The focal point of the Broncos’ 17-16 loss to San Francisco in the pre-season opener will undoubtedly be the three interceptions that starting quarterback Kyle Orton threw in the first half.
We all know interceptions aren’t good. Even after the game, Kyle was a stand-up guy when he spoke with us on the 850 KOA post-game show.
“I pride myself on my decisions and I certainly made a couple I’d like to have back,” Orton said.
This isn’t the regular season yet. It is the preseason. For that matter, it was the first game of the preseason. No one, most of all Orton himself, wanted to see the interceptions. But I’ll put those aside for now. I thought the offense did some good things, even in the first half.
First, the Broncos had eight possessions in the game and six of them lasted seven plays or more. That’s pretty good ball control. That will help keep a defense off the field.
Second, Orton seemed to have good flow and looked like he was in control when he played in the first half. The Broncos used multiple personnel groups and multiple formations and Orton seemed to handle things pretty well, especially when one considers that he is learning a brand-new system and it was his first game action in that system.
Third, quarterback Chris Simms looked effective when he played in the second half. The Broncos ran the ball a little more and Simms looked smooth and moved the club. The Broncos scored points on three of their four possessions in the second half.
I also thought the defense played pretty well. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan varied the looks. Sometimes he brought pressure, other times he didn’t.
For those who are into preseason stats, the Broncos’ defense gave you some to enjoy.
The Broncos sacked the 49ers four times (while not surrendering one to the San Francisco defense); Denver allowed only 278 yards of total offense.
The 49ers did not play their best running back, Frank Gore, and it wasn’t a dominating performance by the Broncos’ defense. But for the first preseason game, it was fine. The Broncos did some good things and they have some things to work on.
This is what the preseason is for. To me, the Broncos are right where they need to be. They showed me there is plenty of cause for optimism. They also showed they have some work to do.
Welcome to the preseason.
What did you see on Friday night that you liked? Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Kyle Orton, Postgame, Preseason, San Francisco 49ers
texark-fan, it was simplar to copy and paste. here is the lowdown on Smith:
“Smith, a Nebraska product tabbed by the Patriots in the sixth round (206th overall) of the 2006 draft, appeared in 31 games over three seasons in New England. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound defensive end logged a career-high 15 appearances last season while registering 14 tackles (11 solo, 3 assisted).
Smith enters the final year of his rookie contract and started Thursday’s exhibition game against the Eagles, potentially showcasing him for another team. Smith projected anywhere from fifth to seventh on the defensive line depth chart in New England, but could emerge as a frontline player in Denver.”
This is from wiki:
“After graduating from high school, Smith attended the University of Nebraska. After redshirting in 2001, Smith played in all 14 games in 2002. As a sophomore in 2003, Smith started all 12 games at defensive tackle, recording 44 tackles. He moved to nose guard in 2004, and was an All-Big 12 honorable mention after recording 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In his 2005 senior season, Smith set a career high with six sacks while starting all 11 games at defensive tackle. He finished his college career with 36 tackles for a loss, the second-highest total for a defensive lineman in Nebrasaka history.
Smith was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (206th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft. He was inactive or did not play in all but three games of his rookie season in 2006. He appeared in 13 games in 2007, seeing time as a reserve defensive lineman and on special teams. Smith was active for 15 games in 2007, recording a career-high 14 tackles. He also was a member of the Patriots’ kickoff return unit, which blocked for Ellis Hobbs’ 96-yard return against the Oakland Raiders in Week 15.”
I know Denver also gets a 7th round next year with him and gives up a 5th.
PhotoHound… you really need to shut your trap if you are really going to bash this team like you are and have been after ONE PRE SEASON GAME!! I don’t think you were watching the same game… I’ve seen worse pre season games. Did you watch the KC game?? Good riddance… now that was a bad game, as usual from them. Our first drive was very good up till the INT. But at least Orton manned up to his mistakes instead of being like your man-crush Cutler and saying “oh you know it happens you know” Oh my word, YES we know already. Orton will learn from his mistakes… Cutler continued to throw INTs and he still is in Chicago. You should just go and be a Bears fan and get it over with!
Bad teams and wishy washy fans… some things never change.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
did anyone see the raiders KILL the cowboys? now THAT was bad. but funny. i hate both teams, but in that case i usually root for the underdog. now…is it good that the raiders are winning preseason games?
Mike,
I liked our first drive as the offense looked sharp. Route running looked good by the receivers. O-line did a great job! It seemed like the objective was to get inside the red zone with quick and efficient execution, which they did. Not bad for an offense just beginning to get off the ground. Orton was crisp until the bad decision in the end zone. Broncos played more ball control with Simms and they did well getting 3 scores. Hope Moreno will be alright, as he flashed some great potential hitting the hole and getting to second level on his first carry. Hillis looked really good!! The new offense showed some great promise, and they will get better!! (Great news with B-Marsh back!).
Defense looked good and I would say 2 of 4 may have been coverage sacks. Elvis ripped thru almost immediately on his sack and Baker had a great bull rush. I like the size of the D line this year!! Nolan, Nunnelly, Martindale, Donatell (sp) will get this group on track… (Glad to hear B-Dawk is back)… a natural leader!!
At any rate, it was great to see our new Team hit the field last Friday night. They have some things to work on. Coach McDaniels is a hard working Coach and I like what I’ve seen, so far.
07elway – “you know, we’re going to get better, you know”
That was too funny!!
Marshallman-15, like we’ve mentioned before, I wouldn’t put too much on preseason games. Remember what Detroit did last year. 4-0 and then zippo, nada, nix, zero. Remember the 2005 Colts went 0-5 in preseason, then 14-2 regular season. The following year they went 1-3 in preseason, then finished the regular season at 12-4 and went on to win the SB. With all the rookies, FA, and walk on’s in preseason, it’s hard to see the actual team. Plus the team is playing basic formations. The real/more intricate plays come during the regular season with the set team.
Dynamicdave I found that website but it is ultra confusing have you been to it if not check it out I am not sure how it works.
I was hoping to see more out of Orton but then again 1st preseason game with 47 new faces you can’t expect too much. I did like Chris in the second half, he did a great job scoring on 3 of 4 drives. Definite improved special teams, though our D looked a bit confused, they just need to adjust to playing together and I think we will see some good games. Definitely a work in progress and hopefully the preseason will help work out the bugs, looking forward to shutting down the naysayers and rack up some wins.
GO BRONCOS
VaBroncoguy. nice to have you on here.
Oh and once again, ORTON SUCKS!! That was just a tast of what he will do. BOO ORTON BOO!!!!!!!!
to all you supporter of what is going on with the team this year, i guess the saying is right. IGNORANCE IS BLISS. hahahahahahahahahaha
Dude, who the hell are you…and we may not agree with all that has happened this year (God Knows Im Not) but untill you work at dove valley and have a say in how sh*t is run….forgive the language but…stfu. Yes, He sucked. We were all watching the game…we know.Its a new system, give him time to learn.
Wasnt a fan of the orton move but guess what, I may not work at dove valley but my job as a fan is to support and control the things I can. One of the QBs will put distance from the other. Cutler also had Bmarsh who Orton didnt have Friday. Cutler didnt do so crisp in his bears debut cuz he is learning a new system as well with less talented WR and Oline. But you dont see Bears fans panicing do you???
Chill and give constructive criticism, Orton sucks says NOTHING of value
hahahahaha, tell ‘em TRB. That was hysterical! Not about to add on to that. Well said my friend.
Ok, just wait and see. Just wait and see. I can’t wait for you guys to flip the script and start to hate Orton as well. It’s going to happen. The Guy can’t play and we just will not be any good with him at the helm. The truth is the truth. The ONLY place I hear of any orton supporters are on the net. Everyone I talk to in the bars or the gyms in Denver simply can’t stand the guy. I don’t think you guys get it but thats fine. Sooner than later you will be admiting Orton indeed sucks.
oh and another thing. The bears fans aren’t panicking because they know the have a stud with Cutler at QB. They are used to scrubs like Grossman and Orton.
It’s funny. Only since the Cutler/Mcdaniels fiasco have you guys been talking bad about Cutler. SOOOOO HILARIOUS!! When he was here throwing for 4,000+ yards and showing sick performances with the occasional bad throws and newbie mistakes all you guys were like Cutlers a stud and he’s just coming into his own now lets just fix the “D” and we’ll be great.
Now it was all bad with Jay now? Some of you guys blind allegance is cute. This is an NFL Franchise not some local pop warner team.
It’s like telling Jets or Eagles fans they boo too much and because of it their not real fans.
alwayz 7 – quote… ” I can’t wait for you to flip the script and start hating on Orton as well”… hmmm. Sounds like your familiar with KO. Obviously you don’t realize the Team has options at QB. Your comments created the perception that you’re oblivous to what going on with our new Team.
Be a Bears fan if you love Cutler!! Take your man crush elswhere. Oh yeah, I forget, he’s has a great receiving corp in Chicago… I bet he’s elated!!! ha ha ha !!
One more thing alwayz 7, while you’re out and about…you do us all a favor and go up to Estes Park… and take a hike!!!!!!!!!
Having him go up to Estes Park to take a long long long hike away from here is a great idea… however, Estes Park is too good for that bugger. Go to Mt. Everest and take a hike. That way you’ll be farther away from the Broncos whom alwayz 7 “claims” to be a fan of. You can’t even give the guy a fighting chance. Sad sad sad
07elway,
You Tell’em! Sort the real fans from the bandwagoners! Orton will get better!
woo-sah! woo-sah!
YOU ARE NOT A TRUE FAN IF YOU ARE BOOING, THAT’S WHY WE CALL YOU “FAIR WEATHER” Does that make sense to you idiots
oh wow, great comeback? you guys are funny. Seems like I touched a nerve with some of you. Just means I was right about the Cutler comment. All of you guys loved him and now you say he is no good. And I am aware of us having option. If you read my other posts you would have seen my comments that stated I think Simms is decent and should start. All I’m saying is Orton sucks, just ask bears fans, they already know this to be true. You guys are putting hope in a dude that is horrible and you somehow think because he will put on a broncos uniform he will all of a sudden play spectactular. Thats not being a fan, thats being lame.
The truth remains that broncos fans who feel the same as me are in the majority. The broncos fan like you guys (fantasyland dreamers) Are in the minority and mainly on the web. Walk around the streets of Denver. You will be hard pressed to find any Orton supporters. Did you see him at the open practice at Invesco? I did. The guy can’t play.
fantasyland dreamers… you’re the one thats funny….alwayz 7.
We’re realists but we’re not gonna throw this guy under the bus after one pre-season game. This is an intricate offense and I really have doubts if Cutler would have been able to handle this new system. Not because of his ability but because of the pissy attitude he displayed. A true prima donna and not a Team player. He’s already throwing Hester under the bus. He’s not accountable. You won’t see Orton sitting all by his lonesome at the end of the bench sulking. Orton will get his opportunity to succeed, and Simms will as well. In case you haven’t noticed, Team is total concept now. I doubt whether you played the game and understand Team concept, based on your dialogue. Of course we expect this behavior from a fair weathered fan like you so no surprises there.
HAHA right. You know your wrong about Orton, just admit it. Once again you need PLAYERS that are good to make a team. You can’t say we have a crappy QB but he’s a “team player” so we gonna be ok. Yor funny. Are you Ortons mom? Because you seem to really like him.
Let me give you an example of your fickleness.
So the trade never happenes ok?
Bears coming into town with a lot on the line for the broncos.
Orton is the bears starting QB.
Yea you feeling real good about the broncos chances because you know Orton is horrible and will lose the game for them.
BUT, he is a bronco now so he is a totally different player? WOW!
HAHA right. You know your wrong about Orton, just admit it. Once again you need PLAYERS that are good to make a team. You can’t say we have a crappy QB but he’s a “team player” so we gonna be ok. Your funny. Are you Ortons mom? Because you seem to really like him.
Let me give you an example of your fickleness.
So the trade never happenes ok?
Bears coming into town with a lot on the line for the broncos.
Orton is the bears starting QB.
Yea you feeling real good about the broncos chances because you know Orton is horrible and will lose the game for them.
BUT, he is a bronco now so he is a totally different player? WOW!
woops
alwayz 7… Orton has a better chance of being a great QB because he now has the weapons he didn’t have in Chicago you little pea brain. Sure we would’ve said those things about Orton if the trade never happened and Chicago came into town with him as their QB. Cutler is going to struggle big time cause he doesn’t have his favorite go-to players anymore. He’s in new territory now. Its not the same situation and you know it. Yeah, I think we ALL jumped on the Cutler bandwagon when he was here. We had a chance to a very threatening offense. But he and Marshall buddied up too much and Cutler went on a 3 year INT throwing spree. We never got to the playoffs with him. It takes more than one person to make a great offense and Orton has great people to work with to make him better. He doesn’t have this huge ego and at least he admits his mistakes, you know. Cutler can’t admit his mistakes and get better you know, you know.
I think you’re head over heels for Cutler, alwayz 7… a little too much if you ask me. And again, I won’t be judging Orton on how he plays in the preseason games. That’s too easy. But come regular season, after a few games to really get an idea for how he plays, if he hasn’t really changed from how he did in Chicago… I can admit when I’m wrong and I’ll do it with class, unlike you when you just like to shove it in people’s faces. Its way too easy to say Simms should be our starter, of course he looked great against the 49ers… he was playing against 2nd & 3rd stringers!! They could’ve made a rock look good. I’d love to see how both of them would play against a real fight of a game… like against Dallas or NE, Pittsburgh… the really tough games we have ahead of us. There lies all the pressure to be great. Not pre season games.
Oh and WOO-SAH to you too, headlesshorseman! hahaha
07elway i like your style, that other cat “always 7″ is a buster. you don’t have to explain yourself to that idiot, although i like the read. That dudes got fair weather all over him. All i’m saying is that i am a fan of the BRONCOS, so whoever sports the blue and orange, I am faithful to. And last year all the mistakes cutler made, i never booed, always opomistic, cheers
Thanks bling (nice username by the way). I don’t see it as me explaining myself to them… just a good argument. I like to debate people on things & I’m good at it. I’m giving Orton the chance he deserves. He’s looked at as the underdog in this whole situation and I love to cheer on the underdog. He has the potential to be great. I’ve never booed my team either… not classy at all.
alwayz 7: like I said earlier… you’ve never played the game so you’re a clues…. pea brain !!
Thanks 07elway for getting my back and coming up with a great name for this fair weathered fan!
Yes, you are good at it !!!
No prob royalbroncofan… always got the back of a true fan.
Actually I played 2 years at Azuza Pacific University. I hate to mention that but since u brought it up. Look guys, once again we will agree to disagree. The truth will show itself and I sincerley hope i’m wrong. I been a broncos fan since I was 10 years old in ’87. This by far is the worst team we’ve put on the field since then. But yea lets wait untill the season starts but if you open your eyes and take a step back you will surely see there’s not much to be excited about. Good night haha
I was fortunate enough to watch the game in Missouri. No, not on tv as everything is red out here..grrr, but I dug it up on the net an hour before game time.
I knew when the game was over that people would be complaining about Orton and talking up Simms. Hey, I think Simms is in the right colors, but I wouldn’t call the quarterback position filled by him just yet. Why?
Orton marched the team down the field consistently AND it was against the 1st teamers(Minus Frank Gore). Simm’s got the glory and earned some of it by his coolness under pressure, but it was against 2nd and 3rd string. What about the 3 interceptions? Yes, there was a big problem there, but easily corrected. I played Quarterback, amongst quite a few other positions(All as starter) and Team Manager(Long story on that, lol), so I had an insight as a defender and QB…he throws directly to where his receivers are supposed to be as drawn out by the play. It’s mechanical, it’s robotic and any good defensive man viewing tapes would know how to pick him off. So know you are wondering, knowing this, how could I say that he stands a chance as even a backup? Because it can be remedied. He’s playing the game as a “worker”, a “businessman”, an “employee” and is afraid to mess up the basics as outlined by the coach. What needs to happen with him? Simple. He needs to go out and play some old school football with some friends and or teammates. You know..the kind where you pick teams, tell guys to go out for a pass, call no plays and just look for what receiver is open because they left their coverage staring at the ground, lol. A couple of sessions of that, without any real plays called and he’ll be seeing the receiver, not the x’s and o’s in a playbook, as he most likely did as a kid. It’s not rocket science, though it can seem that way when trying to make the team as a starter and everyone has you under the microscope waiting for you to fail. The game of football is a wonderful adventure if one doesn’t get caught up in the business part too much. The key rule is..go out there and have fun. When you forget that rule, your game falls apart. Orton does have as much of a chance as Simms. Someone take the poor guy out for a game of backyard football.
Shadow Walker +SW->
always 7: ur analysis is a bit premature based on 1/2 a preseason game, gotta give Orton a chance to work the system but have no doubt if he can’t cut it he’ll be out in no time. Till then he’s our QB, we’ll see how he does against Seattle tomorrow. If you watched Cutler play his first game he was not too different and turned over the ball 2 and almost 3x. Its not my call but I would guess Simms will step in if Orton doesn’t step it up. Again, all this is way too early we got 47 new players and its going to take some effort to bring them together as a team. I am hoping to see Cutler toss a few to Bailey in that upcoming game, hopefully Orton won’t do the same with his old team mates. Plenty of time to be a hater later, meanwhile just be glad its football season again.
GO BRONCOS
I think that a bigger story than the qb’s story was the lack of respect SF gave to Champ. It seemed they were not affraid to throw the ball over to his side of the field,big mistake, Champ almost picked a few of those balls yeah,yeah,yeah…I hope Seattle plays the same way and decides to see if Bailey has lost a step or two. If teams try that this season thinking this , I see Champ breaking some wills and hearts this season. And with a healthy weapon x the deep threat dont seem like such a threat after all. I like what going on in dove valley this year and think Shannihans time should have been up when we lost to the Steelers in 05 cause we were kicking the tar out of some good teams that year and got our lunch fed to us by a wildcard shot in the dark and that really hurt in the place I least liked it ….My wallet!! all our inguries and marginal play were a direct result of one word COACHING and im glad we are getting plenty of that this year…I bet we dont have 5 injured running backs this year or have to pray 10 (hail Maries) either.
oh yeah and Orton did move us down the field well and while his stats are not what Prima Donna Cuttlers were he did lead in one stat which is the only one that counts…Ws baby!!!