Jump to content

2010 Denver Broncos season

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 131.172.34.1 (talk) at 04:09, 19 February 2013 (→‎Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals: Link with games v Cardinals). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2010 Denver Broncos season
OwnerPat Bowlen
General managerBrian Xanders
Head coachJosh McDaniels (fired on December 6; 3–9 record)
Eric Studesville (interim; 1–3 record)
Home fieldINVESCO Field at Mile High
Local radio850 KOA (AM)
Results
Record4–12
Division place4th AFC West
Playoff finishdid not qualify
Pro BowlersWR Brandon Lloyd
CB Champ Bailey
AP All-ProsWR Brandon Lloyd (2nd team)

The 2010 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The off-season was marked by the draft selections of Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and All-American Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, as well as season-ending injuries to All-Pro linebacker Elvis Dumervil and free agent running back LenDale White. The team failed to improve on its 8–8 record from 2009, and set a new franchise record for losses in a single season, with a 4–12 record. The regular season was marked by a videotaping scandal dubbed Spygate II and the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.

The Broncos had the league's worst defense in 2010, allowing a league-worst 471 points (29.4 per game) and 6,253 yards.[1]


Offseason

Personnel changes

  • On January 13, longtime offensive coordinator/line coach Rick Dennison was hired as the new offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.[2]
  • On January 14, longtime running backs coach Bobby Turner was hired to the same position with the Washington Redskins, reuniting him with former Broncos' head coach Mike Shanahan.[3]
  • On January 18, the Broncos and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan decided to mutually part ways.[4]
  • On January 23, the following changes were made to the Broncos' coaching staff: Eric Studesville was hired as the new running backs coach. Bob Ligashesky was hired as the new tight ends coach, a position previously held by Clancy Barone, who was moved to offensive line coach. Bob Wylie was named the assistant offensive line coach. Ben McDaniels, younger brother of former head coach Josh McDaniels, became the quarterbacks coach, while Mike McCoy, who previously served as both quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, will retain his position as offensive coordinator.[5]
  • On January 28, Don Martindale was promoted from linebackers coach to the defensive coordinator position that was previously vacated by Mike Nolan.[6]
  • On February 11, Craig Aukerman, who was previously a linebackers coach at Kent State University, was named the team's defensive assistant.[7]
  • On February 23, the coaching staff was finalized, when Brian Callahan was hired as a coaching assistant.[8]

Roster changes

Free agents

Position Player Tag 2010 Team Notes
DT Justin Bannan UFA Denver Broncos Signed March 5[9]
P Mitch Berger UFA None
LB Elvis Dumervil RFA Denver Broncos Signed tender June 14,[10] contract extension July 22[11]
S Vernon Fox UFA None
G Brandon Gorin UFA None
DE Jarvis Green UFA Denver Broncos Signed March 9,[12] released September 4[13]
LB Nick Greisen UFA Omaha Nighthawks (UFL) Signed April 29,[14] waived August 12[15]
T Ben Hamilton UFA Seattle Seahawks
G/C Russ Hochstein UFA Denver Broncos Signed March 5[16]
DE Vonnie Holliday UFA Washington Redskins
WR Chad Jackson UFA Buffalo Bills
CB Nate Jones UFA Denver Broncos Signed March 5[9]
G Chris Kuper RFA Denver Broncos Signed June 4[17]
CB Ty Law UFA None
WR Brandon Lloyd UFA Denver Broncos Signed March 5[16]
WR Brandon Marshall RFA Miami Dolphins Signed tender April 13,[18] traded to the Dolphins on April 14[19]
QB Kyle Orton RFA Denver Broncos Signed tender April 16,[20] contract extension August 19[21]
PK Matt Prater RFA Denver Broncos Signed March 9[22]
DE Le Kevin Smith RFA Denver Broncos Signed March 11.[23] released September 7,[24]
re-signed October 26,[25] released November 9[26]
Player re-signed by the Broncos

Signings

Position Player Tag 2009 team Notes
RB J. J. Arrington UFA Injured reserve signed March 5,[27] traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on July 31[28]
LB/DE Baraka Atkins UFA San Francisco 49ers signed January 13,[29] waived September 5[30]
LB Akin Ayodele UFA Miami Dolphins signed April 24,[31] released August 24[32]
T Kirk Barton WVR Detroit Lions signed July 7,[33] waived August 23[34]
G Stanley Daniels WVR Green Bay Packers signed May 14,[35] waived December 11,[36]
moved from practice squad to active roster December 22,[37]
on final roster
LB Bruce Davis WVR New England Patriots signed June 1,[38] waived July 27[39]
FB Kyle Eckel UFA New Orleans Saints signed June 4,[40] placed on Injured reserve June 17[41]
C Dustin Fry UFA Carolina Panthers signed January 7,[42] released August 19[43]
G Matt McChesney UFA Injured Reserve signed January 7,[42] retired on May 16[44]
P A. J. Trapasso UFA Tennessee Titans signed January 7,[42] released June 15[45]
RB Kolby Smith WVR Kansas City Chiefs signed June 15,[45] waived August 4[46]
NT Jamal Williams UFA San Diego Chargers signed March 9,[47] on final roster
T Maurice Williams UFA Jacksonville Jaguars signed May 6,[48] released June 4[49]

Departures

Position Player Notes
S Josh Barrett waived August 6, then claimed by the New England Patriots[50]
QB Tom Brandstater released June 4,[49] signed with the Indianapolis Colts on June 7
LB Andra Davis released March 11,[23] signed with the Buffalo Bills on March 16
RB LaMont Jordan released February 23[51]
DT J'Vonne Parker released March 11[23]
DT Kenny Peterson released March 10[52]
QB Chris Simms released March 15,[53] signed with the Tennessee Titans on April 12
C Casey Wiegmann released February 23,[51] signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 12

Trades

2010 draft class

Main article: 2010 NFL Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Signed Cut Notes
1 22 Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech July 31[57] – [dr 1] [dr 2] [dr 3] [dr 4] [dr 5]
25 Tim Tebow QB Florida July 29[62] –
2 45 Zane Beadles T Utah July 27[63] –
3 80 J.D. Walton C Baylor June 17[41] –
87 Eric Decker WR Minnesota July 27[39] – [dr 6]
4 None [dr 7]
5 137 Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State June 9[64] – [dr 8] [dr 9] [dr 10]
6 183 Eric Olsen C Notre Dame July 24[69] –
7 225 Syd'Quan Thompson CB California May 21[70] – [dr 11] [dr 12] [dr 13]
232 Jammie Kirlew DE Indiana May 25[72] September 3[73]

Draft notes

  1. ^ The team acquired the No. 11 overall selection, along with QB Kyle Orton, as part of an April 2009 trade that sent QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears. The team later traded the No. 11 selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 49ers' first- (No. 13 overall; later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles) and fourth- (No. 113 overall; later traded to the New England Patriots) round selections.[58][59]
  2. ^ The team traded its original first-round selection (No. 14 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2009 second-round selection.[60]
  3. ^ The team traded the No. 13 overall selection (see draft note 1) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the Eagles' first-round selection (No. 24 overall; later traded to the New England Patriots) and two third-round selections—Nos. 70 & 87 overall (the No. 70 selection was later traded to the Baltimore Ravens).[59]
  4. ^ The team acquired the New England Patriots' first-round selection—No. 22 overall—in exchange for its first- (No. 24 overall; see draft note 3) and fourth- (No. 113 overall; see draft note 1) round selections.[59][61]
  5. ^ The team acquired the Baltimore Ravens' first-round selection—No. 25 overall—in exchange for one of its two second-round selections (No. 43 overall; acquired in a pre-draft trade from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for WR Brandon Marshall), one of its three third-round selections (No. 70 overall; see draft note 3) and the team's original fourth-round selection (No. 114 overall).[59]
  6. ^ See draft note 3.
  7. ^ See draft notes 1, 3, 4 & 5.
  8. ^ The team traded its original fifth-round selection (No. 146 overall) and a 2009 seventh-round selection to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2009 sixth-round selection.[65]
  9. ^ The team acquired this fifth-round selection (No. 137 overall) from the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a pre-draft, three-way trade that also involved the Detroit Lions—the Broncos sent TE Tony Scheffler and its original seventh-round selection (No. 220 overall; later traded to the Eagles during the draft) to the Lions, who sent LB Ernie Simms to the Eagles.
  10. ^ In 2008, the team acquired a No. 158 selection (fifth-round) in a trade that sent G Montrae Holland to the Dallas Cowboys. In August 2009, the Broncos traded this selection to the New England Patriots in exchange for DE Le Kevin Smith and a 2010 seventh-round selection—No. 231 overall. One week later, the Broncos sent the No. 231 selection back to the Patriots in a trade for G/C Russ Hochstein.[66][67][68]
  11. ^ See draft note 9.
  12. ^ The team acquired these two seventh-round selections (Nos. 225 & 232 overall) from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for its 2011 fifth-round selection.[71]
  13. ^ See draft note 10.

Undrafted free agents

All undrafted free agents were signed on April 26,[74] unless noted otherwise.
Position Player College Notes
LB/DE Kevin Alexander Clemson released September 4,[75]
assigned to practice squad September 5,[30]
promoted to active roster October 16,[76]
released December 20[77]
WR Alric Arnett West Virginia waived September 3[73]
RB Toney Baker North Carolina State waived August 23[34]
NT/DE Jaron Baston Missouri released June 17[41]
LB Devin Bishop California released August 20[78]
LB/DT Korey Bosworth UCLA released June 15[45]
S Marcellus Bowman Boston College released May 6[48]
RB Chris Brown Oklahoma released May 3[79]
T Paul Duncan Notre Dame waived September 3[73]
DE Ben Garland Air Force placed on the reserve/military list[75]
TE Riar Geer Colorado released September 4,[75]
assigned to practice squad September 5[30]
WR Patrick Honeycutt Middle Tennessee State waived August 5[80]
WR Dicky Lyons, Jr. Kentucky signed May 3,[79] waived July 6[81]
T Chris Marinelli Stanford waived July 27[39]
S Kyle McCarthy Notre Dame released September 4,[75]
assigned to practice squad September 5,[30]
promoted to active roster October 16,[76]
placed on Injured reserve December 13[82]
TE Nathan Overbay Eastern Washington waived September 3[73]
G Michael Shumard Texas A&M released May 6[48]
NT Jeff Stehle Wisconsin released September 4,[75]
assigned to practice squad September 14,[83]
released October 13[84]
CB Cassius Vaughn Mississippi on final roster
WR Landis Williams Maine waived July 6[81]

Preseason

Schedule

The Broncos preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.[85]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 15 5:00 p.m. MDT at Cincinnati Bengals L 24–33 0–1 Paul Brown Stadium KCNC Recap
2 August 21 7:00 p.m. MDT Detroit Lions L 20–25 0–2 INVESCO Field at Mile High KCNC Recap
3 August 29 6:00 p.m. MDT Pittsburgh Steelers W 34–17 1–2 INVESCO Field at Mile High KDVR Recap
4 September 2 6:00 p.m. MDT at Minnesota Vikings L 24–31 1–3 Mall of America Field at the
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 		KCNC Recap

Opening training camp roster

Roster changes

Notable injuries

  • On August 4, shortly after the start of training camp, the Broncos suffered a devastating blow to their defense, when outside linebacker/defensive end Elvis Dumervil suffered a torn pectoral muscle in practice. Though there was speculation that Dumervil would be able to return as early as November,[86] he was placed on Injured Reserve on September 3, and missed the entire 2010 season.[87]

Signings

Position Player Tag 2009 team Notes
RB Andre Brown WVR New York Giants signed September 5,[30]
released September 15,[88]
assigned to practice squad September 17,[89]
moved to active roster September 21,[90]
released October 16[76]
WR Patrick Carter UFA Seattle Seahawks signed August 5,[80] waived August 23[34]
T Chris Clark WVR Minnesota Vikings signed September 5,[30] on final roster
WR Britt Davis UFA New York Jets signed August 5,[80]
released September 4,
assigned to practice squad September 5,[75][30]
moved to active roster December 13[82]
RB Justin Fargas UFA Oakland Raiders signed August 11,[91] released August 30[92]
DE/LB Jason Hunter UFA Detroit Lions signed August 19,[93] on final roster
TE Kory Sperry UFA Miami Dolphins signed August 24[32] waived September 3[73]
DT Kevin Vickerson UFA Tennessee Titans signed September 7,[24] on final roster
RB LenDale White UFA Tennessee Titans signed August 4,[46] placed on Injured Reserve September 3[73]
LB Johnny Williams UFA Pittsburgh Steelers signed August 12,[15] waived September 3[73]
LB Worrell Williams UFA Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL) signed August 20,[78] released September 4,
assigned to practice squad September 5,[75][30]
released September 14[83]

Roster cuts

During a one-week span from August 23–30, the Broncos began trimming their roster from 80 to 75 players, with the releases of running back Toney Baker, offensive tackles Kirk Barton and Tyler Polumbus, linebacker Akin Ayodele and wide receiver Patrick Carter.[34][32]

The next round of roster cuts occurred on September 3, as the team prepared to trim their roster to 53 players before the September 4 deadline. Nose tackle Chris Baker, tight ends Kory Sperry and Nathan Overbay, offensive tackle Paul Duncan, wide receiver Alric Arnett, linebacker Johnny Williams and one of the team's seventh-round draft picks, defensive end Jammie Kirlew, were all released.[73]

On September 4, linebacker Darrell Reid, defensive end Jarvis Green, tight end Marquez Branson, center Seth Olsen, wide receiver Britt Davis, tight end Riar Geer, linebackers Kevin Alexander and Worrell Williams, safety Kyle McCarthy and nose tackle Jeff Stehle were released, with the latter five players assigned to the practice squad the following day. Other notable transactions that occurred on September 4 involved the team placing defensive end/linebacker Elvis Dumervil and wide receiver Brandon Stokley on the Injured Reserve, trading cornerback Alphonso Smith to the Detroit Lions for tight end Dan Gronkowski, as well as placing undrafted defensive end Ben Garland on the Military reserve list.[75][30]

On September 7, defensive end Le Kevin Smith was released.[24]

Regular season

Schedule

On January 15, 2010, the NFL announced the Broncos' International Series game against the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The game occurred during Week 8 on Sunday, October 31, at 11:00 am MDT (5:00 pm GMT), and was aired by CBS in the United States. The 49ers were the designated home team for this game.[94]

The remainder of the Broncos' schedule was announced on April 20, 2010.[95]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 12 11:00 a.m. MDT at Jacksonville Jaguars L 17–24 0–1 EverBank Field CBS Recap
2 September 19 2:05 p.m. MDT Seattle Seahawks W 31–14 1–1 INVESCO Field at Mile High Fox Recap
3 September 26 2:15 p.m. MDT Indianapolis Colts L 13–27 1–2 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
4 October 3 11:00 a.m. MDT at Tennessee Titans W 26–20 2–2 LP Field CBS Recap
5 October 10 11:00 a.m. MDT at Baltimore Ravens L 17–31 2–3 M&T Bank Stadium CBS Recap
6 October 17 2:05 p.m. MDT New York Jets L 20–24 2–4 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
7 October 24 2:15 p.m. MDT Oakland Raiders L 14–59 2–5 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
8 October 31 11:00 a.m. MDT vs. San Francisco 49ers L 16–24 2–6 Wembley Stadium (London, England) CBS Recap
9 Bye
10 November 14 2:05 p.m. MST Kansas City Chiefs W 49–29 3–6 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
11 November 22 6:30 p.m. MST at San Diego Chargers L 14–35 3–7 Qualcomm Stadium ESPN[a] Recap
12 November 28 2:15 p.m. MST St. Louis Rams L 33–36 3–8 INVESCO Field at Mile High Fox Recap
13 December 5 11:00 a.m. MST at Kansas City Chiefs L 6–10 3–9 Arrowhead Stadium CBS Recap
14 December 12 2:15 p.m. MST at Arizona Cardinals L 13–43 3–10 University of Phoenix Stadium CBS Recap
15 December 19 2:15 p.m. MST at Oakland Raiders L 23–39 3–11 Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum CBS Recap
16 December 26 2:05 p.m. MST Houston Texans W 24–23 4–11 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
17 January 2, 2011 2:15 p.m. MST San Diego Chargers L 28–33 4–12 INVESCO Field at Mile High CBS Recap
LEGEND
Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
^[a] Simulcast locally on KTVD.
 #  Blue/Red indicates the International Series game in London.

Week 1 roster

Roster changes

  • On September 21, running back Andre Brown was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.[90]
  • On October 18, wide receiver Matthew Willis was placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve, after suffering a broken foot during the team's 24–20 loss to the New York Jets the previous day.[98] His roster spot was filled on October 19, with the promotion of linebacker Diyral Briggs from the practice squad to the active roster.[99] Briggs was waived just six days later (October 25).[100]
  • On October 26, defensive end Le Kevin Smith, who was released prior to the start of the season during the final roster cut-down to 53 players, was re-signed.[25] Two weeks later, on November 9, Smith was once again released.[26]
  • On December 6, tight end Dan Gronkowski and linebacker Joe Mays were placed on Injured Reserve.[103] Their roster spots were filled the following day (December 7), when the team re-signed tight end Daniel Coats and moved linebacker Lee Robinson from the practice squad to the active roster.[104]
  • On December 13, safety Kyle McCarthy was placed on Injured Reserve. His roster spot was filled, when wide receiver Britt Davis was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.[82]
  • On December 20, the Broncos waived linebacker Kevin Alexander. His roster spot was filled, when the team claimed cornerback Chevis Jackson off waivers from the New England Patriots.[77]
  • On December 22, fullback Spencer Larsen was placed on Injured Reserve. His roster spot was filled, when guard Stanley Daniels, previously waived on December 11, was moved from the practice squad to the active roster.[37]
  • On December 23, placekicker Matt Prater was placed on Injured Reserve. His roster spot was filled, when undrafted rookie guard Jeff Byers was moved from the practice squad to active roster.[105]
  • On December 27, linebacker Lee Robinson was placed on Injured Reserve. His roster spot was filled, when the team signed defensive end/nose tackle Louis Leonard.[106]

Game summaries

Week 1: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week One: Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 7317
Jaguars 0 7 10724

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

The Broncos began their 2010 season at EverBank Field against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a scoreless first quarter, the Broncos trailed late in the second quarter, as Jaguars' quarterback David Garrard completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marcedes Lewis. The Broncos would answer prior to halftime, as quarterback Kyle Orton found wide receiver Jabar Gaffney on an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Jaguars would re-claim the lead in the third quarter, as Garrard hooked up with Lewis again on a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Broncos would respond, with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Knowshon Moreno. However, the Jaguars grabbed the lead again, with a 45-yard field goal by placekicker Josh Scobee. The Broncos would catch up in the fourth quarter, with a 54-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Jaguars got the last laugh, as Garrard completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kassim Osgood.[107]

With the loss, the Broncos began its season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 7714
Broncos 7 10 7731

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Hoping to rebound from their season-opening loss to the Jaguars, the Broncos played on home ground for an interconference duel with the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Broncos took the early lead, as quarterback Kyle Orton completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal, followed in the second quarter by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Correll Buckhalter and a 20-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Seahawks got on the board in the third quarter, when quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ben Obomanu, but the Broncos replied with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos increased their lead in the fourth quarter, when Orton threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Seahawks replied, with Hasselbeck scrambling 20 yards for a touchdown, but the Broncos' lead was too much for Seattle to overcome.[108]

With the win, the Broncos improved to 1–1.

Week 3: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Three: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 6 7 7727
Broncos 0 3 10013

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Coming off their win over the Seahawks, the Broncos played on home ground for an AFC duel with the Indianapolis Colts. Prior to the game, a moment of silence was held for wide receiver Kenny McKinley, who passed away on September 20, with the team paying tribute to him by placing a number 11 decal on their helmets in his honor. In the first quarter, the Broncos trailed early when Colts' placekicker Adam Vinatieri nailed field goals from 38 and 33 yards. This was followed in the second quarter by quarterback Peyton Manning throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Austin Collie. The Broncos got on the board, with placekicker Matt Prater nailing a 25-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Broncos cut the lead, when quarterback Kyle Orton completed a 48-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, but the Colts replied, with Manning throwing a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Blair White. The Broncos responded, with Prater hitting a 34-yard field goal, but they trailed further in the fourth quarter, when Manning found Collie on a 23-yard touchdown pass, sealing the win for Indianapolis.[109]

With the loss, the Broncos fell to 1–2.

Week 4: at Tennessee Titans

Week Four: Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 10 61026
Titans 0 10 10020

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT/11:00 a.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Solomon Wilcots (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Colts, the Broncos traveled to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. After a scoreless first quarter, the Broncos took the lead in the second quarter, as quarterback Kyle Orton threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Eddie Royal. The Titans responded, with quarterback Vince Young throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kenny Britt. The Broncos would retake the lead, with a 36-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater, but The Titans replied, when placekicker Rob Bironas nailed an incredible 55-yard field goal just before halftime. In the third quarter, the Broncos took the lead again, with another 36-yard field goal by Prater, but Titans' wide receiver Marc Mariani returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, putting Tennessee ahead 17–13. Tennessee's lead was narrowed, with a 35-yard field goal by Prater, but was increased again with a 46-yard field goal by Bironas. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos pulled ahead, when Orton completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to running back Correll Buckhalter. After the Titans fumbled the ensuing kickoff, the Broncos increased their lead with 28 seconds remaining, with a 36-yard field goal by Prater. The Broncos' defense thwarted the Titans final desperation drive of the game.[110]

With the win, the Broncos improved to 2–2.

Week 5: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Five: Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 01017
Ravens 7 10 01431

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/11:00 a.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 71,246
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Dan Fouts (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Coming off their win at Tennessee, the Broncos traveled to M&T Bank Stadium for an AFC duel with the Baltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, the Broncos trailed early, with Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco scrambling for a 1-yard touchdown, followed in the second quarter by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Ray Rice, and a 37-yard field goal by placekicker Billy Cundiff. The Broncos got on the board, when quarterback Kyle Orton threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. After a scoreless third quarter, the Broncos fell further behind in the fourth quarter, with another 1-yard touchdown run by Rice. The Broncos replied, with a 38-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater, but a 30-yard touchdown run by running back Willis McGahee put the Ravens' up 31–10. The Broncos responded, with Orton finding Lloyd again on a 44-yard touchdown pass, but Baltimore's lead was too much to overcome.[111]

With the loss, the Broncos fell to 2–3.

Week 6: vs. New York Jets

Week Six: New York Jets at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 7 31424
Broncos 0 10 7320

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Hoping to rebound from their loss at Baltimore, the Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and returned home for an AFC duel with the New York Jets. After a scoreless first quarter, the Jets grabbed the lead in the second quarter, as quarterback Mark Sanchez threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The Broncos responded, with quarterback Tim Tebow scrambling for a 5-yard touchdown run. The Broncos grabbed the lead just before halftime, with a 59-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. In the third quarter, the Jets responded, with a 56-yard field goal by placekicker Nick Folk. The Broncos took the lead, when quarterback Kyle Orton threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Jets responded midway through the fourth quarter, after running back LaDainian Tomlinson ran for a 20-yard touchdown. The Broncos grabbed the lead again, with a 48-yard field goal by Prater. However, following a pass-interference penalty on Broncos' cornerback Renaldo Hill near the goal line, the Jets pulled ahead, with a Tomlinson 2-yard touchdown run. The Jets' defense thwarted the Broncos' last drive of the game.[112]

With the loss, the Broncos fell to 2–4.

Week 7: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week Seven: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 24 14 21059
Broncos 0 7 7014

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 75,835
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Dan Fouts (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Hoping to rebound from their heartbreaking loss to the Jets, the Broncos remained on home ground for an AFC West rivalry match against the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, the Broncos trailed early, as Raiders' quarterback Jason Campbell completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Miller. The Raiders scored again, after cornerback Chris Johnson returned an interception by quarterback Kyle Orton 30 yards for a touchdown. This was followed by a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Darren McFadden and a 31-yard field goal by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski. Things got much worse for the Broncos in the second quarter, as Campbell threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to McFadden, followed by a McFadden 4-yard touchdown run that gave Oakland a 38–0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Broncos would finally get on the board, with Orton finding running back Knowshon Moreno on a 7-yard touchdown pass, followed in the third quarter by a 27-yard touchdown pass from Orton to Moreno. However, the Raiders struck back, with a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Marcel Reece, followed by a 57-yard touchdown run by McFadden and a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Michael Bush. Both teams were held scoreless in the fourth quarter.[113]

The Broncos not only fell to 2–5, but suffered their worst defeat since a 55–10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIV. The loss also tied the highest point total that the Broncos have allowed in a single game, since a 59–7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963.

Week 8: at San Francisco 49ers

International Series

Week Eight: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 0 7916
49ers 3 0 02124

at Wembley Stadium, London, England

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 5:00 p.m. GMT/11:00 a.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 83,941
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Following their disastrous home loss to the Raiders, the Broncos flew to London, England, for an International Series contest with the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium. In the first quarter, the Broncos trailed early, with a 34-yard field goal by 49ers' placekicker Joe Nedney. After a scoreless second quarter, the Broncos grabbed the lead in the third quarter, when quarterback Tim Tebow scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown run, followed in the fourth quarter by a 32-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. However, the Broncos suddenly fell behind, with 49ers' quarterback Troy Smith scrambling for a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by his 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree, and a 3-yard touchdown run by running back Frank Gore. The Broncos tried to rally when quarterback Kyle Orton threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (with a blocked extra-point attempt), but San Francisco's defense stood their ground.[114]

With the loss, the Broncos went into their bye week at 2–6.

Less than a month later, the Broncos were subjected to a videotaping scandal involving the team's director of video operations that occurred during a 49ers' walkthrough practice, one day before the game.

Week 10: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Ten: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 10 71229
Broncos 21 14 7749

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 75,334
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Solomon Wilcots (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Coming off their overseas trip to London and subsequent bye week, the Broncos donned their alternate orange jerseys and returned home for an AFC West duel against the Kansas City Chiefs, hoping to snap a 4-game losing streak. In the first quarter, quarterback Kyle Orton, playing on his 28th birthday, threw three touchdown passes: a 17-yarder to running back Knowshon Moreno, a 6-yarder to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and a 40-yarder to wide receiver Jabar Gaffney. In the second quarter, quarterback Tim Tebow ran for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by linebacker Jason Hunter returning a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown, giving the Broncos a commanding 35–0 lead before the two-minute warning. The Chiefs got on the board, with a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Jamaal Charles, followed by a 40-yard field goal by placekicker Ryan Succop just before halftime. In the third quarter, Tim Tebow threw his first touchdown pass—a 3-yarder to fullback Spencer Larsen, but the Chiefs responded, with quarterback Matt Cassel throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. In the fourth quarter, Orton threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game—a 15-yarder to Lloyd. The Chiefs responded, with Cassel throwing a pair of touchdown passes—an 11-yarder to wide receiver Chris Chambers, followed by a 22-yarder to Bowe (both with failed two-point conversion attempts), but the outcome had already been decided in the Broncos' favor.[115]

With the win, the Broncos improved to 3–6.

Week 11: at San Diego Chargers

Week Eleven: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 0 0714
Chargers 7 14 7735

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Coming off their dominating win over the Chiefs, the Broncos traveled to Qualcomm Stadium for an AFC West duel with the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Broncos delivered the opening strike in the first quarter, with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Knowshon Moreno. However, the Chargers answered, with quarterback Philip Rivers completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcom Floyd. The Chargers took the lead in the second quarter, as fullback Mike Tolbert ran for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by Rivers completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Patrick Crayton. The Chargers would add to their lead in the third quarter, as Rivers completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to running back Darren Sproles. In the fourth quarter, the Chargers continued their dominating night, with Rivers completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jacob Hester. The Broncos tried to rally, as quarterback Kyle Orton found wide receiver Brandon Lloyd on a 13-yard touchdown pass, but San Diego's lead was too much to overcome.[116]

With the loss, Denver fell to 3–7.

Week 12: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Twelve: St. Louis Rams at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 7 19 7336
Broncos 10 3 02033

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

The Broncos attempt an onside kick

Following their Monday Night debacle in San Diego and subsequent videotaping scandal, the Broncos returned home for an interconference match against the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, the Broncos jumped out to a 10–0 lead, with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Knowshon Moreno, followed by a 49-yard field goal by placekicker Matt Prater. The Rams responded, with quarterback Sam Bradford throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. In the second quarter, The Broncos took a 13–7 lead, with a 40-yard field goal by Prater. However, the Rams would reel off 26 unanswered points, starting off with a pair of touchdown passes from Bradford to tight end Billy Bajema—2 and 26 yards—the latter with a missed extra point, followed by a pair of field goals from placekicker Josh Brown—28 and 37 yards—before halftime. In the third quarter, the Rams continued their offensive onslaught, with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Kenneth Darby, giving St. Louis a 33–13 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos snapped the Rams' streak of 26 unanswered points, with quarterback Kyle Orton throwing a 41-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, but the Rams responded with a 26-yard field goal from Brown. Trailing 36–20 with four minutes remaining, the Broncos tried to rally, with Orton throwing two touchdown passes—a 16-yarder to wide receiver Eddie Royal (with a failed two-point conversion attempt), followed by a 5-yarder to Lloyd, but the Broncos' rally attempt was cut short by the Rams' defense.[117]

With the loss, the Broncos dropped to 3–8, matching their loss total from the previous two seasons.

Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 036
Chiefs 7 3 0010

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST/11:00 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: 26 °F (−3 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 67,267
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Hoping to break a two-game losing streak, the Broncos traveled to Arrowhead Stadium for a AFC West rivalry rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos trailed in the first quarter, as Chiefs' quarterback Matt Cassel threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Leonard Pope, in what would be the game's only touchdown. The Broncos responded in the second quarter, with placekicker Matt Prater nailing a 25-yard field goal, but the Chiefs countered, with a 47-yard field goal by placekicker Ryan Succop just before halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, the Broncos cut into the lead with a 41-yard field goal by Prater, but Kansas City's defense prevented anything else from happening.[118]

With the loss, the Broncos fell to 3–9, and were officially eliminated from postseason contention. One day later, head coach Josh McDaniels was fired, and replaced by running backs coach Eric Studesville on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.[119]

Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Fourteen: Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 0 01013
Cardinals 3 13 32443

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 62,223
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Hoping to snap a three-game losing streak, the Broncos traveled to University of Phoenix Stadium for an interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals, whom the Broncos had never lost to in the teams' previous eight meetings. The Broncos took the early lead in the first quarter, with a 32-yard field goal by placekicker Steven Hauschka. However, the Cardinals responded, as placekicker Jay Feely would account for 22 unanswered points—a 36-yard field goal in the first quarter, a 48-yard field goal, 5-yard touchdown run off a fake field goal and a 55-yard field goal in the second quarter, a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter, and a 49-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. A 30-yard field goal by Hauschka would cut the lead to 22–6, but the Cardinals would answer, with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Tim Hightower. The Broncos would respond, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Knowshon Moreno, but the Cardinals pulled away, with Hightower running for a 35-yard touchdown, followed by linebacker Daryl Washington returning an interception 40 yards (and defensive end Darnell Dockett recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown).[120]

With the loss, the Broncos not only dropped to 3–10, but also suffered their first-ever loss to the Cardinals, though they were never opposed between 1978 and 1988 inclusive and played a tied game in 1973[121]. The loss also guaranteed that the Broncos will finish in fourth-place in the AFC West at the end of the season.

Week 15: at Oakland Raiders

Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 14 3 3323
Raiders 14 3 61639

at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST/1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), cloudy/rainy
  • Game attendance: 44,246
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Steve Tasker (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

Hoping to snap a four-game losing streak, the Broncos traveled to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, for an AFC West divisional rematch with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, the Raiders grabbed the early lead, with a 71-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Jacoby Ford. The Broncos responded, when quarterback Tim Tebow, starting in place of an injured Kyle Orton, scrambled for a 40-yard touchdown run. The Broncos grabbed the lead, when Tebow threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, but the Raiders responded, with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Michael Bush. In the second quarter, the Broncos lead again, with a 46-yard field goal by placekicker Steven Hauschka, but the Raiders would tie the game, with a 49-yard field goal by placekicker Sebastian Janikowski just before halftime. In the third quarter, the Raiders grabbed the lead, with a 35-yard field goal by Janikowski. The Broncos responded, with a 35-yard field goal by Hauschka. Oakland lead again, with a 47-yard field goal by Janikowski. In the fourth quarter, the Raiders widened their lead, when quarterback Jason Campbell threw a 73-yard touchdown pass to fullback Marcel Reece. The Broncos narrowed the lead, with a 45-yard field goal by Hauschka, but the Raiders pulled away, when linebacker Quentin Groves tackled running back Correll Buckhalter in the end zone for a safety, followed by a 1-yard touchdown by Bush.[122]

With the loss, the Broncos not only dropped to 3–11, but also tied their franchise record for losses in a season.

Week 16: vs. Houston Texans

Week Sixteen: Houston Texans at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 7 10 6023
Broncos 0 0 101424

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Hoping to snap a five-game losing streak, the Broncos returned home for a game against the Houston Texans. In the first quarter, the Broncos trailed early, after a 3-yard touchdown run by Texans' running back Arian Foster, followed in the second quarter by a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Schaub to tight end Owen Daniels, and a 34-yard field goal by placekicker Neil Rackers, giving Houston a 17–0 halftime lead. The Broncos got on the board in the third quarter, with a 6-yard touchdown run by running back Correll Buckhalter, but the Texans responded, with a 54-yard field goal by Rackers. The Broncos cut into the Texans' lead, with a 27-yard field goal by placekicker Steven Hauschka, but a 57-yard field goal by Rackers gave Houston a 23–10 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Broncos staged a rally, with a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to Buckhalter, followed by Tebow scrambling for a 6-yard touchdown run, giving the Broncos a 24–23 lead with three minutes remaining. The Broncos' defense thwarted Houston's final drive.[123]

With the win, the Broncos improved to 4–11.

Week 17: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 16 10733
Broncos 7 0 71428

at INVESCO Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 74,155
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Steve Beuerlein (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book

The Broncos' final game of the 2010 season was an AFC West divisional rematch with the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos took the lead in the first quarter, with a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. However, the Chargers responded in the second quarter, with a 27-yard touchdown run by running back Ryan Mathews, followed by field goals from 42, 45 and 47 yards by placekicker Nate Kaeding. The Chargers added to their lead in the third quarter, with a 12-yard touchdown run by Mathews, followed by a 37-yard field goal by Kaeding. The Broncos narrowed San Diego's lead, with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tebow to wide receiver Eric Decker, but was increased in the fourth quarter, with a 31-yard touchdown run by Mathews. Trailing 33–14 with 7:55 remaining in the game, the Broncos immediately responded, when kick returner Cassius Vaughn returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 6-yard touchdown scramble by Tebow with 26 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Following Tebow's touchdown run, the Broncos recovered the onside kick, but two desperation hail mary passes by Tebow were unsuccessful, sealing the win for San Diego.

With the loss, the Broncos finished the 2010 season at 4–12, setting a new franchise record for losses in a single season.[124]

Final standings

AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Kansas City Chiefs 10 6 0 .625 2–4 6–6 366 326 L1
San Diego Chargers 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 441 322 W1
Oakland Raiders 8 8 0 .500 6–0 6–6 410 371 W1
Denver Broncos 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 344 471 L1

Videotaping scandal

On November 27, one day before the team's 36–33 loss to the St. Louis Rams, media reports stated that the Broncos had come under investigation from the NFL, following a videotaping incident similar to the New England Patriots' videotaping controversy of 2007. The Denver Post reported that Steve Scarnecchia, the team's director of video operations hired by then-head coach Josh McDaniels in 2009, videotaped a San Francisco 49ers' walkthrough practice, prior to the teams' Week 8 game at Wembley Stadium in London, England.[125] Scarnecchia, the son of New England Patriots' offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, worked in the Patriots' (2001–2004) and the New York Jets' (2006–2007) video departments prior to joining the Broncos in 2009. The Denver Post reported he was placed on a leave of absence by the team after the allegation came to light.[125]

The same day, the NFL fined the Broncos and McDaniels $50,000 each, and Scarnecchia was fired as a result of the incident.[126] Scarnecchia told NFL investigators he acted alone and "knew it was wrong" to tape the walkthrough practice, after the rest of the Broncos' staff had left the stadium.[126] Scarnecchia later presented McDaniels with the six-minute video, but McDaniels declined to view it, and it was not shown to any other Broncos staff member, and therefore the NFL determined the Broncos had not gained a competitive advantage from it.[126]

However, the NFL fined McDaniels due to the fact that he did not immediately report the incident to the league office, as required by policy.[126] Team executives learned of the incident on November 8, and informed the NFL on November 16.[126] NFL Security then began its investigation, which included a forensic analysis of the computer from which the recording was later deleted by Scarnecchia.[126] The recording was retained by the league;[126] in the case of the Patriots' prior incident, the league had destroyed all tapes received from the Patriots. The NFL also fined the Broncos, as "clubs are ultimately accountable for the conduct of their employees."[126]

Due to Scarnecchia's involvement with the Patriots' video department (2001–2004) during the period (2000 – September 2007) of their accused illegal taping, the NFL determined Scarnecchia is subject to a hearing, as a repeat offender of NFL policy, on whether he should be banned from employment in the league.[126] "A significant number" of Broncos employees also certified in writing to the league that they were aware of no further incidents,[126] but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that if any more accusations came to light, he would re-open the investigation.[126]

Firing of Josh McDaniels

On December 6, head coach Josh McDaniels was fired, one day after the team's 10–6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. Under McDaniels, the Broncos went 5–17 following a 6–0 start to the 2009 season. Running backs coach Eric Studesville was named interim coach that same day.[119]

Statistics

Team leaders
Statistic Player(s) Value
Passing yards Kyle Orton 3653
Passing touchdowns Kyle Orton 20
Rushing yards Knowshon Moreno 779
Rushing touchdowns Tim Tebow 6
Receiving yards Brandon Lloyd 1448[b]
Receiving touchdowns Brandon Lloyd 11
Points Matt Prater 76
Kickoff return yards Eric Decker 556
Punt return yards Eddie Royal 298
Tackles D. J. Williams 119
Sacks D. J. Williams 5.5
Forced fumbles Perrish Cox
Brian Dawkins
Mario Haggan
Lance Ball		 2
Interceptions Champ Bailey
Renaldo Hill
Syd'Quan Thompson		 2
Conference and league rankings
Statistic Value Final rankings
AFC NFL
Total offense 348.9 YPG 8th 13th
Passing offense 252.4 YPG 4th 7th
Rushing offense 96.5 YPG 14th 26th
Scoring offense 21.5 PPG 12th 19th
Total defense 390.8 YPG 16th 32nd
Passing defense 236.2 YPG 12th 25th
Rushing defense 154.6 YPG 15th 31st
Scoring defense 29.4 PPG 16th 32nd
Turnover differential −9 13th T-27th
^[b] Denotes league leader.[127]
Source: ESPN.com.[128]

Awards and honors

Recipient Award(s)
Champ Bailey Named to the All Fundamentals Team by the NFL Players Association[129]
Named to the Pro Bowl roster for the tenth time in his career, setting a new NFL record for cornerbacks[130]
Brandon Lloyd Named to the AFC Pro Bowl team. Lloyd led the NFL with 1,448 receiving yards[131][127]
Voted to The Associated Press 2010 NFL All-Pro Team[132]
Kyle Orton Week 4: FedEx Air Player of the Week.[133]
Week 10: AFC Offensive Player of the Week[134]
Tim Tebow Week 10: Pepsi Rookie of the Week[135]
Week 16: Pepsi Rookie of the Week[136]
Wesley Woodyard Named as the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year[137]

Other news and notes

  • On March 30, longtime placekicker Jason Elam, who spent his first 15 seasons with the Broncos (1993–2007) and his final two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2008–2009), signed a one-day contract in order to officially retire as a Bronco.[138][139]

Staff

2010 Denver Broncos staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2010 Denver Broncos final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 12 inactive, 8 practice squad

References

  1. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com: 2010 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics
  2. ^ "Dennison to Texans". denverbroncos.com. January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  3. ^ "Turner to Washington". denverbroncos.com. January 14, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  4. ^ "Broncos, Nolan Part Ways". denverbroncos.com. January 18, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  5. ^ "Coaching Staff Filling Out". denverbroncos.com. January 23, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
  6. ^ "Martindale Promoted to Defensive Coordinator". denverbroncos.com. January 28, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2010.
  7. ^ "Aukerman Named Defensive Assistant". denverbroncos.com. February 11, 2010. Retrieved February 11, 2010.
  8. ^ "2010 Coaching Staff Finalized". denverbroncos.com. February 23, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
  9. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (March 5, 2010). "Bannan, Jones Join Club". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  10. ^ Klis, Mike (June 14, 2010). "Dumervil signs tender". denverpost.com. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  11. ^ Detweiler, Eric (July 22, 2010). "Dumervil Agrees to Extension". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 22, 2010.
  12. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 9, 2010). "Green in Orange and Blue". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  13. ^ Klis, Mike (September 4, 2010). "Broncos cut Brandon Stokley, Jarvis Green, Darrell Reid". denverpost.com. Retrieved September 4, 2010.
  14. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 29, 2010). "Broncos Bring Back Greisen". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 29, 2010.
  15. ^ a b Detweiler, Eric (August 12, 2010). "Williams Signed". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
  16. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (March 5, 2010). "Hochstein, Lloyd Agree to Terms". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  17. ^ Klis, Mike (June 4, 2010). "Kuper deal: 5-year, $25.5 million extension". denverpost.com. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  18. ^ Klis, Mike (April 13, 2010). "Brandon Marshall signs tender; closer to getting traded". denverpost.com. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  19. ^ a b "Marshall Traded to Dolphins". denverbroncos.com. April 14, 2010. Retrieved April 14, 2010.
  20. ^ Jones, Lindsay (April 16, 2010). "Broncos' Orton signs tender for 2010". denverpost.com. Retrieved April 16, 2010.
  21. ^ Caldwell, Gray (August 19, 2010). "Orton Earns Contract Extension". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  22. ^ Bena, John (March 9, 2010). "Broncos re-sign Matt Prater". milehighreport.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  23. ^ a b c Caldwell, Gray (March 11, 2010). "Broncos Making Moves". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 11, 2010.
  24. ^ a b c Jones, Lindsay (September 7, 2010). "Broncos add DT Vickerson; cut Le Kevin Smith". Denver Post. Retrieved September 7, 2010.
  25. ^ a b Detweiler, Eric (October 26, 2010). "Smith Rejoins Roster". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
  26. ^ a b c Klis, Mike (November 9, 2010). "Broncos sign TE Coats". denverpost.com. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  27. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 5, 2010). "Broncos Bring Back Arrington". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  28. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (July 31, 2010). "Broncos Trade for Mays". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  29. ^ Gentilviso, Chris (January 13, 2010). "Atkins Signed To Future Contract". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i Detweiler, Eric (September 5, 2010). "Brown, Clark Join Roster". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  31. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 24, 2010). "Broncos Add Ayodele". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
  32. ^ a b c Detweiler, Eric (August 24, 2010). "Sperry Joins Squad". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  33. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (July 7, 2010). "Barton Added". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  34. ^ a b c d Detweiler, Eric (August 23, 2010). "Three Players Waived". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  35. ^ Sonneman, Kyle (May 14, 2010). "Team Assigned Daniels". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  36. ^ a b Klis, Mike (December 11, 2010). "Prater out, Hauschka in as Broncos' kicker vs. Cardinals". denverpost.com. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  37. ^ a b "Broncos FB Spencer Larsen placed on IR". denverpost.com. Associated Press. December 22, 2010. Retrieved December 22, 2010.
  38. ^ Caldwell, Gray (June 1, 2010). "Broncos Claim Davis". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
  39. ^ a b c Hiatt, Gabe (July 27, 2010). "Decker Signs". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  40. ^ Caldwell, Gray (June 4, 2010). "Eckel Adds More Competition". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  41. ^ a b c Detweiler, Eric (June 17, 2010). "Broncos Sign Walton". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  42. ^ a b c Caldwell, Gray (January 7, 2010). "Three Signed to Future Contracts". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  43. ^ http://broncotalk.net/2010/08/16954/denver-broncos/ol-dustin-fry-released/
  44. ^ Klis, Mike (May 16, 2010). "Freak injury may end career of Broncos' McChesney". denverpost.com. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
  45. ^ a b c Detweiler, Eric (June 15, 2010). "Broncos Add Smith, Waive Two". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  46. ^ a b c Caldwell, Gray (August 4, 2010). "Broncos Add LenDale White". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
  47. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 9, 2010). "Williams Added to Line". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  48. ^ a b c "BRONCOS SIGN FREE-AGENT OL MAURICE WILLIAMS; WAIVE S BOWMAN AND GUARD SHUMARD". denverbroncos.com. May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
  49. ^ a b Bena, John (June 4, 2010). "Broncos release OL Maurice Williams, Sign FB Kyle Eckel". milehighreport.com. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  50. ^ Jones, Lindsay (August 6, 2010). "Pats claim injured safety Barrett". denverpost.com. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  51. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (February 23, 2010). "Wiegmann, Jordan Released". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved February 23, 2010.
  52. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 10, 2010). "Peterson Released; Erickson Waived". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  53. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 15, 2010). "Simms Released; Three QBs Remain on Roster". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  54. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 14, 2010). "Broncos Acquire Quinn". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  55. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 20, 2010). "Scheffler Traded to Lions". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  56. ^ http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=21755
  57. ^ Caldwell, Gray (July 31, 2010). "Thomas Agrees to Terms". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  58. ^ "Cutler Traded to Chicago Bears". denverbroncos.com. April 2, 2009. Retrieved April 2, 2009.
  59. ^ a b c d Caldwell, Gray (April 22, 2010). "Broncos Pick Two in Primetime". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  60. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 25, 2009). "A Ball-Hawking Bronco". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
  61. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 23, 2010). "On the Offensive". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  62. ^ Caldwell, Gray (July 29, 2010). "Tebow Agrees to Terms". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 29, 2010.
  63. ^ Caldwell, Gray (July 27, 2010). "Beadles on Board". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
  64. ^ Caldwell, Gray (June 9, 2010). "Cox Third Draft Pick to Sign". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
  65. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 26, 2009). "Versatile Picks Comprise Day Two". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
  66. ^ Zinser, Adam (August 28, 2008). "Holland Traded". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
  67. ^ Eisendrath, Zach (August 17, 2009). "Broncos Make Several Moves". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 17, 2009.
  68. ^ "Pats get pick for Hochstein". espn.com. Associated Press. August 25, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  69. ^ Detweiler, Eric (July 24, 2010). "Olsen Signs". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  70. ^ Sonneman, Kyle (May 21, 2010). "Thompson First to Sign". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  71. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 25, 2010). "Staying Active on Day Three". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 25, 2010.
  72. ^ Caldwell, Gray (May 25, 2010). "Kirlew Next to Sign". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  73. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jones, Lindsay (September 3, 2010). "Broncos begin cuts with 8 roster moves". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  74. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 26, 2010). "College Free Agents On Board". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
  75. ^ a b c d e f g h Hiatt, Gabe (May 14, 2010). "Regular Season Roster Announced". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
  76. ^ a b c d Klis, Mike (October 16, 2010). "Broncos promote McCarthy, Alexander". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  77. ^ a b Detweiler, Eric (December 20, 2010). "Tebow to Start". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
  78. ^ a b Detweiler, Eric (August 20, 2010). "Williams Signed, Bishop Released". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  79. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (May 3, 2010). "Lyons Earns His Spot". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  80. ^ a b c Detweiler, Eric (August 5, 2010). "Several Roster Moves Announced". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  81. ^ a b Detweiler, Eric (July 6, 2010). "Lyons, Williams Waived". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  82. ^ a b c Detweiler, Eric (December 13, 2010). "Still the Starter". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 13, 2010.
  83. ^ a b Hiatt, Gabe (September 14, 2010). "Ten Days Later". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 14, 2010.
  84. ^ "Broncos taking positive approach". denverpost.com. October 13, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
  85. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 31, 2010). "2010 Preseason Schedule Announced". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
  86. ^ Legwold, Jeff (August 5, 2010). "Broncos' Dumervil could miss season with chest injury". denverpost.com. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  87. ^ Broncos To Place Elvis Dumervil On Injured Reserve
  88. ^ Bena, John (September 15, 2010). "REPORT: Andre Brown Released To Make Room For Laurence Maroney". milehighreport.com. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  89. ^ "The Denver Broncos have signed RB Andre Brown to their practice squad Brown cleared waivers..." milehighreport.com. September 17, 2010. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  90. ^ a b "Broncos sign RB Andre Brown, waive Lance Ball". denverpost.com. September 21, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  91. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (August 11, 2010). "Fargas Joins Broncos". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  92. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (August 30, 2010). "Fargas Released; Carter Waived/Injured". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 30, 2010.
  93. ^ Detweiler, Eric (August 19, 2010). "Hunter Added". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  94. ^ Sonneman, Kyle (January 15, 2010). "Broncos Travel to London in 2010". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
  95. ^ Caldwell, Gray (April 20, 2010). "2010 Schedule Released". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
  96. ^ Klis, Mike (September 14, 2010). "Broncos trade for New England running back Laurence Maroney". denverpost.com. Retrieved September 14, 2010.
  97. ^ Mortensen, Chris (September 28, 2010). "Brandon Stokley joins Seahawks". espn.com. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  98. ^ Klis, Mike (October 18, 2010). "Broncos' Willis injured vs. Jets, lost for season". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  99. ^ Jones, Lindsay (October 19, 2010). "Broncos promote LB Briggs to active roster". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  100. ^ Jones, Lindsay (October 25, 2010). "Broncos make a minor roster move". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
  101. ^ Klis, Mike (November 10, 2010). "Broncos promote Ball to protect him from Colts". denverpost.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  102. ^ Detweiler, Eric (November 17, 2010). "Veikune Joins Squad". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
  103. ^ Klis, Mike (December 6, 2010). "Injuries shelve Mays, Gronkowski for rest of season". denverpost.com. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  104. ^ Caldwell, Gray (December 7, 2010). "Robinson, Coats Added". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
  105. ^ Detweiler, Eric (December 23, 2010). "A Tremendous Relief". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 23, 2010.
  106. ^ Legwold, Jeff (December 29, 2010). "Broncos sign DL Leonard". denverpost.com. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
  107. ^ Detweiler, Eric (September 12, 2010). "Just Short in Jacksonville". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  108. ^ Caldwell, Gray (September 19, 2010). "Home, Sweet Home". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  109. ^ Detweiler, Eric (September 26, 2010). "Stopped Short". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  110. ^ Caldwell, Gray (October 3, 2010). "Nowhere to Run". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  111. ^ Caldwell, Gray (October 10, 2010). "'Out-Toughed'". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
  112. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (October 17, 2010). "'Tooth and Nail'". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  113. ^ Klis, Mike (October 24, 2010). "Raiders blast Broncos 59–14; fans express their displeasure". denverpost.com. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  114. ^ Caldwell, Gray (October 31, 2010). "Loss in London". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
  115. ^ Detweiler, Eric (November 14, 2010). "Step One". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  116. ^ Caldwell, Gray (November 23, 2010). "Monday Night Misfortune". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  117. ^ Detweiler, Eric (November 28, 2010). "Comeback Falls Short". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  118. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (December 5, 2010). "Change of Pace". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
  119. ^ a b Caldwell, Gray (December 6, 2010). "McDaniels Relieved of Duties". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  120. ^ Caldwell, Gray (December 12, 2010). "Disappointment in the Desert". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
  121. ^ Arizona Cardinals versus Denver Broncos
  122. ^ Detweiler, Eric (December 19, 2010). "Running Out of Steam". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
  123. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (December 26, 2010). "Second-Half Surge Topples Texans". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  124. ^ Stapleton, Arnie (January 3, 2011). "Broncos lose franchise-record 12th game as Chargers win 33–28". kdvr.com. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  125. ^ a b Legwold, Jeff & Krieger, Dave (November 27, 2010). "NFL investigating Broncos' possible filming violation". denverpost.com. Retrieved November 27, 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  126. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Broncos, McDaniels fined $50K each". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 27, 2010. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
  127. ^ a b Klis, Mike (January 2, 2011). "Broncos' rally falls short, Chargers win finale 33–28 in Denver". denverpost.com. Retrieved January 2, 2011.
  128. ^ "Denver Broncos Stats – 2010". espn.com. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  129. ^ Caldwell, Gray (December 14, 2010). "Fundamentally Sound". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved December 14, 2010.
  130. ^ Legwold, Jeff (January 27, 2011). "Broncos' Champ Bailey named to NFL Pro Bowl, sets a record for cornerbacks". denverpost.com. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
  131. ^ Klis, Mike (December 28, 2010). "Broncos' Brandon Lloyd named to NFL Pro Bowl". denverpost.com. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
  132. ^ Wilner, Barry (January 24, 2011). "Broncos' Brandon Lloyd tabbed second-team NFL All-Pro". denverpost.com. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  133. ^ Hiatt, Gabe (October 9, 2010). "Orton Wins". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved October 9, 2010.
  134. ^ Detweiler, Eric (November 16, 2010). "Orton Earns Honor". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 16, 2010.
  135. ^ "Broncos QB Tebow voted Pepsi Rookie of the Week". nfl.com. November 19, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  136. ^ "Tebow earns Week 16 Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors". nfl.com. December 31, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  137. ^ Caldwell, Gray (November 9, 2010). "Devoted to the Community". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved November 9, 2010.
  138. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 30, 2010). "Elam to Retire a Bronco". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  139. ^ Caldwell, Gray (March 31, 2010). "'An Awesome, Awesome Journey'". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 31, 2010.
  140. ^ The Denver Post (August 6, 2010). "Brian Griese joining Dave Logan for Broncos broadcasts". denverpost.com. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
  141. ^ Caldwell, Gray (September 20, 2010). "Kenny McKinley: 1987–2010". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
  142. ^ Mitchell, Kirk & Jones, Lindsay (December 2, 2010). "Signs of trouble for Kenny McKinley: debts and a gun". denverpost.com. Retrieved December 2, 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2010_Denver_Broncos_season&oldid=538985265"