The optimists thread

[bloodsunday]

Okay, I have listened to the new Broncos' press conference and had time to digest/vent my feelings about yesterday. So let me be among the first to say: Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah, Dominique Foxworth, and Mo Clarett, welcome to the Broncos family!

In reviewing our offseason, we have countered the offenses of Oakland and KC by continuing to fortify our defense. In fact, I think we have done everything possible given our resources to assure ourselves a shot at being a better defense. So, let's kick some teeth in :strong: If we have to win games 17 - 10, let's do it.

I'm a little worried about the offense, o-line more than anything, but I think they can hold their own. These aren't John Elway's Broncos anymore ;D

[Jason in LA]

I think the only question with the O line is RG. They are solid at the other four positions.

Turnovers is what worries me the most. They have nearly the same personell from last year. So we know they'll be able to move the ball on just about anybody. But will they be able to limit the turnovers is the question?

I must be standing under one of the few spots that the sky didn't fall, because I see this team in the playoffs again.

[Northman]

must be standing under one of the few spots that the sky didn't fall, because I see this team in the playoffs again.

oh, we can make the playoffs again but its going to be a hell of a lot harder. schedule for one, and then the other 3 AFC teams got a whole lot better.

[Atlas]

Okay, I have listened to the new Broncos' press conference and had time to digest/vent my feelings about yesterday. So let me be among the first to say: Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah, Dominique Foxworth, and Mo Clarett, welcome to the Broncos family!

In reviewing our offseason, we have countered the offenses of Oakland and KC by continuing to fortify our defense. In fact, I think we have done everything possible given our resources to assure ourselves a shot at being a better defense. So, let's kick some teeth in :strong: If we have to win games 17 - 10, let's do it.

I'm a little worried about the offense, o-line more than anything, but I think they can hold their own. These aren't John Elway's Broncos anymore ;D

I'm fine with the secondary being selected. Justin Miller would have been nice. WTF is he thinking

[CBF1]

The draft has not changed my opinion on this team. We are still a 9-7 team, I feel the other teams in the division have done well in the off season and draft.

San Diego is returning all 22 starters from last year and had a real good draft.

Oakland did good in getting Moss, I like the Hawthorne pick as well.

KC has finally addressed the D and will still be hell on offense.

If we split the division games I will be a happy camper. We do have a tough scheduel and 9-7 would be a succesful season if we stay healthy.

[Arkie]

I'm excited about the running game! Tatum will get more carries and close to 1500 yards. Dayne and Q will be change of pace. Turner thinks Clarett will be a future star if he applies himself. Our special teams improved in coverage and returns. Hopefully, we'll draft Matt Payne shortly. Our pass rush will be better. All of this will make it easier on Jake. I see a much better team.

[bloodsunday]

I think the offseason rests in the hands of the "Browncos". If those guys come to play and our d-line is able to rush the passer, look out. Our secondary and linebackers are capable of capitalizing on plays if the d-line gives them the opportunity.

No doubt, as our d-line gos, so gos our season, IMO.

[Odysseus]

The Chiefs are going to be ugly on defense. Their offense is still a monster but they won't have to be because their Chef defense will be tearing down folks. Gunther came in and gave everybody their shot now he's bringing the heat.

The Raiders are bringing in the most disruptive and productive reciever in the NFL into our backyard and the same Jerry Porter that roasted our best guys. Their offense has a better running attack and by going back to 4-3 they eliminate a lot of coverage mistakes.

The Chargers are making all the right moves and focused on getting back to the top of the AFCW. They are quietly building depth and drafting quality. They are going to be hard to beat.

The Broncos have a harder schedule, tougher division, new defensive line, the league pissing on one leg, draft dogs pissing on the other, the media hating on whether they do or don't, and a lot of fans angry at them... If you can't say it I will.

"We've got them right where we want them."

EDIT: It's not about who has the better players but the better team. I know it sounds like a cliche but execution, focus and clarity under pressure is everything in this game.

[Arkie]

quiettiger, that's the best way to be successful--against all odds like the Super Bowl/playoffs run in '97.

[F**kOakland]

TIGER SAYS "We've got them right where we want them"

THAT'S THE SPIRIT, AGAINST ALL ODDS!!! IF YOUR NOT WITH US YOUR AGAINST US.!!!!! DON'T YA THINK SHANNY AND THE STAFF KNOWS A LITTLE MORE THAN THE "ARMCHAIR" HATERS?????? I'M SORRY BUT WITH THE FEW EXCEPTIONS THE WHOLE DRAFT IS A GAMBLE !!!!! DID EVERYONE FORGET ABOUT THE TRADE THIS YEAR!!!!!???????

[Arkie]

Watch out NFL!
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=3256&dateline=1114014959
The Broncos have arrived!
And we ain't taking prisoners!
:charge: :charge:

[Cito Pelon]

I think the only question with the O line is RG.

What's the problem with Carlisle? He's the starting RG now, right? I remember when Denver beat the stuffing out of Indy at Indy in 2003, he played the whole game. And i particularly remember at the final whistle most of the Indy D-line went right after Carlisle, looking for a piece of action, after they couldn't shake the guy for four quarters. Tough guy, likes to mix it up. Mean streak, I'd say.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

What's the problem with Carlisle? He's the starting RG now, right? I remember when Denver beat the stuffing out of Indy at Indy in 2003, he played the whole game. And i particularly remember at the final whistle most of the Indy D-line went right after Carlisle, looking for a piece of action, after they couldn't shake the guy for four quarters. Tough guy, likes to mix it up. Mean streak, I'd say.

He sure sucked in teh Miami game last year and didn't do any better in the playoff game at Indy this year.

[Cito Pelon]

EDIT: It's not about who has the better players but the better team. I know it sounds like a cliche but execution, focus and clarity under pressure is everything in this game.

I agree. Last year the defensive coaching staff was dysfunctional, and that's not gonna work, that's hard to overcome. That's almost impossible to overcome. This year we'll see better teamwork, I hope. Slowik better not be gunning for Coyer's job, though. That could be a problem if he is.

[Cito Pelon]

He sure sucked in teh Miami game last year and didn't do any better in the playoff game at Indy this year.

I don't remember singling him out as stinking that bad. If I remember correctly, Hamilton whiffed on a lot of blocks, but not Carlisle. If you remember some whiffs by the guy, point them out. I have a fondness for OG's with mean streaks, so I could have rose-colored glasses on.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'm quite optimistic!

[Ballhawk]

I don't remember singling him out as stinking that bad. If I remember correctly, Hamilton whiffed on a lot of blocks, but not Carlisle. If you remember some whiffs by the guy, point them out. I have a fondness for OG's with mean streaks, so I could have rose-colored glasses on.

Dont we have a guard over in NFLE who is dominating? We never ever take Oline early with the exception of Foster. We bring in late rounders and spend two years teaching them zone blocking. I wish we would take some serious talent there and teach them, but that is not the team philosophy when it comes to Olineman.

[Spider]

I think the offseason rests in the hands of the "Browncos". If those guys come to play and our d-line is able to rush the passer, look out. Our secondary and linebackers are capable of capitalizing on plays if the d-line gives them the opportunity.

No doubt, as our d-line gos, so gos our season, IMO.
Well said , I have on other threads stated this years Draft realy didnt mean much cause of the Trades we made .. It all Hinders on the Browncos , and how we keep them healthy , if they stay Healthy , we could have a Carolinia Dline combined with a Ravens line backing core , we could be hell in cleates as the AFC goes ........
2 teams that are a mark Colts , Pats ........

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I don't remember singling him out as stinking that bad. If I remember correctly, Hamilton whiffed on a lot of blocks, but not Carlisle. If you remember some whiffs by the guy, point them out. I have a fondness for OG's with mean streaks, so I could have rose-colored glasses on.

Get a tape of the Miami game. Carlisle was very passive. He never fired out on a block and the DL always had their hands up over his head which caused three passed to be knocked down at the LOS. One was intercepted. I sat right behind the bench for that game. Dennison was on him so hard I thought he would be cut at halftime.

[Spider]

I don't remember singling him out as stinking that bad. If I remember correctly, Hamilton whiffed on a lot of blocks, but not Carlisle. If you remember some whiffs by the guy, point them out. I have a fondness for OG's with mean streaks, so I could have rose-colored glasses on.
I like Hamilton , I still think he is a better center then gaurd though . Carlisle needs some time , this could be his Year , I still like Clabo ........

[Bob's your Information Minister]

if they stay Healthy , we could have a Carolinia Dline combined with a Ravens line backing core .

That's really quite hilarious. Even if you keep them healthy, your D-line will only be marginally better than last year.

[bloodsunday]

That's really quite hilarious. Even if you keep them healthy, your D-line will only be marginally better than last year.
Marginal is a big deal in football. If our pass rush can get to the QB half a second faster, it would account for 5 - 10 more turnovers and 2 - 3 more wins, IMO.

Defensively we aren't far off. The only major weakness we haven't addressed is punting. Other than that, we have at the minimum add some players to compete in our weak areas.

Besides, this is a thread for people that are optimistic about the Broncos season. If you don't fit that description, go join a circle-jerk with some Chiefs fans. Its really annoying sometimes, you jack asses hanging around here. Honestly, you have no reason to be more enthused than us, its square one for everyone.

[Arkie]

I'm quite optimistic!

Derrick Johnson could stand to add some weight and bulk up. He struggles to take on blocks. Sometimes, he ignores his assignment in an effort to make a big play. He will miss some tackles. Matt Jones made DJ his bitch two years in a row.

Dustin Colquitt is a little inconsistent with his hang time (3.5-4.97 average) He labors some getting the ball off at times. He has poor timed speed, offering little value on the coverage team (usually the last player to get downfield).

Craphonso Thorpe has such a horrible name that it is obvious why he is afraid to take a hit. He got his ass beat everyday. If a defender gets a hand on him after the catch, you will not see much yards after catch.

Boomer Grigsby is a bit undersized. He does not always use his hands effectively to prevent blockers from getting into his exposed chest and stonewalling him on the play. He lacks natural hands for the interception, and while he will make the effort, his small hands make him fight to secure the ball.

Alphonso Hodge does not always show quick read and diagnose skills, lacking awareness mostly on running plays. He is slow to digest the play and by the time he locates the ball, he is a step behind the play and then takes bad angles in attempts to compensate in pursuit. He's more of a grab-down tackler who can miss in the open when he tries to arm tackle. He lacks natural hands (zero interceptions) and has problems tracking the ball over his shoulder.

[-Slap-]

Well.......at least.......nobody died.

[Atlas]

He sure sucked in teh Miami game last year and didn't do any better in the playoff game at Indy this year.

Carlisle started the last 5 games or so last year. He played very well, better tham Neil. Can he keep it up and not wear down is the big answer. Maybe Denver can rotate with him this year.

[Atlas]

That's really quite hilarious. Even if you keep them healthy, your D-line will only be marginally better than last year.

Your stupid. If Pyce and Eliss stay healthy they will be greatly improved. If Brown also stays healthy Denver will have a very good line with extrodinary depth. I believe Ecuban could be an improvement over Hayward and he isn't even listed as a starter.

[-Slap-]

Another positive: this Chinese water torture of a draft is mercifully over.

Lets collect our obscure and redundant collection of scrubs and beat feet.

[crazyhorse]

I am optimistic about next season. I think ya did great!

[labronco]

After recovering from near stroke AND heart attack, here's a take with whatever's left over from an eternal optimist.

1. Our first three picks in CB's:
We lost 2 DB's this free agency in Kennedy and Herndon, who were both starters last year. We did not pick up any free agent to replace these losses. So the need was definately there. Most argue that we have needs other places, too, but I actually think this was the area that we needed most help, along with special teams. All three CB's we picked can help us in both areas. Williams, I think, has biggest upside out of this years' CB group, outside Antrell and PacMan, with his mad speed and return skills. I think he compare favorably to Antoine Winfield. The guy can play CB. I dare to say he will be a starting corner for us someday. Meanwhile, I would think two other CB's we picked can compete with last year's DB picks to replace the void created by Kennedy's departure. In retrospect, I don't mind about these picks.

2. Clarett. Hey, Dallas wanted him in fourth round. He's got major issues with immaturity. Media picks on him all the time, most of it deserved, for his attitude during the trial and everything else he did before. But he is a football player. Broncos happen to be the best team a running back can wish for. I'd say this is a match made in heaven. He's slow but big. The boy got no ego left in him. Maybe he'll try to play fullback. I'm sure he'll work his butt off to make the team any way he can. I think bottom of third with comp pick is a low risk.

I hate the negative comments the broncos are garnering at this point because of this. We will probably get D/F grade on every major draft review grades tomorrow morning. Who freaking cares. Obviously, broncos don't follow my or your wish list and don't follow other magazine draft rankings, that doesn't mean their picks are inferior. I actually command them for doing their own work and making their own decisions.

3. Chris Myers. Another need position at G/C/T. We might have to look into June cuts to solidify this position but from what I read, he is smart and plays all positions on OL. He's from the U. What else you want on broncos line? Classic.

4. The punter/Kick off specialist out of nowhere. Boomer, they call him. Hey. He's gotta be better than what we have. He'll probably stick, too.

Overall, I was very disappointed like every year before about our picks. But I feel OK about it because we consistently put players out there. I am very optimistic about next year's draft too.

Can't wait to hear what the drafted players can do during the camp.