Broncos- Looking Ahead to 2001

Next year, the Broncos will have to deal with a lot of changes when it comes to trades and players with "free agent" contracts. I'll go by each area of the Broncos and say who's staying and who's gonna go, as of now.

Quarterback - Much to my delight, Brian Griese will be the #1 quarterback of Denver next season. Though is contract will likely be a free agent, I don't think owner Pat Bowlen and head coach Mike Shanahan are planning to let him go to any other team. This is good for Brian because he'll probably get a lot more money. Gus Frerotte will likely not be back- he really wants to be a starter and knows he won't be if he has to compete with Brian. I'm sure Jarious Jackson will be around but I'm not sure if he'll be 2nd string or 3rd string. It makes sense for the Broncos to sign another quarterback who's been in the league for awhile because if Brian does get injured again, they want to have a good backup.

Runningback - This is a toughie. Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson: when healthy, three of the NFL's top backs on the same team. The Broncos were the first team to have three different runningbacks rush for over 1,000yds in three consecutive years. After being named the league MVP, Terrell Davis tore his ACL in the beginning of the 1999 season and was out. Rookie Olandis Gary took over and rushed for over 1000 yards. Olandis Gary was hurt amd on injured reserve for the whole 2000 season and Terrell Davis was having major leg problems, forcing rookie Mike Anderson to step up. Mike Anderson set the rookie record for rushing when he ran for 251 yards against the New Orleans Saints. He also earned the NFL Rookie-of-the-Year award. So who's gonna stay? I honestly can't tell you as of now. Terrell Davis is a name synonymous with the Broncos, so I doubt he will leave. As for the other two, I don't know.

Offensive Line - The secret of having 3-1,000 yard rushers really isn't a secret. It's having a great offensive line. O-Line coach Alex Gibbs is planning to retire before next season leaving a question of "who can keep the offensive line up to par?" Guard Mark Schlereth won't play next year - the guy has had 15+ surgeries on his knee. Tackle Tony Jones is considering retirement but doesn't want to leave on a sour note, i.e. the game vs Baltimore. This current offensive line is the best in NFL- no one will argue that. Hopefully whoever comes in to take the place of Gibbs will continue that tradition.

Wide Receivers - I don't see a change in any wide receivers. I hope no one leaves especially, ESPECIALLY Ed McCaffrey or Rod Smith. I haven't heard either one of them are leaving though. ::phew::

Defense - I'm guessing Pat Bowlen will hire a new defensive coordinator. Linebacker John Mobley hasn't been offered any contract extension. He'd love to finish his career with the Broncos but is willing to accept a change. Cornerback Ray Crockett had an ongoing hamstring injury and probably won't return next year.