Official Denver Broncos Thread

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

At this point, DJ Williams will be depth, nothing more. He'll be fresh, but he can't work out with the team or be around them. That means he's on his own, and there's no way he'll be ready to just step in and play.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

WEll, there ya go. The Patriots happily exploited our defense. And yes, the inability to get off the field on third down. Brady was robotic, and I cannot believe we allowed them to convert 3rd and 12 with a running play.

I think this game really highlighted that our linebackers (outside of Von Miller) are mediocre. I'm equally disappointed in Willis McGahee and his drops. A crucial 4th down drop that would've been a jog to the sideline. And a fumble late in the game.

Some might point to the fact that our offense got better later on, but I'd argue that isn't true. It was the Patriots, up 31-7, started playing softer on defense. They were allowing catches in front of them to avoid the big play.

Overall, I think this game really showed where the Broncos are right now. We're above average, and I'm sure we'll beat teams like the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns. But when we get into the playoffs and face off against a real contender, we're going to have our hands full. There is still time to gel as a team, but I think part of the issue here is simply talent.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

WEll, there ya go. The Patriots happily exploited our defense. And yes, the inability to get off the field on third down. Brady was robotic, and I cannot believe we allowed them to convert 3rd and 12 with a running play.

I think this game really highlighted that our linebackers (outside of Von Miller) are mediocre. I'm equally disappointed in Willis McGahee and his drops. A crucial 4th down drop that would've been a jog to the sideline. And a fumble late in the game.

Some might point to the fact that our offense got better later on, but I'd argue that isn't true. It was the Patriots, up 31-7, started playing softer on defense. They were allowing catches in front of them to avoid the big play.

Overall, I think this game really showed where the Broncos are right now. We're above average, and I'm sure we'll beat teams like the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns. But when we get into the playoffs and face off against a real contender, we're going to have our hands full. There is still time to gel as a team, but I think part of the issue here is simply talent.

I agree with that. The truth is that Denver's defense is still a huge liability. They have the same problem that they have had for years. They can't get off the field on third down. You can't give up 3rd and 17 on a draw play! That was such a huge play in the game, as the score was still 17-7 at that point.

Draw play to Lance Ball on 3rd and 4 at the 50 when you have a chance to get right back in the game? Are you kidding me?

Denver isn't good enough to make stupid mistakes and beat a team like the Patriots. Thomas and McGahee...for all the good plays they make, their screw-ups negate most, if not all of it.

All three losses have pretty much been carbon copies. They have also all been to elite teams.

On the bright side, thanks to NO last night....if they can beat SD next Monday night, they will be in the driver's seat for the division.

[SkeeterJD]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I'm not really quite sure what to say about the game. As Jonsco said awhile ago, this was a game they could steal. I thought there was an outside shot they could pull out a win but it was wishful thinking.

They showed their weakness once again on the defensive side of the ball. Brady never had to throw deep and just kept hitting those short underneath routes to Welker. Miller continues to shine but he needs help. Dumervil was non-exisistent once again and is clearly showing that he is way over-paid for his services (0 tackles / .5 sack - 10 tackles through 5 games!). Mays and the rest of the LB look lost. Other than Miller, I don't see any upside to the defense. That might be harsh, and the frustration of the loss might be coming through, but I'm tired of asking the same questions year after year. Where are the turnovers? Why can't we ever get interior pressure from the d-line? When will we have a group of LB that can provide a resemblence of pass coverage? It's all just very frustrating. They had their chances...giving up multiple 3rd and longs will never sit well with me. Especially that 3rd and 19 run by Woodhead!

Minus a few key mishaps offensively, I thought they did a good job. Thomas has got to learn to secure the ball! Hell, so does McGahee! You can see the frustration on Mannings face but you can see the offense clicking really well at times.

Punch San Diego in the mouth this week and a lot of the sting will go away.

Go Broncos!

[SkeeterJD]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Draw play to Lance Ball on 3rd and 4 at the 50 when you have a chance to get right back in the game? Are you kidding me?

I agree, Denver hadn't shown that they could run the ball with consistent success and they roll that play out there...in such a crucial point of the game?!

[SkeeterJD]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

http://milehighsports.com/2012/10/08...s-this-season/

A good read...

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Dumervil is WAY overpaid. The Broncos gave him that money with the idea that they were getting a JJ Watt type guy (even though Watt wasn't around yet). Nope. The only time you heard that guy's name yesterday was when he was offsides.

Miller is to Dumervil as Robin is to Batman? I think not. Miller is a stud. Dumervil is pretty much a non-factor - especially against the run.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

http://milehighsports.com/2012/10/08...s-this-season/

A good read...

Pretty much dead-on target.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Another thing that will be a broken record, but I'm tired of journeymen defensive linemen. That's great, we have rotational players. But none of them can control the line of scrimmage. We don't have a single defensive tackle that can get penetration and disrupt the play. Vickerson gets his one play per game. We have a bunch of DE speed pass rushers. But that doesn't do any good if the interior isn't threatened.

In the next off-season, we need to do something to obtain some quality DTs. And I don't mean some washed up DT that another team gave up on, or a DT that is injury prone. I'm so tired of that junk.

On offense, it's amazing how often we bury ourselves. Atlanta, Houston, and now New England, our offense gave up the ball and forced our defense into tough situations. Our offense DOES have the talent to win shoot outs. But only if we don't give up the ball.

Dumervil is WAY overpaid. The Broncos gave him that money with the idea that they were getting a JJ Watt type guy (even though Watt wasn't around yet). Nope. The only time you heard that guy's name yesterday was when he was offsides.

Miller is to Dumervil as Robin is to Batman? I think not. Miller is a stud. Dumervil is pretty much a non-factor - especially against the run.

I totally agree. Miller is the real deal. He's explosive, strong, quick, everything you want. The kid makes plays. That tackle he made on the goal line was awesome. Dumervil is still riding those two solid seasons he had. Dumervil is playing to a level that critics kept talking about: he's too small. He's allowing himself to get engulfed, and now OTs are just owning him one on one. He can't even contain the edge.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

You guys hit all of nails on the head... and that's a lot of nails. The Broncos have proven that they aren't ready to take the next step... they don't have the tools. Until Denver heavily addresses their D-Line and the rest of the defense in general in the next 2 drafts, they will be an 8-8 team. Not sure what positives that can be taken from this game... it was more of a reality check IMO.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This article is pretty much on point as well.

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/49514/broncos-have-to-improve-around-manning

I'm almost embarrassed for the Broncos in regards to Manning...They talked Manning into coming here and he is doing everything you could ask him to do, and yet the team around him is making mistakes that are costing them ball games. He threw for 345 yards, 3 TD's, and no interceptions and still lost by ten. Ouch.

They are 2-3, and the sky isn't falling. A win against SD on Monday night would be huge. I don't know how good they are or how good they can be with this group. I do know they lost to three of the best teams in the league, and mistakes that they made cost them in all three games.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Another thing that will be a broken record, but I'm tired of journeymen defensive linemen. That's great, we have rotational players. But none of them can control the line of scrimmage. We don't have a single defensive tackle that can get penetration and disrupt the play. Vickerson gets his one play per game. We have a bunch of DE speed pass rushers. But that doesn't do any good if the interior isn't threatened.

In the next off-season, we need to do something to obtain some quality DTs. And I don't mean some washed up DT that another team gave up on, or a DT that is injury prone. I'm so tired of that junk.

Yep. Denver hasn't really had a real dominant defensive lineman since Trevor Pryce, and he was drafted in '97! Montae Reagor was nice, but Shanny wouldn't pay him and he went on to shine with the Colts.

Losing Ty Warren was a killer. Yes, he was past his prime, but he would have done a better job of clogging the middle than what they have now.

Bannan and Unrein were nearly as invisible as Dumervil. Dumervil, by the way, had zero solo tackles. The only other guys on the team with zero solo tackles were Irving and Trevathan. Miller led the team with seven.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

What are the chances that Denver goes into San Diego and pulls out a win? I think it will come down to turnovers as both teams have had their issues hanging onto the ball lately, and if Denver's Linebacking corps can keep Matthews in check. Gates will still be a factor as Denver has not proven that they can defend the short crossing routes by TEs this year. This is a pivotal game for both teams... let's see if Denver is indeed battle-hardened from their early "tough" schedule.

[SkeeterJD]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I have no idea what to expect from this game. I think that Manning can put 30+ on San Diego's defense but I would not be surprised if Denver's defense gets torched again. San Diego just has to steer clear of Von and they should be fine.

I like the Holliday signing. Sure, Leonard can catch a ball, but there's no spark, there's no hope of a big return. If Holliday is as fast everyone says he is, then you get that cat in the game as much as possible.

I'm still reserving hope that Denver's offense is just a few plays away from being great. If you wipe away maybe 10-15 plays from this year I don't think there is any concern at all. Unfortunately, those plays are all pretty big.

I'm still optimistic...
Denver 34
San Diego 31

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

The way I see it, Denver is at a fork in the road as far as their season is concerned. They aren't dead if they lose, but the hole is pretty deep going into their bye week.

I feel better about this game than any other besides the Oakland game. SD is as friendly of a road game as they can get; Broncos fans usually show up in force in SD.

There isn't a lot of correllation, but Denver went in there last year and beat them with Tebow. I obviously like their chances even better with Manning. I keep hearing about how Manning is 1-5 against Rivers. I don't care. Different match-ups.

We've been talking about this since week 1...Denver's defense has to get off of the field on third down. They are giving up nearly 50% of third downs. That's got to change.

SD's O-line is also having problems protecting Rivers. Hopefully Denver can exploit this. Denver needs to figure out how to use Dumervil in a way that best fits his physical attributes. He's obviosly too small to play every down with this hand on the ground. Move him around...let him stand up. Utilize his biggest asset - his quickness.

Broncos 34
Bolts 23