The Broncos’ edge rush — featuring 2011 Rookie of the Year Von Miller and two-time Pro Bowler Elvis Dumervil — speaks for itself.
Champ Bailey is a perennial Pro Bowler at cornerback, a position at which the Broncos added two more talented players this offseason in Tracy Porter and Drayton Florence.
In other words, offenses this season might stay away from the perimeter of Denver’s defense and try to attack the heart of it up the middle.
That’s something middle linebacker Joe Mays is aware of — and excited about.
“They’re definitely going to try to attack the middle of the defense, whether it’s running up the middle or trying to get a couple of quick passes up the middle, trying to test us linebackers,” Mays said. “We’re looking forward to it. (Defensive Coordinator Jack) Del Rio definitely has a great plan for us when it comes to playing the run and the pass. I just say bring it on. We’re definitely going to be ready.”
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard agreed with Mays’ assessment, but said it’s no different than any other year — “linebackers always have a target on their back.”
He anticipates teams trying to get two blockers on Miller, and with Mays’ hitting power, he said it wouldn’t surprise him if teams try to double-team the middle linebacker at times as well.
But one advantage the Broncos could have this year are sizable defensive tackles in the middle of the front line.
“Its going to allow our linebackers to roam free,” Woodyard said. “And Del Rio, like I said, he wants his linebackers to go downfield and make plays. I think that’s something that’s going to help us out. With the bigger bodies, the (Kevin) Vickersons, the Justin Bannans — it’s good to have him back — it’s going to be pretty exciting to see.”
MAYS ON MILLER
Mays said that every player is using OTAs to cut down on mental mistakes and get used to the team’s new offensive and defensive schemes.
But one defender that has stood out to him in terms of improvement is Miller.
“He’s grown a lot,” Mays said. “He can just come out on the field and do things that other guys can’t do. There’s certain things that he does that you just can’t coach; it just comes natural to him. He just goes out there and does it naturally and I look for him to better this year. He’s definitely going to help our defense.”
“The way the guy can just spin, dip and rip — just do all types of things — I can’t even explain it,” he continued. “It’s amazing the type of things that he does naturally. And with the coaches continuing to coach him, he’s only going to get better. So I look forward to seeing him do some special things for us this year.”
WOODYARD TALKS TREVATHAN
When he was drafted in the sixth round, linebacker Danny Trevathan couldn’t hide his excitement to join fellow Kentucky Wildcat Woodyard on the Broncos.
Trevathan said he tried to model his game after Woodyard, a player he said was “just born to be a leader.”
On Tuesday, Woodyard talked about the player who is “kind of like (his) little brother.”
“I knew what we were going to be getting,” Woodyard said of the team drafting Trevathan. “Danny was a great player in college. Him coming here, getting a chance, and him watching me in college and coming in and stepping in my shoes—it’s a great opportunity for the both of us. We’re both going to compete. And I know what type of player he is. Coming from a school that I went to, I know he’s going to give it his all every time he’s on the field. So it’s an honor to have a guy like him on our team.”
Though the two never overlapped at Kentucky, Woodyard said he knew Trevathan and spoke to him often as the rookie rose through the ranks with the Wildcats.
While Woodyard never hesitated to give Trevathan advice and tips as a collegiate, the team captain knows now is the time to take a step back and let Trevathan learn on his own.
“I’m trying to let him learn the things he can do and he can’t do before I go in there and just try to tell him everything he needs to do,” Woodyard said. “He’s coming along real well. I think he’s had two interceptions throughout these OTAs — so he’s doing well.”
Tags: Danny Trevathan, Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio, Joe Mays, Von Miller, Wesley Woodyard
Sndvl is our QB injured?
Daddy…while their hearts are comparable, their completion percentages weren’t close…
DB his neck is broken? It’s in a brace? Didn’t he play with it like that for four years? And win a SB?
So give me the stats Sndvl – of course comparing 1st and 2nd year to 1st and 2nd year.
From all the reports/articles I read, he’s healthy now.
Not sure I understand the question though TIcat. Lol
Sndvl – don’t worry – I think Cat is being a bit facetious.
Lol, that’s what I figured. Lol
Sndvl, I was just checking because sometimes I think DB thinks he’s injured… And yes, I was being facetious!
DB, what’s up? How’s it goin??
Four years with nerve damage before doing anything about it. Forcing himself to play – watch the obvious decline in capacity by the final year. Now he’s been surgically modified and repaired and we think he’s ‘Super Neck’! He keeps laying on the hints that it still tingles and is numb in the tricep region. They keep telling us that it will be better by season kick-off. Nerves don’t work that way. Fact is – he’s good enough with the tingle and the football smarts to still be the best in the NFL – no doubt about that from me. He may even be able to take a hit or two. Is it really worth the risk to PM and to the 2012 season of the Broncos? We got an awful lot riding on some hopes. I hopes you’re right!!! I really do!!!
It’s a great day – but me thinks God is trying to blow me completely off the planet. Terrible wind here.
But he’s not ready to be done and I am happy about that. I feel privileged that he chose Denver and wants to go for another ring.
It’s been awful here today, too. Ugh! And there is a terrible fire somewhere, which has my allergies all messed up!
I jump to 32 oz. of water to handle allergies. Water raises your threshold of reactions and helps rid of toxins. Try it – I used to have allergy shots as a kid but not anymore.
I quit drinking tea or soda with meals and replaced it with water years ago. Amazing results.
Thanks for the tips! My mom told me that if I Take more vitamin C it’s supposed to help too!! I will definitely try that. Hard thing is all the smoke. But I’m also allergic to my dog and I’m not willing to give him up! LOL
I think someone else told me about the fire – if it’s the same one it’s been going for several days. I think they said it was started by lightening.
It took me awhile to support Tebow. I finally came around. How could you not root for a guy like that? Especially the type of person he is off the field.
Im a Denver Bronco fan first. And only. So getting a Hall of Fame QB to lead this team, instead of a project drafted by the old regime, certainly has me excited.
I’ll never forget the home playoff game and the game against Chicago. Those were some amazing moments. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead though. I have no doubt we are in for plenty of amazing games with Peyton running the MileHigh NoHuddle…..
Keep the dog – kick out the allergies!!! (if only it were so easy! LOL)
You’re conversion was classic Sndvl. I enjoyed it thoroughly. You were man enough to be graceful through the whole thing!!!
It’s dinner time sports fans. Daddy out and God Bless!
sndvl. I love Tebow, always have. He is such a classy guy! My brother got to go to the Chicago game and he says it’s one of the best experiences of his life and he was in the Navy so he got to go all over the world. I am never going to forget any of it… Actually, I hope they make a DVD that I can keep always.
Nice chatting with you Daddy.
Ttyl DB!
earlier db i was talking about louisiana food. thought that was appropriate for what was cooking. i love our food here! and where did you hear manning was tingling and numb in the tricep region? i havent seen that. and you arent still on the ‘hes gonna be paralyzed if he’s hit right’ are you. its a fact that he is in no more danger than any other player to be paralyzed by a hit. he wouldnt have been hounded by 10 teams if any of the 10 dr’s told em paralyzation was a risk. and manning has a strong family and plenty of money so he’s not gonna risk his life for a couple of more years with a new team he has to relearn the offense for. period. it is the nfl, tho and that could happen to any player. if thats what you mean. but the whole ‘we’re risking mannings life’ is just not right. i dont know why you keep saying that recklessly as the truth. and YES IT IS WORTH THE RISK OF COURSE IT IS. you absolutely let one of the best qbs in nfl history play for you at the age of 36. and i dont give credence to your ‘life at risk’ playing the game so i dont say it with any kind of guilt.
Conversion… I like that. Because that’s what it was. I’m more ways than one.
I learned a few things about myself, by learning who Tim Tebow is. And what he stands for…
But that’s another topic for another blog!
Isn’t the Wolfe westward bound this week?!!!!!
I swear, sometimes I read these blogs and think there are several Raider and Charger fans posting…
You think people would be very positive about having a 4 time MVP and super bowl winner as our QB but guess not! If he was out there showing signs of pain or discomfort I could understand, but that’s completely opposite!! Manning is one of the best, if not the best, QB’s to ever play the game. I mean we haven’t had a guy on our team like this since John left in 1998. Why aren’t soo many people excited for this??? We have upgraded our defense drastically and our offense will not even look comparable to last year. It’s going to be completely different how we always expected to not convert 3rd downs to now about always converting them. Having the worst percentage QB in the NFL, which I did love Tebow like everyone knows, to having the best percentage QB in the NFL…
What is wrong with some of you people??? Be excited!!!!! We have the mastermind as our QB!!!
That’s it sndvl… BRONCOHOLIC’s think alike…lol!!
and i do hear you on the may not do as well cuz he hasnt played in a year, getting older, havin new sorroundings. those are legitimate and i wont tell you your wrong about that just that i disagree. but the paralysis thing? you are wrong. atik.
LBF, you are making some great points.
Same can be said for any QB. Especially one who’s strength is the read option…
Man. I could really go for some Cajun. The closest that’s available is Popeyes Chicken. I don’t think that really counts though.
Unless I make my own Zatarans. Which I think is on the same par as Popeyes. Lmao
i’m right with ya freak. i’m not getting it either my friend. but we can keep on letting em know how good this whole thing will be and in the end we will be dead on right!
Also, some people seem to not understand Peyton’s injury. I found a youtube vid of a doctor that explains his surgery. Please notice that the doctor said he will return to form to where he can get hit hard by defenses and everything that he is used to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7McTR03X2M
I’m not saying something will or will not happen, but let me tell you this, Peyton has just as much as a chance to get hurt than any other starting QB.
I just know Peyton’s type of focus and determination…he has all of these naysayers, haha unfortunately even some on these blogs, who say that he will get hurt and he will not make it throughout the whole season. I feel even more on the side where he will throw close to 4500-5000 yards and really surprise everyone and shut up everyone. There has been nothing that would lead us to believe that he is going to get hurt and not be able to make it. Sure he says he’s not 100% yet but that is because he’s been out for a whole year. His passes look great and he is hitting just about every throw just like we’re used to from Manning.
I just find it soooooo hard to believe that there was HARDLY anything negative said about Tebow when he was starting, even though there could of been A LOT said, and there is soo much negativity against Manning…Some people act as if it’s Orton who is starting for us.
This is also a report from ESPN back in December of last year!!!
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7304392/peyton-manning-doctor-says-fusion-healed-firmly
Haha Freak. Carnage had plenty to say….
sndvl if your ever around here go to copelands restaraunt. that is good cajun food. i recommend it to all the visitors who want a top notch cajun restaraunt. and if any of you are in shreveport any time lemme know and i’ll show you the best food around. much better than copelands and truer cajun but harder to find. i’ll even cook you a bunch of crawfish if you want. love crawfish boils!
hey freak i think in a few cases round here youre better off telling a tree all of that…
I guess so. In some sick way it seems a lot of people are hoping to see Manning get hurt and be done. You do understand that Peyton Manning plays for the Broncos don’t you? He is no longer a Colt if you haven’t gotten the memo!
Freak, thanks for the link! I’m going to watch it!!!!! They just don’t want Tebow to be gone. I get it, but I don’t want Royal to be gone either. I don’t have a choice. I’m not going to hate on Caldwell because I can’t have Royal.
I’m optimistic for the season. Hard not to be. The defense looks better, we got some new weapons on offense, and we got PEYTON MANNING! I think he is gonna be awesome for us. And if by some horrible chance he goes down, we got Brock Osweiler, who I am very excited about also. He has a big arm, and lot of upside. If worst case scenario happens, and he starts, then so be it. As long as he completes more than 50% of his passes, then he is still an upgrade over the Tebow offense which was run, run, incomplete pass. While he may not be clutch like Tebow in the 4th, I think Osweiler has at least the potential to do more in the passing the first 3 quarters than Tebow ever could, and keep us from needing to have miraculous come back wins. But Osweiler isn’t a runner like Tim. No he isn’t, he is a QB! We got McGahee, Hillman, and others to run the ball. And we have TE’s that will actually get utilized cause I am sure Brock can check it down, and go through progressions a heck of a lot better than Timmy. If I am on the koolaid, I don’t care. There is a lot to be excited about, and excited is what I will be.
Sorry Tim, I love you and still believe in you, but you aren’t here anymore. Team first. I am sure you understand.
And with that,
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
freak – it’s just a few bloggers who aren’t on board with Manning but you can’t win ‘em all.
Looking forward to watching Peyton Manning hit the field with the Denver Broncos!!! (hard to believe sometimes).
Broncos have had QB controversy since Elway retired….nothing new. It settled down for a few years with Plummer, then Cutler was drafted & the controversy hasn’t settled since.
GREAT comment Denver! I loved the way you stated/shared your opinion without putting anyone else down for theirs because it wasn’t the same as yours. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Way to share your excitement, spread your enthusiasm, and help boost the excitement of some of the rest of us. Very motivational comment! Good job!!
But how can you not be on board with Peyton Manning??? I am not trying to win over anyone, I am just stating the facts. Manning has thrown over 4000 yards the past 7 seasons and has totaled at least 28 TD’s in those 7 seasons. People are not understanding what this is really going to do for our defense. Last year our defense couldn’t stay off the field because we were the WORST team in converting 3rd downs. Manning doesn’t have that problem and picks apart defenses better than any other qb in the NFL.
Just like with the people who was against Tebow then during the regular season when he started they all acted as if they loved him all along. It will be the exact same thing with Manning.
Thing is, I’ve always been a true diehard fan of my Broncos!!! I support whoever is at the QB position. I would definitely never talk constantly about him getting hurt or thinking negatively about him. I question some of you “fans”
Thanks Tide! I appreciate your positive attitude and kind words
ya denver you positive paul you. way to go!!! i could never do that!
sndvl:
You are corect on Elways Back to Back age!
Payton will not go back to back but he will bring the Broncos back to respect!!
ILMSDB
FTR
Correction on my stats above…
Manning has played 13 seasons in the NFL as a starting QB. Of those 13, 11 of those seasons he has went for over 4000 yards. He has had at least 26 touchdowns each of his 13 seasons. He has had 6 seasons where he had at least 30 touchdowns and one season where he threw for 49 touchdowns. His avg qb rating is a whopping 94.9!! In all of those 13 seasons, he NEVER missed a game!! He was out all of last year because he had surgery.
Get excited about our true potential this year!!
FTR…
Yes it is extremely hard to go back to back but with Peyton anything is possible!! I see us winning at least one super bowl with Manning before he retires. I wouldn’t bet against him for him to win two. His brother now has 2 super bowls and there have been questions about which brother is the more successful one. I believe Manning provides everyone with that answer this year! That’s just my guess!
well maybe not ftr but i’d take even one in a 1/2 a second!! the competitive team we put on the field will make the last 10 years slowly fade from memory… ok maybe not but it will be sweet to be winning and respected again.
Haha thanks lbf, I have had my fair share of posts that have been pretty negative, so it feels good to get one right every once in a while.
Yeah, alot of fans were ready to see TT get the keys to the car, at the beginning of the season. When he didn’t it left everyone clammoring for TT, including myself. Our household with family and friends for away games, was divided last season between Tebow and Orton.
Can’t remember a season when so many squabbled over who should start, and not just on the blogs..lol.
Let’s get ready for some Broncos football with Peyton Manning at the helm!!!