Finally, it is time for games that count.
The draft, the organized team activities, minicamps, training camp and preseason games are behind us.
It is time for the Broncos to embark on the 2012 season. All the speculation and anticipation now turn into the reality of what transpires over the next 16 games, and perhaps more.
Broncos fans should be giddy with excitement. Week 1 is here. That means the Pittsburgh Steelers will be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday night. Forget about dipping the big toe into the pool to check out the water. The Broncos get to jump right into the season.
And what a year it should be.
Regardless of whom any team drafts, signs in free agency or trades for, I have to remind myself at the beginning of every season to expect the unexpected.
The Broncos are coming off a playoff appearance in 2011. As I look at their roster, I cannot help but think how much better they are. I see improvement in every position group. I see a rock solid coaching staff that puts a premium on preparation, attention to detail and discipline.
None of that guarantees any more wins than last year, but it definitely puts the Broncos in position to have a better record and go further than they did a season ago.
As I look at the Broncos schedule, it looks difficult, especially early. But that assessment is based on either how their opponents were last year or how good (or not-so-good) those opponents have traditionally been, at least in the recent past.
Broncos head coach John Fox knows better.
“You win those things (NFL games) between the lines and each year you’ve got a different personality as a football team,” Fox said on Monday. “We’re definitely different than we were a year ago but they all present the same challenges. It’s who plays best on that given day and it won’t be any different than any season.”
I don’t pretend to know how many games the Broncos will win this season. If they stay healthy and play well, I think it could be a special year.
I know this, I’m looking forward to a fun year. It has been a long time since I’ve been this excited about a Broncos season.
It’s time to buckle up and see where this ride takes us.
How do you think the Broncos’ season will go? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Best,
Mike
Let’s get it started!!! The two things I’m most watching is:
1) the turnover ratio
2) time of possession
As far as turnovers go, I’m hoping that, as usual, Champ scares QBs to the other side of the field where Tracy Porter has a career first half of the season (in interceptions), at which point everyone decides to go back and take shots at Champ, giving *him* a career second half of the season!
And as for offense, it would be so awesome to see Peyton enjoy the kind of complementary ground game that really gave Elway the space he needed to take us all the way. It’s a pretty big request, asking to match TD and his O-line’s accomplishments, but if we can even get close this year, I see big things on the horizon!
So true Carsonic. Even three quarters of what TD did would be nice.
OT: Agreed with turnovers and TOP.
I will be looking at special teams play this year. If we play well on Offense, Defense and spcecial teams we will be solid. I still believe we need to stay healthy to run deep into the playoffs.
A big difference between this year and last, will be the lack of 3 and outs our offense puts up. Allowing our defense to properly rest between series, together with the upgrades we made to the defensive personnel, will result in a much better defensive unit and potentially top 10 in the league IMO.
Very good point, OT! That really got aggravating last year, to have to sit through so many 3 and outs, though, of course, it made the last 5 minutes of games a lot more exciting. Lol!
Another HUGE difference will be the no huddle offense! I can’t wait to watch “Manning the maestro” to do his thing!!!
I’m really looking forward to seeing the no huddle too……specially at home. Watching PM lead the no huddle in the thin air will certainly gas the opposing D’s…….and force them to take bad time outs…..I think it’s gonna be a thing of beauty and huge part of what will define our identity. It’s time to dominate at home again!
I’ve never been this excited about a season in such a long, long time.
GO BRONCOS!
Ladies and Gentelmen….its time to rev up the Horsepower!!!!!!!!!!!
Last year was a OMG I cant believe we pulled that out of our *%* exciting but this year is going to be a we are going to bring it kind of exciting. Mike you said it best…special year.
This should be fun!!!!
I’m expecting the Broncos to beat a number of teams at home that the majority of predictors expect us to lose. With the huge turnout of fans during training camp, I expect it to be difficult for any team to get a win at Denver this season. Mile high magic is back in full force with the Broncos rabid fan base making a big contribution to home wins.
I think we have a number of young players from the draft and undrafted free agents that can contribute throughout the season. Two young linebackers that can really tackle add depth in the middle along with two young defensive lineman that can create havoc. If the preseason is any indication, look for RB R Hillman to have an impact along with O. Bolden in the return game. A pretty impressive draft class this year, I bet when the lghts for real they play even better. Kodo’s to all involved in the draft process for a jobe well done.
Experience added where needed at D. line,linebacker, corner and safety will give solid leadership at every position group on the defensive front. Guess we can’t forget the offense additions with P. Manning , the field general all defenses fear and more verteran leadership on offense with Stokley and two brilliant tight ends.
Then there are all the guys who lead this team to the playoffs last year ready to turn it up a notch and players back strong from injury. No need to mention their names, you already know them all. Qb’s will be shaking in their cleats with the though of Doom , Miller and the Wolfe man breathing down their necks. An O-line that helped to lead the league leading rushing team back in full force to punish defenses. I could go on and on, it’s gonna be fun to be a Bronco fan this season.
Lots to be excited about for Bronco fans this season, don’t be afraid to expect big things form this group of players. I don’t see them letting us down. They’ll be ready and willing to perform at a level we haven’t seen from the Broncos since J. Elway was at the helm. Not a coincidence he’s at the helm again in a different way and we’re crazy excited and optomistic about the Broncos again. Yeah, I’m stoked and ready for some Bronco football!
Also remember that teams usually have different personnel for an obvious run down versus a passing down, and the no huddle will prevent the opposition from making that personnel change, giving us a higher percentage of exploiting it.
I have the radio on, listening to belittling of Rex Ryan and the Jets, and specifically the mockery they are making with their “two QB system”…. It is music to my ears!!!
Anyone know if we have practice today?
No practice Tuesday.I’m very excited to see our new and improved team play for real.Go Broncos!!
Thanks Broncobet. I hope we’re not getting soft with this practice schedule and steak dinners…
We`re getting close to some real football. Its time!
I’m so stoked for this season! Its gotta be a terror for opposing defenses to have to shake just from hearing Peyton’s name but dont forget about a much more fresh Willis McGahee with some very nice complimentary backs. Not every game but I see #23 sporting about 4 or 5 +100 yard games this year just because teams are gonna sell out to stop Peyton, Decker and Thomas. Those two are similar to younger versions of Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison (in terms of athleticism). The stat line is still for them to prove but they have the potential. Plus there is Caldwell who can be a great slot guy, Stokely/Tamme have histories with #18 and then there is still Dreesen and Hillman. Soooo many weapons I can’t wait to see. And I havent even mentioned our defense yet.
I think the 2012-2013 Broncos are the overall team that the Colts wanted to be from 1999-2010 (although the Colts do deserve credit for their success then, they were a very tough team during the Manning era).
And is anyone else a little sad to see Gerell Robinson get released? I wish they wouldve gotten him on the Practice Squad because he seemed to have great potential (especially having a history with Osweiler). In 2 or 3 years, I could see him breaking out like one of our former solid sized receivers, Brandon Marshall. Similar physical stature (Marshall: 6’4″ 230, Robinson 6’3″ 227) and abilities (Marshall: 37″ vert., 4.52 40 yd dash; Robinson” 37″ vert. 4.52 40 yd dash).
Sorry for the triple post but…
Robinson: 35.5″ vert***
I think Robinson was a tough cut for Elway and Fox. He`s a quality WR in the making. He should have made the team, but only so many WR`s can get in.
Good assessment Broncoboy. BRONCOS 2012!!
thanks strandoftds82!!!
This is going to be a very special year. If Peyton Manning can tear apart the S.F. Defense then no team is safe. NFL teams ye be warned!!
Where ya from BB? You in Colorado?
You sound NFL knowledgeable. Welcome to Broncos Country.
welcome BB………knowledgable unlike hacks like me! hahahaha
Looking forward to blogging with ya…….
Good Day strand and OT……….
It’s time to saddle up , our horses ain’t dead…
They’ve got new life and are looking up ahead!
New valleys and mountains, they see on the horizon…
Let the adventures begin as we take down the bison!
Our horses have carried us through victory, and more…
It’s time to dig in those stirrups, & settle the score!
Our horses are ready, to thunder down the trail…
You tried to harness them, much to no avail!
Those varmints out West won’t be complying…
Rest assured, manes & tails will still be flying!
It’s time to saddle up, get ready to ride…
Don’t look past us, cuz we’ll brand your cowhide!
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!
Royal that is AWESOME!!!!
Thx cat! I drew some inspiration from you, strand, O_C and kod.
Thought I’d try my hand at a little poetry…. lol!
Oh baby!! lets get it started in here!!! I have a feeling Peyton is going to have a field day with Pittsburg, Willis McGahee is going to get a chunk of yardage I know this sounds far-fetched but hey, I gotta believe!!!
The wait has been too long. Months of anticipation. Tebowmania giving way to Peytonpalooza. A Del Rio Defense. New faces with established starters. New (old) color jerseys. Familiar Sunday get togethers with friends and family… September 9th can’t come soon enough!
Broncos Country Strong 2012!
I hope that the whole Bronco team realizes that every team we play are going to come after us with everything they have because we have Manning. They are going to try an shows us that it doesn’t matter who we have at QB. So we better be ready to play hard at all phases of the game.
broncofan, we wouldn’t want it any other way.