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TXBRONC
09-12-2007, 09:50 PM
Interesting little read I thought you all might enjoy.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+West/Denver/WWHI/2007/wwhi091207.htm

September
Sept. 12, 2007
Broncos using newfound depth to keep D-line fresh


The Broncos’ defensive line got a much-needed overhaul in the offseason, as the front office used three of four draft picks on the unit and spent a hefty amount of money on free agents Sam Adams and Simeon Rice to upgrade the only perceived weak link on the team. As a result, many wondered how all the extra bodies would fit in and who, exactly, would play. The early answer is everyone, as assistant head coach of the defense Jim Bates favors keeping his linemen fresh and giving the opposing offensive line altering looks. "My philosophy is if you’re dressed, you’re going to play," said Bates, who gave all eight of the linemen who suited up in the opener against Buffalo significant playing time. That philosophy may change a bit if players earn larger roles as the season wears on, but with the way the Broncos wore down Buffalo’s blocking schemes in the second half of the opener, a steady rotation figures to be a mainstay for the near future. First-round pick Jarvis Moss, expected to be utilized as more of a pass-rush specialist initially, will see more time in the base defense at end, as could rookie DT Marcus Thomas before long.

broncosinindy
09-12-2007, 09:53 PM
Interesting little read I thought you all might enjoy.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+West/Denver/WWHI/2007/wwhi091207.htm

September
Sept. 12, 2007
Broncos using newfound depth to keep D-line fresh


The Broncos’ defensive line got a much-needed overhaul in the offseason, as the front office used three of four draft picks on the unit and spent a hefty amount of money on free agents Sam Adams and Simeon Rice to upgrade the only perceived weak link on the team. As a result, many wondered how all the extra bodies would fit in and who, exactly, would play. The early answer is everyone, as assistant head coach of the defense Jim Bates favors keeping his linemen fresh and giving the opposing offensive line altering looks. "My philosophy is if you’re dressed, you’re going to play," said Bates, who gave all eight of the linemen who suited up in the opener against Buffalo significant playing time. That philosophy may change a bit if players earn larger roles as the season wears on, but with the way the Broncos wore down Buffalo’s blocking schemes in the second half of the opener, a steady rotation figures to be a mainstay for the near future. First-round pick Jarvis Moss, expected to be utilized as more of a pass-rush specialist initially, will see more time in the base defense at end, as could rookie DT Marcus Thomas before long.

Good to hear that Marcus Thomas is earning his time. and while they dont come out and say it. him playing in games does.

TXBRONC
09-12-2007, 09:57 PM
Good to hear that Marcus Thomas is earning his time. and while they dont come out and say it. him playing in games does.


I remember seeing him out on the field several times during the game on Sunday.

broncosinindy
09-12-2007, 09:59 PM
I remember seeing him out on the field several times during the game on Sunday.

I think he was on the field when dumervil got his INT.

I mean we heard all camp that we would be changing out DLINE out. we knew sam couldnt go the whole game. and that jarvis and elvis would be in on third downs.

I seen were Rice might play all three downs once he gets up to speed.

TXBRONC
09-12-2007, 10:01 PM
I think he was on the field when dumervil got his INT.

I mean we heard all camp that we would be changing out DLINE out. we knew sam couldnt go the whole game. and that jarvis and elvis would be in on third downs.

I seen were Rice might play all three downs once he gets up to speed.


Yeah Adams was in on first and second down generally.

Skinny
09-12-2007, 10:19 PM
Great article TX, thanks!

With all that said in the post, i'm really looking forward too and excited about seeing Crowder get back in there.

Once all the peices are in place, and the rotation is at full strength, then will we be able to gauge and see how good this defense really is.

Or not (for the pessimistic) . . .

Requiem / The Dagda
09-12-2007, 11:23 PM
Well, that's the way PFW here's it and where I am a fan of their articles and news clips, this is a little bit "Captain Obvious" don't you think? (Thanks for the article though, TX - I'm just griping about PFW)

As mentioned, Bates has always had a rotation on his line. I don't think it really has to do with Thomas earning playing time, more that he's just being thrown in there because he's on our second team. Did he earn that spot? Sure, but in this system you're bound to get plays. That's good for those guys.

With the signing of Rice, one of the three young ends was going to be the odd man out, with Crowder having his ankle injury post-pone him to date, he ended up being that guy. I seriously hope he can come back and supplant Engleberger as a starting end because it'll be a real shame if he doesn't get to see the field due to the log-jam at the position. I wouldn't mind seeing a ninth guy active on game day, to allow Crowder to play, after all he's the really only true LE on our team outside John.