Wildcard Weekend - Sunday Games Open Thread
by John Bena on Jan 4, 2009 11:03 AM MST
in 2008 Denver Broncos Game Day Threads
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PrintThe second day of Wild Card Weekend begins at 1PM EST today; there's nothing more we can do save putting my prediction curse to yet another test. Here we go...
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)
1:00 PM EST, CBS
Ravens coverage: Baltimore Beatdown
Dolphins coverage: The Phinsider
I don't really like either of these teams, but my dislike of the Dolphins trumps my annoyance with the Ravens, especially since Brian Billick was shown the door. I will say this, both of these teams proved that you can succeed immediately after making a coaching change. That should make us Broncos fans feel good. In a twist of irony, it was the Ravens that gave the Dolphins their only win of 2007. Now the two teams are playing for the right to move on in the 2008 NFL Playoffs. I'd usually take the home team in these situations, but I hate the Dolphins....
Prediction: RAVENS 17, DOLPHINS 9
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
4:30 PM EST, FOX
Eagles coverage: Bleeding Green Nation
Vikings coverage: Daily Norseman
Can Brad Childress, who has done everything possible to sabotage the Vikings this season, really out-coach his mentor Andy Reid in a playoff game? Can Tarvaris Jackson really beat Donovan McNabb? Can the good fortune the Eagles received the final week of the regular season really just lead to a one and done? No way. I'll take the Eagles to win on the road.
Prediction: Eagles 21 - Vikings 17
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I am watching the Ravens just because I need a refresher on watching an NFL team play D.
Are there any interesting FAs in today’s two games? Terrell Suggs is a FA, I wish the Williams that play DT for the vikings were available.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
Just To be On the Record Again...
I’ve got the birds today. All of them.
Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/
I'm picking birds today too. I'm also hoping AP has a big game for the Vikings, he is a classy young player.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Jan 4, 2009 11:58 AM MST up reply actions
I had the fish.
I had the Falcons and the Colts yesterday too. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.
Maybe the Eagles will save me from total ineptitude.
In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.
Ed Reed just did pick-6. Sure would be nice to have Safety play that is even half as good as Baltimores'.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
They have help
Their Safeties have Help up front as well ! It’s a huge advantage to have a DLine and good Linebackers
Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!
remind me again
Why Trevor Pryce isnt a Bronco?
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 Jan 4, 2009 12:52 PM MST reply actions
He was recovering from a back injury as well
Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!
he is still a better pass rusher than anyone Denver currently has
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 Jan 4, 2009 3:45 PM MST up reply actions
I agree I wore his jersey proudly, I'm just saying that was the reason. Back injuries are like the Neck and achillies.
Tactics without Strategy is the noise you hear before Defeat!
I am watching the Ravens game right now
and I do not know why Rex Ryan, the DC for the ravens, is not on our list of possible HC. This guy produces a top 5 D almost every year he has been in Baltimore. This is one of the most impressive D I have seen in awhile. While the ball is in the air they always go to the ball and they always get pressure. They are just good. It would be nice to have a HC that could build a D like this for the broncos
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 12:53 PM MST reply actions
so on the day the ravens D has
3 Int, 1 sack, 1 FF and 1 Fumble recovery. They get as many TO in one game as we did in like half a season
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 12:55 PM MST reply actions
Why again
Did we take Ashley Lelie instead of Ed Reed in 2002, what a joke
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:00 PM MST reply actions
and in 2003
we could have had LJ or Nnamdi Asomugha instead of george foster. Man what bad draft decisions
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:04 PM MST reply actions
Stop!!! Please no more mentions of Foster and Lelie.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Jan 4, 2009 1:13 PM MST up reply actions
That just about matches the Broncos season total...ouch.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Seriously...
I just looked it up and the Broncos had 6 INTs all season.
Baltimore had 26.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Can you imagine what the Broncos record would be if we had 26 INTs on the season?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Can we trade for the Ravens' D?
They can have Cherry Creek if we can have their whole defense.
In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.
The High School or the neighborhood? Hell...they can have both.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Give 'em Park Meadows...it's bankrupt.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Blocked PAT is a testament to good Defensive personnel
If we load up on good Defensive players in the draft there is no excuse for not getting better ST as a side benefit.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
I am kinda excited to see Carlton Powell next season
Look at these stats In 51 games at Virginia Tech, Powell started 31 contests. He recorded 104 tackles (35 solo) with 5 1/2 sacks for minus 40 yards, 21 1/2 stops for losses of 75 yards and 30 quarterback pressures. He recovered two fumbles, caused three others and deflected a pair of passes. In 106 running plays directed at him, Powell’s tackles resulted in the opposition in being held to minus-13 yards on the ground. When he was at V Tech they led the nation in rush defense. He is a beast against the run
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:37 PM MST reply actions
What was his injury again?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
achellis tendon
which is more of a freak injury
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:42 PM MST up reply actions
Look at what happened to VT
D this year once this kid was gone. It was not the same. I think he will surprise some people next year
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:43 PM MST up reply actions
+1
I know that DL take longer to develop, but in addition to his -13 yeard total, check out his scouting report:
Delivers a powerful punch, extends arms once in position and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Reads keys and can locate the ball carrier quickly. Gets good forward lean in stance, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Never stops working, takes adequate angles to the ball and makes some plays in pursuit. Drives legs once in position and is a relentless pass rusher that flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Durable and has excellent experience.
Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!
sounds good to me.
However, isn’t an achilles injury notoriously difficult to come back from?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
It's tough
Mostly, its painful – a lot of adhesions form, little areas where the tissue forms into (I’m simplifying) scar tissue, and that tissue often needs to re-tear to create good range of motion. EE went through it in the past year. Hurts for a while, but if you handle it well, which a DL is likely to do, you can make a full recovery.
Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!
He will be fine
When training camp starts he will have had over a year of recovery. Plus he has vets that have been through the injury, like EE, that will help him through it
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:08 PM MST up reply actions
here is a stat about carlton powell
I got this from an interview with Thefootballexperts.com
At Virginia Tech you were said to be benching 400 lbs and squatting 500 lbs. Is that still accurate?
I’m benching around 430 right now and squatting close to 600. I’d say I’m getting close to my plateau now but I never really hit a sticking point or anything before.
And he has Confidence
Of all NFL Players, who do you compare yourself to?
I take bits and pieces from a lot of guys. Footwork kind of like Darryl Tapp. The way Albert Haynesworth uses his hands, I’ve got a little of that. The way Kris Jenkins gets after the QB, the way Casey Hampton stuffs the run; I try to take a little from everybody.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions
Powell Also was recruited out of High school as a MLB
and made the switch to DT when he got to VT. I think this is good because he has the background of reading plays even if it was at a highschool level
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:22 PM MST up reply actions
Here is an article from stampede blue
talking up Carlton Powell http://www.stampedeblue.com/story/2008/4/10/114252/838
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions
How would Terrell Suggs look in blue and orange?
He is a FA. He was considered slow coming out of college even though he did a great job of getting to the QB. If he went back to playing DE all the time, he has the strength to stop the run and the experience from playing OLB to drop into coverage. I am not enthusiastic about building through FA, but Suggs could be a good contributor.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
he would be
a great pick up but I don’t know if Baltimore will let him get away
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 1:40 PM MST up reply actions
This Baltimore team is pretty good.
And they’ve already shown they can play Pittsburgh.
Anyone think they’ve got a real chance at the SB?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Looks like SD plays Pittsburgh...
What’s Roethlisberger’s (sp?) status?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
This is the latest I could find
Tomlin said Tuesday. “We held him out today because we did that with a lot of veteran players. We will proceed slowly with him because we have that luxury. But we feel comfortable with where he is relative to Sunday and where he’s capable of being next week.”
Odd, but that’s the only link nfl.com had
Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!
hmmmm? I take it it's not a big problem then.
Thanks Bear!
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Watching Baltimore's Ed Reed makes me think that we need to go after that S from USC.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Then again...
I also think that if we don’t get a dominant D line then the back seven really don’t matter.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Then again...
If we don’t have an effective scheme then all eleven don’t matter.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Yea Taylor Mays would be great if he comes our
He is more like Troy P in Pitt though. Also Taylor Mays seems to go after the big hits more then going after the ball. That could change at the next level though. Also check out this hit from the Rose bowl. He lays out the Penn state WR and his own CB. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd7m3QtQJus
He would be a great addition to the D
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:13 PM MST up reply actions
Nice hit...
But that’ll definitely give the other team fifteen yards in the NFL and Mays a pretty stiff fine.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Yea he just needs
to learn to lead with his shoulders and not the helmet
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions
thats an easy fix with
some coaching
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions
I do like to see that kind of bloodlust from a Safety however...
Seems like we haven’t had that since…uh…last year.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Yea Mays hits
like a young John Lynch but has more physical gifts
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:24 PM MST up reply actions
Just the presence of a Safety like that makes opposing WR weary going over the middle.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
he reminds me of Atwater more than Lynch
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 Jan 4, 2009 3:48 PM MST up reply actions
I'm guessing here
But wouldn’t Cutler’s job get easier if our D got some turnovers once in a while?
Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!
GO EAGLES!!!
(I used to live in Philly)
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
I've lived in CO for 15 years now (and before I lived in Philly).
I’m just South of Denver now (15 minutes from donwntown).
Nasheville must be quite a culture shock after NY. Are you a musician?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
fair enough...well I hope you're a country music fan at least.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
lol...
“Looks like Jessica Simpson is giving up hope…cause it looks like Tony Romo is never getting a ring”.
Ahhh…good one.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
so if anyone has not seen this
here is all of our draft pick
Thanks to trades made during and before the season, the Broncos have ten total draft choices, in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th, and 7th rounds.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:33 PM MST reply actions
Holy Crap...
I hope we trade a 5th, 6th, and 7th to try to get another high 1st rounder. Maybe we can get Mays and a great LB.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
we would have to trade a lot more then
a 5, 6 and 7 for another 1st rounder. also we have had pretty good luck lately with the late round picks
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:47 PM MST up reply actions
I'd do it.
I think the Broncos are in a position where they need a few big impact players…not a bunch of fluff. I think we need to aggressively pursue getting the best possible players at our positions of need.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
I understand that but the best we could get for
a 5th, 6th and 7th is probably a late 3rd round pick
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:55 PM MST up reply actions
Also From what i have been reading
Johnathan Vilma may be a Free agent. I guess with the Trade stipulation, i have read this a couple of places. If the saints resign him after the season they will have to give the Jets their 1st round pick. This sounds far fetched but if it is true it would be nice. Vilma had a pretty good year and i am sure DJ would love to be playing next to him again. I would rather have Maualuga though.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:39 PM MST reply actions
Here is a good article about Brandon Spikes the MLB for Florida
If Maualuga and Mays are gone we could possibly trade down to get this kid. He is a beast also. He lines up all over the field. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-4-22/Gators-find-a-born-leader-in-Spikes.html. I watched him in the SEC championship game and was really impressed
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 2:59 PM MST reply actions
I'll definitely keep an eye on him on Thurday.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Here is an interesting report for our HC search from Adam Schefter
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo comes with rave reviews. He greatly impressed the Broncos executives he had dinner with Saturday night in New Jersey, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising to see him wind up with the job.
But most league insiders believe Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the coach the Broncos are interviewing Sunday morning, is the leader for the Denver job.
For starters, McDaniels is at the stage in his career now that Dan Reeves was when the Broncos made him the youngest head coach back in 1981. Owner Pat Bowlen bought the team in 1984 and stayed with Reeves for nearly a decade.
When Bowlen later hired Shanahan in 1995 (after a two-year stint with defensive-minded Wade Phillips), the owner once again was drawn to the coach’s youth and offensive imagination.
And, at 32, McDaniels would bring Bowlen the same attributes his two primary coaching hires have. Plus, as the Patriots’ play-caller and offensive mastermind with defensive-minded head coach Bill Belichick, McDaniels got the most out of quarterback Matt Cassel. Just imagine what McDaniels could do with Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler.
Denver still will go through an exhaustive interview process. But league insiders believe McDaniels is the coach to beat.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:26 PM MST reply actions
I hope McDaniels is not 1st on the list
I hope Spagnuolo impressed enough to leap to the beginning of the list. We already have a Offensive minded coach in Bates who is also 32. We need a Defensive minded coach. Spags would be the best choice. I think McDaniels is a great OC but I do not think he is the right man for the job
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:28 PM MST up reply actions
yeah...I don't like it one bit.
It’s like replacing Shanahan with a less experienced Shanahan.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
How long has McDaniels been in NE?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Also look at coaches that come from
the Bill Bellicheck coaching tree. None of them succeed. Eric Mangini and Romeo Crennel, hell even Charlie Wiess is failing at ND. If Bowlen chooses this guy I will not be happy.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:30 PM MST reply actions
I also think Spags is at a Disadvantage
because no one can sign him until the Giants are finished, which sucks
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:32 PM MST reply actions
Poster - Interesting thought
Poster –
I think the Broncos are in a position where they need a few big impact players…not a bunch of fluff. I think we need to aggressively pursue getting the best possible players at our positions of need
But, do you think of Hillis, Barrett, and Larsen as fluff? two 7th and one 5th rounders. We talked about Powell above – knowing that a guy had 106 plays run at him for a total offense of minus 13 yards, would you consider taking a chance on him? 5th rounder.
The ability to analyze talent seems to have gone up geometrically since the Goodman’s took over scouting for personnel. An extra 7 picks, even if only 1/2 pan out, is 3-4 impact players, and I’d take that. Just a thought
Jim Goodman for Broncos GM!
Yeah...you're right.
But those guys were gambles…I’m hoping we try to go after the guys with the highest probability of being successful (although obviously it’s never 100%).
And right now Barrett and Larsen are sort of fluff although both flashed a great deal of potential..,.I don’t know that either will be a starter next year.
The jury is still out on Powell.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
I think Mcdaniels will end up
wherever Pioli ends up. I just hope we do not hire McDaniels. I agree with posternug it’s like replacing Shanahan with a less experienced Shanahan.
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:36 PM MST reply actions
Also you have to think about who the HC hired will bring with them
Spags has been in the league a lot longer and knows a lot more people. Spags has a lot more choices for DC. Now McDaniels does not have that much experience and I believe has only been with the Patriots. I do not believe Mcdaniels enough contacts to bring in a Good DC to help him build the D while Spags could bring in one of his guys to be DC and they could both build the D
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:45 PM MST reply actions
What confuses me...
is that Slowik hasn’t technically been fired yet…has he?
But it seems Bowlen was pretty adamant on his departure…what’s the hold up?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
technically
they all have been fired, but the offensive coaches could be brought back. According to what Bowlen said at his presser
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 Jan 4, 2009 3:53 PM MST up reply actions
so are those guys all available for other teams now?
Bates, Dennison, Turner?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Desean Jackson is looking awefully good.
It’s a moot point…but would you guys rather have him or Royal?
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Royal For Sure
I dont like Jacksons attitude
by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 4, 2009 3:46 PM MST up reply actions
I think i prefer Royal as a WR and Jackson as a returner.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
oh yeah...definitely Royal.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Tavaris Jackson is really looking pretty good...exceeding my expectations at least.
Having a dominant rushing game certainly helps.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
Sweet!
4/4 on Wildcard Weekend! I wonder if I can pull off the elusive 11-0!
Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/
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