Denver’s Backup Plan, If Marshall Decides Not To Play For Denver…Again

EDITORS!!!  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EDIT THIS ARTICLE.  I DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO DELETE AND REPOST AGAIN. 

Brandon Marshall is back, but is he ready to perform?  Is Marshall a coach’s comment away from throwing a fit again?

If so, I think the Broncos have a monster backup plan now, that could rear its ugly head in a couple of weeks.

The New England Patriots just let go one of their prized possessions; 5-technique master, perennial pro-bowler, Super bowl Champion, Richard Seymour.

New England pulled a classy move, and sent one of their greatest all time players to the worst organization in the NFL. Seymour is not happy. Below is a quote from Pats veteran and friend, Rodney Harrison:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/07/harrison-seymours-not-thrilled-with-deal-to-raiders/

If Seymour decides not to show up at Faiders practice, “Big Al” (Davis) may have yet another problem on his hands.

My solution: Trade Marshall straight up for Seymour.

Seymour would go to a 3-4 defense, where he will be better utilized. He will also go to a much better organization and should be familiar with the “Patriot Way” that has been installed this summer at Dove Valley.

Marshall Gets some new scenery, a new contract, and he will get to try to stick it to the Broncos twice a year…just like Javon Walker does.

The Al Davis/Mike Shanahan factor is gone. There are two disgruntled superstars on the block.  Both teams get to air out their drama, before the season starts.

In my opinion, this would work in both teams favors.

Of course, this is only a backup plan. If Marshall decides he needs to play to earn a new contract, then we should keep him and go forward.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Denver’s Backup Plan, If Marshall Decides Not To Play For Denver…Again

EDITORS!!!  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EDIT THIS ARTICLE.  I DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO DELETE AND REPOST AGAIN. 

Brandon Marshall is back, but is he ready to perform?  Is Marshall a coach’s comment away from throwing a fit again?

If so, I think the Broncos have a monster backup plan now, that could rear its ugly head in a couple of weeks.

The New England Patriots just let go one of their prized possessions; 5-technique master, perennial pro-bowler, Super bowl Champion, Richard Seymour.

New England pulled a classy move, and sent one of their greatest all time players to the worst organization in the NFL. Seymour is not happy. Below is a quote from Pats veteran and friend, Rodney Harrison:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/07/harrison-seymours-not-thrilled-with-deal-to-raiders/

If Seymour decides not to show up at Faiders practice, “Big Al” (Davis) may have yet another problem on his hands.

My solution: Trade Marshall straight up for Seymour.

Seymour would go to a 3-4 defense, where he will be better utilized. He will also go to a much better organization and should be familiar with the “Patriot Way” that has been installed this summer at Dove Valley.

Marshall Gets some new scenery, a new contract, and he will get to try to stick it to the Broncos twice a year…just like Javon Walker does.

The Al Davis/Mike Shanahan factor is gone. There are two disgruntled superstars on the block.  Both teams get to air out their drama, before the season starts.

In my opinion, this would work in both teams favors.

Of course, this is only a backup plan. If Marshall decides he needs to play to earn a new contract, then we should keep him and go forward.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Kyle Orton “Picks” Up The New Look Offense In Preseason Opener

The Broncos had some exciting moments and some down right infuriating moments, in yesterday’s Preseason opener in San Fransisco.  In their first offensive possession, the Bronx dominated the 49ers, taking the ball all the way down they field.  This uber long drive was capped off by a superb pass to the other team in the endzone.  Turnovers negated anything good the offense would accomplish in the first half. 

The first game was a wash.  With this many turnovers, you can’t expect McDaniels to call a clean offensive attack.  We will have to wait, until next weak to get a realistic view of the starting offense. 

Quarterbacks

As a Bronco fan, you hate to see this kind of thing happen to your starting Quarterback.  I’ve been to training camp this year.  Orton looked like a gamer!  He threw accurate lasers into the back of the endzone (he even threw one at my head!). 

In yesterdays game, Orton looked great on the first drive.  Completing short passes, that spread out the defense.

I’m pretty sure he’ll bounce back next week.  If not, then McD will have some decisions to make at QB.  For now, let’s give him a chance.

Chris Simms looked awesome!  I have to say it’s weird watching a left handed QB man the offense, but if he plays like that, I’m fine with it.

With Simms at the helm, the Broncos came to within one point of the 49ers with two minutes to go in the game.

It was definitely more exciting to watch Simms play yesterday than Orton, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves though.  The 2nd string QB ALWAYS looks like a superstar in the preseason.  In my humble opinion, it is easier to run a second string offense then it is to run a second string defense, hence the backups usually seem to play better than the starters.

Wide Receivers

Kenny McKinley, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Lloyd led the team in receiving yards.

I really like this McKinley kid!  He looks really fast out there and he can also help on Special Teams.

Eddie Royal ran some superb routes and it looked like Nate Clements was giving him about 15 yards for every down.  Now that’s respect!

Lloyd made some exciting catches and was part of the reason why Simm’s was able to attempt a second half comeback.

The Offense looked wide open yesterday and the QBs were able to spread the ball around effectively.

Tight Ends

Who?  Did McDaniels play any TEs yesterday?  From the looks of the stats sheet, the first team TE squad was primarily used as a blocking unit. 

We know that Orton attempted to pass the ball to Daniel Graham in the end zone on the first drive, but until Jeb Putzier’s touchdown catch in the second half, the TEs were nonexistent in the passing game.

We did get to see the rookie TE Richard Quinn push around some defensive ends, which is always fun to watch.

I definitely want the TEs to play a bigger role in the passing game in the future.

Backs

Peyton Hillis was the stud of the day, big surprise, as he averaged 4.9 yards a carry and added two passing receptions for 18 yards.

Superstar rookie Knowshon Moreno looked like a freight train in his NFL debut, averaging a whopping six yards a carry.  Unfortunately, he had to leave the game early with an undisclosed leg injury.  I look forward to this stud playing in Denver for many years.

Lamont Jordan was a steady force in the backfield.  He even got into the passing game, with a nine yard comeback route in the first half.

Correll Buckhalter was unimpressive in his debut as a Bronco, but I attribute his paltry one yard per carry average to the play of the offensive line.  Buck should show his true colors as the season goes on.

Offensive Line

The Offensive Line was “GODLIKE” in pass protection, not allowing any sacks all game.  Orton should do wonders with all the time he will have in the pocket this year.  However, the O-line will have to be much stronger in their run blocking.  Preseason or not, the Broncos should average over 100 rushing yards a game. 

Defensive Line

I liked these guys!  The big men up front (Fields, Peterson, Baker, and McBean), filled the gaps effectively and even created a lot of pressure in the pocket.  However, the Niners still found enough holes to get over 100 rushing yards on the day.  I attribute this to Preseason gitters.  The big runs were caused by missed gap assignments and missed tackles.  These mistakes should be taken care over by game one. 

Linebackers

The Outside line backers (Haggan, Dumervil, and Moss) looked really fast.  Elvis Dumervil looked like a freak, breaking into the backfield numerous times.  I am really pushing for Jarvis Moss to break into the second team defense.  I think he can be a special player in the 3-4. 

First round draft choice Rober Ayers was a little disappointing in his NFL debut.  This just shows that he needs more practice time, before showing his real potential.

The inside linebackers looked out of place to me.  Spencer Larsen showed he is a great force at linebacker and should add a wealth of depth to the linebacker corps.  This whole group needs to work on their pass defense skills.

Defensive Backs

These guys showed good recovery speed and tackling skills, but seemed out of place.  The defensive front provided enough pressure, that the defensive backs should have been better against the pass, but the Niners tore up their zone defense.  However, with more practice, this unit is going to be sweet.

Special Teams

So far, I don’t know who I want returning kicks and punts for the Broncos.  Alphonso Smith and Kenny McKinley are both tremendous, in my book.  Both have super speed and cat-like reflexes.  Who ever wins the starting spot, will definitely add a highlight reel or two to this years special teams unit.

The kicking team was fine.  With only one rep given to each player, you really can’t form an opinion yet.

At the end of the day, I was happy with the performance.  The brunt of the mistakes can only be attributed to one player.  I think the Broncos are on the right track to greatness this year.

GO BRONCOS!!!

 

I Don’t Think Brandon Marshall Is Going To Come Around

******UPDATE August 2, 2009******

Even in the wake of Baltimore trade rumors, Brandon Marshal has been a consummate professional, during training camp.  Also, he has not engaged the media about his trade request and looks to be warming up to the idea of being a Bronco.  Marshal even made a joke at his own expense, writing “Beast Ego” on his practice shirt.  I have my fingers crossed

*******************************

So much drama, so little time until the regular season starts.  I don’t want to bash Brandon Marshall for his past activities and what not, but to be frank, all Marshall needs to do now is to fail a drug test to complete the trifecta to be added to the list of “NFL Stars that could have been.”

Marshall has all the talent in the world, but nobody to tell him to be patient and smart.  He should take Rod Smith’s advice and “talk to him.”  You can view Rod’s comments about the Marsho-drama here.

Training camp started on Monday.  Marshall made the mature decision of showing up to camp, then he pulled a Jon Gosselin (“I’m only here for my kids”) and told the media he was only there, so he wouldn’t get fined.

Marshall had the chance to repair a lot of unneeded damage to his reputation.  He could have said “I’m here for my teammates”, or “I’m just here to play football and win for the fans of Denver”, but he decided to go the diva route and save his pride.

I want to go on the record right now as a Bronco fan and say that “I want Marshall to play for the Broncos this season.”  I’m pretty sure that a lot of Denver fans share the same opinion.  But I don’t think it will happen.

The Broncos could sign him to a one-year contract, worthy of a player of Marshall’s calibre, but what if he get’s suspended for a month?  It also doesn’t seem like money will change Marshall’s opinion of the Broncos organization. 

At this point, the Broncos cannot afford a long-term contract on Marshall, because he has not showed that he is willing to become a mature professional.

The Broncos can’t trade him and expect to get his true value in return.

Marshall can’t expect to be traded to another team and receive a contract he thinks is worth his abilities.

The only mature and logical choice, is for Marshall to suck up his pride and play for the Broncos this season.  Not just show up, but to want to win and be a part of the team.  If he does this, the Broncos WILL “show him tha money.”

Please be patient B-mar, and lay off the twitter account.

Denver Broncos Training Camp: Part One—The Ifs, Ands, Or Buts

Entering the 2009 offseason, most pundits and Broncos haters assume that the Broncos will be as weak as President Obama’s health care reform plan this season (oh yes, I went there). 

Myself, I am a complete homer. Through my orange-and-blue beer goggles, I can always see a Super Bowl run for the Bronx each year. 

Only a true citizen of Bronco Country could be this relentless in the quest for another championship. So, in the words of a true Broncos fan, I’ve put together a summary of insanely optimistic views about this years team.

Rookie Training Camp Monday July 27, 2009

When I look at this year’s draft class, I can’t help but see future super stars.  Draft day gems, that the rest of the NFL so ignorantly passed up. 

Headed by two stout first round choices in Knowshon Moreno and Ryan Ayars…I mean Robert Ayers. 

Moreno is set to run all over anyone who stands in his way this season. Running behind the best offensive line in the NFL doesn’t hurt his chances of being yet another 1,000 yard back to head Denver’s potent rushing attack, either.

Moreno will also be spelled by Correll Buckhalter and fan-favorite Peyton Hillis. I pity the fools who try to stop our running game.

Ayers could be the Broncos new “freak” addition to a defensive front that was less than stellar the last two seasons. He’s got skill, a relentless motor, and a freaky physique. Coupled with Elvis Dumervil as the opposite rush end line backer, quarterbacks will be seeing orange and blue blurs in their nightmares.

To cap off the first day of the draft, the Broncos wheeled and dealed in the second round for some future stars that the rest of the NFL considered “reaches.”

Alphonso Smith is going to “bring it” in the secondary this year. I see him taking one to two interceptions back for seven points in a limited roll this year. Quarterbacks won’t want to throw to Bailey or Goodman, so Smith is going to be tested weekly in the nickel roll. He will also bring the pain to other teams in the rush defense. I’m going to go ahead and nickname him “Mini Champ” right now.

Darcel McBath will play a very limited role this year.  Think of the next two years for him as being enrolled in a graduate school for defensive backs. The deans of this most prestigious grad school are Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. Once McBath graduates from Broncos Academy, he will be a true impact safety. 

Richard Quinn is a beast…and what was that? He can catch, too? Sounds a little bit like Daniel Graham, or Ben Watson in the making. It’s no surprise that Josh McDaniels went for a “Smash Mouth” tight end so early in the draft.

Tight end is the less talked about “hybrid” position in the NFL. Guys like Mike Ditka, Shannon Sharpe, and Mark Bavaro gave this position its name. You have to be able to block, run, catch, and fight.

Tight ends have to be some of the toughest guys out on the field. Quinn stands to add to this legacy of the long line of tough guys before him.

Kenny McKinley is the only other rookie that will be fighting for a starting job this training camp. This young play-maker from South Carolina is the front runner for the returner job. He may also be able to break into the offense’s roster as a fourth to fifth receiving option (as if Denver needs anymore talent on the offense). 

These will be the rookies to watch for the next couple of days. I have no doubt in my mind that Josh McDaniels has put together a good group of young players. 

GO BRONCOS!!!

(Next I will go over my opinion of the veteran offensive players.

Who Pays $6.50 for a Beer?

I’ve had the honor of being able to go to home games in Denver since 2003.  Let me say, there is nothing more exciting than seeing the Orange and Blue “open up a can” on visiting teams. 

However, I have a bone to pick with Mr. Bowlen and Investco Field’s pricing atrocities.

I’ve never been much for buying food during a football game, but I am a huge fan of sipping on some suds while screaming at the “refs”. 

Lately, I’ve had to boycott my favorite drink of choice, because of principles.

The beer at Investco Field used to only cost $4.50 for a 16 oz cup, which was a super deal!  This was especially great when the Broncos were winning, courtesy of my second favorite quarterback in Broncos history: Jake “The Snake” Plummer. 

The last two to three years the Broncos have been sub-par.  9-7. 8-8. these are not good records. 

It’s especially demoralizing to see them lose at home when they used to be such a dominant force at the Mile High city.

So, what has Mr. Bowlen done to increase the watching “enjoyment” of his sub-par franchise at home?  He raised the price of the most popular beverage of all time: BEER! 

Beers are now $6.50 at Investco.  Not to mention I believe that the beers are smaller than they used to be. 

Don’t give me all of this junk about football “being a business” or “it’s a recession, everybody has to tighten their belts.”  The Bronco’s brass should be thanking its fan base for showing up through the bad times. 

Here’s my suggestion.  If the Broncos win the Super Bowl or even have a winning season for once, then you can raise prices.  If the Broncos have a season like they did last year, then prices should be lowered.

Think of it this way. If I owned a Subway sandwich business and my sandwiches only tasted good 50 percent of the time, would this be considered a successfully business? 

Then, even though my good friends were loyal customers and kept coming back, would it be considered “good business” to raise the prices of my sandwiches? NO! So why is this acceptable at Investco?

I want a little more corporate responsibility from the Broncos franchise.  They should be taking better care of it’s fans rather than price gouging them.

I will not buy a beer with my own money at Investco Field until the prices go down. 

Go Broncos!

Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered (Game Four)

(This is a continuation of last week’s article on game two at the following link:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/195300-ready-for-war-the-broncos-schedule-uncovered-game-two)

Game Four at Denver, Sunday 10/04

The game at Oakland was more of a preseason match up for the Broncos. The Broncos revamped defense handled the Raiders all four quarters, allowing only six points. The Denver offense controlled the majority of the game, with their commanding rush attack.  Any time you beat a rival in their own house, the momentum for your team tends to cross over to the next Sunday.

The Broncos welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Investco Field for game four. At 4-0, the Broncos are on a roll.  The Cowboys come in with new faces on a stout defense. They will also be showing flashes of the wildcat offense.

The Cowboys had some key player losses, which may affect their overall performance.  The following list was gathered from Yahoo sports at the following link:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Amc7fjhYfQvtWPvYeah.dTSD2bYF?slug=teamreports-2009-nfl-dal&prov=sportsxchange&type=team_report

• OG Joe Berger(notes): UFA Dolphins; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

• LB Kevin Burnett(notes): UFA Chargers; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

• DE Chris Canty(notes): UFA Giants; $42M/6 yrs, $8.5M SB/$17.25M guaranteed.

• LB Greg Ellis(notes) (released).

• DT Tank Johnson(notes): UFA Bengals; $620,000/1 yr.

• WR Terrell Owens(notes) (released).

• LB Zach Thomas(notes): UFA Chiefs; $2M/1 yr. 

• S Roy Williams (released).

Gregg Ellis and Zach Thomas were big producers in the defense.  Even though they were not the “super stars”  of the defense, their production will be missed.  Keith Brooking was signed to replace Thomas, but Ellis provided a pass rush presence that the Cowboys will need from someone else in the linebacker corps.

The loss of Roy Williams, may be a good thing for the Cowboys.  He didn’t seem to be a good fit for a 3-4 defense.

Chris Canty was a huge loss, but the Cowboys replaced him with Igor Olshanksy, who should be a more than a comparable stand-in.

I’m not a believer in wide receiver Roy Williams and think that he is a hug downgrade from Terrell Owens. 

With a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball, it’s hard to say what the Cowboys will be like this year. 

Here are my predictions of how the game will go:

 

First Quarter Highlights

On the first possession, starting from their own 35, the Broncos complete a huge 11-play,  13-minute drive, capped off with a five-yard touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno. Six of the first 11 plays are running plays, in which Moreno averages five yards a carry.

With the positive run production, Orton is able to slice and dice the Cowboys defense.  Eddie Royal has 2 catches for 20 yards and Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler, both out-run their defenders to add two catches as well.

With two minutes left, the Cowboys control the ball through the rest of the quarter.

 

Second Quarter Highlights

The Cowboys rushing attack is powerful. Marion Barber averages eight yards on his first three carries. The Wild Cat offense appears to be confusing the Denver defense and they are out of position for most of the drive. The Broncos’ defense holds up on their own 20-yard line and forces the Cowboys to kick a field goal. Broncos 7 Cowboys 3.

The Broncos again are able to move the ball on the Cowboys’ defense. In an effort to stop the run, the Cowboys attack with a series of blitz packages, which the Broncos counter with an array of screen plays. Moreno, Peyton Hillis, and Correll Buckhalter each gain 10 receiving yards out of the backfield. 

Eddie Royal catches a 50-yard-deep ball from Orton for a touchdown with one minute left in the half.  Broncos 14 Cowboys 3.

 

Third Quarter Highlights

The Broncos’ defense comes out flat, letting the Cowboys offense run-and-gun 80 yards down the field, in an eight minute drive capped off by 15-yard touchdown reception through the middle by Patrick Crayton. Broncos 14 Cowboys 10.

Broncos catch a break with a 50-yard kick return from Eddie Royal. The offense sputters and is forced to kick a 40-yard field goal by Matt Prater. Broncos 17 Cowboys 10.

The Cowboys again are able to run over the Broncos defense. This time, Tashard Choice is the main contributor, with four runs for 40 yards. Romo hits Jason Witten with a cross-the-field post pattern knotting up the game at 17 points a piece.

 

Fourth Quarter Highlights

With the game tied up, the Broncos go back to a conservative ball-control offensive approach. The Broncos are able to set up a 12-play drive, which gets them to the Cowboys 20-yard line and takes 13 minutes off the clock. The Cowboys defense is able to stop the offense, forcing three incomplete passes in the end zone. The Broncos are forced to kick a field goal with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Broncos 20, Cowboys 17.

The Cowboys get off to a quick start from their own 20-yard line, with two quick passes to Roy Williams and a screen pass to Marion Barber. With one minute left, the Broncos defense is able to sack Romo at the Cowboys 43-yard line, forcing them to use their second time out. 

On second and third down, the Cowboys are able to move the ball across the 50-yard line with back-to-back runs by Marion Barber, but the Cowboys are forced to use their final timeout.

On first down, the Broncos first round draft choice, defensive end Robert Ayers, is able to charge of the corner and sack Tony Romo on his blind side. With time expiring, the Cowboys run their special teams unit on to the field to complete a 45-yard field goal attempt. The kick is up…..and it is wide right.

The Broncos win this close game 20-17.

 

 

 

Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered (Game Two)

(This is a continuation of last weeks article on game one at the following link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190949-ready-for-war-the-broncos-schedule-uncovered-part-one)

 

Game 2 at Denver, Sunday 9/20

Fresh off of their win in Cincinnati, the Broncos host another team from the Buckeye State—the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns had a meltdown last season, similar to Denver’s in which they lost their last six games. Blame it on the offense, blame it on the defense….”Blame it on tha Henny.” 

Everyone on the Browns team had their hand in the cookie jar, when it came to their end-of-the-year explosion.

The Browns have a new coach in Eric Mangini. Mangini came from the Jets and brought a lot of the Jets’ players with him. Mangini signed eight players from the Jets squad. Will the NFL change their name to the Cleveland Brets this year, a la the Denver Browncos of 2006?  

The Browns’ offense ended the year ranked at 31st overall in the total offensive yards and passing yards categories. The Browns still don’t have a starting quarterback, though they have two good choices in Quinn and Anderson. With a look at their draft and free agent acquisitions, the Browns may be moving towards more of a spread offense, which wouldn’t be a surprise since Mangini is a Belichick-desciple. 

The Browns drafted two wide receivers in the second round and signed three more in free agency (Mike Furrey, Syndric Steptoe, and David Patten). They also added Robert Royal, a receiving tight end and decent blocker. All of these guys put together, form a “team” of receivers, rather than having one superstar. 

Each of these players is capable of getting 400 to 500 yards, in the 2,3,4,5 wide receiver position. Furrey had one 1000-yard season in Detroit and Patten was a huge target for Tom Brady during the Super Bowl years. Alongside Braylon Edwards, this receiving corps should be enough to bring their passing offense back into the top 20. 

With the addition of new draftee Alex Mack, the Browns are looking for more aggressiveness in the front— they may play Mack at guard or center. Also, an interesting free agent signing was George Foster. Foster never fit in the Broncos’ system and looks to have lost his starting job in Detroit as well. 

I have always thought that Foster, at 6’5, 338 pounds, would play an excellent guard in the NFL. This may be where they are looking to place Foster. I don’t believe he can win a starting job at either of the tackle spots. Foster also will be competing with new free agent signee John St. Clair, who can play guard or tackle.

Jamal Lewis will be back, totting the rock again. He was able to get 1,000 rushing yards last season, but the line needs to do a better job of pushing forward, as he only scored four touchdowns. 

The loss of Kellen Winslow should effect the Browns somewhat, but their relationship was so rocky, I think it may make them a better team in the long run. I think this will give other players a chance to step up and contribute, rather than sitting back and letting “tha soulja” take over.

The defense got beat up at inopportune moments last year, which led to their losses and low rankings. The defense ranked 26th overall in yards allowed with their rush defense leading the way ranking 28th in the NFL.

The additions of linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, should shore up the left side of the line and help stop the run. The addition of defensive end Kenyon Coleman, will give the Browns a stout run-stopper to man the left corner. Hopefully, the Browns star nose tackle, Shaun Rogers, will come back and play again for the Browns. 

If they don’t save this situation quickly, they may end up giving him up to another team part way through the summer. Defensive Tackle C.J Mosley has been brought in as insurance, in case this happens.

Overall, I think the Browns have improved enough to have a better season than 4-12.  With their new coach Mangini at the helm, I see him turning the club around much like he did for the Jets.  However, there are still a lot of questions for this team on both sides of the ball. 

Who will be the starting Quarterback? What will happen with Shaun Rogers? 

Even though the Broncos had a better record, both teams have so many similarities that it makes them somewhat of an even match up. The Broncos get the edge for playing at home. Eventually the Broncos running game will wear down the Browns defense and the Broncos will prevail.

Broncos 17, Browns 9

 

 

Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered. (Game One)

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:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/175108-broncos-primed-for-a-playoff-run-a-look-at-the-afc-west-division

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/176840-denver-broncos-primed-for-a-playoff-run-a-look-at-the-afc-west-part-2

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177991-denver-broncos-primed-for-a-playoff-run-a-look-at-the-afc-west-part-3

 

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)

For Those About to Rock, Bronco Nation Salutes You!

For me, the best part about going to Investco Field and watching the Broncos play is the loud, testosterone-fueled music that pumps through the jumbo speakers.

A good song adds to the excitement of the game and really gets your blood going.  I have put together a list of my top 10 stadium songs that keep me rockin’ at Investco.

 

1.  “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w

This is my all time favorite song.  Not only do you get to hear this song after each touchdown, you can also hear it in the parking lot at every tailgate.

 

2. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtXN_EHPwSg

No game is complete without this song.  They play this before the other team enters onto the field.  Welcome to our house, losers!

 

3. “Let’s Go” by Trick Daddy Ft. Lil’ Jon and Twista    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrzGm4rd4pM

Good stuff.  Makes you wanna put on a jersey and take some hits—before hitting the snack bar again.

 

4. “I Put On (For My City)” by Young Jezzy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bHUE41uZlM

This is the player anthem.  Perfect song when you’re playing for city versus city bragging rights.

 

5. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udEDlOZJmCc

Every player on that field is a gladiator.  This song tells their story.

 

6. “Sandstorm” by Darude

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYxT9GM0fQ

This song is full of energy.  This will make any crowd member stand up on the third down.

 

7. “Thunder Kiss 65” by White Zombie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VELvq-faGk

Just a wicked tune.  Zombie created a fan in me the minute I heard this on the radio.  This song will always be a top 10 favorite for me at the football field.

 

8. “I’m a Playa” by N9ne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmlaDOCyS8I&feature=related

This was a great rendition of Falco’s Amadeus.  The first time I heard it was at a preseason game against the Lions.  Now I hear it every time I go see the Broncos in action.

 

9. “Let’s get Crazy” by PitBull Ft. Lil’ Jon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Lyka8Znes

This song embodies the raw emotion you feel at Investco when the Broncos score a touchdown.  Everybody is on their feet!

 

10. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7DFsBcVMDA

This song is for blue collar fans and hard nosed players alike.  We are all there for one common goal—winning!

 

This is my top 10 list of stadium songs and I look forward to rockin’ out to them this season.  Share some of your favorite stadium songs with me!

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