First off, I don't have an Orton jersey, I don't have grandiose visions of Orton bein the top QB in the league (let alone our division)...however, for everyone callin for Orton's head, for Orton to be benched...I present to you the second half of todays "kick in the nuts". With the exception of the long ball that Orton overthrew Royal on (I was cursing, yet was thankful for the B-Marsh TD's), Orton was a nice 11-18 193 yrds 2TD's...in jus the first half.

The people didn't get Orton's head, but it appears they got his ankle and possibly knee.  Enter Sims...

Yeah, he has better mobility than Orton.

Yeah, probably a stronger arm too.

NO, was not capable of running our offense effectively and KEEPING a lead...in Washington (2-6) against a beat-up Redskins team whose plays run through a gauntlet of messagers (not including the coach) before bein handed to a team missing its starting SS, TE, OT, RB and led by a QB  no one wanted this off-season...WOW.

True, our defense couldn't stop the run...but neither could theirs; I did see some poor tackling, angles. But our defense did more than it should have to, if supported by an adequate offense, to get a win (which it was in the first half).

can't believe the refs blew the call on that sack fumble by Davis...another huge junction which went Washington's way.

Special teams got caught "makin puppies"; I saw Reid try and direct Thomas to cover Sellers outta the backfield, looked to me as if #33 (Smith) was caught nappin, he was the deep player overtop (not sure of formation responsibilities tho). That was a huge play.

Turnovers killed us. The fumble in the first half by Buck was definitely a blemish on a well-executed half of football. The pick by Sims in the 4th Qtr was straight poison...we had field position, an effective ground game...I'm not even mad at the thought of PA, atleast coach was goin for the win (can't criticize McD for bein too conservative one week, then too daring the next...jus criticize him for bein wrong, cuz that's your real gripe)...it's jus that, dare I say it....I miss Orton already...there, said it. I miss Kyle Orton. I've been missin him now for about an hour and a half...and after a loss like that, one where we were in control, had the lead...were playin good ball against a team we should be beatin, and then this happens...unbelievable. You never know what you got till it's gone...like I said, feels like someone kicked me in the nuts twice 

Careful what you wish for, you jus might get it. I think it's safe to say as of today that Kyle Orton is an asset to our team. He showed the long ball today and put up great numbers against the leagues #1 rated pass defense.

Sidenotes: Berger punter much better today...Moreno looked good/Buck didn't...B-Marsh was on pace for a career day (then Orton got twisted)...Hochstein over Hamilton...do we have anyone other than Royal for return duties?...BDawk is crazy...Go Eagles!!

here's a few reasons why I'm not so worried about the upcoming season (in fact, I look forward to enjoying Bronco football games again)...these reasons touch on various aspects of football, sports, life and bronco fandom... 

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where to start with this spiderweb of thoughts and opinions...forewarning: I've stewed on this all night/morning and I'm recoverin from a weekend full of "outside influences"...the following connects kinda like web, different angles and lines of thought that work toward the center of my current Bronco state of mind... I'm sure yall know where I'm comin from.

With the exception of his 2min drill before halftime, I thought he (Cutler) looked average with an above average arm. The score was 3-3 for most of the first half, with our defense forcing more "3 & outs" than I saw all last year. Even after the TD which resulted from Hester's PR, Orton was still statistically ahead of Cutler for the night (better completion %, more yards, no TO's/TD's)...even with all the bonehead penalties our O-line took, we were still we neck-n-neck with "JC the savior" and his '85 Bears...until they executed a smooth 2min drill capped off with a TD. On this drive we saw vintage Cutler...sidestepped pressure in the pocket, made accurate laser throws to his TE's repeatedly and converted in the RZ. Up till that point tho, I saw Cutler rattled and knocked down numerous times ( I swear we shoulda had a safety...isn't holding by O-Lineman in their own endzone equal a safety for the defense? I'm pretty sure it was Pace holdin Doom).

I can see how/why people (fans,critics,experts,media) are painting yesterdays narrative as they are, but to me, it's case of several things: like boxing, if you can flurry at the end of the round you impress upon judges/viewers and appear to be winning rounds to close to call.Cutler 2min drill was Bear's flurry at half and left impression that Cutler had a great night..."Large Market vs Smaller Market" as in narratives favorable to Chicago will have more influence and "Traction" within the national media and popular opinion. Even most Denver Media outlets have chosen the more conservative narrative and perspective, Shanny's influence also apparent...not necessarily intentional, but a factor regardless...The jury is still out on McD and the new Broncos. In the absence of new evidence, people will run with existing opinions,criticisms and bias. Personally I think we've already seen a substantial improvement in our defense from top to bottom, our ST (Hester PR not withstanding, however, Hester is Hester!), but that perspective doesn't sell papers and merchandise anywhere outside Denver.

Orton did not have a bad game, not a great game, but nothin to project gloom over. He went against the defense and coach that know him best, played with a short-handed offense that committed an excessive amount of penalties (negated much of our first half offensive production) and still managed to battle Cutler to a near draw (up until he was pulled due to injury).  If it's true that the Bears are SB contenders wit JC and a refocused Dfence (Lovie playcallin for D this year), then it's also true that the Broncos showed very well for themselves tonight...Personally, I think the Bears will battle for 2nd/3rd place in the NFC North, behind GB and next to MIN.

Bottomline, the halftime score of 17-3 is a realistic one, but also easily misconstrued. We had no Knowshon, no Gaffney (no BM either), no Kuper, no Jordan, no Simms...this equals little to no depth at QB, RB, G, and WR...add this to our extensive penalties and I see the recipe for conservative playcalling. Why would McD risk Orton's health on deep routes when we're already short on backup QB's, WR's and O-lineman? (we saw that fear come to fruition regardless tho).

Other notes:

Weigman was havin trouble with run blocking...can see us havin issues running between tackles against bigger Dlines this year still...surprised with all the penalties against our first team O-Line...

Chris Collinsworth is a goof. The fact that Shanny was his OC in college may explain the blatant bias (Shanny's extensive network may partially explain the widespread negative perception of McD and the Broncos this year).

Doom is lookin great...both rushin the passer and droppin into shallow zone coverage.

Easy to blame our LB's for last nights constant Cutler-to-Olsen/Clark connections, but honestly, on that last drive before half, Cutler put the ball on wires and his TE's made the receptions in tight coverage...give Bears credit, no need to knock our D, they played well (for the most part).

Dawkins is WX!!

Ayers was lookin alot better, I noticed him numerous times lastnight flyin around the ball. Saw him drop in zone and come up to make an important 3rd down tackle on underneath pass.

McKinley continues to make big plays with 2nd team offense.

Darius Walker should make the roster, he's gotta hold on to the ball, but he's hittin holes with speed and decisiveness...Jordan will have to be a "FB" to make roster, kinda hope he does b/c he's an asset blocking and catching outta the backfield, as well as splitting out wide.

Brandstater for Vice-President...honestly, he looked pretty good with all things considered. He showed much improved ppocket-presence and even flashed his "arm" on a couple occasions. He led our team to 2 scores and kept his composure after a couple TO's. His lone INT was off the hands of Royal (not sure who's at fault). Not badd. Now I'm wonderin if we should sign O'Connell still, could be smart tho...

Alphonso has work to do, on both ST returns and in man coverage. Hurt abit to see him beat deep in 2nd half lastnight, but anyone payin attention to Bears camp has already heard about WR Johnny Knox (CHI 5th round pick) and his "wheels"...I guess 'Phonz didn't get that memo yet.

Anways, I'm out like Collinsworth after "one blow"

We'll start with the headline: Orton...he looked good on the first drive, I don't even blame him for the first pick; Clemens made a play and beat Graham to the ball. Graham shoulda come to the ball if he wanted the TD. Second pick...sorry Orton, that was a horrible read, Bly was all over Stokes. Third Pick...I guess that was either an arm strength issue or a touch issue...That being said, I thought Orton also showed us SOME precision passing, SOME good decision making, and SOME mobility.

Is it me, or did the Broncos O-line give up ZERO sacks tonight?!

In a surprise turnaround from last year, I was particularly impressed with the teams 4 sacks and overall Dline performance. Fields, McBean and Peterson weren't spectacular, but compared to last year, were inspiring and refreshing. I was also pleasantly surprised by our ST play. I noticed our 1st team offense began it's first couple drives between their own 30-45 yardlines (big improvement from last year). I also noticed our ST kick and punt coverage was dramatically more effective from previous years.

McKinley has heart! A drop, a slip...solid return yardage and a wicked TD to potentially tie the game. Eddie is "next-level" nice, Stokes was Stokes, but let one go thru his hands. Lloyd played well, Chad Jackson was alright and Gaffney...did any of yall notice Jabar? I didn't?

Moreno has wheels and finishes runs...hope his knee isn't major. Buckhalter looked good, and Jordan looked abit sluggish. Walker played well and...HILLIS IS A BEAST!!!

Noticed Jordan split wide in 1st QTR, isolated Spikes in 1-on-1 coverage and converted for first down...the use of mismatches has begun.

Saw Richard Quinn miss a huge block...saw him make one too.

Alphonso is gonna make his critics eat it for good by week 9!!!

Ayers looked outta position on a couple plays, but he did show a relentless push. Moss was alil lost in space, but he showed his speed on a couple plays.

Larsen was an absolute monster! Chris Baker showed well for himself with numerous stops and the Line of scrimmage, a sack and constant penetration.

Simms looked good for the most part. Did it against 2 teamers, but he did wat he was asked against those he had to do it to. We coulda tied the game...classy move by McD, shows moxy too.

Also noticed that Brandstater still is rockin his dirty haircut...I like his sense of humour, shows he can overcome pride when asked.

Bottomline...I'm intrigued goin into next practice, next preseason game, and ultimately, the season. We're on our way to more good things yo.

As we all know, RB is one of our deepest positions on the roster; Hillis, Moreno, Torrain, Buckhalter, Jordan, Walker, Larsen (FB/LB). Judging by McD's comments, sounds like we'll be running more single back formations...so I'm wondering, with most NFL teams turning to RBBC approaches, how will our Broncos address the RB position?

We have power runners in Hillis, Torrain and Jordan...we have versatility in Hillis, Moreno and Buckhalter...we have receiving threats/3rd Down backs in Hillis, Moreno and Buckhalter...blocking in Hillis & Moreno (haven't heard how the other RB's are with pass protection)...and we have short-yard specialists in Hillis and Jordan (maybe Torrain & Moreno too)...

Realizing we can't predict injuries or break-out performances, who do you think makes the final roster, where and why? I haven't heard much about Darius Walker thus far, he's lookin like a camp-body...Moreno is yet to sign...Hillis is a given (heard he walks on water too...I wouldn't be surprised), Larsen & Buckhalter seem to be penciled in, and Torrain is impressing to date (kick rocks injuries).

Is there a chance we keep Hillis, Moreno, Torrain, Buckhalter and Jordan? If so, how will that impact our roster? It's definitely a good problem to have, but the options are dizzying...I can only imagine how opposing D's will feel (they gotta plan for crazy WR corps too).

I'm hoping someone can either confirm or discredit this claim. I was lookin for Knowshon contract updates, came across a link to a BroncosNation message board...there on the top under "general discussions" was the thread "Moreno signs 6-yr deal w./$12M guaranteed"...as I said, I can't confirm it, however, I'm hopeful this report is the honest truth. I've scoured the web for more info, but this is all I found...yall check it out and halas.

http://forums.denverbroncos.com/showthread.php?p=2742319

Did any of yall see the most recent video on Denverbroncos.com, of McD from this morning (Day 4 am)? Wow...someone asks coach about Royal, and you can see McD's eye light up...he loves Royal, and I love that he loves Royal. He says Royal is one of the smartest receivers he (McD) has ever been around...wow...that includes Moss and Welker. Royal is gonna be a household name this year (already a household name for Bronco-heads).

And Hillis...McD almost is lost for words when tryna describe Peyton's toughness, versatility and work ethic. Hillis is on the verge of superstardom (well deserved).

Bottomline: Royal and Hillis our golden...McD came out west on a goldrush, and he done struck somethin shiney. Lotsa shine.

Broncos all day!

P.S-thanks to all the MHR correspondents who continue to feed my training camp hunger and seemingly unquenchable thirst for Broncos Football.

Easy yall

from wat I gather off top my head (thoroughly researched post)...other than Moreno and Ayers, notable 1st Rounders that remain unsigned are: Tyson Jackson (KC), Andre Smith (CIN), B.J Raji (GB), Michael Crabtree (SF), Malcolm Jenkins (NO), Jeremy Maclin (PHI), Percey Harvins (MIN)...can't think of many more...Hicks (NYG), Cushing (HOU) and Wells (ARZ) signed recently...nope, can't really think of anyone else.

Do all the remaining players feel they were drafted lower than justified? Did the combination of Crabtree's "value" and DHB's "victory" get things twisted? What's the dilly?

With regards to Moreno: he was top back in the draft and agent is tryna squeeze. McX has options at RB already, with good news surrounding Torrain, Broncos have support...and other issues that are more pressing...Bmarsh is lookin good ($$), our D needs Ayers more than our O needs Moreno.

Brings us to Ayers...what's reallly goin on there? Like numerous MHR posts have stated, contract verbage and diction shouldn't take this long to correct...I don't recall any reports yesterday praising our OLB's...and almost all depth chart projections show Ayers starting at OLB...he/we/them need the reps.

Wat's up people?

Anyways,  if any of yall checked NFLN today, you probably caught some of last years wildcard games. They were full of Denver acquisitions, so I was particularly interested; Minn/Phi (Buckhalter & Dawkins), Bal/Mia (Goodman & Hill), SD/Ind (Reid & SD Dline perfomance). A few things were immediately apparent, a few things took a moment. The immediate: I watched both Hill and Goodman in deep 1 on 1 coverage against WR Clayton usually...both had adequate deep speed, both played the ball well, the were consistent, both were left on islands by their D-scheme...I like. Buckhalter has wheels and reads his blocks well...Dawkins is a beast and he takes heads...I love it too much...I kept thinkin...there's a bunch of connections on our team...I'm gonna go through the ones that jump out at me.

McD needed a coaching staff, he looted the AFC west for it's best at needed areas such as DL (chargers) and LB (raiders)...I'm pretty sure we nabbed someone from K.C might of been for secondary. This gives us numerous advantages this season; we weaken the division in areas we need to improve, and we acquire a new level of familiarity with our opponents, whom constitute 6 out of 16 games and our path into the play-offs.

We needed a DC who could take our D and its horrendous 2008 resume and turn into something workable, and dare I say, feared. We wanted to change scheme to a 3-4, and we found someone to do it. Someone proven...Nolan built the Superbowl Raven's D...not so much a head coach, but the SF D hasn't been to blame...Nolan has also coached in Denver prior to this stint. From 1987-1992 he was our LB coach, so he know's the organization, the town, and the expectations...he also knows one of our, IMO, best FA acquisitions; Ronnie Fields. We need a NT now, someone to anchor our 3-4...Nolan also needs someone who can help him implement his system and expectations. Fields is from SF, plays NT, is familiar with scheme, and is entering the prime of his career...Bringin in players with a degree of comfort and the ability to assist scheme/team transition; this theme seems to continue...

We needed help at safety, why not bring in a future HOF in Brian Dawkins, we need help at RB, someone who is proven to catch and be a threat on 3rd down...Buckhalter makes sense...he comes to Denver with a former teammate in Dawkins (and vice versa) and they both fill glaring needs now while mentoring rookies/future starters.

With the Marshall situation and it's potential ramifications, we needed alil insurance at WR...we brought in Brandon Lloyd...once again, a transplanted teammate (played with Orton in Chicago). He offers another deep threat, veteran depth, and source of info for the other WR with regards to Orton.

We needed more help at safety and at corner opposite Champ...that team over in Miami had a crazy year, bouncing back from 1-15 to go 10-6 with a first year coach and a "noodle -arm QB (Pennington aka 2008 comeback player of the year). Goodman and Hill helped achor a tough, resilient Miami secondary last year. They both come over at the peak of their careers, familiar with each other's playing tendancies as well as offering each other a friendly face. They both will also help mold young talent (Smith, Mcbath, Bruton, Barrett)...I'm seeing a trend here...

We need depth at receiver, RB; Gaffney and Jordan. Not so much at LS, we got Paxton tho. Continuing the obvious trends of transplanted teammates, you have here another example. But I this also connects to another theme in McD's strategy; bringin in players who can help him implement new schemes asap, and in all phases of the team.

On offense; Orton is a veteran QB who is familiar with playing in a variation of the spread O, Jordan will help the RB's learn the new system, Graham the TE's, Gaffney and Jackson for the WR's, Paxton for the ST's (heard he was an emergency OLineman, could possibly help verbage with O-line too).

On Defense; As I mentioned earlier, Fields is able to transiton smoothly to Nolan's defensive scheme, but numerous other FA signings also bring 3-4 experience McBean from Pitt, and Andra Davis from Cleveland. Our secondary is now built on experience, solid tackling, consistency, and in the case of Champ and BDawk, All-Pros who are Canton-bound.  Our front 7 has bulked up and appears to be versatile and very hungry...

As Training Camp nears, position battles and cuts are on the horizon. I saw another theme in McD's team construction. Not sure if this is viable, but it would seem that we have numerous players who permit us some extra roster flexability: Spencer Larse (LB/FB), Ayers/Dumervil/Reid/Crowder/Moss (OLB/DE), Hill/McBath (S/CB), Reid/Bruton (marquee ST players in addition to defensive depth), Paxton (LS/OL)...it would seem havin versatile players like these would allow us to keep more players at certain positions.

exp: If we have Larsen who can play both LB and FB, doesn't that potentially save us one roster spot at RB? That spot may allow us to keep an extra HB (Jordan or Torain).

I think this approach is to be commended...It appears the roster has been built with a couple strategies in mind: Make player transitions to team as smooth as possible (familiar coaches, teammates, schemes), make team scheme and culture transition as smooth as possible (familiar players and proven leaders/mentors), immediate success with a foundation for the future and team chemistry...or that's wat I see anyways (N-E Ways...jokes, but I don't mind superBowls the N-E Way...Broncos all day everday)

Go Broncos!!

I'm not too sure on protocal for rookie signings; do the Broncos need to sign players prior to Training Camp? I see other teams active in signing their rookie draft picks, I even see news of players already looking to avoid holdout, or in some cases, where holdouts are expected. I've heard nothing from the Broncos FO, nothing from player agents representing Bronco draftees...

Can someone please share any insight or news they may have pertaining to our '09 draft signings. I wanna know Knowshon is signed and sealed, Ayers and Smith, Quinn, McBath, Bruton etc.

Furthermore, what are the rules regarding UFA's heading into Training Camp? Mount Baker is lookin the part thus far, and numerous DL acquisitions came via UFA's.

Anyways, jus hungry for news, updates, football, wins and hardware.

Hala at me