Bronco Observations from Topeka
It’s game 2 of the preseason and – David, you can just deal with it – I’m not happy about the state of my beloved Broncos.
The Offense
Where should we start? The big complaint from McDaniels was that while the Broncos could put yards, they couldn’t punch in touchdowns, turned the ball over, and the offense stalled out at the 20. Guess what? Nothing has changed so far except this – instead of laser cannon passes for 20 plus yards, we get the screen pass/bubble screen/dink it downfield offense. 4 picks in the redzone for 2 games for the starting offense.
Baby face Josh shares some of this blame. When the QB is racing to the line of scrimmage with 4 seconds left on the play clock, bad things are going to happen – delay of game, timeout, rushed reads…just the short list.
I don’t understand why Peyton Hillis isn’t getting more reps and the retreads of Buckhalter and Jordan are. Hillis has proved over and over again that he will get the extra yard or two, he will block, and he will catch.
The Defense
Fans will quickly point out that the defense has had more sacks in the 2 preseason games than the entire preseason. Two reminders – the 49ers and Seahawks aren’t exactly known for their pass protection. The Seahawks are banged up beyond all recognition as well. Second, the QBs have had time, they’ve held the ball too long.
I think they will be better than last year but with the offense taking such a huge step backward, I’m not sure it will get noticed or matter.
Of course, there is the Marshall saga that just continues to escalates. I’m not sure what either side is thinking. Marshall doesn’t have the leverage to demand a trade due to his off the field issues. McDaniels is pretty much promised a losing season without the presence of Marshall. They both need a monster year to reach the goals they both SAY they have. Which makes me wonder if they both really have that same goal – winning.
Because neither one has acted like that is the most important thing to them right now.
One Response to “Bronco Observations from Topeka”
What do you propose the front office does about Marshall…pay him off, guarantee him $13M and pray he stays out of trouble and healthy? Same question getting bounced around here in Denver…no good answers for a guy who doesn’t seem to want to be here.
There’s a long way to go…but at least there’s some hope (at least for me) for the future instead of 10 years w/o a playoff game and being .500. The schedule is brutal but this team will get better as the year goes on. Kinda too bad McD didn’t get a honeymoon thanks to the whiner baby in Chicago (who I am now convinced realized he couldn’t work this offense).