The first preseason game is in the books and there is even more excitement among Denver Broncos fans now, if that is even possible.
The 31-3 win over the Chicago Bears Thursday night was seen by fans and media throughout the state of Colorado and, due to the cut-ins by the NFL Network, many smaller game segments have been viewed nationally.
One of the favored topics of discussion is the depth chart. The first one was published last week, and quite naturally it stimulates great conversation.
However, it is well to remember that at this time of the year, every player has to be listed somewhere, but the depth chart is more accurately said to be written not in concrete but in concrete dust.
The coaches evaluate the players on their performance in the four preseason games, but also on the training camp practices, as well as on general behavior that excludes nothing—how is someone at the team meetings? Does he pay attention? Take a lot of notes? How about when it is time to lift? Good with the coaches, does all his repetitions properly? How are his mannerisms with people? What is his general attitude like?
Some guys do it all, are all things positive at all times, and they rub off on others.
Clearly, the perfect example of that is Peyton Manning.
If a player is way less than that, at all times, his chances diminish.
But fans and media often can judge only by the preseason game, which does not tell all.
And the place that his name appears on the roster, at this time, tells even less.
Every player on the team, from one through 90, is approaching his work with the same sense of urgency. Everyone is being observed and evaluated every day.
The depth chart is something to study, but it is not how you start, it is how you finish.
I have seen so many examples of lower round draft choices and free agent players start off at the bottom and wind up as Bronco starters.
I vividly remember the summer of 1995, when Terrell Davis steadily marched through training camp and the depth chart itself, moving from a deep reserve role to NFL stardom that culminated in TD being selected for the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
In fact, he is one of just three running backs in NFL history to have averaged more than one touchdown per game over his entire NFL career—the other two being Jim Brown and Barry Sanders—giving you some clue as to what my opinion is regarding whether or not TD belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.
Wide receiver Steve Watson, linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, defensive back Tyrone Braxton, those are just a few more examples of guys whose stock rose during camp.
Richard Jackson was a linebacker who was just a “throw in” in a trade with the Oakland Raiders. Denver made his a defensive end and he made himself “Tombstone” Jackson, a pass rusher of such renown that Sports Illustrated writing legend Paul Zimmerman said belonged on the NFL’s All-NFL team of the league’s first 50 years. Richard Jackson is in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame as well.
Or how about barefoot kicker Rich Karlis, who had to survive a 478-player tryout just to earn a free agent contract for training camp, eventually helping kick the Broncos into Super Bowl XXI with three pressure field goals in “The Drive” AFC Championship game in Cleveland.
I could go on and on.
Last year Chris Harris led all of our defensive backs in tackles last year, but his 2011 training camp began as an undrafted free agent from the University of Kansas.
The examples are too many to go through one by one.
But there are 90 players fighting for roster spots and playing time. They are all listed on the depth chart, somewhere, but only 53 names will be on that depth chart at the end.
And there are guaranteed to be some surprises. It is where you are listed at the finish, not at the start.
Remember that as a truism of the meritocracy that is the NFL as Broncos players determine their roles on the growth and development of the final roster.
Tags: Depth Chart
its always good to see a player who is not supposed to do much for the team become a strong nfl starter. not just because the team benefits but its always good to see hard work and dedication pay off no matter where you start. its what life is all about. you work hard at what you do and you will do well no matter what. some good players on this roster cant wait to see the final cut and what we look like. should be a good year.
‘You work hard at what you do and you will do well no matter what.’ Statements like this make me wonder about how many watts your bulb is pushing LBF!!! (Couldn’t help myself bud, Haven’t gotten to vebally slap you around for many weeks bro!)
There is no measure for a man’s ‘Want to’ and many, many people just ‘Want to’ moreso than the guys they play against or compete with for Roster Spots. Talent, Hard Work and Desire usually lead to greatness, but there are absolutely no guarantees of anything in life (nitwits will tell you that breathing, death and taxes are all guaranteed but I won’t start with that one). It takes a little luck, and alot of perseverance! Glad to see you all working hard boys!
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!! 6 Days until more BRONCO FOOTBALL!!!
I’m going out to the Red Desert today to take some pictures of some old Ranches and Ranch Towns that have long since been Vacated… I will post them on Facebook (‘Turtle Johnson’, I’m the funny looking guy on a horse) if anyone wants to see them…
Have a good day Broncos Country! and you too Lou, good to see you man!
Now those are some names to ponder on, TD, Meck, and Tombstone Jackson. Who knows, maybe Harris can rise to be the next big name undrafted rookie. As for Meck, he was drafted in the 12th round back in the day when there were more rounds in the draft. Boy, he was fun to watch.
I know we played against the bears second QB but Jason Campbell has kicked our butt plenty of times the last few years and he wasn’t able to do that Thursday. Don’t remind me that Jay didn’t play, I think as soon as they found out Peyton was playing he should’ve played no matter what, but there ya go, he avoids us again!
Had a dream we went to the SB and beat Eli 21-17.
Loved reading your thoughts, Jim. Thanks!
As for that tune I wrote, all in fun, wrote it on the fly. We Broncos fans who really know are history can see quite a few flaws in the time differentials. Just for the record, here are some miss ques.
1. In 1986 the Broncos were famous for John Elways (The Drive) against the Cleveland Brown in the AFC Championship game where Elway was back up in his own End zone and drove the team 98 yards for a TD to Mark Jackson. Further more we were down by 7.
2. The player who yelled (not this time Elway) was Eddie Robinson LB who played for the Houston Oilers. This game was on Oct. 26 1992 where Elway had another amazing comeback.
3. Terrell Davis was drafted in 1995.
4. The Mile High Salute, came about by TD a year later.
A few flaws but who cares. I was just pitching around and letting it flow by those special moments in Broncos history. The time differentials are a bit off, but we all get the picture. I like the lyrics, but as I read it I get a big kick out of it. Just wanted to set the record straight.
5. SALUTE! LOL
Morning Cat!
I`m glad you liked the final writing. LOL
Peyton vs Eli, we`re not in Kansas anymore! HaHa!!
Strand… I’m not worried about acccuracy in your song. I love every bit of it!!! Tons of fun and its fulllll of Broncos love! Thank you!!!
Hahah! Honest that was my dream last night! Maybe it will come true. All I know is that Superbowl would be awesome!
Ticat06, I take big pride in knowing my Denver Broncos history. Elway had 2 come from behind wins against the oilers the year that player made that idiotic commit. Once in the regular season, and also in the playoffs.
That’s because he is the comeback King!!!!! I have seen that game on espn classic I think!
Ticat06, I wrote a song the other day about the Lord and the people he so loves. It came out Awesome.
Strand, I can hardly breathe I am so excited about going to this game next Saturday!!
I also have a old video of John Elway thats called, John Elways greatest comebacks. Thats on that video too. Man, I haven`t watched it in along long time. WOW!!
Email it to me: tlc@bresnan.net
I`m so very happy for you Cat. You will have a blast. Who ya going with, family?
I shall! Be patient though. I`m slow at typing. LOL
My sister and my cousin. Plus a good friend who is a huge PM fan. She’s gonna meet us down there.
I am patient! You forget that I teach fifth graders how to type.
I get it to you today some time, OK.
LOL
You gals have fun!
We will! I am going to go watch this Colts game. Not so weird without Peyton seeing as I watched them all last year. Even though hes a Bronco now I have to admit I’m kind of sad he won’t be in Indy anymore. Weird. Strange. Happy. Sad. All the things I’m feeling. Ok! GO BRONCOS!
I hear you. Thats normal.
The Colts player entrance looks exactly like the Broncos logo. Maybe the Colts really want to grow up to be Broncos? Ok, you steal that guys, I’ll take Peyton.
BRONCOS RULE!!
Not football related but if you want a good laugh….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCiY1y3uJ3o&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LLYFN-j8Vi3gI7oSQjDT08fQ
Enjoy that.
Watching the Clots game and with the Colts having the ball I leave the room thinking ill iss a play. Well I did. I missed the 63 yard TD catch and run.
Yeah. It was pretty good. I loved Andrew’s reaction. Peyton’s first pass was a TD pass to Harrison. Carbon copies.
I dont know if this has been shared or not but Denver may shake up their OLine. They would move Franklin to RG Kuper to LG and Beadles out to RT.
AB, sick. Hilarious. OMG
Short screen pass. Donald Brown deserves the love on that one. Lucas Oil is no where near as loud as SAF
Interesting stuff AB.
AB just read that… what do you think? As long as they aren’t moving Ryan I think I’m okay with it.
I am curious as to why Ryan Harris is getting less minutes. He and Clady were one of the best tackle combos a couple years ago.
Strand I know. That was just to funny to pass up.
It is just a rumor and there was one going around @ the beginning of last week that Os would be number two on the depth chart… not true.
I don’t agree with this at all: http://www.milehighsports.com/?p=11604
And the Colts oline is awful.
Andrew Luck is going to be a great NFL quarterback. Love that kid!! Good for him!
Luck is looking good out there.
After seeing both of them… Luck beats out Bob for his NFL debut.
I`m impressed with Him. Awesome!!
Yes! He is very football smart. Learned from the best! Can you imagine what it was like for Peyton to work with him last summer @ his camp and then for all this ti happen? Brutal.
He learned in those camps from the best.
Yep. Hope Peyton went golfing today or something to keep his mind off this game. Has to be hard for him still.
Cat, you can Email me as well if you like. strand63broncos@yahoo.com
I`ll send the tune to you when the game is over.
It wouldn`t be normal, if he didn`t feel that way.
Ok! Mr. Luck is done so I’m gonna go get some house work done. Look forward to reading your email!
Sounds good.