Official Denver Broncos Thread

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Any word on how DT's looking so far (fantasy football interest)?

I've heard DT's had a pretty good camp. Dropped some balls early. He's going to have a big year but given the choice, I think I'd take Decker instead.

[TDenverFan]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Moreno should be cut.

Jeremiah Johnson and Lance Ball (Especially Ball) are more durable, and so far, have been more productive. Plus, they are much cheaper.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I went to the scrimmage on Saturday. What a chaotic madhouse. The stadium staff was clearly unprepared for 41,000+ people to show up.

Being there, the one thought that I came away with the most was that our first string secondary was glued to the receivers. They looked very good. Bailey and Porter look like they're going to anchor things nicely.

I don't see Moreno lasting very long. I think at this point, the protection of being a first round pick is gone and he's going to have to legitimately earn his roster spot. And now with Hillman on the roster, and McGahee starting, that only leaves a couple spots left for running back. Lance Ball has the inside track, being the bigger back to help compliment the smaller Ronnie Hillman. Additionally, the running backs we keep MUST be able to block in passing situations, and I think Moreno is extremely weak in that category.

Thomas looked pretty good at the scrimmage. For fantasy football, Thomas would be the better choice over Decker, IMO, simply due to home run capability. Thomas may not get quite as many looks as Decker, but Thomas is big enough that I think Manning feels comfortable throwing it deep and letting him go get it. During the scrimmage, Thomas caught one pass and then over-powered two DBs to gain more yards. The kid is a beast. Decker will be that consistent "get me the first down" receiver, and Thomas will be that deep threat receiver. Just my opinion.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I don't know that you could necesarily go wrong with having Decker or Thomas on your fantasy football team.

[TDenverFan]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Depth Chart released. No big shocks.

This was surprising, though

RB 1: McGahee
RB 2: Lance Ball!
(I've always liked the kid, but I thought he'd be 4th or so)
RB 3: Hillman

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Depth Chart released. No big shocks.

This was surprising, though

RB 1: McGahee
RB 2: Lance Ball!
(I've always liked the kid, but I thought he'd be 4th or so)
RB 3: Hillman

No chance in the depths of Hell a rookie is going to spend a lot of time on the field with Manning until he perfects pass blocking. My guess is Hillman will move ahead of Ball as soon as they're confident he can pick up a blitzer consistently.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Broncos just signed veteran LB Keith Brooking.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2012/8/6/3224008/denver-broncos-sign-veteran-linebacker-keith-brooking

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Depth Chart released. No big shocks.

This was surprising, though

RB 1: McGahee
RB 2: Lance Ball!
(I've always liked the kid, but I thought he'd be 4th or so)
RB 3: Hillman

Moreno is on the outside looking in right now. I predict he gets cut and picked up by the Patriots.

The more I think about this, the more it bothers me. Moreno is more talented, but he's retained a roster spot based on potential....potential that has never been realized. Ball is an okay back, but he's nothing special. The simple fact is the Broncos would be a better football team if Moreno turned into what he was drafted to be. I know early depth charts don't really amount to much, but I think it's kind of sad that Ball is #2. Maybe Fox is sending Moreno a message.

[TDenverFan]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

No chance in the depths of Hell a rookie is going to spend a lot of time on the field with Manning until he perfects pass blocking. My guess is Hillman will move ahead of Ball as soon as they're confident he can pick up a blitzer consistently.

I like Hillman, but I think He'll struggle with that. He's pretty small.

[Broncos86]

Moreno is on the outside looking in right now. I predict he gets cut and picked up by the Patriots.

The more I think about this, the more it bothers me. Moreno is more talented, but he's retained a roster spot based on potential....potential that has never been realized. Ball is an okay back, but he's nothing special. The simple fact is the Broncos would be a better football team if Moreno turned into what he was drafted to be. I know early depth charts don't really amount to much, but I think it's kind of sad that Ball is #2. Maybe Fox is sending Moreno a message.

Honestly, Moreno isn't a bad RB. He just can't stay on the field. And every time he gets injured, that's a step he's going to lose, quickness in his cut lost, and durability for late-game runs.

That's why RBs are done by the time they're 30ish. The toll on the body strips their ability to perform. It's not like Portis just forgot how to run. His body was battered. McGahee, however is fresh for his age. He has low mileage.

Don't forget, Moreno is just now getting on the field. He was rehabbing during OTAs while Hillman and Ball took reps. It shouldn't surprise us. Guys who were active during OTAs get first dibs.

For me, the surprise might be Adam Weber. He was out with the 2s during the scrimmage and I think he could beat out Hanie.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

No, he's not bad. He's just not what he could be. That's what's so frustrating. The Broncos obviously don't think so either, that's why they drafted Hillman. Moreno is never going to be a #1 back that runs inbetween the tackles, but he doesn't have to be in a Manning lead offense.

Honestly, I'd rather see them keep Moreno than Ball. Ball is a very average but solid back, but he doesn't do anything for me. However, Moreno can't ever stay on the field. He's never made it through a full season.

I'm all over the map on this one. I don't know what I want.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

No, he's not bad. He's just not what he could be. That's what's so frustrating. The Broncos obviously don't think so either, that's why they drafted Hillman. Moreno is never going to be a #1 back that runs inbetween the tackles, but he doesn't have to be in a Manning lead offense.

Honestly, I'd rather see them keep Moreno than Ball. Ball is a very average but solid back, but he doesn't do anything for me. However, Moreno can't ever stay on the field. He's never made it through a full season.

I'm all over the map on this one. I don't know what I want.

If you cut Ball, he WILL get picked up. He won't make it to the practice squad. And even though he's an average back, Manning can put our running backs in a better position to succeed with audibles at the line. That alone can make a huge difference.

In our offense, this year, it's going to be crucial that our running backs block in passing situations and have the cognitive ability to keep up with Manning. Even if Moreno is healthy, if he cannot do those things than he doesn't have a chance. Any run play can turn into a pass play at the line. There is no "3rd down back" because Peyton could easily take a 1st down running play and audible to a pass.

At the scrimmage on Saturday, Manning took 3rd and 6, clearly audibled from pass to run, and watched McGahee rip off a 10 yard run. Anything can happen on any down.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I agree. The more I think about it, though, I see Moreno making the team. Maybe they will carry 4 RB's and a 1 FB. That seems like a lot....

Depth charts released before the first preseason game are worth about as much as the paper they are written on. It will definitely be interesting to see how it all plays out.

I heard Manning is planning on playing the entire first quarter on Thursday night. Can't wait!

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Knowing the Broncos, they've already lost one running back and wouldn't be surprised if they lost one more to injury before the start of the regular season. We'll see what happens but for some reason that I can't realistically explain, I would like to see Moreno make the team.

The problem is I don't know who's place I would like to see him take.

[Aggies7]

Any word on Williams suspension be reduced. I thought I heard something about it but can't find website I read it on.

I do like the Keith Brookings signing. Good for depth and a good veteran leader.