Gridiron Grit
A comprehensive look at the tumultuous 2010 Denver Broncos season, from coaching changes to draft day impact.
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Season Overview
Record & Standing
The 2010 season marked the Denver Broncos' 41st season in the National Football League (NFL). Under Head Coach Josh McDaniels, the team finished with a franchise-worst 4-12 record in the post-merger era, placing last (4th) in the AFC West division. This extended their playoff drought to five consecutive seasons.
Coaching Turmoil
The season was significantly impacted by coaching instability. Head Coach Josh McDaniels was fired on December 6, 2010, following a 3-9 record over 12 games. Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville took over as interim head coach for the final four games, finishing with a 1-3 record. The firing was influenced by the team's performance and a videotaping scandal.
Key Personnel
The off-season saw significant draft picks, including Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. However, the team also faced season-ending injuries to key players like linebacker Elvis Dumervil and running back LenDale White, further challenging their performance.
Coaching Carousel
Staff Changes
The Broncos saw numerous changes in their coaching staff leading up to and during the season. Several coordinators and position coaches departed for other opportunities, while new personnel were brought in. Notable changes included Rick Dennison moving to the Houston Texans and Bobby Turner joining the Washington Redskins.
McDaniels' Ouster
Josh McDaniels' tenure ended abruptly on December 6th after a Week 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite owner Pat Bowlen not citing the videotaping incident as grounds for termination "for cause," McDaniels' failure to report it was deemed "unforgivable." This marked the end of his second season with the team.
Roster Dynamics
Free Agents & Signings
The Broncos actively managed their roster through free agency and trades. Key signings included Russ Hochstein (C), Chris Kuper (G), Brandon Lloyd (WR), Kyle Orton (QB), Matt Prater (PK), and Jamal Williams (NT). Notable departures included Brandon Marshall (traded to Dolphins) and Tony Scheffler (traded to Lions).
Injury Report
Significant injuries impacted the team's depth and performance. Linebacker Elvis Dumervil suffered a torn pectoral muscle, missing the entire season. Running back LenDale White also missed the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Other players like Brandon Stokley, Matt Willis, Dan Gronkowski, and Joe Mays were also placed on injured reserve.
Final Roster Snapshot
The final roster featured Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn competing at quarterback, with rookie Tim Tebow also on the depth chart. The running back corps included Lance Ball, Correll Buckhalter, Laurence Maroney, and Knowshon Moreno. Key receivers were Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, and draft pick Demaryius Thomas.
Draft Class
First Round Impact
The Broncos made significant investments in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. They selected wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (22nd overall) from Georgia Tech and quarterback Tim Tebow (25th overall) from Florida. Both players represented key additions to the team's offensive core.
Draft Day Trades
The Broncos were involved in several trades during the draft. They acquired the 22nd overall pick from the Patriots to select Thomas and traded away draft picks and players like Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and J.J. Arrington in various deals to acquire draft capital and other players.
Full Draft Summary
Beyond the first round, the Broncos drafted players like Zane Beadles (OT), J.D. Walton (C), Eric Decker (WR), Perrish Cox (CB), and others across seven rounds, aiming to build depth and future talent.
Preseason Performance
Early Struggles
The Broncos' preseason campaign foreshadowed the difficulties of the regular season, as the team posted a 1-3 record. Losses to the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings, punctuated by a single win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, indicated challenges ahead.
Regular Season Schedule
Season Results
The Broncos faced a challenging schedule, concluding the regular season with a 4-12 record. They secured wins against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans, but suffered numerous losses, including significant defeats against division rivals and high-profile teams.
Game Highlights
Week 1 vs. Jaguars
The season began with a road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a comeback attempt, the Broncos fell 17-24. Key moments included touchdown passes from Kyle Orton to Jabar Gaffney and Knowshon Moreno's rushing touchdown, but ultimately, David Garrard's performance for Jacksonville secured the win.
Week 2 vs. Seahawks
A strong home performance saw the Broncos defeat the Seattle Seahawks 31-14. Kyle Orton threw two touchdown passes, including one to rookie Demaryius Thomas. The defense also contributed significantly, limiting the Seahawks' offense and securing the team's first win of the season.
Week 4 at Titans
In a hard-fought road victory against the Tennessee Titans, the Broncos secured a 26-20 win. The game was tight throughout, with both teams exchanging scores. A late touchdown pass from Orton to Correll Buckhalter, followed by a crucial field goal, sealed the win for Denver.
Week 10 vs. Chiefs
A dominant offensive performance led the Broncos to a decisive 49-29 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Kyle Orton had a stellar game, contributing multiple touchdowns. This win marked a high point in the season, showcasing the team's potential when firing on all cylinders.
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References
References
- See draft notes 1, 3, 4 & 5.
- Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North title instead of Baltimore based on division record (5รขยย1 to Baltimore's 4รขยย2).
- Houston finished ahead of Tennessee in the AFC South based on division record (3รขยย3 to Tennessee's 2รขยย4).
- When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
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