• Are some in the media seriously asking if the Chargers should fire coach Norv Turner after 3 weeks, and a 1-2 record? The answer is yes.
• LG Ben Hamilton has yet to see the field, and now the question is if he ever will suit up in 2007. “I’m just keeping my fingers crossed,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “It’s getting a little scary now. It’s been awhile.”
• As Jon commented after his injury post, it looks like Jay Cutler should be ready to practice Wednesday. Hopefully the headsets will be working then too. Cross your fingers.
• The Broncos have worries in every phase. The run defense, the red zone offense, special teams… my solutions to each are simple: hold a freaking gap, Travis Henry, and kidnap Domenik Hixon. Or at least give him wrong directions to the stadium.
• If you’re a Kansas City Chiefs fan, it might be a bad idea to stroll onto the field illegally, or the Kansas City Wolf may get you.
• It looks like Raiders coach Lane Kiffin learns quickly – do as Shanahan do, and you’ll be okay most of the time.

1. Indianapolis Colts (3-0) | PREVIOUS: 1

I really, really hate these guys. Let’s beat ’em for once, eh Broncos?

2. New England Patriots (3-0) | PREVIOUS: 2

38-14. 38-14. 38-7. These guys need to slow down.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) | PREVIOUS: 3

I don’t think the Steelers are as good as some, it just seems like the entire league is faulty at this point except for the five unbeaten teams.

4. Dallas Cowboys (3-0) | PREVIOUS: 7

Nice statement win by the Cowboys to “take over” the NFC.

5. Green Bay Packers (3-0) | PREVIOUS: 12

Brett Favre and company look like the real deal.
Click here to read the rest of this entry »

We’ve all broken down the negatives from this weekend’s past game – the pass protection, the defensive line getting off their blocks, the gap commitment, inability to cover the tight end… yeah, you get the picture. Despite losing handily to the Jaguars at home, there are still several positives worth noting as the team prepares for Indianapolis and The Champs.

1. Brandon Marshall is the next big-time star wide receiver in the NFL

Anyone who watched the game saw that this was pretty apparent. Brandon Marshall tore up the Jacksonville secondary, converting consecutive third downs for big yardage plays and simply dominating his opponent. With his size and speed, he is living up to the “Baby T.O.” nickname he has been given.

After Javon Walker was virtually shut out of the game last week (being covered by Rashean Mathis, arguably the league’s second best corner), Marshall now leads the team in receiving yards. I expect Walker to be the team’s true #1, but Marshall has shown he can get the job done.

2. Jay Cutler is really the real deal

Really. We have a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback at the helm at last, and this team is in for huge seasons in the future. Cutler can get away with throwing across his body to make the big plays and throwing off his back foot to avoid the pressure. His arm strength and accuracy are unbelievable, and he has been able to drive this offense like the well-oiled machine it is (at most times). This kid is special, plain and simple.

3. Elvis Dumervil is a force to be reckoned with

Two sacks in consecutive games brings this talented second year player to 4 for the year, placing him second in the league. Elvis Dumervil may not be the prolific run stopper the team yearns for now, but not since Trevor Pryce went down all those years ago have the Broncos had this kind of pass rush threat.

Once Tim Crowder hits the field at full force, this defensive line could improve in a hurry.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Several weeks ago, I was approached by the guys over at 80108 Media about writing content for their text message service. 80108 Media actually has a bunch of writers that all report on local or national topics. Anyone with a phone that supports text messaging can sign up for free and pick the topics they want to get delivered right to their phones (or mobile devices).

For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been writing my opinions leading up the Denver games as well as my thoughts after each contest. As these are designed to be sent via a phone, we are limited to two or three boxes of 160 characters each. To give you an example of how really small that is, this post is over 1450 characters long.

So, I find it somewhat challenging to get my opinions and interesting news into 160 characters of text. But, heck, it’s a cool idea they have over at 80108 Media. I like that they don’t just want to give you scoring updates, but actual fan insight and thoughts. It makes their service unique I my opinion. I’ll even forgive the Head of Content for being a Patriots fan! :)

If you’re interested in seeing what type of things I have been fitting into 160 characters of text, check out there online version of the text messages called thumbcasts (normally received by your phone if you sign up).

It’s definitely not comparible to the awesome coverage here on BroncoTalk but, come on, what is?

-Jonathan Douglas
–BroncoTalk.net

Historically, the Denver Broncos have enjoyed one of the fiercest home field advantages in the NFL. Visiting teams to Mile High Stadium speak of the intimidating crowds, the oxygen-deprived elevation, and the greeting they are presented with as they exit the locker room and enter the field, reminding them that they are 5,280 feet above sea level. The Broncos are one of the winningest teams in the league at home historically, and have gone undefeated in home games as recently as 2005.

So where has this home field advantage gone?

The Broncos have lost 5 of their last 7 home games, many of these games to teams that had no business beating the team, home or away. Take a look at the last 7 home games for the Broncos:

2006 Week 8 – Indianapolis 34, Denver 31 – The Broncos lead at halftime 14-6, but Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne torch the Broncos defense for three touchdowns in the second half as Adam Vinatieri kicks the game winner in the closing minutes. The Broncos fall to 5-2.

2006 Week 11 – San Diego 35, Denver 27 – Another big halftime lead as two 7-2 AFC West teams took the field on Sunday Night Football. After leading 24-7, Ladainian Tomlinson ran wild for 3 rushing touchdowns to close the gap in the final 20 minutes of the game, and the Broncos lost a second straight home game.

2006 Week 13 – Seattle 23, Denver 20 – The story is beginning to get old. The Broncos lead at halftime in Jay Cutler‘s debut, but blow it and get beat in the end on a last second field goal. The Broncos are now on a 3-game skid at home.

2006 Week 16 – Cincinnati 23, Denver 24 – The Bengals and Broncos play a good game, and in the final minutes the Bengals look to tie it up. A botched snap at the point after attempt saves the Broncos from another potential disappointing home loss as the teams would have been headed into overtime.

2006 Week 17 – San Francisco 26, Denver 23 – The game that sent the Broncos home for the postseason. After a long overtime struggle, the 49ers pull through and Joe Nedney gives the Broncos their 4th home loss of the season.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

In addition to getting beaten badly on Sunday, we will also be dealing with some injuries this week. Most notably would be Jay Cutler who is said to have a ‘minor’ ankle sprain. John Lynch, who has lbeen a much needed leader on the defense so far this season, was lost for the game after suffering a groin injury. Both of them will be examined today with details on their returns and/or availablity versus Indy coming this afternoon.

If I had a guess, I would say Cutler plays but Lynch has to sit out. Lynch’s absence is tough on the safety unit, as Hamza Abdullah (hip) and Domonique Foxworth (ankle) are also out with injuries. Curome Cox filled in on Sunday for Lynch, but if Lynch can’t play this Sunday, the team might be forced to promote Steve Cargile from the practice squad for the Indy game.

Also injured on Sunday was FB and special teamer Paul Smith. He suffered a pinched nerve in his neck and did not return to the game.

I’m steamed!!!

I watched the game today at my favorite sports restaurant (Beef ‘O Brady’s for anyone that wants to check it out). I sat right next to a very nice family of Jacksonville fans… I guess I’m glad someone got to go home happy — because I didn’t.

My main complaint throughout the game was our lack of control at the line of scrimmage. I felt like Cutler was rushed on nearly every play. Everyone along the line looked like they were getting pushed backwards into the pocket and we had NO running lanes. I mean, when the last time Denver’s star RB was held to 35 yards!? 35 yards!?!

I know that defensively we have struggled to stop the run, but allowing Jacksonville to gain 186 yards is abysmal. And in addition to allowing 186 yards rushing, we couldn’t get pressure on David Gerrard to save our lives. It seemed like Gerrard had ALL DAY in the pocket. Elvis Dumervil recorded 2 sacks, but they were most certainly the exception.

I’m so angry about our terrible line-play, I’m not even going to mention our special teams failures.

Unless we want to get blooded by Indy next week, our number one priority MUST be improving our Offensive and Defensive lines.

I’ll write more once I calm down…

In the end, the mistakes, penalties and plain inability to stop the run were too much for the Denver Broncos as they fell to Jacksonville 14-23. Both teams now sit at 2-1.

Ball control doomed the Broncos in the end, who had 21:18 of ball possession compared to the Jaguars’ 38:42. Special teams was a factor again, with a Domenik Hixon fumble resulting in 3 Jaguars points to start the second half, along with a big return by Maurice Jones-Drew leading to a Jacksonville touchdown in the first half.

The Jaguars defense stuffed Travis Henry, holding him to 35 yards on 11 carries. Javon Walker was also a non-factor, catching two balls for 10 yards.

I can already smell the 4th quarter controversy brewing regarding Mike Shanahan‘s 4th and 5 call deep in Denver territory at the 9 yard line with over 4 minutes left. I want to tell you my take right now. I loved the call. Loved it. The rush defense of the Broncos was abysmal – hell, the defense overall was bad. He put the ball in Cutler‘s hand, who threw a beautiful toss to Daniel Graham. If Graham holds onto that ball, we’re talking about a Denver win, it’s that simple.

The Broncos now head into the toughest portion of their schedule – at Indianapolis, against the 1-2 San Diego Chargers at home, then their bye before the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers come to town.

What are your thoughts on the game?  The Jaguars are renowned for playing up and down to the level of competition.  Did we lose to a good team that showed up to play?  Or are we not as good a team as many expected, and can consider ourselves lucky to even be 2-1?

The Jaguars lead the Broncos 17-7 after the unimpressive showing of the Broncos defense.  The running game of the Broncos has yet to find its rhythm as well, and now the Broncos have dug themselves a hole they’ll have to work hard to overcome.

The stat of the half: the Broncos have run 16 offensive plays.  The Jaguars have run 38.

The defense isn’t able to stop the run – 109 yards on the ground so far for the Jags.   Meanwhile, Denver has only managed 18 yards on 6 carries.

Rookie RB Selvin Young had a huge carry that went for a ton of yards, but he fumbled in Jacksonville territory and it was recovered by Jacksonville DT Marcus Stroud.  The Broncos one scoring drive was completely orchestrated through the hands of Brandon Marshall, who had two third down grabs and has 95 yards receiving for the half.

We need to stop the run.  The Jaguars are able to slowly, methodically, march down the field.  And David Garrard is playing smart football, throwing the ball away instead of trying to beat Champ Bailey or Dre Bly.  Better play by the defensive line and linebackers and we can still win this game.

vs.
Denver Broncos (2-0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

Sunday, September 23, 2007 – 2:05 PM MT
Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium
CBS 4 | 850 AM | Sirius 140

In a few short hours, the Broncos and Jaguars will do battle at Invesco Field at Mile High. To get you set for the game, check out our coverage throughout the week:

• Jon’s Breakdown – Things I’m Looking Forward to vs. Jacksonville
• Complete Scouting Report
• For some fans, Jacksonville still personal
• Five Steps to Lose the Game
• Game Preview
• Or check out the Jaguars Category to get only game content and scroll through everything!

Weather Report

Full Weather Report from weather.com
Cloudy, 75°, 15 mph winds

Injury Report

JAC – OUT – C Brad Meester (ankle); K Josh Scobee (R quad). DOUBTFUL – DT John Henderson (head). PROBABLE – CB Brian Williams (ankle); TE Greg Estandia (Illness); DT Clint Ingram (Ankle); WR Matt Jones (Heel); DT Tony McDaniel (Knee); G Chris Naeole (back).

DEN – OUT – S Hamza Abdullah (hip); G Ben Hamilton (concussion); T Ryan Harris (Back). QUESTIONABLE – TE Stephen Alexander (Calf); CB Domonique Foxworth (Ankle). PROBABLE – CB Dre’ Bly (Shoulder); WOLB Ian Gold (Ankle) – Probable.

Expert Picks

kmonty – Broncos
J. Douglas – Broncos
TheSportsGuru (MHR) – Broncos
Sharpe – Broncos
Brandt – Broncos
Kirwan – Broncos
Ryan – Jaguars
Rice – Broncos
Johnston – Jaguars
Hagen/LeGreca – Broncos
McGovern – Broncos
Miller – Broncos
Murray – Broncos
Schein – Broncos
Wilcots – Broncos
Theismann – Broncos
Salisbury – Broncos
Hoge – Broncos
Jaworski – Broncos
Schlereth – Broncos
Allen – Broncos
Mortensen – Broncos
Golic – Jaguars