Anderson to start Mon

[Atlas]

Dayne may carry on
Running back has chance to expand his role after injuries, strong showing

SoCals link: http://insidedenver.com/drmn/broncos/article/0,1299,DRMN_17_4094363,00.html

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
September 20, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - Ron Dayne was sitting at his locker Monday at Denver Broncos headquarters. In both hands, he clasped a stack of fan mail.

Boy, that was fast.


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Actually, the well-wishers weren't Broncos fans; the letters emanated from Dayne's previous career stops at the University of Wisconsin and the New York Giants.

But give it a few days. The fan-mail addresses soon might have Colorado ZIP codes given Dayne's contribution to a 20-17 Denver victory Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. And a bigger workload might also be headed Dayne's way, especially considering the nicks currently bothering fellow running backs Mike Anderson (ribs) and Tatum Bell (left ankle sprain).

"Everybody's going to get a chance to play some," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "I can't tell you exactly what our plan is. We have to decide it ourselves."

Dayne at least put himself in the mix with six carries on the drive that set up Jason Elam's winning 41-yard field goal with 5 seconds to play.

Included in that workload was a critical fourth-down conversion that allowed Denver (1-1) to move Elam into field-goal range.

Dayne took a pitch to the left and darted for 10 yards. The fourth- down conversion, set up by a fake to fullback Kyle Johnson, actually has been run in practices mainly with Bell, the Broncos' quickest back, in the backfield. But with Bell having been injured in the second quarter on kickoff coverage and Anderson resting, Dayne was hoisted into a starring role.

It was a stunning turn of events for Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner who signed with Denver in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent after five uneven seasons with the Giants.

In Week 1, Dayne was deactivated because of special-teams considerations.

In Week 2, with Denver desperate for a win to avoid an 0-2 start, he was the workhorse on the biggest drive of the early season.

"Before that, I had like two carries for 6 yards and thought, 'When can I get in there to carry the ball?' " Dayne said. "Mike came out, and that gave me the chance."

Anderson, nursing sore ribs, had converted a third-and-2 on Denver's previous possession before Shanahan called him to the sideline.

Little did Dayne know that, when he went in as a replacement, he was there to stay.

"I thought Mike was a little tired and we were going to give Ron a chance," Shanahan said. "Our plan was not to play Mike for the whole game. It was to substitute for him. We were going to put Tatum Bell in there, but, obviously, he went down with the ankle injury. We were going to play (Bell and Dayne) a little bit."

Anderson entered the game suffering from torn rib cartilage from the opener but knew when he was able to run Sept. 13 he would be ready to play against San Diego.

His 15-carry workload, which included a fumble near the goal line, produced 49 yards before he departed for good on the final series.

"To me, Ron just got into a groove," Anderson said. "Looking at that, if it was me, I wouldn't want to come out. Me on the sideline looking at it, I was like, 'He's running it, picking up some big yardage right there down that stretch. Let him stay. Leave him in.' "

All the while, Dayne was trying to avoid looking toward the sideline to see if Anderson was being sent back into the game.

And who could blame Dayne for harboring such thoughts? He was used to looking over his shoulder in New York, where Tiki Barber also was a member of the backfield.

"I didn't really want to look over to the sideline, but you have to, just in case I had to come off the field," Dayne said. "You don't want 12 men on the field in the huddle. So I was kind of giving quick looks and not staring over there."

Despite Dayne's solid play and a late offensive line surge, the offensive funk that permeated Denver's opener in Miami didn't get much better against San Diego.

In fact, the Broncos rank only 19th in total yardage (321.5) and their normally reliable running game, except for a 30-yard run by Bell in Miami, had been contained almost completely before their last drive against the Chargers.

Only 10 of Denver's first 34 carries by tailbacks this season had gone for 4 or more yards before Dayne recorded runs of 13, 8 and 10 yards in six attempts on the final possession. Anderson gained 2 or 3 yards on 10 of his 15 carries and Bell didn't get a carry.

"I think people forget that San Diego is a pretty good football team," Shanahan said. "They've done a great job with their rushing defense. I think last year they gave up 3.5 or 3.6 yards per attempt, and there's not a lot of teams that are going to move the ball running it against San Diego all year."

Shanahan said Anderson remains the starter heading into the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High on Monday night (7, KMGH-Channel 7).

He also seemed to endorse Bell as the primary backup, if his left ankle heals quickly.

"He gives us a little bit of a different look," Shanahan said, referring to Bell's speed, adding, "I like having the combination of all three of those running backs."

Neither Anderson nor Dayne was sure how the carries will shake out in the immediate future.

Anderson, who said he felt normal soreness Monday, cited Shanahan's game planning that "changes up week to week.

"So, you never know," he said.

[bloodsunday]

"Everybody's going to get a chance to play some," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "I can't tell you exactly what our plan is. We have to decide it ourselves."
The key statement. The leash is short. Shanny knows that the running game must turn around for our season to come anywhere close to what we hope. If MA and/or Bell don't start to produce pretty soon, then Dayne will certainly get a look.

But hey... it's the Chiefs. Anybody that we put in their will run for 150 and 2TDs Hilarious!

For one week we aren't playing an elite DL. With Jax on the horizon, this is our week to get the run game healthy.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Great Anderson's starting, the guy that is 0 threat to break anything for more than 3-4 yards unless there's a Mack Truck size hole. The offense is going to look pedestrian on Monday night.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Great Anderson's starting, the guy that is 0 threat to break anything for more than 3-4 yards unless there's a Mack Truck size hole. The offense is going to look pedestrian on Monday night.
And who do we have that's better?

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Both Dayne and Bell are tiny bit quicker than MA, and are more of a threat to do something if they get a hole.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Both Dayne and Bell are tiny bit quicker than MA, and are more of a threat to do something if they get a hole.
Bell is hurt. I sure don't see Dayne as quicker, in fact, he's not the blocker or the pass catcher MA is.

[bloodsunday]

he's not the blocker or the pass catcher MA is.
This stuff won't matter if we don't find a way to run the ball. Our offense is Baltimore-esk if we don't start running the ball. We simply shut down. So if we have to play a back that is a better runner then blocker, adjust the TE and FB blocking schemes. But run the friggn' ball.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I sure don't see Dayne as quicker, in fact, he's not the blocker or the pass catcher MA is.

That's great, we should evaluate everyone's blocking and catching ability when comparing who runs the ball better. Dayne looked much quicker than Anderson on Sunday. MA slows the offense down when he's in the game. He looks like Reuben did at the end of the season when RD had been completely worn down and wasn't going to do much other than a couple yds a carry.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

This stuff won't matter if we don't find a way to run the ball. Our offense is Baltimore-esk if we don't start running the ball. We simply shut down. So if we have to play a back that is a better runner then blocker, adjust the TE and FB blocking schemes. But run the friggn' ball.
It sure does matter! Can't run the ball every play. Right now we're thin at RB.
I don't know why Shanahan refuses to use flares and screens.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

That's great, we should evaluate everyone's blocking and catching ability when comparing who runs the ball better. Dayne looked much quicker than Anderson on Sunday. MA slows the offense down when he's in the game. He looks like Reuben did at the end of the season when RD had been completely worn down and wasn't going to do much other than a couple yds a carry.
Dayne played one series where the line finally opened some holes. Go back and watch the catch and run MA had to get us the TD and tell me how slow he looked.

[fontaine]

Yeah, but Mike did gain 41 yards catching the ball on three passes.

that can't be underestimated because it seems the playcalling is falling back on passing the ball to the RB when we can't get much going on the ground which is great. I think they like having a RB there that can catch the ball and gain 7-10 yards.

Ideally I'd like to have a H back set with two WRs, and Putz so that we can go play action with three wideouts, keep one RB in there for pass protection and another can flare out for the easy pass.

[bloodsunday]

It sure does matter! Can't run the ball every play. Right now we're thin at RB.
I don't know why Shanahan refuses to use flares and screens.
Yes but running the ball is the priority in our offense. Protect a weak blocker with other personnel (TEs and Fullbacks) if you must. We did fine when Tatum Bell went for a 125 yards on Miami last season. Clinton Portis isn't a great blocker. You can adjust in other ways. If Shanny makes this decision soley on the blocking abilty of a tailback, then he is a moron. And we all know he's not a moron.

A tailback's main job is to run the ball. The other skills are gravvy but don't help is if our offense is stalled because we can't run the ball.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Yes but running the ball is the priority in our offense. Protect a weak blocker with other personnel (TEs and Fullbacks) if you must. We did fine when Tatum Bell went for a 125 yards on Miami last season. Clinton Portis isn't a great blocker. You can adjust in other ways. If Shanny makes this decision soley on the blocking abilty of a tailback, then he is a moron. And we all know he's not a moron.

A tailback's main job is to run the ball. The other skills are gravvy but don't help is if our offense is stalled because we can't run the ball.
OK, why is MA the starter then? If Dayne was better Shanahan wouldn't hesitate. Not being able to block and catch is a huge liability at RB (in our offense)!

[maven]

Time to draft another RB. Bell cannot stay healthy. Anderson is rather slow hitting the hole. Dayne, well the jury is still out. It's a damn shame Denver doesn't have an elite RB. I hate Julius Jones!

[BigPlayShay]

"Everybody's going to get a chance to play some," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said

This says it all to me. Against physical defenses expect to see physical runners in Dayne and MA. Against Finesse defenses expect to see a physical runner at first and then a speed guy in Bell after they are tired out.

[anthonypacino]

I don't think we should be worrying if Dayne is gonna start ahead of Anderson or not, If the line keeps playing like this it doesn't matter who is carrying the ball.

[bloodsunday]

OK, why is MA the starter then? If Dayne was better Shanahan wouldn't hesitate. Not being able to block and catch is a huge liability at RB (in our offense)!
Because during the preseason MA established himself as the best combination of the three, meaning that we thought his running skills would be at worst close to the same level as Dayne or Bell. Now that the games count, and we are playing quality defenses, we need to evaluate that decision. Through two games MA is not getting the job done. Shanny has got to jump start the run game or this season is lost.

Don't get me wrong, all three skills factor into the decision making. But running the ball has got to be a priority for our team. If blocking and pass receiving are so vital (and Bell and Dayne so poor), then why let go of Griffin?

[bloodsunday]

I don't think we should be worrying if Dayne is gonna start ahead of Anderson or not, If the line keeps playing like this it doesn't matter who is carrying the ball.
As long as the back that is most effective is getting the majority of the carriers than the starter is just a status symbol. However, generally the starter is the guy the coaches think is the most effective back.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Because during the preseason MA established himself as the best combination of the three, meaning that we thought his running skills would be at worst close to the same level as Dayne or Bell. Now that the games count, and we are playing quality defenses, we need to evaluate that decision. Through two games MA is not getting the job done. Shanny has got to jump start the run game or this season is lost.

Don't get me wrong, all three skills factor into the decision making. But running the ball has got to be a priority for our team. If blocking and pass receiving are so vital (and Bell and Dayne so poor), then why let go of Griffin?
The munchkin is too small to play, seen it right off (said last year he wouldn't be on the roster). You make my point. If Dayne was better he would be starting against the Chiefs. Why waste one play because of preseason status?

And by the way, through two games, it isn't MA or Dayne or any other RB not getting it done, it's a pathetic offense so far.

[bloodsunday]

The munchkin is too small to play, seen it right off (said last year he wouldn't be on the roster).
Well he was an effective blocker and an effective pass catcher. So effective that he was the starter ahead of MA before MA got hurt in the preseason. So if your critieria for a back is so vital, I would think that a guy like Griffin would still be on this roster. I mean if Bell is such a bad blocker and pass catcher, then why bother with a roster spot for him?

You make my point. If Dayne was better he would be starting against the Chiefs. Why waste one play because of preseason status?

And by the way, through two games, it isn't MA or Dayne or any other RB not getting it done, it's a pathetic offense so far.
If you look up the numbers, both Dayne and Bell have been more effective (yds/carry) than MA? How am I making your point? The only way to know if those guys would continue that trend under the same circumstances as MA (as the starter) is to give them a chance.

Mike Anderson 19 54 2.8 8 0
Tatum Bell 13 47 3.6 30 0
Ron Dayne 8 44 5.5 13 0

Dayne is not the starter because he has not been given the chance. MA earned the right during the preseason, but he's not getting it done. Dayne and Bell have not been given the same opportunity as MA thus far.

In the end I don't care who starts at runningback. But I do know that this team is not running the ball effetively right now and that if we don't fix that we are going to be the team earning the top 10 draft pick, not the foreskins.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

If you look up the numbers, both Dayne and Bell have been more effective (yds/carry) than MA? How am I making your point? The only way to know if those guys would continue that trend under the same circumstances as MA (as the starter) is to give them a chance.


Because Dayne isn't the starter MA is. Like I said, Plummer and this offense have been completely ineffective so far.

[Bronco9798]

I think we'll see a lot more of Dayne Monday Night.

[meangene]

You can not believe what Shanny tells the press about who will play. He would be stupid to let the Chefs know who to prepare for. Do you really think Bell is still #2 ahead of Dayne? No way. We will see a lot of Dayne on Monday night.

[bloodsunday]

Because Dayne isn't the starter MA is. Like I said, Plummer and this offense have been completely ineffective so far.
If your point is that MA is the starter (factually), then I guess I am making it. However, the point you have been conveying on this board is not only that he is the starter but that he's the best we've got. I believe I have done a fine job disputing that. Yeah the offense as a whole has been ineffective, but that's because its predicated off the run. If we don't run the ball, we don't move on offense. Now you are making my point. Forget about pass blocking it doesn't matter if we don't run the ball.

[Bronx33]

After reading this thread is it fair to say the OL is part of MA running woes? or better said(lack of blocking)

[bloodsunday]

After reading this thread is it fair to say the OL is part of MA running woes? or better said(lack of blocking)
It can certainly be better. But both Tatum and Dayne have been more effective (a collective 4.3 yds/carry) than MA (2.8 yds per carry). Perhaps a change at RB can give us a spark. We certainly can't change OL to get that spark because we have nothing. The offense look stagnant last year as well until Droughns got a chance and started running with reckless abandon.

[Bronx33]

It can certainly be better. But both Tatum and Dayne have been more effective (a collective 4.3 yds/carry) than MA (2.8 yds per carry). Perhaps a change at RB can give us a spark. We certainly can't change OL to get that spark because we have nothing. The offense look stagnant last year as well until Droughns got a chance and started running with reckless abandon.


Just a thought but maybe the sore ribs contributed to him avoiding some running situations, shanny would be wise to let MA rest a game and let dayne have a shot.You right though we need a spark in the running department to take some of the pressure off plummer.

[bloodsunday]

Just a thought but maybe the sore ribs contributed to him avoiding some running situations, shanny would be wise to let MA rest a game and let dayne have a shot.You right though we need a spark in the running department to take some of the pressure off plummer.
We haven't had the easiest of run defenses to play against and MA was hurt. But man, something is missing. The defenses we play don't get any easier, so we better get it figured out.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

If your point is that MA is the starter (factually), then I guess I am making it. However, the point you have been conveying on this board is not only that he is the starter but that he's the best we've got. I believe I have done a fine job disputing that. Yeah the offense as a whole has been ineffective, but that's because its predicated off the run. If we don't run the ball, we don't move on offense. Now you are making my point. Forget about pass blocking it doesn't matter if we don't run the ball.


You're the one that said Shanahan isn't a moron. MA is starting, Dayne isn't so the best RB is starting according to your logic. No ONE has shown they're better than MA so far (mostly because of our offense and lack of carries).

[Bronx33]

We haven't had the easiest of run defenses to play against and MA was hurt. But man, something is missing. The defenses we play don't get any easier, so we better get it figured out.


Roger that! i just hope shanny's hard head doesn't become a factor.

[2KBack]

We haven't had the easiest of run defenses to play against and MA was hurt. But man, something is missing. The defenses we play don't get any easier, so we better get it figured out.

Overall we ran better against San Diego this year than we did last year, so I'm still not sure what to think about the run game. We do have a parade of good defense lined up on the schedule though.

[bloodsunday]

You're the one that said Shanahan isn't a moron. MA is starting, Dayne isn't so the best RB is starting according to your logic. No ONE has shown they're better than MA so far (mostly because of our offense and lack of carries).
Right! Let the other guys have some carries. Something needs to change and it can't be the OL because we are paper thin. I guess we could keep giving Anderson the rock at 2.8 yds a carry and go nostalgic thinking about the Sammy Winder days.

Shanny usually takes his time to do these things, but he will eventually replace MA if he doesn't get it going soon.

[bloodsunday]

Overall we ran better against San Diego this year than we did last year, so I'm still not sure what to think about the run game. We do have a parade of good defense lined up on the schedule though.
How good would those stats look sans Dayne's 44 yds on the final drive? That's the question we should be asking, IMO.

[Bronco9798]

DENVER — The Broncos have added another model to their assembly line of high-speed running backs. Remember Ron Dayne? Former Heisman Trophy winner. Still the NCAA’s all-time rushing leader from Wisconsin. Former first-round bust of the New York Giants.

Dayne, 27, may have some years on him now, but not much mileage. And when the sputtering Broncos offense needed some acceleration in Sunday’s 20-17 victory over San Diego, Dayne supplied the horsepower in the grand tradition of Denver running backs.

On Denver’s final drive in the final 4 minutes, Dayne ran for 13, 8, 3, 3 and 1 yards. Then, on fourth and 1 from the San Diego 33, he took a pitch around left end for 10 yards, setting up Jason Elam’s 41-yard field goal that gave the Broncos a 1-1 record heading into next Monday night’s matchup in Denver against the Chiefs, 2-0.

Just a week ago, Dayne was inactive for the Broncos’ season-opening loss at Miami. But because of Mike Anderson’s sore ribs and Tatum Bell’s ankle sprain, the Broncos turned to Dayne in crunch time.

Asked how many times he had the opportunity to play such a significant role during five unfulfilling seasons with the Giants —who took him with the 11th pick of the 2000 draft — Dayne shook his head.

“Probably never,” he said. “Maybe sometimes I might have run the clock down when we were winning by three, but nothing like that.”

Dayne, a compact 5 feet 10 and 245 pounds, fits the Broncos’ style of running back. Take the pitch or handoff, make one cut and run downhill.

That’s the way Terrell Davis did it. So did Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis, Anderson and even Reuben Droughns.

With the Giants, Dayne ran in a system based on counters and cutbacks, so he mostly watched Tiki Barber. Dayne started only 14 games in five years, and in 2003 he was inactive all 16 weeks before he was consigned mostly to special teams in 2004.

“Coming out of college, he was a zone running back, and we run a system very similar to what he ran at Wisconsin,” said Denver coach Mike Shanahan. “He fits our system a little bit better.”

So when Dayne became an unrestricted free agent last spring, he was pleasantly surprised when the Broncos called.

“Other backs in the league always watch and see what Denver backs are doing,” Dayne said. “I never thought they were looking at me, but I’m glad.

“It feels like I’m starting over. I’ve been in the league five years, but I’m not beat up. I feel fresh. In New York, I knew I didn’t have a chance. No matter what I did, I was going to be second or third string.”

Dayne had no guarantees with the Broncos. Denver not only had Anderson, a former 1,400-yard back; Quentin Griffin, a former opening-day starter; and Bell, a second-round pick in 2004, but the Broncos also risked a third-round draft pick on enigmatic Maurice Clarett.

“I knew they always keep a lot of backs,” said Dayne, who signed a one-year deal for the NFL veterans minimum $480,000 and with a solid training camp beat out Griffin and Clarett, who were both released.

“I just wanted to get a chance to play and help the team win,” said Dayne, who had eight carries for 44 yards, his best performance since the 2004 opener when he ran for 45 yards in relief of Barber. His new teammates were impressed.

“Ron was in a groove,” said wide receiver Rod Smith, whose block helped spring Dayne on the critical 10-yard run. “We had a couple of plays in there that he was looking for a big bust-out. He’s a great change-up back for us to go into the game because he is a lot faster than most people think, and he runs hard.

“Not having been on his team and really seeing him play, you hear in the media how he’s supposed to be (a bust), and they were wrong. What I see out of that guy is amazing. He’s a hard worker; he’s a big-time football player. You don’t win the Heisman Trophy and not be a big-time football player.”

Even Anderson, who took advantage of the knee injuries that ultimately ended Davis’ career, realizes Dayne has the capability to replace him.

“Ron was huge in the game,” said Anderson, who carried 15 times for 49 yards and lost a fumble at the goal line. “I’m definitely going to get back in. I just have to get (healthy).

“You don’t ever want to come off the field. When the coach takes you off the field, you take that personally. But what Ron was doing was working at the moment.”

Back in action

Ron Dayne’s 44 yards in eight carries of limited action Sunday for the Denver Broncos was still his sixth-best rushing effort in the last three-plus seasons.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/12690469.htm

[2KBack]

How good would those stats look sans Dayne's 44 yds on the final drive? That's the question we should be asking, IMO.

You can't do that, the final drive was part of the game. How good would the stats look if we took out the firsr quarter, or how about the 5th drive? You don't take 44 yards away and say hey look we sucked.

[bloodsunday]

You can't do that, the final drive was part of the game. How good would the stats look if we took out the firsr quarter, or how about the 5th drive? You don't take 44 yards away and say hey look we sucked.
I'm not taking them away. But they were the only carries in the game that went to a different back. MA was ineffective that's all. The run game as a whole was ineffective until that last drive. The one good sign was that last drive was when we needed it most.

[2KBack]

I'm not taking them away. But they were the only carries in the game that went to a different back. MA was ineffective that's all. The run game as a whole was ineffective until that last drive. The one good sign was that last drive was when we needed it most.

The fact remains:
2004 rushing vs. SD: 21 for 37 1.8 avg.
2005 Rushing vs. SD: 26 for 98 3.8 avg.

san diego has a great rushing defense, and Denver managed t wear them down eventually. Things aren't as bleak as you see them.

[DBroncos4life]

Bell is hurt. I sure don't see Dayne as quicker, in fact, he's not the blocker or the pass catcher MA is.

I guess that makes Rod the RB then. :hitself:

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I guess that makes Rod the RB then. :hitself:
:loopy:

[bloodsunday]

Things aren't as bleak as you see them.
I don't things are bleak right now. But they'll be bleak if we don't get those numbers up. Does everyone remember what happened when we went to Jax last season? Anyone wanna tell me how we are gonna be any better this year?

[2KBack]

I don't things are bleak right now. But they'll be bleak if we don't get those numbers up. Does everyone remember what happened when we went to Jax last season? Anyone wanna tell me how we are gonna be any better this year?

All of our current running backs are 3 times the size of Q?

[DBroncos4life]

:loopy:


Well he is a better blocker and he damn sure catches the ball better then anyone else on our team. That is what you are looking for in a guy whose first job is to run right?

[bloodsunday]

All of our current running backs are 3 times the size of Q?
Was it Q's size that hurt in Miami? Was it Q's size that hurt us in Cincy last year? It's not about size. Hell, Warrick Dunn is a good RB. It's about producing. Finding creases and getting hidden yardage. It's about bursting through the hole instead of crawling.

[2KBack]

Was it Q's size that hurt in Miami? Was it Q's size that hurt us in Cincy last year? It's not about size. Hell, Warrick Dunn is a good RB. It's about producing. Finding creases and getting hidden yardage. It's about bursting through the hole instead of crawling.

Nope, Q didn't play in miami, and in Cincy they abandoned to running game early. Sometimes it IS about size and the ability to get a couple yards where there are none. Which is why I pointed out last year Vs SD. MA got yards where we would have been stuffed last year. No, he hasn't ripped off anything beyond 8 yards, but he goes foreward. I think you are missing that part. Also you mentioned Jacksonville, and I think having some muscle instead of Q will make a difference. I wish we were running wild on everyone too, but there are teams that are trying to stop that. Take away LT's 16 yard misdirection and MA outproduced him, is anyone talking about how bad LT is?

[listopencil]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=3933&dateline=1127146108


You need to post more. A lot more.

[bloodsunday]

Sometimes it IS about size and the ability to get a couple yards where there are none. Which is why I pointed out last year Vs SD. MA got yards where we would have been stuffed last year. No, he hasn't ripped off anything beyond 8 yards, but he goes foreward. I think you are missing that part.
Going forward is fine. That is a positive. But getting to the hole as its closing and fumbling on the goal line is bad.


Take away LT's 16 yard misdirection and MA outproduced him, is anyone talking about how bad LT is?
I thought we weren't taking away stats? I don't really think comparing LT to MA is fair anyway.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=3933&dateline=1127146108


You need to post more. A lot more.
Someone will complain about that soon enough.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Well he is a better blocker and he damn sure catches the ball better then anyone else on our team. That is what you are looking for in a guy whose first job is to run right?
I have no idea who you're talking about.

[2KBack]

Going forward is fine. That is a positive. But getting to the hole as its closing and fumbling on the goal line is bad.
I thought we weren't taking away stats? I don't really think comparing LT to MA is fair anyway.

I'm not going to defend the fumble that killed the offense, might have even effected the way MA ran too.

My overall point about the LT thing, is that great defense beats great offense. The Defense was keyed in on the Run game almost perfectly, which is why we passed so much, then later in the game some holes started opening up. After looking over the game a bit more, I think the run game is going to be okay.

[DBroncos4life]

I have no idea who you're talking about.


How many players do we have named Rod?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Face the facts guys, all three, and maybe Cobb, will get carries until one of them shows he is head and shoulders above the rest.

[bloodsunday]

The Defense was keyed in on the Run game almost perfectly, which is why we passed so much, then later in the game some holes started opening up.
We did pass way too much. We won't win 50% of the time with 40 pass attempts and our rushing stats. We need to establish the run game early to be a good team, that's just our make up. Slice it anyway you want, but this team is struggling to run the ball right now. It was a lot harder for teams to gang up on the run when we had better passing personnel.

After looking over the game a bit more, I think the run game is going to be okay.
I hope you are right because its not really a secret that we cannot win without it. I believe MA looks to slow and is missing a burst necessary to be the back we'd like him to be. IMHO.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

How many players do we have named Rod?
Still don't know who you're talking about. We don't have any RBs on the roster named Rod.

[Kaylore]

We didn't run because they wouldn't let us. It has nothing to do with playcalling. We actually need to have Plummer come up with some big passes deep. The reason we passed so much was because the Chargers were stacking the box every play. They figure: stop the run and make Jake beat us over the air. I promise you we'll see that all season long. We need Jake to make some plays in the air to stretch the defense out. Once we're ballanced, we'll be able to run the ball a little more.

[DBroncos4life]

Still don't know who you're talking about. We don't have any RBs on the roster named Rod.



Good god. In post 6 you started talking about MA being a better blocker and pass catcher. The problem is he isnt the better RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then said using your logic that would make ROD the new RUNNING BACK.

[bendog]

Good god. In post 6 you started talking about MA being a better blocker and pass catcher. The problem is he isnt the better RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then said using your logic that would make ROD the new RUNNING BACK.
Nah, Rod's lost a step. But if he hadn't and if Watts didn't have the hand nerve thingee, this might not be a bad idea. (-:

[Superbowl1]

You can not believe what Shanny tells the press about who will play. He would be stupid to let the Chefs know who to prepare for. Do you really think Bell is still #2 ahead of Dayne? No way. We will see a lot of Dayne on Monday night.

I think Anderson is a decent back and with Sims out you can use his strenth to run in-between the tackles

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Good god. In post 6 you started talking about MA being a better blocker and pass catcher. The problem is he isnt the better RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then said using your logic that would make ROD the new RUNNING BACK.
We're not using my logic Einstein, we're using Shanahan's, that's why MA is STILL the starter, comprender?

[bendog]

Kaylore is right. It isn't that complicated. Unless or until Jake can back them out of 8 up by consistently moving the chains, the only runs that will work is occassionally catching a break with guessing on a blitz or gimmicks liek the flip to DanishRibs. Not all Jake either; the recievers have to catch. And, that may be why shanny is going with MA as he's the better pass catcher.

[FADERPROOF]

wonderful.

[bloodsunday]

Kaylore is right. It isn't that complicated. Unless or until Jake can back them out of 8 up by consistently moving the chains, the only runs that will work is occassionally catching a break with guessing on a blitz or gimmicks liek the flip to DanishRibs. Not all Jake either; the recievers have to catch. And, that may be why shanny is going with MA as he's the better pass catcher.
Teams did that last year. Teams have done that since Elway retired. Why did we get the job done then and not now? Why did Portis put up back-to-back 1500 yard seasons with Griese and Plummer?

It's not just the opposition. We have lost a step and putting in a new back could be a spark. It may not fix all the problems, but it is a step.

[DBroncos4life]

wonderful.


I agree. We run 5 wide so much why do we need the better blocking back in? I guess his 1.2 yards per carry is getting it done in Mikes eyes.

[Bronx33]

Teams did that last year. Teams have done that since Elway retired. Why did we get the job done then and not now? Why did Portis put up back-to-back 1500 yard seasons with Griese and Plummer?

It's not just the opposition. We have lost a step and putting in a new back could be a spark. It may not fix all the problems, but it is a step.


Consistency somewhere offensively would be a good thing.......

[bendog]

Teams did that last year. Teams have done that since Elway retired. Why did we get the job done then and not now? Why did Portis put up back-to-back 1500 yard seasons with Griese and Plummer?

It's not just the opposition. We have lost a step and putting in a new back could be a spark. It may not fix all the problems, but it is a step.
I'm not a MA as a tailback fan, but I think the answer to your question is more complex than just the back. We could run right twith Neil and Lepsis, and now we are soft at guard. Teams went 8 up to stop portis, and Jake did put up a 90plus rating in 04. Griese had one good year. His arm was shot. I've seen one TB game this year, and he looked pretty good. He can make the reads.

Bottom line, again, Den will succeed if, and only if, Jake can make plays out of the one step and more importantly the 5 step drop. Right now, since running ability isn't as important as ability to catch and pick up the blitz, MA seems the logical choice. If Jake can do that, Den can prolly play with any team in the AFC, even with the guards.

[meangene]

Someone will complain about that soon enough.

Enjoy it while it lasts. That and more like it at www.wickedweasel.com.

[troya900]

Put Dayne in until Anderson is healthy. The guy has fumblitis when he doesn't have very sore ribs and it's just that much worse now.

[Ballhawk]

BVP for starting HB :)

[bendog]

BVP for starting HB :)
Put Big Ass in at FB and let Johnson tote the rock.

[TheReverend]

Good god. In post 6 you started talking about MA being a better blocker and pass catcher. The problem is he isnt the better RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then said using your logic that would make ROD the new RUNNING BACK.

I think Todd Heap is coming up on Free Agency soon? Maybe we should offer him a spot in our backfield... Or maybe draft D'Brickashaw Ferguson to be our tailback... GREAT blocker and I think his hands would surprise you.

[TheReverend]

We didn't run because they wouldn't let us. It has nothing to do with playcalling. We actually need to have Plummer come up with some big passes deep. The reason we passed so much was because the Chargers were stacking the box every play. They figure: stop the run and make Jake beat us over the air. I promise you we'll see that all season long. We need Jake to make some plays in the air to stretch the defense out. Once we're ballanced, we'll be able to run the ball a little more.

People are making our running struggle into a much bigger deal than it is this season. We have no problem running against 8 in the box. We have no problem running the football. We HAVE a problem running the football against great run defenses... doesnt everyone?

If last years schedule had us playing SD and Miami at the start of the season we wouldve had the same complaints, because theyre great run defenses, but we got a soft opener with Kansas City and Q looked like Barry.

We play KC monday. Time to pad a RBs stats.

[RhymesayersDU]

Boooooo MA.

>:O

[elsid13]

This is not a big deal, I expect that Anderson and Dayne will pound the ball early and later on the game Tatum will be in there as the wear down, and the home run threat is even greater. It not the number of yards that you get, but rather the number positive attempts that determining success. It all about beating the dline up and slowing it down. But Kaylore is right, deep pass to Ashley will force the safeties to play back and help move the ball. Belick always say it the purpose of the run to force the safeties into the box, and open up the pass. The purpose of the pass is to force the defense into cover two to open up the run.

[Old Dude]

Don't look now, but the Browns are talking about trading away either Suggs or Green.

[Bronx33]

This is not a big deal, I expect that Anderson and Dayne will pound the ball early and later on the game Tatum will be in there as the wear down, and the home run threat is even greater. It not the number of yards that you get, but rather the number positive attempts that determining success. It all about beating the dline up and slowing it down. But Kaylore is right, deep pass to Ashley will force the safeties to play back and help move the ball. Belick always say it the purpose of the run to force the safeties into the box, and open up the pass. The purpose of the pass is to force the defense into cover two to open up the run.


The oline needs to give jake the time to make those plays, i think the main focus in this game is going to be the oline having a good night to allow bothe the running game as well as the passing game to function.

[elsid13]

Don't look now, but the Browns are talking about trading away either Suggs or Green.


Here comes Green.......

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Here comes Green.......
Hell no!!!

[elsid13]

I can see the press conference now: Shanahan step to the mike; " I would like to introduce you to William Green, our newest addition. Willie a good big back with some speed played in a zone scheme in college and think that he will be nice addition to the offense. We thought that there was lot of talent there and for 3rd round pick it was worth a chance. We always like him coming into the draft, and Bobby Turner had chance to talk to him and thought that we could use his talents”

[Old Dude]

Isn't Green another high draft pick bust?

What more credentials do you want?

[Popps]

Shanahan said. "Our plan was not to play Mike for the whole game. It was to substitute for him. We were going to put Tatum Bell in there

Man, I just love the idea of bringing in Bell fresh in the second half of a game and letting him loose on a tired defense.

[ro_50]

One thing is clear, the O-Line needs to create holes and MA needs to step up, injury or no injury.

He has to give the team a boost and if he doesnt, let Dayne get the some touches.

I was upset MA fumbled twice this past week.

[FADERPROOF]

Don't look now, but the Browns are talking about trading away either Suggs or Green.

Suggs would look nice here.

[anthonypacino]

As long as the back that is most effective is getting the majority of the carriers than the starter is just a status symbol. However, generally the starter is the guy the coaches think is the most effective back.
This is the first time in a while that our run game is "lacking" I can't put too much stock in Dayne yet, he had fresh legs in the 4th and he wasn't beat on the week earlier since he was in street clothes for the Fins' game. I suspect He and Anderson will be switching in and out alot on Monday much like Holmes and Johnson will be. I agree with you totally whoever is being more effective should be getting the rock, but if the line keeps playing this way nobody carrying the ball is going to be effective. Then all our hopes will lie on Jake's shoulders (YIKES!!)

[Atlas]

Good god. In post 6 you started talking about MA being a better blocker and pass catcher. The problem is he isnt the better RUNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then said using your logic that would make ROD the new RUNNING BACK.

Rod has 3 carries for 78 yards agaionst the Seahawks a few years back. Not on endarounds from the RB position.

[Atlas]

This is the first time in a while that our run game is "lacking" I can't put too much stock in Dayne yet, he had fresh legs in the 4th and he wasn't beat on the week earlier since he was in street clothes for the Fins' game. !!)

Last year it looked like our running game was lacking. Q had a two or three game stretch where he wasn't getting it done. In comes Droughns and all was well. I suspect the same thing will happen this year. It's only a matter of time.