Bronco Bustin’

For the first time in quite awhile there seems to be low expectations for the Broncos. No pressure, just like when Danny Noonan was trying to sink a putt blind folded.

It doesn’t take a rocket journalist to figure out that Jay Cutler is the real deal as is Brandon Marshall. But what about the rest of the ream? Specifically on defence?

Champ Bailey and Dre Bly are corner stones at corner back. Which means the Orange Crush will probably see a lot of run plays, so what’s the deal on the D-Line?

I wasn’t a big fan of the stop gap approach that defensive co-ordinator Jim Bates implemented last year, too many gaps, not enough stop. Broncos ranked 30th against the rush last season. Good news is, it’ll be virtually impossible to be worse. Nothing but positive waves.

Enter Bob Slowik and his new iDeas. Interesting that when Slowik left Green Bay after the 2004 season, Jim Bates took over.

Broncos will be missing Brandon Marshall due to suspension on Monday night. They could also be missing their sack leader from a year ago in Elvis Dumervil, who has a finger wound.  Also expected to start up front is John Engelberger, Marcus Thomas and Dewayne Robertson.

Robertson has knee problems, so his durability is questionable. Thomas is in his second year, he showed a lot of potential last season. Engelberger led the d-line in tackles last season. We know that a healthy Dumervil and Robertson will be a big bonus this season. Broncos defense will certainly be better against the run this season, the big test will come in week two vs San Diego.

ESPN’s power rankings have Denver ranked 22nd. I don’t think they are that bad, the offense will score a lot. Cutler’s time management in long drives will be key to the success of this team. The longer Cutler is on the field, the less the defense is, and if the Broncos are leading, the other teams will be throwing at the Broncos secondary which is really strong.

Having a look at Monday’s game. Cutler had his issues vs Oaklan last year, 1TD, 4INT’s. Broncos will need to establish the run with Selvin Young, which is fine, because Young said he was going to rush for 2,000 yards this season, so he’ll need to see the ball alot anyways.

Mike Shanahan is 20-6 vs Al Davis’s Raiders. Broncos have won 8 out of the last 10 games between the teams. Raiders beat Denver last December in Oakland 34-20. Josh McCown was at QB.

Here’s som other notes on the game. Are you ready for some football?

BRONCOS:  Club has won 5 of past 6 against Raiders & aims for 5th consecutive win vs. Oak. in September…Head coach MIKE SHANAHAN is 11-4 (.733) on Kickoff Weekend.  Since ’95, club has 6-2 (.750) record against Oakland on MNF…QB JAY CUTLER is 1-0 as starter on Kickoff Weekend & has completed 23 of 39 passes (59.0 pct.) for 304 yards with TD vs. INT & 81.6 passer rating.  Club is 5-0 when Cutler has 100+ passer rating.  Cutler has 82.5 passer rating on MNF…For career, RB SELVIN YOUNG averages 5.2 yards per carry (729 yards, 140 att.)…WR DARRELL JACKSON will make Broncos debut…WR BRANDON STOKLEY recorded 3 receptions for 102 yards (34.0 avg.) in last meeting vs. Oakland (12/2/07).  Rookie WR EDDIE ROYAL set Virginia Tech record with 4,686 career all-purpose yards…CBs CHAMP BAILEY (42) & DRE’ BLY (38) rank 1st & 2nd among active CBs for most INTs since 1999.  Broncos are 3-0 vs. Oakland when Bailey has INT…DE ELVIS DUMERVIL has 4 sacks in past 4 games vs. Oakland.  Dumervil ranks 6th in NFL with 21 sacks since ’06…RAIDERS:  Club aims for 2nd consecutive win against Broncos at home since 11/05/01…In 1 career start, QB JA MARCUS RUSSELL completed 23 of 31 passes (74.2 pct.) for 224 yards with TD vs. INT & 91.3 passer rating.  Russell aims for 3rd straight game with TD pass….RB JUSTIN FARGAS has led team in rushing past 2 seasons (2006, 659; 2007, 1,009).  In last meeting against Denver, Fargas gained 146 rush yards (4.4 avg.) on 33 att. with TD.  Rookie RB DARREN MC FADDEN (1st round, No. 4) will make NFL debut…WR JAVON WALKER spent 2 seasons (2006-07) with Broncos & totaled 95 rec. for 1,371 yards (14.4 avg.) & 8 TDs…TE ZACH MILLER led NFL rookie TEs in receptions (44) & receiving yards (444) in ’07…Defense totaled 4 INTs in past 2 meetings vs. Den…LB THOMAS HOWARD (6) & LB KIRK MORRISON (4) combined for 10 INTs in ’07…CB DE ANGELO HALL & S GIBRIL WILSON will make Raiders debuts.  Since ’05, Hall ranks 3rd in NFL among active CBs with 15 INTs.

Gibby

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