Bleacher Report - Articles by Bryce Bedinger

Denver Broncos Look to Return To Playoffs

Bryce Bedinger — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:18:07 -0400

This year Denver has had one of the craziest off-seasons in Broncos' history. Our "future star quarterback" was traded, Shanahan was fired, and controversy seems to be the only topic of discussion in the Mile High City.

After Jay Cutler was traded, most people have automatically assumed the Broncos took a huge step down, and will not have even a remote chance at going to the playoffs this season.

While it's true that most of those people are Raiders' fans, a variety of all football fans are giving them a terrible ranking.

I won't lie, I missed Cutler in the first week or so that he was traded and was disappointed. But after seeing pictures of him getting completely wasted at bars (not to mention how much of a chub he's gotten) I couldn't be happier with the switch.

Cutler is on a major downhill slope, and after seeing and hearing how much he drinks (especially with his Diabetes), I understand why star Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers mouthed "The Bar is that Way" to Cutler during one of the games last season.

I've also heard a lot of people say the Broncos have made slight enhancements to their defense. To all of you who think so, where have you been?

Taking away the fact that a lot of our star players on the defense were injured for most of the games last season (Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams), the Broncos have made major upgrades to the defense.

Of course the Bronocos were in desperate need of a new safety, and got that in future hall-of-famer Brian Dawkins.

Another enhancement was drafting Alphonso Smith (and getting rid of Dre Bly). Smith dominated the back field in college, and he'll improve in the NFL.

Although there are other reasons that Denver's defense will be better, I'll end with Robert Ayers. Ayers should fit right in since the Broncos released Jamie Winborn.

I'm not saying the Broncos defense will be top five, maybe not even top 10. Nonetheless, it is better.

Though Kyle Orton wasn't a step up from Cutler, I believe he is definitely a better leader than Cutler. After all, the Broncos did have one of the best offenses in the league last year, what reason would there be that Orton would change much of that? And after the Bears' Super Bowl appearance in 2006, I know that it doesn't take a franchise quarterback to have a good team.

It won't be an easy task, but I believe the new and improved Broncos have a good shot at making the playoffs.

10 Reasons Why the Denver Broncos Will Win the AFC West

Bryce Bedinger — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:41:54 -0400

The Denver Broncos are a team that has been completely and utterly re-vamped since the 2008 season. They have new running backs, and a defense will a brand new look, which includes a new 3-4 system.

Why will they win the AFC West? I will be listing 10 reasons why the Broncos can do just that. Enjoy the rankings!

1. Josh McDaniels

Josh McDaniels has always been an offense-based coach. He was the QB's coach in New England, and was promoted to offensive coordinator later on in his time with the Patriots. With the new offense that McDaniels has to work with this season, The Broncos offense should thrive even more than it did last year.

2. Kyle Orton

As if I haven't expressed my faith in Orton in previous articles, I like that he's our QB, and I believe he has potential to be great.

Kyle will be getting help from McDaniels, who was once the QB instructor for Tom Brady when the Pats won the Superbowl. With Josh's help, Orton can be better than he was in the 2008-2009 season.

Also, Kyle will have a wide variety of fantastic Wide Receivers to throw to. They will be key to Orton in the long run.

3. Running Backs

Last year, the Broncos had seven RB's on IR. Though one running back, or should I say Full back, proved that he could play, even in the short time that he played.

Peyton Hillis dominated the running game every time he ran the ball. Granted he only play for seven games, but nonetheless in that time he had 343 yards for 5 touchdowns. I loved watching him play, and I look forward to seeing him play again.

Along with Hillis, the Broncos recently drafted Knowshon Moreno, star running back from Georgia, in this years draft. Moreno is said to have great potential to be this years Rookie of the Year, and will definitely start for the Broncos.

4. Wide Receivers

The Broncos arguably have the best WR line-ups in the entire NFL.

First, you have Brandon Marshall. Marshall was the Best WR on paper last year for the Denver Broncos (even though he was out for the first game of the season). Though he could work on holding the ball in clutch times of the game, he definitely knows how to catch the ball if it's thrown anywhere near him.

Eddie Royal was one of the best Rookie receivers in the league last year. He, like Brandon Marshall, Caught the ball at critical times. Royal is also the fastest starting receiver that the Broncos have. Royal should be a favorite for Orton to throw to.

Brandon Stokley is one of the best slot receivers in the entire league. His ability to catch fast "bullets", and difficult passes will be key for short TD's, and first downs.

5. Offensive line

Jay Cutler was sacked 11 times last season. It may not seem like something to brag about, but Cutler threw 616 passes last year, dew mainly to the absence of seven running backs.

Ryan Clady, last year, allowed less than three of these sacks as a rookie ( surprisingly, he did not make the pro bowl).

The offensive line was very partial to the reason the Broncos had the No. 2 offense last year.

6. 3-4 Defense

The Denver Broncos switched to a 3-4 defense. This could be very beneficial for the players who are currently on the team who did not fit in the 4-3 scheme. This switch will help stop opposing RB's from constantly piling through our defense.

7. Corner backs

Champ Bailey, last season, was out for seven weeks. And what a painful seven games it was. During the time period, the Broncos lost three of the seven games. And even the games that they did win, they were all close (except for the game against the Jets).

Though it isn't impossible, it definitely isn't likely that Bailey will be out again. And Champ is one of the BIGGEST helps to our defense.

The Broncos also drafted Alphonso Smith, who will replace previously released, Dre Bly.

8. Brian Dawkins

In the late Broncos training camp of last year, John Lynch left the team out of the blue. This gave the Broncos no choice but to start Marlon McCree.

Afer releasing McCree, the Broncos have fixed this situation by aquiring future HOF Safety, Brian Dawkins.

The Broncos also drafted Darcel McBath, who will be a great secondary for switching off and on with Dawkins.

9. Injured Reserve

Last year, the Broncos had a combined 12 players on IR. I know that there might be some injuries, but having that many people getting injured for the entire season is one of the most unlikely things to occur, let alone more than five players.

10. Weak Division

Granted, we lost a game, and won a game with each team in our division last season, but the Broncos may have the easiest division in the NFL.

The Chargers will definitely put up a good fight, but I'm sure we'll win at least one game against them.

As for the Chiefs and the Raiders...the Chiefs got rid of their star player, and the Raiders haven't really done much to make their team better.

These are my 10 reasons of why I think the Broncos will win the division this year.

The Chicago Cubs: Will We Ever Win?

Bryce Bedinger — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:27:55 -0400

Last Year, the Chicago Cubs were one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. But all hopes of winning (or going) to the World Series faded after the Dodgers crushed the Cubs in the Playoffs.

This year, the Cubs are currently 21-22. After last night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, I'm starting to wonder how the Cubs were ever the best team in the league last year.

We as Cubs fans strive for better days at Wrigley Field, and we never give up hope for once again winning the World Series.

The Cubs need to find that strength and talent they once showed us last year, and get out of the current eight game losing streak.

But in Chicago's defense, it isn't exactly exhilerating knowing that the sinking of the Titanic is more recent than a Cubs World Series win.

It almost seems like the Cubs are cursed. We all remember the incident of Steve Bartman, where he tried to catch a foul ball, costing the Cubs a World Series trip. It was the only time the Cubs ever even sniffed the World Series since our win over 100 years ago. But maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

It might seem unlikely, but I'm pulling for the Cubs. I'll be going to this week's game against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. The odds are against them, but I won't give up hope of singing "Go Cubs Go!" with 40,000 Cubs fans; the thought gets me excited.

And who knows? It's not ridiculous to think the Cubs can beat the Dodgers, weirder things have happened! Plus, this slump can't last forever!

Denver Broncos: New Defense Will Flourish

Bryce Bedinger — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:37:43 -0400

Last year, Millions of Broncos fans watched as our defense gave up touchdowns, allowed first downs, and well...sucked!

During this offseason, I've had multiple comments on how the Broncos defense sucked last year, and will suck this year. Other than the fact that the Broncos had the No. 32 defense last year, I would say that none of those people have anything to back up what they are saying, and obviously didn't watch the games.

Last year, the following players were injured for the season, or out for a period of time: Elvis Dumervil, Boss Bailey, D.J. Williams, Marlen Maqree, and our star player (and captain) of the defense, Champ Bailey.

As the Broncos suffered from these losses, other fans mocked and ridiculed. Thankfully, the Broncos organization have fixed these problems.

First of all, the Broncos switched to a 3-4 defense. I couldn't count how many times I yelled at my TV when the Broncos gave up a TD, all because the CB's were getting burned from lining up 20 feet away from the wide-outs.

With receivers having that much room, you're basically giving the opposite team an easy first down.

Another problem that we had was Bailey being injured. Though it's not impossible, it's highly unlikely that Bailey will get injured again.

Having one guy injured last season may not seem like a huge problem, but if your CB has eight consecutive pro-bowls, and is considered one of the best defensive players in the league, you are definitely at a loss.

Again what we've done to improve that is adding new defensive players to our team (Brian Dawkins, Alfonso Smith), and having Bailey not get injured (hopefully).

I will admit, the Broncos had a lot wrong with the defense last year. There was even one game where FB Spenser Larsen started on both offense AND defense, they needed the help.

But we got that help. And as of right now, I can confidently say that the Broncos defense will at least be in the top 15-20 in the league, which is basically all we need with the offense that we have.

I'm excited to see the Broncos defense play this year.

Brandon Marshall: A True Class Act To His Fans

Bryce Bedinger — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:10:14 -0400

Every time that I go to Broncos training camp, or Fan Fair, there has always been one person I look forward to seeing. As you might have guessed, that person is none other than Brandon Marshall, star wide receiver for the Denver Broncos.

Other than the assumption that he will go out and dominate the defense every time he plays the game, Brandon often doesn't disappoint the fans.

Of course, I will start with the fact that he had an amazing season last year.

My favorite game was the game that he returned from his one game suspension, when the Broncos played the San Diego Chargers for the first time in the '08 season.

Marshall had 18 receptions, three shy of an NFL record for receptions in a game, for 166 yards and 1 touchdown. The Broncos went on to win the game, 39-38.

Though there were other games he did amazing, that was definitely my favorite.

The other reason I can't wait to see him is he is incredibly nice. Every time that my family and I have gone to training camp, he has taken time after practice to sign autographs and take pictures.

I currently have four autographs from him. When I went to Broncos Fan Fair, he stayed after to sign, also, all of this on his own time, but he seems to enjoy it.

My favorite time meeting him was at last year's training camp, when he stayed after practice for about a half-hour by his own choice to sign memorabilia and take pictures.

I will be attending training camp once again this year, and I definitely look forward to seeing my favorite player once again.

Despite the perception that he is a punk, I feel that Brandon is a great player and athlete. I appreciate everything that he does for the fans and the Broncos' organization.

Why Kyle Orton Will Have Success With the Denver Broncos

Bryce Bedinger — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:50:26 -0400

This offseason has been quite a ride for the Denver Broncos. Mike Shanahan was fired, Josh McDaniels was hired, and Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears.

On that note, I am disappointed and shocked to hear about so many previous Broncos fans becoming Bears fans because of the Cutler trade.

Though I was uneasy about the trade at first as well, I've become confident that Orton will do great for us in Denver, and may even have a better season than Cutler.

My first reasoning is the comparison of the stats. With the loss of seven running backs, Cutler was forced to throw the ball much more often.

With this, he threw for 4,526 yards, 25 touchdowns, and had 18 interceptions, completing 384 of 616 passes. Great numbers for only his third season in the league.

Kyle Orton was also at a loss, except it wasn't the running game, but the passing game that hurt him the most. Orton's supporting cast was one of the worst in the NFL. With the passing game down, the Bears took to the ground with star rookie running back, Matt Forte.

When they did pass, Kyle threw for 2,972 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 272 of 465 passes. He also only threw 12 interceptions, six less than Cutler had. It might not be saying much since Cutler threw more, but it's fewer than Cutler nonetheless.

My next reason is the supporting cast of the teams.

Even with seven running backs on injured reserve, the Broncos still had the second best offense in the NFL, according to most polls that I have seen. With that, the Broncos have some of the best receivers in the NFL.

Last year, Brandon Marshall had 1,265 yards, 104 receptions, and six touchdowns. Marshall was also named to a Pro-Bowl. This was all accomplished even after he was out for the entire first game.

Eddie Royal also played a huge part in the offense last year. He had 91 receptions for 980 yards, and five touchdowns. Not outstanding numbers, but the guy was a rookie, and for a rookie it's very impressive.

Brandon Stokley didn't play a giant part, but he was always there when the Broncos needed him. When they did call on him, he was outstanding.

Stokley had 49 receptions for 528 yards, and three touchdowns. These stats aren't much to brag about, but then again he wasn't passed to as often as the other receivers. Cutler gave Brandon some pretty difficult throws, most of which he caught.

As for the Bears' receivers, their talent wasn't as appealing. The Chicago Bears have no big name wide-outs on their team. People may say that Devon Hester is, but his main area is in special teams.

I watched a few Bears games last year, and most of what I saw on offense was the wide receivers consistently dropping the ball. Not all of the time, but it was definitely a concern.

With Orton's previous talent, his new team, and going back to some of the things he did in Purdue, he should do fine for the Broncos.

With Cutler's previous talent, new players, and a new playbook...well, I guess, I'll have to see for myself how he does.

Like I said in one of my first articles, I have faith in Kyle Orton, and I believe he'll do great things for the Broncos. For those of you who jumped on the Cutler bandwagon, good luck, and good riddance!

Knowshon Moreno Remembers Former Denver Broncos CB, Darrent Williams

Bryce Bedinger — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:17:09 -0400

The newly added Broncos players recently picked their jersey numbers. Alphonso Smith chose No. 33, Robert Ayers chose 56, and David Bruton selected number 30.

Yet the most interesting choice of a number to me was Knowshon Moreno, who took the No. 27. Or should I say, asked for it.

Darrent Williams—a previous CB for the Broncos—was shot and killed 2 years ago. After that, Williams' number was put on a hiatus in remembrance.

So when Moreno asked the Broncos if he could wear the number 27, they were unsure. Broncos facility called Darrent Williams mother, Rosalind Williams, to ask permission to use the number.

The Williams family gave Moreno the blessing of letting him use the number, on one condition. They told Moreno that if he wore the number, he would have to donate a few hours each month of his time to the Darrent Williams Teen Center, a facility built to honor Darrent Williams Memory.

Moreno showed up at minicamp Friday with the No. 27.

Moreno made plans to talk with Rosalind Williams about working at the teen center, and promised that he would honor the number.

And it may sound weird, but things like this push me to believe that Knowshon will do well in Denver, and that he's dedicated to the team.

I'm excited to once again see the No. 27 playing in our stadium.

Denver: Why The Broncos Draft Picks Will Change The Franchise

Bryce Bedinger — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:58:26 -0400

From what I've read, most Denver fans were disappointed with the decisions the Broncos made in this years draft. And to those of you who feel this way, I say cheer up! I've recently done research on our new additions to the team. So all of of you people that can't seem to smile after the draft, I'll give you reason to.

Robert Ayers- DE (18th overall)

Ayers started all four years of his college career. In these four years, he had 112 tackles, and nine sacks. Ayers has even had an interception his senior year. I'm not sure about you, but I'm satisfied with those stats.

Alphonso Smith- CB (37th overall)

Alphonso Smith also started all four years in college. In his four years, Smith had 174 tackles, four forced fumbles, and 21 interceptions. he also had four touchdowns in his four years at Wake Forest. I'm almost surprised he didn't go in the first round.

Darcel McBath- CB/S (48th overall)

Darcel was another pick to start all four years, so he has the experience. In his career, he's had 214 tackles, 12 interceptions, and two interceptions. Also in the 2008 season, his college team won all but one game, where he had six interceptions, and a touchdown in one season alone.

So far all of these picks have been towards helping the defense, which people said our new head coach barely did in this years draft.

Richard Quinn- TE (64th overall)

You have to hear me out on this one, even though his stats don't make him look like should have even been drafted.

Like most Broncos fans, I was not satisfied with the stats that Quinn had to offer. I couldn't figure out why we even considered him, and I needed an answer.

So I looked him up on YouTube. His highlights weren't of him scoring or making amazing catches. What I saw was Richard Quinn laying out guys all over the field (In other words, he's an amazing blocker).

This addition could be key considering that we had drafted Knowshon Moreno. It's clear that what McDaniels was doing was helping our running backs (maybe to help prevent losing 7 running backs to injured reserve again or something).

This convinced me that McDaniels probably knew what he was doing.

David Bruton- FS (114th overall)

Again, McDaniels helps the defense with another great pick. Bruton has accomplished 210 tackles, two forced fumbles, and seven interceptions in all four seasons. David has even had a sack, which isn't saying much, but decent considering that he's a safety.

Since the Broncos acquired Brian Dawkins in the offseason, Bruton makes a great secondary for the Broncos.

Seth Olsen- OG (132nd overall)

Call me a homer, but I was excited when the Broncos drafted Seth, knowing that he was from Iowa.

Though Olsen was a Iowa Hawkeye, I was excited for more than just that reason that we took him. Seth Olsen allowed very little tackles, and was key to why the Hawkeyes won so many games. Olsen should be a good addition to the offense.

Kenny McKinley- WR (141st overall)

Granted, the Broncos already have amazing receivers (A- in most polls), It's not like Players don't get injured (or tired), and Kenny McKinley would be a reliable sub for when (if) this happens.

McKinley has had 207 receptions, 2,781 yards, and 19 touchdowns in his four years at South Carolina. His ability to make quick decisions, and tough catches makes him a good fit with the other Bronco Wide outs.

Tom Brandstater- QB (174th overall)

Tom Brandstater is a big, strong QB from Fresno state. A lot of people thought this was a dumb decision by McDaniels considering that we just got Kyle Orton and Chris Simms in the offseason. But after releasing Patrick Ramsey and Darrell Hackney, the Broncos were in need of a third QB.

Brandstater has thrown 6,857 yards, and 47 touchdowns. Pretty legit considering he only started three seasons.

Tom also rushed for four touchdowns last season alone. Pretty good pick for the sixth round (not to mention that he's a QB).

Blake Schlueter- C (225th overall)

After the retiring of Tom Nalen, the Broncos were in need of a center. Denver got just that in the seventh round of the Draft.

Blake Schlueter is very mature, and is crazy fast for an offensive linemen. His strength and agility make him a reliable center to help guard our new quarterback.

In addition to these draft picks, McDaniels picked up 12 extra players in free agency. So again, I say cheer up! McDaniels knows what he's doing.

The Denver Broncos: A Potential Threat For the 2009 Season

Bryce Bedinger — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:15:22 -0400

When I show people that I am a Bronco fan by wearing Bronco apparel, I usually get at least 20 comments during the day on how the Broncos suck.

I wish I would have time to explain to these people why the Broncos did not make the playoffs last year and why they will be good this year (and how incredibly stupid they are), but I guess that's what B/R is for.

I'm going to start with the most obvious reason of why we didn't succeed, which is our running backs. Denver broke a record this year for most RB's on IR, with seven. Some people didn't even consider the fact that we had to resort to using Tatum bell (he was working at a phone company in Denver). Not to mention, the game where LB Spenser Larsen played both LB AND FB.

Even with these losses, Denver still had the second best offense in the the league.

What we have done to fix that? For one, we drafted Knowshon Moreno. And seriously, what's the chance that we'll lose more than maybe 2 running backs again?

The next reason was our defense. With John Lynch leaving the team, Denver had to leave the job to safety Marlon McCree. We certainly didn't get any better when he was injured. Other major injuries were Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil, and Boss Bailey, all of whom are key players to the defense.

Things that Denver has done to help with this is switching to a 3/4 defense (major improvement), and drafting new, young defensive players that should in turn help improve the team.

When I did get the chance to argue with people, these were the main points they had to confront me (although they didn't get too specific). And I must say that I'm am very excited to see it pay off this season.

The New York Jets Make Two Great Picks For the Offense in Sanchez and Greene

Bryce Bedinger — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:06:02 -0400

Though the New York Jets have only had two draft picks so far in the 2009 NFL draft, I believe the additions that they have made to the team have already enhanced their offense. It strikes me as amazing how they acquired two previous year bowl game champs in both the early first round, AND the early third round.

Maybe I'm being bias to the fact that Shonn Greene was on the Hawkeyes, but the guy is amazing.

Greene started every game last year, and with that I'll add the fact that for every one of those games he rushed for over 100 yards, the only player in college football to accomplish this.

Last year alone, Shonn rushed for 1,850 yards, two games of which he rushed for over 200, and had 20 touchdowns.

In the Iowa-Wisconsin Game last year, that I attented, the Hawkeyes dominated 38 to 16. In this game, Shonn rushed for 217 yards and had 4 touchdowns. Nobody could stop Greene on this day.

Shonn Greene is a good blocker, quick runner, and hard-hitter. These are the reasons that make me believe the Jets were smart to take him.

It's my opinion, I guess, but I think the Jets made a smart decision trading to get Mark Sanchez (especially since Brett Favre retired).

As I watched this certain draft take place, I saw that some of the Jet fans at the draft seemed disgusted by the pick. I couldn't help but think what idiots they were.

Like Greene, Sanchez has also previously won a Bowl game, and aside from the one loss last season, Mark dominated every single game.

In the 2008 season, Mark passed for 3,207 yards, had 241 completions, threw 34 touchdowns and rushed for 2. This guy is amazing, and this is only from one season!

With these two picks alone, the Jets are already more of a threat than they were last season.

Coach, Rex Ryan, I applaud you. I will continue to watch your team grow with the next few picks to come.

Knowshon Moreno Was The Perfect Choice for the Denver Broncos

Bryce Bedinger — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:33:27 -0400

GWhen I woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind was the draft. More importantly, to myself, was who the Broncos would take.

I waited in anticipation, hoping for LSU star, Tyson Jackson, to be our first overall selection. That dream faded after the third pick to the Chiefs. To be honest, I had no idea who McDaniels had in mind for the 12th overall pick.

When Knowshon Moreno's name was called, I wasn't sure what to think of the draft pick. My mind had been set for months on the fact that Denver's defense needed all the help that it could get.

I couldn't figure out why McDaniels was adding on yet another running back to our current 5, including former Arkansas Razorback, fullback, Peyton Hillis.

After considering it for a while, it became very clear that Josh McDaniels had made the right decision, and knew exactly what he was doing.

I decided to do some research on our newly added running back, I was very happy with the results.

In Moreno's entire career at Georgia, he ran for 2,736 yards, and had 30 touchdowns overall. Let me remind you that this is in 2 seasons alone.

Moreno, and the Georgia Bulldogs, also has a victory last year in the Capital One Bowl game where he scored a touchdown, had 125 yards, rushing and receiving, and 6 receptions.

I can only imagine what he'll do for the new-look, Denver Broncos.

At the end of the day, I was satisfied in Denver's selections. They got a good defensive end, a vastly underrated safety, a dominant cornerback, and a starting running back for the future.

Out of all Denver's draft picks, I was pleased with Knowshon Moreno the most. He is a great running back that will be a game-changer in 2009.

Kyle Orton: Why I Like Him

Bryce Bedinger — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:28:26 -0400

A lot of people that I talk to tell me that trading Jay Cutler was the biggest mistake a coach could have ever made. And to that, I strongly disagree. Although Cutler was a franchise QB AND chosen by most polls to be one of the top 10 in the entire league, I believe Kyle Orton could have done just the same.

Granted, Kyle Orton didn't have the best season last year, but I don't think ANY quarterback does great when your best receiver is your running back. That being said, any QB who throws 18 touchdowns, runs for three, and throws for 2972 yards with the main source as the backfield definitely has potential to be a franchise quarterback (in my perspective).

Another reason is because of Denver's brand new head coach, Josh McDaniels. If I recall, McDaniels was a part of New England's organization when they won the Super Bowl in 2001. McDanials had worked with Brady, who became the MVP AND the youngest quarterback to win a super bowl.

Go back two years ago, when Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning's record for most touchdown passes in a single season (50), was named NFL MVP for the season, AND Offensive Player of the Year.

An impressive QB, yes, but you can't say McDaniels had nothing to do with it. McDaniels also helped improve Matt Cassel last year, and as you all know, Cassel was good enough that the Chiefs traded for him to be their starting QB.

To me, those are legit enough statistics to the point where I can rest easy knowing McDaniels will continue to improve Kyle Orton. On a side note, Orton will have Brandon Stokley (one of the best slot receivers in the NFL), Eddie Royal (One of the top five rookie receivers in the previous season), Tony Scheffler (Denver's passing receiver, and a good one at that) and Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall to throw to.

And I am very excited to see what he'll do for us this season

Chicago Bulls-Boston Celtics: Why the Bulls Will Win Thursday

Bryce Bedinger — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:13:53 -0400

The Chicago Bulls will go up against last year's NBA Finals champion, the Boston Celtics in game three of this knotted-up NBA quarterfinals series. I think the Bulls will walk away with a victory. My reasons—Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose.

Although the Celtics won the second game in this series, I found Ben Gordon to be the real show of the entire game. This is pretty bias being a Bulls fan, I know, but hear me out. This guy put up 42 points, making 14 field goals, 6 three's, and eight-of-nine free throws.

And if not for the astounding three-pointer Ray Allen made with four seconds left in regulation, I'm sure the Bulls would have won the game in overtime.

Rose unfortunately sat out the majority of the first quarter during the game, but proved outstanding in the first matchup that the Bulls won.

Rose scored a total of 36 points, which tied the record for most points scored in a playoff game by a rookie. Rose also made all 12 of his free throws in the first game while adding 12 field goals, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds.