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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Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Second Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nate Jackson with the touchdown from Jay Cutler!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elvis Dumervil hurt a finger, great...

Mason Crosby in for a field goal 10-10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Don't believe the hype...

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

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

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

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Day 17, Dallas Cowboys

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

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

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

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

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

Here's some notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Scraping the Summer Football Bucket

Before continuing with the 6th & 7th rounds and conclusion to "Preparing for the 2009 NFL Draft", thought I'd share a few observations gleaned from the slim pickings of football before TC. There are a few NFL replays that are enjoyable, but none have anything to do with the Broncos. Recuperating from surgery has made me more sedentary than I would prefer, so the many channels via satellite dish have been perused and reperused for anything, and I mean ANYTHING interesting. CBS-College and ESPNU to the rescue, especially the former. Three of their rebroadcasts caught my eye recently: Arkansas at LSU, 11/23/07; Boston College at Virginia Tech, 10/25/07; and, the ACC Championship Game, BC vs. VaTech, 12/1/07. Besides the attraction of games with so many players recently drafted, here was an opportunity to observe three Denver draft choices in action and all of them in big games.

Peyton Hillis was obviously the focus of my attention in the Arkansas/LSU game. Several future opponents were there as well (Jacob Hester-Chargers, Glenn Dorsey-Chiefs, Darren McFadden-Raiders, Felix Jones-Cowboys, Nate Garner-Jets, Marcuses Harrison & Monk + Craig Steltz-Bears, Chevis Jackson & Keith Zinger-Falcons, Matt Flynn-Packers and Early Doucet-Cardinals). All of these will be opponents during pre/regular season '08 (except the Bears) and will give many draftniks the opportunity to confirm or deny their previous thoughts about these players.

Peyton Hillis is a good blocker and receiver. He did some lead blocking, mostly for Felix Jones, and seemed effective. His best block, however, was the kickout and he took his guy to the sideline every time. His pass protection also seemed more than adequate, all of this against a pretty good defense. His route running is very exact for a back and he has good hands for catching passes. His best route, as expected for a back, was the wheel route and he scored on one of those. It was cool to see him play and it gave me a good feeling all over again about the Broncos picking him. His chances of making the roster seem very good because of his special set of skills perfect for a FB/H-Back.

Watching the two VaTech/BC games consecutively was very cool, too. Once again, there were a number of players soon to be drafted (Matt Ryan-Falcons, Gosder Cherilus-Lions, DeJuan Tribble-Chargers, Duane Brown & Xavier Adibi-Texans, Brandon Flowers-Chiefs, Chris Ellis-Bills and Josh Morgan-49ers). The focus of my attention was, of course, Eddie Royal and Carlton Powell. Virginia Tech lost the regular season game at home by four points due to: failing to cover an onsides kick after BC finally scored in the 4th quarter; and, a come from behind scoring drive led by Matt Ryan after BC covered their KO. In the ACC Championship game, ST kept VaTech in it (two blocked kicks) at first, followed by the D, until the offense finally scored the go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter on a stunning catch at the GL by Eddie Royal. In both games he caught a number of passes, many for first downs, but Eddie was one of four good VaTech WRs BC had to cover. He was lined up as a Z, off the LOS, sometimes in motion. He is a dangerous P/K returner BC worked very hard to contain.

Carlton Powell started at RDT, but VaTech rotated their whole D-Line regularly, so that's something he's used to. In the regular season game he was often lined up as a 1 tech (inside shade of the G) and, consequently, was often doubled. In spite of that, he was able to split the double on a number of occasions. BC didn't run the ball right at him very often and when they did they didn't gain much. VaTech slanted and stunted their DL often. A couple of times the call had Carlton slanting away from the side the run went to, but that's not his fault, it's the call. He seems to have a motor. On pass plays he gets a big push off the ball and has a spin move which I didn't expect. Sometimes the call had him looping outside where he shows quickness. Carlton had a tfl on a running play (5 tech in 3-man line prevent D) to force BC to punt from their - 8 or so, but they got a first down on a roughing the kicker penalty. He always pursues and never stops going for the ball until the whistle ends the play.

In the ACC Championship Game, Powell played mostly 3 tech although he got kicked to 0/NT a couple of times. His play was very consistently similar to the previous BC game. He is very strong at the point-of-attack and knows how to split a double. On passing plays, he always gets a big push off the ball and that kind of penetration is important because it can create gaps in pass pro. In the 4th quarter, I believe, BC had a 3rd & short situation where they tried to convert by a power running play. They came out in tight wing left, split backs w/FB left. Carlton was in a 3 tech. BC had their LT (Gosder Cherilus) block down on Carlton so their LG could pull and kick out the DE. BC's C and LT were supposed to double Powell out of the hole. BC's playside TE & Wing/H were supposed to block down/across the hole and clear out the backers while the FB was supposed to lead the TB through the 5/6 hole for a first down. When the G in front of Carlton pulled, he was able to get a little penetration before Cherilus and the C doubled him. Isn't the DVR feature great? I watched that play ten times in a row, at least. First to understand the blocking assignments and then to see what happened because the play lost almost a yard. When he got hit with the double, Carlton got stood up a little, but he SPLIT THE DOUBLE and ended up standing in the hole which allowed his teammates to flow to the ball and stuff the play for a loss. I should also add that the pulling G's kickout didn't go well either because the DE got low and didn't get moved.

Carlton Powell, JR. is a very hard DT to block, even with two OL. It must be a combination of strength, technique and tenacity. When BC tried to block him on a running play and Carlton wasn't slanting or pinching, he didn't get moved out of the way. In other words, at his level of competition, Powell is an OC's play calling red flag. BC actually ran mostly to the other side. But, on that crucial 3rd & short in the 4th quarter, Steve Logan (OC) must have thought they could double team Carlton out of the hole and get enough for a first down on a power running play. That's a classic case of the D lining up on the O. With a TE, H and a FB to that side, Tech correctly read run to the D's right. Maybe BC should have run PAP ... ? Carlton will be a rookie in the NFL probably rotating with DeWayne Robertson. It's a whole new game for him, but he seems to have what it takes, especially against the run.

It was nice to scout these Bronco rookies and focus on them exclusively since I already knew the outcome of the game. There probably won't be too many other rebroadcasts with Bronco rookies, although I did get to see Wesley Woodyard recently in the LSU at Kentucky game from 10/13/07. Like all Bronco fans, I hope most of their rookies make the team (one CFA, Hartley, was cut yeterday) and especially all the draftees. These recent rebroadcasts have given me cause for optimism.

Links! (7/21/08)

Bang it right here for the Broncos Denver Broncos Blog!

Hi Everyone!

We've loved the love over the last few months, I think that both Sam and I are enjoying our 20,000th hit as much as possible. The little engine that could is closer to becoming the little engine that can. We have no one to thank but you our loyal readers.

Obviously, you know nothing personal about me, but tomorrow I will be off to the Smokey Mountains in wonderful North Carolina to wrap up a trilogy NFL script that I have been working on. You won't see it any time soon, so don't worry about e-mailing me about anything :) However, of course I'll keep everyone up to date as things become clearer. Just know that if you love movies or you love football, you have a lot to look forward to...

Stay faithful, Sam and I appreciate it, thanks guys. Here's some links (and some attempted humor):

• BroncoTalk really outdid themselves with their 2008 Training Camp Preview, mile high salute to Kyle and Josh.
  
  
• Here is a very lengthy article, which doesn't implicate Broncos rookie Peyton Hillis at all, but as in all NFL related stories, one becomes guilty by association. Basically, his place may have dropped in the draft because teams were worried about the fact that his ex-coach was a douche bag.
  
  
• How smart are NFL players? This wonderful breakdown basically shows you, based on the wonderlic, the further you get away from the ball, the dumber you are.
  
  
• ESPN.com admitted that they were a year behind, stating that this year Elvis Dumervil will break out!
  
  
• What do Broncos tight end Chad Mustard and guard/tackle Chris Kuper have in common? They both dated the same girl in High School! Just kidding, they're both from North Dakota.
  
  
• Last year's rookie Defensive lineman finally got a bit of a break and now they're ready to kick ass. AKA, what's the difference between Jarvis Moss and John Engleberger? About three-million dollars, step up!
  
  
• Klis really came through on his Bailey Brothers feature, I don't care if these guys don't make a splash this year. At some point in the future, I guarantee they're going to be a problem... For opposing offenses. Actually, let me go ahead and mention that they're both going to have career years this year.
  
  
• More Klis, less Momma Bailey.
  
  
• I seriously don't have anything against Jake Cutler or Arkansas, but here you go... The article is about Peyton Hillis by the way, but is it credible? I don't know ask Jake Cutler.
  
  
• This one missed the boat completely, he wants to talk about Jay Cutler's burden, yet not mention the fact that fans are waiting for him to be the next John Elway. By the way, Cutler will go 13-3 this season.
  
  
• Proof that the Rocky Mountain News' Sam Adams reads my blog posts.

And! That's all folks there's more- always so we'll do our best to keep everyone up to date.

Preparing for the 2009 NFL Draft; pars octava:

Before continuing with this purely subjunctive, speculative and mostly imaginary (only the football players aren't) exercise, let's take a moment for some relevant considerations. The rounds in which the players discussed here may be drafted are mostly guesswork. For sure, it's based on measurables, production, level of competition and other stuff (e.g., character considerations), so maybe you could call it educated guesswork. Estimating how many and which Juniors come out in '09 and where they may plug into an anticipated draft order is like voodoo divination.

The League has been cool to allow fans to peek into the process, but the teams themselves jealously guard their evaluations and draft boards, especially the criteria by which they arrive at those conclusions. Plus, no team is monolithic in their thought processes. Within each club are factions which argue and struggle between and during their times on the clock. Between now and the end of April '09, much can happen. An entire college football season is yet to be played. Players will emerge to have impressive performances not only in big games, but over the course of the year. Injuries will occur and, unfortunately, so will arrests and dismissals. When the selection process begins, thirty-two different points-of-view will be presented in each round requiring quite a bit of reassessment on the fly. The draft itself is a game inside a game inside a game.

In '08, for example, who would have thought no WRs would be taken in the first round and that the first would be Donnie Avery from Houston? More CBs were drafted than most draftniks had predicted: five in the first round; six in the second; four in the third; NINE in the fourth; four in the fifth; one in the sixth; and, three in the seventh for a total of THIRTY-TWO! That's close to one-seventh (c.14%) of all players drafted at that one position. Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU was taken by Atlanta at #68 in the third while Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky, who tore Chevis (and the SEC) up in '07, wasn't drafted until the seventh round (#224) by Buffalo. Denver surprised it's own fans (something I always enjoy) by drafting Eddie Royal, WR, VaTech in the second round and Jack Williams, CB, Kent State in the fourth.

The '08 draft pool was very deep before a bunch of great Juniors joined it. It was a good year for the Broncos to have nine draft picks. The quality of the CFAs is also testimony to the great depth of '08. Studying the probable '09 draft pool has led me to believe that it won't be as deep as '08 even when adding the anticipated group of Juniors. CFAs in '08 would probably be drafted in '09 (e.g., Wesley Woodyard and Anthony Alridge). I'm not exactly sure how many draft choices the Broncos have in '09. I'm assuming seven, but are they due any from other teams or by compensation? Don't know. It also isn't completely clear what Denver will need to give the NY Jets for DeWayne Robertson. Seems as if it might be conditional on how much he plays involving anywhere from a 4th or 5th to a 6th or 7th round pick. I sure hope it isn't a fourth because if you'll reread "pars septima", the fourth round of '09 is expected to still have a bunch of good football players.

Another unpredictable is whether or not Mike Shanahan will trade up. He'd tell you he isn't even worried about that right now because TC and the season are here. He'll study it after the season. He has a whole staff of college scouts on it. FS, G and TE should still need help in '09. Question is, how well the RBs, MLBs and DL do in '08? What will the CB situation be as regards resignings, FA and salary cap? The fourth round in '09 could be used to address any of those. I really think that every other year the Broncos should try to keep all of their picks and even acquire some more. They have been accumulating many young players, but there is a limit to how many rookies a team can absorb. It takes two or three years to properly evaluate rookies and most of them seem to be signing three or four year contracts. Drafting ought to be an exercise in choosing guys who have a good chance of making the team as '08 seems to be. Alternate years could be used to target players for whom to trade up (usually requiring the loss of draft choices) as in '07.

Here are some possible fifth rounders for the Broncos to consider in 2009:

• Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon, 6-4, 240, 56 rec, 844 yds, 8 TD in '07. [*Ducks' leading receiver] Seems big enough to be an H-Back or TE, doesn't he? So are Brandon Marshall and rookie Lorne Sam. If the Broncos feel the need for a big receiver, here's Jaison. If he gains over a thousand yards in '08, he might be worth it. Dropped passes seem to have been an issue. Guys his size shouldn't worry about the coverage. On the contrary, he should be terrorizing the secondaries. We'll be watching.
  
  
• George Hypolite, DT, CU, 6-1, 288, 49 tkl, 6 sk, 5.5 tfl, 1 pbu and 1 int in '07. After the "jumbo" experiment with DT in '07, he seems small, but have you seen him play? This dude has a motor. I'm thinking he would fit with Denver's new DL concept. He could become one of those three-hundred pound bowling balls I think the Denver DL needs. Besides, when a DT comes in on rotation, he needs to bring some game and not just hold the fort.
  
  
• DeAndre Wright, CB, UNM, 5-11, 193, 36 tkl, 1.5 tfl, 9 pbu and 3 int in '07. If the Broncos decide to add another CB in '09, I would prefer Londen Fryar, Western Michigan, listed as a fourth round prospect. If however, another need is addressed in the fourth, this Lobo could be worth it depending on the CB position situation Denver finds itself in next Spring. As much as the Mountain West throws the ball, their DBs are usually pretty good.
  
  
• Will Johnson, DT, Michigan, 6-5, 290, 40 tkl, .5 sk, 2 tfl in '07. Plays for a big school with the biggest stadium in a big conference. Need to keep tabs on him in '08. Michigan will probably play the 3-3-5 D that Rich Rodriguez used at WVA. DL in that D are usually sent to a designated gap on each call (e.g., slant, angle, pinch). That could be considered a good preparation for the style the Broncos may use this season. By the way, Will's one of those academic awards guys, too.
  
  
• Jorvorskie Lane, FB, Texas A&M, 6-0, 278, 169 att, 780 yds, 16 TD, 12 rec, 115 yds, 1 TD [*as a RB] Mike Sherman is moving him to FB in '08 which will put Lane and TB Mike Goodson in the backfield together for obvious reasons. It remains to be seen how Jorvorskie will adapt to a different position where he will have plenty to do (blocking and receiving) without being handed the ball. Sherman is probably looking at his roster and saying to himself that a 280 pound back: a) better be a blocker; and b) needs to lose some weight. Lane has a reputation for slacking in the offseason, but maybe a new coach and a new attitude will change that. FB was a need for the Broncos last year. Peyton Hillis will have the opportunity to become a pro fullback which consists of blocking, special teams, blocking, receiving, blocking and carrying the ball occasionally followed by more blocking. Sometimes big RBs who have been accustomed to running the ball have difficulty becoming the multi-dimensional player a FB must be. Maybe a real pro coach can turn Lane into a real pro FB.
  
  
• Andy Levitre, G, Oregon State, 6-2, 324. A college tackle who projects to G in the NFL and can play C as well. Interchangeability is a necessity for NFL OL and this guy could play T or C in a pinch. Sometimes fans try to pigeonhole OL in one starting or backup spot. Truth is you start your best five and if one of those goes down, bring in #6 and shuffle if necessary. I hope the Broncos will have drafted a G before the fifth round in '09, but if not, Andy might be there. He probably compares to Montrae Holland. Oh, and he's one of those academic awards guys, too.

If the Denver Broncos end up having to give a draft choice to the Jets for DeWayne Robertson, I hope it's just a sixth or seventh because it looks like the '09 pool of players holds up fairly well through five rounds. A reasonable 2009 draft through five rounds for Denver might look something like:

• 1st: Courtney Greene, FS, Rutgers;
• 2nd: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas;
• 3rd: Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State;
• 4th: Scott McKillop, MLB, Pitt or Devin Moore, RB, WYO or Londen Fryar, CB, Western Michigan;
• 5th: George Hypolite, DT, CU or DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico.

Quantitatively the Broncos may need to draft more defensive than offensive players in '09 ... maybe.

Peyton Hillis is in the bag...

The International Herald Tribune, by way of the AP reported that Denver Broncos seventh round pick, Peyton Hillis has been signed (by Denver even!).

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.: The Denver Broncos signed seventh-round draft pick Peyton Hillis, a fullback from Arkansas who helped clear the way for two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden.

Hillis gained 2,624 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns as a three-year starter at Arkansas, where he set school records for running backs with 118 career catches, 1,195 yards receiving and 11 TD receptions. He also rushed for 959 yards and a 4.7-yard average with 12 TDs.

Last season he led the Razorbacks with 49 catches for 537 yards and blocked for 1,000-yard rushers McFadden and Felix Jones. Also a kick and punt returner, Hillis totaled 886 all-purpose yards.

The Broncos have signed five of their nine draft picks.

Hillis will attempt to win the starting job at fullback for Denver and will face competition from incumbent Cecil Sapp and third-year back Mike Bell.

Tune in later this week and next as Broncos Denver Broncos Presents:


Our feature "Camp Battles," will give readers all they need to know prior to the first day of training camp. We stands to win what position, as the opening day starters pan out, who's likely to be cut and what surprises may be in store for Denver fans.

Links! 07/11/08

Inevitably this will bury a couple of posts from yesterday, but check out Sam's Breakdown of Denver's linebackers and special teams (or just keep scrolling down after this post). There are also two In His Own Words featuring Marlon McCree and Jamie Winborn down there somewhere.

Came across this little ditty, highlights from Superbowl XII (Denver vs. Dallas), fun to watch, it's just under ten minutes. Elway really had a horrible game (kidding youngins, that's Roger Staubach's former backup Craig Morton). Take some time and see the Orange Crush, Staubach, Tony Dorsett, oh and some Dallas defenders too. Look at those three point stances for the receivers (good times)!:

Onto the links:

Mike Shanahan comes to Brandon Marshall's aide:

"I can't go into great detail, for obvious reasons, but Brandon has a good upside and he's a real good kid," said Shanahan. "I feel very good where Brandon's at. I think he'll be fine."

"He's had problems with one person over and over again, and hopefully he's smart enough to stay away from her," Shanahan said.

Jay Cutler calls him out for the second time publicly this off-season:

"Once or twice — you could live with that," Cutler says. "You say people make mistakes, but I mean it's been three, four, five times. I don't know how many times he's at right now, so I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't know if Mike's going to do anything. I don't know if the league's going to do anything. I just hope he gets his act together, cause it'd be a shame for him to waste all that talent."

Then Shanahan comments on Cutler and himself:

"I think every quarterback has that pressure going into his third year. You feel comfortable with the offense, the system, the players," he said. "The pressure on any quarterback or head coach that third year is you have to perform, you have to play well."

• The Denver Post gets back to reporting Broncos news even if they did have to jack the KUSA feed.
  
• Kyle at BroncoTalk reviewed Stefan Fatsis' book "A Few Seconds of Panic." I'm diving deep into this one starting tomorrow.
• BroncoTalk also gave Peyton Hillis the once over.
• Speaking of BroncoTalk, they beat us out for Best Broncos News Blog. Like Susan Lucci says, it's just a pleasure to be nominated.
• The Sporting News' Albert Breer says Nnamdi Asomugha may go the Asante Samuel route this season. He also said that Asomugha may have passed Champ Bailey as the best corner in the league. I almost forgave him, because he goes on to say that Philip Rivers' wobbly knee might give him a similar season to Carson Palmer's in 2007.
• DenverBroncos.com offers information on how you can get tickets to Gary Zimmerman's Hall of Fame enshrinement.
• For those in or around Denver (Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, Cheyenne), don't stress about not being able to get the NFL Network, because KWGN (Channel 2) will broadcast the November 6th game vs. the Cleveland Browns. That's one that I'm really looking forward to.
• ProFootballWeekly announces that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be keeping an eye on Brandon Marshall's September 16th DUI trial. Some bloggers are calling for as many as a four-game suspension for Marshall, I think the suspension will be one or two.
• Nick at Thin Air (on MVN) says remember Brandon Browner when considering Josh Barrett.
  

Wow... "He's not my favorite person right now."

Another day, another Brandon Marshall story this one from The Denver Post revealing that Marshall had been arrested March 6th in Atlanta for battery, stemming from a March 4th altercation with his girlfriend (same one from earlier incidents). That's three times in a year for anyone with the scoreboard and at this point, the NFL may get involved. Jay Cutler's comment put into context makes a lot more sense now.

I mused prior to the draft, when all we knew was that Marshall had potentially ruined his right hand, that we would know how he really was based on who we drafted. Then we picked Eddie Royal with our second pick, this was, I believe, to fill the weak spot we had at Kick Returner and Punt Returner. It's not weird for the Broncos to have so many receivers going into training camp, Keary Colbert was signed March 2nd (two days before the alleged March 4th Marshall incident and four days before his arrest). However, the Darrell Jackson signing may have been a direct attribute to the Marshall incident.

We haven't posted up our break down on Denver's receivers yet, but let's look at worse case scenario. Keep in mind that Marshall's DUI case is still looming as well and has been postponed to September. So things just aren't looking great for him and I can't imagine him not missing at least a little time during the season due to a suspension. It would be almost hypocritical of Coach Shanahan to look past the multiple Marshall incidents while getting rid of people like Travis Henry and Todd Sauerbrun (at least Sauerbrun hits men). So as I said, worst case scenario, what does a Denver wide receiver lineup look like sans Marshall?

My best guess is Darrell Jackson at the X, Keary Colbert/Brandon Stokley at the Y and Samie Parker/Brandon Stokley/Eddie Royal at the Z. Not terrible, Bronco football without Marshall on the field would not be the end of the team, but he'd definitely be missed. Keep in mind, we'd still have Tony Scheffler, Daniel Graham and very good pass catching backs in Selvin Young, Andre Hall and Peyton Hillis.

Argh... Is it Sunday yet?

Denver will go 13-3 in 2008

Okay, at worst 12-4. I’m not kidding, allow me to state my case:

Offseason Losses:
Javon Walker – WR
Travis Henry - RB
Ian Gold – OLB
Matt Lepsis - LT
Chris Myers – C/G
Jason Elam – K

Key Pickups:
Dewayne Robertson – DT
Darrell Jackson - WR
Niko Koutouvides – MLB
Boss Bailey – OLB
Marlon McCree – SS
Casey Wiegmann – C/G
Keary Colbert – WR
Samie Parker – WR
Michael Pittman – HB
Dylan Gandy – G/T
Ryan Clady – LT*
Eddie Royal – WR/KR/PR*
Peyton Hillis – FB*
Ryan Torain – RB*
Carlton Powell – DT*
Spencer Larsen – MLB*
*-(Draft Pick)
**- Picks are in order based on what I see as their importance to the team. With the rookies below the free agents.

See that list? Maybe that makes my point, maybe it doesn’t. One thing you will come to learn about me is that I don’t like to make points, I like to over make them. Love leaving someone who felt like they had a point, forgetting what their point was in the first place.

In 2007 Denver played every AFC Playoff team, except for New England, including San Diego twice. They also played a Green Bay Packers team that went 13-3, the Bears, who had lost the Super Bowl the previous season (and barely missed the playoffs in ’07) and teams in Houston and Buffalo who were in the playoff hunt until the very end.

All said, of the 13 teams that Denver played in 2007, six made the playoffs and another two could have easily been there. Granted the Broncos only beat two of those six, but did give Green Bay a run for their money and there were moments of hope at Indianapolis and against Jacksonville. Speaking of Green Bay and I mentioned Chicago earlier, any fans in doubt that had we won those overtime coin tosses Denver would have finished the season 9-7 instead of 7-9?

So what’s in the cards for Denver this season? On paper Denver has the third weakest strength of schedule in the NFL, Oakland has the second and New England (go figure) has the easiest schedule. Despite going 7-9 last season, Denver did finish second in the AFC West. So they are going to play the other second place teams (Jacksonville and Cleveland) in the AFC as well as pulling the AFC East (New England, Miami, Buffalo and New York Jets) and the NFC South (Tampa, New Orleans, Carolina and Atlanta). Of course they’ll have Kansas City, San Diego and Oakland twice.

Not looking so bleak anymore is it?

Or are you still concerned? Many blame last season predominantly on lousy run defense, I focus on an incredibly unfortunate amount of injuries and lack of depth. Over the course of the season Denver lost: their best receiver, their two best offensive linemen, two of their best defensive ends, their starting running back, the backbone to their defense safety and cornerback, their pass catching tight end and their other two starting receivers at different points in the season. Granted some came back during the season, but hardly any were able to return to starting fashion before the end of the season. Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler being the exceptions, the best part about that laundry list of injuries is that all (except Javon Walker) will be back, healthy (crossing fingers) for 2008.

Add the list of healthy onto that exciting laundry list of offseason pickups and we’re not built like a 7-9 team. Matter of fact, that’s what I would call a 13-3 team, 12-4 if you want to be an ass. Jay Cutler, whom by now everyone knows, was playing with the worst type of diabetes for all of last season, now has the disease under control. Cutler has thrown for 300 yards in his career only twice. However, he’s coming into his third season in a Mike Shanahan offense: John Elway (twice), Steve Young and Jake Plummer all flourished in their third season in a Shanahan offense.

Selvin Young may not be the answer at running back, but he’s not going to hurt, the exact same thing can be said for Andre Hall, Michael Pittman, Ryan Torain and Anthony Aldridge. Though the thought of any of them running for 2,000 yards may be a little absurd, the idea of them combining for 2,500+ yards is not. Last season Denver ran for a combined 1,957 with a makeshift offensive line. This year, even if there are as many as three injuries to starters on the offensive line, Denver has the depth to replace them with someone equally as talented.

When Javon Walker went down last season, Denver was faced with a second year player in Brandon Marshall and the NFL’s best slot receiver in Brandon Stokley (who played out of his most productive position for the rest of the season). Then Stokley was lost for the last three games of the season. Taking 12 receivers into camp is nothing out of the ordinary for a Shanahan team and due to that practice Denver doesn’t look to topple off talent wise at receiver until they get down near the 5^th or 6^th member of the depth chart.

This couldn’t be said last season, Walker went down and Denver had no depth behind Stokley and Marshall, who combined for 1,960 yards in 2007. Do you not think that with Darrell Jackson, Sammie Parker, Eddie Royal and Keary Colbert the team might be able to do a bit more than that? Not to mention relieve some of the time Stokley spends on the field, possibly allowing for him to stay healthy the entire season?

In fact if I had one concern for the entire Denver Broncos offense, it would be the lack of depth at tight end. Already, before training camp, we can see what Denver would be faced with if they were to start the season. Daniel Graham, Nate Jackson and… Mike Leech (our long snapper) at tight end. Though the late word out of team camp is that Jackson’s looking great.

Now, what am I forgetting about? Fullback, remember Denver’s final pick in the draft? Peyton Hillis, yeah, he was blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones last season. He was also catching passes, both of these abilities will help the Broncos offense punch it in while in the end zone. What a steal, of course still employed at fullback are Cecil Sapp and Mike Bell, though neither were terribly impressive last season, yet who can blame them?

In the NFL it’s a rule, everyone is equal, on paper someone may be better, but on any given Sunday any team can win. Teams that are predicted to do well can have a horrible season losing one player. If a team can stay healthy, the team usually has a season that carries deep into January.

Fullbacks, Tight Ends and auxiliary blockers

Prior to the '08 NFL draft, there was much discussion amongst Bronco fans about whether or not a "true fullback" was needed. I admit to being one of those who lobbied for Owen Schmitt. The perceived needs were: better lead blocking on run plays especially out of the I or offset I ("jack"/"king") formations; better blocking in max pass pro situations; a reliable outlet/safety valve receiver to keep backers & DL honest; an extra head hunter/blocker on kick coverage and kick return ST; and, someone with lead in his butt who could occasionally grind some tough yards between the tackles.


There are some who think FBs, in-line blocking TEs and H-backs are becoming passe in the NFL where three and four WR formations are seen often and "receiving TEs" who line up split are now common. Bronco fans may remember Daniel Graham lining up off the LOS as a wing, slot, 40/Z back, H-Back going in motion to kick out, lead, seal, arc release on running plays. Shanahan likes to run the ball. I like that Shanahan likes to run the ball. Some running plays can be deceptive, like counter, but most rely on outnumbering the D at the point-of-attack. A common way of doing that is with a player in motion to playside. If you run out of that look, motion can set up play action pass.

The pro game has different rules than lower levels of football and hashmarks aligned with the uprights of the goalposts so that the ball is always spotted in the middle of the field. Even so, football is football and on offense balance is a good thing. A one-dimensional team is much easier to defend against and game plan for. Teams that seem one-dimensional can surprise their opponents by doing the opposite. NFL teams are capable of changing their style from one week to the next as the New England Patriots have demonstrated on both sides of the ball.

The '08 draft had many football players available at most positions; it was very deep. Fullbacks weren't expected to be drafted before the 5th ,or 4th round at the earliest. Only five FBs were drafted in '08, but an additional twenty or so have been signed as College Free Agents. The Chargers surprised by taking Jacob Hester from LSU in the 3rd. Jerome Felton (Lions) from Furman and Owen Schmitt (Seahawks) were both taken in the 5th. The Dolphins drafted Lex Hilliard, Montana, in the 6th. Why Peyton Hillis, whom many regarded as the top FB in '08, lasted until the 7th no one knows. I've heard rumors that Houston Nutt said some uncomplimentary things about him (how nutty!). Who knows? Bottom line, thanks to Jake Plummer, is that Peyton is now a Bronco and, I would venture to guess, has an excellent shot at making the roster for no other reason than he seems to be the lone, "true FB".

I'm sure Denver's offensive coaches will look at formations with Graham lined up as a TE and Hillis somewhere in the backfield as a FB, Z/40 back, H-Back, wing, in motion in order to have the option of a more power-style running attack. It would be nice for Graham to stay on the LOS and concentrate on those blocking angles while Hillis can take care of the rest. I also hear that the former Razorback has a nice set of hands. Sweet! Let the games begin!

Peyton Hillis - College Highlights

He's sat in the shadows for the last three years, blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. He watched them both go in the first round to Oakland and Dallas, then he watched as every team in the NFL passed him up over and over ad nauseum. Projected in the 3rd, projected in the 4th, someone will pick him up in the 5th, definitely in the 6th!

Thank God in that blue and orange sunset that Jake Plummer existed, because without Jake Plummer the Broncos would have never had the pick that landed them Peyton Hillis. Any pick out of all the picks from 2008 is simply pure potential and truth be told. I don't know why I'm so high on Hillis, maybe it's because before every McFadden highlight, before every Felix Jones highlight there was Hillis leading the way.

Here's some highlights for you:

His college career long (63 yards) rush against LSU to put Arkansas ahead:


Here's Hillis making someone else look good (watch it as Jones makes his break):


Is it Sunday yet?

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.

Broncos Special Teams Improved?

Spencer Larsen warms up during Team Camp.

Yep... However, I was looking for a Matt Prater highlight for this very blog, let's just say it didn't go well. The only thing I could find was a horrible shank that he had last year for Atlanta. I want to pull for Garrett Hartley (OU Rookie F.A.) to make it as our Kicker, he was nominated for the Lou Garza Award (best college Kicker), but despite having the best statistics he did not win. Hey, if Jason Elam made it in Denver and he was from Hawaii, why not Hartley from Oklahoma?

A lot of our free agent/draft signees, I cannot see contributing anywhere else other than special teams. Look at Spencer Larsen or Wesley Woodyard. Those guys are here to bust some heads on Kickoffs and Punts. Obviously there's Eddie Royal, there's also Anthony Aldridge who should contribute on Kickoffs, as well as Jack Williams who could as well. Hell, maybe even Peyton Hillis will be out there (everyone knows the story of how Terrell Davis got noticed) cracking skulls as he chases down an opposing team's Punt Returner and blocking on Kickoffs.

Also, there's Defensive Tackle Josh Mallard challenging Mike Leech as the Long Snapper on Punts. If you watch the Chicago game, which many people did, because it was just on NFL Network last week, in both Touchdown returns Leech missed tackles on Hester very early on. If he could have simply got in the way, maybe we win that game and we're 8-8 instead of 7-9. Which at a certain point in the playoff hunt would have gotten us in.

Anyway, looking forward to see the new Special Teams this season, a little worried about the Kicker and the Punting situation... Even before Jason Elam left, I love him, but it was his time to ride off into the sunset. Our Punting may not have been great before we cut Todd Sauerbrun, but it was scary after.

Lorenzo Neal wants to play for Denver

We have a starting fullback, don't we? Well, we have Cecil Sapp, behind him on the depth chart sits Mike Bell (remember him) and rookie Peyton Hillis (whom yours truely likes for the starting position this season). I remember being disappointed in Sapp's performance more than a couple of times last year. He's not to blame for the lack of red-zone touchdowns for the Broncos last season, but as the lead blocker and the main target in their bread and butter bootleg pass to the fullback.

I was hoping that Denver would draft the guy that blocked for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones (Hillis) last season in the 4th, when we got him in the 7th I was pretty impressed.
Of course, I immediately thought he will start, as he has very strong hands and can just crack skulls busting through the offensive line. However, post draft, when Coach Shanahan immediately mentioned Spencer Larsen possibly competing at fullback, that's when I got unsure.

Now in a Michael Silver column over at Yahoo, former San Diego fullback Lorenzo Neal (the guy that's been opening up holes for LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner and a Pro Bowler for the last three years) has Denver on a short list of teams he wants to play for. The other two teams are Dallas and Pittsburgh. With the exit of Travis Henry, the Broncos have an open spot on their roster, do they fill it with a 37 year-old fullback who has proven that he can still play?