Well, here we go again. Another year is upon us and I am looking forward to sharing it with you.
I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed the off-season. I know I did. But I’m also ready for football to get going. Broncos training camp 2008 has begun and with it comes the hope for a great year. I know right now I am extremely interested in what type of year the Broncos will have.
It will be interesting to see who steps forward over the next few weeks of camp and through the pre-season games. While I’m eager to follow all the developments, there are three areas in particular I’m watching closely.
NUMBER ONE - The defensive line. We all know that, for a lot of reasons, the Broncos did not play well up front on defense last year. The entire defense struggled but along the line, it just seemed like it was worse. The Broncos simply have to do a better job stopping the run.
The Broncos are still young up front with guys like Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas. There are also some veterans such as Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engleberger. Dewayne Robertson is one of the newcomers. I have to believe with the return to a one-gap concept and the experience the young guys got a season ago, this unit will be better. And let’s be honest, it has to be better.
In particular, I am really looking forward to seeing if Elvis Dumervil can continue to raise the level of his play. Can he become one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL?
NUMBER TWO – The offensive line. Again, this unit was beset by injuries a season ago. But football coaches seem to agree that without being able to run and stop the team, a team will not win consistently.
I don’t worry too much about the Broncos running backs. They always find guys who can carry the ball effectively and they have depth at that position right now.
But the key to any running game is the guys in the trenches. Welcome back Tom Nalen and Ben Hamilton. Welcome to Denver, Ryan Clady. Has Mike Shanahan ever proclaimed a draft pick, even a first round selection, to be a starter on draft day? I can’t recall it. It will be fun to see if Clady turns out to be the real deal.
NUMBER THREE – Team chemistry. There were clearly locker room issues in 2007; several players have talked about that already in training camp. There were guys who were in it for themselves and that just won’t fly. It’s not about stats, it’s not about who gets credit, it’s not about who has his name in the paper or who is on radio or TV. It’s about doing whatever it takes to win games. Period. If you have a group of individualistic players in the locker room, forget it. The Broncos made an effort to get rid of those guys in the off-season. I applaud that.
So far, there seems to be a good vibe around this team. But it’s early and adversity is just getting the pads out, too. I’m optimistic the Broncos will have better chemistry this year. Time will tell.
What has you most interested as training camp gets into full swing and the pre-season games get started? I always welcome your thoughts. I read every one and I’ll respond as I can.
Thanks so much for reading and here’s to a fun 2008 season!
Best,
Mike
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I’d rearrange them into exactly the opposite order. My biggest question is leadership. Can Shanahan keep control of the team when the chips are down, as they inevitably are? Who will step forward to replace Rod Smith? Cutler leads, but QB’s go through ups and downs that can’t drive the whole team up and down, so we need some lower level leaders to step up in those valleys. Marshall can’t lead till he gets his own head on straight, all the other ‘skill’ positions on the offense are young. It seems to me that good teams have 2 leaders on each side of the ball, and we’re short a couple.
Also, I don’t think anyone showed up to replace Al Wilson last year, so we’re still looking for that beast of a leader for the defense. Lynch leads, but not with the same fervor and his leadership tends to focus on the technical side rather than the passion side of things. Maybe it’s just me, but we need that passion spreading across the field on 3rd and short, etc…
I agree that Offensive line is a big concern, and I’d drop D-line to 3 because I think our team will continue to rely on good/fast LB play. Good D-line play is a bonus.
So, how is Clady doing? I do not see any reports about how our #1 pick is handleing NFL defensive lineman. Anyone have any info here?
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the insight. I have to agree with you. I guess I look at it like this.
1. It was 100% clear that the defense was lost. Our captains spoke to it and Slovik was the guy they wanted prior to Bates. No dissrespect but even the best of the best have to believe in the system for it to work and when my future HOF DB’s have issues with schemes and concepts, I have a problem with that. Shanny, good fix…now execute it!
2. Cutler will be one very dangerous man. Let’s let him work into football shape and arm strength. Sooner or later the national media will come to terms that this kid is the real deal. Oh and by the way he’ll kick your a$$ even with diabetes. Let it fly Jay!
3. Clady will start. Jay needs time to check off receivers for accuracy and the blind side was an issue. Ryan no doubt will start the season barring preseason health.
4. Kickers/Punters, Hell, from what I’m hearing they can’t even keep the ball inside the practice fields. They’re hitting trees, cars and all sorts of stuff in the parking lot. Field position is huge. Sucked last year giving the ball to the opponents on their own 45 yard line.
5. Returners. One word Royal.
6. Receivers. LOADED! this coincides with our depth at RB. We all know Denver will jam it down the throats of the opponents by running the ball. When they do, pick your posion which receiver will burn you because you had to stack the box.
7. Coaching. As a die hard fan outside of Chicago, I know we have one of the best if not the best head coach in Shanny. You won’t win the Super Bowl every year. However, Mike has integrity, leadership and a knowledge of the game that is second to none. He has wrapped his knowledge with some of the best players to ever play the game. However, Mr. Rice regarding this particular point you hit the nail on the head. Mike won’t stand for individual stats. Case in point, Javon. Hey Javon, let me know what it feels like when you get picked off by the best DB crew in the league. And when you do manage to make your first catch, will you want to make another one. Yep, that was Lynch that hit you!
Mr. Rice thank you so much for your time and imput. I catch you on game day all the time. Best wishes to you and your family.
p.s. Rivers you freakin bottom feeder! My calendar is marked!
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
i
Mike,
I liked your message about the 3 things that affected the Bronco’s last year and why they had such a disappointing season. I think the defensive line is a area that the Bronco’s need to improve greatly if they want to have a winning season. I am more concerned about the Middle Linebacker position and If they have someone who can play that position. The Bronco’s definetely need a pass rush in order to keep the pressure off the secondary this year. The pressure issue has been a problem for awhile with the defense and you can see it in the Bronco games throughout the season.The last 3 years the Bronco’s have no pass rush whatsoever. I am worried about how many Defensive Coordinators that Shanahan has gone through in the last couple years with poor defensive performances. By the way who is this new Defensive Coordinator they have hired this season? I have never even heard this guys name as a coach.What about the Brono’s aging offensive line. The Bronco’s have some new young players, but some of the core guys like Tom Nalen may have injury issues during the season. I just would like to see Shanahan
I think what we really need is good play from Dre Bly. If we dont see him progressing, i say put Foxy in, see if he fares better.
Mike
This is the continuation of the above message. Inject some youth into the team line-up in order for the team to stay healthier throughout the season.I just want to ask you one more question and that is about Shanahan’s job for next season.Do you think that Shanahan might be starting to be scrutinized more by the organiztion because of the mediocre finishes the Broncos have had in the last 3 years? Do you think that if the Bronco’s have another disappointing year that the Bronco’s might let him go?
Mike
This is the continuation of the above message. Inject some youth into the team line-up in order for the team to stay healthier throughout the season.I just want to ask you one more question and that is about Shanahan’s job for next season.Do you think that Shanahan might be starting to be scrutinized more by the organiztion because of the mediocre finishes the Broncos have had in the last 3 years? Do you think that if the Bronco’s have another disappointing year that the Bronco’s might let him go? Thanks Bryce
15 year stud, Nalen, was immediately pulled off the field today with the knee problem. Hamilton, concussion ALL season last year. Pears? Not even a starter this year. And a ROOKIE protecting Jay Cutlers blind side. Aaaaargh.
Defensive Line play is a bonus? That is wrong in every way. Great Defense MUST Have great defensive line play. Last season we had two Stars at Corner, and lousy d-line play. Result? 400+ pts given up. 30th vs. the Run game. To win, a great d-line and average Corners is far better. And the linebackers are proving to be barely average, barely adequate, not nearly as good as hyped above.
Darrell Jackson is dropping far too many balls in camp, according to the guys on the radio who are out there watching all day. And they say Colbert is a great guy, but physically limited. . . . in other words, adequate, not outstanding.
Jay Cutler is a stud, but Mike Shanahan is always rebuilding, never Built. The O-line, receivers, and running back situation is terrible.
Mike is setting him up for failure.
I like what shanny has done this year. If we stay healthy I think were back in the playoffs for sure. From the sound of it we have high character players this year who just wanna win! I’m more excited about the team this year than I’ve been in a long time. Thanks for the update Mike.
GO BRONCOS!
I’m sorry everyone but I really get ticked when I hear people not really knowing what the heck they are talking about. How is Mike setting Jay up for failure when priority one was to secure a top draft MLB, but his focused shifted with Lepsis leaving, and as you said …..Pears is questionable, so what does Shanny do? Get the second best LT available!!!! Setting him up for Failure? Every draft pick was methodically hand-picked and perfectly executed. Wiegmann is a damn good C, and he even got help from the top O-line that helped Manning rip into teams, with Gandy, please……….. Explain your logic ????
How does D-Jack and his few dropped balls, measure up against Royal, a soon to be feared phenom, catching everything under the sun? The truth is Mike placed weapons around Jay that people like you don’t have the insight to see, and certainly won’t take back your statements, however will be the first to jump on the band-wagon singing praises after we are 6-0.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool though, and you’re not the only one. Go ahead Jump on the band-wagon,… ’cause I’m the driver and I’m yelling, “All Aboard”!!! I’ll be accepting all believing and non-believing fans like yourself for OUR Great Season!!!
Stay Focused Broncos, all eyes are on Dallas and that’s perfect, ’cause they won’t see us coming until they can’t stop us. We’ll See Dallas in the Super Bowl!!!!
That’s right,…..I’m calling it.
Let’s Go Broncos!!
Let me first say Mike, that as a HUGE Broncos fan living in North Dakota, it is nice to hear you, Dave and Dave on 850koa.com bring us great pre-game on the Broncos week-in-week-out.
I definitely agree that the defensive line is an issue – I personally think that they will be much improved this season. They will have to prove all doubters wrong first, though.
Team chemistry is very important, especially in football. One of the main reasons that I have always been a Broncos fan is that they usually have a tight-knit group, with the exception of last year.
I’m really anxious to see how the members of the offense click.
I definitely believe that the Broncos are going to suprise all of the doubters this year.
Go Broncos!
Mike,
Nice Blog! My 3 biggest concerns are these:
3. Secondary – The secondary this year is coming off a season with many injuries. And lets face it, they are all aging. Champ is going into his 10th season, Dre’ into his 11th, Lynch into his 16th. Yes, Marlon McCree will replace Lynch’s spot when he ritires, but i don’t think they can afford an injury at CB.
2. Receiver – The Broncos have a hyped up receiving dept chart, but will they live up to it? Marshall may get suspended, Jackson didn’t produce last year, and other than Stokely and Parker the rest of the dept is very young.
1. 3rd Year Players – Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, Dumervil. Those are the quality players they have going into “their breakout season.” These are my questions: Will diabetes will affect Jay? Will Brandon get suspended? How will Tony do after his injury? and Will Elvis get the playing time he deserves or will Ekuban and Moss get extra snaps just so they don’t complain.
To BroncosFan_In_AZ.
Nalen is wearing down, but still a starter in the NFL. Hamilton is Healthy this year. Pears can play many positions along the O-Line and gives us probably the best backup in the league. And he was an undrafted free agent. I’m sure teams like Buffalo are calling Denver about Pears this time of year. I’m sure they all get the same answer: “Not interested!” Clady is the prime example that you are completely off base. He is healthy, he has stayed out of trouble, he signed for less than other players around him, and he is being given the reins from day one. Even Jay “the truth and the way” Cutler didn’t get that! You can rip Denver’s performance last year all you want. But how can you not see that Mike did everything in his power to address those weaknesses?
1. D-Line: Umm… Dewayne Robertson? Not a lot of success at nose tackle, but has all the physical tools and a chip on his shoulder. This man brings something to our D-line that it hasn’t had in a while, STRENGTH!
2. Special Teams: I didn’t see you mention Eddie Royal. You must know for Mike to draft a kick returner that he MUST be something special! And don’t get it twisted, he wasn’t drafted for anything but to return kicks. But now Mike is praising his pass catching ability? Finally, the new Ashley Lelie?
3. Wide Receiver: This just in! Javon Walker has been placed on injured reserve by the Oakland Raiders. In other news, Darrell Jackson is quietly approaching a 1,000 yard season for the division leading Denver Broncos.
4. Last year we had linebackers playing out of position. Ian Gold was not fast enough to drop into coverage, and DJ Williams is not a true MLB. The acquisition of Boss Bailey might be another failed experiment by Mike. But at least he’s trying. Defense is obviously not his strength. I would like to have seen Denver somehow acquire a better MLB so they can drop Bailey into coverage and rush Williams.
One thing is certain, though. When Mike finds the right co-ordinators to compliment his own strengths, Denver will suddenly become a complete team overnight. Bates SHOULD have been that guy. Maybe his picks will pan out in the long run. Our offseason acquisitions, while not dominant players, fill specific team needs for maybe the first time during my tenure as a fan. Maybe they will surprise. But every team is always rebuilding, even the Patriots who will sorely miss Asante Samuel. Mike is never done rebuilding because Denver was built around Elway and Al Wilson. Those are two players not easily replaced! And back to back Superbowl victories is not my idea of never! Get behind your team or get a new one! I hear Oakland is offering relocation assistance.
I think the secondary is a bigger issue, Lynch maybe retired so you have Marlon Mcree step in not much of an upgrade a down grade in my opinion. The guy isnt really that physicaly gifted. Hamza abdullah what afraid to tackle last year if you look at some games he started especialy the texans game, and he doesnt have blazing speed. Champ is getting up there in years and Bly takes too many chances and loses in the most inopportune time an example the greenbay game in overtime. I really think the MLB position, or the saftey position are going to have to be addressed in the first round next year. Chemisty is going to be a big issue at the start of the year. I still think Denver will make it to the playoffs this year i dont know how far i mean look at the giants big pass rush manning plaxico bad secondary, Denver has Elvis, Moss, Crowder, and Brandon Marshall but if Denver will have a good season they will need who ever the running back is to step up and deliver 1,200 plus if Denver expects to be in the games instead of watching at the end of the season.
Thank You RobDog696,
you essentially backed up what I and alot of true fans and us part-time non-paid football analyst all see!! Why some fans in AZ don’t, I don’t know.
Go Broncs!!
Thanks for your responses. Here are some thoughts.
dare2bme – I agree that the Broncos need to have gusy step up as leaders. I have to believe Cutler will continue to develop into a leader, DJ Williams is another candidate.
CharlieSouthStands – Certainly there will be a learning curve for Clady but by all accounts, he is having a good camp and looks like he’s the real deal. Clady himself wants to have a major impact this year and that could very well happen. It will be interesting to see how he fares once the pre-season games begin.
Broncfalls – First off, thanks for catching all of us on the game broadcasts. We really appreciate that, Broncfalls. Thanks also for the good wishes. That is kind of you to say. As far as the football goes, I think you make a lot of good points. There are many reasons to be optimistic; I think the Broncos have bettered themselves in a lot of areas. But the bottom line is what happens in the games. For that reason, I have to take a wait-and-see approach. I like many of their moves but I want to see how they stack up in a very deep AFC.
buchmannb – A few thoughts for you. 1) Every coach is scrutinized in the NFL. That is just the way it is and it is no different for Coach Shanahan. His job is to assemble a football team that wins games. In the big picture, he has done a great job of that during his tenure with the Broncos. 2) I think the Broncos have been injecting youth into the team the last couple of years. To me, that is one of the reasons they have struggled in their won-loss record. Consider these names: Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, Selvin Young, Eddie Royal, Ryan Clady, DJ Williams, Elvis Dumervil, and Marcus Thomas. Those are just a few guys who look like they will be really good players if they continue to develop. 3) The Broncos defensive coordinator is Bob Slowik, who has been on the staff since 2005 and now takes over for Jim Bates. He has been a d-coordinator in Green Bay, Cleveland and Chicago. I agree that pass rush is an area in which the Broncos must improve in 2008.
BroncoFan_In_AZ – It might turn out that you are right in your worries. But I’m not at all ready to be as pessimistic as you are. Time will tell. You are right on the money, however, when you say Tom Nalen is a stud. That guy is just a great, great player.
C2 – Thanks for checking in, I appreciate it. I am more interested in seeing how this team will do than I have been in a long time. It’s not that I haven’t been interested the past few years, but I’ve thought the Broncos would be pretty good and it just hasn’t worked out that way. This year, I see some good talent, some good, young talent, but I’m just not sure how things will go. I’m eager to see how well this team plays.
1ARABIANKNIGHT – Just as I’m not as pessimistic as BroncoFan_In_AZ, I’m also not ready to jump on the bandwagon you’re driving. I certainly hope it turns out like you think it will. If it does, we’re all in for a great time this season.
fonse – Thanks for posting.
jmase – Thanks for listening up in North Dakota! Thanks, too, for your good wishes. We all appreciate your joining for the broadcasts every week. That is cool. I’ve made many trip to Fargo and Grand Forks. Stay cool this time of year and get your heater ready…it won’t be long before you need it! Good point about team chemistry. Every great team needs it and as Coach Shanahan said at the start of camp, you never know if you have it until you have it. But there are indications the Broncos could have it this year.
robdog696 – Just a thought or two from your list. I think Dewayne Robertson could be a huge addition to the Broncos. If he stays healthy, Dewayne should have a big impact on the d-line. They need that. I think the linebackers will be faster than the group they had a year ago. I also think they’ll be tougher. But in the end, it doesn’t matter what I think, it matters how they play. Let’s hope Eddie Royal gives the return game a lift. Again, the Broncos need it. Finally, Javon who?
broncos14441 – Thanks for the kind words. Really good thoughts from you. While the Broncos have some new faces in the secondary, I like how this unit is shaping up. They are faster at safety. They are still deep at cornerback and Domonique Foxworth has come to camp with a “take no prisoners” mentality. And Champ is still there doing just about everything. There’s another stud player. At receiver, I like the mix of veterans and youth. Let’s all hope Brandon Marshall is past his off-field troubles because he is absolutely dominating. Even with the suspension, he should have a monster season. He has the ability to be unstoppable. Eddie Royal looks like he’s legit and some of the vets like Stokley, Jackson, and maybe Parker, should contribute. The key, though, is Marshall. When he’s on the field, he not only produces so much but he opens things up for other guys, too. Good point about the third-year players. Jay says he feels great and is managing the diabetes well. Dumervil believes he is an every-down player. Time will tell if he is. I know this, he is sure taking things seriously. I think we’ll see the Broncos rotate defensive linemen with regularity.