Here's what we have IMO... You tell me who to get.... Position by position...
by gobroncos3 on Jan 15, 2012 4:47 PM MST
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PrintLast night the Broncos got beat by a team with more talent, a pro-bowl QB on a mission and a Hall of Fame coach with 2 weeks to prepare and a roster fighting 2 years of playoff frustration. The better team won. Like usually happens in the playoffs the strengths and weaknesses of your roster show up in spades. With that in mind I am going to look at the Broncos' starters position by position and put each player in a category. The categories are of my own design and in my own humble opinion. I have coached at both the high school and small college levels, but I have also been around enough to know unlike the Ryan brothers, coaches are not always correct and there are a great deal of informed fans especially here at MHR.
1. Keeper- one of our building blocks
2. Good player but getting old- we need to find a replacement soon
3. Just a guy- not good not bad is he worth what we are paying him
4. Should be a back-up- the fact that he is starting show how many holes we have
5. Please replace this guy now- represents our weakest positions these players don't belong in the NFL
Let's begin with the Specialists- over-all a strength
Lonie Paxton-2
Eddie Royal (PR) 2. (he is a 1 if he is not a full time receiver)
Special Teams review we have great kickers all we need is an electric returner, but they are hard to find. If we get a stud receiver Royal could be that guy but he would not be happy in that role.
Now for the defense better than last year but still a mid 20's defense with numerous holes we are a 9/9 team
Brodrick Bunckley-3
Marcus Thomas-4
Elvis Dumervil-1
Von Miller-1
Joe Mayes-5
DJ Williams-3
Champ Bailey-1 until he shows signs of slowing down/ Best player on our team IMO
Andre Goodman-2/3 Goddie not quite a 2 but better than most fans think IMO
Brian Dawkins- one of my heros and hasn't played in a while I am afraid he has played his last game I would not mess with a neck at his age no rating.
David Burton-5
Quinton carter-4
Chris Harris-2 without the getting old part
Defense review- There are a lot of reasons we gave up 40+ points 5 times this year: we are terrible up the middle. Thomas and Bunkley played well but should be the back- ups who play their ass off just a few plays while starters rest. Joe Mayes looks good 1 out of 15 plays when he makes a big hit, but he can't cover, he doesn't even know he has arms because he NEVER wraps up and he has trouble getting off blocks and doesn't flow laterally well at all. Knowing how much respect I have for Brian Dawkins as a man and a player our safety play is the worst in the NFL by a very large margin. EFX had a pretty good first draft, and I think our team is under excellent leadership on all levels, but right now those 2 safeties look to be poor draft picks. My Priority list is MLB, DT, SS, FS..
Now for our Offense in many ways hard to evaluate but I will try.
Ryan Clady-1 although he did not have his best year I believe he is just getting healthy
Zane Beadles-2 without the getting old part better than just a guy
JD. Walton- 3 Gets beat A gap way too much
Chris Kuper-1 hope he heals fast
Orlando Franklin-1 his pass blocking will get better he has great feet and is a beast
Daniel Fells- 5 he is the best of a crop of horrible TE's all the good teams have weapons here we do not.
Demaryius Thomas- 1 Just starting to understand what a stud he can be
Eric Decker-3 sorry fans but he drops a lot of balls I so want to like him more but I have to be honest struggles to get separation
Eddie Royal- 3 once again sorry but not a stud receiver
Spencer Larson-3
Willis McGahee-2 what a good story.
Tim Tebow-1/4 he is my favorite player/ man in the NFL but he needs to learn to throw it much better I for one will not bet against it.
Offense Review This is a QB driven league; consequently, a big part of this team's offensive future depends on how much Tebow develops in the off season. For those that say he should have developed more in the first season they are correct to some extent, but I don't think the average fan has any idea how few reps a backup QB gets in the NFL. Once training camp is over a backup QB may get 50 plays of practice reps vs a defense the entire rest of the season. Boy does he need the OTA;s and every other practice he can get .IMHO he earned at least one more year. So the offensive needs are RB, TE, WR,
Wow ! It was a fun and unexpected ride once again the Broncos are relevant. Thanks EFX coach Fox and staff and players who gave our city their best effort. I look forward to reading your reactions to my humble evaluations.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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DJ is one of our better players
and is way underrated. I think Larsen is one of the best FB’s in the NFL. Never has dropped a pass and can really block. I think people are too high on Bunk and Thomas. They did OK but we really need someone in the middle to put up some kind of pass rush.
Oh and I dont agree on Mays, he is a 6 or 7. haha
Larsen pulls double duty as a good FB and a beastly special teams player.
special teams were such a disaster for so many years that I really appreciate good ST players nowadays.
I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.
by Arctic Bronco on Jan 15, 2012 8:36 PM MST up reply actions
DJ is excellent when he comes to play but for too may years he plays great and then becomes invisible...
was Ray Lewis ever invisible? DJ has not shown up in too many big games for me to rate him higher. Gifted as hell though.
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
How many WLB are like Ray Lewis who is a MLB btw. I don't expect DJ to be like Ray Lewis as he shouldn't be the leader of the D.
We need to find a MLB who can be the leader of the D IMO. I think DJ did great this year and with another year in the same system at the same position (which is his natural position) he’ll do good.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Jan 15, 2012 6:06 PM MST up reply actions
Trust me DJ is not the problem with our D and my post does not say that he is not
I do not think he lives up to his potential he is probablly our 4th best defender but he is inconsistant. I know DJ is a week side LB and that Ray Lewis is a MLB but DJ should be a leader 2nd longest 10 yrd player on this D
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
Everyone should be a leader and I wish DJ was but by all accounts he was voted a captain for his work ethic (before the DUI)
but just isn’t a vocal leader. I’m fine with DJ not being a leader. Not every player needs to be. I think for his position it is ok if he isn’t as long as he works his tail of and produces (which I think he does).
I understand your thought process being that since he is a veteran on a young team he should lead. I agree with that to a point but don’t think he needs to be the same type of leader as Ray Lewis to have an impact on this team and due to the position he plays (WLB) I don’t think he needs to constantly be in the spotlight.
A lot of our linebacker woes IMO have been because of the line not being able to occupy blockers or get pressure. When the opponents O-line has no trouble getting down field then it is harder for the LBs to make plays.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Jan 15, 2012 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
DJ and Decker
are both 1’s. i might agree with DJ being a 2 but Decker is definitely a 1. He makes great plays and makes our run game go on the outside.
And yes Mays is something like a 10 for me
Other than that i agree, good post
# 1 receivers demand a double team Decker Does not do that and he drops the ball all the time nowheare a 1
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
I think Decker has the potential to be a 1 on this scale but now he is a low 2 IMO.
He’s a great and willing blocker and a very capable possession WR. He’ll be our #2 next year but he and Tebow have to develop better chemistry.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Jan 15, 2012 6:07 PM MST up reply actions
makes great plays and....
then drops easy ones…. No.1’s don’t do that…
solid Number 3 receiver for me…
Whoever said life was short...was stupid!!
Life is the longest thing we will experience!!
by TrainDriverIvan on Jan 15, 2012 7:52 PM MST up reply actions
Decker and D.T. numbers #1s? As in building blocks? Or #1 WR talent?
Love Decker, but he’s a 3d string or 4th string WR on a good passing team.
D. Thomas is a good #2, who has the potential to be a #1 with time.
Neither guy is pro-bowl material, YET.
As for ‘building blocks,’ I’d say D. Thomas is a building block for sure. Decker is a #3… he’s ok, maybe he’ll improve, but his hands the last two months of play were TERRIBLE.
53% of the time, I'm right EVERY time...
by AlwaysRightSometimes on Jan 15, 2012 8:43 PM MST up reply actions
No way in heck DT is a number 2.
If he was on a team that passes a lot, he would easily become their number 1. Plan and simply, the guy doesn’t get the ball enough. Also if DT played like a number 2 WR, then the broncos wouldn’t have been playing the pats. He single handly beat the vikings as well as the steelers. He’s problem is just staying healthy.
by tiderfootball09 on Jan 15, 2012 10:49 PM MST up reply actions
Quinton Carter a 4?
I personally don’t agree. If anything he at least deserves a 3. Guy was one of our better rookies if you look at our stats and may be our best safety next season. He’s still young so there’s no need to be impatient with him.
at least a.... 3
solid 3… plenty of upside… wait till he finishes his 2nd year…
Whoever said life was short...was stupid!!
Life is the longest thing we will experience!!
by TrainDriverIvan on Jan 15, 2012 7:53 PM MST up reply actions
For Carter to become a good starter, he needs Moore to step up.
Moore would allow Carter to run around the field more like a Brain Dawkins does. To me, if he’s allowed to roam the field, he’ll cause lots of problems for WRs coming over the middle. He’s hit against the steelers was awesome and something he can do if he’s allowed to roam the field.
by tiderfootball09 on Jan 15, 2012 10:53 PM MST up reply actions
Moore became gun shy
Way early in the preseason when he smacked the Buffalo receiver. He got a penalty and massive threats from the Billls. He never recovered. Up to that point he was all the rave in camp.
Kid must get amnesia and let his instincts take over again. This is where I don’t think our coaching staff is the equal of the elites. We game plan but do not grow our guys as well. Look to our TEs, LBs and safeties as proof. And please don’t point to Harris. He was plug and play and is a rarity as a nickel. He just performed from the outset. There are six guys like him every year. Good call on the scouting.
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**** The best way to eliminate a bad law is to inforce it...
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It's hard to say that with the lockout.
I know the broncos weren’t the only team affected by the lockout, but most rookies didn’t have much time to develope. If the players don’t get any better next year, then I’d put it on the coaching staff as well as the scouting department.
To look on the bright side, they do have a whole offseason to improve. Hopefully I see Moore 10 lbs heavier—a good 10 lbs— when training camp starts. He needs to hit the weightroom badly and give him some muscle milk or something.
by tiderfootball09 on Jan 16, 2012 10:00 AM MST up reply actions
I find myself agreeing with you more and more...
…either you’re getting dumber or I’m getting smarter.
Truth shall be known.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jan 16, 2012 9:18 AM MST up reply actions
Yes veyr slow can't cover drops his head to tackle we gave up 40 points 5 times the most of any team in the NFL that's safety play!!
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
Was this in response to me?
Personally I think Carter was one of our bright spots during the post season in our secondary. Yes I do realize they were few and far between, but Carter had 5 tackles, and INT, and a PD in both games, which is pretty solid for a rookie safety. He’s has average speed for a safety (4.59 40) and is a better tackler than Bruton, Moore, or Goodman.
by higgyhoops12 on Jan 15, 2012 6:37 PM MST up reply actions
Not to nitpick bout the 40 points given up 5 times because our defense needs work, but...
In the Buffalo game the defense gave up 19 points while the special teams and offense gave up 21 on returns. The same could be said of the Detroit game but you’re right the defense played a pretty horrible game that day.
A lot of work to be done but I’m still looking at the gleass half full. This team is filled with youngsters on the rise. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!
Better to be quiet and thought of as ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all doubt
by broncofaninIL on Jan 15, 2012 7:01 PM MST up reply actions
Good point
and the other four were twice to the Patriots, once to Green Bay, and once to Detroit. Those teams finished 1. GB (35 PPG), 3. NE (32.1 PPG), and 4. DET in offensive points scored per game this regular season.
by higgyhoops12 on Jan 15, 2012 8:54 PM MST up reply actions
You're correct that it's a QB driven league however....
Look at the final 4! Defense still wins in the playoffs. No Brees, no Rogers, only Brady remains of the big 3. This offense will grow and develop through experience and a few additions. Our D is another story however. It’s a long way from dominant and in reality probably only has 3 elite players (Doom, Von, Champ) one of which is more than likely on the decline due to age.
"I wouldn't call it Tebow Time I'd call it Bronco Time"- Tim Tebow
by asinsoin on Jan 15, 2012 6:52 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Well said asinsoin
Better to be quiet and thought of as ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all doubt
by broncofaninIL on Jan 15, 2012 6:53 PM MST up reply actions
agree...
Whoever said life was short...was stupid!!
Life is the longest thing we will experience!!
by TrainDriverIvan on Jan 15, 2012 7:50 PM MST up reply actions
+ 1 to that! The Texans almost pulled it out with their defense alone.
If Matt Shaub doesn’t go down, I say the Texans win the super bowl easily. They’re going to be dangerious for years.
by tiderfootball09 on Jan 15, 2012 10:57 PM MST up reply actions
Agree with that
Mebbe this year proves that crazy QB stats are for the regular season….
Watched the Niner game and gushed over their backer play. They absolutely crash the party. And something few talk about. Niners and Giants strip the ball on EVERY tackle. It so ingrained I bet it’s muscle memory. Pats did this too to a smaller extent.
*** The difference between stupidity and genius is genius has it's limits...
**** The best way to eliminate a bad law is to inforce it...
***** Don't follow me on twitter
Great points.
Truth shall be known.
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jan 16, 2012 9:19 AM MST up reply actions
Count me in the Carter camp too.
Even though our safety play needs to improve..a lot…I’m amazed at how much grief Carter is getting. He’s a rookie and IMO has improved throughout the year. He definitely looked be3tter in the playoffs thean he did in the regular season again IMO.
We can’t have ALL of our rookies be all pro every year…some need time to develop especially at the safety postion which in the NFL is the rule not the exception. Take a look at Reed and Polamolu…I dont believe either one hit their ceiling as rookies.
Better to be quiet and thought of as ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all doubt
When ever team the run all their plays to exploit you you will luck into a pick or two
both picks were thrown right to him as bad overthrows because they know they can always throw underneath him.
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
I think Bunk
is a keeper…
Mays is nothing more than a special teamer.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
Bunk is a keeper but I hope he is a back up played his ass off for us
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
Agreed Bunk is a 1.5 or a 1
He was the biggest DL addition and made a major impact on our run D. Having him and a healthy Ty Warren next season will be huge.
"I wouldn't call it Tebow Time I'd call it Bronco Time"- Tim Tebow
Bunk is a 1
Many football pundits mentioned Bunkley in regard to the Pro Bowl and some even mentioned All-Pro. Bunk is a legitimate, talnted starter in this league. No way he is a 3. If he is so easy to replace why has our line sucked for years?
Marcus Thomas is solid although not elite, Both should be kept.
agreed
Thomas is a nice rotational piece and good enough to spot start
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 15, 2012 8:17 PM MST up reply actions
I'd love to see Mays on ST
Never heard that before but it makes hella sense. Dood doesn’t wrap up but he’s one hell of a bowling ball. Plus he’s all class in the locker room.
Must upgrade at Middle.
*** The difference between stupidity and genius is genius has it's limits...
**** The best way to eliminate a bad law is to inforce it...
***** Don't follow me on twitter
Listing the rookies on any list is foolish thinking in a year like we had.
DTs in a 4/3 defense are pluggers and not pass rushers. Their job is rarely recognized as they take up double teams and have an occasional sack or hurry. Bunkley and Marcus Thomas both need to be re-signed asap…
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
They have to be able to get push up the middle
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
I want Bunk and Thomas both back but I don't think either one are starters on a good Defense
But all good team rotate their DL… Only Rookies that got rated got rated because they were starters at the end of the season.
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
Bunk...
is a starter on many teams unless they have an elite front. He plays a lot as a rotational guy even on teams with an elite fron. He is a stud.
Which is it a stud or a rotational guy I see those things differently.
There is a reason he was a back up in Philly He was our best tackle that is partly why we are a bottom 3rd Defense in every catagory!
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
My point is...
That he is a stud and starter, unless he is playing on a front with Haloti Nata, He is well above average. Number 1 in your list says keeper-not elite talent at the position. Bunk is a definite keeper and no way a three.
He should've been a starter in Philly.
There’s a reason why they had such an awful rushing defense.
by higgyhoops12 on Jan 15, 2012 8:56 PM MST up reply actions
Good read, but you're way off on Bunk, Carter and M Thomas! We need Warren and Vickerson back...plus add a new DT and DE
Bruton(Brutal)..ugh! Mayes lays a lick…WHEN he hits or isnt missing tackles. Goodman gets a 4. Rahim Moore is scared to hit, Im afraid he’s not gonna make it. Q Carter will be starting. When Cassius Vaughn and “Squid” return, we’ll be stronger. Im sure we’ll add a CB/SS fairly high in the draft for go FA as well. Hopefully Nate Irving has the chance to pass Mayes during TC or we get another MLB thumper!
"we don't plan to fail, we fail to plan"
" character is who you are, reputation is what they say about you"
"always have character, don't be one"
I really don't know who's worse between Bruton and Mays.
Neither of them tackle for crap. I noticed Bruton specifically on two huge plays last night. Bruton ducked his head and looked afraid on Hernandez’s long run at the beginning of the game, and did the same exact thing on Gronkowski’s third touchdown. I realize they’re big guys but the NFL is a contact sport for a reason, and if you’re afraid to hit GET OUT!
Bruton, but not by much.
Mays gets the nod because he will at least hit someone if he can get to them. He just can’t get to them very well. Bottom line , they both need to be replaced ASAP!
"I wouldn't call it Tebow Time I'd call it Bronco Time"- Tim Tebow
chris harris is a 1 for me
He’s a really good nickel that we will need for a long time and when squid comes back I think it will only push harris to get better so he doesn’t lose his spot
by BigRockTheFirst on Jan 15, 2012 9:53 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Ayers
Ayers is highly underrated at what he is asked to do. IAOFM came out with an article last week which outlined his job, and his proficiency at his job. It is a worthwhile read. I appreciate stats just as much as the next, but I watched Ayers perform much better then his stats would tell. He is definitely a 1 on your rating.
We have much bigger needs like: MLB>RB>TE>CB and possibly DT>FS>WR
by mgrade on Jan 15, 2012 11:38 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Read that too
Then went back and watched previous games and I agree. Ayers does his job and more. Watch film before you call him out. Sacks are sexy, not missing tackles and completing your assignment each play are what matters in Allen’s defense.
*** The difference between stupidity and genius is genius has it's limits...
**** The best way to eliminate a bad law is to inforce it...
***** Don't follow me on twitter
We do not need to find a replacement for Chris Harris. Strangley one of the best tacklers on our team.
He needs to spend the offseasnon teaching our Safeties how to tackle.
by ThorpeBroncosfan on Jan 16, 2012 1:10 AM MST reply actions
Yes I think he will always be a nickle back but most teams are in the nickle about 80% of the time basically makes him a starter,
He who is good at at making excuses is seldom good at anything else
I personally don't agree with a lot of your assessments
but, that’s why they are your assessments and not my own.
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
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