Sportscenter:Denver has 13th best running game

[OrangeShadow]

ranked us 13th just now

[Garcia Bronco]

where's the rest of the list?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Morons.

[ludo21]

Whatever, we dont have any stylish backs, but once again we will be top 10, and maybe have 2 backs over 1k if Mike likes the 2 back approach.

[OrangeShadow]

to answer your question garcia they havent done the top 10 yet and i dont remember a lot of the rest

[Hogan11]

Whatever, we dont have any stylish backs, but once again we will be top 10, and maybe have 2 backs over 1k if Mike likes the 2 back approach.

Bingo..no respect because of no star power.....yawn, they'll find out the hard way once again, same as last year....same as it has been since Portis shipped out.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Whatever, we dont have any stylish backs, but once again we will be top 10, and maybe have 2 backs over 1k if Mike likes the 2 back approach.


No doubt.

Denver run game is top 5. It doesnt matter who is in there. Here comes another season of the meathead brain company at ESPiN ignoring consistent results to promote "their guys". Im certainly not looking forward to that. ugh!~ :nono:

[ludo21]

No doubt.

Denver run game is top 5. It doesnt matter who is in there. Here comes another season of the meathead brain company at ESPiN ignoring consistent results to promote "their guys". Im certainly not looking forward to that. ugh!~ :nono:


I actually quite enjoyed the "no respect" card last season.

We used it all the way to the #2 seed, and into the Championship game. Id like to do that again, and get it one step further. ;D

[Los Broncos]

Yeah, they will find out the hard way this year. I feel sorry for da Raiders this year, we are going to run all over them again.

[Meck77]

No doubt.

Denver run game is top 5. It doesnt matter who is in there. :

You know as much as my orange colored glasses want to believe this I still don't like the fact that we just tossed MA out the door. One of these days our "It doesn't matter who we put back there" is going to bite us in the ass hard.

[MechanicalBull]

salisbury said they would be lower but because of what denver has proved they are 13. I know our run game isn't the best but cmon.

[Garcia Bronco]

to answer your question garcia they havent done the top 10 yet and i dont remember a lot of the rest


You gotta go to work then :)

[Saddletramp]

I expect a top 10 maybe a top 7 at best.

[Garcia Bronco]

You know as much as my orange colored glasses want to believe this I still don't like the fact that we just tossed MA out the door. One of these days our "It doesn't matter who we put back there" is going to bite us in the ass hard.


This is where I don't get this mentality.

We have Ron Dayne...this guy has a perfect blend of speed and power...The Giants wanted him to gain weight...I believe he has lost it and is ready to go after a year getting healthy and learning...those dummies had him playing too heavy

[Hogan11]

Q was the only back I can think of that really didn't succeed in the running scheme...and even that is debatable since he did have his moments, but no 1000 yrd. season....am I wrong in this?

[Garcia Bronco]

Q was the only back I can think of that really didn't succeed in the running scheme...and even that is debatable since he did have his moments, but no 1000 yrd. season....am I wrong in this?

Q was terrrible because of his size...he just can't play at this level

[Kaylore]

We probably won't be number one in the AFC (number two overall) again, but falling 10+ spots? Come on. I for one think that Dayne and Tatum Bell are at least better than Olandis Gary.

[Hogan11]

Q was terrrible because of his size...he just can't play at this level

Agreed, but he is the only starting back since the Bowls not to gain 1000 yrds in the system, correct?

[Saddletramp]

You know as much as my orange colored glasses want to believe this I still don't like the fact that we just tossed MA out the door. One of these days our "It doesn't matter who we put back there" is going to bite us in the ass hard.
i dont like it either. If we had Anderson I do believe we could have a top 5 and a pretty easy time achieving it also.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

This is just running backs, not running games.

Therefore Denver deserves that 13th ranking.

Top 10 on now.

[Garcia Bronco]

Agreed, but he is the only starting back since the Bowls not to gain 1000 yrds in the system, correct?


Terrell Davis I believe...since the bowls

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Chiefs #2 !Booya!

[ludo21]

This is just running backs, not running games.

Therefore Denver deserves that 13th ranking.

Top 10 on now.


True, but if they were doing it for the backs they would be naming the backs, and not the teams as they did the list.

[Hogan11]

This is where I don't get this mentality.

We have Ron Dayne...this guy has a perfect blend of speed and power...The Giants wanted him to gain weight...I believe he has lost it and is ready to go after a year getting healthy and learning...those dummies had him playing too heavy

Plus his level of comfort in the Broncos system....I expect career ressurection since the table is definitely set for him to do so.

When it comes to Dayne, it's very hard to think of another Bronco import that so many just don't want to believe in and almost seem to hope he fails....I don't get it either and I think he's gonna make a lot of people believe in him this year. I'm betting on him, I like his chances of succeeding and if he doesn't, I'll be the first to admit I was wrong about the guy.....but I really don't think I am.

[Garcia Bronco]

32 9ers
31 Lions
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13 Denver



12 Ravens
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10 Bucs
9 Caro
8 Cincy
7 Skins
6 Saint's
5 Giants
4 Falcons
3 Seahawks
2 KC
1 SD

[Garcia Bronco]

Plus his level of comfort in the Broncos system....I expect career ressurection since the table is definitely set for him to do so.

When it comes to Dayne, it's very hard to think of another Bronco import that so many just don't want to believe in and almost seem to hope he fails....I don't get it either and I think he's gonna make a lot of people believe in him this year. I'm betting on him, I like his chances of succeeding and if he doesn't, I'll be the first to admit I was wrong about the guy.....but I really don't think I am.


He's going to flourish

[Hogan11]

Terrell Davis I believe...since the bowls

I should've said since TD then...

[Garcia Bronco]

I should've said since TD then...


I can't think of one...didn't Karon Coleman start one week?

[epicSocialism4tw]

Q was the only back I can think of that really didn't succeed in the running scheme...and even that is debatable since he did have his moments, but no 1000 yrd. season....am I wrong in this?

If I recall, Q was hurt and didnt finish out. He did have a game where he destroyed KC's vaunted D for something like 200 yards.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

10 t0 15 is about right unless Bell stays healthy, learns how to block and gains some muscle.

[epicSocialism4tw]

He's going to flourish

If not Dayne, then Bell. One of those guys (or both) are going to get some yards. Denver's line is only getting better. There's no reason to think that there will be any dropoff in the run game since our guys are all system guys anyhow, and we have a great system guy (Dayne) and one of the best big play threats in the league (Bell). I dont see any reason why these guys dont replicate last year's results.

I do wish that we had a game breaker type here that could raise the level of performance from the top 3rd to #1 at that position. Maybe this is the year Bell steps in and gets the job done.

[DivineLegion]

This is just running backs, not running games.

Therefore Denver deserves that 13th ranking.

Top 10 on now.

You paid attention...They were rating top Run GAMES thats why they were talking about Shields and Richardson when they put the Chiefs at #2 :welcome:

[12th man]

32 9ers
31 Lions
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13 Denver



12 Ravens
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10 Bucs
9 Caro
8 Cincy
7 Skins
6 Saint's
5 Giants
4 Falcons
3 Seahawks
2 KC
1 SD
What a load of crap sports center is! Denvers running game should always be in the top five and definatlely top 10. Now it's near the middle of the pack!? Why? Why is cincy ahead of us? Why are the Saints agaid of us when Bush hasn't even proved himself yet?

Oh well who cares. I don't care what these jack offs think. We don't have a star rb, yet, but even so, our running game as a team or rbbc or whatever you want to call it, finished second in the league last year next to the falcons. Yeah we lost MA but we have lost rb's before and we turned out just fine the following year. Also Im pretty sure Tatum Bell can get the job done for us, and if not, we have some guys that can prove themselves at the position. Somebody will step up and if not the rbbc thing will work just fine. I garunte it.

[DrFate]

We have Ron Dayne...this guy has a perfect blend of speed and power.

My friend, what is it with you and Dayne? I'll agree he was misused in NYG. They wanted a short-yardage back - and he isn't. He was more of a speed guy in college, fast to the corner and big enough to bowl over Big 10 cornerbacks.

But why do you think he can be an every-down player?

[elsid13]

My friend, what is it with you and Dayne? I'll agree he was misused in NYG. They wanted a short-yardage back - and he isn't. He was more of a speed guy in college, fast to the corner and big enough to bowl over Big 10 cornerbacks.

But why do you think he can be an every-down player?


Garcia and Dayne are dead heads, it bond that 99.9% of us don't get or want to get. ;D

[Garcia Bronco]

My friend, what is it with you and Dayne? I'll agree he was misused in NYG. They wanted a short-yardage back - and he isn't. He was more of a speed guy in college, fast to the corner and big enough to bowl over Big 10 cornerbacks.

But why do you think he can be an every-down player?


Something he siad after the Dallas game......


"I ain't no bust."

He's the closer and he can play every down.

[eddie mac]

Sportcenter can eat sh1t with a capital S!!!

2003 2629 yds rushing No2 in the NFL
2004 2333 yds rushing No4 in the NFL
2005 2539 yds rushing No2 in the NFL

Are these guys fvcking retarded or what???

We could put Van Pelt in at HB and still be top 10.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

13 is generous at this point. You guys need to lay off the Homer-ade if you think Dayne is comparable or an upgrade to Anderson until he actually plays.

[DrFate]

He's the closer and he can play every down.

I guess I shouldn't keep T. Bell in my fantasy league, huh?
:wiggle:

[Garcia Bronco]

13 is generous at this point. You guys need to lay off the Homer-ade if you think Dayne is comparable or an upgrade to Anderson until he actually plays.


I've seen all I need to see.

[12th man]

My friend, what is it with you and Dayne? I'll agree he was misused in NYG. They wanted a short-yardage back - and he isn't. He was more of a speed guy in college, fast to the corner and big enough to bowl over Big 10 cornerbacks.

But why do you think he can be an every-down player?
This is a good question. No one knows for sure if he is an every down back because things didnt' work out in new york. Now he is in Denver with a team where he can make it because of all the sucess we have had with a lot of rb's, and a system he used in college where in won the Heisman and broke records in. Plus when he did get the ball, he looked good, so he might be good here. Maybe we will find out in preseason if he could carry the ball all game. Even if he does, can he do it for 16+ games? I think he can. If he's the man for the job, and shanny thinks he can do it, that's good enough for me to jump on board the Dayne Train.

[Garcia Bronco]

I guess I shouldn't keep T. Bell in my fantasy league, huh?
:wiggle:


I'm not giving that type of advice...but I'd drop him

[eddie mac]

13 is generous at this point. You guys need to lay off the Homer-ade if you think Dayne is comparable or an upgrade to Anderson until he actually plays.

Not given Denver's history of running the football with 1st year starters or rookies.

[elsid13]

13 is generous at this point. You guys need to lay off the Homer-ade if you think Dayne is comparable or an upgrade to Anderson until he actually plays.

Man with the negative waves. Last time I looked the o line is back and in good shape. That the key to running the ball. I strongly expect that Bell is going to emerge as the key back this year, that why Anderson was let go.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Not given Denver's history of running the football with 1st year starters or rookies.

Call me when Dayne gets more than 53 carries or Bell establishes himself as a full-time back. Even in years that Denver had a rookie takeover, there was a legit NFL starter on the roster that went down due to injury. This a preseason ranking and Denver doesn't have a legit everydown back. They don't deserve any respect because no RB on this roster has done anything to earn the respect you guys claim they deserve.

[Jason in LA]

Did they find somebody who just started to watch football to come up with this BS?

Every year it's the samething. Broncos running game is questioned during the offseason, then the finish in the top 5 of the league.

When are these people going to learn?

[eddie mac]

Call me when Dayne gets more than 53 carries or Bell establishes himself as a full-time back. Even in years that Denver had a rookie takeover, there was a legit NFL starter on the roster that went down due to injury. This a preseason ranking and Denver doesn't have a legit everydown back. They don't deserve any respect because no RB on this roster has done anything to earn the respect you guys claim they deserve.


Herc the backs might not have 100% respect then again they didn't have last season either yet ended up with the 2nd best run game in the NFL. Mike Anderson wasn't even a lock at No1 until after training camp.

The Offensive Line's run blocking alone shd guarantee the whole NFL's respect because year after year Denver have been able to plug unknown's in there with great success.

In my mind there's no reason whatsoever to doubt our running game and given Denver's history Cobbs or M Bell might even surprise in our scheme.

I'm far more worried about the TE and DL situations rather than RB by committee.

[eddie mac]

Call me when Dayne gets more than 53 carries or Bell establishes himself as a full-time back. Even in years that Denver had a rookie takeover, there was a legit NFL starter on the roster that went down due to injury. This a preseason ranking and Denver doesn't have a legit everydown back. They don't deserve any respect because no RB on this roster has done anything to earn the respect you guys claim they deserve.

Thing with Bell is he's never gonna be a full-time back but last season showed how he can tear defenses apart when they've been worn down by a bigger back.=

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Herc the backs might not have 100% respect then again they didn't have last season either yet ended up with the 2nd best run game in the NFL. Mike Anderson wasn't even a lock at No1 until after training camp.


But Anderson had still rushed for 1500 yds at one point in his career, he's now gone and there's no one like that on the roster. That's the point of this, neither Bell or Dayne have done anything to earn any respect, despite the OL.

[2KBack]

I have to agree with Hercules at this point. He isn't saying that we aren't going to run well this year, history says we will. The thing is, that from an outside perspective, Denver has no proven backs on the roster. Imagine some other team going into a season without a single 1k back on the roster, would you rank them top 10?

[WoodMan]

But Anderson had still rushed for 1500 yds at one point in his career, he's now gone and there's no one like that on the roster. That's the point of this, neither Bell or Dayne have done anything to earn any respect, despite the OL.
Bell ran for 900 and something last year as the alternate back. I can respect that.:thumbsup: I just don't like his blocking ability.
Dayne had the big run against the Cowdung on Thanks giving. I can respect that.:thumbsup:
How soon we forget the talent that is there.

[Sarcastro]

Did they find somebody who just started to watch football to come up with this BS?

Every year it's the samething. Broncos running game is questioned during the offseason, then the finish in the top 5 of the league.

When are these people going to learn?

I don't really think they were disrespecting Denver's running game, and I bet most of, if not all, of the guys on the show would predict Denver's running game to be in the top five next season.

The thing is, this was a rating of running backs, just like yesterday was a rating of QBs. Denver's running attack is successful because of the system, not because of the players. Having the right guys starting at O-line seems much more vital to your running success then who is at RB.

It is true that a guy like Portis improves it, but the system has shown itself to be successful regardless of who is back there. Maybe if the RB was clearly not an NFL talent, but if you stick a decent RB back there that knows how to work the cutback system then the running game will perform.

I am frankly surprised that many here are upset that the guys at ESPN rated Bell, Dayne, and Johnson as the 13th best groups of RBs in the league. Frankly, if you are just looking at the RBs neither of those HBs would probably start for lots of other teams. Bell because of durability issues, and Dayne because he just hasn't been that good in a more routine NFL offense. With that said, Denver's offensive system will still make your running attack one of the best.

[Tombstone RJ]

Q was the only back I can think of that really didn't succeed in the running scheme...and even that is debatable since he did have his moments, but no 1000 yrd. season....am I wrong in this?

Denver has brought in (and drafted) a few RBs since TD that have not succeeded, for example, John Avery (FA) and Corey Alexander (I think that was his name).

[crazyhorse]

Man with the negative waves. Last time I looked the o line is back and in good shape. That the key to running the ball. I strongly expect that Bell is going to emerge as the key back this year, that why Anderson was let go.

An honest question. No flame.

If Shanny had come to the conclusion Bell was the man when he let MA go, then why didn't he run him during last season? Seems counter productive

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Denver has brought in (and drafted) a few RBs since TD that have not succeeded, for example, John Avery (FA) and Corey Alexander (I think that was his name).

Chris Howard and another RB in that same draft class

[Tombstone RJ]

Chris Howard and another RB in that same draft class

I believe that was the Chris Howard (Alabama?), Corey Alexander (Michigan?) draft. Both seemed to have potential.

[listopencil]

Morons.


I happened to be on Chiefs Planet when one of your fellow Chief fans started a thread about how ESPN was ranking the QB's. There was much gnashing of teeth, some bitching and some moaning, and a few who were ready to rank KC around 14th. Unwad your panties.

[Tombstone RJ]

They basically made it seem like that our running game will significantly drop because of TRich's departure. TRich was an amazing blocker, but lets face it, he was in only about 30% of the running plays and he wanted too much money as a FB in my opinion. Good move in letting him go in my opinion. I think they still forgot that Priest Holmes might play this season if he's cleared by the doctors. That makes KC once again have the best 1-2 combo in the NFL. Who runs the ball in SD if Tomlinson gets injured?

Darren Sproles will be the RB if LT goes down... not bad.

[elsid13]

An honest question. No flame.

If Shanny had come to the conclusion Bell was the man when he let MA go, then why didn't he run him during last season? Seems counter productive


I guess I don't know what you meant why didn't Shanahan run him? He did
Bell stats from last 2 years.

Year Team G GS Att Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ FD
2004 Denver Broncos 14 0 75 396 5.3 29 3 2 18
2005 Denver Broncos 15 1 173 921 5.3 68 8 10 41
TOTAL 29 1 248 1317 5.3 68 11 12 59

Bell biggest weakness in my mind was not Bell's blocking or catching skills - both have improved- but rather his patience in hitting the hole, he needs to learn to slow down a let the cut back develop. Plus Anderson was in excellent shape and started the season as better back.

[kmartin575]

Guys, don't get so worked up over this. They are not ranking the system, they are ranking the players. Denver will still be successful at running the ball but it is not because of the talent of there runningbacks.

[kmartin575]

Darren Sproles will be the RB if LT goes down... not bad.

No he won't. Michael Turner is the #2 runningback for San Diego.

[SureShot]

He hasn't impressed me one bit. He sucks as a KR.

Not quite. He ranked 13th in kick returns, ahead of Dante Hall.

[watermock]

This is just running backs, not running games.

Therefore Denver deserves that 13th ranking.

Top 10 on now.

Actually those three stooges couldn't make up their minds if it was team rushing or the franchise back. The actual question was what TEAMS will rank, yet they basically ignored depth.

Then they put Atlanta up high with that midget Dunn and said that Vick was a QB/RB. They were all over the place yapping over each other like a bridal shower or tuppaware party. I have never seen such mic hogs. Evidently Golic can't bully his way as the Alpha male if he doesn't have his nerdy sidekick on his radio show.

Then my job dropped when he ranked Houston over Denver because KUBIAK HAS EMPHASIS ON THE RUN. I think he will be putting Bush in motion and still passing enough to make Martz blush. They have to get Bush outside with that OL. I think it was Shanahan who kept Kubiak honest with the run.

[Atlas]

I know our run game isn't the best but cmon.

Why wouldn't you think Denver has the best running game?? Afterall they were ranked 2nd in the league last year and the only reason they weren't #1 is because Vick ran for 600 yards or whatever it was. They could very well be the best in the NFL next year, wouldn't suprise me one bit.

[SureShot]

Actually those three stooges couldn't make up their minds if it was team rushing or the franchise back. The actual question was what TEAMS will rank, yet they basically ignored depth.

Then they put Atlanta up high with that midget Dunn and said that Vick was a QB/RB. They were all over the place yapping over each other like a bridal shower or tuppaware party. I have never seen such mic hogs. Evidently Golic can't bully his way as the Alpha male if he doesn't have his nerdy sidekick on his radio show.

Then my job dropped when he ranked Houston over Denver because KUBIAK HAS EMPHASIS ON THE RUN. I think he will be putting Bush in motion and still passing enough to make Martz blush. They have to get Bush outside with that OL. I think it was Shanahan who kept Kubiak honest with the run.



Hey Mock, the Texans drafted Mario Williams, and the SAINTS drafted Bush.

[broncogary]

I believe that was the Chris Howard (Alabama?), Corey Alexander (Michigan?) draft. Both seemed to have potential.

Try Chris Howard (Michigan) and Curtis (the wrong) Alexander (Alabama).

[watermock]

Hey Mock, the Texans drafted Mario Williams, and the SAINTS drafted Bush.

I keep mixing that up. So then the point is stronger that Kubiak could care less about rushing.

[-Slap-]

ranked us 13th just now
Charitable.

[SureShot]

I keep mixing that up. So then the point is stronger that Kubiak could care less about rushing.

The ranking is definately way off base, but I like being over looked.

-Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.- Sun Tsu

[baja]

i dont like it either. If we had Anderson I do believe we could have a top 5 and a pretty easy time achieving it also.

We could have easily kept Anderson so therefore he was released because Dane is better

[SoCalBronco]

We could have easily kept Anderson so therefore he was released because Dane is better

Or it could be that Anderson wouldn't take a paycut as was mentioned in one of the newspapers. If Dayne were really better, than he would have (substantially) cut into MA's playing time last year. That's not exactly encouraging given that MA wasn't that good last year. I like Ron though, he seems to be a hard worker and has done well in the few times he has been called on.

[baja]

Or it could be that Anderson wouldn't take a paycut as was mentioned in one of the newspapers. If Dayne were really better, than he would have (substantially) cut into MA's playing time last year. That's not exactly encouraging given that MA wasn't that good last year. I like Ron though, he seems to be a hard worker and has done well in the few times he has been called on.

The point is we could have afforded Anderson without a pay cut so shanny must have felt him expendable

[SoCalBronco]

The point is we could have afforded Anderson without a pay cut so shanny must have felt him expendable

On what basis do you feel we could have afforded him anyway? As you recall, we had to release Pryce, Putzier and Anderson all at once to get under the cap. Sundquist said the trio of cuts had to be done to ensure we got under the cap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2350136

[baja]

On what basis do you feel we could have afforded him anyway? As you recall, we had to release Pryce, Putzier and Anderson all at once to get under the cap. Sundquist said the trio of cuts had to be done to ensure we got under the cap.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2350136

If you recall we were one of the few teams that complied with that cap date with all the ambuiguity about labor agreements the Broncos could easily have done what most other teams did, nothing. I think we used that cap deadline as an excuse to do what had already been decieded.

[Atlas]

If Dayne were really better, than he would have (substantially) cut into MA's playing time last year.


I disagree with that. Anderson deserved the playing time and until he couldn't get the job done Dayne wasn't going to get a shot. Anderson's excellent play kept Dayne on the bench.

[SoCalBronco]

I disagree with that. Anderson deserved the playing time and until he couldn't get the job done Dayne wasn't going to get a shot. Anderson's excellent play kept Dayne on the bench.

But Anderson wasn't excellent last year, Atlas. He was good most of the time and average some of the time, but I don't remember him as being that great last year. If Dayne was looking real good in practice, he would have cut into Mike's time. I think Dayne will be adequate, as will Bell, although neither will be even adequate in short yardage.

[baja]

Don't you remember the three headed rotation.

[SoCalBronco]

Don't you remember the three headed rotation.

They all got carries, sure baja, but MA got the lion's share and as between all three, Dayne got the least.

[baja]

They all got carries, sure baja, but MA got the lion's share and as between all three, Dayne got the least.

I believe that was because the coaching staff was reluctant to screw around with the wildly successful one two punch we had going with Anderson and Bell.

[Gcver2ver3]

But Anderson wasn't excellent last year, Atlas. He was good most of the time and average some of the time, but I don't remember him as being that great last year. If Dayne was looking real good in practice, he would have cut into Mike's time. I think Dayne will be adequate, as will Bell, although neither will be even adequate in short yardage.


You're right...

That's why we're gonna get TJ Duckett.....:thumbsup:

[Atlas]

I believe that was because the coaching staff was reluctant to screw around with the wildly successful one two punch we had going with Anderson and Bell.

exactly

[BroncoMan4ever]

I think they r going off of who has the most talented RB's, not by which team will produce the most from the position. Because everyone knows Denver will be a league leader in rushing, but they won't have 1 guy who stands above any other players.

[redrage]

This will be akin to the Chiefs when they rank the WR. If KC is above 25 on a WR ranking they should fire every one of those analysts. Yet, KC has been in the top 5 in passing for about 5 years now. You don't do that by just throwing to a RB and TE. Same situation as Denver's RB core.

[Play2win]

They cut Mike Anderson because he couldn't cut it in the stretch run, he flat ran out of gas. He ran out of steam with a month still left in the season and our running game suffered. Thats why we cut him...

[Mile High Shack]

They cut Mike Anderson because he couldn't cut it in the stretch run, he flat ran out of gas. He ran out of steam with a month still left in the season and our running game suffered. Thats why we cut him...

bingo

Ron Dayne is not any worse than Mike Anderson at this point in Mike's career.

Mike ran out of gas your are correct, best example, that KC game in December, on the 4th and inches, there was a huge hole there to run through it, but he didn't see it b/c he was gassed, so he put his head down and try to plow someone over.

Shanny knows when to get rid of an offensive player usually

[Odysseus]

Call me when Dayne gets more than 53 carries or Bell establishes himself as a full-time back. Even in years that Denver had a rookie takeover, there was a legit NFL starter on the roster that went down due to injury. This a preseason ranking and Denver doesn't have a legit everydown back. They don't deserve any respect because no RB on this roster has done anything to earn the respect you guys claim they deserve.

How come when I say this same thing I'm seen as objective? ROFL! None of our guys have done ANYTHING to deserve half of the props they get around here. When did MIGHT, MAYBE, or SHOULD emerge as credentials? Our pre season rank is based on past performance and not on anything any of these guys has done. It should be around 20 all truth be told but our track record year after year is solid.

[Mile High Shack]

How come when I say this same thing I'm seen as objective? ROFL! None of our guys have done ANYTHING to deserve half of the props they get around here. When did MIGHT, MAYBE, or SHOULD emerge as credentials? Our pre season rank is based on past performance and not on anything any of these guys has done. It should be around 20 all truth be told but our track record year after year is solid.

if it's based on past performances, how about looking at the broncos running game since 1995?

can anyone tell me Olandis Gary is a star?

[NOLA Bronco]

I think they r going off of who has the most talented RB's, not by which team will produce the most from the position. Because everyone knows Denver will be a league leader in rushing, but they won't have 1 guy who stands above any other players.


Their rating were a combo of best players and systems. They said Denver was 13th because they had no proven star, but a great system. Arizona was below Denver, but they have a star but have no proven system. The Aints were above Denver because they have one proven star, one incoming stud, and an unproven system.

Personally, I think the Broncos will always have a successful system, but unless they have a stud, they won't reach that top level. Stats don't tell the whole story.

[Mile High Shack]

Their rating were a combo of best players and systems. They said Denver was 13th because they had no proven star, but a great system. Arizona was below Denver, but they have a star but have no proven system. The Aints were above Denver because they have one proven star, one incoming stud, and an unproven system.

Personally, I think the Broncos will always have a successful system, but unless they have a stud, they won't reach that top level. Stats don't tell the whole story.

what top level do you mean?

like a top 3 rushing attack?

we have the last 3 seasons

[2KBack]

But Anderson wasn't excellent last year, Atlas. He was good most of the time and average some of the time, but I don't remember him as being that great last year. If Dayne was looking real good in practice, he would have cut into Mike's time. I think Dayne will be adequate, as will Bell, although neither will be even adequate in short yardage.

I disagree, Anderson was pretty close to excellent last year, but no defense was afraid of our passing game. Defenses were stacked against the run for the last half of the season. Give Mike the 100 carries lost by sharing tme and he would have been around 1500 yards for the season and as the focus of opposing defenses. The only place I hear Anderson bashng is on this board. Everyone else things we hurt ourselves with the cut. Or to quote my non bronco fan friend, "you cut Andeson! He's the only guy who actually played offense."

[bendog]

I guess I'm a MA basher. Guy was a great guy on the roster, as he could play both backs and was a ST gamer, but he had very little vision.

[loborugger]

A couple of ideas here...

1. First off for all the Plummer bashers in here. Jake was ranked higher (#10), than our running game was.

2. Without a proven back in our backfield (which IMHO we dont have), I honestly dont see how we can rank ourselves above any of the top 10 teams on their list, and maybe about as good as Carolina or the Saints.

I dont see where their opinion is so far off on any team, to be honest. It does make good offseason fodder, thou.

I assume defense is next, or maybe receiving corp.

[bendog]

Don't you remember the three headed rotation.
I was drunk that night, and it's never happened again.

[bendog]

I'm lost on rankings. Den had the no2 rush offense in the nfl, second only to Atl with Vick. Den had the no 18th passing offense.

[BroncoMan4ever]

what top level do you mean?

like a top 3 rushing attack?

we have the last 3 seasons

How about 1 back that is top 3? that is wat the rankings were about. Bell and Dayne will be capable subs until Shanny decides to go out and get denver that workhorse everydown back that will punish defenses like TD used to. And until Denver gets itself a stud runner they r always gonna be low on the power rankings.
Get them a feature back and denver will easily be top 3 on those same rankings.

[baja]

I was drunk that night, and it's never happened again.

That doesn't eliminate many nights Dog. ;D

[NOLA Bronco]

what top level do you mean?

like a top 3 rushing attack?

we have the last 3 seasons


How about 1 back that is top 3? that is wat the rankings were about. Bell and Dayne will be capable subs until Shanny decides to go out and get denver that workhorse everydown back that will punish defenses like TD used to. And until Denver gets itself a stud runner they r always gonna be low on the power rankings.
Get them a feature back and denver will easily be top 3 on those same rankings.


My thoughts exactly. I don't want the best attack made up of a tag team. I want one of the best backs period. I can't tell you how bad I wanted the Broncos to get Maroney in the draft. I don't want the best stats, I want the best players who put up the best stats. Sure some teams can with a collection of backs, but I think Denver was at its best when it had a true #1 guy. Stats hide just how awesome TD was, and how much better he was then everyopne who came after him.

I would say Portis is the type of homerun hitter, clear #1 Denver needs. Luckily, there are more RBs like him than DB's like Champ. But now we need the RB back. Not him, but someone like him.

[2KBack]

My thoughts exactly. I don't want the best attack made up of a tag team. I want one of the best backs period. I can't tell you how bad I wanted the Broncos to get Maroney in the draft. I don't want the best stats, I want the best players who put up the best stats. Sure some teams can with a collection of backs, but I think Denver was at its best when it had a true #1 guy. Stats hide just how awesome TD was, and how much better he was then everyopne who came after him.

I would say Portis is the type of homerun hitter, clear #1 Denver needs. Luckily, there are more RBs like him than DB's like Champ. But now we need the RB back. Not him, but someone like him.

I agree that we need a stud, but I disagree that a back like portis would fit the bill. Portis is a great runner, but I think a punishing back is what works the best in Denver. TD used to beat on the defense until they didn't want to takle him anymore, then he would simply but the game away in the 4th.

[NOLA Bronco]

I agree that we need a stud, but I disagree that a back like portis would fit the bill. Portis is a great runner, but I think a punishing back is what works the best in Denver. TD used to beat on the defense until they didn't want to takle him anymore, then he would simply but the game away in the 4th.

And Portis had games when people got sick of trying to tackle him from behind. Either way, they need the one stud, with the addition of quality backup.

[Odysseus]

if it's based on past performances, how about looking at the broncos running game since 1995?

can anyone tell me Olandis Gary is a star?

Orlandis who? Isn't that scrub hanging with Kennoy Kennedy? I wonder if that Garcia guy got the box of candy that Jay Cutler sent him?

Broncos do not have a starting RB. We have a 2,000 yard running attack split between two or three guys. Maybe we can fool the referees into thinking that Mike Bell and Tatum Bell are the same guy. Get two Bells for one?

[Northman]

The top 2 were San Diego and Kansas City. Cant really argue with that but no way is Denver 13th. We have to at least be top 10.

[2KBack]

And Portis had games when people got sick of trying to tackle him from behind. Either way, they need the one stud, with the addition of quality backup.

I actually think that Denver has had guys they could ride as workhorses, but shanny has been a little gun shy due to the terrible injury history of the backs. TD was injured into retirement, Olandis tore an ACL, MA remained surprisingly healthy until 2004, Portis missed games due to injury in both of his Denver seasons, the year Droughns started he was forced into the TB role via multiple injuries. I think RBBC is in part a way of keeping the athletes healthy.

[Steve Sewell]

ranked us 13th just now

SportsCenter is much more about style than it is about substance. I guarantee that we finish in the top 5 in rushing this year. That's not homerism, that's based on the same ol' sh!t every year.

[Steve Sewell]

You know as much as my orange colored glasses want to believe this I still don't like the fact that we just tossed MA out the door. One of these days our "It doesn't matter who we put back there" is going to bite us in the ass hard.

No offense Meck but you could have said that same thing for the last 8 seasons. There is no evidence to say that things will be any different this year...it has been that consistent.

[Steve Sewell]

salisbury said they would be lower but because of what denver has proved they are 13. I know our run game isn't the best but cmon.
Any statement starting with "Salisbury said" is usually completely off-base.

[Steve Sewell]

13 is generous at this point. You guys need to lay off the Homer-ade if you think Dayne is comparable or an upgrade to Anderson until he actually plays.

What about Gary, Droughns, et al who also did just fine in the Denver running attack? Remember, Gary and Droughns were nobodies prior to getting the starting nod. Who has the right to question whether Denver will have a top 5 running attack, regardless of who is in there?

In Shanahan, Rick Dennison, and especially Bobby Turner I trust.

[Steve Sewell]

Call me when Dayne gets more than 53 carries or Bell establishes himself as a full-time back. Even in years that Denver had a rookie takeover, there was a legit NFL starter on the roster that went down due to injury. This a preseason ranking and Denver doesn't have a legit everydown back. They don't deserve any respect because no RB on this roster has done anything to earn the respect you guys claim they deserve.

Can I travel back in time and call you about Ruben Droughns, Olandis Gary, and hell, even MA?

[Steve Sewell]

I have to agree with Hercules at this point. He isn't saying that we aren't going to run well this year, history says we will. The thing is, that from an outside perspective, Denver has no proven backs on the roster. Imagine some other team going into a season without a single 1k back on the roster, would you rank them top 10?

If they were running behind Denver's o-line, absolutely. I have no past evidence to state the contrary!

[Steve Sewell]

Sorry for butt-raping this thread, I just think people questioning Denvers running game are morons...

[2KBack]

If they were running behind Denver's o-line, absolutely. I have no past evidence to state the contrary!

you must have missed 2001 when denver's leading rusher had 700 whole yards. Oh yeah, and that was Terrell Davis, and Mike anderson was backing him up. A 2000 yard back, and the reigning offensive rookie of the year had a down year, and so did the Denver run game. No one on the current roster is anywhere near that pedigree, so it is perfectly within peoples rights to question the current rush attack. It will probably be fine, but it isn't a sure thing by a long shot.

[Steve Sewell]

you must have missed 2001 when denver's leading rusher had 700 whole yards. Oh yeah, and that was Terrell Davis, and Mike anderson was backing him up. A 2000 yard back, and the reigning offensive rookie of the year had a down year, and so did the Denver run game. No one on the current roster is anywhere near that pedigree, so it is perfectly within peoples rights to question the current rush attack. It will probably be fine, but it isn't a sure thing by a long shot.

You are trying to tell me that Davis was the 2000 yard rushing Davis in 2001? I've heard it all! C'mon, despite the fact that TD was on his last hurrah tour we still finished with the #10 rushing offense in the NFL. If #10 in the NFL is an abberation (which it is) I'll place my money on a top rushing attack next year, gladly.

[epicSocialism4tw]

you must have missed 2001 when denver's leading rusher had 700 whole yards. Oh yeah, and that was Terrell Davis, and Mike anderson was backing him up. A 2000 yard back, and the reigning offensive rookie of the year had a down year, and so did the Denver run game. No one on the current roster is anywhere near that pedigree, so it is perfectly within peoples rights to question the current rush attack. It will probably be fine, but it isn't a sure thing by a long shot.

Wasnt Davis hurt that season? MA also?

[2KBack]

Davis started 8 games, Anderson started 7, I'm not sure about the remaining game.

Let's address the years since then as well. 2002/2003 were the Portis years. Portis is a stud, and continues to be one for his new team, not a system product. Droughns in 2004, He's the first Browns back to rush for 1k in years, he obviously is no scrub. Denver isn't makng nobodies into stars anymore, they've been lucky to find talented backs. There's nothing to say that luck will hold. I'm sorry but people don't have to crown Denver the king of rushing without a premiere back before Training camp even starts. That is pure arrogant homerism.

That said, I full expect to be a successful rushing team. I just can totally understand someone being skepical, especially non-denver fans.

[Steve Sewell]

Davis started 8 games, Anderson started 7, I'm not sure about the remaining game.

Let's address the years since then as well. 2002/2003 were the Portis years. Portis is a stud, and continues to be one for his new team, not a system product. Droughns in 2004, He's the first Browns back to rush for 1k in years, he obviously is no scrub. Denver isn't makng nobodies into stars anymore, they've been lucky to find talented backs. There's nothing to say that luck will hold. I'm sorry but people don't have to crown Denver the king of rushing without a premiere back before Training camp even starts. That is pure arrogant homerism.

That said, I full expect to be a successful rushing team. I just can totally understand someone being skepical, especially non-denver fans.
Hmmmmm....so Droughs was a star before he got the starting nod? He was our backup fullback and part time kick returner that we picked up off the scrap heap in Detroit.

Portis was a sure fire stud coming into Denver out of the 2nd round? That was a guarantee?

Both guys are very good running backs. However, I think most of us are basing their thoughts on the coaching staff. The Broncos have had question marks at RB before, but time and time again someone steps up to the plate. That's not luck, that's preparation. Based off of history, my best guess is that Bobby Turner and Mike Shanahan like what they have at RB. For me, that's good enough. It's not arrogance or homerism, its a prediction based heavily in solid fact.

[2KBack]

Hmmmmm....so Droughs was a star before he got the starting nod? He was our backup fullback and part time kick returner that we picked up off the scrap heap in Detroit.

Portis was a sure fire stud coming into Denver out of the 2nd round? That was a guarantee?

Both guys are very good running backs. However, I think most of us are basing their thoughts on the coaching staff. The Broncos have had question marks at RB before, but time and time again someone steps up to the plate. That's not luck, that's preparation. Based off of history, my best guess is that Bobby Turner and Mike Shanahan like what they have at RB. For me, that's good enough. It's not arrogance or homerism, its a prediction based heavily in solid fact.

Yet it still isn't a FACT that Denver will rush with the same success this year. Is it highly likely, sure, but still won't be a fact until the end of the season. Your prediction isn't a bad one, but calling those who try to maintain an objective approach morons isn't going to win you a lot of support.

[Odysseus]

Sorry for butt-raping this thread, I just think people questioning Denvers running game are morons...

How dare you leave me out of the bashing of the skeptical and jaded! :giggle:

80% of the world would become totally stupid if they couldn't lie with statistics or use the cut and paste feature. Agreed? Think about it.

ON PAPER...Denver cannot possibly be a top ten team. I am pretty sure every Broncos fan would agree that Denver always does better in the real than on paper. I agree with you. I think top five is reasonable BUT....

Which is better? An expensive guy who get you 1,600 yards or two guys you got on the cheap who get you 2,500 yards? Stats are lying. They are comparing one feature back to one of Denver's RBBC. I call stooopid. Stats are decieving in this case.

RBBC is wonderful if teams don't get your players marked but once they figure out a guy's tendencies you quickly find out why cheap backs are paid cheap. RBBC lives and dies on mismatches.

Jake will have to make a lot more short completions next year and actually setup the blitz better. Teams are going to be getting after him because of what the Steelers did.

Our RB are going to have to catch the ball better, pick the blitz and oddly enough run the ball more in order to pass better. Broncos are going to focus on crushing defenses with time on the clock.

This comes along the lines of be careful for what you wish for. I want to see the Broncos face the Colts and straight up win. No more wishing for this team or that team. I want to see our sorry offense take on this juggernaut and win. I think the Broncos have the fire power to do it but again...it would sure be nice to have a franchise back and the other guy versus which one is the man.

Bell has to stand up this off season in order for this to work. Dayne isn't going to carry this team alone 16 games. There is no way.

[Steve Sewell]

Yet it still isn't a FACT that Denver will rush with the same success this year. Is it highly likely, sure, but still won't be a fact until the end of the season. Your prediction isn't a bad one, but calling those who try to maintain an objective approach morons isn't going to win you a lot of support.

I wasn't referring to people here as morons, I was referring to the ESPN honks who get it wrong year, after year, after year. I apologize if you interpreted that way. I like everyone here and I respect opinions (except for Trolls and idiotic first time posters...lol).

I am basing my prediction based off of past facts, I am not saying that it is a fact that Denver will be a top 5 rushing team this season. But chances of the Broncos running game tanking this year, if you look at the past, are highly unlikely...

[Sarcastro]

This will be akin to the Chiefs when they rank the WR. If KC is above 25 on a WR ranking they should fire every one of those analysts. Yet, KC has been in the top 5 in passing for about 5 years now. You don't do that by just throwing to a RB and TE. Same situation as Denver's RB core.

Since I think they are ranking WRs and TEs as one group, KC will probably be in the top 25.