2009 Denver and the skeletons in the closet

by dcrespo7 on Dec 21, 2009 11:27 AM MST

How about those Raiders? Came into Denver knowing that their strength was to run the ball and to run the ball often. Russell may have bought himself a little time but that team seems to have two quality QBs in Gradowski and Frye. One can say its not saying much but Gradowski was 2-1 and had Frye not gotten injured would have probably won his first start. That is as far as I'll go in congratulating the Oakland Raiders.

I understand that Mike Shanahan wasn't getting it done both in December and in the offseason which led to some frustrating Decembers. What I am most disappointed with is the inability to convert 3rd downs. The defense has done tremendously well and if there were ever a unit that can win "most improved " award it would be these guys.

McDaniels reminds me of Brian Billick. An offensive mind that set records in Minnesota with Randall Cunningham then Duante Culpepper and the likes of Robert Smith, Cris Carter and Randy Moss. However, once he got to Baltimore in his first HC position, offense was the least of his forte. Dilfer. Boller. Redman. Those were the QBs that came and went as a defense rose to great heights and carried the team to where it is today.

The thinking heading into the season was simple. Allow McDaniel an entire season and access his body of work. With two games remaining I have a few things that jump out at me. Tony Carter made a few plays in his first action in a live NFL game. More plays than I remember Alphonso Smith (a pick I am for) making at this point in the season.

Chris Baker has been inactive for another week. The one position, player who needs time in happens to be Baker. Would he have been able to contribute in containing the run? I think so. I've yet to see the same Denver defense that excelled at rushing the passer and maintaining discipline.

Its December. The season is one long grind that can wear the best of men. For once, I'd like to see a hero among men rise to the occasion.

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

the problem with activating Baker would be who do you keep inactive? I’m sure people would love Jordan to be inactive, but you can’t go into the game just having Moreno and Hillis. McKinley? Well Royal had an injury so McKinley was doing some returns [granted Alphonso could also do that]… just curious who you would sit instead?

by Todd Jewell on Dec 21, 2009 11:43 AM MST reply actions

Hillis should be inactive.

Or cut. At this point he’s a wasted game day body.

- Nick

"We got 'em right where we want 'em!" - Keith Bishop, right before John Elway orchestrated The Drive. 'Nuff said.

by ncm42 on Dec 21, 2009 12:46 PM MST up reply actions

Great point

Say hello to my fast...

by dcrespo7 on Dec 21, 2009 1:33 PM MST up reply actions

Well Hopefully he can be a Billick

Billick won a SB, if he wins a SB, I would be stoked.

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by Broncoman on Dec 21, 2009 12:30 PM MST reply actions

I just don't want one SB

I don’t want a team that has a musical chair every 4-5 years at QB. I just felt that Billick was an overrated coach w/the benefits of having a strong front office and great draft pick and FA additions (aka Sharpe).

Say hello to my fast...

by dcrespo7 on Dec 21, 2009 1:33 PM MST up reply actions

Dcrespo, I had not thought of the Billick comparison, I find it interesting.

Obviously, a little too early to judge, but you’ve got my mind thinking now. Certainly something to consider, if, after 2 years, we are still spinning in the same place.

"But I hate the way our identity has changed..Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that’s the truth." --Brian Urlacher

by TJ Johnson on Dec 21, 2009 1:41 PM MST reply actions

It has been spinning in my dome for almost a month

I don’t think Billick is a bad coach but he’s not one coach I’d want leading Denver for the next decade or so. I think McDaniels can be everything the city, the fan base and team are looking for: a leader, an example of what it takes to win and to improve w/every loss.

Regardless if we make the playoffs, I am very proud of the accomplishments in this year alone. Would be nice to extend Marshall and Dumervil. This draft is by far more important than 2009 simply because, for me at least, we have a taste of things to come in what McDaniels’ vision is.

If I were to single out any positions w/in the team that requires fresh blood and to remain true to McDaniels’ vision, image if you will, I think of of the interior OL. For Denver to become that true power running team (Red Zone and 3rd down woes) we would have to start there.

Say hello to my fast...

by dcrespo7 on Dec 21, 2009 1:49 PM MST up reply actions

There is a good reason for not activating Baker

I’m not on one side or the other on this one – I’m just aware of at least one of the issues. Baker is a rookie. We have several good players at DE – Holliday, McBean, Smith (I was hoping for more from him, however) and Peterson. We are also getting good production from the NT position with Fields and Thomas.

Since we are still in a position to possibly make the playoffs, few coaches (and McD has been clear that he’s not one of them) will bench or deactivate a veteran who has played fairly well in favor of ‘getting reps’ to a rookie whose next mistake could just as easily cost us that chance at the wild card slot. We’re seeing enough of those problems with the veterans. Baker would have to have enough time to learn the timing and he’s a bit of a ‘wild card’ all by himself on the issue of communication – he’s never played at the NFL level and he’s had little or no time to work with the current rotation of players, so you can expect at least one or two extra penalties or mistakes that cost yardage.

I agree fully regarding the O-line – as I’ve said often this season, they are the biggest problem with our running game and they have been a concern for the passing game as well. I look forward to seeing how the Broncos will attack the need to improve those position this offseason.

Moreno/Buckhalter in '09

by Doc Bear on Dec 21, 2009 5:07 PM MST reply actions