Broncos coaches patterned wide-open approach after Pats

ENGLEWOOD • Mike Shanahan hasn't started wearing hoodies with the sleeves cut off like coaching counterpart Bill Belichick, but the Denver Broncos have borrowed some ideas from the New England Patriots.

For those who thought the Broncos' offensive attack looked a little like last year's Patriots - with spread formations and a lot of passes - you'd be right.

"We really liked what the Patriots were doing with some of their empty sets," quarterback Jay Cutler said, referring to some offseason study. "We've got similar weapons with our guys, with our tight ends and our backs are able to get out.

"Offensively, we kind of matched up with what they were doing and we thought we might put it in, and it's working so far."

There's little doubt about the success. The Broncos are 2-0 and lead the league in yards gained and points.

Denver has thrown the ball at a surprising rate. Cutler threw 50 passes Sunday against San Diego, which tied a franchise record. The 2007 Patriots were the highest-scoring offense in NFL history and asking the Broncos to duplicate their numbers would be absurd. But Denver thinks the wide-open style fits its personnel, and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates has gotten a lot of credit for his aggressive plan.

"Jeremy is doing a heck of a job play-calling, changing things up," Shanahan said.
Cutler said the Broncos also studied the Steelers, Chargers, Cowboys and this week's opponent, the Saints, who are all pass-heavy teams.

"This is a copycat league and everyone looks at everyone, everyone takes plays and tweaks them here and there a little bit," Cutler said.

The Broncos have averaged 4.9 yards per carry running the ball, but have been most effective when passing. In the third quarter against San Diego, Denver didn't get a first down. The Broncos were a little more conventional that quarter, especially in the second series when they ran twice, threw a short screen and punted.

The fourth quarter was back to being wide open, including many empty sets in which Cutler lined up in a shotgun formation.

In two fourth-quarter drives, the Broncos picked up 12 first downs and 146 yards.
Denver has the personnel to employ a pass-heavy offense. The receiving corps is deep enough that Keary Colbert, a high-priority free-agent signee this offseason, was traded Tuesday to Seattle.

Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson are the top four, and Tony Scheffler is a talented tight end. Stokley was on a great passing offense in Indianapolis from 2003 to 2006, with Pro Bowlers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

"I think, from top to bottom, receiving corps-wise, we're better than when I was with Indy," Stokley said. "We've got a lot of depth at receiver, a lot of good players. I wouldn't trade Eddie and ‘B-Marsh' for anybody else right now in the league."

The Broncos also have an offensive line that has allowed only one sack, and that was credited as a team sack to San Diego when Cutler fumbled on a disputed call late in Sunday's game.

No matter what the Broncos' record is this season, their offense should be fun to watch from beginning to end.

"Tight ends, offensive line, quarterback, from top to bottom we've got what it takes to keep this up and have a great offensive year," Stokley said.