Broncos 2007 in-season thread (1 Viewer)

[moleculo]

Haven't seen an in-season Bronco link yet, so here goes...

Sitting at 2-3, coming off of the worst loss I can remember the Broncos ever having, outside of a few SB's in the lat 80's. Losing at home to a division rival, 41-3 - ugh. Absolutely terrible. To make matters worse, we lost the anchor of the O-line and the engine that makes the Broncos run in Nalen for the season, and the RB is facing a year long suspension. We can't stop the run, at all. We struggle in the red zone. our almost rookie QB is playing OK, but making some mistakes at critical moments. Special teams play has been just about as bad as it was last year, in terms of returns and return coverage.

It's a dark, dark time in Bronco land.

The bye week couldn't have come at a better time.

It's hard to be optimistic - is there any hope left?

 

[Ghost Rider]

As a longtime Broncos fan, it seems a tad crazy to count a Mike Shanahan-coached team out this early the season, especially since they are only 1/2 game out of first place, but they have so many problems right now, that fixing them all quickly enough for the team to contend, even for the division title, seems like it might be too difficult.

 

[SSOG]

Are you kidding? There's tons of reasons to be optimistic. For starters, how about the fact that the AFC West is TERRIBLE this year, with 2-2 Oakland the current first-place team? Denver might be bad this year, but so is their competition, and when Lane Kiffin is the second best coach in your division, you've got a huge advantage in the front office.

As for reasons to think that Denver can be above average... obviously the talent is still there, so a lot of their struggles have to do with the injury to Walker and the defense not picking up the scheme. Those giant holes at DT can't be addressed at this point, but there's reason to hope that the defense gets it together and becomes at least mediocre against the run (which is all they need with Bailey and Bly patrolling the sidelines). The offense is still 5th in the league in yards per game- obviously they've struggled converting, but when you're 5th in yards and 24th in scoring, that's a fluke and not likely to continue, so there's good reason to believe their scoring will really take off at some point. And with the AFC West so weak, Denver doesn't need to become a team without flaws, it just needs to become a team with fewer flaws than the rest of the division.

Don't get me wrong- I'm going to be very happy with an 8-8 or 9-7 season, and I think the playoffs are a bit of a stretch at the moment, but there are lots of reasons to be optimistic.

 

[packersfan]

Offensively, it's pretty clear the Broncos need Javon Walker healthy if they're going to be productive. Cutler has steadily regressed since Walker got hurt against the Jags and the Broncos are now 0-3 with Walker either limited or missing games entirely. Henry will give them a running game but without Walker there's no balance and no big play dimension in the passing game. Defenses can sit on the shorter routes and force Cutler to throw into coverage. Walker brings the ability to stretch defenses and gives Cutler more area to work with in the passing game.

Defensively, I'm not sure what can be done there. The run defense is putrid and I'm not sure it's going to get any better.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Don't get me wrong- I'm going to be very happy with an 8-8 or 9-7 season,

Is that what you thought coming into the season, or is that adjusted based on how they have looked thus far? I ask, because I cannot imagine any serious Denver Broncos fan being "very happy" with an 8-8 or 9-7 season.

 

[moleculo]

Are you kidding? There's tons of reasons to be optimistic. For starters, how about the fact that the AFC West is TERRIBLE this year, with 2-2 Oakland the current first-place team? Denver might be bad this year, but so is their competition, and when Lane Kiffin is the second best coach in your division, you've got a huge advantage in the front office....

I think that's part of my gloom and doom outlook - I'm not sure that the AFC west is as bad as advertised. oakland w/ Kiffin is in much better shape - this team is exponentially better than they were last year. KC has shown signs of life, although I still think they top out @ 8-8. And, while Norv is one of the worst HC's in recent history, the Chargers have more than enough talent to be a threat. Despite Norv, I think SD has a realistic shot at 11-5.10 wins will get a WC. It will take a miracle for Denver to win 8 out of their next 11, IMO, so I think the only way they make the playoffs is by winning the division. SD beating Denver in Denver really puts the Broncos in a hole, and with Denver's struggles vs the run and covering the TE, KC will be no pushover either.

 

[Beau Tocks]

I just dropped Cutler for Derek Anderson if that's any indication.

 

[Aaronstory]

Defensively, I'm not sure what can be done there. The run defense is putrid and I'm not sure it's going to get any better.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember the Packer struggling with Bates' scheme as well the first half of the season his one season in GB. I think, obviously, the talent is there in DEN, they're just adjusting to Bates and his scheme. They'll be fine.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

If you can't stop the run nothing else matters. They really miss Al Wilson. That said, Jim Bates defenses frequently take a half a year or so to get up to speed when the system is initially installed. There is some hope that they will get much more proficient at running what is a proven system.

The Broncos offensive line is a shambles. I do not see any fixes available this year.

 

[shredhead]

Crap! We lost Nalen?? I've been in Mexico for the last 6 days and this is the first I heard of that. Crap!!

I like the optimism SSOG, I wish I had the same. After the losses to Jax and Indy and the Henry news, I adjusted my prediction to 7-9. Thank God I was out of the country and missed the SD game. I would probably be predicting 1-15 if I would have seen that. (I think the locals in Mexico told me they would take away one of their wins if they look that crappy again, but then again my spanish is a little rusty.) The locals were pretty high on the Rockies though.

Kind of a reversal up here in the high country. Usually this state only tolerates baseball until NFL training camps start and then the Rockies are an afterthought. I'm thinking it's time for the Broncos to be an afterthought for a few weeks while we settle in and watch some entertaining baseball here in Colorado. Just 7 more wins baby, 7 more wins!

As a Bronco fan for the past 35 years, it pains me to say this, but I have a bad feeling in my stomach that the next thing the Broncos have to look forward to is the 2008 NFL draft.

Go Rockies!!

 

[BeachBums]

Defensively, I'm not sure what can be done there. The run defense is putrid and I'm not sure it's going to get any better.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember the Packer struggling with Bates' scheme as well the first half of the season his one season in GB. I think, obviously, the talent is there in DEN, they're just adjusting to Bates and his scheme. They'll be fine.

I've heard people talking around the office here that Bates doesn't have the right personnel for his two-gap scheme. I'm not even entirely sure what a two-gap scheme is (anyone have a link handy on d line schemes?), but what are anyone's impressions of that theory?

 

[Despyzer]

I'm pretty surprised that the Broncos are struggling. I honestly thought they were were one of the five most talented teams in the AFC this year. Maybe things will turn around.

 

[Aaronstory]

Defensively, I'm not sure what can be done there. The run defense is putrid and I'm not sure it's going to get any better.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember the Packer struggling with Bates' scheme as well the first half of the season his one season in GB. I think, obviously, the talent is there in DEN, they're just adjusting to Bates and his scheme. They'll be fine.

I've heard people talking around the office here that Bates doesn't have the right personnel for his two-gap scheme. I'm not even entirely sure what a two-gap scheme is (anyone have a link handy on d line schemes?), but what are anyone's impressions of that theory?

This is good reading. (and a great site in general...)Overall, Bates' scheme spreads out the ends and asks the DTs to take care of the gaps from the outside of each offensive guard inward. It is designed for the Mike LB to make the majority of the plays (ie Zach Tomas, Nick Barnett, ect) Where the Broncos are struggling, IMO, is with the DTs keeping their gaps clean and keeping centers and guards from getting to the next level.

 

[jonessed]

I'm pretty surprised that the Broncos are struggling. I honestly thought they were were one of the five most talented teams in the AFC this year. Maybe things will turn around.

In a FF forum I think we put a lot of focus on the skill positions where they have a lot of talent. Their DL has been givng them problems and now their OL will probably take another step back. You can't do much when you have line issues.

 

[SSOG]

Don't get me wrong- I'm going to be very happy with an 8-8 or 9-7 season,

Is that what you thought coming into the season, or is that adjusted based on how they have looked thus far? I ask, because I cannot imagine any serious Denver Broncos fan being "very happy" with an 8-8 or 9-7 season.

Before the season, I was thinking 12-4 would be an amazing season, while 10-6 or 11-5 was more realistic. My big hope wasn't that we'd be dominant this year, it was that, with all the new additions, we'd be better over the last 8 games than we were over the first 8- a hope that's still alive. The defensive struggles (especially with the run defense) have caused me to adjust my hopes downwards a couple of games, although again, I think the key is going to be playing better at the end of the season than at the beginning for a change.

 

[moleculo]

amazing game. I didn't think the Broncos would have a shot at all vs Pittsburgh, especially without their two best play-makers on each side of the ball, in Champ and Javon.

The run D did a little better. FWP broke off a few big runs, but he was contained for the most part. I didn't get the feel that the Steelers were able to pound the ball like I thought they would be able to. Big Ben was making plays by finding the seams in the zone coverage and moving the ball that way, which isn't terrible.

D-line played a really great game too. 4 sacks, and Big Ben was harassed all day, mostly from a 4 man rush. D-line was involved in run support too - several good tackles and a reasonably good job of clogging FWP's lanes.

Right now, the Broncos biggest hole defensively is covering a TE. I believe vs SD they had a LB on Gates and that didn't work out. This week it was Ferguson getting burned repeatedly by Miller and Spaeth.

Offensively - I'm still troubled by Cutler not looking off defenders and trying to force things. Other than that though, not a bad game at all. The man can consistently convert 3rd and long like few others. I get the sense that if the game is close, Cutler will pull it out in the end, and has done so repeatedly this year. I haven't had that feeling about a Bronco QB since Elway.

 

[shredhead]

amazing game. I didn't think the Broncos would have a shot at all vs Pittsburgh, especially without their two best play-makers on each side of the ball, in Champ and Javon.The run D did a little better. FWP broke off a few big runs, but he was contained for the most part. I didn't get the feel that the Steelers were able to pound the ball like I thought they would be able to. Big Ben was making plays by finding the seams in the zone coverage and moving the ball that way, which isn't terrible.D-line played a really great game too. 4 sacks, and Big Ben was harassed all day, mostly from a 4 man rush. D-line was involved in run support too - several good tackles and a reasonably good job of clogging FWP's lanes.Right now, the Broncos biggest hole defensively is covering a TE. I believe vs SD they had a LB on Gates and that didn't work out. This week it was Ferguson getting burned repeatedly by Miller and Spaeth.Offensively - I'm still troubled by Cutler not looking off defenders and trying to force things. Other than that though, not a bad game at all. The man can consistently convert 3rd and long like few others. I get the sense that if the game is close, Cutler will pull it out in the end, and has done so repeatedly this year. I haven't had that feeling about a Bronco QB since Elway.

I definately like the adjustments that were made during the bye week. Still a ways to go, but beating a solid Pittsburgh team is an awesome start. Bring on the Pack.

 

[LordOpie]

Broncos up 28-14... my wife says, "eh, they'll give it away and it'll come down to an Elam FG."

I was like, "no way, look at that defense swarm!"

In my defense, she's been a Bronco fan for about 20 years longer than me and has seen seasons like this before.

It'll be a rough ride, but we're buckled in and installed new shocks.

 

[OddibeMcD]

Is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year.

 

[SSOG]

Is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year.

If by "is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year" you mean "will Javon Walker come back this year", then yes, Walker will be back this year. What I heard was that he was out at least a month, which means three more games at least.

 

[moleculo]

Is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year.

If by "is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year" you mean "will Javon Walker come back this year", then yes, Walker will be back this year. What I heard was that he was out at least a month, which means three more games at least.

keep in mind though - he may not be back until week 13 - many FF seasons end that week. IMO, Javon is the ultimate guy to acquire and stash once you clinch a playoff spot.

 

[OddibeMcD]

Is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year.

If by "is there any talk about Javon Walker coming back this year" you mean "will Javon Walker come back this year", then yes, Walker will be back this year. What I heard was that he was out at least a month, which means three more games at least.

keep in mind though - he may not be back until week 13 - many FF seasons end that week. IMO, Javon is the ultimate guy to acquire and stash once you clinch a playoff spot.

Dug up that he just had surgery which will keep him out to week 12 or 13. Hope he comes back full strength

 

[BusMan]

Important note about the dramatic improvement we saw from the Broncos' defense against Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh at Denver: The Broncos spent the bye week junking defensive coordinator Jim Bates' system and going back to what they played last season. "We just don't have the personnel to play it," said one Denver insider. The Broncos better try something new because they are allowing more rushing yards (187.6) a game than what the mighty Steelers are running for — 167 yards a game. The Broncos are a mess without WR Javon Walker (knee) because Jay Cutler hasn't had a consistent running game to rely on and there's no receiver opposite Brandon Marshall.

 

[moleculo]

Important note about the dramatic improvement we saw from the Broncos' defense against Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh at Denver: The Broncos spent the bye week junking defensive coordinator Jim Bates' system and going back to what they played last season. "We just don't have the personnel to play it," said one Denver insider. The Broncos better try something new because they are allowing more rushing yards (187.6) a game than what the mighty Steelers are running for — 167 yards a game. The Broncos are a mess without WR Javon Walker (knee) because Jay Cutler hasn't had a consistent running game to rely on and there's no receiver opposite Brandon Marshall.

for the life of me, I can't find the link, but I read somewhere today that Denver switched to a Tampa 2 coverage - something that Pittsburgh hadn't seen on film yet and really weren't ready for. Makes sense, remembering DJ's pick - Tampa 2 would require MLB to drop into a fairly deep zone - Roeth shouldn't have been expecting him there. Was Denver running alot of Tampa 2 last year?

 

[BusMan]

Important note about the dramatic improvement we saw from the Broncos' defense against Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh at Denver: The Broncos spent the bye week junking defensive coordinator Jim Bates' system and going back to what they played last season. "We just don't have the personnel to play it," said one Denver insider. The Broncos better try something new because they are allowing more rushing yards (187.6) a game than what the mighty Steelers are running for — 167 yards a game. The Broncos are a mess without WR Javon Walker (knee) because Jay Cutler hasn't had a consistent running game to rely on and there's no receiver opposite Brandon Marshall.

for the life of me, I can't find the link, but I read somewhere today that Denver switched to a Tampa 2 coverage - something that Pittsburgh hadn't seen on film yet and really weren't ready for. Makes sense, remembering DJ's pick - Tampa 2 would require MLB to drop into a fairly deep zone - Roeth shouldn't have been expecting him there. Was Denver running alot of Tampa 2 last year?

It makes a lot of sense considering both that Bailey was out and the strengths and weaknesses of our starting safeties. Foxworth had a great game, and I'm really loving him as our nickel corner/DB utility man.I'm personally really happy that Shanahan has the guts and the capacity to switch schemes mid season. Hopefully we'll game plan for the opponent each week going forward instead of stubbornly running a system all year long. I've always thought that was the best way to run a defense anyway. Seems like Shanahan is finally getting his hands dirty with the defense.

 

[SSOG]

Important note about the dramatic improvement we saw from the Broncos' defense against Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh at Denver: The Broncos spent the bye week junking defensive coordinator Jim Bates' system and going back to what they played last season. "We just don't have the personnel to play it," said one Denver insider. The Broncos better try something new because they are allowing more rushing yards (187.6) a game than what the mighty Steelers are running for — 167 yards a game. The Broncos are a mess without WR Javon Walker (knee) because Jay Cutler hasn't had a consistent running game to rely on and there's no receiver opposite Brandon Marshall.

for the life of me, I can't find the link, but I read somewhere today that Denver switched to a Tampa 2 coverage - something that Pittsburgh hadn't seen on film yet and really weren't ready for. Makes sense, remembering DJ's pick - Tampa 2 would require MLB to drop into a fairly deep zone - Roeth shouldn't have been expecting him there. Was Denver running alot of Tampa 2 last year?

Denver has run a lot of Tampa 2 in every season except for 2005, when they ran pretty much the polar opposite of the Tampa 2 (that ridiculously blitz-heavy defense that actually called back-to-back 9-man blitzes against Philly). Back in '03 and '04, they were actually one of the biggest Tampa clones in the league. There's a reason that Coyer got a job in Tampa after we fired him- and that reason is he's a definite Tampa 2 disciple, and the Bucs wanted to bring him in so he could share his unique viewpoint on the defense with Kiffin.

 

[moleculo]

link

Broncos lucky to win 6 games

By Woody Paige

The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 11/05/2007 12:47:50 AM MST

DETROIT — With 7:34 left in the third quarter, seconds after the Broncos failed on fourth down at the Lions' 4-yard line - as usual in this season - coach Mike Shanahan was furiously (angrily and desperately) turning the pages of his Decline-and-Fall-of-the-Roman-Empire-sized playbook, searching for answers.

None was there.

He should have taken a Bunsen burner to the offensive playbook.

Two plays (for 46 and 49 yards) and less than a minute later, the Lions scored to go ahead 30-0.

Defensive coordinator Jim Bates - who looked bewildered and baffled - should have thrown his game plan in the incinerator.

With two minutes remaining in the game, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, with no expression on his tanned face, stood in the tunnel leading to the field.

"It's not over," he said. I don't know if he meant the game or the season or life as we know it.

I asked him if this was the worst.

"I will reserve comment," the owner said calmly, but he, no doubt, was (Bunsen) burning on the inside. At least he didn't say the better team lost and the Broncos would beat the Lions nine out of 10 times.

After the game, in the same tunnel, safety Nick Ferguson said: "Don't come down so hard on us." I handed him my pen and paper and said: "OK, you write it." He declined.

Corner Dré Bly soon said in the locker room: "Some guys in here got to look in the mirror."

I walked over to the shower room and stared in. Indeed, some guys were staring in the mirror.

They were shaving.

Out on the field, Theo Spight, who wears a team jersey and a hard hat and sings the Lions' fight song after every score, was holding his throat.

"Hoarse?" I asked.

"No, I could sing all night long."

He almost did. He sang that stupid song eight times. Motown became Blowouttown.

Lions 44, Broncos 7.

I haven't seen anything this bad in Detroit since the Avalanche lost to the Red Wings 7-0 in the final game of the Western Conference finals in 2002.

I haven't seen the Broncos play this bad ... well ... you have to go all the way back, way back, to Oct. 7 of 2007 when they lost at home to San Diego 41-3.

Excuse me a moment while I check the New England-Indianapolis game. Those two teams are in a different league from the Broncos.

When the Broncos were 2-1 long ago and far away, a Very Important Person in Denver, who shall be anonymous out of fear (mine), said in front of other witnesses that the Broncos would finish 6-10. I told him he was crazy. He is crazy. I don't see how the Broncos can win six.

They have won but three and have five very losable games on the road and, of course, any game at home is no bargain.

This is the most underachieving, overblown Broncos team I've ever been around. And probably Shana- han, too.

"I've been embarrassed a couple times this year obviously, more times than any time in my career," the coach said.

How bad has it gotten? Quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a "contusion," the team announced (bruise, to me and you), in the second quarter and was replaced by Patrick Ramsey. If Ramsey, who was praised by Shanahan (for some unknown reason), had been hurt, he would have been replaced by Mike Leach, the long-snapper.

Can this get any worse?

Yes.

"We're only one game out," the coach and several players said after Kansas City and San Diego also were beaten. Nice division, huh?

The Broncos need to win 14 out of 15 to get into the playoffs. That never happens.

If the Broncos could just win one. If they could just play Nebraska.

What is wrong?

The Broncos have a lot of bad players who are dragging down the few good men (but don't even confuse these Broncos with the Marines).

How about those four turnovers (and 18 for the season)? How about the first-quarter ineptness - when Shanahan's script used to be an award winner. Now it's a script for "Waterworld." How about 83 missed tackles?

How about Bly, the ex-Lion? Detroit wide receiver Roy Williams last week called Bly a "no-hitter." Bly threw a two-hitter Sunday - and celebrated by swinging a bat at the Detroit bench after one. Look in the mirror, Dré.

Excuse me for a moment while I make a fervent plea: Come back, Jake. All is forgiven.

Cutler, Ramsey, Plummer, Leach - it doesn't matter when you have such a despicable defense - forgive me, Nick - and nonspecial teams, an impotent offense and so many injuries and so many Broncos who haven't read (or can't read) the playbook and don't understand the game plan and so many coaches who aren't on the same page or field with the players.

Is Shanahan about to fire the defensive staff and the special-teams coach again? Can't blame Larry Coyer for the 44 on Sunday.

"My mind-set has never been to play for next year," said The Master Mind-set.

Look in the mirror, Coach. Burn the playbook and the midnight oil, and turn the Broncos loose on offense - throw deep and often - and on defense - blitz early and often - and move D.J. Williams back outside; insert Domonique Foxworth as a starter over Bly, and go with four young defensive linemen (Tim Crowder, Elvis Dumervil, Marcus Thomas and Antwon Burton). On offense, forget Henry and play Selvin Young and Andre Hall; and go with three tight ends and two wide receivers on every play.

And sign Jeremy Bloom today.

Excuse me for caring, and excuse me while I go watch two real teams finish their game. The Broncos are merely illusory.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So if the Broncos get a top 10 pick, who would the fans like to see them take in the draft?

a) James Laurinitis/Dan Connor

b) DeSean Jackson/Early Doucet

c) Kenny Phillips

d) other

 

[BusterTBronco]

I love Woodrow. Tellz it like it is!

 

[Max Power]

The Broncos are just terrible. Woody has a point, might as well start the rookies now.

 

[rascal]

The Broncos are just terrible. Woody has a point, might as well start the rookies now.

For the most part they already are because of injuries.BTW, starting Foxworth over Bly? What an idiot. Then he wants us to throw down field with 3 TE's and 2 WR sets? Are we no longer running the ball? This o-line can't pass block worth #### and you want to gun sling it all game? Brilliant. We already got Cutler killed, might as well see what our 3 string QB can do.

 

[shredhead]

The Broncos are just terrible. Woody has a point, might as well start the rookies now.

Only 3 months until the pitchers and catchers report to training camp. Oh, uhh you said rookies, never mind.

 

[SSOG]

So if the Broncos get a top 10 pick, who would the fans like to see them take in the draft?a) James Laurinitis/Dan Connorb) DeSean Jackson/Early Doucetc) Kenny Phillipsd) other

If Denver passes on taking a safety again, I'm going to scream. That was arguably the #1 need for the team LAST year. I can't believe that Denver traded up for Jarvis Moss instead of just standing pat and getting whoever fell between Moss and Reggie Nelson. I know they thought that no rookie safety could crack the starting lineup with Lynch and Ferguson back there, but that's pretty ridiculously delusional to assume that two of the 5 oldest safeties in the entire NFL are *BOTH* going to stay healthy for a full season.Denver's set at QB, Denver's set at WR (especially if they bring back Stokley, who has been amazing this year), Denver's set at TE. Denver should be set at OL, unless Nalen or Lepsis hang it up, in which case they might want to get one or two more developmental prospects for a couple of years down the line (but those are late pick type players). Denver desperately needs a lane-clogging DT and some fresh blood at LB (either MLB to let Williams go back to OLB, or an OLB to replace Webster while leaving Williams where he is). Most of all, though, they need a safety that isn't currently receiving benefits from the AARP. Outside of that, they're probably best off just going BPA all the way.

 

[SSOG]

The Broncos are just terrible. Woody has a point, might as well start the rookies now.

They aren't terrible, they're extremely injured and extremely inconsistent. Remember, they gave the Colts all they could handle for 3 quarters, they beat Pittsburgh, and they took GB to overtime- these are three of the best teams in the league. They aren't like a Miami, San Fran, Oakland, or St. Louis, here- a team that can't hang with any but the worst of teams.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

So if the Broncos get a top 10 pick, who would the fans like to see them take in the draft?a) James Laurinitis/Dan Connorb) DeSean Jackson/Early Doucetc) Kenny Phillipsd) other

If Denver passes on taking a safety again, I'm going to scream. That was arguably the #1 need for the team LAST year. I can't believe that Denver traded up for Jarvis Moss instead of just standing pat and getting whoever fell between Moss and Reggie Nelson. I know they thought that no rookie safety could crack the starting lineup with Lynch and Ferguson back there, but that's pretty ridiculously delusional to assume that two of the 5 oldest safeties in the entire NFL are *BOTH* going to stay healthy for a full season.Denver's set at QB, Denver's set at WR (especially if they bring back Stokley, who has been amazing this year), Denver's set at TE. Denver should be set at OL, unless Nalen or Lepsis hang it up, in which case they might want to get one or two more developmental prospects for a couple of years down the line (but those are late pick type players). Denver desperately needs a lane-clogging DT and some fresh blood at LB (either MLB to let Williams go back to OLB, or an OLB to replace Webster while leaving Williams where he is). Most of all, though, they need a safety that isn't currently receiving benefits from the AARP. Outside of that, they're probably best off just going BPA all the way.

Unfortunately, there isn't a Laron Landry in this draft. The safety position is seemingly quite weak.

 

[moleculo]

So if the Broncos get a top 10 pick, who would the fans like to see them take in the draft?a) James Laurinitis/Dan Connorb) DeSean Jackson/Early Doucetc) Kenny Phillipsd) other

If Denver passes on taking a safety again, I'm going to scream. That was arguably the #1 need for the team LAST year. I can't believe that Denver traded up for Jarvis Moss instead of just standing pat and getting whoever fell between Moss and Reggie Nelson. I know they thought that no rookie safety could crack the starting lineup with Lynch and Ferguson back there, but that's pretty ridiculously delusional to assume that two of the 5 oldest safeties in the entire NFL are *BOTH* going to stay healthy for a full season.Denver's set at QB, Denver's set at WR (especially if they bring back Stokley, who has been amazing this year), Denver's set at TE. Denver should be set at OL, unless Nalen or Lepsis hang it up, in which case they might want to get one or two more developmental prospects for a couple of years down the line (but those are late pick type players). Denver desperately needs a lane-clogging DT and some fresh blood at LB (either MLB to let Williams go back to OLB, or an OLB to replace Webster while leaving Williams where he is). Most of all, though, they need a safety that isn't currently receiving benefits from the AARP. Outside of that, they're probably best off just going BPA all the way.

Unfortunately, there isn't a Laron Landry in this draft. The safety position is seemingly quite weak.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that the Broncos take a LB in the first in 2008.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'd bet dollars to donuts that the Broncos take a LB in the first in 2008.

Several good LB's available in the 1st & 2nd round of the draft. James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. Dan Connor, Penn St. Keith Rivers, USCAli Highsmith, L.S.U. Xavier Adibi, Virginia TechShawn Crable, MichiganPhillip Wheeler, Georgia TechBeau Bell, UNLV

 

[moleculo]

I'd bet dollars to donuts that the Broncos take a LB in the first in 2008.

Several good LB's available in the 1st & 2nd round of the draft. James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. Dan Connor, Penn St. Keith Rivers, USCAli Highsmith, L.S.U. Xavier Adibi, Virginia TechShawn Crable, MichiganPhillip Wheeler, Georgia TechBeau Bell, UNLV

it is pretty difficult to tell which direction they will go, especially given Bates is in charge right now, and it really isn't clear how much blame he will take for the Broncos woes so far. The Denver DC position has been a veritable revolving door since Shanahan took over, and I'm not really sure who makes personnel calls on the defensive side. Maybe someone else can chime in.I say LB is the place to go, based on a history of drafting LB's in the first including John Mobley, Al Wilson, DJ Williams and Ian Gold in the 2nd. That, coupled with Denver's inability to stop the run or cover a TE has me thinking that this will be the first area to be adressed. I do agree with SSOG that safety is probably the area that needs help the most.I don't know much about these guys as I don't follow college FB as closely as i would like to, but if the Broncos follow past trends, they value speed and leadership over anything else at the LB position.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I don't know much about these guys as I don't follow college FB as closely as i would like to, but if the Broncos follow past trends, they value speed and leadership over anything else at the LB position.

Updated list with approximate 40 times. Most of these guys seem to rank well on the leadership scale...James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. - 6-3 244 4.60 Dan Connor, Penn St. - 6-3 233 4.65 Keith Rivers, USC - 6-3 220 4.60 Ali Highsmith, L.S.U. - 6-1 225 4.60 Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech - 6-2 225 4.55 Shawn Crable, Michigan - 6-5 241 4.65 Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech - 6-2 230 4.50 Beau Bell, UNLV - 6-3 245 4.65

 

[BusMan]

I've heard the Broncos didn't draft a safety because they're pleased with the development of Abdullah and Cox behind Lynch and Ferguson. I don't know if that's still the case.

I could definitely see the Broncos going LB, S, OL in this draft. We can count on more draft day deals as well. Don't forget that Henry might be gone by 2008, as well, although I could see Shanahan rolling the dice with Young and Hall---it seems to fit his m.o.

...so depressing to be talking draft after Week 9; I don't recall doing this before as a lifelong Broncos fan.

 

[Max Power]

I don't know much about these guys as I don't follow college FB as closely as i would like to, but if the Broncos follow past trends, they value speed and leadership over anything else at the LB position.

Updated list with approximate 40 times. Most of these guys seem to rank well on the leadership scale...James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. - 6-3 244 4.60

Dan Connor, Penn St. - 6-3 233 4.65

Keith Rivers, USC - 6-3 220 4.60

Ali Highsmith, L.S.U. - 6-1 225 4.60

Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech - 6-2 225 4.55

Shawn Crable, Michigan - 6-5 241 4.65

Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech - 6-2 230 4.50

Beau Bell, UNLV - 6-3 245 4.65

Adibi must play faster than he runs a 40, But listing him at 225 is wishful thinking. My guess is he is around 215...maybe 220 at most.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I don't know much about these guys as I don't follow college FB as closely as i would like to, but if the Broncos follow past trends, they value speed and leadership over anything else at the LB position.

Updated list with approximate 40 times. Most of these guys seem to rank well on the leadership scale...James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. - 6-3 244 4.60

Dan Connor, Penn St. - 6-3 233 4.65

Keith Rivers, USC - 6-3 220 4.60

Ali Highsmith, L.S.U. - 6-1 225 4.60

Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech - 6-2 225 4.55

Shawn Crable, Michigan - 6-5 241 4.65

Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech - 6-2 230 4.50

Beau Bell, UNLV - 6-3 245 4.65

Adibi must play faster than he runs a 40, But listing him at 225 is wishful thinking. My guess is he is around 215...maybe 220 at most.

I've seen him listed between 215 and 225. He may end up switching positions to safety in the NFL. That would be a difficult move. I've heard of guys going from safety to linebacker (Thomas Davis, Urlacher) but can't think of one that went the other way successfully.

I've never seen him play. Are you saying he plays much faster than his 40 time?

 

[Squinting Cyclops]

I was actually VERY optimistic about them at the start of the season. I thought the pass D would be so strong with Bailey and Bly that they could commit more guys to stopping the run. They also had added Brandon Marshall to the mix and had a workhorse back in Travis Henry. They began to disappoint when the run D became a laughingstock and Cutler was unable to QB the team to comfortable leads against what I preceived to be weaker teams. Since they are in a mediocre division, the still have a shot, but they need to stop playing down to the level of inferior teams.

 

[Ghost Rider]

They are still only a game out of first place, but given the injuries to Cutler and Walker and the current sorry state of the defense, I just can't see them finishing better than 6-10 or maybe 7-9 this season. Too much to overcome in a short period of time. It is a shame, too, as the AFC West was totally there for the taking this year.

 

[BusMan]

They are still only a game out of first place, but given the injuries to Cutler and Walker and the current sorry state of the defense, I just can't see them finishing better than 6-10 or maybe 7-9 this season. Too much to overcome in a short period of time. It is a shame, too, as the AFC West was totally there for the taking this year.

I'm not ready to give up quite yet. Despite the unequivocal putridness of the run defense, there actually has been some improvement in that area lately.
Week Opp OppRuAtt OppRuYds OppRuAvg 1 BUF 26 112 4.3 2 OAK 35 200 5.7 3 JAC 47 186 4.0 4 IND 37 226 6.1 5 SD 37 217 5.8 6 BYE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7 PIT 26 119 4.6 8 GB 27 105 3.9 9 DET 29 130 4.5The bye week break is an important one, as it was reported that during that week the Broncos scrapped Jim Bates' defensive scheme and went back to what they ran last year. It you take the cumulative rushing totals pre-scraping and post-scraping, you get thisre: 182-938-5.2

Post: 82-354-4.3

Whether or not this is due to the nature of the teams played in each period I don't know. But there does appear to be at least some cosmetic improvement. The real key is to have our secondary create more turnovers, which usually is the result of good pass pressure. We're not getting either right now.

Another nice bit of optimism comes from our situation in the AFC West, where we're only one game out of first place. With San Diego facing Indy this week, the Broncos have a great chance to get back into a tie for first place with a win at Kansas City. I know its not the easiest place to play, especially for the Broncos, but there are a number of reasons to expect the Broncos to have a shot:

Larry Johnson is likely going to miss the game. Of course, on the flip side, the Broncos don't want to be the defense that has everyone talking about the improbable comeback of Priest Holmes.
Cutler's injury isn't as serious as previously thought, and there is an outside chance he'll play. Even if he doesn't, I saw enough from Patrick Ramsey that leads me to believe he can win with the Broncos.
The rash of injuries to our starters has earned a lot of our young players quality experience, which should in turn lead to better results. If the young bucks on the D line can get some pressure on Huard, it'll make it easier for Bailey or Bly to break back into the interception column.
Andre Hall. He looked legit last week as a kickoff returner. Perhaps he plays the X-factor?The suckitude in the division gives us hope as Broncos fans. I'm sure Shanahan realizes what a big game we have coming up, and will prepare the team likewise. A win in Arrowhead would be (relatively) huge.

 

[SSOG]

I've heard the Broncos didn't draft a safety because they're pleased with the development of Abdullah and Cox behind Lynch and Ferguson. I don't know if that's still the case.

Sundquist does an annual column on the official site immediately after the draft where he goes super in-depth into the team's thought process. He's really up-front and candid, admitting when he thinks the team panicked and why he made the moves he made. This season after the draft, he said that pretty much the only reason Denver didn't target a safety is because they were trying to win right now, and there was no way any rookie safety was going to see the field with Ferguson and Lynch. I thought back then that it was insane to expect perfect health from two of the oldest safeties in the league, especially when both have a very long and very recent injury history. We're seeing that right now.

 

[rascal]

http://blog.denverbroncos.com/mason/2007/1...x-games-played/

The first notion filtered through the media corps as the Broncos went through pre-practice warmups and calisthenics, where onlookers murmured to each other, asking “Where is Simeon Rice?” and “Do you see (No.) 97 out there?”

The answer came after practice, when Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced that the 12-year veteran defensive end was released following an eight-game tenure in which he was inactive twice, started once and logged 11 total tackles and a pass breakup during the six games in which he played. Most notably, he didn’t record a sack, and now has two sacks in his last 14 games played after notching 56.5 sacks in the previous four seasons.

“When we lost Ebenezer (Ekuban), we went out to try to find a proven player that we thought could help us,” Shanahan said. “In the current situation, we felt like we were better with the younger players that we do have. They gave us the best chance to win. That’s the direction (in which) we’re going.”

The team added three younger defensive ends this week — Josh Mallard and Paul Carrington, who played under current defensive-line coach Bill Johnson in Atlanta last year, and rookie Larry Birdine.

When asked whether the release was related to Rice’s shoulder — which has been problematic since last season and led to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decision to release him in July — Shanahan declined to specify the reason why Rice’s production was below expectations.

 

[rascal]

Denver Broncos defensive end Simeon Rice has asked the team for his release, sources have told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Both sides are working on an agreement, according to Mortensen. That could be completed by Friday afternoon.

Rice has been struggling to get back to full strength after having shoulder surgery.

 

[BusMan]

Wanted to bump this thread with a link dump for Broncos fans.

Official Broncos Site - an obvious first destination. Andrew Mason's cover the team well, and his blog is a must read.

Mile High Report - a well run, thoughtful fan blog.

Bronco Talk - ditto the above, although a touch less frequently updated.

The Orange Mane - decent Broncos discussion, although its hard to wade through sometime.

Feel free to add to this list, as my Broncos links always welcome new additions.

 

[Paddy O'Seanessy]

You mean optimistic about next season?