A Mixed Bag In The Third Preseason Game
by Ted Bartlett on Aug 30, 2009 9:28 PM MDT
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PrintThe Broncos fell to 0-3 in the preseason, losing to the Chicago Bears 27-17. The starters played until midway through the third quarter, which is about what was expected. Chris Kuper left the game with a "lower extremity injury" and didn't return, and he was eventually joined in the locker room by Kyle Orton ("upper extremity injury" AKA a cut right index finger).
On the positive side, Orton looked pretty good, and Tom Brandstater looked a lot better than he had in his debut last week. Also, the first team defense was very solid, especially against the run. Elvis Dumervil gave Orlando Pace a great deal of trouble, and his play continues to be very encouraging as he switches positions. Both punters had outstanding moments, again, and it will be very tough to pick a winner in that battle. Andre' Goodman had a very strong night, and Brian Dawkins made his presence felt, as well.
On the negative side, the offense was extremely sloppy, getting called for a lot of penalties, and turning the ball over twice (a Brandstater INT, and a Darius Walker fumble). Also, the punt coverage unit gave up a 54-yard return to Devin Hester, which set up the Bears' first TD. The only starting offensive lineman who played well at all was Ben Hamilton.
For a team that is definitely a work in progress, there are things to feel decidedly positive about, and things which definitely need to improve. While this was not the resounding success we would have liked to see, I'd certainly rather be a Broncos fan today than a Raiders fan a few days ago.
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I Thought the biggest issues we had were
Penalties, and not having any TOs. Ofcourse the last 2 TOs were am issue. Besides that I came out pretty satisfied.
Pretty satisfied as well
But penalties will kill any team. We were constantly 2nd and long, or 3rd and long. You cannot win a game with as many penalties as we were having.
Speaking of Penalties, did anyone else notice Dumervil being held 95% of the time by Orlando Pace with no flags being drawn? I noticed a number of flags not being called in the bears favor, it was ticking me off!
On a positive note Cutler was on his back a few times!
Agree
On seeing cutler banged up..especially on Doom’s late hit call..lol
"We thought our offense would play a lot better. We thought we would score more points."
-J** C*****
May be hard to really tell
but I certainly felt Colquit was punting a little better than Kern. That punt return by Hester just cant happen in the regular season….seemed like a big momentum swing.
On To Victory!!!
Poor punt
It was a poor punt without much hang time between the numbers that gave Hester the opportunity. It was the only time the Broncos punted to him in the first half, and Hester came up big.
Keep Moving Forward.
by ColoradoOwl on Aug 30, 2009 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions
Why dont they let Hester return kicks any more?
Seems like itd be worth the risk
free 10 cents to bet with , completely ad-supported, no personal info check it out
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13-3 baby
Tom Brandstater -nstater +y =Tom Brady
There is a lot of good to take from this game....
a lot of bad things, but the bad things can be fixed. I am very concerned about the TO deficit though.
"FLAG! Fail on the field. Re-do." -Disco_Stu
Agreed on the turnovers.
I will say though that both Smith and Goodman had their hands on a ball, and having a healthy Dawkins in the secondary is going to be a huge help.
Cutler made several great throws against decent coverage. Tip your hat and move on.
Orton still hasn’t been asked to stretch the field at all, but I believe some of that to be by design: I think McDaniels is holding a lot back.
The first team defense looked very good. The offensive line had a bad game penalty-wise, but it looks like we can run the ball when we have to.
Best of all, we were playing without Moreno, Gaffney, and (perhaps) Marshall — and we were able to move the ball, though much of what we did was negated by penalties.
Overall, a solid performance by the defense, a sloppy performance by the offensive line, and one bad mistake in the kicking game.
If Orton’s finger is okay, I expect we’ll see improvement against Cincinnati.
by JeffG on Aug 30, 2009 9:57 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good point on the penalties
We were getting some nice gains on a lot of plays, but when you have to go 20 yards for a first down, it’s a little harder. Hopefully the refs are calling it tight in the preseason so they don’t have to as much in the regular season.
Rec'd
Exactly how I felt about the game.
and additionally, Cutler nor their O looked good until that one drive and now it’s the end of the world.
by Matt In Canada on Aug 30, 2009 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions
definately agree about the raiders thing.
would been nice to see one more series with orton, never really got anythign going.
how bout the defensive battle? good to see some aggression from doom. bottle it.
is clady getting called because of a switch in schemes? is his weakness being exposed?
mckinley looked solid, and i would have liked to have seen more lloyd.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:36 PM MDT reply actions
I guess bowlen is not the only person with STML
2 td’s last year by Hester sealed the deal
I ride the short bus!
yeah, those were great.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions
It is preseason... He may have done it to see how we match up.
Clearly, not too well.
Loved watching the Defense up until that 98 yard drive. Dumervil was a maniac out there.
by Matt In Canada on Aug 30, 2009 9:39 PM MDT up reply actions
and if McD broke someones jaw,
we could be both New england west and oakland east.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:49 PM MDT up reply actions
my wife has the hots for
McD. She saw him for the first time. I live in Chicago so she’s a Bears fan, she goes “wow – that coach is pretty hot!” lol
I said “yeah baby but I can make your panties drop!”
she just shook her head…
routes seemed sloppy,
but now he has a qb who can throw it to him where ever he is.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:55 PM MDT up reply actions
Sloppy
Yep. Hester’s routes are not very good yet. And his receiving ability needs to improve a bit. But he sure is slippery once he gets the ball!
hester's routes
we are spoiled by King Eddie, but yeah, Hester’s routes were nothing to behold….
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 30, 2009 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions
and...
i didnt expect any sacks on jay. he is too athletic and quick to throw.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:37 PM MDT reply actions
I would say we sniffed two turnovers
on the first string. One was Goodman, the other was Dawkins. I get this feeling whe I watch our secondary each week, they just keep getting closer and closer to the pick, to the perfectly timed hit, to the strip just before the ballcarrier goes down.
It definitely seems like they are getting close, not sure what the hold up is exactly, though… hopefully its not one of those things where it plateaus with no growth deep into the season. Seen too much of that in the last few years…
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 30, 2009 11:16 PM MDT up reply actions
The Goodman play was really close
Collinsworth even said he watch Cutler’s eyes and jumped the route only to just miss it. I was wondering if we were going to get one that way. Things come in bunches so as long as they start in Cincinnati and keep rolling then I’ll be happy.
I don’t want this to be a close but no cigar type of thing.
GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
There is the real possibility
that we mimick Green Bay’s season last year. So close, so close, lots of potential, really good play, but just not quite enough just yet. They needed a year to gell with Aaron taking the reigns. Now they look really good. It is not unlikely that we will follow the same path.
"When a new coach comes in and expects hard work, a team attitude and personal accountability over a personal thirst for glory, I won’t fault him for the reactions of a few selfish individual." ~Hunter Ansley, InDenverTimes.com
by Colorado_Kitten on Aug 31, 2009 9:49 AM MDT up reply actions
i know, right?
thats the only bad theme i see through 3 games.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:38 PM MDT up reply actions
On the plus side ...
the starting offense didn’t turn the ball over.
A pretty low standard for Broncos
I’d certainly rather be a Broncos fan today than a Raiders fan a few days ago
This is so low a standard. Just being above Raiders is not what we expected. Too few positives in this game and too many problems. O-line was sloppy. D-line was putting some pressure, but Cutler dealt with it just fine.
On the positive side, Tom B made a really good progress. Orton was OK, but had trouble moving our offense, unfortunately.
Brandstater showed what he can do
With the frist and second string lines. He looked really solid and the running game was impressive in the thrid against what was still the first string defense of the Bears.
Brandstater may be the starter next week. Will have to wait and see how serious Orton’s finger is.
"My team's on the floor"
Gene Hackman - Hoosiers
That's on the line
Orton moved the offense; it’s just that penalties kept bringing the ball back.
Very true
Orton was moving those chains if not for the penalties…
"When a new coach comes in and expects hard work, a team attitude and personal accountability over a personal thirst for glory, I won’t fault him for the reactions of a few selfish individual." ~Hunter Ansley, InDenverTimes.com
by Colorado_Kitten on Aug 31, 2009 9:50 AM MDT up reply actions
bears were as advertised.
a good test for this team. with all due respect, not sure SF or sea have as good of d as they saw tonight. they have their work cut out, thats for sure.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:39 PM MDT reply actions
THE BEARS WERE WHAT WE THOUGHT THEY WERE
Sorry…I had to. Forgive me.
But we did let them off the hook.
with all those penalties,
all McD has to do is break one of his coordinators jaw and denver could be both new england west and oakland east!
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:50 PM MDT up reply actions
How'd you guys like Dawkins
I liked him a lot! I could feel his energy sitting on my couch! I know he didn’t make any huge plays but I sure did see the #20 a lot. Plus, you’d be labeled at best dull if you couldn’t see the enthusiasm that he brought tonight. That’s leadership. That will go a long way and that’s what we’ve needed on defense since big Al Wilson left. See, McDaniels understands leadership and having quality players on the team. I’m looking forward to seeing how much our defense improves just by having Dawkins in the locker room.
i agree!
except about no big plays…
champ get beat on a fade route and his safety actually comes over the top to help!!!!! shocking! and delivers a huge hit to add the exclamation point!
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:52 PM MDT up reply actions
The Club
Dawkins was swinging that club like he was trying to hit homeruns with the football. Every tackle seemed to start with a big swing at the ball. Thats oging to create some fumbles as the year goes on.
you guys know...
that that hand is just in a wrap right? Wraps are soft casts, not hard ones. They took the hard cast off of him last week.
Thrilled to see him in action
He did cause the receiver to drop a ball after he hit him dude is intense
by tulsabroncofan on Aug 30, 2009 10:10 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
ya know...
I am prolly one of Dawkins biggest fans for about the last 7 years, but I think he only got to take a shot at two people, one was Forte when he leaped over into the endzone, but it was a dangerous shot for Dawkins, the other was on a wide where it was a monster hit, but when they replayed it it looked like he only had clipped him. lol
I remember seeing another wide out step to the side like a matador when dawkins lowered his shoulder to make a monster hit, I chuckled – the receiver was laughing too cause he knew he barely missed a world of pain.
Dawkins was in a lot of people’s faces – he was pretty pumped up – just wish I could have seen a little more action out of him!
That was desmond clark
and yeah, Dawkins and he had a little laugh after the play, knowing that the highlight reel was only just avoided. We also got to see the benfit of one of the rules changes for defense this year, as the first hit on a WR was perfect, and the way safety was meant to be played. Champ went for the pick (is it me or does he seem like he is struggling to run out there?) and Dawkins was right there for the force out when the ball cleared Champ to make it to the WR.
Precision in thought, concision in style, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Aug 31, 2009 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions
it would be interesting
to see a breakdown of the play calling the past 2 games. was the run pushed more today?
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:52 PM MDT up reply actions
Not only that...
But it they seemed to run more often on first down than they had the first two games, or is that just me?
by TheMastermind on Aug 30, 2009 9:58 PM MDT up reply actions
thus the holding calls putting them in a hole.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions
ran a lot more when Tom B went in
protecting the rook more than anything at that point.
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
NO more bubble screens.
This play is so boring after its been run 8 times in a game.
but these are the principles of the "spread offense"
Moreover, we are eliminating Orton’s weakness’ from the playbook .
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Okay, fewer bubble screens
I’ll give you that, but it just feels like every time we need 8+ yards we throw a bubble screen to Royal. In the end it may be effective, but I miss the downfield passing game and hope we see more of it in the regular season.
As someone pointed in WCO
The idea is that your QB makes short accurate passes and allowing the players to make the play happen.
Its not sexy to the fan but it can be very effective.
"Iron sharpens Iron."
thats what Tom Brady and the Patriots do
Tom only throws the deep ball on a rarity and thats when the defense allows it. If those safeties sneak up, thats the only time to do it – so far I havn’t see an opportunity like that come up.
Expect to see the long passes in the regular season
I think McDaniels is encouring people to continue believing that the long ball is not in the playbook.
We had a tough time advancing the ball down-field with one of the better arms in the game
In a similar system. I’m just not sure it’s in the cards. Not that we won’t take shots from time to time, but that’s not Orton’s game nor is it apparently necessary for the spread to function effictively (though I’m quite skeptical of this).
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:05 PM MDT up reply actions
They were throwing deep in practice
…so I expect we’ll see the field stretched during the season.
Right now, I think the idea is to keep getting Orton reps reading the defenses and distributing the ball to the right receiver.
Once he’s got that down, I think we’ll begin to see plays off of that that stretch the field. Brandstater, in a more simplified offense, threw the ball down fields several times. We can get open. So I’m not worried.
The Broncos wanted to win, certainly. But this is still a preseason game, and McDaniels appears to be using the time to get the team comfortable with the tricky aspects of the offense. At least, that’s what I’m seeing (hopefully I’m not merely rationalizing).
Oh yeah
We will take a few shots for sure. But to ignore Orton’s history with the long-ball and to ignore the tendencies of this new scheme (sort of) would be to set yourself up for disappointment. This is going to be a very methodical approach.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:13 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't agree
When the offense is simplified, we tend to run deeper routes. That tells me that McDaniels has Orton working to get as many reps as possible in which he finds the open receiver. Again, I think when he gets really good at this, the rest of the field will open up. We saw it last season with Cassel — and Orton has a better arm.
Not sure about that. Cassel can wing it as well.
But Orton has everything to prove in regards to his intermediate and deep balls. To ignore his body of work in this regard would yet again be a case of rationalization. Sure, we all hope he can develop into a really good all-around QB. A guy who puts up pro-bowl numbers year in and year out. A guy who can make all the throws. But for most of his career Orton has failed making the third down plays and converting the open-down the field looks. I’d really not expect ORton to evolve into a great QB.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:24 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm not ignoring his body of work
In fact, I watched his games. He can throw intermediate and long. He has the arm for it.
And yes, I think he has a better arm than Cassel — though we haven’t really seen it yet here.
Again, I think that’s by design.
He's been much more down than up in that regard
andf the numbers would clearly support it.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Well Ortons history with the longball that we know if is to Hester who is not even a real receiver and who the guy with the cannon arm failed to connect with as well. I will hold judgement on his longball until I see him throw to someone that bonafide .
Orton could throw 74 yards in the air coming out of high school
Klis says the problem on his long ball is that he often tries to hard to finesse it. He aims it more than throws it.
That can be coached up.
He’s also getting used to having time in the pocket. For the most part he looked comfortable.
And honestly? I think this game was the most pressure he’ll face all year, given all the outside factors.
No, he can def. throw the football.
But it’s not just that he has a history of missing his throws. He has a history of completely missing his throws. The mechanics of which weren’t fixed in four years. I’ll never rule it out and be incredibly pleased if it happens, but I think skepticism at this point is a little more than precautionary measure.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:36 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah, agree.
no matter what side of the cutler/mcdaniels ordeal you buy into, the rose colored orton goggles need to come off. i like orton as a solid guy and a solid qb but he’s just nothing more than a bridge to next season, when hopefully we get a real qb. he is what he is. … although tonight he looked even less than that with the happiest dancing feet i’ve seen since high school…
we shall see
If McD doesn’t open up the field, I’ll agree at year’s end.
we shall indeed. :-)
actually though, even as a not-yet-mcd-fan, my concern is a lot less with him than it is with quarterbacking.
Agreed. And this is where the boards rep.
comes into play. Not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with it. You just can’t be both objective and super insightfull/intilligent and a complete homer at the same time.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:55 PM MDT up reply actions
And you don't have to be a homer to see what "non-homers" can't
It works both ways.
it would have been nice to see orton get a look even once
past 5 yards.
did i miss it?
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 10:08 PM MDT up reply actions
He had a third down situation where he severly missed Chef
on a deeper crossing route but was bailed out on by a questionable illegal contact call.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions
I think the idea is to keep Orton out of third and medium and long
Keep him in manageable situations and plays, run the ball effectively and controll the clock.
That’s the only way we can win 6 or 7 games this year.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions
I doubt this
This is preseason. I think McDaniels wants Orton getting reps as a point guard, but that’s because once he’s hitting those without overthinking the rest of the field will open up.
Remember though our struggles to beat bump and man coverage
last year. When teams were daring us over the top with a lot of 1 man looks (see Raiders game).
Royal is really the only threat out there. I just can’t imagine the second and third zones of the passing game bieng effectively utlized with this personnel set.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Lots of young guys
McKinley can get behind coverage. I think Lloyd can, too.
We’ll see who we break camp with, but again, I don’t think we’ve seen the extent of this offense.
I may be wrong, but I sure hope I’m not. McDaniels doesn’t strike me as the type who believes a Danny White offense is going to dominate other teams.
I bleieve Shef went in the wrong direction on that
Orton was clearly expecting him to settle in space in the zone when he threw it and Shef kept going across. That’s what made it look like such a miss throw. Chalk it up more to missed communication.
"My team's on the floor"
Gene Hackman - Hoosiers
Ahh I see
Orton’s yet to really make a mistake yet.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:19 PM MDT up reply actions
That happened on the throw to Buckhalter
Not so sure on the Scheffler throw, though.
Buckhalter was supposed to sit and didn’t, and Orton threw to the spot, almost leading to an interception.
Predictably, the channel 9 sports guy couldn’t be bothered to figure out what happened, labeling Orton’s performance “poor” and noting that he should have had several passes picked off.
Maybe I missed those, but he was 12-16, and the Buckhalter incompletion was on CB.
A 65% comp. and above should be requisite for this kind of offense
When you consider 50%+ of the throws are going to be within 3-5 yards of the LOS. Scheffler was running a deep crossing route and it was simply a bad throw. But the other was Buckhalter’s fault.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions
As I said elsewhere
I agree on the Scheffler throw. But it wasn’t as bad as some are making it out to be. The timing was clearly disrupted. But yeah, that throw has to be made 99 out of 100 times.
He hit Royal for 25 or so
The pass to Scheffler was behind him, but the timing of that route was thrown off by the obstruction. Still, that’s a throw that has to be made.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t say that throw was “severely” off. Just a little behind Scheffler.
HE did have a nice ball to Royal on the PA if I remember correctly.
It was a nice ball where he set his feet. Orton struggles when moving either direction.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions
He threw quite a few passes to the flat while moving
and they were all on target. Moving to his left on the Scheffler pass was the only bad throw I remember.
Well the flat is one thing.
You’ve got to make that throw
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions
A difference between simply completing it
…and leading the receiver.
He seems to throw that ball well.
He hit Royal in the middle for a nice 15 or so yard gain .
Orton in not calling his own plays but I think that if he was he wouldn’t be calling screens or short passes on every route .
Brand looks better and benefited from the runs which setup his throws .
We have not come out in any game so far and established the run as I said in another thread its like McDaniels is running a passing clinic .
However I think that once he gets Moreno in the fold he will use it more and it open things up for Orton .
I think you're right...
…and I’ve been trying to say that here, only not as concisely as you just did. McD is running a passing clinic. Because it’s pre-season and he wants Orton getting those reps.
It’s more than that, though. He’s running a particular kind of passing clinic — which is why the backup QBs in a simplified offense are getting the throws down the field.
Yeah the Dwakins signing was huge
Wish we had a better core of guys to surround him with, but his impact goes well beyond the numbers and it always has.
the great thing about a guy like bdawk
is that he inspires those around him to play bigger.
i cant wait to see a full roster play a full 60.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 9:54 PM MDT up reply actions
A very mixed bag indeed
My favorite play was on Hillis’ touchdown, where Larsen blocked two guys at the same time. The announcers were talking about the other guys, but didn’t seem to mention that. Favorite play of the game.
The OL penalties were killing me. Least favorite part of the game.
You could tell on Brandstater’s INT that nothing good was going to happen when he threw that ball. He looked very uncomfortable there in the pocket and stepping up. He improved over the course of the night though, so that’s good.
Also, a comment on the commentary. Did anyone else notice how they were talking about Cutler’s franchise record yardage and implied that he had broken Elway’s record? Also, nice analysis on that one play by Harrison. He was kind of awkward with it, but that’s the kind of stuff you like to hear from your announcers, not this drama junk.
ou could tell on Brandstater’s INT that nothing good was going to happen when he threw that ball. He looked very uncomfortable there in the pocket and stepping up. He improved over the course of the night though, so that’s good.
brandstater was fine. the pass was deflected off royal’s hand. i thought tom showed good movement and presence in the pocket on that play, shame the pass was tipped
Point taken
Now that you mention it, he did step up pretty well, I just thought he looked uncomfortable doing it. Probably the result of his debut last week. Though on the other hand, my perception of him is probably still tinged by his debut last week. To me he looked a lot more comfortable on the roll outs than when he was standing in the pocket.
i think the point is,
he had a pocket to work in. last week he had 2 steps before the d was on him. no time to read or step into throws.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 10:07 PM MDT up reply actions
actually, that pass was probably going straight to the defender anyway. a bit too high unfortunately.
he got hammered last game because of the poor line. it was nice to see him play with the starting o-line this week
I thought Brandstater
actually showed some flashes of great potential. And other times he looked like a highschool quarterback, but non the less – flashes of potential!
he's ahead of where I thought he'd be
He is a project QB that is supposed to take a few years to refine, hopefully he’ll have about 3 years like Aaron Rodgers got (with the same results :) )
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
agreed
that INT by Brandstater was high and behind Royal. Royal was trying to get a hand on it to at least knock it down – it was headed straight to the defender anyways.
I thought Brandstater looked fine in the pocket though, stepped into the throw fine, the pass just was not accurate. I think that just had to do with his release – either than or he thought Royal was on a curl route?!?
He also rolled out
did you notice that Orton didn’t rollout at all, and TB did it on several occasions. He made some nice long throws. We can deduce from that that long passes are indeed in the playbook. However, I don’t know if Orton can rollout like that. I really didn’t like the way he moved in the pocket.
Wherever you go, there you are.
by YosemiteSam on Aug 30, 2009 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Orton.
I hope McD teaches him that presence that Brady picked up. That little hitch step that moves him just a foot or so, but gets him an extra 2 seconds by moving himself out of the reach of a rusher in a direction perpendicular to the direction the rusher is coming. He also seems to get a bit skittish when his pocket is tightening and I think he stops looking downfield and looks around at his pocket. I also saw a few times in a tight pocket where I thought rolling was a good idea, but who knows without being able to see down the field.
Wherever you go, there you are.
by YosemiteSam on Aug 30, 2009 10:37 PM MDT up reply actions
I think for now
McD wants him staying in that pocket until he’s comfortable feeling the pressure.
He needs to recalibrate that mental clock. Last year’s was set to three steps and get hit.
He’s made strides between game 1 and game 3, but he has a ways to go.
In preseason
we should assume that we are running the plays that we are the worst at so we can get better. One of Orton’s knocks is his pocket presence and I think he could improve as a QB if he had more of it. He has indeed gotten better and if his past is any indication of his future, he’ll continue to get better. I still think McD is one of the best QB coaches around and I assume he’s still doing some of that coaching.
I guess I’m just jonesing for some real football. Today did have a regular season feel to it for me.
Wherever you go, there you are.
by YosemiteSam on Aug 30, 2009 11:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Again, these have been the criticisms of Orton for
the duration of his career. Some guys cannot fix their weaknesses (Plummer) others can. We shall see. But when it happens, let’s not pretend that it’s a first. Having that keen pocket awarness is more of instinct it seems than a learned trait. Plummer had flight instinct- and most humans would.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
The duration of his career has been spent with a subpar offensive line
So yeah, we’ll have to wait and see.
Yes
I noticed Collinsworth’s remark implying Elway had the passing record previously. The Snake can get no love, even now.
by TheMastermind on Aug 30, 2009 9:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Moreno will be to the offense what Dawkins is to the defense: an energizer.
My 2 cents:
Good
-Defensive Line play. Good pressure.
-Dawkins. That 1st team secondary looked better with him in the lineup
-Branderstater. That INT had a lot to do with Royal being short.
-Spencer Larsen as goal line FB.
Bad
1st team defense looks good except for the TEs taking advantage of the green LBs in the new scheme. 2nd team secondary has a lot to learn. I think a lot of that was Hercules showing everyone who the sheriff is
-Penalties -
-Bruton – he got juked by a 300 lb backup TE
The Ugly
-Chris Collinsworth AKA Iggy Pop.
Kyle will be fine — they just didn’t want him to bleed all over the ball.
actually collinsworths nickname was candle
one blow and he’s out.
another awkward innuendo.
strike 2, candle.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 10:06 PM MDT up reply actions
seemed a little arbitrary.
doom got held multiple times, no call.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions
+1
I was screaming at the TV after he didn’t sack Cutler in the End Zone because he was HELD. I was so pissed at how often they called us for holding and not Chicago. At least I felt that we were being unfairly assessed by the officiating crew. I know, I know. There is holding on every play, but that one in the e.z was so blatant. Or am I dreaming? Did anyone else see it? If they called that penalty it would have been a safety!
Totally saw it, too -that would have been a safety.
Just figured it was Ed over-compensating for his big error in our favor last year. Let’s hope he doesn’t officiate many of our games.
"When a new coach comes in and expects hard work, a team attitude and personal accountability over a personal thirst for glory, I won’t fault him for the reactions of a few selfish individual." ~Hunter Ansley, InDenverTimes.com
by Colorado_Kitten on Aug 31, 2009 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Doom had a safety tonight
Pace should have been flagged in the endzone for a safety. He had a fistful of Doom’s shoulder pad.
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
And Cutler for grounding
in the end zone. That throw he made into the middle of the line to prevent the sack was truly a grounding call.
Wherever you go, there you are.
by YosemiteSam on Aug 30, 2009 10:13 PM MDT up reply actions
I totally missed that!
I was only seeing red…my mouth was dry….and I wanted to see blood on the field…Cutlers blood!
"Iron sharpens Iron."
I think there was a back there
It might have been a busted screen play – number #37 was there, but so was a Bronco DL.
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
I checked the slo mo
and Forte was in to block. He released and was running along the goal line toward at about the hash away from Cutler. The ball showed up about 4 yards behind him, so I’m wrong per the replay. Overturned!
Wherever you go, there you are.
by YosemiteSam on Aug 31, 2009 11:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Bradstater
For Qb! dude looked amazing he is better then any other qb on the team. it could not hurt to give the guy a try the season is going to be hard no matter what happens.
Brandstater will be good
But he is not ready to start in the NFL now. Patience with him will be rewarded I think. Loved his down field throw and the one to Lloyd in the corner just before Hillis’ touch down. Both were strong throws and on the money. Tom is coming along fine and will definitely be on teh final 53.
"My team's on the floor"
Gene Hackman - Hoosiers
ha ha
your the guy who is pretty sure HE should go in and play for the team around the 3rd quarter/ 3 beers in mark!
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:01 PM MDT up reply actions
I gotcher stars buddy...
Look we don’t want shooting stars. The kind that shoot their mouths off and think that in year 2 or 3 they know it all and are owed it all. We’ve got stars: Dawkins, Bailey, Royal, Clady. Anyway, I"d rather have mild mannered guys committed to the team than these MTV madonna-types.
Plus, I love the respect for Plummer. In fact, I may make that my new screenname: jplummerstache! What d’ya think of that JeffG? Much love for Plummer from this bronco fan.
I'm a big Plummer fan.
And I didn’t say anything about stars. So have at it.
I will always be a Plummer fan.
For the Madden fans, I still love me some Madden 2004 on the PS. Plummer, RSmith, Eddie Mac, Sharpe. Good times. ;)
Blues. Cardinals. Broncos. Univ. of Denver Hockey.
Also Nuggets, Outlaws (MLL) and Mammoth (NLL).
by HockeyHippie on Aug 31, 2009 6:53 AM MDT up reply actions
Booing Cutler a Must
Kosyong…you should be embarassed about your word choice (embarked), not the Broncos fans. We had to boo Cutler. He dissed the team man. Anyway, no booing means no passion and tacit rejection of McDaniels and the new Bronco way: NO MTV-stars on this team. Nobody on this team is going to make their own reality show okay. These are guys that are more concerned with team than with stats, ego, and their “rep” or presumed status within the organization.
But bieng louder does not make one more PATRIOT-IC
but perhaps more hypocritical. I understand the boos, but to say that one isn’t a fan becuase they don’t hate Cutler (or perhaps, gulp, actually root for him) is a insult to the fanbase.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:33 PM MDT up reply actions
I think the intent
was to defend the choice of those booing. If you look at the originator of this thought he said that
" I am totally embarrassed tonight to be a Denver Broncos Fan after the BS BOOing of Jay Cutler.
I’m just glad he played well to shut everyone one of you so called smart Denver Broncos Fan who booed him. That was total crap for anyone who was booing him tonight. I’m embarked and I’ve lost a lot more respect for most Denver Broncos supporters tonight. If anyone needed to be Booed was McDaniels for that team to look like crap for most of the night.
DISPICABLE!"
"Iron sharpens Iron."
My favorite teams are:
Broncos
and anyone playing against Da Bears!
The fans did what I'd hoped they'd do
Make it loud and unfriendly for the opposing team.
How is that hypocritical?
I'm just glad we know we can get that kind of volume
at Invesco. I think we SHOULD do that EVERY GAME, but after all the shenanigans this off-season, the home crowd booing Cutler is should be the least of anyone’s worries. That being said, I agree booing in general is not classy, and I wish my team’s fans would not do it. CHeering is louder anyway, just by the nature of sheer acoustics.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
One other thing
We are Bronco Fans not Jay Cutler fans. We can boo whoever we want that isn’t wearing Orange and Blue.
BTW, I think that those alternate Orange and Blue jerseys need to drop the alternate designation and become our permanent jerseys.
Anyone else excited about Brandstater and McKinley?
A couple of those hookups were nice, despite being against the third team.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
Cutler did look good,
but we have seen Cutler look good before. He’s Jekyll and Hyde. Chicago loves him tonight. But there wil be a day when he caps off a beautiful 90+ yard drive with a pick. It WILL happen. I still love to watch the guy play, but just because he cut his hair doesn’t mean he’s taking coaching any better.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
Orton and the deep game
Bears fan here.
I like Kyle Orton, he’s a good guy. He is a good game manager and you can win with him at QB if your team calls plays that he can make.
However, if you expect him to come out throwing the ball accurately downfield in then you are just plain going to be disappointed. He can’t do it. I have watched every game since his rookie year until we traded him, and I can tell you he simply doesn’t have the arm to make a 35+ yard throw accurately.
Over the last several years, many Bears fans have believed Ron Turner, the Bears offensive coordinator, to be an idiot… because he didn’t open up the passing game and have Orton throw anything more than dink and dunks. The reason he didn’t open it up is because Kyle CAN’T do more than that accurately or with enough juice to get it past a pro level d-back.
Good running, dink and dunk, ball control and a very accurate kicker… those are the keys to success with Kyle.
Boring? Yes… but he does have a very good career record as a starter playing that way.
And what did McDaniels' Pats do?
Exactly what you describe. Boring ball control. It’s effective, but not near as exciting to watch as Cutler. However, I’d rather have the wins.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
good thing
in this type of offense we dont have to have a gun slinger…just someone who makes smart decisions and is accurate.
From what ive been hearing Orton is both
"Iron sharpens Iron."
My favorite teams are:
Broncos
and anyone playing against Da Bears!
Except he has a higher int. rate than Cutler last year and in his career
Plus 4 picks in this scheme already. I’m all for hoping, but let’s not pretend that what he’s done supports that premise.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 10:51 PM MDT up reply actions
He is
Another of his strong points is that he doesn’t tend to panic in the pocket. You guys have a really good line (hopefully you will get the o-lineman who was hurt today back soon) that should be able to give Kyle the time he needs… and he can pick a team apart in the short game.
I didn’t see much out of your tight ends, I don’t follow Denver at all so I don’t know if that was just tonight or if you are not strong there… but Kyle finds tight ends and backs out of the backfield well.
BTW I am counting on y’all to whoop up on Kansas City for me this year….
Kyle’s picks come from trying to do the things he is not good at, which are the downfield throws and deep outs (and, of course, left handed dunks into the end-zone)… and he has had a bunch of VERY bad receivers who don’t fight for the ball… if you think Kyle’s pick rate is bad, compare him to Grossman or any of the other clowns we have had at QB….
I think Kyle will make you all a very good career backup QB. He’s just not really good enough to be a full time starter unless you REALLY have a great running game or another unit (such as D or special teams) that can score 14 points for you a game (which the Bears do).
Our tight ends are fantastic
Scheffler, Graham… Again, we haven’t really opened up the offense yet. As of a week ago, Scheffler said the team was just beginning to put in passing plays for the tight ends.
This is preseason. And the offense is brand new. It’s going to take time to come completely together.
The team is just beginning to put in passing plays for the tight ends?
With Marshall going nuts and Gaffney hurt, it’s about time.
Horton is win.
They are building the offense.
It takes time. There’s a reason we’ve been running many of the same kinds of plays over and over in preseason.
At least, I hope so.
sabbath
i hope we have broncos fans over at WCO who represent the orange and blue as well as you represent chicago fans. thanks for your honest conversation.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:13 PM MDT up reply actions
+1
I get so used to trolls from other teams that when I see posts from a guy like you, I get confused trying to figure out why you accidentally referred to the other team as ‘we’. :) Good luck to your Bears this year. Hopefully Cutler will have more games like last night, and less like the last three of last year.
by BroncosBassist on Aug 31, 2009 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
I agree
Also Orton is in a new system (very complex) and preseason is the place to throw interceptions (not throw the QB under the bus).
The Important thing to see is if the team and QB are progressing each week. He is getting better and more comfortable with each passing week. Its very evident.
Also one of those interceptions was irrelevant 4th down at the goal line we would have kicked he was trying to see if he could make something happen.
"Iron sharpens Iron."
My favorite teams are:
Broncos
and anyone playing against Da Bears!
he's made his share
But the rate of which he completes them falls below league average. And the way which he misses them leads to the nicknames and branding as a game-manager. That’s just how it is, maybe he changes that here. But he’s got everyting to prove.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
which is what makes this game so exciting!
development is half the fun. watching your team struggle and win, fight adversity and opponent.
i really look forward to the next era of being a Denver fan.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Well you have to believe the vision
And sometimes that takes more faith than reason. Sometimes it’s ok to admit that you’re bieng faithfull.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:16 PM MDT up reply actions
really? do you have a stat handy that shows this? i don’t doubt it…but, whatever. anyway, my comment was disputing that “he can’t do it.” he most definitely can. and if lacks consistency in that area, it’s a mechanics thing that can be worked on…not a lack of arm strength.
Cutler has much more to prove than Orton does.
yeah I can get the stats out for his splits in some time
But I don’t know what you mean with your last statement. I guess it depends on your expectations?
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:57 PM MDT up reply actions
"But the rate of which he completes them falls below league average"
As do the receivers he’s throwing them to.
What you are seeing
Is highlight reels… his accurate throws are one in five or worse on long passes… when I am talking about somebody who can throw accurately, I mean somebody who can hit a spot most of the time… as in more than 20 percent.
Also, there isn’t zip on the ball, he throws rainbows.
I understand when people say “we don’t want to open up the offense in pre-season…”
Sure, I get that. But honestly, how about sending a guy out on a deep fly route and having your QB chuck him the ball a time or two… EVRERY team has that in the playbook, it isn’t anything tricky you would have to hide from your opponents… have you seen Orton do that yet?
Wait until you do.
in practice.
And by all (Twitter) accounts he was getting better by the day.
Let's not Panic
Come on, nobody really thought this was going to come together overnight did they? There’s been good, there’s been not so good but in the end I truly think this thing is going to come together. The team will need the support of the fans and I for one am going to give them a chance.
You have to take pre-season at face value; it is hard to say how much of what we’ve seen we will see in the regular season or how it is going to be laid out.
2 points
1) Our 1st 3 games are the “easy” ones. We can’t afford to wait for it to come together, becasue after that it will be virtually impossible to win without playing nearly perfect football.
2) Regardless of whe it comes together, we are seriously lacking in talent. Seriously. You need talent in the NFL.
by Broncos_FTW on Aug 30, 2009 11:18 PM MDT up reply actions
2 points:
1) which is why i believe coach has orton running a lot of short complex routes. getting the guy into a rhythm. getting him comfortable. letting him find a niche.
2) refer to below, but i think this team has a good start. depth comes with time.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions
It's also why the starters
are playing so much. He knows better than us that he HAS to win 2 or 3 of the first 3 games, or else we’re looking at a 3 or 4 win season.
by Broncos_FTW on Aug 30, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions
We are not a good team
We have a lack of offensive talent, unless we get Marshall back and playing hard (don’t hold your breath). In addition, Knowshon needs to be on the field playing like a first rounder. Absent those 2 things, I see a team with not much to scare a defense. By talent, I mean the kind of talent that other teams would ove to have on thier team.
On defense, we are paper thin. Teams will be scoring on us in the second halves of games, becasue we have a huge drop off in “talent” when the backups come in. If we have injuries, then god help us.
grain of salt
eddie royal, hillis, scheffler, wiegmann, graham, stokely, and oh a little fella by the name of clady are all starters for any team in the nfl today. they do not lack talent, they lack cohesiveness. which i expect in a new system,
defense: could be worse. was worse. in fact, i would settle this year for the aggressive style i have seen so far.
besides. what am i to do otherwise? bitch and moan that this team should do this and do that? why not just enjoy what is?
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Agreed.
You can whine about it but you still have to go to work tomorrow. The Broncos are either your team or they’re not. If this new regime is going to be successful we’re going to have to be patient. I repeat – don’t understand why everyone expects this thing to come together overnight.
by TheMastermind on Aug 30, 2009 11:19 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't think that's where the contention comes into play
needless to say perhaps. But whining about the direction of the organization is just as fruitless, though the persepective is usefull and the honesty should be as well.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't mean 'you' literally.
I mean ‘you’ figuratively.
by TheMastermind on Aug 30, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions
gotcha
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions
They are my team
but the facts are what they are. they were my team when they sucked in the early 70’s as well. I have never expected this to come together quickly, which is why I see 6 wins as our ceiling and why I’m pissed about losing our 1st rounder. This regime will test my patience by blowing draft picks
by Broncos_FTW on Aug 30, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah that didn't help
McD showing the kind of bravado that made me like Cutler. Excpet in McD’s case the risks seemed rather unnecessary and quite contrary.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions
We won't know any of that...
Until later. Much later. Its going to be a tough year, no doubt about that. I’ll be thrilled if they hit .500. But we’re not going to know how this will play out until down the road so I don’t see the need to panic in the short term.
If this works out it will be fun to have watched it come together from the beginning. If it doesn’t then we will watch them start over again but sooner or later we’ll all be rewarded for out loyalty.
These things just take time. Besides, it isn’t MY job at stake. I’ll sleep just fine tonight.
by TheMastermind on Aug 30, 2009 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions
We do have talent
Royal, Clady are the kind of players you can build around for years to come. In some respects they are the faces of the franchise and no matter how much you believe in the unself of this new regime, the Patriots have a face of the franchise.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions
difference between a face of the franchise
and a prima donna problem child.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, I've always been of the frame of mind that
What you do on the field is the only thing worth listening to. Cutler was certainly not a prima donna in that regard. And frankly, he was the kind of guy you could follow into battle.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:24 PM MDT up reply actions
im just trying to figure out what you mean by
face of the franchise.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, you've got to market something
And over the years the whole, no name above another doesn’t have the shelf-life. McDaniels is that guy now, but eventually we’re going to need a dominant player on and off the field.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions
true, very true.
it was hard to swallow losing cutler, who was developing in that direction. (he needed to start winning games, but the tool were there).
but that is then and this is now. who will it be next? TB? KO? we have yet to see this system, this team have much of an identity to link together and form any body of work for which a face would be needed.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:30 PM MDT up reply actions
The wins will come for him
There’s no doubt about it. Again, old story here, but there aren’t a lot of 25 year olds who you could ask to carry an offense under the following circumstances: the worst defense/special teams unit in franchise history and 7 IR backs.
The fact that we won 8 games last year is a testament to his mentall strength. The week-week pressure is something that not many guys can live up to. Franchise QB’s can. Cutler thrived on it. That’s why he’s going to be a great, great one.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:34 PM MDT up reply actions
not sure i totally agree
that last year was agood measure of cutler’s mental toughness,
but i do agree he has a lot of potential.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:35 PM MDT up reply actions
I just think anytime a second year player can
Carry that kind of a load on offense without a breakdown mentally at some point is pretty impressive. Again, if Stokely holds on to one of those two balls this guy is still revered for what he did— one of the great seasons for a QB in franchise history.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:38 PM MDT up reply actions
i agree with rururururururland. last year’s entire team was built to rest on the shoulder’s of jay cutler. if he plays well, we win. if he fails, we fail. jays in a situation in chicago where he doesn’t have to be perfect, because his defense and special teams can help him out (evident tonight).
this is why i’m excited about our defense so far this preseason. a little balance will be nice for a change, assuming we can eventually start creating some turnovers. i think they will come with time, we had a couple of near opportunities tonight, but it’s hard to intercept a laser
By talent I'm referring to skill positions
Also, our amazing pass blockers are average run blockers at best, for whatever reason. Eddie will get coverage rolled to him and defenses will make chad jackson and brandon lloyd beat us.
The reality of having a lack of talent is a high draft pick, but we gave that away.
by Broncos_FTW on Aug 30, 2009 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions
Clady pulls as well as anyone
Though he’s not always a mauler, he’s already a heck of technician. He has a chance to be a HOF building block.
by rururuland784 on Aug 30, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions
its all feet work.
until now, the guy never had to do the things he is already starting to excel at. he is a force.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions
i guess moreno is a wait and see still then?
i agree we have no real depth at those positions, but all of the players i listed are skill positions…
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions
high draft pick= talent?
have you been a broncos fan more than a year? TD? marshall (who is in the BG of this convo…)
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:24 PM MDT up reply actions
Any GM will tell you that
a high draft pick guaranties nothing, but it gives you a greater chance of acquiring better talent, especially at ceretain positions (e.g., d line)
by Broncos_FTW on Aug 30, 2009 11:27 PM MDT up reply actions
Somebody forgot to tell Chris Baker
He laid Kreutz out.
+7
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
You mean numbers 54-80?
Don’t worry. They’ll be gone.
The real depth was being run in with the first teamers.
I just got home from the game...
overall I found tonight very discouraging.
It reminds me of that cheesy political bumper sticker that says, “If you’re not angry….then you’re not paying attention”.
Our starting offense was not impressive. There were several key injuries (fortunately most of them seem to be relatively okay). Our defense was decent…but continued to struggle in LB pass coverage (or at least in covering the TEs).
And most importantly…we are now -8 on turnover ratio on the preseason.
I understand it’s the preseason…but it you don’t think the Broncos were trying to win tonight then you’re crazy.
Hopefully HCMcD has alot more tricks it his bag…’cause this is looking pretty sketchy.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
THe turnover ratio is very disappointing.
It’s not for lack of trying. We just aren’t coming up with the forces the way we should. Tackling is much better. I thought a few times tonight of what it would have been like to see Cutler and Marshall operate with the D we saw tonight. Pipe dream, I know, and I’m hurting myself thinking about it, but it would have been a thing of beauty. I think Cutler is growing up a little after all this, and I wish he were still on our team to finish, minus the attitude.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
It was a beautiful night.
Denver certainly isn’t discouraging. The Broncos are a different story.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 30, 2009 11:53 PM MDT up reply actions
broncos are further along
than the halftime show. i mean, Miles picking up an 11 year old cheerleader in a pink toy car and driving off the field to billy ocean… what the…???
…anyway, it was a beautiful night.
lol…I didn’t see that (refreshing the beverages). That sounds kinda creepy though.
um….it was a lovely evening though.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 12:07 AM MDT up reply actions
there was solid surrounding fan discussion
on which aspect was the most creepiest. luckily, oily-drunken-mustachioed-bears fan kicked his act into 4th gear about then and we all forgot about it.
you totally nailed the beverage run timing.
Just so it's not all negative...
here are the positives that I saw:
-The defense was really pretty decent.
-The offense would have looked much better if it wasn’t for all the penalties.
-The punting was awesome (except for the punt to Hester).
-The crowd was rowdy (especially for a preseason game).
-Many of the injured players seem to be okay (still waiting on the Kuper report).
-Orton was okay.
-Cutler kinda sucked too.
-Brandstater was sorta kinda competent (not really…but he did better than I thought he’d do).
-I managed to behave myself despite some obnoxious Bears fans in my vicinity.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 12:13 AM MDT up reply actions
And I think the reviewed catch by Olsen at the end of the first half was clearly incomplete.
Not to mention that Cutler totally flopped on the roughing call against DOOM on that drive. (I think DOOM will have a big season).
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 12:27 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t know man…I’ve watched the replay several times now and it seems to me that his hands were both outside of the ball when it hit the ground and he continued to bobble it when he rolled over. The announcers even commented that this year the evidence has to be overwhelmingly conclusive to overturn a call. I’ll admit that the replay wasn’t “overwhelmingly conclusive”…but I don’t think he clearly had control of that ball.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 12:42 AM MDT up reply actions
Kinda sorta competent?
He led two scoring drives… Made some impressive throws, one while stepping up in the pocket to avoid pressure on his blind side (the most impressive thing I saw from him all night) avoided an almost disaster when tripped after the snap on the goal line, but still was able to leap, superman like, to get the ball into the running backs hands, and without question played leaps and bounds better than last week!
How is that kind of sort of competent for a rookie thrusted into his second preseason game? Brandstater is a pet project, and from what I saw tonight, his progression seems to be exponential while lining up with the first team offense and with a week of second team reps (this is an assumption due to Simms being out). I am not trying to say that I think he is a starter in the NFL at this point by any means, but to think that his play was only kind of sort of competent just seems like your selling him short.
I agree with your sentiment on turnovers, though watching Dawk clubbing away at the ball every chance he got while tackling, I imagine they will come soon enough. Had it not been for Doom being held on what seemed like every other play, we would have seen at least a few more sacks, fumbles or forced throws (Elvis pushing Pace around like he was made of styrofoam tonight was just awesome to watch).
Lady, you want me to answer you if this old airplane is safe to fly? Just how in the world do you think it got to be this old?
— Anon
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to the society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
— George Bernard Shaw
by Choochoobonewagon on Aug 31, 2009 3:21 AM MDT up reply actions
He ran the goal line formation very well. I was impressed with his long ball.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 5:47 AM MDT up reply actions
You said it man!
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 5:47 AM MDT up reply actions
btw…I think you’ve confused all along the difference between “SUCKS” and SUCKED". As an English prof I’d think you’d understand the difference. “SUCKS” implies a perpetual and inherent state of “SUCKING”…“SUCKED”, which is what I said, means he had a specific and singular poor performance in the past. If you’d ever bothered to look into my past post you’d see that I have been an Orton advocate for during the offseason. That’s why I found it so funny that you flew off the handle for due to that particular critique of a specific performance. I’m like a parent who is hard on their kid because of high expectations…it’s not that I don’t love them.
(ps…I think your caps lock is on) ;-)
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 5:55 AM MDT up reply actions
Proofreading is good. I’ll try it one day.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 5:56 AM MDT up reply actions
You are really an angry individual…aren’t you? Lighten up dude…you’ll feel better and live longer.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Aug 31, 2009 8:21 PM MDT up reply actions
welcome to the AFC West, where 7-9 is pretty amazing
by lolcopter on Aug 30, 2009 11:24 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs
did anyone else notice
woodyard and larsen looked average?
maybe my tv was wonky but i didnt see as much runamuck when they stepped on the field.
"I want this team to be tough, smart and prepared to play well under pressure...Everybody here in this organization is going to be held accountable to do their job — their piece of the puzzle to make this team a competitor for a championship every season." J-Mac
by Jay Fin Anderson on Aug 30, 2009 11:42 PM MDT reply actions
Rururu and Kosyong
Thanks for the debate. You make valid points. Time will tell. I’ve enjoyed the conversation. Your contributions have made me think ..
Goodnight!
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
Wow.
Lots of people ready to judge this team before a meaningful game is played this season. Look, I’ve said all along that I think this is an 8-8 team (give or take a win) so don’t mistake me for a La-La Lander or a Negative Nancy; that said, I am reserving judgment until I see the first four games of the regular season. So far, I’m disappointed in the continued fragility of our RB stable, but the rest of the offense doesn’t concern me all that much. The defense has actually faired better than I expected. I have no reason to worry or hope yet.
"A player who conjugates a verb in the first person singular cannot be part of the squad, he has to conjugate the verb in the first person plural. We. We want to conquer. We are going to conquer. Using the word 'I' when you're in a group makes things complicated." ~ Wanderley Luxemburgo, 1999
this is as good as it gets when games start counting for something.
all saw the defiencies on our team. these are not band aid fixes. its all about talent and desire. i see alot of desire, just limited talent.
I couldn't stop laughing
when I saw two people wearing diapers, a Culter jersey, and a bonnet with a pacifier. That was too funny.
Oh, and the way the crowd was when Cutler walked on the field. Every home game needs to be like that.
GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!
2009 NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
Today I feel so sad, because I could not seperate comments from a Broncos fan and a non Broncos fan
This was a preseason game that had the hype of a Superbowl, but still a preseason game, yet I see a mixture of fans and non fans all over the internet and this site who think we are done and doomed before the regular season even starts.
I have no problem with non-fans saying we would suck this year due to the personal agenda they have against the Broncos or created by the media. The problem that I have is when I am reading a post/forum with all the negative comments about the Broncos and how they will fail this season and that the coach will and should be fired after the season, thinking its from a troll, turns out is being made by a Broncos fan.
What are we doing to ourselves here? As Guru says a fan is a fanatic, fanatic about what (s)he loves, in this case the Broncos. How can the “fan” wish for something bad to happen to this team or any member of this team to not succeed, including the coach?
Being divided on Cutler-Marshall-Coach-Owner is a different thing, but wishing so much negativity is a totally different thing. I am not pointing a finger at anyone, but I am requesting that we behave like fans during the ups and downs of this team.
I don’t expect you to be drunk with kool-aid, all I expect is to keep the discussions rational.
I see a team that is trying to find itself, and that is why they send inconsistent signals every week. They need time to jell, and just thinking that the Training Camp and Preseason is enough might not be true. Its possible they would need this entire season to find themselves, or they might not even jell at all.
As long as I see sincerity from the coach and the players, I want to give them time until its enough. How could we be ok with Shanny for the last three years of losing, and now we don’t even want to give the current regime any time? This is a team that still lacks key players at various positions, and it will take time to rebuild this team.
Also, please do not reply about he said he said about Coach-Owner-Cutler-Matshall, past is history, now is the time. Shanny made enough blunders in his time with the team as well, even though I was always behind him.
Moving on from the Positive and the Negative
Living in the Baltimore area, we have had to separate our bitterness from losing the Colts from being good Ravens fans. (I cheer for both the Broncos and the Ravens, but wore Bronco gear to the playoff game here in Baltimore in the early 2000’s).
Time moves on.
I was disappointed that the booing went on for so long last night. The Broncos botched that trade scenario as well as Cutler playing his part pushing it over the ledge. The Denver players got caught up in the emotion last night and committed some stupid penalties.
Bronco Nation should realize that Cutler moved on from the way he was treated and we should move on as well. I continue to maintain that Cutler has been more mature in the aftermath of his trade than McDaniels. He was very gracious in his post-game press conference. Both Cutler and McDaniels looked anxious and uncomfortable in their moments at the podium.
Ted, I agree that there were some good things to come out of last night and you highlighted them. We need to now move on with the future and not curse the past.
by Baltimore Bronco on Aug 31, 2009 4:40 AM MDT reply actions
I made a mistake. I visited the DP forums this morning after reading Legwold's article.
I feel shame. And I think I need another shower. Ugh.
Talk about the inmates running the asylum…….
Blues. Cardinals. Broncos. Univ. of Denver Hockey.
Also Nuggets, Outlaws (MLL) and Mammoth (NLL).
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