Broncos 2008 vs. Broncos 1998, A Few Comparative Notes

by RockyMountainThunder on Sep 30, 2008 11:07 AM MDT

Many have looked at our 2008 team with Cutler and Company and made comparisons to the Super Bowl years. I watched tape last night of the Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII victory over Atlanta and made some notes when looking at this years Broncos team. Here are some thoughts:

1. The Running Game- Of course with Terrell Davis the running game is going to be a lot more effective for the 98 team. But I also noticed there was for more complexity and movement in the zone blocking for the 98 teams. This is mostly because the 98 offensive lineman were very veteran players (Tom Nalen and Dan Neil were the youngest). I think this squad can get to that complexity but it will be a while. The biggest difference I noticed was how quickly some of our lineman would get in on linebackers and attack a more specific spot on the defense. Where as in the Chiefs game the Broncos looked like they were running basic stretch left, stretch right plays.

2. Defensive Blitzing-The 98 Broncos didn't have near the talent that the 08 Broncos have in the secondary. (Dre and Champ vs. Ray Crockett and Darien Gordon, come on...). They made up for this with creative blitzing. It was usually a linebacker with a nickel back. They would bring Atwater from time to time to mix it up, especially since Atwater was a great blitzer.

3. Eddie Royal as Rod Smith-In his heyday Rod Smith had speed and ran excellent routes. Eddie Royal looks just as good. Both guys were amazing finds. If Royal has half the career Rod had we will be in good shape.

4. Brandon Marshall as Ed McCaffrey-I love Eddie, but this isn't even fair. For Marshall there is no comparison. He is a freak of nature. Both have good size and are devestating blockers. Eddie had better hands but Marshall is stronger, faster and more of a playmaker after the catch.

I think we have the offensive ingredients to be great. It will take time to develop more complexity in the run game and star tailback like Torain could make that happen. Our receivers our awesome. There is talent on that defense, it's time to ring up the Greg Robinson blitzes. I know he isn't doing very well on Syracuse, but the man could bring the heat and I thought he worked well with Shanahan.

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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Comments

shanny should of watched a replay of super bowl XXXIII to .

  As far as the blitzing part of the comparison goes , I really wish this team would get back to heavy pressure blitz packages that were successful in the past.
  LB DJ williams and boss bailey have the needed speed to blow up any QB
  in the leauge but this jackass slowik refuses to blitz and its really getting on my last
  nerve man.

by broncosfaninphilly on Sep 30, 2008 5:26 PM MDT reply actions

I hope its not because Shanny has lost confidence in Bailey and Bly going man on man.

Bailey and Bly are tight coverage—ball-hawk corners. They are awaiting turnovers in our favor wanting to happen.
I hate this soft zone we seem to be playing—and I agree with you completely. We need to have a creative (some one man from the backfield) blitz every play—and a suprise two man blitz on long downs. This drop back soft zone—give there QB 5 to 9 seconds—is for the birds.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 30, 2008 5:48 PM MDT reply actions

Secondary

As far as the secondary is concerned, today’s Broncos have better corners, but obviously not better safeties. And, I don’t know if Dre’ Bly is that much better than Ray Crockett. That 98 team also had Tory James at corner. He probably should have been the other starter, not Gordon. That injury he had in 97 that cost him that season probably set him back with the team. Overall, I would give the 98 Broncos the edge in the secondary.

by PABroncofan on Sep 30, 2008 8:26 PM MDT reply actions

I disagree

Gordon was a better corner in 98 than James. Remember James was coming off a knee injury in 1997. Plus he did not have the speed Gordon had. Eventually James was an equal to Gordon. But never better. That is one of the reason Shanny made a run at dale Carter for the 1999 season

Life what do you mean life, I aint got no life- captive honour

by broncfanstuckinsd on Oct 1, 2008 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions

Joe Schad on that 4-letter Network

said that Kiffin is good friends with the Syracuse Athletic Director and that Robinson may be served his notice soon!

Maybe we can get Greg back after Kiffin takes over at Syracuse. Thanks Al!

"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 Oct 1, 2008 7:58 AM MDT reply actions

Even more interesting

Syracuse also happens to be where Al Davis went to college. He got an English degree there. It would be funny to watch Kiffin take over Davis’ alma mater

by RockyMountainThunder on Oct 1, 2008 8:30 AM MDT up reply actions