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
i hear that denver! i’m just messing with you and tide. i tend to be the other side of that coin sometimes. i’m actually pretty sure that was a shot at me and a few others, but earned i admit. that really was good and postitive so kudos! ya know overall i try to be good, promise!
Freak, I’m not sure to whom your comments was addressed, but all of us here who are familiar with your posts know you are a true orange & blue, die hard fan. Fact is, I am, and always have been, on board with PM, but I also respect the fact that it may take awhile for some others to come around, for their own reasons, and that’s okay too, as far as I’m concerned. If things go as we all hope they will this season, then it’s all good, for all of us.
We are definitely building a brighter future with Manning. Amazing veteran QB to help a young team win while it sorts out the kinks, and then Osweiler takes over for what will be a veteran team in a few years, and we keep going strong. We finally have a direction, as opposed to another… “Well, let’s see how this new idea works out…”
Things look good for us. It won’t always be perfect, but I believe we are finally building our team so that we can be a legitimate contender for years to come.
*comment…..sorry.
Freak, did you also know that he’s the only QB to with five consecutive 4th Qurter comebacks? And the only one to ever have 7 in a season??? His brother had six last season..l trying to sneak in there! LOL
well said royal- lets get ready for some broncos football with peyon manning at the helm IS RIGHT!!!!!!!
great stat cat- again! keep em coming i love to see the greatness on paper!
I get it – we now require freakish approval in order to be a fan! LOL
i’ve never been a stat guy. you’ll never see me post stats and articles and all that. i’m more just tell how i see it period. but seeing all of those manning stats are danged impressive. and its stuff you wouldnt even think of. cool stuff!
yes db and you have some work to do sir if you want that coveted freakish approval anytime soon….
Amazing – the worst QB in history has only one less consecutive comebacks in the only starting 11 games of his career. LOL
That’s ok Lou – I can feed off of rejection just as easily as off of my approval ratings. LOL
“Bring it on!!!”
2nd worst. you forgot about joey harrington.
Whoa? When did I say Tim was the worst QB in history?
Whoa… I am sure Jamarcus Russell is worst ever!
That was for Lou, – Cat. I know you’re more gracious towards TT.
Now LBF, shame on you! That wasn’t a shot at you, or anyone else. It was simply a compliment to Denver, after all of the stuff that’s gone back and forth on here the past several days. I just thought he made a great comment, and it was refreshing to see one like it on here for a change.
You know me well enough on here that if I want to take a shot at you, it’s coming in directly your way. I don’t beat around the bush if I’ve got something to say, and don’t go through other people to say it to whomever I may have an issue. You and I may not always agree on everything, but we’ve never really had a problem as far as I remember.
And yes, Copeland’s is outstanding! They opened some restaurants in Montgomery and Birmingham, but the one in Montgomery didn’t stay open long. Great food. And we love Jayne Marie’s in Shreveport. Have you been there? Very pricey, but has always been worth it. It’s been about two and half years since we were last there, but when my daughter taught at St. George’s Episcopal School in New Orleans a few years ago, we were down that way all the time. Love you “neck” of the woods!
DaddyBronc…
I never said anyone needs approval from me. I never put myself ahead of anyone else so do NOT put words in my mouth. I only made a few statements wondering why there are several people hating on a definite Hall of Famer! Don’t try to make it for something that it’s not. That just gets stuff started!
Ok. Because I have spent an hour arguing with people on twitter who think just because I want Manning to be my QB I somehow hate Tim and I need you to understand that is not the case. Because I love Tim.
Hey Freak – you were the one who clearly said you were going to ‘question some of you fans’. Ah – if you weren’t questioning my ‘cardcarryingbroncofandome’ – what zactly were you trying to question?
And I equally want to make clear that just because I love Tebow and think JE should have stuck to his word and been honorable towards TT, that that fact has nothing to do with the fact that I dislike PM.
I didn’t call out anyone and didn’t hint on anyone I was calling out. Some of the tones on the blogs ever since we’ve gotten Manning have sounded negative so I just pointed out as to why that was and said it was weird! Never said anything about you so there’s no need to direct anything towards me!
Lets see if it will let me post now.
https://twitter.com/Phoenix_Michael/status/210191206238527488/photo/1
Cat I cant tweet anymore to those people. I sent you an email with a few thoughts on what they tweeted lol
DB, you and I understand each other then. I know you hold no hatred towards Manning. I also hope you know that most of my posts to you have been jests. I am not trying to insult you in anyway.
I should also make clear that just because I am in the habit of disliking PM – that does not mean that I wish him or the team harm and it has nothing to do with wishful thinking that I continue to believe that a neck injury is too severe an injury to put in front of NFL linebackers on a regular basis.
LOL! they’re nuts! I found my article though, about how Manning revolutionized the game: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/292892/peyton-manning-s-nfl-kyle-smith#
They won’t read it.
Yay it worked. That photo is going to make me famous LMAO
Tebow brought Denver back to life after Orton and McD sucked it out. Always respect for Tebowor doing that!
Cat – I love the way you write – and I love your fiestyness. You post away girl!!!
Cat, it’s frustrating when people don’t/can’t understand that some of us were Broncos fans long before Tebow ever became one, and that it’s definitely possible to be fans of his, and still be a fan of Peyton Manning. It’s almost like having more than one child. You didn’t realize you could ever love one like you do the first one, but when the second one comes along, you still have more than enough love to go around to each of them. People are just different, and always will be. Don’t fret it. It isn’t really worth arguing about, especially with people who probably won’t ever agree with you.
Also I agree about loving Tebow as well. We should’ve definitely kept him to learn behind Manning due to him taking us to the playoffs and proving himself. I just believe that due to the fan base that Tim has that it couldn’t exist anymore with Manning being here. We’re talking about one of the best ever having to look around and see Tebow jerseys and Tebow’s die hard fans chanting for Tebow. I believe if it wasn’t for Tebow’s fan base and would’ve been distraction, he would still be on the team!
Freak – you’re backpeddaling rather fast but I was the only one posting negative stuff on PM. If not me then to whom were you referring?
Well Daddybronc…
Could you please explain to me why you dislike Manning?? I agree that I didn’t like him all that much before because he was all over the place you looked and talked about. On commercials and everything. But I did see the reality of it and knew that he was the best of the best and did respect him for his rare and unique talent.
I just don’t understand how any Bronco fan could dislike Peyton Manning so I would like to hear your reason.
DB! I tai that as a compliment and love being feisty with you! It’s fun!
Ever since we’ve gotten him there have been several bloggers saying negative comments about him. That’s why I said, it wasn’t me calling you out…I was just asking what the reason was for.
tide, you’re right. It just breaks my heart when I see them throw stats at me and they say Manning’s don’t matter because he didn’t play last year. My heart was broken and like grew three sizes on March 19th. I don’t think I’ve ever been more depressed and happy in the same day.
Freak, his fans that weren’t Bronco fans until he got here hurt his chances of staying. It’s sad. Manning would’ve been the best thing ever for Tim.
Also talking about Tebow, in a way, I am a little glad we traded him just so he had a chance to start somewhere else. The only way he would’ve gotten the chance to start here is if Manning got injured or when he retired. Tim has a good chance in beating out Sanchez!! NY fans are already CRAZY about Tim. It’s going to be a very interesting season for every team!!
oops sorry tide i guess shot was the wrong word. but no offense was taken i just know i’m the other side of that comment you said was great. was mostly tongue in cheek tho. and yes i definately have been to jayne maries, great place with a good lake view, something i love. you should try columbia cafe when you come back, i think you’d like that one too. i’ve actually made plumbing repairs at jayne maries. they used to use me but said i was too expensive and quit using me. oh well. that was a messy place to work on drain wise. ill say no more tho! i love it here too and will be here forever. love the south!
I agree Cat!!!
Tebow with Mannings in pocket passing skills along with his scrambling ability would’ve been absolutely killer!! I still think too Elway had a jealousy factor about it too when it came to Tim. Something just didn’t seem right.
I know one thing for sure is is that I am glad there will be none of that drama this year. Each week Tim played Elway was on the air stating comments about him. They always were different from week to week. I’m just glad that will be completely gone and hopefully Manning and Elway can come together and win another SB or two for Denver!
Posted about Bay’s post but I guess Iam being X ed on that post!
So Peace Out. Broncos Country
FTR
I don’t think Elway was jealous of Tim, I just don’t think he was the QB that he wanted, but I could be wrong. The media drew a lot of that out and made it a circus. Lots of Jets fans are very angry though, i have talked to a lot of them and actually changed their opinions aboutnBronco fans, because right now, they hate us. Tim’s fans (and I don’t mean us because we aren’t the crazy ones) follow him and make it a crazy circus.
FTR, what do you mean?
And don’t trust the media too much, Freak. They twist everything.
well i’ll just get on the record as saying i dont see tebow ever being a starting qb in this league. he just doesnt have what it takes. now he could be a great wildcat qb and special teams guy. he is a beast athletically and will outwork anyone. i can see in 5 years if tebow never starts at qb his fans will say he was done wrong and wouldve been elite and all that. but i’m sorry i just dont see a qb in there anywhere. i could be wrong tho. i’d sure like to see him succeed. i was hoping he would do well here. i really wanted a guy like that leading our team but when i watched him play i saw nothing good. and it was frustrating! but we are in really good hands now and the jets plan to use tebow correctly, something he needs. he needs to be doing the small role so everyone can be happy. he will help the jets in his role and his rabid fans can just blame him not getting a chance for him not being an elite qb. the minute he starts and plays crappy all hell will break loose…
Fair enough Freak – I’ve given this several times before but…
Over the course of Manning’s career meaning the last 10+ years of Bronco mediocrity it has been PM that has kicked us out of the playoffs more often than not, and in other years it was Manning and the Colts that have kept us out of the playoffs. Each and every time we passed through this fire, my sister and her husband and they’re 5 ‘Colt Fan’ children sent emails, made phone calls, made facebook posts – all rubbing Manning in my face.
So then when I see Manning dis his receivers…
So then when his arrogant mug is plastered all over 15 thousand commercials…
So then when he walks into Bronco Country able to demand 100 million bucks…
a. though he’s proven nothing…
b. though he already knew of a John Elway commitment to Tebow and his fans…
c. though he hadn’t played for a year…
d. though he really doesn’t know if ‘the neck’ can take a hit…
I love my Denver Broncos and I have been a constant fan since 1982. I don’t think that I have missed more than 3 games in 30 years…Manning just has not proven to me that he is worth it…or that he is actually a bronco yet.
Truth be told…I don’t know the man. If I did – I would be as encouraging as I possibly could – face to face. But for now he is still a Colt icon – and his voice and mannerisms and attitude – all irritate me every time I see him. It especially irritates me to see him in a Bronco uniform – It just doesn’t seem right.
Soon enough all that could change – I am willing to change – but I guarantee that it can’t happen until he has taken the field as a Bronco and actually done something on behalf of the Bronco Nation.
The sad thing is I don’t believe that his fans give him any chance to be successful.
Okay, DB, can I just say one thing? broncos COUNTRY man!!!!! Lol
Lol Cat.
DB shes right is Broncoscountry.
I just want you to understand a little where I come from in this DB. My family is from Indianapolois. My cousins is Irsays secretary. I’ve been a Colts fan for a,long time, Broncos always first, but I always followed the Colts much like I always follow the bears (win win there for me! LOL), but I see a completely different Manning than you do. He is not those things to me, but I respect and understand how he can be that for you.
Typo Cat – I have so many great thoughts going through my insignif…I mean exceptional mind… LOL that I slip up at least thousands of times everyday. Please forgive! LOL