TXBRONC
05-05-2008, 07:28 PM
I especially like the segment on Robertson. It confirms something I've said along about trading for Robertson that even Denver's staff thinks that his knee condition could shorten his career. Nevertheless he is still an upgrade even if is short term. I also like the fact that while Shanahan gets hammered for being a terrible GM the language in Robertson's contract is such that if he plays less than 65% of the snaps Denver will own the Jets no draft pick compensation.
One other thing, the article also confirms that Kuper is seen as the odds on favorite to be our starting right tackle which means that team is expecting Hamilton to return as the starter at left guard.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=408480
Broncos Team Report
Posted: May 5, 2008
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The news that Jay Cutler has been diagnosed with Type I diabetes was stunning but at least answers why the quarterback lost 30-35 pounds during the course of the 2007 season and was physically drained with each offseason workout. Cutler has since bulked back up to 220 pounds since his April 16 diagnosis, which came after a blood test was administered as part of the team's OTA protocol.
Cutler's disease is the more rare form and is found in only 5-10 percent of total cases. He's now insulin dependent for life. Cutler is monitoring blood-sugar levels five to six times daily and taking injections as needed right now. But once he's back to his 238-pound playing weight, he's expected to wear a wireless pump that will keep his condition in check.
Culter will remove the device for games, do pregame and halftime tests and have plenty of Gatorade available in game in case he feels 'off.' But no ill effects are anticipated now that the root cause is known. . . .
The addition of Ryan Clady as the No. 1 pick and announcement that the left tackle job is his to lose creates a logjam on the other side. Ryan Harris, Erik Pears and Chris Kuper all will be given opportunities to earn the position. Given the logjam on the interior line, and Kuper's play last season at left guard in Ben Hamilton's place, he's the early favorite. Kuper has sufficient bulk and feet to handle the role but is inexperienced there.
SCOUTING REPORT: The addition of Dewayne Robertson via a pre-draft trade was a huge boon to the club's thin interior line. Robertson excels as a one-gap slasher as a three-technique DT.
In New York, he was miscast as a two-gap nose tackle. Robertson immediately enters the starting lineup with his new club. The biggest key is whether a deteriorating knee holds up.
Robertson has played nearly 80 percent of the snaps the last two years but the bone-on-bone condition, which didn't pass muster with the Broncos medical staff, could ultimately shorten his career.
Denver will play Robertson in a rotation system and covered itself by structuring the player's new six-year deal with protection language should the knee be the root cause of missed playing time. Also, the trade itself may cost the Broncos nothing in the end. If Robertson plays less than 65 percent of snaps, the team pays the Jets no draft-pick compensation.
CORNERBACKS ANALYSIS: It's arguably the strongest position on Denver's roster. Champ Bailey is a stud. He had a dropoff statistically last season but teams shied away from him and the Broncos pass rush was largely impotent. He will be back to his old ballhawking ways if Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss and friends improve up front and the team clamps down better against the run.
Dre' Bly has tremendous ball skills and experience opposite Bailey but needs to be more disciplined against double moves.
Karl Paymah finally seemed to get it last season as the nickel back, where he will align outside with Bly sliding into the slot. Paymah previously had problems using his size and hands too much downfield but was more controlled physically. Domonique Foxworth, who is a natural defensive back but has been miscast as a safety by necessity, will push Paymah for the No. 3 job.
The team also added a tough bump-and-run corner in rookie fourth-round pick Jack Williams. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Bailey.
One other thing, the article also confirms that Kuper is seen as the odds on favorite to be our starting right tackle which means that team is expecting Hamilton to return as the starter at left guard.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=408480
Broncos Team Report
Posted: May 5, 2008
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The news that Jay Cutler has been diagnosed with Type I diabetes was stunning but at least answers why the quarterback lost 30-35 pounds during the course of the 2007 season and was physically drained with each offseason workout. Cutler has since bulked back up to 220 pounds since his April 16 diagnosis, which came after a blood test was administered as part of the team's OTA protocol.
Cutler's disease is the more rare form and is found in only 5-10 percent of total cases. He's now insulin dependent for life. Cutler is monitoring blood-sugar levels five to six times daily and taking injections as needed right now. But once he's back to his 238-pound playing weight, he's expected to wear a wireless pump that will keep his condition in check.
Culter will remove the device for games, do pregame and halftime tests and have plenty of Gatorade available in game in case he feels 'off.' But no ill effects are anticipated now that the root cause is known. . . .
The addition of Ryan Clady as the No. 1 pick and announcement that the left tackle job is his to lose creates a logjam on the other side. Ryan Harris, Erik Pears and Chris Kuper all will be given opportunities to earn the position. Given the logjam on the interior line, and Kuper's play last season at left guard in Ben Hamilton's place, he's the early favorite. Kuper has sufficient bulk and feet to handle the role but is inexperienced there.
SCOUTING REPORT: The addition of Dewayne Robertson via a pre-draft trade was a huge boon to the club's thin interior line. Robertson excels as a one-gap slasher as a three-technique DT.
In New York, he was miscast as a two-gap nose tackle. Robertson immediately enters the starting lineup with his new club. The biggest key is whether a deteriorating knee holds up.
Robertson has played nearly 80 percent of the snaps the last two years but the bone-on-bone condition, which didn't pass muster with the Broncos medical staff, could ultimately shorten his career.
Denver will play Robertson in a rotation system and covered itself by structuring the player's new six-year deal with protection language should the knee be the root cause of missed playing time. Also, the trade itself may cost the Broncos nothing in the end. If Robertson plays less than 65 percent of snaps, the team pays the Jets no draft-pick compensation.
CORNERBACKS ANALYSIS: It's arguably the strongest position on Denver's roster. Champ Bailey is a stud. He had a dropoff statistically last season but teams shied away from him and the Broncos pass rush was largely impotent. He will be back to his old ballhawking ways if Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss and friends improve up front and the team clamps down better against the run.
Dre' Bly has tremendous ball skills and experience opposite Bailey but needs to be more disciplined against double moves.
Karl Paymah finally seemed to get it last season as the nickel back, where he will align outside with Bly sliding into the slot. Paymah previously had problems using his size and hands too much downfield but was more controlled physically. Domonique Foxworth, who is a natural defensive back but has been miscast as a safety by necessity, will push Paymah for the No. 3 job.
The team also added a tough bump-and-run corner in rookie fourth-round pick Jack Williams. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Bailey.