FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

October 15th, 2009 10:37pm PST

THAT’S MY TAKE

Flying A Mile High



When NFL Training camps opened back in late July, very few people, if any thought the Broncos would have a 2009 season to savor. With a new regime taking over and many changes taking place this team had more of the look of rebuilding, than contending.

Following what could only have been described as a disastrous and tumultuous beginning with the trading of former franchise quarterback Jay Cutler, the Broncos new Head Coach Josh McDaniels appears to have made a complete one-eighty. After all McDaniels was replacing what some may have considered to be one of the leagues best head coaches and offensive masterminds (Mike Shanahan). Shanahan had led the Broncos to back to back Super Bowl victories with the last coming in 1999, but after a decade of struggling it seemed change was overdue.

When Pat Bowlen made the decision to go in a new direction this past offseason, even with his credentials McDaniels hardly seemed to be the right fit. The young up and coming offensive coordinator was busy making a name for himself in New England as an offensive guru himself.

For the past several seasons one of the Broncos major deficiencies and their biggest Achilles heel last year was the defense. A season ending meltdown (three game losing streak), culminated by a 52-21 loss that ended any postseason hope told Bowlen all he needed to know; new blood was in order.

Enter the young Mr. McDaniels, whose youthful exuberance and charismatic spirit has breathed new life into the franchise and the city. With his arrival came difficult, but needed changes. One of his first and perhaps least publicized (at least didn’t cause much of a stir), yet key decisions that has this team riding a wave of orange was the hiring of Mike Nolan.

A New Improved D…


Nolan brings with him the pedigree of winner as a defensive coordinator. His defenses of the past have built a reputation for being aggressive, bringing pressure, and most critical causing turnovers; all areas that the 2008 Broncos lacked. This season playing a new 3-4 scheme under Nolan the defense has racked up 16 sacks, held their opponents to 43 total points this season, and recorded 11 takeaways.

Of course Nolan is only as good as the talent he coaches and another credit to McDaniels, the key free agent signings made in the offseason. Like a glove Andra Davis (former Brown), Renaldo Hill (former Dolphin), and Darrell Reid (former Colt) have all stepped in to play a big part in the defenses turnaround. Without question the biggest signing was the acquisition of former Eagle’s safety Brian Dawkins. His leadership and infectious sell out attitude has this defense playing at a level like the city hasn’t seen in some time.

Offense is coming around….

Just as the firing of Shanahan was blasted in some circles, McDaniel’s hiring came with its’ own criticism. A franchise that needed a defensive injection instead brought in the next Mike Shanahan. The comparisons were obvious; McDaniels had accomplished great things as the offensive coordinator in New England with Tom Brady and helped a seeming mid-level talent like Cassel blossom. It was McDaniel’s offense that Brady ran in 2007 when he rewrote the record books with 50 touchdown passes.

With the defense suddenly playing inspired ball this season, it has taken McDaniel’s “Patriot’s West” offense a little more time to get simmering. Only last Sunday against the Patriots did the Bronco’s offense start to resemble something of what many that they would see in 2009. In their win over New England the Broncos had 27 first downs, ran up 424 yards of offense, and held the ball for over 36 minutes; characteristic of a McDaniels offense. The next step in their evolution will obviously be more points.

With players like Marshall and Royal beginning to hit their stride in the passing game and the rookie Knowshon Moreno anchoring the ground game (when he holds onto the ball), the Bronco's have what appears to be a potented offense. And with a supporting cast of Gaffney, Scheffler, Buckhalter, and Hillis; these guys are only going to make for long days for opposing defensive coordinators. If last Sunday against the Patiriots is any indication of the potential of this unit, their ceiling appears to be a mile high.

A Big Test Lies Ahead……

With everything starting to click in Denver and McDaniel’s team 5-0, there is still much to prove for this highly scrutinized over-achieving ball club. In the first couple of weeks, it was “they haven’t played anyone” and then last week, "well they’re always better at home." This may very well be a recurring theme all season long, but one fact that is hard to escape, this coming Monday night is going to be a tough road test no matter how you look at it. In recent history, the Chargers have owned the Broncos and with their team sputtering, this divisional matchup will be critical.

So far the Broncos have yet to really be perfect this season, but with a little lady luck they stand 5-0 and atop the AFC West with a two and a half game lead over the Chargers. Monday night is yet another test for McDaniels and his boys, but one if passed should not only satisfy the critics, but legitimize this team as the 'real deal.'

That’s my take.


By David Ortega

Check back every week for more of “That’s My Take”

FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

May 2nd, 2009 8:10pm PST

A Mile High Draft

Denver Broncos: How’d they do?

This was supposed to have been McDaniels golden opportunity to show the fans of Denver that he has a plan and that the team is in good hands. Well I’m not so sure that was the message conveyed over draft weekend when you consider some of the picks made.

Now let's be fair, I’m not going to throw anyone under the bus or even suggest that the Broncos did not do well in this year's draft. I think the easiest way to say it, I was very surprised and concerned by some of the team’s early picks, but in the end I am hopeful that McDaniels and his new staff have made good decisions.

When draft day began, my first thought was okay McDaniels you have two first round picks (in the top 20), lets put the defense back together. Imagine my surprise when not only was the first pick not a defensive player, but their second pick was not one of the many names some figured the Broncos might grab at 12 (Ray Maualuga, Clay Matthews, or Vontae Davis).

It’s hard to question a team’s thinking when you are not in the circle, but clearly Denver appeared all over the map with their early selections, even some expert analysts weren’t clear of what was the though process. Now that the draft is complete, let’s take a look at some of the picks made;

The highlights of the draft…

With their first pick the Broncos went running back, with the selection of Knowshon Moreno. The former Georgia Bulldog is a versatile back and a playmaker, but this wasn’t a particular area of desperate need. However the staff must have been really high on Moreno and at number 12 he will likely come in as the starter. At only 5’11” tall and 208-lbs he probably won’t be expected to be an every down back which makes sense in McDaniels running-back-by-committee friendly system.

It did not take long for McDaniels to get back on track with the defense being the focus in the draft. With the team’s next three picks, Denver selected Robert Ayers (Tennessee), Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest), and Darcel McBath (Texas Tech). All three players address areas of specific need.

Ayers gives the Broncos a much needed pass rusher on the edge, but I question his size. At only 273-lbs he could be a liability against the run or struggle with durability issues.

Both Smith and McBath address the need in the secondary. Smith has the ability and potential to be a very good corner in the league, but at 5’9” I have my concerns about the possibility of him struggling against some of the taller talent in the league. Smith has great instincts and playmaking ability, but he’ll need great technique and discipline to excel at the next level. McBath a converted corner to safety will give the team added depth in the deep secondary behind Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill.

With the last pick in the second round (number 64 overall) the team grabbed Richard Quinn (University of North Carolina). The tight end is perceived to be a very good blocker, which makes sense in Denver since McDaniel employs a system that does not feature the tight end position much. According to his former coach at Carolina, Quinn can be a good pass receiver; he was just not used much in the Tarheel’s system.

The Bronco’s also added a couple of lineman Seth Olsen (Iowa) and Blake Schlueter (TCU). Olsen gives the team a lineman that can play right away at either guard position, while both add depth to an already pretty good line.

How I see this year’s draft….

What concerns me most was opting for a dynamic playmaker on offense versus a stellar defensive stud with the team’s first pick. All along it has been the defense that has required the most work. Ayers could be a small reach with your first defensive selection and Smith is going to draw a lot of concern as an undersized corner.

What I like about this year’s draft was McDaniels was able to address many of the team’s needs. In conjunction with some of the offseason signings, it appears the team may have filled quite a few holes (or addressed many of them). I’m not sure if Moreno was the best first pick for Denver, but it certainly sounds like he could have a big impact in 2009. I think the Quinn pick was smart, he’ll do more for the team as a blocker than Scheffler likely would as a pass catcher. This move also frees up Scheffler to recoup some of next year’s picks.

There are going to be questions about some of the talent, that we will have to wait and see, but for the moment the horizon has a little promise to it. I will take the high road here and say I’m looking forward to watching some of the team’s new talent blossom this summer and I believe if Pat Bowlen knows what he is doing, McDaniels just might be able to put a new look and improved team on the field in 2009.

That’s my take.

By David G. Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 1st, 2008 11:37pm PST


[Wednesday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


What's wrong in Denver?

I'm sure when the Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen decided to go in a new direction by firing former head coach Mike Shanahan, he never expected to see the heir apparent run his team in this direction (into the ground). At least for the moment that appears to be where this team is heading if the new head coach Josh McDaniels, can't put the pieces of this puzzle we call the Denver Broncos back together soon. In just less than three months as the head coach McDaniels has managed to dismantle last year’s 2nd ranked offense, first with the release of offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and now the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler.

The popular sentiment at the moment amongst Bronco fans has to be "I can't believe it went this far." Well believe it Mile High faithful, because Cutler is packing his bags and well on his way to the windy city.

It took the Broncos new hire just 56 days to disrupt the harmony in the team's locker room and cause quite a stir with the alleged trade rumors involving the team's former first round pick. When the Broncos entertained the idea of trading Cutler for Cassel this would evidently mark the end of Cutler and McDaniel's working relationship.

It has become quite apparent that team owner Pat Bowlen has decided to stick to his guns and fully support his unproven and quite naive new head coach. It's already been well documented of McDaniels mishandling of the infamous Cutler-for-Cassel deal and his attempts to reconcile with the ego-bruised quarterback. The last insult to injury is now the apparent trading of Cutler to Chicago.

The amazing part of all this, when Shanahan was fired it seemed the big issues in Denver were all about the defense. Consequently the team’s defensive coordinator was terminated to no surprise. Many football fans and experts questioned the hire of McDaniels, considered another offensive genius, since so much had been made about the Broncos poor defense.

McDaniels had seemed to put some of that concern to rest with some of his offseason moves and signings, but definitely the thought in Denver had to be the offense was good to go and did not need any changes, so much for thinking outside of McDaniel’s circle. About one month ago he considered the move and today the Broncos decided to follow his lead and trade quarterback Jay Cutler.

So where do the Broncos go now? It seems from so close to the "Penthouse," there are now closer to becoming residents of the "outhouse." What happened to the Broncos and what's wrong in Denver?

If this trade goes through and Cutler signs with Chicago, it would seem that the Broncos have taken major strides in the wrong direction, or at least that would be the impression. Bowlen sure has put a lot of faith in the kid that just traded his pro bowl quarterback away. Three months ago, you could not have paid me to believe any of this could happen, so much for going in another direction, eh Pat?

(Photo by John Leyba/Denver Post)

...but, if there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm not sure too many of us can see quite that far, McDaniels is supposed to be an offensive genius. Well it looks like he'll have to earn his keep in 2009 with quarterback Kyle Orton under center. Orton has never had impressive passing numbers in Chicago, but he has won. That's a good sign.

In Denver he'll have a full complement of weapons and if the defense can get better and continue to improve, the long term plan for the Broncos could be waiting for them on Draft day. With two first round picks, it very conceivable that the team could trade up in this year’s draft and go get its future. Many believe at number 12, the team could be in position to select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

On Wednesday Sanchez had a very impressive Pro-Day and could very well have raised his stock level significantly, so much that waiting for him at number 12 could be too late. There is a lot wrong with Denver at the moment, but if McDaniels proves to be as good as advertised the Broncos could be working on a fix that many will learn of come draft day on April 25.

What's Blogging....

With the block-buster trade of Cutler-to-Chicago hitting all the news wires Thursday afternoon, there was just as much buzz about the deal on many blog sites throughout the day. In reading "Bronco Madness" there seems to be an optimistic approach about the trade, although I am not ready to jump on this train, I'll keep an open mind. It's very apparent that there aren't too many Bears fans upset about this shocking news today. I received a text from a friend and bear-fan, "Cutler is a Bear, hell f**ken yeah!" Apparently "Gridiron Goddess" shares the same sentiment writing "I AM STOKED!!!!!" I didn't even know she was a Bears fan. "Football by Barbie" had this to add "I guess the Broncos aren't too worried about winning this year. Orton? C'mon seriously?!"

Taking a quick break from today's football shattering news, trying to get his name back into the mainstream, according to "NFL Gridiron Gab" Arizona's wide receiver Anquan Boldin was making it known once again his wish to leave the desert. It seems Bolding fancy’s the Sunshine State. In "Draft Insiders' Digest" the recent post profiling NFL quarterback prospect Mark Sanchez, just reaffirms my belief why the Broncos should use their newly acquired picks to snatch this young strong-armed talent.

Continuing to follow the major story of the day, I was reading "Pro Football 101" and found their prediction of the Broncos being set back five years from contending and McDaniels out in three to be entertaining. While this remains to be seen, one stat to note, Mangini, Crennel, and Weiss have not exactly enjoyed great success since leaving the Belichik camp.

As long as these sites keep scribbling, I will keep reading and enjoying them and hope that you will too!

Check back for more "Tuesday Football Talk."

FSH: ON THE COVER

Who's in the news this week....

Broncos are set to trade Jay.

Today team owner Pat Bowlen made it public that the team would enterain offers, officially putting the team's franchise quarterback on the trade block. I can't see the team dealing Jay without getting a starting quarterback or lucrative package deal that would include many draft picks and some talent.

I have only read what teams will throw their hats in the ring, but what I have not heard is who the Broncos might approach. A bad deal is never a good thing, so I don't see Denver dealing Cutler just to make him happy. If the team pursues any opportunities, I think they may also consider creating a few of their own.

A couple of places that could make sense for Denver to call, obviously Kansas City for Matt Cassel. This is the guy McDaniels wanted all along, why not call Pioli? Why wouldn't the Chiefs consider a deal for Cutler? Another possible location to call on would be Bowlen's former employee, Gary Kubiak. Cutler would return to a system he knows and understands, and Schaub would be able to step in as the Bronco's starter right away. Denver could also use it's 12th pick to grab perhaps Mark Sanchez at the right price. With Schaub in camp, there's no hurry to rush a rookie into the lineup (ala Leinart in Arizona, but more ideal).

"That's my take" on today's happening...

FSH: THAT'S MY TAKE

March 20th, 2009 8:30pm PST

Enough is Enough

The Only Good Deal, is No Deal...
As if we haven't already had enough of this, the saga continues. Regardless of what you read and what everyone is now saying about the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels meltdown in Denver, there is really only one source to look to in order to restore harmony to Dove Valley. That one source is team and franchise owner Pat Bowlen.

Sure when we look at the origins of the events that have taken place to bring us to where we are now, we can fault the newly hired young coach for using poor judgment, but that is not the only place we should be looking. McDaniels was hired for his offensive genius, much in the same way Bowlen had brought in a young Mike Shanahan nearly 15 years earlier. It seemed to be an odd hire considering the state of the team needing so much help on the defense, but it would make sense that Bowlen would allow the new kid in town to follow his new plan. But why would his new plan include remaking the offense?

There may have and then there may not have been conversation between Bowlen and any of his players, but it would be hard to imagine any new plans by the team's new head coach that would include trading your pro bowl quarterback (who was also a first round draft pick) without Bowlen's knowledge prior. It's very simple, if Bowlen knew and green-lighted the move, he was buying into McDaniel's NEW PLAN to remake the Broncos. Whether this was strategically flawed or not on the part of McDaniels and Bowlen is irrelevant, but what is now relevant is dealing with the repercussions.

Cutler is only a kid just a few years removed from college and for him to react emotionally to everything that has happened is understandable. He's young, plays with emotion in an emotional game. It's not necessarily excusable, but you can see where the kid is coming from.

(Photo by Hyoung Chang / Denver Post)

On the other hand, it's very difficult to understand just what McDaniels was thinking when he decided the team would be more successful with Matt Cassel under center rather than the Bronco's current Pro Bowl Quarterback. It's also rather bold to think you can in only your first season as a head coach improve upon the leagues 2nd rated offense.

In only his second full season as the team's starting quarterback, Cutler tossed 25 touchdowns and set a franchise record with more than 4,500-yards passing. he's not won a ton of games as the team's starter (17 win in 37 games), but he's proven to be a playmaker with tremendous ability. With McDaniels having the success he had in New England, it figures that Cutler could become a more efficient passer and complete quarterback. That was the thinking when McDaniels arrived, but now things have gotten so far off course that what comes next is very much unknown at the moment.

With both sides appearing to be at odds and no longer communicating, the latest twist has been Cutler's formal request for trade. Now things have gone too far. It was bad enough that is was a he-said, she-said situation made so public, but with the real threat of this team being torn apart with all this made for TV daytime-drama, it's just gotten way out of hand.

How did it start? How did it get this far? And what can be done to fix it? While people are still asking the first two questions, they really no longer matter and the only question that needs attention is "what can be done?" It's very simple as I started to elude to earlier, the answer is Pat Bowlen himself.

This whole thing should have never been allowed to grow legs of its' own, but that is what Bowlen permitted in my opinion and now he must correct this. He made a critical error in hiring McDaniels and trusting the young coach to be able to handle his new position of power. Bowlen also should of had more input and known better than to allow his franchise quarterback to be dangled in the trade market.

It seems that Bowlen and the Broncos now have some big decisions to make. There really is a lot to consider when you think about it. Cutler is asking for a trade and if he's not going to be happy in Denver, obliging would seem to make the most sense. In reality that is just non-sense. Potential suitors for a Cutler trade appear to be lining up everyday, but I would contend the right move and best move for Denver is no trade. Cutler is on the verge of becoming a top-five quarterback in this league (if he's not already there), and finding a suitable replacement seems unlikely. Any trade would mean a step back for the offense and the team (and that's the wrong direction).

(Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)

The young quarterback has had his confidence and trust shaken, Bowlen needs to figure out how to fix that. It may not have been about money, but it just may come down to that. If this team is more committed to Jay Cutler being it's quarterback than what is has shown by trying to trade him, then maybe it's time for Bowlen to put his money where his mouth is?

Trading away your future is not the direction this franchise intended to go when McDaniels was brought on board. Trading Cutler may very well take this team in that direction. If this team is going to continue to move forward, they need to keep Cutler as their quarterback and not deal away one of their best players. No deal is a good deal and if Cutler is going to be happy again in Denver, then I leave that to Mr. Bowlen to make that happen.

Cutler has done everything the team has asked. He's come in as the starter the last three seasons, played at a high level, set franchise records, and proven to be one of the leagues best young talents. Now it's time for the Broncos to show their appreciation, their commitment to Cutler and rebuild the trust that will put this team back in the contention in the AFC West.

If the Broncos are going to win now, the team may need to offer Cutler a new long-term deal, paying him the kind of money a pro bowl quarterback that has thrown 54 touchdowns in 37 games to keep him happy and with the club. With a restored number two offense in the league and the current makeover taking place on the defensive side of the ball, 2009 could have a promising look, something that Mr. Bowlen should consider when he sits down with his new head coach and his young pro bowl quarterback.

Enough is enough, clear out the black cloud hovering over Dove Valley and restore harmony to the Mile High Country.

That's my take.


By David G. Ortega