I'm a Broncos fan, any questions???

[cmhargrove]

Hey Cowboys fans,
Let me start by saying that I am a respectful poster and didn't come here to talk trash. I grew up in Arlington and went to my share of Cowboys games back during the Danny White, Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett years and really liked the team then.
Anyway, I am coming to the game (with the family) this weekend and would like to hear the scoop on Cowboys "players to watch." I would also be happy to answer questions about the Broncos if you have questions. I am a pretty knowledgeable fan and have a good understanding of the team and players.

To start, much of the practice info I have seen has been with a makeshift offensive line. Our line is a little dinged up and I expect they are resting several of our starters for the game (while trying out some young talent). I have seen reports about Meadows vs. Ware and I will honestly say I don't know if Meadows will be on our final roster.
Our starting O-line (from left to right) will be Lepsis (groin), Hamilton (concussion), Nalen, Kuper, and Pears. So, if you see those guys getting beat, you are indeed beating our starters.
Our D-line has been totally retooled and we really don't know what to expect. I suspect it will take us 4-6 regular season games to really gel. For a pass rush, look for rookie Jarvis Moss (knee sprain) and second year player Elvis Dumervil. If you keep these guys out of the backfield, they are our "speed rushers." First and second down will be Ekuban (you know him), Engleberger (not flashy, but decent), and from UT rookie Tim Crowder.
Our biggest question on defense is not really the performance of Champ and Dre, it is our traditionally strong linebacking corps. Our MLB DJ Williams is a tremendous athelete, but has been having a difficult time picking up the new scheme. If this continues, look for Dallas to have a strong running game up the middle this weekend by either Jones or Barber. It may take DJ a year to totally adapt, we'll see. Our competition for SAM is still open, we expect Nate Webster to start there this weekend. He is known for big, helmet popping hits.

Our offense is starting to look potent now that guys are getting healthy. Javon Walker is always big, look for him to make a couple big plays. Second year receiver Brandon Marshall is a guy with a huge future if he stays healthy. He is big, fast, and runs great routes. He could be the guy the Cowboys overlook. The final position I will bring up is our tight ends Graham and Scheffler. You guys are probably familiar with Daniel Graham, but we are looking at him as a receiver also - will he get separation and make catches? Second year TE Tony Scheffler has some wheels and will remind you of Witten. With Cutler's arm, they can be a dangerous tandem in the 15-30 yard range.

Those are the basics, what should I know about the 'Boys these days?

 

[CrazyCowboy]

OK--thanks for the Bronco report.

As for us?

WADE IS GOING TO FINISH THE JOB FOR HIS DADDY AND KNOCK THAT DANG DOOR DOWN TO WIN SUPER BOWL #6!

Any Questions?

 

[QT]

We got a new coach and everyone and their mom seems to be happier now.

 

[Vintage]

We also have a nice TE tandem in Witten and Fasano. You already know Witten, so we'll skip that.

Fasano is a 2nd year player too, same draft as Sheffler. 2nd round pick from Notre Dame. He had a good preseason game against Indy and has had a good training camp thus far.

I am actually hoping we use more 2 TE sets because with Witten and Fasano, they combination of size, speed, catching....makes them hard to cover and I think we can pose tough matchups for people when we use them. Because when we do, other teams have to worry about Owens and Glenn on the outside as well....and a solid running tandem of Jones/Barber.

We should be able to manage a pretty good offense again this year.

Edit: Question for you. How is the DJ Williams to MLB working?

 

[superpunk]

A Broncos fan, eh? So...when did they first discover the brain tumor - and how long have you been dealing with it?

I admire your perseverance, even as your wits fail you.



I would say for us, look out on offense for Sam Hurd (our own second year half-phenom WR) and our TEs. They're being featured more and more, and I don't know that outside of Ian Gold Denver has the horses to keep up with them. Prepare to be surprised by Davis in run blocking, and underwhelmed by him in pass blocking.

Look for Bobby Carpenter at OLB. If you see him there - flee the board.

Apparently Joey Thomas has been making plays all over training camp. Then when we saw him in a real game, they completed about 4 short curls on him.

 

[zeromaster]

I think Dallas goes as far as Romo and the linemen (both sides) will take him.

They are a lot more fun to watch without lemonpuss prowling the sidelines. Whether they have the staying power, we'll learn soon enough.

 

[cmhargrove]

We got a new coach and everyone and their mom seems to be happier now.

I know that the Broncos were considering Spencer in the draft,, how has he looked in training camp?

 

[cmhargrove]

We also have a nice TE tandem in Witten and Fasano. You already know Witten, so we'll skip that.

Fasano is a 2nd year player too, same draft as Sheffler. 2nd round pick from Notre Dame. He had a good preseason game against Indy and has had a good training camp thus far.

I am actually hoping we use more 2 TE sets because with Witten and Fasano, they combination of size, speed, catching....makes them hard to cover and I think we can pose tough matchups for people when we use them. Because when we do, other teams have to worry about Owens and Glenn on the outside as well....and a solid running tandem of Jones/Barber.

We should be able to manage a pretty good offense again this year.

Edit: Question for you. How is the DJ Williams to MLB working?

I think we could be exposed by two good receiving tight ends in the middle of the field. Our safeties should be great, but the LB coverage could take some time in the new scheme. DJ is a great athelete, but a big question mark right now. If I don't hear his name called at least 2-3 times in the first quarter, call me officially worried.

 

[Vintage]

I know that the Broncos were considering Spencer in the draft,, how has he looked in training camp?

Supposedly he has been looking solid, according to the reports.

How is DJ Williams doing at MLB instead of OLB? (edit: you answered above, thanks). Also, how is Travis Henry doing? I think he was a great addition for you guys.

 

[cmhargrove]

A Broncos fan, eh? So...when did they first discover the brain tumor - and how long have you been dealing with it?

I admire your perseverance, even as your wits fail you.



I would say for us, look out on offense for Sam Hurd (our own second year half-phenom WR) and our TEs. They're being featured more and more, and I don't know that outside of Ian Gold Denver has the horses to keep up with them. Prepare to be surprised by Davis in run blocking, and underwhelmed by him in pass blocking.

Look for Bobby Carpenter at OLB. If you see him there - flee the board.

Apparently Joey Thomas has been making plays all over training camp. Then when we saw him in a real game, they completed about 4 short curls on him.

Does Hurd line up as a true wideout, or is he your slot guy?

 

[Vintage]

Does Hurd line up as a true wideout, or is he your slot guy?

Last year against AZ, he lined up in Terry Glenn's position when Glenn missed the game. He started for Glenn.

Crayton is our slot WR.

 

[cmhargrove]

Supposedly he has been looking solid, according to the reports.

How is DJ Williams doing at MLB instead of OLB? (edit: you answered above, thanks). Also, how is Travis Henry doing? I think he was a great addition for you guys.

I would say that Henry is the guy that could change things for the whole team. I hope he stays healthy this year. If the Cowboys can slow him down, they are doing a great job. He is a perfect fit in our system and last week he broke tackles and gained extra yards on all of his carries (I should say all 3 or 4). He should be a great test for your LB corps.

On DJ, look at my other posts. We'll see on Saturday.

 

[Hostile]

Hey Cowboys fans,
Let me start by saying that I am a respectful poster and didn't come here to talk trash. I grew up in Arlington and went to my share of Cowboys games back during the Danny White, Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett years and really liked the team then.
Anyway, I am coming to the game (with the family) this weekend and would like to hear the scoop on Cowboys "players to watch." I would also be happy to answer questions about the Broncos if you have questions. I am a pretty knowledgeable fan and have a good understanding of the team and players.

To start, much of the practice info I have seen has been with a makeshift offensive line. Our line is a little dinged up and I expect they are resting several of our starters for the game (while trying out some young talent). I have seen reports about Meadows vs. Ware and I will honestly say I don't know if Meadows will be on our final roster.
Our starting O-line (from left to right) will be Lepsis (groin), Hamilton (concussion), Nalen, Kuper, and Pears. So, if you see those guys getting beat, you are indeed beating our starters.
Our D-line has been totally retooled and we really don't know what to expect. I suspect it will take us 4-6 regular season games to really gel. For a pass rush, look for rookie Jarvis Moss (knee sprain) and second year player Elvis Dumervil. If you keep these guys out of the backfield, they are our "speed rushers." First and second down will be Ekuban (you know him), Engleberger (not flashy, but decent), and from UT rookie Tim Crowder.
Our biggest question on defense is not really the performance of Champ and Dre, it is our traditionally strong linebacking corps. Our MLB DJ Williams is a tremendous athelete, but has been having a difficult time picking up the new scheme. If this continues, look for Dallas to have a strong running game up the middle this weekend by either Jones or Barber. It may take DJ a year to totally adapt, we'll see. Our competition for SAM is still open, we expect Nate Webster to start there this weekend. He is known for big, helmet popping hits.

Our offense is starting to look potent now that guys are getting healthy. Javon Walker is always big, look for him to make a couple big plays. Second year receiver Brandon Marshall is a guy with a huge future if he stays healthy. He is big, fast, and runs great routes. He could be the guy the Cowboys overlook. The final position I will bring up is our tight ends Graham and Scheffler. You guys are probably familiar with Daniel Graham, but we are looking at him as a receiver also - will he get separation and make catches? Second year TE Tony Scheffler has some wheels and will remind you of Witten. With Cutler's arm, they can be a dangerous tandem in the 15-30 yard range.

Those are the basics, what should I know about the 'Boys these days?

to the Zone. Nice post. Hope you enjoy it here.

As an Arizona Wildcat alum I'm curious what you think of Mike Bell? I am frankly quite shocked at how well he has played for you guys. He wasn't all that special here.

I think an intriguing player for you to watch is our 1st round pick, Anthony Spencer. He'll be playing SOLB and with our proposed starting SOLB hurting it will be critical for him to grasp the game quickly and adapt to a new position in the NFL. He's playing opposite a legit stuf in DeMarcus Ware.

Out of curiosity I want your opinion on the Hall of Fame. John Elway is the only Broncos player in the HOF. How does this sit with you personally and which Broncos players do you think are worthy?

Lastly, did you like Wade when he was your HC?

 

[Vintage]

I can't believe I forgot to ask this question...

How is Cutler looking? He only threw 2 passes (IIRC) the other day, so it wasn't much to see...but how has he been doing in t.c.?

 

[cmhargrove]

OK--thanks for the Bronco report.

As for us?

WADE IS GOING TO FINISH THE JOB FOR HIS DADDY AND KNOCK THAT DANG DOOR DOWN TO WIN SUPER BOWL #6!

Any Questions?

You do know that this is the 30th anniversary of Cowboys vs. Broncos in Superbowl 12 right? Hopefully, both teams could make it there again (but maybe with a different ending?).

It's kind of wierd, the Broncos were in superbowl 12, 22, 32, and now this year is 42 (I actually think we are a year away).

Nothin' but love for coach Wade, I hope he does great for you guys.

 

[cmhargrove]

to the Zone. Nice post. Hope you enjoy it here.

As an Arizona Wildcat alum I'm curious what you think of Mike Bell? I am frankly quite shocked at how well he has played for you guys. He wasn't all that special here.

I think an intriguing player for you to watch is our 1st round pick, Anthony Spencer. He'll be playing SOLB and with our proposed starting SOLB hurting it will be critical for him to grasp the game quickly and adapt to a new position in the NFL. He's playing opposite a legit stuf in DeMarcus Ware.

Out of curiosity I want your opinion on the Hall of Fame. John Elway is the only Broncos player in the HOF. How does this sit with you personally and which Broncos players do you think are worthy?

Lastly, did you like Wade when he was your HC?

Mike Bell is a very interesting story. I love the kid, he has real heart. He has to fight for everything here, but he keeps fighting. They started him at #3 tailback this offseason to light a fire under him. He has since moved back to the #2 spot. Mike will run hard and sell out on every play. I just wish he could relax and use his natural vision and cutting ability more. He has power, and he can make people miss. His main problem last year was that he got gassed as the games (and season) went on. But, I believe that our RB coach Bobbby Turner can continue to challenge and teach him to be better this year. His main fault is thhat he HAS to get better at blocking if he wants to start in Denver. Running may be our bread and butter, but we can't let Cutler get killed.

About Broncos in the hall of fame, I am starting to doubt the entire HOF process, something is wrong there. Why wouldn't a guy like Zimmmerman who is a 2 time all-decade pro-bowler with superbowl rings not make it? It's not right but what you gonna do. Shannon Sharpe will make it as a first ballot guy, so it won't bbe too long before we get our second.

I think Wade has changed so much in the last decade that it is hard to draw a comparison. He did a hell of a job in SD, and I think that is the system you alll will be looking to replicate - not the Broncos of the early 90's.

 

[cmhargrove]

I can't believe I forgot to ask this question...

How is Cutler looking? He only threw 2 passes (IIRC) the other day, so it wasn't much to see...but how has he been doing in t.c.?

Cutler is the real deal. He has grown tremendously since last season. He knows how to deal with pressure, has a rocket arm, and is getting much better with avoiding pressure and making the right reads. His main problem is that he will try to "jam it in" with arm strength when he should maybe just check it down. That means big plays will come with a few bonehead picks. I honestly look for him to have a breakout year like an early Carson Palmer. He will be dangerous.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

It's kind of wierd, the Broncos were in superbowl 12, 22, 32, and now this year is 42 (I actually think we are a year away).

Well if you guys go this year.. might as well find another team for the next 10 years huh?

I think denver is a solid team. I hope we play well Saturday night, it should be a great test for both teams.

My question is about this warren guy your teams wants to unload... does he suck or is he really just a bad fit for the system there?

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm a Broncos fan, any questions???

No questions but a request. I live deep in the heart of Chef territory. Would you guys please beat them both times you play them this year. They truly HATE the Broncos similiar to the way we hate the Redstinks.

 

[SkinsandTerps]

Great poster thus far. Please stick around after the pre-season game.

Although you did say Bell started at #3 and moved back to #3 ?