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Good morning, Broncos Country!
This is going to be a short HT as I just spent most of the night (wee hours of the morning) writing a post based on my interview with Terrell Davis.
He was awesome, by the way, so I expect you to waste little time over here and check out that outstanding conversation!
But in the meantime, I ran across an interesting post from Jeff Legwold earlier this week, “To fix the offense, Broncos may need to find an identity before a QB.”
The time of gathering players to suit the whims of each new position coach is over. The Broncos have to decide what they want to be and gather players for that, especially in the offensive line and at quarterback.
It’s nothing groundbreaking. Of course a new quarterback is the No. 1 priority, but I like Legwold’s thinking that the Broncos need to decide what kind of offense they want to have before just grabbing whatever players they can.
Legwold threw out an interesting stat too. In 2013, the Broncos scored a record-breaking 606 points and 55 touchdowns in 16 regular season games. The past two seasons combined, the Broncos offense has mustered only 622 points and 39 touchdowns.
Hopefully with Bill Musgrave in full control and several new assistants working with the skill positions, the Broncos can decide once and for all what kind of offensive system they’d like to have - and what the offensive identity will be - is it high-scoring? is it run-first? is it “just don’t turn the ball over so the defense can play aggressive?”
Although the choice at QB can dictate this to some extent, deciding now what they’d like the offense to ultimately look like can help them choose players more specifically for the offense they want rather than trying to figure out what their players can do in the offense they think they might maybe hope to have someday.
Do we want a mobile quarterback?
Do we want to rely more on the running game?
Do we need so many wide receivers?
How should we use the tight ends?
Will we ever find a good reason to have a fullback?
Answering these questions before signing a quarterback - or before designing an offense with a quarterback in mind - could save a lot of debate during training camp and help the team be much better prepared by Week 1.
I would be very happy to go into training camp for once with questions answered rather than finishing training camp with a lot more.
What say you, Broncos Country?
Horse Tracks
The Broncos’ youth movement at safety, led by Justin Simmons, could pay dividends after encouraging signs in 2017 – The Denver Post
In a 2017 season of dark clouds for the Broncos, one of the few silver linings was the growth and impact of safety Justin Simmons, who looked at times in 2017 like a player who could indeed have Pro Bowl nods in his future.
To fix offense, Broncos may need to find an identity before a QB - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
Yes, it's no secret that the Broncos still need a franchise QB. But more importantly, they need to identify which style best suits their personnel.
Why Gary Kubiak is not believed to be interested in Seattle Seahawks' offensive-coordinator job | The News Tribune
The man who said the Broncos’ senior advisor and former Super Bowl-winning coach may be interested in returning to coaching as an offensive coordinator in 2018 now says Kubiak is not interested in coaching again.
Denver Broncos needed more from draft class, but gems emerged - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
The Broncos' banged-up rookies left a lot to be desired in a transition season, but the potential still exists for the class to make an impact.
Sacco Sez: In John Elway we trust
"John came in, and in many ways rescued us from that. I’m grateful for that. I believe in him and his work," Joe Ellis said.
With focus on development, Broncos take new approach with recent coaching hires – The Denver Post
The Broncos have shifted away from the traditional coaching structure they've employed in years past and taken on a new approach that's becoming more common in the NFL -- not just during the season, but in the offseason, too.
He's just 20, so Broncos would need plan to raise Sam Darnold right as QB
If USC QB Sam Darnold is there at No. 5, surely the Broncos would take a long look, but his youth and need to develop would mean a slow rebuild.
Denver Broncos' QB hunt, salary cap could force out familiar names - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
Among those whose status is up in the air are three high-profile veterans who've played in at least one Pro Bowl during their time in Denver.
With Patriots under amplified scrutiny, Tom Brady has yet to buckle - The Washington Post
Father Time may be coming for Tom Brady, but two former NFL QBs say he hasn't caught up to the New England star yet.
Five reasons the Tennessee Titans can upset the New England Patriots. Stop laughing. - The Washington Post
Here's the only way we could see Tennessee actually beating New England.
NFL playoff picks, Super Bowl odds: Eagles, Jaguars will upset Falcons, Steelers - The Washington Post
The Jaguars are allowing a league-low 68.5 passer rating, which should be enough to upend the Steelers.
Is Tom Brady Finally Getting Old? | FiveThirtyEight
Broncos fans can only hope so.
Falcons vs. Eagles: NFC Divisional Round preview - NFL.com
Chris Wesseling takes a look at the Atlanta Falcons-Philadelphia Eagles Divisional Round playoff game this weekend, providing analysis and a prediction on the matchup.
Titans vs. Patriots: AFC Divisional Round preview - NFL.com
The New England Patriots will host the Tennessee Titans on Saturday evening in the AFC Divisional Round. Jeremy Bergman previews what to expect.
Le'Veon Bell says he'd consider sitting out '18 if tagged - NFL.com
Days away from the Pittsburgh Steelers starting their playoff run, Le'Veon Bell wants the team to know he doesn't want to play again under the franchise tag.
Norv Turner agrees in principle to be Panthers' OC - NFL.com
Norv Turner has agreed in principle with the Carolina Panthers to become their new offensive coordinator, NFL Network's Tiffany Blackmon reports.
NFL announces three enticing London 2018 matchups - NFL.com
The NFL's 2018 London slate includes three playoff teams, a perennial contender, and two potential risers next season. Kevin Patra breaks down each matchup.
NFL looking into whether Raiders violated Rooney Rule - NFL.com
The NFL is looking into whether the Oakland Raiders violated the Rooney Rule during their hiring of Jon Gruden as head coach, a league spokesman confirmed to NFL Network's Steve Wyche.
The 2016 Falcons Haven’t Magically Reappeared | FiveThirtyEight
Atlanta's offense may have looked better against the Rams, but don't be fooled -- it still has problems.