Official Denver Broncos Thread

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Steelers.

I don't get it?

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I really want to know the deal is with Hillis. He doesn't play ahead of Larsen at FB and Jordan got the extra carries when Moreno got his plays off with Buckhalter out.

I want to say its the "my guy" syndrome with McDaniels but Larsen was here before him. Buckhalter, Moreno and Jordan are the 3 he specifically picked.

I can't see any way that game isn't a repeat of the first one.

The Chiefs couldn't stop a peewee team from gaining 150 yards on the ground, and their receivers would drop the ball even if there wasn't a single player within 50 yards of them.

I think anything can happen especially when Jamarcus Russell lead a game winning drive on the road

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

You know Av, every person I talk to asks the same thing, "Where is Peyton Hillis?" I would love to hear McDaniels' true rationale for underutilizing him.

I have been very supporting of McDaniels from the get-go, but he hasn't earned any untouchable status like Shanahan had pretty much the whole time he was with the Broncos. McDaniels is making and has made decisions very similar to Dan Reeves, the kind that makes you wonder WTF is he thinking, and you know where that eventually led to.

McD needs to win these next two games and have a quite productive offseason (free-agent signings and draft).

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I COMPLETELY understand the "wtf" thoughts on McDaniel but does he really need to win the next two games? As a Broncos fan, I can see wanting to get in the playoffs considering the hot start and being so close, but what'd you really expect coming into the season? I think most optimistic people saw 8-8 as a success for this year's team. I'd say most people thought they'd struggle to win 4 games, no? Either way, I think they need to show some signs of stability next year but I think this year is a mulligan either way.

[Chaos81]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I think anything can happen especially when Jamarcus Russell lead a game winning drive on the road

He did it against the Chiefs as well, don't feel bad.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I COMPLETELY understand the "wtf" thoughts on McDaniel but does he really need to win the next two games? As a Broncos fan, I can see wanting to get in the playoffs considering the hot start and being so close, but what'd you really expect coming into the season? I think most optimistic people saw 8-8 as a success for this year's team. I'd say most people thought they'd struggle to win 4 games, no? Either way, I think they need to show some signs of stability next year but I think this year is a mulligan either way.

Of course they need to make the playoffs.

[jth1331]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Due to the hot start going 6-0 out of the gates, missing the playoffs and winning 2 of the last 10 games would be considered a failure.
I like McDaniels, but he can be too predictable with the playcalling on offense and since those first 6 games, I'd say his game planning hasn't exactly been that great.

I've heard that with Hillis, he has a lot of trouble with the playbook or something to that extent. This is somewhat mind boggling since last year, it could be argued he was the best RB for the Broncos.

I will say I somewhat worry about the future of the team, maybe I am overreacting but I just don't see a team that will be serious contenders.

[allBthere]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Due to the hot start going 6-0 out of the gates, missing the playoffs and winning 2 of the last 10 games would be considered a failure.
I like McDaniels, but he can be too predictable with the playcalling on offense and since those first 6 games, I'd say his game planning hasn't exactly been that great.

I've heard that with Hillis, he has a lot of trouble with the playbook or something to that extent. This is somewhat mind boggling since last year, it could be argued he was the best RB for the Broncos.

I will say I somewhat worry about the future of the team, maybe I am overreacting but I just don't see a team that will be serious contenders.

there are multiple sources around the internet claiming that Coach really dislikes him and doesn't play him for that reason. Hillis has no problem with the play book. Some people even go so far as to claim that he likes benching him because the fans want him in, but he is in charge and gets to make that call.

I think Hillis was the best RB for them last year, in fact he was a starting fantasy back when he was played. He had a TD per game and over 5 yards per carry every game he started and was great reciever as well.

I think there is absolutely no reason he shouldn't be getting 10 carries a game as an HB, a couple passes, and the rest blocking as a FB....the dude is an absolute stud and should have been utilized this season instead of absolutely wasted as he was. You'll notice LB larson takes most of the snaps as the FB. McDaniels has a personal problem with Hillis and benched him - pathetic.

I would love to have Hillis on Indy; hell almost any team could use that guy and put him to work.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Playoff scenarios for us

1) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR

2) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR

3) DEN win + NYJ loss or tie + HOU win OR

4) DEN win + BAL loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR

5) DEN win + BAL loss or tie + HOU win OR

6) PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss OR

7) PIT loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + NYJ loss OR

8) PIT loss + BAL loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR

9) PIT loss + HOU loss + JAC loss + NYJ loss OR

10) MIA loss or tie + NYJ loss + BAL loss + HOU loss + JAC loss or tie

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Playoff scenarios for us

2-7 the last 9 weeks; you reap what you sow. Same old story for the entire decade, sans 05. Funny how it was recreated this year with a new coach, new approach.

I would love to see that 9-7 record for these guys. Something to build on.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Hochstein is done for the year with a torn ACL

Mckinley also done for the year with his knee.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

A little recap of the 2k decade which saw too many times a good start, poor finish, and less and less hair on my head:

2000- The opposite trend as seen throughout the decade in which the Broncos started out 4-4, but went 7-1 the rest of the way to reach the playoffs, losing to eventual Super Bowl Champion Ravens.

2001- 3-1 beginning, 8-8 finish.

2002- 6-2 beginning, 9-7 finish.

2003- 5-1 beginning, 10-6 finish, losing to Indianapolis in the playoffs 41-10.

2004- 5-1 beginning, 10-6 finish, losing to Indianapolis in the playoffs 40-24.

2005- 13-3, lost in AFC Championship game to the Steelers 34-17.

* Note, 3 previous years were with Jake Plummer at quarterback full-time. Poor Jake got no credit for an actually pretty good run, which was not all him, but some of it was.

2006- 9-7. Lost to a 7-9 49ers team in the season finale to miss the playoffs. Remember the Broncos were 7-3 when Jay Cutler took the helm, going 2-4 in his six games started.

2007- 2-0 start, 7-9 finish.

2008 3-0 start, 8-8 finish

2009 6-0 start, hopefully a 9-7 finish.

This was a very frustrating decade for Denver Broncos fans. Not as excruciating as the 60's or 70's but bad enough.

On a side note, if any of you get a chance to pick up the book, Denver Broncos, A Complete Illustrated History, by all means do so. A must for any Broncos fan. My wife always gets me a special book for Christmas, this one was this year's. It is the kind of book you don't actually read, but absorb and savor.

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

2-7 the last 9 weeks; you reap what you sow. Same old story for the entire decade, sans 05. Funny how it was recreated this year with a new coach, new approach.

I would love to see that 9-7 record for these guys. Something to build on.

I know this won't have much punch coming from an "outsider" but looking at the broad picture may be disheartening, but a closer look isn't so bad in my opinion. Coming into this season I can't imagine even die hard Bronco fans thinking the playoffs was a real possibility. Shannahan left, the mess with Cutler showing him the door, the mess with Marshall putting his future up in the air, and while the unknown McDaniel was smack dab in the middle of it, he did a complete overhaul of the running game while questions were still in the air about the defense.

I think some may have gotten too excited about the fast start, but if you look at the teams they played, overall I'd say they won one game more than even a rational expectation would have. The loss to the Raiders is tough, since after the 6-2 start I expected them to end up 10-6 and safely in the playoffs. That's the one that could be the most costly, but overall I'd say the season is a success. The D is definitely on the right track, Marshall's on board, McDaniel seems to have a clue and there's another #1 pick from Chicago on the shelf (and a good one since they didn't do to well this year). In a "rebuilding" year, I think they did pretty well.

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I know this won't have much punch coming from an "outsider" but looking at the broad picture may be disheartening, but a closer look isn't so bad in my opinion. Coming into this season I can't imagine even die hard Bronco fans thinking the playoffs was a real possibility. Shannahan left, the mess with Cutler showing him the door, the mess with Marshall putting his future up in the air, and while the unknown McDaniel was smack dab in the middle of it, he did a complete overhaul of the running game while questions were still in the air about the defense.

I think some may have gotten too excited about the fast start, but if you look at the teams they played, overall I'd say they won one game more than even a rational expectation would have. The loss to the Raiders is tough, since after the 6-2 start I expected them to end up 10-6 and safely in the playoffs. That's the one that could be the most costly, but overall I'd say the season is a success. The D is definitely on the right track, Marshall's on board, McDaniel seems to have a clue and there's another #1 pick from Chicago on the shelf (and a good one since they didn't do to well this year). In a "rebuilding" year, I think they did pretty well.

You know Whart, you are absolutely correct. Frustration tends to take the wheel for me and it takes the dust to settle before I assess "rationally" or objectively.

From all of the initial hiccups, it is a wonder they won half as many games as they did. What I like most is the rebuilding of the defense. The defense was by no means ever a problem this year. I still hope that the Bears' pick (depending on next week can be anywhere from 7-15) can be used on the defensive side of the ball. A Rolando McClain, a Dan Williams, or Terrance Cody would be a good fit, and could even dream a kid like Eric Berry drops to them, unlikely though. My big dream is that Jake Locker comes out, the Broncos can snag and groom him. However, first and foremost is signing Marshall and Dumervil, plus finding a happy number with Orton that doesn't lock them in to committing to him for years. Orton is definitely that semi-dependable truck that puts in a good days work, but you can't help from looking around for something shinier and prettier.

I guess for me, I belly-ache because of the opportunities once again this team had to win ball games but pissed away. That's the NFL, alot of fans are singing the same song, word for word.

[wwharton]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

As a Ravens fan, I know that song well. Unfortunately our expectations were much higher (and future is a bit more cloudy). Looks like your wish list is on point. I think Orton is a great QB to have until you get THE QB. That was the biggest mistake the Ravens made (imo). Instead of running off to get Grbac they should've kept Dilfer and patiently waited until they could draft a solid replacement. Dilfer was good enough for the team at the time, as Orton is for you guys right now. Looker would be a good move, as would drafting defense high. If you can get someone on the line or another LB and keep that old secondary a few more years, the Broncos should be in good shape.