Big Log
Footballguy
Found this article on the bleacherreport that may be of interest to guys in deep IDP leagues. A few names stick out - Ayers, Cox, Thompson and Hunter.
Speaking of defense, Denver’s was shockingly dominant in 2009. Led by Mike Nolan, the Broncos possessed the No. 3 passing defense in the NFL last year.Gone is Nolan, who has been replaced by Don “Wink” Martindale, a relative unknown in the professional football world. And the secondary is another year older.Certainly Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are some of the biggest superstars on the defensive side of the ball in today’s game, but at 32 and 36 years old, both are at the end of their prime and closing in on the end of their careers. Though, Bailey showed he still has what it takes in the first preseason game, as he single-handedly stopped Bengals’ drives by knocking down a pass intended for Chad Ochocinco, and tackling Terrell Owens short of the line on another.But the Broncos aren’t going to rely on the older statesmen forever, and some young DBs have played quite well so far this year.Syd’Quan Thompson, who was taken in the seventh round of this year’s draft, had an electrifying interception for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. In the same game, fifth round pick Perrish Cox picked off a pass and both players returned kicks with an electrifying ability.The Broncos’ linebacking corps will obviously miss Elvis Dumervil, but the others will have to step up. Perrish Cox had a great punt return for the Broncos on Sunday. Robert Ayers and Jarvis Moss are both ex-first round picks and neither have done much in the NFL since arriving in Denver. Ayers, McDaniels’ second first-round pick in 2009, struggled after changing positions from DE to OLB. Ayers showed a spark and intent to earn some regular season playing time with his two monster sacks Sunday. Also, Ayers got one of his sacks lined up as a DE, and both Ayers and Moss will be asked to play hybrid positions especially when the Broncos bring a nickel package.But, Jason Hunter, also a converted defensive end, has impressed many and looks to be the starting outside linebacker opposite of Ayers since Moss broke his hand in practice two weeks agf course, the backbone of the backers will be D.J. Williams, and he looks to have another strong season as one of the middle LBs.Special teams looks to be a bit improved, as both kick and punt return teams and their coverage units have been fast and attacking. The coverage guys have been getting to returners more quickly and both Cox and Thompson showed the possibility of having some deadly Denver return men this season.
