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Posted Fri Dec 31st by Monty
Another year has come and gone at Dove Valley. 2010 was a year of change in Denver — it’s something Broncos fans have been hearing for years, but just think and marvel on how very different this team is from the group that started the year 364 days ago. New coach. New quarterback (it is assumed), and more changes from top to bottom on the near horizon. It was a chaotic year filled with controversy, hope, disappointment, and tragedy. Here is our list of the Top 10 Stories that defined the Denver Broncos in 2010, Part One: 10-6. (View 1-5).
Denver Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels talks with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan during practice at Broncos Training Camp on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Dove Valley. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
10. Mike Nolan bids Broncos adieu
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan‘s unexpected departure in January left the Broncos with a big hole to fill. No one knows all of the details, but the promise of the Broncos’ hot 6-0 start under Josh McDaniels in 2009 was largely led by Nolan’s stifling defense. It was a shame — a mysterious, devastating shame — Nolan and McDaniels couldn’t find a way to work together and improve in 2010. To make matters worse, Nolan wasn’t alone — running backs coach Bobby Turner, who held that position for 15 years, and offensive line coach Rick Dennison left the Broncos in January to coach elsewhere.
9. Spygate II
Josh McDaniels playing cricket in London (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
“Someone needs to point out that not only are the Denver Broncos going the wrong directing as an organization, they’re about to lap themselves.” Days after the team’s lackluster London loss to the San Francisco 49ers, it was revealed that Broncos director of video operations Steve Scarnecchia had violated NFL policy when he videotaped a portion of the 49ers’ pregame walkthrough. It was required of McDaniels to report the incident when he found out, but he didn’t. That’s where the former head coach’s involvement in the scandal began and ended — we’re told the tapes were never used to the Broncos’ advantage — but it was more than enough for the NFL to hit both he and the Broncos with $50,000 fines each and ultimately contributed to owner Pat Bowlen‘s decision to let McDaniels go.
8. Brandon Marshall traded
Not since Jay Cutler had the Broncos experienced such a polarizing player. (Okay, that’s not a very long time, but Marshall’s exodus from Denver was significant nonetheless.) Marshall’s tenure in Denver was dramatic, controversial, and tumultuous, and the off-field issues ultimately became too high a price for his on-field productivity. We would have ranked the departure of this Broncos star higher, but Denver received a small fortune (two 2nd round draft picks) from the Miami Dolphins, and Marshall’s absence on the field was hardly felt in 2010 (see WR Brandon Lloyd, Pro Bowler). So long, Beast.
7. Elvis Dumervil’s season ends before it begins
A pectoral tear in training camp would deny the NFL’s 2009 sack king the opportunity to defend his crown. The impact of Dumervil’s injury would be felt by the Broncos all season long.
Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos greets his teammates as they enter the field to face the Kansas City Chiefs at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 49-29. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
6. Kyle Orton quietly plays up to his contract
If Kyle Orton had ever been a Broncos’ first round draft pick, one wonders how differently he would be considered among the Denver fanbase. To start the season, the unappreciated #8 was on pace to smash franchise passing yardage records and was even threatening NFL marks. However, he wasn’t able to execute when it counted most — on game-winning drives, or on third downs, and (fairly or not), a brunt of the blame for the Broncos’ lack of success in 2010 was placed on Orton’s shoulders. A rib injury put rookie Tim Tebow on the field for the Broncos’ last three games, and after last week’s thrilling comeback victory, it’s seriously doubtful Orton will ever see the field in a Broncos uniform again. The Broncos extended Orton’s contract through 2011, and Orton proved he had earned it — but, in all likelihood, he’ll be cashing checks made from another team following a trade in the offseason.
Check back for our conclusion of the Top 10 Stories of 2010 in 2011… tomorrow, that is. (UPDATE: here you go). Have a happy and safe New Year everyone, and go Broncos!
Published on 12/31/2010 at Fri Dec 31 17:06.
Tagged: 2010 Season,2010 Training Camp,Brandon Lloyd,Brandon Marshall,Denver Broncos,Elvis Dumervil,Jay Cutler,Josh McDaniels,Kyle Orton,Mike Nolan,Pat Bowlen,Rick Dennison,Spygate II,Top Stories.