Shots Fired: Marcus Thomas vs. Flozell Adams

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.

What to Watch?: vs. Houston

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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Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 10 (Morning) Report

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 Training Camp: Day 7 (Morning)

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.

Training Camp: Day 2 (Morning Report) Part I

As reports begin to filter in, I'll do my best to decipher them for you guys.

So far:

• The Denver Post is reporting that Ebenezer Ekuban and DeWayne Robertson played defensive tackle with the first team, as well as Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss (also playing defensive tackle). I think she's confused and meant to say that Dumervil and Moss played defensive end. Either way, that's a whole lot of guys that can make sacks on one defensive line.
  
  
• The starting offensive line this morning was: (left to right) Ryan Clady, Ben Hamilton, Tom Nalen, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris.
  
  
• Notes on o-line: normal right guard Montrae Holland is still working privately with strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten. Kuper (who apparently broke his hand yesterday) filled in for the injured Hamilton is an obvious replacement for Holland. Erik Pears, who started at right tackle last year, apparently is struggling early in camp.
  
  
• Being that Kuper is filling in for Holland, it is unclear who is leading in the battle for right tackle.
  
  
• Peyton Hillis might not have the starting fullback handed to him as predicted, Cecil Sapp is still taking the first team reps. Expect a challenge later in camp, towards the preseason games.
  
  
• Darrell Jackson looked incredible, while Glenn Martinez was mostly quiet.
• Marcus Thomas was handling left guard Ben Hamilton easily.
  
  
• Josh Mallard might mess around and become a huge force on the defensive line this season.
  
  
• Spencer Larsen has missed all of camp, thus far, for a family emergency.

There is much more to report, from morning practice, but this has been part one.

Links! 7/16/2008

I've just put up a new article over at Bronco Madness, though it's not posted yet, so I can't link to it. However, by the time you read this, it'll probably be up, so go on over there and check it out. It's about Jay Cutler and the ever persistent third-year in a Mike Shanahan system.

[EDIT: it's up: How Good is Jay Cutler? (A History of Mike Shanahan in one part)]

Seriously, these links aren't much at all, but I will do my best to help you laugh in between:

• Kevin Jones said two days ago that he was looking forward to his trip to Denver, but he signed with Chicago. (Guess Bronco fans can rest assured knowing that Selvin Young's status as the starter is anything but solid.)
  
  
• Brandon Marshall's not the only one in the NFL with a weak story, Luke (McCown) hits his brother Josh (McCown) with an ax, while, "Chopping wood," in 105 degree weather.
  
  
• Scouts Inc. says Denver's Defensive Line is #32, but I'm not going to make you pay for Insider, so here's what they say about Denver:

32. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were a major disappointment on defense last season, ranking 30th against the run (142.6 ypg). They've done little to address the situation during the offseason. Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley are decent players but have not shown the ability to dominate or become players who command special attention. Neither is a physical presence who can overpower blockers or force double-teams. Defensive ends John Engelberger and Elvis Dumervil are both undersized. Engelberger is a bit of a tweener who is not explosive off the edge and lacks the size, strength and bulk to be a top run defender, while Dumervil has excellent burst and acceleration off the edge but struggles when teams run right at him. Thomas and DEs Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, all of whom were drafted in 2007, must become more productive if the Broncos hope to play better than last year.

[Guess people have to pay extra to find no mention of one of the biggest defensive acquisitions of the off-season for Denver (DeWayne Robertson). Thanks for the insight ESPN way to not mention Robertson or our newest draft pick to sign a contract, or the fact that Dumervil's a pass rushing specialist. Come to think of it **** ESPN Insider, we promise to have better information than them on the Broncos and it's here for free.]

• This guy just made a commercial with Jay Cutler, a McDonald's Commercial. They didn't want Brandon Marshall or what? Cutler's taking this stuff way too far, I'm sure Marshall got the point the second time you came out to publicly criticize him.

That's it guys (told you that I didn't have much), check back, I'll add more if there is more, because as you can tell, I really went slumming. Just kidding, I would never date a chick from San Diego [zing!?].

Links!

It's the rut, what is it two more weeks until training camp? Who will win out at middle linebacker? Who's going to be the second wide receiver on the depth chart? How will Bob Slowik's defense shape up? Will Selvin Young keep the starting job throughout the preseason or are we going to see Michael Pittman, Andre Hall or Ryan Torain starting against Oakland? Are we going to see the youngins- Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Marcus Thomas, Selvin Young, Tony Scheffler and Jarvis Moss step into the players we're all sure that they can be (some have already made significant movements in the right direction). Is Eddie Royal the next Devin Hester? Or should we have drafted DeSean Jackson?

The journey to knowing is sure to be a fun one. Here's some things I've stumbled upon this morning, hope everyone had a great Independence Day and for our Canadian and Mexican readers, hope that you had a wonderful weekend.

Okay, first up, I stumbled on this site, thanks to Josh Temple at BroncoTalk. The blog Orange Bucksnorts features a column called "Cream of the Crop" which takes the best of message board posts, comments from articles at the Denver Post and wherever else fans or players may be quoted or writing, and displays them along with commentary.

Here's a beautiful example and I agree with Hercules, it may be one of the best things I've ever read, ever. It's to the Denver Post's Woody Paige:

Dears Woodrow Tiberius Grandfather Woodchuck,

First quest, can I has Jay Cutler autograph? He hard to get from east coast.

Second, before Bronco draft in makey chat Denver Post you say Bronco not high on Clady. Then Bronco pick Clady. Why Bronco not high on Clady? Was they makey wrong choice before draft to makey other team think not choice? I watch youtoob and clady pan cake guy to ground hard then fall on guy as get up. Fall on guy as get up! Like ton of brick house! Mean spirit guy we need guy this makey all the plays.

Three, sorry guy in first quest. Secon rushmore Chanp Baily. Three rushmore Steve Atwater cause megaton Okoye hit on monday night, call see play before happen, I dont care what guys say he there cause that. Four is reserve Jay Cutsler and is megaton propeller arm fully upgrade diabetes checked Elway cross return to stomach of receives.

Thank you Grandfather Woodchuck. Mighty Bronco wisdom man. May no disease toad rain on family area abode.

Horvil Tiki

I died a little laughing so hard, you can visit the blog here. Horvil, whoever you are, you have a spot on our site whenever you'd like.

Some links:

• Jay Cutler injures Golfer Jay Hass at a wedding, while throwing him a pass. He was also a groomsman at the wedding for his old backup QB.(We're digging deep here folks, did I mention it's not preseason yet?)
• The International Herald Tribune reports Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at Invesco Field at Mile High.
• Spencer Larsen played fullback for a couple weeks, but says he'll probably stay at linebacker. (I think we all knew that, but it was posted).
• Under owner Pat Bowlen, the Broncos have averaged 10.471 victories per season over 24 years.
• Kissing Suzy Kolber reviewed Stefan Fastis' new book and it's hilarious (and tons of quotes you'll never get from the Broncos on any official websites).
  

And that's that, this week, we've got Sam previewing the 2009 draft for Denver and I'll be breaking down the season ahead. Of course we'll keep you up-to-date if any news breaks (such as the signing of any draft picks), I'll also be guest blogging over at Bronco Madness with Garret and the guys, so check them out. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute something soon to those great guys at BroncoTalk as well.

Oh and Hercules (Orange Bucksnorts), you've got a new fan.

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?

'08 Denver Broncos' Defense: Position Breakdown

With the possible exception of ST, Broncos D will be the most changed from '07. We will see as many as seven new starters, perhaps as many as eleven new defensive players. When one considers there are four rookies and four players new in '07 left over from last year, that's a major rebuild! There could be as many as 19 new faces among the 25 or so on D, in the past two seasons. Add to that a new DC, LB coach and a couple of new defensive assistants, the Broncos' '08 D will be almost brand new.

The position with the least turnover, and therefore the strongest headed into '08, is cornerback. Two proven veterans, Bailey and Bly, backed up by two experienced young players, Foxworth and Paymah with a promising rookie in Jack Williams. It may be the deepest set of corners in the NFL. Just in case you were wondering how important they are, remember how they came flying off the draft board in April? The Broncos may have the luxury of planning ahead for the future of this position. Not many question marks here ... yet.

The DL was joined by three rookies in '07, ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder and tackle Marcus Thomas. Moss's season ended early with an injury, Thomas was never really in shape having missed '06; he and Crowder got a lot of playing time. DL usually show great improvement in their second season, Mario Williams a case in point. Elvis Dumervil continues to develop as a PRS getting into double-digits in '07. DeWayne Robertson joins the Broncos DL from the Jets switching back to a more one-gap 3 tech. after having been NT a couple of seasons. A rookie DT, Carlton Powell of Va.Tech., was added in the 5th round. Most of us expect to see these six joined by two or three from: Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Thomas Harris, Alvin McKinley, Kenny Peterson, Josh Mallard (trying out at LS), Nic Clemons, Larry Birdine and Paul Carrington. Question marks would appear to be: how will Robertson's knee hold up; how well will the sophs (Moss, Crowder and Thomas) mature; will Dumervil morph into a PRS with about 20 sacks; how much will Powell contribute in a DT rotation this year? A DL will need to be drafted or otherwise acquired in '09. After all those Browns' DL, the situation finally starts to look more promising and manageable.

The last time Denver had a great D, there was a high motor/thumper/emotional leader named Al Wilson at MLB. Bronco fans miss him. His replacement is yet to be found. DJ Williams, who has played all LB spots very well, did a good job at MLB in '07. We are all excited about his return (finally) to WLB where his talents can shine. Nate Webster has yet to show he is the answer at MLB. Niko Koutouvides was signed as an UFA from Seattle. He will get his chance to play MLB and maybe we should have the Greek flags, music, food, drink, etc. ready just in case. Spencer Larsen is a 6th round pick from Arizona (which has produced some great LBs) who has the look of a thumper in the middle. The Bailey brothers finally get their wish to play together yet again, maybe even on the same side of the D most of the time. Jamie Winborn (who played very well in relief) and Jordan Beck (who excelled on ST) are in the mix as well. Also listed as a LB is the top-ranked undrafted player in '08, Wesley Woodyard. Is he a LB or a S? The Broncos will retain six or seven on the roster. Louis Green and Nate Webster will have their hands full just making the team.

The defensive position which I and others have no clue about is safety. Part of it is that we out here really don't know what they in there are up to. Hey, send me to Denver with an expense account and a press pass to all practices, and ... There are six of them; seven if you count Woodyard as a S. But, what is a box S in the Broncos' D? Same as a LB in a split-six (4-4)? Even if the the Broncos intend to play eight in the box, they still need a FS type/center-fielder/break on the ball/big hitter. Could Abdullah, Barrett and Rogers be the FS types with Lynch, McCree, Manuel and Woodyard the box/SS types? Who knows? How many will they keep? Four? Five? Who will the '08 Bronco safeties be? Like I said, no clue. Stay tuned. It will be a big surprise, especially to other NFL teams ... I hope.

Ebenezer Ekuban: In His Own Words

Marcus Thomas on Ebenezer Ekuban:

"Last year I was feeling bad when he was gone, because I felt he was one of the best pass rushers I’d ever seen," Thomas said. "For him to come up here and be back, he’s still schooling me and telling me what to do and everything. I’m loving it, so I know it’s going to help me improve a lot this year."

Ekuban, in his own words:

"Just telling those guys to keep working no matter how bad things may get," Ekuban said of what he offers. "And just teaching hard work and effort -- that's all the coaches look for. So hopefully I can instill that in the young guys by them watching me work, and hopefully they can do the same."

"It was disheartening [last season] just to sit back and know that you can't really do anything to help them," Ekuban said. "When you're out sideline injured, you can talk only so much but guys really don't hear you unless you're out there on the battlefield with them."

"I like it," he said. "I got my feet wet in there [as a defensive tackle] two years ago. It's different, you've got to be a lot quicker off the ball, you don't have a lot of time to react -- everything happens right now."

"I can play both [end and tackle] and I hope that's what I can provide for this defense," Ekuban said. "Be a versatile guy so when someone goes down, I can step in and we won't lose a beat."

Back to the old defense in Denver and back with one of the best players in that defense. In 2006 Ekuban had 78 tackles and 7 sacks.

Is it Sunday yet?

Daily Links!

• Tom Nalen has surgery and Brandon Marshall makes his first catch since, "The Incident"...
• Elvis Dumervil and Brandon Marshall took a moment to talk to the kids...
• NFL.com story "10 Most Mobile Quarterbacks" sans Mr. Elway...
• Kind of old Ryan Torain video of his private workout...
• Marcus Thomas and Ebenezer Ekuban are bonding...
• Selvin Young and Andre Hall got the majority of the carries in Day 4...
• Yoda taught Jay Cutler the art of patience...