How Great Was . . . . ?

[TDs3nOut]

They won't do anything with DT. The man had a bad season and still had 105 catches for over 1300 yards. Look for him to level off next year and get his head back in the game. I honestly did not expect a big game from DT in part due to his performance all year and in part because Norman covered him. Those two pretty much took each other out of the game.

Agreed. Even though DT put up big numbers, I understand fans being down on him after signing such a big contract and leaving so many plays on the field. Still, I think that he is too good a player to not bounce back and play to his potential.

 

[58crash]

Except for Schofield, who I personally think should be shot, I think the O-line played pretty well.

The TD run was though Schofields hole so give him some slack . He will be a Guard for us from now on who I think will be kind of in the Beadles mode .

 

[58crash]

We went though a year of crap now we get to utilize him ... Why would we worry about DT now ?

Elway tried to warn DT about this happening ..look DT will be him old self next year so will Dez ...If you guys think we had it bad look at what the Cowboy's fans went though !

If we were to have done anything it should of been a trade last off season ..now it is gravy time !

This staff went with DT .... Now is when this staff needs to play every play DT has ever done and work on utilizing his talents this off season ..

 

[cdumler7]

We went though a year of crap now we get to utilize him ... Why would we worry about DT now ?

Elway tried to warn DT about this happening ..look DT will be him old self next year so will Dez ...If you guys think we had it bad look at what the Cowboy's fans went though !

If we were to have done anything it should of been a trade last off season ..now it is gravy time !

This staff went with DT .... Now is when this staff needs to play every play DT has ever done and work on utilizing his talents this off season ..

I would say even more so than that is DT having a full off season with the offense Kubiak actually wants to run. He can fit in this system just fine. They can keep some of the screens that he likes to run but I think he can play the Andre Johnson role of this offense. None of what Johnson did are things that DT can't do. He just never looked comfortable though trying to learn this new system and I do think part of that is him missing so much of the off season. It was too much in his head. He needs to take a few weeks without football and just get his head clear then get back to work. I agree I do think he will have a bounce back year next year.

 

[theknight307]

I just cannot get over the fact that this Broncos team was able to pull it off with an offense that was about as anemic as the Craig Morton offenses. 1 for 14 on third downs last night. Second worst in the NFL as far as 3 and outs. The worst statistical QB in league ranked 33rd.

It truly is unreal. Told friends last night that the ONE chance they had was getting the Panthers out of that comfort zone. The panthers had been steam rolling teams in the play offs and there were very few nail biting games for them all year. Where as the Broncos have really been doing this ALL YEAR. Low and behold the Panthers were in a game (Cam) that brought them out of their comfort level. Playing right into what Broncos have been doing all season. That fumble at the end where our hearts were in our throats......you can just see Cam Newtons attempt at getting the fumble. He was just in a mental funk and I credit that to the factors I mentioned. I still cannot believe it really. What a difference a great defense makes.

Having said that, I am hoping key pieces are back with the OL. Clady for one....along with some potential free agents and draft picks. If the offense improves and it really should with an upgrade at the OL, this team could really be a dynasty. Not kidding.

Still cannot believe they pulled it off.

 

[SpringStein]

Yo Knight - post more!!

 

[theknight307]

Yo Knight - post more!!

Not sure why I cannot start my own posts yet. How many posts before I can?

 

[randymon]

The problem is DT's contract is our worst one. It is a $25.8 million dead money hit to cut him. That is more than what is actual cap hit for the year is. We would lose $10 million more to cut him. He is a Bronco this next year. Just have to live with that and hope we see more of the old DT that had those dynamic plays throughout the year than the shell of that player.

Yeah I know we`ve had this conversation not long ago and there still is the possibility a trade involving DT could still happen where the other team absorbs some of the salary. Defense wins championships and I think keeping that D together as much as possible is essential in competing for another SB. I agree though that DT is still one of the best wrs out there even with his "off" year ( which was still 1300 yds I believe) but if you can work a deal in a trade involving him, then to me it makes more sense to sacrifice on the O-side of ball and keep the young players on the D side like Jackson,Trev, Marshall, Roby,Webster,etc together if you want to compete for another SB. Of course the odds that some team is willing to compensate Denver in a way that would be even a little financially better for Denver involving DT is pretty slim. Going to be a "sad" off season I think for Denver fans because there is just no way we don`t lose some big fan favorites and talent. The draft and depth on this team will be key components going forward.

 

[cdumler7]

Yeah I know we`ve had this conversation not long ago and there still is the possibility a trade involving DT could still happen where the other team absorbs some of the salary. Defense wins championships and I think keeping that D together as much as possible is essential in competing for another SB. I agree though that DT is still one of the best wrs out there even with his "off" year ( which was still 1300 yds I believe) but if you can work a deal in a trade involving him, then to me it makes more sense to sacrifice on the O-side of ball and keep the young players on the D side like Jackson,Trev, Marshall, Roby,Webster,etc together if you want to compete for another SB. Of course the odds that some team is willing to compensate Denver in a way that would be even a little financially better for Denver involving DT is pretty slim. Going to be a "sad" off season I think for Denver fans because there is just no way we don`t lose some big fan favorites and talent. The draft and depth on this team will be key components going forward.

I agree there are going to have to be some tough decisions. To me if you want to keep the defense together then Brock Osweiler is not our Qb in 2016. That is the only way numbers wise I can make that work. Good chance he is making $10-12 million this next year. He could probably ask for more if he wanted. But that is what Malik will want in a contract. So it is either Osweiler or Malik in my opinion. So then what do you do with the QB position? Well there will maybe be a couple of options.

1) Kaepernick/RGIII--Good chance both of these guys are hitting the open market and both should be able to be had for cheap. Both can fit in the ZBS that Kubiak wants to run. Can they though take the coaching that is needed to make this work? Not sure.

2) Draft--Good chance that Wentz and Goff are for sure gone before our pick. They would have to have a ridiculously terrible draft season to fall to us. Lynch is the guy that could maybe make it to our pick or that we would be willing to trade up for. He actually fits what Kubiak loves in a QB but man is he raw. Then there is Connor Cook usually rated next. Not a great leader from what I understand but does have a decent arm. I can't see Elway interested in this kid as he knows the value of leadership at the QB position. Christian Hackenberg though is one that should intrigue Bronco fans if Osweiler is not resigned. When he had an NFL caliber coach working with him he was a sure fire 1st overall pick. Had a terrible team around him and just looked like he lost his edge. Maybe signing with the Broncos where he doesn't have to go out and dominate from day 1 but can be that game manager as he learns the game is just what he needs to find success.

3) Others in FA--Not a ton of other great options. Fitzpatrick most likely signs with the Jets. Chase Daniel could be an interesting guy to bring in and compete but I just don't see him as a long-term solution.

 

[randymon]

I would like to give a shout out to LeVar Arrington who was one of a very,very few that said Denver would win this game and Miller would get MVP. To all the rest of the majority of all the sports media sites,programs etc................You can . Best SB win for a Bronco`s fan imo because of all the hate and negatives that were thrown at them in this match up and of just the total dominance of that Defense. Huge team win all around. Proud is such an understatement.

 

[Malibu]

The special teams in the playoffs with that great defense and just good enough running game was the key to success. That was a huge play by Norwood.

 

[SteelersPride]

This is because the Broncos have many talented players making plays - on most occasions during the season - the Broncos had Miller play contain, or was in coverage or was rushing during an obvious pass situation - most of the teams ran away from where Miller was - hence less tackles.

Still would that more than 35 , but congrats , nice watching that d

 

[Malibu]

I agree there are going to have to be some tough decisions. To me if you want to keep the defense together then Brock Osweiler is not our Qb in 2016. That is the only way numbers wise I can make that work. Good chance he is making $10-12 million this next year. He could probably ask for more if he wanted. But that is what Malik will want in a contract. So it is either Osweiler or Malik in my opinion. So then what do you do with the QB position? Well there will maybe be a couple of options.

1) Kaepernick/RGIII--Good chance both of these guys are hitting the open market and both should be able to be had for cheap. Both can fit in the ZBS that Kubiak wants to run. Can they though take the coaching that is needed to make this work? Not sure.

2) Draft--Good chance that Wentz and Goff are for sure gone before our pick. They would have to have a ridiculously terrible draft season to fall to us. Lynch is the guy that could maybe make it to our pick or that we would be willing to trade up for. He actually fits what Kubiak loves in a QB but man is he raw. Then there is Connor Cook usually rated next. Not a great leader from what I understand but does have a decent arm. I can't see Elway interested in this kid as he knows the value of leadership at the QB position. Christian Hackenberg though is one that should intrigue Bronco fans if Osweiler is not resigned. When he had an NFL caliber coach working with him he was a sure fire 1st overall pick. Had a terrible team around him and just looked like he lost his edge. Maybe signing with the Broncos where he doesn't have to go out and dominate from day 1 but can be that game manager as he learns the game is just what he needs to find success.

3) Others in FA--Not a ton of other great options. Fitzpatrick most likely signs with the Jets. Chase Daniel could be an interesting guy to bring in and compete but I just don't see him as a long-term solution.

I'm not a fan of RG3 or Kapepernick being a Bronco. I have 0 faith in either of them. To much of a media circuss with RG3 and I still believe he can't read a defense at all.

 

[randymon]

I agree there are going to have to be some tough decisions. To me if you want to keep the defense together then Brock Osweiler is not our Qb in 2016. That is the only way numbers wise I can make that work. Good chance he is making $10-12 million this next year. He could probably ask for more if he wanted. But that is what Malik will want in a contract. So it is either Osweiler or Malik in my opinion. So then what do you do with the QB position? Well there will maybe be a couple of options.

1) Kaepernick/RGIII--Good chance both of these guys are hitting the open market and both should be able to be had for cheap. Both can fit in the ZBS that Kubiak wants to run. Can they though take the coaching that is needed to make this work? Not sure.

2) Draft--Good chance that Wentz and Goff are for sure gone before our pick. They would have to have a ridiculously terrible draft season to fall to us. Lynch is the guy that could maybe make it to our pick or that we would be willing to trade up for. He actually fits what Kubiak loves in a QB but man is he raw. Then there is Connor Cook usually rated next. Not a great leader from what I understand but does have a decent arm. I can't see Elway interested in this kid as he knows the value of leadership at the QB position. Christian Hackenberg though is one that should intrigue Bronco fans if Osweiler is not resigned. When he had an NFL caliber coach working with him he was a sure fire 1st overall pick. Had a terrible team around him and just looked like he lost his edge. Maybe signing with the Broncos where he doesn't have to go out and dominate from day 1 but can be that game manager as he learns the game is just what he needs to find success.

3) Others in FA--Not a ton of other great options. Fitzpatrick most likely signs with the Jets. Chase Daniel could be an interesting guy to bring in and compete but I just don't see him as a long-term solution.

Unless Oz decides he doesn`t "want" to play in Denver, then there is absolutely no way Oz isn`t the qb next yr. I think Elway just might be a little wiser than us and could pull off some slick wheeling and dealing and find a way to keep Jackson. He (Elway ) does have the pedigree and reputation me thinks to navigate these FA flood waters and come out looking like a genius once again my friends. Let the games begin!!!!

 

[cdumler7]

Unless Oz decides he doesn`t "want" to play in Denver, then there is absolutely no way Oz isn`t the qb next yr. I think Elway just might be a little wiser than us and could pull off some slick wheeling and dealing and find a way to keep Jackson. He (Elway ) does have the pedigree and reputation me thinks to navigate these FA flood waters and come out looking like a genius once again my friends. Let the games begin!!!!

I'm torn on what Jackson will want. He has come out and said "He wants to get paid!" He has been the one player that hasn't really said he is willing to give much of a discount to the Broncos and well so far we have seen with Elway that he has a value set in his head and it isn't the top of the market value for a player unless they are Von Miller type of guy and while Malik is great he isn't to that level.

At the same time he has said quite a few times he would love to stay in Denver and I think winning a Super Bowl with this group of guys that he loves so much maybe he decides there is no better place for him to be. I mean he goes to a bottom feeder team like Julius last year and while he will still be a great player won't even get close to the recognition that he could in Denver.

To me though just crunching the numbers unless Elway does some interesting things Cap wise I'm just having a hard time. I guess what they could do is cut Manning (or he retire) and that is Von's contract. They can cut Ware and that becomes Malik's contract. And then restructure a couple of contracts plus cut Clady and that becomes Osweiler's contract. Then you bank on Ty Sambrailo holding down the LT spot, try to draft a RT to take over for Schofield as I can't see him being our long-term solution or re-sign Harris and have him start there for cheap and you go with it. I'm really hoping though for us to keep both Clady and Ware. I'm hoping both are willing to renegotiate their contracts. We just can't justify keeping them at the price we are paying them. Same with Vasquez (going to make over $6 million this upcoming season) and Colquitt. Elway is really going to have to turn on the charm to get these guys to stay together.

 

[58crash]

I just cannot get over the fact that this Broncos team was able to pull it off with an offense that was about as anemic as the Craig Morton offenses. 1 for 14 on third downs last night. Second worst in the NFL as far as 3 and outs. The worst statistical QB in league ranked 33rd.

It truly is unreal. Told friends last night that the ONE chance they had was getting the Panthers out of that comfort zone. The panthers had been steam rolling teams in the play offs and there were very few nail biting games for them all year. Where as the Broncos have really been doing this ALL YEAR. Low and behold the Panthers were in a game (Cam) that brought them out of their comfort level. Playing right into what Broncos have been doing all season. That fumble at the end where our hearts were in our throats......you can just see Cam Newtons attempt at getting the fumble. He was just in a mental funk and I credit that to the factors I mentioned. I still cannot believe it really. What a difference a great defense makes.

Having said that, I am hoping key pieces are back with the OL. Clady for one....along with some potential free agents and draft picks. If the offense improves and it really should with an upgrade at the OL, this team could really be a dynasty. Not kidding.

Still cannot believe they pulled it off.

Tim Tebow would of been a huge up grade ...and yes I am some what kidding ...

 

[iknowftbll]

I don't want to see DT traded. He is a game changer on offense despite the quiet season. I think a complete off season under Kubiak's system, attending OTAs and training camp, maybe even working out with Oz* will pay some huge dividends on that side of the ball.

*I am assuming Oz will be offered some type of extension that will be reflective of his value but at the same time somewhat team friendly. I do think he's earned an extension. He went 5-2 as the starter for the Broncos and was a vital part of the Super Bowl run. He showed he does not get rattled and was definitely up for the challenge of being the leader on the offense.

On defense I believe we will be wishing Jackson and Trevathon farewell. It sucks but I just don't see the team being able to pay all these guys. We've got some guys that I believe can step in for Trevathon but I think they are going to need to address Jackson's departure through the draft or FA.

The bottom line is this: I believe this team is going to be a very solid roster top to bottom in 2016. Assuming Jackson and Trevathon depart, that's still 9 of 11 starters returning on defense. On offense, Clady, Sambo, and Heuerman returning from injury really bolster a unit that really needs very little tweaking this off season. The added time in the system and more mobile QB better suited for the system will pay its dividends. Oz approaching the offseason as the 2016 starter will pay dividends as well. I know there will be some new faces but this looks like it is going to be a very strong roster in 2016.

 

[cdumler7]

A guy who I think could really surprise and while not as good as Malik can still do well is Kenny Ananike. Throw in the drafts deepest position is at the DT/DE position. Again to me it is Osweiler or Malik. Very hard to keep both

 

[megalodon30]

Again to me it is Osweiler or Malik. Very hard to keep both

If it were up to me and we could only keep one, I say sign Malik. Let someone else give a fairly unproven QB a big bag of money. [Cough] Kevin Kolb, [cough] Matt Flynn [cough]

 

[iknowftbll]

A guy who I think could really surprise and while not as good as Malik can still do well is Kenny Ananike. Throw in the drafts deepest position is at the DT/DE position. Again to me it is Osweiler or Malik. Very hard to keep both

In that case keep Osweiler because there is a scarcity of high quality QBs in the league. Oz gave us a very good sampling of what he can do. And you are likely right about Ananike. Jackson is easier to replace than Manning/Oz. And that's a tough statement to make because he thrived this year.