SB Nation User Blog: Steve O'

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!

Who's the one guy?

Steve O' — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:42:04 -0000

Well the draft is now less than a day away and I am really curious to ask you guys and gals, the best fans in all of sports, who do you want? Just one guy - I don't want the realistic answer, I want to know what the heart wants. Who out there is going to make you jump off the couch excited?

If you feel like explaining why feel free, if you just want to drop the name, that's cool too.

Thanks everyone and hope we are all happy come tomorrow night!

Go Broncos!

Running back to watch out for - Bernard Scott

Steve O' — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:06:26 -0000

I came across some good film study of a running back that caught my attention. Bernard Scott (5-10, 220) attended the Division II school, Abiline Christian University. Bernard was the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy winner, given to the most outstanding Division II player. After watching that video (posted below) I did a little research and found a couple of scouting reports all lumped together and thought I would share them with you.

This was found in footballguys.com....

Bernard Scott Scouting Report by Brandon Tripp

Pros: Scott is a RB who can pound you up the middle, burn you on the outside, or catch out of the back field. Defenses planned to stop Scott and he still averaged over 140 yds a game his senior season. He has dominated the RB position in DII for the past two years while at Abilene Christian. Deceptively fast for his size and deceptively strong for his size as well. Could have been a DI prospect if not for his past.

Cons: Not a great blocker or great at picking up blitzes. Level of competition is not great at the DII level. But in a game against West Texas A&M, home to draft prospect Brett Swain who is expected to be a top 4 round pick, he rushed for well almost 300 yds and had 350+ all purpose yards. His age raises alarms which leads you to his past which raises even more alarms. He has straightened out at ACU (his last college stop) and has remained out of trouble for around two years.

Overall: B+. If he can convince teams that he has overcome his past and has a good combine I could see him as a first day pick.

Bernard Scott Scouting Report by deforest matthews

Pros: This player has dominated at every level from pop warner to college. He has athletic abilities very seldom seen in a human being (freak). This player has broken most of the RB records in Div.II this year. Probably the most under rated RB in the draft. 2007 runner up for Harlon Hill, this year its his.

Cons: This player has played for four different colleges. So i expect his age will be a red flag for some teams

Overall: Outstanding player, he has Devon Hester break away and Barry Sanders stop and go.

Bernard Scott Scouting Report by Termayne Willie

Pros: Very elusive back with good power and adequate speed and great hands out of the backfeild. Great vision and the ability to set up his blocks and take it the distance at any moment.

Cons: Size may be a factor at the next level and will have to prove himself worthy at the top level coming from NCAA Div. II school.

Overall: Overall grade B+, with a impressive workout at the combine, he is

Josh Buchanan's Division II Scouting Notes:

RB Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian ~ 5'11, 197, 4.55 - Downhill runner that needs to work on his blocking; will turn 25 next February; former Blinn JC transfer ran for 2,165 yards and 35 TDs in '07.

ITL: Player report: You could argue that the hottest running back in college football is Darryl Richardson's son, Abilene Christian OH Bernard Scott. Of course, he's also one of the best-kept secrets in the game given his Division II pedigree, despite the fact he's leading an undefeated squad's high-flying offense while regularly rushing for 200 yards per game. Richardson talked about the agent selection process, why he's particular about where (geographically) his son will train, and why he's not worried about one man holding agent and financial adviser duties in today's

It's apparent Scott has dealt with some legal troubles and played for four different colleges. Here is what he said when asked about that issue.

"Some people might hold it against me or whatever," he said. "But it made me a better person, because I've learned from my mistakes."

If Bernard Scott really has learned from his mistakes and works hard, he has the talent and skills to do well and might be worth a selection in the 2009 draft.

Before you go, take a look at film breakdown and scouting report, provided by draftguys.tv, via youtube (the clarity is better). Here is the link to draftguys.tv and their RB film breakdowns, they do a good job and is worth a look if you have never visited their site.

Go Broncos!

Steve O's Official Contest(s) Mock

Steve O' — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:20:38 -0000

1. Lions - Jason Smith - I think they already gave him the pen

2. Rams - Eugene Monroe - The Rams are torn, Oher's a better run blocker, Monroe a better pass blocker? They go with the better feet.

3. KC Chiefs -Aaron Curry - Could be the next big thing at LB.

4. Seattle Seahawks - QB Mark Sanchez - Everybody loves Mark, apparently.

5. *TRADE*- Washington Redskins - Matt Stafford - That Snyder is one balls to the wall owner, another big gamble.

6. Bengals - BJ Raji - this should be a match made in heaven.

7. Oakland - M. Crabtree- After all the failed receiver experiments, Crabtree goes to the Black Hole.

8. Jax Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins - The Jags take the best defensive player on the board.

9. Green Bay - Brian Orakpo - Edge rusher who looks like a fine young player

10. San Fran - Aaron Maybin - major reach in my opinion, but goes to show that a good pro day can make you millions.

11. Buffalo - Michael Oher - Peters is an Eagle and the Bills will go defense later in the draft. Oher is too good to pass up here.

12. Denver Broncos - Knowshon Moreno - He will be an instant ray of sunshine for a team that has been under a little cloud with all the changes. Much like Floyd Little did many years ago, he will create a buzz, an excitement from the fans and will add an identity to the new regime of the Denver Broncos.

13. Cleveland Browns- Chris Wells - The Browns covet Wells and move back and still grab him. Good play.

14. New Orleans - Vontae Davis - The Saints need corner help and Davis is the best on the board at this point.

15. Houston Texans -Brian Cushing - Houston is kind of stuck here, they want a RB but both were just snatched up, they want a Safety but none are worthy, they go with Cushing who will help out the defense.

16. San Diego - Tyson Jackson - SD is happy to get their man at 16. Tyson will replace Igor Olshansky, that sounds fun, replacing a guy a named Igor..."oh I heard you got Igor's job"....

17. NY Jets - Josh Freeman - The Jets made the calls but never traded up... they will be pleased with Freeman in the long run, maybe.

18. *TRADE* Carolina Panthers - Everette Brown - The Panthers acquire the 18th pick from Denver in exchange for Julius Peppers. Peppers needs to sign that tender then come on out to Denver!

19. Tampa Bay - Jeremy Maclin - The Bucs need some speed on the outside and Maclin is one of the difference makers in this draft. He adds value to the return game as well.

20. Detroit - Rey Maulaluga - The Lions need help everywhere, Rey will add some fire and spark where it is much needed

21. Eagles - Donald Brown - The Birds traded 28 away for Peters now they grab the best RB on the board.

22. Minnesota - Darius Butler - The Corner from UConn will try to give the Vikes some needed secondary help. Back to back Huskies in the first round and not a one Hurricane? What has the world come to?

23. NE Pats - Clay Matthews Jr. - match made in heaven.

24. Atlanta - Brandon Pettigrew - The Dirty Birds need an nice, down the middle option to fully open up what should be a good offense next year.

25. Miami Dolphins - Darrius Heyward-Bey - The Dolphins need a receiver and DHB can burn!

26. Baltimore Ravens - Kenny Britt - They take the WR from just up the road in New Jersey.

27. Colts - Robert Ayers - I am sure the ownership trusts Tennessee products at this point

28. Buffalo Bills - James Laurinitis - The Bills need help at the LB position, now they have a couple of Buckeyes!

29. NY Giants - Peria Jerry - The Giants know what won them a ring and they will keep it fully stocked.

30. Tennessee Titans - Asher Allen - Somehow he snuck into the first round. Thank Puffin' Percy Harvin for that one.

31. Arizona Cardinals - Victor Harris - The Cards wanted a running back but end up taking the best Corner left on the board.

32. Pittsburgh - Alex Mack - They need a Center and now they have one.

Denver's final Haul...

Round 1 - Knowshon Moreno - RB

Round 1 - TRADE to acquire Julius Peppers - DE/LB

Round 2 - Ron Brace DT

Round 3a - Jonathan Luigs - C

Round 3b - Rashad Johnson FS

Round 4 - Scott McKillop LB

Round 5 - Sammy Lee Hill DT

Round 6 - Quan Cosby WR

Round 7 - Nathan Brown QB

Tale of Two Systems

Steve O' — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:37:03 -0000

This post is intended to show some very basic differences between the Erhardt - Perkins offensive philosophy base that Josh McDaniels used in New England and compare it what we are familiar with in Denver. It is important to note that the original Erhardt - Perkins scheme isn't quite the same as the variation that Bill Belichick currently uses. The Erhardt - Perkins system was named for Ron Erhardt and Ray Perkins. The Broncos meanwhile used their own variation of the West Coast offense originally created by Bill Walsh. In this post I am going to share some basic differences between the two philosophies.

The Denver Broncos used to run a variation of the West Coast offense, not exactly Bill Walsh's system but similar. Often times you hear players and coaches say "it takes time to learn the new terminology" when they change teams or systems. Well in the West Coast system started by Bill Walsh, formations are commonly named after colors. The basic premise of the passing game in the West Coast offense is to use short slanting pass routes while often using Running Backs as receivers. A QB with mobility is preferred with the belief that the smaller, receiving back may not be well suited for pass blocking. The West Coast system under Mike Shanahan utilized different offensive sets that often saw potential pass blockers sneak out for passing routes. A mobile QB for Shanahan's system was also important as the coach liked to run a lot of bootlegs where mobility and accuracy are needed. The West Coast also tends to prefer bigger receivers who run well after the catch. The short slants and quick routes mean big plays come after the catch. With a good QB, the Broncos were never afraid to throw downfield from a pocket. With a less talented QB at the helm the system would only throw downfield on a play action pass or bootleg trying to fool the defense to help the deficiencies of the QB.

As for the running game, the Broncos used the vaunted Zone Blocking scheme that was installed by Alex Gibbs. In the Denver scheme the offensive line works in unison off the snap to get the defense flowing in one direction. The key is for all the lineman to move together and use their mobility to slide down the line of scrimmage. The running back is responsible for finding the proper lane then making one cut and then head down hill. Meanwhile, the backside (away from the direction of the flow) of the offensive line "cuts" (meaning bring to the ground) the defensive linemen opening an opportunity if the original running lane is clogged. One of the many geniuses of this system is that often times the offensive line would get to the "second level", meaning a Center or Guard on a Linebacker or Safety. If the Running Back hit the hole at the proper time he only had one or two guys left to beat. When the Wide Receivers blocked well the result was a big play. It is a running system that proved a one cut style runner who could hit the hole hard could do well. If the Running Back had great vision, cutting abilities and patience he could become elite.

The next system starts with Bill Parcells who worked with Ray Perkins in 1979 with the NY Giants. The following year Parcells was the linebackers coach for the New England Patriots under Ron Erhardt. The very next year, Bill returned to NY and became the Defensive coordinator again reunited with Perkins. When Perkins went on to the University of Alabama, Parcells was named Head Coach of the Giants. This brings us to Charlie Weis. Weis worked with Parcells with the Giants in 1990. When Parcells left the Giants in 1991, Weis stayed with NY as the Running Backs coach for two seaons. Later in his career after stints with the Patriots, Jets and finally back to the Patriots where in 2000 was hired as Offensive Coordinator. Weis installed the Erhardt-Perkins system with the Patriots that Josh McDaniels is familiar.

The first obvious difference when learning the new system is in the aforementioned terminology. The Erhardt - Perkins system uses terminology in a number system instead of colors. In Charlie Weis' book "No Excuses" he shares the first play he called in the Super Bowl, "Zero Flood Slot Hat, Seventy-eight Shout Tosser." Zero is the base formation. Flood Slot Hat further modifies this formation to a set with one back in motion, two tight ends and two wide receivers (which is to say five potential receivers in total). Seventy-eight is the base play number, a three step drop play. Shout tells the three potential receivers on one side of the quarterback what routes they should run, while Tosser tells the other two potential receivers their patterns. (1) In that play Tom Brady hit Troy Brown for a 21 yard pick up, 17 of it coming after the catch.

The Erhardt - Perkins system is historically known as "tradition smash mouth football". As SlowWhiteGuy recently reminded me the Erhardt's adage is, "pass to score, run to win". The run was often used to set up the passing game but the system in New England has now evolved into more of a passing system that uses many 5 WR packages.

The first theory was basically bigger running backs, pound the football and control the clock. These are things that were considered important to the bad weather conditions in the Northeast. The "run to set up the pass" theory in this system made play-action the main weapon to pass the ball downfield. Trying to create bad match ups for the defense by using the running game as a constant threat. The Patriots have taken the match up game to a new level. They create receivers from almost every position as evident in the play called by Weis in the Super Bowl. The Patriots also employ a "Gap" blocking system for running the ball that it isn't quite the same as Denver's Zone Blocking scheme. In a recent post by MHR member Super 7, he specifically asks what the differences are in the two schemes. SlowWhiteGuy had a great response...

"The short version...

Gap blocking assigns each blocker to block a specific gap; sort of the converse of a 1-gap defense. Zone blocking requires groups of blockers to team together to block a certain zone."

One arrow in the quiver of Coach McDaniels was the success the Patriots enjoyed in their 2007 season. The question becomes how did the historic 16-0 Patriots work their magic? Gary Horton from Scouts Inc. breaks down the Pats offense after the 2007 season:

Offensive scheme: QB Tom Brady's near-flawless execution has helped make a star out of young coordinator Josh McDaniels. The Patriots liberally (and effectively) throw deep, but they have the athletic receivers to also move the offense with the short passing game. Roughly 75 percent of the plays are run out of a spread formation, featuring screens, gadget plays and new wrinkles every week. The Pats force defenses to prepare for everything and expect anything. They run out of empty formations and slip in and out of no-huddle. They call unorthodox plays with odd personnel groupings from unusual alignments. The bad news for opponents: the run game may be a bigger part of New England's offense in 2008, providing better balance that could make the offense even more dangerous.

It seems as if the Patriots system is based off an Erhardt - Perkins but under McDaniels has now grown into a more diverse, complex scheme designed for the modern game. To gain some insight on how McDaniels will approach his new job, lets look at Belichick's philosophies that are evident in this interview. (2)

COACH: What are the keys to game planning and strategizing an opponent? In short, how do you break down an offense?

BELICHICK: Preparation consists of two things: No. 1, have a complete understanding of what your opponent does and is capable of doing and No. 2, realistically evaluate your team's strengths, weaknesses, and playing style. Game planning is the merger of these two factors.

Coach Belichick also preaches about situational football. On an episode of NFL Films, I recall seeing Belichick during a Pats practice, swinging his whistle and calling out different game situations. He was going through specific situations like 2nd and goal, 15 seconds left in the game ball is on the 7 yard line we're down by 4. In this interview he touches on that.

COACH: Since you began winning Super Bowls, coaches want to know how you do it. The consensus is that you are a marvel at organization, that you tackle each game situation as if it were a research project, dissecting every detail. Would you concur?

BELICHICK: We try to be as prepared as we possibly can. But in the NFL, there are a lot of smart, experienced, and organized people. Ultimately, success comes down to the players' ability to execute at the critical time in the most pressurized situations and games. The more you can practice and rehearse these situations, the better chance you have to execute them when it counts.

The Denver Broncos at this juncture are a question mark as to what exact system they will run. Josh McDaniels has admitted that it will be a mixture of running schemes and will likely be an eclectic gumbo of styles, constantly keeping opposing coaches on their toes. We may see a re-dedication to the run or perhaps a more "spread" offense. MHR Staff member Broncobear also points out in the magic H back post that Peyton Hillis opens up all kind of options for the new staff and reminds us that "versatility is indeed the name of the game". The 2009 Denver Broncos will have nice blend of the greatest minds in football from Gibbs to Weis to Belichick, opposing coaches will have a lot to think about.

1 - The information used in this post was found at http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/New_England_Patriots_strategy . The italics portion from the playcall was quoted verbatim from the website.

2 - Quotes from Belichick were in an article named "Super coach: not only is New England's Bill Belichick the preeminent defensive mind in football; he is the best coach in the game" by Kevin Newell