Good Morning, MHR Friends! The imminent Ty Law signing is certainly interesting, especially the timing of it. Law must keep himself in incredible shape, because if the Broncos don't plan on suiting him up on Monday, then wouldn't they just sign him on Tuesday? Similarly, Law was signed on a Monday last year by the Jets and played for them versus the Patriots just three days later on a Thursday. The next question, of course, is whose roster spot does Law take? My guess would be Brandon Lloyd, who's been inactive every week thus far.

DB - Week 9 - Fri: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Protecting Against The League’s Best - Chris Gentilviso
"After not participating in Thursday’s session, Josh Barrett (hamstring) was a limited participant. After being limited participants during Thursday’s session, David Bruton (groin) and Jack Williams (illness) were full participants on Friday. Peyton Hillis (not injury related) did not participate in Friday’s practice."

DPP - Veteran Ty Law signed to bolster Denver Broncos' secondary - Jeff Legwold

CSG - Another Ryan might be missing on line for Broncos - Frank Schwab
Le Kevin Smith will start in Ryan McBean's place on Monday.

DB - Balance In The Backfield - Chris Gentilviso
"If Buck is in space with anybody 1-on-1, linebacker, DB, whatever, I'm betting on Buck," said Andra Davis. "I've got that much confidence in him because he's big enough to run over a DB, but he's fast enough also to run by a DB. He's got the total package."

DPP - Nolan studied Steelers' 3-4 "D" to help Broncos - Jeff Legwold

LTC - Broncos aim for quick start - Brian Howell
""We haven’t really come to play the first half of a lot of games," tight end Tony Scheffler said."

Y! - Belichick Q&A: Every player has a trade price - Jason Cole
There's nothing Broncos-specific within this interview, but as it's a rare and insightful peek into the mind of Bill Belichick, it is an absolute must-read. Surely much of the wisdom he shares here is that which he's already imparted upon Josh McDaniels.

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Our thoughts go out to everyone touched by yesterday's tragedy in Texas...

NFL Films - Week 9: Steelers vs. Broncos Preview - Video

DB - Week 9 - Thu: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Week 9 - Thu: Baliey - Broncos TV

DB - A Familiar Foe - Zach Eisendrath
Ryan McBean spent the last two season on Pittsburgh's practice squad, so his familiarity with the Steelers is helping his new teammates practice for Monday. However, McBean (knee) and Josh Barrett (hamstring) again joined Ryan Harris in missing practice yesterday.

DPP - Broncos lineman feeling at home - Lindsay Jones
Tyler Polumbus is expected to make his first NFL start on Monday, and he'll basically be doing so in his hometown and in front of family and friends.

NFLN - WK 9 Playbook: Steelers vs. Broncos - Video
Baldinger thinks the Broncos need to challenge Pittsburgh deep, while Theismann sees improvement in the Steelers O-Line.

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Thanks for all of your votes and input yesterday, folks! I think it provided enough feedback/encouragement to help make Horse Tracks a tighter ship, and I truly appreciate it. But just to be clear, I'm not looking to make Tracks easier/faster for myself. I'm just trying to cut the fat so I can add back in some commentary/snark where it's called for (ironically, not much today).

DB - Week 9 - Wed: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DPP - Briefs: Broncos a big zero on opening drives this season - Lindsay Jones
OT Ryan Harris (out w/two dislocated toes), DE Ryan McBean (MCL), CB Jack Williams (unkown) and S David Bruton (ankle) missed practice.

CSG - Broncos notes: Altitude likely to sideline Steelers' Clark - Frank Schwab

DB - Déjà Vu All Over Again? - Gray Caldwell

DB - Ecstatic To Enter The Locker Room - Chris Gentilviso
Carlton Powell is thrilled to be back with the Broncos, while Lance Ball found a couple of familiar faces in Denver.

CBS - Rating big trade winners, losers at midseason - Clark Judge
"The move was supposed to say more about McDaniels than Cutler, and maybe it did. Maybe it said he knew what he was doing." My, how things have changed...

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Good Morning, MHR Friends! Try not to lose much sleep over Darius Walker - I know a lot of folks liked what they saw from him in the preseason, but he gained his yards in garbage time against second- and third-teamers and still managed only 3.8 YPA. He's merely this year's version of Anthony Alridge, sans blazing speed. On an editing note, I feel like I've got to tighten up Tracks a bit; a return to quality over quantity (and more blurbs to help you decide which columns you want to read before you click on them). So I'm going to run some polls over the next few days - I need your help (because obviously what you want is what really matters, here). Don't worry, this doesn't mean I'll decrease the amount of Broncos-centric news. It's more a matter of the other stuff... Please be honest, as your input will help me improve Tracks and determine its direction. Thanks!

LTC - Orton thrives with Broncos, rookie coach - Brian Howell
"I’ve learned a lot," he said. "I think I’m a better player. The coaching has been great, and they’re making me a better player. I think this is the system that fits me." Sounds to me like a player who knows where his bread is buttered (hometown discount at contract time?). Then again, we don't really know how McD will value Kyle at a much higher price (versus his current $995,000 salary). Maybe he'll like Brandstater's value better...

DPP - Broncos rookie Moreno learning on job - Mike Klis
Although he's on pace for over 1,100 yards from scrimmage (very good for a rookie, especially as part of a backfield tandem), Knowshon is yet to break a run of 20+ yards. However, as Moreno himself says, "I didn't really have too many big runs at Georgia, either. It's all about those hard yards."

DPP - Defense ready for no-huddle from Steelers - Jeff Legwold
"Quarterback Kyle Orton may show up on the Broncos' injury report this week because of a twisted left ankle he suffered in Sunday's loss in Baltimore. Orton was hit by Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs in the second quarter and played the rest of the way with the ankle wrapped. Orton received treatment on the ankle Monday and Tuesday"

DB - Ball, Powell Added to Practice Squad - Gray Caldwell

NFLN - Playbook: Broncos vs. Ravens recap - Video
Billick & Mayock look at how B-more beat the Broncos. It's just as Orton said - two safeties sitting deep, tons of pressure - can't go deep, don't have time to make good throws underneath.

DB - Preparing For Pittsburgh - Patrick Smyth

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DB - Week 9 - Mon: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - Harris Ruled Out for Monday Night Matchup - Zach Eisendrath

DPP - Broncos OT Polumbus awaits for NFL start - Mike Klis
"Offensive tackle Ryan Harris is expected to be out three weeks because of two dislocated toes on his right foot."

CBS4 - Bailey: Ravens Were More Prepared Than Us - Matthew Buettner

DPP - More early horsepower a must - Jeff Legwold

DPP - Broncos' lone loss magnifies weak spots - Lindsay Jones

DP - Broncos' Stuckey dies at 73
Our thoughts go out to the family of Gail Stuckey, former longtime ticket manager and director of stadium operations.

PFW - Week Nine matchup tidbits

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Yes, the score was much closer for most of the game - but in all honesty, that was a whooping. The Broncos' defense kept them just within reach, but couldn't come up with the big plays (no takeaways, plenty of missed tackles and sacks). Giving up a KR touchdown to open the second half was killer, as the offense's responding TD was the only good drive of the day (although penalty-aided). Joe Flacco was spectacular - elusive in the pocket, on target with his throws. Ryan Harris left the game with a pair of injured toes, heading home in a splint. With San Diego's victory over Oakland, the Broncos now have a 2-game lead in the AFC West. IMO, now's not time to wonder what's wrong with the Broncos; they simply got beaten on the road by an excellent team. Denver doesn't have the glaring problems facing teams like the Packers and Steelers (O-Line) or the Giants (secondary). This is still a 12- or 13-win team and if we see the Ravens again, it'll be in Denver...

NFL - Ravens 30, Broncos 7 - Video highlights with radio calls

DB - Ravens Postgame: Report - Broncos TV

NFL - Denver Broncos 7 at Baltimore Ravens 30 - Box Score

DB - Ravens Postgame: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DPP - Briefs: Tackle Harris out with foot injury; Polumbus fills in
"The Broncos' starting right tackle suffered a serious injury to the two smallest toes on his right foot early in the second quarter of Baltimore's 30-7 win Sunday...In addition to Harris' toe injury, the Broncos must evaluate safeties David Bruton and Darcel McBath today. Both had leg injuries...As a sign of good faith, the Broncos dropped the fines star receiver Brandon Marshall incurred during preseason, according to an NFL source."

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NYT - N.F.L. Players And Their Union Share the Blame on Head Injuries - Alan Schwarz

DB - Matchup: Broncos at Ravens - Broncos TV
Chris Hall previews today's game. Knowshon & Co. as Michael Jackson and zombies from Thriller are a must-see clip (final minute).

DB - A Closer Look: Baltimore Ravens - Gray Caldwell

DPP - McDaniels' love of the game - Lindsay Jones
"Our first team meeting that we had, I saw it was going to be totally different," Daniel Graham said. "McDaniels is a player's coach, but he demands a lot from all his players...It's not miserable to come into work, and that's a big thing. He has a positive attitude, and we do too."

DPP - Broncos' Royal feels at home in Denver - Lindsay Jones

CSG - Broncos free agents prove valuable so far - Frank Schwab

LTC - Defensive powers match up - Brian Howell

GJS - Jussel: Broncos are growing up right before our eyes
"Today will reveal a great deal about how much the Broncos have grown."

SN - Ravens need to pull one out for a change - Vinnie Iyer

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DB - Week 8 - Fri: McDaniels - Broncos TV

NFLN - Elvis Dumervil interview - Video

DP - Broncos practice moves outdoors - Mike Klis
"We want to work some on the kicking game in some bad conditions," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. "I know it may be windy and there's a possibility of rain in Baltimore. So we wanted to make sure we get out there and work in the cooler temperatures and just handle the ball and do the things that are going to be important on Sunday."

DPP - Broncos hit road with healthy squad - Lindsay Jones
"Assuming no player suffers a setback between this morning, when the team leaves for Baltimore, and kickoff Sunday, the Broncos will have no players inactive because of injury for the first time all season."

DPP - Analysis: Broncos center Wiegmann a true ironman - Jeff Legwold
Casey Wiegmann is about to make his 134th consecutive start.

DPP - Q&A: Who's preferable as a holder for field goals - the punter or backup quarterback? - Jeff Legwold
I used to think it was the QB to give you a chance on broken plays or fakes, but now I prefer the punter, who has all week to practice holding. Then again, if Chris Simms could get it down like Kubes did on the horrid snap at the end of The Drive II...

SI - Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens - Jim Trotter

FOX - Fearless Prediction: Broncos (6-0) at Ravens (3-3) - Sports Xchange

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