Broncos Season Report: According to Plan

[Den4Life]

I have been a die-hard Bronco fan all my life (all 19 years that is). I have mainly lurked around the Mane for the past four years or so, posting once or twice but for the main purpose of seeing what Bronco fans have to say regarding their team. Anyway, I have always wanted to pursue journalism (aspiring to be able write about the NFL one day) and have begun writing for a website called Bleacher Report. I was asked to write an article for the Broncos. It is my first published article so I was wondering if you guys could give it a read and tell me what you think. Any response is much appreciated (regarding both style or content), even if it is non-constructive criticism. I have always been frustrated with so-called "professional" analysts (namely ESPN insiders and Sean Salisbury) making judgments about the Broncos without actually knowing much about the elements of the team. So I figured you guys might enjoy reading some up to date work.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...season-preview

Thanks

[Hotrod]

Not sure the link is working right.

[kmonty]

Hey, your link is broken...

[broncofan2438]

Yea, link doesn't work bud

[Atlas]

What is your backup plan if writing doesn't workout for ya?..... Just curious.

[broncosteven]

I found the article short and to the point.

You could add some more description and Drama as to why the link failed.

I would have Written the following:

To link, or not to link: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to other links that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now!
The fair Link that doth failed! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.
And my articles Rejected.

[telluride]

What happened to the 500 post rule? And the self-link rule? And the people under 20 should not be allowed to post rule?

Also: Get off my lawn you nutty kids!

[Rabb]

http://lizrevision.com/wp-content/uploads/royal-fail.jpg

[s0phr0syne]

Jesus guys, take it easy on him.

Here's the link, I think:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

[CBF1]

What is your backup plan if writing doesn't workout for ya?..... Just curious.

paper or plastic sir :~ohyah!:

[maher_tyler]

Jesus guys, take it easy on him.

Here's the link, I think:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

I'd say its not bad...pretty fair!!

[skpac1001]

Jesus guys, take it easy on him.

Here's the link, I think:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

Pretty good, looked professional, although the Debbie Downer line seemed to clash with the professionalism of the rest of the article, IMHO.

[theAPAOps5]

I haven't read it. What threw me for a loop is where this guy says he has lurked on the mane for year and only posted a few posts here and there. Then you look at his post count and its 1.... this thread.

SPAM

[80smith]

I found the article short and to the point.

You could add some more description and Drama as to why the link failed.

I would have Written the following:

To link, or not to link: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to other links that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now!
The fair Link that doth failed! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.
And my articles Rejected.

Dude........ I want your pain pills!

[gyldenlove]

Jesus guys, take it easy on him.

Here's the link, I think:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

You need to lay off the brackets, there is a two bracket maximum for any story that fits on a single page (unless it is a story about brackets).

[orinjkrush]

not bad kid. not bad at all.

[Den4Life]

Thanks much for the replies, guys. Indeed I haven't really posted on the Mane but I would like to let you know I am not a spammer. I lurked for several years and then when they required you to sign in to see the board I made my account. Actually, I personally just hate actually posting in forums and message boards for a reason that was ironically exemplified in this thread. People get all hyped up and feel big on the internet and post stupid pictures captioned "FAIL" or "PWN3D." Oh wait, the link isn't working and there are already three posts sayings so? Please go ahead and be original; that FAIL picture was hilarious; also, yes I will be bagging your groceries; I may not have a future career in writing, but similarly, I hope some of you don't aspire to be comedians either.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

Here's the link once again (thanks s0phr0syne for doing the extra work that I messed up). Please give it a read. It may not be as entertaining as the Shakespeare that was posted in this thread but I've tried to give an objective glance at the Broncos season. I'm sick and tired of reading articles about teams that the authors' really have no clue about. I figured if you were like me, you might enjoy this and be able to help develop my writing. I understand that it isn't a perfect article (I said Jarvis Moss tore his ACL instead of breaking his leg by accident, it reads off too research like, etc) and thus need your help. Please just give it a read. I hope to keep writing (with emphasis on the Broncos) so having an informed and critical base like the Mane would be extremely helpful to me. I'm sorry I broke a rule or messed up the link, but I really would appreciate your time. Any response (even if it is another FAIL picture) would be appreciated.

[Den4Life]

Here's the Full Article

According to Plan: The Denver Broncos Season Preview


The Denver Broncos appear to have arrived at a critical impasse. A team noted for their strong regular performances year in and year out, the Broncos have missed the post-season the past two years. And while he may have one of the more secure coaching positions in the NFL today, Mike Shanahan is beginning to feel the pressure of prolonged mediocrity. Previous active off-seasons, which have produced less than desired results (see Travis Henry, Sam Adams, Ian Gold, Maurice Clarett), have the usually steady Broncos organization in a period of transition, evident by the dismissal of former Bronco GM Ted Sundquist. Despite these alarming characteristics the Broncos do have considerable reason for hope. In order for the Broncos to have a successful season (one in which they return to the playoffs), there are three vital components, which need to materialize this season.

Arguably the most important factor in the upcoming Broncos season is the progression and health of Jay Cutler. While his diagnosis of diabetes may worry those unfamiliar with the disease, it in all actuality has been a blessing; Cutler is healthy once again, looking more physically and mentally confidant this season. He will have to try harder to prevent himself from staring down receivers (which he has had a problem doing in the past). However, aside from that (and the occasional fumbled snap), Cutler appears armed, ready and poised for a breakout season barring any health or injury issues. Should Cutler miss any time, extended or otherwise, the Broncos season will most likely be for naught, because neither backups Patrick Ramsey (who has appeared awful during training camp this season) nor Darrell Hackney are ready to manage, let alone lead an NFL team.

The second critical aspect for the Denver Broncos is the development of the defensive line, especially in regard to the maturation of recent draft picks and acquisitions. The Broncos defensive line last year was atrocious; there is no other way to put it. With the lone exception of the one dimensional Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos had literally nothing of substance on the line last year (and it showed, the Broncos ranking 30th against the run). With the large donut (aka Sam Adams) and critical injuries gone this season, the Broncos defense hopes to keep itself fresh during games in ways they could not last year when they were constantly being punished by opposing run games. This year it is imperative that Marcus Thomas (who now has a full season of football under his belt for the first time in several years), Jarvis Moss (who is returning from and ACL tear), Dwayne Robertson (the newly acquired former-Jet who has significant questions regarding his knee), and Tim Crowder to step up and become more aggressive. Switching from last year's Jim Bates scheme should only help the line attack more this season.

The final crucial unit that the Broncos will rely upon is the oft-questioned offensive line. Known for their efficient zone-blocking scheme that utilizes underweight lineman, the Broncos appear to have slowly moved away from their previous system. The Broncos finally appeared to place an emphasis on the quality of the lineman this year, selecting LT Ryan Clady with their first selection in the draft. So far in camp, he has looked the part displaying smooth footwork and impeccable balance. However, the rest of the line appears weak. Tom Nalen is currently out with injury and there is no telling of how effective he will be when (or if) he returns. Ben Hamilton is returning from a season missed because of post-concussion symptoms. The RG and RT positions have been up in the air with potential starters Montrae Holland arriving to camp overweight and Chris Kuper limited by a broken hand.

I do not mean to sound like Debby Downer here, solely focusing on the flaws of the Broncos. In fact, there is much to be excited about in Denver. Brandon Marshall is entering his third season now, the season in which most wide receivers begin to truly maximize their potential. DJ Williams is returning to his natural spot at weakside linebacker and has looked aggressive throughout camp so far. Young secondary members Hamza Abdullah and Dominque Foxworth both have had stellar off-seasons as well, Abdullah looking like the all around safety the Broncos have searched for the past couple seasons and Foxworth challenging Dre Bly on occasion for the cornerback position opposite Champ Bailey. Indeed the Broncos are undeniably talented on paper; however, will it be enough with San Diego in the same division? If all goes according to plan Denver may very well make the playoffs and even surprise San Diego for the division title. However, "according to plan" is a phrase never taken lightly in the NFL, and no one should know this better than Shanahan.

[theAPAOps5]

Eh you get used to the internet tough guys and realize its only a front. Most people through PM's and email, and meeting in person are totally different. But I understand your point too.

I really thought this was a well written article. I want to echo the brackets sentiment. You have 5 and it makes it very disjointed looking. Part of print is not just the words but the ease of assimilation.

Well done.

[hambone13]

Thanks much for the replies, guys. Indeed I haven't really posted on the Mane but I would like to let you know I am not a spammer. I lurked for several years and then when they required you to sign in to see the board I made my account. Actually, I personally just hate actually posting in forums and message boards for a reason that was ironically exemplified in this thread. People get all hyped up and feel big on the internet and post stupid pictures captioned "FAIL" or "PWN3D." Oh wait, the link isn't working and there are already three posts sayings so? Please go ahead and be original; that FAIL picture was hilarious; also, yes I will be bagging your groceries; I may not have a future career in writing, but similarly, I hope some of you don't aspire to be comedians either.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/47222-according-to-plan-the-denver-broncos-season-preview

Here's the link once again (thanks s0phr0syne for doing the extra work that I messed up). Please give it a read. It may not be as entertaining as the Shakespeare that was posted in this thread but I've tried to give an objective glance at the Broncos season. I'm sick and tired of reading articles about teams that the authors' really have no clue about. I figured if you were like me, you might enjoy this and be able to help develop my writing. I understand that it isn't a perfect article (I said Jarvis Moss tore his ACL instead of breaking his leg by accident, it reads off too research like, etc) and thus need your help. Please just give it a read. I hope to keep writing (with emphasis on the Broncos) so having an informed and critical base like the Mane would be extremely helpful to me. I'm sorry I broke a rule or messed up the link, but I really would appreciate your time. Any response (even if it is another FAIL picture) would be appreciated.

IMO, the best writing of any kind is original. There wasn't anything in your article that a dedicated fan doesn't already know. All you need is a news aggregate site and www.SaidNFLTeam.com to stay up on the sort of scoop you wrote about. You took no risks with your point of view nor provided anything, as you mentioned, other than standard chronological research and other sports writers ideas.

Thanks for clarifying that you're not a SPAMMER because that is how I felt when I first read your post as well.....keep writing! Nothing like practice.....

[bronco_diesel]

good stuff. thought your content was pretty solid.
only constructive feedback i have is the choice of grammar at times seemed a little hard to follow. good read though, thanks.