Broncos/Patriots Quick Recap
by Doc Bear on Oct 11, 2009 10:00 PM MDT
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Forgive me for saying this, but those new uniforms today gave a whole new meaning to 'Winning Ugly'. But, by the end of the game, somehow they were looking beautiful. Win the Broncos did, their first win in overtime, and it was dependent on two more Kyle Orton drives late in the game. What a great win for Josh McDaniels, his first over his former mentor and friend, Bill Belichick! What a wonderful, exciting ending for a storybook week. That's the Broncos 4th come-from-behind victory. It's the second where the Broncos were down by two scores, a situation that many assured us that Kyle Orton couldn't handle. It's 5-0, and that's all that really matters.
Ok, now can we talk about why Kyle Orton is a lot better than he's gotten credit for? It's about that time, my friends. Gosh, do you think that he throws better without the glove? This is not a stop-gap quarterback. He's just what the Broncos need. Take a long look, Broncos Country.
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Knowshon Moreno said: "He is really confident in the huddle and wants to put points on the board and move the ball down the field which wasn't going to be easy. He is a leader on this team, and we are grateful to have him."
Said Eddie Royal: "It was a gutsy performance today for Kyle [Orton], he stuck in the pocket and made some great throws. He was the leader that we needed today." He's going to be that leader for quite a while. Bank on it.
The Broncos took 27 first downs (21 passing) and gave up only 18 total. Orton was 35 of 48, for 321 yards and 2 TDs and a 96.7 QB rating. Those who were hoping that Eddie Royal would break out had a great afternoon, unless you somehow object to 10 receptions for 90 yards. Brandon Marshall took advantage of the day to add 8 for 64, and 2 TDs. Jabar Gaffney had 6 receptions for 61 yards. The tight ends, who many claimed were being ignored, grabbed a total of 7 for 79 yards and Knowshon Moreno added 4 more for 36 yards. Orton finally threw a single INT and the Broncos still won in overtime. This isn't the Browns, the supposedly weak Bengals or even Dallas. This is the team that beat Baltimore last week and is coming on. But they don't have the one thing that it seems that they really need - the young man who's coaching on the Denver sidelines.
The defense started out looking more like 2008 than 2009. They missed tackles, assignments and were a moment late too often. Tom Brady deserves a lot of credit - this is the first game that I've seen him really stepping into his throws and when he does, he's nearly impossible to stop. But only nearly...he was held to 19 of 33, with 2 TDs and no INTs, a total of 215 yards. The Patriots were held under 100 yards rushing, though, and that in the end may have been the key to the game. but in the firs quarter, you had to wonder if the Broncos would be able to stop the Patriots juggernaut. The final answer was a rousing yes.
The Broncos came out with something new for the game - their version of the wildcat. Moreno is a skilled player and it was nice to see them coming out with some new wrinkles. Since Eddie Royal is also skilled at throwing the ball, down the road this could get even more interesting. The Pats were the first of the two clubs today (in the first quarter, second drive) to unveil the 3 TE set, which they call a Load formation. But, Brian Dawkins came in on a run-blitz and blew it up in the backfield the first time it was tried. It's true that Moreno had a fumble, but he generally had a very good game. We came out of this one with 2 TOs apiece.
One thing that stood out on the first Patriots drive was that the Pats are better at keeping to their assignments than anyone we've played up until now. It took the Broncos time to adjust to. They're a good, talented, deep, well coached squad. That makes the task of holding them to 1 TD and no FGs in the last three quarters especially impressive. The Pats are an excellent team. They played well and made few mistakes. And, we were better, which says a heck of a lot about the team from Josh McDaniels down to the lowliest coaching assistant.
It was the revival of The Drive. 98 yards, late in the game, to tie the score and to give the Broncos a chance to win it in overtime. There were two calls of non-pass interference at the end that might have written the ending differently, but Matt Prater recovered from an earlier miss and put the final nail in the coffin notching 2 of 3 FGs for the day but none this year has been bigger than his OT victory kick. It was an incredible finish to a great day of football. By the way, New England has a FG miss of their own at the end of the second half. It's part of the game.
If you're interested, please notice that on the 1st TD catch to Marshall, Orton threw the ball perfectly before Marshall cut. Marshall beat Shawn Springs with a perfect move, but the pass was as close to perfect as you can ask on that kind of fade route. Congratulations to all concerned. On Marshall's second TD, he just is too big and strong to keep out of the EZ. You had to know that McDaniels had something very nice to say to him last week during the hug after his game-winning TD. Anyone want to bet that it was to the tune of "That's how you'll get that big fat contract!"? And Brandon, being Brandon, came out with a "Now, don't forget!" performance. I salute the man. That's why they wouldn't let him go. When he is playing at his best, he's one of the best, and no questions about it.
What is it with the team and tipped passes? Gaffney made a big, heads up play on another. Seems we have one a week. By the way, how much fun was it to see Tony Scheffler doing his Knowshon imitation and vaulting a defender?
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Eddie Royal was everywhere. He was making catches with players hanging on him, uncalled PIs, getting open, holding on to the ball. Wonderful to see this - Orton had said all week that they hoped this would be the week that royal had his breakout. Nice to see.
Okay, Elvis Dumervil didn't get a sack today. So? Vonnie Holliday did manage to knock out the ball and get the fumble from Brady at !;30 to go in the 4th and Elvis recovered. Keep in mind - we got Vonnie Holliday and Le Kevin Smith for a 5th round draft pick. Anyone want to trade this guy? Nope, me neither.... by the way, DJ Williams is looking like a Pro Bowler this year. What's more unusual is that Jack Williams was seond on the team with 7 solo tackles. Talk about taking a step forward. Getting Smith seems to have given us two talented players - Alphonso and Jack Williams.
It hurt that the sack on Orton broke up a chance to win it in regulation, but that's the game. The O line did a great job up until them. It looked like to could have been on Clady, too - we'll see when the film gets broken down, but it looked like Clady tripped over a Pats player who was on the ground, letting his man go free. Fortunes of war...the fault may be on whoever let that man through, but it's all going to be in how they chart it.
If you liked the Moreno screen pass that went for 27 yards in the 7:48 range of the 4th quarter, your in luck . You read it here first that we'll be seeing a lot more of that play. Moreno also seems to have broken into New England territory in overtime by the use of our 3 TE set for his right/SS sweep. He got us inside the 30 on a 2 TE set on the weakside - wonderful use of him this game. He should have a game ball for this.
Well done: The Broncos only had 3 penalties for 20 yards, a big improvement. Their time of possession was 36:29 compared to 28:22 for New England. They won the battles that the team had to in order to pull out a tough victory against one of the best teams in the league. The young student has done what every student should do - he's surpassed the Master. It will be a bitter-sweet thinking for Bill Belichick.
By the way, the Oakland/Giants game was called on account of pain. Not rain - pain: It hurt too much to watch the danged thing: I've read that the folks in Oakland asked them to black out the road games as well. Can't blame them. (Yes, I'm kidding -- currently. Not by much. Stay turned.) There needs to be a mercy rule. Congratulations, though, to Kansas City, who took the Cowboys to OT before succumbing.
Josh McDaniels ended his post game press conference by saying that he's looking forward to going into San Diego next week. So am I. we have every ability to win this next one on the road. I'll talk about it a lot more on Wednesday with the Broncos Thoughts and Musings, but we have every reason to think seriously about 6-0. This team won't do that until the scoreboard in San Diego read 0:00, though.
A last note, this one from Vonnie Holliday:
"... this is the philosophy and attitude that we've adapted to. The guys in this locker-room believe; the coaches believe; guys believe in each other and are fighting. We got it done. It took, like Coach told us, it was going to be sixty minutes. Well, today it was sixty-eight minutes and change, but guys continued to play well, play hard, until the end and we got the victory."
Congratulations to them all.
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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KO had a great night...
He was accurate and zinging it in there with confidence…Just awsome!
Great win Broncos!
Great game by Kyle
He showed me why everyone had been so high on him… great accuracy and velocity. His happy feet in the pocket seem to have disappeared completely, and he was making some special throws. As Bear pointed out, the first TD to Brandon was perfectly thrown. I look forward to seeing this offense evolve even more, but the passing game has definitely ironed out a lot of the wrinkles.
by legendarywalton on Oct 11, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions
The man is WINNER
Josh has confidence in him – now we know why, especially without the GLOVE. That ball was moving a lot faster without it. As far as I’m concern, he still does not have an INT. Go Broncos. Let’s slap the living daylights out of the Dolts next week. I am not working that night. I want to see us embarass the heck out fo the dolts in primetime. An KO and Knowshon, as well as our #1 D, will be huge part of it.
calBronco1
The only reason the game was so close was because of Broncos mistakes
Denver dominated NE in every statistical category. With fewer miscues, NE wouldn’t have had a chance.
Turnovers
NE 2 – fumbles
DEN 3 – 2 fumbles, 1 INT
That makes the come-from-behind, OT win that much bigger. TOs are the single biggest factor in determining the outcome. The team with the fewest turnovers usually wins the game.
Way to hang in there, Broncos!
Thanks for catching that - good point
Here’s a couple of reasons why. Eddie Royal out-Welkered Welker, 10 passes for 90 compared to 8 for 86. Brandon Marshall out-Mossed Moss, 8 receptions for 64 and 2 TD as compared to 1 for 36 and 0 TDs.
But the gem of the game, IMHO, was Orton in the 4th Q and OT. And a defense that could guard fort Knox.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
Nice, bear...
I would add that Orton out-Bradied Brady. Two 90+ yard drives and a game-winning drive in OT!?!?!
"A man can fail, but he is not a failure until he blames someone else." J. Paul Getty
by SteveAssassin on Oct 12, 2009 11:14 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes, you've got it SA
I just can’t overstate what Orton has been meaning to this team in terms of quiet confidence and leadership, as well as a lot of very nice performances. I’m very happy that we’re not seeing the “but Orton really isn’t…” crowd so far today (or perhaps I’ve just missed them). Sans glove, he showed that he has one heck of an arm – accurate, nice velocity, etc. It was also just wonderful to see Eddie R finding his niche in the game. To the question “What will be do if they cover So and So” the clear answer is “connect with everyone else!” Today, Eddie was part of that everyone else. It really shows me the depth on the team – we’ve got a lot of very good players, far more than anyone can game plan for in totem.
This time Orton ‘only’ complete passes to six guys, but Buck was out or it probably would have been 7. Spreading the ball, mixing plays, formations and approaches and attacking whatever they give us, with a large scoop of “Try to shut us down in the 4th quarter” has given us a team that just doesn’t even know how to quit.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
by Doc Bear on Oct 12, 2009 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
"connect with everyone else"
Has anyone noticed that Stokely has “disappeared.” Soon, the defenses will focus so much on Eddie and Marshall that Stokes will be left alone and he’ll explode again. Just wait.
Richard Seymour is a girl.
I agree, pubkeeper.
The depth is really telling and might have been the key to this game.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Oct 12, 2009 1:13 PM MDT up reply actions
He's injured
Kind of. Lol.
He’s healing from an injury, once he is back, that’s just one ore really high quality route runner with really good hands and a nose for the first down marker.
by BroncoFanInLakewood on Oct 12, 2009 1:55 PM MDT up reply actions
That INT should get an asterisk
It was completely meaningless to the outcome or even the conduct of the game.
broncorat
by broncorat on Oct 11, 2009 10:47 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
EVEN
It should just read 2 fumbles each. That INT did not determine anything. It was pretty much a wash. However, us coming from behind against NE says a TON of our boy’s character, as well as our coaching staff. What a game!!!!!!!!!! Loved it! Now, let’s show the Dolts who’ll win the West this year.
calBronco1
Thanks Bear
Orten keeps exceeding my expectations. He just looked like an All-Pro today. As did Royal, Marshall and the offensive line and the entire defense. Amazing effort by all. Has anyone else noticed that we always look phsically stronger as the game goes on. All the other teams have just looked worn down as the game goes on. Must be all that hitting in camp and preparing in the cold and snow during the week. As always a great write up Bear, always enjoy your post game comments.
I will go to sleep with a smile on my face (rec'd)
The team played great and against a very good opponent. This team is for real, period.
I think Kyle Orton really opened some eyes. The glove may have affected him more than most realize. Today he was absolutely outstanding. If he keeps playing like this he will be part of the pro-bowl discussion.
great to see...
1. Orton did NOT disappoint with the glove off. his passes were terrible noodle armed… oh wait, they had zip and precision all day. he read the defense all day, and moved well in the pocket. i am really looking forward to the supercomputers inside MHR breaking down the elements of his game, but from what i saw the guy is getting the basics of this system… and the only direction from here is up.
2. jack mf williams- 1 missed tackle late in the game aside, played really solid football. another testament to the depth this defense has…
3. prater- i know, he missed a kick, but he had the strength to make 3 when his team needed it.
4. moreon in his first game as the feature back looked as advertised. great balance, great motor. too bad about the drop, but you had to think the guy would come back with some big plays. hoped to see him bounce it outside all day, and when he did, he made guys miss.
5. McD set a Guinness book record for consummate fist pumps. dude was pumped. thats a great coach, who loves this town, who loves this team who loves this game.
what a great feeling, 5-0, when this is clearly a 3-13 team (ha) with the worst defense, a clueless coach, and a noodle armed qb.
TAKE IT!!!!!!!
"I just looked across the huddle to see the guys in the huddle with me: great offensive line, great talent at wide receiver, great tight ends, great running backs. If we execute and play the way that we should, it should be tough to stop us."
-K.O.
by Jay Fin Anderson on Oct 11, 2009 10:56 PM MDT reply actions
Marshall
He not only played up to Beast level, he came in and broke up a potential interception that was just a first class, heads-up play! It’s getting really fun!
Go Broncs!
It's "just" football
I continue to be amazed at this team
In so many ways it seems to be the exact opposite of the Shanahan teams we’ve had the past few years. The weaknesses we used to have are now our strengths. We set the tone on Defense, we adapt with ease on Offense, and most importantly, we get better as the game goes on. The past few years, good disciplined play in the 4th felt like an aberration; now, its becoming the norm. I love winning these close games, because more than anything, it means we’re doing the little things right when the game is on the line.
Oh, since the Bengals are becoming known as the Cardiac Cats, due to their penchant for close games, can the Broncos have a similar nickname? The Heart-attack Horses?
I keep harping on it...
But I seem to root for a lot of teams that don’t make second half adjustments… Buffs, Nuggets, etc. I honestly say to myself, “Just get to half time, where we unveil the rest of the gameplan and correct our problems.” That’s true coaching right there.
by legendarywalton on Oct 11, 2009 11:34 PM MDT up reply actions
So many teams seem to operate
under the “make them adjust to us mentality.” I think though, I’m a bigger fan of this adaptive sort of scheme. Its nice to watch a team with confidence they will be playing their best at the end of the game.
Gaffney should get special acclaim
for his innovative adaption of the uniform, with the spiraling vertical striped socks.
IMHO that was the one redeeming feature of those uniforms.
"Remember, it's only a game."
There were at least 3 players
with twisted socks on that I saw during pre game warm ups. One of them (Fields maybe?) had them twisting opposite ways. It made me wonder if they were going to get fined by the uniform police.
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa
by KaptainKirk on Oct 11, 2009 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions
Marshall had the zig-zag look going on.
I dig it!
John Clayton is the head Dean at Fail University (known as F.U. in short)
Anybody else?
notice Dawkins just batting balls down with his paws. A couple of his passes defensed could have easily been interceptions. It could have been a much different game had he come up with those.
+1
Agreed. I saw that too. No doubt he’s batting down balls, particularly after watching Denver’s Offense feed off of tipped passes this season.
"A man can fail, but he is not a failure until he blames someone else." J. Paul Getty
by SteveAssassin on Oct 12, 2009 11:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Orton set several career highs today
for completions, attempts, completion percentage, but interestingly, not yards!
Almost exactly a year ago (5 Oct. 2008) against the Lions (yeah right) he hit 24 of 34 for 334 yards. That was the only other day he was over 70% completions. The previous week was the only time he’s hit 3 touchdown passes in a single game.
Nonetheless to me he seems to be getting better and better with each outing. The one interception was a great leap by Randy Moss, and a great decision by Belicheck to put Moss in there.
The real joy for me is how Orton looks on the sidelines, totally focused and engaging with his teammates. He’s a real gem.
"Remember, it's only a game."
Orton on the sidelines
Totally agree! I thought that was great, seeing him engaging Graham after the TD. Then I stepped back and realized, “Isn’t that what a QB is supposed to do?” Funny how your perspective changes. We just haven’t seen that around here for awhile.
Richard Seymour is a girl.
"The real joy for me is how Orton looks on the sidelines, totally focused and engaging with his teammates"
He has the same look on the field also.
Wrote Great in the sand a thousand times. Forgot about dying and went on home.
wow i didn't even notice that !
how dumb am i ?
re: The one interception was a great leap by Randy Moss, and a great decision by Belicheck to put Moss in there.
Randy Moss had that interception and was on the field as the deep safety !
Thx for pointing that out Rob !
by Jenna Talia on Oct 12, 2009 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions
Good Summation Bear
Situational Football. Josh has emphasized this since Training Camp. BTW, did you catch the chess game being played? Broncos start the game in the Wild Horse formation, and Belchick has to waste a timeout to adjust his game plan. Then, Peyton Hillis lines up in the wrong spot forcing Orton to burn a Time Out. Hillis trots off and gets an earful. McD turns it around and calls a formation change, forcing Belichick to waste another one of his own TO’s because the wrong personnel were on the field. Kyle was great today, probably the game MVP.
Another thing I noticed. Scheffler missed a block after going in motion and let his QB get sacked. A few missed tackles out there, but all in all, the D looks fantastic.
It’s nice to see Eddie being able to get some looks, especially because B Marsh looking like the Marshall of old. Keep it up Brandon, and you will get your fortune and glory. I’m still not ready to give him that payday, but he is continuing on the right path and I am pulling for him. Don’t let me down BM.
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa
Sack not on Clady
I believe the sack was on Clady’s side, but he picked up his man. Tthere were too many rushers on his side. I believe the sacker was a DB and not a DL. It was almost the same play when we sacked Homo last week and picked up by Williams.
calBronco1
I missed the Hillis issue
I didn’t catch Hillis out of position on that. I know I’m not the only one, but I really hope Hillis can get it together. He’s such a class act and a team player, you just want him to succeed. I totally believe in the guy, he’s got talent, so I think it’s just a head thing.
C’mon Peyton! We’re pullin’ for ya, man!!!
Richard Seymour is a girl.
Me too Pubkeeper
He really must be still affected by that concussion, because it seems like he has been making mental mistakes. He was doing so well during Camp and up until the fumble on that kickoff a few games back, I thought he was about ready to get an increase in playing time and a better part of the offense. I hope that this is the only thing holding him back, because that can be overcome.
Peyton get well soon, we need you.
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa
by KaptainKirk on Oct 12, 2009 10:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Strikes me as a combination
of sophmore slump and just trying too hard. He needs to relax and let the game come to him a little bit
It's "just" football
+1 that.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Oct 12, 2009 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Short yardage, moreno ball security, front four pressure.
Those are about the only issues I can come up with. That’s totally nitpicking though. I’m just imagining what they’re going to talk about come Tuesday.
by legendarywalton on Oct 11, 2009 11:36 PM MDT reply actions
Yikes...
Forgot special teams discipline. Horrendous penalties that we are lucky to have escaped from. I think we all saw Mr. Priefer having a cordial and one-sided conversation with McD on the side line.
by legendarywalton on Oct 11, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions
Yes, that 2 ST penalty drive
left a certain ST coach looking for another place on the sidelines to stand, other than next to McD. That’s one heck of a glare Josh has for a young man.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
You must've missed before that.
Before he got the glare, did you catch McD absolutely lighting up Priefer? It was after the running into the kicker flag (which was ticky tack, IMO). McD was just letting Priefer have it with both barrels for about 30 seconds. It was brutal. To his credit, Priefer just stood there and took it.
Richard Seymour is a girl.
I like McD but
that was over the top imo. It was a very key moment in the game for sure and his emotions definitely got the best of him.
I Respectfully disagree...
Having been a collegiate Head Coach for 14 years, that type of dressing down breeds respect amongst the Staff and Players alike. It is part of the game, accountability for ALL involved. McDaniels is such a detail oriented professional that all are held accountable for everything. This type of behavior is expected at the collegiate and certainly at the professional levels.
Just my opinion, however…
many ways to hold a coach or player accountable,
but no need to go to that extent imo. Maybe a shorter version.
This wasn't the first time the special teams looked unprepared to take the field and execute...
Maybe it was time to unload on the STs coach…nothing else seemed to be working.
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Oct 12, 2009 8:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Did you see how McD referred to it in the press conference?
“We had a nice calm discussion after the play on the sideline” it got a good laugh out of the media
A truth can only be expressed and enveloped in words if it is one-sided. Everything that is thought and expressed in words is one-sided, only half the truth; it all lacks totality, completeness, unity.
Don't forget our Defense held them after they got two free chances to keep the drive alive, wow!
They are extremely talented ; they needed that drive, we had to stop them three times because of two mistakes and we did, wow!
not the way to be recognized LOL....rookie mistakes....
is probably why we havent fully utilized the 3 TE sets yet…
"The question that sometimes drives me hazy, Am I or the others crazy?" -Albert Einstein
by Disturbed70 on Oct 12, 2009 11:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, that glare after the off-sides...
I think Priefer was wishing for a big rock on the sidelines to climb under.
Great work Bear
I didn’’t get to see this one, had to follow it on nfl live scores from work, but you know what?
When they went in at the half down 17-7 I honestly thought, ’That aint enough of a start Patsies, you lose"!
Thats the difference between this year and last year.
Better man than I
Nice, when the Broncos were down 10-0, I still reverted to the old, “Here goes the collapse” mentality. It’s hard for me to get used to this new MO, but I’ll keep trying!
Richard Seymour is a girl.
Great review Bear
The game was a great one and lived up to the advanced billing. As expected, KO is getting better as he becomes more comfortable with the new offense. Look out NFL! The receivers truely did an outstanding job today. The strategy to limit the number of blitzes on Brady, and focus on shutting down Moss worked very well for the defense. Other than short yardage and the end of the game play selection, McD was spot-on as usual. I enjoyed most of the color by Phil Simms. He’s a big upgrade to Aikman in my book.
I hope this gets shown on NFL replay
I had to miss the game to go to a bday party with my 2 yr old (at the wife’s insistence). I can’t imagine that this would not be one of the four games that is picked to be shown in its entirety.
Great work and rec’d Bear.
Dude
Just breakdown and subscribe to NFL Rewind – you won’t regret it and then you not only won’t have to rely on their Replay picks, but can dial up any game played, all season long, in HiDef with no commercials. One of the better bargains out there in my opinion.
Go Broncs!
It's "just" football
Thanks Doc, a pleasure to read...
Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM
Brady just played poorly
That’s what I hear when I listened to talk radio this morning. “Brady looked terrible”. Well, lets think about this. Romo looked terrible last week. I won’t mention JaMarcus the hutt, but Quinn looked terrible in week two and in week one Palmer had one of his worst days.
Are we just getting lucky, or is our DEFENSE playing great?
I’ll go with the common denominator here and say that the reason these guys look terrible is because the defense is forcing them to do things they are not comfortable with. Thank you McD and Nolan. You are both truly outstanding!!
This is our team, let's have fun with it! - dmitchell624
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
true...
but Brady did miss some wide open receivers a few times. Welker would have had a td if brady hadn’t just completely missed him, and the same with Moss earlier. It just means our defense makes very few mistakes, and the other qb has to be damn near perfect to take advantage of them.
Those misses
were both the result of misreads – not misthrows (and Simms should know the difference). Part of great defense is disguising coverage so that teams misread or miscommunicate.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Oct 12, 2009 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions
With respect
SWG, I know you are a coach and I always appreciate what you have to say. But I think those were misthrows. Granted that the disguised coverage and pressure on the QB contributed, but the bottom line is, as sleepydog noted, Brady did not present good throws. I think of one in particular to (i don’t remember who) to the weakside sideline that sailed over the head of the receiver. Did Brady look terrible? solace makes a good point that our D has made every QB we’ve faced look terrible.
Perhaps
Maybe a little more explanation of why you think they were misreads would be in order? I know I always learn from your explanations.
Let's take the pass that hit Welker in the leg in the 4th qtr
On that particular play Welker was in the slot running what’s called a divide route, while the outside receiver was running a steak/read. Now the NE system is much different than the WCO that we’re used to with Shanny. In NE’s system the receivers don’t usually run set patterns; they read the defense and adjust on the fly. On that particular play Welker was supposed to read the middle of the field. If there’s a safety there (middle closed) he runs a hitch or a comeback; if there’s no safety in the middle (middle open) he runs a skinny post. On the play the safety (Dawkins?) starts strongside, rotates to the middle, then continues weakside. Brady read the play as middle closed and threw the hitch. However, Welker read middle open and ran the post.
Without knowing their playbook I can’t tell for sure who made the wrong read. But it wasn’t a bad pass, just different reads. Same thing with the smash concept to Moss that they missed in the 1st qtr.
FWIW: the Broncos run a similar sight adjust system now under McD.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Oct 12, 2009 1:53 PM MDT up reply actions
FWIW: the Broncos run a similar sight adjust system now under McD.
Which is why it takes half a season or more to get everyone on the same page. Each route has 3 different outcomes, if I remember correctly and it is based on the coverage… press or not, safety side, etc.
A truth can only be expressed and enveloped in words if it is one-sided. Everything that is thought and expressed in words is one-sided, only half the truth; it all lacks totality, completeness, unity.
Great post, bear.
Love these post-game reviews.
- Orton answered my questions from last week. I think he really underplayed how much the glove affected him. His passes looked crisp and on target all day. As noted above by swenson, I particularly like the way he works the sidelines. He fits right into the “mad scientist” thing we’ve got going with McD and Nolan, constantly trying to break down the other team and make adjustments.
- Moreno has excellent balance, which sounds simplistic, but enables him to pinball like the great ones. I’m sure Bobby T is going to be hammering his ball security, but that is an issue that is completely coachable (see Tiki Barber).
- I’ve not been a big fan of the wildcat, but the wildhorses changed my opinion, only because I like how it set the defense and then motioned Orton back in. He’s standing out on the side with a clear view of what the D is doing, and then comes in after they’ve committed. Perfect setup. They can still do the quick snap to the RB, or let Orton get all the way to center and run a more conventional play.
- That pic of Sheffler is an instant classic, esp. in the throwbacks with the all-black cleats, going old-school on the DB. I left the couch on that play.
- Here’s hoping that the Broncos are underdogs in SD this week. They should be, right?
- And, finally, I fell in love with McD today. Yeah, I’ve been dipping the toe in the water for awhile now, but today, I just cannon-balled in. I know many here have been saying, “Jump in, the water’s great!” but, I’ve been cautious, feeling burned before. No more. I love the X’s and O’s, the way the team is prepared, the culture he’s so quickly created here, but what finally got me was after the game, seeing him go over to the sidelines, point up to where his family was sitting (and the crowd, too) and do the 3 full-bodied, striding out fist pumps. I love it! This guy is a hard-worker, but like he said, “It’s alright to have fun.” I’m in serious man-crush mode.
“My name is pubkeeper and I’m a broncoholic.”
Richard Seymour is a girl.
Hello, pubkeeper!
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Oct 12, 2009 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions
And welcome to Broncoholics Unanimous!
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Oct 12, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
LOL
We need a post on the 12 steps of a Broncoholic!
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa
by KaptainKirk on Oct 12, 2009 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
oooh that could be fun !
lots of kool aid jokes !
by Jenna Talia on Oct 12, 2009 11:38 AM MDT up reply actions
Was just thinking exactly the same thing
Only maybe a 19 step program
BTW, I’m Tom and I’m a broncomaniacaholic. tehe, pass me some more of the kool aid
by azbroncomaniac on Oct 12, 2009 11:38 AM MDT up reply actions
LOL Ive been on step 13 of that program for 10 years now LMAO
"The question that sometimes drives me hazy, Am I or the others crazy?" -Albert Einstein
by Disturbed70 on Oct 12, 2009 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions
the first step is of course admitting that you have a problem
but at 5 and Oh My God, what’s the problem ?
by Jenna Talia on Oct 12, 2009 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions
Ok
Maybe a 13-3 step program?
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left." – Yogi Berra
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing." -- George Bernard Shaw
Breaking jaws or the NFL in Oakland who cares? Fall on your pirate’s sword - Ponderosa
Underdogs indeed
Opening line is SD -3 1/2 or -4 depending on the book. Over/Under is 44 by the way.
Take the road Wonderdogs people!
6-0!!!
BroncoBear
Thanks for the analysis said another way; History, tradition of beat NE was too much for Patriots to over come Sunday. The scarey thing about this team is the offense hasn’t jelled yet and when they do watch out. Another thing coach McD was looking for from players “character” the team showed plenty of it along with smarts knowing the game plan. This team is getting better and better each week. BTW; is it my imagination but didn’t Orton look more confident with the glove off? Great Win! Going into Monday Night Football. 5-0 Broncos!
oc60
It wasn't your imagination, oc60
It still seemed to take Kyle a while to ‘warm up’ but again – the Pats are a very good team and Orton now has to revert to the slight differences of throwing without the glove. Considering the completion percentage sans glove — was that really 72%? – - which is now over 63%, you have to be pretty happy with the direction that we’re going in.
As far as character — from top to bottom, this team seems to have it in spades. 4 of 5 victories are come-from-behind. Orton’s 4th Q QB rating is 138.7. That screams character, as do the FA players and the draft picks. You have to love watching a man build a team like that, don’t you?
Hillis/Moreno in '09
In A Long Time
For the first time in a long time I said to my fellow game-watchers here at home that the Broncos were going to win when we were down 10-17 in the 4th quarter. Do you know what that feels like? I have experienced the immense strength of the defense and offense of this year’s 4th quarter Broncos and I like it…a lot!
"You have to love watching a man build a team like that, don’t you?"
With all due respect, this team is already built! In just 8 months. Compare McD’s record to the combined record of the 7 other new head coaches in the league: McD -5-0; the others – 7-27. Once again, thank you Mr. Bowlen.
Wrote Great in the sand a thousand times. Forgot about dying and went on home.
No disrespect taken or given!
What I’m referring to is the fact that I believe that McD will strengthen the team even more in the offseason and draft. He might even trade for a player this season if he needs to. I doubt that anyone hits the market without Xanders and McD talking about him. I love that.
Bill Walsh once said that the best month for team building is September. He loved picking up cast-off that fit his system. I would tend to think that this kind of thing (not that specifically, but its underlying principle) will tend to continue. But you’re also right – this is a great team already!
Hillis/Moreno in '09
I had that thought too
Plus, having a season under his belt he’ll have a much better picture of what he needs this offseason. Sounds kinda crazy after the job they’ve already done evaluating what they started with, but still…
Richard Seymour is a girl.
Sure
McD can make the Broncos even better. Picture adding a Mario Williams and a Patrick Willis. But will that be fair to the other 31 teams in the league? In the interests of parity, Roger Goodell will need to consider handicapping the Broncos!
Wrote Great in the sand a thousand times. Forgot about dying and went on home.
Before "The Trade"
I remember the MSM railing on Cutler for his 4th quarter passer rating last year. Seems I remember it going in the tank. I’ll say it again, I love the way this team plays better as the game wears on.
Richard Seymour is a girl.
Appreciate your post game analyses.
Keep up the good work.
1 thing I think Holliday was signed as a free agent. denver got Hochstein and Lekevin for a 5th which is still an excellent value for a 5th.
... if you have a belief, you will tend to find things that support it. But if you have a prejudice, you’ll move heaven and earth to maintain it. BroncoBear
You're right, and thanks!
Vonnie was on the sidelines with a recovery from knee surgery. He sure seems fine now!
Hillis/Moreno in '09
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