Denver Broncos Tickets

The Denver Broncos came up short of the playoffs yet again in 2008, leading team owner Pat Bowlen to make a major move that no one could have anticipated.

Bowlen fired good friend and head coach Mike Shanahan, who also served as the team's general manager. He said he just thought it was time for the team to move in a different direction, as hard as the decision may have been.

Bowlen then made a bold move by hiring New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now the youngest head coach in the league.

McDaniels then attempted to orchestrate a trade for Matt Cassell, a move that failed and served only to anger current starting quarterback Jay Cutler.

The two tried to patch things up, but it seemed like neither side really cared all that much to give in and apologize for their stance. The end result was a trade of Cutler to Chicago for draft picks and quarterback Kyle Orton.

The Broncos did upgrade their defense, signing long-time Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. He should help Denver's run defense, which has been very poor the last few seasons.

The schedule doesn't bode well for the Broncos outside of the AFC West, as they are set to play the NFC East and AFC North.

Games against Pittsburgh and at Baltimore seem like sure losses while any NFC East opponent is going to cause the Broncos some serious problems.