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.
Wednesday, January 27, 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.
Pees out Martindale apears to be in
The coach that many had slated as the next defensive coordinator in Denver Dean Pees was announced as the Linebackers coach for the Ravens today.http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_14270808
The connection to Josh McDaniels through New England was thought to link him to the vacant Denver Broncos defensive coordinator job.
Now it appears that Don Martindale currently the Broncos Linebacker coach is the leading candidate.
The connection to Josh McDaniels through New England was thought to link him to the vacant Denver Broncos defensive coordinator job.
Now it appears that Don Martindale currently the Broncos Linebacker coach is the leading candidate.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday Review
Ok about time I had a good weekend picking. I may have gotten lucky with the Saints but some luck went against me early in the Playoffs. I'll be looking to pick the Super Bowl correctly and end with a 6 and 5 record. I'll post my picks the day before the Super Bowl. Sirius NFL radio is at the Senior Bowl I'll be listening and starting to work the Draft. Tomorrow I'll review the Safties.
The Broncos seem to be committed to converting to the power running style. I know the zone blocking worked so well with Shanahan but I really think that the change suits Knowshon Moreno better and will improve our Red Zone and short yardage running game. Lets be real while the Broncos have ran the ball well between the twenties the Red Zone and short yardage have been terrible.
If the Defense can continue to improve (may be difficult without Mike Nolan) and we become more of a physical team on offense Kyle Orton will be more effective. I think McDaniels will have the passing game working better next season.
Here's to a great off season.
The Broncos seem to be committed to converting to the power running style. I know the zone blocking worked so well with Shanahan but I really think that the change suits Knowshon Moreno better and will improve our Red Zone and short yardage running game. Lets be real while the Broncos have ran the ball well between the twenties the Red Zone and short yardage have been terrible.
If the Defense can continue to improve (may be difficult without Mike Nolan) and we become more of a physical team on offense Kyle Orton will be more effective. I think McDaniels will have the passing game working better next season.
Here's to a great off season.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Conference Championship Weekend
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts- The Jets shocked me last week when they beat San Diego. I shouldn't have underestimated the combination of the NFL's top rushing attack and Defense. When Payton Manning struggles which is rare but when he does it's against 3-4 defense like the Jets. The Colts have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Steelers, Patriots, and Chargers all 3-4 teams. After saying all that I still have to go with Payton Manning and the Colts in this one. The Colts run defense is under rated. The Jets D will be effective but in the end it will be the Colts defense that wins the game. The Colts will score enough to win look for Dallas Clark to have a big game like Gates did last week. Colts win 20-10.
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints- This game is going to be great. I picked against both teams last week. The Saints snapped out of their losing streak and the Vikes took it to the hot Dallas Cowboys. This game will be a shoot out, Favre against Brees. The Vikings have the better defense but the home field advantage and Drew Brees are enough to tip the scales in favor of the Saints 38-31.
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints- This game is going to be great. I picked against both teams last week. The Saints snapped out of their losing streak and the Vikes took it to the hot Dallas Cowboys. This game will be a shoot out, Favre against Brees. The Vikings have the better defense but the home field advantage and Drew Brees are enough to tip the scales in favor of the Saints 38-31.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Defensive Line Break Down
After the 2008 season and amid all the drama with the Shanahan firing, Cutler trade and Brandon Marshall's off field adventures popular opinion was that the defensive front seven would be a focus of the Broncos in the off season. It turns out that while there where plenty of new faces no real impact player was added.
Ronald Fields 6'2" 314 was the starting nose tackle. Starting NT in the 3-4 is more about disruption and taking on blocks to free up the inside linebackers then sacks and tackles. Fields did a fine job primarily at the beginning of the season and was second among Bronco defensive linemen in tackles. I would hope someone a little bigger will step up next year if we are to improve our run defense. Chris Baker or Carlton Powell have a shot.
Ryan McBean 6'5" 297 was a second year starter that had a solid year and will compete to stay in the defensive line rotation.
Kenny Petterson 6'3" 265 7th year player that made some big plays I believe he is the most secure of the starting D linemen to retain his starting role.
Vonnie Holiday 6'5" 285 was second in sacks on the team the 12 year veteran brings experience to otherwise fairly young line and should be back.
Chris Baker 6'2" 329 listed as the 3rd NT in my opinion has the best chance of anyone on the roster to be the dominant nose tackle we need to run the 3-4. Many thought he was the second best nose tackle in the 09 draft perhaps a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Off the field problems forced his transfer from Penn State to Hampton University and dropped him completely out of the draft. Over come the off the field distractions and after one year on the team I look for Chris Baker to be a force on the Broncos front in 2010.
Marcus Thomas 6'3" 316 listed as the second string NT lead the defensive line in tackles. I see Marcus as a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end if Chris Baker improves at NT next year.
LeKevin Smith 6'3" 308, Everette Pedescleaux, and J'Vonne Parker will add depth and compete for a roster spot.
Carlton Powell 6'2" 312 spent his rookie year 2008 on the PUP list after injuring his right achilles tendon. This next year will be his make or break he either catches on with Denver or will likely be a journeyman Defensive Lineman.
Look for the Broncos to get at least 5 new faces to compete for time in the defensive line rotation. Increasing the size is a must to take some heat of the linebackers so they can flow to the ball carrier.
The key may be who is going to be the new defensive coordinator.
Ronald Fields 6'2" 314 was the starting nose tackle. Starting NT in the 3-4 is more about disruption and taking on blocks to free up the inside linebackers then sacks and tackles. Fields did a fine job primarily at the beginning of the season and was second among Bronco defensive linemen in tackles. I would hope someone a little bigger will step up next year if we are to improve our run defense. Chris Baker or Carlton Powell have a shot.
Ryan McBean 6'5" 297 was a second year starter that had a solid year and will compete to stay in the defensive line rotation.
Kenny Petterson 6'3" 265 7th year player that made some big plays I believe he is the most secure of the starting D linemen to retain his starting role.
Vonnie Holiday 6'5" 285 was second in sacks on the team the 12 year veteran brings experience to otherwise fairly young line and should be back.
Chris Baker 6'2" 329 listed as the 3rd NT in my opinion has the best chance of anyone on the roster to be the dominant nose tackle we need to run the 3-4. Many thought he was the second best nose tackle in the 09 draft perhaps a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Off the field problems forced his transfer from Penn State to Hampton University and dropped him completely out of the draft. Over come the off the field distractions and after one year on the team I look for Chris Baker to be a force on the Broncos front in 2010.
Marcus Thomas 6'3" 316 listed as the second string NT lead the defensive line in tackles. I see Marcus as a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end if Chris Baker improves at NT next year.
LeKevin Smith 6'3" 308, Everette Pedescleaux, and J'Vonne Parker will add depth and compete for a roster spot.
Carlton Powell 6'2" 312 spent his rookie year 2008 on the PUP list after injuring his right achilles tendon. This next year will be his make or break he either catches on with Denver or will likely be a journeyman Defensive Lineman.
Look for the Broncos to get at least 5 new faces to compete for time in the defensive line rotation. Increasing the size is a must to take some heat of the linebackers so they can flow to the ball carrier.
The key may be who is going to be the new defensive coordinator.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Offensive Line Review
To me the offensive line was disappointing this past year. We are set at Tackle as long as Ryan Harris can return healthy next year. Up the middle tough we struggled.
It appears that Josh McDaniels will be changing from the zone blocking style that was so successful under Mike Shanahan. While I hate to see the ZBS move one it doesn't fit the McDaniels offense. My hope is that by switching to the power blocking we can have a more effective running game in the red zone and I really think it will fit Knowshon Moreno's style better. I'll take a look at the offensive lineman on the roster and make some predictions as to what the Broncos will do as far as the O-line. In general the Broncos will be getting larger on the O-line and and moving away from the smaller more athletic lineman that are required in the ZBS.
Ryan Clady LT- Not much to say he is headed to the Pro Bowl. He was not as dominant as last year but that can be said of the entire offense. Clady is a unique blend of size and athleticism making him effective at both pass and run blocking. He has the size(6'6 325) and has shown that he should be a corner post of the Denver Broncos and should be locked to a long term contract as soon as possible most likely after next season.
Ryan Harris RT- As mentioned earrlier the tackles did well last year. Harris ended the year on IR (toe) and may not be available for all off season activities. At 6'5 300 he should fit McDaniels offense and if health can be relied upon to hold down right tackle.
Ben Hamilton LG - 6'4 290 the 9 year vet will be moving on to a team that zone blocks (Houston, Seattle, Washington). I will miss Hamilton but the move to larger linemen makes him expendable.
Casey Wiegaman C - 6'2 285 again this 14 year vet isn't big enough to fit the system and will be gone next year altough he started all 16 games.
Chris Kuper RG- 6-4 302 Kuper a 4 year vet is a restricted free agent if there is no labor agreement and should stay in Denver I think McDaniels would like a bigger guard but Kuper did a good job.
Tyler Polumbus T- 6-8 310 took over for Harris after his injury and did a fair job as a backup will likely remain the top backup tackle on the roster as McDaniels beefs up the inside trio.
Russ Hochstien G- 6'4 305. Was in New England with McDaniels and replaced Hamilton at left guard until he was placed on the IR. Should be back to compete for the left guard next year.
Seth Olsen G/T- 6-6 305 has experience in college at both guard and tackle. Much to plodding to be effective pulling. Is naturally big and a powerful run blocker. Will eb a long shot to play much but should make roster for depth.
Brandon Gorin T- 6'6 307 another form Pat started 23 games from 2003-2005. Will add experienced depth if he makes the roster.
D'Anthony Batistle T- 6'4 314 4 year vet on practice squad is unlikely to make an impact next year.
Mitch Erickson G-6'6 290 will be a victim of the up sizing O line.
Matt McChesney G at 333 fits the increase in size but at this point nothing but training camp fodder.
Dustin Fry C 326 huge center another example of the increased size intriguing to me because of the size at center.
I believe that there will be many interior lineman brought in from free agency and later in the draft to compete for left guard and center during training camp and the pre season.
Here is hoping that increased size will increase the up the middle running capability of the Broncos. The offensive line should be an overpowering group next year.
It appears that Josh McDaniels will be changing from the zone blocking style that was so successful under Mike Shanahan. While I hate to see the ZBS move one it doesn't fit the McDaniels offense. My hope is that by switching to the power blocking we can have a more effective running game in the red zone and I really think it will fit Knowshon Moreno's style better. I'll take a look at the offensive lineman on the roster and make some predictions as to what the Broncos will do as far as the O-line. In general the Broncos will be getting larger on the O-line and and moving away from the smaller more athletic lineman that are required in the ZBS.
Ryan Clady LT- Not much to say he is headed to the Pro Bowl. He was not as dominant as last year but that can be said of the entire offense. Clady is a unique blend of size and athleticism making him effective at both pass and run blocking. He has the size(6'6 325) and has shown that he should be a corner post of the Denver Broncos and should be locked to a long term contract as soon as possible most likely after next season.
Ryan Harris RT- As mentioned earrlier the tackles did well last year. Harris ended the year on IR (toe) and may not be available for all off season activities. At 6'5 300 he should fit McDaniels offense and if health can be relied upon to hold down right tackle.
Ben Hamilton LG - 6'4 290 the 9 year vet will be moving on to a team that zone blocks (Houston, Seattle, Washington). I will miss Hamilton but the move to larger linemen makes him expendable.
Casey Wiegaman C - 6'2 285 again this 14 year vet isn't big enough to fit the system and will be gone next year altough he started all 16 games.
Chris Kuper RG- 6-4 302 Kuper a 4 year vet is a restricted free agent if there is no labor agreement and should stay in Denver I think McDaniels would like a bigger guard but Kuper did a good job.
Tyler Polumbus T- 6-8 310 took over for Harris after his injury and did a fair job as a backup will likely remain the top backup tackle on the roster as McDaniels beefs up the inside trio.
Russ Hochstien G- 6'4 305. Was in New England with McDaniels and replaced Hamilton at left guard until he was placed on the IR. Should be back to compete for the left guard next year.
Seth Olsen G/T- 6-6 305 has experience in college at both guard and tackle. Much to plodding to be effective pulling. Is naturally big and a powerful run blocker. Will eb a long shot to play much but should make roster for depth.
Brandon Gorin T- 6'6 307 another form Pat started 23 games from 2003-2005. Will add experienced depth if he makes the roster.
D'Anthony Batistle T- 6'4 314 4 year vet on practice squad is unlikely to make an impact next year.
Mitch Erickson G-6'6 290 will be a victim of the up sizing O line.
Matt McChesney G at 333 fits the increase in size but at this point nothing but training camp fodder.
Dustin Fry C 326 huge center another example of the increased size intriguing to me because of the size at center.
I believe that there will be many interior lineman brought in from free agency and later in the draft to compete for left guard and center during training camp and the pre season.
Here is hoping that increased size will increase the up the middle running capability of the Broncos. The offensive line should be an overpowering group next year.
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