Observations from the Dolphins game.

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

The Broncos are not playing at a SB level right now. Heck maybe not even a division winning level. A lot of football left to play and if the O-Line plays like they did yesterday we can still win the last game of the season.

A lot of Dolphin fans in the crowd. I can't remember that many opposing fans at a Bronco home game in a long time.

The O-Line played better. Anytime you run for 200 yards your line had a good day.

These slow starts have to stop.

Please quit throwing that bubble screen to Tamme. For that matter quit throwing 20 screens a game.

The defense has plenty of talent and are under performing. IMO the real problem is JDR's defense. I will be surprised if Tre makes a big difference. It will be good to have him back though.

In the second half R. Moore was literally playing over the center 25-30 yards down field. I watched the game on TV today and many many times, he wasn't even in the shot he was so far back. He came up late 3 or 4 times when he could have made a play due to his depth. I don't buy that teams have to throw because they're behind, you have good pass D or you don't. Besides they have been behind early lately anyway.

Even though 3rd down conversions were a bit better yesterday, that is a bit deceiving. The first three TD drives for the Fins (in fact the first 3 of 4 drives the D gave up a long TD drive) the Bronco D forced Miami into a total of 3 third downs. Two third and 3's, and a third and 1. The Broncos only forced one three and out all day. Not exactly what Elway had in mind spending all that money on the D in the offseason.

As I said we still have a good team we they just need to play a complete game and play to their potential on D. JDR needs to get it together.

 

[DownSetHutch]

Very good post, HOF. You mentioned a couple of things that I forgot to point out - the slow starts and the bubble screens. Both are coaching issues, IMO.

One other thing that I also forgot to mention - some fans have noted that Von Miller has been misused in having been dropped into coverage on a lot of pass plays. I agree with this and would add that he has also been misused in goal-line situations too. He was on the left side of the line on a goal-line play yesterday. A) He is just too small to be effective in this situation, and B) He would be the perfect player to fly up over the line and meet a RB head on that was trying to dive over the pile. I hope JDR starts to figure out better ways to use the defensive personnel.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

Very good post, HOF. You mentioned a couple of things that I forgot to point out - the slow starts and the bubble screens. Both are coaching issues, IMO.

One other thing that I also forgot to mention - some fans have noted that Von Miller has been misused in having been dropped into coverage on a lot of pass plays. I agree with this and would add that he has also been misused in goal-line situations too. He was on the left side of the line on a goal-line play yesterday. A) He is just too small to be effective in this situation, and B) He would be the perfect player to fly up over the line and meet a RB head on that was trying to dive over the pile. I hope JDR starts to figure out better ways to use the defensive personnel.

I agree DSH. Von and Ware have been in coverage far too much. JDR is like a mad scientist with these crazy zone blitzes and coverages. We have the horses, just let them do what they do and stop trying to trick people. They really don't need to.

 

[randymon]

I agree DSH. Von and Ware have been in coverage far too much. JDR is like a mad scientist with these crazy zone blitzes and coverages. We have the horses, just let them do what they do and stop trying to trick people. They really don't need to.

Well I agree on the Moore observation and pretty much most of recent posts have touched on playing tighter coverage and the other issues but was wondering who you would have covering the rb/ te/wr when you have a spread formation. Except for Trevor the linebackers core is all suspect in coverage. That's the prob. Miller has more speed than any of them. It's a week spot and there is no good scenario in till Trevor gets back and even with him, Denver just doesn't have the personnel in that area of the field. Maybe you guys should fax John with your line up and position players. I certainly would love to hear how you guys would play it instead.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

Well I agree on the Moore observation and pretty much most of recent posts have touched on playing tighter coverage and the other issues but was wondering who you would have covering the rb/ te/wr when you have a spread formation. Except for Trevor the linebackers core is all suspect in coverage. That's the prob. Miller has more speed than any of them. It's a week spot and there is no good scenario in till Trevor gets back and even with him, Denver just doesn't have the personnel in that area of the field. Maybe you guys should fax John with your line up and position players. I certainly would love to hear how you guys would play it instead.

Across the front I would play left to right Wolfe, Sly, Knighton and Ware. Very rarely would I drop into zone blitzes. At least 4 times Ware covered Gronk. Really JDR?! You also have good depth with M. Jackson, Austin and Q Smith. Crush the pocket.

At LB you have Von, Irving and Marshal who can all run. I would move around Von and bring him on at least 75% of passing downs. Don't give the QB time to find anyone down field. On passing downs take out Marshall and bring in Roby to cover the TE or the RB depending on match ups. If they are in a trips or empty backfield you have Talib (who has consistently been playing 5-7 yards off which is ridiculous), Harris, Roby, Ward and Moore. You can also sub Ward for Webster in coverage. You then would have a front 4 who can push the pocket with Ware and Miller coming after the QB. With the athletes we have in the defensive backfield you play tight man, smother them. I would rather get beat once in a while over the top then see Von and Ware backing off into coverage, rushing three giving up 3rd down after third down. If you hit any QB enough they're not going to be consistent and most aren't going to play too well.

I know you have to mix it up but JDR plays way too passive for me. You're not paying Von and Ware to cover people. Play aggressive and let your guys play. I think they have the perfect talent to play that way.

 

[iknowftbll]

I know you have to mix it up but JDR plays way too passive for me. You're not paying Von and Ware to cover people. Play aggressive and let your guys play. I think they have the perfect talent to play that way.

Good thing JDR isn't calling offensive formations. We'd see Manning at wideout!

 

[Malibu]

I agree with what everybody posted. All great points. Von Miller and Demarcus Ware in pass coverage is basically taking away with what they do best and that is rush the passer. That's why I thought Ware was brought in for. I do believe Trevathon back will help some of the coverage issues in the middle of field as well. Yes the CB's aren't as aggressive as I think they can be but like many of you said that's all on J.D.R. One thing that hasn't been mentioned above that bugs me is TD's the Broncos give up before the end of halves. It would be nice to see the Dolphins not get that last TD to have a game come down to an onside kick. The defense at that time needs to step on there throat and just end it. The running game and o line played great. Pass blocking will always be better when you don't pass the ball every down and the defense just cant pin there ears back and go at Manning. It all comes down to play calling. As long as C.J. Anderson, Hillman, or Thompson carry the ball the running game if they stick to it will be just fine. The play calling by Gase was good all game except for a 3rd and 1 pass on the 1st drive of the 2nd half after Denver was running the ball down there throats. K.C. will be a good test for the Broncos. Sorry for the typing errors since some of you feel the need to point out things I post but I'm dead tired. Have a great day!!!

 

[randymon]

Across the front I would play left to right Wolfe, Sly, Knighton and Ware. Very rarely would I drop into zone blitzes. At least 4 times Ware covered Gronk. Really JDR?! You also have good depth with M. Jackson, Austin and Q Smith. Crush the pocket.

At LB you have Von, Irving and Marshal who can all run. I would move around Von and bring him on at least 75% of passing downs. Don't give the QB time to find anyone down field. On passing downs take out Marshall and bring in Roby to cover the TE or the RB depending on match ups. If they are in a trips or empty backfield you have Talib (who has consistently been playing 5-7 yards off which is ridiculous), Harris, Roby, Ward and Moore. You can also sub Ward for Webster in coverage. You then would have a front 4 who can push the pocket with Ware and Miller coming after the QB. With the athletes we have in the defensive backfield you play tight man, smother them. I would rather get beat once in a while over the top then see Von and Ware backing off into coverage, rushing three giving up 3rd down after third down. If you hit any QB enough they're not going to be consistent and most aren't going to play too well.

I know you have to mix it up but JDR plays way too passive for me. You're not paying Von and Ware to cover people. Play aggressive and let your guys play. I think they have the perfect talent to play that way.

Well put HOF and it makes alot of sense too. I for one am always wondering why Rio doesn`t play tighter coveragte especially on 3rd downs when you know their just going for the yrd stick. Good job. You need a job?

 

[cdumler7]

I agree with what everybody posted. All great points. Von Miller and Demarcus Ware in pass coverage is basically taking away with what they do best and that is rush the passer. That's why I thought Ware was brought in for. I do believe Trevathon back will help some of the coverage issues in the middle of field as well. Yes the CB's aren't as aggressive as I think they can be but like many of you said that's all on J.D.R. One thing that hasn't been mentioned above that bugs me is TD's the Broncos give up before the end of halves. It would be nice to see the Dolphins not get that last TD to have a game come down to an onside kick. The defense at that time needs to step on there throat and just end it. The running game and o line played great. Pass blocking will always be better when you don't pass the ball every down and the defense just cant pin there ears back and go at Manning. It all comes down to play calling. As long as C.J. Anderson, Hillman, or Thompson carry the ball the running game if they stick to it will be just fine. The play calling by Gase was good all game except for a 3rd and 1 pass on the 1st drive of the 2nd half after Denver was running the ball down there throats. K.C. will be a good test for the Broncos. Sorry for the typing errors since some of you feel the need to point out things I post but I'm dead tired. Have a great day!!!

You must be really tired since you forgot your call sign of "Just saying." From everything I have read it looks like the run game is here to stay. I think Gase and others finally got the message that if we want to see the offense have success we must actually choose to run the football. The OL players like Franklin after said don't think this run game is just going to disappear.

For me the biggest fear that I have for the offensive side of the ball is that of Julius Thomas coming back and us still trying to run the football to only see him miss an easy block leading to lost yards setting our offense back. I honestly would not be upset if we kept with the offense that we had and use Julius more as a red zone threat when we get into that area.

 

[TDs3nOut]

You must be really tired since you forgot your call sign of "Just saying." From everything I have read it looks like the run game is here to stay. I think Gase and others finally got the message that if we want to see the offense have success we must actually choose to run the football. The OL players like Franklin after said don't think this run game is just going to disappear.

For me the biggest fear that I have for the offensive side of the ball is that of Julius Thomas coming back and us still trying to run the football to only see him miss an easy block leading to lost yards setting our offense back. I honestly would not be upset if we kept with the offense that we had and use Julius more as a red zone threat when we get into that area.

I like seeing Julius lined up out wide.

 

[Broncosr0k]

I like seeing Julius lined up out wide.

Switch out Welker and J. Thomas maybe.

 

[cdumler7]

Switch out Welker and J. Thomas maybe.

I actually had heard there is rumor of this maybe happening so you guys might not be too far off. My biggest concern there is the 3rd down plays that Welker finds a way of getting open for Manning. J. Thomas just does not do much between the 20's for this offense. His best work is around the goal line which is why I recommended just bringing him in on the Red Zone area.

 

[Broncosr0k]

CJ Anderson can be great in the redzone as well. Not only in run but in pass. Teams may be so focused on stopping Thomas and Thomas that they overlook a relative unknown like Anderson. Moreno did phenomenal last year in the passing game as well. I think Anderson could have potential to have success there.

 

[cdumler7]

CJ Anderson can be great in the redzone as well. Not only in run but in pass. Teams may be so focused on stopping Thomas and Thomas that they overlook a relative unknown like Anderson. Moreno did phenomenal last year in the passing game as well. I think Anderson could have potential to have success there.

He did go 4 catches on 4 targets on Sunday so yeah I think Anderson could find a bigger role in the pass game as the season progresses. To me this is where the offense can really make it that much more difficult for teams to cover in mixing it up with Anderson and then also Green going out on some routes. So far this year when Green has played he has rarely gone out for a pass but is used almost exclusively for blocking. I would love to save some plays for the playoffs especially against NE where he fakes the block then goes out for a route. Have to remember when he was actually drafted he was more known as a pass catching TE that needed to work on his blocking. Now he is quickly in my opinion becoming known as one of the best blocking TE's in the NFL. He has great height, hands, and speed though to be a pass catcher in my opinion. So again save some of that for the playoffs but would love to see the team mix some of that plus instead of the screen plays to the receivers do the double screen of the fake to the receiver while having Anderson slip out the other way and have Manning turn around and throw it to him. Again just a few little things to add to the offense that make it where defenses have to game plan that much more for things.

 

[HOF-ELWAY-7]

I know there is a bit of a unique skill set for a good slot WR but I would like to see Latimer get a chance. He played very well in the preseason. Throw him in the slot. He's got quick feet and hips which are vital to a slot WR.

I like Welker a lot but I think he's really had too many concussions and wear and tear . He's just not the same player.

 

[randymon]

I just hope we see what we did last Sunday ( offensively wise ) the rest of the yr. If Denver continues to stay balanced, it will open up so many more plays. They need to throw in some different looks every week in the run game to keep teams from game filming them. Hate to keep saying this but NE has done it very effectively in their resurgence. Every week they add a different wrinkle to keep the D`s guessing and off balance. We all know how much a solid run game opens up the play action and also the double move for the home run hit. I just have a good feeling now about this offense going forward. Need Jack to step it up on his end as well and play smart,aggressive , press D and stop this 29 pt avg they`ve been giving up of late. A succsessful run game should also help on that side of ball. IMO