Reviewing The Decade: Year 2004

The Broncos offense was thriving with new young talent, and in 2004 the club ammped up the defense. The team traded 3rd year back Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Corner Champ Bailey. Denver then signed free agent safety John Lynch. Along side Trever Price and Al Wilson, Denvers' new defensive play makers were set for a Bronco historic year. In 2004, the Denver Broncos finished 10-6 and again made the Wild Card, only to fall short again. But the season was one not to be forgotten. Jake Plummer had a career year, passing for over 4,000 yards while tying John Elways' single season touchdown passes. The Broncos drafted Tatum Bell with the Redskins pick via the Portis trade. The Rookie Bell and Reuben Droughns combined for 1,957 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie both passed 1,000 yards receiving and scored 7 times each. The defense recorded 38 sacks and 12 interceptions. With their first draft pick, Denver selected D.J. Williams, and Denver's defense was starting to look like the "Orange Crush" again. People were starting to notice the Broncos, and Mike Shanahan's Broncos were on the verge of a Super Bowl season.