GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS VS. BENGALS POINTS OF INTEREST The Broncos are one of eight original American Football League teams celebrating their 50th season in 2009... Denver s 403 overall wins are second among all original AFL teams and rank seventh among all clubs since 1960... Josh McDaniels was named the 12th head coach in Broncos history on Jan. 12 after spending the last eight years with New England, including the previous three seasons as its offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach... He is one of seven rookie head coaches in the NFL in 2009 Last year, three rookie head coaches led their clubs to the postseason... Denver head coaches are 8-0 all-time in their first game with the club (excludes interim coaches)... The Broncos rank second in the NFL in opening-game winning percentage (.646 / 31-17-1)... Denver this year will extend its club record by opening a year on the road for the fifth consecutive year... The Broncos are 16-8 all-time against the Bengals (10-2 in previous 12 games) and last played them in 2006 (24-23 home win)... The Broncos 35-14 (.714) record in the first month of the year since 1996 is the best mark in the league... Denver held training camp this year at its facility (Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre) for the seventh year in a row... The Broncos selected 10 players in the 2009 NFL Draft and had two first-round selections (Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno-No. 12 and Tennessee OLB/DE Robert Ayers-No. 18) for the first time in club history... For the sixth consecutive year, the Broncos had a rookie college free agent (DL Chris Baker, Hampton) make their opening-game active roster... Brian Xanders, who this offseason became the youngest general manager in the NFL (38), led the Broncos personnel department in the acquisition of several key players in the offseason, including QB Kyle Orton (Trade- Chicago), S Brian Dawkins (UFA-Philadelphia), DL Ronald Fields (UFA-San Francisco), CB André Goodman (UFA-Miami) and S Renaldo Hill (UFA- Miami)... The Broncos current roster features 30 new players (52.6 percent of their roster including reserve lists)... Orton, acquired by Denver in a trade from Chicago on April 2, played his first four NFL seasons (2005-08) with the Bears and had a 21-12 (.636) record as a starter, including the league s best home record (15-2 /.882)... In his final two preseason games, Orton completed 30- of-42 (71.4%) passes for 278 yards with one touchdown and one interception (87.2 rating)... RB Correll Buckhalter, whom Denver signed as an unrestricted free agent from Philadelphia, ranks ninth in the NFL in yards per rush (4.9 / 138-682) during the last two years among players with at least 125 carries... Dawkins owns the fourth-most Pro Bowls (7) at safety in NFL history and joins CB Champ Bailey in Denver s secondary Bailey is tied for the second-most Pro Bowls (8) at cornerback in league annals... The Broncos offensive line in 2008 tied for the NFL lead in fewest sacks allowed with a franchise-record 12... LT Ryan Clady (Associated Press) and RT Ryan Harris (Sports Illustrated) received All-Pro recognition in their first year as starters while veteran C Casey Wiegmann earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2008... WR Eddie Royal in 2008 totaled the second-most receptions (91) by a rookie in NFL history... WR Brandon Marshall, who is the only player in the NFL to post at least 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards during the last two years, ranks second in the league in receptions (206) and third in receiving yards (2,590) since 2007... Marshall in 2009 can become the third player in NFL history to post three consecutive 100-reception seasons (Herman Moore-3, Marvin Harrison- 4)... Mike Nolan was hired by Denver as its defensive coordinator in the offseason after spending the last four years as San Francisco s head coach... In his 11 years as an NFL defensive coordinator, Nolan s defenses have averaged 32.3 takeaways a season and posted seven top-10 NFL rankings in turnovers, including in each of his last five years as a DC... During the 2009 preseason, the Broncos ranked seventh in the league in yards per game allowed (281.8) and ninth in yards per play (4.8)... LB D.J. Williams ranks second in the NFL in tackles per game (8.7) in the last two years according to press box statistics... Denver Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer has coached units in the NFL that have totaled 14 blocked kicks and seven return touchdowns in seven seasons as a special teams coach... Denver led the NFL in lowest opponent kickoff return average (17.6 yds.) during the preseason... K Matt Prater tied a Broncos single-year record with five 50-yard field goals in 2008 and made all seven of his field-goal attempts this preseason... P Brett Kern was a consensus All-Rookie pick last season, placing fifth in the league in gross punting average (46.7 yds.), and led the NFL with a 50.6-yard gross average during this preseason. BRONCOS/BENGALS 2009 TEAM COMPARISON (PRESEASON) BRONCOS BENGALS Record..............................1-3..........2-2 Division Standing.............T-2nd (AFCW)..T-3rd (AFCN) Turnover Ratio (NFL Rank)..........-5 (28t)......-3 (22t) OFFENSE Net Yards Per Game (NFL Rank)......308.5 (19)......356.5 (8) Yards Per Play (NFL Rank)..........4.8 (22).......6.0 (2) Points Per Game (NFL Rank).......16.3 (24t)....18.3 (18t) Possession Average.................32:40........32:02 Net Rushing YPG (NFL Rank).......99.8 (23).....175.0 (1) Net Passing YPG (NFL Rank)......208.8 (13)....181.5 (24) Had Intercepted/Yards.................6/51........4/148 Sacks Allowed/Yards..................7/35........12/46 Fumbles/Lost.........................6/3..........9/5 Third Down Pct. (NFL Rank).......35.9% (24).......48.1% (3) Red Zone TD Pct. (NFL Rank).......33.3% (28).....66.7% (3) Giveaways.............................9...........9 DEFENSE Net Yards Per Game (NFL Rank).......281.8 (7)......275.0 (6) Yards Per Play (NFL Rank)...........4.8 (9).......4.6 (6) Points Per Game (NFL Rank).......17.8 (13)......13.5 (5) Net Rushing YPG (NFL Rank).......97.5 (12)......93.8 (7) Net Passing YPG (NFL Rank).......184.3 (8).....181.3 (7) Intercepted by/yards..................3/38..........0/0 Sacks For/Yards.....................10/68........10/61 Opponent Fumbles/Lost................3/1..........9/6 Third Down Pct. (NFL Rank)........35.0% (6)....40.0% (22) Red Zone TD Pct. (NFL Rank).....60.0% (27)....28.6% (3) Takeaways.............................4...........6 SPECIAL TEAMS Punts-Average Yards (Gross)...........48.2.........42.9 Punts-Average Yards (Net).............42.0.........38.3 Punt Returns-Average Per..............7.9.........11.4 Punt Returns-Average Per Allowed......12.6..........5.9 Kickoff Returns-Average Per............21.4.........24.1 Kickoff Returns-Average Per Allowed.....17.6.........21.7 Field Goals Made/Attempted............8/8..........1/2 PENALTIES Penalties Against/Yards.............21/164.......31/236 Opponent Penalties Against/Yards.....27/187.......25/230 DENVER at cincinnati 2
GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/BENGALS SERIES BREAKDOWN (REGULAR SEASON) Series Meetings: 24 Broncos Record: 16-8-0 (Home: 11-2-0 / Away: 5-6-0 / Neutral: 0-0-0) First Game: at Cin. 24, Den. 10 (9/15/68) Last Game: at Den. 24, Cin. 23 (12/24/06) Current Streak: Won 1 Longest Den. Win Streak: 8 (10/16/83-11/1/98) Longest Cin. Win Streak: 2, 2x, last (11/14/71-10/8/72) Last Den. Home Win: at Den. 24, Cin. 23 (12/24/06) Last Den. Home Loss: Cin. 17, at Den. (11/9/75) Last Den. Road Win: Den. 30, at Cin. 10 (9/7/03) Last Den. Road Loss: at Cin. 23, Den. 10 (10/25/04) Den. Shutouts: (9/2/79): at Den. 10, Cin. 0 Cin. Shutouts: None Most Den. Points: 45 (9/1/99): at Den. 45, Cin. 14 Most Cin. Points: 38 (11/22/81): at Cin. 38, Den. 21 Total Den. Points: 511 Total Cin. Points: 442 Average Den. Points: 21.3 Average Cin. Points: 18.2 Largest Den. Win: 31 (9/1/99): at Den. 45, Cin. 14 Largest Cin. Win: 17 (11/22/81): at Cin. 38, Den. 21 Most Pts., Both Teams: 62 (11/30/86): at Den. 34, Cin. 28 Fewest Pts., Both Teams: 10 (9/2/79) at Den. 10, Cin. 0 NFL SCHEDULE - REGULAR SEASON WEEK 1 Thursday, September 10 Tennessee at Pittsburgh..................(NBC) 8:30p (ET) Sunday, September 13 Miami at Atlanta.............................1:00p (ET) Kansas City at Baltimore.......................1:00p (ET) Philadelphia at Carolina........................1:00p (ET) Denver at Cincinnati......................1:00p (ET) Minnesota at Cleveland........................1:00p (ET) N.Y. Jets at Houston.........................12:00p (CT) Jacksonville at Indianapolis.....................1:00p (ET) Detroit at New Orleans.......................12:00p (CT) Dallas at Tampa Bay..........................1:00p (ET) San Francisco at Arizona.....................1:15p (MST) Washington at N.Y. Giants......................4:15p (ET) St. Louis at Seattle...........................1:15p (PT) Chicago at Green Bay....................(NBC) 7:20p (CT) Monday, September 14 Buffalo at New England..................(ESPN) 7:00p (ET) San Diego at Oakland...................(ESPN) 7:15p (PT) BRONCOS/BENGALS 2009 INDIVIDUAL COMPARISON (PRESEASON) BRONCOS BENGALS PASSING YARDS Orton................367 O Sullivan..........358 Brandstater...........298 J. Palmer...........281 Simms..............186 C. Palmer..........133 RUSHING YARDS Walker*..............173 Dorsey.............155 Buckhalter.............80 Scott..............133 Hillis.................77 Leonard............114 RECEIVING YARDS McKinley.............213 Henry.............224 Royal................134 Ochocinco..........151 Lloyd................116 Coats...............50 POINTS SCORED Prater................13 Henry..............24 Walker*...............12 Leonard.............12 Four players............6 Swank*.............11 INTERCEPTIONS Bruton, Fox*, Reid.......1 None................0 SACKS Peterson.............2.0 Sims...............3.0 Eight players..........1.0 Harrington*.........1.5 Five Players.........1.0 DEFENSIVE TACKLES (PRESS BOX TOTALS) D. Williams............16 White*.............16 A. Davis..............12 Hodge, Rivers........15 Larsen................11 Sims, Trent..........13 KICKOFF RETURNS (AVG.) A. Smith..........5 (19.4) Dorsey...........5 (25.4) Willis*...........4 (24.8) Scott...........3 (27.3) McKinley.........4 (19.8) Caldwell........3 (18.3) PUNT RETURNS (AVG.) A. Smith...........6 (9.8) Cosby..........7 (11.9) McKinley.........4 (11.0) Nelson.........6 (10.8) Swift*.............4 (7.0) FIELD GOALS Prater.........7/7 (1.000) Swank*......1/1 (1.000) PUNTS (GROSS/NET AVG.) Kern........14 (50.6/40.4) Huber.....19 (42.9/38.3) Colquitt*.....6 (41.0/40.3) *Not with team DENVER at cincinnati 3
GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS/BENGALS ALL-TIME RESULTS (REG. SEASON) Season (Date) W/L Result Site 1968 (9/15) L @Cincinnati 24, Denver 10 Nippert Stadium 1968 (10/6) W @Denver 10, Cincinnati 7 Bears Stadium 1969 (10/19) W Denver 30, @Cincinnati 23 Nippert Stadium 1969 (12/14) W @Denver 27, Cincinnati 16 Mile High Stadium 1971 (11/14) L Cincinnati 24, @Denver 10 Mile High Stadium 1972 (10/8) L @Cincinnati 21, Denver 10 Riverfront Stadium 1973 (9/16) W @Denver 28, Cincinnati 10 Mile High Stadium 1975 (11/9) L Cincinnati 17, @Denver 16 Mile High Stadium 1976 (9/12) L @Cincinnati 17, Denver 7 Riverfront Stadium 1977 (10/23) W Denver 24, @Cincinnati 13 Riverfront Stadium 1979 (9/2) W @Denver 10, Cincinnati 0 Mile High Stadium 1981 (11/22 L @Cincinnati 38, Denver 21 Riverfront Stadium 1983 (10/16) W @Denver 24, Cincinnati 17 Mile High Stadium 1984 (9/2) W @Denver 20, Cincinnati 17 Mile High Stadium 1986 (11/30) W @Denver 34, Cincinnati 28 Mile High Stadium 1991 (9/1) W @Denver 45, Cincinnati 14 Mile High Stadium 1994 (11/27) W @Denver 15, Cincinnati 13 Mile High Stadium 1996 (9/29) W Denver 14, @Cincinnati 10 Cinergy Field 1997 (9/21) W @Denver 38, Cincinnati 20 Mile High Stadium 1998 (11/1) W Denver 33, @Cincinnati 26 Cinergy Field 2000 (10/22) L @Cincinnati 31, Denver 21 Paul Brown Stadium 2003 (9/7) W Denver 30, @Cincinnati 10 Paul Brown Stadium 2004 (10/25) L @Cincinnati 23, Denver 10 Paul Brown Stadium 2006 (12/24) W @Denver 24, Cincinnati 23 INVESCO Field at Mile High BRONCOS CELEBRATE 50TH SEASON IN 2009 One of eight American Football League charter franchises, the Denver Broncos are celebrating their 50th season of professional football in 2009. As part of the celebration, the Broncos will wear their original 1960 uniforms against New England on Oct. 11 and at San Diego on Oct. 19. Below is a look at the Broncos record by the decade. In their 49 seasons of football, Denver has totaled the seventh-most wins (403 / 403-359-10) in the NFL and advanced to the postseason 17 times. Among original AFL clubs, the Broncos rank second in overall wins (403) while placing third in Super Bowl wins (2) and tying for third in playoff appearances (17). BRONCOS OVERALL RECORD BY DECADE Decade W L T Pct. Playoff Berths Win Rk. 1960s 39 97 4.287 0 22nd 1970s 77 67 5.535 3 T-8th 1980s 99 63 1.610 5 4th 1990s 102 69 0.596 5 T-5th 2000s 86 63 0.577 4 T-7th TOTALS 403 359 10.529 17 7th MOST OVERALL WINS, ORIGINAL AFL FRANCHISES Team W L T Pct. Playoff Berths Super Bowls 1. Oakland Raiders 427 340 11.557 21 3 2. Denver Broncos 403 359 10.529 17 2 3. New England Patriots 397 366 9.520 16 3 4. Kansas City Chiefs 385 359 12.517 15 1 5. Tennessee Titans 375 387 6.492 21 0 6. San Diego Chargers 371 378 11.495 16 0 7. Buffalo Bills 360 397 8.476 17 0 8. New York Jets 338 411 8.451 12 1 BRONCOS VS. BENGALS NOTABLE PERFORMANCES CB CHAMP BAILEY 9 tackles (8 solo), 1 INT (Den. at Cin., 10/25/04)... 7 tackles (6 solo), 1 INT (Den. vs. Cin., 12/24/06). RB CORRELL BUCKHALTER 1 reception for 44 yds. (Den. at Cin., 11/16/08). ILB ANDRA DAVIS 11 tackles (7 solo), 1 PBU (Cle. at Cin., 12/28/03)... 1 INT (30 yds.) (Cle. at Cin. (11/28/04)... 16 tackles (7 solo) (Cle. vs. Cin., 9/11/05)... 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 INT (Cle. at Cin., 12/11/05)... 9 tackles (2 solo), 1 INT, 2 PBU (Cle. at Cin., 9/17/06)... 14 tackles (8 solo) (Cle. vs. Cin., 11/26/06). S BRIAN DAWKINS 2 PBU (Phi. vs. Cin., 11/30/97)... 9 tackles (7 solo) (Phi. vs. Cin., 12/24/00)... 9 tackles, (6 solo) (Phi. at Cin., 11/16/08). OLB/DE ELVIS DUMERVIL 1 sack (fumble), 1 FR (Den. vs. Cin., 12/24/06). WR JABAR GAFFNEY 6 receptions for 88 yds. (14.7 avg.) (Hou. at Cin., 10/2/05). CB ANDRÉ GOODMAN 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT (21 yds.), 2 specialteams tackles (Det. vs. Cin., 12/18/05). S RENALDO HILL 2 tackles, 1 sack (2 yds.), 1 INT, 1 FF (Ari. vs. Cin., 11/2/03). WR BRANDON MARSHALL 4 receptions for 65 yds. (16.3 avg.) (Den. vs. Cin., 12/24/06). ILB D.J. WILLIAMS 7 tackles (4 solo), 1 PBU, 3 special-teams tackles (Den. at Cin., 10/25/04). McDANIELS TO MAKE REGULAR-SEASON NFL HEAD COACHING DEBUT Named the 12th head coach in Denver Broncos history on Jan. 12, 2009, Josh McDaniels will make his NFL regular-season head coaching debut on Sunday in Cincinnati. All-time, Broncos head coaches are 8-0 when making their regular-season head-coaching debut at the start of a season. Including individuals named head coach during a season, Broncos head coaches are 9-2 in their first regular-season game with the club. Below is a look at how Denver s head coaches have fared in their first regular-season game. BRONCOS HEAD COACHES IN THEIR FIRST REGULAR-SEASON GAME, ALL-TIME Head Coach NFL Exp. Game Result Frank Filchock 1st at Boston, 9/9/60 W, 13-10 Jack Faulkner 1st vs. San Diego, 9/7/62 W, 30-21 Mac Speedie* 1st vs. Kansas City, 10/11/64 W, 33-27 Ray Malavasi* 1st vs. N.Y. Jets, 9/25/66 L, 16-7 Lou Saban 7th vs. Boston, 9/3/67 W, 26-21 Jerry Smith* 1st at Kansas City, 11/21/71 L, 28-10 John Ralston 1st vs. Houston, 9/17/72 W, 30-17 Red Miller 1st vs. St. Louis, 9/18/77 W, 7-0 Dan Reeves 1st vs. Oakland, 9/6/81 W, 9-7 Wade Phillips 2nd at N.Y. Jets, 9/5/93 W. 26-20 Mike Shanahan 3rd vs. Buffalo, 9/3/95 W, 22-7 Josh McDaniels 1st at Cincinnati, 9/13/09 TBD * - Named head coach during the season DENVER at cincinnati 4
GAME INFORMATION NOTES FROM DENVER S LAST FIVE GAMES VS. CINCINNATI at DENVER 24, CINCINNATI 23 (Dec. 24, 2006) With Denver s 24-23 win against Cincinnati, the Broncos pull within one win of clinching a spot in the playoffs... The Broncos use a 99-yard drive, capped by RB Mike Bell s 2-yard rushing touchdown, to take a 21-17 lead in the third quarter... Cincinnati cuts Denver s lead to 24-23 with 41 seconds remaining, but a muffed extra-point attempt seals the win for Denver. at CINCINNATI 23, DENVER 10 (Oct. 25, 2004) The Bengals defeat Denver in the franchise's first home Monday Night Football game in 15 years Denver RB Reuben Droughns records his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game with 110 yards on 24 carries (4.7 avg.). DENVER 30, at CINCINNATI 10 (Sept. 7, 2003) The Broncos open the 2003 season by defeating the Bengals 30-10 in Marvin Lewis NFL head coaching debut... Denver takes a 30-3 lead early in the fourth quarter before allowing a touchdown with three minutes left in the contest. at CINCINNATI 31, DENVER 21 (Oct. 22, 2000) Bengals RB Corey Dillon sets an NFL single-game record with 278 rushing yards on 22 carries (12.6 avg.), including two touchdowns... Denver posts 500 yards of total offense and records the second-most first downs (32) in a game in team history. DENVER 33, at CINCINNATI 26 (Nov. 1, 1998) Denver improves its franchise-best start to 8-0 with its eighth consecutive victory against the Bengals... The Broncos overcome a 12-6 halftime deficit and score the game winner with less than a minute remaining (RB Terrell Davis 5-yd. run). BRONCOS IN SEASON OPENERS The Broncos have compiled a 31-17-1 (.646) all-time opening-game record that is the best among AFC clubs and ranks second in the NFL. Denver is 6-2 in its last eight season openers (since 2001) and is 13-5 in season openers since 1991. Denver owns a 23-6-1 record in home openers and is 8-11 in road openers. The Broncos will open the season on the road for the fifth consecutive year Sunday (extending a club record previous longest such streak was three years, 1964-66). The Broncos are 5-2 all-time against the Bengals in season openers and last faced them in an opener in 2003, earning a 30-10 win in Cincinnati. TOP OPENING-GAME RECORDS, NFL HISTORY Team W L T Pct. Streak 1. Dallas 33 15 1.688 Won 2 2. Denver 31 17 1.646 Won 2 3. Jacksonville 9 5 0.643 Lost 2 4. Chicago 50 34 5.595 Won 1 5. N.Y. Giants 47 32 5.595 Won 1 BRONCOS ALL-TIME YEAR-BY-YEAR RECORDS YEAR PRESEASON REG. SEASON PLAYOFFS 1960........0-5............4-9-1................0-0 1961........1-4............3-11................0-0 1962........2-2.............7-7.................0-0 1963........2-3...........2-11-1...............0-0 1964........2-3...........2-11-1...............0-0 1965........1-4............4-10................0-0 1966........1-3............4-10................0-0 1967........3-1............3-11................0-0 1968........1-4.............5-9.................0-0 1969........1-4............5-8-1................0-0 1970........3-2............5-8-1................0-0 1971........1-4............4-9-1................0-0 1972........2-3.............5-9.................0-0 1973........2-3............7-5-2................0-0 1974........4-2............7-6-1................0-0 1975........3-3.............6-8.................0-0 1976........5-2.............9-5.................0-0 1977........5-1............12-2.......2-1 (S.B. loss) 1978........2-2............10-6................0-1 1979........3-1............10-6................0-1 1980........2-2.............8-8.................0-0 1981........2-2............10-6................0-0 1982........4-0.............2-7.................0-0 1983........3-1.............9-7.................0-1 1984........3-1............13-3................0-1 1985........2-2............11-5................0-0 1986........2-2............11-5.......2-1 (S.B. loss) 1987........3-2...........10-4-1.......2-1 (S.B. loss) 1988........3-1.............8-8.................0-0 1989........2-2............11-5.......2-1 (S.B. loss) 1990........3-2............5-11................0-0 1991........2-3............12-4................1-1 1992........1-4.............8-8.................0-0 1993........2-2.............9-7.................0-1 1994........2-3.............7-9.................0-0 1995........3-2.............8-8.................0-0 1996........3-1............13-3................0-1 1997........3-2............12-4........4-0 (S.B. win) 1998........3-1............14-2........3-0 (S.B. win) 1999........3-2............6-10................0-0 2000........4-0............11-5................0-1 2001........3-1.............8-8.................0-0 2002........3-1.............9-7.................0-0 2003........3-1............10-6................0-1 2004........2-3............10-6................0-1 2005........4-0............13-3................1-1 2006........3-1.............9-7.................0-0 2007........2-2.............7-9.................0-0 2008........2-2.............8-8.................0-0 2009........1-3.............0-0.................0-0 TOTAL..122-107 (.533)..386-344-10 (.528)....17-15 (.531) DENVER at cincinnati 5
GAME INFORMATION BRONCOS IN SEASON OPENERS, cont. 2009 NFL FINAL PRESEASON STANDINGS Below is a look at how Denver has fared in its season openers since 2000: BRONCOS SEASON OPENERS, SINCE 2000 Season (Date) W/L Result Site 2000 (9/4) L at St. Louis 41, Denver 36 Trans World Dome 2001 (9/10) W at Denver 31, NYG 20 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2002 (9/8) W at Denver 23, St. Louis 16 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2003 (9/7) W Denver 30, at Cincinnati 10 Paul Brown Stadium 2004 (9/12) W at Denver 34, K.C. 24 INVESCO Field at Mile High 2005 (9/11) L at Miami 34, Denver 10 Dolphins Stadium 2006 (9/10) L at St. Louis 18, Denver 10 Edward Jones Dome 2007 (9/9) W Denver 15, at Buffalo 14 Ralph Wilson Stadium 2008 (9/8) W Denver 41, at Oakland 14 McAfee Coliseum OFF TO A FAST START Since 1996, the Broncos own the NFL s best record in the first month (August/September) of the regular season. The club is 35-14 (.714) in the 49 games it has played in the first month of a season during the past 13 years. Last season, Denver posted a 3-1 record in the month of September. BEST RECORD IN THE FIRST MONTH OF THE SEASON, NFL, SINCE 1996 Team W L T Pct. 1. Denver 35 14 0.714 2. Indianapolis 29 15 0.659 3. New England 28 15 0.651 4. Green Bay 31 18 0.633 5. Jacksonville 28 18 0.609 COLLEGE FREE-AGENT BAKER MAKES ACTIVE ROSTER For the sixth consecutive year, a rookie college free agent made the Broncos active roster out of training camp for the first week of the regular season. Defensive lineman Chris Baker, who finished his collegiate career at Hampton after a stint at Penn State, extended that streak for the Broncos in 2009. He is the 11th rookie college free agent to make Denver s active roster out of training camp since 1997. Baker played in all four preseason games for the Broncos, totaling six tackles (4 solo), one sack (8 yds.), two tackles for a loss and one quarterback hit. COLLEGE FREE AGENTS TO MAKE DENVER S OPENING GAME ACTIVE ROSTER AS ROOKIES, SINCE 1997 Year Player College 1997 DT David Richie Washington 1998 DE Cyron Brown Western Illinois 2002 CB Lenny Walls Boston College 2004 CB Roc Alexander Washington 2005 TE Wesley Duke Mercer 2006 RB Mike Bell Arizona 2007 RB Selvin Young Texas 2008 P Brett Kern Toledo 2008 T Tyler Polumbus Colorado 2008 ILB Wesley Woodyard Kentucky 2009 DL Chris Baker Hampton AFC East Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Mia. 4 0 0 1.000 59 39 2-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 3-0 N.E. 3 1 0.750 98 83 1-1 2-0 0-0 0-1 3-0 NYJ 2 2 0.500 108 99 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-1 2-1 Buf. 1 4 0.200 72 106 1-1 0-3 0-0 0-2 1-2 AFC North Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Bal. 4 0 0 1.000 84 39 2-0 2-0 0-0 1-0 3-0 Pit. 3 1 0.750 71 37 2-0 1-1 0-0 1-0 2-1 Cin. 2 2 0.500 73 54 1-1 1-1 0-0 2-0 0-2 Cle. 2 2 0.500 73 70 2-0 0-2 0-0 1-0 1-2 AFC South Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Ten. 3 2 0.600 102 104 3-0 0-2 0-0 1-1 2-1 Hou. 2 2 0.500 67 85 0-2 2-0 0-0 1-0 1-2 Ind. 1 3 0.250 50 84 1-1 0-2 0-0 0-1 1-2 Jac. 1 3 0.250 88 86 1-1 0-2 0-0 0-1 1-2 AFC West Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC S.D. 2 2 0.500 81 60 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 2-2 Den. 1 3 0.250 65 71 1-1 0-2 0-0 0-0 1-3 Oak. 1 3 0.250 79 107 1-1 0-2 0-0 0-0 1-3 K.C. 0 4 0.000 42 64 0-2 0-2 0-0 0-1 0-3 NFC East Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Dal. 2 2 0.500 88 92 1-1 1-1 0-0 1-1 1-1 NYG 1 3 0.250 79 99 1-1 0-2 0-0 0-2 1-1 Phi. 1 3 0.250 100 120 1-1 0-2 0-0 1-3 0-0 Was. 1 3 0.250 58 87 1-1 0-2 0-0 1-3 0-0 NFC North Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Chi. 3 1 0.750 90 70 2-0 1-1 0-0 2-1 1-0 Det. 3 1 0.750 72 76 2-0 1-1 0-0 2-1 1-0 G.B. 3 1 0.750 105 85 2-0 1-1 0-0 2-1 1-0 Min. 3 1 0.750 78 61 1-1 2-0 0-0 3-0 0-1 NFC South Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC N.O. 3 1 0.750 107 38 1-1 2-0 0-0 3-1 0-0 Atl. 2 2 0.500 76 84 1-1 1-1 0-0 1-1 1-1 T.B. 1 3 0.250 70 87 0-2 1-1 0-0 1-3 0-0 Car. 0 4 0.000 57 89 0-2 0-2 0-0 0-3 0-1 NFC West Team W L T Pct PF PA Home Road Div AFC NFC Sea. 4 0 0 1.000 92 58 2-0 2-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 Stl. 3 1 0.750 77 70 1-1 2-0 0-0 3-0 0-1 S.F. 3 1 0.750 65 75 2-0 1-1 0-0 2-1 1-0 Ari. 0 4 0.000 53 100 0-2 0-2 0-0 0-3 0-1 DENVER at cincinnati 6
NEW ADDITIONS TO DENVER ROSTER The Broncos current roster features 30 players in their first season with the club. That total accounts for 52.6 percent of their total roster including players on reserve lists (30-of-57). Nine players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, one rookie college free agent, three players acquired via trade and 17 free agents comprise Denver s 30 new players. PLAYERS IN THEIR FIRST SEASON WITH THE BRONCOS How Acquired Total 2009 NFL Draft 9 Rookie College Free Agent 1 Trade 3 Free Agency 17 TOTALS 30 BRONCOS OFFENSIVE NOTES QUICKLY: * - Mike McCoy is Denver s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and joined the club after spending the previous nine seasons in Carolina, where he most recently was its passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach from 2007-08. * - QB Kyle Orton, acquired by the Broncos in a trade from Chicago on April 2, owns a 21-12 (.636) record as a starting quarterback during his four NFL seasons with Chicago. * - QB Chris Simms, who signed with Denver as an unrestricted free agent on March 5, led Tampa Bay to an NFC South title as a 10-game starter in 2005 and is fully recovered from the spleen injury that limited his playing time during the last three years. * - Denver s offensive line in 2008 featured two players who earned All- Pro recognition (LT Ryan Clady and RT Ryan Harris) along with one Pro Bowl selection (C Casey Wiegmann). The Broncos tied for first in the league and set a club record with 12 sacks allowed last year. * - Clady was the only 16-game starting tackle in the NFL as a rookie last year to not allow a full sack (0.5) according to Stats Inc., and he finished third in AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. * - WR Eddie Royal led all NFL rookies in receptions (91), receiving yards (980), receiving touchdowns (5) and combined yards (1,829) as a rookie in 2008. His 91 receptions were the second most by a rookie in NFL history. * - WR Brandon Marshall in 2008 posted his second consecutive 100- catch, 1,200-yard receiving season (104-1,265) and was named a Pro Bowl starter. During the last two years, he ranks second in the NFL in receptions (206) and third in receiving yards (2,590). * - TE Daniel Graham, who has served as a captain for the Broncos and is regarded as one of the league s best blocking tight ends, was in New England with Head Coach Josh McDaniels from 2002-06. * - TE Tony Scheffler led all NFL tight ends in yards per reception last year, averaging a club-record (TEs) 16.1 yards (40-645). Since entering the league in 2006, he leads all league tight ends in yards per reception (13.8). * - RB Knowshon Moreno, who was selected by Denver with the 12th overall pick, led the SEC and ranked sixth in the nation in rushing yards (2,734) during his two seasons playing for Georgia. * - Other key offseason additions to the Broncos offense include RB Correll Buckhalter (UFA-Phi.), WR Jabar Gaffney (UFA-N.E.), RB LaMont Jordan (UFA-N.E.), WR Brandon Lloyd (FA-Chi.) and TE Richard Quinn (D2-64, North Carolina). GAME INFORMATION / OFFENSIVE NOTES BRONCOS SEASON OPENER RECORDS PASSING YARDS Player Game Yds. 1. Frank Tripucka vs. S.D., 9/7/62 376 2. John Elway vs. S.D., 9/4/94 371 3. John Elway vs. Sea., 9/13/87 338 4. Brian Griese vs. NYG, 9/10/01 330 5. Charley Johnson vs. K.C., 9/21/75 329 6. John Elway vs. Buf., 9/3/95 317 7. Brian Griese at Stl., 9/4/00 307 8. Jay Cutler at Buf., 9/9/07 304 9. Jay Cutler at Oak., 9/8/08 300 RUSHING YARDS Player Game Yds. 1. Quentin Griffin vs. K.C., 9/12/04 156 2. Travis Henry at Buf., 9/9/07 139 3. Clinton Portis at Cin., 9/7/03 120 4. Gaston Green vs. Cin., 9/1/91 116 5. Floyd Little vs. Bos., 9/14/69 105 6. Tatum Bell at Stl., 9/10/06 103 7. Terrell Davis vs. NYG, 9/10/01 101 Terrell Davis vs. K.C., 8/31/97 101 Floyd Little vs. Hou., 9/17/72 101 RECEIVING YARDS Player Game Yds. 1. Shannon Sharpe vs. Buf., 9/3/95 180 2. Rick Upchurch vs. K.C., 9/21/75 153 3. Eddie Royal at Oak., 9/8/08 146 4. Lionel Taylor at Buf., 9/10/61 132 5. Al Denson vs. Bos., 9/3/67 131 6. Al Carmichael at Bos., 9/9/60 130 7. Rod Smith vs. K.C., 8/31/97 122 8. Mark Jackson at LAA, 9/9/90 121 9. Javon Walker at Buf., 9/9/07 119 Mike Pritchard vs. S.D., 9/4/94 119 PRESEASON OFFENSIVE WRAP-UP * - QB Kyle Orton completed 39-of-58 (67.2%) passes for 367 yards in the preseason. His completion percentage ranked second in the NFL while his completion total tied for the fourth-best in the league. * - In his final two preseason games ( at Seattle, vs. Chicago), Orton completed 30-of-42 (71.4%) passes for 278 yards with one touchdown and one interception (87.2 rating). * - QB Chris Simms registered the best passer rating (130.0) in the NFL for Week 1 of the preseason with his performance at San Francisco, completing 11-of-17 (64.7%) passes for 142 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in that contest. * - Rookie QB Tom Brandstater, a sixth-round pick from Fresno State, started Denver s preseason finale (19-0 win against Arizona). He completed 16-of-30 passes for 187 yards with one interception (58.6 rating) in the Broncos win. * - WR Kenny McKinley ranked 11th in the NFL (7th among rookies) with a team-high 336 combined yards. His 16 receptions ranked third in the league and led all rookie wide receivers while his 213 receiving yards ranked fourth in the NFL (2nd among rookies). He also had two 50-yard catches. DENVER at cincinnati 7
OFFENSIVE NOTES * - In the first quarter of their four preseason games, the Broncos outscored their opponents 23-13 and outgained them 404-263, including a 306-195 advantage in passing yards. * - Denver finished the preseason ranked third in the NFL in time of possession average (32:40). The Broncos had a higher time of possession than their opponents in 11-of-16 quarters played. ORTON BEGINS FIRST SEASON IN DENVER Kyle Orton, who joined the Broncos on April 2 in a trade from Chicago, compiled a 21-12 (.636) record as a starter during his first four NFL seasons with the Bears from 2005-08. He guided the Bears to a winning season in each of his two years as a full-time starter, including the 2005 campaign when he registered a 10-5 record in 15 starts for a Chicago team that won the NFC North title. Last year, Orton was 9-6 in his 15 starts with the Bears. Orton has a 15-2 record for his career as a starter at home for an.882 winning percentage that is the best in the NFL during that time. BEST HOME WINNING PCT. BY A QB, NFL, 2005-PRES. (min. 15 starts) Player W L T Pct. 1. Kyle Orton, Chi. 15 2 0.882 2. Peyton Manning, Ind. 27 5 0.844 3. Philip Rivers, S.D. 20 4 0.833 4. Tom Brady, N.E. 19 6 0.760 5. Jake Delhomme, Car. 17 6 0.739 KYLE ORTON, CAREER YEAR-BY-YEAR Year Team GP/GS Att. Comp. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 2005 Chicago 15/15 368 190 51.6 1,869 9 13 59.7 2006 Chicago 0/0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 2007 Chicago 3/3 80 43 53.8 478 3 2 73.9 2008 Chicago 15/15 465 272 58.5 2,972 18 12 79.6 TOTALS 33/33 913 505 55.3 5,319 30 27 71.1 ORTON IN THE RED ZONE During his four-year career with the Bears from 2005-08, quarterback Kyle Orton was one of the NFL s best signal-callers in the red zone. His 22- to-2 (11.0) career touchdown-to-interception ratio is the eighth best in the league. BEST TD-TO-INT RATIO IN THE RED ZONE, NFL, 2005-PRES. (min. 100 att.) Player Att. TDs INTs Ratio 1. Jeff Garcia, T.B./Phi./Det. 101 18 0 --- 2. Tom Brady, N.E. 244 71 2 35.5 3. Philip Rivers, S.D. 202 50 2 25.0 4. Kerry Collins, Ten./Oak. 134 18 1 18.0 5. Marc Bulger, Stl. 173 40 3 13.3 6. Peyton Manning, Ind. 302 77 6 12.8 7. Kurt Warner, Ari. 220 59 5 11.8 8. Kyle Orton, Chi. 108 22 2 11.0 BRONCOS/BENGALS CONNECTIONS From Cincinnati: DEN S David Bruton (Miamisburg, Ohio)... DEN P Brett Kern: Toledo (2004-07)... DEN DL Kenny Peterson (Canton, Ohio): Ohio State (1999-2002); McKinley High School... DEN TE Richard Quinn (Maple Heights, Ohio)... DEN CB Jack Williams: Kent State (2003-07)... College Connections: DEN DC Mike Nolan/CIN RBs Coach Jim Anderson: Stanford (1982-83)... DEN QB Chris Simms/CIN RB Cedric Benson: Texas (2001-02)... OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil/CIN LB Brandon Johnson: Louisville (2002-05)... DEN RB Peyton Hillis/CIN C Jonathan Luigs: Arkansas (2005-07)... Bruton/CIN S Chinedum Ndukwe: Notre Dame (2005-06)... NFL Connections: DEN OC Mike McCoy: CIN Special Teams Coach Darrin Simmons (CAR 2000-02); CIN G Evan Mathis (CAR 2005-07)... Nolan: CIN LBs Coach Jeff Fitzgerald (WAS 1998-99)... DEN Secondary Coach Ed Donatell: CIN S Chris Crocker (ATL 2006); CIN Assistant DBs Coach Louie Cioffi (NYJ 1993-94)... DEN QB Kyle Orton: Benson (CHI 2005-07); CIN QB J.T. O'Sullivan (CHI 2005)... Simms: CIN T Dennis Roland (T.B. 2006-07)... DEN CB Champ Bailey: CIN Head Coach Marvin Lewis (WAS 2002)... DEN WR Brandon Stokley: Lewis (BAL 1999)... DEN CB André Goodman: Crocker (MIA 2008)... DEN S Renaldo Hill: Crocker (MIA 2008)... DEN RB Correll Buckhalter: CIN G Bobbie Williams (PHI 2001-03)... DEN T Brandon Gorin: CIN RB Brian Leonard (STL 2007-08). ORTON SITUATIONAL RECORD AS A STARTER Below is a look at Kyle Orton s career situational record as a starting quarterback. He owns a 21-12 (.636) record as a starter for his four-year NFL career. KYLE ORTON SITUATIONAL RECORD AS A STARTING QB Throws 0 TD passes...6-7 on Sunday........19-11 Throws 1+TD passes...15-5 on Monday.........1-1 Throws 2+TD passes...6-3 on Thursday........1-0 Throws 3+TD passes...1-0 on Saturday.........0-0 Throws 4+TD passes...0-0 in September.......3-4 Throws for <200 yds...17-8 in October..........5-2 Throws for 200+yds...4-4 in November........6-2 Throws for 300+yds...1-0 in Dec./Jan.........7-4 Was not intercepted...10-7 at home...........15-2 Was intercepted...11-5 on road...........6-10 Was not sacked...3-1 in division..........9-4 Was sacked...18-11 in conference......18-8 Posts 100+rating...4-0 out of conference....3-4 DENVER at cincinnati 8
OFFENSIVE NOTES SIMMS BEGINS FIRST YEAR IN DENVER Quarterback Chris Simms, who led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title in 2005, begins his first season in Denver after he was signed by the team as an unrestricted free agent on March 5. The son of former Giants quarterback (1979-93) and current CBS lead commentator Phil Simms, Chris and his father make up one of six fatherson quarterback combinations to play in the NFL. Simms, who is fully recovered from the spleen injury that he suffered early in 2006 that limited him during the last three years, has played 20 games (15 starts) for his NFL career (regular season) and is 7-8 as a starter. He has completed 292-of-494 (59.1%) career passes for 3,094 yards with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. CHRIS SIMMS, CAREER YEAR-BY-YEAR Year Team GP/GS Att. Comp. Pct. Yds TD INT Rtg. 2004 Tampa Bay 5/2 73 42 57.5 467 1 3 64.1 2005 Tampa Bay 11/10 313 191 61 2,035 10 7 81.4 2006 Tampa Bay 3/3 106 58 54.7 585 1 7 46.3 2008 Tennessee 1/0 2 1 50 7 0 0 58.3 TOTALS 20/15 494 292 59.1 3,094 12 17 71.2 OFFENSIVE LINE AMONG LEAGUE S BEST IN 2008 The Broncos return all five starters along their offensive line who last season helped the team tie for the NFL-low in sacks allowed with a franchiserecord 12. Denver also posted the lowest sack percentage per pass play (1.9 / 12-632) in club annals as well as in the league for the year. Several members of the unit earned individual awards last season. Veteran center Casey Wiegmann was named to his first Pro Bowl while rookie left tackle Ryan Clady was a second-team All-Pro (Associated Press) and finished third in AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. First-year starter Ryan Harris was named to Sports Illustrated s All-Pro team (Peter King) for his work at right tackle. Veteran left guard Ben Hamilton and right guard Chris Kuper, who was the only 16-game starting guard to not allow a sack (0.0) in 2008 according to Stats Inc., also enjoyed strong seasons. All five members were a key reason why Denver ranked second in the NFL in yards per game (395.8) and third in yards per rush (4.8) despite placing a league-high seven running backs on injured reserve. FEWEST SACKS ALLOWED, NFL, 2008 Team Sacks 1. Denver 12 Tennessee 12 3. New Orleans 13 4. Indianapolis 14 5 Atlanta 17 LOWEST SACK PERCENTAGE PER PASS PLAY, NFL, 2008 Team Sacks Plays Pct. 1. Denver 12 632 1.9 2. New Orleans 13 649 2.0 3. Indianapolis 14 599 2.3 4. Tennessee 12 465 2.6 5. Philadelphia 23 629 3.7 FEWEST SACKS ALLOWED IN A SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Year Sacks 1. 2008 12 2. 2004 15 3. 1971 22 4. 2005 23 5. 1982* 24 1965 24 * - players strike; nine-game season LOWEST SACK PERCENTAGE PER PASS PLAY, SINGLE SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Year Sacks Plays Pct. 1. 2008 12 632 1.9 2. 2004 15 536 2.8 3. 1995 26 620 4.2 4. 2005 23 488 4.7 5. 1965 24 506 4.7 OFFENSIVE LINE PROVIDES PASS PROTECTION Renowned for its ability to clear the way for a dominant rushing attack, the Broncos offensive line also has been one of the NFL s best at pass protection recently. Since 2003, Denver has allowed the third-fewest sacks (138) in the league. Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison has instructed that unit since 2001. In Denver s preseason opener against San Francisco, the team did not allow a sack. FEWEST SACKS ALLOWED, NFL, SINCE 2003 Team Sacks Yards 1. Indianapolis 105 628 2. Green Bay 137 946 3. Denver 138 838 4. San Diego 158 1,068 5. New Orleans 170 1,011 DENVER at cincinnati 9
OFFENSIVE NOTES CLADY LOOKS TO BUILD ON STRONG ROOKIE YEAR Selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft from Boise State University, Ryan Clady enjoyed one of the best rookie seasons by an offensive lineman in recent NFL history. The left tackle finished third in Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and was the only 16-game starting tackle in the NFL to not allow a full sack (0.5) according to Stats Inc. He also joined Miami s Jake Long and Houston s Duane Brown as one of just three rookies in the league to start every game at left tackle en route to playing all 1,019 offensive snaps. Clady was called for just three penalties (2 false start, 1 holding) in 2008. FEWEST SACKS ALLOWED AMONG 16-GAME STARTERS AT TACKLE, NFL, 2008 (Stats Inc.) Player Pos. GP GS Sacks 1. Ryan Clady, Den. LT 16 16 0.5 2. Michael Roos, Ten. LT 16 16 1.0 3. Ryan Diem, Atl. RT 16 16 1.5 Jon Stinchcomb, N.O. RT 16 16 1.5 2008 AP NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR VOTING Player Pos. Votes 1. Matt Ryan, Atl. QB 44 2. Chris Johnson, Ten. RB 3 3. Ryan Clady, Den. T 2 4. Matt Forte, RB RB 1 WIEGMANN OWNS IMPRESSIVE START STREAK Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2008, Broncos center Casey Wiegmann enters the 2009 season with the longest start/games played streak (127 games) of any center in the NFL. Wiegmann, whose streak began in 2001 with the Chiefs, also ranks third among league offensive linemen in consecutive games started. Most impressively, the center has taken every possible regular season and postseason offensive snap (8,046) since 2001 for the longest streak in the NFL. LONGEST ACTIVE CONSECUTIVE GAMES STARTED STREAKS, NFL OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Player Pos. Starts Years 1. Jon Runyan, Phi./Ten. T 192 1997-Pres. 2. Jeff Backus, Det. T 128 2001-Pres. 3. Casey Wiegmann, Den./K.C. C 127 2001-Pres. LONGEST ACTIVE CONSECUTIVE GAMES STARTED STREAKS, NFL CENTERS Player Starts Years 1. Casey Wiegmann, Den./K.C. 127 2001-Pres. 2. Todd McClure, Atl. 112 2002-Pres. 3. Olin Kreutz, Chi. 102 2002-Pres. LONGEST ACTIVE CONSECUTIVE GAMES PLAYED STREAKS, NFL CENTERS Player GP Years 1. Casey Wiegmann, Den./K.C. 127 2001-Pres. 2. Todd McClure, Atl. 112 2002-Pres. 3. Olin Kreutz, Chi. 102 2002-Pres. 4. Sean Mahan, T.B./Pit. 80 2004-Pres. ROYAL RULES IN ROOKIE YEAR Broncos second-year wide receiver Eddie Royal posted the second-most receptions (91) by a rookie in NFL history in 2008 and also set club records for receptions, receiving yards (980) and receiving touchdowns (5). Royal s 91 grabs ranked seventh among all players in the league in 2008. MOST RECEPTIONS, NFL ROOKIES, 2008 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Eddie Royal, Den. 91 980 10.8 93t 5 2. Matt Forte, Chi. 63 477 7.6 19 4 DeSean Jackson, Phi. 62 912 14.7 60 2 MOST RECEPTIONS BY A ROOKIE, NFL HISTORY Player Year Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Anquan Boldin, Ari. 2003 101 1,377 13.6 8 2. Eddie Royal, Den. 2008 91 980 10.8 5 3. Terry Glenn, N.E. 1996 90 1,132 12.6 6 4. Reggie Bush, N.O. 2006 88 742 8.4 2 5. Earl Cooper, S.F. 1980 83 567 6.8 4 MOST RECEPTIONS IN A SEASON BY A ROOKIE, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Eddie Royal, 2008 91 980 10.8 93t 5 2. Vance Johnson, 1985 51 721 14.1 63t 3 3. Terrell Davis, 1995 49 367 7.5 31 1 4. Mark Jackson, 1986 38 738 19.4 53 1 Glyn Milburn, 1993 38 300 7.9 50 3 ROYAL FAST APPROACHING BRONCOS INITIAL TWO-YEAR RECEIVING TOTALS After posting 91 receptions and 980 receiving yards as a rookie in 2008, Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal is quickly approaching the franchise s best reception and receiving yardage totals through a player s first two professional seasons with the team (rookie through second year). Both of those records are held by Brandon Marshall, who had 122 catches and 1,634 receiving yards through his first two seasons (2006-07). MOST RECEPTIONS BY A PLAYER THROUGH HIS FIRST TWO PRO SEASONS WITH BRONCOS, TEAM HISTORY Player Years Yr. 1 Yr. 2 Total 1. Brandon Marshall, WR 2006-07 20 102 122 2. Eddie Royal, WR 2008-09 91 0 91 3. Vance Johnson, WR 1985-86 51 31 82 MOST RECEIVING YARDS BY A PLAYER THROUGH HIS FIRST TWO PRO SEASONS WITH BRONCOS, TEAM HISTORY Player Years Yr. 1 Yr. 2 Total 1. Brandon Marshall, WR 2006-07 309 1,325 1,634 2. Ricky Nattiel, WR 1987-88 630 574 1,204 3. Mark Jackson, WR 1986-87 738 436 1,174 4. Ashley Lelie, WR 2002-03 525 628 1,153 5. Vance Johnson, WR 1985-86 721 363 1,084 6. Eddie Royal, WR 2008-09 980 0 980 DENVER at cincinnati 10
OFFENSIVE NOTES ROYAL DOES IT ALL Eddie Royal s 980 receiving yards combined with 740 return yards on special teams and 109 rushing yards gave him 1,829 combined yards for his rookie year in 2008 that led all NFL rookies and placed sixth among all players. Royal also added five 50-yard plays (2 receptions, 2 kickoff returns, 1 rush) and became the first player since the 1970 NFL merger to record his team s longest rush (71), reception (93), kickoff return (95) and punt return (36) in the same season. MOST COMBINED YARDS, NFL, 2008 Player Rush Rec. KR PR Tot. 1. Leon Washington, NYJ 448 355 1,231 303 2,337 2. Darren Sproles, S.D. 330 342 1,376 249 2,297 3. Jerious Norwood, Atl. 489 338 1,311 0 2,138 4. Steve Breaston, Ari. 8 1,006 667 237 1,918 5. Adrian Peterson, Min. 1,760 125 16 0 1,901 6. Eddie Royal, Den. 109 980 600 140 1,829 MOST COMBINED YARDS IN A SEASON BY A ROOKIE, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Rush Rec. Ret. Tot. 1. Rick Upchurch, 1975 97 436 1,396 1,929 2. Clinton Portis, 2002 1,508 364 0 1,872 3. Eddie Royal, 2008 109 980 740 1,829 4. Mike Anderson, 2000 1,487 169 0 1,656 MARSHALL LOOKS FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE 100-CATCH SEASON Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall enters 2009 looking to become the first player in club history and only the third player in NFL annals (Herman Moore-3, Marvin Harrison-4) to post three consecutive 100-catch seasons. He joined Rod Smith (2000-01) as one of two players in Denver annals to have 100 receptions for two years in a row after posting 104 catches for 1,265 yards with six touchdowns in 2008 as a Pro Bowl starter. Marshall s 104 catches last season ranked third in the league, and he was seventh in the NFL with 1,265 receiving yards. His reception total also was the second-best in club history, behind Rod Smith s 113 catches in 2001, while his receiving yardage output ranked fifth in team annals. MOST RECEPTIONS, NFL, 2008 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Andre Johnson, Hou. 115 1,575 13.7 65 8 2. Wes Welker, N.E. 111 1,165 10.5 64 3 3. Brandon Marshall, Den. 104 1,265 12.2 47 6 4. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari. 96 1,431 14.9 78t 12 Tony Gonzalez, K.C. 96 1,058 11.0 35 10 MOST RECEIVING YARDS, NFL, 2008 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Andre Johnson, Hou. 115 1,575 13.7 65 8 2. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari. 96 1,431 14.9 78t 12 3. Steve Smith, Car. 78 1,421 18.2 65t 6 4. Roddy White, Atl. 88 1,382 15.7 70t 7 5. Calvin Johnson, Det. 78 1,331 17.1 96t 12 6. Greg Jennings, G.B. 80 1,292 16.2 63 9 7. Brandon Marshall, Den. 104 1,265 12.2 47 6 MARSHALL AMONG LEAGUE S BEST SINCE 07 Since 2007, Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall ranks second in the league in receptions (206) and third in receiving yards (2,590). He is the only player in the NFL to post at least 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards in each of the last two years. In addition, his 988 yards after the catch since 2007 rank second in the league among wide receivers. MOST RECEPTIONS, NFL, 2007-PRES. Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Wes Welker, N.E. 223 2,340 10.5 11 2. Brandon Marshall, Den. 206 2,590 12.6 13 3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cin. 204 2,047 10.0 16 4. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari. 196 2,840 14.5 22 5. Tony Gonzalez, K.C. 195 2,230 11.4 15 MOST RECEIVING YARDS, NFL, 2007-PRES. Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari. 196 2,840 14.5 22 2. Reggie Wayne, Ind. 186 2,655 14.3 16 3. Brandon Marshall, Den. 206 2,590 12.6 13 4. Roddy White, Atl. 171 2,584 15.1 13 5. Randy Moss, N.E. 167 2,501 15.0 34 MOST YARDS AFTER THE CATCH AMONG WRS, NFL, 2007-PRES. Player Rec. Yds. YAC Pct. 1. Wes Welker, N.E. 2,340 1,398 59.7% 2. Brandon Marshall, Den. 2,590 988 38.1% 3. Anquan Boldin, Ari. 1,891 967 51.1% 4. Steve Smith, Car. 2,423 915 37.8% 5. Roddy White, Atl. 2,584 865 33.5% SCHEFFLER STRETCHES THE FIELD Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler in 2008 led the NFL and set a Denver single-season record for reception average (16.1) by a tight end. He also set career highs for receptions (40) and receiving yards (645) last year. MOST YARDS PER RECEPTION BY A TE, NFL, 2008 Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Tony Scheffler, Den. 40 645 16.1 72 3 2. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min. 42 596 14.2 40 7 3. Zach Miller, Oak. 56 778 13.9 63t 1 4. Anthony Fasano, Mia. 34 454 13.4 24 7 5. Billy Miller, N.O. 45 579 12.9 41 1 MOST YARDS PER RECEPTION BY A TE, SINGLE SEASON, BRONCOS HISTORY Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Tony Scheffler, 2008 40 645 16.1 72 3 2. Riley Odoms, 1979 40 638 16.0 45 1 3. Riley Odoms, 1976 30 477 15.9 47 3 4. Jeb Putzier, 2004 36 572 15.9 39 2 5. Gene Prebola, 1963 30 471 15.7 57 2 DENVER at cincinnati 11
SCHEFFLER LEADS NFL TIGHT ENDS IN YARDS PER RECEPTION Since entering the league in 2006, Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler leads all NFL players at his position group in reception average (13.8). He has caught 107 passes for 1,480 yards with 12 touchdowns as a pro. MOST YARDS PER RECEPTION BY A TE, NFL, 2006-PRES. Player Rec. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Tony Scheffler, Den. 107 1,480 13.8 72 12 2. Antonio Gates, S.D. 206 2,612 12.7 57t 26 3. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min./NYG 81 1,000 12.3 79 8 4. Zach Miller, Oak. 100 1,222 12.2 63t 4 5. Alge Crumpler, Atl. 122 1,481 12.1 55t 14 MORENO ONE OF NCAA S MOST PRODUCTIVE BACKS Selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia, Knowshon Moreno was one of the most productive running backs in the country during his two seasons playing for the Bulldogs. He averaged 105.2 rushing yards per game and totaled the most rushing yards (2,734) in the Southeastern Conference and the sixth most in the nation from 2007-08 with Georgia. His 2,734 rushing yards during two seasons at Georgia ranked second in the nation among underclassmen to only Pittsburgh s LeSean McCoy. The two-time first-team All-SEC choice finished his career at UGA ranked third in school annals in 100-yard rushing games (13) as well as fourth in both career rushing yards (2,734) and career rushing touchdowns (30). MOST RUSHING YARDS, NCAA, 2007-08 Player Att. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Javon Ringer, Mich. St. 635 3,084 4.9 80t 28 2. Donald Brown, UConn 537 2,904 5.4 75 26 3. Damion Fletcher, S. Miss. 514 2,899 5.6 69 25 4. LeSean McCoy, Pit. 584 2,816 4.8 64t 35 5. Chris Wells, Ohio St. 481 2,806 5.8 65t 23 6. Knowshon Moreno, Ga. 498 2,734 5.5 80t 30 MOST RUSHING YARDS, SEC, 2007-08 Player Att. Yds. Avg. LG TDs 1. Knowshon Moreno, Ga. 498 2,734 5.5 80t 30 2. Anthony Dixon, Miss St. 484 1,935 4.0 71 21 3. Glen Coffee, Ala. 362 1,928 5.3 87t 14 4. Darren McFadden, Ark. 325 1,830 5.6 80t 16 5. Arian Foster, Ten. 376 1,763 4.7 59t 13 DENVER RUN GAME HAS TRADITION OF SUCCESS The Broncos have gained a reputation for consistently being able to produce an effective rushing game. Since 1995, the club leads the NFL in total rushing yards (30,993 / 138.4 ypg.) while tying for the league lead in individual 1,000-yard rushing seasons (11). MOST RUSHING YARDS, NFL, 1995-PRES. Team Att. Yds. Avg. TDs YPG 1. Denver 6,852 30,993 4.5 235 138.4 2. Pittsburgh 7,248 29,822 4.1 215 133.1 3. Minnesota 6,182 27,730 4.5 193 123.8 4. Kansas City 6,508 27,684 4.3 252 123.6 5. Jacksonville 6,494 27,577 4.2 227 123.1 OFFENSIVE NOTES / DEFENSIVE NOTES MOST IND. 1,000-YARD RUSHING SEASONS, NFL, 1995-PRES. Team 1,000-Yard Seasons 1. Denver 11 Indianapolis 11 N.Y. Jets 11 N.Y. Giants 11 MOST 100-YARD RUSHING GAMES SINCE 1995 The Broncos have totaled an NFL-best 95 individual 100-yard rushing games by a league-high 14 different players since 1995. MOST INDIVIDUAL 100-YARD GAMES, NFL, 1995-PRES. 100-yd. Team Games 1. Denver 95 2. Pittsburgh 92 3. Indianapolis 73 4. Minnesota 72 5. Seattle 69 6. Jacksonville 68 Kansas City 68 8. Washington 67 9. Dallas 66 N.Y. Jets 66 MOST DIFFERENT INDIVIDUAL 100-YARD RUSHERS, NFL, 1995-PRES. 100-yd. Team Rushers 1. Denver 14 2. Carolina 13 3. Baltimore 12 Green Bay 12 Oakland 12 BRONCOS DEFENSIVE NOTES QUICKLY: * - Mike Nolan is Denver s defensive coordinator and joined the club after serving as San Francisco s head coach during the last four seasons. He has 11 years experience as an NFL defensive coordinator with his units posting seven top-10 league rankings in takeaways. * - CB Champ Bailey has totaled the second-most interceptions (25) in the NFL since joining the Broncos in 2004 and is tied for second in the league in interceptions (43) since his rookie year in 1999. * - S Brian Dawkins, who joined the Broncos as an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 28 after playing his first 13 seasons with Philadelphia, is one of four players in NFL history with at least 33 career interceptions (34) and 20 career sacks (21). * - Bailey has tied for the second-most Pro Bowl selections (8) by a cornerback in NFL history and Dawkins has posted the fourth-most Pro Bowl selections (7) by a safety in league annals. * - ILB D.J. Williams leads the AFC and ranks second in the NFL in tackles per game (8.7) during the last two years according to press box totals. * - OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil is tied for sixth in the NFL in 2+sack games (7) since entering the NFL in 2006 and has posted 26 sacks in his three professional seasons. * - DL Marcus Thomas has started the last 21 regular-season games at defensive tackle for the Broncos dating back to his rookie year in 2007. * - Denver s secondary was improved with the addition of two players who started for the AFC East-champion Dolphins last season in CB André Goodman and S Renaldo Hill. DENVER at cincinnati 12