Shout out to Ryan Harris. I just wanted to say that after watching the long Buckhalter TD in the fourth Quarter it struck me that the first Bronco with Buckhalter in the end zone was #74 Ryan Harris. Sure enough if you watch the play he makes a great block on the play that opens a nice lane for Buckhalter to run through.

This wouldn't mean much to me except I have read The Blind Side after Broncobear's endorsement. In that book we learn about Steve Wallace who ran down the length of the field after his Niners' skill players so that he might get noticed for the good work of an offensive lineman.

So I wanted to say that I noticed you Ryan and after posting here I hope that everyone else at MHR will notice him too.

This has certainly been an interesting offseason for me as a Broncos fan. What I have enjoyed more than anything was watching the new way that my team would practice and something that was interesting for me in our practices showed up for me in your game. McDaniels, while being interviewed about all our team's new fumble drills, said that 40%, or so, of fumbles were caused by the other team going after it. In Denver last year you couldn't buy a turnover and there was a reason. We didn't work at it. On the final kickoff of the game you could see that those Patriots were coached at it. They went out and made a fumble. No luck there. Conversely I got the feeling that the Bills weren't coached to cover it up and drop to the ground at that time. I watched the game with a good friend of mine who is a big Dolphins fan, and oddly enough doesn't like NE. He decried God for letting the Patriots win. I told him that there is an old adage in football... winners win, don't try to understand it.

Guys, I have a friendly fantasy football league I have done with friends for awhile. I need to fill it out and am looking for anyone that would like to join in. Simple set up which I will send anyone interested. Just send me an email at kfustud@yahoo.com if you would like to join. We are all laid back and friendly so if you are looking for a league or want to try one out but don't want to jump in with some random FFL pool of people let me know.

 

I am posting here because I respect this community and think I could find some good people here with greater success than just randomly on Yahoo or ESPN.

 

            My thoughts on the first game. First of all: yes there is learning and improvement necessary for this team. I think most of the plays we didn't like weren't the result of bad personnel but misreads, blown assignments, and learning pains. This is what I would expect. I think it is very clear that at least compared to San Francisco our overall level of talent in Denver is better than their level of talent. I also think that our schemes looked superior overall.

            I have done some tough simulation training in my life. I failed a lot and it drove me nuts because I knew I was better than the guys who were passing. Looking back on it now though I laugh at my reactions and my foolishness.

            You see I would go into a simulator and my instructors would throw the book at me. Power failure here, computer failure here, backup failure, emergency procedure, random questions at inopportune times. Eventually I would crack and fail and get all ticked. Then I would sit and watch another person get in and the whole simulation went off by the book. Easy error overcome, objective accomplished, pass.

            At that time I figured I was going to wash out but you know what? It turned out they threw the book at me because they thought I was good. Because I was better than the other guys I watched. Looking back on it I should have known but it wasn't hitting me then.

            I was reminded of these experiences in my life last night. I saw Kyle Orton come out and the coach threw the book at him. Every play was a new formation, new personnel. The defense for SF was blown away, the announcers were blown away, and so was Kyle Orton. He failed.

            What got me was when Simms took the field it was a much different story. We saw fairly simple, in football terms and to me, straightforward plays. Consistent personnel. They looked good and so did he.

            So, what I learned was Orton doesn't have the offense down at the high difficulty setting, but at medium difficulty, like Simms, I bet he could run it. I just wanted to share my experience and observations. Maybe it will make you optimistic, don't get me wrong, last night brought back feelings of the worst parts of the last few years. However, I am looking for Orton to not make these mistakes again. I am looking for him to learn.

(Before you ask McGeorge, Yes it makes me feel better to think like this)

            Overall I loved the schemes I saw, I like the Defense and as a side note people were always saying how they saw Defensive penetration in camp and were concerned about the offense. Well it looks like our offensive line is fine our defense is just able to create penetration. This could be very good. It makes me feel good about our coaching.

            Still, Lots of room for improvement.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting with the great Rock Hoover, aka Mark Schlereth. During a fascinating speech about Family, Faith, and Football I found a few things rather compelling.

When talking about his motivation to play Mark really said he just had the desire to be in the NFL, which I imagine is like most NFL players. However, he had an added dimension that he spoke about. That he went out there and took his happiness from the success of those around him. That he played for the other guys on the team.

In modern football the attitude that I am out here for the other 10 guys on the field or the other 52 guys on the team seems lost. It seems to be declining in the NFL in general and certainly, I feel, was in decline on this team. I know many negative people out there will say that each player is always out there for himself and anyone who thinks different is just naive. I don't think that is the case. This might reflect many players and may reflect the lives of the people who make this claim but it doesn't reflect everyone. To hear an NFL player who has reached such heights of success describe his motivation that way is refreshing and a lesson about the type of guys you want out on the field. 

This led into a conversation about when Mark knew he had to retire. He describes playing after another surgery and just finding himself in a situation where he was making the opposing players look like pro bowlers. He realized that he was no longer a help to his team and that was it. He pulled himself from the game and never looked back.

With all the Favre drama of late does anyone actually think that Favre is doing this for anyone but himself? Is there a player on the Vikings who would feel that Favre would be coming there to play for them? To give his all for them and that they should give their all for him? I don't think there is and even if Favre could regain his old ability I wonder if it would be worth the feeling created in the locker room.

 

It was a wonderful speech and I though I might share some of the points I found interesting. I know we talk about having a team of 53 Rod Smiths but I would take a team of 53 Mark Schlereths too.

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  With work, school, family, gym, Wii, and more taking up all your free time it can be hard to sit down and write out a truly excellent criticism of the Broncos draft.

 

Never fear, your friend KF is here to help you. Below I have compiled an easy to use, fun, and articulate criticism piece that you can customize just for you! Just follow the easy steps, stick your ol’ John Hancock on the bottom and you too can be takin’ it to the man and throwin’ down against those Kool-Aid drinking La La Land Bronco fans.

 

 

 

            Dear Mc(Choose 1 from section A) I can’t believe what an idiot you are. This draft was the (Choose 1 from section B). How could you be this bad at your job! Didn’t Bowlen even think before he hired you?

 

            I am an upstanding guy, after all I (Choose 1 from section C) but your actions still make me want to (Choose 1 from section D).

 

            Knowshon Moreno! How could you draft a RB when (Choose 1 from section E)!

            Then you traded a 1st rounder for a 2nd rounder. This was so stupid that (Choose 1 from section F).

 

            Mc(Choose 1 from section A) your ability to evaluate talent is nuts. Drafting all these goody two-shoe “smart” “versatile” “leader” type players makes me sick. You got to go after (Choose 1 from section G).

 

            Look Mc(Choose 1 from section A), I have been a Bronco fan since (Choose 1 from section H) but now I don’t know what to do. You are terrible! This year is going to be (Choose 1 from section I). Oh whoa is me.

 

            Sincerely (Your Name Here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• A: Dork, Dimwit, Disappointment, Disaster, Dope, Dunce
• B: “Worst thing I have ever seen,” “Biggest disaster since the sitcom Joey” “Political equivalent of going on a cruise with a boat load of bimbos.”
• C: “Graduated top of my class in Bartending School” “Have only been arrested twice and that guy deserved it” “Told all my friends to vote”
• D: “Run down the street naked and yelling” “Become a Bengals fan, they drafted Rey Rey” “Sell my season tickets to my good buddy KF who can be reached by posting here at MHR”
• E: “We already have gotten the best RB Georgia will ever produce,” “We could have traded up” “We could have traded down” “We have so many RBs they might soon outnumber the fans in the seats at Yankee stadium”
• F: “It reminded me of Pets.com and the idea that mailing kitty litter would be profitable” “It screwed up future events in the space time continuum.” “They should name the next Microsoft operating system, The Broncos.”
• G: “CRAZY guys who run all over the field like chickens with their heads cut off hitting people. The guy with the ball, the guy without the ball, your own players, ANYONE, because they are CRAZY” “Big guys who (points to head) Play Mind Games” “Future draft picks, stockpile them in 2011 until we have the entire first round!”
• H: “They became winners in the late 90s” “My home team 49ers became bad” “Mark Schlereth became a broadcaster on ESPN. He is soooo hot!”
• I: “A disaster at 4-11, or 3-14, whichever one equals 16 games.” “The year I am finally forced to pay attention to my wife!” “Worse than that time I got abducted by aliens.”

 

 

This was just for fun. I in no way am saying anyone’s opinion is less than others. Peace Guys. Go Broncos.

<!--EndFragment-->

 

Yesterday I sat down and got sucked into the post draft extravaganza that was being shown on ESPN. 

 

So when did my brain explode?

 

Well it started with Kiper and McShay picking their rookies of the year.

Kiper took defensive rookie Robert Ayers

McShay took offensive rookie Knowshon Moreno

 

What finally did it to me was when rating the AFC west both analysts said they liked Denver's draft the best... but according to the ratings flashing across the screen Denver was a C and both SD and KC were C+.

 

So I guess Kiper's ratings don't even mean anything to Kiper.

 

Just another example that all this analysis is just so worthless. Thank God for MHR.

 

 

 

All the recent discussion on MHR has made me realize our lack of actually football analysis. We waste too much time with numbers and schemes and facts that it is about time somebody rated these players on REAL football.

 

So here we go.

 

Knowshon Moreno

 

Knowhon is a cool name, just cause. How many Knowshon’s you know? Original is good plus he leaps, he is a leaper. Lots of badass shots of him leaping over people. That means he is a good football player. Nothing says, I am a football player more than leaping over someone. You can take that to the bank, you can. (Think Hillis)

Robert Ayers

Volunteer, which is good, you need people willing to volunteer sometimes. Big guy, with a giant T on his head, for Thinker. I like big guys who think. Comes from Clio which I know nothing about but sounds cool. The biggest thing is that this guy pulls of the tiny chin beard so much better than me. That is just respectful. 

Alphonso Smith

 

Firstly, anyone who wears a visor on their helmet in college is automatically a stud. Nuf Said. Then look at that uniform, it is black and dangerous looking, he looks dangerous out there, like a weapon.

Smith is a good name lots of football pedigree with guys with the name of Smith and Broncos with the name of Smith. Solid name Smith, can’t mispronounce it either.

 

Darcel McBath

 

Kinda concerning because he is a former Raider, a Red Raider. Scores well for awesome uniform, sweet name, having a "Mc" in the name, looking dangerous, and wearing the "7".

 

Richard Quinn

 

He’s big and he has hands, how awesome is that. Plus he went to the school of Micheal Jordan and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Champs. Basketball + TE… Hello! Winning formula. I can already see the nickname of "King Richard." ( I just read that he already has a nickname which is sad.)

 

David Brutton

 

Played for Notre Dame which means he must be amazing. If ESPN has taught me one thing it is that Notre Dame is the best. We all know that, duh. Obvious, nuff said.

 

Seth Olson

 

Our 7th selection, has a 7 on his jersey with the number 1, 7 is number 1, get it?300+ pounds of corn fed Iowa beef!

 

Kenny McKinley

 

Name is Kenny like in Southpark, +1 points. Wears Underarmor gloves +2 points. He is a Gamecock +1 points. Played for Steve Spurrier -2 pts. Caught passes in 40 billion straight games +1 million points!

 

Tom B(too long of name here)

 

A quarterback named Tom from the 6th round… Do I have to spell it out to you! His last name even starts with a B, it has too many letters and he actually started in college but maybe we can work on that. That is, after all, what coaching is for. Plus when combined with the power of 7, which apparently he wore once because he has it in that picture, well the sky is the limit. Hey you don’t have to wear 7 in the pros, just a few years in college can be enough, it is that powerful.

 

Blake Schlueter

 

Huge man chin = Awesome! Wears purple and still wins, no easy feat.

 

(Edited some grammar and syntax)

Well after day 1 I can say the reactions are mixed but when are they not.

 

I was certainly one of those who was unsure about the Moreno pick but I can see the potential and am coming onboard for it.

I had chosen Ayers in an earlier mock but had lost favor in him after people talked about Jackson and Raji and others. Now I find myself liking the pick again because of the upside.

 

And then the fun happened...

 

Trading up to get Smith threw me but man he certainly was a playmaker in college and if he can bring his intelligence and versatility to the team it will be great.

McBath came out of nowhere but what I like in his profile is words like. "Vocal Leader" "Instinct" and "Directs the Defense."

 

Then a big block TE. The analysis I feel is right, this is to fix our problem of putting up lots of yards but failing in the red zone. McD always said the offense needed work and he is looking to do so. This could fix a real pet peeve of mine as I watched Denver settle for too many FGs the last few years.

 

I am annoyed with the negative comments. I don't mind discussion but when people come out of nowhere to just start posting that this is the worst thing they have ever seen... well it drives me nuts. The guys who run MHR may be positive to a fault but they back up their points with analysis and commentary. That's why I came here, because I wanted more of this.

 

You can not like this draft but put up some reasons. Explain why you doubt that the players will be good and back it up. If you don't do this you are just wasting time at the keyboard.

Peace

I think this article has some flaws. I would rate Ozzie higher but it does point to why Denver is where they are and why they made the changes they did. It is also good for people with short memories to remember that although last year was good we have had several dry drafts over the decade. It is actually an eye opener if you go back and look at Denver's picks the last 13 years.

I don't know if it is really fair to list Travis Henry on Denver's injury report here on ESPN. Seriously I am not sure what to make of this. Do they not update the ESPN player profiles except every two years? Maybe this is part of a vast anti-Bronco conspiracy. I don't know, I just found it rather odd.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=den

Does this make sense to anyone else?

Obviously this change will make all the difference. Frankly I think it was about time but before someone goes and mocks the decision we should remember that Denver didn't win the big one until we changed uniforms. New look outside and in? Think it will matter? Maybe they will make other changes that could have an impact. My heart goes out to Lions fans so I wouldn't mind seeing them have some success.

So if I am reading this right, ESPN is saying that the Dolphins have the toughest schedule next season?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=4064506

Well nice way to reward a team for overachieving and doing something the NFL certainly frowns upon... beating larger market teams like New England and New York.

Little humor.

 

I find it interesting that Denver ranks somewhere in the middle which is better than I thought it would be. Notice too that Chicago is at the bottom with the easiest schedule. I foresee credit to Chicago success being given to a certain individual when the reality may be something far different...

 

Of course strength of schedule means very little at this stage, before a single game is played. Just some thoughts I had. What do you guys think?