A week ago, I gave the Top 10 Reasons We’ll Win the AFC West. So what’s stopping us from doing just that? I’d been planning these two Top 10s for months now, and I’ve been looking forward to doing them back-to-back like this. Some of these reasons are division-specific, i.e., they have to do with the other teams in the AFC West. Some focus on our games elsewhere. And some of them focus on our team itself. If we can overcome these obstacles, we’ll be that much closer to taking the title back from those damned Chargers.

10) Improved Chiefs Defense

With the additions of Alfonso Boone and Donnie Edwards, the Chiefs made it clear that their focus would be on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. While everone’s talking about the fall of their offense (and rightfully so), I wouldn’t sleep on the Chiefs defense. With a solid pass rush in Tamba Hali and Jared Allen both returning this season (although Allen is serving a 4-game suspension), along with the second-best cornerback tandem in the league in Ty Law and Patrick Surtain, it will be hard to throw the ball against the Chiefs. With Boone clogging the middle and Edwards, who I’ve always felt was underrated in San Diego, doing his thing sideline to sideline, I expect the Chiefs defense to be much better than it was in 06.

9) A boy name Croyle

It seems every year, one team in the AFC West is looking toward a quarterback who hasn’t started a game for them to start on Day 1 and lead them to a division title. While last year’s Philip Rivers experiment went wonderfully for San Diego (more on that later), history shows us that the move isn’t always as successful (a la our very own Broncos with Jake Plummer – while a good move, not at that level with the Rivers move). Well, Kansas City is hoping they can catch lightning in a bottle with their second round pick from last year, Brodie Croyle. The Trent Green to Miami saga boringly continues without news, and word from KC is that they are willing to give Croyle is shot over Damon Huard, who performed very well for the Chiefs last year. Originally scouted at the same level as our own Jay Cutler, Croyle could be a star, but injury concerns are very legitimate and Chiefs have to worry if he can stay healthy for that long.

8) The Colts

“Oh, so the Broncos are playing the Colts again this year? Add a mark to the ‘L’ column.” This is how it’s been for years – our only victory against them was in a week 17 means-nothing-for-them but-everything-for-us contest where we ended up playing them the next week and getting our asses handed. As competitive as I expect this division to be (especially between the Chargers and ourselves), we can’t afford to just give up a game to the defending champs this year. We’ve got to exercise our Peyton Manning demons if we’re going to make a splash in the postseason.

7) Cutler doesn’t cut it

Settle down Broncos fans – I’m not spewing heresy over here. It’s just that our own golden boy Jay Cutler has yet to prove himself to me. While he has a big arm and good pocket presence, and his stats are all there (hell, he’s already broken a record), he isn’t a winner yet. At 2-3, he needs to show he can lead this team to victory – if he doesn’t do that, we may be waiting another few years for the next quarterback hero to lead us to glory.

6) 4-4 at home

Last year’s .500 record at home was one of the worst in recent Broncos history. Having gone undefeated in the regular season at home last year, our 2006 campaign saw us lose home games to the Colts, Chargers, Seahawks, and… the 49ers. Mile High is one of the loudest stadiums in the league – if we’re going to contend for this division, 1) we sure as hell can’t lost a home game to a division opponent (we only won the other two by a total of 10 points), and 2) we can’t lose at home, or anywhere, to teams we should beat with ease (ahem Niners).

5) Rivers gets better

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Philip Rivers didn’t deserve to go to the Pro Bowl last year, his first year as a starter. Frankly, the Chargers babied their offense for the young QB for much of the season, and when more was placed on his shoulders late in the year, his performance fell. Blame Marty Schottenheimer all you want for the divisional lost last year, Chargers fans, but Rivers couldn’t lead the team down the field the way a Brady or Manning did. All that being said, Rivers did play well, and his passer rating reflects that. If he improves, which he likely will, Broncos fans have a lot to worry about, regardless if they don’t have that pass-catching stud everyone thought they needed.

4) Broncos defense

I love our defense, I do – but I was a huge Darrent Williams fan and a huger Al Wilson fan. With changes all around, sometimes it’s hard for a team to adjust, and that’s what I fear could happen to the Broncos defense this year. I love that we’ve added depth and talent all along the defensive line – easily our biggest weakness over the past four years. I’m nervous about D.J. Williams moving inside and the effect that will have on our linebacking corps – our biggest strength over the years. And what if Dre Bly‘s best years are behind him, or he doesn’t adjust to the new scheme? He’ll get picked on just as much as D-Will did. I’m hoping I’m nervous over nothing, but a suspect defense definitely won’t help us get this title.

3) Chargers Defense

Shawne Merriman is among the best defensive players in all of football. The Chargers defense is one of the fiercest in the league – are Jay Cutler and Travis Henry ready to square up against that type of firepower?

2) Tomlinson has another “one of those” years

God forbid Tomlinson improve on his record-breaking season last year.

I don’t even feel going into too much depth on this one – if Ladainian Tomlinson has another special year this year, it would be an insanely tall task to take the division. If he’s running up and down the field like he did in 2006, it means that the Chargers defense is resting and less weight is put on Rivers’ shoulders – all bad news for Broncos fans.

1) Injuries, Injuries, Injuries

The moment Matt Lepsis fell to injury last year, our team changed. 5-2 up to that point, we went 4-5 down the stretch and wound up out of the playoffs for the first time in 4 years (damn that 4-year curse). One wrong turn of the knee for Travis Henry, or one bad tackle that concusses Jay Cutler, and it’s “better luck next year, Broncos.” While I feel our depth is very good all around, this division is simply too stacked to compete with depth for a title. Staying healthy is the trick for any team – with any luck, the Broncos will be able to overcome these obstacles and retake the AFC West crown.

Overall grim tones in the Top 10 today, but it’s important for Broncos fans to understand the obstacles we need to overcome in order to win our division this year. The AFC West, year in and year out, is the most competitive in the league – despite multiple quarterback changes for all four teams over the past few years. This year looks like another great year to be in the AFC West – and if the Broncos can overcome the obstacles above, we’ll have a great chance to do something special in 2007.

I was looking over my list of top question marks regarding our upcoming season this weekend. These were private questions I’ve had about a number of issues relating to our team and a successful year. In my humble opinion these were concerns leading into our first OTA days. I’ve listed them for you as well as some of my thoughts about each after the Broncos wrapped up their 2007 Quarterback Camp.

1. Jay Cutler’s Wealth & Fame?

This off-season has been perilous for Jay. I mean, any 24-year-old kid that is suddenly thrust into hero status on a stage this big can be quickly overwhelmed. He has gained unbelievable wealth and fame in a very short time period, so the biggest question mark in my mind is: Will all this affect Cutler in 2007?

The answer so far is: NO. In addition to being a cool cat under center, Jay seems to be keeping a very level head through all this attention. He’s avoided being in the media for silly stumbles at his home (see Brian Griese) or infractions of the law (see Micheal Vick) and has occupied his time this off-season with extra work at Dove Valley in the weight room and throwing the old pigskin around with his wideouts and tightends. In fact, he’s turned down many paid promotional gigs so he can spend time practicing with his teammates.

And what’s the key to his focus despite all the distractions? Cutler’s father believes that it’s because Jay hasn’t fulfilled his goals yet.

“He can really stay grounded because he has not accomplished what he wants to accomplish. He had a nice first year, but he’s not even close to what he wants to be. I think he keeps that in the back of his head. He’s had a good five games, but he has a lot bigger goals than that.”

— Jack Cutler 4/11/07

This all speaks volumes about how Jay Cutler will handle the growing media attention as we near the season this year — and hopefully the POST-season.

2. Marshaling our WR’s?

With Rod Smith’s return to form still in question after his hip surgery, who will step up and fill our #2 spot at wide receiver? Can Brandon Marshall fill this role? Will there be a surprise dark horse (Domenik Hixon, Brandon Stokley, David Terrell, David Kircus, etc) rise to the occasion?

Brandon Marshall looks like the best bet so far. In addition to having his trouble with the law well behind him now, he has redoubled his efforts to improve on the field this off-season. He spent months at Cris Carter’s FAST Program in Coral Springs working on strength and conditioning for this coming season. Like Cutler, it’s good to see young athletes choosing to get additional training rather than blowing their free time with nothing more than partying. I think this shows Brandon’s intention to become a starting WR for our team, and I look forward to seeing what he can bring to this year’s camp.

“It’s impressive that he’s made it a point to do this (off-season training). He’s way more driven this year. He may not see that – but I do .”

— General Manager of FAST, Leslie Calvagne 5/20/07

After Marshall, Hixon has impressed me the most. He’ll make the team as a returner, but with his raw talent he might have a shot at starting as well. You don’t believe me? Ask Champ Bailey…

“You can’t really grade the guy too much from practice, but from what I see, the guy runs great routes. He’s fast. He’s an unbelievable talent. . . . Other than Brandon and Javon, who are going to stand out, he’s that guy where you say, ‘Dang, this guy’s good.’ ”

— Champ Bailey 5/22/07

I’ll take “Dang, this guy’s good” from Champ Bailey any day of the week!

:)

3. New Defense?

With our new Defensive Coach, several new assistant/position coaches, the departure of Al Wilson and the addition of Dre Bly as well as several rookies, how’s our Defense doing?

To the first part, how are Jim Bates and his new assistants doing, the answer is good. The leaders of the defense have repeatedly stated their respect and admiration for Bates and the system he is bringing to Denver. In addition to having a proven track record, Bates has always been considered a player’s coach and that seems to be true at Dove Valley as well.

For Bly’s part, he seems well adjusted and content. He and Champ have known each other for some years and there are even rumors that a friendly competition over number of picks may start up during the season. Needless to say all the early talk about Bly wanting out of Denver is history.

DJ Williams is feeling his way into the Mike LB slot and the leadership that entails. We all know he has the talent to play the middle. What we are all watching for will be how his leadership skills grow over the next few months.

And as for the rookies, we won’t know anything about their progress until later in camp when the pads go on and the hits start. Right now, they have their heads down and are learning as fast and as much as they can. The final verdict will have to wait until training camp and the preseason.

4. Travis Henry learning curve?

Henry has played in several systems in college and the NFL, but he hasn’t run behind a zone blocking scheme like the Broncos. He has all the attributes of a downhill runner (5’9″ @ 215lbs), but it will still take some practice to master the one cut Broncos running style.

We won’t be able to fully assess Henry’s progress until they add pads and contact. During these first OTA days Travis Henry was simply learning all the terminology, formations and schemes. But our ace running back coach, Bobby Turner, is a master at teaching this system and I would very surprised to see Henry fail to impress us this season.

“You can tell from my first day that I’m better on tape. At first, I was kind of hesitant. Now, I’m ‘zoom, zoom.’ You know what I’m saying?”

— Travis Henry 5/24/07

Yeah, we know what you’re saying… and we’re liking it! :)

These are only my top four, but I have to say that I’m feeling much better about where we are for 2007 after this first camp.

Next we have Team Camp…. let’s hope for more good news!

All through July, I’ll be grading the different aspects of the offseason and keeping track of them. Soon you’ll find the BOAs replacing the 2007 draft section as the featured section of the site – and soon after I’m done with these, I’ll be making my picks for each division. The regular season can’t come soon enough – but BroncoTalk is here to get your NFL fix as well as your Broncos specific news and discussion.

And the BOA for Worst Cut goes to…

Losing Al Wilson broke Denver’s heart

The Denver Broncos for cutting Al Wilson
HONORARY MENTION:
2) Pittsuburgh Steelers for cutting Joey Porter
3) New Orleans Saints for cutting Joe Horn
4) Carolina Panthers for cutting Keyshawn Johnson

Al Wilson has been the heart and soul of our defense for the past seven years. While not getting the national recognition of a Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher, he has been the anchor in the middle of one of the best linebacking corps over the past few years. And boy will he be missed. Next to Jay Cutler, is there a bigger question on anyone’s mind than how will our defense suffer from losing Wilson? I don’t think so, and I’ve said time and time again that we went from true Super Bowl contenders to suspect defensively the moment we cut Wilson. I hope he’s healthy to continue his career, and I hope the feelings aren’t so strained that we wouldn’t consider resigning the 5-time Pro Bowler.

And the BOA for Best Cut goes to…

Baltimore Ravens for cutting Jamal Lewis

HONORARY MENTION:
2) Dallas Cowboys for cutting Drew Bledsoe
3) Denver Broncos for cutting Courtney Brown

Sometimes change is hard for a team, and losing a fan favorite can be the hardest. But then again, sometimes the best way to improve is to cut the fat, and that’s what the Ravens showed they were capable of when they cut their longtime runningback. The Ravens showed they’re moving on from the Jamal Lewis tradition – one that saw them gain 2,000 yards and a Super Bowl victory. And it’s a great move. Lewis isn’t the back he used to be since his huge injury a few years ago. The offense is worse than ever, and with new QB/RB tandem Steve McNair and Willis McGahee (along with personal favorite Mike Anderson backing up their RB position), their offense may just do something it hasn’t done in years – score 30 points. It was addition by subtraction, and it promises to be a great move.

During this brief camp we’ve gotten to see some of new players that will be competing for starting jobs as the OTA days continue. One of the biggest defensive holes to fill will be the ones at line backer. With Al Wilson gone after a neck injury, DJ Williams has been moved to the middle. Ian Gold is well entrenched on the weak side, which leaves DJ’s old strong (Sam) side LB slot wide open.

The coming competition should be a great one to watch as we have several great guys that could fill that spot. Here’s a quick look at the contenders…

Nate Webster (#58) already has one Super Bowl ring from his time with the Tampa Bay Bucs. The year of that Super Bowl win Webster recording 33 tackles (23 solo) and placing fourth on the team with 16 special-teams stops that year. But after spent his first four years in Tampa, Webster left as a free agent to Cincinati where serious knee injuries kept him off the field. He signed with the Broncos last May and has not only made a full recovery from his past injuries but also impressed both his coaches and teammates.

“Nate Webster is a natural player. This is a guy who is a starting-caliber player in the NFL — he fits right in.”

— Al Wilson 11/14/06

Warrick Holdman (currently wearing Wilson’s #56 jersey) is entering his 9th NFL year. Having played for Chicago, Cleveland and Washington, he has more starting experience than any of the other contenders with 84 starts (in 105 regular season games). He has more than 500 tackles (390 solo), seven forced fumbles, five sacks and an interception on his resume. He has started at least 10 games in five of his last eight years and started all 16 for Washington last year. However, at 31 years old he understands his experience and knowledge will be his edge.

“I feel good. I’m not 23 years old no more, but I feel like I know what I’m doing. I’ve seen a lot of routes and a lot of different blocking schemes. And I have to use that a little bit more because I’m not 22- or 23-year-old anymore. That’s just a fact.”

— Warrick Holdman 5/22/07

“”I liked his steadiness. He is a true vet, a true pro. He knows how to play football, and the big thing in bringing guys in with that veteran status is you want solid, good guys who have a passion for football. And that’s what Warrick fits.”

— Jim Bates 5/22/07

Cameron Vaughn (#59) was picked up as an undrafted college free agent by Denver last May. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad, but don’t think Vaughn can’t play at this level. He was a three year starter for LSU where he played 52 games (33 starts) and totaled 239 tackles (121 solo). He played two years at weakside, before starting his senior year at middle. In that year he posted a team best 83 tackles (46 solo) and one sack. In 2003 he helped his team win the national championship. Last year, Denver coaches tested Vaughn at all three positions, so versatility may help win him a spot.

Louis Green (#53), a college free agent picked up briefly by the Ravens, spent his first two years with the Broncos on and off the practice squad, before he landed a roster spot in 2004. He has been a special teams ace for the Broncos with a 2005 performance that ranked third on the team with 10 stops in 14 regular-season games. With former special team LB Keith Burns’ move to the coaching staff, Green could move into an on-the-field leadership role on special teams this year — filling the spot Keith Burns has filled for years in Denver.

Eddie Moore (#51) is another University of Tennessee product (see Al Wilson). At UT Moore appeared in 46 games (24 starts), posting 219 tackles, including six sacks, an interception a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and 13 passes defensed. He was Miami’s 2nd round draft choice in 2003, but spent that season on IR due to a left Lis-Franc injury in the preseason. In 2004 he played in 13 games for Miami and registered 34 tackles, a fumble recovery and four passes defensed. He also placed third on the team with 12 special teams stops where he also posted a forced and recovered fumble. He spent all of last year out of football after ending up on IR again in 2005.

T.J. Hollowell (#57) competed in Denver’s training camp before he was placed on the club’s reserve/injured list in Aug 2006 with a left calf injury. Before coming to Denver, Hollowell spent his first two NFL seasons hopping from one practice squad to another. At Nebraska, Hollowell played 49 games (14 starts) and totaled 173 tackles (76 solo), 3.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, a pair of interceptions, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. He also made appearances in the Rose Bowl and Alamo Bowl.

D.D. Lewis (#54) — another college free agent — played the last five years for the Seahawks. In 48 career regular-season games (19 starts), Lewis has totaled 141 tackles (103 solo), one sack, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He also has played four career postseason games (3 starts), including a start in Super Bowl XL during the 2005 season. He brings experience as well as skills and could end up on the roster.

Most of the attention will be on the starting Sam slot and Mike position Williams has moved to, but the real fight will happen right behind that with special team contributions playing a major role. Coach Shanahan likes to keep several LB on the roster but most of the back ups MUST be playmakers on special teams.

With all these guys competing, we should have some really awesome training camp video (not to mention preseason footage) to watch!

The AFC West is ripe for the taking. Year in and year out, it is the most competitive division in the NFL. This year, the Broncos are looking to repeat their performance of 2005, where we won the division for the first time since John Elway retired. There are a lot of reasons we’ll win the west – I list the top ones here.

And next Tuesday I’ll play the devil’s advocate – 10 reasons we WON’T win the West. Should be fun, if not totally inaccurate.

10) The Raiders suck

While I know JaMarcus Russell has a lot of upside, I don’t see him making an impact this year, and I don’t see the Raiders winning even 7 games this year. I EXPECT a sweep of the Raiders series – anything less than 2-0 is unacceptable. While their defense played more consistenly than ours last year, their offense still can’t hold a candle to ours. Sorry, Raider fans – you’re still the bottomfeeders of the AFC West.

9) The End of a Chiefs Era

The Chiefs’ offensive line won’t be the dominant force it has been over the past several years for quite some time – with multiple retirements along the left side, Kansas City is looking at a real weakness up front. Nightmares of Larry Johnson running all over the Broncos in Arrowhead are hopefully long gone – without the Pro Bowl blockers leading the way, Johnson may look more tackleable than ever before.

8) Receiver-Corner Matchups

Champ Bailey on… Samie Parker? Dre Bly covering… Vincent Jackson? The odds are overwhelmingly in the Broncos’ favor to dominate the air game this season, particularly in the West. Now that Randy Moss is out of the division, is there a single receiver who can challenge our cornerback tandem? Jerry Porter of the Raiders would probably be the most talented, and he can’t compete with Bailey or Bly. Look out, West, we’re looking to break the pick record this year.

7) And vice-versa

While it appears stacked on paper, the AFC West cornerbacks are thin once you leave the thin air of the Rockies. Short of Nnamdi Asomugha, who is a rising star and a real threat, there really isn’t anyone who can stop Javon Walker. Ty Law, while leading the league in interceptions in 2005, showed that he is Peyton Manning‘s kryptonite and that’s about it. And Patrick Surtain disappointed to say the least. Finally, the Chargers cornerbacks basically cost them the divisional game last year. No, I expect big things from Walker and Brandon Marshall this year (and of course Rod Smith if healthy).

6) Philip Rivers is overrated

A Pro Bowl for Philip Rivers – are you kidding me? After one year in the league, Rivers posted a 92.0 passer rating, completing over 60% of his passes with 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Pretty solid stats, right? Wrong. They didn’t play any pass defenses worth fearing – I mean, no offense to my beloved Broncos, but people were throwing the ball over the place against us last year. Running down their 2006 opponents, there really wasn’t anyone who could get in Rivers’ face and really put pressure on the young QB (except the Ravens and Pats, who both won their respective games). Consider that the Chargers will be facing the Bears, Patriots, and Ravens in the regular season this year – as well as our improved pass rush twice (more on that later) – the Chargers and Rivers may be singing a different tune next year.

5) Improved pass rush

Year in and year out, we are dying for Manning blood… after Eli came back and beat us in 2005, Peyton continued his dominance over us in 2006. Well, a decent pass rush is just what the doctor ordered, and a double dose of Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder fills our need nicely. As I mentioned above, Philip Rivers better not get comfortable back there, and neither should JaMarcus or Trent or Damon or Andrew. Our biggest weakness over the past 3 years could be a real strength come September.

4) One Injury Away

…from all but guaranteeing an AFC West title. With the Chiefs falling off offensively, and the Raiders stewing in their own stench, Ladainian Tomlinson is one of the only things standing in our way. If he’s hurt, say bye-bye to the Chargers’ 2007 campaign – even with Michael Turner in the fold.

3) Running it down their throats

How will they stop Travis Henry? How? Twice a year, barring injury, the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers will be trying to square up against the best running game in the NFL. While the Chiefs have improved their defense with additions of Donnie Edwards and Alfonso Boone, I don’t think it’s enough to stop our zone blocking, and the other two teams have either made no changes or lost players. Everyone is expecting big things out of Henry – unfortunately for the other AFC West teams, it’ll likely come at their expense.

2) Coaching Consistency

We are the only team in the AFC West with a coach with a tenure longer than… a year. That’s right. Lane Kiffen and Norv Turner are both new hires, and Herm Edwards has a whole year under his belt as Kansas City coach. Meanwhile, the Broncos have a guy by the name of Mike Shanahan who just happens to have been here for years and year. Consider these teams in a transition – and the Broncos in a state of business as usual.

1) Jay Cutler

…always seems to be the top of these countdowns, huh? Jay has more pressure on him than any other quarterback in Broncos history save Elway himself. Looks like he’s stepping up, too. He put together a brilliant third quarter in his only AFC West showdown in San Diego last year – but Broncos fans need a full four such performances to ensure victory over the AFC West champs. Cutler looks like the real deal, and he’s the biggest reason all of Denver is thinking Super Bowl this year. If he can match the hype, the AFC West will be easily in our grasp.

I love being a part of the best division in football, but I hate losing it just as much. The Broncos need to reassert their dominance by winning it this year.

It seems like every year around this time I find one or two players buried deep in Denver’s roster (or even practice squad) that I begin championing to friends and family. Over the year’s only a couple have risen to the starting line up while most turn out to be duds — and are quietly sent packing. Here’s a look at some of my choices from the last few years:

In 1999-2000, I was enamored with 6th round pick, TE Desmond Clark. I thought he had mad skills and was sad to see him go after the 2001 season; however, he has had considerable success the last few years in Chicago.

In 2001 I began following another sixth round draft pick, Kevin Kasper. Kasper didn’t last long with the Broncos and has journeyed to several other teams.

In 2002-03 I must have been blessed with good judgment as I began pulling for Reuben Droughns and Sam Brandon (both unknowns at the time) . Droughns was a special team guy and FB then, and I was thrilled to see him rise up and capture the starting RB job in 2005 — even though I was most fond of his blocking ability. Brandon was also a big special teams guy that has now become an important part of our defense.

Starting in 2003-04, Nate Jackson caught my eye and have enjoyed watching him stick with the team (even through his move from WR to TE). Also Cecil Sapp (I love cheering for the undrafted guys!) which has worked his way into the starting FB competition this year.

In 2005 it was QB Bradlee Van Pelt and our newest (and shortest) CB, Darrent Williams — what can I say, I also like to pull for the short guys! Darrent won the starting job his first year and BVP is now with the Houston Texans.

Last year it was undrafted RB Mike Bell, Safety Hamza Abdullah and WR David Kircus. Mike become a sensation last year by winning the backup job behind Tatum and Abdullah has had the honor of praise from players like Lynch and Ferguson, but Kircus didn’t get much playing time and remained mostly unnoticed last year.

This year, in addtion to keeping a close eye on Jackson, Abdullah, Kircus and the others, RB Andre Hall and Safety Roderick Rogers are two players I can’t wait to see this preseason. Both players are college free agents (Andre Hall was picked up by Tampa last year after the draft and Rogers was picked up this year by Denver) and both have the potential to compete at the next level.

Andre Hall played one year of High School football. However, in that one year he led the county in rushing yardage with 1,742 yards and 26 touchdowns on 227 carries (7.7 avg). After a brief time at the Georgia Military Academy, he returned to Florida to attend USF. Hall left the Bulls as the all-time leading rusher (2,731 yrd) on 480 carries. Had had 24 TD’s and caught 44 passes for 470 yrds (10.7 yrds avg). He also scored three times on kickoff returns. Over all, he passed the 100 yard mark 12 times in 23 games including two +200 yard outings. Tampa Bay picked Hall up as a undrafted free agent on May 1, 2006, but was waived at the end of July. Chicago signed him in August but waived him on Sept. 1. Denver signed Hall Nov. 15th of last year and he spent the last half of 2006 on the practise squad.

While Travis Henry seems to have the starting tailback position locked up, look for him to push Mike Bell and the rest of the RB’s.

Roderick Rogers was a two-year captain at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, GA. There Rogers posted 261 tackles, 13 interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He then spent three years as a starter at Wisconsin, where he played 42 career games (26 starts), compiling 99 tackles (66 solo), one fumble recovery, five interceptions (138 yds.) and 21 passes defensed. He received second-team All-Big Ten Conference accolades in each of his final two seasons at Wisconsin. As a senior in 2006, Rogers started all 13 games and registered 36 tackles to go along with two interceptions.

I have lived in both Tampa, FL and Atlanta, GA — So I could claim both these guys as home-town favorites, but the truth is I didn’t know either one until they were added to the Broncos roster. I think the real reason I like them is that neither one was drafted, and both come from smaller schools. Pulling for the underdog is always fun. Heck, I think that’s part of being a Denver Broncos fan. We pull for the underdogs, because we WERE underdogs for so long!

So, of all the mostly unknown players we’ve added to the roster this off-season who are you watching this year?

Tragedy struck the NFL again yesterday, as the body of Patriots Defensive End Marquise Hill was discovered at the bottom of Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans, Louisiana. Hill was involved in a jet ski accident, and reports indicate that he likely lost his life while trying to save the life of his female companion. He was not wearing his life preserver.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hill family in this tragic time, as well as to all of Patriots nation out there. As Broncos fans, we’ve had more than our fair share of hurt and loss this offseason. We can only hope and pray that no more tragedy strikes the athletes we hold so dear.

Scheffler should be ready to make an impact this year. Photo Courtesy

Breaking news out of Denver today, as our first significant injury of this offseason has occured, leaving the Broncos vulnerable in the passing game yet again. Only a month or two after Rod Smith announced he would be having surgery for a long-ailing hip, Tony Scheffler suffered a broken foot during 7-on-7 drills late Friday afternoon. He will likely miss 2 months after he has surgery on Monday.

Scheffler looked very promising at the tight end spot last year (you should have heard the guys over at Sirius Fantasy Football swooning over the 240-lb. pass catcher). Some concern coming into this year involved his sudden weight gain – 20 lbs. since the season broke on Dec. 31. Since then he has lost 10-12 lbs., and was planning on losing another 5 or so before the season began.

He should be back in the saddle in time for training camp, with high expectations as he was one of Jay Cutler‘s favorite targets late last season. While not the best blocker in the world, he will be an integral part of our two tight end sets in long yardage and third down situations (apparently the plan is for Daniel Graham to be in on just about every down, with Stephen Alexander seeing more running plays and Scheffler adding his speed to passing plays).

While the timing and everything for such young players is key, and missing these two months of practice will hurt, Broncos fans should thank their lucky stars the injury wasn’t more serious. Full and speedy recovery wishes to you, Scheff.

Channel 4 in Denver has reported that Tight End Tony Scheffler broke his foot today (Friday 5/18/07). Scheffler is scheduled to have surgery on Monday and he will be out for 2 months.

“He’ll be fine. I know he’s a little bummed, but if there’s a positive to something like this, it’s that it happened now and not in training camp. Once the season starts, everyone will forget this even happened.”

— Stephen Alexander 5/18/07

The Sports Guru over at Mile High Report has mentioned something that I haven’t heard the mainstream media covering regarding Tony’s off-season weight gain. Scheffler told reporters this off-season that it was his decision to add weight and I think TSG is right about the coaching staff not being pleased about the extra pounds.  Scheffler is reported to have already lost 10-12 lbs of the extra weight with plans to drop another five.

CBS4 Coverage

Denver Post Story

Rocky Mountain News Story

Yes, Yes, I know. Travis Henry is getting lots of coverage as he goes through his first OTA’s in a Denver uniform. Of course, he will get media attention — he has the glamorous job of running back. However, I think the real fight this year will be at the overlooked position of fullback. Fullbacks never get the attention they deserve even when the RB they block for sets records and wins super bowls. Many Denver fans will remember the great Howard Griffith, but ask anyone on the street and Terrell Davis will be the only back they can name from those years. So, it’s not surprising that very few articles mention the pending battle for the starting FB position. But be ready… because it’s coming.

At fullback this year, we have Cecil Sapp returning from Injured Reserve after he fractured his left fibular bone on Dec. 4th. Before his injury Sapp was splitting time with starter Kyle Johnson. Kyle Johnson took over the FB duties from Rueben Droughns in 2004 and lead the way for several of our last 1,000 yard rusher. Johnson also has great hands and has been called on to catch TD’s in each of the last three seasons with the team (with a total of 8). However, injuries and competition from Sapp lead to only 7 starts last year.

Now, enter the new guys…

Leading the pack of new fullbacks is Troy Fleming. While not expected to blow past Johnson and Sapp, it’s important to note that Fleming played fullback with Travis Henry in Tennessee in both Nashville and Knoxville. That’s right, Fleming blocked for Henry in college at UT as well as in the NFL with the Titans. Now, both Fleming and Travis are in Denver. And with Henry having the starting RB job nearly squared away, the coaches will be keeping a very close eye on Fleming.

And then there’s journeyman Paul Smith. Having played with the 49ers, Lions and most recently the Rams, Smith has shown is versatility by playing RB, FB and special teams. Last year, he helped lead Steven Jackson to the 5th best yardage in the league with 1,528 rushing yards.

Lastly, we have Thump Belton. Belton has spent time on the practice squads of both Chicago and Detroit and now enters his fourth year in the NFL.

Maybe no one’s talking about. And maybe it’s not as flashy as the starting running back job, but one of these guys will get the position and I’ll lay money that it will be a battle worth watching.

Fullbacks at Camp:

#37 Sapp, Cecil 5′ 11″ 229 5th Colorado State CFA-’03
#39 Johnson, Kyle 6′ 0″ 242 5th Syracuse FA-’03
#34 Fleming, Troy 6′ 0″ 245 3rd Tennessee FA-’07
#26 Smith, Paul 5’11” 237 7th Texas-El Paso UFA-’07
#33 Belton, Thump 6′ 0″ 232 3rd Syracuse FA-’06

Oh, yeah. The articles on Travis Henry….

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