Game 2: Broncos Vs Bengals Preview

After week one's lose to the Faiders the Broncos take on the Bengals in week two at home. Hopefully from last week the Broncos have learnt some valuable lessons on what it is going to take to win as a team. They need to focus on staying disciplined and not causing unnecessary penalties, they had 10 against the Faiders. This will need to be cleaned up and the team must start working as a unit to make it anywhere this season.

The Broncos also need to pick up they effort across the board. The O-Line is going to have to be on their game and open up holes for the running backs as it looks like Moreno probably won't be playing. The Bengals have an underrated D-Line which may cause some problems for our offense. Orton needs to bounce back and have a good game. He needs to complete passes and avoid sacks as the Bengals have two good DEs. I don't blame Orton for losing the game against the Faiders. I blame him for not winning the game. He will need to step it up and throw a few touchdown passes or those calls for Tebow will only get louder. I believe we probably won't see Tebow till after week 8 and it depends on our record. If we are below .500 I think Tebow will get the start. So if we are 1-7, 2-6, 3-5 Tebow gets the start. If 4-4 I think Orton becomes week to week depending on his results.

On the Defense I would like more of the same. They need to hold that middle better but they did ok in the first game. They should see a lot of Benson and will need to hold him to under 100 yards if they want to win. But there should be a fair bit more passing from the Bengals than we saw against the Faiders. Andy Dalton has been struggling with an wrist injury but he is on track to be back and should start. Miller needs to get in the back field and say hello to him a few times. Some sacks and turnovers would be nice too.

The Injury Report:

Champ Bailey (hamstring), Elvis Dumervil (shoulder), Brandon Lloyd (groin), Knowshon Moreno (hamstring), Demaryius Thomas (finger), Marcus Thomas (shoulder/groin), Ty Warren (triceps) and D.J. Williams (elbow) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. All probably won't play come Sunday. Dumervil may see limited action but expect Hunter to start in his place. With Bailey out it will put extra pressure on the other corners. They will need to step it up and have a good game.

The team could call up running back Jeremiah Johnson from the practice squad if Moreno can't play. The team has two wide receivers - Eron Riley, the preseason receiving leader, and D'Andre Goodwin - on the practice squad, if Lloyd is not available.

That is it from me, hopefully we can get a win, Go Broncos! ~ Aussie.

Week 1: Broncos-Raiders Post Game

Just had to show this picture as this was the last of the pre-game 9/11 tributes. This is the epitome of the American Spirit; proud of it.

Well, Week 1 is over and a tough one to swallow for Denver fans. Very close game all separated by a 63-yard Oakland field goal.

Not even sure where to start on this game, too much went wrong, too many mistakes were made, WAY too many penalties were committed, the rain didn't help anyone's cause and then there's Kyle Orton.

Now we all know Orton is NOT the only reason why we lost this game. Every game is either a TEAM win or loss. However, Orton's involvement was of no help. I'll get to that big issue later.

Offense:

The Denver offense itself, no one singled out, was very mediocre. Literally just a handful of bright spots, including the 2nd half touchdown brought to by a 3rd string RB of all people.

Oline got sloppy as the game went on. No excuses are acceptable but the rain only made it more of a challenge for our offense to get anything done. The line let Orton get sacked 5 times - there is just no excuse for that, period.

I watched the whole game with no interruptions and our offense was a blur, on & off the field in no time. Don't know what to really say about it other than put a good majority of the blame on Orton. Its not all his fault but everyone knows the QB carries the weight of the offense, they are the person everyone looks to for leadership, guidance & direction. He is the anchor of the offense.

Orton is none of those things, NONE. There is too much to be said about our QB situation, I'm gonna save it for last. Bottom line is though, Orton is not our answer.

As for the starters on offense, this is the story they wrote last night:

Kyle Orton was 24/46 for 304 yards; 1 TD & 1 INT... and too many fumbles for me to remember

Knowshon Moreno had 8 carries for 22 yards

Brandon Lloyd had 6 receptions for 89 yards

Eric Decker was a stud last night with 3 receptions for 53 yards and the first 2011 Bronco touchdown on a punt return. This kid shines like a big bright light. Freakin' awesome football player! Love this guy!

Defense:

Got to give them credit for stopping two potential touchdowns & forcing Oakland to go for FGs instead. Had they got TDs, the score & outcome of the game would've been completely different.

In my opinion, I think our D now looks somewhat better than last years overall defense. They held down the fort pretty well given the circumstances. Weather is always a factor, never an excuse. The rain gave Champ a tough time, he kept slipping when he was supposed to make a play or stop one. #24 had a rough night and has a slight injury because of it.

This is where our offense comes in... they were shut down so quickly & too often we ended up running our defense into the ground, completely wore them out by the 4th quarter, at least. If this is how our offense is going to play, regardless of who is behind center, all season, we won't have a defense left. We cannot afford to have our D on the field what seemed like 90% of the game. We just can't do it and unfortunately it does come down to who is behind center & those 3 little words, time of possession.

By late 2nd half, our defense was very tired and worn down, understandably so.

As if that wasn't enough for us to deal with, there are the injuries that occurred late Monday night

For starters, Elvis Dumervil is said to have aggravated his shoulder, shouldn't be serious at all but Coach Fox won't have complete updates on him or Champ Bailey (hamstring) until tomorrow. Can't afford to lose either one of those guys, our D needs a break!!!! Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) & Brandon Lloyd (groin) also had an MRI's today.

Injury bug continues to hit Denver... when oh when will it end???????


Special Teams:

Eric Decker was the play maker of the night, taking an Oakland punt early in the 3rd quarter all the way back for 90 beautiful yards. Definitely the play of the night. In addition, he made 5 catches that were great passes and Decker made it look so easy. Again, the kid was a stud last night. Get him more involved, please!!

Kicker Matt Prater missed a 56 yard FG... I was sure it was going to make it and about halfway to the post its like the ball decided nah, I'm gonna go clear out to the right and so it did. That missed FG could've at least tied the game. It's only the first game of the season but this loss just burns... heck, any loss to an arch rival, such a hated team like the raiders will always burn.

And at some point in the 1st half, one of our punts was blocked which set up Oakland's first score of the night I believe... correct me if I'm wrong. Whole game is a blur to me. lol

Now for the big hoo-rah that is Kyle "Blah" Orton. He's good but not great by any means. He's a leader but doesn't have that natural drive to be someone of great leadership to really make an impact on a team, let alone an offense. Orton & Tebow are complete opposites. Granted I'd rather have Orton than Quinn, but right now Quinn isn't even a factor to me. He's just there.

Orton got off to a rough start and took a nose dive somewhere in the middle and never got back on his feet... how could he being sacked 5 flippin times. Good grief!
He literally made a handful of actual good catchable on target passes and the rest made me mad, made me shiver in my skin and then made me think, this is what our HC thinks is our BEST option at QB?? Oh you got to be kidding me.

Being to harsh?? I think not. After 3 years of being here, regardless of having to adjust to a new coach & scheme of things, Orton should have some kind of rhythm or pattern by now... something to go on. But instead he's either throwing that ball around like its candy to whoever is there or not there or he decides to put super glue on his hands and can't get rid of that ball when necessary (he did that once the whole game).

This is so unlike me but I give up on this guy. He's got no consistency, he flip flops from one good play to a bad play, cant' build off anything he does... listen up John Fox, IT IS TEBOW TIME!! Knock, knock?

Funny thing is, when asked if he even considered making a QB change in the game, Fox completely avoided the question which tells me he thought about it but doesn't have the guts. Then later on he says there's no QB controversy in Denver. Umm, hello dude, when you have fans screaming "Tebow" for at least a whole quarter, you most certainly have a QB controversy.

They may get along in practices but even Tebow knows its Tebow Time.

Sometime during the first half, after Orton made one of his boo-boos, he was seen on the sidelines yelling at his offense/oline (first error right there bud) and right behind him was Tebow, just watching him rant on and on. The look on Tebow's face just screamed "it should be me out there, not this babbling fool". Tebow had this most evil look on his face, clearly anger & frustration about how bad the team was doing but I'm sure he had to be thinking he should be out there on the field with the offense.

I can't guarantee greatness out of Tebow, but I can guarantee had he been given a shot at this game, at least in the 4th quarter we most definitely would've had a better shot at winning the game. Simply put, Tebow is a finisher, the closer as I like to call him. He knows how to get the job done, whatever it takes. He's a mobile QB, athletic enough to make plays and whenever given the chance to get help he can become a more accurate passer. Hold him back though and we will be denying ourselves a shot a greatness.

Tebow is our guy, just let the man play already! Orton is killing me out there. Drives me up the wall when he just stands there with a man WIDE OPEN in the 2nd half and just holds on to that ball like its his lifeline. Talk about an inaccurate passer, dude can't make up his mind, throw the ball or not throw the ball. Can't see when to let go and when to hold on to it just a little longer.

I think I just dug Orton's grave here but he really frustrated me last night. I swear I just about jumped through the TV and tackled him myself. I'm not one that supports the fans that boo our team or a certain player but Orton is another issue. I was with those fans chanting "Tebow" all the way.

Its Tebow Time, wake up Coach Fox & smell the fire this kid has and give him a shot. Never know what you got right in front of you till its gone. DO NOT let this kid slide out of Denver. You can't afford it.

Hurricane Ashley is done. lol

Here's some of the good stuff from Denver. Decker's punt return is one video I could watch over & over. Great stuff!

Decker’s AMAZING 90-yard punt return

Orton to 3^rd stringer Lance Ball for 4^th quarter TD

The Fans Have Spoken: Tebow Time!



Thought this was funny... should've brought that sign with me when I had lunch today with my raider fan friend. lol Yeah I really did buy him a steak lunch today. Not gonna happen again!! lol

Here's to Denver getting back on track this Sunday when they face Cincinnati in the Mile High City. Get it done boys, get it done!

Hurricane Ashley is out!

Orange Monday - Broncos Vs Raiders - Gameday

Hi everyone, if you are around and want to post during the game I will be here all day. Hope everyone enjoys the game and we smash the Raiders!

Go Broncos! ~ Aussie.

Game 1: Broncos Vs Raiders Preview

The first game of the Broncos 2011 season is not to far off. The first game the Broncos will be taking on our hated enemy. The one team we hate more than in-laws. The Jokeland Faiders, Gayiders, Traiders, yes that hated Raiders (FTR) squad put together by the Crypt keeper Al Davis. Words can't express how much I dislike this team.

The problem is that in recent times the Faiders have had it one up on our Broncos. Last year the Faiders went undefeated in the division and beat the Broncos twice. Plus there was Black Sunday, the worst day in Broncos history. The humiliating defeat still haunts the Broncos. "It was just terrible," Denver middle linebacker Joe Mays recalled. "It's one of those things where you want to forget it, but it's still in the back of your head."

Oakland's Darren McFadden, who rushed for a career-best 1,157 yards last year, ran for 165 yards and scored four touchdowns in Denver, while the offense racked up 508 yards. "The veterans on the team talk about how they killed us last year," Denver rookie pass-rusher Von Miller said. "But this is a new year, we've got a new coach, new players and hopefully it'll be different this year."

Most of Denver's problems stemmed from a defense that was last in the league in total yards (400.6 per game) and scoring (29.4). It also had an NFL-low 23 sacks and finished with the second-fewest interceptions at 10. Under Fox and new coordinator Dennis Allen, who is ditching former coach Josh McDaniels' 3-4 scheme for the traditional 4-3, the Broncos are feeling optimistic defensively because of the health of Elvis Dumervil and the arrival of Miller. Dumervil led the league with 17 sacks in 2009, but missed all of last season with a torn chest muscle. He should benefit from lining up opposite Miller, who was the second overall selection in the draft after collecting 27 1/2 sacks in his last two seasons at Texas A&M.

"Obviously we thought a lot of Von Miller to draft him in that spot and getting Elvis back is huge, both in the locker room as well as on the field," Fox said. "So, they're a pretty good little tandem."

But a lot has changed since last year. Hue Jackson was named coach of the Oakland Raiders in the offseason after spending his first year with the team in 2010 directing a surprising offense. Oakland is coming off an 8-8 finish in 2010, ending seven straight years of at least 11 losses. The Raiders were the lone NFL team to finish 6-0 within their division, but it wasn't enough to save Tom Cable's job, and Jackson was named coach in January. "I expect to win here," Jackson said. "And 8-8 doesn't cut it for me. I'm not interested in being 8-8. I'm interested in being great."

It will be hard for Jackson to make this team great with the number of top talented players that have left through free agency. Zach Miller, Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert "Dirty Chop Block" Gallery to name a few. They have solid running back core and defensive line. But they have a week OL, suspect player at QB and in the secondary so it could be a long year for the Traiders.

The Broncos on the other hand are improving though. A solid draft (Miller, Moore, Franklin) and the return of players from injury (Doom!) has set the Broncos up nicely. Depth is still an issue as is the DT problem and stopping the run. But hopefully the Broncos can overcome this problem. Also Bunk returned to training from his injured knee so he may be able to go against the Faiders.

The Raiders have lost 11 straight prime-time games since Nov. 28, 2004, when they defeated the Broncos 25-54 on a Sunday night in Denver. This will be a tough and close game, they usually are against the Faiders. I am going to pick a close game, say 24-14, Broncos for the win of course.

Defensive end Jason Hunter wanted a number that made him look like a defensive end. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard wanted Ray Lewis’ No. 52. So the players swapped jersey numbers, official as of Friday. Hunter will now wear No. 90, while Woodyard has ditched the No. 59 he has worn here since he arrived in 2008. Woodyard was particularly excited Friday afternoon when he learned the change was official.

Injury Report:

Denver second-year receiver Demaryius Thomas didn’t practice Friday. He came back this week after rupturing his Achilles in February. He is on the right track, but there is no timetable for his return. Brodrick Bunkley (knee) right guard Chris Kuper (toe), wide receiver Matthew Willis (toe), safety Quinton Carter (hamstring) and safety David Bruton (shoulder), and all were listed as full participants in Friday’s practice. Among those expected to be ruled out are defensive tackles Marcus Thomas and Ty Warren and linebacker D.J. Williams, each of whom has not practiced this week.

With Kevin Boss still not practicing, it is looking more and more like Brandon Myers is primed to be Oakland’s starting tight end at Denver on Monday night.

Jokes:

Q: If you were stuck in a cage with a lion,jaguar and a raider fan and you had a gun with two bullets what should you do?
A: Shoot the Faider fan twice.

Q: What do you call a Raiders fan with half a brain?
A: Gifted.

Enjoy the game, Go Broncos! ~ Aussie.

Broncos Report - Cuts, Signings and Practice Squad

The Broncos have added some much needed cornerback depth by signing Jonathan Wilhite, who played the previous three seasons with the New England Patriots. Wilhite was a Pats’ fourth-round selection in the 2008 draft. He was primarily a backup but he did start eight games in 2009. Wilhite was among the Patriots first cuts last week to 80 players. Where Wilhite especially helps the Broncos is he can play the nickel. Currently, veteran Champ Bailey has been shifted to the nickel position. The Broncos didn't make any claims through waivers. I doubt we see him much but he brings the much needed dreads to the team after Squid went on IR. To make room for the fourth year nickelback, the Broncos waived safety Darcel McBath. I liked McBath, it would not surprise me if we bring him back at some point but he will catch on with another team as he is talented and a good STer. Wilhite will wear no. 29, since Champ has 24.

The eight members of the Broncos’ practice squad are Receivers Eron Riley and D’Andre Goodwin; offensive tackle Adam Grant, running back Jeremiah Johnson, fullback Austin Sylvester, safety Kyle McCarthy, defensive end Jeremy Beal and quarterback Adam Weber. Is a strong PS and I look forward to this guys contributing in the future

That’s six offensive players and two on defense. Riley was the most deserving with his 31.2-yard per catch average. Beal was the only Broncos’ drafted (seventh round) player to make the practice squad.

Just one of the Broncos players cut Saturday was claimed off waivers and it’s no surprise that it was kicker Steve Hauschka.

He’s good. Matt Prater is better because he has a stronger leg. But Hauschka is consistent. It was Hauschka’s 51-yard field goal at the buzzer that beat the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason game last week at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Good luck Hauschka.

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas​, the Broncos' No. 22 overall pick in the 2010 draft, was back playing for essentially the first time since suffering an ankle injury last Nov. 22 in game 10 of last season against San Diego.

Thomas returned to play briefly in last season's final game against San Diego but didn't record a catch. He then tore his Achilles during a football drill in February and underwent surgery. Hopefully we get to see more of Thomas soon. Also back from injury, Kuper practiced today.

Cuts:

Perrish Cox, cornerback, Even with all his legal trouble, he probably makes the team if not for a poor final performance at Arizona, he struggled mightily.
David Anderson, receiver, Eric Decker​'s development in the slot and Demaryius Thomas' surprise return from an Achilles injury made the former Colorado State star expendable. If Thomas goes to PUP Anderson makes the team, to bad though. Real happy for Thomas' return.
Jeremy Jarmon, defensive lineman, thought we would keep him on as a rotational guy.
Kyle McCarthy, safety, we already had too many safeties, he made the PS though.
Adam Weber, quarterback, PS.
Eron Riley, receiver, just not talented enough yet for the starting roster, PS.
Britt Davis​, receiver, got injured
Dan Gronkowski, tight end, I liked Gronk and he was always improving but we had too many TEs as it was.
Dante Rosario, tight end, didn't do much.
Stanley Daniels, guard, finally....
Steve Hauschka​, kicker, hard to beat out Prater but he will play well somewhere.
Jeremy Beal, defensive end, made the PS
Jeff Byers​, center-guard, meh
Lee Robinson, linebacker, did a very good things but we drafted 3 LBs, he didn't have much of a chance.

That is it from me, let's beat the Raiders! Go Broncos ~ Aussie.

Broncos Vs Cardinals - Post Game Review

This weeks game was pretty dismal. Quinn had a terrible game and will probably be third string, he should be. Tebow was good I thought and he had that great touchdown pass. Looked really nice. There was a number of injuries as well to the team. Irving and Davis both got injured but should be OK. The worst injury was to Squid who unluckily blew out his Achilles and will be done for the year.

For me I didn't get to see much of the game. I did try to follow along and have an idea of what was going on.

Here are my thoughts on cuts:

The 3rd and 4th spots should be open for running backs. The 3 guys yesterday didn't show much. Minor was ok but I think we could get better veterans and wavier wire players then we currently got.

For the wide receivers I think it is pretty set. With Davis injured in the game Willis I think is pretty set for the spot. Anderson did not do much and Riley may be pushing for his spot with his play. May be a tough cut here.

Tight Ends did nothing so unsure what will happen here.

The back up OL should all be gone, lets get better players.

I am unsure about the defensive side of the ball, mainly the defensive line. I think Carter and Mohamed had a good game. Carter was probably the best defensive player. Mohamed was good against the run but struggled in coverage. Hunter was ok, so was Beal a bit. Cox struggled in coverage.What little we saw of Irving was good. Chris Harris was solid too.

Harris may now have a spot since Squid got injured. Cox looks like he has been saved from the cut too.

I am unsure about the safeties though. McBath made one great play but is that enough to save him from the cut? I am unsure.

That is all I have from the game. Maybe someone else has other views? ~ Aussie.