Broncos Team Report 7/5/07 - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 07-07-2007, 05:19 AM

WR Brandon Stokley has literally been running around the field during recent minicamps. He'll likely get to do so in a figurative sense soon enough. Stokley's rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles' tendon he endured last December has progressed to the point where the former Colts standout will likely participate in Denver's July 9-11 minicamp. Stokley in Indianapolis made a living winning mismatches against nickel and dime cornerbacks as part of three-wide receiver sets in Indianapolis. Should he prove he's fully recovered, he figures to serve in a similar role in the slot with Denver once all their injured players are back on the field in concert. Stokley has already stated publicly this is probably his last NFL shot. When healthy, he's quick and is adept at working the zones over the middle, which will allow Javon Walker to play to his strengths and go deep for strong-armed QB Jay Cutler. ...

It went virtually unnoticed stateside, but Denver C Greg Eslinger, a 2006 sixth-round pick, flourished playing for Cologne this spring, making the league's all-star team. That designation may not mean much in the big picture given NFL Europa's low profile (and recent extinction), but that developmental action has been a frequent springboard into important future playing time with the Broncos along their offensive line. Matt Lepsis, Lenny Friedman, Ben Hamilton and Erik Pears all moved into starting positions shortly after going overseas. Eslinger won't immediately displace Broncos fixture Tom Nalen at center but he may have worked his way into consideration for duty once Nalen steps aside in the next couple years. In the short term, Eslinger will battle Chris Myers to become one of the team's top inside backups, joining the loser of the Montrae Holland/Chris Kuper battle at right guard.

SCOUTING REPORT: CB Dre' Bly is best suited for a man-to-man coverage and he'll get plenty of chances to showcase his ability to mirror receivers under coordinator Jim Bates. He has fluid hips, excellent quickness and plays with the necessary swagger needed at the position. With Champ Bailey on the other side, teams figure to test his penchant to take risks in order to make the big play, too. Expect plenty of double moves against him trying to catch him too aggressive. But Bly, who studies his opposing tendencies fervently, also has the speed to recover when he makes a misstep in such situations. One downside is that Bly isn't known as a particularly aggressive tackler vs. the run.

SOMETHING TO PROVE: WR Rod Smith has heard he's finished before. In 2003, his streak of six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons ended and critics said he lacked the breakaway quickness that marked his early career. But Smith came back strong with two straight 1,000-yard campaigns and established himself as the team's all-time leader in several categories. But Smith's biggest career challenge is now ahead, coming off his worst season since become a regular in 1997. He's battled hip problems for three years running before the pain become so debilitating he couldn't sleep at night and prompted surgery. Smith has recently stepped up his core work, pool exercises and will soon return to the field. And depending how things proceed, he could remain a starter, play as the No. 3 behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall or realize his health will force his retirement. But Smith is feeling more spry post-surgery, the desire is there and coach Mike Shanahan will make sure Smith will practice at training camp only when the receiver gives the green light he's fully healthy.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=233685

thumpc · 07-07-2007, 06:01 AM

Smith, Stokley and Marshall will be good competition.

thumpc · 07-07-2007, 06:02 AM

Hixon is a b****.

cmhargrove · 07-07-2007, 06:59 PM

Next week will be huge for Rod. I hope he beats out Stokely.

CBF1 · 07-07-2007, 07:17 PM

Again, for those of you that have missed it. Denver is going to be running ALOT of 3 Wr set plays lining up Hixon wide left, Hixon wr and Hixon in the slot. So on any given offensive play Cutler will have 3 options to throw a TD pass.

Rod, Javon and the Brandon brothers will get plenty of rest for the playoff push, where I can see Hixon getting MVP not only for the regular season, but also for the Superbowl.

Jetmeck · 07-08-2007, 01:06 AM

IF Hixon pans out AT LEAST for returns I'll be happy. If he works out in the passing game it is gravy. We have some options at WR for a change and even TE. With Cutler's ability to MAKE ALL THE THROWS T. Henry should have some wide open lanes to run through. I am as giddy as a school girl thinking about the POTENTIAL of this offense. Add in all the D-LINE additions.......things could get interesting for sure.

JCMElway · 07-08-2007, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpc

Hixon is a b****.

I don't know what kind of death wish you have, but I'll pray for you. To needlessly provoke the HIXON.......

Words fail me.

Willynowei · 07-08-2007, 02:30 AM

IT stopped being funny long ago, but people still can't drop hixon.

A lot of people are comming off the Offseason hiatus as now some offseason reports are going to start showing up in full force in a few weeks, and when that happens, I'd hope that relevant football conversation would occur.

Whether people realize it or not, mentioning hixon in any thread kills it, and is not that different from mentioning political garbage on a football forum except its a joke, and thus funny..... 2 months ago.

SoCalBronco · 07-08-2007, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willynowei

IT stopped being funny long ago, but people still can't drop hixon.

A lot of people are comming off the Offseason hiatus as now some offseason reports are going to start showing up in full force in a few weeks, and when that happens, I'd hope that relevant football conversation would occur.

Whether people realize it or not, mentioning hixon in any thread kills it, and is not that different from mentioning political garbage on a football forum except its a joke, and thus funny..... 2 months ago.

Hixon isn't a joke. He's about as serious as a heart attack.

Malcontent · 07-08-2007, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willynowei

IT stopped being funny long ago, but people still can't drop hixon.

A lot of people are comming off the Offseason hiatus as now some offseason reports are going to start showing up in full force in a few weeks, and when that happens, I'd hope that relevant football conversation would occur.

Whether people realize it or not, mentioning hixon in any thread kills it, and is not that different from mentioning political garbage on a football forum except its a joke, and thus funny..... 2 months ago.

Lighten up Frances!

Odysseus · 07-08-2007, 03:07 AM

This board is so tense. There should be a thread for miserable pricks who see no joy in life. Let them torment each with angry accusations and frustrated soliloquies about how if they were in charge they could right the wrongs of the Orangemane with a single post.

Dude! It's Hixon season! Suck it up buttercup!

cmhargrove · 07-08-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willynowei

IT stopped being funny long ago, but people still can't drop hixon.

A lot of people are comming off the Offseason hiatus as now some offseason reports are going to start showing up in full force in a few weeks, and when that happens, I'd hope that relevant football conversation would occur.

Whether people realize it or not, mentioning hixon in any thread kills it, and is not that different from mentioning political garbage on a football forum except its a joke, and thus funny..... 2 months ago.

I hope beyond anything that Rod comes back and makes the team as the #3 receiver, but I am dead ass serious about Hixon. With O'Brien calling the shots as ST coach, Hixon has the chance to be the next Devin Hester type in the NFL (no kidding). So, many of us love Hixon humor but I am absolutely dead serious in saying that I think he could be our biggest ST threat in a decade and could very well be our #3 receiver if he does well in training camp.

There are many Hixon jokes (which I belive are more Broncos relevant than Chuck Norris jokes), but most of us making the jokes have real confidence that he could be a major asset for our team this year.

So, don't be a buzz-killer, we actually believe in the kid, and he is a Bronco, which makes Hixon jokes very relevant.

07-07-2007, 05:19 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Broncos Team Report 7/5/07 WR Brandon Stokley has literally been running around the field during recent minicamps. He'll likely get to do so in a figurative sense soon enough. Stokley's rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles' tendon he endured last December has progressed to the point where the former Colts standout will likely participate in Denver's July 9-11 minicamp. Stokley in Indianapolis made a living winning mismatches against nickel and dime cornerbacks as part of three-wide receiver sets in Indianapolis. Should he prove he's fully recovered, he figures to serve in a similar role in the slot with Denver once all their injured players are back on the field in concert. Stokley has already stated publicly this is probably his last NFL shot. When healthy, he's quick and is adept at working the zones over the middle, which will allow Javon Walker to play to his strengths and go deep for strong-armed QB Jay Cutler. ... It went virtually unnoticed stateside, but Denver C Greg Eslinger, a 2006 sixth-round pick, flourished playing for Cologne this spring, making the league's all-star team. That designation may not mean much in the big picture given NFL Europa's low profile (and recent extinction), but that developmental action has been a frequent springboard into important future playing time with the Broncos along their offensive line. Matt Lepsis, Lenny Friedman, Ben Hamilton and Erik Pears all moved into starting positions shortly after going overseas. Eslinger won't immediately displace Broncos fixture Tom Nalen at center but he may have worked his way into consideration for duty once Nalen steps aside in the next couple years. In the short term, Eslinger will battle Chris Myers to become one of the team's top inside backups, joining the loser of the Montrae Holland/Chris Kuper battle at right guard. SCOUTING REPORT: CB Dre' Bly is best suited for a man-to-man coverage and he'll get plenty of chances to showcase his ability to mirror receivers under coordinator Jim Bates. He has fluid hips, excellent quickness and plays with the necessary swagger needed at the position. With Champ Bailey on the other side, teams figure to test his penchant to take risks in order to make the big play, too. Expect plenty of double moves against him trying to catch him too aggressive. But Bly, who studies his opposing tendencies fervently, also has the speed to recover when he makes a misstep in such situations. One downside is that Bly isn't known as a particularly aggressive tackler vs. the run. SOMETHING TO PROVE: WR Rod Smith has heard he's finished before. In 2003, his streak of six straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons ended and critics said he lacked the breakaway quickness that marked his early career. But Smith came back strong with two straight 1,000-yard campaigns and established himself as the team's all-time leader in several categories. But Smith's biggest career challenge is now ahead, coming off his worst season since become a regular in 1997. He's battled hip problems for three years running before the pain become so debilitating he couldn't sleep at night and prompted surgery. Smith has recently stepped up his core work, pool exercises and will soon return to the field. And depending how things proceed, he could remain a starter, play as the No. 3 behind Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall or realize his health will force his retirement. But Smith is feeling more spry post-surgery, the desire is there and coach Mike Shanahan will make sure Smith will practice at training camp only when the receiver gives the green light he's fully healthy. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=233685

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07-07-2007, 06:01 AM	#2
thumpc Pro Bowler Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Future Posts: 745 Adopt-a-Bronco: Richard Quinn	Smith, Stokley and Marshall will be good competition.

07-07-2007, 06:02 AM	#3
thumpc Pro Bowler Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Future Posts: 745 Adopt-a-Bronco: Richard Quinn	Hixon is a b****.

07-07-2007, 06:59 PM	#4
cmhargrove Is this thing on??? Travis Henry's love child... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 6,403 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	Next week will be huge for Rod. I hope he beats out Stokely.

07-07-2007, 07:17 PM	#5
CBF1 Ring of Famer No avatar is the new avatar Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,907 Adopt-a-Bronco: Jack Del rio	Again, for those of you that have missed it. Denver is going to be running ALOT of 3 Wr set plays lining up Hixon wide left, Hixon wr and Hixon in the slot. So on any given offensive play Cutler will have 3 options to throw a TD pass. Rod, Javon and the Brandon brothers will get plenty of rest for the playoff push, where I can see Hixon getting MVP not only for the regular season, but also for the Superbowl.

07-08-2007, 01:06 AM	#6
Jetmeck Not a Chief's board Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 5,381	IF Hixon pans out AT LEAST for returns I'll be happy. If he works out in the passing game it is gravy. We have some options at WR for a change and even TE. With Cutler's ability to MAKE ALL THE THROWS T. Henry should have some wide open lanes to run through. I am as giddy as a school girl thinking about the POTENTIAL of this offense. Add in all the D-LINE additions.......things could get interesting for sure.

07-08-2007, 02:30 AM	#8
Willynowei Some dude Football is a wonderful thing. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 2,798 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	IT stopped being funny long ago, but people still can't drop hixon. A lot of people are comming off the Offseason hiatus as now some offseason reports are going to start showing up in full force in a few weeks, and when that happens, I'd hope that relevant football conversation would occur. Whether people realize it or not, mentioning hixon in any thread kills it, and is not that different from mentioning political garbage on a football forum except its a joke, and thus funny..... 2 months ago.

07-08-2007, 03:07 AM	#11
Odysseus Fan of the home team Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Durango, Colorado Posts: 12,107 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mark Schlereth	This board is so tense. There should be a thread for miserable pricks who see no joy in life. Let them torment each with angry accusations and frustrated soliloquies about how if they were in charge they could right the wrongs of the Orangemane with a single post. Dude! It's Hixon season! Suck it up buttercup!