SB Nation User Blog: bfree2bronc

It's All Down "Hill" if You Want to Be the "Champ"!

bfree2bronc — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:30:38 -0000

The match up this Sunday against the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos is a marque game for many reasons, for one the Colts are undefeated at 12-0 and going for an NFL record for consecutive victories and the #1 seed in the AFC throughout the plays. That's reason enough for any great team to want to go out and show the world on your home turf just how great you are. A win would definitely make a statement towards greatness and superiority in the NFL. They know what they need and want.

For the Denver Broncos this is a must win for themselves if they plan on playing after January 3rd at least in thinking. Sure they could lose this game and still possibly make the playoffs but, there are no guarantees of what the other teams in line are going to do. The mind set of this team is immediate and we need this game now, because without it there may not be any tomorrows. So, with all of that said how do we beat the unbeaten?

Success for a win in this game all falls on the heels of our defense, that's the bottom line. Containing Peyton Manning is a tall task and many have tried only to walk away hanging their heads in embarrassment. And it has happened many times. But, with every great offense there is an execution of defense that can beat it if they have a plan and stick to it. Today, a day before this great meeting of the two teams we'll explore if you will how the Denver Broncos defense can beat the great.

It all starts with the front 7. We can't exactly call them the Magnificent Seven because he is retired but they are a formidable bunch of guys who really haven't even played together very long, but, they seem to all have something in common, a desire to win and play well. And they have done that fairly well so far this season. Fields, Petterson and McBean will be on the field more than they are use to with Manning's uncanny ability to no-huddle to death out of you. These three guys, along with Marcus Thomas and Vonnie Holliday have to pressure Manning and stay in his face all afternoon. They will have opportunities to block and tip passes as Manning is primarially a pocket passer. Pressure is the key as mentioned on HT's post and be relentless not giving up on any play. Manning's OLine is dinged up a little, so that has to be somewhat of an advantage for our DLine, and who wants this game more? Us or them?

Wayne's law!

Reggie Wayne has moved to the forefront of Manning's offense since the removal of Marvin Harrison and hasn't missed a beat. He is Peyton's most lethal weapon in a bag of many and will be hard the defend. This will lie in the hands of two particular players who go by the name of Renaldo Hill and Champ Bailey. Bailey will have to shadow Wayne all day and not let him have much space, if much space is needed. Hill will cover the back door coming across with sneaky speed to intercept Wayne and the ball. These two will have their hands full and will need a large dose of energy to make it all work in their favor. Deceiving is the best weapon Hill and Bailey will have for success and if they are, they may have some prizes to go with it. Advantage? I'll take my chances with Hill and Bailey any day and if they don't make too many mistakes with Wayne, they will win the battles and the war.

Pierre Garcon The Newbie;

Garcon is just another weapon in Manning's repetoir of trick if you will and had a big game with the Titans catching 6 passes for 136 yards. They were the catalyst of the offenses success, averaging 22.7 yards per catch. Though he had no TD's he set up for Joseph Addai's 2 TD's. That's what Peyton is good at, targeting the DB's weaknesses and in this case it was Garcon. Andre' Goodman will be on him all day trying to upset his-and Manning's rhythm. Easy job for Goodman? Maybe, maybe not but Goodman has shown why the Denver Broncos brought him in out of the free agency cold. He has been hot of late with INT's and fumble recover TD's, so I have to give Goodman the benefit of any doubt that he can and will cover Garcon and have a good day. Just don't let me down Andre'.

Austin Collie is Mr GoodWrench!

Austin has made a his name a household product so far this year becoming the premier receiver Caldwell was hoping he would be. He has 47 receptions with 501 yds and 5 TD's this season to go along with his 10.7 ypc. He will be another of Peyton's go to guys and who will be shadowing him all day? It's a mater of the Law! Ty Law with his 11 interceptions of Peyton Manning will be on the youngster Collie on most plays I suspect and will have alot of work to do in defensing him. The kid is cagey and has very good hands. He makes quick moves to adjust his route and will occasion take a player out of his shoes. Ty will have to lay the Law down if he wants to be perfect with this kid. Advantage, Law, only because of his experience of Manning. Collie could have a big day though, so this will be fun to watch.

Last but not least, Dallas Clark;

This TE is rated right there with the best of them and has sure hands and great blocking ability. This guy has to be eliminated period, if that is possible. This responsibility could lie anywhere from a successful pressure by the front 7 and a couple of players. The more pressure the front DLine puts on Manning will require Clark to stay in and block. If the pressure is light Manning will let him roll out either way for a big time catch when everybody else is covered. That's when BDawk-a-Clock. Yeah that's right Mr Clark, meet Mr Dawkins for a bone crunching buffet. Well, I can wish can't I? And this comes down to my last point.

We have to come out and make a statement and they know that. Out that statement means that they will probably make some plays and when and if they do everybody on defense has to lay the wood on them just to let them know you are around and will be around to lay some more. And when the going get's tough and it seems like you don't know if your going to make it or not, you have to dogged mean and step up and make a statement. I don't want to see any mealey-mouthed tackles out there tomorrow, I want to see some bone-crunching hits going on! It is tackle football isn't it?"TAKE IT"!

This is hoping we have a great game tomorrow and win one for the McD! 12-4 Baby!!! Until we ain't!

The Kansas City Chiefs Won't Lay Down For Us!

bfree2bronc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:41:29 -0000

Entering into week 13 doesn't leave me feeling very quavery, but it does have me a little concerned. The Kansas City Chiefs have of late been one of our toughest games to win, especially in Arrow Head Stadium in December. Shannahan couldn't do it and what makes new head coach Josh McDaniels think he can some how break this tradition? For one thing, his ideals and schemes are not the prior regimes schemes. What he has though is a system that is very hard to decipher and defend against, at least when it is working right. I want to discuss with the brilliant minds of MHR and ArrowHead Pride of how this game will be decided one way or another.

First of all let's take a look at the Broncos offense and what they might try to do to score points.

1) Kyle Orton is a pocket passer and I wish he had better scrambling skills, but I believe that may be wishful thinking. What will he have to do to be successful against the Chiefs defense? This is my theory.

A) Kyle must have great pass protection from his offensive line. This is foremost the most important part of Kyle's success. If he is hurried he doesn't check down quickly enough IMHO to see the whole field. We have noticed this when he was in uncomfortable situations (hurried) and there were players open in another area of the field.

B) The receivers must run good routes and get open. SD's Antonio Gates was successful last week over the middle for huge yards (118 yards) so we may see a dose of Tony Sheffler in that respect. Hooks, curls and slants probably will be on the menu with Stokley, Gaffney and Marshall. I don't very seriously if the long ball will be a factor, given that Carr and Flowers have done a pretty good job on the corners. You never know though, McD disrespected Hall in Washington didn't he?

C) I believe this is the week that Moreno gets his first 100 yard game. He was well on his way last Thursday if it wasn't for Graham's holding (picky) call. Teamed up with Buckhalter, I see a running back corp having much success against the Chiefs. Hold on to the ball guys.

D) We have to play ball control and complete 3rd downs. One out of three times is not going to get it done. What we need out of our offense is to be more successful in the RedZone. This part of our offense has been mediocre if not dismal at times. Why in the heck Hillis was demoted is beyond me, given his success last year coming in as a RB. McD you can't bring in a player who has been sitting the bench and expect him to be successful/ Get him in the game early and get him warmed up for those end-zone drives. So what you hurt Knowshon's feelings we need to score way more often than we have. Retired Mark Cooper made the comment about the Redone failures and suggested what McD needs to do. Run more sweeps and bootlegs to wear the opposing defenses down by the end of the 3rd qtr.

On Defense:

2) We all know what our defense can do, so does the other teams and they have succumb to the fiery that the Broncos have done to them. Except for a few teams that really know on offense what to do with the ball. Our players had a closed door meeting last week before the Giants game and it seemed to work. Boy did it ever. They had Super Bowl winner Eli Manning running for his life. Go back and watch the Redskins game and tell me, did we pressure Campbell enough? He is no Manning and you tell me what went wrong. I have been cussing ever since. Dang...

A) Matt Cassel has a pretty good arm but he will be miss Dwayne Bowe his best receiver, so he will be looking in a different direction. Andre Goodman and Champ Bailey will have their hands full with Wade and Chambers, but I think they will be up to the task. Our front seven could make their life easier with a lot of pressure on Cassel. Cassel will slide out some but he is no Vince Young or Donovan McNabb. I'll put my money on Champ and Goodman.

B) Dumervil and Andra Davis must scissor Cassel in the pocket and make the sacks where Cassel has struggled to complete 3rd downs. I look for BDawk in on safety blitzes (whew!) on occasion. Watch out Cassel! Ouch! Goodman once or twice since Bowe is not a factor could have a big day in the Chiefs backfield as well.

C) DJ Williams will have his hands full chasing down Jamaal Charles on sweeps and bootlegs. Their 'bread and butter'? Maybe. Williams will probably have the most tackles again this week and if he stays within himself could have a very big day.

D) For our front three to be successful they must stuff the gaps and stop the runs up the middle. If they can win the battle in the trenches it will leave eventual gaps for DJ to have sacks. They lose the battle in the middle and it might be a long day. Keep everything short and force them into 3rd and long. Cassel and company have been disappointing in that area. Ronnie Fields, Vonnie Holliday and Ryan McBean need to penetrate the OLine to keep Cassel uncomfortable. He will make mistakes if they do.

Special Teams play:

3) Matt Prater has had a lot of confidence lately and that is a good sign especially going in the power (games we can't afford to lose) weeks ahead. Mitch Berger acquired just before the Ravens game has finally found his legs and timing. Field position is a very important for us and we need to make every play mistake free. No holding or blocks in the back on run backs. Come team, you proved to the world you have the ability to shine when it counts.

A) I don't know if Eddie Royal (and by the way, I have voted for him several times for returner) will be able to play this week since everything about his injury has been a mystery. Kenny McKinley, Correll Buckhalter and Alphonso Smith probably make the returns. They have done a fairly good job of getting good field position lately, can they be mistake free this week? We'll see, the Chiefs are no slouch on ST.

The bottom is, play mistake free, complete the 3rd downs and set them in the hole early to make them pass often. Thank you Bronco fans for all the support you give to our beloved Broncos. Any of you Chiefs fans are more than welcome to come on here and give you point of view of how you think your team can beat us. I would love to here all sides of this common fracas that we have twice a year. They are a proven foe, just look at the record.

Notice that I was respectful in calling their team the Chiefs. The doltbags and faders I have no respect for and severely dispise them in every way. I hope they never win a game ever...ever!

Poll

If the Broncos win this game will they have a legitimate chance at the playoffs?

Heck ya they do and I'll tell you why.

50 votes

This game makes no difference, the Broncos are doomed for sure.

5 votes

Playoffs are a long way off and anything can happen in this league

37 votes

92 votes | Poll has closed

Offensive Plays and the One's That "Peeved" Me!

bfree2bronc — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:45:17 -0000

Monday night's game against the Pittsburg Steelers was an exciting 3 qtr contest for both defenses. Heading into the 4th qtr down 14-10 you would feel comfortable knowing how our team has come from behind and pulled out the wins this year. But, this would not be the case, Pittsburg made the right adjustments on both defense and offense that we weren't able to do. The final outcome was 28-10 Steelers and this leave a nasty taste in my mouth.

First Quarter:

1) Eddie Royal returns the kick off from the 1 yd line to the 22 yd line. To start the game.

2) 13 yd completion to Royal, 1st down. Ball on Denvers 35 yd line.

3) Correll Buckhalter 2 yd carry to Denvers 37 yd line. 2n & 8.

4) 13 yd completion to Royal, 1st down. Ball at mid field.

5) Buckhalter 5 yd carry to the Pittsburg 45. 2nd down.

6) 20 yd completion to Royal, 1st down at Pittsburg 25 yd line.

7) Buckhalter 3 yd loss on the carry, ball on Pittsburg 28 yd line. 2nd down.

8) 6 yd completion to Marshall to Pittsburg 22 yd line. 3rd down and 7.

9) Incomplete pass to Royal at pittsburgs 8 yd line. 4th and 7.

10) 40 yd field goal by Matt Prater. Good. 3-0 Denver. Overall it was a pretty good drive 56 yds on 10 plays and a field goal. 4 yds running, 52 yds passing.

Drive # 2: after a 3 and out for Pittsburg ending with a sack on Roethlisberger.

1) Eddie Royal on the punt return. If your not going to make a play on the ball Eddie, get the hell out of the way. I believe it would of been a live ball if the gunner pushes him into it and it could have been a grave mistake. Ball rolls the Denver 18 yd line where Denver takes over 1st and 10.

2) 15 yd pass completion to Marshall over the middle, 1st down at Denvers 33 yd line.

3) 4 yd completion to Marshall over the middle to Denvers 37 yd line. 2 down and 6.

4) Moreno 2 yd loss on the carry, no face mask called on Farrior! Ball on Denvers 35. 3 down and 8.

5) 7 yd completion to Marshall over the left middle to the Denver 42 yd line. 1st down.

6) 3 yd completion to Gaffney over the left side. Ball on Denvers 47 yd line. 2nd down and 7.

7) Incompletion to Royal over the left side down by the Pittsburg 39 yd line. Pass was thrown behind Royal on his right side. 3 down and 7.

8) 5 yd completion to Marshall over the right side middleto the Pittsburg 48, 2 yds short of the 1st down. Forced to punt.

9) Berger punt, touch back. Pittsburgs ball on the 20 yd line. The thing that started to bother me was not running the ball to the outsides on first and second down. We had time of position in this quarter and really thought we could start opening things up with the run. At least start to wear them down some. It didn't happen though, we had one run for a loss of 2 yds.

Ather another 3 and out on Roethlisberger with :07 seconds to go in the 1st qtr Pittsburg is forced to punt from their own 40 yd line. Royal receives the ball at the Denver 17 and runs it out to the Denver 23 yd line to end the first quarter.

Second Quarter:

Drive #3 starts on the Denver 23.

1) Buckhalter 7 yd carry to the Denver 30 yd line. 2nd down and 3.

2) Buckhalter 0 yd carry to the Denver 30 yd line. 3rd down and 3. Up the middle!

3) 12 yd completion to Royal over the right side middle to the Denver 42 yd line. 1st down.

4) Interception to Tyrone Carter at the Denver 48 and run back for Touch Down!!! Kyle, Kyle. One too many times to the well. Moreno gets tangled up with the official (another rookie dumb mistake) and the ball sails by him on the left for an easy catch and run by Carter.

Pittsburg 7 Denver 3

Drive #4 starts with Kenny McKinley taking the kickoff from the Denver 3 and bringing it out to the Denver 21 yd line.

1) Moreno 4 yd carry over the left middle to the Denver 25 yd line. 2nd down and 6.

2) Orton sacked 4 yd loss to the Denver 21. 3 down and 10.

3) 15 yd completion to Marshall to the Denver 36. 1st and 10 Denver.

4) Moreno -1 yd carry to the Denver 35. 2nd down 11.

5) 3 yd completion to Gaffney over the right side middle to the Denver 38. 3rd down and 8.

6) 18 yd completion to Graham over the middle to the Pittsburg 44 yd line. 1st and 10.

7) False start #71 Russ Hochstein. 1st and 15 on the Pittsburg 49 yd line.

8) Incomplete pass to marshall over the left side middle. 2nd down and 15.

9) 10 yd completion to Marshall over the left side middle to the Pittsburg 39 yd line. 3rd and 5.

10) Incomplete pass to Gaffney over on the left side line. Catch challenged and rule stood up. Gaffney! hang onto the ball because that would have been a first down! You killed the drive! Come on! Oh, I'm sorry. 4th down and 5 on the Pittsburg 39 yd line and a gutsy call to go for it.

11) 8 yd completion to Stokely to the Pittsburg 31 yd line is brought back for a holding call. Ben Hamilton! Do Your Job!!!. ball on the Pittsburg 49 yd line.

12) Berger punt from the Pittsburg 49 to the Pittsburg 23. No run back on a 26 yd punt!!! Berger you limp footed old rascal, come on!!!

Drive #5 begins after Royal fair catches a punt on the Denver 16 yd line with 2:47 left in the half.

1) Buckhalter 6 yd carry over the right middle to the Denver 22 yd line. 2nd down and 4.

2) Moreno 3 yd carry over the left middle to the Denver 25 yd line. 3rd down and 1.

3) 18 yd completion to Marshall over the middle to the Denver 43 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver.

4) Orton sacked at the Denver 41 yd line for a loss of 2 yds. 2nd down and 12 at the 41 yd line.

5) -1 yd completion to Buckhalter over the left side. 3rd down and 13 at the Denver 40 yd line.

6) Buckhalter 5 yd carry over the right hash marks. 4th down and 8 at the Denver 45 yd line.

7) Berger punt to the Pittsburg 16 yd line, fair catch called. 2 penalties on the play (running into the kicker and holding the receiving team) Holding call up held. Half the distance to the goal at the Pittsburg 8 yd line. Knee taken to end the half. What can we tell from our offense in the first half. The Denver Broncos held onto the ball for almost 2/3 of the half at 19:16 with 5/9 3rd down conversions and 1 turnover. You would think the Broncos would be in the drivers seat even though being down 7-3 at this time because we have shown a way to adjust at half time and win ball games. I know I was felling pretty good of our situation and figured we would prevail. But, these are the Pittsburg Steelers and to tell you the truth I for the life of me can't figure out how their stamina held up.

Third Quarter:

To begin the 3rd qtr Pittsburg received the ball and began right away driving down the field. On 1st and 10 at the Denver 34 yd line Roethlisberger fumbles the ball and Ayers picks it up at the Pittsburg 46 and runs it back for a Touch Down. (54 yds) Denver 10 Pittsburg 7.

The Pittsburg Steelers 2nd drive would give them the lead after Ward catches a pass in the endzone from Roethlisber, Touch Down. Denver 10 Pittsburg 14. After a short kickoff to the Denver 29 Spencer Larsen brings the ball out to the Denver 40 yd line where Denver takes position for their first drive of the second half with 9:04 left in the 3rd qtr.

Drive # 6

1) 16 yd compleion to Royal over the middle to the Pittsburg 44 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver.

2) -1 yd carry for Moreno up the left middle. 2nd down and 11 at the Denver 45 yd line.

3) Incomplete shuttle pass to Graham. 3rd down and 11 at the Denver 45 yd line.

4) Incomplete to marshall over the left side. 4th down and 11 at the Denver 45 yd line.

5) Berger punt to the Denver 3 yd line. Pittsburgs ball. After driving down to the Denver 15 yd line Roethlisberger throws an interception to Goodman in the endzone. Goodman runs the ball out to the Denver 20 yd line. Holding penalty on Denver gives Denver the ball at the Denver 10 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver. 2:26 left in the 3rd qtr.

Drive # 7

1) 15 yd completion to Marshall over the left middle to the Denver 25 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver.

2) 3 yd completion to Scheffler over the right side to the Denver 28 yd line. 2nd down and 7.

3) Buckhalter 2 yd carry up the middle to the Denver 30 yd line. 3rd down and 5.

4) 4 yd completion to Stokely over the left side line to the Denver 39 yd line. 4th down and 1.

5) Berger punt from the Denver 39 to the Pittsburg 16. Pittsburg ball at the Pittsburg 30 yd line after a 14 yd return. The end of the 3rd qtr, Denver 10 Pittsburg 14.

Fourth Quarter:

After a 3 and out the Steelers punt from their 34 to Eddie Royal at the Denver 19. Royal returns the ball out the Denver 33 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver on the Denver 33 yd line.

Drive # 8

1) Incomplete pass to Marshall over the right side line. Caught out of bounds. 2nd down and 10.

2) Incomplete pass to Graham over the right side. 3rd down and 10.

3) 3 yd completion to marshall over the left side. 4th and 7 at the Denver 36 yd line.

4) Berger punt to the Pittsburg 41 yd line. 1st and 10 Pittsburg. 3 and out for Pittsburg, Royal fair catches at the Denver 10 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver.

Drive # 9

1) -1 yd carry Buckhalter to the Denver 9 yd line. 2nd down and 11.

2) Interception Palomalu at the Denver 25 yd line. 1st and 10 Pittsburg. 3 plays later Pittsburg Touch Down pass from Roethlisberger to Wallace. Denver 10 Pittsburg 21. Kick off to McKinley at the Denver 5 returned to the Denver 26 yd line. 1st and 10 Denver.

Drive # 10

1) incomplete pass Orton. 2nd down and 10 at the Denver 26 yd line.

2) Incomplete pass to Royal over the right middle. 3rd down and 10.

3) Incomplete pass Orton. 4th and 10.

4) Berger punt from the Denver 26 to Pittsburg 35 yd line. Returned to the Denver 33 yd line. Brought back on a push to the back penalty on Pittsburg. Ball spoted at Pittsburg 26 yd line. 1st and 10 Pittsburg. After a 74 yd drive Pittsburg Touch Down. Denver 10 Pittsburg 28. Kickoff to McKinley for a touch back. Denver ball 1st and 10 at the Denver 20 yd line.

Drive # 11

1) 12 yd completion to Marshall over the right side line. 1st and 10 at the Denver 32 yd line.

2) 4 yd completion to Buckhalter over the middle. 2nd down and 6 at the Denver 36 yd line. What the hell ref? Helmet to helmet hit on Bucky by Harrison.

3) Incomplete pass to Moreno over the left side. 3rd down and 6.

4) Interception at the Denver 43 by Carter, down at the Denver 40 yd line. Pittsburg takes a knee and a bow to end the game.

We moved the ball pretty well in the first half but couldn't score. Pittsburg made the big adjustments coming out for the second half that we didn't. Our defense played a very good game up until they couldn't get any help from th offense. Roethlisberger didn't have a very good game until the 4th qtr. With no running game we fail!!! I still like our chances against anybody and I believe we are still in the running for the playoffs. Let's have a great game this Sunday!

"Hang Time"

bfree2bronc — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:41:11 -0000

Special Teams are a very important component of a successful football team, just ask the San Diego Chargers about it. They were beat by the Denver Broncos on Monday Night football in front of the world by a score of 34-23. Now some say if it weren't for the 2 run backs that Eddie Royal made, the Chargers would have won the game. Hockey puck (no offense hockeyhippo), that wasn't necessarily the case at all. Let's see, if you take the 2 run backs of Royal's away and you take back the run back of Sproles away then the final score still comes out 20-17 Broncos victory. Hmm, ludicrous thinking there dolt fans.

But what it did do was put points on the board at an opportune time. I know, some will say, yeah but it also put our defense back out on the field without much rest. Let's look at it this way, if the offense sustains a long drive and scores andon the first play of the opposing touch they fumble the ball back to us then that puts the offense right back on the field with no rest. I don't hear them complaining and these players are conditioned to be ready on every play to go back on the field. It's football, things happen.

After the jump we'll take a look at our next opponent the Baltimore Ravens and see where they fit in our scheme of special teams and why we let Brett Kerns go. Here are some terms for punting:

ANATOMY OF A PUNT

Coffin corner: A punt angled toward both the sideline and goal line.

Directional kicking: Angling a kick toward the sideline to reduce the field for the returner.

Hang time: The length of time the ball is in the air following a kick – 4.5 seconds is ideal for a kick less than 50 yards.

Net punting: The distance of a punt minus the return yardage. Subtract 20 yards on touchbacks.

Pooch punt: A short, punch kick when a team is in the opponent's territory.

Our next game coming up is against the Baltimore Ravens a team that has placed more fear in the minds of any other team of the last decade with their fearsome defense. Though they have struggled some on defense they are still the team to beat andtheir disappointments have come from the secondary. Still with a 3-3 record they have only lost their last 3 games by a total of 11 points, that's not too bad. They are a very good football team and in my opinion they are still in the hunt for the afc north title. Let's take a look at their special teams.

Kicking: Steven Hauschka has made just 5 field goals out of 7 attempts so far this season. He is perfect inside of 40 yards andhas missed 2 in the 40-49 yard range. He has not made an attempt from 50 yards on. This may be an area we can have success in especially with our defense putting pressure on Flacco. Keep them beyond the 36 yard line and profit from it, the Ravens are 2-5 on 4th down conversions and 35-77 on 3rd down. The Ravens have scored 22 touch downs so they know how to put the ball in the endzone, holding their opponents to 13. That's just over 2 a game giving up and almost 4 for themselves, that's where they win. So it isn't safe to say that just keeping Hauschka off of the field will help us win. The Ravens defense has been somewhat stingy when teams have made it to their side of the field making them kick 13 field goals.

Punting: Sam Koch has made 26 punts this season with a 43.8 yd avg andthe longest was 60 yards without giving up a TD. One point here though is they had a blocked punt. Their opponents avg was 44.9 a little less with no TD's. Brett Kerns' avg was 46.1 slightly more than Koch's so why did McDanielslet him go? The reason is simple. Net yardage after the punt. The Ravens net yardage after the punt is 37.9 yards with a difference of 5.9 yards. Brett Kerns' difference his net yardage is 34.5 for a 11.6 yard average. Almost 2 times further than Koch. Kerns was 2nd in the afcin total yards after the punt with 194, being 2nd in this category doesn't make you look good, in fact it is second to last. This is not acceptable, then can all of the blame be put on Kerns? Yes and I think we all know the answer, 'hang time'. Kerns can probably boot the ball as far as the next guy but is he directional? On occasion. Does he boot it high enough (hang time) to give his special team players a chance to get to the point of attack? On occasion. Was Brett Kerns more of a liability to the team than he was worth? One occasion too many and the straw that finally broke the camels back was in the Monday Night game in San Diego letting Sproles set up for the kill.

Whether special teams will play a factor in this up coming contest with the baltimore Ravens is yet to be seen, but one thing for sure field position is one of the most important parts of the game, just ask the "Dude" in Stats Don't Lie.

McDanielsdecided to make the switch this week when the Denver Broncos signed P Mitch Berger a 16 year veteran withSuper Bowl experience. Berger, 6'4 228lbs is a Pro Bowl punter that has been aroundthe league. I am sure Berger will get plenty of chances to show us what he's got left. Hopefully with his experience, hangtime and directional accuracy he will help our defense win the field position battle.

Eddie have you been in the film room studying the Ravens ST? Hope so dude, we may need you to reel off one in this game. Go Broncos.

"What's For Chow"?

bfree2bronc — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:29:04 -0000

I have a 'Hot Wings' recipe for the game tomorrow and I'd like to share it with you. I make several different things during the year such as Cajun Gumbo, New England Clam Chowder, BBQ Ribs and Beer Can Chicken. The recipe is as follows:

2 1/2 LBS of wingettes and drumettes

1 Lg bottle of Frank's Hot Sauce

1/2 bottle of Chili Sauce (Heinz)

1/2 cube of butter

1 lemon (juiced)

1/4 cup of honey

I brine the wings for 8 hours in cold water and Kosher salt (optional) then I boil them for 20 minutes. While they are boiling in a sauce pan I put in the remaining ingredients and bring it to a simmer. After the wings have boiled for 20 minutes I drain them in a strainer to remove all the water and place them on a baking pan and put them in the oven for 15 minutes at preheated 350 degrees. After 15 minutes in the oven take them out and drizzle the sauce to coat all and place back in the oven for 5 minutes. Take them out and serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing. Umm good. They will practically fall off the bone. Enjoy the game with Hot Wings and a cold brew. Hope we win.

"It's My Story And I'm Sticking To it"

bfree2bronc — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:17:13 -0000

One of the hardest things for a coach to do is call a player in his office and tell him his services are no longer needed and good luck in your endeavors. Every player has that in the back of their mind troughout their NFL career and it makes it hard not knowing if you'll have a job tomorrow. Below is a list of the 53 man roster plus one Reserve Quarterback and 8 man Practice Squad. I know I wouldn't want to be McDaniels' shoes and have to choose who goes and who stays, that would be very difficult to do. I will start off the offense, then the defense and on to the practice squad. Ultimate cuts will be last.

Offense:

Quarterback: Kyle Orton, Chris Simms. 2

Running Backs: Knowshon Moreno, Peyton Hillis, Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, Darius Walker. 5

Tight Ends: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffer, Jeb Putzier, Richard Quinn. 4

Wide Receivers: Eddie Royal, Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokely, Kenny McKinley, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney. 6

Center: Casey Wiegmann, Kory Lichtensteiger. 2

Guards: Ben Hamilton, Matt McChesney, Chris Kuper. 3

Tackles: Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Tyler Polombus. 3

25 total on offense.

Deffense:

Safety: Brian Dawkins, Reynaldo Hill, Josh Barrett, David Bruton. 4

Corner Back: Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Jack Williams. 4

Inside Line Backer: D J Williams, Wesley Woodyard, Spencer Larsen, Andra Davis, Mario Haggan. 5

Outside Line Backer: Elvis Dumervil, Darrell Reid, Robert Ayers, Tim Crowder. 4

Defensive Line: Kenny Peterson, Marcus Thomas, Ryan McBean, LeKevin Smith, Mathias Askew. 5

Nose Tackle: Ronald Fields, Chris Baker, Carlton Powell. 3

25 total on defense.

Special Team:

Kicker: Matt Pratter. 1

Punter: Bret Kern. 1

Long Snapper: Lonnie Paxton. 1

Reserve Quarterback: Tom Brandstater. 1

Total Roster: 54

Practice Squad: 8

1) Britton Colquit P/K

2) Darcel McBath CB

3) Marcus Thigpen RB

4) Nate Swift WR

5) Blake Schlueter C

6) Lee Robinson ILB

7) Everette Pedescleaux DL

8) Seth Olsen G

Cuts: Sorry guys hate to see you go ;~(

1) Marquez Branson TE

2) Stanley Bryant T

3) Tony Carter CB

4) Nic Clemons DL

5) Mitch Erickson G

6) Vernon Fox S

7) Brandon Gorin T

8) Chad Jackson WR

9) C J Jones WR

10) D J Johnson

11) Braxton Kelley LB

12) Joshua Bell CB

13) Jarvis Moss OLB/DE

14) Rashod Moulton CB

15) Clint Oldenberg T

16) Marcus Thomas RB

17) Mathew Willis WR

18) Travis Shelton WR

Stay close to the phone fellas you never know when we'll need you. Who would be the hardest to let go? Chew it up, spit it out and tell what you would do, I'd by happy to hear from you.

"Bringing Up Baby"

bfree2bronc — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:57:13 -0000

Pat was sitting back in his easy chair watching one of his favorite Bronco games of the past when all of a sudden he heard a cry from the babies room. Not wanting to be bothered he continued to watch the game letting baby subtly whimper out it's first alarm. The nanny had gone shopping (3 years ago) and hadn't got back yet so it was his reluctant responsibility to care for the little Baby Bronco until her return. The baby's cry became more intense with such an urgency that Pat leaned back, turned his head (as he was thinking, not now, the best part is about to come on!) and I don't want to miss John's TD as he scratched his head and wondered why in the world his nanny (Shanahan getting the team back to the Super Bowl) hasn't returned yet? Looking down at his watch he noticed it was December 29, 2008, and with a sigh he got up and strolled down the hall to check in on Baby Bronco.

As he entered the crying baby's room his nose told him what he didn't want to know and it was time to clean up the mess that had made Baby Bronco so angry and mad. Talking in a soothing voice as he placed a towel under the baby's back side he grimaced at the thought of having to do the inevitable. Pat unloosed the stay stick straps of the diaper (fired Shanahan) and took a peek inside before deciding what to do next. There was a mess alright and with a quick swipe (hired Josh Mcdaniels) of the diaper from bottom up the mess was wadded up and disposed of in one smooth action. Reaching for the Handi-Wipes he reminisced in his mind back to a time where he had had to do the same thing (fired Reeves) and how very difficult but very necessary it was to do. As he cleaned baby's bottom he noticed some chapness left from baby laying in his mess for so long, so he reached for the DesinexCreame (Free Agent acquisitions) and began to gently apply the soothing substance where it was needed. Baby Bronco's whimpering turned to coos now as he was feeling a lot better with his new found pampering from Daddy. As Pat placed a new diaper under Baby Bronco the baby pee'd straight up into his face (Cutler doesn't return calls) and Pat jumped back in surprise as he began to wipe away the disgusting fowl smelling fluid (traded Cutler to the Bears). Wetting the new diaper would require a replacement so Pat reached over to the changing table and retrieved a new one (Kyle Orton, Robert Ayers and Richard Quinn) to keep little Baby Broncos' butt covered and dry.

Baby Bronco comforted now seemed a little perturbed and began to let out a soft cry and Daddy recognizing that baby was hungry he made him a formula in a bottle to feed his empty stomach (College Prospects in the draft). Baby was well satisfied and went happily to sleep.

Six months have gone by and it was time for Baby Broncos first steps. It's a glorious site for any father to see and this was a special occasion for there were people from all over the country coming by the house to watch (MSM) Baby take his first steps. Baby Bronco clutched ahold of the couch (OTA's) and pulled himself up as he looked around at all of the attention and commotion. Turning to face the open space of the living room (Dove Valley Training Complex) he took his first steps, then others in succession when all of a sudden he fell (Brandon Marshall's troubles) down in the middle of the floor and began to cry. Someone started to get up (MSM Dukes and the gang) and go to Baby's defense, but Pat said wait, he'll be alright let him alone. Baby Bronco seeing that no one was coming to help him pouted for a moment and raised himself up and stood wobbly legged for a few seconds and then started to walk once again toward Daddy who was waiting with open arms.

Before Baby Bronco can grown up to be the Stallion he needs to be successful in this world he will definitely endure the growing pains that comes along with nurturing his talent. To all of you fathers out there who want baby to be a man before his time, you make foolish consensus and moronic statements. Baby Bronco must walk before he can run! Let the little boy play before he becomes a man! And when he runs you better get out of the way because he'll run all over you!!! He will not disappoint you in the end you will see.

"Meet The New Coaches" Part VIII

bfree2bronc — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:48:47 -0000

"Livin' on the Edge"

The tight end position is one of the toughest positions to play on offense because they have several different things to do, and they must perform them all well to be successful. TE's must be good blockers when LB's, S and CB's try to sneak in to make a sack on the quarterback. They have to hold their ground and make a solid hit on the oncoming defender and if the quarterback gets under pressure he slides out, turns around to become the receiver. TE's should have good hands to make the catches, turning them into multi-faceted players used in various situations to gain yardage. The TE must be a fast runner. Many times the TE will be the lead blocker for running backs providing open lanes for them to run up the field. And he's got to be a tough guy who can deliver a big hit on an oncoming defender. The tight end will often be sent out to catch passes in the middle of the field, where he will be covered by a couple of linebackers instead of cornerbacks. Linebackers are big guys with bad attitudes and they can expect a big hit from them and still be able to make the play.

Instructions on how to be a successful TE as stated in eHOW;

Step 1

Understand how to run effective pass routes over the middle of the football field. The middle of the field is primary area where a tight end catches the passes from the quarterback. The middle is the most congested area, which requires excellent body control to catch the passes and run the pass routes.

Step 2

Have no fear of contact. Again, most of the passing routes a tight ends runs are over the middle of the field. This leaves the tight end vulnerable to bone-jarring hits due to location of the defenders on the field, which is usually behind or to the side of the tight end.

Step 3

Block as effectively as an offensive lineman does. Not only must the tight end catch passes but also they must block in certain plays. It is critical that a tight end be able to block the opposition efficiently and catch the football. If a tight end can't do both then he needs to find another position to play in American football.

Step 4

Be a valuable outlet receiver. Sometimes when a tight end is blocking it is also his responsibility to release the blocker and become a receiver all in the same play. A tight end must know how and when to do this in order to play the tight end position in American football.

The Denver Broncos have a couple players who meet those criteria stated above in Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham.

Scheffler ranked 8th in the NFL last year with 40 receptions and 645 yards in 13 games. Tony may have cracked the top 5 if he had played all 16 games. Look for his stats to elevate this season if he stays healthy. Inthe new system of head coach Josh McDaniels offense, Scheffler has a good chance to be the top TE in the league. He will be protecting Kyle Orton's blind side as well as blocking out in front for running backs Buckhalter, Moreno, Hillis and Jordan. Look for 2000+ yards out of this group during the year.

Daniel Grahamhad 32 receptions, 389 yards and 4 touch downs playing 16 games and primarily used as a blocking tight end. An eighth-year tight end who enters his third year with the Broncos after spending his first five seasons in New England, where he helped the Patriots to victories in Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003 season) and Super Bowl XXXIX (2004 season). Graham is no stranger to playoff games as he has eleven in his career with New England. Graham is considered one of the best blockers in the NFL. He brings a special talent to the "Amoeba" offense McDaniels intends to institute.

Richard Quinna 2nd round draft pick out of North Carolina is known for his blocking ability and has been improving on his pass catching in training camp. Projected to make the team as the 3rd string TE and may be used in a 3 tight end scheme that coach McDaniels has used in New England. Richard will be interesting to watch in his NFL debut against the 49ers.

Jeb Putzier in his 8th NFL season out of Boise St was drafted by the Broncos in the 6th rd (191th overall) of the 2002 draft. Jeb spent time in Houston and Seattle before being resigned by the Broncos on 12/08/08. Jeb signed as a unrestricted free agent on 3/16/09. His role with the Broncos is undetermined and probably will be cut before the season starts.

Which brings us to the 8th and final institution of Meet The New Coaches;

Coaching tight ends in the NFL can be a challenging job considering that TE's have to be on the same page as the offensive line, know the playbook as well as the quarterback, be able to take on blocking assignments and be a receiver wrapped up in one package. One guy who has that talent is Clancy Barone.

Clancy Barone was born on July 26, 1963, in San Andreas, Calif. Clancy was an offensive linemen in college at the University of Nevada before he started his coaching career. His coaching career spans 22 years with 17 of those at the college level. From 1997-2003 Clancy was offensive coordinator for 3 different colleges (Texas State (2003), University of Houston (2000-02) and the University of Wyoming (1997-99). While he was at Wyoming his offensive line gave up just 35 sacks in those 3 years. University of Houston under Barone's direction, the offense ranked seventh in the country in yards per game (443.4) en route to setting numerous school offensive records. In Clancy's last year at Houston he was voted Division-I Offensive Line Coach of the Year by the National Offensive Line Coaches Association.

In 2004 Clancy Barone began his NFL coaching career with the Atlanta Falcons as assistant offensive line coach helping them lead the league in rushing average yards (5.1 per carry). From 2005-06 as the Falcons tight end coach Clancy was instrumental is guiding Alge Crumpler's already blossoming career, helping him achieve his 4th consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. From 2005-06 Crumpler totaled the third-most receiving yards (1,657) among NFL tight ends in that two-year period. He also tied for third in touchdown catches (13) and ranked eighth in receptions (121) at his position in two years under Barone.

In 2007 Barone was hired by the San Diego Chargers as their tight end's coach where he guided Antonio Gates to his 4th and 5th selection to the Pro Bowl. During those 2 years Barone's instruction helped the Charger tie for first among NFL tight ends in touchdown catches (17), rank third in receiving yards (1,688) and tie for fourth in receptions (135) over that span.

Under Clancy Barone's college offensive line instruction 27 players sign Pro contracts, 5 players were semi-finalist for the Outland Awards, and 3 Rimington Award semifinalists. Clancy Barone's contribution to the game football is a sounding board around the NFL.

Clancy Barone doesn't come to Denver without any challeges facing him, he will have plenty of work to do if he is going to turn this tight end unit into a top TE corp:

#1 Scheffler is a very good pass receiver that needs to hone his blocking skills especially if he is to play on Kyle Orton's blind side. Those preparations are being addressed as we speak and will be brought to light tomorrow night in San Francisco. Tony Scheffler can be one of the top TE's in the league this year. Look for at a stadium near you.

#2 Daniel Graham on the other hand is a prolific pass blocker and will have to work on his hands getting softer and on his passing routes, usually over the middle in the face of ferocious line backers who want nothing better to do than tear your head and spit in it. Daniel knows Coach McDaniels' offense so transition should be fairly smooth for this 8 year veteran.

#3 Richard Quinn has the blocking skills, is ferocious, tough and has a little mean streak. Richard will need some work on catching as Graham. Quinn was used mostly as a blocking TE in college. Barone can teach him if he will listen.

All in all the tight end corp should be an exciting group to watch this season. They are the hinges to this door the offense will be opening up.Good Luck guys, and Clancy, if you have to put your foot on them buddy. Are these tight ends tops in the NFL?

Poll

Where do you project our TE's this year?

With Scheffler leading in receptions, top 5 in the league.

21 votes

Graham will have his best receiving year yet.

5 votes

Quinn will be ROY at TE.

0 votes

All of the above.

8 votes

Are you kidding me, they will never amount to nothing.

2 votes

36 votes | Poll has closed

Remember Broncos be courteous tomorrow

bfree2bronc — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:52:31 -0000

The Denver Broncos will play for the first time as a collective group tomorrow night in San Francisco. this game of little meaning but filled with many matters should give the players a good look at how they will play together and gel better as a team. It will give us fans a view of certain players we have watched play for other teams, Pro and College and give us a first hand glimpse of our future. As a diehard Bronco fan I have one request to all of you players. Play hard, play smart, play aggressively, play tough and most of all play courteously.

Defensive Backs:

Be courteous when you step in front of your receiver and bat down a pass, always say, better luck next time.

Be courteous when the receiver catches a pass and you roll over and strip the ball out for a fumble in which you pick it up and return it for a touch down, walk by the quarterback and tell him, don't bring stuff back here.

Be courteous when you hit a crossing pattern receiver so hard his helmet turns cross ways on his head. Always help him twist it back around straight.

Be courteous when your number is called for a corner back blitze and you knock the ball out of the quarterbacks hands stopping a scoring drive. Always tell the quarterback how sorry you are that his throwing hand now needs ice. Just be courteous.

Front 7:

Be courteous when you stop the run for a loss. Always show the world that Lou Ferigno has nothing compared to your bi-ceps.

Be courteous how you push the OLine back into the quarterback causing a 1/2 sack by both OLB. Make sure you tell the quarterback how he should just stay down and he won't get hurt.

Be courteous when you strip the ball from the running backs hands as he struggles to get through a clogged up line. You want to ask him why he didn't call you for lunch yesterday.

Be courteous in the way you intimidate the OLine and cause them a false start for the 3rd time. Don't be talking trash about their momma or their girl friend, always be courteous.

Be courteous when the front 3 stand up the OLine on a passing play andtip the ball causing an interception. Just say, don't come back over here with that weak stuff.

Offensive Line:

Be courteoous when you have worn down the defense to the point where they have their hands on their hips during play calling. Don't say, what's the matter too many twinkies this week.

Be courteous how you block down the line creating holes big enough for the "Frig" to run through. Just tell them relax man this is just the first quarter.

Be courteous when the defense tries to sack our quarterback and the tight end rolls out for a reception and big yardage. Don't be so discourteous as to say, 'You don't get fooled again'...not.

Be courteous when you quarterback sneak for a 5 yard gain. What's wrong...what's wrong? Man, you actually thought you were going to give us inches? Don't say, you better go sit down for a little while, you look tired.

Wide Receivers:

Be courteous and don't tell the DB to put another quarter in the JUKE box, that's just not cool.

Be courteous when you streak by your defender and catch the ball for a huge gain. You don't want to tell him he had a 3 legged turtle pass him up 30 yards back.

Be courteous when you stop and turn a DB out of his shoes before sprinting down the sidelines to score. Hey, you want me to re-lace those for ya? Be courteous.

Running Backs:

Be courteous when you block a LB almost twice your size. Don't ask him if he had his Wheaties today?

Be courteous when you run over the top of your defender causing him to go sprawling on his face. What's up dude?

Be courteous Hillis when you flatten 2 defenders who were unsuccessful in trying to tackle you. Don't pat them on the helmet and say, maybe next time.

Be courteous in the end zone after you rush for your 3rd touch down. Don't say, whew, you guys tackle worser than my sister. Just be courteous.

Quarterbacks:

Be courteous after you complete your 25th pass and 2nd touch down. Don't clap in their faces and say, great job fellas.

Be courteous when you side step defenders trying to sack you and complete a long pass down the field. Don't point at them and say, I told you so, I told you so.

Be courteous after you make a successful run for 20 yards go into your slide and get a call for a late hit. Don't say, congratulations, you are the stupidest player I've ever played against.

Be courteous when the games over and you meet the opposing players at mid field. Don't say, you guys are going to miss the other Mike.

I just want all of you players to be courteous when you play tomorrow and show the world what you are made of. If any of you have anything to say to the players now is the time. And remember always be courteous when you play.

"Meet The New Coaches" Part VII

bfree2bronc — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:56:14 -0000

The earth is covered by 2/3 water and the other 1/3 is covered by land. As in football, 2/3 of the team is offense and defense, and the other 1/3 is Special Teams. Why on earth any coach could ever think he could be successful with a solid offense, a solid defense and have a mediocre Special Teams is flat out nonsense. Special Teams is a vital part of any teams success as stated here by coach Shacklesford in his school of Special Teams. The Denver Broncos Special Teams ranked 31th in the national football league last year, not only being the laughing stock of the nfl, but creating very large holes for the offense and defense to dig itself out of. The chart below will give you an idea of just how bad we were on Special Teams and I copied the whole chart to give you an idea of what is needed on our team to make extra points and win more games, just with the S/T.

Revised as of 6/30/2009

This page lists an estimate of how many points, compared to league average, each team receives from the five elements of special teams: field goals/extra points, kickoffs, kick returns, punts, punt returns. The total is then converted into a DVOA percentage so that it can be added in to offense and defense to create total team DVOA.

Field goal rating compares each field goal to the league-average percentage of field goals from that distance. Yards of field position from the other four elements of special teams are translated into points using a method that gives each yard line a point value based on the average next score an NFL offense is worth from that point on the field. Kickoffs and punts are based on net yardage. Kickoff returns and punt returns are judged on return yardage only. These numbers are then adjusted for weather and altitude based on stadium type (cold, warm, dome, Denver) and week. The system is explained here. Two-point conversions and onside kicks are not included.

LAST YEAR represents last year's rank. The top number in each category is in bold type.

The final five columns represent elements not found in the standard special teams ratings.

HIDDEN represents the advantage teams have received from elements of special teams generally out of their control: opposing field goals, kickoff distance, and punt distance. It is listed as points worth of estimated field position, and is ranked from the team with the biggest advantage to the team with the biggest disadvantage.
WEATHER represents the estimated effect of weather, altitude, and domes on each team's special teams performance. It is listed as points worth of estimated field position, and is ranked from the team with the biggest advantage to the team with the biggest disadvantage.
NON-ADJ VOA shows special teams DVOA without the adjustments for weather and altitude.

	TEAM	S.T. DVOA	LAST YEAR	WEIGHTED		FG/XP	KICK	KICK RET	PUNT	PUNT RET	HIDDEN		WEATHER		NON-ADJ VOA
	TEAM	S.T. DVOA	LAST YEAR	DVOA	RANK	FG/XP	KICK	KICK RET	PUNT	PUNT RET	PTS	RANK	PTS	RANK	NON-ADJ VOA
1	BUF	6.1%	6	7.7%	1	-3.6	6.4	17.3	7.3	8.8	0.9	11	-1.7	19	5.9%
2	OAK	5.8%	29	5.8%	2	1.9	-0.8	3.6	13.9	15.2	16.2	3	2.4	13	6.2%
3	SF	4.6%	4	5.5%	3	4.4	9.6	6.0	5.6	1.4	-1.0	14	-1.9	20	4.3%
4	CLE	4.3%	2	3.2%	9	1.8	-3.0	8.2	17.5	0.6	8.0	4	-5.8	29	3.3%
5	CHI	4.2%	1	5.2%	4	4.2	-3.4	16.2	15.7	-8.3	19.6	2	-1.5	18	3.9%
6	NE	3.6%	7	2.1%	11	7.5	-0.2	9.6	3.0	1.5	3.0	9	-6.6	30	2.4%
7	ATL	3.3%	14	3.7%	7	5.2	9.2	1.8	4.8	-1.6	6.3	5	6.9	3	4.5%
8	NYJ	2.8%	10	3.9%	6	-3.7	7.4	9.0	1.9	2.1	-6.6	21	-4.6	26	2.1%
9	SEA	2.6%	11	4.7%	5	4.4	5.8	4.0	0.7	0.6	-9.7	26	-2.1	21	2.4%
10	CAR	2.5%	30	3.3%	8	6.6	17.3	-2.4	-10.5	4.0	-1.0	13	2.8	11	3.0%
11	NYG	1.8%	19	1.5%	14	3.7	-11.3	4.4	11.7	2.0	0.4	12	-3.4	24	1.4%
12	SD	1.7%	5	1.9%	13	-2.4	-3.3	6.7	10.1	-1.1	-1.4	15	2.6	12	2.1%
13	PHI	1.6%	31	1.2%	15	-1.8	3.5	4.3	3.4	0.1	-12.7	29	-7.5	31	0.3%
14	DET	1.4%	23	1.1%	16	10.7	7.7	-13.2	7.2	-4.4	-5.4	20	3.9	9	2.0%
15	TEN	1.3%	17	2.9%	10	6.6	1.4	3.7	-2.4	-1.8	20.4	1	2.1	14	1.6%
16	BAL	0.3%	13	1.9%	12	-2.1	-6.8	-7.4	20.9	-2.8	-15.7	30	-0.5	15	-1.1%
	TEAM	S.T. DVOA	LAST YEAR	WEIGHTED		FG/XP	KICK	KICK RET	PUNT	PUNT RET	HIDDEN		WEATHER		NON-ADJ VOA
	TEAM	S.T. DVOA	LAST YEAR	DVOA	RANK	FG/XP	KICK	KICK RET	PUNT	PUNT RET	PTS	RANK	PTS	RANK	NON-ADJ VOA
17	HOU	0.1%	3	-0.5%	20	0.6	6.8	-6.6	-6.6	6.3	-12.7	28	-7.6	32	0.0%
18	STL	-0.2%	27	-0.4%	19	5.1	2.3	-10.9	4.2	-1.8	-16.6	32	4.2	8	0.5%
19	TB	-0.3%	12	-0.1%	17	-4.8	4.5	2.9	-5.4	1.4	5.5	6	6.2	4	0.8%
20	GB	-0.3%	8	-1.8%	22	-1.1	-1.6	-6.6	5.1	2.6	-1.4	16	-2.3	22	-0.7%
21	JAC	-0.5%	15	-2.3%	26	-7.2	14.1	-7.7	-1.4	-0.6	-9.8	27	5.3	6	0.4%
22	NO	-0.6%	25	-2.0%	23	-5.3	-7.0	1.3	-3.8	11.4	-2.7	17	6.0	5	0.5%
23	PIT	-1.1%	21	-2.2%	25	0.9	8.1	-10.3	4.4	-9.4	-7.3	22	-4.9	27	-1.9%
24	IND	-1.8%	32	-1.6%	21	-2.9	2.4	-9.0	9.0	-10.2	-4.7	19	-5.0	28	-1.5%
25	WAS	-2.0%	16	-0.2%	18	-9.4	5.7	7.7	-15.3	-0.6	-7.4	23	-4.4	25	-2.8%
26	CIN	-2.1%	20	-2.2%	24	2.2	-1.3	-1.2	-8.8	-3.3	2.7	10	3.7	10	-3.0%
27	DAL	-2.8%	18	-2.4%	27	7.9	-7.1	-1.1	-7.4	-8.9	-8.5	25	-0.6	16	-2.9%
28	ARI	-3.7%	26	-4.6%	30	2.1	-9.1	-1.8	-6.5	-6.5	4.0	8	-0.7	17	-3.4%
29	MIA	-4.8%	22	-2.7%	28	0.1	-9.2	-3.4	-13.7	-2.1	-3.1	18	4.6	7	-4.0%
30	KC	-5.7%	24	-6.1%	31	-8.4	-15.9	-6.8	0.7	-3.4	-15.7	31	-3.2	23	-6.3%
31	DEN	-5.8%	28	-7.4%	32	-12.2	-8.9	-7.3	-5.8	0.2	-7.6	24	10.0	1	-4.1%
32	MIN	-6.5%	9	-3.2%	29	-0.5	-4.9	-4.4	-24.6	-3.8	5.2	7	8.0	2	-5.1%

"Special Teams greatest asset is the ability to give your team better field positions!"

How important is field position???

Offense starts on... Chances of scoring... Percentage

Inside the - 20 yard line	1 out of 30 score	3%
- 40 yard line	1 out of 8 score	13%
50 yard line	1 out of 5 score	20%
+40 yard line	1 out of 3 score	33%
+30 yard line	1 out of 2 score	50%
Inside the +20	2 out of 3 score	66%

Special teams are units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts, field goal and extra point attempts. Most special teams players are second- and third-string players from other positions.

Special teams are unique in that they can serve as offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game.

Special teams include a kickoff team, a kick return team, a punting team, a punt blocking/return team, a field goal team and a field goal block team.

There are also specialized players on these teams, including:

Kicker (K) — Handles kickoffs and field goal attempts, and in some leagues, punts as well.
Holder (H) — Usually positioned 7-8 yards from the line of scrimmage, he holds the ball for the placekicker to kick. The holder is often a backup quarterback or a punter.
Long snapper (LS) — A specialized center who snaps the ball directly to the holder or punter. The long snapper is often an offensive linemen or backup Tight End; rarely a center.
Kick returner (KR)— Returns kickoffs, generally is also a wide receiver or cornerback.
Punter (P) — Kicks punts. In leagues other than the NFL, the kicker often doubles as the punter.
Upback— A blocking back that lines up approximately 1-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage in punting and kneel situations. His primary job is to act as a second line of defense for the punter. Upbacks can receive a direct snap in fake punt situations.
Punt returner (PR) — Returns punts. Often the same player as the kick returner, although not necessarily so.
Gunner — A player on kickoffs and punts who specializes in running down the field very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick returner or the punt returner.
Wedge Buster — A player whose goal is to sprint down the middle of the field on kickoffs. While ideally, their goal is to reach the kick returner, their immediate goal is to disrupt the wall of blockers (the wedge) on kickoffs, preventing the returner from having a lane in which to get a substantial return. Being a wedge buster is a very dangerous position since he may often be running at full speed when coming into contact with a blocker. No longer an option in the NFL, only 2 can couple hands as of this year 2009.
Hands Team — Used only during onside kicks, the members of a hands team are responsible for preventing the kicking team from recovering a kick, usually by recovering the ball themselves.

Because these aspects of the game can be so different from general offensive and defensive play, a specific group of players is drilled in executing them. Though fewer points are scored on special teams than on offense, special teams play determines where the offense will begin each drive, and thus it has a dramatic impact on how easy or difficult it is for the offense to score.

The Denver Broncos S/T's had more wrinkles in it than a hot tub at an old folks home and it was one of Coach McDaniels' main goals and focus to make sure it got some special attention..

Field position is a very important element of the game and should be used to benefit the teams overall out come to win, one point can make a difference between victory and defeat. The goals of the Special Teams is outlined here and coach McDaniels when taking over the head coaching responsibilities of the team saw a need for some changes, releasing long snapper/tight end Mike Leach and replacing him with Lonnie Paxton who is a 3 time Super Bowl winner.

Eddie Royal handled most of the kick and punt returns last year as the chart here will show you, and will probably share the duty with McKinley and A.Smith.

Brett Kern is the projected punter although he has competition from Britton Colquit a rookie out of Tennessee. Kern 46 times for a 46.7 yd average, see his stats here at NFL.com'

Matt Prater is the kicker, a 3rd year player out of Central Florida has no competition thus far in training camp and is the projected kicker. Matt has some work to do to become a better kicker and some have displayed their displeasure in his performance so far, check out his stats here.

Scott O'Brien who was our Special Teams Coordinator the past 2 seasons was hired by New England to take over the same duties there. Coach McDaniels would have find himself a new coach to handle the S/T.

Meet the new Special Teams Coordinator and Special Teams assistant; Mike Priefer and Keith Burns.

Mike Priefer comes to Denver as the new S/T Coordinator after serving in the same capacity the last 3 years for KC Chiefs. Mike was born Aug. 21, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio another Ohio product. Priefer was a Naval Academy graduate and served 6 (89-94) years as a helicopter pilot aboard the USS America in the Persian Gulf. Priefer played quarterback and wide receiver for Navy and in 1994 work as a graduate assistant, working with its special teams that season before coaching its linebackers and defensive line from 1995-96. He also coached special teams and served as defensive coordinator for Navy's junior varsity team from 1995-96.

In 1997-98 Mike worked at Youngstown with the special teams, tackles and tight ends at Youngstown State and was part of its Division I-AA National Championship squad in 1997.

Mike spent one season at Virginia Military Institute in 1999, coaching its special teams and inside linebackers before pulling a 2 year (2000-01) stint with Northern Illinois University where he helped wide receiver Justin McCareins earn Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Year honors in his first year at the school in 2000. In addition to instructing the Huskies' special teams, Priefer coached their defensive tackles during his two seasons at NIU.

Priefer entered the NFL coaching ranks with the Jaguars in 2002 as their assistant special teams coach. That season, punter Chris Hanson earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career after leading the AFC in both gross (44.2 yds.) and net (37.6 yds.) punting average. Jacksonville also posted one punt return touchdown (Bobby Shaw, 69 yds.) and two blocked kicks (1 punt, 1 field goal).

In 2003 with the Giants Priefer helped their S/T tie for second in the NFL withfour blocked kicks (2 punts, 1 field goal, 1 extra point) during that season as an assistant S/T coach. With his 3 years there he help the Giants special teams unit place sixth-best kickoff return average (22.9 yds.) in the NFL while tying for third in the league withthree kickoff return touchdowns and adding one punt return touchdown during that period. The Giants blocked seven kicks (3 punts, 3 field goals and 1 extra point) with Prieferon staff, and the coach worked with David Tyree during the 2005 season in which the wide receiver earned Pro Bowl honors for his play on special teams coverage units.

In 2006 Prieferhired on with the Chiefs where his punter Dustin Colquitt registered the third-best net punting average (39.2 yds.) and the sixth-best gross punting average (44.8 yds.) in the NFL for that period. Colquitt's net punting averages for each of his three seasons under Prieferrank as the top three single-year performances in Chiefs history. Kansas City also placed fifth in the AFC in opponent punt return average (8.2 yds.) in Priefer's three years as special teams coach and blocked a total of four kicks (3 punts, 1 field goal) during that period. In 2008, Colquitt ranked seventh in the NFL in net punting average (39.2 yds.) under Priefer'sguidance with the Chiefs, who also scored a touchdown that year on a botched opponent fake field goal attempt. Priefer's kickoff coverage unit was one of the league's best a year earlier with Kansas City finishing the 2007 season fifth in the NFL in opponent average drive start after kickoffs (26.1-yd. line). Colquitt also excelled under Priefer that year, posting a 45.5-yard gross average that represented the second-highest season mark in Chiefs history.

In Mike Priefer's seven-year NFL coaching career, Prieferhas worked withspecial teams units that have accounted for a total of nine scores other than field goals/extra points withthree kickoff return touchdowns, three punt return touchdowns, one blocked punt touchdown, one touchdown on a botched fake field goal attempt and one safety on a blocked punt. His units also have accounted for 13 blocked kicks (7 punts, 5 field goals, 1 extra point). Mike earned his Masters Degree form Maryland University in 1997 and should be an added influence on how the Broncos perform on Special Teams this year and maybe for years to come. I like this move and with his coaching prowess of aggressive style special team play we should have points to work with this year.

Meet Assistant S/T coach; Keith Burns.

Keithwas born on May 12, 1972 in Greeley, SC and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 7th rd (210th) out of Oklahoma St University as a LB. Burns played with the Broncos from 1994-98, 2000-03 and 2005-06, he led the team or tied for its season high in special-teams tackles seven times and totaled 186 special-teams stops in 166 career games (3 starts) with the club. The 37-year-old, whose 166 career games played with Denver tie for the 14th most by a player in club history, also added 70 defensive tackles (47 solo), 1.5 sacks (9 yds.), two pass breakups and one forced fumble as a Bronco. As a key member of the Broncos'teams that won Super Bowl XXXII in 1997 and XXXIII in 1998 and helped Denver earn three AFC West titles (1996, '98, 2005) along with six playoff berths (1996-98, 2000, '03, '05). Burns' 12 career post season games with Denver tie for the 10th most by a player in team history. In addition to playing for the Broncos, he spent the 1999 season with the Chicago Bears and competed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2004 season.

Burns started his coaching career in Denver as S/T Assistant in 2007 where kicker Jason Elam became the first player since the 1970 NFL merger to convert four walk-off, game-winning field goals in the same season (2 in regulation, 2 in overtime).

Since there is no wedge of three players hand in hand any more, teams will have to design new schemes for the return teams. How these new schemes will be implemented is unknown by this author and will only be known when preseason begins.

Our kicking team need to have a kicker that will place the ball in the endzone as much as possible, with the ten (10) player sprinting with an all out effort to stop the receiver from gaining ground. Ideal field position is below the 30 uard line. The 10 players in pursuit need to give 100% effort keeping the returner on the inside shoulder, making good solid tackles. Field position is of the utmost importance.

As with the punting team, they need to be aware of on rushing defenders tryngto block the punt withplayers in position to pick the ball up and return it down the field. Do not get tangled with defenders after the ball is kicked and away, to make an all out effort to make the receiver call for a fair catch. These players also holler out "peter' to let players know to be on the look out for the ball hitting a receiving team player, if that occurs then the ball is live to repossess it.

PAT/Field Goals should have high jumping players who will attempt to block the kick and save a point or 3 points. Remember every point is critical in a win lose situation, nothing is to be left for granted. The Long Snapper has to make sure he gets the ball to the holder in the exact location it needs to be so he can place for the kick in a timed motion. Every move on the kicking team is timed and should be in a fluid motion without any miscues. Remember points are critical.

On-side kickers will say where he is going to kick the ball and should make a one bounce kick high enough and far enough (10 yards min.) so the hands players have time to get to the ball before it reaches the receiving team. When the offense has just scored and you need the offense back out on the field right away you will employ the on-side kick. How successful it is relies on a good kick and good hands with no off sides penalty. If it is done correctly it can get you back into a ball game in a hurry.

Penalties are very critical and can make the difference between making extra points and not. Every point is critical.

John Madden always said, don't never leave the Red Zone without scoring some points, it's fruitless to drive the ball all the way down the field and come away empty. Never let that happen, always play smart football with aggression and with an attitude to score points.

There are so many things for the S/T to do in a right sequence that it is very important that these players practice as much as they can. I want to thank everyone for your MHR support and hope you have enjoyed the New Coaches as much as I did writing them. Who's going to laugh now?

Poll

Do you believe our Special Teams will be better?

absolutely, McDaniels has brought in special people to do the job.

43 votes

Maybe just a little better but not significant enough to matter.

6 votes

No, we will be worser than last year Scott O'Brien was the man.

0 votes

I didn't even know we had a Special Teams, imagine that.

5 votes

54 votes | Poll has closed