28-0 became 28-21 awfully quick there didn't it?
You're not going to get 50 yard passes and 70 yard runs in the second half on a regular basis to bail you out.
10/31/2005
10/23/2005
Are you really surprised?
I have been subjected to the phrase "but we won, just be happy" so many times over the past two weeks. Here's the thing: we escaped both the Washington and New England games by the slimmest of margins.
In the Washington game the Redskins scored nine fourth quarter points and the Broncos escaped with a win due to Ian Gold batting away a ball from a receiver who was otherwise wide open. The drive that Washington ran to come so close to tying the score was a 13 play 94 yard drive.
The New England game was one of the most amazing collapses I've seen this team make in a long time and only the fact that we had a HUGE lead kept us from losing that game. New England scored 14 fourth quarter points on drives of 71 and 73 yards.
So what happens when you don't get lucky tips and do not have twenty five point cushions? You lose football games..
Today the New York Giants scored 14 points in nine minutes on drives of 65 and 83 yards. On New York's second drive they moved 83 yards and only completed one pass of ten yards or longer on the entire drive. Denver's defense is more than happy to just sit back and let teams pass all over them in the fourth quarter.
The play calling is obviously the issue here, I stated as much this week. Coyer cannot be trusted with a lead. The fact that this issue hasn't been addressed is a huge mistake from Shanahan.
Well coached teams do not give up in the fourth quarter. In fact, it's a clear sign that a team is very poorly coached when they consistently either blow or come close to blowing sizable fourth quarter leads. Denver has done so three games in a row and this time the luck just ran out.
Is there a single person who will stand up and tell me that this team can continue to play this way and be successful?
Once again Shanahan's Broncos have rushed out to a fast start only to stall. The Broncos started 5-1 in 2003, 2004, and 2005. We all know how the last two seasons ended.
Do you trust Shanahan to not collapse again?
I certainly don't.
In the Washington game the Redskins scored nine fourth quarter points and the Broncos escaped with a win due to Ian Gold batting away a ball from a receiver who was otherwise wide open. The drive that Washington ran to come so close to tying the score was a 13 play 94 yard drive.
The New England game was one of the most amazing collapses I've seen this team make in a long time and only the fact that we had a HUGE lead kept us from losing that game. New England scored 14 fourth quarter points on drives of 71 and 73 yards.
So what happens when you don't get lucky tips and do not have twenty five point cushions? You lose football games..
Today the New York Giants scored 14 points in nine minutes on drives of 65 and 83 yards. On New York's second drive they moved 83 yards and only completed one pass of ten yards or longer on the entire drive. Denver's defense is more than happy to just sit back and let teams pass all over them in the fourth quarter.
The play calling is obviously the issue here, I stated as much this week. Coyer cannot be trusted with a lead. The fact that this issue hasn't been addressed is a huge mistake from Shanahan.
Well coached teams do not give up in the fourth quarter. In fact, it's a clear sign that a team is very poorly coached when they consistently either blow or come close to blowing sizable fourth quarter leads. Denver has done so three games in a row and this time the luck just ran out.
Is there a single person who will stand up and tell me that this team can continue to play this way and be successful?
Once again Shanahan's Broncos have rushed out to a fast start only to stall. The Broncos started 5-1 in 2003, 2004, and 2005. We all know how the last two seasons ended.
Do you trust Shanahan to not collapse again?
I certainly don't.
10/17/2005
Coyer may be an issue as well
Profootballtalk's rumormill section after Week 1 had a piece on how Miami knew what plays Denver's defense was running during the entire game. Frerotte was able to take three step drops and pick apart the defense on smoke routes.
Coyer seemingly adjusted over the next three weeks but something about the performance of the defense against Washington and in the second half of yesterday's New England game isn't right. It doesn't have anything to do with a lack of Champ Bailey either.
The Washington game may be just an issue of Gibbs' max protect schemes getting yardage but not points, but it seems to me that Coyer was content to play soft the entire second half.
The Broncos were successful in the first half by blitzing the ever living hell out of Brady. In the second half it just seemed like all we wanted to do was drop seven back in coverage.
You cannot do that against Tom Brady, he will eat you alive if you give him time to find the open man.
Not only that, but Coyer seems to have some fetish for dropping linemen back into coverage. These firezone blitz schemes never work and are annoying to watch.
Coyer seemingly adjusted over the next three weeks but something about the performance of the defense against Washington and in the second half of yesterday's New England game isn't right. It doesn't have anything to do with a lack of Champ Bailey either.
The Washington game may be just an issue of Gibbs' max protect schemes getting yardage but not points, but it seems to me that Coyer was content to play soft the entire second half.
The Broncos were successful in the first half by blitzing the ever living hell out of Brady. In the second half it just seemed like all we wanted to do was drop seven back in coverage.
You cannot do that against Tom Brady, he will eat you alive if you give him time to find the open man.
Not only that, but Coyer seems to have some fetish for dropping linemen back into coverage. These firezone blitz schemes never work and are annoying to watch.
10/09/2005
10/02/2005
Fast starts are nothing new
I'm very happy with the Broncos being 3-1 at the moment, but let's realize that the season is sixteen games long and this team during Shanahan's non-Elway tenure has has consistently came out of the gates strong only to stall later on in the year.
In 2002 the Broncos started off the year 6-2. They finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
In 2003 the Broncos started off the year 5-1. They finished 10-6 with a swift and embarassing first round exit.
In 2004 the Broncos once again started off the year 5-1. They once again finished 10-6 with a swift and embarassing first round exit.
The real question, and Shanahan's real test is can this team finish the year strong and achieve what it should?
In 2002 the Broncos started off the year 6-2. They finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
In 2003 the Broncos started off the year 5-1. They finished 10-6 with a swift and embarassing first round exit.
In 2004 the Broncos once again started off the year 5-1. They once again finished 10-6 with a swift and embarassing first round exit.
The real question, and Shanahan's real test is can this team finish the year strong and achieve what it should?
Are things changing? Possibly
It's becoming quite clear that the additions from Cleveland were a great decision. Reggie Hayward showed today in the game that he is a force from that defensive end spot. But, being able to have Brown, Warren, Myers, and Ekuban for roughly the same price is most definitely a better situation.
I've already stated I was wrong about Darrent Williams. I also said Foxworth was possibly the best corner we have drafted this year. In all honesty in play from the cornerback position I'd say it's a tossup between the two. But, Karl Paymah is most definitely a joke.
Do Foxworth and Williams make up for the wasted pick spent on Clarett, Paymah's horrid play and the burnouts of Myers and Ernster? We'll see. They most certainly in themselves can't make up for the rash of draft failures in past years. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me know" business and if it leads to success this year then hey, no harm no foul.
I've already stated I was wrong about Darrent Williams. I also said Foxworth was possibly the best corner we have drafted this year. In all honesty in play from the cornerback position I'd say it's a tossup between the two. But, Karl Paymah is most definitely a joke.
Do Foxworth and Williams make up for the wasted pick spent on Clarett, Paymah's horrid play and the burnouts of Myers and Ernster? We'll see. They most certainly in themselves can't make up for the rash of draft failures in past years. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me know" business and if it leads to success this year then hey, no harm no foul.
9/27/2005
This team should play like it did Monday night in every game
Why didn't the offense play this well against Miami or San Diego? It's certainly not a question of having offensive players "gel" as it has returned ten of eleven starters from 2004.
Also, here's something to ponder.
Think about how well Trevor Pryce played tonight. Then think about the fact that had any team in the NFL offered up a second rounder for him he would be playing in another color jersey this year.
Also, here's something to ponder.
Think about how well Trevor Pryce played tonight. Then think about the fact that had any team in the NFL offered up a second rounder for him he would be playing in another color jersey this year.
9/23/2005
Here's a great letter I received
I stumbled on your site while searching for articles on Shanahan and I can't agree with you more. I have been a Bronco fan since '77 and I have seen the bad and good years of this team. Having been a part of their two Superbowl victories, I have tried to overlook his fault in our failed seasons and many humiliating losses. But enough is enough, his record speaks for itself and its results are undeniable. He has not lead this team to prominence in a time where parity allegedly dominates the league. He has not produced any improvement in areas where this team has weaknesses. The secondary as it has for years, continues to be suspect and vulnerable to the deep ball, the defensive line still fails to pressure quarter backs and good running backs seem to rip off chunks of yardage at will in big games against this team. Their offense has no reliable go to receiver except for Smith and he just isnt what he used to be. The offense is dreadfully predictable and conservative. In fact, the only consistent success they have had on offense has been in their running games and that is a result of a blocking scheme and philosphy implemented by Alex Gibbs. Shanahans personell decisions have been attrocious and his pregame play scripting lacks any sign of the genius he is credited with. They have become the NFL's perennial underachievers and do only enough to give their fans hope or the disillusion that they will reach their potential. But the first good team that comes along or big game they play..they fold like a cheap deck of cards and all of their weaknesses are exposed. No offensive punch, no defensive bite and a special teams that produces almost nothing. In a time when there is supposed to be so much parity in this league, year after year they find a way to lose when it matters and be subpar to the parity. I am tired of everyone one else being subsituted and blamed for his failures, ineptitude or just not being the right coach for this team..whatever the problem is.. it exists and it must be changed. Personally, I think its incredible that so many players performed well before joining the Broncos and so many have success after leaving the Broncos, but yet under Shanahans system they could only produce little. Im no genius or expert in coaching but It occurs to me that the common denominator is Shanahan and his particular system.
I cant deny that Shanahan is knowledgeable and runs his team as respectable organization. I think he is among the top coaches in the NFL when paired with the right players for his system. In fact, he was the perfect coach for the Broncos while Elway was at the helm, particularly while they had a a supporting cast in Davis, Sharp, Smith and a few other standup defensive players. But it seems defenses have learned how to play against his offensive schemes and his personell decisions on defense produce nothing but false promise. Moreover, regardless of what coach or player changes he makes the result are the same which further deepens my beliefs that it is his system and not so much the talent pool in the Broncos that is the problem. Ownership have been loyal to him for his past success, but six years is more than enough for a team of this potential to ride the underachievement train. Its time to change the one thing that hasnt been changed since their last success run and that is the head coach.
With last weeks debacle at Miami and this weeks near loss at home to San Diego, no matter what this season brings, Pat Bowlen has to realize that its time for success or time for change. I think this team needs a strong, no nonsense coach, perferably a younger one.. who can relate or appeal more to his players, one who coaches based on current defensive schemes and philosophies. One who is hungry and who isnt afraid to open up his offense and take risks. Someone who will let his team have some fun and a chance to realize its potential.
I hope more people become vocal about this and the frustration of Bronco fans reach Pat Bowlens ears in a way that he can't ignore. So, from a Bronco fan fed up with disappointing seasons and unjustifiable humiliating losses, I thank you for your effort in posting this site.
Best of luck to you and the Broncos,
Johnny
I cant deny that Shanahan is knowledgeable and runs his team as respectable organization. I think he is among the top coaches in the NFL when paired with the right players for his system. In fact, he was the perfect coach for the Broncos while Elway was at the helm, particularly while they had a a supporting cast in Davis, Sharp, Smith and a few other standup defensive players. But it seems defenses have learned how to play against his offensive schemes and his personell decisions on defense produce nothing but false promise. Moreover, regardless of what coach or player changes he makes the result are the same which further deepens my beliefs that it is his system and not so much the talent pool in the Broncos that is the problem. Ownership have been loyal to him for his past success, but six years is more than enough for a team of this potential to ride the underachievement train. Its time to change the one thing that hasnt been changed since their last success run and that is the head coach.
With last weeks debacle at Miami and this weeks near loss at home to San Diego, no matter what this season brings, Pat Bowlen has to realize that its time for success or time for change. I think this team needs a strong, no nonsense coach, perferably a younger one.. who can relate or appeal more to his players, one who coaches based on current defensive schemes and philosophies. One who is hungry and who isnt afraid to open up his offense and take risks. Someone who will let his team have some fun and a chance to realize its potential.
I hope more people become vocal about this and the frustration of Bronco fans reach Pat Bowlens ears in a way that he can't ignore. So, from a Bronco fan fed up with disappointing seasons and unjustifiable humiliating losses, I thank you for your effort in posting this site.
Best of luck to you and the Broncos,
Johnny
9/18/2005
Different week, same problems
The Denver Broncos' defense won this game. The defense just happens to be the part of the team Shanahan has the least control over.
The Denver Broncos offense on the other hand had the same problems they had last week against Miami. An inability to run (until late in the game, an inability to score in San Diego territory, and penalties costing the team field position and points.
Until Ron Dayne came into the game Denver had less than fifty yards on the ground. Their longest run was eight yards. Even with Dayne's excellent performance added in they still rushed for less than 100 yards as a team and their longest run was 13 yards. Last week Denver only rushed for seventy yards, thirty of which came on one play. If the Broncos cannot run the football they will lose.
Once again, the Broncos could not score in the red zone and lost too many opportunities to score while in San Diego territory. They left at least 17 points on the field today.
Denver was completely undisciplined on the field on offense with penalties calling back two touchdowns. One of which is just inexcusable, that being the 12 men on the field penalty that negated Darrent Williams' punt return. Well coached teams do not have these kinds of problems.
Well coached teams execute when they need to, well coached teams do not commit stupid penalties that cost their teams points, and well coached teams do not leave almost twenty points on the field.
If the Broncos play this way against Kansas City next week, they will most certainly lose. If they think that they can make this many mistakes against New England and Philadelphia and come away with a win they are also in for a rude awakening.
The Denver Broncos offense on the other hand had the same problems they had last week against Miami. An inability to run (until late in the game, an inability to score in San Diego territory, and penalties costing the team field position and points.
Until Ron Dayne came into the game Denver had less than fifty yards on the ground. Their longest run was eight yards. Even with Dayne's excellent performance added in they still rushed for less than 100 yards as a team and their longest run was 13 yards. Last week Denver only rushed for seventy yards, thirty of which came on one play. If the Broncos cannot run the football they will lose.
Once again, the Broncos could not score in the red zone and lost too many opportunities to score while in San Diego territory. They left at least 17 points on the field today.
Denver was completely undisciplined on the field on offense with penalties calling back two touchdowns. One of which is just inexcusable, that being the 12 men on the field penalty that negated Darrent Williams' punt return. Well coached teams do not have these kinds of problems.
Well coached teams execute when they need to, well coached teams do not commit stupid penalties that cost their teams points, and well coached teams do not leave almost twenty points on the field.
If the Broncos play this way against Kansas City next week, they will most certainly lose. If they think that they can make this many mistakes against New England and Philadelphia and come away with a win they are also in for a rude awakening.
Week 2, the right calls
Before I go to my criticisms of this week I will preface it with some compliments.
1) I was wrong about Darrent Williams. I will admit that. But one player does not waive Shanahan of responsibility for his constant failures in trying to draft players in the secondary.
2) The decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game was the correct one to make.
That's it
1) I was wrong about Darrent Williams. I will admit that. But one player does not waive Shanahan of responsibility for his constant failures in trying to draft players in the secondary.
2) The decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game was the correct one to make.
That's it
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)