Its monday... Broncos Team Report - The Orange Mane

TheReverend · 06-27-2005, 08:38 PM

Broncos Team Report
Story Tools: Print Email
Patrick Saunders /
Posted: 18 hours ago

If there is one thing the Broncos are working the hardest on during the off-season, it is their red-zone offense. The team ranked 28th last season and that must improve in 2005. The problems last season were three-fold: poor execution in the passing game, lack of power near the goal line in the running game and poor play-calling. Having powerful Kyle Johnson at fullback should help the running game. QB Jake Plummer must make better decisions inside the 20 and throw with greater accuracy. Coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak have to find plays that work near the goal line and avoid trying to get too fancy. . . .

Players are raving about Denver's off-season program. Always one of the better-attended programs in the NFL, this year has been Denver's best ever. On a given day, there are 60-65 players working out. The emphasis has been not only on strength and conditioning, but also on ball drills to improve catching skills. . . .

The Broncos have their official, mandatory minicamp from July 6-8. Former Browns defensive linemen Courtney Brown and Ebenezer Ekuban are expected to participate after long rehabs. Brown is coming back from foot surgery and Ekuban is coming back from a shoulder injury. It will be the first time they will participate in full-team drills. They both will be critical to Denver's defensive success this season.

SCOUTING REPORT: WR Rod Smith, the leading receiver in Denver history, turned 35 in May. Has he lost a step or two? Yes. But he still has sure hands, remains a superb route runner and an excellent downfield blocker. He's excellent making catches on quick slants across the middle, but he no longer turns those quick 10-yard slants into big gainers - at least not on a regular basis. Smith is the unquestioned leader of the team -- a locker room guy whose work ethic is unmatched. He is almost a player-coach without the official title. Even with the arrival of Jerry Rice and the emergence of Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts, look for Smith to be Denver's leading receiver again in 2005.

COACH UNDER PRESSURE: Bob Slowik, the new defensive backs coach, faces a tough job. Sure, he's got Champ Bailey at cornerback, but he also has to fix a unit that was humiliated by the Colts in the playoffs. First on his agenda is to get Lenny Walls to play up to his potential and become a top-flight

cornerback. Walls has the talent, but he needs some polishing. During the offseason, Denver lost hard-hitting S Kenoy Kennedy to free agency and it will be Slowik's job to make sure that safeties John Lynch and Nick Ferguson form a cohesive tandem. Finally, Denver must get more interceptions if it wants to contend in the pass-happy AFC West. Denver had just 12 picks last season, and only nine in 2003. The Broncos would like to play aggressive man-to-man coverage, but they can't do that all of the time. It will be Slowik's job to create workable zone defenses -- and make sure there is proper coordination. Last season, there were too many missed assignments and blown coverages.

INSIDE DISH: There was a lot of speculation that Denver would pick up a veteran backup quarterback during the offseason, but those inside the organization say that's not likely at this point. First, there's not enough money left, and the team has expressed confidence that Danny Kanell can do the job if starter Jake Plummer gets hurt.

TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: GRADE B-minus Jeb Putzier and Stephen Alexander both provide a downfield threat and are solid receivers across the middle. Putzier needs to improve his blocking, especially in short-yardage.

________

I like these articles but this is one of my favorite. Gave a lot of good information... loved the parts on our off-season program and Courtney being ready for minicamp.

SoCalBronco · 06-27-2005, 08:46 PM

Yep. Very good report by Saunders. Thanks Reverend.

TheReverend · 06-27-2005, 09:04 PM

T-minus 15 minutes till Bob hi-jacks this thread and turns it into an argument about Trent Green or D.Johnson...

Hercules Rockefeller · 06-27-2005, 09:11 PM

The main chunk (the red zone, conditioning program and EE/CB parts) Patrick mentioned when he was taking Jim Armstrong's place 560 AM's morning show. Pat also said that he's been told by multiple vets that they are not happy with the July mini-camp because they feel that their summer's been pretty much taken from them the way everything has been spread out.

orange crusher · 06-27-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

INSIDE DISH: There was a lot of speculation that Denver would pick up a veteran backup quarterback during the offseason, but those inside the organization say that's not likely at this point. First, there's not enough money left, and the team has expressed confidence that Danny Kanell can do the job if starter Jake Plummer gets hurt.

Stay healthy Jake...PLEASE STAY HEALTHY!

sirhcyennek81 · 06-27-2005, 10:00 PM

broncos secondary coach could have it worse. could be coaching the chiefs or saints secondaries. Not so worried about what the defensive backs will do, another year together, better understanding of the system will help. I want pass rush, then it doesnt matter if someone misses a coverage. qb will be on his ass anyway.

UltimateHoboW/Shotgun · 06-27-2005, 10:21 PM

Can anybody tell me when Mckenizie was drafted. The Mckenzie I'm taking about is the one that the packers traded to the Saints last seasons. I think he was a drafted in the second round. But I not sure. Well my is that the paskers drafted a bunch of DB that year to find a guy to cover Moss. And they didn't to bad with Slowik directing.

wabbit · 06-27-2005, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimateSoldier

Can anybody tell me when Mckenizie was drafted. The Mckenzie I'm taking about is the one that the packers traded to the Saints last seasons. I think he was a drafted in the second round. But I not sure. Well my is that the paskers drafted a bunch of DB that year to find a guy to cover Moss. And they didn't to bad with Slowik directing.

Naw, he was a third rounder out of Memphis...1999, I think...a real gamble, or so thought the draftniks at the time.

One of those guys with all the measureables, but no solid competition to measure him by.

Mr. Trout · 06-28-2005, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wabbit

Naw, he was a third rounder out of Memphis...1999, I think...a real gamble, or so thought the draftniks at the time.

One of those guys with all the measureables, but no solid competition to measure him by.

Yeah he is also a big pain in the ass.

OrangeShadow · 06-28-2005, 04:53 AM

I sure as hell hope walls turns into a top flight corner. at 6'4 just think of the possibilities

IHaveALight · 06-28-2005, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

Players are raving about Denver's off-season program. Always one of the better-attended programs in the NFL, this year has been Denver's best ever. On a given day, there are 60-65 players working out. The emphasis has been not only on strength and conditioning, but also on ball drills to improve catching skills. . . .

Hopefully our DB's and LB's are getting some good reps in with those ball drills.

SoCalBronco · 06-28-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeShadow

I sure as hell hope walls turns into a top flight corner. at 6'4 just think of the possibilities

Unfortuneatly its going to be lose/lose with Lenny. If he does turn that corner, Rosenhaus is going to ask for a 15 million bonus. If not, we have Champ and a bunch of kids at corner.

sirhcyennek81 · 06-28-2005, 03:57 PM

kids with talent. and why worry about what walls may or may not do next season? he is a bronco now, so, deal in the now. if he is worth what denver thinks he is, he will get paid, one way or another.

Mediator12 · 06-28-2005, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Unfortuneatly its going to be lose/lose with Lenny. If he does turn that corner, Rosenhaus is going to ask for a 15 million bonus. If not, we have Champ and a bunch of kids at corner.

That is surely possible Socal. It is one reason to draft these three CB's this year as I pointed out earlier after the draft. Herndon and Walls were UDFA's who both started after sitting one year. Walls and Browner are strikingly similar in play. Foxworth and Paymah both have the height, speed, and ability to start with a little work upstairs and in tackling and run support. I remember someone saying speed is overrated in another thread. In some ways it is, but it is the only attribute, outside of height, that is uncoachable and unable to be improved SIGNIFICANTLY through hard work too.

That being said, Lenny is the real deal and if he loses the injuries will probably have a ton of balls thrown his way this year. The real place Lenny needs to upgrade is play recognition and ball awareness. He is slow to support the run and needs to improve his tackling angles. If he does all of those things this year, then he probably earns a significant pay upgrade with another team.

SoCalBronco · 06-28-2005, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediator12

That is surely possible Socal. It is one reason to draft these three CB's this year as I pointed out earlier after the draft. Herndon and Walls were UDFA's who both started after sitting one year. Walls and
Browner are strikingly similar in play. Foxworth and Paymah both have the height, speed, and ability to start with a little work upstairs and in tackling and run support. I remember someone saying speed is overrated in another thread. In some ways it is, but it is the only attribute, outside of height, that is uncoachable and unable to be improved SIGNIFICANTLY through hard work too.

That being said, Lenny is the real deal and if he loses the injuries will probably have a ton of balls thrown his way this year. The real place Lenny needs to upgrade is play recognition and ball awareness. He is slow to support the run and needs to improve his tackling angles. If he does all of those things this year, then he probably earns a significant pay upgrade with another team.

I noticed you left out Darrent Williams there, Med. Wabbit said he is struggling with the taller WRs a little, how is he doing out there and which rookies are the staff liking right about now?

DB-Freak · 06-28-2005, 04:13 PM

Williams being a good to great returner will make the 2nd round pick more than worth it.

UltimateHoboW/Shotgun · 06-28-2005, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Trout

Yeah he is also a big pain in the ass.

Wel my point was that Slowik turned a 3rd round pick into a top flight DB. Maybe he could do that with some of our guys. Wouldn't it be great that in the next offseason Wall's gets 8 INT's goes to the pro-bowl and we trade him for Bert Berry or something. When we turn around a develope (insert your Fav. choice here) into a top flight DB.

Mediator12 · 06-28-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I noticed you left out Darrent Williams there, Med. Wabbit said he is struggling with the taller WRs a little, how is he doing out there and which rookies are the staff liking right about now?

Williams is going to be a great KR/PR and probably battle to be the nickle back. However, he is not the Long term answer as a Starter at 5'9 ish. He has good ability though and I will not count him out until the season is over.

The Rookie DB's are doing well, BTW. Not Spectacular mind you, but doing better than last year's group. Roc has been better, thank goodness. Willie and Shoate are still on the outside looking in right now as both have been IR. I would not be surprised to see Foxworth or Paymah seize a third or fourth spot at this point, even though both could use that grace year that Herndon and Walls got to learn the NFL game. They both turned out well for UDFA's.

SoCalBronco · 06-28-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Williams is going to be a great KR/PR and probably battle to be the nickle back. However, he is not the Long term answer as a Starter at 5'9 ish. He has good ability though and I will not count him out until the season is over.

The Rookie DB's are doing well, BTW. Not Spectacular mind you, but doing better than last year's group. Roc has been better, thank goodness. Willie and Shoate are still on the outside looking in right now as both have been IR. I would not be surprised to see Foxworth or Paymah seize a third or fourth spot at this point, even though both could use that grace year that Herndon and Walls got to learn the NFL game. They both turned out well for UDFA's.

Thanks Med.

Dean · 06-28-2005, 05:54 PM

Walls is an unrestricted free agent. We can't trade him next year. I think that it will be one and done. Here is to a good one year in Denver.

TheReverend · 06-28-2005, 06:02 PM

Dont underestimate Big Willie

UltimateHoboW/Shotgun · 06-28-2005, 06:05 PM

I think as for Derrant Williams question. We can hope that he can become a pro-bowl player but he needs to prove it on the field.

Florida_Bronco · 06-28-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

Dont underestimate Big Willie

I'd really like to see him build off of last year. Any news on how his rehab is going?

Bob's your Information Minister · 06-28-2005, 06:50 PM

Good post.

TheReverend · 06-28-2005, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

I'd really like to see him build off of last year. Any news on how his rehab is going?

Actually I hear it is REALLY not going well... but I remain forever optimistic.

06-27-2005, 08:38 PM	#1
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	Its monday... Broncos Team Report Broncos Team Report Story Tools: Print Email Patrick Saunders / Posted: 18 hours ago If there is one thing the Broncos are working the hardest on during the off-season, it is their red-zone offense. The team ranked 28th last season and that must improve in 2005. The problems last season were three-fold: poor execution in the passing game, lack of power near the goal line in the running game and poor play-calling. Having powerful Kyle Johnson at fullback should help the running game. QB Jake Plummer must make better decisions inside the 20 and throw with greater accuracy. Coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak have to find plays that work near the goal line and avoid trying to get too fancy. . . . Players are raving about Denver's off-season program. Always one of the better-attended programs in the NFL, this year has been Denver's best ever. On a given day, there are 60-65 players working out. The emphasis has been not only on strength and conditioning, but also on ball drills to improve catching skills. . . . The Broncos have their official, mandatory minicamp from July 6-8. Former Browns defensive linemen Courtney Brown and Ebenezer Ekuban are expected to participate after long rehabs. Brown is coming back from foot surgery and Ekuban is coming back from a shoulder injury. It will be the first time they will participate in full-team drills. They both will be critical to Denver's defensive success this season. SCOUTING REPORT: WR Rod Smith, the leading receiver in Denver history, turned 35 in May. Has he lost a step or two? Yes. But he still has sure hands, remains a superb route runner and an excellent downfield blocker. He's excellent making catches on quick slants across the middle, but he no longer turns those quick 10-yard slants into big gainers - at least not on a regular basis. Smith is the unquestioned leader of the team -- a locker room guy whose work ethic is unmatched. He is almost a player-coach without the official title. Even with the arrival of Jerry Rice and the emergence of Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts, look for Smith to be Denver's leading receiver again in 2005. COACH UNDER PRESSURE: Bob Slowik, the new defensive backs coach, faces a tough job. Sure, he's got Champ Bailey at cornerback, but he also has to fix a unit that was humiliated by the Colts in the playoffs. First on his agenda is to get Lenny Walls to play up to his potential and become a top-flight cornerback. Walls has the talent, but he needs some polishing. During the offseason, Denver lost hard-hitting S Kenoy Kennedy to free agency and it will be Slowik's job to make sure that safeties John Lynch and Nick Ferguson form a cohesive tandem. Finally, Denver must get more interceptions if it wants to contend in the pass-happy AFC West. Denver had just 12 picks last season, and only nine in 2003. The Broncos would like to play aggressive man-to-man coverage, but they can't do that all of the time. It will be Slowik's job to create workable zone defenses -- and make sure there is proper coordination. Last season, there were too many missed assignments and blown coverages. INSIDE DISH: There was a lot of speculation that Denver would pick up a veteran backup quarterback during the offseason, but those inside the organization say that's not likely at this point. First, there's not enough money left, and the team has expressed confidence that Danny Kanell can do the job if starter Jake Plummer gets hurt. TIGHT ENDS ANALYSIS: GRADE B-minus Jeb Putzier and Stephen Alexander both provide a downfield threat and are solid receivers across the middle. Putzier needs to improve his blocking, especially in short-yardage. ________ I like these articles but this is one of my favorite. Gave a lot of good information... loved the parts on our off-season program and Courtney being ready for minicamp.

06-27-2005, 08:46 PM	#2
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,298 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Yep. Very good report by Saunders. Thanks Reverend. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

06-28-2005, 04:13 PM	#16
DB-Freak The lone sack artist Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 4,995	Williams being a good to great returner will make the 2nd round pick more than worth it. Last edited by DB-Freak; 06-28-2005 at 04:18 PM.. Reason: God I can't write.

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Hercules Rockefeller Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 16,005 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ Williams	The main chunk (the red zone, conditioning program and EE/CB parts) Patrick mentioned when he was taking Jim Armstrong's place 560 AM's morning show. Pat also said that he's been told by multiple vets that they are not happy with the July mini-camp because they feel that their summer's been pretty much taken from them the way everything has been spread out.

06-27-2005, 10:00 PM	#6
sirhcyennek81 Yes...swooping is bad... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florence, Colorado Posts: 20,673 Adopt-a-Bronco: All of them.	broncos secondary coach could have it worse. could be coaching the chiefs or saints secondaries. Not so worried about what the defensive backs will do, another year together, better understanding of the system will help. I want pass rush, then it doesnt matter if someone misses a coverage. qb will be on his ass anyway.

06-27-2005, 10:21 PM	#7
UltimateHoboW/Shotgun KKKAAAAAHHHNNNNN!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gensis Planet Posts: 4,262	Can anybody tell me when Mckenizie was drafted. The Mckenzie I'm taking about is the one that the packers traded to the Saints last seasons. I think he was a drafted in the second round. But I not sure. Well my is that the paskers drafted a bunch of DB that year to find a guy to cover Moss. And they didn't to bad with Slowik directing.

06-28-2005, 04:53 AM	#10
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	I sure as hell hope walls turns into a top flight corner. at 6'4 just think of the possibilities

06-28-2005, 03:57 PM	#13
sirhcyennek81 Yes...swooping is bad... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florence, Colorado Posts: 20,673 Adopt-a-Bronco: All of them.	kids with talent. and why worry about what walls may or may not do next season? he is a bronco now, so, deal in the now. if he is worth what denver thinks he is, he will get paid, one way or another.

06-28-2005, 05:54 PM	#20
Dean Solid Starter Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 213	Walls is an unrestricted free agent. We can't trade him next year. I think that it will be one and done. Here is to a good one year in Denver.

06-28-2005, 06:02 PM	#21
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,987 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	Dont underestimate Big Willie

06-28-2005, 06:05 PM	#22
UltimateHoboW/Shotgun KKKAAAAAHHHNNNNN!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gensis Planet Posts: 4,262	I think as for Derrant Williams question. We can hope that he can become a pro-bowl player but he needs to prove it on the field.

06-28-2005, 06:50 PM	#24
Bob's your Information Minister Chiefs > Broncos Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 25,920 Adopt-a-Bronco: CHRIS KUPER!!!	Good post.