View Full Version : Reasons to be a Happy Broncos Fan Today
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 10:21 AM
1) We improved our running game, my #1 offseason priority. Travis Henry appears to be on a short term, "prove it to me" kind of deal (see article about his cap number). But he is hard running son of a gun that people much smarter than me feel is a perfect fit for this offense. Graham gives us maybe the most versatile TE in the league (although maybe not deserving to be the highest paid!). We got some depth at OL. We got rid of Foster. If this OL gels this offense will be lights out next year! I think this team can be dominant once again by controlling the tempo of the game, and you do that with a running game.
I know the majority think we should sign 20 DL and 18 more DBs. I am in the minority that is elated we didn't get Kerney. He has averaged 7 sacks in his NFL career -- hardly difference making numbers for that huge bonus he got. 2005 showed us that with some imagination you can indeed get by with scraps and re-treads on the DL.
If our running game is firing on all cylinders then it makes our defense better because A) they play less fewer snaps and B) we convert our redzone opportunities and force the opponent into passing situations. More importantly it makes Jay Cutler a better QB by having the defense play on their heels. It will be important to protect Jay as he grows into a starter -- especially if we want to win any time soon.
San Francisco came into our stadium and knocked us out of the playoffs by proving exactly what my hypothesis is here.
1) We didn't convert in the redzone
2) They protected their young QB and kept our D on its heels by riding Gore
3) They were able to make Cutler (concussion, pick 6) uncomfortable because they didn't respect our run game
San Fran is not the better football team. But their ability to run the ball and our inability gave them a monster edge.
2) It sure is looking like we are gonna fleece the Skins (again). There is too much going on there for it all to be just talk. The central point of my thesis here is that if Denver really wanted Bly to be a Bronco, they would give him an extension. Denver is ALWAYS willing to pony up the dough -- even when they don't have it. They made this deal to acquire Bly as an asset as they covet a high pick and know Washington needs more picks and is therefore willing to move down. They are selling it hard if you ask me, having Bates come out and suggest that "we think he'll warm up to it".
This feeds into my point in #1 in that perhaps by moving up in the draft we get a shot at that coveted DE/DT and improve both areas of the team.
Sassy
03-07-2007, 10:26 AM
It sure is looking like we are gonna fleece the Skins (again). There is too much going on there for it all to be just talk. The central point of my thesis here is that if Denver really wanted Bly to be a Bronco, they would give him an extension. Denver is ALWAYS willing to pony up the dough -- even when they don't have it. They made this deal to acquire Bly as an asset as they covet a high pick and know Washington needs more picks and is therefore willing to move down. They are selling it hard if you ask me, having Bates come out and suggest that "we think he'll warm up to it".
They moved really fast on the Bly deal...maybe that was their plan all along ;D
broncosteven
03-07-2007, 10:36 AM
At this point I would feel better about a Bly trade & move up to get right DL man.
I agree that O will make D stronger. We still need guys to fit Bates system though.
With signing of Graham we should be set on O other than low round role players. I hope they stack the draft in favor of D, maybe some OL depth in day 2.
Ratboy
03-07-2007, 10:40 AM
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 10:42 AM
I hope they stack the draft in favor of D, maybe some OL depth in day 2.
In general I agree and think they will. We still need some help at RB, maybe a guy like Bush if he falls? IF we manage to move up? Who knows. What if a guy like Thomas falls to #6? Its not impossible.
I like the idea of youth on D anyway. Get some young guys that want to hustle and play hard. Plus those guys can help on special teams.
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 10:43 AM
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
I like where your mind is at :sunshine:
I'd take Thomas in a heart beat. If not it has to be a DE right? We are set at QB and WR, the only other positions worthy of that high a pick. I suppose Branch is in play, but I don't like that move. I worry that Branch might take too many plays off in the pros.
broncsyanks
03-07-2007, 10:44 AM
the best part about your idea with bly is that we will get shawn springs back in the deal. and move up. sweet
BroncoFiend
03-07-2007, 10:47 AM
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
I disagree, I fully expect this whole Bly trade to blow over, the Broncos stay at 21 and draft the best D-lineman in a deep class and use all 4 of their day one picks to add depth and youth to the defense.
Bailey - Bly - Foxworth
That is an amazing trio!
OrangeShadow
03-07-2007, 10:48 AM
reason #1) our team isnt the raiders or chiefs
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 10:59 AM
I disagree, I fully expect this whole Bly trade to blow over
Its not impossible and it wouldn't shock me if that happened. But it adds up. Why did Denver bring in Macklin for a visit? Do we need a #7 DB with Paymah, Foxworth, Bly, and Bailey on the roster?
It is very unlikely that Denver would have made this move IMO without talking contract terms with Bly if their intent was a long term one. (See Javon Walker's trade last year). Otherwise Bly just walks at the end of the year bitter and upset. What's the point in that? You don't trade for a player of Bly's caliber, knowing that he wants a new contract, and then ignore the issue. It's not smart business unless you have other ideas in mind.
Denver is in a position where they have options. If Washington doesn't make the deal that we want, then we have the best pair of corners in the league. If Washington does? Then we have a ton of potential to get some playmakers in the draft.
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
The 6th pick is kind of a tweener for our needs if we do get that pick I think we will move up further or more likely down for the real value of the 6th pick thus fleecing the Skins again only in more of a "in your face" manner.
;D
broncosteven
03-07-2007, 11:54 AM
I cannot see the skins doing a trade with us for a 3rd year in a row.
My only fear with Bly is that the trade does not go through, he gets mad & sits out the year.
Tredici
03-07-2007, 11:54 AM
Just being a Bronco fan is a reason to be happy.
There. Homer Post of the Day.
Steve Sewell
03-07-2007, 12:02 PM
In general I agree and think they will. We still need some help at RB, maybe a guy like Bush if he falls? IF we manage to move up? Who knows. What if a guy like Thomas falls to #6? Its not impossible.
I like the idea of youth on D anyway. Get some young guys that want to hustle and play hard. Plus those guys can help on special teams.
If you saw Joe Thomas' combine workout on NFL Network, you'd know that there is no way he's falling to #6 in this draft. I've never seen a guy as big as that, move the way he did. It was incredible.
Gcver2ver3
03-07-2007, 12:16 PM
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
or.....
I disagree, I fully expect this whole Bly trade to blow over, the Broncos stay at 21 and draft the best D-lineman in a deep class and use all 4 of their day one picks to add depth and youth to the defense.
Bailey - Bly - Foxworth
That is an amazing trio!
The good news is that any event....it's a win win for the broncos...
what a great offseason this has been
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 12:22 PM
My only fear with Bly is that the trade does not go through, he gets mad & sits out the year.
He has 4.2M reasons not to do that. Plus he has an extension on the horizon if he plays.
But its just not good business for Denver to do it that way. If they are big enough Bly fans to send two starters off last years squad and a draft pick to Detroit, why wouldn't they give him an extension?
Why didn't they just bring Javon in last off season and say tough, play through your current deal? Because its not good business if you intend to keep the guy long term.
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 12:23 PM
If you saw Joe Thomas' combine workout on NFL Network, you'd know that there is no way he's falling to #6 in this draft. I've never seen a guy as big as that, move the way he did. It was incredible.
Its very unlikely, but possible. You never know what teams are targeting any more. Guys like Tony Mandrich and Robert Gallery provide enough incentive to beware.
It might be that the FO is a wee bit busy right now to think about redoing Bly
watermock
03-07-2007, 12:27 PM
He has 4.2M reasons not to do that. Plus he has an extension on the horizon if he plays.
But its just not good business for Denver to do it that way. If they are big enough Bly fans to send two starters off last years squad and a draft pick to Detroit, why wouldn't they give him an extension?
Why didn't they just bring Javon in last off season and say tough, play through your current deal? Because its not good business if you intend to keep the guy long term.
We are likely bouncing or on the top of the cieling of the cap.
Old Dude
03-07-2007, 12:31 PM
It might be that the FO is a wee bit busy right now to think about redoing Bly
No kidding. Lots of contingencies and no big reason to rush anything through for at least a couple of weeks.
watermock
03-07-2007, 12:32 PM
Never let them see you sweat.
Mr. Trout
03-07-2007, 12:38 PM
I have no doubt in my mind Dre Bly will be a Skin soon.
We'll be entering the draft with the #6 pick, who they take, i don't have a clue.
With Javon being a playmaker and Marshall showing his abilities, i doubt we take Calvin Johnson. Joe Thomas is an option too, but i bet they have their eyes set on Gaines Adams. Who knows, Adrian Peterson could fall to us and we can drop back a few slots and pick up some extra picks.
Alan Branch or Jamaal Anderson!!
If you saw Joe Thomas' combine workout on NFL Network, you'd know that there is no way he's falling to #6 in this draft. I've never seen a guy as big as that, move the way he did. It was incredible.
And people on this board tried arguing that Levi Brown was the better pro prospect.
Thomas is a better LT prospect than anyone since Pace and Ogden. Ferguson, Gallery, you name it. The guy abuses speed rushers like no one else.
OrangeShadow
03-07-2007, 01:18 PM
Joe thomas should of won the heisman
WoodMan
03-07-2007, 01:47 PM
the #1 reason I am a happy Bronco Camper today is that Travis is going to replace Tatum in our offense. I will take his power over Tatums break away any day. I love the consistant yards and consequently first downs to the threat of a breakaway. It definietely helps control the LOS, especially in the fourth quarter.
Tatum's fumbles in the later part of the year really killed us at critical times. Henry had fumble problems in I believe his second year but the past several years they have been corrected. I think Mike Bell will make an excellent back coming in to relieve Henry. Henry is only like 5' 9" but weighs about 220. Fire plug! Denver's running game has improved significantly. I can only hope it is all the way back. Play Action has a new face in Denver.:sunshine:
WoodMan
03-07-2007, 02:10 PM
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235216
Travis Henry
# 20 Travis Henry
Position: RB
Height: 5-9
Weight: 215
Born: 10/29/1978
College: Tennessee
NFL Experience: 7
Rushing
Year Team G GS Att Yds Avg Lg TD 20+ 1st
2001 Buffalo 13 12 213 729 3.4 25 4 2 34
2002 Buffalo 16 16 325 1438 4.4 34 13 10 72
2003 Buffalo 15 15 331 1356 4.1 64 10 5 76
2004 Buffalo 10 5 94 326 3.5 19 0 0 17
2005 Tenn 10 1 88 335 3.8 29 0 2 11
2006 Tenn 14 13 270 1211 4.5 70 7 9 48
TOTAL 78 62 1321 5395 4.1 70 34 28 258
Receiving
Year Team G GS Rec Yds Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ 1st
2001 Buffalo 13 12 22 179 8.1 40 0 1 1 6
2002 Buffalo 16 16 43 309 7.2 26 1 2 0 13
2003 Buffalo 15 15 28 158 5.6 18 1 0 0 9
2004 Buffalo 10 5 10 45 4.5 10 0 0 0 4
2005 Tenn 10 1 13 117 9.0 42 0 1 1 5
2006 Tenn 14 13 18 78 4.3 12 0 0 0 2
TOTAL 78 62 134 886 6.6 42 2 4 2 39
Fumbles
Year Team G Fum Lost Fum Forced Own Rec Opp Rec Yds Tot Rec TD
2001 Buffalo 13 5 2 0 2 0 0 2 0
2002 Buffalo 16 11 8 0 1 0 0 1 0
2003 Buffalo 15 7 3 0 2 0 0 2 0
2004 Buffalo 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005 Tenn 10 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
2006 Tenn 14 3 1 0 2 0 0 2 0
TOTAL 78 28 1 0 8 0 0 8 0
Odysseus
03-07-2007, 02:22 PM
Good points Bloodsunday. Running game matters.
Kaylore
03-07-2007, 02:46 PM
Travis Henry's abilities as a receiver cannot be overlooked. With Cutler heaving the rock around more, Henry will make a frightening check down. On screens he's going to really shine.
bloodsunday
03-07-2007, 03:35 PM
We are likely bouncing or on the top of the cieling of the cap.
Its conceivable, but I don't buy it.
A) Mike Shanahan doesn't take a piss without and execution plan.
B) They make these deals all the time with players. They knew the score with Bly (that he was looking to cash in) when they made the deal. If they intended to extend him, they would.
And it still doesn't explain why they are talking to Washington at all or why they brought Macklin in for a workout.
Denver holds the cards here, so maybe he's traded, maybe he's not. They won't get screwed on the deal. But I think its pretty clear that their INTENT is to trade him.
Schefter reports that NO has inquired as well. http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10043397