What don't you like about this year's schedule? [Archive] - The Orange Mane

sledgehammer

07-20-2005, 03:56 PM

Here's 10 things that I don't like about it.

1. We don't play the Raiders until November.

2. We play at Miami and Jacksonville during the first month of the season when it's hot and humid.

3. We play at Kansas City in December. Enough said.

4. We play at Buffalo in December. It will probably be 5 degrees at game time.

5. We play the Ravens. Well, at least we're playing them at home.

6. We play both of last year's super bowl teams. Well, at least we're playing them at home.

7. We play at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. If the Broncos lose, then I won't be able to eat dinner.

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

9. We have to face Clinton Portis for the first time since we traded him.

10. Our bye week doesn't come until the middle of the season.

Sassy

07-20-2005, 04:04 PM

I get to go to two games....KC on MNF and at San Diego on NYE...I'm not complaining! ;D

SoCalBronco

07-20-2005, 04:06 PM

Good Post. I think you pretty much hit everything although no. 9 and 10 dont worry me. 10 is actually a good thing and 9 doesnt bother me, im grateful we can play the Redskins. We need to play some fairly crappy teams to balance out the schedule. We can win a game and help our draft status at the same time by beating them.

sirhcyennek81

07-20-2005, 04:06 PM

That this schedule is two months away. Bring on the football. I bought ncaa2006 the other day, heisman chase is cool

orange crusher

07-20-2005, 04:13 PM

I actually like #9 as well. It will be good to see Tatum take the belt from Clinton.

Disco Man

07-20-2005, 04:17 PM

Another cold game at camarohead stadium

ZachKC

07-20-2005, 04:20 PM

Whats your reasoning behind #10 as a bad thing?

NFLBRONCO

07-20-2005, 04:20 PM

My beef is us on Turkey Day

broncoblue

07-20-2005, 04:25 PM

Here's 10 things that I don't like about it.

7. We play at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. If the Broncos lose, then I won't be able to eat dinner.

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

.
dallas =yes day booked off ....live in uk =drunk as hell but thanksgivin day = usa only
monday night= tusday booked off if live

++++++++++++++++++my cuz wants me over in october again ,but i can only do it if i sell my house

Hogan11

07-20-2005, 04:50 PM

Here's 10 things that I don't like about it.

[QUOTE]1. We don't play the Raiders until November.

I would've perferred to face them earlier as well....but this is really no concern of mine.

2. We play at Miami and Jacksonville during the first month of the season when it's hot and humid..

Agreed, though I don't see Miami as much of a problem at all

3. We play at Kansas City in December. Enough said.

It's getting to be a usual thing, isn't it??

4. We play at Buffalo in December. It will probably be 5 degrees at game time.

Buffalo weather shouldn't be a concern for the Broncos.....neither should the Bills IMO.

5. We play the Ravens. Well, at least we're playing them at home.

I'm actually looking forward to this game and think I might've made a mistake in not selecting it as the one to travel for this year.....the place will be rocking with vengence, heckling Ray Ray at every turn...how beautiful is that??

6. We play both of last year's super bowl teams. Well, at least we're playing them at home.

Agreed here....hopefully The Pats have diminished some and the Eagles have TO holding out for the season.

7. We play at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. If the Broncos lose, then I won't be able to eat dinner.

My only beef with Denver slapping around the Cowboys on T'Day is the fact that they won't be wearing the classic uni's this time, otherwise...I fear Dallas as much as the Deadskins (meaning hardly at all)

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

This absolutely sucks for us non Sunday ticket east coasters....but I will be at this game...so that makes it a little bit better.

9. We have to face Clinton Portis for the first time since we traded him.

I'm looking forward to seeing the team pummel Grandmaster P myself....if he isn't injured by that time that is...

10. Our bye week doesn't come until the middle of the season.

I tend to think of this as kinda a good thing

Antilles

07-20-2005, 04:57 PM

Here's 10 things that I don't like about it.

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

After last year's stellar prime time performances (faiders and bengals particularly), this is a REAL blessing.

broncos love

07-20-2005, 05:01 PM

IMO the jets game scares me because there not flashy but their tough team with a great motivator

RhymesayersDU

07-20-2005, 05:12 PM

I wanted to go to the Raider game this year, but it's so weak that we've got them at home on X-Mas eve...

But I'm going to MNF and the Pats game, so yeah..

DomCasual

07-20-2005, 05:15 PM

I'll tell you what I like about it - it isn't San Diego's schedule.

Which of these road games do you think they can win?

@Denver
@New England
@Oakland
@Philadelphia
@NY Jets
@Washington
@Indianapolis
@Kansas City

They're probably favorites at Washington...and that's about it. Oakland, maybe. But that's 6-7 games where they will likely be solid underdogs.

Ours isn't great, but we have a good shot at being favorites (or close) in at least these:

@Miami
@Jacksonville (hopefully, they don't have a healthy RB by Week 4)
@NY Giants
@Oakland
@Dallas (depending on whether they have their act together)
@Buffalo

I will be surprised if San Diego wins more than 8 games this year.

Paul

gunns

07-20-2005, 05:23 PM

7. We play at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. If the Broncos lose, then I won't be able to eat dinner.

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

9. We have to face Clinton Portis for the first time since we traded him.

10. Our bye week doesn't come until the middle of the season.

7. It'll probably be the later game. Eat dinner first. Don't worry you'll probably want seconds when the game is over anyway.

8. Night games haven't been real kind to us lately.

9. I think that's great!

10. And all the teams that had earlier byes will really need one at the end of the season.

SoCalBronco

07-20-2005, 05:43 PM

@Jacksonville (hopefully, they don't have a healthy RB by Week 4)

I just read somewhere that the Jaguars believe that Fred Taylor will be out at least the first month of the season so that looks good for us. Maybe they will have to shift Greg Jones back to HB now from FB.

FADERPROOF

07-20-2005, 05:43 PM

that the entire NFL is either playing on new years eve or new years day, that's college football time right there and I wont be watching much NFL.

coachmastermind

07-20-2005, 05:45 PM

I'd love to have seen us play on MNF a couple more times (just cause it's an event) but agree with our recent past it's not a huge heart breaker.

I disagree with your opinion on the bye... I think it's right where you want it.

All in all this whole season will be a great litmus test to where this football team is at. We go up against all the major players... minus the Colts. If we can get away without playing them in the playoffs or atleast playing them in Indy, we'll most likely have seen our playoff opponents once during the season. I guess you could make a case for Pittsburgh being a major player, but I tend to think they were a real fluke last year...

IHaveALight

07-20-2005, 05:46 PM

Bring it on. The way I look at it is, if this team is good enough to get to the Super Bowl then they will win the tough games. The harder the schedule, the better understanding we have of how far the Broncos are going to go.

The schedule doesn't matter, the opponent doesn't matter. What matters is being prepared and getting the job done on gameday.

And hey, at least we don't have a home game in Mexico...

Cito Pelon

07-20-2005, 06:02 PM

I'm curious if the Broncs can go 8-0 to start. Then a bye, then possibly 13-0, 13-0 is the best Bronco start ever, no? And oh, watch out game 14 is those big meanies from Baltimore. Oh, maybe we better concede the game to those big meanies right now.

It won't be easy, but these are the Broncos. Maybe they better start remembering they have a tradition of AFC Championships to uphold. The team that has won more AFC Championships than any other team. The team that is second only to the Dallas Cowboys in Conference Championships.

Maybe the coaches, players and fans have forgotten that Denver is in the top-3 all time in playoff wins, and the top team in AFC Championship wins.

This Championship drought has to end. These guys that want to play and coach for the Broncs need to recognize another AFC Championship is expected. We didn't fight so hard to get the lead so we could relinquish it.

1 Sun Sep.11 at Miami Dolphins Stadium 01:00 PM EDT CBS
2 Sun Sep.18 SAN DIEGO INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MDT CBS
3 Mon Sep.26 KANSAS CITY INVESCO Field at Mile High 07:00 PM MDT ABC
4 Sun Oct. 2 at Jacksonville ALLTEL Stadium 01:00 PM EDT CBS
5 Sun Oct. 9 WASHINGTON INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MDT FOX
6 Sun Oct.16 NEW ENGLAND INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MDT CBS
7 Sun Oct.23 at New York Giants Giants Stadium 04:15 PM EDT CBS
8 Sun Oct.30 PHILADELPHIA INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MST FOX
9 BYE WEEK
10 Sun Nov.13 at Oakland McAfee Coliseum 01:05 PM PST CBS
11 Sun Nov.20 NEW YORK JETS INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MST CBS
12 Thu Nov.24 at Dallas Texas Stadium 03:15 PM CST CBS
13 Sun Dec. 4 at Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium 03:15 PM CST CBS
14 Sun Dec.11 BALTIMORE INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MST CBS
15 Sat Dec.17 at Buffalo Ralph Wilson Stadium 08:30 PM EST ESPN
16 Sat Dec.24 OAKLAND INVESCO Field at Mile High 02:15 PM MST CBS
17 Sat Dec.31 at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium 01:30 PM PST CBS

minibronco

07-20-2005, 08:35 PM

our bye week is always in the middle, isn't it?

El Guapo

07-20-2005, 09:38 PM

our bye week is always in the middle, isn't it?

yeah, nothing new there...

while im throwing in a comment, ill add that whoever said that they see the cowboys as the same threat as the 'skins (=no threat) is wrong. Maybe its just the hype here, but they're predicting a great year. Of course thats if they can install their 3-4 defense and get it going.

Arkie

07-21-2005, 06:50 AM

3. We play at Kansas City in December. Enough said.

That's a tough game because it's the Chiefs' Super Bowl every time. Three playoff wins in 30 years makes the Chiefs look forward to a December Broncos game. We usually win the first game at home, so there's the revenge factor too. It's always difficult to beat a division rival twice in a season. Now, imagine if the Broncos weren't in playoff contention in December (a rarity in my lifetime.) A Chiefs or Raiders December game would act as our Super Bowl too. Cold weather and rowdy fans may play a small part, but we are 1-0 in January.

OrangeShadow

07-21-2005, 07:12 AM

i like our bye at 9 thats not bad. playing philly concerns me.

playing miami and jax. in the heat like you said

buffalo in dec. like u said

i think its the right balance of games we should win and ones we need to keep us motivated

watermock

07-21-2005, 07:18 AM

Stop bitching. Sometimes the road has stones. Your a pussy.

Bronco9798

07-21-2005, 07:18 AM

We don't deserve any MNF, the Monday night meltdowns have been embarrasing the last few years.

We start on the road, we end on the road.

Arrowhead in December. I'll be there as I always am for the Bronco game and I'll enjoy the tailgating cause I know the outcome already.

Other than that, who cares, just win baby!!!!!!

Ninjafied

07-21-2005, 08:38 AM

We don't deserve any MNF, the Monday night meltdowns have been embarrasing the last few years.

Very true; unfortunately.
But from what I hear this shouldn’t bother Shanahan in the slightest. Apparently he’s not the biggest fan of playing MNF because of the short practice week after. He likes his schedule nice and consistent.
BTW nothing confirmed on that; its just what I’ve heard in the past. And if it is true I wouldn’t be too surprised if it did spill over into the team sentiment at least a little bit.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 04:43 PM

I'll tell you what I like about it - it isn't San Diego's schedule.

Which of these road games do you think they can win?

@Denver
@New England
@Oakland
@Philadelphia
@NY Jets
@Washington
@Indianapolis
@Kansas City

They're probably favorites at Washington...and that's about it. Oakland, maybe. But that's 6-7 games where they will likely be solid underdogs.

Last year, SD won @ Oakland, @ KC, @ Houston, @ Carolina, and @ Cleveland. They had a chance to win every other away game, excluding the Donk game, and there's no reason to believe they won't play as well away in '05. Seem to have issues at Mile High (though most teams do). Hopefully, that changes this year.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 04:47 PM

San Diego on NYE...I'm not complaining! ;D
Not now anyhow, but probably following the game. And likely not because of a hangover. ;)

elsid13

07-22-2005, 04:47 PM

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 04:51 PM

Sorry but 1st place schedule is killer and teams that you played last on the road (expect Denver) weren't play off team. Marty better have his s### in sack this year.
LAst year's schedule was supposed to be brutal as well, but, it didn't turn out that way. Who knows how tough it'll be. Regardless, they need to play tough teams anyhow. Inconsistency hurt them last year when it came down to the playoffs.

Besides, Denver's schedule is nearly identical, except, you guys switch up a few road/home games, and play Jax, and Balt. instead of Indy, and Pitt. Doesn't seem like you guys get it much better.

elsid13

07-22-2005, 04:54 PM

LAst year's schedule was supposed to be brutal as well, but, it didn't turn out that way. Who knows how tough it'll be. Regardless, they need to play tough teams anyhow. Inconsistency hurt them last year when it came down to the playoffs.

Besides, Denver's schedule is nearly identical, except, you guys switch up a few road/home games, and play Jax, and Balt. instead of Indy, and Pitt. Doesn't seem like you guys get it much better.

Our schedule sucks, but we do get some of the supposed tougher teams at home. I'm still calling for 11-5 or 12-4 and AFC West Title

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 04:58 PM

Our schedule sucks, but we do get some of the supposed tougher teams at home. I'm still calling for 11-5 or 12-4 and AFC West Title
That is true. I know it's been hashed, and re-hashed a million times, but I still will wait to determine how dangerous the donks will be until after I've seen their D-line put it together for a few games in a row. That, and I actually wonder who's going to step up at RB. I know you've got somebody, and I for one liked the Clarrett pick, but there's a chance, albeit slim, that Shanny's magical RB rotation catches a snag.

elsid13

07-22-2005, 05:02 PM

That is true. I know it's been hashed, and re-hashed a million times, but I still will wait to determine how dangerous the donks will be until after I've seen their D-line put it together for a few games in a row. That, and I actually wonder who's going to step up at RB. I know you've got somebody, and I for one liked the Clarrett pick, but there's a chance, albeit slim, that Shanny's magical RB rotation catches a snag.

Ever team in the AFC West has questions. Oakland/KC's overall Defense, SD Defense Backs and will Bree do it again and Denver's D-line. Of those questions I comfortable that Shanny will ensure the team can run and score and Pryce will make a differnece. Is it Football time yet??????

Bronco9798

07-22-2005, 05:13 PM

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 05:14 PM

Ever team in the AFC West has questions. Oakland/KC's overall Defense, SD Defense Backs and will Bree do it again and Denver's D-line. Of those questions I comfortable that Shanny will ensure the team can run and score and Pryce will make a differnece. Is it Football time yet??????
Most Bolt fans are pretty optimistic regarding the secondary. What was known as a weak link in the secondary was FS Jerry Wilson. We're hoping either FA Bawoh Jue (GB) or mid-season acquistion last year Clinton Hart can replace him. Jammer had eye surgery, and Florence won the other starting spot late in the year. He looks to be better than former starter Sammy Davis. MOre than any of those improvements though, SD is counting on a better pass rush to help out the secondary. We were somewhere near the bottom of the barrel in producing sacks. If Merriman ever gets his ash in camp, we'll see what happens. Last year's rookie at his spot Shaun Phillips looked like an absolute stud when given the chance, but apparently has some coverage issues.

After watching Brees the last few years, I'll cautiously say it wasn't a fluke, and that he "figured" things out, but he also caught some breaks. It can't hurt to have LT in the backfield.

Who knows about your D-line. Maybe all those guys needed was a change of venue. If so, Shanny's a genius. If not, he's a goat, and despite the string of playoff appearances, he'll get ousted from Denver, like Schottenheimer did in KC...

Bronco9798

07-22-2005, 05:14 PM

The Schedules favor the Chiefs down the stretch with 4 of the last 6 at MulletHead. If they, a big if, start out strong then they have the advantage down the stretch..

11/27/05 New England Patriots 12:00 PM CBS
12/04/05 Denver Broncos 3:15 PM CBS+
12/11/05 at Dallas Cowboys 3:15 PM CBS+
12/17/05 at New York Giants 4:00 PM CBS+
12/24/05 San Diego Chargers 12:00 PM CBS
01/01/06 Cincinnati Bengals 12:00 PM CBS

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 05:24 PM

The Schedules favor the Chiefs down the stretch with 4 of the last 6 at MulletHead. If they, a big if, then they have the advantage down the stretch..

11/27/05 New England Patriots 12:00 PM CBS
12/04/05 Denver Broncos 3:15 PM CBS+
12/11/05 at Dallas Cowboys 3:15 PM CBS+
12/17/05 at New York Giants 4:00 PM CBS+
12/24/05 San Diego Chargers 12:00 PM CBS
01/01/06 Cincinnati Bengals 12:00 PM CBS
Yep, wouldn't mind getting a nice finish like that, but it also means the front half gets lopsided away. And Dallas, or NYC could surprise. Particularly by that time of the year.

At first I thought it sucked we have to play the AFC East this year, especially when the Jets have owned us the last 3 years. BUT, I think that entire division has gone a little bit downhill, except maybe Buffalo, but they decided to can their vet QB, and go with a virtual rookie. No matter how good their D is, their O is going to struggle for awhile.

Hogan11

07-22-2005, 05:28 PM

while im throwing in a comment, ill add that whoever said that they see the cowboys as the same threat as the 'skins (=no threat) is wrong. Maybe its just the hype here, but they're predicting a great year. Of course thats if they can install their 3-4 defense and get it going.

That was me and IMO, I'm right. It's hype....no line in the world can give Drew Bledsoe the time he needs to be effective anymore, especially one with Rivera coming off major back surgery. I'll believe any threat coming from Dallas when I see it and I don't expect to in all honesty.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 05:32 PM

That was me and IMO, I'm right. It's hype....no line in the world can give Drew Bledsoe the time he needs to be effective anymore, especially one with Rivera coming off major back surgery. I'll believe any threat coming from Dallas when I see it and I don't expect to in all honesty.
He's no slower than Vinny, and once Julius Jones started running, they looked a bit better at the end of the season. Defense was their problem anyhow, and they drafted Ware, and Spears with their 2 first rounders. What else they've done- I can't remember. Plus you play them at Dallas in a nationally televised game. Nobody gives partial effort in those contests. Well, except for the Lions every Turkey day.

Hogan11

07-22-2005, 05:40 PM

He's no slower than Vinny, and once Julius Jones started running, they looked a bit better at the end of the season. Defense was their problem anyhow, and they drafted Ware, and Spears with their 2 first rounders. What else they've done- I can't remember. Plus you play them at Dallas in a nationally televised game. Nobody gives partial effort in those contests. Well, except for the Lions every Turkey day.

C'mon, no team gives a partial effort for any game. T'Day doesn't intimidate me at all.

I don't see it all jelling for Dallas this year and until I do, I won't be wary of them.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 05:46 PM

C'mon, no team gives a partial effort for any game. T'Day doesn't intimidate me at all.

I don't see it all jelling for Dallas this year and until I do, I won't be wary of them.
Partial effort, in that perhaps some of the team is looking past a team thinking about a later game, say against a divisional rival, etc. It happens on occasion. Same way they say a team, "sneaks up" on others, because they weren't given the same focus as other games. Could be coaches, could be players, could be a combo. And is probably more likely when you play a team outside, not only your division, but your conference. It's not as big a loss, it's not as big a win.

I think Dallas will threaten Philly's reign on that division.

Hogan11

07-22-2005, 05:52 PM

I think Dallas will threaten Philly's reign on that division.

I don't....I don't think anyone will seriously threaten Philly in that division.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 06:00 PM

I don't....I don't think anyone will seriously threaten Philly in that division.
Hard to tell. They lost a starter on the O-line, a key D lineman, and a couple LBs. Plus there's the Corey Simon and TO fiascos. You're probably right, but Dallas could give them a run. Should be interesting.

SoCalBronco

07-22-2005, 06:06 PM

I think Dallas will threaten Philly's reign on that division.

I wouldnt go that far but i do think that front seven is going to give Denver fits when we play them. Spears, Ware and Burnett? Holy crap, that could be the best front seven draft in 10 years. Spears is the perfect 34 DE and Ware especially is the perfect 34 pass rushing OLB. Burnett is a great sideline to sideline backer. Id agree with Hogan that Bledsoe is a total liability now, i dont think anyone can adequately protect him.We'll blitz him all day long. I am afraid of Julius Jones though but Denver has a fine run defense. Those 3 young rookies though will give us alot of trouble.

NW Bolt Fan

07-22-2005, 06:31 PM

Id agree with Hogan that Bledsoe is a total liability now, i dont think anyone can adequately protect him..
I guess I don't see much difference between him and Vinny. In fact, I think Drew is an upgrade. True, he can't move, but it's not like they run a ton of long developing plays. It's drop 3 steps and fire, and Bledsoe can do that. When he had a running game in Buffalo, he was solid.

Bronx33

07-22-2005, 07:05 PM

The fact that we are going to sweep the chefs and have to listen to sobbing deep into the night.........

rbackfactory80

07-23-2005, 08:40 AM

I love our first three road games. Win Win Win

bronco militia

07-23-2005, 09:24 AM

opening the season on the road.

5 of the last 8 games are on the road....this is usually the time the Broncos start their collapse.

the kc road game in December...the Broncos are 1-14 lifetime at Arrowhead in the month of December. On related note, since 1990 the Chiefs have the best home record in the NFL in the month of December.

Two trips to Florida in September/October and then two games in New York in December. wtf?!?!?!

watermock

07-23-2005, 09:36 AM

They seem to chuckle about always putting Denver on the road late to Kansas City.

orinjkrush

07-23-2005, 09:47 AM

ozomulsion

07-23-2005, 10:43 AM

That is true. I know it's been hashed, and re-hashed a million times, but I still will wait to determine how dangerous the donks will be until after I've seen their D-line put it together for a few games in a row. That, and I actually wonder who's going to step up at RB. I know you've got somebody, and I for one liked the Clarrett pick, but there's a chance, albeit slim, that Shanny's magical RB rotation catches a snag.

I hate to break it to you but our RB rotation hit a snag last year. We are in great shape this year...I see you are still completely ignorant as to how good our starter Tatum Bell is. I know your only response will be but he'll get injured. Whatever helps you sleep better pal.

Mediator12

07-23-2005, 11:26 AM

Last year, SD won @ Oakland, @ KC, @ Houston, @ Carolina, and @ Cleveland. They had a chance to win every other away game, excluding the Donk game, and there's no reason to believe they won't play as well away in '05. Seem to have issues at Mile High (though most teams do). Hopefully, that changes this year.

Great accomplishment. Any of those teams even .500 when it was all said and done. The only teams you played away that were good were INDY and DEN and they were both losses. The road schedule you face this year has 5 playoff teams from a year ago and zero cream puffs except the Skins. Barring huge collapses from NE, PHI, JETS, OR INDY that will not repeat. Those teams were 28-4 @ home last year. The jets being the only team to lose two @ home and they seem to play you better than most. Keep telling yourself the road schedule is not that bad.

Meck77

07-23-2005, 11:38 AM

i love the schedule. as the cheerleaders say "the harder the better". The Broncs have had a disturbing tendency to play down to some weak sisters, and this schedule won't let 'em. So if and when we face the Colts, we'll be ready. strap it on boys, it's clobberin time.

I agree. Although I think it stinks we had to face Indy two years in a row on the road but it's time to play ball and get rid of all the excuses. If we are going to make a serious run in the playoffs we need to be able to beat any team on any given sunday.

Why wait for the end of the season to realize our team isn't capable of making it past the first round in the playoffs? We will find out what this team is made of much sooner this year.

ak1971

07-23-2005, 11:42 AM

I think that this is going to be an all or nothing year for this team. I really dont see this team going 9-7, 8-8. Its either going to be 13-3 or 3-13. nothing in between

wabbit

07-23-2005, 12:42 PM

The schedule is what it is...every year teams ride the roller coaster of Paul Taglibue's parity party, so it's never a simple thing to figure out what someone is going to do with any precision.

All that being said, Denver has a great coaching staff & motivated players. Regardless of the talent level, that cannot be said for too many franchises...unless contracts are on the line.

10 & 6 & at least one play-off win...barring injuries, terrorism, and the end of the world...generally speaking.

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 09:21 PM

I hate to break it to you but our RB rotation hit a snag last year. We are in great shape this year...I see you are still completely ignorant as to how good our starter Tatum Bell is. I know your only response will be but he'll get injured. Whatever helps you sleep better pal.
I saw him in SD. He looked good, but I need to see a full season before he's annointed the next great donkey back. Curtis Enis was talented too...

Bronco LB 59

07-23-2005, 09:26 PM

I saw him in SD. He looked good, but I need to see a full season before he's annointed the next great donkey back. Curtis Enis was talented too...

Tatum only averaged 5.8 yards per carry when he finally got to play the last five games. I know its a small sample size, but the two backs who hit 5.0 yards or more on average in the last ten seasons were Terrell Davis and Clinton Portis.

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 09:32 PM

Great accomplishment. Any of those teams even .500 when it was all said and done. The only teams you played away that were good were INDY and DEN and they were both losses. The road schedule you face this year has 5 playoff teams from a year ago and zero cream puffs except the Skins. Barring huge collapses from NE, PHI, JETS, OR INDY that will not repeat. Those teams were 28-4 @ home last year. The jets being the only team to lose two @ home and they seem to play you better than most. Keep telling yourself the road schedule is not that bad.
We also played ATL in Georgia, and nearly won that game, like Indy, but, I know, I know, horseshoes and handgrenades. As for .500 teams, in theory you could include Houston in that since it was the season opener, but that's about it.

Was it any different for Denver? You can't help what your opponents do.

As most publications point out, we'll see if SD's team was a product of a soft schedule, or they're for real. And I can assure you this- they won't be worse- we'll see what it translates to.

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 09:40 PM

Tatum only averaged 5.8 yards per carry when he finally got to play the last five games. I know its a small sample size, but the two backs who hit 5.0 yards or more on average in the last ten seasons were Terrell Davis and Clinton Portis.
Well, if he turns out to be as steady as either of those two guys, it's a score. Honestly, it just doesn't seem who's back there for someone to be productive.

Last year he had a broken wrist, and a separated shoulder right? That's nothing major, and he's young, so we'll see how he holds up as the season progresses. Because despite the Barry-esque accolades ESPN showered QG with, nobody gets to play the chefs D more than a couple times a season. :D

For you guys- my money is still on Clarrett. I think, again, if he can stay healthy, he's a perfect fit for that offense. And he's supremely talented. But Tatum's certainly a much bigger homerun threat.

Bronco LB 59

07-23-2005, 09:56 PM

Well, if he turns out to be as steady as either of those two guys, it's a score. Honestly, it just doesn't seem who's back there for someone to be productive.

Last year he had a broken wrist, and a separated shoulder right? That's nothing major, and he's young, so we'll see how he holds up as the season progresses. Because despite the Barry-esque accolades ESPN showered QG with, nobody gets to play the chefs D more than a couple times a season. :D

For you guys- my money is still on Clarrett. I think, again, if he can stay healthy, he's a perfect fit for that offense. And he's supremely talented. But Tatum's certainly a much bigger homerun threat.

Griffin also had a big game in 2003 against the Colts (when they were playing hard and trying to beat us) to put Denver into the playoffs. Griffin had the misfortune of going up against Marcus Stroud/John Henderson and Jamal Williams the next couple of weeks following the Chiefs' game. Denver's offensive line rarely does well against massive, athletic DTs and Jamal has usually had their number as well. I don't think its fair to characterize Griffin as a one game wonder against a bad defense.

Forget all the ESPN hype and dumb Barry Sanders talk, Griffin is a good kid with a huge heart and he's already accomplished more than a 5'7 RB should expect to achieve in the NFL.

Clarett may get his chance at some point in the season, but for now he's going to have to wait his turn. Tatum also has a major advantage in the receiving department. In fact, I think Tatum might end up being the best receiving back the Broncos have had in the Shanahan era.

Sassy

07-23-2005, 10:08 PM

Mmmmmm..what I like?
KC tickets
Section 129
9 rows up...

Just a little excited for some football :devil:

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 10:13 PM

Griffin also had a big game in 2003 against the Colts (when they were playing hard and trying to beat us) to put Denver into the playoffs. Griffin had the misfortune of going up against Marcus Stroud/John Henderson and Jamal Williams the next couple of weeks following the Chiefs' game. Denver's offensive line rarely does well against massive, athletic DTs and Jamal has usually had their number as well. I don't think its fair to characterize Griffin as a one game wonder against a bad defense.

Forget all the ESPN hype and dumb Barry Sanders talk, Griffin is a good kid with a huge heart and he's already accomplished more than a 5'7 RB should expect to achieve in the NFL.

Clarett may get his chance at some point in the season, but for now he's going to have to wait his turn. Tatum also has a major advantage in the receiving department. In fact, I think Tatum might end up being the best receiving back the Broncos have had in the Shanahan era.
That'll only help Bell's gig. You guys have always done a good job of running screen plays and little dump offs that seem to invariably come at just the right time. Those and delayed draw plays. Shanny's knack for playcalling always gets to me. I couldn't have been happier to see Droughn's being shipped out- another guy with all heart who I watched in college around these parts. Yeah, I know QG is alright, he's just not feature back material, but can be extremely effective in a complimentary role. I'm looking forward to seeing what our midget back can do. I know you heard the buzz about him in SD, but he's certainly taking a back seat to LT. People keep saying he's going to be our Dante, but at RB... dammit this offseason is too long.

Bronco LB 59

07-23-2005, 10:28 PM

That'll only help Bell's gig. You guys have always done a good job of running screen plays and little dump offs that seem to invariably come at just the right time. Those and delayed draw plays. Shanny's knack for playcalling always gets to me. I couldn't have been happier to see Droughn's being shipped out- another guy with all heart who I watched in college around these parts. Yeah, I know QG is alright, he's just not feature back material, but can be extremely effective in a complimentary role. I'm looking forward to seeing what our midget back can do. I know you heard the buzz about him in SD, but he's certainly taking a back seat to LT. People keep saying he's going to be our Dante, but at RB... dammit this offseason is too long.

Did you see Sproles school the best of his class at the Senior Bowl? Nobody in this past draft could touch Sproles' burst. Unfortunately, Sproles has no control over his God given height and that was primary reason he didn't go higher. I am not looking forward to facing him as a Bronco fan.

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 10:40 PM

Did you see Sproles school the best of his class at the Senior Bowl? Nobody in this past draft could touch Sproles' burst. Unfortunately, Sproles has no control over his God given height and that was primary reason he didn't go higher. I am not looking forward to facing him as a Bronco fan.
Nope, didn't catch it. But I did watch him a few times during his phenom season, jr. year. I was also kind of happy that the Broncos took Clarrett in the 3rd, otherwise I was afraid they'd snatch up Sproles, and even though he's a midget, I think on the right team, he could be a feature back. But then again, maybe he's just not tough enough.

Here's a little tidbit from PFW fantasy spin on the Denver RB situation. Mike Anderson, Maurice Clarett / Broncos — Speedy Tatum Bell will get first crack at the starting job, a highly coveted gig considering the track record of success rushing the football in Denver (see Reuben Droughns last year). But Bell was slowed by injuries a fair amount as a rookie, and Anderson, a former Rookie of the Year back healthy from a torn ACL, and Clarett, a former college superstar with plenty to prove, are on his heels should he falter or succumb to the rigors of the NFL. Keep an eye on this race in training camp to see who has the upper hand.

SoCalBronco

07-23-2005, 10:42 PM

NW Bolt Fan

07-23-2005, 10:55 PM

NW Bolt Fan, how are negotiations with Merriman going?

Obviously he can least afford to miss any more time of all the picks.
I think the Chargers got a steal with Wesley Britt on day 2. He will be a solid NFL starting RT for many years. I was upset that the Chargers didnt offer Chris Rix a contract though. I think he could be something with real coaches.
Personally, I don't think Merriman will sign before the regular season starts. I could just be skeptical, considering the problems we've had in the past, but this one seems particularly ugly. The GM has already publicly called out the Poston bros.

I do like the kid we drafted in the 4th round last year from Purdue, Shaun Phillips in that OLB spot, but apparently he's got some issues with coverage- he was a DE as a boilermaker.

Britt I think they're trying at LT, but I'm not sure. All I know about him is what I read, and I guess people were pretty happy with him at Alabama until that injury. We shall see.

Rix the FSU QB? I never thought much of him. Seemed too much like a statue to me, and made inconsistent decisions despite playing on an incredibly talented team... Maybe you know something I don't.

Speaking of negotiations, it seems Shanny may have been even more genius than initially thought. He completely hosed the Redskins- AGAIN, but looks all the more smart with the difficulty that every team is facing trying to sign their 1st rounders because of the expiring CBA. Lame, but a sweet deal for you guys. Not to mention that Skin pick is going to be decent, and next year's draft class has WAY better top end talent.

Jason in LA

07-24-2005, 07:36 AM

Here's 10 things that I don't like about it.

7. We play at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. If the Broncos lose, then I won't be able to eat dinner.

8. We play only once on Monday Night Football.

9. We have to face Clinton Portis for the first time since we traded him.

10. Our bye week doesn't come until the middle of the season.

I'm glad the Dallas game is a 1:15 start out here. That Christmas game last year gave me some problems because it was right during dinner. For some reason a couple of family members had an issue with me eating in the den. My mother and father didn't mind, so why my sister-in-law had a problem with it I don't know. I ended up only missing about 10 minutes of the game, so it wasn't that bad. The last time the Broncos played on Thanksgiving I was about an hour late to dinner. My parents knew why and didn't mind. They know how it is. If they don't mind then I don't see where the problem is.

I'm glad the Broncos only play one Monday Night game. I hate primetime games. The Broncos haven't fared well in them over the past few years. There were some bad losses infront of the nation.

Bring on Portis.

I'd say the bye week in the middle of the season is a good thing.

Crushaholic

07-24-2005, 10:15 AM

Nope, didn't catch it. But I did watch him a few times during his phenom season, jr. year. I was also kind of happy that the Broncos took Clarrett in the 3rd, otherwise I was afraid they'd snatch up Sproles, and even though he's a midget, I think on the right team, he could be a feature back. But then again, maybe he's just not tough enough.

I'm a K-State fan and I watched Sproles' college career. I kept saying that he is an ideal return man, not an every down back. His incredible burst of speed should be perfect for the return game. However, he has trouble in traffic when going through the line of scrimmage.

Mediator12

07-24-2005, 02:57 PM

Where I come from, the schedule always included the best teams that we could play in the regular season so that when the playoffs came along there were no surprises. The talent level was the same we played against all year. It seems to have worked out allright with 4 national championships and 7 final fours in 9 years !Booya!

Rock Chalk

07-24-2005, 06:37 PM