Madden 09: Broncos Roster Updates

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

There's more! Check out the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog for multiple daily updates.

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Preparing for the 2009 NFL Draft; pars prima:

Step one is to determine need. Here we are prior to '08 training camp. What was the situation at the inception of the current year and what, if anything, has been done to address it? We inventory the current roster.


OFFENSE

QB: No need to address here; Cutler, Ramsey, Hackney going into camp; no new faces; How Cutler responds to medical treatment for diabetes will be a question;

RB: A moderate area of need; Subtract Travis Henry; add Torain, Alridge and Pittman; They go into camp w/Young, Bell, Hall and Sapp; The TC battle will be intense and "the pack" will require study to detect the emergence of one or most likely two to carry the load; RB is a possible area of interest in '09;

FB: Didn't really have a true FB (what is a true FB?); Add Hillis; If Shanahan has an offensive position called 20/FB, then Hillis, Sapp and Bell (who have played the spot) and Pittman might be candidates; This is an area which requires close scrutiny from this point until the end of the season;

TE: Not considered an area of great need in an offseason w/out many FAs and promising rookies; Scheffler and Graham make a strong pair with each trying to improve in opposite areas (blocking & receiving); Three will most likely be on the roster; Mustard tore a hamstring in spring practice and Jackson is returning from an injury; These enter training camp w/Brett Pierce; The lack of depth is a concern, but only if Graham or Scheffler can't go; Look for the acquisition (not inquisition) of a TE in '09;

WR: With the retirement of Rod Smith and the unhappiness of Javon Walker, this was an area of great need which Shanahan elected to address mostly through FAs (Jackson, Colbert, Parker, Russell and Shepherd); Two rookies were added (2nd round pick, Eddie Royal and CFA Lorne Sam); Martinez and McDaniel (PS) remain from last season; Brandons Stokley and Marshall return as the starters from '07; As of this post, eleven WRs are going to TC; Even after inevitable cuts, starting quality and depth look very good; With many new faces, this position will be observed closely to see how many and which are retained and how they do in '08 season;

OL: With season ending injuries to Hamilton and Nalen followed by a subpar season by Matt Lepsis (who retired), the OL was in need of repair if not a rebuild; Former Chief, Casey Wiegmann, was brought in to provide a vet at C in the event of the apotheosis of Tom Nalen, the modern Herakles; Likewise, a younger but experienced G, Dylan Gandy (Colts), was acquired just in case Ben Hamilton has not recovered from "spinal cord concussion" (which only full contact will reveal); It surprised most of us when Chris Myers was traded after filling in first at G, then C and playing well; There were some seviceable OL left from '07 (Holland, Kuper, Pears and Harris with PJ Alexander providing depth); The obvious, glaring need at LT was addressed w/1st round pick Ryan Clady (moving the Broncos closer to having an O w/just a few first names-Ryan, Brandon, Mike); The inevitable retirement of Tom Nalen and Wiegmann's longevity made the 4th round pick of C, Kory Lichtensteiger, make sense; Tyler Polumbus and Mitch Erikson were added as CFAs; Thirteen OL are going to TC; This unit will be watched to see if chemistry and interchangeability come quickly; The performance of this group, as a unit, is the key to the '08 offense; At this time G seems a definite '09 need;

DEFENSE

DE: Was not considered a critical area of need with Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder entering their second season and Dumervil his third; The return of Ebenezer Ekuban from injury and the addition of three low profile young DEs (Birdine, Clemons and Carrington) as well as the return of John Engelberger, Kenny Peterson (also DT) and Josh Mallard (is he a DE or a DT?) make a group of 7-10 players considered for DE; Moss and Crowder were drafted to start and we will all be watching for that; Elvis Dumervil is a rare talent as a PRS, but will get beat up playing every down including run D/as a PRS he could be close to 20 sacks annually; all DL must rotate regularly;

DT: After the poor run D of '07, this position took a lot of heat and was in need of help; The only DT left from last year who truly looked promising was Marcus Thomas (and he almost got busted, whew!); Adding DeWayne Robertson from the Jets was seemingly masterful; Drafting Carlton Powell, in the fifth round, was clever and indicative of the direction DL play will go in '08; Josh Mallard (a DE at Georgia) was a PRS from the DT position in '07, but his status for '08 is a mystery/more on him in ST; For most of the '07 season, Alvin McKinley just didn't look good, but it may have been Bates' pseudo-defense (which is actually a bag of rune stones mixed with I Ching sticks and coins); Kenny Peterson and Nic Clemons may be considered as DTs with versatility being a marketable skill; Entering his second season is Thomas Harris (not to be confused with Marcus Thomas or Ryan Harris, who in turn, should not be confused with Ryans Clady and Torain), a teammate of Moss and Thomas at Florida who has his opportunity now; DeWayne has been guided carefully through mini-camps, but contact is on the way, and how his knee does during the season will be observed carefully with much rotation being necessary because his presence on the DL at least half of the time will be crucial; How Marcus Thomas plays in his second season, how Carlton Powell does as a rookie and whether or not someone can beat out Alvin Mckinley are issues which will be resolved;

LB: Since the end of his days as a Bronco, finding a replacement for Al Wilson (a hitting machine whose body just ran out of ammo) has been, perhaps, the most pressing need of the whole D; In '07 the talented DJ Williams was needed to play MLB, but now he is finally returning to WLB (aka "the wrath of the gods" to opposing offenses); At the close of '06, Nate Webster was tried at MLB, but it didn't go well, so in '07 he was given a shot at SLB (is the jury in yet?); Must be because the Broncos have reunited the Bailey Boys with Boss at SLB now; Nikos Koutouvides (Seahawks) and Spencer Larsen (All-PAC 10, 6th round pick) have been brought in to compete with Webster at MLB; Jordan Beck excelled as a Special Teams player and that would seem to be his best chance at a roster spot; Jamie Winborn is an extremely experienced and versatile LB who is a valuable player on ST; Louis Green has played mostly ST during his time with Denver; Rookie free agent Wesley Woodyard is listed as a LB, but it is possible that he will be groomed as the next box safety to replace John Lynch in a D that may be more split-six/4-4 than 4-3; Including Woodyard makes nine of which six may be kept; The biggest concern is at MLB with the questions being, can Nikos play the position well and can Spencer Larsen make the team even as a 1st & 2nd down guy?

CB: When neither Domonique Foxworth nor Karl Paymah had been traded prior to the draft, picking up Jack Williams in the 4th was a surprise; CB was not regarded as an area of need; With Denver's D inclined in the direction of a 4-4, five CBs may be needed for nickel/dime/cover 1 & zero vs. multiple WR sets; With seven headed for training camp, most expect five to make the roster (Bailey, Bly, Foxworth, Paymah and Williams); '08 will reveal this position as a bona fide strength or not;

S: The departure of Nick Ferguson and Curome Cox, the age of John Lynch and the questionable play of Hamza Abdullah made many feel that S was such a critical need that using a 1st round pick was contemplated; Two veterans with playoff experience (Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel) were brought in to bolster the position; Rod Rogers remained from the '07 PS; Josh Barrett inexplicably fell to the Broncos in the seventh round; It remains to be seen if the Broncos want one box S/LB and one FS/center-fielder; As mentioned previously, Woodyard may be considered as a box S in the mould of John Lynch; Probably the biggest question surrounding the Safety position for the Broncos is, what kind of Ss in what kind of D do they want?

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK: Jason Elam's departure to Atlanta as an UFA came as a shock to many Bronco fans, but his inability to kickoff from the -30 beyond the +20 necessitated having the punter KO which doesn't need to be a big problem (his FG range seemed to be shrinking, too); This was obviously an area of significant need prior to the draft, but it usually isn't necessary to use the draft to address PK; Surprisingly, the Broncos only brought in one CFA, Garrett Hartley, to compete with Matt Prater who was with the team at the close of '07 Season; Expect the Broncos to keep a PK on the PS; How long it takes to gain stability at this position will determine if and how much need in '09;

P: Todd Sauerbrun's attempt to return to Denver was spoiled by unfortunate off-field behavior as well as some nightmarish punting/KO performances (especially at Chicago); This position was very unsettled at the close of the '07 season and was also an area of critical need; Again, the Broncos are entering TC with two Ps, Sam Paulescu (from the end of '07) and Brett Kern ('08 CFA); It wouldn't surprise to see the Broncos also carry a P on the PS; P/PK is a priority in '08 which may warrant draft picks in '09 as there are some interesting looking PK/P or P/PK guys who combine both both skills as well as sufficient size to be tacklers on P/KO;

LS: Each NFL team actually needs more than one long snapper and if you peruse the depth chart you will see the backup LS who is usually an OL sometimes a TE (e.g., Clark Harris, Packers); LS must be able to cover punts which means running and tackling; For years Mike Leach has done an excellent job as a LS for the Broncos; Word is Josh Mallard, a DL three years younger and 20lb. bigger than Leach, will try to displace him at the spot; I don't think we often see battles for roster spots extend to LS, but if Mallard can show consistent skill (absolutely necessary) with the ball, his ability to play DL may incline Mike Shanahan to prefer him over Leach who has pretty much been a specialist LS; With the limited number of roster spots and the long season (especially if playoffs are included), my own interest has been the possibility of one guy kicking and punting and have the LS just be one of your other guys on the roster, not necessarily a specialist;

ST PLAYERS: During the past two offseasons the Broncos have acquired about 24 players who look as if they may be good at ST (KO/KOR/P/PR) and 11 of those are '08 rookies; It is an opportunity for a physically talented and eager youngster to gain attention and make his mark and beat out a veteran for a backup spot at position; All ST situations will therefore have implications for O and D positions; Guys like Woodyard, Alridge, Barrett, Larsen and Sam don't need to be good enough to start if they can light it up on ST.

SUMMARY

Positions which will definitely need to be addressed in the '09 NFL Draft or FA/Trades are TE, OG and FS; Positions which will probably need to be addressed are RB and MLB; Positions which might need attention are WR, FB, OT, PK, P, DE, DT, OLB and SS depending on what happens in the meantime with Free Agency, injuries and retirements; It would be an understatement to say that the Broncos needed help everywhere after the '07 season; The OL was in complete disarray (you know, run disarray not datarray) and fortunately has been reassembled; WR and RB were total questionmarks, but now look deep and workable; DL and LB have been completely reorganized and have potential (a term repugnant to many coaches); Overall, Shanahan and Co. seem to have done an excellent job of acquiring personnel who may be able to help, given the limitations with which they had to work; From this point forward, it will be a matter of following the current roster keeping in mind that each move is indicative of what the new Bronco Coaching Staff has in mind for each position in their O, D & ST schemes.

Be Alert (we need more lerts) to a future topic:

Is anyone really out there reading this? OK, how many fingers am I holding up? Where are you? What year is it? Man, you guys act like you really got your bell rung this time. Here, smell this, don't sit down and don't go to sleep; the meatwagon will be here shortly.

Ian tells me that there are a lot of readers out there. How can that be? No one ever even says "Hi!" or asks for my phone number. What the ****? Would it be too much to ask for some ... reaction? I thought cyberspace was supposed to be interactive. Anybody LISTENING? Come on. How about some comments like, "Sam, you are full of ****!"

One thing that Ian and I will be discussing in which we invite you to participate is the '09 draft. Yes, I know, that's a long way off, but training camp is a way off, too, and you imaginary people out there ARE NOT HELPING to cultivate intelligent discourse (not to be confused with datcourse).

If you are visiting this site, it's possible you are a football junkie. We are, too. NFL needs college players and following the NFL sort of requires a medium awareness of the college game; guess where college players come from?

Think of it this way, Bronco fans. When the preseason begins we are all evaluating the existing Bronco talent pool. Each position must be studied all players being scrutinized. During the season we must begin to pinpoint areas that need improvement personnel-wise. Simultaneously, we must at least follow FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision/previously known as Div.1A). We will forgive you if you don't include FCS (Football Championship Subdivision/previously known as Div.1AA). Those of you who include FCS, Div.II & III will get kudos from us and our admiration. Pop quiz: What player, from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, who set an all-time NCAA record was recently signed by the Jets?

The obvious purpose (not porpoise) of this exercise is to figure out who might be able to help our beloved Broncos. We start with the pool of Seniors since they WILL be available. At the end of the college season, there is a deadline (of which Ian can inform us) by which Juniors may officially declare their availability for the next NFL draft.

So, my wonderful deaf-dumb-mute amigos, the '09 draft is a topic open to discussion. You know, like "The Holy-Roman Empire was neither holy nor Roman ... discuss."

What, me worry?

Well, under three weeks 'til training camp with the first preseason game a couple of weeks following. Ian's bold prediction of a 13-3 season has fallen on more than a few deaf ears. I guess some guys don't want their macho image spoiled by some educated optimism. To me, there is one big question mark inside of each of the three keys to the season: Offense; Defense; Special Teams.

On O it all boils down to the line. The OL must get chemistry fast and keep it. Help out the rookie LT who will be schooled by some of the best DEs/OLBs in the game. Daniel Graham can help. For those grousing about whether or not Clady should start w/1st team O, have they considered that 1st team D starts against 1st team O in preseason? If Clady isn't with 1st team, then he won't see "the Dudes". He really needs to see the best of what Houston, Dallas, Green Bay and Arizona have to offer, and then keep playing for at least three whole quarters, maybe four. I'm not worried about RT; there are three who can play that. Got seven who can play G; five who can play C. This may be the most interchangeable OL I've ever seen Denver field. This group can sustain injuries/retirements. They are coached by a trained civil engineer who plans to build roads through opposing defenses and walls for Jay Cutler. The adversity of '07 will help them in '08.

On D, it's all about the front 7/8. Is it time to expect that the Broncos will be in a 4-4/split-six where a S isn't just in the tackle box occasionally in order to give a look, but is there because the O needs to plan on accounting for him in their blocking scheme? When D reads pass, where the heck is he going? Blitzing? Manning? Zoning? Blitz which gap? Man on which receiver? Drop to what zone? Is he always going to line up in the same place? Is he always going to be the key? If I was the DC, I'd mix it up ... all the time, just as I expect Shanahan to order Slowik to do. The front group Bronco opponents will face most likely will have five new faces (Moss, Crowder, Robertson, Koutouvides and Bailey) and one of the old faces (Williams) will be in a new position. It's a new ball game for the Broncos on the defensive side of the LOS. Stopping/inhibiting/controlling the run is Mike Shanahan's priority. Expect to see a big improvement in that area. While front 7/8 is a question, the secondary is up to it even if IT requires much cover 1 & zero. Shanahan's idea of D seems to challenge the other team to throw. With Elvis Dumervil as a PRS and Jarvis Moss and DJ Williams available to rush, pressure on the opposing QB will also be improved. Too, let us not forget that Jim Ryan is coaching the LBs.

Some seem to be focusing too much on who the new punter and placekicker will be. In my opinion, that's not as important as the other ten guys on the field at that time. Yes, Jason Elam is gone. That's what he wanted and we wish him well. Move on. If your drive stalls on the +30, can the PK consistently hit a 47 yd. FGA w/% increasing the closer you get? I don't see why not since the NFL has the ball spotted almost smack in the middle of the field after each play. College kickers have more difficult angles from which to kick if the ball is spotted on the hashmark. They can do it; just keep lining guys up until you find one who isn't a head case or is so crazy he can't remember what happened five minutes ago. KICK IT! Can the the guy kicking off hang it high and have it come down on the GL even w/#s? Hey, have it come straight down on the #10 every time would be a colossal improvement over what we saw at times last year. Punting isn't so much a question of the P as it is: 1) block for him; 2) cover the punt. Those last two items are much more important than trying to outkick the coverage; how high can you kick it? Also, direction is necessary for an NFL P. Help out your lane runners by putting the ball between the #s and the sideline. Hang it high to the side and don't forget to tell your teammates which side it is.

As previously mentioned, the problem w/ST in '07 wasn't so much the PK/P as it was the other guys; Todd Sauerbrun's Chicago performance notwithstanding. ST is not rocket science. If a coach is trying to make it complicated where guys have to think, it ain't gonna work. Running, blocking, tackling. Run your lanes and find the guy with the ball. Right return. Middle return. Left return. ST is basic football skills and sheer enthusiasm on display. Show me a guy who loves to play ST and I'm looking at a football player. Can't remember plays? That's OK. He can play D. Here come the rookies. For at least ten of them, hopes of making the roster depend on how crazy they can be on ST. So, what's the question on ST? Can you guys do these basic things @ 100mph w/no fear? Good, now let's go HIT SOMEBODY! For God's sake, you are covered in protective equipment ... or should be. Everybody got some pads in their pants?

Summer '08. Defending Super Bowl Champions are the New York Giants. Can anyone remember what was going on with them a year ago? Everyone was amazed that Tom Coughlin was allowed to return after the meltdown, media-frenzy 6-10 fiasco of the year before. Tiki Barber had just retired and written a not-too-complimentary book about his NFL career. Names were named; feelings were bruised; retorts made their way back and forth through the headline hungry sporting press of the Big Apple. Teammates were secretly plotting to sew Jeremy Shockey's lips together, or so I've heard. Strahan missed training camp while trying to decide whether or not to retire ... yeah, right. Season didn't get off to a very good start, but the G-men made the playoffs as a wild card. The Giants had carefully drafted eight rookies all of whom made the team. Those guys played a key role in the playoff run right into a Super Bowl they weren't supposed to win, but refused to lose behind the heroics of a 3rd year QB.

Our beloved Broncos have had firings from the coaching staff and front office as well as cuts of high profile players. Jay Cutler discovered he has a medical condition explaining his symptoms and which seems entirely treatable. Tony Scheffler has his annual Adventures of the Foot. Marcus Thomas had an educational experience involving high school buddies and law enforcement officials which seems to have refocused his priorities. Brandon Marshall has offered many bizarre explanations of: how he managed to almost sever his right arm; knocked his teeth out; was in Vegas around the time Javon Walker was almost being beaten to death; how he was the victim of a Play Misty For ME incident in which he got busted: and, other sundry and mysterious misadventures. I would like to ask Brandon and Javon a question. What is it with spraying everyone within range with the bubbly? I know, ... you guys are pretending to be Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen on the podium. Wait, is that the Italian National Anthem I hear? In Marshall's case, we are clearly dealing with someone from another planet. Take it from me, people from NM know about these ... things.

So, all of you crusty old pessimists; break it down: Three AFC West opponents, home & away; AFC East, Bills & Dolphins at home, Pats & Jets away; NFC South, Saints & Bucs at home, Falcons & Panthers away; Jaguars at home; and, Browns on the road. You do the math. It just has to add up to sixteen, Shirley. Worst case scenario, how is it less than ten? Best case scenario ... come on, work with me here. Sweep KC & Oakland and split w/San Diego. Win both home games w/AFC East and split the road games. Sweep the NFC South. Why not? The two tougher games are at Mile High and the two weaker opponents are away. Split the two second place AFC South & North opponents. What is it? Come on ... 5+3+4+1=13, just like Ian said. Grow an imagination. It's a game. Game up. Positive vibes. I don't want the Broncos thinking this way though. They, on the other hand, should take these one game at a time and take the field always KNOWING they will find a way to win. And, as far as being overly optimistic is concerned, I'll borrow a line from Miles Davis and John Coltrane, So What?

BRONCOS: Past, Present and Future

For many, the '07 season is the worst thing that has ever happened to Bronco fans. If you think it was bad for you, the last game vs.Vikings wasn't even telecast in my area thanks to the Cowboys. When the Cowboys were eliminated and Hitler went off about it ... well, that helped. Hey, and the Broncs won that one, too! The NFL Channel is still blacking the game out. Listen up, my brothers and sisters, the best thing about '07 is that it's over. Next year is almost here!

Unfortunately, that doesn't stop much residual whining, crying, bitching and moaning from those who just can't take the trash-talk from their acquaitances who are fans of other teams. Maybe when the Broncos get back on track, we'll remember our pain and be nicer to others who will inevitably experience it in the future ... nah! I will admit that when the Raiders lost to the Bucs in Superbowl Whatever, I couldn't resist the temptation to tease one of my student/football players by saying, the day after Super Sunday, "Hey, don't you know that when Rich Gannon wakes up this morning and looks in the mirror, he'll say, 'I set a Super Bowl record ... for interceptions.'" Sorry, Luis, what goes around comes around, Buddy. You still my bro. And I tease Victoria about her beloved Steelers, but not too much because girls have that Classical goddess thing they do when they get mad ... you know, they turn you into things you don't wanna be.

For me, the football situation was saved by a bunch of great bowl games and ... the Giants! There's a cycle fans go through after each season which is unsatisfactory for everyone except the fans of the team that won it all ... sorry, Adolf. A certain amount of cussing and carrying on is normal. But then, for those of us who ARE normal, we start to look for ways to fix what's wrong rather than constantly calling for the head(s) of the coach(es). Hey, fans, this isn't high school any more and, yes, dad, we CAN hear everything you are saying/screaming from the stands. First we have to argue about what is wrong, and when we finally agree on an area then we have to argue about what to do about it. It's a good thing. That's how Ian and I met; arguing about the draft. Which is mostly phase one, along with the FA market; phase two is arguing about who was acquired/drafted; phase three ended just recently with the mini-camps and cuts leading up to training camp. We are now in the Dead Zone, that darkest hour before first light when the meanest, ugliest, most pessimistic creatures doggedly hang around before Dawn with her rose-red fingertips heralds the onset of the '08 SEASON, BABY, YEAH!!!

Everyone is trying to cope. Even Brandon Marshall is doing his best to distract us and give us something to talk about. What do we say kids? "Thank you, Mister Marshall." Good. Now don't you feel better? No? Don't tell me you're one of those fair-weather fans who jumped on the bandwagon in the late nineties and are now complaining about the ride, are you? It's times like this when I remember that Mile-High Stadium was sold out years before the Broncos even had a winning season; at the end of their first decade when the AFL and NFL had just merged. I guess you had to be there, but you whiners have no idea ... It's hard communicating with people who give you a blank stare when you mention Floyd Little, who DOES BELONG IN THE HOF, DAMNIT!

But, hey, yeah, we are still hearing from people who actually voice the idea that nothing can be solved until after Shanahan is gone. I like Bill Parcells, too, but be careful what you wish for. Besides, my favorite post-game interview guy in the history of post-game interviews is busy with a project right now; one that rather dwarfs the project we are following. Naysayers have been so busy they haven't noticed that, since the beginning of the '07 season, the Broncos have 53 new faces, out of 82 at the time of this post, headed into '08 training camp. That's amazing. That's a whole football team.

That's not all that's new. During the telecast, I am glued to the screen. During '07, I saw Shanahan's face, usually right in front of my neice's father-in-law, HEY, FRED! Don't you love how TV directors love to cut to the face of the coach of the team that just screwed up? I thought I could read his mind. Generally, it was, "What's that? Why did they do that?" OK, this is the guy born on the day Mount Vesuvius erupted ... August 24th, right? Volcanoes are unpredictable with their M-A-G-M-A and everything. I had a feeling that Mike Shanahan was going to do everything in his power to fix his team. So, Bates-gone. Heimerdinger-gone and not replaced. Sundquist-gone and not replaced. New associate head coach, Steve Watson. Wonder what that means? New DC, but new LB coach (Jim Ryan), too. New front office people anwering to ... Mike Shanahan. Several new coaches. Then there were all the players released: Ian Gold, Javon Walker, Travis Henry (tried to tell you), a bunch of others, Myers traded.

It's a message. "I'm the leader of this outfit and we're going in this direction. If you don't like it, step off." At this point, all would be well advised to get on the same page with Mike unless you just happen to like volcanic-seismic cataclysms. He has removed as many layers of bureaucracy as possible between him and the players. Everyone in his front office and on his coaching staff had better be busting their butts as hard as he is. Right now the contracts are being negotiated. Pat Bowlen is tired of fiscal irresponsibility. Those in whom Shanahan has placed his trust to do certain jobs had better do them well now. Whoever goofed on the Josh Barrett contract had better fix the problem and learn from it. Assistant coaches had better take care of every little-bitty thing in preparation for training camp because Mike is overseeing the signings. When camp begins, he will be everywhere: at each position, offense, defense, special teams. I guarantee that he will check every little detail about each phase of the game. Since it is physically impossible for him to be at each position practice and meeting (since they all occur simultaneously), the assistants had better be good at writing playbooks. He will see videos of each practice though, and each assistant will have a list of things to do from Mike each and every day.

The Broncos are over halfway towards their next Super Bowl appearance in terms of having the pieces in place. The biggest puzzle piece is Jay Cutler, the intelligent, strong-armed QB Mike has been looking for since Elway retired. All else is being gathered and it's just a matter of time.

Broncos Denver Broncos add a new blogger!

Okay, you've suffered (well hopefully not suffered) through my writing style long enough, so I've decided to add a bit of variety. Sam, he'll remind you of your High School Football coach, but with a better sense of humor and (a little) less shouting. Seriously though, he's brilliant, he starts tomorrow at 6:00 AM for three-a-days.