Finally. The regular season is here. Preseason just doesn’t do much for me. Sure, it’s mildly interesting to see if any players emerge as legitimate. Running back Selvin Young undoubtedly falls into that category.
But a guy like Young is the exception. There just are not that many surprises.
Now the rosters are set and it is go-time. It is time to see where every team stands. Here are a few observations on the Broncos as they enter Sunday’s regular season opener at Buffalo.
- The Broncos are a better team than they showed in the preseason. There are concerns to be sure. But I don’t think they showed any variety on either offense or defense. That makes a difference. I have no doubt they will open things up offensively and I believe the defense will continue to get better.
- I cannot wait to see how the Broncos use tight end Daniel Graham. They only threw to him a handful of times in the preseason. That is bound to change. You don’t sign someone to that big of a contract if all you want him to be is a run blocker. I think Graham is going to have a huge year.
- I also think wide receiver Javon Walker is going to have a big year. He says he is completely healthy. He seems focused. He seems ready to explode. Bring it on.
- The Broncos’ defense is not as good as it will be as the season goes on. It’s a unit that is still learning Jim Bates’ system and I believe it will be good enough in the early weeks to keep the team afloat. I also think the Broncos’ offense might need to give the D some extra help in the first few games.
- The bottom line is to beat Buffalo. Period. I don’t care how it looks; I don’t care what it takes. After losses in the last two season-opening road games, the Broncos just have to find a way to win to get the season off to a good start.
When the preseason began, I predicted the Broncos would go 11-5. I haven’t changed my mind.
What about you? What do you think the Broncos record will be?
As always, we welcome your thoughts and appreciate your reading.
Enjoy the games this weekend!
Mike
Tags: Daniel Graham, Javon Walker, Jim Bates, Regular Season, Selvin Young
Here are some of my locks for the season –
–Travis Henry, if he can somehow stay healthy — 1500 yards/15 TDs
–Javon Walker — 90 catches, 1200 yards, 12 TDs
–Daniel Graham will be #2 on the team in receptions
–Champ Bailey and Dre Bly will combine for 15 INTs
–Elvis Dumervil will have 12+ sacks
Final Record – 12-4
That about sums it up….
TSG
http://www.milehighreport.com
TSG,
I think the numbers for Henry are realistic. The yards for Walker could end up being on the low side.
I’m not sure about the number of INT’s for Bailey and Bly. They should get their fair share; if they combine for 15 that would be amazing. The pass rush will probably influence how many picks they get,
Which leads us to Elvis Dumervil. If he ends up with 12 or more sacks, I have to believe the Broncos would be absolutely thrilled. There is no doubt they need an effective pass rush. We’ll see if they get it and we’ll see who provides it.
Thanks for weighing in again, TSG.
Mike
well I think it is going to come down to the D line and see if they can get to the QB or at least a pass rush and keep it coming for 60 min. Keep in mind they have to go to Paytons place later in the year and we saw what they did to the saints.
tonytdrummer…I think the defensive line is the biggest question heading into the season. As you said, can that unit provide consistent pressure on the quarterback against the Bills, let alone against any other team on the schedule?
I do believe the entire defense will continue to get better, but it has to be good enough against Buffalo.
I still think it will be. Broncos get it done against the Bills, 24-13.
Thanks, tony!
Mike
I think that this is the most talented team the broncos have had since 98 and 99. The Team was superbowl caliber last year but Plummer sucks something awful and the defense was tired and you cant ask a rookie(cutler) to come in the middle of season to rescue you. The only question should be the D-Line. Can future hall of famer Simeon Rice return and get 10+ sacks?
I think if we pursue Lavar Arrington and put him in the middle or a Takeo Spikes also we will have a solid middle linebacker for this season like a Al Wilson Also we would benefit better in the running game if we sign that Battle kid thats on Kansas City practice squad he a hidden gem at running back and hes a one cut and go back with alot of strength and allusiveness… hes a career back …. Sorry Nate Webster you make some plays but your not a nfl linebacker your just a gut that never reached his potential cause he was not tough against the run and you get lost in the past coverage and when the play is almost over you have no hustle… thats not how Al played or any other bronco great linebacker or any other NFL greats…. and the d line you should be one of the best in the league if you have the type of corners we have back the we need more COVERAGE SACK!!!! Also Calvin Lowry THATS NOT HOW YOU PLAY SAFETY AGAINST THE RUN OR THE PASS you have talent but you play like its not a game but its only for a paycheck thats how you play…. SO DENVER am from Texas and i am a huge bronco fan Dont let me down