Since the Threads Suck So Bad, Here's One That Doesn't.

[Rock Chalk]

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

[broncogary]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps? Downwards

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year? Yes

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done? Close

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team? Yes

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone? See # 8

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)? No

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled? Yes

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt? Biggest question mark of the offseason

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot? One of the younger guys will start

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can? No

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

.

[listopencil]

Also:


How many D-Linemen do we keep, and who makes the roster?

Does anyone think they have an objective view on the strengths and weaknesses of each guy?

[theAPAOps5]

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

Upwards as its youth infused and Al really missed tackles in the second half last season.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

Yes but he will still have growing pains. He will be better than you will ever admit.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

He's not done but he won't be what he was. He should be the number 3 WR.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

He will be the #2.

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

Can't really tell you that scares me.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

No, Dre Bly was where DWill was heading.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

Easily and he will be a huge improvement on 3rd down and goal line.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

Knowing what he has done I think he will be just the same when he returns.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

I look for Lynch to be the same but Sam Brandon may be on his way out.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

He will be our new Shannon Sharpe. People who think he is just a blocking TE will be pleasantly surprised. He has great WR hands and is like a bowling ball when he gets going. He will be the answer we have been looking or at TE. Him and Sheffler will be a great duo.

[Odysseus]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

--Upward by mid season

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

--Cutler is going to be fine.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

--Rod is coming back, kicking ass and taking names.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

--It will change from game to game but ultimately Marshall is going to be good.

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

--Yes.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

--Bly is going to lose some but he'll be an impact CB.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

--Travis Henry is going to run over some people. The 1,500 mark is high but achievable if the Broncos stay healthy.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

--Lepsis will be back but a shade slower.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

---Yes and yes.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

---His impact is blocking and being available for big plays.
Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

Broncos have to stay healthy, get healthy and stay on point.

[minibronco]

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

It will be a lateral move for the time being. I think he can fill in responsibility-wise and skill-wise for Al... the defense will just miss Wilson's leadership (which I think we can find from Bly/others). It all depends, however, on how well DJ's replacement does.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

Yes, definitely. Experience builds confidence, and he's a quick learner.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

Rod Smith will recover fully and see the same amount of action he did last year, and I see him retiring at the end of this year.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

Marshall will be the #3 receiver for the team.... and finish #2. I don't see Shanahan having enough trust in him to start him but he'll definitely play a big role in the passing offense.

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

Our offensive line should improve just a bit with some new coaching and a little bit of new talent. Don't expect too much though.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

Bly has the experience and mindset to know that he's playing opposite of Bailey and most plays will go towards him. He's probably not gonna take many chances but there will be times for him to shine.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

I don't see Mike Bell getting too many carries over Henry. With that said, 1500 is definitely in reach for Henry in Cutler's 'second' year. He will definitely improve their red zone offense though; it gives them more options.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

I don't see how Lepsis has such a direct correlation with the playoff race as you word that question, but he will recover and be a pivotal component of the team later on in the season.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

I personally think a younger guy will step up later in the year, or possibly another cornerback convert.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

I think Graham gives us a decent option with Scheffler, and if Shanahan doesn't trust his WRs (knock on wood) midseason, at least he'll have a couple pairs of solid hands to go to.

[watermock]

Answers percieved or real:

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps? A: It's more likely that the hole at SAM is going to hurt us.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year? A: Yes

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done? A: Depends on what you consider recovered. Unknown. Certainly not back to his dominant days.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team? A: #2

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone? A: Yes. Harris can actually pass protect, altho he might be needed at LT.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)? A. No

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled? A: 1300-1600 barring injury.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt? A: Unknown but I'm not banking on it.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot? A. If Lynch wasn't completely heathy and crafty, I would say no. With Bailey and Bly, the safties will be tested...that's where our revamped line can help.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can? A: Absolutely

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

1. Downgrade for this year while he learns the position, won't be as noticeable with an upgraded DL.

2. Yes, but he performed pretty well for a rookie. Completion % up over 60, still with a 2-1 TD-Int ratio, yardage at 230+ per game.

3. Not done, but won't come back to his level. #3 at best.

4. Yes.

5. If Lepsis comes back healthy.

6. No, better DL helps him out. Yes, if the DL is as ineffective as last year.

7. Yes.

8. Yes.

9. Yes, again because of a better DL.

10. Yes, he will improve the running game and along with a (hopefully) healthy Scheffler, will give them real passing options out of a 2-TE set.

[TheReverend]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

1) Honestly over 5 years we can hope for laterally, but after last year he's gotta be upward.

2) After an offseason working as he has, he has to improve.

3) With the WR depth this year, it doesn't ****ing matter.

4) Either way he's making an enormous contribution for a 2nd year WR in the NFL... especially for a 2nd day pick.

5) Aren't all of Taco's boys garbage?

6) Coyer's gone so that's not humanly possible.

7) Absolutely

8) We can only hope... if not, thank god we addressed OT lightly in the draft.

9) Lynch is always adequate thanks to hard work, leadership capabilities and some blind ass luck... Nick Ferguson has been dog**** for decades.

10) Not a chance in hell.

[CHANGSTER]

wooo hoo football talk!

[Sodak]

8. I don't think Lepsis makes a full recovery. He had microfracture. Usually a bad omen.

[Paladin]

Questions 3 and 4 deal with Rod and Marshall as 2 and/or 3 receivers. I think Rod will be back, but I see him sharing mucho time with Marshall. I think Stokley will see some time if he gets healthy, but Kircus and Hixson are wildcards in the WR shuffle. I wonder if the Broncos would keep six WRs and cut one of the TE candidates (Jackson, maybe). Hixson may have double duty as a return man as well, a la Dainty H. Hixson has that kind of speed. Morgan has some speed, but he is not a great WR candidate.

Rod may be there, but at a reduced role. Marshall should take on more of the heavy lifting in the passing game at WR.

[Popps]

Originally Posted by Alec

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?
.

Downward. He won't initially have Wilson's instincts, and frankly... I've rarely seen him do anything impressive. I always hear "we use him wrong." I also heard that about Ashley Lelie. He's fine... just nothing special, at least not that I've seen to this point. Wilson's loss is also obviously problematic.

Originally Posted by Alec

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?.

I thought Cutler was off to a great start last year and there's no question he'll be even better with more weapons around him. I'm not worried about the QB spot at all.

Originally Posted by Alec

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?.

I'd suspect he'll play, but really be a role player. Marshall and Stokley (if healthy) will steal a lot of balls from him. He'll start the season opposite Walker, but I don't think it'll end that way. Still, we'll be lucky to have him.

Originally Posted by Alec

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?.

See #3

Originally Posted by Alec

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

If Lepsis comes back healthy, I think we'll be great between the guys we have fighting it out. I don't think you can overstate how important he is to our line.

Originally Posted by Alec

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?.

Probably not as many, but a few... and he tackles for ****. Be prepared for that. The trade-off is that he'll obviously make a lot of big plays.

Originally Posted by Alec

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

No question. What a huge steal this was for us. Two receiving threats at TE are going to open things up for us, too. LBs aren't going to be able to cheat. I think we'll be a team that can throw in any situation, and will, at times.

Originally Posted by Alec

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

See #5

Originally Posted by Alec

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?.

If healthy, those two will be fine. Our lack of pass rush (unless that changes) will get us in trouble if we're asking those guys to cover people too long.

Originally Posted by Alec

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?.

Not just Graham, Sheffler. I've been saying this for a while, but I think Sheffler has potential to be an even better pass-catcher than Graham. Given, I also though Darius Watts would be our #1 WR by now, so keep that in mind. Still, I think the kid has insane ability if he can settle down.
But, yea... we're going to give teams fits with our TEs this year, and I love it.

But, Alec... how can you forget #11?

Will our D-line show up and dominate this year?

Who knows.... but that's your key to the season right there.

Have I mentioned that before?

[theAPAOps5]

Originally Posted by TheReverend

10) Not a chance in hell.

You obviously have no idea what kind of player Dan Graham is. Trust me you will you eat your words on this one. Graham will provide both the blocking and the 3rd down and Goal Line help we have missed. That right there changes everything.

[Man-Goblin]

I don't have much time but I want to address this one...

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

Obviously, I have long been a fan of Daniel Graham with my CU roots and all, but one that that always shocked me was how he failed to put up big numbers in New England. I swore coming out of college that this guy was going to be a monster and it never reallly came to fruition in their offense.

But that's just the thing; NOBODY puts up huge numbers in their offense. Statistically, it is one of the best. But Tom Brady spreads the ball around so much that no one receiver can put up impressive stats. It's just the way it is. And now that they've got more quality receivers, will it make a difference? Nope. Their offense may be more potent and Brady may have more opportunities to convert on tough plays. However, I still don't see anyone having a huge season there (sans Brady and probably Maroney).

Now, that being said, Graham was and is one of, if not the, best blocking TEs in the league. We all know this. So the signing makes sense there.

Will he make a difference for the Broncos? Hell yes! He is a very gifted receiver with well above average athletic ability in the open field (demonstrated by more than a couple long touchdowns on underneath throws and screens in NE), and he has a nose for the endzone (dude just knows how to get open down there).

Now, the question asks whether his signing will radically change the Broncos' offense in itself. My opinion is no, it won't. But that's only because I believe that there are not many players in this league that can single-handedly change an offense. However, his signing does improve the run game and adds a 3rd down option (ball control baby; the less time any team's D is on the field, the better). Plus, he's a proven touchdown magnet inside the 10 (this goes back to college). All 3 of these traits that he brings were weeknesses last year. The signing was a no-brainer in my opinion, even though some people think they overpaid.

Coupled with other moves and Cutler's (hopeful) maturity will in fact dramatically improve the offense and (hopefully) improve the team greatly.

[theAPAOps5]

Man-Goblin I agree 100% with your post. Dan Graham was not utilized to his potential in New England. That isn't New Englands fault, they have an offense that is very successful spreading the wealth.

I remember Dan Graham from his last season at CU. I got to watch him in person every game. That dude was an amazing pass catcher. People forget that he is such a great athlete and they think he is only a blocking TE. He will surprise a lot of people with his hands and athletic ability. He will make a big difference on the Offense. Don't forget he was made Captain in New England because of his work ethic and leadership. That is just another added bonus.

[ScottXray]

I think that there are an whole LOT of questions going into this season.

And because there are so many questions, at the end of the year we will be on the bubble for the playoffs. Sort of like last year...except we will be gelling and getting better at the last of the season.

Overall Shanny has started a major rebuild of the Broncos and we didn't quite get all the pieces in place. But as always he will make the AFC West a race...and with a little luck will be back in the playoffs.

Next year....LOOK OUT AFC.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by Alec

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

I'm expecting a sideways move. They were not very good last year and Ian Gold is still on the roster. We'll see him bounce off some running backs like he did last year, and DJ is going to struggle with his angles learning a new position.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

Yes. How much better is the real question. It's ridiculous to think he wouldn't get somewhat better just being in the system a full year and practicing with the 1's all through camp this time around. How much he'll grow remains to be seen.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

I think he'll come back, play decently at the number 3 spot in certain situations and then retire next year.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

2

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

Yes. Pears moving to the right side with Meadows there is definite upgrade.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

No. He's a better player than D-Wil. Also where Darrent would gamble and get burned a lot, Bly will actually make those plays.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

Yes. We were actually pretty good in the redzone last year having one of the best conversion precentages. Better power back options can found in Cecil Sapp switching to half back and Mike Bell, who just has a nose for the endzone. With all three I'm confident we can be effective there.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

I hope so. He's on schedule and Harris needs another year minimum to figure things out. I think he will, but there could always be setbacks. Cross your fingers.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

I think between Brandon, Cargile, Abdullah and Cox, one of those guys will be starting by the end of the season.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

I guess that depends on what many here think he's going to do. I think he'll help us in the redzone and in our running game. I think he'll make some plays in the passing game as well. We'll see.

[SoCalBronco]

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

Well I think you are asking two different questions there. He could do well there and yet the overall corps could still be problematic because of issues on the outside and there are significant issues on the outside. As for DJ, I think he will do an outstanding job in terms of being productive, I think you'll see him in the offensive backfield often and you'll see the sideline to sideline incredibly athletic DJ of 2004 again. I also expect him to pick off a pass or two. If you recall the first quarter of the 2005 regular season finale against SD, he played MLB (you'll find Coyer's commenting on this in a few articles after that game) and was dominant in that quarter, almost picked off a ball and was really all over the place. I do expect him to have several blown reads and missed assignments, perhaps some missed checks and such, as that is not the strongest part of his game, but I am quite confident that people will be very happy with how much of a force he will be, esp. in terms of making plays against the run. However, I don't think he will provide the kind of vocal leadership that people are accustomed to from Al, that's just not his personality, thats not his way of going about things.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

Cutler was outstanding last year for a rookie. I expect him to make the usual 2nd year leap as well. His progression from game to game was extraordinary. He did hit a rough patch in the second half of the Cincy game and in parts of the SF game, but he overcame that and really showed what he was all about in the long drives he led in the clutch. I think he will take a big step to being an elite or near elite passer this year. I expect Jay's completion percentage to be in the low to mid 60s, and his TD to INT ratio to be about or slightly exceeding 2 to 1, certainly quite good.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

I don't think he is completely done, but he is definitely slowing and may continue to slow. To be fair, he did gut it out through an extremely painful injury and that clouds the question of whether age was the primary reason for his precipitous decline last year. I think age was a key part of it, but not all of it. I still expect him to put up about 45 catches this year, which is still pretty decent. I think Marshall will put up about the same number of catches (45 ish, albeit, his 45 receptions will be more explosive than Rod's) as he takes another step in his development, so they will sort of be Co No.2 and No. 3s, sort of like how it was with Eddie Mac and Ashley in 2003.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

See above.

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

I don't know, if I had to guess, I'd say it would be around the same as last year, or perhaps slightly worse. The reason I say that is that we have a major question regarding how well Lepsis recovers from his ACL injury. Microfracture is a big deal, and Matt isnt just going back to any position, he's going back to the difficult LT position where he has to battle talented speedy edge rushers. We'll see. I think the RG issue also is a bit of a concern in the passing game. Kuper is pretty damn strong, as is Holland, and that is good for the run game, but they are both a cut below in the pass game...there are alot of unknowns with Kuper in the pass game. I think Pears will do fine at RT, he did adequate last year at the difficult LT position, it will be a little easier for him this year at RT in terms of pass protection, and his experience from last year will also help.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

He'll give up several big plays, but he'll also make several big plays.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

We'll have a better TD in Red Zone percentage this year and yes I think he'll be a factor in that, along with a better run blocking OL and Dan Graham. 1500 is very possible, I think he has a decent shot at that, I feel more confident with 1350-1400 though, I think he will definitely get into that area, and possibly more.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

Dunno, that is a huge question, its not talked about very often, but it is an absolutely huge issue. This is key and I dont have a clue or even a gut feeling one way or another here.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

Well, they should be "adequate", I don't think they'll be good or remotely special, but adequate.........yeah. I think Fergy is in for a battle though. He's in the battle for his life. Hamza will provide a real challenge, Curome Cox will provide a real challenge and Brandon as well if he is ok from his own ACL injury. If Brandon is healthy, I think he can unseat Fergy this year. Lynch still has top notch instincts, which help to mask his declining coverage abilities, and he'll still be decent this year, but with age, he will continue to slowly decline.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

He should make a significant impact in the success of our strongside running game and in the red zone. Now, the kind of impact worthy of a 15m signing bonus? Probably not, but I still think he will be a very important contributor in the offense in the short passing game and in the run game.

[Hogan11]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Broncos.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

Lateral.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

He should..but it remains to be seen

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?.

Hate to say it, but I'm thinking he's done. This year and maybe next is all he has left. Get your Smith jerseys whilst you can.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

#2 and in a hurry....by the 4th game Criswell tells me anyways

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

Another case of addition by subtraction, that's all this is.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

I was very down on Darrent's play last year....he was trying to emulate Bailey's play without having Bailey's talent level and it showed. Bly plays in his own style, which is a huge plus....sure he'll give up a big play once in a while (even Bailey does that) and his tackling leaves some to be desired, but you will see more takeaways coming from that side of the field now....the only thing missed by this transition will be the corner blitz that Darrent ran so effectively.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

Laughable question...anyone who's watched Henry the past few seasons knows that only injury can stop him from doing all this.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

Like Sodak mentioned that's a microfracture....you wanna hope for the best, but I'm not too optimistic about him at this time.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

Not steal a spot but I wouldn't be surprised to see them on the field more and more....w/ Lynch and Ferguson, there's not a lot left in the tank back there and the Organization must know it.

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

Absolutely

Im not answering, but since we need some Broncos talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

[bendog]

Originally Posted by Alec

OK, lets get the board thinking about the Donks.

Let's here the board's answers to the following questions:

1) Will DJ's move over to Mike be a lateral, upwards or downwards move for the Linebacking Corps?

Up. DJ tackles like a linebacker, not a bumper car. But Sam remains a problem. I know Bates wants to play man-press, but the Sam's gonna need more safety help.

2) Will Cutler learn his job and perform better than he did in limited action last year?

yes.

3) Will Rod Smith recover fully, or at least mostly from his hip injury and return to what we have grown accostumed to with him - or at least get close to what he once was? Or is he done?

This year's Jerry Rice, I'm afraid.

4) Will Brandon Marshall end up the #3 or #2 receiver for the team?

Yes, but that's not necessarily saying he's that good.

5) Will the turnstyle that was our offensive line pass protection finally get better now that Taco's boy is finally gone?

I thought Taco's boy was Jake. Personally, I think Nalen's still a liability, along with Hamilton, but RT's bound to be better.

6)Will Dre Bly give up more big plays than D-Dub (God Rest His Soul)?

I think it will be a wash.

7) Can Travis Henry gain 1500+ yards rushing for Denver this year, and most importantly, get them in the red zone where we have struggled?

I don't know if TH can stay healthy for more than 12. But, I think the biggest question is whether Mike Bell can come in 10 pounds heavier and just as quick.

8) Will Lepsis make a full recovery and keep us in the playoff hunt?

They say yes, but who knows. I'd think so, given he's gone the ACL route before, and work isn't something Lepsis has ever shrugged.

9) Is Lynch and/or Ferguson going to be adequate this year or will Sam Brandon and/or one of the younger guys steal a starting spot?

Lynch is ok, but I'm not sure about Ferguson. Even if the ACL is back to at least the old ACL's strength, it seems that the speed takes awhile to come back. Lepsis isn't getting paid for his 40 time and ability to hip pivot and drive. Tackles play with more a controlled, routine, choreography

10) Will Graham make enough of an impact to really change the offense like many think he can?

I'm really not sure how they plan to use Graham, and Schefter. Obviously they view his blocking as a huge assett.

Im not answering, but since we need some Donk talk, these are some decent questions, let's hear your opinions.

Thanks for the football talk. Does marriage suck, yet? (-:

[Rock Chalk]

For the record the most important issue to our season this year in my mind deals with lepsis.

LT is arguably one of the most important positions on the field and when Lepsis went down last year, that pretty much ass canned our season.

If Lepsis comes back fully healthy and playing at the level he can play at, we will be solid offensively. If he doesnt, we better hope our defense is good ALL year long.