I just heard this on the radio coming in this morning, but there will be a memorial services/tribute to Barrel Man on Saturday at the Civic Center at I believe 9:00 am.  I hope I have all of that information correct, because I could not verify it on the internet this morning.  But I encourage all those in the Denver area that are MHR members to try to attend.  If I have something wrong, please let me know. 

RIP Barrel Man, Go Broncos

PS. I am with Woody in that I think there needs to be a permanent tribute to Barrel Man in the South Stands.

Willie Clark and some other accomplices will not face the death penalty for the murder of a witness to a previous drug trial.  Not sure how this will affect the D. Williams trial, but it annoys me that the DA is not pressing for as stiff a penalty as he can.  Hopefully Clark and his crew go away for a long time and get what they deserve after the Williams trial.  I hope the DA will seek the death penalty during the Willie Clark trial.   Sorry this is not a fanpost, but I still haven't figured out how to do those and get the links to work.

Willie Clark to not Face Death Penalty

Granted this is not a new idea, but at this stage of the season, I think it is something we need to look at.  Our past 4 losses we have seen a dramatic downturn in getting turnovers.  I think part of that has to do with other teams having film on us and knowing what we are trying to do on defense, the other part of the equation is that our playmakers have not been in position to make plays.   I like Darcel MacBath, I think he is a nice guy and hopefully can become a very good safety, but the reality is that Darcel is more limited CB playing safety, than he is full time safety.  He is game for making tackles, but he is not a force on the field and he does not strike fear into opposing WRs.  I think it is time to look at moving Champ to safety, and putting Ty Law in as the starting CB, provided Dawkins is healthy, he would be the other safety, and if he can’t go, Barrett should be the strong safety IMO in ordr to be able to be a force on running plays and be physical enough to match up with TE’s.  What does a secondary with Goodman, Law, Bailey, and Dawkins give you. 

First it frees up Bailey to dictate who he covers and allows you to move him to more of a rover position to hopefully place him in position to make more plays on balls, teams won’t be able to throw away from him anymore. 

Second it gets more experience on the field in Law to hopefully get some more interceptions, in addition I think Law and Bailey are better at run support than say Bailey and MacBath.  It allows you to take better advantage of Bailey’s athletism in that having him and Dawkins blitzing forces teams to change their protections more and will hopefully free up Doom and some of the other rushers from blown protection.  Remember, you don’t have to blitz, but if they think you are coming and you attack from somewhere else is just as effective if not more effective. 

It will also hopefully free up Dawkins to be able to blitz more since Bailey can cover much better than some of the other safeties. 

Right now this defense needs a spark and it’s playmakers to be put in position to make plays, putting Bailey at safety will hopefully lead to more opportunities for everyone on the defense and hopefully we can cash those in.

OK, I admit it, I am a huge fan of Peyton Hillis.  It started the day we drafted him, and I have not lost faith in the player.  I had seen his play at Arkansas and I knew he had the chance to be a special player, a type of RB/FB that we had never had.  He appeared to be a cross between John Riggins and Mike Alstott.  I thought that Denver got the steal of the draft. 

I will also admit I did not think Moreno was the best back coming out of the draft and that where we selected him was too high, I did not see him as the game changing back that a guy like Adrian Peterson or LT was when he came out.  I saw Moreno more as a good back, but not a top five back.  That being said, I expected far more production from Moreno, he has probably the best RB coach in the league, is surrounded by other playmakers, and appeared to have a great O-line to run behind (more on that part later).

The running game in general has been below average this year.  Some would say it is because the tough defenses we have played, others would say it is because the struggles of the offensive line, other say Moreno is a rookie and should be given a break.  It may be because of these or a combination of all three, but a top 15 pick should be playing at a higher level.  Running back is probably the easiest position to transition from college to pro, don’t believe me, look at the NFL rookie of the year award, it has been handed since 1967, and 31 winners have been RB.  Still don’t believe me, lets look at Denver’s recent rookie RB production:

2007 – Peyton Hillis 343 yds for 5.0 yards/attempt

2006 – Selvin Young - 726 yds for  5.2 yards/attempt

2004 – Tatum Bell – 396 yds for 5.2 yards/attempt

2002 – Clinton Portis – 1508 yds for 5.8 yards/attempt

2000 – Mike Anderson – 1,487 yds for 5.0 yards/attempt

1999 – Orlandis Gary – 1,159 yds for 4.2 yards/attempt

1995 – Terrell Davis – 1,117 yds for 4.7 yards/attempt

While our rookie’s current production is 423 yards for 3.7 yards/attempt.  As we can see the average per attempt is by far lowest.  In addition, we have all witnessed the struggles with blitz pick-ups and ball security.   

We could say that the problem is the blocking, and I admit that has been an issue.  But I think there is a bigger issue behind the blocking and changing schemes.  I think our biggest problem is that we do not have an attitude when running the ball.  Any good running team feeds of the attitude of the running back.  As amazing as Adrian Peterson is, it is his style that inspires his team and his O-line, how can you not get pumped when you see your RB toss DB away like used tissue.  We all saw it last year when Hillis finally got his shot, how the offensive line and the team got excited, when they see him drag a 350 lb NT for 5 yards they wanted to go to work, when they saw him run over a LB and put him on his butt they wanted to hold the their blocks a second longer, and when he would pick up the tough yard on 3rd and short the defense also was inspired by seeing a back with attitude lead the team.  This team’s running game has always fed off RB’s with an attitude, whether it was Terrell Davis laying out blitzers, Clinton Portis attitude that he would not be denied,  Rueben Droughns running over people, this team needs a RB that can carry the attitude, that will do what it takes to get the tough yard.  We are missing that, and that attitude and talent is sitting on the sideline.

I hope that Moreno becomes a better back and improves, but right now, Hillis needs a legit shot.  He needs to be let out of the doghouse.  He is the type of player the offense can rally around.  Buckhalter has a great attitude, but he is frankly not cut out to be a starting RB and cannot wear down a defense.  Hillis can pound a defense and open up opportunities for Buckhalter and Moreno later in the game.  It is time for an attitude change and a change in thestarting RB, unleash Hillis and let the team follow.  

Well, it is the halfway point in the season, time for some mid-term grades.  This is strictly my opinion and obviously I am no teacher, so they carry no weight with any teaching board, but are posted for debate:

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Well I can’t say that I am not a little disappointed in my prognostication not being very accurate, I think Matt Millan, Steve Young, and Chris Berman picking us lead us to our doom.  I think this team has not yet played it’s best ball and I expect that we will have a good game next week and next week’s post will be happier.  These are some quick observations and they all are not glowing, flame on to your heart’s desire.

1.)    Ben Hamilton and Casey Weigman definitely do not look suited for this blocking scheme, Hamilton looked like a turnstile for much of the game and seemed to lack effort or passion on a lot of plays, I am guessing this is his last season in Orange and Blue, don’t be surprised if we use a high draft pick on a guard/tackle or guard/center next season.

2.)    Our edges defenders got hammered in the 2nd quarter, this appears to be a fundamental weakness on this defense as that a lot of the big plays this season have been on the edge.

3.)    Sorry, but I still don’t see Kyle Orton being the long term solution, tonight was an example of why, he can’t make plays when the play breaks down, he does not have the arm strength and accuracy to make tough throws against a good defense, and in the playoffs he will be playing against good defenses.

4.)    One prediction I got right, our big WR had a good day, at least in the 1st half, not sure what happened to them in the second half.

5.)    Credit Pittsburgh for adjusting to our blitzes.

6.)    Second game in a row where the other team made the better adjustments at halftime.

7.)     John Elway

8.)    I still think we will win the AFC West.

9.)    Berger had a horrible 1st half, that said, he may not be an upgrade over Kern, but I don’t think it is a downgrade either.

10.) Prater finally was booming some kickoffs, too bad we couldn’t have him kicking off more.

11.) What happened to Champ Bailey tonight, he looked very average.

12.) Moreno does not look like a special player to me, big time players come to play in big time games, Moreno looked awful tonight in all facets.  I understand the rookie issues, but honestly, playing RB in the pros should be a relatively easy transition, plenty of rookie RB have had great years.   

13.) I understand the idea of signing Law, but why didn’t we do it during the bye week, instead of having a guy struggling to know where he was supposed to be, at least he would have had some time to learn the position and defense.

14) I don't know why we didn't use a hurry-up attack like the Steelers and take advantage of our conditioning at altitude and try to gas the Steeler offense

13-3 is still very possible, but the offense definately needs to step up, especially putting points on the board early in the game.  I will give a pass on the INT this week, but I worry anout the ability to score on tough defenses in the playoffs.  I am hoping we start seeing Hillis used more, especially in the running game, I still think he could be a force.  And if Jarvis Moss (sorry Jarvis Moss lovers) doesn't suit up for the rest of the year, I will be fine with that.  He looked horrible tonight, unless it was his intention to give the OT a nice hug every down.

Well, this is all speculation, but I have seen the names bandied about on who should be the next CU coach, and I started thinking, who could be the hot commodity that no one is thinking of, and one name came to mind….Shanahan.  But not who you think…

(more after the jump)

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Well, I am not going to sugar coat the loss to the Ravens.  I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as a morale victory or a “good” loss in the NFL.  We got whipped, but the great thing about the NFL is that there is always next week, and as soon as the gun sounded, it is now next week.

Rather than ponder the what ifs and whys of last week, I think we need to worry about the team in front of us.  I called my shot earlier on MHR radio after the game, but will state it again, I think the Broncos will blow out the Steelers.  Crazy you say, you Broncoman, questioner of the arm strength and abilities of a QB called Orton, why would you predict a blowout of the Steelers, world champs.  Well here is why:

1.      The Steeler offensive line is horrible in pass protection and not much better in the run game.  Last year’s Steeler team won the SB with arguably one of the worst offensive lines.  This year they have given up 20 sacks and Big Ben has been hit and forced into many more bad throws.  Look at his TD to INt ratio, which is also middle of the pack.  Roethlisberger will struggle against this defense with little time to make his throws.  He will make some plays with his feet, but not enough to make it matter. 

2.       While Pittsburgh has been able to put up a lot of yards (mainly through the air), their points per game are middle of the pack.  The reason is their running game is not the same old Steeler running game, their top rusher is averaging just under 60 yards a game, they are not a power football team anymore.

3.       You may be worried that the Steelers have had two weeks to prepare, not me, after our loss, I guarantee that the Steelers are thinking this will be a easy win for them and are starting to take a peak ahead and looking at a short week next week and trying to get ready for an in division game with the Bengals. 

4.       While Pittsburgh’s rush defense is good, it is a bit misleading because the team is below average in pass defense.  The Cardinals last year exposed that the Steeler’s defense weakness is against big, physical WR, and we have one of the best in Brandon Marshall and we can line up Schefler wide to create more mismatches against their CB or to force them to move Troy Polamalu to cover Shef and create mismatches on the other side with Royal and Stokely.

5.       I expect that we will see a bigger use of Graham, Shef, and Hillis in the passing game to exploit some mismatches with the Steeler LBs.

6.       Mile High magic is back, I think that you will see a rowdy crowd Monday night, the energy will be squarely behind the Broncos.  That combined with a focused approach from a humbled team will combine for some big plays early for the defense and offense.

7.       John Elway

8.       Look for the offensive line to be ready for whatever Pittsburgh brings, they faced a Raven team with a better front three across the board that was very motivated, I think they will have their way with Pittsburgh’s DL as the game wear on, look for ball control and keeping the Steeler defense on the field and using the altitude to our advantage, I expect Casey Hampton will be sucking wind and on skates by the end of the game.

9.       The Steelers have struggled to beat even very bad teams, this team just doesn’t have the motivation it did last year.

10.   If you think Orlando Pace struggled containing Doom because of his leverage advantage, wait until you see Doom against Starks who is a younger version of Pace with less mobility and flexibility than Pace has now, I expect a three to four sack against Starks.

Final prediction Broncos 35 Steelers 9.

After this game, I thought long and heavy about what good it does to complain.  I love TRR and the dedicated staff, and I love that the people on the boards are dedicated buff fans that want a great program for CU.  I had thought about putting up a blistering anti-Hawkins letter, but then I thought, am I really hurting the program by the anti-Hawkins rants.  I am sure that recruits probably come across this board and other boards in the age of the Twitter, face book, etc., and I ask myself, if I was a good high school player from say California or Texas and didn't know much about the program, and I saw what was being written about Hawkins on the TRR and other boards, why would I come here?   I want good kids and players wanting to come here, I want them to know they will have support from the fan base.  That the fans are not against the team, we want what is best for the team and for the players.  We want success, we want them and the team to succeed.  But in the same vein, I know that Hawkins will never be the guy to lead this team to anywhere but the cellar of the Big 12.  That guys that come here are going to be in for a lot of toil and turmoil from a staff that won't play to their strengths or help them get prepared to play D-I football.  I sit there and think, well what is the only way to get Hawkins dismissed, and reality is that the program almost needs to get their heads kicked in every week to get the administration to force a change.  That unless the fan base continues to be vocal and a pain in the ass, the administration will allow for mediocre results to be the norm.  I keep asking myself, how do I find a way not to turn off a good recruit and still get rid of Hawkins?  Do I silently wait for the next few years the inevitable change and continue to watch the program suffer or do I just accept the fact that limiting the talent base and being vocal will hopefully expedite the removal of Hawkins? What is a fan to do?

Reading the recent trade wind speculation, I saw that the Raiders may be motivated to trade away Richard Seymour.  The question is now, what would the Raiders be willing to get to part with him.  Obviously, the Raiders traded away a 1st rounder for him so they would presumably be looking for something in that neighborhood, but in reality, they are stuck between a rock an a hard place.  They have no chance at resigning him after this season and they aren't going anywhere except back into the top 10 of the draft, right now they may be willing to cut their loses and get a player or two and a lower tier draft pick.  Seymour obviously still is a top flight DE and a difference maker, he understands the 3-4 system and with him and Doom lined up on one side, teams are going to be having a hissy fit deciding how to block them.  While I agree that Seymour's crap against Clady was stupid and pretty much a sign that Clady is the best OT in the league, the guy would make Denver's defense scary in that they would have difference makers at every level.   Davis is ripe for the taking and it's not like they haven't made deals with Denver before, I say make the phone call and see how low you can get him for.  Look he traded Moss for a 4th rounder, Davis is not the sharpest tool in the shed anymore.  The other reason to get Seymour is so the Raiders don't trade him to another team in the AFC that we may have to play in the playoffs (say Pittsburgh or Indy).