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TXBRONC
05-19-2008, 11:03 PM
Here's the latest from TSN. Rasizer thinks that D.J. moving back to the weak side will make him a pro bowl caliber linebacker.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=413516

Broncos Team Report
Posted: May 19, 2008
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News

PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson admitted recently that while he could play a nose guard in a 3-4 with the Jets, his inexperience at that spot led to too much hesitation. Also, the extra weight taking on both 'A' gaps meant more wear and tear on his balky left knee.

Now at his desired playing weight of about 310, Robertson is back at the natural three-technique position that made his a top-five pick in 2003. And he's been locked in during offseason workouts.

Robertson has an innate feel for the angle playing over the guard and how blocking schemes are trying to attack him. So big things are expected with him as a one-gap slasher. But Robertson may still need to combat frequent double-teams until the other Broncos linemen prove they can't be handled with single-blocking. . . .

Kicker Matt Prater's length strength isn't in question, and he should be among the top kickoff specialists in the NFL if he lasts the season. But keeping from spraying his field-goal attempts will ultimately determine his long-term success. And he has tweaked his technique extensively through work with special-teams coach Scott O'Brien and former kicker Jason Elam over the last several months in an effort to acquire such consistency.

Prater has altered his approach to the ball, keeping his head low as he attacks it. He has learned how ball placement on the hold can help combat weather and field location. But the biggest lesion gleaned so far is not trying to kill the ball. It was a key trait making Elam so consistent.

Prater has enough leg to get the ball through the uprights with the same easy swing, even outside 40 yards. It's apparently worked so far. In workouts leading up to minicamp, Prater maintained he has been perfect on his field-goal attempts.

LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: It was only a few years ago Denver's linebacker trio was considered the NFL's best, anchored by Al Wilson. But now it's a unit in transition.

D.J. Williams will move for the fourth time in his four years, this time from middle linebacker. But Williams had his best season as a weakside player as a rookie in 2004 and can use his athleticism and speed better from that spot to flow to the ball. He could flourish in his old college position.

Denver signed Boss Bailey, the former Lion and brother of ace cornerback Champ Bailey, and his coverage skills on tight ends will be pivotal in a division with Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. But the younger Bailey must prove he can remain healthy and productive for a full season.

The biggest question is at middle linebacker, where Niko Koutouvides is the likely starter after backing up Lofa Tatupu in Seattle. Koutouvides is known as an aggressive, effort player but he has never been tested for more than spot starting duties. Grade: B-minus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams

WARHORSE
05-19-2008, 11:13 PM
Praters growth is the best news.

Nature Boy
05-19-2008, 11:19 PM
Good to know Prater is doing good.

TXBRONC
05-19-2008, 11:20 PM
Praters growth is the best news.

Yeah I was pretty happy to hear that he's made positive strides in his development. I look foward to seeing what he can do.

D1g1tal j1m
05-20-2008, 12:19 AM
Practicing and picking the brain of a HoF kicker for half a year will no doubtingly help any younger kicker in their development. Hopefully he can kick in games the same as he is in practice.

I also expect a huge year from DJ. I don't get the feeling that he is comfortable with the role of reading and playing the entire field from the middle and is most comfortable just with the responsibility of attacking only half the field.

Boss is a nice LB with solid cover skills. As long as he stays focused and healthy we will be fine.

Niko is a great unknown. Hopefully he pans out, if not he will be the special team maven and Larson will get a chance to show what he can do.

Stargazer
05-20-2008, 01:03 AM
Here's the latest from TSN. Rasizer thinks that D.J. moving back to the weak side will make him a pro bowl caliber linebacker.



Actually nothing in that article by Rasizer mentions DJ will make a pro bowl caliber LB.

Though I will say, DJ should have never move from the weakside since he has entered the league. Stupid Broncos.

Broncosfreak_56
05-20-2008, 02:43 AM
Actually nothing in that article by Rasizer mentions DJ will make a pro bowl caliber LB.

Though I will say, DJ should have never move from the weakside since he has entered the league. Stupid Broncos.

Read the very last sentence. The one that says "Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams.":beer:

TXBRONC
05-20-2008, 07:09 AM
Read the very last sentence. The one that says "Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams.":beer:


Thank you. ::beer:

WARHORSE
05-20-2008, 01:03 PM
Actually nothing in that article by Rasizer mentions DJ will make a pro bowl caliber LB.

Though I will say, DJ should have never move from the weakside since he has entered the league. Stupid Broncos.


Not stupid. It was the best move for the team.

That trio of LBers were the best in the league in many peoples eyes.

rcsodak
05-20-2008, 11:03 PM
Actually nothing in that article by Rasizer mentions DJ will make a pro bowl caliber LB.

Though I will say, DJ should have never move from the weakside since he has entered the league. Stupid Broncos.


Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams


huh? :confused:

Stargazer
05-20-2008, 11:24 PM
Read the very last sentence. The one that says "Pro Bowl-caliber players: Williams.":beer:

Damn you!:D

shank
05-21-2008, 12:10 AM
someone at TSN watched prater's press conference... i'm impressed. (kinda)

TXBRONC
05-21-2008, 07:05 AM
someone at TSN watched prater's press conference... i'm impressed. (kinda)

Rasizer was probably there.

WhatEver!!!
05-21-2008, 05:17 PM
Prater has enough leg to get the ball through the uprights with the same easy swing, even outside 40 yards. It's apparently worked so far. In workouts leading up to minicamp, Prater maintained he has been perfect on his field-goal attempts.[/B]

This may sound great but he doesn't have a few 200lbers trying to kill him in practice either.