So I walked around the office asking folks what they thought of the game. It was quite the mix of reviews.
From, boy are we in trouble to I think Head Coach Josh McDaniels isn’t showing us what we’ll see this season.
Very mixed. My thoughts were, I was watching a team that hasn’t found it’s identity yet. What I’m about to say shouldn’t be new or even a revelation of any sort.
New Team, New coach, New Defense, New Scheme, really NEW everything. We haven’t really established the run or the pass yet and we’ve seen a lot of mixing it up which I really like because if you have read this or I’ve heard you right, we were predictable in the past and I’d agree.
Again, this week I saw a bunch of things I liked a lot and I saw some things I didn’t like dropped passes and missed assignments and guys out of position but I do like the swarming to the ball I didn’t see last year. Injuries will play a huge part on this team than they may have in other years, where just a few key injuries could make for a very-very tough season.
I know what some of you are thinking. These players and coaches must know they aren’t going to win a majority of their games….BUT it’s just not that way in the NFL. I played in Tampa Bay in the 80′s (remember back that far 
)) and every week we felt we could win if we played our best and executed the game plan. We were 500 at best. So you have to understand the mind set of a PRO athlete and coach….optimistic, defined as (disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome). As never say die, don’t know the L word…period. Kind of funny when you really think about it removed from the game.
I know that sounds unrealistic, not reality based, far-fetched…but that’s the kind of personality these players/coaches have to make it to that level of Professional Sports. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be there. Isn’t that weird?? I know it is.
Give me your (short version) of the game and what you saw.
Short week to the Cards at home and I’m excited to go see one live.
Go Broncos!!
Tags: Chicago Bears, Postgame, Preseason
Thanks Coop.
What I saw was a defense trying to make a play on nearly every play. They did make some early stops. Great improvement. Then they started wearing down and giving up runs and a few touchdowns. Not great. I also saw an offense come out fairly determined and executing until missed assignments and o-line penalties held them back and stiffled the score. The kicking of Collquit was fantastic. You are right on the identity part. It is just not there yet. I belive getting a running game established will again be key. The downfield passing will be a result of how well they can run. Defense is close to turning a corner but may be lacking a little talent or time. We shall see.
Orange Crush the AFC!!!!!
Nice Coop. More than about the game, I just posted the same you say here in the past blog… New everything, and being positive is not about win and win, but to get the best of the situation you’re into.
Cheers!
Go Broncooos!
Right on the money Coop. Too early to tell – but I like the swarm, secondary needed some work on assignments, and Brandstater actually looked like a respectable backup!
although its only preseason, i must say, the defense looks better than last year as far as stopping the run (1st team). they prevent any cut back and react and flow to the ball quickly. of course every thing is still new to the team on both sides of the ball, so its going to be a very interesting year!
In my eyes this game showed a team to find it identity! There has been so many changes this off season it will take some time to piece it together. You hit it right on the head as far as this team and this coaching staff having to believe that can make the changes to turn this team around. I don’t think it matters whether a team is junior high team or any level between that and the pro level the coaches and players have to believe in themselves. The Offense struggled at times, but stayed with it and never appeared to give up which I saw them do at times last year. Defense made some mistakes in coverage and gap responsibility but much better intensity. I firmly believe it to be an improvement over the defense of the last two years! The rookies got schooled but that is why the are called rookies, Alphonso got knocked on his butt, which led to a catch for a first down. After watching the game film he will no doubt make sure that is something that won’t happen again. Doom got the roughing the passer call, but that is what he is supposed to do, it qualifies under the rules but it was such a light tap it seemed unfair to call it that way. Being aggressive causes those things to happen and I would rather we get penalties giving 110% than no penalities and giving 75%. Seems like I remember some other teams with Superbowl trophies and division Championship trophies have came out of preseason with only one win or less. There has been alot of change to this team and coaching staff they will get it together, now lets hope that B Marsh gets the point of the name on the front is more important then the name on the back!
Very well said Coop, as always. Glad some people will listen to you, I’ve been saying this all offseason. Being optimistic about this season really isn’t that unrealistic its just hoping for the best. This team HAS to do that otherwise we’d be the Raiders… nothing happens over there. We have a shot at making this season a success, why not be hopeful about it? Nothing is set in stone, nobody knows for sure how well we will do but given the changes we’ve made that’s no excuse to not be hopeful about our season. We could very easily end up 10-6 or 11-5 and take the AFC West. I don’t talk about us going 8-8 again or worse cause we’re better than that. For Heaven’s sake, we are the Denver Broncos… we are FAR better than mediocre seasons. We’ve struggled… you bet your you know what we have struggled but great victories don’t come along without great struggles. Best example both of our SB wins. Nobody gave up on Elway after all that time with no championships… it may sound like an absolute ludicrous idea but Orton could do the same for us.
I, too, don’t think we’ve seen what McD really has planned for us, he’s holding back on us and waiting till the games start to count before he lets the tigers out of the cage, haha. And honestly, I like the idea of not doing the same schemes in every game, no harm in mixing it all up. Like we’ve all said for the past 3 years, we became too predictable… well here ya go, here’s the change you all begged for at the end of last season. Embrace it!! Funny how you all wanted change, I was fighting against it and now I’m the one trying to get all of you back on board. Who flipped the switch?? lol
Now you got me all fired up Coop!! grrrr
1) Have some faith in your team people, it won’t kill ya.
2) It also wouldn’t kill ya to be optimistic for a change… I dare you to be optimistic just once.
3) Give McDenver and Orton a chance to show what this new offense can do.
4) Get ready to watch our defense create havoc all over the place this season. Two words for ya: Dawkins & Bailey.
5) Start hoping for the best of this season, instead of always thinking we’ll fail. If the players & coaches thought like some of you did, we’d have ZERO chance at winning anything. Stop being a party pooper!!
6) As for Orton’s finger… rub some dirt on it.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
I saw potential, like a crack in the Hoover Dam, and the rest of the NFL is on the wrong end of the pond.
when will we know who got cut today…? I also agree I think this will be a good year just have faith, preseason means nothing
Hey Coop, I’ve been preaching the positive ever since Moses parted the sea. It’s all I know. I did that in the military and anything less from my troops was unacceptable. You have to believe you will win or you are a waste of time to the team/unit and to yourself. I saw a team Sunday night that is young, raw and still gelling. I saw a team racked with injuries in key positions. I see a team, that when healthy, will be all that they can be (sorry, couldn’t resist). I saw an Oline that played uncharacteristically sloppy. I saw a D that is hungry and getting better each game. I see hope for the Broncos.
Theres time for being realistic in the NFL and their are times for being confident. No matter how bad the broncos look, anyone ask me out side of this blog and i tell them we are going to the superbowl. Anyone that wouldnt play their hardest cuz they think they will lose isnt an athlete. Nothing is gauranteed in sports, especially football. thats why we got somethign called any given sunday. We have a lot of new stuff and they look like they will work and we have seen falshes of brilliance. Its just hard to keep seeing potential over and over again without the greatness that could be achieved. We have a tough schedule this season but thats no reason to throw in the towel as a player. There is power in words man, if you say you can do something and truly believe it, the likely hood of gettingit done increases. Thats what NFL players need to have since they control thier fate and the fate of the team. Ive seen alot of good things but ive seen alot of bad as well. Still believe the season is ours for the taking.
DD – I saw that and some cute cheerleaders too!
I saw a defense that at times falls into there big hit mentality and not rap up the ball carrier; that’s been the Broncos problem for years, not tackling. O-line missing assisgnments and not following thru on their blocks and finishing plays. Running backs giving up on the play way to early and not going thru the hole. It comes down to leadership and desire to dominate, Steelers, Pats, Giants, Eagles, Titans, and the other really good teams just don’t want to win they want to Dominate the other team literally beat them up and make sure they know they got there butts kicked. Like the Broncos were when they won the Super Bowls; teams didn’t expect it the first year they won, but when the second year came around they knew what was coming when they saw the Broncos on the calendar and believe me the date was marked. Everyone knew be ready or it’s going to bad for you!!!! Now teams know, when they play the Broncos they’ll play for a little while but they’ll quit.
Great post Coop. I’m suprised and delighted to see that most of the fan posts are positive here for the most part. Nice to see that for a change. I agree with most on here so far as I recall my view of the game from the south stands. I’ve been hoping that Coach McD has more to reveal…and I think he will when we are playing more solidly. B-Dawk being on the field was an obvious uplift to the D. Could not beleive I was hearing multiple penalties called against Clady. The offensive mistakes were glaring indeed…but fixable. Standouts to me were: Brandon Lloyd, P. Hillis in the return game, Tom Brandstater who hasn’t had as many reps in camp and even though he got cut today…Britton Colquitt. Bring on the Cards and then the Bengals.
GO BRONCOS!!! South Stands Forever!!
Improvement from game one to game two encouraged me. I expected the same amount of exponential leap from game two to game three and was disappointed. Too many stupid mental mistakes and no turnovers!
I love the fact that most people on here are positive about the season coming up. I think that the Broncos are going to be better than people give us credit for as well. Personally I can’t wait to see more of Brandstater this thursday against Arizona. I liked the passes he was throwing. He had a nice tight spiral on most of his passes. He also seems to be able to throw the deep ball which will open up the run a little. I just want to say thank you to all of you that keep the positive attitude going for the rest of us.
—GO BRONCOS—
07 elway is a girl that knows her football. We are better than 8-8, and I hope for 11 wins but anything beyond that is unrealistic. We will do well with Orton at quarterback (I hope he’s ready for the opener at the Natti, everything seems to be pointing that way) and I think Simms can do well if needed. Michael Lombardi and Jim Rome are two media figures who I deeply respect that believe the Broncos will be successful. Thanks Coop, I’d missed your pearls of wisdom. GO BRONCOS!!!
COOP!
Thanks for the post. And thanks for the invite for The 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Fly Fishing Classic held on September 24-26th, 2009. I wish I could go but I’m working way to much, I will work three double shifts that week plus two regular shifts.
Just thought I’d throw this in: For more information about the Rocky Mountain Fly Fishing Classic in Aspen/Basalt, Colorado September 24-26, 2009, contact Bob Sawdon with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 303-296-6610 or email Bob at rsawdon@cff.org. Sponsorship opportunities and boats are still available. Or call me (Coop) at my office 303-843-1545. Email me at mark@come2colorado.com.
(Hope you don’t mind Coop).
Now to what I saw on the field. First things first I saw a TEAM calling running play’s on first down for a change and it was working, both for the running and passing game. If there was one single thing to help the whole TEAM it would be this factor: call more runnig play’s on first down! That is how you establish a running game and it opens up the passing game. That’s how you control Line backers by forcing them to respect you. That’s how you control TIME OF POSSESSION. That’s how you keep your Defense off the field. Also that’s how you make a Rookie QB look good. Brandstater looked good because of the ballance in the play calling. I can’t wait to see how Brandstater does with all the starters for a significant amount of time.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
47rocksurworld gets the ATTA BOY or ATTA GIRL prize since we don’t know gender here. BUT DOOM as a nickname for Dumervil..I LOVE IT and I love the way he plays. If you notice the lean he plays with it really makes it tough on the O-Line because he’s low and bowling we use to call it. DOOM..I love it…………..first time I’ve heard it and like it.
He tossed Orlando Pace around like a rag doll a few tines if you noticed and I’m excited to see how he does this year because I think he’s getting better and better.
BradJamesBroncoFan, your right 07Elway knows her football…..pay attention.
Broncs55, you get quote of the year so far…..you all will have to go back up and read it…I agree and yea, it’s a guy thing
)
P.S. 47rocksurworld…Alphonso will cringe in his seat seeing hmself knocked on his tail, because they will run that back and forth in slooooow motions…I hated that….because it happens to everyone
) We use to call it being the HAMMER or the NAIL.
whitebronco#1, just what I know
)
O.K. Bradstater, I liked what I saw….think about it. For a guy that’s only run scout team up to this point and taked very few snaps on average…hmmmm…I love it. Give the guy a break and his chance.
Reminds me (a little) of Earl Morrall’s story as a backup even before my time. For you young-uns, no offense, he was one of my coaches at the U and his story was cinderella-ish and a great coach and man. He didn’t yell, didn’t say much but when he did, you listened, and is was always constructive and meant something. Love the man (deep respect) to this day and still talk to him from time to time. He backed up Greise and won 10 of 17 games when the 72 Dolphns went undefeated. Most folks don’t remember that.
By the way a compound dislocation? for Orton….I’ve never heard or seen one and believe me I’ve seen some stuff that will make your stomach turn injury-wise on the field. That was wierd. And could be a little tougher to come back from than we think on the release-finger.
Cards baby!!!!!!….tomorrow night under the lights, I’ll be there.
COOP
I cant take the credit for “Doom” I have seen and heard it many times before but thanks anyways. Tom
Oh I forgot a couple of other things Coop, you hit it right on the head about watching film. There is no where to hide during film study, you will be forced to watch your screw ups numerous times in front of your peers and it is always a humbling, gut wreching experience. The game film never lies or has prejudice! Even when you think you were really good, watching always places your play in an realistic light. GO BRONCOS
DOOM is a great idea. I have tried several times at the games to get that chant going with no success.
imready: Game 3 was little disappointing but think about the way you ended your post…”Too many stupid mental mistakes and no turnovers!” Those are both fixable. Now granted we are -9 I believe in the turnover ratio thus far but once Coach Nolan and Brian Dawkins get those guys all on the same page we will see more turnovers coming our way. Guys are starting to fly to the ball.
Most of us have said good things about the defense so far. Once they have COMPLETELY found thier identity we will see good things. Same thing can be said of the offense. They need an identity. (47rocks said that in an earlier post too) Special teams is vastly improved in my opinion. We are seeing better field position and definately better kick coverage.
Good luck to all the 2s, 3s, and 4s trying to secure a roster spot. Thursday night is your time to shine. Anyone heard who is starting at QB. I’m assuming it’s Ingle or Tom. I want to see more of Brandstater. He moved well in the pocket the other day and kept his eyes downfield while on the move to extend plays.
I’m also glad to see that we have put the Jay Cutler thing to bed. He’s gone, it’s over, and we will move on from here. Wish 104.3 the FAN would do that too. LET IT BE!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!! South Stands Forever!!
I saw a good defense that forced a lot of 3 and outs. They are definitely a step up from last years D. Doom was inches away from making one of those game changing moments that would have gone in our favor… possibly a different outcome.
Offense was a little jittery at the start. Orton looked like her rushed a few throws and never got into a rhythm. Royal and Hillis were oustanding. Buckhalter has some nice runs, he needs to stay healthy.
I believe were are still playing second fiddle to San Diego. However I believe we are on the up… and for their aging offense, there’s only one way for them to go.
As for Cutler, it was good to see him stay in that Pro Bowl form. I’ve never had anything against the kid, bad situation at a bad time is all. He’s made some receivers out of some players in Chicago. Just goes to show that sometimes great players can elevate the play of those around them. I’ve always been a believer of that – it called leadership.
Raidrhadr: My son and I both agree with you about Tom B. He looked real good in the pocket and seemed to handle the pressure that Duh Bears brought. We will know tomorrow night as he gets alot more play time. Go Broncos
I said it last week, and I’ll say it again. McD has a “lot” of Aces that he is saving for the regular season. Sure the team showed “growing pains” against the Bears, but the overall picture, I think, is that we were trying out some different ideas all over the field. There were a couple of times I thought the D was called of the Cutler hunt to work a different scheme. Offense was working on cohesion.
It was obvious to me that winning the game wasn’t necessarily the top priority. Always at the top, but maybe not THE top of the night.
Sucks about Orton. Hope that doesn’t take him out of the helm of the ship. It would be nice to not have a QB controversy all the time and just know who the “guy” is.
BTW…. I love “DOOM”!!!! Fits perfectly!
agree thunder , nice to see there other bronco fans who understand pre-season isnt all about winning. its pre-season lol work em coach… and kick some booty
Our we that bad were going to hang on to cleashas. Positive for who Chicago ? I cant believe this talk of being positive. I see a confused and untalented Orton, a over the hill running back Buckwalter with no explosion. Mcdaniels lack of leadership has destroyed our offense talent base and made the Broncos a laughing stock of the NFL. Thats what happens when you hire a guy who should be coaching high school football. A 8-8 season would be positive but I dont think Mcdaniels has that in him. I think in the end Shanahan will have the last laugh. Where is our missing wide receiver? Mcdaniels will trade him for its all said and done.
O.K. DOOM it is from here on out. I love it
And Mondono thanks for the plug we still have a few boats left and it’s a fantastic 2 days.
I was in Salida last week and the fishing was HOT HOT HOT drifted downtown to Rincon and had 2 days of over 20+ fish. So the streamers should be on fire up there in a few weeks.
Sorry all….. had to tell that one. And we’d love to have you and $900 is tax deductable and I’ll perosnally teach you how to flyfish….How about that? Is a really easy float and not technical at all. I have a buddy that comes out and it’s the only time of the year he flyfishes, he’s a saltwater snob
)
About to head out the door to the game. Let’s all yak after the game on the NEXT blog.
P.S. If you see me at the game I’ll buy you a libation, come say hi!!
GO BRONCOS!!
Radeo – the opposite of positive is negative, and nobody should be negative at this stage of the season, after all what would be the point of that.
For all of your negative statements I can find positives, and interestingly McDaniels is at the heart of all those positives. He is in the business of moulding a team of players of differing talents, and that is why he cannot waste time pandering to high maintenance players. We see time and again that it is the defence that wins championships. McDaniels knows this and has made this his number 1 priority.
His great strengths are his intelligence, his knowledge of the game and how to coach it, and most importantly his character assessment of players. He also has the grit and determination needed at this level to become a special coach. Whether he does or not is down to him, but he needs the full support of his staff, his players and the fans. Luck always plays a part, but his coaching has been forged in the high pressure environment of New England. They have always had a knack of overcoming setbacks whereas last year the Broncos finally caved in.
When all is said and done the Broncos’ owner has put the future of the team in the hands of Coach McDaniels, he is our Head coach, and all true fans will give him a chance and stick with him. He is devoting himself to our cause and deserves our respect and our full support.
Well said George Bush!
I really don’t see how losing Cutler absolutely trashed our offense Radeo.
I like Cutler as a QB and didn’t want to see him go, but 1 guy isn’t the entire offense. And if your talking about Marshall as well, Mcdaniels had nothing to do with him being an idiot at practice or at a bar in Atlanta or the 15 other skirmishes he has had with the law.
Fair-weather fans bug me! Bring the snow, heat, rain and ice! That’s Football Baby!!!