2012 Re-Loading Season Starts Today For Denver Broncos

by John Bena on Jan 16, 2012 10:35 AM MST in 2012 Denver Broncos Offseason

Saturday night was tough. So tough, in fact, I didn't look at MHR all day yesterday. Too painful. Now, however, 36 hours after the Broncos were torn apart by a Hall of Fame coach and Hall of Fame quarterback, I'm back and ready to go. Preparations for 2012 start now - there is no off-season in the NFL.

For the Broncos, it means John Elway, Brian Xanders and John Fox will address the media at Noon, MT. It will be streamed on the team's website and I'll provide a link when it is available. What the three men in charge of the Broncos say today will be dissected at length and they know it. There is also some realities that require the Broncos' brain-trust to tread lightly.

The first question, of course, is the future of Tim Tebow. As it stands right now, this is an easy question to answer - Tebow is the only quarterback under contract for 2012. By process of elimination he is the guy right now. I fully expect him to be the guy once we get to April, May, June, July and August as well, but what the Broncos do about the openings at quarterback will say alot about their dedication to Tebow.

The Broncos are likely to bring in a veteran backup, then draft a quarterback in the middle rounds. Even team's with great quarterbacks are always trying to develop one and the Broncos should be no different. Look at the Patriots and Packers for instance. They have never ignored the quarterback position and a lot of times it can become an asset later on.

Next, the Broncos need to get the coaching staff squared away. How much is actually needed here remains to be seen, but it is obvious that teams around the NFL give a TON of credit to offensive coordinator Mike McCoy for the team's turnaround this season. Jacksonville, Miami and now Oakland have all expressed interest in McCoy for their head coaching vacancies. If he gets a new job, the Broncos will have a hole to fill.

Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen is in much the same boat. Allen received an interview with the Rams, and the Raiders want to talk to him as well. Sure, Allen is taking heat for the way the 2011 season ended, but considering the injuries and the holes that existed in the defensive backfield, the Broncos defense showed flashes of respectability.

The Broncos also have several free agent decisions to make. On offense, the team has to decide what to do with WR/KR Eddie Royal. It is a deep free agent class at wide receiver, and the Broncos need help even if they resign Royal. There are also questions at tight end. Daniel Fells, who became to go-to receiving threat at the position as is Dante Rosario. The Broncos drafted two tight ends in 2010(Julius Thomas and Virgil Green) and both need to develop in a big way this off-season - otherwise the Broncos will need to address it.

What about the offensive line? The Broncos had the 2nd-youngest offensive line in football, and it looked to turning into something special. Then the 'old-man' of the group, Chris Kuper, broke his leg in gruesome fashion against the Chiefs. Right now, we can only hope Kuper can play again, let alone play at a high level. The Broncos may have to address that in the Draft.

On defense, it starts up front. The Broncos are already thin at tackle and free agency could inflict further damage. Brodrick Bunkley - a pleasant surprise after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles - can leave and Marcus Thomas is a free agent as well. Both are likely to get a ton of attention on the open market in a position of need throughout the League. Jason Hunter is available as well.

It doesn't get much better at linebacker with Joe Mays, Mario Haggan and Wesley Woodyard all available. The Broncos do have D.J. Williams and Von Miller, but linebacker is a position of need.

We all know the situation in the defensive backfield. Andre Goodman is shaky at best, though Chris Harris may be able to step right in. Champ Bailey is still playing at a high level, but father-time catches up with everyone at some point. What about safety? The Broncos will likely be without Brian Dawkins and while Quinton Carter showed flashes of being a player, Rahim Moore was a disappointment. Those guys need to improve, and fast!

If all that wasn't enough, the Broncos will need to resign Matt Prater. Prater is money, especially from long range, and that is worth a lot in the NFL.

For me, this is the most exciting time of the year, especially after a playoff appearance. The Broncos are a young football team, and it appears they are about to get younger. That playoff experience - the good from the Pittsburgh win and the bad of the New England loss - is priceless. Now the Broncos need to build from it.

Live through the windshield, Broncos Country, not the rear-view mirror, and get psyched over what the future holds!

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Comments

Nice write-up.

I also must offer my condolences of having to live with someone that is a fan of that team from Massachusetts. I don’t doubt that your wife is an incredible wife and mother, so I hope she took it easy on you.

Avalanche 2011-12 season, Mission 45 Wins.
Get well soon Juan.

by Thnikkaman on Jan 16, 2012 10:46 AM MST reply actions

I’d like to say that Tebow being named the starter in 2012 would end all the talk this offseason, but it won’t. More than likely, they’ll say that it’ll be a competition just like every other position. They’ve got a lot to work on outside of the QB position, so hopefully they name him the starter so everyone can move on.

by jbbroncosfan27 on Jan 16, 2012 10:48 AM MST via mobile reply actions

Agree.

It will probably be another “open competition” along with “everyone needs to improve.” Then again those arej just cliches so who knows.. I’m sure they want to be rid of the media hounding, .
What is said today may not be reality. .

GB 2

by Boiler etc on Jan 16, 2012 11:32 AM MST up reply actions

Nice job Guru....foundations need to firmed up and then we can look for play makers....I really want Carl Nicks and at QB Dennis Dixon.

Foxy...you WERE on the hot seat, but you fooled me you rascally old deveil...keep building that team mate!

"Tebow is a special player. I have never seen a player quite like him in my whole career! I’m gonna play all out for the guy! I know he will be out there giving 110% every play every week, so I’m gonna give 120%!:

Champ Bailey.

by boydy2669 on Jan 16, 2012 10:49 AM MST reply actions

No way on Dixon

My husband’s from PIttsburgh and in this house we watch as much Steeler football as Bronco football. No way, no how, on Dixon. Loved the guy when he played in the Pac-10, but he has not developed at all in Pittsburgh.

It’s clear that the option attack wasn’t working late in the season. Denver needs to move away from option QBs. That includes Tebow, BTW.

by AtomicLeo on Jan 16, 2012 11:40 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

I would actually love Dixon

I think he has done OK as a backup.

I don’t think we need to move away from the option. I think we need to vary the play calling. It wasn’t the option that wasn’t working it was the predictability of the option.

Dixon would be a perfect emergency compliment to Tebow. Sure he isn’t as big or durable but he would be able to step up for a game or two just fine.

by trumanj on Jan 16, 2012 12:07 PM MST up reply actions

Hey Leo like me...Born on August 2nd.

I believe Tim Tebow will develop into to pro-style quarterback Elway wants but it will take some time and development to get there. I don’t believe that he exclusively will transform into the quintessential pro-style that every NFL analyst believes he should be, and that would be dead wrong to think that. Tebow possesses intangibles other quarterbacks don’t have and that’s his scrambling abilities. I still think he is the future of the Denver Broncos and will win Championships. It will take time to build the offense around his skills and that means every position will be looked at through a fine toothed comb.

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

Follow @bfree2bronc

by bfree2bronc on Jan 16, 2012 3:04 PM MST up reply actions

Well put John...

What a staggering amount of players we have to re-sign in order to just maintain what we had for the 2011 season. It is entirely likely that our needs list will completely be different, come draft time, than what the pundits say it is.

by swg777 on Jan 16, 2012 10:54 AM MST reply actions

I hope we draft wisely, but some veteran free agents couldn't hurt.

I hope we address DT/MLB/RB in the first three rounds, BPA. We’ve got some good CB coming back from injury, which will allow us to address CB in middle to late rounds, along with some OL/Safety depth. It may be wishful thinking, but with Sydquad and Cassius Vaughn coming back, our backfield may not be as bad off as we thought, except for the safety position where we need a youngster to step up. QC was a nice surprise in the last few games.

by atwater27rules on Jan 16, 2012 10:55 AM MST reply actions

I like where this franchise is going

and I trust the front office to make wise decisions, we’ll see what happens

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 Jan 16, 2012 10:58 AM MST reply actions 2 recs

As fans do we have any other choice than to trust them to do their jobs well.

Some here seem to think not but I am willing to wait and see what they can do.

by frankencrank on Jan 16, 2012 11:33 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

if you don't trust your front office

or at least give them the benefit of the doubt, you cast yourself into an ignominious gloom, no need to be Eeyore, just accentuate the positives and hope for the best!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:17 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

The FO are rookies

and yet to be proven, like all rookies with one year under their belt.

Far more than a rookie but a non factor.

GB 2

by Boiler etc on Jan 17, 2012 9:47 AM MST up reply actions

Another question

Are we better suited for a 3-4 or a 4-3? Do we really know?

I guess it depends on what type of DT we draft….(if we draft one)

by Clompy on Jan 16, 2012 11:01 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

Fox and Allen are 4-3 guys

So I don’t think we’ll see a move away from it, especially with the majority of the LB corps being free agents. Von Miller has proven he can be effective in the alignment and our Dline guys are better suited for a 4-3.

If either McCoy or Allen go to the Raiders, I will be very disappointed.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 16, 2012 11:08 AM MST up reply actions

I think as a whole the players we have are more effective in a 4-3 look. But we were getting a good push in the Steelers game with a 3 man rush, so a 3-4 is possible. I just think we still lack a true NT for us to strictly be a 3-4 defense.

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

by AvalancheRescueDog on Jan 16, 2012 12:30 PM MST up reply actions

To put it bluntly

J. B, is reminding us of just how much actual talent Denver lacks at this point.

3 QB’s on the roster? Absolutely, bring in a vet but to draft an unknown guess (most rookies are) when there are so many other glaring holes….

There are several HC postions still open and I worry about loosing Dennis Allen, and while some may not share the sentiment, ditto about Mike McCoy.

GB 2

by Boiler etc on Jan 16, 2012 11:08 AM MST reply actions

I agree, Boiler

This team will benefit from the continuity of keeping them both around. With how young this team is and it looks like they may even get a little younger when it is all said and done, continuity is a benefit that cannot be overstated.

"You’re only great if you win something. I mean, Alexander wasn’t Alexander the Mediocre or Alexander the Average. He was Alexander the Great, and there’s a reason for it."-Shannon Sharpe

by CH74 on Jan 16, 2012 11:19 AM MST up reply actions

So we sign 2 vets?

We need 3 QBs going into the season. We have one. Uno. under contract. We have to draft a QB. Quinn is gone. So is Weber. The highlight of the QB free agent group this year, not counting Matt Flynn: Orton. Yeah, that guy. The vet QB group this year is slim pickin’s.

They’ll take a QB in the draft because they really have no choice and they will also sign a vet.

by AtomicLeo on Jan 16, 2012 11:45 AM MST up reply actions

I think Weber is on the Futures/Reserve list, so he's the 2nd QB under contract

by bill2975 on Jan 16, 2012 2:53 PM MST up reply actions

This is true

so we really only need to bring in a FA. This could be a vet or an undrafter rookie. I’d vote for those before spending a draft pick on another QB…too many other needs.

Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 16, 2012 3:25 PM MST up reply actions

may sound funny

But how about old M Brunell as the backup w/ Weber? Also don’t want to lose our DTs,Prater,Woodyard..

by Mike@4th&99 on Jan 16, 2012 11:20 AM MST via iPhone app reply actions

What about Weedon

I am thinking, not sure where he will go in the draft because he will be a 29 year old rookie, but Weedon out of Ok St. showed some goods. If he is around 2nd or 3rd do ya take a shot on him and grab a vet free agent. I think Weber will be odd man out. What do y’all think?

Make a Difference, that is the best any man can do.

by JREDbroncofan on Jan 16, 2012 11:29 AM MST up reply actions

W/ so many needs, just no reaches. If a good qb is there,we need one for depth

by Mike@4th&99 on Jan 16, 2012 11:43 AM MST via iPhone app up reply actions

Brunell is my age, so i vote no on that. ;)

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 11:54 AM MST up reply actions

I hear ya!

Not really thinking he’d play as much as b a mentor type,& u can’t discount the value of experience

by Mike@4th&99 on Jan 16, 2012 12:24 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions

how about as QB coach if say, Gase left?

not kidding, think he’d be good that way and better than wasting roster spot on guy who can’t play much anymore.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 12:26 PM MST up reply actions

Gase may wind up being our OC if McCoy leaves, and then we'll see how much whining is going on around here...

Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

Follow @bfree2bronc

by bfree2bronc on Jan 16, 2012 3:17 PM MST up reply actions

for sure

Mark Brunell owes us for 1996 after all :)

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:18 PM MST up reply actions

Holy Toledo! That's a lot of holes to fill!

You basically just mentioned every position on the team except punter. The scary part is because there are so many holes to fill, guys like Mays and Goodman may be back because, well, there are just too many other holes to fill. This is a long range project. Bronco fans need to get used to shoddy defense and sporadic offense for some time to come. Let’s just hope EFX’s first draft was their worst draft (so far it doesn’t look any better than Shanahan or McDaniels).

The National Media loves to focus on Tebow, will he stay or will he go. I WISH that was the only issue with this team. I’d love to be one good qb away from the Super Bowl.

by John in Castle Rock on Jan 16, 2012 11:21 AM MST reply actions

This may sound crazy, but our MLB position has been below par for far too long,

so I say we cut Mays, Haggan, and (gasp) Woodyard. Draft another MLB, and let him battle Irving and Mohamed for the position. Time to let Goodman go also, and let Vaughan and Thompson battle for the other CB.

by atwater27rules on Jan 16, 2012 11:28 AM MST up reply actions

Woodyard is a good OLB and should be resigned. Haggan should be allowed to find a better deal, but would be good to bring back if the money doesn’t fall his way. Mays should not be a starter. Drafting a replacement or signing a veteran MLB should be a high priority.

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

by AvalancheRescueDog on Jan 16, 2012 12:39 PM MST up reply actions

oooh, Vaughn...I almost forgot about him! It'll be

good to get him back. Def. get rid of Mays, loved his hard-hitting but he has no discipline and/or football instincts…out of position much too often. Gotta keep Woodyard, he is one of the leaders on this team and if we lose Dawkins to retirement we will need all the veteran leadership we can get, plus he’s a excellent back-up and a special teams stand-out.

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

by rubincarterrocks on Jan 16, 2012 4:54 PM MST up reply actions

I would love to see Woodyard stick around

but if he is expendable, I’ll understand :(

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:18 PM MST up reply actions

@John Bena..top shelve and accurate as always

priority is to make Dennis Allen DC/Asst HC because he is our HC after next year.
#2 is to resign Bunkley and Prater
#3 is to install an NFL offense (Tebow MUST improve passing)
#4 draft/FA for the DB
#5 draft/FA for the DL
Needs:
Nate Irving and Julius Thomas to show-up
Chris Kuper to come back healthy, if not look for OL at #25 (Levi Adcock or Peter Konz)

Kreese and Lawrence will decide if Tim Tebow can develop into our future.
Bronco fan since 1966. Current biggest Bronco fan in Vegas, living the good life.

by DLMyers on Jan 16, 2012 11:30 AM MST reply actions

No chance on #1 if we make the playoffs next year fox is going nowhere

by always broncs on Jan 16, 2012 11:34 AM MST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Don't forget RB, too

I’d put RB in front #5. Mcgahee was the offensive MVP this year, but he can’t keep up that kind of load. I’m assuming Noshow is gone after season.

by AtomicLeo on Jan 16, 2012 11:48 AM MST up reply actions

Hidden Gem

I think we have that in Mario Fanning.

by OrangeRhino on Jan 16, 2012 12:22 PM MST via mobile up reply actions

Word!

I was so disappointed he got hurt in TC. That guy was an absolute monster. I hope he has been using his time wisely and that he has been able to keep in some kind of shape.

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 16, 2012 3:27 PM MST up reply actions

I see this posted often

and I’m not saying it’s wrong because I have no idea, but why do a lot of people think Dennis Allen is going to be our head coach in a year or two? I guess in my opinion I don’t see Fox being done if he has succes. Even if we don’t have success next year I don’t see Fox gone after next year.

by wiebrod on Jan 16, 2012 11:57 AM MST up reply actions

I think a lot of people believe Fox is just here to help build a foundation

Then to give a younger more experimental person the opportunity to take the reigns.

Allen appears to be a rising star and will probably become a HC in the next couple of years. Why not here?

Take Dallas and Sean Payton. Dallas was too slow with Payton and he went to NO and completely turned the team around. One reason why I think they paid Garrett so much as an OC.

Fox could be our Parcells. Its just speculation though, if fox continues to take us to the playoffs he might last quite a few years.

by trumanj on Jan 16, 2012 1:02 PM MST up reply actions

Fox could be our Tuna

nice one Truman, that makes me hungry!

Brad James

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by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:20 PM MST up reply actions

By draft time no one will be able to predict how Kuper will do

by si_ice on Jan 16, 2012 12:47 PM MST up reply actions

I could predict how he'll do before he left the field

The man didn’t even wince when his LEG SNAPPED IN HALF!!!! He’ll be back and he’ll be fine. (please God!)

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 16, 2012 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

Tebow must improve passing

for sure and with no stupid lockout, trust me, he will!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:19 PM MST up reply actions

Would be great if somebody could post a list of IR players we'll get back next year

They’ll be a factor for sure.

by jwkcsu on Jan 16, 2012 11:38 AM MST reply actions

Off the top of my head

I can think of Knowshon, Syd’Quan, Spencer Larsen, others….

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:25 PM MST up reply actions

I've created a list with the status of all players in 2012

Check out the doc here.

by Hangar8 on Jan 16, 2012 5:34 PM MST up reply actions

"Everybody wants to say we should pat ourselves on the back, but to heck with that. We lost," Champ Bailey said.

I agree with champ. It was a good season, but I want a Superbowl! Great teams EXPECT one. We need to get passed the mindset that we did OK. Anything short of a Superbowl title is NOT a win.

I AM optimistic of the future and I think we are far better than anyone expected. So here’s to a great 2012 season and hopefully the world doesn’t end right when we win the afc west again.

by alkatraz76 on Jan 16, 2012 11:38 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

I think everyones goal is the Superbowl it takes a little time to build up the talent

by always broncs on Jan 16, 2012 11:42 AM MST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

really though? i mean, we were 4-12 last year. i’m all for having a superbowl team every year, but they don’t just magically appear. we had the number two overall pick in the draft last year—a lombardi trophy wasn’t much of an option.

by oxmouth on Jan 16, 2012 11:43 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs

Very few teams EVER win a Superbowl. This is the attitude I HATE about today's Bronco Fan.

You need a history lesson. Go back and see how the fans treated all Bronco teams after those SB losses. Those were REAL fans. They welcomed them back and threw parades. This crying about the team not having a perfect season every year is ridiculous.They played far abpove themseleves and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs after a 4-12 season. They dropped 30 on the #1 defense and dethroaned the reigning AFC Champs. We got two more weeks of Bronco footbal and proved we were top 4 in the conference.

Champ is getting old and pushing for a ring. He has that right. We are slobs sitting on a couch being entertained. We only get to support or find another team. You are not part of the team.

" Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked" -Psalm 1
"God tolerates even our stammering, and pardons our ignorance whenever something inadvertently escapes us – as, indeed, without this mercy there would be no freedom to pray." -- John Calvin

by JohnCalvinKnox on Jan 16, 2012 11:49 AM MST up reply actions 4 recs

I get where you are coming from, but...

tell me you would say that to Champ Bailey. He knows we had a good season, but like Coach Fox said, “we want a GREAT season.” I’m glad he is disappointed after losing because it shows me he hasn’t lost the desire to be a Super Bowl Champion. If you don’t put everything you have into the game then winning doesn’t mean that much and losing doesn’t hurt that badly.

by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 16, 2012 4:04 PM MST up reply actions

He wasn't named "Champ" so that he would be content with

a 9-9 season…

"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."

by rubincarterrocks on Jan 16, 2012 4:58 PM MST up reply actions

He's a big part of that 9-9 season,

maybe Champ should move to safety, I saw him get smoked quite a bit during the games I got to actually watch this year. I get where he is coming from, but you have to stop and smell the roses once in a while, you know?

Whatcha gonna do, brother, when the Broncos run wild on you!

by postpunk27 on Jan 16, 2012 6:31 PM MST up reply actions

Really?

I’ve seen Champ only burned a few times this season, a lot less than Goodman. And I think the main reason why we see our corners as bad as they are is because theyre getting little to no help from our safeties.

"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby

by Calikula on Jan 16, 2012 7:31 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

it's OK to be glad with what we accomplished

but we can’t be satisfied. No athlete worth his salt would be, so come on Broncos, achieve greater things than this, I believe!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Jan 16, 2012 5:26 PM MST up reply actions

where do we watch this conference?

Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?

by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 16, 2012 11:56 AM MST reply actions

Yeah Im wondering the same.

Nothing on the site and its 12.

"..who knows what can happen… the ball is oblong and bounces wierd."
They say the cool is all over me..

by Teboner on Jan 16, 2012 12:01 PM MST up reply actions

7 picks + room to sign free agents, will go a ways toward shoring up some holes

though as you point out, there are still a lot of holes to fill!

In either draft or FA (or both), Broncos will grab 1-2 QBs, 2-3 DBs, 1-2 LBs at least (as you point out, a major area of need/upgrade), 1-2 DL (which could be taken care of if they re-sign Bunkley and Thomas; keep in mind Warren is coming back), 1-2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1-2 TEs, and then adding OL depth. That’s a lot, but again, they have plenty of picks plus some FA room to shore up much of that, if they scout well and make smart choices.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 11:57 AM MST reply actions

PS: Raiders have nearly as many holes to fill, and while they now have a smart GM

they also only have 3 draft choices at the moment. Good luck with that! Just to give perspective.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 11:57 AM MST up reply actions

Yeah

and the guy making the decisions is Lloyd Christmas

Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?

by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 16, 2012 12:00 PM MST up reply actions

from presser today

“Tim’s earned the right to be the starting QB going into training camp next year.”-John Elway

Now, I put emphasis on “training camp.” After that who knows? And that’s how it should be. Comments from Elway and Fox so far seem pretty level-headed and right.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/End-of-Season-Press-Conference-LIVE/e8efb713-bec6-4c45-9de4-5a07eccdf0e0

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 12:10 PM MST reply actions

some comments here

https://twitter.com/PostBroncos

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

Follow @craigary

by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 12:10 PM MST up reply actions

You and everyone else.

Why accentuate it? As if it’s already not evident that nobody (only slightly tongue in cheek) is sold on Tebow long term, now we have to keep reminding each other about it here? C’mon, man.

Whatcha gonna do, brother, when the Broncos run wild on you!

by postpunk27 on Jan 16, 2012 6:34 PM MST up reply actions

The key decision to be made

is how much option we are going to run next year. Three of the four teams left have three things in common:
~They run the basll well
~They play outstanding defense
~They have highly accurate quarterbacks.

I personally like the option. It makes teams prepare for us differently and acount for all 11 men. If we are to use a lot of option, then we must obtain a Tebow-like QB as back-up. In any case, our quarterback next year must be accurate and git rid of the ball quickly. These are traits that can be learned.

I feel our first priority should be defense.

Just my 2 cents.

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Jan 16, 2012 12:16 PM MST reply actions

the problem with the option as we found at the end of the year

is that teams can figure out how to defend it and then force you into a pocket situation, in which both QB and OL are not as capable of protection and sometimes aren’t going to be on same page. I do agree that the playcalling can mix it up better (in the Pitt game they didn’t use it as much and really fooled the Steelers) and that with more time together they can perfect it. Drafting that speedster LaMichael from Oregon (plus using former Duck JJ) can help add weapons to that. But I think more important is for Tebow to continue to improve his passing and to add more weapons to offense at receiver, OL and RB.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

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by underdog on Jan 16, 2012 12:25 PM MST up reply actions

the best running team left is the Ravens

they are 14th in the NFL at 4.3 yards per rush. The other three teams are below average in rushing. Defense is obviously critical, but I’m not sure the 49ers are the best example of that, seeing as if the Saints don’t drop the ball TWICE on kick returns, they probably win that game fairly easily. My takeaways from the season would be (1) passing efficiently wins games by a lot of points (2) close games are determined by turnovers and some luck.

i keep dancing on my own.

by atomiccafe on Jan 16, 2012 12:30 PM MST up reply actions

keep the option

As something teams will have to prep for, certain teams(NE I’m lookin at u)don’t run it over & over if it’s being well defended. If it’s working,great.

by Mike@4th&99 on Jan 16, 2012 12:31 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions