Official Denver Broncos Thread

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I have the same thoughts about Miller and the Broncos. He was supposed to be the leader of this Defense and a positive role model off of the field. Unfortunately, he is just "positive" off of the field. Very disappointing. Dino Costa from Mad Dog Radio made an interesting point on his talk radio show yesterday. He said that this Miller thing is actually a good thing in that it is a wake up call for the Broncos. He thought that they had already became complacent due to all of their off-season hype to win the SB. I tend to agree with him. Hopefully, guys will rally and step it up going into the next 2 weeks of training camp.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I also find it funny how many pundits believe that Denver's ship is sunk without Miller for 6 weeks. Too many of them put too much weight into these preseason games as well. Denver will be a completely different team come Sept. 5 as they aren't going to show their hand. Teams that do great in the preseason usually don't in the regular season. Remember, preseason is a time to evaluate players and shake off a little rust. Denver will be fine, and by week 8 they will have Walton and the rest of the starters back. Shades of the 2012 Ravens but with a way better offense much???

Go Broncos!!!

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Denver will be a completely different team come Sept. 5 as they aren't going to show their hand.

I'd like to believe this, but I am not sure. I'm not worried about their offense as long as Manning is in there, but the defense is different. They have shown virtually no pass rush regardless of who is out there (including pothead), and their linebackers may prove to be too small. I keep thinking back to '07 with Jim Bates and his defense that was supposed to be so good. They looked horrible in the preseason and everyone kept saying (hoping) that it was nothing to be concerned about because they were running vanilla schemes in the preseason and it would all come together once the season started. It didn't. They looked exactly the same.

I don't put a lot into preseason games as far as the score goes, and I really don't care if they win or lose, but I think there are definite things that you can pick-up on in the preseason that can be a cause for concern. We'll see how they look on Saturday. Just look sharp and play disciplined. They need a much tighter performance to get them going in the right direction.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Sylvester Williams might be the key to our front 7 getting any pressure, this year. That, and Derek Wolfe's recovery. That being said, I think we'll be fine until Von Miller comes back. Even if we go 3-3, we'll be set up for a nice run to the playoffs.

Last year, we coasted to the playoffs so easily. I think it's good if our team really faces adversity and gets used to winning tough games. I was worried about it last year, when we were facerolling teams to get to the playoffs, that our team be feeling a little full of themselves. We'll be facing plenty of hurdles this year.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I'd like to believe this, but I am not sure. I'm not worried about their offense as long as Manning is in there, but the defense is different. They have shown virtually no pass rush regardless of who is out there (including pothead), and their linebackers may prove to be too small. I keep thinking back to '07 with Jim Bates and his defense that was supposed to be so good. They looked horrible in the preseason and everyone kept saying (hoping) that it was nothing to be concerned about because they were running vanilla schemes in the preseason and it would all come together once the season started. It didn't. They looked exactly the same.

I don't put a lot into preseason games as far as the score goes, and I really don't care if they win or lose, but I think there are definite things that you can pick-up on in the preseason that can be a cause for concern. We'll see how they look on Saturday. Just look sharp and play disciplined. They need a much tighter performance to get them going in the right direction.

Don't misunderstand, I am not saying that the injuries and the loss of Miller isn't reason for concern. But Denver has been tinkering with this D all off-season. We knew coming in to this season that the pass rush would be less due to Dumervil's absence. Ayers and Phillips have to step it up. Besides, Denver's 2 preseason games were against 2 of the best teams in the league with mobile QBs. They should look much improved this week.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Besides, Denver's 2 preseason games were against 2 of the best teams in the league with mobile QBs. They should look much improved this week.

Simpy because they are playing a lesser team?

[Broncos86]

Simpy because they are playing a lesser team?

Yeah, they better. If we can't generate sacks against the Rams, then our secondary better be ready to run all game long.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Simpy because they are playing a lesser team?

Pretty much.

[gr18]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Kick coverage absolutely needs to improve and Hillman shows flashes but should have a football glued to his hands until he proves he can hang onto it.Right now I wouldn't feel comfortable with him getting many touches.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This looks really familiar to the beginning of last season. They seem to battle themselves more than their opponents. You can't go far by constantly trying to dig yourself out of self-inflicted holes.

Special teams... what a train wreck. If you can't cover kicks (which they can't), Colquit needs to just punt the ball out of bounds or work on his hangtime. Quit trying to see how far you can kick it down the middle of the field. I loved what the Ram's punter was doing last night. He didn't given Trindon a chance. Very nicely done.

If Julius Thomas is going to be on the FG team, I am glad that happened to him last night so he can learn from it. That was ugly, but I am sure he'll learn from it.

I don't even know what to say about Hillman anymore. He is explosive and can score TD's...for the other team. They obviously want him to succeed. I was surprised he was back in there. It's to the point where Moreno needs to start.

Manning's numbers where crazy, even just looking at attempts for one half. I really liked the tempo of the offense. That will wear a defense out late in the game and the run game will really shine with a bigger back like Ball.

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I'm I the only one wondering why Von got so much playing time last night?

Also, with regards to the pace. I understand how it can be such a benefit and especially at home but I think it as overdone just a little bit.

No harm in huddling up every now and again to make sure they get the right play, sometimes it felt a little rushed.

[TRC]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I'm I the only one wondering why Von got so much playing time last night?

Also, with regards to the pace. I understand how it can be such a benefit and especially at home but I think it as overdone just a little bit.

No harm in huddling up every now and again to make sure they get the right play, sometimes it felt a little rushed.

I thought the same thing about Von being in there with the first string D. Strange...maybe Fox is in denial. Also, where was Ayers? Chris Clark is horrible in relief of Clady. And Hillman is a bigger liability than McGahee at this point. I never thought that I would say this, but Knowshon should get the start. He is running as though his hair is on fire and he has a renewed passion. And Manning is going to have a great season.

I am glad preseason is finally over for the starters. Time to get healthy and get ready for the freaking Ravens. I am sooooo ready!

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Agreed, for me, Moreno would be my starter against the Ravens.

[Broncos86]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Concerning Miller: I think it's fine to play him now. DJ Williams took a while, last year, after his suspension and couldn't get going. Better to get Miller familiar with the packages now. You can't spend regular season practices trying to install packages for him. Better now.

Huddling: Now is the time to practice that stuff and get used to it. They know how to huddle, preseason is a perfect time to adjust to the pace and play of a no-huddle offense and see how the guys handle it. You can always dial it back in the regular season. You can't emulate game conditions perfectly, there's nothing like the real thing.

Montee Ball did fine. It's clear that our offensive line cannot block off-tackle right now. As soon as they ran M.Ball up the middle, he ripped off some nice yards. Starting Knowshon Moreno makes me concerned for his knee. I don't think he can carry the load over the course of the year, and I think we're going to need him later on.

Ronnie Hillman showed us that not only is he a liability in pass protection, he cannot hold onto the ball. And while he ran well when he did have the ball, I just don't see this big-play capability out of him. I see more potential for a big play out of Montee Ball, that guy has some shifty moves. IMO, start Montee Ball and let Knowshon be our "change of pace" back. He's great on third down, and usually rips off some big plays when Manning hits him in the flats.

[Jonsco28]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Even with the increased tempo, the amount of offensive plays was skewed heavily due to the huge punt return and Hillman fumble. They essentially got two extra possessions.

I liked the way they ran the up-tempo offense. They won't do it all the time, but I'm hoping they use it more often than not.