A big change likely brewing in Denver

[broncofaninfla]

A big change likely brewing in Denver (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/9038/a-big-change-likely-brewing-in-denver)

January, 12, 2010 Jan 12
8:00
PM ET

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By Bill Williamson


With Denver offensive line coach Rick Dennison headed to Houston as offensive coordinator, (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6812051.html) there will be a major change in Denver.

Expect the Broncos to begin to fully move away from the zone-blocking scheme the franchise made famous. Denver head coach Josh McDaniels kept the basis of the system in 2008, his first season with the Broncos.

The Broncos used the scheme, featuring smaller, athletic linemen, in the 14-year tenure of Mike Shanahan. McDaniels kept Dennison, who perfected Shanahan’s schemes last season. Thus, he kept the blocking philosophy. McDaniels also mixed in some of the more traditional power blocking schemes that McDaniels was operating under in New England.

With Dennison gone, watch for McDaniels to fully adopt the power-blocking mode.

This is probably best for McDaniels. It was one of the few Shanahan influences he used. It was clear he wasn’t always comfortable with it. Before Denver’s final game, McDaniels was critical of the offensive line.

Dennison is a fine coach, but now McDaniels can do what he is most comfortable with. That may mean some change in personnel. Denver loves tackles Ryan Clady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11246) and Ryan Harris (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10514). Right guard Chris Kuper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9747) is also big enough to make the transition.

But Denver could try to make changes at left guard and center where Ben Hamilton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2662)and Casey Wiegmann (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1146) started, respectively. The team could bring back Russ Hochstein (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2700), who replaced Hamilton toward the end of the season. But Hochstein suffered a major knee injury, so an upgrade may be necessary.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Denver looks at offensive linemen early in the draft and in free agency as it moves away from the zone-blocking scheme.

[missingnumber7]

[B]
But Denver could try to make changes at left guard and center where Ben Hamilton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2662)and Casey Wiegmann (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1146) started, respectively. The team could bring back Russ Hochstein (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2700), who replaced Hamilton toward the end of the season. But Hochstein suffered a major knee injury, so an upgrade may be necessary.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Denver looks at offensive linemen early in the draft and in free agency as it moves away from the zone-blocking scheme.

I thought Hochstein wasn't going to be ready until July/August/Sept time frame? I would hope we are looking at G's in the offseason that can fill in to start the season, or draft someone that can step in right away.

[claymore]

I cant help but think if you told Bowlen last January that we would need a new D Line, Offensive Line, QB, and #1 WR in 2010 he wouldnt have believed it.

[broncofaninfla]

I thought Hochstein wasn't going to be ready until July/August/Sept time frame? I would hope we are looking at G's in the offseason that can fill in to start the season, or draft someone that can step in right away.

I hope we ties with him altogether. His play was nothing short of pathetic at times.

[broncofaninfla]

I cant help but think if you told Bowlen last January that we would need a new D Line, Offensive Line, QB, and #1 WR in 2010 he would have believed it.

Just think how big "the need list" will be in 2011 if Mcd "progress" continues......

[SOCALORADO.]

I am not sure where all the "if you told Bowlen, this and that crap" is coming from.
All the article says is that DEN needs a new Center and a new Guard.
Big deal, DEN needed those even if Shanny was still in DEN and running his ZBS zone scheme anyways.
Logan Mankins is a FA. Sign him, and draft C Eric Olsen or Stephen Weisnewski. There. problem solved.

[TXBRONC]

I thought Hochstein wasn't going to be ready until July/August/Sept time frame? I would hope we are looking at G's in the offseason that can fill in to start the season, or draft someone that can step in right away.

Hochstein wasn't meant to be the starter when he brought in originally. Even if he had not ended up on the IR I would think McDaniels would still want to bring in bigger interior linemen.

[claymore]

I am not sure where all the "if you told Bowlen, this and that crap" is coming from.
All the article says is that DEN needs a new Center and a new Guard.
Big deal, DEN needed those even if Shanny was still in DEN and running his ZBS zone scheme anyways.
Logan Mankins is a FA. Sign him, and draft C Eric Olsen or Stephen Weisnewski. There. problem solved.

It came from my keyboard. And I said it because the Broncos are changing their highly successful scheme.

The change requires new coaches, and new lineman.

I doubt durring JMCD's interview he said "I will rid Denver of its QB, WR, and Offensive line Problem".

Just a thought.

[dogfish]

yep. . . we don't need "a new line". . . we have the two most important positions filled, three positions filled assuming we retain kuper. . .

we need two new O-linemen-- one, if seth olsen works out. . .

we also should bring in a veteran tackle for depth, 'cuz polumbus sucks monkey nads. . .

[Lonestar]

A big change likely brewing in Denver (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/9038/a-big-change-likely-brewing-in-denver)

January, 12, 2010 Jan 12
8:00
PM ET

Email (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/9038/a-big-change-likely-brewing-in-denver#)Print (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/print?id=9038)Share (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0);)
By Bill Williamson


With Denver offensive line coach Rick Dennison headed to Houston as offensive coordinator, (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6812051.html) there will be a major change in Denver.

Expect the Broncos to begin to fully move away from the zone-blocking scheme the franchise made famous. Denver head coach Josh McDaniels kept the basis of the system in 2008, his first season with the Broncos.

The Broncos used the scheme, featuring smaller, athletic linemen, in the 14-year tenure of Mike Shanahan. McDaniels kept Dennison, who perfected Shanahan’s schemes last season. Thus, he kept the blocking philosophy. McDaniels also mixed in some of the more traditional power blocking schemes that McDaniels was operating under in New England.

With Dennison gone, watch for McDaniels to fully adopt the power-blocking mode.

This is probably best for McDaniels. It was one of the few Shanahan influences he used. It was clear he wasn’t always comfortable with it. Before Denver’s final game, McDaniels was critical of the offensive line.

Dennison is a fine coach, but now McDaniels can do what he is most comfortable with. That may mean some change in personnel. Denver loves tackles Ryan Clady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11246) and Ryan Harris (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10514). Right guard Chris Kuper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9747) is also big enough to make the transition.

But Denver could try to make changes at left guard and center where Ben Hamilton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2662)and Casey Wiegmann (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1146) started, respectively. The team could bring back Russ Hochstein (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2700), who replaced Hamilton toward the end of the season. But Hochstein suffered a major knee injury, so an upgrade may be necessary.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Denver looks at offensive linemen early in the draft and in free agency as it moves away from the zone-blocking scheme.



bill berger right on the cutting edge not even sure what last year was 2009 you hack..

[broncophan]

It came from my keyboard. And I said it because the Broncos are changing their highly successful scheme.

The change requires new coaches, and new lineman.

I doubt durring JMCD's interview he said "I will rid Denver of its QB, WR, and Offensive line Problem".

Just a thought.

Well.....it WAS successful.......It hasn't been successful for quite sometime now....to say it is highly successful is a stretch to say the least.......

[SOCALORADO.]

It came from my keyboard. And I said it because the Broncos are changing their highly successful scheme.

The change requires new coaches, and new lineman.

I doubt durring JMCD's interview he said "I will rid Denver of its QB, WR, and Offensive line Problem".

Just a thought.

Its not successful anymore.
Its not our HCs O-line scheme.
And they all are or were problems.

Just a few thoughts.

[Lonestar]

I am not sure where all the "if you told Bowlen, this and that crap" is coming from.
All the article says is that DEN needs a new Center and a new Guard.
Big deal, DEN needed those even if Shanny was still in DEN and running his ZBS zone scheme anyways.
Logan Mankins is a FA. Sign him, and draft C Eric Olsen or Stephen Weisnewski. There. problem solved.

actually Mankins is a RFA that no doubt will get a high tender placed on him by bill. nice to have but not at the cost of a first pick.. Guards are usually found in the 3-4th rounds with great ones going in round two for the most part..

[HORSEPOWER 56]

I am not sure where all the "if you told Bowlen, this and that crap" is coming from.
All the article says is that DEN needs a new Center and a new Guard.
Big deal, DEN needed those even if Shanny was still in DEN and running his ZBS zone scheme anyways.
Logan Mankins is a FA. Sign him, and draft C Eric Olsen or Stephen Weisnewski. There. problem solved.

Problem Solved? Damn dude, I wish I could judge draft talent as well as you!

Geez, I guess if we just draft Cody that fixes all the D-line problems, Draft Golden Tate that solves the Marshall problem, and Draft Eric Olsen to replace a 14 year pro-bowl vet Center - PROBLEM SOLVED!

Draft picks are anything but guaranteed to do squat. You'd think everyone would realize that by now...

Thinking that you're ever going to fix this year's problems in this year's draft is just foolish. You might get one or two rookies in a draft class who play anywhere near their potential their first year. That is, if you're damned lucky and they aren't just a flat out bust, anyway.

[Lonestar]

yep. . . we don't need "a new line". . . we have the two most important positions filled, three positions filled assuming we retain kuper. . .

we need two new O-linemen-- one, if seth olsen works out. . .

we also should bring in a veteran tackle for depth, 'cuz polumbus sucks monkey nads. . .

I would hope that we go after a quality FA center and fill the OLG spot with a #2 or 3 or 4 spot depending on if we can get a quality NT with the number 1. then we do indeed need a couple more Backups for the OLINE not sure that polumbus is all that bad he may be an outstanding OG if he does not have to defend the speed rushers from the outside. he has the size and quickness that OG need IIRC he plowed some good paths for running RIght in his first couple of games it was his pass blocking that caused the big issues.

[claymore]

yep. . . we don't need "a new line". . . we have the two most important positions filled, three positions filled assuming we retain kuper. . .

we need two new O-linemen-- one, if seth olsen works out. . .

we also should bring in a veteran tackle for depth, 'cuz polumbus sucks monkey nads. . .I have zero faith in Harris, and it has nothing to do with him being a mooslim.


Its not successful anymore.
Its not our HCs O-line scheme.
And they all are or were problems.

Just a few thoughts.

Its not successful for the stuff we are doing now. And they all werent problems. One had issues. But DW died in his arms, that shit screws you up a little.

[BroncoWave]

I have zero faith in Harris, and it has nothing to do with him being a mooslim.



Its not successful for the stuff we are doing now. And they all werent problems. One had issues. But DW died in his arms, that shit screws you up a little.

You act like McD should be doing things the exact way Shanny did. If that were the case, Bowlen wouldn't have fired Shanny and hired McD.

How you still don't comprehend this amazes me.

You also act like Shanny's system is the ONLY system that could POSSIBLY work in Denver.

Once again, the fact that you actually believe that simply amazes me.

[TXBRONC]

I have zero faith in Harris, and it has nothing to do with him being a mooslim.

I would because Harris was playing at a very high level before injuring foot. I know he's got long history injury problems but I would still give him a chance because he was clearly one our top three offensive linemen over past couple of seasons. However, I would also bring in a veteran right tackle if possible and possibly draft another this year just in case.

[Lonestar]

I would because Harris was playing at a very high level before injuring foot. I know he's got long history injury problems but I would still give him a chance because he was clearly one our top three offensive linemen over past couple of seasons. However, I would also bring in a veteran right tackle if possible and possible draft another this year just in case.


While I was not sold on him either after the two back surgeries I think he was VERY solid in 2008, had it not been for his toe issue this season may have turned out a bit better.

when you make one change on the OLINE and replace them with a quality back up most of the time you can get away with it. having a small drop off in production but when you have to change 40% of it and not have great backups, you are asking for problems.

Hamilton has been a weak spot on the line since we changed over to the drop back passing style in 2006 with humdinger.

[claymore]

You act like McD should be doing things the exact way Shanny did. If that were the case, Bowlen wouldn't have fired Shanny and hired McD.

How you still don't comprehend this amazes me.

You also act like Shanny's system is the ONLY system that could POSSIBLY work in Denver.

Once again, the fact that you actually believe that simply amazes me.

I stay awake at night amazed you like JMCD so much too.

[claymore]

I would because Harris was playing at a very high level before injuring foot. I know he's got long history injury problems but I would still give him a chance because he was clearly one our top three offensive linemen over past couple of seasons. However, I would also bring in a veteran right tackle if possible and possibly draft another this year just in case.

Im sick of boo boo bears. I have just had a bad feeling about him since we slid him to RT. If we could make him a guard Id feel alot better about things.

[missingnumber7]

We need quality depth. I remember when we had backups that we could lean on to contine on what we were doing and do decent weather we were passing or running. Keeping Hochstein around does that. But we need to make quality steps on the OL to get some depth to be prepared should the injury bug bite again.

[dogfish]

Im sick of boo boo bears. I have just had a bad feeling about him since we slid him to RT. If we could make him a guard Id feel alot better about things.

he's not a guard-- doesn't have the drive blocking ability to play well there. . . he's a natural tackle, he was born to play the position. . . besides, it'd be a total waste of a guy with exceptional footwork and balance to put him inside. . .

when he's healthy, he's proven to be one of the top ORTs in the league, and he could play OLT for a lot of teams that aren't lucky enough to have a guy like clady. . . because harris has had some injury issues, we need to add some depth at the position-- preferrably veteran depth, and maybe add a developmental tackle with some upside on the second day of the draft. . .

[claymore]

he's not a guard-- doesn't have the drive blocking ability to play well there. . . he's a natural tackle, he was born to play the position. . . besides, it'd be a total waste of a guy with exceptional footwork and balance to put him inside. . .

when he's healthy, he's proven to be one of the top ORTs in the league, and he could play OLT for a lot of teams that aren't lucky enough to have a guy like clady. . . because harris has had some injury issues, we need to add some depth at the position-- preferrably veteran depth, and maybe add a developmental tackle with some upside on the second day of the draft. . .

He started all last year. Ive just never felt good about him, and it is just a gut feeling. I have nothing to base it off of other than magical inside voice.

[Cugel]

I cant help but think if you told Bowlen last January that we would need a new D Line, Offensive Line, QB, and #1 WR in 2010 he wouldnt have believed it.

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:

[claymore]

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:

I guess thats my greatest issue with Josh. I dont disagree with benching, trading, releasing etc... Its just the order in which he chooses to do stuff seems ass backwards.

[NightTrainLayne]

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:


Finding under-rated, or under-utilized, small, but talented O-linemen late in the draft, or as bargains in free-agency was one of the great benefits of running the ZBS.

But let's not pretend that it's impossible to find Big, Road-grading guys either.

Expecting Josh McDaniels to run the ZBS is akin to asking Dale Earnhart to fly a fighter jet. They're completely different. . .. OK, not THAT different, but McD doesn't have the expertise to do it. He grew up in a different system. He likes a different method.

So be it. If we wanted to keep the same exact offense we should have just kept Shanny and his faults.

[claymore]

Finding under-rated, or under-utilized, small, but talented O-linemen late in the draft, or as bargains in free-agency was one of the great benefits of running the ZBS.

But let's not pretend that it's impossible to find Big, Road-grading guys either.

Expecting Josh McDaniels to run the ZBS is akin to asking Dale Earnhart to fly a fighter jet. They're completely different. . .. OK, not THAT different, but McD doesn't have the expertise to do it. He grew up in a different system. He likes a different method.

So be it. If we wanted to keep the same exact offense we should have just kept Shanny and his faults.

Then its settled. We should have just kept Shanny. /thread. :drinking:

[G_Money]

Harris has to play outside. No guard duty for him. I'd be fine with finding a bigger OT to play behind him as a backup, but at the moment that's not my main concern. I'm more concerned with what I might have to PAY Harris in free-agency in 2 years, especially since there ARE teams for which he could play LT.

We should draft his replacement this year or next, and get them up to speed before we cut him loose. There are big enough guys to play at RT. Kuper could play at RT if he's still here.

But NTL is right - we can get big guys or little guys in the draft, it makes no nevermind. It's harder to get UDFAs that are non-ZBS scheme guys, but late-rounders are still doable.

~G

[Zweems56]

Harris has to play outside. No guard duty for him. I'd be fine with finding a bigger OT to play behind him as a backup, but at the moment that's not my main concern. I'm more concerned with what I might have to PAY Harris in free-agency in 2 years, especially since there ARE teams for which he could play LT.

We should draft his replacement this year or next, and get them up to speed before we cut him loose. There are big enough guys to play at RT. Kuper could play at RT if he's still here.

But NTL is right - we can get big guys or little guys in the draft, it makes no nevermind. It's harder to get UDFAs that are non-ZBS scheme guys, but late-rounders are still doable.

~G
Not going to have to worry about anyone offering him shit in free agency if he can't finish a season out.

[rationalfan]

bill williamson=captain obvious. i'm still amazed espn hired him.

[G_Money]

Because the rest of their commentators are so insightful? :huh:

~G

[dogfish]

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:

cug, it's really good to have you posting over here, but c'mon man!

we need a new LB corps? since when? they did quite well last year, and andre davis is the only one over thirty! doom was a freakin' BEAST his first year playing the position, DJ had his best season since maybe his rookie year (better, IMO), haggan was adequate, reid gave us quality snaps as a situational rusher, and ayers still has a ton of potential. . . and davis was very strong until the last few games. . . woodyard is probably as good as most other backups, and larsen has the skillset to contribute at ILB if they let him. . . sure, we could use an infusion of top-shelf young talent inside if rolando mcclain happens to be on the board at 11, but if he's not the LB corps is still in fine shape. . .

so are the safeties. . . granted, hill is nothing special-- but mcbath showed good athleticism, instincts and ball skills in limited PT, and looks like he has a chance to develop into a quality centerfielder type. . . dawkins oviously can't have many years left, but he's still a stud ATM. . . bruton will stick as a special teams standout at the very least, and there's a chance he could be more-- we'll see. . . either way, at the most we need one more young safety to develop behind dawkins-- and that's hardly a new safety corps. . .

don't be dramatic. . .


also. . . when's the last time a ZBS team won the super bowl?

just sayin'. . . .

[rcsodak]

I cant help but think if you told Bowlen last January that we would need a new D Line, Offensive Line, QB, and #1 WR in 2010 he wouldnt have believed it.

He prolly already thought that going into 2009. :coffee:

[rcsodak]

It came from my keyboard. And I said it because the Broncos are changing their highly successful scheme.

The change requires new coaches, and new lineman.

I doubt durring JMCD's interview he said "I will rid Denver of its QB, WR, and Offensive line Problem".

Just a thought.

So what's more important, clay?

Helping your FF team with your rb's, or the team being able to get 1yd?

For YEARS, they've been bottled up at not being able to get that 'tough yard'.

You guys are looking ridiculous.

[rcsodak]

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:

Quoteth the Raven: Nevermore

:rolleyes:

You make some of the most baseLESS claims I've ever seen.

This isn't Oakland, fyi. Or Seattle.

This team has been "a player away" for so many years, you've actually bought into it! LMAO!

Smoke n mirrors is how Shanny won games. Until it came to crunch time, and crash!

Living off of other teams' garbage, instead of building through the draft, is how you lose your HC job. Only to leave the new guy having to start from scratch.

[Superchop 7]

The fix I like.

John Jerry- gotta beat Philly to this guy

Brandon Carter- Did not give up a sack in 08 (Pass happy Texas Tech), was booted from the team by Leach (Coach was fired) for (my best guess) a critical remark about going for a field goal. Carter was a team captain, holds bench press record at 625, and btw weighs 360 (John Jerry is 350).

These are round 3 and later picks, in a power type o-line, they could be steals.

[gobroncsnv]

Guards are usually found in the 3-4th rounds with great ones going in round two for the most part..

except for Robert Gallery... he was a first rounder, and he makes a "great" guard.








(yes, I know he was a first round bust at tackle, just checking the sarcasm alarm thresholds here.)

[JDL]

I'd be in favor of moving Harris. He plays well, but in a power scheme you'd typically want a big-time mauler on the right side. Harris biggest issue was always speed rushers and he did very well on the right side when not facing that. Still, he was drafted as a LT and he has some value I would think around the league. I could see getting the Redskins 2nd for him which I would be open to....I wouldn't take less than a 2nd rd pick in the top 10 of that round since he does have value to Denver as well and you typically don't want to create more holes on your team, when you have a ton to fill.

But, you can usually find good RTs in FA or the draft... my main concern would be finding a fixture at LG to play alongside Clady for the next 10+years. In this regard, I'm very much in favor of Iupati. Guards rated that highly generally are successful in the NFL and he looks like exactly what we need. I'd be fine stabilizing the OL's left side. Guards generally a drafted early and Centers can be found very late. Iupati looks to be in the Hutchinson class of OGs.

[Magnificent Seven]

Well...

Last year, we were expecting them to draft a stud defensive player in first round. However, they drafted Knowsho Moreno RB. Dazed and confused for us.

They could surprise us again on NFL Draft Day. Dazed and confused part II?

[roomemp]

You forgot, new LB corps, new Safeties, New CBs, new assistant coaches, new cheer-leaders, new-Water-boy. . . . :coffee:

McDaniels would have done better to have left the offense he inherited in place and kept Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler and the others. The OFFENSE didn't need fixing.

Now Denver is competing with every other team in the NFL trying to find power-rushing OL instead of being able to find them in the 6th round (like Kuper) or FA scrap-heap for cheap like Weigman.

The real problem is that if all these changes DON'T result in a winning season next year McDaniels is likely to be FIRED. In which case Denver will be stuck with all "his" players when they bring in the next head coach. :coffee:

In 2008 our red zone offense sucked because our line was no match against large defensive fronts. It was fun to watch between the 20's but thats about it. I wouldn't say our offense was "good to go" in 2008. We were very unbalanced because we had no power running game. Yes our defense put us in a hole more times than not, but when our offense needed to move the ball in the redzone, our running game was no where to be seen for the most part.

The problem was zone blocking. Teams found out how to attack it. Nothing will ever beat big old strong and tough lineman. Thats the switch we are making. Zone blocking requires a scheme and trickery. It looks like our new scheme is going to be more, "Big lineman that just want to kick the ass of the person in front of them" I like that much better.

[Lonestar]

In 2008 our red zone offense sucked because our line was no match against large defensive fronts. It was fun to watch between the 20's but thats about it. I wouldn't say our offense was "good to go" in 2008. We were very unbalanced because we had no power running game. Yes our defense put us in a hole more times than not, but when our offense needed to move the ball in the redzone, our running game was no where to be seen for the most part.

The problem was zone blocking. Teams found out how to attack it. Nothing will ever beat big old strong and tough lineman. Thats the switch we are making. Zone blocking requires a scheme and trickery. It looks like our new scheme is going to be more, "Big lineman that just want to kick the ass of the person in front of them" I like that much better.

you are correct on several points the BZS is not a novelty any more at one time we were the only team doing it and frankly after a while teams said let them run between the 20's we will stop them in close. many other teams have switched to it so NOW most DC practice the methods to stop it. so it is no longer a novelty..

if mike decides to go to it in WAS that will be 7-8 teams that are doing it. about 25% of the NFL. then more DC will works on stopping it altogether.

I'll go for the old Lombardi OLINE that tell the team they are playing, we are running it right here, try and stop it type mentality.

I do not want fat slobs up there but give me strong, smart brawlers that are mean nasty, bite them on the legs type of guy at about 315 in the middle and 335+ as OTs and we will be a force to be reckoned with. They will also stop the middle of the OLINE from being collapsed back into the pocket.