Ranking the Broncos at WR

by hoosierteacher on Jul 2, 2008 12:41 PM MDT Comment 20 comments

Yes, hoosierteacher is having a slow day. Four stories in under two hours. Some of the staff is out of town on vacation, and I got an e-mail from Guru himself encouraging the staff to keep things moving. Funny thing is, I got the mail in my "bulk mail", which I almost never check. AHRGGGGGG! It was a few days after Guru left.

Most of my work is original, so it's hard to come up with material on the spur of the moment. So I decided to check other sites for ideas. I couldn't write an original post and take credit for it if I took the idea from somewhere else. My original stuff (that's long enough or good enough) goes to the front page, but the rest I put in posts. I should have known there was a staff shortage when my story on Al Davis got promoted by Guru to the front. So I'm sorry about the lack of original ideas, but here's some stuff at any rate.

So to make a long story short, I'm going to work on a front pager. But for now, I'm getting a lot of good ideas from different sites and writing up a few posts so nothing goes to waste. The latest?

How about WR rankings? It's nice when the mainstream media (MSM) gets it right and gives the Broncos a little credit. I think the 6th place ranking given here (Sporting News) is fair. Still, I think that we have incredible depth, and a player with starting talent is going to get cut. The article lists Jackson (an MHR favorite) as the starter opposite Marshall, but a lot has been written on just how great Colbert looks. Either one could be the number two. Marshall looks solid at #1, and Stokely is one of the best in the League (if not the best ) at slot. Add in Parker and Martinez, and you've got a great corps.

If Marshall doesn't get in off field trouble, he is considered a top ten reciever by Rocky Mountain News, who reports:

"On the field, things are looking up. Marshall reportedly was catching passes one-handed with his surgically repaired arm and caught any variety of passes. The nerve damage doesn't appear to be lasting. Off the field, it's still a mystery if Marshall will be suspended. But when he plays, he's a top 10 wideout."

WR is one of a few positions that Denver fans have nothing to worry about (along with DE, TE, and CB. HB is probably safe in depth as well).

At any rate, read the rankings from my link, and tell me what you think.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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I for one am very excited...

...to see what the recieving corps will bring us this year. I think our offense is going to be potent and our defense is going to look like this...but better.

GO BRONCOS!!!

There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you cannot have.

by sirsam on Jul 2, 2008 2:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great clip sirsam!

It really makes one miss Al Wilson at his best and Gerrard Warren. I had to rub my eyes for a moment. They must have played a trick on me. Did I see Sauerbrun make a tackle?

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 2:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah really!

I noticed Sauerbrun making that tackle as well! Everybody on the team seemed hungry that year. Let’s get a repeat!

There is nothing you cannot be, there is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you cannot have.

by sirsam on Jul 3, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Depth-wise I think its the best it has been in a while. I am looking forward to a pair of 1000 yd WR’s.

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 2, 2008 2:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Prolific writer

HT you are on a publishing binge! It is all really good stuff! Thanks!
I am in the same boat as most people on the MHR, I like our depth.

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 2:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I like our depth too...

I like our depth at MHR on writers. :)

HT could you explain, is there any reason for or against having WRs rotate at the #2 posiiton?

Thanks for all your hard work.

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Jul 2, 2008 11:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I've never thought of it much.

it sounds like a good idea, but there are many reasons against it.

First is the financial argument. The team isn’t going to pay two guys to play the same position. They’ll trade for another position or draft pick first.

Second, who’s going to take the reps in practice? If each guy gets half the reps, neither guy is getting the full benefit of training.

Here’s a thought. Assuming both guys are too good to let go (and we still want Stokely at slot), we make the winner of the contest our #2, and the other guy backs up the #1 position. As soon as Stokely is gone, the loser of the contest goes to slot (sorry Royal). Royal plays the #4 and STs until one of the top three moves on, in which case he bumps up to slot (I don’t see him as a #1 or #2).

Whatever we do, it’s a great predicament to be in. FWIW, my early bet is on Colbert to win the #2.

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 3, 2008 12:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strenths/Weaknesses of Broncos WR corps

I’d agree with the article.

There is some caution in my optimism. I feel like for Denver’s WR corps to rank any higher than 5th, some things must happen:

1- Brandon Marshall HAS to produce better against top level corners
2- Brandon Stokely HAS to stay healthy
3- Either Darrell Jackson or Keary Colbert HAS to step up and be a threat and bring in 60+ recepts

BTW- I’ll be diving into this a bit deeper within the next 4 or 5 weeks, but I wanted to put my 2 cents in here first.

The Broncos WR’s, if all goes right, might be one of the best 2 or 3 groups in the NFL.

Either D-Jax or Colbert has to do well in the #2 spot. Frankly, I can’t imagine both of them falling flat on their faces. I like D-Jax’s history and his past success. But he’s played a lot of years in the NFL and the chances that he completely returns to the form he was in while with Seattle are pretty low. Fortunately, Denver doesn’t need him to perfom at that level, but needs him to be consistent and make a few plays. I am beginning to come around a little to the idea that Colbert has a decent chance to end up in the #2 WR spot, even though he’s the underdog. Colbert has a reputation as a very tough run blocker and good competitor (Rod Smith??). He’s young. If you’re honest with yourself, you HAVE to say that he has more upside than Jackson. The big knock on him since his rookie year (which was great) is that the light hasn’t gone on for him. He dropped alot of balls, rounded off too many routes, and didn’t contribute like the Panthers would have hoped. I think the Colbert/Jackson competition is the single most exciting storyline heading into camp.

Now, either Colbert or Jackson HAS to have a decent year. If niether of them contribute and Stokely has to play in the #2 WR slot, Denver is suddenly missing out on it’s best mismatch on offense. Brandon Stokely isn’t just the best slot WR the the NFL, he’s the best slot receiver in history. Against a safety, LB, or 3rd CB, he is so much better against his competition that it would be a shame to pull him out of the slot. He has a very good numbers verus top competition, great numbers against average competition, and rediculous numbers versus poor competition, which is the typical cover guy for the slot WR. All I am trying to say is that when Stokely is on the field, Denver has a huge mismatch on just about EVERY play at the slot position. The downside here is that he ALWAYS gets hurt, and if he has to move out of the slot, his injury problem will be exacerbated.

As for Brandom Marshall, he’s fine. I doubt he’ll even be suspended seeing as how the charges don’t have more substance than they do and they all stem from Brandon’s ex, who seems to be the root of his legal trouble. Anyway, Brandon had great numbers against poor competition in his first year as a full time starter. He is a downright monster when he plays against anyone other than a starting CB, BUT as a #1 WR he will be facing starting CBs every week, and his YPA numbers versus good and great competition were below average. His inability to dominate versus good corners was one of the things that seemed to be on the ‘to-do-list’ for this off season. I would assume that those metrics will improve as he grows into the position and gets more comfortable with the offense. But, for Denver’s WR corps to be considered of the very best in the league, Denver’s #1 guy has to be a threat versus the best corners in the NFL, which he was NOT in 2007.

This doesn’t take into account Scheffler lining up split from the line or the 2008 offensive wildcard, Eddie Royal.

Nonetheless, I’m VERY excited about the WR’s going into 2008.

by super7 on Jul 3, 2008 11:20 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Great thoughts.

I agree with your first two points. I think a lot of folks are sold on Marshall playing against #1 corner talent. I want to see it first, but I think it is possible. The author of the linked article thinks Marshall is a top ten receiver. I also agree that Colbert or Jacskon has to perform, and agree that it is likely that at least one of them will. Stokley needs to stay healthy, BUT I’m not worried there. With our depth, we can pug in Jackson, Colbert, or Royal and not lose much (if anything).

FWIW, I don’t see Stokley moving into #2 for any reason at all. Shanahan was apologetic about about using a limited down WR to fill in last year. Stokley did agreat job filling as as #1, but got too bnged up. We’ve got the depth now to protect Stokley at #3.

You also make a fantastic point (and get the A+ for the day). The idea that Scheffler is at TE on some plays makes the WRs even better (or Graham as a pass blocker). The WR and TE positions will compliment each other nicely. I think our WRs have the potential to be anywhere from 6 to 2 ranked (also keeping in mind Jay’s now treated illness).

Great points all!

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 3, 2008 1:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

JC Interview

It was a good listen

JC said he is jacked for this year. He thinks the Broncos have a GREAT set of WR’s.
Also I know the BMarsh crap has been going on, but Jay said he knew about the incident in March with Marshall cuz he was down in GA working out with him and Sheff. He says they are on great terms and MArsh is gonna be a huge part of their gameplan this year. He thinks that Him and Marshall are gonna broncos for years and years to come. It jacked me up. The confidence in JC is AWESOME!!! He also said before he said #15 wasnt his favorite player he already had spoken to him, and he felt its his team and had to say something for the team and the fans. Then those 2 went 2 dinner and got everything out that need to be said and he stated they are a great. I feel this team is close real close.

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 3, 2008 12:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

totally agree

It sounds like Cutler is the leader on the offense and is boys w/ B-marsh. I love that it feels like these guys are a team and really want to come up and win together.

by super7 on Jul 3, 2008 12:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he defense is improved...

...but not yet championship quality. The offense is either where it needs to be, or just a year away. This offense should rip some teams to shreds this year. All the defense needs to do is play solid, mistake free football.

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 3, 2008 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would like the coming out party

to be game #2 against the Chargers. No matter what happens in opening week the knock would be well its against the faders. Now if he drop a 30+ game that will show the NFL what he is about. Plus it would be against the chic pick so far this offseason. (though I dont see it that way)

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 3, 2008 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

la-la-la-la-la

We will have a great offense this year! We will have a great offense this year! We will have a great offense this year! Game 2! Can we stop the Chargers! Big test…even in la-la-land. Marcus! Be bold! Champ! Be bold! We cannot let the ‘others’ to be better than us again! Be Bold! Funny us nobodies that care about this team. Funny us that look at this team! Funny us that think with a decent offense we are headed to the Super Bowl.

Game 2 We better win this!

only one way to Heaven...reasearch it...don't yell at me.

by Broncoforfun on Jul 3, 2008 8:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I think we are about a ten win team right now.

I don’t see us getting to the SB, nor getting the popular 13 wins that several others do. On the other hand, the offense looks incredible right now. It’s young. It has a core group. It has depth. Our young QB, who is playing great, will only be better with experience and his illness treated.

I still have lingering concerns about the team (DTs, SAFs, SAM depth), but even those areas are improved. (K and P remain an issue, but coverage is better). I’m being optimistic, but clearly not unrealistic. I’ve written several times that we are borderline to make the playoffs.

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

by hoosierteacher on Jul 3, 2008 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

Is someone making fun of me? I’m the only that evr brings up la-la

by Mike Clark on Jul 3, 2008 8:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

JC Interview

Hey Guys,
Where could I get that Cutler interview?
I think out WR is going to be really good. I agree with the points on ouyr TE’s as well, and expect that Daniel Graham will have a bigger part in the ctaching game with some improvements in our O Line.
We have very good catching options out of the backfield with Selvin, Hillis, Pittman and I REALLY like what Aldridge could bring to the table…..we have so many options on offense that we will be dangerous.
Eddie Royal by season’s end will play a lot bigger part in our offense than many of us think.
Regarding Keary Colbert, I am a USC fan and this kid can play. I always thought he was the better player than Mike Williams, he is a real worker and nasty blocker…with him and Marshall at 1 and 2 that also improves running game as well. Colbert will be good.
Peace!

by boydy2669 on Jul 5, 2008 7:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs