Brandon Marshall Shows Some Sense: Reports to Training Camp

After weeks of speculation following another Broncos’ star trade demands, Brandon Marshall made a great decision and showed up to Dove Valley Monday, the day in which Bronco players are required to report to camp.

Although, what must be realized is that this is yet another selfish decision in a long line of self-centered acts by the young receiver.

Marshall was forced to show at camp; otherwise, he would face fines of almost $16,000 per day. He explained in a familiar way, “I’m under contract. It’s my obligation to be here, and I’m here,” reported The Denver Post today. 

Marshall may be in Dove Valley, but that doesn’t mean he’s a happy camper, if you get my drift. When asked if he’s happy to be in a Broncos’ uniform, Marshall said, “I’m happy to be playing football. That’s what I’ve done since I was a little boy, and hopefully, that’s what I can continue to do.”

Marshall wants a bigger contract, as he is only due about $2.2 million this season, whereas many high-profile receivers are paid in the $5-8 million-per-year range.

The Broncos’ hesitation stems from a myriad of off-the-field disputes that leave Marshall’s future hanging in the balance. He has a hearing Aug. 13, and if found guilty, he could start his 2009 season like he did in 2008, serving a suspension.

The most troubling part of Marshall’s overdue arrival at camp is the fact that he hasn’t had a one on one discussion with Josh McDaniels yet, which is eerily similar to the Jay Cutler fiasco. He said, “My agent (Kennard McGuire) has been talking to McDaniels.”

Hopefully, there is not another case of communication breakdown happening between coach and player, or this could definitely spell trouble for the future of the McDaniels’ era in Denver.

Josh McDaniels: A Look Inside the Broncos’ “Master” Mind

Josh McDaniels is one of the most scrutinized coaches in the NFL, and he hasn’t even coached a preseason game yet.

Really though, who could blame fans?

They have endured the loss of their team’s greatest coach, only to have him be replaced by a baby-faced, and some think, arrogant and over-controlling, relative no-name that exiled the team’s best player early in his tenure.

But they haven’t been the only ones, the national, and local media alike have done everything from insult McDaniels’ intelligence to question his ability to lead.

In addition, disputes with Brandon Marshall (which may have cooled for now) and huge turnover in all aspects of the team, have scared fans, and alerted the media that all the Broncos greatness of the last decade and a half is over.

But, as many still wonder, “Who really is Josh McDaniels? Will he be an heir to the “Mastermind” Mike Shanahan, the disciple of “The Grimace” Bill Belichick? Or will he be just another from the Patriots dynasty—Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Charlie Weiss—either a complete flop or at least a disappointment overall.

Can we really judge McDaniels already? I personally haven’t seen any interviews with him on TV that have been longer than a few minutes, and his coverage in the local papers is more speculative than in an interview fashion.

Woody Paige of the The Denver Post, likely the greatest writer in the Rocky Mountain region, though got an intimate experience in Paige’s third interview with the coach.

McDaniels said a few things that struck me, some that I believe are telling of this intriguing figure. Paige begins the interview with this quote from McDaniels, “There are things we will do (offensively) that other teams have never done.”

McDaniels continued, “We definitely will find different ways to make defenses work to get ready for us. Jack Del Rio (Jaguars coach) said it best two years ago. He said, preparing for us (New England) was like preparing for six different defenses. We want to dictate to defenses.”

McDaniels is confident, maybe overly so. But wasn’t Shanahan as well, when he signed on with Denver?

New formations, plays, and an overall different way of looking at things are good for football, especially on offense. After all, there had to be an Air Coryell to create the West Coast offense, and a Mike Shanahan to perfect it.

And possibly, for McDaniels to progress the offense, and maybe the NFL, into an even more sophisticated realm. McDaniels describes his playbook as, “It’s a library.” Paige said it resembled an “Encyclopedia Brittanica,” but McDaniels clarifies that the Broncos, “Won’t use all of it, but we will go into each week and choose the best plays for that game.”

Really, this should be really exciting for Broncos fans, as even if Kyle Orton isn’t the quarterback of the future, he could be the stop gap for a few years. McDaniels addressed Orton, not holding anything back when speaking of the positives he holds in store.

“It’s a tough adjustment coming into our system. Kyle moved here full time and has learned the offense. We threw everything at him. He’s watching film, studying all the time. I feel very good about him. Kyle’s a smart player. He brings leadership, toughness. We’re not going to ask him to do things that are not best suited for him.”

McDaniels, with all those plays, has to find some that suit the players he has, if he ever wants to be labeled with a cool nickname like his predecessors.

When it came to talking about the team overall, McDaniels showed his youthful pride-like confidence once again. “

All I can tell you is I’ve never been a part of a losing season in my life—not when I started playing in the seventh grade, not in high school, not in college, not (as an assistant) at Michigan State, not in all my years (eight) in New England. I don’t want to put a cap on what we’re going to do.”

Broncos fans should be assured that McDaniels is a winner, has experienced winning his entire life, including winning Super Bowls. A winner and leader, even if that leader rips the reigns a bit too hard for some, is much better than a loser and obedient servant-like the situation in Oakland.

Paige finishes by describing McDaniels as, “Josh is engaging, self-assured, likable, oft-times funny at his own expense, serious about his profession and goals, an NFL historian, highly intelligent, a dedicated husband and father and a clever, gifted football coach.”

This interview is a great glimpse into the real Josh McDaniels, a person with so much control over the beloved Broncos, that we seemingly don’t know yet; a person that has been likely prematurely scrutinized by those that may not see his vision, yet.

Denver Broncos Secondary Improves Greatly with Alphonso Smith’s Signing

Today it was reported by ESPN NFL insider John Clayton that CB Alphonso Smith, the second-round draft pick from Wake Forest, was signed. Also, Darcel McBath, David Bruton, and Tom Brandstater penned deals, leaving Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers as the only two of Denver’s 10 picks unsigned.

Smith, who was projected by many to go in the first round, slipped to 37th to the Broncos. Smith showed he has great ball-hawking skills, collecting 21 interceptions in his time at Wake, making him the all time ACC leader in picks. He was also an all ACC selection in both 2007 and 2008.

Some say Smith, at 5’9″ and 190 pounds is too small to start in the NFL, but Smith has also been said to be a good tackler, and runstopper when needed. If not this year, since it seems Andre Goodman will start opposite Champ Bailey, then possibly in 2010 or ’11.

But that isn’t to say Smith won’t see playing time, as he was also a great returner in college, and looks to be the No. 1 returner on the team at this point.

Smith wasn’t the only bolstering done to the secondary on Sunday either, as McBath and Bruton are both free safeties.

McBath, who went in the second round as well, could eventually be a starter one day too. He averaged over 70 tackles a season from 2006-08, and was also all Big 12 his sophomore and junior seasons, while playing for Texas Tech. 

Bruton has a slimmer chance to one day start, but at 6’2″ 220 pounds, and with ability that led to 91 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles, he will be a great special teams player at the very least.

Overall, as the secondary has seen a complete overhaul this year, and with an aging Champ, it’s a welcome sight to see all this young talent walk into Dove Valley for Monday’s first day Rookies are required to be in camp.

Now, as far as his size and potential, we will see if Smith can be more like ex-Broncos youngsters Dominique Foxworth or Darrent Williams. Both were 5’9″, but Williams was far superior as a player, until his untimely death in 2007. Foxworth is still a solid corner, and a starter currently, but lacks the flash and athletic ability of an explosive corner.

Not to mention, Williams was special as a returner, as Smith hopes to be as well.

If I had to call it now, I would say Smith will end up reminding many Broncos fans of Williams with his flashy, athletic play.

Turbulent Times Typify the Denver Broncos in ’09

It seems not a day can go by with another part of the Denver Broncos’ roster being changed in some way, shape or form.

Beginning with McDaniels, and subsequently GM Brian Xanders’ hirings, the Broncos have changed significantly. Xanders was handed a list of seven players to cut in his first two days, which included Dre’ Bly, Dwayne Robertson and Jamie Winborn, among others.

After that, came the signing of many, many free agents, including LaMont Jordan, Jabbar Gaffney, and Lonnie Paxton, all from New England, as Denver is now “Patriots West.” Other big names McDaniels and Co. have signed for the Broncos this off season include Brian Dawkins, Correll Buckhalter, Andra Davis, Renaldo Hill and Darrell Reid.

Overall, including undrafted college free agents, the Broncos have signed 30 free agents so far this offseason, meaning these will definitely not be your Dad’s Broncos.

This offseason has not been all about free agents though, as Denver made the biggest trade in the NFL so far, getting rid of a cry-baby QB, sending a message through the entire organization: Love it or leave it.

Fans cried in their beers as “the next Elway” seemingly slipped through Denver’s hands.

The draft was full of surprises for the Broncos, as they did not select primarily on the defensive end, another choice that was berated by fans and analysts alike.

Now, Denver’s best receiver in Brandon Marshall, one of three Broncos to make the Pro Bowl in 2008, has asked for a trade, which has fans wondering what has happened to the once proud franchise a mere 10 years after back-to-back Super Bowl wins.

In the midst of Marshall going Madonna on us, four more cuts were made Thursday, including Champ’s brother Boss Bailey, who I thought would have a great chance at starting come September.

All of this turmoil has tried Broncos’ fans, who had grown accustomed to Mike Shanahan’s relatively consistent ways. Denver wasn’t the best team in the last few years, but at least we all knew what to expect.

I’ve talked to many Denver die-hards lately that are now actually questioning their fanhood and loyalty, as they worry about every little thing McDaniels does. Some on B/R are even questioning whether or not McDaniels will be fired before even coaching a game.

I look at it this way; Shanahan was new once too, and made questionable moves, including starting a 6th-round running back that became a Super Bowl and NFL MVP. Shanahan was blessed by his players, and some gambles paid off for him, quickly, gaining Shanahan not only the “mastermind” nickname, but also the admiration of fans and players alike.

McDaniels too must get lucky, and possibly the “gamble” he took on a running back, Knowshon Moreno, will pay off for him as well. In the very least, McDaniels must be hoping that Kyle Orton can play well, and if he can’t, McD and the Broncos will continue to be the laughing stock of the league in 2009.

But really, while fans that have claimed they bleed orange and blue have began questioning Denver’s NFL franchise, mostly due to McDaniels; I have enjoyed taking the ride along with him.

Why worry about every move that McD and the Broncos make? Denver is now officially rebuilding, and maybe wiping the slate clean is the best restart for the Broncos.

While Shanahan was a great coach, likely a Hall of Famer, he was never perfect—and we shouldn’t have perfect expectations of McDaniels either.

The best way I’ve found to look at the situation is like this; McDaniels could either be Wade Phillips, or Mike Shanahan.

On one hand you have Phillips, who, after getting the head coaching position, went 16-16 with one playoff game loss.

On the other, you have the savior and greatest coach the Mile High city has ever seen.

The worst-case scenario is McDaniels hitting the reset button on the franchise, coaching a few years, then getting canned much like Phillips did.

The best-case scenario is McDaniels coaching for 10-plus years, at least taking the Broncos to another Super Bowl, if not winning a championship or two. He could even earn some catchy intelligent sounding nickname like his mentor Bill Belichick or Shanahan; possibly “Baby Genius.” 

In all, Broncos’ fans must realize we’re not in control of the organization, Pat Bowlen, who recently admitted to the Denver Post that he is now experiencing short-term memory loss, is.

The saddest truth could be this, the Denver Broncos are now looking more like the Oakland Raiders; with a young no-name head coach, a bunch of rag-tag players that no one else wants, and an aging owner that may be losing his grip on reality, acting too nostalgic for the old days.

Although, Denver could truly become “Patriots West”; with an awesomely explosive offense, a threatening defense, and a team-first mentality.

We will all have to see.

The best thing for us as fans and pundits to do is, sit back, enjoy the ride, and see where McDaniels takes us.

Let’s hope it’s back to the mountain top, not down the plank to the Raiders’ level.

Josh McDaniels Names Kyle Orton Starting QB,But Vick Could Still Compete

Today, according to B/R’s own Broncos expert Sayre Bedinger, the Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels named new quarterback Kyle Orton the starter.

McDaniels also clarified, “That certainly does not mean that there won’t be competition in training camp because there will…Kyle has the job right now, but we will see if he can keep it.”

As I said two weeks ago, Kyle Orton won the job as of now, but also I stated three weeks ago that competition breeds success, one reason of three that the Denver Broncos should sign Michael Vick.

Vick was released by the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, and he is free to sign with any team that wants him, though no one has inquired as of yet. Although ESPN’s John Clayton reported that the Rams and 49ers among others are the front-runners to pick up the once great QB, Denver should be Vick’s next home.

I’m not saying that Vick should come in and start for the Broncos. He should merely add competition, something Chris Simms has likely had problem doing, and, in turn, making Orton better.

With McDaniels’ genius as far as play calling and designing is concerned, could utilize Vick as the slash; at one point, the QB could be in the “vickcat” or even “hokie-pokie” offense, the next play he could be split out wide as a receiver, and they could even utilize him on special teams as a punt/kick returner.

It could be magical, and it could be tragic.

Imagine Vick, the same man that had over 1,000 yards rushing, an NFL record for a QB, and also threw for over 2,600 yards in 2006, playing for the Broncos, doing all sorts of exciting things.

“Vick takes the ball from center, runs to the right for 15 yards, first down. Vick takes the snap, drops back, hits Brandon Marshall across the middle for a first down. Orton drops back, sees Vick down the sideline wide open, hits him for a 45-yard touchdown!”

Vick could keep pressure on Orton to be a quality quarterback in the Broncos orange and blue and also do what he has done best in the NFL for six seasons—create headaches, confusion, and match up problems for any defense that plays Denver.

Another aspect that makes Vick a good fit in “Patriots West” is that New England has been regarded as a haven for players with troubled pasts, like Randy Moss and Corey Dillon, and New England is where McDaniels grew up in the NFL.

McDaniels could preach just as his mentor Bill Belichick does; it’s the team’s way or the highway. And that should go for Brandon Marshall too, but that’s another story.

This is, of course, if Vick is cleared to play by Roger Goodell and the NFL, if he can still compete at the high level the NFL demands, if Vick can again learn an NFL offense, a quite complex one at that, and if Vick can keep himself out of trouble, including not corrupting young talents like Marshall, who is on the edge of a cliff all on his own.

All that said, in the end, bringing in Vick is definitely worth the trouble of the negative media that will lose interest quickly, and he is a low-risk, potentially high-reward player, considering he could just be cut if he screws up.

So, Bowlen, Xanders, and McDaniels, what are you waiting for?!

 

Brandon Marshall Misses Mandatory Meeting As Attitude Worsens

Brandon Marshall is an amazing football player, making his first Pro Bowl in February, but he is also a very violent, egotistical person who cares more about himself than his team and loved ones. 

Marshall should consider himself lucky, but seems to be oblivious about it all.

Marshall is one of only 1,500 people in the world who has the chance to play a game he loves for exorbitantly higher wages than he could make in almost any other field. Many professional athletes admit to loving their job, and why not with the fame and fortune that comes along with playing a mere game.

No doubt Marshall does love to play, but he has used the opportunity to spotlight himself, mostly in negative ways, rather than bringing positive attention to the Broncos’ organization.

After being suspended last season for three games, for 12 separate home police visits, Marshall was fortunate to have the suspension reduced by Roger Goodell to a single game. The deal hinged on Marshall promising Goodell he would stay out of trouble.

Then, in March, B. Marsh was arrested for the fifth time for fighting his fiancee, and another suspension was expected, one with much longer time off. But as the charges were dropped the next day by his now ex-fiancee, the case was dismissed.

Marshall should have played for Notre Dame in college because he definitely has the luck of the Irish.

It seems the grip of Goodell’s iron fist seemed to have let Marshall slip through, this time.

Now, after all the legal troubles and an interview on Outside the Lines, in which Marshall made clear over and over that he never laid his hands on his ex-fiancee, something his legal record argues to the contrary, Marshall has made the negative news once again.

The Denver Broncos held their first mandatory mini-camp today, and Marshall, who is recovering from hip surgery, was supposed to attend. Marshall was supposed to begin rehabbing with the Broncos.

Marshall has missed the past three weeks of team activity in Denver, and has said he doesn’t trust the Broncos’ medical unit. He says he’s wary of the team doctors because his hip was misdiagnosed originally. He’s also said he wants a pay raise.

While Marshall may have a gripe with the staff, he should put it behind him and realize that Steve “Greek” Antanopolus is highly regarded as one of the best in the league.

The young “beast” of a receiver definitely has a gripe when it comes to his contract, though, as he is set to make only $2.2 million for the 2009 season, well below the standards for high-profile NFL receivers.

Missing this camp is more of a selfish act than anything, telling the team and the league Brandon is going to do it Brandon’s way. It may be a way to a larger contract, but not the best path to be sure.

Marshall needs to suck it up and act like he cares about his NFL career, then he should ask for more money. There is no room on the baby Broncos, led by youngster Josh McDaniels, for an egotistical, selfish and likely violent player.

Marshall must take a good hard look in the mirror and find himself before he can truly help the Broncos, which may never happen, something the Denver organization must consider before moving toward giving him a huge new contract.

After such horrible personnel moves like the additions of Maurice Clarett and Travis Henry, the Broncos can’t continue to put up with another locker room cancer, which Marshall is making himself out to be.

If the Broncos pay him, hopefully Marshall can reform his attitude. If he can’t do that, they must cut ties with the receiver.

Kyle Orton and Chris Simms Battle to See Who Will Be Broncos Starting QB

The Denver Broncos start the 2009 season coming off arguably the greatest single-season performance for a Denver quarterback in their history, the problem is, they don’t have that QB any more.

Jay Cutler was traded pre-draft day after a month-long complete debacle between the disgruntled QB and his newly appointed head coach, Josh McDaniels.

Cutler’s over 4,500 yards and 25 touchdowns were good enough to earn the young QB a Pro Bowl berth for the first time in his career, and it is unlikely either of the two quarterbacks Denver has to reach those numbers in 2009.

But, the Broncos did receive a starting QB in the trade in Orton, something they wanted from the situation.

Orton is a capable starter, with two full seasons under his belt, in 2005 and 2008, and ’08 was his best statistically with over 2,900 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those numbers are respectable, they are far from what Cutler was able to do last year, yet Orton should benefit from McDaniels’ new offense.

But before he thinks about starting games in his new orange and blue, Orton must focus on his current QB battle with Chris Simms.

Simms, son of Giants great Phil Simms, was drafted in 2004 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he had his best season in 2005, starting 10 games for the Bucs, with a 6-4 record. Simms passed for just over 2,000 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven picks, a mediocre season at best for an NFL QB.

In 2006, Simms suffered a ruptured spleen that needed surgery and kept him out of the NFL for two years. Last season he came back to the league as a backup with the Tennesee Titans, but for only one game.

In reality, Orton should win this starting position that coach McDaniels has said is up for grabs, relatively easily.

While both QBs are young, and have large gaps of playing time in their careers, Orton is more proven with more starts and has played more recently.

Orton has passed for over 5,300 yards, for 30 TDs and 27 INTs in his career compared to Simms’ 3,000 yards, 12 TDs and 17 INTs. On top of that, Orton’s record as a starter is 22-11, contrasted with Simms’ paltry 7-8 record overall.

In all, neither quarterback will be top-five in 2009, and neither are neccasarily a QB to build a team around, but one will fill the gap for this year.

In all likelihood, the Broncos starter will be Kyle Orton, and he needs to be a leader in the huddle, listen to coaching, and study, study, study the playbook.

In 2009, all rests on the shoulders of Kyle Orton, hopefully he can carry the burden that comes with being a Broncos quarterback and have a productive year. If so, Denver should have a top-10 offense when all is said and done.

Denver Broncos a Playoff Team in ’09?: Coaching Is Capital, Players Are Pivotal

The Denver Broncos come into the 2009 season after experiencing a blizzard of changes in the off-season; seeing their all-time greatest coach in Mike Shanahan fired, their Pro Bowl quarterback traded, and numerous trade and draft-day acquisitions filling the current roster.

While there are many question marks that surround this football team, one thing is for sure, this is the most exciting preseason for the Broncos in a long time.

Josh McDaniels was named the 12th head coach in Denver Broncos history, and is already number one in one category for the Broncos, he’s their youngest coach ever.

Although, McDaniels, 33 years old, is just one of many baby-faced coaches in the NFL in 2009, as Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who was also a candidate for the Denver job, is the NFL’s youngest at 32 years old. Eric Mangini and Tom Cable are all part of this young coaching trend as well.

McDaniels though has shown that he is “the man” in Denver now, hiring his own coaching staff, which includes ex-49ers’ head coach Mike Nolan to run the Broncos defense, and bringing in numerous players that fit his style.

McDaniels, the new-age “mastermind” of offense, brings his highly effective spread offense to Denver. His revolutionary system is the same one that led the Patriots to NFL records in overall points (589), points per game, and yards per game in the 2007 season.  

It’s also the same system that took Matt Cassel from not good enough to start in the NFL, to having a decent season in ’08, and eventually going to Kansas City in a trade, earning Cassell huge starting QB money.

The looming question for the Broncos offense in 2009 is whether or not McDaniels’ schemes can evolve the game play of Kyle Orton, or Chris Simms, as one will likely be Denver’s starter this season.

Orton, acquired from Chicago as a result of the month-long McJaygate, is currently the favorite to take the starting job. He is a three-year veteran and Simms has missed the last two seasons following spleen surgery, so he is a wild card.

Orton enjoyed his best season statistically in 2008 with 2,900 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs, but those stats leave a great deal to be desired for Broncos’ fans as Cutler was a top-five quarterback last year.

Orton is not a great deep-ball passer, as he went 1-11 in passes of 30+ yards in ’08, but McDaniels’ offense revolves around short dink-and-dunk passes, spreading the field and the ball to multiple receivers.

Luckily for Orton, Denver is absolutely stacked at the receiver position, and he would be smart to throw in each’s direction.

Brandon Marshall, the Broncos best receiver, has a rare combination of speed, strength, and size that makes him a tough cover for any cornerback. Though, after being arrested his third time this offseason after a domestic abuse call in Atlanta, Marshall will probably miss the first half of 2009.

Eddie Royal, a second-year phenom from Virginia Tech is a burner, but his speed might not be utilized with Orton’s smallish arm. Royal though could be an awesome slot receiver for the Broncos, especially with McDaniels calling the plays.

Wes Welker, who does not come close to Royal in athleticism, had a great 2007 and 2008 with 223 receptions, for 2,340 yards, and 11 touchdowns under McDaniels. Think what Royal could do with all those looks across the middle and to the sidelines.

Along with those two studs, McDaniels brought in Jabar Gaffney, his old number three option in New England to play the third receiver spot for Denver. Gaffney had 38 catches for nearly 500 yards in ’08, and his numbers should rise in 2009 as he will get starting time with Marshall out.

The Broncos also have Chad Jackson, and ex-Patriot, and they drafted Kenny McKinley in the fifth round.

At tight end, the Broncos have Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler as one is a great blocker, the other an awesome receiver. Graham is another New Englander turned Denverite, and will hopefully be utilized more than he was under Shanahan.

Scheffler has been rumored in trades, but if he is still on the team in ’09, he should have many catches down the middle of the field.

The most exciting question mark on offense is Knowshon Moreno, who was drafted 12th overall by Denver in the draft, the first running back taken. Moreno could have a huge impact on this Broncos team, and should get a look as the starter.

Denver though was the second-best offense in 2008 so McDaniels should be able to produce big numbers from all those play makers. Defense is where the Broncos truly struggled in 2008, going 30th in points, giving away games in fourth quarters.

Denver switched back and forth between the 4-3 and 3-4 in 2008, choosing to stick with the 4-3 to end the season. In 2009, the Broncos will play in the 3-4 scheme, a big time change from the 4-3 used for the past few decades in Denver.

Mike Nolan is in charge of this rag-tag squad, and has a huge challenge ahead of him to improve the defensive side of the ball.

The Broncos were so bad on D in 2008 that only three starters from last year are guaranteed to start in ’09: Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, and Elvis Dumervil.

Bailey had his worst professional season of his career, missing seven games with a groin injury, forcing him to also miss the Pro Bowl for the first time ever. Williams missed time as well, five games, but still finished with 68 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Dumervil was arguably Denver’s best defender in 2008 with 5 sacks, but he only recorded 17 tackles, a number that must rise in ’09. Dumervil is looking at a move in position from DE to OLB in the 3-4 scheme, and his numbers might suffer as he weathers that move.

Brian Dawkins is the biggest offseason pickup for the Broncos, a 15-year veteran that can still play well. His leadership at safety will help Denver’s defensive backfield.

Rookie Alphonso Smith may challenge for the other starting CB spot, and Renaldo Hill is the likely starter at the other safety spot.

Ex-Brown Andra Davis should be another starter at linebacker, but after that, many spots are still up for grabs.

Who will compose the Broncos defensive line? Matthias Askew, Robert Ayers, and Kenny Peterson? Many question marks arise in this area, and the Broncos front seven may still be soft in 2009.

Overall, Denver’s offense should be good, and has a chance to be great. But, according to Randy Moss and Welker, they have just recently fully grasped the highly complex offense, after playing for two years in it.

This will cause problems for Marshall since he will be out, Royal because of his youth, and Orton since he has to learn the offense in only a few months. The Broncos though should still rank in the top-10 in offense in 2009, and will surely be exciting to watch.

The defense on the other hand will probably be a weak spot for the Broncos yet again in 2009. With up to eight new starters and a new scheme for many of them to learn, Denver will likely rank in the bottom-10 in defense this year.

When all is said and done, Denver could win 10 games and may make the playoffs. The AFC West is not particularly strong, and no one can say for sure how effective all this change will be.

Although, the Broncos have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL in ’09, playing the NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Eagles), and also contenders in the Patriots, Colts, and Super Bowl champion Steelers.

In reality 8-8 would be a solid 2009 campaign, and they will likely hover around that mark this season.

Everything relys on how well McDaniels’ and Nolan’s coaching schemes work in Denver, and how completely the players buy into them.

There are many question marks that surround this team, but it all makes for mile high excitement this offseason, the most exciting in many years for the Broncos.

Three Reasons the Denver Broncos Should Sign Michael Vick

Michael Vick was released from prison Wednesday, after being locked up for being “the key figure” in a grotesque dogfighting ring. He was sentenced in December 2007 to a 23-month stay in federal prison.

Vick, once one of the most electrifying players of all the NFL, was knocked off his pedestal of fame and fortune when found guilty.

A few major question marks hang over Vick, as two years is a long time to be away from the complex game of NFL football.

First, he has to be cleared by the iron fist of Roger Goodell to play again, and soon. If Vick has to wait out another year, he would be 30 when the season started, three years removed from a game of perfectionist quarterbacks.

Vick was drafted in 2001 and 2009 would be his seventh season, at the age of 29.

IF Vick was cleared soon, before camps, teams should jump at the opportunity of the former Pro Bowl quarterback being eligible.

Second, Vick has to accept that he may not ever be a starting quarterback again in the NFL, and if he wants to be one, he must really listen to coaching and play the way plays are drawn up.

Also, Vick has much to learn, especially if he wants to play for McDaniels’ highly complex offense, after being out of the NFL for two years.

IF all come to fruition, the Denver Broncos should definitely pick up Michael Vick.

Three reasons immediately come to mind about why the Broncos should snag Vick to compete for their starting quarterback job.

 

Reason One: With Jay Cutler gone, there is no defined starter…yet.

Sure, the Broncos acquired Kyle Orton in the trade with Chicago for Cutler, but he is not entitled to the starting job. McDaniels said so himself, stating that Orton and Chris Simms are in competition with each other.

Orton, a three year veteran, had his best season in 2008 with 2,972 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Not awe-inspiring when compared to Cutler’s record-setting 2008 season.

Like Vick, Simms has been out of the NFL for two seasons, after rupturing his spleen in 2006. Not many expect him to win the job, making the “competition” almost nonexistent.

Vick could come in and truly compete with Orton, if not for his smarts, but for his athleticism.

 

Reason Two: Vick is a veteran of the NFL.

Even though Vick has been out of the league for two seasons, he was a six-year veteran when he was placed in prison. He understands offenses and could possibly pick up McDaniels’ offense better than the others due to his experience.

Vick went through many coaching/play-calling changes throughout his career with Atlanta, so he knows how to quickly adapt to new plays.

Also, with Vick’s experience comes the knowledge of defenses and their tendencies.

 

Reason Three: Vick is exciting.

Michael Vick was a player that “puts butts in the seats;” he’s a fan favorite, exciting for even the most casual NFL fan.

He has the third most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history with 3,859, with 21 touchdowns to boot. Vick could drop back only to tuck and run on any defense, even if they planned for it. Late in games, Vick was known to take over and run for game-winning touchdowns.

As a passer, Vick has 11,505 yards, for 71 touchdowns. His best season included 2,474 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Quite comparable to Orton’s 2008 campaign. Add in Vick’s over 1,000 yards rushing and two TDs and Vick’s best season was much better than Orton’s.

Plus, imagine what McDaniels could do with Vick, Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Graham, and Moreno to name a few. There could be the Mile High-Octane offense, a wildcat-like style running and passing, innovating along the way.

That is what McDaniels is heralded for, right? Being innovative?

That really makes my point overall. Vick could come into Dove Valley and compete with Orton, and Simms to a lesser degree, which would push all players to their top level, and would prove the starter would be the best Denver could put out in 2009.

Competition should lead to better players and better play when all is said and done.

Vick could, and most likely would, make the Denver Broncos a better team in 2009 as far as the quarterback position is concerned.

From Josh McDaniels To Mike Nolan: The Denver Broncos’ 2009 Coaches

One is an assistant turned head coach, the other a head coach demoted to assistant.

Josh McDaniels and Mike Nolan have many differences, but are similar as well.

McDaniels is the unsung, young, bright-eyed head coach that has taken control from the beginning of his campaign.

McDaniels spent the past eight seasons with the New England Patriots, and the previous three as the team’s offensive coordinator/quarterback coach. He led the Patriots to their NFL-best offense in 2007, scoring 589 points on 75 touchdowns with over 6,500 yards.

With Denver, he has grabbed the reigns and told owner Pat Bowlen to hold on.

McDaniels, only 33 years old, hired Brian Xanders as GM, and fired many of the ’08 Broncos’ horrible defensive players, including Dre’ Bly and Dwayne Robertson. In all, only Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, and Marcus Thomas are still on the team looking to play in 2009.

Mike Nolan has been brought in to reshape a Broncos defense that was 30th overall, 30th in points, and 29th in total yards allowed. For Nolan, at least one thing is for sure; there is no where to go but up.

Broncos fans should be excited for the coming of Nolan, an ex-49ers head coach, as their defensive coordinator. At least this year, Denver fans will know who the coordinator is, as he will be their fourth in as many years.

Mike Nolan has 11 years of defensive coordinator experience and was the 49ers head coach for the past four seasons. In all, Noan is very experienced. With 22 years in the NFL, he can possibly lend some advice to McDaniels.

As of now, Nolan is almost old enough to be McDaniels’ dad, but he must work together well with his new boss. So far, the two have agreed that Denver must have a complete overhaul, switching over to the 3-4 defense.

While only a few months from preseason, Denver still has many question marks on the defensive end, including how well the new alignment will work.

Dumervil should be moving to outside linebacker from defensive end, and newly acquired players from trades, free agency, and the draft all have to step in to start this year.

While it must have been hard for Bowlen to fire Shanahan after a disappointing 2008 season, the changes should prove prosperous with McDaniels’ brain and Nolan’s defensive brawn.

Plus, with almost no one in Denver even knowing McDaniels’ name until his hiring, at the very least Nolan provides a recognizable face on the sidelines. Not to mention that Nolan is the best dressed coach in the NFL, wearing a suit every game.

One major aspect of both coaches is that they are winners and highly competitive.

For the Broncos and Bowlen, it is hoped that McDaniels and Nolan can not only get along but prosper as coaches for the Mile High city’s orange and blue warriors.

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