This post is an historic one for me as it is my 100th since joining Mile High Report almost a year ago.  I am currently working on several different upcoming posts and I was wondering if I should make a certain one my historic post, but then I thought I should just stick to what my original schedule was.  This was planned to be my next post, therefore, it will have to be my 100th post. 

I recently posted my positional comparison for the defense along with grading the performance of the 2007 group and also applying a preliminary grade for what I see as potential upgrades or downgrades for each position.  I felt incomplete not having done the offense as well, so here it is.

The 2007 offensive group had a solid core surround by a couple of glaring deficiencies.  The story of our season was told best by a series of posts called “NPTB” or No Points Left Behind that can be found all over the MHR Community during last season.  Our offense racked up the yardage without scoring very many points. 

The Quest for the offense this season is about one thing, getting into the end zone!

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“The Quest” for me must begin with the defense.  2007 was the worst defense statistically the Broncos have fielded in a long time. At least when it comes to the most important stat, Points Allowed.  The Broncos gave up 409 points last season, only the 1-15 Miami Dolphins gave up more points in the AFC. 

In short, this defense was an embarrassment to the organization and its fans.  I want to believe that our veterans have a quiet determination and swagger this offseason that they didn’t display at the beginning of last season.  Okay, so the veterans are saying all the right things again this year.  What does that mean?  Nothing actually.  They are professionals and any company/organization wishes to portray a united front to the public.  What we need to do is to compare this year’s projected starters with last years dismal group.  And as a group, 2007 was quite dismal.

NOTE: I saw that HT had already posted a similar post over the weekend.  They say great minds think alike!   I had started writing this while I was in Lake Tahoe, no where near a computer.  Since I was already almost finished with this post I decided to go ahead and post it.  So I apologize if this comes off as redundant.  HT's post on positional comparisons is located here.

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We have an underlying discussion going on at MHR that hasn't yet had a devoted story. When some names get brought up, we either rally to the player's defense or express some concern. Let's devote a post to the dicussion and have it out.

There are 5 positions on the team that (likely) have potential new starters, and six players. SAF may feature a new name (McCree or Manuel), but I would call the odds of this happening "even" to "less than likely".

As a part of The Quest, let's take a moment to focus on our newest players that have better than even chances of starting. The longer serving players may have a better formulation of what The Quest is, but it is the internalization by the new players that may take up to 5 spots on the roster that may make a substantial impact.

The positions, and the players I'm talking about, are:

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I have to admit, when Guru coined the phrase "The Quest " to christen the Bronco's 2008 season, a shiver of anticipation thrilled through me. 

 In so many words, I had been trying, somewhat unsuccessfully, to frame my outlook for the 2008 season.  I knew it involved great anticipation (doesn't it always?); I knew it involved the shaking of some all too mortal coil (call it character concerns, bad drafting, whatever.); I knew too that its importance tugged at my very soul, and yet its identity eluded me.

Enter Guru and "The Quest," and it seemed like something had fallen into place.  But what?

The Broncos have added 36 new faces to the roster and those guys need to get to know each other a bit.  For the MHR, it means time to get serious about covering the team on a day-to-day basis.  I have officially termed the 2008 season as "The Quest".  It is both direct and to the point, as well as general, enigmatic.  I have purposfully left off what "The Quest" is for. 

I leave that to you.

What Guru left me with, what he left ALL of us with, was a question:  What is the Quest for?

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Quarterback Camp.  Those words won't spark much of a reaction from mainstream fans, but for us Broncos-Fanatics, any term used to describe on-feild activites is reason to get excited.  For the players, it's time to get down to the business of coming together as a football team.  The Broncos have added 36 new faces to the roster and those guys need to get to know each other a bit.  For the MHR, it means time to get serious about covering the team on a day-to-day basis.  I have officially termed the 2008 season as "The Quest".  It is both direct and to the point, as well as general, enigmatic.  I have purposfully left off what "The Quest" is for.  I leave that to you.  It is far beyond me to tell you what your expectations for 2008 should be.  I have my own, and for me "The Quest" to reach those expectations starts today.  Just like "The Reloading" season before it, 2008 now has a moniker.  Use it with pride!

As with any Quest, there are many questions as the Broncos begin their "journey".  Let's take a look at some of the things to keep your eyes and ears on over the next couple of weeks --

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