Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: 4th Quarter

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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Denver Turmoil - Gorillas in the Mist

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.

Denver Broncos Training Camp Report: Day 13

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

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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Denver Broncos Training Camp Day 12 Report

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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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.

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.

In His Own Words: Anthony "Quick" Aldridge

"I mean the guy is fast," Samie Paker, unofficially the current fastest player on the Broncos, said. "As fast as advertised."

"I think I’m more of a speed back," Alridge said. "I think I can hit the edges. Counter plays, catching the ball out of the backfield. I think that is my part on this team. I am just going to try and do my part."

"Really nothing has surprised me," Alridge said. "I knew everybody was going to be fast on the defense. I knew everyone was going to float to the ball. I’m just trying to soak it all in because of all the plays and the long terminology. The blocking schemes are a whole lot different than college. It is a little challenging but it is fun all at the same time."

"They are teaching me everything I know," Alridge said. "Selvin Young has taken me under his wing, been a big brother type. Michael Pittman is doing the same thing. I am just learning as much as I can and trying to soak it all in."

"I am always with [Jarvis Moss] (whom is from the same home town as Aldridge) so it isn’t anything new; it’s fun," Alridge said.

"Who’s the fastest on the team? It’s me," Alridge said. "The rookie free agent. Anthony Alridge. Houston, Texas."

'08 Bronco Running Backs

Bronco fans have long known that their team will run the ball and do that well. So, with seven players listed at RB, who shall we see on the roster? The release of Travis Henry shook the Richter Scale of the Bronco World and sent a message that the example of Selvin Young was to be the preferred model. Thus far, Peyton Hillis is the only FB listed (see previous post "FBs/TEs and auxiliary blockers"). Does that mean Denver will only carry one player repped at that spot, or will one of the larger RBs make the roster as a FB rather than as a RB?

For the second year in a row, an undrafted college free agent running back emerged as a go-to guy at the RB spot. Actually, two of them made their presence felt as Selvin Young joined Andre Hall, from the '06 practice squad. Add Mike Bell and the Broncos have shown they know how to find promising young free agent running backs. Young isn't satisfied with his durability or stats from '07 and seems to be on a mission to break through as a top NFL player. Andre Hall also had some nagging injuries that slowed him in '07, but his performance at Chicago was eye-opening in what should have been a key element of a victory had it not been for some disastrous kicking blunders.

Mike Bell has been on an emotional roller coaster: starter at beginning of '06; 2nd string at end of '06; Tatum Bell traded; Travis Henry signed; moved to FB; few carries/one fumble in '07; plagued by injuries in '07; Travis Henry released ... Some fans seem to think he should have been released by now. It's crazy to me how quickly some fans want to discard players after a down time. What is it? He lost you some money in fantasy football? Your Madden cybercomponent isn't up to par so let's replace it? I'll bet Bobby Turner wants all these guys to do well and make the roster decisions most difficult. Mike, Mike ... it's in your head, Bro. Come back, baby, you can do it.

Ryan Torain was one of the top college RBs entering the '07 season. He was injured and then a slew (understatement) of great Junior RBs came out for the '08 draft. He was almost forgotten. His injury is a question mark but his between the tackles running ability isn't. Training camp and preseason will test the durability of the new Lisfranc repair he had. If it doesn't hold up, IR/PUP awaits. If he finds himself on the roster, he will play ST and eventually get a shot.

Michael Pittman was signed just prior to Travis Henry's release. It's interesting how Shanahan has positioned veterans at each position except PK/P. RBs have a very short shelf life in the NFL and Pittman's expiration date is ...? He is one whose size, blocking and receiving ability may keep him on the roster in the capacity of FB/RB/ST.

Cecil Sapp is another with characteristics similar to Pittman; i.e., FB/RB/ST. The former CSU Ram has been a genuine team player for the Broncos. My guess is that he's not ready to quit yet and still has much to offer. In the event that he is released and not signed by another NFL team, don't be surprised to see him signed and released several times during the season by the Broncos a la Chad Mustard in '07.

Anthony Aldridge is the latest college free agent running back. He is small, but with great speed. My guess is he will be given a chance to return punts and kicks in preseason with that being his chance of making the roster. Carrying the ball between the tackles on a regular basis seems out of the question for him. Some have suggested he will really practice with the WRs (a la Vance Johnson) although he is still listed as a RB. Speaking of WRs, Samie Parker and Aldridge are in the process of deciding exactly who has the fastest set of wheels in town. Do you return kicks, Samie? It seems Shanahan is determined to fix KR/PR with speedy returners: Eddie Royal, Jack Williams and Anthony Aldridge. Having several would seem a major improvement.

How many RBs will the Broncos keep on the roster? Three? Four? Five? That's not counting FBs. How many of those? One? Two? Hillis alone or Hillis with one of the RBs, or no Hillis or FBs at all? As for the tandem possibility, I would classify them in the following similar pairs: Young and Hall as the change of pace guys; Bell and Torain as the between the tackles RBs; Pittman and Sapp as the FB/RBs; with Aldridge in a class of his own (kick return/specials). This is guaranteed to be the hottest competition during camp and preseason. I have no idea who will make it, who will be released and who will be on IR. I do know one thing: they will all be playing ST like demons because that will be the deciding factor of whom they keep.

Best of the Week Links

• Finally an article on Darrell Jackson!
• How did Dre Bly bounce back from his non-hamstring, "pop?"
• Brandon "Marshall, Marshall, Marshall"...
• Peyton Hillis Senior Bowl analysis, including some time at tailback.
• Jay Cutler, "Until I start winning ballgames around here, there's always going to be question marks."
• A look at the recently acquired guard Dylan Gandy.
• John Lynch needs a nose job.
• A fan's personal Michael Pittman story (written With Random capital Letters).
• The Denver running back depth chart after two camps: Selvin Young, Andre Hall then Michael Pittman.
• Samie Parker beats out Anthony Aldridge and is the undisputed fastest man on the Broncos.

BREAKING NEWS: Broncos Dump Henry

As I was musing on the possibility of Selvin Young breaking 2,000 yards last night. It did not cross my mind that Travis Henry would be cut in a couple of hours.

Here's Shanahan:

"We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team," coach Mike Shanahan said in a written statement.

"Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl," Shanahan said.

Former Denver Broncos receiver Javon Walker accused Shanahan of forcing players to play while hurt. This may be the reason why Shanahan cut Henry prior to training camp, with Henry sitting out the entire Quarter Back Camp over the last two weeks. It may be for another reason, with the league (as of June 1st) fining teams for player conduct, maybe there's something that we don't know. However, we will assume, given Henry's past.

So where does this leave Denver at running back? Well, pretty much the same as the blog I posted this morning, Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain and now Anthony Aldridge (whom will most likely still be a practice squad member for the 2009 season). We are, however, one step closer to my Andre Hall prediction for 2009.

Broncos Continue to Baffle Fantasy Experts

If you were like me last year, you were sitting pretty nice through week 4 of your Fantasy Football league with Travis Henry leading the league in rushing yards. Then you picked up Selvin Young off of waivers, keeping Henry, then you got nervous... And picked up Andre Hall, then you got lucky. Then you started Henry (whoops) coming back from his injury and sat Young and Hall. Now you had three Denver running backs and you were glued to ESPN on Sunday mornings begging for some lead on who you should start.

Anyway, draft any of Denver's backfield this year and you might be in for more of the same again, according to ESPN's Scott Engel.

"So how should you approach the Denver running backs on draft day? Avoid Henry until you have at least three other running backs on your roster, because the best you can hope for is that he stays healthy and scores a decent amount of touchdowns. Young is a good pick late in the fourth round, as he is very likely to emerge as the starter and one certainly cannot count on Henry to avoid injuries and off-field issues. Pittman should be strictly drafted as a late-round backup, because it would be difficult to envision him becoming a featured back, even in an emergency role. Grab Torain in the final rounds and stash him away, because as we have seen many times before, any Denver running back can get an opportunity for quality playing time at any time."

Inevitably some dumbass in your league will take Henry before you get a chance, in barring some further injury that prevents him to get time in preseason. So if you want Henry you're more than likely going to have to take him in the fourth at the latest. Young is pointing at Centerfield and calling his shot right now. Stating his goal for 2008 is 2000 yards.

"I'd like for him to prove that to me," Shanahan told the Denver Post. "And he could very well do it. There's a big difference from your first year to your second year."

Young did have more yards on less carries than Henry last season, I was most impressed with Hall though. Teams weren't able to game plan for him, which if he sits at third on the depth chart again this season would be the same case. He's got a lot of competition for number three though, we're thick at a position that we usually don't even have to worry about with Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge. As well as the possibility that Mike Bell may emerge from the shadow of Shanahan's dog house.

I've predicted the depth chart before, P.P. (pre-Pittman), stating that Aldridge will sit on the practice squad. Henry will start until he's hurt, Young will play until he's hurt, Hall and Pittman will split time. Henry and Young will return and somewhere in there we will see Torain break through and have a hundred yard game or two. Should we make the post season who are our running backs? Young and Torain, though I highly doubt that Torain will have an opportunity to win an Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. We do seem to be sitting nicely for years to come.

That's Anthony Aldrige (left) by the way, wearing the retired #18 of Frank Tri- pucka, during the season he will wear #38.

Pittman says that he's, "Ready to start."

The Broncos signed Michael Pittman and the fans collectively went, "Huh?" While debate was starting to slow over whether the Broncos should make a run for Shaun Alexander or Kevin Jones, the front office surprised everyone and picked up Michael Pittman.

Pittman's been called a career backup, while that's not entirely fair to say. Career backups hardly ever make it ten seasons in the NFL, then again that could be the exact reason that he has made it so long in the "Not For Long," league.

NFL.com posted an article yesterday (28th), interviewing Pittman after his first practice with the Broncos. Overall he seems excited for the opportunity to play in Denver. The Broncos have a similar system to Tampa (where Pittman spent the last six seasons). This may or may not have been what led to Pittman's fumble, which came on his first touch in a Denver Bronco uniform.

"I came out here and I'm trying to impress the coaches. On my first carry, I dropped the ball. It was a fumble because our zone play at Tampa was a little wider than Denver's zone play. It is an adjustment for me. I will adjust and I won't put the ball on the ground again," Pittman promised.

On where he's willing to play:

"I will do whatever I am asked to do. I'll play receiver, I'll play running back, I'll play fullback. I did all that at Tampa," he said. "It's all about helping the team win. If the coach wants me to return punts, I'll return punts. If he wants me to be a receiver or a fullback or whatever. I'm here to make plays."

As a bonus, head on over to Michael Pittman's Official Website. Where I jacked this image of his wife (Michelle Pittman 2007 Winner of Tampa Bay's Fittest Female Pageant).

Pittman to Broncos?

According to Michael David Smith at PFT

MICHAEL PITTMAN TO SIGN WITH BRONCOS

Posted by Michael David Smith on May 27, 2008, 3:27 p.m.

A league source tells PFT that free agent running back Michael Pittman will sign a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos.

Pittman, who has 10 years of NFL experience, will join a crowded backfield in Denver that includes veteran Travis Henry and youngsters Selvin Young and Andre Hall. Rookie fifth-round pick Ryan Torain is also in the mix.

Pittman spent the first four years of his career with the Cardinals and the last six with the Buccaneers. He’ll turn 33 in August, but he’s still productive in limited action, having averaged better than four yards a carry each of the last five seasons.

When he signed with Tampa Bay in 2002, Bucs coach Jon Gruden thought Pittman was the perfect fit as a combined run-catch threat in Gruden’s offense. But since the Bucs selected Cadillac Williams in the first round of the 2005 draft, Pittman has mostly served as a role player rather than an every-down back, which is what he’ll continue to be in Denver.