What do I like about the 2011 Broncos?
by bradley on Aug 15, 2011 6:24 PM MDT
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The answer is simple: Everything.
First, I like Pat Bowlen. Enough said.
Second, I like EFX. In a short time, they have done an amazing job of turning chaos into something like a real NFL team. I like the way that Elway leaves the coaching up to Fox. I like the way that Fox handles himself, like a professional, unlike his predecessor. The assistants are looking great also.
And, I like every single player on this team. There are no Darryl Gardeners, no Terrel Owens, or, thank God, no Fat Alberts. Just team players, and I will be sad when many of them leave, as so many will have to.
Hopefully, some of these young guys can be traded, so they can find a team that has a spot for them, and the Broncos can benefit to an extent. I especially think that the Broncos should be exploring a trade for one of our QB's. We have three pretty good ones, all with their own qualities. Three is a luxury, and I think it would benefit the Broncos to trade one. Which one? I'll leave that up to EFX.
In that regard, let me say this: there has been a lot of discussion, to say the least, about our QB situation. I've taken part in it. But let me emphatically say that I like all three (actually, four) of our QB's.
In that regard, let me say a couple of things: in the ongoing QB debate, I'm probably seen as pro-Orton and anti-Tebow. Not true. Any statements I've made have been in response to the sometimes really awful comments about Orton, made by Tebow fans who seem to think that if they say it loud enough and often enough, it will make a difference.
So, getting a bit off topic here, but I think it's a good idea, let me say this: I like Tim Tebow. What's not to like? I may have a different perspective on what life on the planet is all about, but his is OK also. And he is a heck of a football player. Fun to watch.
And one other thing, again off topic: his Mother is awesome, and a hero in my book. There is nothing more heroic than to risk your life to save the life of another, and that is what she did. I give a Mile High Salute to Mrs. Tebow.
Back to the Broncos. We have a team that is coming together. Lots of new coaches, lots of new players. All of them get an A plus from me at this point. No Gardeners, Owens, or Fat guys.
I'm excited for the season. John Fox will make the best decisions he can, and the Broncos will be competitive for the first time in awhile. We have a tough schedule, but it's pretty much the same as the one faced by the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders. Winning the West is not out of the question.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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I LIKE A POST
that can mention the QB’s and (likely) not set off a debate. You went out of your way to not hit any body’s button. Good post, Bradley.
PS If Ihad to pick one thing
I like about this year’s team, it would boil down to “player evaluation”…whether draft, UFA, or FA, this year is marked by, imo, much better evaluation before pulling the trigger.
"player evaluation"…
One of my main points. Keep an eye on Weber.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
He’ll need to play first. Don’t see that happening in the next two games anyway.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I don't see it happening in the next two years
But if we can pull off a trade for one of the old guys, he could stick around and be valuable down the road.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
Yep...agree on Weber...would be a very good #3 development QB. Nice post Bradley.
"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"
Harv Neptune.
Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!
With everyone at Dove Valley saying both Orton and Tebow are not on the trade block, that would mean Brady Quinn. Is it worth trading Quinn for a 6th round pick just to see Weber?
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
For one thing
there are only a handful of players in the NFL that are not on the trading block: Manning, Rogers, Brady, Brees, and a handfull of others, mostly QB’s. Oh, and Suh.
Shanahan used to talk up a player one day, then cut him a couple days later. So I don’t place much confidence in what we hear from Dove Valley. Most potential trades are just that, so FO’s say the PC thing until the deed is done.
Bottom line: anyone on the Broncos could be traded before the sun sets, irrespective of where you are on the planet. With the possible exception of Champ Bailey.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
In terms of reality, you are way wrong about that trade claim.
Lots of players are not on the trading block due entirely to their salary and how it is paid over the course of the contract, when the cap hits occur and when the bonuses are paid.
In many cases, it just doesn’t make any business or football sense to trade a player at a given point in his contract. Bailey, with his new deal, is a good example. Why trade a guy right after you pay him a huge signing bonus?
While yes, in theory you could. It would mean you’re basically retarded to consummate such a trade.
Tebow’s contract makes him an illogical candidate to trade in 2011. Trading Orton after his $1.5MM bonus is also pretty illogical.
When living in a vacuum, anyone can be traded. But lots of times it wouldn’t make any sense in terms of our cap hit and his future cap dollars in subsequent years.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
Oh, I agree
I didn’t mean to imply that almost all players in the NFL are being shopped.
But I won’t be astonished if I read one day that either Orton, Tebow, or Quinn has been traded. Any money spent has been spent, and is history. It doesn’t make much sense to worry about that – it’s like saying so and so is a first round pick, so he must be worth a lot. Tell the Jags that about Derrick Harvey.
And while I agree with First Fan (just below) that we might need all three this year (Orton, Quinn and Tebow) – especially with the new rules on concussions, I repeat that I won’t be shocked if one is traded. Don’t expect it though.
I would like to see us trade one of the younger receivers for something, if only a 7th, rather than just having to waive a few of them.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
That one day won’t be in 2011 for Tebow. Probably not Orton either unless he wants to redo his contract.
It’s precisely because the money was spent that you won’t see guys like Tebow and Bailey traded in 2011.
Brady Quinn didn’t sign a $700,000 per year contract. He got tens of tens millions, but most of it was already funded and he is only going to cost us $700,000 in 2011. Why would we trade that kind of team friendly contract unless we got great value in return.
You should be beyond shocked to see Tebow traded in 2011 because it makes no sense. Pretty shocked to see Orton traded after his roster bonus and mildly shocked to see Quinn traded unless some team gives us more for Brady than you and I think he’s worth.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
“I would like to see us trade one of the younger receivers for something, if only a 7th, rather than just having to waive a few of them.”
Which one?
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
See my comment (Possible Trades) below
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
I agree about the Royal part. If we hadn’t traded Gaffney, I’d have traded Royal if I was the GM.
He is probably the most tradeable Bronco right now, but I doubt that happens.
I’ll hold out faint hope we can trade McBath, but I don’t see us doing any deals before the season.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
You're probably right.
I like Royal, and I don’t want him to go. I’m just thinking of ways to possibly pick up a draft pick or two for 2012, instead of just releasing some pretty good young players.
The Gaffney for Bunkley trade was a very good one, although I like Gaffney a lot. But we have a surfeit of receivers, and a dearth of DT’s. Good trade for both teams (my definition of a good trade is one that helps both teams to the detriment of the other 30).
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
You mean Jarmon for Gaffney.
We traded an unknown 2012 draft pick to Philly for Bunkley.
Big bonus points to anyone that can tell me what round that pick is in… I haven’t a clue.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
You're right
Jarmon for Gaffney. We got Bunkley for an undisclosed future pick, but I believe it is in 2013, not 2012.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
Who are we going to trade McGlass for? Another Gronkowski type? He’ll make the team and your boy Jones will get cut. Unless he manages to get himself hurt in the next three games which is a real possibility
I’d be happy if we got a 7th rounder for McGlass. So much for the 48th overall pick in 2009. that was just a terrible draft.. Bad for Denver, bad for a lot of teams.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
We got 2 starters and a good ST player in the 09 draft. Could have been worse and could have been a lot better. At least we aren’t kicking a 1st rounder to the curb like the Bills.
But your argument for keeping Phonz over Jones I think makes more sense here. If it comes down to Jones or McGlass for the last S spot that is.
The 2009 draft was unkind to more than just the Broncos.
Look at the rest of the AFC West first rounders.
Tyson Jackson – #3 overall? OUCH.
Heyward Bey – #7 overall? OUCH OUCH
Larry English – #16 overall? OUCH.
When Moreno is the best 1st rounder in the group (kind of by far) and he’s been injured a lot and mildly disappointing, you know you’re talking a crappy draft.
Other 1st round disappointments
Andre Smith
Maybin
Jason Smith
Aaron Curry
Monroe
Crabtree
Donald Brown
Eric Wood
P Jerry
Kenny DUI Britt
Bennie Wells
Pretty awful all the way thru. That McD felt compelled to trade out of the fantastic 2010 draft into this draft while admitting he wasn’t prepared for the 2009 draft lets you know with certainty that we had a foolish child running our team at that juncture.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I like Weber
If we still have Orton,Tebow,Quinn, at the start of the season, then he will probably get cut. But we can always resign him if someone gets hurt. That way we have someone who knows the system. He looks good too.
I'd like to see Weber on the PS
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
What im starting to like
is that we are finally moving further away from the shannahan era . I liked mike and
i am thankfull and proud for the 2 SB wins . I am glad that the broncos can move foward
with a fresh identity . Know what i mean ?
by broncosfaninphilly on Aug 15, 2011 7:46 PM MDT reply actions
Prediction
We will need all three QB’s this year. I like what I am seeing out of all three and I like what I am seeing out of the Broncos in general. I endorse the theme of your post bradley.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09
by firstfan on Aug 15, 2011 7:46 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
How was alaska trip did you finally get to see the broncos game ?
by broncosfaninphilly on Aug 15, 2011 7:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Nope
but we got a metal rood put on a cabin 15 miles from the nearest road. I hope to see the game on the 20th.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09
Roofing a cabin 15 miles from the road
must have been interesting. Glad I missed the fun.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
Hauled all the material up the river in winter
and then put it all on in four days.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09
by firstfan on Aug 15, 2011 8:33 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
I like the calmness heading into this season
no major injuries to starters (knock on wood), no blockbuster moves (Cutler, Marshall, etc.), no overpaying for veteran FA. The running game hopefully will take off, and we will get away from a pass 1st offense. Overall very nice job by EFX so far
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
Mmm...bursting your bubble...Ty Warren looks to have a serious triceps injury and Thomas a pectoral injury...there goes that DT depth.
"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"
Harv Neptune.
Is it Free Agency yet? Wake me up when it starts!
Good post Bradley!
I’m very optomistic about the 2011 season as well.
As for the QB's
Only way we trade them is if a team takes a surprising injury to their starting QB. Orton and Quinn are in contract years, so no one will trade for them to be a long term answer when they’ll be FA’s next year.
And which “young players” do you mean should be traded?
I like what EFX has done, especially via draft (going BPA which I TOLD EVERYONE THEY WOULD… patting myself on the back) but I feel your trust is a little undeserved of them. Again, I like what they’re doing, but they haven’t done anything yet. For me I’m cautiously optimistic but I’m not ready to say I should trust everything they do (as I did for McD till halfway through last season… and it bit me in the ass)
Raiders suck
Chargers are whiny douches
Chiefs are meh
Possible trades:
I know both Orton and Quinn are in the last year of their contracts, and it’s unlikely either will be traded. However, it’s not unheard of for a team to trade for a player in the last year of a contract without first agreeing to a longer contract. The hope would be that the player settles in to his new home, and, in the offseason, both sides reach an agreement.
As to young players that might be traded: I’m looking at receivers, including tight ends. EFX didn’t bring in 4 new TE’s just to cut one (might happen though). They drafted Julius Thomas and Virgil Green, then brought in vets Daniel Fells and Dante Rosario. They may want to keep all four.
At WR, we have Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Eric Decker, Matt Willis, and David Anderson, and Eron Riley and Britt Davis.
If we keep 4 TE’s, we might go with just 5 WR’s, with Demaryius Thomas starting the season on the PUP.
Those five would be, IMO, Lloyd, Royal, Decker, Anderson, and Willis. If we keep six, Eron Riley probably is the guy.
I know it’s unlikely that any team would offer much for Riley or Britt Davis, especially if they see that they will be cut anyway. But maybe a team at the bottom of the waiver wire priority list would give up a low draft pick (or a conditional) for one of them if they really needed a receiver. Same deal with the QB’s.
And I think we have an extra LB and maybe a DE and maybe a Safety that might make the same thing happen.
Any of this is unlikely – I’m just hoping we could get something for one of these guys. Actually, Royal might be the best candidate for a trade. But I’m just supposing.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
Virgil Green is a guy that has be thinking...
his 4.54/40 combine speed isn’t dazzling by no means, but his other events were off the charts as a TE. His 23 reps @ 225 make him pretty physical particularly at the LOS either at the TE/H-Back or slot receiver postions. His 42.5 verticle leap can get above and over a lot of CBs and Safeties with ease even if he is 6’3 249. From standing still he can jump 10’ 10" close to 11’ amazing and his 3 cone drill was 6.90 stating he has a quick burst with fluid hips to make move when he needs to. The Broncos were fortunate to snag this guy in the early part of the 7th rd. They got a talented, physical athlete who came out of the WAC not your football producing conference, but it does show there is talent at every level.
My point is, if the put Green on the practice I wouldn’t expect him to be there long before another team snatches him. I would keep on the roster as a special teamer/H-back player and slowly involve him at TE. This is what I’m hoping, if Richard Quinn is injured bad enough, put him on IR so we can keep and evaluate him one more year, because we have seen some progress in his development. I think we will chose between one of Fells and Rosario, cut Gronkowsky. That would give us JT, Fells/Rosario and Green. I would love to see Green in a WR role a few times in preseason just to see how he get’s off the line and how he get’s open and catches passes in space.
What I'm thinking
Julius and Virgil can sort of pose as receivers (tight or wide) while Demaryius Thomas recovers. They may not be the most polished blocking tight ends right now, but they should be good enough to help a bit in the run game that we are going to see.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
As for the QB's
I could see a trade/extend, but for guys like Quinn and Orton? Maybe but I’m not buying it.
I understand your take on the “young players trade” concept. If they really step up in the preseason, yet still not make the team, I could see your scenario unfold, although most of the time that happens with proven players in the regular season, but I would love to see that though.
Raiders suck
Chargers are whiny douches
Chiefs are meh
Guys.... will someone please talk me off the ledge?
I have been so down and out the past few days, ever since I found out about the Ty Warren injury….. is it going to be okay? Please…. somebody…… whisper sweet nothings in my ear – LOL!!!
"When Tim Tebow does pushups, he's not pushing himself up, he's pushing the world down."
"Gear down there big shifter This is the "No Bull" review man…" a total Lebowski-esque one liner from Sadaraine, whether he realizes it or not - comedic gold.
by PaleHorse78 on Aug 17, 2011 12:11 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
We probably need ~4 big guys to rotate at DT
Its not like last year where we needed 6 big bodies rotating in the middle…
We have Bunkley, Thomas, Big Vick who are solid… and McBean, et. al. who are probably are less than solid, but may be okay as subs.
Our depth problem is substantially mitigated by the fact that Ayers and Jarmon will rotate inside on passdowns… so 3 may actually be enough… if the big 3 can hold ’em close on 1st/2nd down, they get a breather on 3rd with Miller coming down to DE and Ayers/Jarmon rotating inside.
Now, this still doesn’t leave any depth for further injuries, etc… I expect us to be checking the waiver wire for someone better than McBean… but no need to panic just yet.
I do think Warrren’s injury likely means that Harvey makes the roster… that will free up Ayers/Jarmon to play inside more. While I don’t particularly like Harvey’s game, he’s probably better than our 5th/6th d-lineman from last year’s 3-4…
Bout to say jump...
Look at the yardage (air and dirt) that the Cowboys first unit had on us. If it mellows you out we had similar numbers though.
You can be dumb... that's ok! There are many dumb people.
You can be an a$$hole... that's ok! There are many of these as well.
Unfortunately you cannot be both...
Ok... prove me wrong.
EFX and Ellis
I still think we have to make 2 more moves in the FO. Xanders and Ellis provided McDaniels with poor guidance, or possibly worse, wrong guidance. These 2 are in key positions for planning for the Broncos growth in future years and yet the very noticeable improvements seem to be due to Elway, Fox, and Allen. X&E let McD take the fall, and yet I’m very confident that the Rams will improve remarkably with McD because he will have better people managing him. We have a GM and CEO that do not have a track record to instill any confidence. Shanny stayed too long and took too much control. McD clearly needed help with player personnel, and I’m sure he got it, and the results have been amongst the worst in the NFL. We used a 1st on Tebow and gave up a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th for someone that had all kinds of questions.
I enjoyed your positive post and agree that things are looking better, but until we get a better GM and CEO, I remain unconvinced that the Broncos turn-around will happen in a reasonable period of time. I don’t want X&E doing the long range planning for the Broncos. They haven’t earned that privilege and are just riding the coat-tails of the new, top notch people who are having such a huge impact.
The Rams will improve dramatically
because McD is doing what he does best, an O coordinator. He will no longer be in charge of pulling dumb moves
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
Ellis is the President of the Broncos, accountable to Pat Bowlen only
My take on the whole organizational thing is this (and none of us really knows how it’s working):
Ellis runs the business side of the Broncos, and is probably pretty good at it. He got thrust into the football side of things when Shanahan got fired. I don’t perceive that he was at all comfortable with it, and I think he and Bowlen know they screwed up by hiring someone that was too young for the job. I think Ellis is happy to let Elway run the football side of things.
Xanders is first and foremost a bean counter who manages the contracts and salary cap issues. But he also worked in personnel with the Falcons for several years, and now for a few with the Broncos. I think he has some talent for scouting players. Hope so anyway.
As to the blame game with McD vs X, who knows? I have to trust Pat Bowlen on that.
As to what is happening now? It seems that EF&X worked well together during the draft, and in bringing in some veteran DL’s, and McGahee. I’m guessing Elway let Fox make a lot of the final decisions. And I’m hoping it all works as well as it seems to be, at least so far.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
No worries… our team has more talent than a 4-12 team. People like to look back at last year as worse than it was (most games were close in the 4th Q for example but people believe we were getting blown out right and left).
So with a better D, better game day coaching and better luck (no Doom/Clady type injuries) we will be back to 8-8 in no time.
Unless you were looking for SBs…can’t help you there. Until we fix our QB problem that isn’t happening. Despite what Fox says, you can’t go deep in the tournament without passing the ball and stopping the pass.
Well this is a nice, optimisitic thread...
…now how about a less optimistic and more realistic counterpoint?
If you are optimistic going into this year, great! However, if you are expecting this team to be a playoff contender, or even .500 you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.
The Broncos aren’t magically trading anyone who is going to get them anything of measurable value in return. Look, likely our most fetching candidate is/was Kyle Orton, based upon experience and position mostly. Most experts suggested he wouldn’t return anything much better than a 3rd round pick, so the trade route isn’t going to provide any immediate miracles to the Broncos.
What do I like about the 2011 Broncos? I like that the team and organization has finally bottomed out. That’s a painful but necessary first step before improvement can be made. I like that there is an experienced, veteran coach in place and I’m really liking everything I’m hearing about Dennis Allan the new DC. I think Elway is a smart guy and I think he could become a very good executive for the Broncos.
BUT…. I have very tempered expecations for this season. Firstly, Kyle Orton is the QB. I know what his limitations are and we will be reminded of them frequently. Although he is likely far more polished than Tim Tebow at this stage, at least with Tebow I could look forward to the unexpected, the improvisational, the 40-yard broken play TD scamper that just makes your day. Barring injury, Orton is the man and sorry to say but that reality doesn’t excite me.
The offensive line is young, and Clady is another year recovered. I HOPE that this means they will be better than last year, because hope is about all I’ve got. Remember the lack of pass protection last season? It was abysmal at times. The new man on the line, Orlando Franklin is apparently a great run blocker but admits his pass protection needs a lot of work. Oh dear…. Remember the non-existant running game? How often did the RB’s simply have nowhere to run, or worse, had to deal with penetration in the backfield? And what of our O-line’s depth? It’s woeful, so if one of these young guys goes down, things could get really ugly.
How about our run defense? Oh that’s right, we didn’t have one. Warren with his injury history was someone I HOPED would help, but he hasn’t been healthy or dominant for years. Now he’s out and may miss the whole year. In Thomas, he’s at least less seriously injured, but have you forgotten that the Broncos thought so little of him as to let him test free agency before deciding that maybe they could use some reinforcements at that position and re-signed him? Am I to feel all warm and fuzzy thinking about Bunkley and Vickerson as the new interior of the line?
I know that the Broncos pass rush will be better because Dumervil is back and it appears that Dennis Allen prefers an aggressive approach. Add Von Miller to the mix combined with Allen’s aggressive mindset and there’s reason for optimism. Sounds like Allen’s going to be sending heat at the QB from all angles, and I do love an agressive defense! In fact, I expect this could be one of our team highlights. BUT (and I hate the fact there is a but), I can also see this happening: the defense gets off to a great start. It’s a new scheme that other teams can’t game plan for. However, as the year wears on and as additional game film becomes available, teams will be better prepared to negate what could be an early season team strength. Finally, until the Broncos prove they can stop the run, opponents are going to hammer away at this weakness, thus negating those down and distance situations where a pass rush can be lethal.
So, somewhere between the OP’s rainbow and butterflies, and my fire and purgatory is where reality likely resides. What that translate to is anybody’s guess but a 6 or 7 win season is probably close. Progress is going to take time and I’m prepared to be patient, but when you’re used to the bar being set at Super Bowl level its not easy getting excited about 8-8.
by TrueNorthStrong on Aug 18, 2011 11:42 AM MDT reply actions
The 4 key positions in the NFL (according to most analysts/experts) are QB, LT, rush end, and CB. You could argue that we have top 5 talent in 3 of those 4 (top 10 at least). At QB we are average (but its a deep average). I don’t think our team is as talent poor as many believe (or would like to believe).
The only reason (barring major injury) why we don’t get to 8-8 is a new coaching staff and no off season. But we’ve kept our offensive staff (mostly) so that excuse only works for the D. Our D giving up big plays due to missed assignments won’t surprise me.
Our run D is what it is. Until we get better talent on the interior DL it is a weakness. MLB scares me this year. So the way this team needs to handle it is to score more in the RZ and make teams throw on us. Our D will be very good vs. the pass (decent secondary, 2 great rushers).
Tebow is a TD machine and the combo of Orton the start and Tebow the closer (RZ, short yardage) could be very good.
I also don’t buy this “be patient” attitude. Teams that build slowly tend to just be bad for a long time. Once they have a good coach/system in place, they tend to get good quickly (2-3 years). Look at the Rams/Lions. They aren’t good because they were patient. They got good coaches, drafted well and now in the 3rd year of their program they are competitive. Our talent pool is much better than theirs was (and in some ways is now) so no reason we can’t be an average team soon.
Appreciate your thoughts, True North
And I think we agree on most things. If I seem overly optimistic, it’s because I meant to be. Your prediction of 6-7 wins is fair. McJay’s (just above) of 8-8 is also. Another 4 – 5 win season is not out of the question either. I think the Chiefs and Chargers have done some good things in the off season, and if I were to place a bet, I’d put it on the Broncos at 3rd in the division come January.
But I like Fox and Elway and I see them turning the Broncos into a solid team. I also will stand by my statement that winning the West is not out of the question.
Your concern that the D might start great, or good, until other teams get film is valid. My concern with the run D is more that the DT’s (who?) will get worn down by Halloween, and that will be all she wrote.
I do disagree when you or anyone else says something to the effect that you know what Orton’s limitations are, or we’ve seen his topside, or the like. Orton has never had a good team around him, but this year might be an eye opener on the Orton watch. Anyway, I’m hoping. Let’s talk after Halloween. Heck, lets talk about September 6 or so.
Personal relations consist of an uneasy truce between powerful, solitary fantasy systems.
Janet Malcolm
I hope you are right.
Nothing would make me happier than to see this team exceed expectations.
My expectations regarding Kyle Orton specifically are not meant to be an indictment against this player either. I lived for a year in Chicago while Orton was the Bears primary starter. That team had a stout defense and a good running game and yet KO’s production was middling.
I do believe that McDaniels worked wonders with Orton under the circumstances, namely with no running game to speak of and a horrific defense (at least last year). I find it hard to criticize Orton for being something he isn’t and never will be, and that is a “game changer”. With so many team deficiencies or “works-in-progress” I find it tough to get overly enthused at what Kyle brings to the table, especially considering he’s likely gone after this season.
I’ll still cheer loud and hard every weekend, even from all the way up here in British Columbia. I’ll make my annual Denver visit and pretend – if for just one weekend – that I’m a local. All the while I’ll keep my expectations in check, hoping you’re prognosis is better than mine.
by TrueNorthStrong on Aug 18, 2011 3:56 PM MDT up reply actions
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