How the West Was Won: A Denver Broncos Franchise (M10)

[OrangeRush]

Quote: Originally Posted by benton32

as for sliders try uping the CPU Pass D. Maybe the QBs accuracy down alil. if u get to many completions, I was going to comment on your minutes per quarter, even though 15 is real life, it seems alot on football games. Iam going a Oregon Duck college one that u can follow the link to it is in my signature. I am only doing 9 minute quarters but im also simming and watching during the game. i will sim like 5 plays and then play like 5 and then watch 5. etc etc. it comes out to about 70-75 plays per team.

Doing 10 minute quarters now. It's closer. I have DB awareness up a bit. I'm not sure results-wise, yet. I'm going to wait till after Baltimore and Pittsburgh, a couple better defenses, to decide if there's too much offense. There definitely was at 15 minutes quarters, but it's closer to realistic with 10. I also have been playing with run defense cranked up a bit to try to cut down on having 8 2,000 yard rushers every year.

[OrangeRush]

Week 3: Broncos @ Raiders

September 27, 2009
	@
Denver Broncos (1-1, Away)		Oakland Raiders (0-2, Home)

Daniel Graham puts his body on the line for that
last yard, netting him a touchdown reception.

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
Sep 27, 2009	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Denver Broncos (1-1)	14	7	21	10	52
Oakland Raiders (0-2)	0	3	7	7	17

Team Stats Comparison
	DEN	OAK
Total Offense	453	276
Rushing Yards	139	42
Passing Yards	314	234
First Downs	20	11
Punt Return Yards	33	0
Kick Return Yards	140	223
Total Yards	626	499
Turnovers	2	5
3rd Down Converstion	5-9	4-10
4th Down Conversion	0-1	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3/1	0/1
Penalties	0-0	2-20
Posession Time	27:41	12:19

Kyle Orton Throws Pick Six in Blowout
by Smarm McGarnigal
The Denver Post

Raiders CB Stanford Routt ambles into the end zone after intercepting Kyle Orton.

The Oakland Raiders blitz was coming in hot, getting right into Orton's face. He scrambled around -- to the extent that Kyle Orton can scramble around -- then finally released the ball moments before an impending sack. The ball arced through the air and fell into the arms of Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt, who ran it in for a touchdown.

What's the lesson? Kyle Orton doesn't perform under pressure. Not that the Raiders put much pressure on him this week. Knowshon Moreno ran for 130 yards, more or less putting the game on his back so Kyle Orton could mope around the backfield while defenders looked for the run. The only drives that didn't end in a score were a fake punt that saw Kern easily tackled, two interceptions by Orton, and a missed field goal.
--McGarnigal



Orton Shines in Denver Victory
by Diablo Avocado
The Denver Post

Eddie Royal celebrates a 28-yard touchdown reception on a ball thrown by Kyle Orton.

Kyle Orton was on fire this week against the Oakland Raiders. Aside from a couple of balls that got away from him, Orton was nailing throws left and right for a 71% completion percentage. On the day, he threw for 314 yards, and his quarterback rating was an astonishing 113.2. The Broncos had better lock up Orton fast. They might have a franchise quarterback on their hands.
--Avocado


Player of the Game
QB Kyle Orton
113.2 QBR, 25-35, 314 yards, 8.9 avg, 4 TD, 2 INT

AFC West Standings
Chiefs 2-1
Chargers 2-1
Broncos 2-1
Raiders 0-3

[OrangeRush]

Week 3: Around the NFL

Falcons 30, Patriots 27

Packers 10, Rams 20

Jaguars 19, Texans 34

Giants 31, Buccaneers 28

Browns 10, Ravens 31

Chiefs 17, Eagles 35

49ers 20, Vikings 34

Redskins 9, Lions 13

Titans 35, Jets 16

Saints 13, Bills 30

Bears 27, Seahawks 40

Steelers 22, Bengals 10

Dolphins 16, Chargers 35

Colts 27, Cardinals 29

Panthers 3, Cowboys 38

Spotlight

The Falcons traveled to Foxborough to take on the Patriots in a game of undefeateds where something had to give. The Falcons jumped out to a lead in the first quarter, but the Patriots methodically came back after Matt Ryan went out of the game with an injury. The Falcons kept it close with Jason Elam field goals, but at the start of the 4th quarter, the Patriots had the lead. But then Chris Redman, in relief of Ryan, dug deep and tossed one for a touchdown to give the Falcons the game. Matt Ryan is expected to play when the Falcons return from their bye in 2 weeks.

Perfection Watch

Falcons (3-0)
Vikings (3-0)
Titans (3-0)
Seahawks (3-0)
Cardinals (3-0)
Cowboys (3-0)


Broncos Spotlight

Strength of Schedule
Opponents' combined record to date: 25-23 (54.1%)
(divisional opponents counted twice, includes opponents not yet played)

Injury Report
MLB Andra Davis, broken collarbone, 1 week

[OrangeRush]

Week 4: Cowboys vs. Broncos

October 4, 2009
	@
Dallas Cowboys (3-0, Away)		Denver Broncos (2-1, Home)

Eddie Royal turns a medium gain on a slant into
a 71 yard touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Oct 4, 2009	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Dallas Cowboys (3-0)	3	7	7	21	38
Denver Broncos (2-1)	0	0	7	14	21

Team Stats Comparison
	DAL	DEN
Total Offense	383	221
Rushing Yards	170	20
Passing Yards	213	201
First Downs	20	6
Punt Return Yards	15	13
Kick Return Yards	61	298
Total Yards	459	532
Turnovers	0	2
3rd Down Converstion	7-11	2-7
4th Down Conversion	0-0	0-0
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3-1/5	1-0/1
Penalties	0-0	1-10
Posession Time	28:48	11:12

Broncos Exposed by first Playoff-Caliber Opponent
by Smarm McGarnigal
The Denver Post

Terrance Newman adds six to the board courtesy of Kyle Orton.

The boo birds came out early this week in Denver. Kyle Orton brought them out, as he scattered breadcrumbs about the field that were snatched up by Cowboys defensive backs or batted down to the ground for the boo birds to peck at. Two of the Broncos' first three drives ended in an interception. The second interception was returned by the Cowboys for a touchdown. The Broncos escaped from the first interception on a missed Cowboys field goal.

Speaking of missed field goals, Broncos kicker Matt Prater is now 4 of 11 on the season, for a 36% conversion rating. Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said he would "evaluate the position," but our sources say that no kickers have been called into Denver to try out. It seems the Broncos are enamored of his strong leg. But it seems to me that his long leg only serves to get him in trouble with his horrible accuracy.

From what we've seen this year, the Broncos are a mess. The defense is giving up far too many big plays that cancel out anything good they do. The offense, despite not punting very often, just isn't putting up that many points, outside of matchups against defenses as bad as the Broncos' own. How much of this falls on the head of Josh McDaniels? Will we see a coaching change at the end of the year? Surely the Broncos have to do something different somewhere because this product just isn't getting the job done.

--McGarnigal


Player of the Game
CB Terrence Newman (DAL)
1 tackle, 2 INT, 1 TD

AFC West Standings

Chiefs 2-2
Chargers 2-2
Broncos 2-2
Raiders 0-4

[OrangeRush]

Week 4: Around the NFL

Lions 27, Bears 9

Raider 5, Texans 3

Buccaneers 28, Redskins 38

Bengals 17, Browns 20

Giants 27, Chiefs 10

Titans 16, Jaguars 23

Ravens 23, Patriots 35

Seahawks 21, Colts 17

Jets 10, Saints 31

Bills 24, Dophins 38

Rams 9, 49ers 24

Chargers 21, Steelers 28

Packers 44, Vikings 34


Spotlight
The Seahawks traveled west to Lucas Oil Stadium as underdogs for a matchup against the Colts. But they came out firing, leading the entire game after a 6 yard touchdown run by Seahawks RB T.J. Duckett. The Colts gained more yards and had more first downs, but a Peyton Manning interception set them back, while the Seahawks did not turn the ball over. The nail in the coffin was a stalled Colts drive in the Red Zone in the 4th quarter. The Colts settled for a field goal, and the lost 4 points were the difference in the game.


Perfection Watch

Seahawks (4-0)
Cowboys (4-0)
Falcons (3-0)
Cardinals (3-0)

Dropped off: Titans, Vikings

Drafting Top 5?

Raiders (0-4)
Buccaneers (0-4)
Bengals (0-4)
Jets (0-4)
Jaguars (1-3)

Weekly Awards

NFL Offensive Player of the Week
RB Ronnie Brown (MIA)
19 carries, 303 yards*, 3 TDS
*NFL single game record

NFL Defensive Player of the Week
CB Terrence Newman (Dal)
1 tackle, 2 INT, TD

Broncos Spotlight

19 WR Eddie Royal

Coming into the 2009 season, expectations were high for Royal after a strong rookie campaign. However, most expected him to play second fiddle to Brandon Marshall. Instead Royal leads the team with 29 catches for 460 yards, a 15.8 average, and 4 touchdowns. What's more, Royal has 598 kick return yards, for a 35.1 yard average, and 2 kick return touchdowns.


Strength of Schedule
Combined Opponents' record to date: 31-33 (48.4%)
(divisional opponents counted twice)

Injury Report
no Denver Broncos injuries to report

[Patriots#12]

If your still looking for a better slider set here's the one I use for my franchise. You'll probably need to tweak them a bit for your personal preference.

Game Options
Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
Accelerated Clock: On
Runnoff Time: 15 Seconds
Fatigue: 52
Injury: 35
Game Speed: Slow
Player Min Speed Threshold: 50
Fight for the Fumble: Off

Special Team Sliders
FG Power: 42
FG Accuracy: 37
Punt Power: 43
PUnt Accuracy: 52
Kickoff Power: 38

Penalties Slider Settings
Offside: 100
Fall Start: 100
Holding: 52
Facemask: 66
Defensive Pass Interference: 100
Offensive Pass Interference: 100
KR/PR Interference: 100
Clipping: 76
Int Grounding: 100
Roughing the Passer: 100
Roughing the Kicker: 90

Human Slider Settings
PASSING
QB Accuracy: 20
Pass Blocking: 50
WR Catching: 40

RUSHING
Broken Tackles: 15
Run Blocking: 40
Fumbles: 35

PASS DEFENSE
Reaction Time: 0
Interceptions: 0
Pass Rushing: 55

RUSH DEFENSE
Reaction Time: 5
Block Shedding: 5
Tackling: 25

CPU Slider Settings
PASSING
QB Accuracy: 20
Pass Blocking: 50
WR Catching: 40

RUSHING
Broken Tackles: 25
Run Blocking: 45
Fumbles: 40

PASS DEFENSE
Reaction Time: 85
Interceptions: 0
Pass Rushing: 45

RUSH DEFENSE
Reaction Time: 75
Block Shedding: 15
Tackling: 50

[OrangeRush]

Quote: Originally Posted by Patriots#12

If your still looking for a better slider set here's the one I use for my franchise. You'll probably need to tweak them a bit for your personal preference.

Thanks! I might try some of that. Right now, I'm doing this CPU vs. CPU, spectating. I'm getting a bit bored, so I might play, though. Problem is, I suck. Lol.

How do you do that power ranking in your franchise? I wanted to do that. I was also curious how you put pictures inline with the text. I used to be able to do that on another site, but I can't figure it out here.

[OrangeRush]

Week 5: Patriots vs. Broncos

Matchup Preview | October 11, 2009
	@
New England Patriots (3-1, Away)		Denver Broncos (2-2, Home)

SS Brian Dawkins snags a Romo pass that he
would return for a touchdown.

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Oct 11, 2009	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
New England Patriots (3-1)	7	17	10	14	48
Denver Broncos (2-2)	0	7	6	14	27

Team Stats Comparison
	NWE	DEN
Total Offense	432	251
Rushing Yards	159	30
Passing Yards	273	221
First Downs	16	9
Punt Return Yards	55	12
Kick Return Yards	171	290
Total Yards	658	553
Turnovers	1	1
3rd Down Converstion	7-11	4-13
4th Down Conversion	0-0	1-1
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-1
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3-2(5)	1-0(1)
Penalties	0-0	0-0
Posession Time	26:42	13:18

We Suck Again
by Smarm McGarnigal
The Denver Post

Lawrence Maroney breaks a tackle from the entire Broncos defense to spring for a score.

After watching a game like this week's stinker against the Patriots, you have to wonder how the Broncos managed to win 2 games in the first place. The quarterback has the accuracy of a mallet. The defense looks slow and can't tackle. The kicker seems to be farsighted. His conversion rate on kicks longer than 40 yards is too ugly to mention. And yet the coach keeps calling his number at the 40 yard line.

Not that this game was close enough to be decided by the two missed field goals. But it makes you wonder if there's anything worthwhile on the roster. Maybe the Broncos should just take a mulligan on their next game. See if they can subcontract the CSU Rams to play the game for them. As long as you're going to be humiliated...

Quarterback Kyle Orton was lucky to get his stats inflated a bit playing against some bad defenses early in the year. We're betting that by year's end, he'll be toward the bottom of the league. If there's a bright spot on this team, I can't find it right now. Maybe it's the high draft pick. But considering how coach Josh McDaniel's picks are working out right now, the pick will probably just go to waste.

-- McGarnigal



Hope for the Future
by Diablo Avocado
The Denver Post

Despite hitting a rough spot, the future looks bright for the Denver Broncos. Why? Because their rookies are making significant contributions. Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has 4 rushing touchdowns so far. LOLB Robert Ayers has 18 tackles (2nd on team), 7 for a loss, and 3 sacks. CB Alphonso Smith has 9 tackles, 2 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for a huge touchdown. If the Broncos draft this well next year, it won't be long before we see a dynasty return to Denver.

-- Avocado

(If you can't tell, this is my way of parodying the Post's notion of objectivity, which is contrasting hyperbole.)

Player of the Game

Lawrence Maroney
14 carries, 150 yards, 10.7 avg, 2 TD
2 rec, 11 yards

AFC West Standings

Chargers 2-2
Chiefs 2-3
Broncos 2-3
Raiders 0-5