Doug Pensinger - Getty Images
5 months ago: DENVER, CO - JANUARY 01: Offensive guard Chris Kuper #73 of the Denver Broncos is taken off the field after suffering a leg injury in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
No one yet, but being underdogs is exactly where this Denver Broncos team needs to be. 8.5 point home underdogs is a massive slap to the face of every player in that locker room, especially so since the home team is generally spotted 3 points.
The $64,000 question is, will Tim Tebow shake loose from his funk and start throwing the ball with authority and confidence again. Well, that's one of the $64,000 questions. There is another and I think the answer to it will play a larger role in how this game plays out than the questions about Tebow.
That question is, How will the offensive line perform without Chris Kuper?
All of the attention seems to be on Tim Tebow, the Broncos defense, play calling, etc etc... No one seems concerned about the loss of the Captain of the offensive line, the anchor of the offensive line, and the most experienced veteran of the offensive line. Of all the linemen we could have lost to injury, Kuper may have hurt the most.
I am sure Russ Hochstein will fill in admirably, but there is no replacing the leadership, experience and toughness that Kuper brought to this line all year long. The mauler mentality began once the Broncos went run heavy with Tebow at quarterback. The coaches discovered they had all the pieces in place to run the ball at will, but now we get to find out if they can do it without the heart and soul of the offensive line out there. I'm not so sure.
Which means more pressure will be placed on Tim Tebow to make plays - something he hasn't had the confidence to do in nearly a month. The key to this game will come down to execution and intensity. This team absolutely must play with a high level of intensity all game long. Make this Steelers team pay dearly for every year gained or given up.
Without Kuper in the lineup, the Broncos may not be able to run the ball as effectively. I truly believe he will be the difference between a 150-200 yard output and a 100-150 yard output. Which means, the Broncos will need to throw the ball on third down if they want to win this game. So once again, we come back to Tim Tebow. With a reduced rushing attack, the game rests squarely on the confidence of one Tim Tebow.
I can never predict a Broncos loss in the playoffs. Ever. So I have to believe Tebow will return to his pre-3(4) interception performance against the Buffalo Bills and will lead the Broncos to a comfortable lead early in this game. I wasn't joking when I predicted the Broncos would win 31-16 in Kirk's contest post. I think if its close, Big Ben will come alive to win the game and the Steelers D will swallow up Tebow. We all know Tebow has competitive greatness, but so do other quarterbacks and Ben Roethlisberger has several more years of big game experience along with the best defense over the past decade backing him up. A tall order for a 15 game starter.
As for the rest of the team, its time to let the dogs out. Play wild, play angry, play like you aren't even supposed to be here! All indications point towards the Broncos players doing just that...
Those are my two biggest questions heading into tomorrows game. What are yours?
2 recs | 115 comments
Great points Tim.
We need that stomp em attitude that we had earlier. It is still great to be where we never thought we would be at the end of the season. GB2.
JohnCalvinKnox - January 7, 2012
We need Tebow to build his confidence early
Goodman and Chris Harris need to have a big game!
Scotty Payne - January 7, 2012
Exactly
The defense needs to create some turnovers
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
Disagree about the run game assessment
We lost Kuper in the second series last week, against a team that knew we would be running the ball on them, and still ran for over 200 yards. I wish we had Chris this week, but I don’t believe our run game was dependent on his presence.
I see some big run opportunities for us against this defense. But the most important OLine spot for us may be Walton. If he can hold his own against Hampton, and call a good protection game, that’s where the game will likely be won or lost for oue offense. Makes Pouncey’s injury on the Steeler’s side equally notable to our loss of Kuper. Our big boys in the middle could be living in the backfield if Legursky can’t get it done.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
We're not playing the Chiefs...
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
Correct
And Arian Foster put 180+ on this defense. They can be run on.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
I don't think Foster is on our team.
JohnCalvinKnox - January 7, 2012
Me neither
Mee - January 7, 2012
Seriously?
Wow, thanks for that stroke of obvious genius.
My point was about our running game not missing a beat after Kupe’s injury, coupled with the fact that Houston has a similar (Kubiak version) running attack to ours and they totally gashed this defense.
No we don’t have Foster, but McGahee has proven more than capable to shred a defense this year. I’ll go with that, seeing as Foster should be tired after his performance today.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
mcgahee > foster
Joshua Glover - January 8, 2012
Good stuff
At the very serious risk of sounding redundant, I think we’re asking the wrong question. Was it a just a funk, or has Tim Tebow been figured out as a quarterback that can’t yet consistently complete contested passed? We like to assume that if he “pulls the trigger” and that with more early pass plays called… all will be good and well. We know he has competitive excellence, but can he consistently complete passes that aren’t gimmies?
We’re going to miss Kup. In a low scoring game, we’ve got a shot, though. It comes down to our defense and turnovers. Not Tebow, well not Tebow passing for more than normal. Tim’s a hippo. I can’t see him learning to beat press in a week, and I can’t see Pitt forgetting what the Chiefs just taught them: Man up and contest all throws, even during scrambles, even late in the 4th.
We need an appearance from Robin. And we need the young safeties to show up rather than to just hold the position.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
I guess those who want Tebow to fail can just say he has been figured out and will now be the bust they all want him to be.
I would be inclined to agree with you, IF the quarterback I was watching was still playing like he was earlier in the year. Instead, I saw a quarterback playing without confidence, with hesitation and fear of turning the ball over.
Apparently, Tim Tebow cannot have a bad couple of games in the NFL or it’s “he is a bust and can’t play QB in the NFL”…instead of “He needs to shake out of this funk and get back on track”. The normal rules for a winning QB do not apparently apply in his situation.
SMH
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
The normal rules for a winning quarterback have never applied to Tebow
Can’t it be both? Can’t it be that his confidence was off and he wasn’t pulling the trigger while also facing a defense that decided he couldn’t make contested throws consistently?
I believe Tebow will be a good quarterback. I believe Tebow won’t be able to efficiently pass again until the offseason has come and gone.
Folks like to believe that if he had been confident and pulled those triggers that he would have been successful. I believe that he was both gun-shy and also that the defense took away his bread and butter… the uncontested pass, either by a corner leaving their man during or scramble, or by playing looser coverage late in the game.
I don’t want to see Tebow fail. he’s still the screensaver on my blackberry… as he has been on both of my BBs since we drafted him.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Yes
we are crucifying Tebow presumptuously when we condemn him for not being able to make all the passes, let him develop this offseason whenever it comes, hopefully not Monday, but for now, let’s enjoy what we’ve got and beat the Steelers!
the new Bradfather - January 8, 2012
I agree that his "bust" is a crazy over-reaction
He played well against NE (minus the fumble), and the first 3 quarters against the Bills were solid (the 4th was ugly). Yes, he struggled against the Chiefs, as did his receivers, but it wasn’t like he fell apart. Brady/Rivers/Favre/Elway have a 3 to 4 pick day and it’s just a wash to the next game. Don’t understand why folks aren’t willing to realize that this is basically a rookie that is still feeling his way. Going to be bumpy at times, but doesn’t mean the ability isn’t there.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
Because there has always been a higher bar and higher expectations for Tebow than most other rookies.
Double standard much?
Not to mention that some folks have selective memories.
Boiler etc - January 8, 2012
Agreed
We’re inside of 16 games for Tim in his career so far, so rookie he still is. We’ll see what changes come after a full offseason with the complete OTA package.
shasta77 - January 8, 2012
That's too rational shasta.
Me. Me. Me. Now. Now. Now.
Why hasn’t Tim won a Super Bowl as a rookie? huh?
Boiler etc - January 8, 2012
Rational, yikes!
So logical, what was I thinking!?!!
Thanks for the “wisen-up”
I’m better now! I promise. We will win tomorrow and hammer NE in 2 weeks. Yep, I said it. I really am crazy.
shasta77 - January 8, 2012
Tim, may I suggest there there is a world of difference between thinking that teams have adjusted their play to take away Tebow’s strengths and make him play to his weaknesses, (in other words, have figured him out) and wanting him to fail or be a bust.
I for one am skeptical of his long term viability as a NFL quarterback. I can assure you that I in no way want him to fail or be a bust.
BroncoMarc - January 7, 2012
Wow
2 bad games and Tebow’s been “figured out”?
You talk about Tebow like he’s the Wildcat. Pretty ridiculous.
Nick Cast - January 7, 2012
Right or wrong, it's not about two bad game to me...
The Kansas City Chiefs insisted on their edge defenders sealing the edges with discipline to cut off Tebow’s escape route and mandated that their corners play their receivers (and not the quarterback) until the whistle blows. It was simple and effective, and it prevented Tebow from making the uncontested throws during a scramble that he had become accustomed to making. What’s worse, is that the Chiefs also figured out that by not going into a prevent defense late in the game, Tebow wasn’t able to continually make the uncontested throws that had previously allowed him to drive down and score and win.
I think the Steelers will copy that approach. Tim Tebow hasn’t been able to make contested throws very often.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
They live by zone coverage
When you zone blitz, you go with zone coverage. If they really want to eliminate their zone coverage scheme to go man-up on our receivers, then that means no zone blitz. I’m okay with that. You want to change your whole defensive philosophy in week 17, good luck with that. Tebow effect complete.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
That's fair
Pitt disguises their scheme better than anyone in the league, and a lot of that is their zone blitzes.
Tebow had a lot of trouble in the press, so he might have better luck in zone, which he has in the past. Still, I think the two lessons are clear: Don’t leave your receivers during a scramble, and don’t play “off” coverage late in the game. Those are the vast majority of where his passes come from.. uncontested.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
So
Because Kansas City played a good game and had a good game plan, Tebow’s been “figured out”. That’s essentially what you’re saying?
Nick Cast - January 7, 2012
That's the part I don't understand either
Really, KC is the only team to shut Tebow down for the whole game (and that was last week). How they did it was similar to some things that others had tried at times (Jets, Bears, Bills, etc.), but they were the only one to do it for the whole game. How this suddenly makes Tebow “figured out” I don’t really understand.
If anything, what it should is our receivers struggle with press-coverage (which Eddie has his whole professional career). Hard to throw to receivers that can’t get open. And when they did, as a hangover to the Bills game, Tebow was hesitant to pull the trigger.
I expect to see a lot more open receivers against a zone defense (which is what the Steelers primarily run) and some intentional “safe” throws to get Tim rolling early.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
Last time we played them they held him to 69 yards. They’re the only team that game-planned for him twice this year.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Yes.
Not because they played a good game, and not because he played a bad game… but because they showed the league to make all passes “contested”.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
But that's always a goal for any defense
Having watched the Lions lose a few guys in coverage early tonight is great example of what happens when scheme breaks down. Last week, the Chiefs had no breaks downs in a man-to-man scheme that we were able to take advantage of (either receiver misses, Tebow misses, or protection breakdowns preventing a throw). Tomorrow the Steelers will be trying for the same type of success, but with a completely different scheme. LeBeau’s philosophy is to disguise pressure, bring it, and make the QB react quickly to chaos. He does this largely with the entire middle of the field (sideline to sideline) under zone coverage. So Tim will have wholes to throw to that he didn’t last week.
Time will tell if this makes much difference, but my guess is that much time was spent this week working on “zone throws” based on hot reads or personnel movement. Best thing to help him in this game would be some early completions in the 5-10 yard area and consistent running gains by McGahee et al. Guess we’ll see soon how it all plays out.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
The goal of a defense is to always make passes tough
But that’s diffent from saying that you shouldn’t go into a prevent deefense, and it’s different from saying to your corners to never leave their receiver – to play the receiver even during a scramble.
KC said that Tebow can’t complete passes to receivers in the 4-minute drill if there’s no prevent defense. KC said that Tebow can’t make those big plays during his patented scrambles if the receiver is never left wide open while the CB comes up to tackle Tebow. KC was right. And I have a hard time thinking Pitt won’t copy it.
The zone thing is a good point, but you can still do those same two things while in zone… not leave your receiver and not go into a “soft” zone late in Q4.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Your point is solid, but the personnel is different
The Steelers don’t have shutdown CBs like KC does (Carr is under-rated and Flowers is going to be a star for a long time). And, their defense is designed to pass receivers off as they pass from one zone to another. This should help Tebow (provided he has time to throw) as he can throw to a spot, rather than what for separation for a particular receiver.
This is why we had so many wide-open receivers at time against the Bears, Vikings and Chargers. All play a fair bit of Cover 2 with zone responsibilities. Our young receivers did a great job of sitting down in the soft spots in the zone, and Tim found them. Hopefully we see more of that tomorrow.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
I can assure you
You’re the first in three days to really make me rethink my position. The Steelers do play the zone and they won’t change those stripes. Tebow has had success in the zone, as have the receivers. My position hasn’t changed, but your argument is the best I’ve seen and makes the most sense.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Happy to play "rethink"
Good comments. Thanks for making me solidify my own thinking on the pieces and parts.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
That's an incredibly narrow-minded comment
You’re assumption is that the rest of the defenses in the league are going to copy the Chiefs and therefore Tebow will be rendered useless. The problem is that your thinking doesn’t take into account Tebow playing differently then he did against the Chiefs or the offensive play calls being different.
How about this, open the game up with 3 WR to the left. If the Steelers go nickel, run the ball. If the Steelers stay in their base defense, run a WR screen. Make them pay for leaving a WR uncovered. How about a roll out play where Tebow has a deep WR, a TE on a middle out and another WR short. How about calling pass plays where Tebow has an outlet TE or RB instead of having him sit in the pocket and wait for guys to be open?
There is so much more that we can and should be doing. Tebow and the play calling need to be better. He has had a rough two weeks, but there’s so much more we can do that it’s pretty ridiculous to suggest Tebow’s been "figured out.
Nick Cast - January 7, 2012
I'm on a lonely limb in thinking Tebow is figured out
I hope you’re right. I hope the reason that plays haven’t been called differently is because they forgot, didn’t try, or thought that what they were doing was working.
I want to reiterate, though, that it has nothing to do with the two games by themselves. If it were two quarters, I’d feel the same. Again, I hope i"m wrong. I hope he does show the ability to beat coverage.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Oh its not lonely man! There are plenty Florio/Silver/Cris Carter types all over that limb.
I hope the limb breaks tomorrow. lol
I think your concerns are valid though, unlike the haters I lamely lumped in with you who don’t even know why Tebow is struggling cause they don’t even watch the games.
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
I'll take that as a compliment!
And I assure you, I’ll be dancing in the streets tomorrow if I’m wrong. And I’ll be pissed if I’m right.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
guys
its not hard to figure Tim Tebow out. Detroit said they were going to make him beat them with his arm. Everybody knows this. It’s no secret.
However, knowing what you should be doing and going out and actually doing it are two different things. KC did if for a full 60 minutes thats all. They don’t have a magic formula they just executed.
T.Dot_Bronco - January 7, 2012
They were the first team to execute for 60 minutes instead of 56 minutes
during a close game. Their “secret” was to contest all throws. It was new.
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
The offense is one cohesive unit. It takes everyone working in sync for there to be success.
I don’t think Tebow has a problem reading coverages. In fact, if anything, he reads opposing coverages very well. Of his interceptions this year, not many were because he failed to read the coverage correctly. Most if not all of them had to do with him forcing balls. His main problem is that he isn’t anticipating when/if his WR will be getting open. He has to trust his receivers to get open and hit them in the brief window they are open. That’s something that he struggles with but something he can and will improve over time.
It also doesn’t help that the WR have given him little reason to trust them and McCoy isn’t calling a lot of QB-friendly passes. McCoy needs to do a better job of getting Tebow in a rhythm instead of having him try and throw a 3rd and 9 when he hasn’t thrown the ball in 10 minutes.
Nick Cast - January 8, 2012
++ 11 on each point Nick
Boiler etc - January 8, 2012
I’m glad someone else thinks this too. Despite the oft-repeated idea that Tebow can’t make reads, I just don’t see it. Like you imply, when QBs can’t make solid reads they end up throwing a lot more picks than Tebow has…they don’t understand how a defense is working and how the offense should make it react.
To me, Tebow, especially lately, has been struggling most with the two route, max protect passes that they are trying to get him to throw. There’s not much to read on these plays: is the guy open enough to risk the bomb? Has Franklin’s man ran straight past him? Where I’ve seen him have some of his best success is when when spread the field out, run lots of routes and instead of using max protect, let him use his athleticism to help avoid the pass rush. When 7/8 defenders are all crowded around the LOS (max protect) it’s a lot harder for Tebow to use his legs than if 5/6 are (single back, four wide e.g.). Coincidentally these are the types of formations that Tebow was successful in for many of the comebacks. Of course, other factors apply to.
I don’t think it’s a novel concept that Tebow excels at things he did extraordinarily well at in college: running a spread option offense. Certainly, not every concept and play from college will transfer to the pros, but there are plenty of NFL teams that have shown you can run four- and five-route patterns and allow you QB to attack the defense.
I think our run game is so diverse and creative and could really be a weapon (think 40-yard TD runs) if only they would do something with the stagnant passing game. KC showed that they could shut down a passing game when they knew what (deep routes, max protect) and when (third and long, late fourth quarter) it was coming. Please, McCoy, Fox, etc.: help the Broncos shine.
poorboywilly - January 8, 2012
or another read on the two-route play: has the receiver run the correct route? ;)
Of course I understand that Tebow isn’t the best passer in the league. This was maybe glossed over in my reply, and I didn’t mean to do that. He does have issues. But that makes it, to me at least, all the more critical that you don’t force him into only passing on 3rd and long! That’s the toughest situation in football to pass on!
poorboywilly - January 8, 2012
I like your thinking
I would like to see at least one 4 receiver set with a RB in a slot position early (ideally JJ) to test the defense. I expect an end-run or reverse as well—another early test.
Best way to push the zone-blitz scheme is to dare them to come and make them pay when they do. That could be do to run play success (which Houston did earlier this year) or quick passes to the flat or middle (as Baltimore did both times this year). Either way, you have to scheme to make them pay for “bringing it.”
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
But this would imply that the coaching staff is willing and able to 1) be creative in the passing game and 2) actually throw the ball before we are down multiple scores in the late fourth quarter.
I too have plenty of things I would like to see attempted in the pass game. I too would like to see us throw the ball at any point in time when it is not completely expected. You know, help out who you view as a limited QB by keeping the defense off-balance when you actually do throw?
I don’t recall it happening in the games I’ve been able to see this year, and if it happens now I will be overjoyed.
poorboywilly - January 8, 2012
Next man up...
is probably our worst player on the roster: Russ Hochstein. But now it doesn’t care, he will be in a Broncos uni as starter and I’ll cheer for him all the game long. Just hope we can make some magic again…
“Impossible is just a matter of perspective.” (unknown)
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
You saw how he played last week, yes?
When the announcers are calling out his successful blocks (which they did more than once), then maybe he deserves a little respect. Something to consider.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
We rolled a lot of that blocking help to him, though
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
Yeap
And I’m sure we’ll need to repeat it on sunday…
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
The Broncos were awful last week
It wouldn’t be fair with any player to judge them as good or crappy for that game. So, althought I don’t think he was worse than the rest of the team, I still think he is our worst player on the roster.
However, as I already said, I’ll cheer for him the whole game… just because he will be wearing a Broncos jersey and it’s enough!
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
We ran for 216 yards, hardly awful
We didn’t win, but to say that McGahee’s 5.2 yards per carry was the result of an offensive line playing a crappy game would be wildly overstated. What does a “decent” game look like if that was crap? 300 yards? 400 yards?
I think perhaps the loss has clouded your perception of what actually went well in the game, besides the score.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
Big yards... no touch downs...
need more balance on offense. Maybe the injury will lend itself to some rolling pockets to the left to give Tebow more time to throw.
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
Absolutely, scores are what you want
But, the OLine actually played very well last week. A fumble at the 15 yard line didn’t help our scoring line, and drives that stalled around the Chiefs 40 didn’t either. But they didn’t play awful. The “team” just didn’t play good enough on all levels to get it done. But we were one play away right up to the last drive. So not a total disaster.
I think the Bengals and Lions would have been quite happy to be one play away in the 4th quarter of their games today.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
I just think the Broncos as a team
We put no points on the board and gave 7…
So for me, the team was awful althought glimpses of great moments/numbers. It’s just another way to look at that game.
Fabio Broncos - January 8, 2012
Kupers loss is big
Statistically, I think you can make a case that he’s been the team MVP on offense. But this is also exactly the sort of loss that makes others step up their game. As Knute Fox once said:
Well, boys … I haven’t a thing to say.
Played a great game…all of you. Great game.
(He tries to smile.)
I guess we just can’t expect to win ‘em all.
(Fox pauses and says quietly.)
I’m going to tell you something I’ve kept to myself for years
-“Fox,” he said -None of you ever knew Chris Koop.
It was long before your time.
But you know what a tradition he is at Mile High…
(There is gentle, faraway look in his eyes as he recalls the boy’s words.)
And the last thing he said to me -
“sometime, when the team is up against it — and the
breaks are beating the boys — tell them to go out there
with all they got and win just one for the Kuper…
(Knut’s eyes become misty and his voice is unsteady as he finishes.)
I don’t know where I’ll be then, Fox”, he said – “but
I’ll know about it – and I’ll be happy.”
yibberat - January 7, 2012
These strikethroughs are annoying
yibberat - January 7, 2012
It's the space
I’ve done it too lol gotta put a space after the “-” key or it strike through like that
Rodney A - January 7, 2012
BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Oh wait, wrong thread….and it was your mom who let the dogs out :P
Bronco Mike - January 7, 2012
My biggest question is
how will the game plan look? If it looks like it has, like scoring points is undesirable, then it won’t matter what the dogs do. I gotta say I am huge Broncos fan, but I am not a Foxball fan. Watching these games is a little like chewing on tinfoil.
Mee - January 7, 2012
We picked up Ryan Harris, he was a beast in the zone blocking scheme of Shanny. Maybe he can step in and we can regain the old Ryan squared, that were considered 2 of the best offensive linemen, prior to McDaniel’s move to power blocking. I believe that in Shanahan’s last season with the Broncos, it was when Harris went down, we fell off the map. I also think that it was a game against the Steelers that the injury occurred and we lost our remaining games, sealing Shanahan’s fate.
Go Broncos…………… beat the Steelers, bring on the Pats!
Drbob14 - January 7, 2012
Harris is a RT. In the run game, Orlando Franklin is ten times the man Harris is. ;-)
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
And when our OL looks good pass blocking, he looks good too...
I’m impressed and pleasant surprised, since I was doubting about it when we selected him.
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
And when we're passing
Harris will allow the TE to run routes giving Tebow an extra outlet. Franklin won’t.
yibberat - January 7, 2012
The healthy Harris?
Don’t get me wrong, yibby… I was a supporter on the idea of bringing him back. But we can’t deny the guy is too injury prone and Franklin is developing properly.
We still have the option to add another Tackle and move him to play Guard, but I’d give him another season to evaluate it better with a full offseason coaching and OTAs.
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
No left-handed QB has ever succeeded
in the NFL without their team solving the pass-protection issue at right tackle – in the first full year. The Bengals drafted a top LT before they even drafted Esiason – and plugged him in at RT. The 49ers drafted a top LT when they picked up Steve Young – and plugged him in at RT. The Falcons picked up a top LT in FA the year after Vick was drafted – and plugged him in at RT for Vick’s first full season. The Eagles picked up Ryan Harris, drafted a G, picked up another in FA, dealt with an injury to their existing RT (a 1st LT who was only drafted in the 2nd round because of character concerns – with 5 years NFL experience), and finally moved their LG over to RT when they decided to go with Vick this offseason.
Franklin does not have the lateral quickness to deal with a pass rusher around the edge. He never was projected to have that. If he is going to be the RT, the TE will have to stay in to deal with unexpected blindside stuff that the defense does which means one less outlet for Tebow. Just as the TE has done all year so far.
Harris is a necessary pickup but his injury-risk does not make him a long-term solution there. And Clady’s contract expires after 2012 – which means we might have no tackles anyway by the end of next season.
If the Broncos do not draft or FA a solid LT-type, then they are not serious about Tebow. The O-line will need to transform itself from scary shallow to very deep from tackle to tackle if the Broncos want to create a neutral (non-righthanded, non-left-handed) offensive line. Only then can all the playmakers get involved in the offense.
yibberat - January 7, 2012
The same holds true for a right-handed QB.
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
No
TE on the right side are usually there to help pass protect/block because a “standard” RT is not usually a top pass-protector. That is because a “standard” offense is right-handed and so teams give up a bit of pass protection on that side — because that is the side where a right-handed QB can see the rush coming and react to it. If a rush doesn’t come, the TE can get open and provide an out for the QB. And for a right-handed QB, that all occurs in their line of sight.
when I say draft or FA a LT-type — I do not mean slot him in at left tackle. I mean find a pass-protection tackle – who is always called a “left tackle” because that’s where every team with a right-handed QB intends to play him – and slot him in at right tackle.
yibberat - January 8, 2012
Just a question, using your logic
I’m not saying you are wrong, I’m not being ironic or sarcastic here, I’m really just figuring some stuff out…. really.
So let’s get for a while that the only purpose a TE is used there is to help the RT (who is worse in pass blocking than the LT). Ok, so why the teams with a left-handed QB simply doesn’t just plug the LT at RT and places the TE next to the “new” LT??
It would make much more sense if we just use your logic… but it’s not we see in NFL. So that’s a hint that this “blindside protection” has a lot of nuances we (who don’t play at this level) are not used to, so it’s really hard to figure out.
Anyway, I agree NOW Franklin doesn’t have the fluidity required to play tackle. But I think he is doing very well without an offseason. And, another very important role: he didn’t miss any game!
If we sign a top-tier RT (or draft one) to adress the LG with Franklin (since Beadles is the weakest link on the offensive line), I’d be ok too. However I think we have some other majos issues to fix, and it can wait another season for us to evaluate better.
Fabio Broncos - January 8, 2012
What we see is that NFL teams chose to add depth rather than simply switch positions
Makes sense to me. Any position switch is a risk. Older players esp. Clady is in a contract year – so he could really resist that move. It could potentially cost him millions with the 30 teams that have RH QB’s. Once a team decides to switch positions, they are by definition forgoing the opportunity to add depth. All risk no real reward for the team. Just a way to save a roster slot.
IMO an O-line that “works” for next year would be (left to right):
Clady – Beadles – Walton – Franklin – Harris/Newguy (until Kuper returns)
Clady – Franklin/Beadles – Walton – Kuper – Harris/Newguy (after Kuper returns)
This would be a deep oline – a bench with upside and situational/spot starting in place, plenty of great run blocking and pass protect options on both sides of center – and thus the flexibility to get TE’s on both sides into the receiving game.
What the Harris signing does is allow us to avoid the expensive free agent ( ie Harris is cheaper precisely because of his injury risk) route and to not have to go 1st round for the LT – Kalil, Reiff, Martin, prob Adams. Instead we can go for the 2nd/3rd rounders – Sanders, Potter, Reynolds, McCants, Mosley – who have what can’t be coached (lateral mobility, size) and who need a bit of what can be coached (technique, higher competition, reps)
yibberat - January 8, 2012
That's how I was thinking....
after the draft and before the Eagles signed Harris. So I like how you build the OL since it’s exactly how I did it at that time.
However, what would had been your plan when (and if) Harris got injured?
Fabio Broncos - January 8, 2012
At that point you have a short-term risk in yr 1
But still better than we have right now. Prob alternate at RT between the newguy and franklin depending on opponents strengths and whether we’re looking to establish the run or the pass against them.
At least this gives us options rather than panicking about “opponents have figured out that our QB is left-handed and we can’t do anything about it.”
Personally, I’m also a fan of rotating QB’s as well – between a lefty and a righty. That idea however seems to get QB fans in a tizzy.
yibberat - January 8, 2012
you're right-handed I'll bet
yibberat - January 8, 2012
Depends on if I am writing or throwing.
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
The rushing attack never resulted in points to begin with...
165 Yards per game got us #25 in scoring.
The coaches haven’t figured this out apparently, only 5 TDs from running backs this year. We needed a more balanced offense anyway, so maybe this will be the key that gets us there.
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
However
It keeps the opposite QBs off the field and kill their offensive rhythm, besides fatiguing the opposite defenses…
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
Unless McCoy gets into his play call rhythm of...
run right, run left, QB draw, punt…
Those 3 & outs kill us.
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
I can't argue against it when you say the name: Mike McCoy
He is the most predictable OC ever! Bah!
Fabio Broncos - January 7, 2012
I still haven't decided if it is McCoy or Fox...
McCoy is the OC that got Tebow his first 300 yard passing game, so I wonder how handcuffed McCoy is by Fox’s ideology.
But – from the interviews I saw yesterday, I know that not allowing Tebow to audible out of plays is a BIG NO NO. McCoy himself said, “I would have called a different play if I knew they were in man coverage.” And Tim said he has very little freedom to audible.
Sometime, you have to trust your QB to get you into the right plays. I think now is the time, especially since the 3 game slide. We stopped winning the ‘other way,’ time to break out and so something different.
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
We were all bitching about McD's playcalling last year being so predictable.
The only constant between McD playcalling and Fox playcalling is McCoy.
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
But I think it was less predictable under Studesville...
or maybe slightly less… hahaha…
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
Agreed Tim..
Is their anyone one MHR who realy has confindence in this coaching staffs abailty to groom any young QB? I won’t even get into the inept play calling on O. Most coaches realy don’t know how to develope QB’s The NFL is littered with examples of this. Look no futher than this year in S.F. Do you realy believe that Alex Smith is a different player, or just maybe their is a reason that his best years in the NFL were for coaches who are known for developing young QB’s?
Let me say for the record that I’m happy with the way caoch Fox has helped right the ship in Denver. However todays NFL is an Offensive Game with all the rules slanted heavley in the O favor!!! With the way are offensive caoching staff is put together now we will never be able to develope ANY YOUNG QB!!! Coach McCoy has no imagion, and Coach Gaase should be coaching the WR’s, it’s what he knows and he is actualy good at.
Please John Elway bring in an O.C. that know’s how to develope QB’s and call plays next year PLEASE :)
FootballguruCoreyS. - January 7, 2012
If McD owned the play calleing last year then Fox owns the playcalling this year.
Boiler etc - January 8, 2012
I've brought this up before.....very few will have anything to do with the subject. So thank you.
I don’t think Fox trusts Tebow as far as he could throw him.
Boiler etc - January 8, 2012
Agreed
Fox is the reason Tebow’s confidence is shot.
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
I think Tebow is the reason Tebow's confidence is shot.
He made some critical mistakes that cost this team the game against the Bills and he hasn’t recovered. Sheesh, we act like Tebow isn’t human around here sometimes.
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
A good coach inspires confidence
Brady Quinn received almost HALF of the first team reps in practice this week and now there’s a “Quinn package” for 3rd and long situations. (Jay Glazer confirmed the PFT information this morning)
I’m sorry, but that’s NOT the way to inspire confidence. If Tebow somehow overcomes the coaching staff and has a good game today it will be a miracle.
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
For the record
Quinn clearly said that he did not take half of the first team reps this week. He said he took 2 reps with the first team a day, which has been normal for him.
BroncoMarc - January 8, 2012
Quinn said what he was supposed to say
Jay Glazer independently confirmed the PFT report
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
We'll see
Jay Glazer claimed that Quinn would be taking the snaps on third down for this game. He he does, you’re likely right. If not, then the story is all bunk.
Regardless, one of Tebow’s great strengths is supposed to be his mental toughness. He is a second year pro and a first round pick. He won a champion at Florida as the starting QB. If indeed Quinn being in the mix damages his confidence to the point it affect his play, might I suggest we need to start looking elsewhere for a QB. We need someone with more mental toughness than that.
BroncoMarc - January 8, 2012
You actually believe the MSM hacks that have been making up stories all week?
FML
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
all week = all year. My bad.
FML remains.
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
I never take PFT at face value
But Jay Glazer is pretty accurate
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
I believe its a lie.
I’ll go with that.
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
Fair enough
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
Every QB throws INT's
Tom Brady threw 4 against the same Bills defense Tebow did. The Chiefs defense made Aaron Rodgers look pretty average.
Mistakes happen.
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
Yeah, but Tebow has to hear everyone bash him in the media.
The team does everything it can to support him – but Tebow’s problems are 100% mental – Fox is doing everything he can to get Tebow over that mental block.
Tim Lynch - January 8, 2012
I really hope you're right
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
I don't think the play calling is that easy with Tebow.
Seven passes were attempted on first down against the Chiefs. (I’m not sure how many were called, but it was likely more.) Of those seven, Tebow completed one. Given those odds, I’d be inclined to run it too. This is just not an offense that can easily recover from second and ten.
I for one give McCoy credit for changing a whole offense around mid season and having some success with it. Defenses have adjusted, and now the Broncos are in a quandary. It’s easy to say, “be more creative”, but it’s not so easy when one gets down to specifics. People want screen passes. For reasons that have been explained screens wont work against the defenses we have been seeing. People want more short slants and outs. But these quick timing routs are the exact passes that Tebow struggles with most. What is McCoy to do? I hope that he can come of with something creative to take advantage of Tebow’s great strength as a runner, but I personally have no idea what that might be.
BroncoMarc - January 7, 2012
agree - rec'd
FanSinceTheDonHornEra - January 8, 2012
True, but we scored as man rushing TDs as we gave up (the number was actually 11 counting Tebow)
And we only gave up 4 more passing TDs then we scored, so not as bad as it might seem. For a team that was 4-12 the year before, surprisingly even you might say. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But it wasn’t like the Cutler era of tons of yards and no points.
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
"many" I meant
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
The Loss of Kuper Hurts 2 ways.....
NOt only do we lose his skill as a player, we also loss his mentorship of Fraklin!! With no off season Fraklin has benn learning the NFL game on the fly this year. Kuper was his biggest mentor who could often been sean telling Fraklin who to block.
FootballguruCoreyS. - January 7, 2012
I hope you guys beat Pitts.
Its going to be tough, and the Steelers fans are already talking about routing you guys by like 28 pts. Hope you prevail and win, now you guys are the “feel-good” story of the yr.
redrifle14 - January 7, 2012
Thanks redrifle. I hope we beat them too!
BroncoMarc - January 7, 2012
I am just excited to finally see the Denver Broncos in the playoffs once again!
Teeeeeee-eeeeeee-boooooowwwww….woooooooooohhhhhh-oooooohhhhhhhhh…C’mon Broncos, get after it Sunday!!! Denver vs. The World…who wants some??? C’mon!!!
knoepke84 - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Damn right!
GO BRONCOS!!!
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
FYI ... Steelers averaged 20.3 points per game, Broncos 19.3...
It’s going to be a lot better game than people are giving us credit for.
AND I AM GOING TO BE THERE BABY! FIRST LEVEL!
AlwaysRightSometimes - January 7, 2012
Scream for me!
I was there for the first playoff win in 1977 (against the Steelers). Do me a solid and yell yourself horse tomorrow!
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
When is sit down and think about games (especially when I'm betting)
I look at two things. Scoring offence and scoring defence. Pitt averages more points for and less points against. Better offence and better defence. If I’m betting, theres no question I take the Steelers.
I’m not saying it can’t be done but it will be a pretty tall task and a few unexpected turns will have to end up in our favour.
T.Dot_Bronco - January 7, 2012
You don't look at the spread?
Tim Lynch - January 7, 2012
thats the great equalizer
but parlay moneylines….i suck with spreads
T.Dot_Bronco - January 7, 2012
Hard to make money that way
ElwayFanJ - January 8, 2012
That's why the ball is shaped the way it is
Unexpected turns abound with that bad boy. Here’s to us breaking the Vegas Bank yet again (they still hate us after the GB Super Bowl)!!
shasta77 - January 7, 2012
I'm ready for a Broncos victory!
the new Bradfather - January 8, 2012
Everyone expects us to lose...
so we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let’s crack some Steel!
Charge of the Broncos Horse Lords!
The red sun rises! The snow falls! VonDooommmmm!!!!!!!!
And an epic Tebow time to finish em off!
Go Broncos!
Brazenwood - January 8, 2012
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