Quote:
Originally Posted by scott free
Yep, doesnt matter what kind of shitty era (the Broncos) happen to be in, they still get trumped up
|
You mean stuff like this? ESPN sees a better future for Denver (even post-Manning) than it does for for KC & Oaktown.
ESPN Insider.....
NFL Future Power Rankings:
Evaluating the core of every franchise as it projects for the 2015 season By Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Gary Horton, Matt Williamson
San Diego: Ranked 15th
Roster: The Chargers have some promising youth at running back, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive line, but the offensive line really has me worried -- and rebuilding a front five isn't easy to pull off. I would also like to see some defensive star power emerge. DE Melvin Ingram could be exactly that type of addition. -- Williamson
Quarterback: The 2011 campaign was a crossroads season for Philip Rivers. Now 30, this coming season could help define the direction for his career. He hasn't won a playoff game since 2008, even as he has put up big numbers. I expect him to bounce back from a 20-INT 2011, but he needs help -- TE Antonio Gates can't play forever. -- Dilfer
Draft: The 2010 draft will be called a bust if RB Ryan Mathews can't become a true No. 1 back. But 2011 and 2012 have served to add depth and potentially a difference-maker or two. If Ingram becomes a star, don't be surprised. -- Kiper
Front office: The Chargers' front office has come under a lot of scrutiny of late -- and deserved much of it. I have mixed feelings for how well this team is built for three years down the road. And where will Rivers be at that point? -- Williamson
Coaching: Norv Turner, a great offensive mind, is perennially on the hot seat as head coach. He needs to put together an impressive season in 2012 or we could certainly see someone new roaming the sidelines in San Diego. -- Williamson
Denver: Ranked 18th
Roster: LB Von Miller should be among the best defensive players in the NFL in 2015, but overall, I don't see a wealth of real young talent on Denver's roster. This past draft was marginal, as I don't see an immediate starter in the group. -- Williamson
Quarterback: His full recovery isn't yet complete, but Peyton Manning looks good. There's no real debate: fully healthy, he gives Denver one of the best handful of QBs in the NFL. The shelf-life is a question, but at 36, Manning can give them several elite years. Brock Osweiler awaits, though he needs time. -- Dilfer
Draft: Still amazing that Tim Tebow went in Round 1, but Miller was a home run the following year. It's all about maximizing the three to four years of the Peyton Manning tenure now. -- Kiper
Front office: John Elway is new at this and the jury is still out, but you have to commend this front office for bringing in a Hall of Fame quarterback to lead the team. How will this team look in 2015 without Manning? Who knows. But by making a bold move in adding Manning they've earned my faith that they can properly manage that hurdle when the time comes. -- Williamson
Coaching: John Fox is an established and respected head coach who adjusted his offense for his quarterback last season and should do the same with a much better QB in 2012. Fox seems like an excellent fit in Denver now and for years ahead. -- Williamson
Kansas City: Ranked 25th
Roster: With the exception of the QB position, which doesn't factor in with this category, I love the Chiefs' young group of high-end talent in players such as S Eric Berry, TE Tony Moeaki and LB Justin Houston. They are loaded going forward and I think coach Romeo Crennel & Co. will make a star out of NT Dontari Poe. -- Williamson
Quarterback: Matt Cassel was actually very good in 2010. Note the 27-7 TD-to-INT ratio. But he's back to proving if he's a franchise QB in 2012, and has to, given his contract situation and a loaded 2013 draft for QBs. -- Dilfer
Draft: A return to health for Berry will mean a lot, given they've had some weak returns from high draft picks in recent years, such as DEs Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Poe is the guy to watch; he's a boom-or-bust pick. -- Kiper
Front office: GM Scott Pioli & Co. have built a team that is dripping with young talent. But if Cassel isn't a true franchise quarterback -- and I have serious doubts that he is -- the Chiefs might not ever get to where they want to be. -- Williamson
Coaching: Crennel is a great defensive mind, and he needs to show that he is just as capable as a head coach. The Chiefs get a ton of talent back from last year and Crennel & Co. need to capitalize upon it immediately. -- Williamson
Oakland Raiders: Ranked 29th.
Roster: With little in terms of 2012 draft picks, the Raiders' new coaching staff was severely hampered in its ability to acquire their type of players. It's going to be a real uphill climb in that regard and you have to think that DT Richard Seymour and RB Darren McFadden will have little value three years down the road. -- Williamson
Quarterback: Palmer is a gifted thrower of the football but is still prone to mistakes. He needs to be very good for the Raiders to succeed with a limited supporting cast at receiver, or they could draft a QB to develop next season. Do people realize Palmer is just a year older than Eli Manning? -- Dilfer
Draft: The Raiders have quietly landed a ton of late-round value in recent years. But no Round 1 picks in two straight years (2011, 2012) basically costs a team two starters and the potential for stars. A new front office promises major changes. I have a lot of confidence in this program going forward, and fans should as well. -- Kiper
Front office: It looks like the Raiders have the right people in place and this front office did quite a bit without any cards in their hand this offseason. There is a much different way of doing things now in terms of player evaluations in Oakland and if given time -- maybe a lot of time -- it should pay off down the road. -- Williamson
Coaching: With a new coaching staff in place you would think they would be safe for a while, but this is the Raiders we are talking about. Still, this coaching staff remains an unknown at the present. -- Williamson