Thank goodness!  Per Adam Schefter's Twitter:

Broncos tendered Pro Bowl LB Elvis Dumervil at a first- and third-round level. The tender carries a $3.168 million pricetag.

I'm thrilled the Broncos have placed their priorities in the correct order.  Doom has been a critical contributor both on the field and in the locker room.  Hopefully this paves the way for a long-term deal and keep Elvis in a Bronco's uni for several years.  You wanted your Al Wilson replacement?  Here he is....

Friends,

I, as many of you, came into this 2009 season, after the tumult of a brutal offseason, with guarded optimism and a simple hope that the team would just be competitive every Sunday and lay the building blocks towards rectifying a busted franchise.  To say starting 6-0 heading into the bye week was a surprise would be the understatement of all understatements.  Through the first 37.5% of the 2009 season, this team has played for each other like I have never seen in my 32 years of rooting for the Broncos.

For whatever reason, last night I thought back to that eloquently written letter from Pat Bowlen to the Broncos fans following the aftermath of the Jay Cutler (this is the only time I will mention his name in this post) trade.  Every single word written in that letter has resonated through the team's play.  The culture which Bowlen demanded from his organization in the letter is clearly being represented from the walls and practice facility of Dove Valley to the playing field on Sundays.  I recommend that you re-visit the letter below and put this team right up next to it.  You'll see Mr. Bowlen's vision being put into action.

Have a read and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

Issued April 4, 2009:

Dear Broncos Fan,

I am writing this letter today because I feel compelled to give our community and our fans an explanation regarding the Jay Cutler situation.

One of my directives to Josh McDaniels upon his hiring was that he consider everything possible to return the Broncos to the level which you and I both expect, and this certainly includes making a fair evaluation of every opportunity presented to us which might improve the team. He and General Manager Brian Xanders have had my complete support throughout, and they have it now. It is important that you know that at all times we represented ourselves to Jay with honesty and integrity.

I assure you both Josh and I made repeated attempts to reach out to Jay, and I can not speak for him as to why he chose to limit his response. Ultimately, given his unwillingness to speak with either of us directly in the last 12 days- at the same time his agent clearly stating to us Jay's intentions- it became very apparent to me personally that he no longer wanted to play for the Denver Broncos. As such, we elected to trade him.

Understand this: it remains about team. Our franchise has gone to the Super Bowl six times, with three different coaches and with many different players. It has never been about one player, and it never will be. Coach McDaniels shares this vision, and everyone in the organization—players, coaches and staff—must understand and accept this unconditionally. If anyone does not, that person will not be a part of this franchise.

I am extremely proud of our franchise, its accomplishments, and the region and fans that we represent. We have an illustrious history, one which we are all anxious to add to, and if someone does not wish to be with us as we head in this direction, then we will move on, and move forward.

Over 96% of our season ticket holders have chosen to renew their tickets for the 2009 season. This is once again a compelling statement of support and trust by the greatest fans in the NFL, and I assure you my only goal is and always will be to compete at the highest championship level.

The Denver Broncos will move forward in 2009 as one team, united with the most loyal and passionate fan base in football, towards the only goal we will ever pursue.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Pat Bowlen

Wonder how those 4% who didn't renew their season tickets are feeling right now...

Go Broncos....

Orton came on the Dan Patrick Show this morning.  Link here.  Kyle pretty much stays the course by taking the company stance by not getting too high over our current record.  I thought it was pretty funny how Patrick tries to goad Orton into showing a little enthusiasm about the early success, including...ugh....making the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated....but he sticks to his guns and says all the right things.  

Orton speaks like he plays.  Nothing flashy...just says what needs to be said and carries on.  

Actually kinda reminds me of this scene in Bull Durham.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeVca9MwDX8

Adam Schefter gave a complimentary response to the Broncos 3-0 start in his evil 4-letter mailbag column this morning:

Everyone expects Denver to drop off the map, but then, everyone thought Denver would be terrible this season, and I don't see it that way at all. Football is about confidence and momentum, and Denver has a healthy dose of both right now. If the Broncos went 7-6 in their final 13, they'd finish with 10 wins -- and be in.

Why nobody else in the same building can apply a similar objective opinion as above is beyond me. 

Josh McDaniels was on the Myers and Hartman Show this afternoon and had some really good things to say.  He had some quality responses regarding Brandon Marshall, how this is not a rebuilding year, and how he's handled all the criticism from the tumultuous offseason.  He especially handled a pretty good question regarding his offensive philosophy adjustments coming in with Jay Cutler as his QB and then having to dramatically switch to a different skill-setted Kyle Orton.  May have clued in on why Cutler could possibly have been put off by McDaniels's concept of identifying the defense and staying away from their strengths.  He also shared how he and Belichick have stayed in touch this season to share fashion tips.

I walked away from 7 minute interview further convinced that we may have something REALLY special in McDaniels.  Hope you all feel the same way.

You can enjoy the interview here.

Go Broncos....

Totally forgot to post this fantastic interview with Kyle Orton on The Dan Patrick Show from Tuesday.  Needless to say, I'm REALLY glad that he's on our side.  Just continues to say all the right things not just in a "from the script" manner but from a really genuine place.  He also has some funny comments about the Bears game and the botched punt.

Anyway, even though the interview's 2 days old, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Kyle Orton Interview

Go Broncos!

I didn't get a chance to participate in the live game threads yesterday but for fun I thought I'd revisit the thread during The Play.  Man...there is just some gold in here!  You can see the thread after the jump, starting with Eddie's poor decision to bring the ball out on the preceding kick-off.

Continue reading this post »

I know Rod Smith has done what he can to get through that size 9 head of Brandon Marshall but if Marshall has any sense at all, he'd take heed into what the greatest receiver of all-time thinks about his antics.  I doubt he will but nevertheless....

"When I came in the league it was about earning your money, justifying your job," said Rice. "I always believed once you sign a contract, you're obligated to it. Or you work it out in-house."

Brandon Marshall, he figures, wouldn't have dared to drop balls under Bill Walsh.

There'd be no suspension, said Rice. "He'd have been on the first Greyhound home."

Brandon Marshall is dead to me. 

I mean really, who can possibly look themselves in the mirror and call themselves a Broncos fan and continue to support Marshall after watching the embarrassment of his antics on Wednesday.  And then to see him run straight to the evil 4-letter and explain his actions rather than going to the people he should have gone to first....teammates, coaching staff, ownership, and the ball boys!  I can't in my right mind excuse him for his multitude transgressions no matter how well he performs, if he ever finds the miracle that will let him back on the field.

What I really want to know is what happened to THIS guy?  The guy who supposedly was making amends by helping children at an after-school program to shed the negative image portrayed by the media?  Even the NY Times felt it was worthy enough of notice by publishing an article on it.

What happened to the guy who said after the Cutler trade that he was "gonna take the lead of the guy who has the rings"?

Makes me really sad for him.  He just has absolutely no clue how to deal.

With less than 3 weeks left until Cincinnati, I'm not going to waste any more time following it.  We're going to be just fine.

Go Broncos....

.....back-peddle any harder and you're liable to run into the goal post behind you.

My level of disrespect for the guy continues to spiral downward after reading this.  I really want to continue to wish him well in his new dwellings but he makes it almost impossible everytime he opens his mouth.  He continues to demonstrate his inability to stand by his words.  He either goes completely dark without letting anyone know his stance....including his owner, or he's playing damage control over words he said on the radio.  Not like he can say he was misquoted in an article.  I wish Jay would just shut his mouth and focus on playing for his new city.  Enough already!

Not sure if you saw it but there was a very good piece on McDaniels on this morning's Outside The Lines (Link here).  Showed a lot of the human side of the Broncos head coach by going into his past as the son of a high school coaching legend.  They also get into how the missed PAT in the historic McKinley vs. Massilon game laid the framework for his success.  What was nice to see was the high praise coming from Bill Belichick himself.  You can easily tell how much he valued McDaniels as an assistant.

They also touch on this offseason's turmoil but nothing new obviously.  There is a little piece where Cutler speaks to the situation....in my opinion it makes him look more and more responsible for the trade being initiated.  But I'm not looking back on it anymore.

Obviously we won't know what we have in our new head coach until after Week 1 but hopefully this piece along with the team's response during training camp will give you further reason to get excited.

Go Broncos...

For those who still aren't convinced that Kyle Orton can lead this offense in 2009.....for those who are going to miss the howitzer arm that may or may not hit it's target.....for those who are going to miss the check down progression of #1, #1, #1, #1, and #1.....for those who are going to miss the 'my arm is holier than thou therefore it's YOUR fault' attitude.....and for those who just want an erratic personality incapable of winning consistently despite immense physical gifts.....

I bring you Jeff George!

I know this is a Kansas City Chief story, but I think it has a glaring impact on the outlook for the Broncos roster.  No need to explain to you all what kind of profound effect Matt Cassel had on us this past offseason.  But I hope this long term deal signed by Cassel quells all speculation from the MSM that the Cutler trade was to position McDaniels to get reunited with his protegé in 2010.  At the same time, I can see this fueling the fire of those idiots by claiming that McDaniels is screwed for next season and all that kind of rubbish.

I'm sure Orton isn't the type who looks over his shoulder, but I hope this signing by KC at least gives him one less speculative question to be asked regarding his future with the team.  

Reason #1,974 to love Eddie Royal.  

Our favorite 5'10 stud receiver just posted on his FB account a link to broncobear's fantastic post from earlier this morning regarding receiver options who don't get into trouble with the law nor contradicts himself time after time after time.

It's great to know that Eddie seemingly tracks this site's content regularly, so please continue to express your love and appreciation to a great player and more importantly, PERSON.

Let's get him on MHR radio STAT!!

So here I am today just trying to manage to get adjusted to a full 5-day work week again without any distractions or annoyances and I make the brutal mistake of logging into ESPN to see the result of the Federer French Open match.  I find this link to ESPN's NFL splash page with a pic of McD and Orton behind the heading, "Blind Faith?".  I miserably fail to fight the temptation of hitting the link even though I know it's just gonna be another gutless clone piling on with the rest of the MSM pundits on the 2009 Denver Broncos outlook.  

Continue reading this post »

Sorry....I initially meant to just let this story lie but this ridiculous pic compelled me to react otherwise.  

Leave it to the dolts at the evil 4-letter to continue to build up the hopes of Bears fans longing for 1985 again through this story.  All they can talk about is JC's arm strength and how it's no knock on Orton.  That his arm takes it up another level.

Sorry but all I'm going to talk about is Orton's 21-12 win/loss record and his ability to lead a locker room.  THAT will take us up another level.  And yes, that is also meant as a knock on Jay and his 17-20 record and his well publicized acts of selfishness and immaturity.  You can have him.

.....I FREAKING LOVE EDDIE ROYAL.

The Bleacher Report just posted this gem of a profile on Kyle Orton's soon-to-be-best-friend.  We didn't really get to know what Eddie Royal's character make up was last season through his own words because he acted like a professional and kept his mouth shut like any smart rookie should.  We all just hoped that his professionalism which came through his play also reflected the young man beneath the pads.

Now that #19 is in season 2 of his career, in addition to having one less "leader" (insert Jay Cutler in here if you dare) in the locker room, we are getting the privilege to know who Eddie Royal really is.  Every word that comes out of his mouth makes me grin from cheek to cheek reminding me that the Eddie McCaffreys and Rod Smiths of yesteryear are still donning the Orange and Blue.

To read how he uses his experiences to drive him to become a better person is exactly the kind of character I can only hope to bestow to my 5 year old, let alone our 2nd receiver.

Read and enjoy.

It sucks really bad that we're only at the end of April right now.

 If you haven't done so yet, I urge you to check out the team website and watch the video clip of McDaniels wired for sound during the 3-day mini camp 2 weeks ago.  I'm not sure if he was playing it up a bit for the cameras, but McDaniels's exuberance and willingness to work WITH the players during drills really shined through in the clip.  There's even a clip where he's encouraging and complimenting the other Bus Cook client, Tony Scheffler.

The wins and losses are yet to be seen but I've got a good feeling about what kind of coach we have and I must say, I really like what I see.

So here's the clip....please enjoy and GO BRONCOS!!!

Not sure if you heard the Dan Patrick Show this morning but he had a nice little interview with Kyle Orton. 

http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/090422-Kyle%20Orton.mp3

I just don't know how you can't like this guy's attitude.  I really do hope there is nothing more to the Broncos' meeting with Marc Sanchez yesterday other than them picking up the check for a nice dinner.  I really like Sanchez but I don't believe he can bring anything more to the table than what Orton or Simms can right now.

Let's play with the hand we've got and see some healthy competition at the QB position.  I honestly think it will work out.

With all the turmoil of this offseason and seeing the mess left behind by Jay, we have all been starved for the type of leadership we had been used to in the locker room from the likes of Al, Ed, Terrell, and Rod.....some physical presence who exudes the type of leadership we so desperately need in this critical time of change.

Well I urge you to watch to the presser of our second year receiver, Eddie Royal at denverbroncos.com.  His responses to the questions from the press were about as much as you could ever ask for from a leader. 

Here are some of his quotes from today which, in my humble opinion, should earn him serious consideration for the "C" on his chest this upcoming season.

Q: Do you know if you're being used in a Wes Welker type role in this offense?

19: Right now I'm just doing what's best for the team and whatever he wants me to do.

Q: How much have you grown from where you were last year?

19: I'm still trying to learn from the veterans.  You can never stop learning.  You can never know enough about the game.

Q: Are you planning on returning kicks and punts this year?

19: Whatever they want me to do.  Whatever's best for the team.  If they need me out there, I'll do it.

So rest well fellow Bronco fans.....our locker room is in very good hands.  Look, I'm not saying he's Rod or Al, but could you honestly expect a second year player to exude the high character and professionalism Eddie Royal brings day in and day out?

Sun.     Sept. 13th         at Cincinnati                  CBS4

Sun.     Sept. 20th         vs Cleveland                  CBS4

Sun.     Sept. 27th         at Oakland                    CBS4

Sun.     Oct. 4th            vs Dallas                       FOX

Sun.     Oct. 11th           vs New England            CBS4

Mon.     Oct. 19th           at San Diego                 ESPN

Sun.     Nov. 1st            at Baltimore                   CBS4

Mon.     Nov. 9th            vs Pittsburgh                 ESPN

Sun.     Nov. 15th           at Washington               CBS4

Sun.     Nov. 22nd          vs San Diego                 CBS4 

Thurs.   Nov. 26th          vs N.Y. Giants               NFLN

Sun.     Dec. 6th            at Kansas City               CBS4

Sun.     Dec. 13th          at Indianapolis               CBS4

Sun.     Dec. 20th          vs Oakland                    CBS4

Sun.     Dec. 27th          at Philadelphia               CBS4

Sun.     Jan. 3rd             vs Kansas City              CBS4

I feel completely wasted from the ride over the past 3 days.  But I can finally find some closure in time for the upcoming draft.

I'm looking forward to hearing what McDaniels has to say about all this tomorrow.  I'm expecting him to say that all is well and that we have an extraordinary opportunity to build something special that will take the franchise to the next level, blah blah blah.  Regardless who we draft or don't draft, I know my passion for the Broncos will remain unwaivered despite the loss of a special talent who was following some profoundly bad advice.  I will be there every Sunday plugged into the MHR Game Day threads living and dying with you on each and every play.  Man, I cannot wait!

As for our departed quarterback.  I wish him the best and hope he has learned from this experience.  I honestly believe this will not be an easy transition for Cutler even though he presumably landed with his team of choice.  He could be walking into a pretty uncomfortable locker room which just lost a quarterback who was respected by his teammates.  That plus the fact that the team sacrificed 3 very high draft picks automatically puts Cutler in a position of having to prove his worth starting right now.

I have officially turned the last page on this chapter and am ready to go to the next one.  I ain't going anywhere.  I hope you all stick around as well.

Go Broncos...

Just being reported now that Boston College defensive tackle BJ Raji tested positive for a banned substance at the combine.

If this hampers Raji's stock value and he falls to us at 12, do we pull the trigger and grab him and hope to hell we score a Warren Sapp / Randy Moss steal?  Or do we reach into the memory banks and pull up the likes of Darryl Gardener, Dale Carter, and most recently, Travis Henry and stay the hell away?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/04/02/raji/index.html

One of the rumored destinations for Jay Cutler is to the Washington Redskins for Jason Campbell along with a collection of draft picks and possibly another player.  Although this is just a rumor which should be taken with some degree of skepticism, I couldn't help but notice the level of professionalism coming from Campbell in response to the speculation.

Had Jay even demonstrated a sniff of Campbell's professionalism from the very beginning, I know he'd be in Dove Valley right now having a good time with his teammates ramping up for an exciting 2009 season.

Here's what Campbell's saying to the DC media right now:

''I want to be here, I feel like there's a lot I want to accomplish and that's what I've been working to do, but you know it's not in your control,'' Campbell said. ''All I can do is just keep doing what I'm doing, working hard and waiting to see what happens.''

Although Campbell still hopes to be Washington's starting quarterback in fall, "with all the stuff out there, you know crazy stuff happens in this league," he said. "You just have to be ready for anything.

"A bunch of trade talk is what got Cutler mad at Denver, that's the reason all that stuff started with him, but I wouldn't do all that. The thing you understand that there's no loyalty in this game, so you just have to work hard. That's all you can do."

Campbell is keeping a cool head even though there is an iminent likelihood that he could be be moved across the country to play for another team.  The initial Cutler trade rumor for Cassel was nowhere near this close when he had his well publicized hissy fit.

Makes me sad...

I know we all seem to take every report from Vic Lombardi with a grain of salt, the size of Salt Lake City, but this report coming out of CBS 4 at least made me lift my head up from my work desk.

Jay Cutler doesn't know if he'll be the Broncos quarterback in 2009, but as long as he is, he plans to show up at Dove Valley when it becomes mandatory.

I was able to communicate with Cutler Monday afternoon.  He indicated to me that he still plans to be in Denver for the Broncos mini-camp in April.  That's the earliest he's required to report without being in violation of his contract.  So far, Cutler has skipped the Broncos voluntary workouts that began a week ago Monday.

Cutler also let me know that he saw parts of Josh McDaniels' interview with the NFL Network on Monday.  In that interview, McDaniels stated several times that Cutler is his quarterback and he hopes to keep the lines of communication open to resolve their differences.  When asked if he thought the situation was reparable, McDaniels said yes.

Cutler had no comment on McDaniels' interview.

Again, grain of salt.  Take it for what it's worth.  But here's hoping we're starting to get this jar of pickles to finally open.