The Transition Year Begins - The Orange Mane

epicSocialism4tw · 05-03-2007, 04:29 PM

Mike Shanahan never rebuilds. In his tenure as coach, we have seen transition years from time to time. Welcome to a Broncos Transition Year.

Under Shanahan, the Offense is Being Retooled...

It starts under center.
Jay Cutler enters year 2. Cutler showed his delicate touch and his rifle arm in every game he played last season. It's evident that the tools are there for Jay to become one of the top QB's in the NFL. As expected, the rook made some ill-advised throws and neglected to come through in a couple of different pressure-laden circumstances that could have made the difference between making and missing the playoffs. I do think it is unfair to lay the entire burden of those shortcomings on him, as the Broncos defense continued to fail the team late in the season. Jay was surprisingly efficent and showed a propensity for the big play. He did not show the ability to master the scramble as we expected to see from him due to his reliance on and execution of it in college. Hopefully, he will get the offense down enough to where he can trust his team and himself enough to move around in and out of the pocket more. This isnt the year that we should expect the playbook to click for Jay, but he should show us glimpses at what our offense will look like when he does become a master of the playbook, and the team's leader on the field.

In the Trench
There are a couple of significant changes here. The Broncos relieved themselves of the burden that has been George Foster. The chronic underachiever and the biggest liability on the offensive line will not be back, and will be replaced by one of probably three guys: Adam Meadows, Erik Pears, or rookie Ryan Harris. I think that that position is up for grabs and will come down to the player who can excel in pass pro. The offense has changed a bit in that it's strength will likely be in the intermediate passing game. Another significant change is at guard where the Broncos let Cooper Carslile find a job elsewhere and have 2nd year player Chris Kuper and practice squad vet Myers waiting in the wings. Ben Hamilton will play the other guard, Tom Nalen will be back to play center, and veteran Matt Lepsis will rejoin the squad after suffering a ligament tear last season. The offensive line has been infused by new talent over the past three seasons and is primed to take a tangible step forward this season. Kuper has the tools to really shine as a pulling guard and carries the athleticism of a premier Bronco offensive lineman. If Kuper wins the job, he will have won over some stiff competition. Myers and rookie Harris could also end up in Carslile's old spot. I am looking forward to seeing how Ryan Harris plays in Denver. I think that he might just be the surprise of the draft. He comes from a pro style offense, is intelligent, and is technically refined enough to be effective in both phases of the Denver offense, especially pass pro. If he is as good at staying square and active against speed edge rushers in the pros as he was in college, he'll start over Meadows/Pears this year at RT. This kid has a real future in Denver. Its up to him as to how good he wants to be. He comes in here with an advantage that few rookies have in having performed for years in a pro-style offense that mirrors that of Denver. Denver also brings in a proven vet that can block in both phases and catch the ball very well in Dan Graham. He will do the little things that this team hasnt seen at the position in years, and should help to shore up the edge in pass and run blocking. He could be the most significant addition to the Broncos' offense this season because of the proficient versatility that he will provide.

Skills
Travis Henry provides the biggest boost to the offensive skill positions. He is a natural zone blocking back who is coming off of an exceptional season at Tennessee where he looked flat out dominant at times. Vince Young received much of the praise for the turnaround of the franchise last season, but Henry was the heart of it. All I can say here is thank goodness that we have a real back for this offense. He is a great one-cut-go back with great vision and toughness. He will be the best back here since TD left. He can catch the ball well and is a decent pass blocker. His addition will be the biggest boost to the offense of any single skill player. Dan Graham will also have a significant role as a skill player. Cutler loves to dump the ball over the linebackers, and that's where Graham and Sheffler should make their living. Javon Walker is arguably the best player at any position on the team, and he should be fully recovered and ready to go. Brandon Marshall showed flashes of brilliance last season and should be more familiar with both Cutler and the offense. If he avoids the sophomore slump, his role will be more significant. I would expect him to win the #2 WR spot next to Walker. Rod Smith is losing ground quickly, but who wouldnt want Rod as a #3? He'll show up to camp ready and will battle for catches all season. If his body holds up, he'll get alot of passes thrown his way on little slants and curls.

bronco militia · 05-03-2007, 04:30 PM

2006 was a transition year....

super bowl or bust baby!

BlaK-Argentina · 05-03-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

Skills
Javon Walker is arguably the best player at any position on the team, and he should be fully recovered and ready to go.

Nice read, though I have to say that Champ is without a doubt the best player on our team. Javon is second though, and I expect a HUGE season from him.

I think Cutler will be ready, and at least have a season similar to Jake's 2004. (lot's of big plays, but quite a few mistakes as well)

Travis Henry... man, I'm excited about him! I want to see what he does in Denver's system. 1700 yards is not out of the question.

TheChamp24 · 05-03-2007, 04:39 PM

I think this team may have too many questions to be a Super Bowl contender this year, but we'll see. I honestly think it might take another year before we can make another serious run at the Super Bowl. Give the new guys a season in Denver, Cutler a full year at starter, let the rookies develop, acquire another good LB, but then some guys might not be around in 2008 like Nalen, Lynch and Rod.

Smiling Assassin27 · 05-03-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaK-Argentina

Nice read, though I have to say that Champ is without a doubt the best player on our team. Javon is second though, and I expect a HUGE season from him.

I think Cutler will be ready, and at least have a season similar to Jake's 2004. (lot's of big plays, but quite a few mistakes as well)

Travis Henry... man, I'm excited about him! I want to see what he does in Denver's system. 1700 yards is not out of the question.

the problem will not be javon's knee but could be between his ears. after watching d-will die and realize that bullets probably sped right by him, he may have mental issues.

Beantown Bronco · 05-03-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

Javon Walker is arguably the best player at any position on offense on the team

Fixed it (hopefully the author just forgot about Champ and didn't knowingly say Javon was better). Otherwise, I really liked the post.

Odysseus · 05-03-2007, 04:44 PM

This the year when the Broncos are going to live or die on trenches.

The OL has to give Jay more time and make holes for the running back...period.

The DL has to hold the line on 3rd down and/or stop laying down under pressure...period. Everything else that happens is going to key off of that.

If they don't fix their lines right now things cannot improve later.

epicSocialism4tw · 05-03-2007, 04:47 PM

The Defense Recovers from Tragedy, and Moves on From the Al Era...

It Aint the Same Without Darrent
We will miss Darrent Williams. He was a great lockerroom guy, and a very talented starter. Hopefully, his teammates will honor him somehow this season. The BBT spent some dough replacing Darrent with a Darrent look-alike in Dre Bly. These two guys have very similar styles. Look for Bly to take the same types of gambles that Darrent did, and to ballhawk in the secondary like Champ. Darrent was very good in run support and a quality blitzer. I'm not sure that Bly will be able to do those things as well as Darrent. The only upgrade that he can provide us over Darrent is the ability to play the #2 WR tight off of the line and to give the QB some difficult looks when pressured. #2 WR's gave us fits in big games last year. Can Bly do things better? I would expect about the same result. I love Bly's attitude and leadership though. He will be a good guy to have in an already great defensive backfield as far as leadership and personality go. Foxworth will play nickel back, giving the Broncos a great nickel package. Ferguson will be back from injury to play FS next to all-pro Lynch who is coming off of an excellent season.

It Aint the Same Without Big Al
Al Wilson was a warrior for this franchise. He was arguably the best two-phase backer in the league. His leadership and talent will be maybe the biggest loss for the Broncos this season. DJ Williams will now become the leader and the MLB of the backer unit, and we will welcome a newcomer at his old spot. Ian Gold will be back, and he will bring his speed and playmaking ability to the unit. Overall, it is really hard to know what to expect from this unit, because it's really going to have quite a different look. I dont expect it to improve, though. The loss of Al Wilson is a pretty big deal.

cmhargrove · 05-03-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaK-Argentina

Nice read, though I have to say that Champ is without a doubt the best player on our team. Javon is second though, and I expect a HUGE season from him.

I think Cutler will be ready, and at least have a season similar to Jake's 2004. (lot's of big plays, but quite a few mistakes as well)

Travis Henry... man, I'm excited about him! I want to see what he does in Denver's system. 1700 yards is not out of the question.

I believe the Javon comments related to skill players on the offense (WRs, TEs, and RBs).

Good article, this should be posted on the front page of OrangeMane instead of "The Broncos Hire Jim Bates as Defensive Coordinator." That one's getting a little dusty...

Jens1893 · 05-03-2007, 04:48 PM

Llama, clear out your inbox.

kmartin575 · 05-03-2007, 04:55 PM

You better hope this isn't a transition year because over half of your starters are over 30 or very close to it. It's super bowl this year or next or not for another 4 or 5 years for you guys.

Jens1893 · 05-03-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin575

You better hope this isn't a transition year because over half of your starters are over 30 or very close to it. It's super bowl this year or next or not for another 4 or 5 years for you guys.

Lynch and Nalen are the only starters who are gonna retire within the next 2 years and we have Nalen´s replacement in either Eslinger or Hamilton already. We also have a very nice group of younger players who should be here for the foreseeable future.

kmartin575 · 05-03-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens1893

Lynch and Nalen are the only starters who are gonna retire within the next 2 years and we have Nalen´s replacement in either Eslinger or Hamilton already. We also have a very nice group of younger players who should be here for the foreseeable future.

Rod Smith?

Even if a player isn't going to retire as he gets older his skills are going to decline.

Within about a year and a half or so both of Denver's corners will be over 30. Nick Ferguson is about 33. Ian Gold will be 30 soon. Daniel Graham will be 30 soon. Matt Lepsis can't have much left in his tank. Warren will be 30 soon. Adam Meadows is about 33.

Point is, Denver is just about the oldest team in the division.

epicSocialism4tw · 05-03-2007, 05:10 PM

Boon or Bust
Any dedicated Bronco fan knows what has been the achilles heel of the team since Elway left the turf. The defensive line has been a mix-n-match bunch of retreads that come and go like a McDonald's cashier crew. The line has not generated any sort of pass rush in years and has even failed at it's main duty as a gap-maintinance unit. There are some decent players on the line, but the overall unit has been ineffective and has been out executed by nearly every offensive line in the league, and especially under pressure late in games. The BBT finally addressed this issue this offseason by spending considerable draft resources on players that fit the new defensive scheme. Rookies Moss, Crowder, and Thomas are all super talented players and proven college performers. The hope of any postseason improvement rests in the bellies of these young men. Marcus Thomas should enter camp as the favorite to supplant veteran newcomer Alvin McKinley at DT opposite Gerard Warren. Thomas is a Warren Sapp starter kit with a Bob Marley rap sheet. Thomas is fast off of the snap, has quicker feet than most NFL DT's and is great in pursuit. He's patient, uses angles well, and tackles fiercely. He has arguably the best skill set of any Bronco rookie. Jarvis Moss is a unique talent, and should be ready to compete with Kenard Lang at DE. He'll be the fastest player on the line and has a burst that is rare. Tim Crowder could be the rookie that surprises us this season and earns the starting job opposite Ekuban. Crowder is a better two-phase player than Moss and is another skilled and fast end with good instincts. Crowder reminds me alot of Ekuban, actually. Ekuban is coming off of a year where I think he was the best player on the line. Gerard Warren should be healed up and ready to play up to his nickname. He quit on the team at times last season, but I understand how badly a severe toe injury could hamper an athletic DT like Warren. The wild card this season is Dumervil. He proved to be the best pass rusher on the team last season, and was really the only playmaker we had on third and long situations. Dumervil is a natural. With experience and training, he could become an unexpected contributor in more ways than he did last season. This season is a big transition year for the line, but it offers Bronco fans much hope. The line is infused with young blue-chip talent and has some hungry old vets in Ekuban and Warren. If a couple of the youngsters prove to be able to contribute, the line will have taken a dramatic step forward and will open up the secondary to really do some damage in the turnover department. If the youngsters do not pan out, this unit is worse than it ever was. The success and legitimacy of the team rests in the performance of this unit. It's definately a boon or bust situation.

Jens1893 · 05-03-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin575

Rod Smith?

Even if a player isn't going to retire as he gets older his skills are going to decline.

Within about a year and a half or so both of Denver's corners will be over 30. Nick Ferguson is about 33. Ian Gold will be 30 soon. Daniel Graham will be 30 soon. Matt Lepsis can't have much left in his tank. Warren will be 30 soon. Adam Meadows is about 33.

Point is, Denver is just about the oldest team in the division.

I don´t think Rod will start next season and we have a nice, young WR in Brandon Marshall who could develop into a good WR. The only 2 guys I am concerned about in the short term are Lynch and Nalen. The rest should be able to give us another 3-4 years. Especially corners can easily play on a high level until their mid 30s.

Ferguson and Gold are replaceable.

I think we have a nice mix of youth and experience and I don´t think it´s boom or bust this year.

epicSocialism4tw · 05-03-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens1893

Llama, clear out your inbox.

Okay...it's cleared out.

epicSocialism4tw · 05-03-2007, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmhargrove

Good article, this should be posted on the front page of OrangeMane instead of "The Broncos Hire Jim Bates as Defensive Coordinator." That one's getting a little dusty...

Taco's welcome to it. He might want someone to edit it for grammatical errors.

DivineLegion · 05-03-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin575

Rod Smith?

Even if a player isn't going to retire as he gets older his skills are going to decline.

Within about a year and a half or so both of Denver's corners will be over 30. Nick Ferguson is about 33. Ian Gold will be 30 soon. Daniel Graham will be 30 soon. Matt Lepsis can't have much left in his tank. Warren will be 30 soon. Adam Meadows is about 33.

Point is, Denver is just about the oldest team in the division.

except if you do the math then the oldest team in the LEAGUE is KC...b****

Garcia Bronco · 05-03-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

2006 was a transition year....

super bowl or bust baby!

I agree. If we don't win it...or come damn close in the next two seasons, I'll be very disappointed.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 05-03-2007, 05:58 PM

You forgot Holland at OG, Myers has not bee on the practice squad - he has been on the 53 man squad both years. Harris was a liability in college against the speed rushers. Anthony Spencer and LaMarr Woodley this year and Ray Edwards last year plain embarrassed him.

Popcorn Sutton · 05-03-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin575

Rod Smith?

Even if a player isn't going to retire as he gets older his skills are going to decline.

Within about a year and a half or so both of Denver's corners will be over 30. Nick Ferguson is about 33. Ian Gold will be 30 soon. Daniel Graham will be 30 soon. Matt Lepsis can't have much left in his tank. Warren will be 30 soon. Adam Meadows is about 33.

Point is, Denver is just about the oldest team in the division.

The oldest team in the division?

Ty Law
Patrick Surtain
Donnie Edwards
Tony Gonzalez
Damon Huard
Eddie Kennison
John Welbourn
Casey Weigman
Brian Waters
Alfonso Boone
Chris Bober
Jason Dunn

All over 30...

Odysseus · 05-03-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco

I agree. If we don't win it...or come damn close in the next two seasons, I'll be very disappointed.

I think you should be a fan of the Lions for a couple of years. You will have renewed gratitude about what you really have. Follow the Colorado Rockies if you want an example in futility.

My greatest fantasy would be to see the Denver Broncos win every single game including the Superbowl. If for nothing else but to never hear another Nick Bonneconte (sp) interview about that perfect season ever again.

Odysseus · 05-03-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewCrew

Ty Law
Patrick Surtain
Donnie Edwards
Tony Gonzalez
Damon Huard
Eddie Kennison
John Welbourn
Casey Weigman
Brian Waters
Alfonso Boone
Chris Bober
Jason Dunn

Just to name a few over 30...

Bladerunner · 05-03-2007, 06:29 PM

nice post...

IRG to the transition...Denver did bring in a lot of new people, and the starting squad, particularly on offense, will be quite different than it was at the beginning of last year. I do think that last year was a partial transition year as well, so I'm hoping this squad will come around more quickly than it otherwise would.

Champ is the best player on the team, if you weren't meaning offensively.

Clinton Portis may be better than Henry, but we'll soon see who puts up bigger numbers here.

I doubt Harris makes the starting squad. Pears, Lepsis, Meadows, will likely all be ahead of him. Eslinger isn't looking so swell out in Europa right now. The key to success here is health, we all saw what losing one quality guy like Lepsis did to our line.

I agree with your defensive assessment as well, but would add that the prophesized emergence of Hamza Abdulah is due. We ended up way too thin at safety last season and have only added a rookie UDFA. The safeties are adequate if they stay healthy, but Denver proved not nearly as adept at patching the backfield as New England last season.

AboveAverage · 05-03-2007, 06:29 PM

Kansas City actually has the oldest team in the NFL, as of the draft. That may have changed though.

05-03-2007, 04:29 PM	#1
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	The Transition Year Begins Mike Shanahan never rebuilds. In his tenure as coach, we have seen transition years from time to time. Welcome to a Broncos Transition Year. Under Shanahan, the Offense is Being Retooled... It starts under center. Jay Cutler enters year 2. Cutler showed his delicate touch and his rifle arm in every game he played last season. It's evident that the tools are there for Jay to become one of the top QB's in the NFL. As expected, the rook made some ill-advised throws and neglected to come through in a couple of different pressure-laden circumstances that could have made the difference between making and missing the playoffs. I do think it is unfair to lay the entire burden of those shortcomings on him, as the Broncos defense continued to fail the team late in the season. Jay was surprisingly efficent and showed a propensity for the big play. He did not show the ability to master the scramble as we expected to see from him due to his reliance on and execution of it in college. Hopefully, he will get the offense down enough to where he can trust his team and himself enough to move around in and out of the pocket more. This isnt the year that we should expect the playbook to click for Jay, but he should show us glimpses at what our offense will look like when he does become a master of the playbook, and the team's leader on the field. In the Trench There are a couple of significant changes here. The Broncos relieved themselves of the burden that has been George Foster. The chronic underachiever and the biggest liability on the offensive line will not be back, and will be replaced by one of probably three guys: Adam Meadows, Erik Pears, or rookie Ryan Harris. I think that that position is up for grabs and will come down to the player who can excel in pass pro. The offense has changed a bit in that it's strength will likely be in the intermediate passing game. Another significant change is at guard where the Broncos let Cooper Carslile find a job elsewhere and have 2nd year player Chris Kuper and practice squad vet Myers waiting in the wings. Ben Hamilton will play the other guard, Tom Nalen will be back to play center, and veteran Matt Lepsis will rejoin the squad after suffering a ligament tear last season. The offensive line has been infused by new talent over the past three seasons and is primed to take a tangible step forward this season. Kuper has the tools to really shine as a pulling guard and carries the athleticism of a premier Bronco offensive lineman. If Kuper wins the job, he will have won over some stiff competition. Myers and rookie Harris could also end up in Carslile's old spot. I am looking forward to seeing how Ryan Harris plays in Denver. I think that he might just be the surprise of the draft. He comes from a pro style offense, is intelligent, and is technically refined enough to be effective in both phases of the Denver offense, especially pass pro. If he is as good at staying square and active against speed edge rushers in the pros as he was in college, he'll start over Meadows/Pears this year at RT. This kid has a real future in Denver. Its up to him as to how good he wants to be. He comes in here with an advantage that few rookies have in having performed for years in a pro-style offense that mirrors that of Denver. Denver also brings in a proven vet that can block in both phases and catch the ball very well in Dan Graham. He will do the little things that this team hasnt seen at the position in years, and should help to shore up the edge in pass and run blocking. He could be the most significant addition to the Broncos' offense this season because of the proficient versatility that he will provide. Skills Travis Henry provides the biggest boost to the offensive skill positions. He is a natural zone blocking back who is coming off of an exceptional season at Tennessee where he looked flat out dominant at times. Vince Young received much of the praise for the turnaround of the franchise last season, but Henry was the heart of it. All I can say here is thank goodness that we have a real back for this offense. He is a great one-cut-go back with great vision and toughness. He will be the best back here since TD left. He can catch the ball well and is a decent pass blocker. His addition will be the biggest boost to the offense of any single skill player. Dan Graham will also have a significant role as a skill player. Cutler loves to dump the ball over the linebackers, and that's where Graham and Sheffler should make their living. Javon Walker is arguably the best player at any position on the team, and he should be fully recovered and ready to go. Brandon Marshall showed flashes of brilliance last season and should be more familiar with both Cutler and the offense. If he avoids the sophomore slump, his role will be more significant. I would expect him to win the #2 WR spot next to Walker. Rod Smith is losing ground quickly, but who wouldnt want Rod as a #3? He'll show up to camp ready and will battle for catches all season. If his body holds up, he'll get alot of passes thrown his way on little slants and curls.

05-03-2007, 04:47 PM	#8
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	The Defense Recovers from Tragedy, and Moves on From the Al Era... It Aint the Same Without Darrent We will miss Darrent Williams. He was a great lockerroom guy, and a very talented starter. Hopefully, his teammates will honor him somehow this season. The BBT spent some dough replacing Darrent with a Darrent look-alike in Dre Bly. These two guys have very similar styles. Look for Bly to take the same types of gambles that Darrent did, and to ballhawk in the secondary like Champ. Darrent was very good in run support and a quality blitzer. I'm not sure that Bly will be able to do those things as well as Darrent. The only upgrade that he can provide us over Darrent is the ability to play the #2 WR tight off of the line and to give the QB some difficult looks when pressured. #2 WR's gave us fits in big games last year. Can Bly do things better? I would expect about the same result. I love Bly's attitude and leadership though. He will be a good guy to have in an already great defensive backfield as far as leadership and personality go. Foxworth will play nickel back, giving the Broncos a great nickel package. Ferguson will be back from injury to play FS next to all-pro Lynch who is coming off of an excellent season. It Aint the Same Without Big Al Al Wilson was a warrior for this franchise. He was arguably the best two-phase backer in the league. His leadership and talent will be maybe the biggest loss for the Broncos this season. DJ Williams will now become the leader and the MLB of the backer unit, and we will welcome a newcomer at his old spot. Ian Gold will be back, and he will bring his speed and playmaking ability to the unit. Overall, it is really hard to know what to expect from this unit, because it's really going to have quite a different look. I dont expect it to improve, though. The loss of Al Wilson is a pretty big deal. Last edited by epicSocialism4tw; 05-03-2007 at 04:49 PM..

05-03-2007, 05:10 PM	#14
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	Boon or Bust Any dedicated Bronco fan knows what has been the achilles heel of the team since Elway left the turf. The defensive line has been a mix-n-match bunch of retreads that come and go like a McDonald's cashier crew. The line has not generated any sort of pass rush in years and has even failed at it's main duty as a gap-maintinance unit. There are some decent players on the line, but the overall unit has been ineffective and has been out executed by nearly every offensive line in the league, and especially under pressure late in games. The BBT finally addressed this issue this offseason by spending considerable draft resources on players that fit the new defensive scheme. Rookies Moss, Crowder, and Thomas are all super talented players and proven college performers. The hope of any postseason improvement rests in the bellies of these young men. Marcus Thomas should enter camp as the favorite to supplant veteran newcomer Alvin McKinley at DT opposite Gerard Warren. Thomas is a Warren Sapp starter kit with a Bob Marley rap sheet. Thomas is fast off of the snap, has quicker feet than most NFL DT's and is great in pursuit. He's patient, uses angles well, and tackles fiercely. He has arguably the best skill set of any Bronco rookie. Jarvis Moss is a unique talent, and should be ready to compete with Kenard Lang at DE. He'll be the fastest player on the line and has a burst that is rare. Tim Crowder could be the rookie that surprises us this season and earns the starting job opposite Ekuban. Crowder is a better two-phase player than Moss and is another skilled and fast end with good instincts. Crowder reminds me alot of Ekuban, actually. Ekuban is coming off of a year where I think he was the best player on the line. Gerard Warren should be healed up and ready to play up to his nickname. He quit on the team at times last season, but I understand how badly a severe toe injury could hamper an athletic DT like Warren. The wild card this season is Dumervil. He proved to be the best pass rusher on the team last season, and was really the only playmaker we had on third and long situations. Dumervil is a natural. With experience and training, he could become an unexpected contributor in more ways than he did last season. This season is a big transition year for the line, but it offers Bronco fans much hope. The line is infused with young blue-chip talent and has some hungry old vets in Ekuban and Warren. If a couple of the youngsters prove to be able to contribute, the line will have taken a dramatic step forward and will open up the secondary to really do some damage in the turnover department. If the youngsters do not pan out, this unit is worse than it ever was. The success and legitimacy of the team rests in the performance of this unit. It's definately a boon or bust situation. Last edited by epicSocialism4tw; 05-03-2007 at 05:27 PM..

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05-03-2007, 04:30 PM	#2
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,703	2006 was a transition year.... super bowl or bust baby!

05-03-2007, 04:39 PM	#4
TheChamp24 DERP DERP DERP The Legend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Broncos Country Posts: 4,904	I think this team may have too many questions to be a Super Bowl contender this year, but we'll see. I honestly think it might take another year before we can make another serious run at the Super Bowl. Give the new guys a season in Denver, Cutler a full year at starter, let the rookies develop, acquire another good LB, but then some guys might not be around in 2008 like Nalen, Lynch and Rod.

05-03-2007, 04:44 PM	#7
Odysseus Fan of the home team Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado Posts: 12,107 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mark Schlereth	This the year when the Broncos are going to live or die on trenches. The OL has to give Jay more time and make holes for the running back...period. The DL has to hold the line on 3rd down and/or stop laying down under pressure...period. Everything else that happens is going to key off of that. If they don't fix their lines right now things cannot improve later.

05-03-2007, 04:48 PM	#10
Jens1893 Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: People´s Republic of Bad Cannstatt Posts: 9,170	Llama, clear out your inbox.

05-03-2007, 04:55 PM	#11
kmartin575 Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 886	You better hope this isn't a transition year because over half of your starters are over 30 or very close to it. It's super bowl this year or next or not for another 4 or 5 years for you guys.

05-03-2007, 05:58 PM	#20
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	You forgot Holland at OG, Myers has not bee on the practice squad - he has been on the 53 man squad both years. Harris was a liability in college against the speed rushers. Anthony Spencer and LaMarr Woodley this year and Ray Edwards last year plain embarrassed him.

05-03-2007, 06:29 PM	#24
Bladerunner Ring of Famer ...Two weeks from everywhere! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: California Posts: 1,125 Adopt-a-Bronco: Willis McGahee	nice post... IRG to the transition...Denver did bring in a lot of new people, and the starting squad, particularly on offense, will be quite different than it was at the beginning of last year. I do think that last year was a partial transition year as well, so I'm hoping this squad will come around more quickly than it otherwise would. Champ is the best player on the team, if you weren't meaning offensively. Clinton Portis may be better than Henry, but we'll soon see who puts up bigger numbers here. I doubt Harris makes the starting squad. Pears, Lepsis, Meadows, will likely all be ahead of him. Eslinger isn't looking so swell out in Europa right now. The key to success here is health, we all saw what losing one quality guy like Lepsis did to our line. I agree with your defensive assessment as well, but would add that the prophesized emergence of Hamza Abdulah is due. We ended up way too thin at safety last season and have only added a rookie UDFA. The safeties are adequate if they stay healthy, but Denver proved not nearly as adept at patching the backfield as New England last season.

05-03-2007, 06:29 PM	#25
AboveAverage Master Baiter Eh? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 1,476	Kansas City actually has the oldest team in the NFL, as of the draft. That may have changed though.