Horse Tracks - 3/12/10 - Changes Continue for Broncos
by John Bena on Mar 12, 2010 6:30 AM MST
in Horse Tracks
26 comments
You have to hand it Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders - they are not messing around. The Broncos gave up 558 yards on the ground to the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs in back-to-back home games. It was largely overshadowed in the media and by the fans because of the focus that we always place on the offense - and the weekly drama. It wasn't unnoticed by the decision makers at Dove Valley. The Broncos have revamped the defensive line. Now they are starting to focus on the linebackers with the release of Andra Davis. What does this mean? We'll talk a little bit about that later - until then, enjoy some Tracks!
Driven To Improve - DB.com
Since Head Coach Josh McDaniels got into coaching, he hasn't experienced a losing season. He hadn't even been a part of a .500 year, as he accumulated a 121-36 record heading into his first season as a head coach.
Willie Clark guilty of killing Bronco Darrent Williams - The Denver Post
The courtroom was silent as the jury filed in, heads bowed. None of the 12 made eye contact with Willie D. Clark at the defense table. One juror began to cry. Then another.
Krieger: "A start" to ending gang killings - The Denver Post
For three weeks, she sat stoically in a Denver courtroom, still waiting. During the prosecution's closing argument, they put up the awful postmortem close -up of a bullet jacket in her son's neck. She maintained, still waiting.
Littwin: Clark verdict elucidates, frustrates - The Denver Post
What was perhaps most disturbing about the Willie Clark trial — other than the murder itself — was the familiarity of it all.
Gang culture "too huge" to make this turning point - The Denver Post
The guilty verdict against reputed Tre Tre Crips member Willie Clark is unlikely to resonate with gang members, according to experts.
Memories of D-Will held dear - The Denver Post
The verdict is in, closure still awaits and the memories remain.
Foxworth not celebrating another wasted young life | All Things Broncos
Among Broncos during Darrent Williams’ two seasons with the team in 2005-06, his closest friend was Domonique Foxworth. They were both cornerbacks, drafted in the same 2005 class (Williams in second round; Foxworth in third).
Asbestos does in Merlin Olsen | All Things Broncos
I remember a time in my life when during a rare deep-thought moment, I thought to myself that Merlin Olsen had the greatest, most-charmed life ever. For him to get taken down, way too early at the age of 69, essentially by overexposure to asbestos, well, it’s just strange how the world works.
Woody's Mailbag: Elway not tight with Coach McD - The Denver Post
Woody, I love the column. I was wondering if John Elway has made any comments about the Josh McDaniels/Kyle Orton situation that you can print? He seems far too loyal to say anything of substance, but I figured I'd take a shot anyway.
Broncos release LB Andra Davis - The Denver Post
In what may be the Broncos' most stunning transaction of the offseason, the team released inside linebacker Andra Davis.
Cleveland Browns sign Ben Watson to 3-year deal, source says - ESPN
After spending much of Thursday negotiating with the Seahawks and Browns, free-agent tight end Ben Watson opted to accept Cleveland's offer, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
LaDainian Tomlinson meets with Minnesota Vikings, still visiting New York Jets - ESPN
The Minnesota Vikings wined and dined LaDainian Tomlinson on Wednesday night, then spent much of Thursday meeting with the star running back in hopes of pairing him with Adrian Peterson in what would be a big-name backfield.
NFL panel finds injuries more likely on new turf - ESPN
An NFL panel found that certain serious knee and ankle injuries happen more often in games played on the most popular brand of artificial turf than on grass.
Emmitt Smith tweets that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will be his Hall of Fame presenter - ESPN Dallas
Emmitt Smith announced Thursday night on Twitter that Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones accepted his request to present him at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction this summer.
Dan Snyder supports Washington Redskins' new offseason plan - ESPN
Dan Snyder's early verdict on Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen: "Great guys. Lucky to have 'em."
Strong Pro Day workouts | National Football Post
Some below-the-radar NFL draft prospects turned in some impressive Pro Day workouts.
Behind the stats: QB completion percentage | National Football Post
One of the toughest evaluations an NFL team and scouting department can make is assessing and ranking a draft’s quarterback class. With more and more money being invested in the position every year, it’s becoming critical for a franchise to make the right decision regarding its quarterback. The St. Louis Rams currently find themselves debating whether to take a quarterback with the first overall pick and play the risk/reward game or choose a safer prospect with less potential future impact.
Source: Hadnot agrees to $9 million deal with Cards | National Football Post
Veteran free agent offensive lineman Rex Hadnot has agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, a league source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
Blount set to work out on March 18 | National Football Post
Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount will work out at the Ducks' March 18 Pro Day workout, according to a league source.
Brodney Pool is a Jet | National Football Post
Veteran safety Brodney Pool has reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Jets
Raiders reportedly interested in T.O. | National Football Post
The Oakland Raiders are interested in veteran free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, according to John Clayton of ESPN.
Source: Nolan Carroll to work out for Patriots, Browns | National Football Post
University of Maryland cornerback Nolan Carroll will conduct private workouts with the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns, according to a league source.
Browns target Delhomme | National Football Post
Jake Delhomme is visiting the Browns today, and a source close to the situation has told me the Browns "want him bad." In the event the Browns do sign him – which I think will happen – it will be another windfall for Delhomme. Unlike the contract discussed here Wednesday with the Eagles and Michael Vick, Delhomme has no offset in his Panthers contract. He’ll receive the entire amount owed by the Panthers ($12.68 million), no matter what he might receive from the Browns (more on that below).
Using trades to get stronger | National Football Post
Along with an active free agent period, we have begun seeing that without cap consequences from the acceleration of signing bonuses, teams can trade fairly freely now. The first weekend of free agency also saw a number of trades, and we’ll see even more. Teams covered by the Final Eight plan and limited in signing free agents will use trades to fill needs. Teams will continue to swap headaches, attempting to give talented but difficult players fresh starts in new locations.
Veteran LBs Porter, Foote like Cardinals; QB Anderson to visit Friday
The Arizona Cardinals welcomed free-agent linebackers Joey Porter and Larry Foote for visits Thursday, and both expressed a desire to join the team after seeing some familiar faces.
In search of 3-4 help, Redskins eye trade for Rams DL Carriker
The Washington Redskins are interested in acquiring defensive lineman Adam Carriker from the St. Louis Rams and have contacted the team about the possibility, league sources said Thursday
Warren becomes fourth veteran cut by Raiders this offseason
The Oakland Raiders released defensive tackle Gerard Warren on Thursday, letting go of yet another veteran this offseason.
5 burning questions: Cal's Best has most potential to be next CJ2K
As we inch closer to the 2010 NFL Draft, scouts are starting to uncover answers to the hard questions that will ultimately shape what happens when teams are officially on the clock.
Latest Roethlisberger allegations give Rooneys cause for concern
Regardless of the outcome of the latest sexual assault allegations to surface against Ben Roethlisberger, the franchise quarterback's standing and reputation in the public domain is already under scrutiny, and the Steelers organization has been rocked by the scandal.
Pro day workout schedules and analysis
In between the combine and the draft, NFL coaches and personnel -- not to mention the prospects themselves -- turn their attention to the various college "pro day" workouts. These are not as all-encompassing as the combine, but they are important enough for the key decision-makers in the league to travel around the country for more than a month to see the talent up close and personal. NFL.com's Gil Brandt will have sources at each of these workouts and will update his pro day scouting reports on a daily basis.
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That's two things I don't get ???
It’s probably just me and there is a lot I don’t know but wouldn’t we have a greater need for Hadnot then Arizona. Nine million doesn’t seem like that much in todays NFL so why didn’t we beat their offer. What is it we are planning to do, we can’t depend on starting a rookie draft pick can we? Is Bowlen having serious money problems or something, just asking is that what is going on here.
The second thing is the release of Andra Davis. Well sure we need to improve against the run, but who is his replacement. Wouldn’t it be smarter to keep him until we find someone better. With the improvement up front perhaps Davis could have had a much better year. Sure we can focus our draft efforts in that direction but why not keep Davis until someone actually beats him out. He did have 90 tackles last year.
I’m looking forward to learning more and getting some insight into what is behind moves like these.
Maybe we didn’t want Hadnot? There isn’t anything out there that says we did in fact desire him other than him coming in to visit. I don’t know why people keep referring to Bowlen having money issues when nothing has ever come out supporting that argument. They just spent a lot of Bannan, Williams, Green. I wish someone would put the Bowlen / $ argument to rest. I think a lot of people expect that just because we bring someone in that they automatically want them and offer them a contract. Maybe their ideas didn’t mesh, maybe they didn’t get along.
Davis isn’t going to get faster and while he was great at stopping the run, he is slow and started to get abused. Some of his struggles probably affected DJ’s play as well [imo]. My belief is that they knew he wouldn’t be starting, so they let him go so that he could find another team to start for
IMO
I see your point about maybe not wanting him enough to out bid.
So I’m more wondering what is the plan then? We need a pretty good starting center to make this power running plan work. Hadnot is the least risky option I’ve heard of that might have a chance to work this year. By the way not living in Denver anymore (sadly) I didn’t know there was a Bowlen / $ issue floating out there much and now I am wondering where are the Broncos in terms of the league average for cap spending?
I agree Lisa
It doesn’t make sense to tip your hand (Re: Davis) so that every one knows which way you’ll draft. It makes you think that they have already targeted someone in the FA pool. Hopefully, we will see an answer to this very soon.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Don't think
That there are any money issues involved with the Hadnot deal. If that were the case then the Bowlen would definitely raised ticket prices. You can’t just leave things the way they are if you are having money issues.
I think
Hadnot issues were not with money but with some kind of securities that Denver wasn’t going to give him.
... 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
T.O. a Raider?
Guess he can fall further than being a Buffalo Bill.
Not too high on T.O. but I’d still prefer to see him in some other division.
"All we're trying to do is win the *********** game!" -- Josh MF McDaniels tearing into his offensive line after three false starts in the red zone. The tirade turned the tide of the game, and the Broncos dominated from that point on.
I just noticed the new countdown meter.
Woo Hoo!
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Once again, Great stuff John
Thanks for making my morning read so much easier.
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
So Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders are not messing around when it comes to addressing the run D.
But our offense WAS the biggest problem last season. We struggled to move the ball, we couldn’t score points or and we failed to improve. Moreno slammed into the rookie wall harder than any rookie I can ever remember, Royal was pitiful, Hillis was invisible and Orton went from careful and controlled to somewhat careless and on the losing end of the outcome.
We still have huge holes at LG, C, receiving TE, slot WR and maybe #1 WR. I imagine we are banking on Royal becoming good again, probably Olsen at LG, but that only covers the slot WR and LG.
We still need a C (Pouncey at 11 overall), a receiving TE or WR to take that role and maybe a #1 WR (TO, Dez Bryant at this point???). Other than Gaffney at #2 WR, Graham at blocking TE, Moreno at RB, and possibility Marshall at #1 WR, we are hurting on that side of the ball at the skill positions. Badly hurting.
I’m glad our run D should be better, but our offense still has the look of a bottom 10 unit. If Denver had improved even a little bit during the 2009 season, I would say we can expect year 2 gains. But we didn’t improve, even a little bit. Instead, 2009 may have exposed that we need better skill position guys ahead of Royal, Hillis, Stokely, Scheff (and Marshall if he is traded). Not to mention our QB is maybe a Top 15 QB, but no higher.
In my opinion.
I've been having a strage feeling that with the No 11 pick we'll be going with a OT
Think Bulaga… We may trade Ryan Harris to the Redskins or Texans for a 2nd rounder…
You’re saying the offense will get worse this year? They weren’t bottom-ten last year. Not good, but not bottom ten. I don’t see a top-10 unit by any means, but I also don’t see movement backwards. The argument that production will improve as players learn the system is powerful to me. More time with the playbook should mean better third-down conversions, better red-zone play, fewer down-field holding penalties, fewer pass-protection breakdowns and WRs who are on more of the same page with Orton. I have no trouble beliving that’s a 2-point improvement per game. And a 2-point improvement would move them from 20th to 15th. Not the stuff of champions, but also not….. worse.
You’re right that we didn’t see those improvements as year one progressioned. The null hypothesis is that the players and the system don’t work. The alternate hypothesis is that Ryan Harris got injured, the interior OL got exposed, and Orton hurt his ankle. I’ll take the alternate hypothesis. Everybody has injuries and they’re no excuse, but I think that’s a good explanation of why the results worsened. I don’t think it follows that we can’t expect gains from experience with the system.
Not that I’m sanguine about the talent. There are so many if’s. It sounds like Olsen’s ready to go, but we don’t know. I like the idea that Royal will pick it up this year, but you look at 2009 and say: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? Even if Scheffler stays, we’re looking at a fifth straight year of mercurial performance. I think that having Ryan Harris back and healthy is worth a ton to this team, but then again, can we really bank on that?
The good news, then, is that the offense is in a place where marginal improvements can make a difference — score 3 more points a game, and they’re the 2009 Arizona Cardinals (look it up). But you’re right that they’ve got a long way to go talent-wise to being a top unit. The main problem I see is that there are no quick fixes at the QB and WR positions. You have to bring those guys along slowly. It’s painful.
I disagree McGeorge...
Teams the score 24 points should win games. The Broncos gave up 74 points the final 2 games of the season. They scored 51. I’m not saying the offense is perfect, but the front-7 needed addressed.
Also, there were more options available along the D-Line, so the Broncos were dealing from a position of strength – plenty to chose from.
Again, the offense has it’s issues, but to say the defense was fine, or less important than the offense, isn’t correct in my opinion.
-TSG
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Seven of those 24 points vs KC came courtesy of a Ty Law pick return to the 1 yard line.
So our offense really scored just 17 points in that game and was responsible for giving away 14 points to KC on Ints returned for TDs. So that is 3 points, not 24.
Awful, awful, awful. In a game we had to win, no less.
In my opinion.
The offense doesn’t just have issues, it has gapping holes. Our offense is our biggest liability and what prevented us from winning more games in 2009.
Our defense, it’s coaching, and execution where much better as a hole in 2009. Our offense is what really let the team down and cost us games.
In my opinion.
This issue gets me about as riled up as the Alphonso Smith trade.
The run D stunk in 2009, but it was the offense that FAR FAR FAR more disappointing.
We didn’t have the players to have a great D in 2009, yet we did alright (better than that IMO).
We had the ponies and then some to make more happen on O, but we fell well short of our talent. The lack of offensive improvement during the season was most disheartening. We didn’t make progress. We didn’t do much of anything with the ball.
In my opinion.
I think you are both right and both wrong
The offense needed to be better because the defense wasn’t great as the season wore on. I think the core of our issues had to do with BOTH lines.
The offense took a step back last year.
The defense took a step forward.
They both need to take another step forward for us to have a winning season. I think getting some D-Line help in FA is going to help us be in a good position to win a few more games this year…but we need some impact on the offensive side too. Mainly for the O-line…I actually like how our skill positions sit currently.
"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV
49ers giving Shaun Hill permission to seek a trade
Why don’t we throw them a 7th rounder from next year for him. He’s not too old and better than Chris Simms. Then again a ham sandwich would be better than Simms.
I've been on the Hill bandwagon
for a week now but it’s generally been greeted with crickets here. ;-)
But why not wait and see if they cut him, which they might? Rather that than trade for him. But I think he can be an effective backup, very capable of winning a few games if pressed into service.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
I'm for that.
I'm glad we had this talk. -- TJ Johnson
by BroncoInExile on Mar 12, 2010 10:09 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks for the morning news John.
"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do" Walter Gagenot
"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible."
Why does woody write?
To equate that elway doesn’t care for orton because he didn’t like greise is a stretch to me and trying to stir up something out of nothing. Strange.
I'm glad we had this talk. -- TJ Johnson
by BroncoInExile on Mar 12, 2010 10:12 AM MST via mobile reply actions
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