MHR Christmas Edition Chalk Talk - Denver Broncos at Philidelphia Eagles
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 11:30 AM MST
in 2009 Denver Broncos Game Previews
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PrintMerry Christmas! Read this breakdown of the upcoming Broncos / Eagles game, then get back to your family and the Christmas cheer!
The Denver Broncos control their own destiny. If they can beat the Eagles at Philly and the Chiefs at home, they get into the playoffs. In fact, Denver can get into the playoffs with just a win this week (with losses by MIA, JAX, PIT, and NYJ). With a loss this week, they can still get in, but the odds would be real long and Denver would need a lot of help.
As I thought some time ago, the game against PHI will be huge for Denver. I didn't expect a playoff spot this year, nor did I predict a record better than 8 wins (though I was confident the team would look much better). Now the team looks SO much better that fans are getting upset that the team might not make the playoffs at all. If anything, this shows how far we've come as a team. But I knew deep down that the PHI game represented the last game on the schedule that looked to me like a tough match-up. It seemed to me that if there was going to be any chance of a playoff spot, the Eagles game would be key.
What should we watch for in this game?
Emotional Homecoming
Let's get this out of the way. Everyone is going to be talking about Brian Dawkins returning to his old stadium to play his old team in front of his old fans. The announcers may talk about this ad infinitum. Is it an issue?
I don't think so. First, I would expect the fans to give Dawkins a standing ovation after all he has done for the Eagles over the years. It would be the classy thing to do. Even if the Philly fans get nasty, it would only serve to motivate Dawkins. It just shouldn't be an issue either way. Dawkins is a professional, and will bring his "A-Game" regardless of what happens.
Don't forget, Correll Buckhalter is returning to Philly too.
Even if the fans welcome those two back, the adoration will die the moment the game starts and either player gets going.
Who are the Eagles?
When I think of the Eagles this year, a few thoughts come to mind. On defense, the Eagles love to blitz. They have also forced 36 turnovers and have 23 interceptions for the year.
They are 15th in the NFL in preventing points (opposing teams average 20.4 points per game) and are 11th in stopping yards (opposing teams gain an average of 315.9) . Denver only ranks 20th in getting points (avg. of 19.6 points per game) and 17th in yards gained (336.4). Philly's pass defense ranks 14th with 214 yards allowed, and they hold opposing teams to 101.9 yards rushing (10th place). Denver ranks 17th in the pass (216.3 yards in the air) and 12th in rushing (120.1)
When I think of the Eagles on offense, I think of passing. They are 10th in passing yards (257.8) and 21st in running (106.8); they very much favor the air war. This presents an interesting match-up, giving that Denver is 2nd in the NFL in stopping the pass (177.5 yards) and 22nd in stopping the rush. Overall, the Eagles are 2nd in points scored (avg. 28.5) and 10th in yards (364.6), which tells me the Eagles are proficient. Denver is 3rd in stopping yards (294.4) and is 7th in stopping points (17.9)
These teams match up very well. Denver has a good defense (particularly in stopping the pass), and the Eagles are good at putting up points (in the air).
While there are big names on the Eagles offense, the name I have been focused on is receiver (and punt returner) DeSean Jackson. He's a big play kind of guy. Consider: after 56 receptions this year he still manages to average 19.4 yards a catch. He's a deep field threat. Brent Celek is one of the best TEs that most people haven't heard of. Watch for him to get several throws short. LT Jason Peters seems to be improving with time.
On defense, the Eagles look good with both corners (Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown) and at RE (Trent Cole).
The Eagles got some good news when they found out that Brian Westbrook (RB) will be back from injury this game. However, Coach Andy Reid says that Westbrook will be sharing the load with RB Lesean McCoy.
Who are the Broncos?
The Broncos have one of the best game managers at QB in Kyle Orton. He isn't flashy, but his arm is better than advertised, and he is careful with the ball. Running backs Buckhalter and Kyle Orton are a legitimate tandem, but not so much in short yardage.
The vaunted offensive line of Denver seems to have taken a step back this year, though they are still much better than average and are missing RT Ryan Harris to injury for the year. Brandon Marshall has established himself as one of the better WRs in the League. While Brandon Stokley proves his worth with key receptions, Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney (as well as TEs Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler) have been getting less passes recently.
Denver's secondary continues to rank 2nd in the NFL, and sports a legendary roster with Champ Bailey and Dawkins playing together. Andre' Goodman continues to impress.
Elvis Dumervil (ROLB/DE) has slowed a little the last couple of games, but is still likely to keep his lead for sacks NFL wide. D.J. Williams and Andra Davis (LBs) continue to tackle well.
The team fired out to a quick start this year, despite controversy from the new head coach and a departed starting QB. However, the team has fallen on some hard times, winning only two of their last four games.
Comparisons
QB - PHI
RBs - Lean DEN
OL - Even
TE - Even
WRs - Even
DL - Lean PHI
LBs - DEN
CBs - Lean DEN
SAF - Lean DEN
STs - Strong PHI
Keys to the Game
Denver
- Must improve in short yardage runs.
- Must improve in red zone scoring.
- Must improve field position with improvement in STs coverage.
Philly
- Pressure Orton. Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush.
- Get off to a quick start. This is something Philly is good at. Try to force a shoot out.
- Contain the Denver running game, and force Orton to throw. Consider covering up Marshall to see if Orton will go elsewhere under pressure or throw the ball away.
A Review of the Denver Season
Ok, so some folks are upset at Denver's record so far. I think we're either on track or ahead of where we thought we might be. Let me review each game and see what folks think.
1) DEN over CIN - We beat a team that is currently ranked 4th in the AFC. That's darned good.
2) DEN over CLE - We beat a terrible team, as we should have.
3) DEN over OAK - Again, we beat a terrible team. Still, it is a win.
4) DEN over DAL - We beat a team that is 6th in the NFC (a wild card contender). Good job.
5) DEN over NE - Third best team in the AFC. Very good work here!
6) DEN over SD - We beat the eventual AFC West champions, proving it can be done. They are #2 in the AFC.
7) BAL over DEN - We lose to one of the top two AFC teams of last year, a team currently ranked 5th. No shame there.
8) PIT over DEN - We lose to the SB champions. Again, no shame.
9) WAS over DEN - OK, this was a bad loss. WAS isn't good this year.
10) SD over DEN - This one stings because we already beat them in their house. It was also a blow-out. Still, it was against a team that is currently 4th in the NFL (2nd AFC).
11) DEN over NYG - The Giants are only a game outside of the playoffs right now. They're a good team, not great.
12) DEN over KC - Denver proves they can win in KC in DEC. KC may not be a good team, but the "KC in KC in Dec" curse is broken.
13) IND over DEN - Denver loses to the #1 team in the NFL, and it was on the road. Still, Denver played a good game, and it was closer than the score board showed at the end. No shame in this loss at all.
14) OAK over DEN - Like the WAS game, this one was terrible. It may have only been by one point, but we HATE the raiders, and losing to a basement team is going to leave a mark.
All in all, we've won a lot of games against teams that are the best of the best. We've played all five of the teams that rank higher than us. We lost to the #1 team, split the series with the #2 team, beat the #3 and #4 teams, and lost to the #5 team. Of the top 7 teams in the NFC, we've played the #6 and #7 teams, and beaten them both. That's pretty good for a team that is starting over this year. Would last year's Denver team have beaten those teams? I don't think they would have.
On Sunday we play the #3 team in the NFC. I think the game could go either way. We are NOT a top tier team, but we are one of the best of the second tier teams, and a borderline playoff team. I don't know what will happen at the end of this season, but my expectations have already been surpassed. I'm hoping for the best for this post season, but nothing is locked in place. However, based on the improvements I've seen over last year, I like our chances for improvement next year already.
Blessings to all, Philly and Denver fans alike.
Steve and family.
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Comments
I had to vote win one, lose one, miss the playoffs.
I drink the Kool Aid, but I have come back from being convinced that this team can beat the teams it’s supposed to. I actually think this will play out in an unexpected, yet sadly entirely expected way. I think we’ll beat Philly, and lose to kc at home. The chances of our getting into the playoffs at that point are such a long shot that I think we’ll miss them.
I am still hopeful, and I wnat this team to prove to me that they can play 2 complete hours of football for the rest of this season and make me and many others eat their words. That being said, GO BRONCOS! BEAT THOSE EAGLES, then TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME AGAINST the errorheads!
Have a great day and a Merry Christmas!
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
I had to vote win two and make playoffs.....
I just had to— despite the terrible lose to the faders. I just had to, well……………because.
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
I'm with you Mike,
we can’t afford to lose either game left and depend on others to fail, it probably won’t happen and the way the Steelers are playing they might win out.
You had to because you ae Mike Clark.....and I love me some Mike Clark....but the loss to the Raiders was the worst loss I have seen from them since I started supporting the Broncos since 1996.....we lose the next 2 is what I am feeling!...
But I will be the happiest man alive if they prove me wrong!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
I wouldn't say it was the worst.
The raiders are a terrible team, and losing to them is shameful (especially at home). We should not have lost to them, but at least it was a one point game. I hate losing in blowouts to bad teams, which is something we used to do.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:12 PM MST up reply actions
I disagree Steve....
Last year, it was excused as a young team, injuries…blah, blah, blah. This year, we had a lot better defense, future HOF’s in the secondary, veteran leadership to lead our rookies, home field advantage, playing a TERRIBLE team with a 3rd string QB, a win to put us (undoubtably) in the play offs and we come out and play like a punch of unpassionate slugs. No matter what anyone writes, this was a worse loss than anything I saw last year.
SHameful effort. Time, for me, makes it worse, as this is CLEARLY a team chemistry thing……on offense…….where players have stopped believing in McDaniels message.
Man, I hope I am wrong, but players like Hillis, and I am sure many other Shanny hold overs, have checked out.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
by boydy2669 on Dec 25, 2009 5:05 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
I respect that.
Still, I don’t buy that a one point loss to a lesser team is worse than a blowout to a lesser team. And at least in this season, we have a lot of wins to be proud of. I’d call it improvement, but I respect the disagreement.
I’ll take this year’s team.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:31 PM MST up reply actions
So will I...and it being better makes the loss even worse. Thanks as always Coach!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
i rec'd your comment further up boydy
just because you gave me some things to think about and i’m loving your passion !
i hope you are wrong about the chemistry thing tho…i think/hope maybe its just a tough scheme !?
Not seeing that at all.
These guys are definitely playing harder for McD at this point in the season than they were for Shanahan last year.
Hillis, meh. He’s had every opportunity to impress and hasn’t been able to grab a larger role.
Dude
I think I may finally understand you. I am sure it does feel that way for you as a fan. Some of us have been around much longer and have felt far worse depression from losses. Last Sundays game couldn’t even begin to compare to the pain I have felt following the Broncos!!
A little perspective though…… On any given Sunday is a common saying for a reason ;-)
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Agreed.
When taken over the course of the season (or over the last several years), the game isn’t nearly as bad as other positions we have been in.
If anything, I think the raiders game upsets us because our standards are higher this year. We’re a better team!
: )
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:29 PM MST up reply actions
I would even go back to the Wash SB
We beat Cleveland at home (The Fumble?) and go to the SB on a high. Come out and score 10 points bang! Boom! And Then!! Somebody put the girl scouts in Broncos Uni’s. I mean my heart fell, I physically ached watching that game, not to mention I was surrounded by Redskins fans (OH, the pain :-( I will never forget that day). A one point loss to the Raiders, a team we have split many seasons with, despite a mediocre performance doesn’t hurt me especially, but I do come from a different era when the raiders were more dominant and we expected losses to them.
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
My problem is not as a fan, but as a coach...
This team has some chemistry issues that wont be fixed this year. Just my opinion, but common sense leads me in this direction.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
Well
SURE they do… This team just went through a HUGE change. Only a miracle could get chemistry in less than one season. This ain’t love at first site!
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Agreed.
New HC, new OC, new DC, new QB, many new players on defense as well. It is amazing we even have 8 wins at this point (what I predicted at the start of the season). I remain impressed.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:33 PM MST up reply actions
Chemistry thing
I really only see it with the offensive line. last year they had chemistry this year the look confuzzled.
... 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
I just had to, well……………because.
10-6 Baby! =)
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Check out this Christmas Card Kaptain
http://ecard.ashland.edu/index.php?ecardYear=2004adm
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
Cool
Thanks Mike
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Mike....thats why I love ya
I agree 100%
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
by dmitchell624 on Dec 25, 2009 5:19 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
You too Dennis, I think you will like it
http://ecard.ashland.edu/index.php?ecardYear=2004adm
Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.
Great Perspective HT
The biggest change I’ve seen this year compared to last is there is NO quit in this team. Whether it be players on the field or coaches on the sidelines. And that my friends is a great feeling!
Go Broncos!!
Merry Christmas to all!
The QB position is set.
by broncofaninIL on Dec 25, 2009 1:01 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
BS...they quit against the Raiders and the Redskins...thus why we are 8-6 instead of 10-4!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
I don't think that is a fair statement at all
Surely not this past sunday when they played up till the last second. This team shows no quit in them. They may well fall down on their faces (They Did), but they do not quit.
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Should not have come down to the last second. We should have taken care of business by half time. This team played with no urgency! Watching the game the 2nd time made me sick...the 3rd time...sicker!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
you can say we played bad
You can say we should have won…….but there is no way we quit.
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
by dmitchell624 on Dec 25, 2009 5:21 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
+1
when we quit i stop watching, and that hasn’t happened this year
the last few years under Shanahan i stopped watching a lot
by Jenna Talia on Dec 25, 2009 8:03 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Ok, I get it, no, probably not.....
Why are you watching the game three times? I NEVER will watch the Broncos/Redskins SB again that is for damn sure. I absolutely agree that the team played flat, failed to execute, play calling was not great, substitutions could have been made. On and on and on……. The same has been said for Dan Reeves, Mike Shanahan, and Red Aurbauch?? Did I get that right? I came late for him….But I heard my Step-Mom B*tch enough, ;-)
My whole point on what I am getting from your statements in many threads this week is that you expect more from this team and you seem to feel very, very let down by a team that has shown weakness from pre-season, That is known to be in the first year of……EVERYTHING about being a team.
All I am trying to say is that any team will let you down, sometimes painfully. In the case of the 2009 Broncos I believe they deserve to be allowed to look bad, play bad, to learn from their mistakes.
It gets better! I have been watching Pro Football for 40 years, a die hard fan of the Broncos for 27 of those years and I will tell you this, as a fan. The Highs beat the Hell out of the lows!
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Sean I am hearing you...
I was OK with losses to PIT, BAL, IND…even SD….some things went wrong…we had injuries. Even WAS I can kinda handle……Orton went down….but the Oakland game still has me scratching for answers. If you dont like quit….cool. But they lacjed intensity the WHOLE game…oth players and coaches…..and with a lot on the line I cant find any REASON for that.
Jout me with lots of excuses, but they dont stand up to me, and normally I am a really positive fan, and supporter of mcD.
As alway, enjoy the banter mate!
Happy X Mas and Holidays!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
and to you
I hope Sunday gives you a reason to feel better.
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
I am hoping too my friend!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
Scratching your head for answers?
The Raiders d-line was in the Broncos backfield on nearly every running play from the second quarter on.
First and goal from the 2 and you can’t put the game away by getting the TD? You deserve to lose.
But not because you quit. Because you couldn’t run block, and because the interior pass protection was subpar, as well.
I simply don’t get the hyperbole? The Broncos took FGs 4 times. They can’t convert on short yardage to keep drives going. But none of that is because they “quit.”
Sorry. Saying they did is just asinine.
by JeffG on Dec 26, 2009 11:32 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Red
Red Miller. Red Aurbech (sp) was the great coach of the Boston Celtics and he had made mistakes also I’m sure. I just don’t remember any.
... 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
+100
The selfish, they're all standing in line
Faithing and hoping to buy themselves time
Me, I figure as each breath goes by
I only own my mind-- Pearl Jam, "I am Mine"
by PredominantlyOrange on Dec 25, 2009 4:26 PM MST up reply actions
great write up
But I don’t agree with ur opinion on our line. I think its worse than above average, as its been a liability, especially against Oakland. And with the blitzes, I think we need to do plenty of three step drops and quick routes to counter the zone blitzes and make them play conservative, and open up our run game, what do u think ht?
by DBroncs1414 on Dec 25, 2009 1:06 PM MST via mobile reply actions
I think we have two areas of concern on the OL.
The biggest concern seems to me to be too much switching between zone and gap blocking. We should stick with one or the other. Some folks think that zone blocking hurts us in short yardage, but I don’t agree. Regular blocking (called “gap” blocking, even though it is man on man for the most part) doesn’t fit our guys well since they are smaller and more agile. Zone blocking won’t work if we don’t stick with it. In my book, either scheme is fine; we just need to pick one and stick with it for the season. (Any scheme will have the other scheme sprinkled in, but we seem to be going back and forth without a prominant scheme, in my opinion). In either event, “power” running with gap blocks or short yardage with cutbacks are very effective. But we need to specialize to make either one work more effectively. (Note that OAK’s big runs against us came with 1 cut, ZB schemed runs).
Second, we need more youth and depth. Our OTs are great, but one is injured. Clady seems to have dropped off, but that seems to me to be because we keep flipping schemes. Wiegmann is great, but nearing retirement. I think we need at least a guard and center in this off season.
(BTW, OAK has switched over to the zone block scheme over the last couple of years, and they are improving with it.)
Great stuff DB!
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 1:18 PM MST up reply actions
agreeD
We need to do one or the other. In my playin days, we were in between both systems, but movin towards zone and away from power. I prefer power, as physical teams can beat the zone. But both work fine. If we stick with power, I think dennison will leav, as he obvioulsy couldn’t teach it to our guys. Also, if we stick with zone, I can see kuper stayin, but wiegmann and hamilton need to be replaced with bigger stronger guys and hochstein belongs on the bench
by DBroncs1414 on Dec 25, 2009 2:18 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
I've felt all along
that our O-line is better at pass blocking than run-blocking, and Orton’s sackability has somewhat negated the former. Your explanation (switching between schemes) is as good as I’ve heard. But I’m also thinking about something else you’ve hinted at in saying you expected some improvement this year and more next year, and it’s not about rookies getting better in their second year. I’m thinking about the second year of a brilliant coach. It takes that long, whether or not the coach is himself a rookie, for new coaching to take hold. The first year under a new coach, be it Vince Lombardi or Josh McDaniels, a team will make progress but will periodically backslide under pressure into the familiar old ways of doing things. Think of the loss of gap control during our losses. Gap control is what this team lacked in the past and is what McDaniels and Nolan brought to the plate to make this year’s defense so dramatically better. But when the players forget what got them there teams run on them at will. I think next year they’ll more consistently stay with the counterintuitive (staying home rather than chasing the flow) habits even when things are going badly, and will more easily avoid these inexplicable defensive meltdowns. This teamwide improvement will be even more important than the improvement of this year’s rookies in making a stronger and more consistent team next year.
"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.
by spock on Dec 25, 2009 3:28 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent point Spock.
I think the biggest area of improvement will be our head coach’s development. He’s off to a great start, and I imagine that he evaluates himself for improvement, as well as his players. I like this coach, and think he’ll learn a lot for a couple of years.
Very good point.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:15 PM MST up reply actions
I'm thinking not just about McDaniels'
development, but about the players having a second year to internalize the things they’re being taught so that they don’t fall back into their old habits under the pressure of adversity. But I think he will improve, too. I think the one thing that above all needs to be fixed is the ability to pick up one or two yards when that’s all we need to get a first down or score. I was puzzled, by the way, by the fact that Moreno picked up good yardage on his first few carries but as the game wore on had less and less running room. I think, too, of the Washington game, at how we burned them because of how hard they bit on the short routes. It gives credence to the idea that teams are crowding the line of scrimmage, to the detriment of both the running and short passing games, because they’re sure we won’t go vertical. It’s still unclear to me why we don’t loosen up opponents’ defenses by taking shots down the field now and then. If we miss it might cause us to miss out on first downs early on, but might open up running room later in the game.
"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.
Agreed.
Shots down the field, and some horizontal play will loosen the middle, as will sustained running attacks.
I’m very dissapointed in the short yardage game right now. If you can’t get the short yards, you can’t do much else.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:37 PM MST up reply actions
I think you need a mobile QB to operate effectively behind the personnel...
…required for the zone-scheme, which more than anything is the determining factor for why McD has ‘abandoned’ a proven system. He’s moving towards his system— one in which I have not witnessed a lot of roll outs, a huge diet of play action out of running sets, or moving pockets. Its a pocket packing attack, which is weakened when the protection not built to hold up against bull rushes and power in general. Orton exacerbates the problem with his uncanny lack of escape-ability.
The selfish, they're all standing in line
Faithing and hoping to buy themselves time
Me, I figure as each breath goes by
I only own my mind-- Pearl Jam, "I am Mine"
by PredominantlyOrange on Dec 25, 2009 3:56 PM MST up reply actions
Good stuff.
Orton isn’t really a mobile enough guy for bootlegs and rolls (though he can handle those roles in a pinch; he still shouldn’t be used that way). And I also agree that those types of schemes are not the McDaniels way at any rate.
I think we’ll see improvement from the OL (and even from the QB) as we move further ahead with McDaniels’ program. But this year there should be an understandable step back as adjustments are made.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:18 PM MST up reply actions
Not to mention
that a rollout style QB, coming out in the draft, has simply been too “expensive” in recent history. Pocket passers have an athletic skillset that is much easier to find, and athleticism (and size) seems to be the #1 force that drives the draft market up…
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
"That's MR.Styg..."
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 25, 2009 5:01 PM MST up reply actions
Right on.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:37 PM MST up reply actions
Thanks, PO.
I have known for years that any Denver QB that could move with roll outs and bootlegs would fare better. I simply did not put it together that the ZB had anything to do with that. Nice “aha” moment!!
It looks like you are right about the direction this team is moving.
Read the article I did on ZBs some time back.
I believe I explained how it compliments the bootlegs.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:39 PM MST up reply actions
Thanks Steve. I read the article and enjoyed it. I tried to look for it without success.
Could you give me the link for it, please? This time I will save it.
BTW: I just saw how the Chargers pummeled TEN. I didn’t see the flow of the game, ie, there were 2 INTs that could have opened the flood gates but otherwise, I thought the Titans would give them a run for it at least. They most likely will give Manning and co all they can handle – if those 2 make it that far.
Thanks, Steve, for the post and your follow thru on all of the other postings and comments. Great discussion and learning situation.
Sent via e-mail
(Got your e-mail before reading this comment). Also included a couple of other links tha might be helpful.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 26, 2009 1:51 PM MST up reply actions
Since This Team Doesn't Quit
10-6 is attainable. The Eagles can be pretty schizo
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Dec 25, 2009 1:19 PM MST reply actions
I think the Eagles...
…and Broncos are pretty close in terms of talent. I think this is a pretty evenly matched game. I also think it could go either way.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:19 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah Eagles can be schizo
but they’re playing really good now. I do think the Broncs can win this one, but it will be close…
There are whisperings in Chicago that Lovie Smith won't be back next season.
Shanahan might be on their short list of head coaches to take Smith’s place. How ironic would it be for the cutser to hook back up with Shanny and his cronies? Jeremy Bates? Hmm.
I'm hearing the same things about Lovie.
Right now, I’m hearing about Shanahan and WAS, but I can’t imagine Shanahan wanting to coach for Snyder. I think Chicago would be a better fit, but Shanny could go either way.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:20 PM MST up reply actions
I read a piece a day or so ago
that indicates that Shanny would love to coach in Chicago and that Chicago might love to have him. That might be why he is apparently waiting until the end of the season — I’m sure Snyder would love to have a commitment from him right now — to see what his options are. I understand Shanahan is from Chicago and has family there.
"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.
God loves irony.
It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him wind up in Chicago.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
by MrFNSunshine on Dec 25, 2009 8:51 PM MST up reply actions
Thanks a million Teach for the Chalk Talk.
We can’t lose and expect miracles to get us in the playoffs and I think the team recognizes this point and we will see some smash mouth football, the kind they should have brought last week. Wake up boys and smell the coffee!
Merry Christmas Steve
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
A very merry Christmas to you and your family Kaptain!
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:21 PM MST up reply actions
Excellent Chalk Talk, Steve. Appreciate the effort on Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Hope you and your family are staying safe and warm in that cold weather that is currently in the mid-west.
I see this game as pretty much even. Our guys, after last week’s performance, will be playing for their pride. Their pride because they are better than losing to the Raiders. And, as you have pointed, out – these 2 teams match up very well. I remember when our guys went to Buffalo in 1992 in January to play for the Conference championship. MSM was spouting blowout for the Bills. Helluva game – Kubiak’s last game and he almost brought us back to win in a 10-7 loss. (I still watch the game tape) Those 2 teams matched up well. In the loss to the Raiders, our guys dinked around in Q1 not taking care of business. They allowed the opposition to get into their game rhythm and it is really hard to overcome that.
I agree with you ideas on ZB. Stay with one or the other. When Nolan was HC at SF last season, one complaint was that when they switched the D from 3-4 to 4-3 and back, they didn’t know their assignments. That goes for the OL as well. I personally like the ZB and, as you pointed out, the Raiders did pretty well with it. And look who their OL is madeup of. I saw 3 former Broncos there.
BN...we lost at home, with the pay offs on the line, to the raiders....how can you pick this team against anyone this year...they could not win against the bye at the moment!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
Boydy, good point.
It is a “whichever team shows up” kind of scenario. Also I tend to be optimistic until proven otherwise. Maybe I recover more quickly that way. I agree – last week was a black moment. I was pissed for several days.
Merry Christmas!
I am still pissed my friend...and I just watched Marshall miked and the team does not seem to give a shit they lost.....where's the passion???
And, you know, seems McD has something against the Shanny guys….the old guard does not seem to care (see Hillis) and now I wonder if McD has gone overboard in his “MY GUYS” philosophy. Why play Jprdan over Hillis????
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
As I pointed out at the end of my post...
…I think we lost some terrible games this year (the raiders and WAS games stand out to me), but I also weigh that against the excellent teams we’ve beaten too. While the raiders game frustrates me, on the whole I think we are a much better team than last year.
I think that last year we would have split with Oak, AND lost to many of the teams we’ve beaten this year. Just my thinking.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:26 PM MST up reply actions
BUT WE CANT LOSE GAMES LIKE THESE....thats what is so frustrating.....these are HUGE backward steps!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
I understand.
But if we are beating 2 or 3 very good teams for every stupid game we drop, I can understand it. I’m not “liking” it or even “excusing” it. I’m just saying that this team is almost entirely rebuilt from the coaches to many players, and to drop a couple of bad games while beating some of the best teams in the AFC is quite an accomplishment.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:41 PM MST up reply actions
Preseason
I felt just with the intangibles that was coming with this season that Denver would win some they shouldn’t and lose some they shouldn’t. I figured 10-6 so I’m hoping to win out. If Denver would had scored touchdowns instead of field goals, it would have been a different story against Oakland. That is what it comes down to this week also is to score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. If Denver plays like they did against Indy then they can win.
... 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
Agreed.
I had us pegged for 8-8, but with improvement in play (even if the record was similar). As it turns out, with a tougher schedule, we’ve already gotten to 8 wins, so I think every now is icing on the cake.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 26, 2009 1:58 PM MST up reply actions
Good points all Blacknigh.
Weather here is actualy not too bad. From reading the news, you’d think we were buried in snow. I think the worst of it missed my neck of the woods.
Agree the Eagles are pretty evenly matched with us, and about the Nolan criticism. In fairness, I love Nolan as a D-Coord, not as a head coach. I think he’s doing a heck of a job for Denver.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions
I was remiss in my criticism of Nolan. I was trying to use the SF experience as an example. He has done an outstanding job at Denver. I missed that. Thanks.
In response to Boydy…I wondered the same thing about Jordan over Hillis. Jordan seemed out of sync. I would have played Hillis. He reminds me a little of Steve Sewell – a great 3rd down specialist RB in the 80’s – Ret ’92. Great hands. The offense always ran better when he was in there.
Don Shula used to talk about how he would take the players he had and design the O and D to their strengths. I am wondering if this is not happening here – however, I don’t attend practice and make evaluations every day. But I am wondering.
Steve Sewell
A great name in Broncos history, So many unheralded players :-)
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
Thank you Sean.
I remember being at work in August ’92. I had this sinking feeling about the Broncos. I checked the Sports section of the Oregonian newspaper and saw that Sewell had multiple fractures in one leg. He was out for the season and subsequently retired. Then I knew. He would have helped that season: 7-3 until Elway went down in the Giant game and 1-5 rotating 2 rookie QBs.
He was a good player out of Oklahoma.
Just a little follow up
Got this from DenverBroncos.com
Steve Sewell was named CSU-Pueblo running backs coach.
http://forums.denverbroncos.com/showthread.php?t=109901
Sewell is famously known to Denver Broncos fans in southern Colorado, having played for the Broncos from 1985 to 1992, including the Broncos’ Super Bowl seasons of 1986, 1987 and 1989. Since retiring in 1993, Sewell, a resident of Aurora, Colo., had slowly warmed up to coaching as his day job, having most recently been an assistant coach with the Grandview High School football team in Centennial, Colo.
Sewell, who had been the team’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons, was instrumental in Grandview’s 5A Colorado State Championship title in 2007. During Grandview’s state championship run, the Grandview offense was nearly unstoppable, averaging 332 yards of offense per game, including an average of 237 rushing yards per game. The state’s leading individual runner, Bo Bolen, tutored under Sewell, en route to a 2,291 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns.
In Sewell’s four seasons with the team, Grandview made the 5A state playoffs three of those four seasons, including a berth in the state semifinal in 2005.
"We are thrilled to add Steve to our staff," Wristen said. "He brings a lot to our program, including great experience, rapport with young men and the experience of having played at the highest level and learning from the best football coaches in the game."
As a player with the Broncos, Sewell had learned from some of the best, including current NFL head coaches Mike Shanahan (Broncos), Wade Phillips (Dallas Cowboys), and Mike Nolan (San Francisco 49ers), as well as former NFL head coaches Dan Reeves (Broncos) and Chan Gailey (Cowboys). As a player at the University of Oklahoma, Sewell was coached by Barry Switzer and current University of Texas head coach, Mack Brown, each of which won national championships at the collegiate level. Sewell also played alongside current Houston Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak, who was a backup quarterback for the Broncos during Sewell’s time with the team.
Sewell received his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Oklahoma in 1986. A California-native, Sewell graduated from Riordan High School in San Francisco in 1981. He is the father of three children: Samuel, Caleb and Calah.
/end quote
I always like to see what these guys are doing and you piqued my interest. I should probably look up some stats and make a fan post. I would like to see more on former players that made this team so great to follow.
Opinions are like......, Well anyway, this is mine.
when you look him up
do yourself a favor and look up both steve and steven… you’ll get a lot more hits, especially “official” hits, like NFL.com stats….
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
"That's MR.Styg..."
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 26, 2009 1:16 AM MST up reply actions
Thanks Sean - and Jeremy.
I am a day late – hopefully not a dollar short.
Thank you Sean for the link. I will check it out. Sewell was a class act. Seems only yesterday that he and others were playing. Maybe it is in part that I am over 60 now.
That's good info.
I live in pueblo. I’ll have to pay more attention to the Thunderwolves.
by jayrockstone on Dec 27, 2009 5:18 AM MST up reply actions
You are still correct that Nolan wasn't a real good HC.
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 7:42 PM MST up reply actions
I don't think the Broncos will be playing for pride
I think they’ll be playing for a playoff spot, which is a better motivator than pride.
"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.
The conversation (in the caption)might have gone...
McD (Clint Eastwood voiceover): May I make a statement?
Kyle: (Puzzled look)
McD: Your mouthwash ain’t makin it.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
LOL
But switch the names. It is McDaniels with the breath issue (he’s covering his mouth, as if embarassed).
: )
Formerly known as HoosierTeacher or just HT.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 25, 2009 4:27 PM MST up reply actions
I predict
that Denver wins 1 and gets into the playoffs. Denver loses in the first round and the team representing the AFC in the Superbowl will be the Indianapolis Colts.
"All credibility, all good conscience, all evidence of truth come only from the senses." Friedrich Nietzsche
I voted 2 and in.
But Denver still has a better than average chance of getting in with one win. None of the competition has a cake walk this week.
The selfish, they're all standing in line
Faithing and hoping to buy themselves time
Me, I figure as each breath goes by
I only own my mind-- Pearl Jam, "I am Mine"
by PredominantlyOrange on Dec 25, 2009 5:05 PM MST up reply actions
The way the Chargers have been playing since that last loss on Monday night it wouldn't surprise me to see them rep the AFC in the Superbowl.
They seem to have the Colts’ number the past few years too.
Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.
by MrFNSunshine on Dec 25, 2009 8:56 PM MST up reply actions
Considering Hill's preparation,
even though it sounds simple, I think his absence and coaching on the field made the difference in the game especially on the cutback runs.
I realize with the experience in the secondary it shouldn’t be a huge difference but IMO he was one of the two biggest free agent signings we had in the off season.
The QB position is set.
I will be at this game.
I’m not tail gating from 7:30 in the morning from Delaware with a BirdBus full of Eagles fans on my daughter’s birthday for a loss.
ALL READY!!!
I said 2 wins and in, BUT....
all bets are off if we can’t pressure McNabb….He can’t have all day to pass, Jackson and Maclin are just too fast and will get behind our secondary.
We are still on track for my April prediction of 10-6, but the losses were to different teams than I thought they would be LOL…
A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!! (April 2009 prediction)
Revised to 11-5 due to reality!
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
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