Bleacher Report - Articles by Austin Reinsch

Jay Cutler and Kyle Orton: A Statistical Comparison Of the Season

Austin Reinsch — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:36:00 -0500

Perhaps the biggest topic of conversation this past preseason was over the Cutler-Orton trade.

Many people, not just Bears' fans, felt they had the best end of the deal, getting a Pro Bowl gunslinger while giving up a weak-armed check-down passer.

Most Bronco fans were glad to get rid of Cutler after his fight with management. His poor red zone percentages also played a role in Denver's joy.

Now, after eight weeks of regular season play, how do the two compare? Who really got the better end of the deal? While many points may go into a debate on a player's skills, statistics provide an even playing field.

Jay Cutler - Cutler is 153-239 passing, 63.6% Comp., 1677 yards, 7.02 YPA, 11 TDs, 11 INTs, and 80.8 Rating

Kyle Orton - Orton is 147-231 passing, 64.0% Comp., 1617 yards, 7.00 YPA, 9 TDs, 1 INT, and 95.5 Rating.

It is easy to compare stats, as they both have had near identical attempts passing. Both are virtually the same in completion percentage, Cutler holding a microscopic lead in that category.

Yards are very similar as well. Cutler has 60 more yards. Again, almost identical with a 0.02 percent difference in yards per attempt.

The differences are in the last three stats. Cutler has thrown two more TDs than Orton. However, Cutler has thrown 10 more INTs than Orton. This has earned Orton a 95.5 rating, while Cutler owns a career-low 80.8.

Orton has not shown skill running, posting a 1.8 average. He has fumbled once.

Cutler has been more eager to run, with a 4.6 average, one TD, and four fumbles.

Although statistics are not the only thing that need to be taken into consideration when judging a quarterback, many will agree that Orton has a significant edge on Cutler.

Orton has done what he was expected to do, which is to make smart decisions and manage games. As a result, he has been pleasantly effective.

Cutler has done what was expected of him (at least by Broncos fans). He's gone for home run and highlight plays, even if they were bad decisions. As a result, he has the same number of INTs as TDs.

Orton and the Broncos have a 6-1 record. Cutler and the Bears have a 4-3 record.

Starting Four: A Comparison of Bronco Quarterbacks

Austin Reinsch — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:11:14 -0400

Over the course of the summer, I have been surprised at the vast number of articles written against Denver. Of course, the arguments rage around two of the biggest switches in the league this year. The hiring of HC Josh McDaniels and trade of Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton (and some draft picks) have combined to make for a good topic.

However, a lot of the arguments are based on opinion, whether you think the changes help or hurt the team. What do statistical facts tell?

In order to compare the two QBs, I have also added the 2005 Broncos under Jake Plummer and the 1993 Broncos under John Elway.

Both Plummer and Elway led their teams to playoff appearances. Culter and Orton did not. So what makes for a playoff QB?

Jake Plummer: Plummer was, by many statistics, the best QB Denver has had. Of the four, he has the highest average at 7.4 yards. He completed 277 passes for 3366 yards. He also threw for 18 touchdowns. Most importantly, he threw only seven interceptions.

Jay Cutler: Cutler was outstanding at some points, but dismal at others. He averaged a very respectable 7.35 yards. His 62.5 percent completion was the best on the list. Jay also threw 25 touchdowns due to the massive 616 attempts.

Kyle Orton: Orton has some poor stats, though he did lack the receiver strength that the other three QBs had. He was lowest in average, managing only 6.39 yards. He completed 272 passes and earned a 58.5 completion percentage. Kyle also had 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

John Elway: The comparison could not be complete without the best QB to play for Denver, using the best season the team had. He had a 7.2 average. He completed 280 passes, but had a mere 55.8 completion percentage. However, he was a scoring machine, throwing 27 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions.

With such a wide range of stats, it can seem difficult to determine advantages amongst the QBs. However, I broke down the stats to determine how each would do if they threw 500 passes.

Jake Plummer: Plummer would complete 304 passes, throw 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He would also gather 3,700 yards. He has a TD ratio of 1:25.33 and an INT ratio of 1:65.143.

Jay Cutler: Cutler would complete 312 passes, throw 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He would throw for 3,675 yards. He has a TD ratio of 1:24.64 and an INT ratio of 1:34.22.

Kyle Orton: Orton would complete 293 passes, throw 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He would also get 3,195 yards. He has a TD ratio of 1:25.83 and an INT ratio of 1:38.75.

John Elway: Elway would complete 279 passes, throw 27 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He would gain 3,600 yards. He has a TD ratio of 1:18.593 and an INT ratio of 1:45.63.

So now you can each QBs stats. It should seem clear that Cutler is not the best QB Denver had, nor would he be second (behind Elway). His stats show that he belongs third, or in some stats, fourth on the list.

It seems that the best QBs do not throw for huge yardage, nor do they necessarily have high completion percentages. The QBs that led their team to the playoffs capitalized on opportunities, and did not throw interceptions.

Now, I know some people will blame the defense, the coach, the run game, or some other factor of the game that is not the QB. Sure the defense kept Denver out of the playoffs last year. However, it is still clear that the best QBs have certain strong points. Cutler was lacking on several of those.

Orton also is not the best at some of those strengths seen in the playoff QBs, but he has some areas that look good. He throws less interceptions than Cutler. Blame can also be placed on his O-Line, or the average at best receivers he had, but I will not debate those points now.

You've seen what makes a strong QB. The stats are there and show what each QB is. They show the players for who they truly are, and not for who they have been said they are.

NFC: Conference Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:22:49 -0400

For the next article in my team rankings, the NFC Conference will be covered. The division winners are the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. The two teams I have chosen for wild card teams are the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.

The four teams in the first round of the playoffs will most likely be Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Carolina. I believe that both wild card teams are good enough to advance to the next round. Carolina will beat Chicago, while New York easily beats Atlanta.

So the second round teams are Carolina, New York, Arizona, and Philedelphia. Since I'm not sure who will play who, I will just give the best team in the conference.

The team will win will probably be New York. Philadelphia lost because they still have a few weaknesses, primarily on the defensive side. Arizona may have a top offense, but is also weak in defense. Carolina made it only because the played a questionable team in Chicago. They are not as explosive as the other teams.

The New York Giants are the most likely team to go to the Super Bowl. They are well rounded and have enough talent to beat the other teams.

I'm sure you have opinions. If so, let's hear them. Leave comments to prove why your team is the best in the Conference. Speak your mind.

AFC: Conference Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:24:48 -0400

The ranking of each division to find playoff teams has reached its conclusion, but it doesn't end there.

Now that playoff teams have been decided, who will win the conference?

All teams that make the playoffs are talented, and so it gets harder to predict. Also, schedules become unclear, but it is not impossible.

To make it easier, I am not going to try to compare individual games. Instead, I will go round by round, determining who drops out and who moves on.

I have not picked the two wild card teams yet, but have decided that the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins will become the remaining two teams. This brings the team count to six.

So in the first round it will most likely be Miami, Baltimore, New England, and Denver. Miami is a solid team so makes the wild card. Baltimore is denied a pass only because the Steelers are great. New England might not get a bye because of Brady's injury and questionable comeback.

The AFC West is weak, so a bye is foolish to even think of.

I believe the two wildcard teams will move on. Denver (or as so many angry people have told me, San Diego) is not strong enough to defeat a team like Miami. New England, questionable enough from Brady, could struggle against a defense like Baltimore, and will lose a close game.

So the second one will be either Miami, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or Tennessee. Since it is questionable who plays who, I will just declare the winner. I believe that the strongest team in the division will be Tennessee.

Pittsburgh may have won it all last year, but it is very hard to repeat. Tennessee has a solid defense and has improved the offense enough that they should become the winner of the Conference.

So the Tennessee Titans are going to the Super Bowl.

Can they win it? Is this their year?

Tell me what you think. I am sure many of you disagree or have opinions. So let me hear them.

My next article will be about the NFC. Watch for it to see who the NFC representative will be in the Super Bowl.

NFC South: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:15:31 -0400

We look at the last division in the series. Today is the NFC South. A conference with talent, there are many options to consider. However, I am not done yet. After this, I will begin to move to the playoffs with the teams I have chosen to win. So keep reading and look out for my next edition on the playoffs.

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NFC North: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:49:42 -0400

Today's article covers the NFC North. Home to some very good teams, the division has talent. However, only one can be on top, and be the one to go to the playoffs. Who will it be? I know that there are some strong feelings in this division, and my rankings could have people questioning me. But it is what it is and I'm not going to change it, so you are just going to have to live with. Now that that is all settled, we can begin.

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NFC East: Division Ranking

Austin Reinsch — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:20:40 -0400

In a continuation of ranking every team by division, I now turn to the NFC East. Home of some talented and prestigious teams, the division is rich in history. I know going into this article that there are several things that will cause upheaval. I am expecting angry messages, but that is just a risk that comes with the writing. And so now we begin with the talented teams in the East.

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NFC West: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:34:07 -0400

We continue with the task of breaking down each division in an attempt to figure who can make it to the playoffs. Yesterday marked the conclusion of the AFC, so now we will start the NFC. Today's article will cover the NFC West, home of some teams rich in talent. Though they may not be the powerhouse division of the league, they certainly have skill. And so, let us begin.

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AFC South: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:23:27 -0400

Today we continue with the breakdown and rankings of each division. This article will cover the last team in the AFC, the South. The South features four strong teams which creates for a difficult decision in how to rank. Each team can beat another, and all have some very good players. So without further ado, let us begin.

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AFC North: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:56:47 -0400

Continuing with the breakdown of each division in an attempt to determine who will make the playoffs this year, we head to the AFC North. I feel a little more confident with this division than I did in the East, where three teams could place second or lower. However, this being nothing more than educated guesswork and barring injury, I could be wrong. But I think I'm right.

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AFC East: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:14:55 -0400

This article is a continuation from my last article on the AFC West. I am breaking down each division in attempt to see who goes to the playoffs and who stays home.I have come up with the next rankings, this time on the AFC East. I am glad to continue, the heat I received from West fans made me glad to move on. I believe I have the correct order of the division. So here goes.

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AFC West: Division Rankings

Austin Reinsch — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:43:03 -0400

As the season comes nearer, fans begin to get excited for their teams. Everyone has high hopes and has reasons to prove why their team is the best. But in the end only one team from each division can go to the playoffs. Those teams then have to win for a chance to become the best in the league. But what can we expect? Can we make an accurate prediction of who will win and who will lose? That's just what this article does.

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New Broncos Show a Promising Future

Austin Reinsch — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:27:36 -0400

Last year's promising season was spoiled by a weak and lagging defense. This off season, many changes have been made, on both sides of the ball, that will help Denver improve dramatically. I will not say if the time is this year or next, or later, but with the changes made, Denver looks primed to take over the AFC West.

A few key factors that could help them achieve this are:

Management:

The big deal this off season has been firing Mike Shanahan and hiring Josh McDaniels, who was New England's offensive coordinator. It is hard to predict how he will handle being a head coach, but looking back may help.

He is, without question, a good coach for the offense. Look at what he has done with the Pats. He knows how to run an offense and has set about building it up.

Defense is the main concern of this franchise. Strong defensive coaching is mandatory. San Francisco 49ers' coach Mike Nolan, has been called in to bring the defense up to par. To do this, he has brought in the 3-4 scheme to allow for a new type of pressure and better pass defense.

QBs:

No one can talk about the Denver Broncos without talking about the loss of Jay Cutler and the addition of Bears QB Kyle Orton. Orton is a considerable downgrade from the strong-armed Cutler. He has a weak arm and is not very mobile. Is he a bad player? Just the opposite, actually Orton excels at accurate, short-range pass attacks to move the ball. A strong O-line means that mobility isn't a major concern. McDaniels is sure to create a west coast style short-pass game to play to Orton's strengths.

RBs:

Last year's running game was good, but overshadowed by a dominating pass game. This year, it is hard to say how the run game will play with no returning backs, but it can be assumed they will do better. This year, they have gone out of their way to get RBs to help them out. First-round pick Moreno will see most of the carries and will do great if his college record shows any hint of what is to come. He had an outstanding two-year college career and posted some great stats.

Buckhalter is a seasoned veteran who has been in the league a while. His experience makes him a very solid second back who can get good yards when Moreno is out.

WRs/TEs:

It's hard to say how the receiving game will play out with Marshall's status being unknown. So we will assume he won't be with the team.

Royal would step up and become the No. 1 WR for Orton and would run a lot of quick slants, looking for holes where he can get the ball and turn up field. The other WRs would prove adequate for the job. One player will emerge as the best of them and make a good second option.

Scheffler will be the starting TE and makes for a strong receiver in the flats, on the sidelines, or over the middle. At 6'5", 250 lbs, he makes for a big target wherever he runs his routes.

Defensive Line:

The switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 leaves Denver in need of some big linemen. I don't know who's going to get the starting three positions so I can't comment much on how they will do. But they will need to improve from last year. They had no pressure and could not stop the run so they need to get physical.

LBs:

D.J. Williams has an ILB spot and will be a force stopping the run and playing coverage over the middle. He is fast enough to get to the flats and cover RBs so he is one of the most useful players on the defense.

Dumerville will most likely play weak OLB and get to blitz. A change from DE, it will interesting to see how he adapts to the new position. But he will mainly be a player who can move around and rush the QB, trying to create pressure from the blindside. And we know he can pass rush.

Jarvis Moss will probably be the other OLB and play more man coverage against the TE or FB. His coverage skills are unknown so it is unsure as to how well he can cover these players.

DBs:

This is where the most changes have been made. Champ Bailey is one of the best CBs in the league, and his knowledge will help him excel against some of the best WRs. Alphonso Smith (drafted in first round) could very well become the other CB. In college, he was a force and didn't allow a score against him. Pretty good, right? For a rookie, he has a long career ahead of him.

The safety position is where it's at. There were two big problems the defense had last year. One, they couldn't get in the backfield, stopping the run and pressuring the QB. The other problem was a lack of turnovers. The changes to the safeties have brought in ball hawks that can deliver punishing hits as well as force turnovers.

Brian Dawkins is a seasoned veteran with a lot of years under his belt and brings experience. Plus, he is a beast. Dawkins knows how to play and can get things done. Plus, he would make a great mentor to young safeties. If I had young players and wanted to bring in a guy who could teach them, Dawkins would probably be one or two. Didn't Denver draft two safeties this year?

As for the rookie safeties, they can play and will learn under Dawkins. They are strong players who have a nose for the ball and have a way of generating turnovers. Two great players who can lead the defense for the next several years.

With the many many changes made, on both sides of the ball and in management, Denver is a completely different team. They have the tools to make them powerful for the next decade. Especially in a few years, once the players have developed, Denver will become the dominant team in the division and should see a few years in the playoffs.

Broncos Name Starting QB, Look To Move Forward

Austin Reinsch — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:19:06 -0400

This offseason has not been one of Denver's smoothest. Between a coach being fired and the franchise QB being traded, the Broncos have been in disarray. However, coach Josh McDaniels has officially named Orton the starting QB. Not that anyone was surprised. Few thought Simms could actually take the job.

But what does this mean now for the Bronco organization? There are several reasons why Orton has been named starter now and why this is great news for the fans.

First off, if means that Orton is getting the playbook down. Don't overlook this. What McDaniels is saying when announcing this decision is that Orton looks like he knows what he is doing and can lead the team. If Orton were not absorbing the playbook, McD would hold off on the announcing. So it seems like he has it under his belt, the first step in leading Denver to success.

Second, it means that Denver is ready to move on. I think this is McD's main reason for announcing the starter. He is trying to convey that, despite the turmoil in losing Cutler, Denver is onto another chapter. The Broncos put Cutler behind them and are now focused on being great with Orton as QB. McD wants the fans to know this. He wants to tell them that Denver has moved on, Cutler is a thing of the past.

So the first position battle has been decided. With this we can pretty much figure out the offense now. We know Orton is the QB, and we know who the line will be. No one will dispute that Marshall should be the No. 1 WR and Royal being a great No. 2. Scheffler will be the TE, and there is your offense.

Defense still has battles though. Among the guaranteed starters are D.J. Williams and Champ Bailey. Dumervil should be one of rushing LBs. The biggest question now is the D-backs. Who will be the No. 2 CB and who will be the safeties.

In all, naming Orton as the starting QB is a great thing for Denver. They are stepping out of hole that they made and have declared that from now on, it is nothing but moving forward.

Fantasy Football's Top 10 Running Backs

Austin Reinsch — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:16:31 -0400

For all the Fantasy Football addicts out there, this is an extensive analysis of the ten best running backs in the league today. Unlike most breakdowns that look at last year's stats to determine how a player will be this year, this ranking takes into consideration much more. Last year's stats, QB/WRs, O-Line, and Opposing defenses are all looked at in determining how a player will perform in the upcoming season.. So let's get started!

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Josh McDaniels: Success or Failure?

Austin Reinsch — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:09:04 -0400

After Denver Bronco owner Pat Bowlen fired Mike Shanahan, the search for a new head coach began. After taking into consideration all possible options, it was decided that New England's offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would be the best option.

The decision to hire McDaniels was met with mixed feelings. Some thought he would be the guy who could turn around a struggling team, primarily on defense, and make them into the playoff-caliber team they once were. Others looked at the situation and questioned whether McDaniels knew what to do to turn the team around.

More people began to question this new coach after a dispute with franchise QB Jay Cutler led to his trade to Chicago in return Kyle Orton and several draft picks. However, he would get a chance to prove his worth in the NFL draft.

Going into the draft, the main concern most fans had was the defensive line. Last year's line was one of the worst in the league, and the defense finished 29th overall. It was apparent that Denver needed some new players. With the switch to the 3-4, finding players who knew the scheme was also important.

McDaniels, however, had other things on his mind. For his first pick, not only did he skip D-line, but the entire defense as well, going instead with RB Knowshon Moreno. Now, Moreno is good, and a lot of the good linemen were taken, but there were still some players who could help turn the defense around.

For his second pick, McDaniels came did draft a D-lineman in Robert Ayers. However, Ayers is a 4-3 lineman and has no experience for the 3-4. But it is a step in the right direction.

The third pick is one of the most questioned, with Alphonso Smith being taken. Now, Smith is a very good CB but does not help improve Denver's poor defense. And to get him, Denver traded one of their first round picks next year, as well as a third round this year, to Seattle.

Pick No. 4 was safety Darcel McBath, a player that can help out a lot in the secondary in a few years. But by this time, people were beginning to wonder. Surely McDaniels would pick someone who could help on the D-line. Or at least maybe a LB. Those were the two most crucial positions.

The fifth pick was the worst of the draft, TE Richard Quinn, a blocking tight end, something Denver has zero use for, at least with defense being a problem.

The sixth pick McDaniels had would also be the last defensive player he would pick. safety David Bruton was picked, a follow-up to McBath.

There is no need to mention the rest of the picks. Denver needed defensive linemen who knew and were successful in the 3-4. They did not fill that need.

Now, serious questions are being raised about McDaniels. Can he lead the team? Does he know what he's doing?

There is still potential for McDaniels to prove himself as a good head coach. It will be difficult considering the decisions he has made so far. However, Bowlen is willing to give him a chance and so should the fans.

The Most Overrated Position in the NFL: Quarterbacks

Austin Reinsch — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:33:04 -0400

In the NFL, no position is unneeded. However, some positions receive more acknowledgement than others. For instance, RBs are talked about more than kickers. The award for the most overemphasized position goes to the quarterback.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that QBs aren't great players. Peyton Manning can dissect a defense better than anyone I've ever seen. Tom Brady knows how to lead a team. Quarterbacks are often a driving force in the success of a team.

But I think that they get too much credit. Often, highlights show the "great" throws that QBs make. But I can't stand it when an announcer goes on and on about some of these plays.

Many of the great throws by the QB are horrible. They get recognition because the receiver busted his ass to make up for the throw and get in position to make a catch. Then, after abruptly cutting off his route, they have to dive or make one-handed catches. And, the announcer says it was a great throw!

I have never understood how people can give so much credit to a QB who throws the ball up and has the receiver go get it. For instance, throws that seem to hit the receiver in stride. But, does anyone notice that the throw drifted way left, forcing the WR to change direction. Then, it hits him in stride because he kicked up his speed a notch to get there. And when he caught it, his hands were extended as far as they could go.

Look at Bret Favre. He is known as a gunslinger who can make the throw. He is thought to be great, but has thrown more interceptions than any QB in the league. Three hundred and ten to be exact. And, he's been sacked 469 times.

Don't think I'm saying QBs are bad. They are very important, and can lead a team to victory. All I'm saying is that, in comparison to all other positions, QBs get the most undo credit.

Versatile Fullbacks: The Most Overlooked Position

Austin Reinsch — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:18:39 -0400

In football, a team cannot succeed without having good players at all positions. Every position is important, and without them, a team would fail. However, certain positions receive more attention than others. QBs and WRs—"skill positions"—generally are more talked about than Tackles and Punters. In the NFL, the most overlooked position is the Fullback.

Fullbacks are important. Without them, most halfbacks wouldn't be what they are today. They are the players who face up with tough linebackers and are expected to keep them away from the runner.

Often, the defenders they face are a couple dozen pounds heavier than they. A 250 pound fullback is told to block a 290 pound linebacker who has his sights on the running back.

Needless to say, fullback blocking is not easy.

Besides opening holes for the halfbacks, they are expected to keep blitzing players from drilling the quarterback. If not for fullbacks, passers would get sacked much more often. Keeping the prized franchise QB from getting hit by a defender running full-speed from the blind side is nothing to overlook.

In addition to blocking, fullbacks are a valuable asset in receiving. They often run the flats and act as a dump off for a QB who is under pressure and can't find anyone long. They can pick up big yards receiving, as they are big and can do some power running once they catch the ball.

Fullbacks can also be a good weapon running the ball. When a team needs that yard or two and the defense is blitzing eight, giving it to the fullback and letting him drive and power his way to the first down is often better than giving it to the halfback.

In some situations, the halfback just doesn't have the power needed to push the pile of linemen and linebackers. Generally slower but stronger, giving the ball to the fullback has helped many teams get big yards by catching the defense off guard.

For all the things that Fullbacks are asked to do, they are seen as unimportant. You will never see them being drafted before the third round, as they usually are taken in the fourth or fifth rounds. That's odd when you think that fullbacks are more versatile and do more things than any other position.

No other position, with the possible exception of tight ends block and receive the way fullbacks do. And no other position blocks, receives, and runs the same way.

Fullbacks are valuable and needed for the success of a team. However, they are often overlooked. When people talk about great players, how many mention the fullback? Even after all they do, they are still seen as lesser players.

Regardless of whether you think fullbacks are more important than some other position, they are the most overlooked and underrated players in the NFL.

Denver Broncos: Position Battle for Denver RB?

Austin Reinsch — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:51:07 -0400

For many Bronco fans, the addition of Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno brought excitement. Here is a great running back that can lead the team for many years. Moreno is a young back of 21, who is most noted for his agility, balance, and good hands.

A future star, Moreno has already shown skill at the college level. In two years, he has rushed for 2736 yards in 498 attempts. That's 5.5 YPC, a very good average. His 30 rushing TDs leave no doubt that he can find the end zone.

However, Moreno might not get the number of carries expected unless he can prove himself at the profesional level. He is currently practicing as a third string, behind LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter. Although still early in training camp, it is possible that Moreno could wind up second or third on the depth chart. However, it looks as though Moreno is adjusting well to Denver's style of play and is still in contention for the No. 1 spot.

While it could be argued that the year is still early and Moreno has plenty of time to win the number one spot, it will not be easy. Buckhalter and Jordan are both capable of doing the job. They want the starting position just as much as Moreno. He will have to adjust to the new style and prove that he is better than the experienced players ahead of him.

Even if Moreno wins the starting position, he will not necessarily be the dominant rusher. Denver has six RBs, as of now, and will surely make good use of all of them. Between Moreno, Buckhalter, and Jordan, the load should be divided for an imposing run attack.

No matter how the final depth chart looks, all three of the backs will see plenty of playing time. And it is a great idea. All look to be good enough to make an impact. Imagine trying to face three different backs, all good enough to take the job, all fresh and rested from constant substitutions. It can be safely assumed that Denver's running game is stacked in their favor.

Depth Chart: Correll Buckhalter/Knowshon Moreno/LaMont Jordan/Darius Walker/Ryan Torain/Kestahn Moore

Bronco Draft Picks Look to Make an Impact

Austin Reinsch — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:12:32 -0400

The Denver Broncos had several needs to fill before the preseason began. Those holes were filled by a very good draft in which Denver had several good picks, including two in the first round. These rookies are reporting to camp looking come in and make a big difference for the team. Coach McD thinks that these are the best players for the changes to be made. These players have very high expectations. Among the new guys are RB Knowshon Moreno, CB Alphonso Smith, and QB Tom Brandstater. All are thought to become leaders, maybe not the first year, but definitely in the long run.

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Why the Broncos Will Be Playoff Contenders this Year

Austin Reinsch — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:46:00 -0400

Last year was not one of Denver's best. They started off in fine fashion but soon took a turn for the worse and finished the season at 8-8. However, this is a new season and there are many new changes. These changes will propel the Broncos into the playoffs this year.

Last year Denver's defense was one of the worst in the league. Now with a new coach, new style of defense, and several new faces (veterans and rookies alike), the defense looks like it can shape up and make a good improvement. With key additions like 35-year-old Dawkins and already set playmakers like Bailey and Williams, the defense is stacked. The new 3-4 defense will get the job done. After a season like last year, they can only get better and there is very little similarity to last year's defense.

The power-packed offense can be counted on to get points on the board all year long. Between a strong pass game featuring Marshall, Scheffler, Royal, and more, next to a good run game, with Moreno, Buckhalter, and more, Denver will have a great offense.

The pass game is slightly in question because of the loss of Cutler, replaced by much less impressive Orton. However, Orton will prove able to take the team and become a leader. Although his stats are nowhere near Cutler's, he also had one of the worst lines in the league and average at best receivers. Now he will be behind a strong line and have great receivers to throw to. And now, with McD's passing-based offense, he will get plenty of chances to prove that he can lead the team.

The Broncos will make it to the playoffs. They have the offense they need.

The defense is completely different from last year. They went 8-8 last year. Now that they are better, they should get an extra two wins. The Chiefs and Raiders will be the Chiefs and Raiders. The Chargers will be good but won't beat the Broncos.

My prediction

Broncos: 10-6
Chargers: 9-7
Chiefs: 7-9
Raiders: 5-11

Knowshon Moreno Could Excel as Denver's RB

Austin Reinsch — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:24:40 -0400

Knowshon Moreno is Denver's newest addition to their great running game. Moreno is an exceptional back who has the skills needed to get the job done. He will be a driving force in the Broncos' new offensive style of play.

Positive

He shows good quickness to the hole, reading and anticipating the defense's moves.

He has good agility and is a vertical runner, but can still make things happen laterally

He has impressive tackle-avoiding moves; he has great balance, and his powerful legs drive through would-be tackles

He has soft hands, can run routes well, and he isn't just a check-down or dump off.

He's a decent blocker in pass coverage, can carry the team, and looks for the ball in key situations.

Negatives

He's not the ideal size for a power back, and he lacks top-end speed to outrun defense.

He's a bit overenthusiastic and will celebrate a lot after big plays.

Stats

He's 5' 11" and 217 lbs.
His 40 time is 4.62.
Bench reps: 25
Vertical: 25.5
Broadjump: 9' 7"
Cone Drill: 6.84
Shuttle: 4.27

All in all, Moreno has the skills needed to make Denver into one of the better run teams. Added to an all ready strong offense and an improving defense, the Broncos will be a much improved team and could make it to the playoffs.