Thoughts over Sunday Nights Pre-Season Game 3

Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and former Bronco QB Jay Cutler had over 70,000 fans in attendance. Talk about a play-off type atmosphere!!! All the added hype and television drama replays over Cutlers departure re-opened past wounds that probably won't heal anytime soon. Funny thing is at the end of the season last year I expected Cutler to be running out onto Invesco Field for our first pre-season game. What I didn't expect was for it to be for the other team! Irony in its best form.

Both teams on offense looked shaky from the start, and the defenses were dominating. Orton struck first on the Broncos 3rd drive that set up a Matt Prater 31 yard field goal. Cutler came right back with a drive of his own that set up a Robby Gould 40 yard field goal to tie it up at 3-3. After a few back and forth series that netted no scores the game changing moment happened that put the Broncos on the ropes. The same old game changing moment that has plagued the Broncos over the years. A long punt return to set up the go ahead score.

I have no idea why we (the Broncos) like to make high light reels for the leagues best punt returners and kick off returners. Regardless, Devin Hester took a punt 54 yards to our own 4 yard line. Chicago isn't going to try to pass the ball; they are a run first, hard nosed tough team and will hammer it in. Matt Forte put Chicago up 10-3.

Our next series ends with Kyle Orton slicing his right index finger on a defensive players helmet during an incomplete pass; he will not return to the game. Chicago gets pinned at their 2 yard line. Jay Cutler comes out and does what he used to do for Denver. He took the Bears 98 yards down the field and throws a 6 yard TD pass to Matt Forte with 13 seconds left before halftime. Chicago is up 17-3 and that is the only score that matters. In the 2nd half all the scrubs come out to play.

Personally, I was GLAD to see Cutler drive the ball 98 yards down the field. Images of Cutler in Blue and Orange immediately surface to mind. He showed everything that we used to have. The scrambling, the sliding in the pocket, the passes in tight windows for completions on the run, and especially the 3rd down conversions to keep the drive alive! McHoodie had a front row seat to view the franchise player he was too proud to acknowledge was as good a QB as Matt Cassel. McHoodie did his best to slow the 98 yard drive down with two fruitless challenges on throws from Cutler to Olsen and then the TD throw to Forte, but it was all in vain. That's what franchise QB's do! They make coaches (Lovie Smith) and they make fools of coaches (no need to fill in the blank here.)

There were a couple plays that could've changed the game in our favor. If Elvis Dumervil sacks Cutler for the safety this game is pretty much in our hands. He was just a split second slow on a few other times. And his frustration showed when he hit Cutler late for a penalty. It just goes to show you that this game is all about inches.

The Defense is definitely better, I'm sure of it now! Mike Nolan has done a phenomenal job changing to the 3-4. We are in great hands with Nolan, I hope he sticks around for years to come.

I am glad that this game is OVER and behind us. Kyle Orton can relax now and not have to try to prove he is our starter. He just has to let his finger heal. He was a bit over excited (hell I was too) which put him off target a couple of times. If there is anything I would wish for, its that Kyle Orton had a chance to come back out a couple more times to see if he could get a solid TD drive going.

The rest of the offensive weapons looked awesome. Royal did excellent, but he scared me when his arm got mashed by a big ole Defensive line man. Peyton did great, but he scared me too when he drove his knee into the turf and came up limping.

Our team is going to win some games this year. I'm confident enough to say that we're still the 2nd best team in the AFC West! IF we can beat San Diego soundly once, that will make my year! Cheers.

Invesco Practice

If the practice at Invesco is a glimpse of what the rest of the season is going to look like, then it's going to be a long season! 2 interceptions and missed throws to wide open receivers from our QB Kyle Orton drew Boos from Denver Bronco Fans! I hope it was a result of an improved defense instead of a declining offense, but it's probably more accurate to say it's a mix of both. Being the 2nd rank offense and a switch at the head of the offense result in a decline, having the 28th rank defense and a switch to a lot of players and positions result in an increase in performance.

Since the biggest trade of the 2009 off season happened earlier this year, my expectations are not high at all for the Broncos. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the out come nor the reaction of the fans. Both Orton and McHoodie answered questions realistically, fans boo when you deserve to be booed and cheer when you deserve to be cheered.

Since this division is probably still the weakest in the NFL, and Cassel isn't looking any better in KC than Orton is here, we might still have a chance to squeak out a couple wins here and there. Oakland should become good games again, but I'm still afraid that San Diego will kick our ass soundly. San Diego is the power house in our division and will probably continue to be for a couple more years. I'm only being as realistic as Orton and McHoodrat! Cheers.

Thoughts of the Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels Monday Interview

I finished watching all the interviews from Monday 6/28/2009 at the Broncos website with Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels.

Kyle Orton

It's hard not to like Kyle Orton. He's doing the best he can with the situation that he's been dealt. In his interview with the Denver media, he's a straight shooter. He didn't avoid any questions but rather answered them methodically and professionally. It's a great way to establish a solid stable foundation within the organization. The Broncos need all the solid players they can get.

Looking back, it's kind of funny how we as fan's didn't ask for the Spring fiasco, and probably neither did Kyle. After all, he finally established himself in Chicago as being the 'Starting QB.' After being upended and shipped to Denver as fast as you can order a Chicago Dog, it must have been the last whirl wind he expected from the windy city.

Personally I think that Kyle is a guy who just wants to call a franchise home; hoping our Denver Broncos football family will like him enough to grow on him and want him to stay. I like what I saw in the interview. I fear though that this is his one chance to run the table this season and I hope he does well. I'm a smuck when it comes to underdogs... I always like to root for them. Especially when it's a make or break situation. It's those types of stories that make sports history great. I really want Kyle Orton to be one of those stories.

Brandon Marshall

Brandon's body language and his answers to media questions pretty much tell the story. Brandon really doesn't want to play for the Broncos WITHOUT being PAID the BIG LONG TERM CONTRACT he is looking for. His only reason for showing up was to continue to get paid and also not to get fined. Right now it seems like he's just going through the motions (like a lot of unhappy employees) to earn a pay check. Sometimes work isn't as glamorous as we'd like it to be. But we all have to make a living, right? I'm wondering how the story pans out through training camp... for good or for worse?

Josh McDaniels

The interview with Josh McDaniels was straight forward, but was not very assuring about the Brandon Marshall situation. It seems like McDaniels answered all the questions regarding Marshall with intentional ignorance. I find this interesting because his focus in rebuilding has been all about character players. Right now whether McDaniels likes it or not, Marshall's character is in question. I really don't think that ignoring it is going to make it go away, and for now that's what it seems like he's doing.

What You See Is What You Get

There is a clear compare/contrast between Marshall and Orton. Both in comparison are in peculiar situations and both are in situations they didn't ask for. In constrast however, Marshall ended up in his situation for his off field antics. Orton ended up in his situation for other people and the Broncos organization off field antics. The other contrast is that Marshall is a very talented receiver, Orton is an average QB at best compared in respect to their peers. Kyle is doing everything he can to stay with the Broncos, Brandon is doing just enough to not get fined.

Kyle Orton is going to give it his all when he goes out on the field. There is no doubt about it. He seems solid and in the right state of mind to enter camp. I believe Rod Smith mentioned on the NFL Network a month ago that you have to enter camp that way. Orton definitely put in the necessary work during the off-season. I hope it pays off during camp.

I don't know if Marshall will be traded since his trade value isn't as much as it should be, but I don't know if he'll play hard either. I think that if they wanted to get rid of him, then the Broncos would have done it by now. Either that or they learned from dealing with a previous player that rushing the process through isn't the best way to handle the situation. Chances are he's going through the motions while his mind is elsewhere wishing for that contract that he wants. In my opinion, if you pay Brandon Marshall, this fiasco all goes away PLUS, you'll have a happy Pro-Bowl wide receiver, and a happier starting quarterback. Not only that but the whole offense should be on the same page and ready to roll come the regular season.

As for Josh McDaniels, he seems to be answering the questions about Marshall the same way he answered questions in April - lots of smiles, lots of lies, lots of singing and dancing, and for this fan a whole lot of lack for trust. I think he is intelligent and probably has to answer the question like he did, it's only day 1. However I hope he doesn't ignore the Marshall situation too long. Convincing Pat Bowlen to make Marshall happy would definitely make up for past mistakes.

Denver Fans Still Split!!!

Well it's pretty clear that fans of the Denver Broncos are split down the middle of what's been going on all summer. I've been reading the blogs at the Bronco web page and it's still roughly all about the changes that have happened this off season.

Changes over new coach Josh McDaniels, the Cutler Trade, and now how the Brandon Marshall situation is being handled.

I don't know if mud slinging was common last year, but right now the fans are slinging it all over the Bronco blog, and I'm quite sure it's not the only place. Even the analyst from Yahoo, MSN, Fox, ESPN, and the NFL network can't make heads or tails of all the changes that have happened. Many project the Broncos at best another 8-8 season (due to the weak AFC West Division,) while some say as low as 5-11 with the scheduled team they have to face.

I've even checked out the Bears ESPN radio show where Defensive Coach Ron Rivera of San Diego Chargers was on. Rivera being a former Bears player commented on Chicago signing Culter and how relieved he was that he didn't have to create defensive schemes to stop Cutler two times a year.

The biggest fans of what's happening should be are our rivals. You know KC and Oakland are not as afraid of Kyle Orton as they were of Cutler. KC thinks they found their franchise QB in Matt Cassle, and they are probably tickled to death that he's already contributed to the demise of Denver by being the 'apple of McHoodies eye!' And San Diego, being in the twilight of their aging team is probably ecstatic that they face the less mobile Orton. Their defense could get to Cutler, but he could escape time and again. With Merriman back, getting to Orton shouldn't be a problem.

Our only hope in my opinion is to have a stellar running game. With Peyton Hillis running the ball that should be no problem. This would give us a threat we were lacking with all the injuries that happened to all the RB's. Also it would surely help Orton by limiting his throws and making the defense back off and focus on the run.

Regardless, the season has yet to start, and all of us fans will have to wait to see how things will shape up. I'm am going to sorely miss the Cutler/Rivers rivalry! That could've been one for the ages.

McHoodie Vs. BMarsh

Well well well, here we go again! First of all I'd like to say that my opinions and what I am about to write is all speculation!

It appears that Brandon Marshall is not happy in Denver! Let's make a calculated guess as to why?

1. New Coach
2. New Offensive System To Learn
3. Favorite QB (Jay Cutler) was run out of town
4. Making less money than T.O., Ocho, and other top receivers.
5. Maybe has a grudge since favorite QB is gone
6. Was Exclusive on ESPN as a woman beater.
7. Is involved with another battered situation with a different woman.
8. Has to go to court over the first woman.
9. Has had a hip surgery and is rehabbing.

Wow, that's a lot of things to deal with. Lets target these things individually.

1. New Coach Josh McDaniels (aka McHoodie) replaced a stale and out dated Mike Shanahan (aka I got fired because I wouldn't fire my BFF Bob Slowik.) Personally I felt this was a great move since he took a high school starting QB in Matt Cassel and turned him into Tom Brady. It didn't happen over night since Cassel was part of the Patriots system for a few years, so he did understand how things worked - it was Cassel's job to know as back up QB. However, talented players that think the team revolves around them get ousted by McHoodie as we found out with McJay Gate. I think BMarsh thinks the air game revolves around him. Hmmmm, perhaps another casualty waiting to happen?

2. The New Offensive Scheme McHoodie brings has been proven in New England. Tom Brady broke the TD record set by Peyton Manning (who broke the previous one set by Dan Marino.) Also Randy Moss has the most TD's by a wide out. Upon McHoodie's arrival, visions of Culter to Marshall circulated in every Bronco Fans head. Well that isn't going to happen!!!

3. Now I'm sure a lot of fans are thinking I'm beating a dead horse (or dead bronco) but I'm sure it has to come into play some where. BMarsh was close to Cutler, they had chemistry and belief that they would be together for years, and BMarsh was JC's favorite target. McHoodie took all of that away and replaced JC with Kyle Orton. I guess I'd be a bit depressed too!

4. Every year we hear the same cliche' from players all over the league. "The NFL is a business and I need to get what I feel is mine!" Okay, not all players say this, but the business part they all agree with. BMarsh had a pretty spectacular year. Good enough to be called one of the best receivers in the NFL. Although he did drop quite a few passes, in hind sight, dropped passes never stopped T.O. from getting paid! He's suppose to make around $2.2 million this year. Looking at receivers like T.O., Randy Moss, Lee Evans, & Larry Fitzgerald raking in double digit million dollar salaries it's no wonder BMarsh has a chip on his shoulder. $10M a year at the very least makes $2.2M look like chump change!

5. Another theory could be that BMarsh is holding out because maybe he'll be fortunate enough to get traded to a team that will pay him the money he wants. Now that Cutler is gone, does Orton have the arm strength to get him the ball down field? Maybe BMarsh doesn't think so. Let's see, a new offense does well after a few years and usually not immediately. BMarsh is probably holding out because after 3 years under Shanahan's system his performance level has increased yearly. Now he has to start all over and learn a new system. Chances are his performance is going to drop off. So to all the people that are saying "Shut up and play BMarsh! Have a great season and then let them pay you!" You got to understand the business. And business says that if performance does drop off, the Broncos Management don't have to pay you what you want due to your performance decline. So I bet they are hoping for him to "be a team player" and curtail this years performance so they can use it as an excuse to NOT pay him what he wants.

6. Being a negative exclusive on ESPN was probably not a lot of fun. However, his actions did make him an easy target. And when it comes to media bullies, they have no qualms about picking on an easy target. The media is in charge of what gets broadcast. And they allowed BMarsh to have a rebuttal interview. Of course the guy in charge was only going to get what he wanted out of BMarsh and cut him off whenever BMarsh was trying to make a point. All I can say is BMarsh should have known better and just laid low and hopefully things would've blown over. This alone would cost him a few million later on down the road. Time to hold out seeing that he's going to need the money later.

7. Okay, so you get arrested for fighting in public back home in Atlanta with your new girl friend and soon to be wife? Idiot! When are you going to learn that women who want to fight with you also want your money! Regardless, it looks like somethings never change. And also, this could get expensive. Better go after that coin my friend!

8. There is no doubt that your first troubles with your high school sweet heart are expensive. Lawyers that love rich hoodlums like you who love to get in trouble, are more than eager to take away your money! You're a lawyers dream come true. Ask your agent, he'll tell ya that he's your best friend too!

9. Now I don't know about this, but hip surgery and rehabilitation sound awfully expensive, but I'm sure the Broncos organization covered that medical bill. Still, being gimpy isn't the best time to ask for more money. Not showing up for mandatory work outs is also throwing money away. But coming from the hood probably means that you're making too much money (or at least you thought you were) that you didn't know what to do with it! So let's just throw it all away. I guess you've thrown away enough to see the bottom of the barrel. Wow, now you need more, much much more.

Ya know, the average American can retire rather comfortably on $2.2 million. So why is it so difficult for a kid who had nothing, earned his way into college through hard work and physical gifts, and made it as a professional football player to be able to manage his finances and do the same thing?

I guess if I were 20something, a very talented wide receiver, had everything to look forward to, and was making that kind of salary; I'd probably piss away a few million dollars too!

In the end I don't believe that BMarsh will have another season like he did last year. He wants to get traded, but I don't know if he will get traded. Funny thing is, I hope he stays in Denver. But with the changing of the guard, it seems less likely than it did 6 months ago!