October 13, 2008 7:15 PM
Rugged Torain ahead for Broncos?
Some random observations, with no apologies, from my notebook onto your computer screen.
Teams don't fear the Broncos running game because there is no home run hitter in the backfield. Denver hasn't had a back record a carry of 65 or more yards since Tatum Bell in 2005. That said, I'd like to see Ryan Torain's swing against New England . . .
Next time he's surrounded by defenders wide receiver Brandon Marshall ought to holler, "What are you staring at?" to his quarterback, Jay Cutler . . .
An all-pro cornerback in Champ Bailey and Pro Bowl-potential linebacker in D.J. Williams. After that, Denver's defense is a collection of average players, at best. Solution? Coaches must find ways to put average talent in position to be exceptional all game long. Good luck with that . . .
The media trips over itself to laud Marshall's incredible moves and pending induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kid fumbles, we beg him to stop the jukes and spins. Solution? Keep the moves, value the football and we'll all get along . . .
Commissioner David Stern, while at a preseason game in London, announced NBA employee layoffs. The Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks might be a good start. The NFL might look at the Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions . . .
I don't recall seeing Jarvis Moss on the field as a linebacker on Sunday . . .
Go ahead. Slam Denver's defense for allowing 416 yards on Sunday. The Broncos did force three fourth quarter punts, and their offense did what? . . .
The Broncos have been held under 20 points in three or more consecutive games five times since 1988 -- including the team's current streak . . .
I do feel for Broncos cornerback Dre Bly. He gets picked on because Champ is so good. Here's the thing -- make plays and you won't get picked on. Heck, make about five or six of them a game and opposing QBs will look elsewhere . . .
Thanks, Jacksonville, for reminding everyone just how far the Broncos are from being a real strong AFC title contender.
October 13, 2008
9:57 PM
Dynamicdave writes:
Sam, I don't recall hearing any fat lady singing? And we won't see Torain, according to the "word" is that he won't start till Miami. Yes, Jay needs to quit reading Marshall like a book. He overlooked the TE's twice when they were open. Dre needs to stop playing so far off of the WR's. Webster looked good. True, Pittman didn't pop a big one, but he was no slouch, either. Yep, Marshal and Jay, both, need to secure the ball. Sounds like you just about covered it. Do you think that Denver will fair better in Foxboro? We should have Stokley and Royal back. Not sure on Scheffler. Don't get "doom and gloom" on us just yet, Sam. Stick with the boys. Hey, Cleveland scorched the Giants, so that just goes to show you, on any given Sunday (or Monday)......
October 13, 2008
10:07 PM
Duane writes:
I totally agree with the defense being filled with average players. We need two or three solid defensive drafts and a very good to great RB to become a Super Bowl caliber team. Great progress has been made on offense, so many good young players.
October 14, 2008
6:36 AM
Winthrop writes:
Sorry,Sam, but the Weather forcast for Beantown next Monday is Misting and 45 Degrees, not good for the Broncs.
It really is a toss up though between Dre Bly and Delta O'Neal, how about winner takes all,as long as my Pats don't win the toss.
Think Cutler might throw Delta's way a bit I fear.
October 14, 2008
8:06 AM
Brian in Evans writes:
Can we cut the b.s., for once? Champ Bailey is every bit as sub-par average as any other on defense. I am so sick of all the hype. Doesn't anybody actually WATCH the game? When opposing q.b.'s throw it Champs way, it's an easy completion. Champ is living off reputation, not play on the field. Philipe' Rivers showed just how easy it is to throw to the receiver Champ covers. He did it early and often, and it was easy all game long.
People really ought to believe their eyes instead of this non-sense hype. Teams are setting personal records against our passing defense. If champ was so great, there would still be SOMETHING resembling containment, there isn't.
October 14, 2008
8:30 AM
Anonymous writes:
NO passes Champs way once the last 2 games; hard to be critical of that.
October 14, 2008
10:35 AM
E. Halsey Miles writes:
In my heart of hearts, I believe Marcus Thomas is an above average player. But for some reason it's currently not showing on the field, and I don't understand why this is. Maybe I'm just overvaluing the guy, but I really felt he was going to be an important part of the O Line this year. I have heard very little actual analysis of his play from experts, either.
October 14, 2008
12:58 PM
TXBRONC writes:
Dynamicdave, I agree with 100% about Pittman. He is serviceable. I don't know if can handle getting a steady diet of 20 or more carries per game the rest of the way but having him start looks like the way to go.
Hey Sam I've heard that Royal will more than likely be ready to play Monday night but what about Scheffler? Any more word on how he is doing?
October 14, 2008
1:45 PM
IKONOS writes:
test
October 14, 2008
1:46 PM
Dynamicdave writes:
Brian in Evans, you are a funny, funny guy with no knowledge of talent or football.
TXBRONC, I don't know how he will handle all the carries but he is an athelete and in good shape. He never was the starting RB for other teams so his body never took a beating. He might have a lot more in the tank, then many would think.
October 14, 2008
1:48 PM
Dynamicdave writes:
IKONOS, huh?
October 14, 2008
2:00 PM
IKONOS writes:
Sam - Couple of things come to my mind. Never put all your eggs in one basket. However great Marshall and his relation ship with cutler is if you depend so much on him you are screwed. If you see all the interceptions cutler thrown this year almost all of them are while throwing to Marshall. In basketball if a single player takes 50% of his teams shots they are bound to lose more often than not. I think the same applies here too. If only Cutler can cut down on the number of throws to Marshall, then his throws will be more effective and he will cut down his interceptions as well since he doesn't have to force everything to Marshall.
On the 4th down play he was looking only at Marshall while another player was open to get the first down. Instead he forces to Marshall an incomplete pass.
Broncos are supposed to be second in dropped passes and i know cutlers velocity has something to do with it. I dont want him to slow it down but is there anything the receivers practice to cut down on the dropped passes?
Thanks
Ik.
October 14, 2008
5:43 PM
tresdad23 writes:
i agree with all that is said. i think dre bly needs to step it up. i know champ is living off the hype but that's not his fault if people don't test him that's fine with me. i just want to win is that too much to ask!
October 14, 2008
9:34 PM
ANTONY54 writes:
SAM YOU MADE SOME VALID POINTS, BUT IT ALSO SOUNDS LIKE YOUR A LITTLE FRUSTRATED.. THIS IS A YOUNG TEAM; WHAT WAS EVERYONES EXPECTATIONS BEFORE PRESEASON STARTED?? I'LL TELL YOU, PEOPLE THOUGHT IT WAS A REBUILDING YEAR.. EVERYONE EXCEPT SHANNY.. SO WHATEVER HAPPENS POSITIVE THIS YEAR IS A PLUS.. CHAMP IS A LITTLE OVERATED BUT NOT AVERAGE!! PASS RUSH MAKES YOUR SECONDARY LOOK GREAT!! HOW MANY TIMES MUST I STATE THIS?? JUST LOOK AT THE TITANS.. SAM RYAN TORAIN ISN'T A HOME RUN THREAT I CAN TELL YOU THAT NOW!! DRE BLY NEEDS TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP!! HE GETS TOO MUCH AIR TIME.. NATE WEBSTER IS DECENT BUT NEEDS TO QUIT GOING FOR THE BIGG HIT SO MUCH & MAKE THE SURE TACCLE..
October 15, 2008
12:15 AM
Dynamicdave writes:
ANTONY54, what do you base your theory on, that Torain is not a home run hitter? He hasn't played, yet? I saw him play for ASU and he was very, very, good. You need to wait, give him a fair chance to strut his stuff, before you pass judgement. he may surprise you.
October 15, 2008
8:35 AM
TXBRONC writes:
From what I have understand Torain has talent and could be an excellent fit for our offense, but he does have history fragile.
October 15, 2008
9:36 AM
ANTONY54 writes:
WATCHING HIGHLIGHTS IS HOW I BASE MY THEORY DDAVE.. I DON'T RECALL SEEING ANY RUNS OF 30 YARDS OR MORE & HIS LINE LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE OPENING UP HOLES YOU COULD DRIVE TRUCCS THROUGH.. I HOPE THE GUY IS TERRELL DAVIS TO THE 10th POWER.. THAT WOULD BE GREAT..
October 15, 2008
10:47 PM
Spider writes:
Sam hit the nail on the head. Jay needs to stop staring at BM. What he is doing is letting everyone in the stadium and on the field know where he's going to throw. If Champ is so overrated or just an average player then who is that guy who has been saving kick returners from taking it to the house or who is that guy making all the big stops from the opponents running game?