Mile High Report

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos -- Wednesday Injury Report

2008-12-03T22:56:31Z

Denver Broncos
Player	Injury	Wed. Participation	Thur. Participation	Fri. Participation	Friday Status
S Marlon McCree	Ankle	Did Not Participate
DL Ebenezer Ekuban	Back	Did Not Participate
LB Nate Webster	Knee	FullParticipation
LB D.J. Williams	Knee	FullParticipation
CB Champ Bailey	Groin	Limited Participation
RB Selvin Young	Groin	FullParticipation
DT DeWayne Robertson	Knees	Full Participation
DL Kenny Peterson	Achilles	Full Participation
WR Brandon Marshall	Hip	Full Participation
FB/LB Spencer Larsen	Groin/Hip	Full Participation
WR Chad Jackson	Ankle	Full Participation
FB Peyton Hillis	Hip	Full Participation
G Ben Hamilton	Wrist	Full Participation
RB P.J. Pope	Ribs	Full Participation
Kansas City Chiefs
Player	Injury	Wed. Participation	Thur. Participation	Fri. Participation	Friday Status
LB Donnie Edwards	Hamstring/Knee	Did Not Participate
CB Patrick Surtain	Quadriceps	Did Not Participate
DE Tamba Hali	Ankle	Limited Participation
G Adrian Jones	Ankle	Limited Participation
C Rudy Niswanger	Ankle	Limited Participation
G Wade Smith	Ankle	Limited Participation
LB Pat Thomas	Hamstring	Limited Participation

I'm hoping that Hamilton's wrist isn't to much of a problem, as this is the second week he has made it on the injury reprot. Of course, he isn't going to miss any time because no stinkin' wrist injury, but you hate to see such an essential part of the line have to miss a game sometime in the future because of something like that.

We'll need to keep an eye on Ekuban as the week goes on, and hopefully he will start practicing before too long. He is a major cog in our rotation and we will notice if he is gone.

Looks like the LBs and Selvin young are all going to be ready. I am fine with bringing DJ and Nate back into the lineup, as we have proven depth, but does anyone think Selvin Should rest unless he is absolutely 100%? that said, he had a couple of good runs in our earlier loss to the Chiefs, so there may be some validity to having him in the lineup to help salt away a divison home win.

"We have to keep that same high we had against the Jets; that's going to be our biggest hurdle,"...

2008-12-03T19:13:21Z

"We have to keep that same high we had against the Jets; that's going to be our biggest hurdle," Ekuban said. "And, believe me, it's going to be emphasized a lot more (by the veterans). When we first played Kansas City this season, we were 3-0 and we stressed that week, 'Do not rest on your laurels, don't believe the hype, this is going to be our hardest game.' And we went into Kansas City and got our butts kicked. We stressed the same thing against the Raiders, who were 2-8 and we were coming off a big win against Atlanta, and we got our butts kicked against the Raiders.

"Hopefully, it'll sink in to these young minds that maybe the veterans are actually saying something that's actually true."

Is This The Week The Young Broncos Get What It Takes To Bring It Every Week?

Ryan Clady Is Starting To Get Some Love

2008-12-03T18:02:25Z

With all the just plain garbage out there in the MSM, it is sometimes hard to find the bright light of intelligence. Every once in awhile, however, someone proves to me that there is still hope that those writing are still paying attention to what is happening on the field and not to what ESPN or NFLN are saying.

Case in point is Matt Sohn from ProFootballWeekly. I am a loyal subscriber to the mag and would recommend it to anyone. I'm not saying that because Sohn wrote a brilliant piece about who his top Rookies in 2008 are either, though it is total genius!

Sohn has what he calls the "Rookie Meter", which he describes as "a gauge who has been the best, plain and simple." He isn't focusing on who should win post-season awards - he knows like all of us that awards are more opularity contest than anything. No, he simply looks at who is getting it done between the white lines on Sunday's and ranks them.

His top-2, in which he describes the difference as being "razor-thin"??

1. Falcons QB Matt Ryan (first round, third overall)
Week 13 stats: 17-of-23 for 207 yards, two touchdowns
Season stats: 203-of-333 for 2,625 yards, 13 touchdowns, six interceptions
Last week’s ranking: 1
Pile on the Chargers’ woes, Matt. On the road facing a defense that's playing without any semblance of continuity, Ryan proved that smart, precision passing holds the upper hand against elite but undisciplined athleticism.

2. Broncos OT Ryan Clady (1-12)
Last week’s ranking: 2
Because name recognition is as important as actual performance in Pro Bowl voting, Clady may very well be left off the AFC’s roster. That would be a shame.

Yes, Matt, it would be a shame, which is why we here at MileHighReport are trying to do something about it, to at least bring attention to Clady so that the players and coaches notice. Something tells me they have, however, since Clady has gone against many of the best pass-rushers in the game and has come out on top in every battle.

The Broncos have another deserving rookie in the Top-10 as well --

6. Broncos WR Eddie Royal (2-42)
Week 13 stats: five receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown
Season stats: 63 receptions for 757 yards and five touchdowns
Last week’s ranking: 7
How Royal managed to keep his balance in staying inbounds on his 59-yard TD catch-and-run is quite amazing.

While it will take more attention like this for these two Broncos to get the respect they deserve, it shouldn't go without notice when someone actually gets it right, no matter how infrequent it seems.

SI.com's Offensive Rookie of the Year List -- Where is Eddie Royal??

2008-12-03T17:43:03Z

SI.com's Offensive Rookie of the Year List -- Where is Eddie Royal??

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons (1): His play has been so exceptional this season that he should garner some consideration as the league MVP.
Matt Forte, RB, Bears (3): The Bears' star is one of the most complete backs to enter the league in recent years. Forte is the league's fifth-leading rusher (1,012 yards) and his 48 receptions are the most of any running back.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans (2): The electrifying runner broke out of his recent slump with his big performance against the Lions (16 carries, 125 rushing yards). Johnson is second in the AFC with 958 rushing yards.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens (4): He is maturing from game manager to playmaker in the Ravens' offense. Flacco has thrown at least one touchdown in the Ravens' past seven games and only two interceptions during that span.
Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (5): The sensational playmaker has come on strong during the past few weeks. He has topped the century mark in two of the last three games and is averaging five yards per carry.

Seven Days of Clady -- Day #1

2008-12-03T13:00:04Z

The final countdown to the end of the ProBowl voting begins today, and that means you only have 7 days left to make your vote count! Dec 9th at Noon EST is the deadline, and time is flying.

To help rally the votes I will be using this series of posts to give you reasons every day to get out and throw some votes up for one of the most impressive rookie campaigns we have had the pleasure of seeing. I know a lot of you have been trying to vote everyday, and to you I can only say Awesome! and Keep it up! I have been voting 10 times per day for a little while now, but I recently timed how long it took to vote twenty times on a DSL connection. It only took me five minutes, so I have decided to up the ante a bit. If you are up to the challenge, try the following: set a timer for ten minutes and vote as many times as you can in that ten minute time span. Try it again tomorrow, to see if you can beat your previous best, and know that it is all for a great cause!

On the First day of Clady...

Ryan Clady #78

Sacks Allowed: 0.5

Penalties Committed: 3 for 20 yards (illegal formation, holding, false start)

Has only allowed a half sack in 453 passing plays, the 4th most attempts in the league this year. (ARI 477, NO 472, PHI 471)

30% of Denvers rushing attempts have favored Clady's work on the line, and Denver ranks #1 and #2 in Adjusted Line yardage with their Left End and Left Tackle attacks, respectively, according to the statisticians at Football Outsiders.

9 of Clady's 17 opponents through 2008 have a combined 72 sacks among them. They have combined for all of half of one sack vs. Clady, however.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR RYAN CLADY -- PRO BOWL

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos -- A Primer

2008-12-03T07:24:56Z

The Denver Broncos (7-5), who lead the AFCWest by three games with four weeks left in the regular season, look to strengthen their playoff chances this week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) on Sunday at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Kickoff is set for 2:05 p.m. MST, and the game will be televised on CBS with Bill Macatee and Steve Beuerlein calling the action.

One of just two teams (Tennessee) in the NFL this season to hold sole possession of first place in their division after every week, the Broncos can clinch their 11th AFC West title with a San Diego loss to Oakland on Thursday night and a win against the Chiefs. Denver hosts Kansas City after winning its third consecutive road game on Sunday with a 34-17 victory over the AFC East-leading New York Jets, who entered the game on a five-game winning streak.

Denver faces a Chiefs squad that is coming off a 20-13 win at Oakland that snapped its seven-game losing streak. Both of Kansas City's two wins this year have come against divisional foes-The club also defeated Denver 33-19 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 28. The Chiefs will be looking for their first-ever win at INVESCO Field at Mile High and are 0-7 at the stadium since its first year in 2001.

Sunday's game will feature two of the NFL's youngest teams with both Denver and Kansas City combining to field 19 rookies who have appeared in at least 10 games this season. Kansas City's 10 rookies with at least 10 games played lead the NFL while Denver's nine such rookies rank second in the league.

The Broncos' rookie class features eight draft picks and four college free agents who have combined to play in 115 games with 40 starts this season. At least one rookie has played a key role in all seven of Denver's wins this season, including last week when seventh-round pick Peyton Hillis (Arkansas) became the first player this year to reach 100 rushing yards against the Jets with his 129-yard, one-touchdown effort.

Allowing just eight sacks in 461 pass plays, the Broncos lead the NFL in sack percentage per pass play (1.7) and are on pace to finish the year with the third-best such mark in league annals (lowest in 19 seasons). The club's offensive line has not surrendered a sack in the last two weeks (80 pass plays) and has helped the Broncos rank second in the NFL in yards per game (390.9) and yards per play (6.2).

PREVIOUS 5 MATCHUPS - (Broncos are 3-2)

at KANSAS CITY 33, DENVER 19 (Sept. 28, 2008)
Denver's snaps its two-game winning streak against Kansas City with a 33-19 loss at Arrowhead Stadium... K Matt Prater makes two field goals of at least 50 yards (56 and 51 yds.), becoming the third Bronco in franchise history and first since 2002 (Jason Elam) to accomplish that feat... Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal has a game-high nine catches for 104 yards (11.6 avg.), tying his own single-game franchise rookie record for catches... With his 16-yard touchdown reception, WR Brandon Marshall finds the end zone in his fourth consecutive regular-season game, the longest such stretch of his career... QB Jay Cutler finishes the game 29-of-49 for 361 yards with the one touchdown, marking his fifth-career 300-yard game and third of the season... DT Kenny Peterson posts a sack in his first career start.

at DENVER 41, KANSAS CITY 7 (Dec. 9, 2007)
Denver sweeps its season series with Kansas City with a 41-7 win at INVESCO Field at Mile High... The Broncos' 169 rushing yards in the first half mark their highest half rushing total since they had 180 rushing yards in the second half against Indianapolis on Oct. 29, 2006... CB Champ Bailey's interception tied him with Steve Atwater for eighth place in team history in career interceptions with 24... The Chiefs post 17 rushes for 16 yards, marking a 0.94 per carry average that was the third lowest ever by a Broncos opponent... Broncos QB Jay Cutler posts a career-best 141.0 rating (20-of-27, 244, 4 TDs) as he throws a personal-best four touchdown passes... WR Brandon Marshall (10-115, 2 TDs) reaches the 1,000-yard receiving mark (1,029) for the first time in his career, giving Denver its 27th such output in club history... RB Selvin Young (17-156) records a career high with 156 rushing yards (second 100-yard game as a professional).

DENVER 27, at KANSAS CITY 11 (Nov. 11, 2007)
The Broncos' victory marks their first win at Arrowhead Stadium since their 37-34 overtime win on Oct. 20, 2002... Denver's win also snaps a nine-game streak in which the home team won in the Broncos-Chiefs series (longest such streak in club history vs. an opponent)... Denver RB Selvin Young records the first 100-yard rushing game of his career with 109 yards on 20 carries (5.5 avg.) with one score, becoming the first Bronco to reach 100 rushing yards at Kansas City since 2002... The Broncos post a +3 turnover ratio and have four takeaways, including a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown by LB Nate Webster that puts Denver ahead 20-8 early in the third quarter... Broncos K Jason Elam connects on a 50-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter that is the 37th 50+yard field goal of his career... Denver limits Kansas City to no touchdowns in two red zone appearances, 67 yards on 22 rushes (3.0 avg.) and no touchdowns for the afternoon (3 field goals, 1 safety).

at KANSAS CITY 19, DENVER 10 (Nov. 23, 2006)
Appearing on the NFL Network's first-ever live game broadcast, the Broncos' four-game road winning streak is snapped with their Thanksgiving Day loss in Kansas City... The Chiefs take a 10-0 lead late in the second quarter before Jason Elam's 31-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter sends Denver into halftime trailing 10-3... After the Broncos trim Kansas City's lead to 13-10 in the third quarter, the Chiefs score the game's final points on two field goals... The Broncos limit Kansas City to only one touchdown in five red zone appearances... Broncos WR Javon Walker catches a game-high six passes for 55 yards... Broncos CB Darrent Williams intercepts a pass for the second consecutive game... The Chiefs outrush the Broncos 223-38 yards.

at DENVER 9, KANSAS CITY 6 OT (Sept. 17, 2006)
Denver defeats the Chiefs on Jason Elam's 39-yard field goal in overtime... Elam's field goal in overtime is the 20th career game-winning or game-saving field goal of his career... The Broncos trail 6-0 at halftime and 6-3 in the fourth quarter before QB Jake Plummer helps Denver tie the score by engineering a 14-play, 76-yard drive that culminated in an Elam field goal... The Broncos hold Kansas City to no touchdowns in two red zone possessions...Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan improves to 11-1 (.917) in home openers as Denver's head coach (1995-Pres.).

Broncos Up For Four Weekly Awards; Hillis Nominated Twice

2008-12-02T18:02:32Z

SHANAHAN, CUTLER, HILLIS ALL UP FOR WEEKLY RECOGNITION

PEYTON HILLIS NOMINATED FOR TWO AWARDS!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR HILLIS, ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR HILLIS, GROUND AWARD

Quarterback JOE FLACCO of the Baltimore Ravens, fullback PEYTON HILLIS of the Denver Broncos, running back CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans, quarterback MATT RYAN of the Atlanta Falcons and running back STEVE SLATON of the Houston Texans are the finalists for DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK honors for games played on November 27 - December 1, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com/rookies beginning Tuesday at 8am ET and ending on Friday at noon ET to determine the DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK. The DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK will be announced Friday evening on NFL.com/rookies.

In addition, for the fourth year, NFL fans may cast their votes for the DIET PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK using phones with Sprint wireless service - an opportunity available only to Sprint customers. This fast, convenient voting method involves texting the word PEPSI to short code 7777. Sprint customers will then receive an interactive text message that links fans to the ballot with the five finalists each week. Data and text messaging rates may apply.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay.

A closer look at the finalists:

Baltimore's JOE FLACCO passed for a career-high 280 yards and two touchdowns completing 19 of 29 attempts in the Ravens' 34-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Denver's PEYTON HILLIS amassed 129 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts in the Broncos' 34-17 win against the New York Jets.

A few other notes on Hillis:

* - Hillis' 129 rushing yards ranked second among all rookies (5^th among all NFL players) for Week 13. His rushing output marked the 95th individual 100-yard game by the 14th different Bronco (both are NFL highs) in the Mike Shanahan era (1995-Pres.) and represented the first individual 100-yard rushing game given up by the Jets this season.

* - With his 100-yard rushing game against the Jets, Hillis became the first rookie in Broncos history and only the second player overall (Floyd Little, 1968) to record both a 100-yard rushing game and a 100-yard receiving game in the same season.

* - Among players with at least 20 carries for the week, Hillis' 5.9-yard per rush average ranked second NFL.

* - His rushing touchdown, from 1-yard out, gave Denver a 24-14 lead in the second quarter and marked his third consecutive game with a rushing score.

Tennessee's CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries in the Titans' 47-10 win over the Detroit Lions.

Atlanta's MATT RYAN completed 17 of 23 passing attempts for 207 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons defeated the San Diego Chargers 22-16.
Houston's STEVE SLATON rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns over 21 carries. Slaton added 52 receiving yards in the Texans' 30 - 17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football.

JAY CUTLER NOMINATED FOR AIR AWARD, HILLIS NOMINATED FOR GROUND AWARD -- CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR JAY and PEYTON

Quarterbacks JAY CUTLER of the Denver Broncos, DONOVAN MC NABB of the Philadelphia Eagles and TONY ROMO of the Dallas Cowboys are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on November 27 - December 1, while running backs PEYTON HILLIS of the Denver Broncos, BRIAN WESTBROOK of the Philadelphia Eagles and DE ANGELO WILLIAMS of the Carolina Panthers are the finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com/FedEx from 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday through 11 a.m. EST on Friday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Friday evening on NFL.com.

Fans will be voting for more than their favorite player. As part of the Air & Ground program for the first time, FedEx is teaming up with Safe Kids USA - a national non-profit organization that works to prevent accidental injury among children - to deliver safer kids by making weekly $1,000 donations in the winning players' names. The funding directly benefits local Safe Kids coalitions in that team's city, to fund pedestrian safety improvements throughout the year. This year, FedEx celebrates its fifth year of the program and will surpass the $1 million mark in funding to create safer communities for children.

New this season, fans can tune into the "FedEx Air & Ground Lowdown" posted only on NFL.com/FedEx starting Wednesday mornings. The show examines the nominees in the Air & Ground categories through exclusive video highlights and expert analysis. NFL Network's MARSHALL FAULK and TERRELL DAVIS host the weekly five-minute show.

A closer look at the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week finalists:

Denver's JAY CUTLER passed for 357 yards and two touchdowns completing 27 of 43 attempts in the Broncos' 34-17 win over the New York Jets.

A few other notes on Cutler:

* - Cutler's 357 passing yards led the NFL for Week 13 and represented his sixth 300-yard passing game this year, setting a Broncos single-season record.

* - He was one of three AFC passers with multiple touchdown passes for the week - His two touchdown passes made him the fastest player in Denver annals (33 games) to reach 50 touchdown passes.

* - His 238 passing yards (18-of-28, 1 TD, 0 INT) in the first half in New York were the highest total in a half by any AFC quarterback for Week 13.

Philadelphia's DONOVAN MC NABB amassed 260 air yards and four touchdowns completing 27 of 39 passing attempts as the Eagles defeated the Arizona Cardinals 48-20.

Dallas' TONY ROMO completed 22 of 34 attempts for three touchdowns and 331 yards in the Cowboys' 34-9 Thanksgiving victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

A closer look at the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week finalists:

Denver's PEYTON HILLIS amassed 129 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts in the Broncos' 34-17 win against the New York Jets.

Philadelphia's BRIAN WESTBROOK added 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts to the Eagles' 48-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Carolina's DE ANGELO WILLIAMS rushed for 72 yards and four touchdowns on 21 attempts as the Panthers defeated the Packers 35-31.

MIKE SHANAHAN NOMINATED FOR COACH of the WEEK - CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR SHANNY

Head coaches BRAD CHILDRESS of the Minnesota Vikings, MIKE SHANAHAN of the Denver Broncos and MIKE TOMLIN of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the nominees for MOTOROLA NFL COACH OF THE WEEK honors for games played November 27 - December 1, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote on NFL.com for the head coach whose game plan played the greatest role in his team's victory. Voting will take place from Tuesday morning through noon ET on Friday to determine the MOTOROLA NFL COACH OF THE WEEK. The winner will be announced Friday afternoon on NFL.com. In January, voting will be held on NFL.com to determine the MOTOROLA NFL COACH OF THE YEAR.

A closer look at the Motorola NFL Coach of the Week nominees:

BRAD CHILDRESS and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 34 - 14 to take first place in the NFC North on Sunday Night Football. The Minnesota offense controlled the ball for nearly 34 minutes. Vikings QB Gus Frerotte completed 16 of 25 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown. RBs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor each rushed for one touchdown and Peterson led the Vikings with 131 yards rushing on 28 carries. The Vikings forced three interceptions and DE Jared Allen recorded three sacks.

MIKE SHANAHAN led the Denver Broncos to beat the New York Jets 34 - 17 for Denver's third consecutive road win. With the win, Shanahan tied Steve Owen for 16th in NFL history in career wins with his 153rd overall victory. The Broncos totaled 484 yards of offense, including 357 passing yards and two touchdowns from QB Jay Cutler and 129 rushing yards and one touchdown from rookie FB Peyton Hillis. Denver's defense limited Jets QB Brett Favre to a 60.9 passer rating and recorded one interception and two sacks.

MIKE TOMLIN led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 33-10 road victory over the New England Patriots. The Steelers offense controlled possession for more than 35 minutes. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger passed for 179 yards and two touchdowns and the Steelers gained an additional 161 yards rushing. Pittsburgh limited New England to 267 total yards on offense and recorded five sacks and five turnovers on defense holding New England to only one-of-13 (eight percent) on third downs.

It's hard being a celebrity. I deal with stuff like this all the time!!!

2008-12-02T17:10:32Z

It's hard being a celebrity. I deal with stuff like this all the time!!!

Holistic Consideration of the Offense After 12 Games

2008-12-02T16:04:19Z

As one of the resident offense guys, I decided that I would write something about the offense. There are many ways, in my opinion, to be too specific in assessing the offense of this team, and to kind of get bogged down at a level of detail which is too focused, or what I would call a tactical level. The discussion which I hope to get to is the distinction between offensive strategy and tactics.

There are certain coaches who are far ahead of everybody else in terms of football strategy. In my opinion, the NFL has only two of those coaches in Mike Shanahan and Bill Belichick. I see some subtle genius in Sean Payton's offensive schemes, and I also like what Jason Garrett does in terms of play design with the Dallas passing offense. Guys like Jeff Fisher and Tony Dungy are great coaches from more of a people management perspective, and not so much strategically. When it comes down to overall football strategy, though, there are just the two masters.

I bring up Belichick, because he had some comments before the Denver game in October which added significantly to how I understand the Broncos offense, which I have been watching closely for 14 years. To paraphrase, (I couldn't find the quote anywhere) Belichick asserted that the Broncos offense is the most game-planned in all of the NFL. He said one week you'll see a lot of screens, and the next week there will be none. One week there will be 10 naked bootlegs, and the next week the passing game will be all drop-back. He alluded to the use of different personnel groupings to create matchup problems. I just thought this was a really smart way to view the big picture of our offense.

The implication of Belichick's thinking is that in order to have a good expectation of what's coming from the Broncos, you have to think about the weaknesses of your own team's defense, and then imagine how a smart coach like Shanahan would attack those weaknesses. That's a very difficult thing to do, with just a standard week of preparation.

As I talk about the distinction between tactics and strategy, let me first establish a framework, as I see it. First, and obviously, the Broncos use zone blocking concepts in both the passing and running games. Second, all running backs are coached to take one cut, and go north and south. A key to the success of these approaches is coaching continuity. The O-Line had Alex Gibbs and then Rick Dennison for the last 14 years, and our RBs have had the outstanding Bobby Turner for that whole period.

Playing into this consistency, there is a sameness concept which is really important at a strategic level. In the running game, there are only a few plays, and they are run repeatedly. The play-action game looks exactly like those running plays, and tends to incorporate a misdirection element, which slows down backside pursuit. This is key to a running game which works horizontally to spread the field, and create vertical lanes.

That stuff is constant over the last 14 years. In my estimation, players who fit the defined run-game concepts are sought and acquired. The passing game has been more adaptable, which I think owes to the recognition that QBs have different skill sets. There has been a great deal of variability year-over-year during the Shanahan era, particularly around the transitions between QBs. This flexibility indicates a larger commitment to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your own passing game personnel. I would say that the running game personnel are considered to be more commoditized, where the system is first, and personnel are required to fit it. The passing game is conversely designed to suit the personnel, who may have a broader range of skills. This is very, very different from most of the League's approach, but it's really smart in my opinion.

For an illustration of what I mean, consider the protection schemes. Last season, the Broncos max-protected on 25% of their dropback passing attempts, which was the highest number in the League. This was due to the presence of the underwhelming Matt Lepsis and Erik Pears at Tackle, and a first-year starting QB. This season, with the outstanding Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris outside, and Jay Cutler a year more experienced, there are more guys in the pattern on every play, and Daniel Graham can catch a few passes, rather than pass-block all the time. This puts a great deal more pressure on a defense, and it is possible due to the capabilities of the personnel.

Another important strategic element is that Mike Shanahan has always been willing to run on passing downs, and I don't mean draw plays. There are a lot of times where a run has been called on 3rd and 5, and it's important to do that, whether it works or not on a given play. It's sort of like what they call a purpose pitch in baseball, where you throw way inside at a guy, and maybe knock him down, and then he can't get to a ball on the outside corner the next pitch. Every defensive coach knows that a run is a possibility in that down-and-distance situation with the Broncos, and it forces a more conservative defensive approach than they'd usually employ.

The last major strategic point I want to hit on is the very creative use of personnel groupings, which may be the most important point of all. With this year's full-strength roster, you have a pool of skill-position players which includes Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain, Peyton Hillis, Spencer Larsen, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Darrell Jackson, Chad Jackson, Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham, and Nate Jackson. From that group of 14 players, you can, and the Broncos do, liberally mix and match any five at a time to create personnel matchup problems for the defense. If you remember the Colts game last season, they consistently ran the ball with 3 TEs, because they determined that the Colts could be overpowered in that grouping. This past week against the Jets, there was a consistent commitment to using 3 WRs (sometimes with Scheffler in the slot.) I don't recall seeing a FB used at all. This, I am positive, is because a determination was made that having Hank Poteat on the field was a better deal than having either David Bowens or Eric Barton on the field. Most of Peyton Hillis's better runs came out of a spread-out nickel look. Also, Stokley, Graham, and Scheffler had big days against the Poteats and Abram Elams of the world. This was a strategic decision, made to exploit the lack of quality secondary depth for the Jets.

When you think about strategy, and you understand what is going on in that context, it ceases to matter which specific tactics being employed. It doesn't matter how much screening, or outside running, or bootlegging is happening. We can expect the tactics to change every week, but the underlying strategies to remain the same. These strategies extend into the personnel and financial operations of the team, and that's when you have a program. Discuss among yourselves.

Ask Arrowhead Pride!

2008-12-02T13:31:51Z

Good morning Broncos fans,

Myself and the readers and commenters of Arrowhead Pride would like to extend and offer to answer any questions about the Kansas City Chiefs you may have.

Yes, the Chiefs are playing terrible this year.

Yes, we have only one two games all year long.

Yes, one of those games was against you guys.

Your fearless leader has already posted his FanPost and it's already rolling along.

So fire away! I'll send AP's readers over here now.

Horse Tracks -- 12/02/08

2008-12-02T12:36:06Z

DENVER POST

The play: Early in the first quarter, the Jets had just picked up their second first down and had the ball at their 39 when they tried to get fancy in a driving rain. They brought in receiver/former quarterback Brad Smith for a Wildcat formation play, with QB Brett Favre splitting out wide left. Smith ran an option right, then pitched the ball to receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who was running a reverse from right to left. Cotchery dropped the ball, which bounced on the slick turf back to the 23. Cotchery appeared to fall on the ball, but just as he was about to secure it, Broncos rookie linebacker Wesley Woodyard dived in and swiped it away. Broncos safety Vernon Fox picked it up and ran it in uncontested. The Broncos got a gift TD and went on to win.

He started as a last-ditch solution, but after three weeks as the Broncos' primary tailback, Peyton Hillis might see his role growing even more.

"This is the best I've felt in two weeks," Bailey said. "I'm saying I'm going unless something happens."

Haggan made five tackles and was credited with a sack when he touched Jets quarterback Brett Favre down for a 1-yard loss. Lar- sen, who has started the three games since Webster was injured Nov. 6 at Cleveland, had one tackle and had to leave the game in the third quarter when he injured his hip.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist, a BCS computer or a Wall Street exec who just talked Uncle Sam into a billion-dollar bailout to figure out the Chargers aren't the Chargers anymore.

Through the schizophrenia that has characterized the Broncos' season, through the weekly drama of finding enough bodies to fill out the weekly depth chart, one of the few constants for Denver has been the play of its offensive line.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR RYAN CLADY -- PRO BOWL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

VOTE FOR THE 4 GREATEST BRONCOS EVER! Rocky sports cartoonist Drew Litton is looking for a few friendly faces for his mountain. Which four Denver Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Help us decide.

The Detroit Lions signed wide receiver Keary Colbert, giving him a chance to play for his third NFL team this season.

But Monday he said, yes, he's feeling better. Yes, it's driving him crazy to stand on the sideline. And, yes, he will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High

Their split personality isn't as simple as home or road - they're seemingly better away from Invesco Field at Mile High, actually - or playing a good team vs. an NFL lesser-light, though those patterns have emerged at times.

The Broncos might not always know where they're going, might not always understand where they've been. But, at least for the moment, they seem to know where they are. Right now, we're in the driver's seat, that's where we are," defensive end Elvis Dumervil said. "We have a few games left, and we're in the driver's seat."

CBS4

For one of Denver's newest couples, winning is a way of life. Casey Wiegmann is the Broncos' new starting center. His wife, Danni Boatwright Wiegmann, won "Survivor: Guatemala."

The Denver Broncos lead the league in injuries and inexperience, and this ragtag bunch of backups, rookies and castoffs could be among the first in the NFL to clinch a spot in the postseason this weekend.

MISCELLANEOUS

As to two former scouts who once worked together for the Browns, Mike Lombardi and Chris Landry, a league source has pointed out to us stunning similarities between their most recent columns.

The stream of steam pouring from his ears on Sunday, the narrowed eyes, the rare visible emotion were long gone. Mangini had an analytical review the day after the 34-17 debacle, spreading blame in dozens of directions. He started with himself.

I thought that was awesome!

2008-12-01T22:46:47Z

I thought that was awesome!

Buccaneers To "Host" Patriots In London Next Season

2008-12-01T19:37:22Z

Buccaneers To "Host" Patriots In London Next Season

At least the Broncos won't have to travel that far to play next season.....

via Phyllis Rivers doing what he does best..... Hat tip -- Music City Miracles

2008-12-01T18:48:29Z

via Phyllis Rivers doing what he does best.....

Hat tip -- Music City Miracles

Time For Broncos Fans To Get Excited!

2008-12-01T17:23:33Z

Before you read this, please read the disclaimer below:

1. This is not a post that will look into stats and figure out what Jay Cutler's Yards-Per-Pass has to do with the price of rice in China.
2. This is not a post to talk about how Denver has lost their home field advantage.
3. This is not a post calling for the overthrow of yet another defensive coordinator.
4. This is not a post talking about Denver's inconsistency.
5. This is not a post talking about the highs and lows of yesterday's spanking.
6. This is a post about you getting pumped for the Denver Broncos.
7. This is a post that after reading you should feel like you just slammed a pot of super-concentrated caffeinated coffee spiked with an illegal substance.
8. This is a post that will make you want to ball up your fists, pump them in the air, and let roar a baritone, manly, and Denver loving, "YAAAA!"
9. This is a post that should make you steeple your fingers together and laugh evilly as you think about playing San Diego, Kansas City and Oakland twice a year.

It's time to get excited about the Denver Broncos. Throughout all the highs and lows of this season, I'm ready to say it; the Denver Broncos are kick ass and Mike Shanahan can stay the coach until he is prowling the sidelines in a walker with an assistant holding his play chart over his mouth to avoid evil lip readers.

If I am a GM, head coach, assistant, player, or fan of any other AFC West team right now, I'm saying, "Oh #$%*" right now because the Denver Broncos are freaking scary. I'm not talking Birds or other Alfred Hitchcock movie suspenseful scary; I'm talking the last Texas Chainsaw Massacre horrible, painful, torturous scary.

via nyc.metblogs.com

Enough with the Bill Williamson's of the world and all the other naysayers and doom-and-gloom reporters saying that we were all idiots for jumping on the Denver Bandwagon after the first three games. Enough with commentators saying how horrible the Denver defense is; how tragic, disastrous, terrible, porous, injury prone, and decimated it is.

Denver against the high powered Chargers and Saints? Brees and Rivers will light them up and Denver can just hope to play and lose respectably.

Jay Cutler against Tampa's solid defense; gooooooood bye Denver.

Denver against Cleveland? Please Cleveland has new excitement with Quinn at the helm and Denver's D is horrible. Plus Jamaal Lewis is going to show the world how poorly Denver tackles and their missed assignments.

Didn't you see Denver get beat down by Miami to lose their 3rd straight? I mean freaking 1-15 last year Miami!

Denver has only won 1 in the last 4 and they are going into Atlanta who are undefeated at home. Matt Ryan hasn't even thrown an interception at home. And don't even get me started on the spanking that Turner the Burner has in store for the terrible Denver Defense. Shoot, Denver might as well not even make the trip.

Denver against the Jets? Maybe Jay Cutler thinks he's not only better than Elway but Favre as well. The Jet's just beat the best team in the NFL with one of the best defenses. You think that the pathetic Denver defense is going to be anything more than a speed bump to them?

Denver is winning the AFC West and should clinch it pretty soon. Who in the NFL, even the MHR faithful, thought that Denver would win the AFC West? Sure they are people who love to throw in the ‘yea but' of San Diego's spectacular year but hey - a win is a win and winning is winning. Do you think in 10 years when people talk about Denver dominating the AFC West they will say, "Yea but San Diego played sub-par those years." No! Denver is going to the playoffs and that's what counts. Let's say it again... P-L-A-Y-O-F-F-S

Denver has really put up some impressive stats of late:

1. In the last 3 road victories, Denver has had 1,380 yards of total offense compared to the 1,146 yards allowed defensively.
2. In the last 3 road victories, Jay Cutler has thrown for 1,020 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions compared to opposing quarterbacks throwing for 736 yards, only 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
3. In the last 3 road victories, Denver has 374 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.
4. In the last 3 road victories, Denver has allowed only 2 sacks.

The Denver defense, in ways unbeknown to me, has found ways to win after losing more than half of their defensive starters. Among the second string who has replaced those starters have been 3 different rookies. They haven't necessarily been pretty but the Denver D is getting it done.

The Denver offense is simply scary. We all know that we ignored defense this reloading season and focused on offense and there were a lot of naysayers out there about Shanny's decisions. What has he rewarded them with? A Denver offense that is here for years to come and will only get better with age. Let's put excellence of the offense in perspective with their youth and lack of experience:

Jay Cutler - 3rd year - 3,393 yards, 21 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and an 87.8 QB Rating.
Eddie Royal - 1st year - 63 receptions, 757 yards, 5 touchdowns.
Brandon Marshall - 3rd year - 72 receptions, 942 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Tony Scheffler - 3rd year - 28 receptions, 453 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Daniel Graham - 7th year - 21 receptions, 261 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Brandon Stokley - 9th year - 38 receptions, 410 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Peyton Hillis - 1st year - 60 carries, 285 yards, 4.8 yards-per-carry, 4 touchdowns.
Ryan Clady - 1st year - .5 sacks allowed.
Ben Hamilton - 8th year - 2.5 sacks allowed.
Casey Wiegmann - 13th year - 1 sack allowed.
Chris Kuper - 3rd year - 0 sacks allowed.
Ryan Harris - 2nd year - .5 sacks allowed.

If I am in the AFC West and I look at those stats, I think my future reloading seasons have become 1 dimensional and it has to be defensively oriented. The Denver offense is potent and young and its going to be solid for the next 10 years.

The rookies and other young players have stepped up and performed like no other. Shanny has cast off the FA pick up and instead focused on getting some youth and look what happened. Harris and Clady, both first year starters, have given up a combined single sack in an offense that throws more than any other team in the NFL. Eddie Royal has caught 63 receptions. Wesley Woodyard has 29 tackles in 4 games and Josh Bell had 3 passes defended in the victory over the Jets.

We went into this season thinking that we had too much running back depth and not enough linebacking depth; I guess that's why the play a whole season because look how things of changed - personally I think for the better. We know that we have production from all our running backs next year. Hillis was a diamond in the rough, Torain tore it up for his few carries, we know Young can run, and Pittman had some very good games. We now seem to have a bevy of linebackers in what seems to be our eventual switch to a 3-4. Woodyard is tearing it up, Larsen is solid but not standout, DJ Williams is a top performer as well, and Winborn has been a pleasant surprise after over pursuing his first few games. We have found a good nickel back or potential starter in Josh Bell. And we had a Josh Barrett sighting! He played well and made some good tackles at key times.

The offense is carrying our team right now and they are carrying our team right to the playoffs and an AFC West champion position. Next year when we get some defensive play makers, imagine how much more potent our team will be! No longer will other teams be able to get in a shootout with us. No longer will teams be able to run nilly willy on us. Soon we will start to see scores of 42-14 and 47-17 instead of 34-33 and 34-30.

I don't know about you guys but I'm more excited to be a Denver Bronco fan than I have been in a long time. We can see something beautiful being born and we are privileged to this information more than the average fan. We can tell that Denver is going places and going to be going there for a long time and lucky for us we got on just as the ride is starting.

via another.luckhaupt.com

Poll

How do you feel about Denver?

Horse Tracks - 12/1/08

2008-12-01T12:38:41Z

DENVER POST

Brett Favre passed as though it was raining hard all day. Jay Cutler passed as though he were tearing up the neighborhood in the park across the street from his childhood home in Santa Claus, Ind.

A rookie? Strike one. A fullback? Strike two. A seventh-round draft pick? Strike three. Yer out. A rookie fullback drafted in the seventh round isn't supposed to play tailback in the NFL. Peyton Hillis, who has all those credentials, not only has been playing tailback for the Broncos, he rushed for 129 yards Sunday in a 34-17 victory against imposing run-stuffer Kris Jenkins and the New York Jets.

As the Broncos' 34-17 victory against the New York Jets wound down on a cold, rainy night in New Jersey, Jets quarterback Brett Favre still was firing.

Denver's defense had waited weeks for a spark. A sack, a fumble recovery, an interception — anything to ignite a group so desperately desiring a big play.

The Broncos had forced 10 turnovers before arriving at the Meadowlands. Just to put that number in perspective, the Jets forced seven against the Cardinals on Sept. 28 in the very same stadium. So what happens? The Bronx win the turnover battle 2-1. .

Gunslinger is a profession best left to the young. Old, gray and put away wet, New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre got shot down by Jay Cutler and the Broncos on a rainy November evening so raw it felt like winter shoving aside autumn.

The Broncos, the Cardinals, the Giants and the Titans are ahead in each of their divisions by three games with four left. The Broncos could clinch a division title as soon as the powerful Giants and Titans — and FedEx their game to San Diego.

Away from their wives and children, freed from car payments and mortgages, removed from the comforts of their own beds, the Broncos excel.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

The weather conditions were perfect, as far as Jay Cutler was concerned. Appearing hardly bothered by the steady rain and wind that whipped through the Meadowlands, Cutler threw for 357 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Denver Broncos to a 34-17 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

Are the Broncos going to blow it? The thought swirled through my head -- and probably yours too -- at the end of the third quarter, with Denver gripping a slippery 27-17 lead over the New York Jets.

A week ago, the Jets beat the Titans, the team with the best record in football. A week later, the Broncos beat the Jets, suggesting the Broncos can be as good as anybody in the NFL.

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler executed a sound game plan to perfection, mixing screens to Eddie Royal with passes to his tight ends before finishing with 27 completions in 43 attempts for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Peyton Hillis continued to impress, turning in the first 100-yard game of his career by gaining 129 yards on 22 carries.

The presence and, even more striking, absence of the instant- replay booth proved significant Sunday. Three of the first four touchdowns in the Broncos' 34-17 win over the New York Jets were influenced by close calls.

When Jay Cutler was a young boy growing up in Lincoln City, Ind., his idol was Brett Favre. On Sunday, Cutler outdueled his idol in a steady downpour at Giants Stadium, leading the Broncos to a seemingly easy 34-17 win against Favre and the AFC East- leading New York Jets.

Doug Hillis turned 44 Saturday, so his son, Peyton, called his family home in Conway, Ark., to give his father a birthday greeting. "I asked my dad what he wanted for his birthday and he said, 'I want 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns,' " said Hillis, the Broncos' rookie fullback.

The team the Broncos faced Sunday at Giants Stadium was the hottest in the AFC, if not the NFL. In one three-play stretch, three Broncos defenders - defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, middle linebacker Spencer Larsen and cornerback Dre Bly - were hurt, adding to an already long list entering the game.

ESPN.COM

Say what you want about the Broncos' defense, but coach Mike Shanahan deserves a lot of credit for essentially clinching the AFC West. Sunday's victory over the Jets may not have been pretty, but the Broncos now have a three-game lead in the division and can clinch a playoff spot in the next two weeks.

Mark the Denver Broncos down as one of the most confusing teams in the NFL.

MISCELLANEOUS

NFL.com Game Center

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR RYAN CLADY -- PRO BOWL

ESPN Breaks Down Denver's 34-17 Victory Over The Jets

2008-12-01T04:10:20Z

ESPN Breaks Down Denver's 34-17 Victory Over The Jets

MHR Radio Post Game Edition

2008-12-01T01:06:39Z

You now the drill. Click into the post and tune to Channel 105.

Denver Broncos 34 - New York Jets 17 Post Game Thread -- Overcoming Adversity Key To Victory

2008-12-01T00:45:36Z

FINAL

Category	Broncos	Jets
Score	34	17
Rushing Yards	127	142
Passing Yards	357	241
Total Yards	484	383
T.O.P	31:55	28:05

The Denver Broncos looked the part of a team that was lost. Beaten and battered both physically and mentally after getting crushed by the Oakland Raiders last week. Sometimes the best thing for a team that has the world against them is a trip on the road against a team that no one believes they can beat. That's exactly what the Broncos had facing them this week and they did what any mentally tough team would do. They played their asses off, took advantage of opportunities and overcame adversity to win a hard fought football game.

The last part might be the most important. The Jets were able to score on two long running plays. The Jets turned the Broncos over in the Red Zone. Hell, the Jets had Brett Favre. None of it mattered to the Broncos who got up early and never looked back.

There were plenty of heros today, but we'll start with Jay Cutler(27/43 - 357 yards, 2TD, 1INT), who came back from an awful performance last week to play extremely well in a very tough environment. The Meadowlands is a tough place to play on a calm day let alone when the weather is bad. Cutler looked good, threw the ball well, and with the exception of one play, made good decisions with the football. The Broncos win when Cutler plays well and both happened today.

Peyton Hillis(22 car. - 129 yards, 1TD) was a stud all day and the Broncos committed to the run more today than in any game in recent memory. Cutler is still the motor that drives the car, but sometimes he needs a good tow every now and then and Hillis made that happen.

The Broncos defense, save a couple of mental lapses, played strong and forced the Jets to go the long way to score. The defense got the Broncos on the board early as well, and any time you can get 7 points from the defense good things are bound to happen.

The Broncos now sit at 7-5, 3 full games up on the Chargers with 4 games to go. The team will likely be much healthier next week with Champ Bailey and Nate Webster likely to return. We could see D.J. Williams as well. Any one that Broncos get back will be a huge plus, but it shouldn't be overlooked how well these guys played and just how valuable the experience will be moving forward. Great Job Men!

As for next week, and those that follow, we'll take them one game at a time. No one really knows what to expect from the the Orange and Blue, and in a season of so many ups and downs, I hope you like roller coasters because this ride is far from over!

Denver Broncos @ New York Jets -- 4th Quarter Open Thread

2008-11-30T23:56:13Z

Start of 4th Quarter

Category	Broncos	Jets
Score	27	17
Rushing Yards	94	140
Passing Yards	312	150
Total Yards	406	290
T.O.P	24:41	20:19