In the closing seconds of his first regular season game with the Broncos, Head Coach Josh McDaniels had no idea how everything would pan out.
He did have an idea of what he could control: the play calls in the huddle.
“We knew what we were going to do,” McDaniels said. “We knew exactly what calls we were going to make. We didn’t, obviously, know the result, but we knew what we were going to call.”
That confidence stems from McDaniels’ commitment to situational football. Early on in training camp, the Broncos were subject to not only wearing pads, but a bevy of situational drills.
At the team’s open night practice at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 6, mock situations included the following: Blue 14, White 13 – 2:00 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 White at its own 30-yard line.
Last Sunday’s situation in Cincinnati was markedly similar, but with even greater difficulty. Bengals 7, Broncos 6 – 0:38 left in the 4th quarter, 1st-and-10 Denver at its own 13-yard line.
The goal in both cases was for preparation to win out come crunch time — which happened when Brandon Stokley’s 87-yard touchdown catch gave the Broncos the win.
“There is always something that you haven’t thought of, but you try to make sure that you are as prepared as possible,” McDaniels said. “Most importantly, you try to make sure that the players are as prepared as possible, going through as many situations as you can put them through on the field so that they feel comfortable when something is called in a big situation. They can feel like they have actually run it before.”
INJURY UPDATE:
On the Broncos side, Russ Hochstein did not participate in Friday’s session. The cause was not injury related. On the Browns side, running back Jamal Lewis and defensive lineman Shaun Rogers both went from limited participants on Thursday to full participants on Friday. Each is listed as probable for Sunday’s 2:15 p.m. kickoff.
Here are some more photos from today’s practice.
–Chris Gentilviso, DenverBroncos.com
Sound great. Thanks for the update!
WOW i am 1st.!! Go broncos kick the Brownies and be 2-0!!Honar Sharp with a win
I can’t wait to see the Broncos play! I really want to see Knowshon do well, and to see the long ball be caught.
So what do you guys think cleveland’s biggest threat is? Pass O, Run O, Pass D, or Run D. and are their special teams worth noticing?
Opps i guess i was not. 1ST Bronco Ring of Fame then HOF for SHARP!!
Hopefully last week’s luck leads to better play this game…
I think that their special teams should be noted, especially with Josh Cribbs back there to return kicks. Other than that, I think that their Pass O would be the best.
We can hope. and sorry, tnalen66, didn’t try and sabotage your victory. lol
I personally think that if we can beat cinci, we should be able to beat cleveland. I think that cinci definitely has better pass offense, at least almost as good run O, and better d altogether. people say that Cleveland held AP to 25 yards in the first half? one, it isn’t like Terrell Davis was never held to a surprising low, and second, AP left after about three runs and got an IV into his arm, so when he made the touchdown catch before halftime, blood was spouting from his arm. and then you know what? he came back the second half and drove in 180 yards. Not too surprising to me.
Second, when the oldest man on the planet is your quarterback, and percy harvin and bernard berrian are your recievers, you may not have the most electric P.O. Now, I think they have a decent D, but our could very well be better.
Now, who do you guys think we should start at QB? brandstater/orton/simms? I think if simms is better, we should give him a try. what do you guys think?
First time comment. Orton should start ’til McD doesn’t think so.
Hey Marshall-man,
Personally, I think this game will be won or lost on third downs. Cleveland’s Joe Thomas stifled all-world DE Jared Allen last week (one assisted tackle) so Dumervil and the rest of the potential pass rushers have their work cut out for them. The Browns have the most depth in their receiving corps, so being able to stop them on third and long, getting pressure, and clamping down on the run is what Denver needs to do to win this week. And yes, Josh Cribbs is almost as explosive as Devin Hester was in his returning prime, so special teams is an area of concern.
But no, I absolutely don’t think that anyone but Kyle Orton should start, barring injury. Orton was efficient last week, and currently holds the highest passer rating in the AFC…not many people know that. Sure, the oddball Stokley play helped a lot, but that was just one pass. As long as we don’t rely on him to win the game by himself, Orton will be a perfect game-management quarterback for this system, much like Matt Cassel was in New England. Denver’s running game needs to explode this week against a vulnerable looking run defense in the Dawg Pound.
Marshallman- 15:
There is no QB controversy… Orton is the QB ! No reason to raise a question that is not a concern.
I just never saw much improvement on cleveland’s part. clearly, our D is better (ranked 3rd in the nfl) and our passing game is much better than minn.’s, but if our all-star runningback was bleeding everywhere, i don’t think he’d put up too much yardage in the first half
I think McDaniels needs to make a clear evaluation of the quarterback play. 3rd down efficiency was horrible in the game Sunday. Most of that was the fact that Orton does not throw down the field. A lot of 5 yard passes on 3rd and 10. Cinci’s defend knew he would throw short and would come off their man to whoop on short route receivers. I think he stares down receivers and gets shaky in the pocket. He starts looking at the rushers instead of keeping his eyes downfield.
McDaniels will start him because Ortoon is dirctly linked to the Cutler trade. And if he has to bench Orton he will look bad.
I dunno. i know my question is asked once a day, but i really can’t spend much time here. i know i look like an idiot, but that’s the way it goes
After week #1, our Defense is ranked #17 in the NFL. Not sure where you’re getting 3rd in the NFL Marshallman-15. We’re tied for 2nd in giving up the least amount of points after week #1 with Jets & Falcons….(7 points).
i agree with RoyalBlue86,
Joe Thomas did outplay Doom.. Lets hope Nolan blitz the hell out of their @$$3$..play those disguised nickle packages too..
I think Graham and Scheff will play bigger roles in this game..I swear I was screaming when Graham caught a ball and ran over Maualuga last Sunday after what he did Marshall…or was it him?? they cant match up with Graham, if you remember last years game…
as for Cribbs, i’m not too worried..our ST kicks ass thanks to awesome punting,,hopefully he airs it out longer so our gunners can take him out immediately…Bruton and Barrett baby!!!!
oh! I hope we can see Moss in action soon
broncos20: To answer your earlier question on the Browns O line on previous blog. Joe Thomas is their stud on the line. Center Alex Mack is their first round pick. A good sized line, with a few new additions at center and a couple of journeymen.
Joe Thomas handles the blind side. Look for rookie RB James Davis from Clemson to get extensive action. Rookie WR Mohamed Massoquoi from Georgia was Morenos’ old teammate. Browns signed alot of free agents, but most appear to be role players. Special Teams is a strength for them.
This is their lineup on O line:
LT – Joe Thomas ( 2 time pro bowler) 6-6 305 lbs
LG – Eric Steinbach 6-6 295 lbs
C- Alex Mack 6-4 311 lbs
RG – Floyd Womack 6-4 328 lbs
RT – John St. Clair 6-5 315 lbs
votetdtothehof: Bottom line – Orton is 1-0 and Cutler is 0-1 !
That’s all that matters.
Well another week and another game. God I love football season!
I’m curious to see if Elvis can get to the QB. I think he has an unorthodox advantage based on his height (or lack there of). He seems to be very effective getting around the bigger LT’s. Should make for a interesting game. The Browns can be a real pain if we let them get their running game going. I believe our Defense is up to the challenge and I think this game will come down to turnovers and If we can get our running game going early. Hopefully Cleveland continues their ways of traditionally giving away huge rushing yardage. Also on a side note I really hope we kick the ball far far away from Cribbs. That guy could single handedly destroy us like Hester or the infamous Dante Hall.
Go Broncos!
I don’t think McD would do something just because “it looks bad”. McD uses Orton because right now Orton provides the best opportunity the team has to get a W. McD’s job depends on Ws, not on “if something looks bad” or not.
I agree that 3rd down conversion was horrible, but Orton DID throw deep… and Marshall didn’t catch it. Yeah, just once, but I think from there, Cinci’s D become aware that he could do that, and that our receivers wouldn’t be dropping all the passes all day.
we’re ranked third in points, sorry
I like the potential of McDaniels’ new offensive engine he installed in Denver. We had some good revs last year, but they mostly lead to stall outs. As for the new driver, Orton is capable and will learn to drive the ball down the field efficiently. If Cassel can do it, Orton can do it. Orton has the skills and mentality to manage this offense.
The only thing our former QB “managed” to do was complete a 50+ yd bomb, then go three and out. Oh, and probably leave us outside of field goal range too. That always put our tired defense right back out on the field.
Since day one with Cutler, my brother told me that he (Cutler) will always be looking downfield, and what we really need is just first downs to start with. And you know what, it happened way too many times, but hey, it gave Jay great stats huh? That time is over. We got used to the exciting bomb completion here or there, but we don’t need those kinds of plays. It’s not efficient management of game play or the clock. You have to think about our guys on the defensive side of the ball too.
Look at how they use Moss in NE. He still gets his long throws from Brady. But, it’s only if you run the ball and have enough slant and short dumps, that you’ll have a higher percentage to exploit the short coverage and complete the downfield shot. We used to try going deep all of the time and then use Marshall was it was third and twenty, and they knew we were going to go to him. He can still get his five yard pass and “make it happen” with his moves.
The players will only get better at their new roles. I’m sure nobody out there questions McDaniels decision of picking up Dawkins.
By the way, I didn’t want to bring up the former QB either, but I had to compare last years style to this years style.
Go Broncos!
The reason the Browns look terrible in run D is because they went againts Adrian Peterson. It is a great mis-conception in the media that Cleveland has a weak run D. Eric Manginius will be centering his defensive fixes around stopping the RUN.
This plays right into the hand of Josh McMastermind because he is going to pass and spread all the way. I would look for the Broncos to have well in excess of 300 yards passing and 3 touchdowns through the air.
One to Royal, one to Stokley and one to Scheffler. Sorry Marshall, you get 107 yards & no TD.
Complete that with Knowshon Moreno’s first 100 yard game and NFL TD.
BRONCOS 28
BROWNS 9
STONE COLD ORANGE CRUSH LOCK!!
thanks royalbroncofan1,
again you surpass my expectations…”a talented” or “Big O-line” would’ve been enough for me,,,,lol
oh! correction on my last post..I meant to say “Joe THomas did outplay Jared Allen” in their first game.i messed up..we’ll see how he handles a speedier rusher like Doom..
Orange crusher, where do you get that kool-aid from, man that’s some potent stuff!
We having over 300 yards passing? I’d settle for two hundred, considering the strength of the Browns D is their Backs. I expect the passing game to be mainly the short variety, to our TE’s and RB’s.
3 TD’s through the air, 2 of them to WR’s? Try one running and one through the air, Sheffler could be your best bet there.
Marshall getting over 100 yds? I’m speechless, if he ever gets to 50 soon, I’ll be impressed. He is behind in game planning, his heart is not in it and he can’t catch the ball, enough said.
Moreno, over 100yds? I’d be surprised if he gets much over 30, if he is given at least half a dozen carries, which he might not because he is not ready, game plan wise, phisically, and the NFL is moving way to quickly for his eyes now. I don’t expect much from him until around the bye week, remember he is a month behind everybody now (hold out and injury). I expect a lot from Buckhalter and he might have a good game, if given the chance. Hopefully they get someone other than Hillis to replace Larsen on ST, because I’ d love to see Hillis used at RB.
Other than that, I can’t believe that you have us scoring 4 TD’S s and NO field goals. Haven’t you noticed what kind of a weapon Prater is? On top of the 2 TD’s, add 3 FG’s for a 23-10 win.
I don’t know how much and for how long you’ ve known about football or the NFL, but either way man, that kool-aid sure must be good! Under age kool aid?
Orange crusher, by the way, love your enthousiasm, just thought you needed to come back down to earth, off cloud 9 just a bit, so you won’t get this huge hangover after the game Sunday. LOL.
That’s Scheffler.
Thanx, I mean thanks.
Baylinocrush…
Expect the un-expected.
I think we will make significant improvements in passing this week. Take it or leave it?
I see the Browns concentrating on stopping the run, and I see McD trying to establish the pass.
Prater doesn’t need to be the weapon we rely on. We will make a big red zone PUSH this week. I look for McD to go for the endzone whenever we reach the 25 yard line.
Balyin….
I’m SURELY CERTAIN that Marshall and Moreno will produce. Don’t cut their ability short just becaus they havent found their stride yet! It’s only been one game soo far.
Haha… I love the remark about “under age coolaid”..LMAO I’m pretty sure I’m older than you, son.
Orange crusher, even Favre didn’t throw to the secondary last Sunday. The most likely surprise we might find there is INT’s.
moreno should have a pretty good game. i know they held AP to 25 yards in the first half, but i’ve explained day-in and day-out why. Moreno could freaking set the record of rush-yards in one game sunday. NOBODY expected AP to beat the chargers, let alone break LT’s rush yards in a game. and when i said we were thirdin defense, i meant score-wise.
It’s not that they haven’t found their stride, it is just that both of them are behind the rest of the team as far a game planning which in our system is one of the most complicated in the NFL. If you miss time, you pay for it, that simple. By the way, 55 here. You?
Just messin baylinorcrush.. remember Nolen vs… Nolan !
royalbroncofan1, good one, hilarious, totally forgot, I deserve it!
OC, anyway, regardless of your age I definitely think your not old enough to call me son.
Browns dead last against the run, so Bucky, Moreno or Hillis should bust out the gates this weekend.
I deserved it too… got too caught up with my own excitement for our D and didn’t proof read my entry.
Bronc-On! baylinorcrush!!!!
I enjoyed our talk!
Broncs 10-6 and go to the playoffs!
“Too many guys with way too much heart”
I think our D will hold up as long as we can control the run. Look for Buckhalter to have a good day prob. 75yrds or more. Moreno still has a lot of ground to catch up on. He’ll prob get half a dozen carries or so for like 30yrds. I think Orton will manage the game well and i expect him to have 200 to 250yrds and a TD and Hillis will get the first rushing td of the season for Denver provided he we find someone else to play ST.
Add two field goals and:
Denver Wins 20-13 I’m being generous to the Browns O scoring that much.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIME OF POSSESSION!!!!!!!!
Baylin….I turned 40 in May.
Do you got me beat?
DJC24, my 7:35 pm post pretty much echos most everything you said, we think alike, we’re not alone… Heck, we may still be way off…LOL.
OC, I hate to say it again (8:28 pm post) but yes, I’ m 55, don’t worry I won’t call you son though… I have quite a few good friends in their early 40′s. They’re just one generation off, I grew up with hard rock, they with heavy metal… No big difference…ahahahah.
Personnally, I would like to see Hillis get the ball more. Unfortunately, he is working overtime because he is filling in Larsen on special teams so I do not expect him to get a ton of carries.
I expect a much better performance from our offense this week. However, I believe the O will keep improving as the season progresses. This is actually a great situation. As the playoffs creep closer I believe our offense is going to steadily get better.
BRONCOS AFC CHAMPS…..
YEAH YOU HEARD IN HERE… CHARGERS ARE GOING DOWN…
24-10 Broncos victory is my prediction..
The Browns haven’t been able to stop the run in a decade, and last year they failed again even though their nosetackle was a force to be reckoned with, (Rogers) but he can’t do it alone. Andra Davis is now a Bronco (and doing well!), and McGinest retired. They did pick up a couple of former Jet LB’s. LB D’Qwell Jackson turned a solid season for them.
big d 44, you meant AFC WEST CHAMP?
Because if you meant AFC champs, the Steelers, The Pats, the Colts and the Titans plus the Ravens would have to be going down too…
Yes you are right.. lol Winning the AFC would be awesome but I won’t make that bold of a prediction… Yet. hahaha
GO BRONCOS…
Good, you’re not totally off your rockers then…ahahahah.
Not yet. Once I guarantee a Super Bowl, then you can tell me I’m off my rockers. lol