Why the Denver Broncos Should Take a Chance on Michael Vick

(Author’s note: It has since been reported that Josh McDaniels and the Broncos are not interested in signing Michael Vick)

I know what you’re thinking. You don’t even have to tell me.

Michael Vick?

The same Michael Vick who was just released from prison following his horrific involvement in dog fighting circles?

The same Michael Vick who has been out of football for over two years?

Why oh why, Jesse, would you ever want your beloved Broncos to sign a player like that?

It’s simple my friends. Vick is the most talented quarterback available on the free agent market in a long time.

He has more pure football ability than any quarterback on the Broncos’ roster and he would give the team a huge opportunity with the chance of little risk and big reward.

After the offseason that he’s been through, Josh McDaniels probably wouldn’t even consider this move. He’s likely very happy with the quarterbacks that he already has on his roster and at the moment is focused solely on training camp.

On top of that, Denver already has millions of dollars guaranteed to Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. It’s highly improbable that they would willingly eat either of those contracts to make room for Michael Vick.

Nonetheless, here’s my two cents on how this situation could work out well for the Broncos and for Vick.

When he was the star player of the Atlanta Falcons, Vick had the reputation of a great player who never quite developed into a great quarterback. While he was a dangerous weapon, he struggled at times as a passer.

Despite his shortcomings, Michael Vick twice led the Falcons to the playoffs and made an appearance in the 2004 NFC Championship Game. He is third all-time in rushing yards by a quarterback and is a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

Vick was just conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Should Michael sign with a team, he can participate in all training camp activities and the final two preseason games. However, he is not allowed to play in any regular season games until week six.

For argument’s sake, let’s say that the Broncos pick him up within the next couple of weeks. That would give Vick more than half of training camp to become re-acclimated to life in the NFL and to begin learning Denver’s complex playbook.

Were he the No. 1 quarterback going into the season, Vick’s late start would be a cause for concern. Fortunately, he wouldn’t have to be any more than the Broncos’ No. 3 or 4 quarterback. That’s right, a fourth quarterback. More on that in a bit.

After the preseason, Vick could spend the next six weeks continuing his comeback process. With the credentials of both McDaniels and quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy at grooming quarterbacks, this process would go much more smoothly than normal.

Kyle Orton would still be the starter and Chris Simms the backup, leaving Vick and rookie Tom Brandstater to work closely with each other and their coaches throughout the season.

When he is finally allowed to play again, McDaniels could utilize Vick’s unique skill set as a runner into his offense. Whether that means using him in Wildcat formations or other types of plays to throw opposing defenses off balance, it would be Vick’s legs that would help the team the most this season, not his arm.

No matter how the Broncos finish, next year would be a lot different. Vick would receive a full offseason to continue training and trying to prove that he has the chops to be a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. If he makes enough progress, he could then compete in training camp to be Denver’s top quarterback for the 2010 season.

So what are the issues with my proposed plan? Well the biggest one of course is if it would be wise to bring on such a controversial player to a team that has already dealt with more than enough controversy, especially with quarterbacks, in the past few months.

However, other than the initial fan and media backlash, I don’t believe that Michael would at all disrupt the team’s chemistry. With Tony Dungy acting as his mentor and the blessings of Roger Goodell, I think Vick knows that he is receiving a rare opportunity and he would make the most of it. He would be on his best behavior.

Next, of course, would be whether or not Vick even deserves a chance to be reinstated. There is no doubt that what Vick did was reprehensible and that his time in jail was a justifiable consequence for his actions.

Personally, I am adamant in the belief that people who own up to their mistakes should be forgiven. Michael paid his dues while he was in jail, and for that I think he should get a chance to redeem himself and play the game he loves once more.

But what about his physical condition? If he is reinstated, could Vick survive the day-to-day grind of being an NFL player once more after being out of the league for so long?

In my mind, this is where his small role with the Broncos this year would come into play again. Without having to carry the burden of being the team’s starting or backup quarterback, Vick would be able to focus more on shaking off the rust than preparing for games, thus speeding up his training process.

Earlier, I mentioned that Vick could be the fourth quarterback on Denver’s roster, and I realize that carrying four quarterbacks is a little unorthodox. However, this is a special case. Cutting Chris Simms in favor of Vick would be a mistake because he wouldn’t be ready to start should something happen to Orton. Neither would Tom Brandstater.

If he were to return to form though, I don’t think there’s any doubt that Michael Vick is a more talented quarterback than both Orton and Simms.

With all due respect to both of those players, especially Orton, Vick proved that he has the ability to put an average team on his shoulders and make them competitive. It took the Falcons two seasons to recover after they lost him.

For those of you who worry, here’s the safety net to this proposition. The Broncos would likely be able to get Vick for a reasonably affordable price at a one or two-year deal. If it doesn’t work out and he makes another mistake or gets buried on the depth chart, Denver can simply cut their losses and move on with Orton and Co.

But if Vick could recapture his stardom from just three years ago and grow under the tutelage of the coach who brought along Tom Brady and Matt Cassel, then this would be a monumental victory for the Broncos.

It’s never easy to make a move like this. Most teams in the league wouldn’t. Denver probably won’t either. Pat Bowlen has likely heard enough bad press concerning his quarterbacks and doesn’t want to bring on any more.

A lot of you won’t share my opinion. You’ll either think it’s not a good fit for the team or you would die before you see Vick jog onto the field wearing orange and blue. Maybe you’re right and maybe I’m wrong.

I for one cannot resist the temptation of this proposal, no matter how risky the thought may be. If there’s one thing that I love, it’s a sports comeback that goes absolutely right for the Broncos.

There’s only one problem; what number would Vick wear other than No. 7?

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.

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.

Broncos Training Camp: A Retrospective of Team Changes

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With NFL training camps starting nationwide this week, it’s a good time to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. 

This week’s series has to do with coaches and systems.  Today’s article focuses on the way the Denver Broncos have implemented change since becoming a successful franchise back in the mid 1970’s.  Articles coming later in the week focus on the nuts and bolts of change.

Training camp at the NFL level brings an old adage every year.

Out with the old, and in with the new.

This year in Denver has been an intriguing one for the new regime, so it’s time for a retrospective prior to moving forward.

Gone is the one figure that survived in Denver football since 1995. Mike Shanahan, and his seemingly can’t miss personality.

The only coach to have brought a pair of Super Bowl Championships to Denver is now a part of Broncos legend and lore as he was let go immediately following the teams last game in San Diego.

The thing that coaches in general are well known for are the systems they implement that become part of their identity and legacy.  Looking back can occasionally help one’s perspective moving forward.

In Denver, going back to the John Ralston era, the evolution of the first successful system was never fully developed before a regime change was in order.  Ralston was better known as a master at the draft than he ever was as a head coach. 

He pulled the trigger on assembling the Orange Crush defense before they had their identity.  Players like Randy Gradishar, Bill Thompson, Louis Wright, Bob Swenson, Joe Rizzo, Tom Jackson, Lyle Alzado, and Rubin Carter among many others were assembled long before the memorable 1977 season began.

Ralston was replaced after a number of players requested a change at the top.  His replacement made his presence known immediately. 

Robert “Red” Miller was hired as the head master in Denver primarily for his system.  Red brought a more methodical approach on offense, though very conservative even for that era of NFL football, and the attitude that the defense would set the offense up for success. 

As it turned out Miller was correct in his approach, as the defense caused a league leading number of turnovers and offense scored just enough points most games to win.  The Broncos finished the regular season 12-2, 14-3 after the Super Bowl.  By far this was the greatest season the Broncos had ever seen in their history.

The years following the first Broncos Super Bowl run were challenging however, as teams started to challenge the Broncos offense and defense in more dynamic ways.  Injuries to the aging defense over the course of a number of seasons led to the end of Millers time at the helm. 

The Broncos had a new young owner in Edgar Kaiser when he decided to clean house and bring in Dan Reeves as the new head coach in 1981.  Reeves was brought on board because of his time as a player and coach with the Dallas Cowboys.  His knowledge of one of the most successful systems in football was paramount to his being hired to get the Broncos back on track. 

The Broncos had become an 8-8 football team at the end of Red Miller’s time in Denver.   While the Broncos had higher expectations, they had an aging quarterback in Craig Morton and an unproven Steve DeBerg and Mark Herman working to become the QB of the future. 

That is until the 1983 season when John Elway was traded to Denver for Mark Herman, Chris Hinton (the Broncos number one draft pick) and a first rounder that later became Colts OG Ron Solt.

Elway and Reeves combined to reach the Super Bowl three times in four seasons; however each Broncos Super Bowl would end as a blowout.  Part of the criticism over the years was that Reeves system never allowed Elway to open up the offense and defenses were keyed on this. 

That made it more challenging and essential for Elway to rack up the comebacks, as he retired as the all-time leader in fourth quarter comebacks and victories.  Brett Favre has since past Elway in all-time wins; however Elway still owns the all-time comeback number at 47.

When Reeves decided to draft Tommy Maddox it was clear he had intentions to replace John Elway sooner than later.  It also became known much later on that Reeves was working on a trade that would send Elway to Washington before it was shot down. 

Reeves had also previously terminated QB Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Shanahan for conspiring with Elway on calling plays differently than what Reeves claimed he wanted run.  This was always adamantly denied by Elway and Shanahan.  Nonetheless these maneuvers by Reeves and gaps in communication added to a fizzling relationship between Elway and Reeves.

Reeves was terminated following the 1992 season and owner Pat Bowlen really wanted Mike Shanahan to become the head coach, but Mike, for a number of personal reasons, declined taking the position at that time.  The Broncos promoted defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to head coach, but the team remained mediocre at best. 

After Mike Shanahan and former Broncos backup QB Gary Kubiak won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers against the San Diego Chargers as offensive assistants, Bowlen pleaded with Shanahan to make a return to Denver.

In 1995 Mike Shanahan became the head coach in Denver and immediately worked on changing the culture of the team.  Along with the cultural change, Shanahan brought a few players from San Francisco; most notably Ed McCaffrey and Coach Gary Kubiak to help bring high expectations back to Denver. 

One primary thought was Denver had the best QB in the NFL, but he needed a better system and team around him to reach the Super Bowl in order to win the big one.  The Broncos started the work of raking in free-agent talent and selected Terrell Davis in the sixth round of the 1995 draft. 

Shanahan began to develop a west-coast system that was similar to San Francisco’s attack, only more run-centric with the emergence of Terrell Davis.  Additionally much of the focus was on placing greater protection around John Elway.  Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, and Shannon Sharpe became the nucleus of a lethal group of receivers for Elway to throw to. 

In 1996, the Broncos selected John Mobley with the first overall selection and acquired Bill Romonowski and former CU Buff Alfred Williams. 

After losing in one of the biggest upsets of all-time to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1996 playoffs, the team saw the greater need to solidify the defense.  Rival pass rusher Neil Smith was attained as a free agent signing from the KC Chiefs, an essential piece of the puzzle to push the Broncos over the top and into a memorable run to the Super Bowl.

The Broncos began their “revenge tour” once they reached the 1997 playoffs.  They labeled the tour since it would require winning against teams that kept them from winning an AFC Title the year previous and the 1997 division title.  

The Broncos reeled off wins against Jacksonville, divisional rival Kansas City, and Pittsburgh.  After beating the Steelers in a tightly contested AFC Championship, the Broncos reached the Super Bowl and would face the highly favored Green Bay Packers.

Ironically enough, Elway had one of his worst Super Bowls on a personal level, as Terrell Davis and the Broncos found a way to win the most important game of John Elway’s career.  An upset in some peoples minds and par for the course in the minds of the Broncos faithful.

In 1998 the Broncos followed up their first championship by defeating the Jets in a come-from-behind victory in the AFC Championship.  The Broncos faced the Atlanta Falcons, a team that clearly upset the Minnesota Vikings.  The Broncos beat an Atlanta Falcons team that paid the price for its success on and off the field.

From that time forward, things changed in Denver.

John Elway retired amid great appeal from the team and fans that he play one more year. 

Mike Shanahan wound up replacing Bubby Brister as the next Broncos starter with Brian Griese prior to the 1999 season.  The Broncos started 0-4 and sparking a media storm after Sports Illustrated ran an article where an anonymous player had stated that the Broncos were finished.

The Broncos did miss the playoffs that season; in fact they only made cameo appearances in the playoffs in all but one season for the remainder of Mike Shanahan’s tenure. 

The Broncos reached the AFC Championship in 2005 but failed to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver, as the Steelers wound up winning their fifth overall Super Bowl.

The 2009 off-season in Denver was a firestorm, first started by Mike Shanahan’s termination, then the hiring of a very young Josh McDaniels to be the new head coach. 

That was followed by a falling out between starting quarterback Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels and a number of transplants that came with McDaniels from New England where he coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassel.

Josh was hired for his offensive knowledge and overall experience as being an understudy to New England head coach Bill Belichick, having won three Super Bowls with the organization.

The waters in Denver have been turbulent; with the trade of Jay Cutler, the release of half of last season’s roster, the signing of Brian Dawkins and other defensive backs, and an interesting draft class. 

Then there is the disgruntled Brandon Marshal worried how he can possibly fit into the new system long-term.

Currently the Broncos are facing some challenges to take the next step into the playoffs while taking on one of the NFL’s toughest schedules this season.  New QB Kyle Orton will be at the controls of Coach McDaniels new system in Denver. 

That really leads us to this one thought to camp out on until next time.

Maybe training camp should be renamed system camp or roster spot camp since most of the training is already in place. 

All that’s left is the competition in camp, OK maybe competition camp.

Never mind, stick with training camp, and just kick it into high gear because the football season is upon us all, bringing with it a new wind of change.

 

Redemption Camp ’09: Five Questions the Denver Broncos Need To Answer

As the Broncos report to training camp for the first time under head coach Josh McDaniels, it’s mind boggling to think how differently the pieces to this puzzle were arranged just six months ago.

After being cremated by San Diego in the season finale, Denver’s foundation—that good ol’ Mike Shannahan spent three seasons building—collapsed like a house of cards.

Suffice to say, Shanny was out. Jay Cutler, and his loyalty to his first NFL franchise, quickly followed “The Mastermind’s” ride out of town.

All this you already know. With those two in the spotlight, everyone knew what to expect from the Broncos. Expectations for this team remain high in the eyes of the fans, but the reasons behind them have been altered forever.

Truthfully, no one is quite sure what the Broncos will deliver this season. That kind of uncertainty has some fans pacing with excitement and others reeling with dread. Personally, I find myself somewhere in between.

Regardless, here are five of the most pressing questions the Broncos will face from now until Week 17.

 

1. What was Josh McDaniels thinking?

No matter what his reasons were, McDaniels’ legacy will be heavily decided by the outcome of the Jay Cutler trade. It may not be fair to tie so much of the man’s career to one spoiled athlete, but when all is said and done it’s what people will remember 10 years from now.

As far as Cutler goes, I say good riddance. Josh has a lot of my respect already for refusing to allow Jay’s ego to become more important than the team. In time, hopefully the entire Broncos’ team and fan base will see it that way too.

Just like in New England, McDaniels has a lot of talent he can incorporate into his offense, but is it the right talent for the job? Whether or not his players can get a good grasp on his system remains to be seen, and that brings us to question No. 2.

 

2. Is Kyle Orton the answer at quarterback?

Perhaps no quarterback has made more strides in the past four years than Kyle Orton. Even now he is far from the smoothest signal caller in the league, but Orton is one of the best at overcoming adversity and finding ways to win games. That is what’s most important these days, right? Winning?

During his time in Chicago, Orton was guaranteed two things: little time to throw in the pocket and a severe lack of any proven offensive weapons around him. Seriously, glaciers run better routes than the receivers Kyle was throwing to last year.

Both of those problems should be remedied here in Denver, where Orton will work with one of the league’s top o-lines and the most promising receiving corps in the game today. Orton is not going to make anyone forget John Elway, but if he can do what Cutler could not and get the Broncos back to the playoffs, I think fans will be more than satisfied.

3. Can Knowshon Moreno live up to the hype?

Before he even steps onto the field, the Broncos’ top draft pick is already facing a major obstacle in his career; his first NFL contract. Once he gets enough nickels and dimes to fill his millionaire sized piggy bank, Knowshon will then have to prove his worth on the field.

His talent has never been in question, nor has his spot with the Broncos. On a team that hasn’t had a franchise running back since Clinton Portis, there is a good measure of excitement and optimism surrounding the possibilities that Moreno brings to McDaniels’ offense.

The challenge that Moreno faces is performing well enough to silence critics who believe that Denver should’ve gone with a defender instead of a tailback. While defense was the priority, Knowshon is the kind of player that can stabilize a team for years to come. He’s also one that can hold it back if he doesn’t develop properly.

Broncos fans are crossing their fingers for the former.

 

4. Does the defense have all the parts to successfully switch to the 3-4?

I’m still getting comments about the article I wrote over my lack of faith in the defensive line. While I still have my doubts about that particular unit, when it comes to the rest of the D, I’m laying off the “Haterade” a little bit.

If there’s one area where the Broncos have unquestionably improved in, it is the secondary.

Brian Dawkins will bring the ferocity and leadership this team has been missing since Al Wilson went down. Champ Bailey remains the elite corner in all football, while Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill should bring their solid play from the Miami coast to the Rocky Mountains.

The linebacking corps has good depth on the inside with DJ Williams, Andra Davis, and Wesley Woodyard, but the outside backers will face some stiff growing pains. Former D-linemen such as Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder are adjusting to brand new positions, while the team is hoping that first-round pick Robert Ayers can bring the heat on the outside.

In the end though, Denver’s defensive redemption will rest heavily on the shoulders of the front three, particularly on those of nose tackle Ronnie Fields.

If Fields and company can take care of business up front, the guys behind them should be able to bring some mojo back to the Broncos’ defense. However, that’s an if that could cost Denver dearly.

 

5. Is the schedule too difficult to overcome?

Any success the Broncos have this year could be overshadowed by the strength of the teams on their horizon. Denver will be hosting several unwelcome guests, including New England, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and the New York Giants.

Add road match ups against Indy, Philly, Washington and Baltimore, and you can forget about the Broncos coasting through their schedule like Miami and Atlanta did last year.

Fortunately, therein lies some good news.

If Denver make the playoffs, then they will be considered to be a legitimately good football team. If, on the other hand, they get bounced around like a ping pong ball, then we may not know how bad they actually are until next year.

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.

Quick Fix for Brandon Marshall and the Broncos

Pay the man.

During the past two seasons, only Wes Welker has caught more passes than Brandon Marshall. In that same span, 165 wide receivers around the NFL have been paid more than the Broncos’ Pro-Bowler. 

In fact, fellow Bronco Teammate Eddie Royal, a rookie last season, has cashed in more of Pat Bowlen’s money in one year, than Marshall has since 2006. 

Even more shocking: out of the eight receivers on Denver’s pay roll last year, six of them made more than their superstar teammate. The other one, Glenn Martinez, made the same as Marshall.

Now, I already know the argument against paying Marshall: if Denver bends and pays him, what kind of message does it send other players about holding out?

In response to this question, I ask another.

What type of message is sent to players around the league when Marshall dominates for two straight seasons and Pat Bowlen refuses to pay him?

Personally, it tells me that no matter how well I play, or how hard I work for the Denver Broncos, my efforts will not be paid off… at least not until my original contract is fulfilled.

Almost anywhere you work, your pay directly correlates with your performance on the job; Working for the Denver Broncos on he other hand, is a completely different story.

Marshall has played his heart out for the Broncos. He went from fourth round pick to the most voted wide receiver on the AFC Pro Bowl team. Pay the guy what he’s worth on the field and build  clauses into the contract to protect the team, and Pat Bowlen’s bank account, should the legal troubles continue.

Having Brandon Marshall on the field is paramount to the Broncos success.

Pay him like he matters to the team.  

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.

Five Undrafted Free Agents To Watch For The Broncos

While top Bronco rookies battle it out during the preseason with top free agents to see who starts, there another battle raging among players. They are the afterthoughts, the players no one expects anything from.

Undrafted free agents are usually training camp fodder, but every once in a while, one turns out to be a hidden gem.

The list of great players who were undrafted free agents includes such notables as Rod Smith, Wes Welker, Kurt Warner and John Randle. This year the Broncos have a few of UFA’s who will bear watching.

 

Chris Baker

Josh McDaniels was widely criticized for not picking a candidate for the nose tackle position in the draft.

What escaped many people’s notice was that the Broncos quietly acquired a player whom many scouting combines projected as the seventh best defensive tackle in the 2009 rookie class.

Chris Baker is a 6’2”, 326 lb physical marvel with a 35.5 inch vertical leap and a 40 yard dash time of 5.02. Baker is a player who was on the New England Patriots radar for the 2010 draft. and was actually called in by them for a private workout.

Unfortunately for Chris Baker, he was a player at Penn State during a time when sports media was focusing on the 46 players who had been charged with a total of 163 counts of criminal behavior. The resulting sensitivity to any character issues cost Baker his place at Penn State and ultimately his place in the draft.

Now Chris Baker hopes to earn a spot in the rotation in a key defensive position for the Broncos.

 

Everette Pedescleaux

How does a 6’4.5”, 305 pound defensive end not get drafted? The answer is that Everette Pedescleaux was more dedicated to basketball than football for most of his college career.

Throughout prep school and his first two years of college, Pedescleaux was a two sport athlete whose main interest was basketball. When he finally began to focus on football, Pedescleaux began to truly develop as a defensive end.

While his low production over the course of his college career kept him from getting an invite to the scouting combine, his size and speed alone are intriguing. The key for this prospect will be his ability to continue to improve his technique. If he does that, he could well become a solid starting defensive end by the end of preseason.

 

Rulon Davis

The big knock on the Broncos defensive line was size along the defensive line. Rulon Davis, at 6’5″ and 290 pound,s could be one of the solutions. 

Every scout has Davis rated high for his size and athleticism. Davis’ character is of the highest caliber, as he served in the Marines during the Iraq War.

Entering the NFL at the advanced age of 25, Davis’ stock in the draft was brought down by his history of leg injuries. The key to his success as a Bronco will be his ability to stay on the field.

 

Marquez Branson

One of the most intriguing pickups of this year’s undrafted free agent class is Central Arkansas tight end Marquez Branson. His great hands and ability to get down-field quickly made him a big play-maker in college.

Branson probably won’t make it onto the Broncos team as a tight end because he is not a good blocker, and the Broncos are strong in that position. Where Branson will have a big impact will be at the H-back position.

Peyton Hillis is currently the favorite to win the H-back position, but Branson will push him hard. Branson’s receiving skills may win the position for him outright; otherwise he will end up as a primary backup.

 

Lee Robinson

At 6’2.5”, 249 pounds Lee Robinson is considered undersized for his natural position as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 system. His weak coverage skills make a conversion to inside linebacker more of a project, which is why this prospect wasn’t drafted.

What Robinson does have though is great pass rushing ability and explosive speed against the run game. Look for Robinson to initially see situational action as a run stopping inside linebacker while he hones his coverage skills.

 

All five of these players have the potential to play important minutes during the course of this 2009 season.  This preseason may be a chance to watch one of them go from a lowly UFA to star.

 

 

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