Broncos Freaks - Denver Broncos Forum - Broncos Discussion http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/ Everything you know, think, or think you know about the Broncos. (Any registered member can start a topic or respond here.) en Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:34:24 GMT vBulletin 60 http://images.thebronconation.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Broncos Freaks - Denver Broncos Forum - Broncos Discussion http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/ Broncos v. Vikings Game Thread http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26561&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:59:30 GMT This game might determine the fate of Phonso as well as who will be our #2 QB. Here we go! This game might determine the fate of Phonso as well as who will be our #2 QB. Here we go! ]]> Broncos Discussion Kenoy28 http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26561 Who Makes The 53-Man Roster http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26545&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:24:53 GMT Here is the Broncos roster as it currently stands (although it lists Kenny McKinley on it, but he's on IR).

These players are the ones that should have their roster spots secured:

QB: Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow (3)

RB: Correll Buckhalter, Knowshon Moreno, LenDale White, Lance Ball (4)

FB: Spencer Larsen

WR: Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Eric Decker, Brandon Lloyd, Demaryius Thomas, Matthew Willis (6)

TE: Daniel Graham, Richard Quinn, Marquez Branson (3)

OL: Ryan Clady, Chris Kuper, Zane Beadles, J.D. Walton, Russ Hochstein, Ryan Harris (6)

DL: Justin Bannan, Jamal Williams, Ronald Fields, Ryan McBean, Marcus Thomas, Jarvis Green (6)

LB: Elvis Dumervil (may be placed on the PUP list), Robert Ayers, Mario Haggan, Joe Mays, Darrell Reid, D.J. Williams, Wesley Woodyard (7)

CB: Champ Bailey, Perrish Cox, Andre Goodman, Syd'Quan Thompson (4)

S: Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Darcel McBath, David Bruton (4)

P: Britton Colquitt

K: Matt Prater

LS: Lonnie Paxton

If I've counted correctly, that's 47 players likely to make the final roster.

So... who will be the six that make the final cut? ]]> Broncos Discussion ratsportrm http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26545 <![CDATA[Broncos' running game still gets incomplete grade]]> http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26544&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:18:20 GMT Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post

Three preseason games down, and with the work of the Broncos' starters largely done, the team's rushing attack still is a work in need of progress.

When starting quarterback Kyle Orton has been in the lineup, the Broncos have run the ball 25 times in the three games for 69 yards — 2.8 yards per carry. The starting offense, as a group, has one rushing touchdown, by LenDale White on Sunday night. White also has the starting offense's longest run when Orton has guided the top offense, at 10 yards, also Sunday.

"The line of scrimmage wasn't always pretty," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "We'll kind of take a look at it."

Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Correll Buckhalter (neck/back) don't have a carry in the preseason and are not expected to play Thursday night at Minnesota. The Broncos also are working through lineup combinations on the offensive line, with right guard Chris Kuper having dealt with an ankle injury in training camp and left tackle Ryan Clady coming back from major offseason knee surgery.

Asked after the Steelers game if he would prefer Moreno to have at least some action before the Sept. 12 season opener at Jacksonville, McDaniels said: "That's always best for a running back, same thing for (Buckhalter), to get hit before they actually go into a regular-season game. But if that's not the best thing for us to do, the smartest decision for us to make, then we'll probably hold off on that."

Tighten up.

Broncos linebacker Mario Haggan said he was happy to get the team's first victory of the preseason against the Steelers, but added that the defense still needs to shore up some things.

"We weren't satisfied with our tackling," Haggan said.

In the 11 plays Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was in the game, Pittsburgh's offense gained 97 yards and scored a field goal. The Steelers finished with 355 yards overall, but the Broncos also held the Steelers' other three quarterbacks to 12-of-24 passing, made three three sacks and had three interceptions.

"You never want to get outpunched in a boxing match and playing against a team like the Steelers, a physical team, that's a big thing," Haggan said.

Footnotes.

The Broncos waived running back Justin Fargas (knee) and cornerback Tony Carter (hamstring) Monday. If the two clear waivers, the Broncos can move them to injured reserve or reach an injury settlement with them. Carter, who played in two games last season and started one of them, had fallen down the depth chart with the Broncos adding several cornerbacks to the mix, including rookies Perrish Cox and Syd'Quan Thompson. Fargas, who has had knee troubles, gained only 17 yards rushing on his 10 carries with the Broncos. . . . The Broncos will have just one full practice this week. McDaniels said the team will work in pads today before having a walk-through and traveling to Minnesota on Wednesday. ]]> Broncos Discussion Rogue http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26544 <![CDATA[Analysis: Broncos showing signs of why they're playing big linebackers]]> http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26543&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:07:08 GMT *By Jeff Legwold The Denver Post * The proof will always be in the regular-season pudding, but the Broncos tinkered with their defense during training camp and have flashed a couple of the changes in their three preseason games. One of the changes could impact how their roster looks when... By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post

The proof will always be in the regular-season pudding, but the Broncos tinkered with their defense during training camp and have flashed a couple of the changes in their three preseason games.

One of the changes could impact how their roster looks when they cut to 53 players next week.

In some passing situations, largely in their nickel package (five defensive backs), the Broncos have ditched defensive linemen for the most part and put some of their bigger linebackers in hybrid positions.

Sunday night against the Steelers, with the starters for both teams still in the game, the Broncos played Justin Bannan as the only defensive lineman in certain down-and-distance situations. He was the only 300-pounder in the defensive alignment.

Bannan, a former Colorado star who usually is a defensive end in the Broncos' 3-4 scheme, also lined up at nose tackle. Linebackers were at defensive end. In one instance, Jarvis Moss and Mario Haggan were in three-point stances.

In another version, the Broncos went with Marcus Thomas as their only defensive lineman — again in the nickel package. On a first-down play in the closing seconds of the first half, Thomas and linebacker Robert Ayers were in three-point stances across from the Steelers' guards, with Haggan and Jason Hunter standing up as defensive ends-outside linebackers. On that play, Ayers produced his first of two sacks in the game. He had a third sack wiped out by a Denver penalty.

It remains to be seen if the Broncos can hold up against a team that decides to run the ball into the middle of the field out of three- and four-wide receiver sets. But this situational work could be why the Broncos have been in search of such big linebackers. They have added the 271-pound Hunter, 246-pound Joe Mays, 246-pound Johnny Williams and 250-pound Worrell Williams since the start of training camp.

Last year, coach Josh McDaniels kept seven defensive linemen and eight linebackers on the 53-man roster that opened the season. But if the Broncos are going to use defensive linemen in first- and second-down situations — outside of short yardage — perhaps they keep an extra linebacker or two to fill out the work in the nickel and dime packages upfront and take those slots from the defensive linemen.

Also, the Broncos are linebacker-heavy on their special-teams units. So the 53-man roster could shake out differently this year. ]]> Broncos Discussion Rogue http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26543 <![CDATA[Broncos won't rush back walking wounded]]> http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26542&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:02:57 GMT By Anthony Cotton
The Denver Post

There is a distinction Daniel Graham makes, one that won't necessarily bring panic-stricken Broncos fans down from the ledge when it comes to wondering when some of the team's mainstays may be returning to the field, but an idea that makes perfect sense when placed in context.

"There's not a lot of time left in the preseason," the veteran tight end said shortly after Denver's 34-17 victory Sunday over Pittsburgh. "But we've got the whole season to play."

Odds are that even if Graham, Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, Knowshon Moreno or any other of the Broncos' walking wounded were to make it onto the field for Thursday's preseason finale against Minnesota, it would be only a cameo appearance at best. The real objective is to be as close to full strength as possible 10 days later, when the team meets Jacksonville in Week 1 of the NFL's 16-game marathon.

Of course, the NFL's version of going the distance is far more complex — and violent — than a simple jog through the park. And there's no question that preparing one's body for the associated rigors, even in meaningless preseason games, is a plus. But, as both Graham, who's nursing rib injuries suffered in a brief appearance against Cincinnati this month, and that noted scatback Willie Shakespeare have said, sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.

"We can only control what we can control. That's the hard part about it, but the fact that we can't put them out there — or at least we haven't been able to put them out there — is something that we didn't have any say on," coach Josh McDaniels said. "Again, we're getting ready for the fourth preseason game this week, and if they can play, they're going to play. There's no question about that. We've played them last year in the fourth preseason game, and that would be our plan going forward right now as we go into Minnesota.

"We mentioned earlier — (running back Correll) Buckhalter, Moreno, if they can get hit, get banged around a little bit there, I think that's big for them before we go into the first game of the regular season."

LenDale White would certainly agree. Hobbled with a sore hamstring shortly after he signed with the Broncos and facing a league-mandated four-game suspension at the start of the season, the hometown product may have been wondering when and if he would get on a field again. But on Sunday, the running back showed some potential value in an area that was deficient for the Broncos a year ago, bulling his way into the end zone for a 2-yard score then flashing the crowd his own version of the Mile High salute.

"That was great to be able to do that," White said. "It's always good for the guys who are going to play; it's good for them just to get some reps. Even if it's just one, two or three, whatever, it's good because there's nothing that you can simulate in practice. You can't simulate Troy Polamalu coming through the A gap or the C gap.

"It's good to see it and get your reaction time up. Most of all, it's good just to be out there playing football."

That is a feeling that Brandon Stokley can relate to. Slowed by a pulled groin, the wide receiver is in a different position from most other injured players. Bailey knows he'll be on the field when he's ready; the same for Dawkins and offensive tackle Ryan Clady. But as good and consistent as he has been during a 12-year career, Stokley is likely in a battle just to make the team.

But while that's something that wouldn't catch Stokley by surprise, he also knows that at present, there isn't anything he can do about it.

"It's frustrating, because you need to be out there getting ready, but the injury that I have, you can't rush it," Stokley said. "When it's ready to go, I'll be out there. It's too early to say anything about Thursday. It's just day to day."

And as for the NFL adage that you can't make the team from the training table . . .

"I have no idea what (the Broncos' coaches) are thinking," Stokley said. "I'm just trying to concern myself with getting better. All that other stuff will work itself out. When I get better, whatever happens will happen."

]]> Broncos Discussion Rogue http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26542 Krieger: Broncos may be forced to admit mistake on Smith http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26541&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:15:09 GMT By Dave Krieger
The Denver Post

In the long run, Syd'Quan Thompson's 48-yard pick-six and 62-yard punt return might have been the best things to come out of Sunday night's Broncos preseason victory over the Steelers, establishing the rookie's bona fide status as an NFL player.

In the short run, not so much.

Coming on national television, with scouts and personnel executives throughout the league watching, they could set up a tough call for second-year coach Josh McDaniels. By drawing attention to Thompson, they probably made it harder to slip him through waivers to the team's practice squad.

And if McDaniels doesn't want to risk losing Thompson to a waiver claim, he might have to choose between his seventh-round draft choice and second-year player Alphonso Smith for the ninth and presumably final roster spot in the defensive backfield.

This would be a tougher-than- normal cutdown call for McDaniels because he surrendered a 2010 first-round draft pick to select Smith in the second round 16 months ago. Even before Smith took the field a year ago, McDaniels was taking heat for this exchange.

The first-rounder he gave up turned out to be the 14th pick this year, which Seattle used to select safety Earl Thomas. The former Texas Longhorns star wowed Seahawks fans with an 86-yard pick-six of his own Saturday against Minnesota.

For McDaniels to cut Smith after just one pro season would be to admit a pretty big mistake, something many strong-willed coaches are reluctant to do. In McDaniels' defense, the issue comes up only because he provided competition for Smith with a pair of good-looking 2010 draft picks — Perrish Cox, selected in the fifth round, and Thompson.

Although Smith has gotten considerable work in the Broncos' nickel and dime defenses this summer, he has not made much of an impact. Increasingly, it appears Cox and veteran Nate Jones will be the Broncos' extra defensive backs in passing situations when the games begin to count. With Cox and Thompson also excelling on special teams, both rookies could justify roster spots.

Which brings us to the numbers game. The starters are Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman at cornerback, Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill at safety. The depth chart shows Cox and Jones as the backup corners, David Bruton and Darcel McBath as the backup safeties.

That's eight. Last year, the Broncos kept nine defensive backs. It's unlikely they will be able to keep more than that this year, especially if they reserve roster spots for injured linebacker Elvis Dumervil and recovering offensive tackle Ryan Clady.

This would seem to leave a battle between Thompson and Smith for the final roster spot, with undrafted free- agent safety Kyle McCarthy a likely practice squad candidate.

McDaniels praised Thompson's work after Sunday's game, pointing out that he started 52 consecutive games for Cal, a school record.

"Every time he gets an opportunity, he makes the most of it, and I think that's what you want a rookie to do," McDaniels said. "The biggest thing to me is he keeps standing out in the kicking game — on the kickoff team, punt team. He's made some big tackles down there. I'm very pleased with his performance, and he continues to be a standout for us."

At the same time, McDaniels rejected a suggestion that Cox and Thompson have outplayed Smith so far in the preseason.

"I wouldn't necessarily agree with that," McDaniels said. "I think it's a competitive situation, which is what we wanted, and I think they're all trying to make their case to be on this team."

Smith declined to evaluate his camp showing so far.

"It is training camp, which means it gives everyone a chance to get better," he said. "I'm in the same boat with everyone else. Everyone's trying to get better day by day, and that's basically my feeling on training camp and how it's going for me."

Thompson, like Cox, is keeping a level head but seems to be enjoying making a splash.

"I feel like I just need to come in and do what I know how to do best — just play hard, take the coaching points, learn from the older guys, learn from the coaches and just try to find a role for myself," he said. "We'll know by the last cuts, but right now I'm just trying to work hard every day and hopefully be a part of the ball club by the end."

There's always a chance someone could be stashed on the injured list, the old-school way to keep people around. But short of that, final cuts may force the second-year Broncos coach to consider whether he's ready to acknowledge a mistake. ]]> Broncos Discussion Rogue http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26541 I didnt realize that Orton has a hoo ha. http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26534&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:48:14 GMT Seriously, I dont get the controversy with Harrison lowering the boom on him when Orton dove in front of him after that overturned Gaffney fumble.

Where's the controversy? ]]> Broncos Discussion Wang Chung http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26534 Fargas Released... http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26532&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:48:01 GMT Well, Fargas didn't last long. I just received a text from DenverBroncos.com that stated he was released today and Tony Carter was placed on the waived/injured list. ]]> Broncos Discussion blackhillsbronco http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26532 Big Names On The Bubble http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26530&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:13:07 GMT SI.com article covers those name (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/john_lopez/08/29/nfl.cuts/index.html)s. One current Bronco and one former Bronco are on the list... and as for the former Bronco, can anybody say they are surprised? SI.com article covers those names.

One current Bronco and one former Bronco are on the list... and as for the former Bronco, can anybody say they are surprised? ]]> Broncos Discussion ratsportrm http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26530 Moreno May Practice This Week http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26529&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:38:44 GMT Per The Denver Post (http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2010/08/30/moreno-to-practice-this-week/4833/). ---Quote--- In his postgame comments, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels indicated starting tailback Knowshon Moreno would practice this week. Moreno’s primary backup, Correll Buckhalter,... Per The Denver Post.

Quote:
In his postgame comments, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels indicated starting tailback Knowshon Moreno would practice this week. Moreno’s primary backup, Correll Buckhalter, returned to practice on a limited basis last week but did not play in the preseason game Sunday night against Pittsburgh.
]]> Broncos Discussion ratsportrm http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26529 Bubble players that earned a spot last night http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26527&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:35:24 GMT Lance Ball: I have to admit it. I was enamoured with Baker all offseason, but Ball has just gone to work and gotten better each week. 10 carries for 75 yards last night. Syd the Kid Thompson: I said it after the draft. We got Cox late because of the off field issues. Sydquan was downgraded... Lance Ball: I have to admit it. I was enamoured with Baker all offseason, but Ball has just gone to work and gotten better each week. 10 carries for 75 yards last night.

Syd the Kid Thompson: I said it after the draft. We got Cox late because of the off field issues. Sydquan was downgraded because of his small stature. The other factor was he refused to sit out his pro day and ran a 4.7 on a bad hammy. The kid is electric and plays with heart. Go watch his highlight reels from Cal and you'll see a poor mans Darrent Williams. He will drop the wood.

Joe Mays: I watched him play a ton in Philly. Love what he brings to the table. Great special teamer and I feel he may push for time in the middle this year. ]]> Broncos Discussion jsteve01 http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26527 Game Observations http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26521&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:50:35 GMT 1. Sydquan Thomson. Love the guy. Played his heart out and looked good.
2. Orton looked good...that pick I'm going to credit the steelers for
3. Joe Mays! Who? Yes!
4. Tebow is still and will be raw.
5. Quinn doesn't yet look comfortable.
6. Ayers flat out impressed me tonight. Proud of him.
7. Steelers seemed dirty and undisciplined.

Fun game to watch though. Loved what I saw ]]> Broncos Discussion Kenoy28 http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26521 Why doesnt Denver do more no huddle? http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26520&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:40:06 GMT With the altitude, wouldnt it make sense? With the altitude, wouldnt it make sense? ]]> Broncos Discussion Wang Chung http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26520 Broncos v. Steelers Preaseason Game Thread http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26517&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:14:17 GMT Here we go, finally get to see most of our starters today Here we go, finally get to see most of our starters today ]]> Broncos Discussion Kenoy28 http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26517 will you miss me? http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26516&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 13:49:12 GMT My FFL drat is tonight, 5PM same time as the game, so i wont be able to post during the game. but of course i am recording the game and will get back to you all as soon as possible. its almost 7 am and nobody has posted a gamethread, WTf ? anyway, I just hope we can keep ORTON healthy for the... My FFL drat is tonight, 5PM same time as the game, so i wont be able to post during the game. but of course i am recording the game and will get back to you all as soon as possible. its almost 7 am and nobody has posted a gamethread, WTf ?
anyway, I just hope we can keep ORTON healthy for the regular season. if TT does not play, he is either seriously injured or such a stud in the wildhorse that JMCD is hiding him from view, I hope its the latter, casino will tell you he is the second coming of steve young !
enjoy the game! ]]> Broncos Discussion zambini15 http://broncosfreaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26516