SB Nation User Blog: Steve O'

Wildcat Sack? Is it a sack or tackle for a loss? Intent is the key!

Steve O' — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:11:52 -0000

Yesterday on Twitter, I noticed an MHR member ask "Is a tackle on the runningback out the of the Wildcat formation considered a sack." Very good question and not just a simple answer... the answer is maybe!

I asked a friend mine, La'Roi Glover, a Defensive Tackle formerly of the Saints, Cowboys and Rams to explain to me whether it is a sack or not. This is what he told me.

If the Runningback's first move is forward and the ball is tucked then it's considered a rushing attempt and therefor not a sack. If the Runningback's first move is a "dropback" or a rollout with the intent to pass, then it is a sack. Intent is the key, if the Back's initial intent is to run, no sack - if his initial intent is to pass and is tackled in that process, it's a sack.

Against the Broncos, Jarvis Moss was credited with a sack against Ronnie Brown due to the fact that Brown had rolled out to his left and made an attempt to pass the ball, Moss dragged him down and was credited with the sack.

This past week, Knowshon Moreno, out of the "Wild Horses" formation was tackled for a short loss up the middle after the Patriots called a timeout to regroup. That was a tackle for a loss since Moreno made no attempt to pass the ball and his first initial step was forward.

That was a very good question and I hope this helps us understand the rules of the Wildcat! One thing is for sure, when you dedicate your time to this formation like the Dolphins have, it is very tough to stop!

Determined to Ride - The Cadillac Williams Story

Steve O' — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:01:48 -0000

Hey guys, I wrote this article for my website over at Skinnypost.com and I wanted to get some honest insight from Bucs fans about you feel about it. I would really appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have. Thanks so much.

In 2005, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the 5th selection in the NFL Draft. They used that pick on a Running Back out of Auburn by the name of Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. Coach Jon Gruden had high hopes for the young man as he quickly earned the starter’s role. In the first half of the season, Williams had an up and down start. After the first three weeks of his pro career Canton came calling for his shoes and gloves as the rookie running back became the first player in NFL history to start a career with three consecutive 100-yard perfomances. In addition, his 434 yards rushing were the most ever during that span, surpassing Alan Ameche who had 410 yards for the Baltimore Colts back in 1955. Williams looked like the gem of the draft. Then the injury bug bit. He suffered from ankle and foot injuries that effected his production. Over the next 4 weeks, Williams played through the pain but ran for only 13,20,29 and 20 yards during that span. When his wheels began to improve so did his numbers. In week 8 he rushed for 116 yards then saw his second highest total of the year in Week 15 against Atlanta rushing for 150 yards. Williams went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award where he finished the season with 1178 yards and 6 TD’s. The future looked bright.

Being in street clothes didn't sit well with Williams

In 2006, Carnell’s nagging injuries and questionable line play led to him rushing for only 798 yards in 14 games as he strived to get better.

Then in 2007, Williams started the 1st 4 games of the year when disaster struck. Carnell tore his Patellar Tendon to his left knee which required surgery and finished him for the year. At the time, doctors thought that Williams may never play again due to the severity of the injury. In Cadillac’s mind, there was no doubt he would be back on the field in 2008.

After 14 months of rehab and hard work, Williams was taken off the PUP list and returned to action on November 23rd against the Detroit Lions. In limited action, Williams rushed for 233 yards on 63 carries. Then against Oakland in the final week of the season, disaster struck again as Williams tore the Patellar Tendon in his right knee. He was determined as ever to get back on the field and Williams worked hard all offseason to be ready for the 2009 opener.

Let’s flashback -

The young man from Gadsden, Alabama had overcome injuries in his past. In 2002 in a collegiate game against Florida he broke his Fibula which caused him to miss the final 6 games of the season. Perhaps that experience showed Cadillac that he can overcome injury because in 2003 when Ronnie Brown went down with an injury, Williams shouldered the load and set a season single record with 17 touchdowns. He finished the ‘03 season at Auburn with 1307 yards on 241 attempts.

Back in action!!

Presently, Cadillac Williams finds himself atop the depth chart as he was named the starter for the season opener. He rushed for 97 yards on 13 carries and added a Touchdown as he displayed the burst and power that he once had.

Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has the type of grit and determination that is to be admired. Suffering broken bones and torn tendons has to be tough on a man who uses his legs to earn a living. As long he keeps trying and pushing to get better, we’ll be rooting him on.

Hat’s off to Cadillac Williams!

Michael Vick - The Broncos could fit

Steve O' — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:25:32 -0000

I know, I know, I know...but hear me out.

Josh McDaniels has some good things going for him. One, he isn't afraid to make a tough decision. The Cutler situation came down to some to very hard decisions and when it was all said and done McD' didn't blink. Two, and more importantly he is showing us what appears to be a dedication to the run.

The Broncos seem to be changing from a team that was heavy on the pass to a team that will be heavier on the run. A few things, using the 12th selection on Knowshon Moreno, Hillis told to work on ellusiveness drills, trading up in the 2nd round for Richard Quinn and bringing in a whole slew of FA running backs shows that the Broncos are going to really rely on the only real weapon in their quiver....the ZB running game.

Here is where Mike Vick comes in. He is single handedly the best rushing QB the game has ever seen....sorry Randall Cunningham you were awesome but Vick is on another level.

Josh McDaniels, last season with the Pats, saw first hand against the Dolphins what the Wildcat can do. In a copy cat league you can always expect to see other teams do things that are successful.

While it's hard to imagine a more polorizing figure come into the whirlwind that is the Broncos 2009 offseason, the images of Knowshon, Hillis and Vick running crazy and different formations is intriguing.

In my personal opinion, I am not a judge nor jury. It isn't my place to say whether or not Vick should have the right to play in the NFL again or if a team should sign him. If Roger Goodell decides that Vick is allowed to play then he can play. I believe in second chances.

When it's all said and done, the decisions that are being made are the ones that can improve our football team and I believe that Michael Vick could help the Denver Broncos and I believe the Denver Broncos could help Michael Vick. I am interested to see what you think.

Julius Peppers

Steve O' — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:47:22 -0000

Hello Bronco Country,

The offseason of boardom is winding down and we are weeks away from Training Camp and some recent news has caught my attention.

The Panthers and Julius Peppers did not reach a long term deal before the deadline. For some unfortunate reason when I get things stuck in my head they stick for a while. I have been thinking for years that Peppers is the type of stud on the DLine that would make us much more competative on the defensive side of the ball. It just seems to me that since Trevor Pryce left we haven't had domination up front. Here are some things to consider, tell me what I missed.

PRO'S - You aqcuire an All Pro DE with a ton of sacks his whole career. Provides an instant impact on the DLine and gives us flexability to create all types of match up problems with Ayers as both can play standing up or at the 5 Technique. Adds another veteran leader.

CON'S - He will be expensive, obviously his a new long term deal would be necessary and probably cap consuming. He is now in the prime of his career turning 29 in January so giving a guy a long term deal means he may start to show decline in just a few years into the deal. Has had some injury concerns but played healthy and very well last season.

What would it take to get Peppers in Denver, well there are a couple ways, draft picks or maybe dangle Brandon Marshall. Tell me Bronco fans, would you make a play for Julius Peppers?

Poll

Would you try and trade for Julius Peppers?

Yes

48 votes

No

66 votes

114 votes | Poll has closed

Knowshon Moreno, why he will be the Rookie of the Year!

Steve O' — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:29:15 -0000

Scouting Knowshon Moreno by DawgPost.com (via DeanLegge)

Knowshon Moreno is in a great place for his career. Recently Mike Beacom did an article for Sports Illustrated, Rookie Watch: Run friendly system should benefit Denver's Knowshon and it helps accentuate what I have been thinking for a long time. This is a match made in heaven.

The Denver Broncos Zone Blocking Scheme is designed for running backs to head or flow in one direction and make a decisive, one-cut , then head down hill to the second level. If those initial lanes are closed then the running back is taught to cut back to the backside of the play.

Knowshon has spectacular vision, patience, burst and cut back ability. What makes this marriage special is Knowshon has exceptional ellusiveness and in the ZB scheme, often the O-Line will get to the LB's, meaning that if Moreno can make one man miss, he will be off to the races.

Like Clinton Portis, Moreno is quick and ellusive and has the ability make a tackler miss. Like Terrell Davis, Knowshon has the patience and then the burst to run over bigger defenders. Like both of them, his great lateral quickness will aid him when the original hole is clogged.

Some may question his long speed, but at the 2:00 minute mark of the video shows that even if the Corner or Safety catches him, he can't always tackle him.

Aside from the natural ability to run the ball is the fact Moreno is a 3 down back meaning his blocking and catching abilities are good and won't take him off the field.

It's clear to me that Moreno has landed in a great place and is my favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Some notables that have been making some positive noise in early camps are Percy Harvin in Minnesota and Bernard Scott in Cincinatti.

In the end, if one of the Quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez has a 'Matt Ryan' kind of year than it will be pretty hard to not give the award to them but...

Out in the Rockies, there just might be fans who conjure images of two of the best running backs in recent memory, Clinton Portis and Terrell Davis blended into one dynamic back named Knowshon Moreno.

Knowshon Moreno

Steve O' — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:34:13 -0000

Knowshon Moreno

Cool Knowshon Moreno video, then and now.

Knowshon Moreno High School Highlights

Steve O' — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:48:31 -0000

Knowshon Moreno High School Highlights

Nasty from the get go!

30 Rushing TD's? - It's possible!

Steve O' — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:03:41 -0000

In 1983 Eric Dickerson put his mark on the NFL with 1808 yards in his rookie season. Dickerson was given the ball 390 times that season and was clearly the work horse that L.A. Rams needed. Dickerson finished that season with 18 Rushing TD's and 2 receiving TD's. Can Knowshon Moreno make his mark on the NFL in a similar way?

Today the NFL is a different game. The speed, size and strength of the defenses makes it almost impossible to have one back carry the entire load. Teams are clearly taking more running backs and adding first rounders when they have selected a first rounder not too long ago. To wit, the Colts selected J. Addai then this year selected Donald Brown. The Panthers selected Johnathan Stewart after selecting DeAngelo Williams just a few years before. Indeed teams are realizing that in order to keep their running backs fresh they need to have more than one. Enter Hillis and Moreno.

One thing that I eagerly await to see is how a Running Back with Moreno's petigree and talent will fit into the Denver Broncos' Zone Blocking Scheme. In my post Tale of Two Systems, I show the differences in the Patriots version of the Erhardt - Perkins System and the Broncos version of the Bill Walsh West Coast Offense and some of the things that we might be able to expect. The madness of Alex Gibbs is still strong in Mile High Country and I believe that Rick Dennison and Bobby Turner have to be salivating to work with a talent like Knowshon and masher like Hillis.

Rather than focus on yards, which the stat guys will tell you is a foolish measure of success, let's focus instead on Rushing Touchdowns.

In the tenure of Mike Shanahan the stats show that when the Broncos had the highest rushing TD's, they won the most games -

Shanahans top 5 seasons in Denver (Record - Year - Rushing TD's)

14-2    1998 - 26 td's
13-3    96',05' - 20,25
12-4    1997 - 18
11-5     2000 - 21

The worst 5

6-10   1999 - 13 td's
7-9     2007 - 10
8-8     '95,'01,'08 - 14,7,15

Here are the top single season Rushing Touchdown marks -

1.	LaDainian Tomlinson	28	2006	SDG
2.	Shaun Alexander	27	2005	SEA
	Priest Holmes	27	2003	KAN
4.	Emmitt Smith	25	1995	DAL
5.	John Riggins	24	1983	WAS

Here are the team records for that season -

2006 Chargers - 14-2

2005 Seahawks - 13-3

2003 Chiefs - 13-3

1995 Cowboys - 12-4 (Super Bowl Champs)

1983 Redskins - 14-2

If the Broncos are to reach lofty heights in 2010, I believe it will be sparked by the running game and better red zone efficiency.

It has been noted that Kyle Orton has a better Red Zone efficiency that Jay Cutler did. Couple this with the fact that Hillis and Moreno have the potential in Denver to become scoring machines that add a potent weapon around the goal line. While yards are great, the score is the only thing that matters.

Knowshon Moreno has an uncanny ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces, Peyton Hillis can make you miss with brute force and power. So I ask you, do the Broncos go over the 30 rushing TD mark this year? If the answer is yes, than the Broncos are poised for a drastic improvement and should be in position to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Go Broncos!

The Broncos hit a home run!

Steve O' — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:20:30 -0000

Wow, McDaniels has gone crazy?! Not really, he just has a plan. Back in January, my post Draft a 1st Round Running Back with a terrible defense? You Betcha! had generated a great discussion. Before we had the extra pick from the big trade, I started to see the value of Knowshon Moreno. It appears through this draft that McDaniels is getting Denver ready for some smashmouth football. Why? Well there is a reason he passed on better Tight Ends for the best blocking TE available. There is a reason why he brought in bigger backs via free agency in Jordan and Arrington - I wonder if Young and Hall are already cleaning out their lockers. There is a reason that we drafted a couple of interior lineman. This new Denver team is being built to run, and I couldn't be happier.

The new regime held that mini-camp before the draft to see if these young kids on defense were really that bad or just young. I think he felt the latter and that there was no need to replace them, just teach them differently. First Nolan brought in Ronnie Fields, so they obviously feel good about him. Second, they probably wanted to get a look at Carlton Powell, who had off the charts run stopping college stats. They must have felt good about him too and other players and how our current players will fit into their scheme. Enough so that they were able to address different needs in the draft. In my post Time of Transition, I find some interesting information on Jarvis Moss...

Reports out of college imply that Denver may have misused Moss all along. This information is from a scouting report done by the Pittsburgh Steelers who inquired about his ability to play standing up...

"I told them I’m up for whatever (position)," Moss said. "Whatever my need is called and whatever is going to help the team win, I’m ready for it."

Had he ever dropped into coverage as a Gator?

"My position was called ‘The Fox,’ where I would drop into coverage during our fire zones," he said. "I did some when I was working out in Orlando. We did some linebacker-specific drills. It’s something I enjoy. My body moves well and I can run well and I’m really athletic, so it’s something I really enjoy. I’m looking forward to it if it’s my calling."

A scouting report from FFtoolbox.com...

"Moss has a tremendous upside and playmaker potential as a pass rusher off the edge.. He displays a quick burst off the edge, which allows him to set up wide of the tackle and easily shed the block to disrupt the quarterback. His quickness and agility allows him to slide down the line of scrimmage in pursuit of the ball carrier. Moss has the ability to drop into coverage based in athleticism and natural instincts. He will clearly need to bulk up to compete as an every down defensive end at the next level. Moss also lacks the upper body strength of most defensive linemen, thus often has difficulty shedding offensive linemen once engaged. He needs to develop additional pass rushing moves and avoid his dependency to beat his opponents on sheer speed alone. Moss is probably better suited to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme to showcase his athleticism and play making abilities"

Multiple scouting reports from the 2007 NFL Combine implied that Moss showed fluid hips and great movement in coverage, he was labeled a "tweener". Perhaps this change to a 3-4 may be like adding a first round pick from 2007, it was just on lay away

Some fans have obvious questions for some of the draft day decisions that at the surface seem silly and foolish.

Why trade a 1st round pick for a 2nd round player? That answer has already been discussed but I think it is two fold. One, money was a factor. They have scouts who analyzed the first round Cornerbacks next year and said, "are they going to be 10 million dollars better than Alphonso Smith?" Why Smith you ask? - well he is a ball hawk and when you win the turnover battle and the time of possession battle, you have a great chance to win. Plus, if you value him as a first round pick, how could he not be better than the 2010 corner after working with Champ Bailey and NFL coaches for a year?

Smith + NFL Experience including Champ Bailey + the million dollar savings is > a high priced rookie Cornerback. Well what about other players, like Mays or Spikes or whoever. Obviously when your entire secondary is over 30 you realize that you will be targeting a corner, so get a good one now, a proven ball hawk at a cheaper rate and allow to gain a year of NFL experience. Good move.

The second good move is the two DB's - The Safeties. One ball hawk and one "in the box guy". Learn from Dawkins and add youth to the secondary. Once it was determined that our front seven needed some tweaking not changing then the draft was destined to go in a direction that we didn't anticipate. We the fan just see the terrible results and automatically think our players stink. Imagine if we traded Jarvis Moss or Tim Crowder to a 3-4 team and they flourished would you be upset we didn't give them a chance in our system. After all they played under Slowik's system so how is it fair to judge their fit in our new system? This draft wasn't a neglect to team needs, it was an affirmation that we already have what we need, just need to use it differently.

Couple all this with the fact the new additions are all great character guys with great upside and I find it hard to say that this wasn't a great two days for the Denver Broncos.

Be excited Bronco fans, when the Broncos are on the road and the bus stops out in front of that stadium and Peyton Hillis and Knowshon Moreno are the first to walk off the bus - everybody in town is going to know "the Broncos are here"!

Go Broncos!

Thank You MHR!

Steve O' — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:02:08 -0000

The Day is here! The day we have all been waiting some time for. As we get ready to cheer, scream and hopefully cry with happiness, I wanted to take a moment and truely thank the guys at MHR for everything they do.

Guru - The Creator! Thanks for creating a breeding ground for ideas and allowing us members a place to voice our opinion and discuss our ideas in a civil and enlighting manner. MHR is truly special and you started it all. Thank you!

Styg50 - I have never in my life, and I have been studying football for many, many years, but never I have seen such excellent work and attention to detail on every draft project. Between MHR and Mocking the Draft - you amaze me. Thanks for showing all these players to us and how they can help the Broncos!

HoosierTeacher - Coach, your teaching of the techniques and schemes has been so vital to understanding which players and direction fits best for our team. You have helped us learn the nuances of football and position responsibilities. Thank you for taking the time to educate!

NYCBroncofan - You keep the members current on a daily basis and your posts and research are incredible! You have the ability to bring the truth to light! I greatly appreciate all you do! Horse Tracks alone is freakin awesome.

Ted Bartlett - Everytime I hear Wildcat now I don't think of the Dolphins but ST&NO! Ted your perspective has kept many here grounded and focused. Your input and ideas on subjects are usually spot on and oh yeah _ GO LANCERS!

Zappa - You crack me up and I absolutely love those history posts! Besides anyone who clamors for Moreno deserves the spotlight for awhile!

and finally my buddy,

BroncoBear - You, my friend, are special. Your style, humor and intellegence paired with your writing ability makes for something special. The Tales from the Sunnyside, the constant message of a 360 degree perspective and of course - "laying bricks" - You're the man!

In the end, I am sorry if this comes across corny or whatever but I am very happy that MHR is here and there is a place for all of us to come and have great discussions about the one thing we all love - Knowshon Moreno - I mean the Denver Broncos!

Thanks everyone and good luck today in the draft! Now let's get fired up and get it started in here! Feel free to comment on whatever you want! Just get fired up, for our future is now!