Toy soldiers

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dear Josh McDaniels,

When you draft players and then cut them one year later there's a problem. This isn't fantasy.

Nogain Moreno?

Interesting article here from The Philadelphia Enquirer chronicling Denver first round Running Back Knowshon Moreno's lack of impact. For the record, I never would have taken a running back in the first but gun to my head, would have taken Beanie Wells.

Players I liked instead of Moreno before the draft:

Brian Cushing

Brian Orakpo

Chris "Beanie" Wells

Clay Matthews

Louis Delmas

James Laurinitis

Larry English

Players taken after Moreno I like in hindsight:

Percy Harvin

Kenny Britt

Vontae Davis

Ray Maualuga

Jairus Bird

The Hillis

Since Corell Buckhalter's injury early in the Indy game, Denver--a run first team-- is averaging 3.0 yards per carry. But this doesn't tell the full story. Denver is horrible in red zone efficiency and equally bad on power runs (situations in which the offense needs 1-2 yards). This tells me that when the team needs to run the ball, it can't.

The Broncos have a completely healthy 240 lb running back named Peyton Hillis, a guy who has great hands, incredible toughness, and a bruising running style perfect for short yardage situations. Most importantly, over his nearly two year professional career, Peyton Hillis is averaging 4.92 yards per carry (sample ~ 80 carries).

I am not the first nor the last but let me add my voice to the din clamoring for him to see more playing time. He is a clutch player and the Broncos desperately need clutch plays. It's time to see more highlights like the ones above.

Barrel Man to the Stadium in the Sky

I read on the Denver Examiner that Tim McKernan died last Friday. Better known as "The Barrel Man," McKernan was a staple at Broncos games throughout my adolescence. He wore *only???* the barrel at every Bronco home game, rain, snow, or shine.

McKernan captured much of what I love about living in Colorado. He was passionate, creative, weird, a little bit country, and he loved the outdoors.

According to the article, as McKernan's health declined, he was forced to sell his Super Bowl XXXII barrel (for $30,000), which had been autographed by 49 Denver Broncos players. Although he needed the money for health issues, he still donated 10% to a battered women's shelter.

If there is a heaven for the Barrel Man, I know the sunsets there are orange and blue.

McDomination

Two people I have been publicly down on: Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton.

Is there still room on the bandwagon?

Reposting from Bronco Talk: The Awesomeness that is Brandon Stokley

Very cool piece about a very cool guy. Get well soon Stoke.

Original post here.

Josh here is one lucky kid, and probably Brandon Stokley's biggest fan.

Brandon Stokley is an awesome example of everything that is good in the NFL. He’s a big team-player, a hard worker and great role model for the younger generation.

This email from Matt in Pittsburgh hit our inbox the other day and has stuck with us since, for two reasons — first, Matt’s son is one lucky kid! Second, Brandon Stokley “gets it.” After the Immaculate Deflection, being on top of the world, and probably making the biggest play of his career, Stokley took the time to meet and greet fans with an impromptu “thank you.” Sometimes it’s the little things… We pass Matt and Josh’s story along to you, joining them in saying “Thanks, Stokes!”

My name is Matt and I am a long time Broncos fan who lives in Pittsburgh – Imagine that!

My son’s name is Josh and he is 8 years old. And if I could I’d like to give thanks where I believe it is due.

Last year I took my son to the Browns vs. Broncos game – a nail biter that the Broncos pulled out in the end. After the game Brandon Stokley made his way over to the fans and handed Josh a pair of his game worn gloves. You’ll never know what that meant to a young football fanatic or to his dad.

What is even more amazing is, we were at the game yesterday (at Cincinnati Week 1). During warm ups, Brandon Stokley again came over to the sideline and again made a big impression on my son. He tossed a football up to him and smiled at him. It was huge. It’s so amazing to me that he took the time on 2 separate occasions, in 2 separate cities, to make an effort to interact with the fans.

In a society that tends to shine light mainly on the negative things that athletes do, I would like to shine some light on the positive influence that one athlete had when he took the time to do the right thing. In world of whiny wide receivers who don’t have time for the fans, and always want more money, as a parent, I think more attention needs to be given to guys like Brandon Stokley – not only did he make the game winning play, but he touched my son’s life in a unique way and will be my son’s hero for years.

I would love to give Stokley some attention for doing something awesome – is this possible?

Thanks,
Matt

Torain Train Leaves Denver

NFL.com is reporting that the Denver Broncos have cut oft-injured 2nd year running back Ryan Torain. With so many RB signings this off-season, he appeared to be a long shot to make the team. A sprained knee last week in practice derailed "The Train" yet again and appears to have sealed his fate.

This is a huge blow for Torain and bronco fans. When he was on the field, this kid ran extremely hard. I know he has a future in the league somewhere. I also think the Broncos staff is making a mistake here. Torain should be moved to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, which would allow him to come back after week 6. This is what Torain did last year and he single handedly won us a game in Cleveland. As the Broncos discovered last year, you never know when you will desperately need a good running back. My hope is that he clears waivers and somehow ends up on the Broncos practice squad. Pretty unlikely though.

Talent is a dirty dirty word. Production is what's needed on the gridiron and elsewhere.

Trash Day

ESPN and Brocotalk are reporting that the Broncos have cut ties with LBs Louis Green and Boss Bailey. It wasn't a matter of if, but a matter of when. 

Rats abandoning USS McDaniels

Adam Schefter is reporting that Broncos Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall has asked to be traded. 

Buyer's Remorse

BroncoTalk.net is reporting that just three months after signing him, The Denver Broncos have cut running back J.J. Arrington because he failed a physical (imminent season ending microfracture surgery). This three month relationship tryst cost the boys in blue and orange 1.8 Million greenbacks. 

Josh, it's a crime to burn money, homie. 

Cannon Fodder

According to NFL.com, the Broncos have signed backup RB Darius Walker. This brings the RB total to eight. Two thoughts:

1. Clearly McDaniels wants warm bodies for full contract drills. Why else would you bring in a career backup when you already have JJ Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Torain, LaMont Jordan, and a guy named Knowshon Moreno?
   
   
   
2. Unfortunately, every RB signed makes Ryan Torain's future in Dove Valley a little less likely. Cutting this guy would be a huge mistake.
   

Blockbuster

I am actually a huge fan of the Chicago Bears future for Jay Cutler trade. The Broncos get two firsts, a third, and an underrated Kyle Orton for a fifth and a big armed big baby? Cutler has all the talent in the world but the NFL is full of talented players who desTrOy teams by putting themselves first. Don't be surprised to see Chicago's finest doing situps in his new windy city driveway.

It takes stones to pull the trigger on a trade like this. Both sides will profit. The biggest losers are the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are football's America. In giving up massive draft picks for Jared Allen last year, they had already mortgaged their future. The only way out of the hole would have been to spend their last dollar in the Cutler sweepstakes. They will be reminded of their gutless inaction twice a year for years to come.

It should never have come to this but I believe the Broncos made out like Burt Reynolds.

WTF?

ESPN has just reported that the Broncos are trying to trade Jay Cutler because he no longer appears interested in playing for them.

Big ups to the brash new coach and the big baby quarterback. Great job all around people. Seriously, well played.

My fan allegiance is now also on the market.

Best pickup?

Of all the players the Broncos have signed this offseason, one of my favorites is backup QB Chris Simms. I actually campaigned for the Broncos to sign him last year. Say what you want about his skills, which IMO cannot yet be fully evaluated. What no one can question is his toughness. If you don't know the story, here's a BroncoTalk article explaining why. Bottom line, football is all about depth and Simms is a much better backup than Patrick Ramsey.