrell WR Florida Tampa, Fla. FA- ' Jackson, Nate TE Menlo College San Jose, Calif. T(SF) Jacobs, Taylor WR Florida Tallahassee, Fla. FA- ' Kern, Brett P R Toledo Grand Island, N.Y. CFA- ' Koutouvides, Niko LB Purdue Plainville, Conn. UFA(Sea)- ' Kuper, Chris G North Dakota Anchorage, Alaska D Larsen, Spencer LB R Arizona Gilbert, Ariz. D6- ' Leach, Mike TE/LS William & Mary Jefferson Township, N.J. FA Lichtensteiger, Kory C R Bowling Green Van Wert, Ohio D4a Mallard, Josh DT Georgia Savannah, Ga. FA- ' * 33 Manuel, Marquand S Florida Miami, Fla. UFA(Car)- ' Marshall, Brandon WR Central Florida Winter Park, Fla. D4a Martinez, Glenn WR Saginaw Valley State Auburndale, Fla. FA McCree, Marlon S Kentucky Port Orange, Fla. FA- ' McDaniel, Marquay WR Hampton Virginia Beach, Va. CFA McKinley, Alvin DT Mississippi State Weir, Miss. UFA(Cle) Morton, Christian CB Illinois St. Louis, Mo. FA- ' Moss, Jarvis DE Florida Denton, Texas D Nalen, Tom C Boston College Foxboro, Mass. D7c Parker, Samie WR Oregon Long Beach, Calif. UFA(KC)- ' Paulescu, Sam P Oregon State La Habra, Calif. FA- ' Paymah, Karl CB Washington State Culver City, Calif. D3a Pears, Erik T Colorado State Denver, Colo. CFA Peterson, Kenny DT Ohio State Canton, Ohio FA- ' Pierce, Brett TE Stanford Vancouver, Wash. FA- ' Pittman, Michael RB Fresno State San Diego, Calif. UFA(TB)- ' Polumbus, Tyler T R Colorado Greenwood Village, Colo. CFA- ' Prater, Matt K Central Florida Estero, Fla. PS(Mia)- ' * 11 Ramsey, Patrick QB Tulane Ruston, La. FA Reid, Lamont CB North Carolina State Concord, N.C. FA Robertson, Dewayne DT Kentucky Memphis, Tenn. T(NYJ)- ' Rogers, Roderick S Wisconsin Stone Mountain, Ga. CFA Royal, Eddie WR R Virginia Tech Chantilly, Va. D2- ' Russell, Clifford WR Utah Ewa Beach, Hawaii FA- ' Sam, Lorne WR R Texas-El Paso Buford, Ga. CFA- ' Sapp, Cecil RB Colorado State Miami, Fla. CFA Scheffler, Tony TE Western Michigan Morenci, Mich. D Stokley, Brandon WR Southwestern Louisiana Lafayette, La. FA Thomas, Marcus DT Florida Jacksonville, Fla. D Torain, Ryan RB R Arizona State Shawnee Mission, Kan. D5a- ' Vaughn, Vickiel S Arkansas Plano, Texas FA- ' Webster, Nate LB Miami Miami, Fla. UFA(Cin) Wiegmann, Casey C Iowa Parkersburg, Iowa UFA(KC)- ' Williams, D.J. LB Miami Concord, Calif. D Williams, Jack CB R Kent State Norfolk, Va. D4b- ' Winborn, Jamie LB Vanderbilt Wetumpka, Ala. FA- ' Woodyard, Wesley LB R Kentucky LaGrange, Ga. CFA- ' Young, Selvin RB Texas Jersey Village, Texas CFA Active/Physically Unable to Perform 85 Mustard, Chad TE North Dakota Columbus, Neb. FA- ' Powell, Carlton DT R Virginia Tech Chesapeake, Va. D5b- ' International Practice Squad 56 Padilla, Manuel LB No College Mexico FA- ' Reserve/Injured 86 Shepherd, Edell WR San Jose State Los Angeles FA- ' KEY: CFA-college free agent; D-drafted; FA-acquired as free agent; RFA-acquired as restricted free agent; UFA-acquired as unrestricted free agent; T-trade; W-waivers. Head Coach: Mike Shanahan (14th year). Assistant Coaches: Rick Dennison (Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line), Bob Slowik (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs), Scott O Brien (Special Teams Coordinator), Steve Watson (Associate Head Coach), Joe Baker (Offensive Assistant), Jeremy Bates (Quarterbacks), Ronnie Bradford (Defensive Backs), Jacob Burney (Defensive Line), Keith Burns (Special Teams Asst.), Dwayne Chandler (Assistant Strength & Conditioning), Jedd Fisch (Wide Receivers), Charlie Jackson (Defensive Asst.), Bill Johnson (Defensive Line), Pat McPherson (Tight Ends), Jim Ryan (Linebackers), Greg Saporta (Asst. Strength & Conditioning), Ryan Slowik (Asst. Defensive Backs), Bobby Turner (Running Backs), Rich Tuten (Strength & Conditioning).

41 2008 Denver Broncos Numeric Roster Updated 8/3/08 NFL High School 2007 No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College Hometown How Acq. P-S-DNP-INA 1 Brett Kern P R Toledo Grand Island, N.Y. CFA- ' Sam Paulescu P Oregon State La Habra, Calif. FA- ' Darrell Hackney QB Alabama-Birmingham Atlanta, Ga. FA Matt Prater K Central Florida Estero, Fla. PS(Mia)- ' Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt Lincoln City, Ind. D Taylor Jacobs WR Florida Tallahassee, Fla. FA- ' * 10 Clifford Russell WR Utah Ewa Beach, Hawaii FA- ' Patrick Ramsey QB Tulane Ruston, La. FA Samie Parker WR Oregon Long Beach, Calif. UFA(KC)- ' Keary Colbert WR Southern California Oxnard, Calif. UFA(Car)- ' Brandon Stokley WR Southwestern Louisiana Lafayette, La. FA Brandon Marshall WR Central Florida Winter Park, Fla. D4a Marquay McDaniel WR Hampton Virginia Beach, Va. CFA Glenn Martinez WR Saginaw Valley State Auburndale, Fla. FA Eddie Royal WR R Virginia Tech Chantilly, Va. D2- ' Marlon McCree S Kentucky Port Orange, Fla. FA- ' Hamza Abdullah S Washington State Pomona, Calif. PS(TB) Domonique Foxworth CB Maryland Catonsville, Md. D3b Andre Hall RB South Florida St. Petersburg, Fla. FA Champ Bailey CB Georgia Folkston, Ga. T(Was) Christian Morton CB Illinois St. Louis, Mo. FA- ' Jack Williams CB R Kent State Norfolk, Va. D4b- ' Michael Pittman RB Fresno State San Diego, Calif. UFA(TB)- ' Lamont Reid CB North Carolina State Concord, N.C. FA Dré Bly CB North Carolina Chesapeake, Va. T(Det) Marquand Manuel S Florida Miami, Fla. UFA(Car)- ' Vickiel Vaughn S Arkansas Plano, Texas FA- ' Selvin Young RB Texas Jersey Village, Texas CFA Josh Barrett S R Arizona State Reno, Nev. D7- ' Cecil Sapp RB Colorado State Miami, Fla. CFA Anthony Alridge RB R Houston Denton, Texas CFA- ' Karl Paymah CB Washington State Culver City, Calif. D3a Ryan Torain RB R Arizona State Shawnee Mission, Kan. D5a- ' Roderick Rogers S Wisconsin Stone Mountain, Ga. CFA Peyton Hillis FB R Arkansas Conway, Ark. D7b- ' Ben Hamilton G/C Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. D4a Jamie Winborn LB Vanderbilt Wetumpka, Ala. FA- ' Louis Green LB Alcorn State Fayette, Miss. FA Niko Koutouvides LB Purdue Plainville, Conn. UFA(Sea)- ' Spencer Larsen LB R Arizona Gilbert, Ariz. D6- ' D.J. Williams LB Miami Concord, Calif. D Jordan Beck LB Cal Poly/SLO Mount Hermon, Calif. FA- ' Nate Webster LB Miami Miami, Fla. UFA(Cin) Wesley Woodyard LB R Kentucky LaGrange, Ga. CFA- ' John Engelberger DE Virginia Tech Springfield, Va. T(SF) Mitch Erickson G R South Dakota State Hutchinson, Minn. CFA- ' Casey Wiegmann C Iowa Parkersburg, Iowa UFA(KC)- ' Dewayne Robertson DT Kentucky Memphis, Tenn. T(NYJ)- ' Erik Pears T Colorado State Denver, Colo. CFA Dylan Gandy G Texas Tech Pflugerville, Texas FA- ' Tom Nalen C Boston College Foxboro, Mass. D7c Kory Lichtensteiger C R Bowling Green Van Wert, Ohio D4a Steven Harris DT Florida Coral Gables, Fla. CFA P.J. Alexander G Syracuse Tallahassee, Fla. FA- ' Montrae Holland G Florida State Ore, Texas UFA(NO) Chris Kuper G North Dakota Anchorage, Alaska D Ryan Harris T Notre Dame St. Paul, Minn. D Tyler Polumbus T R Colorado Greenwood Village, Colo. CFA- ' Larry Birdine DE Oklahoma Lawton, Okla. PS(Ten)- ' Ryan Clady T R Boise State Rialto, Calif. D1- ' Marcus Thomas DT Florida Jacksonville, Fla. D Nate Jackson TE Menlo College San Jose, Calif. T(SF) Darrell Jackson WR Florida Tampa, Fla. FA- ' Mike Leach TE/LS William & Mary Jefferson Township, N.J. FA Brett Pierce TE Stanford Vancouver, Wash. FA- ' Lorne Sam WR R Texas-El Paso Buford, Ga. CFA- ' Tony Scheffler TE Western Michigan Morenci, Mich. D Daniel Graham TE Colorado Denver, Colo. UFA(NE) Kenny Peterson DT Ohio State Canton, Ohio FA- ' Ebenezer Ekuban DE North Carolina Bladensburg, Md. T(Cle) Elvis Dumervil DE Louisville Miami, Fla. D4b Nic Clemons DT Georgia Griffin, Ga. FA- ' Jarvis Moss DE Florida Denton, Texas D Paul Carrington DE Central Florida Springfield, Ga. FA- ' Tim Crowder DE Texas Tyler, Texas D Boss Bailey LB Georgia Folkston, Ga. UFA(Det)- ' Josh Mallard DT Georgia Savannah, Ga. FA- ' Alvin McKinley DT Mississippi State Weir, Miss. UFA(Cle) Active/Physically Unable to Perform 75 Carlton Powell DT R Virginia Tech Chesapeake, Va. D5b- ' Chad Mustard TE North Dakota Columbus, Neb. FA- ' International Practice Squad 56 Manuel Padilla LB No College Mexico FA- ' Reserve/Injured 86 Edell Shepherd WR San Jose State Los Angeles FA- ' KEY: CFA-college free agent; D-drafted; FA-acquired as free agent; RFA-acquired as restricted free agent; UFA-acquired as unrestricted free agent; T-trade; W-waivers. Head Coach: Mike Shanahan (14th year). Assistant Coaches: Rick Dennison (Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line), Bob Slowik (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs), Scott O Brien (Special Teams Coordinator), Steve Watson (Associate Head Coach), Joe Baker (Offensive Assistant), Jeremy Bates (Quarterbacks), Ronnie Bradford (Defensive Backs), Jacob Burney (Defensive Line), Keith Burns (Special Teams Asst.), Dwayne Chandler (Assistant Strength & Conditioning), Jedd Fisch (Wide Receivers), Charlie Jackson (Defensive Asst.), Bill Johnson (Defensive Line), Pat McPherson (Tight Ends), Jim Ryan (Linebackers), Greg Saporta (Asst. Strength & Conditioning), Ryan Slowik (Asst. Defensive Backs), Bobby Turner (Running Backs), Rich Tuten (Strength & Conditioning).

42 2008 Denver Broncos Position-by-Position Roster Updated: 8/3/08 OFFENSE Quarterback (3) Running Back (7) Wide Receiver (11) Tight End (6) Players Exp. Players Exp. Players Exp. Players Exp. Cutler, Jay 3 Alridge, Anthony R Colbert, Keary 5 Graham, Daniel 7 Hackney, Darrell 2 Hall, Andre 2 Jackson, Darrell 9 Jackson, Nate 6 Ramsey, Patrick 7 Hillis, Peyton 2 Jacobs, Taylor 6 Leach, Mike (LS) 9 Pittman, Michael 11 Marshall, Brandon 3 Mustard, Chad 5 Sapp, Cecil 6 Martinez, Glenn 3 Pierce, Brett 3 Torain, Ryan R McDaniel, Marquay 1 Scheffler, Tony 3 Young, Selvin 2 Parker, Samie 5 Royal, Eddie R Russell, Clifford 6 Sam, Lorne R Stokley, Brandon 10 Tackle (5) Guard (8) Center (5) Players Exp. Players Exp. Players Exp. Clady, Ryan R Alexander, P.J. 6 Alexander, P.J. 6 Harris, Ryan 2 Erickson, Mitch R Hamilton, Ben 8 Kuper, Chris 3 Hamilton, Ben 8 Nalen, Tom 15 Pears, Erik 3 Gandy, Dylan 4 Wiegmann, Casey 13 Polumbus, Tyler R Holland, Montrae 6 Lichtensteiger, Kory R Kuper, Chris 3 Lichtensteiger, Kory R Wiegmann, Casey 13 DEFENSE Defensive End (7) Defensive Tackle (8) Linebacker (9) Players Exp. Players Exp. Players Exp. Birdine, Larry 2 Clemons, Nic 2 Bailey, Boss 6 Carrington, Paul 3 Harris, Steven 2 Beck, Jordan 4 Crowder, Tim 2 Mallard, Josh 4 Green, Louis 5 Dumervil, Elvis 3 McKinley, Alvin 9 Koutouvides, Niko 5 Ekuban, Ebenezer 10 Peterson, Kenny 6 Larsen, Spencer R Engelberger, John 9 Powell, Carlton R Webster, Nate 9 Moss, Jarvis 2 Robertson, Dewayne 6 Williams, D.J. 5 Thomas, Marcus 2 Winborn, Jamie 8 Woodyard, Wesley R Cornerback (7) Safety (6) Players Exp. Players Exp. Bailey, Champ 10 Abdullah, Hamza 4 Bly, Dré 10 Barrett, Josh R Foxworth, Domonique 4 Manuel, Marquand 7 Morton, Christian 4 McCree, Marlon 8 Paymah, Karl 4 Rogers, Roderick 2 Reid, Lamont 2 Vaughn, Vickiel 2 Williams, Jack R Kicker (1) Punter (2) Players Exp. Players Exp. Prater, Matt 2 Kern, Brett R Paulescu, Sam 2 SPECIALISTS

43 DENVER BRONCOS 2008 TRANSACTIONS by date/by player (Updated August 3, 2008) BY DATE 6/12/08 Signed S Josh Barrett (draft choice) 6/13/08 Waived LB Brandon Archer Waived P Danny Baugher Waived QB Cullen Finnerty Released WR Taylor Jacobs Waived DE Julian Jenkins Assigned LB Manuel Padilla by NFL as Intl. Practice Squad Player Waived S Vickiel Vaughn 7/9/08 Signed LB Spencer Larsen (draft choice) Signed DT Carlton Powell (draft choice) Signed RB Ryan Torain (draft choice) 7/16/08 Signed FB Peyton Hillis (draft choice) 7/21/08 Signed C Kory Lichtensteiger (draft choice) Waived RB Mike Bell Waived K Garrett Hartley 7/22/08 Signed CB Jack Williams (draft choice) 7/24/08 Signed WR Eddie Royal (draft choice) 7/25/08 Signed T Ryan Clady (draft choice) Declared TE Chad Mustard Active/Physically Unable to Perform Declared DT Carlton Powell Active/Physically Unable to Perform 7/26/08 Signed WR Taylor Jacobs Placed WR Edell Shepherd on Reserve/Injured (left knee) 8/1/08 Released S John Lynch 8/3/08 Signed S Vickiel Vaughn POWELL, Carlton DT 7/9/08 Signed (draft choice) 7/25/08 Declared Active/Physically Unable to Perform ROYAL, Eddie WR 7/24/08 Signed (draft choice) SHEPHERD, Edell WR 7/26/08 Placed on Reserve/Injured (left knee) TORAIN, Ryan RB 7/9/08 Signed (draft choice) VAUGHN, Vickiel S 6/13/08 Waived 8/3/08 Signed WILLIAMS, Jack CB 7/22/08 Signed (draft choice) BY PLAYER ARCHER, Brandon LB 6/13/08 Waived BARRETT, Josh S 6/12/08 Signed (draft choice) BAUGHER, Danny P 6/13/08 Waived BELL, Mike RB 7/21/08 Waived CLADY, Ryan T 7/25/08 Signed (draft choice) FINNERTY, Cullen QB 6/13/08 Waived HARTLEY, Garrett K 7/21/08 Waived HILLIS, Peyton FB 7/16/08 Signed JACOBS, Taylor WR 6/13/08 Released 7/26/08 Signed JENKINS, Julian DE 6/13/08 Waived LARSEN, Spencer LB 7/9/08 Signed (draft choice) LICHTENSTEIGER, Kory C 7/21/08 Signed (draft choice) LYNCH, John S 8/1/08 Released MUSTARD, Chad TE 7/25/08 Declared Active/Physically Unable to Perform PADILLA, Manuel LB 6/13/08 Assigned by NFL to Intl. Practice Squad

44 HOW THE BRONCOS ARE BUILT Updated 8/3/08 Year Draft/College Free Agent Trades Free Agents/Waivers 1994 C Tom Nalen (7c) 7-9 (4th AFC West) (4th AFC West) (1st AFC West) (2nd AFC West) Super Bowl Champs (1st AFC West) Super Bowl Champs (5th AFC West) (2nd AFC West) 2001 C Ben Hamilton (4a) 8-8 (3rd AFC West) 2002 TE/LS Mike Leach** 9-7 (2nd AFC West) 2003 RB Cecil Sapp (CFA) TE Nate Jackson** (S.F.) LB Louis Green** 10-6 (2nd AFC West) 2004 LB D.J. Williams (1) CB Champ Bailey** (Was) 10-6 (2nd AFC West) 2005 CB Karl Paymah (3a) DE Ebenezer Ekuban** (Cle) S Hamza Abdullah** 13-3 (1st AFC West) CB Domonique Foxworth (3b) DE John Engelberger** (SF) T Erik Pears (CFA) 2006 QB Jay Cutler (1) RB Andre Hall** 9-7 (3rd AFC West) TE Tony Scheffler (2) LB Nate Webster*** (UFA-Cincinnati) WR Brandon Marshall (4a) DE Elvis Dumervil (4b) G Chris Kuper (5) 2007 DE Jarvis Moss (1) CB Dré Bly** (Det) G P.J. Alexander** 7-9 (2nd AFC West) DE Tim Crowder (2) LB Jordan Beck** T Ryan Harris (3) DE Larry Birdine** DT Marcus Thomas (4) DE Paul Carrington** DT Steven Harris (CFA) TE Daniel Graham*** (UFA-New England) WR Marquay McDaniel (CFA) QB Darrell Hackney** S Roderick Rogers (CFA) G Montrae Holland*** (UFA-New Orleans) RB Selvin Young (CFA) DT Josh Mallard** WR Glenn Martinez** DT Alvin McKinley*** (UFA-Cleveland) TE Chad Mustard** (PUP) P Sam Paulescu** DT Kenny Peterson** K Matt Prater** QB Patrick Ramsey** CB Lamont Reid** WR Brandon Stokley** LB Jamie Winborn** 2008 T Ryan Clady (1) DT Dewayne Robertson** (NYJ) LB Boss Bailey*** (UFA-Detroit) WR Eddie Royal (2) DT Nic Clemons** C Kory Lichtensteiger (4a) WR Keary Colbert*** (UFA-Carolina) CB Jack Williams (4b) G Dylan Gandy** RB Ryan Torain (5a) WR Darrell Jackson** DT Carlton Powell (5b) (PUP) WR Taylor Jacobs** LB Spencer Larsen (6) LB Niko Koutouvides*** (UFA-Seattle) S Josh Barrett (7a) S Marquand Manuel*** (UFA-Carolina) FB Peyton Hillis (7b) S Marlon McCree** RB Anthony Alridge (CFA) CB Christian Morton** OL Mitch Erickson (CFA) WR Samie Parker*** (UFA-Kansas City) P Brett Kern (CFA) TE Brett Pierce** T Tyler Polumbus (CFA) RB Michael Pittman*** (UFA-Tampa Bay) WR Lorne Sam (CFA) WR Clifford Russell** LB Wesley Woodyard (CFA) WR Edell Shepherd** (IR) S Vickiel Vaughn** C Casey Wiegmann*** (UFA-Kansas City) Number in parentheses after draft choice indicates the round in which the player was taken. CFA indicates player was a rookie free agent when he joined the Broncos. ** indicates player was an NFL veteran or had been in other camps before joining the Broncos. *** indicates player was an unrestricted free agent who had not been released by previous team. (year) indicates a player who had a previous tenure with the club, and the year it began. PS - indicates player is on Practice Squad for '08 season IR - indicates player is on Injured Reserve list for '08 season NFI - indicates player is on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list for '08 season PUP - indicates player is on Active/Physically Unable to Perform list

45 2008 DENVER BRONCOS FEATURE CLIPS (August 3) Bowlen, Pat President/CEO p. 3 Shanahan, Mike Head Coach p. 5 Bates, Jeremy Quarterbacks p. 10 Slowik, Bob Defensive Coordinator p. 13 Abdullah, Hamza S p. 17 Alridge, Anthony RB p. 19 Bailey, Boss LB p. 21 Bailey Brothers p. 23 Bailey, Champ CB p. 29 Bly, Dre CB p. 31 Clady, Ryan T p. 33 Colbert, Keary WR p. 37 Cutler, Jay QB p. 39 Dumervil, Elvis DE p. 45 Graham, Daniel TE p. 47 Hamilton, Ben G p. 49 Hillis, Peyton FB p. 51 Jackson, Darrell WR p. 53 Koutouvides, Niko LB p. 56 Larsen, Spencer LB p. 58 Lichtensteiger, Kory C p. 60 Marshall, Brandon WR p. 62 McCree, Marlon S p. 64 Moss, Jarvis DE p. 66 Nalen, Tom C p. 68 Paulescu, Sam P p. 70 Pittman, Michael RB p. 72 Polumbus, Tyler T p. 74 Prater, Matt K p. 79 Robertson, Dewayne DT p. 81 Royal, Eddie WR p. 85 Scheffler, Tony TE p. 86 Torain, Ryan RB p. 88 Wiegmann, Casey C p. 90 Williams, D.J. LB p. 91 Williams, Jack CB p. 93 Winborn, Jamie LB p. 95 Young, Selvin RB p. 97

46 Bowlen deserves lofty cred - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 7/6/2008 woody paige Bowlen deserves lofty cred By Woody Paige The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/06/ :17:37 AM MDT Hercules Louis Dousman and Patrick Dennis Bowlen will be linked forever. Dousman, a fur trader in the 1800s in Prairie du Chien, Wis., became the state's first millionaire. Bowlen was born in Prairie du Chien and later roamed the Broncos sideline in a fur coat, and his football team will be valued this year by Forbes Magazine at a billion dollars. When Broncos training camp begins later this month, Pat Bowlen will be entering his 25th season as the franchise's owner. The Broncos' next victory will be Bowlen's 251st (regular- and postseason) since assuming control on March 23, How appropriate would a victory be for Bowlen on Monday night, Sept. 8, at Oakland? The Super Bowl will be played in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1, The same month, Bowlen will turn 65. How appropriate would another Super Bowlen victory be for the AARPatrick Bowlen? This one's for Pat! The other day, in a survey of NFL coaches taken by ESPN.com, Bowlen ranked second among "owners with the best reputation." He's come quite a distance from Prairie du Chien and a fur piece from being the 40-year-old unknown Canadian who showed up one day in Denver. A chance meeting with, and an off-handed comment to, Edgar Kaiser at church a quarter of a century ago led to a $78 million investment in the Broncos, a long-term commitment to professional football, Denver and Colorado and a full-time job for Bowlen. The former Iron Man triathlon competitor has become the ongoing Iron Man of the Broncos. Even though Bowlen has been criticized, chastised and castigated over coaching and player decisions (his loyalty to Mike Shanahan and his spending on free agents who lacked talent or character, or both), the push for construction of a new stadium (with the majority of the funding from public sources), frequent ticket-price increases, occasional poorly chosen remarks, the Broncos are in a far, far better place because of Bowlen, his ownership and his stewardship. Who would you rather have Arizona's Bill Bidwill, for instance, or Detroit's William Clay Ford, New Orleans' Tom Benson, Tennessee's Bud Adams, Washington's Dan Snyder, Oakland's Al Davis? Among the 31 (of 32) coaches who participated in the questionnaire (and weren't permitted to name their owner), five listed the Dan Rooney family in Pittsburgh as No. 1, and four had Jerry Jones third. Only 11 owners were mentioned. Despite the success of the New England Patriots, owner Bob Kraft was not in the top three. Bowlen received 4 1/2 votes. Advertisement

47 Bowlen deserves lofty cred - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 7/6/2008 The five coaches probably regarded Bowlen so highly because of the Broncos' five Super Bowls (and two championships) during his reign, that loyalty to Shanahan even in weak times (and because he has fired only two coaches), the $18 billion TV package the league secured with Bowlen as the head of the NFL's broadcasting committee, his willingness to spend money on players and his low-key ownership approach (generally staying in the background and rarely attending practice or forcing his will on the coach, although Bowlen does go into the office and conduct team business most days). Truth is, Bowlen has been a great owner for the Broncos, and he has grown into the position over 24 years (and always promises he will never sell the franchise in his lifetime). Would you have preferred Kaiser, or the man who wanted so badly to own the team, the late Marvin Davis? Or the Monforts? The Broncos, under Bowlen, have won 12 or more games 17 once in nine seasons and averaged victories over 24 years. Although all of us are grumbling about the mark of , only one playoff victory (over the Patriots) since John Elway retired and the costly free-agent mistakes, the Broncos are in the post-elway period. There have been just four losing seasons (1990, 1994, 1999 and 2007) with Bowlen in charge. Shanahan as a young assistant. Elway, Reeves and Shanahan were lucky and fortunate Bowlen was the owner. Not everyone loves Patrick. The bar has been set a mile high, and nobody here, especially Bowlen, accepts a level, especially low, playing field. Maybe he's gotten tired of wasting money on dregs Travis Henry and Javon Walker and has pulled back, and maybe he's having economic issues. Maybe Bowlen has learned from nearly a decade of mediocrity (with the exception of the 2005 appearance in the AFC championship game), and maybe he's getting ready for No. 25, No. 251, No. 3 and No. 65. But his numbers up to now have been impressive. Bowlen will be considered one day for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The old fur trader would be proud of the old fur wearer. Woody Paige: or wpaige@denverpost.com Twenty-four teams would beg for the accomplishments of the Broncos in 24 seasons with Mr. B. Two Super Bowl championships, five AFC trophies, 13 playoff seasons, 26 postseason games, eight division titles, first in home attendance for the 24 seasons. Bowlen was lucky Kaiser pulled off a trade for Elway, and the owner is fortunate that he inherited Dan Reeves as coach. Reeves took the Broncos to three Super Bowls and hired future head coach Advertisement

48 Super career so far - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 7/28/2008 woody paige Super career so far By Woody Paige The Denver Post Article Launched: 07/28/ :30:00 AM MDT In 15 years as an NFL head coach (he was fired by the Raiders four games into the 1989 season), Mike Shanahan has won 146 regular-season and postseason games, including two Super Bowls. If Shanahan, who will be 56 on Aug. 24, coaches until he is 65 and continues to average 9.7 victories a year, he would be No. 5 on the all-time list of career victories behind Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry and Curly Lambeau and a cinch firstballot Hall of Fame coach upon retirement. If Shanahan continues the pace of the past two seasons, he may not be in the Super Bowl again or the coach in Denver for 10 more years. This is part two of a conversation with Shanahan on the eve of his 20th training camp with the Broncos: Q: You've heard the remarks that you haven't won a Super Bowl without John Elway? Is that an albatross for you? A: When I first came here it was an albatross for John. John never won a playoff game without Shanahan (as an assistant or head coach). We finally did it in the third and fourth year, and everybody was pretty happy. The bottom line is John went 14 years without winning the Super Bowl. In winning the two Super Bowls, it not only took John Elway, but you have a Terrell Davis and a great turnover ratio we were plus-12 in those playoffs and one of the best defenses in the league. I look at it collectively. We went to three Super Bowls when I was an assistant, and without John Elway, we don't get to any. Now, we got embarrassed in those Super Bowls, and everybody blames John, but if he didn't make the amazing plays he did all season, we're never there. Q: Because you had won a Super Bowl with San Francisco before you came back here as the head coach, did that make a significant difference for you? You turned down the opportunity to coach the Broncos two years earlier. A: Best decision I ever made, because that franchise (the 49ers) had won for a number of years, and when I looked at how they did the draft, how they just handled the Super Bowl, the overall organization, it blew me away. It was such a great experience with the 49ers, who won five Super Bowls, and the confidence level that they had in all areas. Between being with the 49ers and what I got from Dan (Reeves), who brought a lot from the great Cowboys teams, I took so much. And even the short time I was with Al (Davis), his mind-set and how he was a maverick and the way he handled personnel and they had won Super Bowls, you take the pluses from that, too. Q: Twice you left Denver and returned. Did you need the time away to be where you are? A: What I needed was to come back here after San Francisco. The 49ers guaranteed me the head coaching job if I would stay. I thought at that time I needed to go win where nobody's won (the Super Bowl), do something that hadn't been done before in Denver. Q: People don't realize you have a wry sense of Advertisement

49 Super career so far - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 7/28/2008 humor and that you're privately a very different person. Is that by design? A: I keep a lot inside. When they asked Kyle (Shanahan, his son, the Texans' first- year offensive coordinator) if his dad ever laughs, he answered that his friends had more fun with his dad than all the other dads. When that (assessment) comes from my son, it means something.... Nobody expects me to be funny. Q: Do you accept that impression? A: I'm OK with it.... Being head coach can be one of the loneliest jobs in the world. Q: Are you still evolving as a coach? A: No difference as far as the time spent. I'm still an early guy. I want to leave by 10 o'clock every night because I want an hour and a half to relax before I go to bed, and I sleep five hours and get back at it. The one thing that I have done is become more organized every year.... As time goes on, you concentrate more on making sure everybody's on top of their game. Q: When did it come to you last year to call the famous timeout (in overtime against Oakland)? A: It was kind of a gut. I could see that (Sebastian) Janikowski was so wired. He looked so focused, and I said, "Oh, man, I got to do something," and I told the official standing right by me that I was going to call a timeout just when the center stops looking at the kicker and puts his head down. The official did it at just the right time, right before the snap. Then I thought, "What if he (Janikowski) misses (the first one)?" wasn't changed? A: No, I'd done it before. I'd tell my linebacker to wait until the last instant. There was just more emphasis on this one because it was the first time I'd done it since they implemented the rule that coaches can call timeout, and the guy makes the first, then misses the second one. Q: Are you still learning? A: What I do in the offseason is study other teams, especially what other teams are doing new and different that works. If you just sit idly by and do what you've always done, and you don't keep abreast, there's no way you'll survive. Q: Do you have an ipod? What are you listening to? A: My son gave me one with all my favorite songs, and I've used it on vacation. I used it on vacation (in Mexico recently). I've got about 11,000 songs on it. All the oldies, a little bit of everything. I like Shania Twain. Q: Final question. The house? The coach smiled and was off to the camptown races. Woody Paige: or wpaige@denverpost.com Q: Many other pro and college coaches began doing the timeout deal. Were you surprised the rule Advertisement

50 Affable Shanahan still a driven man - The Denver Post Page 1 of 3 7/26/2008 woody paige Affable Shanahan still a driven man By Woody Paige The Denver Post Article Launched: 07/26/ :30:00 AM MDT Mike Shanahan is capability within inimitability inside manipulability enclosed by imperturbability, wrapped in an enigma. As Winston Churchill might say. Shanahan, 55, was a 20-year-old quarterback at Eastern Illinois when he suffered a freak injury in the spring game of his junior season. He lost a kidney, lost his playing career and nearly lost his life. Shanahan was thrust into coaching prematurely as a student assistant at his college, while he earned bachelor and master's degrees. He joined the University of Oklahoma staff in He loved the thrill of coaching and got the first of a hand (and thumb) full of rings. The Sooners won the national championship. Shanahan is beginning his 25th season in the NFL and 35th overall as a coach. As an assistant and a head coach, he has been to the playoffs 15 times, conference championship games 10 times and the Super Bowl six times. He owns three world championship rings. He has coached with the Broncos in 20 seasons. He was on sabbatical for 20 games with the Raiders and, later, three years with the San Francisco 49ers. On the eve of Shanahan's 14th season as the head coach of the Broncos (the longest coaching run in Denver professional sports history), I had a long conversation with the complicated man. Q: Mike, you returned last week from vacation. Did you read a book? A: "No. Well, yeah, I did, and you're going to think this is crazy. I read through both my offensive and defensive playbooks. I spent about an hour every day going through them." Q: Would you give your playbooks a good review? (They're as thick as "War and Peace.") Did you shorten them this offseason? A: "As a coach, you need your plays to be automatic to you, like a quarterback. When you've been away from it for a while, you go over everything, so there's no hesitation in a game. You can't take a month or a vacation off." Q: After apprenticing as a young coordinator at three schools, you were on a fast track to becoming a college head coach. How did you get to Denver? A: "I always knew I was going to coach football, but, starting out, I didn't think about pro football. It was all college, but after four years at Florida, here are a couple of pro coaches that wanted to interview me. I thought it would give me a great opportunity to coach football 24 hours a day and not have to go recruit. I talked to (Philadelphia coach) Marion Campbell, and I spent about 12 hours on the board (diagramming plays). Lide Huggins (a Broncos assistant) told me Dan (Reeves) was looking for a receivers coach, possibly a quarterback coach. The next week I came to Denver to interview with Dan. Advertisement

51 Affable Shanahan still a driven man - The Denver Post Page 2 of 3 7/26/2008 We had breakfast, and it was the complete opposite from Philadelphia. I drew up one play. That was it. I got an offer from Philadelphia, and Dan called me after the Super Bowl and said he wanted to hire me. The reason I came to Denver was because I eventually would have a chance to coach the quarterback (John Elway)." Q: What's your most vivid memory of that first Broncos camp in 1984? A: "The thing that stood out was we didn't talk a lot of football that offseason. I drove to Greeley with Dan, and we discussed some things, but nothing specific about the playbook. We went 10 days early to coach the rookies. That's back when there were 145 guys on the depth chart. For 10 days I coached rookies (receivers), and not one made the team. That's the big difference between then and today because we have 80 players at this camp, and we've already had 17 (offseason) workouts. In 1984, guys came to camp to get into football shape and learn the playbook. Now everybody's already in great condition and has a good idea of what we're going to do." Q: Your most frustrating loss? A: "I was really frustrated that we didn't take advantage of the situation (in 2005) when we beat the Patriots and lost to Pittsburgh (in the AFC title game at home). I thought if we got to the Super Bowl, we would have won it." Q: You didn't take the University of Florida job several years ago. Is there an itch to coach somewhere else, and in college ball? A: "This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. I don't think I could ever go back to the collegiate level. What interests me is once you've accomplished the goal of winning the Super Bowl, there's even more desire to get back there and do it again." Q: Do you ever think, "I'm going to do this for another 10 years and finish my career in Denver"? A: "I want to keep on coaching for a long, long time. I enjoy coaching. I like the competition. I enjoy the grind, the work. I have fun doing it. I have four years left on my contract. And I want Pat (Bowlen) to be totally happy with me. The way he'll be totally happy with me is for us to win Super Bowls." Q: Despite your incredible accomplishments in 24 years, a Super Bowl, on the average, every four years, you still don't seem satisfied. A: "Doesn't matter what you did in the past. I love putting a team together, especially when you have a young group of players you have confidence in, like this year, and you're re-energized. If everything falls together, and you don't have a lot of injuries, you have a chance to get to the big one, and that's why I'm here." Q: You put intense internal pressure on yourself. How does the external pressure affect you? A: "As you get older, the pressure comes from within. I'm accustomed to the criticism. It comes with the job. The coaches who worry about what people say about them are pretty insecure." Q: Have you have been as hard on yourself this offseason as you've ever been? A: "Yes. Sometimes you have to look at yourself objectively and say you've got to make some changes, and maybe you should have done it earlier. If you hire or sign somebody and realize you've made a mistake, you ask yourself why you didn't anticipate it before it happened, why didn't you ask the right questions, what didn't you go Advertisement

52 Affable Shanahan still a driven man - The Denver Post Page 3 of 3 7/26/2008 through thoroughly enough. I ask myself quite a bit why I made the mistakes I did and how can I eliminate them. You can't be afraid of making tough decisions. You're doing a disservice to the organization if you don't correct mistakes. You're judged on your won-loss record." Q: Your most redeeming quality as a coach? A: "My biggest strength is how important it is to me to win and for me to put a quality team on the football field, and have everybody in Denver saying, 'He's doing a heck of a job,' and they're proud of this organization." Q: Does it bother you that a percentage of people want to get rid of you as the coach? A: "When your goal is to win games and go to the Super Bowl, and you have a couple of years like we've had, when you win nine and seven games and don't go to the playoffs, I can understand the question marks. You question yourself. I'm tougher on myself, but I know people wonder. That doesn't take away my thought process that we will win big again. A couple of years ago we started off winning five in a row, and we end up 9-7. There's different reasons for it, but the bottom line is to make sure it doesn't happen this season." Woody Paige: or wpaige@denverpost.com Advertisement

53 Being a coach in Bates' bloodline : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 3 7/23/2008 Being a coach in Bates' bloodline Son of former coordinator entrusted by Shanahan to help develop Cutler By Jeff Legwold Tuesday, July 22, 2008 As he looks back now, as Jeremy Bates peels away the pages of calendars gone by, it's clear to him the roots of his coaching career stretch deep into his childhood. Deep enough to reach him as a kindergartner in Lubbock, Texas, deep enough that he can only now shake his head, offer a quick chuckle and remember how it all began. Muzzled. And hopeful. But very muzzled. "It was real early, I guess," said Bates, 31, now in his first season as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach. "I was 5, I believe. I used to go to two-a-days with my dad at Texas Tech, and he only had one rule for me. "Only the one rule, and if I broke it, I just couldn't come any more, that would be it. I wasn't allowed to talk. I just had to hand him the ball when he needed it and not say a word. Just watch, listen and hand him the ball. Well, I didn't want to stay home and I didn't want to be anyplace else, so I just shut up, learned the game and did that one job." So here he is, a quarter of a century or so later, forged in the golden silence of a football family - Bates' father, Jim, is a longtime college and NFL assistant coach who left the Broncos earlier this year after one season as defensive coordinator rather than be reassigned on Mike Shanahan's staff - and he is now the one entrusted with the development of quarterback Jay Cutler. The one with the headset on game day, the one whose voice will be in Cutler's ear. The one who will carry messages from above to Cutler, the one who is buffer between this and that in the day-to-day vocational life of a fledgling NFL passer. The one, as Cutler faces a pivotal year on his developmental curve, Shanahan selected for the job. "And we're going to do a lot of stuff," Cutler said. "I'm excited. A lot of people may not know a lot about Jeremy, but he's dealt with the offensive line, been with the Jets, been with Tampa Bay. He's got a lot of knowledge. "He's just very innovative. Talking with Jeremy, I've already gotten a lot better with it, getting the ball to

54 Being a coach in Bates' bloodline : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 3 7/23/2008 the running backs, checking down with it. Take what (the defense) gives you, that's the way you win. I know he's going to give me all the freedom he can... he's just got a lot of good ideas." Ideas wrapped in a package that some in the NFL would say is too young for the job. But among those Bates has worked for in the NFL are Shanahan, Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden, all of whom were considered outside-the-box hires as they ascended their own coaching ladders quicker than most. All three were among the youngest to be hired as head coaches in the league's modern era. "And Jeremy's very sharp, ahead of the curve," Shanahan said. "I wouldn't have hired him to do the job if he wasn't ready for it. Age just doesn't figure in if you can do what you need to do. People said I was too young before, too. I don't pay much attention to how old or young somebody is." Said Gruden: "We all have our set of challenges. Jeremy has been around now. He's been a coach, he's coached a long time, he knows what it's about. And if the player knows that you can help him, that's the big thing for a coach. But if a player questions your ability to help him that's when the problems arise whether you're young, old or whatever." For his part, Bates calls his age "just a number." And as a former backup to University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning - Bates later transferred to Rice to play football and baseball - he believes everything has unfolded just the way he has wanted. He's a guy who believed enough in what the future might hold that he took a significant chance in 2000, resigning from the Titans because he wanted to be involved in more on-field coaching, then waited for more than a year for the Buccaneers to hire him in "With (Gruden), I was with the quarterbacks for three years and I enjoy that position - it's where I played," Bates said. "It's where the game starts as far as getting in the right play. "I think you coach and it's about knowledge. As long as you can feed them information so they can be successful on Sundays, they respect that more than anything... I think the players respect me, and I respect them." Bates also enters the season in the odd situation of having been promoted on the Broncos staff in a year an impending demotion prompted his father to leave the team. Jim Bates directed a struggling Broncos defense last season, and in the shake-up that followed a 7-9 finish, Shahanan was set to take away the coordinator's play-calling duties on defense and offered the elder Bates a move to linebackers coach instead. Jim Bates elected to resign and reached a financial settlement for the final year of his contract. "He just had his hip scoped and hopefully he'll coach next year - he's a football coach, that's what he needs to be doing," Jeremy Bates said. "But you've got to separate your personal feelings from business. This is a business. I grew up in the business. Every two years we were either moving because he got a new job from being hired or fired. It's all just the nature of the business. "If you win, things happen good for you; if you don't, a change has to be made. It happened and we're just moving on. Just life in the league, life in coaching, you know."

55 Being a coach in Bates' bloodline : rockymountainnews.com Page 3 of 3 7/23/2008 A coaching life that now includes a coveted quarterback, a team in search of more points, more wins, a place in the postseason and a little more pressure than he faced in seasons past. And he wouldn't have it any other way. "It's a great game, and all I can ever remember is that I either wanted to play or coach in it," Bates said. "I have a chance to work with a great quarterback on a great staff in a game I love. "You work hard for six days and on the seventh day you get the results for everybody to see. That's how we're all judged. We all know it so really nothing has to be said." Rocky Mountain News

56 Broncos to rely on coordinated effort : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 4 7/21/2008 Broncos to rely on coordinated effort Slowik hopes not to fumble his shot in a position that is rife with turnovers By Lee Rasizer Monday, July 21, 2008 The third time's supposed to be the charm. But here's Bob Slowik, on chance No. 4 as a defensive coordinator with the Broncos, via Chicago, Cleveland and Green Bay. What the heck do you call that? Good fortune, for starters. Perseverance. Hard work. "It just points out to me that you know he's good," said Dave McGinnis, now the Tennessee Titans assistant head coach and a member of the Bears' coaching staff with Slowik in the mid-1990s. "A lot of times you have to see through things that happen, such as, 'What were the injuries?' and get the overall picture." When the Broncos report to training camp Thursday, Slowik will face the challenge of strengthening a defense that allowed 25.6 points a game last season, 28th in the NFL. "I certainly don't lack confidence in what I do," said Slowik, the Broncos' third defensive chief in three years. "I've been in enough places and coordinated enough, for almost half my career." Slowik, 54, was named the Broncos defensive coordinator in January 2007 after Larry Coyer's exit, but the top responsibilities fell to Jim Bates, with Slowik concentrating on the defensive backfield, much to the chagrin of many players who felt he deserved the promotion. It wasn't until Bates left seven months ago that Slowik got another opportunity for the role he has longed for since heading the Packers defense for one maddening season in Before that, Slowik's Bears teams ( ) finished fourth, 13th, 19th, 12th, 12th and 14th in total defense. But the group also finished in the top five in rush defense three times in his final five seasons before he followed head coach Dave Wann- stedt out the door in "Given where we were and the talent we had, I thought he did a very good job," said Rod Graves, vice

57 Broncos to rely on coordinated effort : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 4 7/21/2008 president of football operations for the Arizona Cardinals and formerly a member of the Bears' front office during Slowik's six years in Chicago. "He utilized people very well and got the most out of them.... I think Bobby is recognized by most people in the league as being an outstanding defensive coach." A mishmash of talent greeted Slowik during his one year heading the defense for the expansion Browns in The results were predictable: last-place league rankings in total yards, rushing yards and interceptions. He spent several years working with defensive backs in Green Bay before becoming the coordinator. But playing three rookies at cornerback in '04, the Packers yielded a stunning 33 touchdown passes and forced a franchise-low 15 takeaways. But more than time has passed since then. "There's a lot to learn, and you keep learning and try to get better at what you do," Slowik said. "And I think I've grown since those jobs." Computer whiz That growth isn't limited to football concepts. Slowik also has tweaked his methodology. He began to implement computer technology into his teaching during his brief stay in Cleveland. Mainly self-taught, he refined his skills with the Packers. The past several years with the Broncos, Slowik has wowed his defensive backs with computer animation to add life to X's and O's. "He believes if you see it, it registers a lot more with people," Broncos safety John Lynch said. "So he creates motions of the teams we play. It's like you're watching Madden football. It really helps. He goes to all lengths to be extremely detailed." The thought behind the technology is that game tape, text and PowerPoint presentations don't have the same impact as making characters move, through computer modeling, like they would in a normal play. "Right when he puts it up there, he knows exactly what he wants to do. And he never gets flustered about it," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "It's kind of weird, because none of the coaches do it. And other guys in the room will be like, 'Hey, why don't we have that?' It's just funny to see the guys' reaction when coach 'Slo' puts stuff up there." Slowik's technological malleability is an offshoot of his overall personality. He's detail-oriented, but things aren't always black and white. "He's got a brilliant mind. He really does," said Coyer, who worked alongside Slowik in Denver for two years. "He's got great ideas. He's inventive." Slowik appears to have forged tight bonds with Broncos defensive backs, the position he coached in , his first two seasons in Denver. Still, he has been known to be tough with players when needed while patting them on the back when warranted. "The one thing I like about 'Slo' is that he takes input from his players, his veteran guys," cornerback

58 Broncos to rely on coordinated effort : rockymountainnews.com Page 3 of 4 7/21/2008 Dre Bly said. And when things don't work out, "He sticks behind his players," Bailey said. Challenges await The rebuilding job Slowik faces with the Broncos defense doesn't compare with the task he once had as a coordinator for an expansion franchise, but it will present its own challenges. The Broncos finished 19th in yards allowed last season, 30th vs. the run. They also were in the bottom half in yards allowed per play (22nd), net passing yards per play (29th), interceptions per pass attempt (18th), first downs (22nd) and third-down efficiency (27th). In the midst of compiling those numbers, Bates' seven- man front was scrapped after five games. Slowik took on more responsibility, implementing an eight-man alignment designed to shore up the run defense. "Contrary to what was said, my role was virtually the same role throughout the season," Slowik insisted. "Did I know maybe the scheme we evolved to a little bit more so than Jim did? Yeah, because I've been around it. That didn't change my role in any way, shape or form other than having a greater familiarity with what we're doing. There was no play-calling, no installing, no anything of that nature." That all changed in January with the announcement Bates had declined a demotion to linebackers coach and Slowik would be given full oversight. "We've got a philosophy on defense that I'd like to get back to a little bit," coach Mike Shanahan said in announcing Slowik's promotion. "Bob knows that philosophy and we've had some success with it. That's why I think he'll do a great job." Slowik's top task is keeping the eight-man front to stop the run and pare points off the 409 allowed last season, a total that was fourth worst in team history. " 'Slo' knows how important it is to get the run stopped and get it stopped in a way that you can still protect yourself versus the pass," McGinnis said. "I was really impressed with how bright he was with how everything tied together between the front and back end during our time together." The Broncos relied heavily on the blitz under Coyer but dialed it back under Bates. "Bobby will be aggressive," Graves predicted. "He's about attacking and trying to make things happen." Slowik promises only a "good mix," while adding, "I don't think you can have blitzmania." Implementing his vision Some of the free-agent pickups the Broncos added this offseason, including linebackers Niko Koutouvides and Boss Bailey, safety Marlon McCree and defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, should provide options. "One of Bob's great talents is, he believes in certain principles of football but also believes in and utilizes his players well," Lynch said. "So it's not a set scheme. It's, 'Here's my collection of players and what they do best. Let's create a scheme.' I think that's what you'll see with Bob."

59 Broncos to rely on coordinated effort : rockymountainnews.com Page 4 of 4 7/21/2008 It's a delicate balance, though, in implementing that vision. Some Broncos admitted to being confused about their roles last season. But in the offseason, Slowik got rave reviews from several veterans regarding the implementation of his vision. "I know we'll be prepared and do what we're supposed to, because he's not only an X's and O's guy but a great teacher," Bly said. "And he's a guy the players want to perform for. We want people to talk about what 'Slo' has been able to come in and do this year." Rocky Mountain News

60 Abdullah so special he sits out - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 7/29/2008 sports Abdullah so special he sits out By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/29/ :55:30 AM MDT Broncos safety Hamza Abdullah is plenty tough enough to take some ribbing from his teammates. They gave him the business after he was allowed to skip out on special- teams practice Monday. (John Leyba, The Denver Post) Hamza Abdullah just had his moment. It's that moment when a player knows he has arrived not only as an NFL starter but as a player the team absolutely cannot afford to lose. Abdullah's moment? It came Saturday afternoon during special-teams practice. Abdullah was out there, as always, when about two minutes in, he was dismissed by special-teams coach Scott O'Brien. Abdullah's services would no longer be needed on the ever-perilous kickoff-coverage or kickoff-return units. This was a good thing. Abdullah can't be covering kickoffs when he's the Broncos' only every- down safety. "I don't know about 'arrived,' but it does put me closer to the goals I've set for myself," he said. "I've never not played special teams. I played Denver Broncos View slide show of Broncos training camp Watch video of Broncos safety Hamza Abdullah at training camp Watch video of John Elway talking about this year's Bronco team Watch video of Rod Smith's tearful farewell Watch video of Elway paying homage to Smith Get live Broncos trainingcamp updates on your cellphone at Twitter Read Lindsay Jones' entries on the All Things Broncos blog Ask Mike Klis about the team or NFL in the Broncos Mailbag Post photos of you and your loved ones showing Broncos spirit Scan the 2008 Broncos schedule Advertisement

61 Abdullah so special he sits out - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 7/29/2008 special teams in Pop Warner." You should have seen Domonique Foxworth's look when he realized Abdullah was dismissed from special-teams practice. Foxworth was leading the first wave of players through a high-step warm-up drill when he heard O'Brien tell Abdullah to hit the showers and go home for the day. Foxworth stopped dead in his tracks and looked back at his departing teammate. "I see how it is," Foxworth yelled as a joyous Abdullah trotted off the field. "You're one of them! " The ribbing has been merciless since. The one mistake anyone can make is to say Abdullah has "graduated" from special teams or has been promoted. "He wasn't pro moted, he was de moted," O'Brien said. "It's a privilege to play on special teams." Abdullah is the first to agree. Through his speed and relentless energy, he made his mark on special teams. It was his coverage on kicks that kept him around the NFL before he finally got his chance to play safety midway through his third season last year. Special teams had become so ingrained in Abdullah's fiber, an order to skip the "privileged" workout Saturday never registered. "Coach said, 'I told you, you didn't have to come out here,' " Abdullah said. "But I've never had to miss a practice, ever. I might be a safety in the league, but no matter where I'm at, I'm going to have to play special teams. It's just one of our duties. I was surprised. That was a huge bone they threw me. I was able to go home and see my little girl. She's usually asleep when I leave in the morning and asleep when I get home, so that was a good time." John Lynch remembers when he no longer had to play special teams. He had been a full-time starting safety for three seasons and had played six overall before he got relieved from "special" duty. Times were a little different then. It was different as early as last year's camp for Lynch and Abdullah. Then, Lynch was the every-down safety and Abdullah was fighting to share playing time with Nick Ferguson at strong safety. This year, Lynch is splitting time with Marlon McCree at one safety position, while Abdullah is the other safety who stays on the field for both running and passing situations but not for the bulk of the special- teams' play. "The guys were certainly giving him a hard time," Lynch said. "But I'm really excited for Hamza. Mike (Shanahan) talks all the time that you have an opportunity to be a special player when you match talent with want-to and desire, work ethic and professionalism. And Hamza's got all those things. The game is extremely important to him." It was the veteran Lynch who helped bring along the young Abdullah to where he is today. Where he is, is not on any kickoff special teams. Abdullah will remain on the punt-coverage team, where the action is more controlled than on kickoffs. But no longer does Abdullah have to stick around for the majority of the special-teams' practices. No offense to O'Brien, but allowing Abdullah to spend more time with his daughter, now that's a privilege. Mike Klis: or mklis@denverpost. com Advertisement

62 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 1 of 2 6/21/2008 Printed from Friday, June 20, 2008 Quick Six By Jake Grilley DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- He is listed as Anthony Alridge on the Denver Broncos roster but friends and family often call the rookie running back out of the University of Houston by a much more fitting nickname, Quick. Quick is short for Quick-Six, a name given to Alridge by his college teammates for his ability to separate from defenders and speed through the open field. At 5-feet-9-inches, 185 pounds, Alridge knows the Broncos didn t add him to the team for his ability to pound the tacklers on third-and-1 but rather to compliment the other backs on Denver's roster and as his nickname implies, provide big play potential. "I think I m more of a speed back," Alridge said. "I think I can hit the edges. Counter plays, catching the ball out of the backfield. I think that is my part on this team. I am just going to try and do my part." Alridge proved his speed at the NFL combine this spring, placing third among running backs and fourth overall with a yard dash. Alridge used his speed to make plays during his tenure with the Cougars. Originally recruited to play wide receiver, Alridge finished his career at the University of Houston as one of the school's most accomplished rushers. He ranked sixth in school history with 2,595 rushing yards on 363 carries for a 7.1-yard rushing average. As a senior he posted the second highest single season rushing performance in school history (1,597 yds., 6.2 avg., 14 TDs) along with 42 receptions (428 yds., 5 TDs). During his junior year Alridge averaged a first down with each carry, his 10.1 yard average was the highest in the NCAA since Alridge s 4,438 career all-purpose yards ranks him fourth in Cougars history. Even with his impressive college resume' Alridge knows that as a rookie in the NFL there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from. "Really nothing has surprised me," Alridge said. "I knew everybody was going to be fast on the defense. I knew everyone was going to float to the ball. I m just trying to soak it all in because of all the plays and the long terminology. The blocking schemes are a whole lot different than college. It is a little challenging but it is fun all at the same time." The veteran running backs have helped Alridge's pro transition by showing him the ropes. "They are teaching me everything I know," Alridge said. "Selvin Young has taken me under his wing, been a big brother type. Michael Pittman is doing the same thing. I am just learning as much as I can and trying to soak it all in." Alridge said that with all the unfamiliarity that comes with joining a professional football team, new city, new teammates, new coaches it is nice to see a familiar face. Broncos defensive lineman Jarvis Moss and Alridge are both from the same hometown of Denton, Texas. Anthony Alridge is a change of pace back looking to contribute this season. PHOTO: Adam Zinser / DenverBroncos.com BRONCOS TV Broncos TV talks with players at the Jay Cutler Golf Classic. 6/18: NFL Network: Broncos Fantasy Preview 6/17: Hall Anxious to Compete 6/16: NFL Network: Darrent Williams Lives On 6/13: Broncos Building Chemistry

63 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 2 of 2 6/21/2008 "I am always with him so it isn t anything new; it s fun," Alridge said. While the running backs and Moss have helped Alridge adjust to his life as an NFL player, one Bronco, Samie Parker wanted Alridge to see if he could live up to his "Quick-Six" nickname. "Word on the street was he was the fastest on the team," Parker said. "We had to figure that out, because I knew I was the fastest." Parker and Alridge held a footrace on the last day of team camp, and although Parker won, Alridge lived up to his name and still disputes the results. "Who s the fastest on the team? It s me," Alridge said. "The rookie free agent. Anthony Alridge. Houston, Texas." And even though Parker might hold the title as fastest Bronco for now he will have no problem calling Alridge "Quick". "I mean the guy is fast," Paker said. "As fast as advertised." RECENT LINKS: Meeting Competition Head On Cutler Hosts Golf Tournament Broncos Giving Back A Numbers Game Camping Out at Dove Valley: 2008

64 Older brother should bring out best in Boss - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 7/21/2008 sports Older brother should bring out best in Boss By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/20/ :50:36 AM MDT ORANGE PARK, Fla. If father knows best, the Broncos will be pleased. Roland Bailey Sr. thinks it's best for all concerned that Boss Bailey will be playing alongside his older brother Champ, formally if not formerly known as Roland Bailey Jr., on the Broncos' defense. "I think Boss will play better, play harder," Roland Sr. said about his youngest son. "He won't want to let Champ down." Boss Bailey agrees with his father about the positive influence he will draw by often lining up just a few feet away from his older brother on the left side of the Broncos' defense. Champ plays left cornerback, and Boss, as a strongside linebacker, will often line up off the tight end on the left side. Left on his own, Boss Bailey wasn't bad. He was a four-year starter with the Detroit Lions, playing at a high enough level to draw a five-year, $17.5 million contract from the Broncos on the free-agent market. The Broncos didn't sign Boss to appease Champ, although there is wisdom in a team taking care of its best player. Boss is primarily with the team because the Broncos play in a division the AFC West that features two of the game's premier tight ends in San Diego's Antonio Gates and Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez. "Boss is good in pass coverage," Roland Sr. said. "Looked like that's where they were lacking last year. They were always getting beat by the tight end. Boss has good foot speed." In Champ's younger days, when he was at the University of Georgia and early in his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, he often would deflect praise by telling people his younger brother was a better athlete, would become a better player. For a couple of reasons, it didn't turn out that way. First, Champ was selling himself short. Boss may not be a better player than Champ, but who is? Second, whatever chance Boss had of surpassing his brother, his knees wouldn't let him. He blew out his knee in his senior year in high school, sophomore year in college and second year in the NFL. "Absolutely, I think having Champ as a teammate will elevate my game a lot," Boss said, "because he tries to be great in everything he does. And as the people down there might have told you, we're kind of joined at the hip. So, I plan on raising my game by being around him." Advertisement

65 Older brother should bring out best in Boss - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 7/21/2008 Post Poll - NFL brother combos Which is the best NFL brother combo? CB Champ Bailey, Broncos, and LB Boss Bailey, Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe, TE, Broncos, and WR Sterling Sharpe, Packers QB Peyton Manning, Colts, and QB Eli Manning, Giants RB Tiki Barber, Giants, and CB Ronde Barber, Buccaneers WR Santana Moss, "That's the thing, when I talk about Boss and give him all that praise, it's because he's been through more than I have," Champ said. "He's been through a lot, but he's always bouncing back. I give him a lot of credit for that. A lot of guys, they'll falter, they can't come back. As long as healthy, he's one of the best out there." Advertisement

66 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 1 of 6 7/21/2008 broncos - the bailey brothers Georgia on their minds By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/20/ :18:53 AM MDT were five boys, all shirtless, not an ounce of fat anywhere. There were smiles during horseplay, although there were hints the game was but a few minutes shy of serious. Girls were approaching from both sides of the road, oblivious to the boys, intent on conversation. The nearby yards were covered with green grass, toys and bikes, randomly scattered outside tiny houses set on cement blocks, a foundation necessity in the southern Georgia swampland. "This area here is where the boys grew up," said Elaine Bailey, who was serving as a tour guide from the passenger seat in the white rental car with the convertible black top. "This is pretty much where they hung out." The new kids on the block seemed to know how good they had it. It wasn't that long ago, back in the day of Champ and Boss Bailey, this street was dirt, not blacktopped. laine Bailey with footballs that her three sons, on, hamp, and Boss Bailey earned while playing at the niversity of eorgia. (Jake oth pecial to the Post) FOLKSTON, Ga. There wasn't much room for it, and there were the usual signs of neglect. No net. A rusted backboard. Bent rim. Nevertheless, the transportable basketball hoop had become a magnet for neighborhood activities. It was around suppertime, between downpours on a midsummer day, and the air was sweating. Moving within a 10-foot radius of the ironed circle "Any way to get dirty, that's pretty much what we did," Champ Bailey said. "That pretty much was all there was to do." If there is a lesson Folkston kids received from the Bailey brothers, who grew up to become wellcompensated defensive starters for the Broncos, it's that a child doesn't need much to have plenty. Colorado's kids should come here and see the narrow, sandy quagmire that passes for the varsity track at Charlton County High School. "Hey, we won a state championship (practicing) on that track," Champ said. "What I tell people about Folkston is, if you blink you'll miss it," Boss Bailey said. "And that while Folkston is a small town, a real small town, it's Advertisement

67 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 2 of 6 7/21/2008 foremost a football town." Approximately 2,200 people have settled here near the Okefenokee Swamp, yet like the whatever. She picked Quick Chic, where the golden shine on the fried chicken means more to the Bailey brothers than all those football artifacts in Mom's Georgia Bulldog-red room. "Man, I'm Post Poll - NFL brother combos Which is the best NFL brother combo? CB Champ Bailey, Broncos, and LB Boss Bailey, Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe, TE, Broncos, and WR Sterling Sharpe, Packers QB Peyton Manning, Colts, and QB Eli Manning, Giants RB Tiki Barber, Giants, and CB Ronde Barber, Buccaneers WR Santana Moss, miracle of the loaves and fish near Bethsaida, the powerhouse football program built by Rich McWhorter will draw 3,000 to 4,000 for a Friday night game. Home cooking Folkston is a town of 23 churches and Lord help its visitors no bars. Main Street could also be called Only Street for all the storefronts or eating establishments located elsewhere. A $10 bill goes a long way. Elaine Bailey was told she could pick any restaurant, her guest would treat. Steak, lobster, hamp Bailey at eorgia. (Jack oth pecial to The Denver Post) telling you, every time we come home, we go to that place," Champ said. "You can't get better chicken anywhere else." Folkston could not stop the inevitability of McDonald's, Burger King and Sonic settling on its small strip of U.S. 1, which in turn required a third Advertisement

68 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 3 of 6 7/21/2008 stoplight to handle it all. But this is still a place that can be toured in 45 minutes, if only the tourists could be pulled away from train-watching at the Folkston Funnel. "I don't know if we're so much growing as we're reshaping a little bit," said McWhorter, who 20 years ago transplanted here from central Illinois. "But still, the joke around here is if you want a hamburger or you want a pizza, you have to go to a gas station to get it. The best pizza in town is at a years. This season, he will be joined by his younger but much bigger brother Boss, a strongside linebacker who received the Broncos' largest offseason contract at $17.5 million over five years. The Baileys will become the Broncos' first brother combination to start on the same side of the ball since Doug and Dave Widell shared the offensive line for eight games from Champ has already been to eight Pro Bowls and has been widely considered the league's most complete defensive back the past three seasons. Nothing has moved him, though, more than the anticipation of playing on the same team with his younger brother and best friend. Boss Bailey (Jake oth Denver Post ) pecial to The "It's a significant part of my career," Champ said. "It's something I didn't think would ever happen until Boss was going into his contract year. I asked Coach (Mike) Shanahan about it and he said, 'Well, let's wait until next year.' He couldn't talk to him. We talked about it in the offseason, and I'm just glad we could get it done because it means a lot to me that he's on my team." Parental influence Roland and Elaine Bailey may have split up 15 years ago, but they are forever united through their children. Schedule-toting Elaine likes her day to go a certain way. Easy-going Roland will take it any old way. Elaine pauses to consider before she speaks. Roland accompanies conversation with an easy laugh. gas station." From these humble roots sprouted a uniquely talented football family. Champ Bailey, the all-world cornerback, has been with the Broncos going on five Elaine paid attention to how her guest took Diet Coke with his chicken one night so when she ordered pizza the next, a two-liter bottle was ready to pour. Later that night, Roland Sr. and his wife, Lawanda, decided rather than give directions from their Orange Park, Fla., home, they would make a Advertisement

69 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 4 of 6 7/21/ minute drive to escort their guest to his hotel parking lot. They just don't make people like that. "You lose your parents being together when there's a divorce, but you don't really lose anybody," Champ said. "I think the hardest part was trying to get comfortable with where we were living. But other than them not being together, everything went fine because we had so much support from the rest of our family." Elaine never played sports and, far as she knows, there wasn't much athletic prowess on her side of the family. Then again, Champ has such a strong physical resemblance to Elaine's father, John Atwater, there's reason to suspect there was considerable untapped athleticism in her lineage. Roland Sr. is a large man who played running back and linebacker a cross between Champ and Boss and was a sprinter at Charlton County High, where he graduated in But he's the first to admit he wasn't near the athlete his boys became. Think of those world-class athletes who had kids and as it turned out, it was Roland Sr. and Elaine Bailey who produced the freakish football talents of Ron, Champ and Boss. "Yeah, I think about that," Roland said. "I think about that all the time. And our daughter (Danielle) controls all of them." Said Elaine: "When I think back to when they were in high school, I could only see my children going to college, getting a degree and just become a businessman, a businesswoman in the working world. But I never told any of my sons that you all are going to the NFL. I just looked at college being the stopping point. But then the next thing I know, there was all this talk about, 'the next level, the next level.' It started with Ron." One that got away The Baileys' story has its parallels to the Mannings'. Besides the famous Manning quarterbacks, Peyton and Eli, older brother Cooper also was a terrific football player whose career was cut short in college by a neck injury. Broncos fans will follow every move of Champ and Boss, but older brother Ron was a two-year starting cornerback at Georgia before his career ended with a foot injury while representing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL Europe. Here in Folkston, it's not just Champ and Boss. The people don't talk about the Baileys' football prowess without also mentioning Ron. "They were all good kids," said Larry Allen, who coached all three Bailey boys when they were 11 and 12 years old and now owns a hardware store located where else? on Main Street. "They were all good students. And they were all super athletes. For a small town like Folkston, you don't run across that type of family. Ron and Boss had to work for everything they got. And Champ, God blessed him in ways he doesn't bless many people. In his two seasons, I think he scored like 92 touchdowns." Bringing it back Champ and Boss don't get back as much as they'd like, but they never miss Easter. This year, the three Bailey brothers and a cousin hosted a three-day party. Good Friday was for friends and relatives who gathered at the two-story brick home Champ bought for his mother. Saturday night was a semi-formal, sit-down dinner at a large tent set up just outside town. It was open to all of Folkston and the Advertisement

70 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 5 of 6 7/21/2008 surrounding area. More than 300 showed up for the free food, free drink and free live music. Easter Sunday, word got around. Close to a thousand showed up for the all-day party. "I was out there for their Easter party," said Henry Minchey, who was happy to learn he lives in the same upstairs, three-bedroom apartment the four Bailey children once shared with their mother during Champ's high school years. "Seemed like the same old Champ and Boss to me." The Bailey boys say they probably won't ever move back to Folkston, but Mom isn't going anywhere, so they'll always go back. "It was a great town to grow up in," Boss said. "Everybody knew each other and took care of each other. I wouldn't want to move back there, but it will always be home." Mike Klis: or mklis@denverpost. com About Champ Born Roland Bailey Jr. in Fort Campbell, Ky. An energetic child, Mom nicknamed him "Champ" when he was about 2. Perhaps the best student among the Baileys, he was placed in the Charlton County gifted program from the time he was in fifth grade. While Ron and Boss redshirted and spent five years at Georgia, Champ was there for only three years, starting as a true freshman and entering the NFL draft after his junior year. A few classes shy of earning his psychology degree. About Boss Born Rodney Bailey in Hopkinsville, Ky. Nicknamed "Boss" because it was nickname of grandfather's favorite uncle. The third of three Bailey quarterbacks at Charlton County High School. He was a sophomore who replaced Champ at QB midseason. Champ moved to running back. Boss was also the team's punter. A few classes short of getting his sociology degree. He and wife, Amber, have three children. His son Khalil, who was born with a heart condition that has required two surgeries, recently hit a home run in a state championship Little League tournament. Meet the rest of the Bailey family It took a family to help Champ and Boss Bailey get to the NFL and the Broncos' defense. A closer look at the Baileys from Folkston, Ga.: Parents Roland Sr. and Elaine Bailey. Both grew up in Folkston and became high school sweethearts. Dad spent nine years in the Army, where he was stationed in California, South Korea, Kentucky and Germany before tiring of moving his family around and deciding to return to Folkston. He spent 13 years working the graveyard shift as a mail handler, making the 45-minute commute each day to a Jacksonville, Fla., post office. Elaine Bailey worked several years as a funeral home attendant and for a local seafood establishment. They have four children Ronald, 33; Danielle, 32; Roland Jr. Advertisement

71 Georgia on their minds - The Denver Post Page 6 of 6 7/21/2008 (Champ), 30; and Rodney (Boss), 28. Ronald Born in Waycross, Ga., near Folkston. Graduated from Georgia with a degree in consumer economics. Currently a graphic artist living with his family in Atlanta. A quarterback, defensive back and kicker in high school, Ron was the first of the Baileys to become a Bulldog defensive player. "I'm a big believer in leading by example, and Ron is who I learned that from," Champ said. "You have a lot of people who talk it. There were a lot of vocal people in high school who were better athletes than Ron but they didn't make it past high school. He was a perfect example of what you should or should not do. He made it to the next level. He has a great job now. He was definitely a positive influence other than my parents." Danielle Born in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in sociology. She and her family live in Stockbridge, Ga. She organized the Bailey Brothers Football Camp, held July in Duluth, Ga. Advertisement

72 Broncos' Bailey in secondary school : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 6/12/2008 Broncos' Bailey in secondary school Cornerback studies lapse last season, plans to improve By Jeff Legwold Wednesday, June 11, 2008 The numbers are a waterfall, a raging, swirling cascade of temple-rubbing badness. Yes, in 2007, the Broncos ranked 30th in the league in rushing defense, 31st defending scoring plays inside their 20-yard line and 28th in points allowed. It's a total that added up to a 7-9 finish, a playoff miss and a smattering of NFL scouts who said the team struggled so much on defense that even cornerback Champ Bailey wasn't the same. "Well, one thing about being on a bad defense, everybody looks bad," Bailey said Tuesday. "No matter how great you are, if we don't cover in the secondary, the front four is not going to get sacks, and if they don't get sacks - get pressure - we're not going to get any picks. "It all goes hand in hand. And we didn't get our hands on enough of any of it." The result: Assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates decided to leave the team instead of being reassigned to coaching linebackers after previously calling the defensive signals, and the Broncos have spent the offseason installing Bob Slowik's defense. And for Bailey, who always is sifting through the details as he studies opponents and himself, that has meant also trying to sort out how it all went so wrong. "I think we were just confused," Bailey said. "We were just so inconsistent. At times, we'd see good stuff, do some good things and all of a sudden, we'd look like the worst team in the NFL. You know you can't win games like that. "We were so successful before last year. We're kind of going back to that.... Things are not as complicated, we know what our responsibilities are and it's really helped us. We can concentrate on execution instead of just thinking about where we're supposed to be." Bailey will cross the double-figure mark on his career timeline as he enters his 10th season in the league. He has been selected to eight consecutive Pro Bowls - with one more, he will tie Hall of Famer Mike Haynes for most by a cornerback in league history - and his 24 interceptions during the past four seasons lead all players. "I just always looked up to him and make my game the way his is," Broncos rookie cornerback Jack Williams said. "He studies and he has talent like that. You try to do a lot of the little things he does, but a lot of the stuff is instinct. You can try to see what he sees, but you really can't duplicate what he does."

73 Broncos' Bailey in secondary school : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 6/12/2008 While Bailey always casts a discerning eye on the defense, he saves his harshest critiques for his own play. And this offseason has meant looking at why he went from eight interceptions in 2005 to 10 in 2006 to three last season. His 10 interceptions in 2006 tied for the league lead despite the fact he said he had only 35 passes directed at him. "So, yeah, I know people pick and choose when to challenge me, but that was true in (2006) and I still had 10 picks, and it was true (in 2005)," Bailey said. "So I try to figure out what the problems were. I can't say I have full responsibility for what happened, but at the same time, I don't like to point fingers at anybody and I need to do what I can to make it better. "And I know I can do better. I mean, I had three picks; I have to make a lot more plays than that." Bailey said he likes the vibe after the change in the defensive scheme and that, for the first time since he was at the University of Georgia, he is a teammate with one of his brothers. Boss Bailey, a linebacker and Champ's younger brother, signed with the Broncos during the offseason and is working as the team's starting strong-side linebacker. "It's special to see him every day, to do things together again, all the time, like we've been doing our whole lives until we got to the NFL," Champ Bailey said. "I just feel like it can all be better this year. Last year, we had so much talent - potential - it was definitely frustrating. Nothing we did seemed to pan out for us as far as winning games. "Hopefully, we change that." ETC.: Former Louisiana State punter Patrick Fisher was on the field Wednesday. Fisher hasn't been signed by the Broncos but is in for a two-day tryout. He will practice today as well.... Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson didn't practice and isn't expected to practice today. Robertson has had knee troubles in the past.... Defensive tackle Nic Clemons left a pass-rushing drill after tweaking his right knee. Rocky Mountain News

74 TimesCall.com - Plays to make Page 1 of 2 7/28/2008 Print page Close window Longmont, Colorado Monday, July 28, 2008 Publish Date: 7/27/2008 Plays to make By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call ENGLEWOOD By National Football League standards, Dré Bly no longer is a young man. By his standards, he s still an elite player. I plan on just coming in, contributing and just make plays, Bly said. That s what I ve done every year. The 31-year-old Denver Broncos cornerback is entering his 10th season in the NFL, and he couldn t be more excited to get started. The last couple days right before camp, I was starting to get that itch, he said. Coming into my 10th year, you want to enjoy the offseason as much as you can, but I was starting to get that itch that I normally get. To get back out here with the guys, it feels good. I m going to have that itch for a while. It s year 10, but I love the game. A year ago, the Broncos acquired Bly in a trade with the Detroit Lions. A twotime Pro Bowl player, Bly started on the opposite side of the field from All-Pro corner Champ Bailey. Together, they form one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL. During the 2007 season, Bly had some good moments, including his five interceptions. He also had some forgettable ones, such as the game-winning touchdown he gave up in overtime against the Green Bay Packers. He s hoping for more of the good moments this season. I plan on having a better year, he said. I had five picks last year and got beat a couple times, as one of the fans reminded me (Friday), Dré, you remember Green Bay? Bly remembers. For the most part, however, he has fond memories of the 2007 season. The Broncos failed to reach the playoffs, and the defense struggled at times, but Bly is happy in Denver. He spent his first four season with the St. Louis Rams and then spent four years with the Lions. I m glad to be here again this year, he said. Last year, I was blessed to be here and excited to be here. I told coach (Mike) Shanahan the other day, even though we struggled last year, it was uplifting for me to be here and be a part of Cornerback Dré Bly had an up-anddown first season with the Broncos last fall. Bly had a team-leading five interceptions, but was also victimized on several big plays, none bigger and more forgettable than Greg Jennings game-winning 82-yard touchdown reception on the first play of overtime last Oct. 29. Lewis Geyer/Times-Call file Age: 31 Bly at a glance Hometown: Chesapeake, Va. NFL teams: St. Louis ( ), Detroit ( ) and Denver (2007- present) In the lineup: Bly has started 86 of the last 87 games in which he's played, including all 16 last year for the Broncos. The picks: Bly has 38 career interceptions. Only two other active players in the NFL Minnesota's Darren Sharper (51) and Denver teammate Champ Bailey (42) have more. In the end zone: In his NFL career, Bly has scored eight touchdowns five on interception returns, two on fumble returns and one on a punt return.

75 TimesCall.com - Plays to make Page 2 of 2 7/28/2008 an organization like this. Brian Howell Although he and his teammates on the Broncos defense are adjusting to a new defensive scheme this year under coordinator Bob Slowik, Bly believes his second year in Denver can be better than his first. It doesn t take me long to catch on or adapt to a new system or a new team, he said. But, for my teammates, them having a feel for me, knowing what to expect out of me; the coaches knowing what they get out of Dré Bly, it ll only be beneficial to me. Experience in general figures to be an asset for Bly at this stage of his career. As you become older, you know how to recover better and how to take care of your body better, he said. When I was a young guy, I was looking for beds in between practices so I could get down and go to sleep. Going against one of the NFL s best young receivers in practice will help, too. Saturday, Bly and receiver Brandon Marshall wowed the crowd with their battle during drills. Marshall got the best of Bly a couple times, including a nice catch in the end zone in which he reached over the 5-foot-10 cornerback to snag the ball. That s a big boy, Bly said. I think they ve got him listed at 6-2, but I promise you he plays like he s about 6-8. He s a man. He has the ability to be one of the best, if not the best, in this league. We re both going to work each other, and we re both going to get better. Bly hopes he s just one piece of the defense that improves over last year. As a whole, the Denver defense had a rough The pass defense ranked seventh in the league, but the run defense was 30th. Hopefully we can get everything together, and we can just go from here, Bly said. We have big plans this year on doing great things. Naturally, Bly has big plans on a personal level, too. He was a three-time All-American at the University of North Carolina, and he s been a Pro Bowl player in the NFL. I don t have nothing to prove, he said. Just be consistent, just keep doing what I ve done, make plays and help this team win. Every year, I ve been one of the top in making plays, and that s what I plan on doing this year. Brian Howell can be reached at bhowell@times-call.com.

76 Broncos bolster left side - The Denver Post Page 1 of 4 4/27/2008 nfl draft Broncos bolster left side Denver drafts Clady By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 04/27/ :33:17 AM MDT grandparents, dad. Even 93-year-old greatgrandmother Elmia was at Clady's draft party Saturday afternoon at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton, sharing in the joy that erupted the second NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Broncos had selected Clady with the No. 12 pick. Everybody was there but Mom. "I would give billions of dollars to have her here right now," said Ross Clady, Ryan's dad. Sharon Ross was 53 when she died suddenly of a heart attack in Ross and Sharon had been married 20 years, but nevermind his heartache. Ryan was 13, the oldest of four children. Boise State left tackle Ryan Clady, left, in action against Southern Mississippi last season, was selected by the Broncos on Saturday with the 12th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. (John C. Kelly, Boise State University ) Ryan Clady was able to share his special moment with about 150 of his favorite loved ones. His younger brother and two younger sisters were there. Aunts, uncles, cousins, both sets of "You lose your mom at such a young age, it's probably the most horrible thing that could happen," Ross said from the LAX hotel that's about a 50-minute drive from where he raised his family in Rialto, Calif. "It was very devastating. But we hung together. He just kind of dove into football. I think that became his sanctuary." Ryan Clady was not playing football when Mom died. He had tried to play in the Pop Warner Leagues, but those darn weight restrictions had become a burden no child should ever endure. "Every week I had to cut weight," Clady said. "I finally had enough of that." So at 10, Ryan quit playing football. He liked the game. There just wasn't a place for such a big kid Advertisement

77 Broncos bolster left side - The Denver Post Page 2 of 4 4/27/2008 to play. The plan was always to start playing again once Ryan got to Eisenhower High School NFL Draft decided it was best if his daughters lived with their grandma and aunt closer to Los Angeles. The boys, Ryan and Chris, stayed with him outside the city. Follow the Broncos' draft board Watch video of Mike Shanahan discussing choice of Ryan Clady Analyze profile of Ryan Clady Analyze profile of Eddie Royal View slide show of NFL draft Find player profiles, position reports, draft dirt, team needs and much more Find daily buzz, best prospects by position, team-by-team needs and prospect reports Make your draft-day predictions official on the All Things Broncos blog Compare notes with a mock draft from Forecaster Compare notes with a mock draft from Sports Network Follow pick-by-pick announcements and scouting reports for all players drafted Find Mike Klis' list of 10 players the Broncos would love to have among their draft picks Find Klis' breakdown of the top of the crop, overrated, sleepers, Broncos' needs, teams with needs and area prospects "My big brother took care of me," Chris said. "I just tried to follow in his footsteps." Ryan admits it took him a while to become a positive influence. "When Broncos coach Mike Shanahan announces the first-round selection of Ryan Clady on Saturday at team headquarters in Dove Valley. (Steve Nehf The Denver Post) Mom died, it was such a shock," he said. "I was kind of quiet and reserved before she died, and then I was even quieter after that. I hardly spoke to anybody. It took me, I would say, at least two years to get over it. I was sad, I guess, is how you would put it." There was no plan for Mom dying when Ryan was in the eighth grade. Dad and his relatives Mom's passing wasn't the reason Clady started playing football. But football helped him move on. He played defensive end in high school, but said he only had two scholarships to play college, and both programs thought he projected as an Advertisement

78 Broncos bolster left side - The Denver Post Page 3 of 4 4/27/2008 offensive tackle. He picked Boise State, which was then coached by Dan Hawkins, who is now in charge of the Colorado Buffaloes' football team. and Chris Kuper at right tackle. If Clady is to consistently protect quarterback "We just thought he was a big guy who had great feet," Hawkins said Saturday in a conference call with the Denver media. The kid too big to play Pop Warner is now 6- foot-6, 309. Yet, all people seem to talk about are his feet. "The thing that impresses you is his feet," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said after making Clady the team's highest drafted offensive lineman since Chris Hinton in "I haven't been around a tackle that has that type of feet. He's got the longest arms in the draft." Post Poll - Ryan Clady Long arms, quick feet, big body, superior agility. Not a bad combination for stepping right in to play in the Broncos' highly regarded zoneblocking system. And Clady will step in the second he steps into Broncos headquarters today for his introductory news conference. "He will start at left offensive tackle the day he comes in," Shanahan said. Say what? Shanahan, whose idea of relaxation is shooting a round of golf in less than 2 1/2 hours, proclaiming a rookie to start before his first training camp? Believe it. Ryan Harris, the Broncos' third-round pick in last year's draft, had been penciled in at left tackle until Clady was selected. Harris will now compete with Erik Pears The Denver Broncos selected Ryan Clady on Saturday with the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft. What do you think of the selection? ( Read the story.) Love it: Clady will Jay Cutler from the likes of Shawne Merriman, he will have to get stronger, especially after straining a pectoral muscle while bench pressing during the scouting combine in late February. But in the Broncos' blocking system, strength is Advertisement

79 Broncos bolster left side - The Denver Post Page 4 of 4 4/27/2008 secondary to mobility. "I played a lot of basketball when I was young and growing up, and that may have helped me out," Clady said. The Broncos also considered two other left tackles Vanderbilt's Chris Williams and Virginia's Branden Albert with their first-round pick. But superior athleticism made Clady the easy choice. The Broncos thought so highly of Clady, they figured he would have been taken by the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 5. And the Chiefs probably would have, had they not traded star defensive end Jared Allen last week. Once open to trading down, the Broncos received calls from teams willing to deal. But with Clady there, the Broncos lost interest in moving. They wanted the big kid throwing the party at an LAX hotel. "I knew what their mama would have wanted and out of all of them, she wanted Ryan to make some kind of contribution," Ross Clady said. "She didn't want him to be a deadbeat. She wanted him to be a doctor, lawyer, governor, something. Newscaster, anything to make some kind of contribution." Here in Denver, the plan is for Sharon Clady's oldest son to contribute immediately. Mike Klis: or mklis@denverpost. com Advertisement

80 Broncos' Colbert eager to make the most of his fresh start : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 6/13/2008 Broncos' Colbert eager to make the most of his fresh start By Jeff Legwold Thursday, June 12, 2008 An NFL spring is always about fresh starts and changes in the scenery. For Broncos receiver Keary Colbert, it's about a new jersey, a new city, a new team and new possibilities. About replacing disappointment with what he believes will come in the days and months ahead. "That's how life is sometimes," Colbert said Thursday. "You've got to take each lesson in football and apply it to life. Everything is not always going to go the way you plan it to go or want it go, but what do you do? "How do you respond? How do you come back? How do you fight?" And when the Broncos surveyed what free agency had to offer in March, when they made their list and checked it innumerable times, Colbert ended up being the first to get the check mark next to his name. Despite struggling to live up to what the Carolina Panthers had expected for much of his four seasons there, Colbert was the first player from elsewhere the Broncos signed on the dotted line. "Regardless if I was the first guy or the last guy they signed, everybody's responsibility is the same," Colbert said. "You're supposed to come in here and make plays, compete and help the team get better. But I was ready to get to a new place, a new opportunity. I had a good time in Carolina, but my time was up. I was anxious and excited to move on." "I just go by what I see," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "(Colbert) plays hard, I liked him coming out (of the University of Southern California in the 2004 draft), and I think we've shown over the years a guy can be productive in a new place." And when it's pointed out the Broncos raised a few eyebrows around the league when they signed Colbert to a three-year, $7.2 million deal, even though he did not make a touchdown catch the past two seasons, Shanahan usually, and quickly, points out Ed McCaffrey had been released and Rod Smith was an undrafted player before they piled up 1,000-yard seasons in the Broncos offense. "That's what you look at," Shanahan said. "What a guy can do in your offense, what kind of offense he was in.... You look at the whole situation, then you make your decisions." Colbert, who turned 26 on May 21, certainly has age and potential still on his side. The former second-round

81 Broncos' Colbert eager to make the most of his fresh start : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 6/13/2008 pick also left USC as the school's all-time receptions leader, and when he caught 47 passes for 754 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, many believed milestone seasons wouldn't be far behind. But Colbert never reached that level again with the Panthers as he dealt with injuries and bounced in and out of the Panthers' starting lineup. In the past three seasons, he totaled only 62 receptions for 670 yards and two touchdowns. "It just didn't happen there, but that doesn't mean it will never happen," Colbert said. "It just means I have to continue to work, to get better, to compete. That stuff will come. "And if it doesn't come, then maybe God has another plan. Sometimes those personal goals, the numbers, can be a little overrated in the big scheme of things because, really, everybody's goal should be to go to a Super Bowl and win. And that's always my goal - that hasn't changed." Because of Brandon Marshall's right forearm injury, Colbert has spent much of his on-field work the past month with Darrell Jackson as the top two receivers in the Broncos' starting offense. Thursday, Colbert caught a touchdown pass in team drills, and he has looked comfortable catching the ball the past two weeks. "It's about winning," Colbert said. "I was careful about where I wanted to sign because you want to go to a good place where you can contribute to something. This is the place for me; I'm excited about what could happen." NEW DT TAKING IT SLOW Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, who has had knee problems in his career, was held out of the past two days of practice as a precaution, coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday. "He doesn't have an issue; more prevention than anything else," Shanahan said. "Wanted him to get a little work but didn't want to overdo him. He hasn't been able to work out the way we'd like to put him through a whole camp." Shanahan said Robertson is expected to go through conditioning workouts when the team returns after a week off and is expected to be ready for training camp. FIRST PICK IN FOLD The Broncos signed the first of their draft picks, safety Josh Barrett. Barrett, the 220th player drafted overall, will be paid $295,000 in the upcoming season on a three-year deal. LYNCH 'WOBBLY' AFTER FIRST HIT Safety John Lynch briefly left the workout after taking a hit on the bridge of his nose. He later returned. "I thought it was broken, but it isn't. I was just a little wobbly for a little bit," he said. MARSHALL PROGRESSING

82 Year 3 pivotal for Broncos' Cutler : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 3 7/21/2008 Year 3 pivotal for Broncos' Cutler By Sam Adams Friday, July 18, 2008 STATELINE, Nev. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler doesn't mind being mentioned in conversation about the NFL's stable of "Young Guns." Just don't label Cutler a gunslinger. "I don't feel like I'm a gunslinger," Cutler said, not long after whacking golf balls earlier this month on the driving range at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, where several of the NFL's top young quarterbacks competed in the American Century Championship. "I feel like every throw that I make is anticipated," Cutler said. "I know where I'm going with the ball, I'm not just throwing it anywhere and everywhere for fun. I don't mind it, but I don't think it's completely accurate." What is accurate about Cutler is the level of comfort he seems to have on the football field. The Broncos start training camp Friday, Cutler's third camp as an NFL player and his second as the team's starting quarterback. The opportunity to start five games as a rookie in 2006, coupled with 16 starts in 2007 to learn a complicated offense, has provided Cutler a chance to rise among the top quarterbacks in the league in "With Jay, he got to play a lot last year," Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway said. "He's going to start this year where his learning curve is going to be a lot faster. He gets used to everybody around - not only in the system, but everybody around him, knowing the personalities and those type of things to where you feel comfortable. "The leadership qualities kick in. Guys trust him. All of that helps." Pivotal year Coaches, as well as NFL players past and present, eagerly point to the third season as being pivotal to the learning curve for a quarterback's development. "The third year, basically, for most guys, they should be ready to play," Kansas City Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said. "By the third year, I think you know what kind of player he is - is he a guy you can give the ball to 30 times a game and say, 'Go throw it around the yard'? Or is he a guy that you say, 'Know what? We're not going to ask him to do a whole lot.' "The first two years is so much of a blur for young guys coming out of college to play pro football because the speed of the back end shocks them - the linebackers and defensive backs, how they react. It's a whole different deal, and that's what gets them. "I've learned that you try to tell a young quarterback that you don't have to win the game - but you can't lose the game. Don't throw the other team the ball. The guys that buy into that, they're the ones that are successful in the end. They gain in confidence and become pretty good players." Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't need three years to gain comfort. He took over the starter's job as a rookie for an injured Tommy Maddox in 2004, completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,621 yards and 17 touchdowns and helped lead the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. Then the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in his second season.

83 Year 3 pivotal for Broncos' Cutler : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 3 7/21/2008 "I didn't know what was going on - I just ran around and threw to open receivers," Roethlisberger said, laughing. "Honestly, I got really lucky. I had a great group of guys around me. I laugh about it, but that was part of the thing - it was not really knowing, dropping back then going, 'Uh, make a play.' "By Year 3, you should be doing better. If you struggled your first two years, by Year 3, you should be making improvements. It's tough the first two years - even the third year can be hard." Former NFL quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who retired in 2007 after 21 seasons in the league, points out that Roethlisberger's first-year success isn't the norm for most young NFL quarterbacks. "I think if you rush the quarterback in there too soon, a number of things can happen," Testaverde said. "No. 1, if he doesn't play well, you can ruin his mind-set and, really, destroy his career. He won't have the confidence to be the guy that you hoped he would be. There's a lot more learning for the quarterback than there is at any other position." Film critic Like many quarterbacks have done, Cutler spent the offseason reviewing tons of game film. He's his worst critic. "It's weird, because you remember every single throw and exactly what you were thinking in the situation," Cutler said. "It's really good - especially the bad ones - to look at them. "Did you get fooled by coverage? Was it just a bad throw or were your feet wrong?... You get to see a lot of different things." Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said work ethic, coupled with playing experience, usually accelerate a quarterback's improvement. "The thing that there is no substitute for is taking snaps," Shanahan said. "That's why I think most guys start to feel comfortable in that third year. Jay's been starting actually for about a year and a half, which is good. "I think the third year of a person playing is when they become the most comfortable with the NFL, where they feel like they have the confidence level to compete with anybody. Jay studies. He's a worker, and we've given him a lot of reps through the offseason. He's taken advantage of it." Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer took advantage of a year's apprenticeship. Palmer was the first player selected in the 2003 draft. He didn't play one down during his rookie season. The next season, Palmer started 13 games, throwing for 2,897 yards with 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. In 2005, Palmer's third season, he helped lead the Bengals to an 11-5 record and the AFC North title and was named to the Pro Bowl. "I think if you're in your third year of playing experience, that's when you make your strides as a quarterback and find out what kind of player you're going to be," Palmer said. "It's because you've been in different situations - third down, third and long, red zone, two-minute offense, four- minute offense... all the different situations. You find out what you've got as a quarterback. "I had a great quarterback in front of me to learn from, Jon Kitna. But you also can get thrown into a situation where there isn't somebody in front of you that can give the team a better chance to win." On the same page Like Roethlisberger, New England's Tom Brady enjoyed early success. After leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl win in his second season, Brady did it again in his fourth season. Eli Manning, in his fourth season, helped lead the New York Giants to a Super Bowl win in February. "The guys that are in their fourth year, this is the time that they start to move forward and start to move up the ladder of great quarterbacks in this game," former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann said.

84 Year 3 pivotal for Broncos' Cutler : rockymountainnews.com Page 3 of 3 7/21/2008 "I think it's the fourth year. I think the first year, you learn to play professional football. The second year, you sort of get comfortable with what you're doing offensively. The third year, you get a feeling for what defenses are doing. "It really is three years, but it's that fourth year that you point at and say, 'Now he's arrived.' " Edwards said there's no better feeling for a coach than knowing that a young quarterback has "figured it out" to the point where they begin to think alike during a game. The coach, Edwards said, can ask his quarterback to do more things. Cutler is trying to develop that type of think-as-one chemistry with Shanahan. "Mike's obviously got a wealth of knowledge and he's so far ahead of me in what he knows on the football field," Cutler said. "I've got a good feel for what he's thinking in certain situations, and more important, where he wants me to go with the ball." The play-caller on the sideline, Elway said, "knows what you do best, what you feel most comfortable in and has experience with you running the offense. As a coach, you have a better idea of what to call in certain situations. "I'm sure that Jay, with whomever is calling the plays, will get more comfortable. You have a sense of what to call and so you can get a head start on the mental concentration, thinking about what's coming next." The Broncos are eager to see what comes next for Cutler. He has started 21 games in the league, showing flashes of brilliance at times, along with signs of being a work in progress. "The first two years, you're learning a new offense, new terminology, new coaches... it's a new speed," Cutler said. "I feel comfortable right now. I feel real comfortable." Rocky Mountain News

85 Healthy Cutler not letting diabetes divert his plans - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 3 5/26/2008 Powered by Healthy Cutler not letting diabetes divert his plans By Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Advertisement Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler received more than 500 s and letters following his April diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. Most of the encouragement came from kids between 8 and 15 who play sports with the serious but manageable disease. One young fan's reassurance tempered by experience left Cutler smiling. "One kid wrote an that said, 'Don't worry, you'll get your courage back,' " Cutler says. "A lot of kids get diagnosed each day who are under 8. I can't imagine their parents having to wake their 3-year-old up three times a night to prick their finger to check their blood sugar level. "When I get things settled, I want to do something to help raise awareness, especially with kids." He's already a role model to teammates. TABLE: Mike Shanahan and third-year quarterbacks The 25-year-old quarterback appears to be unaware of all the eyes on him during last week's four-day quarterback camp. Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey says Cutler's business-as-usual demeanor in coping with an illness that threatens 21 million Americans is paying unexpected dividends. Wearing a wireless, small ipod-sized insulin pump during practices to regulate his blood sugar, teammates praise Cutler for his mental toughness. They acknowledge that it's hard to sit out while Cutler is monitored before, during and after workouts by a trainer. The Broncos are taking their cue from the third-year gunslinger who appears stronger and more mature despite life-altering news. "Guys look at Jay and the way he's handled things and their problems don't seem half as bad," Bailey says. "I'm amazed at the way he's handled it. I thought he'd be freaking out right now. But he hasn't shown one sign of emotion. "He hasn't missed a workout. Jay's a natural leader. He gets it."

86 Healthy Cutler not letting diabetes divert his plans - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 3 5/26/2008 The former Vanderbilt quarterback is encouraged after learning how to control the illness responsible for 35 pounds mysteriously melting off his 6-3, 238-pound frame late last season. Cutler has regained the weight, his energy and fastball. "There's a lot worse things," he says. "It's manageable, something I'll be fine with. "I'm excited just knowing I'm going to be a better quarterback this year. I had a good four days, making all the throws I was making early in my college career. "Last year, I'd watch video the day after a game and say, 'I know I could make that throw.' But some deep balls floated." He threw to former Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett during Bennett's March pro day. His zip was lacking. He was always tired. Then on April 16, as part of his physical for the strength and conditioning program, he got the blood test that showed his glucose level was four times the normal level. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin required to metabolize sugar from food and convert it into glucose the body uses for energy. He has a personal chef prepare low-carbohydrate meals. He also has a key sounding board. His former Vandy quarterback coach Jimmy Kiser, 50, is a Type 1 diabetic since age 29. "One day he was able to splurge and had a Snickers bar and Jay said, 'God, that tasted good,' " Kiser laughs. "The very day he learned his diagnosis, he bought some books and wasn't feeling sorry for himself. He's attacking diabetes head on. "He's going to be a heck of a role model." The third season is typically a growth-spurt year for Mike Shanahan-coached quarterbacks. Cutler has 29 touchdown passes in 21 starts since replacing Jake Plummer the last five games of Cutler started 16 games last season and had 20 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, throwing for 3,497 yards despite fading to "Skin and bones," as business manager Marty Garafalo says. Cutler won't be the first NFL quarterback to play with the disease. Wade Wilson, the Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach, was diagnosed in his fifth NFL season and went on to play 14 more. The son of a teacher embraces an educator's role. "Diabetes in general is getting out of control," Cutler says. "There's not enough information out there. "It'll be easy for me to spread knowledge to help." Year Position Team QB (Yr.) QBs IN THIRD SEASON UNDER MIKE SHANAHAN Team Rec. Playoffs Notes 1982 Off. Coord. Florida Wayne Peace (3rd) 8-3 Bluebonnet Bowl (L) School-record 70.7 completion percentage 1986 Off. Coord. Denver John Elway (3rd) 11-5 Super Bowl XXI (L) First Pro Bowl selection, ninth in NFL in passing yards (3,485) 1991 Off. Coord. Denver John Elway (3rd) 12-4 AFC Championship Game (L) Pro Bowl, eighth in NFL in passing yards (3,253) 1994 Off. Coord. San Francisco Steve Young (3rd) 13-3 Super Bowl XXIX (W) NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, Pro Bowl, first in NFL in passer rating (112.8) Head John Elway Super Bowl XXXII Pro Bowl, fourth in NFL in TD passes (career-high 27), sixth in NFL in

87 Healthy Cutler not letting diabetes divert his plans - USATODAY.com Page 3 of 3 5/26/ Coach Denver (3rd) 12-4 (W) passing yards (3,635) 2001 Head Coach Denver Brian Griese (3rd) 8-8 None Eighth in NFL in TD passes (career-high 23) 2005 Head Coach Denver Jake Plummer (3rd) 13-3 AFC Championship Game (L) Second in NFL in INT avoidance (1.5) and set club record with 229 consecutive passes without INT, seventh in NFL in passer rating (90.2), selected to Pro Bowl after injuries Third-year won-loss record (seven seasons): (.720) Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

88 With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 7/30/2008 Powered by With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Advertisement ENGLEWOOD, Colo. Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has heard it before and heard it repeated over and over. At 5-11, not tall enough to play defensive end. At 260 pounds, not big enough to take on offensive linemen. Turns out, player personnel staffs were measuring the wrong part of Dumervil's game. PHOTOS: Broncos training camp "Everybody wants to measure him by his height," Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "He has the qualities of what it takes to be a good pass rusher long arms, big hands, quick feet." "And he's strong," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan added. Then, there are immeasurable qualities: will, desire, heart. "I'm a guy who loves the game," Dumervil said. "I don't take anybody lightly. A lot of guys underestimate people. Not me. Any guy from a sixth, seventh rounder, a free agent, first rounder, I approach them the same way that he's a Pro Bowler. But I think I can outwork the guy in front of me. "I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do." If that wasn't apparent at Miami Jackson High when he compiled 60 sacks during his junior and senior seasons and if that wasn't apparent at Louisville after he had 20 sacks and an NCAA-record 10 forced fumbles in his senior season, it is apparent now after two seasons in the NFL. Last season, Dumervil led the Broncos with 12½ sacks, tied for sixth best in the NFL. It was the highest sack total for a Bronco since In the past two seasons, just five players have accumulated more sacks than Dumervil's 21. "I take pass rushing personally," Dumervil said. "You want to beat that guy in front of you. It's an all-out conscious effort. Sacks don't come easy. When you do get them, you really appreciate them." Dumervil also forced four fumbles, two of which were returned for touchdowns. "There's no better feeling than getting a sack and a forced fumble," he said. Every team passed on Dumervil in the 2006 draft, and the Broncos selected him the fourth round. He uses that as motivation. Dumervil doesn't just play with a chip on his shoulder: "I play with a brick on it," he said. He looked to another undersized pass rusher, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, for inspiration. Dumervil also wants to learn more about defensive end Fred Dean. Though Dean, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, was 6-3, he was considered small at 230 pounds.

89 With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 7/30/2008 Heading into his third season, Dumervil is poised for another strong year, Johnson and Shanahan said. "When you look at his production, it ain't a flash in the pan," Johnson said. "He's been consistent since the day he started playing. That's tangible evidence that this guy is a quality football player." Said Shanahan: "He'll be one of the top defensive ends this year. I'll be surprised if he's not in that 15-sack range. You can tell he enjoys playing the game. It's one of the reasons why I think he'll have a heck of a year." Another reason the Broncos are excited for Dumervil is the 24-year-old's improvement with the mental part of the game. Pairing his physical gifts with a deeper understanding of X's and O's should increase his effectiveness. "He doesn't start playing the play when the ball snaps. He is playing the play once the huddle breaks," Johnson said. "His professionalism has grown. He's out there leading the pack. He's practicing with a lot of energy." Dumervil displayed that intensity during drills against the offensive line in practice Monday. Dumervil beat his man and started running his mouth. Veteran center Tom Nalen didn't like that and threw a football at Dumervil. "He just said, 'Be quiet, Elvis,' " Dumervil said. i is ar i le a Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

90 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 1 of 2 6/30/2008 Printed from Friday, June 27, 2008 Education On Top By Adam Zinser DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- He may not have broken any records or scored any touchdowns Thursday, but for Daniel Graham, it was a special day nonetheless. The Daniel Graham Foundation held its first-ever charity event Thursday evening at Strings restaurant in Denver. Graham, a Denver native and University of Colorado alum, started his foundation after joining the Broncos in 2007, and the charity auction and dinner marked the culmination of all Graham's off-the-field efforts over the past year. "I started the foundation when I came back here to Denver," Graham said. "I want to give back to the community to help kids out. I want to emphasize education and health." Items from all around the world of sports were up for auction at the restaurant, with all of the proceeds going to Graham's foundation. Autographed jerseys, helmets and photos from the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and University of Colorado were just some of the items auctioned off from the football realm. There were also pieces of autographed memorabilia from the NBA and MLB being auctioned off as well. The Daniel Graham Foundation held its first fund-raising event Thursday. PHOTO: ADAM ZINSER / DENVERBRONCOS.COM BRONCOS TV 6/26: Mallard Settling In 6/24: Marshall Working to Change 6/16: NFL Network: Broncos Fantasy Preview 6/13: Jay Cutler Golf Classic But Thursday night was just the beginning. Graham and his foundation will host the 2nd Annual Elite and Fundamental Football Camp on Friday and Saturday. When children from age seven to 18 attend this weekend's free football camp, they will of course gain excellent knowledge about what to do on the field, but the camp is about so much more than teaching kids the skills needed to succeed on the gridiron. More importantly, they will get tips on education, fitness and how to lead healthy lives. One issue particularly close to Graham is asthma, which he has had since his freshman year of high school, and perhaps no one knows more about these issues than Graham's mother Marilyn, who helped elevate Graham to the status he has today. "Daniel suffers from asthma," said the tight end's mother. "His heart's desire is to help children that have asthma. That's what kind of motivated this. 'Motivating youth from challenge to achievement.' That's our motto and that's what we're after with children suffering from asthma." Though Graham enters his seventh year in the NFL, asthma still affects his life today just as much as it did when he was first diagnosed. "I still have it today," said the 6-foot-3, 257-pound Graham. "I'm on medication daily, so I still feel the effects. It's just important to show kids that there is a pro-athlete that has asthma and has worked through all the struggles. It's important for me to help little kids who have asthma so they understand that they can continue on with their dreams, and asthma won't be a big problem." But perhaps the biggest issue close to Graham's heart is education, for without it one can never fully realize one's dreams. That is why his foundation will be distributing information on the SAT and ACT tests to high schoolers this weekend while also preaching the importance of maintaining good grades to all the youth who attend the camps. "Education is really important. I always tell kids, 'Don't let anyone shatter your dreams.' But reality is, not everybody makes it to where I

91 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 2 of 2 6/30/2008 am," Graham said. "Regardless of your goal, you always need education first before anything else happens. That is why I want to give kids more information about the SAT and ACT. That's a big part of education, and you can't go to college without them." With the emphasis on education, it is only fitting that Graham held this event over the University of Colorado's alumni weekend. Several of Graham's former teammates and coaches from his days with Buffaloes were on hand to support the foundation, along with other notable CU alumni. Former Ravens, Bears and Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart even stopped by to show his support. "I would love to continue this every year and beyond the years of my football career," Graham said. "I just love to give back to the community, especially where I grew up. I want this foundation to run as long as I'm living, and I just want to see people help support what I'm doing." RECENT LINKS: Maintaining Momentum A Crowning Achievement Turning It Up Media Guide Released Prepared for the Playbooks

92 Hamilton sees no risk in return - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 5/20/2008 terry frei Hamilton sees no risk in return By Terry Frei The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 05/20/ :03:11 AM MDT In the leather-helmet era, concussions often were labeled "sinus infections," and the doctor's orders could be to take two aspirin, get some rest overnight and report to practice in the morning. Then came the Bell Era, as in, "Aw, you just had your bell rung. Who's the president of the United States?... Goldwater? Close enough, get back in there." Finally, after an onset of sanity, athletes, coaches and team doctors generally have come around to taking concussions seriously at least seriously enough to allow the symptoms to subside before anyone is ordered or allowed back into contact sports. Last season, after suffering a concussion in a helmet-to-helmet hit in training camp, Broncos guard Ben Hamilton kept waiting for the symptoms to go away. As early as the regularseason's opening week, the Broncos publicly billed him as a possibility to be in the lineup. But he didn't play a down in 2007, and he consulted with specialists as far away as Pittsburgh. "I wanted to be out there with my teammates," Hamilton, 30, said Monday at the first day of the Broncos' quarterback camp at Dove Valley. "I felt like I was letting everybody down, not being out there and competing with them." And now? "I'm as ready as I'll ever be," he said. Until last season, Hamilton hadn't missed an offensive snap since becoming a starter in So neither his durability nor toughness could be credibly questioned. But as he dealt with the concussion, he had what he called "issues with anxiety and some other things that crept in there." He added: "When somebody gets hit in the head and misses time, people don't always think that's a legitimate injury. It would've been easier if I had broke something, and it would have been, 'Oh, of course, he's got a broken arm, he's going to be out for a while.' "I went through the period of, 'What's wrong with me? What's taking me so long to get back?' Just talking to the doctors, though, I found out Blog Visit Terry Frei's blog on All Things Colorado Sports that it was pretty normal what I went through." It's fair to say that Hamilton's iffy status and ultimate unavailability frustrated the Broncos' Advertisement

93 Hamilton sees no risk in return - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 5/20/2008 staff last season, but he is adamant that he wasn't pressured to play. "I think I was really fortunate to be looked after by 'Greek' (trainer Steve Antonopulos) and the doctors they put me with," Hamilton said. "Nobody was going to put me at risk at all." The absence of Hamilton and veteran center Tom Nalen (torn biceps muscle) for the final 11 games were contributing factors to the Broncos' 2007 problems. NFL teams are accustomed to having to scramble up front because of the inevitable injuries, with offensive linemen learning and playing multiple positions. It's one of the underplayed and underappreciated aspects of the sport. But the loss of two longtime starters who worked well together side by side went beyond the usual adaptability challenges. Hamilton, who is married and has three young sons, said he gave retirement only brief consideration. "We talked to the doctors about the risk of moving forward," he said. "I sat down and talked to my family, and it was unanimous that playing football this year is the right decision for me." Nalen has recovered from biceps surgery, and as Hamilton awaits his first test major contact drills he is confident the problems are behind him. The Broncos weren't in full pads Monday but at least were in helmets. to hit a little bit. We didn't hit a whole lot today, but to get out there and run around with my teammates felt good." Broncos coach Mike Shana- han conceded of Hamilton: "You never know. You're keeping your fingers crossed. I can't tell you 100 percent that he's going to be there for the season. But he's done everything we've asked him to do in the offseason. He's gone through the offseason conditioning program. He's run. But he hasn't taken those shots to the head. I don't anticipate a setback. According to the doctors, he's fine. But we'll have to wait and see." That's just it. In any sport, a concussion especially one that was so stubborn about letting go can plant doubt: You're only one hit away from... "I've been through so many tests, gone to so many different doctors and regimens and stuff, I feel very confident that it's not going to happen to me again," Hamilton said. "I have no reservations while I'm on the field. I'm feeling great." Terry Frei: or tfrei@denverpost. com "I worked really hard during the season last year and this offseason to get back where I am now," he said. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. It was good Advertisement

94 NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source Page 1 of 2 5/12/2008 LIKE IT IS : Plenty to love about Hillis despite strange fall WALLY HALL Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 URL: On The South Stands, a Denver Broncos Internet forum, the 2008 NFL Draft has been a favorite subject. South Stands Junkie wrote of Peyton Hillis: I love this pick... He looks like he should be playing tight end. The next Broncos booster was Bronco Militia, who posed a very legitimate question: How does a guy that blocks for two 1, 000-yard rushers in the SEC fall to the seventh round? That question has been asked around Arkansas for several days about the former Razorback. Consider that in the days leading up to the draft, experts thought Peyton Hillis was a third- or fourth-round pick, which would have brought him to camp with a much better chance of being an automatic to make the squad. In his career at Arkansas, he rushed for 960 yards (4. 7 average per carry ) and scored 12 touchdowns, six as a freshman before Darren McFadden and Felix Jones arrived on campus. He caught 118 passes for 1, 197 yards and 11 touchdowns, returned 12 kickoffs for 213 yards (17. 8 average ) and 25 punts for 257 yards (10. 3 ). In his final regular-season game, he lit up eventual national champion LSU for 151 allpurpose yards and four touchdowns. Some thought that might jump him up to the third round because he showed his versatility. Hillis is a guy who in the NFL can play fullback, H-back, tailback and return kicks or punts (as a Razorback he also saw action at tight end and wide receiver ). For his 6-1, 240-pound muscled frame, he has good speed and great hands. A Parade All-American out of Conway High School, Hillis found himself primarily as a blocker his final three seasons for McFadden and Jones, both first-round picks. Mostly he did it without complaint, but when you have been scoring touchdowns your

95 NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source Page 2 of 2 5/12/2008 entire life, there is going to be a period of adjustment. Yet, while he could be outspoken at times and almost critical of some coaching decisions after tough, emotional losses, he s a young man who now always talks about God and how important he is in his life. Still, why did Peyton Hillis fall to the seventh round, the 227 th player taken overall? Many Houston Nutt critics want to believe the former UA coach did not give him a good review to NFL scouts, that Hillis honesty had rubbed Nutt the wrong way. Josh Melton, a four-year letterman on the Razorbacks offensive line, called Sports Animals on Arkansas Radio Network last week, unsolicited, to say he believed Nutt had told scouts there were character and injury issues and that Hillis is tough to have in the locker room. That last one has a familiar ring because Hillis was not afraid to speak his mind going all the way back to his sophomore season, when he told the media he might move himself to linebacker, which caused a stir with fans and the coaching staff. However, it would be ridiculous for anyone, especially Nutt, to say Hillis would not play with pain. His playing hurt is well-documented. He suffered a severe thigh bruise his junior season that developed into a careerthreatening calcium deposit because he refused to sit out. When he finally was forced to sit, the Razorbacks did not win another game that season. As a freshman, he played with a broken bone in his back. Hillis is tougher than a claw hammer on a pecan. As for character, Hillis might have made some missteps when he first arrived, but he certainly was not a featured name on the police blotter. There might have been other issues that concerned NFL scouts. After Hillis was drafted, the Denver Post reported he was not a strong blocker. Whatever it was that caused Hillis to slide to the seventh round in the draft will continue to be debated, but most likely, it will remain a mystery. Yet, it is reminiscent of another former Razorback by the name of Jason Peters, who was not drafted and is now a Pro Bowler. Copyright Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com

96 Happy days here again for Jackson - The Denver Post Page 1 of 3 6/12/2008 sports Happy days here again for Jackson Bronco coming off "miserable" season By Lindsay H. Jones The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 06/12/ :29:00 AM MDT Darrell Jackson just couldn't seem to leave the practice field. He hung around for at least 15 more minutes, idly chatting with fellow wide receivers, slapping highfives and tossing a football back and forth with his new teammates. Consider it a promising new start for Jackson, who has joined his third team in three years. The Broncos signed him to a one-year contract in April, shortly after Jackson was released after one season with San Francisco. Now he is competing to be Denver's No. 2 receiver behind Brandon Marshall and eager to prove he can produce as he did in his seven seasons with Seattle. "Sometimes the best thing Denver Broncos Darrell Jackson brings NFL career totals of 487 catches for 6,942 yards and 50 touchdowns to the Broncos. This will be his ninth season. (John Leyba, The Denver Post ) Watch video of Broncos WR Darrell Jackson at mini-camp View slide show of Broncos minicamp June 11 View slide show of Broncos minicamp June 10 View slide show of Broncos minicamp June 2 Read Lindsay Jones' entries on the All Things Broncos blog Ask Mike Klis about the team or NFL in the Broncos Mailbag Post photos of you and loved ones showing team spirit Long after most of the Broncos had retired to the locker room following a recent offseason workout, to do is just move on and be happy," Jackson said. "It's not good to play football when you're Advertisement

97 Happy days here again for Jackson - The Denver Post Page 2 of 3 6/12/2008 miserable." Jackson, 29, said his year in San Francisco was the worst time in his career. As the 49ers' offense struggled their passing game ranked last in the NFL in 2007 so did Jackson's production. He caught only 46 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns, all career lows for a season in which he played more than 13 games. The previous year in Seattle, Jackson caught a career-high 10 touchdown passes and was only 44 yards shy of his fourth 1,000-yard season. A season before that he played in Super Bowl XL, catching five passes for 50 yards in the first quarter of the Seahawks' loss to Pittsburgh. Broncos coach Mike Shana-han said he looked at Jackson's numbers with Seattle where he left ranked No. 2 in team history in touchdown catches, third in receiving yards and fourth in catches not at what happened in "I'm going more on what he's done in the past and how he's played in the past, and he hasn't disappointed us so far," Shanahan said. "He's a veteran who has a lot of confidence, and he should, based on the kind of production he's had." Jackson and Shanahan pointed to plenty of reasons for the drop in production with San Francisco: A first-year offensive coordinator, injuries to the starting and backup quarterbacks, the adjustment to a new system. Jackson, too, accepted some of the blame. "I went through a depression stage, having never been in an offense like that and not being able to contribute," Jackson said. "Sometimes I was lackadaisical or something, and would lose focus, drop a few balls and stuff like that on short catches." Advertisement The low point, Jackson said, came Nov. 18 when the 49ers lost their eighth consecutive game. San Francisco won two games in December to finish 5-11, and Jackson caught a touchdown pass in each of the team's final two games, but by then it was too late. When offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was fired the first week in January and replaced by Mike Martz, it signaled the end of Jackson's brief tenure with the 49ers. The team signed veteran Isaac Bruce, who played for Martz in St. Louis, and dumped Jackson, who was slated to make $4 million in San Francisco. Jackson said his deal in Denver is worth about $2 million, including bonuses. "I think this is the perfect opportunity for both parties," said Brian Mooney, Jackson's agent. "Darrell has the chance to go out and erase the memory of San Francisco. And I think Denver can really use Darrell." Denver added veteran Keary Colbert from Carolina and Samie Parker from Kansas City in the offseason for more depth at the position. With Marshall still recovering from a serious injury to his right forearm, Jackson, Colbert and Brandon Stokley have taken most of the repetitions with the first-team offense during mini-camp. "I think we've got good chemistry here," Jackson said. "We've got guys who like to compete, guys who want to see other guys do good. When somebody makes a play, everyone else wants to go make a play." Lindsay H. Jones: or ljones@denverpost.com Jackson jottings A look at veteran wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who signed with the Broncos in April: Height, weight: 5-feet-11, 206 pounds. Age: 29.

98 Happy days here again for Jackson - The Denver Post Page 3 of 3 6/12/2008 Experience: Entering his ninth NFL season. Career high: Playing for Seattle, caught five passes for 50 yards in the first quarter of Super Bowl XL in February Career low: Caught just three touchdown passes in 2007, his only season with San Francisco. Two of those TD catches came in the final two weeks of the season. Advertisement

99 Special K: Koutouvides a serial thriller : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 6/6/2008 Special K: Koutouvides a serial thriller Limited field time is milked into shot at starting position By Jeff Legwold Thursday, June 5, 2008 The story now is deeply ingrained in Broncos lore. It's about a game played on the other side of the international dateline and an unheralded running back crashing into the San Francisco 49ers' Tyronne Drakeford while covering a kickoff return. Told almost annually in some fashion by those with the team, the story is of how that hit helped launch Terrell Davis on his Ring of Fame career. "That's how you get noticed," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "That's how you can go from special teams into the lineup." That's how you can do it with one explosive play. But there also are those hoping to make the transition from part-time player to full-time starter with a long list of special-teams plays. Take "Nobody comes into this league just to play on special teams, unless they're a kicker or a returner," Koutouvides said. "So when we spoke to teams, we told them, 'I want to be a linebacker first, no matter what.' "Obviously, teams are always going to say, 'We'll give him a chance, we'll give him a chance.' But, realistically, I wanted to be where I thought I would have a chance to play on defense, battle for a spot. "That's what I've waited to do." On special teams, coaches can measure effort, they can see what scouts call "striking ability" in a player's tackling and they can see speed in the open field. For most players in the league, it is their first foot in the NFL door to make a roster and it also can earn them more playing time. In the end, Koutouvides did get noticed. It was by the Broncos, who snatched him up in free agency with the intention he compete for the middle linebacker job.

100 Special K: Koutouvides a serial thriller : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 6/6/2008 Koutouvides and Nate Webster are the leading candidates as the Broncos progress through their team minicamp this week and next. "It can be tough to convince people you can do more," said safety John Lynch, who was a special- teams regular for much of his early career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "When you're a young player, you do worry people might just think of you that way all the time. I definitely didn't want that. "But the thing of it is, it's so important to the team - you might not want to be there, but you have to be good at it if you're going to stick with the team or play your way into the starting lineup. Don't play it well and you won't get the chance at anything more because you won't be around." Koutouvides led the Seahawks with a hard-to-miss 20 special- teams tackles last year as the special-teams captain - by comparison, Jamie Winborn led the Broncos with 11 special-teams tackles and quickly was signed to a two-year deal in the offseason. Koutouvides had also tied for the special-teams tackle lead in 2006 with 16 and led the team in 2004 as well. It's just that, after his rookie season (2004), when Koutouvides started two games and got regular rotations on defense, the Seahawks drafted Lofa Tatupu, who has been selected to the NFC's Pro Bowl team in all three of his seasons. "I admit, my rookie year, I didn't play all the way up to my abilities - too much thinking, not enough reacting and just playing - but when they brought in Lofa, that pushed me to a backup spot," Koutouvides said. "I want to do more, and I think I can do more. But I know if you ask any guy who has played special teams for a couple years, that's what they'd tell you, too." ETC.: Center Tom Nalen was held out of Thursday's practice - he was wearing a wrap on his left knee - and Casey Wiegmann was at center with the starting offense.... Tight end Tony Scheffler, who has had a foot injury and is not expected to participate in this team camp, said he expected to be 100 percent by the time the players report for training camp July The team practiced on an indoor field at the South Suburban sports complex because of the weather.... Webster worked as the middle linebacker with the first-team defense. He and Koutouvides likely will divide snaps in some fashion until a decision on a starter is made. Rocky Mountain News

101 Ex-Wildcat to employ a three-step NFL plan Page 1 of 2 7/11/2008 Published: Ex-Wildcat to employ a three-step NFL plan y ya i ley ARIZONA DAILY STAR pencer Larsen and his young family finally have a nest egg. Larsen, a former Arizona ednesday afternoon. ildcats linebacker, signed a four-year contract with the Denver Broncos on Larsen, the Broncos si th- round pick in April s L draft, can make as much as. million over the length of the deal. The rookie said he hoped ednesday s signing marks the start of a long pro career. our first contract, it s great, but we understand that the contract only goes as far as we can make it go, Larsen said ednesday from his Denver apartment. There are few guarantees in the time, for any reason. L, especially for late-round picks. ontracts can be terminated at any To combat the uncertainty, Larsen was awarded a, signing bonus. The money could help support the -year-old linebacker, his wife Annie and their -month-old son, Tyton, should he fail to make the team. Larsen has hired a financial planner to stretch the bonus money as much as possible. He also has a plan. e re going to start with tep, and that s to make the team. tep Larsen said. is to produce on special teams, And tep Have myself as prepared as possible, Larsen said, so when the time comes, m ready. Larsen is e pected to make, in,, in,, in and, in. His fourth-year salary could ump based on playing time. Larsen has a new contract and his old position back. He spent two weeks of Broncos minicamp learning to play fullback before in uring his leg. hen he returned, coaches had decided he would be a better fit at his natural position of middle linebacker. Larsen was even issued a linebacker s ersey number. He s so smart, so versatile, so athletic and so willing to do whatever it takes to help the team it s a strength of his, said Bruce Tollner, Larsen s agent. m sure that now he s back on the defensive side of the ball and learning, he ll continue to do well there. Larsen is the fourth former Arizona ildcat to sign an L contract this summer. Defensive tackle Lionel Dotson (Dolphins) and cornerback that drafted them. Louis Holmes inked an undrafted free agent deal with the ilrey ontenot ( alcons) signed with the teams ers. Antoine ason, a first-round pick of the hargers, is the only former contract. ildcat who has not signed a pro

102 Ex-Wildcat to employ a three-step NFL plan Page 2 of 2 7/11/2008 ason figures to become a rich man Last year s o. pick, niversity of Tennessee wide receiver obert Meachem, received. million over five years from the ew rleans aints. ason should receive at least that much, plus a percent to percent cost-of-living increase. L teams will open training camps later this month. Larsen will be there with money in the bank. tell Ann every day, can t wait for training camp to start, he said. All content copyright AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire services and suppliers and may not be republished without permission. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the expressed written consent of Arizona Daily Star or AzStarNet is prohibited.

103 Printer-friendly version Page 1 of 2 4/27/ The Blade. Privacy and Security Statement. By using this service, you accept the terms of our visitor agreement: Please read it. To print this article, choose Print from the File menu. advertisement Back to: Article published April 24, 2008 BGSU's Lichtensteiger will go to 'favorite' team y T LL L T T BOWLING GREEN - Kory Lichtensteiger grew up with no true loyalties to an NFL team. He sort of liked the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1990s, only to dump them for the surging Green Bay Packers a few years later. University of Toledo offensive tackle John Greco, left, has been rated the 11th-best in the nation at his position. BGSU s Kory Lichtensteiger has been rated the sixth-best center. ( THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY ) Zoom Photo Reprints Eventually it became kind of late for Lichtensteiger carry the flag of a particular franchise, so he simply waited - for this time. "When I found out I might play in the NFL I figured there's no sense of picking a team now because I'll have to change my allegiances," Lichtensteiger said. The former Bowling Green State University standout center will soon be employed by one of the NFL's 32 teams. By most accounts, including his own, Lichtensteiger will be selected on the second day of the draft, somewhere in between the fourth and seventh rounds. The draft kicks off Saturday with the first two rounds. "Centers don't go very high traditionally for whatever reason," Lichtensteiger said. "What I'm going off of is what I'm hearing from my agent [Rick Smith of Chicago], and that pretty much correlates with everything on the draft [Web] sites." Lichtensteiger is considered the sixth-best center prospect by ESPN.com, a service that once ranked him as high as second. The dropoff may be due to a recent surgery to repair a torn labrum - Lichtensteiger's second labrum operation in two years. Probably due to the injury, no teams have conducted private workouts with Lichtensteiger, who underwent surgery shortly after the NFL combine in February. Lichtensteiger will be inactive until late June, meaning he will not be able to participate in a team's rookie mini camp. "I think from that sense they have backed off just because they know if they came and worked me out I wouldn't be able to do a whole lot," he said. "But as far as dropping me off their draft board, I don't think so." Lichtensteiger played at guard during his first two years of college which could be to his benefit early in his professional career as he tries to find his niche. But from conversations with scouts, Lichtensteiger senses he will be used at center. One of his Falcon teammates senses Lichtensteiger will be successful wherever he plays.

104 Printer-friendly version Page 2 of 2 4/27/2008 "He's the best offensive lineman I've ever gone against, including in games," said former BG defensive tackle Sean O'Drobinak. "In practice he's the man." According to ESPN.com, Lichtensteiger's strengths include power in the lower body as well as smarts (he believes he did well on the Wonderlic Test but has not been told his score). His weaknesses include foot speed and explosiveness. Lichtensteiger said he doesn't bother reading reports on himself. "I don't concern myself with that because those people aren't the ones that will be making decisions on draft day," he said. "As far as I'm concerned their opinions don't really matter." The people who matter most work in the front offices of NFL teams. Those people were apparently impressed with Lichtensteiger at the Senior Bowl in late January in Mobile, Ala. Although Lichtensteiger allowed a sack that resulted in a safety (he admits it was his fault, but also notes he was playing guard) he impressed onlookers. "I heard a lot of good feedback from scouts and coaches about my performance," he said. "Overall I did play really well, but it seems like the bad plays always stick out in your mind more than the good plays." Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com.

105 Resurrection at hand for Broncos' Marshall : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 6/30/2008 Resurrection at hand for Broncos' Marshall Wide receiver is given green light for team activities By Lee Rasizer Friday, June 27, 2008 Not all news is bad news for Brandon Marshall. As it relates to his career on the field, away from police reports and his tumultuous love life, things couldn't be better, all things considered. The Broncos wide receiver, coming off extensive surgery in March to repair a gashed right forearm, was cleared to fully participate in team activities this week. Marshall resumed full weightlifting and conditioning work to augment his rehabilitation regimen Monday. Most important, to his employer and its fans, he started freely catching passes with both hands and encountered no problems. "I guess I'm a fast healer," Marshall said. "I feel great. And if we had a game today, I'd be in it. I'm full-speed ahead now, leaving all that stuff behind me." As the week began, Marshall's three "arms" delivering him the ball were backup quarterback Darrell Hackney, strength coach Rich Tuten and a Jugs machine. At one point, Tuten, while tossing the ball to Marshall in the weight room, reportedly sailed a high fastball that Marshall snared solely with his right hand. Marshall later would repeat that feat in an on-field drill Thursday, with quarterback Patrick Ramsey delivering the ball. "Patrick was like, 'Was that your bad hand?' " Marshall said. "And I was like, 'Yup, it sure was.' " It was one of the key points in Marshall's three-month recovery. "I knew I could catch the ball straight on or anywhere close to my body, but when it was away from me and I had to extend, I wasn't sure," Marshall said. "I put myself through all those situations, and I haven't dropped the ball yet." The way Marshall's hand feels now - "almost 100 percent," as he described it - has only made him more secure that he'll deliver on his public promise of a second straight 100-catch season. Only now, he has some basis for his bravado.

106 Resurrection at hand for Broncos' Marshall : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 6/30/2008 "As long as I've got feeling in my hand, in my palm, I can catch," he said. "I still can feel a little numbness in the back of my hand, but as far as my palm is concerned, I can feel just fine." Hackney, who threw to Marshall several times this week, played against him in college, threw to him in Arizona before the draft and has been his teammate in Denver. That makes him somewhat of an expert on the receiver's game. "You wouldn't have known at all," Hackney said of Marshall's current state of health. "And I threw balls all kinds of ways. I wanted him to make acrobatic catches, one-handed catches. He made them all. I don't see nothing wrong with his arm." Marshall allegedly was hurt while roughhousing with his brother, Fred, on March 21 at an Orlando, Fla., resort, incurring damage to an artery, vein, nerve, tendons and muscles. In hindsight, he nearly experienced a worstcase scenario in his career. "I was centimeters and millimeters away from cutting the nerve (affecting) my palm," he said. "That would have been dangerous." Marshall has kept up with his conditioning in recent weeks before his full clearance date Monday. The work with Tuten immediately paid off in that Marshall reported that his initial foray into the eight 150-yard on-field sprints with his teammates resulted in him leading the group each time. But Marshall cautioned that there's still much more work to be done to get his body right. He'll remain in town during the next month, even as the offseason strength program comes to its official conclusion in a couple of weeks. The plan is to better transform his current running shape into the type of conditioning he'll need to thrive when two-a-day training camp practices begin July 25. "I want to be accountable on the field, as far as being in shape and making the plays I was making last year and also making the plays I wasn't able to last year," he said. "I'm still pushing for the same goals that I set before I cut my arm, and as long as I stay focused, I will achieve that." That tunnel vision has proved elusive since Marshall's breakout 2007 season. Besides his injury and recovery, recent revelations have surfaced that he was involved in another domestic episode with former girlfriend Rasheeda Watley. That put Marshall in the headlines again for off-field transgressions that too often have marked his two NFL seasons and eventually could lead to league discipline. Given that troubling backdrop, Marshall was asked whether attaining his goals will prove more difficult since those issues, and a DUI trial set for September in Denver, remain unresolved and are sure to be persistent themes next season. "It has been a rough offseason for me because of various situations," he said. "But it's one of those things where you want to compete, and I'm competing against myself, against doubters. And it does nothing but drive me to prove people wrong that I can do the right things and will do the right things and will make great plays. That's all it is. It just drives me to be better all around." Rocky Mountain News

107 TimesCall.com - Right team, right time for McCree Page 1 of 2 8/1/2008 Print page Close window Longmont, Colorado Friday, August 01, 2008 Publish Date: 7/31/2008 Right team, right time for McCree Veteran safety in line to snare a starting job with Broncos By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call ENGLEWOOD Marlon McCree has bounced around the National Football League in his seven professional seasons. He s generally managed to find his way into the starting lineup, however. Less than a week into his first training camp with the Denver Broncos, it appears McCree is doing it again. The 31- year-old safety has increased his playing time with the first-team defense in the past week. Then, reports Wednesday of veteran John Lynch leaving the team have likely opened the door for even more time. I wanted to come and have a chance to compete and I ve been given that, McCree said Wednesday morning, before reports of Lynch s departure came out. McCree started all 30 games in which he played over the past two seasons for the San Diego Chargers. His relationship with the team deteriorated, however, and he was released on Feb. 28. Nine days later, he signed with the Broncos. To have an opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame coach like Mike Shanahan, to be in the secondary where there s two, potentially three Hall of Famers... what an opportunity, McCree said. Initially, McCree was signed as insurance in case Lynch retired. When Lynch announced he was coming back, McCree s presence simply gave the Broncos another experienced player in their secondary. Now it appears McCree could open the season as a starter. He is doing a great job, Shanahan said. Our assistants are very comfortable (with him). In his seven NFL seasons, McCree has spent most of his time on the field. Playing for Jacksonville, Houston, Carolina and San Diego, he s been in the starting lineup for 84 of the 106 games in which he s played. McCree was a starter for Jacksonville his first two seasons but lost his job in After showing his displeasure for losing his spot, the Jaguars waived him. Houston signed him and plugged him into the starting lineup for 11 games that season. He spent a year as a backup with Houston in 2004 before signing with Carolina in He started 15 of 16 games with the Panthers that season before moving on to San Diego. His relationship with the Chargers began to sour at the end of the 2006 season. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired after going 14-2 and losing in the divisional playoffs in Marty was my guy, McCree said. Marty left after going 14-2, so there was some hard feelings there. Norv Turner was hired and led the Chargers to an 11-5 season and a trip to the AFC Championship game last season. Although the season went well, I think on an individual level it was time for me to move on, McCree said. The opportunity there for me was not as I would have liked.

108 TimesCall.com - Right team, right time for McCree Page 2 of 2 8/1/2008 Now he s got an opportunity with the Broncos. Whenever you re a competitive guy like myself, you want to be out there and help the team win, he said. I m happy to play any role the coaches find necessary. I m going to accept it and roll with it. I want to help this team win games. It s all about winning, and you ve got to put the team first. I just want to do my part. McCree knows how to help teams win. In addition to his two years with the Chargers, he helped Carolina reach the NFC Championship Game in Looking around at his teammates in Denver, McCree sees no reason why the Broncos can t keep his streak of playoff appearances alive. I honestly feel like the winner of this division is going to win the Super Bowl, and I think we have a very legitimate shot of winning the division, he said. McCree spent the offseason going through the program of Broncos strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten, putting himself in the best position to help the Broncos. It wasn t fun then, but it s paying off now. This was the most difficult offseason I ve ever experienced in my eight-year career, and I m in the best shape of my life, he said. I (complained) and moaned all offseason. It kicked my butt, but I am in the best shape of my entire life and I know I m going to have a great year this year.

109 Moss hoping he gets better break - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 3/25/2008 broncos Moss hoping he gets better break The second-year pro is back in action after suffering a broken leg By Jim Armstrong The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 03/24/ :54:05 PM MDT ' (and) stuff like that." And then, just when he felt like he was turning a corner, his season ended on the practice field after six games. "I wouldn't call it great football, but for a rookie I was picking it up," said Moss, the Broncos' first-round draft choice in "I was getting a better feeling for the game and being relaxed out there. I had some good talks with my coaches right before my injury about how I was going to pick it up and start pushing a little harder in practice." He won't be able to push it hard for another week or two, but Moss was out there knocking off 100-yard sprints Monday during the first day of the Broncos' annual offseason conditioning program. Afterward, it never felt so good to be so sore. It can now be said. Long before he felt the pain of a broken right fibula, Jarvis Moss felt the frustration of being an NFL rookie. "It was a lot tougher than I expected, to be honest," Moss said. "Sundays isn't a time to be uptight. You should be prepared, but it's fun out there. I like the guys who are out there smiling, and I wasn't out there smiling. I was all uptight. 'What's the next play? "After I work it really good, it's obviously sore, but no pain," he said. "I'm excited. I'm a little tired, but I'm happy I can even run and go get tired. Hopefully, we can look at it like I wasn't ever injured." In the Broncos' perfect world, Moss would have stayed healthy as a rookie and moved into the starting lineup next season. But after a rookie year in which he started one game his season stat line read 12 tackles and a sack only time will tell if it happens. "Definitely, I think it will happen," Moss said. "Who knows when? We'll see how I do in

110 Moss hoping he gets better break - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 3/25/2008 camp as far as my ankle goes, but that's something I'm going to work myself into. And if not, as long as I'm contributing in a positive manner and playing up to my potential, it's not something that really bothers me." While his status on the depth chart is in question, this much Moss already knows: He and all those other young defensive linemen are huge parts of the Broncos' future. On the list are Moss, Elvis Dumervil and two other 2007 draftees, defensive tackle Marcus Thomas and defensive end Tim Crowder. If they turn into players, the Broncos' defense could be solidified for years to come. If not, it could set the franchise back for years to come. Other than that, it isn't a major issue at Dove Valley. "It's a real key," Moss said. "We talk all the time. I talk to Dumervil often. We talk about being leaders. We're young guys, but still coming to work showing we're leaders, the way we're working and the way we carry ourselves around here. We're going to do everything together as a D-line starting today and throughout the season." Jim Armstrong: or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com

111 Nalen is last champion standing : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 3/26/2008 Nalen is last champion standing Center final player from title teams still with Broncos By Lee Rasizer Tuesday, March 25, 2008 He survived his recent trip to an Orlando, Fla., resort with his family in tow. Not Brandon Marshall - Tom Nalen. "I avoided McDonald's bags and television sets," Nalen, the Broncos' longtime center, quipped in an interview earlier this week. "I'm very proud of that." Here's something else that also potentially could elicit a sense of gratification from Nalen: With recent moves that have erased Jason Elam, Matt Lepsis and Rod Smith off the Broncos roster, he is the last link to the franchise's two Super Bowl-winning teams. But Nalen isn't exactly doing handstands over that designation. "I don't sit around with my feet up going, 'Yeah, I outlasted everyone,' " he said. But facts are facts. Nalen is the only current Broncos player who predates the Mike Shanahan era. Wade Phillips was at the helm when Nalen was drafted in the seventh round in 1994 with the 218th pick. Nalen, who will be 37 when he enters the season with 194 games under his belt, probably won't catch Elam (236) for most appearances by a Broncos player. At least he'll get an opportunity, considering he's 42 games short. Nalen missed the final 11 games of the 2007 season with a torn right biceps but has been finished with rehabilitation for a couple of months and has resumed full workouts. "There's nothing wrong with my arm anymore," he said. In the meantime, Smith was placed on the reserve/retired list and almost certainly is done playing. Lepsis retired. And Elam signed a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. "I thought Rod would play forever," Nalen said. "Jason, you can't outlast kickers, but Atlanta gave him more money. "Matt," Nalen added with a laugh, "I figured I'd outlast him." Nalen, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, chalks up much of his longevity to Shanahan being at the helm for 13 of

112 Nalen is last champion standing : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 3/26/2008 his 14 seasons. During that period, he has seen countless teammates come and go - and not just from the 1997 and 1998 squads that brought home the Lombardi Trophy. "Rosters are constantly in turnover and it's bound to happen," he said of the constant flux. "I am surprised to still be playing here, but a lot of that is Mike's been the head coach here and if guys are producing, he keeps the guys around from those teams as long as he can." Smith's bad hip forced him to step away from the Broncos. He always vowed the team would have to rip the name plate off his locker, and the severity of his injury forced the issue. Lepsis and Elam were much different cases. Lepsis rebounded from two serious knee ailments to become a top-flight NFL offensive tackle but eventually lost his passion for the game and wasn't satisfied with his level of performance. Elam toyed with the idea of retirement when the Broncos didn't budge off essentially a one-year free-agent offer but eventually was wooed away by a $3.3 million signing bonus in a $9 million package from Atlanta. "Jason's still playing and Matt's not. They're both equally happy," Nalen said. "I hope I'm as happy whether I continue playing or I retire." Rocky Mountain News

113 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 1 of 2 2/28/2008 Printed from Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Paulescu Awaits His Big Chance By Andrew Mason DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Sam Paulescu would have made time to answer and report upon receiving any call from any NFL team. But the one from the Broncos came at the perfect time. While working out throughout the 2007 campaign to stay in shape, Paulescu also worked towards his bachelor's degree in education at Oregon State University. When the Broncos needed a punter in late December, Paulescu was in the midst of his winter break. Classes didn't resume in Corvallis until Jan. 7. His one-game stint saw him set up a fourth-quarter safety with a pinpoint placement of a 44-yard punt that went out of bounds at the Minnesota Vikings' 2- yard-line during Denver's Week 17 win. With that kick, he aided his new team, and his work that day also nestled snugly into accomplishing the twin goals of his short-term future -- to find an NFL home and obtain his degree. Just over a week after his Broncos and NFL regular-season debut, classwork occupied his mind once again. "I've got five classes left," he said. "I'm almost done with college. I can take three of those classes (during the winter quarter)." Finals week for the quarter at OSU arrives March Three days later, it's time to return to Denver. "It works out perfectly, because March 24 I have to come back," Paulescu said. "The quarter will be over by then, so I can just come back here. It'll be awesome." Paulescu's enthusiasm over offseason workouts might catch a jaded observer somewhat off-guard, but such ebullience permeates his personality. "Awesome" is a frequently-used adjective in Paulescu's speech, not as a linguistic crutch, but as a legitimate, honest description of the awe he feels in the NFL surroundings he first experienced during the summer with the Dallas Cowboys and again in December with the Broncos. Just playing was a victory. That it meshed so snugly with his academic tasks was a bonus. Being able to help his new team with a solid 40.0-yard net punting average and one punt that pinned the Vikings deep in their own territory -- that was almost too splendid for Paulescu to believe. "That meant so much," Paulescu said. "It's a team game and everyone's got to do their job. When you know you did your job and people are giving you highfives and walking up to you saying, 'Great job,'... I got goose bumps. That was awesome.

114 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 2 of 2 2/28/2008 "To do that was just amazing," he continued. "It was a great feeling. I can't even explain it." But Paulescu believes it was only a prologue. Beginning in March, he wants to write the first chapter. "I've got a lot to improve on, and I'm going to go into this offseason, work hard, come back and just do my best," he said. "I know there's going to be competition. "I'm just going to keep working hard to be consistent and just get better from here on out. But you know what? It was awesome."

115 Broncos' RB defending his life - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 6/6/2008 broncos Broncos' RB defending his life "I'm 32 years old now. I go around and talk to kids about it. Go to high schools. I speak at seminars. I talk about making right decisions. My Pittman says he's changed; Shanahan and fan back him up By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 06/06/ :42:36 AM MDT Todd Sauerbrun, the jilted former Broncos punter, had just finished plea-bargaining to a lesser charge in a Denver courtroom last week when he stopped to scoff at his old team's desire to replace bad characters with good. "The guys I've seen them pick up, you're going to tell me those are good character people?" Sauerbrun told reporters. "I think not." These reports were naturally followed by references to the Broncos' recent signing of Michael Pittman, a veteran running back who in 2001 and 2003 was arrested in domestic violence incidents involving his wife. "I don't know if it was temper as (much as) it was (being) new in the marriage," Pittman said this week. "I was used to do everything on my own, not having to share my life, and making bad decisions. I've matured. Pittman: "I've matured." (David Zalubowski, The Associated Press ) wife and I are still together. We're in love. We've moved on from it and we're stronger from it." From Florida, Travis Sullivan read how Pittman's past transgressions were becoming an unfair, blanket description of the man he had come to admire. Sullivan came to know Pittman six years ago during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training camp. Sullivan had written a letter to Pittman, enclosing a $100 check to cover his request for an autographed jersey for his 6-year-old son, Ryan. Advertisement

116 Broncos' RB defending his life - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 6/6/2008 Pittman sent back the check with the autographed jersey, then had tickets waiting for Ryan and his family for every home game. After each game, Pittman always handed Ryan his game gloves. To this day, Pittman and Ryan stay in touch. talk it out until we reach some type of decision, and we move on." Mike Klis: or mklis@denverpost. com "It's tough for me to put into words what I feel about him as a person for what he's done for my family," Travis Sullivan said. "There's people you read about in the paper and draw your own conclusions about who they are and what they are, but until you really get to know somebody, you probably don't know them." Broncos coach Mike Shanahan compared Pittman's character to that of veteran receiver Rod Smith. Despite a domestic violence charge in 2000, Smith was able to restore his honorable reputation through his strong work ethic, professionalism and selflessness. "There's a lot of similarities between Rod and Michael Pittman," Shanahan said. "I think once people get to know Michael Pittman, they're going to find out this is a guy of strong character." Pittman said he attended court-ordered classes because of his past transgressions, but he became a better person through his will to change. "You have to want to change your ways, the way you think," he said. "At the time, I was younger, I had a me-against- the-world-type attitude. Now, when we get in some type of argument, we Advertisement

117 Drafting a roster spot - The Denver Post Page 1 of 5 5/7/2008 sports Drafting a roster spot Opportunities abound for unselected free agents in this age of salary cap By Jim Armstrong The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 05/07/ :37:51 AM MDT Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, who beat Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher to the punch by a few seconds. "I had Coach Fisher on hold for 10 or 15 minutes while I was talking to Coach Dungy," Polumbus said. "That was a really weird feeling knowing I had another NFL coach on hold. I definitely wasn't prepared for that moment." So whose sales pitch did Polumbus select? Neither. The Broncos had called during the draft and Polumbus, who grew up in Denver and played at Colorado, jumped at the chance to join his favorite team. But first he had to let out a huge sigh of relief. Former CU offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus hits the weights in hopes of making his mark with the Broncos. (Brian Brainerd, The Denver Post ) Tyler Polumbus never knew being overlooked in the NFL draft could be so exciting. Within minutes of the draft's conclusion, Polumbus' phone started ringing... and ringing... and ringing. He wasn't deemed worthy of a draft choice, but suddenly he was being pursued by teams throughout the league. Talk about your surreal moments. The final pick had barely been made and Polumbus, an offensive tackle, found himself talking to The unusual twists and turns didn't start with the phone calls. For Polumbus, they began in the seventh round, when he went from dreaming of being drafted to hoping beyond hope that he wouldn't be. "It's a bizarre situation," Polumbus said. "I was praying I wouldn't get picked up. I didn't want to go to a place where I didn't want to be." For undrafted free agents, it's all about the opportunity, about being in the right place with the right team at the right time. They can honestly say it's not about the money. Polumbus signed for slightly more than $20,000. Former Colorado State quarterback Caleb Hanie, meanwhile, received $5,000 to sign with the Advertisement

118 Drafting a roster spot - The Denver Post Page 2 of 5 5/7/2008 Chicago Bears. They should consider themselves fortunate. The St. Louis Rams don't give signing bonuses to undrafted free agents. They'll give them an advance on offseason workout expenses and camp per diems, but that's it. Ability to pick their teams Like Polumbus, Hanie spent the latter stages of the draft on the edge of his seat. But Hanie was hoping to be selected, especially after hearing draft junkie Mel Kiper Jr. talking up his potential during ESPN's draft coverage. Hanie knew the Bears were interested, having talked to team officials and taken a physical in Chicago in the weeks preceding the draft. And he knew their quarterback situation was unsettled, with embattled starter Rex Grossman and backup Kyle Orton toward the end of their contracts. "It's a good situation," Hanie said. "Obviously they "You just want to hear your name called," Hanie said. "Obviously, if I had been drafted by the Bears, I would have felt better. With that said, I'm happy for the opportunity. In a way, it was better that I went undrafted because I feel confident I'm with a team that has confidence in me." Hanie and Polumbus were like every other undrafted free agent on draft weekend. By the time Sunday afternoon arrived, they and their agents had pored over every team's depth chart in search of the best opportunity. Then it was a matter of waiting for the phone to ring and finding a match. At 6-feet-7, 315 pounds, Polumbus knew he wouldn't be a fit with teams who employed massive tackles. He and his agent, Boulderbased Tom Mills, had targeted the Broncos, what with Mike Shanahan's preference for lean linemen. When the Broncos used their firstrounder on Ryan Clady, but didn't draft another tackle, the opportunity arose. Polumbus (Brian Bahr, Getty Images file photo ) could both do well this year, and they could keep them both. If one of them struggles, they could decide they don't need one of them, and it opens up a roster spot for a guy like me. There are a lot of different scenarios." Salary cap opens doors Advertisement

119 Drafting a roster spot - The Denver Post Page 3 of 5 5/7/2008 Back in the day, Polumbus and Hanie may not have gone undrafted. Instead of being called free agents, they would have been labeled laterounders. "Tyler probably would have been an eighthround pick in the old days," Mills said. "A lot of guys are like that. They're free agents because the draft is only seven rounds." That helps explain why undrafted free agents are making such a major impact in today's NFL. Part of it is pure numbers. The NFL pared the draft to seven rounds from 12 in 1994, meaning dozens of players who would have been selected in earlier years went undrafted. It's more than that, though. The salary cap and the practice squad, both relatively recent phenomenons, have served to create opportunities for developmental-type players that weren't there in previous generations. NFL teams always have given the benefit of the doubt to younger players deemed to be on a par with high-salaried veterans. But that practice is more prevalent now because of the salary cap. With teams spending the bulk of their cap on star-caliber starters, the bottom of NFL rosters typically are filled with young players making at or near the league minimum. "It's a necessary part of doing business," Mills said. "Teams want competition. And even if a young player doesn't make the roster, he forces the other player to play better." Unlike a veteran, not making the roster isn't the end of the road for an undrafted free agent. The practice squad has become a haven for such players. It gives teams extra time to develop prospects who went undrafted for any number of reasons. Some were undersized and others were switching positions. Or they played at a small school or were injured in college. Rod Smith fit all of those descriptions. He played quarterback at Missouri Southern before making the switch to wide receiver. He injured his knee in college and needed to get stronger to have a chance to play in the NFL. The rest is history. Smith is a certain Broncos Ring of Famer, as is Tom Nalen, another member of Denver's practice squad, class of Talented players make mark Not that Smith is the only undrafted free agent to make it big in the NFL in recent years. Neither of the Pittsburgh Steelers' past two team MVPs, Willie Parker or James Harrison, was drafted. Nor were Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert, two key members of the New York Giants' offensive line. The list goes on and on. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, he of the $66 million contract, was bypassed on draft weekend. So was San Diego's Antonio Gates, a former basketball player at Kent State who has become the standard of the industry among NFL tight ends. Then there's Indianapolis' Jeff Saturday, arguably the best center in the game. Advertisement

120 Drafting a roster spot - The Denver Post Page 4 of 5 5/7/2008 According to NFL.com, the 12 playoff teams in 2007 had 167 undrafted free agents on their rosters. Some, like Polumbus, received $20,000- plus to sign, not bad considering last year's final draft pick, Alabama cornerback Ramzee Robinson, got $24,900 from Detroit. Others got little more than a plane ticket and a T-shirt. Such is life for undrafted free agents. "Anytime you get into five figures, there's some competition involved," Mills said. "If there's one team on the line, you've got your hand out. It's better than not getting a contract. At least you've got a chance. That's all you can ask for." Jim Armstrong: or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com Best in Broncos history Denver Post staff writer Jim Armstrong picks the best free agents to don a Denver uniform: 1. Rod Smith, WR : Owns every receiving record in NFL history for undrafted free agents. 2. Rich Jackson, DE : Became one of NFL's most feared pass rushers in Denver. 3. Bob Swenson, LB : Randy Gradishar wasn't the only star of the Orange Crush LB corps. 4. Goose Gonsoulin, S : Ring of Famer had 43 INTs in seven seasons. 5. Joe Rizzo, LB : A diamond in the rough. He played at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Let freedom ring Denver Post staff writer Jim Armstrong picks the five best undrafted free agents in NFL history and the five best from state colleges: BEST IN NFL HISTORY 1. Kurt Warner, QB, Rams: OK, so his career has leveled off, but give him his due. He won two MVP awards. 2. Willie Wood, CB, Packers: Anchored Packers' secondary in the 1960s with fellow Hall of Famer Herb Adderley. 3. Warren Moon, QB, Oilers: Had to take his act to the CFL before the NFL establishment would accept him as a quarterback. 4. John Randle, DT, Vikings: Likely future Hall of Famer played in seven Pro Bowls, ranks fifth all time with 137 1/2 sacks. 5. Joe Jacoby, OT, Redskins: At 6-feet-7, 300 Advertisement

121 Drafting a roster spot - The Denver Post Page 5 of 5 5/7/2008 pounds, Lawrence Taylor's old nemesis became the prototype for today's tackles. BEST FROM STATE SCHOOLS 1. Matt Lepsis, OT, CU: Former Buffs TE went on to become one of NFL's most solid left tackles. 2. Tom Ashworth, OT, CU: Started for Patriots in Super Bowl victory over Carolina. 3. Rick Dennison, LB, CSU: College tight end played nine seasons at linebacker with the Broncos before becoming their offensive coordinator. 4. Cecil Sapp, FB, CSU: Made switch from TB to become Broncos' current starter at fullback. 5. Tom Rouen, P, CU: How many players, punters or otherwise, last 13 seasons in the NFL? Advertisement

122 TimesCall.com - Broncos moving on in post-elam era Page 1 of 2 7/30/2008 Print page Close window Longmont, Colorado Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Publish Date: 7/29/2008 Broncos moving on in post-elam era Denver putting trust in young kicker Prater By Brian Howell Longmont Times-Call ENGLEWOOD Aaron Rodgers has a difficult job in front of him as he tries to replace Brett Favre at quarterback in Green Bay. In Denver, Matt Prater doesn t think his task is any easier. Just like Rodgers, Prater finds himself replacing a legend. For the first time since 1992 when Prater was 8 years old the Denver Broncos will open the season with a kicker other than Jason Elam. Kicker Matt Prater, right, waits to practice as holder Brett Kern prepares for a kick attempt during Broncos training camp in Denver on Saturday. a i al ws i/ I don t know if it s a much smaller scale (than Rodgers replacing Favre) because everybody s been asking about Elam, Prater said. I hear about it a lot. At least Prater knows unlike Rodgers that the legend he s replacing won t be coming back. After 15 seasons in Denver, in which he kicked 395 field goals and made 99.5 percent of his extra-point attempts, Elam signed a free agent contract with Atlanta in the offseason. It s pretty big shoes to fill, Prater said. He s definitely going to be a Hall of Famer. While Elam built up a resume that could eventually land him in the Hall of Fame, he also built up a pretty good salary demand, which is a big reason why the Broncos went in another direction. Elam will make roughly $2.25 million from the Falcons this season. Prater will earn $370,000. Again, just like Rodgers, there are big questions surrounding Prater s ability to handle the job because he hasn t done it. The 23-year-old (he ll turn 24 on Aug. 10) has four games of NFL experience. He handled kickoff duties for the Broncos in the final two games last season. Prater has just four career attempts (making one) at field goals, while Elam had four game-winning field goals last year alone. Still, the job in Denver belongs to Prater. He s the only kicker the Broncos have in training camp. We want to give him all of the reps, Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said. We want to see what he can do. We want him to know that he s our guy, that we have a lot of confidence in him, and hopefully he takes advantage of an opportunity. Perhaps as much as any player on the Broncos roster this season, Prater will be under the microscope. The first time probably every time he misses a kick, the fans will cry for Elam.

123 TimesCall.com - Broncos moving on in post-elam era Page 2 of 2 7/30/2008 Saturday, the fans that made their way to Dove Valley got their first live look at Prater, who made seven of eight field goal attempts. I kicked pretty well, but even when I got done, it was just dead silent, Prater said. There weren t any boos, so I guess it was a good thing. Prater has been working for this chance for years. A soccer and baseball player growing up, he discovered his kicking talent in high school and stuck with it. At Estero High School in Florida, his coach asked him to take some reps at receiver and defensive back. I said, Coach, do you think I can be a scholarship player (at receiver or defensive back)? Prater said. He said, Probably not. I said, I ll just kick then. He earned that scholarship, to Central Florida, where he was a teammate of Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall. At UCF, Prater made 50-of-74 field goal attempts. It wasn t until after college that Prater finally began learning how to kick, however. I used to say, Just put it down and I ll kill it, he said. I didn t know anything about field goal technique or anything. I ve gotten a lot better in the couple years I ve been out of college. He was out of football in 2006, trying out for several teams, but working a part-time job to pay the bills. Since leaving UCF, Prater has discovered that breaking into the NFL as a young kicker isn t easy. He s signed at various times with Detroit, Miami and Atlanta over the past two years. That s one position teams don t want to mess with, he said. If they have a veteran kicker, they re going to go with the veteran, basically no matter what. In Detroit, I went up there (during the preseason) and went 4-for-4 in field goals and kicked off well and still got cut. That s why being the only kicker in camp doesn t help Prater rest easy. They can always bring a veteran in off the street, he said. His job is to make sure the Broncos don t have to go that route. He may not make anyone forget Elam any time soon, but he can do his best to make the Broncos pleased with their decision to sign him. I just want to go out and kick and be comfortable with what I can do and not try to compare myself with Jason, he said. I m just going to try to do my best. Brian Howell can be reached at bhowell@times-call.com.

124 No cooling his jets : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 4 5/17/2008 No cooling his jets Robertson's goal with Broncos: prove himself after landing in Denver By Lee Rasizer Originally published 12:05 a.m., May 17, 2008 Updated 12:23 a.m., May 17, 2008 Click-clack. Stacks of heavy metal repeatedly smack against other steel, serving as an offseason sound- track for Dewayne Robertson as he prepares for his first season with the Broncos. The cacophony is the perfect complement to the defensive tackle's relative silence as he lets his muscles do their work. Even the presence of former college buddy Marlon McCree, with whom he has reunited as a teammate in Denver, can't change the clicking and clacking to chitting and chatting in the Broncos weight room. Even though the two have much to catch up on, seven years removed from their days at the University of Kentucky and only periodically having touched base since. But McCree understands why a fist bump and a couple of "what-ups" at Dove Valley will have to do for the moment. After five seasons with the New York Jets, where Robertson was hailed as the next Warren Sapp before eventually being traded for possibly nothing, it's clear the No. 4 overall pick in the 2003 draft has a point to prove to himself and the rest of the NFL. If it takes being the strong, silent type now to become a noisy, disruptive force in 2008, that's what Robertson is doing. "He's got blinders on," McCree observed recently. "I'm his boy, and I can't even get him off track. So I know, definitely, he's going to be a threat this year." For a team lacking in the middle of its front four, to say that would be just what the doctor ordered is partially true. No self-respecting physician would order up help in exactly the form Robertson brings, given a troublesome history with his left knee that dates to his sophomore year in college. But the fact the Broncos traded for Robertson, despite an admission he would have flunked their physicals in each of the past four years, speaks to the team's desperation to find interior help.

125 No cooling his jets : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 4 5/17/2008 That said, Robertson seems to be a low-risk, high-reward acquisition: * He's low cost - the Broncos owe the Jets no draft-pick compensation if Robertson plays fewer than 65 percent of Denver's defensive snaps next season. * The contract is tied to the lineman's participation on a defensive front that generally rotates eight players. * His apparent ability to manage his pain. This is a player who thrives on competition. "If a guy thinks he's better than me, then I've got to show him he's not," said Robertson, his pride apparently buoyed by the thought of playing in the Broncos' 4-3 defense instead of the Jets' three-man front in which he was miscast as a nose tackle the past two years. That position is for NFL heavyweights, big-bodied players responsible for gaps on both sides of the center who constantly take on double teams. Here to help Robertson prefers to play at least 15 pounds lighter, at 310, and in "attack" mode while aligned opposite opponents' guards. He'll do both with the Broncos, who will welcome his help, particularly as a run stuffer after they finished 29th in that category last season. "I just feel like everything is going to happen naturally for me, because I know what kind of blocks to expect in a 4-3 scheme and all that kind of stuff," Robertson said. "You know how teams want to attack you. So I'm going to reapply that to what I learned before I went to a 3-4 and keep rolling." The Jets ran a 4-3 scheme in Robertson's first three pro seasons. After he struggled some during his rookie year, when New York ranked only 28th against the run, he began to adjust. He finished with 60 tackles and three sacks as the Jets reached the playoffs in A year later, though, Eric Mangini replaced Herm Edwards as head coach and Robertson was forced to learn a new position that minimized the quickness advantage he once had provided. "When I was playing that 3-4 stuff, I had to do a lot of thinking and it kind of slowed me down as far as how to play and what to do," he said. This offseason, the Jets acquired massive defensive tackle Kris Jenkins from Carolina to handle the role. And, given Robertson's contract, which included a $3 million bonus payment due in June, and the fact Mangini's staff didn't draft him in the first place, leaving New York was a fait accompli. A trade to Cincinnati in March fell through because of a failure to find common financial ground on a new contract. Robertson shopped himself around before the Broncos worked out their arrangement, which included a new six-year financial package. "It's kind of what I felt I needed," Robertson said of the trade. At 26, Robertson will be playing under his third head coach, fourth defensive coordinator and third scheme. But he doesn't see that as a negative.

126 No cooling his jets : rockymountainnews.com Page 3 of 4 5/17/2008 "I can take that and what I learned before and apply it to now," he said. He insists he left New York with no hard feelings. "The expectations were very high," he said, "and I don't know if people felt I was disappointing or whatnot. But I do know I tried to do the best I could do." Overall, he started 75-of-77 regular-season games for the Jets, with 319 tackles (188 solo) and 141/2 sacks. Yet given his young age, Robertson should only just now be reaching the prime of his career - if he holds up physically. "He will be able to say that he doesn't fit in a 3-4 and the Jets misused him, etc., etc., (only) if he comes here and succeeds. He knows that," McCree said. "And he's got a lot of pressure on him. But a 4-3 is going to suit him. And I think he'll definitely help our front seven." TRANSACTIONS: The Broncos signed 6-foot-3, 302-pound free- agent guard Dylan Gandy, who spent his first three seasons with Indianapolis. They also waived guard Isaac Snell. rasizerl@rockymountainnews.com Numbers game Just before the draft, the Broncos retooled the final two years of Dewayne Robertson's contract and tacked on an extra four-year extension through The revised deal: $900,000 annual salary for the 2008 and '09 seasons. $3 million roster bonus. $4 million is what the contract counts against the Broncos' '08 salary cap. $11 million in playing-time incentives he could earn in 2009, which means the contract could max out at $35 million over six years. 65% of the defensive snaps is the threshold for determining what compensation the Broncos owe the Jets. If Robertson plays fewer than that in 2008, the Jets get nothing. The cost becomes a fifth-rounder if he plays 65 percent to 70 percent of the snaps, a third-rounder if he plays 70 percent to 80 percent, and a second-rounder if he's on the field more than 80 percent of the time. Knee-to-know basis Dewayne Robertson said he has learned to live with the deterioration in his left knee that worried Denver and other NFL teams interested in pursuing him this past offseason. "It's all about doing the things you need to do to manage it and make sure it stays the way it should stay," he said. Frequent rehabilitation, ice and keeping his weight down have proved helpful in keeping him in the lineup for 75-of-77 pro regular-season games.

127 No cooling his jets : rockymountainnews.com Page 4 of 4 5/17/2008 He first injured the knee at Kentucky in 2001 but, even then, missed only about a month. "A couple doctors have told me it's about how much you can take and you can deal with it. But I've been dealing with it for five years.... I'm going to go out and show people I can play as long as I want to with this kind of injury." Rocky Mountain News

128 Rookie becoming a Royal pain for DBs - The Denver Post Page 1 of 1 7/31/2008 the jimmy page - on demand Rookie becoming a Royal pain for DBs By Jim Armstrong The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/30/ :58:31 PM MDT Royal, the Broncos' second-rounder from Virginia Tech. As much as the coaches like this rookie class from top to bottom, Royal easily has generated the most buzz. Royal was drafted first and foremost to upgrade the Broncos' return game. But he's showing with each passing day that he's capable of contributing as a receiver, too. "He's fast and he's quick," said Broncos cornerback Dre Bly. "I've been telling guys, having had a chance to be with Az Hakim in Detroit and St. Louis, he's another version of him, with more speed.... With the kind of player he is, he's a gadget guy, he's a reverse guy, a guy who can go deep, a guy who can catch screens." A slot receiver, in other words. At 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, Royal profiles as a classic slot receiver, much like veteran Brandon Stokley. Then again, Mike Shanahan said on draft day that Royal was the best receiver in the draft at beating man-toman bump coverage. Whether he eventually gets some snaps at wide receiver or not, Royal has made a huge impression during his first NFL camp. He looks the part of a player who's going to help the Broncos for years to come. Eddie Royal, left, heads down the sideline after catching a pass with Jack Williams in pursuit during training camp. (AP David Zalubowski) Happens every year. Some rookies show up bigger than advertised at training camp. This year's biggest surprise? That would be Eddie Some rookies struggle to make the transition from college to the pro game. Not Royal. He was asked Wednesday if he had had a moment in camp when he felt overwhelmed. "You can't think like that," said Royal. "You never can think like that. You always come out and put your best foot forward, and that's what I'm trying to do." Follow Jim Armstrong's daily sports commentaries Advertisement

129 Scheffler determined to get off on right foot : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 7/31/2008 Scheffler determined to get off on right foot By Lee Rasizer Wednesday, July 30, 2008 ENGLEWOOD Jay Cutler was in midsentence on the podium in front of a gaggle of media last week at Dove Valley when a body flashed in front of him. Cutler barked at Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler to get his attention and make his good friend and, at times, go-to target double back. "Did you make it through?" the Broncos quarterback asked when Scheffler redirected to face his close friend. "I made it through," Scheffler responded, despite wearing an ice pack on his wrist. "Tony Scheffler made it through practice today," Cutler blurted out loudly. "Give him a hand. Congratulations." "I was plus-250 on the money line, so a lot of guys were taking bets against me," the tight end answered. It's one running joke that's no running joke - Scheffler's health problems as punch line. Because for the Broncos offense to run anywhere near peak levels, Scheffler needs to be in the mix. And for the second straight summer, questions abound as to whether the tight end will be able to shake the left foot issue that has plagued him for more than a year. So far, so good. About a month in a protective boot beginning in May helped with recurring soreness he had surgically repaired a year earlier with the insertion of a single, stabilizing screw. X-rays during the offseason had shown the original injury hadn't completely healed. But after a week of two-a-day practices, it appears to be a matter of Scheffler getting into training camp shape after his time off, a process he believes will take only about another seven days or so. "I'm still a little hesitant because of everything, but I'm almost sure everything's behind me and I don't plant any differently than I would normally," he said. "It's definitely feeling a lot better. And I don't find myself adjusting my routes like I did during the season just in case I'd get in a bad angle on the foot." Given an inability to plant, cut and separate from defenders last season, it's no small wonder Scheffler still was able to finish with 33 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns in the second half. Turns out, that output came in something of an unorthodox manner. "I think if you go back and look at all of his catches, the majority weren't off downfield, making the hard-cut kind of receptions," said Pat McPherson, Scheffler's position coach. "He'd catch seam passes, where he's running and if he has to break at all, it's slight. He caught a lot of what we call 'bubbles,' where he bubbles out and catches them. He caught quite a few of those. Tony made up for it by mixing up what he did rather than everything be a hard-cut kind of route." There were other concessions.

130 Scheffler determined to get off on right foot : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 7/31/2008 Scheffler was forced to wear a steel plate in his left shoe to help stabilize the area. It wasn't just uncomfortable because of the hard insert; it didn't fit into his cleat snugly, which was an added irritation. "My foot would fall asleep in pregame warm-ups just because of how hard it was. But that wasn't a long-term solution, and over the summer, we got things figured out," he said. "We went through Nike and got the shoes adjusted and the orthotics made." With those steps in place, perhaps Scheffler finally can have a complete season that moves him into the league's elite at tight end instead of logging two solid half-seasons. He ranks sixth in the NFL with 607 yards at his position in the final eight games of the past two seasons to go with 45 catches and seven touchdowns. That dwarfs the figures in the first halves, when he has 18 receptions for 286 yards and four scores. "If I want to be the player that I strive to be, I need to start off good and carry the momentum through the whole season," Scheffler said. And where Scheffler strives to be is listed with the likes of Chris Cooley, Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Kellen Winslow among the top-tier tight ends. "When I look at the top guys in the NFL, I love and respect all their games," he said. "But at the same time, in the back of my head, I feel like I can be at that same level." Jeremy Bates, who runs the Broncos' passing game, calls Scheffler building off last season and starting strong right from the beginning "a must." "The guy's a weapon," Bates said. "You can see towards the end of both seasons he's played just how much he can put pressure on a defense, and it helps our offensive creativity with the formations we can do against defenses." Scheffler's productivity is even more vital should No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall, as expected, receive a league-mandated suspension to start the season. "Any player has to have confidence in yourself and your abilities, and I do right now," Scheffler said. "This is a great offense for me to be in and play here. We're going to do a lot of different things, hopefully, with me out there. Nate Jackson's been playing well, too. But we have a lot of guys out here who can do a lot of different things, and Jeremy's going to put us in the right spots. For Scheffler to surpass Jackson on the depth chart, he still needs to demonstrate he competently can handle duties as a blocker at the point of attack to go with his unquestioned receiving ability. "I still think that Gonzalez is the best," McPherson said. "And what makes him so good is not only can he catch the ball, run routes, he's a great athlete, but he sticks his nose in there and blocks his (butt) off. Tony's getting better. But you have to do the things you don't want to do to be able to do the things you want to do. He has to be a complete guy. That has to be his mind-set." Rocky Mountain News

131 ESPN.com - Broncos' track record bodes well for rookie Torain Page 1 of 2 7/8/2008 Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Broncos' track record bodes well for rookie Torain By Bill Williamson ESPN.com ESPN.com: NFL ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Ryan Torain's eyes were caught by the television. It was the fourth pick of the fifth round in April's NFL draft. He noticed that Denver, the team of choice for every college running back, was on the clock. Torain's mind predictably started to envision 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Broncos. Suddenly, he was brought back to the draft board by the sound of his ringing cell phone. He looked at the incoming call. There it was. "It was a 303 [area code] number," Torain said. "I knew the call was coming from Colorado. I have a couple of friends from Colorado and I know the 303 is in Colorado. I was hoping it was the Broncos and not my friends calling." Indeed, running back heaven was calling. "I picked up the phone real quick and the voice on the other end said, 'Are you ready to be the next star running back for the Denver Broncos?'" Torain recalled of his brief conversation with a Broncos personnel official. "I said, 'Yes' and I've been smiling ever since." With the 139th pick of the 2008 draft, the Broncos took Torain, a rugged running back from Arizona State. Even though he was drafted in the fifth round, Torain has a legitimate chance to make an impact this season. He is a prototypical Broncos running back. He hits the hole quickly and he's a downhill runner. He fits in Denver's zone-blocking scheme. The Broncos using a fifth-round pick on a running back is the equivalent of any other NFL team selecting a tailback in the second round. After all, the Broncos have made a living out of scoring with late-round running backs. Terrell Davis was a sixth-round pick, as was Mike Anderson. Mike Bell and Selvin Young became contributors in the past two years after both were picked up as undrafted free agents. Torain, whom Denver took with the draft choice acquired from AFC West-rival Oakland for defensive tackle Gerard Warren last August, is now part of Denver's running back consortium. And that means he has a chance to be the team's leading rusher this year. Yes, even as a fifth-round pick. Torain will be in the Broncos' camp, so he has a chance to be the top running back. That's how it works in Denver. In Mike Shanahan's running system, easily the best in the NFL since 1995, five different players have led the team in rushing since 2003: Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, Anderson, Tatum Bell, and Young. Only Portis started his respective season as the sure No. 1 runner in training camp. Portis, Droughns, Anderson and Bell each left the team the season after leading the Broncos in rushing. Shanahan thought he found his long-term answer at running back last year when Denver signed tested veteran Travis Henry to a five-year, $22 million deal. After four games in 2007, the plan was unfolding beautifully as Henry was leading the NFL in rushing. However, injuries and off-field issues ruined

132 ESPN.com - Broncos' track record bodes well for rookie Torain Page 2 of 2 7/8/2008 Henry's season. After he stopped showing up to work this spring, Henry was cut. His departure once again opened Denver's revolving door at running back. When training camp opens July 25, Young will go in as the No. 1 back. He is followed by veteran Michael Pittman, recently signed from Tampa Bay, small playmaker Andre Hall and Torain. Even though he is fourth on the depth chart, Torain shouldn't enter training camp feeling buried. No running back in Denver should ever feel that way. Both Mike Bell and Young came out of nowhere in the past two training camps and became big parts of the offense. The word inside the Denver organization is that Torain has performed well in minicamps and has picked up the running scheme quickly. "This is a great place for any running back to be," Torain said. "This is the place you want to be. I know I have a long way to go. But running backs can and have done well here. I couldn't think of a better place to be. I'm ready to go for it." Still, Shanahan maintained during minicamps that his running back crew may be a committee. In the past, Shanahan has been open to the idea, and he likes what he has in this group. "We have good young players at running back," Shanahan said. "It is going to be interesting in training camp with a lot of good, hard competition. I like what I have in all my guys." Young has a chance to be the top back, but because of his slight frame, there is concern. He has worn down at Denver and in college at Texas. Young led the Broncos with 729 yards rushing last year, but he spent a lot time on the sideline dealing with nagging injuries. With his game-breaking speed, there will be a place for Young in Denver's offense, but it remains to be seen if he can carry the load on a consistent basis. Shanahan himself has questioned Young's durability multiple times. Young has impressed the Broncos this offseason with his worth ethic and is out to prove he can handle as many carries as the team gives him. "It's my job to show the coaches I can be productive in that sense, and it's up to me to stay healthy and do the things off the field and in the weight room to combat his ideas," Young said. Pittman was brought in to be a short-yardage back and to provide toughness with his blocking and receiving in key situations. He'll be a role player. Hall made some big plays last year and will have a chance to get some carries, but like Young, he is small and injury prone. Then there's Torain, the wild card of the bunch. Many in the Denver organization hope and believe Torain will emerge as the top running back this year. Because he's big and strong, Torain has the ability to carry the ball times a game if needed. If he can meet those expectations, Denver will be in great shape and will be able to utilize all four of its tailbacks. But somebody has to be the lead runner and Torain is going to camp ready to stake his claim. And in Denver, even a fifth-round pick can feel this way in July. "It's all in front of me," Torain said. "I just have to do the right things and hard work and great things can happen for me in Denver."

133 e immy a e - ema ews flas ei ma wa s lay By Jim Armstrong T D Article Last pdated PM MDT Brett avre isn t the only L veteran whose lengthy streak of games started could come to an end this season., so asey eigmann s straight starts don t put him in avre s league as an iron man. But one look at the rest of the Broncos offensive line puts eigmann s streak in perspetive. Tom alen, the Broncos would-be starting center, played five games last season before going on in ured reserve with a torn right biceps. Left guard Ben Hamilton, meanwhile, didn t play a down in because of concussion issues. n the other side of the line, right guard hris uper never has played a game at the position he inherited when Montrae Holland arrived at training camp overweight. And yan Harris, the o. right tackle du our, never has started an L game, period. ow for the rest of the story eigmann, who left the hiefs after they committed to a rebuilding program, hasn t missed a snap, much less a start, during his streak, which began in. take great pride in it, said eigmann. ou want to keep the streak going, but if you can t, you can t. But yeah, it would bother me. m a competitor. want to be out there helping my team. That s what m here to do. don t want to be sitting on the bench. eigmann has been working with the o. offensive line in the absence of alen, whose aching left knee has caused him to miss a handful of practices. hile alen s status is unclear - he was scheduled to undergo an M Thursday eigmann s is business as usual. ome in and be ready, said eigmann, when asked what his goal was for his first camp as a Bronco. f the opportunity comes here, ll take advantage of it. oach hanahan told me there s always a chance and it shows. Tom is hurting right now and he may be ready and he might not. ve still got to be ready no matter what happens. uestion is, will the rest of the line be ready t s funny, said eigmann. During the last drill, Ben looked in the huddle and he goes, ou weren t here, wasn t here, you weren t here, you weren t here and you were here. our out of the five weren t playing last year, so it s a matter of getting used to one another.

134 Vagabond Williams ready to settle down : rockymountainnews.com Page 1 of 2 4/16/2008 Vagabond Williams ready to settle down Broncos linebacker returns to weak-side role this season By Lee Rasizer Tuesday, April 15, 2008 If the NFL allowed advertising on uniforms, a la the stock-car set, D.J. Williams would be a shoo-in for a U-Haul patch on his jersey. The Broncos' roaming linebacker played the weak side as a rookie in 2004, switched between weak and strong the next year, returned to weak side his third year and manned the middle in Now, he's back at the weak side again. "Sometimes you do things that are best for the team and it's not best for you," Williams told a small media gathering Tuesday in his first public comments this offseason. "I feel like if I played one position all four years, I could probably be the top guy at my position or one of the top guys at the weak-side position. Changing every year kind of stunts your growth. "But at the same time, I've got knowledge." Williams also noted he understands the reasoning behind each of his moves, even while he admitted, "I haven't been happy about the movement." "I already feel like a little knock-around guy, like hey, we can put him here, we can throw him there. But just as long as I was successful at the position. The only position I didn't like playing was 'Sam' (strong side). I hated 'Sam.' But the thing about that is I had the size to play 'Sam.' " The latest switch comes after the Broncos acquired in free agency Boss Bailey to man the strong side and Niko Koutouvides the middle, while releasing incumbent weak-side starter Ian Gold. Williams was "surprised" he was returning to weak side, especially after his 141 tackles ranked second in the NFL last season behind San Francisco's Patrick Willis. "I enjoyed playing 'Mike' last year. I had fun. I thought I caught on well at the end," he said. But when the roster flux began, it became clear he'd be shifting again. "The team decided to move me back to 'Will,' so that's what I'm doing," he said. Williams feels he can adjust again, especially this time because he considers weak side the easiest of the three linebacker spots and he's most experienced there, dating to his days at the University of Miami.

135 Vagabond Williams ready to settle down : rockymountainnews.com Page 2 of 2 4/16/2008 Truth be told, though, it's his fervent hope he can stay put. In 2004, Williams was third behind the New York Jets' Jonathan Vilma and the Houston Texans' Dunta Robinson for defensive rookie of the year honors before Gold's reacquisition sent him on his merry, and sometimes not so merry, way. "If I would have played 'Will' every year here, this would be my ninth year playing 'Will' because I played it all through college," he said. "A lot of things come second nature. But at the same time, the fact that I changed a lot of positions, it puts your value up. You're a guy who can be put anywhere." And there figure to be teams interested in Williams when he's set to hit the open market after this season. His 2009 contract year already has been voided based on reaching playing-time benchmarks. Williams stressed his consistent shifts in Denver on the playing field don't mean another move in the future - this one out of town. "I like the organization. I like the city. I love how coach (Mike) Shanahan takes care of his players, as far as physically, the offseason program," Williams said. "Everybody around the facility, I like everybody." ETC.: The Broncos signed punter Danny Baugher, who was cut by Cincinnati after Kyle Larson resigned with the Bengals in free agency. Baugher also spent time on New England's practice squad.... The Broncos officially added receiver Samie Parker, who spent the last four years with Kansas City. Rocky Mountain News

136 Rookie CB eager to contribute now - The Denver Post Page 1 of 2 7/23/2008 sports - broncos briefs Rookie CB eager to contribute now By Mike Klis The Denver Post Article Last Updated: 07/22/ :45:36 PM MDT Jack illiams made his mark at ent tate with interceptions, seven forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in his career. (David alubowski, The Associated Press ) It's not a depth chart so much as a warning. At cornerback, the Broncos have 10 combined Pro Bowls from starters Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. Their experienced backups are former third-round picks Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. This stacked position seems to be putting rookie Jack Williams on notice: Wait till next year, kid. And next year may open nicely for Williams with Foxworth and Paymah eligible for unrestricted free agency and Bly turning 32. Advertisement Problem is, Williams is so eager about starting his

137 Rookie CB eager to contribute now - The Denver Post Page 2 of 2 7/23/2008 NFL career, he hardly wants his first lesson to be about patience. When the Broncos and Williams reached an agreement Tuesday on a four-year contract that included a guaranteed signing bonus of $450,000, not everyone considered it a future investment. "I'm not worried about next year," Williams said. "That's what a lot of people have been saying, but I'm trying to make it this year and contribute. Not only contribute on special teams, of course, but out on the field on defense. That's where I want to make my mark. If things don't happen that way, I'll have to do what I can to show them I'll be ready next year." The second of the Broncos' fourth-round picks, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Williams was a three-year starter at Kent State, registering 13 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. What does Williams need to work on if he is to earn some playing time as a rookie? "Definitely my man-to-man technique," he said. "And we've got a thing called division technique. I need to work on that." With the Broncos scheduled to report Thursday evening for the start of training camp, only left tackle Ryan Clady, who was selected in the first round with the No. 12 overall pick, and secondround returner/receiver Eddie Royal remain unsigned. The Broncos and Clady are negotiating a six-year contract that would allow the player the right to void after five years providing he reaches playing-time incentives. Royal is negotiating a four-year contract. Mike Klis: or mklis@denverpost. com Advertisement

138 DenverBroncos.com -- Official Web Site of the Denver Broncos Page 1 of 2 7/11/2008 Printed from Thursday, July 10, 2008 Added Stability By Jake Grilley DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-- Jamie Winborn was signed to Broncos roster during Week 2 of the 2007 NFL season to provide added depth and to fill in where and when he was needed. In 14 games with the club, Winborn showed just how valuable that depth can be leading the team with 11 special teams tackles while tallying 24 defensive tackles (21 solo) and a half-sack starting the final two games of 2007 at weak-side linebacker. Denver rewarded Winborn's three months of hard work with a twoyear contract extension on Decemebr 12. After suiting up for four different teams in a span of three years, he play earned him some stability in the Rocky Mountains. And as he enters his first training camp as a Bronco Winborn is excited about the future. "(The defense) is coming together; obviously we still have some work to do," He said. "We've been having a lot of fun and that is the important part of the game." Winborn has learned from his time in the NFL that in the end it is all about continuing to have fun. That is likely why the 29-year-old out of Vanderbilt can't keep an infectious smile off his face. He said his leadership role on the team is to insure everyone on the team is sharing in his excitement about playing football. Jamie Winborn believes in order for a team to be special it has to be having fun. PHOTO: GRAY CALDWELL / DENVERBRONCOS.COM BRONCOS TV 7/9: An All-Around Fullback 7/9: NFL Network: Jay Cutler Checks In 7/3: Barrett Hopes to Contribute 7/1: Standing Tall "Anytime you are playing a game like this you want to have fun," he said. "If you can get everybody, first-team, second-team, third and fourth string, involved and having fun people want to be a part of it. I think that is how you begin to make something and build something special." Even though Winborn proved his value to the team last season on both defense and special teams he knows that with a retooled defense in 2008, he will have to earn a spot wherever he can. "I'm not too certain right now," He said regarding where he thinks he will be utilized in "I can pretty much play any (position) they want me to play. However they see fit for me to be used I am willing to do that." Having bounced from team to team in the past few years Winborn has learned all too well the importance of job security, however, he fully embraces the talent the Broncos have brought in on the defense and among the linebackers. "They brought in guys that work hard, guys that have a lot of talent," he said. "The guys that they brought in will definitely help the team have a better chance at getting to the Super Bowl." Winborn is willing to put his ego aside and play whatever position helps the team win.