How do you think this will affect your offense next season? If anything Shanahan is going to earn his title of offensive genius this year after losing two pro bowl caliber players on offense. What are broncos fans thoughts/expectations (if any) for Byron Chamberlin? Didn't he start with you guys?
Sharpe being gone will not hurt as much as losing Portis. The Broncos were wise to bring back Chamberlain who is more than capable filling in for Sharpe. Chamberlain knows the offense well and was supposed to be Shannon's successor before going on to the Vikings for more money a few years ago. Chamberlain made the Pro Bowl for the NFC squad but seemed to lose focus after that. Maybe coming back to the Broncos and knowing the starting job could be his will get him going in the right direction he was heading before he got sidetracked. As for the leadership that may be lost, Sharpe was not as vocal as he once was in years past as this Broncos team really has a new identity and is being carried by new leaders such as Al Wilson, Rod Smith and now Plummer who is more comfortable with the role now that this is his second year. Shannon has done all he can do and I wish him well with his new career. But the real question marks with this Broncos team is who will step up and be the running back the Broncos need and will Ashley Lelie have his breakout year and take over the starting WR spot and keep it? Training camp is taking too long to get here!!!
Lelie should blow up this season since it is his third year in the offense and now he doesn't have Eddie Mac and Sharpe to take catches from him. If Lelie doesn't blow up then I'm not sure he ever will. he certainly has all the tools. I agree running back is more of a concern but with they way you run game has worked since terrel davis came along I wouldn't doubt that Tatum Bell figures out how to hold on to the ball and has similar success to portis' rookies season. Eitherway if Hearst can stay healthy he will provide an adequate run game.
I don't think you can ever worry about the running game in Denver, but I don't think Chamberlin will get it done. He did well with the Vikings for one year, then became lazy. He was cut from the Vikings because he simply didn't do his work. He was suspended for a few games by the league and didn't do anything during his suspension. Maybe last year's experience will wake him up, but I wouldn't want to pencil him in as a starter just yet...and he is definitely no Shannon Sharpe.
What a waste if Chamberlain chooses to stay on this lazy path because he could be a very good football player for many years. I know this for a fact, if he continues to go this way, Shanahan will have him on the first bus out of town.
