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Denver Broncos Training Camp: Part One—The Ifs, Ands, Or Buts
Published: July 26, 2009
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Entering the 2009 offseason, most pundits and Broncos haters assume that the Broncos will be as weak as President Obama’s health care reform plan this season (oh yes, I went there).
Myself, I am a complete homer. Through my orange-and-blue beer goggles, I can always see a Super Bowl run for the Bronx each year.
Only a true citizen of Bronco Country could be this relentless in the quest for another championship. So, in the words of a true Broncos fan, I’ve put together a summary of insanely optimistic views about this years team.
Rookie Training Camp Monday July 27, 2009
When I look at this year’s draft class, I can’t help but see future super stars. Draft day gems, that the rest of the NFL so ignorantly passed up.
Headed by two stout first round choices in Knowshon Moreno and Ryan Ayars…I mean Robert Ayers.
Moreno is set to run all over anyone who stands in his way this season. Running behind the best offensive line in the NFL doesn’t hurt his chances of being yet another 1,000 yard back to head Denver’s potent rushing attack, either.
Moreno will also be spelled by Correll Buckhalter and fan-favorite Peyton Hillis. I pity the fools who try to stop our running game.
Ayers could be the Broncos new “freak” addition to a defensive front that was less than stellar the last two seasons. He’s got skill, a relentless motor, and a freaky physique. Coupled with Elvis Dumervil as the opposite rush end line backer, quarterbacks will be seeing orange and blue blurs in their nightmares.
To cap off the first day of the draft, the Broncos wheeled and dealed in the second round for some future stars that the rest of the NFL considered “reaches.”
Alphonso Smith is going to “bring it” in the secondary this year. I see him taking one to two interceptions back for seven points in a limited roll this year. Quarterbacks won’t want to throw to Bailey or Goodman, so Smith is going to be tested weekly in the nickel roll. He will also bring the pain to other teams in the rush defense. I’m going to go ahead and nickname him “Mini Champ” right now.
Darcel McBath will play a very limited role this year. Think of the next two years for him as being enrolled in a graduate school for defensive backs. The deans of this most prestigious grad school are Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. Once McBath graduates from Broncos Academy, he will be a true impact safety.
Richard Quinn is a beast…and what was that? He can catch, too? Sounds a little bit like Daniel Graham, or Ben Watson in the making. It’s no surprise that Josh McDaniels went for a “Smash Mouth” tight end so early in the draft.
Tight end is the less talked about “hybrid” position in the NFL. Guys like Mike Ditka, Shannon Sharpe, and Mark Bavaro gave this position its name. You have to be able to block, run, catch, and fight.
Tight ends have to be some of the toughest guys out on the field. Quinn stands to add to this legacy of the long line of tough guys before him.
Kenny McKinley is the only other rookie that will be fighting for a starting job this training camp. This young play-maker from South Carolina is the front runner for the returner job. He may also be able to break into the offense’s roster as a fourth to fifth receiving option (as if Denver needs anymore talent on the offense).
These will be the rookies to watch for the next couple of days. I have no doubt in my mind that Josh McDaniels has put together a good group of young players.
GO BRONCOS!!!
(Next I will go over my opinion of the veteran offensive players.
Who Pays $6.50 for a Beer?
Published: July 5, 2009
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I’ve had the honor of being able to go to home games in Denver since 2003. Let me say, there is nothing more exciting than seeing the Orange and Blue “open up a can” on visiting teams.
However, I have a bone to pick with Mr. Bowlen and Investco Field’s pricing atrocities.
I’ve never been much for buying food during a football game, but I am a huge fan of sipping on some suds while screaming at the “refs”.
Lately, I’ve had to boycott my favorite drink of choice, because of principles.
The beer at Investco Field used to only cost $4.50 for a 16 oz cup, which was a super deal! This was especially great when the Broncos were winning, courtesy of my second favorite quarterback in Broncos history: Jake “The Snake” Plummer.
The last two to three years the Broncos have been sub-par. 9-7. 8-8. these are not good records.
It’s especially demoralizing to see them lose at home when they used to be such a dominant force at the Mile High city.
So, what has Mr. Bowlen done to increase the watching “enjoyment” of his sub-par franchise at home? He raised the price of the most popular beverage of all time: BEER!
Beers are now $6.50 at Investco. Not to mention I believe that the beers are smaller than they used to be.
Don’t give me all of this junk about football “being a business” or “it’s a recession, everybody has to tighten their belts.” The Bronco’s brass should be thanking its fan base for showing up through the bad times.
Here’s my suggestion. If the Broncos win the Super Bowl or even have a winning season for once, then you can raise prices. If the Broncos have a season like they did last year, then prices should be lowered.
Think of it this way. If I owned a Subway sandwich business and my sandwiches only tasted good 50 percent of the time, would this be considered a successfully business?
Then, even though my good friends were loyal customers and kept coming back, would it be considered “good business” to raise the prices of my sandwiches? NO! So why is this acceptable at Investco?
I want a little more corporate responsibility from the Broncos franchise. They should be taking better care of it’s fans rather than price gouging them.
I will not buy a beer with my own money at Investco Field until the prices go down.
Go Broncos!
Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered (Game Four)
Published: June 18, 2009
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(This is a continuation of last week’s article on game two at the following link:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/195300-ready-for-war-the-broncos-schedule-uncovered-game-two)
Game Four at Denver, Sunday 10/04
The game at Oakland was more of a preseason match up for the Broncos. The Broncos revamped defense handled the Raiders all four quarters, allowing only six points. The Denver offense controlled the majority of the game, with their commanding rush attack. Any time you beat a rival in their own house, the momentum for your team tends to cross over to the next Sunday.
The Broncos welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Investco Field for game four. At 4-0, the Broncos are on a roll. The Cowboys come in with new faces on a stout defense. They will also be showing flashes of the wildcat offense.
The Cowboys had some key player losses, which may affect their overall performance. The following list was gathered from Yahoo sports at the following link:
• OG Joe Berger(notes): UFA Dolphins; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
• LB Kevin Burnett(notes): UFA Chargers; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.
• DE Chris Canty(notes): UFA Giants; $42M/6 yrs, $8.5M SB/$17.25M guaranteed.
• LB Greg Ellis(notes) (released).
• DT Tank Johnson(notes): UFA Bengals; $620,000/1 yr.
• WR Terrell Owens(notes) (released).
• LB Zach Thomas(notes): UFA Chiefs; $2M/1 yr.
• S Roy Williams (released).
Gregg Ellis and Zach Thomas were big producers in the defense. Even though they were not the “super stars” of the defense, their production will be missed. Keith Brooking was signed to replace Thomas, but Ellis provided a pass rush presence that the Cowboys will need from someone else in the linebacker corps.
The loss of Roy Williams, may be a good thing for the Cowboys. He didn’t seem to be a good fit for a 3-4 defense.
Chris Canty was a huge loss, but the Cowboys replaced him with Igor Olshanksy, who should be a more than a comparable stand-in.
I’m not a believer in wide receiver Roy Williams and think that he is a hug downgrade from Terrell Owens.
With a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball, it’s hard to say what the Cowboys will be like this year.
Here are my predictions of how the game will go:
First Quarter Highlights
On the first possession, starting from their own 35, the Broncos complete a huge 11-play, 13-minute drive, capped off with a five-yard touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno. Six of the first 11 plays are running plays, in which Moreno averages five yards a carry.
With the positive run production, Orton is able to slice and dice the Cowboys defense. Eddie Royal has 2 catches for 20 yards and Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler, both out-run their defenders to add two catches as well.
With two minutes left, the Cowboys control the ball through the rest of the quarter.
Second Quarter Highlights
The Cowboys rushing attack is powerful. Marion Barber averages eight yards on his first three carries. The Wild Cat offense appears to be confusing the Denver defense and they are out of position for most of the drive. The Broncos’ defense holds up on their own 20-yard line and forces the Cowboys to kick a field goal. Broncos 7 Cowboys 3.
The Broncos again are able to move the ball on the Cowboys’ defense. In an effort to stop the run, the Cowboys attack with a series of blitz packages, which the Broncos counter with an array of screen plays. Moreno, Peyton Hillis, and Correll Buckhalter each gain 10 receiving yards out of the backfield.
Eddie Royal catches a 50-yard-deep ball from Orton for a touchdown with one minute left in the half. Broncos 14 Cowboys 3.
Third Quarter Highlights
The Broncos’ defense comes out flat, letting the Cowboys offense run-and-gun 80 yards down the field, in an eight minute drive capped off by 15-yard touchdown reception through the middle by Patrick Crayton. Broncos 14 Cowboys 10.
Broncos catch a break with a 50-yard kick return from Eddie Royal. The offense sputters and is forced to kick a 40-yard field goal by Matt Prater. Broncos 17 Cowboys 10.
The Cowboys again are able to run over the Broncos defense. This time, Tashard Choice is the main contributor, with four runs for 40 yards. Romo hits Jason Witten with a cross-the-field post pattern knotting up the game at 17 points a piece.
Fourth Quarter Highlights
With the game tied up, the Broncos go back to a conservative ball-control offensive approach. The Broncos are able to set up a 12-play drive, which gets them to the Cowboys 20-yard line and takes 13 minutes off the clock. The Cowboys defense is able to stop the offense, forcing three incomplete passes in the end zone. The Broncos are forced to kick a field goal with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Broncos 20, Cowboys 17.
The Cowboys get off to a quick start from their own 20-yard line, with two quick passes to Roy Williams and a screen pass to Marion Barber. With one minute left, the Broncos defense is able to sack Romo at the Cowboys 43-yard line, forcing them to use their second time out.
On second and third down, the Cowboys are able to move the ball across the 50-yard line with back-to-back runs by Marion Barber, but the Cowboys are forced to use their final timeout.
On first down, the Broncos first round draft choice, defensive end Robert Ayers, is able to charge of the corner and sack Tony Romo on his blind side. With time expiring, the Cowboys run their special teams unit on to the field to complete a 45-yard field goal attempt. The kick is up…..and it is wide right.
The Broncos win this close game 20-17.
Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered (Game Two)
Published: June 8, 2009
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(This is a continuation of last weeks article on game one at the following link: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190949-ready-for-war-the-broncos-schedule-uncovered-part-one)
Game 2 at Denver, Sunday 9/20
Fresh off of their win in Cincinnati, the Broncos host another team from the Buckeye State—the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns had a meltdown last season, similar to Denver’s in which they lost their last six games. Blame it on the offense, blame it on the defense….”Blame it on tha Henny.”
Everyone on the Browns team had their hand in the cookie jar, when it came to their end-of-the-year explosion.
The Browns have a new coach in Eric Mangini. Mangini came from the Jets and brought a lot of the Jets’ players with him. Mangini signed eight players from the Jets squad. Will the NFL change their name to the Cleveland Brets this year, a la the Denver Browncos of 2006?
The Browns’ offense ended the year ranked at 31st overall in the total offensive yards and passing yards categories. The Browns still don’t have a starting quarterback, though they have two good choices in Quinn and Anderson. With a look at their draft and free agent acquisitions, the Browns may be moving towards more of a spread offense, which wouldn’t be a surprise since Mangini is a Belichick-desciple.
The Browns drafted two wide receivers in the second round and signed three more in free agency (Mike Furrey, Syndric Steptoe, and David Patten). They also added Robert Royal, a receiving tight end and decent blocker. All of these guys put together, form a “team” of receivers, rather than having one superstar.
Each of these players is capable of getting 400 to 500 yards, in the 2,3,4,5 wide receiver position. Furrey had one 1000-yard season in Detroit and Patten was a huge target for Tom Brady during the Super Bowl years. Alongside Braylon Edwards, this receiving corps should be enough to bring their passing offense back into the top 20.
With the addition of new draftee Alex Mack, the Browns are looking for more aggressiveness in the front— they may play Mack at guard or center. Also, an interesting free agent signing was George Foster. Foster never fit in the Broncos’ system and looks to have lost his starting job in Detroit as well.
I have always thought that Foster, at 6’5, 338 pounds, would play an excellent guard in the NFL. This may be where they are looking to place Foster. I don’t believe he can win a starting job at either of the tackle spots. Foster also will be competing with new free agent signee John St. Clair, who can play guard or tackle.
Jamal Lewis will be back, totting the rock again. He was able to get 1,000 rushing yards last season, but the line needs to do a better job of pushing forward, as he only scored four touchdowns.
The loss of Kellen Winslow should effect the Browns somewhat, but their relationship was so rocky, I think it may make them a better team in the long run. I think this will give other players a chance to step up and contribute, rather than sitting back and letting “tha soulja” take over.
The defense got beat up at inopportune moments last year, which led to their losses and low rankings. The defense ranked 26th overall in yards allowed with their rush defense leading the way ranking 28th in the NFL.
The additions of linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, should shore up the left side of the line and help stop the run. The addition of defensive end Kenyon Coleman, will give the Browns a stout run-stopper to man the left corner. Hopefully, the Browns star nose tackle, Shaun Rogers, will come back and play again for the Browns.
If they don’t save this situation quickly, they may end up giving him up to another team part way through the summer. Defensive Tackle C.J Mosley has been brought in as insurance, in case this happens.
Overall, I think the Browns have improved enough to have a better season than 4-12. With their new coach Mangini at the helm, I see him turning the club around much like he did for the Jets. However, there are still a lot of questions for this team on both sides of the ball.
Who will be the starting Quarterback? What will happen with Shaun Rogers?
Even though the Broncos had a better record, both teams have so many similarities that it makes them somewhat of an even match up. The Broncos get the edge for playing at home. Eventually the Broncos running game will wear down the Browns defense and the Broncos will prevail.
Broncos 17, Browns 9
Ready For War: The Broncos Schedule Uncovered. (Part One)
Published: June 2, 2009
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The Broncos have a brutal schedule this year.
Despite playing in one of the least competitive conferences (on paper) this year, the Broncos have some heavy hitters to contend with.
In this article series, I will summarize the strengths, weaknesses, and key additions of each team on the Broncos schedule and how they will match up with Denver. I do not need to rehash their AFC West rivals, which I have already covered in the following articles:
Game 1, Sunday 9/13, at Cincinnati
The Bengals’ strengths last year came from their defense. Although not a complete power house, they were able to end the season ranked 12th overall in the NFL for yards allowed.
Look for draft picks Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson to give the defense another boost up the ranks. Key free agent additions Roy Williams and Tank Johnson will add a veteran presence and will make this defense a formidable squad.
Maualuga is an energetic player that tackles like a steam roller. He will definitely bring some intensity to the Bengals’ defense.
Michael Johnson is a physical freak. I’m very interested in how he will turn out playing in the NFL. He should bring some speed off the edge and break the focus of quarterbacks for years to come.
The offense was dismal. It was one of the worst offenses in the NFL last year, ranking no higher than 29th in all major offensive categories. Carson Palmer did get injured four games into the season, but in my opinion it was the play of the offensive line that lead to their poor showing.
The offensive line let through 51 sacks last season. For a comparison, the Denver Broncos only allowed 12.
This is most likely why the Bengals drafted Andre Smith, the massive tackle from Alabama, with the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft. Hopefully, this guy can accomplish what Levi Jones was not able to do: stop the pass rushers.
The Bengals added Laveranues Coles, the veteran wide receiver from the Jets. He should give them an awesome 1B receiver to go along with Ochocinco at 1A. As long as Palmer comes back healthy, the Bengals shouldn’t be ranked as low as they were last year.
Cedric Benson should return healthy and now he has a good complementary running back in the speedy sixth-round choice Bernard Scott. With added depth in the offensive line, these backs should be able to get 1500 yards combined.
The Bengals lost one of their star players, in wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. He was a big play-maker, but I think the signing of Coles should make up for most of his absence.
I see the Bengals as better than last year, and they should win at least six or seven games this year.
Unfortunately for the residents of Cincinnati, this will not show in their opening season game against the Broncos.
With their offense ranked as low as they were last year, this complements Denver’s low ranking defense of last year.
Both team’s squads have a long way to go, according to the rankings. If both squads only manage to get marginally better, then they are equally matched on this front.
The Broncos’ offense was highly ranked, but, with the loss of Jay Cutler, they definitely have some questions going into the season. The Broncos still have their superb offensive line. With the addition of Knowshon Moreno, they should have no problem running over opposing defenses for the next decade.
The Bengals defense is better this year than last year, but it won’t be enough to stop the Orange and Blue’s rushing and spread passing attacks.
Broncos 21, Bengals 13
The official Team statistics can be found at the following link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cin/stats;_ylt=AlvquESXk57Rd..8BtMRbD.B2bYF
(The next article should cover the Sunday, 9/20 game versus Cleavland at home)
For Those About to Rock, Bronco Nation Salutes You!
Published: June 1, 2009
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For me, the best part about going to Investco Field and watching the Broncos play is the loud, testosterone-fueled music that pumps through the jumbo speakers.
A good song adds to the excitement of the game and really gets your blood going. I have put together a list of my top 10 stadium songs that keep me rockin’ at Investco.
1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w
This is my all time favorite song. Not only do you get to hear this song after each touchdown, you can also hear it in the parking lot at every tailgate.
2. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtXN_EHPwSg
No game is complete without this song. They play this before the other team enters onto the field. Welcome to our house, losers!
3. “Let’s Go” by Trick Daddy Ft. Lil’ Jon and Twista
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrzGm4rd4pM
Good stuff. Makes you wanna put on a jersey and take some hits—before hitting the snack bar again.
4. “I Put On (For My City)” by Young Jezzy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bHUE41uZlM
This is the player anthem. Perfect song when you’re playing for city versus city bragging rights.
5. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udEDlOZJmCc
Every player on that field is a gladiator. This song tells their story.
6. “Sandstorm” by Darude
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSYxT9GM0fQ
This song is full of energy. This will make any crowd member stand up on the third down.
7. “Thunder Kiss 65” by White Zombie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VELvq-faGk
Just a wicked tune. Zombie created a fan in me the minute I heard this on the radio. This song will always be a top 10 favorite for me at the football field.
8. “I’m a Playa” by N9ne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmlaDOCyS8I&feature=related
This was a great rendition of Falco’s Amadeus. The first time I heard it was at a preseason game against the Lions. Now I hear it every time I go see the Broncos in action.
9. “Let’s get Crazy” by PitBull Ft. Lil’ Jon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Lyka8Znes
This song embodies the raw emotion you feel at Investco when the Broncos score a touchdown. Everybody is on their feet!
10. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7DFsBcVMDA
This song is for blue collar fans and hard nosed players alike. We are all there for one common goal—winning!
This is my top 10 list of stadium songs and I look forward to rockin’ out to them this season. Share some of your favorite stadium songs with me!
Denver Broncos Primed For a Playoff Run: A Look at The AFC West (Part 2)
Published: May 16, 2009
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(This is part two of the following previous article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/175108-broncos-primed-for-a-playoff-run-a-look-at-the-afc-west-division )
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs went 2-14 last season and did not have a lot of highlights to discuss. In the off season they hired a new coach, Todd Haley, and a new GM, Scott Pioli. On defense, they will attempt to run a 3-4 scheme, which may suit their personnel better than the 4-3.
On offense they had an average rushing attack. The once dominant Larry Johnson, is becoming an injury risk and has missed the majority of the last two seasons.
Rookie speed back Jamaal Charles, showed some promise, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, but he’s better as a No. 2 back. Johnson will need to stay healthy, if the Chiefs want to be any better then last year.
Matt Cassel is their newly acquired quarterback from New England. He showed a lot of talent, in his first year as a starter. I still believe he is a question mark though.
Was it the coaching that made him good? Was it the system?
Cassel is an upgrade over previous quarterbacks, Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle, and their offense should be more efficient this season.
However, with the upgrade in quarterback came the huge downgrade in receiving, in the loss of Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez led the Chiefs in receiving last season with 1058 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Chiefs traded him to the Atlanta Falcons for a second round draft pick in 2010. Without Gonzalez, Dwayne Bowe is their only receiving threat. The Chiefs can only hope that someone steps up their game in training camp.
The Chiefs acquired two lineman this off season in Eric Ghiaciuc and Mike Goff. Hopefully, they will be able to add strength to an offensive line that has been lacking, since the loss of Will Shields, Brian Waters, and Casey Wiegmann.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs didn’t fair well either. Their overall NFL defensive rank was never lower than 28th in all four areas. They needed to make some huge changes from last year to improve upon this.
In the trade for Matt Cassel, Kansas City acquired veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel. They also acquired another veteran linebacker in Zach Thomas. Coupled with the promising right outside linebacker Derrick Johnson, this should be a much improved linebacker corps.
In making the switch to 3-4 defense, pass rushing specialist Tamba Hali will have a chance to make the transition from defensive end to left outside linebacker. If he is successfully in this transition, he should be pretty dangerous off the edge.
The Chiefs addressed their defensive line in the draft, taking LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson and Purdue defensive end Alex Magee.
Jackson was considered the best five technique defensive end in the draft and Magee was considered a very good fit in the 3-4 end spot as well. The Chiefs will have a big nose tackle in Tank Tyler. With their new additions, their defensive line should be better than last year.
One big problem that the Chiefs face is what to do with 2008 first round draft pick Glenn Dorsey. He is not a good fit for the 3-4 defense, as his strengths focused more on attacking the passer rather than holding blocks.
The Chiefs may be able to get another starter for Dorsey, if they trade him soon. Anquan Boldin anyone??
The Chiefs have a young backfield and they should be better this year, if the line is stopping the run and the linebackers are able to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
All four players in the Chiefs backfield combine for only six years of experience, but show a lot of promise.
I see this Chiefs team as being better than last year, but not by a whole lot. The Chiefs have to play Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Dallas this season, with some tough away games in Baltimore and Philadelphia.
I can see the Chiefs winning 5-6 games this year and being last in the AFC West for the second straight year.
The Broncos should not have any problems sweeping the Chiefs this season.
A Look at the Upcoming Denver Broncos Season (Part Three)
Published: May 9, 2009
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(This is the third part of the following article)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/169633-a-look-at-the-upcoming-broncos-2009-season
Special teams is an area where the Broncos have been, well, special in the past.
With such good kickers as Rick Karlis and Jason Elam, you could always count on Denver coming away with three points at the opposing team’s 40 yard line. Matt Prater is the kicker of the future and shows great promise. Bret Kern is a solid punter and commands $500,000 to $1 milion less then the much touted Todd Sauerbrun.
If your defense or offense is having a rough day, a good special teams can help your football out of a jam every Sunday.
Kicking
Prater has a very powerful leg, but is having problems with his accuracy as of late. He ended the 2008 season with a 73.5 FG percentage.
Interestingly so, the bulk of Prater’s misses came from field-goal tries between 40 to 49 yards, but he was 5-for-6 in FG tries from over 50 yards.
Luck? I think it’s more of an experience issue.
Compare kicking field-goals to making a putt on the green at pebble beach. As easy as it should be, it takes an extreme amount of concentration to put that little white ball into that big black hole.
Such is the same for field goal kicking. I think Prater will get even better each year. Focus and maturity comes with age. The Broncos’ kicking game will be reliable and Prater will come out with a much better field goal percentage this year. I predict 85 percent or better.
Punting
Kern ended last season with a 46.7 yard average per punt. He was ranked in the NFL among the top five punters.
Kern presents a real value to the Broncos. Being able to push an opposing offense back near 50 yards to start with, gives your defense a lot of breathing room. I look for Kern to keep up the good work and possibly get better each year.
Return Game
The Broncos were ranked 22nd overall in average kick return yards with 21.8 and they ranked 13 in average punt return yards with 9.8.
Eddie Royal is the top return guy for our team and looks to keep his starting position this year. Averaging 26.1 kick return yards and 10 punt return yards, Royal was easily at the top of the individual statistics boards in the NFL.
Hopefully he will continue with his success and add to his rookie year success. JJ Arrington has also been touted as a return specialist and should be able to help boost the Broncos’ overall rank for return in the NFL.
Ryan’s Final 2009 Mock Draft 1.2 for Denver Broncos fans
Published: April 22, 2009
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A new era! A new Coach! A new QB! Now Denver will draft a new Defense! Hopefully this draft will yield a playoff team. Denver has some of the greatest fan following in the nation, but lately it’s been hard to watch this team play. A #2 offense means nothing, when the defense can’t keep teams from scoring. This is the year that Denver finds it’s defensive identity. This is the year that Denver goes back to the playoffs. This is my final Mock draft, before Saturday. Let the fun begin!!!!
