Just some random thoughts as we all prepare to close out the 2007 season that started with so much promise...
-It was less than two years ago that the Broncos were in the AFC Championship Game. Really? Yep, the key cogs on that team's offense: Jake Plummer, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, Rod Smith, and Ashley Lelie. Not one of them took a regular season snap for the Broncos this season.
-Since the day that Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan proclaimed that Plummer didn't give them "the best chance" to win, they have failed to make the playoffs. Every year Plummer started the entire season, they never missed the postseason.
-Two years ago, this team's defense was ranked number three in points allowed and was the second-best defense against the rush. This year? Well, yeah, you know...
-Jim Bates is on the hot seat. The team has deviated from his defensive philosophy and even John Lynch has hinted the change may have been for the better. Bates may return, but if he does, and the team is not running his system, what's the point?
-If indeed there is a switch and Bates leaves, he won't be on the market very long. His track record is too good for many organizations to pass up. Any team hiring him will accentuate the positive in his successful coaching stints in Green Bay and Miami and rule out his disappointing debut in Denver as only an aberration. Judging by the numbers, that is probably correct.
-The offensive line has been battered all year long. They lost two starters and played without Matt Lepsis for a time this season. Daniel Graham, paid $30 million to catch passes, has instead been inserted to do exactly what he said he wanted to get away from---blocking. The injury necessitated the move and the coaches say Graham has been very good in his role up front. However, even he left Monday night's game with an injury, after valiantly toughing it out by starting the game, despite missing practice all week. He did it to set an example. The Broncos need more guys like him.
-The Broncos have always been known for their running game, but a strong rushing attack is predicated on solid play on the offensive line. Injuries have depleted this unit as previously mentioned. So, it's not too much of a surprise that one of the NFL's best teams on the ground, has, for the most part, been grounded.
-With very little stability on the line, quarterback Jay Cutler will consequently feel the heat--notice his four first-half sacks on Monday night. That, I feel, was a combination of a poor running game and poor line-play. The Chargers, on the other hand, have a sensational running game and solid line-play. That's why Denver is 6-9 and San Diego is 10-5 and headed to the postseason.
Have a nice day, enjoy the snow and your holiday season!
-"Z"
