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T.K.O.
06-30-2010, 12:10 PM
Denver Broncos: Top 10 Questions Heading to Training Camp
by Omar Brown Contributor Written on June 28, 2010


http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/276/484/97179707_display_image.jpg?1277763418
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow is reaching for great heights at this point in his career as a pro.

Is Tebows future in Denver going to be a an action thriller, comedy, drama or a tragedy for quarterback who broke the standing NCAA record for passing efficiency not to mention a couple dozen other SEC and NCAA records?

Well I guess it all depends on whose watching. One mans comedy is another mans tragedy in football. Tebows skeptics have been hard at work trying to close the window of opportunity so as the light of hope can cease to shine through it for all the fans just seething in anticipation to watch him play.

Imagine that the soon to be Los Angeles Jaguars, or was it London Jags have already sold out their stadium in Jacksonville for Tebows pro debut.

It appears that the team which ranked 19th in passing last season, is among the chief critics who do not believe Tebow has what it takes to make it as a star at this level. As if Jaguars are an authority of the quarter back position, or even offense for that matter.

How can a guy who finished his high school career in Jacksonville with 12,999 yards and 157 touchdowns, before transcending his stardom at the next level down the street at Gainesville, not feel betrayed by his own home town team, leaving him hung out to dry in the draft?

How can Tebow not be the No. 1 question heading into training camp? Especially with Tebows new role in the wild Bronco formation, which will allow McDaniels to utilize Tebow phenomenal talents until the quarterback can grasp McDaniels highly complex offensive scheme.

Broncos have not had a winning season since going 9-7 in 2006. So as you can imagine there are plenty of other questions that rise to the top, in regards to what it is going to take for the Broncos to emerge as a winning team again.

Former college star Brady Quinn played for former Patriot offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, while in Notre Dame; so Brady has familiarity with the scheme McDaniels brings to the table in Denver. This gives him a huge advantage over Tim Tebow in regards to the competition for the starting role this season, yet that has not hindered Kyle Oron from stretching the field so much that McDaniels has already declared Orton as his starter this season.

There is absolutely no question who the starting qb will be heading into training camp. This however does not eliminate there being questions as to who will possess the role of the future. Can Tim Tebow emerge as the franchise player, as we head into training camp, fans will be looking for signs be it one way or the other? Inquiring minds want to know if one of the most electrifying player to ever dawn a college uniform, will be able to transcend his dazzling college performance to this level.

But Broncos fan has quiet a few other issues to contend with regarding the current state his team, and that is what we want to find answers in training camp to the ten biggest questions Mcdaniels and company look to answer before heading into week one on the road in sunny Florida.

So what are the top 10 Questions, well that answer is a relative one.

If you ask Gators fan he may revolve that answer around Tim Tebow. If your a die hard Bronco's fan, well that could range to anywhere from the offensive line, to the defensive line, to special teams, to the WR position, now that Brandon Marshall is gone, and some may even question the head coach.

The Broncos look to answer a myriad of questions this season, which are the top ten heading into training camp? Well that is what we aim to explore with this article while touching on some of the most pressing issues this team faces this season.

As you can imagine, there was no way to get all of the questions in this article, so if there is any on your top ten list that where not address in this article, then by all means feel free to chime in.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/412733-broncos-top-10-questions-going-into-training-camp#page/1

arapaho2
06-30-2010, 12:45 PM
my question

can mcds limited coaching expirience overcome the loss of nolan,marshall shceffler and hillis without a pass catching TE, no true #1wr, a injured LT, no true full back

marshall and the defense was the differance between 4-12 and 8-8 last season

can he adjust without them...will his masterplan work?

Lonestar
06-30-2010, 01:17 PM
can the new Oline and DL control the LOS?

if they can then many of the questions are answered. If they can not then most of the issues we had last yea will be back

SOCALORADO.
06-30-2010, 01:40 PM
Sharks have a week specifically dedicated to Tim Tebow.

T.K.O.
06-30-2010, 02:11 PM
look at the freakin' drumsticks on that dude !
maybe he should be a running back ?:laugh:
tebow has thighs like jones-drew ....i wonder if he punts too ?

Lonestar
06-30-2010, 03:14 PM
The guy is incredibile shape and I'll guess less than 10% body fat.

If Orton does not know now time to step it up.
Mobile Post via Mobile.BroncosForums.com/forums

rationalfan
06-30-2010, 04:11 PM
this article is why i love (sarcasm) reading anything on the bleacher report - it's written worse and with less original thought than when some of the guys on this board drink and post (no offense).

frickin' bleacher report.

dogfish
06-30-2010, 04:28 PM
yea, that was a joke. . . anyone who mangles grammar and spelling that badly isn't likely to have many brilliant insights. . .

Traveler
06-30-2010, 08:06 PM
yea, that was a joke. . . anyone who mangles grammar and spelling that badly isn't likely to have many brilliant insights. . .

This!

Did the writer actually ask ten questions? Regardless, the article was poorly written and difficult to read.

Shazam!
06-30-2010, 08:56 PM
What a fascinating article. Wow.

Bosco
06-30-2010, 09:00 PM
no true full back

Don't need one in this offense as it's base formation is a single-back, two tight end set.

T.K.O.
06-30-2010, 09:29 PM
What a fascinating article. Wow.

it's more fascinating than a soccer article though !:elefant:

arapaho2
07-01-2010, 04:07 PM
Don't need one in this offense as it's base formation is a single-back, two tight end set.



yeah all those failed 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 ...showed we dont need a real full back:coffee:

Tempus Fugit
07-01-2010, 04:46 PM
yeah all those failed 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 ...showed we dont need a real full back:coffee:

Moreno, as a rookie, was #15 in the NFL in success rate. Buckhalter was #1.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/rb

I'm a definite proponent of using a fullback, but teams have been able to find success running the ball without one in the current era.

Ravage!!!
07-01-2010, 04:50 PM
We were NOT successful running the ball last season, and most CERTAINLY were not successful converting the 3-down conversions last season.

arapaho2
07-01-2010, 05:24 PM
Moreno, as a rookie, was #15 in the NFL in success rate. Buckhalter was #1.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/rb

I'm a definite proponent of using a fullback, but teams have been able to find success running the ball without one in the current era.



lol your useing buckhalters 3 total carries of 3rd and less than 2...as proof our run game could keep drives going on 3rd and short

:lol::lol:

Bosco
07-01-2010, 05:33 PM
yeah all those failed 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 ...showed we dont need a real full back:coffee:

What's a fullback have to do with that?

arapaho2
07-01-2010, 05:41 PM
What's a fullback have to do with that?


http://football.about.com/od/football101/Football_101.htm :coffee:

Bosco
07-01-2010, 05:44 PM
http://football.about.com/od/football101/Football_101.htm :coffee:

That doesn't answer my question.

Jagsbch
07-01-2010, 08:07 PM
this article is why i love (sarcasm) reading anything on the bleacher report - it's written worse and with less original thought than when some of the guys on this board drink and post (no offense).

frickin' bleacher report.

Drunken post?

Try getting an assignment with a 36 hour deadline telling you to come up with 10 question heading into training camp, when it took all you could muster to come up with 23 you could not destinguish from being top ten or not, while ignoring the fact that the punter is just another question to add to the mix.

Trying to write this article was like clinging to a 220 power line with your teeth.

I thought the Defensive line take was anything but a drunken diatribe.

That is unless you already knew everything I managed to square away in regards to who starts and where, while listing the depth chart to boot.

I thought I nailed the biggest question's while trying to determine what the top ten where. Now if I did not nail this one in regards to the defensive line, by all means please enlighten me.

Here is the entire page.


Of all the Broncos units, it's the defensive line that raises the most questions.

Nic Clemons, Vonnie Holiday, Kenny Peterson and Carlton Powell, have all been replaced with Jarvis Green, Jamal Williams, Justin Bannan.

These changes are not only huge, no pun intended, but they do however pose as being potentially significant upgrades.

In the 3-4 it all starts up front with the Nose Tackle Jamal Williams, at 6'3 348 pounds he is the Anchor of the entire defense. Williams a player is well into his 30s, 34 to be exact, is coming off a serious injury,.

This will make watching his reps, which will likely be kept down to around 20 reps per game. Whether Williams will emerge in Probowl form or not is one of the biggest questions to be answered heading into training camp, as even his reps then will be closely monitored.

Williams has a lot of miles, the tackle has seen significant starting experience, as a matter of fact he is the only true starter at this point on the defensive line.

Not to take anything away from all the beef that the Broncos added, considering that if most any Defensive tackle in the league played behind Sam Adams and the Ravens very own, Haloti NgatainI they'd probably be back ups to.

6-2 314 Ronald Fields quick player off the ball, he played well last season exclusively as a NT/NG and considering this is the last year of his contract he looks to more than likely pick up where he left off last season. He'll be an excellent back up for Williams.

Jarvis Green 6-3 285 may end up starting at right defensive end, but his reps will too have to be closely monitored, considering he will still have to maintain his career role of being an intregal component of thrid down passing situations for the defense.

Green, a former Patriot, has played in more games over the last eight years than any other DE in the league as a 3rd down specialist. Don't be surprised if he starts.

Ryan McBean at 6'5 297 pounds was picked up from off waivers in 2008 from Pittsburgh Steelers #1 defense.

After 3 years in the league, McBean is still raw, sound technique happens to be something he is still struggling with. He is a high impact special teams player, who is being counted for his athleticism to really step it up this season at the defensive end position.

Marcus Thomas at 6'3 316 pounds is another player looking to make some waves of his own, with his size, athleticism and speed but at the Left defensive end position. He was the 4th round pick of the 2007 draft, he too will be a free agent next season if...

He is a former interior lineman, who has slimmed down in order to take use his abilities such as his quick burst off the line, and bending and collapsing the pocket, this can all act as a tremendous asset to the Broncos at the exterior left defensive end position of the 3-4.

His weight was jacked up to 340 pounds while he was recovering from his shoulder surgery. The question as to whether or not Thomas will be effective in his new exterior role at LDE is another question that will have to be determined as well this training camp.

It really would not hurt the Broncos one bit if they were forced to use Thomas as a back up at NT either, but his presence at LDE could really help spell Justin Bannen who will more than likely be the starter at LDE. Thomas happens to also be a huge asset to the special teams as well; he blocked his first extra point in 2009.

6-3 310 Justin Bannan was a back up for Sam Adams and the Ravens very own, Haloti Ngatain. He possess the versatility and experience to play behind the entire line. When Ravens NT Ngata got hurt, Bannan started the last 15 games.

Now this brings us to another big question and a very fundamental point regarding the rotation strategy the Broncos will employ this season, considering we are looking at an entirely new starting defensive line.

Last season the overwhelming amount of the substitutions where platoon style, rather than an individual position being replaced at the line here and there. Will that be the case this season?

The Broncos certainly have the personnel now, to be as unpredictable as possible, the last thing you want is for Williams to be out there while an opponent decides to go no huddle on you.

One can’t help but wonder, how often will we see the 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 being employed against the pass happy league this season? I expect McDaniels to bring different looks and position switches.

The athleticism size and speed possessed by the diverse personnel on the line allows him so many options that it is mind numbing to even contemplate, and you can bet the 'Wiz Kid' is getting off on it, the question going into Training Camp is will Broncos fan get off on it as well?

Defensive line ought to look something like this once the depth chart is complete, but hey check it out another question.

Green Williams Bannan
McBean Fields Thomas

Players looking to make the roster...

Chris Baker 6'2 329 looks to have the best shot, that is if McDaniels goes with 7 players this season. Jeff Stehle, 6'6 310 and Ben Garland 6'5 275 could wind up being camp fodder.

Le Kevin Smith at 6'3 308 pounds is a former Patriot defensive lineman. He was acquired in a trade last season for a 5th round pick.

The young player is currently struggling with a knee issues, his surgery may force him to be on the pup list so he could possibly contribute later in the season if all goes well with his knee. Smith is yet another question that could be answered in training camp.

All in all the revamped defensive line poses yet another question this training camp, will the weakest unit on the team last season, turn out to be one of the best in 2010?

HORSEPOWER 56
07-01-2010, 08:25 PM
What's a fullback have to do with that?

The way I look at it, having a FB out there adds another presence inside to lead the way for the HB. Not having a FB frequently means at least one defensive player lined up inside, typically the MLB, gets a free shot to shoot the gap and make the play. Normally in short yardage like that, the LBs (and possibly the SS, too) line up directly in the gaps. Even if the O-line gets a hat on a hat and effectively single blocks 5 defenders (which is unlikely and usually the Center needs help with the NT by one of the Guards) that still leaves usually 2 guys to immediately shoot the inside A (between the C and G) or B (between the G and T) gaps. A FB allows an extra guy inside to hit that gap shooter and clear the filled gap allowing the HB to get positive yardage. (This is assuming the defense is in a 4-3 front)

Running a double or triple TE set (which we do most often in short yardage) puts the extra blockers outside of the tackles where they can't help block the inside gaps. Instead, the Center and Guards now have to try to fill the inside gaps to prevent instant defensive penetration, the tackles also pinch in and the TEs are now left trying to block DEs (like what happened against the Colts 2X when Freeney came right in by the TE and made the stop for the loss on 3rd and short). It also adds the added challenge of clogging up the running lanes typically causing the RB to have to "bounce outside". We all know that the best way to stop a short yardage run is to force the RB to bounce outside and stretch out the play so defensive pursuit can bring the ballcarrier down or force him to the sidelines with little upfield yardage.

In our case, the fact that we have a lack of a complete FB really hurts us. Larson is a pretty good lead blocker but that's all he is. He's absolutely ZERO threat to run or catch out of the backfield and isn't laterally quick enough to really do a lot of blitz pickup/pass protection. When he's in the game, it completely telegraphs our intentions to run power up the gut to the defense. That's why he's a big a liability in every other formtion other than short yardage(where we didn't use him effectively last year).

That's the way I see it and why having a good FB is still important, even in today's NFL.

Jagsbch
07-01-2010, 09:05 PM
yea, that was a joke. . . anyone who mangles grammar and spelling that badly isn't likely to have many brilliant insights. . .

Brilliant insights are not necessarily synonymous with good grammar or spelling.

All those in favor say Yea, those who oppose say Nay.:confused:

HORSEPOWER 56
07-01-2010, 09:28 PM
Since we're on the topic of top 10 questions here are mine (in one, relatively brief, post):

1) The D-line. Has it really improved with the vets we brought in and can those older guys stay healthy enough to do what is expected? Can we stop the run?

2) The O-line. Will Clady and Harris be back to form and able to stay healthy all season? Will the rookies we drafted really be able to contribute and will they be an improvement? Will we be able to run the ball effectively?

3) Kyle Orton. Will he really be improved as many have speculated due to one more year in the offense or will his physical limitations continue to limit the offense to "dink and dunk"? Will he stay healthy or will we see Quinn or Tebow taking starter snaps later in the year?

4) The playcalling on offense. Will we open up the playbook more and take more shots down field to open up the defense and aid the running game? Do we have a QB on the roster capable (both physically and mentally) of executing it?

5) Elvis Dumervil. Will he have a contract in place by the start of the season or will he just have to play out the year on his tender? Will the Broncos lock him up long term? Will he hold out without a new deal?

6) Wink Martindale. Will he be able to get the defense playing disciplined football at a high level? WIll the defense play as hard for him as they did for Nolan?

7) Last year's draft class. Will guys like Moreno, Ayers, Smith, and Quinn live up to their draft status and be solid contributors? I have little doubt Moreno will be given the opportunity as our #1 RB, but all the other guys were non-factors last year (although Ayers' fumble recovery TD was the only thing that kept us from being shutout by Pittsburgh last year).

8) Our aging secondary. Will our one year older, wiser, but slower secondary be able to play like they did last year? Will they continue to be the top unit on the team or will they take a step backward?

9) Special Teams. Will they stop being so damned... well "special" (as in special ed) and actually contribute to the Broncos winning games instead of tying to help other teams win?

10) The WR corps. Will guys like Gaffney, Royal, Lloyd, and McKinley be able to fill the gaping hole left by Marshall even if Thomas and Decker don't contribute immediately? Can these guys, now potentially thrust into the #1 role, live up to the task? None of them has before.

These are the questions I have for this team this year.

TXBRONC
07-01-2010, 10:01 PM
Since we're on the topic of top 10 questions here are mine (in one, relatively brief, post):

1) The D-line. Has it really improved with the vets we brought in and can those older guys stay healthy enough to do what is expected? Can we stop the run?

2) The O-line. Will Clady and Harris be back to form and able to stay healthy all season? Will the rookies we drafted really be able to contribute and will they be an improvement? Will we be able to run the ball effectively?

3) Kyle Orton. Will he really be improved as many have speculated due to one more year in the offense or will his physical limitations continue to limit the offense to "dink and dunk"? Will he stay healthy or will we see Quinn or Tebow taking starter snaps later in the year?

4) The playcalling on offense. Will we open up the playbook more and take more shots down field to open up the defense and aid the running game? Do we have a QB on the roster capable (both physically and mentally) of executing it?

5) Elvis Dumervil. Will he have a contract in place by the start of the season or will he just have to play out the year on his tender? Will the Broncos lock him up long term? Will he hold out without a new deal?

6) Wink Martindale. Will he be able to get the defense playing disciplined football at a high level? WIll the defense play as hard for him as they did for Nolan?

7) Last year's draft class. Will guys like Moreno, Ayers, Smith, and Quinn live up to their draft status and be solid contributors? I have little doubt Moreno will be given the opportunity as our #1 RB, but all the other guys were non-factors last year (although Ayers' fumble recovery TD was the only thing that kept us from being shutout by Pittsburgh last year).

8) Our aging secondary. Will our one year older, wiser, but slower secondary be able to play like they did last year? Will they continue to be the top unit on the team or will they take a step backward?

9) Special Teams. Will they stop being so damned... well "special" (as in special ed) and actually contribute to the Broncos winning games instead of tying to help other teams win?

10) The WR corps. Will guys like Gaffney, Royal, Lloyd, and McKinley be able to fill the gaping hole left by Marshall even if Thomas and Decker don't contribute immediately? Can these guys, now potentially thrust into the #1 role, live up to the task? None of them has before.

These are the questions I have for this team this year.

I think these are better questions than the ones in the o.p.

jhildebrand
07-01-2010, 10:05 PM
Don't need one in this offense as it's base formation is a single-back, two tight end set.

I tend to agree with you on this one, Bosco.

This offense wont need a true FB if Orton can show he can make it all the way through his progressions.

If I had the tools, I could highlight several plays where Scheffler or Graham snuck free from a block only for Orton to not see them or dump it off.

The few times Hillis was used as a FB, the conversion was made. The Indy game comes to mind.

Let's not make this a Hillis thread, though. :tsk:

Bosco
07-02-2010, 02:57 AM
The way I look at it, having a FB out there adds another presence inside to lead the way for the HB. Not having a FB frequently means at least one defensive player lined up inside, typically the MLB, gets a free shot to shoot the gap and make the play. Normally in short yardage like that, the LBs (and possibly the SS, too) line up directly in the gaps. Even if the O-line gets a hat on a hat and effectively single blocks 5 defenders (which is unlikely and usually the Center needs help with the NT by one of the Guards) that still leaves usually 2 guys to immediately shoot the inside A (between the C and G) or B (between the G and T) gaps. A FB allows an extra guy inside to hit that gap shooter and clear the filled gap allowing the HB to get positive yardage. (This is assuming the defense is in a 4-3 front)

Running a double or triple TE set (which we do most often in short yardage) puts the extra blockers outside of the tackles where they can't help block the inside gaps. Instead, the Center and Guards now have to try to fill the inside gaps to prevent instant defensive penetration, the tackles also pinch in and the TEs are now left trying to block DEs (like what happened against the Colts 2X when Freeney came right in by the TE and made the stop for the loss on 3rd and short). It also adds the added challenge of clogging up the running lanes typically causing the RB to have to "bounce outside". We all know that the best way to stop a short yardage run is to force the RB to bounce outside and stretch out the play so defensive pursuit can bring the ballcarrier down or force him to the sidelines with little upfield yardage.

In our case, the fact that we have a lack of a complete FB really hurts us. Larson is a pretty good lead blocker but that's all he is. He's absolutely ZERO threat to run or catch out of the backfield and isn't laterally quick enough to really do a lot of blitz pickup/pass protection. When he's in the game, it completely telegraphs our intentions to run power up the gut to the defense. That's why he's a big a liability in every other formtion other than short yardage(where we didn't use him effectively last year).

That's the way I see it and why having a good FB is still important, even in today's NFL.

Excellent post.

It's interesting to note that I looked back on the New England offenses since Belichick came to town and you see that McDaniels actually uses them more than Weis did. Weis tended to run almost strictly out of two TE sets, sometimes with Graham or another TE in the backfield like an H-back, and their only real fullback was converted RB Patrick Pass. When McDaniels became OC in 2005 the Pats acquired Heath Evans and ushered him into Pass' place before he was ultimately dumped after 2006.

Of course McDaniels tried to use Hillis there and signed Eckel as well, so he quite possibly gives the position much more value than I gave him credit for.


9) Special Teams. Will they stop being so damned... well "special" (as in special ed) and actually contribute to the Broncos winning games instead of tying to help other teams win? Our kick coverage actually made some pretty significant improvement over 2008. We knocked 3 yards off the opponents average kick return and we were less than a yard off being in the top 10. Our return game definitely needs to get on track though.

Jagsbch
07-02-2010, 05:24 AM
I think these are better questions than the ones in the o.p.

That is good to know, I am just stoked to be in on the conversation, considering how I feel those answers will be answered this season when the Broncos emerge as a conternder. :beer:

GGMoogly
07-02-2010, 05:49 AM
Here are my top 10 questions:
1) When is Tebow going to start?
2) When is Tebow going to start?
3) When is Tebow going to start?
4) When is Tebow going to start?
5) When is Tebow going to start?
6) When is Tebow going to start?
7) When is Tebow going to start?
8) When is Tebow going to start?
9) When is Tebow going to start?
10) When is Tebow going to FREAKIN' START?!

T.K.O.
07-02-2010, 08:15 AM
Here are my top 10 questions:
1) When is Tebow going to start?
2) When is Tebow going to start?
3) When is Tebow going to start?
4) When is Tebow going to start?
5) When is Tebow going to start?
6) When is Tebow going to start?
7) When is Tebow going to start?
8) When is Tebow going to start?
9) When is Tebow going to start?
10) When is Tebow going to FREAKIN' START?!

:laugh:
tebow does'nt start anything.......HE FINISHES IT !:D

TXBRONC
07-02-2010, 10:09 AM
That is good to know, I am just stoked to be in on the conversation, considering how I feel those answers will be answered this season when the Broncos emerge as a conternder. :beer:

When I said that it wasn't meant as dig at you.

I hope we emerge as contenders but we do have a lot young and inexperienced players on this team.

TXBRONC
07-02-2010, 10:11 AM
Here are my top 10 questions:
1) When is Tebow going to start?
2) When is Tebow going to start?
3) When is Tebow going to start?
4) When is Tebow going to start?
5) When is Tebow going to start?
6) When is Tebow going to start?
7) When is Tebow going to start?
8) When is Tebow going to start?
9) When is Tebow going to start?
10) When is Tebow going to FREAKIN' START?!

I don't understand what you mean? :confused: :D