Our series of interviews during the recently-completed organized team activities continues. This time, we bring you a conversation that new defensive back Tracy Porter (TP) had with the Broncos’ flagship radio station, 850 KOA in Denver.
850 KOA: During the offseason, there has been some conversation about the Broncos’ struggles against spread offenses last year. The Broncos set about to specifically add some defensive backs and you and Drayton Florence were at the top of that list. How do you see the secondary coming together?
TP: We’re definitely starting to gel. We have a lot of experience back there with Champ, Drayton and myself. We have Chris Harris who was here last year, a number of guys on that back end. We’re starting to develop that chemistry. We had quite a few good practices. We got our hands on passes; we knocked balls down; we intercepted multiple balls. That can only be big for us during the upcoming season.
850 KOA: Peyton might not like to hear that you guys intercepted a number of passes.
TP: (chuckling) I don’t know any quarterback that wants to hear the fact they’ve been intercepted a few times but that just goes to the fact that we (DBs) really hone in on our craft. We want to push this team to get better as much as we can. By causing havoc on our offense, that’s only going to make those guys get better. We push each other back and forth.
850 KOA: When a guy has the chance to sit down and decide where he is going to go play, what struck you about the Broncos and how did the whole free agent process work?
TP: First and foremost, every guy wants to take care of his family but aside from that, just being put in a position where you feel like you can be successful. Every player knows what situation to put himself in to become successful. Coming here, I had an opportunity to play. I had an opportunity to learn from one of, if not the best, corners in the game in Champ (Bailey). Being under his wing, his mentoring me, that was another thing that drew me to come here to Denver. Aside from that, the defense was one or two plays away from winning games and getting to the championship. (They needed) a piece here and a piece there to get those guys there (to the championship). We have a quarterback in Peyton and that speaks for itself what he is going to do for the offense. The few pieces that we put together on defense with what they’ve already had with Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller make it better for a secondary guy.
850 KOA: New Orleans is as low as you can get in terms of elevation. Denver is as high as you can go, at least in the NFL. What kind of adjustment was it for you physically when you first got here?
TP: It was a bit of an adjustment basically coming from ground zero to mile high air. That’s a big difference. I felt like I was 350 pounds the first couple times I ran. I’m slowly becoming adjusted to the climate, adjusted to the altitude and I can only continue to adjust. You can run back and forth as much as you want but you won’t get that real test until you’re out there in pads and you’re doing football movements.
850 KOA: Realistically, how good do you expect this defense to be or is it too early to tell?
TP: I don’t think it’s too early at all. The way they finished last year, the way they played, you can only continue to go up. We got the necessary pieces. Guys are flying around. Though it’s just OTAs, I think it’s a great start and a great level to determine where we’ll be. We’re getting our hands on the ball. We’re intercepting passes. This is against the (first-team) offense. Things are definitely looking bright for us. We just have to continue to build on where we’re at in OTAs and mini-camp.
How much improvement do you expect out of the Broncos’ defense this year?
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
I officially state that I am not a hater I stand here saying it’ll take some getting used to but March 19th ranks in my top ten Broncos moments of all time! Honest!!!!! If you don’t believe me I should’ve recorded my reaction… you all know how passionate I am!
Tap your cleats THREE TIMES
This ain’t NO DREAM
WE GOT PEYTON FREAKING MANNING
Tootles. Off to bed for me
Good Morning Gang!
Loved reading through the posts and hearing everyone’s fave moments.
One of my faves to this day is in the first SB win when Eddie Mac laid a massive block on Packers LB Brian Williams and pointed at him after…………To this day he won’t say what was said after that block………and Williams prob doesn’t even remember! haha
I loved the way Eddie Mac played the game and I think that Decks reminds me of him a lot. They’re both fearless up the middle and will lay their body out to make the catch.
Against the division, I would have to say that the moment that really sticks out for me, even though it wasn’t too long ago, was Eddie Royal’s two TD returns against the Chargers. Those plays were simply electrifying!
So my two moments involve guys named Eddie! LMAO
On that Charger game………….We were on such a roll, going 6-0 and we could do nothing but think of playoffs…………and then the wheels fell completely off the wagon, and unfortunately that’s when the Dark Day of Denver crept in……..and created a lot of horrible moments for our team.
But those dark days are over…………and there’s nothing but blue skies ahead!
Only positive thing about McD is that because of his ineptitude we picked second overall and landed ourselved Von Miller……….who we will look back on as one of the most significant draft picks in Broncos history.
Kod that’s my fav memory against the division too… Eddie Royal was amazing! And Eddie Mac is my favorite player so I like that one too. I wish we knew what he said. Great memories and I love that so many people shared.
Craziest memory? Mine was against the Patriots same season as Eddies returns… I was there and it was the co
Desk I’ve ever been in my life and w won in over time. He who must not be named’s reaction was crazy and the stadium has not been that loud since…
The worst moment in Broncos history for me was when Eddie Mac broke his leg. They showed it over and over again and I was crying only thing I really remember is my dad telling me to stop being such a girl! LOL
Oh withe e craziest one, I meant that the stadium hasn’t been that loud when I’m there since. I’m sure it shook the whole town during the playoffs this season LOL since Timmy broke twitter! LOL
It must’ve been somewhat personal if he refuses to share it to this day. There was prob some trash talk coming from the Pack throughout the game……….so he was prob responding to that. I’m surpised that NFL Films doesn’t have the audio since they do such a great job picking up the sounds of the game. Oh well……….it’ll remain a mystery.
One thing that concerns me about our team, especially when we play SD is our kick coverage. It’s been extremely suspect, giving up huge yardage………..I can only imagine Eddie Royal just licking his chops at the opportunity to play us and say “IN YOUR FACE!” You know he’s extra motivated. Let’s hope we’re able to shut him down in all aspects of the game.
I think that with the new players we acquired we’ll be ok in the special teams. I’m not too worried about Royal as I think his best was behind him.
He was really only offensively great his rookie year…………then he dropped considerably……but was still always decent on KR and PR. It’ll be interesting to see if he revitalizes his career in SD.
I have felt for a few years that we’ve been pretty weak on both our KR/PR coverage units. Not sure why we haven’t been able to figure it out, but I agree that some our rooks can help out in this area, in particular Danny Trevathan, who by all accounts seems to be a tackling machine.
Royal is an electric return man on both KR and PR’s. His production dropped as he was used in that capacity more and more. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it’s not too often to find a WR who excels at both recieving and returning during the same time period. For this reason, i hope we plan on using a guy like Judie or Paige on returns this year. It will be interesting to see how SD uses Royal, and I would guess it would be in the return game.
Hey OT…………yeah, for sure. McD pretty much relegated ER to special teams and didn’t get him in there much at WR so I too think his production dropped for that reason. I think he’ll be used as a slot receiver for Rivers too………but yeah, he’ll be most valuable to them in the kicking game.
Royal was a stud for us on many occasions but he wasnt the type of player that elevates his game to a go-to 8-10 receptions a game guy. He was a bit player with a above average return game. He started with our sqad so i will root for him…when he is not playing Denver.
Hey Stuck……….haven’t seen ya on here before………..welcome if you’re new…….nice to meet ya if you’re not.
Manage to check out the home run derby last night?
Must be tough being a broncos fan in the belly of a division rival’s town………….lol
Kod – Royal and Meachem are nice, but loosing Vicent Jackson makes it a net loss IMO. The Chargers did pick up Ronnie Brown, who is past his prime, but we’re still going to have to be ready to defend the wildcat this year. Funny how much things can change from year to year… Lol
The Chargers will be interesting this season. I’m not convinced that they are a playoff team. Their coach is an idiot!
With Jackson gone, the only threats to me are Gates who always has big games against us and Mathews given he is healthy. i will not count out Ronnie Brown ala MaGahee (still beasting). But Brown didnt do much w/ the Eagles last season. IMO
on special teams: we just added another special teams ace in Trevathan along side woodyard, excellent gunner in Bruton!
It wasn’t about the $! Titans offered Peyton $7 million more than we did and he still chose us. Having John Elway is obviously a bonus! LOL
Check it out: broncotalk.net HE WANTS TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP AND HE KNOWS WE ARE BETTER! Yay!
Not only the money, they were going to give him part ownership of the team. Wow. Are we blessed or what?
ya cat i didnt know the exact figure but i knew it was alot that the titans offered manning. i keep hearing all of the people talking about manning being in it for just the money blah blah blah but he was offered more and turned it down. actually i don’t like the ‘that player is all about the money not the love of the game’ comments no matter what player they are aimed at. the players do this as a career just like anyone and theres not one person on earth who wouldn’t try to get every penny they were worth in their job. of course they are all about the money. its very okay to try to make as much as you can doing what you do and having as much as you can to have and give to your family. i can promise you each and every person who has ever said ‘he’s in it for the money’ because a player went for the big bucks would do the exact same thing. theres not even one who wouldnt. trust me.
LBF he will always make as much money as he wants doing endorsements for the rest of his life. Besides, he does good things with his money so I’m not worried about it. I think it’s cool though and it makes me happy to know that he sees champion talent with our team. And that was before we got porter, tamme, dreessen, etc.
Strand – I remember that home game against the faders – this is a true story. I think it is the same game you were referring to.
I missed the entire game because I was preaching that night and had to pack, to catch a plane. So some friends run my wife and I to the airport after church and we are running down the concourse trying to not miss our plane. An airline employee helps us to get around the lines so we make it in time and they take us down a private corridor. We were flying out of Denver to LA. So who do you think we ran into in this private loading area? You guessed it! The entire Fader team. I walked up to Art Shell and apologized because I had missed the game,….and I asked who won???!!! He told me the night had not gone well. I recall feeling very awkward as the Raider team started making jokes about half people and…etc….referring to me and my wife. I think they didn’t like my question….go figure? LOL
BTW – lou
I could easily make tens of thousands, possibly more than a hundred thousand a year more than I do. I choose to do what I love. I choose to work with and for those who can’t ever pay me back. I’m sorry, but I know many like myself as well who choose to sacrifice income.
Hey all –
been missing the blog. it was good to get caught up. Cat – good to see you getting a lot of luv on the blog – you deserve it. You have a very endearing manner of posting which I also appreciate and enjoy.
AB – babies come at 3am in the morning. (That’s my experience, you’re on your own for the reality show. LOL)
You’ll be fine for delivery! Contractions on the other hand…they need to be counted and timed. You gotta know the difference between Braxton/ Hicks and real labor. (It’s real expensive if you make a mistake) I have a lot more for you when the time gets close but just be attentive in the classes. You need to be an expert! LOL Truth be told there was only one thing I didn’t know that I needed to know at the first birth. That is that I pay the bill – and I am in charge – they are not! Hospital protocol will tie you in knots and spit you out if you let it. Personally, I never let wife or baby outta my sight. And I never let them send me home. (I’ve seen maternity nurses drop babies. Accidents happen and I’m not suit happy. But I want to know something like that is an accident and not negligence or incompetence.
Morning Broncomaniacs!
Wow, what a slow day on the blog yesterday! Only 23 posts since my morning post yesterday and over half of those were from me and cat. lol
Watched the interview with DMT this morning on Total Access…….I must say, he’s after getting a lot better with the media. Not sure if he’s been coached a little or just gaining more confidence, but he’s miles above where he was in the first interview I watched him in last year. And of course, they were trying to goat him into responses about Tebow……….but he took the high road……….Good on ya DMT.
Just 2 weeks from tomorrow and training camps officially starts!!!!! WHOOP!
Nice to see you posting DB………….it’s been a little while since you’ve chimed in,
Peyton definitely could have gotten more money, if he really wanted to. He had many teams after him, he had all the leverage in the world, and he could have very easily started a massive bidding war for his services. The reality is he DID leave money on the table by choosing to come to Denver. I watched both the Colts and Broncos pressers again, and I recommend everyone do the same. Our organization is on a completely different level, and Peyton’s legacy will further cement our clubs distinction as being one of the best franchises in the NFL. I strongly believe we can win a championship with Peyton, and even if we don’t reach that goal, Peyton picking to play with the Broncos will make Denver a desirable destination for Free Agents, both now as well as in the future. Manning choosing to play in Denver will forever be a part of NFL history, and the Denver Broncos stand to benefit from it for years to come.
http://predominantlyorange.com/2012/07/10/titans-were-reportedly-willing-to-pay-manning-25-million-per-season/
Kod, I know! You guys are gonna miss me while I’m mia for the next few days cuz Bud, I’m gonna be in TN! Peyton’s there but I doubt I will see him (-;
I missed Demaryius on total access so I’ll have to watch it later. I am sure that he has learned from earlier this spring, but I also think the abroncos talked with him and helped him realize he has to handle the press a different way. Besides, he knows he has to work harder than anybody. But I think he is a sensitive one and I don’t think he is going to be able to stand Peyton yelling at him so I bet we don’t see him yelling at him.. Eric on the other hand, he can take it! (-;
For those who thought our FO had ulterior motives, consider the alternative…
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19554827/despite-new-rule-colts-say-theyll-black-out-games-if-not-sold-out
OT thanks for that article and your two cents. I agree with you and I’m know that you’re 100% right. Its a huge deal and I still feel special that he picked us!
Good to see you back Daddy! I posted some quotes from the Manning book… did you see them?
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/07/broncos-demaryius-thomas-on-tim-tebow-i-wish-he-would-have-stayed/1
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1250981-adjustments-jack-del-rio-must-make-to-get-most-out-of-broncos-defensive-stars
Good Morning Broncos Country!
Great reads on some of the best memories you all have of Broncos games!! There are so many it’s hard to count on one hand or two…lol. For me there are so many… the AFC championship win over the Raiders in ’77 ranks very high. “The Drive” in Cleveland back in ’86 is right up there as well. The first Super Bowl win over defending champions GB Packers to me is the best !! So many memories with JE as our QB!! The Thankgiving game win over Dallas in 2005 with Champ taking a “pick 6″ back to the house was awesome!! The win over the Patriots in January ’06 to give them there first playoff loss with Brady/Belicheet was sweet! Champs interception broke their backs!!!
And the most recent, of course was the great playoff win last season with Demaryius taking to the ball to the house to complete the 80 yr play in OT was totally awesome!! Demaryius set a playoff record with 4 catches for 216 yds and one TD… (51 yd average).
Some people will remember that play for Tebow Time. Others will remember it for Demaryius catch, stiff arm & great run.
I’ll remember it as a great TEAM effort for a great victory over the defending AFC champs Pittsburgh Steelers!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!!
Great article on the D cat……….thanks!
Nice to see you rbf1!
Rbf1 thanks for your memories and thanks for mentioning Champs play against Brady. I have a lot of favorite moments from us beating the Patriots. Hope to add to that this season.
Kod, I caught total access. He did a nice job. I think that play is a lock for the best moment in sports this year at the ESPYs tonight.
In an attempt to keep everyone (myself included) grounded, here’s a look at our biggest weaknesses as seen by me:
1) DT; I put this at the top of the list only b/c it’s been an issue for us for a while now, and the media is unrelenting when it comes to their opinion on our inability to stop the run, so until we do, it will continue to be a target. I actually feel pretty good about this group, but we are relying on guys coming back from injury, as well as contributions from a rookie. I think everything will fall into place here, but until it does, the concern must remain.
2) LB; It looks like DJ will miss at least 6 games. That’s a lot of time to miss, and there is no way to sugar coat it, but the reality is that our hands are tied. DJ has also been one of our most consistent defenders, and I think we will give him another chance, which I believe he has earned over the years with his play on the field. Despite having the all-world talent in Von Miller, this position is still our weakest IMO, given the lack of depth. It’s a concern no matter how you look at it, but hopefully we are able to find a diamond in the rough. I would venture an early prediction and say we take a LB with our first draft pick next year.
3) RB; it may sound crazy to put this as a weakness when we led the league in rushing last year, but we also led the league in rushing attempts, so I think that stat is skewed. McGahee has some serious miles on him, and I hope he can duplicate last year, but if he can’t, where do we turn? I love Hillman, but we just don’t know what we got there yet, and I think he is more of a change of pace back, but after that I’m left scratching my head.. Ball and Johnson don’t excite me too much, and Fannin showed promise last training camp before getting injured, but I still think we need to sign another RB before TC opens.
4) S; much like DT, I feel pretty good about this group, but anytime Dawkins retires, you loose something. On the other hand, I think Mike Adams will be a more than adequate replacement, and I think both Carter and Moore will be much inproved in their second seasons as well. David Bruton is still young and is too often looked over IMO, and I could also see Florence used at safety at times.
5) KR/PR coverage; as discussed the other day, it’s been a problem for us in the past, but I do think we’ve brought in some very capable S/T guys via the draft who will help out here.
That’s my thoughts folks, feel free to disagree – it’s a free (Broncos) Country!!!
Not much to disagree with there OT.
I will say though, while McGahee is older, he was under used his entire career so I think he’s got more miles left in the engine………as long as his body holds up.
And our KR/PR has been an eye-sore for some time now…………let’s hope we can buck this trend this year and limit big returns.
And DJ still might miss more games because of his pending DUI charges under the personal conduct policy….potentially tacking on another couple games, making him miss half the season. I think the organization is stuck with him as there isn’t much of a market for him right now, plus what the organization is paying him………..but I wouldn’t be surprised if this is his last season in a broncos uniform.
I also left out Moreno, but I don’t think there is much expected out of him this year, however, the NFL is often an enigma, and anything is possible. I love McGahee, always have, I’m just saying that our ability to run the ball effectively this season is extremely important, contrary to public opinion. We can’t abandon the run due to it being ineffective, and rely on Manning airing it out 40+ times a game. That won’t win us a championship IMO.
DJ has clearly had a terrible offseason, and if it weren’t for the current circumstances, he’d be gone already. Let’s hope he returns to the field as an angry man, and plays lights out for the second half of the season. Should be a nice addition to get those healthy legs back down the stretch.
Our run game will be a major aspect of our O this season. We will def. use the run to set up the pass and vice versa……..giving us a nice balanced attack and keeping opposing D’s second guessing our play calls. I never ever thought for a second that we’d be in for an aeriel show when PM signed……….but instead a really nice compliment to an already established run game. The best thing now is we CAN win through the air if needed.
Get your popcorn ready! lol
Like McGahee told PM…………we’re still a run first team! LMAO!
The I agree the objective is clearly to have a balanced offense this year. What I’m saying is that we have had a recent history of injuries to our backfield, and then a lack of depth to compensate for it. I just want to be 100% certain that we’re not stuck with Lance Ball and Jeremiah Johnson trying to run the ball come week 10.
Yeah, I’m not too excited about Ball or Johnson running the ball either……..and lord knows you can never have too many RB’s in the stable. But I think with McGahee, Fannin, and *GULP* even Moreno with the addition of Hillman, we should be okay. But injuries have a funny way of messing all of that up, unfortunately.
Perhaps I’m making something out of nothing. One thing is for sure – we’re in good hands when it comes to running the ball, with John Fox. We also all know it starts upfront, and I’m one who thinks very highly of our OL. Maybe we can go back to the days where it didn’t matter who runs the ball in our scheme. I think the screen pass is going to be a VERY productive play of us this year, and I can not wait to see a proper CHECK DOWN!!!
Hillman on a screen could be a thing of beauty to watch!!!
Just read an interesting article about the Bills game in Toronto this year against the Seashawks. They’ve slashed ticket prices by up to 51% in order to draw more fans to the game. 58% of the tickets are now less than $100 and 88% of the tickets are less than $150. I think this is great for the fans and good on Rogers Media for trying to make the game more affordable.
This game takes place Dec. 16th so it could have playoff rammifications for both teams which should make for a great game.
I’d love to see an NFL team in Toronto. I totally think it would be viable in that Market and not really out of the way in regards to travel. The CFL really does nothing for me………….it’s okay to watch but the CFL is made up of players who can’t make NFL squads, bottom line. That, and I absolutely hate the 3 down rule……..and why is there a center line?!?!?!? LMAO
OT I have to agree with all of that. And I have to say that the lack of screen passes last year drove me nuts so I am hoping we can establish that early and often!
Kod Willis is living in a dream world right now. I pray we will be balanced but he has to be happy we have Peyton. When we have leads we run the ball so he will love the whole thing. Plus… he will block normally not excessively. I think he really didn’t like the run option last year.
The CFL is fun to watch. Their rules are crazy and I laugh through every game I watch. I for one think we need a team in Canada BEFORE England.
I have felt for a few years now that the Bills will be the first Canadian team. Maybe not full-time, but most likely a 50/50 split between Buffalo and Toronto. The proximity of the two cities and potential increase in market share makes total sense. It would maintain the current fan base, by making the 4 games played in Toronto close enough to travel to for the Buffalo fans, and vice versa. We all know Goodell’s desire to grow the game, and he is salivating over the international market. When you add it all up, it’s a no brainer IMO.
Yup, lots of crazy rules in the CFL. The 1 pointers if a ball is not returned from the end zone, the downs, the crazy wide field, the way that the recievers line up behind the line of scrimmage and run as the play is being snapped……….and there’s no such rule as excessive celebration. hahaha
A team in England is just crazy and stupid just purely from a logistical standpoint. It’s hard enough for two teams to go over there for one game, alone make a season out of it. Going to Toronto would be no different than heading to Detroit or Buffalo.
WE NEED A TEAM HERE IN CANADA! And even though geographically they wouldn’t play in the AFC West………it would be awesome for the Broncos to go there every year! lol One thing’s for sure, a no Toronto team would take me away from my Broncos EVER!!!
I’m sure McGahee is extremely stoked to be in this offense. He knows he’ll get plenty of chances to run the ball………and like you said, get back to normal blocking.