The Offensive Backfield
| Jacko's All-Time Broncos Team |
| QB John Elway |
| RB Terrell Davis |
| FB Howard Griffith |
The Broncos offensive backfield stacks up against any team in NFL. In the primes of their careers, Elway, Davis and Griffith were as
good at their positions as any players in NFL history.
John Elway is already in the hall of fame and no other ex-Broncos quarterback even deserves an honorable mention here. Over 50,000
yards, 5 Super Bowls, 2 Championships, 9 Pro Bowls, and too many spectacular come-from-behind wins to count. Right there with
Montana, Marino and Unitas as one of the best ever.
At the peak of his career, Terrell Davis was MVP of both the league and the Super Bowl. If not for a fluke knee injury, he probably would
racked up another 4-5,000 yards and been a shoe-in for Canton. But for two seasons, he was probably the best player in the NFL.
Although Clinton Portis and Otis Armstrong both were great for a couple of season's each, runner up goes to Floyd Little--the first
Broncos star player ever.
Howard Griffith was an equally devastating blocker and receiver. He came to the Broncos later on in his career but while he was here,
the Broncos running game was nothing short of spectacular. He was TD's workhorse but still found time to catch many critical passes
along the way to two NFL titles. Great player.
good at their positions as any players in NFL history.
John Elway is already in the hall of fame and no other ex-Broncos quarterback even deserves an honorable mention here. Over 50,000
yards, 5 Super Bowls, 2 Championships, 9 Pro Bowls, and too many spectacular come-from-behind wins to count. Right there with
Montana, Marino and Unitas as one of the best ever.
At the peak of his career, Terrell Davis was MVP of both the league and the Super Bowl. If not for a fluke knee injury, he probably would
racked up another 4-5,000 yards and been a shoe-in for Canton. But for two seasons, he was probably the best player in the NFL.
Although Clinton Portis and Otis Armstrong both were great for a couple of season's each, runner up goes to Floyd Little--the first
Broncos star player ever.
Howard Griffith was an equally devastating blocker and receiver. He came to the Broncos later on in his career but while he was here,
the Broncos running game was nothing short of spectacular. He was TD's workhorse but still found time to catch many critical passes
along the way to two NFL titles. Great player.
The Receivers
| WR Rod Smith |
| WR Haven Moses |
| TE Shannon Sharpe |
Over the years, the Broncos have had a lot of very solid wide receivers, but no absolute sure-fire hall of famers. Among the all-time
Broncos wide-outs include old-timers Lionel Taylor, Jack Dolbin and Steve Watson. More recently, there's been guys like Mark
Jackson, Vance Johnson and the ultra-studly Eddie McAfferey. But in the end, the picks were clear.
Rod Smith, both in terms of talent and stats, is the greatest Broncos wide receiver of all time. He's been highly productive for nearly 10
years and has racked up several 1,000 yard seasons. He's actually got an outside shot at the hall of fame based on the fact that he's
been a consistent #1 receiver for many years.
Lining up opposite Smith, would be one of my childhood faves, Haven Moses. Probably the best offensive player on the magical '77
team, Moses was skilled at both going over the middle and taking it deep.
The Broncos have had two great tight ends over the years, the first being the great Riley Odoms of the 70's. Odoms, along with his 70's
counterparts, Kellen Winslow and Ozzie Newsome, redefined the tight end position as more of a jumbo-sized wide receiver than an
extra offensive lineman.
But another tight end came along and blew them all away. The great Shannon Sharpe gets the nod here for his production, his
leadership and his mouth. Not only is Sharpe the NFL's all-time yardage, reception and touchdown leader at his position, he's also one
of its all-time great clowns. Between snagging just about everything in sight and winning 3 Super Bowl rings (1 with the Ravens),
Sharpe's antics are the stuff of NFL Films legend. His sideline call to the president, alerting him to "send in the national guard because
we're killing the Patriots" will go down in history. He's also the originator of the ubiquitous pre-game chat, "What time is it. Game
Time!" That's good enough for me.
Broncos wide-outs include old-timers Lionel Taylor, Jack Dolbin and Steve Watson. More recently, there's been guys like Mark
Jackson, Vance Johnson and the ultra-studly Eddie McAfferey. But in the end, the picks were clear.
Rod Smith, both in terms of talent and stats, is the greatest Broncos wide receiver of all time. He's been highly productive for nearly 10
years and has racked up several 1,000 yard seasons. He's actually got an outside shot at the hall of fame based on the fact that he's
been a consistent #1 receiver for many years.
Lining up opposite Smith, would be one of my childhood faves, Haven Moses. Probably the best offensive player on the magical '77
team, Moses was skilled at both going over the middle and taking it deep.
The Broncos have had two great tight ends over the years, the first being the great Riley Odoms of the 70's. Odoms, along with his 70's
counterparts, Kellen Winslow and Ozzie Newsome, redefined the tight end position as more of a jumbo-sized wide receiver than an
extra offensive lineman.
But another tight end came along and blew them all away. The great Shannon Sharpe gets the nod here for his production, his
leadership and his mouth. Not only is Sharpe the NFL's all-time yardage, reception and touchdown leader at his position, he's also one
of its all-time great clowns. Between snagging just about everything in sight and winning 3 Super Bowl rings (1 with the Ravens),
Sharpe's antics are the stuff of NFL Films legend. His sideline call to the president, alerting him to "send in the national guard because
we're killing the Patriots" will go down in history. He's also the originator of the ubiquitous pre-game chat, "What time is it. Game
Time!" That's good enough for me.
The Offensive Line
| OT Ken Lanier |
| OG Keith Bishop |
| C Tom Nalen |
| OG Mark Schlereth |
| OT Gary Zimmerman |
The Defensive Line
| DE Rich Jackson |
| DE Barney Chavous |
| DT Trevor Pryce |
Although the Broncos of the Elway era were thought of as primarily an offensive team, up to that point, the Broncos were very much a
great defensive team. As far back as the late 60's, the Broncos started winning games by trying to keep the scoring low. And one of
the greats of this time was defensive end, Rich "Tombstone" Jackson. Playing on some horrible teams, Jackson was constantly
double and triple teamed, yet he still got results. Jackson was an enormous player in his day and laid the foundation for what would
eventually become the Orange Crush defense--one of the great defensive units of all time.
A the opposite end position is a key member of the famed Orange Crush, Barney Chavous. Like Jackson, Chavous was a massive
player who could stuff the run, pressure the passer and get his fair share of pass blocks. He gets the nod here over several great
Broncos defensive ends, including Lyle Alzado, Brison Manor, Simon Fletcher and Alfred Williams.
In honor of the historical 3-4 defense, just one Bronco gets the nod at DT--current stud, Trevor Pryce. Pryce plays DE right now but I
think he was at his finest at the tackle position, where he was a regular Pro Bowl starter. Pryce is rare in that he's big enough to play
tackle and fast enough to play end. Not many tackles have been legitimate threats to pressure the QB. Back-ups include Rubin Carter
and Greg Kragen.
great defensive team. As far back as the late 60's, the Broncos started winning games by trying to keep the scoring low. And one of
the greats of this time was defensive end, Rich "Tombstone" Jackson. Playing on some horrible teams, Jackson was constantly
double and triple teamed, yet he still got results. Jackson was an enormous player in his day and laid the foundation for what would
eventually become the Orange Crush defense--one of the great defensive units of all time.
A the opposite end position is a key member of the famed Orange Crush, Barney Chavous. Like Jackson, Chavous was a massive
player who could stuff the run, pressure the passer and get his fair share of pass blocks. He gets the nod here over several great
Broncos defensive ends, including Lyle Alzado, Brison Manor, Simon Fletcher and Alfred Williams.
In honor of the historical 3-4 defense, just one Bronco gets the nod at DT--current stud, Trevor Pryce. Pryce plays DE right now but I
think he was at his finest at the tackle position, where he was a regular Pro Bowl starter. Pryce is rare in that he's big enough to play
tackle and fast enough to play end. Not many tackles have been legitimate threats to pressure the QB. Back-ups include Rubin Carter
and Greg Kragen.
I'm not going to pretend to have actually studied the strengths and weaknesses of the many great Broncos trench warriors over the
years, but in terms of longevity and impact--these guys were all great.
Kenny Lanier and Keith Bishop both protect Elway during his early, running years. They were both there when Elway came of age on a
snowy day in Cleveland and they helped pave the way to three Super Bowls in the late 80's. Both of these guys were nasty guys who
would fight you to the end.
On the other side of the line, it's hard to beat Gary Zimmerman and Mark Schlereth. Zimmerman is going to be in the hall of fame in the
next couple of years and Schlereth may get there on name recognition some day (he's now a broadcaster on ESPN). Both of these
guys came to Denver at the outset of free agency, so we got to have them for the second halves of their careers--but neither
disappointed. Zimmerman was a Pro Bowl fixture in Minnesota before he hurt his knee. Not willing to assume the injury risk, the Vikes
let him slip to the Broncos. Bad call. Schlereth was part of the famed Washington Redskins "Hogs" and he too was thought to be about
done--which was hard to argue given his outrageous number of surgical procedures. But he too rose to the occasion in the late 90's
and helped lead the Broncos to their two titles. He was a ruthless competitor who would do anything from eating garlic and onions
before the game up to urinating on himself during the game in order to disgust his opponent. Mark Schlereth absolutely loved playing
football. And his approach to the game is still the hallmark of the Broncos great offensive lines of today.
Finally, at center is another potential hall of famer, Tommy Nalen. Thought to be too slow and too small as a late-round draftee out of
Boston College, Nalen has been the cornerstone of the offensive line for over a decade. Super nasty, Nalen is the kind of guy that
doesn't just want to win, he wants to break your will.
Honorable mentions include Claudie Minor, Tom Glassic, Paul Howard, Mike Current, Matt Lepsis & Dan Neil.
years, but in terms of longevity and impact--these guys were all great.
Kenny Lanier and Keith Bishop both protect Elway during his early, running years. They were both there when Elway came of age on a
snowy day in Cleveland and they helped pave the way to three Super Bowls in the late 80's. Both of these guys were nasty guys who
would fight you to the end.
On the other side of the line, it's hard to beat Gary Zimmerman and Mark Schlereth. Zimmerman is going to be in the hall of fame in the
next couple of years and Schlereth may get there on name recognition some day (he's now a broadcaster on ESPN). Both of these
guys came to Denver at the outset of free agency, so we got to have them for the second halves of their careers--but neither
disappointed. Zimmerman was a Pro Bowl fixture in Minnesota before he hurt his knee. Not willing to assume the injury risk, the Vikes
let him slip to the Broncos. Bad call. Schlereth was part of the famed Washington Redskins "Hogs" and he too was thought to be about
done--which was hard to argue given his outrageous number of surgical procedures. But he too rose to the occasion in the late 90's
and helped lead the Broncos to their two titles. He was a ruthless competitor who would do anything from eating garlic and onions
before the game up to urinating on himself during the game in order to disgust his opponent. Mark Schlereth absolutely loved playing
football. And his approach to the game is still the hallmark of the Broncos great offensive lines of today.
Finally, at center is another potential hall of famer, Tommy Nalen. Thought to be too slow and too small as a late-round draftee out of
Boston College, Nalen has been the cornerstone of the offensive line for over a decade. Super nasty, Nalen is the kind of guy that
doesn't just want to win, he wants to break your will.
Honorable mentions include Claudie Minor, Tom Glassic, Paul Howard, Mike Current, Matt Lepsis & Dan Neil.
The Linebackers
| LB Bill Romanowski |
| LB Tom Jackson |
| LB Randy Gradishar |
| LB Karl Mecklenburg |
This is one position that could go ten deep with little argument, including 2004 draftee DJ Williams, who is shaping up to be an all-timer
after just one season. Just check out the list of guys who didn't make this list: Tom Graham, Bob Swenson, Joe Rizzo, Jim Ryan, John
Mobley and Al Wilson. Yipes.
Although Romo only played with Denver for a few seasons, he'll always go down as one of my all-time faves. His approach to the game
was awesome--doing whatever it took to win. And he was as solid against the run as he was going into the secondary to keep track of
a streaking tight end. Another guy who loved the game.
Next to him would be Tom Jackson. The dude was ultra-quick and knew how to lay the wood on anyone who got in his way. Part of the
famed Orange Crush, Tommy is now a fixture on ESPN's NFL Gameday broadcasts.
Joining him inside, is perhaps the 2nd greatest Bronco of all time, Randy Gradishar. Gradishar was not only a fierce competitor but also
a true thinking-man's backer. He was the guy who would read the offense and anticipate the play in the backfield, delivering a
series-changing stop. He cut his career a little short but as the undisputed leader of the Orange Crush, he belongs in the hall of fame.
And rounding out this outstanding unit is "The Snow Goose", Karl Mecklenburg. Meck was drafted in the 12th round but he played like
the top pick in the draft from day one. In his first season, he destroyed Marcus Allen on a backfield screen pass on Monday Night
Football. It's been replayed about 43 million times since.
after just one season. Just check out the list of guys who didn't make this list: Tom Graham, Bob Swenson, Joe Rizzo, Jim Ryan, John
Mobley and Al Wilson. Yipes.
Although Romo only played with Denver for a few seasons, he'll always go down as one of my all-time faves. His approach to the game
was awesome--doing whatever it took to win. And he was as solid against the run as he was going into the secondary to keep track of
a streaking tight end. Another guy who loved the game.
Next to him would be Tom Jackson. The dude was ultra-quick and knew how to lay the wood on anyone who got in his way. Part of the
famed Orange Crush, Tommy is now a fixture on ESPN's NFL Gameday broadcasts.
Joining him inside, is perhaps the 2nd greatest Bronco of all time, Randy Gradishar. Gradishar was not only a fierce competitor but also
a true thinking-man's backer. He was the guy who would read the offense and anticipate the play in the backfield, delivering a
series-changing stop. He cut his career a little short but as the undisputed leader of the Orange Crush, he belongs in the hall of fame.
And rounding out this outstanding unit is "The Snow Goose", Karl Mecklenburg. Meck was drafted in the 12th round but he played like
the top pick in the draft from day one. In his first season, he destroyed Marcus Allen on a backfield screen pass on Monday Night
Football. It's been replayed about 43 million times since.
The Defensive Backfield
| CB Champ Bailey |
| S Dennis Smith |
| S Steve Atwater |
| CB Louie Wright |
That LB group is a tough act to follow, but this one can hold its own. Although the cornerback position has not traditionally been a great
one for the Broncos (runners up include just Goose Gounslin and Ray Crocket), these two can go toe-to-toe with any in history.
Champ Bailey has only been with the Broncos for a short time, but his size, speed and skills are clear. This guy has been one of the
best corners in the league for 3-4 years and he'll continue at that level for another 3-4, which should easily land him in the hall of fame
(yes, the Broncos are going to have a flood of hall of famers over the next ten years).
Starting opposite him is the great Louie Wright. Another member of the Orange Crush, this guy was so fluid and fast, I really don't recall
ever seeing him get beat badly. He always seemed to be there right at the last second to knock away the ball or pick it off. He played
on a lot of bad teams before the Broncos started winning in the late 70's, or he would have been to at least 5 more Pro Bowls. Just a
very steady, consistent player who eliminated his opponent.
In contrast to the cornerback position, the Broncos have been blessed with several phenomenal safeties, including Steve Foley, Billy
Thompson and current starter John Lynch. But the winners here are clear--two head-hunting studs, Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater.
Both of these guys were oversized for the position and delivered lethal combinations of tremendous coverage and bone-crushing hits.
The only safety that I'd rank ahead of either of these guys is Ronnie Lott. Smith was an All-Pro about half a dozen times and Atwater
was as critical to our first Super Bowl win as Elway or Davis. Both were outstanding Broncos.
one for the Broncos (runners up include just Goose Gounslin and Ray Crocket), these two can go toe-to-toe with any in history.
Champ Bailey has only been with the Broncos for a short time, but his size, speed and skills are clear. This guy has been one of the
best corners in the league for 3-4 years and he'll continue at that level for another 3-4, which should easily land him in the hall of fame
(yes, the Broncos are going to have a flood of hall of famers over the next ten years).
Starting opposite him is the great Louie Wright. Another member of the Orange Crush, this guy was so fluid and fast, I really don't recall
ever seeing him get beat badly. He always seemed to be there right at the last second to knock away the ball or pick it off. He played
on a lot of bad teams before the Broncos started winning in the late 70's, or he would have been to at least 5 more Pro Bowls. Just a
very steady, consistent player who eliminated his opponent.
In contrast to the cornerback position, the Broncos have been blessed with several phenomenal safeties, including Steve Foley, Billy
Thompson and current starter John Lynch. But the winners here are clear--two head-hunting studs, Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater.
Both of these guys were oversized for the position and delivered lethal combinations of tremendous coverage and bone-crushing hits.
The only safety that I'd rank ahead of either of these guys is Ronnie Lott. Smith was an All-Pro about half a dozen times and Atwater
was as critical to our first Super Bowl win as Elway or Davis. Both were outstanding Broncos.
The Defensive Backfield
| RS Rick Upchurch |
| K Jason Elam |
| P Billy Van Heusen |
Rick Upchurch literally stands alone as the standout return specialist in Broncos history. In his day, he was every bit as good as Billy
"White Shoes" Johnson and could certainly give Dante Hall a run for his money if he were around today. Having a great returner makes
every punt and kick exciting and Rick was certainly one of the best ever.
At kicker, the straight-kicking Jim Turner was a great one for many years but Jason Elam has far surpassed him. Not only has he been
one of the league's top kickers for over a decade, he grabbed a share of the all-time distance record with Tom Dempsey when he
crushed a 63 yarder back in 1998. Elam is money and always has been.
At punter, I'm going with an old-timer in Billy Van Heusen over Tom Rouen, who is probably the better punter. Van Heusen gets the nod
not only for his punting skills but his versatility. Van Heusen was also a very stout defensive back, playing both positions at once for
many years.
"White Shoes" Johnson and could certainly give Dante Hall a run for his money if he were around today. Having a great returner makes
every punt and kick exciting and Rick was certainly one of the best ever.
At kicker, the straight-kicking Jim Turner was a great one for many years but Jason Elam has far surpassed him. Not only has he been
one of the league's top kickers for over a decade, he grabbed a share of the all-time distance record with Tom Dempsey when he
crushed a 63 yarder back in 1998. Elam is money and always has been.
At punter, I'm going with an old-timer in Billy Van Heusen over Tom Rouen, who is probably the better punter. Van Heusen gets the nod
not only for his punting skills but his versatility. Van Heusen was also a very stout defensive back, playing both positions at once for
many years.
