Denver Broncos Offense Earns a “B” vs. Oakland Raiders

First and foremost it’s important to understand the Broncos offense played very well against the Oakland Raiders over the weekend.  Additionally they managed the game very well and had two rushers near the 100 yard mark.  That is impressive.

The Denver Broncos defense was impressive early in setting up opportunities for the offense.  That went a long way.  The Broncos went for it on fourth and goal from the one.  Teams usually settle for points in tight, rivalry types of games, you only go for it if you believe in your offense and your defense.

That is what should stand out loud and clear about this Denver Broncos team.  They do believe in the defense and they know they can score points.  That is the type of team this needs to continue moulding into if it has hopes for future success. 

The offense executed very well.  The reason they don’t get an “A” is because they left a lot of points out on the field on Sunday and they would admit as much.

The upside is the Broncos ran phenomenally well and controlled the ball and the tempo on both sides of the ball.  It’s this type of a game that makes the perfect template for the team to look at and recognize this should be their pattern to success.

 

Offensive Film Study

The first possession saw Kyle Orton line-up under center early and often throughout the game.  On second and eight Brandon Marshall hooked up for his first catch on the day for a 15 yard gain on a cross route.

The next play was set up because Orton was operating under center; it was a play pass that successfully hooked up with Tony Scheffler for 14 yards and another first down.  Knowshon Moreno then had a couple of carries to get the Broncos a first down. 

Again Kyle Orton hits Brandon Marshall on an underneath route for another first down and the Broncos run game is getting warm pushing them down to the one yard line.  Then at this point, things bogged down.

Peyton Hillis was called for a false start which was ridiculous for that to happen in that situation.  So the Broncos start first and goal at the six and not the one.  Then the Raiders defense starts to show signs of life, allowing the Broncos to only reach the one yard line after four downs.

So what happened here?  Obviously the penalty was a momentum killer, but so was the play calling at this juncture.  While running it in makes all the sense in the world, the Raiders were clearly keying on stopping it and bringing more pressure.  The Broncos may have had better success running if they spread the field or if they decided to run a play pass to suck in the defense that was keying on the run.

Because it’s a game of field position the Broncos did the right thing in going for it against a team that has struggled offensively.

The second possession Denver starts at the Raiders 23 after an interception.

On third and one Knowshon Moreno picks up nine yards for a first down at the five.  The Broncos call a play action pass on second down, but there is nobody open, so Orton throws the ball away. 

This allows the next play to become the touchdown play they were seeking.  Again Brandon Marshall worked his way across the middle of the field, fighting off a defender and catching a heater from Orton for six.

Besides the points, the offense recognized the Raiders were going to give them the middle cross again and the connection was established for an early lead.

The Broncos go back on the attack after Andre Goodman’s interception of JaMarcus Russell. 

The Broncos go nowhere, and try another bubble screen this week to Eddie Royal with little success.  This does however set up a long field goal attempt due to the field position.

The Broncos tried to hit Brandon Marshall on another cross, but the Raiders rush and coverage forced a bad throw by Kyle Orton.

This is where the team on the whole needs a deeper playbook, to find a way to get the yardage they need.  There is a great deal of predictable repetition going on within the play calling. 

The team could benefit from some other ways to solve the same problem.  Things like other screen packages, hitches for first down yardage, and deeper drag routes would place more of a burden on the defense and open up the game plan.

The next Broncos drive they decide to get back to basics and hand the ball to Correll Buckhalter who scampers for a 34-yard chunk.

The play was an inside trap with Ben Hamilton and Casey Wiegmann executing a perfect double team to form a wall while right tackle Ryan Harris showed off his speed and strength as he pulled and sealed off the running alley.  All that was left was to see Buckhalter run with power and agility down to the Raider 45 yard line.

Then the Broncos hit a snag with a five yard false start penalty.  The Broncos were able to hit Jabar Gaffney on a cross, then Buckhalter and Moreno helped the team get the first down behind the offensive line.

The Broncos then continued to pick apart the middle of the Raiders defense and establish a theme that eventually came back to bite them.  Jabar Gaffney ran an awesome option or choice route where he posted up briefly, sucking in the coverage then he hit the gas to make a good grab on the cross from left to right. 

Then Brandon Marshall became a decoy running a middle cross right to left with Gaffney delaying then running behind him on a flat and more shallow route.  The Raiders choose to double Marshall and don’t account for Gaffney.  Orton connects and Gaffney picks up another crucial first down inside the ten.

The Broncos stall out at this point and nearly have a third down middle cross intended for Eddie Royal picked off by Michael Huff.  The end result is the Broncos have to settle for three points instead of a touchdown.

The point here is this drive started with a great drive and then had a definite theme of middle crosses causing headaches for the Raiders.  Running the same routes in the end zone is a dangerous proposition after the drive clearly had established these routes.  Yet again this is where the Broncos need to be more dynamic in their play calling before it does cost them in a much bigger way.

In the second half the Broncos lead by a slim 13-3 margin.  The opening drive of the second half is key in setting the tone for the rest of the game.  The Broncos wind up marching 80 yards and scoring their second touchdown on the day. 

The run game is featured and the offensive line starts to take control by establishing contact and maintaining their blocks so the backs can reach the second and third level of the defense.  The Broncos get big gainers with Moreno and Buckhalter. 

Most importantly the Broncos are able to add to their lead and take four minutes off the clock.

The very next drive the Broncos run an inside trap with Buckhalter but the ball is knocked out of his hands and the Raiders recover the fumble at the Broncos 16 yard line.

Following Brian Dawkins fumble recovery the Broncos began to chew up clock and yardage.  Offensively there was an intent focus on the run game and one creative tight end screen that was shutdown earlier in the game.

This time Dan Graham came close to getting a touchdown as he rambled from the 38 down to the Raider 12.  This set up the final score of the game, a short field goal by Matt Prater. 

Almost more importantly the drive consumed eight minutes and polished off the Raiders.

 

contact Chaz @ sportsmanagement@gmail.com

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Matt Prater to be Honored as AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos announced that kicker Matt Prater will be named the AFC special teams player of the month after his fantastic start to the 2009 season.

Broncos fans remember the Prater from early last season who seemed well on his way to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl only to self-destruct as the season wore on.

Prater has arguably the strongest leg I have ever seen, one that has earned him this special honor after he made seven of his nine field goal attempts, including three from 40 yards or beyond.  He also leads the AFC in touchbacks, with seven, touchback percentage (46.7 percent) and 13 kickoffs that have reached the end zone. 

He has also helped the Broncos lead the AFC in opponents’ starting field position, with an average spot on the 20.6 yard line.

In their 3-0 start, the Broncos’ special teams play has been an area that often gets overlooked, mainly because their defense is overshadowing everything else right now, but the defense might not be what it is today if not for the play of Prater and the Broncos’ special teams unit, coached by Mike Priefer.

Prater was a player many Bronco fans thought to be on the bubble after his finish to last season, but this award is an excellent confidence booster for Prater and Denver’s fan base.

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Is the National Sports Media Angry at the Denver Broncos for Winning?

Is it just me or do our wonderful football experts hold Denver to a different standard than they do the rest of the NFL?

I know, I know, that sounds like something an Oakland Raider fan would say just before whining about how the conspiracy to destroy Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders started with Pete Roselle.

But then again, all you have to do is read any article about the Broncos, scan the majority of those wonderful sops to the fans’ ego, and the writers’ arrogance, that we call power rankings or simply watch any show with NFL in the title to see that there might be something to the idea that the national sports media is miffed that Denver started 3-0.

What is it about the Broncos that makes them so angry?

Is it because we are winning without the Mastermind and the Glamour boy? Is it because the media spent so much time explaining how The Hooded baby coach from New England broke Shanny’s shiny toy, especially after we traded the once and future Jeff George to the bears, that they fully expected Josh McDaniel’s to take it to heart?

Are they angry at him for daring defy the expert analysis?

BLASPHEMY! Though shall not DEFY the experts!

Are they angry because the majority of Doom and gloom Bronco fans who carried signs demanding the Unacoach be fired turned out to be a loud minority? Are they miffed because most of us dared not take the dire predictions of the national sports media to heart and turn on the Broncos?

Are they annoyed that someone may be foolish enough to think the Broncos will do anything but tank the next 13 games and fulfill the prophecy of 3-13 and become the new Detroit Lions.  

BLASPHEMY! Though shall not DEFY the prophecy!

Meh.

I am not sure why they are so angry, but they ARE angry. You can see it in their responses when the Broncos are mentioned.  It’s almost funny, but with very few exceptions the most common reaction when the Broncos 3-0 record is mentioned seems to be annoyance mixed with amusement and a dash of arrogance mixed in.

The arrogance stems from the “fact” that the experts know something we don’t.

By the way, can you hear the sarcasm when I type “experts?”

The most common theme where the Broncos are concerned is that they “have not played anybody.”  Each time the Broncos are mentioned it is in the same breath with “Oakland, Cleveland and Cincinnati.”

Of course, not that the Bengals are looking like contenders it becomes more difficult for the talking heads to use that line so its slowly starting to center on the “luck” of that game. And yeah, it was luck, but I’ll get to that later.  What I am more interested in at the moment is simple.

If the Broncos, at 3-0, are being laughed because of ease of schedule, how come the Chargers, The Ravens and the Giants are getting a a pass?

BLASPHEMY!! Though shall NOT question the power of the media darlings!

The Ravens have played the Chiefs, Chargers, and the same Browns who prove we are not that good.  They are 3-0. They have beaten one “ranked” team, the Chargers, who have not been all that good through three games.  

No one is taking into account that the Ravens offense may be benefiting from that schedule. Instead, they are ranked amongst the best in the league.

And how about the Chargers?  They beat the same Raiders…And that barely…team that proves the Broncos are a bust and they beat the Dolphins. Their one loss is to the Ravens, who we are told is the best team in the league behind maybe the Giants.

So strangely, the Chargers, who have played two scrubs and lost in their first real “test” are not benefiting from a weak schedule.  And the Giants. They have played Washington, Dallas, and Tampa Bay.  No schedule benefit there.

BLASPHEMY!! Though shall NOT question the POWER of coastal teams!

The other team that proves we are fake, the Bengals, are on a two game rip beating the Packers and the vaunted Steelers. The media has to be careful with this one. They risk being caught in up in their own hypocrisy when they say in one breath that Cinci is one of the heartless teams that proves Denver is useless while in the next praising them for maybe being for real.

They balance this risk by claiming that the Deflection was the only reason we won. This accomplishes two things, first it allows them to keep using Cincinnati as proof we are evil wolves in 3-0 clothing, praying on the sensitivity of the average fan. Second, it refuses to acknowledge what the defense did to a pretty good offense. Win/Win for the media monkey.

BLASPHEMY!! Though shall NOT dare hint that the Broncos my be anything but lousy!

Looking at it, we can see that each of those teams has won one game against a media darling. One has to wonder, is beating a Media Darling the key to the Media’s heart? If Denver beats Dallas in week four will the national media give them some love, some respect?  

Eh…Probably not. Denver will have to go through the next eight games without a loss before the media starts taking them seriously. One loss, even a competitive loss, will relegate them to the “I told you so” bin.

I can live with that though as I have to admit that watching the talking heads over at the league owned station and on the four stations that broadcast the games have to find new excuses for the Broncos success each week has been and will continue to be fun.

In the end the media may be right. The Denver Broncos might be the worst 3-0 team in the history of humankind. They may tank the rest of the season. That dominant defense may be an illusion and Josh McHoody may be an evil troll sent to destroy the house that Mike built.

If so, so be it. The season will play out and expose them for what they are and we Bronco fans that remained loyal in the face of the storm will be crushed and contrite like the national media says we should be.

But then again, the idea that the Broncos are 3-0 and crushing the teams they should crush may be a hint of things to come.

It may be simple truth is that if Denver had played this same schedule last season, with the Masterminds defense under his future scapegoat DC and with the interception machine under Center, we would still be 3-0, but we would have given up 90 points, and maybe Brady Quinn would still be a starter for another week or so based solely on how good our d (lower case) made him look.

The fact that we have allowed one touchdown…and that to a team proving to have a very dynamic offense…may actually mean something in the end.

BLASPHEMY!! Though shall NOT…oh forget it.

I don’t know what the Broncos future is. Maybe we are what we think we are and we get the added bonus of seeing the national media get angrier and angrier because the Broncos refuse to read the script provided by the experts. Maybe we are what the experts so desperately hope we are and we will lose 11 or more games.

Then again maybe Bronco fan hope is not misplaced. Maybe after a few more wins the experts will allow us the courtesy of not being such blatant hypocrites, allow the games to be played, and stop taking Broncos success so personally.

And maybe I’ll be the next James Bond.

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A Classic Tale: Josh McDaniels Defeats Bill Belichick

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, Mike Ditka did it to Tom Landry, Steve Young did it to Joe Montana and Dana Holgerson did it to Mike Leach.

This is the story of a young pupil, Josh McDaniels, dismantling a seasoned master, Bill Belichick.  A storyline straight from Star Wars, taking place on our planet, in the stadium closest to the stars above—Invesco Field at Mile High.   

 

Josh McDaniels will face Bill Belichick on Oct. 11, 2009, and the game will be a turning point in both coaches’ careers – Belichick will begin his course towards the chop-shop; McDaniels for a nonstop swap to the top.

 

Denver coming off a solid win at home against Dallas, will finally get the recognition they deserve after beating a legitimate team without the help of God himself.  New England, looking solid on both sides of the ball, defeats grossly overhyped Baltimore at razor stadium, and will rise to the top of most power-ranking lists.  Good news for the Broncos is several Patriot players will be battered up after a tough win against a very physical Ravens team.  (These hypotheticals need not be argued because the real story lies in the week five game.)

 

This game will be won by the Broncos to the tune of 28-10.  You have every right to read this in disbelief and have doubts.  But before you write the Broncos off, at least give them a chance to be great.  The media is labeling the Broncos as the worst 2-0 team ever and the worst 3-0 team ever…At this rate, perhaps they will be the worst 5-0 team ever.

 

The Broncos’ defense has been the surprise of the season thus far in the NFL – I would wager not a single fantasy owner picked the Broncos for their defense this year.

 

Mike Nolan has implemented the 3-4 defensive scheme seamlessly, and Broncos have bought into it completely, allowing only 215 total yards per game (first in NFL).  They have also only given up a mere 16 points in their first three games (tied for second all-time).

 

An explosive Elvis Dumervil with a six pack of sacks on the year will need to get to Tom Brady early to disrupt his poise.  Early is the key word here as all six of Dumervils’ sacks have come in the second half of games.  A first quarter sack is a must.  Brady has shown considerable weakness under pressure this year, and the Broncos will need to take advantage of this.  

 

Future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey will need to shadow Randy Moss all game letting the other defensive backs roam free.  Last year, Bailey held Moss to one catch for the entire first half before leaving the game with a groin injury.  Like he said before the last Patriot’s game, “I’m like the FAA, all flights closed to my side.”

 

Athletic linebackers D.J. Williams and Mario Haggan need to make Wes Welker and Ben Watson non-factors over the middle.  They will also have to keep their eyes peeled for the screen and delayed draw play, both of which could go for big yards if the they aren’t discipline about assignments.

 

Brian Dawkins must fly to the ball and hit the receivers at the point of the catch—The Patriots have shown a case of the dropsies lately, which is bad news for them considering Brian Dawkins is the second all-time leader in forced fumbles.

 

Possibly the most underrated member of this defense will be McDaniels.  No one knows the offensive schemes and concepts of the Patriots better than him, save Tom Brady himself.  This could cause problems for Belichick as so many of his short passes rely on an element of surprise.

 

The Bronco’s offense doesn’t look as explosive compared to last year’s with the loss of Jay Cutler and Mike Shanahan, but with the way the defense is playing, they don’t need to be as explosive.  That being said, red-zone scoring is crucial against the Patriots.  Kyle Orton cannot drive the ball 60 yards only to settle for a Matt Prater field goal.  

 

Running the ball effectively with rookie Knowshon Moreno (avg. four yards per carry) and Correll Buckhalter (avg. over seven yards per carry) is key. Denver is among the best in the league at rushing the ball (fourth in NFL) and they will need to pound it against a good Patriot’s defensive line.  The running backs will have the help of a superb offensive line anchored by left tackle Ryan Clady who has yet to give up a sack in his young career.

 

Avoid turnovers (only one on the season) and let Kyle Orton (0 INT) take what the defense gives him.  Make good use of the tight ends Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler biding time until Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall get open deep.  

 

Only a matter of time remains before Orton gets on the same page as his skillful receiving corps, and when this happens look for the Bronco’s offense to get exponentially better.  

 

One must also remember that Orton has been playing with a glove on his throwing hand since the Bears preseason game due to a finger injury.  His accuracy will only get better when the glove is no longer needed.

 

If the Bronco’s can score on the ground, not settle for field goals in the red zone, and keep third downs manageable, Tom Bradys’ time on the field will be minimal.  The defense will also remain fresh which is a scary thought for New England.

 

The Patriots have not won an October game in Denver since Oct. 4, 1964 and don’t expect that to change this year. With a league-leading defense, consistent offensive play, home field advantage, and an extensive knowledge of the Patriots, à la Josh McDaniels, look for Bill Belichick to fall to his pupil.  

 

The week following the gut-wrenching loss to the Broncos, the Patriots will lose to the Titans and this will mark the beginning of the end for Bill Belichick and his dynasty.  

 

History is full of parallels which do not always accurately predict the future, but they are great indicators.  Teams, especially the good ones, go through cycles of extreme success and extreme let-down.  

 

Past decades have for the most part been ruled by one team per decade; Green Bay in the ’60s, Pittsburgh in the ’70s, San Francisco in the ’80s, Dallas in the ’90s, and yes, New England in our current decade.   

 

Unfortunately for New England, this decade is coming to a close and it is time for them to pack up.  A new decade is upon us, and though it may be a slow decline to mediocrity, it is a sure one for the Patriots.

 

A new man is in Denver, Josh McDaniels, and he will lead the team to the promised land sooner, then later too. He has proved himself thus far, and it is only a matter of time before the playoffs become a reality once again for Broncos fans.

 

Denver 28

Patriots 10

 

All is good in Bronco Country for the time being, so watch your football, drink your cold coors light and live happily ever after.

 

 

THE END

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Denver Broncos’ Schedule Looking Softer After Three Games

Three weeks into the 2009 NFL season and the Broncos are 3-0.

Personally, I fully expected a 3-0 record after games against the Bengals, Browns, and Raiders based on past performance from these teams, but the way the Broncos beat each team was very impressive.

During this preseason, many professional analysts predicted that the Broncos would struggle greatly through the regular season. Most notably, John Clayton from ESPN predicted that the Broncos would finish this year with a 3-13 record.

I think we can all agree that the Broncos are not about to finish out the season 0-13.

Let’s take a look at the schedule that lies ahead for the Broncos:

Dallas @ Denver – I have watched all of the first three games for Dallas and with the Broncos boasting the No. 1 defense in the NFL, I find it hard to believe that Tony Romo and crew can eke out another victory.

New England @ Denver – The Pats are 2-1 and could easily be 1-2 after the Bills failed to finish the job on MNF. This game will be huge as McD will meet his old boss. New England has had Denver’s number lately and I think this game could go either way.

Denver @ San Diego – The Chargers’ only loss has come at the hands of the Ravens, but this is another team that could easily be 1-2. San Diego will easily be the favorite for this game but the Broncos are playing inspired football and if they can enter this game 5-0, I have no doubt the Broncos could take care of business.

Denver @ Baltimore – So far, Baltimore is 3-0 and ranked #1 on the power rankings. When you look at who they have beaten, the only team of any quality is San Diego. They may be good, but giving up 24 points to the Chiefs says overrated! Home field may tip this game in their favor though.

Pittsburgh @ Denver – This is not the same team that dominated last year. Losing back-to-back games to Chicago and Cincinnati on the road lets me like the Broncos’ chances of putting another mark in the win column.

Denver @ Washington – Who just lost to Detroit? Denver should win this game easily if things don’t change for the Skins.

San Diego @ Denver – I’ve picked Denver to win on their visit to San Diego and because of that, I am cautious in picking Denver again. Sure they are at home, but San Diego always seems to get one to split the series.

New York Giants @ Denver – While the G Men are 3-0 right now, I am not overly impressed with their play. Beating the Skins by less than a touchdown and barely squeaking a win out of Dallas makes me pick the Broncos in this one.

Denver @ KC – Who knows how far Matt Cassell and the Chiefs will have progressed by now, but this is a no-brainer.

Denver @ Indianapolis – The Colts looked great against Arizona and are on a roll. By this game, the Colts might only have two losses to Baltimore and New England. Both those games are toss ups and I think this is another. I give the edge to the Colts.

Oakland @ Denver – By this time, Jeff Garcia might have turned this sad team into a team worth preparing for. Or Al Davis might have decided to play QB. Either way, Broncos should handle with ease.

Denver @ Philadelphia – McNabb is out and Kolb is rolling. I see no reason to stop his momentum but who knows where the Eagles will be by this game. Either way, they are a respectable team but I think Mr. Dawkins will have a little more motivation this game that should be the edge.

Kansas City @ Denver – By this game, the Broncos should be locked in for the playoffs. A loss here due to sitting starters is very possible, but the second team might just get a win against this terrible team.

Overall, I think it is reasonable to expect the Broncos to go 12-4 this year. We will be able to tell a lot more after the Dallas game, but with a +46 point differential, the No. 1 defense, and the No. 9 offense, I am feeling very positive.

Let me know what you think!

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Film Study Shows That Denver Broncos Defense Dominates In Oakland

Prelude to the Film Studies

At the end of my last article I made a bold prediction about combining the Oakland and Cleveland game studies into one article each for offense and defense.  That is until my computer with the Cleveland game was entirely scrubbed, though the article was backed up; it’s with my technician not me. 

So, my personal apologies, I will get the Cleveland game review out later in the week with a little luck.  In the meantime, the first installment focuses on Denver’s top notch effort against Oakland.

Finally after the film segments I hope to have some interesting thoughts regarding the Dallas Cowboys game with Denver over the coming weekend.

For now, do the mental reps as you recall the game and enjoy the film study segment.

 

Denver’s Defense Leads the NFL and Earns an A+ Rating in Oakland

On the first possession by the Raiders the Broncos defense established control.  On first down the front seven got good penetration to shut down the Raider run in the middle. 

The very next play was a screen that proved the Broncos had good lateral pursuit and the play lost two yards.  Third down, the Broncos had great coverage and forced the screen pass which they shutdown.  The most important piece was that it set the tone early, three and out.

—

 

The second series for the Raiders starts at their own one yard line after denying the Broncos the end zone.

On first down JaMarcus Russell shows his lack of touch by throwing the ball a little high and hard off the hands of his fullback Luke Walton.  Champ Bailey just misses out on an interception.  On second down, the Raiders go deep and it is intercepted by Renaldo Hill who returns the ball to the Raider 23 yard line, putting the Broncos back in business.

While the Broncos did not have a great pass rush on the play, they did have good penetration and that may have caused an early release.

—

 

The next possession for the Raiders starts around their 20 yard line.  On 2nd-and-8, Darren McFadden runs a middle stretch.  Center Chris Morris immediately reaches the second level while right guard and former Bronco Cooper Carlisle cuts down the outside pursuit coming from the middle. 

Meanwhile the tackle and tight end allow the Broncos outside contain to over pursue and the running lane is created.  McFadden cuts back and gains an easy 15 yards.

True to the Oakland Raider fashion of the last few years, the very next play they shoot themselves in the foot.  They decide to mix up the play calling and throw in the area of Darrius Heyward-Bey who runs a deep hook. 

Russell may have been trying to hit Louis Murphy in the slot who was streaking.  Regardless, the Broncos had the perfect man-zone trap called.  These defenses ideally put a triangle of DB’s around a given throwing area.

Defenses like these are what make the NFL hard on young quarterbacks.  Essentially the Broncos line up in what could be man or quarter zone coverage.  The quarterback really doesn’t know. 

The biggest key he has to look for is where the safeties and cornerbacks are rolling to.  If there is some of that rotation it’s a zone and he needs to find the receiver in space. 

Technically Bey was open; however the Broncos had a perfect blanket coverage which forces the turnover.  When young quarterbacks force the ball into these areas they literally are making high risk—reward decisions. 

As this play developed, Champ Bailey rolls to the outside from his inside coverage position.  Over the top Andre Goodman and the safety Renaldo Hill converge on Louis Murphy’s streak route. 

JaMarcus Russell makes an OK read, but wastes his effort with an inaccurate throw that sails too high for Heyward-Bey and behind the streaking Murphy.  Andre Goodman makes a great read of the throw and makes an easy interception, returning it 20-some yards to around the original line of scrimmage.

—

 

The Raiders best drive of the day occurs after Matt Prater’s 48 yard field goal. 

The Raiders start with the ball on their own 14 yard line.  On 2nd-and-6, Darren McFadden catches a seven yard screen pass getting Oakland’s drive rolling.  Then a couple of recurring vulnerabilities the Broncos have are exploited by the Raiders.

The Raiders’ Michael Bush and Darren McFadden are able to run to the outside for a couple of big gains.  This will set up their short inside gains that help them to attain first downs.

Then Louis Murphy is able to make like Brandon Marshall on short cross routes to exploit the Denver defense for big gainers.  The Broncos defense doesn’t get off to a particularly good start on the pass rush and the release is early in dissecting the defense.

The Broncos benefit from a Raider penalty and a caused fumble by Mario Haggan that was recovered by Oakland along with some hard hitting along the way.  Finally on a key third down situation the Broncos show an all-out blitz and force a Raider timeout.   

Oakland connects on an underneath route to Zach Miller and advances the ball down to the Broncos 30 and has to settle for three.

—

 

On the first Raider drive of the second half, Oakland again works to establish a nice lane for McFadden to use on the outside of the offensive line.  A Raider tight end is able to establish contact with Elvis Dumervil and eventually turn him to the outside creating a running lane. 

Darren McFadden carries the ball for 10 yards where he is then de-cleated by Brian Dawkins.

Later in the drive the Raiders go for it on fourth down and the Broncos jump offsides to give them the first down.

Dawkins later has great coverage on Zach Miller and the ball goes incomplete.  Then Elvis Dumervil shuts down the Raider drive with a sack of JaMarcus Russell.

—

 

After the Broncos lose a fumble on their own 16, Oakland then runs a toss play on 2nd-and-5 to the right side.  The play picks up seven for a first down, however DJ Williams strips McFadden of the ball and Brian Dawkins makes a quick heads-up play to recover the fumble and snuff the Raiders’ last hopes of getting back into the game.

The key here is the defense never quit despite being put in a bad spot and they created some magic of their own.  With the turnover, the Broncos came away stealing the Raiders heart as they were pushing towards a touchdown in the south end zone of their fan faithful.

After the replay officials ruled that the play would stand in favor of the Broncos, Brian Dawkins drove home the final nail in the Raiders chance.  He simply signaled a slow point in the Broncos direction for a first down with a jubilant slant as an exclamation to the game.  There were still five minutes left in the third quarter, but this game was over.

 

Special Teams Does Things Well But Finds Room for Improvement  (Grade: B+)

Eddie Royals’ first punt return had very little blocking so the return went for a mere four yards.

—

 

After an interception drive goes nowhere.  Matt Prater connects on a 48 yard field goal that could have been good from 58 yards off the baseball dirt infield.  These are hard kicks for field goal kickers because their plant foot will usually slip a little bit on the swing of the kicking leg. 

No matter, perfect form results in a perfect kick and three more points for the Broncos.

On the play, the Raiders were able to get good penetration up front and this is an area Coach McDaniels said specifically the Broncos will be working on this week.  That is a real plus, since it happened on the next field goal and extra point try as well. 

The Raiders were over stacking eight players to one side and getting good pressure up the middle.

—

 

The following kickoff is six yards deep in the end zone and the Broncos stuff the return at the 14 yard line, allowing the defense to be set up for success.  On the next kick return for the Raiders they were stopped at the 15 yard line.

—

 

Conversely when the Raiders try a 48 yarder the Broncos get very little penetration and Sebastian Janikowski connects on the long attempt.

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On the following kickoff Eddie Royal gets the ball out to the 22 yard line, good for a 27 yard return.

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On the Raiders kickoff return following the Broncos second touchdown, the Broncos make a touchdown saving tackle at the 30 yard line.

 

contact Chaz @ sportsmanagement@gmail.com

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For Those of You Who Think Denver Has No Chance: This One Is For You

I am a bartender, so I get to watch ESPN all day at work and follow NFL Primetime, Live, and the whole nine yards. I see everything about all the teams.

All day I watch only to watch analyst give Denver zero credit. I understand they all made assumptions of how terrible we would be. I understand the tougher part of our schedule is coming up. Facts are facts though ladies and gentlemen and I am here to give you some.

Before I get to the facts, though, I read the Raiders articles. Raiders fans, just shut your mouth until you beat us again. Please just shut your mouth. You have a terrible QB and we dominated you in every aspect of the game.

The Baltimore Ravens are number one in power rankings, while Denver sits at 13: The only 3-0 team out of the top ten. Denver has won their games 62-16, so +46 in our favor against teams with a combined record of 3-6. Baltimore has won their games 103-53 so +50 in their favor against teams with a combined record of 2-7. Seems a little odd to me.

Have we played two weak teams?

Yes.

Wait though, weren’t we suppose to be one of those weak teams? A team that Cleveland, Oakland, and the Bengals could beat. The Bengals didn’t have things go their way, but lucky plays happen, just ask David Tyree.

Cincinnati scored 23 with 273 yards on the defending Super Bowl champs. We allowed 307 yards, but only seven points.

Broncos held Cleveland to six points and only allowed 200 yards. Minnesota gave up 17 and 268 yards.

Broncos held Oakland to a measly 137 yards and gave up three points. Chargers gave up 366 yards and 20 points.

We have the number one defense in the league. No one would have predicted that regardless of the teams we played before the season started. I’m tired of all analyst using our schedule as a scapegoat for their wrong predictions.

Just something to read and think about for a moment before you count Denver out.

Looking at our schedule coming up, it looked a lot scarier before the season than it does now. Cowboys without Felix, Patriots without Mayo, and Chargers with out Jamal Williams and maybe LT all look beatable to me. I’m not guaranteeing a win by any means, but they are games we can win.

Followed by that, we have the Ravens who look outstanding, but things may change by then. Steelers look beatable as well to me. Redskins we should beat if they keep at this pace.

With all the being said that still leaves two games against Kansas City and one more against Oakland in Denver.

I’m not saying were going 10-6 but we could and we very well may win the division. No we are not world beaters, but we do win.

“Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn’t have a grasp on how to build a team,” said John Clayton, April 23rd, 2009.

I just want people like this to go back and say ‘maybe I was wrong.’ I’m not asking to pick us for the Super Bowl; just give us respect where we have earned it.

Denver fans, I leave you with this comment from recently signed veteran Vonnie Holliday.

“But when I was talking to some coaches on this staff, guys who were much older and much more experienced than Coach McDaniels, they said, ‘Don’t listen.’ They said some good things were happening here. They said Coach McDaniels was special … it didn’t take me long to realize they were right. There’s something about Josh McDaniels.”

Keep strong Bronco faithful as we shoot for 4-0.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Early Thoughts on the Broncos-Cowboys Week Four Matchup

The Denver Broncos (3-0, First Place AFC West) are getting set to take on the Dallas Cowboys (2-1, Second Place NFC East) in what figures to be one of the top matchups in the fourth week of the NFL season.

Dallas is fresh off a dominant 21-7 victory over fellow NFC opponent Carolina, and the Broncos are still soaking in a 23-3 crushing of their bitter rival Oakland Raiders. 

The last time these two teams met was four years ago on a Thanksgiving night game on NFL Network, when Ron Dayne propelled the Broncos to one of their 13 victories with a big run in overtime to set up a Jason Elam field goal.

This early season contest features two of the NFL’s top rushing offenses, one of which could be without its centerpiece. Marion Barber, the Cowboys’ power back and Pro Bowl performer could be out when Dallas travels to Invesco Field at Mile High next Sunday afternoon, but do not expect the Cowboys to veer away from their running game.

Dallas is currently ranked first in the NFL in rushing, averaging an astounding 193.7 yards per game thanks to its trio of Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. But the offensive power does not end at the running game. Quarterback Tony Romo has led this offense to roughly 430 yards per contest, averaging nearly 29 points in their first three games.

What Dallas does not have so far is a great pass rush, which seems odd considering they boast the league’s returning leader in sacks, DeMarcus Ware. In fact, until last night, the Cowboys did not have a sack or a turnover defensively.

The Broncos hope to bring out those apparent flaws in Dallas’ defense with their top-tier offensive line, led by All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, who has yet to surrender a sack in his young NFL career. His tremendous play could force Ware to other positions on the field in order to have any kind of impact.

While the Broncos do not appear to be a pass-heavy offense, quarterback Kyle Orton has been nothing but efficient and mistake-free for his first three games as a Denver Bronco, throwing three touchdown passes and no interceptions so far. Orton has been labeled a “game manager” throughout his career, and my question is “When did that become a bad thing?”

Orton and the Broncos are off to a hot 3-0 start, one that has been aided by the play of Denver’s new-look defense. Although it is early, the Bronco defense is on pace to be the best this franchise has ever seen, allowing only 16 points through their first three games, best in the NFL so far. They also have held opponents to an average of 214.7 yards per game, which also ranks first in the league.

The dominance of the Denver defense combined with the league’s fourth-ranked rushing attack has really paved the way for the Broncos, who are considered by many to be a surprise and quite frankly are not getting the national decorum they deserve.

Denver is ranked 13th in ESPN’s newest edition of “Power Rankings,” but even lead AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, who has been fairly skeptical if not critical of Denver throughout this offseason, agrees that the Broncos are a top 10 team.

Personally, I hope the Broncos stay under the radar. Teams can keep underestimating them and, not coincidentally, they will continue losing to them. 

I read an interesting line on Mike Florio’s blog at Pro Football Talk, where he said this: 

“Last week, some were calling the Broncos the worst 2-0 team in league history.

“Now, some are calling them the worst 3-0 team in league history.

“The way they’re going, they’ve got a chance to end up being something other than the worst 5-0 team in league history, too.”

How could that not be more true? People hopped off the Denver bandwagon the second Jay Cutler was traded, if they weren’t already trailing far behind when Mike Shanahan was fired. It is too easy to fear or doubt the unknown, but Josh McDaniels has this team believing, and it shows.

This is by no means a guarantee that the Broncos will beat the Cowboys, because, after last night, I realized that the Cowboys can be a fantastic team when they want to be. Which brings me to the next myth that needs debunking, which is that the Broncos have played three “easy” opponents so far.

Orton was quick to shoot down the fact that Dallas will be the Broncos’ first real test of the season, saying he has “never played an easy game in the NFL.” It is very easy, as NFL fans in this generation to look at a team like Cincinnati, the team of “Hark Knocks,” and honestly say they are a team that is worth playing in the NFL.

Well, two weeks after the “Immaculate Deflection,” the Cincinnati Bengals are looking like a team on the rise, having beaten Green Bay on the road and the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers at home on a come-from-behind victory that included two fourth-down conversions on their final drive.

The Cleveland Browns have been abysmal this year, but how did anyone know they would be 0-3 when they played the Broncos? Cleveland fans, on this site at least, seemed to have hope if not confidence that their team would come into Denver and get a victory. 

Then came the Oakland Raiders, and their fans need no explanation. Ever since Week 12 of last season, Raider fans have been licking their chops to host the Broncos again, and many fans and analysts predicted them to get a win at home against the Broncos, who were supposed to be a team in disarray. A near shutout on the road has still not silenced the critics, though they are at least backing down a little.

John Clayton predicted at the beginning of the season that Denver would win three games, and that “Denver rookie head coach Josh McDaniels doesn’t have a grasp on how to build a team.”

He said that prior to the NFL Draft, and look who is laughing now, at least for the time being. Other than trading Cutler, the Broncos made a bevy of offseason moves to improve their team, which Clayton apparently failed to take into account when assessing McDaniels.

I read a very interesting piece on Mile High Report, a Broncos blog, about the effectiveness of the offseason moves Denver has made, and how they correlate to some of the more expensive, alternative options that potentially could have silenced the critics.

If the Broncos lose to the Cowboys, you can certainly expect the “haters” and “nay-sayers” to be in full form once again, but this Denver team certainly appears to be one to be reckoned with.

Check back on Thursday or Friday for my Keys to Victory for Denver!

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Denver Broncos Face Tough Schedule in Quest for Playoff Return

Let’s take a look back: It’s the end of the 2008 season. Mike Shanahan fired. Jay Cutler traded for Kyle Orton and picks. A defense in shambles, having allowed 28 points per game.

Brandon Marshall wanting to be traded and suspended during a portion of the pre-season.  2009 looking like a major rebuilding effort for rookie coach Josh McDaniels.

Fast forward to the end of September. Broncos are 3-0. Orton is playing mistake-free football. Offensive line protecting Orton and creating gaps for the running game as well as ever.

Defense has allowed a total of 16 points over three games, stuffing the run and pressuring the quarterback.

Excuse me?

Any Denver fan couldn’t be happier after a 3-0 start and an early division lead in the AFC West.

As McDaniels and crew will readily admit, there is still much work to do. The schedule does not lie.

The Broncos will face a decidedly stiffer slate of competition in the coming weeks, with stouter offenses and defenses to contend with. 

Can Denver’s offense, minus a prolific passing game, be balanced enough to hang with the big boys?  Can its defense, against better offenses than the anemic Browns and Raiders, continue to impose its will?

Prior to its Week 7 bye, Denver faces Dallas and New England at home, before visiting San Diego for a Monday Night contest.  All playoff-quality teams with potentially explosive offenses.

Coming out of the bye, the Broncos pay a visit to the suddenly dynamic Baltimore Ravens, followed by a home date with Pittsburgh.

For Denver to entertain playoff hopes, it must come out of that stretch with at least two wins, probably three. That would leave the Broncos at 5-3 or 6-2.

With two games remaining with Kansas City, and a home date with Oakland, eight or nine wins would be nearly a certainty assuming no letdowns.

They’d then need a couple of wins in the other second-half games (at Washington, Indy and Philly, home for San Diego and the Giants).

No guarantees, since this team has not been severely tested, and has not shown a penchant for second-half surges in recent years.

Nevertheless, an optimistic outlook heading into October is certainly not what many experts saw coming out of the Mile High City, after a dismal 2008 season and winter of gloom and doom prognostications.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Hey Raiders Fans: How Do You Like Your Crow? Smoked, Like Your Team?

Ah Raiders fans. They’re the only thing more entertaining than their sorry team to all other AFC West opponents’ fans.

Raiders fans are the ones that take fandom too far in the NFL, dressing up in their craziest garb from Darth Vader helmets and gorilla masks to silver and black face paint that rivals ’70s hair band KISS. Some think Oakland fans like to dress up to look more macho, as some wear shoulder pads with spikes and other decorations. Or is it that the fans are trying to make up for their team’s deficiencies?

Most likely it’s because the fans are honestly scared for their own wellbeing, as there’s no telling how out of control a Raiders player might get.

Really though, Oakland Raiders fans are the No. 1 audience on B/R, and they show out feverishly, with much fervor and ferocity. They back their team, even to the point of going onto rival team’s pages to trash talk about how the Raiders have been, are, and will be great.

Before this most recent Broncos/Raiders game, I wrote a prediction piece that also attacked Oakland’s organization because we all know they can and should return to their once great standing in the AFC West and the NFL. But as of now, and for the past 15 years, besides 2000-02, when they went to the playoffs but lost all three years.

I attempted to use statistics to explain to Raiders fans how bad they have been especially really recently, like the last seven years. I’ll say once again, Oakland has a measly 25 wins since 2003, and average of less than six a season.

But loyal “black holians,” or maybe “black hooligans” fits them more suitably, as they fought my logical statistics with a few of their own, and some more illogical comments as well.

Fingersrdrs Raiders wrote, “31-10 the Raiders beat Mr Ed the last time they played…” As Rick wrote in his piece “Raider Fan Trash Talk: A Premonition” Raiders fans can’t help but talk about the past, the last time their player did well or they beat your team, because they knew this time around could be trouble.

SR is one of the best examples of a Raiders fan that’s crazy for his team. “lol these horse fans crack me up with all these stats,were only 2 games into the season, u can throw all them stats out the window, u can think whatever you want, its about to go down in the town, black hole will be ready.”

That’s the greatest part though, Oakland natives, “real” Raiders fans, didn’t show out! The game was blacked out in Oakland because the stadium couldn’t sell out, even when a local grocer offered any fan that bought two tickets a $100 gift certificate.

Even Raider Card Addict, No. 3 in the B/R football writer rankings overall, couldn’t defend his team; just try to take stabs about the Broncos being bad since Elway retired.

That was until he brought up the storied history of the Raiders, where they have slight edges on the Broncos in many categories, and Oakland’s all-time head to head lead by 14 games was built in the ancient 1960s when the Broncos were horrible for the entire decade.

The point is, or points for that matter, is that the Raiders are not a great team, not even good and were destroyed by the Broncos 23-3, and it should have been worse.

Some Raiders fans talked bout how Richard Seymour and the Oakland defensive line was going to eat Kyle Orton and Denver’s running game alive; however, the opposite was true. Sure, Orton only passed for 157 yards, but he wasn’t sacked once, nor did he throw an interception.

As for the running game, Correll Buckhalter ran for 108 yards with a gaudy 7.7 yard per gain average, and rookie Knowshon Moreno carried the ball 21 times for 90 yards and a touchdown.

In total, the Broncos were dominant in total yards (372-137), first downs (21-9), turnovers (3-1), and average gain per play (6.8-1.8) among almost every other stat that could be measured.

The defense was remarkable as well, nabbing two easy interceptions early in the contest, only to have those turnovers translate into points, and adding a fumble recovery on three forced fumbles too. The Denver D held Oakland to 3-10 on third downs, some of which drew many boos from the black hole, or wherever most of the Raiders fans have fallen into.

Elvis Dumervil was the star of the game once again as he added two more sacks to bring his total to six for 2009, and Darrell Reid added a sack of his own. DJ Williams flew all over the field with a team leading seven tackles and a forced fumble also.

Denver played a compete game on both sides of the ball, won their first divisional game of the year, and remained undefeated at 3-0 leading the AFC West. Next up for the Broncos is the real meat of their schedule, as they start with Dallas and face many perennial playoff teams in a row.

But Denver should focus on this huge win right now, and Raiders fans should enjoy their crow and eat up. So, Rai “duhs” fans, what are you going to say now until your team plays the AFC West leaders again? Now you can’t rely on the popular, “we beat your donkey asses last year, remember, like nine months ago,” routine.

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