Skinny
10-24-2007, 05:39 AM
October 24, 2007
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
STRATEGY/PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The surgery that will keep WR Javon Walker out 4-6 weeks brings Brandon Stokley outside of his comfort zone of the slot and into a starting role. And while unproven Glenn Martinez now plays more in three-wide sets, TE Tony Scheffler could feel the biggest impact. Scheffler has only recently begun to contribute after fully recovering from a broken foot. With Scheffler, Denver can still employ two tight-end packages to emphasize the run but use his downfield skills and ability to work the middle of the field out of that personnel grouping to create a spread formation. The Broncos used him in such formations Sunday, and Scheffler caught five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Scheffler's presence is needed particularly now, too, with both Nate Jackson (groin) and Stephen Alexander (leg) done for the year. ...
One of the ways teams are attacking the Broncos outside of a heavy dose of running plays is by using the tight ends. In the first month and a half, tight ends represented almost half of the receiving yards vs. Denver. It allows opponents to push the field without playing to the Broncos' strength -- corners Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly -- while taking advantage of matchups. Coverage isn't the strength of Denver's safeties, leaving WLB Ian Gold primarily responsible in sub packages, but he has struggled with the size-speed combinations of the likes of Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates. Furthermore, Pittsburgh tight ends combined for three of the team's four touchdowns Sunday. The trend figures to continue with Green Bay's Donald Lee, Gates and Tony Gonzalez (twice) still on the schedule.
SCOUTING REPORT
DT Marcus Thomas has earned more playing time as the season progressed -- he started in place of Amon Gordon Sunday night -- and he's become more comfortable with the block-and-lock techniques necessary in Denver's scheme. Thomas initially struggled with his conditioning and even stance when he arrived after missing most of his senior college season. But Thomas got in shape and his game, which had been predicated on a one-gap, attacking style, was entirely rebuilt. He has decent lower-body power to anchor but has to do a better job with his hands shedding blocks. But his initial quickness and uncanny athleticism for his size are big reasons he stays in on obvious passing downs.
OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK
The Broncos demonstrated promise of a top-five offense the first couple weeks despite scoring and red-zone issues. But with QB Jay Cutler still learning, Walker out, an increasingly banged-up offensive line, attrition at tight end and a looming suspension for RB Travis Henry, expectations may have to be adjusted. The coaching staff has appeared reticent even at full strength to spread the field and allow Cutler and chuck the ball around. Given all the losses, that doesn't figure to happen now, either. So an even added reliance on the run is probable. The team is working extensively on execution inside the 20. Denver could look more to Daniel Graham and Scheffler and also to use WR Brandon Marshall's size in that area in the coming weeks.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=294504
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
STRATEGY/PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The surgery that will keep WR Javon Walker out 4-6 weeks brings Brandon Stokley outside of his comfort zone of the slot and into a starting role. And while unproven Glenn Martinez now plays more in three-wide sets, TE Tony Scheffler could feel the biggest impact. Scheffler has only recently begun to contribute after fully recovering from a broken foot. With Scheffler, Denver can still employ two tight-end packages to emphasize the run but use his downfield skills and ability to work the middle of the field out of that personnel grouping to create a spread formation. The Broncos used him in such formations Sunday, and Scheffler caught five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Scheffler's presence is needed particularly now, too, with both Nate Jackson (groin) and Stephen Alexander (leg) done for the year. ...
One of the ways teams are attacking the Broncos outside of a heavy dose of running plays is by using the tight ends. In the first month and a half, tight ends represented almost half of the receiving yards vs. Denver. It allows opponents to push the field without playing to the Broncos' strength -- corners Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly -- while taking advantage of matchups. Coverage isn't the strength of Denver's safeties, leaving WLB Ian Gold primarily responsible in sub packages, but he has struggled with the size-speed combinations of the likes of Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates. Furthermore, Pittsburgh tight ends combined for three of the team's four touchdowns Sunday. The trend figures to continue with Green Bay's Donald Lee, Gates and Tony Gonzalez (twice) still on the schedule.
SCOUTING REPORT
DT Marcus Thomas has earned more playing time as the season progressed -- he started in place of Amon Gordon Sunday night -- and he's become more comfortable with the block-and-lock techniques necessary in Denver's scheme. Thomas initially struggled with his conditioning and even stance when he arrived after missing most of his senior college season. But Thomas got in shape and his game, which had been predicated on a one-gap, attacking style, was entirely rebuilt. He has decent lower-body power to anchor but has to do a better job with his hands shedding blocks. But his initial quickness and uncanny athleticism for his size are big reasons he stays in on obvious passing downs.
OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK
The Broncos demonstrated promise of a top-five offense the first couple weeks despite scoring and red-zone issues. But with QB Jay Cutler still learning, Walker out, an increasingly banged-up offensive line, attrition at tight end and a looming suspension for RB Travis Henry, expectations may have to be adjusted. The coaching staff has appeared reticent even at full strength to spread the field and allow Cutler and chuck the ball around. Given all the losses, that doesn't figure to happen now, either. So an even added reliance on the run is probable. The team is working extensively on execution inside the 20. Denver could look more to Daniel Graham and Scheffler and also to use WR Brandon Marshall's size in that area in the coming weeks.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=294504