The 2009 National Football League season begins for the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 13.
But for the orange-blooded fanatics who support the team, passion never rests and the interest is intense from the first stretching of training camp.
So for that reason alone the city is loaded with everything from angst to apoplexy to genuine concern. But that’s how it is with Bronco fans. The one thing everyone has to be cautioned about is that it is not only early in the marathon race that the NFL represents, but it has not started at all yet.
History is littered with examples showing that a team’s play during preseason often has no bearing on what it does when the season starts for keeps.
There are new players, and in this case an entirely new coaching staff as well, and that’s a lot to put together and get ready for the regular season. But the only goal is the regular season, and while everyone involved wants to win them all, you just have to focus on what it takes to get the team ready for the games that count.
Last year the Detroit Lions finished preseason with a 4-0 record, which made all their fans very happy for the month of August. But that was before the Lions went on to set the all-time pro football record with a 0-16 mark, completely obliterating any temporary—and artificial—happiness attached to that summer won—lost total.
When we are staring at the moment, let’s not lose track of the future.
Tags: Jim Saccomano, Preseason
very well put and two years ago pats went 0-4 then 16-0 so who knows what will happen.
I second the above. The test is how well this team can close the gap between what they see they need to change and the change itself. It is nice to see the attitude change from just one year ago; It seemed like the team thought they deserved to win, and now they are trying to earn the respect and the Wins. Good Stuff!
Orange Crush!!!!
That only proves this games are an extension of training camp, just to get it more real. To hit others and be hit by others, to feel the challenge of each play, to breakdown the playbook in “real” situations, to evaluate how a player is developing or how a player is performing in a certain situation or formation.
With a new system, and a big bunch of new players and coaches, training camp must seem just to short for everything that must be accomplished before regular season. So preseason is like still training camp.
Exactly…Very Well Put. Because of the new regime us fans are tending to over analyze every snap, but rarely do we take a second to put things in perspective. In both games so far, i’ve seen an offense that can move the ball at will, a defense that has 7 sacks Already, and team that’s hungry to get better each and every day. Once we find a way to stop shooting ourselves in the foot, sky’s the limit.
Bottom line though…This is Pre-season. As i stated above, we have a “new” team. Let’s just wait until November before we start saying all is lost. I couldn’t believe how many Bronco Fans were calling up the radio station this morning claiming McDaniels was the Anti-christ and we were going to be the next Detroit Lions.
Don’t lose the faith Bronco Nation. Once everything comes together, everybody will be eating their words.
Aiight Donkies…i’m out!!
Who expects marsha to play next week???
Also im curious to see how the bears blog is..Prob donkies this donkies going to lose that. >.>
I doubt we’ll see ole’ number 15 this pre-season.
maybe he will wear the number 6? XD
Phillus Shivers signs extension with Chargers.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4418854
I dont know if it means much, but BM has moved up to 1st team on a 4 WR depth chart…dont know how much to read into that but maybe we will see him on a series or two Sunday night? Who knows… I think we will all be pleasantly suprised if he goes out and gets a couple of catches.
Hello, BroncoNation. I’m soo ready for this season to begin. Preseason is just what it is, but I think that coach D is holding out on us as far as play calling. Why give everything away in PRESEASON. Can’t wait to see #6 on his back and pissed at his new OL.(LOL) I’d love to see B.Marsh get a new contract and get his life in order. He can do exactly what Moss did in N.E. maybe better. Mc’D is very sneaky like his mentor, which brings me to believe that the league is going to be shocked by how we move the chains this season. To be installing the 3-4 at this time is another plus to me, because we are not the Broncos of old. They’re not going to see us coming. KEEP YOUR FORK THE BEST IS YET TO COME! GO BRONCOS!
I think we do good, true Orton isnt a Superbowl Caliber QB but neither was plummer and he took us to the AFC championships. With Marshall, Royal, Stokely, Graham, sheff, Moreno, Hillis and the whole Oline. I still believe Orton got enough talent to carry him but the inclusion of Bmarsh will be important.
I also hope Bmarsh being on first team is a good sign of things to come. He’s skills bring so much to the team and his presence on the field is great and he exudes excitement. Not to mention he opens up oppourtunities for our great slot recievers.
I read this somewhere, where someone said Marshall and McD might not actually be beefing, that McD is pulling a play straight out of the belichek playbook, You know. The play Belichek pulled with Randy Moss where people werent sure if he would play and that he might be a distraction and all he did that year was catch 23 TDs. Lets hope its the same situation. I SERIOUSLY HOPE thats the situation
We will win next week, after all its our first home game. McD wont lose it. So far I dont think he has cared and all he has been doing was feeling out the team/playbook to see what works and what doesnt work. But he will give us a show at home so as to acquire our vote of confidence. Cant wait to see cutler. Say what u may but I miss him on this team. But one way or another, him and the bears are going down next game lol
The Seasons Ours For The Taking
GO BRONCOS!!!
ps: letdamansmoke – Our O never had the problem of moving the ball, scoring tds was prob and getting turnovers on defense was prob. two things that remain the same and havent been fixed in “the new regime” so we are still at status quo. Not to mention the pass – rush ratio is still lupsided except now we dont have a pro bowl qb. Dont get me wrong I understand its only 2 preseason games, just pointing that out.
Remember when N.E. was just ripping teams apart on the scoreboard. There’s plenty upside once our team pulls together. I just want our team to be feared like it once was. Nolan & Mc’D are great minds.
We shouldn’t have a bad season, but prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
GREAT POST JIM!
Seems all the naysayyers skip over the blogs that have these statements in them, with the stats to back them up. Preseason is a fight for a spot on the 53, built for situational play, and good chance to look at your backups outside of practice before injuries!! Only other PRO v.s. CON for this preseason for us is it gives us an idea of what all our new faces look like, what numbers they wear, and what types of plays to look for from all of our units!
It needs to be added broncofan96…..
Those same patriots that went 0-4 in the preseason HAD TOM BRADY!
Then went 11-5 with Matt Cassell!
Royalbeast- we could always move the ball, punching it in was tough because we kept getting hurt at RB. One reason I think McDenver addressed it so hard! We won’t have that same problem with Moreno, healthy Hillis, Buck catching it on screens, and did you guys see the speed of Thomas RB and Walker?
Anyway time for some grub!
Stay thirsty my friends!
any update on how Chris Simms is doing?
I have read every post and and not missed one blog and i am finally glad to hear the positive in a blog… i dont post much because everyone always says what is on my mind. but i was definatley impressed with the way that our offense moved the ball and how orton took control of time management! he will get his errors straightend out, and he will be able to make plays when we need it the most! i always get made fun of for being so positive about my team but that is because i live with two raiders and a 49er fan… i just cant wait till i can throw some talk into their face
go denver and go moreno and royal… both on one of my fantasy teams i need them to score big
I have read the DP, ESPN, NFL.com and can not find anywhere where it says Marshall was moved to 1st string? It says he will practice with the team on Tuesday, but it doesn’t say 1st team? Where are you guys getting this?
Good post Jim… exactly what I’ve been trying to get across. Its only pre season, no need to pop a vein over these 4 games. Save all that for the games that count for something.
Just have some faith in this team, things will get better. There’s a light at the end of our tunnel. Don’t worry, be happy! haha
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Can someone tell me where to see who has been cut, waived, released… I am not seeing it anywhere. I may just be missing it but I have not seen it on this site either. Also was Simms hurt against Seattle? if so what hapend??
DD – if you click on roster and then on depth chart, you can see BMarsh has been moved to the top of the depth chart.
SDB30…Simms has a bad ankle sprain.
Try ESPN.com NFL page under transactions.
I understand they had brady I was just pointing out that just because you fail in the preseason dosnt mean the season is over
dont forget cassel did horrible in the pre-season too. i mean he played like tom. NO OFFENSE TOM I understand he didnt know anything but you get what im saying. Then look what happened.
Common sense prevails in this blog. Sensational and salacious nonsense has infiltrated the numerous national blog posts and sites excessively this offseason with plenty of negative rhetoric concerning our Broncos. How sweet it will be to see these losers and “experts” eat their words once they realize how good we are. The only sure things in the NFL right now are the Colts will win 12 or more, the Raiders will drop 11 or more and the Broncos will be markedly improved this season.
I don’t know what you guys are seeing this preseason but I see disaster.
I see a defense that can’t stop anyone on third down, and a quarterback who can’t get it in the endzone.
When orton through that pick with his left hand all I could think of is what have we done?! This is our new quarterback this is what we got for cutler?
Is Simms hurt? because if he is we are in some real sh##. With are schedule. if they don’t figure out how to win on third down and get it in the endzone. 2009 is going to be real ugly.
Even if it is preseason, ” YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME” The play calling was crap.
So far nothing has changed. We cant get it done when it counts. I don’t care what offense or defence you run . if you can’t get it done when it counts your done.
I don’t care if it is preseason. this next game is a must win. For moral, for momentum for all that Mr bowlen has invested to turn this around.
after loosing Shannahan and cutler.
Sorry I’m just pissed. I’ts been 7 years since we’ve even been close.
Then blowing a three game lead last year. Now how we are starting out.
Then our schedule!!
This next game with our starters in for at least a half will tell the tale.
pray
rkymtnhigh, it’s fine to be passionate about the Broncos but you need to curb that passion with logic. You see disaster? I see hope. I’m not sure what you’re expecting from the preseason but it seems to me that you’re placing entirely toooo much emphases on the winning, rather than the learning? They are doing specific plays to learn the system. They are playing without Marshall, Dawkins, Moreno. They are playing with rookies and FA and CFA that won’t even make the team. They are playing a vanilla playbook. No team will show their hand in preseason. Yes, I agree that a win at home against the Bears would be sweet, but it’s not crucial. Improvement each week IS crucial. Did the Colts win a preseason game on their way to the SB? No, they didn’t. Did the Pats win a preseason game (with Tom Brady) last year? No, they didn’t, but still went 11-5. The Patriots also dropped their 1st 2 preseason games in 2007. They then went on to win the last 2 and then go on to be undefeated in regular season. Did the Lions win all their preseason games last year. Yes, they did. 4-0. What happened to them afterwards? 0-16. Stop stressing. Understand that preseason doesn’t always tell the whole story. Stop looking at everything in such a doom and gloom light. I saw plenty of good things in the last game. PLENTY! You already have this season figured out to be a disaster? Based off of 2 preseason games? If you have been watching football for any length of time, then you should realize that the games are too unpredictable in preseason. I live in Las Vegas and I never bet on a preseason game. Not with all the rookies and such playing, or the lack of the full playbook being utilized. Too many intangibles. I’ve been saying this lately as a humorous saying, but rub your ears and say “woo-sah.” Chill. Relax. Take a deep breath. It will get better.
DD
thanks!!
You’re welcome.
You are right about everything, but Orton is seriously scaring me dude.
He better tighten it up quick.
I’ll remember this blog come the end of this season.
I take this as a promise for success for the upcoming year.
I sincerely hope the organization isn’t just pulling at the heartstrings of the loyal denver fans.
There is much to worry about, is the simple fact. Whether it was the brash judgements of Josh McDaniels in the draft, how he handles our players or his preparedness.
I would hesitate to call this a successful offseason or preseason by the unfortunate decisions I have seen this organization make lately.
For all you nay sayers who are disturbed at the number of NE associated names becoming Broncos, I say look back at what Shanahan did when he was named head coach. Do the names Gary Kubiak and Ed McAffery ring a bell? Kubiak was a QB coach with Shanny at the 49ers and Easy Ed was cut by BOTH SF and the Eagles. McDaniels is familiar with the people he’s picking up from NE and knows what their potential is better than any other coach except, possibly, Bellicheck.
McDaniels approach to preseason is entirely different than Shanny’s was. McDaniels sees the preseason games as extened practice sessions to work extensively on a particial phase of the game. Do any of you really think that in a game that counted he’d pass three times inside the 2 with a power runner like Hillis?
Also, Ortons interception was a good play. It was 4th down and he was about to be sacked. Which is better, take the sack and have no chance of a TD or throw up a prayer and hope it’s answered? The answer is obvious.
rkymtnhigh, Orton had over a 131% passer rating? How much “tighter” do you want it? The INT in the endzone was his only error. If Gaffney would have caught the ball before that, Orton wouldn’t have been in that position. Also, in regular season, I doubt they would have gone for it. Probably kick a field goal. They were just testing different scenarios. Relax.
I hate Kool-Aid
What the hell does Josh think he is doing?
I watched both preseason games and I didn’t see any flags on the special team plays
What’s up with that?
Shanahan always had his players get flags on all special team plays?
Dam you Josh
Look how long it took for Orton to score
Mike’s offense could score fast but not Josh’s it takes like 6 to 8 min for them to get down field
Dam you Josh
Mike had his defense out on the field more – get that offense moving
Josh you have to fire Nolan look what is has done to my defense
They are attacking people and getting bags
Bags that’s not the right word – gosh it’s so long since my defense has done that I can’t remember what it’s called
Packs no that’s not it
Backpacks no that’s not it
Sacks yes that’s the word I’ve not hear for so long
They are attacking people and getting sacks
They could hurt someone or cause a loss of yardage
Just what hell does he think he is doing trying to bring back the Orange Crush?
Where is my blue velvet defense?
Dam you Josh fire him now
I hope in a “real” game you kick the field goal and not go for it on 4th and goal
Pass that darn Kool-Aid
Guess it doesn’t taste that bad
Love you Josh
I think we will have a good season. The preseason doesn’t tell you anything on how the team will play in the regular season. Why does everyone think that we will have a losing season just because of a new head coach and a new QB? We still have our great O-line and all our offensive weapons (with the exeption of Marshal, but he’s still a probably). We need to focus on getting through the preseason, and then we’ll sow everyone that we are the team to beat in the AFC (at least the AFC West.)
I think most people forgot that we had problems scoring last year too. We wre ranked 16th in scoring. We were ranked 2nd in moving the ball, basically.
jack-o-lantern, your opinion of the draft are yours to have. I think Moreno and Ayers are good picks. So do many others. You feel that there is much to worry about. I don’t. Nor do many others. You don’t like what’s been done during the offseason or preseason? I do. So do many others. Aren’t opinions wonderful? But you go right on with your “nervous Nellie” attitude and bite your fingernails to the quick. Work on that ulcer. I will remain positive and see this team for what it is, young yet some vets in key positions. Learning and showing progress. An O that other then Cutler, has been upgraded. A D that has been upgraded (or maybe you would rather call back Slowick and Webster, etc.?). A ST that can’t get any worse. But I suppose you were happy with things “just the way they were?” Either get on the bus or don’t. But understand that you are the minority in your beliefs about the direction of this team. You are also premature in judging this teams talent, ability and character after just 2 preseason games. Yeah, you :remember this blog,” as you put it. Sounds like a DP project to me?
old_fan_taylor:
funny stuff!
DD – do you know what happened to Thomas??? I saw he was injured at nearing the end of Saturday’s game…
old_fan_taylor, ha, ha. Nice play on words. Let the nervous Nellie’s have their moment. Anything that we say that is positive, they question, bash, cry, complain and bicker about. It’s their nature. But what cracks me up is they say they are “loyal fans?” Loyal fans stand behind their team. Loyal fans may see some areas of concern, but also see the positive things as well. I’ve been seeing people who do NOTHING BUT CRITICIZE! THAT is NOT being a “loyal fan.” That is just being completely and utterly negative. Hey, I would like to see some improvement on ST. Hold on to the ball. But I also see improvement in some areas of ST’s, as well. Field position has been better. The players are tackling better. Get the point, negative bashers? Enjoy your season of misery because you choose to overreact and over-analyze. Good luck healing your ulcers. Win or lose, I will still have a smile on my face and a love for the Broncos. I won’t bash them and call them names, while under the same breath, say I’m a fan. That’s Raider talk. Save it for their blog, or better yet, the DP.
I haven’t heard any update. I don’t think it is overly severe, though. I’ll try to find an update.
ESPN doesn’t report any injury to Thomas. The only report was Simms who had the high ankle sprain but is probable for the Chicago game.
Old man Taylor I loved it, I guess because I feel the same way. The leaves are turning in Bronco Country, fore the good. Its just some people dont get it.
I think SOME of the fans that bash DD, is because they dont really understand football. They believe its all W/L even in preseason. I for one am excited. I believe we are headed in the right direction. Some people say that Orton is not a SB QB, I think many people thought that with Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson. Yet last I remmember they won a SB. Here is another example, Joe Flacco from the ravens did not put up big numbers and they also made the AFC championships. We will be okay.
ATV, agreed. I just don’t want to be accused of bashing the complainers. I only bash when they bash me 1st. But it does seem that many of them don’t understand the flow of the game, the reasoning behind certain decisions. They are so jaded in their thinking that their is no room for improvement. A garter snake could bite them but they would think it was a rattler and make it into a federal case. They refuse to get the big picture. That’s their choice, of course, but they feel the need to spew it here? The previous blogger said he will remember this blog? He just “popped in” to spew his negativity and doubts. Probably a DP blogger, or maybe from ESPN? Seeing a blog that has positive people in it must have really offended his “sensibilities?”
No one ever knows what the season is going to bring. That’s what makes it so interesting and fun. So we may not win every game, go to the playoffs, win the Super Bowl. I can bet though that we will have an interesting season. I have a feeling we are going to see some things that we haven’t seen in a while or ever for that matter. I know the whole goal is to win the Super Bowl, but Rome wasn’t built in a night.
I’m probably more pesimistic than most but even I feel optimistic about this season. One thing about loyal fans, take a look at Philly and Minnesota, some of there fans are no longer fans because of who they signed. Come on that is probably the dumbest reason ever. I know Vick did some dog fighting and Favre is well..umm..old and stuff, but no matter what, no matter who, no matter when a loyal fan never stops rooting for their team.
I think the Broncos have a chance to surprise because nobody has ever played them before. Especially in our division. They always had to game plan for Shanny. They knew his tendencies. He is gone and it’s a new ballgame. Teams will have some difficulty planning for Josh and company. NE may be the only team to know what to expect. But then again, Josh knows NE. Denver will shock the NFL and the media will be scampering and stuttering to explain their poor predictions.
Thanks DD for the update!
For all those who are predicting Gloom and Doom because of what they are seeing in the preseason… take this into consideration as well about the Preseason:
OFFENSE:
* QB Kyle Orton compiled a 21-12 (.636) record as a starter, including a 15-2 (.882) mark at home, during his first four NFL seasons with the Bears from 2005-08. Acquired by Denver in a trade on April 2, Orton ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (271) and fifth in the league in completion percentage (64.3) through two preseason games.
* Rookie WR Kenny McKinley, a fifth-round pick from the University of South Carolina, is ninth in the league in combined yards this preseason with 199, including 90 receiving yards that lead all NFL rookie wide receivers.
DEFENSE:
* Six different Broncos have recorded at least one sack in the preseason. Denver is tied for third in the league with seven sacks and has posted 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage through two games.
* Denver ranks second in the NFL in first downs allowed per game (13.5) and is tied for fourth in the league in total defense (263.0 ypg.) this preseason.
Can anyone let me know how Moreno is doing? How he is progressing?
Thanks,
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Injury wise that was…sorry
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
DD thanks for the update about Simms, I knew it wasn’t to serious. Anyone know if Dawkins, Moreno, or Lloyd will be playing Sunday?