December 8, 2008 12:06 PM
Jeff Legwold on the Broncos-Chiefs game
Buffs2002 Why would we want to come with a heavy passing attack early in the game when we have ran the ball effectively the last 4 games? And why do we need Hillis to make a heroic catch and put himself out for the rest of the season on third and 2? Did we try and do too much with Hillis?
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Jeff_Legwold They certainly did more with Hillis than they planned, but a lot of that was by necessity. In 23 or so seasons covering the league, not sure I've ever seen a team have this many running backs end up in training room.
golfercmo hey HOW BOUT THEM BRONCOS?? I felt like this win was better than a blowout. I really felt like the young broncos are learning how to win! any news on Hillis' injury status?
Jeff_Legwold They're still waiting on the MRI, but nobody is all that confident he'd be able to play again this season.
Buffs2002 Do you disagree with the scheme to throw the ball first?
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golfercmo the national media is STILL talking down about the broncos defense as if they haven't played any better over the last 5 weeks. your opinion? is it better? getting better? or just doomed?
Jeff_Legwold I've always been a run-first guy and admit that. But offensive coordinators believe the rule book makes it so throwing the ball is the way to go. I still believe the late-season games and the playoffs sort out the teams that can't run because eventually you have to. the super bowl was proof of that. no team threw it better than the patriots last season and when they couldn't slow down a rush in the big game with a decent running attack they couldn't win.
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Mark_Wolf Sorry folks. Had connection issues. Welcome all to the chat with Jeff Legwold.
ceh11 Does Peyton stay at RB next year and does Denver try adding a compliment like CJ Spiller or stay with the hodgepodge they have in Young, Hall and Alridge. Torain seems injury prone to really be counted on and would be a bonus
Jeff_Legwold The defense has played better of late. they have been better at the line of scrimmafe and by my count missed fewer tackles. when they have been beat for a play it's because they've had a linebacker or safety miss a gap and there's nobody behind them.
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Jeff_Legwold Torain is going to be coming off ACL surgery, his second major surgery in as many years on his lower body, so that's an uncertainty. Shanahan has said Hillis has earned a longer look at running back, but he's going to want some speed in that equation as well so you could very well be looking at a mix-and-match next season if they don't expend a high pick on a back.
Mark_Wolf How comfortable are the Broncos with Tatum Bell as the starter down the stretch?
golfercmo LOL they don't have a CHOICE to be comfortable or not with Bell... there is no one else
Jeff_Legwold They're going to have to be comfortable because he's the only choice at this point. They'll likely play P.J. Pope some, but Bell will get most of the carries if he can stay healthy.
Mark_Wolf How deep in Shanahan's doghouse is Selvin Young?
ceh11 I noticed yesterday with a 3rd and 5 at midfield the Denver CBs were playing 10 yards off. Is that becuase the safeties are so bad that the entire seconday has to keep everything in front of them. Seems like a stud safety is our #1 priority next year
Jeff_Legwold It's not the dog house as much as training room. He set himself back trying to play in Cleveland and that's how groin injuries go. If a player comes back and suffers some additional muscle damage it keeps him out longer. It's why they won't take any chances with Champ Bailey as they get closer to getting a playoff spot. Because they know they'd like to have him for the finale and any postseason game.
B-Diddle I think that Shanahan will spend the high draft picks in next years draft on the d-line. I also think they will try to get a big body in the middle and go to the 3-4 as a way of getting DJ and Woodyard both in the game. The defense has shown their talent on defense is in the linebackers and secondar
Jeff_Legwold Even with a safety prospect the corners are probably going to play off some with Slowik as coordinator. He believes in the technique and the cornerbacks have to close on the ball to make it work.
Buffs2002 Will Larsen get any touches this week? If not, do they plan on looking at bringing in any RB's for depth?
Jeff_Legwold I think when D.J. comes back you can look for him back at his weak side spot and Woodyard will play with Williams in the nickel. That's my best guess at this point. They may move some things around next season again to get them both in the starting lineup, but right now Woodyard would probably be the nickel backer once Williams comes back.
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Mark_Wolf Welcome all to the chat with Jeff Legwold about the Broncos-Chiefs game.
Jeff_Legwold They have Cory Boyd on the practice squad and will likely move him up. There aren't many guys left to bring in who are in good enough shape to not get hurt, which is not something they're looking for.
Mark_Wolf Any question in your mind the Chiefs had to go for it on that last fourth down instead of kicking a field goal and trying to stop Denver?
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Jeff_Legwold They had to go for it. Part of it was they came in at 2-10, they really gain nothing by playing it conservatively.
kurtz I wonder why Jay Cutler is not the subject of any MVP talk. Has anyone been more important to his team's success this season?
chizman69 Well the Broncos will have trouble when they face a great offense, like the Colts. BTW The Colts have an awesome D
Jeff_Legwold He could. I'm on the voting panel the votes aren't due until the day after the last regular-season game. He'll be in the discussion, but there are a lot of people ahead of him when I talk to others about who they are considering.
B-Diddle The Broncos rise to the level of their opponents, when facing a good team it stands to reason that the Broncos will also elevate their play.
Buffs2002 Cutler has been Jekyl and Hyde for the Broncos in wins and Losses. MYP can no have the kind of swings from game to game that he has.
ceh11 Getting Indy outside is half the battle.
chizman69 well the Colts played well in the snow when they played against the Broncos a few years ago.
Jeff_Legwold They've always had difficulty with the Colts with Manning in there. The Colts can't run the ball like they have in the past to keep defenses a little more honest in the rush, but Manning is playing better over the last month than he has at any time since before his knee surgery.
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chizman69 Jeff dont forget about the Colts D
B-Diddle What would be the deciding factor in an Indy-Denver matchup would be determined by the amount of pressure the D-line could put on Manning
chizman69 LOL@ Denver D line putting pressure on Manning
B-Diddle exactly
ceh11 Big difference in a FG to win the game vs a 49-21 blowout
Buffs2002 Are you referring to the 18th ranked Colts "D"???
Jeff_Legwold It would be against the Colts. It would have a different look if the Broncos hold up their end and they get Baltimore as well. The Ravens would be more of a straight-ahead power game on both sides of the ball, the Colts would be a speed match-up.
golfercmo the difference is we have an offense that CAN score with the colts' offense... where as before we had an offense built around running the ball and time of possession
chizman69 The Colts D is playing awesome right now. thats with missing Sanders, Jackson, and Brackett
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Buffs2002 The colts are also the 25th ranked Defense against the Run. We are running the ball well and I would like to see the colts come to Denver.
_SouthStander No matter who they play they need to wear their white "away" uniforms and pretend they are NOT at Invesco...
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B-Diddle With 3 weeks left, we aren't even assured a playoff spot right now, much less any good idea of who we are going to play. Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves?
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chizman69 LOL@southstander
Jeff_Legwold The Colts play a two-deep, coached by one of the guys (Dungy) who has refined it like no other. Cutler hasn't always showed patience against that kind of defense and Dungy is the most patient defensive coach in the league. a spectacular game-planner. Dungy-Shanahan is always a quality battle in that regard.
chizman69 Jeff lets say both teams get healthy on D. who would hold the advantage, on offense?
_SouthStander They WILL win one of the last three - they WILL be in the playoffs
B-Diddle This is the Broncos we are talking about, nothing is certain.
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Jeff_Legwold If both are healthy, you always lean toward experience and Manning, Harrison, Wayne, Clark, etc...have been in the postseason and won a Super Bowl.
chizman69 true BDiddle
baileyschamps so who looked the best yesterday
baileyschamps i live in MO and they didnt show the game
_SouthStander When they are on, I'll take our offense over almost any offense. But you never know who is going to show up. It was nice to see Marshall back in form yesterday
chizman69 Something the Colts have now, that they didnt have before is a speed at the 3rd WR
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Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Any talk of the Broncos possibly going after Shaun Alexander as a possible backup to Bell now that Hillis seems to be out for a while? Also, when in Selvin supposed to be back?
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Buffs2002 Can we dump the Colts conversation???
chizman69 Alexander is washed up
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Maybe he is washed up, but 5-7 carries a game certainly isn't too much.
ceh11 Inconsistnecy is a hard game plan for any team atleast according to Cowher and Merriman. Would much rather game plan against a consistent team so we have that going for us
_SouthStander that makes it hard to game plan AGAINST us - no?
chizman69 maybe Reggie Rivers can suit up..LOL
ceh11 Yes according to Merriman
Jeff_Legwold They keep hoping Young will be ready shortly. He practiced last week and is expected to practice this week. There is an old adage it takes as many weeks to get ready to play as you missed, but they don't have that kind of time with Young. He should play within the next two games. Alexander is out there, but he didn't fare so well in his last stint in the league and a lot of GMs don't think he can contribute.
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs He was on Thundervision suggesting it...haha.
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_SouthStander announcers everywhere yesterday and today are saying Broncos are the team you don't want to play
Mark_Wolf At 4-2, the Broncos have the sixth best road record in the NFL. Thoughts? Relevant?
_SouthStander go figure!
B-Diddle We need to find a way to get all of our playmakers on the field on defense. We need to find a way to get Woodyard, Larsen, and Williams on the field together. Honestly, I don't have a clue on how to do it though.
chizman69 not really Mark cuz they will have a 1st round game at home
Buffs2002 I doubt that many teams want to matchup against the Broncos in the postseason.
_SouthStander not relevant until we win the first playoff game at home... thus the white jersey plan...
chizman69 BTW how come the Chiefs are said to have been dominated at Invesco? sure they have lost every game there. But, onlt 2 games were by more than 14 points
Buffs2002 Jeff, is Cory Boyd 100% healthy?
Jeff_Legwold Boyd is healthy, he's been taking most of their scout team plays during the week because everybody else had been hurt in some way and Hillis has been running with the offense.
Buffs2002 You lose by one you might as well lose by 100 chizman!
_SouthStander chizman - because they have NEVER won at Invesco - period.
SnoopDawg Losing Hillis is HUGE. Is there another bigger back who's selling cell phones right now?
chizman69 true but thats not being dominated
chizman69 LOL@snoop
Buffs2002 It is in the NFL.
_SouthStander 0 - 8 is pretty much being dominated...
B-Diddle Any inside knowledge of how bad the Hillis injury is Jeff?
Buffs2002 Is Boyd still the Power runner that he was in College?
SnoopDawg word at Broncos HQ is Hillis is done for the year. You hearing the same Jeff?
chizman69 what is up with all these injuries at RB for the Broncos?
Jeff_Legwold It's serious. Would be a huge surprise if he isn't finished for the year. It would take a least a month for that kind of injury to heal and the Broncos don't have that kind of time. And a month is a conservative estimate for a hamstring injury. Some guys struggle with them all season when they get them in September. It's a big muscle, there is routinely a lot of blood in the damaged area, it takes a long time to heal.
_SouthStander sucks
chizman69 what about Cecil Sapp?
SnoopDawg Where's Ruben Droughns. He ran hard and mean.
_SouthStander they can't bring Sapp back cuz they put him on IR
B-Diddle Rueben is featured in Indy right now
chizman69 oh yeah I forgot tyvm for that info south
_SouthStander I wonder if they are regretting that move at all...
chizman69 is Maurice Clarett out of jail?LOL
_SouthStander Is Mike Bell out there?
Jeff_Legwold I believe b
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Nope, Bell is with the Saints
Jeff_Legwold I believe Bell was signed recently...
_SouthStander bummer
Mark_Wolf Didn't Travis Henry make bail?
_SouthStander lol
_SouthStander maybe Pope will be a happy surprise...
ceh11 Jeff, Will Denver be a player for Haynesworth (or any big named FA) next year? This year's bargain basement FA's did not turn out so well. What kind of FA is the OJ Otwage kid from STL? Is he RFA or UFA? I like his game
chizman69 I think the Broncos will try and through more next week just so their RBs won't get hurt. Thats not a joke I mean it.
SnoopDawg Broncos need a big back to soften up defenses late in the game. Bell can do fine if there's a big back to spell him. Who's out theere?
chizman69 darn it i cant type today
B-Diddle The answer at running back is within the organization. Young should be back this week, Shannahan thought Hillis was a better fit for this game at running back. Young, Pope, and Bell will be in the Denver backfield next week.
_SouthStander it's Monday...
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Jeff_Legwold Haynesworth will take huge money. Not sure, in this economic climate for many businesses, the Broncos are going to be that kind of player in terms of guaranteed, up front cash. The draft is where to look and they have plenty of picks and they should use them.
SnoopDawg Young, Pope and Bell. No one over 215 lbs.
chizman69 not to sound funny but what other RBs/FB are available in FA right now?
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs In the spirit of an old song...the kids are all right!
chizman69 what about Edgerrin James?
_SouthStander Jeff - do you see any of our defenders back next week?
Jeff_Legwold At this point in the season with 32 teams having filled spots because of injury, there aren't going to be impact guys out there who can also stay healthy.
B-Diddle I am not sure that Haynesworth is a quality answer for Denver. He seems to be fading down the stretch.
SnoopDawg Larsen is likely moving to full time FB. Does he have the hands to be a threat out of the backfield?
B-Diddle Edge is still in Arizona, we are passed the trade deadline for Edge.
chizman69 I think Eddie Royal could do a good job at RB in an emergency
Jeff_Legwold Larsen is dealing with a groin/hip injury right now and he isn't going to be full speed either. He had to leave the game because of it sunday.
chizman69 oh ok i didnt know he was still with AZ
B-Diddle ER would be in that very location, the ER. He is too small to play significant time at RB.
Jeff_Legwold James wants to be traded, but the Cardinals are not going to trade him in the playoff race.
chizman69 I didnt say sugnificant time I said in an emergency'
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs This just in...Greek just hurt his back bending over to look at yet another Bronco injury.
Jeff_Legwold No free agent trainers available...
chizman69 LOL
B-Diddle ROFL at Ryan
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Haha
SnoopDawg The GREEK is down. Not good! All H is breaking... :)
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B-Diddle One must wonder about the conditioning program at Dove Valley with all these injuries.
chizman69 Lets say the Broncos win next week. Do they rest all the regulars ( as much as possible) or do they play the rest of the season business as usual. Your thoughts Jeff
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B-Diddle Wouldn't they play the starters until the possibility of a first round bye is gone?
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs I hope Champ is back this week. Champ vs. Smith would be something to behold.
Jeff_Legwold If the chargers keep winning and the broncos in carolina, they may have no choice to play everybody to the end. they play san diego in the finale too.
SnoopDawg Never rest the regulars. You'll get soft and lose the edge. Then again, who are the regulars these days?
chizman69 lets hope Ed Hocoli (sp?) isn't the ref in that game ::laugh
B-Diddle Buffulo is the best chance for a win the rest of the season.
Jeff_Legwold They won't have a bye, only the two division winners get the bye. the broncos can't pass those guys.
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_SouthStander You took the words right out of my mouth - er - fingers Snoop!
chizman69 that could happen to the Titans
Jeff_Legwold They play indy in the finale. No matter what their record is they will play their regulars at least a half in that game.
chizman69 yup the Titans hate the Colts and vice versa
SnoopDawg Infirmary Field at Mile High.
chizman69 Jeff whats the word on a 17th regular season game? I know this is off subject
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Speaking of that, any chance we could ever drop that stupid Invesco Field prefix when the contract is up, or is it too much money to turn down?
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chizman69 I agree ryan
B-Diddle $$$$$
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Mark_Wolf They'd be happy to call is Ryan/Chizman69. Just get your checkbook ready, fellows.
5280FANatic 36 degrees "inches," of seperation...I like games like that and I don't...
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Yeah, I got my 26 bucks, what you got Chiz?
chizman69 I have $50
_SouthStander it was exciting - especially sitting in the south stands!
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Sweet, that should just about cover it...the beer at the game that is...
chizman69 LOL
Jeff_Legwold The league is looking at it and it will come up in the contract negotiations with the union. The issue is pay. Right now the players are paid over the 17 weeks of the regular season -- 16 games and the bye. So things would have to be adjusted. The owners keep more revnue from their preseason games in terms of radio and TV rights and ticket sales, than regular season, which are split more with the other teams. so they would have to find a way to appease owners as well. It probably happens at some point, but there are plenty of hurdles.
Mark_Wolf Is there a consensus in the league about backing off and resting your regulars vs. playing it hard to the end?
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs ...the game at Invesco Field...
5280FANatic chizman69 you posted that the Colts will beat the Broncos? Although home field won't be an advantage I have to say that I'd prefer the Colts to Baltimore...the Colts have had a streak of luck
chizman69 tyvm for the info Jeff
SnoopDawg He's 5'10" 250 pounds. Give the Rock to Andrew Pinnock. (rhyme not intentional) ;)
chizman69 its not luck its skill
Jeff_Legwold the commissioner hates backing off the resting the regulars so he's trying to construct things so teams can't. teams will always rest people some, but goodell wants to avoid the total wave off.
5280FANatic losses to the Bears and Jacksonville, and out played in wins to the Texans Patriots and Steelers yeah thats luck
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Vegas hates resting the regulars too...wait...no one bets on the NFL...right?
chizman69 not its skill its still a win
chizman69 no way Ryan ::happy
5280FANatic True but you're crazy if you think Indy will come to Denver and win
Ryan_in_Colo_Spngs Yeah, I didn't think so...that'd be silly
chizman69 call me crazy then
Charlie77 Denvers offense is gleaming with young stars like Clady, Royal, Cutler, Hillis, Bmarsh, etc. It appears that as fans we are on the cusp of witnessing a run of offensive greatness. So what about the defnese? Denver is lacking any bright young stars on that side of the ball. Maybe Elvis and DJ.
SnoopDawg Jeff, I see a lot more spread offense. 4 and 5 receivers. That should open things up for a back like Tatum Bell or Selvin Young.
NickB crazy to think that Indy can come to Denver & Win -- ??? -- are they not at least as good as the Raiders?
behmer what is the status on Hillis?
5280FANatic Colts have a cherry pick next week but could easily lose two of their last three
Jeff_Legwold It also opens up the quarterback to get pounded as well, which is why a lot of teams don't stay with it very long. a team like pittsburgh, when you empty out the backfield, that engages an automatic blitz and many other coordinators work that way too.
chizman69 Just remember the last time the Broncos played the Colts (at home) the Colts won
5280FANatic The Raiders didn't win that game the Broncos lost it
B-Diddle Colts are as much a Jeckyl and Hyde team as the Broncos are.
5280FANatic The last time was the last time.....this is 2008 pal
chizman69 so in the record books it doesnt go down as a win for the Raiders?
5280FANatic Record books yes...my book no
chizman69 thats right its 2008 so nobody knows till they play the game'
5280FANatic Denver Destroyed the RAIDERS 41-14, Denver was different team the second time around
SnoopDawg I agree but the Broncos like has been solid. I just don't see Tatum or Selvin as able to pick up the needed tough yards. They are not hard runners. They are more shifty guys. Cutler's arm strenth, release and mobility I think are good enough to escape any blitz.
B-Diddle First Jeckyl, then Hyde (Hide)
NickB I came into chat late -- has the discussion passed about Carolina this week? The Broncos are already very unpredictable, but this game in particular, I have little idea what to expect. The Panthers haven't lost at home yet (though they could tonight).... Any ideas what to expect?
chizman69 good example of nobody knows who will win look at Super Bowl XLII? who really thought the Giants had a shot at winning that game?
5280FANatic I don't even think the Giants will be in this year with the way the season has gone thus far/
Mark_Wolf Did the Broncos take something out of the Jets. They looked pretty bad yesterday against the 49ers.
chizman69 Nick i think it will be a low scoring game with Denver winning say 17-10
5280FANatic We'll see two teams that no one would have ever thought
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5280FANatic They did look horrible against the Jets
_SouthStander I think Denver will pull it out too - all Carolina really has is Johnson and Smith...
Mark_Wolf You don't think the Giants are still the best time in football?
Mark_Wolf team
5280FANatic Nope...I think the Steelers are better then the Giants
SnoopDawg Broncos MVP = Ryan Clady. Thoughts?
chizman69 south dont forget about Delhomme..WAIT your right all they have is Smith and Johnson...LOL
Charlie77 I wonder if Champ is going to sit for a few more games now that Denver has a solid lead in the division. Resting would let him be fully healed for the playoffs.
_SouthStander that's my whole point chiz!
chizman69 yup
NickB only 10 points, I hope you're right, but that sure is a lot of confidence in a defense who's only played well for the last 2 games
B-Diddle Denver is a Western Conference team headed to an Eastern Time zone, trend is not good for the upcoming game. We did buck that trend once already this season though.
SnoopDawg Chaz, yup...sit Champ. Get him healthy.
Jeff_Legwold Thanks everybody I have to go...
chizman69 well time for work. Well while i still have a job. every1 HAGD
5280FANatic Thanks Jeff
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ceh11 Good thing it's a 4:15 game not the 1:00 pm
_SouthStander i don't buy that west travelling to east stuff - just an excuse
B-Diddle thanks Jeff
SnoopDawg Adios Legster!
5280FANatic See ya everyone until next Post Sunday chat
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Mark_Wolf Thanks Jeff for his time and answers and thanks to our participants for the lively exchange.
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