Football Crucible

I HATE JOSH MCDANIELS!

2009-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

This idiot destroyed the future of the Denver Broncos. I'm blowing up this blog after they trade Jay Cutler for junk in return.

Eleven People and a Bird

2009-02-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

Some days are so surreal the memories last a lifetime. Super Sunday was super. Football was only a small fraction of the moment. Some days will go down forever as a "Top Ten Day" of your life. Last Sunday was.

95 million people in the US watched the Arizona Cardinals come close but far away from an improbable Super Bowl victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game had a fantastic finish the rest was a blur.

Why was this day a Top Tener? It was the other 10 people and a bird I spent the day with.

The day started off a little overcast. I've been struggling with a virus that won't let go. It sucks me dry of energy but today the virus and I had a cease-fire. Joanie was a good saint and went to church on time while I recuperated with Michael at home. The recuperation went great thanks to some entertainment namely "Lost". I got Michael caught up against his wishes but at least now I can talk to him about it. I hope it doesn't ruin the bar for him.

I made a cameo appearance in Sacrament meeting to say the prayer then I went back to the Pre-game pre-party. Michael had the pre game show to watch while I was gone but soon it was back to Lost to finish it up. But soon the time table called for preparations to begin. I was in charge of the main entree and that meant starting hours in advance. My entree was a pizza worthy of a Super Bowl party. The dough took an hour alone to make from scratch. That dough soon became the edible container for pounds of ingredients: cheese stuff in the crust, pizza sauce with real garlic sliced into it, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, all under to umbrella of pounds of mozzarella cheese. The pizza was slowly cooked to puff up the crust and bring out the flavors. At this point it was 4 O'clock but where was everyone?

We had three people and a bird but no one else. Our stomachs were crying for food so we dug in. Soon kick off was about to happen. The Cardinals deferred and the Steelers had the ball but soon thereafter Joan's father and brother showed up. In addition Joan's friends KP, Liz, & Kristin showed up. Everyone grabbed a slice of pizza and started enjoying the game. Next came my mom, Eric and Amanda. We were bursting at the seams with people and food to eat. Amanda soon there after made two great chip dips to satisfy those who didn't get enough pizza. The room had everything going on. People smiling, eating and watching the game or commercials for others. At the end of the first half Harrison took an interception 100 yards to paydirt and that signaled my next cooking endeavor.

Next on the list was the cherry on top or in our case Italian puff pastries filled with rich vanilla ice cream smothered in semi-sweet chocolate sauce mixed with toasted Italian hazelnuts. This took quit a doing to do the preparing before halftime ended. The pastries took 35 minutes to cook. Around the beginning of the 4th quarter everyone had their share of Italian heaven. When everyone was satisfied it was time to strap your seat belts on and enjoy the final act to this Super Bowl.

The room was split between Steeler and Cardinal fans. The only question would be who would cheer the loudest at the end? The game went back in forth but finally with 2:35 left Roethlisburger drove the Steelers to capture an unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title.

Soon afterwards the party-goers streamed out and it was just Joanie and I. Joanie is my cherry and she gave me another top ten day when we were married. This Super Sunday couldn't have been any better!

Week 17 PICK

2008-12-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

You may notice its PICK not pickS this week. There's only one game that will count: DENVER BRONCOS at San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos will be blown out and the game will be comfortably in the Chargers hands leading into the 4th quarter. The Broncos have NO running backs. Tatum Bell will be selling cell phones again next week after cleaning his locker out. The Broncos best running option is Jay Cutler but the Chargers will be aware of that after last week.

Once again the Broncos offense and consequently best defense rely on Cutler's right shoulder. Cutler may get over 500 yards passing but the Broncos will sprinkle in some turnovers which will quickly put the Broncos playing catch up the rest of the game.

This not the game the Broncos wanted to be playing for all the marbles. San Diego feels cheated and has tons of new life after the last two weeks of results. Both teams might be nervous at first but soon after the home crowd lifts up its team the game will be over.

Over and out until 2009 for the Broncos.

Just a tip: draft well on defense

Week Six Picks

2008-10-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Bengals @ Jets

The Bengals have nothing to play for and have another player suspended player. Jets win.

Raiders @ Saints

The Raiders are coming off their bye week while the Saints are coming off an emotional loss. The Raiders mess will spill on to the field. Saints Win.

Ravens @ Colts

Peyton has a few dings in his armor and it plays directly into the Ravens defense. Ravens win on the road.

Rams @ Washington

The Rams are a mess with less talent than the Raiders. Washington will crush them.

Dolphins @ Texans

This is a tough call. The Texans are coming off a horrible loss and the Dolphins are coming off an upset. This one could go either way but I'll take the Texans to finally win at home.

Bears @ Falcons

This is also a tough call. I'll take the Bears to stop the Falcons running game. Bears win.

Lions @ Vikings

The U-Hauls are already on the road. Vikings win.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Garcia is back taking the snaps but I like the physical nature of the Panthers. Panthers win.

Packers @ Seahawks

Both teams have seen better days. In the battle of the Green hues Packers win.

Cowboys @ Cardinals

Can the Cardinals beat the Cowboys at their Jiffy Pop Popcorn stadium? The Cardinals are definitely better at home and the Cowboys are coming in with lots of questions in the secondary. The problem is the teams that give the Cowboys are physical teams which the Cardinals are not known for. For this reason I'll take the Cowboys in a barnburner.

Eagles @ 49ers

No Brian Westbrook and a trip across the country. I think the 49ers are underrated. The Eagles need a lot of pass rushing but I'll take the 49ers.

Patriots @ Chargers

The Patriots would be doing the Broncos a huge favor by beating the Chargers on the road and that without Tom Brady. The Chargers are basically playing for their season here at home. The problem I see for the Chargers is that Chris Chambers is out. He's made a huge difference in the passing game since the Dolphins gave him up for a song. Also Merriman's replacement is already out meaning they have third string linebacker. San Diego hasn't been good on defense this year. The big battle will be Cromartie on Moss. I'll take the Patriots in an upset.

Giants @ Browns

If the Browns thought the Cowboys were tough wait until they play the Giants. The Browns were spoiled with Prime Time football games this year. What a waste. Giants stay undefeated.

Jaguars @ Denver Broncos

Winning this game goes a long way to cementing a playoff birth for the Broncos. The Jaguars looked flat against the Steelers defense and they are lucky they are not coming to Denver late in the season. Denver will still be one sided on offense and that side took a few blows in player injuries last week. Luckily Eddie Royal will be playing. I think the Broncos learned a lot from last years game and that physical edge will be not so strong as it was last year. Broncos win in a tight game.

Week Five Picks

2008-10-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Chiefs @ Panthers

The Panthers will be too physical for the Chiefs away from Arrowhead. Another losing streak begins Panthers win.

Chargers @ Dolphins

Amazingly enough the Dolphins have won the last six games against the the Chargers but that ends in this game. Chargers win.

Colts @ Texans

The gap isn't so big between these two teams but after the bye week the Colts should come out on top.

Seahawks @ Giants

Seattle doesn't travel well to the east coast. The Giants stood their ground and suspended Plax. The Giants pass rush should be enough in this game. Giants win.

Falcons @ Packers

If Aaron Rodgers starts I'll take the Packers.

Bears @ Lions

I think I saw the Uhauls at the Lions practice facility. The Lions have already moved on from this season. The Bears will keep their momentum going in their win.

Bills @ Cardinals

I'll take the upset on this one. The Cardinals are favored by 1. Warner may get his yards but the Bills are a more complete team.

Patriots @ 49ers

The Patriots are favored by 3 points. I can see an upset brewing. The Patriots have been gashed in the running game. But Belichick has had an extra week to prepare for this. I'm sure he watched LOTS of videos in the two weeks. I'll take the Patriots in a hard fought game.

Bengals @ Cowboys

If I had known Palmer wasn't playing last week I would have taken the Browns. The Cowboys are going to lose two in a row at home unless Wade wants to get "fired with cause". Cowboys win.

Vikings @ Saints

The underachieving Vikings travel to the Saints who are trying to not underachieve. Peterson should be able to get his yards and control the clock. Brees has been throwing the football great this season and that might be enough to get the win. Saints win.

Titans @ Ravens

Two great defenses in this game but the Titans have more experience. Maybe they'll even throw out Vince Young on a few plays. Titans win.

Redskins @ Eagles

The Redskins must be feeling really good about themselves. Their season might now be complete after beating the Cowboys in Dallas. That said the Eagles get a lot of their weapons back. Eagles win.

Steelers @ Jaguars

The Steelers are already starting to get beat down on offense. The Jags are beat up in the secondary. As long as the Jags keep everything in front of them they should be able to wear down the Steelers. Jags win.

Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos

I've been debating this game all week. One thing is sure: this game will be determined by turnovers. The Bucs having been winning their last few games by getting turnovers but Griese is also throwing many. The Broncos do have the advantage of knowing the key offensive minds for Tampa. Shanahan knows exactly what Griese is capable of and Bill Bates the Broncos QB coach spent three years with Gruden in Tampa. For most of the week I thought the Bucs would force enough turnovers to win but I think now the Broncos at home will rebound and do better securing the ball. Look for the Broncos to pick on Ronde Barber who has been getting beat all year long. I'm happy to say Broncos win.

Well we hurt each other then we do it again

Week Four Picks

2008-09-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to week four. The week of the byes that don't cost anything. The good news is I don't have to pick a Patriots game because they've been burning me but I do have to pick a Browns game.

Cardinals @ Jets

The Cardinals have never played well traveling to the East Coast. Last week was a perfect example. The Jets need a win and should open up the offense for Favre. Jets win.

Vikings @ Titans

Two similar teams. Both run well, stop the run, and have old journeyman QBs. The Titans are at home and that may be enough from an underachieving Vikings team. Titans win.

49ers @ Saints

This game should be close. The Saints are banged up and the 49ers are getting good production from Frank Gore but Drew Brees should still be able to throw enough yards to get the win.

Falcons @ Panthers

Matt Ryan on the road. Carolina at home where they don't play too well. However the Panthers are healthy enough to be able to win this one.

Browns @ Bengals

The battle of Ohio. What a yucky game. Could be Brady Quinn's first chance to play in the NFL. Look for it if the Browns are down at the half. Palmer is battling shoulder and ankle injuries but should have enough to win this ugly game.

Packers @ Bucs

The battle of the Bays. Tampa's win last week was lightning in a bottle. They had a few opportunistic turnovers but had to throw it 67 times. That's too one sided to beat the Packers. As long as the Packers can handle the heat they should win this one.
Texans @ Jaguars

Bills @ Rams

This Bills are starting to get some recognition and have a great young QB. They should easily beat the Rams on the road who are dealing with some in house fighting.

Chargers @ Raiders

The Raiders should get embarrassed by the Chargers just like they were in week one against the Broncos. Rivers is throwing the ball too well not to.

Redskins @ Cowboys

Another NFC East rivarly game. The Cowboys are mowing over their oppositon and don't need much motivation to beat the Redskins. They just need to keep an eye or maybe several on Moss. Cowboys win.

Eagles @ Bears

The Eagles are coming in with their anual injuries to McNabb and Westbrook. But the Eagles have enough talent and coaching to beat the Bears on the road. The Bears are also dealing with injuries. Eagles win.

Ravens @ Steelers

The Steelers got worked over by the Eagles defense and the Ravens could work them over too. I don't see the Steelers losing two in a row and this one at home. They'll need a better game plan and exicution to win this one.

Texans @ Jags

The Texans haven't been playing well but have a history of beating the Jags. But the Jags running game should win this game.

Denver Broncos @ Chiefs

The Broncos haven't won two years in a row at Arrowhead since the 70's. Most players on both teams were not even born then. This is certainly the best chance of breaking that streak. The Broncos are undefeated and the Chiefs are still looking for a W. Looks like a trap game but the Chiefs haven't won in 12 games and the Broncos will make it 13.

Your skins white but you think your a brother
Some days are better than others.

Smoke and Mirrors

2008-09-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

The Denver Broncos are 3-1 heading into this weekend, but they could just as easily be 1-3. After the first game they've been winning using smoke and mirrors. The Broncos have been putting up huge numbers on offense but that is misleading. The vast majority of yards has come in the passing game. The Broncos running game has been sub par and has been hidden by the passing game. While usually teams run to set up the pass the Broncos have been passing to set up the run.

The NFL season is now one quarter over with. By this time teams can see the opposition's weaknesses and use this to exploit them. The Broncos won't be able to pass enough to win games. The Patriots did it last year but they had a much better defense.

The Broncos defense is still a big work in progress and it goes all back to the defensive line. A great defensive tackle in the draft would have been great but the Broncos got Ryan Clady instead. Clady has proven to be very valuable and will set up the offense for years to come. The Broncos did the best they could for the defensive line but it still looks horrible on passing downs. The major problem has been no push in the center of the pocket. The ends haven't played great but the other teams QB is given an extra half second because the front of the pocket is not being pushed in. The Broncos have to find other ways of getting to the quarterback instead of faking the blitz. They need to actually blitz and get to the QB.

The Broncos are playing the two most important games that will define their season. Two games at home against the Bucs and Jags. The Broncos aren't good enough to win the division yet. They have to play for a wild card spot. Right now they are playing against the teams from the AFC South for a Wild Card spot. Beating the Jags is worth 2 games in that regard giving them the tie breaker if they have the same record with the Jags. One thing is for sure the Chargers won't make it easy for the Broncos on the last game of the year in San Diego.

the heart is a bloom shoots up from the stony ground

Hard to Digest

2008-09-19T09:26:00.001-07:00

Gourmet Hans Locher cooks up trouble with human milk recipes

The recipes may change the way the Swiss think of their milkmaids

Bojan Pancevski in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its first-class milk products derived from cows grazing in idyllic mountain pastures – but a gourmet chef has caused a stir with his plan to use human milk instead in a variety of dishes.

Hans Locher, the owner of the rustic Storchen restaurant in the village of Iberg near the resort of Winterthur, posted adverts in German newspapers for human milk donors and, initially at least, elicited some positive reactions.

Local authorities, however, were less than enthusiastic about the idea of having their traditional fricassee served with a breast milk sauce. Yesterday Zurich’s food regulatory body and the Association of Swiss Milk Producers threatened lawsuits against Mr Loch and any donors, who were promised the equivalent of about €10 (£8) for a litre of milk. “I don’t understand all the controversy. The mother’s milk is the most natural thing in the world – how can anyone be against it? It is, after all, the first thing we taste and I see no reason why I should not include it in my menu,” Mr Locher, who trained as a cook in several countries, said.

He claims to have been experimenting privately with various recipes since his daughter was born and to have perfected the use of the ingredient in his cooking, preparing meals such as breast milk soup, breast milk lamb curry, or antelope steak with chantarelle sauce with breast milk and cognac. In all cases the human milk is mixed with whipped cream and makes up at least 75 per cent of the sauce.

“The idea first came to me when I noticed that there were many young mothers in our village, some of them single. I thought to myself: why not make use of their potential? I served the meals to my friends without telling them about the new ingredient and the feedback was excellent.”

Officials were taken aback by an apparent loophole in the regulations which did not seem to cover the issues of using breast milk. According to Rolf Etter, of the Zurich food regulator, the lack of guidelines became an argument in itself, as it was ruled that Mr Locher would not be able to store the human milk properly nor guarantee that it was fresh and safe for consumption, since the product was not a registered or regulated food.

Mr Locher is now facing legal action if he proceeds with his plan of introducing the novel recipes. His breast milk donors from the village also risk being sued for providing the potentially dangerous product.

Week Three Picks

2008-09-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Yeah that's right Mike Shanahan is a Riverboat Gambler with balls. How many other coaches would go for two against the Chargers? Obviously in hindsight it was the perfect decision. The were a lot greater that Cutler could convert on a 2 yard play than the Broncos defense stopping the Chargers from hitting a field goal in Overtime. Granted the Broncos should have never been in that position. Ed blew it. Yeah he blew the whistle too soon. Cutler clearly fumbled and the ref made a game changing decision but the Broncos still had to score the touchdown and two point conversion after that. Let's also point out this is the only blown fumble call this year. In week one the Colts clearly fumbled on a kickoff but the refs blew it dead even though the Bears recovered the Colts kept the ball. Then in the infamous Monday Nighter DeShawn Jackson showed off his skills and intelligence by dropping the ball before he went into the end zone but the ref signaled touchdown so possession could not be transferred. But hey Ed we love you in Broncos Country because we hate the cocky trash talker Phillip Rivers.

Now time for the week three picks. There are a couple of close calls and I'll go against history in these picks.

Steelers @ Eagles

History shows after an emotional division game there is a letdown but when the cross state rivals come in for a rare visit I see the Eagles getting up for this one even after a short week. Eagles in a close one.

Cowboys @ Packers

Again history shows a let down from a tough divisional game after a short week. Not to mention the Cowboys are 0-5 at Lambeau Field. I think the Cowboys are on a mission and will take them this week.

Cardinals @ Redskins

History shows the Cardinals are bottom-feeders and they don't do well traveling east. The Redskins came from behind against the Saints but they were missing a lot of starters. Kurt Warner hasn't played this well since the greatest show on turf. I'll take the Cardinals in an upset.

Chiefs @ Falcons

Is this really an NFL game? Falcons actually are favored and I'll take them too.

Raiders @ Bills

Raiders on the road in Buffalo, an underrated team. The Raiders are actually spreading bad press about their head coach. Look for dysfunctional Raiders to get behind and not be able to run. Bills take this one.

Buccaneers @ Bears

With or without Hester I'll take the Bears over the Bucs who are having QB controversies.

Panthers @ Vikings

This is a tough call too. The Vikings must win and are trying out a new journeyman QB. Who knows if AP will play if not there's J. Stewart. Vikings must win but won't. I'll take the Panthers on the road in another close one.

Texans @ Titans

The Texans had two weeks to prepare for this one but do you think they spent the entire two weeks preparing? nope. The Titans have a great defense up the middle. Collins will manage the Titans to a win.

Bengals @ Giants

The Bengals are in a must win on the road but Palmer will spend too much time on the ground to make a difference. Giants take this one as long as Little Manning doesn't repeatedly throw picks. Giants win at home.

Dolphins @ Patriots

The mentor vs. the protege. Parcells team vs. Belichick. Which Bill will win? Pennington has pulled off some upset in New England but the Patriots still believe in themselves and that should be enough. Patriots win.

Rams @ Seahawks

The Seahawks did Denver a HUGE favor by trading for Keary Colbert. Colbert wasn't going to play for Denver and he was making to much money to sit on the bench. Now he'll get more playing time in the Emerald City. Even the Seahawks should beat the Rams and not need a last second FG to do it.

Lions @ 49ers

The Mike Martz Bowl. The Lions have gone back to their pedigree and are underachieving with or without Matt Millen. The Niners should have enough talent to win this one at home.

Browns @ Ravens

This one could go either way. Are the Ravens good enough to win this one at home? The Browns have their backs against the wall and need this one. I'll take the Browns in this one but if they lose this one stick a fork in them because they are done.

Jets @ Chargers

The Chargers are ticked off and in must win mode at home. The Jets will have to take a lot more chances this week if they want to compete but I look for Rivers to rip them apart in game that's over going into the 4th quarter.

Jaguars @ Colts

Another toss up game. The Jags must win to have a playoff chance but they along with the Colts have been hit heavy with injuries and neither team can run the ball due to this. I'll have to go with Peyton Manning at home.

Saints @ Denver Broncos

This game will be on FOX at 2:05 pm with their first team announcers, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, for all of you viewers out there. This is the first time the Saints have played at Invesco Field. Chances are most of the Saints team has never played at altitude their entire playing career with the exceptions of Brees from his Chargers days and Reggie Bush played one game at BYU. Other than that the rest of the team has never played above 1,000 feet. Not to mention in Brandon Marshall's last 5 games he's caught 55 passes. For those of you who don't know that's an NFL record for a 5 game stretch. Who's going to stop the Broncos receivers for the Saints? The Saints lost their best receiver and will be in a lot of trouble if they have to play catch up. As long as the Broncos defense plays good around the line of scrimmage they should be okay. Just don't let Reggie Bush beat you on screen plays and wheel routes. Look for the Broncos to go 3-0 and Cutler to add to his league leading touchdown passes and passing yards.

Don't worry baby it'll be alright uncertainty could be your guiding light

Oh by the way I beat my wife in picks last week. By a long shot!!!!

Week Two Picks

2008-09-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOO disappointed!!!!!!!

We let the Raiders score 14 points in the 4th Quarter! Jay Cutler ONLY threw for 299 yards! Why couldn't he throw at least one more yard to get over 300 yards? Tony Scheffler dropped a sure TD in the endzone. That's four more points Tony!

At least I can take solace in the fact that the Denver Broncos are leading the league in scoring and Jay Cutler has the second highest QB rating.

Oh forget it!!! The Broncos killed the Raiders. Just embarrassed them at home in front of their fans. In fact one guy was literally asleep on his wife's shoulders. The Raiders are abysmal but that shouldn't take anything away from the Broncos blowout.

Now on to the picks.

Titans @ Bengals

Normally I might take the Bengals at home but did any of you see the Bengals defense last week? It was worse than the Raiders. No one wants to tackle on that defense and Palmer was under pressure all day. This shouldn't stop with the Titan's defense up front with Albert Haynesworth. Plus VY won't be throwing picks to the Bengals. Going with the Titans on the road.

Bills @ Jags

Like many of you I thought the Jags had things figured out but I'm doubting it at least for this week. The Bills have been underrated since last year. Trent Edwards looks like a great QB. But the Jags don't have any starters in the interior of the offensive line. This hurt them both running and passing. The Jags only hope is that the Florida weather gets to the Bills because they won't. Bills on the road.

Raiders @ Chiefs

Let's be honest here. The Raiders have way more talent on paper when you look at the names but due to poor management they are a "dumpster fire". The Raiders have high draft picks all over the place but they all underachieve. The Chiefs hate the Raiders almost as much as the Broncos and its hard to win in Arrowhead. Look for LJ to run all over the Raiders and make them wish they'd drafted Dorsey instead of Run DMC who couldn't even finish his first pro game. Chiefs at home.

Colts @ Vikings

At first glance I'd think of taking a talented Vikings at home. However T. Jackson is just not big time. I'd rather take a Peyton Manning with something to prove than an unproven QB. The Colts may also get Jeff Saturday back way before he was supposed to come back. Last game Manning had to call out the play and also the line protection that Saturday normally does. I think Manning with another week of practice gets back in sync. Colts in the dome on the road.

Bears @ Panthers

Most people look at the Panthers winning at San Diego so a home game against Chicago should be a lock. Hold on there! The last few seasons the Panthers have overachieved on the road only to come home and lose in front of their home fans. They still don't have Steve Smith but Delhomme is looking great. The Bears looked great too last week. I want to take the Bears in this one but I've taken too many road teams so I'm taking the Panthers,

Packers @ Lions

The Lions killed me last week when I chose them in the elimination round. How do you let Michael Turner run for 220 yards when the Falcons are starting a rookie QB? The Packers RBs are banged up but I'll still take another road team. Rodgers is 2-0 as a starter.

Giants @ Rams

Looks like the bye week is coming early for the Giants. Giants on the road but not as convincingly as the Eagles.

Saints @ Redskins

This one's a little harder to pick after the Saints lose their best receiver for over a month. But Shockey knows the Redskins well. Did any of you see Brandon Jacobs leave his cleat marks on Landry? Maybe Shockey can copy him. Its a tough pick especially with all the road teams I've picked but the Saints win this week only to lose next week on the road.

Falcons @ Bucs

Ah Chucky will be around to fire up the Bucs against a divisional foe. Derrick Brooks is dinged up but I see the Bucs making the Falcons one sided and containing Michael Turner. As long as Griese doesn't turn into a grease fire look for the Bucs at HOME!!!!

Niners @ Seahawks

Alex Smith you don't even start and you brake your surgically repaired shoulder. Can we call you a bust now? Make sure you thank Urban for setting you up as the number one pick and being financially set for the rest of your life. The Seahawks are hurting in a big way. They have very little weapons but I'll take them at home.

Patriots @ Jets

Let's see here no MVP but instead a QB who hasn't started a game since 1999 (By the way he was only like 3 for 11 in that game for less than a 100 yards) also Belichick had to yank him out of the Dolphins game because he couldn't protect like 50 point lead. What's going to happen when starts against Brett Favre, who is 5-0 against QBs making their first start? I've got to take the Jets at home nearly a year after Spygate hit the fan like you know what.

Dolphins @ Cardinals

This one is not a lock. Pennington was great for the Dolphins last week and they are playing the lovable losers in Arizona. Okay the lovable part wore off decades ago. Heck they couldn't even fill their stadium a few years ago. But the Cardinals actually kept the ball nearly the entire game against the Niners. I'll take old grey beard Warner at home.

Ravens @ Texans

Another Monday Night double header except this one won't be seen outside southern Texas and Maryland. The Texans are an improved team but it'll be a test on offense. They may need to be bailed out by their defense and get some pressure on a rookie QB playing his first road game. I'll take the home team.

Steelers @ Cleveland

Another lovable loser team that had so much riding on this season. Except the Steelers own this team even more so on the road. If only we could see another Bill Cowher pre game talk with all the spit spraying out of his mouth. B. Edwards did come in second place to TO last year in drop balls and it looks like he's going for first place this year. The Dawg pound's going home disappointed again. Steelers win.

Eagles @ Cowboys

Many "experts" have looked at Andy Reid's record against the Cowboys and are taking the Eagles on the road. Let's see how the toothpick DeShawn Jackson does against the biggest defense in the league. Snap!! Was that a toothpick breaking or another body part of McNabb's? The Cowboys are on a mission this year. This one should be high scoring but I'll take Romo in this one. The last time the Eagles come to Texas stadium in the regular season.

Chargers @ Denver Broncos

A week ago it looked like all the Chargers had to do was show up and the W would be theirs. After all they have owned the Broncos the last two years. Trust me I know I was at last year's massacre. But a lot changes in a week. Denver revved it's offense and came away with 41 points and this week they get Brandon Marshall back. Normally I wouldn't say this is enough however the Chargers are hurting like its already December. Rivers' knee is still not 100% after ACL surgery. LT hurt his toe against the Panthers. He hasn't practiced this week either. His toe is being called a turf toe and it won't heal the entire season if he keeps on playing. LT represents the biggest threat against the Broncos and two men responsible for making holes for him could be out this game. Their starting LT and center may miss this game too. That's just on the offensive side for the Chargers. On the defensive side they lost their best sacker for the year in Shawn Merriman. Their leading tackler from last year is still serving a 4 game doping suspension. On top of that the Chargers best cornerback Cromartie is coming off a hurt hip. How's he going to do against a quick Eddie Royal or a fresh Brandon Marshall? You add it all up and it looks like the Broncos could take a two and a half game lead on the Chargers. Go ahead Jay throw that extra yard and go over 300 this game. Broncos in a thriller at home.

Man captures color. Man likes to stare.

Oh by the way my zany, I mean brainy, wife beat me in picks last week. Good job.

First Week Picks

2008-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

This week I have to be early with my picks because the League starts on Thursday. I know I could just make that pick then wait to the weekend but I'm a man of the people and I'm working for the people. I'm going to give all my picks now.

Can't you feel all the excitement in the air? The weather is getting cooling. The calendar says its after Labor Day. Stick a fork in summer, its done. Get ready to stick a fork in your nice juicy Fillet Minion smothered in A1 sauce. It's how steak is done.

Redskins @ Giants

It's not a dream. The Giants really beat the undefeated Patriots to win the Super Bowl. Eli did engineer a game winning touchdown drive and the rest is history. How did the Giants beat the Patriots? Smoke and Mirrors? No. With a great pass rush. Last year's starting defensive ends won't be playing for the G-men. If the Giants win much this year it'll be with smoke and mirrors. I really don't want to pick the Giants to win but I think they'll feed on the energy and win.

Lions @ Falcons

I may have spoken too soon on Matt Ryan. He has a good pocket presence but he'll still make some rookie mistakes with a rookie left tackle. The Lions are full of hope. Hope of a 10 win season. They picked up Rudi Johnson and even though Tatum Bell stole his luggage the Lions should win this one on the road.

Bengals @ Ravens

A rumble in the AFC North. Both the Ravens and Bengals haven't improved much. Both teams have injuries in key positions but I'll take Carson Palmer over any rookie QB even on the road. Bengals win an ugly one.

Seahawks @ Bills

This looks like a trap game to begin with. The Seahawks have to travel across the country but that should be negated with it being week one. However the Seahawks might be without their top 3 receivers and who knows how good their running game will be. The Bills made some improvements in the offseason. This game will probably be similar to the week one game in Buffalo against the Broncos. An ugly win for the Seahawks.

Jets @ Dolphins

At the beginning of training camp no one cared about this game. Now its Favre against the man he took his job from. As long as the old man doesn't become dehydrated in the hot humid weather the Jets should win. They've made a lot of improvements and Mangini might have his 3-4 defense finally working. Jets win.

Chiefs @ Patriots

Yawn. I hope this one doesn't get on nationally because this one will be over soon. I'm sure Brady's foot will be great. The Patriots aren't as good as last year but the Chiefs have no pass rush. Patriots in a landslide.

Bucs @ Saints

Let the hurricane bowl begin. If any team can play well after a hurricane its the Saints. They'll have the sell out and the offense to win the game.

Rams @ Eagles

Not a game I would want to watch. Who knows how good the Rams offensive line is? When the Rams lose will everyone talk about Steven Jackson's holdout? We'll find out on Monday. Eagles win.

Texans @ Steelers

This game should be closer than most think. Mario Williams is starting to dominate on the defensive line. The Texans should be able to slow down the Steelers offense but I don't see Schaub winning this game with all the terrible towels. Steelers win in a good game.

Jags @ Titans

Every one's sexy pick, the Jags, will come up to Memphis to take on the overrated VY. The Jags are a little overrated but they are still good. Good enough to take one on the road in week one.

Cowboys @ Browns

Best game of week one PERIOD. The Cowboys and all their Hard Knocks roll into Cleveland with a chip on their shoulder. The Browns will have to score more than 35 points to win this one. The Cowboys will pick on the Browns weak corners all day long. It will be interesting to see how well Shaun Rodgers plays in the opener. He can dominate on the line but it won't be enough. Cowboys put up some big points and win.

Panthers @ Chargers

Another yawner. The Panthers make their longest trip of the year and it'll be even longer going home. Why does everyone think that Jake D. makes the Panthers so good? It's been years since they played in the Super Bowl. Now they don't have their best player either, Steve Smith. The only interesting thing will be watching how well Shawn Merriman's knee holds up. Will he have to be carted off the field like Willis MacGehee in the National Championship? Shawn you're really stupid. You could have had the surgery back in January. Now you're just playing for money. Good luck getting those 12.5 sacks you need for the escalator clause to kick in.
Chargers win.

Cardinals @ Niners

The only good thing about this game will be watching the close ups of Matt "biggest man on campus" Leinhart face as he holds the clipboard on the sideline. Who knows maybe Kurt Warner will break something and can come in a throw a few picks. Warner should make it through the game so I'm taking the Cardinals.

Bears @ Colts

All the fireworks should be nice for this one. Finally we get to hear Al Michaels and John Madden again. Listening to them is like eating a nice tenderloin smothered in A1 sauce. My mouth is watering. Let's face it the Colts have gotten really old at key postions. Manning, Harrison, Sanders, and Freeny are all coming off of surgery. Peyton won't have his center Jeff Saturday, who's out with an injury. This one might be an ugly game but the Colts defense should be enough for the Colts to win.

Vikings @ Packers

Aaron Rodgers has never gone into a game knowing he has to play all 4 quarters. If things start going bad he might start making poor decisions. This should be the second best game of the week. The game will all be about who's front 7 on defense is better. Both teams are pretty equal in that department. This is a tough one to pick but I'm going with the Vikings on the road.

Denver Broncos @ raiders

Who starts a game at 10:15 eastern time? No one's going to stay up for this game east of the Rockies. Two teams with lots of question marks get to square off in a bitter rivalry. Al Davis basically put it all on black in Roulette and now everyone gets to watch him lose. The Raiders have an underrated defense in the passing game but they did nothing to help their rush defense. Al Davis will be wishing he had Dorsey instead of Run DMC after this one. Broncos should pull this one out but that doesn't prove anything yet. San Diego awaits them in week two.

The girl with crimson nails

ESPN Continued

2008-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

As you may well remember on the 28th of July I was on national sports talk radio. Just to prove it here's the link go to minute 19:30.

http://insider.espn.go.com/proxy/proxy.dll/insider/espnradio/player?id=3508083&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fproxy%2fproxy.dll%2finsider%2fespnradio%2fplayer%3fid%3d3508083

The question was posed "What's the biggest question for the Broncos this year?". I'll now give you the answer. The Broncos Defensive Line!

The Broncos were 30th in 32 teams in rushing defense last year. Only the Raiders and Dolphins had a worse rushing defense and they had a combined 5 wins. Its a wonder that the Broncos even managed 7 wins last year with that rush defense. Why would any team in the NFL want to pass when they can just run for the first down? Add to that, that the Broncos have been missing a pass rush for years and you can see why the biggest question is the defensive line. The most productive player last year was second year player Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos also drafted three rookies last year on the defensive line. All that said means very little experience on the D-line. They went out to solve their problems being trading for Dewayne Robertson who has been playing with a bone on bone condition since college but still manages to play most weeks in the past.

The Broncos offensive should be the most dynamic since #7 was behind center and #30 was behind him, especially later in the season when Ryan Torain returns from his broken elbow. If the Broncos defense can just stop the other team and allow the Broncos offense to find a good rhythm, this offense should be high flying some where near 30 points a game, but that all goes back to how well the defensive line can answer the question.

The more you see the less you know
The less you find out as you go

Dream On

2008-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

My wife Joanie has been the best supporting my obsessions. When we first met she had no clue about football. In the beginning she thought teams had to buy a week but she has sat by my side and learned the game. So much so that it has seeped into her subconscious.

The other night Joanie was sound asleep dreaming of being in her choir when who should walk in? None other than Jay Cutler. Joanie got to go talk to Jay and tell him what we think of the Broncos.

Keep on dreamin' Joanie

In my dreams I was drowning in sorrows when my sorrows they learned to swim.

Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

2008-09-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

This sums of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 season: Unless they win their division they will not make the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Steelers over the last 35 years have been the best managed football team in the NFL. They've never been a team to overpay for players and they never have built through free agency only through the draft. Steelers football has always been in the trenches. They also keep their coaches for a long time.

However this year has many aspects that don't bode well for the Steelers. First off the Steelers have the hardest schedule bar-none in the NFL. Because they won the division last year they have the "honor" of playing the winners from all the other AFC divisions who are: New England, Indy, and San Diego. If that weren't hard enough they'll have to also play arguably the toughest division in the NFL the NFC East and next to that the AFC South, the ONLY division last year to have each team finish without a losing record.

With that said I believe the Steelers post season hopes boil down to two games: September 14th and the last game December 28th. The schedule makers must have put that game there on purpose. Why are those games so important? They are the two games against the Cleveland Browns. Many people believe the Browns will have a break out season. The Steelers have to win these two games to win the division. Otherwise I think the weight of their schedule won't allow them to get a wild card spot.

Secondly I believe the Steelers are a lot weaker than they have been the past few years. True they locked up Big Ben for a long time. That was key. They also had the fortune of drafting a Steelers RB, Rashard Mendenhall, so late in the first round. However what has made the Steelers so successful over the years has been their play in the trenches. This is where they have become weak. They let their best offensive lineman go to the Jets. Do you know who he is? He's the lineman that made the key block in the SuperBowl to spring Willie Parker for the longest rushing touchdown in Super Bowl history. His name in Alan Faneca and he's now protecting Brett Favre. The offensive line is shaky at best.

The defensive line is also a major question. All the starters are over 30 years old. How will they be after playing against New England, Indy, San Diego, Jacksonville, and Dallas? Probably worn down. If Casey Hampton their nose tackle goes down their defense could be crippled. Chances are too that their moving missile Troy Polamalu will most likely miss some games with knee issues or concussions and the Steelers will have troubles slowing down all these high powered offenses.

whose gonna taste your salt water kisses?

Meat and Potatoes

2008-09-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

The preseason is over with. The meat of the preseason; games 2 and 3 went very well for the offense.

Jay Cutler had a fantastic preseason. Its just preseason with its vanilla defenses but he was in a word perfect. He scored a TD every way a QB can. He passed, he handed off to the RB and he ran one in from over 20 yards out. All this in 5 quarters with zero interceptions. Cutler put on a clinic for the Cowboys first team defense. At one point he was 12 for 12.

We also saw just how good Brandon Marshall will be and how much we'll miss him in week one against the Janitor. The silver lining is the emergence of the rookie Eddie Royal. He has big play capability written all over him. His best catch was snatching it in the air from two larger defenders.

The Broncos have too many questions to be considered heavyweights in the NFL. The biggest question is the offensive line. The entire line will be different this opening weekend from last years. The biggest question however remains at the tackle positions with essentially two rookies starting at the tackle spots. The line does show signs of great potential. They didn't allow any sacks the entire preseason but I'm sure there will be some growing pains. They will have Daniel Graham to help them out in the blocking department. If you want to read my question answered on the Denver Post about Daniel Graham please go here:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncosmailbag/ci_10169087

Just scroll down a little.

Johnny take a dive with your sister in the rain

Fallen Idol

2008-09-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't say John Lynch is my idol but I used to respect as a man, which is rare for a professional athlete. However I believe John Lynch came down with a case of Brettfavreitis. Lynch believes the Broncos disrespected him by not playing him on passing downs. He'll be 37 years old. Only Hall of Fame QBs and kickers last that long in the NFL. Why only them? Because they don't have to run. Lynch isn't very fast but he can still tackle and is a coach on the field. He could have just stayed with the Broncos but instead he decided to go to the Patriots. Turns out the Patriots didn't want him either. I guess the "Genius" just wanted to pick his brain so he could finally beat the "Mastermind".

Instead of Lynch just riding off into the sunset he'll have to go through being cut twice in a month. Maybe he'll get a job with the "Mangenius" or Bill will call him up right before October 20th.

You can swallow or you can spit just don't choke on it

Broncos' Janitor

2008-09-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

It would appear that the Denver Broncos have a someone new taking the garbage out for them: the Oakland Raiders. The thugs from the bay are taking all of Denver's trash. It seems every time the Broncos get rid of a player they don't want anymore the Raiders pick them up. The Raiders used to over pay for Super Bowl MVPs. You might remember the cornerback opposite Deion Sanders for the Cowboys or Desmond Howard from the Packers. These days times are tough for the Black and Silver. They have to rummage through the Broncos dumpster in search of players.

It started out with Cooper Carlie last year. The Broncos didn't like his production so they dumped him. Then during camp they didn't like the effort of Gerrard Warren so after talking to all the other 30 NFL teams about a trade who did they go to last? The Oakland Raiders. Then this offseason. Javon Walker, the player who replaced Ashley Lelie because he didn't want to be the #2 receiver, decided he could no longer play in Denver because he lost his job to Brandon Marshall. It was clear that Javon was the second best receiver. He no longer got separation from the defenders and Mike Shanahan even stated that Javon's knee was in poor condition and was a few years away from being bone on bone. The Broncos tried to trade Javon but when there were no takers they threw him in the dumpster only to have the Raiders come take him out. Not only did they take him but they vastly over-paid him giving him a $55 million contract. Javon of course went about being a knuckle-head and literally got his face beat in, in Las Vegas. Oakland's coach has stated several times his disappointment in Javon Walker. First he was too out of shape. Second he couldn't do the most important part of his job: catch the football. In 3 preseason games he didn't catch a single pass. It wasn't from a lack of balls thrown his way. Javon felt so discouraged that he was going to retire and give back his signing bonus. Well the Raiders had their chance to right their wrong but instead they talked Javon out of retirement. Good Job Raiders! Now you have about $150 million dollars tied up in three offensive players who haven't produced at all in the NFL recently.

Now move ahead to this week after NFL teams make their final 53 man roster cuts. Ashley Lelie, the former Bronco got picked up by the Raiders after being tossed in the dumpster. The Raiders just keep getting dumber.

Zooropa Better by design

Far from Favre

2008-08-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

I watched the Green Bay Packers first preseason game since 1992 not to include #4 Brett Favre. Instead the Packers are looking to the future. I was so sick of hearing everyday about every little Brett Favre/ Packers thing. In the end the Packers won. They don't have to pay Brett anything and Brett is safely tucked away in another conference almost guaranteeing that the Packers will never have to see the old #4 on the other sidelines. (Unless the NFL gets crafty and schedules a Packers-Jets Preseason game next year). I thought both sides were wrong but it is still hard to imagine the Packers treating their franchise's icon the way they did. Diva's expect to be treated like diva's. People don't line up for lineman's autographs they line up for Brett's autograph. Alas Brett is now a Jet and the Broncos will have to face him in the windy Meadowlands later this year.

Meanwhile Aaron Rodgers started his first preseason game for the Packers. It's not hard to see he has talent and a strong arm. He do what few have done: be a successful after a legend. Rodgers still looks inexperienced though. He got sacked on a safety blitz and looked uncomfortable when pressure was applied by a weak Bengals defense. He did however show good accuracy on his fastball throws but needs to work on his touch passes. His one interception was not his fault. Rodgers literally hit his receiver between the numbers and the ball bounced off and was picked off. The only other weakness I saw was that he stares down his intended receiver. If he does that too often a good defense will catch that on film and take advantage. The only other question is Rodgers durability. He's never started a game yet managed to get injured enough to where he wouldn't have played the next game.

Who's behind Rodgers? Just two rookies with no experience at all. Looks like the Packers have put all their eggs in one basket.

Preseason Rules

2008-08-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

Preseason often gets dumped on by experts but 3 years ago I started watching it and I found out a lot. First off that Cutler and Marshall would be great players. Last year I saw the Broncos would have troubles stopping the run. You just have to know how much preseason to watch. The third game is the best because the starters often stay in until the third quarter and by then you should see their true colors. The fourth preseason game is just to see who will be cut the next day. It's the most worthless game.

Today the Broncos traveled down to Houston to play the Texans. The Broncos were not impressive. The offensive line was manhandled by Houston's second string defensive line. Ryan Clady got his welcome to the NFL moment from Mario Williams. Williams constantly moved Clady where ever he wanted. Nothing new with the Broncos defensive line. They still can't generate a pass rush. The Broncos had to break the vanilla defense and blitz to get pressure. Then the new kicker Prater missed his first FG attempt. He won't be playing for Denver if he misses those easy ones in the regular season.

Mike Shanahan promised this past week on his radio show that the Broncos would make the playoffs this year. If the Broncos don't get better soon they're guaranteed to finish the season below .500.

Sportscenter: E-S-P-N

2008-07-28T22:09:00.001-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen if you were listening today to ESPN radio at 2:30 you would have heard the question posed, "What is the biggest question facing the Broncos this season?" The cool thing is if you would have listened a little longer you would have heard the question answer by your humble author. That's right I got on national radio. I called up and the bouncer producer asked me my name and where I'm from then I waited to hear from the host John Seibel on the program Sports Nation. John started off saying, "According to Sports Nation 50% of voters from Utah believe the biggest question this season has to do with Jay Cutler but you Spencer believe it's something else, what do you believe is the biggest question facing the Broncos this season?" Then I answered. In my next blog entry I'll go over my answer.

Eric: the Exposé

2008-07-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Most people when they think of the word "Exposé", they think of the Lost episode 314. However we will use the other meaning of the word Exposé as it relates to Eric.

The Sweetest Thing

2008-07-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is Joanie, my beautiful wife of one year. She's over in Europe having fun on the islands of Greece that are almost as beautiful as she is. I miss her so much! Every moment I'm not preoccupied with something else I'm thinking about her. I've planned a second honeymoon the second she passes through airport security back into my arms. I won't reveal all of my plans but it will all be spent with Joanie having a great time. I plan on making up 5 weeks without her into one weekend. That weekend will include a lot of the activities we love doing together.

Joanie is so fun to spend time with. We both love go to different places together. Last year we had a great honeymoon! We got the crazy idea to drive up to Glacier National Park and camp there while going on a 13 hour hike over several mountains. Joanie's one of the few women who would do that and be excited to do that.

Last year we also went camping up at Red Pine Lake. We got the perfect spot on the lake. Our tent had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and canyon. It was so fun to spend that night with my gorgeous wife alone in a tent.

Over the Christmas break we got to go to Germany together. It was so much fun to spend that time with her. Joan was so great helping to fix the house. Then we went on our vacation from our vacation and went on a round trip down to Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Koenigsee, and back home. The first night in Dresden we slept in a bed that wasn't as comfortable as the princess bed but it forced us into each others arms for the whole night. The next few days were winter cold but it was always great to see Joanie in her attractive outfits. We had such a great time traveling around Europe in our Audi with the Navi to guide us. Joanie even drove over 120 MPH.

Joanie has been really great letting me feed my obsession with football. She never complains and she even watches the Denver Broncos with me and on occasion we make it a great date and head on down to Iggy's and watch the game on the big screens while eating a hamburger and sharing Carmel covered cheesecake.

We have a lot of fun activities yet to do like: camping on Grasshopper Glacier, going to the last 2 of the 50 states: Alaska and Hawaii, and maybe one day making it to Nepal to hike around the Himalayas.

I expect more and more great times with Joanie. When we have children we won't be able to do as many exotic activities alone but we'll have great times being parents together. I can't wait to see Joanie with our child in her and I can rub her belly. I think Joanie will look so beautiful when she's pregnant. I will also get her anything she craves when she's pregnant like Extreme Moose Tracks ice cream to anything crazy she wants to cover with peanut butter.

Joanie will be a great mother. She'll take great care of our children. I'll love to listen to her as she reads our babies bedtime stories. I'm sure we'll dress our girls in pink and our boys in Broncos blue.

20 Reasons I Love Joanie

20. Joanie loves to play games with me (I just avoid playing her after 9)

19. Joanie's dedication

18. Joanie's fun to sit next to in church

17. Joanie's yellow personality

16. Joanie knows "We can make this work!"

15. Joanie loves to be right next to me

14. Joanie's fun to take a shower with

13. Joanie loves to travel to distant places with me

12. Joanie loves to go camping with me

11. Joanie protects me (from Raiders fans)

10. Joanie learned all the football rules

9. Joanie lets me watch football

8. Joanie gave me a great Christmas present

7. Joanie always tries to make me happy

6. Joanie's long beautiful blond hair

5. Joanie's smile when I kiss the back of her neck

4. Joanie's fun to go out on dates with

3. Joanie has the most beautiful lips when she smiles

2. Joanie has the voice of angels when she sings

1. Joanie's a great lover

Joanie I love you so much!

How important is a good LT in the NFL?

2008-07-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ah, the trenches of a football game. Many astute observers of football believe football games are won and lost in the trenches between the offensive line and the defensive line. The casual fan thinks it just the quarterback and the "skill" position players. It's true that the top teams always have an good to elite quarterback but look at the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Brady is a lot better than little Manning but his offensive line lost the battle to the Giants defensive line. Quite frankly I thought New England played too conservative in their defense. And so it goes the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Yes it was bigger than Broadway Joe's Super Bowl prediction.

The Left Tackle (LT) is only one of five members of the offensive line, so why does he get the most attention? He gets it because he's protecting the team's most valuable asset from the opposing teams best pass rusher. Of all the 32 teams only Arizona has a left handed starting quarterback and he gets benched in favor of a much older quarterback. A right handed quarterback's blind side is then his left side. He is much less likely to see a pass rusher coming from his left and get rid of the ball then from his right side. A pass rusher coming from the quarterback's blindside has that extra fraction of second to sack or better yet strip the quarterback of the ball. If a quarterback gets hit too many times in the back or has defenders around his legs his production will dramatically drop off. Just ask Tommy.

The Denver Broncos used their first round pick, 12th overall, to select perhaps the best left tackle in the 2008 NFL draft. Miami used the first overall pick to select a "tackle" but many experts see him as a good right tackle because he's a little too stiff. A first round selection is a big deal in the NFL. Is using it on a potenitally good Left Tackle a wise investment?

All the successful teams in the NFL have good quarterbacks which means they need good left tackles and offensive linemen to protect them. The interesting thing is that most of the good teams did not take a left tackle in the first round.

New England: 2001 second round Matt Light

Indianapolis Colts: 2007 second round Tony Ugoh (but they traded a 2008 first round pick to take him in the second round)

Dallas Cowboys: 1998 second round Flozell Adams

San Diego Chargers: 2006 second round Marcus McNeill

Green Bay Packers: 2000 second round Chad Clifton

Pittsburgh Steelers: 2000 second round Marvel Smith

Jacksonvillie Jaguars: 2005 second round Khalif Barnes

New York Giants: 2003 fifth round David Diehl

All these successful teams didn't use a first round pick on such an important position. This shows successful teams don't need to use a first round pick on a left tackle. However when you look back on the last decade in the NFL which left tackles have been considered the best?

Orlando Pace first round 1st overall Super Bowl winner

Jonathan Ogden first round 4th overall Super Bowl winner

Walter Jones first round 8th overall Super Bowl runner-up

The best three left tackles of the last decade were all first rounders. Being picked in the first round doesn't mean sucess; just ask the Raiders with Robert Gallery. However if they do work out they dominate for 10 to 12 years.

What usually dooms highly rated tackles is poor footwork. Poor footwork usually means a move to guard as was the case with Tony Mandrich and Robert Gallery.

The Broncos have a lot to look forward to with Ryan Clady. He's got the best foot agiltiy of any lineman Mike Shanahan has ever seen. That experience comes from being on 6 teams that went to the Super Bowl. Clady should be protecting Cutler for the next deacade and opening up running holes for whatever running back goes for 1,000, 1,500 or 2,000 yards in a season.

Pencils Down, Time is Up

2008-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Remember way back when I did a mock Wonderlic test? I promised I'd provide the answers and now I will. By the way Arwen was the only one with courage enough to send in answers all you cowards!

1. True
2. 84 cents
3. 1
4. 3
5. 300 feet
6. 6 feet
7. September
8. .33
9. 17 (tough one!)
10. $560 (tough too!)
11. not certain
12. 40 years old

13. surgeon's masterpiece

Thanks that is all.

Nerd Alert!

2008-07-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

The year was 1985 and I was but a mere tike but for some strange reason I wanted to watch a grown man on a bike.

A man with lipstick, blush and a cheap gray suit. His name is Pee-Wee Herman. It was back in the days of Friday night sleep-overs before the Saturday morning soccer game.

I ended up recently watching it again after 2o years.

I remember 3 things from the movie:

1. Large Marge: who could forget her awful story? And which person didn't keep rewinding the VHS tape to see her face freak out? That was awesome!

2. The trick gum Pee-Wee gives Francis and his dad: all that black coming out was hilarious.

3. The line "I am a loner, Dottie. A rebel" I didn't know what a loner or a rebel was back then but I've spent every day since then being one. (That last line I said sarcastically Joanie)

And You feel like no one before

Bird Brains

2008-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen I join you after a month off. I come to you out of the jaws of death. A gruesome death at the hands of... I mean the talons of a man-killer, otherwise known as the Peregrine Falcon.

May I live to be a 100 years old I'll never forget those brown spots in its feathers! I wake up in a cold sweat after nightmares of those spots. I'll never forget those spots!

Let's go back to last week. I was innocently fixing the overhang on the roof. I had my ladder in place and I prepared to climb the two and half stories to get to the roof. I looked up and noticed some wasps flying around the roof and I thought I was in some real danger. Little did I know where the danger would come from! I heard a noise that was eerily reminiscent of the sounds raptors made in the movie "Jurassic Park". As we may recall birds descended from dinosaurs and I met the raptors nearest ancestor, the Peregrine Falcon. The fastest animal on the planet!

Little did I know that those noises were directed at me! Then out of nowhere swooped down death's messenger. I just happened to duck in time to watch that bat out of hell go over me! Then he came around again with that noise of death. I ducked again and he flew over. But the third time I wasn't so lucky. Satan's little helper dive bombed me on the head. I took a direct blow. They sunk my battleship!

I felt that blow for the next 2 hours. Meanwhile they dive bombed me again at least 30 more times that night. I came prepared for the next assault in my bike helmet and sunglasses. Those birds of prey flew literally 3 feet from my head then made an instant 90 degree turn and flew straight up the side of the building. I decided to put my competitive nature away and concede the night to them and just return the next time to finish the roof.

The next morning I could still hear those menacing shrills in the distant. Those birds like in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" were still in the trees across the street. Surely they couldn't be there that same evening.

As I did the evening before I prepared my ladder and made my accent. Helmet-check. Sunglasses-check. I carefully made my way to the top of the ladder. As I was about to begin my work out of Satan's womb came these birds. Two them to more effectively knock me off the ladder. I ferociously defended myself as flashback's to Hitchcock's "The Birds" entered my mind. Was my life to be done in? It felt like Pearl Harbor as I made my way down the ladder. Bombing from every direction.

Temptation seeped in my thoughts to show them who really is at the top of the food chain. I wanted to get my tennis racket and show these vile birds the true meaning of "The Grand Slam". I however did not. The sun went down and the reverse of Count Dracula happened and they disappeared. I fixed the roof and was done with it.

Flash forward to this week. I was at work and I heard the quaint chirping of a bird in distress. On our roof was a cockatiel. He had flown away from his owner and looked like a fish out of water. He couldn't fly. I got up on the roof and saved his little bird life.

He now has a name: Petie. Petie now inhabits my office pooping where ever he goes. But I'll take poop over those brown spots any day!

You're free to fly the crimson sky

The Black Holes

2008-06-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

The other day Joan and I were at Smith's trying to buy some meat when the butcher tore open his butcher's outfit to show us his Raiders shirt. You should have seen the look on Joan's face. She wanted to beat the ahh... Raider's Nation out of this guy. Raiders fans are the lowest life form in the NFL world.

The good news is that the Raiders have invested over $120 million dollars in just two players who haven't proven anything in the NFL. Those two being MacFadden and Russell. The two players on paper are homerun hitters but if they tank there goes the Raiders chances of winning anything in the next 4 or 5 years.

Too many teams draft players on arm strength and athletism. The number one quality in a winning QB is judgement not arm strength. Just look at the QBs who are considered greats. Most aren't very athletic but they make plays when it counts and that usually has more to do with accuracy than arm strength. Besides how often in an NFL game does the QB get the oppurtunity to throw deep? That depends a lot on the Offensive Line but I'd say 3 to 4 times a game. Lets say they complete on long pass. That doesn't mean they get a touchdown off it. What if it leads to turnover? Or leads to third and long situation. I'd want a QB who knows how to complete passes between 5 and 15 yards. Just move the sticks.

Then there's MacFadden. History shows running backs don't give much value in the first round because there are so many that are productive in later rounds where they can be paid cheaper. Besides RBs don't last too long and RBs that fumble don't last long either. MacFadden has a history of putting the ball on the turf. What happens when he's getting the ball from an inexperienced QB too? You don't get too many homerun runs in the NFL if you can't run it between the tackles and MacFadden still has to prove that just as Reggie Bush has struggled with it.

The Raiders also pick up a lot of Broncos castoffs. Players that Mike Shanahan just cuts because he doesn't think they'll be of value, the Raiders pick up. Good Luck Al with your also-rans and your over-priced talent. Oakland is just the Black Hole for talent.

Shanahan Throwing the Trash Out

2008-06-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Coach Mike Shanahan finally threw out the last bit of trash from the Broncos roster. Part of it had to do with Travis Henry spending more time in a Broncos T-shirt and less time in his jersey.

I personally didn't like the signing of Travis Henry last year. I thought they gave him too much money especially since the Broncos are known for finding running backs through the draft, but lately the running game suffered in production. My theory is the offensive line had more to do with it than the running back. Nevertheless I thought Henry could be successful in Denver's running game but I found it hard to root for him and even harder to root for him after it was revealed he had fathered 9 children from 9 different money. Look up the word "promiscuous" in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of Travis Henry there.

The trash that Shanahan has been been getting rid of included malcontents like Javon Walker, who couldn't handle being the number 2 receiver and thought his talents weren't being utilized. I saw a receiver who wasn't getting seperation on short post routes. His knee hasn't been right for 3 years now and he may soon have a bone on bone condition in his knee.

It appears some of the blame goes right back to Shanahan and maybe the GM for taking risks on high priced players. The Broncos drafted very poorly for 3 years (2001,2002,2003) which left them with holes in their roster they tried to fill with free agents and trades that didn't work out. The only trade that worked out was for Champ Bailey, but he can't do much if the defense doesn't generate much of a pass rush.

However the last three years have been much better in the draft making Walker and Henry expendable. The team will have to eat their signing bonuses but they are gone making room for younger cheaper talent.

There are still some questions to be answered from the past few drafts. The two biggest are how well that last two first rounders will play. Ryan Clady appears from his limited OTCs to be the real deal but Jarvis Moss is coming off an ankle surgery and hasn't shown much yet. If those two players end up being very productive this year Denver has a great shot at making the playoffs as a wild card team.

Bad Boys What Ya Gonna Do?

2008-05-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to personally express my disgust for Sandy Policemen. I was walking to my wife's school to see a concert and a power hungry policeman pulled me over and was going to give me a ticket for "walking on the wrong side of the road". When I asked him why he was doing that he replied he was just enforcing the laws. He ended up just writing my name down and giving me a warning. What a doofus! I would say more but I don't want to go overboard.

Only One Hundred Days to Go!

2008-05-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

That's right there's only 100 days to go until the NFL Season opener. The Redskins will go up to Giants Stadium on Thursday night by virtue of the Giants defeat of the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

No coincidence Pats can't solve Broncos

2008-05-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Guarantee you that no one in the Denver media is surprised the New England Patriots have done a poor job of cracking the Broncos' signals.

Is it possible for a team to guard its practices and game plans more than Mike Shanahan's Broncos? This organization may have laid off eight front-office and stadium employees two months ago, but those strong men with dark sunglasses and crossed arms continue to peer beyond the stone wall that surrounds the Dove Valley practice fields.

In the latest revelation of Spygate, evidence is overwhelming the Patriots had been illegally videotaping opposing coaches' signals from the 2000 season until the first game of 2007, when the New York Jets finally snitched.

Many teams were identified as victims, but not the Broncos. The Pats are 1-5 against the Broncos since the start of the 2001 season.

The Broncos' secretive nature, and their success against the Pats, can't be a coincidence.

Indiana Jones Review

2008-05-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

What a huge disappointment!!!!!

If they would have substituted Nicholas Cage for Harrison Ford and called it National Treasure 3 that would be fine. But to take the good name of Indiana Jones and attach it to this movie is shameful. I really wish I hadn't seen this movie. It's so bad currently it makes me think less of the first 3 Indiana Jones. It's similar to the worse Bond movie of all time with Halle Berry. This movie loses all the charm of the original 3 by taking the nostalgia of the originals and replacing it with Teflon coated 21st century movie making.

It felt like the opening weekend crowd couldn't get into it either right up to the ending. You'll know when you hear "I vant to know! I vant to know!..." to "the space in between space". Harrison Ford is also a shadow of his former self. It was difficult to see him struggle to even run.

I miss the old world charm of the originals where the bad guys bodies melt away and Indiana Jones just rides off into the sunset.

Salt Lake Cyling Destination

2008-05-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dolcetti Gelato

That's correct what you read! It's a cycling destination. Meaning you shouldn't hop in your car and just drive down there. It's like on the show Lost. You have to go there by bicycle just like you can only reach the island by traveling on a certain bearing, otherwise there could be dire consequences. So get there by bicycle on a warm summer day and enjoy the authentic gelato goodness.

Dolcetti Gelato is located on 1751 South and 1100 East.They are open M-Th 11:30-9 F-Sa 11:30-11:00. Only 3.92 miles from my perch in the Avenues. It's a quaint store that you can roll your bicycle up to and just chill out with the Italian goodness. The atmosphere is fun. From the server who has Harry Potter glasses that are 3 times too big for her face and the mesmerizing table of wonder. The table of wonder is a see through table that has basically a lot of little clutter. Small items like the weapons from Clue, those tiny plastic airplanes that I had hundreds of as a tike, to old matchboxes. The fun part is that the owner places a new piece in the table each week and if you can correctly identify the new piece you get a free serving of Italian Gelato.

I had some delicious fruit flavors. That's what Gelato is famous for. They use real fruit not artificial flavors. Next ride I'll enjoy a chocolate flavored surprise. I don't like to mix my fruits with my chocolates. They also serve up some paninis. I'm looking forward to trying them out. Remember to cycle there or better yet race someone there on a bicycle that why you get there sooner.
Yummy Panini!!!

Girl with crimson nail's swinging to the music
Swinging to the music

Winners and Losers from the 2008 NFL Draft

2008-05-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

It feels like the 2008 NFL Draft was a long time ago. If only training camp were coming up, then pre-season followed by the regular season where the Broncos will go 11-5 and get into the playoffs as a wildcard. Why the optimism for the playoffs after two straight seasons without making a trip to the playoffs? Because the Broncos had a great draft. They got exactly the players they needed to fill in at weak spots. In today's NFL first day picks need to come in be able to start for their team to be successful. Unless a QB is drafted there is no more time to groom a future player.

Not all 32 teams will be graded as a "winner" or "loser". Only time will really tell but there are some teams who stand out already.

Winners:

Kansas City Chiefs
They had better be a winner in the draft because their veteran talent pool is almost non-existent. The team fell apart after the left side of their offensive line retired and in came the rebuilders. The Chiefs just flat out tanked the season and as a result ended up with the 5th overall pick. They ended up with arguably the best player in the draft, drafting Glenn Dorsey. What really made them winners was what they did later by picking up a quality offensive linemen by trading up in the first round and getting Branden Albert. This guy will be a plow for Kansas City for years. They also got good value with Brandon Flowers and Jamaal Charles to spell LJ.

Pittsburgh Steelers
They didn't have to do anything and Rashard Mendenhall fell right to them. He'll be a Steeler running back for years to come, running over linebackers. They also got their "big" WR for Big Ben in getting Limas Sweed. As long as the offensive line fills in for Alan Fanaca the Steelers should have a really good offense.

Miami Dolphins
How can Parcells ever have a bad draft? He is a proven rebuilder. He got his kind of guy in Jake Long a "big" player and got two more Parcell's guys in the second round. Phillip Merling has first round talent but dropped because of an injury. He'll work great in Parcell's 3-4 defense and lastly they got their "big" QB in Chad Henne. Huh another Michigan guy. Should you be surprised? The new part owner of the Dolphins is a Michigan grad who is a big Wolverine booster.

LOSERS:

Oakland Raiders
Dear Al thanks for messing up another draft -Denver Broncos Fan. The Raiders run game was just fine. Top 10 in the NFL. Their run defense however was horrible. Lets see two really good defensive tackles available or take a running back who has problems with fumbling. Real good choice Al. You had no more picks in the second or third round so your whole draft revolves around one guy. All your eggs in one basket.

Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are just stupid and stubborn. Two first round picks for a player who doesn't want to be on your team? You didn't take that? Very few players are worth more than two first rounders. They are usually franchise QBs. Chad Johnson doesn't want to be there and you know he has a mouth to tell everyone that. Plus after all these years of drafting bad character guys they did it again drafting Anthony Collins, a guy with character issues. All this and they whiffed on getting a good defensive tackle they so wanted. The Saints just wanted one more.

Atlanta Falcons
I'm going to go out on a little bit of a limb and say their draft will not be successful. The Falcons had a ton of picks like the Chiefs but I don't think they'll get the value that the Chiefs got. #3 is too high for Matt Ryan. He's a slightly better version of their piano playing vet. The only thing that will get him through is his smarts because if you've ever seen him without pads he has no meat on him. The Falcons also made a bad gamble trading up to get back into the first round and take an offensive tackle. Sorry Atlanta you're too late the last quality one was taken by the Chiefs. Atlanta won't get first round value out of Sam Baker. In fact if you look back at USC offensive players taken in the past few years they're all disappointments (their big WRs, Reggie Bush, Matt "biggest man on campus" Leinhart, etc) Curtis Lofton is a quality linebacker from Oklahoma who's a sure tackler but the Falcons will need more than that.

Its no secret that the stars are falling from the sky

I won my first unofficial bike race

2008-05-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yes I won my first unofficial race. I was commuting home from work headed north into the Avenues. I was stopped at 2100 south waiting for the light to change green when I noticed an aggressive bike rider in front of me. He got about a 20 second head start. He was the first real competion I'd ever seen making my commute and I wanted to beat him badly. His 20 second head start wasn't enough. I blew past him about 45 seconds later. It was like those car racing movies you see when one car hits the nitrous gas and race over. This was the point the race became official between us two.

Now I must admit he was at a competitive disadvantage. While I was riding a road race bike he was riding a mountain bike and had a backpack on. But let me tell you I rode like the wind. I actually reached a speed over the speed limit. I didn't want this guy catching me but the bicycle gods wanted to make this interesting. I finally reached a red light at 9th south and I stopped and looked back. The other guy was a whole block behind me. This is where he started cheating. He just went right through the red lights so I had to start chasing him. I'd get slowed down by having to re-click my bike cleat and he'd be off. My heart prevailed in the end. The last stretch was the hill going up from 1st south to South Temple. I zoomed past him and that was it. Game Set Match. I headed up into the avenues a champion but all that racing made me pay going up those steep avenue hills. When I reached home I was spent but it was well worth it.Anyone who goes cycling around the valley knows there is a certain pecking order in cycling. The really hard core guys are just heighty-tighty, too cool for school. I remember those guys from my past cycling with my mountain bike on roads. Those sons of guns would pass me and give me that stare and I couldn't catch up to them because of their advantage. Now I'm looking for some payback this summer. The Summer of Dunk and Payback. The cool cyclist will wave to you and don't take themselves too serious. I will admit that I look like a heighty-tighty with my skin tight outfit but I'm in it for the payback.

All right folks take care

My love throws me like a rubber ball
Oh oh oh the Sweetest Thing

Spygate Conclusion Anticlimatic

2008-05-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

The Spygate saga is over and there was nothing more juicy to report like Bill Belichick was a vampire or something. It's not very often though that a man is called out in public as a liar but that's what Commissioner Goodell said. Although the Patriots were sightly vindicated. The Boston Herald ran a fake story about the Patriots filming the Rams walk through the day before the Super Bowl. Did it hurt the Patriots? Who knows but they were on the wrong side of a 3 point victory. Meanwhile only two lesser infractions came to light. 1. the Patriots allowed a player to practice who was on IR a no no. 2. The players scalped Super Bowl tickets also a no no. But in all fairness every time does that stuff. Just that now the Patriots legacy will always be tarnished. After all their accomplishments there will be a big "yeah, but..."

Besides Coach Hoody the players will also have a "yeah, but" attached to them. Brady would have been called the greatest QB had they won the last Super Bowl but now in the court of public opinion he'll be looked at differently even if he had nothing to do with Spygate. Tom came out swinging for the Patriots calling out the media in particular ESPN but really ESPN was very objective in this whole deal. I think most at ESPN are even glad this story is finally put to bed.

The big thing now is to see if there is any erosion in the Patriots play. Obviously they played a perfect regular season last year but how much did any of it have to do with the residual knowledge they gained? Only time will tell.Besides Bill has other things to spy on now.

D-Day for Belichick

2008-05-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the final chapter of the now infamous Spygate. The saga that hit the headlines in week one last year but has been going on for the entire run of Patriots success. Basically after several memos from the NFL the "genius" that is Bill Belichick says he misunderstood the rule. The same Belichick, who we all thought was re-writing how an NFL team should play defense and runs an organization had problems interpreting a simple memo that said, "Videotaping of any type, including but not limited to taping of an opponent's offensive or defensive signals, is prohibited on the sidelines, in the coaches' booth, in the locker room or at any other locations accessible to club staff members during the game.'' Yeah that memo would take a Mensa genius to understand.

This is a time line of the events leading up to Spygate:

September 9, 2007: Camera and videotape seized from a Patriots employee who was stationed on the New England sideline and suspected of filming New York defensive coaches who were relaying signals during the Patriots' 38-14 victory at Giants Stadium.

December 18, 2006: CBS analyst Charley Casserly alleges that Patriots were warned by League to stop using a camera to steal opposing signals.

November 19, 2006: Packers catch Patriots employee Matt Estrella with a camera on the sidelines and tell him to leave the sideline. Packers later catch Estrella filming from a tunnel and remove him from the stadium completely.

February 2005: Patriots defeat Eagles in Super Bowl. Players on the Eagles now say they were amazed at the Patriots' ability to know which defensive calls were coming.

January 27, 2002: Patriots defeat Steelers in AFC Championship Game. Steelers WR Hines Ward now says the Patriots "knew a lot of our calls."

What does this all mean? It means the Patriots cheated, but it is a common opinion that every team looks for any edge any way it can. To what extent other teams do this is not widely known. The Patriots were simply caught. Which leads to the question why were they caught?

It is a head scratcher that after several close calls of almost being exposed the Patriots still continued videotaping. But why would they videotape a former coach, who knew exactly what to look for? Did Belichick's pride so blind him that he would risk being exposed by his former protege? What is clear is that the Patriot's success increased against the teams they videotaped. Too bad they didn't tape the Broncos because they could have used any help they could have gotten.

Finally tomorrow Matt Walsh, the former Belichick dirty deeder, will meet with Commissioner Goodell. Walsh has already sent in 8 videotapes of what most people have said is consistent with what the NFL punished the Patriots for. However one new detail was revealed: the videotaping also contained opposing teams offensive signals not just defensive signals as was previously reported.

What more can Matt Walsh do to the situation? Probably not much. The Patriots have already distanced themselves from him and will just deny everything he claims to be new relevant information. It remains to be seen whether Matt Walsh sheds more light on the subject such as saying all the Patriots staff met in a dark smoke filled room and laughed about how they thought they were getting away with videotaping. Goodell will most likely try and bury this, but Sen. Spector will most likely not allow this to just simply go away like any good Eagles fan who feels wronged by losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl would do.

Denver Broncos Draft Grade

2008-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

B-

That's right for the 2008 Denver Broncos Draft I'll give them a B- for the least sexiest draft in years. However they filled some big holes with their first two picks. Only time will tell about their Day 2 picks.

Ryan Clady might be the best Left Tackle from this draft 5 years down the road. He fits the Denver Broncos running scheme very well. Plus he's really large for the Broncos offensive line. The Broncos have been gradually getting larger. 5 years ago they were the lightest offensive line in the league. But as defensive line were getting bigger and bigger the Broncos O-line couldn't handle third and long situations very well. The Broncos O-line was very susceptible to bull rushes. Clady is still very raw. He needs a lot of work on his technique. He'll be beat for sure in his first year, but if all goes well he'll be Jay Cutler's blind side protector for the next decade.

Eddie Royal was big surprise. He'd be a bust if he were drafted merely as a receiver but he spent all four years at Virgina Tech as the punt and kick-off returner. Denver has needed an electric returner for years. After Devon Hester burned the Broncos last year they may have decided they needed a big time returner too. The Broncos have had the worst average for starting field percentage the last few years which needs to change if they are to move up into the Super Bowl contenders.

Mike Shanahan sure was giddy as a school boy to get these two players. I hope he's right with these guys or otherwise Shanahan's coaching job with Denver will be on the clock.

Ryan Torain RB Arizona St may be the steal of the draft. He's got a big upside and the Broncos snagged him in the 5th round. What was he doing there? He's had some injury problems which dropped him in the draft. Don't be surprised if he gets plenty of touches. Shanahan will see how he runs during training camp and preseason.

Her skin is pale like God's only dove
Screams for you like an angel for your love

My NFL Mock Draft 1.0

2008-04-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

I really only care about who the Denver Broncos pick but the teams who pick before Denver obviously have a influence on whom the Broncos take with their pick. I thought Denver might try and move up to get Sedrick Ellis. But now it appears that New Orleans will be the team trying to move up. The Broncos traded for Dewayne Robertson, who I now call "The Big Band-Aid" because the Broncos desperately need a DT but Robertson is a talent in the 4-3 defense but his knee is almost gone. I expect him only to last 2 years with the Broncos. Now for my mock draft.

1. Miami Jake Long
Not a hard pick we all knew it several days ago. He's a Parcell's pick. ie Jumbo Elliot.

2. St Louis Rams Chris Long
Doresy is the better player but the Rams drafted Adam Carriker last year who can play the DE position but not a pass rusher. They need a pass rusher so they'll take Chris Long, who is more of a need pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan
Again Doresy is the better player but Atlanta really wants to get a franchise QB. Atlanta does have several 2nd round picks which means they could pick a QB in the early second round or trade up into the late first round to get a QB.

4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden
Run DMC will be a Raider. Again Dorcey is the better player and I'm sure all the scouts will tell Al Davis but Davis will come and take the "sexy" pick and pick up McFadden.

5. Kansas City Chiefs Glenn Dorcey
Too good to pass up. If Dorcey isn't there they'll take the top OT on their board. I wouldn't be surprised if they shop this pick to the Saints.

6. New York Jets Vernon Gholston
The Jets wanted Run DMC but they'll take Gholston to help their transition into a 3-4 defense. Gholston has a lot of questions about how hard he plays but he's a great physical specimen.

7. New England Patriots Sedrick Ellis
I expect the Patriots to heavily shop this pick. They covet value and they wouldn't mind moving down to the Saints pick. Otherwise they'll take the best player on the board. Some think the Patriots will take a Offensive Lineman because of what happened at the Super Bowl expect people forget how much time Brady had to throw the ball during the regular season.

8. Baltimore Ravens Ryan Clady
The Ravens really wanted Matt Ryan but they are not going to go for the second QB with this pick because its too high so they'll go for the best OT on their board. They may also select a CB to keep their defense going at a high level.

9. Cincinnati Bengals Keith Rivers
The Bengals really wanted a DT but their defense will have to settle for the first LB off the board. Maybe they'll stretch and pick a DE like Harvey from Florida

10. New Orleans Saints Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The Saints really wanted Dorcey but they will have to give up too much so their next need will be at the CB spot.

11. Buffalo Bills Devin Thomas
They stretch to get a WR. I think they'll be disappointed in this pick.

12. Denver Broncos Chris Williams
The Broncos won't trade up and I don't think they'll trade down so they'll stay at the 12 spot and get the Offensive Tackle they need to protect Jay Cutler for years to come and help open up holes for the running backs. This pick should solidify the Broncos Offense for years to come. The Broncos will take one or two more Offensive Lineman in the late rounds 5th, 6th or 7th round where they have several picks. The Broncos will also look at kickers too.

None of the picks really matter after the Broncos so I'll leave it there. But just for you Cowboy fans look for them to draft Felix Jones and the top CB remaining on the board.

Broncos get Robertson

2008-04-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

The Broncos now have big Dewayne Robertson. Tommy, be afraid, be very afraid!

Get Ya Popcorn Ready!

2008-04-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

That's right Lost is restarting up at its new time of 9 O'Clock. Its the best weekly event after football. There are 5 more episodes this season. In the next episode, "The Shape Of Things To Come", we'll find out if someone or something is controlling Smoky the Monster and in the next episode we'll find out if Rousseau is really dead. Her flashback promises to be one of the best. It might have to wait for next season though. So buckle your safety belts up and enjoy the ride!

It's Official

2008-04-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's signed and done. Jake Long the offensive tackle from Michigan will be the number one pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He's come to an agreement with the Dolphins. The big advantage to drafting him is that if he doesn't work out at left tackle they can move him to right tackle or even guard and still get some value from their money.

Who will be number two? Glenn Dorsey is the highest rated player on the Rams draft board. We'll see on Saturday.

Draft Free Fallers Continued

2008-04-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

The number of draft free fallers continues. This time capped off by the most volatile position, wide receiver.

Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, 6-4 224
Everyone was so high on him. He's got great size but so do half of the receivers coming out of USC but they can't separate in the NFL. Kelly complained that the OU staff ruined his pro day because he trained on Astro-turf and they held the pro day on field turf. Ah, hello Malcolm the NFL stopped playing on Astro-turf years ago, you're just slow. A time of 4.6 in the 40 is going to drop him into the second round.

Mario Maningham, Michigan
Mario is a double idiot. First off he took drugs. Second off he lied about taking drugs to NFL teams. NFL teams practically use FBI background checks. No way is he a first rounder.

DeSean Jackson, California 5-10 169 in a wet t-shirt
Just one sentence sums it up: He looks like a high school player. Sure he has speed but that won't do him any good in rehab. He's only a punt returner and 3rd down stretch the field guy. Any more than that and he'll be in street clothes on game day. Plus he's loud mouth me first player.

Now a draft faller story: Let's go back to the 1998 draft. Everyone thought Randy Moss was great. He became great but he was carrying some luggage. He would have been a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys. He would have extended the carrier of Troy Aikman. But the Cowboys were getting ripped apart by the media for the character of the players on the team, like say Michael Irvin snorting coke and wearing fur coats to court. Jerry Jones wanted him but didn't want to take the PR hit. He sent Deion Sanders to go chat with Randy. Deion told Jerr'a Randy was cool and he'd be no trouble. Guess Jerr'a didn't believe him they Cowboys let Moss drop all the way to the Vikings. Can't say I don't blame Jones for not believing Deion. After all Deion has stood up for such people as Michael Vick, Pacman Jones, and Chad Johnson. All 3 have caused chaos in their organization. Jerry's been kicking himself ever since then for not drafting Randy Moss.

2008 Denver Broncos Schedule

2008-04-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

The biggest problem is deciding which game to go to?

What jump off the Broncos' schedule are all those road trips to Eastern Time Zone cities (New England, Cleveland, Atlanta, New York Jets, Carolina) and the number of visiting teams playing at Invesco Field at Mile High who Bronco fans don't often see in person (New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, Buffalo).

1. Monday, Sept. 8, at Oakland 8:15 p.m.

For openers, Broncos will take on their old friends Javon Walker, Gerard Warren, Cornell Green and Cooper Carlisle. That's a lot of former Broncos starters. Could it be Al Davis is trying to emulate Mike Shanahan?

2. Sunday, Sept. 14, San Diego, 2:15 p.m.

The Chargers are clearly the team to beat in the AFC West. Denver should have no trouble getting up for this opponent after several Chargers players, most notably QB Philip Rivers, taunted the Broncos before, during a Christmas Eve meeting won by San Diego, 23-3.

3. Sunday, Sept. 21, New Orleans, 2:15 p.m.

The Saints have their share of marquee players, including Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and Marques Colston. Like Shanahan, Saints coach Sean Payton is a Chicago-area product who played quarterback at Eastern Illinois.

4. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Kansas City, 11 a.m.

The Chiefs will enter the 2008 season on a nine-game losing streak, two of which came against the Broncos. There is a chance the GM-head coach pairing of Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards are on the hot seat, although there is admission the team is rebuilding for 2008. If running back Larry Johnson returns completely from his foot injury, the Chiefs could be better than expected.

5. Sunday, Oct. 5, Tampa Bay, 2:05 p.m.

A return home for Broncos safety John Lynch. Although coach Jon Gruden has been quarterback-challenged in his first six seasons in Tamp Bay, the Bucs have reached the playoffs two of the past three years and won the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.

6. Sunday, Oct. 12, Jacksonville, 2:05 p.m.

For a non-division foe, it seems like the Broncos see a lot of the Jaguars. Quarterback David Garrard has a new contract and the Jaguars would be considered Super Bowl-caliber if they weren't playing in the same conference as Indianapolis and New England. The Jaguars physically beat up the Broncos in week 3 last season. The strongest element to their team is their tailback duo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

7. Monday, Oct. 20, at New England, 6:30 p.m.

Dating back to 2001, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has won five of his last six meetings, including playoffs, against Pats coach Bill Belichick. The Broncos won 17-7 in their previous visit to Gillette Stadium in 2006 as Jake Plummer threw two touchdown passes to Javon Walker. The Pats have won their last 14 home games, including a 10-0 mark last season.

8. Bye

This is the Broncos' latest bye week since 2005, when they had the bye a week later.

9. Sunday, Nov. 2, Miami, 2:05 p.m.

The team The Big Tuna reconstructed will visit Invesco Field for the first time since 2004. The Dolphins finished an NFL-worst 1-15 last season, an abysmal performance that led to wholesale changes from ownership on down. The most notable move was bringing in Bill Parcells to run the football operations. Parcells had successfully turned around four teams as head coach - the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys. This is the first time he will run a franchise exclusively from a front-office chair.

10. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Cleveland, 6:15 p.m.

No longer are the Browns considered pushovers. Their defense is fortified by Shaun Rogers, who ran roughshod over the Broncos' offensive line while playing for the Detroit Lions last year. If quarterback Derek Anderson gets dinged, the Browns will be able to bring in Brady Quinn, arguably the league's most intriguing backup.

11. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Atlanta, 11 a.m.

For the first time in 15 years, the Broncos will have someone other than Jason Elam kicking field goals for them. Seconds after this scary proposition became official, the game at Atlanta became worthy of red letters to Elam and his staunch supporters. The feared scenario among Broncos is Elam running onto the field - Toro! Toro! - and booting the game-winning field goal as time expires. But who not Matt Prater, who kicked for the Falcons last year, returning to Atlanta to burn his former teammates?

12. Sunday, Nov. 23, Oakland, 2:05 p.m.

Bronco fans will be waiting for Javon Walker. Question is, by week 12, will his knee hold up so he's ready for Denver? Bronco fans can plan on getting first personal look at Raiders' QB JaMarcus Russell.

13. Sunday, Nov. 30, at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

The last time the Broncos played at the Meadowlands in 2005, they dominated the New York Giants the first three quarters and 5 minutes into the fourth. But in a foreshadowing of Super Bowl XLII, Eli Manning led the Giants to two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a game-winning toss to Amani Toomer with 5 seconds remaining. The Jets and Giants will move to a new stadium at the Meadowlands in 2010.

14. Sunday, Dec. 7, Kansas City Chiefs, 2:05 p.m.

One of the primary reasons why the Broncos signed strongside linebacker Boss Bailey: Stop Tony Gonzalez.

15. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Carolina

A return home for Broncos' new receiver Keary Colbert, this is a rare meeting between these teams as they've only played once since 1997. To rebound from its 7-9 season, Carolina is counting on a return to health by quarterback Jake Delhomme and defensive end Julius Peppers. Broncos' cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dre' Bailey will be tested in this game as the Panthers have a dynamic receiver duo in Steve Smith and D.J. Hackett.

16. Sunday, Dec. 21, Buffalo, 2:05 p.m.

The Broncos and Bills met in the season opener last year, a game dually remembered for the violent collision between Broncos kick returner Domenik Hixon and tackler Kevin Everett, and Elam's game-winning kick as time expired. None of those players will participate in this game. Everett would have been left paralyzed by the hit if not for pioneering medical treatment. Hixon was claimed off waivers by the eventual Super Bowl-champion New York Giants and Elam left for free agency and the Atlanta Falcons.

17. Sunday, Dec. 28, at San Diego, 2:15 p.m.

Another primary reason why the Broncos' brought in Boss: Stop Antonio Gates.

Beards and Football

2008-04-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

Beards are manly and football is manly. Heck only guys grow beards and play football so it is manly. When it comes to football I think of two real men of football. Two men in the trenches. Two defensive tackles. These guys are men.

Other football players wear beards today but none of them stand out to me like these two men. Mean Joe Greene and Merlin Olsen. Now granted they didn't always have a beard while they were playing but they just stick out. Its hard to say anyone sticks out today. Sure there are a couple of quarterbacks like the former Bronco
Jake "the snake" Plummer or even Big Ben Roethlisberger likes to grow one but they're just the golden boys of the team not the ones going through the gauntlet every play.

So here I am with the longest beard I've ever grown. (no picture is going on the blog) Its a favor to someone special in my life. I've got to say though that beards aren't all they're cracked up to be. They itch, get in the way, collect all sorts of things in them like food or germs. Then when you cut them off you get tons of zits. Not the sexiest thing. But hey some guys make it work for them.

Raging Yetis' First Game

2008-04-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

The Raging Yetis had their first game of the year against their hated rival, Pan World. Long story short a pass from 32 to 12 lead to the only goal of the game and the Yetis are undefeated.

After Nine O'Clock....

2008-04-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

After 9 O'Clock
I become the hawk
Here I am babe
Rocked you like a hurricane
There's no blame
No shame I'm on an aeroplane
Kicking up the dust
Frequencies are a must
In the midnight hour she cries more more Lost city
Could've seen the egg on face but there'll be no pity
Countin' up the cards
Don't take it so hard
Names aren't a joke
Crack the shell with the yolk
I'm cryin'
Egg's fryin'
I am the Eggman
I am the Bronco
All the drama and all the world's a stage
The words come page after page
Man you should have seen them kicking Edgar Allen Poe

Take a look around. There goes Hanzel and Gretel walking in the forest hand in hand. Throwing bread crumbs as they go. Smelling the roses as they go. Hazels Lederhosen are riding. Merrily they go through the forest 'til the candy shack comes in view. Out pops witch of course. She wants her money back but they deny and look back. The witch says, This ain't Russian Roulette. Get back before I let you have it." Hanzel says, "My brain is fried from this sack. You don't get your money back. Don't be trippin' I ain't kiddin'". Gretel breaks out and says, "You don't want to be that kid when we're done. And where's that dragon and his friend Pete?" Pumpkin P. Witch says "I know why you want to hate me. Because Koo-koo beans is all you've been eatin' lately." Gretel would have none of that that and made short order of that squashed witch. Took out her knife and fork and started the feast. Hanzel took a sled ride down that pumpkin pie haired cutted freak's marshmallow covered roof. Things became sticky in them hosen. When out of the jungle came a white rabbit with pink eyes. Oh those pink eyes pierced there souls like a thorn. Into the jungle they went til the day light left the sky. Creeps were crawlin' over him and over her. The rabbit jumped down an abyss to the depth that he came from. Still sticky Hanzel pulled out his red knife and preceeded to make a whirly bird. Took them right out of the jungle. To where we'll never know!

NFL Draft Free Fallers

2008-04-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Every year there are certain players who appear to a high pick but end up falling in the draft, sometimes embarrassingly. That's right you know all about that Matt Leinart and Brady Quinn. Both players were invited to the NFL draft in Radio City Music Hall. The NFL picks out about 6 players that are expected to top ten picks. These players can then come up on the stage and get there picture taken with the hat and jersey of their new team. In Leinart and Quinn's case they were caught sitting in the green room squirming while other players were picked ahead of them. In Quinn's case it was so long that the NFL Commissioner had to bail him out and let him sit in the commissioner's room where no camera's were present.

This year's draft is no different than any years. There will be some players that will fall a few spots in the draft. A few spots in the first round is worth millions of guaranteed money. Here are a few players who will drop from their projected spot.

Matt Ryan: some think the Dolphins will take him at the first spot. He's not going there. Parcells is already working out numbers with OT Jake Long. At the USC pro day 10 NFL scouts believed the Dolphins would pick Jake Long at the number 1 spot. Of course the Dolphins don't want to pay number 1 money so look for them to trade down. Matt Ryan is not franchise QB, like Jay Cutler turned out to be. He'll end up being better than Joey Harrington and will probably be his teammate in Atlanta unless the Falcons are wise and get defensive line help.

Darren McFadden: Way too many people are suggesting that he's this years Adrian Peterson, Mr. All-Day. If any thing McFadden should give Peterson a cut of his money because Peterson looked like a steal at the number 7 spot last year. But Peterson didn't come with the off field baggage that McFadden does. Darren already has an arrest record and is doing his Travis Henry thing by getting women pregnant. Just ask Matt Leinart how expensive that became. Peterson was the real deal, a real horse. McFadden is more of the show pony. Running through college defenses isn't the same as in the league, right Reggie. McFadden is really a wide receiver running the ball. He has a receivers body not a running backs. He has really skinny legs that become "dead legs" upon contact. Look at the film. At first contact he doesn't break out tackles. Then look at Peterson's tape from last year against the Chargers. That game was a classic. The Raiders are rumored to be picking him at the 4 spot. He's an Al Davis player but the Raiders are trying to keep secret their running back, Michael Bush, whom they selected last year who was coming of an leg injury. Word is that he's going to be good. The Raiders have plenty of backs. Look for them to get a defensive playmaker.

Ode to Green

2008-04-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is my call out to my best friend Green. Yup that's him there, Tex J.

Thanks for all your time and advice.

Thanks for being my Friend, Green.

I have a brother

A brother like no other

Trouble in the Heartland

2008-04-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

When a team goes two consecutive years without reaching the post season some changes are in store. Long gone are the days of Champ Bailey picking off Tom Brady in the endzone and running it back 100 yards to put the victory in Denver's grasps.

The cracks in the Broncos armor has been showing for a while now. The hints have come from insider in the organization. Lets run down a list of who said what.

The fur coat wearin' owner Pat Bowlen decided to remove the "dysfunctional" part of the front office and authorize the firing of of the General Manager Ted Sundquist.

Jay Cutler is taking more of a leader's role by calling out his teammates. Most recently mentioning Brandon Marshall for slipping on a McDonald's wrapper or was that wrestling with his brother. Long mysterious story later Marshall cut a vein, artery, nerve, tendons and muscles in his right forearm near his elbow. Shanahan backed up Cutler when he said he wasn't too pleased with Marshall's extracurricular activities. Culter also mentioned that other players have been removed who he didn't know if he could count on them, Jay-Walk.

There have been other mentions of rifts coming from the defensive side of the ball. Champ and John Lynch have expressed that the defense has not been on the same page. Does that extend solely to on the field? or to off the field as well? DT Alvin McKinley expressed his concern that there was too many cliques in the locker room. Too many indivdual groups instead of a unified team.

Hopefully the negatives can be cleared up in time for the season to start on Monday night (September 8th at 8:30 pm on ESPN. Let's all tune in to watch them) in Oakland. The last thing Broncos Country needs is the evil Raiders spoiling the beginning of their season. Let's leave the turmoil with the Black Hole.
Zooropa

Vorsprung durch Technik

Music mix the bourgeoisie and the rebels

2008-04-07T20:34:00.001-07:00

Hey mister D.J., put a record on I wanna dance with my baby

With that line I'll be rocking out with Madonna in July. My Joanie has decided to leave me if only for 38 days and 37 nights as she likes to put it. Obviously with my wife on another continent I'll have a large vacuum to fill. I'll share 5 things I plan to do fill my Joanie vacuum.

1. I'm going to rock out to the "Whore". What can I say? Joanie hates her! Thinks she's not very respectful. I mean besides the immodesty what else has she done? Oh yeah remember the time she totally went off with the F-Bombs on David Letterman while smoking a big cigar. But really she's an example to all 49-year old mothers about staying in shape. (women can take HGH too.) But enough about Madonna what else will I do for 38 days and 37 nights?

2. I will be playing plenty of basketball with Eric at the Spa. It should be a real basketball training camp, what with Eric and I playing day after day after day. I just hope those punk kids won't be there to mess with our epic 1 on 1 battles.

3. I will buy the large art figure of Dr. Suesses the Cat in the Hat and charge people $15 to come see it. It will be the talk of the town if not the Internet. I will place this monstrous statue in my living room and I can only imagine the thongs of rabid fans that will line up to come see this piece of artwork.

4. I will paint our bedroom in the colors of my beloved Denver Broncos. Nothing says romantic like the blend of blue, orange and white. My Joan will return to my arms and erupt in pure euphoria at the sight of our new bedroom. I'm sure after many hours in a plane the sight will invigorate Joan.

5. I will visit a country or two that neither Joan or I have previously visited. I'm thinking along the lines of Jamaica or even the Catalina islands. Someplace invigorating for the soul if not for the extra stamp in my passport. So I'll save up my sun screen and I'll leave plenty of room for those funny umbrella drinks.

I hope with this blog that I too have inspired many to reach out and do something new and exciting.

Wanderbra? No Dummy Wonderlic

2008-03-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Wonderlic as in the "Wonderlic Test". The famous test that Vince Young could care less about. And why not? He was drafted 3rd overall even after it was leaked Young scored a 6. What does that score mean? It means out of 50 questions on the test he got 6 correct. The test isn't multiple choice so he couldn't just pick circle A and get 25% of the questions correct.

They say smart people score in the low 30's. Most NFL QBs score in the high 20's to low 30's. Does anyone ace the test? Why yes. Why yes and that player just so happens to be from the great state of Utah. Mr. Kevin Curtis from Utah St. He scored a 50. While he was with the Rams he caught a TD pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, a Haaaaavard man, who scored in the high 40's on his test making that the highest Wonderlic pass in the history of the NFL.

The Wonderlic Test is administered at the NFL scouting combine along with all the other physical testing that gets done. If a player doesn't want to participate in the drills he simply puts on his sweatshirt signifying he won't be involved. We all wonder why Vince Young didn't put the sweatshirt on for the Wonderlic.

In honor of the impending draft we will be administering the test, albeit not full test on this blog. The full test is 50 questions last only 12 minutes. Our football crucible test will be 12 questions long which means participants only have 3 minutes to complete the test. I did round up on the time allowed so get your number 2 pencils and stopwatch out.

In a future edition of Football Crucible the answers will be posted so keep coming back everyday for your chance to find the answers.

Ready Set Go....

1. Assume the first 2 statements are true. Is the final one: 1) true 2) false 3) not certain

The boy plays baseball. All baseball players wear hats. The boy wears a hat.

2. Paper sells for 21 cents per pad. What will 4 pads cost?

3. How many of the five pairs of items listed below are exact duplicates?

Nieman, K.M. Nieman, K.M
Thomas, G.K. Thomas, C.K.
Hoff, J.P. Hoff, J.P.
Pino, L.R. Pina, L.R.
Warner, T.S. Wanner, T.S.

4. PRESENT RESENT-Do these words
1)have similar meanings 2) have contradictory meanings
3)mean neither the same nor the opposite

5. A train travels 20 feet in 1/5 second. As this speed, how many feet will it travel in three seconds?

6. When rope is selling at $.10 a foot, how many feet can you buy for sixty cents?

7. The ninth month of the year is

1) October 2) January 3) June 4) September 5) May

8. Which number in the following group of numbers represents the smallest amount?

________7__ .8___ 31___ .33____ 2

9. In printing an article of 48,000 words the printer decides to use two sizes of type. Using the larger type, a printed page contains 1,800 words. Using the smaller type, a page contains 2,400 words. The article is allotted 21 full pages in a magazine. How many pages must be in smaller type?

10. Three individuals form a partnership and agree to divide the profits equally. X invests $9,000, Y invests $7,000, Z invests $4,000. If the profits are $4,800, how much less does X receive than if the profits were divided in proportion to the amount invested?

11. Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final one:

1)true 2) false 3) not certain?

Tom greeted Beth. Beth greeted Dawn. Tom did not greet Dawn.

12. A boy is 17 years old and his sister is twice as old. When the boy is 23 years old, what will be the age of his sister?

13. Are Ivanka Trump's boobs

1) God-given real
2) A plastic surgeons masterpiece
3) Digitally enhanced

There you have it Ladies and Gentlemen an expert from the Wonderlic Test. If you can't wait to know how you scored send your humble blog host your answers and he'll send you back your score.

Good luck

P.S.

If 13 is the only question you answered correctly then you can play for the Raiders.

Just give me what I want and no one gets hurt

One Month to go!

2008-03-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen please give your attention to me.

In one month the fortunes of 32 NFL teams will change at the 2008 NFL draft from the Radio City Music Hall. We can all start the countdown.

In other news the NFL will release its 2008 schedule this Monday! We all know where the first game will be played. We all thought it would in New England 2 months ago but no the Giants took a wrecking ball to that. The first game will be on September 4th at Giants stadium and the rumored opponent will be the Dallas Cowboys. I'm already forecasting a Cowboys win.

More importantly though after Monday I can plan my annual pilgrimage to Invesco Field at Mile High. There will need to be airplane tickets reserved and tickets purchased. All in anticipation for the best sporting event on earth!

Go Broncos!

My heart is where its always been

My head is somewhere in between

As Promised: The Broncos second round draft choice

2008-03-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

The second round needs to fill a need for the Broncos. It will weigh heavily on what the Broncos do in the first round. Many believe the Broncos will trade down to get more 2nd and 3rd round picks. (Denver traded their 3rd round pick last year for Marcus Thomas)

Two factors will determine whether the Broncos trade their first round pick. First, what picks they get in return. Second, how good of a player Ryan Harris is. Harris was a third round pick last year. He never really played until the end of the season due to back surgery. The word from Dove Valley is that the Broncos have very high regards for him as a player.

The Left Offensive Tackle position is one of the most important spots on a roster and if Harris is not a top flight tackle they should consider drafting an offensive tackle in the first round. On the right side of the line is Erik Pears. A big body for the Broncos line who struggles with speed rushers that use leverage to get around the corner, for example against San Diego's outside linebackers.

The Broncos biggest need is down the center of the defense. Where the real football players play. Denver would best be served by drafting a Defensive Tackle at this spot. If Pat Sims, 6-2 310 Auburn, is available they should take him. If Sims is off the board Denver should look at a quality Middle Linebacker. In the worst case scenario he would be a good special teams/bench player. Its no secret Denver has struggled tackling in the punt and kick returns. The best two players that might be available are Jerod Mayo, 6-2 235 4.65-40 Tennessee, or Curtis Lofton, 6-0 235 Oklahoma. Either one would make a valuable upgrade to the run defense.

Some suggest that Denver needs to select a speed receiver on the first draft day. Speed receivers are so hit and miss. Right now Denver needs safe reliable picks. With two 4th round selection they can gamble on one and not be too burned if he doesn't produce.

Don't believe what you hear

Don't belive what you see

If you just close your eyes you can feel the enemy

Who should the Broncos Draft?

2008-03-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

Successful teams in the NFL know how to draft, period.

Drafting is the most important aspect of a winning team. It supersedes coaching and free agency. Just ask the Cowboys of the mid-90's. Jerr'a Jones claimed 500 people were capable of coaching the Cowboys after his ego booted Jimmy Johnson out the door. They got their coach but their ability to draft left with Johnson and the team started to denigrate until Jerr'a convinced a draft genius to be their coach enter Bill Parcells and the resurrection of the Cowboys.

The Broncos are at a crossroads. They thought they could contend last year but had too many holes to fix. Bad schemes and bad personal lead to a mediocre season. The Broncos did some house cleaning and showed some players and some from the front office the exit door.

The Broncos are suffering from the poor drafting they made between 2003 and 2005. They weren't able to draft role players to fill in the cracks. They were able to smooth things over slightly by making some clever trades in getting Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. Other trades didn't work out with the Browns for instance but they didn't give up anyone of consequence. The problem with trading or getting good players in free agency is that they require lots of $$$. In today's NFL managing the salary cap is right below drafting. Having your money tied up in a few players will tie the whole franchise's hand behind the back. Presently the Oakland Raiders are demonstrating this. They have a lot of money tied to a few players who are not game breakers and that will break them for years to come. Thanks Al!

The cheapest way to run a successful team is to buy your (quality) meat at the meat market known as the NFL draft. They lack experience but they come cheaply especially after the first round. The first round is the most important round. Every team can get a player that contributes to the team. He might not be a game changer but he should fill holes. Every first rounder (with the exception of the QB) should be starting by the 4th game or be a key reserve. A team that misses on first rounders will inconsistent i.e. missing the playoffs and drafting high each year (Detroit Lions).

Who should the Broncos draft in the first round with the 12th overall pick? The Broncos have many holes. Football games are won in the trenches and the Broncos were sub par on both sides of the ball. The results were poor red zone production and atrocious run defense. The Broncos really need a play maker in the defensive tackle position. Unfortunately the top 2 defensive tackles, Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis that are capable of this will be off the board by the time the Broncos are on the clock. My choice would have been Sedrick Ellis from USC. Dorsey got all the press last year but Ellis would have been the nose tackle Denver needs.

This year however has strong crop of first round talent at the Offensive Tackle position. Denver needs a good replacement for Matt Lepsis who never fully recovered from ACL surgery and then retired. Lepsis was beaten with both speed and power. His time was up. Everyone is really high on Jake Long from Michigan. He wouldn't fit into the Broncos left tackle position. He his a good run blocker but he'd be beaten all the time by speed rushers like Shawn Merriman. The next two OTs would work much better for Denver's needs: Ryan Clady from Boise St. or Chris Williams from Vanderbilt.

If both were still on the board when Denver's on the clock I'd take Chris Williams. Ryan Clady is rated higher on most mock drafts but I like Williams over Clady. He doesn't have the same power as Clady but he has much quicker feet. Williams also scored a very high wonderlic test. Offensive linemen need to be smart. An underrated aspect to their position. I question Clady coming from a school like Boise St. He played well against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl but the Sooners don't haven't played a good bowl game in years. Williams went up against the best of the best in the SEC week after week. He should have plenty of tape to show him going up against the best pass rushers in the country. Another plus is that he is the former teammate of Jay Cutler.

Either OT would improve Denver in giving Cutler protection and opening holes for the running game in the red zone. Denver's Achilles last year.

Next post: Denver's second round selection.

One stop down the line

Hope I make it on time

For all the doubters

2008-03-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

For all of you who didn't believe I'd form a blog: This one's for you!