INDenverTimes.com » Broncos

$Cha-Ching$: Bowlen’s Broncos 14th most valuable sports team in the world.

News Desk — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:40:44 +0000

Forbes.com has just released its annual listing of “The World’s Most Valuable Teams and Athletes.”

Fortunately for Broncos’ principal owner, Pat Bowlen, his team is reportedly worth $1.08 billion with annual revenues of $240 million.

Forbes also states that the team’s popularity has fallen from fourth to 12th among NFL fans since John Elway retired following 1998 season.

However, with the arrival of Tim Tebow, things might be on their way back up.

Nine other NFL teams are rated as more valuable than the Broncos, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans. Go figure?

Click here for the full article at Forbes.com

My Favorite Time of the Year

Drew Litton — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:46:09 +0000

I’m in the midst of Comic-Con in San Diego and being inspired by so many incredible cartoonists. I always come away from this experience so fired up to stretch my abilities and push myself to do better work. It’s really a great time to recharge the batteries. Might post through the weekend, might not, so check back if ya want. I’m alway so happy to have all of you reading my stuff.

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With Red Sox in town, Rockies fans need to step it up

David Martin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:54:00 +0000

Residents of Denver take pride in the fact that they are one of only a few cities in the country that can boast four major sports teams. The pride is much larger when you consider the fact that Denver is considered a small to mid market city.

Yet, despite having under three million people in the metro area, Denver still supports their teams enough to fill the seats on a regular basis, regardless of the sport.

Denver fans are so good that they hold many attendance records. The Avalanche sold out all of their home games for the better part of the first 12 years that they were in the city. The Nuggets draw well and always put a decent number of fans in the seats, even when they were one of the worst teams in the sport in the late 90′s and early 2000′s. Of course the Broncos sell out every single game, and have since the 70′s. Tickets for Broncos games are long gone months before the event takes place. The waiting list for season tickets is years long.

While the other three major sports have always drawn well, the attendance records that the Rockies own will never be broken. For the first five seasons Coors Field was a scalpers dream come true. Wednesday afternoon games in September had Coors Field filled to the brim. In fact, Rockies fans were so dedicated to their team that construction of Coors Field was altered to add a third deck in right field to hold all the fans that were lining up to buy tickets.

However, despite all of the attendance records that Denver holds, the rest of the country does not view the city as more than just a football town with a few other teams that people watch when the Broncos aren’t playing.

There is a reason for that.

Take a look around the next time you are at Coors Field. How many people are actually paying attention to the game? Inevitably, there is someone standing up with their cell phone pressed to their ear trying to get the attention of a friend on the other side of the stadium. There is always a few guys who are trying to impress their buddies with how many $6 beers they can drink in seven innings, and there is the guy trying to get fans to do the wave, usually in the most crucial moments of the game.

The only time Rockies fans cheer is when they get to do the catchy “Tulo” chant, and when the scoreboard operator prompts them to make noise. However, the noise always ends when the graphic goes away, quieting the stadium at the exact moment the scoreboard was trying to prompt the fans to be loud for.

Watch a game on TV at Yankee Stadium, at Fenway Park, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, or Wrigley Field. While there are plenty of people at those games not paying attention as well, they do not need to be prompted to make noise. When their team has a two run lead and their pitcher is trying to get out of a bases loaded one out jam, those fans know that it is time to encourage their team forward. Those fans know to cheer when a hitter moves a runner over with less than two outs, not just when a slugger launches a ball out of the yard.

The other problem in Denver is the lack of loyalty. For years Rockies fans said that they would support the team, if only the owners would show some commitment to winning. Well, despite vastly under performing so far in 2010, the Rockies are just four games out of the lead in the National League West. If they somehow are able to make a run and get to the playoffs, it would be the third time in four years that they will be playing in October, a feat only four other teams in all of baseball can claim.

Despite the fact that the Rockies have put a contender on the field, many fans wait for their real favorite team to head into Coors Field so that they can cheer them on. If you were able to get tickets to the Red Sox series, take a look at the Boston fans sitting near you. Make a mental note of them. Those are the same fans that in two weeks will once again be wearing their purple and black gear to the game and pretending that they love the Rockies.

Imagine if that happened at Broncos games. What if the Patriots came to town and half of the stadium was wearing Tom Brady jerseys at rooting hard for New England, then the next week they were back in their orange and blue rooting on the Broncos. They would hear about it not only from the fans who sit near them, but also their friends and family. That is not the case for Rockies fans however. It is quite alright to live in Denver, be a Rockies fan most of the time, but secretly root for another team in a different part of the country.

In 2007, when the Rockies steam rolled their way into the World Series, the city of Denver faced one of its’ biggest embarrassments. Not only were Rockies fans outnumbered by Red Sox fans at Coors Field, it looked like a Red Sox home game. It looked like there were a grand total of 100 Rockies fans that existed. When the Red Sox clinched on the Rockies turf, Boston fans (who most likely were wearing Rockies jerseys during the NLDS and NLCS) gathered around the visitors dugout and cheered. The cheering was loud and long.

So here is my challenge to Rockies fans this week as the Red Sox pay a visit to Coors Field: Wear your Rockies gear. Buy something if you have to. Pay attention to the game. When the situation is tense, cheer for the Rockies. Be loud. Drown out the Boston fans. When they start chanting “lets go Red Sox” quickly turn it into “lets go Rockies.” Cheer for only one Red Sox player, Darnell McDonald. Cheer for him because he went to Cherry Creek High School and put in 11 years in the minor leagues to get his chance. Cheer for him when he comes to the plate, but then cheer for the Rockies pitcher on the mound to get him out.

It is time for Rockies fans to establish their own traditions. The Rockies are a team that is a contender. They need fans that support them and cheer them on, even when a team that has been around longer and has had more success comes to play them. If Rockies fans start to rally around their team now, it will set a precedent for years to come. The Rockies could be like the Broncos, a team that everyone in the city is a fan of.

For more on the Rockies visit RockiesReview.com

This article is also featured on INDenverTimes.com

Elvis Dumervil signs tender, still negotiating long-term deal

Jason Ackerman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:34:10 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Elvis Dumervil, perhaps enjoying the theatrics, waited right up until the deadline to sign his restricted free agent tender. Signing the tender today guarantees that Elvis, last year’s NFL sacks leader with 17, will earn just over $3million this year, as opposed to the paltry $630,000 he would have made had he not signed his tender. Clearly, Dumervil doesn’t intend to make this amount for very long, but signing the tender shows that he’s still interested in negotiating with the Broncos.

Dumervil is poised to make what some estimates are putting at $40million + in guaranteed money as one of the top pass rushers in the league, a hefty raise compared to the combined $2million he’s made in the first four years of his NFL career.

Bonus Coverage: Official ProSportsColorado Editorial Position on Dumervil:

In the immortal words of Teddy KGB: PAY THE MAN HIS MONEY! Whatever he asks, Broncos, just pay it. Show him the money. Seriously. Can I be any clearer? HE DESERVES TO GET PAID, SON.

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Draft Zoo: Denver Broncos 2010 NFL Draft Grade

News Desk — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:44:11 +0000

DENVER BRONCOS

1-22 Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Thomas is a guy I’ve never been high on, but I always said if he was going to succeed it would be in an offense like this. He’s a high character player that was the number one receiver on a few boards after Dez Bryant’s fall. He needs a lot of work on his route-running, and he faced A LOT of single coverage in college, but he’s got all the upside in the world and is the huge target Denver needed after losing Brandon Marshall. GRADE: B

1-25 Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Tebow will be an elite NFL QB, and is in a great situation with a top QB coach, innovative offense, and no rush to play despite what ESPN says. McDaniels has already stated that Tebow “will be a QB, and nothing else,” and that’s the right move. Give him one year, and he’ll be one of the top young quarterbacks in the league. This is a perfect fit. For more, here’s my FULL scouting report on #15. GRADE: A+

2-45 Zane Beadles, OG, Utah

I think Beadles was a good pick, but I also think he may have been taken a round high. Still, considering the players they still got after him, the reach is softened. He fills a huge need on the interior of the offensive line and fits McDaniels’s profile for guards. GRADE: B

3-80 JD Walton, C, Baylor

Walton fill big holes up front, and he has the talent to start at this level. Denver was in need of a center after getting rid of Casey Wiegmann, and Walton was the second best option at that position. Denver had to find a way to get tougher up front in the red zone, and Walton helps that cause. GRADE: B+

3-87 Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota

Getting Decker this late was smooth. He’s a diamond in the rough who wouldn’t have lasted that long without a freak foot injury. He’s almost an insurance pick for Demaryius considering his polish as a route runner. Great young offensive talent in Denver now. GRADE: B+

3 ROUND GRADE: A

5-137 Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

This is the one pick that really stands out to me, in a bad way. It’s not bad value at all, and Denver still needed depth in the secondary, but he’s a character risk, and I wasn’t that high on him. Still, he’s too good to pass on in the fifth. GRADE: B

6-183 Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame

I don’t really get this pick. Do they envision Walton as a guard? Otherwise, drafting two centers makes no sense. It’s gotta be Walton because Olsen is really strictly a center. GRADE: C+

7-225 SydQuan Thompson, CB, California

Another tough, hard-working McDaniels type player. He’s small and he lacks NFL speed, but he’s got good zone awareness and is a rugged corner who can probably find a way to contribute as a dime down the road. GRADE: C+

7-232 Jammie Kirlew, OLB, Indiana

I like this pick too. Kirlew is a project, but he could turn into a good backup as an OLB in the 3-4. Denver needed a little depth here, and Kirlew is a guy with some upside who could find his way onto the field situationally. GRADE: B

FINAL ANALYSIS

Yeah, big surprise that I like this class. I was high on Tebow all offseason, and I think he is a perfect guy for McDaniels to tie his career to. There is great young offensive talent in Denver (Moreno, Royal, Decker, Thomas, Gaffney), and he’ll play behind a talented O line. When he does play. Orton will carry the torch for a year, and Tebow will learn behind him while Quinn provides stability as the third QB. Thomas has great upside, and could surprise a lot of people. And Decker is going to be a solid and consistent #2 for a long time.

Beadles and Walton provide great options on a depleted interior O line that couldn’t punch the ball in from the one to save their lives. I don’t really get the addition of Olsen, except for depth, but he’s a decent enough player. Cox could be a huge steal, but I find it odd that his personality is do angular to the rest of the haul. Thompson and Kirlew are tough, savvy players that could end up as valuable special teamers and back-ups. Don’t count out Kirlew as an option inside.

I love what Denver did in aggressively getting their guy at QB. I know no one likes Tebow, but he’ll prove a lot of people wrong with a patient and inventive staff. And the replacements for Marshall could be better than he was. Fixing the O line was a priority, and there’s now good depth in some previously light areas.

BRONCOS FINAL GRADE: A

CLICK THE LINK TO DRAFT ZOO’S 2010 NFL GRADES FOR EVERY TEAM EVERY PICK!

Tebow Factor: The real upside!

Drew Litton — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:46:50 +0000

For all the debate over whether Tebow can play it’s easy to forget the REAL and far more important upside. It beats Brandon Marshall, that’s for sure. I said awhile back that 45 Rod Smiths can win a alot of football games. There just might be something to the Tebow factor.

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Why the Broncos should (did) draft Tim Tebow

Ian Cerveny — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:02:44 +0000

: OImage by chasingfun via Flickr

Originally posted Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

The Denver Broncos should take a flier on Tim Tebow. No doubt.

Proven talent, proven personality & versatility, wears the colors well. But before we get into the many reasons that Timothy Richard Tebow would be a great fit for the Denver Broncos, we’ll address the immediate, “Are you kidding me!?” queries.

Are you kidding me!? Tebow didn’t play in an NFL-type system as a Gator. He won’t be able to run an NFL offense efficiently.

Tim Tebow threw 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in his time at Florida, and was the first college quarterback to both run and throw for 20+ touchdowns in a single season (2007). Those two statistics speak volumes about his maturity as a young quarterback. Add to that his Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, another NCAA first, and you’ve got a balanced playmaker who is clearly well ahead of the traditional QB learning curve.

Tebow did all of this without elite receiving options in the most aggressive defensive conference (SEC) in the nation. If that doesn’t spell NFL-ready, I don’t know what does.

Give Tim Tebow a system and pro-caliber receivers, then watch him thrive.

Are you kidding me!? Tim Tebow doesn’t have the traditional delivery of Peyton Manning and other elite NFL quarterbacks.

Tim worked throughout the last year to teach himself the traditional delivery that NFL coaches prefer. He has succeeded at everything he’s ever done, and done so at an accelerated pace. Tebow will master a new throwing motion in less time than it takes to teach a lesser two-way quarterback the new playbook.

Add to that his proficiency with a non-traditional semi-sidearm throw, and you’ve got the kind of versatility required to survive in the NFL. Tebow’s natural throw is more useful on the run, and as a running quarterback he can challenge defenses to chase him outside of the pocket.

Pursuit or coverage? Pick your poison.

Are you kidding me!? Tim Tebow’s Heisman-winning sophomore year was his peak. He’ll never be as explosive as he was in his first starting season with Florida.

While Tebow’s passer rating and touchdown totals did decline each season as a Gator, his completion percentage spiked in his senior season at 70.1%. That 2009 campaign saw Tebow playing alongside the least amount of offensive talent in his career, which explains the drop-off in passer rating and drastic rise in sack total. Tim was dropped for a loss 25 times in 2009 compared to 15 sacks in 2008.

Despite the team-related struggles, Tebow still only threw 5 interceptions and made up for what his teammates lacked by rushing for over 900 yards. That was a career best, and showed that Tebow was as explosive as he needed to be without pushing too hard. Tim had less to work with, but didn’t make the mistake of trying to force plays.

That situation is precisely what Tebow will likely be walking into at his first NFL job, as the teams in need of his services predominantly lack both a star quarterback and elite receiving talent. Those “welcome to the NFL” moments that have destroyed a laundry list of quality college quarterbacks won’t deflate Tebow. His college career slowly prepared him to do more with less, and his decision-making is unparalleled in this draft.

So… why the Broncos? They’ve got a signed starter in Kyle Orton, a quality backup in Brady Quinn, and a QB-in-training in Tom Brandstater.

Make no mistake, Kyle Orton is not a winning quarterback.

Orton is just good enough to not lose. A winning quarterback goes out and takes the game by the horns. Kyle’s above-average winning percentage in the regular season is purely the result of playing on good defensive teams with the kind of conservative approach that promises fewer mistakes. (Orton was a loser in every game last season where his opponent scored more than 23 points.) He will never win a playoff game, because that takes a quarterback who is capable of stepping up his game under pressure.

Brady Quinn may yet turn the corner as an NFL quarterback, but his statistical career to date is a nightmare.

In 14 NFL games over a 3-year career Quinn has thrown for 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. In 10 games during the 2009 campaign, Brady’s passer rating only topped 75.0 twice… against Detroit & San Diego. In half of those games it was worse than 50.0.

Quinn’s only wins last year came against Pittsburgh (a 13-6 suckfest) and Kansas City. In his win over the Chiefs, Brady threw for a total of 66 yards and 2 interceptions. He didn’t throw a touchdown in either victory, and 7 of his 8 touchdown passes on the season came in two of his ten games… against Detroit & San Diego… both losses.

Gag me with a spoon.

Tyler Brandstater is presumably a system quarterback whom Broncos coach Josh McDaniels plans to mold into his perfect passer.

However, Brandstater is clearly not anywhere near ready to take the helm. Otherwise the Broncos would not have marched the noodle-armed Chris Simms onto the field after Kyle Orton was injured at Washington. Perhaps Brandstater would be better suited for the practice squad until he can top a trust-fund baby on the depth chart.

By comparison, Tim Tebow excels where each of these quarterbacks is lacking.

Tebow has guts and moxy where Orton has made a career of low risk, low reward quarterbacking. Tim’s last two years in Florida compare favorably to Quinn’s last two in Cleveland considering they both played on untalented offenses. Tebow manufactured yardage and wins in that situation while Quinn ceded time to Derek Anderson. Brandstater is a slow-developing maybe-someday QB where Tebow is a proven winner who has quickly dominated every new or changed situation throughout his career.

And what about Josh McDaniels? Why would he want a Tim Tebow on his team?

Because Tebow gives him options galore in an offense clearly working towards a highly complex, misdirection-heavy playbook. (Wild Horses anyone?) Not only is Tim a quick learner, not only does Tebow have the ability to run set plays, options & the occasional breakdown with maturity and efficiency, but he is also everything that Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall & Tony Scheffler are not…

Tim Tebow is a good kid.

We’re talking Christian Missionary good, Jesus-lite good… the epitome of all things positive in a prominent sports figure good. Dude visits jails to bring the Good Word to those who have no hope.

And whether you agree with that message or not, you have to respect the fact that Tim Tebow isn’t doing community service because he ran afoul of the law. Tim does it because he wants to, feels driven to, gains pleasure from doing so. Who wouldn’t want to coach that kind of player? Who wouldn’t want to root for that kind of guy? Who wouldn’t want their kids looking up to him as a model for success?

Tim listens well, learns well, and stays out of off-field trouble. He is the ideal student for a coach looking to bark orders and take no lip. And yet, no matter how hard McDaniels pushes, Tebow will forever remain… the unflappable Tim Tebow. McD couldn’t possibly break this kid or so much as hurt his feelings. Tim works for The Man, and all else is a means to an end.

The foul-mouthed, no nonsense, my way or the highway coach who would just as soon spit on you as apologize, and the saintly son of a preacher who has never doubted his talent or his path since before he could grow chin hair.

They’re a match made in heaven.

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Denver Broncos Mock Season 2010

Ian Cerveny — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:00:27 +0000

: Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The 2010 Broncos season is just one draft, three shockingly random trades, and five months away. The once proud residents of Broncoland, who have spent most of this offseason trying to avoid the new ‘all news is bad news’ flavor of the organization, are desperate to know how Denver stacks up against its 2010 competition.

What follows is an exact (mock) depiction of the Denver Broncos’ 2010 schedule. While staring deeply into my future-sight crystal ball (it may have been a highball glass) I was able to watch the entire 2010 Broncos season unfold from on high. Returning in a stupefied, half-conscious state, I wrote this article…

Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Sunday, September 12^th 2010 @ 11:00 MST on CBS

The revamped Denver defense will hold down the inconsistent Jacksonville offense just long enough for Kyle Orton to find a tight end or something for the winning touchdown. Josh McDaniels will be hailed publicly as a genius, but still reviled privately by 90% of his players. WIN 1-0

Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, September 19^th @ 2:05 MST on FOX

Pete Carroll & his Seahawks will stroll into Mile High Stadium fresh off an emotional Week 1 victory at home versus the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Pundits will believe that the Seahawks are now a competitive team. They will be wrong.

The Broncos’ offense will open up a minor can of whoopass on the defenseless Seahawks. Having started the season 2-0, pundits will laud Denver as a challenger in the AFC West. They will be wrong. WIN 2-0

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, September 26^th @ 2:15 MST on CBS

An 0-2 Colts squad will come to Denver off unexpected losses at Houston to the rising Texans and at home to Manning the Lesser and his hardnosed Giants. Peyton Manning will finally warm up that terrifyingly mechanical Indy offense after two pitiful outings, followed by an undressing of the Broncos’ young secondary. LOSS 2-1

Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

Sunday, October 3^rd @ 11:00 MST on CBS

Josh McDaniels will have his team playing tight, disciplined football by Week 4.

Unfortunately, the Titans have been playing tight, disciplined football (except for the postseason) for 15 years under Jeff Fisher. McD’s Master Plan will not be enough to mash out a win in Tennessee. LOSS 2-2

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, October 10^th @ 11:00 pm on CBS

Last season the Broncos were embarrassed at Baltimore 7-30. That loss came after a 6-0 start, and it started Denver down a path to football purgatory (8-8). In 2010, the Ravens will have a chance to deal Denver its first losing record of the season. They will succeed. LOSS 2-3

New York Jets @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, October 17^th @ 2:15 MST on CBS

The Jets will have an opportunity to start the season 5-0 with a favorable early-season schedule. (Road games against beatable teams, home games against tougher teams.) Will the boys in green really come to Denver undefeated in Week 6? I don’t know, my amazing Future Vision becomes blurry and disoriented at the New Jersey border.

What is certain is that the Jets will stroll into Denver with a winning record, a bye week on the horizon, and a serious case of unfocused play. It happened to the Jersey Jets all last season, and it will happen again in Denver. Lucky thing too, because the Jets are a title contender in 2010. WIN 3-3

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, October 17^th @ 2:05 MST on CBS

The Broncos have struggled with the Raiders in Denver the last two seasons.

This time McDaniels will have his team ready. Josh McD is a lot of things… among them a sore looser. Recognizing that he lost to a lesser team at home last season, McDaniels will outmaneuver whatever pasted-together coaching staff takes the Raiders sideline on this particular day. WIN 4-3

Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

Sunday, October 31^st @ 11:00 MST on CBS

For some reason I blacked out during this portion of the Vision. It may have been too much whiskey, we’ll never know for sure. As a result this game will officially be noted as a sure-thing tie. Good job Broncos. Way to not lose. TIE 4-3-1

BYE WEEK

Week 9

Josh McDaniels will utilize his Bye Week to place his best player on the trading block. It will probably be DE Elvis Dumervil. Luckily, other organizations will have stopped answering McDaniels’ & Errand Boy Brian Xanders’ phone calls weeks earlier after McXanders drunk dials his entire NFL contact list in a single night.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, October 31^st @ 11:00 MST on CBS

The Broncos are lucky to get Kansas City at home after a week of rest.

These Chiefs are on their way up the AFC West ladder. A well-rested Denver defense does just enough to hold down the explosive KC offense, and Kyle Orton throws for 300 yards in the win. Zombie Eddie Royal shakes off a headache and the thirst for sweet brain juices long enough to find his legs and grabs 10 balls for 100+ and a touchdown. WIN 5-3-1

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers

Monday, November 22^nd @ 6:30 MST on ESPN

The Broncos’ one and only trip to the Monday Night Football stage in 2010 will be an unmitigated disaster as the Chargers flex their dominance.

However, in an epic twist of fate, former San Diego Nose Tackle Jamal Williams, now decked out in orange ‘n blue, does a double underhook suplex on Chargers’ QB Philip “Perma-smirk” Rivers. Philip breaks something important on the play, and the Chargers immediately regret trading their best backup QB in the offseason. Undaunted, Norv Turner puts Darren Sproles under center and runs direct snaps to him the rest of the game. Somehow this strategy works, or Josh McDaniels calls fifteen bubble screens to Jabar Gaffney or something, and the Broncos lose anyway. LOSS 5-4-1

St. Louis Rams @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, November 28^th @ 2:15 MST on FOX

This late November game in the Mile High City will be played in swirling snow. Knowshon Moreno will take the opportunity to run for almost 200 yards while only fumbling twice. His three touchdowns will make it just better than a break-even day, and Elvis Dumervil will toss Rams quarterbacks all over the offensive backfield. WIN 6-4-1

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, December 5^th @ 11:00 MST on CBS

It’s a real shame the NFL scheduling czars didn’t see fit to make this a Monday night affair the next day. The Broncos always beat the Chiefs on my birthday, December 6^th. Check the record books, its true. The day I was born, the Broncos beat the Chiefs on December 6^th. A couple years ago Denver rocked the chiefs on my birthday.

December 5^th? What a lame day. And a lame loss. The Broncos experience their typical late-season in KC shakes, and are pounded into the Arrowhead turf. LOSS 6-5-1

Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals

Sunday, December 12^th @ 2:15 MST on CBS

Poor, poor Cardinals fans. Kurt Warner comes in and turns a perennial loser into a Super Bowl contender. Then, like a flash, he’s gone, and with it any hopes of a return to the Big Game. Luckily, Arizona still plays in the weakest division in football. Unluckily, their soft schedule will not prepare them for a home game against the Broncos.

Denver rolls the Cards in an unseemly fashion. WIN 7-5-1

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders

Sunday, December 19^th @ 2:15 MST on CBS

Late in the season and needing a win to stay in the playoff hunt, the Broncos scrape together a gutsy win in Oakland. For many Broncos fans, this game will look like an okay team turning the corner towards greatness. Other Broncos fans will realize that it’s just the friggin’ Raiders and even a near-loss to Oakland is just a little disgraceful. WIN 8-5-1

Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, December 26^th @ 2:05 MST on CBS

The Day After Christmas and all is not well,

For one Gary Kubiak is coming to town.

Mastermind Junior and dressed in all red,

With visions of playoff births stuck in his head.

McDaniels will scream, kick, bite & spit,

But the Ghost of Mike Shanahan presides over this.

At Mile High Stadium on this fateful day,

The Texans will win it running away.

LOSS 8-6-1

San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, January 2^nd @ 2:15 MST on CBS

A New Year and a new chance to smite the hated Chargers will instill a sense of purpose and destiny in the Broncos. Having already locked up the shaky AFC West, the Chargers will rest Philip Rivers, who has his contract amended to read, “Philip shall not take the field if Jamal Williams and Elvis Dumervil have both lined up on the opposite side of the ball. Failure to abide by this amendment shall result in the immediate launching of one Norv Turner from the nearest catapult or catapult-like object.” WIN 9-6-1

Denver eeks its way into the postseason with a 9-6-1 record, beating out at least three 9-7 teams. A first-round rematch with the Jersey Jets lies on the horizon. (End Vision)

Before you settle in for another non-stop media blitz populated by talking heads, draftnicks & pundits galore, take a moment to reflect on the 2009 season with Jerome V’s 2009 NFL Awards

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Denver Broncos 2010 Draft: McDaniels-Xanders Draft Day do-over

Ian Cerveny — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:54:10 +0000

: Image by Core37 via Flickr

Miscues in ‘09 set table for 2010 Draft

The first day of the first draft of the McDaniels-Xanders era in Denver was, by most accounts, a disaster. The Broncos had just traded franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for two 1^st Round picks, and expectations were high for how those picks would be used.

Then Josh “I Do What I Want” McDaniels and Brian “I Do What Josh Tells Me” Xanders traded the Broncos’ extra 2010 pick for the 5^th pick in the 2^nd Round of the 2009 Draft. The player they grabbed with that pick? Wake Forest Cornerback Alphonso Smith, who couldn’t muscle his way past the Ghost of Ty Law in the Broncos’ DB pecking order.

The two ’09 picks that preceded Smith were used to draft Georgia Running Back Knowshon Moreno & Tennessee Defensive End Robert Ayers. Moreno started through the 2009 regular season, but lacked the explosive playmaking ability that made him a 12^th Overall coming out of college. Ayers spent the majority of his rookie season injured, and the rest of it ineffective.

Time will tell whether the Broncos later ’09 2^nd Round picks, Safety Darcel McBath & Tight End Richard Quinn, will pan out in Denver. Quinn will see a lot of snaps in 2010 since former 2^nd Round TE Tony Scheffler was exiled to the Detroit Lions on Monday. We’ll know a lot about how the Broncos coaching staff feels about McBath’s NFL progress after this week’s draft. If Denver grabs a free safety in the first three rounds, it may be a sign that McBath is a bust.

At least the McXanders combo will have a chance to right their early-round wrongs from ‘09 with three picks in the first two rounds of the 2010 Draft.

Late-round 2009 picks are projects best saved for later examination, but overall rounds 4-7 look pretty good for McXanders. Safety David Bruton, WR Kenny McKinley & Fresno State QB Tom Brandstater all looked solid in 2009 preseason action against fellow late-round talent. No doubt, McKinley and Brandstater are learning to do things the McDaniels way before they ever become major role-players in his offense, but Kenny in particular has shown exceptional talent for a 5^th Round Selection.

The 2010 Draft is nigh upon us

By the time this article publishes, we will be roughly 24 hours away from the start of the 1^st Round of the 2010 Draft.

The Broncos ended the 2009 season with a lot of clear needs on the defensive side of the ball. Strong Safety is probably a concern, but Inside Linebacker and Nose Tackle take clear precedence. That’s the entire middle of the Denver defense for those keeping track.

The Broncos’ primary offensive need is at Center after 2009 7^th Round selection Blake Schlueter ended up with the Atlanta Falcons.

Denver Broncos needs in the first 2 Rounds

The weakness at ILB will likely spur Denver to pick up exceptional Alabama Linebacker Rolando McLain in the 1^st Round. Despite the defensive depth in the 2010 draft, the LB class is one of the weakest in years. Plus, McLain is the type of run stuffing on-field coach that Brian Xanders & Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale (himself a former linebacker) can build the rest of the defense around.

Really, the interior of the offensive line was the only big issue for the Denver offense going into this draft until Brandon Marshall was traded to the Miami Dolphins last week. Unfortunately for the Broncos, the WR class gets pretty light after troubled but talented receiver Dez Bryant, and there is no way that Denver wants another head-case wideout mucking up the locker room should he fall to the 11^th pick.

What does work out in the Broncos’ favor is that the top Center in the 2010 Draft, Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey, may be available when Denver makes their first pick of the 2^nd Round. However, if McClain is off the board earlier in the 1^st Round, the Broncos may go ahead and grab Pouncey with the 11^th Overall. By most accounts, Pouncey is 1^st Round material in a draft so loaded that many top players will be available in the 2^nd.

Who goes when will all come down to the needs of other teams, but ideally these will be the Broncos’ top two picks.

Another 1^st Round option is Tennessee Nose Tackle Dan Williams, although the NT class is deep enough that Denver can get a less expensive center for their 3-4 defense later in the draft. Terrance Cody, Alabama’s behemoth Nose Tackle, may fit the bill. Cody has conditioning issues, but may work well in a platoon with recently acquired veteran NT Jamal Williams (formerly of the San Diego Chargers). North Carolina DT Cam Thomas should be available late in the 2^nd Round.

Ian’s Dream Draft: Rounds 1 & 2

All things being equal, it is difficult to decipher the tendencies of McDaniels and Xanders after their free-wheeling, pick-trading 2009 Draft odyssey. If the stars aligned perfectly, the Broncos could spend the first two picks setting the middle of their defense & offense with Rolando McClain & Maurkice Pouncey respectively.

Since Denver has both the 11^th & 13^th picks in the 2^nd Round, taking Pouncey with the 11 and then the best Nose Tackle available at 13 makes a lot of sense. However, my Dream Draft has another, considerably wackier outcome. Pouncey Centered an outstanding offensive line as a Gator in front of Heisman-winning Florida QB Tim Tebow.

If Tebow falls to the 2^nd Round, the Broncos will have the rare opportunity to grab the Center/Quarterback combo that made Florida a National Title contender the last two years. Pouncey is clearly the best Center in the draft, and should both he and Tebow fall to the early stages of the 2^nd Round, I would love to see both end up in Denver.

Follow our Final 2010 Mock Draft here.

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Broncos draft Rolando McClain in final 2010 NFL Mock Draft

News Desk — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:27:26 +0000

1. STL — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Rams need a franchise passer. Bradford is this year’s top option. Suh would be nice, but finding a quarterback is more important.

2. DET — Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Detroit gets their dream draft and ends up with the premier defensive lineman of the last five years. The D line is more crowded than usual, but Suh’s presence will ease the loss of Ernie Sims.

3. TB — Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Buccaneers are dying for Suh, but they’ll take McCoy as a silver ribbon. His disruptive nature and pass rushing skills will remind Tampa fans of a certain Mr. Sapp.

4. WAS — Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

The Skins need offensive line help even more than usual now that they have someone worth protecting at quarterback. Okung is not the most athletic, but he has enough mobility and plenty of polish to be the man for Shanahan.

5. KC — Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Kansas City has a recent habit of reaching for defensive stars in the top five, so why not a safety? Berry could be the next Ed Reed, and this defense would benefit from a real presence in the secondary.

6. SEA — Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The most polished of the two athletic tackles (Bruce Campbell is the other), Williams is a nice fit for Pete Carroll’s system, and they have to protect Charlie Whitehurst.

7. CLE — Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Mike Holmgren may not have liked Clausen back in March, but he’ll be wise enough to take a very pro ready prospect at the most important position on the field.

8. OAK — Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
Tom Cable spent some time at Idaho, Al Davis is crazy, and Iupati has the size and nasty blocking attitude that the Raiders love.

9. BUF — Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The Bills have to get better at offensive tackle. Tebow is a target later in the round, or possibly the second, but it won’t matter if they don’t block better.

10. JAX — Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Even with Aaron Kampman added to the roster, Jags need more help getting after Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub.

11. DEN — Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

Adding the best 3-4 inside linebacker prospect in the draft, and one of the best in years, is a solid move. DJ Williams, Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, and McClain could form a great corps for years. With Jamal Williams up front, this defense could finally be existent against the run.

12. MIA — Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Jason Taylor and Joey Porter are gone, and that leaves a big hole at rush linebacker for the Dolphins. Parcells loves linebackers.

13. SF — Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Best cornerback in the draft drops to a team that wants to glean value and has needs in the secondary.

14. SEA — Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Seattle needs help along the defensive line, and Pierre-Paul is the type of talent Carroll likes to work with.

15. NYG — Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
The Giants went through a lot of trouble with the defensive line last year, and now Fred Robbins is gone.

16. TEN — Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
The Titans need pass rushers, but an elite corner is better value than reaching for a defensive end.

17. SF — Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The Niners need serious help on the offensive line, and right tackle has been a need for too long.

18. PIT — Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
With Roethlisberger missing time, and maybe shipping off, a surprise pick comes off the board in a guy who is the exact opposite character-wise.

19. ATL — Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Some picks just make too much sense. Atlanta needs leadership and edge rushing.

20. HOU — Ryan Matthews, RB, Houston
The Texans want to run the ball, and Matthews is said to be their top target.

21. CIN — Earl Thomas, S, Texas
The Bengals get a utopian scenario here as the possible top safety in the draft falls to 21st.

22. NE — Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
The defensive end from Happy Valley is a perfect Patriots pick with a high football IQ, good motor, and great length.

23. GB – Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU
Tough to see the Packers passing on a guy like Hughes to pair with super-rookie Clay Matthews.

24. PHI — Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
Eagles need interior line play, and someone to step in for center Jamal Jackson early on.

25. BAL — Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Adding a talent like this to further aide Joe Flacco is just way too tempting at 25th overall.

26. ARI – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
No reason not to add more help for Matt Leinart with the loss of Anquan Boldin.

27. DAL — Taylor Mays, S, USC
Mays is too flashy, too athletic, and too risky for Jerry Jones not to take the bait.

28. SD — Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Losing Antonio Cromartie may not seem that bad on paper, but GM AJ Smith loves defensive backs.

29. NYJ — Jason Worilds, OLB, Virginia Tech
Might seem like a reach to some, but Worilds was very productive and has a severely quick first step.

30. MIN — Jahvid Best, RB, California
Best won’t have to carry the load in Minny, and Adrian Peterson will need a complement after the loss of Chester Taylor.

31. IND — Charles Brown, OT, USC
Colts have one priority: protect Peyton Manning.

32. NO — Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
The parades keep churning in New Orleans as their top target falls straight into their lap.