Just Growing Pains, Only Week 3

[Willynowei]

The loss sucks, but I like the upside.

Now i don't know what other people expected from this team, I know I was hoping for .500 going into around week 8 and maybe breaking into the playoffs playing our best football.

I don't see whats so surprising about today, we played the same way we did in weeks one and two but against a team who could exploit our weaknesses a little more. Marshall looked dominating, Cutler's improving and I saw some of our young D-linemen do good things today.

We need our players to think less, react more and that may or may not fix itself on time. One things for sure, our Linebackers are a main concern for the team, however we had very good linebacker play from both DJ and Gold up until the middle of last season, so I don't see this as hopeless. And if anyone actually expected this to be a Superbowl team with an essentially rookie qb, you're kidding yourself. Its simply never happened before.

The coaching staff maintains that the problem has been absorbing the scheme and hopefully they are right, and that at some point our front seven will tighten up. In anycase, I feel its absolutely possible for the Defense to turn it around, why? Because it happens with other NFL teams all the time; a lot of teams with young talent and new schemes suffer the same problem.

[BroncoInferno]

Wow, a sober post after a loss. Less surprising is the fact that only one person had viewed the thread as of this post. That's because the whining bastards on this board like to wallow in self-pity and pretend they are being realists. As I said on another thread, we will win a minimum of 11 games this season and I'll bet sigs on that point.

[Northman]

The loss sucks, but I like the upside.

Now i don't know what other people expected from this team, I know I was hoping for .500 going into around week 8 and maybe breaking into the playoffs playing our best football.

I don't see whats so surprising about today, we played the same way we did in weeks one and two but against a team who could exploit our weaknesses a little more. Marshall looked dominating, Cutler's improving and I saw some of our young D-linemen do good things today.

We need our players to think less, react more and that may or may not fix itself on time. One things for sure, our Linebackers are a main concern for the team, however we had very good linebacker play from both DJ and Gold up until the middle of last season, so I don't see this as hopeless. And if anyone actually expected this to be a Superbowl team with an essentially rookie qb, you're kidding yourself. Its simply never happened before.

The coaching staff maintains that the problem has been absorbing the scheme and hopefully they are right, and that at some point our front seven will tighten up. In anycase, I feel its absolutely possible for the Defense to turn it around, why? Because it happens with other NFL teams all the time; a lot of teams with young talent and new schemes suffer the same problem.



Excellent post. Im not worried. There will be some stomach turning moments this year but overall its a work in progress.

[Bronx33]

Rep

[BroncoInferno]

I mean, Jesus Christ folks, freakin Miami blew us out 34-10 in '05 and we only lost two more games the rest of the season. Have a little perspective.

[Ray Finkle]

Best Anti-Bloodsunday post ever!

[Kaylore]

I agree. I just think the improvement will happen later rather than sooner. I think Crowder, Moss and Thomas will eventually figure things out and come together. I have hopes that DJ will think less and just start playing his gap. He still doesn't trust the scheme and dances too much.

The biggest reason we're going to be ok:

Elvis Dumervil
Jay Cutler
Brandon Marshall
Selvin Young (yeah he fumbled, but he'll be ok)

I think after the bye we'll have a good feel of how this team is going to look.

[bronco militia]

IMO, the defesne is getting worse every week. Just in time for Peanut head and the rest of the Indi offense to give the Broncos their annual Cornholing

[ZONA]

There was only one real problem today. The defense allowed way too many long 3rd down conversions. They would play hard on the first and second down all too often, only to melt down and allow a big first down to keep drives alive. This kept our offense from getting on the field and getting flow. Gerrard ran for 3 or 4 of those long 3rd downs too. Where was the SPY? I think that one might go on Bates. He got out schemed today by a has been college coach (Dirk Cutter). Also, when we did send the house, it was the most pathetic 6, 7 and 8 man blitz I have ever seen. Nobody even got a clean shot. When they can block your 7 with only 5, that's sad, so very sad.

I still think our offense is going to keep getting better but ONLY if this crap defense can get the F off the field.

[12th man]

I just finished watching the game. Honestly, I am not concerned. We are a better football team than what we looked like today. We just kept shooting ourselves in the foot.

The way I see it is that it's only one loss. We still have alot of football to be played and this team will still be in the thick of the playoff hunt 8 weeks from now.

[telluride]

Good post. And no one here thought we'd go undefeated, so it will all eve out by the end of the season. We do have some Gooooood young talent on this team.

[Willynowei]

IMO, the defesne is getting worse every week. Just in time for Peanut head and the rest of the Indi offense to give the Broncos their annual Cornholing

I think the d-line has shown progress but will face much stiffer competition next week to get a gauge of where they are in both the run and pass. However, I agree that the play of the linebackers have not shown any noticeable improvement and in some cases have looked worse, but that likely has more to do with the competition than them.

[Mediator12]

Nice thread willy!

It's not time to panic, but the advantage of the new scheme on defense wore off this week as JAX did a marvelous coaching job in playcalling the run game. They went right after the weaknesses of this defense and unfortunately they were also their strengths. The playactioned for most of their passing game, they allowed the QB to scramble on cover 2 man, and they abused the "C" gaps relentlessly. Those are things they do well and DEN just has no solved on dfense yet.

Offensively, they were effective when they did not turn the ball over. Ball security needs to improve, but there were continued signs of growth today. The running game was not solid at all, but they are going to struggle with BIG DL. JAX just kept them off the field as best they could and controlled the number of plays decisively.

The concerning thing is the lack of any noticeable ST's improvement for the third consecutive Week. O'Brien is a good coach, but I think DEN really lacks a commitment to ST's as a team. The guys do not see it as a stepping stone, but a necessary evil to get to play.

Overall, This team matches up surprisingly well with INDY if The Nickle CB is Foxworth next week. What worries me is Addai if DEN has to sustain a nickle with no huddle. That guy will kill them on cutbacks and inside zones and allow the PA passes to develop deep. I hope Lynch can make it back soon as well.

[Broncos4tw]

We beat a crappy Bills team (that got blown away today by the Pats) by pure luck. We beat a very crappy Raiders team at home by even more luck. We lost against a pretty mediocre team at home. While I agree there are many bright spots, there are many areas that also need to be addressed. Soon. Lines and playcalling amost the most important, along with special teams.

11 wins? in a sig? Heh, ok, whatever. We will be luck to win 8 at the rate we are going. Listen closely. We just completed the easy part of our schedule, and could very easily be 0-3. The EASIEST. It only gets worse from this point on.

I'm a huge fan, and I'm sick of some idiots calling me a non-fan if I have anything negative to say. I'm also a realist, and do not wear massive blinders. Wake up, this team needs changes now. Ignoring them will only get us killed later.

[Mediator12]

We beat a crappy Bills team (that got blown away today by the Pats) by pure luck. We beat a very crappy Raiders team at home by even more luck. We lost against a pretty mediocre team at home. While I agree there are many bright spots, there are many areas that also need to be addressed. Soon. Lines and playcalling amost the most important, along with special teams.

11 wins? in a sig? Heh, ok, whatever. We will be luck to win 8 at the rate we are going. Listen closely. We just completed the easy part of our schedule, and could very easily be 0-3. The EASIEST. It only gets worse from this point on.

I'm a huge fan, and I'm sick of some idiots calling me a non-fan if I have anything negative to say. I'm also a realist, and do not wear massive blinders. Wake up, this team needs changes now. Ignoring them will only get us killed later.


The edge of your tone comes across even over the internet. Lighten up Francis ;D

You just spent 30 seconds letting the emotion of three close games where DEN just lost one get the better of you. Calling yourself anything to let people know where you are coming from defeats the purpose.

Does DEN need work? Absolutely! Are they anywhere as bad as you are trying to justify? Not even close. Football is a game of matchups and execution. Teams lose games they have a chance to win and vice versa. If you were a seasoned fan ("True Fan" is a horrible term as everyone thinks their definition is what true fandom is all about), you would act like you have been there before instead of chicken little.

DEN has completely revamped everything on defense and their lack of consistency has shown from it. What they need is a serious attitude adjustment as everyone except Nate Webster (who is too aggressive) is playing too passive for this scheme. This is a downhill aggressive scheme and against the run the front seven is not attacking downhill.

The offense is clicking, but not on all cylinders just yet. PHI proved what can happen to an offense that has struggled to produce points today once they get past that last hump. They scored 56 today. It's a matter of time, which DEN still has plenty.

ST's, well I have to agree with you there! Way too many mistakes and poor execution has not helped put or save many points on the board for DEN this year. Continues to be their largest weakness even though the DL production comes might close.

This is a solid team that needs to gel and get on a roll. Hopefully, this loss will shake their system and bring them together. I still think their biggest hurdles are mental at this point, but the DT's need to hold their own physically for once.

[Willynowei]

We beat a crappy Bills team (that got blown away today by the Pats) by pure luck. We beat a very crappy Raiders team at home by even more luck. We lost against a pretty mediocre team at home. While I agree there are many bright spots, there are many areas that also need to be addressed. Soon. Lines and playcalling amost the most important, along with special teams.

11 wins? in a sig? Heh, ok, whatever. We will be luck to win 8 at the rate we are going. Listen closely. We just completed the easy part of our schedule, and could very easily be 0-3. The EASIEST. It only gets worse from this point on.

I'm a huge fan, and I'm sick of some idiots calling me a non-fan if I have anything negative to say. I'm also a realist, and do not wear massive blinders. Wake up, this team needs changes now. Ignoring them will only get us killed later.

Completely disagree. I'm not saying that things are fine and dandy, but I'm totally against the mindset that the organization should be looking to go through even more turmoil at this point.

We just went through more change this offseason than any other offseason in how many decades? Perhaps ever? We scrapped everything inside the organization save for the HC and GM.

On offense and defense combined, we have about six starters returning to their previous positions. Thats six out of 22 Spots, not including active spots that are basically starting like the #2 tightend, the #3 wideout and #3 corner.

A huge amount of the offensive plays we've run this year, from the option to the toss to 90% of the passing plays, are completely new to the whole offense short of maybe Tom Nalen. Then, on defense we have an entirely new scheme, where all the pressure is placed on MLB where we start DJ, who's never played the position in his life.

So I'd say, I'm not exactly boiling in disappointment when our Defense allows 23 points on a day where we commit 4 turnovers, including two in the Redzone. I'd also say I can't be disappointed when our Offense manages to drive the ball at will against Oakland and Jacksonville, the top two ranked Defenses from last year. Yes we have problems scoring in the redzone and yes we have problems stopping the run. But, given all the changes I've just listed, you can tell me you're sure its b/c of personell? How many NFL teams dump their entire roster and comeback the following year expecting not to have the exact problems we are having?

Dude, we JUST WENT THROUGH A REBUILDING YEAR. I think its hard for some of us to really grasp that, but its what has happened. On the flip side theres still much to look forward to, just in this season.

Right now all we can hope for, and the same goes for the Front Office, is that the coaching staff can get this team to gel and eliminate the mental errors in time for a late season turnaround to give us a shot in the post season.

[fontaine]

I still think their biggest hurdles are mental at this point, but the DT's need to hold their own physically for once.

That and special teams are the two biggest weakenesses in our team.

I don't see how though, we're going to overcome DTs getting physically beat. You either have that ability or don't and it's been a problem for us going back a few years.

At least the DEs (Dooomervil) seem to be getting pressure.

[fontaine]

Completely disagree. I'm not saying that things are fine and dandy, but I'm totally against the mindset that the organization should be looking to go through even more turmoil at this point.

We just went through more change this offseason than any other offseason in how many decades? Perhaps ever? We scrapped everything inside the organization save for the HC and GM.

On offense and defense combined, we have about six starters returning to their previous positions. Thats six out of 22 Spots, not including active spots that are basically starting like the #2 tightend, the #3 wideout and #3 corner.

A huge amount of the offensive plays we've run this year, from the option to the toss to 90% of the passing plays, are completely new to the whole offense short of maybe Tom Nalen. Then, on defense we have an entirely new scheme, where all the pressure is placed on MLB where we start DJ, who's never played the position in his life.

So I'd say, I'm not exactly boiling in disappointment when our Defense allows 23 points on a day where we commit 4 turnovers, including two in the Redzone. I'd also say I can't be disappointed when our Offense manages to drive the ball at will against Oakland and Jacksonville, the top two ranked Defenses from last year. Yes we have problems scoring in the redzone and yes we have problems stopping the run. But, given all the changes I've just listed, you can tell me you're sure its b/c of personell? How many NFL teams dump their entire roster and comeback the following year expecting not to have the exact problems we are having?

Dude, we JUST WENT THROUGH A REBUILDING YEAR. I think its hard for some of us to really grasp that, but its what has happened. On the flip side theres still much to look forward to, just in this season.

Right now all we can hope for, and the same goes for the Front Office, is that the coaching staff can get this team to gel and eliminate the mental errors in time for a late season turnaround to give us a shot in the post season.


I completely agree.

You can't win ballgames until you know your true strengths and weakenesses. It's going to take a lot more games, possibly all season to completely know how we're functioning as a team, where we're improving and where we need improvement. Making knee jerk reactions now, before the players have settled down into the system and can be more accurately assessed, will only add to the confusion.

[Mediator12]

That and special teams are the two biggest weakenesses in our team.

I don't see how though, we're going to overcome DTs getting physically beat. You either have that ability or don't and it's been a problem for us going back a few years.

At least the DEs (Dooomervil) seem to be getting pressure.

Still want to tell me JAX was not going to be a tough mathchup ;D I saw this last week and you were heading the list of that will never happen. Garrard ran all over the man coverage, JAX owned both LOS, and they used PA to get the majority of their passing yardage.

The DT's can provide better effort, that is where it starts. I have not been impressed with their effort at all, including the Fringe PS players that should be going full tilt every play. Guys are losing the mental battle and being manhandled because of it. They have had the physical talent up front, just not the kind that translates it on game day. This bring in a player during mid season is crap, unless they get a guy like Jenkins and pay to get him Like INDY did with McFarland last year. Jenkins would make a difference, the rest would just have to learn the new techniques the rest of the DL has had trouble implementing.

[fontaine]

Still want to tell me JAX was not going to be a tough mathchup ;D I saw this last week and you were heading the list of that will never happen. Garrard ran all over the man coverage, JAX owned both LOS, and they used PA to get the majority of their passing yardage.


I wasn't counting on missed tackles, giving up third and long situations and generally our DL getting stoned. I know better know. :D


The DT's can provide better effort, that is where it starts. I have not been impressed with their effort at all, including the Fringe PS players that should be going full tilt every play. Guys are losing the mental battle and being manhandled because of it. They have had the physical talent up front, just not the kind that translates it on game day. This bring in a player during mid season is crap, unless they get a guy like Jenkins and pay to get him Like INDY did with McFarland last year. Jenkins would make a difference, the rest would just have to learn the new techniques the rest of the DL has had trouble implementing.

I thought Bates' schemes are supposed to be simple enough? In the offseason most of players were praising that this defense you just pin your ears back and attack? Maybe for the DEs. The LBers and DTs sure as hell don't know what's going on.

[Mediator12]

I wasn't counting on missed tackles, giving up third and long situations and generally our DL getting stoned. I know better know. :D


I thought Bates' schemes are supposed to be simple enough? In the offseason most of players were praising that this defense you just pin your ears back and attack? Maybe for the DEs. The LBers and DTs sure as hell don't know what's going on.

The defensive scheme IS simple, but the technique is all new. Part of what is frustrating right now is they are fighting themselves more than the other team is killing them. The brain tells the body what to do, and they are not doing a good job of reading their keys and acting upon them. Missing reads makes a 4.5 guy play like a 4.8 and making reads makes a 4.8 guy play like a 4.5.

That is why DJ scares the crap out of me. He makes himself worse than he has the ability to be. Even in his rookie year at Will he overran pursuit, missed reads, and missed tackles. Dude is just not a playmaker in any sense of the word. And now that teams do not gameplan to neutralize Al wilson in the running game and the DL continues to be cones, that group of LB's is as exposed and dominated as I have ever seen in DEN.

Always take players views with a grain of salt too. CHI was touting the praises of a revamped Offense this offseason and they still suck bawls ;D Sometimes they just say what people want to hear or what they want to happen. They thought the technique would come easy and the defense would be solid. Now, they have to make some adjustments to the DL assignments and Play HARDER up front.

[FantomForce]

I agree. I just think the improvement will happen later rather than sooner. I think Crowder, Moss and Thomas will eventually figure things out and come together. I have hopes that DJ will think less and just start playing his gap. He still doesn't trust the scheme and dances too much.

The biggest reason we're going to be ok:

Elvis Dumervil
Jay Cutler
Brandon Marshall
Selvin Young (yeah he fumbled, but he'll be ok)

I think after the bye we'll have a good feel of how this team is going to look.
Good call Kaylore

[minibronco]

I love this thread. :)

[broncofan2438]

Bottom Line: Defense Needs Their Ass Kicked In Practice!

[BroncsRule]

..Dude, we JUST WENT THROUGH A REBUILDING YEAR..

Totally agree - except for the JUST WENT THROUGH part. We're still in a rebuilding year. Smack dab in the first 3rd. of a rebuilding year.

New personnel, new coaches, new schemes.

It is a testament to the coaching staff and the skill level/commitment of the players that we are adapting as well and as quickly as we are.