The Case for Eddie Lacy

Eddie Lacy may be the key to a Super Bowl win for the Broncos.

There’s 2 prevailing theories come draft day, the first and most predominate for most teams is drafting the best player available. The second is drafting by position. The Broncos should consider drafting by position this season because in my mind without better players at key positions they won’t make the big jump in the playoffs or the Super Bowl. The need for better defensive players is critical for the Broncos, but I think they need to go RB or CB first in the 2013 NFL Draft. Conventional wisdom says draft the best available but is that true this year?

If the Broncos are depending on Willis McGahee to get through a 16 game season and the playoffs they're making a big mistake. McGahee has been one of the great comeback warrior stories in the NFL. The brutal knee injury he had before he came into the NFL was as bad as any ever and at 31 years old, that’s ancient considering his knee. 

As a recent interview with John Elway indicates Knowshon Moreno is the #3 RB behind Ronnie Hillman. So if Hillman is the Broncos primary backup the Broncos can't expect to go deep in the playoffs with him as the starter should McGahee hail out. Elway says he'll draft for immediate impact but I can't believe that a RB wouldn't be high on the list. Maybe the Broncos are looking to trade Moreno and/or pick up a RB in free agency but I’m convinced that depending on McGahee to remain healthy come playoff time is a risky proposition.

The O is in good shape except at RB. They’ll score points but in crunch time they’re going to need a good tough between the tackles, 3rd & short and a goal line RB late in the season.

The Broncos need added depth at DB, DL and LB. The DB situation is far from settled. Champ Bailey is not the same CB he was in his prime, the last 2 years his speed and coverage skills have started to erode. They should move him to Safety and look for a speedy young cover guy to fill his Corner spot. He may not like it but if he’s being honest with himself he knows this is what is best for the team.

But let’s get back to the RB situation for a minute, if the whole idea of signing Peyton Manning was to win the Super Bowl “NOW” I doubt very seriously that with his small window they can do it without one. Too many forget that part of the reason Manning was so successful with the Colts was because they had Edgerrin James in the backfield. Without James in his early years he’s hard to say if Manning would have put up the kind of stats and wins had he not been his teammate.

In his prime he was one of the best in the game. James was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1999 and was All-Pro 4 times. James left Indy in 2005 as their all time leading rusher with 9,226 yards. He had 64 rushing TD’s and 11 receiving TD’s in his career at Indy. In his 11 year career he racked up 12, 246 yards on the ground and 3,364 yards through the air. Super Bowls are won with Defense but you don’t see many even getting there without a quality RB.

So if there’s an opportunity to grab Eddie Lacy from Alabama in the 1st round or make a trade for him the Broncos should jump on him. There are question marks about his receiving and pass blocking abilities because he’ll improve that part of his game but his ground game is tough and solid. He’s just the kind of bruising tough yards RB the Broncos need. IMO he’ll be the biggest impact player the Broncos could ask for if they get him in the draft. It's doubtful we have a shot at him but we can hope there's a way to make it happen. If not Lacy they need to look elsewhere.

Media Frenzy not good for the Broncos

First let’s begin with this important point. I'm thrilled the Broncos clinched the AFC West. It's been an amazing season for Manning, the Broncos and the fans thus far.

Still... I don't like the media hype surrounding them right now; I think it could be a hex or a curse. Never count your chickens before they've hatched. The Broncos haven't won anything yet.

We've won the AFC West several times, we've won playoff games and we've won AFC Championship games. None of that is new right? Let’s say they advance that far is it good enough?

Personally, no it isn't enough. Winning it all is the only thing; it's the only way you can call the season a total success. Being a "good" team and falling short like the 29 others may be good for some teams and fans, even for some Broncos fans but not for me. We've been second best before and that stinks. 12 years is a long enough wait for an organization that should expect nothing less than a win in the final game.

The bar must be set high winning the whole thing has to be an obsessive hunger that the owner, the coaches, players and the fans have burning in their guts. We have 2 Super Bowl wins we must have another one nothing less will do.

The team I see still has a very tough road ahead to win that war. Without Willis McGahee I think the odds drop for the Broncos.

Moreno has shown signs of life but his past history as the lead RB has not been the answer. I don't see Knowshon Moreno running for a 100 yards against a good team like the Ravens even without their studs on D. He'll probably hit the wall this week and in the playoffs if he's our guy, the outlook diminishes considerably.

Maybe Manning and the improve D can carry the Broncos but without the legitimate threat of a running game and play action Manning's dink and dunk passing game becomes less effective.

This is far from being in the bag my friends. There are plenty of great teams that could kick the Broncos ass in a shoot out in the playoffs. A good balance of passing and ball control smash mouth football and great D wins Super Bowls. Ask Manning, he's been there twice, once with a great running game and once without. He's 1-1 after a long career and all the bulky stats, the yards, the completions and the TD passes.

So guys, be optimistic but realistic. We need to keep playing them one at a time and when the first playoff game comes we must expect the best in all 3 areas of the game to win and advance. Staying healthy and luck plays into but it to be the team that wins it all a team must create its own luck.

Worse offensive and defensive teams than the Broncos have won the SB. Let's hope it's our turn because we're the best, let’s not settle for second.

The 3rd ring is the thing.

Manning Cruises Over the 49ers

With great protection Manning didn't break a sweat against the 49ers.

This was Peyton Manning’s best preseason showing to date with the Broncos. Manning scored against the first team D for the 49ers and made it look easy. Eric Decker had a nice game and should have had 3 TD’s catches instead of 2. I hope Decker can minimize the drops when they count. All of the first string WR’s, TE’s and backups had drops yesterday, too many drops. Last year, the drops by Decker and Thomas were so numerous and costly. Decker must catch the ones like he dropped for that sure TD.

During the Manning series’ the Broncos OL did an excellent job in pass protection. Manning only got hit big once. They did a good job for Willis McGahee too. At 30 years old he can still run down hill with as much power as any RB in the league if he gets an opening. If McGahee can stay on the field all season the combination of his running and Manning’s passing should produce big yards and scores.

The Broncos first team D played well against the 49ers first team offense. I was very impressed how they shut down their running game. The pass rush was not as good, especially with the backups in. As a whole they didn’t get the kind of consistent pass pressure they’re going to need against better passing teams. Too many missed tackles by all 3 lines of Defense in this one too and the backup Safeties and Corners for the Broncos need a lot of work. I have real concerns about the Broncos D going into the regular season, the DB’s must improve their cover and tackling skills. The DL must improve their pass pressure in the 3-4, the 4-3 and even in the 5-2 which they lined up in several times in the game but didn’t achieve much.

It’ll be interesting to see which DB’s and DLinemen the Broncos stay with come the final cut down day. The only true standouts on D whose starting jobs are secure IMO are Miller, Dumervil and Champ at this point.

Personally I felt like the 9ers D and the team as a whole was overrated last year especially on D. They played in the weakest conference in the NFC last year and had an easy schedule. Since they had a 13-3 record last year their schedule will be much more difficult out of their division just like the Broncos this season. On offense last season 49ers kicked more FG’s for scores for points than TD’s last year so offensively they were ranked near the bottom.

You have to really take these preseason games with a grain of salt. I’m hopeful about the Broncos O being better under Manning but the Broncos D still needs a lot of work.

Seahawks Expose Weaknesses

Manning can still run a good hurry up.

I just watched the DVR version of the Seahawks/Broncos game. The most impressive part of it was the hurry up offense Peyton Manning got going at the end of the first half. Manning can still move the ball quickly when he has too. Too bad that drive had to end with a dropped TD pass in the end zone, my Mom could of caught that one.

Willis McGahee looked good in limited action but this was no thing of beauty for the offense as a whole. Manning had the 2 picks and was under pressure to many times. I was glad to see him get up after the one good hit that he took. His game while good is still not up to the level it needs to be yet and neither is the OL and the Receivers.

As good as the Broncos D tackled in the first game against the Bears they were horrible in this one. The pass rush was ineffective and when the Seahawks QB and RB's broke through the first level the Broncos missed far too many tackles on the second.

In summary I'd say Manning is on the comeback trail but he's not 100% in sync and the Broncos D still has a lot of work to do to get better. Thankfully these games don't count but when they do we have expect much better.

Good Preseason Tackling Beats the Bears

Jack Del Rio should help improve the Broncos D.

I just zipped through the Broncos game tonight on the DVR. The thing that most sticks out about the game was the tackling by the Broncos D. They didn't miss any that I remember seeing and that's amazing considering it was the 1st preseason game with backups and Rookies getting most of the playing time. Even on special teams they didn't miss any tackles. The Bears didn't have any big plays in the game at all.

Granted Matt Forte and Jay Cutler didn't play but the Broncos were very aggressive throughout. Most of the game they played a 4-3 D, many times they lined up 5 on the defense line.

They totally shut down the run game and were constantly putting pressure on all the Bears QB's in passing situations.

With Fox and new DC Jack Del Rio one would expect more aggressive defensive schemes but to be a successful D you have to be able to tackle consistently. So I'm certain Fox and Del Rio have to be pleased with this effort.

On offense the running game looked good. Willis McGahee, Jeremiah Johnson, Lance Ball and even Knowshon Moreno had some nice carries.

As for the Receivers Eric Decker and Matt Willis had some nice catches.

Manning's one series wasn't enough to see if his game is dead on yet. He threw some balls into good coverage that maybe he shouldn't have. The Brandon Stokley defection that got intercepted wasn't a great pass. But Manning looked comfortable in the pocket and the Broncos OL did protect very well for him and the backups.

Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher didn't play so it's hard to tell this early if they'll be able to pass protect against stud D's.

I was impressed with Brock Osweiler's limited playing time. He does have a strong arm, mobility and threw a nice throw for TD pass. He's got the physical tools and if he gets the head for the game he could be a good QB in the NFL.

My main concern going in was how well would all of the new players on the DL and in the backfield would play. Since the Bears didn't produce anything on the ground and the pass pressure was so good by the DL and LB's the Corners and Safety's didn't really get challenged.

It was a good start for the Broncos. Now it's on the Seahawks next week, hopefully the confidence will roll over and they can improve game by game until they count.

Broncos should go all D in 2012 Draft

In respond to the Woody Paige column in the Denver Post on 4/15/12 entitled:

Don't mock this Broncos draft of 6 sure starters 

 Woody may be right about not taking a Defense Lineman in the first round but it can’t be denied that it’s a big position of need. If the Broncos don’t go DL in the 1st round then Alabama LB Dont`a Hightower would be a nice pick up for the Broncos because after Von Miller you have an aging DJ Williams, Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard none of whom may be the answer. I hope Mays improves, in spots he played well and in others he didn’t. DJ had a nice comeback season and like Mays played well early but late in the season disappeared at times as did Mays.

No matter what the Broncos should nab the best defensive player available in the first round. They need help at every position on D. They could use another good Corner and Safety so that shouldn’t be ruled out. In the later rounds the Broncos could use another WR, a good receiving TE and maybe a Guard if Chris Kuper isn’t at full strength by opening day. It’s good news he’s recovering nicely from the knee surgery but one never knows how well he’ll be able to play once he comes back.

As for the RB’s situation I’ve been one of the few who’s pointed out the real weakness the Broncos have at that position since the season ended. Knowshon Moreno is a bust, a goner and while Willis McGahee had an amazing year he’s now 30 years old with a banged up body and a knee that’s been a chronic problem. Can he last another full season with that knee at his age? I don’t question his desire to do so he’s a warrior but I think its wishful thinking to believe that he’ll put up the same numbers as last year.

If Manning’s offense has any hope of succeeding in Denver he must have at least one quality RB to execute it, one that can run between the tackles and be a reliable pass catcher for him if nothing is open down field. Without some threat of a running game Manning isn’t going to be as effective in the passing game.  

Personally I prefer RB’s with more size, strength and average to better than average speed than drafting speedy super smurf RB’s. More often than not they just end up being situational players.

Oregon running back LaMichael James is listed at 5’9” and 195. Both are probably inflated numbers. He’s more like 5’8” or 5’7” 180 or 185 pounds. James had a fine career at Oregon. He’s a great Receiver and a fantastic punt returner. But once he gets to the NFL I wonder if his little body can be effective as an every down RB or one who can run between the tackles. He won’t be facing the weak defenses he played against in the Pac 12.

Ronnie Hillman of San Diego State another Super Smurf at 5’10” and listed at 190. He is fleet of foot but no bigger than Yoda.

More than likely Hillman and probably James are both going to end up as role players and not starters sort of in the Reggie Bush mold. Of the 2 James would be the better pick because he does catch the ball well. James may suprize me and put up some big numbers but those numbers will probably be as Receiver and a Punt Returner and not a RB.

Utah State's Robert Turbin 5’10” 222 recently had a work out in Denver but you have to wonder he can make the jump from another weak and meek conference like the Western Athletic Conference to the much bigger and faster NFL. Of the 3 mentioned in Woody’s piece this guy seems to have more muscle mass. He may not have the speed of James and Hillman but has a body better suited to play inside the tackles.

RB Doug Martin may be the best RB in the draft.

RB Doug Martin of Boise State might be a better pick than all 3 of these guys if he’s available. He’s a smurf too but has that compact massive frame that can run with power inside the tackles.

I just think after Trent Richardson there’s a big drop off in the level of talent when it comes to an every down smash mouth runner in combination with being a good Receiver.

The draft isn’t far away, soon enough we’ll know. Hopefully they’ll be guys that can contribute immediately because we do have some big holes to fill.

Broncos Stumble into the Playoffs

McGahee's 145 yards wasn't enough.

It’s sad that the Broncos didn’t close out the season by beating the Chiefs.  Still, despite backing into the playoffs with Tebow playing his worst football game so far THEY DID make it to the playoffs and by the way THEY DID earn it based on a better common record. Tebow was a big part of why they made the playoffs with the help of a much improved D. Despite losing their last 3 games they had a remarkable season with basically the same group of players (with the exception of Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil) that they had last year and doubled their win total.

I had my doubts about the game yesterday. IMO it was more about the Broncos D going in than Tebow but I still liked the Broncos chances to win the game because the Chiefs are crappy football team. I can’t explain the win they had over the Packers. Maybe it was just an off day for a coasting Packers team who had nothing to play for and a Chiefs team playing their collective butts off for a new HC so maybe they could retain jobs next season. I just didn’t believe that this win was a paradigm shift that was going to launch the Chiefs into a new millennium of winning football.

So this was why I thought the Broncos would win yesterday despite how horrible Tebow had played, how awful the D and Special Teams has played and how predictable the offensive game plans have been over the previous 2 weeks.

I said before the game with the Chiefs that if the Broncos could play better D, tackle, cover and get pressure on Orton they would win the game. They did that and more held the lousy Orton led offense to 7 points. I also said the Broncos had to be less predictable on offense and throw the ball on 1st and 2nd down. They did that too. The dinged up Willis McGahee deserves some kudos for being a warrior and banging out 145 yards yesterday but even that wasn’t enough.

So what happened?

Tebow had an absolutely horrible game; I believe the worst of his young career. He threw ball to short, he threw them to long, he held onto the ball too long, he should have made a quicker decisions to throw the ball away rather than take sacks.  He threw the ball into good coverage too many times and had an INT; he also had a critical fumble. He had time on several passing plays but either couldn’t find an open Receiver or just didn’t have the confidence enough in his arm to attempt to thread the needle and make tight throws. I noticed on several passing plays he didn’t have his feet in a good position to make throws, he was off balance and leaving his feet when he threw balls on the run.

Tebow’s game clearly showed that he has a very long way to go when it comes to the passing game in many areas.

So you can look at it several different ways. I choose to look at this season as a big improvement and something to build unlike many fans that week to week are on and off the Broncos bandwagon.

So what happens next season?

I think the Broncos have to give Tebow at least the chance at one more season. They’ll need to draft QB in the later rounds or pick up one of the free agents that'll be available. Brady Quinn isn’t going to get it done and should be traded or released. If Tebow still hasn’t improved by mid-season of next year then by all means there will have to be some consideration in having him removed but he certainly has played well enough this season to deserve that much.

The Broncos need DB’s, LB’s, RB’s, WR’s, DL’s and now maybe another Guard since Kuper got hurt. Taking a QB in the first round isn’t going to make the Broncos a playoff team next year so I’d wait until 2013 to consider drafting a QB early if Tebow fails to improve next year.

I’ll be rooting for the Broncos to pull off a big upset next week but I don’t believe they can pull it out beat against the Steelers. Their D will overwhelm Tebow and shut down the running game.  It’s a bonus that the Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall will be out of the game but Ben Roethlisberger

will still be in and he has the skills and experience at QB, with the help of his talented Receivers can beat a team even without a running game. Please…let me be wrong about this, I’d love to be wrong. GO BRONCOS!!

The Best O is a Good D

I always try to write about originally interesting angles and find tweaks in a game that no one else has but it's a difficult challenge. So I’ll try, here’s the spin from my orange and blue hula hoop.

First kudos to Fox, his aggressive pressure defensive has worked very well in the last 4 games. The constant pressure Rivers felt throughout totally took him out of his game. He was sacked 3 times and when he wasn’t being sacked he was chased out of the pocket or forced to throw from it before he wanted to. The Broncos held Rivers to 188 yards, that’s chump change for the Chargers O whose strength is based on airing it out.

Whether the Broncos lined up in a 3/4 or 4/3 or blitzed him they pushed the Chargers offensive line back on their heels on almost every obvious passing play. Just like almost any other QB in the NFL when given time to find a Receiver down field Rivers can tear a team a part. Too many Pundits think he’s one of the elite QB’s in the NFL but he looked pedestrian in this game.

The Broncos game plan was clear, pressure Rivers early and often with 7 or 8 guys in the box and don’t give him time to beat you deep. The unending pressure made the DB’s job that much easier against one of the finest group of Receivers in the game. One big reason for it was the Chargers OL has had a rash of injuries to their starters. So in Rivers defense he didn’t have the kind of protection he might have had otherwise. Still the great QB’s with superior talent can overcome line injuries and with a team effort can still find ways to win games.The pass rush worked well but Ryan Mathews managed to grind out 137 yards for the Chargers. This is a deceptive stat because Mathews had a several big gainers and was held in check for most of the game.

Even though the Chargers had some success running the Broncos solid tackling throughout by all position players was outstanding. They made the stops on 3rd down and more importantly kept them out of the end zone.

Von Miller is to the D what Tim Tebow is to the O. He’s a box of C4 ready to explode on every play and his passion has carried over to the rest of his teammates on D. Miller is going to win the Rookie of the Year it’s just a question of how big.

Willis McGahee had another stellar performance pounding out 117 yards as the Broncos young Offensive Line opened up some nice holes. Every week the OL seems to be playing better and better. They protected Tebow extremely well during critical passing situations when they needed to move the chains.

As for Tebow it was another solid performance executing Fox’s conservative game plan and not making any mistakes or turning the ball over. Each week his passing game improves and will continue to. He made some great throws when he had to and had some very costly drops by Thomas and Royal. His stat sheet isn’t going to win any fantasy football games but his leadership on the field does win real ones.

I’ll take as a QB who throws for under 200 yards and 1 TD and no turnovers and wins over a QB that throws for over 450 with 2 TD’s and 4 INT’s and losses every time. Some fans may not like the small ball but if it’s executed the way the Broncos have in their last 4 wins how can you complain? A win is win is a win.

There’s something very special that is happening with the Broncos with Tebow as the starter. He’s a team player, a never say die warrior, with no ego, willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His greatest characteristic is that he is a leader and for all the fire he’s taken off the field he’s sure provided a mushroom cloud upon it.

I don’t think it’s entirely impossible for the Broncos to run the table and even beat the Patriots whom I think is the toughest game remaining but for now it’s take them one at a time and knock off the Vikings next week. Man, the orange and blue blood in my veins is pumping my heart like a juggernaut today! GO BRONCOS!!!

Finally...The Tebow Era Begins

No matter what detractors of Tim Tebow had to say about him becoming the starter before the Chargers game Kyle Orton had an overall record with the Broncos coming in of 12-21, 12-22 after today. Another in your face stat is that Orton NEVER has won a game for the Broncos when the team trailed by 3 or more points at halftime.

So why didn’t Fox let Tebow become the starter on opening day? The reasons given were that Orton had more experience and gave the Broncos a better chance to win, really? Of course it wasn’t, the real answer was driven more by $’s and not how great Orton executed X’s and O’s. Orton couldn’t be traded prior to the start of the season and the Broncos are set to pay him a whooping $9 million dollars (Thank you very much Josh McDaniels) in this his last and one would think after today the final year of his contract. The sad truth is today Pro Football is a business first and a game second and that my friends was the primary reason Orton kept the job.

In today’s dollars this may seem to be a fair wage to pay a starting QB in the NFL. Man, I just don’t see it even in today’s dollars; he didn't even come close to earning that much money. The League minimum is $340,000 it could be argued he wasn’t even worth that given his results on the field.

If you’re still not convinced that Orton was an overpaid stiff keep this in mind. In 1983 John Elway was signed by the Broncos to a 6-year contract worth $12.7 million. In those 6 years he gave us 3 AFC Championships and 3 Super Bowl appearances. Not bad for $12.7 mill huh?

What has Orton produced? Zippo!! He came from a great Defensive team in the Bears who had a lot more to with the wins he has on his resume than he did with his skilled play at QB. As the Broncos starter without a solid D to back him up his bogus game has been proven a fraud for all to see over and over.

So with this as a the backdrop going into today’s game I was all set to watch another dark and dull horror show against the Chargers this week. Orton in his usually style came out and played horrible to start the game while the Boo-Birds came out early and often. 3 and outs, incompletions, an interception, underthrown and overthrown balls the same game we’ve all seen from game 7 of 2008 season until today. He was 6 for 14 for 32 yards and 1 INT in the first half. The Broncos had a whooping total of 126 yards of total offense at the half with Willis MaGahee being the only man who was generating anything. MaGahee had a 125 yard rushing day the first Broncos RB to go over a 100 since 2006. Tebow got a token 2 yard QB draw call in the first half that was completely obvious to the Chargers D and everyone in the stadium and that was it for offense.

The only play of note in the first half was made by CB Cassius Vaughn who had Interception return for a TD which was a great play but was negated by the 42 yard TD reception he gave up to Malcolm Floyd right at the end of the second half. He giveth and he taketh away. The Broncos CB’s stink but that’s for another time. The tackling in the first half by the Broncos was some of the worst I’ve seen this season.

After wading through another cesspool in the first half I was sure Orton would come out and start the second half and secure a another win for the Chargers, but NO!! To my surprise #15 trotted out onto the field and suddenly my heart started beating a little faster I sat up in my chair and just like that I was brought back from the dead. Did you notice the transformation of the fans at the stadium when he came in? They were on their feet and screaming. Believe or not for the first time in a year and half I was even screaming and excited.

After Tebow had two 3 and outs the game dramatically tuned. With the Chargers up 26-10 with 13:35 left in the 4th Quarter Tebow led the offense to one score then another off the Rivers fumble. And if not for a dropped pass and a catchable 2 point conversion by Brandon Lloyd the game would have been tied!! Kudos to Lloyd though, he did make a couple of circus catches to keep drives going.

Even after the Chargers kicked another FG to go up 29-24 Tebow was within one play of winning the game with just 24 seconds left in the 4Q.

Did you see the immediate impact the energy of Tebow translated to his teammates on O and even on D? It was dramatic and electric, something we just haven’t seen since Jay Cutler played in Denver. Tebow in just one half proved he’s a warrior, a great runner and scrambler. He also proved he could make the throws when he needed to get the Broncos back in game. To all the critics of his mechanics I say “So what”, if he gets the ball off and makes completions and the team scores in the red zone what more could you ask for? A game that was over at half time with Orton came down to the last play with Tebow.

We finally have seen the end of the Orton Era and the beginning of the Tebow Era and thank God almighty for us long suffering Broncos Fans it was sooner rather than later. Fox would be completely out of his mind to bring Orton back after the bye week. Its Tebow job to lose from now on and I don't see that happening, Orton is done.

I can hardly wait to see how well Tebow plays in his first start at Miami 2 weeks from today. GO TEBOW!!! GO BRONCOS!!!