Broncos’ head coach John Fox has been beating the drum all week: The entire team must improve. That includes all the coaches and all the players, not just the starting quarterback.
“We have to improve as a football team,” Fox said. “We need to improve as coaches. We weren’t very good last time out and we’ve got something to prove this time out.”
Count offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who has received his share of play-calling criticism this week, as among those who hope to have learned from the first time the Broncos played the Raiders back in week one.
“That was the one game looking back the entire year that we really struggled running the football,” McCoy said. “It was just one of those deals where we came out and they beat us up front. They got the best of us, and then we probably started throwing the ball a little too often, too early in the game. We got away from the run.”
Since the Broncos now feature Tebow at quarterback, it is much less likely they’ll get away from the run, since the running game will likely include a healthy dose of Tebow himself.
Of course, the Broncos’ defense could stand to improve, too. Denver gave up too many big plays in the blowout loss to the Lions, not that safety Brian Dawkins needed a reminder.
“We want to be consistent,” Dawkins said. “That’s the thing we’re talking about, consistency—playing consistent ball week-in and week-out, not having two weeks of consistent ball and then a week that doesn’t look like us on film. Those are the things we’re trying to cut out, those mistakes to make sure we’re putting a consistent product on the field.”
Might as well say the same about the offense. Certainly the entire unit needs to take some steps forward. The line needs to play better. The backs and receivers need to make the plays that are there to be made. And yes, quarterback Tim Tebow has his share of improving to do. But don’t take my word for it.
“I’ll just try to get better from that game (Detroit) and improve and just continue to get better as a football player,” Tebow said. “You’re going to have people that praise you and people that criticize you and everything in between. If I listened to everything you all say, my world would be so up and down.”
It is always easy to point the finger at the quarterback. Undoubtedly, Tebow must start to show signs of better play. There is no getting around that.
And unfortunately, there is no getting around the fact that all of the Broncos must do the same. Otherwise, it will certainly be another long afternoon.
What are your expectations for the game against the Raiders? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
I expect a low scoring defensive game. I will be surprised if either Carson or TT is able to generate much offense. I don’t expect a blow out like with Detroit going either way. I expect that that the DEN offensive line will be manhandled by OAK defense.
I think Tebow will be able to gash OAK for ground yardage better than Carson will be able to consistently pass.
I am cautiously optimistic that Broncos will score more than the Raiders.
Go get em Broncos… Win or lose I’ll always bleed orange…
Thanks for the column mike much appreciated. My expectations — on the offensive side of the ball start with a good game plan and especially EXECUTION.
I am undoubtably looking at McCoy under an extream microscope this week as opposed to the previous weeks with Tebow at the helm, as he should have at least a good deal of knowledge as to what strengths to play to, to best taylor the kid, so he can fully get the best production possible out of him which, in turn, should help put a complete offense on the field. Obviously this all starts with the run.
As far as the defense, one word: consistency; that’s the be all and end all, period.
-Royalty
Well it’s back to the mixing board for me, another all-nighter…
Goodnight, god bless.
-Royalty
Repost:
Man… I’m praying for bay I hope he’s ok. He’s always had kind words for me when it comes to my personal lifes’ ups and downs.
A Mile High Salute to bay, hoping he’s fine along with a speedy recovery.
-Royalty
Consistency on D is a need indeed. Sometimes they show flashes of a good d that can be great. Other times an avg d that gives up big plays alot. Some of that consistency isn’t just in play but also in personel. Stop with the switches at safety. I think thaats where alot of communication and chemistry is hurt. Let more play out the season and then we handle competition come offseason. Something our very young team hasn’t really had a chance to experience.
On offense I wanna see a sound plan and unpredictable plays. Not the same stuff. Gotta be fluid in our execution but also in what is best for our current personel. I think TT has his first great game this year and that we beat the raiders snapping our losing streak to them. Carson throws 3 ints and we keep bush on lock. That is my prayer and hope. God willing ill finally be abble to watch a full game since Tebow has been starting. My sundays have been hectic. We haven’t won in our Division in a while. Alot of the new cats don’t even know what a divisional victory over a rival feels like. Coaches included.
Later days, TRB
Raiders run better, have better QB, better defense.
Raider 24-16.
well … if we are basing both QBs off recent showings … raiders QBs look worse (palmer and boller) lol. I will however give you the Defense thing. And without McFadden … we are about even I think ( but then again we might not have McGahee) … TRB
I think that unless the defense plays good this is going to be another long day.
DEN 13
OAK 33
My expectations for the game? Absolulty game plan and exicution! The ability to adjust to what the defense is doing will be pivital. I would like to see TT progress a bit with his ability to read what the defense is doing to him, with the understanding that he’s not going to catch everything. I also will be paying alot of attention to the OC. I would like to see how he plans to use our players to there strenghts. And how he adjust to the defense in his system. With that being said My expectation is going to be for some improvement but not expecting a complete 180 as a team.
As for D I would like to see consistancy. Also would like to see goody make a play!
Raider week….
another trip to the black hole. How exciting! Maybe this is what Tebow is waiting for…… a chance to go into the rivals den of evil and vanquish not just the Broncos foe; but his media/ critic foes as well.
Not a likely scenario. My wife who often surprises me with her astute commentary on football, said after listening to the Tebow critics on ESPN (Merrill), that this is not a Tebow problem, it is a Team problem. According to John Fox, she was right again.
This team is all over the place. The defense is to shallow on talent to recover from minor injury set backs to the starters and the learning curve of the rookies is being exploited by the opposition each week.
It will take patience and support from the fans as well as some serious coaching from the staff. that is what has me concerned. Is this staff up to that challenge?
The older you get the harder it is to bounce back, but glad I’m back, everything went good thanks shaztah and Royalty for your concerns, but won’t be here much, hurting pretty good overall, got all the predictions though and arch4662 you already posted a 35-13 Raider win earlier so scratch this one off.
GO BRONCOS!
This could be the first game I might have to miss watching since like 1993 or 1994 and it would kill me, I hope two days does me a world of good…. And don’t worry if I can’t watch it I won’t make a single comment about it, no sense speaking about a game just through a few highlights and stupid stats. So many folks do that and I have zero clue as to how they can get the pulse of the game and the players that way, total waste of time.
Enjoy your blogging you all and keep posting your predictions through the tomorrow pm midnight blog time deadline, no exceptions.
Quick run down so far:
17 Broncos win picks
17 Raiders win pics
Dead even!
Welcome back bay! Here’s to continuing a great recovery *raises beer glass*
On another note, daddybronc brought up the point that if Tebow’s faith was a Muslim one, then the Tebowing mockery wouldn’t be “in good fun”. But that’s just the thing – I don’t think it’s mockery. TT himself is even taking it in good stride. Oh well. Moving on.
Without McFadden and with a rusty QB, their offense isn’t going to be as potent as it was in week 1 (or the last like 6 games against us lol). I certainly see a much closer contest this Sunday than recent games. That’ll be the only prediction I make – that this will be a close one – maybe going into OT. If it comes down to that, the first team to get the ball will probably score. BUT – their kicker is also out, so no more 75 yard FGs haha.
Welcome back Bay, glad to see you. I had a cyst remover from my shoulder/armpit area and worked the next day. Popped 2 stitches and got sick from the pain pills.So Get lots of rest and hopefully you will get to watch the game.
20-14 broncos
I think this game could show whether or not we improved. I guess we will all find out sunday..
I think the lack of consistency on defense has a lot to do with our offense going 3 and out too often… Asking our D to go back on the field with limited rest and then endure long drives by our opponent isn’t gonna work for any defense… We need to get a few 1st downs, get some rhythm on offense, score some points and let our defense rest!!!
Morning Mr. Rice,
Just gonna vent my frustration. When Orton played it was his play that was hindering this team (as per popular opinion) now that Tebow is QB1, the entire team needs improvement?!
While I won’t disagree that this team needs to show overall improvement, Tebow needs to show the most. And fast. He does play the most important position on the team.
GO BRONCOS!!
Man I hate the raiders. Fox says they have something to prove as a team including coaching. This week should bring excitment to all Broncos Country. I’m dreading this week. I hope we see the ball coming out of TTs hands alot quicker this week. Scrambling for 7, 8, 9 seconds gets players hurt not to mention the horrible success rate.
I never like to predict that the Broncos will lose especially to the raiders but reality sets in hard when you are in denial too long. I hate it but here goes:
Broncos 16
raiders 30
Bay what happened…we’d hate to have to put you on IR.
It sounds like people are not merely jumping, but flying off the bandwagon these days. I know it’s only Friday, but 34 predictions seems like it’s way down from the first 7 games. Just sayin’
Semper Broncos!! and FTR!!!
sndvl. I agree. So much has been said in the media about our QB situation. An analyst said recently…”When you set aside Tim Tebow, all you have is a bad football team.” I agree. The difference is Orton is supposed to know better. He is a veteran after all but his play was atrocious and with that comes negative press commensurate with his veteran status. When a young player comes in struggles are expected and therefore blame must be directed elsewhere.
The constant scrutiny Orton was under surely affected his play… Just as the attention Tebow has gotten I think has affected him. If fans had been behind Orton I think he would have played better albeit still not the answer at QB and I would have wante to see Tebow but Orton was made the bad guy from camp
QBs are always under pressure although not quite like what KO experienced here. I supported the organization’s decision to have Orton start. He (and the rest of the team really) played poorly. So, I supported the decision to start TT. The fans made Orton the bad guy, not the media…until he started throwing picks.
“The goofy thing is, it’s almost like if he doesn’t have success it will be anybody’s fault but his,” Fox said. “It’s almost that kind of polarizing thing. They’ll say it could be his supporting cast, or the type of plays. At the end of the day, we are what we are. We’re doing everything we can to win, and we’re finding out about a young quarterback, good, bad or indifferent.”
I believe this game is going to boil down to play calling for denver. The offense has to bite, scratch, and claw to stay on the field. A diverse play selection would be nice to see. Can’t let those Radier d lineman dictate to the offense the situation.
Which Raider WR do you think we’ll put Champ on?
I will be at this weeks game with my wife
I went back and rewatched the 1st half of last weeks game. To be honest, Tebow didn’t make a bad decision or throw a bad pass until about 6 minutes into the second quarter. Yet his stats at the time were something like 2 of 9. It wasn’t until he had been hit from behind for the 4th or 5th time that he started to get jittery before pressure even arrived.
Orlando had gotten beat multiple times, his feet arn’t quick enough in pass protection. If the DE lines up wide he gets the first step to the outside and rounds the corner before Orlando even has a chance. He is beat from step one.
Denver never gave Orlando help by using a RB to chip the DE while running for the flat or by using a TE to chip the DE before running a quick out or slant.
This same problem was happening to Orton when he was playing but it wasn’t as devistating cause it wasn’t his blindside.
Either way this is a coaching problem. They are not adjusting or adapting. They are certainly not helping their players succeed.
Moreno looked decent in the first half blocking, catching and running. He still needs to learn better vision, patience, and how to just cut and go. He really does try to fight for yards but just doesn’t have the size.
Anyway, what I am getting at is that players aren’t getting utilized to the best of thier abilities. From Tebow on down to Franklin. The scheme is not working and defenses have caught onto it in a big way.
Speaking of play calling, is it me or have we completely abandoned the screen pass after Moreno took one for 6?? WTF???
Orange- If you look at the some treads you can make a case of if it worked they go away from it. Its starting to get pretty frustrating to watch.
0- roll out passes. 1 bootleg which was thrown away but didnt try it again. 2 screen passes- 1 TD. Went away from it. 0 screens to the backs.
Lets play action vertical all day.
How many draws have they run???
Bay – it is good to have you back. I would post a link for you to watch the game online, but those links never post. I guess it’s the rules here. Maybe we can work something out for you.
HY – I agree that the player was probably not mocking Tebow’s faith, and the ‘tebowing’ was likely done in the spirit of emphasizing the sack. I very much appreciate Tebow’s attitude about the whole thing. The point still stands that if Tebow were Muslim and the player, in order to ‘rub in’ the sack, made gestures to effect that he was laying out his prayer rug and turned himself to do the bowing towards Mecca…the author I was referring to is right…there would be apologies from the player, the coaches, team reps, and possibly the NFL commissioner. The further point is that, if it would be wrong to ‘rub in’ using religious symbolism from other religions, if it would be wrong to ‘rub in’ using references to race, if it is wrong …then it is wrong – regardless of the fact that Tebow is a heck of a nice guy, and took no offense.
I got a fever, and the only prescription is more screen passes to Moreno!!!
Bay, glad your back. Get well soon brother. BLEEDING ORANGE!! LOL
Broncos Baby!!!
Broncos All day! Set TT up for success not failure. We can do this by getting Mcgahee to make the Raiders respect the run, and then by utilizing play actions, rollouts, quick slants, and bubble screens. Though, admittedly, we do have to improve as an offensive unit as well. We should still go into Oakland in the black hole and beat the banged up Raiders.
As a true Raider Hater my prediction for Sunday is:
Denver-23 Oakland-14
playing man to man would seem like a bad match up. they got speed kills for WR’s but no QB. the secondary and LBs need to play cover 2 and 3 mixing it up. the fron four elvis and ayers need to beat the edge and pressure carson any way. Allen and fox do a good job of dialing up the blits with safties and vonnie. im really exited for this game i went to the home opener monday night game and when we lost i swore we were so close to finally beating them with orton. they beat us in our house. lets beat them in their house. lets go knock their front door down. GO BRONCOS!
Why is everyone complaining about 2 bad starts? Tebow didn’t play well but it was a team effort last weak. Neither Orton, Quinn, the mighty Phillip Rivers in our division, or even Aaron Rodgers could have won the way our team played last week.
It’s going to take time to get in a groove with the offense. We basically had a new offense going out there. Receivers that had been hurt pretty much the entire season or ones stepping in for the first time with Lloyd gone and we also didn’t have McGahee who has proven to be a good runner. He needs TIME. For all the Tebow chants it’s funny how fast we’re ready to say get out of there and let’s put Brady Quinn, who already failed in the NFL, out there.
Here’s the key difference in last week’s loss and some of Orton’s, since we played the blame game with him too. Week 1 why did we lose to the Raiders? Sure we gave up 190 yards rushing but didn’t our quarterback, UNTOUCHED, drop the ball in the backfield essentially giving the Raiders points? We lost that game by 3, a game that changes the entire look of our division at this point.
My point is simply yes Tebow needs to get better but he’s only going to do so with time and more help from the line and his receivers. He’s basically still a rookie and needs a go-to guy he can get the ball to. Cam has Steve Smith, Dalton has A.J. Green. Stop throwing him on the stake and give him time to develop his game. Last time I checked Tebow can throw the ball accurately sometimes, he just has to work on that “timing” that everyone talks about. He’ll win us some games, we just can’t give up so soon.
I think when camp finally started nobody wanted Orton to start, he never had any support from anyone, and everyone expected him to play well under the microscope its hard to play good that way. Now TT is playing this whole team sucks and isnt playing good, I really think that this team is tired of reading all of the negativity from the fans to tell you the truth, they read this stuff. Now the coaching staff needs to get better, anything else that we can put blame on besides TT LOL. I would love for him to beat the dog snot out of the raiders dont get me wrong I dont dislike TT at all. I have followed him threw college and all that good stuff, but we the fans need to lay off the coaches, and we to evalute TT honestly and not with our hearts. I never wanted to see him fail but last wk he honestly got worse no improvement what so ever, so we will see how he does this wk but Im not anticipateing a 180 degree turnaround thats for sure.
I think Cam, Dalton, ponder, and the rest of the rookies are just more Pro Ready than TT is its simple Feet work, throwing motion, check downs and reading defenses period, those are the things the other rookie quarterbacks can do its just to much to over come all of those things IMO.
As I watched the last game again able to stop it, I would say 70% of the time he had someone open and threw to the wrong guy. He needs to keep his head downfield instead of looking at DE pressure, dont step so far back into the pocket and check down thats why they are their to help him and he is not doing that.
The great John Elway couldn’t win if sacked 7 times. Ironically, it was the Detroit Lions who wasted primo draft pick after primo draft pick on skill players. It wasn’t until they addressed the offensive and defensive lines that things turned around. The Broncos need help up front, not another QB. Also, I listened to the Broncos/Lions game on the radio, and was calling the Bronco plays in advance about 90% of the time. The play calling is designed to lose. The object of the game is to call plays the defense isn’t expecting. Running on first down every time early doesn’t cut it. If I can figure out what’s coming 90% of the time, the defense sure can 100% of the time. Message to Broncos. When the other team is taunting your QB, you should KNOW what to do.
Ok… Time for the Broncos to ‘Win One for BAY’…
Hope you are feeling better… Rest Easy, we will cheer for you this weekend!!!
Raider week – go Broncos …
Yeah – go Broncos … go to Oakland, run around in the rain … I truly hope our OL can give TT at least a chance … I KNOW the Raiders DL will just simply LOVE to put TT on his arse … they will stomp and hoot and take all the demonstration penalties they get because they will want to show the carnage to the country on TV … so – OL – this is your chance to make a statement … PLEASE – make it a good one …
As for the D – this is also your chance to shine … whomever is at QB is going to be raw and unpolished – pass rush and blitz like never before this season … it’s probably our only hope … how come we looked SO GOOD in Eddie Royal’s first game – just beat the crap out of the Raiders that night … now – we probably have a handful of the same players left … what’s up with that??? … these guys really aren’t the Broncos, are they??? … they remind me of the ’60 – ’70 Broncos … I remember so many 49 – 14 Raider games, when fans were just happy to see a late score …
God, I hate the Raiders …
New Blog
Denver 38
Raiders 24
denver 24
raiders 21 matt prater drinks his beer on the sideline and kicks a game winner. lol
i really like how we couldnt run in week 1 against the raiders and now 8 weeks later we can for almost 300 lol very good sign for fox shows the broncos fans he is doing something right lol
make hair grow faster…
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