Denver Native (Carol)
09-06-2009, 07:59 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_13279299
They divvied it up nicely, as they always do.
Veteran coach, rookie coach. Apparently, it doesn't matter. After the Broncos temporarily set their 53-man roster Saturday, they once again wound up with players at every position.
Another move will have to be made today to accommodate the expected return of wide receiver Brandon Marshall from suspension.
The first roster built by Josh McDaniels acknowledged his new spread offense by going heavy on receivers (seven, counting Marshall) and light on pure tailbacks (three).
True to the Broncos' new 3-4 defensive alignment, there are more linebackers and defensive ends turned outside linebackers (eight) than defensive linemen (six).
"The biggest thing about our defense this year is how those guys up front have accepted their (new) roles," said cornerback Champ Bailey. "That's going to make a big difference."
But no matter how a roster is comprised, it can be nothing more than names on paper unless a quality quarterback can lead it to victory.
And for the first time in a couple of weeks, the Broncos believe they will have two veteran quarterbacks ready to practice this week.
Chris Simms will go first. He got injured first, so he's had more time to heal from his sprained left ankle. He will be taking snaps today during the Broncos' light practice at Dove Valley.
Kyle Orton and his stitched-up finger will be held back until Tuesday, when the Broncos have their first lengthy practice of the week.
If the stitches on his finger and laces on the football can meld into consistent spirals, Orton will start the season opener next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Simms would become the backup and Tom Brandstater, the rookie who just finished off a gratifying preseason, will become the No. 3 quarterback.
Lack of reps with the first-team offense is the issue for Simms. Stitches are the issue for Orton. The index finger on his right throwing hand will likely remain sutured through the week of practice. There's also a chance the stitches won't be clipped before the game at Cincinnati.
Orton figures to go through some trial-and-error this week before finding his most effective comfort level. Wearing the type of gloves some quarterbacks wear in cold weather is a possibility.
If it's determined Orton should wait until his stitches are removed before he plays, then Simms will be counted on to make his first NFL start since his promising career was interrupted by a spleen injury he suffered in the third game of the 2006 season.
Besides the return of Simms and Orton, the Broncos will also welcome veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday, and brace for Marshall.
Holliday, who has played with Green Bay, Kansas City and Miami Dolphins in his 11 NFL seasons, was signed Saturday to give the Broncos depth on their three-man front that became necessary with the knee injury to Le Kevin Smith.
Marshall is expected back today despite attempts in recent days by his agent, Kennard McGuire, to help facilitate a trade with the New York Jets.
Today, Marshall is expected to become part of a 53-man team. If quantity means quality, the Broncos should be best this season at blocking (nine offensive linemen) and covering (nine defensive backs).
Like most teams, the Broncos have three tight ends, a long snapper, a kicker and a punter. Unlike most teams, they don't have one true fullback.
Instead, the Broncos have three half-fullbacks (tailback-fullback Peyton Hillis, linebacker-fullback Spencer Larsen and guard-fullback Russ Hochstein).
"You would like to have guys that if you fall upon some injuries, they come in and play and you don't necessarily fall too many levels down in terms of your performance," McDaniels said.
Aside from the addition of Holliday, there were no surprises to the Broncos' initial 53-man roster.
The inclusion of Jarvis Moss was not a surprise given his encouraging performance during the preseason and the $1.96 million it would have cost the Broncos to cut him.
Other notable names on the cut list were Kory Lichtensteiger, considered the heir apparent to center Tom Nalen when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 draft; and safety Vernon Fox.
They divvied it up nicely, as they always do.
Veteran coach, rookie coach. Apparently, it doesn't matter. After the Broncos temporarily set their 53-man roster Saturday, they once again wound up with players at every position.
Another move will have to be made today to accommodate the expected return of wide receiver Brandon Marshall from suspension.
The first roster built by Josh McDaniels acknowledged his new spread offense by going heavy on receivers (seven, counting Marshall) and light on pure tailbacks (three).
True to the Broncos' new 3-4 defensive alignment, there are more linebackers and defensive ends turned outside linebackers (eight) than defensive linemen (six).
"The biggest thing about our defense this year is how those guys up front have accepted their (new) roles," said cornerback Champ Bailey. "That's going to make a big difference."
But no matter how a roster is comprised, it can be nothing more than names on paper unless a quality quarterback can lead it to victory.
And for the first time in a couple of weeks, the Broncos believe they will have two veteran quarterbacks ready to practice this week.
Chris Simms will go first. He got injured first, so he's had more time to heal from his sprained left ankle. He will be taking snaps today during the Broncos' light practice at Dove Valley.
Kyle Orton and his stitched-up finger will be held back until Tuesday, when the Broncos have their first lengthy practice of the week.
If the stitches on his finger and laces on the football can meld into consistent spirals, Orton will start the season opener next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Simms would become the backup and Tom Brandstater, the rookie who just finished off a gratifying preseason, will become the No. 3 quarterback.
Lack of reps with the first-team offense is the issue for Simms. Stitches are the issue for Orton. The index finger on his right throwing hand will likely remain sutured through the week of practice. There's also a chance the stitches won't be clipped before the game at Cincinnati.
Orton figures to go through some trial-and-error this week before finding his most effective comfort level. Wearing the type of gloves some quarterbacks wear in cold weather is a possibility.
If it's determined Orton should wait until his stitches are removed before he plays, then Simms will be counted on to make his first NFL start since his promising career was interrupted by a spleen injury he suffered in the third game of the 2006 season.
Besides the return of Simms and Orton, the Broncos will also welcome veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday, and brace for Marshall.
Holliday, who has played with Green Bay, Kansas City and Miami Dolphins in his 11 NFL seasons, was signed Saturday to give the Broncos depth on their three-man front that became necessary with the knee injury to Le Kevin Smith.
Marshall is expected back today despite attempts in recent days by his agent, Kennard McGuire, to help facilitate a trade with the New York Jets.
Today, Marshall is expected to become part of a 53-man team. If quantity means quality, the Broncos should be best this season at blocking (nine offensive linemen) and covering (nine defensive backs).
Like most teams, the Broncos have three tight ends, a long snapper, a kicker and a punter. Unlike most teams, they don't have one true fullback.
Instead, the Broncos have three half-fullbacks (tailback-fullback Peyton Hillis, linebacker-fullback Spencer Larsen and guard-fullback Russ Hochstein).
"You would like to have guys that if you fall upon some injuries, they come in and play and you don't necessarily fall too many levels down in terms of your performance," McDaniels said.
Aside from the addition of Holliday, there were no surprises to the Broncos' initial 53-man roster.
The inclusion of Jarvis Moss was not a surprise given his encouraging performance during the preseason and the $1.96 million it would have cost the Broncos to cut him.
Other notable names on the cut list were Kory Lichtensteiger, considered the heir apparent to center Tom Nalen when he was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 draft; and safety Vernon Fox.