Ramblings from a Broncos Fan

By: Brian Bowling 

I’m a Broncos fan. I mean a real Broncos fanatic. I’m not afraid to say it, and it doesn’t make my opinions any less important. Especially the one I’m about to point out: The Broncos will win the AFC West this season. Don’t believe me? Read on. 

 This has been the most active we’ve seen Mike Shanahan in a long time. Huge strides have been made on the defensive side of the ball, with Dre Bly and Jarvis Moss being key additions. The added weapons of Travis Henry, Daniel Graham and Brandon Stokely make the offense even more potent. Throw in the other playmakers we have and a smart, strong-armed quarterback that makes plays and you can begin to see why we have reason to be so excited. 

 Another reason is because of the state of the other teams in the West. Look at KC. Actually, what is there to look at? The team is so distracted trying to figure out who’s going to be their quarterback that they can’t see what’s wrong with the rest of the team. Larry Johnson can’t win it all for you. Damon Huard or Brodie Coyle can’t, either. 

 
San Diego has gone through so many coaching changes that that it’s hard to believe the players will respond the way they did last year. Yes, I know that they still have the LT, Rivers and that Gates guy. But I last year was a one time opportunity, and they blew it. I just can’t see them repeating last year’s successes with completely new systems. 

 And don’t get me started on
Oakland. We’ve owned them since Shanahan took over, and that doesn’t look to stop anytime soon. I don’t care if can throw the ball through the uprights or even John Lynch’s chest, he won’t be upright to get the ball off. 

 As for the rest of the AFC, well, it looks interesting. The AFC South can be a little rough. Jacksonville has improved a little and likes to play the spoiler, as does a young and seemingly depleted
Tennessee team.
Houston could make strides this year – but, in reality we all know they’ll be a cakewalk. And let’s face it, Indy has had our number lately. 

 Fortunately for us, we also get the NFC North this season. With the exception of the Bears, we should have no troubles there, either.   

 That’s at least a 10-6 season right there, and that might be enough to win it for us. But expect something better out of us this year, because we have the talent. 12-4 isn’t out of the question, and 14-2 isn’t ridiculous, either.