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June 2009 News
Out with the Old, in with Who? Broncos, Bucs Start Fresh in 2009
Published: June 7, 2009
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Contrary to Joe Namath’s legendary Super Bowl prediction, there are no guarantees in the NFL.
No, becoming the first head coach to win a championship in franchise history won’t prevent the unavoidable fate of any coach that doesn’t slip out of town before management decides the buck has stopped and future bucks will no longer land in the coach’s account.
Jon Gruden and Mike Shanahan, two of the highest-paid coaches in the National Football League, were probably one win away from maintaining their lofty status this offseason.
The NFL, notorious for its quick hooks and short memory, hasn’t failed to disprove its “Not for Long” label, a tag that applies to coaches, too.
After Gruden’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Shanahan’s Denver Broncos narrowly missed the playoffs, management promptly dismissed the coaches and several of their star players.
Since the end of the 2008 NFL season the Bucs and Broncos have made moves that suggest they share a philosophy of how to rebuild a franchise.
Both teams approach training camp with young, energetic, but untested coaches.
Raheem Morris, 32, the new coach of the Bucs, and Josh McDaniels 33, Shanahan’s replacement, may lack NFL head coaching experience, but they don’t command the type of risky salaries that forced Gruden and Shanahan out.
Teams look for value after disappointing end to 2008 season
The Bucs and Broncos finished last season on a sour notes that led to the firings of Gruden and Shanahan.
Both teams seemed to be easy locks for playoff births. Denver was 8-5 with a three-game lead in AFC West and needed only one win to clinch the division title. After a blistering 9-3 start, Tampa Bay lost its last four games to miss the playoffs.
Taking a page from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hired rookie coach Mike Tomlin after Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Cowher resigned in 2007, the Bucs and Broncos looked for younger, cheaper coaches more concerned with action on the field instead of the activities in the front office.
Gruden, who became the only coach to win the Super Bowl in team history in 2003, had a less-than-cordial relationship with Rich McKay, the Bucs’ General Manager that helped build the team into a perennial playoff contender. Bruce Allen was brought on following the team’s title win.
Gruden, then, received a raise and the input on personnel decisions that he desired.
In 1998, Mike Shanahan brought Denver the Super Bowl title it yearned for, repeating the feat with another championship the following year. After the second title, Shanahan was bestowed full authority on personnel decisions, and like Gruden, a salary that accompanies such power.
But, past successes seem an eternity ago to hardcore fans and owners that gave in to the coaches’ desires for more personnel power only to be disappointed with the return on their investments.
Similar Solutions to a Common Problem
The Broncos and Bucs won’t have such problems with Morris and McDaniels, the youngest head coaches in American professional sports.
The Broncos have already sent their starting quarterback, former first-round draft pick Jay Cutler, to the Chicago Bears, while Tampa released long-time Bucs and former first—rounders Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn and Ike Hilliard.
There are question marks at quarterback for both teams. Denver acquired Kyle Orton in the deal that sent Cutler to Chicago, whle Tampa Bay drafted Josh Freeman in the first round. It’s unclear whether Freeman will get the starting position, with NFL veterans Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown and Brian Griese also on the roster.
Oddly, both teams chose to sign coaches in areas the team was already successful.
Tampa Bay was No. 9 in overall defense last season and hired Morris, who was previously the coach for team’s defensive backs before serving as Defensive Coordinator in the final weeks of the season. When Monte Kiffin decided to follow his son Lane to the University of Tennessee, Morris jumped at the opportunity to serve as Head Coach.
Denver had the league’s No. 2 offense and one of its better quarterbacks in Jay Cutler. With receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal developing into stars, McDaniels, the former Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach for the Patriots, made the bold choice to pursue his former pupil, Matt Cassell. Although Cassell signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, the damage was done and Cutler wanted out.
Morris and McDaniels serve as evidence of the NFL’s move away from high-priced coaches that want personnel power. In the last few years Shanahan, Gruden, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, and Mike Holmgren have resigned or been fired.
Owners are no longer afraid to give a coach his first shot and the trend has opened the door for first-time coaches.
Last year head coaches Mike Smith, of the Atlanta Falcons; Tony Sparano, of the Miami Dolphins; and John Harbaugh, of the Baltimore Ravens, took their teams to the playoffs in their first seasons as NFL coaches.
There will be plenty of opportunities for a repeat performance with nine rookie head coaches preparing for the 2009 season.
Maybe Morris and McDaniels will be like Tomlin, rewarding their owners and confirming that age and salary are numbers, but they can’t measure success.
The Zone Blocking Scheme
Published: June 7, 2009
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The Seahawks have been anything but spectacular in the blocking spectrum since the 2005 Super Bowl season. They lost G Steve “Poison Pill” Hutchinson to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2005 off-season.
This was followed by the subsequent retirement of Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobeck in 2006. Former starting G Chris Gray has not officially retired, but age and injuries have taken their toll, and retirement seems inevitable.
The Seahawks are making the switch to the Zone Blocking Scheme. The Denver Broncos are considered the gold standard of Zone Blocking.
That offense literally runs anyone (Selvin Young, Peyton Hillis?) behind their OL and produces consistently successful results.
Since 1995, the Broncos have not finished below 12th in the league in rushing.
Last season, the Broncos attained that 12th ranked rushing status while they had seven total RB’s placed on IR.
The Seahawks can relate to that type of injury plague (3 WR, 5 OL on IR in 2008, 7 total WR injuries).
With the absence of a feature RB like the great Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks are wise to be pulling some pages from the Broncos’ book of knowledge.
The Zone Blocking scheme does not require a feature back, but something more of a RB by committee approach.
The Seahawks appear to be doing that with RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, and RB Justin Forsett. Jones is expected to be the main RB, but Duckett’s role will be expanded with the arrival of his former Atlanta OC.
Duckett enjoyed tremendous success under Knapp. In the three seasons the Falcons led the league in rushing from 2003-2005, Duckett tallied 28 TD’s and had a 4.0 TPC average as a role player.
The new Zone Blocking scheme being implemented by Knapp and OL Coach Mike Solari will be critical to rebuilding the underwhelming Seahawks ground game.
Since the 2006 season, the Seahawks have finished on average a mediocre 17th in the league in rushing. The Zone Blocking scheme replaces the strategy of blocking a certain player or gap all day long.
The idea is to block a certain area on any given play, and utilize double teams to push players back into the second level. The TE’s and T’s work together, the T’s and G’s work together, and the G’s and C’s work together.
As a former OL, I loved this strategy because in laymen’s terms, it allows you to blow people off the ball at the line of scrimmage, and get to the second level extremely fast.
By clearing the line of scrimmage away you allow your RB to run downhill and make his one quick cut, rather then force him to dance around looking for an open running lane. It is a much more decisive approach and a better fit for the Seahawks quick, athletic OL.
CAUTION: You are about to enter the X’s and O’s zone.
A technical explanation of this scheme could be described as such:
WOLB MLB SOLB (Weak Outside LB) (Middle LB) (Strong Outside LB)
DE DT DT DE
LT LG C RG RT TE
The strong side is set to the right because the TE has lined up there. The defense will counter with putting their SOLB on that side. For example, let’s say this is a toss play going off of the TE.
I know the blocking could go one of two ways at the line of scrimmage. The calls made at the line are naturally subject to the defense’s personnel and scheme. They could change on any given play based on the defenses alignment.
Since the play is a toss, this is the likely blocking scenario:
TE and RT double the Strongside DE,
C and RG would double the Strongside DT,
LG and LT would double the Weakside DT,
The Weakside DE would be left unblocked.
Now let’s say an audible is called, and the play is a dive up the middle:
TE blocks the DE straight up,
RT and RG double Strongside DT,
C and LG double the Weakside DT,
LT blocks the Weakside DE straight up.
After the play begins the OL have to adjust according to the variables the defense presents.
Typically after the initial double team of the Strongside DE, one of the blockers will break off and seal the SOLB. Either the T or TE will be the one to do this.
Sealing off the outside allows the RB to bounce outside if the offense fails to cover the MLB.
On the inside, after the RG/C block the Strongside DT, one will break off and seal off the MLB.
This is critical because the MLB is the one keeping his eye on the RB. An NFL LB is more than capable of reading a play.
If the C/G fails to reach him quickly, the MLB could stop the play before it breaks into the secondary.
On the backside, after doubling the Weakside DT, either the LG or LT will break off and seal the WOLB. If the C/RG fails to block the MLB, they could attempt to go after him because he has a better chance of blowing up the play.
All of the scenarios would largely depend on what gap the DL is shading. An example of this would be:
The C and RG are doubling the Strongside DT,
DT is lined head up on the G, or shading the outside (right side) of the G,
C will be the likely candidate to go after the MLB.
The scheme, and the way it is run, largely depends on what skill set the OL bring to the table. All of the OL in a Zone Scheme should be quick and athletic.
The Seahawks would appear to run a more interior driven Broncos-esque scheme. In this scheme the T’s emphasis is taking care of the initial double teams and staying with them because of their larger size.
The G’s are smaller in this variation, and are typically the ones who will break off to cover the LB’s because they are quicker.
The Broncos have relied on small, athletic OL to make their system thrive over the years. The Seahawks have a little more size across the line than do the Broncos.
They have a future HOF in LT Walter Jones. He is designed to play in any scheme and will easily neutralize anyone the defense sticks in front of him.
He has a massive frame (6’5″, 325 lbs) and is incredibly quick for his size. He is considered the NFL’s top LT (Ryan Clady, Jason Peters are getting there).
Mike Wahle is a savvy veteran G who possesses the necessary technique to adjust to the changes this system brings.
Chris Spencer is extremely athletic and would offset Wahle’s lack of speed (compared to the rest of the Seahawks line). Wahle could stay with the initial double team while Spencer uses his speed to break off to the second level.
RG Rob Sims is a very similar player to Spencer; smaller and very athletic. He fits this scheme very well.
RT Sean Locklear has been a good starter so far in his career and has a lot left in the tank. He would be the best of the Seahawks right side OL and would most likely be the one to stay with the initial double team. Either Sims or the TE would be the one to break off to cover the LB.
From the RB perspective, you are supposed to adjust to what is opened up. You then make a decisive cut into the given hole and explode into the second level.
Seahawks RB Julius Jones has been described as a one cut RB even before the transition to the Zone Blocking scheme was discussed. He seems to be the perfect RB to thrive in this system as the feature RB. He averaged 4.4 YPC last season, a solid stat-line.
In the example given above, Jones would be looking for the hole that develops either between the T or the TE. He would then break into that hole, and make his cut based on what LB’s were effectively blocked.
If the defense blitzes up the middle, and become clogged by the interior double teams, the RB can gash the opposition all day long. If the call is a run up the middle and the same thing ensues, the clogged interior allows the RB to make a quick cut to the outside.
The Zone Blocking strategy does not always deliver the big play though. What it does do is nullify losses in the backfield because the DL is more focused with keeping up with the OL, rather then penetrating and attacking.
By grinding away at the defense with effective three-, four-, and five-yard gains, it eventually sets up the deep play action pass over the top.
As is with almost everything in life, there is a flaw to this scheme.
You rely on double teams to open up holes and push the DL back and get to the LB quickly. Sometimes you even end up pushing the DL into the LB’s.
Because of this there is generally one DL, typically the backside DE, left largely unblocked. (If the play is run to the Strongside). If he is an absolute stud (like a Patrick Kerney) he could potentially blow up the play in the backfield if he reaches it in time.
With an effective scheme though, typically the T on the backside will release on his double team and will go to block the rushing DE if he sees this problem occur. The backside T’s job normally is to break off on his given double team and pursue the LB’s. This would be the adjustment needed to be made to account for a game changing DE.
After a 4-12 season, the Seahawks are doing the necessary task of overhauling their thought process. A fresh breeze is blowing through the Emerald City. Here’s to hoping that breeze does not turn into a stifling Seattle downpour.
50 Years Later, Hillis and Larsen Represent AFL With Pride
Published: June 6, 2009
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In baseball, an elite prospect is called a “five-tool” player, due to his versatility, willingness to play other positions, and ability to do all of those things very well.
With two of their last three picks in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos were able to obtain two such players in fullbacks Peyton Hillis is and Spencer Larsen.
Hillis came from the Arkansas Razorbacks in the seventh round of last year’s draft, and was selected with the pick obtained from Tampa Bay in the Jake Plummer trade.
When the season began, Hillis was penciled in as the starting fullback, although Denver did not use their fullback in a traditional way.
Starting three games at both running back and fullback, Hillis led the Broncos in rushing with 343 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry, and tied for the team lead with six total touchdowns(five rushing, one receiving).
While many may not see his numbers as gawdy or even that significant, Hillis was the team’s seventh string and essentially last resort running back.
In only his second start as the Broncos’ tailback in week 13, Hillis became the first player to rush for over 100 yards against the New York Jets all season long, earning Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week and FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors.
When the Broncos signed and drafted five new running backs this offseason, Hillis’ future appeared to be in some kind of doubt.
Head Coach Josh McDaniels erased that doubt addressing Hillis at the team’s offseason activities earlier in the week, by saying that the second year player has lined up as running back, fullback, tight end, and even wide receiver in the new Broncos’ offense.
“We’re gonna use every skill he has,” McDaniels said. “He’s kind of like Tony [Scheffler] and Daniel [Graham]: Whatever they can do well, we’re going to do it as much as we can do it with them, and he does a lot of things well.”
“He can run the ball out of a single back formation, he can certainly catch the ball out of the backfield, he can block in two back sets, you [the press] saw him split out wide all over the place,” McDaniels said.
“He’s got great hands and a good feel for the passing game. He’s a very tough runner to bring down when you give him the ball,” McDaniels said, “He’ll do a lot of different things for us. Expect him to play a good role in our offense.”
With such high praise coming from a brilliant offensive minded coach, as well as the praise he received from former head coach Mike Shanahan, it is a wonder Hillis fell to the Broncos in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
Likewise, Denver feels it has a gem of a player as well as a person in fullback Spencer Larsen.
Larsen came to the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft out of Arizona, and figured to be a special teams “ace” for this team right away.
Little did he know what was to come of his rookie season in the NFL.
For the Broncos in 2008, Larsen started games at both linebacker and fullback, as well as both kick team units, and he even became the first player in Denver Broncos history to start a game at linebacker, fullback, and kickoff team.
Larsen’s versatility does not come easy.
“Yeah, you know, just coming in and learning two [systems], I have a lot of information on my plate right now,” Larsen said. “As you can imagine, two new systems on offense and defense, I’m just trying to get a grasp on them and learn both of them.”
So what is a typical “day at the office” for a guy who plays offense, defense, and special teams?
“Well, I come here and I go to the linebackers meeting, and then I spend some time with the running backs,” Larsen said, “[Running Backs] coach [Bobby] Turner has been great, Just helping me out when they can, and they give me just as much information as they think I can handle.
Then, at home with myself I just pick up one book and get as much as I can out of it,” Larsen said. “Then I pick up another one and get as much as I can out of it, and go like that, day in and day out.”
Outside of the Broncos organization, and possibly some avid fantasy football fans, these two players are relatively unknown, which is unjustified.
When the Broncos celebrate 50 years of football this season, no players will represent the good ole’ days better than Hillis and Larsen.
Bronco Draft Picks Look to Make an Impact
Published: June 5, 2009
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The Denver Broncos had several needs to fill before the preseason began. Those holes were filled by a very good draft in which Denver had several good picks, including two in the first round. These rookies are reporting to camp looking come in and make a big difference for the team. Coach McD thinks that these are the best players for the changes to be made. These players have very high expectations. Among the new guys are RB Knowshon Moreno, CB Alphonso Smith, and QB Tom Brandstater. All are thought to become leaders, maybe not the first year, but definitely in the long run.
2009 Bengals Schedule Part I: Cincinnati-Denver Top Five Games Ever
Published: June 5, 2009
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Lets face it: Cincinnati Bengals news is scarce at the moment. With the latest round of organized team activities wrapping up, there’s not much to write or read about unless you want to hear for the 15th time how Chris Henry and sixth-round pick Bernard Scott have turned their lives around.
Since everyone is clamoring for something new and interesting, I’ve decided to take a historical look at the Bengals 2009 schedule. This means I’ll be highlighting Cincinnati’s top five games ever against each weekly opponent.
For instance, since the Bengals play their season opener against Denver, I’ll discuss the top five most exciting meetings between the two teams.
Part two of the series will do the same thing, except it will be the Bengals-Packers series, and so on.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the all-time Cincinnati-Denver series.
Fun Fact: Most Bengals fans (and maybe Broncos fans too) are unaware that these two teams were actually division rivals in 1968 and ’69.
During Cincinnati’s first two season’s in the league, they played in the AFL’s West Division with Oakland, Kansas City, San Diego, and Denver.
All-time series: Broncos lead 16-8.
Let’s start the countdown:
5. Sept. 2, 1984, at Denver
The 2009 season won’t be the first time these two teams have met in the opener. In 1984, expectations were high for both squads.
The Broncos were coming off their first playoff appearance in three years, while the Bengals were in the midst of a run that saw them get to the playoffs in two of the previous three seasons.
In his first game as Bengals head coach, Sam Wyche watched his team lose on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass—only second-year Broncos quarterback John Elway didn’t throw it.
Gary Kubiak, playing in one of only two games he started on the season, hit tight end Clarence Kay with an eight-yard strike that gave his team the lead late in the game.
The game was filled with errors. Broncos kicker Rich Karlis missed his first extra point attempt on the day. Bengals kicker Jim Breech uncharacteristically missed two field goals, and Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson threw a pick that set up Denver’s second touchdown.
The Bengals would finish the 1984 season at 8-8 and one game out of the playoffs, while the Broncos would take the AFC West with a 13-3 record.
Result: Denver 20, Cincinnati 17
4. Oct. 25, 2004, at Cincinnati
This game was big for one reason and one reason only: the return of Monday Night Football to Cincinnati. After a 15-year absence (MNF’s last visit to Cincinnati had been on Sept. 25, 1989) the Bengals returned with a vengeance.
Cincinnati was 1-4 going into the game, and ABC may have regretted bringing prime-time football back to the Queen City.
However, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer to Chad Johnson resulted in the first score of the game, and the Bengals proved their worth under the bright lights.
Result: Cincinnati 23, Denver 10
3. Sept. 15, 1968, at Cincinnati
This game could arguably be No. 1, considering its historical significance for the Bengals franchise. The 24-10 win over Denver represented both the Bengals’ first home game ever and the first win in team history.
Bengals quarterback John Stofa threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Stofa’s TD passes were both long bombs. The first one was a 58-yarder to Bengals great Bob Trumpy, the second one a 54-yard beauty to Warren McVea.
Stofa only started seven games in his Bengals career, with this win over Denver undoubtedly being the highlight. McVea would end his lone season in Cincinnati with a mere two touchdown catches.
Result: Cincinnati 24, Denver 10
2. Dec. 24, 2006, at Denver
The very thought of this game makes most Bengals fans squirm. After Denver took a 24-17 lead late in the game on a Jason Elam field goal, it was up to Carson Palmer and the Bengals offense to prove that they were clutch as well as fun to watch.
Palmer did his part, running a perfect two-minute drill in the fourth quarter. He then capped the remarkable drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh, which tied the game at 24…
Hold on—no it didn’t. The Bengals still had to make the extra point. After a low Brad St. Louis snap was bobbled by Kyle Larson in the cold Denver snow, kicker Shayne Graham never got a chance to put his right foot on the ball.
Overtime averted, Broncos win, and Bengals fans spend Christmas Eve cursing Santa Claus.
Result: Denver 24, Cincinnati 23
1. Oct. 22, 2000, at Cincinnati
On paper, this game had all the makings of a blowout. The lowly Bengals came into the game 0-6, having already been shut out twice in the season’s first six weeks.
Denver, on the other hand, came into the game 4-3 and on its way to claiming an AFC Wildcard at 11-5. The wildcard slot would have been a division title if the Broncos had won this game.
However, with the Broncos’ defensive front seven seemingly on a mental vacation, Bengals running back Corey Dillon exploded for a then-NFL record 278 rushing yards.
As the Bengals averaged a dismal 6.2 points in their first six games, nobody in the world could have seen this coming. Dillon scored on runs of 65 and 41 yards while averaging an unimaginable 12.6 yards per carry.
To put into perspective how bad this Bengals team was, this would be the first and only time all season Cincinnati scored more than 30 points. The offense would finish the season ranked 30th (out of 31) in the NFL.
Result: Cincinnati 31, Denver 21
If you have any other nominations, please leave them in the comments section.
Five Best Broncos (Current Roster)
Published: June 4, 2009
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There are 88 players currently on the Broncos roster. 45 of these players only joined the Broncos roster this off-season.
Between the new additions and the holdover players there are not many who have been tested and proven. There are only a few who represent the core of team with their exceptional play on the field.
I have identified five players who, in my opinion, stand above the rest with their exceptional talent and ability to dominate on the field at their respective positions.
Ryan McBean Blessed with Second Chance
Published: June 3, 2009
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When the Denver Broncos entered the 2009 offseason, many thought the majority of their time and money would be invested in the defensive line.
Now three months since the beginning of free agency, Denver has added eight new defensive linemen to the mix, although none are extremely high profile.
One of the signees is former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan McBean, a fourth round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 2007.
McBean joined a very crowded defensive line in Pittsburgh and has seen very little action in his two years in the league.
He hopes all of that can change now that he is with the Denver Broncos.
“I’m adding whatever the coach asks for me. Whatever he tells me to do I’m going to do it.”
Whatever he lacks in game experience, McBean definitely makes up for it in appearance. The third year player definitely looks the part at 6’5″ and 290 pounds, ideal for a 3-4 defensive end.
McBean has been practicing with Denver’s first team defensive line for the first few organized team activities. While fans are told not to take too much stock in the current depth charts, it is definitely a huge leap for a guy who has only played in one regular season game.
“It’s (competition) the same for every guy. (We) gotta come out here and work hard regardless (of where we are on the depth chart.) I didn’t look at it too much, just like ‘OK, time to go to work.’
“(But) it’s been great. Guys getting their repetitions and taking every day for what it is.”
While he seems like the ideal fit for the Broncos as a defensive end as the team transitions to the 3-4 defense, sticking his hand in the dirt is not all McBean has to offer this defense.
When asked how his coverage skills were, McBean gave a big smile, laughed, and said, “Real good.”
McBean also said that while in Pittsburgh he mostly played as a down end, but has the capacity to cover.
His versatility does not end there. McBean has played an even “bigger” role in the Broncos’ offseason activities.
“Right now I’m playing end, and sometimes I’m playing nose (tackle) too.”
McBean also addressed the progress of the rest of the defensive unit. If the Broncos’ defense is going to improve as a whole, they must use last season as motivation. Maybe even play with a “chip on their shoulder.”
“Yeah you can tell with our guys that they want to win. They heard about the stats from last year, and we want to change that a whole lot…The guys are willing to play hard.”
Right now, the Broncos’ defensive line is a group of relative unknowns.
Perhaps this third year player can make a name for himself in the Mile High City and help restore what fans once called the Orange Crush.
Breaking News: Broncos’ Marshall Cleared of Suspension, Holdout Next?
Published: June 2, 2009
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When Denver Broncos’ Pro-Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall was arrested for the seventh time in his professional career, many had written him off for half of the upcoming season.
Marshall learned Tuesday that he would not face any punishment from the National Football League.
“The NFL has confirmed that based on their own investigation, there will not be a suspension or any discipline issues as a result of Mr. Marshall’s arrest on March 1,” said Marshall’s attorney Harvey Steinberg. “I had been in touch with the NFL since right after the incident occurred, and we were under the belief that what took place would not rise to the level of any form of discipline.”
Broncos fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, as their top receiver the past two seasons and biggest playmaker on the offensive side of the ball will be in uniform for all 16 regular season games, provided he can stay healthy.
“We are humbled, enthused and excited by this decision by the commissioner’s office,” Marshall’s agent Kennard McGuire said. “We also understand that Brandon has to continue to grow, be accountable and responsible. We have no doubt he’ll do all the above and more.”
The young wide receiver is no stranger to second chances.
Marshall was arrested not too long after being drafted by the Broncos, and before the 2006 season even started, he was out for half the season with an injury.
In 2007, Marshall broke onto the NFL scene, emerging as one of the league’s premiere players, showing great ability to gain extra yardage after the catch.
In 2008, Marshall was suspended for the Broncos’ season opener in Oakland, but he could have missed much more. He appealed a three game-suspension, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell saw something in him that he liked, so he only suspended Marshall for one game and two games pay.
Through a nagging hip injury, Marshall had his best season as a professional in 2008, catching 104 passes en route to his first ever trip to the Pro Bowl.
Entering his fourth year in the league, the young receiver hopes to earn a big paycheck and a long extension with the Broncos. It has even been rumored throughout the league that Marshall is holding out for the extension.
Marshall’s agent refutes the accusation that his client is going to skip out on team activities because of money reasons, and Bronco fans should have reason to believe this is true.
Earlier this offseason, Marshall had surgery on his hip and has been unable to participate in any practice due to his rehab.
It would seem like the perfect time for him to hold out, as he is physically inept anyway.
Marshall is due $2.2 million in 2009, and the Broncos may be skeptical of signing him to a long-term deal due to his legal history. Still, he is a great receiver, and the team should do what it can to keep him wearing the Broncos’ shade of orange.
Clearly, Marshall is on board with the McDaniels’ regime, even though the new head coach traded away one of Marshall’s very good friends in Jay Cutler.
Some believe that a fully healthy Marshall can rival the likes of Larry Fitzgerald among the league’s elite. If he cleans up his act, this young receiver will lead the Broncos to far greater things than imaginable.
NFL Decides Not to Discipline Marshall
Published: June 2, 2009
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NFL league officials have announced that Brandon Marshall is free to play the entire 2009 season.
League spokesman Greg Aiello told the AP that after reviewing the facts of the incident, which occurred March 1, 2009, the league notified Marshall that they decided against taking any disciplinary action.
The incident in question stemmed from an argument with his fiancee Michi Leshase Nogami-Campbell outside of his Atlanta condo. Both Marshall and his fiancee were arrested, but charges of disorderly conduct were dropped the next day for lack of evidence.
Many speculated that Marshall could have been suspended up to eight games this season, due to his history of run-ins with the law. Fortunately for the Broncos, this latest incident was not deemed worthy of such discipline.
The League did not come to this decision lightly. All the facts of the situation were fully investigated with due diligence by the league. Sufficient evidence was not found by the Atlanta Courts or by the NFL to warrant any action though.
Though one thing is for sure, Marshall needs to change all of his circumstances that have lead him to getting to the point where he is on the personal conduct watch list, if he wishes to continue his career in the NFL with Denver. McDaniels doesn’t want selfish players who cause distractions. He needs players focused on working hard and winning.
Marshall is not out of the weeds yet either. He still has to stand trial in Atlanta next week for two counts of misdemeanor battery, charges that stem from a March 2008 domestic incident involving his former girlfriend Rasheedah Watley.
Provided that Marshall does not have any further setbacks and he heals well from his recent hip surgery, he will be able to play the full season for the Denver Broncos.
Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered. (Game One)
Published: June 2, 2009
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The Broncos have a brutal schedule this year.
Despite playing in one of the least competitive conferences (on paper) this year, the Broncos have some heavy hitters to contend with.
In this article series, I will summarize the strengths, weaknesses, and key additions of each team on the Broncos schedule and how they will match up with Denver. I do not need to rehash their AFC West rivals, which I have already covered in the following articles:
Game 1, Sunday 9/13, at Cincinnati
The Bengals’ strengths last year came from their defense. Although not a complete power house, they were able to end the season ranked 12th overall in the NFL for yards allowed.
Look for draft picks Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson to give the defense another boost up the ranks. Key free agent additions Roy Williams and Tank Johnson will add a veteran presence and will make this defense a formidable squad.
Maualuga is an energetic player that tackles like a steam roller. He will definitely bring some intensity to the Bengals’ defense.
Michael Johnson is a physical freak. I’m very interested in how he will turn out playing in the NFL. He should bring some speed off the edge and break the focus of quarterbacks for years to come.
The offense was dismal. It was one of the worst offenses in the NFL last year, ranking no higher than 29th in all major offensive categories. Carson Palmer did get injured four games into the season, but in my opinion it was the play of the offensive line that lead to their poor showing.
The offensive line let through 51 sacks last season. For a comparison, the Denver Broncos only allowed 12.
This is most likely why the Bengals drafted Andre Smith, the massive tackle from Alabama, with the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft. Hopefully, this guy can accomplish what Levi Jones was not able to do: stop the pass rushers.
The Bengals added Laveranues Coles, the veteran wide receiver from the Jets. He should give them an awesome 1B receiver to go along with Ochocinco at 1A. As long as Palmer comes back healthy, the Bengals shouldn’t be ranked as low as they were last year.
Cedric Benson should return healthy and now he has a good complementary running back in the speedy sixth-round choice Bernard Scott. With added depth in the offensive line, these backs should be able to get 1500 yards combined.
The Bengals lost one of their star players, in wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. He was a big play-maker, but I think the signing of Coles should make up for most of his absence.
I see the Bengals as better than last year, and they should win at least six or seven games this year.
Unfortunately for the residents of Cincinnati, this will not show in their opening season game against the Broncos.
With their offense ranked as low as they were last year, this complements Denver’s low ranking defense of last year.
Both team’s squads have a long way to go, according to the rankings. If both squads only manage to get marginally better, then they are equally matched on this front.
The Broncos’ offense was highly ranked, but, with the loss of Jay Cutler, they definitely have some questions going into the season. The Broncos still have their superb offensive line. With the addition of Knowshon Moreno, they should have no problem running over opposing defenses for the next decade.
The Bengals defense is better this year than last year, but it won’t be enough to stop the Orange and Blue’s rushing and spread passing attacks.
Broncos 21, Bengals 13
The official Team statistics can be found at the following link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cin/stats;_ylt=AlvquESXk57Rd..8BtMRbD.B2bYF
(The next article should cover the Sunday, 9/20 game versus Cleavland at home)
