SB Nation - Rashod Moulton

Horse Tracks 11/12/09 - Hochstein replaces Hamilton as starting LG; Broncos sign CB Moulton to PS after losing D.J. Johnson

Douglas A. Lee — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:57:56 -0000

Good Morning, MHR Friends! Just to clarify my standpoint on the Krieger/Legwold columns I challenge below - I'm not disagreeing with the premise that the Broncos need more big plays out of their passing game; of course they do. However, the way they went about trying to prove their point was sloppy and incomplete...

DB - Week 10 - Wed: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - A Little Perspective - Jim Saccomano
"You have to look at the whole picture, all the time. Very tough to do, but that’s the challenge."

DB - Forward Thinking - Gray Caldwell
"Four players appeared on the Broncos' injury report on Wednesday. Josh Barrett (hamstring), Ryan Harris (toe) and Brandon Marshall (back) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Ryan McBean (knee) had limited participation in the session."

DB - Getting the Ground Game Going - Chris Gentilviso
"The Broncos announced the signing of cornerback Rashod Moulton on Wednesday to their practice squad. That roster spot became available once the New York Giants signed cornerback D.J. Johnson off the Broncos’ practice squad and onto their active roster on Wednesday."

DPP - Briefing: Hochstein new starter, ahead of Hamilton - Lindsay Jones
"Running back Peyton Hillis was back at Dove Valley after spending several days with his family in Arkansas. His grandmother, Margaret Ann Justice, died Friday." Our thoughts are with #22 and his family...

DPP - Law willing to put off retirement for a nickel - Jeff Legwold

LTC - Right Track: Despite setbacks, Broncos strong at season’s midpoint - Brian Howell

LTC - Broncos’ recent slide no cause to say season’s been scrambled - Brian Howell

CBS4 - 'Terrible Towel' Doesn't Sit Well With The Broncos - Matthew Buettner
"One thing I noticed when they were walking off the field they had a huge crowd of people on their side by their tunnel. That doesn't sit well with me," said DE Kenny Peterson.

DB - Week 10 - Wed: Orton - Broncos TV

DB - Week 10 - Wed: Dawkins - Broncos TV

DPP - Krieger: Deep ball high on Orton's wish list
"I don't have the coach's game film, but it didn't look to me as if Polamalu and Carter were playing 35 yards off the line of scrimmage very often. In fact, we can document where they were the three times they intercepted Orton:" What a bizarre bit of research. As I recall it, 1 if not 2 of Orton's INTs came under duress. So how, exactly was Orton supposed to throw deep on these plays where (according to Krieger not watching film but considering where the actual INTs took place) the safeties were supposedly playing up? I'm baffled...

Next up - "That might help explain why more than half of the Broncos' pass plays this season — 54.7 percent — have gone for 10 yards or fewer, according to a breakdown by my colleague Jeff Legwold." This is also puzzling. You can't measure pass plays for aggression by looking at their result. You have to look at how far the ball was thrown. To wit, Kyle Orton has thrown 191 of his 269 attempts (71%) 10 yards or shorter, relative to the LOS. In 2008, Jay Cutler threw 380 of his 616 attempts (62%) 10 yards or shorter. When considering those players' personalities and skill sets, combined with the systems they play(ed) in, these numbers make sense to me. If Josh McDaniels wanted to chuck it downfield all day, he would have kept Jay Cutler.

DPP - Q&A: Orton needs new bodyguard - Jeff Legwold

DP - Woody's Mailbag: Tickets a hot topic

DPP - Analysis: Few big plays in Broncos' passing game - Jeff Legwold
"Most teams consider "big plays" to be runs more than 10 yards and pass completions more than 20 yards. In their eight games the Broncos have had 11 pass completions go for 21 to 30 yards, one play between 31 and 40 yards and one play between 41 and 50 yards." Come on Legwold - this is such incomplete research - these numbers don't mean anything without comparing the Broncos to the rest of the league!!! (I'm not saying his point is incorrect; I don't know the answer because Legwold didn't provide the proper evidence to support his theory!)

DB - Tough Night Under the Lights - Mark Cooper

DPP - Broncos game a big draw - Dusty Saunders

DPP - Numbers: Opposites attract

CSG - Poor running game creates turmoil on offensive line - Frank Schwab

CSG - Orton shaves beard in effort to help break losing streak - Frank Schwab

DB - Steelers Postgame: Report - Broncos TV
Sorry, Friends - forgot to post this link yesterday...

AP - Broncos' Low-Risk Offense Stuck In Low Gear - Arnie Stapleton

KDVR - Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins Preview - Chris Tanaka

TW - Was the 6-0 Start Just an Illusion? - Carlos Cagin

AP - Shanahan Chosen For Colorado Hall Of Fame

Redskins News

WP - Battered Redskins dig further down depth chart - Rick Maese

WP - Portis called 'very, very doubtful' for Sunday - Jason Reid

WP - Zorn rules out LJ; Haynesworth says he was fined - Cindy Boren

WP - Bailey's return puts new focus on old deal - Barry Svriuga

WP - Diesel fumes: Riggins has plenty of unvarnished opinions about his former team, the Redskins - Sally Jenkins

AFC West News

ESPN - Midseason AFC West Report Card - Bill Williamson

SDUT - No dash for cash - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Vick brings alarming talent - Chris Jenkins

KCS - Raiders won't gloat over Johnson's departure from the Chiefs - Adam Teicher

KCS - Goff will miss remainder of season - Kent Babb

SFC - Without Larry Johnson, Chiefs minus star power - David White

OT - Raiders DB Chris Johnson: 8-0 second half is possible - Steve Corkran
WOW.

OT - Raiders lineman Matt Shaughnessy improves despite adversity - Steve Corkran

NFL News

NFL - Quinn back at QB for Browns in Monday night game vs. Ravens

NFL - Bills QB Edwards will start vs. Titans, but ailing T.O. might not

NFL - Bengals' Lewis nixes Ochocinco's plan to send mustard to Steelers

NFL - Kampman played with concussion but absolves Packers of blame

NFL - League suspends Eagles CB Hanson four games for using diuretic

NFL Opinion

NYT - Thursday Matchup: Bears at 49ers - Mike Tanier

NYT - Looking at NFL Network’s Lineup of Games - Toni Monkovic

NFL - Manning-Brady duel leads a solid Week 10 list of matchups - Gil Brandt

FH - Dirty Dozen: Are Pats, Colts NFL's Best? - Dave Goldberg

FH - Coach Killers, Week 9: Packers ST - Tom Mantzouranis

SI - Marvin Lewis won't allow Cincinnati Bengals to rest on success - Paul Daugherty

NFP - Tavern talk: Phillips still has lots to prove - Mike Lombardi

NFP - Diner morning news: Quinn needs playing time - Mike Lombardi

NFP - Where is the love for Big Ben? - Matt Bowen

NFP - Wednesday whys: A string of losses for NFL - Andrew Brandt

NFP - Vick win is another issue for owners - Jack Bechta

NFP - ‘For cause’ termination: Last refuge of scoundrels - Robert Boland

NFL - Ware the key to Cowboys' resurgent defense

FH - Introducing an Athlete of the Rarest Kind - Kevin Blackistone

NFP - NFP senior position rankings - Wes Bunting

Midseason Awards, etc.

PFW - AFC midseason team reports
"Fearless prediction: Despite their thrilling start, the Broncos will have to fight off a late surge from the Chargers for the AFC West title and will finish just one game better than San Diego before exiting the playoffs in the second round."

PFW - NFC midseason team reports

SN - NFL Midseason Report: New Orleans dominates players' first-half poll
1. Josh McDaniels, Broncos (44) "I just don't think anybody expected that outcome from the Broncos in the first half. He just seems like a blast to play for and a great game-planner who puts you in great situations." — Bengals QB Carson Palmer

SN - NFL Midseason Report: 99 players provide take on league after 8 games
"I don't think anyone expected (Dumervil) to have this many sacks. He's played extremely well for them this year. He's given their defense a real presence on the edge." — 49ers C Eric Heitmann

SN - NFL Midseason Report: Tackling five big questions - Clifton Brown, Dennis Dillon, Vinnie Iyer and Russ Lande
Brown and Iyer expect the Broncos to keep sliding.

SN - NFL Midseason Report: SN's All-Pro Team - Clifton Brown

Y! - Midseason awards: Favre dazzles, Browns fizzle - Charles Robinson

FOX - Week 10 Cheat Sheet: NFL picks and predictions - Peter Schrager

FOX - NFL midseason report card: AFC grades - Alex Marvez

FOX - NFL midseason report card: NFC grades - Alex Marvez

ESPN - John Clayton looks at the best games of the second half

NFL - Best free-agent moves also were the most understated

USAT - Insider: Analysts' MVP picks split Brees, Favre, Manning - Jim Corbett

Broncos Release Nine Players; Place G McChesney On Injured Reserve

Tim Lynch — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:00:22 -0000

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Friday released nine players and placed guard Matt McChesney on their reserve/injured list, it was announced.
The following nine players were released by Denver on Friday:

Released September 4, 2009
Player	NFL Exp.	College
DL Matthias Askew	3	Michigan State
G Kory Lichtensteiger	2	Bowling Green State
QB Ingle Martin	3	Furman
CB Rashod Moulton	1	Fort Valley State
T Clint Oldenburg	2	Colorado State
DL Carlton Powell	2	Virginia Tech
ILB Lee Robinson	R	Alcorn State
WR Nate Swift	R	Nebraska
RB Marcus Thomas	2	Texas-El Paso

Horse Tracks 6/19/09 - BMarsh goes to camp (not that one); Lloyd, Dumervil & Ayers show how it's REALLY done

Douglas A. Lee — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:50:48 -0000

DB - Broncos Release Five Players
In addition to the previously reported cuts of LBs Boss Bailey and Louis Green, Denver let go of three more players - S Herana-Daze Jones, RB Kestahn Moore and CB Rashod Moulton.

DP - Broncos' Marshall captivates kids at youth camp
BMarsh and his agent spoke briefly with reporters at Marshall's football clinic; Kennard McGuire said he's been in "constant" contact with the front office, while Marshall says he's "10 times better" physically than he was in Week 1 of last year.

DP - Brandon Marshall Hosts Football Clinic - Video
Footage from BMarsh's clinic and a brief interview with Marshall.

NFL - Broncos' Marshall keeps quiet about status at youth football camp
AP take on BMarsh, along with a video report from NFLTA (including an appearance by Dave Krieger).

DB - Lloyd Excited to Play in Denver
New Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd is already working out with his teammates, and he has some choice compliments for Kyle Orton. Lloyd says the QB "can throw a fastball, a touch ball (and) an awesome deep ball."

DB - Finishing Strong
Elvis Dumervil posts a blog entry; he's sticking around for another week to achieve 100% offseason participation (no financial incentive). Dumervil says training camp will "separate the men from the boys" and he looks forward to relaxing at home with his family until then.

LTC - Ayers looks for deal to get done
LB/DE Robert Ayers says he will be in camp from day one and that "money is secondary." Great to hear, although his agent will surely cringe when he reads/hears that quote.

AJC - Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams
The Broncos were apparently interested in Falcons OT Renardo Foster but lost out when St. Louis claimed him on waivers.

CM - Bad first impression
Tim O'Sullivan joins the crowd in panning Josh McDaniels' every move.

DB - 2009 Media Guide Released
The media guide is available for partial and full downloads on DB.com

LVS - Brandon, Thomas hoping to build alumni bridge at UNLV
Sam Brandon headed to his alma mater to help coach the defensive backs at a team camp.

CD - Clarett asks to get out of prison early
Good luck with that one, Mo...

NFP - Big concerns in Oakland - Matt Bowen

SFC - Raiders practice brims with news and notes

KCS - Chiefs and Missouri agree on deal for training camp

SDUT - Chargers again mull Oceanside for stadium site

NFL - Commissioner Goodell suspends Stallworth indefinitely

NFL - Louisiana Senate approves deal to keep Saints in Big Easy

NFP - Diner morning news: Why wait on Freeman?
Lombardi thinks the Bucs should hand Josh Freeman their starting QB job.

NFP - The road to '09: Tennessee Titans

NFLN - NFL Videos: 32 in 32: Tampa Bay Buccanneers

SI - Tony Romo under scrutiny for Dallas Cowboys' lack of success

NFLN - NFL Videos: The Carucci report
Vic Carucci thinks Larry Foote, Greg Ellis and Colin Cole are fine acquisitions for their new teams.

NFL - In spirit, father of Eagles WR DeSean Jackson continues to inspire

FOX - Bulger admits this is his last chance - Alex Marvez

NFP - A proposal for a 17th game - Robert Boland

NFL - Top 10 most outrageous characters in NFL history

NFP - 2009 NFP scouting series: Missouri

NFL - Clemson's Spiller, LSU's Scott tops among college senior RB prospects - Gil Brandt

Educated Guess - 2009 Depth Chart Thoughts

Steve Nichols — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:09 -0000

It is still too early to have a good idea of what depth chart Denver will be using. But members of the media and fans at Milehighreport.com will put up depth charts anyway because it is fun to speculate on who will play at what positions. I love depth chart projections because the conversation that ensues serves to educate. Some folks will share information about a player trait that others weren't aware of, and discussions of schemes ensue.

Most longtime members of MHR love the annual depth-chart breakdown that Guru does. It was my favorite feature of MHR before I joined the site a few years ago. If you want accurate predictions, that's your story. If you want some educated guesses and a good discussion, I hope you'll enjoy the following....

As I've written consistently, this is a tough year to guess on our final roster and dept chart. New coaches, new system, a radical change in player-use philosophy, and a major turnover in players makes this year tricky, but very intriguing. We'll know much more when camp is fully underway, but here are some of my thoughts thus far.

DEFENSE

SAFETY

One of my most difficult tasks is to guess whether or not Brian Dawkins plays at his historical free-safety position or moves to strong safety. There are strong arguments both ways. Even at his age, Dawkins had a terrific season again last year. He still has speed and range, and can sack quarterbacks from the deep safety position. He still has the hands to intercept. And when he hits a ball carrier, the stadium hears it. Brian Dawkins remains a terrifying force on the field. I would like to see him stay at FS, but I'm starting to lean towards a move to SS. I have a few reasons for this, but I'm not 100% comfortable with making a firm projection.

First, Dawkins will be getting older, and the eventual slowing will make him a better fit at SS. Second, I'll take Dawkins covering a TE over some of the prospects at LOLB. Third, in most schemes the SS will have more run-support responsibilities, and Dawkins is one of those safeties that can consistently bring down even the biggest of RBs.

Renaldo Hill would then become my guess at FS. Coming off of the good year he had last year, I think he is a definite upgrade at FS. Given his age, he will likely be holding the position for a young up-and-coming player in the near future.

Darcel McBath is my favorite for the backup FS spot. He should do well on STs, but I think he will be the future at FS, and a player to watch. I think he'll see some playing time this year. For the fourth spot on the safety chart, we might see a duel between Vernon Fox and Josh Barrett. Fox could win out because there is talk about Barrett getting some looks for an OLB position.

Where does this leave the "other" rookie (David Bruton)? I think he has a shot at being a special teams ace for now, and a project for a future role at safety.

Cornerback

Superstar Champ Bailey is a lock for the #1 CB position. Andre Goodman was brought in to take over at the #2 position, and should do a great job there. Controversial draft pick Alphonso Smith will be exciting at nickel back, and is likely going to be a #2 CB in the near future.

I love what the team has done at safety and corner. We have two future-Hall of Famers at defensive-back positions, a hot rookie, and two solid veterans. The battle for the final spot will be between Jack Williams, Josh Bell, and Rashod Moulton.

Inside Linebacker

In my last article, I wrote that I was proud of myself for predicting that D.J. Williams would again be moving, this time to RILB. It is his natural spot, and one that he is happy with. He will be the anchor for the LBs. At LILB, Andra Davis will be stopping runs and "ted blocking" the way to sacks for the RILB. Beyond these two, nothing is sure.

I'm guessing that Larsen will be a FB / ILB hybrid. Someone pointed out a fact to me in the last couple of weeks, and I buy the reasoning - Larsen would make a great LILB because (as a FB) he is already capable of blocking the way through the trenches. I buy that, so Larsen becomes my pick for #2 LILB. Woodyard is my pick to back up Williams.

Outside Linebacker

With hybrids, this is a very tough call. Until he gets injured, Boss Bailey has a shot at starting LOLB, and Jarvis Moss is my guess to compete for the spot. The more I think about it, I like Elvis Dumervil at ROLB. He isn't big enough to play RDE in a 3-4, but his rush skills would make him a feared presence in a 3-4 played with a 5-2 look. I'm not sure who backs up Dumervil. With safety Josh Barrett getting looks at LB, I think he could go ROLB or LOLB. For now, let's consider ROLB a possibility.

Nose Tackle

The early favorite is clearly Ronald Fields, who was projected to start for the 49ers this year. Carlton Powell and Marcus Thomas are both bulking up and fighting for a spot, and I think there may be a better competition for the spot than earlier thought.

Defensive End

Let me throw out the names in the mix as I see them (in no special order) - Robert Ayers, Tim Crowder, Ryan McBean, Kenny Peterson, and Nic Clemons.

I think Ayers, McBean, and Crowder compete for the LDE spot. I think Peterson starts RDE, with Clemons or one of the three players competing for LDE backing him up.

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Kyle Orton had a lesser offensive line and lesser receivers in Chicago, but still managed more wins than Denver's previous QB. He may not have the physical tools and potential of a Jay Cutler, but he also lacks the drawbacks (forcing the ball into interceptions, not looking off receivers, decision making in general). Chris Simms is not likely to be the starter, but could be a surprise if called in during an injury to Orton.

Tom Brandstater may be a long-term project, or a desperate emergency player in the event of a catastrophic string of injuries. The only real question is, "Do we carry three QBs on the roster, or keep Brandenstater on the practice squad but suited up under the NFL's emergency 'third QB' rule"? Tom is a very smart kid, and may be a surprise in a couple of years.

Running Backs

Denver is loaded at this position. I was sorry to see Arrington not pass the physical, but Denver didn't lose much in the signing. Still, Denver finally has a workhorse RB in 1st-round draft pick Knowshon Moreno. The next question is, do we go committee or run a prime back? Do we spell or rotate? Peyton Hillis is a proven commodity as a power back, but can also block as FB or gash defensive lines running the ball from the FB position. Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordon are solid backs, not castoffs. The running game will not be an issue for Denver this year.

Larsen and Hillis can both play FB. Hillis is good enough to start at RB (with Moreno), and Larsen is good enough to play at LILB (likely rotating behind Davis).

Denver has a lot of options.

Receiver

Brandon Marshall starts at #1, and Eddie Royal starts at #2. Brandon Stokley is probably still going to be our slot receiver, and that's a good thing. This is a great starting group. Competing for the coveted 4th-receiver spot are Jabar Gaffney, rookie Kenny McKinley, and Chad Jackson.

Tight End

Daniel Graham is not only the clear starter, but has played in the NE offensive program before. He is an outstanding blocker, but can cause defenses problems if he goes out to catch. Tony Scheffler is too good of a receiving TE not to be in the mix, and will see the field in a lot of two-TE sets. Jeb Putzier and rookie Richard Quinn will fight for the 3rd TE position. Putzier has the advantage in catching, but Quinn is a heck of a blocker.

Center

Casey Wiegmann will start. Kory Lichtensteiger is being groomed as his replacement. Blake Schlueter (rookie) is either going to back up Kory next year, or might back up one of the guards this year.

Guard

Ben Hamilton starts at LG, and Chris Kuper starts at RG. Seth Olsen and (perhaps) Blake Schlueter are my guesses to back up.

Tackle

Ryan Clady is a lock at LT, and Ryan Harris is a lock at RT. Tyler Polumbus is a likely backup, but Brandon Gorin might give him a run for his money.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special teams is settled at K, P, and long snapper. The only question is whether Royal will be relieved of his return responsibilities.

As mentioned earlier, without knowing the systems we'll be running, and with the added complexity of the Amoeba philosophy and the hybrid scheming, this is a tough depth chart to figure out. I'm certain that I'm going to be wrong on a least a few of my early guesses, but my overarching hope is that we as a group can discuss the roster and use the chart as a good base to exchange ideas.

I look forward to hearing from folks on their thoughts!

Poll

Assuming that Marshall, Royal, and Stokley start at the first three WR positions, which of the following players should start at #4 WR?

Jabbar Gaffney

726 votes

Kenny McKinley

83 votes

Chad Jackson

66 votes

875 votes | Poll has closed