Mile-High Fiasco: Brandon Marshall Asks for Trade

Again, the Denver Broncos are in the news for one of their best players wanting out of the Mile-High city, as Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall asked for a trade.

The Broncos have already traded away a Pro Bowl quarterback for the mediocre Kyle Orton, and draft picks thus new head coach Josh McDaniels can’t afford to give into another player’s demands.

Brandon Marshall, despite his off-field troubles, has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the last two seasons: posting 206 receptions for 2590 yards and 13 touchdowns. Although the Broncos have solid weapons in Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, and Brandon Stokley, Marshall is irreplaceable.

This offseason, receivers such as Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin had been shopped around to no avail. The Browns and Cardinals failed to field any substantial offers for their big time wide receivers, so what makes Brandon Marshall and his agent believe the Broncos will get enough in return for them to trade their oft-troubled best player?

Marshall is looking for a big contract extension but Denver isn’t his ideal situation. He has lost his Pro Bowl quarterback and is playing in a new system. Statistically, his stock may be at its highest point; Marshall and his agent know this. The Broncos gave into Cutler’s demands so Marshall will make his attempt to get his way.

Marshall needs the Broncos just as much as McDaniels needs Marshall. McDaniels needs Marshall to be his big go-to receiver, as Randy Moss was in New England and Marshall needs the Broncos offense to perform at a high level, so he can receive his fat paycheck.

There lies a problem if Marshall does not receive a contract extension this season. If the Collective Bargaining Agreement is not renegotiated, the NFL will have an uncapped year in 2010—meaning players would have to have six years of service in order to be eligible for free agency.

Brandon Marshall is well aware of the current CBA situation and does not want to be stuck in Josh McDaniels rebuilding stage without an extension: thus his request for a trade.

The Broncos, who have been stuck in a whirlwind of controversy this offseason, need to handle the situation accordingly.  They cannot give into another players demand for a trade when things aren’t going their way. This could create a domino effect when players such as phenomenon left tackle Ryan Clady or emerging Eddie Royal are unhappy and want new contracts.

Look for Marshall to suit up for the Broncos this season with a chip on his shoulder in efforts to get his payday or his one-way ticket out of Denver.

Hot Topic @ InsidetheGridIron.com

Falling Out: Denver Must Let Go of Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall is just the latest receiver in the National Football League to take good character and throw it out the window.

Randy Moss was called a cancer at Minnesota, an underachiever in Oakland, and has since settled down as a Patriot. Terrell Owens has proven himself incompatible with at least three organizations and is hoping to make the best of his fourth chance, this time in a Bills uniform.

Chad Johnson (I refuse to refer to him by the ignorant name which he wishes to go by) is constantly at odds with his quarterback. Dante Stallworth killed an innocent human being while driving drunk.

And today, Marshall is at the forefront of wide receivers who can’t seem to stay away from drama and controversy. A quote was recently leaked to media from a confrontation between the Broncos wideout and Denver Police in 2007.

Not only did Marshall plead guilty to driving while impaired, he also said something that should leave no doubt that the Broncos should honor his request to be traded.

He told the officers, “I hate Denver. I hope I get traded. I hate this f******* city.”

He also asked police why they weren’t looking for former teammate Darrent Williams’ killer.

Denver’s a pretty big city, Brandon. If every member of the law enforcement community were looking for Williams’ killer, the city would be reduced to a state of anarchy and you may have killed someone by being behind the wheel when you shouldn’t be, just as Stallworth did.

Marshall isn’t the first person to hate the city he lives in. That’s fine. But when you are an athlete, a public figure in many ways, it is your obligation as a professional to hold your tongue.

Brandon Marshall is a public relations nightmare. If you are in the Broncos’ front office, how can you explain to your fans, the residents of Denver and the state of Colorado, that one of your best players hates the city? It’s very much a stab to Denver and that sort of thing could cost you fans.

Marshall is a great receiver, and of that there is no doubt. He would produce a high-value trade, and in return, Josh McDaniels could get a receiver who actually wants to be there and be a member of that team, that family, that city.

The Broncos are rebuilding, and in order to get back to the shape they were in at the end of the John Elway era, they need to start on a clean slate. That means getting rid of everyone who isn’t going to give you 100 percent every single practice, every single down.

Can we honestly say that Brandon Marshall, as good as he is, will leave it all on the field to bring glory to a city he hates?

Why Knowshon Moreno Is an Obvious Choice for the Preseason All-Rookie Team

Over the past few years, running backs have truly been booms or busts.

Think about backs like Reggie Bush, who is an exception. The jury is still out for Bush as is for the 2009 rookie backs.

Most running backs have turned out well, even after slow starts. DeAngelo Williams is a great example of this type of young running back. Some, though, have turned out to be decent NFL running backs, but haven’t lived up to expectations.

In recent years, Cedric Benson and Carnell Williams fit into that mold. There is only one other type of running back: a second-day gem. Second-day picks Kevin Smith, Steve Slaton, and Tashard Choice have already produced good numbers in their first NFL season.

Knowshon Moreno was the first running back drafted in the 2009 draft. He is easily the most balanced running back among the rookies, with great speed and strength.

Moreno’s best skill may be his vision. He finds the hole quick and doesn’t second-guess himself. Once he picks a hole, he doesn’t dance around in the backfield, he bursts through the hole and finds his way into the open field.

Moreno produced well at Georgia, even as a redshirt freshman. Not only did he rack up big numbers running the ball, but also catching it. He is a talented receiver out of the backfield. Being a receiving weapon allows him to get into the open field where he is at his best.

Moreno contains the ability to make any defender miss in the open field. I get flashes of Gale Sayers when he is operating in the open field. Moreno displays excellent peripheral vision and can stop on a dime. He also gets started very quickly and eludes defenders using all of his tools.

The only problem facing Moreno is a very crowded Denver backfield. He is undoubtedly the No. 1 back, but with eight running backs on the roster, chances are that Moreno’s numbers will get dipped into a little bit.

Moreno will soon become the franchise running back.

He is a leader on and off the field. He leads not by yelling, but by showing how his unbelievable work ethic translates to the field.

Denver is in a desperate search for motivation and Knowshon Moreno will prove to be a reason for optimism within the Broncos’ organization.

NFL’s Top 5 Questions Going Into Training Camp

Mini-camps have closed in the NFL and now we head into the worst four weeks in the NFL all year. These next four weeks are full of anticipation as the players take their break before the start of the grueling five-to-six months of NFL Football.

As it is every year, there are many questions for all franchises heading into this part of the year. It is very hard to single out just a few, but in this article, I will take a look at, what in my view, are the biggest problems teams will be facing.

Before we start, here are some questions that didin’t make the list.

• How will Jay Cutler fair in Chicago?
• How will the three first round picks at quarterbacks do in their first year?
• How will Josh McDaniels do after the controversial off season? 

That’s enough with the questions that didn’t make the cut. So without further adieu, here are the Top Five questions going into training camp.

5. Will Julius Peppers be able to work out a long term deal with Carolina?

The Panthers were finally able to get Julius Peppers to sign his franchise tag contract, and he now says he is happy in Carolina and is looking forward to a long term deal with the franchise. This could be extremely important because it would be very costly to have to franchise tag him again next year. For Carolina it is the sooner the better.

 4.  How will Brett Favre’s re-unretirement unfold with the Vikings?

This year’s sequel to the Brett Favre saga has been less interesting than the box-office sensation that kept us hanging on the edge of our seats last year. With a predictable ending, many fans and viewers will be disappointed with this failed attempt at remaking what was once an amazing thing.

I project this to be rated 2 out of 5 stars by most critics.

 3. What will happen with Brandon Marshall and the Broncos?

“You’re not getting traded! Get your [butt] in training camp and we’ll give you the big money next year!” -Josh McDaniels (Late July, 2009)

This conversation needs to happen in order for Josh McDaniels to gain control of his team. I’m interested in seeing this one play out.

 2. Will Plaxico Burress be suspended? If not, who will he play for?

At this point in time, I feel that Plaxico Burress will not be suspended.

Comissioner Roger Goodell would have done it by now if he was going to do that. That being said, I think that as soon as Goodell says he will not be suspended, teams will forget that they ever said they weren’t interested. I think he will most likely end up in Chicago, Tampa Bay, or Baltimore.

1. Will Michael Vick be reinstated? If so, who will want him?

Michael Vick did a bad thing, and did his time for it. He deserves a second chance and I believe he will be given one. The problem is, who is interested?

With such a troubled past, teams may be afraid to sign the once star quarterback. If he can’t make it into the NFL, he will have to try to make it in the UFL, which is begining its inaugueral season in October.

There it is. Not much surprising but that’s my take. If you disagree, comment or write a whole other article on your opinion. Looking forward to you opinion.

Note to the Editor: I made my article this way because that’s how I wanted it. Please do not edit format.

Inside the Denver Broncos’ Roster: The Tight Ends

Since the early 1990’s, the tight end position for the Denver Broncos can be described in one word:  stability.

From future Hall of Fame lock Shannon Sharpe to three-time Super Bowl champion Daniel Graham, tight ends have been a huge part of the Bronco offense for nearly two decades.

Nothing will change in 2009.

The Broncos feature two Pro Bowl caliber players at the position in Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler, and a newly acquired second round pick whom the coaching staff is really high on. 

Can this unit take pressure off of Kyle Orton?

Oftentimes, teams only keep three, maybe four tight ends, so who will make the final roster for the Denver Broncos?

 

1.  Daniel Graham

Graham is a vastly underrated player at his position, mostly because his specialty is blocking.

The former Patriots first round draft pick out of Colorado was signed in 2007 as a big money free agent by the Broncos, and fans were calling for former head coach Mike Shanahan’s head after he paid so much money for a guy who had only 24 receptions in his first season in Denver.

Casual observers of the team are still trying to figure out why this team paid so much money for Graham, but his blocking skills speak for themselves. 

Last season, he earned his money not only as a blocking specialist, but as a pass receiver as well.  Graham nearly eclipsed his single-season high of 38 receptions last season when he hauled in 32 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns.

History proves that teams are much more successful when Graham catches 30 or more passes in a season.

• 2003:  38 receptions, 408 yards, 4 TD–Patriots win Super Bowl
• 2004:  30 receptions, 364 yards, 7 TD–Patriots win Super Bowl
• 2008:  32 receptions, 389 yards, 4 TD–Broncos 2nd place AFC West, one game away from playoffs

Now, there is no doubt that Graham did not single-handedly bring his team into the winner’s circle, but there is also no denying the correlation between his play and his team’s victories.

Graham should continue to be a safety outlet for new quarterback Kyle Orton, as well as a cog in the running game.

 

2.  Tony Scheffler

Scheffler, when healthy, is arguably the best pass catching tight end in the NFL.  Tony Gonzalez obviously is the clear cut No. 1, and there are players like Jason Witten and Antonio Gates who are also in the mix, but it is hard to argue with Scheffler’s numbers.

In three seasons with the Broncos, Scheffler has caught 107 passes for 1,480 yards and 12 touchdowns while only playing in 40 games over that timeframe.

Scheffler is an athletic specimen at 6’5″ 250 pounds with a 4.55 second 40-yard dash.  This former Western Michigan dual sport star has turned into a big play threat for the Denver Broncos.

Heading into his fourth year in the league, Scheffler has been the subject of quite a few trade rumors throughout the off-season. 

Unlike his former roommate and best friend Jay Cutler, Scheffler handled the trade talks with poise and confidence, stating that the NFL is a business and that his job is to help the Broncos win in any way he can.

In 2008, Scheffler proved he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, leading the Broncos with an average of 16.1 yards per reception.  He also set a personal single season record with 645 receiving yards.

Combined with the Broncos’ arsenal of running backs and receivers, Scheffler provides the Broncos with yet another big weapon on the outside.

 

3.  Richard Quinn

Quinn was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of the Broncos’ draft class, but looking back the selection makes a lot of sense.

Many feel the Broncos screwed themselves over by trading away two third round picks for Quinn and a fourth round pick, but many forget that Denver acquired that extra fourth round pick in the deal, so they really did not sacrifice a large discrepancy in talent with their two picks.

Here are a few reasons why Quinn was a solid pick by McDaniels and company:

• Daniel Graham is 30 years old, and while he may just now be entering his prime, the Broncos are looking toward the future.
• Tony Scheffler has one year left on his contract.
• Outside of Graham and Scheffler, the only tight end on the Broncos’ roster was late season free agent acquisition Jeb Putzier.

And the number one reason why Quinn was acquired with the 64th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft: Red zone efficiency.

Last season, the Broncos were second in the entire NFL in offense…in terms of yardage.  They ranked a very mediocre 16th in the league in scoring, thanks largely to the fact that they could not punch the ball in when they got inside the opponents’ 20.

Quinn only had 12 receptions in his career at North Carolina, but the former Tar Heel is regarded as the best blocker in his class not named Pettigrew, and scouts felt he showed very soft hands in off-season workouts.

When the Broncos enter their opponents’ red-zone, expect Quinn to make them much more efficient with his blocking and receiving abilities.

 

4.  Jeb Putzier

Putzier was a late season free agent signing in 2008, beginning his second stint with the Broncos.

The veteran tight end is known mostly for his blocking abilities, and not much else.  He has fairly reliable hands for the position, but the Broncos’ group of tight ends is a bit crowded and he could struggle to make the final roster.

 

5.  Marquez Branson

Branson was an undrafted free agent out of Central Arkansas who put together a very solid collegiate career.

Somebody put together a nice YouTube highlight of this kid, and he sort of reminds me of Peyton Hillis in terms of his receiving ability, but he lacks the toughness of Hillis.

He should be a practice squad addition, as his skills are fairly raw and he may need a year or two to develop.

2008 Tight Ends Grade:  B+

Tight End’s Coach:  Clancy Barone

Projected Starter:  Daniel Graham (Acquired via Free Agency in 2007)

Projected Stats:    Rec.     Yds.     Avg.     TD

                          30        360      12.0    2

Projected Backup:  Tony Scheffler (Acquired via 2006 NFL Draft)

Projected Stats     45        630      14.0     4

Projected Third String:  Richard Quinn (Acquired via 2000 NFL Draft)

Projected Stats     15        150      10.0   1

Roster spots filled by TE:  3/54

Roster spots filled overall:  17/54

 

**Marquez Branson waived, added to practice squad; Jeb Putzier cut**

 

New Broncos Show a Promising Future

Last year’s promising season was spoiled by a weak and lagging defense. This off season, many changes have been made, on both sides of the ball, that will help Denver improve dramatically. I will not say if the time is this year or next, or later, but with the changes made, Denver looks primed to take over the AFC West.

A few key factors that could help them achieve this are:

Management:

The big deal this off season has been firing Mike Shanahan and hiring Josh McDaniels, who was New England’s offensive coordinator. It is hard to predict how he will handle being a head coach, but looking back may help.

He is, without question, a good coach for the offense. Look at what he has done with the Pats. He knows how to run an offense and has set about building it up.

Defense is the main concern of this franchise. Strong defensive coaching is mandatory. San Francisco 49ers’ coach Mike Nolan, has been called in to bring the defense up to par. To do this, he has brought in the 3-4 scheme to allow for a new type of pressure and better pass defense.

QBs:

No one can talk about the Denver Broncos without talking about the loss of Jay Cutler and the addition of Bears QB Kyle Orton. Orton is a considerable downgrade from the strong-armed Cutler. He has a weak arm and is not very mobile. Is he a bad player? Just the opposite, actually Orton excels at accurate, short-range pass attacks to move the ball. A strong O-line means that mobility isn’t a major concern. McDaniels is sure to create a west coast style short-pass game to play to Orton’s strengths.

RBs:

Last year’s running game was good, but overshadowed by a dominating pass game. This year, it is hard to say how the run game will play with no returning backs, but it can be assumed they will do better. This year, they have gone out of their way to get RBs to help them out. First-round pick Moreno will see most of the carries and will do great if his college record shows any hint of what is to come. He had an outstanding two-year college career and posted some great stats.

Buckhalter is a seasoned veteran who has been in the league a while. His experience makes him a very solid second back who can get good yards when Moreno is out.

WRs/TEs:

It’s hard to say how the receiving game will play out with Marshall’s status being unknown. So we will assume he won’t be with the team.

Royal would step up and become the No. 1 WR for Orton and would run a lot of quick slants, looking for holes where he can get the ball and turn up field. The other WRs would prove adequate for the job. One player will emerge as the best of them and make a good second option.

Scheffler will be the starting TE and makes for a strong receiver in the flats, on the sidelines, or over the middle. At 6’5″, 250 lbs, he makes for a big target wherever he runs his routes.

Defensive Line:

The switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 leaves Denver in need of some big linemen. I don’t know who’s going to get the starting three positions so I can’t comment much on how they will do. But they will need to improve from last year. They had no pressure and could not stop the run so they need to get physical.

LBs:

D.J. Williams has an ILB spot and will be a force stopping the run and playing coverage over the middle. He is fast enough to get to the flats and cover RBs so he is one of the most useful players on the defense.

Dumerville will most likely play weak OLB and get to blitz. A change from DE, it will interesting to see how he adapts to the new position. But he will mainly be a player who can move around and rush the QB, trying to create pressure from the blindside. And we know he can pass rush.

Jarvis Moss will probably be the other OLB and play more man coverage against the TE or FB. His coverage skills are unknown so it is unsure as to how well he can cover these players.

DBs:

This is where the most changes have been made. Champ Bailey is one of the best CBs in the league, and his knowledge will help him excel against some of the best WRs. Alphonso Smith (drafted in first round) could very well become the other CB. In college, he was a force and didn’t allow a score against him. Pretty good, right? For a rookie, he has a long career ahead of him.

The safety position is where it’s at. There were two big problems the defense had last year. One, they couldn’t get in the backfield, stopping the run and pressuring the QB. The other problem was a lack of turnovers. The changes to the safeties have brought in ball hawks that can deliver punishing hits as well as force turnovers.

Brian Dawkins is a seasoned veteran with a lot of years under his belt and brings experience. Plus, he is a beast. Dawkins knows how to play and can get things done. Plus, he would make a great mentor to young safeties. If I had young players and wanted to bring in a guy who could teach them, Dawkins would probably be one or two. Didn’t Denver draft two safeties this year?

As for the rookie safeties, they can play and will learn under Dawkins. They are strong players who have a nose for the ball and have a way of generating turnovers. Two great players who can lead the defense for the next several years.

With the many many changes made, on both sides of the ball and in management, Denver is a completely different team. They have the tools to make them powerful for the next decade. Especially in a few years, once the players have developed, Denver will become the dominant team in the division and should see a few years in the playoffs.

Inside the Denver Broncos’ Roster: Wide Receivers

2008 was a great year to be a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos, as former head coach called on his quarterbacks to drop back and pass the ball 620 times, a franchise record and good for second in the NFL.

Still, the Broncos’ group of receivers was very young, and while they were extremely talented, they made their share of mistakes.

Each receiver had his share of key drops, fumbles, or missed blocking assignments, all which cost the Broncos significantly last year, being that their offense had to play near perfect football to win games.

While the Broncos continued to gain yardage through the air (they ranked second in the NFL), they had a very rough time putting the ball in the end zone.

Heading into 2009, the Broncos’ receiving group has high expectations, even though Kyle Orton has taken over at quarterback for Jay Cutler.  Who will be his top targets?

 

1.  Brandon Marshall

Since the start of the 2007 season, no wide receiver in the National Football League has been thrown at more times than the former fourth round pick out of Central Florida.  Also in that timeframe, only one receiver (Wes Welker, Patriots) has more receptions than Marshall’s 206.

Still, Marshall has had his share of off-field issues, and heading into the final year of his rookie contract he finds himself holding out and requesting a trade from the Denver Broncos.

Of everything Marshall has gone through with the Broncos, this is one thing he truly did not think through. 

Is Marshall expendable?  Are his legal issues too much for the Broncos to even consider re-signing him?

If Marshall wants a new contract, the way to do so is very simple:  stay out of trouble for a year, and report to training camp.

So far, Marshall has missed every offseason activity due to a bum hip, and most recently because of his displeasure with the Broncos’ front office.  His injury is supposed to be almost fully recovered by the time training camp starts on July 30th, and head coach Josh McDaniels has said publicly that he expects Marshall to report.

If he opts to hold out and not report to training camp, not only will Marshall lose more than the 2.198 million dollars he will earn in 2009, but he will lose valuable practice time with a new system he has yet to fully come to grips with.

On the field, there is no question Marshall deserves to be paid like the top ten wide receiver he is.  Off the field, Marshall acts like a troubled “thug” and if he was not in the NFL, he would probably be living week to week on his paycheck from White Castle.

There is no question his numbers will take a hit in 2009, but it is not because Kyle Orton is the quarterback.  Last season, the Broncos threw the ball 620 times, and over 15 percent of those passes were thrown Marshall’s way.  The Broncos enter 2009 with far too many playmakers for Marshall to be thrown at so many times, and of course his reception total could take a hit, but that does not mean he has to be less effective.

In the end, Marshall can hold out and request as many trades as he wants, but unless a team like Baltimore offers Haloti Ngata, nobody is getting Brandon Marshall away from the Broncos.  Not until after the 2010 season most likely, seeing as the Broncos can still franchise tag him the next two offseasons.

Oh and by the way, if Marshall decides to not attend any training camp session, he will forfeit a year of free agency eligibility on his contract, and will owe the Broncos yet another year of his services. 

The Broncos hold all of the cards in Marshall’s ridiculous situation, and I fully expect him to not only report to camp, but play for the Broncos in 2009 and beyond.

 

2.  Eddie Royal

Eddie Royal was the exclamation point on the most stellar first day of a draft the Broncos have had this decade.

When he was drafted, Royal was expected to contribute immediately as a kick returner, but little else.  Virginia Tech is not a throwing offense, and thus, his numbers were not very “gawdy” as one can imagine. 

During 2008 Denver Broncos training camp, Royal opened the fans’ eyes completely to the receiver he could potentially become.  I can still remember sitting there and admiring every catch he made while others around me scrambled to figure out “Who is number 19?!” on their media guide.

From that point on, it was clear that Royal was going to make an immediate impact on this team.

He led all rookie receivers with 91 receptions, and finished the season with 980 receiving yards and five touchdowns.  The former Hokie ended up leading the Broncos in all-purpose yardage with his return abilities as well as finishing the season with 109 rushing yards.

In the Broncos’ new offense, Royal appears to be a carbon copy, albeit faster version of New England Patriots’ receiver Wes Welker. 

If Royal can become a more consistent target inside the red zone, he will be one of the most dangerous receivers in the entire NFL. 

Last season, he and Marshall combined for 195 receptions, which was the best in the NFL.

 

3.  Brandon Stokley

When the Broncos signed Stokley in the summer of 2007, he was expected to be a minimal contributor and nothing more because of an Achilles injury he suffered in 2006.

The two-time Super Bowl champion has since re-claimed his title as the NFL’s best slot receiver (behind Welker), and the 10 year veteran has caught 89 passes the last two seasons for Denver.

Perhaps the most important part of Stokley’s game is his route running, which teammates consistently rave about. 

Thanks to his ability to separate from defenders, Stokley has been the Broncos’ most dangerous third down target, catching 69 of his 89 passes over the last two seasons for first downs.

Stokley also averages nearly 14 yards per reception the last two years, giving Orton a safety valve he really needs.

 

4.  Jabar Gaffney

Gaffney was a free agent acquisition this offseason from the New England Patriots, and he figures to bring good veteran leadership to this young unit thanks to the fact that he has been working in McDaniels’ offense the past three years.

Throughout the course of his career, Gaffney has had his share of ups and down’s, but overall he has been a solid, consistent performer in his time with Houston and New England.

He enters his eighth year in the NFL with the Broncos, and figures to give them some much needed help inside the 20, where he did a lot of damage with the Patriots. He also has the ability to take over as the number two receiver if Brandon Marshall decides to hold out.

 

5.  Kenny McKinley

Kenny McKinley was regardled as “the best receiver” legendary football head coach Steve Spurrier has ever had the privilege of coaching.

The former South Carolina product was taken by the Broncos in the fifth round of this year’s draft, and his immediate contributions seem to be coming with the special teams, potentially as a punt or kick return man.

McKinley is a very quick receiver with good route running skills, but how significant will his playing time be with the Broncos’ receiver depth as good as it is?

Is he the heir apparent to Brandon Stokley?  If he is going to replace the best, it helps to learn from the best.  McKinley should see time as the third and fourth receiver this season.

 

6.  Chad Jackson

Jackson is the receiver pictured with Jabar Gaffney on the right in this article’s photo.  At 6’1″ 215 pounds, he undoubtedly looks the part of an NFL receiver.  He also runs the 40-yard dash at a sub 4.40 second time. 

Why has he not been able to find his groove in the NFL?

Coming out of Florida in 2006, I projected Jackson to be picked by the Denver Broncos with the 15th overall pick in the draft, so you can understand why I think the world of this kid. 

He has been derailed by injuries in his career, and when the Patriots’ receiving core became so deep after their stellar 2007 campaign, he was cut loose.

I wrote an article shortly after he was cut how I would love for the Broncos to sign him, and the rest is history.

While many are not familiar with Jackson due to the fact that he had only one reception last season, I truly believe that he could be a star in this league. 

He has big play potential, and he is very familiar with McDaniels’ system coming from New England.

Is he a diamond in the rough?  Can he rebound from his slow start in the NFL?

 

7.  Brandon Lloyd

On the day disgruntled receiver Brandon Marshall requested a trade, the Broncos coincidentally signed former 49ers, Redskins, and most recently Bears receiver Brandon Lloyd. 

Lloyd is the sixth or seventh receiver on the Broncos’ depth chart, which really is an indication of how deep Denver is at the position given he was arguably the best receiver on the Bears in 2008.

The former Fighting Illini star has great big play ability, but is his work ethic going to be his demise in Denver?  Does the fact that he is familiar with Kyle Orton bode well for his potentially making the final roster?

 

8.  C.J. Jones

Jones was recently acquired by the Broncos via waivers from Kansas City, and he figures to eventually end up on Denver’s practice squad. 

Jones has spent the past three seasons in New England, so like a few of the other Denver receivers, he is familiar with the system.

The former Iowa star is a good blocking receiver, and he has great return skills.  He will be a solid competitor in training camp.

 

9.  Nate Swift

Swift has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to the fact that he reminds many fans of former Broncos great Ed McCaffrey.

The undrafted free agent out of Nebraska may have come to the Broncos a year too late, and the receiving group may already be a bit too crowded.

He will make it tough for the coaches to let him go because of his work ethic and versatility as a return man and special teamer. 

 

Projected Starter:  Brandon Marshall (Acquired via 2006 NFL Draft)

Projected Stats:   Rec.   Yds.   Avg.   TD  

                          88    1,100   12.5   8

Projected Starter:  Eddie Royal (Acquired via 2008 NFL Draft)

Projected Stats:    95    1,045   11.0   6

Projected No. Three:  Brandon Stokley (Acquired via Free Agency in 2007)

Projected Stats:    40    520      13.0   3

Projected No. Four:  Jabar Gaffney (Acquired via Free Agency in 2009)

Projected Stats:    35    440      12.5   3

Projected No. Five:  Kenny McKinley (Acquired via 2009 NFL Draft)

Projected Stats:    20    240      12.0   1

Projected No. Six:  Chad Jackson (Acquired via Free Agency in 2008)

Projected Stats:    15    225      15.0   1

 

Practice Squad additions:

Nate Swift

CJ Jones

Wide Receivers Coach:  Adam Gase

2008 receivers grade:  A-

Roster Spots filled by WR:  6/54

Total Roster Spots filled:  14/54

Done With Retrospect, Let’s Look Forward To The Denver Broncos Season…

The abundance of retrospective articles and blogs in the Broncos community is very evident. I’m taking this time to renew my faith in the 2010 season and present an optimistic look at the Denver Broncos’ year to come.

The best thing a fan can do for him/herself is keep an upbeat attitude about their team and their respective desires. For Denver and fans alike, the desired outcome is a new team with a new position in the league.

The Broncos’ new position may begin at the bottom rung of a very tall ladder, but this isn’t always a bad place to start.

Now, with Coach McDaniels calling the shots, and a slew of fresh faces ready to take the field in Denver’s honor, we have nothing to do but look forward to an exciting new team, and hopefully a brand new direction.

With Kyle Orton orchestrating an offense that’s sure to drop from it’s highly regarded No. 2 position, the depth chart isn’t exactly golden. But with Knowshon Moreno, and other talented backs joining him in the backfield, the offense may feel a sense of balance.

Neither Orton or Moreno are superstars by any means. Orton had a great record in Chicago as a starter, but his personal statistics did not reflect it well. Chicago’s team was mainly defensive based, and allowed for Orton to make mistakes.

Now in a system where defense will certainly not hold the same role, Orton will be forced to make better decisions, and manage the game more properly on offense.

In the back to aid in this endeavor will be Knowshon Moreno, Peyton Hillis, and maybe even Correll Buckhalter. When Orton can’t be the player to change the game and ignite the offense, these backs will have to prove they can pick up the slack.

This scheme will all reside on whether or not Orton can respond positively in the face of pressure. If the roster remains the way it is, there won’t be much of a defense to back him up in case of an error. Some players blossom in such a situation, and some fail. Optimism on our part is the key, and obviously the idea of this article.

It’s safe to say at this point that our receiving corps may suffer a loss in the next month. But one player does not make the team. Once again, through adversity, players must respond to this and adjust their play as necessary.

Eddie Royal stood out aside Brandon Marshall last year, mostly due to the attention given to Marshall by the opposing defenses. With Marshall on the brink of departure from Dove Valley, other receivers will have to fill the gap. Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Stokley are likely candidates, but only time will tell.

As we would all like to see Brandon Marshall stay with the team, it remains to be seen whether or not this will be possible. Nobody thought we would actually trade Jay Cutler, but it happened (and fast.) Realistically speaking, negative energy breeds negative energy, and the longer his attitude dilutes the locker room, the longer it will take this team to take form.

If the Broncos must lose a familiar face and an outstanding player to further the growth of the team as a whole, I agree whole-hearted. A team that can go out professionally, without personal agendas and grudges holding them back, and have fun at the same time, has the best chance of succeeding in this league. After all, we don’t exactly need an Uno-Cinco jumping into angry crowds and picking boxing matches with our opponents. Don’t stroke the ego…

Through mini-camp and the preseason, a rejuvenated and proactive group should develop in Invesco. I for one am excited to see how it turns out, and hopes the best for the team, the city, and the fans as the season unfolds.

Whether we have to wait another few years before the Broncos contend for a championship, or if they have a breakout season to kick it off, I hope we can all still enjoy Sundays as always, and just relax. Remember, there’s always next year (I seem to be saying that a lot the last few seasons.)

Hopefully, you’re all with me in continuing an optimistic outlook for the Broncos, and the league alike!

Here’s to cheering for our favorite teams, tailgating with friends and family (and the occasional Raider fan,) enjoying Sunday at home, or at our favorite sports bar, and rejoicing in the fact that Sports Center is on every night no matter what kind of foul mood the games might put us in.

Cheers…

Spanning Browns Town Season Preview: Week Two Versus the Denver Broncos

Today in Spanning Browns Town we will continue our examination of the Cleveland Browns 2009 regular season schedule. On Monday We previewed the Browns’ opponents for Week One of the season, the Minnesota Vikings, and predicted that the Vikings would win. This week we will look at the Week Two opponent for the Browns.

Denver or the “Mile High City,” as it is also known by, has been a house of horror’s for the Browns and their fans. Fans who can remember all too well the misfortunes of the Browns during the playoffs in Denver spanning the late 80’s. Browns fans are still haunted by those memories that occurred in Mile High Stadium.

In the Browns’ last trip to Denver back in December of 2003 they did not fare much better. The Browns lost to the Broncos in overtime 23-20. That ironically was also the final of the 1987 AFC Championship Game, which both Browns and Broncos fans alike remember as “The Fumble.”

That time has come and gone. The Broncos, much like the Browns, will have begun a brand new era when the Browns come to visit them once agian in Week Two. How will the Browns match up with the Broncos? Let’s find out.

Coaching

Outside of a some outbursts from both Shaun Rogers and Joshua Cribbs, things have been fairly quiet for Eric Mangini as he has taken over the Browns.

Josh McDaniels wishes he had the same type of tranquility. Not long after he arrived on the scene, McDaniels had to deal with a very angry Jay Cutler. Cutler became an angry after he found out about McDaniels plans to deal him and aquire former Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Cutler was eventually dealt, and for a while, things seemed to settle in Denver Players finally seemed to be buying into McDaniels ” No one is bigger then the team” motto.

Then, out of nowhere, came the recent incident with Brandon Marshall. How will this end? And how will the season play out for McDaniels and the Broncos? It should be an interesting season in Denver.

 

Quarterbacks

Kyle Orton, who came along in the deal that sent Cutler to the Chicago Bears, will compete for the starting job with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Chris Simms.

The Broncos like that Kyle Orton brings a winning record to the table; he also has thrown for 18 touchdowns and 2,972 yards in his career and has a 79.6 rating. Pretty promising numbers from a guy who split time with a guy who was either hurt or inconsistent.

However, Orton’ biggest flaw is his decision-making; he threw 12 interceptions in limmited playing time. That type of mistake-prone quarterback will struggle in McDaniels’s system.

Word is that Orton has shown decent arm strength coming out of mini-camp, but he needs to be able to show that he can get rid of the ball quickly.

Many felt that Chris Simms, in his last months with the Titans, threw the ball like he did in 2004 when he had a very good season. It is said that his shoulder problems are no long an issue, but he still remains an underdog to Orton.

Inevitably, the quarterback who makes fewer mistakes during camp and preseason will likely receive the job.

The Broncos also drafted Fresno State QB Tom Brandstater. Brandstater had an excellent career at Fresno State, however he does not figure to be much of a factor in this year’s QB derby unless there is an injury to Orton or Simms. Still, he could be a very viable tool for the Broncos future plans provided that he is with the team that long.

ADVANTAGE: Seems to be even.

Although observers within both teams may have some idea who will emerge as their starter, there does not seem to be clear advantage. At least, if there is, no one is saying anything. We will have to see how things shape out at training camp.

Running Backs

The Broncos seem to have a wide array of choices at their disposal. The backfield is very crowded with first-round pick Knowshon Moreno along with Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and J.J. Arrington.

Moreno seems to be the front-runner at the position, the Broncos believe that he is the total package, and he has good pass-protection skills.  Since the Broncos’ quarterbacks could use all the protection they can get, those skills might make Moreno an every-down back.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns don’t have a backfield that will punish you, but they do have one back in Jamal Lewis, who, when healthy, is a home-run threat. Plus, as you will see later on, the Broncos’ defensive line is weak, and that is good news for the Browns.

Although crowded and experienced, the Broncos backfield lacks a home-run hitter. LaMont Jordan, Corell Buckhalter, and J.J. Arrington all have their limitations. Jordan is older and may not be able to carry the work load he once did. Buckhalter and Arrington are both battling knee issues. Moreno is probably going to get the balk of work. It will give him a lot of experience, but he will not have much help.

 

Wide Receivers

For now at least, Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal seem to be the team’s duo at WR with Brandon Stokley at the slot.

Royal had a very impressive rookie season last year and was very reliable. Royal had 91 receptions for 980 yards and averaged 10.8 yards per catch with 5 touchdowns. Marshall was not as reliable, but he was still very productive with 104 receptions, 1,256 yards, 12.2 yards per catch, and 6 touchdowns.

Marshall does bring some off-the-field baggage with him, but he is also tough and competitive. He makes up on-the-field production makes up for his misjudgments off the field.

Moreover, Stokley has always proven to be a productive and reliable guy.

Jabar Gaffney was brought in because he has some familiarity with Josh McDaniels and the offense he wants to run.

The Broncos also have two huge tight ends in Daniel Graham and Richard Quinn that will be great targets for the new QB.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

Why? If Brandon Marshall, who has been complaining and saying wants out of Denver, gets his wish, this unit is going to be in big trouble.

Sure, they will have Eddie Royal, but there will not be much else. Jabar Gaffney may be somewhat handy, but he is not elite receiver. 

If Marshall does come back, there will be more matchup problems, and the Browns secondary will be in for a long day.

That said, I like what the Browns wide receivers brings to the table. They’re younger, and encouraging news has come from the Browns about rookies Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massiqoui. Both look to be capable of playing major roles in this offense.

Steve Heiden has always been a useful at tight end and second-year man Martin Rucker will be given a chance to make a impact at tight end.

 

Offensive Line

When Mike Shanahan was in charge, he liked to use undersized, athletic lineman. Unfortunately for this unit, those days are over. McDaniels wants to run more of a power game. To do that, the unit will have to include more 300-plus linemen.

McDaniels was not left with much to work with. He does have some starting blockers with right tackles Ryan Harris and Ryan Clady. Other then that there is just not much. McDaniels will have to spend the next couple of drafts and free agency periods trying to upgrade his offensive line.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

What the Browns’ running game will not change much. Plus, their left side is solid. and the question marks on the right were addressed, even though there are still problems.

Defensive Line

This position is a mess for the Broncos and could even be worse than the Browns. The defense is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme, but they really do not have someone who can command a double-team in the middle of the field.

The Broncos chose not to address the position during the draft because they did not value the draft’s pool of defensive lineman. That will hurt them this season.

It will be interesting to see how this transition works out because there is not much that this unit did well, either defending the pass or run. They did take Robert Ayers, a DE from Tennessee with their second pick in the draft, and that could eventually work out. They still need a lot more though.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns have more at the defensive line spot, and they have more experience with the 3-4 scheme. In this particular situation, considering the condition of the Broncos’ offensive line situation, the Browns defensive line has the best chance of success.

 

Linebackers

This unit is going to have to make a slew of plays against the run because they do not have much of an answer at the nose tackle position.

Since Elvis Dumervil has a chance to be very effective in the passing game because he is able to get leverage on bigger players due his ability and reach, he will be playing on the outside with Jarvis Moss opposite him.

However, it is said that during mini-camp, Moss struggled, especially when having to be involved with the passing game. That’s not good news for the Broncos. They will also give special teamer Darrel Reid a look at outside linebacker. Boss Bailey will also be on the outside, but he had micro-fracture surgery and not much can be expected from him.

As far as inside linebacker, a familiar face for Browns fans will be in the mix for the Broncos, Andra Davis. Davis had his times where he was very productive in a Browns uniform, but he really struggled the last few seasons It will be interesting to see what he can do with a change of scenery. His partner inside will be a man named D.J. Williams.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

The Browns replaced what they lost with players that are familiar with what defensive coordinator Rob Ryan wants to do. Whether they are actually upgrades or not remains to be seen.

If Kamerion Wimbley gets going, he will be a nightmare, and they have a proven productive player with D’Qwell Jackson. The Browns don’t have as many question marks as the Broncos do, but they do have their own questions.

 

Defensive Backs

The Broncos have two Pro-Bowlers in this unit. The first is Champ Bailey. Bailey is the kind of player who, in the past, completely took away a team’s ability to throw to one side of the field. Lately, he has had to battle elbow issues. That said, he is still the teams No. 1 corner, and he’s still very dangerous.

Dre’ Bly is gone, but the team did go out and sign Andre’ Goodman to replace him. Goodman could be just as good as Bly.

Brian Dawkins was the second Pro-Bowle add to this unit, and the Broncos think that he is a significant upgrade, which, if he performs like he did in Philadelphia, he will be.

ADVANTAGE: Broncos

Special Teams

Matt Prater has a very powerful leg but needs to work on his accuracy. He struggled to make field goals from 40-49 yards. Many feel that he let the criticism from fans and coaches go to his head. The Broncos could be looking to make a change at some point. His leg strength makes him valuable for kickoffs

The reputation of punter Brett Kern is that he does not have a consistent ball drop, but many feel that he can be in the league for a while.

Look for Eddie Royal to return punts, he has all the tools to be very special and a big factor in that role. Kickoffs could go to J.J. Arrington, but the Broncos say that will not be decided until the preseason.

ADVANTAGE: Browns

Special teams are something that have been the one constant with the Browns. Phil Dawson is as solid as kickers can come. Dave Zastuilds is also solid as they come for a punter.

The Browns have one of the best kick returners in the NFL.

THE LAST WORD

There is no reason why the Browns cannot win this game. Where the Broncos lack ability, the Browns are strong. They will be in a higher altitude, and the weather is likely to be warm, so endurance will be a factor.

If the Mangini regime wants to be known as different than Crennel’s regime, they need to win games that are winnable, and this is one of them. They may have to grind it out and play a close, down-to-the-wire game, but I still like their chances. It will be a good win for them and a confidence booster as well as something that they can hang their hats on.

Browns Predicted Record After Week 2: 1-1

In the next Spanning Browns Town Season Preview, we will continue our look at the Browns 2009 Schedule as we look at their opponent for Weeks 3 and 9, the hated Baltimore Ravens.

Greg Cooksey spans Browns Town every Monday and Friday and whenever there is anything Cleveland Browns to talk about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring: It’s a Long and Painful Story…

There comes a time in every team’s life where restructuring must take place. Sure enough, it was time for the Broncos to do so.

With a new coach, a new quarterback core, and a mess of new faces, the Denver Broncos have a lot of team-building to look forward to. The 2010 season will depend on the chemistry of a team that’s suffered through adversity, scandal, and turmoil, before their first season together has even begun.

Josh McDaniels heads a crew that Denver fans will need to study for the first time in a long while. Familiar faces are gone, including a certain franchise quarterback, and some may still be headed away.

A familiar term comes to mind; “Don’t mess with success.”

We’ve heard it time and time again, and yet we shouldn’t jump on that train yet. We should remain unsettled, and unhappy with our team’s position in this league, but also resilient. With any luck, change will be good this year.

The days of John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Rod Smith are gone (don’t forget Rod only just left.) As Bronco fans, it must be accepted. The future of this team relies on a future nobody had predicted.

Mike Shanahan had been the victim of scrutiny for years after Elway’s departure, however, steadfast in his ways, he did his best to make a championship team out of fourth and fifth round picks, and an offensive scheme that could topple giants. But with Gary Kubiak gone, and the wins diminishing, the tables had finally turned.

This last off-season would see the most change for the Broncos than with any other team in the NFL. It started as a new coach, a flurry of trades, and, eventually, the loss of a franchise player.

Does this spell the end for a franchise that has contended for years? Or is this just another chapter in the storied history of our Denver Broncos? Only time will tell, and it’s moving slower than any of us are willing to accept.

New coaches bring new schemes, new talent, and new potential. New is good. Especially considering the Broncos inability to make an impact in the postseason (or the regular season for that matter,) during the last few years.

A team is not made by one player, but can be destroyed by one. One team, one goal. After all, the point is to win the Super Bowl, not your fantasy league.

From one Broncos fan to the rest: “Is it really that bad? We could still have Brian Griese…”

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