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Denver vs. Kansas City: Post Game Quotes

2008-09-29T01:48:00.003-04:00

HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

On today’s game: “We talked about the keys to the game. Obviously the first one is you can’t turn the football over. Kansas City has an unbelievable home record when they win the turnover battle, and they won it by three today. Credit that to them. They ran the football exceptionally well. You’ve got to be able to stop the run and you’ve got to be able to run the football. Kansas City made a couple plays on special teams right there in the clutch; a big kickoff return to give them field position. Now we go back, obviously a tough loss. We had our opportunities during the game, credit to Kansas City for fighting like they did and finding a way to win. We’re obviously disappointed, but now we go back and get ready for the next game.”

On the status of WR Clifford Russell: “I really don’t know. I don’t know how he is. I know he was numb on his right side. Had feeling in his toes, and that was it. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.”

QB JAY CUTLER

On if he was pressing today: “I don’t know. You know, you can’t have four turnovers offensively and score a lot of points. You know, one for four in the Red Zone, It’s hard to win ball games that way.”

On if Denver needed to run the football better today: “You know, we don’t know. We had the turnovers, we got in the hole a little bit, you know, we had to start throwing the ball around a little bit. So we should have played better in the first half.”

On what this loss means: “We’re 3-1. There’s a lot of football left. We’re still a good football team. We can’t go into a panic here. We’re going to go back and look at it and get ready for Tampa.

CB CHAMP BAILEY

On being prepared for the game: “You always think you are doing enough. I’ve been around this game long enough to know if we have a good week of practice or we don’t. Coach (Shanahan) came into the game saying stop the run, run the ball, no turnovers, and we’ll win the game. And, we didn’t do the things necessary to win the game.”

CB DRE’ BLY

On today’s game: “They were able to force more turnovers and we still had chance to win. RB Larry Johnson was able to make some runs. For the most part, we were able to keeps things in front of us in terms of our pass defense. But, we didn’t do a good job against the run this week. Larry Johnson is one the better backs in this league. I know he hasn’t gotten off to the good start he has in the past. He’s a big physical guy and he was able to make some plays. Like we say in this league, ‘On any given Sunday, a team can win.’ Just because they were winless doesn’t mean that they couldn’t win the football game. We’ve just got to go back to the drawing board and evaluate this film. Hopefully we can get ready for Tampa next week.

On giving up 30 points or more for three consecutive weeks: “We don’t want to give up as many points as we’ve given up the last three weeks. But, Kansas City was getting good field position. We did good job of holding them to field goals a couple of times. To be good in this league, you have to try to hold teams to under 20 points. Offensively, we couldn’t score the amount of points we have the last three weeks.

C CASEY WIEGMANN

On the Chiefs: “They were 0-3 with their backs against the wall. They had to come out swinging and that’s what they did. The coaches did a good job of preparing them and they were ready to go.”

On playing against his old teammates: “It doesn’t matter. It was fun seeing them after the game. It is what it is. I am a Bronco now.”

HEAD COACH HERM EDWARDS

On today’s game: “That’s a good football team we played today. I think what we finally realized was we had to play with passion – just play, not worry about doing everything right or the score. I thought for the most part we did that.

“We went in with the mindset that they have a very good offense and were going to move the ball some, but hold them to field goals. If you just hold them to field goals you’re going to have a chance. They’ve been a team that has possessed the ball 10 times per game and they’ve scored five times out of those possessions – touchdowns and field goals. We just tried to reverse it and wanted to make them score two touchdowns and kick three field goals and you’ve got a shot. We held them to less than that.

“I thought our offense did a great job of running the ball and keeping their offense off the field. That’s another way you combat a high powered offense like that. Our guys played with a lot of emotion and we took the ball away. Turnovers always help you. That was a big key too. Those kids deserve a win; our fans deserve a win, too. We haven’t won a football game in quite some time. I’ve never been in a drought like this before. Now we’ve got to try and build on this win.”

On the difference in the running game today: “I thought we finished our blocks and we’re starting to learn how to run the ball. I thought we ran the ball last week and while we didn’t win the game, we did some things running in the second half and we built on that. That was our mindset. The only way you can run effectively is if you don’t get behind. We weren’t behind and we kept running it. That was our whole emphasis. It was a close game and we wanted to stick to it. We didn’t get down by two scores or anything like that. That was our plan.”

On the play of your linebackers: “They took the ball away; they ran to the ball. We were a little shorthanded at times and not having (DE Tamba) Hali at full speed hurt. Gun (Cunningham) did a good job. They ran to the ball. The fumble the receiver had, that was a lineman (DE Turk McBride) chasing and hitting the ball out.

“I thought our corners did a pretty good job on the receivers. Denver passed the ball some but (CB Brandon) Carr and (CB Brandon) Flowers – two rookie corners – did a good job. The one touchdown pass (by Denver) in the end zone was a big time catch and the young (corner) came back and intercepted one later.”

On Red Zone defense holding Denver to field goals: “That was the key. I’ve always felt that anytime you get in the end zone that it favors you because the field is cut down and there is not room in the back of the end zone. The throws have to be very accurate. Last year we were in the top three in the Red Zone. If you can hold people from scoring and make them kick field goals, that’s the key. For a team like this that was averaging almost 38 points a game, it was pretty good.”

CHIEFS RB LARRY JOHNSON

On today’s game: “Well, we had great balance. We didn’t make a whole lot of plays in the passing game, but we were able to run the football. We fed off our defense’s energy and their ability to create turnovers. We kept fighting, we had the running game going and the passing game picked up there in the second half. It was a great, complete win. Our kicker had a great day today, just all around. All three phases contributed to a much-need win around here.”

On getting the running game going: “I think so. Anytime you get (RB) Larry (Johnson) the ball like we did and the yards he had, we’re going to have a good chance to win. And then our defense’s ability to create turnovers, like I said. We didn’t have a whole lot of turnovers on offense, when you do that you give yourself a chance to win, even against a really good football team.”

On if missing two TD opportunities early might have hurt: “Maybe, we had a lot of energy today. Everybody played with a lot of energy. All the young guys on our defense flying around, our crowd was into it. It was just nice to get a lead early. Even though we only got field goals, we were still ahead early, so that’s the first time that’s happened in a while it seems like. We got that early lead, we got the momentum, we built on it and just put together a great win today.”

On playing with a lead: “I think it relaxes us a little bit. We hone in on our jobs and individually, you know, make a pass, make a run, make a block, do your job. You know, know your role and do your job and we did that today. We executed and we won the game.”

On what this win means in the big picture of things: “It’s one win. We’re 1-3. But it gives us some confidence. We can beat a team that’s 3-0 and playing the way the Broncos were coming in to this game. I think it’s something we’ve got to build on and certainly next week in Carolina.”

On if the offense was feeding off of the defense’s play: “Oh yeah, no question. That’s when you’re at your best when you’re both feeding off of each other; you know offense, defense, special teams. Making plays making hits. (WR Dwayne) Bowe making great catches, (TE) Tony (Gonzalez) (RB) Larry (Johnson) on and on. When playmakers make plays like that you get the momentum and football as we all know is such a game of momentum. We got that early and built on it wouldn’t let down and had a great team win.”

On his performance today: “I think I managed the game well, I didn’t force anything, I was pretty smart with the football for the most part. It was a pretty good game.”

On if this is the most satisfying win he’s had with the Chiefs: “I don’t know. I guess when you lose 12 in a row, this is definitely significant. It’s a nice win. It’s up there.”

LB DERRICK JOHNSON

On the game: “This was a must win game for this football team. We were getting kind of frazzled. We knew our backs were against the wall to win this game. This team came in 3-0 and played good football. The Denver Broncos played good football. They didn’t let us just have it. We just fought. We had fight.”

On his forced fumble play: “We’ve been working on it all week, the toss from the shotgun. He kind of seized up before the play and just anticipated and I shot the gap. It looked like I was back in college at Texas. I was just making a play. I was making a play for this football team stripping it out.”

On the interception? “I was really surprised I caught it. I was just reading my keys. Knowing that it was third-and-long, don’t jump the little routes and stay back with the Defense.”

On playing in the heat: “We were sweating and we were getting really tired out there. A couple of times I had to get to the sidelines a couple of times to gets some oxygen. We’re a well-disciplined football team and we worked our butts off to get this win. We’re just happy right now.”

On what this win means: “It’s something to build on. This is a division opponent too, so this is a big win for this football team. We cannot be satisfied with this football game, we need to build on it. We beat a really good football team.”

G BRIAN WATERS

On the game: “We are just excited that we played a decent game for four quarters on all sides of the ball and made some plays. Special teams really helped us out and settled some scores for us. We got some turnovers, the defense did a great job of getting some turnovers and getting us in the scoring areas. We did a good job finishing off some (drives) we still had some yards, had some points out there. We wish we would have got some of those and maybe we could have made this thing a little easier. A win is a win and we really needed it.”

On having a short field for the offense today: “The great thing about it is that we were able to gain some points and reward our defense by putting some points on the board. We would love to get touchdowns in those areas, but just being able to put points on the board for a team that hasn’t been scoring very many points. Anytime we can put some points on the board after a turnover is a great thing to really salute our defense for the great job well done.

On the offensive line and Larry Johnson’s performance: “I think everyone is starting to get on the same page. We’re getting better knowing exactly where we’re going to and the running backs are getting better at knowing where we’re going to so they can set up things for us a little bit. And really just finishing blocks and running hard. That’s really what we’ve got to do as a team.”

On today’s pass protection: “We felt like coming into this game that this was an area that we could get better. Our biggest area of improvement is going to be pass protection. We’re really upset because the sack we gave up was really a miscommunication between the quarterback and the receiver and we ended up cutting a guy thinking the ball was going to be out and he ended up getting sacked. So even with that we were able to overcome it. The great thing about is that we didn’t let it bother us and we just got back and went back to work. That’s where we got to be in this game, we have to have our head on strong and just focus on the next play.”

WR DWAYNE BOWE

On the game: “It was great. They (Denver) were behind all four quarters. The offense, we scored almost every time we got the ball and they gained confidence to do their job well and fill the gap and they know that the other guy was going to make the tackle.

On getting a victory: “I knew it was going to happen. It was just a matter of time. It was a big game like this where we needed to show that we can go out and play for four quarters and we did. … It’s nice getting the pressure off of the coaches and staff. We are the one’s that have to go out and do our jobs and make the plays and we showed it.”

On Damon Huard’s performance: “He played like a veteran is supposed to play. He made the throws. He made the checkdowns. Now he has confidence going into next week.”

On wanting to go for it on fourth down during the second drive of the day: “Once you do one thing and it works, and another thing and it works, that builds confidence. That’s what wins games when the whole offensive line and the quarterback is confident. When the quarterback is confident, the receivers are confident. I was just hoping (to go for it), but the coaches made a great decision and kicked the field goal and that kept us in the game.”

On Larry Johnson’s 65-yard run: “It opened up things tremendously, the corners stopped playing back and that just left him with tremendous holes to read. He made some great runs and I made some blocks for him and he finished it off.”

NFL to Denver: Still Just Human

2008-09-28T20:09:00.008-04:00

It was suggested early last week by me, that, being that the Kansas City Chiefs employed two of the best players in the NFL- maybe they should try getting them the ball. I suggested maybe just passing the ball to Tony Gonzalez and Dewayne Bowe all the time, spell that by handing the ball off to Larry Johnson- couldn't be a worse outcome right?

Well, slap my ass and call me Herm Edwards.

The problem? The Denver Broncos defense was complacent in their misery, they may have actually gained overall ground in the NFL against the Chiefs; being that the Chiefs only scored 33 points. The Broncos secondary gave up only 160 yards to the Chiefs and only 207 yards to their ground game. By all looks of it, Denver showed vast improvement on defense. As good as the Broncos defense is at being bad, it was ultimately the Broncos offense that lost the game.

Denver fans were ready to crown Brandon Marshall the messiah and Eddie Royal his second coming. Then they both fumbled, Royal on the Broncos opening drive, deep in Denver territory. Marshall's was even worse though...

The Messiah's drop cost the Broncos their drive, their forward momentum and their confidence. Quarterback Jay Cutler went on to throw two times as many interceptions to the Chiefs than he has all season, if that wasn't enough, his sack total was doubled as well.

However, despite it all, Cutler threw for 361 yards, Royal had his second 100-yard game, Selvin Young kept chipping away at his 2,000 yard prediction with 49 yards (only 1,821 to go). So what gives? Brandon Stokley even came out a bit this game, he was worth 80 yards. So improved defense- check. Offensive production- check. Better special teams- check. What's so different this game?

It has become my mantra lately, defense wins championships, but not games- hell, the Philadelphia Eagles just proved it, losing to the Chicago Bears. Offense wins games.

Breaking down my focuses:

Focus one: Contain Tony Gonzalez.

Throughout all of my scouting on the Chiefs, last week I in advisably said that the Chiefs should just feed Gonzo the ball. Let Johnson and Bowe spell him and just see what happens. The Chiefs did find Gonzalez for a touchdown, but for the most part Boss Bailey kept the man in check.
Focus two: Stop Larry Johnson.

The man went buck wild on that 65-yard run, he shouldn't have, but it happened and he did. He finished with 198 yards. He probably wouldn't have, except Kansas City was leading the whole game, did you expect them to pass? The man has made a career out of teeing off against the Broncos.
Focus three: Cover Dewayne Bowe.

For the life of me I do not know why Bowe caught wild on Denver, but then again, I really do and that brings me to my fourth focus. That was...
Focus four: Incorporate rookie cornerback Jack Williams in as the nickel back.

Fed up with Karl Paymah getting ran over? Me too, I was the first calling for Jack "Mother F***ing" Williams two weeks ago, he tore it up in preseason and in training camp. However, Jack "Mother F***ing" Williams became Jack "Mother F***er" Williams today. However, what the hell was he doing covering Bowe in the first place? Who the hell was Champ Bailey covering on that play? It got to the point where literally every time Bowe caught a pass, Williams was covering him. What is up with that? Did the Chiefs have two other receivers that I wasn't aware of that warranted Bailey and Dre Bly's attention?

Let me sum this whole thing up by saying that, I'd rather Denver get humbled in September by the Chiefs then get blown up by the Carolina Panthers in the midst of a playoff hunt. So with that out of the way, I've got plenty of Tampa Bay Buccaneers scouting information to report to you. So keep plugged in, because I'm back.

Larry Johnson photo courtesy of Reuters.

Brandon Marshall courtesy of A.P./Charles Riedel

After Further Review...

2008-09-17T14:52:00.005-04:00

Isn't DVR a wonderful thing? A second/third viewing of the September 14 game between the Broncos and the Chargers has produced the following observations:

The overall defense wasn't as bad as it seemed in realtime. Run D is much improved.

Pressure was applied to Philip Rivers, but he just stands in the shrinking pocket and throws the ball. Elvis is banged up and the Broncos need another pass rushing defensive lineman. We are all wondering about Jarvis Moss. Ekuban and Peterson made some big-time defensive plays. Engelberger had a sack. Josh Shaw played some. Robertson and Thomas are doing a good job in the middle and really collapse the pocket on pass plays while remaining solid against the run. The Broncos are playing a three-man odd-front D-Line in passing situations. My jury is still out on that.

Sproles was mostly contained when he was rushing except for his TD run which must have been a blown play for the D. The Bronco LBs ran themselves out of position in a way that Slowik couldn't have possibly wanted. Aside from the kick return for a TD (oops), he was contained by Denver's ST.

Denver's LBs may as well be considered as new with Williams and Webster in new spots and Bailey new to the team. Boss was playing in his first game since the first preseason game. It seems that he was manned up on Tolbert when San Diego made a big pass play to him in the third quarter. My take is that the defense will improve as it advances through the season with the backers becoming more comfortable with the system, the calls and each other. One wonders, however, if Webster runs himself out of position to make tackles. DJ was great and got a flag for a hit on Rivers which was duplicated by the Chargers later on, but with no flag on them.

In spite of big plays by the Chargers in the third quarter, Denver's D held them to two FGs instead of TDs which is huge.

Karl Paymah doesn't seem to be able to cover as a nickel DB. That's odd because nickel coverage is often cover 1. Paymah was clearly in man several times, especially against Chris Chambers. Eventually Jack Williams may get his chance.

Safety play appears to be just adequate at the moment. Three of them (McCree, Manuel and Lowry) are new, so maybe we'll see steady improvement. I hope so. Two Safeties (Barrett and Rogers) are on the Practice Squad, so if there is regression at that position ...

Punting and place-kicking are vastly improved this year. Prater made a 50+ FGA and Kern punted for about 60yds a couple of times. He seems to be a pretty good holder, too. This situation seems fixed. O'Brian seems to be a good coach for kickers/punters.

Kick coverage is mostly good except for the occasional breakdown (e.g., Sproles' TD). There are many new players on ST (Koutouvides, Woodyard, Larsen, etc.), so maybe more consistency can be anticipated. Punt coverage was pretty good.

Raving about the "skill" positions aside, the big development for Denver's O is the line. Hey ... , they ARE BIG. The tackles are very young and inexperienced, but the Ryans are playing great right now. Clady is a better pass than run blocker at the moment, but he has much upside. Harris has really stepped up and pleasantly surprised us all after we expected to see Kuper at RT. San Diego's odd-front DL w/a different backer coming each play was a good test for the O-Line. That front is more difficult for the C and Gs than for the tackles. Kuper struggled with it at times, but came out OK. Hamilton's return is doing wonders for the OL. His experience, leadership and consistency are invaluable. Wiegmann is doing a great job, but gets his butt kicked from time to time. An odd front with a big NT and ILBs blitzing the A gap is harder for him than a split-front. Let us hope Nalen can return before much longer and give Casey a break. Lichtensteiger is getting some game time in the backfield on short yardage/in + 20 situations which is interesting.

Even after trading away Colbert and Jackson injured at the moment, Denver's receivers are a scary bunch especially when you include Scheffler. One of his TDs came on a route he ran as a split-end vs. double coverage. Marshall the Monster, Royal the Rookie (who plays like a vet) and Stokley the Slot Machine are as difficult a group to cover as any in the league because they are all so different from each other. Imagine covering Scheffler on one play and Royal on the next followed by Marshall and, later on, Stokley. Wait 'til Darrell is back at full speed. Graham is stll mostly a blocker (he's SO good at it), but he will get some balls thrown his way in each game. Nate Jackson draws coverage and is an excellent ST player.
The RB committee is working well, better than most suspected. Hall, Young and Pittman are following their blocks, making the cuts and getting good yards. How did you like that 3rd and 24 situation where the Broncos gave the ball to Selvin who cut back and got blocks from Cutler, Marshall and Royal to run for a 1st down? Sweet! By rotating the backs, Shanahan is keeping them all healthy and using them on ST as well. Just wait until Torain returns ... just wait. Peyton Hillis deservedly earned his roster spot as the "true FB". He is learning as he goes. Sometimes he blocks the wrong guy on a blitz, but he will figure it all out sooner rather than later. His blocking is better than I thought it would be. Also thought he would have a bigger impact as a receiver than a ballcarrier, but so far it's been the other way around. It is inevitable that will change when defenses think they have found a way to cover Marshall, Royal and Scheffler AND stop the run when Hillis is in. That's when Shanahan and Co. will get him the ball through the air. Watch out when Pittman is in the backfield with Hillis.
If Jay Cutler isn't the real deal as a premier NFL QB, then I haven't seen one lately. He has a ball security issue that I'm sure he will fix (dropped the ball twice vs. Chargers). Averaging over 300 yards per game, he seems to be on a mission to compensate for the defense (which shows signs of improvement). The OL is protecting him well giving ample time to connect with a dangerous group of receivers. The pass is setting up a run game which must be respected at all times. Finally, the playcalling is imaginative and aggressive. Cutler gives Shanahan and Co. the ability to run anything from their playbook from anyplace on the field.

"Are you ready for some football!"

2008-09-05T00:11:00.004-04:00

This isn't what you'll see on Monday night, but it's enough to get you pumped up for Monday.

Okay... Not quite the hax0r that I used to be, copy and paste here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_LfRE9lr3c

"You want their Momma's to say, 'Oh, that's not my child, my child has a face!'" - Samuel L. Jackson

(Javalon over at BCMB is nice enough to post it up for all of the Denver Broncos fans.)

Echoes of Futures Past

2008-09-04T22:07:00.008-04:00

Last year, Mike Shanahan was asked for his position on the team, prior to the first game of the season, "We're undefeated..." he said as he kept walking briskly. He was right, two weeks later, still undefeated. The Walker injury, the Indianapolis game, then Travis Henry, we were a team that had overdosed and in desperate need of an intervention. Or at least a breath. There was none to be had, a team that couldn't breath, back against the wall and stumbling punch drunk.

I've referenced the dark cloud before, I'm not going there again, but I will say there's nothing like the days before the season starts. Knowing only that you really don't know is always the most exciting part of any game for me, it just gets magnified prior to the season. The optimist in me usually strangles the pessimist in me and this is usually around the time that I cut off my nose to spite having a knife.

Seems a far cry from, "We're undefeated," doesn't it? I don't have anything bad to say about the Raiders, hell, I feel bad for them. I am working for someone whom I is very similar to the Raiders owner/general manager Al Davis. Similar in that they're both far past their time, stuck with old ideas and burdened by the fact that they'll never quite be great again. Sad in that life has dwindled down to just one measly possession and like a good captain of a ship, they will hold the mast as their old age blinds them into every oncoming iceberg until there is nothing left of the ship to hold onto and nothing but the cold dead sea will be there to embrace them in the end.

Did you see the look in Mike Shanahan's eyes when he said, "No, it doesn't dissipate at all." (01:05). How he held his gaze and his eyes grew cold, could you feel his thoughts? As the reporter continued the question and Shanahan's eyes literally went bloodshot on camera, "When I said it doesn't dissipate, that's what that means..." (01:18). He's laughing, but that's so he doesn't axe that guy right there. I know exactly how he feels and this is how I know that this season is different than any other. It also happens to be the reason why earlier I said that I feel bad for the Oakland Raiders.

Denver Broncos release three: Parker, Mallard, Lorne

2008-08-25T15:50:00.004-04:00

Tuesday is the deadline for the rosters being trimmed to 75, yet today Denver released three players.

Veteran wide receiver Samie Parker cut.

Most notable of the cuts is veteran wide receiver Samie Parker who came to the Denver Broncos via free agency, Parker was a long time Kansas City Chief. He came at a time prior to the Broncos signing wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who is expected to start opposite Brandon Marshall/Eddie Royal this season.

The Denver Broncos also cut defensive tackle Josh Mallard and wide receiver Lorne Sam. Josh Mallard is a major surprise, as he has seen time with the first-team defense on several occasions during training camp and in rushing situations. Mallard played in only a couple of games last season, but was able to compile three sacks.

Big Changes Coming

2008-08-24T03:57:00.002-04:00

Everyone, I know that I've been a bit sporadic with the updates lately. I have been doing my best to make updates that you haven't known about the whole day when I do make an update. I'm being sub-planted on the east coast (back to New York City), so I've been running around, finding apartments and such... However, there are some rather major things in the works here at your favorite Denver Broncos Blog.

All will be revealed very soon, I can't give anything away just yet, but soon.

Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: 4th Quarter

2008-08-22T23:21:00.011-04:00

4th and goal from tehe 1. Patrick Ramsey rolls, diving attempt by Clifford Russell is incomplete.

Packers get it from their own one yard line, rush out to their one five-yard line.

Would love to see a pass-rush here, fat chance, but the Broncos and Roderick Rogers stop Green Bay on the next run, next play Brohm's pass is incomplete as he goes 0-4. Packers punt from deep in their own end-zone.

Glenn Martinez drops the punt, but makes it to the Packers 45.

Here we go, would love to see Darrell Hackney in here, but apparently only the Denver Broncos fans can see that he is clearly the number two quarterback in Denver. So Ramsey marches back out.

Ramsey hits Keary Colbert on a deep pass, but Colbert drops it as the Packers safety knocks it loose. Ow well, guys that make the team would have caught that.

Ramsey dumps it off to his old faithful Michael Pittman for about six, follows it up with a nice pass for a Broncos first down. Ramsey is 8-12

Ramsey pitches it out to Michael Pittman for about 6. Pittman's feeling Anthony Aldridge on his heels, so he's running like there is no tomorrow, but barely misses the next down.

Peyton Hillis gets the hand-off, and he gets the first down.

Andre Hall comes in and runs for five yards. Hall on the next play fights through three tacklers for two more yards, to the 19. 3rd and five.

Ramsey to Clifford Russell for nine yards, first down Denver!

Ramsey reads his progressions, dumps it off to Michael Pittman for a touchdown pass. 8:27 left to go 24-20 Broncos.

Domonique Foxworth stays high to stop the first Packers pass for three.

Broncos show blitz and stop the run for two, Packers try to quick pass- Foxworth is not having that. Packers will punt. Packers punt 75 yards out to the one... Wow, John Ryan, of the Packers with an official 72 yard kick.

Ramsey's back out lob to Clifford Russell who catches, then doesn't catch the ball.

Pittman on 2nd down runs for about two.

Ramsey is hit as he throws and bobbles an INTERCEPTION to Jason Humphrey on his own 10 yard line. Mile High Salute Patrick Ramsey! Here's to one more before the end of the game, Jack Williams can't save your ass this time. Well, maybe he can, he is Jack "M****F***in'" Williams. Oh good he's hurt, maybe the Broncos will be forced to cut him.

2nd and goal, Jarvis Moss in on the tackle. Green Bay in the I formation. Hand off fumbles on the one and the refs call Lumpkin down at the one. Niko Koutouvides makes the tackle to savee the touchdown.

3rd and one, the Broncos stop the diving touchdown. Creating 4th and one.

The Bronco crowd is so loud, that I can't hear Lumpkin get the touchdown for the lead. Packers lead 27-24.

Hopefully Darrell Hackney can save our soul now. And he will, time to show and prove my man, you can drunk drive, but can you drive sober. Let's get it! 3:15 left in the game.

Glenn Martinez gets it to the kick-off to the 35, Larry Birdine is now hurt.

Patrick Ramsey's arm is wrapped, 3:08 to go.

Hackney to Michael Pittman passes for negative four.

Hackney to Glenn Martinez and it's 3rd and five.

Slot left, Martinez in motion over the middle, first down to Martinez for 18 yards! Flag down, illegal motion on Denver five yard penalty 3rd down.

Hackney, 3rd and 10. Don't make me look like an asshole, passes deep down field to Keary Colbert at the 20. Hits his hands, Colbert drops is (of course) and the Broncos will punt. No, they're going for it 4th and 10.

Good to see Keary Colbert in on the third-team though, hopefully he'll be cut. Hackney literally has a Packers linebacker hanging on him, he's still up looking for an open receiver, as another Packer's linebacker levels him and he still gets the ball out of bounds.

Patrick Ramsey, notice how he didn't throw an interception.

Packers take over on downs, not on an interception.

First and ten Green Bay, Denver has two time outs and a Green Bay 2nd down with less than 1:45 left in the game.

Clock rolling, Shanahan doesn't care about winning this game as the Packers take a knee.

Truth is, Broncos first-team is better than the Packers' first-team.

Doom's not hurt, Marquand Manuel's not hurt and that's all I really need to know.

UPDATE: Shanahan says Manuel's thumb may have been broken.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Third Quarter

2008-08-22T22:45:00.006-04:00

Opening kickoff and Marquand Manuel is helped off the field, he is the starting free safety for Denver.

Patrick Ramsey comes in and Michael Pittman is handling handoffs.

Dibs on Ramsey's interceptions this half? I'd say two, I've got two...

Green Bay still has their first team defense on the field.

Ramsey has his pass knocked down as the Packers appeared to rush no one then, rushed nine at the last moment.

Brett Kern's punt is impressive, but is negated by the piss poor second-team punt defense and the Packers make the Broncos look like, well... The Broncos.

Green Bay Packers keep their first-team offense and the Broncos get their fifteen yards on the first play.

Wesley Woodyard stops the next play for no gain what-so-ever. 2nd and 13.

Karl Paymah's coverage on Greg Jones could have been pass interference, but Aaron Rodgers pass to Jones is out of bounds.

Next play, same play, Paymah gets called in teh end-zone for pass interference. First and goal on the one yard line.

Brandon Jackson is stopped on the one-yard line! Niko Koutouvides and Wesley Woodyard on the stop.

Jackson is stopped again by thee Denver second-team defensive line. Give Larry Birdine and Wesley Woodyard the credit.

Third time's a charm and Aaron Rodgers gets the touchdown on the QB sneak. 20-17 Green Bay, but remember that's the first-team Packers offense against the second-team Broncos defense.

UPDATE: Marquand Manuel has hurt his thumb and went to the locker room.

Broncos second-team offense stalled in their first drive, let's see where they go. Michael Pittman is wrapped up by Desmond Bishop, Pittman cut back way too early.

Patrick Ramsey's dump off to Michael Pittman goes barely for a first down, this is Pittman's specialty.

Pitch to Pittman goes nowhere, the safety Aaron Rouse stops it in the backfield.

Ramsey scrambling on the next play hits Keary Colbert for nine yards.

Ramsey's handoff to Pittman goees for negative yards and the punt team heads out.

The second-team offensive line just can't handle the pressure right now.

Packers punt returner catches the punt from Brett Kern and is knocked to the ground by his own player.

Noah Herron, Packers third-stringer, who beat a lampshade against a robber in the off-season, he nearly beat him to death. Regardless, he's now beating the Broncos to death, running for 4-10 yards at will. Brian Brohm is in at quarterback for the Packers.

Thank science the Packers brought in their second-team, because now the Broncos can compete again. Some pressure and dropped pass make it 2nd and 13 for Green Bay.

Defensive end Paul Carrington may be hurt on the Broncos side, the Broncos trainers rush out to help him.

Wesley Woodyard again in on a tackle, this #59 is an animal. However, the Broncos look like the Broncos of last year. Not able to make a tackle on a rush...

Alvin McKinley, doing his best to make a point pushes Packers quarterback Brohm to the ground as Tim Crowder bats the ball down. Domonique Foxworth breaks the 3rd down pass up and Mason Crosby is back in for 53 yards, but it's wide right.

Broncos second team offense may be clicking against this second-team defense... Pittman catches a dump from Ramsey for about eight. 3rd and 1. Ramsey bootlegs to Clifford Russell for the first down. A late hit on Patrick Ramsey gives Denver an extra 15 yards.

Clifford Russel's my guy by the way, the dark horse, Michael Pittman rushes on the next play for 15, Andre Hall comes in, first and goal from the 6.

Patrick Ramsey nearly passes for his first interception! Not quite as Ramsey's interception attempt to Clifford Russell is incomplete. Ramsey will be back though.

Ramsey hits Brett Pierce at the two yard line. That's two bootlegs in a row. Hall is still in the back field.

Cecil Sapp isn't enough to get into the backfield.

Paul Carrington- strained calf muscle done for the night as the third quarter is done.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Second Quarter

2008-08-22T21:42:00.007-04:00

Denver defensive coordinator Bob Slowik finally gets it together and the Denver Broncos are able to stop the Packers on 3rd and 16. Packers will punt to Eddie Royal.

Eddie Royal lets his rookie shine and waves off a punt that bounces to the one before the Packers down it. I'd really love to see Royal get a punt return.

Let's see if Denver can do a 99 yard drive.

Jay Cutler yet again guns a pass, incomplete, this time to Tony Scheffler 1-7.

Andre Hall runs up the middle for a gain of two yards. 4rd and 8.

Peyton Hillis! The best hands in the backfield, for the first down, he gets all the way to the 17.

Andre Hall breaks an 18 yard run. Selvin who? He's one player away from going yard.

Next play: Andre Hall again for about seven yards. Mike Shanahan loves to run backs back-to-back.

Selvin Young, yawn, Clifford Russell is wide as Selvin Young gains the three necessary for a first.

Jay Cutler on first from the shot gun, run a draw, Selvin Young takes it for about eight before Charles Woodson attempts to take his head off. Selvin Young runs for two on the next play.

That's the problem with Denver, focused on the first down, not focused on scoring.

Cutler roll and passes to Eddie Royal, Nick Rollins is draped all over him, but there is no passs interference.

Nate Jackson! With an incredible catch for a first down!

Screw Brandon Marshall, Andre Hall is the most dangerous player in Denver. Catching a dump out of the backfield. He goes for 20 to the 17 yard line. Broncos continue to drive off of their 99 yard drive

Hall taken out in favor of Michael Pittman, who gets the two yards the Broncos need for the first down.

Nate Jackson with the touchdown from Jay Cutler!

Matt Prater killed that kickoff, it ended up somewhere near the south standers...

DJ Williams with great coverage! Yet, he gets the pass interference. Yet, it's great to see DJ able to cover a receiver of Donald Driver's ability.

After that horrible play, Brandon Jackson catches a dump off pass, splits Jamie Winborn and Nate Webster and goes forever. Before Hall of Famer Champ Bailey gets him out of bounds.

Jamie Winborn makes up for it on the next play and the Packers still can't run on the Broncos.

No pressure on Aaron Rodgers, Nate Webster wraps up the Packers back on the dump off.

3rd and 6, four men in the box, there's a flag- damnit. I was looking forward to seeing how Denver held them. Off-sides on Green Bay. They're going for it again 3rd and 11. Denver holds! Barely though, Dre Bly missed a tackle on the third-string tight end.

Packers going for it on fourth, quarterback sneak and, Aaron Rodgers gets his second quarter back sneak.

John Engleberger destroys Brandon Jackson on the next play. Nate Webster **** the bed and missed the first tackle. 2nd and 5.

Question marks everywhere... Either Dallas is horrible or Green Bay is really incredibly good. Don't know yet.

When Denver's not rushing, they have four men in the box, the three linebackers way back and they kind of just float there...

Dump pass is swallowed up by Marlon McCree and Kenny Peterson. Fourth down.

Elvis Dumervil hurt a finger, great...

Mason Crosby in for a field goal 10-10.

Two minute offense time, Jay Cutler comes out with 1:41 left on his 20.

Pass play deep to Brandon Marshall and it looks like it's intercepted. However, may have been interference and it is. 1st and 10 on the 48 yard line.

Cutler looks deep TOUCHDOWN BRANDON MARSHALL, same play, same man, defender knocks the ball into Brandon Marshall's hand.

Here's the message to the NFL, give Brandon Marshall on one-on-one coverage and he will destroy you.

Took the Broncos 16 seconds to score, this is Madden '08 type football. I am not kidding, the problem is that Denver only took 16 seconds off, but it gives us a chance to see the number one defense against an urgent offense.

Over the middle, Donald Driver catches one off of Marlon McCree, gave Driver at least 15 yards.

Dump off to Marency, goes for 10. 56 seconds left and two timeouts for the Packers.

Domonique Foxworth yet again shows why he's a number three corner back, letting the Packers catch yet again in front of him, another first and 10.

No pass rush, of course Green Bay gains another 9, Jamie Winborn on the tackle off of the dump off.

This bend but not break defense... I don't know. 14 seconds left and the Packers call a time onut on their own. 34. The tight end hurdles Foxworth on his way to the sideline. Smart attempt, poor execution.

Aaron Rodgers passes deep into the end-zone, but Foxworth blankets Greg Jennings and it goes out of bounds.

Mason Crosby comes in with five seconds left. 13-17 Denver and it's halftime.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: First Quarter

2008-08-22T21:15:00.005-04:00

Got started just a bit late, sorry guys.

Broncos D-line looked pathetic on the first series.

Got scored on, where was the covereage?

I don't get why our sweep plays are starting off so deep. It's never worked for us and now we're trying it still in the preseason.

Giant run for the Broncos from Selvin Young, that's what we've been waiting for from Young.

Selvin Young's lining up literally 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage, I don't understand. He runs 13 to gain three yards...

Jay Cutler looks good tucking and scrambling, hasn't been sacked yet ::knock on wood::

Andre Hall gets yet another first and ten, imagine that? Penalties, even with the Packers having 12 men on the field doesn't mean they can stop the inevitable which is Andre Hall. Green Bay's Charles Woodson hurt.

Jay Cutler's 0-3 a very far cry from last weekend. Just complete one man, we'll get back on track.

Cutler to Brandon Marshall! Finally!

Andre Hall was tackled by an unblocked strong safety. Nice!

Brandon Stokley has now missed two passes this series. This one was Cutler's fault.

Selvin Young, got both hands on a pass and can't come up with it. Bring Hall back in!

Here comes Matt Prater, he's missed his first attempt every game so far- He doesn't this time 3-7 Packers.

Let's see how the Denver Broncos defense does on their second series, after adjustments.

Nate Webster just owned someone in the Packer's running system and may have solidified his first-team membership.

DeWayne Robertson with his first major contribution to the defense!

Well, we get to see the Broncos in spread coverage, Marlon McCree proves once again to be useless in man-on-man.

Dre Bly gives Greg Jennings an inch, he takes a mile... Stop them Denver!

Well, Nate Webster and Champ Bailey made sure that the Packers knew they still can't run on us. Now, let's stop the pass.

There was a sack, Kenny Peterson somehow didn't get to him! Either way, Elvis Dumervil got called for off-sides, so it doesn't matter.

Packers are just marching down the field on Denver, this is pathetic. Come on Bob Slowik, figure it out.

Finally a sack! Doom! Elvis Dumervil lining up on the left side to wrap up the first quarter!

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HBO's Hard Knocks featuring Denver Broncos tonight!

2008-08-20T22:17:00.002-04:00

HBO's Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Dallas Cowboys features Dallas' trip to the Denver Broncos practice in Dove Valley this past week.

Sorry, forgot to announce this earlier, get your DV-R's ready. I'm watching it right now on the east coast. I'll be back to edit this with a review.

Know Your Opponent: Green Bay Packers

2008-08-20T16:25:00.004-04:00

Denver Broncos record vs. Green Bay Packers: Home 4-1 Away 0-4-1, overall 5-5-1.

Connections: The Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers first met each other in 1974 during the preseason at Lambeau Field, the Broncos won 31-21 (the preseason was 6 games back then). The Broncos and Packers, coupled with the New England Patriots are the top three winning teams in the NFL since 1997 (Patriots: 135-73, Packers: 134-74, Broncos: 130-78). Since the NFL incorporated a 16 game season, Denver holds the most season with an undefeated record at home (4), the Packers are tied for second (3) with the Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. Broncos are 6-2 in the preseason vs. the Packers and undefeated at home in the preseason.

On Denver's side: Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Bob Slowik came to Denver via Green Bay, where he was the defensive backs coach (2000-2001), assistant head-coach/defensive backs (2002-2003) and defensive coordinator (2004). Denver offensive assistant offensive coach Joe Baker coached the secondary in Green Bay in 2004, where they led the league against the pass. Denver defensive assistant Charlie Jackson also coached with Green Bay in 2006 where he was a defensive assistant/quality control.

Denver safety Marquand Manuel started every game for Green Bay in 2006, totaling a career-high 102 tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown.

History: Most notably Denver defeated Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII, other than that it seems to be whoever is playing at home historically wins the ball game. With the exception of last season's 82-yard connection courtesy of Brett Favre. Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler have befriended one another this off-season.

Key contributors: WR- Donald Driver, WR- Greg Jennings, RB- Ryan Grant, OL- Chad Clifton, LB- Nick Barnett, CB- Al Harris, CB- Charles Woodson and S- Atari Bigby.

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Tom Nalen to have another surgery

2008-08-20T16:10:00.004-04:00

The Denver Post is reporting that Denver Broncos center Tom Nalen is going in for what head coach Mike Shanahan refers to as a, "clean-up." The surgery is to take place on Friday and comes after Nalen participated, though limited, in practice the last two days. This procedure is a last effort to have the ailing center ready for the Broncos Monday Night Football regular season debut two Mondays from now against the Oakland Raiders.

Nalen's backup at center Casey Wiegmann has anchored the offensive-line, that returns only one starter from last season, the whole preseason. Denver's in good hands either way, to me the situation is starting to make me look over out of the corner of my eye a little bit. Tom Nalen is a sure fire Hall of Famer and he may be desperately clinging to life in the NFL. Denver can afford to lose him, though it will burn...

Best of luck to Tom and we here at Broncos Denver Broncos hope that he is able to return soon.

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Sundquist joins ProFootballTalk

2008-08-20T13:52:00.003-04:00

Former Denver Broncos General Manager Ted Sundquist has joined Mike Florio and the gang at ProFootballTalk.com. Florio explains:

"We’re pleased, thrilled, happy, and frankly a bit befuddled to announce that former Denver Broncos G.M. Ted Sundquist will be joining the PFT team.

Seriously.

Ted will be responsible for a brand-new feature on the site. Each week, he’ll provide a scouting report for three selected games. Then, after the games are played, he’ll provide a scouting breakdown of each of the three contests."

Well, that's certainly exciting, should provide incredible insight, similar to how Sports Illustrated's Mike Lombardi is able to say so much with so little and provide incredible insight with his blurbs on his blog.

Ted Sundquist is no stranger to blogging either, he had a blog last year on DenverBroncos.com.

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TMQ article opens up some old wounds

2008-08-19T21:05:00.004-04:00

I might be part to blame, calling that the 2008 Denver Broncos would finish somewhere between 14-2 and 12-4 this season. I predicted nearly every preseason position battles winner (including Marquand Manuel over Hamza Abdullah), I predicted the rise of Jay Cutler and Eddie Royal and I've also predicted that Andre Hall would be the number one back in Denver (okay that one hasn't happened yet, but I've finally got the bandwagon behind me).

An unconscious memory was ripped to the forefront of my brain after reading this afternoon's TMQ Broncos Preview. Dripping in glossy sarcasm ESPN.com Page 2's Greg Easterbrook, points out that amongst other things:

"Bob Slowik is the new guy, and twice already Slowik has been fired after a one-year stint as an NFL defensive coordinator. This makes him an ideal fit for the Denver program."

Ouch, I don't want to point out that once Slowik took over the Broncos defense last season, the running defense specifically bumped up three pegs, from worst in the league to 29th in the league. Granted the Broncos shut down the San Diego Charger's LaDanian Tomlinson in a meaningless game, the same defense shut down Minnesota Viking's Adrian Peterson in a game that would have sent the Vikings into the playoffs.

I'm not here to be a homer or to rebut every point made by TMQ, there are very valid points made in the article. They were valid seven months ago too, but take into account those two games I mentioned in the last paragraph and package them with how Dallas' new one-two-punch did last weekend.

"The Broncos were 7-4 with the inside track to a wild-card berth, quarterbacked by Jake Plummer, a career 41-22 with Denver, and boasting one of the league's top defenses. Then The Ultimate Leader, Mike Shanahan, benched Plummer and sent in rookie signal-caller Jay Cutler. Since that moment, the Broncos are 9-12, their defense has gone Fizzie and even their vaunted rushing game has become mortal, slipping to ninth in 2007."

Need I say more? Jake Plummer was quite a quarterback, but had Denver stuck with Steve DeBerg (another guy who was quite a quarterback) in 1983 John Elway would never have emerged. Plummer had his shot, multiple times in the playoffs and he blew it, multiple times in the playoffs.

It's getting old, fans of Denver are ready to look forward to the upcoming season, why can't the media just let them? Take into account now, not last week, month, year... Right now, that's what matters.

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Report: Horn likes San Diego & Denver

2008-08-19T19:10:00.005-04:00

UPDATE: Joe Horn's agent has contacted every team.

The Atlanta Falcons have finally caved to wide receiver Joe Horn's demand to be traded

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson is reporting:

[Joe Horn's] agent, Ralph Vitolo, said he plans to talk to both teams.
"If they are interested in us, we'd be interested in them," Vitolo said of the Chargers and the Broncos.

Not sure if everyone knows the Joe Horn story, it's only a little reminiscent of a recent of a recently retired Bronco receiver. Horn had signed a letter of intent to play college football at the University of South Carolina, however, do to a bad GPA and low SAT score he was not able to attend the school. Horn went to junior college at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, MS. In his two years at Intawamba, he had 54 catches for 878 yards and seven touchdowns.

He returned home to Fayetteville, NC after having little success in college, to work with his mother at a Bojangles restaurant. While there he was down to his last six dollars when he decided to buy a Jerry Rice workout tape for $3,95 at a local Blockbuster (from Wikipedia):

He then proceeded to work out in Fayetteville and made a highlight film with some colorful music which he sent to various teams. Memphis Mad Dogs coach Pepper Rodgers got this tape and offerend Horn a contract. He was signed by the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League for the 1995 season, where he led his team in receptions (71) and receiving yards (1414).

Why would Horn not be interested in the Raiders or the Chiefs? Well, Horn began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, who drafted him out of the CFL in 1996. When he left the Chiefs in 2000 for the New Orleans Saints he blew up, catching 94 passes for 1,354 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Horn has had four years in his career in which he's received over 1,000 yards. He has 603 career receptions, 8,733 yards and 58 touchdowns in 12 years in the NFL.

Trouble in Oakland

2008-08-18T17:16:00.003-04:00

While it is absolutely no secret that there is a cold war between Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and owner Al Davis, Kiffin's making it even less of a secret how miserable the situation is getting.

In two articles from the Contra Costa Times entitled, "Coach Kiffin has no power to upgrade Raiders roster," and, "Does Raiders coach Kiffin want confrontation with Al Davis?" The paper highlights several quotes from Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, including, but not limited to the following:

"I'm trying to win," Kiffin responded Sunday.

To which the paper asks:

Win what, exactly? Games, or his own freedom?

In the confrontation article, the paper bring up the following Kiffin quotes:

Day 1 of training camp: "When you take this job you realize who the owner is and you realize most guys don't last really long, so that is what it is." (He added that he and Davis have a "working relationship" and a shared desire to win.)

Day 3 of camp: After praising defensive lineman Tommy Kelly's potential, Kiffin noted: "He's got a lot to prove now with that contract."

Last Monday, Aug. 11: Disappointed by the team's depth, Kiffin said: "It's been a situation that, unfortunately, we haven't brought guys in. I control what I can control. We come out every day and get our guys as good as we can. I'm pleased with the top of our roster, but we need to add to the bottom of our roster. We need more competition."

Friday night, after losing at Tennessee: In terms of who might supplant punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins, Kiffin said: "I really don't have anybody to look at, that's the problem. There isn't anybody there that's very dynamic with the ball."

Saturday media conference call: Rightfully irked by wide receiver Javon Walker missing two catch-able passes Friday, Kiffin said: "... That's discouraging because he was paid an awful lot of money, paid like one of the top five receivers in the NFL. We need him to make those plays.

What does this mean for the Denver Broncos? Well, it certainly can't hurt our week one odds of emerging undefeated and welcoming the San Diego Chargers into Mile High. I truly do feel for Lane Kiffin, well as much as I possibly could for a Raiders coach, remember Mike Shanahan was a coach under Al Davis for a short time. I know not everyone has worked for a geriatric boss who takes every opportunity to illustrate his power, but I have and Kiffin going public at 33 years-old, is probably the smartest thing that he can do.

He's showing the potential employers out there that this situation isn't his fault. Of course he'll have no problem taking complete credit if they win either.

BroncoTalk Ticket Giveaway

2008-08-18T01:32:00.003-04:00

Kyle over at BroncoTalk let me know about a ticket give away they are holding over at his blog BroncoTalk. Here's the information:

"BroncoTalk - your source for Denver Broncos football - is very happy to announce a contest that will land one lucky Denver Broncos fan a $100 gift certificate from VividSeats.com! Vivid Seats has always been your source for Denver Broncos tickets, and now they’ve agreed to give some away to our readers for free."

You must follow this link here to enter the contest and it involves leaving a comment, but the whole ordeal takes less than a minute. So go for it!

Update: John Lynch

2008-08-18T01:18:00.004-04:00

I was in person to witness John Lynch's debut as a New England Patriot tonight. The game was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots, John Lynch was announced during the starting lineups as the starting free safety. Lynch's hometown crowd went crazy.

John Lynch didn't start of course, he was on the field a handful of times and looked lost. Can't blame him, he's been incorporated into that defense all of what four days? However, were I Brian Griese or Luke McCown I would have targeted him.

By the way, two minutes into the third quarter, the score was Tampa Bay 24, New England 3. Then I left...

The Darkside of John Lynch's Decision

2008-08-17T00:08:00.006-04:00

Do you think that when John Lynch made the decision to leave the Denver Broncos last month that he thought for a second that the Denver Broncos had a chance at a Super Bowl? Of course not, he wouldn't have left, fear around these offices was that he would return home to San Diego... He did one better, he moved in with the New England Patriots. Yet, with the Patriots John Lynch will see even less time then he would have with Denver. How does that feel for a backhand Denver? Smarts a little bit and every little bit helps, because Denver plays New England mid-season and they don't really have anything to prove, just Lynch- who won't be on the field much. Denver, however, will be on the field the whole time.

Quick question, with all of the discussion of legacy and athletes playing out their careers beyond their time. What if Denver were to go to the Super Bowl this season and not New England. Would John Lynch become this years Tiki Barber? There's a man who lost a lot of respect, I'm sure not just in New York. Tiki Barber's decision to retire couldn't have backfired worse, he's been the butt of a lot of jokes and probably will continue to be now that Michael Strahan has a job in broadcasting.

Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys: Fourth Quarter

2008-08-16T23:20:00.007-04:00

Phelps won his 8th Gold Medal or 7th?

It's good to finally hear Keary Colbert's name.

Alright, Patrick Ramsey's a bum, leaving Glenn Martinez open like that. Hope that he's okay.

Are we seeing elements of Bob Slowik's, "Bend but don't break," defense? It's possible, haven't really seen a blitz or even eight men in the box yet this game. So it's hard to tell, during the season, I expect to see much more blitzing, especially from the corners and safeties though.

Please let Darrell Hackney come into the game with eight minutes left.

I think I jinxed Clifford Russell, Glen Martinez made a smart play downing the botched kick off.

No Darrell Hackney.

Brett Kern just redefined, "Booming," a punt.

Good to see Spencer Larsen having a presence this game on special teams.

Forgot to say that I like Jordan Beck this game on defense too, injuries are getting him many more reps.

Don't know what to think of Tyrone Poole in his first game back with Denver. Biggest hit I've seen him make came against Jarvis Moss so far.

Spencer Larsen laced Richard Bartel, good hit.

Jack Williams saved the game! Haha, should have been a pick six though.

Oh sure, now Darrell Hackney comes in.

Matt Prater goes 3 of 4 again this game.

Denver wins! 23-13.

Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys: 3rd Quarter

2008-08-16T22:38:00.007-04:00

Hamza Abdullah was in on the first five tackles in the first drive. Think he wants a shot back at the first team?

Rookie linebacker Wesley Woodyard's getting beat in coverage, but is still tackling well.

Defensive tackle Nic Clemons is quick for a big dude.

We could use someone like Nick Folk on our team.

Did I mention Clifford Russell is my dark horse at wide out this year? I hope we get to see a lot of him this second half. Guy can block too.

How many interceptions do you think Patrick Ramsey throws this game? I got $50 on two interceptions.

Wow, speak of the devil, see who almost came up with the blocked pass? That was Clifford Russell.

Did Brett Kern just become the number one punter or the number two?

Patrick Ramsey just can't stop throwing interceptions can he!?! Pass interference or not, that was illegal contact before the pass was thrown. I guess when you're complaining about the backup... Things could be worse.

They're running Oldman [Michael] Pittman way too much, Denver's going to be down to two running backs by the end of the game. Can Spencer Larsen play tailback?

Clifford Russell with the first down! 19 yards.

If Matt Prater misses this field goal, Mike Shanahan should just cut him here, during the game.

He keeps his job for one more play.

Jack Williams missed a pick six. Come on rookie.

Denver Broncos second-team defensive line is creating major pressure on Dallas' second-team offense and third-string quarterback Richard Bartel.

Keep it on refresh here folks.

Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys: Second Quarter

2008-08-16T21:54:00.005-04:00

Our defensive line is looking better this second series as well.

Eddie Royal not impressive on his first punt return, chalk that one up to the blocks he didn't receive though.

I was about to say that Selvin Young looks like a backup, but he's redeeming himself. Saw Andre Hall run over half the Dallas defense though. Including Zach Thomas, Roy Williams and Tank Johnson.

That pressure on Brad Johnson is encouraging, nice to see Josh Mallard and Jarvis Moss making those pushes with Elvis Dumervil on the sack. Three team rush.

Why is Domonique Foxworth not the number two corner back in Denver? We just saw why. He tackles well though, but the object is to stop your receiver from catching.

Let's see the two minute offense...

Okay, Matt Prater, time to make a move. There will be riots in the streets of Colorado and south Wyoming if Denver loses a game over a missed field goal.

Keep it on refresh after every quarter or so....

Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys: First Quarter

2008-08-16T21:08:00.008-04:00

What's the purpose of such a wide sweep? Selvin Young and Andre Hall being set back so much the whole defense can get to the LOS before Denver...

Eddie Royal, big catch! I love how much Denver's passing.

I've been telling everyone about Andre Hall, what more can I say?

One play in Niko Koutouvides looks a little like a former #53 in Denver.

Later in the same drive, Terrell Owens beat both Niko Koutouvides and Dre Bly, but the pass was incomplete.

Broncos run defense is atrocious as is the rush. Dodged a bullet coming away with a punt there...

Andre Hall... Eddie Royal anyone? This is the preseason Super Bowl contender defense folks...

keep it on refresh after every quarter or so....

Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys: Pregame thoughts

2008-08-16T20:56:00.003-04:00

I'm not going to be live blogging, but I will be jumping in with my thoughts tonight, so keep it on refresh after every quarter or so....

- Is Denver's defensive line the real deal?
- Can Denver's offensive line hold?
- How good is Eddie Royal?/Can we see him return a punt this game please Cowboys?
- Will Selvin Young outshine Andre Hall?
- Can Darrell Hackney take the reigns?

And Brandon said....

2008-08-16T11:33:00.003-04:00

You may be through with Brandon Marshall, but Brandon Marshall is not through with you Roger Goodell. Brandon Marshall appealed his three-game suspension on Thursday. Marshall's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg said that there would be an appeal, but that was around the time that Marshall was suspended.

Don't expect much to come from this, it is unlikely that this appeal will have the upstart receiver suited against the Oakland Raiders or San Diego Chargers (at least not the first time Denver plays the two teams). However, Marshall will most likely be able to make it back by the game against the New Orleans Saints, but this appeal isn't going to make that decision any easier on the commissioner.

Don't believe the hype...

2008-08-16T00:26:00.004-04:00

While there is little doubt that Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is the real deal, don't take him embarrassing Dallas Cowboys Pacman Jones as the proof. Yes, Pacman is an up-and-coming corner back in the NFL, but he's still only a second-teamer. He will eventually challenge Anthony Henry, but if anyone's been watching Hard Knocks then they know, Pacman's not the prodigal son. What he is, is a great returner and a decent corner.

When can Denver fans believe the hype? After the first quarter today (Saturday), fans are going to get an opportunity to see DeWayne Robertson as a Bronco for what coach Mike Shanahan says will be 10-12 plays. Fans will also get to see the Denver Broncos secondary minus their best player (Champ Bailey will likely be out the entire preseason, why risk it?) go up against a very strong wide receiver corps in Dallas, featuring Terrell Owens, Jason Whitten and Patrick Crayton. Denver's offensive line vs. Dallas' defensive line and vice versa, Denver's defensive line will be tested immediately by the Cowboys run game.

The other thing to be on the watch for, rookie running back Anthony Aldridge will be out this game. If Andre Hall's going to make his point and push to be the starter, he has likely his only opportunity prior to the season to do it against Dallas. Denver only has three running backs suited for this game. If Andre Hall's going to make that push, the good news is that rookie fullback Peyton Hillis will be guiding him.

Shots Fired: Marcus Thomas vs. Flozell Adams

2008-08-14T15:15:00.005-04:00

I was a major proponent of the Denver Broncos bring in Flozell Adams this off-season, I guess we can all see now why we didn't. Him and Marcus Thomas wouldn't have gotten along at all (haha). Today a fight broke out in which Flozell Adams, apparently, ripped off Denver defensive tackle Marcus Thomas' helmet and swung it back towards his face.

The HBO Hard Knocks crew should enjoy editing that one together and Denver fans can enjoy it next Wednesday night.

I would make this a two part Shots Fired article, but Brandon Marshall is owning Pacman Jones... It's funny to see these two jawing at each other, with the NFL's attention weighing heavily on both.

picture courtesy of AP via Dallas Morning News.

Lynch signs with Patriots

2008-08-14T10:31:00.007-04:00

John Lynch has signed with the New England Patriots. The Patriots had been exploring a position similar to the one Lynch may be taking over, for Tank Williams. Williams is now on the injured reserve.

The Patriots already have a safety, very similar to Lynch in Rodney Harrison, except Harrison is younger and most likely to see the base defense, as well as the nickel reps.

Although according to Bill Belichick, John Lynch is not under contract.

UPDATE: The source was correct, Lynch is officially a member of the New England Patriots. Hope he makes it to Tampa, so I can see him on Sunday.

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 17, Dallas Cowboys

2008-08-13T16:32:00.005-04:00

Is there worry in Denver that Champ Bailey and Dre Bly could go down this season? Was the competition at the lower end of the corner back depth chart not stiff enough? Is Denver worried that their wide receivers aren't being covered well enough?

Exit: Christian Morton and Lamont Reid. Enter: Wale Dada and Tyrone Poole.

Tyrone Poole visited Denver very early in camp and I suggested that "[Mike] Shanahan likes to bring on older players in camp to guide younger players along. For example, Jerry Rice retired as a Bronco." So that's that.

The Dallas Cowboys are in Dove Valley and so is HBO's Hard Knocks, so it should be exciting to get to see the clips next week on Wednesday, as Bronco fans are not allowed to attend these practices.

This is the first opportunity that Dallas players have had to hit, former Denver Broncos coach Wade Phillips does not allow hitting in his training camp. That being said, out of practice today were: Tom Nalen, Boss Bailey, Champ Bailey, Louis Green and Ryan Torain.

Here's some notes:

Wesley Woodyard, taking advantage of injuries to linebackers and strong performance in Saturday's game in Houston, cracked into the second team defense. As did Jordan Beck for what it's worth.

How was Denver's offensive line against Dallas' defensive line? Very good, Andre Hall performed exceptionally well. As Gray Caldwell on Denver's official site noted, "It seems every time he touched the ball, he would always get at least five or six yards before ever being touched." As far as I know, I'm the only Bronco fan willing to take Andre Hall seriously. I've been declaring him the starter for at least two months. Then again, I was wrong about Brandon Marshall's suspension. During eleven-on-elevens Dallas' 3-4 defense was only able to penetrate Denver's line on one play. They looked very impressive.

Speaking of Brandon Marshall, he owned Pacman Jones. Jones later commented that Marshall was, "Nowhere near Terrell Owens."

"That's fine, we go against Champ [Bailey] every day," Jay Cutler responded. Let's watch and see where the two former Tennessee boys take it (maybe even a Shots Fired: column).

I may have called the fullback position battle a little too early yesterday, Peyton Hillis could win it. He looked good blocking and catching going up against Dallas' starters. It's good to have him healthy and participating in practice.

Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey also seems to have gotten himself together a little bit. He threw no interceptions this practice and connected with Keary Colbert and Clifford Russell on impressive passes.

Defensively Denver looked good going against the Dallas offense, despite Denver not having their number one corner and strong side linebacker. Jamie Winborn filled in well and DeWayne Robertson was a juggernaut during one-on-ones, I'm not going to jinx anything by getting too excited about Robertson's play.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Report: Day 16

2008-08-12T14:48:00.005-04:00

I've been all over the place since last Friday, so I apologize for the lack of updates. There's not a ton to report from Day 15 or Day 16 for the matter, but I will give tidbits on what should be noted.

I may have jinxed Lamont Reid yesterday, as Denver waived the corner back last night. Reid was waived to make room for Wale Dada, that'll be a fun name to say if he can make an impact. Dada has yet to play a game in the NFL, but spent the second half of last season on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.

Out of pads today: Hamza Abdullah, Champ Bailey, Louis Green, Boss Bailey, Peyton Hillis, Tom Nalen, Erik Pears and Ryan Torain. It should be noted that while Hillis was listed as out, he did in fact participate in practice at fullback. Noticeably absent from the out of pads list is tight end Chad Mustard, who returned yesterday to practice.

Here are my unsolicited best guesses for winners of position battles at this point:

Fullback: Cecil Sapp will likely walk away with this one. Running back Michael Pittman could have been a dark horse candidate had rookie Ryan Torain not gotten hurt early in training camp. Peyton Hillis, who is the best receiving back Denver has, simply cannot get on the practice field. Without being able to practice, young Hillis will not be able to pass anyone on the depth chart.

Second-string Quarterback: Patrick Ramsey will remain the second-string quarterback going into the season. However, if there ever were a need for a second-string quarterback in the regular season lasting longer than a game Darrell Hackney would get the start. Let us just hope with the open roster spot created with Jason Elam's exodus to mecca (Atlanta) and Matt Prater having the incredible ability as a kicker to both kick-off, attempt extra points and kick field goals, that the open roster spot created goes to a third quarterback.

2nd Tight End: Fan favorite Tony Scheffler does not appear to have this position locked down by any means, the Broncos resigned ("Nasty") Nate Jackson which means that they're going to want a return on their investment. Both tight ends have injury issues, neither one has ever made it through an entire season. Scheffler is great once he gets the ball, Jackson is great at getting the ball. In training camp both tight ends have seen time split out, neither end is known for his abilitiy to block, at the same time neither of them have any problem with blocking. My best guess at this point is that Nate Jackson will see more time on the field, but Tony Scheffler will get the ball more often.

Center: If Tom Nalen's healthy, there is no discussion, he will start. If there is any doubt in his head that he's not healthy I would think that he will retire. Leaving Denver with a very experienced Casey Wiegmann, who has not disappointed yet either in training camp or preseason play. In the very unfortunate event the Tom Nalen does retire, PJ Alexander, who can play any position on the offensive line would back up Wiegmann.

Right Guard: It is not out of the ordinary for Chris Kuper to be listed as the number one right guard in preseason, he was last year as well. Last season Montrae Holland ended up beating him out for the start and started every game in 2007. I don't expect there to be any different this season. Chris Kuper will be a back up, the right tackle position will be discussed a paragraph down.

Right Tackle: The message boards are full of chatter of Chris Kuper moving over from right guard, making room for Montrae Holland and starting in the right tackle position. If Chris Kuper were the number one option at right tackle, he would have been playing right tackle all along and someone would have been filling in at right guard. Mike Shanahan named Ryan Harris the starting left guard in Denver way back in January or February. When Denver drafted Ryan Clady at left tackle the obvious move was to put Ryan Harris at right tackle. Right tackle is in many informed and expert opinions the easiest position on the line, as it is generally the side that also features the blocking tight end. Meaning the right tackle and tight end double-team who ever happens to be the opposing left defensive end. When you read about Ryan Harris being "blown up," in camp, this was happening in the first couple of days of camp during one-on-ones. With last season's starting right tackle Erik Pears, out for a bit this week with a soar back and dedicated to second-team left tackle I don't see Pears passing Harris on the depth chart either.

Running Back: Though I've felt that I've called this one ad nauseum, but Andre Hall will start, Selvin Young is the spell back. It's not going to happen just yet, it'll happen shortly after the Dallas game. However, clever Mike Shanahan may wait until just before the Oakland game to announce it. Leaving Oakland Raider coaches scrambling for film. We got a glimpse of Selvin Young early last season and he was exciting, but he sputtered out at the end of the season, why does no one remember that? He wasn't incredibly exciting going up against the number one defense last weekend in Houston either, he had one exciting run that pushed him into the positive yardage column though. The blueprint is being formed right now in Denver, running by committee is the future. Though we're not likely to see Bo Jackson/Marcus Allen production any time soon, but gone soon will be the days where one back carries thirty times per game. Rookie Anthony Aldridge will see carries here and there, as will Michael Pittman, when Ryan Torain is healthy again, expect him to get more than a few serious looks. I'm anti-rookie hype, especially when it comes to running backs, but Ryan Torain could be a huge threat, no team will have been able to scout him and he comes during a time when there are going to most likely be injuries to starters.

Wide Receiver (Y spot/2nd Receiver): Rookie Eddie Royal is the talk of the town, as he will probably start alongside Brandon Marshall when Denver plays the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. However, he's just keeping the chair warm. When the season begins, Darrell Jackson will be the number one receiver and Eddie Royal will remain at number two. Week three versus the New Orleans Saints, Brandon Marshall and Darrell Jackson will start with Brandon Stokley in the slot, Eddie Royal will still see plenty of time and opportunities, but Darrell Jackson is the Broncos man. Incredible depth at wide receiver for Denver, Keary Colbert will likely take the sixth spot on the depth chart. My dark horse candidate at wide receiver is Clifford Russell, did you see his tackle at Houston? Russell narrowly missed an over thrown Darrell Hackney pass that would have made Denver fans see what I've been talking about over the last two weeks. He can make the team based off of his special teams contributions and provides good depth at kick returner and punt returner.

Defensive Line: I don't see anything changing here, Denver's first-team did decent, Jarvis Moss will not be an every down defensive end, at least to start the season off, John Engelberger is too much of a warrior. The Josh Mallard that I've crowned messiah did not do me any favors in Vegas last weekend, but you will see him a lot this season. Marcus Thomas is not disappointing and will do well, once DeWayne Robertson is taking on double teams next to him at defensive tackle. I want to see Tim Crowder do as well as he did at the beginning half of last season, but I want to see him do it the whole season. His spot on the depth chart is proof enough that Denver's not happy with what he's shown so far. The blitzing package that Denver occasionally sets up with in training camp is pretty fierce though: Jarvis Moss, Josh Mallard, Ebenezer Ekuban and Elvis Dumervil, that's overwhelming... If those men get organized, look out.

Middle Linebacker: Niko Koutouvides will get the start against Dallas, if my assumptions are correct and fans will call for Nate Webster. Good depth and intense battle, but Denver just doesn't want to see the money spent on Koutouvides go to waste, they want him to be the number one. However, that number one will be Nate Webster. For one reason, where Koutouvides overshadows Webster the most is in coverage, but Denver's not a team that often has a middle linebacker in coverage. In the nickel package, Denver doesn't even have a middle linebacker on the field. Boss Bailey is incredible in pass coverage and DJ Williams isn't to shabby either. If those two are in coverage, you'll want Nate Webster manning the middle, not Niko Koutouvides. Koutouvides is a special teams ace though and coupled with Jordan Beck, if he can somehow manage a roster spot and the youngster Wesley Woodyard, Denver should improve drastically at kickoff coverage.

Cornerback: Domonique Foxworth vs. Dre Bly, going with Dre Bly on this one. This could mean that Denver loses Domonique Foxworth next off-season. I, as many Denver fans, hope not, but I can't imagine him wanting to spend another season here next year as the nickel back. Foxworth believes that there are thirty-two teams that he's capable of starting for in this league and that is true, but he's not beating out Dre Bly, who is in the top five of current NFL corners for interceptions, this year.

Free Safety: Hamza Abdullah is giving his all to returning to practice, but it might be too little too late. Marquand Manuel is looking good filling in for the injured Abdullah. Prior to being injured Hamza Abdullah could be seen ball hawking in Denver's secondary, but in Marquand Manuel, Denver has Dennis Smith hitting ability. I think that it may come down to what situation Denver's in defensively and we'll call this one a draw for now.

Denver Turmoil - Gorillas in the Mist

2008-08-11T12:56:00.004-04:00

Turmoil
Pronunciation: \ˈtər-ˌmȯi(-ə)l\
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1526
: a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion

Ever found yourself scratching at an itch? Minutes later you look down to see why that itch is burning to find a bug bit? When did it get there, why didn't you feel it, why is it throbbing so much and what are you going to do about all the swollen redness? That about sums up my 2007 Denver Broncos review.

In late February the Denver Broncos began their quest to take care of a couple of those scratches, any and every one of the Broncos fans can tell you; Out are troublesome players and veterans on their last leg.

A team that last year was one of the oldest, this year is one of the youngest, I don't agree with that transition year BS. In reality, there is no such thing as a transition year in the NFL, you're telling me that people's lives are on the line and a team's going to tell them that they're playing in a year that doesn't matter?

So Denver's defensive leaders include a man you'll hardly ever get a quote from in DJ Williams and a man who has redefined the corner back position, Champ Bailey. Could be a whole lot worse off. On the offensive side of the ball, we have future Hall of Famer Tom Nalen and the prodigal son himself Jay Cutler. That's two guaranteed Hall of Fame players, last years second leading tackler in the NFL and a man who is primed to, "Beast," this season, as the kids would note.

There are kinks and outside of Denver this is probably laughable, but inside of Denver fans know that whether Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Anthony Aldridge or Selvin Young is carrying the rock- someone is averaging five yards plus a carry. Whether it is one player rushing for 150 yards per game or four players rushing for 150 yards per game it doesn't matter.

Worried about the offensive line? Ryan Clady looked a little shaky against Mario Williams last week? Too bad, Mario Williams is the next Julius Peterson and Ryan Clady is the next Gary Zimmerman. They've got years to go up against each other. My profound thought of the moment is that despite all of the trouble Williams gave Clady, Jay Cutler was still able to run around Williams' side for 15 yards and dive for a touchdown.

Are fans excited about names like: Wesley Woodyard, Christian Morton, LaMont Reid and Josh Barrett popping off over their 850 KOA's or the KCNC airwaves? Those are third and fourth stringers, a team is determined by their depth and if the upstarts want to shine, let them be bright.

I'm loving it and I'm loving Denver's chances. The best gauge we can possibly get this season is going up against the NFC's best attempt at a Super Bowl contender, next week in the Dallas Cowboys. I have to admit, that I ignored it last season when Dallas handed Denver their asses on a silver platter. This year it won't be ignored, the Broncos will most likely be without DeWayne Robertson, Tom Nalen, Champ Bailey and Boss Bailey this weekend, but those are four of the best starters Denver has. There are no excuses for losing this time. Wade Phillips and the Dallas Cowboys showed no mercy last preseason and I don't expect the Broncos to do the Cowboys any favors this season.

Preseason Football: Denver @ Houston: Observations

2008-08-10T19:55:00.010-04:00

Please accept my sincerest apologies for being absent. Unless you'd like to field some questions on The Iliad, let's get to the first Bronco game of '08.

Quarterbacks:

Jay Cutler: 8-10-0, 60 yds, 1 att, 15 yds TD.
Patrick Ramsey: 8-13-2, 49 yds.
Darrell Hackney:5-8-0, 68 yds, 1 att, 16 yds.

Had Jay Cutler played the whole game, Denver victory. What do you want in a backup? A game manager or a guy who can make plays? Darrell Hackney is making a case for the latter. In the event Patrick Ramsey disappears from the roster, he might be going on a secret mission for the CIA; into Iran to overthrow the Ayatollah (who is always wide open).

Running Backs:

Andre Hall: 8 att, 45 yds, 5.6 avg., 1 rec, 0 yds
Anthony Alridge: 3 att, 20 yds, 6.7 avg, F (FR by Polumbus) 3 rec, 21 yds
Micheal Pittman: 6 att, 18 yds, 3 avg, 1 rec, 5 yds
Selvin Young: 4 att, 7 yds, 2 rec, 21 yds.

This would appear to be the committee. Their success is symbiotic with the offensive line which is brand new. Selvin Young and Andre Hall both ran behind 1st team offensive although I didn't notice if Hall was up against Houston's first-team defense the whole time. Ian predicted the emergence of Andre Hall [editors note: fist pump]. Anthony Alridge is super fast and Michael Pittman is tough inside and a capable receiver. Peyton Hillis needs to get well soon. Selvin Young needs to step up.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends:

Tony Scheffler: 4 rec, 61 yds
Darrell Jackson: 3 rec, 18 yds
Eddie Royal: 2 rec, 13 yds
Nate Jackson: 1 rec, 11 yds
Samie Parker: 1 rec, 10 yds
Brandon Marshall: 2 rec, 8 yds
Daniel Graham: 1 rec, 7 yds

A wide receiver who didn't catch a pass, but made a big play was Cliff Russell who drew pass interference at the +3 giving the Broncos a scoring opportunity in the 4th quarter. He is still very fast as he was at Utah. Eddie Royal looked good. Tony Scheffler is a big part of the passing game as he has always proven to be. Darrell Jackson wasn't used effectively which is a coaching flaw, not his. Keary Colbert drew a pass interference penalty, too, but was otherwise ineffective. It's a good group of receivers who can give Jay Cutler a variety of players to whom to throw.

Offensive Line:

The starting line which played the first half has essentially two rookie tackles (i.e., the Ryans). Houston's upstart defensive lineman Mario Williams pushed Ryan Clady around which was a good experience for Clady. Ryan Harris drew four penalties only two of which he deserved. The illegal formation one could have as easily been given to the other Ryan or the guards. One holding call was a bogus flag thrown by a guy on the sideline who was seeing things. The false start and one holding were deserved. Not too bad; nothing that can't be fixed. In the event Montrae Holland returns and starts and Chris Kuper returns to right tackle, Ryan Harris is definitely the #6 offensive lineman. Casey Wiegmann did a good job as did Ben Hamilton. These guys need chemistry and that will only come with playing together. Stay tuned for what happens with Tom Nalen whose injuries are nagging him to the extent he is sidelined. Depth is good.

Special Teams:

Matt Prater was 3 of 4 on field goal attempts. His kickoffs mostly came down at the +5 to the goal line. Sam Paulescu's one punt was fielded 52 yards from the LOS and was returned. Brett Kern's one punt was fielded 42 yards from the line of scrimmage with more hang time and wasn't returned. Both held for extra points and field goal attempts. Eddie Royal had two kick off returns for 47 yds, Clifford Russell had one for 27, Anthony Aldridge one for 24 and Andre Hall one for 20. Glenn Martinez fielded one punt for two yards. The leading special teams tackler was Wesley Woodyard with three including the stop on Matt Turk who tried to advance a punt attempt for a first down and came up one yard short; ball over to Denver on downs-big play. Clifford Russell had two special teams tackles, and Michael Pittman forced a fumble which Cecil Sapp recovered.

Defense:

The only sack was shared by linebacker Jordan Beck and defensive tackle Steven Harris. There were no picks. Boss Bailey injured his bad ankle and his backup, Louis Green, injured his neck and suffered a concussion. The Broncos are extremely lucky to have Jamie Winborn who switched from DJ Williams backup to first team strong side linebacker and did a great job. That put Jordan Beck as DJ Williams backup where he played as weak side linebacker during the second half. Nate Webster had one tackle and two assists and a flying helmet. Niko Koutouvides and Spencer Larsen each had four assists. The most outstanding starter was Domonique Foxworth with three solo and two assists including a 5 yd tackle for loss. He is making his case. The defense was without DeWayne Robertson and Champ Bailey and very quickly lost Boss and Louis. The interior defensive line played well with Kenny Peterson logging two solos and Marcus Thomas had one. The defensive ends need to step up. I expect some shuffling/experimenting there. Ebenezer Ekuban had two solos and two assists and an offsides penalty.

The second teamers in the second half produced the leading tacklers:
Josh Barrett: 7 solo and 6 assists
Jordan Beck: 5 solo, 3 assists, 1/2 sack
Wesley Woodyard: 5 solo, 1 assist
LaMont Reid and Christian Morton had 4 solos each with the latter including a 7 yd sack.

Josh Barrett's detractors have described him as looking like Tarzan and playing like Jane. If so, Jane had a hearty meal of roast Texan Saturday night which was fresh-kill. He was in the box, often lining up over the TE in a 9 tech on the line of scrimmage. Having heard nothing about Wesley Woodyard from training camp reports, he suddenly exploded during the game making big plays on special teams and defense. On running plays these two totally attack the line of scrimmage. Josh Barrett came down the line of scrimmage several times and I didn't even notice him until he was the last guy to get up from the bottom of the pile. I had to pause the DVR and advance it one click at a time just to figure out where he came from. Wesley Woodyard and Josh Barrett also have great speed for guys their size. They seem to work well with Spencer Larsen and Jordan Beck. The linebacker depth and Jim Ryan's great coaching was very much in need and it all came through.

I expect to see more from the Broncos in next week's game with the Dallas Cowboys besides the vanilla O & D which they showed ... except not during practice ... with Dallas, that is.

CBS Channel 4 in Denver gets a C+/B- and an A for effort. The box guys need binoculars ... or bifocals. The director needs more monitors and helpers and to stop showing graphics instead of THE PLAY WE'RE MISSING. Also, how about more replays? But, hey, thanks for broadcasting the game. Do it again ... please?

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New Bronco Blogger - Horvil Tiki goes live

2008-08-10T13:24:00.005-04:00

"Got to hone it guy!" Horvil Tiki goes live! I'm hoping that he doesn't mind me putting that up.

He ignored my pleas to join the Broncos Denver Broncos blog, but it looks like Mr. Tiki has gotten himself his own blog.

Words cannot express how much I love reading Horvil's posts, you can find him responding to The Denver Post and (I believe) The Rocky Mountain News Bronco articles. It's only a matter of time before Woody Paige has to mention him on ESPN.

I admire whoever is using the pen name Horvil Tiki, let's just hope that he doesn't spawn any copycats. That could get annoying.

Here's Horvil welcoming you to his blog:

"Hey guy welcome I so happy to have site. Panff makey all this he say fill with content. I not know what the content is. He say just rite stuff guy. So here I is to makey all the post. I is happy to have hooge website. It like walk in Shanhan massive house and guy say here is key you can have shanhan house. I was is so happy guy if have shanhan house I go and try to call bronco cheerleader first thing. Say come for to look at my hooge house."

He's not for everyone, but personally I can't wait to check his blog out every day. Between Horvil Tiki and Mr. Hercules Rockefellar (Orange Bucksnorts) I'm loving Bronco Blogs right now.

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Madden 09: Broncos Roster Updates

2008-08-09T23:58:00.005-04:00

Not that this is official Denver Broncos news, but is exciting to many of your readers, I am sure, I've put the parts below that will directly affect your team in bold:

EA Sports has released the breakdown of all the changes within the roster update for Madden 09 that will be out by (or on) release day. An update has already been done taking care of many of the changes that are detailed even as they continue to add to the upcoming one to make it the most accurate possible.

Last year there was an average of just below two updates a month which would seem sufficient. The problem was a long painful stretch from mid-November to mid-January that lacked any. If they can keep the consistency up this year than everyone should be pleased with the post-release roster support.

One thing that isn’t noted in this list is the fixing of player numbers. I immediately noticed that Julian Peterson had gone from the #59 of last year to the #98 of this year. Continue on to view the complete list of transactions, ratings adjustments, new contract lengths, and injured reserve placement.

Transactions
HB Cedric Benson – Released to Free Agents
HB Kevin Jones – Signs with Bears
CB Blue Adams – Released by Bengals (Removed)
HB Kenny Irons – Released by Bengals
HB DeDe Dorsey – Added to Bengals
LT Demetrius Bell – Released to Free Agents
LB Donnie Spragan – Signs with Bills
HB Mike Bell – Released by Broncos DT Carlton Powell – Released to Free Agents (IR) DT Kenny Peterson – Added to Broncos FB Peyton Hillis – Added to Broncos FS John Lynch – Released by Broncos
C LeCharles Bentley – Released by Browns
QB Ken Dorsey – Released to Free Agents
C Marvin Philip – Added to Browns
WR Kevin Kasper – Added to Browns
LB Ryan Nece – Added to Bucs
TE Troy Bienemann – Released by Cardinals
RT Kelly Butler – Signs with Cardinals
LG Jasper Harvey – Added to Cardinals
LG Scott Peters – Removed (IR)
HB Marcel Shipp – Released by Cardinals
WR Eric Parker – Released by Chargers
K Billy Cundiff – Released by Chiefs
FB Oliver Hoyte – Released to Free Agents
FB Chris Manderino – Added to Chiefs
K Nick Novak – Added to Chiefs
LB Nate Harris – Released by Chiefs (Removed)
FS Brandon Condren – Added to Colts
WR Terry Glenn – Released by Cowboys
RT Julius Wilson – Released by Dolphins
RT Trey Darilek – Added to Dolphins
DE Quentin Moses – Added to Dolphins
DT Dan Klecko – Released to Free Agents
DT LaJuan Ramsey – Released to Free Agents
DT Kimo von Oelhoffen – Signs with Eagles
FB Jason Davis – Added to Eagles
FS Jimmy Williams – Released by Falcons
CB Wilrey Fontenot – Added to Falcons
DT Grady Jackson – Signs with Falcons
LG Qasim Mitchell – Released to Free Agents
RT Shane Olivea – Signs with Giants
DE Renaldo Wynn – Signs with Giants
TE Michael Matthews – Added to Giants
RT Adam Koets – Released to Free Agents
LT Barry Sims – Added to 49ers
S Darnell Bing – Released by Jets (Removed)
QB Chad Pennington – Released to Free Agents
SS Cameron Worrell – Signs with Jets
WR Devale Ellis – Added to Lions
QB Brett Favre – Traded to Jets
FB John Kuhn – Released to Free Agents
HB Alex Haynes – Released by Panthers
FB Kyle Eckel – Released to Free Agents
LB Jon Alston – Released to Free Agents
S Greg Wesley – Signs with Raiders
WR Todd Watkins – Added to Raiders
RT Seth Wand – Added to Raiders
RT Mark Wilson – Released to Free Agents (IR)
HB LaMont Jordan – Released by Raiders/Signs with Patriots
LB Vince Hall – Released to Free Agents
LB David Vobora – Added to Rams
FS Eric Bassey – Added to Rams
FS Stuart Schweigert – Released by Redskins
DE Jason Taylor – Traded to Redskins
TE Tyler Ecker – Released to Free Agents
TE Jeremy Shockey – Traded to Saints
SS Mike Green – Released by Seahawks
SS Jamar Adams – Signs with Seahawks
HB Najeh Davenport – Released by Steelers
P Paul Ernster – Signs with Steelers
LT Tony Hills – Released to Free Agents
HB Gary Russell – Added to Steelers
QB Quinn Gray – Released by Texans
LT Jordan Black – Released by Texans
WR Mike Williams – Released by Titans
DE Sean Conover – Added to Titans
HB Travis Henry – Suspended
DT Claude Wroten – Suspended
LB Ian Gold - Retires
DE Michael Strahan – Retires
G Gene Mruczkowski – Retires
DT Quinn Pitcock – Retires
S Artrell Hawkins - Retires

Ratings Up
RT Stacey Andrews – Bengals – 78 to 83 – Franchise tagged. A versatile lineman that can play 4 positions.
LB Brandon Johnson – Bengals – 67 to 71 – Has impressed with 1st round pick Keith Rivers holding out.
HB Chris Perry – Bengals – 80 to 82 – Early word is that he has recovered from injuries that cost him the better part of his first 4 seasons.
LG Andrew Whitworth – Bengals – 82 to 86 – Mammoth body at LG for the Bengals. Just received a contract extension.
HB Kenny Watson – Bengals – 82 to 83 – Underrated backup in Cincy behind Rudi Johnson.
WR Steve Johnson – Bills – 71 to 75 – 4 year College player from Kentucky drafted in the 7th round has been good so far in camp. HB Ryan Torain – Broncos – 71 to 76 – An torn ligament to his elbow put this budding Denver backs campaign for the starting position on hold for now.
WR Michael Clayton – Bucs – 78 to 79 – Gruden says he looks like the old Michael Clayton again and looks to be in the mix this season.
LB Bertrand Berry – Cardinals – 82 to 84 – Injuries have cost Berry the past two seasons. He looks to regain his pass rushing form that netted him 26 sacks in 03’ and ’04.
HB Tim Hightower – Cardinals – 71 to 74 – Marcel Shipp was cut to give this guy the backup tailback job to this rookie 5th rounder from Richmond.
WR Marvin Harrison – Colts – 94 to 96 – Early word is his knee is fine and the old Marvin is back.
LB Clint Session – Colts – 70 to 75 – In a battle for a starting linebacker spot with the injured Tyjuan Hagler.
WR Isaiah Stanback – Cowboys – 66 to 68 – The Cowboys have continued to speak highly about this former college QB’s transition to WR. This is his second season at WR.
HB Ricky Williams – Dolphins – 83 to 85 – Ricky looks like “a beast” and is running very hard and should get plenty of carries this year in Miami.
WR Derek Hagan – Dolphins – 72 to 76 – Has jumped Ernest Wilford on the depth chart. Not likely to stick but he has drawn praise on his growth from last season.
DE Victor Abiamiri – Eagles – 75 to 79 – In a position battle with Juqua Parker to start opposite Trent Cole in Philly.
DT Mike Patterson – Eagles – 84 to 87 – Averaging over 50 tackles and 3 sacks a season his first three years in the NFL out of USC.
HB Lorenzo Booker – Eagles – 77 to 79 – Looks to be in the mix for touches in Philly this year and has passed Tony Hunt on the depth chart after being acquired from the Dolphins for a 4th round pick in the offseason.
LB Akeem Jordan – Eagles – 64 to 69 – Is the Eagles 4th LB this year and should be more involved.
CB Brent Grimes – Falcons – 68 to 72 – His role just got bigger as the Falcons lost free agent CB Von Hutchins for the year.
RG Max Jean-Gilles – Eagles – 80 to 82 – Keeps drawing praise for his play while Shawn Andrews was out after a strong finish to last season.
HB Michael Robinson – 49ers – 77 to 79 – Fighting off free agent pickup DeShaun Foster for backup touches in San Francisco.
TE Delanie Walker – 49ers – 73 to 77 – “Freakishly athletic” TE for the Niners. Looks to be in line for some playing time as Martz loves him so far.
WR Mike Walker – Jaguars – 71 to 75 – Looks to have recovered from a knee injury last year and has looked good early.
CB Leigh Bodden – Lions – 90 to 91 – Acquired from Cleveland for Shaun Rogers in the offseason. Is one of the leagues underrated corners now playing in the Tampa 2.
DE Cliff Avril – Lions – 76 to 79 – This guy is gonna be a problem for tackles for a while. Looks to be a real threat coming off the edge in his rookie year.
CB Tramon Williams – Packers – 75 to 78 – Fighting off rookie Pat Lee for the nickel job in Green Bay. Also is an explosive returner in the return game.
LB Desmond Bishop – Packers – 73 to 75 – Has past Abdul Hodge for the backup MLB job behind Nick Barnett.
HB Brandon Jackson – Packers – 81 to 83 – Did his play in camp get Ryan Grant to rush back? Looks to be improved from his rookie season.
WR Sam Aiken – Patriots – 68 to 73 – Has risen up the Patriots WR depth chart after being signed from Buffalo in the offseason.
LB Ricky Brown – Raiders – 62 to 71 – Currently penciled in as the Raiders starting strong side linebacker.
QB Andrew Walter – Raiders – 76 to 78 – If given time offers a more than serviceable backup in Oakland.
DT Cliff Ryan – Rams – 74 to 77 – Had 30 tackles and 2 sacks his rookie year. His role just got bigger with the loss of DT Claude Wroten to a yearlong suspension.
QB Troy Smith – Ravens – 73 to 76 – In the fold to start at quarterback for the Ravens. Consistently struggles with accuracy but might be a good manager for a team that might make one more run before surefire rebuilding begins.
WR Derrick Mason – Ravens – 87 to 89 – Has had 1,000 yards 6 out of the past 7 season, and 2 out of 3 in Baltimore. Had one of his best season last year.
FS Haruki Nakamura – Ravens – 72 to 77 – Has been a true “ball hawk” in camp and will be in the field this year it looks like.
HB Willis McGahee – Ravens – 91 to 92 – Rushed for 1,200+ yards with 7 TD’s and 40+ catches on a team with a limited passing game. Knee injuries have been bothering him this far in camp.
QB Colt Brennan – Redskins – 73 to 74 – Looks like everyone was hard on him for getting met in the backfield by two SEC ends on every play in the bowl game. Looked sharp in his preseason debut.
WR Adrian Arrington – Saints – 68 to 71 – Doesn’t have a great shot at making the team but is guaranteed to be on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the team over any of Devery Henderson/Lance Moore/Terrance Copper.
DT Red Bryant – Seahawks – 74 to 78 – An injury derailed his strong start to camp.
DT Brandon Mebane – Seahawks – 80 to 82 – Very strong DT who bull rushed his way to 29 tackles and 2 sacks his rookie season.
LB Lawrence Timmons – Steelers – 75 to 78 – Has drawn a lot of praise so far as he transitions to MLB for the Steelers after an ineffective rookie year.
WR Santonio Holmes – Steelers – 85 to 86 – Looks to take another step in becoming an elite WR.
CB Fred Bennett – Texans – 82 to 84 – K.C. Joyner voted him the best cornerback last year, and he was a rookie.
HB Steve Slaton – Texans – 72 to 75 – As long as he can hold onto the ball he should get touches in a crowded Texan backfield.
LB Stephen Tulloch – Titans – 79 to 80 – Has delivered bone crushing hits in camp and is still penciled in as the backup behind Ryan Fowler.
WR Brandon Jones – Titans – 80 to 81 – Looks to be the most talented Titan receiver on a cast of thousands.
DT Fred Evans – Vikings – 68 to 71 – Should get more playing time with the departure of free agent DT Spencer Johnson.

Ratings Down
WR Mark Bradley – Bears – 77 to 75 – Has never cracked it in the NFL. Can’t move up a bad Bears wide receiver core.
FB Jeremi Johnson – Bengals – 87 to 86 – Has continued to unimpress in Cincy.
WR Jerome Simpson – Bengals – 76 to 71 – Looks like at least this year will be a learning season in the NFL, feedback has not been good so far.
RT Willie Anderson – Bengals – 92 to 89 – Tries to hold off Stacey Andrews and looks to be near the end of his fine career.
DE Igor Olshansky – Chargers – 86 to 83 – Chargers appear content to let him walk after this year after resigning Luis Castillo.
RG Mike Goff – Chargers – 88 to 86 – The tandem of Goff and RT Clary are not nearly as effective as the Pro Bowl left side of the Charger line.
LB Napoleon Harris – Chiefs – 84 to 80 – Whether its camp head games or not has dropped to 2nd at MLB behind a guy 99.5% of people have never heard of (Pat Thomas).
LB Bobby Carpenter – Cowboys – 80 to 78 – Doesn’t appear to be an ideal fit for a 3-4 defense and they appeared to be unsuccessful in trading him this offseason.
FB Reagan Mauia – Dolphins – 89 to 88 – Has drawn heavy criticism for the bricks where his hands are supposed to be.
WR Ernest Wilford – Dolphins – 84 to 83 – Cannot get open in practice and has been passed on the depth chart by consistently disappointed Derek Hagan.
QB John Beck – Dolphins – 78 to 77 – His nickname is “Checkdown” by a local Miami writer. Guess that is what happens when you are accustomed to having 0.6 seconds to throw.
WR Mario Manningham – Giants – 78 to 76 – Has looked slow and can’t get open in New York so far.
DT Justin Harrell – Packers – 77 to 74 – This guy has bust written across his forehead.
DE Cullen Jenkins – Packers – 92 to 90 – A talented and versatile defensive lineman, but not 92 OVR talented.
DT Terdell Sands – Raiders – 83 to 79 – Can’t start over big money Gerard Warren. He seems to be unmotivated.
RG Fred Weary – Texans – 77 to 74 – Currently a backup behind undrafted Mike Brisiel in Houston. Could be cut.

Contracts
DT Tommie Harris – Bears – 5 years total
LB Brian Urlacher – Bears – 5 years total
WR Devin Hester – Bears – 6 years total
LG Andrew Whitworth – Bengals – 6 years total
DT Kyle Williams – Bills – 5 years total
HB Earnest Graham – Bucs – 4 years total
RG Brad Butler – Bills – 5 years total
HB Earnest Graham – Bucs – 4 years total
FS Ken Hamlin – Cowboys – 6 years total
TE Delanie Walker – 49ers – 5 years total
RG Chris Snee – Giants – 6 years total
DE Paul Spicer – Jaguars – 3 years total
CB Leigh Bodden – Lions – 6 years total
LB Brady Poppinga – Packers – 5 years total
HB Ryan Grant – Packers – 4 years total
DE Will Smith – Saints – 7 years total
WR Marques Colston – Saints – 4 years total
RT David Stewart – Titans – 6 years total

Injuries - IR
LB Alvin Bowen – Bills - Knee
CB Von Hutchins – Falcons - Foot
DE Phillip Daniels – Redskins – Knee
DT DeMario Pressley – Saints – Foot
P Daniel Sepulveda – Steelers - Knee

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Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 4th Quarter Notes

2008-08-09T22:26:00.007-04:00

Matt Prater makes his second field goal on the second play of the 4th quarter. Denver 13 Houston 16. 14:52 remaining in the game.
WR Clifford Russell makes the tackle on the ensuing kick off return. I'd like to see this guy in at WR.
Darius Walker's bell is run by Wesley Woodyard. A nice clean hit. I can't figure out if Woodyard's playing linebacker or safety.
Jack Williams is called for holding, giving Houston a first down.
Josh Barrett is once again in on a tackle, that's five that he's been in on.
Denver's third-team defense can't figure out whether they want to be good or bad against the run. They've had flashes, but so far the bad is out weighing the good.
Denver's finally able to stop Houston's run, Wesley Woodyard again in on the tackle. Eight men were in the box.
3rd and 4, off set I, Steve Slaton is stopped once again by Wesley Woodyard, stopping him three yards shy of the first down. Woodyard is in fact playing linebacker.
Glenn Martinez is in at punt returner, he's wrapped up immediately at the 20. 10:19 left in the game.
Tony Scheffler has a false start to begin the drive with a negative five yards.
Anthony Aldridge gains two on 1st and 15.
WR Samie Parker catches a Darrell Hackney toss and it's good for about 10 yards. Hackney showed poise in the pocket.
Clifford Russell and Tony Scheffler were both moving at the same time, Scheffler kind of fell. This negates Michael Pittman's first down catch. It's 3rd and 9.
Darrell Hackney from the shot gun, Hackney connects with Tony Scheffler who is pulled down at the 48 yard line. Hackney had to scramble from the five man rush and floats it to Scheffler. A gain of 38.
Holding again on Denver. 10 yards back, fourth holding call on Denver. Mitch Erickson's second holding of the night.
Hackney's in the shotgun again, pressure leads to him running, then going air born, picks up again 16 yards, but there's another flag. Penalty's illegal contact on the defense, Denver gets a first down.
Hackney's obviously no longer content on the practice squad, rolls out on a bootleg, over throws Clifford Russell, but there's a flag- pass interference inside the five yard line. Tony Scheffler was open in the flat. 07:11 left.
Delay of game on the Broncos.
First and goal from the eight, Anthony Aldridge gets sandwiched by two defensive linemen who are not blocked at all. Loss of three.
Hackney's in the shotgun, but is forced to call a timeout as the play clock pushes towards zero.
Hackney throws behind Michael Pittman in the flat. Making it 3rd and goal from the 11.
Deep drop, screen pass to Anthony Aldridge, who only gets three yards. Bring on Matt Prater, 06:12 left in the 4th. 26 yard attempt.
Matt Prater is good and is 3 of 4 on field goals today. 16 all, 05:50 left in the game.
Matt Prater's kickoff is returned at the goal line, Steve Slaton returns it out the the 39 yard-line. Prater actually makes the tackle.
Denver's cornerback Christian Morton has looked more than good this game.
Wesley Woodyard is another player who has looked impressive for Denver. Woodyard showed great closing speed tracking down Steve Slaton from behind.
LB Jordan Beck sacks the quarterback! 2nd and 15.
Jordan Beck is called for holding on the next play preventing what would have been 3rd and 15. 03:44 left.
Wesley Woodyard again in on a solo tackle, as Houston's QB Shane Boyd rushes for a first down.
Christian Morton hogties a Houston receiver preventing a first down. However Houston now has the ball on the Broncos 29. 2nd and 1.
Steve Slaton runs for the first and the clock runs, Houston's slow to break their huddle.
Steve Slaton gains 16 yards Denver safety LaMont Reid prevents the touch down.
Two minute warning and Houston's scarily close to scoring, whether it be on a touchdown or field goal.
A four-yard gain by Steve Slaton is stopped by new Bronco safety Vickiel Vaughn.
A couple Broncos who's numbers have been consistently in on tackles this quarter: Christian Morton, LaMont Reid, Wesley Woodyard and Jordan Beck.
3rd and 4 Houston gets the first off of fullback Jamiel Cook's run, but there's a late flag.
Denver's Jordan Beck leads the Broncos to a negative three yard stop.
Steve Slaton is spun to the turf by Wesley Woodyard. The clock continues to tick down at sixty seconds and counting. Houston calls a timeout with 00:27 left on the clock.
Denver prevents a bootleg, rookie safety Josh Barrett stays home and prevents a Shane Boyd rushing touchdown.
Houston's Kris Brown kicks a game winning field goal as the clock ticks to zero. 19-16 Houston wins.

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Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 3rd Quarter Notes

2008-08-09T21:40:00.011-04:00

Rookie Wesley Woodyard starts off the half with a special teams tackle inside the 20 yard-line.
LB Niko Koutouvides gets beat by David Anderson. Makes up for it on the next play by almost stripping the ball.
DE Jarvis Moss jumps offsides, but that didn't stop Houston from moving the sticks.
Houston's (and former CSU Ram) David Anderson looks very good.
Jarvis Moss may have injured his left arm on a tackle.
Sage Rosenfels throws deep to Jacoby Jones covered by Roderick Rogers, 41 yards inside the Broncos 10. Jarvis Moss nearly had the sack.
Rookie CB Jack Williams gets lucky that Sage Rosenfels didn't see David Anderson wide open. Williams had left Anderson wide open in poor coverage.
3rd and Goal from the six, Rosenfels bubble screen to David Anderson does not score. Denver's defensive tightening up when they have to. Houston settles for a field goal. 16-7 Houston.
Clifford Russell returns the kickoff out to the 27 yard return.
Anthony Aldridge's first carry is negated by a holding penalty on Denver rookie guard Mitch Erickson.
Anthony Aldridge fumbles his next play, a pass from Patrick Ramsey, Denver recovers.
2nd and 15 wing right slot left, Anthony Aldridge gets another run, does nothing, gaining two yards. 3rd and long.
Patrick Ramsey from shotgun hands off on a draw play to Michael Pittman, gets to the thirty. Denver will punt.
A crazy punt return by Houston's Jacoby Jones that must have been at least 65 total yards of running from right to left, end in a fumble in which Denver's fullback Cecil Sapp recovers the ball. Sapp narrowly made it onto the field in time, looking like he wasn't aware he was supposed to be in on coverage.
Denver lucks out starting this drive on the Texans 24.
Patrick Ramsey passes for four yards to Michael Pittman who was playing fullback.
Ramsey throws behind Pittman on the next play, now third down.
From shotgun, Houston showing blitz, protection great, Ramsey's throw was tipped at the LOS by Gabe Long, almost intercepted, but Darrell Jackson just misses the catch.
K Matt Prater attempt number two, splits the uprights from 38 yards. Field goal is
good! 16-10 Houston.
Houston's Steve Slanton is tripped up by Wesley Woodyard again at the 20 on the kickoff return. Woodyard was crawling on his hands and knees to make the tackle.
Houston QB Shane Boyd fakes a toss, the entire defense bites and he gains 16 yards going the opposite way.
Denver's defense stops Houston on 4th and short, taking over on their on Houston's 49.
Darrell Hackney comes in just under three minutes left in the 3rd quarter. PJ Alexander is in at center.
Hackney swings it out to Anthony Aldridge and picks up the first down.
Anthony Aldridge takes a hand off and splits to the sideline for a gain of 20 yards.
Darrell Hackney makes a good move, holding onto the ball and tossing it out of bounds on a broken play.

3rd Quarter Notes:

Positives: Darrell Jackson, Josh Barrett has been all over the field, Wesley Woodyard looks like he's going to make an immediate impact on ST. Darrell Hackney continues to look better than Patrick Ramsey. Cecil Sapp had a very heads up ST play.

Negatives: Anthony Aldridge didn't look too good before his 20 yard run. Keary Colbert needs to do something quick.

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Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: Half Time Notes

2008-08-09T21:39:00.004-04:00

Still no word on Boss Bailey's injury, Denver may be in trouble.
Denver is most definitely in trouble at kicker. Matt Prater has now missed his last three field goal attempts in the NFL.
Jay Cutler 8-10 for 59 yards, one carry for 15 yards and one touchdown.
Patrick Ramsey 4-7 for 23 and two interceptions.
Andre Hall 8 for 43 yards.
Selvin Young 4 for 3 yards.

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Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 2nd Quarter Notes

2008-08-09T20:51:00.008-04:00

- Marquand Manuel made a big hit on WR Tim Carter, but Carter was able to hold on for a gain of 16.

- Cornerback Jack Williams was beat for a short gain.

- On 3rd and 7 Denver's pass defense was able to hold.

- Houston K Kris Brown is good on a field goal from 52 yards.

- RB Andre Hall subbing in for Eddie Royal to return kicks for Denver, he runs one back for 23 yards.

- Patrick Ramsey comes in for Jay Cutler, Andre Hall in for Selvin Young, Tony Scheffler comes in at TE.

- Tony Scheffler catches a 12 yard pass before being knocked out of bounds, he lined up in the slot.

- Andre Hall runs back to the line of scrimmage.

- Denver's running attack looks anemic.

- Patrick Ramsey is picked off by former Bronco safety Nick Ferguson, returning the ball 32 yards to the Bronco 26. Ramsey over threw Keary Colbert.

- Marlon McCree stopped a walk-in touchdown by Chris Taylor.

- Former CSU Ram WR David Anderson catches a TD in front of CB Karl Paymah, toe tipping it in at the pylon. A play familiar to Denver fans, Houston QB Sage Rosenfels bootlegged out to easily hit an open Anderson.

- Clifford Russell and Anthony Aldridge back to take the kick, Aldridge receives for

- WR Keary Colbert misses a big block, which would have set off HB Andre Hall for a large gain, he's negated to six yards.

- Same play, Hall gains three yards.

- Double tight end set, Andre Hall needs short yardage and got the one yard he needed for the first.

- Patrick Ramsey passes to Andre Hall for no gain. Could have been picked off by Houston's corner.

- Andre Hall could have broke a big run, ends up getting 14 getting tackled by the last player that could have done so.

- Andre Hall on his sixth consecutive play getting the ball gains one yard on the next play.

- 2nd and 9 Houston pass interference on Keary Colbert, automatic first down Denver.

- Quick throw to WR Darrell Jackson, he's wrapped up quickly, gaining three.

- Quick throw to Tony Scheffler, same result three yards.

- Andre Hall runs on 3rd and 4 and gets the first down, gain of nine. Hall showed patience waiting for the line to collapse and opens up the soft spot in Houston's D. 04:40 left in the 2nd Quarter.

- Hall again up the gut for nine yards. Houston SS Glenn Hall makes the TD saving stop.

- HB Michael Pittman subs in and picks up the first down.

- Tony Scheffler catches the ball on the ten yard-line, making it to the eight yard-line.

- Denver showing a power running game.

- Michael Pittman was swarmed on 1st down and loses four yards.

- 3rd and 9 Ramsey over throws the well covered Nate Jackson, Ramsey was hit as he threw.

- K Matt Prater is out for his first field goal ever, attempt of 30 yards. He misses his first attempt as a Denver Bronco.

- Back on Defense, 2nd and 4 Houston's Sage Rosenfels hits David Anderson for the first down. Dre Bly was in for the first time.

- Denver's pass rush, led by Tim Crowder leads to a hurried pass, Marquand Manuel blitzing from his blind side.

- Next play, cornerbacks Chrisitan Morton and Dre Bly both blitz, Morton blindsides Sage Rosenfels, who fumbles the ball Houston's HB Chris Brown recovers the ball. Morton came in untouched.

- Eddie Royal gets his first punt return opportunity finally, yet the punt rush penetrates quickly and Houston's 39 year-old punter Matt Turk runs the ball for a first down. The referees review the play.

- After review the ball was one yard short of the first down. Denver gets the ball just inside Houston territory with 00:42 left in the half.

- Darrell Jackson catches a quick screen taking it 14 yards inside the 30 yard line. 00:13 left in the half. Play is negated on an offensive holding play, Ryan Harris now has three penalties in one half. Though it didn't look like holding on Harris. Back to the 45 yard line.

- Patrick Ramsey dumps off the ball to Andre Hall, flags fly and right tackle Ryan Harris is again called on holding. The ball goes back over the 50 yard line.

- Trips left, Darrell Jackson wide right, Patrick Ramsey throws deep ball is picked off, then lateraled, finally Darrell Jackson tackles the carrier. Half is over.

2nd Quarter Notes:

Positives: Andre Hall, Darrell Jackson, Denver's corner blitz.
Negatives: Matt Prater, Patrick Ramsey (2 int's), Ryan Harris (4 penalties, one half).

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Denver Broncos at Houston Texans: 1st Quarter Notes

2008-08-09T20:18:00.010-04:00

Here's the annoying part about the National Football League... Okay, DirectTV has the monopoly on the NFL games, if I'm out of market. So I abide and get Direct TV, guess what? It's cloudy outside, no reception for my satellite.

- SLB Boss Bailey down with a right ankle injury on the first Houston possession. Then was carted off after making it to the sideline. He has a sprained ankle and is questionable to return.

- SLB Louis Green collided with another Bronco and was injured two plays later, while subbing in for the injured Boss Bailey. He was moving around, but he was taken off the field on a stretcher and gave two thumbs up as he left the field.

- FS Marquand Manuel is everywhere early.

- CB Domonique Foxworth was boxed out completely by Houston WR Andre Davis, for a nine-yard catch.

- SS Marlon McCree nearly picked off a Matt Schaub pass, in his own end zone that would have gone yard had he made McCree secured the catch.

- Denver's defense wins out the battle at the goal line to hold Houston to a field goal.

- Backup SLB Louis Green was diagnosed with a concussion and an injury to his head and neck, taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

- WR Eddie Royal makes his first catch as a Bronco, going five yards in the slot.

- LT Ryan Clady, thus far is losing the battle to Houston's DE Mario Williams.

- WR Brandon Marshall made a nice catch for Denver's first first-down.

- QB Jay Cutler and Eddie Royal has some miscommunication around 5:20 in the 1st Quarter. Royal went post and Cutler tossed it ouside.

- Where Selvin Young is looking shaky (mainly due to the poor offensive line) as a runner, he's making it up as a capable receiver.

- On back-to-back plays, Cutler drops it off to Selvin Young for a total of 23 yards on two plays.

- TE Nate Jackson lined up in the slot catches a quick first-down.

- Next play, Eddie Royal makes his second catch for a gain of eight yards.

- The offensive line is protecting very well in pass situations and Jay Cutler's looking poised.

- RB Selvin Young makes his first positive yardage on a seven yard run.

- Cutler narrowly missed TE Daniel Graham for a touchdown. The ball bounced off his finger tips at 01:47.

- 3rd and 8 Jay Cutler in the shotgun, takes off, running 15 yards and leaping for a Denver touchdown. 00:56 left in the 1st Quarter.

- Domonique Foxworth knocked back Houston RB Chris Taylor for a loss of five yards to wrap up the 1st Quarter.

1st Quarter wrap up:

Positives: Denver's passing offense.
Negatives: Denver's rushing defense/rushing offense.

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Former Denver CB joins Patriots

2008-08-09T18:22:00.003-04:00

The Associate Press is reporting that former Denver Broncos corner back Jeff Shoate has been signed by the New England Patriots. The corner was the Broncos fifth round pick in 2004 and played a total of 14 games for the squad.

Denver released Shoate on December 5, 2007. He was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and then joined the New York Giants practice squad during the playoffs.

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Report: Montrae Holland to Return Monday

2008-08-08T17:42:00.003-04:00

The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that last year's starting right guard Montrae Holland will return to practice on Monday. Holland has been the but of more than a few jokes around the Bronco message boards, but has persevered through his own private hell. Holland's efforts working one-on-one with strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten led to him losing anywhere from ten to twenty pounds in two weeks.

This isn't good news to everyone, Chris Kuper has been filling in for Montrae Holland while he was out. Kuper was the expected starting right tackle going into training camp, with Holland out Kuper was pushed over and second-year tackle Ryan Harris jumped at the opportunity for first-team reps on the offensive line.

My best guess is that Montrae Holland will not return immediately to the first-team and Chris Kuper will continue to take reps, maybe even beating Holland out. However, if Chris Kuper is not able to push Holland from his starting position, he still stands a fighting chance of locking Ryan Harris out at right tackle.

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What to Watch?: vs. Houston

2008-08-08T12:55:00.006-04:00

Throughout the preseason and possibly into the regular season we will feature a column called "What to Watch?" it will point out the inside stories that Denver fans should be aware of. Hopefully adding value (as if there needed to be) to the game the Broncos will be playing this week.

According to Mike Shanahan the following players will not suit: Champ Bailey, Tom Nalen, DeWayne Robertson, Hamza Abdullah and Dre Bly will only be out on nickel formations.

On Saturday the Denver Broncos will play at the Houston Texans, here is a few notes on potentially interesting sidebars.

Mario Williams vs. Ryan Clady: Mario Williams, the controversial number one draft pick from three seasons ago, held his coming out party last season against Denver, sacking quarterback Jay Cutler three times. Reversing many fans protests, who had previously felt that Reggie Bush may have been a much better choice with that draft pick. Denver fans are ready to proclaim Ryan Clady the next Gary Zimmerman, but the first quarter on Saturday will be the first challenge that Clady will face. Will, 'Sweet Feet,' hold true to his nickname and dominate Mario Williams or will he be rudely welcomed to the NFL by the future prototype at defensive end?

Eddie Royal: We've heard the reports and Mike Shanahan has given the start at wide receiver to the rookie Eddie Royal. Though Houston itself is young and very inexperienced in their secondary, they still have more experience than Royal and they will be looking to impress early. Denver is very heavy at wide receiver and a lot of players need to get looks at that position and Eddie Royal has veteran receiver Darrell Jackson breathing down his neck. It's an uphill battle and the rookie will probably only get a quarter, along with whatever opportunities that brings, to look good. That means perfect pass routes, blocking and hands. Dropped passes are a killer and can quickly lose a young receiver's confidence, along with the confidence of a quarterback and the coaching staff.

Selvin Young/Andre Hall battle: Selvin Young has proclaimed himself the number one back in Denver, but Andre Hall has been quiet and very impressive so far in training camp. As fans have seen neither lost an opportunity to shine when given the option last season. The battle is Young's to lose, but Hall will be facing less talented defenses. That being the case, Selvin Young will need to continue his 5.2 yard per carry average. Mostly where Young will win or lose the position battle is picking up blitzes in pass blocking and in catching the ball out of the backfield. Where Hall will need improve is in short yardage situations, we know that Hall can break a forty-yard run, we need to see constant four to six yard runs from him. Where both backs can prove their are the uncontested number one is in goal line situations. That's where the Denver Broncos were counting on rookie Ryan Torain to have an impact, his injury leaves a gap that either Andre Hall or Selvin Young will need to fill.

Jay Cutler: No, you'll find no mention of the quarterback's diabetes. Where Jay Cutler will need to improve is in his check offs. Yes, we've seen the, "No look pass," in training camp, but camp goers have seen that Cutler stares down a wide receiver. This doesn't work with Champ Bailey or Dre Bly in practice and it won't work for any of the lesser corners in the NFL. The expectations for Jay Cutler this season are sky high and the prophecy is that Cutler will help coach Mike Shanahan six-pete on quarterbacks having career years in their third season in Shanahan's offense.

Ryan Harris: There has been loads of disinformation on the internet regarding last year's third-round draft pick. Here will be Denver's first chance to see what the truth is. Ryan Harris will most likely get at least two-quarters this game.

Marcus Thomas: The second-year defensive tackle earned his spot on the first-team in training camp. Now he'll have to prove he deserves it and starting next to DeWayne Robertson might be the easiest chance he gets to do that. Robertson will draw double-teams leaving Thomas one-on-one with a guard. It wasn't easy for anyone to look good on Denver's defensive line last season, but this season there won't be any excuses. A year wiser, Marcus Thomas needs to prove that Denver doesn't need to target a highly regarded and highly paid defensive tackle (Albert Haynesworth) next off-season.

Niko Koutouvides vs. Nate Webster: Their two day rotation in training camp isn't exactly encouraging. Both are talented and all though Nate Webster started last season in Denver a lot of his impressive production was a due to the defensive scheme funneling backs to the linebackers. Niko Koutouvides has been a skull cracker on special teams his whole NFL career and has played the last several seasons in Lofa Tatupu's shadow. Early observations from camp show Nate Webster to play with reckless abandon, which allows him to light someone up, at the same time leaving him very vulnerable to missed tackles. Niko Koutouvides, appears to lack a bit of closing speed, but flourishes in pass coverage.

Dre Bly vs. Domonique Foxworth: Though this game will most likely not be the game to judge, as Dre Bly will reportedly not play outside of nickel formations. This opens up the door even farther of Domonique Foxworth, who can now go up against the Houston Texans first-team offense. With Champ Bailey out and Dre Bly seeing very limited action Domonique Foxworth, Karl Paymah and rookie Jack Williams will all see plenty of action in the secondary going against the very talented quarterback duo of Matt Shaub and Sage Rosenfeld.

Nate Jackson vs. Tony Scheffler: This has kind of been the quiet battle of training camp. Nate Jackson has been seeing more time with the first-team offense than Tony Scheffler, often times in practice Jackson is even split out as a wide receiver. When Denver resigned Nate Jackson this off-season, the strength of his contract put pressure on him to perform at a higher level than he has over the past three seasons. The casualty of that signing may have been Tony Scheffler, Jay Cutler's favorite target. Scheffler has constantly stepped up to the plate over the last two seasons though, no matter where he may have been on the depth chart. Both Jackson and Scheffler have been plagued by injuries over their time in the NFL and this may be Denver's way of insuring that no matter who it is playing their second tight end position, they are interchangeable.

Marquand Manuel & Marlon McCree: Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree are known for their intense hitting ability, which at times borderlines on illegal. That alone makes them worthy of joining the incredible pedigree that his Denver's safety position. While Marquand Manuel is stepping in for the resting Hamza Abdullah, don't be surprised if he is able to push Abdullah down a roster spot. He is officially listed behind Marlon McCree on the depth chart, but will see time along side him this week vs. Houston.

Jarvis Moss: Another player that has been the subject of erroneous training camp reports is defensive end Jarvis Moss. Moss will rotate in at the defensive end position with the first-team defense on rushing downs and with the second-team he should see time during both passing and receiving downs. Fans should get the opportunity to see for themselves what type of player Denver has at defensive end.

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Know Your Opponent: Houston Texans

2008-08-08T12:47:00.008-04:00

Denver Broncos record vs. Houston Texans: Home 1-0 Away 0-1, overall 1-1.

Connections: Houston head coach Gary Kubiak played for Denver from the 1983 to 1991 seasons, serving predominantly as a backup quarterback to the legendary John Elway. As a quarterback for the Denver Broncos Gary Kubiak had a record of three wins and two loses as a starter in his eight seasons in the NFL. A little known fact about Gary Kubiak as a player is that he actually filled in as a punter for Denver in 1989, starting once and punting twice that year (averaging 21.5 yards per punt).

After retiring he began coaching for his former college team, Texas A&M serving as a running backs coach for two seasons (1992-1994). He soon joined Mike Shanahan in San Francisco as a quarterback coach, assisting quarterback Steve Young to his second NFL MVP award and first Super Bowl MVP award.

The next season Mike Shanahan took Pat Bowlen's offer to become the head coach in Denver and Gary Kubiak followed. Kubiak was named the offensive coordinator in Denver and worked together with Mike Shanahan and John Elway to lead Denver to winning two Super Bowl. Kubiak stayed beyond John Elway's retirement, following the 1999 season, despite numerous head coaching offers from elsewhere in the NFL.

In 2006 Kubiak replaced Dom Capers as the head coach in Houston, becoming the second head coach in Houston Texans history. Kubiak has been a part of five Super Bowls (as a coach and player) with the Denver Broncos and one with the San Francisco 49ers. He was also been a part of two of his players winning the NFL MVP award (Steve Young in 1994 and Terrell Davis in 1999). Want a real random fact about Gary Kubiak? He is rumored, on the internet, to appear as a reserve quarterback in Madden NFL 2004 for the Indianapolis Colts however that is in correct, it was actually Jim Kubiak.

Kyle Shanahan, as fans will remember is the son of Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. The younger Shanahan has never coached for Denver, beginning his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under coach Jon Gruden, serving as the assistant coach for offensive quality control, from 2004-2005. In 2006 Kyle Shanahan joined Gary Kubiak in Houston, coaching first the wide receivers, then in 2007 he was named the quarterback coach and this season Shanahan became the youngest offensive coordinator in NFL history (at 28) in Houston. He is a full three years younger than New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Alex Gibbs, the assistant head coach/offense for Houston served as an offensive line coach in Denver from 1984-1987 and again from 1995-2003. Gibbs is perhaps most famous in Denver for installing the "Zone blocking scheme," and for insuring that his offensive linemen unite by not speaking to the media.

On Denver's side: Denver Broncos wide receiver's coach Jedd Fisch served as the Houston Texans defensive quality control assistant from 2003-2005. Denver college scout Eugene Armstrong served in Houston for the previous seven seasons. Quarterback Jay Cutler posted his personal best game, as far as pass attempts (39) and completions (27), against Houston last season. Denver strong safety Marlon McCree spent the 2003 and 2004 seasons with the Houston Texans. Denver wide receiver Edell Shepherd was the primary kick returner for Houston in 2006. The Denver Broncos are undefeated (4-0) against the Houston Texans in preseason play.

History: Houston is a relatively new franchise, entering the league in 2001, but Denver has played them four times in the preseason and two times in the regular season. Former Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has modeled the Houston Texans on the Denver Broncos (earning the Houston Texans the name 'Denver Jr.' around these parts). However, last season, Mike Shanahan's former protege, Gary Kubiak and son, Kyle Shanahan spanked Denver knocking them completely out of the playoff race and lending to Denver's final 7-9 record.

Key contributors: QB- Matt Schaub, WR- Andre Johnson, RB- Ahman Green, DE- Mario Williams, LB- DeMeco Ryans.

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Denver Broncos Training Camp Report: Day 13

2008-08-07T14:14:00.006-04:00

The Broncos had a quick walk through in preparation for Denver's visit to Houston tomorrow. They were with only helmets and jerseys, no shells. The afternoon practice has been canceled, as we mentioned yesterday.

As you know, if you've been reading rookie running back Ryan Torain is out at least 12 weeks. Also sitting out this morning were: Hamza Abdullah (groin), Champ Bailey (hamstring), Peyton Hillis (hamstring), Chad Mustard (hamstring) and Tom Nalen (knee).

By any means necessary Spencer Larsen suits in blue instead of white.

The Denver Broncos are obviously feeling the lack of depth with both Peyton Hillis and now Ryan Torain out, Michael Pittman split between fullback and running back and rookie middle linebacker Spencer Larsen lined up as a fullback. Immediately upon being drafted coach Mike Shanahan approached Larsen and brought up the idea of the rookie playing fullback. The experiment apparently went away during OTA's, but with the Denver coaching staff surveying the field looking for a warm body to keep drills going; Spencer Larsen is once again back at fullback.

Rookie receiver Eddie Royal (whom we're giving serious consideration to just referring to as, 'The Future,' around here) lined up multiple times as the number two receiver, with Brandon Marshall at the number one and Brandon Stokley in the slot. That's a whole lot of speed and hands on the field at once, through in Tony Scheffler and an opposing defense may have problems... Expect a similar lineup with Darrell Jackson replacing Brandon Marshall for week one and week two.

If you want my guess for the lineups on Saturday well here you go. There won't be many surprises until you get down into the second and third teams:

First team:

QB Jay Cutler
HB Selvin Young
FB Cecil Sapp
TE Daniel Graham Two TE sets: Nate Jackson
LT Ryan Clady
LG Ben Hamilton
C Casey Wiegmann
RG Chris Kuper
RT Ryan Harris
WR Brandon Marshall
WR Darrell Jackson Slot receiver: Brandon Stockley

DE Elvis Dumervil
DT DeWayne Robertson
DT Marcus Thomas
DE John Engelberger
SLB Boss Bailey
MLB Nate Webster
WLB DJ Williams
CB Dre Bly
CB Domonique Foxworth Nickel: Karl Paymah
SS Marquand Manuel
FS Marlon McCree

Second/Third Team:

QB Patrick Ramsey/Darrell Hackney
HB Andre Hall/Anthony Aldridge/Michael Pittman
FB Michael Pittman/Spencer Larsen
TE Tony Scheffler Two TE sets: Brett Pierce
LT Erik Pears
LG Dylan Gandy
C Casey Wiegmann/Kory Lichtensteiger/PJ Alexander
RG Mitch Erickson
RT Tyler Polumbus
WR Keary Colbert/Glenn Martinez/Samie Parker
WR Eddie Royal/Clifford Russel/Taylor Jacobs/Marquay McDaniel

DE Jarvis Moss/Paul Carrington
DT Josh Mallard/Nic Clemons
DT Alvin McKinley/Kenny Peterson
DE Ebenezer Ekuban/Tim Crowder
SLB Louis Green/Jordan Beck
MLB Niko Koutouvides/Spencer Larsen/Miguel Padilla
WLB Jamie Winborn/Wesley Woodyard
CB Karl Paymah/Lamont Reid
CB Jack Williams Nickel: Christian Morton
SS Roderick Rogers/Josh Barrett
FS Marquand Manuel/Josh Barrett/Vickiel Vaughn

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Breaking News: Torain out minimum twelve weeks

2008-08-07T13:16:00.004-04:00

Following surgery this morning, the Denver Broncos announced that rookie running back Ryan Torain will be out at least twelve weeks. This bring back the rumor that circled the Bronco message boards yesterday, will Denver be forced to add Torain to the injured reserve?

If the Denver Broncos do choose to add Ryan Torain to the injured reserve, both his contract and roster spot will be freed up and Denver will have room to either keep someone like rookie Anthony Aldridge on the actual roster, keep veteran running back Michael Pittman (who looked likely to be cut following training camp), sign a veteran free agent (Shawn Alexander, Cedric Benson, just kidding) or trade for someone who may not be seeing as much playing time as they should.

Ultimately what the injury affects most, is coach Mike Shanahan's proposed, "Run by committee." It's one thing to split 35-40 carries between three or four backs, it's a completely other thing to do it between two backs. Denver has had success with that though, only three years ago Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell split carries and the year after it was Tatum Bell and Mike Bell.

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By the way, Brett Favre's a Jet

2008-08-07T00:42:00.004-04:00

You heard it here second, though you'll probably read this Thursday and by then you'll already know.

No word on how the Jets will absorb the impact on their salary cap.

UPDATE: Oh, they're cutting Chad Pennington, that frees up 6 million.

THOUGHT: The irony of this whole thing is that Pennington will likely end up with a better team and likely in a better situation than Brett Favre.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 12 Report

2008-08-06T21:52:00.009-04:00

I had meetings all day today, I'm very sorry that it took until now to get this out today. Everyone knows the terrible news that rookie running back Ryan Torain has broken his elbow and will be out 6-8 weeks. What some may not be aware of is that there's an internet report, at Rotoworld, stating that the Denver Broncos may place Ryan Torain on the injured reserve list. This would make Torain unavailable the entire season. Ignore that one fans. Unless Torain's MRI turns up some type of ligament damage, the rookie could return as early as the game against New Orleans. Coach Mike Shanahan offered us this:

"It's a big loss. I thought he had a chance to compete to be the starting running back. He's one of the most gifted running backs I've been around for a long time. He is very similar to Terrell Davis when he came in. Obviously he has a setback that he has to deal with. It's tough with these guys. He has to take it day-by-day as well, but any time you break a bone in that elbow area obviously it's a setback. I'm just hoping there is not too much ligament damage, but we will find out, obviously, after the MRI."

On to training camp, out today: Chad Mustard (hamstring), Tom Nalen (knee), Hamza Abdullah (groin), Champ Bailey (hamstring), Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and DeWayne Robertson (knee).

That sure is a lot of predicted starters watching from the sideline isn't it? Peyton Hillis and Hamza Abdullah are the only two that worry me out of that list, right now anyway. Hillis has been out a large chunk of training camp and Abdullah has been out at least three days now... Though I love that Marquand Manuel is lining up next to Marlon McCree.

Before diving completely into training camp, back to Mike Lombardi for a second, he says that with the injury to Ryan Torain, Denver should call the New York Giants and inquire about the services of Derrick Ward. There's a back that excites me, seeing him play last year in New York, especially later in the season. He's a guy that could do 2,000 in Denver.

I told you yesterday Eddie Royal was The Future.

Rookie receiver Eddie Royal spent a couple plays lined up with the first-team offense at the slot position. With Brandon Marshall at the X and Darrell Jackson at the Y.
Whether it was youth or actual developed skill something grabbed a hold of rookie corner back Jack Williams today. He stopped running back Michael Pittman cold at the line of scrimmage and earlier had two impressive open field tackles on rookie running back Anthony Aldridge.
Speaking of Anthony Aldridge, with Ryan Torain's injury, Aldridge moved up to third on the depth chart and Michael Pittman moved into fourth. Pittman split time today at fullback and running back. Pittman saw a lot more time at running back than he has in the last week. However, the extra work overloaded Pittman, who sat out the afternoon practice and will likely sit out tomorrow as well. Leaving Denver with literally three running backs and the option of switching fullback Cecil Sapp back in. The depth in the backfield is getting a bit scary. Peyton Hillis was out once again and with Michael Pittman nursing a re-aggravated hamstring, Denver currently has one fullback and three running backs at their disposal.
I've been saying it for months, but in Boss Bailey, Denver finally has a linebacker that can shut down both Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez and San Diego's Antonio Gates, no more Sundays seeing Champ Bailey line up against Antonio Gates. Boss Bailey looked good today, as he did last season in coverage.
With so much thought going into the bottom of the depth chart at running back, my focus is on what's at the top of the Broncos depth chart at running back. Andre Hall might just pull the rug out from underneath Selvin Young's feet and end up being the number one back in Denver.
Dre Bly is hearing footsteps and he's not about to give up his spot to Domonique Foxworth, Bly has emerged as a vocal leader on the defensive side for Denver and he's continuing to match up well with Brandon Marshall in training camp.
Clifford Russell is my dark horse candidate at wide receiver to make the team. He proved it today, splitting Roderick Rodgers and Jack Williams and coming up with the catch. This guy's playing for keeps and he's playing for a roster spot. Can't wait to see him on Saturday.

For those planning on attending camp tomorrow, the afternoon session has been canceled.

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Tom Nalen Madness!

2008-08-06T21:12:00.005-04:00

He's the talk of town for all of the wrong reasons. Jonathan Douglas over at BroncoTalk followed up The Denver Post's article on Denver center (and future Hall of Famer) Tom Nalen's absence over the last 7 (now 8) days. Now Mike Lombardi chimed in this morning on his blog:

"... if the Broncos think Casey Wiegmann can do the job at 35, they will be in for a shock. Playing center in the AFC West means blocking Jamal Williams of SD. And that is VERY hard to do."

The man has a point Tom Nalen is 37, Casey Wiegmann is 35, but both men are entering their 15th season in the NFL. Where I believe Mr. Lombardi may have over spoke is that Wiegmann hasn't missed a start in quite some time and both Nalen and Wiegmann have been owning Jamal Williams since 1998. The list of Denver backs are too many to mention, but Wiegmann's been busting holes for the likes of: Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Kolby Smith (yeah, even him too) over that time. Not to mention that the nose tackle in San Diego does deserve the utmost respect from opponents, but he himself is getting a bit up there in years too (32 years-old).

The story of Tom Nalen sitting out in my opinion was a non-issue as of yesterday to me, but to me it seems like it's not non-issue for everyone else. I even nonchalantly suggested sitting Nalen the entire rest of the preseason regardless of his health. Do we really need to wear down the leader of our all important leader on the offensive line? I can't advocate it, keep Mr. Nalen in shape so that in week one against Oakland he's fresh, because it gets murky when looking into the depth behind Wiegmann, that's for sure.

Does this man look like he's done?

That's Tom Nalen by the way in 2007. Hard to recognize without the helmet on.

BREAKING NEWS: Rookie Ryan Torain carted off field

2008-08-06T11:31:00.004-04:00

The details are still coming in, but it looks like rookie running back Ryan Torain was carted off the practice field during this morning's AM practice.

Rookie running back Ryan Torain injured.

Here's Reggie Rivers from KCNC in Denver:

DENVER (CBS4) ― Broncos rookie running back Ryan Torain was carted off the field during the team's 9-on-7 run-blocking period at practice Wednesday morning.

He was knocked off balance while carrying the ball and put his left hand on the ground to regain his balance.

He immediately collapsed on the turf grasping his left shoulder. Broncos head trainer Steve Antonopolus helped Torain walk to the sideline and tended to him for about 10 minutes before calling a cart to ferry the tailback off the field.

Torain, a 5th-round draft pick out of Arizona State, has been one of the stars of training camp. This injury likely means that he will miss the preseason opener in Houston on Saturday.

We will update as soon as updates become available.

Shots Fired: Steinberg vs. NFL

2008-08-05T21:08:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile since we've had a Shots Fired column, well the dry spell has ended:

"It just shows you what a class organization that we're dealing with that Mr. Marshall and his attorney find out about this as the result of a press release,"Brandon Marshall's attorney Harvey Steinberg said. "They didn't even have the courtesy to contact Mr. Marshall directly or his lawyer. The league appears to be more concerned about its image than treating its players with dignity and respect. The best part of this is we get to appeal this suspension to the very commissioner who chose to suspend him in this fashion."

Steinberg later commented on the, "Conditions," that the league insisted Marshall would need to follow in order to be considered for a possible lightening of a sentence.

"I hope they will send me a letter detailing exactly what they mean," Steinberg said.

Mr. Harvey Steinberg does make a very good point, let's see how the NFL responds.

It's Official: Marshall Suspended...

2008-08-05T20:16:00.001-04:00

"It's not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard. Persons who fail to live up to this standard are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

The National Football League has suspended Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall for three games, as was reported on Sunday by NFL Networks Adam Schefter. Marshall's attorney Harvey Steinberg says that he will appeal the sentencing.

Harvey Steinberg, fans may remember, is the same attorney who successfully won the appeal for Travis Henry last season, which ultimately led to Henry not being suspended by the NFL at all. Well, at least until after the Broncos cut him.

We appologise for the delay, Blogger has been down for maintenance.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 11 (Morning) Report

2008-08-05T16:59:00.007-04:00

Out of pads: Hamza Abdullah (groin), Tom Nalen (knee), Chad Mustard (hamstring), Champ Bailey (hamstring) and Montrae Holland. Don't stress about Champ Bailey, I think he was just sitting out to give his friend Domonique Foxworth an equal amount of first-team reps as Dre Bly.

The absence of Champ Bailey also affected another corner backs first-team reps, Karl Paymah, forgot about him didn't you? That's because the Broncos spent a lot of their eleven-on-eleven drills in the nickel formation.

Eddie Royal takes on the entire Denver defense.

Cracking into the first-team were Nate Jackson, replacing Tony Scheffler at tight end and as expected middle linebacker Nate Webster replaced Niko Koutouvides in the middle (continuing their two day rotation).
Right tackle Ryan Harris is still on his upward slope as far as solidifying himself as the right tackle goes. He's miles ahead of where he was on day one or two of training camp.
As Jarvis Moss continues to make his case as a legitimate threat at defensive end. Though he wasn't able to get past Ryan Harris, he continues to embarrass the second-time offensive line. At one point in the eleven-on-eleven he had notched what would have been a loss of yardage tackle and a would be sack on back to back plays.

Ryan Clady shows a defensive end how not to stunt like his daddy.

It wasn't all good for rookie Ryan Clady, Elvis Dumervil beat him during team scrimmage for a sack on Jay Cutler.
Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey continued to bore, unless you're a defensive fan, then he was the most entertaining player on the field.
The other backup quarterback Darrell Hackney connected with receiver Eddie Royal for a deep pass that ended with Royal being pushed out of bounds.
Tony Scheffler made the best of his time with Jay Cutler, snatching a ball that went for a 70+ yards ending in a touchdown.
Kicker Matt Prater answered the, "Toro," call fourteen times in a row. Prater was exhausted after kicking field goals consistently with never more than 20 seconds on the clock. Prater went 13 of 14, missing on a 58-yarder. However, fans of Denver should look forward to more last second heart attack field goals, should it come to that for the Broncos this season.

Eddie Royal - The Future...

2008-08-05T13:52:00.004-04:00

Today the blogosphere and even some of the papers are running rampant with reports of what Eddie Royal could be or might be. I'd like to focus on what rookie Eddie Royal is:

The Future.

Some fans of the Denver Broncos may not have been lucky enough to catch training camp, if they had they would have seen the number 19 laying out for passes and running with wild abandon. Early reports from Jay Cutler and head coach Mike Shanahan back during team camps were that the rookie wide out was, "Impressive."

While you cannot give much weight to the recently released depth chart, as Mike Lombardi pointed out earlier this week, preseason depth charts are generally more about confusion than clarity. Why would we list a starting day lineup and give a first week competitor five weeks to prepare for your team?

I think that a prime example of this is who is directly listed behind primary wide receiver Brandon Marshall, that would be Eddie Royal. Royal himself said in an interview yesterday that coaches were telling him to hang out with Brandon Stokley and learn the slot position. The looming suspension of Brandon Marshall has been something the Broncos coaching staff has known about since before the preseason began. If they were grooming him to replace Marshall, he wouldn't be studying Stokley. He's being groomed to be a slot receiver. He's a burner and as of right now that's how Denver is planning on using young Eddie Royal.

That tiny gray cloud that has been hovering above Dove Valley is soon to explode though and that's when we'll see Eddie Royal. I anticipate that if Brandon Marshall is suspended Darrell Jackson will move up to one, Brandon Stokley will push out to number two and Eddie Royal will play the slot. Moving Keary Colbert into the fourth position on the depth chart. That's not a terrible lineup, having three receivers who were starters last season and a promising rookie in your top five receiving stable.

One thing that is for sure, Denver fans will get a shot at seeing how Eddie Royal looks on Saturday. Pay close attention to who he is matched up against, pay attention closely to all of Denver's wide receiving match ups. Drops are not something that can be forgiven, as there are no excuses, they are due to lack of concentration or nervousness. What we should be looking for mostly though is how the rookie looks during punt returns and/or kick off returns. Preseason is where you see players who may not have a future desperately trying to prove that they deserve one, even if it is only on special teams.

Brandon Marshall Update (8/4/09)

2008-08-04T15:26:00.005-04:00

Here's what Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan said,

"It's the same thing I told you a week ago Wednesday: I'm not sure," Shanahan said after today's morning practice. "When I know, I'll let you guys know. If I made comments every time I heard I rumor, I'd be talking to you every day. I'd have to answer every question that you ask me. Let's deal with reality. When we know something we'll let you guys know."

So there you have it, I'm not saying that Shanahan is being optimistic, I'm just saying that until the NFL says something... Brandon Marshall's suspension is not official. This situation is very familiar to last season when former Broncos running back Travis Henry had the suspension cloud hanging over his head nearly all season.

Someone should let those excited San Diego Chargers fans know that they're not that lucky yet. They're still smiling from the fact that Carolina Panther's receiver Steve Smith will be suspended for the first two games of the season.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 10 (Morning) Report

2008-08-04T14:34:00.003-04:00

The Denver Broncos came back to camp, much appreciative of their day off. The extra day of rest proved to be most beneficial to strong side linebacker Boss Bailey, who was able to return to practice today. Strong safety Hamza Abdullah (groin), center Tom Nalen (knee), tight end Chad Mustard (hamstring) and Montrae Holland continued to work with strength and conditioning Rich Tuten.

If you read the post I had earlier this morning regarding the 2008 Broncos Depth chart, then there really isn't much news as far as starters go. The only real difference is that Niko Koutouvides was starting at middle linebacker, but being the loyal readers that you are, you know that there is a two day rotation at middle linebacker. That doesn't look like it will change until the team gets a look at who steps up when it becomes game time. Either way, the Broncos will be able to add one very strong competitor to the special teams squad. Marquand Manuel started in place of Hamza Abdullah, which is a bit interesting, because Manuel is listed as free safety Marlon McCree's backup. That's a whole lot of hitting power that the Broncos are packing at safety with those two in there together. Casey Wiegmann continued to substitute for Tom Nalen who is resting his knee. I say if Tom Nalen is in shape, let's rest him the whole preseason. There's no point in losing the anchor to our offensive line, in what may be his final season, to a second-team defensive lineman who is employed by the Broncos.

Second year defensive tackle Marcus Thomas cracked into the first-team defensive tackle lineup, replacing Alvin McKinley, who spent time with the second-team.

The practice was heavy on the eleven-on-eleven drills as Denver prepares for their trip to Houston on Friday.

Michael Pittman made his return to the good graces of the Denver coaching staff, catching a touchdown out of the backfield in red zone work. Joining him with touchdown catches were: Andre Hall, Brandon Marshall and Daniel Graham.

Rookie receiver Eddie Royal caught a 35 yard touchdown pass along the sideline. Royal may replace the possibly suspended Brandon Marshall for week one at Oakland and week two vs. San Diego. If the depth chart is correct that is, my belief is that Denver would start Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley, running Royal out of the slot. Though that may not make sense, if Royal's learning routes as a number one receiver, the slot routes might be a little too much to remember for the rookie. Can you imagine the possible controversy in Denver week three should Royal be a more than apt replacement for Marshall?

Back to the red zone drill for a second, running backs: Selvin Young, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain all had two touchdowns. Torain nearly had three, but fell just short while diving over a pile at the goal line.

Ryan Torain was not the only rookie back that looked impressive as Anthony "Quick" Aldridge broke a fifty-yard touch down run during eleven-on-eleven drills.

The end of practice featured the two-minute offenses, one led by each starting quarter back. Jay Cutler and Patrick Ramsey were both unsuccessful in scoring. While third-string quarter back Darrell Hackney led the likes of: Clifford Russell, Ryan Torain, Taylor Jacobs and Anthony Aldridge to a touch down.

Denver Broncos Announce Depth Chart

2008-08-04T12:58:00.006-04:00

At least as of August 3rd, 2008 at least.

You can click the above image to expand it. A couple notes for those that may need them, however if you've been keeping up with my training camp updates you shouldn't be surprised by anything on the list:

Rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal is the backup for Brandon Marshall (who may or may not be suspended by game 1).
Darrell Jackson is the number two wide out, while Keary Colbert is third on the depth chart.
Marlon McCree is the starting free safety, while Hamza Abdullah is the starting strong safety.
Rookie corner back Jack Williams is a third stringer.
Chris Kuper is listed as the starting right guard, while Montrae Holland is listed as the number two, despite not participating in training camp actively as a guard. Rookie Mitch Erickson is listed as the third-stringer.
Rookie running back Ryan Torain is listed as the third string running back.
Ryan Harris is listed as the starting right tackle, with rookie Tyler Polumbus listed as his backup.

Keep it here at the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog for further updates today and every day.

Head coach Mike Shanahan had the following to say in regards to the depth chart:

"You have to put a depth chart out before the first exhibition game," Shanahan said. "I think we all know there are a number of positions that are very close, but you have to put someone down at first team and second team — even though you really don't know. It's that close."

ESPN continues unbiased Denver Bronco coverage

2008-08-04T01:41:00.003-04:00

One would think that with the former Denver Post writer Bill Williamson, now covering the AFC West for ESPN.com, the Denver Broncos may have a shot at actually getting a bit of accurate coverage on the sports authority. Not so, not so at all my friends.

Click the image above for a larger version.

Schefter: Brandon Marshall will be suspended three games, cut to two

2008-08-04T01:10:00.005-04:00

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Brandon Marshall will be suspended for three games on Monday. However, the suspension will be reduced to two games if Marshall will undergo counseling. No word on what specific type of counseling, but it might have to do with breaking up with your crazy high school girlfriend. That is purely speculation though.

The Denver Post's Mike Klis is reporting that, "An NFL source said the Broncos were assured Sunday night that a final decision had not yet been made."

While The Rocky Mountain News reports that according to a second source, "The league also is maintaining that no decision has yet been made."

This suspension would not end Brandon Marshall's training camp, nor would it affect his preseason. He would be allowed to continue working with the Denver Broncos up until the first week of the regular season begins, at which time he would not be allowed in the Dove Valley Facility. Nor would he be allowed to work with anyone employed by the Denver Broncos or the National Football League.

The Denver Broncos Ageist?

2008-08-03T03:00:00.003-04:00

I know that I've been critical of the media in Denver as of late, from my chair high atop the ivory tower (sarcasm). However, Mark Kiszla's newest column for The Denver Post suggests that, John Lynch's departure looks bad for the Broncos. I have to agree with him, in a week that's been full of radio stations calling out suspensions, reporters doing features on players who don't even play defense and rookie writers reporting mis-info.

Yes, I know I didn't link any of those proclamations, everyone makes mistakes, but when you're paid, I think you deserve to be held to a higher standard. Especially when you have an editor, I of course have none...

I was troubled when I saw the crooked team doctor in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday. Then I was even more troubled when truth started surfacing about former Bronco middle linebacker Al Wilson and the situation surrounding his release. Now I've read Stefan Fatsis' new book A Few Seconds of Panic and I'm downright convinced. I'm not saying anything here that's going to get me in trouble with anyone in the NFL, but I might eventually. Especially in my next three films.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Denver Post reads my blog (and steals my titles, word for word) =)

Gary Zimmerman's in the Hall of Fame, more Broncos to follow?

2008-08-03T00:50:00.008-04:00

Today Denver Broncos left tackle Gary Zimmerman was inducted into the Hall of Fame by none other than Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

“To make it here today, with some of the best whoever played the game in the gallery, I am more humbled and blessed than I’ve ever been in my life,” Zimmerman told the crowd. “…I stand before you today a proud and gracious man.”

The man, who at one point adopted former offensive line coach Alex Gibb's code of silence, said that he'd worked weeks on his speech. He even called upon the Dalai Lama at one point quoting, “Not getting what you want is sometimes a magical stroke of luck.” Zimmerman was referring to what his college coach had said when he switched him, without consultation from middle linebacker to offensive linemen his freshman year.

An additional note, more of humor than anything is that Pat Bowlen during his introduction to Gary Zimmerman stated that, Zimmerman was, “the John Elway of the offensive line and the second-best player to play for me.”

Bowlen said literally the same thing of Rod Smith just last week, upon the announcement of Rod Smith retiring.

So let's talk about it, because it's here... Rod Smith has retired, the one thing that will insure that he sees a place in Canton is if the media continues to reinforce the fact that he does in fact deserve to be there. Why then is The Denver Post's Mike Klis telling fans to get real? It is time to get real Denver Bronco fans, we have at least five other players who deserve a spot in Canton who have been qualified for years!

The list goes a bit like this (and I'm sure that I'll miss someone): running back Floyd Little, linebacker Randy Gradishar, linebacker Tom Jackson, linebacker Karl Mecklenburg and safety Steve Atwater.

I have another personal favorite that I would include as well, safety Dennis Smith. However, it's not about what I believe, it's about who deserves to be there. From the above list, only Randy Gradishar has even a shot, but most likely last year was his last opportunity. Steve Atwater may get an opportunity as well soon, Atwater was literally the definition of football- old school, he was a throwback to the 1970's the way he used to sledge hammer a ball carrier.

This year will be the first year that former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe is up for induction this year, and running back Terrell Davis will once again be on the minds of voters. There are great arguments to be made for Terrell Davis: two Super Bowl wins, 2,000 yard season (which only five players have done ever, three are in the Hall of Fame, one is still active), Super Bowl MVP, 8,000 yards in seven seasons, 100 yards in every playoff game (10) et cetera. However, given that he didn't play twelve years in the NFL, he may not get in. Which would be a shame. Shannon Sharpe is a shoo in though (maybe eventually). Both Sharpe and Davis have the opportunity to keep their names and faces fresh in the minds of voters, because of their current jobs. Though that never helped Tom Jackson.

Rod Smith will be up eligible in 2013, the only thing that will really keep him worthy is fans consistently calling for his enshrinement over the next five years. John Lynch will most definitely get in, however, I don't see him entering as a Bronco. Unless he chooses to make Denver his permanent home, which he has suggested.

On the current roster, Champ Bailey is a first ballot guy and Tom Nalen should be as well. To stretch that list just a little bit farther coach Mike Shanahan will most definitely get in when he chooses to retire. There's two pieces of good news in those last few paragraphs, those being; Over the next ten-fifteen years the number of Denver Broncos enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame will escalate from two to a definite six and a possible nine. You've just got to stay one them and keep cheering Denver.

Romo: 2008 Cowboys are the 1997 Broncos

2008-08-02T18:04:00.000-04:00

Caught this over on Orange Mane:

Okay Tony Romo seems fair enough, but you're no John Elway yet.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 9 (Morning) Report

2008-08-02T15:17:00.008-04:00

Young Broncos are shinning! However, more on that in a bit.

As I stated yesterday, veteran center Tom Nalen's MRI came back negative, but he still sat out today. Nalen was joined on the sideline by: Chad Mustard (hamstring), Boss Bailey (knee), Hamza Abdullah (groin) and Montrae Holland was once again conditioning with Rich Tuten. Rookie linebacker Spencer Larsen was excused from practice, as his wife is having a baby. So congratulations to Spencer Larsen. More good news is that rookie fullback Peyton Hillis and running back Michael Pittman were both in pads and participating in practice today, Cecil Sapp can rest up a bit finally and Brett Pierce can return to only playing tight end.

Now onto training camp notes:

Jack Williams breaks up Keary Colbert's reception

Rookie corner back Jack Williams and Domonique Foxworth continue to make the best of every opportunity that they get. Foxworth is making a legitimate case for becoming Denver's number two option at corner back. He's said earlier this week that he believes that there are 32 teams in the league that he could start for, which includes Denver. Foxworth and Dre Bly actually both caught the wrath of a peaked Brandon Marshall who shared one of his best days in camp with the extremely accurate Jay Cutler.

Rookie safety Josh Barrett has also stepped up significantly this week, particularly in the last two days (in the absence of Hamza Abdullah). Having broken passes up, thumping running backs in the backfield and blitzing the quarterback, he's kind of making it look easy. Barrett's jarring hits while performing for the second-team defense didn't prove to be enough to cause tight end Nate Jackson to drop a pass, as he was leveled by Barrett, but managed to hold on to the pass. The young Barrett got his revenge in a goal line situation, preventing Jackson from scoring on a short pass at the three yard line.
Position battle wise: Niko Koutouvides suited at middle linebacker with the first-team defense and the two day rotation between Koutouvides and Nate Webster became evident. I'm not sure anymore where Tony Scheffler stands, obviously Daniel Graham is the number one tight end, but did Nate Jackson become the number two for Denver and then lose it? Scheffler played more with the first-team today and Jackson played more with the second-team offense today. Patrick Ramsey's successes continue to pale in comparison to that of third-stringer Darrel Hackney. And as far as the offensive line goes, calls for heads rolling may have been a bit premature... Today Jay Cutler succeeded because the emphasis was on passing and the offensive line looks great in pass protection. However, when Cutler has a bad day it's normally because of the amount of time he has to pass the ball. One last position battle is the number four receiver, Eddie Royal and Keary Colbert, it's too tough to tell.

The crowd collectively asked, "Jason who?"

Matt Prater went ten for ten in field goal kicks, including one for 68 yards. That's not a typo.
Here's the deal on Denver's rookie running backs Anthony Aldridge and Ryan Torain. Bronco fans have every reason to be excited about these two, for many years ahead there will be success, but when they look the best, they're playing against second and third-team defensive players. That being said, I don't believe that anyone should be lobbying for Torain to start immediately, not that anyone is. Selvin Young and Andre Hall are still the guys in Denver and as I've said before, I wouldn't be surprised to see movement at the top of the chart sometime during preseason.
The receivers, you've no doubt heard that this was Brandon Marshall's best day of camp, possibly anyone in Denver's best day of camp. The rest of the first-team receivers, Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley, both looked great as well. I mentioned the number four spot battle earlier and I think that Keary Colbert might have the edge over rookie Eddie Royal, because of blocking ability. That's just what my instincts are telling me.
Jay Cutler's good day was directly due to the strength of the offensive line, who seemed to have finally come together as a unit, despite having their leader replaced by center Casey Wiegmann. That's the first-team offensive line, the second-team offensive line was a mess and the first-team defensive line, led by DeWayne Robertson, made them flat out look bad.
Speaking of the defensive line, Jarvis Moss is making it look easy, adding several sacks, pressures and knock downs to his training camp total. Fans can look forward to a very strong interior rotation on the defensive line, consisting of: Ebenezer Ekuban, DeWayne Robertson, Josh Mallard, Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley.

Broncos resign Lynch's replacement

2008-08-02T14:17:00.005-04:00

At least as far as his roster spot replacement. According to the The Denver Post, the Denver Broncos have resigned Vickiel Vaughn.

Vaughn was drafted in 2006 in the seventh round (254th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent most of the 2006 season on injured reserve prior to being cut in 2007 during the 49ers training camp. Vaughn was most recently signed by Denver this off-season, but was June 14th, 2008, prior to training camp opening.

In his senior season at Arkansas Vaughn finished second on the team with 83 tackles, four interceptions (one which was returned for a touchdown) and one fumble recovery. Expect Vaughn to play very well at special teams, he was also rated number 20 out of the 86 free safeties entering the 2006 draft.

Davis talked Walker out of retirment

2008-08-02T13:24:00.005-04:00

Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com has just reported that Oakland Raider owner Al Davis talked Javon Walker out of retirement as late as last week. Walker, whom apparently was struggling with his own performance in training camp, offered to reimburse Oakland for the eleven million dollar signing bonus he received.

This comes after Bill Williamson of ESPN.com reported yesterday that Walker was off to a slow start, apparently Raiders coach Lane Kiffin has been critical of the receiver in camp.

Brandon Marshall wants to say something...

2008-08-02T01:32:00.003-04:00

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall had something to say yesterday, finally! In a not so exclusive interview with the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog, we held out the tape recorder and said, "I'm looking forward to the season," as he walked towards the locker room he also slipped us this little ditty, "I can't wait for Oakland on Monday night."

There you have it, Marshall knows that he won't be suspended at all. That and he's looking forward to making Oakland's secondary look completely stoopit for trying to cover him. Granted the Monday he's referring to is about five weeks away, the real news is he will be present on Monday night and as you know his humble presence alone produces magic.

Of course, I don't believe that Marshall knows any more or less than the rest of us. However, his feeling seems to be that he will be present in Denver's first game against Oakland... I'd love to believe him as readers know, I predicted a week ago that he would be given a pass.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 8 (Morning) Report

2008-08-01T16:18:00.009-04:00

I may have jinxed our gentle giants in Dove Valley and I'm sorry. Starting free safety Hamza Abdullah (groin) and strong side linebacker Boss Bailey (knee) were both added to the list of inactives today, which includes: Tom Nalen (knee), Peyton Hillis (hamstring), Chad Mustard (hamstring), Michael Pittman (too many reps) and Montrae Holland (TFTP).

The good news?:

Brandon Marshall is Magic!

Seriously, Marshall hasn't even caught the ball and the referee is already calling a touchdown. He's so sure of his skill that he doesn't even stand up to catch anymore. Just sits in the end zone and waits. It's a sign, what Marshall is trying to illustrate with this metaphor is that even "sitting" he will be effective. He's telling fans that it's okay, look at the young boy just below the ball, he understands.

Tom Nalen's MRI was negative, which is great news to everyone, except center Casey Wiegmann, who has been filling in for the injured Nalen on the first-team offense.

I proposed this a couple of days ago (maybe even the first day of camp), what do you guys think of this for a front five: Clady, Hamilton, Nalen, Wiegmann and Kuper? Just a through, of course if missing this many reps in training camp does not affect Montrae Holland then of course swap him and Wiegmann. I love Ryan Harris and I'm assuming the coaches do too, because of the amount of first-team reps he is getting at right tackle. However, if Chris Kuper doesn't have to play right guard and the Denver staff can put him on the outside, they probably will. He's playing like a programmed machine, broken hand and all.

Nate Webster is still at middle linebacker on the first-team. As I stated yesterday, as far as I can tell it's two day rotation, Webster plays two days on first-team, then Niko Koutouvides plays two days on first-team. Who's better? Hmm... Webster's certainly more exciting to watch play, while Koutouvides seems to be the more intelligent player. They both come from good NFL pedigrees as far as previous experience, however Webster was an animal for Denver last season. Can he be trusted in pass coverage? Not as much as I would trust Koutouvides in pass coverage and here in lies the problem for Denver's coaching staff. Preseason will sort out the situation, hopefully. Let's not forgot about rookie Spencer Larsen either, while he's most likely going to go head-to-head with Jordan Beck for special teams thriller, Larsen provides nice insurance to Webster and Koutouvides.

Dre Bly's a man on a mission:

Can you imagine the results of the above picture in an actual game? Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey would most likely have spinal fluid coming out of his nose from the hit he's about to receive. The week old battle between Bly and Domonique Foxworth is only going to get hotter. Only Denver will benefit from this competition, with both Bly and Foxworth playing to beat each other out. Foxworth is in a contract year and fans seemed to have shifted favoring Foxworth over Bly, where as their were rumblings to trade Foxworth for a fourth rounder prior to the draft. I'm hoping that the three along with rookie Jack Williams and Karl Paymah can link to form the iron curtain coverage that any team needs to force an offense to become one dimensional.

With Hamza Abdullah out, rookie Josh Barrett was given an opportunity to shine and he did, nabbing a sack during eleven-on-elevens. Roderick Rogers, whom I haven't brought up as much as I should have in the days since John Lynch evacuated, also picked off a ball today. If I'm the coach, I don't know who stays and who goes, either way, there are going to be some very talented players in a lot of the positions who won't be making the team unfortunately.

On the defensive line, Josh Mallard is continuing reps with the first team. At one point in practice the defensive line consisted of nearly all draft picks from 2007, as Jarvis Moss, Marcus Thomas and Tim Crowder front ended Denver's second-team defense.

Photo credit: Kyle Sonneman © DenverBroncos.com

Shanahan Hits the Sauce Early...

2008-08-01T12:49:00.005-04:00

Just kidding, today training camp is closed to the public for the morning session. We've got you covered though, have no fear.

News this morning looks like this:

Denver head coach Mike Shanahan was on the Denver's 104.3 The Fan and said, amongst other things that, "Denver would make the playoffs," and that once they were there they would do something special. No word yet on when The Fan will retract the statement, should be any minute now.

As I wrote over at Bronco Madness, center Tom Nalen's knee may be a little worse than we thought.

Mike Klis at The Denver Post wrote a great story on Gary Zimmerman's induction into the Hall of Fame.

Tragically rookie linebacker Spencer Larsen missed the first three days of practice to support his family following the death of his two year-old niece. Mile High Salute Spencer, we're all pulling for you.

What If?

2008-08-01T03:14:00.003-04:00

I'm not particularly worried about John Lynch going to San Diego to play football. Some fans seem to be livid over the idea, if Lynch were to return to his hometown and play for the Chargers this season... What would that really be saying about former Charger safety (and current Bronco) Marlon McCree? San Diego let him walk, to apparently, "get younger," at safety.

Marlon McCree is in fact the main reason that Lynch was cut from the Broncos. McCree replaced Lynch in the nickel and dime formations, he will also most likely replace Lynch in the base 4-3 formation as well. San Diego let McCree go, McCree comes to Denver, knocks Lynch off of his depth chart spot and then Lynch goes to San Diego to play?

Come on... I don't see how San Diego fans can justify that one. Seriously, it will be a laughable point to make in any conversation between a Bronco and Charger fan for years to come.

Marshall Suspension: 4 Games?

2008-07-31T16:11:00.007-04:00

UPDATE: The Fan has retracted their statement, stating that their source "expects" there to be a four game suspension. According to them the announcement will come early next week.

104.3 FM The Fan in Denver just reported (around 2:00 PM), rather quickly, that Brandon Marshall was suspended for four games. As of this moment no other authoritative source is reporting the same.

Granted this is the same station that said Terrell Owens had signed with the Broncos, several years ago.

Prepare yourselves fans, I will update as soon as I have a confirmation.

Mike Bell signs with Denver Jr.

2008-07-31T15:07:00.003-04:00

Former Denver Broncos running back Mike Bell has signed with Gary Kubiak's Houston Texans. This after Bell's visit to the New England Patriots was cut short by the Patriots quickly snatching LaMont Jordan off the waiver wire.

We look forward to hopefully seeing Bell two Saturdays from now (August 9th) when Denver takes on the Texans.

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 7 (Morning)

2008-07-31T14:11:00.006-04:00

The referees are here! Time for some action, as fans know, once the referees show up at training camp the first preseason game is not far away.

Out today of course were: Chad Mustard and Peyton Hillis (hamstrings), Tom Nalen, Michael Pittman and Ebenezer Ekuban all sat out as well. Montrae Holland was on sled duty for the seventh day in a row, working separately from the rest of the team.

Andre Hall continues to blow my mind.

Nate Webster is back with the first-team defense, it's not going to be apparent who has won the middle linebacker position until the season begins. Coaches are rotating Webster and Niko Koutouvides every two days it seems, on the first-team as middle linebackers.
Chris Kuper's hand is still wrapped up and appeared to give him even more trouble today, than it has any of other days. He's persevering though, his will and want to succeed on the starting Denver offensive line is endearing.
Defensive tackle DeWayne Robertson is part of the explanation for Kuper's painful hand. Robertson is giving both Kuper and backup center (in for Tom Nalen) Casey Wiegmann daily headaches, as they double team him during practice. today by the way.
In the absence of John Lynch, it may be corner back Dre Bly who steps up to fill that open veteran leadership role. As fans saw, Bly was standing on the sideline coaching rookie corner Jack Williams as he participated in the one-on-one drills versus the receivers.
Defensive tackle Josh Mallard saw significant time with the first-team defense, as did Marcus Thomas. Good to see my personal favorite (Josh Mallard) and fan favorite (Marcus Thomas) succeeding and doing very well.
At defensive end, last year's first two Denver draft picks, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, rotated in for each other with the first-team defense.
The Broncos may want to get Cecil Sapp some help at fullback, with the amount of reps he's being forced to take in the absence of any other fullback. Tight end Brett Pierce is splitting reps with Sapp, but Pierce is also taking reps at tight end, he caught a fingertip roll from Jay Cutler. It's like the Broncos are screaming for an injury to either Pierce or Sapp though, with them both doing double time. Neither position (full back or tight end) can afford the loss of another player.
Knock knock... (Who's there) Brandon Marshall (Brandon Marshall who?) Exactly. That's how good Eddie Royal looks, the rookie at wide out is really benefiting from going up against two of the best corner backs in the NFL every day. Nate Jackson too, he's been taking reps with the first-team offense the whole of training camp and deservedly so. Whether he's in at tight end or split wide (past Marshall) he's turning heads and leaving defensive backs befuddled.
Wide receiver Keary Colbert looked good today, but is not going to threaten either Darrell Jackson or Brandon Stokley (for their spot on the roster), in my humble opinion.

Denver to find out fate of Marshall today?

2008-07-31T11:54:00.002-04:00

ESPN.com's Bill Williamson says that there are, "Indications that Brandon Marshall will learn whether he will be suspended as soon as Thursday."

So, this could turn out to be quite the week for the Denver Broncos having two of their all-time great players retire and finding out about the possible suspension of Brandon Marshall all within a week's time.

Funny what funny what seven days can change. I'm going to stand on my soap box once again and say that I believe Marshall will most likely get a pass as I said last Friday night.

Lynch Out: What's next for Denver?

2008-07-31T00:46:00.006-04:00

Sad, sad news out of Denver, I responded to Kyle's post over at fellow Denver Broncos Blog - BroncoTalk by saying that, "I feel like my girlfriend just broke up with me (out of nowhere)." When my cell phone started lighting up with text messages, I assumed that Brandon Marshall had been suspended... Is that wrong of me? Then the news came in, Marshall's fine, but John Lynch is splitting with Denver!?

Good news/bad news, if John Lynch does in fact decide that he'd prefer reporting or manning a chair with CBS Sports/ESPN/Fox/NFL Network, et cetera and he retires... Could John Lynch and Rod Smith actually go into the Hall of Fame the same year? It's possible, if in fact Lynch does decide to retire as a Bronco.

Early word out of San Diego is that they would love to have him. I'm sure that Herm Edwards over in Kansas City would as well. Though he's not likely to get more playing time at either location than he would in Denver. Anywhere Lynch goes, if he does in fact stay in the NFL, is fine with me as Lynch will not join a program unless it is a perfect suit for him and his family. Bless the Lynch's and thank you for being such great citizens to the great city of Denver. Most of all John Lynch, thanks for the memories, the fans of Denver Broncos will not soon forget you.

Now, let's get down to business. The killer in me, the day the Denver Broncos picked up Marlon McCree from San Diego, wanted to see both Lynch and McCree lined up together in the deep Denver backfield. Would anyone dare go over the middle against Denver? Not realistic though, as they are both just a bit iffy in coverage. However, as this training camp has shown, outside of the base package- four defensive line men, three linebackers, to corners and two safeties- Denver was not going to utilize Lynch. McCree was brought in for all passing opportunities and rookie Josh Barrett was also utilized in the nickel formation and 4-3-3-1 formations.

Hamza Abdullah has placed his flag atop the depth chart of strong safety and even as a strong safety has been quite the ball hawk in passing situations. You never heard from me that John Lynch had lost a step, I don't think that's fair to say of a man who made the Pro Bowl last season and has started and been effective in all of the four-years that he played in Denver. However, Marlon McCree was brought in as Lynch insurance and McCree is just as capable of splitting someone's helmet as John Lynch was.

However, there's a dark horse in Denver, his name is Marquand Manuel. Ever seen the video of Manuel thumping Dallas running back Marion Barber? If I could find it, I'd share it, but the man's an animal. Fans of the Broncos should feel very happy with the hands that they're left in, given the absence of John Lynch. Both Manuel and McCree look to be very effective and true to Denver safety form. There will still be fireworks coming from the safety position Denver faithful, not to worry.

Here's some vintage Marlon McCree: