SB Nation - Nate Webster

Broncos Thoughts and Musings - Redskins Week

Emmett Smith — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:21:10 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

about 1 month ago: Denver Broncos' Andra Davis (54), D.J. Williams (55) and teammates look on from the bench in the final minute against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, in Denver. The Steelers won 28-10. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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Another week in the NFL, and the Broncos didn't win this time, either. The earth remains in orbit, and the stock market didn't crash (again). Once again, some of the fan base is breaking its ankles in their haste to jump back off the bandwagon. Many of them will climb over people's heads to jump back on next week, too. It's the way this season is going.

One nice thing about getting older is getting a longer perspective on things. Patience, like age, can be a useful thing. You tend to lose the idea that the immediate is as daunting as emotions want to paint. You can, if you're lucky, learn that experiencing more wins than losses is actually enjoyable. You lose some of the urge to demand constant perfection of the world. You realize that your will never manifest that yourself, and you recognize that trying to require it of those around you makes you - and them - miserable. It's a rigged game.

The Broncos look good to me. I'm aware that they have weaknesses, but they also just played two excellent teams, one on the road. They didn't win, and they're probably not in that league yet. But they won against San Diego on the road, as well as beating three division leaders in Dallas, New England and Cincinnati. If you rate their overall performance, they're exceeding nearly everyone's estimations. Don't waste too much time worrying and insisting that things are in peril. We've won 3 of every 4 games. Enjoy it.

Let's talk Broncos!

Hamilton and Concussions

I'd like to talk for a few moments about Ben Hamilton's situation. When he spent some time out with a major concussion, I immediately became concerned. I used to see mild to moderate brain trauma cases in my clinical days and even designed a new treatment format that seemed to be very effective, so I knew how troubling that injury can be. What's just as troubling is that the medical field has been incredibly slow to admit that each concussion is a serious life event.

Some players are never the same afterward, just as many non-players will have problems with concentration, thought and emotions throughout the rest of their lives. Brain injuries are serious stuff.

In poking around, I was temporarily soothed by learning that offensive lineman relatively rarely suffer concussions. What I didn't realize at the time was that this information was put out by the tools of the NFL, which has a huge investment in keeping people believing something that we have long known is nonsense - that NFL players don't have a provably higher rate of concussive dementia than the population at large. I don't know a doc personally who believes that crap, but it's still out there.

What they didn't tell us was that offensive lineman do have a lower rate of concussions. However - they have a significantly higher rate of non-concussive head blows. If you've had a major concussion in the past, that can leave you with issues of concentration, slower reflexes and a whole slew of other issues. Since Hamilton didn't have a major history of inducing penalties and has since returning, it's impossible to rule out the concern that he may be suffering from a chronic level of post-concussive syndrome. Is that my clinical diagnosis? Of course not - I've never met the man, much less done an intake workup on him. But it concerns me as one potential explanation of the situation, and I'm pretty sure from my own history that many of his docs aren't taking this as seriously as they should. Sometimes, we can be incredibly slow to admit that things your great-grandmother knew were true - like head injuries can last for a lifetime, whether our current testing shows it clearly or not - are really true.

I wish the man well. It's time to accept that he will probably not be with the Broncos next year and to move forward in whatever way is best. The middle of the O-line will be a major priority in the draft and/or free agency this upcoming year. Count on it.

Football 101: Timing Patterns

I read a lot of comments after the Steelers game that showed me one thing - we can all learn more about the game. Several of them dealt with plays in which the receivers weren't there to absorb the pass on a timing route, and a couple dealt with Knowshon Moreno. I thought it might help to clear the air.

When a timing route is called, the QB and receiver are essentially entering into a pact. The QB agrees to throw the ball to a space that the receiver hasn't reached. The receiver agrees to get there on time to make the catch. The O-line agrees (and this might also involve a running back and a tight end or two) to protect the QB until the throw can be made accurately. All of them have to do their jobs well for the pattern to be successful.

On the first INT by Orton, Moreno was picked by the NT. As a result, he didn't get there and the pass was to open space. One of the defenders moved in and made the pick, but you really can't blame Orton. All he can do is make the throw. The running back (in this case) has to fight through and get to the ball. That didn't happen.

Oddly, the same thing happened on another play, but the outcome was pretty much the same. He wasn't where he had to be and the pass was incomplete. The fans who bemoan that the pass was 'out of his reach' don't really understand the nature of a timing route. You cannot, from our viewpoint, know if that's an accurate statement or not. Might be - it happens. But all we really can know is that the receiver didn't get to where the ball went on time. Nothing more.

Every Kiss begins with Who?

First off: The winter/Xmas commercials are back, and just as tiresome as last year's. Of a particularly high irritation factor is that one about the connection between kisses and jewelry. Not in my life, brother.

In much younger days, many kisses began with Miller Lites, Bud Heavies, bottles of good wine and the occasional glass of well-aged mead. One remarkably memorable occasion began with Cuervo Gold, but that was a long time ago. If I had to pony up jewelry just to get kissed, I knew that I was dating the wrong lady.

The two greatest inventions of the last 100 years were the fast forward and the mute button. Trust me on this one. Danged commercials...

Jack Williams

When people are talking about Jack Williams' release, this may put things more clearly: Williams was beaten out last year by Josh Bell. That's the same Josh Bell who auditioned for the Cleveland Browns last week and didn't get the job. When you can't land on the Browns' defense, you're not exactly pushing the top ten in the league, you know? If McD believes that Ty Law can be a part of this thing, well, he said the same thing about Andra Davis, Ronald Fields and a few other folks. I like his batting average so far.

Some have claimed that the Williams example is different because he might play better in the future. Sure, that might happen, but it might happen more quickly if he receives a professional kick in the pants and finds out that he's not cutting it on the field. If he's not showing signs of improving, and that seems obvious from the situation, I can't question why the Broncos cut him loose. Look to CBs in the upcoming draft and/or free agency.

Sporting News Magazine

As part of the price of getting the War Room info, I also receive the site's magazine. Like all of them, some issues resonate, others don't. This week's was interesting on several levels.

First, they noted that it's a copycat league, which is not exactly hot news, but they did a nice job of identifying some trends that go into that. The first one listed was a supposed move to younger head coaches, and Josh McD was, appropriately, the poster boy for that blurb. I'm honestly not sure that it's an advantage to be younger or older, but it's an advantage to be smart as heck and to have a lifelong background in football. Kudos to the coach on the job he's done. SNM claimed in talking about the 3-4 trend that Dom Capers and then Dick LeBeau had 'originated' the 3-4, but then backtracked and said that many teams used it in the 70s and 80s, with Denver being the admitted role model. That Capers/LeBeau was the origin modern version is a fair statement.

The mag also listed its midseason awards, and several current Broncos were front and center. Elvis Dumervil trailed DEFENSIVE MVP Darren Sharper by only 4 of the 99 votes (the votes were taken among current, active players). Dumervil also won the BIGGEST SURPRISE PLAYER (17 votes) with Kyle Orton tied with Brett Favre for second at 13 votes apiece. Josh McD walked away with COACH OF THE YEAR although he'll be fighting Sean Payton for the full-year award.

Orton and Dumervil traded positions for the MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER, with Orton winning with 7 votes and Doom in second taking 4, tied with Drew Brees and Darren Sproles. That one surprised me - in what universe is Brees or Sproles anything other than a great player and teammate? The folks who underrated them have been kidding themselves, but that's free of charge as well as common and sometimes amusing.

Two players that Broncos fans are familiar with got high ratings on MOST OVERRATED and BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT. Shawne Merriman tied with Terrell Owens as the MOST OVERRATED (I don't know why they needed a color-change on the letters, bigger font, bold and caps to make the categories obvious, but that's how they did it) and Jay Cutler was just behind them. Cutler and Merriman also garnered votes as BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT. Cutler, it should be noted, did a nice job on Sunday against Arizona, but once again finds himself without a defense and currently doesn't have the receivers or O-line that he needs either. He also did well in completions - 29 of 47, 3 TDs and only one INT with 369 yards (sacked 3 times) - but once again did better at creating yardage than points, especially in the first half, when he was 20-29, 195 and got only 7 points.

What I laughed about with regard to those two categories was not that those two players were in each, but the bizarre logic behind it. Merriman is coming off a surgery that tends to take two seasons to recover from and folks are dunning him for not being at next year's level. Like him or hate him, that's pointless. The same goes for Cutler - I spent the offseason pointing out that Chicago didn't have the O-line or receivers to win consistently and other members dissected their D in detail (I was mostly down on the secondary, and haven't changed my tune). Consistency may be the hobgoblin of little minds, but it's also kind of useful in logic and those two categories were sheer CYA.

The Sporting News also put up its recommendations for this year's All Pro - Ryan Clady and Elvis Dumervil were first team. Congratulations to both!

Wildcat/Wild Horses

The same issue talked about the Wildcat and its variants, which was interesting. They list the Broncos as being one of the teams that doesn't use it, which is both true and false, depending on your specific definition. More interesting was the followup article on Saints coordinator Gregg Williams, who held Miami to running the Wildcat 14 times for 27 yards. For those who didn't see the game, the WC seems to be mostly limited to a run-play formation, which is a huge weakness. Based on that, Williams blitzed both corners and one safety whenever the WC was set up and drove MIA insane by doing so. The Wild Horses has a big advantage there.

The Wild Horses not only gives us a chance to peek at the defense, it's also set up to become a passing attack. Since the rest of the league is running out of the WC at least 80% of the time, this makes our attack unique. That's something that the Steelers found out on the first drive Monday night. The Broncos didn't really stay with it, but it showed why the formation is unique among the versions of the WC that are out there.

The Price of Arrogance

I had some pretty irritated reactions to my recent comment that the players on the Chargers who were arguing on the sidelines, acting out and taking their arguments to the media are guilty of 'arrogance'. It seemed that the term 'arrogance' irritated folks as much as having their players called out and I was inundated with comments that I was 'arrogant' for saying that they were arrogant (Very subtle and witty, folks. There were at least a half dozen people making that incredibly insightful weak pun).

It shouldn't surprise anyone that I called the players out on this, though. I've said the same thing about Broncos players such as Brandon Marshall when he did the same, not to mention Nate Webster, Jay Cutler and a half dozen others. Players who aren't about the team first are about themselves first, which I consider to be the definition of ego and arrogance and an invitation to disaster as a team. I understand that folks believe that if you're not a fan of a certain team, you shouldn't use that term, but it is what it is.

To put this in perspective, I was interested to note that Bill Belichick referenced the same problem recently. Jimmy Johnson had once made a comment that only a limited number of teams will beat you - the others will self-destruct each year. In response to that quote, Belichick said,

Jimmy probably said the same thing to you that he once said to me: "You’re really only competing with about 10 teams a year. If you just say out of the way, the other 20 teams will screw it up themselves. Whether it’s ownership or personnel or coaching or some combination of factors." Ego, internal struggle, something will happen to two-thirds of the teams, that was Jimmy’s theory. That leaves you with about 10 teams that you’re going to have to really battle with. Those teams have it together. They’re going to make good decisions and if you play bad football, they’re going to take advantage of it. They’re going to find some undrafted guy or some middle-round pick or some veteran free agent who is going to spark their team. Pittsburgh is always going to be there. Indianapolis is always going to be there. They may not win it, but they’ll be there. You’re going to have to beat them. Philadelphia is going to be there. Yeah, [quarterback Donovan] McNabb might get hurt one year and they might go 7-9, but they’re going to be there. You’re still battling them on every front.

This is exactly what I'm referring to when I get on certain teams or payers about their ego or their arrogance. If your players are acting out on the sidelines, if they're talking about their unhappiness in the papers, they're contributing to the opposing team's success, and that's just pointless. No matter what team it shows up in, I'm going to point out that it's a bad idea. Seriously, what's the argument in favor of what a good idea it is? This is what the best teams don't do.

A perfect example of this kind of arrogance from this week's games? Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears DT. Harris is a very good player with a very bad attitude, which got him benched for the Cleveland game. The Bears aren't stopping the pass and their pass rush has been lacking, but their run defense remained stout and he's a key element there. So, during a game in which the Bears later lost two more members of the secondary (SS Al Afalava and CB Charles Tillman) Harris got so self-involved that he threw a blatant sucker punch at a defenseless opposing player (OT Deuce Lutui) who was already on the ground, 64 lousy seconds into the game. That might cost the Bears his services for that game was well as (potentially) this coming Thursday as he sits out a suspension. Since Chicago is on the line, with two more losses perhaps costing them the playoffs for a third consecutive year, that action stands out as the boneheaded play of the season so far. The Johnson Principle - handing over games by self-centered actions - is in full swing.

When a Bronco does it, I'll call that player on it as well. But, just because I'm not rooting for a certain team doesn't make it any less arrogant or any less foolish when it happens. I really don't care if it's your team or not - it isn't a very bright thing to do. One thing that I like about this year's Broncos - each person that I've listened to has taken the loss on himself and talked about the team in a positive and supportive way. That's just the way it ought to be.

Final Thoughts - What's On the Line

In regards to the running game, LG, C, and RT are exposed at the moment. One is due to injury while the others will have many wondering, "what the hell happened"!?

Say hello to my fast...

by dcrespo7 on Nov 10, 2009 3:23 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It's a good, valid, and ultimately important point. I don't really wonder what happened - Hamilton hasn't been the same since the injury, whether they are linked or not. Casey Wiegmann is losing to the only player he ever will again - Father Time. Tyler Polumbus would/will need time to get his own timing and communication down right. We like to believe that everyone can learn instantly, but it usually doesn't work that way, sad to say. Ryan Harris will be back, perhaps, which would help, and Chris Kuper has been a rock. Ryan Clady has some sophomore stuff going on, but he's fine. Polumbus will show us how vulnerable we are by the time Harris makes it back.

Let's be fair. There's no way that one team could have solved anything else in this little time. The changes in this team are tremendous, quick, and have generally been effective. When you have a major weakness get exposed during a season, sometimes you need a little time to fix it. It's this team's first season together, so it's not like they've had a decade to work out the kinks.

Washington might be the tonic that we need. Traveling is never easy - statistically, I've seen that it affects winning substantially, so this will not be considered a cakewalk. We need a decisive win, whatever the score. Still - that's a doable goal. I don't see losing the last two games as that big a deal - we've won a lot more than we've lost and both teams had tremendous games, a fact that seems to have escaped many fans' attention. We need to make some adaptations, and I look forward to seeing what they are.

Go Broncos!

Horse Tracks 9/30/09 - NFL study shows higher rate of dementia in former players; status of Hamilton, Harris unknown; A. Smith unlikely

Douglas A. Lee — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:45:19 -0000

NYT - Study Indicates Higher Rate of Dementia in Former N.F.L. Players - Alan Schwarz
This is scary stuff with far-reaching implications. Folks, make sure your kids know the dangers associated with concussions. It's not about being tough; it's about keeping your brain intact and functioning into old age...

DB - Gearing Up For a Ground Game War - Patrick Smyth
Fun facts from the weekly press release.

DPP - Broncos' schedule takes turn for tougher starting with Cowboys on Sunday - Mike Klis

DPP - Mailbag: Denver brought in the right new players - Mike Klis
"Andra Davis, cornerback Andre' Goodman and safeties Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill...replaced Nate Webster, Dre' Bly, Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree." Wow. Never looked it all those names side by side.

DPP - Broncos defensive backs coach lauds his veterans - Jeff Legwold
Sounds like Alphonso Smith is unlikely to play Sunday. Ben Hamilton and Ryan Harris are nursing injuries and their status is unknown. Ryan Torain worked out for the Dolphins, while Kory Lichtensteiger was waived by Minnesota.

CSG - Broncos are actually chameleons - Frank Schwab
Pardon the look ahead, but I wonder how much of a chess match the game versus Belichick and Co. will be...

PFW - Week Four matchup tidbits

DPP - Broncos primer: the Dallas Cowboys - Linday Jones

DPP - Q&A: Broncos make sure Dumervil plays to strength - Jeff Legwold

DPP - Analysis: Broncos' offensive line showing great depth - Lindsay Jones

CBS4 - Elway: Broncos Offensive Line Has Been Outstanding - Matthew Buettner

LTC - Dedication - Brian Howell
Daniel Graham is feeling the effects of playing 8 years down in the trenches. Anyone still wondering why we drafted Richard Quinn?

LTC - Broncos’ consistency bodes well for season - Brian Howell

DB - Awareness on Display - Zach Eisendrath
The NFL is helping put breast cancer awareness at the forefront in October.

DB - Ask Elvis Dumervil...

DB - Colorful Season At Home - Jim Saccomano

DB - 3-0 Makes For A Fun Start - Mark Cooper

DB - Buckhalter, Moreno Up For Awards - Gray Caldwell

TSN - AFC West: Unbeaten Broncos face uphill battle - Shawn Clarke

Cowboys News

NFP - Monday replay: Cowboys shut down deep threat - Matt Bowen
Plenty of good analysis which is relevant come Sunday.

ST - The smartest thing the Cowboys can do is let Romo be Romo - Jennifer Floyd Engel

ST - Broncos, Orton are a pair of surprises - Jeff Caplan

ST - Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins is stepping up - Clarence Hill

ST - Dallas Cowboys down to one healthy running back - Charean Williams

DMN - Rush weak? Dallas Cowboys' running back depth being tested - Todd Archer

DMN - No pass rush from Dallas Cowboys' Spencer making it tough be Ware - Jean-Jacques Taylor

DMN - Jenkins looks to have won job at right cornerback for Dallas Cowboys - David Moore

DMN - Dallas Cowboys scouting report: Denver Broncos - Rick Gosselin

AFC West

NFL - Chiefs sign former Cardinals TE Pope

KCS - Chiefs having trouble finding right combination on offensive line - Kent Babb

KCS - Chiefs trade Thigpen to Dolphins - Kent Babb

SDUT - Connected by Steel - CHris Jenkins

SDUT - Scouting the Steelers

NFP - Real Fake People: Very Fake Al Davis - Ray Gustini
Another gem from Gustini.

SFC - No tussle over Russell; he'll start - David White

SFG - Last word on Gannon - David White

OT - Poole: Raiders are historically horrendous

NFL News

NFL - Trotter back with Eagles after year out of league

NFL - Rams LB Vobora suspended four games

NFL - Saints place Pro Bowl left tackle Brown on IR

NFL - Rams release veteran DT Hollis Thomas

NFL - Tomlin may bench Steelers WR Sweed after drops

NFL - Police investigating case involving Patriots CB Wilhite

NFL Opinion

NFP - Diner morning news: Breaking down the teams - Mike Lombardi
Lombardi has a fair point (IMO) regarding the Broncos' prospects. It remains to be seen whether Kyle Orton can win a game for us when we need it...

SI - Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants are NFL elite through Week 3 - Don Banks
Banks thinks the Broncos will be 4-7 or worse after the next 8 games...

SI - Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals have hope despite records - John P. Lopez

FOX - Schein 9: Don't rule out Jets-Giants Super Bowl

PFW - Rookie Meter: Jury out on freshman backs - Matt Sohn

Y! - Latest injury could spell end for Pennington - Jason Cole

NFP - Tavern talk: Zorn’s game management - Mike Lombardi

CBS - Time for Zorn to prove he's worthy of Redskins gig - Clark Judge

NFP - NFL notebook: Bills’ offense needs T.O. - Matt Bowen

ESPN - T.O. wallowing in his own martyrdom - Tim Graham

SI - MMQB Mailbag - Peter King

NFL - One month into 2009 season, Steelers and Cardinals not so super - Vic Carucci

SN - Who Will Be The Last Unbeaten Standing? - Albert Breer

CBS - Bengals' turnaround has been long time coming - Charley Casserly

SI - Eric Mangini might be worst NFL coaching hire ever - Joe Posnanski

NFP - The contract conundrum - Jack Bechta

NFP - The NFP Power Rankings

NFL - Expert Rankings: Week 3

CBS - Power Rankings: Manning always gives Colts chance to win - Pete Prisco

Y! - Jets, Saints proper hosts for Bourbon St. party - Mike Silver

SN - NFL Power Poll: Redskins reeling after loss to Lions - Clifton Brown

NFP - Scout’s notebook: offensive review - Wes Bunting

NFP - Scout’s notebook: defensive review - Wes Bunting

The Value of Leadership

Emmett Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:30:09 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

3 months ago: In this photograph taken on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins waves his broken right hand in the air during drills at the team's final day of NFL football training camp at Broncos' headquarters in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Going into the 2009 season, the Denver Broncos are being written off by all but a very few media observers. The reasons for their disdain are not entirely specious - the Broncs have changed their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators and schemes, replaced the defensive staff, starting quarterbacks, fired players wholesale (some of whom can't even get an audition with other teams, after a dreadful 2008), and turned over all of the position coaches save for offensive standouts Bobby Turner and Rick Dennison. The schedule, if you accept last season's rankings as valid, is nothing short of brutal. Their organization has had more drama than TNT.

But the process of rebuilding, if I can use the R word, is rarely easy. If you remove the statistics from the first few games of last season, the Broncos' offense was simply ordinary. Their ability to put points on the board and wins on their record was mediocre, while the defense was horrible. Head Coach Josh McDaniels has inherited a difficult task, but it's not impossible. He started the process by creating a game plan for the transformation of an organization that was too often laying down and accepting blowout losses as just 'part of the game'. He sold his vision to Pat Bowlen, Joe Ellis and Jim Goodman, and the die was cast.

McDaniels began the process by bringing in some of the best coaches that he could find. Mike Nolan was brought in to turn around a defense that was on life support and fading fast. Mike McCoy came on to work closely with McDaniels and change the offense. Wayne Nunnely, a 35-year veteran of the game, came in to teach the techniques and secrets of the 3-4 defense to the linemen, while other quality position coaches like Don Martindale (linebackers) and Ed Donatell (defensive backs) filled out the positions. On offense, Clancy Barone took over the tight ends and Adam Gase took on the receiving corps, while Turner and Dennison guaranteed some continuity with the running game that has long been a Denver mainstay. The special-teams play that had been missing in action for years was handed to Mike Priefer and supported by longtime Broncos specialist Keith Burns. If it's true that it all starts with the coaching, the Broncos have taken a big step forward.

The next step was to clean house on the players' side of the equation. There were wholesale releases of players who the coaches felt would not fit into the new approach to the game. Bigger, more physical, more cerebral and more versatile became the war cry of the day. Quickly, new pieces came together. Ronald Fields, Brian Dawkins, Andre' Goodman, Renaldo Hill and Andra Davis brought instant upgrades at their various positions. Surprise holdovers included Mario Haggan, who may start at OLB and safety Vernon Fox. While it's inevitable that there will be issues and glitches with the transition, there is also no question that McDaniels believes that he can win, and win quickly. There is a method to the madness.

"It's all very simple what my motive is - winning. That is the only reason I'm here. I'm not interested in talking about anything else but. Every minute of this job is done with winning in mind. That's all I talk to the team about. Winning is always the message."

Next came the NFL Draft, and the basis of Josh McDaniels' approach quickly became apparent. The Denver draft became a parade of players who excelled academically, on the football field, and as leaders of their teams. Even a cursory glance at the current roster reveals a cavalcade of captains and leaders. While the Broncos gave some thought to the issues of character last year as well, the difference between the two rosters is clear. Whenever it's possible, character isn't enough. Leadership is required. The players they have brought in are, with very few exceptions, those who not only are self-starters with excellent work ethics, but those who are able to motivate themselves as well as those around them; who can bring direction as well as enthusiasm to each aspect of the team. Such people also support and give back to the community.

I was contemplating this transformation recently and I began to accumulate some data. The more I investigated this tendency, on the insistence on collecting those who lead as well as those who excel, the more obvious the pattern became. The individual stories quickly became a cohesive whole, a tapestry woven of skill, belief and personal excellence. Leadership, by itself, won't win games. You have to have skills, scheme, ability and quality at all levels of the organization. But you can turn a program around far more quickly if all of the pieces maintain a talent for believing in themselves and the people around them. The process will not be painless. But if the players are able to manifest heir own highest selves and are willing to share that with all of those that surround them, the process will be, I believe, much faster and infinitely more effective. These are men who are giving back to the community as well as giving their best efforts to the team. Here are some of their stories. Whenever possible, I also linked the players' names to additional articles from MHR, for those who want a deeper level of understanding.

Brian Dawkins. I don't think that you can talk about leadership among the players without starting with Brian Dawkins. The former fiery soul of the Philadelphia Eagles was the spark that burns brightest on their defense for many years. Some feel that he's lost a step. Dawkins vocally disagrees. The effect of his passion and the transmission of his knowledge are incalculable. However, Dawkins was also named 'Father of the Year by the American Diabetes Association for his love of family and his dedicated work on the behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 2005 Eagles Man of the Year. Byron 'Whizzer' White Award winner, 2009. He was the 2009 spokesman for the United Way 'Live United ' campaign. On or off the field, Dawkins defines the role of a vocal, motivating leader.

Andre' Goodman. Those who aren't impressed haven't looked at the direction of his career. Goodman has continued to improve, unlike many players who plateau at whatever level they achieve in a couple of seasons. He brings a skill at interceptions that he can transmit to Alphonso Smith and Jack Williams. He tied for second in the league among cornerbacks with 5 INTs last season. He received Miami's nomination for the Ed Block Courage Award in 2007.

Renaldo Hill. Was twice named to his high school's honor roll. Recipient of the Miami Dolphins' Nat More Community Service award and was part of their All-Community Service team. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity. Has his own charitable foundation. He sponsored 21 foster children last holiday season.

Andra Davis . Former team captain of both his high school football and basketball teams, Davis was also a Butkus Award semifinalist. He came from extreme poverty in Live Oak, Florida to make a name for himself. After injuring his knee and redshirting his senior season, he returned to the Florida Gators and received the Most Inspirational Player award. Davis did something all too rare when he agreed to drop his base salary from $3 million to $1.67 million for 2008, also dropping two seasons off the five-year deal originally signed in 2005. He said, "Me and my wife (Monique, his childhood sweetheart from Live Oak, Fla.), money is the last thing on our minds. We grew up dirt poor. I’m doing way better than 99 percent of the people." He'll make the education of those players like Wesley Woodyard and Spencer Larsen much easier. He doesn't take plays off. He's not fast, but he's a sure tackler.

Mario Haggan. His predraft scouting report said in part, "Good tackler. Team leader with good intangibles. Smart player." He was a tweener when he came to the league, and fits the 3-4 very well. He was a leader on special teams in Buffalo.

Ron Fields. Most people don't know that in college, Fields majored in two things - teaching and coaching. He's an excellent leader. You start building a team by building the lines. Offense is set. Fields is an excellent student of the game.

Champ Bailey. He's a perennial team captain. Isn't always vocal, but you can't mistake his work ethic. A brilliant student of the game. 8 consecutive Pro Bowls and 4 consecutive years on the AP All-Pro team. Still a constant threat.

Vernon Fox. Serves as a motivational speaker for churches and schools.

Daniel Graham. Earned the Randy Brewer Award, given annually by Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver for the most inspirational player. Highest grade point average in his class as a junior in high school. 2008 team captain for the Denver Broncos. Previously was an offensive captain for the New England Patriots, a leader at every level he's encountered. Dedicated, devout Muslim.

Ryan Harris. Member of the National Honor Society and Junior ROTC, high school student council co-president. Part of St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly's Youth Advisory Board.

Peyton Hillis. Josh McDaniels said, "he is kind of an older-school type of guy in terms of being hard-nosed. Everything he does is that way, you are right. Physical fits him. Tough fits him. (He) plays smart. He plays a lot of different positions on our team. He has got very versatile skills. Those are the things we look for in all our players, and Peyton seems to be one of the few that it all comes naturally to him. That is just the way he is. He is a great guy to have on your team, a great teammate. We are fortunate to have him on our team." Casey Wiegmann said that when Peyton went down last year, it took the air out of the Broncos' sails - his enthusiasm is that contagious. Hillis is involved in supporting early reading among grade school students.

Spencer Larsen. Won the inaugural Pac-10 Student-Athlete of the Year Award. Earned a 3.7 GPA at Arizona. Took 2003-4 off for a two-year Mormon mission. A vocal leader and co-captain of his Arizona team. In college he was referred to as the 'Heart and Soul' of his defensive squad. He has a reputation for not being shy about vocally demanding the best from himself and his teammates.

Darcel McBath. Defensive captain, Texas Tech, 2008 Currently playing as Brian Dawkins' understudy.

Kyle Orton. Team captain for the Chicago Bears. Quiet leader, well-liked by his teammates. Works with an environmental organization called Cool Globes in Chicago.

Lonie Paxton. Although eyebrows raised at his signing, Paxton has two things to commend him: He hasn't missed a snap in years, and he serves as vice president of Active Force Foundation, which offers disabled people the opportunity to pursue an active lifestyle

Kenny Peterson. He's never smoked or drank, and speaks to youth groups in the D.A.R.E about staying away from drugs and alcohol.

David Bruton. A captain at Notre Dame, Bruton carries his love for his son, Jarden, on his sleeve and his passion for football out on the field. Another young man with a lot going for him, he achieved a double major in political science and sociology while in college.

Lee Robinson,, CFA. His college coach, Earnest Jones, said, "...having Robinson is like having a coach on the field."

Tony Scheffler. 3.63 GPA in college.

Alphonso Smith. Defensive leader in college for Wake Forest

Brandon Stokley. Brandon served as the spokesman for the Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA) in 2004. A native of Louisiana, Stokley also assisted the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita by donating clothing, food and supplies to people in the Gulf Region.

Casey Wiegmann. Along with being a leader on the Broncos offensive line, here's what denverbroncos.com has to say, "Spearheaded a fundraising effort by the Broncos that assisted in raising more than $50,000 to help rebuild his high school after it was devastated by a tornado on May 25, 2008... Served as an intern for the Legacy Financial Group during the 2005-06 offseasons... Worked as co-chairman for the Chiefs First Downs for Down Syndrome program, which raised $250,000 annually based on the production of the Chiefs’ offensive line, and is involved with the Denver chapter"

There are more, but the list is sufficient. The Broncos have loaded the roster with the smart and talented. The ones who lead are also those who excel, on and off the field. If the Broncos are to be successful in this rebuilding season - and I believe that they can be - they will have to rely on intellect, dedication and leadership as well as physical talent. they have begun to stack the roster with players who can lead on and off the field, those who are dedicated to more than just their own careers. As I did the research here, I found that nearly every player was involved with training camps for underprivileged children. Peyton Hillis and yes, even Brandon Marshall were involved in a child's reading program.

I am not going to suggest that this year will be easy. I don't know that we'll do more than come close to breaking even. I'm open to more, and I hope for better but I've read NFL history. These kinds of turnarounds aren't easy, and they're not usually fast. Yet the road back to prominence often requires sacrifice, and the Broncos are trying to achieve something not easily attained. They want to rebuild back to another Super Bowl while achieving rapid competitiveness. They have no intention of being mired in year after year of changing scheme and overhauling personnel, as many clubs have done. Coach McDaniels has obviously decided that in order to lead the league, you have to have leaders on your team. It makes a great deal of sense.

One of the advantages of bringing together a group of leaders is that leaders tend, by their nature, to be self-starters and self-directed individuals. They usually understand what it takes to be a leader and they try to manifest that in their professional lives. That means extra time in the weight room and the film room. It means listening to the senior leaders on the team. It means a better team and tends to continue to get better - that's what a leader enjoys doing. Leaders tend to take pleasure in personal improvement and a team-supportive environment.

I have to give credit to everyone from Pat Bowlen on down on this one. It's obvious that collecting players who are leaders is a priority. Last season, no one seemed to be willing to take up that role, especially on defense. DJ was being moved yet again and when moved out of the Mike position he became less of a leader. Nate Webster was supposedly leading the charge on the defensive play-calling, and there was no evidence that he was good at it. Champ isn't usually a vocal leader - he has a different style, more centered on example than vocalization. That weakness - that lack of leadership - was only one in a laundry list of issues, but without it the team was missing an essential cog, without which they did not seem capable of driving themselves upward. It obviously started at the top, with Mike Shanahan too long ignoring the needs of the defense and the skill-sets of the special teams. That isn't meant as a dig at Shanahan - just a statement of fact. The players complained about not even knowing what the scheme was, what was required of them. The result was odious.

In any successful organization, the quality of the leadership will determine the quality of the outcome. Leadership means having specific roles, clearly defined, from which the players can take their direction. It means personal accountability, effort, striving and production. It's the glue that creates a cohesive whole. Without it, you only have a mass of individuals, like the fingers on a hand. With it, you have a fist, powerful and daunting.

Leadership is the prow of the ship, slicing through waves of opposition. It can turn a contender into a winner.

Bengals big-play offense is taking shape (again); Whitworth is an emerging leader; Bengals linebackers are most underrated in AFCN

Kirkendall — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:28:17 -0000

Alright, so some fans/sites aren't drinking the Kool-Aid. That's fine. It's hard to imagine that a transformation from failure to a system of success could happen overnight, or through an offseason. Carson Palmer is coming back (again) and there's no telling if he'll be able to sustain the success he had earlier in his career. Bob Bratkowski is changing the playbook. Marvin Lewis is changing his demeanor. The offensive line has gone through personnel changes, so there's an "incomplete" score in the preseason forecast. Chad Johnson came off the worst season in his career, T.J. Houshmandzadeh is gone, and the offense is depending on Chris Henry; a guy that wasn't so dependable early in his career. Cedric Benson had a nice finish last season, but for the most part, like the offensive line, we're not sure how strong the position will be.

There's the draft, which many have rated as very good. Free agency brought in pieces to an overall puzzle -- none of whom are designed to be the best player on their respective unit. Last year's (lack of a) pass rush put the defensive secondary on their heels -- and for the most part, they did as well as expected of them when the quarterback has time to scan the field, set his feet, and deliver passes with patient technique.

A Mike Brown factor still exists, which will never go away until he doubles the scouting staff and upgrades the general personnel staff.

If you have reservation about this year, then that's alright. History tends to be on your side and projecting the Bengals to go better than .500 in 2009 is based on a faith that the Bengals have improved everywhere on the field. On the other hand, if you're excited about that faith that the Bengals have improved, then that's alright too. We wouldn't be fans if we weren't unique to our own opinions.

Moving on.

Is it fair to say that the Bengals offense is coming back to form? Look at Joe Reedy's reports:

Laveranues Coles made two nice catches on sideline routes. Chad Ochocinco also got into the act along the sideline, diving forward for a low catch inbounds.
David Richmond beat Geoffrey Pope on a 45-yard pass by Carson Palmer.
Chris Henry caught two long passes, first with Jonathan Joseph covering and then closed the practice with a reception with Castille covering of which he said afterward “you can’t play me like that.”
Jordan Palmer had a nice completion to Jerome Simpson on a double reverse and completed a 40-yarder to Ochocinco
Carson Palmer and Laveranues Coles connected on a 50-yard pass with Johnathan Joseph covering.

The defense isn't too shabby, intercepting their share of passes and, as Bob Bratkowski says, a decent amount of pressure on the defense. “The blitz packages have been strong. It’s been exciting because it forces us to be spot on." Furthermore, the defense is getting great work in by playing against a good core of receivers.

“They’re more versatile than in previous years,” said cornerback Leon Hall. “Chris (Henry) gives you the tall receiver that can stretch you down the field, Laveranues is crafty and Chad always makes plays. It makes it better for us to see receivers like that.”

Reedy's Blog Reports
Thursday Morning Session
Thursday Afternoon Session
Friday Morning Session
Friday Afternoon Session

A leader is emerging. Andrew Whitworth stood up during a winless first-half in 2008 and took charge of the lockerroom.

Andrew Whitworth became an instant folk hero for the Cincinnati Bengals in their 21-19 victory over Jacksonville on Nov. 2, 2008.

That was the day he gave a rousing pre-game speech — he was mad as you-know-what about the Bengals’ 0-8 record and wasn’t going to take losing anymore — then he retaliated against Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson, who pulled off Whitworth’s helmet after a heated blocking exchange and attempted to gouge Whitworth’s eyes.

Playing at left tackle, he wants the responsibility of being the team's elite blocker:

“Left tackle is a position that you have one of your elite players play,” Whitworth said during a break at minicamp, which concludes Saturday, June 20, at Paul Brown Stadium. “That’s the position I want to take the responsibility of playing, and playing well.”

+ Linebackers. Joe Reedy writes that the Bengals linebackers, while underrated, could be very good. The popular vote for the team's starting lineup is Keith Rivers, Dhani Jones and Rey Maualuga. However, because of the competition that Maualuga will bring, Rashad Jeanty isn't just lying down either.

The player though who has made the most gains – and has the most to prove – is Rashad Jeanty. He has held on to his spot at SAM (outside), but figures to face competition from Rey Maualuga.

Even before Maualuga was selected in the second round, Jeanty was making plenty of changes. He cut off his dreadlocks and also changed uniform numbers, going from 93 to 53. FitzGerald said the fourth-year player has gotten lighter and stronger during offseason conditioning.

And with a position battle between Jeanty and Maualuga figuring to be among the most watched of training camp, the upcoming competition has made both players stronger. While the Bengals are expected to be more aggressive with pressure, Jeanty knows the defense will have to earn that trust first.

And yea, we still have Brandon Johnson to think of, who finished second on the team with 112 tackles. The most noticeable thing is that since 2003, the Bengals have used a collection of middle linebackers. All who have started at middle linebacker, saved for Dhani Jones, are no longer with the team (and several are out of the NFL).

2003 – Kevin Hardy
2004 – Nate Webster, Caleb Miller, Landon Johnson
2005 – Odell Thurman, L. Johnson
2006 – Brian Simmons, Ahmad Brooks, Caleb Miller
2007 – Brooks, Miller, Anthony Schlegel
2008 – Dhani Jones

BUC'Em TRIVIA WINNER! BUCSTATS edges V.Money! Recount Ordered...dismissed!

Niko Houllis — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:56:15 -0000

No Film at 11!

Congratulations to BucStats for edging out V.Money for the Win!

Email me at CONTESTS@BUCSTOP.COM

Here are the errors used for determining the winner..

V.Money was first to post, but as I said in rules that this would not end at first answer, but Friday Morning. Due to other reasons, Im ending it on Thursday. Anyone else would have simply copied one of these two guys so that wouldnt be fair.

Bucstats posted the more correct answers, when taking out the same mistakes both guys made, Bucstats is left as our winner!

V.Money both incorrectly included Errict Rhett, who did NOT start for Tampa Bay in 1997. He scored a few TDs in 3rd and Goal short yardage situation, but you guys can both contact Drew Rosenhaus and bash him over the head for giving such bad advice to the best running back to don a Bruce uniform since James Wilder. I simply overlooked the (7) count which was obviously incorrect if you just count the names. LOL.. It happens!

However V.Money also incorrectly included Martin Meyhew, and forgot to include Philip Buchanon and Kevin Carter. Bucstats included P-buc, wether by seeing someone elses post or not, he still included it.

FLORIDA GATORS have more starters in Pewter, with the Noles close behind. Im pretty sure Cane involvement was heavier overall or in Orange days, as USC probably had more starters in Orange than Ohio State did (sorry Joey G if your reading).

Gators-

Brad Culpepper

Riedel Anthony

Earnest Graham

Ike Hilliard

Jacquez Green

Jason Odom

Kenyatta Walker

KEVIN CARTER

Seminoles

Derrick Brooks

Warrick Dunn

Mario Edwards

Dexter Jackson

Brad Johnson

Greg Spires

Hurricanes

Horace Copeland

Warren Sapp

Nate Webster

Philip Buchanon

And the team with the cool stickers for good plays...

Will Allen

Joey Galloway

Ricky Dudley

It may be worth noting that had Derrick Brooks gave up his streak, Geno Hayes would have been added.

Thanks for playing!

MHR Position Reviews - Linebackers

Tim Lynch — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:50:02 -0000

Over the next couple of weeks, the contributors here at MileHighReport will be taking a look at the 2008 season, breaking it down by position. Starting with an overview, we'll get more specific by taking a look at certain individual players. At the end, there will be a poll allowing you to grade each position/player. My thanks to each of the contributors for taking on this task and to SirSam for the graphic - TSG

The linebacker situation in Denver in 2008 was really a tale of two seasons. One season saw the so-called "starters" and the other season saw the emergence of the "back-ups". The year started with Boss Bailey, Nate Webster, and D.J. Williams. After a dominating performance by the entire team on opening day in Oakland, the unit began to show some major weaknesses. The weakness was mostly at the defensive tackle position, but tackling quickly became an issue with the linebackers as they and the rest of the defense gave up 38, 32, and 33 in consecutive weeks.

I'd rather look at what the Broncos record was with each LB starting and also as a cohesive unit.

The Review

Individual Linebacker Comparison's
Player	Record	PPG	Tackles
Nate Webster	5-7	29.2	76
D.J. Williams	4-7	30.3	93
Boss Bailey	3-2	30.7	40
Jamie Winborn	5-6	28.0	99
Spencer Larsen	3-1	24.5	22
Wesley Woodyard	4-1	23.0	55

As you can see, statisucally the better players were not the "starters". The players with far less playing time also had more tackles per game started. It gets more telling when compared to the stats as a unit. Jamie Winborn will be counted both as a starter and as a backup. The Starters basically played from Weeks 1-9 and Weeks 15-17. While the backup unit was playing full time from Weeks 10-14.

Linebacker Unit Comparison's
Unit	Record	PPG	Tackles
"Starters"	4-7	30.3	223
"Back-ups"	4-1	23.0	122

Now I know my ability to compile stats from every angle is very limited, but the overall point for me was that Mike Shanahan failed to live by his own self proclaimed ethos of having the best players start. He lied to himself as much as he lied to us fans by placing the struggling veterans back onto the field after being injured when the younger rookies were playing so well. He broke his own rules and possibly even cost his team a chance at the playoffs.

Perhaps this was indicative of his players no longer buying into what he was saying. Shanahan felt the need to keep the veterans happy so as to not lose control of the team. Perhaps he couldn't afford to put the best players on the field because he knew his message wasn't as important as having the veterans support him as head coach. Scary thought and I am by no means suggesting that was the case, but it is also the only thing that really makes sense when you look at how well the defense was playing when Nate Webster and D.J. Williams got healthy in Week 15.

The Future

My overall prognosis of the linebacker position must be broken into two segements. The "starters" were mostly horrible all season long and all should be looking for a pink slip this training camp. I think D.J. Williams will be kept because he does have a proven track record and all great players have a bad year now and then. Nate Webster is a career back up that will not likely give up his starting position without creating divisiveness in the locker room and should therefore be cut if only to save the Broncos coaching staff from an unwanted headache. Boss Bailey was playing well before his injury and it won't hurt to keep him around, while Jamie Winborn has proven he can play. I think those two could have an interesting training camp to compete for that starting spot on the outside. An even more titillating move would be to experiment using Jarvis Moss or Elvis Dumervil at that OLB position. While I am not sold on either players ability to make the transition to LB, I would like to see one of the two find a place in this new scheme as neither is very likely to fit well on the line as a DE.

As for the other "backups", Spencer Larsen is sort of the odd man out with the switch to the 3-4 defense and he could make the permanent switch to FB during training camp. He is a big hitter and could make an excellent FB and his contributions on special teams is also worth keeping him around. Wesley Woodyard may be undersized, but he can hit with the best linebackers in the league and also reminded us all how important it is to have linebackers that can wrap up and bring down ball carriers. I will look for him to get the starting job ouside D.J. Williams in our new defense.

As for the other ILB position, I have made it no secret that we need a top draft pick and my hope is that we grab Rey Maualuga to compliment D.J. on the inside. I will be looking for a major improvement in 2009 from our defense. A top 20 defense would make me jump for joy as expectations shouldn't be too high as we have so many holes to fill along with a brand new scheme to employ. Though I am quite excited going into this reloading season.

And looking towards the future -

Poll

What grade would you give the performance of the Denver Broncos Linebackers in 2008?

A

3 votes

B

23 votes

C

195 votes

D

297 votes

F

75 votes

593 votes | Poll has closed

MHR Player Reviews - D.J. Williams

Tim Lynch — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:08 -0000

My first impression of D.J. Williams was that he was the only good player among a bunch of bad ones. The truth is, he was horrible for much of the year. The fact is we would have been better off starting Wesley Woodyard than D.J. towards the end of the season. I don't know what the problem was, but he was missing gap assignments, missed tackles, ran into referees, ect ect.

The only thing he was really good at was chasing guys down from behind. If I had to place blame on something outside of D.J.'s control it would have to be that he was asked to play a different position each year. Perhaps it finally caught up with him. After playing MLB all year, he seemed to keep trying to go after the MLB assignments rather than his own. Though at this level, even that is unacceptable as an excuse.

My NFL Re-Cutter for Week 4. Look for D.J. Williams and see how he misses his gap assignments and takes horrible angles. He even moved over and tried to plug the same hole as Nate Webster that sprung Larry Johnson on one of the long runs. I am not saying he played like that the entire season, but this game was indicative of many of the mistakes he was making throughout the 2008 season.

I even regret having come down so hard on Nate Webster. It wasn't Nate who was blowing his assignments, it was D.J. Once I swallowed my bias towards Nate Webster, I began to realize that he had one of his best seasons as a pro. Webster still isn't anything more than a backup, but I can no longer blame him for what were obviously D.J.'s mistakes. Webster maintained his responsibilities while still missing tackles and celebrating too often, but he kept his assignments.

Now that is not to say D.J. Williams is worthless and needs to be cut. Far from that, I just think he had an off year and also had trouble adjusting to yet another position. I hope for 2009 that we move him back inside to the ILB position. He won't be a true MLB, but he will have the advantage of playing every linebacker position imaginable in his short career. With his athleticism he should excel in a 3-4 defense as long as we get another big time ILB in the draft like Rey Muauluga. I expect big things from him going forward and hopefully he can put 2008 behind him.

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - D.J. Williams	11	2.5	13	0	0	0	68	25	93

Poll

How would you grade DJ Williams in 2008?

A

13 votes

B

117 votes

C

257 votes

D

96 votes

F

16 votes

499 votes | Poll has closed

Assuming Assists are Bad Makes an Ass of U and Me

nickt84 — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:00:08 -0000

When you go through and look at defensive stats, there are all kinds of interesting things to look at that tell a defensive story. However, trying to understand that defensive story can be like trying to read it in Mandarin Chinese. Is a high number of passes defensed good or bad? If it's high, does that mean that the defensive player is not very good and offenses are picking on that player? If it's low does it mean that the defensive player is so bad that he can't defend any passes or does it mean that offenses just don't throw his way?

What about QH (Quarterback Hits); does a high number of QH and a low number of sacks mean that the player does not get there quite fast enough and therefore a slow player? Or is it more of, "well at least he did get there, albeit it wasn't fast enough..."? Finally what about assisted tackles? Are assists something you want to see a lot of, or not a lot of? Or does it matter based on position; would you rather see your DL with assists and your LB's without assists or the other way around?

Find out after the bump...

2008 Denver Bronco Defensive Statistics Through 13 Games
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Jamie Winborn	80	59	21	0	0
D.J. Williams	77	57	20	2	0
Marquand Manuel	74	56	18	0	0
Wesley Woodyard	48	44	4	0	0
Dre' Bly	50	42	8	0	1
Nate Webster	65	41	24	2	1
Karl Paymah	36	32	4	0	0
Boss Bailey	40	31	9	0	1
Marlon McCree	29	23	6	0	0
Champ Bailey	28	23	5	0	1
Ebenezer Ekuban	26	22	4	4	0
John Engelberger	25	19	6	1	1
Spencer Larsen	22	19	3	0	0
Marcus Thomas	27	17	10	0	0
Dewayne Robertson	19	16	3	0	0
Josh Bell	18	15	3	0	0
Kenny Peterson	20	14	6	3	1
Elvis Dumervil	20	13	7	5	1
Mario Haggan	13	12	1	1	0
Jack Williams	12	12	0	0	0
Calvin Lowry	18	11	7	0	0
Niko Koutouvides	12	11	1	0	0
Jarvis Moss	12	10	2	2	0
Louis Green	9	7	2	0	0
Vernon Fox	8	7	1	0	0
Josh Barrett	8	5	3	0	0
Nic Clemons	8	3	5	0	0
Josh Shaw	2	1	1	0	0
Totals	806	622	184	20	7

As you can see, 23% of the total tackles on this team were not solo tackles. But what does that mean? Does it mean that players are whiffing on tackles and require another defender to assist or does it mean that defenders are swarming to the ball carrier?

More intriguing, how does one explain the large disparity between different players and the ratio of assists versus solo tackles. Wesley Woodyard had only 8% of his total tackles assisted whereas Nate Webster had 37% of his total tackles assisted. And we cannot say that it is position related because DJ Williams had 26% of his total tackles assisted and Spencer Larsen had 13% of his total tackles assisted. Then you have anomalies like Jack "JMFW" Williams that have a 0% assisted tackle ratio. Speaking of Nate Webster, we now pause for a Nate Webster Helmet moment brought to by Reebok Chinstraps Inc.

via cache.gettyimages.com

I want to focus on our Rushing Defense because our defensive problems all seem to stem from our inability to stop the run, forcing us to put a Safety in the box, putting our DB's in winless battles, giving us a poor Pass Defense; you've heard the song and dance already. In order to get to the bottom of this assisted tackle dilemma, I think we need to put these assists into perspective and compare our top 3 rushing defensive performances and our bottom 3 rushing defensive performances. Since it's always good to end on a good note (like our season *fingers crossed*), let's start with the bad:

Week 4 - Den 19 @ KC 33 - KC Rushes For 213 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Marquand Manuel	9	7	2	0	0
Boss Bailey	8	8	0	0	0
DJ Williams	6	6	0	0	0
Dre Bly	6	5	1	0	0
Champ Bailey	6	4	2	0	1
Marcus Thomas	5	4	1	0	0
Kenny Peterson	4	3	1	1	0
Marlon McCree	4	3	1	0	0
Nate Webster	4	3	1	0	0
John Engelberger	3	2	1	0	0
Jack Williams	2	2	0	0	0
Nic Clemons	2	1	1	0	0
Jarvis Moss	1	1	0	0	0
Totals	60	49	11	1	1

In the Kansas City game, 18% of our tackles were assisted and we got run over.

Week 7 - Den 7 @ NE 41 - NE Rushes for 257 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
DJ Williams	16	10	6	0.5	0
Calvin Lowry	12	7	5	0	0
Jamie Winborn	8	4	4	0.5	0
Marcus Thomas	6	4	2	0	0
Nate Webster	6	3	3	1	0
Marquand Manuel	5	5	0	0	0
Elvis Dumervil	5	2	3	2	0
Louis Green	4	3	1	0	0
Ebenezer Ekuban	3	3	0	1	0
Jarvis Moss	3	1	2	0.5	0
Dre Bly	2	2	0	0	0
Kenny Peterson	2	2	0	0	0
Dewayne Robertson	2	1	1	0.5	0
Champ Bailey	2	0	2	0	0
Jack Williams	1	1	0	0	0
Karl Paymah	1	1	0	0	0
Totals	78	49	29	6	0

In the New England game, 37% of our tackles were assisted and we got run over worse than the Kansas City game.

Week 10 - Den 34 @ Cle 30 - Cle Rushes For 160 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Jamie Winborn	13	12	1	0	0
Wesley Woodyard	10	10	0	0	0
Marquand Manuel	10	9	1	0	0
Dre Bly	5	5	0	0	1
Karl Paymah	5	4	1	0	0
Calvin Lowry	3	2	1	0	0
Louis Green	2	1	1	0	0
Elvis Dumervil	1	1	0	0	0
Kenny Peterson	1	1	0	0	0
Dewayne Robertson	1	1	0	0	0
John Engelberger	1	1	0	0	0
Ebenezer Ekuban	1	1	0	0	0
Nic Clemons	1	0	1	0	0
Niko Koutouvides	1	0	1	0	0
Totals	55	48	7	0	0

In the Cleveland game we only gave up 160 total yards of rushing which really isn't that bad in my opinion but still qualifies as the last of the bottom 3. In the Cleveland game, only 13% of the tackles were assisted - the lowest number yet.

So now that we've shuddered our way through our bottom 3 rushing defensive performances, we get to bask in our top 3 rushing defensive performances.

Week 2 - SD 38 @ Den 39 - SD Only Rushes For 80 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Champ Bailey	6	6	0	0	0
Boss Bailey	6	5	1	0	0
DJ Williams	5	4	1	0	0
Dre Bly	5	3	2	0	0
Marquand Manuel	5	3	2	0	0
Marlon McCree	4	4	0	0	0
Karl Paymah	3	3	0	0	0
Nate Webster	3	3	0	0	0
John Engelberger	1	1	0	1	0
Ebenezer Ekuban	1	1	0	0	0
Calvin Lowry	1	1	0	0	0
Totals	40	34	6	1	0

We hold San Diego and their train wreck of a team to 80 yards rushing and 15% of our tackles are assisted.

Week 9 - Mia 26 @ Den 17 - Mia Only Rushes For 75 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Karl Paymah	12	11	1	0	0
Jamie Winborn	8	4	4	0	0
DJ Williams	8	4	4	0	0
Nate Webster	7	3	4	0	0
Jarvis Moss	4	4	0	2	0
Marlon McCree	4	4	0	0	0
Ebenezer Ekuban	4	3	1	1	0
Dewayne Robertson	4	3	1	0	0
Dre Bly	3	2	1	0	0
Elvis Dumervil	3	2	1	0	0
Marquand Manuel	2	1	1	0	0
Josh Bell	1	1	0	0	0
Marcus Thomas	1	1	0	0	0
Louis Green	1	1	0	0	0
Nic Clemons	1	0	1	0	0
Totals	63	44	19	3	0

While we lose to Miami, we only give up 75 rushing yards against the Wildcat Formation and 30% of our tackles are assisted.

Week 14 - KC 17 @ Den 24 - KC Only Rushes For 83 Yards
Player	Total Tackles	Solo	Assisted	Sacks	Forced Fumbles
Wesley Woodyard	8	7	1	0	0
Josh Bell	6	5	1	0	0
Jamie Winborn	4	3	1	0	0
Marquand Manuel	4	1	3	0	0
Dre Bly	3	3	0	0	0
Ebenezer Ekuban	3	3	0	0	0
Josh Barrett	2	2	0	0	0
Vernon Fox	2	2	0	0	0
Marcus Thomas	2	1	1	0	0
Elvis Dumervil	1	1	0	1	0
Karl Paymah	1	1	0	0	0
Mario Haggan	1	1	0	0	0
Dewayne Robertson	1	1	0	0	0
Jack Williams	1	1	0	0	0
Nate Webster	1	0	1	0	0
Totals	40	32	8	1	0

In the most recent victory against Kansas City with the leading rushing Quarterback in the NFL and the same running back that torched us in Week 4, 20% of the tackles were assisted.

So there are the top 3 and the bottom 3 rushing defensive performances by the Denver Broncos so far this year; but what does it all mean? In our worst performances, we averaged 23% assisted tackles compared to our best performances averaging 22% assisted tackles; hardly definitive. What happens if we break down our top and bottom 3 even more; by unit?

Our bottom 3:

Kansas City - DL 26% assisted, LB 6% assisted, S 23% assisted, CB 21% assisted
New England - DL 38% assisted, LB 41% assisted, S 29% assisted, CB 33% assisted
Cleveland - DL 16% assisted, LB 11% assisted, S 15% assisted, CB 10% assisted

Out top 3:

San Diego - DL 0% assisted, LB 14% assisted, S 20% assisted, CB 14% assisted
Miami - DL 23% assisted, LB 50% assisted, S 16% assisted, CB 13% assisted
Kansas City - DL 14% assisted, LB 23% assisted, S 33% assisted, CB 9% assisted

Top 3 / Bottom 3 Defensive Assisted Tackles Comparison
	Defensive Line	Linebackers	Safeties	Cornerbacks
Bottom 3	27%	19%	22%	21%
Top 3	12%	29%	23%	12%

I love doing these statistical posts because I love doing the number crunching and seeing what the numbers show. While Safety remains consistent, every other statistic virtually flip-flopped between our best and worst defensive performances! "Great but what does it mean?!"

Let's start with the easiest statistic to dispel which is the Cornerbacks and the assisted tackles. We do not really want our corner backs assisting in the running game. Cornerbacks are built for speed, running routes, reacting to receivers, and tracking balls in the air; not shedding blocks, standing their ground, and taking on Tackles who outweigh them by 100+ pounds. While we afforded with two corners who are not afraid to support the run game, if they are active in assists in the running game that tells me that they are chasing down runners (LJ's 65 yarder), our OLB's are not doing the job properly, and our DL is not getting outside leverage pushing the run back to the inside.

We want our linebackers to have a high assist ratio. Look at the great linebacking corps in history, and while most of them are lead by a standout Linebacker, more than anything else they play great as a unit. They all have, albeit cliché, "a nose for the ball" and you always see them involved in a play. By our Linebackers having a high assist ratio, they are playing well as a unit, maintaining gap discipline, not over pursuing, and all swarming to the ball.

It all seems to start and finish with the Defensive Line; in our worst defensive performances, they averaged 27% assists while in the best they had only 12%. The Defensive Line's role is dependent on the defensive scheme the team is running. Do the linemen penetrate or do they occupy blockers? Do the linemen stunt and twist or just mano-y-mano line up and push someone back? It looks like for our scheme, we want our Defensive Line to play to the strength of our Linebackers which is their speed. We want our DL to occupy blockers gap discipline and let those Linebackers swoop in for the kill. This is also all about trust; the Defensive Linemen need to trust that if they do not make that tackle and keep that Guard, Center, or Tackle busy, that the Linebacker is going to be there and do their job and stop the runner.

In conclusion, assists are a good thing dependent on who is doing the assisting. Just as you do not want the 90 year old woman moving furniture into your new 3^rd floor apartment, you need to show some discretion in who is getting assisted tackles.

Poll

How important is it to have assisted tackles in the correct defensive units?

Assists, schmists; total tackle numbers and solo tackle numbers should be identical.

7 votes

Everyone should have assists; this is a TEAM sport after all.

30 votes

Everything in moderation; some assists are good dependent on position and gameplan.

27 votes

Who cares about assists; I don't care HOW the defense needs to improve they just need to.

23 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

MHR University - Who Should Start, and Why

Steve Nichols — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:00:06 -0000

From Born Orange comes these excellent questions, which are at the heart of much discussion at Milehighreport.com lately:

What's become of K2? He seems to have fallen far from Shanny's grace to have both Larsen and now Haggan starting at MLB in Webster's absence (I still think we're better off without Web in the middle).

Also, what's your take on the status of some of the rookies/backups who've been doing a good job filling in for the injured starters, once the starters are healthy again- primarily the LBs and CBs?

When players go down to injury, a coach has a headache on his hands. If the back-up plays poorly, the coach has to make adjustments to cover for the weakness. If the back-up plays well, a controversy can be in the brewing.

Let's take a look at the issues in BornOrange's questions, and take a look at the thinking that goes into when (and whether) to bring back injured starters.

More below the fold...

Niko Koutouvides

First, let's address the K2 issue.

During the pre-season, Webster and K2 were locked in a struggle to determine who would start at MLB. Webster edged out K2, and the season got started. Fans quickly tired of Webster's missed gap assignments and his overpursuits. But he's an energetic player who fires up his teammates, and folks like keeping count of how many times his helmet flies off (I guess).

K2, on the other hand, is a speedy LB who shines making open field tackles on coverage units. Many folks (including me) were hopeful he would get a shot at starting. Keep in mind, though, that K2 had a shot at starting during the pre-season and during camp, and didn't beat out Webster.

Then came the injuries. K2 had a shot at starting, as did Larsen (who plays at MLB and FB). Larsen proved himself the better MLB, to such an extent that the Denver staff had him play both ways on the field.

In short, as much as some fans may not be thrilled with Webster starting, K2 just hasn't earned the position, having been beat out by Webster and Larsen (and even a virtual unknown Haggan). Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't.

But what about starting Larsen?

Let's stay on the MLB position for a moment. Why isn't Larsen our starter? First, I'm going to grant that Larsen is probably the best MLB we have. But the situation for the coaching staff is more complicated than just "Who is the better player".

Denver has been losing a lot of games to a lot of bad teams throwing the ball "early and often" and "deep". The spread offense is a fine concept, but not for this Denver team, which needs to be pounding the ball after gaining a lead (the formula that has taken Denver to championships). Only lately, Denver has realized the folly of throwing too often (we hope), and discovered the talent of power RB Hillis.

Hillis faced one of the best run stuffing teams against the Jets. Keep in mind that he is a 7th round pick, was meant to be a FB, ran in single back formations (meaning no FB run support) and is somewhere around a 5th string RB for this team. Against the Jets, a lot of fans were reminded of the dominance of a true powerback. Hillis, who was a FB behind two elite RBs at Arkansas, still managed to prove himself in college as a powerful blocker, receiver, and runner. In the NFL, he proved that he deserves to be Denver's #1 RB.

So what does any of this have to do with Larsen not playing at MLB? He's needed at FB even more. Here's why.

Denver's FB Situation

Denver has lost a FB, but in a good way. Hillis is one of those "diamonds in the rough" that has been discovered by Denver. He is a one cut runner who plows over and through defensive players. For readers of Chalk Talk and MHR University, it has been preached time and again how a power running game is needed to wear down defenses, to limit interceptions (defensed can't exclusively play in pass mode), and to set up the break away runs of faster RBs.

With Hillis out of the picture at FB, Denver has only three options.

Play a lot of single back formations
Use Pinnock at FB
Use Larsen at FB

One is to play Hillis in single back formations (as against the Jets). This option worked very well, and took the Jets by surprise. A lot of fans would likely want to continue on this path. But it isn't good coaching.

The Jets assumed that Denver would be their regular pass heavy selves. When they saw three recievers and a single back, they played pass. Denver hit them right in the gut. As pointed out by a couple of astute MHR members, nothing kicks you in the stomach like a powerback charging into a nickle defense. If Hillis is the answer at HB (and I think most of us agree that he is), then teams are going to adjust for him quickly.

Teams were not ready for Jay Cutler and the wild spread offense, but they adjusted, and Denver suffered. The way to stop teams from adjusting is to play a balanced game, where the opposition can't load up a defense against a particular trait. Denver needs to have a FB in to block for Hillis, and also needs to run some pass plays with multiple receivers without a FB. Denver needs to mix it up, instead of relying on a single look.

In other words, we will need a FB in our system.

The second option is to use Pinnock. Who? That's right. A virtual unknown. With Denver near securing a playoff bearth, the time for experimenting is over. Pinnock was brought in because we lost a FB (Hillis, to the starting RB role). But he wasn't brought in to start. He was brought in to back-up Larsen in case Larsen goes down.

The third option is to use Larsen. If we use Larsen, why not use him at MLB too? He's done it already this year! Fans may disagree on the point I'm going to make, but here's the coaching thinking that is likely going into the decision.

Playing Larsen two ways is a fan pleaser, but it isn't good football. Larsen played two ways for Denver because Denver was short handed and desperate, not because they wanted to. Larsen beat the odds and played both positions, and did it very well. To do so game after game though, is to risk injury, not to mention an exhausted player playing at two positions (hurting both sides of the ball).

Like it or not, Larsen can only do so much on a weakened defense. As a FB, he ensures that there are no postions on the offense that aren't elite. Right now, ensuring that our un game can keep up with our pass game is what will make this offense unstoppable.

Take it from me. I'm all about defense, and I would be kicking and screaming to get Larsen in at MLB if I was the defensive coordinator. But for the sake of the team overall, I think Shanahan is making the right move.

What About Other LBs (Haggan, Woodyard, and Winborn)?

Let's assume the obvious. DJ Williams is going to start at WILL. He is a better run stopper than Woodyard, and has more big play potential. He is one of the true elites on the team, and plays his position better than anyone. He never lost his position when he went down. While the WILL position isn't primarily a run stopping position (it zones the weakside and blitzes more often than playing man), my point is that DJ does everything Woodyard does, and more.

Woodyard's best fit is at WILL. He is not really a true MLB, and has an excellent future ensuring depth at WILL and playing coverage for STs. Moving him to MLB would be an adjustment (something we don't want late in the season), and would weaken the depth at WILL.

Haggan is getting a lot of love from the MHR faithful, but there's a catch. He has played on limited downs, and it's hard for a coach to make a major decsion on very limited data. Haggan may have raw talent, but going towards the playoffs (where experience is everything), he just doesn't have a record beyond a few plays. As it is, He is listed as the third string at WILL (an excellent place for a LB with raw talent, but little experience with the team), but can also play third string behind K2 at MLB.

Winborn is the natural fit at SAM. He has played over the talent level of Boss Bailey (IR), and will likely keep his position unless he is bumped by a draft pick in the offseason.

What About the DBs?

This is the most complex issue for me to address.

Let's start with the easy part; Dre Bly. Dre Bly will return and keep his #2 CB position. Bailey and Bly are #1 and #2 in interceptions since 1991. They are both two of the best in the game.

Fans are leary of Bly, pointing out his seeming lack of production in Denver. But in the two years he has been in Denver, Bailey hasn't looked stellar either. I have attributed this to Denver's weak pass rush, and even more to the decision to put the strong safety in the box. (A story on this issue is coming up next week).

Yet, in the last game Bly looked great. Denver had two safeties in deep coverage (despite the rain). Coincidence? No way. Denver respected Favre, and played the right defensive alignments. This allowed Bly to be himself, and it showed. Bailey's return (hopefuly this week) should be a major boost.

But what happens at safety and at nickleback?

Tough call. Very tough call. Let's assume for moment that Denver finally decides to play two safeties out of the box. Lowry would likely have a better showing than his first outing, when he was one of the top tacklers for the Broncos, but whiffed on several tackles trying to guard the entire field horizontaly by himself. As much as I've defended him, I don't think he's the best option.

This leaves McCree and Barrett. Like most fans (I believe), I would like to see Barrett get the call. McCree has the experience, and could play well if he has another safety to take half of the field. Barrett has the advantage in speed and athleticism. All other factors being even (which they aren't), I would like to see Barrett developed. This close to a playoff run, it's a tough call.

At strong safety, Manuel has done a decent job playing in the box. Out of the box, in the Jets game, Fox came out looking like a winner. In my mind, we should play the strong safety out of the box, and play Fox (unless he proves the Jets game was a quirk). My uneducated guess is that Manuel will get the start.

For the safeties, in my mind, the big question is whether we go back to playing 8 in the box or if we go traditional.

At CB, the contenders for nickle are Paymah, Williams, Bell, and Jones. I don't know much about Jones. Bell looked good, but like Haggan, it was in limited action. The competition then comes down to Paymah and Williams, and I would guess Paymah gets the start. My guess is as good (or bad) as anybody's on this topic, and I'll bet readers have some good thoughts on why someone should start over someone else.

So how about it gang? What are your thoughts?

Poll

How many picks should Denver use on LB this reloading season?

None. Several of our back-ups should start next year.

13 votes

One. How can we pass on a LB in a good year for LBs in the draft?

157 votes

At least two. We need major help at LB.

49 votes

219 votes | Poll has closed

MHR Chalk Talk -- Week 14 - Kansas City at Denver

Steve Nichols — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:00:08 -0000

YOUR SOURCE FOR THE VERY BEST

IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

One theme keeps coming up with the Denver fan base. When Denver wins (as against the Jets), the fans start talking about deep playoff runs. When Denver loses (as against the Raiders), the fans talk about how terrible this team is.

At this point in the season we are heading into the fourth quarter. Denver has all but locked up a playoff spot, and it is better than a wildcard. Barring a major meltdown, Denver will be the fourth seed this year. Denver has overcome the folly of last season, and has accomplished this task with a very young team. They are also going to get some veterans back in time to help the team peak at the end of the season. That's right folks; Denver has 'em right were we want 'em.

If the Chargers lose the Thursday night game (not likely), and the Broncos win, the Broncos are in the playoffs.

Inconsistent? Yes. That's the price of a young team. But the team is growing fast. The best measure of a young team isn't the games that they lose (inconsistent young teams will lose to good and bad teams) but who they beat. And so far, Denver has beaten every team that they have played that is ranked ahead of them in the League (#5 Bucs, #6 Falcons, #10 Jets). Against KC at home, Denver can help to wipe away the memory of losing to a "lesser" team, and get their young minds focused on being a real, elite team instead of a growing team.

How will they do this? More below the fold...

Denver plays two very different ways against opponents.

When they play weaker teams, they get overly confident. They trust the DBs, and rush only three players. They rely entirely on Jay Cutler, and play a spread offense. Not only do they run a spread offense, but they play vertical, going deep too often. They forget to use the RBs.

Against stronger opponents they play a better game. They switch from the spread offense to the west coast. They throw shorter passes. They incorporate the running game. They play a 4-3, and rush all four (instead of a 3-4, and holding back a LB).

KC may be seen as a weaker team, but they beat Denver earlier this year. Perhaps the coaches have noticed the differences in playcalling between the two types of teams, and will call this game as if it is against a strong team. Denver is at home, and not at Arrowhead (which does a great job with homefield advantage).

Scrambling QB

One of the advantages an offense can bring to a game is a scrambling QB. Defenses have enough men on the field to cover RBs and receivers, but can't really waste a player covering a QB. When that QB can run really well, a defense can give up major plays, or (at the very least) a lot of first downs.

The biggest disadvantage of running a QB is the potential for injury. Another disadvantage is that only rare, physical specimens can both run and throw ball. But when it happens, defenses need to adjust.

Sometimes a player is assigned to watch and shadow the QB. This is called a "spy". While it stops the QB from rushing, it also takes a defensive player out of plays more often than the QB will actually become mobile. It also sets defenses up to fall for several screen options.

Thigpen is a scrambler, and the bright spot on an otherwise unfortunate team. Denver is aware of what he can do, and will gameplan accordingly.

Shuffling LBs

Denver will see some shuffling at LB. I know we love Larsen, but his hip is still iffy after the Jets game, so he likely won't start at MLB. Webster will likely return to MLB. The return of DJ Williams is still up in the air, but Denver has proven that the back-ups at the OLB positions are up to the task. (Look for a story very soon on my take on the situation at LB for Denver).

It is my opinion that Woodyard looks terrific, but I think DJ can stop the run better, and can make some big plays. I would like to see a way to work in Woodyard, Larsen, and Winborn (without moving to a 3-4, because we don't have the defensive line). Moving Webster out of the line-up might be a start, as well as not bringing back Boss next year. But DJ needs to say.

The real news in terms of shuffling LBs isn't on the Broncos squad though. Here is an excellent write-up from a member of Arrowhead Pride about how much trouble the Chiefs are in at LB, and the shifting of LBs for this game and the remainder of the season.

The Return of the King

There have been some comments in the threads at MHR about how well Bly has looked the last couple of games. In my opinion, Bly has looked better because we are finally playing two safeties deep (I will be putting up a story on this issue in the next few days). Bailey and Bly are #1 and #2 in interceptions in the League since 1991, but both have looked ordinary the last two years in Denver without safety support and with poor pass rushing.

The king I'm refering to though is not Bly. Bailey's return (he insists he will be back this week) shuts down half of the field, and takes a receiver out of the game. QBs rarely test Bailey, and when they do, they get burned for an INT an awful lot of the time. Having Bailey back is a must if we are going to peak going into the playoffs.

The Secret Service

Put me on the record. The Denver offensive line is the best in the business, and looks like the classic Broncos offensive lines we've admired over the years. In fact, even better. Denver's offensive line is protecting Cutler at a phenominal rate.

Clady (LT) isn't even receiving double team assistance, which is rare for a rookie. He is deserving of a pro bowl trip, and should be considered for rookie of the year. On the other side, Harris isn't a rookie, but is playing in his first full year. Like Clady, he is nearly perfect in execution. These two are going to be in Denver for years to come.

Wiegmann has stepped in to cover for Nalen (who has missed his second season now), and the offensive line hasn't suffered an iota. In fact, I believe Nalen will retire at the end of the season, and Wiegmann will stay on. Wiegmann's only hit is his age, but he should be solid for at least another year or two. Hamilton and Kuper are aslo playing at an elite level at guard.

The biggest knock on the offensive line is whether or not they can support the running game. With running calls being infrequent, it was tough to tell. Against Atlanta and the Jets, we got our answer. 7th round FB Hillis played as the fifth string RB against the Jets, and tore them to shreds.

Imagine what a power runner like Hillis can do to a dysfunctional LB corps like the one KC has.

Denver Playcalling

Denver should get the playcalling right for this game. The Chiefs play a cover two, and Cutler should be in positions to use his TEs in the seams and to take his WRs underneath the coverage. Against the suspect KC LB corps, Denver can choose to shoot Hillis up the gut, or use any of the other RBs on sweeps and screens to the edges. This is a simple plan, what Denver does best, and is tailor made to beat the Chiefs.

But if Denver comes out throwing early and often, forgets the running game, and goes deep too often, KC will use their prowess at winning the turnover war (they are pretty good at picks) to play to Denver's weakness (losing game where turnovers ar an issue).

Keys to the Game -

Denver

Limit turnovers
Run the ball
On pass plays, just give what the defense gives you (don't go for the win; just move the darned chains)

Spread the field horizontaly. Give Thigpen a chance at a few first downs.
Flowers (CB) is coming off an injury, and will be lined against Royal, who has dangerous agility to shake a CB. Make sure he plays off, and make sure he has free safety support.
Use Gonazales as an extra reciever. Denver's pass rushing is improving, but still not solid. You don't need the extra protection for the mobile QB. You do need the safety valve with Bailey and Bly out there.

Summary

I can't see Denver losing this game. Both teams are young, but Denver seems to be moving forward, while KC's record is about as bad as it gets. Denver has been inconsistent, while KC is consistently bad.

Wanting to give his team confidence moving towards the playoffs, and wanting to erase the bad taste of losing to KC earlier in the season, the coaches may be tempted to make this game a blow out. I hope that isn't the case. The way to beat this team is the same way we have won games against the Jets, the Bucs, and the Falcons. If we play a careful game, we will rack up the points and get the blowout. If we try too hard to get the win early by throwing the deep bombs (as against Oakland), we will pay for it.

We will win in a shootout if we don't engage in a shootout. Does that make sense?

Poll

Will Denver need to win against SD in the final game of the season to secure a playoff spot or a better seeding, or is Denver pretty much assured of a fourth seed?

Denver might or might not play to win against SD, but they won't need the win

149 votes

Denver will have to win the game, either to get in the playoffs or to secure a third seed

52 votes

How the heck should I know?

21 votes

222 votes | Poll has closed