Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 8/18/11
by John Bena on Aug 18, 2011 4:54 AM MDT
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Photos: Invesco Field At Mile High Sign Comes Down | Denver Post Media Center — Denver, Colorado, Photos and Video
The removal of the Invesco Field at Mile High sign, Wednesday, August 17, 2011. Sports Authority is racing to post its name around the home of the Denver Broncos.
Sports Authority racing to post signs at Mile High - The Denver Post
Sports Authority is racing to post its name around the home of the Denver Broncos after winning the naming rights for the stadium.
Camp Confidential: Denver Broncos - AFC West Blog - ESPN
For a franchise that was accused of turning stale a few years ago, the Denver Broncos have become pros at taking fresh approaches.
John Elway is rebuilding the Denver Broncos - ESPN
For close to two decades, Denver Broncos fans lived and died by the arm of John Elway. Starting this season, they will survive by his mind. Elway, whose football skills elevated the franchise above its mile-high perch in the Rockies, runs more than just the offense as the president of the Broncos. If Broncos fans can be patient, they may find doing football the "El-Way" will offer more long-term satisfaction than the collateral damage done by two years of roster decisions by Josh McDaniels.
Time to rev the run game - The Denver Post
Kyle Orton, walking away from a team drill Wednesday at Broncos training camp, pulled off his helmet, exposing the biggest grin on his face
Denver DT not going on IR - The Denver Post
For now, the Broncos are not placing Warren on season-ending injured reserve. Recovery time for torn triceps is three to six months. The odds aren't good, but because Warren's injury isn't a full tear, there is hope his recovery time could be closer to three months.
Krieger: Dump can be Broncos' treasure - The Denver Post
It's looking more and more like Sept. 3 will be one of the biggest player personnel dumps in NFL history, with nearly 1,200 players coming on the market at once. The Broncos, with second priority on the waiver wire and certain . . . ahem . . . talent gaps, want to be ready to take advantage.
Former Miami players now with Broncos refuse to talk about scandal - The Denver Post
The newest scandal to hit the University of Miami's football program was the talk of sports fans Wednesday, but mum was the word among former Hurricanes who play for the Broncos.
Analysis: Injuries to Ty Warren and Marcus Thomas make Broncos' rebuilding job more difficult - The Denver Post
The Broncos have spent much of the last eight months rebuilding a roster that produced a 4-12 record last year. But there are holes that still need to be filled.
Q&A: After arrest, Broncos' Matt Prater has strike against him in NFL courtroom - The Denver Post
Q: How will a DUI charge affect Denver kicker Matt Prater? Can he get suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell?
Broncos giving young RBs Minor, Johnson a look at training camp - The Denver Post
When the Broncos released running back LenDale White on Tuesday, they said it was, in part, to get a better look at their young running backs in camp as they try to fill out the depth chart.
Broncos claim DT DeMario Pressley - The Denver Post
DeMario Pressley, a 25-year-old journeyman defensive tackle who played in seven games for the Super Bowl-champion New Orleans Saints in 2009, was claimed off waivers today by the Broncos.
Denver Broncos training camp: Team to use running back committee - NFL - Sporting News
With free-agent pickup Willis McGahee in the picture, the Broncos clearly will go with a committee at running back.
Denver Broncos training camp: Team to use running back committee - NFL - Sporting News
With free-agent pickup Willis McGahee in the picture, the Broncos clearly will go with a committee at running back.
Broncos player reacts to Miami scandal | 9news.com
Allegations of sex parties, lavish gifts and cash for past and current University of Miami football players has reached into the ranks of the Denver Broncos, 9Wants to Know has learned.
NFL.com news: Bucs WR Briscoe looking for his own beast mode this season
Unlike former Kansas City Chiefs return man Dante Hall, no one calls second-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe "The Human Joystick." But maybe they should: Briscoe told the St. Petersburg Times Wednesday that he learned to read defenses playing the video game NCAA Football from EA Sports.
NFL.com news: 'Skins RB Torain takes baby steps in return from broken hand
Washington Redskins running back Ryan Torain made a limited return to the field on Wednesday after being sidelined the last 13 days with a broken left hand suffered in practice.
NFL.com news: Next chapter for McNabb: proving his doubters wrong
Resoundingly, the Vikings players and many of their coaches say quarterback Donovan McNabb is a swell guy.
NFL.com news: Harrington: Playing for Lions like being hit by an SUV
Former NFL quarterback Joey Harrington is feeling better after a serious bicycle accident two weeks ago that left him in the intensive care unit.
NFL.com news: Steelers will use age to their advantage to keep defense going
The Pittsburgh Steelers reached the Super Bowl last season, largely because of the play of an experienced defense. But as quickly as things can change in NFL, a strength can become a point of contention. Fast forward to 2011 and a defense that now features nine players over the age of 30 in the rotation (see box), which begs the question, is the unit too old to compete at a high level?
NFL.com news: Unhappy Suh plans to appeal $20K NFL fine for hit on Dalton
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh acknowledged Wednesday that he's clearly "not happy" with the $20,000 fine the NFL slapped on him for his hit on Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton in last week's preseason opener.
NFL.com news: Campbell, Detmer among NFL stars victimized in scheme
The former CEO of an Austin-based investment firm was convicted Wednesday of running a scam that targeted former professional athletes and cheated hundreds of people nationwide out of more than $50 million.
NFL.com news: Return to sender: Browns' Cribbs won't resort to touchbacks
Josh Cribbs has figured out a way to combat the NFL's rule changes on kickoffs. He'll return everything.
NFL.com news: Quarterback storylines make Week 2 of preseason compelling
Usually it's the third week of preseason games that are worth paying attention to because starters go longer. But consider some veteran quarterbacks -- and who they're playing this week -- and you might get a better look at how this season will play out, starting with Superman playing in Pittsburgh against the NFL's best defense.
Is the Panthers QB competition coming to an end? | National Football Post
Cam Newton is going to make the start for the Panthers on Friday night vs. the Dolphins, and we know where this is going if the rookie puts up some solid production.
Is Jay Cutler trying to win back the heart of Kristin Cavallari? | National Football Post
The formerly engaged couple were reportedly seen together in Chicago last weekend in the West Loop despite calling off their engagement last month. The 28-year-old Cutler had proposed to the 24-year-old Cavallari in April during a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Hey Mike, run that football in Chicago | National Football Post
Let’s keep this simple in terms of play calling in the NFL. 3rd and 8-plus eliminates half of the playbook. The number of routes you can run up the field vanish. And outside of the screen and draw game, the options you have are limited.
Jeremy Maclin upbeat after tests conclude he's cancer free | National Football Post
The Philadelphia Eagles and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin have reason to be excited after tests determined the playmaker is cancer free.
Terrell Owens 'way ahead of schedule' in surgery rehab - ESPN
Free-agent receiver Terrell Owens told ESPN.com earlier this week that he's ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and hopes to contribute to an NFL team early this season.
Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals to discuss extension, source says - ESPN
The Cincinnati Bengals will soon begin contract negotiations with starting cornerback Leon Hall, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.com. Hall is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2012.
Chris Johnson of Oakland Raiders to sit; Louis Murphy out indefinitely - ESPN
As if that wasn't enough, wide receiver Louis Murphy will be sidelined indefinitely and likely miss the team's regular-season opener after undergoing a medical procedure.
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie Mike Lockley fined $20K for hit - ESPN
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie linebacker Mike Lockley has been fined $20,000 for a hit on New England Patriots receiver Taylor Price.
Some NFL execs resistant to 18-game schedule - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
The NFL has three years to convince players to agree to an 18-game schedule for the 2014 regular season. But it might first want to make sure all the owners are on board, particularly those in cities where the winter winds blow brutally cold.
Burress has first significant Jets practice - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"I think it went pretty well," Burress said Wednesday. "It feels like football and it felt great. It was pretty much everything I expected to feel, just to get back out there and kind of get in a groove and participate in every drill."
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Thanks John!
Clayton needs to report and not analyse.
"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!
John Clayton wrote
“It was McDaniels who turned a respectable 4-3 defense into a 3-4 that couldn’t stop anyone.”
What? Our 2008 4-3 was just as horrible as our 2010 3-4. Ditto on the talent levels (or lack thereof).
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
No kidding. The 3-4 put dumervil on the map.
by tiderfootball09 on Aug 18, 2011 8:18 AM MDT up reply actions
You are way off on that statement.
Elvis has been good since day one as a Bronco. He had 8.5 sacks as a rookie at 12.5 sacks in 2007 as a second year player.
McD and Nolan didn’t put Elvis on the map. Elvis has been a great football player since he was a high-school star in Miami and NCAA star at Louisville where he was 1st team All American and had 21 sacks in his Sr. year.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
by McGeorge on Aug 18, 2011 8:28 AM MDT up reply actions 5 recs
Not really.
Before his 17 sacks Dumervil was never in the discussion of the better pass rushers in the NFL. Since his done that, Dumervil has been in every discussion of the best pass rushers in the NFL as of right now. He was solid before 2009, but it was 2009 when he took that step from being solid to great.
by tiderfootball09 on Aug 18, 2011 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Really really.
Any player that has 21 sacks in his first two seasons is on the map. Big time on the map. Maybe he wasn’t regarded as the best pass rusher in the NFL, but every D coordinator we faced sure knew who he was, so did the RT, LT and QB.
Elvis was a very good pass rusher as a 4-3 DE. He had more sacks in his first two seasons than Mario Williams, same draft class.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
Agree
I hate when people think Doom sucks in a 4-3. Yes, he flew under the radar. Yes it took leading the league in sacks for most people to even recognize him. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t any good.
Then why didn't he make his first pro bowl until 2009?
You’re not getting it. Take your emotions out of it and actually reread that again. I stated he went from solid to great in 2009. Not that he sucked in a 4-3 because when I said his is solid, that means his pretty good. So again I guess I have to rewrite this again because you’re not getting it. He went from a solid pass rusher to a great one in 2009 with his 17 sacks. Get it yet?
by tiderfootball09 on Aug 18, 2011 9:35 PM MDT up reply actions
When the Pro Bowl becomes the key measure in determining if a player is good or not, let me know and I’ll stop watching the NFL.
4-3, 3-4. Doesn’t matter a bit. Elvis has always been a stud pass rusher.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I didn't say that the Pro Bowl was a measuring stick. It just helps him with populairty.
Let me break it down to you like this, the way I view it. Like Warren Sapp says, 1st year you’re lucky, 2end your consistent, and 3rd year you’re great—2006, 2007, and 2009. I know I skipped 2008 because that was a down year for him. That’s why I said Dumervil took that step from being solid to great. That is all. And yes I’m just talking about his NFL career.
by tiderfootball09 on Aug 18, 2011 10:08 PM MDT up reply actions
No kidding
Was Clayton alive in 2008? 2009 (McDaniels first year) defense was actually better than 2008… 2010 was when it all fell apart and was just as bad as 2008.
Denver didn’t have a good D in 2006 or 2007 either. Clayton has become a lazy hack that is more interested in trying to be funny and string the pot than doing real journalism or real analysis.
That’s why I stick to MHR. People here tend to attempt the inclusion of facts and truth with their jokes and opinions. That you don’t see this anymore from ESPN’s top Sr. writer pretty much say it all doesn’t it.
I guess hiring a tub of crap like Bill Williamson should have been a clue where ESPN was heading.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I agree
McGeorge, how does one string the pot though?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Ask Clayton. He does a lot of things to the pot and none of them are good. Piss in it, stir it, string it, poison it… That is ESPN’s Sr. writer.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
John Clayton
was once of my favorite writers when he liked the Broncos. Now he’s a scumbag. Screw ESPN, the only good thing about is Monday Night Football and the NBA, I ER UH, well just Monday Night Football I guess!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Or this one:
The rumors of a trade to Miami and two years of replacing Cutler have forced Orton to develop broad shoulders and a thick skin. It has also caused him to hit the weight room. Orton has bulked up to 230 pounds, 12 more than his previous playing weight. “It’s too tough over a 16-game schedule getting hits at that light weight,” Orton said. Being bigger and stronger, Orton looks as though he is throwing the ball better, too.
If you think this kid can’t improve at age 28, you must be young indeed.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
In my 30s.
Damn right I think that. Orton is at his ceiling as a player. 2011 will prove that out.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
Bleacher report today:
Kyle Orton is one of the most under-appreciated figures in the NFL today. Lately, it seems that if a player isn’t a prototypical franchise quarterback, fans act like he has no value.
People who think Tebow should start: Woody Paige, Boydy, McG.
People who think Orton should start: Elway, Fox, and professional sportswriters.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Quoting Bleacher Report = LOL
Bleacher Report is one of the worst sources of sports info on the internet.
Nice straw man argument btw on the Tebow/Orton thing.
by scooter17 on Aug 18, 2011 4:57 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Straw man how?
Because I believe our front office might be smarter than a MHR commenters? Sorry I live in the real world.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
You sure have a lot of confidence....
in your ability to read Elway, and Fox’s minds. Just for kicks, why were EFX open to trade Orton to Miami? Where do you think Orton will be next year?
And if they could have got an arm and a leg,
Sure he would be gone. See Ubaldo Jiminez.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Several reasons.
1. You don’t actually know what Elway and Fox think.
2. Lumping “professional sportswriters” into the Orton section is… ok congrats? You’ll find lots of “professional sportswriters” who think Tebow is a joke and you’ll find lots of them that thinks Tebow should start.
3. Your silly argument can be reversed just fine. Watch:
People who think Orton should start: John Clayton, Hoopforia, azdenfan
People who think Tebow should start: Chris Collinsworth, Ted Bartlett, and EFX**, and professional sportswriters
**I mean, they tried to TRADE Orton, so… what do you think they REALLY think about Tebow?
See what I just did? I made a stupid comparison and set up the Orton “supporters” as a total straw man. Just like you did. By all means, say you like Orton better… But at least use something better than a ridiculous comparison and Bleacher Report. You’re making Bill Williamson look intelligent.
Nicely done Scooter
…but saying that anyone can make porkchop look intelligent is a serious low blow.
"as in football so in life"
"Look good, play good, play good, pay good, pay good, eat good, eat good, live good, live good, die good".........Primetime
EFX
Seem to have changed their minds, no? Or is it your theory that this all a bluff, and Tebow will be our starter. Face it, most football professionals who have actually spent time in camp this season agree on this point. And calling them names does not make it go away.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Well duh. Orton is probably our best QB at this moment in time. I want us to trade Orton and start Tebow, but even I agree with that. So I’m not sure why you think they would sit Orton (and destroy his trade value in the meantime).
So you think we should trade our best QB?
For the unproven kid who went 1-2 last year. I respect that opinion, but I still think you’re wrong. And the fact that Miami and Arizona and others think he could be an NFL starter seems to actually hurt your case, not help it.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
AZ – it’s a fact that Miami and Arizona considered him an NFL starter?
Look at who AZ and Miami had behind center prior to the trade talk. Not much. And they were unwilling to replace not much.
The one thing I know after the Orton ‘almost-trade’ is that the league does NOT place as much value on Orton as many Bronco fans did (me included – I thought we could get a third for him for sure).
Orton screwed himself by overvaluing himself as well. He is now in a no-win situation, IMO. As soon as he has a mediocore game the pressure to insert Tebow in some way shape or form will become deafening. EFX will capitulate and Tebow will be under center by the end of year if not sooner.
And, for the future of the Bronco’s, I hope it’s sooner. We all know we’re rebuilding – might as well rebuild around a QB who has some hope of being a true franchise QB – not a guy who drew less trade interest than T Jack.
Nothing against Kyle. A good, blue collar kind of QB. But he’s not our future and never will be.
If you and I agreed on everything one of us would be unnecessary
Yes I think we should trade him
And EFX tried to do it, so they agree with me.
I heard this same argument when McD was the coach/GM. Turned out to be wrong in many cases. I know I wouldn’t have F’d over the 2009 draft and Phonz deal like McD did. Wouldn’t have had a hissy fit at Nolan and hired a bunch of crappy coaches I didn’t trust only to micromanage the dummies.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
John Clayton is a professional sports writer that thinks Orton should start. So does Bill Williamson. I feel so defeated by this powerful and persuasive argument you’ve put forth.
That said, I think Orton should start too. I also think his mediocre play will disappoint guys like you and not surprise guys like me in the least.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
This whole argument is retarded. I usually am at complete odds with McGeorge.
The only reliable source in this argument is McGeorge, because he will eat his words if he has to… and he may very well be as right about Orton as he was about McDaniels.
azdenfan, we get that you are behind the coaching staff and that you want to believe they are making the best choice for the team. As do the rest of us, but that doesn’t mean we need to fight their battles for them and make ridiculous arguments with hallow evidence to try and prove why. Just believe what you believe and stick with your guns. You don’t have to make the whole world agree with you.
TRUST me… I KNOW… cause I have been there before.
"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes
"Excellence can be obtained; if you care more than others think is wise…risk more than others think is safe…dream more than others think is practical…expect more than others think is possible." - Anonymous Author
by Alexander Wall on Aug 19, 2011 3:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Thanks AW
I should know better than to argue that Clayton actually can be right at times. Methinks some here might be a wee bit jealous that he actually gets paid for his opinions. I just feel Orton still has a chance to progress, and that saying he doesn’t is insulting to the man. Elway got his first ring at age 37.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Elway was also the NFL MVP at age 27. An age and era when John was a better player than he was as the Super Bowl winner ten years later.
Orton is at his peak as an NFL player. QBs can remain at their peak for a few years longer than other positions, but I highly highly doubt Orton can show you more than he has the last two years. He is either at or very very near the pinnacle of capabilities as an NFL player. I do not think he has wholesale improvement or tricks up his sleeve he hasn’t shown.
I fully believe Orton’s capabilities top out at mediocre. Not terrible (I’ve never said Orton was terrible or even below average), not he isn’t great either and greatness isn’t in him.
You don’t built a team around a mediocre QB in his prime. I hope Denver knows this and are using Orton as a spring board to help the rest of the roster improve (there is some merit to this argument that Whinbey keeps harping on). But I also believe Denver should not be in win mode in 2011. We should be in build no mode this year. If our team is struggling in the first half of 2011, Orton should be pulled regardless of his play (if we’re bad, it clearly stands to reason that our QB isn’t doing so well).
This team needs to see what they have in Tebow so they can figure out what to do in 2012 when we might be ready to start making real noise as an NFL franchise.
Makes no sense to me to build a roster around QB ?x? Say we do get our running game going and our D going this year… then we just drop an inexperienced QB into the starter role in 2012? That sounds like a great way to regress IMO. Or we resign Orton only to top out as a 9-7 team when Orton is exposed as a non-playoff caliber QB that loses more close games than he wins?
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
Well spoken, McG
I truly respect your opinions. Thanks for the well thought out reply. I just still have hope for the neck beard. The Elway reference was to his age only, I completely agree Orton will never be in his class. Kurt Warner would have been a better example. I think with a real running game Orton could still be a cut above mediocre for our team. To say the man can no longer improve his play seems a bit harsh. Obviously this season will be the tell.
Go Broncos!
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Marginal improvement? Sure..
But the kind of improvement we’d need from Orton to be a real contender is too much to ask of a player with his limited skill set. He is just not a good enough athlete or has an elite arm to be that kind of QB. He is also prone to injury so that will always been an issue.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
“You don’t built a team around a mediocre QB in his prime. I hope Denver knows this "
But do they know this? Orton seems like the perfect Fox type QB (low cost, game manager, won’t blow games for you).
If the combo of Orton as QB and Tebow as special package player works this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Orton extended here. Orton may think he can do better on the FA market but he will be surprised.
I think the fact that they tried to trade Orton says a lot. Even if they never do trade him, I think there’s almost no chance he’s wearing a Broncos uniform this time next year.
A lot of people said he wouldn’t be the QB this year. I don’t think the trade attempt says much. They had to go through the motions or the fans would be up in arms. And maybe Orton too. At least all parties had to see that whatever trade market there was, was in fact an illusion (no team wants Orton for $8M for 1 year and no team that has the potential to be really bad with or without him wants to extend him—if you are bad you want to draft Luck or someone else).
If he plays well this year (IF), and he can’t get the big $$ he is hoping for on the FA market, he may end up here.
I don’t think the braintrust is sold on Tebow being the guy and I don’t think think they are going to push it. If Tebow does it himself—makes himself better than the other QBs, he’ll start. But I’m not seeing evidence that the coaches/Elway are going to go out of their way to help him. He isn’t their project. And Tebow needs a QB guru coach who will think outside the box on how to build an offense around his unique talents.
I’m not thrilled about it (Orton + Fox = boring IMO). But if we go 11-5 with Orton, what happens then? Boring or not, I’ll certainly take playoffs thank you very much
I'll take that bet
2011 final season record, wins/losses Orton/Tebow.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Sorry you have peaked, buddy
I am in my 50s and still improvin’
Push ups are not the measure of a man.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Actually he had some good points
Perhaps it was this one that makes the Tebow lovers think he is a hack:
When throwing short passes to his right, Tebow, a left-hander, opens his hips too much and skips the football off the ground like a rock across water. Too often, his eyes lock onto his first target. His throwing delivery lacks a consistent release point.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Read Clayton's article, which of his bullet points do you disagre with???
1. The only quarterback controversy is how John Fox handles the backup quarterback job. Kyle Orton is the starter. That’s not going to change unless there is an injury.
2. Broncos fans will have to great ready for a culture shock on offense. Fox believes teams win in this league with defense and running the football.
3. Dumervil is back at defensive end and looks better than ever.
4. Don’t expect a dropoff in the play of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
5. The Broncos are more negatively affected by the new kickoff rule than any team in football.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
#5
I strongly disagree with that statement. Our kick coverage has never been that great, and we’re nowhere near Chicago’s ability when it comes to kickoff returns. I hate the rule change, but I don’t think it will really hurt the Broncos more than anybody else.
by Tazzik on Aug 18, 2011 7:27 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
OK, nit pick
I’ll give you that one, although saying we suck already is not as professional as Claytons observations, in my personal opinion.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
Yeah
I’m nitpicking a little bit, since I understand where he’s coming from. There will be a ton of touchbacks at Denver, but he’s basically using our terrible defense from last year to justify that statement. Our defense can’t stop anybody, so we’ll constantly return kickoffs instead of punts, meaning we start almost every drive on the 20. He’s forgetting that making the other team start at the 20 yard line helps our defense too. Regardless, if we lead the league in kickoff returns again next year, I’d be completely shocked. I expect a much better defensive effort than we saw in 2010.
Technically, I also don’t think we’re in for such a big “culture shock” either. Denver fans got used to running the ball extremely well under Shannahan, and I think a lot of us really miss having that ability. I always felt that what McD did to our running game was one of his biggest screw-ups during his time here. I’m sure I’m not alone in welcoming a return to winning games through a dominating run-game and solid defense. I think we’re all pretty much done with having an offense that puts out a ton of passing yards but has very few points to show for it.
I do get your point though, that most of that specific article is not really bashing the Broncos. However, Clayton has made a habit of doing so for a while now – especially when we were transitioning to the 3-4 defense, so I’ve also found myself discarding most of his statements lately. I feel like he just rehashing the same talking points lately, without putting any real analysis behind his conclusions.
Thanks
Valid points, all. I just feel like all the negative talk about the media sometimes gets to be too much fun for some. This was actually a positive article about the team.
It is always easier to insult a successful man than become one ourself.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
The great Shanny teams were good at running and passing and scored a lot.
By the end of the Shanny era, the run game had regressed as had the scoring. McDaniels teams didn’t run effectively, passed well but didn’t score much above average.
If Fox really turns us into a run first team, we aren’t going to be high scoring. I think that will be culture shock for the fan base.
We never were a 14-10 type team. And Mike Shannahan never preached defense and running. His strategy was always to script the first Q, get a lead (usually with a mix of run/pass but mostly pass), and then wear down the other team with the run in the second half.
If we try to run, run, run from the get go, it ain’t gonna work. You’ll a third and long and we know what happens there with mr O.
Elway’s charge is fixing the mess created by McDaniels, who calls a swashbuckling style of offense but had a franchise-wrecking style of personnel moves. It was McDaniels who traded the talents of Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler to install a Patriots offense that succeeds more on system than talent. It was McDaniels who turned a respectable 4-3 defense into a 3-4 that couldn’t stop anyone.
This is really the jist of the article the reeks of the same old Clayton. McDaniels did a lot of things wrong here, but I’m not sure getting rid of those 3 players is at the top of my list. I wouldn’t trade KO for Cutler, Lloyd for Marshall, or any of our new TE’s for Scheffler. I wish we had used the picks he got for those trades more wisely, but the trades themselves were fine, imo.
The defensive knock (again), is just a continuation of the same theme Clayton began before the 2009 season. He had to backtrack pretty hard when we started out 6-0, but he’s obviously come full circle again after McD ran off Nolan. As others have pointed out, our defense was plenty terrible, long before we changed to a 3-4.
by Tazzik on Aug 18, 2011 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Again I agree
He should have left his feelings for McD out of this one, but still, his comments on the current season are not in the hack category, imho. Paige will keep telling us he was right about McDaniels into the next century.
He's our starting QB until he isn't.
I think I can agree with this list
But how can it be culture shock in #2 and then turn around and say Lloyd will have an equally good year? If we run as often as they we are supposed to I would think passing stats would naturally decrease.
GB2
Tulogit to quit.
What a pleasant thing to see these fine cartoons on the front page when I check in in the morning. Thanks Robb!
"I get sick when I hear athletes say I’m not a role model" "Yes you are. You’re just not a very good one." -Tim Tebow
by MTBroncosFan on Aug 18, 2011 6:02 AM MDT reply actions 2 recs
I agree, the comics are quite fun indeed!
"To all the critiques, thank you for the motivation… because it has been an edge for me and will continue to be an edge for me" - Timmy Tebow
by David G. Little on Aug 18, 2011 8:50 AM MDT up reply actions
Thanks MT and ATL!
Follow me on Twitter @RobbVegas
Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.
Sallust (a wicked man reformed?)
by Robb Yeager on Aug 18, 2011 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree as well.
Awesome work Robb. It’s a cool addition to MHR.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009-10 back-to-back NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009-10 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
by weazel on Aug 18, 2011 12:54 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I’ts really cool that we have a coaching staff dedicated to running the ball. I have missed smash mouth football in Denver. I hope that the O line is really good and that the D line is not just really bad. At any rate, good that they are heading in a clear direction.
"I get sick when I hear athletes say I’m not a role model" "Yes you are. You’re just not a very good one." -Tim Tebow
When were we a smash mouth team?
Shanny’s teams ran a lot but the zone block scheme was based on agile/quick linemen, not smash mouthers.
I hope we aren’t a run right, run left, incomple pass, punt team. That is my impression of Fox’s teams in Carolina. I hope he passes more here. We’ll see in a few weeks though.
OK, let me rephrase… I have missed run it and then run out the clock and then some it some more football in Denver. I wasn’t necessarily referring to the O blocking scheme in my original statement. You remember when we used to run it a lot aka TD 2000+ yard season.
"I get sick when I hear athletes say I’m not a role model" "Yes you are. You’re just not a very good one." -Tim Tebow
by MTBroncosFan on Aug 18, 2011 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions
Yep, I agree. I missed those days too.
That was back when we had leads to protect in the 4th Q. Last year it seemed like we down by 1 score in the 4th Q a lot. Hardly ever had a lead late in the game. Hopefully we will get leads with a better Defense this year.
Those were the days
CBS announcers always say “for those of you expecting to see 60 Minutes, welcome to Denver where the Broncos have beat the trash out of so and so!”
Brad James
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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions
back in the day
when a home game was almost a sure win.
"I get sick when I hear athletes say I’m not a role model" "Yes you are. You’re just not a very good one." -Tim Tebow
by MTBroncosFan on Aug 18, 2011 12:55 PM MDT up reply actions
We can resuscitate those times!
let’s do it!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 1:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Except I hated "protecting leads"
That always got us in trouble. (Falling asleep in the 3rd, and scrambling to win in the 4th.) Until TD in ’97-99. Then we poured it on late.
by MakeCents on Aug 18, 2011 2:48 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Warren on P.U.P.
If they put him on this list can the Broncos keep another player for the 1st 6 weeks?
Nope...
You can’t put a player on PUP after he has practiced…
-TSG
SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport
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Robb Rec!
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
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Thanks KK!
Follow me on Twitter @RobbVegas
Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.
Sallust (a wicked man reformed?)
by Robb Yeager on Aug 18, 2011 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ndamukong Suh may be a fantastic player, but he is also a dirty player. He seems to have little regard for NFL rules on QB hits. I’ve seen several of his cheap-shots and the one vs Dalton was just as dirty and unnecessary as several others.
The NFL needs to suspend Suh for his next egregious QB hit or body slam. He seems to think he is above the rules the rest of the NFL must abide by.
If he tries that crap with Orton or Tebow, I hope Franklin is there to drive Suh’s butt into the turf. Or wait until the next play and dive at Suh’s knees from the side. Teach Suh a lesson about going both ways.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I would love to see him try it with tebow and get one of his classic stiff arms right to the face
"To all the critiques, thank you for the motivation… because it has been an edge for me and will continue to be an edge for me" - Timmy Tebow
by David G. Little on Aug 18, 2011 8:52 AM MDT up reply actions
in remember the titans Ronnie Bass does something to a DT i would love to see Orton Tebow or Quinn do to Suh
“let him through, just let him through i’ll handle it”
Davis and Smith to the Hall!
"Teamwork divides the task and double the success."
- Unknown
by Jon Tollerud on Aug 18, 2011 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Suh seems like a pretty bright guy. The way he is handling this is very different than James Harrison. I find that very interesting. Harrison rips Goodell in print. Suh says the refs aren’t used to such a strong player and he doesn’t blame them for calling personal fouls.
Most people are smarter at handling adversity than James Harrison. But Suh is playing like a jackass out there with his BS body slams, face mask grabs, lat hits and what not.
It has nothing to do with strength or talent. Suh clearly thinks he is above the rules. Goodell keeps reminding him that he is not by docking the paycheck. I’d like to see Suh get suspended for the next cheap shot.
Or I’d like to see some ole fashion O-line justice like Ligaments Out got vs the Titans a few years ago.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
I agree Suh is playing foolishly.
But how he is handling it through the press is interesting. He is definitely not going the Steeler route and complaining.
So it will be interesting to see what the league will have to do to get Suh to stop. Suh knows what he is doing on and off the field is my impression.
How could someone be more stupid
in handling adversity than James Harrison, especially since his adversity is 100 percent self-afflicted. That instantaneously makes him one of the stupidest people who ever lived. No matter how good of a life you live and try to keep your nose clean, adversity always finds you. Way to compound the matter #92
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:35 PM MDT up reply actions
* self-inflicted
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:35 PM MDT up reply actions
I think that would be a fun match up: Franklin vs Suh.
Suh can throw aside the 190 pound ginger quarterback, but do that to Orton or Tim and I hope Franklin, Kuper and Walton go on a mission to end his year.
Someone’s got to teach that guy a lesson.
Follow me on Twitter: ballinnickcast
Xbox360 gamertag: SnipeMeHarder
McGeorge is right on Suh
Suh should be suspended, like maybe on October 25 for one game. That will teach him.
If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.
by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 18, 2011 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Yes
I’ll tweet Commissioner Goodell @nflcommish.com. Dear Commish this is your friend BroncosItaly or Brad James, please suspend Suh for the October 25 game at Denver against the Broncos. God bless!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 4:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Note
Oct. 25 is the Tuesday before the Broncos game when the commish typically makes decisions on suspensions so as not to affect a teams preparations too late.
If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.
by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 18, 2011 7:58 PM MDT up reply actions
That's right
October 30 (my dad’s birthday) is the Broncos-Lions game. The last time my dad’s birthday fell on a Sunday, 2005, was a good year for us. Let’s hope karma reasserts itself!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 10:43 PM MDT up reply actions
EXACTLY
why I didn’t want Fairly here; though I was in a rather small minority, right? Fairly did the same thing in the Georgia game that Suh’s doing now.
by MakeCents on Aug 18, 2011 2:51 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m a little more careful about labeling him as dirty. He is starting to look like a knothead out there at times. He deserved fines for his hits against Dalton and Delhomme last year.
His hit on Cutler was a BS fine. The QB’s are overprotected outside of the pocket. He also got a bad reputation for grabbing Barber’s hair and getting called for a horsecollar.
If you and I agreed on everything one of us would be unnecessary
What do you guys think about Pryor being eligible?
I wonder if he’ll see any of the money his about to make. Between owing money to car dealerships, attourney, and now an agent. I wouldn’t be suprised if Pryor ever saw a dime of his first year’s salary. Also I think he should just stop wasting time and switch to WR already.
by tiderfootball09 on Aug 18, 2011 8:28 AM MDT reply actions
Not real important,
but has anyone seen what the new Sports Authority Field signs look like? Supposedly, they’re going up already and are supposed be completed before Saturday’s game.
Even Less Important
I wonder if they are selling the letters taken down from Invesco Field. They could be used to create several words: “SOLD” “SCOLD” “FINES” “NICE” “SIN” “CLOSED” or using all the letters “NICE FIVE SOLD” Get your memorabilia now.
If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.
by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 18, 2011 9:51 AM MDT reply actions
Could use most of them to get
DEVILS IN CO, too bad McD left…
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
"SLIDE IN CO"
If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.
by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 18, 2011 10:13 AM MDT reply actions
IVE FOND SLICE
I have a fond slice of what though?
Or
FOND ICE LIVES… Sounds dangerous… oO – Where does it live?
DIVE IN SELF CO… Good city name? Dive in Self, CO – Ha Ha
DIVE IN ELFS CO… Even better? Elfs, CO? LoL
or
DELVE IF COINS, or
DELVE ON SCI FI
That’s what I came up with for now. That was fun
A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill
First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins (perhaps and then some)!!!! ( =
by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 18, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Fun to pummel Invesco Field
If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.
by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 18, 2011 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions
lights out
Merriman got he knee hurt by the Titans on purpose?
Time to make Felipe Rivers
Matt Sand Cassel and whoever plays signal-caller for the Faiders take a crash course at the sack academy!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:17 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Lol @ Matt Sand Cassel
Good one! I might have to do a comic on that when we play the Chefs…
Follow me on Twitter @RobbVegas
Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.
Sallust (a wicked man reformed?)
by Robb Yeager on Aug 18, 2011 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sounds great!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:28 PM MDT up reply actions
Warren is going to IR - regardless of what The Post says, it just makes sense
We need that roster spot to replace Warren. They’ll probably wait until after the surgery to be sure of the time table, but there’s no sense in keeping a 30 year old DT on the active roster for 10+ weeks – a guy that already hasn’t played a football game in over a year – in the hopes that he MIGHT be able to come in and knock the rust off down the stretch. It just doesn’t pass the common sense test.
Additionally, this team better be looking at a real solution to our top depth at DT. I’m worried they’re waiting until September 11th before they sign a veteran player there simply because then they’ll no longer have to guarantee the whole salary for a guy like Trevor Pryce.
OK, so Brian and The Johns really did very well at the Defensive Tackle position, especially considering the limited cash budget they likely had to work with. I no longer hear laughter from opposing RBs in my nightmares!!!
Trevor wants to come back?
We never should have let him go, nice job Shanny
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 12:29 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know if he wants to come back
I just know that he’s the exact type of stop-gap player we’ve been signing. Pryce is def willing to sign a one-year deal. After the season starts, those contracts can be signed by vets to where the whole year isn’t guaranteed. I think that’s what we’re waiting for before we make a move. Not necessarily Pryce, but he’s certainly on the short list, IMO.
OK, so Brian and The Johns really did very well at the Defensive Tackle position, especially considering the limited cash budget they likely had to work with. I no longer hear laughter from opposing RBs in my nightmares!!!
You speak much truth Sir. We can kiss Warren goodbye (before we even said hello) if the surgery reveals a tear.
Keep your fingers crossed the MRI was wrong.
Kyle Orton + red zone = FG
Fingers are crossed!
OK, so Brian and The Johns really did very well at the Defensive Tackle position, especially considering the limited cash budget they likely had to work with. I no longer hear laughter from opposing RBs in my nightmares!!!
Damn if we keep him
that means he would have gone 2 years without playing a snap… Is he worth waiting another year for?
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
If it were me, I'd ask him to restructure the deal
As it stands, he’s already gotten his $2.5M signing bonus. If we cut him now, he gets nothing more and he has no team to call home. The chance that another team gives him a real shot at over 30 years old after not having played a game in two years is pretty slim. He has to know that. He knows that if we cut him, it’s more likely than not that he played his last down in the league.
I think it would make sense for him to forego the additional $1.5M he’d be paid this year as his base salary (to get us to put him on IR instead of cutting him), and in return for that, I think the team could agree to make $1M of his $4M 2012 salary guaranteed.
This way, we’d still get the roster spot, we’d still own Warren for next year and we wouldn’t owe him any more money for this year – freeing up $1.5M in cash to use on his replacement. What he gets is security. He would then know that he still belongs to a team and that that team has guaranteed him $1M for next year which means they’ll have to give him a very real and legitimate shot to get his groove back. Just my thoughts. That’s how I’d play it.
OK, so Brian and The Johns really did very well at the Defensive Tackle position, especially considering the limited cash budget they likely had to work with. I no longer hear laughter from opposing RBs in my nightmares!!!
makes sense.
i’d just cut my losses though. dude’s probably done and that money would be a better gamble elsewhere. so long, ty. we hardly knew ye. here’s your two and half mill. (nice gig if you can get it).
oh, if he’s okay i say we keep him though.
I wonder if Pork Chop meant this as a clever pun or if he's just an idiot :)
“After that fell through, Orton took control of the offense quickly and has given Denver no choice but to make him the starter, TebowMania be dammed.”
Offensive phrase to Christians with the last word spelled differently in a way that indicates being blocked. Kinda amusing if you think about it…
No way PC did on purpose though, right?
being damned
either way means the same thing: there is no progression, in other words if you’re dammned or damned as it were you’re screwed.
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions
Do you have to go to some
kind of confessional now? I mean, after cursing and all.. :p
The beauty of MHR! We vent, argue, and proclaim greatness and smartness to our fellow bloggers. Thank goodness because nobody else is listening. -
Mormons don't do confessional
that’s primarily a Catholic thing. I do try to repent every day when I pray to God for forgiveness. Of course, I got your joke as well.
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 10:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Yes.
I understand that. I’m wondering if Pork Chop did…
Thanks John for the Tracks!
“Kong” Suh does need to clean it up a little, but what an amazing talent the kid is! Cutler and every onther QB will have nightmares over the pain he inflicts on the field.
Good to see KO bulking up! From Clayton…"Orton has bulked up to 230 pounds, 12 more than his previous playing weight. “It’s too tough over a 16-game schedule getting hits at that light weight,” Orton said. Being bigger and stronger, Orton looks as though he is throwing the ball better, too." Great leadership and work ethic Kyle!
Thanks for the Tracks John!
And the drawing Robb! These are great! They remind me of political cartoons, but waaaaay better. Well, obviously. Seriously though, those cartoons accompanying the Tracks are awesome! If I come up with any good ideas, it’s good to know they can be put top use!
A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill
First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins (perhaps and then some)!!!! ( =
by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Aug 18, 2011 2:51 PM MDT reply actions
Ha ha, thanks PJBGFunk
Follow me on Twitter @RobbVegas
Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.
Sallust (a wicked man reformed?)
I was at the Mizzou home "monsoon" game when Suh took out Blaine Gabbert's knees....
Blaine suffered the rest of the year after that hit….
He’s a damn good player, but his emotions lead to nasty (bordering on dirty) play. I’d love to have him on our team, but he does go too far at times.
Anyone else impressed with how the MSM annointed the Eagles as the Dream Team? They got whooped tonight :)
No matter who starts at QB, we will be 8-8 or better (8-2-11)
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Yeah
Nasty is effective for a DT though. I think Suh is borderline dirty, but I’d still love to have him on our team.
I’m also getting a good laugh out of the Eagles anointment this offseason. They’ll be a good team, but great teams are built through the draft, not free agency. People have gotten way too wrapped up in all of their free agent signings, without considering that a high number of free agents are not as successful with their new teams as they were with the original ones. It’s not like basketball, where one or two superstars can change the outlook for an entire team. Football is much more of a team game, and a good team will almost always beat a group of good individual players. We’ll see how the season plays out, but right now the Pats scare me a whole lot more than the Eagles. Mayo was dominating last night.
Didnt a certain team in Denver
sign a couple key free agents in the late 90’s and had pretty good success at it? Just sayin’ ;)
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
Other than Neil Smith, is there anyone else of substance who we signed the year we one the SB? My point is that you can’t bring in a bunch of free agents and say, “SB this year!!” It usually takes time to really build a team that knows how to play together. We certainly had a lot of good free agents that contributed to the SB wins, but most of the key ones were brought in gradually, throughout the early-mid 90’s. We didn’t bring in 8-10 new guys at once and start calling ourselves a “dream team.”
