denver broncos 2006 weekly press release

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1 denver broncos 2006 weekly press release Game #1 Denver (0-0) at St. Louis (0-0) Sunday, Sept. 10, :00 p.m. CDT Edward Jones Dome (66,000) St. Louis, Missouri BRONCOS KICK OFF 2006 REGULAR SEASON WITH VISIT TO ST. LOUIS The Denver Broncos look to win their fifth season opener in the last six years when they visit the St. Louis Rams on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CDT, and the game will be televised on KCNC-TV (CBS Channel 4). Denver went 3-1 during the 2006 preseason, winning their final three games to ensure the club of a winning record in the preseason for the 11th time in the last 12 years. In 2005, the Broncos posted a 13-3 regular-season record en route to capturing the AFC West title and hosting the AFC Championship Game. The Rams, under the direction of first-year head coach Scott Linehan, totaled a 1-3 record in the preseason after going 6-10 in Sunday s game marks the second consecutive year and 10th time overall that Denver opens its regular season against a team whose head coach is making his NFL head-coaching debut, and the Broncos have posted a 6-3 record in the previous nine such games. Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan, who is in his 12th season as Denver s head coach and 14th overall year as an NFL head coach, owns a 10-3 (.769) career record in season openers that qualifies as the best winning percentage among active NFL head coaches (min. 3 openers). The Broncos are 8-3 (.727) under Shanahan in season openers and have the NFL s third-best all-time record ( /.644) in season openers. The Broncos own a 5-5 all-time record against the Rams and have faced the franchise four times in season openers (1-3). Sunday s game marks the third time in the last seven years that the Broncos will begin their regular season against the Rams. With three catches on Sunday against St. Louis, Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith would become the first undrafted player and 15th overall player in NFL history to total 800 career receptions. Signed by Denver as a college free agent in 1994 from Missouri Southern University, Smith is the Broncos all-time leader in receptions (797), receiving yards (10,877) and receiving touchdowns (65). TELEVISION AND RADIO INFORMATION TELEVISION: CBS (KCNC-TV - Channel 4): Greg Gumbel (playby-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentary) will call the game. LOCAL RADIO: KOA Radio (850 AM): Dave Logan (play-by-play) and David Diaz-Infante (color commentary) will call the game while Alan Roach will be reporting from the sidelines. LOCAL SPANISH RADIO: KBNO Radio (1280 AM): Fernando Sergio (play-by-play) and Luke Sandoval (color commentary) will call the game. MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT INFORMATION Jim Saccomano (303) jim.saccomano@broncos.nfl.net Paul Kirk (303) paul.kirk@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 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 2006 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 2006 SCHEDULE PRESEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Time/Res. TV/Rec. 1 Fri. Aug. 11 at Detroit Ford Field L Sat. Aug. 19 TENNESSEE INVESCO Field at Mile High W Sun. Aug. 27 HOUSTON INVESCO Field at Mile High W Thu. Aug. 31 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium W REGULAR SEASON Wk. Day Date Opponent Site Time/Result TV 1 Sun. Sept. 10 at St. Louis Edward Jones Dome 12:00 p.m. CDT CBS 2 Sun. Sept. 17 KANSAS CITY INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MDT CBS 3 Sun. Sept. 24 at New England Gillette Stadium 8:15 p.m. EDT NBC 4 Bye 5 Mon. Oct. 9 BALTIMORE INVESCO Field at Mile High 6:30 p.m. MDT ESPN 6 Sun. Oct. 15 OAKLAND INVESCO Field at Mile High 6:15 p.m. MDT NBC 7 Sun. Oct. 22 at Cleveland Cleveland Browns Stadium 4:05 p.m. EDT CBS 8 Sun. Oct. 29 INDIANAPOLIS INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MST CBS 9 Sun. Nov. 5 at Pittsburgh Heinz Field 4:15 p.m. EST CBS 10 Sun. Nov. 12 at Oakland McAfee Coliseum 1:05 p.m. PST CBS 11 Sun. Nov. 19 SAN DIEGO INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MST CBS 12 Thu. Nov. 23 at Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium 7:00 p.m. CST NFLN 13 Sun. Dec. 3 SEATTLE INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MST FOX 14 Sun. Dec. 10 at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium 1:15 p.m. PST CBS 15 Sun. Dec. 17 at Arizona Cardinals Stadium 2:05 p.m. MST CBS 16 Sun. Dec. 24 CINCINNATI INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MST CBS 17 Sun. Dec. 31 SAN FRANCISCO INVESCO Field at Mile High 2:15 p.m. MST FOX 2006 AFC WEST FINAL PRESEASON STANDINGS Team W L T PF PA Home Road AFC NFC DIV Streak Oakland Lost 1 Denver Won 3 Kansas City Won 2 San Diego Lost 1 DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 1 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

2 GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS VS. RAMS - POINTS OF INTEREST The Broncos own a 5-5 all-time record against the Rams in the regular season, including a 2-3 mark in road games... Denver last played the Rams in its 2002 season opener, winning that contest at INVESCO Field at Mile High... The Broncos have played only three franchises more in season openers than the Rams (4 times; 1-3 record), and Sunday will mark the third time in the last seven years that Denver has opened its season against the Rams... Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan has posted the highest career winning percentage (.769 / 10-3 record) in season openers among all active NFL head coaches (min. 3 openers)... During his time as the Broncos head coach (1995- Pres.), Shanahan has guided Denver to an 8-3 record in season openers and led the team to victories in four of the last five openers... The Broncos (.644) all-time record in season openers ranks as the third best among all NFL teams... Denver is in home openers and 6-10 in road openers... The Broncos own the NFL s best record through September since 1996 (28-10 /.737)... Sunday s game at St. Louis marks the second consecutive year the Broncos will open the season on the road but only the club s fourth road opener since In facing Head Coach Scott Linehan and the Rams, Denver will open the year against a head coach making his NFL head-coaching debut for the 10th time, and Denver has posted a 6-3 record in the previous nine such contests... Denver also began last season against a team led by a coach making his NFL head-coaching debut in the Dolphins and Nick Saban (34-10 loss)... Broncos CB Champ Bailey has recorded an interception in each of his last two season openers and has posted one interception in five of his seven career openers... Broncos WR Rod Smith needs three receptions to become the first undrafted player and 15th overall player in NFL history to total 800 career receptions... Smith would join the Colts Marvin Harrison (927), the Chargers Keenan McCardell (825) and the Rams Isaac Bruce (813) as the only active players with at least 800 career catches... Broncos K Jason Elam (430 FG att.) needs two field-goal attempts to pass Steve Christie for 15th all-time in NFL history in career field-goal attempts... QB Jake Plummer (9,637 yds.) needs 363 passing yards to reach 10,000 as a member of the Broncos... Undrafted rookie RB Mike Bell, who is listed as Denver s first-string running back on its depth chart, would become only the third Broncos rookie since starts were first tracked by the team in 1967 to start a season opener at running back with a start against the Rams on Sunday... Bell would join Terrell Davis (1995) and Floyd Little (1967) as the only Broncos rookies to start a season opener at running back... The Broncos selected QB Jay Cutler in the first round (11th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft with the pick obtained from the Rams... With the Rams on the clock to select a player with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Denver sent St. Louis the 15th and 68th (third round) overall picks in the draft to select Cutler in that spot... Cutler led all NFL rookies and ranked fourth in the league with 561 passing yards in the preseason... With a 3-1 preseason record in 2006, Denver posted its 11th winning preseason in the 12 years under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.), who has guided the Broncos to a (.712) record in the preseason... The Broncos allowed only four touchdowns on 12 opponent red-zone possessions (33.3%) in the preseason. BRONCOS/RAMS COMPARISON ( 05 SEASON) BRONCOS RAMS Record Division Standing st (AFCW)...2nd(NFCW) NFL Offensive Ranking th th Offense-Points Per Game Possession Average : :14 Total Net Yards Per Game Net Rushing Yards Per Game Net Passing Yards Per Game Had Intercepted/Yards Lost / /268 Sacks Allowed/Yards Lost / /315 Field Goals/FGA / /31 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 / /364 Defense-Sacks For/Yards / /195 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 / /941 Fumbles/Lost / /13 Opponent Fumbles/Lost / /14 BRONCOS RAMS PASSING YARDS Plummer ,366 Bulger ,297 Van Pelt* Martin* ,277 Fitzpatrick RUSHING YARDS Anderson* ,014 S. Jackson ,046 T. Bell M. Faulk* Dayne* Cason* RECEIVING YARDS Smith ,105 Holt ,331 Lelie* Curtis Putzier* McDonald POINTS SCORED Elam Wilkins Anderson* S. Jackson T. Bell Holt INTERCEPTIONS Bailey Furrey* Ferguson Groce Foxworth, Lynch, Da. Williams..2 Tinoisamoa SACKS Ekuban Little Lynch, Pryce* Hargrove Gold, Warren, Wilson Archuleta* * - Player not on club s 2006 active roster. DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 2 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

3 GAME INFORMATION TEAM COMPARISON - OTHER KEY AREAS ( 05 SEASON) CATEGORY (NFL RANK) BRONCOS RAMS 3rd Down Offense 36.2% (22) 36.5% (21) 3rd Down Defense 36.7% (12t) 40.2% (22) Red Zone Offense TD Pct. 60.3% (7) 47.1% (19) Red Zone Defense TD Pct. 56.4% (28) 58.1% (29) Takeaways 36 (4) 27 (18t) Giveaways 16 (1) 37 (29t) Turnover Ratio +20 (2) -10 (28t) BRONCOS/RAMS SERIES BREAKDOWN Series Meetings: 10 Broncos Record: (Home: 3-2 / Away: 2-3 / Neutral: 0-0) First Game: Den. 16, at LA 10 (11/12/72) Last Game: at Den. 23, Stl. 16 (9/8/02) Current Streak: Won 1 Longest Den. Win Streak: 1, 5x, last (9/8/02) Longest Stl. Win Streak: 2 (9/15/74 9/6/79) Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 23, Stl. 16 (9/8/02) Last Den. Home Loss: LA 13, at Den. 9 (9/6/79) Last Den. Road Win: Den. 27, at LA 24 (12/12/82) Last Den. Road Loss: at Stl. 41, Den. 36 (9/4/00) Den. Shutouts: None Stl. Shutouts: None Most Den. Points: 36 (9/4/00): at Stl. 41, Den. 36 Most Stl. Points: 41 (9/4/00): at Stl. 41, Den. 36 Total Den. Points: 228 Total Stl. Points: 206 Average Den. Points: 22.8 Average Stl. Points: 20.6 Largest Den. Win: 21 (9/14/97): at Den. 35, LA 14 Largest Stl. Win: 7 (9/15/74): LA 17, at Den. 10 WEEKLY CONFERENCE CALLS Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan and quarterback Jake Plummer will be available to the St. Louis media via conference call Wednesday with Shanahan available at approximately 11:45 a.m. MDT and Plummer at 12 p.m. MDT. Rams Head Coach Scott Linehan and quarterback Marc Bulger will speak to the Denver press via conference call on Wednesday with Bulger available at approximately 12:45 p.m. MDT and Linehan at approximately 1:15 p.m. MDT. DENVER BRONCOS WEEKLY MEDIA SCHEDULE at ST. LOUIS RAMS, 9/10/06 TUESDAY, SEPT. 5 PLAYERS DAY OFF - NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6 11:50 a.m jake Plummer press conference 12:15 p.m mike Shanahan press conference 12:15-1 p.m locker Room open to media 12:45 p.m marc Bulger conference call 1:15 p.m scott Linehan conference call 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m practice (Beginning of practice open to media) THURSDAY, SEPT. 7 12:15-1 p.m locker Room open to media 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m practice (Beginning of practice open to media) FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 11:45 a.m. - 1:05 p.m practice (Beginning of practice open to media) Post-Practice Locker Room open to media (Approximately 45 minutes) NFL SCHEDULE - WEEK 1 (FOX-TV NATIONAL WEEKEND) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 MIAMI AT PITTSBURGH (NBC) 8:30P (ET) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 ATLANTA AT CAROLINA :00P (ET) NEW ORLEANS AT CLEVELAND :00P (ET) SEATTLE AT DETROIT :00P (ET) PHILADELPHIA AT HOUSTON :00P (CT) CINCINNATI AT KANSAS CITY :00P (CT) BUFFALO AT NEW ENGLAND :00P (ET) DENVER AT ST. LOUIS :00P (CT) BALTIMORE AT TAMPA BAY :00P (ET) N.Y. JETS AT TENNESSEE :00P (CT) SAN FRANCISCO AT ARIZONA :15P (MST) CHICAGO AT GREEN BAY :15P (CT) DALLAS AT JACKSONVILLE (FOX) 4:15P (ET) INDIANAPOLIS AT N.Y. GIANTS (NBC) 8:15P (ET) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 MINNESOTA AT WASHINGTON (ESPN) 7:00P (ET) SAN DIEGO AT OAKLAND (ESPN) 7:15P (PT) DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 3 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

4 BRONCOS VS. RAMS: DENVER RECORD BY MONTH (REGULAR SEASON) Month Overall Home Away August (.000) (.000) (.000) September (.333) (.500) (.000) October (.000) (.000) (.000) November (.667) (1.000) (.500) December (1.000) (.000) (1.000) January (.000) (.000) (.000) TOTALS (.500) (.600) (.400) BRONCOS/RAMS ALL-TIME RESULTS (REGULAR SEASON) Season (Date) W/L Result Site 1972 (11/12) W Denver Angeles 10 L.A. Coliseum 1974 (9/15) L Los Angeles 10 Mile High Stadium 1979 (9/6) L Los Angeles 9 Mile High Stadium 1982 (12/12) W Denver Angeles 24 Anaheim Stadium 1985 (9/8) Angeles 20, Denver 16 Anaheim Stadium 1988 (11/27) 35, Los Angeles 24 Mile High Stadium 1994 (11/6) Angeles 27, Denver 21 Anaheim Stadium 1997 (9/14) 35, St. Louis 14 Mile High Stadium 2000 (9/4) Louis 41, Denver 36 Trans World Dome 2002 (9/8) 23, St. Louis 16 INVESCO Field at Mile High NOTES FROM DENVER S LAST FIVE GAMES WITH ST. LOUIS at DENVER 23, ST. LOUIS 16 (Sept. 8, 2002) Broncos QB Brian Griese completes 18-of-27 passes for 202 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions to lead Denver to a season-opening win... Denver limits Rams RB Marshall Faulk to 19 yards on 10 carries (1.9 avg.) while St. Louis QB Kurt Warner throws for 315 yards. at ST. LOUIS 41, DENVER 36 (Sept. 4, 2000) CB Terrell Buckley s 32-yard interception return for a touchdown gives Denver a lead with 6:35 left in the game, but Rams RB Robert Holcombe scores the game-winning touchdown on a 1- yard run with 2:58 to play... Denver LB Al Wilson records the first two interceptions of his career off passes from QB Kurt Warner... Rams WR Az-Zahir Hakim scores on an 80-yard reception and an 86-yard punt return, joining Rams WR Torry Holt and RB Marshall Faulk in recording more than 100 receiving yards. at DENVER 35, ST. LOUIS 14 (Sept. 14, 1997) Denver breaks a 7-7 first-quarter tie by scoring 28 consecutive points... Broncos WR Rod Smith totals two touchdown receptions, including a 72-yarder, in a 126-yard receiving performance... Denver RB Terrell Davis posts 103 yards on 21 carries. at LOS ANGELES 27, DENVER 21 (Nov. 6, 1994) The Broncos rally from a 24-3 third-quarter deficit falls short... Rams RB Jerome Bettis is held to a 2.9-yard rushing average (33 att. for 91 yds.)... TE Shannon Sharpe records a game-high seven receptions for 69 yards for the Broncos. GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/RAMS COMPARISON ( 06 PRESEASON) BRONCOS RAMS Record Division Standing nd (AFCW)...4th (NFCW) NFL Offensive Ranking rd th Offense-Points Per Game Possession Average : :04 Total Net Yards Per Game Net Rushing Yards Per Game Net Passing Yards Per Game Had Intercepted/Yards Lost / /49 Sacks Allowed/Yards Lost / /76 Field Goals/FGA / /11 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 / /0 Defense-Sacks For/Yards / /70 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 / /283 Fumbles/Lost / /4 Opponent Fumbles/Lost / /3 BRONCOS RAMS PASSING YARDS Cutler Frerotte Plummer Bulger Van Pelt Fitzpatrick RUSHING YARDS Cobbs To. Fisher M. Bell Russell T. Bell S. Jackson RECEIVING YARDS Kircus McDonald Scheffler Stubblefield N. Jackson Walker POINTS SCORED Elam Hamilton M. Bell Wilkins T. Bell, Kircus Five Players INTERCEPTIONS Ferguson Groce Foxworth D.J. Williams SACKS Veal Howard Chukwurah, Dumervil, Ekuban.1.0 Rice Lang, Paymah, D.J. Williams..1.0 Tinoisamoa DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 4 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

5 at DENVER 35, LOS ANGELES 24 (Nov. 27, 1988) Denver takes a lead in the third quarter on a 7-yard touchdown pass from RB Tony Dorsett to RB Sammy Winder before the Rams score the game s final 14 points... Broncos QB John Elway completes 21-of-36 passes for 272 yards with three touchdowns, including a 58-yard scoring pass to Mark Jackson, and one interception... Rams QB Jim Everett throws for 365 yards. BRONCOS VS. RAMS - NOTABLE PERFORMANCES CB CHAMP BAILEY - Totaled one interception, returning it 48 yards, off a Trent Green pass for Washington at Stl. (11/20/00). LB KEITH BURNS - Recorded two special-teams tackles for Denver vs. Stl. (9/8/02). K JASON ELAM - Converted all three field-goal attempts in a 12- point performance for Denver at Stl. (9/4/00)... Made all three fieldgoal attempts, including a 41-yard try, for the Broncos vs. Stl. (9/8/02). DE JOHN ENGELBERGER - Recorded a career-best two sacks of QB Chris Chandler and forced a fumble for the 49ers at Stl. (12/5/04)... Totaled a sack in three consecutive games against the Rams (9/17/00, 10/29/00 and 9/23/01) for the 49ers. LB IAN GOLD - Totaled 12 tackles (10 solo) for Denver vs. Stl. (9/8/02)... Posted one interception (31-yd. return) off a Marc Bulger pass along with six tackles (2 solo) for Tampa Bay at Stl. (10/18/04) GAME INFORMATION TRACKING DENVER S REGULAR-SEASON OPPONENTS Opponent Date/Result Pre. Record Last Game Next Up St. Louis Sept Lost at Miami, 29-9 (Aug. 31) vs. Denver (Sept. 10) Kansas City Sept. 17, Nov Won vs. New Orleans, 10-9 (Aug. 31) vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 10) New England Sept Lost at N.Y. Giants, (Aug. 31) vs. Buffalo (Sept. 10) Baltimore Oct Won at Washington, (Aug. 31) at Tampa Bay (Sept. 10) Oakland Oct. 15, Nov Lost at Seattle, 30-7 (Aug. 31) vs. San Diego (Sept. 11) Cleveland Oct Lost vs. Chicago, 20-7 (Aug. 31) vs. New Orleans (Sept. 10) Indianapolis Oct Lost vs. Cincinnati, 20-3 (Sept. 1) at N.Y. Giants (Sept. 10) Pittsburgh Nov Lost vs. Carolina, (Aug. 31) vs. Miami (Sept. 7) San Diego Nov. 19, Dec Lost at San Francisco, (Sept. 1) at Oakland (Sept. 11) Seattle Dec Won vs. Oakland, 30-7 (Aug. 31) at Detroit (Sept. 10) Arizona Dec Lost vs. Denver, (Aug. 31) vs. San Francisco (Sept. 10) Cincinnati Dec Won at Indianapolis, 20-3 (Sept. 1) at Kansas City (Sept. 10) San Francisco Dec Won vs. San Diego, (Sept. 1) at Arizona (Sept. 10) Combined 06 preseason record of opponents: (.515) / 05 regular-season record of this year s preseason opponents: (.516) TEAM COMPARISON - OTHER KEY AREAS ( 06 PRESEASON) CATEGORY (NFL RANK) BRONCOS RAMS 3rd Down Offense 42.9% (10) 33.9% (23) 3rd Down Defense 38.5% (13) 27.1% (3) Red Zone Offense TD Pct. 53.8% (N/A) 33.3% (N/A) Red Zone Defense TD Pct. 33.3% (N/A) 33.3% (N/A) Takeaways 3 (28t) 4 (22t) Giveaways 4 (6t) 7 (21t) Turnover Ratio -1 (16t) -3 (24t) on Monday Night Football. DE KENARD LANG - Posted 1.5 sacks (9.5 yds.) with takedowns of QB Marc Bulger in a four-tackle game for the Browns vs. Stl. (12/8/03). S JOHN LYNCH - Recorded one interception (QB Kurt Warner passes) in two games (12/18/00 and 11/26/01) for the Buccaneers against the Rams... Made three tackles for Tampa Bay at Stl. (1/23/00) in the NFC Championship Game. QB JAKE PLUMMER - Recorded a passer rating by completing 17-of-27 passes (63.0%) for 258 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for the Cardinals at Stl. (12/15/02)... Registered a 67.7 completion percentage (21-of-31) in a 211-yard passing performance for the Cardinals at Stl. (9/27/98). WR ROD SMITH - Totaled 126 receiving yards on four catches with two touchdowns, including a 72-yarder, for the Broncos vs. Stl. (9/14/97) in the second 100-yard receiving performance of his career... Caught a touchdown in a three-catch, 88-yard performance for Denver at Stl. (9/4/00). WR JAVON WALKER - Caught a 10-yard touchdown for the Packers vs. Stl. (11/29/04). DT GERARD WARREN - Made four tackles, including half a sack, for the Browns vs. Stl. (12/8/03). LB AL WILSON - Made the first two interceptions of his career off Kurt Warner passes for Denver at Stl. (9/4/00)... Sacked QB Kurt Warner in a 12-tackle (11 solo) game for the Broncos vs. Stl. (9/8/02). THE LAST TIME: at DENVER 23, ST. LOUIS 16 (9/8/02) The Broncos got off to the start they wanted in 2002 by knocking off St. Louis in front of 75,710 fans at INVESCO Field at Mile High and a national television audience. Denver s offense, after a slow start, was forced to punt on its opening series of the game, but a roughing the punter penalty was called on St. Louis, giving Brian Griese and the offense new life. The Broncos marched down the field on an impressive drive and scored with just less than four minutes left in the first quarter on a DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 5 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

6 7-yard pass from Griese to Rod Smith. The Broncos were able to limit St. Louis powerful offense again and capitalized by driving down the field on the Rams defense. Denver added a 41-yard field goal by Jason Elam to take a 10-0 lead. St. Louis cut Denver s lead to seven after Jeff Wilkins hit a 41- yard field goal. Later in the second quarter, Elam hit two more field goals, from 34 and 32 yards, increasing the lead to St. Louis closed out the first half with a field goal and trailed by 10 points at halftime. On its first possession of the second half, St. Louis scored its first and only touchdown of the game less than a minute into the third quarter. After Aeneas Williams intercepted a Brian Griese pass on the first play of the second half, St. Louis took only three plays to get in the end zone, on Marshall Faulk s 3-yard run, which cut the Denver lead to Denver was able to get some breathing room in the fourth quarter when Griese hit wide receiver Ed McCaffrey for a 23-yard touchdown, putting the Broncos on top But on the Rams next possession, Kurt Warner led the team on a drive that ended with a 39-yard Wilkins field goal. After a failed onside kick by St. Louis, the Broncos ran out the clock out and secured their sixth opening game win in eight tries under Head Coach Mike Shanahan. During the contest, Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey each picked up their 45th career touchdown reception, moving them into first place all time in team history. BRONCOS REGULAR-SEASON OPENER BREAKDOWN Openers: 46 Denver Overall Record: ( home; 6-10 road) First Opener: Den. 13, at Bos. 10 (9/9/60) Last Opener: at Mia. 34, Den. 10 (9/11/05) Current Streak: Lost 1 Longest Den Win Streak: 4, 2x, last (9/10/01-9/12/04) Longest Opp. Win Streak: 4 (9/7/63-9/3/66) Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 34, K.C. 24 (9/12/04) Last Den. Home Loss: Mia. 38, at Den. 21 (9/13/99) Last Den. Road Win: Den. 30, at Cin. 10 (9/7/03) Last Den. Road Loss: at Mia. 34, Den. 10 (9/11/05) Den. Shutouts: 2, last (9/2/79): at Den. 10, Cin. 0 Opp. Shutouts: None Most Broncos Points: 45 (9/1/91): at Den. 45, Cin. 14 Most Opponent Points: 59 (9/7/63): K.C. 59, at Den. 7 Total Den. Points: 974 Total Opp. Points: 897 Average Den. Points: 21.2 Average Opp. Points: 19.5 Largest Den. Win: 31 (9/1/91): at Den. 45, Cin. 14 Largest Opp. Win: 52 (9/7/63): K.C. 59, at Den. 7 GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS ALL-TIME REGULAR-SEASON OPENER RESULTS Season (Date) W/L Result Site 1960 (9/9) W Denver 10 Boston Univ. Field 1961 (9/10) W Denver 10 War Memorial Stadium 1962 (9/7) 30, San Diego 21 Univ. of Denver Stadium 1963 (9/7) L Kansas City 7 Univ. of Denver Stadium 1964 (9/12) Jets 30, Denver 6 Shea Stadium 1965 (9/11) Diego 34, Denver 31 Balboa Stadium 1966 (9/3) 45, Denver 7 Rice Stadium 1967 (9/3) 26, Boston 21 Bears Stadium 1968 (9/15) 24, Denver 10 Nippert Stadium 1969 (9/14) 35, Boston 7 Mile High Stadium 1970 (9/20) W Denver 10 War Memorial Stadium 1971 (9/19) 10, Miami 10 Mile High Stadium 1972 (9/17) 30, Houston 17 Mile High Stadium 1973 (9/16) 28, Cincinnati 10 Mile High Stadium 1974 (9/15) L L.A. Rams 10 Mile High Stadium 1975 (9/21) 37, Kansas City 33 Mile High Stadium 1976 (9/12) 17, Denver 7 Riverfront Stadium 1977 (9/18) 7, St. Louis 0 Mile High Stadium 1978 (9/3) 14, Oakland 6 Mile High Stadium 1979 (9/2) 10, Cincinnati 0 Mile High Stadium 1980 (9/7) 27, Denver 6 Veterans Stadium 1981 (9/6) 9, Oakland 7 Mile High Stadium 1982 (9/12) L San Diego 3 Mile High Stadium 1983 (9/4) W Denver 10 Three Rivers Stadium 1984 (9/2) 20, Cincinnati 17 Mile High Stadium 1985 (9/8) Rams 20, Denver 16 Anaheim Stadium 1986 (9/7) 38, L.A. Raiders 36 Mile High Stadium 1987 (9/13) 40, Seattle 17 Mile High Stadium 1988 (9/4) L Seattle 14 Mile High Stadium 1989 (9/10) 34, Kansas City 20 Mile High Stadium 1990 (9/9) Rams 14, Denver 9 L.A. Coliseum 1991 (9/1) 45, Cincinnati 14 Mile High Stadium 1992 (9/6) 17, L.A. Raiders 13 Mile High Stadium 1993 (9/5) W Denver Jets 20 Giants Stadium 1994 (9/4) L San Diego 34 Mile High Stadium 1995 (9/3) 22, Buffalo 7 Mile High Stadium 1996 (9/1) 31, N.Y. Jets 6 Mile High Stadium 1997 (8/31) 19, Kansas City 3 Mile High Stadium 1998 (9/7) 27, New England 21 Mile High Stadium 1999 (9/13) L Miami 21 Mile High Stadium 2000 (9/4) Louis 41, Denver 36 Trans World Dome 2001 (9/10) 31, NYG 20 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2002 (9/8) 23, St. Louis 16 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2003 (9/7) W Denver 10 Paul Brown Stadium 2004 (9/12) 34, K.C. 24 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2005 (9/11) 34, Denver 10 Dolphins Stadium DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 6 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

7 GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/RAMS COACHING COMPARISON MIKE SHANAHAN SCOTT LINEHAN YR. AS AN NFL HEAD COACH: 14th 1st YR. AS TEAM S HEAD COACH: 12th 1st OVERALL YR. IN NFL: 23rd 5th OVERALL YR. WITH TEAM: 19th 1st COACHING CAREER REG. SEASON RECORD: (.622) (.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 8-5 (.615) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.622) (.000) WITH CURRENT TEAM REG. SEASON RECORD: (.648) (.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 8-5 (.615) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.646) (.000) AGAINST OPPONENT REG. SEASON RECORD: (.500) (.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 0-0 (.000) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.500) (.000) AGAINST OPP. HEAD COACH REG. SEASON RECORD: (.000) (.000) POSTSEASON RECORD: 0-0 (.000) 0-0 (.000) OVERALL RECORD: (.000) (.000) SHANAHAN EXCELS IN SEASON OPENERS Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan has posted the highest winning percentage in season openers among active NFL coaches who have coached at least three openers. Shanahan owns a 10-3 (.769) all-time record in season openers in 13 years as an NFL head coach, posting an 8-3 (.727) mark with Denver (1995-Pres.) and a 2-0 record with the Raiders ( ) in opening games. OPENING-GAME RECORDS OF ACTIVE NFL HEAD COACHES (MIN. 3 OPENERS) Coach W L T Pct. 1. Mike Shanahan, Den Tom Coughlin, NYG Jeff Fisher, Ten Tony Dungy, Ind Marty Schottenheimer, S.D Shanahan s 8-3 record (7-1 home / 1-2 away) with the Broncos in opening games also ranks third in franchise history among coaches who have coached at least three openers. OPENING-GAME RECORDS OF BRONCOS COACHES (MIN. 3 OPENERS) Coach W L T Pct. 1. Red Miller, Lou Saban, Mike Shanahan, 1995-Pres Dan Reeves, John Ralston ( ) 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 (.539) (.530) (.531) DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 7 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

8 GAME INFORMATION OFF TO A GREAT START The Broncos have compiled a (.644) opening-game record since 1960, which ranks third among all NFL teams. Denver ranks behind Jacksonville (8-3-0,.727) and Dallas ( ,.689) in season-opener winning percentage. Below is a list of the NFL's top-5 opening-game records: TOP OPENING-GAME RECORDS, ALL NFL TEAMS Team W L T Pct. Streak 1. Jacksonville W-2 2. Dallas W-1 3. Denver L-1 4. N.Y. Giants W-1 5. Chicago L-3 FACING A FIRST-TIME COACH IN SEASON OPENERS Sunday's game against St. Louis and Head Coach Scott Linehan marks the 10th time in Denver's history that it has faced a team in an opener whose coach is making his NFL head-coaching debut. It will be the second consecutive year that the Broncos have played their season opener against a coach making his debut with the team losing to the Dolphins and first-time head coach Nick Saban in Miami last year. Denver is 6-3 in season openers that feature an opposing coach making his NFL head coaching debut. The Broncos are 1-2 in those games during Head Coach Mike Shanahan's time with the team (1995-present). DENVER IN SEASON OPENERS VS. TEAMS WITH A COACH MAKING HIS NFL HEAD COACHING DEBUTS, ALL-TIME Opposing Coach (Team) Year W/L Score Scott Linehan (St. Louis) 2006?? Nick Saban (Miami) 2005 L Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati) 2003 W Mike Martz (St. Louis) 2000 L Sam Wyche (Cincinnati) 1984 W Bill Johnson (Cincinnati) 1976 L 17-7 Paul Wiggin (Kansas City) 1975 W Bill Peterson (Houston) 1972 W Clive Rush (Boston) 1969 W 35-7 Lou Saban (Boston) 1960 W ON THIS DATE IN BRONCOS HISTORY The Broncos have a 4-2 (.667) all-time record in games played on Sept. 10. The team has won its last two such contests. BRONCOS ON SEPT. 10: Year Day W/L Result 1961 Sunday W Denver 22, at Buffalo Sunday L at Oakland 51, Denver Sunday W at Denver 34, Kansas City Sunday L at Dallas 31, Denver Sunday W at Denver 42, Atlanta Monday W at Denver 31, N.Y. Giants 20 OPENING WITH THE RAMS The Rams have been a frequent opponent of the Broncos in season openers with Denver having played the franchise four times (1-3 record) to begin the regular season. Entering Sunday s game in St. Louis, the Broncos have played only three franchises more in season openers than the Rams. Denver has opened the regular season against the Rams in 1975, 1985, 2000 and Sunday s game will mark the third time in the last seven years that the Broncos have opened their regular season against the Rams. MOST COMMON BRONCOS OPPONENTS, SEASON OPENERS Team No. Record 1. Cincinnati Bengals (.714) 2. Kansas City Chiefs (.800) Oakland Raiders (.800) 4. St. Louis Rams (.250) New England Patriots (1.000) San Diego Chargers (.250) A CHAMP ON OPENING DAY Champ Bailey has recorded an interception in each of his last two season openers and in four of his last five. In the seven season openers he has played since entering the NFL in 1999, Bailey has recorded one interception in five of those contests (5-22 yds.). 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 SMITH APPROACHES 800 CAREER RECEPTIONS Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith enters Sunday s season opener at St. Louis with 797 catches for his career, needing only three grabs to become the first undrafted player in NFL history to reach 800 career receptions. There are only three current players in the NFL with 800 career receptions. Two of those players St. Louis' Isaac Bruce and San Diego's Keenan McCardell went above 800 catches in Jaguars wide receiver Jimmy Smith also eclipsed the 800-career catch mark (862) in 2005 but announced his retirement in the offseason. ACTIVE PLAYERS WITH THE MOST RECEPTIONS Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 1. Marvin Harrison, Ind , Keenan McCardell, S.D , Isaac Bruce, Stl , Rod Smith, Den , Marshall Faulk, Stl.* 767 6, * - Faulk is on the Rams PUP list. DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 8 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

9 INTERCONFERENCE WARRIORS The Broncos'.575 winning percentage on a record in interconference play since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger ranks as the fourth-best total in the NFL. Denver will look to improve that total Sunday against the Rams, who hail from the NFC West. INTERCONFERENCE RECORDS SINCE 1970 MERGER Team Record Pct. 1. Miami* Oakland Pittsburgh* Denver Dallas San Francisco * - Teams face each other Thursday night in Pittsburgh TOUGH AGAINST NFC TEAMS Under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Present), the Broncos have compiled a (.682) record in their 44 games played against NFC teams. In 2006, Denver will play four games against the NFC West, beginning on Sunday at St. Louis. The Broncos' winning percentage jumps to.818 against NFC clubs in games played at home since 1995 as the team owns an 18-4 record in those contests. On the road, Denver is (.545) against NFC teams since Denver has had only one losing record since 1995 in its four-game annual schedule against NFC teams with the club going 1-3 against the NFC North in 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 TOTALS BRONCOS SELECT CUTLER WITH RAMS PICK Shortly after the Rams went on the clock to make their selection with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Broncos sent St. Louis the 15th and 68th (third round) overall picks in the draft to acquire the Rams pick. With the 11th overall pick, Denver selected Vanderbilt University quarterback Jay Cutler. St. Louis used its two picks from the Broncos by selecting Clemson cornerback Tye Hill with the 15th overall pick and LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten with the 68th overall choice in the 2006 NFL Draft. GAME INFORMATION THE NFL S BEST THROUGH THE FIRST MONTH Since 1996, the Broncos have posted an NFL-best record of (.737) in games played from the start of the season through September. Denver s.737 winning percentage through the season s first month is significantly better than the next-closest team (Miami,.667). BEST RECORD THROUGH SEPTEMBER, NFL, 1996-PRES. Team W L T Pct. 1. Denver Broncos Miami Dolphins* Green Bay Packers Kansas City Chiefs Minnesota Vikings * - Plays Thursday night at Pittsburgh. UNDRAFTED BELL HOLDS TOP RB SPOT When the Broncos first depth chart of the year was released Monday, Aug. 7, undrafted free agent Mike Bell found himself listed as the club s starting running back in a talented backfield that includes Tatum Bell and Cedric Cobbs. The former University of Arizona standout finished the preseason with 187 rushing yards on 35 carries (5.3 avg.) with two touchdowns while catching three passes for 13 yards (4.3 avg.). Should Bell start against St. Louis on Sunday, he would become only the third Broncos rookie since starts were first tracked by the team in 1967 to start a season opener at running back. Terrell Davis started the Broncos season opener as a rookie in 1995 (70 rushing yds. on Sept. 3 vs. Buffalo) while Floyd Little started for Denver during its season opener in his rookie year in 1967 (66 yds. on Sept. 3 vs. Boston). STARTING RUNNING BACKS IN OPENERS UNDER MIKE SHANAHAN Below is a look at the Broncos starter at running back in the 11 season openers with Mike Shanahan as head coach (1995-Pres.). A Broncos player has posted at least 100 rushing yards on five occasions in a season opener under Shanahan, including in two of the last three years. Regardless of whether Mike Bell, Tatum Bell or Cedric Cobbs starts at running back for Denver on Sunday, the Broncos will open with the sixth different starting running back in the last six years. Year Date Opponent Starter Exp. Yds Sept. 11 at Miami Mike Anderson Sept. 12 vs. Kansas City Quentin Griffin Sept. 7 at Cincinnati Clinton Portis Sept. 8 vs. St. Louis Olandis Gary Sept. 10 vs. N.Y. Giants Terrell Davis Sept. 4 at St. Louis Terrell Davis Sept. 13 vs. Miami Terrell Davis Sept. 7 vs. New England Terrell Davis Aug. 31 vs. Kansas City Terrell Davis Sept. 1 vs. N.Y. Jets Terrell Davis Sept. 3 vs. Buffalo Terrell Davis R 70 DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 9 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

10 BRONCOS/RAMS CONNECTIONS FORMER DENVER BRONCOS Rams QB Gus Frerotte played for the Broncos from FROM DENVER AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Rams TE Joe Klopfenstein was born in Denver, attended high school at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colo., and went on to be a Colorado Buffalo in nearby Boulder ( ). FROM ST. LOUIS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Broncos WR Rod Smith played football for Missouri Southern ( ) Broncos Offensive Quality Control Coach Chip Beake was born in Kansas City, Mo. COMMON HIGH SCHOOLS AND HOMETOWNS Denver WR Todd Devoe and Rams WR Isaac Bruce both grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla Denver DT Gerard Warren grew up in Lake City, Fla., along with Rams S Jerome Carter. CROSSING PATHS (PRO) Denver Defensive Backs Coach Jimmy Spencer played with Rams CB Fakhir Brown with the San Diego Chargers in the 1999 season Broncos DE Patrick Chukwurah ( ) and Special Teams Coach Ronnie Bradford (2002) both played with St. Louis S Corey Chavous ( ) for the Minnesota Vikings Denver QB Jake Plummer and Rams S Corey Chavous were teammates with the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 through 2001 Broncos DE Ebenezer Ekuban ( ), DE Michael Myers ( ) and Defensive Line/Tackles Coach Andre Patterson ( ) were all Dallas Cowboys with St. Louis LB Dexter Coakley ( ) Denver WR Javon Walker and Defensive Backs Coach Bob Slowik ( ) were with Rams RB Tony Fisher in Green Bay from Broncos TE Stephen Alexander ( ) and DE Kenard Lang ( ) were teammates with St. Louis QB Gus Frerotte ( ) and RB Stephen Davis ( ) with the Washington Redskins Denver DE Patrick Chukwurah played with Rams QB Frerotte for one season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2003 Broncos LB Ian Gold and LB Keith Burns were members of the 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with St. Louis T Todd Steussie. CROSSING PATHS (COLLEGE) Denver WR Javon Walker played with Rams T Alex Barron and S Jerome Carter at Florida State during the 2001 season Broncos Linebackers Coach Kirk Doll was at Notre Dame with St. Louis RB Tony Fisher for his entire collegiate career ( ) Denver S John Lynch was college teammates with Rams DT Jason Fisk at Stanford University from During the 1999 season, Denver DE Courtney Brown and Rams T Jimmy Kennedy were college teammates at Penn State University Broncos LB Al Wilson and St. Louis DE Leonard Little played defense together at the University of Tennessee through the seasons Denver S Hamza Abdullah and CB Karl Paymah played with Rams LB Raonall Smith during the 2001 season at Washington State Broncos DT Gerard Warren ( ) and G Cooper Carlisle GAME INFORMATION ( ) played football at the University of Florida with St. Louis TE Aaron Walker ( ) Denver CB Champ Bailey ( ) and T George Foster ( ) played football at the University of Georgia with Rams LB Will Witherspoon ( ). LAST GAME RECAP: DENVER 29, at ARIZONA 23 (8/31/06) The Denver Broncos finished the preseason with a 3-1 record after defeating the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night at Cardinals Stadium in front of 62,937 fans. The win ensured the Broncos of their 11th winning preseason in the last 12 years. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler started for the Broncos, completing 13-of-19 passes for 201 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating. Wide receiver David Kircus had five catches for 122 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown pass. Running back Mike Bell led Denver in rushing with 74 yards on nine carries, helping Denver finish the year ranking third in the NFL in total offense (365.8 ypg.). On the first series of the game, the Broncos drove 63 yards on 12 plays and took a 3-0 lead on Micah Knorr s 35-yard field. The Cardinals matched the score on the next series with a 21-yard Neil Rackers field goal, tying the score 3-3. On the Broncos next offensive drive, Cutler connected with Kircus on an 84-yard touchdown pass with 4:34 remaining, giving Denver a 9-3 lead after the club could not convert the extra-point attempt. Arizona began the second quarter with a 29-yard field goal by Rackers, bringing the Cardinals within three, 9-6. Cardinals rookie quarterback Matt Leinart entered the game for the first time for Arizona in the second quarter, leading the Cardinals on an 11-play, 87-yard scoring drive that ended in a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Troy Walters. The score gave Arizona its first lead of the game, 13-9, with 3:25 left in the first half. The Cardinals momentum continued to increase on the next series. With 2:00 remaining in the opening half, cornerback Robert Tate intercepted a Cutler pass and ran the ball back for a 24-yard touchdown that put Arizona ahead Denver rallied on the next series, moving the ball downfield on a 9-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Cutler hit wide receiver Todd Devoe on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds left in the first half. The Broncos two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score in favor of the Cardinals at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter for Denver, quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt connected on a 10-yard touchdown pass to fullback Cecil Sapp, bringing the Broncos within two. Running back Cedric Cobbs rushed for the two-point conversion on the next play, tying the game at 23 with 13:42 remaining. After forcing a Cardinals three-and-out, running back Tatum Bell scored the final touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run with 10:06 to play, sealing a victory for Denver. DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 10 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006

11 CUTLER PILES UP PRESEASON YARDS Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, selected by the team with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, finished the preseason ranking fourth in the NFL and leading all rookies with 561 passing yards NFL PASSING YARDS LEADERS, PRESEASON Player Comp. Att. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rtg. 1. Tony Romo, Dal Matt Cassel, N.E Shaun King, Ind Jay Cutler, Den.* J.P. Losman, Buf * - denotes rookie FIRST-ROUND PASSING REPORT Of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is the only one that faced off against the two other first-round passers in the preseason. Cutler (11th overall) and the Broncos faced Vince Young (3rd overall) and the Titans on Aug. 19 (35-10 Denver win) along with Matt Leinart (10th overall) and the Cardinals on Aug. 31 (29-23 Denver win). Below is a look at the final preseason statistics for the three passers taken in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft FIRST-ROUND QUARTERBACKS IN THE PRESEASON Player Comp. Att. Pct. Yds. TD INT Rtg. Jay Cutler, Den Vince Young, Ten Matt Leinart, Ari CUTLER SHARP IN NFL PRESEASON DEBUT Quarterback Jay Cutler, selected by the Broncos in the first round (11th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft, had an impressive debut in Denver s preseason opener at Detroit on Aug. 11. In a quarter-anda-half of work (2nd qtr. and first series of the 3rd qtr.), the former Vanderbilt University star completed 16-of-22 passes (72.7%) for 192 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a passer rating. Cutler s 192 yards marked the highest passing output by a Bronco in a preseason opener under Head Coach Mike Shanahan and were the most by a Bronco in a preseason opener since In addition, his 192 passing yards marked the most by a Bronco passer in his NFL preseason debut under Shanahan (1995-Pres.). PASSING YARDS BY A BRONCO IN PRESEASON OPENERS, MIKE SHANAHAN ERA (1995-PRES.) Player Yards Game 1. Jay Cutler 192 at Det., 8/11/06 2. Bubby Brister 181 vs. Stl., 8/8/99 3. Hugh Millen 139 vs. S.F., 7/29/95 4. Chris Miller 136 vs. S.D., 8/8/99 5. Gus Frerotte 134 at Ari., 8/5/00 SEASON NOTES PASSING YARDS BY A BRONCO IN PRESEASON OPENERS, SINCE 1970 NFL MERGER Player Yards Game 1. John Hufnagel 308 vs. Bal., 8/9/75 2. John Hufnagel 214 vs. NYJ, 8/3/74 3. Jay Cutler 192 at Det., 8/11/06 4. Bubby Brister 181 vs. Stl., 8/8/99 5. Gary Kubiak 176 vs. L.A. Rams, 8/9/87 CUTLER S COMING-OUT PARTY Jay Cutler s 192 yards passing at Detroit on Aug. 11 marked the highest passing total in an NFL preseason debut among all quarterbacks taken in the first round since Here is a look: PASSING YARDS BY FIRST-ROUND QBS (19) IN NFL PRESEASON DEBUT SINCE 2000 Player Draft Opp. Yds. Rtg. 1. Jay Cutler 11th-Den. ('06) at Det. 8/11/ Carson Palmer 1st-Cin. ('03) at NYJ 8/10/ Jason Campbell 25th-Was. ('05) at Car., 8/13/ Kyle Boller 19th-Bal. ('03) vs. Buf., 8/9/ Joey Harrington 3rd-Det. ('02) at Bal., 8/9/ Patrick Ramsey 32nd-Was ('02) at TB, 8/24/02* David Carr 1st-Hou. ('02) at NYG, 8/5/ Eli Manning* 1st-S.D. ('04) vs. K.C./8/13/ Chad Pennington 18th - NYJ ('00) vs. NO, 7/27/ Byron Leftwich 7th-Jac. ('03) vs. Mia., 8/15/ Ben Roethlisberger 11th-Pit. ('04) at Det., 8/14/ Philip Rivers^ 4th-NYG ('04) vs. Sea., 8/27/ Michael Vick 1st-Atl. ('01) vs. Pit, 8/3/ Rex Grossman 22nd-Chi. ('03) vs. Ind., 8/9/ Vince Young 3rd-Ten. ('06) vs. N.O., 8/12/ J.P. Losman 22nd-Buf. ('04) vs. Den., 8/15/ Matt Leinart 10th-Ari. ( 06) at N.E., 8/19/ Alex Smith 1st-S.F. ('05) vs. Oak., 8/13/ Aaron Rogers 24th-G.B. ('05) vs. S.D., 8/11/ * - E. Manning was traded from San Diego to the New York Giants and made his preseason debut with that club. ^ - Rivers was traded from the New York Giants to San Diego and made his preseason debut with that club. In addition, Cutler s NFL preseason debut numbers were better than those posted by the Colts Peyton Manning (Rd. 1-1, Ind., 98) and the Patriots Tom Brady (Rd , N.E., 00) in their debuts. Manning was 8-for-15 (53.3%) for 113 yards with one touchdown and one interception (72.4 rating) in his debut at Seattle on Aug. 8, 1998, while Brady completed 3-of-4 passes (75.0%) for 28 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions (105.5 rating) in two series of work vs. the 49ers in the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, DENVER AT ST. LOUIS 11 SUNDAY, SEPT. 10, 2006