Denver Broncos Thread

Paully D wrote: »

Congrats on the win lads.

Who'd have thought back in 2012 when Manning went to Denver and that year they gave up 38 to the Ravens and the next season 43 to the Seahawks in the big one that the defense would be what would eventually get them over the line? I'm really happy for Kubiak too after his stint at the Ravens last year.

As a huge fan of defense, your defense was a pleasure to watch all year.

Cheers everyone
and I echo that sentiment 100%, an absolute pleasure watching the D in action, such professionalism on every play. The way they dismantled the Patriots and the Panthers was unreal.

Roll on next year.

Jolly Red Giant wrote: »

We will lose Jackson and Trevathan - and possibly Talib and Ware

Travethan will be replaced by Todd Davis (ILB is not a crucial position in the Phillips scheme)

If we lose Trevathan and Ware then that's a big blow.

There will obviously be a lot in interest in what Manning does !

Jolly Red Giant wrote: »

We have ready made replacements - Davis will replace Trevathan and Barrett and Ray will fill the gap for Ware.

Jackson will be replaced by Anunike when he come back from IR and Roby will step up to starting corner.

All four likely losses in defence have replacements in-house.

Replacements are all well and good, but when a defence is truly elite any change can impact that.
Ware is HoF player who is having a true renaissance, with time to gameplan for Ray and Shaq teams will be able to manage them better. Hopefully they can step up but there is no guarantee of that.

Anunike has shown flashes, but so far cannot stay on the field.

The way we play, we need 3 top corners, but Talib is still under contract and still playing up to that contract in my opinion so I'd say he gets kept.

Danny T I don't believe is so easy to replace. He stops the run, he tackles like crazy and he seems to be a real emotional leader. He'll probably be too expensive to keep, but he will be a loss.

Hopefully Elway and co can draft well and pick up some overlooked free agents.
But, with all of our Superbowl winning free agents on the block we are at risk of having a diminished defence, still very good, but not necessarily league best.
Obviously league best would be great to settle in a new QB.

poldebruin wrote: »

Manning retirement or release frees $19m
Clady won't be back, or if he is, will be at a much-reduced rate. That's another $9m
... and a decision needs to come about Ware which may bring another $10m relief (Personally I would like to see us retain Ware for another year - I know he was injury-prone, but he was lights out in the playoffs and has such a strong relationship with Miller. Maybe he would consider redoing his deal for another shot at the Super bowl with us in 2016)
Probably a decision will be made to retain Evan Mathis or Louis Vasquez but not both.

Manning's retirement won't free $19m to spend on other positions, as you will need to sign his replacement and somebody to back him up. Brock Osweiler is an unrestricted free agent, he earned $1.1m last year but will definitely be looking for something in the $10m-$15m range, then it depends whether his replacement at backup QB earns more or less than Osweiler did last year.

If Clady returns it might be at a reduced rate, but it will no doubt be incentive laden based on actual playing time and if he doesn't return you are left looking at the cost of a quality free agent LT, unless you use a high draft pick instead(and the Broncos are picking 31st(as the Patriots have no first round pick)).

A big obstacle to the Broncos repeating, apart from any loss of important free agents, is that the Chiefs will have Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston back to full fitness.The Raiders are continuing to improve having split their games against Denver last season and the Chargers surely won't be as poor again, meaning that the AFC West could be very competitive, which could affect the winners' chances of getting home field advantage in the playoffs. And no team in the NFL has a home field advantage like the mile high altitude gives Denver.

heyjude wrote: »

Manning's retirement won't free $19m to spend on other positions, as you will need to sign his replacement and somebody to back him up. Brock Osweiler is an unrestricted free agent, he earned $1.1m last year but will definitely be looking for something in the $10m-$15m range, then it depends whether his replacement at backup QB earns more or less than Osweiler did last year.

Yes - a QB has to be brought in - The Broncos will probably pay Os $10million - but some daft GM may throw a lot more than that at him. And a vet will have to be paid.

I have outlined above what the situation is and there will have to be some imagination by Elway to fill the roster.

heyjude wrote: »

If Clady returns it might be at a reduced rate, but it will no doubt be incentive laden based on actual playing time and if he doesn't return you are left looking at the cost of a quality free agent LT, unless you use a high draft pick instead(and the Broncos are picking 31st(as the Patriots have no first round pick)).

If Clady returns he plays LT and Sambrailo will play RT - if Clady is cut Sambrailo will play LT. In the second scenario Elway will sign a FA RT.

heyjude wrote: »

A big obstacle to the Broncos repeating, apart from any loss of important free agents, is that the Chiefs will have Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston back to full fitness.The Raiders are continuing to improve having split their games against Denver last season and the Chargers surely won't be as poor again, meaning that the AFC West could be very competitive, which could affect the winners' chances of getting home field advantage in the playoffs. And no team in the NFL has a home field advantage like the mile high altitude gives Denver.

I want the AFC West to get better - the better the competition the better it will make the Broncos. As regards the others - I expect the Raiders to be the most improved - particularly if they get either Jackson and/or Trevathan (JDR has indicated he wants both - as has Fox). I think the Chiefs are overhyped and are not as good as this season suggests - and the Chargers will continue to struggle (their owners are the biggest impediment to their improvement).

The Broncos offence will be significantly better next season and I believe the team will be good enough to compete with any other team in the NFL.

poldebruin wrote: »

I think Cleveland might make overtures for Osweiler and probably overpay (take a chance) . A red flag, imo, is the fact that Elway supposedly tried to trade for Tyrod Taylor this last offseason suggests they are not totally comfortable with Brock. To me, he did not show as much as someone like Cousins in Washington, for example, who took all the snaps and led a marginal team to the playoffs (albeit in a weak division)

I don't think Elway is completely sold on Osweiler - but he did draft him and has kept him for four years. The big question is how much it will cost to keep him.

poldebruin wrote: »

I know you have said before that "Iron sharpens iron", but you just need to look at what having a weak division can do for you by looking at what the Patriots have achieved in the East over the last 15 years. No challenger means - 13 divisional titles and 14 playoff births....14 chances to win the Super Bowl, with 10 of those being a #1 or #2 seed which means home field for at least 1 playoff game.

Home field advantage was crucial this season - if the Broncos had to travel this year they would in all likelihood not have reached the SB. But the Broncos have also won the SB on the road.

I want the Broncos playing competitive games every week - I want to see a strong AFC West - I want to see the Broncos beat the best and win the SB. That is just me.

poldebruin wrote: »

Agree, the offense should be streets ahead of where it was this year. Even a regression to the mean would be a huge improvement! Personally I would like us to take a shot at Ryan Fitzpatrick if Osweiler goes elsewhere.

I think Fitzpatrick could be on Elway's radar - but if Os does go elsewhere I wouldn't be surprised to see the Broncos going with Siemian. They really are that high on what the kid can do - he has been impressive all season and he has huge upside.

poldebruin wrote: »

I was surprised to see the odds for next years Super Bowl have; New England, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Carolina, Dallas(!), Arizona, Denver in that order - which to my mind seems a little strange.

I love being the underdog - bring it on.

Morrisseeee wrote: »

So out goes a few very good defensive players and also our 2 QB's, I'm not surprised we're not favs for the SB.

To be honest - none of the teams that could be considered SB contenders have done much in FA.

I think people are over-estimating the impact of the loss of Trevathan and Jackson. Davis will step into the ILB spot with little difficulty (and did sub for Trevathan during the season). Anunike was showing promise before ending up on IR and could step in for Jackson - and if he doesn't this draft is deep in DL.

On defence the one player I would like to see back is Bruton - he is a leader in the locker room and the Broncos don't have anyone to replace him in the back-up safety position. I don't think the Broncos can afford the $5million he would be expected to get - but he will have to be replaced in FA or the draft.

As for the loss of Osweiler - the more I look at what he brings and the more I learn about his attitude behind the scenes - the more I am happy he is gone. I think Sanchez could be comparable with Osweiler without the attitude and massively cheaper.

Morrisseeee wrote: »

In comes Sanchez, but I would like to see Kaepernik come to Denver, I reckon he would fit in well and the experience of him being in a SB is a big plus. I wouldn't fancy RG3, I just think he's more of an individualist and a loose cannon.

The more I look at this the more I think that Kap will go to Cleveland - he will have to take a pay cut to come to Denver and he would be dumped quickly by Elway if he wasn't up to the job (which I think he might not be up to) whereas Cleveland would pay him and they would be stuck with him.

Morrisseeee wrote: »

Our 2016 schedule:
Home: Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Texans, Colts, Patriots, Falcons, Panthers
Away: Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers, Jaguars, Titans, Bengals, Saints, Buccaneers

Some tasty home games

I am particularly looking forward to Brock Osweiler getting to know Von Miller veeerrrrryyyyyyy well

Morrisseeee wrote: »

We have 10 picks in this year's draft:
Round 1: Pick 31
Round 2: Pick 63
Round 3: Pick 94
Round 3: Pick 98 (compensatory)
Round 4: Pick 136 (compensatory)
Round 5: Pick 144 (from Baltimore in Gino Gradkowski trade)
Round 6: Pick 219 (compensatory)
Round 7: Pick 228 (from San Francisco in Vernon Davis trade)
Round 7: Pick 235 (from Los Angeles via Houston in Chris Clark trade)
Round 7: Pick 253

Wouldn't be surprised if Elway trades out of the 1st for an extra pick and get what he needs with two 2nds and two 3rds (and he may trade back up into the 2nd or 3rd if he sees value there).

Ware takes a pay cut and saves the Broncos $4million on the cap.

Black Swan wrote: »

Will Colin Kaepernick be traded from the 49's to the Broncos, given the millions in salary differences? Who will pay what to affect the trade? Kaepernick says he will not take a pay cut.

Talk is also that the niners will not supplement his salary either so there is quite a bit to run on that story (jason cole is running that and he is not the most reliable of sources)

The draft is over for the Broncos for this year

1. Lynch QB
2. Gotsis DL
3. Simmons S
4. Booker RB
5. McGovern OL
6. Janovich FB
6. Parks S
7. Dixon P

I like what the Broncos have done here - no reaches, a lot of players will potential and depth filled at positions of need.

Lynch is a proto-typical QB for Kubiak's WCO. He has a lot to learn but has all the physical skills needed and is more talented and a bigger upsides than Osweiler. He needs at least a year to learn how to play under centre and to adjust to the speed of the NFL. It is interesting that Elway stated today that he will not be signing another vet QB in order to give Lynch more reps in training camp.

Gotsis is intriguing - an Australian that only started playing when he got to college. Bill Koller the Broncos DL coach was adamant that the Broncos should draft this guy - he feels that he could be better than Malik Jackson - and he was rising rapidly on draft boards.

Simmons gives the Broncos depth at S - he is an INT magnet and will be a ST gunner.

Booker was graded as a 2nd rounder but RB are dropping in value. This guy is a perfect fit for the ZBS wth good vision, a quick cut, burst through the hole, catches out of the backfield and can block in pass pro. He does carry the ball low and loose and that will have to be corrected. He will be a third down back next season and insurance against any CJ injury and I would expect him to be the starter next year.

McGovern will help with the rebuild of the OL. Smart with good technique and he could start at LG. At worst he will provide much needed depth along the OL.

Kubiak stated after the SB that the Broncos would have an old-time FB on the roster next season and Janovich will be that FB. Though short yardage runner with good blocking ability.

Parks could add depth to the safety position - the only area on the Broncos D which is a little thin. I would also expect the Broncos to bring in a couple of UDFA safeties.

Dixon was drafted to replace Colquitt who has a $4million hit against the cap next season on his current contract.

I think there is a very good chance that all of the draft picks make the roster and here is hoping that the Broncos also benefit from their tradition of seeing an UDFA coming through and making the 53 - another Chris Harris Jr would be nice.

Haven't had a chance to post any comments on the Broncos training camp yet - have a little time now so here goes.

After 7 days of camp -

The Broncos defence could be even better than last season - right throughout the defence players are stepping up to the plate.

In the secondary - Kayvon Webster and Lorenzo Doss have been superb - able to stay with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in man coverage. Webster and Doss are getting time with the 1st stringers because of the 'injury' to Talib. It looks like the Broncos now have three elite CBs and two back-ups that are potential starters for many NFL teams. At safety rookie Justin Simmons has been impressive and is already being worked into the rotation with Ward and Stewart. Several other back-ups have also been making headway and there will be some good DBs cut by the Broncos during pre-season.

With the LBs - Barrett and Ray have made a big jump forward - particularly Barrett a third year UDFA. With Ware and Miller the Broncos now have the best quartet of OLBs in the NFL and have four players who would walk into a starting role with most NFL teams. On the inside - Todd Davis has already shown that he can step into the shoes of Trevathan - and Corey Nelson is pushing him hard. The Broncos LB corps looks set to be dominant for years to come.

The biggest question mark on defence has been the loss of Malik Jackson. It will be a job replacing Jackson but the indications are that the DL will be as good as last season. Wolfe has been unplayable during Training Camp - nobody has been able to stop him stuffing the run or getting into the backfield. Williams is going into his second season at NT and the indications are that that he has made a major step forward. At DE Vance Walker has shown improvement in his pass-rushing. Walker is been given the opportunity to play his way into the starting line-up. The expectation however, is that rookie Adam Gotsis is going to be something special. DL Coach Bill Kollar is raving about this guy - claiming that he has the greatest raw talent he has ever seen in a DLineman. Gotsis is also noted for being very smart and is rapidly picking up the skills needed to play in the NFL. Gotsis will initially be used in the DL rotation as a run defender, and while the Broncos will not rush him, the expectation is that he will see an increasing role as the season progresses.

The offence is a different story but the outlook again is positive.

The OL has been revamped - Okung is a top-notch LT and has been impressive. The OL has gelled very well together and the Broncos coaches are expecting it to be more effective running the ball. The only question at the moment is whether rookie Connor McGovern can work his way into the line-up. McGovern has shown the skills needed to be a successful ZBS OG. The biggest concern is lack of depth - after McGovern the only useful back-up is Scholfield - the effectiveness of the OL will depend on avoiding injuries to the starters.

At RB the Broncos look set - Anderson will start - rookie Devonte Booker will be the long-term replacement. The coaches really like Booker who has good vision, hits the holes with speed and is noted for having a mean streak. Behind these two there is a battle for the remaining places. The Broncos drafted FB Andy Janovich in the 6th round - and he has proven to be effective as a blocker and in pass catching out of the backfield. Ronnie Hillman was brought back to compete for a starting spot - but he was yanked from the field yesterday while working with the 2nds and replaced by Bibbs - it looks like he maybe cut before the start of the season. Kapri Bibbs has been impressive during Training Camp. There is no way that the Broncos will be able to hide him on the practice squad this season - he is either on the Broncos roster or he will be snapped up by another team. Also in the mix is Juwan Thompson - his space on the roster appears to depend on whether Kubiak keeps 4 or 5 RBs on the roster - but if he is cut he will also find his way to another team.

At WR the Broncos have two of the best - Thomas and Sanders. However, before the start of Training Camp Kubiak predicted that WR would emerge as a strength for the Broncos. The back-ups have all stepped up. Fowler has been steadily and consistently improving, 'Sunshine' Taylor is developing a reputation for outstanding catches, Latimer has made major strides forward. On top of that several of the rookies have shown up - Addison, Frazier and Neal have all been impressive. However, the star of the show has been rookie UDFA Kalif Raymond. Raymond has a rapidly growing reputation - he is lightening quick, has been consistently good at snagging the ball and has shown that excellent route-running ability. There are going to be some good receivers cut by the Broncos this season.

The TEs have shown consistency in both receiving and blocking. Kubiak's WCO requires the TE to play specific roles and to be a major threat in the red-zone. The TEs will play a much bigger role this coming season.

Now to the QBs - Sanchez is Sanchez and has shown all the flaws that have plagued his career - fumbles and INTs. He has experience - and learned the offence effectively, but is still prone to errors. Sanchez shows all the skills during sessions until he gets to 11-11 drills when his old flaws tend to kick in. Siemian is showing all the characteristics of being a decent back-up. He tends to be cautious and is more dink and dunk in his passing. Siemian does not want to make mistakes, and this seems to be the limit of what he can achieve - he seems to have plateaued. The concern is that Sanchez has not been able to demonstrate clear daylight between himself and Siemian.

The unknown quantity is Paxton Lynch. Lynch has shown all the inconsistencies of a rookie - however - he has also displayed an abundance of talent. While Sanchez can do play-action the difference with Lynch is night and day. He has been mesmerising in his ability at play-action - and is regarded as the best that has been seen since Jake Plummer. Lynch still looks awkward dropping back from C - he still takes too long going through his progressions and he takes too long to throw a pass. But he has turned out to be far more intriguing than everyone thought he would be (with the exception it appears of Elway and Kubiak). Lynch's deep ball has been consistently on the money - he has a huge arm (many Broncos players have commented that they thought Osweiler had a big arm until they saw what Lynch could do). Lynch has been inconsistent - but has been improving in leaps and bounds. When he was drafted I suggested that Lynch would not see the field this season - but a combination of the improvement in Lynch and the inability of Sanchez to put clear daylight between himself and the other QBs opens the intriguing possibility that Lynch could see playing time this season. How he performs in pre-season will show how far he has developed as a potential starter this season. The offence does have the advantage of going against an elite defence every day and this has helped them up their game.

Special teams - McManus is booming FGs - regularly hitting kicks from 65-70yds - the Punter spot is competitive with Colquiit performing at the level that was expected when he was given his big contract. The big question is whether he is worth the $4million cap hit he has this year.

It is not a surprise to anyone that the QB position is the one major issue for the Broncos. However, it should be noted that the QB position last year was by far the worst on the team - Manning was a turn-over machine until he returned at the end of the season after which he hardly threw a pass. Osweiler showed more ability in passing but at the end of the day couldn't get the job done against the Chargers and the team had to go back to Manning. Sanchez/Siemian will not be much of an upgrade over Manning/Osweiler - but the rest of the Broncos offence has improved. In particular the running game will be significantly improved. The fact that the next QB will play under C and can utilise the ZBS better will make the running game more effective. A more effective running game will open up play-action - and while Sanchez is no pro-bowler, play-action will help significantly in (hopefully) minimising mistakes.

The Training Camp has not been all sweetness and light with everything going well - as in all TCs there have been ups and downs - there have been inconsistancies - in particular on day 6 when Kubiak chewed out the offence (and the QBs in particular) and day 3 when Phillips had a go at the entire defensive effort. But generally the TC has been positive with many players stepping up their game and making a claim for a roster spot. Roll-on pre-season and lets see what the Broncos have in terms of a roster.

Vance Walker out for the season with a torn ACL