Official Denver Broncos Thread

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Unfortunately, the RB position is a huge need for Denver if they want to solidify their chances of winning a SB within the next 2-3 years. Moreno, Ball, McGahee, and Hillman as a whole are not the answers. As a Raven fan you must've noticed the huge dropoff in production by Denver's offense when Moreno went down with an injury late in the AFC Divisional PO game. Rookie Hillman was ineffective, and he left Manning exposed with his poor blocking; therefore, Denver couldn't seal the game.

Denver has to address their RB situation this year as Moreno may be cut and Ball will not be re-signed as a free agent. If there was a Jamal Lewis is this year's draft then Denver may pull the trigger on him... but, there isn't.

My question is, who do you think would be a younger and/or better fit than Stephen Jackson in the free agent market? Reggie Bush? Cris Ivory? Bradshaw? Somebody in this year's draft class?

I don't think you're going to find too many teams have much success when they need to put the load on their 3rd string back. I understand the worry of injury with McGahee (recovery) and Moreno (seems injury-proned) but other than that, I think they had a perfectly fine running game last year. They just had injuries to it at the worse possible time.

I haven't looked at the entire list of free agents. First I'll say at the right price, Jackson is great... I just have a feeling he's going to cost more than DEN should spend. I think Bush is the best overall option, but considering I don't think that should be a huge priority (meaning I don't think they should spend a ton) he's out of the price range. I think Ivory would be a fantastic pick up... all things considered, probably the best of the guys you listed. Bradshaw is a great back but I think he'll be pricey and isn't as good as he thinks he is.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I don't think you're going to find too many teams have much success when they need to put the load on their 3rd string back. I understand the worry of injury with McGahee (recovery) and Moreno (seems injury-proned) but other than that, I think they had a perfectly fine running game last year. They just had injuries to it at the worse possible time.

I haven't looked at the entire list of free agents. First I'll say at the right price, Jackson is great... I just have a feeling he's going to cost more than DEN should spend. I think Bush is the best overall option, but considering I don't think that should be a huge priority (meaning I don't think they should spend a ton) he's out of the price range. I think Ivory would be a fantastic pick up... all things considered, probably the best of the guys you listed. Bradshaw is a great back but I think he'll be pricey and isn't as good as he thinks he is.

Agreed... it is all about price with Jackson. As I said earlier, Jackson may take a pay cut to play on a team that could get him a SB ring. I will say that Ivory intrigues me as well. I thought he ran tough last season, but I am not sure how good he is at moving a pile. I will say that Jacob Hester did an ok job with his spot duty at short yardage, but I am not sure Denver will re-sign him. Bradshaw is breaking down... injuries have killed his stock.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

In no way do I see Denver breaking the bank to get SJ. If he can be had at a palatable price, I hope they get him. I know he was use in spot duty with the Rams, but he wouldn't be an every down back in Denver either.

I am hoping Hillman can put on about 10-15 pounds.

Denver's biggest weakness on offense was their inability to run the ball out of power formations. If they showed run, they couldn't. They actually ran the ball more consistently when Manning was in the gun because defenses had to respect both the run and pass. It also helped spreading the defense out. It's not just the backs either...the OL has to do a better job. They lose the battle up front way too much in short yardage situations.

I've wanted to see Fannin for the last couple of years, but talk about injuries...he can't even get out of camp.

I think that is the plan with Hillman... to get 15 pounds of muscle on his frame so that he can be an every down back for Denver. He is their young project right now, and he is only 21.

I would't mind seeing Denver going after a FA offensive lineman as well-- such as Andy Levitre from Buffalo.

I hear you about Mario Fannin...

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Agreed... it is all about price with Jackson. As I said earlier, Jackson may take a pay cut to play on a team that could get him a SB ring. I will say that Ivory intrigues me as well. I thought he ran tough last season, but I am not sure how good he is at moving a pile. I will say that Jacob Hester did an ok job with his spot duty at short yardage, but I am not sure Denver will re-sign him. Bradshaw is breaking down... injuries have killed his stock.

Go back two years to get a better look at Ivory. He got an extended look in NO when all the backs in front of him went down, and he didn't disappoint. I also think his experience in that offense would make it an easy transition.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Go back two years to get a better look at Ivory. He got an extended look in NO when all the backs in front of him went down, and he didn't disappoint. I also think his experience in that offense would make it an easy transition.

Chris Ivory's stats in 2010: Games played/Total yds/Avg/TDs/Fumbles

12 GP/ 716 yds/ 5.2 yds/carry / 5 TDs / 4 fumbles (2 lost)

Ivory has put up good numbers and I noticed that in 2011 and 2012 he did not fumble, but only played in 6 games each year. He has a career rushing average of 5.1 yds/carry. He is only 24 y/o (25 in March) and is 6'0" and 222 lbs.

Any idea why he was 4th on the Saint's depth chart?

Ivory may be a good option for Denver if they can get him cheap and he can show that he can run between the tackles well consistently.

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Chris Ivory's stats in 2010: Games played/Total yds/Avg/TDs/Fumbles

12 GP/ 716 yds/ 5.2 yds/carry / 5 TDs / 4 fumbles (2 lost)

Ivory has put up good numbers and I noticed that in 2011 and 2012 he did not fumble, but only played in 6 games each year. He has a career rushing average of 5.1 yds/carry. He is only 24 y/o (25 in March) and is 6'0" and 222 lbs.

Any idea why he was 4th on the Saint's depth chart?

Ivory may be a good option for Denver if they can get him cheap and he can show that he can run between the tackles well consistently.

Just because of the guys in front of him. You had Reggie Bush and then Darren Sproles... Pierre Thomas seems to get overlooked by them but when the season starts his always been their most consistent contributor, and then they drafted Ingram and want him to develop into their work horse. Ivory's just been lost in the mix.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Preliminary reports are Alex Smith will be traded to the Chiefs for a second round pick this year and a second in 2014.

Anyone here believe that the addition of Smith automatically makes the Chiefs good... really good??

[Broncos86]

All depends on coaching. I think Reid can make him successful. But it will take time.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Agreed. The Chiefs will need to sign Bowe and add another quality receiver option. Reid does't have the greatest track record with QBs - McNabb, Kolb, and Vick. It will be interesting to see if KC will also take a project QB in the draft. Most pundits see them taking Luke Joeckel OT at #1 in the draft. We shall see.

I don't see how the addition of just Smith makes KC an "automatic playoff team" as many delusional Chiefs fans are touting on sports talk radio today. Smith is no Manning, and they still have a lot of holes to fill.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Meh...to me this has the same flair to it as when they signed Cassel. The Chiefs were once again going to contend. Didn't happen. I don't see this playing out much differently.

This is Denver's division.

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Agreed. The Chiefs will need to sign Bowe and add another quality receiver option. Reid does't have the greatest track record with QBs - McNabb, Kolb, and Vick. It will be interesting to see if KC will also take a project QB in the draft. Most pundits see them taking Luke Joeckel OT at #1 in the draft. We shall see.

I don't see how the addition of just Smith makes KC an "automatic playoff team" as many delusional Chiefs fans are touting on sports talk radio today. Smith is no Manning, and they still have a lot of holes to fill.

Wait wha...? Reid doesn't have the greatest track record with QBs? Then you name McNabb (fringe HOF candidate), Kolb (played well enough for Reid to allow PHI to rob ARI in a trade for him) and Vick (best year of his career under Reid)? Reid is known for being able to work with QBs, I have no idea what you're talking about with this one.

As for the Chiefs overall, Smith isn't their ONLY addition. The addition of Reid is very big as well. They're also what 2 years removed from an 11 win season? And are getting a ton of players back from injury. Their defense is young and good (just need to stay on the field... Berry still has a chance of being mentioned in the same breath as Ed Reed at some point). There's no lock they'll have an immediate turnaround but you guys have serious blinders on if you don't think it's possible.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

As for the Chiefs overall, Smith isn't their ONLY addition. The addition of Reid is very big as well. They're also what 2 years removed from an 11 win season? And are getting a ton of players back from injury. Their defense is young and good (just need to stay on the field... Berry still has a chance of being mentioned in the same breath as Ed Reed at some point). There's no lock they'll have an immediate turnaround but you guys have serious blinders on if you don't think it's possible.

This sounds a lot like the argument that lead to last year's infamous thread.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Wait wha...? Reid doesn't have the greatest track record with QBs? Then you name McNabb (fringe HOF candidate), Kolb (played well enough for Reid to allow PHI to rob ARI in a trade for him) and Vick (best year of his career under Reid)? Reid is known for being able to work with QBs, I have no idea what you're talking about with this one.

As for the Chiefs overall, Smith isn't their ONLY addition. The addition of Reid is very big as well. They're also what 2 years removed from an 11 win season? And are getting a ton of players back from injury. Their defense is young and good (just need to stay on the field... Berry still has a chance of being mentioned in the same breath as Ed Reed at some point). There's no lock they'll have an immediate turnaround but you guys have serious blinders on if you don't think it's possible.

Ok... I rescind my earlier statement about Reid and QBs, and agree that Arizona was duped with Kolb just like KC was with Cassel. All I am saying is that the Chiefs will only become relevant when they add defensive depth, find Smith more than 1 receiving weapon, and FINALLY draft a legitimate young QB to develop instead of taking in retreads. This will all take time.

Therefore, I don't see the addition of Reid and Smith by themselves challenging Denver for the division next year like some others believe will happen. Like Jonsco28 said, it is still Denver's division as long as Peyton Manning is around.

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This sounds a lot like the argument that lead to last year's infamous thread.

Slow your roll there Jonesy, lol. Even in that thread I said (and stand by) the Chiefs having a good number of pieces. Also like then, here I am NOT saying it means they will do anything. They are severely lacking in depth and experience all over the place. But considering what they have added, what they could add and the last place schedule, it wont be a surprise if they stay healthy and make some noise. It really wasn't that long ago that they won 11 games with a team worse than what they'll have next year.

Ok... I rescind my earlier statement about Reid and QBs, and agree that Arizona was duped with Kolb just like KC was with Cassel. All I am saying is that the Chiefs will only become relevant when they add defensive depth, find Smith more than 1 receiving weapon, and FINALLY draft a legitimate young QB to develop instead of taking in retreads. This will all take time.

Therefore, I don't see the addition of Reid and Smith by themselves challenging Denver for the division next year like some others believe will happen. Like Jonsco28 said, it is still Denver's division as long as Peyton Manning is around.

I hear that part of the argument but I also feel like you Broncos fans are being subconsciously defensive, lol. I haven't heard anything about the Chiefs challenging for the division. I've heard about them challenging for the playoffs... which I can see happening. My AFC playoff locks (unless something HUGE happens in terms of injury) are DEN, HOU and NE... that's it. Someone has to win our division but any of this year's top 3 teams could win the division or miss the playoffs all together. It's really not a stretch to see the Chiefs in the playoffs.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Anything can happen. The only reason why I brought this topic into discussion was because there had been some preliminary thoughts by fans that Smith will automatically make KC a playoff contender in itself, and was curious to hear what everyone here thought.

Moving on...

Go Broncos!