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11-17-2005, 10:12 AM
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Giggity
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: South of Boston
Posts: 6,270
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People finally beginning to notice all that's working right in Denver
http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL...glin111705.htm
Mile-high magic People finally beginning to notice all that's working right in Denver By Trent Modglin (tmodglin@pfwmedia.com) Nov. 17, 2005 Don’t look now, but in a talent-laden AFC, the Broncos are finally making believers out of people. A co-worker of mine, Mike Wilkening, congratulated me the other day after the Broncos’ new-look defensive line sacked Oakland’s beleaguered Kerry Collins for the fourth time in a 31-17 win. “Your boys are playing well,” he said. “That’s not a bad little team there.” Seems I hadn’t realized how much I had been chirping about the Broncos’ defense here at Pro Football Weekly. Tatum Bell, too. Always liked that guy. And I guess over the course of the year, as the Broncos have rather quietly marched their way to a 7-2 record, it surprised me a bit how other media types were just now starting to join the bandwagon and give recognition where it is due in the Mile High City. And to think, if they had not been victimized by Eli Manning’s late-game heroics in Week Seven, they would be sitting at 8-1, merely one game behind the seemingly invincible Colts, who, by the way, have a tough schedule on their way to unseating the ’72 Dolphins, who are nervously waiting to uncork the bubbly and light the stogies at another one of their undefeated parties. Let’s take a look at what all is working well for the Broncos, shall we? — The former Browns defensive linemen who came to Denver in the offseason are making Mike Shanahan look like a genius. When the back surgery for Trevor Pryce made the Broncos realize how little depth they had on the D-line last year, they went out and raided Cleveland’s cupboards for an injury-plagued former first overall pick (Courtney Brown), a talented but underachieving tackle with a reputation as a loafer (Gerard Warren) and a pair of journeymen (Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers). Cynics chuckled, wondering if Shanahan had hit his head on something. Brown, Ekuban and Warren each registered a sack against Oakland, and Warren’s infectiously positive attitude and production have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, starting from the first day of camp. Denver is so pleased with its new seven-man rotation, in fact, that two starters from last year, DE Marco Coleman and DT Monsanto Pope, have yet to be activated this season. A big reason for why the Broncos are ranked fourth in the league against the run lies with this group. And while the sack total isn’t anything to write home about, the pressure generated on opposing quarterbacks has been substantially improved. “I think we all believed in ourselves, but we have found a good fit here,” said Ekuban. “We talk about it a lot.” — If you don’t know where the best LB corps resides in the NFL, get to know Al Wilson, Ian Gold and D.J. Williams. Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer utilizes their strengths well, and no trio tracks the ball or tackles quite like this one. — Who would’ve thought that a nagging hamstring injury to one of the best defenders in the game would actually prove beneficial in the long run? Champ Bailey didn’t play at all in the preseason, opening the door for rookie CBs Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth to get more field time and smooth the inevitable rough edges. They learned the ropes in a baptism by fire of sorts and haven’t looked back, with Williams being elevated to the starting lineup early in the regular season and Foxworth vaulting up the depth chart as well to see time on obvious passing downs. Bailey has been hobbled by recurring problems with the hamstring, and to the rescue has come the feisty Williams, who has held his own against some of the league’s better wideouts. His 80-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the deal against the Raiders. Foxworth puts himself in good position consistently and has two picks of his own. Their rapid progress has made life without a completely healthy Bailey at least bearable, not to mention made former starter Lenny Walls expendable. Now just imagine when Bailey is able to prove he’s back at full strength. — The running game has been sick. Not “sick” as in anemic. “Sick” as in what the kids say to describe a skateboarding move or a LeBron James windmill dunk. Mike Anderson is on pace for 1,189 yards. Tatum Bell is on track for 1,077. Two running backs. Same team. Both headed for 1,000 yards. Anderson runs over tacklers, setting them up for Bell, who sprints by them. Casting ego aside to keep fresh legs in the game, this duo is proof that a committee system can thrive. — While not deep, the offensive line is playing quite well. The holes and cutback lanes are prevalent for Anderson and Bell, and the Broncos have allowed only 10 sacks all season, including just two in the last five games. Scouts have told me that C Tom Nalen, a free-agent-to-be, is playing his best football in years. Looks like he may finish his career in Denver after all. — Rod Smith shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 35, when most players have traded their cleats for slippers or golf spikes. He is as reliable as ever, having just passed Terrell Davis for the distinction of being the club’s all-time leader in touchdowns scored with 66. The Broncos would like to see more consistency and toughness out of Ashley Lelie, but he remains one of the more athletic deep threats in the game. — I cannot formulate a list like this without highlighting Jake Plummer. No longer is he Jake, the quarterback who could, and would, cost the Broncos games in the past with an ill-advised throw to the wrong-colored jersey or some other form of meltdown. Shanahan and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak went over the playbook with the team’s quarterbacks during the offseason and broke it down piece by piece, dissecting options and putting an emphasis on decision-making. The result of stressing to Plummer that all he has to do is guide the ship: 13 touchdowns and only three picks. The bearded wonder tossed 20 to the other team last year but hasn’t thrown an interception in the last seven games. “There’s been times I’ve played better in my time in the league, but right now, I’m taking what defenses give me and leading this team,” Plummer said. “They’re not asking me to go out and win every game.” — Last year, the Broncos could get it down the field, they just couldn’t punch it in, finishing 28th in red-zone efficiency. This year, with Anderson healthy, Plummer making better choices with the ball and more creative play-calling, they sit at seventh in that department. In terms of turnovers, they were minus–9 in differential in ’04. This year, they’re plus-10. The punting, with Todd Sauerbrun, is better. Starting field position, better. These Broncos didn’t get much publicity in the preseason. Talks about power rankings and AFC supremacy, even AFC West supremacy, failed to mention much about Denver. And not so surprisingly, the neglect has led to them playing with a chip on their shoulder. They knew they had something special brewing, even if no one else acknowledged the possibility. But now they’ve got your attention. Keeping pace with the Steelers and Bengals behind the Colts won’t be easy, but shoot, if Tommy Maddox struggles this week and the Bengals or Seahawks are ready for Peyton, Edgerrin and the boys, the Broncos could be looking at… “You don’t look too far forward,” Anderson said. “You just don’t do that.” Alright, Mike. I’ll keep it in the here and now. And brief. That's not a bad little team there. |
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11-17-2005, 10:22 AM
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#2 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 9,152
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Nice read. Thanks.
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11-17-2005, 10:26 AM
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#3 |
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Donkeys Nightmare
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,490
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You Guys Rock....
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11-17-2005, 10:29 AM
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#4 |
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Giggity
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: South of Boston
Posts: 6,270
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Nappy...there was a Chiefs bit too:
http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/Com...pins111705.htm Chiefs’ future is in question QB Trent Green continues to show his age, and at 35, there are some who wonder if he’s the same player he was two or three years ago. The Pro Bowl passer isn’t the only golden oldie on the roster, with his top two offensive linemen, OLT Willie Roaf and OLG Will Shields, getting up there in age as well. Plus, head coach Dick Vermiel is undecided on his future, opening the door for rumors that offensive coordinator Al Saunders or Jets head coach Herman Edwards will coach the Chiefs next year. PFW: What lies ahead for the Chiefs? Reynolds: It all starts with Vermeil, but decisions on Priest Holmes, Green, Roaf and Shields will have a major impact on the direction of this club in 2006. Holmes turns 33 next year and, even if he doesn’t retire, might not own a starting spot on a team in which Vermeil is not the coach. Vermeil has, in the past, been blindly loyal, and there is a chance Larry Johnson’s final six games will contribute to Holmes’ choice on retirement. Vermeil has walked away before, and if the core of his team crumbles, he’ll do it again. Roaf and Shields both spoke of retirement during training camp. Each is older than Holmes, and Roaf’s hamstring problems this year might push him over the edge. Shields, who is owed $5 million in 2006, is almost a sure bet to call it a potentially Hall of Fame career at the end of this year. And Green, who has been sacked 23 times and has thrown seven TD passes, might be wise to either retire or find a way out of Kansas City. His offensive line is below average without Roaf and would be abysmal without Roaf and Shields next season. The Chiefs aren’t equipped to recover quickly from the loss of four Pro Bowlers, and Green understands he’d be taking a risk coming back to play behind the likes of OT Jordan Black and OG John Welbourn. |
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11-17-2005, 10:29 AM
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#5 |
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RIP Darrent Williams
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 17,973
Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster |
Great read PatsWin!!!
Thanks. |
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11-17-2005, 10:32 AM
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The Dude abides.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cocytus
Posts: 13,208
Adopt-a-Bronco: Gus Frerotte |
A thread with a glowing article about the Broncos and a "Chiefs are going to suck for years to come" article.
Can PatsWin get nominated for some kind of MVP (Most Valuable Poster) award? Can we create such an award for him? |
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11-17-2005, 10:34 AM
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Giggity
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: South of Boston
Posts: 6,270
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11-17-2005, 10:36 AM
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The Dude abides.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cocytus
Posts: 13,208
Adopt-a-Bronco: Gus Frerotte |
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That rat bastard. |
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11-17-2005, 10:38 AM
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#9 |
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Giggity
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: South of Boston
Posts: 6,270
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Also...look what's happening in St. Louis....ugh. That franchise needs an enema. That place may be more messed up than Philly.
http://www.insidestl.com/mckernan/index.php?storyid=20 |
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11-17-2005, 10:40 AM
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#10 |
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Bronco Pride!
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 485
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Great read. Anybody know if D-will has given up a TD yet? I don't recall if he has given up one. I know he got beat by Givens on one play, but Givens droped the rock.
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11-17-2005, 10:54 AM
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#11 |
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Yes...swooping is bad...
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Florence, Colorado
Posts: 20,768
Adopt-a-Bronco: All of them. |
orange...that is the creepiest avatar...good lord...anyways. "little team"...that rankles a bit.
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11-17-2005, 11:07 AM
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#12 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 17,010
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Quote:
he rocks |
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11-17-2005, 11:11 AM
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#13 |
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"Hoodie Jr"
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah
Posts: 77,090
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Anyone with a clue knew the Chefs window closed after 2002...it's so nice to have the talking heads are finally figuring it out...
I imagine PFW has deleted all it's "Shanahan is insane" mantras as well by now... talk about Bandwagon...keep kickin' them off the haywagon...this is our ride you bums...the ugly duckling becomes a swan and every Newman comes calling...A few of us never lost faith...while some were calling for Shanny's head...even Kubiak seems to have toned down the nintendo offense, altho if we get behind by one point, it's likely to rear it's ugly head... best way to keep the nintendo car wreck in the garage is not to let it out and keep the lead...you just know Pubiak is scratching his nuts wanting to get that jalopie out of the tool shed... Give me the Hudson Hornet over that thing that flies by paper string and duct tape...last weeks game should be a model of how a game should be called...don't panic, keep pounding... this team has playmakers on Defense....finally...we are like starved children on the Christian Children's Fund....finally getting some meals...man I hope Champ is healthy going into the playoffs...Foxy and D-Will have grown up in a hurry...what can you say? Forget the stats that has our pass defense sucking...our run D is stuffing and we are playing from a lead...teams are passing...that's where stats lie...and it irritates me... What is so cool is each week D-Will and Foxy get more experience...I mean...we THREW THEM IN THE FIRE, and they came thru a little scorched but still fighting...no Deltha "I want my mommy" in those two. Deltha is having a fine year, it's good to see he's getting a new start, but it wasn't working here... Gold has been a monster...he hasn't been bounced around like years past, he has gotten better at shedding blocks, and I don't care what the stats say, he's obviously gotten thicker...this is a very good D that can still get better...you know Lynch understands he's in his twilight and will give all...don't let our pass stats decieve anyone, it's not that bad...teams just tend to pass when you have the 4th ranked rush D and are ahead by 10...give me a break... Let's see if we can put the wood to the Jets this week and go into Dallas on a streak...the Jets are a Claymore Mine waiting to happen, I hope the Broncos know it. |
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11-17-2005, 11:16 AM
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"Hoodie Jr"
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah
Posts: 77,090
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Quote:
Boob has been inching his way towards Salvation for two years...you don't have to wait that long... |
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11-17-2005, 11:17 AM
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: colorado springs, co
Posts: 22,706
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Quote:
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11-17-2005, 11:20 AM
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#16 |
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"Hoodie Jr"
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah
Posts: 77,090
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I need something more graphic. Lame...
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11-17-2005, 11:21 AM
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Cheeky Bastards
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: The Backside of the Internet
Posts: 29,942
Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Harris |
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11-17-2005, 11:22 AM
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Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation
Posts: 12,665
Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway |
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11-17-2005, 11:23 AM
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#19 |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: colorado springs, co
Posts: 22,706
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bwhahaha @ alec
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11-17-2005, 11:30 AM
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#20 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 17,010
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Quote:
sonofa***corksucker ***** ***** **** I think rascal and alec need to have an astrix off |
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11-17-2005, 11:37 AM
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The Dude abides.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Cocytus
Posts: 13,208
Adopt-a-Bronco: Gus Frerotte |
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11-17-2005, 11:38 AM
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#22 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: colorado springs, co
Posts: 22,706
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Quote:
ha ha....nahhh that's just alec. |
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11-17-2005, 11:40 AM
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#23 | |
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Ring of Famer
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 17,010
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Quote:
that's what we love about ole alec corksucker |
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11-17-2005, 11:53 AM
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Donkeys Nightmare
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,490
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Quote:
Every football team I pull for blows....I figure the least I can do is share my curse with the Donks. I might take it a step further and start throwing some quality coin on the Donks M/L every week from here on out....That has a chance of putting you guys into the biggest tailspin in NFL history. |
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11-17-2005, 12:13 PM
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#25 | |
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RIP
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 16,582
Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf |
Quote:
Last edited by Rascal; 11-17-2005 at 12:23 PM.. |
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