Through 6 (5) games, who is the most improved Bronco?

[Popps]

Lots to choose from, but who has made the biggest strides so far?

1. Demitrin Veal: 13 tackles, one sack. Filled in for Warren and played like a starter.
2. Tatum Bell: Bucked the "he can't carry the load" comments and has done just that.
3. Darrent Williams: In his second year, Shanahan is calling him an "elite" cornerback.
4. D.J. Williams: 31 tackles, blazing speed and showing much better awareness/diagnosis of plays.
5. Michael Myers: 22 tackes, 2 sacks. In 5 games, he's nearing Pryce's production for all of 2005.
6. Ebenezer Ekuban: 16 Tackles, 2.5 sacks, constant pressure on opposing QBs
7. Patrick Chukwurah: 6 tackles, 2 assists, 2.5 sacks. A force on passing downs.
8. Larry Coyer: After an up/down past, man enough to re-think his own scheme for the betterment of the team. Results speak for themselves.

[Garcia Bronco]

"Look who's in the freezer. Uncle Ebenezer!.AHHHHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


-Phish

[SoCalBronco]

Tatum.

[ludo21]

Tatum.

I was one of his supporters all offseason yet I still wasnt sure if he would run with the authority and power he has shown.

Demetrian Veal aint doing shabby either

[epicSocialism4tw]

I'm going to have to say that Champ Bailey looks the most improved.

An injury-free Bailey looks like the best defensive back in the NFL.

[maven]

http://www.supereggplant.com/archives/tatertot%20casserole-thumb.JPG

[brncs_fan]

Tater in a runaway. :strong:

[Popps]

I'm going to have to say that Champ Bailey looks the most improved.

An injury-free Bailey looks like the best defensive back in the NFL.

Champ is just the best of the Broncos, period. I've already created one props thread for him, and probably won't be able to keep myself from doing a few more. The guy is just off the charts good.

If he plays a few more solid seasons for us, we're going to get into the territory where we start asking if he's the best Bronco defender, ever. Tall order, of course... but this guy is going to the Hall of Fame. He does it all. Look at the dude in run support. He ain't no Deion Sanders. He's not just solid.. he's an ASSET against the run.

Obviously, his skills against the pass go without saying.

[freak6]

Why isn't Jake Plummer in this poll? Larry Coyer...lmfao.

[broncocalijohn]

i took Darrent as I compared him from last year. Veal has done very nicely but way too early to tell for this poll. If a separate poll for who has carried the offense? I would say T Bell in a heartbeat.

[Popps]

I went with Ekuban. Here's a guy who I've regularly used as an example of the "rotation" type that's plagued our line. So, what's he do? He comes out of the gates swinging, looking like a real NFL defensive end. He's starting to see double-teams, he's creating havoc on a regular basis and he's already gotten to the QB a few times this season, and pressured a ton.

All the guys are deserving, though.

[maven]

Larry Coyer...lmfao.

I agree. WTF is he doing on the poll.:rofl:

[Popps]

I should have voted for P-chuk. After making a crucial error in game one, he later vindicated himself by vomiting on the field, and staying in for the next play!

[Popps]

I agree. WTF is he doing on the poll.:rofl:

Why not? Look at the style of defense his squad is playing as opposed to last year. It's not even close. He talked about mistakes he'd made after last season, addressed them and the results have been good.

How many coaches come and and say... yea, I've been kind of screwing up, but I'm going to fix it.

... then, actually do?

Why not have him on the list?

[freak6]

WAFI

When did Larry Coyer say "I've been screwing up?"

Popps is just trying to justify the stupidest post in Mane history, when he stated just<u> 2 weeks ago</U>
Larry Coyer has been MARGINAL, I can't believe anyone would be kissing his ass.

And now, he is doing just that. <b>Popps is by far, the biggest hypocrite in Mane history. </b>Absolutely zero credibility, and <u>just keeps posting the same BS over and over until someone believes it. </u>

<b>This is exhibited clearly in my signature,</b> how Popps said this asanine statement, and ludo21 took it, ran with it, and posted something even more ignorant which I <U>underlined</u> in my signature.

He trys to justify this BS with his asanine opinion that the style of defense from last year to this year isn't even close. Duh, you change your scheme from season to season, but Popps wouldn't know that, because his knowledge is juvenial. We were going to change our scheme regardless, the real test comes to the next adjustment because coordinators are going to find holes in it. We still do zone blitzes that Pryce complained about, that led to Foxy's interception vs the Ravens, tipped by Warren.

Example -
The 97 Broncos were the worst in YPC given up. In 98, we were one of the top teams in the NFL in the same category, with essentially the same group of players. You have to change the scheme from season to season.

The redzone turnovers are saving us this year. Lynch is quoted as we took 75% of our reps in camp in redzone D. Another credit to Coyer. But even last year, we were #5 in Defensive scoring, this year we are #1 so far. Not that big of a difference, especially after only 6 games against offenses like the Raiders, Chiefs, and Ravens at home. In each of those games we had a Redzone TO.

Uh oh, looks like Freakzilla just broke out the facts and destroyed another ignorant rant by Popps based upon his own imagination and lack of knowledge. If our defense sucked last year, or was even <b>MARGINAL</b>, then I could see him up there, but Coyer has been an outstanding coordinator since he got here, even if his scheme failed vs the Steelers in the AFC Championship.

[ludo21]

Yeah, 1 to 5 in scoring isnt that big of a deal.

But going from 16 ppg to 7 ppg allowed is.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Uh oh, looks like Freakzilla just broke out the facts and destroyed another ignorant rant by Popps based upon his own imagination and lack of knowledge.


Goodness, dude. I hope that you dont actually believe what you typed here.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Bell is running away with this. He has impressed even me.

[Bronco Billy]

Bell is running away with this. He has impressed even me.

Now that's impressive!

[bpinna]

Has to be Tatum. He's really on fire in spite of the fact that defenses know it's coming at them.

Chucky and Ekuban are honorable mentions.

[freak6]

Goodness, dude. I hope that you dont actually believe what you typed here.

Are you telling me you think Coyer has been Marginal?

[Sassy]

Champ is just the best of the Broncos, period. I've already created one props thread for him, and probably won't be able to keep myself from doing a few more. The guy is just off the charts good.

If he plays a few more solid seasons for us, we're going to get into the territory where we start asking if he's the best Bronco defender, ever. Tall order, of course... but this guy is going to the Hall of Fame. He does it all. Look at the dude in run support. He ain't no Deion Sanders. He's not just solid.. he's an ASSET against the run.

Obviously, his skills against the pass go without saying.

True...but I'd give a vote to Javon Walker too.

[freak6]

Yeah, 1 to 5 in scoring isnt that big of a deal.

But going from 16 ppg to 7 ppg allowed is.

I agree, but how are you going to say Coyer has been MARGINAL. And the season is only 6 games old. Comparing season stats from a completed season to one still going in PPG right before we face the best offense in the NFL is a little early.

The point is, there is no way Coyer should be on this poll, the defense was solid last year. If anything, the defense has improved because the players are coming together better, Darrent is getting better, and we have forced so many redzone turnovers. It's not like Coyer all of sudden got better!!! Did Coyers scheme call for Champ to shut out two deep drives, or for LJ to fumble at the 7, or for Gold to strip Lamont Jordan? Coyer has changed the scheme, smartly, but he has always been a excellent coordinator.

In total defense, we are #4. Marginal??? BS flag.

[IHaveALight]

No mention of Elvis? ???

[ludo21]

Elvis has no ground to stand to be imrpoved. It will be hard to beat his NCAA record from last year. ;D

The defense as a whole is improved without a doubt, his scheme last year was exposed in the playoffs by the Steelers is what i think Popps is saying he is improved from.

The kind of D we are playing (fundamentally sound football) their isnt much to get out schemed in a playoff scenario, ie, tommorow!

edit: btw, the poll is only for 6 games.

[SportinOne]

It's hard to beat Tatum in this poll.

I don't know how you can call Darrent Williams elite yet. He's a pretty solid tackler, and he's fast with some nice ups. Had a nice pick against the Ravens. I don't know. Maybe he just hasn't made much noise because he has locked his man down all year. I remember hearing about another cb that does that.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with his CB play, but he needs to work on punt returns if he's going to stay back there.

[baja]

If you had said what player is helping the team more this year than he was last year I would say T Bell but since you polled the most improved player over last season I gotta go with DJ Williams.

[Popps]

No mention of Elvis? ???

He's a rook. Just from last year's roster.

But, he's clearly deserving of recognition in a general sense.

[freak6]

Was it Coyer's scheme that shut down the Patriots in the playoffs last year?

Or was it Champ's 14 pt play?

What is the common thread between that game, and the wins over the Raiders, Ravens, and Chiefs at home?

Redzone turnovers.

What did the Steelers do in the AFC Championship game in the Redzone?

Not turn the ball over, and score TDs.

What is another common thread in the last 8 games?

Jake Plummer has sucked in all but one of them.

Not to turn it into that argument again. but it is a fact. So with a consistently garbage QB, how have we won 6 of those 8 games?

Running the ball, redzone turnovers, and solid defense. So what changed from last year to this year? More redzone turnovers, and overall better defense. Something else that has changed, our QB has gotten worse. Not good.

[Popps]

If you had said what player is helping the team more this year than he was last year I would say T Bell but since you polled the most improved player over last season I gotta go with DJ Williams.

Agree on Williams. Just looks visibly more keyed in on every play. Kind of seems like his awareness have caught up to his physical skills, to an extent.


Always been a big Tater fan. I wish we had a pounder to counter him, from time to time... but he's really stepped up his short game this year. Running much harder after initial pop.

[Paladin]

I said Veal.

Last year, Veal was an "also ran" on the DL, and really did not do much to stand out. The entire Borad went apesh*t over the need for an improved DL, and especially wanted a new, shiny DE in the last draft. Guys hereon had schemed various scenarios as to how the Broncos could get Abraham, or a DL form Chicago or wherever. Dumerville is a very pleasant surprise, but I think the impact of Veal on the overall run-stopping game, and in pressing the QB to at least consider the DL's presence is a major reason why the D has done as well as it has so far.

I am not forgetting the DBs and the LBs, but it seems to me that Lang and Veal have brought some toughness and persistance to the DL.

[ludo21]

Cant forget my guy DJ either, he played outstanding this season.

Popps, another guy that could have been addded is Coop, he is playing very well on that right side so far, last season everyone thought he was the weak link, this year all sorts of holes are opening up.

[ScottXray]

Lots to choose from, but who has made the biggest strides so far?

1. Demitrin Veal: 13 tackles, one sack. Filled in for Warren and played like a starter.
2. Tatum Bell: Bucked the "he can't carry the load" comments and has done just that.
3. Darrent Williams: In his second year, Shanahan is calling him an "elite" cornerback.
4. D.J. Williams: 31 tackles, blazing speed and showing much better awareness/diagnosis of plays.
5. Michael Myers: 22 tackes, 2 sacks. In 5 games, he's nearing Pryce's production for all of 2005.
6. Ebenezer Ekuban: 16 Tackles, 2.5 sacks, constant pressure on opposing QBs
7. Patrick Chukwurah: 6 tackles, 2 assists, 2.5 sacks. A force on passing downs.
8. Larry Coyer: After an up/down past, man enough to re-think his own scheme for the betterment of the team. Results speak for themselves.


What about Ian Gold..lights out this year!

[Popps]

Cant forget my guy DJ either, he played outstanding this season.

Popps, another guy that could have been addded is Coop, he is playing very well on that right side so far, last season everyone thought he was the weak link, this year all sorts of holes are opening up.

Damn. Good point. Consider him a write-in. :approve:

Though, looks like Tater has this one in a walk. Hey, our o-line guys wouldn't want to be on this poll, anyway. They'd refuse to accept that much credit.

[Popps]

What about Ian Gold..lights out this year!

Yea, the only reason I didn't put Gold on there is that he was pretty damned good last year, and he also had a quick start last year... and slowed a little as the season went on. But, he's definitely playing well. I guess I was just thinking of guys who had more of a real obvious jump in production. But, he's on top of his game.

I love that guy's energy, too. Every team needs a couple of enthusiastic, spastic types out there trying to keep the guys up. He's definitely that guy for us.

[Northman]

Tatum Bell

[69bronco]

Darrent Williams, he hasn't been too great on PR but in coverage he's awesome.

Tatum was more explosive in 04 and 05 but he's proved he can be an everydown back. Although I predicted he would be an everydown back a couple years ago it seems like no surprise to me.

[Spider]

So I guess a vote for griese isnt an option ;D

[listopencil]

I was going to say Taco Bell until I saw Coyer. I have to go with my Adopt-A-Bronco.

[Popps]

Damn, Tater's leading the rest of the field... combined!

I'll have his jersey on for the 5th weekend in a row. My baby girl and I haven't changed our jerseys since the streak started. Hopefully her diapers continue doing their job, because that thing isn't getting washed until we lose. :)

[BroncoBuff]

I wanted to go with Tatum, but he was pretty damn good last year ....

[BlaK-Argentina]

Tatum, by far.

[Merlin]

I wanted to go with Tatum, but he was pretty damn good last year ....
Yes, but in a totally different context. He was used as a change of pace RB. However this yr he is the man, and has done a very good job (and seems to improve as he gets more experience).

[OrangeShadow]

Its tatum

and it aint close

[elsid13]

I think Ernster needs to be on the poll. From basically so-so before his injury to critical ST this season beating out a pro-bowl punter

[orinjkrush]

T Bell. no brainer.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I think Ernster needs to be on the poll. From basically so-so before his injury to critical ST this season beating out a pro-bowl punter

Ernster has been very poor. Our punting game is a glaring weakness.

[epicSocialism4tw]

What about Ian Gold..lights out this year!

Ian has been one of our top 5 players for the last two seasons. For some reason, the people on this particluar board do not like him and downplay his contributions. Ian has been one of the reasons for our success, at times winning games for us with his big play ability.

[elsid13]

Ernster has been very poor. Our punting game is a glaring weakness.

What are you talking about??? He punting well and kicking the ball into/or near the end zone.

[BroncoMan4ever]

An injury-free Bailey looks like the best defensive back in the NFL.

Hell, an injured Bailey is the best DB in the league.

[Kaylore]

It's Tatum. He needs to work on keeping his energy level up late in games, but other than that he's becoming a complete runner. I think he could be the kind of back the Brian Westbrook and Tiki Barber are.

And Coyer shouldn't be up there because he didn't do anything differently. He's only ever done what Shanahan has asked him to do and do it with the players he was given.

[Bronco Billy]

I'd go with Tater as most improved. But Chukwurah and Dumervil are surprising me. They're both playing well on passing downs. I thought Dumervil would do well (partially because of Khan's reports), but didn't expect him to have an impact this early. I never paid as much attention to Chukwurah as the other Broncos.

[Crushaholic]

Ekuban is in on stops he wouldn't have made last year. He gets my vote.

[Bronco Billy]

Ekuban is in on stops he wouldn't have made last year. He gets my vote.

We're gonna need him to make stops tomorrow! Here's to the Colts being 3-and-out all day! !Booya!

[DivineLegion]

Are you telling me you think Coyer has been Marginal?

Dude lay off the Popps smack every thead ive opened the last two weeks has had some off the wall rant from you about Popps. If you dont like him or the things he says, Ignore him thats why its there but chill out man. Personaly I think he has some good points and is open with his oppinion thats respectable, but you dont just constantly lay into someone for being honest. Hey guess what people change thier minds, big deal. FYI Im pretty sure every one on the board is sick of hearing you b**** about Popps on every thread he posts on, honestly I think you both have respectable oppions (thats why I havent put you on ignore)...so do your self a favor..."STFU":thumbsup:

[Atlas]

If you talk about who has improved more since last season my vote is with John Lynch. He has looked quicker and more agile. He has been coming up in run support and has missed very few tackles. I thought he was on his last legs but now I'm confident he will play next year too.

I wonder why he is so much quicker this year??

http://www.drugscope.org.uk/wip/24/images/steroids.jpg

[Orange_Beard]

Elvis has no ground to stand to be imrpoved. It will be hard to beat his NCAA record from last year. ;D


Hmm, wasn't he inactive the first few games now he leads the team in sacks. I would call that a large improvement.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Bell. From backup to the AFC's leading rusher wins it hands down.