Here we go. Full squad workouts are upon us at Broncos training camp. It is time to start the countdown to the regular season.
I am eager to see how this training camp goes. I have been impressed with the off-season work the Broncos have put in and now I am ready to see how this team comes together leading up to the regular season opener on September 13.
Here are the top three areas I’ll be following in camp:
1 – The progress of the defensive line. The common thought is that the Broncos’ defensive line is average at best. That certainly may be the case. But I’m not ready to say that yet. I want to watch this group over the next few weeks and see where it stands.
Perhaps people don’t think much of the Broncos’ defensive line because there are not a lot of recognizable names or players who have proven themselves to be dominating. Both are tough to argue. But does that mean that the guys the Broncos have can’t play? Does it mean the group as a whole is no better than last year’s defensive line? I’m not ready to go there.
There is no doubt the defensive line has been a sore spot for the Broncos’ defense the past few years. I am hopeful this unit will be improved in 2009.
2 – How will the revamped secondary come together? I know, this is another issue related to the defense. I really like the moves the Broncos made to rebuild this unit. They signed two veteran safeties in Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill. They also drafted Darcel McBath and David Bruton. At corner, former Dolphin Andre Goodman and second-round draft pick Alphonso Smith are among the newcomers. And oh yeah, the Broncos still have a guy named Champ Bailey at the position.
As things stand now, I like this group. I’m eager to see how these guys play together and what kind of impact they can have. Head Coach Josh McDaniels has said that one of his goals is to have a defense that creates more turnovers. I think this is a secondary that can contribute to that.
3 – Which offensive players will step up to be big-time threats? I have no idea how the Brandon Marshall situation will turn out. Regardless, the Broncos need others besides Marshall to emerge as big-time producers. I believe Tony Scheffler is poised to have a huge season. I think Knowshon Moreno is a guy who could have a major impact. I’m interested to see who the others are who will come to the forefront.
In general, I think the Broncos’ offense will do a better job controlling the ball and be more effective in short yardage running situations (especially in the red zone). But a team needs playmakers and beyond Marshall, we don’t know who those guys are yet.
Finally, if I had to pick one area in which I have the most confidence, it is the offensive line. This group is on the verge of being downright dominating. Ryan Clady had a really good rookie year and Ryan Harris wasn’t far behind. Talk about having two young, talented, bookend tackles. That is exactly what the Broncos have.
And the interior is pretty good, too with Casey Wiegmann, Chris Kuper and Ben Hamilton. I’ll take that group any day. Those five guys with a healthy and deeper running back corps could make for a super good running game.
The time for talk and speculation is over. It is time for the Broncos to get down to the business of football. Bring it on.
What are the most interesting areas you’ll be following this training camp? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
first comment.
Oh my G-d, I’m so excited!!!!!! Finally we’re getting closer and closer to football again!
Really, really pulling for Rulon Davis. Really hope Wesley can have a BIG impact for our D. And I think a big sleeper in this whole thing could be Carlton Powell. We have some pretty good pieces right now and I just hope hope hope they can all come together.
Here’s to a GREAT season, injury free, ball busting ORANGE CRUSH FOOTBALL!!!!!!
Good post Mike. Can you remember the 1972 Miami Dolphins “No Name” defense? Let’s hope this D-line can pull it together like they did. As for the secondary, no worries there with the proven veterans we have and LB’s should be solid, they are quick and athletic. Offensively, let’s hope Marshall gives his all, if not let him ride the bench, there are a lot of more than capable WR’s on the team. The O-line is also nothing to worry about and will be probably the top in the league this year with. The offense will make fewer mistakes and spread the ball around more (sorry Marshall, Cutler isn’t here anymore), giving opponent a lot to game plan for. Look for the offense to put up big numbers! Hopefully the special teams does better also. They need to get good field position for the offense, and hopefully we have a great kick returner. I hear that Alphonso Smith has done well in camp with this and maybe he will handle the kick returns? Looking forward to a great season or at least above average.
I think our O-line has the potenial to be like the O-line from our superbowl wins or better. I’m also a big Rulon Davis fan as well. I feel our Defense will shock people and has the chance to be between 10-15 ine the league, hopefully better.
Seriously, our d-line is gonna be fine. Mathis from Indianapolis wasn’t all that heard of before he began dominating folks, so there’s always a chance an unknown will come through. I have a feeling that’ll be the case here, although I’m really expecting those guys to eat up blockers so our athletically gifted LB’s can fly around and make plays. It’s good to see some beef up front, even if they’re unheard of commodities. As for the secondary, I’m a little more skeptical, mainly cause we’ve had big names back there before that just didn’t gel and had some bad results. I know with Dawkins though, he’ll at least give our d some much needed passion, and have folks lined up properly, knowing their assignments. Can’t wait for that 1st preseason game to see first hand how things are finna be!
I agree 100% Mike!!!! This D line is so overlooked. Last year they had an extrordinary knack for goalline, the work that they put in on in the trenches i thought was awesome but of course things like that get overlooked. I think this will be one of the best defenses we have seen in the last 20 years IMO.
I think the team has gotten alot better especially in the secondary.I think this D will rank in the 12-15 range. The O line could slip to 13 sacks. Haha. The backfield will be better. The D line can only go up from last year.
Hey fellas, Im going to be on the road for the first pre-season game =-(!!!! Does any one know if there is a site i can stream the games off of? Please please please let me know.
Wondering where the talent on offense will emerge besides Marshall? Where you been Rice? How bout Eddie Royal? Hillis? Can’t wait for it all to BEGIN!!!!! Start the Thunder!!!
Orakpo has agreed to terms with the redskins, Ayers needs to get on it.
Players like crabtree need to stop holding up the process. Players keep getting payed more and more every year without proving anything on the NFL level yet. And its not like they used to make chump change. Lets chuck it up to inflation…..
Mike can you say Peyton Hillis. This man is the the man. If watch every game he started in last season red zone offense was no problem. Look for him to become a big play back. He’s like Mike Alstott and Mike Anderson in one person. I think our D-line is going to be much better because it’s going to give all of our lite and speedy def. end’s more freedom to make plays. I never worry about def. back field all we need is to hurry the passer and big plays will happend in the back field.
Champ was on SiriusXM NFL radio a few days ago and talked about how Mike Nolan was so much more attention to detail/made sure all the little things were done right. I cant wait to see how big the turn around for the defence is this year
I myself am taking a hard look at the Defensive Secondary. I know most people are thinking about how Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Champ Bailey will mold, but im looking to see how Alphonso Smith will do. He seems like a real good aggresive ball-hawk.
Only 2 weeks til our First Preseason GAME!
I believe the D-line will be better cause Nolan will put guys who are made for their position unlike Slowik did. Foe example, DOOM and Moss were never built to play on the line but has the speed for OLB, also our ILB position with D.J./ Woodyard(Beast)and Davis/Davis(hopefully) will be a nightmare for a running back. Think about our D-line this year, Baker,329 Fields,314 Powell,315, Peterson,297 with speed, whose gonna move that defensive wall. Its time Yall!!!
PUMP BLUE, BLEED ORANGE!
Cant wait till we start preseason will shock everyone like last year.
Mike,
Eddie Royal does nothing but make big plays. There’s your answer right there. GO BRONCOS!!!
Who do you guys think will be our Kick/Punt Returner?…
Will Eddie continue with that? Or has he became too valuable to throw out there?…
Well guys I hope and pray you all are right ,considering the crazy and meaningless end to last year .I hope this was the right move.
i think dawkins might be hurt pretty bad.