Good Day Broncos Fans.  This is Rocky Mountain Thunder.  Many of you may not be familiar with me as It's been awhile since I have been a regular fan poster/commentator on this site.  This is for several reasons. 1. The heartbreak of a 4-12 season. 2. The lockout didn't leave me with much to say.  I'm not an expert on those negotiation issues so I didn't have much to contribute. 3. Been exceptionally busy in my professional and personal life. 

But with a new season and new team, hope springs eternal.  I would like to share my comments on the AFC West and read your takes as well.  I love that NFL Network shows all preseason games, so we can analyze opponents with our own two eyes. 

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Go easy on me this is my first post on here. 

I thought I would make some bold predictions for the 136th Preakness

Here's what I predict going into Preakness week, some of this is in jest!

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Well, I am a bit sad about the canning of Josh McDaniels, and the best way to move on is to speculate who could be our next coach.  I have two names at the top of my list. 

1) Troy Calhoun
2) Rob Ryan

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Here are thoughts and comments on how all 32 teams in the National Football League stand after 3 games. 

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You gotta love the home opener.  In the past the Broncos have been very successful in home openers, sporting a 23-3 record since Pat Bowlen took over ownership of the team.  There are going to be several important factors to winning the home opener and improving to 1 and 1. 

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As Tim Tebow threw a beautiful touch pass into the arms of Eric Decker last Sunday, a tall man in a nifty suit standing near the endzone immediately thrust his arms up in excitement.  The man responsible for bringing this touchdown connection on the same team was seeing his investment come to fruition.  This man was Brian Xanders.

Earlier this year I noted that one big reason for Broncos optimism was how much more comfortable our football coach looked in the article Josh McDaniels and the Big Leather Chair.  I believe however, that it is also time to give much respect and appreciation to our GM Brian Xanders.  Many in the media and general public may not know Xanders very well or understand his role.  Some might believe he is Josh McDaniels puppet.  I am here to explain that Brian Xanders is no marionette, but a GM who is working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Denver Broncos the best organization in all of football.   

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Here are some headlines that you are unlikely to see this upcoming season!

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I thought I would share a few bullet point thoughts on the upcoming Broncos season.  I also have some general comments about the NFL as well. 

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I am a Josh McDaniels fan, I have been since the beginning.  Why? Because he was the Broncos coach and whoever is coaching the Broncos I am pretty much going to be a fan of unless he turns out like Ben Roethlisberger. 

As a fan I have noticed a change in Josh McDaniels and this is a good change.  This is a change I think will have a profound effect on the season and his future.  The change is this: Josh McDaniels has settled into Denver like a football fan in a big leather chair.  He has become comfortable. More after the jump

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A report on where the other 31 teams in the National Football League sit at this point during the offseaseon.  Let the debate began. 

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Great Interview of Brian Xanders on DenverBroncos.com.  He really got into some nice details about the scouting process and what the Broncos were thinking approaching the draft.  No other teams actions dictated what the Broncos did.  They did not panic because of Buffalo like Ralph Wilson said.  They planned all along to move back.  They had pre-set up a scenario with Ozzie Newsome to move in the first round in case Dez Bryant was gone so they could move up and nab Tebow. D. Thomas and Tebow were two players the coveted immediately after Xanders and McDaniels took a little trip together to Florida and Georgia.  More on the scouting process after the jump. 

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I just heard through the Denver Broncos facebook fan page that Jason Elam will sign a 1 day contract with the Broncos on Wednesday so he can retire as a Bronco.  Although I hate the way things ended for him with Atlanta I think this is a fitting tribute to the greatest kicker in Broncos History.  I believe in 5 years he should be inducted into the ring of fame.

Jason in my eyes has always been a class act and I am proud to have rooted for him.  Retiring as Bronco seems just and deserved and I am glad he wanted to retire this way.  Thanks for the memories Jason!

Ladies and gentleman, I made a mistake today.  I read Woody's mailbag this morning.  A couple of months ago I promised myself I would stop reading because it did nothing of value but I couldn't help myself.  Look I don't have a problem with an opinion as long as the opinion makes sense.  Or at least make what you say so absurd people know you are joking such as my campaign to bring back John Engelberger. :)  

Woody said something that really got my goat today. 

I can't see Quinn being No. 1 in the first game because McDaniels wouldn't admit he made a mistake last year, and Josh genuinely believes that Orton will be improved and is the man.

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I've spent some time the past couple of months looking at our draft prospects and film and getting as many different opinions about them.  Then after we got Brady Quinn I decided to take a look at him on film as well. Here is what I saw from my vantage point.  Now please, this is just my opinion and certainly there are players that on film looked really good to me but just didn't pan out,

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After a couple days of deliberation.  The jury has come back with a verdict for Willie Clark, the man accused of murdering late Denver Bronco CB Darrent Williams.  Clark was found Guilty of the First Degree murder charge and several attempted murder charges, including one for former WR Javon Walker.  This is not surprising, but there are a lot of opinions on whether Clark should have been the lone defendant in this case.  What do you think.  Or do you not care because it is not football related. 

(This is not serious, if you don't like non-serious posts stop reading)

Let me start off by saying I love reading everyone's mock drafts and I get so much information about different players that I haven't heard about from other sources.  Everyone does an incredible job, especially Jeremy and Sayre.  I thought I would give everyone a little guide on how to write good scouting reports on individual players as well as creating a good mock draft.  Here are some simple rules to follow after the jump. 

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Hi again, everyone.  There's so much offseason speculation and media drivel that I decided that it is time once again to set the record straight on a few things that have been reported or said that is gnawing at me.  Here are some of the Myths that are being perpetuated this offseason and what is really going on. 

MYTH #1: Mike Nolan was Fired, and this is a sign of McDaniels Immaturity

It seems to me that the way things went down, piecing it together from a variety of different sources including Steve Wyche of the NFL network, that Nolan's departure was about two men being very mature about the situation.  Josh and Mike were able to sit down and have a conversation that they have two different philosophies and it might be best for both if Mike coached where his philosophies were more inline with the head coach.  McDaniels could have easily blocked Nolan from Miami but did what was best for Mike.  What's immature about realizing that you see things differently and that a coach who worked hard for you has a chance to have some job security elsewhere. 

MYTH #2: Knowshon Moreno is a bust

With a rebuilt offensive line, Knowshon has the ability to put up 1500+ yards in a season.  He is a tough runner, he gives the second effort and when a hole is there he does get up field with authority.  He reminds me a lot of Corey Dillon.  Dillon's best year was with.... wait for it.... the NE Patriots in 2004.  He ran for over 1600 yards and double digit touchdowns.  In fact, many people think that the NE Patriots did not run the ball well using the power scheme McDaniels favors but if you look back at the Super Bowl years they won behind great defense and power running, non the more evident behind Dillon in 2004. 

Myth #3: Alphonso Smith is a bust

I feel the jury is still out.  I concede Smith had a bad 2009.  But what meant a lot to me was he admitted how bad he was.  Self-awareness is an important trait.  A few years ago Peyton Manning, had the self-awareness to realize that even though he would never be a great mobile quarterback, he could still improve his pocket movement and running ability.  So he worked at being a bit better at scrambling.  The result, 2006 Super Bowl Champions.  Back to Smith.  How good was Asante Samuel his first year?  How about Darrelle Revis?  Unless your Champ Bailey or Deion Sanders, it takes time to develop into a top flight CB.  Remember the Broncos giving up too early on Tory James?

Myth #4: Mile High Magic is gone for good

I know this isn't true, Woody Paige.  Although it does go missing way too often I know because I have been at the stadium and felt it.  Here are few examples of Mile High Magic at Invesco Field.

1. The Cowboys and Patriots game this year the stadium was electric-very loud and made it tough on their teams.

2. Back in 2006, Cincinatti botched an extra point allowing us to win-that's Mile High Voodoo at it's finest

3. Shanny's timeout on Seabas' field goal make and then Seabas' missing the ensuing try, allowing the Broncos to win. 

Weird stuff happens at Mile High.  I know the magic is there.  I just hope next season it's there for the entire season. 

Some quick thoughts

1. How can anyone believe what Shaun Phillips of the Chargers says anymore. Not only does he headbutt a Jet at a crucial moment last week.  He allegedly spit on a security guard and punched the guy.  Does anyone not believe McDaniels version of their exchange now.

2. Marty Schottenheimer=14-2, loss in divisional round to Patriots, fired!

Norv Turner=13-3 loss in divisional round to Jets, extended!  Marty must be shaking his head. 

3. If I were looking for a quarterback this season and it looks like Brett Favre is retiring.  I would call the Vikings about Tarvaris Jackson.  I know I'm going to get pasted for this one.  But here's my rationale.  He has all the physical tools, but really seemed to be putting it together in the brief moments we saw him this year.  I think he could be a very good quarterback if given a second chance and it's not like he electrocuted dogs or anything so he really deserves a second chance. 

4. Rex Ryan is doing an excellent job with the Jets.  However I think Eric Mangini deserves some credit for his ability to develop players on the defensive side of the ball.  Revis, Rhodes, David Harris, and others really developed under Mangini.  Rex seems to be better at letting their skills come to the forefront.  However, Mangini is developing some good players on defense in Cleveland to, namely CB Eric Wright and S Abram Elam.  If Mangini gets fired next year, bring him here to coach the secondary. 

5. I really am looking forward to the draft and seeing what a full year of scouting the McDaniels/Xanders way will bring us.  Bye the way, speaking of Mythbusters, Xanders is much more involved than people think.  He is just more behind the scenes and it seems from Dave Kriegers article the other day that this is very much by design. 

I understand this isn't typical MHR material.  But I feel it's important and does relate to one of our beloved Broncos. 

He's given us so much, it's time for us to give back to him.  Elvis Dumervil, who is a Haitian descendent, has asked that we do whatever we can to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. 

There are two big ways to help.  One way is to donate money and it is very easy to do this.  The other is to donate blood.  Now your blood may not necessarily be used by those in Haiti but you would be restrenghtening the US blood supply by donating which will surely be depleted by this tragedy. 

How to donate to Yele

Dumervil has asked for donations to a fund called Yele at http://www.yele.org/

You can text Yele to 501501 for an automatic $5 donation

How to Donate to The American Red Cross.

Text "Haiti" to 90999 for a $10 donation

Call American Red Cross and Donate.  1-800-REDCROSS

Go http://www.redcross.org/

I know it would mean a lot to Elvis if the most passionate of Broncos fans took up his impassioned plea and gave a little.  I know times are tough but anything you can give would be helpful. 

Also, comment your well wishes and your donation stories here.  Maybe we can pass them on to Sacco (Jim Saccomano) and he can give to Elvis. 

Here is a proposal to Brian Xanders and Josh McDaniels on how to approach this offseason to get better.  Also I am going to predict a few things happening with certain coaches and players leaving. 

1. Bobby Turner must stay at any cost, but Rick Dennison should be allowed to leave to either Houston or Washington.

With Dennison Leaving the Broncos need an o-line coach.  Here's an idea.  Demote Mike McCoy to QB Coach and Passing Game coordinator and hire Bill Callahan from the Jets to be O-Coordinator and running game coordinator.  Many of you might balk as Callahan is the guy that failed with the Raiders and Nebraska Cornhuskers but he really is a great o-line coach. McCoy might be upset with the the demotion but he really wouldn't be doing anything differently than he is doing right now.   

2. Target Smartly in Free Agency

First, I don't see us signing any of the big names like Wilfork, Seymour, Logan Mankins, etc.  However I do think we can get d-line help.  However here are two names I think we can look long and hard at for free agency and don't have to spend a fortune. 

Justin Bannan DT Baltimore Ravens

Ryan Pickett NT Green Bay Packers

I don't know if Green Bay is willing to part with Pickett but I think it's a possibility with drafting Raji last year. 

3. Pay Brandon Marshall

Even if you have to Franchise tag him, Brandon is a unique talent.  Also I really like the emergence of Jabar Gaffney in the last game and Marshall, Royal and Gaffney can be a great 3 wr set. 

4. Hit Homeruns in the draft. 

Here is a mock, excluding any possible trade scenarios. 

1st Round- Rolando McClain ILB Alabama

2nd Round- Dexter McCluster RB/WR/KR Mississippi

3rd Round- Lamarr Houston DT Texas-He was impressive last night

4th round-Mitch Petrus OG Arkansas

6th round-AJ Wallace CB Penn State

7th Round-Erik Cook C New Mexico

5. Sign and Trade Tony Scheffler

I'm sure Tony is a good guy but he doesn't block with the nastiness that we need from the TE position.  He would be happier elsewhere and we can get good value.  I know he is a RFA but I think we could work out a sign and trade with a team for perhaps a 2nd round pick or maybe a 4th and 5th rounder together. 

6. Re-sign key players

Give Dumervil a James Harrison type contract.  Lowball Kyle Orton and Chris Kuper.  I bet they will give us the home team discount. 

Also restructure Champ Bailey's contract for two things-He remains a Bronco for the rest of his career, eventually moving to Safety, and his deal is more cap friendly if the salary cap comes back into play

7. Food for Thought

Here are some other things I considered which are highly controversial but something to think about.

Could we trade DJ Williams for draft picks.  For every great play he makes he seems to throw in a clunker too.  He could have high value right now. 

How about trading for Cribbs.  He is a just a great football player, no matter how you utilize him. 

What if Brandstater continues to develop.  Do we sit Kyle Orton and get the young guy experience. 

With so many underclassmen entering the draft, I think it would be a good year to stock up on draft picks. 

I will defend Josh McDaniels until the day he is no longer coach. 

I love my Broncos

Every so often I try to cheer us up after a loss. Through my many sources within the Broncos organization and the NFL, I was able to find out what some of the players, coaches and personalities are getting each other for Christmas.  Here is a snapshot. 

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A number of weeks ago I posted an article debunking some common myths, mostly about the Broncos but the NFL in general as well.  For example, debunking the myth that Kyle Orton is noodle armed or that Josh McDaniels is a Belichek clone.  I feel it is now time for a second installment of common myths that you might hear that simply aren't true. 

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I've been doing a lot of studying of the Broncos and Colts and I have come up with a few specific tactical strategies that the Broncos can use on offense and defense as they take on the Colts.  This is the game of the year, and if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best.  Here is how I see the Broncos attacking the Colts. 

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Here is a rapid reaction from the Broncos/KC game.  I think the game provided several interesting nuggets or insights. 

• It looks like we have gone predominantly to a zone blocking team the past two weeks which is good for several reasons.  One it shows McD is willing to change his philosophy if something isn't working.  Two it really fits our o-line, TE's and most of all running backs better.  Plus Dennison and Turner have great familiarity with coaching it. 
• Did Dick Enberg really say that Kuper has not allowed a sack in two years.  How is this slipped by us?  Kuper and Clady for the Pro Bowl.
• Ryan Clady seems to be hobbled by some sort of injury because he isn't moving with the same swiftness earlier in the year and getting beat.  Still one of the best in the game though. 
• Dick Enberg is one of my favorite announcers.  I know he isn't everyone's cup of tea but he always has information that adds to the enjoyment of the game.  He is very good at using pre-game interviews and interjecting them at key moments in the game.  We've seen so many bad broadcasters this year that I think Enberg deserves his props.  Too bad he's announcing for the Padres. 
• Speaking of Kuper, not only did he do well in the passing game, but he looked dominant in the run game as well.  Sign Him!!!
• Matt Prater is kicking lights out right now.  Let's hope it continues, but really whatever he's doing he needs to bottle it. 
• Mitch Berger has really started to boom his kicks but still isn't getting returned.  Also made a sublte move to not have his punt blocked.  One of the best.  I don't think Prater has missed a kick since Mitch became the holder, knock on wood. 
• I don't know what to make of Jay Cutler now.  He seems all of sudden to be playing not to throw interceptions, instead of his usual play to win attitude. 
• I was down on Peyton Hillis because he made too many critical errors early in the season but hopefully his showing yesterday will re earn the coaches trust.  McDaniels is smart and I will trust he will find a way to utilize Peyton a little more. 
• However, finding time for Peyton might be hard because Spenser Larsen is playing awesome these last two weeks at full back.  He is quick to the point of attack, makes good reads and just blows people up. Plus he's made a bunch of special teams tackles recently. 
• Alphonso Smith-Just get it together man.  Listen to Champ and B-dawk, do what they say. 
• Robert Ayers is so close to getting a sack.  It's going to happen and he flashed his first round ability yesterday. 
• Todd Haley looked like a desperate coach.  He was really creative with some of the things they were doing, which shows he has a good offensive mind, but when you resort to that many gadget plays it means you think you don't have the players to go head to head. 
• We need to find a package that works when teams go no huddle.  We will see a lot of this vs. Peyton. 
• What the Colts and Saints have done at 12-0 is spectacular,  But both have some major flaws.  Doesn't mean they'll lose but they certainly have weaknesses.  I don't think either team can stop the run very well and the Saints pass defense makes big plays but also gives up big plays.  I hope we pound the ground game at the colts.  Gives us best chance to win. 
• Brady Quinn through for almost 300 yards vs. San Diego: Good.  Anyone get the feeling that if we are a wild card our first game will either be at SD or at NE.  Not exactly what one would hope for but hey, it's the playoffs. 
• Ndamokong Suh won't be around for the Broncos selection but Terrance Cody might be.  I think he'd be worth the investment.  Guy can control the entire middle of the field. 

Have a great week everyone.  Look forward to your thoughts!

The economy sucks, people are losing their jobs or if you are a state employee, have to take mandatory furloughs.  And you know what the worst part of it all is, I never learned to read.  No actually, the Broncos lost.  But cheer up my friends, here is something to cheer you up about the economy and the Denver Broncos. 

After scouring the internet I was able to find a ton of NFL related job openings posted by NFL teams and players. So boom, helping the economy and our doom and gloom.  Enjoy!

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As I read articles online and in newspapers, there are so many half-truths, mistatements, and right out lies that I feel compelled to write an article debunking some of the myths that you may read about it in the paper.  Now while most of what I'm about to say is opinion, I'll try to back it up with facts as much as possible. 

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Now that we are at the bye week, this is as good a time to give some plaudits on a few Broncos who have stood out but may not be getting the credit or press that is due.  Of course in many instances the astute talent of the MHR will have already made mention of these unsung heroes.  Still I think it would be fun to examine the great Broncos who have made this 6-0 start possible.  I have chosen one defensive player, one offensive player, and one special teams impact player. 

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Through the first three games, the Denver Broncos have done their part, now it's time for us fans attending Sunday's game to do our part.  We need to bring Mile High to a level we haven't seen since the glory days.  On every play make sure you are screaming and yelling when the Cowboys have the ball.  Flozell Adams, left tackle for Dallas already has three false start penalties this year.  Imagine on Sunday how many he might have if we ramp up the noise and he has Elvis Dumervil to worry about. 

Stomp your feet.  The metal of Invesco needs to shake from our Thunder.  I implore you, we can play a role in our teams victory on Sunday we just need to bring it. 

I have been a Broncos fan my entire life, and I am proud to say I have always been one of the loudest people in my section.  But lately it seems I am the only one making noise.  I remember in the Old Mile HIgh I could barely hear my scream.  By the end of most games I have very little voice left but it is more than worth it. 

I know MIle HIgh can be the best home environment.  We already have the altitude, now we just need a little attitude.  For those of you who will be watching on t.v. check for the camera shake and still cheer as loud as you can.   

See you at the game!

There has been a lot said over the past few months regarding the mainstream media and their opinions about our favorite team.  Some people are sick of talking about the MSM, while others continue to be interested in various opinions and critique said opinions based on our own intimate knowledge of the team.  I am not here to discourage discussion of the MSM.  I actually find it quite interesting to compare opinions and realize what Chris Berman often says "We think we know, but we don't know"

However, to better serve the Mile High Report which I dearly love, I decided there should be some ground rules to any critique of the MSM.  Some of them are personal pet peeves, so please, bare with me.  I think of us as a very classy community and I want to stay that way. 

1. Let's shy away from personal attacks- Most notably, lets not refer to Bill Williamson as "Pork Chop" Some of us MHR's are a little rotund

2. Utilize the intelligent observation this blog has become known for Instead of saying that Jamie Dukes is an idiot.  Let's delve deeper.  Let's examine exactly where he is analyzing this team wrong.  Let's point out what so many have missed. 

3. Give Praise where it is warranted Like praise recently for Bill Simmons, Adam Schefter and TJ (PS, I think TJ is by far the best ESPN analyst.  He has a positive way at looking at things but also can give honest reflective opinion.)

4. Have Fun If the Broncos keep winning we get to have the last laugh.  So lets enjoy getting to prove the MSM wrong, just do it without the personal attacks. 

I know for some this post will be offensive because many people have stated before that they don't want to be told how to post on a blog.  However, I just feel that we have a standard at MHR and we should keep it that way. 

Take Care!