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Seven ‘n Seven: The Recent History of the Denver Broncos’ Defense

Eric Mergens — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:35:30 +0000

Champ Bailey is one of two players on the Broncos' defense who will have his seventh coordinator in seven years. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

One of the top story lines heading into last week’s NFC Championship Game was the hindered development of San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith. Coming out of college at Utah, he was the first pick of the NFL draft and was shouldered with high exceptions that he would return their franchise to the glory days of Joe Montana and Steve Young. Seven years and seven offensive coordinators later, Smith had finally led his squad to the brink of the Super Bowl.

Is it any wonder that it took him so long to fulfill the expectations of a first round draft pick? Every year a new offensive coordinator would come in and change what had been established the year prior. What could a bit of consistency do for his development?

“Each man had a new idea of how an NFL offense should look and how Smith fit into their system. Some liked Smith more than others. Every spring meant a new playbook.” -Gregg Rosenthal, NBC Sports

This spring will mean a new defensive playbook for the Denver Broncos. Actually, like for Smith, it will be the seventh playbook in seven springs. Two stalwart veterans of the Broncos’ defense, Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams will be in the same position the 49ers’ quarterback was in as the Broncos look to bring in their seventh defensive coordinator in seven years.

Before we look forward to what the Broncos should look for in a defensive coordinator, let’s take a look back at the last six men to lead the Broncos’ defense:

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Josh McDaniels’ History

jhawk — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:33:15 +0000

I decided that in the wake of the all the drama surrounding Josh McDaniels at this very moment, it may be educational to take a look back at what it is he has accomplished. I believe in McDaniels’ play calling and coaching ability, but his personnel decisions have been less than spectacular, or perhaps a better word, intellectual. He has made a few good decisions but he has also made a few too many bad decisions. I will try to keep this as unbiased as possible and allow you to make your own opinion of all the wheeling and dealing that is the Josh McDaniels era. Here’s a history of the Josh McDaniels tenure….after the “jump.”

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Broncos Links

Kim Constantinesco — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:30:22 +0000

Broncos:

The running game will change thanks to moving away from the zone-blocking scheme. It’s about time.
Whether or not tampering was involved in Mike Nolan’s departure, the Broncos say they were ready to part ways with the defensive coordinator.
Kenny McKinley learned that he would be much more than a receiver, and he’s got a lot of work to do in the offseason.
Kyle Orton will need a big year in 2010 to secure a long term contract anywhere.
Could Elvis Dumervil follow Nolan to the Dolphins? Adam Schefter says it’s a possibility.
Think Mike Shanahan will trade Clinton Portis back to the Broncos? I think he’ll send him somewhere.
Maybe Josh McDaniels was onto something concerning Jay Cutler.

AFC West:

Tom Cable’s future is uncertain, but some fans think if he stays, he deserves a full season to work with.
The argument here is that the ’09 Chiefs were better than the ’08 Chiefs. Sure, pick your poison.
LT wasn’t pleased with his role in ’09, and he’s not ready to retire.

Random:

Being a student athlete and focusing on family in Haiti must be incredibly tough. Get a glimpse of the interview here.
Because Rex Ryan lost in the AFC Championship game, he won’t be offered a seat in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Going to the dentist sucks, but this would make it downright scary.
Some great NBA mid-season awards.
Kurt Warner isn’t going to Disney World for winning the Super Bowl this year, but he does go Disney.
Getting married and need a way to tell loved ones to “save the date”? Make a movie trailer.