As Healthy As They're Gonna Be -- Scheffler and Young To Suit Up Vs. Browns

by John Bena on Nov 5, 2008 12:53 PM MST

They aren' t 100%, but with the current state of the Broncos they really don't have much of a choice, do they? TE Tony Scheffler and RB Selvin Young, both of whihc hve missed the last three games for the Broncos - all losses - will dress and see action tomorrow night in Cleveland. That according to Mike Shanahan earlier today after a short workout before boarding a plane.

While how much action either sees is up for debate, anything is better than nothing, especially at running back where the Broncos are down to a rookie with 3 career carries and a practice squad call-up(Ryan Torain and P.J. Pope)

“He’s still a little sore,” Shanahan said about Young. “I don’t think we’ll know for sure until he actually starts playing, but he’s going to dress and hopefully there’s no setback.”

Shanny admitted neither is full speed but the Broncos will apparently see what they can do.

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While Scheff is a great target for Cutler...

….I don’t think he is being rushed back. We still have depth at TE to cover the game, though I think we will need a lot of two TE looks against a physical 3-4 like the Browns have.

RB is problematic, but I still think Hillis can plug in for emergencies. I think we’ll see what Torrain is made of in this game.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 5, 2008 1:17 PM MST reply actions

Hillis

Hillis should be the starting RB. Like I said on another thread, I think he led all Arkansas RB’s in yards per carry. That at least shows he can take a handoff and go with it. Torain is not ready for a full load (hope I’m wrong!) and I bet Young can’t actually go – groin injuries are the pits, and if he’s still “sore”, he’s not going to be a help.

War is behavior with its roots in the primal sea: eat whatever you touch, or it will eat you. John Fowles.

by bradley on Nov 5, 2008 1:51 PM MST reply actions

The problem is...

neither is very knowledgeable in pass protection yet. Running the ball isn’t the only problem, they also need to be able to pick up the blitz…

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com

by John Bena on Nov 5, 2008 2:40 PM MST reply actions

So....

…what’s your solution? Put a gimpy Young in to stop the blitz? Why not start Hillis, who is very talented, and either hand it off to him, or swing him out, as a counter blitz tactic.

War is behavior with its roots in the primal sea: eat whatever you touch, or it will eat you. John Fowles.

by bradley on Nov 5, 2008 2:50 PM MST up reply actions

There is no solution...

I’m just telling you why you can’t throw a rookie in the backfield for 30 snaps….

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com

by John Bena on Nov 5, 2008 3:02 PM MST up reply actions

I have to respectfully disagree TSG

We have started plenty of rookie RB for a game even seasons, granted it may not be ideal, but really Shanahan generally wants his RB to chip the edge rusher and pick-up an interior blitzing LB, I think Hillis could do it better than Young or Pope right now. Plus he adds a pass catching dimension that neither Young or Pope have. Granted it would be nice to have a healthy vetern pressence back there, but you gotta go with who you have.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 5, 2008 3:11 PM MST up reply actions

And they have Young

He will get the most reps because he has the pass blocking down. Torain will be next but don’t expect more than ten or so, and then Pope may get 2-3 carries in a relief role.

No huddle should be hillis and young, one running a route, one or both blocking. Shotgun will probably have young and Graham in the backfield with Cutler.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Nov 5, 2008 3:23 PM MST up reply actions

If Hillis

could not even beat out Larsen for over 3 games due to the coaches saying his blocking was the reason, I am pretty sure he will not be put into the fray as a RB. Not saying anyone is wrong with that idea, its just thats the coaches thought process. I am willing to bet they think a gimpy, as everyone is putting it, Young knows more about the RB schemes than Hillis right now

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 5, 2008 3:24 PM MST up reply actions

But we may be talking apples and oranges

I think it was more with Hillis lead blocking as a FB than his blitz pick-up, I think there is a big difference between lead blocking as a FB and pass protection responsibilities as a RB.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 5, 2008 3:45 PM MST up reply actions

But too me

I dont think he is a viable running threat. I could be wrong. But I have not seen anything where he is that good in a 1 back set. I love him coming out of the backfield catching the ball. I just think there is something we all are not privy to regarding that

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 5, 2008 4:16 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks Broncoman

That is the explanation I have been looking for. Hilllis came out of Arkansas touted as a great blocker. I was beginning to think he forgot all he ever knew about blocking, but now I see the distinction. Thanks.

That’s ok with me. We’re playing for wins, not media publicity....HT 9/11/08

by firstfan on Nov 5, 2008 6:41 PM MST up reply actions

Think about Hillis..

…as the lone set back. Forget about him blocking.

War is behavior with its roots in the primal sea: eat whatever you touch, or it will eat you. John Fowles.

by bradley on Nov 5, 2008 3:55 PM MST up reply actions

I agree with most of what you say...

But I also know that each of the young backs had to prove themselves capable of pass protection before they saw big time PT. Tatum Bell, for instance, never could pick up the pass protection concepts of the offense so he never was able to become the full time back. There were other reasons(fumbles, injuries) but bell sucked at blitz pickup

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com

by John Bena on Nov 5, 2008 3:49 PM MST up reply actions

Well in many phases he sucked

Running, blocking, finding a hole, holding on to the ball, not stealing teamates belongings after he was waived, pretty much his entire job.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 5, 2008 4:46 PM MST up reply actions

Solid 2nd round pick indeed...

-TSG

SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport

Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com

by John Bena on Nov 5, 2008 5:13 PM MST up reply actions

I hate to rush guys back and then lose them for the season.

Does any one know who is covering the game and is there some where I can watch it on the internet? I’m stranded with the sunday ticket in N.C. They don’t cover games during the week I guess. I hate Direct TV.

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Nov 5, 2008 3:27 PM MST reply actions

its on the nfl network

so if you don’t have it at home, a local bar might, but call ahead and ask. also, the standard online options should be available…

by tunga77 on Nov 5, 2008 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

I am glad I get the NFL Network

however that sucks for those that don’t. I mean every cable company should carry this channel even though some don’t.

"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan

Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 4

by weazel on Nov 5, 2008 6:11 PM MST up reply actions

You will

also be able to watch the game on NFL.com

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Nov 5, 2008 4:17 PM MST up reply actions

I'm going to watch it on NFL Network on DirecTV

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 5, 2008 4:55 PM MST up reply actions

I have Verizon Fios and they have the NFL network (otherwise their service is horrible)

I really wish I hadn’t switched from Direct TV, I love Direct TV.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 5, 2008 4:59 PM MST up reply actions

This is a good situation

Once again nobody knows what to expect. Pure Bronco Bliss—I am very high on this game—most of you don’t see it.

We are about ot smash a team…and start the 2nd half in the possitive. For the first time in about five weeks I have a good feeling. We have a defense that is melding—and a QB with his head on straight.

The ‘Good Marshall’ needs to be ready for what Jay is about to unleash.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Nov 5, 2008 8:09 PM MST reply actions

No Stats to back this

It is just me—and I am right this time.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Nov 5, 2008 8:11 PM MST up reply actions

I agree. You are right.

That’s ok with me. We’re playing for wins, not media publicity....HT 9/11/08

by firstfan on Nov 5, 2008 8:25 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks firstfan

Gut feeling—but I am right.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Nov 5, 2008 9:05 PM MST up reply actions

Denver in a blow out under the bright lights

What do you guys think? I think we see the Denver team that blasted Oakland in the opener. Hillis is going to be utilized after his wonderful performance against Miami and I B. Marshall is going to go off. My fantasy team has Cutler, Marshall, Royal, Torain and Scheffler so maybe this is just wishfull thinking but GO OFFENSE GO!!!

by Steve O' on Nov 5, 2008 8:18 PM MST reply actions

Steve

I have feeling that this will happen—don’t know why—its just that our defense seems to really be a defense.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Nov 5, 2008 9:00 PM MST up reply actions

It's more than a feeling, it's a fact, it will happen!

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Nov 6, 2008 6:29 AM MST reply actions

The fact that we didn't have MHR Radio

has us all excited. No Guru to depress us this week!! I’ll jump on the bandwagon. Broncos 38-17, with Cutler throwing 3 TD’s and NO PICKS. And Torain runs for 183 yards and 2 TD’s.

13-3 next year! Baby!

by papigrande on Nov 6, 2008 7:32 AM MST reply actions