Saturday, February 6, 2010
SUPER BOWL
Ok I've put it off as long as I can here is my Super Bowl Pick: The Saints are a great story no doubt and have statistically the best offense in the league. Their defense is a very aggressive one that has caused allot of turnovers. I don't think Peyton Manning will turn the ball over and that will make the difference. Dwight Freeney being out or even if he plays he won't be himself will result in Drew Brees having enough time to get the ball down field and test the Colts cornerbacks. This is going to be a shoot out the Colts win 38-36.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tight Ends
Tight End has been a productive position for the Broncos for as long as I've been watching them. Of course most of that time it was Shanon Sharpe at Tight End. We had a good combination at Tight End this year but it seems as though the combo is going to be broken up.
Daniel Graham 6-3 257 8th year. Since Graham's arrival from New England in 2007 he has been a top notch blocker although he did get called for holding more frequently this past year. Graham is under rated in the passing game he has good hands and runs with power and determination after the catch. I full expect Daniel to be the Broncos starting Tight End in 2010 and a very good one that should get more catches.
Tony Scheffler 6-5 225 4th year. Tony seems to be on coach McDaniels bad side and will be gone either by trade or he will sign with another team in which case we should get a minimum of a second round pick. Schef has been a very good receiving Tight End particularly down field he lead all Tight Ends in yards per catch in 2008.
Richard Quinn 6-4 255 Rookie. Quin was selected in the second round last year and made little contribution to the offense. Quinn was able to make some contributions on special teams most notably breaking up a fake punt at Kansas City. Coming out of college Quinn was considered an excellent blocking Tight End. I believe that McDaniels plans to use the Tight End less as a receiving option and more as an extra blocker and with Graham and Quinn he has two excellent blockers to get the job done.
The loss of Scheffler will open a roster spot for another Tight End. I hope McDaniels tries to find a pass catching Tight End late in the Draft or a College free agent to groom and to compliment the two blocking Tight Ends.
Daniel Graham 6-3 257 8th year. Since Graham's arrival from New England in 2007 he has been a top notch blocker although he did get called for holding more frequently this past year. Graham is under rated in the passing game he has good hands and runs with power and determination after the catch. I full expect Daniel to be the Broncos starting Tight End in 2010 and a very good one that should get more catches.
Tony Scheffler 6-5 225 4th year. Tony seems to be on coach McDaniels bad side and will be gone either by trade or he will sign with another team in which case we should get a minimum of a second round pick. Schef has been a very good receiving Tight End particularly down field he lead all Tight Ends in yards per catch in 2008.
Richard Quinn 6-4 255 Rookie. Quin was selected in the second round last year and made little contribution to the offense. Quinn was able to make some contributions on special teams most notably breaking up a fake punt at Kansas City. Coming out of college Quinn was considered an excellent blocking Tight End. I believe that McDaniels plans to use the Tight End less as a receiving option and more as an extra blocker and with Graham and Quinn he has two excellent blockers to get the job done.
The loss of Scheffler will open a roster spot for another Tight End. I hope McDaniels tries to find a pass catching Tight End late in the Draft or a College free agent to groom and to compliment the two blocking Tight Ends.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
QB review
Much has been made of Jay Cutler leaving town and the play of Kyle Orton. Like it or not we are stuck with Orton for at least one more year and no matter how good or bad Cutler plays in Chicago he will not be coming back so lets just move on already.
Kyle Orton 6-4 225 5th year. Orton is just a little better player than a game manager at this point in his career. He was able to post a 21-12 record as starter for the Bears 15-2 at home but doesn't play like the elite quarterbacks in the league and show the ability to bring his team back. Rather his strong suit is to make smart plays and not turn the ball over. To be effective Orton needs a great defense. I'm all for the Denver D to become dominant again like the Orange Crush days but I would like little better QB to go with that D. One more year in the McDaniels offense will be enough for me to determine if Orton can cut it. We should draft another QB to compete and or be groomed to be the starter.
Chris Simms 6-4 230 7th year. Simms had some fans calling for him to start over Orton at the beginning of the season based on pre-season performance. But when Orton got hurt in the Redskins game we all saw that McDaniels was making the right call at QB. Simms played poor enough that I can not see him returning to the Broncos or another NFL team.
Tom Brandstater 6-5 223 Rookie. Drafted as a project by McDaniels there is really no way to know how his development went. Was regarded as an intelligent QB without all the physical skills coming out of the draft. He has a football head and should know the system next season enough to be a functional 2nd string. I doubt that he would challenge Orton but it would be great if he has developed that well. I look for him to be #2 QB in 2010 unless he hasn't developed as much as I think he has. It's hard to tell as he hasn't played at all in the regular season.
I would not be surprised if McDaniels drafted a QB in the second round if one dropped to him that he likes. Colt McCoy comes to mind as a possibility. If he does it will be a sure sign that he feels(as I do) that Orton isn't the future and Brandstater isn't developing as fast as he thought. It's likely that they would draft a QB in the later round even if he is happy with Orton and Brandstater. I hope that the Broncs don't sign a veteran back up I feel they should be developing a future starter or at least trying to.
Kyle Orton 6-4 225 5th year. Orton is just a little better player than a game manager at this point in his career. He was able to post a 21-12 record as starter for the Bears 15-2 at home but doesn't play like the elite quarterbacks in the league and show the ability to bring his team back. Rather his strong suit is to make smart plays and not turn the ball over. To be effective Orton needs a great defense. I'm all for the Denver D to become dominant again like the Orange Crush days but I would like little better QB to go with that D. One more year in the McDaniels offense will be enough for me to determine if Orton can cut it. We should draft another QB to compete and or be groomed to be the starter.
Chris Simms 6-4 230 7th year. Simms had some fans calling for him to start over Orton at the beginning of the season based on pre-season performance. But when Orton got hurt in the Redskins game we all saw that McDaniels was making the right call at QB. Simms played poor enough that I can not see him returning to the Broncos or another NFL team.
Tom Brandstater 6-5 223 Rookie. Drafted as a project by McDaniels there is really no way to know how his development went. Was regarded as an intelligent QB without all the physical skills coming out of the draft. He has a football head and should know the system next season enough to be a functional 2nd string. I doubt that he would challenge Orton but it would be great if he has developed that well. I look for him to be #2 QB in 2010 unless he hasn't developed as much as I think he has. It's hard to tell as he hasn't played at all in the regular season.
I would not be surprised if McDaniels drafted a QB in the second round if one dropped to him that he likes. Colt McCoy comes to mind as a possibility. If he does it will be a sure sign that he feels(as I do) that Orton isn't the future and Brandstater isn't developing as fast as he thought. It's likely that they would draft a QB in the later round even if he is happy with Orton and Brandstater. I hope that the Broncs don't sign a veteran back up I feel they should be developing a future starter or at least trying to.
Monday, February 1, 2010
A look at the Wideouts of 2009
One area whether Brandon Marshall is a Bronco in 2010 or not the Broncos need to address in the post season. I agree that if he is gone Denver should select Dez Bryant with the 10th or 11th pick (its still up to a coin flip) in the draft if he is available. Lets look at the wideouts on the roster.
Brandon Marshall 6-4 230 4th year. Brandon Marshall is nothing short of a beast and can start for any team. Clearly a top 5 receiver over the past 3 years. Marshall has had off the field issues between him and his ex-girl friend, some driving issues, attitude during training camp, and in general doesn't seem to get along with new head coach Josh McDaniels. It seems to be the popular belief that Marshall will not be playing in Denver next season. I still have hope that he will return but if he doesn't we should get a first and third round draft pick in compensation for the restricted free agent. I'd use the our 1st, 1st rounder on Dez Bryant who has a chance to at least rival Marshall.
Eddie Royal 5-10 180 2nd year. Eddie's numbers went down significantly in his second year as did many of the Shanahan hold overs. I don't think it was that he had trouble learning the offense either. He learned the system to quickly under Shanahan. He has the skills to be a player like Wes Welker not Wes Welker but a similar player in McDaniels system. I'm counting on Eddie to be a starter next season.
Jabar Gaffney 6-2 200 8th year. Gaffney was second on the team in receptions and yards receiving and had the best pro season of his career. Gaffney was brought in due to his familiarity with McDaniels offense and was successful. Gaffney will be back and get plenty of playing time maybe even start. McDaniles likes 3 wide receiver sets.
Brandon Loyd 6-0 194 7th year. Brandon Loyd has made some incredible catches in his career. I have always liked him and his potential which he has not lived up to. Loyd was inactive for Denver's first 14 games but played in the last two starting one. He had 8 catches for 117 yards in those two games. i fully expect Mr. Loyd to be a productive member of the Broncos receiving corps in 2010.
Brandon Stokley 6-0 192 11th year. Mike Shanahan called him the best slot receiver he has ever seen. I'm of the opinion that McDaniles thinks Wes Welker is better and he probably is but to earn the praise of Shanahan, Stokley is a great receiver. Stokley had his moments but but was not what he was a year ago and I'd be shocked to see him playing for Denver next season. The Redskins are not out of the question though.
Kenny McKinley 6-0 183 Rookie. Kenny was called the best wide receiver I have ever coached by Steve Spurrier. McKinley's only contribution last year was on special teams. Look for McKinley to be back on the roster in 2010 and compete for more playing time at wide out next season.
The Broncos need to sign at least 2 wideouts during the off season 3 if Marshall is gone. The wideout isn't a weak position but some youth and depth needs to be added though.
Brandon Marshall 6-4 230 4th year. Brandon Marshall is nothing short of a beast and can start for any team. Clearly a top 5 receiver over the past 3 years. Marshall has had off the field issues between him and his ex-girl friend, some driving issues, attitude during training camp, and in general doesn't seem to get along with new head coach Josh McDaniels. It seems to be the popular belief that Marshall will not be playing in Denver next season. I still have hope that he will return but if he doesn't we should get a first and third round draft pick in compensation for the restricted free agent. I'd use the our 1st, 1st rounder on Dez Bryant who has a chance to at least rival Marshall.
Eddie Royal 5-10 180 2nd year. Eddie's numbers went down significantly in his second year as did many of the Shanahan hold overs. I don't think it was that he had trouble learning the offense either. He learned the system to quickly under Shanahan. He has the skills to be a player like Wes Welker not Wes Welker but a similar player in McDaniels system. I'm counting on Eddie to be a starter next season.
Jabar Gaffney 6-2 200 8th year. Gaffney was second on the team in receptions and yards receiving and had the best pro season of his career. Gaffney was brought in due to his familiarity with McDaniels offense and was successful. Gaffney will be back and get plenty of playing time maybe even start. McDaniles likes 3 wide receiver sets.
Brandon Loyd 6-0 194 7th year. Brandon Loyd has made some incredible catches in his career. I have always liked him and his potential which he has not lived up to. Loyd was inactive for Denver's first 14 games but played in the last two starting one. He had 8 catches for 117 yards in those two games. i fully expect Mr. Loyd to be a productive member of the Broncos receiving corps in 2010.
Brandon Stokley 6-0 192 11th year. Mike Shanahan called him the best slot receiver he has ever seen. I'm of the opinion that McDaniles thinks Wes Welker is better and he probably is but to earn the praise of Shanahan, Stokley is a great receiver. Stokley had his moments but but was not what he was a year ago and I'd be shocked to see him playing for Denver next season. The Redskins are not out of the question though.
Kenny McKinley 6-0 183 Rookie. Kenny was called the best wide receiver I have ever coached by Steve Spurrier. McKinley's only contribution last year was on special teams. Look for McKinley to be back on the roster in 2010 and compete for more playing time at wide out next season.
The Broncos need to sign at least 2 wideouts during the off season 3 if Marshall is gone. The wideout isn't a weak position but some youth and depth needs to be added though.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Senior Bowl Impressions
It's to early to make any real draft projections, but I would like to talk about my impression of the Senior Bowl and what the Broncos need in the draft this year. If Brandon Marshall is traded or signs as a restricted free agent we will have to address wideout but we will have more picks to address that if we have too. I'm only talking Senior Bowl participants and there are allot of Juniors coming out that will effect the draft.
One need that can be addressed at some point is the Nose Tackle. To run an effective 3-4 a large run stuffing Nose Tackle is a must.
Terrence Cody fits the bill as a run stuffing big guy. If he is available in the second round when Denver picks we would be an excellent choice. He will be a first and second down guy and doesn't have any pass rush at all but in the 3-4 all he needs to do is eat up blocks and stop the run.
Dan Wilkenson is a more well rounded (sorry Cody is more round) a better all around DT but is expected by many to go in the first round.
We need to upgrade with bigger interior Offensive Lineman. John Jerry stood out to me he is huge and handled everyone he was up against his stock is on the rise but he looks to be a 4-5 round pick.
Dexter Mccluster is small but quick and fast he can play WR or RB. He looks to go in the second and there is some risk but I believe he can come in and make lays like Desaun Jackson of the Eagles.
LagGaret Blount is interesting to me if available in the 6th round. I would like to see his 40 at the combine but he looked fast enough on the TD he scored in the Senior Bowl. His anger management may be an issue that will keep him from going higher then that but you never know how much someone likes him and would take a reach.
Brandon Graham looked great but I'm counting on Robert Ayers to play the other OLB opposite Elvis next year.
I'm working on the rest of the Draft and will give my feed during and after the combine. We will know what is going on with Brandon Marshall in March. Dez Bryant with the 10 or 11 if Brandon is playing some where else.
One need that can be addressed at some point is the Nose Tackle. To run an effective 3-4 a large run stuffing Nose Tackle is a must.
Terrence Cody fits the bill as a run stuffing big guy. If he is available in the second round when Denver picks we would be an excellent choice. He will be a first and second down guy and doesn't have any pass rush at all but in the 3-4 all he needs to do is eat up blocks and stop the run.
Dan Wilkenson is a more well rounded (sorry Cody is more round) a better all around DT but is expected by many to go in the first round.
We need to upgrade with bigger interior Offensive Lineman. John Jerry stood out to me he is huge and handled everyone he was up against his stock is on the rise but he looks to be a 4-5 round pick.
Dexter Mccluster is small but quick and fast he can play WR or RB. He looks to go in the second and there is some risk but I believe he can come in and make lays like Desaun Jackson of the Eagles.
LagGaret Blount is interesting to me if available in the 6th round. I would like to see his 40 at the combine but he looked fast enough on the TD he scored in the Senior Bowl. His anger management may be an issue that will keep him from going higher then that but you never know how much someone likes him and would take a reach.
Brandon Graham looked great but I'm counting on Robert Ayers to play the other OLB opposite Elvis next year.
I'm working on the rest of the Draft and will give my feed during and after the combine. We will know what is going on with Brandon Marshall in March. Dez Bryant with the 10 or 11 if Brandon is playing some where else.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Cornerbacks of 2009
Everyone knows Champ Bailey is a stud corner but what about the rest of the CB's.
Champ Bailey 6-0 192 11 year vet. Champ hasn't showed any signs of slowing down and was named to his 9th Prow Bowl. Voted Team Captain his work ethic and veteran leadership where vital in the Broncos finishing 7th in overall defense in 2009. I'm a huge Bailey fan but he will eventually loose a step and will not be the shutdown corner he has been. Some more young corners to learn from him should be brought in.
Andre Goodman 5-10 184 8 year vet. Goodman came over from Miami along with safety Renaldo Hill and played extremely well. It isn't easy to be the corner on the other side of Champ Bailey. Lead the club with 5 picks and 15 passes defensed. Should start next to Bailey in 2010 although McDaniles would like to see Alphonso Smith push him in training camp after trading a 2010 1st round pick to move up in the second round of 2009 to get him.
Alphonso Smith 5-9 190 Rookie. McDaniels and the Broncos rated him out as 1st round talent last year and moved up to draft him. Some fans have been very critical of him this year an I would like him to be taller but he has had his moments and will develop into a starter maybe when Bailey is done.
Tony Carter 5-9 175 Rookie. Carter was signed as a free agent and spent the first 14 games of 2009 on the practice squad. Was on the active roster for the final 2 games of the season and even started in front of Smith one game. Undersized but must have showed the Broncos more then Smith to start a game should be in on dime packages at a minimum in 2010.
Ty Law 5-10 200 15 year vet. Law was brought in and played right away mid season. Josh McDaniels continued to show his desire to sign ex-Partiot players. I don't see Law playing in Denver in 2010 and if he is I'll be concerned about our cornerbacks.
Rashod Moulton 5-11 184. Moulton spent the entire season on the practice squad for Jacksonville in 2007 and was out of football in 2008. Finished 2009 on the Broncos practice squad. Not much to say except the practice squad is best at developing lineman offensive and defensive not corners who usually have athletic skills and learn technique on the active roster.
I could see the Broncos using a 3rd or later draft pick on a corner depending on who is available when they draft in 2010. They will have time to develop behind Goodman and Bailey.
Champ Bailey 6-0 192 11 year vet. Champ hasn't showed any signs of slowing down and was named to his 9th Prow Bowl. Voted Team Captain his work ethic and veteran leadership where vital in the Broncos finishing 7th in overall defense in 2009. I'm a huge Bailey fan but he will eventually loose a step and will not be the shutdown corner he has been. Some more young corners to learn from him should be brought in.
Andre Goodman 5-10 184 8 year vet. Goodman came over from Miami along with safety Renaldo Hill and played extremely well. It isn't easy to be the corner on the other side of Champ Bailey. Lead the club with 5 picks and 15 passes defensed. Should start next to Bailey in 2010 although McDaniles would like to see Alphonso Smith push him in training camp after trading a 2010 1st round pick to move up in the second round of 2009 to get him.
Alphonso Smith 5-9 190 Rookie. McDaniels and the Broncos rated him out as 1st round talent last year and moved up to draft him. Some fans have been very critical of him this year an I would like him to be taller but he has had his moments and will develop into a starter maybe when Bailey is done.
Tony Carter 5-9 175 Rookie. Carter was signed as a free agent and spent the first 14 games of 2009 on the practice squad. Was on the active roster for the final 2 games of the season and even started in front of Smith one game. Undersized but must have showed the Broncos more then Smith to start a game should be in on dime packages at a minimum in 2010.
Ty Law 5-10 200 15 year vet. Law was brought in and played right away mid season. Josh McDaniels continued to show his desire to sign ex-Partiot players. I don't see Law playing in Denver in 2010 and if he is I'll be concerned about our cornerbacks.
Rashod Moulton 5-11 184. Moulton spent the entire season on the practice squad for Jacksonville in 2007 and was out of football in 2008. Finished 2009 on the Broncos practice squad. Not much to say except the practice squad is best at developing lineman offensive and defensive not corners who usually have athletic skills and learn technique on the active roster.
I could see the Broncos using a 3rd or later draft pick on a corner depending on who is available when they draft in 2010. They will have time to develop behind Goodman and Bailey.
Jokers Wild Don"Wink" Martindale named Defensive Coordinator
As expected Don "Wink" Martindale was named Defensive Coordinator today. Josh McDaniels stated the defensive scheme will remain the same. We will miss Mike Nolan but Martindale appears to have the experience to keep Denvers defense improving. http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=9822
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