Gretz: AFC West Preview - Denver - Page 2

keg in kc · 07-17-2006, 08:59 AM

GRETZ: AFC WEST PREVIEW - Denver

Jul 17, 2006, 8:52:47 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ

(This week, we’ll look at the rest of the AFC West as all four division teams get ready to start training camp next week. Today it’s the Broncos, on Wednesday the Chargers and on Friday the Raiders.)

The defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos have barely tweaked their roster as they get ready to start training camp.

Gone are long-time DE Trevor Pryce and the leading rusher from last season, Mike Anderson (1,014 yards.) Disappointing WR Ashley Lelie has demanded a trade, unhappy with his role with the Broncos. One reason he’s not thrilled is the team’s biggest off-season addition: WR Javon Walker, acquired in a draft-day trade from the Green Bay Packers. But Walker is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee and missed the last 15 weeks of the 2005 regular season.

The rest of Mike Shanahan’s attack will look very similar to what Denver rode to a 13-3 record in winning the division last year.

OFFENSE
Strength: The Broncos ability to run the ball remains the heart beat of this offense, no matter who is carrying the ball. Most teams losing their leading rusher would have gone out and signed somebody in free agency or used a high draft choice on a running back. Not Shanahan. Anderson signs in Baltimore and the head coach has so much confidence in his scheme and line that any back can gain 1,000 yards. It appears Ron Dayne will get that chance to be the man in 2006. Tatum Bell is back as well and will push for playing time.

The reason Denver runs the ball so well is the offensive line and it returns intact for the coming season. They led the Broncos to 158.7 yards rushing per game (No. 2 in the league) and 360.4 offensive yards per game (5th in the NFL.) The starting O-Line played together for all 16 games; that’s good for Denver, because the Broncos lack any experience among their backup linemen.

Weakness: Shanahan pulled back on the offense in ‘05 and QB Jake Plummer put together one of his best overall seasons, throwing 18 TD passes versus seven interceptions. That didn’t stop Shanahan from trading up and using a No. 1 draft pick on Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler. How well Plummer handles this situation, and whether he continues to play “smart” football (few interceptions) will decide the Broncos season. Shanahan doesn’t need Plummer to be a hero; he needs him to be efficient.

Questions: If Walker bounces back, he provides a top-notch one-two punch with the ageless 36-year old Rod Smith (1,105 yards in ‘05/eighth time in nine years he’s gone over 1,000 yards.) If Walker doesn’t return to his previous form, the Broncos will have a problem. They lack a true receiving threat at tight end. That’s one reason that Shanahan has been in no hurry to deal Lelie; he may still need him in ‘06.

DEFENSE
Strength: The Broncos linebackers do a great job and helped the Broncos finish as the No. 2 defense in the league against the run, allowing an average of just 85.2 yards per game. MLB Al Wilson is the leader of this group and last year, WLB Ian Gold really stepped forward, leading the team in tackles with 106, along with three sacks. After a strong rookie season in 2004, SLB D.J. Williams took a step back last year, finishing sixth on the team with 68 tackles, no sacks, no interceptions and no fumble recoveries.

Weakness: Veteran FS John Lynch said during the Broncos mini-camp that he thought his year’s Denver defense has enough talent to be No. 1 in the league. Lynch was part of a defense in Tampa Bay that finished as the top unit in the league.

To achieve that, the Broncos will have to significantly improve their pass defense. They allowed 227.7 yards per game, finishing 29th in the league and just two yards less per game than the often-ridiculed Chiefs pass defense. In the secondary, CB Champ Bailey finished with a career-high eight interceptions, but he was also frequently burned (see Eddie Kennison’s 108 yards against Broncos in December at Arrowhead for example.) Bailey did play the whole season wearing a harness on his right shoulder after suffering a dislocation in the season opener against Miami. He will apparently wear that harness again in ‘06, because he did not have surgery in the off-season.

Questions: Pryce was released and he signed with Baltimore. The Broncos picked up another defensive lineman from the Cleveland Browns, this time DE Kenard Lang. He’s the fifth DL to join the team from the Browns in the last two years. Where is the pass rush going to come from? Last year, Denver had 28 sacks, with 11 of those coming from the back seven. Pryce left with four sacks.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Broncos suffered a blow when kickoff man-punter Todd Sauerbrun was hit with a four-game NFL suspension for testing positive for the use of the diuretic ephedra. He’ll be gone for the first Chiefs-Broncos game on September 17th at Invesco Field. Jason Elam is a solid kicker and Darrent Williams has potential as a returner. Coverage units finished 10th on punts, 29th in kick coverage last season.

ADDITIONS OF NOTE: WR Javon Walker(from Green Bay in a draft day trade/suffered season ending knee injury in Packers first game), DE Kenard Lang (from Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent/43 tackles, 2 sacks with Browns, playing all 16 games, starting five), LB Nate Webster (from Cincinnati as an unrestricted free agent/spent 11 games on PUP list and played in just one game in ‘05 for the Bengals.)

LOST: DE Trevor Pryce(41 tackles, 4 sacks while starting 16 games at right DE), RB Mike Anderson (Broncos’ leading rusher with 1,014 yards and 12 rushing TDs while starting 15 games in ‘05), TE Jeb Putzier (Broncos third leading receiver in ‘05 with 37 catches for 481 yards/signed with Houston), DE Marco Coleman (10 tackles, 1 sack in seven games/remains unsigned, considering retirement), DT Monsanto Pope (2 tackles in 2 games/signed with New York Jets), TE Wesley Duke (2 catches for 21 yards in 3 games/released, but may be re-signed.)

SOON TO BE LOST?: WR Ashley Lelie (unhappy with contract/Broncos second leading receiver last season with 42 catches for 770 yards.)

FREE AGENTS RETAINED: LT Matt Lepsis (16 starts), DT Gerard Warren (16 starts, 42 tackles, 3 sacks), RB Ron Dayne (10 games/53 carries, 270 yards), LB Keith Burns (15 games, leading coverage man in kicking game with 17 tackles), S Sam Brandon (14 games, 20 tackles), DE John Engelberger (14 games, 24 tackles), LB Patrick Chukwurah (14 games, 7 special teams tackles), Mike Leach (long snapper.)

**CosmicPal** · 07-17-2006, 11:16 AM

Personally, I think Denver will be slumping this season. Too many changes in players and personnel, too many unhappy players (Lelie wanting to leave i.e.), and too many offseason distractions (Plummer's road rage i.e.).

I think the biggest blows will be losing Kubiak as their OC and letting Pryce go for younger talent. I think they are willing to take a step back this year in order to make a giant leap forward the next season.

They do have a lot of good, young talent and they will still be THE team to beat in the AFC West, and they will certainly be over .500 this season, but much like KC had a 10-6 record and didn't make the playoffs last season- I envision the same for Denver this season.

This is the season for Kansas City to win the AFC West. There is no better time for KC to do it than now. S.D. will be an outstanding team, but I'm not sold on Rivers and I certainly don't expect him to duplicate Rothleisberger's achievements. They too will be a good team, but not enough to win it all. KC, on the other hand, has a rich mix of experience and youth. KC has got to be *****ing hungry this year. The opportunity has never been better for us when the rest of the division will be going through some major changes: new head coach in Oakland, new starting QB's in Oakland and SD, conflicts and turmoil in Denver.

The time is now.

HerculesRockefell · 07-17-2006, 11:36 AM

10-11 wins, might win the division or it might not. No pass rush and the safeties are terrible in coverage. Whether the offense is improved over last year will be determined whether Scheffler, Watts, and Terrell can step up. I think Walker will put up similar numbers to Lelie's from last year, probably some more TDs though, so that's a wash move at this point. '07 will be when Walker will make a true impact. The Chiefs are the only team with a shot to win the division besides the Broncos.

vailpass · 07-17-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphius

Don't you mean "Much like Portis and any WR not named Rod Smith...".

Pretty much, except McCaffrey......

vailpass · 07-17-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nm_dbf

The have a chance to repeat in ACFW. I have my doubts with losing Pryce, Saurbren 4 games. Lelie effective if he stays. Walker able to step up again....

Plummer having another career year.

Alot of Iffy propositions, IMO.

NOTE: No mention of CB Walls leaving...I guess he wasn't note worthy.

NFL - Not For Long

Agree with all the above. Add in the loss of Kubiak at the offensive helm and there are plenty of reasons for Denver to stumble.
OTOH you can find just as many iffy propositions for San Diego, KC, and the Fade to be down this year.
I can not ****ing wait for this season to start.

tk13 · 07-17-2006, 12:17 PM

It seems like every offseason we do this like clockwork. The Broncos are always the team that looks like they took a step backward on paper. But they never really do. This year probably won't be any different. They might not win 13 games but they'll probably find a way to stick their noses in the mix.

Mile High Mania · 07-17-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shox

Smith is amazing but he is getting REALLY old. Look at the cliff J. Smith fell off last year. Is it R. Smith's turn?

Smith fell off a cliff in 2005? Maybe I'm misreading what you are trying to say, but ... Smith had these stats: 70 rec for 1,023 yds and 6 TDs

Last year, Rod had 85 rec for 1,105 yds and 6 TDs.

Jimmy entered the league in 1992, Rod in 1995... so, by the Jimmy example... Rod's "cliff" is a year or 2 away.

Mile High Mania · 07-17-2006, 12:22 PM

I think the Chargers are going to take a hit with thier change of QB and that when December rolls around, it will officially be a two team race for the division title b/t Denver and KC. Oakland will be frustrating, but they won't win 8 games.

sedated · 07-17-2006, 12:45 PM

Like KC, Dungver has a tough schedule.

But, of course, the majority of their tough games are at home.

HOME
Baltimore
Indy
Seattle
Cincy
SF
*Division

AWAY
STL
NE
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Arizona
*Division

Mile High Mania · 07-17-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedated

Like KC, Dungver has a tough schedule.

But, of course, the majority of their tough games are at home.

HOME
Baltimore
Indy
Seattle
Cincy
SF
*Division

AWAY
STL
NE
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Arizona
*Division

Schedule whining? Already...

@ NE and Pitt are about as tough as you can get. AZ is improved, but until they show it, you can't say much about it really... same for the Rams, but @ STL is a tough place to play with their offense.

Yes, it does rock to have SEA, Indy, Balt and Cincy in Denver though.

How does KC shape up?

Home
Bengals
49ers
Seahawks
Ravens
Jaguars

Away
Cardinals
Steelers
Rams
Dolphins
Browns

So, of the 5 non AFCW home games ... KC and DEN have 4 out of 5 being the same with the exceptions being Denver/Indy & KC/Jaguars.

Of the 5 non AFCW away games... 4 out of 5 are the same with the exceptions being Den @ NE and KC @ Dolphins.

The away games are essentially equal and if I had to pick the home advantage, I'd say KC has the easier game with the Jags.

Let's stop with the schedule whining... it's way too early.

HerculesRockefell · 07-17-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedated

Like KC, Dungver has a tough schedule.

But, of course, the majority of their tough games are at home.

HOME
Baltimore
Indy
Seattle
Cincy
SF
*Division

AWAY
STL
NE
Cleveland
Pittsburgh
Arizona
*Division

Are you serious? Denver and KC play the exact same schedule (same team and same location) except for the two games determined by the previous year's standings. SD and Oakland have the same set-up with their games.

HerculesRockefell · 07-17-2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

So, of the 5 non AFCW home games ... KC and DEN have 4 out of 5 being the same with the exceptions being Denver/Indy & KC/Jaguars.

Of the 5 non AFCW away games... 4 out of 5 are the same with the exceptions being Den @ NE and KC @ Dolphins.

Until at least 2009, KC and Denver will have 14 of 16 games in common.

htismaqe · 07-17-2006, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerculesRockefell

Are you serious? Denver and KC play the exact same schedule (same team and same location) except for the two games determined by the previous year's standings. SD and Oakland have the same set-up with their games.

You'll have to forgive Mr. Vermeil. He's still not happy about being forced to retire...

chiefqueen · 07-17-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerculesRockefell

Are you serious? Denver and KC play the exact same schedule (same team and same location) except for the two games determined by the previous year's standings. SD and Oakland have the same set-up with their games.

Yeah but the big difference is when you play them. Let's take a look at the final 3 games for both teams:

KC @ SD; @ Oak; Jax (home) - going 3-0 is unrealistic; 2-1 is very wishful thinking; 1-2 is most likely and 0-3 during this time probably would shock no one.

Den: @ AZ; SF (home); Cincy (home) - okay Cincy does have the talent to beat them but COME ON that ain't happening in Denver. Also, despite AZ's new digs I still expect the majority of fans @ that game to be Denver fans. I won't even mention the other game. Clearly DEN will be expected to go 3-0 in their last 3 games.

Smells like a Shanarat was on the scheduling committee.

Mile High Mania · 07-17-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefqueen

Yeah but the big difference is when you play them. Let's take a look at the final 3 games for both teams:

KC @ SD; @ Oak; Jax (home) - going 3-0 is unrealistic; 2-1 is very wishful thinking; 1-2 is most likely and 0-3 during this time probably would shock no one.

Den: @ AZ; SF (home); Cincy (home) - okay Cincy does have the talent to beat them but COME ON that ain't happening in Denver. Also, despite AZ's new digs I still expect the majority of fans @ that game to be Denver fans. I won't even mention the other game. Clearly DEN will be expected to go 3-0 in their last 3 games.

Smells like a Shanarat was on the scheduling committee.

Don't forget that KC has THREE (3) back2back road trips... Denver only has 2.

The month of November... wow... Denver has 3 of 4 games on the road. KC has 2 at home and 2 on the road.

Denver starts off with 2 of 3 on the road... vs 2 of 3 at home for KC.

Seriously... all this shit balances out.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-17-2006, 08:43 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the AFC West will, once again, be a two horse race between us and the Broncos.

Shocker.

07-17-2006, 08:59 AM
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Gretz: AFC West Preview - Denver GRETZ: AFC WEST PREVIEW - Denver Jul 17, 2006, 8:52:47 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ (This week, we’ll look at the rest of the AFC West as all four division teams get ready to start training camp next week. Today it’s the Broncos, on Wednesday the Chargers and on Friday the Raiders.) The defending AFC West champion Denver Broncos have barely tweaked their roster as they get ready to start training camp. Gone are long-time DE Trevor Pryce and the leading rusher from last season, Mike Anderson (1,014 yards.) Disappointing WR Ashley Lelie has demanded a trade, unhappy with his role with the Broncos. One reason he’s not thrilled is the team’s biggest off-season addition: WR Javon Walker, acquired in a draft-day trade from the Green Bay Packers. But Walker is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee and missed the last 15 weeks of the 2005 regular season. The rest of Mike Shanahan’s attack will look very similar to what Denver rode to a 13-3 record in winning the division last year. OFFENSE Strength: The Broncos ability to run the ball remains the heart beat of this offense, no matter who is carrying the ball. Most teams losing their leading rusher would have gone out and signed somebody in free agency or used a high draft choice on a running back. Not Shanahan. Anderson signs in Baltimore and the head coach has so much confidence in his scheme and line that any back can gain 1,000 yards. It appears Ron Dayne will get that chance to be the man in 2006. Tatum Bell is back as well and will push for playing time. The reason Denver runs the ball so well is the offensive line and it returns intact for the coming season. They led the Broncos to 158.7 yards rushing per game (No. 2 in the league) and 360.4 offensive yards per game (5th in the NFL.) The starting O-Line played together for all 16 games; that’s good for Denver, because the Broncos lack any experience among their backup linemen. Weakness: Shanahan pulled back on the offense in ‘05 and QB Jake Plummer put together one of his best overall seasons, throwing 18 TD passes versus seven interceptions. That didn’t stop Shanahan from trading up and using a No. 1 draft pick on Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler. How well Plummer handles this situation, and whether he continues to play “smart” football (few interceptions) will decide the Broncos season. Shanahan doesn’t need Plummer to be a hero; he needs him to be efficient. Questions: If Walker bounces back, he provides a top-notch one-two punch with the ageless 36-year old Rod Smith (1,105 yards in ‘05/eighth time in nine years he’s gone over 1,000 yards.) If Walker doesn’t return to his previous form, the Broncos will have a problem. They lack a true receiving threat at tight end. That’s one reason that Shanahan has been in no hurry to deal Lelie; he may still need him in ‘06. DEFENSE Strength: The Broncos linebackers do a great job and helped the Broncos finish as the No. 2 defense in the league against the run, allowing an average of just 85.2 yards per game. MLB Al Wilson is the leader of this group and last year, WLB Ian Gold really stepped forward, leading the team in tackles with 106, along with three sacks. After a strong rookie season in 2004, SLB D.J. Williams took a step back last year, finishing sixth on the team with 68 tackles, no sacks, no interceptions and no fumble recoveries. Weakness: Veteran FS John Lynch said during the Broncos mini-camp that he thought his year’s Denver defense has enough talent to be No. 1 in the league. Lynch was part of a defense in Tampa Bay that finished as the top unit in the league. To achieve that, the Broncos will have to significantly improve their pass defense. They allowed 227.7 yards per game, finishing 29th in the league and just two yards less per game than the often-ridiculed Chiefs pass defense. In the secondary, CB Champ Bailey finished with a career-high eight interceptions, but he was also frequently burned (see Eddie Kennison’s 108 yards against Broncos in December at Arrowhead for example.) Bailey did play the whole season wearing a harness on his right shoulder after suffering a dislocation in the season opener against Miami. He will apparently wear that harness again in ‘06, because he did not have surgery in the off-season. Questions: Pryce was released and he signed with Baltimore. The Broncos picked up another defensive lineman from the Cleveland Browns, this time DE Kenard Lang. He’s the fifth DL to join the team from the Browns in the last two years. Where is the pass rush going to come from? Last year, Denver had 28 sacks, with 11 of those coming from the back seven. Pryce left with four sacks. SPECIAL TEAMS The Broncos suffered a blow when kickoff man-punter Todd Sauerbrun was hit with a four-game NFL suspension for testing positive for the use of the diuretic ephedra. He’ll be gone for the first Chiefs-Broncos game on September 17th at Invesco Field. Jason Elam is a solid kicker and Darrent Williams has potential as a returner. Coverage units finished 10th on punts, 29th in kick coverage last season. ADDITIONS OF NOTE: WR Javon Walker(from Green Bay in a draft day trade/suffered season ending knee injury in Packers first game), DE Kenard Lang (from Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent/43 tackles, 2 sacks with Browns, playing all 16 games, starting five), LB Nate Webster (from Cincinnati as an unrestricted free agent/spent 11 games on PUP list and played in just one game in ‘05 for the Bengals.) LOST: DE Trevor Pryce(41 tackles, 4 sacks while starting 16 games at right DE), RB Mike Anderson (Broncos’ leading rusher with 1,014 yards and 12 rushing TDs while starting 15 games in ‘05), TE Jeb Putzier (Broncos third leading receiver in ‘05 with 37 catches for 481 yards/signed with Houston), DE Marco Coleman (10 tackles, 1 sack in seven games/remains unsigned, considering retirement), DT Monsanto Pope (2 tackles in 2 games/signed with New York Jets), TE Wesley Duke (2 catches for 21 yards in 3 games/released, but may be re-signed.) SOON TO BE LOST?: WR Ashley Lelie (unhappy with contract/Broncos second leading receiver last season with 42 catches for 770 yards.) FREE AGENTS RETAINED: LT Matt Lepsis (16 starts), DT Gerard Warren (16 starts, 42 tackles, 3 sacks), RB Ron Dayne (10 games/53 carries, 270 yards), LB Keith Burns (15 games, leading coverage man in kicking game with 17 tackles), S Sam Brandon (14 games, 20 tackles), DE John Engelberger (14 games, 24 tackles), LB Patrick Chukwurah (14 games, 7 special teams tackles), Mike Leach (long snapper.)
Posts: 58,682

07-17-2006, 11:16 AM	#16
CosmicPal Learn it. Know it. Live it. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Casino cash: $10004900	Personally, I think Denver will be slumping this season. Too many changes in players and personnel, too many unhappy players (Lelie wanting to leave i.e.), and too many offseason distractions (Plummer's road rage i.e.). I think the biggest blows will be losing Kubiak as their OC and letting Pryce go for younger talent. I think they are willing to take a step back this year in order to make a giant leap forward the next season. They do have a lot of good, young talent and they will still be THE team to beat in the AFC West, and they will certainly be over .500 this season, but much like KC had a 10-6 record and didn't make the playoffs last season- I envision the same for Denver this season. This is the season for Kansas City to win the AFC West. There is no better time for KC to do it than now. S.D. will be an outstanding team, but I'm not sold on Rivers and I certainly don't expect him to duplicate Rothleisberger's achievements. They too will be a good team, but not enough to win it all. KC, on the other hand, has a rich mix of experience and youth. KC has got to be ****ing hungry this year. The opportunity has never been better for us when the rest of the division will be going through some major changes: new head coach in Oakland, new starting QB's in Oakland and SD, conflicts and turmoil in Denver. The time is now. __________________ - - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - Four blessings upon my fellow planeteers: Older whiskey, younger women, faster horses, and more money.
Posts: 10,840

07-17-2006, 11:36 AM	#17
HerculesRockefell Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $10004930	10-11 wins, might win the division or it might not. No pass rush and the safeties are terrible in coverage. Whether the offense is improved over last year will be determined whether Scheffler, Watts, and Terrell can step up. I think Walker will put up similar numbers to Lelie's from last year, probably some more TDs though, so that's a wash move at this point. '07 will be when Walker will make a true impact. The Chiefs are the only team with a shot to win the division besides the Broncos.
Posts: 571

07-17-2006, 12:17 PM	#20
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1622500	It seems like every offseason we do this like clockwork. The Broncos are always the team that looks like they took a step backward on paper. But they never really do. This year probably won't be any different. They might not win 13 games but they'll probably find a way to stick their noses in the mix.
Posts: 55,022

07-17-2006, 12:22 PM	#22
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3397229	I think the Chargers are going to take a hit with thier change of QB and that when December rolls around, it will officially be a two team race for the division title b/t Denver and KC. Oakland will be frustrating, but they won't win 8 games. __________________
Posts: 30,350

07-17-2006, 08:43 PM	#30
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	I'm going to go out on a limb and say the AFC West will, once again, be a two horse race between us and the Broncos. Shocker. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,630