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Denver Broncos Preseason Week 2 Review

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Denver Broncos Preseason Week 2 Review
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The Denver Broncos faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in their second preseason game of the 2023 season. With the regular season just around the corner, this game provided a valuable opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and evaluate their players. Although preseason games may not hold much significance in the overall standings, they serve as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and vie for roster spots.

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Offensive Analysis

The Denver Broncos’ offense took the field with a mix of seasoned veterans and young talents looking to make their mark. The coaching staff opted to give Russell Wilson limited playing time to avoid unnecessary risks, allowing the backup quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci to take the majority of the snaps. While the offense showed flashes of potential, they struggled to find consistency against a stout Niners defense. The offensive line had some difficulties in pass protection, leading to a couple of sacks.

However, the running game showed promise with a few explosive plays and demonstrated good chemistry between the running backs and offensive line. The return of Javonte Williams was a success as he ended up playing more snaps than most believed he would in his first game action in almost a year. But even his positive performance was outshined by an undrafted free agent.

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Defensive Performance

On the defensive side of the ball, the Broncos were determined to make a statement. The defensive unit showcased their versatility by utilizing various formations and blitz packages, applying constant pressure on the 49ers’ quarterbacks for the first three plus quarters. The defensive line displayed a relentless pursuit of the ball, consistently collapsing the pocket and disrupting passing plays, specifically offseason signing Zach Allen and youngster Elijah Garcia. The linebackers demonstrated their athleticism and instincts, making crucial stops in both the running and passing game. Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton were crucial in stuffing the Niner offense inside the five on their initial drive of the game. The secondary showcased their ball-hawking skills, capitalizing on errant throws and coming up with interceptions. A standout performance from the defense was a highlight of the game.

Even the third phase had its moments with big legs showcased by both veterans Riley Dixon and Brett Maher. Maher had a long of 48 yards and Dixon averaged a ridiculous 60.3 yards per kick at sea level. Rookie Jaleel McLaughlin added some excitement to the return game with shiftiness and speed Denver has lacked since Trindon Holliday was doing his best impression of a joystick on the football field. You hate to see the 3rd and 4th string guys falter at the biggest moments for a second week in a row, but there was so much to like about what the starters and their backups did that the final score to me is irrelevant. John Harbaugh might hate to hear this, but I don’t care who wins or loses when guys that won’t be on a roster in roughly two weeks are the ones on the field giving up double digit points to QB’s picked in the top-5 of the NFL draft.

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Standout Players

Several players stood out during the game and made their case for a spot on the final roster. A young wide receiver showcased exceptional speed and route-running ability, consistently gaining separation from defenders and making tough catches. A rookie defensive lineman made a significant impact, recording a sack and interception, constantly disrupting the 49ers’ offensive rhythm. Additionally, a backup linebacker made a strong case for increased playing time with his pass rush and run defense skills. These standout performances indicate the team’s depth and bode well for the Broncos’ upcoming regular season. Some even answered some questions I had in my preview.

Here is my list of the best performers on Saturday night:

  1. Elijah Garcia: I don’t think there is anything left for this man to prove other than can he do it against NFL regular season starters? He has to make the roster for that to happen consistently obviously. But I believe he has done more than enough with consecutive games notching at least one sack, and on Saturday took things to the air with an interception. He has been a consistent disruptors throughout camp and that has more than carried over into game action. Keep an eye on this kid, he reminds me of Malik Jackson.
  2. Essang Bassey: Many came into the year with a worry about the youth in the Denver Broncos cornerback room. After two weeks Patrick Surtain II, Damarri Mathis, and Essang Bassey have all looked like season vets. Add in fellow youngsters Ja’Quan McMillian and JL Skinner making plays things look much better than anticipated with the Denver pass D. But above all so far has been the work of fourth year player Essang Bassey. Bassey has put the Denver training camp abuzz pretty much every season since he arrived as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately for him each one has ended with a major injury. Here’s to hoping for a healthy full season from the former Wake Forest standout.
  3. Jaleel McLaughlin: The humble human rocket with an endearing story has taken his big play ability from small Notre Dame College to an NFL roster after consecutive games with a touchdown. This game he had two and showed added value as a kick returner bringing one back 44 yards in the second half showing off his game changing speed and elusiveness with just enough physicality. This is a Tarik Cohen clone to me and a perfect compliment to the thundering Javonte Williams. Look for McLaughlin to not only make the roster but see significant work in this offense in the Alvin Kamara role to Williams’ Mark Ingram.
  4. The Entire Denver Run Game: A week after some inconsistent blocking to be kind, saw the Denver o-line at least take a step forward in the run game with 165 yards on 25 carries, a 6.6 yard average. You say this is the Broncos average per week this season, every Denver coach and front office member would be ecstatic. And this was yet again without their big offseason catch right tackle Mike McGlinchey. All signs point to the ex-49er being ready for week one. He is. a monster in the run game, he will make this improved unit markedly better when he can suit up.
  5. Drew Sanders: I know Denver has signed both of their interior linebackers to extensions in consecutive seasons. I understand Alex Singleton is one of only two humans to have multiple 20 tackle games in a single season. I am the guy that tweeted out “The Outlaw” Josey Jewell owns Derrick “King” Henry. But Drew Sanders is a huge athlete with a nose for the ball. He does everything Singleton and Jewell do, but with speed that allows him to cover like neither of them ever could. He had 7 tackles (led Broncos defenders) and a pass defensed long with multiple moments of blanket coverage on TE’s and RB’s that doesn’t make the box score. The money is in the incumbents, but the kid from Arkansas is going. to be hard to take off the field.
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Areas for Improvement

Despite some positive aspects, the Broncos’ performance also revealed areas that need improvement. Penalties and mental errors hindered the team’s progress and extended 49ers’ drives, leading to unnecessary points. The depth beyond the second wave in the secondary is suspect as rookie 7th rounder Ronnie Bell exploited to be the only receiver with over 100 yards on the night with 114 including a game clinching catch with less than a minute left that put San Francisco in range for the game winning field goal that lead to a consecutive week where all the good left behind by Denver Broncos first and second stringers, is simply undone by a bunch of JAGs that wont have a job in a couple weeks. I will say this team is light years ahead of where they were a year ago at this time. The coaching and emphasis on the details have shown true with Denver’s starters shown in the minimal penalties, especially pre-snap, and every one in Broncos Country should be much more excited than worried. Pass pro is still a worry, but as a whole the unit improved by allowing pressure on less than 50% of snaps a week after allowing pressure on almost 65% against a much better quality of opponent.

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Denver Broncos Preseason Week 2 Preview

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Denver Broncos Preseason Week 2 Preview

After a last second loss in week one that had a mixed bag, Denver Broncos look for execution in week two of the 2023 NFL preseason. With the return of multiple starters from injury, can Broncos begin to gel?

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Week one of the preseason looked like week one of the preseason for the Denver Broncos. Unhinged, fractured, uneven, however you would like to quantify it, it wasn’t spectacular. But hidden in that dysfunction were some bright spots. We got to see an offense that despite the inconsistencies put together three straight potential scoring drives. Russell Wilson and company can’t control missed field goals, they can only put the kicker in position to try. When the starters left the field they had a double digit lead, that it was a 10-0 lead is irrelevant. Both the offensive and defensive starters did their job, they got reps, left with a lead, and came out healthy.

I don’t know why everyone assumed this offense would be a well oiled machine with an entirely new coaching staff, multiple new pieces, their most expensive free agent (Mike McGlinchey) not on the field, a third string right tackle, a left-tackle playing for the first time in almost a year, and a career back-up starting at running back. Week two will be a true look at this offense with it’s best foot forward. On Saturday August 19, 2023 the Broncos will officially re-introduce the world to Javonte Williams less than 11 months since he tore his ACL in week four of the 2022 season. We should see McGlinchey make his debut as a Bronco giving them their front five they envisioned when they signed the big man on day one of free agency.

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Game two of the preseason will be crucial in this team establishing an identity and do it against a top-tier defense in the San Francisco 49ers. We say a lot of what head coach Sean Payton wants to do as the bones of this offense, run the rock and play-action off of it. The Denver Broncos will not give up on the run even when it doesn’t work early like what has frustrated so many in Broncos Country of the last several year. This is a pass league, yes, but a run game is essential to salting away a win. Peyton Manning is why we have the schtick “The best defense is a great offense”, the “easiest” way to beat a top-tier QB like Manning and Pat Mahomes is to not let them have the ball. An intricate game of keep away with a grinding run game and smash mouth defense has been the best remedy to these seemingly unstoppable forces. Coach Payton is also a disciple of the Bill Parcells tree, so no matter how innovative his offenses may have been over the years, it’s always been rooted in that old-school mentality of being the more physical team. At the end of the day, this is still tackle football.

Much has been made recently about Eric Bieniemy being harsh in Washington, and Andy Reid running the hardest training camp in the league. The thing I don’t hear enough in these stories is these are the men that have lead the charge of a the Kansas City Chiefs that are on the cusp of being dynastic. Being forged in fire strengthens even the strongest natural steel. Sean Payton is not running a summer camp at Dove Valley. Week two should show just this type of tempering coming to fruition if the smelting process was done correctly to remove any impurities. For at least the first 10-15 snaps, we should see at least the foundation of what this offense will be come September 10th against the rival Las Vegas Raiders.

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With that said here are things to watch within those beginning snaps, and if you really have the itch for week one, what to watch even when the starters leave the field.

Storylines to watch:

A. Can McLaughlin continue to impress? Rookie undrafted free agent running back Jaleel McLaughlin has been the darling of camp. He’s a bit undersized but extremely fast back with an amazing back story that has left a chip on his shoulder. The all-time leading FBS rusher in yards and touchdowns looks to creep up the depth chart in his second chance to impress.

B. Do the Denver Broncos have a viable back up offensive tackle? Week one was a scary preview of the depth behind Broncos starters Garrett Bolles and McGlinchey. Isaiah Prince looked like a broken screen door in week one, and no one stood out as every Denver QB was under duress throughout the game. Who will step up, or will Denver be forced to pursue a free-agent like vet Jason Peters?

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C. Who is the slot receiver? When veteran wideout Tim Patrick went down with a season ending achilles injury in week one of training camp many look at his 6’5″ frame and just assume he was an outside only receiver. He was the best slot-reciever the Broncos have had since Wes Welker joined forces with Peyton Manning in 2013. Then Denver released former second round pick K.J. Hamler for a non-football injury/illness. They traded up into the second round of this past draft to select speedster Marvin Mims Jr. out of Oklahoma, and brought in former Sean Payton disciple Marquez Callaway as depth and competition. One of these two or second year players Jalen Virgil and Brandon Johnson will need to take a major step forward sooner than later.

D. Denver depth lineman have to show better anchor in run game. The starting Denver Broncos defensive unit was extremely stout holding Arizona scoreless in the first half. But after D.J. Jones and Zach Allen left the field, the drop off to their back ups was noticeable. Despite Elijah Garcia ending a drive with back-to-back sacks, the Cardinals ran rough-shod at times and bullied the Broncos back-ups for almost the entire second half. Matt Henningson showed a microcosm of the game on the final play of the game that saw him make contact in the backfield to win the game only to not be able to finish and allow the Cardinals to convert the two-pointer that cost the Broncos game one by a single point.

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E. Who is the kick/punt returner? Game one saw a hand full of players get a look at both kick and punt returner. None really impressed, whether that be opportunity or lack of talent is yet to be determined. But, after years of atrocious special teams play and not a single kick return of any kind for a touchdown since 2013. Broncos Country is starving for some third phase excitement.

F. Who is the kicker? After two missed field goals and another that was blocked, the Broncos kicking game is suspect. The punting game wasn’t better with multiple mis-hits and a punt that barely traveled 30 yards. The release of long-time kicker McManus looks questionable if you forget how inconsistent he was over the last couple seasons on kicks over 40 yards. Although I agree with moving on from McManus who was one of the highest paid kickers in the league despite being at the bottom third in accuracy and range over the last two years. The competition though is not just who is on this roster, roster cuts will offer many intriguing options if non of the current ones don’t pan out over the next two weeks.

Yes, it’s just the preseason and the games are relatively meaningless in the big picture. But for the men on the fringes of the roster and those trying to re-establish themselves, these games are everything. There is always something interesting to watch even when the bottom of the roster is on the field. You just have to know where to look.

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Javonte Williams Returns To Field

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Javonte Williams Returns To Field
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On Sept. 10, 2022 Broncos Country believed they had seen the last of Javonte Williams for 12-18 months after tearing his ACL and LCL against the hated Las Vegas Raiders. Just over 10 months later the Grim Reaper will return in San Francisco this Saturday.

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The 2022 season was supposed to be the break out for 2021 Denver Broncos second round pick Javonte Williams after an impressive rookie season that earned him his nick name of Grim Reaper after all the men’s souls he has snatched for daring to try to tackle him, ask Marlon Humphrey’s if this is some mere human. He was also part of the NFL All-Rookie Team, his peers and pundits get it. We have not seen a recovery of this nature since Adrian Peterson shocked the world and come back on an even shorter timeline to rush for 2,000 yards in 2012 when he tore his ACL and MCL. I will admit Peterson’s comeback was slightly more impressive, and I am not predicting Williams to go for 2k and the MVP. But Williams is right there with him on defying the odds. Many though we wouldn’t see Williams at all this season and Broncos Country would see a running back committee led by free agent signing Samaje Perine.

All of that was put to rest by Sean Payton speaking after Tuesday’s training camp practice to ESPN “He’s doing well, we’ll have a plan — I plan on playing him,” Payton said. “We’ll see pitch count-wise towards the end of the week. We’ll be smart, but I do see him playing.” So while he will be playing on a limited basis (like all veterans in the pre-season) he will get a chance to test that surgically repaired knee in a game situation before it counts. Hopefully it’s enough to get his confidence back in being able to cut, this is always the final piece of the recovery puzzle.

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Williams has worked ferociously the entire offseason and until the start of training camp even he was unsure if he would make it out for the season opener against those same Raiders he tore his ligaments against. But then training camp started and he wasn’t on the PUP list. “It was hard at first … but each week my confidence got bigger and bigger,” Williams said then to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “Now that I’m back on the field, I think this is the highest that [my confidence] has ever been.”

Even if Williams didn’t completely believe in his own recovery at times. Head Coach Sean Payton has been consistent in his optimism all offseason. The obvious signs of this confidence was the fact that despite multiple running back being available in the draft and free agency they spent zero picks on the position and only signed career backups in Tony Jones and the aforementioned Perine. Both of these players are slower versions of Williams that pose zero threat to a healthy Grim Reaper. For fantasy football buffs, the running back you have to worry about taking a chunk of carries is undrafted free-agent rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin was name “The Best Collegiate Running Back You Never Heard Of” by Pro Football Network. The Broncos just might have the hungriest backfield in the NFL. Between Williams returning from injury, undrafted free agents in McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, and career backup Perine who all run with a chip on their shoulder.

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There are very high expectation in Denver for this Broncos team. A lot of that hinges on an improved offensive line and running game. Week 1 of preseason showed some issues with the pass pro, especially from the smaller backs and third string right tackle Isaiah Prince who started in place of the Broncos most expensive off-season signing Mike McGlinchey. This Saturday we should get at least a quick view of both Williams and McGlinchey on the field at the same time and what this revamped offense should look like come Sept. 10 against the rival Raiders. All eyes will be on Santa Clara as the 2023 Denver Broncos look to solidify their identity ahead of the season opener.

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NFL Draft 2023 First Round Reaction

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NFL Draft 2023 First Round Reaction

The NFL Draft 2023 First Round started as I expected with Young and Stroud going first and second overall. After that, things got wonky.

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I don’t think anyone outside of ESPN’s broadcast was all that shocked Bryce Young to Carolina and C.J. Stroud to Houston went first and second overall respectively in the first round of 2023 NFL draft. But then the Houston Texans destroyed every ones mock draft by trading up to make the first back-to-back top-5 picks since 2012. As much as I love Will Anderson Jr. I don’t like any quarterback not named Bryce Young or Hendon Hooker.

The second move that made pretty much every draft “expert” burn all five million mocks they did over the last 12 months was the Indianapolis Colts taking former Florida QB Anthony Richardson at fourth overall. This was the start of the 2 of the biggest draft falls we have seen in recent memory. Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and Kentucky QB Will Levis are still on the board after 31 picks have been made (Miami was penalized their first-round pick due to tampering charges).

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The biggest steals of the first-round both belong to the Philadelphia Eagles who took “you can never have too many pass-rushers” as a team building etho. A season after they totaled more than 70 sacks, Philly went out and got the two most gifted pass rushers at their respective positions, and yet again they tapped into the Coach Smart defensive assembly line with DT Jalen Carter at ninth-overall and edge-rusher Nolan Smith at 30th overall. This adds to the two Bulldogs they took a year ago in DT Jordan Davis and MLB Nakobe Dean. This Eagles defense is going to be an absolute blur, they have to have the most physical freaks per square inch of turf in the NFL.

I know running-backs probably hate me, I do truly love them and believe a good one is a vital member of every team. I also understand they are not the essential force of nature necessary to win a championship in the modern NFL. The last time the NFL’s leading rusher also hoisted the Lombardi was when Broncos Country’s own Terrell Davis did it with Denver in 1998. The last running back to do it more than once was Emmitt Smith with the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the early 1990’s when he did it three times. Yet we saw the Atlanta Falcons take Texas RB Bijan Robinson at eighth overall and the Detroit Lions took Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs at 12th-overall. I do believe both of these players will be extremely productive in the NFL, But, Atlanta has many more issues than filling a hole that could be capably filled in almost any round. Arthur Smith should know more than any that an elite running back means very little when it come to winning a super bowl after spending most of his time as an NFL coach with Derrick Henry as his bell cow. Henry has almost as many rushing crowns (two) as playoff wins (three). and zero championship rings.

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Quarterbacks matter more than any other position, it’s not a dig at any other part of the depth chart, it’s just what it is. Which is why we saw 3 of the top four picks spent on the position. Yet it seems more and more like teams are getting more critical at evaluating the position overall. Despite my doubts about Stroud and Richardson, I understand their respective teams falling in love with their traits. We saw a year ago the only QB to go in the first was Pittsburgh Steelers current starter Kenny Pickett. This year tantalizing talent Will Levis and injury related penalty Hendon Hooker have fallen to at least the second round.

But the biggest fall I do not understand is that of Penn State CB and NFL lineage holding Joey Porter Jr. Porter is an extremely long corner with superb athleticism.

You can view his relative athletic score (RAS) courtesy of @Mathbomb below.

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That 9.35 out of 10 score comes with a 6’2.5″ 193 LB frame. Porter Jr. has 34 inch arms, that gives him longer arms than Julio Jones. He has plenty of speed with a 4.46 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, and explosiveness with a a 10’9″ broad jump. The only reason I can see why he could plummet like this is the fact he only has one interception in his college career. He could also serve to be a bit more physical in the run game. But all this feels like nit-picking on a top-notch athlete with unteachable traits at a premium position that he face some of the best talent in the country on a weekly basis. He more than held his own against recent first-round picks in Chris Olave, Jackson Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, etc.

Whoever gets Porter Jr. is going to get a blue-chip prospect with an extra chip on their shoulder. I have heard nothing credible when it comes to anything negative about Porter Jr. so his slide is extremely perplexing. He’s no slouch in ball skills as he led the Big-10 with 11 passes defensed and played a lot of press coverage which is not conducive to racking up INTs, ask Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. how that works.

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This along with the landing spots of QB’s Will Levis and Hendon Hooker will make for a most entertaining day two of the NFL Draft 2023 version. See you back here after for my second and third round reactions.

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RGIII Gives Inside Look at Russell Wilson’s, Denver Broncos 2022 Struggles

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RGIII Gives Inside Look at Russell Wilson’s, Denver Broncos 2022 Struggles

RGIII sat down with Denver 7’s Troy Renck to discuss what Sean Payton brings to Denver and what he’s heard lead to many of Russell Wilson’s struggles of 2022.

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So many have opined what Sean Payton brings to the Denver Broncos and Dove Valley. I don’t believe I have heard anyone put it more succinctly than former NFL QB and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III did when speaking in an exclusive interview with Denver 7’s Troy Renck.

“First and foremost, what Sean Payton brings to the table is credibility. You see this in broadcasting. Amazon went out and got Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit because with them comes the sense that this is a big deal. With Sean Payton, there is sense this is a big deal. He knows what he’s doing. He’s been a winner, he’s won a Super Bowl. Players can buy into that,” Griffin stated.

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This lead him to then speak about what not only he believes was Wilson’s issues in 2022, but was told by those within the LaFleur coaching tree he states he is connected with.

“With Russell, I think he can bounce back. I think he’s going to pay more attention to the injuries that happened last season, and he will be healthier. And cutting down on the (55) sacks, part of that is the play calls. Payton understands this. He’s going to be hard on Russ. A lot of people are saying Russ doesn’t have it anymore. Sean is going to go out and prove he does. And he’s going to make sure Russ doesn’t hold onto the ball too long and put his line in bad situations.” RGIII said.

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“With Russell, he’s the main piece in all of this. At running back, you have pieces. At receiver, you have pieces. The offensive line is improved. What are you missing? A coach who can get through to the quarterback,” Griffin said.

Some of those pieces Griffin actually played with during his stint as Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore. That would be new free-agent addition OG Ben Powers. He had nothing but glowing things to say about Wilson’s new interior protector. “And one thing I want from an offensive lineman, I want a finisher. And Ben Powers is a finisher. He’s a guy who’s going to the whistle. I am not saying he’s dirty. He’s not dirty. He’s going to be up in your face the entire game and that’s what makes him the best.” Griffin told Renck.

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Overall, it seems that both RGIII and Sean Payton have faith in Russell Wilson’s ability to overcome his struggles from last season. With the support of his new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, QB Coach Davis Webb and Payton’s guidance, Wilson may just have the tools he needs to lead the Denver Broncos back to the playoffs in 2023.

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Denver Broncos Top-30 Visits Tracker

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Denver Broncos Top-30 Visits Tracker

Much has been made about the Denver Broncos having only five draft picks. Some seem to forget that five is more than zero and the Broncos still have draft prep to do.

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Below you will find a list of top-30 visits confirmed for the Denver Broncos with source linked and will be updated as new visits are confirmed. This is the next step in the offseason that has already seen a bevy of free agent moves by the team.

Denver Broncos

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What is a top-30 visit you may ask? While your gut may tell you that it means the player is in the teams top-30 rankings. It’s not quite that simple, top-30 visits are where a team can bring in up to 30 players to their facility for interviews, meetings and a physical.

That means any of the players listed here could be anywhere on the Denver Broncos big board. It could also be a smokescreen to make another team believe Paton and Payton have an interest in them. There are loopholes to this limitation as players whose colleges are or who live within 50 miles of a team facility can make visits and those don’t count against the 30. The number of allowed visits was increased from 20 to 30 in 2006.

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Sean Payton Gives Denver Broncos Offseason Strategy Guide

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Sean Payton Gives Denver Broncos Offseason Strategy Guide

In an interview with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionas head coach Sean Payton talks how he will attack OTAs and more.

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Despite some second rate analysis calling Sean Payton’s hire one of the worst moves of the offseason. Many, MANY more see what the veteran coach will bring can only be a boon the franchise. Sean Payton has always been viewed as one of, if not the top offensive minds of his generation. He was the original “young offensive wizard” before Sean McVay was able to catch two footballs in college.

But Payton’s offensive mind is not his only asset that made him so successful in New Orleans. While many in the media want to concentrate on the end of the interview with Amanda where he talks about how there will be a new tone in Dove Valley. I’m going to instead start where you should, at the beginning. The first real football question by Amanda was a little before the 1:45 mark in the video below. She asks how “weird” it was after his entire career up to this point was spent in the NFC, and how that compares to now being in the AFC. After a thoughtful response and some obvious conversation that didn’t make the final edit Coach Payton simply said. “All this talk about work has me worried the Chiefs are out doing something today and we are here playing golf over margaritas”.

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That, ladies and gentleman, is the feature. This should have been the headline for every publication. “Coach Payton Never Rests”, instead we have reporters talking about being left in the gutter when voluntary OTA’s started this week. This one sentence encapsulates greatness about as succinctly as possible, never rest. Payton has zero quit, and any successful person will tell you it is an essential trait for greatness. No matter how good you are, there is always another level to reach. And there is always a little voice in the back of your mind telling you how when you are not doing something, your competition is. It’s how you fuel a fire like Payton’s that has burnt so hot for more than three decades in pro-football as first a player low on the roster to a coach from the famed Bill Parcells coaching tree.

While many believe the ending football statement before Sean and Amanda reverted to golf and margaritas as the most important where coach said. “Our first team meeting is going to be right after Easter weekend, and it’s probably going to be, I don’t want to say no nonsense, but here are the things that are going to help us win,” Payton said. “That’s kind of where we’re at a little bit. This offseason for us needs to be difficult.”

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While I agree a little tough love and time away from prying eyes is warranted for Payton and company. This is not the message Sean is going to convey to his players. He is going to reassert that the moments you take to make that post, or do that advert is time your competition could be using for grinding out something new and innovative. Or spent to hone a skill that you didn’t. It’s a sense of urgency and rejection of failure that will permeate the halls of Dove Valley. Sean Payton is not the drill sergeant so many want to paint him out to be. He’s no Major Payne asking for people to be let to “grow up and be a man”. He’s no Officer Doofy either who will be ogling his starting QB’s wife.

Sean Payton is simply an adult, a no-nonsense, fun-loving, old school football coach. He’s not a tyrant or a messiah. He’s simply a competent and grown human who knows what’s needed to win at the highest level and will not accept anything less. The whole “new tone” is a severely overused trope by the uncreative. Every new head coach inherently brings with them a “new tone” for better or worse. It’s what they call in this industry a “word crutch”. Low hanging fruit for those who can’t be bothered to try.

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But Coach Payton’s offseason strategy guide for the Denver Broncos is anything but low hanging fruit. It’s a comprehensive plan that will challenge the players both mentally and physically, forcing them to push their boundaries and reach new heights.

The guide focuses on three key areas: strength and conditioning, team building, and playbook implementation. In the strength and conditioning portion, Payton emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and a strict workout regimen to build strength, endurance, and agility.

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Next, the team building segment encourages players to build trust and chemistry with each other through team outings, bonding exercises, and group activities. The idea is to create a tight-knit unit that can rely on each other both on and off the field.

Lastly, the playbook implementation is where it all comes together. Coach Payton will work closely with offensive and defensive coordinators Joe Lombardi and Vance Joseph to fine-tune the playbook and ensure each player is comfortable with their role and responsibilities.

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While it may seem like a simple guide, Coach Payton’s offseason strategy is precisely what the Broncos need to take their game to the next level. With his leadership and guidance, this team will be contenders come next season.

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Local Denver Media Whines From “Gutter”

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Local Denver Media Whines From “Gutter”

The Denver Broncos started their voluntary OTA’s this week. You might not have heard because according to many in Denver media, they have been thrown in the “gutter”.

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According to Mike Klis of 9News he was forced to report from the “gutter” that Denver Broncos QB was early for day 1 of OTAs as you can see below.

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Entitlement has always been a laughable trait in a grown human to me. Mike Klis is not alone in his indignation as Sayre Bedinger of Predominantly Orange thought he was cute with an A A Ron pun. Klis may be going for some type of joke here, but it simply falls flat and screams “How dare you do this to me! Do you know who I am?!” The laughable ignorance of Klis and many others in the local Denver sports media sphere all ring hollow after a year of being as ruthless as possible about the Broncos media team and players with the many blunders of 2022 from “Let’s Ride” to the unlimited “Behind The Broncos” social media specials.

Every single one of these journalists and bloggers crying foul as well as the fans in the thread linked above that feel they are entitled to a Klis interview of Mike McGlinchey on day one after spending a year bashing the access given is hypocrisy at its most ignorant.

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It’s time for these individuals to take a long hard look in the mirror and realize that they are not above criticism themselves. The Denver media should be focused on providing quality coverage and analysis of the teams and athletes they cover, not throwing temper tantrums when they don’t get their way.

Instead of whining from the gutter, they should be striving to rise above it and provide their audience with thoughtful and insightful content. The Denver sports community deserves better than this childish behavior and it’s time for the local media to step up and be the responsible and mature professionals that they should be.
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That’s not to say there isn’t room for criticism and tough questions – far from it. But it’s important that this is done constructively and thoughtfully, rather than simply complaining for the sake of it. The Denver media has a vital role to play in shaping the conversation around local sports, and it’s essential that they live up to that responsibility. So let’s move beyond the petty squabbles and focus on what really matters – providing fans with high-quality coverage and insights into the teams and players they love.

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Denver Broncos Sign C Kyle Fuller

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Denver Broncos Sign C Kyle Fuller

Sean Payton has stated recently that incumbent starter Lloyd Cushenberry was his starting center. The depth must have not been to his liking as they signed career backup center Kyle Fuller.

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Denver Broncos fans are familiar with the name Kyle Fuller with a position designation starting with a C. Only the last time he was a 5’11 190 lbs former All-Pro cornerback. This time he is a 6’5″ 320 lbs backup center.

This Kyle Fuller was drafted in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Houston Texans. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad and has been a backup center for most of his career. In 2021, he started the final nine games for the Seattle Seahawks after the starter was injured. This gives him a familiarity with current Broncos and former Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. He was however, unable to hold on to that job with zero starts in 2022 despite appearing in all 17 regular season games for the Seahawks.

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Fuller’s signing is a depth move for the Broncos, but he does bring some versatility to the offensive line. His ability to play both guard and center could prove valuable for a team that has had its fair share of injuries on the offensive line in recent years to put it kindly.

While Fuller may not be a flashy signing, he adds depth and competition to the interior offensive line. Training camp and the preseason will give him the opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

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Like the other depths signing such as Tony Jones Jr. Fuller has a relatively low RAS score of 5.18 out of a possible 10. This is inline with the day one signings of OT Mike McGlinchey and OG Ben Powers who each had a RAS around 5. Turns out you don’t need to be the most athletic freak on the field to push people around when you are really big and strong.

You can see Kyle Fullers full RAS score card below courtesy of @Mathbomb:

Broncos fans should be interested to see how Fuller performs in his new role and if he can leave a bigger impact than the last Kyle Fuller, this time as a center.

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Denver Broncos Sign RB Tony Jones

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Denver Broncos Sign RB Tony Jones

The Denver Broncos already had plenty of bulk in the RB room with Javonte Williams and Semaje Perine. Payton & Paton decided they needed more cowbell.

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The Broncos announced that they have signed the former Notre Dame standout to their team, adding depth and experience to an already impressive running back room. Tony Jones Jr. joins Javonte Williams, Damarea Crockett, and Semaje Perine as RB’s tipping the scale at no less than 220 lbs. on the Denver Broncos roster.

Jones spent the previous year split between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks, making just 6 appearances for the teams totaling 10 carries and 64 yards rushing. His most action came in Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s final year in New Orleans(2021) with 54 carries and 154 yards for a yards per carry average of 2.6. This is purely a depth signing with special teams in mind along the lines of other Denver free agency signing Tremont Smith and the tendering of Jonas Griffith. Although he won’t be returning kicks like Smith, he will be blocking for him on punt and kick returns.

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Even going back to his college days at Notre Dame Tony has always been the second fiddle in the pecking order with his senior season being his best by far setting personal season highs with 144 carries for 857 yards a 6.0 yards per carry average and 6 TDs. These total were more than his first three years combined.

Tony Jones Jr. is also not a workout warrior with just a 4.3 RAS score out of a possible 10 you can see below courtesy of @Mathbomb:

The signing comes as the team prepares for the 2023 OTA’s that will begin in less than two months, and will help with filling the running back room with bodies. This move by the Broncos re-affirms management is serious about their special teams unit for the upcoming season and are making the necessary moves to secure their place in the highly competitive AFC West division in all three phases. Stay tuned for more updates on the highly anticipated 2023 NFL season, as the Denver Broncos look to dominate on the field once again.

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