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I've decided to take my comments and extrapolate them into a fanpost about Kyle Orton, Josh McDaniels and the lack of running game...follow me after the jump...


Star-divide

 

One thing first off. I think we need to aknowledge that Kyle Orton doesn't make excuses for himself, so let's not make excuses FOR him...one thing to be admired about Orton is his willingness to take the blame and work to learn. It really is admirable

1. As I've stated before, Orton is who he is. An average, perfectly competent, game manager qb with a good knowledge and intellect of the game. There is nothing wrong with that. However, it seems like people want to make him into either a GREAT quarterback or a HORRIBLE quarterback...when quite frankly neither of which is true. Orton has never pretended to be a great, playmaking quarterback. We've got what Kyle is. Game manager.

The problem the Broncos and Orton are having is....quite frankly....Kyles inability to "make plays". Tonight we saw Ben Roethlisberger scramble out of a very heavy pass rush and make a great pass downfield in the 3rd quarter. When Orton was forced to scramble he made some very sketchy throws and he looked, for lack of a better word, nervous. The Steelers forced him from his comfort zone and really took advantage of Orton's nervousness in the second half. In fact, in the first half Orton ran himself into a sack (grrrrrr Ben Hamilton) when he looked completely out of sorts. The o line actually was prepared for the blitz but...

2. .....since our running game wasn't working, it was very clear to me that the Steelers were daring the Broncos to throw it over the top of the "bunched" coverages in the middle. It was also very clear to me that the Steelers knew the Broncos wouldn't try it. Thus, we have the tried and true "down field" problem. I'd like to say that Kyle can throw it down field, but it's happened so infrequently (less than I've ever seen during a Broncos season)  that I'm not even sure it's in the playbook. When the running game has broken down you MUST throw down field a couple times to stretch the clogged middle of the secondary. If you don't then all the defense has to do is blitz, blitz, blitz....which is what the Steelers did.

This seemed to be a very rigid game plan. The offense didn't adapt to what the defense was giving them for the second straight week. That's on McDaniels. I hope to see more flexibility next week agains the Redskins. The Defense was SENSATIONAL tonight and got worn down by being on the field all the time. That's the Offenses fault.

3. Which brings me to my final point. Zone Blocking. People have said that zone blocking went out with Mike Shanahan....this is not true. In the first three games the Broncos sprinkled in zone blocking with their new power running formation. In fact I believe they did a majority of zone blocking during the Raiders game. I think McD has been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. This O line is essentially built FOR the zone blocking scheme, and they get overpowered by large D lines when lined up in power formations. They know how to do it, and I think it's a simple enough adjustment that Dennison and Turner can work out. Just a thought

All in all, I'm not ready to jump ship. I think, however, adjustments need to be made now. If we make it to the playoffs we will seee these physical teams again. Now it's time, I believe, for McDaniels to show why Bowlen gave him him big bucks because this is the first time he's faced adversity on the football field as a head coach. I'm nervous and excited to see what he does.

thanks for reading :)

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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Zone Blocking

Couldn’t agree more. I’m not sure why we’ve seemingly abandoned the zone blocking scheme for a power running game that this offensive line just doesn’t have the size for. One of the things that impressed me early this season, was Coach McD’s ability to play to the strengths of his players. Right now, that doesn’t seem to be the case. At least with regards to the running game.

In football if you stand still you go backwards. - Peter Reid

by kaclinbroncofan on Nov 10, 2009 5:44 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Agree

I was excited to see power set formations but aside from Ben Hamilton, I don’t think we have the personnel to incorporate that style quite yet. Especially against a defensive that prides itself in stopping the run (ranked number 1 in the NFL).

I believe Denver is a draft or two away from being that sort of team that can employ a power running game. Regarding your take on Orton, I have to ask coach if he’s putting Orton in a pigeon hole so to speak. When you’re resorting to deception in your play calliing, I’m sorry you’re not playing the brand of football that got you to 6-1 now 6-2.

The sky is not falling but w/talents such as Royal and Marshall, I cannot imagine why we settle for a scheme that is great on occasion.

Say hello to my fast...

by dcrespo7 on Nov 10, 2009 6:56 AM MST up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Nailed the O-Line situation on the head. Maybe Denver could swap linemen for picks with the likes of the Texans or wherever Shanny ends up next (Dallas or Chicago). Would speed up the transition for Denver.

by MTBroncoFan on Nov 10, 2009 10:28 AM MST up reply actions   0 recs

Good points and I agree, this is no time to panic.

Without a running game the Steelers were sitting on the pass and I’m not sure what that was all about. Pittsburg out schemed us and that lays heavily upon the head coaches shoulders not Kyle’s or anybody else. We cannot leave our defense out there on the field or even blame them for their perfomance. Not moving the ball on offense is the big problem right now.

by bfree2bronc on Nov 10, 2009 10:21 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

Best Post I've Read on this Game

Think your points are right on.

I also think the Redskins might be a stiffer test that many fans anticipate. They’ve never been easy to beat in Washington and have a pretty good defensive team. One or two big plays could decide it. The Broncos should get a win, but a loss could squarely put the Broncos back in the Pretender column with the Chargers heading into Denver. Suddenly this has become a pretty big game for the Broncos.

by MTBroncoFan on Nov 10, 2009 10:33 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

They have injuries all around.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by kentuckybronco on Nov 10, 2009 10:33 AM MST up reply actions   0 recs

@JP..must add to your very good points

-Kyle will not win you many games. He is not the take over type QB. Earlier posts mentioned a $70 million payday coming, nah, more to the tune of $5m/yr for 3 yrs with a $12m bonus. (my guess, he will be the Kubiak to Tom Brandstater).
-OL is only average right now due to one guard, yes Ben Hamilton. I agree that Russ Hockstein is also not the answer. So lets see what Seth Olsen has now. This may allow the power blocking to work better since the zone blocking is being used less and less.
-Knowshon is hesitating at the hole or with his cut. Many times you see Correll one step into the line before contact and Knowshon is at the line with contact.
-Champ is being schooled. Yes he has had good games, SD, but Baltimore and Pittsburgh have schemed around his ability. Holmes was always one half step ahead of Champ on decisions.

Do not panic. Broncos just played the two best defensive teams this season and were very competitive until the fourth quarters. Just think, if the Broncos split their 8 remaining games they would be 10-6. Would you have taken that before the season? I know John Clayton would be surprised.
Oh least I forget, the Bears at 4-4, will probably finish at 8-8 or worse. Great decision Mr. McD.

by DLMyers on Nov 10, 2009 11:09 AM MST reply actions   0 recs

thanks for commenting all

I think, regarding zone blocking or the O line not being suited for power running we all agree.

Im not sure Simms would give you a better chance than Orton. I think McD is really playing the best option at qb right now for his system until Brandstater gains enough experience. We will just have to live with who Kyle Orton is till then and hope the Broncos can scheme their way to wins….like I said, I’m excited to see what they come up with.

by jpage78 on Nov 10, 2009 12:23 PM MST reply actions   0 recs

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