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More on Ryan Harris / More on the '08 Defensive System

Ryan Harris

There's been a lot of talk about Harris at MHR.  He's the OT that we took 3rd in the draft that hasn't played for us.

After back surgery last year (and missing the season) I was reading great things about Harris.  I thought he was a shoo in to return to the team and be a starter.  But at the end of last year I realized things had changed.  Clady was brought in to play LT (the position that Harris would have had), and Kuper (an OG) was announced as the projected starter at RT.  Pears (who has started both sides) is a strong favorite to back up at OT.  So where does this leave Harris?

Some folks, like me, think it looks like Harris missed his window.  He looked good, but now he's behind the curve.  Others still think that we can't possibly move beyond a third roud pick.

Here's the latest I've read.  (From The Sporting News)

It's a big off-season for OT Ryan Harris, a third-round pick in 2007. Once projected to be a potential left-side starter, Harris has now been supplanted by top-draftee Ryan Clady. Harris not only is serving as Clady's backup, but is also getting a chance at right tackle, a position that is currently held by Chris Kuper but is essentially open. Harris is extremely smart and athletic but he's in danger of being typecast as a backup. Harris has the quickness and feet to succeed but his biggest obstacle has been his health. He had back surgery at Notre Dame and again last summer. He's participated only briefly outside of special teams. At 300 pounds, he may not have the bulk necessary to handle strong-side run-blocking duties. Training camp will be a proving ground.

Typical TSN reporting.  Nothing new, nothing newsworthy, but still thought and discussion provoking none the less.

The new defensive system

I have written that I expect the Broncos to move to the "Show Blitz" system on defense.  Further proof (again, from TSN) is found here:

The Broncos move away from Jim Bates' system to the one espoused by new defensive boss Bob Slowik is evidenced by the physical transformation by DT Alvin McKinley. In order to handle the demands necessary in Bates' scheme, McKinley was at 310 pounds in 2007 which called for massive interior players to keep blockers off the middle linebacker. Slowik's scheme will include a more aggressive, penetrating front. McKinley has tapered down 20 pounds for the challenges presented by more stunts and twists. McKinley is a high effort player and one of the team's veteran leaders on the defensive line. While Dewayne Robertson, health permitting, will be one of the starters at defensive tackle, McKinley will have to hold off Marcus Thomas in order to run with the starters. Regardless, McKinley figures to be part of an extensive rotation but he'll likely be replaced on obvious passing downs.

It looks like Denver is moving towards a more 1 gap leaning system that has a heavy rotation.  It's ironic that our run defense may be predicated on moving away from using calssic run stopping DT schemes and going back to a more pass defense oriented system.  But Denver tried the big, 2 gap types of DTs in '07 and it was a disaster trying to stop the run.  By moving to what Denver knows best (simpler and lighter one gap plugging), Denver will probably have better success by not  focusing on the run.  Odd, but sound.

Poll
Ryan Harris
  • Will start for the team
  • Will be a back-up, but start later on
  • Will be a back-up
  • Is in danger of not making the cut behind Clady, Kuper, and Pears

  71 votes | Results

0 recs | Comment 9 comments

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Depth

I feel that both our O Line and D Line will be much better this year. It appears to me we have a great deal more depth and the healthy competition for available roster spots makes everyone better.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Jul 2, 2008 3:30 PM MDT   0 recs

I'm still a little worried...

...about the depth at DT. We are great at DE. The OL looks good, but a couple of injuries might set us back. Then again, I guess that’s the case with any OL. My concern is that Nalen and Hamilton seem “fragile” to me, even though they are excellent.

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 2, 2008 4:47 PM MDT to parent up   0 recs

On a separate note.....

Is there MHR Radio tonight or is it cancelled due to Guru’s vacation?

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Jul 2, 2008 3:31 PM MDT   0 recs

I do not know.

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 2, 2008 4:45 PM MDT to parent up   0 recs

it is cancelled

he will be back next week

Sadly, I won’t be able to listen live. New class starts next Wed and it interferes with the live show.

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Jul 2, 2008 4:53 PM MDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks mdierk!

I had to move a class in Spring Semester. I have 22 in Summer and can only catch the first hour. I will be away from civilization until the 8th or 9th. See you all then.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

by firstfan on Jul 2, 2008 5:52 PM MDT to parent up   0 recs

Great stuff HT...thanks!

I voted, back up now but start later on. ;)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08
The Quest ~ TSG 5/19/08

by Zappa on Jul 3, 2008 2:22 PM MDT   0 recs

Interesting notes on the D

Not sure if a penetrating one-gap style will be more effective, but it will definitely be more exciting for the fans. Always nice to see those backfield stuffs.

by Arctic Bronco on Jul 6, 2008 11:40 AM MDT   0 recs

I think it will be more effective for us.

It is more exciting for the fans, to be sure. But given our personnel I think it’s a great fit. Let’s hope it works out!

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 7, 2008 6:22 AM MDT to parent up   0 recs

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