The journey that is the 2010 season has begun for the Denver Broncos.
It has started out as an interesting journey, to say the least. Undoubtedly, the Broncos did not expect the trailhead to be frought with adversity.
But so it is.
Injuries to running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter hit on the first day of training camp. Then this week, linebacker Elvis Dumervil went down and he will likely be out for about four months. Wide receiver Kenny McKinley and safety Josh Barrett are already on injured reserve.
That is a whole lot of adversity for one week, no doubt. And let’s not forget that Ryan Clady and Darrell Reid are also trying to get healthy in a hurry.
The week before training camp started, if you had asked me what one word best summarized my attitude towards the Broncos’ 2010 season, I would have said, “Intrigued.”
I am a generally positive and upbeat person so I am always excited when a new season begins. But after the way the Broncos finished in 2009, coupled with the changes they made in the offseason, I was, more than anything, intrigued about what might be ahead for the Broncos this year.
I am still intrigued, even more so now.
Keep in mind that to me, being intrigued is not the same as being pessimistic. It is simply being really interested and curious to see how things unfold as the preseason goes along and the Broncos get into regular season games.
In particular, I am intrigued by:
1 – HOW THE BRONCOS WILL RESPOND TO THIS EARLY ADVERSITY. Buckhalter will hopefully be back soon. Moreno will probably take a little longer. But there is no way to sugarcoat Dumervil’s loss. It is big. McKinley and Barrett both had a great chance to contribute.
But the fact is, the season will go on. And the Broncos will have to figure out a way to be competitive despite the losses. Yes, that is easier said than done. No, nobody will want to hear about injuries regardless of what the Broncos’ record is.
The Broncos, however, have talent. They have leaders. They also have to have other guys fill the shoes of those who are out. I am intrigued to see how all of this plays out.
2 – WHO THE PLAYMAKERS ARE ON OFFENSE. I think the Broncos offense has more going for it than many people probably do. There are good players. For instance, quarterback Kyle Orton seems extremely focused and determined to have a great year. Time will tell I he has the talent to back it up.
Once Buckhalter and Moreno get back, and it seems like they should by the time the regular season opener rolls around, I like the stable of running backs. If LenDale White returns to his form from a couple of seasons ago, I like that group even more.
But here is what I am interested in watching: Which guys will be the ones that cause opposing defensive coordinators to lose sleep over when they’re developing their game plans? Who on the Broncos’ offense will be the big threats, who will come to the fore when the Broncos have to have a big play?
There are candidates. Let’s see what happens when the games count.
3 – HOW DOMINATING THIS DEFENSE CAN BE. I love the additions on the defensive line. Jamal Williams, Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green bring talent, experience and toughness. After what happened down the stretch last year, we can probably all agree that the Broncos needed more of all three of those attributes.
I love the mix of youth and experience in the secondary. On the one hand there is Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill. Then there are the up-and-comers such as Darcel McBath and David Bruton. Finally, let’s see what a rookie like Perrish Cox can bring to the table.
I also think there is big-time upside to a guy like Robert Ayers. No one can become Elvis Dumervil overnight. But guys are going to have to make up for Elvis’ loss. Ayers is one guy who could help in that regard. Jarvis Moss might be another.
If the first week is any indication, the unexpected might become the theme of the 2010. It is way to early to know, but I’m certainly intrigued to find out.
What interests you the most in the early part of training camp? I appreciate your reading and posting.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: 2010, Andre' Goodman, Brian Dawkins, Broncos, Champ Bailey, Denver, Jamal Williams, Jarvis Green, Jarvis Moss, Justin Bannan, LenDale White, Perrish Cox, Renaldo Hill, Robert Ayers
Intriguing is adequate, many folks have simply said the Broncos have too many “ifs” to be legitimate contenders this year, it’s kind of the same train of thought, what if, I wonder if, the intrigues are everywhere this year and for this reason alone it will be a very interesting season to watch. What interests me the most in TC so far is the fact they were finally gonna put the pads on, I kept saying that’s what separates the men from the boys, a kazillion injuries later I could care less for pads and wish we could jump directly into the regular season, LOL. I can handle an injury in a game that counts way better than at practice. Anyway Mike, glad to see you back with an article during this difficult stretch.
And I would think the journey has already begun in earnest, with Moreno, Bucky, Doom, McKinley and Barrett being proof of that, but I know what you mean.
I’m one to think the Broncos are going to have a better record than most 8-8 sayers. Even with the loses up todate, the Broncos will win 10 or more games this year and will make the playoffs. I believe this defense wil be a top 5 or better and keep opponets under 21 points. I like the favorable schedule. I just know McGenius is a Genius and will make this a winning organization for many years to come. Jump on the wagon now instead of later.I’m looking forward to watching the Broncos on Aug,15th and know that it will be the start of something special this year.
Nice article, thanks.
Go Broncos!!!
I was just referring to the title, but you addressed that in the first sentence and beyond, what’s in a title anyway, haha. Talking about titles a fellow blogger said today how much he hates the saying it is what it is which I use quite often since you had it once in a title I believe, so I defended the saying for you, I got your back. Just trying to make light of another wise tough day, I’m kind of in mourning today and I believe I have a right to be, but tomorrow is another day, the sun will come up once again.
I think nearly everyone on this site, at least in the off season, is always on the wagon, if they were off the wagon they wouldn’t be here, right? It’s just that everyone rides the wagon a little differently, no hurt in that.
We are rated with the 24th easiest schedule in the league this year (based on the 2009 win/loss record of teams we play), problem is the Chargers have the 29th easiest, what’s up with that? The Raiders have the 16th and the Chiefs the 22nd.
Doublepost:
The season might not be a total loss,Hell I didn’t expect to win the Superbowl anyway.If we can grow and jell as a team,and keep our good players signed(especially Champ)we can still gain experience and make a run at the playoffs,and then wait till the 2011 season to claim our AFC West title back and maybe make a run at the Superbowl.
I think Lendale White will surprise a lot of people,the man is only 25,and still is one Helluva RB,I just hope McD gives him a fair shake,I think he can have a shot at being a franchise RB,really.I know we picked him up for depth and short yardage but I think he is starting material,should be interesting to see what happens.When Moreno and Buck get healthy,we’ll have one of the best RB stables in the NFL,if our Oline can get healthy and jell we should be a LOT better pounding the rock this year,that in itself will help the passing game tremendously.IMO.
Mike always good to hear from you,I enjoy reading your articles.As far as your question about TC,I think the Oline will make us or break us this year.
Cox,Jones,and Thompson should make the best secondary in the NFL even better.
I look for our Defense to really excell this year,too bad Doom can’t be a part of it tho.
If our Offense can catch up with our Defense we would be Superbowl Champions again.
Judging from no dumervile talks, i take it all the anger and OMG was takin out on the last blog? lol
Pretty much the same insight I have about the team now that we’ve suffered some major setbacks. Will be very interesting to see how the whole team responds to the adversity. All I will say (or repeat) is what Champ said in the BTV Day 5 video on the homepage. Take it from one of the players and someone who knows the state of our D better… just in case no one saw the video he said “we have to find a way to get through it and guys have to step up…” I need not say anymore. We are all in agreement this is more than major, its a colossal setback but this team we have is made up of fighters, they’ll do what they have to do to get the job done this year.
Keep the faith Broncos Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
The exciting thing is that Denver is Totally unknown as far as this year goes, everyone judges us on last season when so much has changes (experience wise) I believe Denver can really go anywhere this season, whether its 4-12 or 12-4 (I hope its the latter) any way you cut it no one knows exactly where we stand this year, I believe thats why most die-hards are really feeling optimistic about this season!
I CAN”T WAIT FOR 08/15/10
Funny, or not so funny, but true statement from Woody:
An axiom in the NFL is that the three most important positions are quarterback, left tackle and pass-rushing specialist. Running back is fourth. The Broncos are about axiomed-out. Team doctor may be the most important position.
It seems as if the injury bug has decided to attack us at the top, except for the QB, but McD is taking care of that with the QQ, haha.
All jokes set aside, since the sun has risen again, this is how I see it:
Doom, loss larger than life, but with Moss and Ayers coming along and Haggan possibly moved back outside we still have some left at that position even so nowhere the impact, no team will double anyone on the outside now.
Barrett huge ST loss, guys like that Mays tackling machine we just acquired from Philadelphia in a trade for JJ have the potential to step up and make us forget how good Barrett was on ST. As far as safety, this is still one of our deepest position on the field, so it shouldn’t affect us at all unless players keep going down.
Moreno going down to me in a strange way is a good thing. In my view, the guy has already durability issues, last year ankle injury that lingered through the season and he did’n t have anything left in the tank to finish the season, this year the hammy injury, something that could linger also… so what’s the good thing? We brought in a legitimate 235 lbs power back because of it, the toy I had always wished we would have because I like to win the game in the trenches and punishing opponents in the process, no finesse, no sacrificing size for speed the way Shanny always did, just raw power up the middle, what’s not to like about that. Of course it won’t mean diddly until the 5th game of the season because of his 4 game suspension, so hopefully the Moreno Bucky tandem can remain until the cavalry arrives.
Bucky getting injured is business as usual, I mean come on who expects the guy to remain healthy through the season, injury prone is an under statement and it’s a shame because healthy I like him better than Moreno for sure, but man we cannot count on guys with such injury history in the future, just saying.
Mc Kinley going down doesn’t bother me at all since I have been saying all along he would be outside the cut along with Stockley, the reason is a guy named Willis who has made the best for himself out of OTA’s and TC so far. Plus McKinley has now officially got knees issues since this year knee injury follows last year knee injury.
Clady’s health, well I’m praying there because honestly I got nothing else. If the guy doesn’t return 100%, Orton is up the creek without a paddle since he has mobility and quick decision making issues. No way I can sugar coat this point. In fact if Clady does not return I think Quinn and Tebow may offer us a better option because of their athleticism. That’s where McD’s QQ comes in and I wish him the best of luck with that.
That’s about it folks, all in all whatever has transpired over the last week will not have a tremendous effect on our record that I can tell, maybe a game or two at the most is the way I see it, but what do I know I’m just a fan like all you guys.
This is the latest lowdown on Doom’s injury from Legwold:
After a brief examination by trainers, he was sent to the locker room. He has since undergone a magnetic resonance imaging exam. A source familiar with the results said Dumervil suffered a torn pectoral muscle.
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels wouldn’t go that far Thursday, saying only that Dumervil had suffered an injury to “the pectoral area.” McDaniels said no course of treatment, including surgery, had been determined by Thursday afternoon
Today, Dumervil is scheduled to get a second opinion from Dr. Michael Dillingham, an orthopedist who is part of the medical staffs for both the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Dumervil, if a surgical diagnosis is confirmed, is expected to have an operation to reattach his pectoral tendon as soon as this weekend. That surgery most likely would be performed by Dr. Ted Schlegel, the Broncos’ head team physical.
Surgery is the usual course of action for a tear of the pectoral, a large, fan- shaped muscle that is connected by a tendon to the upper arm. The most common tear for NFL players with the injury is of the tendon pulling away from the bone of the upper arm, as well as torn muscle tissue.
Recovery from surgery lasts four to six months. Because the muscle is so large and used so often, even small movements can cause pain or damage during recovery. The surgery scenario would put Dumervil out for the season.
Well Baylin you were right the sun DID come up again,but it sure isn’t as bright this morning.
Another interesting thing that McD is saying is that he isn’t going to try to replace Doom (he couldn’t anyway) and he will probably use more 4-3 defensive sets, but not switch completely to it.
Sorry bay. I just saw you posted that on another blog.
McD also said they had already practiced a little 4-3 before the injury.
If you’re going to implemint a 3-4 Defense,you can’t change it because of one player,although I am a big fan of the 4-3 anyway,just means the DL will have to step up more.Jamal Williams will play what position in a 4-3?? DL.
I’ve always likes a 4-3 better,seems like there are to many holes in a 3-4 against the run,unless you have great LBs that can fill them quickly,it’s hard for a 250 lb LB to take on a 320 lb Olineman,especially against the run,I bet that’s why McD is trying a little bit of the 4-3 scheme.
BFE
And now that McD may be thinking of moving Haggan to the outside when he was counting on him to stop the run with DJ in the middle, I could see why going to the 4-3 some might be needed, makes sense in that regard.
We got killed with the run ever since the Baltimore game last year and lowly folks had record #’s on the ground in numerous games against us, so I’m sure that it’s McD’s priority #1 for the D this year and he is raking his brain for everything it’s worth trying to come up with ways to stopping the run with what we’ve got. The D line will help greatly, but you still need a back up plan with the LB’s when the D line gives.
Hey, starting in a couple minutes the NFL Network has the 69 and 70 seasons of the Denver Broncos in the next hour, obviously an hommage to Floyd, cool.
We never seem to catch a break, do we? Somebody is always hurt or in the doghouse or unhappy or something. I’d like to see a season where the Broncos -don’t- lose an important player.
Wooow now jarvis moss is walking off the field with trainers and a towel over his head….but they said it might be a heat issue cause he walking just fine…I really hope so
For some reason I think McDaniels is the right man for the job. I dont know why because I hated getting rid of Cutler, marshall and Sheffler. But I do like how he runs a team with the no nonsense and i like his play calling. I think everyone needs to give him the chance to build this team and its going to take 2 more years. Im not a fan of firing and hiring coaches every few years. Teams that do that seem to be in the dog house for decades. Im excited for the season and im hoping for the best.
That footage was absolutely awesome, not just for Floyd but there were so many good players and so many great moments in those two seasons, if this thing is ever replayed I highly recommend it to everyone, young and old, those two season were somehow way better than their record says.
Im looking for a dynamic passing attack with a stable running attack to compliment it.
Gaffney, Thomas and Royal as the starting 3 receivers with Stokely, Decker, McKinley and Willis as complimentary guys.
Gaffney: 70 receptions, 875 yards, 5 TDs
Thomas: 70 receptions, 900 yards, 6 TDs
Royal: 60 receptions, 800 yards, 4 TDs
…im assuming the ball will be spread around a bit more with the departure of Brandon Marshall and that instead of having to key on just one receiver, theyll have to key on 3. Royal could be dangerous on a screen/bubble pass, Gaffney goes across the middle and Demaryius is dangerous on any deep route.
– TO BE CONTINUED –
With the running attack i see Lendale White fitting in more in the red zone but in 2008 he was a big play guy too. Moreno has developed since his rookie year (obviously) and since Buckhalter is getting older, Knowshon will get a higher percentage of the carries.
Moreno: 275 carries, 1000 yards, 7 TDs
White: 100 carries, 650 yards, 4 TDs
Buckhalter: 75 carries, 500 yards 2 TDs
Lendale White will compliment Knowshon Moreno like he did in 2008 with Chris Johnson and Buckhalter will become more of a 3rd down back
Yeah I wanted a powerback in the draft,screaming and cussing the whole time,and when the draft was over I was shocked we didn’t get one.McD finally realized we need a big power runner,(even tho it took injuries to Moreno and Buck),now that we have White on the roster,if he is still in great physical and mental shape and is ready to prove to the team he is for real,we have our powerback and I am satisfied with the outcome if everything works out.
BFE
With defense we all know the secondary is a strength to the team. I think the additions of Bannon, Williams and Green will help with Dumervil being hurt. McBean is looking like he will return as a starting DE and im glad he can beat out some competition that was brought in. With the talk of a 4-3 being implimented i doubt itll be utilized enough to make people ask questions of who will play where. As a starting roster i see it like this:
DE: Bannan, NT: J. Williams, DE: McBean
OLB: Ayers/Alexander, ILB: Haggan, ILB: D. Williams, OLB: Moss/Atkins
CB: Bailey, FS: Dawkins, SS: Hill, CB: Goodman
NCB: Cox, DCB: Jones
As special teams goes, our kicker and punter are pretty well designated. For returners, Cox, Royal and Willis will cover those duties
I like those receiving number but the TDs seem low, only 15 for our top 3 receivers? I think if Orton starts the whole season he throws 30 TDs! (I know, Im optimistic)
Hopefully the TE’s and RB’s get a few receiving TD’s too.
What “intrigues” me most is how the D will replace Dr. Doom. Moss has been an immense Bust and Ayers was more than disappointing last year. I’ve already heard a lot of talk to playing a little more 4-3 than last year, and in McDaniels’ press conference yesterday, he said they had already practiced some. I think Ayers would fit better at a prototypical DE in a 4-3 and he might get a lot more opportunities if that is the case. I would like to see Haggan start at OLB and start Woodyard at ILB next to D.J. Then have a solid rotation of Ayers, Moss, and Darrell Reid at the other OLB.
Ayers and Moss both were DE’s in college,not to mention so was Doom.Some players make the transition to OLB faster than others,I think Ayers will step up this year,and from what I’m hearing Moss and Ayers are both doing great in TC.
I can see it like this:
Ayers/Reid- OLB
Haggan/Woodyard-ILB
DJ-ILB
Moss/Kirlew-OLB
with Alexander and Atkins rotating.
THINGS ARE NOT GOING OUR WAY. BUT TC CAN GIVE US TIME TO FIX THIS. I FEEL MCD WILL STILL DELIVER A BETTER SEASON. IM GOING TO RIDE THE WAGON I DON’T CARE HOW BAD IT’S LOOKING, IT’S PART OF THE GAME….
60 MINUTES OF FOOTBALL GO BRONCOS
if Smith, Moss, and Ayers can come into their own and really step up I feel we can keep this D strong, They are all having a good TC ( IDK about Smith) but pre-season games are where we can really see if they have made a big leap, I have to say at this point I feel Moss will have a bigger impact than Ayers will this season!
I have to say I LOVE our rookie class, so much talent and heart! Tebow, Decker, and Thomas are all very exciting, but I have to say the player I am most excited to see on the field is Parrish Cox, maybe its just the way they cover camp but it seems every practice he is making a big play or two! the man seems hungry!
Can’t wait for the 15th!
I`m looking forward to tomorrow night to see them awesome BRONCO`S.