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** Official 2010 Denver Broncos Offseason Thread ** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter bryan215
- Start date
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
This is why a lot of Broncos fans crack me up.
Courtjester
The Town Drunk
Rick Dennison gone.
Bobby Turner gone.
Casey Wiegmann starting center gone because they want to change the blocking scheme.
If they trade BM, this is going to be a really, really long year...
But if they keep BM, that will keep them from having to go WR in the 1st/2nd round and hopefully the Broncos can focus on getting defensive help for a secondary that probably has 2 years max. left in them.
Bobby Turner gone.
Casey Wiegmann starting center gone because they want to change the blocking scheme.
If they trade BM, this is going to be a really, really long year...
But if they keep BM, that will keep them from having to go WR in the 1st/2nd round and hopefully the Broncos can focus on getting defensive help for a secondary that probably has 2 years max. left in them.
I'm ready to close the door on the Brandon Marshall era. From a football standpoint, I don't want to see him go, but with all this testimony going on in the Derrent Williams murder trial, I don't think Denver is a safe place for Brandon Marshall. He needs (and deserves) a fresh start in a place where gang members won't be looking for him.
Stinkin Ref
IBL Representative
just adding Mike Nolan to the list......Courtjester said:
Stinkin Ref
IBL Representative
if gang members want to get BM for some reason, it ain't gonna matter where he goes.....
You're probably right, but I think he has a better chance at life elsewhere, considering his testimony at the trial this past week. I know there are Crips in every major city, but the farther he gets away from Denver, the better in my opinion. This goes way beyond football at this point, even though BM hasn't been a model citizen, I don't wish gang repercussions on anyone. Good luck Brandon! Get out of town without harm while you can.
Stinkin Ref
IBL Representative
I agree with much of what you said, this is one of those where a change of scenery would be good for all parties involved.....I didn't know until after the trial started that BM was actually in a physical altercation with the suspected trigger man on that night before the shooting.....things are pretty mellow in KC......
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Yeah, I bet you'd love him in KC. A lot of interesting things coming out in the trial (is there a thread in the FFA? I looked briefly, but been to lazy to search for one) Can you imagine the guilt BM has been carrying around for the last 3 years? It might explain some of his actions over the past few years, it doesn't excuse any actions, just maybe 'splaining some.I agree with much of what you said, this is one of those where a change of scenery would be good for all parties involved.....I didn't know until after the trial started that BM was actually in a physical altercation with the suspected trigger man on that night before the shooting.....things are pretty mellow in KC......
Broncos are bringing in:
DL Justin Bannan
DL Dwan Edwards
C Rex Hadnot
OT Tony Pathos
CB Nathan Jones
DE Jason Babin
Signed:
RB JJ Arrington
WR Brandon Lloyd
OG Russ Hochstein
Trades:
Nothing yet, but rumors about regarding Marshall.
RFAs:
OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil - 1st and 3rd round tender
QB Kyle Orton - 1st round tender
WR Brandon Marshall - 1st round tender
G Chris Kuper - 1st round tender
TE Tony Scheffler - 2nd round tender
DL Justin Bannan
DL Dwan Edwards
C Rex Hadnot
OT Tony Pathos
CB Nathan Jones
DE Jason Babin
Signed:
RB JJ Arrington
WR Brandon Lloyd
OG Russ Hochstein
Trades:
Nothing yet, but rumors about regarding Marshall.
RFAs:
OLB/DE Elvis Dumervil - 1st and 3rd round tender
QB Kyle Orton - 1st round tender
WR Brandon Marshall - 1st round tender
G Chris Kuper - 1st round tender
TE Tony Scheffler - 2nd round tender
munchkin
Footballguy
If Green has recovered from his nagging injuries he is a serviceable situational DE.
thatguy
Footballguy
Perhaps they are preparing to draft Rolando McClain... Would be a good fit.
Buffaloes
Footballguy
That's what it seems....or maybe the FO really like Spencer Larson? Either way it seems like the FO is still seething from the end of the season defensive swoon. They released Peterson at DE too.
You don't cut your #2 ILB in a 3-4 before you draft the hypothetical player to replace him. That is risky and just plain stupid.
Wow, that it's a bit of a shock...
"The Denver Post"
The Broncos also could fill the void from within. Mario Haggan, who started at outside linebacker last season, could move back to his more natural inside position.
In this scenario, the Broncos would count on last year's first-round draft pick, Robert Ayers, to make marked improvement in his second season. Ayers, an outside linebacker selected with the No. 18 draft pick, will be among the Broncos' top six paid players in 2010 at $5.1 million.
The Broncos also could fill the void from within. Mario Haggan, who started at outside linebacker last season, could move back to his more natural inside position.
In this scenario, the Broncos would count on last year's first-round draft pick, Robert Ayers, to make marked improvement in his second season. Ayers, an outside linebacker selected with the No. 18 draft pick, will be among the Broncos' top six paid players in 2010 at $5.1 million.
thatguy
Footballguy
Davis played well last season, but it's not like he was anything special. And he will be be one year older. He is very replaceable - if not by McClain than someone else, perhaps internally.I'm not at all surprised by the move. Davis simply doesn't/didn't figure into their long term plans.
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Agreed, very replaceable despite playing pretty well last year. Plus they get a freebee on the contract with the uncapped year.
BusMan
Footballguy
With the recent trade of Peyton Hillis and a late pick or two for Brady Quinn, as well as Chris Simms' release, the QB depth chart looks like this:
Kyle Orton
Brady Quinn
Tom Brandstater
Given these offseason QB moves I doubt one will be drafted in April.
With Brandon Marshall's 2010 team uncertain (although as each day goes by the likelihood that he returns to Denver increases) and starting ILB Andra Davis having been cut, most mock drafts have focused on either WR or LB (Dez Bryant or Rolando McClain) as Denver's presumptive first round pick.
A DL pick seems less plausible considering the recent additions they've made (Bannan, Williams, Green), although Dan Williams from Tennessee wouldn't be a bad choice.
The interior offensive line still needs bodies, though. Prevailing thought seems to indicate that pick 11 is too high for a center or guard, although I personally wouldn't have any problems with the team "reaching" for Iupati or Pouncey. Ideally they could move down and still get one of those two guys, unless they're sold on either Bryant or McClain.
I'm impressed with the front office's offseason so far. I'd like to see dramatically improved results from last year's draft, though.
Kyle Orton
Brady Quinn
Tom Brandstater
Given these offseason QB moves I doubt one will be drafted in April.
With Brandon Marshall's 2010 team uncertain (although as each day goes by the likelihood that he returns to Denver increases) and starting ILB Andra Davis having been cut, most mock drafts have focused on either WR or LB (Dez Bryant or Rolando McClain) as Denver's presumptive first round pick.
A DL pick seems less plausible considering the recent additions they've made (Bannan, Williams, Green), although Dan Williams from Tennessee wouldn't be a bad choice.
The interior offensive line still needs bodies, though. Prevailing thought seems to indicate that pick 11 is too high for a center or guard, although I personally wouldn't have any problems with the team "reaching" for Iupati or Pouncey. Ideally they could move down and still get one of those two guys, unless they're sold on either Bryant or McClain.
I'm impressed with the front office's offseason so far. I'd like to see dramatically improved results from last year's draft, though.
Buffaloes
Footballguy
They could use some youth all over on defense too. It seems like they are duct taping the 3-4 together which should be OK for the short term but if they don't somehow figure out how to draft defensive players, it's not going to take long before the defense falls apart again.
BusMan
Footballguy
Lots of people would argue BPA is the best draft strategy regardless of need. That said, I agree we need some interior OL help.They're working out BC's center Matt Tennant today, so he's on the radar. 6'5" and 300 pounds sounds like the kind of big body our new power running game needs. He's NFP's second rated center:
Stanford RB Toby Gerhart is scheduled for a workout next week as well. I would love his game as a compliment to Moreno and Buckhalter. I assume the Broncos would have to target him in the early third or earlier.I'll be excited if both McClain and Bryant are available when Denver picks at 11 (although I doubt it could happen). Given last year's draft though, with positions of perceived need not addressed and several perceived reaches occurring, I'm not sure what to expect.
The Broncos need to trade down and get an extra third or second if at all possible.I like Dan Williams but not sure if he is worthy of a #11 pick. He's about the only player I truly want at our position (who should be available anyway).BusMan said:
They've interviewed 2 centers thus far (BC Tennett and that Baylor kid) so they are at least focusing on their obvious needs. That's probably the biggest problem I had with Shanny.
I think the Broncos need to take a serious look at drafting Jamar Chaney in the third or fourth round. He has had some injuries but I don't think it's indicative of future problems. He kicked ### in the senior bowl, put up solid numbers at Miss St, and showed excellent mobility, explosiveness, and strength in the combine. I think he could compete right away for our ILB vacancy or at least provide solid backup behind Haggan (if that is who starts) and DJ. I don't have a lot of faith in Larsen and he seems destined for FB duties with the departure of Hillis.
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You can never go wrong with BPA - Dan Williams would still be a great pick at #11 - but it's conceivable he could go top 10 (KC? Buffalo?) and with sizable investments in both Ronald Fields and Jamal Williams, it looks doubtful.
A trade down for Pouncey could be a very plausible/desirable scenario for the Broncos depending on how they feel about McClain. If Joe Hadden is available, what about a switch with Houston who is at #20? Although with Houston's many needs it may be unlikely.
As far as WR goes, I'd rather see Mardy Gilyard in the 2nd or Jordan Shipley/Eric Decker in the 3rd than Dez in round one. I think the rest of of the WR class is being overlooked and there will be some great players that go in between the 2nd and 4th rounds.
The one player I want to them to stay away from is G Mike Iupati. He is a liability in pass protection and a holding machine... did anyone else notice this at the senior bowl? Mike Mayock pointed it out a few times... he was getting abused in pass protection. Looks to be a good run blocker but if you can't pass protect then you're not a 1st round prospect.
Another player who may get some looks is Carlos Dunlap, who would really complete the DE rotation and give them an future stud on the DL.
A trade down for Pouncey could be a very plausible/desirable scenario for the Broncos depending on how they feel about McClain. If Joe Hadden is available, what about a switch with Houston who is at #20? Although with Houston's many needs it may be unlikely.
As far as WR goes, I'd rather see Mardy Gilyard in the 2nd or Jordan Shipley/Eric Decker in the 3rd than Dez in round one. I think the rest of of the WR class is being overlooked and there will be some great players that go in between the 2nd and 4th rounds.
The one player I want to them to stay away from is G Mike Iupati. He is a liability in pass protection and a holding machine... did anyone else notice this at the senior bowl? Mike Mayock pointed it out a few times... he was getting abused in pass protection. Looks to be a good run blocker but if you can't pass protect then you're not a 1st round prospect.
Another player who may get some looks is Carlos Dunlap, who would really complete the DE rotation and give them an future stud on the DL.
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BusMan
Footballguy
A great breakdown of McDaniels' comments at the recent owners' meetings from Frank Schwab:
--DL depth has been addressed through FA
--Orton is the starting QB
--Mario Haggan slides inside to starting MLB with second year man Robert Ayers projected to slide into Haggan's old spot
Smells like BPA at #11 for the Broncos.
Key points: --the new starting center may already be on the team (Hochstein/Fry)
--DL depth has been addressed through FA
--Orton is the starting QB
--Mario Haggan slides inside to starting MLB with second year man Robert Ayers projected to slide into Haggan's old spot
Smells like BPA at #11 for the Broncos.
KoolKat
Footballguy
I have been pleasantly suprised with this offseason. We have addressed key issues, and although we let Nolan go, I believe the defense will be better next season. Quinn is a great replacement for Simms. If we could somehow move Marshall for a 1st, I think it would be a good thing. Let's just hope there are not any curve ball draft picks headed our way.
BusMan
Footballguy
I agree that free agency appears to be a strength of this regime based on the two periods we've seen. The draft...is a completely different animal. I want to see significant improvement.
I'd agree with that list but I'd add Joe Hadden / Kyle Wilson. Champ's only got one year left on his contract and we need a number one CB of the future. And regarding Pouncy I will be a bit disappointed because they likely could acquire him via trade down. I'd also rather have Arrelious Benn in the 2nd than Dez in the first, but that's just me. What about a 2nd round wish list?DT/DE Tyson AlualuWR Arrelious BennS Nate AllenDE Carlos DunlapLB Koa MisiDT/DE Linval JosephLB Sean LeeDT Brian Price
BusMan
Footballguy
BusMan
Footballguy
Same here. Denver has too many needs, and this draft has too much talent for McX not to try very hard to move down.
Courtjester
The Town Drunk
I agree. If we could go down 3-5-7 spots, pick up a 3rd rounder (maybe a late 2nd--I can wish can't I?).But when the teams needs WR/LB/CB and help on both lines, the more picks the better.BusMan said:
Buffaloes
Footballguy
Woooooooow.
Denver does a masterful job trading back and replacing Marshall with a big physical WR. And then....Tebow.
McDaniels getting hammered by all sides and I can see why. A 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounder for a project QB? He just went all in. As a Bronco fan, I seriously hope it works out. I loved the Bey Bey Thomas pick and the trade downs prior to that. But this Tebow pick will probably determine McX's future not only with the Broncos but in the league.
Does Tebow come in and contribute at all this year? I mean wildcat/wildhorses whatever formation? Is he a GL/short yardage gimmick guy in addition to clipboard holder? I'd hope he does something after trading all those picks. It's not like the rest of Denver's rooster is loaded with talent. They could have used those picks elsewhere. I hope it works out.
Denver does a masterful job trading back and replacing Marshall with a big physical WR. And then....Tebow.
McDaniels getting hammered by all sides and I can see why. A 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounder for a project QB? He just went all in. As a Bronco fan, I seriously hope it works out. I loved the Bey Bey Thomas pick and the trade downs prior to that. But this Tebow pick will probably determine McX's future not only with the Broncos but in the league.
Does Tebow come in and contribute at all this year? I mean wildcat/wildhorses whatever formation? Is he a GL/short yardage gimmick guy in addition to clipboard holder? I'd hope he does something after trading all those picks. It's not like the rest of Denver's rooster is loaded with talent. They could have used those picks elsewhere. I hope it works out.
Sammy Traveller
Footballguy
at least Denver plays Jacksonville in the 2010 season opener...in Jacksonville.
moleculo
Footballguy
of course I'm worried. The Tebow pick could pay off in huge dividends in 2011 or 2012; I don't see any benefit for 2010 - a Bronco team that clearly will have some holes. Further, we traded some good picks to get him.Here's my thoughts on Tebow - not organized or necessarily consistent, just documenting what' been going through my head since last night:
[*]Tebow will be a spectacular hit or a dramatic miss. He's either the next Elway or the next Alex Smith. i don't see a middle of the road for his future. If he can figure out what he's been knocked for missing (i.e. running NFL offense, mechanics), he will be the best player in this draft, I have no doubt.
[*]I'm not so concerned about the mechanics that others aren't seeing. Ryan Leaf threw a pretty ball. So does JaMarcus Russell, so did Tim Couch. Bernie Kosar threw a pretty ugly pass, but he was effective.
[*]I'm not so sure that the system Florida runs is drastically different from what McD does. Last year, Orton was in the gun quite a bit with a spread O - lots of WR screens and the like. I haven't watched a whole lot of Gator games, but isn't tha pretty much the same stuff the they do?
[*]McD/Tebow will be forever linked. McD has hitched his NFL reputation to Tebow. If Tebow ends up being half the NFL stud he was in college, McD will be a genius. If Tebow is an epic failure, I'll be hopping on the "McIdiot" bandwagon. This draft is where McD completely transforms the team into what he wants it to be, instead of Shanahans leftovers. I like it. If he's gonna go down, I like that he's gonna go down his way, with his guys.
[*]People say it was a reach to draft Tebow in the first, and it may have been. But, just like real-estate is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay, Tebow is worth a first round because I'm certain that there were other teams willing to take Tebow in the first round. That being said, a late first is not too much to pay for someone you really like. Heck, the price for Tebow was less than the price paid for Alphonso Smith.
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thanks for reminding me.
Despite the Tebow pick, which i understand I just don't like it, we had an incredible 3rd round and found some excellent value. I give us a solid B.
Decker and Thomas will be our WRs of the future, I expect Jabar to start over Decker this year though, with Royal moved to slot (as he should be).
Our o-line got considerably better with Beadles, Walton, and Olsen. I expect Beadles to challenge Seth Olsen for LG and Walton to start at C.
Perrish Cox was a sweet pick with low risk (due to his off-field questions).
Really wish we would address the d-line through the draft, but in a 3-4 I can understand not focusing on it. Our LB and HB positions are scary thin even with the Akin Ayodele signing. IMO the defense hinges on the health of Jamal and the performance of Ayers.
Expected depth chart:
QB: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, Tom Brandstater
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall
WR: Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley
WR: Jabar Gaffney, Eric Decker, Matthew Willis
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley
TE: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson
LT: Ryan Clady, Brandon Gorin
LG: Zane Beadles, Seth Olsen, Matt McChesney
C: J.D. Walton, Russ Hochstein, Dustin Fry
RG: Chris Kuper, Eric Olsen
RT: Ryan Harris, Tyler Polumbus, D'Anthony Batiste
DE: Justin Bannan, Le Kevin Smith, Marcus Thomas
DE: Jarvis Green, Ryan McBean
NT: Jamal Williams, Ronnie Fields, Chris Baker
OLB: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Jammie Kirlew
OLB: Robert Ayers, Darrell Reid, Baraka Atkins
ILB: DJ Williams, Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelley
ILB: Mario Haggan, Akin Ayodele, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Nate Jones, Tony Carter, Syd'Quan Thompson
CB: Andre Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Perrish Cox
S: Brian Dawkins, Darcel McBath
S: Renaldo Hill, David Bruton, Josh Barrett
K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt, A.J. Trapasso
DS: Lonie Paxton
Decker and Thomas will be our WRs of the future, I expect Jabar to start over Decker this year though, with Royal moved to slot (as he should be).
Our o-line got considerably better with Beadles, Walton, and Olsen. I expect Beadles to challenge Seth Olsen for LG and Walton to start at C.
Perrish Cox was a sweet pick with low risk (due to his off-field questions).
Really wish we would address the d-line through the draft, but in a 3-4 I can understand not focusing on it. Our LB and HB positions are scary thin even with the Akin Ayodele signing. IMO the defense hinges on the health of Jamal and the performance of Ayers.
Expected depth chart:
QB: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow, Tom Brandstater
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington, Lance Ball, Bruce Hall
WR: Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley
WR: Jabar Gaffney, Eric Decker, Matthew Willis
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Lloyd, Kenny McKinley
TE: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson
LT: Ryan Clady, Brandon Gorin
LG: Zane Beadles, Seth Olsen, Matt McChesney
C: J.D. Walton, Russ Hochstein, Dustin Fry
RG: Chris Kuper, Eric Olsen
RT: Ryan Harris, Tyler Polumbus, D'Anthony Batiste
DE: Justin Bannan, Le Kevin Smith, Marcus Thomas
DE: Jarvis Green, Ryan McBean
NT: Jamal Williams, Ronnie Fields, Chris Baker
OLB: Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Jammie Kirlew
OLB: Robert Ayers, Darrell Reid, Baraka Atkins
ILB: DJ Williams, Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelley
ILB: Mario Haggan, Akin Ayodele, Spencer Larsen
CB: Champ Bailey, Nate Jones, Tony Carter, Syd'Quan Thompson
CB: Andre Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Perrish Cox
S: Brian Dawkins, Darcel McBath
S: Renaldo Hill, David Bruton, Josh Barrett
K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt, A.J. Trapasso
DS: Lonie Paxton
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Buffaloes
Footballguy
I liked the draft a lot too but I agree with this. Maybe Oklahoma's Chris Brown turns into a UDFA gem? Hopefully because Buckhalter and Arrington don't strike me as a great duo should Moreno go down.
SSOG
Moderator
I've got a bit of a unique perspective, since I'm a UF alum in addition to a Bronco fan (so, obviously, I've seen me a LOT of Tim Tebow). I have always been one of Tebow's most vocal supporters on the board. I've also been one of the loudest and most vocal supporters of having a run/pass threat (mostly in the form of the wildcat). Yudkin recently pointed out that I anticipated the arrival of the wildcat in the NFL a year before the wildcat made its NFL debut. I didn't anticipate Denver getting Tebow, but I'm happy with the pick, because Denver's about the best possible fit for him. First off, to quote some sections of the John Bena article that Busman posted...
First off, I very strongly disagree with this. This is exactly what Urban Meyer did with Tim Tebow his freshman year- he created a "Tebow Package" in his playbook, a very small set of formations and plays that Tebow learned and Tebow ran. Not only was it a tremendous asset to Florida's season (UF never wins the 2006 National Championship if Tebow never converts 4th and 2 against Tennessee- period), but it was also FANTASTIC for Tebow's development. I mean, would anyone here say that Tebow didn't turn out okay at Florida? By getting a small but manageable section of the playbook, Tebow was able to really learn and master the offense in small slices at a time rather than having the whole book thrown at him at once and struggling. Tebow also had a great opportunity to be exposed to the reality of life in the SEC, the quality of competition, and the pressures that come with being a major name in Div1A Football. He got valuable on-the-job experience without Florida having to worry about trying to compete for a championship while starting a true freshman QB. Also, it's not like Tebow took all year to learn and process his package of plays- once he had those down, he had plenty of free time to learn what he needed to learn about the QB position.I really believe that having a package of plays for a rookie QB is possibly the BEST POSSIBLE WAY to develop that QB, it's just that there are very few QBs you can create a package for without destroying your ability to compete. Tebow is one of those very few QBs. If a normal rookie isn't ready, creating a set of plays for him means your team will be WORSE OFF when he is on the field running those plays. With Tebow, however, you can create a set of plays and have your team BETTER OFF while he's running them. Does anyone doubt that Tim Tebow will be a bigger threat on 2nd and 1 than Kyle Orton?
Also, it's not like all of Tebow's plays were "gimmicks" as a freshman. He had plenty of passing plays, some handoffs, just a large diverse cross-section to practice and run. And I put "gimmicks" in quotes because, as I've been saying for years, there's nothing "gimmicky" about formations like the Wildcat. It's just solid fundamental "whiteboard football".
I pretty strongly disagree with this. I mean, let's be honest- does anyone REALLY believe that Denver's going to be competing for the SB this year? I mean, anyone other than John Bena? Whether Tebow's running the offense, running a small package of the offense, or running the bench, none of that is really going to have a significant impact on Denver's season. Denver doesn't need players who can step in and contribute immediately, because Denver's probably not going to be COMPETING immediately. The best-case scenario for Denver right now is 10 wins and an early playoff exit. Nobody really has any expectations for the team. Denver was possibly the best place for Tebow to land.
First off, as I said, Tebow could definitely pay dividends in 2010. Whether he becomes a starter or not, I have a feeling that we just radically upgraded our red zone offense (which has been an achilles heel for years). We also just upgraded our "Wild Horses" package. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Tebow provide as much benefit as a #3 WR or a CoP RB, or a rotational D-Lineman. He's going to have a chance to make some impact plays.Second off, great observation on the similarities between Denver's offense and Florida's. In fact, they're far more than superficial, nor are they coincidental. Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer are very good friends. Each coach has the other coach address his team every year, and they fly out to see each other a couple times during the offseason to hang out and discuss football in ways that they can't during the season. They talk about strategy, they talk Xs and Os, they talk about motivating champions, etc. Well, prior to the 2007 season, they talked a lot about the spread. Belichick was curious about the finer points of it, so Meyer gave him a little clinic in the spread offense, its principals and fundamentals, its strengths, its weaknesses, etc. Belichick then decided to install the spread at New England. He wound up pretty much just taking and installing all of the passing plays in Florida's playbook- he ran them out of "NFL formations", but the plays for the most part were pretty much unchanged. He also built upon it, added "NFL wrinkles", that sort of thing... but the 2007 New England passing game (you know, the one that set pretty much every scoring record in the books) was at its heart just Florida's passing offense. And the offensive coordinator for the 2007 New England Patriots, as we all know, was Josh McDaniels. So he came to Denver and he brought a lot of the elements of his scheme with him. A lot of the stuff that Denver ran last year isn't similar to what Tebow ran in college... it *IS* what Tebow ran in college, taken directly from his playbook.
That's why I say that there probably isn't a better situation in the entire league for Tim Tebow. He got drafted to run an offense that he already knows in which he's already excelled. He was drafted by a coach who is very well acquainted with his strengths and weaknesses (thanks to the Meyer connection), and who is brash and creative enough to try all sorts of things that Tebow is perfectly suited to do, but which the rest of the NFL would be too conservative and tradition-bound to even dream about. Denver got a lot of flak for taking Tebow while Clausen was still on the board, but with the possible exception of Bradford, there wasn't a single QB in the entire draft capable of running the offense as McDaniels' envisions it better than Tim Tebow.
I've also said in other threads that what I find especially interesting about Tebow is that, while the majority of the population is very cool on Tebow, the guys in the NFL who are considered "creative offensive minds" were almost unanimous in their love of him. Cam Cameron said that the wildcat could never work as a full-time offense in the NFL... with the possible exception of with Tim Tebow under center. The interviewer hadn't even mentioned Tebow, he'd just asked Cameron about the wildcat. Chan Gailey has made similar comments without any prompting, too. Bill Belichick has, (also unprompted), called Tebow "a special one". John Gruden obviously loves him, and I recall Mike Shanahan saying some good things about him, too. And we obviously know how McDaniels feels about Tebow. The acclaim that Tebow receives from the non-traditional "offensive gurus" is a very strong reason for optimism, in my mind.
moleculo
Footballguy
I'm really looking forward to training camp now. No more cloud of cutler, no Marshall drama...it feels good to have all of the negativity finally behind us. From here on out, things should only be trending up :knocksonwood:
From here on out, it's positive things only: the progression of the new WR's, the excitement that Tebow brings, the battles for starting positions along the OL, and how the DL gels. It's an exciting time, and it's refreshing to be looking forward to the season again.
From here on out, it's positive things only: the progression of the new WR's, the excitement that Tebow brings, the battles for starting positions along the OL, and how the DL gels. It's an exciting time, and it's refreshing to be looking forward to the season again.
