A Staffer Round Table: Broncos Week 1 Review and Week 2 Preview

by Topher Doll on Sep 15, 2011 2:01 PM MDT in Denver Broncos Opinion - The Aftermath

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 12: Even these two don't mind having a friendly football discussion. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Last weeks round table was a big success so we decided to keep it going. I also got a lot of good feedback on how to make it easier to read and respond to, so that you can get more involved. One thing that was talked about, and I liked, was more member involvement in the round table. Due to the way the round table is done, it would be hard to directly involve members. So with this in mind, what we are going to do is if you want to submit a question to the round table for us discuss, email me your questions anytime between Monday, September 19th to Wednesday, September 21st. My email is maxwellsdemon13@yahoo.com and include MHR round table question in the subject line. I'll do my best to choose a few good questions to add next week.

Hope you enjoy this weeks discussion, and here is the list of this week's topics:

- Question 1: So first thing, we have to look towards week 2, we are all looking for Orton to improve. Besides QB play, what area do you think needs to improve the most?

- Question 2: What do you feel Denver needs to do to improve the running game or balance the offense?

- Question 3: We did see a lot of empty sets against Oakland, do you feel that will continue next week, or was it a cause of a struggling running game?

- Question 4: We saw a lot of QB's have terrible games last week, Big Ben, Freeman, Ryan, Orton, Eli, and Bradford. Do you see Cincy as a weak defense that Orton can bounce back against?

- Question 5: We did struggle against the run, and Cincy is another run heavy team, what does Denver have to do to contain Benson, outside of fighting him in a bar?

- Question 6: Another area of concern of me after rewatching the game was pressure. Going into the season the pass rush was the most hyped part of the team and it didn't quite live up to that hype. Ayers was solid now at DE in containment, and Miller played very well, but Campbell played mistake-free and wasn't pressured much of the game. What do you see Denver doing to improve?

- Question 7: There were countless times I was shouting "screen, screen!" on offense. I do think that using the screen more would improve compliment the passing game and substitute as a run game. Thoughts?

- Question 8: Penalties, we committed 9 for 91 yards. Walton and Franklin seemed unhinged at times. Fox is known as a discipline guy, as a steady guy, We didn't seem that way last week, do you look to the coaching staff for that at all, and do you feel there needs to be a change in how preparation is handled this week?

- Question 9: Predictions out for Cincy, who has a big game in week 2 and any other predictions.

Name	Comment
Topher D.	Question 1: So first thing, we have to look towards week 2, we are all looking for Orton to improve. Besides QB play, what area do you think needs to improve the most?
Jess	If Orton is going to have a chance at righting his wrongs from week one, he's going to need some run support. We have to get that going or we're dead in the water.
	Is that too general?
Tim L.	Run support? Try offensive line. If the OL starts clicking, the running game will have holes to run through!
Kirk D.	The trenches on both sides of the ball
Tim L.	I'd throw manliness in there. The Raiders looked more manly than the Broncos did last week - it made me sick.
Topher D.	I'd agree with the trenches, and while the offensive line played poorly in run support, I wasn't seeing good vision from Moreno or McGahee
Kirk D.	The Raiders did to us what Dennis Allen wants to do to other teams
Jess P.	I think we need to score more points.
Kirk D.	Front 7 domination
Jeremy B.	I want to see Kuper play like a 7mil/year guard
Tim L.	Beadles was terrible - love him on Twitter, but the only pancakes I saw was him getting pancaked
Topher D.	Agreed, and I would agree with you Jeremy, Kuper looked almost as out of place as Walton, Beadles and Franklin.
	It also seemed the Raiders just played faster than we did, was I the only one who saw that?
Tim L.	I'd say the Raiders D was fast, but until injuries forced the 2010 Broncos defense on the field late in the game, the Broncos D looked faster than the Raiders O.
Topher D.	Question 2: What do you feel Denver needs to do to improve the running game or balance the offense?
Kirk D.	Discipline and maybe a sense of urgency
Jess P.	We're in danger of (what Tim said about 2010) happening this year. If we can't sustain drives with the run (that's on the O Line and RBs), we're going to hurt defensively... Not to mention the injuries we'll incur as a result.
Tim L.	EXECUTE. The saddest part of the loss to the Raiders was that we had lots of open wide receivers. If Orton had been on his A-game I think he would have torched the Raiders so badly that they would have been forced out of their 5 man front, which would have opened up the run game. If only...
Topher D.	So Tim, an improved passing game to set up the run?
Tim L.	By execute, I am talking about Kyle Orton and the offensive line. I think the rest of the offense will work out if those two areas execute the way they were supposed to.
Topher D.	So the running woes were due more to the line than to the backs?
Tim L.	Depends on what other teams do. Oakland dared Orton to beat them over the top. If he had, then we could have run the ball more effectively. If Cincy plays max pass protect, then we should be able to run.
Jess P.	Lost in all this Orton mess is how poorly Moreno played. I'd like to see more of McGahee and Ball. I'd like to see an expanded role for them.
Tim L.	From what I saw, the Raiders D was pushing the line back several yards on every play...what kind of rushing lanes could there have been?
Kirk D.	I'd like to see less penalties and making the run blocks. The O-Line needs to impose their will
Jess P.	I'd like to see more out of Orlando Franklin than just the penalties.
Topher D.	I do have to say the Raiders D were at the top of their game
Tim L.	If I wanted to play the blame game - this loss is mostly the offensive lines fault.
Topher D.	Question 3: We did see a lot of empty sets against Oakland, do you feel that will continue next week, or was it a cause of a struggling running game?
Jess P.	I think that was due to the rain. My folks at the game said the concourses were packed with people watching on the little TV screens.
Kirk D.	We had so many 3rd & 15's. It is very difficult to keep converting those. Still, a 6/13 (46.1%) conversion rate isn't going to lose the game for you.
Jeremy B.	regarding the empty sets, we also saw a lot of shotgun, I think it was just part of the adjustments, especially once Denver saw the 5 man front. the empty sets started getting the nickle package on the field for the Raiders. Also, remember we faced a LOT of 3rd and longs....that is empty set territory.
Topher D.	Question 4: So we saw a lot of QB's have terrible games last week, Big Ben, Freeman, Ryan, Orton, Eli, and Bradford. Do you see Cincy as a weak defense that Orton can bounce back against?
Jess P.	I don't see them as weak, but I think there's every opportunity for Orton to bounce back. He needs to... or else.
Tim L.	They gave Colt McCoy issues and were stout against Hillis. With all the injuries this week, I have a feeling the Broncos will end up dropping this one too. Our only saving grace is Andy Dalton is starting, rookie QBs can be rattled by a good pass rush.
Topher D.	I do think Cincy has a weaker front seven, but a better secondary, hopefully that will mean less pressure
Kirk D.	Last time we played the Bengals, it took a miracle
Troy H.	But we also held them to a touchdown, too. I think it's going to take that kind of defensive effort to have a shot at them.
Jess P.	If only we had someone on the team known for dabbling in the miraculous...a
Kirk D.	Well they let Jonathan Joseph leave for Houston and replaced him with Nate Clements from the Niners. That isn't an improvement. Clements had better support up front in San Francisco
Topher D.	Question 5: We did struggle against the run, and Cincy is another run heavy team, what does Denver have to do to contain Benson, outside of fighting him in a bar?
Tim L.	The Broncos D is getting some bad rap here. They gave up a couple of 15-20 yard gains early on, but stiffened for the most part. Then the injuries began to mount and we suddenly had the 2010 defense back out there. Nightmare. Many of those guys will be out this week, so I am not optimistic - thought I do expect people to kneejerk over the run defense until the starters get healthy again.
Topher D.	I just rewatched the game Tim, we struggled stopping the run in the backfield, though we did do better at stopping the big runs later.
Troy H.	I'd say that "fighting him in a bar" would be option number 1. Option number two is maintain gap discipline. We can't allow him to reach the second level of our defense without resistance. Penetration and gap discipline are the key to any run defense, but it will be especially important with the power of Cedric Benson.
Jess P.	I rather just fight him in a bar.
Topher D.	Haha
Jess P.	I didn't see anything on Monday that leads me to believe that we're going to contain him. I did like seeing what we did in pass protection. To win, we'll have to get after the QB (Dalton or otherwise) and capitalize on mistakes.

Troy H.	I'm near Cincinnati, maybe I can try and get him before he gets on the plane?
Kirk D.	I agree with the premise, Punch him in the mouth. Just on the field.
Troy H.	Jess, what say we stack the box and dare them to throw the ball?
Kirk D.	Which means stopping Benson
Topher D.	I'm with you Troy, I do think we have solid enough, though hardly perfect, coverage to stop Dalton or whomever may start. down.
Kirk D.	The Bengals Offensive line struggled last season, and didn’t get much of an upgrade.
Tim L.	Chris, I recall midway through the 3rd the D had given up 82 yards rushing. Considering we gave up like 600 yards in two games last year - I felt good about our starting run defense. I'll make no claims they are Top tier. ;)
Topher D.	Question 6: Another area of concern of me after rewatching the game was pressure. Going into the season the pass rush was the most hyped part of the team and it didn't quite live up to that hype. Ayers was solid now at DE in containment, and Miller played very well, but Campbell played mistake-free and wasn't pressure much of the game. Doom seemed to get blocked too often. What do you see Denver doing to try and get after Dalton.
Kirk D.	Stop the run
Tim L.	I don't think Doom is playing this weekend, is he? Jason Hunter is a role player, but he seems to have a nose for finding and sacking the quarterback. I'd like to see him more in passing situations too.
Troy H.	Get some 3rd and long situations. The Raiders running game kept them in 3rd and manageable situations. Like Kirk said, "Stop the run". If we stop the run on first and second downs, they'll be in third and long and either A)get sacked or B)Run a draw or screen for minimal gain.
Jess P.	It comes back to execution for this one. Either we dominate at the line or we get dominated.
Kirk D.	Bingo
Jess P.	We need to be very Cesar Milan about this.

John B.	Just a FYI... Dalton is about 75% not going to play
Topher D.	Thanks for that update John, I wasn't sure if he was probable or questionable
Tim L.	Which sucks for the Broncos, cause the better player is the veteran.
John B.	Extremely questionable at best
Kirk D.	That's what I thought.
Tim L.	The one aspect of the defense that has really improved was third downs too. The Raiders were 5/14, so getting off the field is getting better. Injuries on D really hurt the team.
Kirk D.	Bruce Gradkowski has never played against the Broncos. He's not a pushover, but I think he is more than a serviceable back up
Topher D.	Question 7: Okay moving backwards real fast, there were countless times I was shouting "screen, screen!" on offense. I do think that using the screen more would improve compliment the passing game and substitute as a run game. Thoughts?
Kirk D.	We didn't have a chance in the last game, the screens were penetrated against and our own OL got in the way
Tim L.	Chris, I don't think Orton is scaring a lot of people right now and a screen pass is exactly the nice little "safe" play the opposing defense will be looking for. I'd rather see Orton go vertical in this game...DEEP!
Troy H.	Absolutely, especially with Knowshon Moreno in the game... if he's going to be in the game, that is. On the infamous "Orton Fumble" drive, Moreno had a reception on a swing pass that helped kick start the drive. Having blockers out in front of him would only help create the opportunity for explosive plays. But like we are all aware, Orton isn't great at screens. It would be a great weapon if he was better at them.
Kirk D.	The passes to Moreno in open field are some of the most successful plays we run
Jeremy B.	We ran a lot of screens. Franklin had a holding penalty on one, they had an incomplete on another. factor in some of the drag screens (which don't really look like a screen is expected to look) and I would say it was a part of the game plan.
Jess P.	I couldn't handle the run, screen, incomplete pass, then punt (on 3rd and 13) scenarios from last year. It that sequence of events that damaged Orton in the eyes of the fans... Even when it worked, it wasn't the exciting brand of Broncos football we're used to.
	(So I say ick on the screens)
Topher D.	I don't like it either Jess, but without a run game, it's all we got.

Jeremy B.	Tim, Orton went to the bread and butter deep ball to Lloyd at least three times that I counted. One was on target, two weren't, it was just an off night all around.
	Raiders went with a 5-man front, 3 DTs and a SS in the box... run game wasn't going to happen.
Kirk D.	That INT looked like Orton wanted the comeback that we've seen so successful and Lloyd thought fly pattern
Topher D.	Question 8: Earlier we mentioned penalties. We committed 9 for 91 yards, that's killer. Walton and Franklin seemed unhinged at times. Fox is known as a discipline guy, as a steady guy, We didn't seem that way last week, do you look to the coaching staff for that at all, and do you feel there needs to be a change in how preparation is handled this week?
Jess P.	Regading penalties, they just can't happen. Simple as that. Fox needs to personally beat the crap out of the players that commit them.
John B.	The penalties, specifically against the offensive line, go directly to just how bad the Raiders' defensive front was dominating the broncos. It is somewhat expected by a rookie, but when Chris Kuper is getting holding calls, we have problems
Jeremy B.	We were having a really hard time against Kelly, Henderson and Seymour in the middle, and Kuper and Beadles caught the brunt of it. Beadles particularly had a hard night, and Kuper would have looked worse without the penalties, hard as that is to imagine. As far as penalties in that game reflecting discipline, I agree with Fox who said after the game that he didn't mind the physical penalties they were getting. Ball and Ayers had the two "bad" penalties, in the sene that they reflected a lack of discipline, but the holding penalties on the OL can often go both ways, and are part of the trench beatdown, a small factor in the trench beatdown. Of the 7 offensive penalties called, all 7 were on the OL, a far cry from the opening weeks last year where we had receivers lined up in illegal formations, and linemen lined up too far in the backfield.
John B.	As for the personal foul calls, it plays into what the Raiders have done for years. That's why it should be about winning a game, not getting revenge for last year. Fans want to hear fire and brimstone from the players, but if they get caught up in that, well, you can see the result.
Topher D.	Do you think the offensive line will get special attention this week in practice?
Troy H.	It's easy for us to say "just don't have penalties", but it's different in the heat of the moment. Those guys were out there playing against a notoriously dirty team, who happened to be a division rival on national television. Penalties are going to happen. Was the 9 penalties against the Broncos an abberation? At this point, I would lean towards yes. Emotions were high. I don't think emotions will be nearly as high against the Bengals. I think that being dominated had to have played a part in it, as well, but not many defensive lines are going to be nearly that physical.
Kirk D.	Hard to say whether they lost composure or not. The Raiders generally promote a higher penalized game. They take so many stupid penalties that they find ways to get back at the other team.
Topher D.	Walton seemed really pissed a lot
Troy H.	Can you really prepare to have fewer penalties?
John B.	So you really have to look at the who, what, where and when of the penalties. The holding penalties were killers because it seemed several happened on positive plays. It's hard for an offense to get into a rhythm when they are looking at 1st and 20 all the time
Topher D.	Agreed John, some of those penalties were about as anti-"clutch" as a turnover
John B.	The facemask that gave Janikowski the shot at the 63-yarder comes to mind
Jeremy B.	keep in mind on the penalties guys, it was Oaklnad getting called for the "undisciplined" calls...roughing the passer, late hits, fights after the snap...
Jeremy B.	bottom line, if we could cut back on the OL penalties, we can avoid that stutter-start on offense. I tell you, I was most disappointed that the defensive "energy" of the preseason didn't translate to sound tackling from our LBs and DEs....that needs lots of work.
Topher D.	Question 9: So lets move on to next week and get our predictions out for Cincy. Who has a big game in week 2 and any other predictions.
	Call me crazy but I say Goodman gets a pick 6.
Jeremy B.	well Goodman missed some big tackles at the end of the Raider game (not to dwell, lol) so if he is MVP, that should make up for it...
	I think it will be a pretty conservative, defense oriented game
Kirk D.	Brandon Stokely with the last second catch
Topher D.	Haha
Kirk D.	Decker (again)
Troy H.	I'll go with Eddie Royal.
Jeremy B.	Is it just me or is Eddie cursed right now?
Troy H.	It was a wet night, so I'll cut him some slack.
Kirk D.	It could be another wet one too.
	There is a chance of thunderstorms
Troy H.	Well, someone give him one of those Orange towels that they handed out Monday night...
Jeremy B.	I think McGahee has a nice game, maybe over 100 combined yards. Cincy is the kind of defensive front that he can have success against, wider than the DEs on swing passes and screens and inside the tackles where I think we have a couple of good matchups, basically the polar opposite of the interior Oakland line.
Troy H.	I like that pick. I hope we're all right.
Topher D.	Question 10: Any last thoughts on week 2?
Jeremy B.	More than anything I want to see the offense hit some kind of rhythm, some kind of stride. they are better than they played against Oakland, they need to put something together they can build on going forward.
	It is mostly their ends and the LBs when they get downhill. Inside I wouldn't put their talent too far above ours. I only saw the first half though, so maybe they have depth that helps them hold up as the game goes on.
John B.	Unless Week 1 was aberration, I don;t think we should feel great about our O-line against their D-Line
Jeremy B.	Cleveland OL is built solid. I'm sure Holmgren is quite happy.
John B.	Though, in the end, it was a boneheaded play that killed the Browns
	Cedric Benson is running well, too
Kirk D.	4.8 ypc last week
John B.	Until the Broncos PROVE they can throw the ball consistently, and move down the field without the big play, teams are simply not going to let Denver run
Topher D.	Agreed, thanks everyone

Thanks everyone!

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Comments

Wait.

You mean to tell me that there are 12 other maxwellsdemon emails on the Yahoo server? That’s crazy. :)

I’m very down on the team and can’t see Orton leading us to a victory. Hopefully he will, but I’ve lost any hope I had after that first game. Pre-season, my hopes were up for six wins, but I think that’s in serious jeopardy now.

Hopefully the O-line can turn things around, Orton can start hitting his open receivers and we can score more than 13 points. Though, with all the injuries that we have even 13 points might be difficult. I’m sorry for being so negative, it comes from two years of watching this team lose (after the 6-0 start we’ve gone 6 and 21 unless my math is off)

I think I have good ideas sometimes. I just suck at communicating them.

by Jason Witte on Sep 15, 2011 2:16 PM MDT reply actions

That isn't odd at all

Maxwell’s Demon is part of a well-known thermodynamics thought experiment. I’d imagine students in science classes run into it at some point in time…high school or college level courses.

So geeks or science freaks (who are more likely to go sign up email addresses) may use it cause it is very memorable.

"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV

by sadaraine on Sep 15, 2011 2:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Haha nope 13 is just my favorite number

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Sep 15, 2011 2:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Ok, Michael Meyers.

Learn how to dominate your fantasy football league through a solid fantasy football strategy. A shameless plug for a fellow Broncomaniac!

by Tim Lynch on Sep 15, 2011 3:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Or wait...I mean: Ok, Jason Vorhees(sp?)

Learn how to dominate your fantasy football league through a solid fantasy football strategy. A shameless plug for a fellow Broncomaniac!

by Tim Lynch on Sep 15, 2011 3:03 PM MDT up reply actions

No

He’s a southsider homes

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"No use crying over spilled milk"
-Orton's rallying war cry

by Calikula on Sep 15, 2011 3:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Haha nope

Dan Marino made me love football, so it’s in honor of him.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Sep 15, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I was born the day before Friday the 13th

my parents scrapped my original middle name “Jason.”

It wasn't him Charlie, it was you. Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and said, "Kid, this ain't your night. We're going for the price on Wilson." Ya remember that? 'This ain't your night.' My night I could of taken Wilson apart. ~ Brando aka Terry Malloy

by Zac Man on Sep 15, 2011 3:35 PM MDT up reply actions

Fox has to be thinking

gosh I’m talking to a turd right here

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 Sep 15, 2011 2:21 PM MDT reply actions

Royal

I think that Royal isn’t Orton’s kind of receiver, basically. Strong, shifty, and small, his “adjustment window” isn’t as big as Lloyd’s and Decker’s, and I have a sense that Orton is most comfortable with a bigger adjustment window. Someone like Montana or Cutler or other quarterbacks good with accuracy, tight windows, or timing – they’d do wonders for Royal’s career – put a ball in a tight window, and Royal’s strength would be great at making sure he’d rip it away from a tight-covering dback.

by tunesmith on Sep 15, 2011 2:23 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Maybe that is it

I’ll confess I don’t study film, but I can’t help but feel that the drop off in Royals production has very little to do with Royal himself and more to do with Ortons passes to Royal. It seems like almost all of the passes intended for Royal are either in the dirt or so far behind him that there is no way he’s going to run after the catch.

by Shurakair on Sep 15, 2011 2:35 PM MDT up reply actions

There is some good wisdom here...Orton does like to throw low and away sometimes.

Though to Eddie’s detriment he has dropped several Orton passes that were on the money…one in the last game that was on the money. I was very disappointed that he dropped it. This is the NFL…your first job is to CATCH THE FRIGGIN ball Mr. Wide Receiver.

"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV

by sadaraine on Sep 15, 2011 2:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Yea, I recognize that

I almost commented on it. I figured Eddie was probably so surprised to have a pass hit him the hands that he didn’t know what to do next. =) But you are right, he should have caught those that did hit him in the hands.

by Shurakair on Sep 15, 2011 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed. Eddie was wide open a lot

Orton tends to get tunnel vision. And as much as people bitch about Tebow’s delivery Orton’s was awful. 2-3 batted balls and the ones that did get past were often at guys’ knees or dug out of the dirt. Orton got bailed out a lot by his WRs.

by xteve on Sep 17, 2011 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions

Eddie has problems because Ive never seen a SMALL receiver who cant go low for a ball

Eddie doesnt rip balls nor does he fight for them nor does he leave his feet for them . That play where Willis stretched out for that ball and almost had it down the sideline . Eddie would never do that .

This is what hurts him, more than anything because he simply can never setup his opponent properly for the big play unless he starts catching that short stuff . This is why he doesnt draw any flags he never plays the ball but his spot . If those Dbs know you will go low for that ball they know its almost impossible to stop and they will start to over play when they do instead of teh ball being low its right in stride and you are gone .

http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8152015d/Stokley-63-yard-catch

Eddie never establishes himself as a guy who will go low or dive for a catch so the DB knows just to shadow him and he takes himself out of the play .

I thought from watching the game that Willis and Decker played way more hungry than Lloyd and Royal . The physicality of the raiders Dbs seemed to have brought back memories of last year. We should start working them in more I think Decker is headed for a big game and I think Willis gonna get behind someone and hit a big one very soon.

by Hoopforia on Sep 15, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions

I have a question.

Does anybody feel that the Broncos were not provided with the proper type of cleats in the Monday game? it seemed like we were slipping all over the field way more than the Raiders were. Not that I am blaming the conditions for the loss or anything. Just wondering if anyone else noticed that?

"If we cannot find a way, we will make one." -Hannibal

by AvalancheRescueDog on Sep 15, 2011 2:26 PM MDT reply actions

it didn't look good out there....

i thought they usually had longer cleats available to switch into

Kyle Orton is the Tin Man....No heart, can't move and the oil can is too far away!

by mdierk on Sep 15, 2011 2:29 PM MDT up reply actions

Agreed

I figured that at least during half time they would change out their cleats to something a little meaner.

by Shurakair on Sep 15, 2011 2:31 PM MDT up reply actions

cleats

Isn’t there a tradeoff with the cleats? I can’t help but think that longer cleats means more risk of knee injury from planting.

by tunesmith on Sep 15, 2011 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions

I think that would be true in dryer conditions, but in a swamp of a field the longer cleats would have prevent injury.

"If we cannot find a way, we will make one." -Hannibal

by AvalancheRescueDog on Sep 15, 2011 9:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Internet Streaming

In my TV market this week, it looks like I will be getting the Chargers vs Patriots game this weekend. I don’t have Sunday Ticket and was wondering if anyone out there knows a good website (w/out the viruses) that streams games so I could watch the Broncos. Thanks!

by jessejames34 on Sep 15, 2011 2:30 PM MDT reply actions

I think Bena

disapproves of us revealing those sites, so perhaps if you send someone an e-mail during the pregame thread.

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Sep 15, 2011 2:46 PM MDT up reply actions

This

It is not a legal thing to do so it would be bad form for us to help you with that.

That being said, google is your friend dude. I’ve had success finding streams of other professional sports games that I wanted to watch that weren’t available in the area I live by just searching a bit. Do make sure your anti-virus software is up to date before you start looking though…

"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV

by sadaraine on Sep 15, 2011 2:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Elway has recently posted some Tweets

it seems to be a clarion call to move away from the ledge BRONCOS fans….

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Sep 15, 2011 2:48 PM MDT reply actions

Which is reasonable considering its been one game...

Orton needs to turn it around though…5-6 weeks from now if the Broncos are 1-6 – ruh roh!

Learn how to dominate your fantasy football league through a solid fantasy football strategy. A shameless plug for a fellow Broncomaniac!

by Tim Lynch on Sep 15, 2011 3:04 PM MDT up reply actions

that is completely fair

and well-reasoned Tim, aren’t we MHR/Twitter double-dippers smart!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Sep 15, 2011 3:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Not a big fan of this one

If decisions were made based on one week, I’d have been outta here after my first start!

Clearly this was intended towards fans calling for Ortons head, however Orton has had much more than one start under his belt. We get the fact its only been one week, however we’ve seen this show before and didn’t like the ending.

by diviesti on Sep 15, 2011 3:20 PM MDT up reply actions

I love these round-tables...

keep it up guys. good read

..We're 0-16 till we're not..
They say the cool is all over me..

by Teboner on Sep 15, 2011 3:04 PM MDT reply actions

34 defense

We need to switch back to the 3-4. I know Fox is a 4-3 guy but our personnel is really better in the 3-4. Doom’s a 1 trick pony and his best year came in the 3-4. No question Miller is really a 3-4 LB. Ayers can play LE just fine and Vickerson is a better NT than DT.

Woodyard is pretty good in coverage and so is DJ. Then you have Haggan who can play any LB or End position and hold is own just fine.

If you are going to take advantage of both Doom and Miller it needs to be done with a mixed bag of coverages to disguise some things. 3-4 is the only way to do it.

Agree or not at least it wasn’t an Orton/Tebow post :)

by Robert Clark on Sep 15, 2011 3:37 PM MDT reply actions

Does anyone else find this interesting?

Until the Broncos PROVE they can throw the ball consistently, and move down the field without the big play, teams are simply not going to let Denver run

This has been brought up frequently this week around the internet – that teams are more than happy to try and let Kyle Orton beat them. The reason I get a smirk out of this: for the past two years, supposedly the only thing we did well was throw the ball. And yet teams are more than happy to have us throw to try and win. When opposing defenses WANT you to play to your “strength”, I think that is a pretty good indicator of the NFL’s view of our passing game and Kyle Orton in particular.

Mediocrity is like a lollipop: lick it once and you'll suck forever.

Sticking with Kyle Orton is like taking your cousin to the Homecoming Dance - you're openly admitting that you had no other options, and it's guaranteed that nothing is happening after the early dance.

by improv88 on Sep 15, 2011 3:41 PM MDT reply actions

McD and Orton

Not brought up much, but McD really is a good offensive mind, and MNF seemed to be
a big step back both for Orton and the Broncos’ passing game. With Fox being a defense first head coach, it isn’t surprising, but it was really noticeable to me, and the fact McD is gone doesn’t get much play on why the opposition might think, why, more than ever, Orton has to prove he has a good enough passing game to beat them. And for all of McD’s childish expressions, he certainly would have been yelling up a storm in Orton’s face for his bad decision making and poor play in the Raiders game.

...conceptually, it's fine, but the narrative needs work...

by 7sky on Sep 15, 2011 11:44 PM MDT up reply actions

Question 1: I agree with O-Line

If the O-Line can get their heads out of their arses, then the run game will handle itself. As I’m writing this, I realize that Knowshon is Knowmo…. at least for the present…… can McGahee and Ball handle the full load? Hope so.

Question 2: We need to improve on first down. Too many times were we looking at 2nd and forever because of whatnot (mainly penalties). Perhaps we should simplify things for the O-Line…. there are a lot of young players there. I would also like to see more urgency from the offense as a whole…… no more moseying…… no more poor body language…… I wanna see them play like they need a job. Perhaps we should do something like Schottenheimer does with Sanchez…… fine players that don’t hustle and slump all the time. We need to play like our hair is on fire (the D for the most part did).

We need to be more balanced as promised, and the only way to do that is to take the ball out of Orton’s hands. If this years games keep ending up like the last one, we will be picking in the top 3 come draft time.

"You show me a player that hates to lose, and I'll show you a champion"

by PaleHorse78 on Sep 15, 2011 3:58 PM MDT reply actions

I had a thought about Orton as a Chiefs fan.

The guy basically flipped off Denver fans and said he didn’t care what they thought after a sub-par outing on Monday. After Matt Cassel’s abysmal outing on Sunday, he apologized to the fans for such a poor showing. He actually cared about what the fans thought and felt. I think that says something.

by bossmanham on Sep 15, 2011 4:00 PM MDT reply actions

it shows that Cassel cares and is not a Tin Man....

it takes heart to do something like that

Kyle Orton is the Tin Man....No heart, can't move and the oil can is too far away!

by mdierk on Sep 15, 2011 4:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Sub-par? Sub-par? You kidding me? He was absolutely terrible at times and brilliant at others...

It was like his attention span faded at vital times, which is scary for the team. Playing scared will never let you be successful and at times he looked scared not focused and determined…I don’t want a guy like that.

by bfree2bronc on Sep 15, 2011 4:17 PM MDT up reply actions

I counted 5 times

that Orton had time and open receiver, and he either threw the ball in the dirt (I thought only Tebow did that – lol), took a sack, or dropped the ball at the defenders feet. It really proved to me that the Raiders debacle from last year was nothing more than “spilled milk” to him. If I were a starting, veteran QB, and my most hated rival embarrassed MY team like that…… I would not allow myself to have an NFL Bloopers moment at THE MOST crucial time in the game….. the time when all momentum was finally on our side. If Moreno did the same thing…. I’d be flaming hot at him right now…… Lloyd….. the same. It just so happened to be our veteran signal caller, who’s not supposed to still be doing stuff like that.

"You show me a player that hates to lose, and I'll show you a champion"

by PaleHorse78 on Sep 15, 2011 8:53 PM MDT up reply actions

Actually he said he didnt care what they thought in regards to the whole QB debate thing . He didnt say that he didnt care when it came to how the teams played thats pretty much a lie right there .

by Hoopforia on Sep 15, 2011 4:29 PM MDT up reply actions

and..his last goal was to win over the fans after teammates and coaching staff.

I don’t beleive KO EVER said it wasn’t a goal. Good lord, how the truth gets twisted around by the Tebowcrazy fans and press. Will it ever get to a point where the team can focus 100% on the task at hand? To win games!

by rocko1 on Sep 15, 2011 5:14 PM MDT up reply actions

He should care if the fans want him or not

He owes that to us. I’m not trying to start a war guys, I have been very soft spoken on the Tebow / Orton debate for the past few months (too much drama last year), but he should want us to want him…… tells me he really could care less to stay with this classy organization.

"You show me a player that hates to lose, and I'll show you a champion"

by PaleHorse78 on Sep 15, 2011 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Yes.....

I’m getting real tired of Orton and his “no use in crying over spilled milk”….. “I only care about the locker room comments” ……. they reek of a false sense of pride and jealousy. I will tell you one thing….. you will never hear players like Tebow talk that way about their fans. Tebow is a fan pleaser, as he should be (to a point). Orton knows he basically held the team hostage….. has the support of the receiving core (he won’t for long if he keeps it up)……. and he knows he’s as good as gone next year. I’ll agree that Denver fans are some of the most fickle, whiners in football, but to scoff at your fanbase like that? It will come back on him tenfold……. especially if he keeps laying goose eggs in the red zone. No one in their right mind is going to sign Orton to starter money next year if he doesn’t man up.

"You show me a player that hates to lose, and I'll show you a champion"

by PaleHorse78 on Sep 15, 2011 8:45 PM MDT up reply actions

The team can correct evey mistake they made Monday night and Kyle Orton continues his, we'll still lose...

Oakland is a terrible team and like Dennis Green once said…“We let them off the hook”! If Kyle orton struggles against a tterrible team how much more will he struggle against the good ones we face from week 4-9? Cincy will beat us in our own house under the bad Orton and the team will be embarrassed for it…

by bfree2bronc on Sep 15, 2011 4:14 PM MDT reply actions

They were terrible but we had 10 penalties and gave up a zillion QB hurries ? You think if we dont have 10 penalties a game and constant breakdowns in protection and get a run game that Orton will continue to fumble once and throw a pick every game ?

LOL talk about insanity

by Hoopforia on Sep 15, 2011 4:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Bengals fan here.

Just a couple thoughts and comments.
Dalton will be starting this game, as per Marvin Lewis today.
I expect this game to be a close one but I expect you guys to win through the air.
I don’t expect you to be able to run the ball very well, especially up the middle.
Dalton is a cool customer and if he continues on the upward swing from preseason till last week. It will take plenty of pressure to rattle him. The Bengals have enough play makers (You might not know them but we in Cincy know them well) to make it a very long game.
The media thinks because we lost Carson and traded Ocho we are a bottom feeder. mark my words, this Cincy team is dangerous.
I think it should be a very entertaining game, but Dalton still needs to pay his dues and this might just be that game.
Either way, I wish you guys a good season. Hope all the guys come out of this game healthy.

"Next season will be better" circa 1990
Twitter @Rcklarue

by Yarin on Sep 15, 2011 5:06 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks for those updates Yarin

Should be a good game.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Sep 15, 2011 5:17 PM MDT up reply actions

The Bengals are bad

the toolish MSM says, however, watching film suggests otherwise. The Broncos better man up and beat the Bengals like men

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Sep 15, 2011 5:19 PM MDT up reply actions

I agree Brad

And thanks for your take Yarin

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.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk

by KaptainKirk on Sep 15, 2011 6:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Bengals beat the Browns, in Cleveland, on both sides of the line. If both teams play the same as last week, the Bengals can definitely beat Denver. And thanks Yarin, good to see an opponents POV.

...conceptually, it's fine, but the narrative needs work...

by 7sky on Sep 15, 2011 11:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Yes but the Browns were controlling the LOS

and knocking the Bengals D-Line back nearly every play/ The quick snap and lob to AJ Green is what broke the Browns will. Otherwise, Cincy probably loses.

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.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk
KaptainKirk on FaceBook

by KaptainKirk on Sep 16, 2011 1:49 PM MDT up reply actions

I can't see any reason...

…for the Bengals to hesitate to run the ball between the tackles a lot. They could probably get out of this game with less than 15 passing attempts if they wanted to.

www.rhunekincaid.com

by YouAreSignedIn on Sep 15, 2011 6:58 PM MDT reply actions

Not only was the Raiders D-Line physically dominating our line

they were mentally dominating them as well. The Raiders (as far as the trenches go) truly are the big bad bullies of the AFC West. That is exactly why Orlando Franklin was drafted, because to beat a bully, you have to become a bully and punch them back in the mouth….. harder!!! I may be wrong, but I’d say after a couple more drafts, we’ll start seeing EFX draft more bullies for the trenches. I like Beadles, Walton, and Kuper, but the new regime has no allegiance to them, and they may be replaced (if it doesn’t get better), by some bigger, stronger, meaner, nastier guys. Franklin was a step in the right direction…… he just so happens to be a road grading, mauler…… they normally struggle with pass pro as a rookie.

"You show me a player that hates to lose, and I'll show you a champion"

by PaleHorse78 on Sep 15, 2011 8:38 PM MDT reply actions

Physically Dominating

Oakland has a big, fast, strong, tough D Line. They came at the O Line hard all night long, and based on my review of the tape twice, I thought the O Line did pretty good.

What impressed me the most is the frustration they caused Oakland. The Oakland D Line got pissed off and it cost them in penalties. I thought the O Line was hitting back and being just as nasty.

Sorry, but I don’t see the O Line as costing the Broncos the game. Turnovers and one record setting kick cost them the game. I don’t see a need to replace the O Line.

The D Line could use some help and a couple of good running backs would also help, especially a big one. Orton didn’t impress me at all. He’s a hard QB for an O Line guy to protect.

by FormerUMP on Sep 15, 2011 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions

Tim L

I disagree with you Beadles wasn’t terrible.

I’m not sure why Beadles get so much blame for everything. I ran tapes of the game in slow mo isolating on the O Line. Beadles played as well as Kuper. Kuper is a good O Line guy and rarely gets any grief.

Maybe Oakland’s D Line was the problem. Maybe they should get credit for playing a hard, fast and tough game the whole night.

With all the good field position that Oakland had the entire game, with the 4 turnovers Denver gave them, and with a record setting kick, gee Oakland only won by 3 pts. To listen to all the bitching and complaining about every Bronco player on the team, you would think Denver lost by 47.

The D Line has far more problems then the O Line and that will be apparent as the season moves along.

by FormerUMP on Sep 15, 2011 10:52 PM MDT reply actions