Note: Below is a portion of the team's 2010 season review press release. To view a PDF of the complete release, click here.
SEASON QUICK HITS:
- The Denver Broncos wrapped up their 51st season of play in 2010 and look forward to a new era of leadership in 2011 under Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, who returned to the franchise in that role on Jan. 5.
- Eric Studesville took over the reigns of the team on Dec. 6 after Josh McDaniels was relieved of his duties to become the fourth interim head coach and the 13th overall head coach in Broncos history. He led the team to a 1-3 record over the final quarter of the season.
- Now in their sixth decade of professional football, the Broncos are one of just four teams to record three 90+ win decades since 1960 and the only organization to do so in each of the last three decades.
OFFENSE:
Brandon Lloyd was selected to his first career Pro Bowl as he became the first player in team history to lead the NFL in receiving yards (1,448), while also setting career highs in receptions (77), receiving average (18.8) and receiving touchdowns (11).
Tim Tebow started Denver’s final three games and finished with the highest passer rating (82.1) among the eight NFL rookies that opened a game in 2010, while registering the most rushing yards (199) over a quarterback’s first three starts since the 1970 merger.Kyle Orton opened the Broncos’ first 13 contests and finished fourth in the NFL with 281.0 passing yards per game en route to a careerhigh 87.5 passer rating.
DEFENSE:
Champ Bailey was named an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, and if he is named to the squad it would mark his 10th career selection, passing Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Haynes for the most in league annals at the cornerback position.Mario Haggan , who was named Denver’s recipient of the Darrent Williams Good Guy Award for his cooperation and professionalism with the local media, started all 16 games for Denver (eight apiece at inside linebacker and outside linebacker) and totaled career highs in tackles (87) and sacks (5).D.J. Williams finished as the only NFL player to lead his team in both tackles (119) and sacks (5.5) and joined teammate Mario Haggan as two of just six players in the NFL to total at least 80 tackles and five sacks on the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
BRONCOS 2010 SEASON -- POINTS OF INTEREST
The Denver Broncos (4-12) finished their 51st season of professional football led by Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville, who took the reigns during the season’s last four games Josh McDaniels was releived of his duties... Studesville was the fourth interim head coach and the 13th overall head coach in franchise history... Now in their sixth decade of professional football, the Broncos are one of just four teams to record three 90+ win decades since 1960 and the only organization to do so in each of the last three decades... During the Pat Bowlen era (1984-Pres.), the Broncos own the most regular-season wins (255) in the AFC (2nd in NFL)... Former Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011... WR Brandon Lloyd was selected to his first career Pro Bowl as he became the first player in team history to lead the NFL in receiving yards (1,448), while also setting career highs in receptions (77), receiving average (18.8) and receiving touchdowns (11)... QB Tim Tebow started Denver’s final three games and finished with the highest passer rating (82.1) among the eight NFL rookies that opened a game in 2010, while registering the most rushing yards (199) over a quarterback’s first three starts in NFL history (since 1970 merger)... QB Kyle Orton opened the Broncos’ first 13 games and finished fourth in the NFL with 281.0 passing yards per game en route to a career-high 87.5 passer rating... OL
LLOYD'S CAREER SEASON
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was selected to play in his first career Pro Bowl after totaling 77 receptions for 1,448 yards (18.8 avg.) with 11 touchdowns in 2010—all career highs. He is the seventh player in team history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at the wide receiver position.
Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd led the NFL with 1,448 receiving yards (77 rec., 18.8 avg., 11 TDs) in 2010 to become the first player in team history to lead the league in that category.
His receiving total, which marked the 30th 1,000-yard receiving season by a Bronco, is the second-highest figure in team history.
TEBOW STARTS FINAL THREE GAMES FOR DENVER
Rookie quarterback Tim Tebow started Denver’s final three contests of the 2010 season and finished the year completing 41-of-82 passes (50.0%) for 654 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions to go along with 43 rushes for 227 yards (5.3 avg.) and six scores. He became the 12th Bronco rookie quarterback to make a start.
ORTON GOES DEEP
Kyle Orton tied for third in the league with 35 completions of 25-plus yards and 11 completions of 40-plus yards in 2010.
CLADY'S STARTING STREAK
Offensive lineman Ryan Clady is one of five players who entered the NFL in 2008 to start in every possible regular-season game for his team. Clady has started all 48 games since he entered the league with the Broncos as a first-round selection (12th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft from Boise State University.
BAILEY INTERCEPTION TOTAL RISING
Since entering the NFL with the Redskins as the seventh overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is third in the NFL and ranks first among cornerbacks with 47 interceptions. He also leads the league with 183 pass breakups since 1999.
D.J. WILLIAMS IN RARE COMPANY
Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams, who was the only player in the NFL in 2010 to lead his team in both tackles (119) and sacks (5.5), is one of three players in the NFL with at least 700 tackles and 15 sacks since his rookie season in 2004 (according to press box totals).
COX AMONG ROOKIE CB LEADERS
Broncos rookie cornerback
WILLIAMS AND HAGGAN MAKE AN IMPACT
Broncos linebackers D.J. Williams and Mario Haggan were two of six players in the NFL to total at least 80 tackles and five sacks in 2010.
