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ENGLEWOOD - When Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan looks at cornerback Champ Bailey, he is reminded of Deion Sanders.

Shanahan's experience with Sanders 10 years ago was motivation this off-season when he dealt running back Clinton Portis for Bailey, a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

"When I was in San Francisco (as offensive coordinator) in '92 and '93, we were the No. 1 offense by far. It wasn't even close," Shanahan said. "But we got to the NFC Championship (Game) and got beat two years in a row. Then the next year we got Deion Sanders."

Sanders was named the NFL's defensive player of the year that season, and the 49ers went on to beat Dallas in the NFC Championship Game and San Diego in the Super Bowl.

"Deion Sanders was the difference in our football team," Shanahan said. "He shut down every receiver that went to that side.

"When I look back at my career and take a look at guys that have been difference-makers in the secondary, they're few and far in between. I can get running backs and have success, but very seldom is a guy like (Sanders) out there."

Bailey may not be in Sanders' class when it comes to flamboyance, but his credentials as a cornerback are impressive.

Bailey's ability will be on display during training camp, which starts Wednesday morning. The Broncos report to camp today.

Bailey has made the Pro Bowl every season after his rookie year and has started all 80 games since Washington drafted him. He is a rarity in the NFL: a cornerback who can take an opponent's best receiver out of a game.

Bailey is also a cornerback who believes his career is on the upswing.

"I think I'm getting better," said Bailey, who turned 26 in June.

Bailey said when he watches himself on tape he sees more consistency.

"The first couple years, I'm just out there playing," Bailey said.

"I had my technique, but at the same time it wasn't polished like it is now. I feel like I'm peaking six, seven, eight years into my career."

If Bailey plays to expectations, the Broncos will have many more options defensively than they did last season. Since he doesn't need much help from the safety, the Broncos can feel more secure playing a safety closer to the line of scrimmage. And because Bailey can stick with his man without much problem, the Broncos can take more chances with blitzes.

"We can blitz a lot more, we can give a lot more different looks," middle linebacker Al Wilson said. "It's going to be fun."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4891 or fschwab@gazette.com

BAILEY'S NUMBERS

Height: 6-0

Weight: 192

Born: June 22, 1978

College: Georgia

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