The Broncos improved from a four win team in 2010 to a .500 team in 2011, but their 1-4 finish to the season shows they have a lot of work to do.
Denver showed they can win close games, but they were also blown out five times during the year, including four times after Tim Tebow become the quarterback.
Tebow will get all the attention this offseason, but he’ll enter next training camp as the team’s starting quarterback. The Broncos need Tebow to improve, but they also have questions throughout the roster.
Running back
Willis McGahee will be back, but Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes the Broncos don’t want to rely on him to carry such a big load next year. Knowshon Moreno isn’t guaranteed to make the team.
Defensive tackle
The team is weak at the position and their two starters (Brodrick Bunkley and Marcus Thomas) are both free agents. Bunkley is going to make good money in free agency.
Secondary
Brian Dawkins looks likely to retire. The team’s young safeties were victimized late in the year and the team lacks depth at cornerback. This may be the number one priority.
Free agents
Bunkley, receiver Eddie Royal and kicker Matt Prater are all free agents. The team has Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas out wide, so Royal may leave town. The team also has three free agents at linebacker including starter Joe Mays. There is a lack of depth throughout the defense.
Quarterback
Don’t freak out Tebowmaniacs, but the Broncos are going to add quarterbacks. Maybe two of them if Brady Quinn leaves town. They may get a veteran backup for Tebow and possibly a mid-round draft pick. You know, just in case.