Who is the most important Bronco to a successful season?

[SoDak Bronco]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on who they think are the key players for Denver to win games? This obviously depends on each game, and what the matchups look like, but I was curious to where people think the Broncos keys to success hinges with. To me i have to go with the obvious pick of Jake Plummer, but I think as he goes, we go. Can't wait til Mini cAMP!!!! :militia:

[Bob's your Information Minister]

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/peter_king/11/01/mmqb.backs/p1_plummer.jpg

[ZachKC]

Ah, who is the most important "if" of all the "ifs"

[Ballhawk]

Jake by far and Injuries a distant 2nd. The personel is there, the coaching is there, now it will come down to execution and health.

[SoDak Bronco]

I'm waiting for someone to post the Punter..haha

[ZachKC]

Jake by far and Injuries a distant 2nd. The personel is there, the coaching is there, now it will come down to execution and health.
You want injuries to have a sucessful season? Yowza.

[orange crusher]

Without question, it's Jake. Without him, it would be a looongggg season.

[Ballhawk]

For the KC game it will be having a ref with 20/20

[SoDak Bronco]

You want injuries to have a sucessful season? Yowza.
Obviously he means the lack of injuries to the team...... thwack

[baja]

Yep Jake

[ZachKC]

For the KC game it will be having a ref with 20/20
Ya, the ref really cost you that game last year in Arrowhead.

[clarker]

Can't name just one but I'll give you a top 5

1. Plummer
2. Pryce
3. Brown
4. Bell
5. The new punter they got from the Panthers. I can't remember his name right now.

[BRONCCRUSHFAN]

I'm going to go with Tatum Bell. If he can be productive, and put the Broncos in 2d and 6 or 2d and 5, it takes much more pressure off of Jake to "have to make plays," on a 2d and 8 or 9. That is where Jake gets himself in trouble, when he is trying to make something out of nothing. If Tatum (or whoever is the starting RB) can average 3.8 to 4.2 yards per carry, the whole offense will open up. JMO

[ØrangeÇrush]

It's jake, just as quickly as Tatum can run the ball 40 yds to the 1 yard line, Jake can play toss withever DB that is in close proximity.

[SoDak Bronco]

I'm going to go with Tatum Bell. If he can be productive, and put the Broncos in 2d and 6 or 2d and 5, it takes much more pressure off of Jake to "have to make plays," on a 2d and 8 or 9. That is where Jake gets himself in trouble, when he is trying to make something out of nothing. If Tatum (or whoever is the starting RB) can average 3.8 to 4.2 yards per carry, the whole offense will open up. JMO

Good point, that is one reason Elway was so successful (superbowls) his last two years. It seemed liked we were always in 2nd and 5 yards, and 3rd and short. I hope we can get tatum going often and early and help get the offense clicking deep in the red zone.

[SoDak Bronco]

Can't name just one but I'll give you a top 5

1. Plummer
2. Pryce
3. Brown
4. Bell
5. The new punter they got from the Panthers. I can't remember his name right now.


Roid rager himself Todd Saurbrun

[Disco Man]

No Doubt about it , #16

[TotallyScrewed]

That's exactly what I was thinking Crush.

In 2003, we were pleasantly surprised by how well Jake and the offense played once Jake settled down a bit (second half of Cincy game). Why? Because Portis gave him a comfort zone.

In 2004, Jake digressed a bit. Why?? Because the running game was in flux.

In 2005, Jake can step up but he needs Bell to shorten the chains/field. Ipsofacto, Bell's is #1.

BTW, defense will be fine (optimistic call of the day).

[telluride]

Not to be contrarian, but this season rests on shanny. If he can keep the team from making the mental lapses that it did last year, tone down Kubiak a bit, mind the clock and penalties, and avoid the mid-season lull, we should be fine. If he does not, it makes little difference what kind of year Jake has.

I'm hoping that he's energized this year, and that the team goes deep into the playoffs.

[Play2win]

I know you said a single person, but I'm still going to say The D-Line. Because I think its the one most important part of this team. If they are successful, it will set the table for the entire rest of the team.

Many say, as Jake goes, so go the Broncos. Well, I'm going to say, as the DLine goes, so go the Broncos.

If the Dline is lacking, we're going to have along season. If it does moderately well, we should be "competitive" again. If the DLine KICKS *SS, we're going to the Superbowl, BABY!!!!

[Florida_Bronco]

I have to agree about Plummer here.

[RhymesayersDU]

It's Trevor Pryce/The D-Line!

Them getting pressure on the QB will lead to Turnovers, will lead to us controlling the ball, and lead to us scoring more points.

[Taco John]

You might as well be asking who our quarterback is...

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on who they think are the key players for Denver to win games? This obviously depends on each game, and what the matchups look like, but I was curious to where people think the Broncos keys to success hinges with. To me i have to go with the obvious pick of Jake Plummer, but I think as he goes, we go. Can't wait til Mini cAMP!!!! :militia:


Like the Broncos of the late 80's and early 90's. So goes Jake so goes the Broncos.

[clarker]

Roid rager himself Todd SaurbrunIf it will help make the other team start on their side of the field for a change, I'll give him the shot myself.

[Bronx33]

If it will help make the other team start on their side of the field for a change, I'll give him the shot myself.


Plus how many punters do you know can defend themselfs? lol.

[TheChamp247]

yea i do agree with it being jake but i also think lenny walls. since we just traded away middlebrooks (good thing) there is really 0 expierence behind him with all the rookies we just got. larry coyer said he isn't scared to have them start but i would only want to see them in covering the 3rd reciever not the 2nd.

[Pezman]

Without a doubt, it all lies on Jake obviously, but if we were nominating an entire unit, I'd have to go with our d-line just for the sake of arguement.

[DB-Freak]

:pity:

Isn't it obvious who the man will be?

http://www.denverbroncos.com/resources/custom/Team/van_pelt_bradlee_mug.jpg
BVP

such little nubs with your silly plummer and D line talk.

:pity:

[FADERPROOF]

Whoever is the starting HB.

Jake hasn't missed the playoffs when his HB runs for over 1,000 yards, so get use 1,000 yards and we're a playoff team.

[FADERPROOF]

Ah, who is the most important "if" of all the "ifs"


You really need to sit down and ask yourself, "Why do I post?"

I havent found an answer for it, maybe you can answer it.

[-Slap-]

Well, we have nothing credible at backup QB, so Plummer is the obvious choice.

Losing Rod Smith for an extended period would be crippling. For the last several years, he's been the only guy on the roster who consistently shows up at crunch time.

[ZachKC]

You really need to sit down and ask yourself, "Why do I post?"

I havent found an answer for it, maybe you can answer it.
I ask the same thing about you as a mod. At least nobody goes over my head when I post.

[2KBack]

I know it isn't a popular opinion, but I'm still not convinced that Jake played horribly last year. The ability to tackle Mike Vick and an earlier FG attempt away from 12 wins, a pass rush could have saved our asses in Cincy and the raider snow game. That could have been 14 wins. Jake's a wildman, but puts in in postition to win a vast majority of the time.

My answer has to be Pass rush, and if it's going to be a specific guy, I'll choose pryce. If he is back to his old ways, that opens things up for the rest of the line.

[-Slap-]

I ask the same thing about you as a mod. At least nobody goes over my head when I post.

No, but plenty of conversations do.

[ZachKC]

I know it isn't a popular opinion, but I'm still not convinced that Jake played horribly last year. The ability to tackle Mike Vick and an earlier FG attempt away from 12 wins, a pass rush could have saved our asses in Cincy and the raider snow game. That could have been 14 wins. Jake's a wildman, but puts in in postition to win a vast majority of the time.

My answer has to be Pass rush, and if it's going to be a specific guy, I'll choose pryce. If he is back to his old ways, that opens things up for the rest of the line.
Every single team in the NFL can play the "well if these 5 plays would have panned out we would have X amount of wins" game.

The line between losing and winning in the NFL is very small. Excluding your game in Arrowhead last year.

[ZachKC]

No, but plenty of conversations do.
Ha

Color me skeptical that a board that hotrod and spide call home can create a lot of conversations that overwhelm my intellect.

Funny post though. I left the door wide open for that one.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Plummer will be Plummer, good and bad and obviously if you lose your starting QB you're probably done regardless...they'll find a way to run whether its Tatum, Anderson, Clarett...even Dayne, it'll get done one way or the other. But if Walls goes down with an injury again or sucks this year...Katy bar the door because Champ won't even have to break a sweat this year...we'll be looking at Rock II--Return of the Playoff Nightmare; either that or starting a rook on the island whose going to see 20 passes a game come his way.

[2KBack]

Every single team in the NFL can play the "well if these 5 plays would have panned out we would have X amount of wins" game.

The line between losing and winning in the NFL is very small. Excluding your game in Arrowhead.


I agree with that. Still doens't change the fact that I don't think Jake was the problem with our season last year or the year before, so I don't see why the whole season is in the balance with him this year.

I don't think seasons hinge on anyone player, that's why i love football. So I choose the guy who may be able to change the face of our pass rush for the better.

[ZachKC]

I agree with that. Still doens't change the fact that I don't think Jake was the problem with our season last year or the year before, so I don't see why the whole season is in the balance with him this year.

I don't think seasons hinge on anyone player, that's why i love football. So I choose the guy who may be able to change the face of our pass rush for the better.
Ya I don't have to a problem with that. I just think its always strange when people play "if this play wouldn't have happened" thing when it comes to the NFL.

[2KBack]

Ya I don't have to a problem with that. I just think its always strange when people play "if this play wouldn't have happened" thing when it comes to the NFL.

I admit, it is a weak and convenient argument. It works wonders if someone is willing to accept it though.

[anthonypacino]

Most improtant player: Jake Plummer, needs to be smarter with the ball, better in the pocket, find open guys, we go where he leads.
most important aspect of the team: D-Line, Denver can have the best offense in the world but if these guys don't generate a rush and stand up against the run the season is over.
Most improved: Special Teams, Sauerbruan will help the D big time giving them a few more yards every drive to hold the other teams O, return game should be better with the new speedsters back there and the coverage game improved with Keith Burns coming back to D-Town.

[ZachKC]

I admit, it is a weak and convenient argument. It works wonders if someone is willing to accept it though.
Ha, you have come to the right place. Message board culture. :)

[Sir Mawn]

Well, we have nothing credible at backup QB, so Plummer is the obvious choice.

Losing Rod Smith for an extended period would be crippling. For the last several years, he's been the only guy on the roster who consistently shows up at crunch time.

Yes indeed. Losing Rod Smith would a catastrophe of cosmic dimensions.

[FADERPROOF]

I ask the same thing about you as a mod. At least nobody goes over my head when I post.

You implying that your judgment is better than TJ's?

[Rocket 7]

The Bronco fans

[ZachKC]

You implying that your judgment is better than TJ's?
Hmm, I have never had any reason to think about that...was just stating a fact. When I post nobody goes over my head.

[ZachKC]

The Bronco fans
Indeed.

It would really help out if your stadium didn't sound like a church on Monday when your boys take the field.

[FADERPROOF]

Hmm, I have never had any reason to think about that...was just stating a fact. When I post nobody goes over my head.

A fact that I could care less about.

[ZachKC]

A fact that I could care less about.
Well I am glad you took the time to respond. hmmm...

[FADERPROOF]

Well I am glad you took the time to respond. hmmm...


Yeah, because 5 seconds of my day is so important.

[bombquixote]

i can't believe nobody's mentioned the o-line in this thread. yeah, jake's important. yeah, the d-line's important. yeah, h-back's important. but everything keys off the performance of the o-line: how open are those cut-back lanes? how much pressure meets jake when he throws on 2nd and five? do we own the field position game? how many rushing yards are we putting up a game? do we own the TOP? that's the broncos game, and it all starts with the o-line. and we usually have a great o-line, yes, but it's nothing to take for granted, especially at right guard this year.

[SoCalBronco]

Health of the starting corners is very important.

[Atlas]

Can't name just one but I'll give you a top 5

1. Plummer
2. Pryce
3. Brown
4. Bell
5. The new punter they got from the Panthers. I can't remember his name right now.

Pryce didn't playt last year and denver's D was good. Denver's running game will always be good and Denver has so much depth at Dline if Brown flops I don't think it will be a huge deal.

Their are co-most important. That would be Jake and Rod Smith. They make the offense run and without either of them Denver could be in trouble.

[bpc]

1. Jake Plummer
2. Trevor Pryce
3. Tatum Bell (IF WE ARE GOING TO BE VERY GOOD)

[Bronco9798]

O and D line. Football games are won in the trenches. They have to work first!!!! Individual play is fine, but it don't work if the up-font guys aren't doing their jobs.

But, since that was the question. The season will always ride on Jake. If he utilizes the talent around him, he'll do fine. Champ also has to play better. We pay him to shut people down (Chad Johnson, Jerry Porter, Kennison). He needs a better year.

Jake needs that Shannon Sharpe connection. That's where Jeb comes in. Jeb will never be Shannon but they need that same connection. I think Jeb will help Jake out bunches this year!!!!!

[DivineLegion]

Rookie Corners

[Bob's your Information Minister]

1. Jake Plummer
2. Trevor Pryce
3. Tatum Bell (IF WE ARE GOING TO BE VERY GOOD)

That's a good list. If Pryce cannot command a double team your D-line is in trouble. Bell's performance could really elevate the offense to the scary level.

[BRONCCRUSHFAN]

The Bronco fans

Much rep. It sucks that what used to be a sea of Orange, looks like it is more fans for the opposing team. Rocky Mountain Thunder needs to return in a major way.

[Bronco9798]

That's a good list. If Pryce cannot command a double team your D-line is in trouble. Bell's performance could really elevate the offense to the scary level.

Teams can't afford to double Trevor with Warren and Brown on the front line. MF'ers will be ****ting when they look across the line this year and see those three standing there ready to kick some serious ass....

OK, I got a littel carried away but it sounded good!!!!!!!!!!

[Odysseus]

Not to be contrarian, but this season rests on shanny. If he can keep the team from making the mental lapses that it did last year, tone down Kubiak a bit, mind the clock and penalties, and avoid the mid-season lull, we should be fine. If he does not, it makes little difference what kind of year Jake has.

I'm hoping that he's energized this year, and that the team goes deep into the playoffs.

1. SHANNY has to get the most from Plummer. Jake is just Jake. He can't put the team on Jakes back and go anywhere. Jake is a situational quarterback not a superstar. You have to put him in situations where he looks good.

2. Bell is only going to open up lanes if the Defense thinks Plummer can cause them trouble. If Jake isn't a threat Bell isn't top 10. Bell needs to prove he's a premier running back because he's on a premier running team. All he needs is a LITTLE support from coaches making sure EVERYBODY knows what to do.

3. The team makes entirely too many mental mistakes. Fans spend hours going in circles about a player, side of the ball and it still comes down to concentration, prepartion, run, block and tackle. It's simple stuff that makes me disappointed. Sure these are professionals and need to be treated like men but they need to be pushed as well. They need to show up on Sunday. It's the ONLY day on the calender during football.

I think this team has a great shot at doing something but it comes down to are the people getting everyone prepared for Sunday. Of all the coaches in the league I think Shanny does a great job preparing his team but it's the SMALL TINY SIMPLE details that keep costing this team. Nobody wants to hear about one play missed hear or one play missed there. I want to see some Broncos players make highlight films and not for doing the stupidest celebration dance known to man.

[Odysseus]

The Bronco fans

This is why Lenny can poke fun at our team. Our fans are weak.