TXBRONC
11-27-2007, 06:16 PM
Here's the latest from The Sporting News. I thought Lepsis was looking better over the past few weeks.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=310684
Broncos Team Report
Posted: November 27, 2007
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The Broncos have settled into a three-safety rotation over the last several weeks. John Lynch has been aligned just outside the tackle box as an eighth man down vs. the run. And there have been positive results. But on third downs, the Broncos are now pairing undersized CB Domonique Foxworth in Lynch's place with Hamza Abdullah to take advantage of Foxworth's range in coverage. Foxworth doesn't deliver a wallop but relies on solid form tackling in the open field against receivers over the middle. ...
One of the ways Brandon Marshall has made up for a lack of speed that hurt his draft stock is his ability to create yards after initial contact. Marshall (6-4, 230 pounds) runs after securing the ball like someone who is trying to bust a big play every time. He's been among the league leaders both in YAC production and real estate after initial contact, adding to his total with an ankle tackle-busting touchdown vs. Chicago. Teams are recognizing that strength and have been cognizant of trying to swarm him more. But with Javon Walker back, Brandon Stokley producing and Tony Scheffler emerging within the offense, Denver can spread the field and create single matchups that leave Marshall in mismatches with smaller corners and slower safeties.
SCOUTING REPORT
LT Matt Lepsis is finally beginning to round into shape physically after missing half the 2006 season with a torn ACL. Lepsis at times this year has felt sluggish, which has affected his movement based game. He was still proficient on the backside getting linemen to the ground and creating cut-back lanes for the running backs. But at times he was slow getting into his pass sets and didn't play with a square base. Once heavier defensive tackles locked into his body it left him at a big disadvantage. But he's been quicker off the ball lately and playing more aggressive and technique sound. And once in open space, no one on the Broncos' current line knows how to play angles better to shield off defenders than Lepsis.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
DE Elvis Dumervil has emerged as Denver's most consistent pass-rushing force in his second season. And lately, he's made more of a conscious effort to attack not only the pocket but the ball once he arrives. Dumervil led the nation with 10 forced fumbles as a college senior but felt he had been less attack-oriented recently. Dumervil now is making sure he raises his arm and swipes at the ball on contact. Dumervil isn't just contributing as a nickel defender, his rookie role, either. He's playing every down for the first time this season. And while he has some limitations as a run-stopper because of his lack of bulk and can be driven down the line occasionally, the time on first and second downs is helping him as a pass-rusher because he can set up later moves. Dumervil has helped combat his size issues vs. the run by using his 6-6 wingspan and quickness off the ball to engage linemen quickly and use leverage effectively. But he struggles once tackles get into his body
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=310684
Broncos Team Report
Posted: November 27, 2007
Lee Rasizer
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
The Broncos have settled into a three-safety rotation over the last several weeks. John Lynch has been aligned just outside the tackle box as an eighth man down vs. the run. And there have been positive results. But on third downs, the Broncos are now pairing undersized CB Domonique Foxworth in Lynch's place with Hamza Abdullah to take advantage of Foxworth's range in coverage. Foxworth doesn't deliver a wallop but relies on solid form tackling in the open field against receivers over the middle. ...
One of the ways Brandon Marshall has made up for a lack of speed that hurt his draft stock is his ability to create yards after initial contact. Marshall (6-4, 230 pounds) runs after securing the ball like someone who is trying to bust a big play every time. He's been among the league leaders both in YAC production and real estate after initial contact, adding to his total with an ankle tackle-busting touchdown vs. Chicago. Teams are recognizing that strength and have been cognizant of trying to swarm him more. But with Javon Walker back, Brandon Stokley producing and Tony Scheffler emerging within the offense, Denver can spread the field and create single matchups that leave Marshall in mismatches with smaller corners and slower safeties.
SCOUTING REPORT
LT Matt Lepsis is finally beginning to round into shape physically after missing half the 2006 season with a torn ACL. Lepsis at times this year has felt sluggish, which has affected his movement based game. He was still proficient on the backside getting linemen to the ground and creating cut-back lanes for the running backs. But at times he was slow getting into his pass sets and didn't play with a square base. Once heavier defensive tackles locked into his body it left him at a big disadvantage. But he's been quicker off the ball lately and playing more aggressive and technique sound. And once in open space, no one on the Broncos' current line knows how to play angles better to shield off defenders than Lepsis.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
DE Elvis Dumervil has emerged as Denver's most consistent pass-rushing force in his second season. And lately, he's made more of a conscious effort to attack not only the pocket but the ball once he arrives. Dumervil led the nation with 10 forced fumbles as a college senior but felt he had been less attack-oriented recently. Dumervil now is making sure he raises his arm and swipes at the ball on contact. Dumervil isn't just contributing as a nickel defender, his rookie role, either. He's playing every down for the first time this season. And while he has some limitations as a run-stopper because of his lack of bulk and can be driven down the line occasionally, the time on first and second downs is helping him as a pass-rusher because he can set up later moves. Dumervil has helped combat his size issues vs. the run by using his 6-6 wingspan and quickness off the ball to engage linemen quickly and use leverage effectively. But he struggles once tackles get into his body