Analysis of Denver Broncos' preseason-opening loss to Dallas Cowboys

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ARLINGTON, Texas — There is little an NFL coach dislikes more than the unknown.

After an offseason obliterated by the lockout, the Broncos' coaches had a big pile of the unknown when they unloaded the buses Thursday night inside Jerry Jones' football palace.

So much so that as the team's preseason opener approached, coach John Fox simply said: "I'm excited just to see them play. . . . We're anxious to find out some things."

rest of article - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18666122

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ARLINGTON, Texas – Three observations from the Broncos’ 24-23 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys here on Thursday night at Cowboys Stadium:

1. QUARTERBACK STATUS QUO.

Brady Quinn played the longest, led the two touchdown drives and looked more comfortable under center Thursday night than at any other point in his brief Broncos career, leaving the game with a 109.2 passer rating.

But to move up the depth chart from third-team to second-team, he didn’t just have to flourish, but Tim Tebow had to slip. Given that Tebow went 6-of-7 for 91 yards and had a running touchdown (as well as an interception) wiped out by penalty, there seems to be little reason why next week’s depth chart should reflect any change.

rest of article - http://www.maxdenver.com/news/2011/08/12/cowboys-24-broncos-23-three-observations/

[Lonestar]

Did anyone see this happening any different.
Fox likes experience at qb something TEbow is unlikely to get between now and first game.

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[Cugel]

You really can't tell a whole lot from this game.

The 1st team defense was only in for 1 series plus 1 play on the 2nd series. Dallas moved the ball on them but didn't score a TD.

Orton moved the ball effectively in his only series and the Broncos were effective in running the ball; but they stalled in the red-zone again.

Tebow looked horrible under center against Dallas' starters, but much better against scrubs once he was allowed to run plays in the spread formation.

Brady Quinn looked sharp against Dallas's 2nd and 3rd stringers for whatever that is worth.

The Broncos are clearly going to use TE Julius Thomas a lot -- and he played like a rookie; but a rookie with promise.

All in all I didn't learn much. I have no idea for instance why Ty Warren is a backup. Is he still out of football condition from his injury? Is his injury hampering him?

If so then the decision to give him a $10 million contract was another HORRIBLE FA move in a series of failed DL FA acquisitions over the years: (Gerrard Warren, Amon Gordon, Antwon Burton, Sam Adams, DeWayne Robertson, Ron Fields, Justin Bannan, Jamal Williams).

Of course, Tebow didn't advance his cause any with the one person who counts; John Fox:


"Quarterbacking-wise, I thought Kyle was sharp and I thought Tim is a work in progress," Fox said. "(Tebow) made some things happen. He's learning, and I thought Brady (Quinn) stepped in and did a decent job, scored some points to take the lead."

Tebow did well some of the same things he did last season and looked like he wanted to tuck the ball and run every time his primary receiver was covered. That just won't do.

So, we don't know much now that we didn't know entering the night. :coffee:

[xzn]

TT really needs to learn how to use his escapability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield and using the threat of his running ability to open up passing windows.

He's a nice cut of meat that needs to be marinated and slow-cooked on the grille.

Until then we just have to put up with nitrate-laced hot dog = Kyle Orton

[Cugel]

1. QUARTERBACK STATUS QUO.

Brady Quinn played the longest, led the two touchdown drives and looked more comfortable under center Thursday night than at any other point in his brief Broncos career, leaving the game with a 109.2 passer rating.

But to move up the depth chart from third-team to second-team, he didn’t just have to flourish, but Tim Tebow had to slip. Given that Tebow went 6-of-7 for 91 yards and had a running touchdown (as well as an interception) wiped out by penalty, there seems to be little reason why next week’s depth chart should reflect any change.

Tim Tebow being #2 on the depth chart is more to appease the Tebow fans than anything else.

Unless Orton goes down for a significant period of time it doesn't matter who's second.

Tebow will probably get in some games with his spread offensive package; but I suspect it won't be in the Red Zone as much as just about every fan would like.

I see no real improvement from last year in Red Zone offense -- but we can't say anything because it was only 1 series.

If Orton is lost for a significant period Fox is going to have to decide whether he wants to run his traditional offense; which Brady Quinn can do, or go to the spread offense with Tebow.

Because Tebow clearly CANNOT run the offense from under center like Orton.

On the first series, Orton dropped back 3 steps under a ferocious blitz and hit a timing pass to the outlet WR for a 1st down. I tried to imagine Tebow in that situation and realized -- that would totally be a sack because Tebow just can't do that. He'd try and run and get sacked or else throw wildly off-target.

And that's what defenses would do to Tebow every time he lined up under center -- blitz the hell out of him until he proves he can beat the blitz with timing patterns. Orton can do that all day. Tebow just can't yet.

[Cugel]

Did anyone see this happening any different.
Fox likes experience at qb something TEbow is unlikely to get between now and first game.

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He's unlikely to get it between now and 2012 unless Orton goes down. And even then Fox might well start Brady Quinn because he's had more experience and bring Tebow off the bench in certain situations.

I wish Tebow could be made the Broncos Red Zone specialist, but it doesn't seem likely.

[Northman]

Love the comment about watching out for Matt Prater for FF. haha.

Guess he thinks Matt is going to be busy this year.

[Nomad]

TT really needs to learn how to use his escapability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield and using the threat of his running ability to open up passing windows.

He's a nice cut of meat that needs to be marinated and slow-cooked on the grille.

Until then we just have to put up with nitrate-laced hot dog = Kyle Orton

Do you work for the beef industry, if so it's working:). I'm gonna grill some porterhouse steaks tonight!

Just giving you shit though I've noticed you and your steak analogy in every other thread!:lol:

[NightTerror218]

Cugel are you even a Bronco fan, I have never seen anything positive come out of your mouth. You have this undying hatred for TT and you seem to think he cant do good. He could have horrible mechanics his whole carried and lead is the several SB wins and you would still hate him. Why dont you go to a Chiefs forum. I am still waiting for a post to have a "facts" or anything solid to back up your , if, opinions, speculations as Northman pointed out before.

[arapaho2]

Tim Tebow being #2 on the depth chart is more to appease the Tebow fans than anything else.

Unless Orton goes down for a significant period of time it doesn't matter who's second.

Tebow will probably get in some games with his spread offensive package; but I suspect it won't be in the Red Zone as much as just about every fan would like.

I see no real improvement from last year in Red Zone offense -- but we can't say anything because it was only 1 series.

If Orton is lost for a significant period Fox is going to have to decide whether he wants to run his traditional offense; which Brady Quinn can do, or go to the spread offense with Tebow.

Because Tebow clearly CANNOT run the offense from under center like Orton.

On the first series, Orton dropped back 3 steps under a ferocious blitz and hit a timing pass to the outlet WR for a 1st down. I tried to imagine Tebow in that situation and realized -- that would totally be a sack because Tebow just can't do that. He'd try and run and get sacked or else throw wildly off-target.

And that's what defenses would do to Tebow every time he lined up under center -- blitz the hell out of him until he proves he can beat the blitz with timing patterns. Orton can do that all day. Tebow just can't yet.

lets be honest cug

on tebows first series...he had the underwhelming backup oline protecting him from the starting defensive line of the cowbows...huge mismatch

[Ravage!!!]

Cugel are you even a Bronco fan, I have never seen anything positive come out of your mouth. You have this undying hatred for TT and you seem to think he cant do good. He could have horrible mechanics his whole carried and lead is the several SB wins and you would still hate him. Why dont you go to a Chiefs forum. I am still waiting for a post to have a "facts" or anything solid to back up your , if, opinions, speculations as Northman pointed out before.

Dude...we've known Cug a LOT LOT longer than you. Don't doubt his fanhood purely because he doesn't whitewash over Tebow in an honest manner.

[BroncoStud]

Tim Tebow being #2 on the depth chart is more to appease the Tebow fans than anything else.

Unless Orton goes down for a significant period of time it doesn't matter who's second.

Tebow will probably get in some games with his spread offensive package; but I suspect it won't be in the Red Zone as much as just about every fan would like.

I see no real improvement from last year in Red Zone offense -- but we can't say anything because it was only 1 series.

If Orton is lost for a significant period Fox is going to have to decide whether he wants to run his traditional offense; which Brady Quinn can do, or go to the spread offense with Tebow.

Because Tebow clearly CANNOT run the offense from under center like Orton.

On the first series, Orton dropped back 3 steps under a ferocious blitz and hit a timing pass to the outlet WR for a 1st down. I tried to imagine Tebow in that situation and realized -- that would totally be a sack because Tebow just can't do that. He'd try and run and get sacked or else throw wildly off-target.
And that's what defenses would do to Tebow every time he lined up under center -- blitz the hell out of him until he proves he can beat the blitz with timing patterns. Orton can do that all day. Tebow just can't yet.

What a crock of garbage...

When the hell has Orton successfully run an offense under center? That would be NEVER. His success, dating back to Purdue, is in the shotgun spread. That's exactly why McDaniels opted to ask for him in the trade. He's a system QB.

Also, how did Orton look as a rookie starter in Chicago, which is essentially what Tebow is... I will tell you, 9 TDs in 15 games, a 59 passer rating. Every post you make has to be about how bad Tebow is :laugh::laugh:.

Fact of the matter is that the guy led a 17 point comeback in his 2nd all-time start and damn near beat the NFL's #1 defense while running and throwing his way to solid rookie performances last year. In 1 preseason game he is 6/7, with a rushing TD wiped out because of penalty.

It took Orton EXPERIENCE to get better, it takes EVERYONE experience to get better, Tebow will be no different.

He isn't going to sit back and let teams blitz him and NOT figure out how to hit a wide open crossing route. It might take him 2 or 3 times in a game.

Some of you are so eager to jump all over Tebow and prop up Quinn, or prop up Orton that you lose sight of reality. Tebow is raw as hell, but even raw he has shown in actual NFL gametime that he is capable of making a lot of plays, plays the other guys on this roster cannot.

I love how you deal in absolutes. Just remember, and this is FACT, Kyle Orton has not performed well, historically, in a traditional under center NFL offense. His 2 most successful years come in McDaniels spread out of shotgun, the same system of which Tom Brady decimates defenses out of shotgun, the same system that Sam Bradford (who played in a shotgun spread in college) will decimate defenses.

Tebow will improve with time and experience, like any other player in the long history of the NFL.

[Nomad]

Dude...we've known Cug a LOT LOT longer than you. Don't doubt his fanhood purely because he doesn't whitewash over Tebow in an honest manner.

He tends to drink alot of coffee:coffee:!:lol:

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Could we please let the preseason play out? It will then be determined who/what/where/why, by the HC and staff.

[NightTerror218]

He tends to drink alot of coffee:coffee:!:lol:

I live in Alaska, I dont drink coffee, I have an IV drip.

[Tned]

Brady Quinn looked sharp against Dallas's 2nd and 3rd stringers for whatever that is worth.


Quinn didn't look good the first two series. Had some poorly thrown balls. It wasn't until the third series (if I remember correctly) that he started to turn things around.

[NightTerror218]

Quinn didn't look good the first two series. Had some poorly thrown balls. It wasn't until the third series (if I remember correctly) that he started to turn things around.

When did team hopefuls/practice quad guys take field. The ones just playing for a roster spot?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

When did team hopefuls/practice quad guys take field. The ones just playing for a roster spot?

As Coach Fox stated early on - everyone is playing for a roster spot. As far as last night, the starting offense played for 13 snaps, the starting defense played for 14 snaps.

[NightTerror218]

As Coach Fox stated early on - everyone is playing for a roster spot. As far as last night, the starting offense played for 13 snaps, the starting defense played for 14 snaps.


But there are some who are fighting more like UFA.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

But there are some who are fighting more like UFA.

Not only UFAs, but also some who were starters last year, and have dropped to 2nd or 3rd stringers so far this year. I heard this morning on the ticket that Spencer Larson may not make the team - at this point, no one knows who will, who won't. The kid (can't remember his name) who scored the running td when Quinn was in, is receiving high praise on the radio today, and last night he was playing with the 3rd stringers. More than likely, there will be surprises for some cut, and surprises for some who make the roster.

[Traveler]

Love the comment about watching out for Matt Prater for FF. haha.

Guess he thinks Matt is going to be busy this year.

Sadly, he might be right.

Orton- Still good between the 20's, horrible in the redzone.

Tebow- still trying to adjust to the pro level.

Quinn- Improved from last year, but playing against 3rd stringers.

Guessing we'll be no better than a 5-6 win team this season if we're lucky.

Continue with the rebuild EFX!

[TXBRONC]

Could we please let the preseason play out? It will then be determined who/what/where/why, by the HC and staff.

It's Orton's job to lose. I don't think the competition is strong enough to over take him. Tebow and Quinn both have clearly out play Orton at this point. I don't think that will happen. Imo it's not that Orton will look like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning he just get by with not making a lot of mistakes.

[NightTerror218]

Not only UFAs, but also some who were starters last year, and have dropped to 2nd or 3rd stringers so far this year. I heard this morning on the ticket that Spencer Larson may not make the team - at this point, no one knows who will, who won't. The kid (can't remember his name) who scored the running td when Quinn was in, is receiving high praise on the radio today, and last night he was playing with the 3rd stringers. More than likely, there will be surprises for some cut, and surprises for some who make the roster.

Jeremiah Jones I think. I think its a cool name :D

[shank]

What a crock of garbage...

When the hell has Orton successfully run an offense under center? That would be NEVER. His success, dating back to Purdue, is in the shotgun spread. That's exactly why McDaniels opted to ask for him in the trade. He's a system QB.

Also, how did Orton look as a rookie starter in Chicago, which is essentially what Tebow is... I will tell you, 9 TDs in 15 games, a 59 passer rating. Every post you make has to be about how bad Tebow is :laugh::laugh:.

Fact of the matter is that the guy led a 17 point comeback in his 2nd all-time start and damn near beat the NFL's #1 defense while running and throwing his way to solid rookie performances last year. In 1 preseason game he is 6/7, with a rushing TD wiped out because of penalty.

It took Orton EXPERIENCE to get better, it takes EVERYONE experience to get better, Tebow will be no different.

He isn't going to sit back and let teams blitz him and NOT figure out how to hit a wide open crossing route. It might take him 2 or 3 times in a game.

Some of you are so eager to jump all over Tebow and prop up Quinn, or prop up Orton that you lose sight of reality. Tebow is raw as hell, but even raw he has shown in actual NFL gametime that he is capable of making a lot of plays, plays the other guys on this roster cannot.

I love how you deal in absolutes. Just remember, and this is FACT, Kyle Orton has not performed well, historically, in a traditional under center NFL offense. His 2 most successful years come in McDaniels spread out of shotgun, the same system of which Tom Brady decimates defenses out of shotgun, the same system that Sam Bradford (who played in a shotgun spread in college) will decimate defenses.

Tebow will improve with time and experience, like any other player in the long history of the NFL.
quoted for awesomeness, great post.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Jeremiah Jones I think. I think its a cool name :D

Jeremiah Johnson - but still pretty cool name.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

How the Broncos fared in the five goals set for them by NFL reporter Mike Klis for their preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys:


1. Stay healthy

Starters on both sides each had one long series and came out unscathed. Backup guard Stanley Daniels limped off with an ankle injury. Undrafted rookie receiver Mark Dell suffered a knee sprain.

2. First-team confidence

Kyle Orton​ made a big third-down completion to move the opening drive 79 yards to the Cowboys' 1-yard line, first-and-goal. A penalty for 12 men in the huddle forced a field goal.

rest of article - http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18666121?source=rss

[Bugs Baloney]

Jeremiah Johnson - but still pretty cool name.

he showed some amazing burst, as soon as the ball was in his hands, he was in the endzone....super cool name BTW :salute:

[Lonestar]

Could we please let the preseason play out? It will then be determined who/what/where/why, by the HC and staff.

And not by the fanatics here. Amen.

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[Lonestar]

Orton- Still good between the 20's, horrible in the red zone


Continue with the rebuild EFX!


Your basing that on one series.
Might want try an anti depressant.

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[xzn]

I've been intrigued by Jeremiah Johnson [edit] since his college days in Oregon. We haven't had a Duck in the backfield since Reuben Droughns.

I always thought he had nice burst, we'll see if he gets in any earlier going forward.

[NightTerror218]

I've been intrigued by him since his college days in Oregon. We haven't had a Duck in the backfield since Reuben Droughns.

I always thought he had nice burst, we'll see if he gets in any earlier going forward.

who?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Not only UFAs, but also some who were starters last year, and have dropped to 2nd or 3rd stringers so far this year. I heard this morning on the ticket that Spencer Larson may not make the team - at this point, no one knows who will, who won't. The kid (can't remember his name) who scored the running td when Quinn was in, is receiving high praise on the radio today, and last night he was playing with the 3rd stringers. More than likely, there will be surprises for some cut, and surprises for some who make the roster.

Not long ago on the fan, Mike Evans brought up a good point - the Broncos will have #2 shot at any cuts made by other teams, and in Evans' opinion - there will be some very good players cut by other teams.

[xzn]

Hopefully we can get better depth at CB and OL from #2 WW spot.

[Lonestar]

Love the comment about watching out for Matt Prater for FF. haha.

Guess he thinks Matt is going to be busy this year.

visiting Goodell maybe

[Lonestar]

Not long ago on the fan, Mike Evans brought up a good point - the Broncos will have #2 shot at any cuts made by other teams, and in Evans' opinion - there will be some very good players cut by other teams.


Hopefully we can get better depth at CB and OL from #2 WW spot.

we are woefully thin with Quality at both spots no doubt about that..

but then other than maybe QB and WR we have lacked depth for a long time..