Training camp notes: Damien Nash takes over.

[fontaine]

Oh, where hast thou gone Kaylore!
:P

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=254336&st=400

Broncos Training Camp Report
By Cecil Lammey
8/13/06

The Broncos returned from Detroit with some bad news. Rookie WR Brandon Marshall is now out with a “slight tear” to his PCL. He injured the ligament in the game versus the Lions, and finished the day with only 1 catch for 9 yards. Mike Shanahan commented that he should be back soon, “I think he has a slight tear in his PCL (knee). He should be back in a couple weeks. You don’t worry about things that you have no control over. He is going to have to work his hardest to get back into shape. He has had 30 practices, so he has a good feel for the system. Hopefully, he can get back pretty quickly and get ready for that last preseason game.” It was rather a lazy day out at Dove Valley so let’s get right to it…

Jake Plummer was back in action on Sunday afternoon. The practice was moved 2 hours ahead of the scheduled time. Coach Shanahan explained, “This time of year, I just don’t want the players standing around all day. They had good meetings that were over a little bit earlier than we had anticipated. We just gave them a little bit more time off.” This practice was real laid back, and was limited to just a few drills.

Jay Cutler was beaming on the field. Coming off his solid performance on Friday, the rookie looked even more relaxed than before. Coach Shanahan was very impressed by Cutler’s presence, “He played well and had a good game. I think the offensive line did a good job of protecting him. He was very poised. There were very base defenses and very base offenses on both sides of the ball. For his first game in the National Football League, I was very pleased. A lot of defenses just play vanilla defense, but he played very well. Regardless of whatever type of defense it is, you just have to go out there and do it. It was a pretty good first game.”

Bradlee Van Pelt is privately steaming. Partly because of his demotion, and partly because he didn’t do a very good job Friday night versus the Lions. He feels that if the Broncos only carry 2 QB’s, he must show enough to catch on with another team. Whether or not the Broncos cut Van Pelt, he must improve his game-time performance if he wants any shot at making a roster.

Mike Bell is also a player that must improve when it counts the most. Mike is very upset about fumbling, but knows that he must remain positive. He looked good in drills, showing good hands. To me, it was clearly evident Friday that this race may be closer than people think.

Tatum Bell was pleased with his performance Friday. He is still frustrated, but hopes that with consistent play, he will be named the starter by the end of preseason.

Ron Dayne did not practice today. Mike Shanahan commented, “Ron is doing OK. He has a sore toe, but he will be able to go tomorrow, Greek (Broncos Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) thinks. It is a temporary setback, but he should be OK.”

Cedric Cobbs definitely stated his case for more playing time on Friday. He led all Broncos backs in rushing and showed good power and moves. After starting camp slowly, Cedric has improved his performance the last week or so.

Damien Nash did nothing to stand out.

Cecil Sapp is out with an injury. He has worked his way into the starting lineup so it would be a shame to see him miss his opportunity because of injury. During his pro career he hasn’t shown the ability to stay healthy. Coach Shanahan had this to say, “He has a lower right groin/hamstring injury. He is nursing that, and that is why he was out for a little bit.”

Rod Smith returned to practice today. It was the first time in about a week that he’s practiced because of a sore hamstring. Rod Smith is a pro’s pro, and should be ready to go for this weekends game.

Javon Walker also returned to practice today. His sore knee didn’t look like it was bothering him. He also displayed nice hands (which he has nearly every day in practice).

As aforementioned the Broncos were missing rookie Brandon Marshall. It looks as though he will miss at least 2 weeks of action, but should be ready for the last preseason game.

Darius Watts had a pretty good game on Friday, and hopes to continue to progress with consistent play in practice.

David Kircus is moving up the depth chart, and not only because of Brandon Marshall’s injury. With his very strong performance in Friday’s game, Kircus is now pushing Darius Watts for the #3 WR spot. If Kircus can show consistent hands, as he has most of camp, he should win that job.

Tony Scheffler had a good game in front of his “old-home” crowd. It’s obvious that this kid has all the skills of an elite TE. Coach Shanahan loves what he’s seen so far, “He played pretty good. It was very good for his first game in the National Football League. He caught the ball well, and he blocked pretty good.”

More from the sidelines tomorrow!

[Odysseus]

I think it's too funny to have a real battle at #3.

Kircus, Watts, and Marshall?

Scheffler IMHO is better than Jeb in his first year.

[Bizzle]

Sucks that Marshall got hurt...hopefully it doesn't have a lingering affect and he can get back in 2 weeks.

Anyone have any insight on a slightly torn PCL injury?

[12th man]

We have a nice battle going on for that three spot. Marshall is a beast and has a good camp, watts looked good in the preseason, and kircus has realy impressed. It's going to be interestin to see who comes out on top. You have got to love the depth we have at wr this year.

[Bizzle]

I read up on Marshall in the other post, carry on people...

[BroncoMan4ever]

I think it's too funny to have a real battle at #3.

Kircus, Watts, and Marshall?

Scheffler IMHO is better than Jeb in his first year.

How great is it to finally have more than 1 WR who can make real contributions to the team?

We haven't had that in Denver since Eddie retired.

Finally, we have our old reliable Rod Smith, his soon to be successor in Javon Walker, and as many as 3 guys all fighting just for the number 3 spot, in Watts, Marshall and Kircus. Not to mention our number 3 and 4 from last year Adams and Devoe who are just fighting to make the team.

Not to mention, we finally have a real TE, not a converted WR who is just ok as a TE.

Have we finally found the main receiving weapons of the future?

Imagine this starting lineup in 2009

Cutler, future franchise back(i doubt that either Bell becomes this player, i am betting on a high draft pick that becomes our major runner.),Javon, Marshall, Watts, Scheffler. That could be a formidable and scary offense, with Cutler dropping bombs with near perfect accuracy and a lot of zip on the ball, to receivers who are all good, and of course the running game will always be there. Denver is looking like a team who will be scary for years to come.

[ludo21]

IF one of these guys actually contribute during the reg. season as a #3 WR I will be stoked.

We have NEVER had that. And I really hope that by mid season or so Sheffler is relaxed and ready to be the #1 TE.

[fontaine]

didn't want to start a new thread so here are the reports for the 14th/15th.

Thanks to Cecil Lammy.

full day 15 report:

Broncos Training Camp Report
By Cecil Lammey
8/14/06

It was my birthday today, and what a way to celebrate! Nothing like watching football all day, and talking about it all the time! NFL Network was here today and it was a blast to see the boys! Coach Shanahan commented on the team’s outlook, “We are going to get there. The standards are too high on the defensive side of the ball. Teams with leaderships do well, and we have a lot of good guys, a lot of leaders, and a lot of guys that can play football. Now we just have to get it done and you get it done by coming out here to training camp every day.” Happy Birthday to me, and let’s get right to it…

Jake Plummer hosted another group of soldiers out at training camp today. He looked good for the most part. He had a couple of bad throws, one that was intercepted by Darrent Williams, but otherwise looked pretty solid. I liked his deep pass to David Kircus that went for six.

Jay Cutler was hooking it up again with David Kircus. He did have an interception, and one of his passes was batted down at the line of scrimmage. Rod Smith likes what he’s seen from Cutler so far, “He did well. I am not going to blow it out of proportion like you guys do. I am sure you all think he is John Elway or something. John Elway didn’t start off great. He has some rough times, and Jay is going to have some rough times. From the snaps he took and the decisions he made, he did a great job and that is what you look at, how a guy performs in a different atmosphere. Different pressure form in different atmospheres not going against our guys, and he stepped up and played well. He is going to get better and that is what you want, but he is also going to have some rough times just like the rest of us. But for the most part, he did a good job.”

Bradlee Van Pelt continues to struggle. The mental aspect of this game is really difficult for him. He is a good athlete, and could make the team at a different position. His mistakes seem to stick with him, and he dwells on them. And when he goes out to play he is playing to not make mistakes, instead of playing to make plays.

Mike Bell will not fumble the ball again. This RB race is very close, and the slightest misstep could cost Mike Bell his job. He did a good job of running with power (as usual). I liked the way that he was blocking today. His technique needs some work, but he is very willing.

Tatum Bell was giving it his all today. The cameras were rolling and Tatum seemed to have an extra “pep” in his step. His runs up the middle leave much to be desired, but he was lowering his head and trying to move the pile. That’s an improvement off the Tatum Bell we’ve seen earlier in practice.

Ron Dayne did not practice today.

Cedric Cobbs was average. He shows good power, and is a very instinctive runner. Sometimes he runs out from under his feet though. It seems as though his feet can’t keep up with what his brain is telling them to do.

Damien Nash did nothing worth noting.

Cecil Sapp did not practice.

Kyle Johnson fumbled today.

Rod Smith is back in action, and had a lot to say after the morning session. “It’s about feel, timing. It’s about getting back slowly and getting back into the flow. I am still coming along. I am not 100 percent, but the thing is just getting back out there and getting into the mix with the guys and just being a part of it. If nothing else, just from a leadership standpoint, getting out there and talking to the young guys and make sure that they do things right.”

Javon Walker is getting excited to see his first action in almost a year. Rod Smith also cannot wait to start opposite of Javon, “It is going to be fun. The thing is that we are used to progressing as a team and pulling a lot of things together and correct some mistakes that we made last week. It will be a good test for he and I to see how he is gelling and try to get on pace with the quarterbacks.”

Brandon Marshall did not practice.

Darius Watts had some good catches mixed in with some drops. Standard Watts here.

David Kircus is certainly making the most of his opportunity. He looked really good today, and was wowing the crowd out at Dove Valley. Rod Smith is a fan as well, “He did well. He made a few mistakes, but we all do. The thing is you can’t coach effort and the guy is putting a lot of effort into it. We try to coach him up on all of the small things and make sure that he is doing all of those small things. Everybody worries about the big plays down field, but there are a ton of other things such as running game, position on the field and making sure our guys are all in the right spot. Those things are very important on this team, so you have to stress a lot of the small things to our guys. David is doing a good job and he is working hard, and you can’t take that away from him.”

David Terrell had a couple of nice grabs today. He made a good catch in the red zone on a lob pass, and showed great concentration on a laser that was fired over the middle. I thought there was no way that Terrell would catch it, but he snagged it right out of the air.

Tony Scheffler is looking very good almost every day.

More from the sidelines tomorrow!

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=254336&st=500

[fontaine]

full day 16 report:


Broncos Training Camp Report
By Cecil Lammey
8/15/06

It was another great day out at camp today. Full pads were on in the morning, and the hitting was fierce. Let’s get right to it…

Jake Plummer was making some nice throws. I’m sure he’s happy to have Javon and Rod back in action. I like his decision making the last couple of days (with a few exceptions here and there), and his play action seems to be getting better.

Jay Cutler hooked up with David Kircus for a big play down the sideline. I love when this kid bootlegs, he truly has it down. Peter King reported on Sunday that there isn’t a QB controversy in Denver…yet. Well, the way Jake is playing he should relegate Cutler to 2nd string. I don’t see Cutler getting significant playing time until ’07, unless there’s an injury. Here’s what Coach Shanahan had to say when asked about the tidbits that Titan’s Coach Jeff Fisher shared with him about Cutler on draft day, “Really we don’t talk about playing. We talk about character and what type of person he is. Everybody makes their own evaluation by what they see during games and what they see watching the film throughout all four years. What you don’t know is the little intangibles like what type of person he is, how he handles himself and the way he projects himself in tough situations, and Jeff was able to help me with that.”

Bradlee Van Pelt threw some more bad passes. He had one picked off, and one was swatted away by Darrent Williams in the end zone. The pass was intended for Javon Walker, and if Van Pelt had thrown it correctly Walker would’ve caught it for six.

Mike Bell is all about hanging onto the rock. Coach Shanahan made it clear to him after Friday’s game that he wouldn’t accept anything else. Mike has been running with good burst. He made a run to the edge of the defense that had me checking his number. I thought it was Tatum initially because he made it to the corner so quickly. Mike Bell does have good burst. And he made a sick outside-in spin move that had the defense grasping for air. He was running up the middle with power and knocked Nate Webster’s helmet off. When asked about fumbling, Mike Bell said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s over with.”

Tatum Bell got popped by D.J. Williams on a run up the middle. It didn’t seem to shake him, as I saw him make the best run up the gut that I’ve ever seen him make. He took the handoff, and was immediately north and south. He burst through the line of scrimmage, was into the 2nd level of the defense, and was gone. Coach Shanahan had this to say about Tatum’s progress, “He is in the same position he was a week ago. We have been rotating repetitions the whole time, but we have a lot of competition at a lot of positions. The depth chart changes, and that is why we look at it after every game. Tatum has a lot of ability and hopefully he will meet the challenge.”

Ron Dayne did not practice today with a toe injury.

Cedric Cobbs looked decent enough. He didn’t look as good as he has recently, but he did have good power and vision today.

Damien Nash made a big cutback against the grain to a wide open field. The Broncos staff likes what they’ve seen from Nash, but don’t know if there’s enough room for him on the active roster.

Rod Smith is Rod Smith, ‘nuff said.

Javon Walker was making some nice cuts today. His hands are naturally soft, and he caught nearly every pass (except for the poorly thrown Van Pelt passes). He was testing that knee today, and we’ll see if he continues to practice regularly.

Brandon Marshall did not practice.

David Kircus made some more amazing catches. Everyone loves the fact that he worked at Subway last year. He does have a blue collar work ethic, and that should help him win a roster spot. Kircus says that his time at Subway was actually a positive, "It doesn't bother me. It's all fun and games. If anything that Subway job made me a little more focused, so next year I don't have to go back." I still don’t like his footwork, but his hands are becoming more consistent.

Darius Watts did nothing to stand out today.

David Terrell almost ran out of his shorts, much like Ron Dayne did earlier in camp. He is slow in and out of breaks, but his hands have been pretty good.

Tony Scheffler is a fan, and staff, favorite. His blocking isn’t where it needs to be, but he is working hard at improving his technique.

More from the sidelines tomorrow!

[Killericon]

Looks like my main man Terrell is SOL.

Oh well.

[Clockwork Orange]

I had almost forgotten that we haven't even seen Javon Walker take the field in a Bronco uniform yet.

Feels like thinking you opened all your Christmas presents only to have someone point out that you've still got one more under the tree. :yep:

[fontaine]

>>Newest Report: Looks like Damien Nash is making that climb.

full day 17 report:

Broncos Training Camp Report
By Cecil Lammey
8/16/06

Tuesday say a very hard hitting practice. Today, it was more relaxed, although there were some very aggressive players on the field. Let’s get right to it…

Jake Plummer was making some very good throws today. Easily one of the best days he’s had in camp so far. He threw a couple of fade passes that were very nice. One was a very well placed throw to Rod Smith, and one was to Todd Devoe. He hooked up with Javon on a deep out route. The ball was there in a hurry, which a deep out must be. Nice to see Plummer have such a nice day.

Jay Cutler had a good day except for one play. Cutler had one of his passes picked off by Champ Bailey. Bailey had this to say about it after practice, “You have got a young quarterback (Jay Cutler), so you have got to try to make him look bad. He hesitated on the throw and they were running out routes to that side all day, so I figured I would sit on one.” Champ continued with some tips he gave to Cutler, “I talked to him already. I told him he hesitated and that you can’t do that and that all of the good ones will get it. He has a strong arm and a lot of the times he can do that and still get the ball in, but the great ones will get it.” The crowd went absolutely nuts when that play happened. Champ celebrated with Al Wilson in the endzone, much to the delight of the fans.

Bradlee Van Pelt still is struggling. He says that, “I can play for you or against you. The only handwriting on the wall is that I’m going to play quarterback, if not here then somewhere else.” You go Bradlee.

Mike Bell is still holding off Tatum Bell. He caught a nice middle screen pass from Jake Plummer and took it to the house. It was a well designed play, and the offense executed it perfectly. Mike was money running inside, as usual. I liked his patience behind the line, waiting for his blocks to develop before hitting the hole.

Tatum didn’t really have an outstanding day. Have I mentioned his hands are improved? I cannot stress that enough, because last year Tatum’s hands were awful.

Damien Nash has now surpassed Cedric Cobbs and Ron Dayne on the depth chart. Dayne has that toe injury, so I don’t know if he’ll instantly regain his status once healthy. It does surprise me that he is ahead of Cobbs. Cedric has had a good week of camp, but as I said earlier, perhaps it is too little too late. Nash had a good run off tackle where he showed some good open field wiggle. The Titans are coming to town this weekend, so perhaps Nash is getting pumped to play his old team.

Cedric Cobbs did nothing worth noting. Didn’t look horrible, but didn’t stand out. Coach Shanahan commented on who is on the bubble “That is what we are doing now and that is what camp is all about, people competing for the job. Everybody is on the bubble except for a few. I wouldn’t say Champ (Bailey) is on the bubble, would you?”

Rod Smith looked great in the morning. He had that aforementioned long pass from Plummer that he pulled right off his shoulder pad. It was a great catch, and trademark Rod Smith.

Javon Walker had a good day. He was making some more good cuts, and his knee didn’t seem to be bothering him. Champ Bailey commented on Walker after practice, “I think playing with Brett Favre really helped him learn how to do that because he has the height and athletic ability to go get those balls. Brett Favre used to throw them up all of the time, so I think that is where it comes from a little bit, but of course you have got to have that attitude to want to go get it.” Champ thinks he and Javon have the same mindset when going up for a ball, “Oh yeah, you have got to have that mentality. As a defensive player the rules are against us, so when that ball goes up, you just have to pretend you are a receiver because you will never get it, they call everything in the book. You have got to take advantage of those opportunities.”

Darius Watts made a nice catch in the red zone. He skied up and snatched the ball out of the air. Didn’t see him drop too many passes.

David Kircus made several nice catches today. He is consistent when it comes to concentration and hands. His route running needs work, but his speed allows him to get open against nickel coverage. Champ has been impressed by some of these young guys, “Before Brandon Marshall went down he was definitely looking good. Brian Clark is looking good, we brought him in as a free agent and we didn’t expect him to look as good as he does, but he looks great.”

Todd Devoe made a couple of plays today. He needs to have a monster preseason to make the team.

Tony Scheffler is the man. Warpig, he had a ONE HANDED TD CATCH today. He had to sky way above the defense and snag the ball. He cradled the ball in and came down for six. A great play indeed!

Stephen Alexander looked good today. I haven’t really noticed him much in camp so far, but he did show some solid hands today.

More from the sidelines tomorrow!

[watermock]

It sure seems like Rocket Man and Kircus have "chemistry" regarding each other.

[sbchampbronx]

Great report man, Thanx!!

[fontaine]

It sure seems like Rocket Man and Kircus have "chemistry" regarding each other.

Kircus has 4.4 speed, apparently.

But I'm not buying. Until he proves it in regular season he's just another Kevin Kasper, Adrian Madise type. Bronco WRs have a great habit of becoming invisible once the season rolls around.

[watermock]

Yes, but Kasper never developed a "chemistry".. I just keep hearing Cutler to Kircus. I don't know if it make him stick, I'm just saying Cutler seems to be on the same page with him, Scheff is the same deal.

I'm so excited about Cutler because we drafted alot of WR's that can grow up with Cutler. I think this is Rod's last year...he's leaving too many hints. I honestly think he might make the rare player/coach.

Smith has given several hints he's about done, but also hinted about coaching. He has very much talked about coaching WR's.

I honestly think Rod Smith wants to get an assistant WR coach.job.

[v2micca]

Damien Nash is making some noise in the Broncos backfield huh? Its stuff like this that continues to make Mike Shanahan one of the most cursed names in fantasy football. I love listening to the Sports Guy wine about it on ESPN.com.

[Mediator12]

I think Cecil has a strong case of bias.

Every report has a long paragraph of the GOOD things Kircus does with little negative. Every Watts report says the same thing, good catches and the "DROP REPORT". Anyone else see a problem here? While I was at camp, Kircus dropped just as many passes as Watts. That was a whole week. I would prefer he give the whole story rather than the desired one.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Yes, but Kasper never developed a "chemistry".. I just keep hearing Cutler to Kircus. I don't know if it make him stick, I'm just saying Cutler seems to be on the same page with him, Scheff is the same deal.

I'm so excited about Cutler because we drafted alot of WR's that can grow up with Cutler. I think this is Rod's last year...he's leaving too many hints. I honestly think he might make the rare player/coach.

Smith has given several hints he's about done, but also hinted about coaching. He has very much talked about coaching WR's.

I honestly think Rod Smith wants to get an assistant WR coach.job.
You have just broken a bronco law. Never condemn Rod to retirment. Rod can play till he thinks its time to go.

[GSRelyea]

I had almost forgotten that we haven't even seen Javon Walker take the field in a Bronco uniform yet.

Feels like thinking you opened all your Christmas presents only to have someone point out that you've still got one more under the tree. :yep:

And the last present is always the best- a red rider bb gun...

[Man-Goblin]

Damien Nash is making some noise in the Broncos backfield huh? Its stuff like this that continues to make Mike Shanahan one of the most cursed names in fantasy football. I love listening to the Sports Guy wine about it on ESPN.com.

I think your avatar is bad ass. Where did that come from?

[defenseman]

You have just broken a bronco law. Never condemn Rod to retirment. Rod can play till he thinks its time to go.

I disagree. Shanahan will have a cut on whether or not he's meeting the "top tier" requirement for an NFL WR. Be it confirming or informing, shanahan will interject in his own way when the time comes...dman

[fontaine]

I think Cecil has a strong case of bias.

Every report has a long paragraph of the GOOD things Kircus does with little negative. Every Watts report says the same thing, good catches and the "DROP REPORT". Anyone else see a problem here? While I was at camp, Kircus dropped just as many passes as Watts. That was a whole week. I would prefer he give the whole story rather than the desired one.


I think that may be true of Tatum vs Mike as well. If Tatum doesn't make a great cut and explode for 20 yards then he's being hesitant.

But when Mike Bell gets tackled hard for a loss etc it's the defense doing a great job!

I guess different standards for high draft choices which is probably fair enough.

[Arkansas Bronco]

I disagree. Shanahan will have a cut on whether or not he's meeting the "top tier" requirement for an NFL WR. Be it confirming or informing, shanahan will interject in his own way when the time comes...dman
I really think that rod will know when its time without anyone having to tell him.

[Sprout]

I really think that rod will know when its time without anyone having to tell him.

Not sure what hints we're talking about. Rod stated on AM950 this morning that they would have to fire him because he doesn't see himself quitting. I really wish I had heard the first half of that appearance - sounded like a good one.

[Odysseus]

Not sure what hints we're talking about. Rod stated on AM950 this morning that they would have to fire him because he doesn't see himself quitting. I really wish I had heard the first half of that appearance - sounded like a good one.

Right on. I want to see Rod play until the wheels fall off. :notworthy

Right now what is exciting to me is the Broncos have 5 different wide recievers who could make an impact. They have 5 different styles, backgrounds and approachs to the game. I think it would be incredible to see Smith, Walker, Marshall, Kircus, and Watts just flat out lighting it up.

I would love to be this excited about our DEFENSIVE LINE. Apparently the Broncos want to the Chiefs with their offense. All flash and no stop.

[youcandoit1687]

we still have a great back 7, arguably one of the best if not the best in the league. honestly, if we can get a solid DT and a solid DE, we are looking very good. for now, it is definitely a weakness, maybe our only weakness if the TE and (dare i say) RB positions can have somone step up

[Odysseus]

we still have a great back 7, arguably one of the best if not the best in the league. honestly, if we can get a solid DT and a solid DE, we are looking very good. for now, it is definitely a weakness, maybe our only weakness if the TE and (dare i say) RB positions can have somone step up

CAUTION: OFF SEASON RANT
Our back 7 are going to out with injuries from tackling running backs unchecked at the line of scrimmage. If our tackling continues to be as feminine as it is I'm going to send them discounts for pancakes at IHOP and some pom poms. "Go back seven! Go back seven! You can stop them! Go!" Maybe get Warren some knee high go go boots in bright orange shiny leather.

Did anyone else watch any of the other teams in pre season on defense? I'm not panicking but if these don't burn the boats and act like the only way home is through Lombardi land we'll have another off season of well wishing.

THIS is the year for the Broncos. Raiders are gooey soft. Herm is an idiot. Chargers? Schotts team? That guy is hamstrung! The Broncos have to stop F___ around during the off season and get on the horse and ride!

RANT MODE: OFF

You make a good point. I think we'll be alright.

[ward63]

Right on. I want to see Rod play until the wheels fall off. :notworthy

Right now what is exciting to me is the Broncos have 5 different wide recievers who could make an impact. They have 5 different styles, backgrounds and approachs to the game. I think it would be incredible to see Smith, Walker, Marshall, Kircus, and Watts just flat out lighting it up.

I would love to be this excited about our DEFENSIVE LINE. Apparently the Broncos want to the Chiefs with their offense. All flash and no stop.

Only thing bout that, is I don't want people questioning whether or not Rod should be used for a roster spot when he gets older. I say if Rod wants to keep playing, let him and it'll always be worth the roster spot in my book.

[Popps]

Kircus doesn't look special, but at least he can push Watts for the gig. I think we'll be in great shape at #3, now. (Finally!) One of those guys will pan out.

I'm actually starting to get a wee bit worried about the RB spot. I'm sure we'll be fine, I just don't see a clear cut starter out of this bunch. I really liked Anderson in that role with Bell coming in to spell him. Anderson was so consistent. But, we've got a couple of games left to evaluate. Maybe M Bell will rebound this week.

[Falconer]

I'm actually starting to get a wee bit worried about the RB spot. I'm sure we'll be fine, I just don't see a clear cut starter out of this bunch. I really liked Anderson in that role with Bell coming in to spell him. Anderson was so consistent. But, we've got a couple of games left to evaluate. Maybe M Bell will rebound this week.

I really liked what I saw from M. Bell last Friday. He had explosiveness to the hole and ran with power. I think his first three carries were for 15 yards. His following carries with hardly any yardage was more attributable to our second string OL against Detroit’s first string. There was the fumble, but unless it is something that becomes a habit, I am not worried.

I also have a good feeling about Watts. His drops are magnified by his past. Like Med said in another thread, that last pass by BVP hit Kircus right in the hands but nary a word from anybody. Additionally, since Rod and Javon were out our second string wide receivers were going against first string cbs

If we can somehow figure out how to get a decent rush from our line, we have a great chance at winning it all this year.

[Paladin]

Marshall does not have to win the #3 spot, actually. He needs to make the final six, which I am sure he has. He will then have the regular season to move up as he gets more aclimated to the NFL. I think that would be a rather short wait, but if he is, say, #4, he will get some action out there.

Damien Nash is getting some attention. I do not think Dayne will make this team.

[baja]

Marshall willbe in on many packages regardless of his # IMO

[ludo21]

Marshall willbe in on many packages regardless of his # IMO


exactly, as MEd said, each WR has their own unique ability.

Marshall is a red zone threat, Watts can get open like no other, 3rd down..

I cant wait till Sat. WOOOHOO!!:strong:

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Damien Nash is getting some attention. I do not think Dayne will make this team.

I don't know Pal - I can't see going into the season with two UDFA rookies and a Tatum who has not lived up to expectations. Unless they get someone else I think Dayne sticks.

[BroncoFiend]

Yikes! Damien Nash is making some noise in the Broncos backfield huh? Its stuff like this that continues to make Mike Shanahan one of the most cursed names in fantasy football. I love listening to the Sports Guy wine about it on ESPN.com.

Yikes! What have you done to the Broncos logo!!! Yikes!

[Cito Pelon]

Kircus has 4.4 speed, apparently.

But I'm not buying. Until he proves it in regular season he's just another Kevin Kasper, Adrian Madise type. Bronco WRs have a great habit of becoming invisible once the season rolls around.

I don't recall Kaaspar or Madise showing much at any time. Kircus didn't look natural as a KO returner, Kaspar was better, but as a WR Kircus appears much better. We'll see.

[Cecil Lammey]

I think Cecil has a strong case of bias.

Every report has a long paragraph of the GOOD things Kircus does with little negative. Every Watts report says the same thing, good catches and the "DROP REPORT". Anyone else see a problem here? While I was at camp, Kircus dropped just as many passes as Watts. That was a whole week. I would prefer he give the whole story rather than the desired one.


I actually don't like Kircus (ask Khan). But he has turned my opinion around with his production in camp. I scouted him at Detroit, and was intrigued by his ability (hell, even wrote an article on him back in 2004). I have seen a TON of players look good/great in preseason, but stink in the NFL. Kircus was, to me, one of those small school guys who won't make the transition to the NFL.

His camp started out rough, but he has stepped up his game, and seems to be making good strides towards making a roster spot.

I have been out at camp every day, reporting on it for AM 950 and Footballguys. The player that has been the most consistent to me is Kircus.

And no Bronco bias here, I'm a lifelong Steelers fan. :towelwave:

[Mediator12]

I actually don't like Kircus (ask Khan). But he has turned my opinion around with his production in camp. I scouted him at Detroit, and was intrigued by his ability (hell, even wrote an article on him back in 2004). I have seen a TON of players look good/great in preseason, but stink in the NFL. Kircus was, to me, one of those small school guys who won't make the transition to the NFL.

His camp started out rough, but he has stepped up his game, and seems to be making good strides towards making a roster spot.

I have been out at camp every day, reporting on it for AM 950 and Footballguys. The player that has been the most consistent to me is Kircus.

And no Bronco bias here, I'm a lifelong Steelers fan. :towelwave:

The bias is in the Watts report. As much as I saw, I was there too for a week, they were about the same in Drops. In fact, the last two days I was there Kircus was really struggling and Watts did not drop a ball.

On the other hand, NFL network's TC report had Shanahan praising Watt's hands and for not dropping balls, while calling Kircus out for blowing a couple of routes. It's not that Watts has been perfect, he has not. It's the illusion that Kircus has done no wrong and seems to be the emphasis of the WR reports.

Brian Clark has also been spectacular in camp, but no one seems to write about a "speed guy" with good hands and better routes than advertised.

I appreciate the work you do in covering the Broncos. Must be easier after the AFCC game ;D I just wanted to point out something I noticed from being there myself. Keep up the good work.

[Cecil Lammey]

The bias is in the Watts report. As much as I saw, I was there too for a week, they were about the same in Drops. In fact, the last two days I was there Kircus was really struggling and Watts did not drop a ball.

On the other hand, NFL network's TC report had Shanahan praising Watt's hands and for not dropping balls, while calling Kircus out for blowing a couple of routes. It's not that Watts has been perfect, he has not. It's the illusion that Kircus has done no wrong and seems to be the emphasis of the WR reports.

Brian Clark has also been spectacular in camp, but no one seems to write about a "speed guy" with good hands and better routes than advertised.

I appreciate the work you do in covering the Broncos. Must be easier after the AFCC game ;D I just wanted to point out something I noticed from being there myself. Keep up the good work.

The AFCC was really hard! I had to maintain professionalism on the air, had to talk to rabid Broncos fans, and in the lockerroom after the game had to contain my excitement!

I like Brian Clark too, and feel he didn't get a fair shake at NC State.

[watermock]

Not sure what hints we're talking about. Rod stated on AM950 this morning that they would have to fire him because he doesn't see himself quitting. I really wish I had heard the first half of that appearance - sounded like a good one.

They have been subtle hints but they are there. Hair now has flecks of gray, his coach on the field mentality that is kinda new or at least commented on by himself. At this point it's year by year IMO. I'm sure he will play at least 2 more years if healthy, up to 40. I simply can't see him after that.

[watermock]

Clark's name keep coming up like that one guy....some unknown 6th rounder from Georgia. Now im not saying he's going to a franchise player by any means. But anytime someone just seems to keep being mentioned my ears perk up. I know nothing about him...zilch. I just learned he was from NC State. That's all I know other than he's getting attention and is a WR.

I have absolutely no doubt that we are going to try to get a couple impact DL...maybe even do some dancing to move up. We were great against the run again but don't underestimate not just the yardage, but the mental aspect in that all elusive "momentum". I just don't think Dumervil has the size to match up with 330 pound behemoths. Depending on the success of our backs, we might try to get that elusive franchise back missing since TD was hurt over half a decade ago. I'm almost posititive it will be either a DL or tailback first if anything is there. You never know with Shanny tho. He seems to relish surprising us. NOONE thought we would get one of the Big Three.