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  Dallas Cowboys 13      @          Denver Broncos 23

August 16th, 2008 - 7:00pm MST
Invesco Field @ Mile High
Denver, CO
ATTENDANCE: 74,484

* - QB Jay Cutler completed his first 12 passes for 142 yards while leading Denver on two touchdown drives to begin the first half. His string was broken by an incomplete pass intended for Broncos RB Andre Hall in the second quarter (7:20 remaining). Cutler's longest streak of consecutive completions in an NFL game is 11, which he did twice last year (vs. Minnesota 12/30/07 and vs. Jacksonville 9/23/07). That was the longest consecutive completion streak by a Broncos QB in any game since Jake Plummer completed 16 consecutive passes vs. Detroit on 9/28/03.

* - Cutler played the entire first half (5 series, 36 plays). He completed 16-of-20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 120.4. Cutler spread the ball around to seven different Broncos receivers.

* - Cutler led the Broncos on a 9-play, 65-yard touchdown drive on the game's opening possession that lasted 5:17 and culminated with Hall's 1-yard touchdown run. Cutler was 5-of-5 on the drive for 61 yards for a 117.5 passer rating, completing passes to four different Broncos (WR Brandon Marshall 2-16, WR Eddie Royal 1-35, WR Brandon Stokley 1-8, FB Cecil Sapp 1-2).

* - The Broncos' Hall converted a fourth-and-1 on the Dallas 7-yard line on Denver's opening touchdown drive. The conversion was Denver's first fourth-down attempt and conversion of the 2008 preseason.

* - Denver's starting wide receivers, Marshall and Royal, combined for six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown during the Broncos' first two drives. Royal had two long receptions of 32 and 35 yards and Marshall scored on a 3-yard touchdown reception in the second drive. Marshall finished the first half with six receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Royal had two receptions for 67 yards.

* - Seven different Broncos receivers finished with at least two receptions (Marshall, 6-51 TD; WR Brandon Stokley, 3-34; WR Clifford Russell, 3-28; Royal, 2-67; WR Keary Colbert, 2-30; RB Cecil Sapp, 2-12; TE Nate Jackson, 2-11).

* - Broncos QB Patrick Ramsey completed 8-of-13 passes for 67 yards in four series of work in the second half.

* - Dallas DE Marcus Smith's fourth quarter sack of Broncos QB Darrell Hackney snapped Denver's seven-quarter streak of not allowing a sack to open the preseason. The Broncos have given up one sack though their first two preseason games.

* - The Broncos dominated in time of possession in the first half owning an 18:50-11:10 advantage. They finished the game with a 33:07-26:53 advantage.

* - Denver's defense held the Cowboys to 128 net yards in the first half on 25 plays from scrimmage (5.1 yards per play). The defense also held Dallas to 0-of-5 on third down conversions in the second half and 4-of-12 (33.3 percent) for the game.

* - Denver was 2-of-2 in the red zone (1 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD) in the first half.

* - Denver capitalized on a sloppy game by Dallas penalty-wise. The Cowboys had nine penalties for 78 yards, including two personal fouls. Four of Dallas' penalties led to Denver first downs.

* - Broncos K Matt Prater kicked off six times, with four of his kickoffs resulting in touchbacks. For the second consecutive game Prater connected on 3-of-4 field goal attempts. He is 6-of-8 so far this preseason.

* - Broncos CB Domonique Foxworth recorded six total tackles, all solo, to lead the Broncos.

* - Punting Battle: Broncos P Brett Kern had two punts for a 57.5 average (long of 63), one of which resulted in a touchback. P Sam Paulescu had two punts for a 50.0 average (long of 57) with one punt inside the 20. Kern had a 36-yard gain (miscellaneous yardage) on an aborted punt in the second half after scooping up his punt which was blocked by Dallas RB Tashard Choice. The resulting first down led to a 29-yard field goal by Prater.

* - Turnover Ratio: The Broncos finished the game with a +1 turnover ratio, posting one takeaway (INT) and no giveaways. Rookie CB Jack Williams' fourth quarter interception led to a Prater field foal.

* - Broncos Starting Lineup Changes: LB Jamie Winborn started in place of LB Boss Bailey (injury) at the strongside linebacker position. Foxworth started in place of CB Champ Bailey (injury). C Casey Wiegmann started in place of C Tom Nalen (injury). Royal started in place of WR Darrell Jackson (injury).

* - Broncos injury report: TE Daniel Graham (hamstring, first half, did not return).

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  Dallas Cowboys      @          Denver Broncos

August 16th, 2008 - 7:00pm MST
Invesco Field @ Mile High
Denver, CO

   To Follow The Week From The Cowboy's Perpective, Check Out Blogging The Boys! 

The Broncos open the home portion of their pre-season schedule tonight against the Dallas Cowboys still looking to answer many of the questions we have been asking all reloading season.  Last week, many of my target areas were general as I focused on the play of the O-Line as a group, or the defensive line as a group.  As the pre-season continues, my focus grows more and more specific, tageting players.  That will start tonight.  Like last week, I have also included what the other contributors on MHR are looking for tonight as well.

1.  The Two Ryan's(Harris and Clady) -- I will be watching closely to how Clady progresses from last week to this week.  Nothing like being thrown right into the fire, with Clady going up against Mario Williams last week and Demarcus Ware this week.  If Clady can hold his own tonight, not only in pass protection, but in avoiding penalties and silly mistakes, I will feel good about where he is at this early in his rookie year.  I am also looking for Clady to become more of a physical presence in the running game.  Early on last week, the Broncos O-Line struggled in the run game, leaving Selvin Young gasping for breath in the backfield.

Much of the same goes for Harris, who struggled early but seemed to settle down as the game wore on.  We need to remember that Harris was a Left Tackle in college, and learning to play from the oppisite side is kind of like learning to write with your left hand if you are a right-handed person.  I am looking for Harris to also become more physical in the run game.  If Harris struggles again, it could open the door for Montrae Holland to re-emerge.  While Hollad's weight will always be an issue, there is little doubting his physicality.

Continue reading this post »

       @       

  Dallas Cowboys      @          Denver Broncos

August 16th, 2008 - 7:00pm MST
Invesco Field @ Mile High
Denver, CO

   To Follow The Week From The Cowboy's Perpective, Check Out Blogging The Boys! 

Welcome to an exhibition version of MHR Game Prep! How does this work? Simple. I'll be providing the game preps for you this year, but the pre-season will be a little different.

In the pre-season, it is hard to gauge what will happen. Neither team plays for the win, but instead calls in plays and substitutions designed to test out potential starters. Because the game is competitive on an individual level (but not so much at the team level), it is very difficult to provide a match up for the game. There's no telling who will play and for how long, nor what kind of program will be run under coaches wanting to call "vanilla" plays.

So what we will do is provide a game prep based on the concept that the game counts, is a part of the regular season, and that the starters are playing four quarters. Call it a preseason practice for the "game prep" author to get up to speed if you will. By reading the articles in the preseason as if they were regular games, the predictive value is worthless, but the value in gauging the strengths and weaknesses of our players and system should provide some good insight on what to expect this year.

The big treat (I hope) is that students of the reloading season series "MHR University" will be able to recognize the terms and concepts in the game preps, and watch the game of football with a trained and discerning eye. If you missed the series, no worries mate! Just click the links in the story to read up on the terms.

Read on...

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HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

On the morning practice --
"I felt we had a great practice today, an extension of what we had yesterday. We got a chance to evaluate a lot of our people. We got a chance to evaluate them under different conditions, (and) we are very pleased."

On practice being more intense than Wednesday's sessions --
"Usually, the second day is always that way. It was the same way last year. I've probably practiced with a different team seven or eight times since I've been in the National Football League, and it never changes. That second day is usually a bit more competitive and we had some great work."

On Cowboys LB Zach Thomas --
"Zach is a great football player. I think we all know Zach Thomas. He practices at a certain level, and that's why he plays at a certain level every time he hits that football field. He's an experienced pro, a guy I have always admired and he had a good practice today."

On WR Brandon's Marshall's messages on the back of his shoulder pads --
"I think both of those guys (Marshall and Cowboys CB Adam Jones) are just having fun. There is a lot of respect level there by both guys just going out and competing. Brandon has a hard time staying quiet though after someone takes a shot at him, I do know that."

On tempers flaring during practice --
"It wasn't a fight. That's was just a little pushing. That happens all the time, but they kept their composure and they didn't swing. That's what you want. Tempers are going to flare up a little bit. That's the nature of this profession. But (they were) professional enough to back off and players laugh at it and smile. That's part of practicing against another team. But there were no swings and that's what I appreciated. Two teams acted in a professional manner, and hopefully we will have another good (practice) this afternoon."

On the purpose of practicing with the Cowboys before playing them in a preseason game --
"They get a chance to see what we are doing and we get a chance to see what they are doing. There isn't a gameplan involved, but you still want to go out and do a good job. You still want to evaluate players as well. If we were playing them in a regular season game, obviously we wouldn't be practicing against them, but that's not they key at this time of year, it's to try to find your best 53-man squad and also put your system in against other people. I think we have had a productive day-and-a-half."

On WR Darrell Jackson (ankle) missing practice --
"I can't tell you if he's going to play on Saturday, but it's not serious."

On comparing the maturation processes of Broncos QB Jay Cutler and Cowboys QB Tony Romo --
"I think it's a lot different. Romo was in a backup role, I believe, for four years if I'm not mistaken. He's a student of the game. When you run the scout team or if you are on a team as a quarterback and you have four years looking at different defenses, it's a little easier to go behind that center and read defenses. Jay is a little bit different. He wasn't thrown in the fire right away in the first year. It was a growing experience, but there are a little bit more growing pains the quicker you get in. Romo is reading coverages unbelievably. I admire how quickly he reads coverages and gets the ball to the right spot. He is going to have a heck of a year. You could see it out here today and yesterday."

On Cowboys QB Tony Romo's improvement from last season --
"I see a difference just watching (Romo) play last year. He plays with a lot of confidence, he knows where the ball is going and if something breaks down he has the ability to make a play on his own. He can throw the ball at all different angles and he is a heck of a weapon."

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Here's a Thursday edition of Horse Tracks.  Enjoy!

 What's a good way to stay focused while serving a suspension?  Looks like Brandon Marshall is going to live at Jay Cutler's house.  See here

 Sammie Parker is still hoping to win a roster spot.  See here

 Here is a story about Tyrone Poole and some other camp notes.  See here

 Check out some more Pacman-related stories.  See here and here

 Eddie Royal still continues to impress.  See here

 Ryan Torain believes that he can still help this season.  See here

 Here's the Lynch to Pats story.  See here

  Darrell Jackson and Keary Colbert are still on the second string.  See here

 Jarvis Moss is excited to play the team he was a fan of as a kid.  See here

 A Dallas area paper talks about Selvin Young's 2000 yard prediction.  See here

 Another article talks about the Type 1 diabetes that affects Jay Cutler and Wade Wilson.  See here

  The Broncos are completely rebuilding the O-Line

AFC West/NFL News

Here's an article about former Bronco and current conquered fader Javon Walker and some notes from their camp.  See here

Looks like one of the Chef rookies had a tough day.  See here

Guru's favorite player is having some arm soreness.  Is it the Madden curse?  See here

That's all I have.  Enjoy your day!

   @  

  Denver Broncos 16      @       Houston Texans 19

August 9th, 2008 - 6:00pm MST
Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX

Game 1 of the pre-season is behind us and while the end result was a loss there were some encouraging signs.  There were also some things that concern me a bit.  Yes, it was only the first pre-season game.  Yes, in reality, they don't mean anything.  That doesn't mean, however, that we can't look at the game and find some positives and negatives to carry forward.  There are also some distrubing trends that continue to manifest themselves on this team that need to get worked out over the next 3 weeks. 

Using the games stats as a baseline, lets breakdown the game -

QUARTERBACK PLAY

First off, Jay Cutler is back and better than ever.  After the expected early jitters by the offense as a whole on their first drive, the Broncos first string offense dissected the Texans defense on a beautifully executed TD drive.  Cutler was 7-9 on the drive, and finished it off by running 15 yards for the touchdown.  Cutler 1 - Diabetes 0.  Sure, it was only one game, but the Broncos are also practicing right now alot more than they will during the season.  That leads me to think that Cutler is in for a HUGE season. 

The same can't be said for Patrick Ramsey who was simply awful, and trend that has continued the entire Camp so far.  Both interceptions were ugly, and Ramsey's 2.9 yards per pass are an embarrassment.   Ramsey's feet are all over the place in the pocket and his poor mechanics lead to a horribly inaccurate delivery.  Let's face it, the Broncos would be in trouble no matter what if Cutler went down for a significant amount of time, most teams would be, but if I have to into battle with a backup QB I at least want it to be a guy who will give me the best chance.  Anyone out there NOT THINK the best chance to win is Darrell Hackney??

Hackney played well in his time, was able to move around in the pocket and moved the team very well.  Could he do it against 1st Team defenses?  Good question, but he looks a lot more comfortable in the pocket than Ramsey and seems to have a better handle on the offense, even if it is pared down quite a bit.

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   @  

  Denver Broncos 16      @       Houston Texans 19

August 9th, 2008 - 6:00pm MST
Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX

General Notes

* - With their 19-16 loss in Houston tonight, the Denver Broncos' all-time preseason record against the Texans stands at 4-1. The defeat was only the Broncos' third in a preseason opener under Head Coach Mike Shanahan (1995-Pres.), whose record in those games with Denver is 11-3 (.786).

* - Broncos T Ryan Clady, a 2008 first-round pick from Boise State University, became the first rookie in franchise history to start a preseason opener at either tackle position. Clady started the game at left tackle.

* - Broncos WR Eddie Royal, a 2008 second-round pick from Virginia Tech University, became the first rookie in franchise history to start a preseason opener at the wide receiver position. Royal made his NFL debut a play earlier, taking the game's opening kickoff back 21 yards.

* - Broncos LB Boss Bailey, S Marlon McCree and C Casey Wiegmann made their debuts with the club in the starting lineup.

Broncos Rookies

WR Eddie Royal - Took the game's opening kickoff 21 yards and stayed in the game for the Broncos' first offensive play.

T Ryan Clady - Started on the Broncos' first-team offensive unit.

S Josh Barrett - Made his debut on the first-string punt team unit (first quarter). He started at safety to open the second half.

FB Spencer Larsen - Debuted on the kick return unit (first quarter).

CB Jack Williams - Debuted on the kickoff unit (first quarter). He tackled Texans WR André Davis on the return at the 29-yard line with 0:49 remaining in the first quarter for his first tackle. Williams started the second half on defense.

P Brett Kern - Made his debut as K Matt Prater's holder on an extra-point attempt (and make) in the first quarter. His first punt came in the third quarter, a 42-yarder.

RB Anthony Alridge - Had a 23-yard kickoff return on his first play in the second quarter with 9:33 remaining.

LB Wesley Woodyard - Debuted on the punt coverage unit in the second quarter, making the tackle on Texans P Matt Turk on a fake punt. Woodyard stopped Turk short of the first down at midfield.

WR Lorne Sam - Made his debut on the kickoff return unit in the third quarter.

T Tyler Polumbus - Debuted at right tackle on offense with 9:34 remaining in the third quarter. Polumbus recovered a fumble by Alridge on his second play.

G Mitch Erickson - Debuted at right guard on offense with 9:34 remaining in the third quarter.

C Kory Lichtensteiger - Made his debut at right guard on offense with 6:57 remaining in the third quarter.

GAME NOTES

* - Broncos QB Jay Cutler started the game and saw time in Denver's first two offensive possessions (15 total plays) before he was replaced by QB Patrick Ramsey. Cutler completed 8-of-10 passes for 59 yards (91.2 rtg.) and scored on a 15-yard touchdown run.

* - The Broncos' first scoring drive of the game (15-yd. Cutler TD run) covered 74 yards on 12 plays and lasted 6:09. Cutler completed passes to four different Broncos (2-20 to RB Selvin Young, 2-13 to Royal, 1-7 to TE Daniel Graham and 1-10 to TE Nate Jackson) on the drive and completed 8-of-9 passing attempts for 59 yards before his 15-yard touchdown run.

* - Patrick Ramsey played in five series, completing 6-of-11 passes for 32 yards with two interceptions. One of his interceptions was thrown on a Hail Mary pass as time expired in the first half.

* - QB Darrell Hackney replaced Ramsey with 2:54 remaining in the third quarter and finished the game, completing 4-of-7 passes for 62 yards. He led the Broncos on an 8-play, 72-yard scoring drive that resulted in a 26-yard, game-tying field goal by Prater with 5:50 remaining in the game.

* - Denver held a significant time-of-possession advantage in the first half, leading 19:22 to 10:38 in that category.

* - Alridge (4-20 rushing, 3-20 receiving, 1-23 kickoff returns), a University of Houston product, averaged 7.9 yards per play (8-63) for Denver.

* - Woodyard posted a game-high eight tackles (all solo) on defense and added one stop on special teams.

* - LB Jordan Beck and CB Christian Morton each had one sack for Denver, which did not allow a sack on offense.

* - Eleven different Broncos caught at least one pass, including TE Tony Scheffler (3-47).

* - Turnover Ratio: The Broncos finished the game with a -1 turnover ratio (1 takeaway, 2 giveaways). FB Cecil Sapp had Denver's lone takeaway on a fumble recovery on a punt return while Ramsey threw two interceptions.

INJURIES

LB Boss Bailey (sprained right ankle, 13:08 1st qtr., did not return), LB Louis Green (neck injury/concussion, 9:06 1st qtr., out-taken to local hospital). Green was released from the hospital and accompanied the Broncos on their flight back to Denver.

      @      

  Denver Broncos      @       Houston Texans

August 9th, 2008 - 6:00pm MST
Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX

At last the time for talk is over and the time to play is upon us.  Regardless of what you personally think the Quest is all about it starts for you and the Broncos tonight with their first pre-season game against the Houston Texans. 

Sure, the first game is usually a time to get your starters in and out without getting anyone hurt, and it is no different for the Broncos, but there are a lot of battle up and down the roster that games like these will help determine.  There aren't many guaranteed roster spots out there once you get past the top 12-15 players.  That means there are 65 guys battling for 38 spots.  Good times to be sure.

As a new practice, I reached out to the main contributors here at MileHighReport to see what they would be watching for tonight.  They are included after the "fold", but here are a few things I am focusing on tonight against the Texans --

1.  Ryan Clady and the O-Line -- I'll start with Clady because he is playing the most important position on the O-Line if you have a right-handed QB - Left Tackle.  The Texans have an elite pass rusher in Mario Williams and he will be a good first test for Clady.  I also expect Clady to see a bit more playing time since he is playing such a high-profile position as a rookie. 

I am also looking to see how Chris Kuper fares with a huge cast on his hand.  While the injury is unfortunate, and Kuper is a true warrior for trying to play through it, if he struggles it could open the door for someone else. 

Ben Hamilton will get his first live action since New Year's Eve 2006 when he laces them up tonight.  He has shown no ill-effects of the concussion that ended his 2007 season before it began, and more importantly he has not looked timid at all.  Even as important as Tom Nalen is to the offense, I look at Hamilton as the most important piece.  If he goes down again, the line really has to start shuffling bodies around.

2.  Rookies Get Their Shot -- So far so good for the rookie class of 2008.  Eddie Royal is going to start at #2 receiver tonight, his first real test of whether he can be a factor on offense as well as special teams.  While some will lead you to believe Royal's promotion is a statement against Darrell Jackson, I think Jackson is firmly entrenched as the #2, and will likely be the #1 while Brandon Marshall serves his suspension.  If Royal proves to be effective at the #2 spot, Jackson, who is already comfortable as a #1, will slide over to fill Marshall's spot. 

I also expect Jack Williams and Josh Barrett to see extended action tonight.  I am high on both players, especially Barrett, and think both can make an impact in some way, shape or form in 2008.  This will be their first chance to prove to everyone they have what it takes to play at this level and I expect both players not to disappopint.

3.  Revamped Defense Needs To Make A Statement -- We've heard a lot of talk from the defense about how much they like the system being installed by Bob Slowik.  Now it is time to prove it works.  The Broncos will only go as far this season as it's defense allows, despite having a solid offensive group.  The Texans do not have a stellar run game, and the Broncos need to start building confidence in their run-d. 

The front 7 also needs to generate pressure on the quarterback to assist what I consider to be an underrated secondary that has a lot more athleticism and speed now that John Lynch is no longer around.  You guys are really going to like Marlon McCree, and his acquisition could be a steal once this season plays out.  Trust me.

4.  Kicking Game - Not just field goals, but kick-offs and punts as well.  The Broncos have been the worst, deal last, horrible, awful, etc when it comes to special teams and starting field position.  An extra 10 yards on a kick return is one less first down the offense needs to try and move the ball down the field.  Same goes for the coverage teams.  The Broncos need to consistently win the field position battle, whether that is by forcing turnovers or by simply turning over the field with solid punt and kick coverage.

Now let's see what Styg50, HoosierTeacher, Zappa and MDierk think about tonight's game --

Continue reading this post »

BRONCOS' HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

On his most pleasant surprise of training camp thus far --
"We have a bunch of them. We have some free-agents looking good, some draft choices looking good. We are a young football team but we have been pretty impressive thus far but you have to put it together in gameday and game situations. I am looking forward to them playing some exhibition games and see how they do when the lights are on."

On WR Darrell Jackson's camp thus far --
"He has done a good job. We have some competition amongst the wide receiver positions. We have a pecking order right now but it can change very quickly. There are a lot of guys competing and it will probably come down to game situations and obviously the remainder of camp."

On CB Champ Bailey's hamstring --
"It is like all hamstrings, it will take a little bit of time to rest but Champ recovers pretty quickly. It wasn't a bad hamstring so that is good news."

On C Tom Nalen's knee --
"Anytime Tom sits out of practice it is not just another injury because it is tough to keep him out of practice. He is obviously sore but it is healing better according to Greek (Steve Antonopulos). Hopefully it will keep getting better so he can get out there and practice. I think he has the experience where he doesn't really need the preseason games and he is working hard in the weight room to make sure his conditioning level stays at a certain point. Hopefully in the next couple weeks we can get him back and he will be ready for the first regular season game. Right now the MRI is negative so we are not going to do surgery just to do surgery. Hopefully rest will be enough but we will find out in the next couple of weeks when some of the pain subsides. It is very painful, like I said; if Tom is not out there then you know it is quite painful."

On QB Jay Cutler --

"He has been doing this for awhile. As you know we had 17 OTA days and he was very impressive. The more reps a quarterback gets the better he feels. When we put him in some game situations like we have been doing out here, he gets to experience some of this before our preseason games. He feels more comfortable with the system and more comfortable with himself. He has been doing a good job and hopefully it shows up."

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The Broncos released their initial Depth Chart of 2008, in preparations of their game against the Houston Texans on Saturday Night.  See Below -

There were a couple surprise in my opinion. 

It does make me wonder just how effective a defensive line can be with John Engleberger as a starter at end, and what the hell has happened to Tim Crowder to be listed as the 3rd string LDE.

Another slight surprise is Michael Pittman who comes in listed as the 3rd string FB, while not being listed at all as a HB.

Not a surprise to me was the meteoric rise of Eddie Royal who sits behind Brandon Marshall at WR.  If the reports we hear are true and Marshall is suspended, that would put Royal in line to start Week 1 in Oakland.

Also of little surprise is Nate Webster starting at MLB.  It was obvious to me that Webster was the better player and deserved to get the nod over Niko Koutouvides.

Things are likely to change over the next month, but it sure is fun to talk about stuff on the field, isn't it?!?