Showing posts with label denver broncos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label denver broncos. Show all posts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A look at the Running Backs
Running backs where interchangeable under Mike Shanahan. The zone blocking scheme was awesome at producing 1000 yard rushers. It didn't seem to matter who it was carrying the ball.
Josh McDaniels had made it clear that zone blocking will be gone and the offensive line will become bigger and stronger next year. My first reaction was "why change something that has worked so well?" But after thinking about it for a while, the zone blocking scheme was not all that effective on short yardage situations, goal line or not. So why not let McDaniels make the switch and see if a more physical running game can improve our Red Zone offense.
Knowshon Moreno 5-11 210 Rookie- Knowshon would benefit from the power running attack. He is a tough inside runner that continues to fight for extra yards. The extra effort resulted in to many fumbles. Moreno is also a good receiver out of the backfield but needs to become more adept at picking up blitzes. I'm sure Bobby Turner moving on to the Redskins will hurt but Knowshon is a hard worker with a positive attitude and will be an even better overall running back next year maybe even silencing some of his critics.
Correll Buckhalter 6-0 223 9 year vet. Buckhalter has had an injury riddled career an fought nagging injuries all year long. Correll went into the season as the starter but gave way to Moreno mid way through the season. His numbers looked better the Knowshon's as he had a higher yards per carry. I believe the zone blocking implemented by the Broncos offensive line was better suited to Buckhalters running style. Most of his effective runs started out off tackle and then one cut up field. His experience and talent will allow Denver to have a great 1-2 punch at Running Back in 2010.
Peyton Hillis 6-1 240 2nd year. Hillis was a fan favorite after becoming the starting RB in a season in which the Broncos' back field but 6 backs on the IR. Peyton was slow to pick up what McDaniels was putting out for the offense or just doesn't fit into Josh's plans at any rate Hillis will become a welcome addition to a team that needs a good all around fullback that can play tailback and has great hands. I wish the young man luck unless he is going against the Broncos.
Spencer Larsen 6-2 243 2nd year. Larsen drew allot of attention for playing both ways last year but even though I like the story and love a guy who works as hard as he does he just isn't good enough at fullback or Linebacker to play much full time but his versatility may land him a job.
LaMont Jordan 5-10 242 9 year vet. Jordan didn't get much playing time and I would be surprised to see him back in Denver next year despite McDaniles love of former Patriots.
The Broncos must become more consistent at running the ball in 2010. In 09 when they ran well they won or were in games. Lets hope the power running game brings consistency and more short yardage success in 2010.
Josh McDaniels had made it clear that zone blocking will be gone and the offensive line will become bigger and stronger next year. My first reaction was "why change something that has worked so well?" But after thinking about it for a while, the zone blocking scheme was not all that effective on short yardage situations, goal line or not. So why not let McDaniels make the switch and see if a more physical running game can improve our Red Zone offense.
Knowshon Moreno 5-11 210 Rookie- Knowshon would benefit from the power running attack. He is a tough inside runner that continues to fight for extra yards. The extra effort resulted in to many fumbles. Moreno is also a good receiver out of the backfield but needs to become more adept at picking up blitzes. I'm sure Bobby Turner moving on to the Redskins will hurt but Knowshon is a hard worker with a positive attitude and will be an even better overall running back next year maybe even silencing some of his critics.
Correll Buckhalter 6-0 223 9 year vet. Buckhalter has had an injury riddled career an fought nagging injuries all year long. Correll went into the season as the starter but gave way to Moreno mid way through the season. His numbers looked better the Knowshon's as he had a higher yards per carry. I believe the zone blocking implemented by the Broncos offensive line was better suited to Buckhalters running style. Most of his effective runs started out off tackle and then one cut up field. His experience and talent will allow Denver to have a great 1-2 punch at Running Back in 2010.
Peyton Hillis 6-1 240 2nd year. Hillis was a fan favorite after becoming the starting RB in a season in which the Broncos' back field but 6 backs on the IR. Peyton was slow to pick up what McDaniels was putting out for the offense or just doesn't fit into Josh's plans at any rate Hillis will become a welcome addition to a team that needs a good all around fullback that can play tailback and has great hands. I wish the young man luck unless he is going against the Broncos.
Spencer Larsen 6-2 243 2nd year. Larsen drew allot of attention for playing both ways last year but even though I like the story and love a guy who works as hard as he does he just isn't good enough at fullback or Linebacker to play much full time but his versatility may land him a job.
LaMont Jordan 5-10 242 9 year vet. Jordan didn't get much playing time and I would be surprised to see him back in Denver next year despite McDaniles love of former Patriots.
The Broncos must become more consistent at running the ball in 2010. In 09 when they ran well they won or were in games. Lets hope the power running game brings consistency and more short yardage success in 2010.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Review of the Safety Play
Denver's Safety play was greatly improved over last year. In 2008 the safety play was the weakness of a bad Defense. Josh McDaniels went to the free agent market and was able to hit a homer run with veterans Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill. The development of Josh Barrett, David Bruton, and Darcel McBath makes the position appear a team strenght going into 2010.
Brian Dawkins- 6-0 210 14 year vet. Brian Dawkins exceeded the high expectations that Bronco fans had and was the inspirational leader of an over achieving defensive unit. The hard hitting safety was voted Team Captain and finished second on the team in tackles with 116. Brian may be in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career but he showed no signs of slowing down and was an inspiring leader on the defense.
Renaldo Hill- 5-11 205 9 year vet. Renaldo Hill played a solid safety for the Broncos in 2009. His experience as a corner allowed him to complement Dawkins run stopping and blitzing abilities. Darcel McBath will challenge Hill for playing time in 2010.
Josh Barrett- 6-2 2252nd year. Good combination of size and speed spent first 11 weeks of his rookie season on the practice squad but started the final three games. Josh was a special teams stand out in 2009 finishing seventh on the team in special teams tackles. I look for Barrett to develop under Dawkins enough that he may be able to step in when Dawkins retires.
Darcel McBath- 6-1 198 Rookie. Darcel was able to make an impact on special teams right away and led the team in special teams tackles. Got some significant playing time as the season progressed. Like Hill he has experience at corner that is a big plus for a free safety. I really see McBath starting at safety next to Dawkins before the end of next year maybe even at the start of next season. Finished the season on IR with a broken forearm.
David Bruton- 6-2 211 Rookie. David was also an impact player on special teams and started one game, against the Raiders. Could also push to step in for Dawkins but I like Barrett's size and hope he develops faster. That said Bruton can be a starter in the NFL at safety and isn't as raw as Barrett.
Vernon Fox- 5-10 206 8 year vet. Vernon was cut by the Broncos after training camp in 2009 but was resigned after Dacel McBath broke his forearm. I would expect the Broncos to replace Fox in camp with a late round pick or free agent next year.
I think the safety position was one of best things Josh McDaniels did last year Dawkins was great and Hill was also very strong. Two rookies came in and contributed on special teams and have a chance to develop into starters. I think the roster is set at safety position and not much will change at this position in the off season perhaps some free agents or a late round pick to come in and compete for a roster spot.
Brian Dawkins- 6-0 210 14 year vet. Brian Dawkins exceeded the high expectations that Bronco fans had and was the inspirational leader of an over achieving defensive unit. The hard hitting safety was voted Team Captain and finished second on the team in tackles with 116. Brian may be in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career but he showed no signs of slowing down and was an inspiring leader on the defense.
Renaldo Hill- 5-11 205 9 year vet. Renaldo Hill played a solid safety for the Broncos in 2009. His experience as a corner allowed him to complement Dawkins run stopping and blitzing abilities. Darcel McBath will challenge Hill for playing time in 2010.
Josh Barrett- 6-2 2252nd year. Good combination of size and speed spent first 11 weeks of his rookie season on the practice squad but started the final three games. Josh was a special teams stand out in 2009 finishing seventh on the team in special teams tackles. I look for Barrett to develop under Dawkins enough that he may be able to step in when Dawkins retires.
Darcel McBath- 6-1 198 Rookie. Darcel was able to make an impact on special teams right away and led the team in special teams tackles. Got some significant playing time as the season progressed. Like Hill he has experience at corner that is a big plus for a free safety. I really see McBath starting at safety next to Dawkins before the end of next year maybe even at the start of next season. Finished the season on IR with a broken forearm.
David Bruton- 6-2 211 Rookie. David was also an impact player on special teams and started one game, against the Raiders. Could also push to step in for Dawkins but I like Barrett's size and hope he develops faster. That said Bruton can be a starter in the NFL at safety and isn't as raw as Barrett.
Vernon Fox- 5-10 206 8 year vet. Vernon was cut by the Broncos after training camp in 2009 but was resigned after Dacel McBath broke his forearm. I would expect the Broncos to replace Fox in camp with a late round pick or free agent next year.
I think the safety position was one of best things Josh McDaniels did last year Dawkins was great and Hill was also very strong. Two rookies came in and contributed on special teams and have a chance to develop into starters. I think the roster is set at safety position and not much will change at this position in the off season perhaps some free agents or a late round pick to come in and compete for a roster spot.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Josh McDaniels I'll give him a chance
It seems the most popular topic in Bronco land post season is if the Josh McDaniels hire was good or bad. The fact is it's to early to tell. McDaniels does deserve another couple of years to get a implement his players and system. The comparisons to Shanahan are pre-mature. there is no way anyone can say with any certainty how this is going to work out. I enjoy reading others opinions and I have my own but in the end we should be thankful for the success we had during the Shanahan years and hopeful for the future with McDaniels.
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