Yestday was rough. Our Broncos fell backwards into the playoffs. Keeping the Raiders out of the playoffs for 10 year is almost as nice as making the playoffs after our 6 year absense. Alot of angry and frustrated emotional post have been put up right after the game and I think we all felt the anger rarely seen on the day a team makes the playoffs. I've had a night to sleep on it, read alot of the post and believe us Bronco fans got exactly what we asked for.

After the Lions game every post seemed to be about changing the Off to TT strengths and that happened. We started running a college Offense with the read option. It worked very well for several weeks, like the Wildcat before it. Option, triple option, read option and one read and throw/run option. This wasn't to the strength of the Oline except maybe Franklin who is not a great pass blocker. Clady is a great pass blocker but only average run blocker. Beatles is a good pull blocker and OK pass blocker but not a power run blocker. WR, no wide WR wants to run 75% of the time. Their WR for crying out loud. RB, well Maimi didn't run the read option with MaGhee so he didn't know the system at all, Moreno at Georgia either with Stafford as QB. This system was put in place for one player, not to the benefit or strengths of the team, just like we as fans demanded. Fox in a rare NFL headcoach moment even stated that TT "Would be screwed in an NFL offense." The coaches didn't create a system to the strength of their team, but rather one player just like we demanded.

This lead to a very nice win streak. 6 in a row! Damn that was fun. But some trends during that streak came about. Anyone look at the records of the teams we beat? Chicago had lost Cutler so look at their record without him. Maimi hadn't won yet. The Chiefs didn't have Orton yet (strange sentence to write but the record with Cassell vs Orten is what it is). I recall the SB Cheif blogger comparing them with Orten the clear winner in Chiefville. Did Minn have Peterson for the game? The Jets were starting to fall apart and we now know aren't a playoff quality team. Raiders were starting Carson for the first full game I believe and didn't have that RB who was the number 4 overall pick (or there about). That is alot of teams figuring out themselves with realiable major weapons missing. Also look at the amount of points the Def was allowing, TO's it was creating and Champ, Dawkins, Doom and Von all healthy unlike the first several games of the year when we started 1-4 and last several where we limped to 0-3 (3 out of 4 years, F$%# me). Combine that with the Offense not turing the ball over hardly at all and a running game that was killing it. The Bronco's had some nice timing there for awhile. Kind of like how Tampa Bay only beat bad teams last year, but had a nice overall record.

What about Def figuring out TT strengths and weaknesses? He came alive late in games when Def went to prevent formations and had some great comeback wins. Suddenly TT started completing passes and coverting third downs late in games and Coordinators figured this out. Instead of a blitzing wild approach many young QB's face, they took the old Vick thought of stay in your lane and keep him in the pocket instead of any angle possible to make the QB feel the pressure. Man coverage gave him more problems then zone. 8 in the box gave problems and slowed the running game, some at least. Why do players struggle in their second years so much (sophmore slump) because theres tape to show their weaknesses. Now TT needs to show he can improve his weaknesses.

I've seen people write we need to open the playbook like with the Vikings. I seem to recall the D creating TO's and even a TD in that game. I also remember the Vikes CBs pass our WR Thomas to the safety three times, only the safety didn't pick him up. Blown coverages make easy passes but are not something that happens often in the NFL and never 3 times in one game. Our offense that TT needs was figured out and we played some bad teams at oppurtune times with some luck. I will always remember after the Lions game stating they couldn't believe TT was a starting NFL QB.

What about the playcalling by McCoy? Its what we wanted and its what we got. TT doesn't throw on time. When was the last 5 step drop where the ball came out as his back foot planted in rythem? I honestly don't recall. He locks onto his first read (as many young QB's do) but in his second year he should be further along in this I feel. He misses open WR because his college system was one read and if Harvin or Cooper or Herndenze wasn't open then run Timmy Run. Meyer even had to defend how he developed Tebow on this point as I'm sure most of us recall, as well as not changing his throwing motion. More screens, what? Throw screens against 8 in the box without a blitz, I don't see how this will work well as the def is reading not blitzing which is what the screen is best at beating (slows the pass ruch don't you know). Slants, throw slants damn it! Throw slants with A QB who doesn't throw on rythem, has the slowest delievery in the NFL and doesn't like to throw in traffic? Remember all the post on how careful TT is with his throws and misses away, slants take timing and accuracy which TT hasn't shown. Screens and Slants aren't to Tebows strengths unless your watching a different game where he shows timing and accuracy regulary against heavy blitzes. As for what plays are being called I'm sick of running on 1st and 2nd down like everyone. However as jeremy Bolander posted a compete game breakdown of the plays in Boyds post its not as bad as we remember. Frustration seems to cause group think and bad memory in a classic emotional response. McCoy I believe is calling the game to Tebows strengths, which we demanded and we all rejoiced in during the winning streak.

When I watched SportsCenter highlights of the other week 17 games I see alot of QB's throwing to WR who are open by only a step and get hit in stride and are able to make a move. Tebow doesn't hit WR regularly in stride. He Likes safe throws, doesn't throw in rythem and doesn't read Def but holds onto the ball and runs backwards to create plays. How many of those WR's in yesterdays game would Cutler have fired the ball into? I'm not talking Brees/Brady/Manning/Rodgers but NFL throws to guys open by a step and not blown coverages like the often cited Vikings game.

The Bronco's are in the playoffs. Hot damn its been a long time. Is this team superbowl ready, no. Is Tebow a winning NFL QB, damn straight. Have teams figured out his weaknesses and now play him that way, hell yes. He will learn to read a Def, throw on time, hit a WR in stride or he will be gone. Gimmic Off don't work long wether its the Fun and Gun of Spurrier, Wildcat or Read Option. The NFL demands the best, most versital players or moves past you and Tebow has a lot to work to do. I hope he doesn't spend his offseason promoting books and documentaries or we'll likely be drafting a QB early in 2013. He will get better or he'll be a very nicely paid clip board holder like Vince Young who never learned to read a Defense or hit a WR in stride but damn he could run too. And now VY makes 5 mill a year to watch Vick, not a bad gig if you can get it.

I wrote this over several hours this morning with other things coming up on a Monday morning and I'm sure that hurt the flow but thanks for bearing with me.

I never liked Tebow in college.  Actually I didn't think much of him one way or another, except I have a general dislike of all the Florida schools.  Having played at one I didn't like him much is a better way to put it as it wasn't personal.  But one of the rumors of him going in the NFL as a first round QB ie ready to start, I stared not to like him.  I'm not an expert on QB's perfect throwing motions but I could see his wasn't good.  And like Vince Young, Akili Smith, Pat White and many others I had come to believe that spread options QB's could not be good NFL throwers and thereby successful.  

Tebow as a person always seemed like a great guy.  But honestly, I don't hold football or any alhtete as role models so don't care that much as long as they aren't beating woman (never acceptable, looking at you Pittman, Cox and Marshall, Bronco's I couldn't root for).

Now...well this was the first game where I thought he looked like he was throwing well.  I mean how can you win with your  QB only converting 15% of 3rd downs?   He wasn't throwing picks but he wasn't close to several WR either.  And I still do believe some of the drops are because the WR assume it will be a bad pass or he'll run it, not professional but pretty human as anyone who's ever played basketball with a ball hog knows.

I thought Denver was winning because of the Defense.  Much like the Titan's early with V. Young a great D and a controlled running game and QB's where interchangeable.  Anyone else notice when Baley's hamstring and Dooms ankle  got better the D got really good and the team started winning?  This was about the same when Tebow started playing.  How does a team win with a QB who throws for 100 yards per game, 44% completion rate and more 3 and outs then a rational fan could count?  Great D, and a good running game is how.  By the way, can you be better then a #1 over all pick (miller)?  Nothing against Cam Newton but with Doom that man is unreal.

Back to today, Tebow, actually once you got into the 2nd Quarter he started to make good throws.  That first throw had me throwing my hands in the air.  OLine, can't get enough credit as the RB's had alot of good blocking and opened holes and give Tebow all of time he could need.  (past years seemed like the other team only  had all the time against Denver(.  But Tebow, in my opinion took advantage and made several nice throws.  He clearly likes the deep ball, I think to much.  But the read option as a running play seemed to stop working in the second half and his throws started to move the ball.  Now I'm not saying Brady or Rodgers are going to be threatened as the best QB in the league, but damn it was nice to see.  Real throws.  Hitting a WR in stride where he could make the play.  The slant to Johnson on 3 and 11, which they reviewed to 4 and a foot was a great throw where he wasn't scared of the DB breaking up the pass.  Loved it.  Wish they would have converted.  But it was the first time I saw someone who could be a pocket passer and made a tough, back to the wall throw which wasn't over the middle like the Royal or Fells ones.

I don't like Tebow, but I'm starting to believe.  I'm stubborn.  what do you want?  Maybe the D is lights out, maybe Tebow doesn't need to score alot with this D and plays within himself because the games are close (except Detroit).  Hopefully he does become a thrower as that would be unbelievable.  But before today I never saw anything that game me hope of that.

As a final thought Goodman, who many, including myself where hoping would get replaced (patrick Peterson) has played several outstanding games this year.  Hope he makes the Studs list.  And I can't wait to read the Oline review, which is my favorite article week in and week out.

As always, go Bronco's.

Mr. Helms was very nice to come over hear and post and answer some Carolina questions for us Bronco Fans.  I asked a questions on how Carolina Fans felts about Fox now that he was gone and he gave me a very nice answer.  Well I wanted some verification and went to CSR and posted the same question and this was the best response I got and wanted to passed it along.

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I'm visiting from the Bronco's blog and after spending more time then my wife should ever know about reading your site  after this weeks developments I wanted to know if some people would answer a question I couldn't help but formulate. 

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I have seen a lot of what the Bronco's need to do in the off season.  Change to 4-3, trade Orton, who should be the head coach, the need for a real GM so on and so more.  But the one thing that has been universal is improve the front 7.  Some good post on possible reasons to draft this front 7 player, free agents to sign (outside of TE these are universally Defensive) and alot of good players have been mentioned, but not one of the best 3-4 DL who will be a free agent.

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We all know were picking higher then most of us ever remember.  to my knowledge (and I didn't go back to research this) the highest since we got Elway who was the number 1 overall picks, to the Colts.  But I believe we drafted an all pro Guard  who was part of the trade for #7 when we actually picked 4th.  Now the question that is bantered about in comments but I haven't seen been the point of the actual post.

Do the Broncos take their top 4 pick and try to get the lightening in the bottle of a franchise player or trade back and try to get multiple picks?

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From what I heard never been so much as Off Coordinator and now temp Head Coach.

Had heard would be our secondary coach who has most experience.  But sounds to be wrong with that line of thinking

I'm can't figure out why they fired a coach without one in place or at least in mind.  Cowboys and  Vikings start playing good and Bowlen just makes an quick decision?

someone help me with this.  Our RB coach?  CU moved a RB coach to Offen Coordinator, not the whole show

Looking for some thoughts on our former 4th round pick.  When he was drafted I remember reading he had late first round talent but the off the field issues dropped him (sounds like Parrish Cox this year).  Last year during the off season I remember reading in a couple places the 'whispers' that he was Denvers most talented D Lineman and once he got the mental side of the game would be a dominate lineman in the league.  With how the D started last year I figured he was starting to live upto his whispers.  Of course we all know how the year ended

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Did I just see that Barrett was claimed off waivers by the Pats?  How did he get put on waivers?  What am I missing here?  I thought from a SP perspective and and nickle LB this guy was a important player

Did anyone else see this on the scroll of the Hall of Fame induction?  Did I miss read?  

I thought he won the award for being at the most workouts, most inspirational type of award.  Someone tell me I need glass and misread that scroll on the TV

Per ESPN Moreno and Buck both got hurt catching passes in 7 on 7 drills.  Moreno got carted off.  And we just traded JJ.  I wasn't worried about RB depth till 5 mins ago.

When anyone gets any more news, or one of the guys at camp, please share ASAP.  Those of us no where near can't do anything but refreash the computer screen

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5428138

I just read TJ's great piece on Major Orten and Royal and his conclusions.  Actually I've read several great Stats pieces on here where the authors put in huge amounts of time and did produced very detailed work with is very appreciated by most if not all of us.  Please understand I love the pieces and do wish they keep coming but wanted to comment on something that has been nagging me.

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I've read two great post regarding how different Bronco fans relate to this offseason, if ever there was one to test ones fandom, of the current state of our beloved Broncos.  This has parts I'm currently not proud of, parts I am, and everything that could fit between for a Bronco Fan in today preseason NFL.

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Some Good, Some Bad

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I'm loving this spread thus far

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Even the NFL  seemes to value Royal

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Marshall wants out?  How do you feel about 'the system' when the next great talent wants to go?

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As suggested by MHR's own BShrout a little fun with quotes.

We all know Cutler has made some memoriable quotes lately, or at the least been paraphrased.  Shannon Sharp was always looking for a microphone to grumble into so I ask what are your favorite athlete quotes of all time?  Lets not limit this to Bronco's or even the NFL but sports athletes.  Some people I figure will end up on the list are Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, Jimmy Connors, Yogi Berra, A-Roid or Rod (sorry minor slip), Joe Namath, Doug Moe... I'm sure you get the idea.

My top 4 in order:

1.  Do you know how much insurance on a Lamborgini is” -the on strike for more $, -P. Ewing

2. “They don’t pay me to tackle” Uh, yeah your the highest paid corner in history and thats in the job description buddy boy.-Deon Sanders

3.  "If you want to see the Pittsburg Steelers invite us when we don't win." I pretty sure the winning team gets invited regardless of personal desires, but I guess James Harrison thinks the President doesn't has much on his plate at the moment so he should have some available time to invite everyone else too.

4.  "Your like a ball in tall grass"  Bill Pacells told a Dallas Cowboy early in his coaching stop there.  The player asked what does that mean, Pacells, "LOST."  I think he was talking  to Romo but could be wrong.

08 Review:  This team seemed ready to go deep into the playoffs last year until Plaxico Burress imploded the season by skipping work, not paying car tickets and finally shooting himself in the leg.  The team still went 12-4 but lost in the playoffs to the Eagles in the division round 23-11.  The Giants finished as the most dominate rushing team in the league and 18th in passing and most impressively tied for scoring the 3rd most points (a heavy clock management run team?).  Defensively they ranked 9th stopping the run and 8th against the pass.  They had the 6th most sacks in the league. 

Coaching:  Tom Coughlin after nearly being fired following the 06 season let the title of toughest disciplinarian in the NFL go and started a new team philosophy of ‘togetherness” that lead to a SB victory in 07.  The team lost its Def coordinator to a head coaching job and promoted former LB coach Bill Sheridan who plans on keeping the same defensive strategies of his predecessor.  Off coordinator is Kevin Gilbright who frustrates fans with very conservative play calling.  Other coaches of note are WR coach Mike Suliven, Oline coach Pat Flaherty, Dline Mike Waufle, LB coach Jim Herrman, Secondary coach Peter Giunta and special teams coach Tom Quinn.

Offense:  Smash mouth run first team with big drive blocking linemen and several RB’s to wear down D’s, I believe in the Erhard/Perkins philosophy.  Mostly 2 WR sets, 1 blocking TE, HB and FB.  Not known for stretching the field vertically very often but ball control and field position.

QB:  This is one of the deepest units in the NFL.  Little bro Eli Manning broke the collar of can’t perform in the big game against the Goliath of NFL teams by beating the unbeatable Pats with a drive that rivals those of any in NFL history (even those that took place in Cleveland).  Eli’s numbers looked like:

 When you consider who he was throwing to for the second half of the season these numbers are even more impressive.  He shows a command of the playbook and doesn’t make the head scratching throws very often anymore.  David Carr is a former #1 overall pick and very experienced for a backup and could hold the fort down if Manning was injured.  Fighting for the 3rd spot is Rhett Romar, Andre Woodson (who at one point last year was projected as a first round pick) and Anthony Wright.  Romar is expected to win this battle.

RB:  The Giants RB’s aren’t on paper as good as last year but their running attack should remain a top 5 in 09.  Last year the combination of Earth, Wind and Fire amassed nearly 2500 yards and 18 TD’s.  The monster of the group is the huge Brandon Jacobs who lead the team with 1089 yards and 15 TDs.  The knock on him is he averages only 11 games a year due to his violent running style.  However he is one of the most feared goal line backs in the NFL.  Gone from last year is the speedy Derrick Ward to TB.  His reliever last year, Ahmad Bradshaw, is expected to handle more carries and he did average 5.3 yards per carry last year.  The fans also are really excited about former undrafted RB Danny Ware who was signed off the practice squad last year and his game is speed and more speed.  Also in the mix will be 4th round pick Andre Brown who’s described as a straight ahead power runner who they expect to pick up the slack when Jacobs goes on his customary injury timeout.

FB:  The fullback is Madison Hedgcock and he is the only one listed on the roster.  Not a lot if info available on FB’s but the Giants are a running team so I have to assume he is very good at his job.  Also of note the Giants averaged over 5 yards a carry for all three RB’s last year and that speaks volumes about his ability in addition to the guys in the trenches.

WR:  This is an area of concern.  The Giants season was derailed with the loss of Plaxico Burress.  Additionally Amani Toomer was released and had been the team’s longest tenured WR if not most consistent and holds most Giants WR records.  The starters are penciled in currently as former Bronco Dominick Hixon at split in and Steve Smith at Flanker (no not that one).   The Giants picked Hakeem Nicks in the first round of the draft this year out of N Carolina and his draft bio states he should be an Anquin Boldin type of NFL player but he’s not expected to break into the starting lineup till mid season at the earliest.  A player getting very good attention during minicamp was Micah Rucker who was catching passes at his ankles and has a 6’6 frame (like the departed Burress).  This team also has Sinorice Moss who has excellent speed but hasn’t lived up his 2nd round draft status in three years.  The rest of the WRs include SB hero David Tyree, Mario Manningham and Ramses Barden who’ll be fighting for roster spots.

TE:  A slightly above average unit.  The biggest name is Kevin Boss who was drafted as a blocking TE and is very good at that aspect of the game.  But with injuries to the guys further up the depth chart showed he could catch over the middle passes adequately and is a big reason the dirt eating Shockey was traded two years ago. He’s what Bronco fans are hoping Quinn can become.  Boss is a very good redzone target as he caught 6 TD last year, the most on the team.  Darcy Johnson and Michael Mathews are the other blocking TE’s.  And remembering this is a smash mouth running team that is a highly valued trait in NY.  In the 3rd round this year they drafted a pass catching specialist named Travis Beckum, who was considered a bad college blocker.  The fan boards don’t seem to like the pick as it goes against the Off philosophy and Mark Bravado stereotype preferred in the big apple.

OL:  I believe this is the strength of the offensive.  Oline is the place where teamwork is most important in the ultimate team game and these guys get very little MSM credit as a position.  Some stats to back up how good this unit is.  First the before mentioned 5.0 yards a carry min average of the top 3 RB’s and the team rushed for more yards than any other team in the NFL.  Second this unit only gave up 28 sacks in 519 passing attempts to a not fleet of foot Manning.  These are straight ahead, man vs. man blockers who specialize in run blocking with their huge size but also pass block well.  A great chart is on the Chargers SB site showing sacks per Oline position:

Also note that all of the Oline started every game last season and all should start on opening day.  The backup of note is 2nd round pick William Beatty who they think will need a year or two to develop.  The only question on the line is who will back up OHara as his former backup is no longer on the team.  Adam Koets the team hopes can fill that void.

Defense: 4-3 with press coverage as base.  Counts on front 4 for pressure as not heavy blitz team

DE:  The Giants rely heavily on their front 4 for pressure and these guys get it done.  Combined with the DT this in my opinion is one of the top 3 DL’s (Vikings and Pats) in football.  The edge rushers Justin Tuck and  Mathias Kiwanuka combined for 20 sacks and 118 tackles and that is after starter and line leader Osi Umenyiora went down with a season long injury and some guy named Michael Straham retired from the previous year.  Osi will be back at full strength and this unit will bring the pressure.  The backups of this group play often as coach Waufle believes in a heavy rotation to keep guys fresh enabling them to give full effort for the short time they are in there. They include big free agent from the 3-4 Cowboys Chris Canty to a very large contract.  Minicamp sensation was an undrafted kid out of Penn State named Maurice Evens who is someone to watch.  Also on obvious passing downs the team is known to pull their DT’s and rush 4 DE for a complete speed rush and have had very good success with this trick.  I wouldn’t want to be Romo on 3rd and 8 with Umenyiora, Tuck, Kiwanuka and Canty as the 4 speed rushers looking to crush me.

DT:  The running stuffing part of the Dline.  As noted above the Def finished 8th against the run and the main cogs are Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield with new addition and considered Seattle’s best run stopper last year Rocky Bernard.  Those three are huge men and as good as any three DT on any team.  The backups of note are Jeremy Clark, Jay Alford and Anthony Bryant signed from Miami.   The Giants have adequate depth beyond the great big three but remember they pull the DT on passing downs so depth isn’t a huge concern.

LB:  An above average group.  The star MLB and Def Captain is Antonio Pierce.  Known to be a film junkie and it shows as he is fantastic at diagnosing plays presnap.  He had 95 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries last year.  A common concern I found in reports was Pierces age as fans and pundits worry he wore down at the end of last season and might need a replacement soon who doesn’t appear on the roster.  Danny Clark is a solid OLB who is good at most things but doesn’t really excel in any one area and is challenging for a starting spot.  Michael Boley was signed from Atlanta and had 83 tackles last year and is expected to start at OLB.  He is excellent in pursuit and coverage but not great at the point of attack.  Chase Blackburn is good backup who had 61 tackles last season and will compete to start.  Jonathan Goff provides depth and may challenge for starting spot but has been injury prone. The name to watch is 2nd round pick Clint Sintim who is not expected to start but impressed during minicamp as a pass rusher so much so that they even let him rush from the DE position which they are loaded at.  In a year or two he should be the starting OLB.

CB:  The starters are set with Corey Webster as the #1 and the closest thing to a shut down corner on the team.  He is the veteran of the secondary after only 5 years in the league and had a team high 3 ints last year.   The other starter is Aaron Ross who is a solid #2 and still developing but has a lot of talent.  The team resigned K. Dockery to a one year tender for the nickel spot and T. Thomas is the other holdover backup.  The team drafted late two CB’s, D. Wright and S. Woodson who both have excellent size (5’11)but were shown up in minicamp by undrafted Bruce Johnson who is small but very fast.  Not all of these guys will make the team.  The biggest note on the CB’s is who is gone.  Both Sam Madison and R. W McQuarters are no longer on the team.  While neither started any longer they had 23 years of experienced and all the current guys counted on their knowledge and leadership.  Coach Guinta has a challenge without those guys even though it is a talented overall group.

S:  Young starters Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips are both entering their 3rd years and have to fill the leadership void created when James Butler left for St. Louis.  Johnson makes the secondary calls and is a very solid tackler and coverman.  Phillips has a lot of talent in coverage and mini camps showed he wants to be a leader on D as he was much more vocal to his teammates.  Also signed this offseason was former Texans C.C. Brown who will battle for a starting job but not expected to win.  The rookie to watch is Shar’reff Rashard who impressed the coaches with how quickly he picked up the defense and his athleticism.

Special Teams

P:  Jeff Feagles is a punter who averaged 44 yards per attempt last season.  He’s a punter what could you really want to know?

K:  John Carney and Lawrence Tynes both kicked last year for the Giants.  Carney has been a great NFL kicker but age has caught up to him and thus Tynes will take over this year.  Tynes has an 80% accuracy record and Bronco fans may remember him as the former Chiefs kicker.

Return:  Last year several Giants returned kicks including Hixon, Moss, Bradshaw and RW McQuarters.  With Hixon expected to start and McQuarters no longer with the team and Bradshaw expected to play a bigger offensive role this spot is currently wide open for punts and KO.    Both Bradshaw and Moss will return some this year but expect a younger player to also enter the mix as training camp gets underway in addition to M. Manningham.

09 Preview:  The Giants should compete for a playoff spot even with being in arguably the toughest division in football.  The team signed mostly defensive free agents and drafted primarily offensive talent.  This team is built for ball control and field position on both sides of the ball.  The Giants want to impose their will/strength on opponents and wear them down.  They have a top OLine with decent depth, are solid at QB, and RB.  They only question on offense is will a playmaker emerge at WR where the loss of Plax really hurt the team down the stretch and the only upgrade was in the draft which is not a guarantee.  Defense will be a very tough unit.  The DLine is in my opinion one of the best in football as they pressure the QB without a lot of blitzing LB help and depth is very deep.  The LB’s are a solid and deep group and the secondary while young have all played well in the past.  My prediction is 11-5.