SB Nation User Blog: dcrespo7

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dcrespo7 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:24:25 -0000

First off, I'm highly disappointed at the New York Giants. Being from New Jersey and having the Chargers violate the same biosphere I reside in, I figure I'd root for the G-Men. Well, anytime the Giants lose I normally feel great to begin with simply because its a team that's highly overrated. Great job on the Chargers for overcoming a 38 minute time of possession and two turnover performance by Rivers.

Now I'll be in Applebee's tonight in Clifton, NJ. I'll be having a steak, or two, with shrimp. At this time, Denver should be winning 3-0. After a much needed sack to shake off the Baltimore Beatdown of a week ago, I'll be having a Guinness as I rant off to the band wagon hopping Steeler fans that Denver wasn't supposed to win more than 3-5 games this season let alone any opinion about life for that matter.

What I am concerned about is the passing game. With half the season worth of Bronco offense/defense, its really going to come down to players making plays when their numbers are called. Whether it'd be Royal on a fly route or Marshall doing a skinny post, am I alone when I say "can Orton stretch the field or is McDaniels holding him back w/play calls"?

I'd like to see a little more of Baker in the middle but Fields has been a tremendous addition. How does Law pan out w/so much time off and away from football? How will certain packages designed for him not backfire if Steelers catch that very package and go no huddle?

This game only disturbs me for one reason and one reason only. If Denver performs poorly my choice of Guinness shifts towards Jameson, Tequila and maybe a few Irish Car Bombs to get the vital nutrients in phytochemicals (to ward off cancer), Bailey's (dairy, vital for calcium) and I'd most likely would have to trek home a very embarrassing 20 minute commute ala walking.

In the end, I expect a 24-10 win. Big Ben has shown improvements in his game this year. Tonight's game will be one that will surely send him back to film study. I for one don't like losing at home, even at 2000 plus miles away from Denver!

To the MHR community, Go Broncos!

15-1 baby

Comeback wins

dcrespo7 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:02:02 -0000

I was reading some throw down on Sports Illustrated and found a link that really caught my attention. I used to record statistics for my university's women's volleyball team (why women don't wear spandex more often is beyond me). We had an athlete that simply was unstoppable but many schools and conference officials started to send their own stat people to ensure the integrity of the sport was being neglected.

What I learned in the next two months of having a complete stranger standing over me was that even when the rules are clear, it comes down to interpretation of any said rule. Sadly, I had to explain that discretion is normally offset if you eliminate all biases and follow the flow of any sport and record information for what it is.

This led me to the comeback victory list.

QB                      Reported Actual
John Elway              47         34
Brett Favre               42 27
Dan Marino              37       36
Peyton Manning       37         28
Drew Bledsoe          32     24
Joe Montana            31         31
Johnny Unitas          31 34
Tom Brady                28         20
Roger Staubach       23         15
Ben Roethlisberger 19 15
Chad Pennington        7          7
Jay Cutler                   7 5

This is a list compiling comeback victories. Please take note that each team constitutes this stat differently and for that reason alone I think it's not as important versus passer rating, touchdowns/interceptions and 3rd down %. I'm sure this varies from fan to fan as well.

It led me to ask a simple question, why hasn't the NFL adopted a Standard Order Procedure? I know sacks were recorded later down the line but I think the fans are owed that. Personally I'd love for Elway to be the comeback king but in the end of the day, its about the integrity of the sport, right? We can't be picky, we have the drive against Cleveland. Drive II against Houston. We have Rod Smith's 44 yarder against the Redskins. Shouldn't the list also be extended to kickers as well?

Anyway, something I felt compelled to share w/my community of football loving junkies that can never get enough. I like how Unitas and Montana were very solid at their position in an era where defenses were very physical and stating that really does it no justice (Leonard Marshall really laid the entire lumber industry on Montana in that one playoff game).

Here is the link for those interested in adding a more detailed take.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=3401

Broncos vs Cowboys (Pretender Bowl?)

dcrespo7 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:45:02 -0000

I've given up on the MSM for any real insight for this matchup and won't expect anything unbiased or relatively researched until Sunday's pregame panel of "journalists". Since most hypothesis require some facts, just look below the jump as I try and argue why a victory is in order come Sunday.

*Listening to "Where's Your Head At" by Basement Jaxx

Cowboys	Average Team Rankings	Broncos
10.9	Total Offense	10.6
17.5	Total Defense	8.7
16.8	Passing Offense	15.9
23.2	Passing Defense	3.8
2.5	Rushing Offense	6.5
18.3	Rushing Defense	5.7
13.7	Receiving Offense	16.0
20.2	Receiving Defense	2.2
13.3	Punting	21.5
11.8	Return	17.8
15.5	Kicking	16.3

The above is separate yet combined average of stats through week 3. A more detailed version are as follows below. Though Dallas has avg 28 points a game to Denver's 20, I'd like to point out that a 34-21 game against a horrible TB team is just about equal to Denver's game vs Cleveland's 27-6 beat down w/the exception of defensive play (as Dallas has been consistent in scoring, Den has been consistent keeping teams from scoring). The shootout w/NYG 33-31 loss is on par to Den's win over Cincy 12-6 (again both teams playing to their strengths - Dal's O and Den's D). Both teams won their week 3 match ups but when we look at Dallas, this is a team that is deep w/talent and expectations to challenge the NFC's elite for the SB whereas Denver is entering their portion of the schedule that is to truly challenge what we're trying to put together.

Denver's defense is what will separate the two teams. Until last night, Dallas had not caused any turnovers or gotten sacks of the QB. Though the Dallas offense has tremendous receiving talent from TE Witten and the ever dangerous Williams and company, the real advantage is the play of QB. Romo has been reckless, and unlucky, throwing the ball resulting in interceptions and this Denver defense is composed of discipline and ballhawking skills all across the depth chart. The exact opposite can be said for Orton as he has played mistake free football after almost losing the game at Cincy by taking an ill advised sack resulting in a punt rather than a FG.

When I look at the Dallas OL and compare to Den's front 7, I don't see a group that's focused or consistent and this is where the game will be won. The only way to offset Denver's greatest asset is to control the ball w/runs inside and the occasional play action pass. This bodes well for Denver as well because Dallas hasn't been able to commit to one aspect of their offense, until last night against a run defense depleted w/injuries in Carolina, and tend to pass more often when they're behind or a team is more physical defensively.

So what if the game comes down to if Dallas plays mistake free football? Both teams are converting 3rd down plays at a rate of 41% which is very impressive (more so w/Denver considering the offense is still under construction) but defensively Dallas allows 33% conversion to Denver's 28%. Considering the way Den's defense crowds the ball and the decision making of Romo, this would be where Denver could either pull away or lose if the game is close. Dallas has no premiere pass rusher, regardless what the MSM like to suggest otherwise, and believe Den's OL will again control the LoS.

The real test will come down to coaching and I think I can speak for most fans that follow the NFL in general, McDaniels has a clear edge over Phillips. Though Dallas should win this game due to their key positions talent, its safe to say that all across that Denver sideline, coaches will be making adjustments to exploit both our opposition's weakness and to correct our own.

Denver 24 Dallas 13.

Total Offense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Points/Game	28.7	5	20.7	14
Total Yds/Game	429.7	3	374.3	9
Giveaways	4	14	2	2
Total 1st Downs	65	4	56	15
3rd Down Efficiency	41.2%	18	41.0%	14
4th Down Efficiency	0%	29	33.3%	20
Total TDs	9	3	6	15
Scoring Efficiency	42.4%	6	40.6%	7
3 and Out Drives	4	1	7	10
Penalties	17	11	16	5
Penalty Yds	171	26	119	6
Avg Total Off. Rank	10.9		10.6

Total Defense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Opp. Points/Game	20.3	17	5.3	1
Opp. Total Yds/Game	382.7	26	214.7	1
Takeaways	3	23	8	4
Opp. Total 1st Downs	60	19	36	1
Opp. 3rd Down Efficiency	33.3%	7	28.2%	4
Opp. 4th Down Efficiency	66.7%	12	50.0%	13
Opp. Total TDs	6	15	1	1
Opp. Scoring Efficiency	29.4%	9	12.1%	1
Opp. 3 and Out Drives	10	12	8	17
Opp. Penalties	14	27	14	28
Opp. Penalty Yds	120	26	123	25
Avg Total Def. Rank	17.5		8.7

Passing Offense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Total Attempts	89	27	88	28
Total Completions	51	27	49	30
Completion Pct.	57.3	23	55.7	26
Passing Yds/Game	236.0	14	215.7	15
Yds/Attempts	7.96	5	7.35	8
Passing TDs	4	14	3	20
INTs Thrown	3	18	0	1
QB Rating	85.2	18	91.2	11
Passing 1st Downs	29	23	30	22
Sacks Allowed	3	6	3	7
Sacks Yds Allowed	27	10	16	7
Avg Passing Off. Rank	16.8		15.9

Passing Defense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Opp. Total Attempts	113	27	85	3
Opp. Total Completions	72	27	51	4
Opp. Completion Pct.	63.7	27	60.0	11
Opp. Passing Yds/Game	268.0	27	136.3	2
Opp. Yds/Attempts	7.12	21	4.81	3
Opp. Passing TDs	4	16	0	1
Interceptions	2	18	5	5
Opp. QB Rating	90.1	20	50.6	3
Opp. Passing 1st Downs	38	21	25	2
Sacks	3	25	10	2
Sacks Yds	22	26	60	6
Avg Passing Def. Rank	23.2		3.8

Rushing Offense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Total Attempts	85	9	102	3
Rushing Yds/Game	193.7	1	158.7	4
Yds/Carry	6.8	1	4.7	8
Rushing TDs	5	2	3	8
Rushing 1st Downs	31	1	21	7
Rushing Fumbles	0	1	1	9
Avg Rushing Off. Rank	2.5		6.5

Rushing Defense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Opp. Total Attempts	73	12	71	10
Opp. Rushing Yds/Game	114.7	17	78.3	7
Opp. Yds/Carry	4.7	26	3.3	7
Opp. Rushing TDs	2	16	1	4
Opp. Rushing 1st Downs	18	19	9	5
Opp. Rushing Fumbles	1	20	4	1
Avg Rushing Def. Rank	18.3		5.7

Receiving Offense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Receptions	51	27	49	30
Receiving Yds/Game	245.0	14	221.0	17
Yds/Reception	14.4	3	13.5	5
Receiving TDs	4	14	3	20
Receiving 1st Downs	29	23	30	22
Receiving Fumbles	0	1	0	2
Avg Receiving Off. Rank	13.7		16.0

Receiving Defense	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Opp. Receptions	72	27	51	4
Opp. Receiving Yds/Game	275.3	26	156.3	2
Opp. Yds/Receptions	11.5	20	9.2	1
Opp. Receiving TDs	4	16	0	1
Opp. Receiving 1st Downs	38	21	25	2
Opp. Receiving Fumbles	1	11	2	3
Avg Receiving Def. Rank	20.2		2.2

Punting Stats	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Punts	13	18	12	20
Punting Yds	601	17	530	21
Punting Average	46.2	10	44.2	20
Inside 20	8	2	4	16
Touchbacks	1	16	1	17
Blocked	0	7	0	8
Net Punting Average	40.8	10	35.8	27
Avg Punting Stats Rank	13.3		21.5

Return Stats	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Kick Returns	11	13	5	32
Kick Return Yds	256	18	88	32
Kick Returns for TD	0	8	0	9
Punt Returns	7	14	8	10
Punt Return Yds	65	12	48	17
Punt Returns for TD	0	6	0	7
Avg Returns Stats Rank	11.8		17.8

Kicking Stats	Cowboys		Broncos
	Stat	Rk	Stat	Rk
Extra Points Made	9	5	5	22
Extra Points Pct.	9/9 100.0	5	5/5 100.0	22
Field Goals Made	5	11	7	4
Field Goal Pct.	5/6, 83.3	13	7/9, 77.8	4
FG 1-19	1/1, 100.0	1	0/0, 0	9
FG 20-29	2/2, 100.0	10	3/3, 100.0	6
FG 30-39	0/0, 0	28	1/3, 33.3	23
FG 40-49	1/2, 0	18	2/2, 0	5
FG 50+	1/1, 100.0	2	1/1, 100.0	3
Avg Kicking Stats Rank	15.5		16.3

RE: In the Ball Park

dcrespo7 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:10:14 -0000

It can also be found in the comment section of the original post but decided to create a fanpost. What I was wondering was this, how is it Denver's accomplishments this early in the season is discredited whereas as teams such as the Chargers (ravaged by injury and hand picked to represent the AFC in the SB), Pittsburgh (defending SB Champs), Saints (scoring machine), Colts (veteran playoff team), Giants (veteran playoff team), and New England (veteran playoff team) seem to get a pass on their QBs passing prowess?

I guess the NFL is desperate for new heroes as the shadows of time hover P. Manning and T. Brady. The league has also made passing the ball so much easier so to compare achievements to past accomplishments just 8 years ago is slightly unfair. MSM understands that winning starts a the QB position and after the jump I include a response w/a little more detail regarding the running production of the six teams mentioned above and how Denver stacks against the vanity picks this early in the season.

Please note that you will not find any defensive stats or rankings as CBS.com was interested in a poll of the following QBs Brees, Rivers, Big Ben (easier to spell), E. Manning, P. Manning, and Brady. So enjoy the stats below and what the following teams have accomplished this early in the season. If anything, I think its an early indication of what teams worked on during the preseason and how well its worked.

********************************************************************************

Even more interesting are the following QBs are tops in League Passing Yards:
1 P. Rivers SD 688
2. D. Brees NO 669
3. P. Manning IND 604
4. T. Brady NE 594
5. E. Manning NYG 586
6. B. Roethlisberger Pit 584

Not to cut corners I’ll also include the running game’s production.
SD 44 carries 130 yds 65 avg 3 ypc 2 TD Rank-30th
NO 64 carries 290 yds 145 avg 4.5 ypc 2 TD Rank-8th
IND 42 carries 132 yds 66 avg 3.1 ypc 2 TD Rank-29th
NE 43 carries 156 yds 78 avg 3.6 ypc 1 TD Rank- 26th
NYG 57 carries 200 yds 100 avg 3.5 ypc NO TD Rank-22nd
PITT 45 carries 141 yds 70.5 avg 3.1 ypc 1 TD Rank-28th

The one team that stands out are the Saints but also the Giants as the only two teams to have broken 57 attempts. I excluded the top rushers simply because different teams utilize their personnel for their runs and I’m certain that a few QB scrambles add to the totals. On a side note, I expect the Colts rushing game to have better numbers as the season progress simply because their Monday showdown against Miami, the Colts only had the ball for 15 minutes to the Dolphins 45.

To see Denver’s run production in the top 12 (57 attempts 261yards 130.5 avg 4.6 ypc 2 TD) is clear that coaching have no intention of converting into a scheme that incorporates short passes to replace the run (Moreno looked good w/over 90 yds of total offense week 2).

What good would this be if I didn’t include overall statistics of the offense right?
Team YDS YPG PTS PTS/GM (Yards are total of pass and run)
(1) Saints 936 468.0 93 46.5
(5) Chargers 791 395.5 50 25.0
(6) Giants 778 389.0 56 28.0
(9) Patriots 740 370.0 34 17.0
(12) Colts 721 360.5 41 20.5
(16) Steelers 665 332.5 27 13.5

Giants and Saints are two of the teams w/a minimum of 57 rushing attempts from the list of top 6 passing yardage according to the poll. W/out considering defense performance, I’d say these two teams may be fighting for that SB slot to represent the NFC.

Now what good what I be not to include:
(8) Broncos 751total yards 375.5 ypg 39 TPS 19.5 PPG

This is w/a passing offense ironing out a few kinks and will only get better. Personally, I rather have Orton and the Broncos under the radar. We’ve had enough national media attention for one year.

MSM for what it's worth

dcrespo7 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:30:32 -0000

Mike Shanahan fired. Jay Cutler traded. Brandon Marshall requests trade. Knownshon Moreno still holding out. These were just the many story lines coming out of Denver. What did it mean? Well the truth is, nothing. These are events that happened but by no means did it effect the current regime's staff in their operations. What does concern me however is the amount of coverage Denver received during compared to what national coverage was before those Super Bowl wins, 4th quarter comebacks and the pursuit for 2000 yds.

For the record, I reside in the NFC East's backyard of New Jersey (the metropolitan tri-state that includes NY and Conn.). Denver is by no means the NYG or NYJ. The Rockies are nothing like the Yankees or, thankfully, the Mets. What makes this corner of this country interesting is the amount of media required anything from professional sports to a group that enjoys bird watching.

What has disappointed me over the years, especially the new generation of journalism, is the sudden shift in paradigm. Before my time, the news was factual w/o bias or political sway. We all know that slogan, "knowledge is power" and the NFL has mastered "misinformation" better than the Cold War Operatives (especially during the draft). Now w/the internet and everyone misunderstanding the responsibilities of free speech, anyone can discuss anything. Whether its biased research to support or destroy credibility, establish facts for the common good, or good old fashioned gossip. My friends, I present to you the age of gossip.

Whether its Twitter, blogs, or just drunken spewing of opinion no one pays attention anymore. We only care about what interests us (sorta like that film "The Thawed"). You see, no one loves our Broncos like us Bronco fans. We have grown attached to mini celebrities and lost our way. You see Denver has gone through a tremendous transformation and though we're currently 2-0, MSM only sees us for what they do know. We know the stats regarding this team after John Elway had retired. That is the standard. At least until Bowlen did the unthinkable.

Please understand that two weeks into the season is nothing in comparison to what lays ahead but I agree, where are the pats on our backs? Where is that "wow, they did turn it around"? MSM doesn't owe the city of Denver or its fan anything because the media has always taken ordinary athletes and made them into something bigger. In a matter of media nanoseconds (much faster than anything the science community can calculate), they also tear down the very ordinary athletes into something far less ordinary. Almost shameful to consider our equal as human beings.

Maybe that last paragraph is a bit extreme and dramatic but that is my point. Whether its FOX Sports, ESPN, SI.COM, or any other channel responsible for our news, there main concern is to report the news that provides the most shock. We all know how boring reporting the news are if there is no controversy and w/that I accept all that is right and wrong w/MSM and the relationship w/the Broncos.

So this week we'll see our first divisional matchup against our hated Raiders. We've been following our team and the crew on this website have given me insight 250 yrs worth of Guinness would never enlighten me. The Claytons (who I do respect) and Dukes of the world are a necessary evil because everyone needs to be motivated. Whether its by the coaches, fan base or the media. It just so happens Denver has the trifecta and it won't end this year. That bar is awfully high people, don't forget it that w/greatness comes great responsibility and patience.

For the record, 24-10 Denver!

1st of Four Quarters

dcrespo7 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:55:38 -0000

Just like a football game, I see the season in 4 Quarters. The first quarter usually has a team trying to establish themselves w/o showing too much to gauge the defense. The second quarter we have an idea what we do well and exploit what has not been working for the defense. Halftime is where the adjustments are made. Whether its lack of focus in penalty department or dropped passes, adjustments are made that either put players in position to be successful or put the team in a position continue developing. 3rd quarter is where the adjustments are paying dividends and adding to what has been working from the first two quarters. 4th quarter aka the grind. Its here where we learn about our football team. Do we have the mettle to fight for a first down, add to the lead or pull as last drive victory. To me, the season isn't any different and normally reserve my thoughts in that manner and I'll do my best to explain after the jump.

The NFL season to me are 4 quarters of a 16 games schedule (17 weeks w/a bye). The first 4 games of the season is the first quarter. Its here where we start to learn how to play winning football. Find our strengths and build from that while working on weaknesses so that it doesn't become a bigger issue. If Denver can manage a 4-0 start, good times indeed.
wk 1: Cincy 12-7 WIN
wk 2: Cleveland 27-6 WIN
wk 3: Oakland (Strength: Run Game and Pass Defense -- Weakness: Inconsistent QB Play and Run Defense)
wk 4: Dallas (Strength: Balanced Offense and Pass Rush -- Weakness: QB protection and Pass Defense)

The 2nd quarter is where every team will have enough film to game plan effectively. We'll know what our strengths are after a month of competition as will the entire NFL. Factor in the injuries and we'll be able to see the true value of our depth. This is where teams start to establish their identity w/in their division and maybe pull away early if health and execution fall together.

wk 5: Patriots (Strength: Balanced Offense and Special Teams -- Weakness: OL play and LB depth)
wk 6: Chargers (Strength: Passing Offense and Special Teams -- Weakness: Running game and Pass Defense)
wk 7: Bye (Retired for John Elway and Round of Guinness for the faithful Orange and Blue)
wk 8: Ravens (Strength: Balanced Offense and Run Defense -- Weakness: Special Teams and Pass Defense)
wk 9: Steelers (Strength: Passing Offense and Blitz -- Weakness: Running game and Pass Defense)

The 3rd quarter are where the challenges present themselves for every team. Its at this point where the identity of a team is well understood. Preparation is monumental as every player will have a larger role as playoffs are just a month away. Injuries, game plan, and scheme will start to become consistent (an example would be that our starting RB will have 20 touches and 85+ yds, QB will throw 20-25 passes). The consistency to do the things well and often while minimizing the weaknesses that are crucial at this point into the season as the games are few and invaluable.

wk 10: Redskins (Strength: Running Game and Run Defense -- Weakness: Inconsistent offense and Pass Defense)
wk 11: Chargers (as above)
wk 12: Giants (Strength: Running game and Pass rush -- Weakness: Passing game and Pass defense)
wk 13: Chiefs (Strength: Passing game and Rush defense -- Weakness: OL depth/play and Pass defense)

The 4th quarter. Just like a real game, either you're in it to win it or just waiting for 00:00. The season is no different. You're playoff opportunity is either right in front of you or thoughts of draft position start to fill the fan base. Not going to the playoffs? As I spoke about the 2 quarter, you still want to maintain that sense of identity and this falls squarely on the coaching staff. To build for the following game (or in this analogy of mine, next season) you must continue to compete but in the end its about continuity.

wk 14: Colts (Strength: QB and Pass Defense -- Weakness: Run game and Run defense)
wk 15: Raiders (as above)
wk 16: Eagles (Strength: QB and Run Defense -- Weakness: Run game and Pass Defense)
wk 17: Chiefs (as above)

Now I added what I feel are the strengths and weakness of our competition this season as of week 2. Please take note that w/in every quarter health, player development, scheme and execution will either improve or take a dip as two teams normally attempt to impose their will, their identity. As of right now, our strength is the OL play and Rush defense and our weakness QB/WR play and Special Teams.

By no means am I discrediting what has been accomplished (I can imagine a few readers running off and assuming I'm spitting in the kool aid) just that in our first quarter of season play, we're still figuring out our offense while getting healthy at the QB position. Combine the talent of WR and the learning curve between the two positions and we'll find a drop off what most fans have grown accustomed to in the past regarding QB and WR.

The rush defense of Denver hasn't been challenged consistently but that Cincy game was definitely a tell tale sign of what to expect if teams such as Dallas, Redskins, Ravens, Steelers, Giants and Raiders commit to the run to offset our strengths.

Again, Denver has been doing great and will only get better while absorbing a few steps backs in areas they're normally consistent. I hope my view of how I perceive the season enlightens a few while calming the "sky is falling" group.

Marshall's Worth

dcrespo7 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:19:48 -0000

First let me state how I love this website. Regardless if I agree or disagree with some of the posts, I have an arena where I can share insight, ideas and discuss Bronco football. With all that being said, I like to share my opinion on Brandon Marshall's worth.

His body of work in his three years as a Bronco.

Season	Team			Receiving					Rushing					Fumbles
Season	Team	G	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FUM	Lost
2008	Denver Broncos	15	15	104	1,265	12.2	47	6	2	-4	-2.0	7	0	4	3
2007	Denver Broncos	16	16	102	1,325	13.0	68T	7	5	57	11.4	24	0	3	1
2006	Denver Broncos	15	1	20	309	15.5	71T	2	2	12	6.0	6	0	1	0
TOTAL				226	2,899	12.8	71	15	9	65	7.2	24	0	8	4

Very impressive indeed but I find a few things troubling. Now in an interview from a few months back, Marshall had admitted that he had issues staying focused during the course of last year. This was tough for me to understand let alone comprehend because he was playing in his third season meanwhile rookie Eddie Royal fooled the entire NFL as he performed beyond all expectations. I bring this up because I don't believe Marshall will be successful in just any scheme (not sure what system was run in Central Florida where he played).

In order for Denver to truly get full value for Marshall, he'd best be suited to stay within a West Coast Offensive scheme where only the terminology and minor details will be required of him while the fundamentals are still in place. This excludes the Giants, Jets and Titans as potential trade partners. I think teams such as the Eagles (don't need WR), Texans (no need), Packers (no need) and Vikings (no need-unless Farve needs) would be ideal locations.

Brandon Marshall's stats could be better in my honest opinion. CBs figured out a habitual pattern from Marshall, normally after a catch he takes a step back as if he's anticipating the CB to over pursue. What defenses started to do was simply wait for this signature move and then converge. I don't know about the rest of the community here but if you catch 100+ passes I'd expect 10+ touchdowns. I like to think that for every ten passes caught one should result in a touchdown.

Now what is Marshall's worth? First player that comes to mind is Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys who has caught a total of 281 passes and 30 touchdowns (1td per 10 catch formula). I don't think both players are similar in performance or style but what Dallas paid Detroit for Williams' service are what interest me.

The proposal. This year's 1st and 3rd and next year's 3rd. The second 3rd can go up to a 2nd round selection in the event Marshall leads the team/league (can be negotiated between clubs) in yardage/reception/touchdowns or all. If Brandon Marshall leads the team to either a Super Bowl or selected as NFL MvP, it would then change to a 1st rounder selection. This is clearly a means of ensuring Marshall what Denver's evaluation would be of his talent combined with his potential given his short body of work in the NFL. I also think its fair to say that if the deal falls apart, the agent will know that it was a fair approach on Denver's side to accommodate Marshall's attempt at a trade.

In closing I'm disappointed in Brandon's approach heading into this off season after Shanahan was replaced by McDaniels and Jay Cutler traded back in June 2nd. I understand that management will employ an atmosphere, culture of selfless athletes striving for greatness through healthy, tough competition. Marshall is not prepared for this regime or the expectations that most on the team have already committed too. I also like to thank Bena's article for the inspiration to share this opinion. I for one believe, if not know, that Marshall had quit on Denver it just wasn't apparent to all because of the trial looming.

Has Brandon Marshall quit on the Broncos?

Poll

Can Brandon Marshall be as productive outside of the West Coast Offense?

A. Yes, 80+ catches 8-12 touchdowns.

36 votes

B. No, 65+ catches 4-8 touchdowns.

30 votes

Opinion followed in comments.

1 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

Get to Know Orton

dcrespo7 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:24:11 -0000

I wanted to do something to showcase who Kyle Orton is outside the usual public relations remarks whenever asked about football related issues. You know them well, "how do you feel about your performance today" or "now that you're in Denver, how are the fans". Well, my Itunes has Denver's season from 2006-2008 and enjoyed watching the team's highlights. To my disappointment, it was moreso the Jay Cutler show. Then I started to think, Kyle Orton has to have his own clip of plays made so I search youtube!

To my disappointment not much for Orton but here is an interview w/Orton and it gives me an insight of the person he is. Resourceful. Conservative. Big fan of the Beatles. Explains the purpose of his "neck beard". Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXTNeqVvFKw&feature=related

RE: Run Game Deux

dcrespo7 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:21:24 -0000

Though Denver ranked 12th in the NFL rushing the ball, many of the runs were rather empty long gains between the 20 yard line. Here is something I feel is important and wanted to piggy back on your point:
TOTAL FIRST DOWNS     249 (Denver)    229 (Opposition)
By Rushing                       65 (26%)              87
By Passing                     164 (66%)           127
By Penalty                      20 (8%)              15

Seems respectable as we compare it to where Denver finished (8-8). What jumps out at me are the penalties, very disciplined on both sides of the ball considering its 8% first downs during the season. 66% of our first downs are through the air. Our RB committee by default netted 26%.

TIME OF POSSESSION     18:50 (Denver)     20:00 (Opposition)
Again, a very respectable ratio in my opinion so Denver was clearly in games considering the talent on the offensive line, wide receivers, and quarter back. Sure we know the defense was not the greatest. We know about the occasional interception, fumble and the 20 penalties netting a first down in favor of the opposition.

Rushing Touchdowns    15 (Denver)     21 (Opposition)
We know the numbers. 7 RBs and IR, the most important stat among Denver fans. Of these 15 touchdowns (don't have the energy to research), I wonder how many were where they mattered, inside the Red Zone.

Now in anticipation of a resourceful reader, I also have our overall penalties and again we'll see that Denver wasn't too far from where the opposition had their share of error. I just imagine one pass play that cost Denver 40 yards in pass interference.

PENALTIES

Number and Yards

55-551 (Denver)

54-511 (Opposition)

I think with the addition of Moreno, retaining Hillis (rumored at one point to be trade bait), and bringing in veterans such as Jordan, Buckhalter, and the versatility of Larsen, I think this regime will not allow themselves not to be prepared in the event injuries decimate our depth chart again and that is important to know. Regardless of who's running the ball and what the situation is when any of these RBs numbers are called, one thing is certain, we'll be better prepared and I think that there alone will have 2-3 games we maybe have no business winning. Some call it luck, I like to the idea of being prepared for opportunity.

*Note* I decided instead of responding to everyone's take on my original fanpost, it'd be only fair to address the many good takes on the comments.

Excited about potential

dcrespo7 — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:04:12 -0000

I am very excited heading into training camp this month. We know the headlines. We've seen the bad turn ugly. We've seen fan favorites "turn" against it's fan base. I am excited about the potential of playing winning football. You remember those years in the mid to late 90s. Running game. Two sometimes three runs in a row. Play action. Big first down. Amazing individual plays. The root of the success was the run game.

I don't have hours of research and data to iron out any bias. What I do have is this fact here. Clinton Portis. The last Denver Bronco to start back to back years for the Orange and Blue. One could argue that the trade had benefited both the Redskins and the Broncos. In hindsight, well we know neither team has won the Super Bowl let alone dominated the defense. What it did do was hurt both franchises in a position of what was their strength. Redskins had both Bailey and Smoot. Denver had the philosophy that any RB can fill the void. Well Hall is now a Redskin, w/a nice raise at that (the same hall that got lit up like a Xmas Tree in Royal's first game as a pro), and Denver's "coach for life" given the pink slip because of many personnel choices.

We now have Moreno. Not very popular to many since Maualaga was a fan favorite to man the middle of the defense. Truth is this. The history of the NFL has always been secured w/successful running teams. Then evolved the title of the "Big Three". If Moreno can be that special player w/the same ceiling as Adrian Peterson, Royal evolve as a team lead AND evolve as the face of the franchise, all Orton has to do is develop in this new offense and be the "quiet" leader Aikman was w/the Cowboys.

The best thing that can happen right now for this team's defense is to play football the way its meant to be played. Success isn't measured by looking over your shoulder and worry about your job or minutes on the field. I think if Denver can manage 7-9 minutes of possession per quarter, we will see some special football. A defense fresh in the 4th and players such as Woodyard, Smith, and Williams shining as they can allow plays to come to them instead of trying to make plays.

Don't get down on this group. There are alot of unknowns but this is part of change. I bought into the scheme of change and though I may not agree with how some things played out, I do believe. My expectations are: Moreno rushes for 12 touchdowns 2 receiving. Hillis rushes for 600 yards and 4-6 touchdowns. Orton throws for 24 touchdowns and Royal contributing to 6-9 touchdowns. These are not loud expectations, just the basics.

If Denver's offense can manage 28-34 minutes of ball control, I think the defense will be in the middle 14-19. Sorry if I don't have the diagrams and countless hours of data to support my view. What I do have is Moreno as my RB, Royal as my WR, and Orton as my QB. Trust me, it is more than just Cutler and Marshall, its about team players and we're slowly winning there.