2 down, 2 left - PREDICTIONS ANYONE?

[BroncoBuff]

I'll say 12-4 - here's why:

Last year's 10-6 was decievingly low because the team won ZERO close games. ALL 10 WINS were either clear-cut (KC, @Oak, Titans, @NO), or at the very least workmanlike: (@TB, Carolina, SD, Mia).

BUT, only half of their 6 losses were "clear cut": (Atl, Cincy, @KC) The OTHER 3 were crazy-ass last-second jaw-dropping heartbreakers! . . . Q's Jacksonville fumble, 4 lucky INT's tipped right into Chargers' hands @ SD, and of course: the Sun nite Oakland game - which was ONE HAIR AWAY from a Bronco 'W' THREE TIMES in the last 90 SECONDS!: 1) Raiders 4th and goal w/ 1:30 to go - Collins gets happy feet, but finds a WR with his heels on the end-line - 2) 50 secs later Darius Watts drops a tough, but catchable touchdown, and - 3) 14 secs after that, some Raider gets a paw on Elam's FG - which looked good from the end zone.

So, had the breaks simply EVENED OUT, it wouldda been 11-5 in 2004, maybe even 12-4 (and I think this is why Shanahan was correct when he said we're "on the verge" of being an elite team). NOW - the basic question: Have they improved or regressed since last year?? THAT'S EASY! With the exception of Nick Ferguson for Kenoy Kennedy, EVERY SINGLE LINEUP CHANGE IS A PLUS!!! (And even Ferguson was probably the best backup on the team!)

Let's re-cap:

OUT - - - - - - - - - - IN - - - - - - - - - - - - - DIFFERENCE
Carswell/Jeb - - - -S. Alexander - - - - If you believe the coaches, Alexander is NAILS!
Droughns - - - - - Anderson/Bell - - - - Remember - Droughns was just an injury fill-in for Mike, and he lost the job to Tatum anyway
Dan Neil - - - - - - C. Carlisle - - - - - This change was made in '04 anyway
J. Baker - - - - - - Todd Sauerbrun - - Hmmmmmm... gosh, I wonder?
K. Herndon - - - - L. Walls - - - - - - - Walls was the starter anyway, just hurt
R. Hayward - - - - Courtney Brown - - If he's healthy... there is NO comparison
Palepoi/Coleman - -T. Pryce - - - - - - Duhhhhh....
Mario Fatafehi - - - G.Warren - - - - - (see Hayward vs. Brown, above)
Monsanto Pope - - M.Myers - - - - - - They're both in camp now - take one look at today's depth chart
Kenoy - - - - - - - Hit-Man - - - - - - maybe a little drop-off, Kenoy was supposedly borderline Pro-Bowl

AND: do NOT underestimate Keith Burns, Ian Gold and the "Kiddie Corners", all of whom are making the overall texture of the roster more substantial.
Of course, there's no predicting chemistry, injuries, etc... but based upon all this, I'm predicting a conservative 11-5, (probably better!) I just see that Miami opener as a "trap game" - new coach, etc... It scares me a little.

[baja]

Improved coaching is a big factor too.

[Florida_Bronco]

That's a good post Broncobuff, I agree that all of our changes this year are for the better, except Kenoy vs. Fergy as you already mentioned.

[Pat Bowlen]

I'll say 12-4 - here's why...annoying post, annoying post... I'm predicting a conservative 11-5...
Were you focusing so much on capital letters and bolded words that you forgot how you'd started the thing out, or what?

[Garcia Bronco]

I think we're 10-6 again..because unless this defense starts taking the ball away, and the offense quits giving it away...we're not going to get it done.

[Play2win]

The overall speed of this team, especially when our rookie CB are more involved (next year?), is unreal. Position by position, one thing is clearly evident about this team, SPEED.

[bloodsunday]

Let's re-cap:

OUT - - - - - - - - - - IN - - - - - - - - - - - - - DIFFERENCE
Carswell/Jeb - - - -S. Alexander - - - - If you believe the coaches, Alexander is NAILS!
Droughns - - - - - Anderson/Bell - - - - Remember - Droughns was just an injury fill-in for Mike, and he lost the job to Tatum anyway
Dan Neil - - - - - - C. Carlisle - - - - - This change was made in '04 anyway
J. Baker - - - - - - Todd Sauerbrun - - Hmmmmmm... gosh, I wonder?
K. Herndon - - - - L. Walls - - - - - - - Walls was the starter anyway, just hurt
R. Hayward - - - - Courtney Brown - - If he's healthy... there is NO comparison
Palepoi/Coleman - -T. Pryce - - - - - - Duhhhhh....
Mario Fatafehi - - - G.Warren - - - - - (see Hayward vs. Brown, above)
Monsanto Pope - - M.Myers - - - - - - They're both in camp now - take one look at today's depth chart
Kenoy - - - - - - - Hit-Man - - - - - - maybe a little drop-off, Kenoy was supposedly borderline Pro-Bowl

AND: do NOT underestimate Keith Burns, Ian Gold and the "Kiddie Corners", all of whom are making the overall texture of the roster more substantial.
Of course, there's no predicting chemistry, injuries, etc... but based upon all this, I'm predicting a conservative 11-5, (probably better!) I just see that Miami opener as a "trap game" - new coach, etc... It scares me a little.
Okay, now the voice of reason here.... Every season has its own obstacles and this team has not shaken off its characteristics of season past just yet. For example if this Bailey injury continues to drag out... not good. We are too thin at several key positions -- QB, G, WR specifically -- to suffer any injuries of consequence. Courtney Brown appears to be an upgrade but his pattern of injury continues. Meyers and Ekuban are role players and not significant upgrades from anything we have had lately. Take what you will out of the preseason but our patterns from recent seasons have continued: poor special teams play, no defensive turnovers, and Rod is the only reliable WR.

If you asked me right now based on the preseason and the roster changes, I'd say we are the same team we were last year (with perhaps a slight upgrade in personnel) but an improved division and a tough schedule. I'd say 8-8 to 10 - 6 depending on injuries. However, I think there's an outside chance that 9 - 7 and definitely 10 - 6 could win this division. It looks like a real barn burner with the difficulty of schedule and the balance in the division.

IMO, there is on pattern this team must break to be successful this year... and that's starting hot and fading. This team has significant turnover on the roster and it could take time for certain units (special teams, secondary, defensive line) to gel. I think if this team is going to be an 11 - 5 type team then it will have to improve, not peak, during the first quarter of the season. We are too soft in the trenches and injuries typically cause us to go the other way...

[TheReverend]

Dont forget tougher schedule. I still say 13-3 regardless.

[BigPlayShay]

I think we're 10-6 again..because unless this defense starts taking the ball away, and the offense quits giving it away...we're not going to get it done.


I am tempted to agree with 10-6, I initially thought 11-5, but I still think that wins the division and nets a home playoff game.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Tough schedule looks like 2 more losses.
Upgrade in Special Teams, running backs, defensive speed and pass rush looks like 2 more wins.
Net it out looks like 10-6 again, but the gods owe us at least one break after last season, so I say 11-5 and win the division.

[maven]

10-6

[sutoazul]

11-5 or maybe a 12-4 season.

[VT_Bronco]

I say at least 9-7, considering I threw down $200 on the over 8.5 vegas line. Probably 10-6 again.

[Kaylore]

10-6

[Bronco9798]

11-5

[ludo21]

Me and BloodySunday seem to be thinking the same.

8-8 or 9-7, lucky we will be 10-6. But just as he said, their is a shift happening in the NFL where the talent is so amazing on every team. I think 9-7 wins this division. But thats just my opinion on how the season will go down, but i will definitely change my mind if i see jake making smart decisons and the D getting TO's for once.

[bloodsunday]

But thats just my opinion on how the season will go down, but i will definitely change my mind if i see jake making smart decisons and the D getting TO's for once.
There are a lot of things that COULD happen and I would change my opinion as well. I am just trying to be realistic about my outlook. I don't see any real improvements in the way the team has played in preseason.

[ludo21]

There are a lot of things that COULD happen and I would change my opinion as well. I am just trying to be realistic about my outlook. I don't see any real improvements in the way the team has played in preseason.


But you cant take pre season to serious, last year we flat out played horrible the first couple games. :alghh:

[bloodsunday]

But you cant take pre season to serious, last year we flat out played horrible the first couple games. :alghh:
No you can't. But when the trends are the same trends that you have been displaying for 5 seasons and you know they are working hard to correct it, you have to be concerned. If the running game were struggling, I'd shrug it off. You know Shanny and Coyer want to see the ST and D working hard in the preseason.

[ludo21]

No you can't. But when the trends are the same trends that you have been displaying for 5 seasons and you know they are working hard to correct it, you have to be concerned. If the running game were struggling, I'd shrug it off. You know Shanny and Coyer want to see the ST and D working hard in the preseason.


Yes, they certainly do. :moody:

I hope when Bailey comes back, something good happens. (some TO's perhaps??) But i am not one to believe that just him will turn the D around, it'll take a group effort and a lot of watching game film to determine offenses tendencies.

[Bronco9798]

KC has the favorable schedule down the stretch. 4 of last 6 at home and one of those road games is against the Giants. If they get out to a nice start, they could be tough to catch down the stretch. And, I said "IF" they start out strong. I don't think they will. But if they do that game Dec 4th at Arrowhead could be huge.

We need to get over these famous "fade" down the stretch runs and make KC or whoever try to catch us down the stretch. We need a strong start and a strong finish.

[NFLBRONCO]

IMO Denver must go 3-0 first 3 games if we want playoff spot.

[Sodak]

This thread has bad ju-ju all over it.

I say 0-16...

I'll be the yang to everyone's ying...

[baja]

I will say 16 and 0 until we lose our first game than I will say 15 and 1...

[broncosteven]

Were you focusing so much on capital letters and bolded words that you forgot how you'd started the thing out, or what?

LOL

[orinjkrush]

ok, i am going to go ahead and call it!!! (sorry TJ)

my intuition (based on total bull**** like all of you) is 10-6. Mostly due to Shanny. He is a great tactician but can't get the people to work hard all season long. they start to believe their own success when they come out of the gates like gang busters, then piss a few dumb games away and then end up scramblin to make the big show. do they have the talent? they have names. but all the other clubs have improved too. preparation is half. PERFORMANCE is the other third. with sheer random dumb ass luck the final quarter.

[Rock Chalk]

ok, i am going to go ahead and call it!!! (sorry TJ)

my intuition (based on total bull**** like all of you) is 10-6. Mostly due to Shanny. He is a great tactician but can't get the people to work hard all season long. they start to believe their own success when they come out of the gates like gang busters, then piss a few dumb games away and then end up scramblin to make the big show. do they have the talent? they have names. but all the other clubs have improved too. preparation is half. PERFORMANCE is the other third. with sheer random dumb ass luck the final quarter.
Half plus a third plus a quarter?

[orinjkrush]

yep, with another eighth thrown in for management reserve.

[MajikMan7]

Sep 11 @Miami 1:00pm~W~ Dayne 53 yds 0 tds (tatum starts)
Sep 18 San Diego 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 12 yds 0 tds (Tatum starts)
Sep 26 Kansas City 9:00pm~W~ Dayne 48 yds 1 tds (Tatum starts)
Oct 2 @Jacksonville 1:00pm~L~ Dayne 69 yds 1 tds (Tatum starts/gets inj)
Oct 9 Washington 4:15pm~W- Dayne 134 yds 2 tds
Oct 16 New England 4:15pm~L~ Dayne 94 yds 0 tds
Oct 23 @N.Y. Giants 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 157 yds 3 tds
Oct 30 Philadelphia 4:15pm~L~ Dayne 102 yds 1 tds
Week 9 BYE
Nov 13 @Oakland 4:05pm~W~ Dayne 114 yds 0 tds
Nov 20 N.Y. Jets 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 79 yds 1 tds
Nov 24 @Dallas 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 112 yds 0 tds
Dec 4 @Kansas City 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 123 yds 2 tds
Dec 11 Baltimore 4:15pm~L- Dayne 74 yds 0 tds
Dec 17 @Buffalo 8:30pm~L~ Dayne 89 yds 0 tds
Dec 24 Oakland 4:15pm~W~ Dayne 115 yds 1 tds
Dec 31 @San Diego 4:30pm~L~ Dayne 104 1 tds

Broncos 10-6

Ron Dayne 1479 yds 13 tds

[watermock]

11-5 will win the divison.

[BroncoBuff]

Were you focusing so much on capital letters and bolded words that you forgot how you'd started the thing out, or what?

Gosh, Mr. Bowlen, I am SO SORRY! . . .

I guess you caught me! As for the discrepancy in predictions, well . . . I guess I was more confident when I began the post than when I finished it! :~ohyah!:

OK! I admit I am concerned with the FORM of my post . . . but I thought the content was pretty good too! How about you?

Mr. Bowlen, I've always wanted to know . . . how the heck did such a rich, sophisticated, urbane young Canadian boy (such as yourself) come to attend the University of OKLA-HOMA?!

[baja]

http://72.22.74.110/BB/image.php?u=2117&dateline=1123815037

When you took this self portrait were you sitting on a butt plug? Just curious.

[BroncoBuff]

. . . Rod is the only reliable WR . . . IMO, there is on pattern this team must break to be successful this year... and that's starting hot and fading. This team has significant turnover on the roster and it could take time for certain units (special teams, secondary, defensive line) to gel. I think if this team is going to be an 11 - 5 type team then it will have to improve, not peak, during the first quarter of the season. We are too soft in the trenches and injuries typically cause us to go the other way...

blood You are indeed a voice of reason - especially when pointing out Shanny's lightning-fast starts . . . have you ever seen a team so consistently year-in, year-out hot at first, and fading later?

You're also right about high turnover, but do Keith Burns, Ian Gold and Sauerbrun really count as "turnover?" Plus, everybody's turning over in this era.

I will take EXTREME issue with your statement Rod is the "only" reliable WR. Ashley is the bomb, my friend. His improvement between years 1 and 2 should earn him much respect - - and by all accounts, he's making a similar jump this year to get tough over the middle.

[BroncoBuff]

http://72.22.74.110/BB/image.php?u=2117&dateline=1123815037

When you took this self portrait were you sitting on a butt plug? Just curious.

Hey, Majik! Your avatar looks like Hillary Swank in "Boys Don't Cry" - - And speaking of the corn belt, (you two-time Oscar winner, you), are those photos Chuck Long and Lawrence Phillips?

Speaking of avatars, hey orinjkrush! - is your avatar John Elway or Craig Morton? I really can't tell.

And hey Play2Win! - your avatar LOOKS cool, but I remember that play, and the ball you see in that photo is not COMING INTO his hands . . . it's bouncing away! (who put him on the "hands team" the other night, anyway? He DROPPED THE ONSIDE KICK!) Seriously, though, Play - your comments re: speed were well taken. Did you see a recent post that linked to a site showing that CHAMP BAILEY still holds the all-time #2 fastest 40-time at NFL combines? Let's hope he can show it off soon.

I should talk about avatars, I don't even have one

[MajikMan7]

When you took this self portrait were you sitting on a butt plug? Just curious.

You know what....I can careless about all the homosexual jokes that have been made about my picture. I have a girlfriend, and I have no doubts about my sexuality.

[MajikMan7]

Since you seem to take a liking into younger men, here's one for ya Baja...........

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b307/8Project6/eyes.jpg

[baja]

http://www.wapl.com/prints_main/man-woman.jpg

Is this her?

[baja]

http://www.hiptop.com/hiplog/images/tmail.com/d4/75/aesthetix/2004/10/31/115643/1_Who's_the_girl.jpg

Or is this the happy couple?

[MajikMan7]

oh yeah....how'd you find that pic of us...........

[MajikMan7]

Baja....you need to stop being jealous that I'm young and can still get mine up.

Please don't overdose on your Viagra perscription tonight........

[baja]

Baja....you need to stop being jealous that I'm young and can still get mine up.

Please don't overdose on your Viagra perscription tonight........

What me old!!

http://photos2.flickr.com/1883409_e020ebc5bc_o.jpg

[SoDak Bronco]

I say 9-7 because Denver is bound to disappoint.

[ClevelandBronco2]

I'll stick by my earlier 6-10 (7-9 at best) prediction. This just isn't our year as I see it. The schedule's going to kill us.

Next season we're going to dress for the dance.

[24champ]

What me old!!

http://photos2.flickr.com/1883409_e020ebc5bc_o.jpg

mine are bigger...... LOL

[BroncoBuff]

You know what....I can careless about all the homosexual jokes that have been made about my picture. I have a girlfriend, and I have no doubts about my sexuality.

NO doubts. None. Seriously. I have no doubts!

"...me think doth protesteth too much, sire!" - William Shakespeare

Hey, what's up with your Lawrence Phillips fetish . . . I MEAN . . . photo?

[BroncoBuff]

I say at least 9-7, considering I threw down $200 on the over 8.5 vegas line. Probably 10-6 again.

GOOD HEAVENS!! The over/under on Bronco wins is 8.5?!

I'll take some of that!

[Pat Bowlen]

"...me think doth protesteth too much, sire!" - William Shakespeare
Check your source.

[TheManeMan]

I predict there will be a decline of Chef Trolls come Sept 26th...and I also predict there will be a decline of CHoakland Trolls come Nov 13th...or maybe even sooner if they do infact start off 0-6... :giggle:

[watermock]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MajikMan7
You know what....I can careless about all the homosexual jokes that have been made about my picture. I have a girlfriend, and I have no doubts about my sexuality.

This is hillarious. Do you really? I spit up. Bring her on there big boy. If you had one, she would of allredy presented you dimwit. YOUR SERVED.

Bring this woman to bear there Mr. Stud.

[watermock]

http://photos2.flickr.com/1883409_e020ebc5bc_o.jpg

Well your ovbiously an ungodly freak and should be shot.

What do you bet this beast went down 10 minutes after this picture?

And wound up in your McRib.

[baja]

http://photos2.flickr.com/1883409_e020ebc5bc_o.jpg

Well your ovbiously an ungodly freak and should be shot.

What do you bet this beast went down 10 minutes after this picture?

And wound up in your McRib.

I don't know Mock but I think that is a camal. Ever had a camal burger?

[BroncoBuff]

Check your source.

I'm sorry, Mr. Bowlen, sir! I didn't actually THINK it was Shakespeare, I just thought the post needed a quote! It'll never happen again, sir!

P.S: you never answered my questions to you the other night!

-

And, PLEASE! For the love of God! Stop posting that camel with the Middle Eastern girl (sans berka) photo - before some Islamic hard-liners issue a FATWA against the OrangeMane!