First off, let me apologize for being gone so long. I went on vacation for a family reunion in Tennessee and started a new job, so life has been a little crazy the past week. Anyway, back to the important stuff.

31-3, the final score of the Broncos at Bears preseason opener. Impressive, however it was not because of the starters. The only scoring for the starters was a field goal set up by a Von Miller fumble recovery. However, the starters were impressive even without putting up any points. Peyton Manning in his first game action in almost 2 years drove Denver down the field relatively easy until a deflection caused an interception and ended Peyton’s drive in unfortunate fashion. It was good to see the starting offense, although I would say Demaryius Thomas has a little more work to put in before the season opener. Eric Decker however seemed to follow the reports in being the receiver with the most chemistry between himself and Peyton Manning.

Brock Osweiler was another one I was looking forward to see. His stats were pretty similar to Manning’s except instead of 1 pick, he threw a touchdown. Brock was pretty impressive considering his lack of experience and being listed as a 2 year project. Rumor has it he is being considered for the back up job over Adam Weber and Caleb Hanie. Derek Wolfe was also impressive, and with 3 tackles and 2 sacks in less than a half games worth of work, I hope that sticks for the regular season and we can get 3 defenders with 10+ sacks, how awesome would that be.

A player I was shockingly impressed with was RB Xavier Omon. In all honesty if he keeps this up,

#33 Xavier Omon showing off his strength against the Chicago Bears

I don’t see how Denver moves forward without Omon on the 53 man roster. He was the most impressive running back in the preseason opener in my opinion and he could be the reason former 1st round pick Knowshon Moreno could be looking for a new team this season. If and only if, he can keep this up, I would like to see McGahee remain the starter, and let Omon and Ronnie Hillman battle for the back up position. We could use all 3 with the amount of different formation we’ll be running this season.

Well, this is what I saw from our first preseason game, I will definitely be tuned in for the next one against Seattle. It should be fun to see what T.O. can do against our own Champ Bailey, personally, I think Champ wins that battle.

As the pre-season makes its way around the last turn, I sit here with optimism and impatience for the games to get underway. The first pre-season game is August 9th, a Thursday game at Chicago to face former Broncos Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall for the first time since they were traded away. I highly doubt Manning takes a snap this game, or at most, 1 drive if he does. This first game I will be focusing in on our late round pick Brock Osweiler. Wouldn’t you? This is our QB of the future, so I am curious at he fares in his first game at the pro level. I also want to see the new schemes of the defense under Del Rio. I’ve heard he had our defensive tackles all gain weight and all are up to 300 or more pounds. I’m curious to see if the guys have maintained their athleticism through out the process.

I honestly don’t see us getting a real taste of Manning until the last pre-season game against the Cardinals. Denver will

Peyton Manning, QB for the Denver Broncos

probably take it easy on Manning since this will be his first real game action since 2010, so you don’t throw him to the wolves in the first game, especially with all the money and expectations riding solely on his shoulders. The second pre-season game I would say is still to early, but maybe a drive or 2 would be the correct expectation. The 3rd pre-season game is tricky when Denver takes on the 49ers. By now Manning should be playing at least a quarter if not more since the season will be upon us, but at the same time do you risk it against a defense you know will find ways to lay hits on the 36 year old QB. This is why I see the last game being our look at Peyton. We have to be safe, but at the same time give him the time to knock the rust off.

Brock Osweiler, rookie QB for the Denver Broncos

So this pre-season, I will be focusing on our rookie QB Brock Osweiler, as well as rookie RB Ronnie Hillman, and the new scheme defense under Del Rio. As I’m sure most would agree, this will be the most interesting pre-season we have had in awhile as fans of the Denver Broncos. Most pre-seasons for me mean getting back into football at a slow pace since most of the time it bores me. I know, how can I be a die hard fan if anything football bores me, but it just lacks the drama and true feeling of a real game. This season however, I will be all ears with sharp eyes. So as I hold my Pepsi can in the air at 2am, here’s to the pre-season, as it has finally come, and to the Broncos for what I can see being a great season!

With 4 games left, Denver  faces 1 play off team and that team is the only one left with a winning record.

That team isn’t the Oakland Raiders who Denver faces for the 2nd time this season in week 14 on Thursday night football. I gave Denver the game back in week 4, but not this time. The game is in Oakland, and as much as it pains me to say this, the Raiders have talent this year. Now if Mcfadden gets hurt again, then Denver has a solid chance but Mcfadden is a Bronco killer with a ton of talent. If Mcfadden is healthy, Oakland bags this one. Denver 24 Oakland 27, to drop the Broncos record to 9-4.

On the road again for the second week in a row, Denver faces the Baltimore Ravens. Denver trails the series record 3-6 and the current streak since Baltimore has won the last 2. Baltimore still has a scary defense even if their key players are getting close to the end, and Ed Reed still has contract issues who they can’t afford to lose. On offense, Ray Rice has a new contract which I’m sure Joe Flacco has to be the happiest guy on that offense about that. I have to give this game to the Ravens since it’s in Baltimore, and if you haven’t heard, Peyton Manning has never won in Baltimore. This brings Denver’s record to 9-5 with 2 games to go.

In week 16, Denver returns home for their final 2 contests, the first coming against the Cleveland Browns. Denver dominates the overall record at 21-5 and hasn’t lost to the Browns in over 2 decades winning the last 9 match ups. Cleveland will more than likely start rookie QB Brandon Weeden and Colt Mccoy will probably be shipped out to the first team with an injury. Trent Richardson, I am intrigued with him, he looks like a monster and could be a very bright star for this struggling franchise. I still can’t see them winning this game by a long shot. I understand the Bengals had success with 2 rookie starters but Weeden doesn’t have the talent that Andy Dalton has, they have no receiver, and you can’t rely on Trent Richardson to win every game for you, he will wear down. Denver 31 Cleveland 14 to put Denver at 10-5.

The finale is luckily at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. I believe a 10 win season will be enough to lock up the AFC West for the seconds season in a row, so I can see some starters, including Peyton Manning getting a rest this game. Even though, it is at home and Denver will not lay down. I can see this being closely contested but Denver pulling it out to get momentum going into the play offs. Denver 21 Kansas City 17 finishing the season at 11-5 and a division crown.

So 11-5 is my prediction, if everyone can stay healthy which will be a challenge. I hope everyone enjoyed my 4 part article and looks forward to the start of the season as much as I do! Go Broncos!

The 4th quarter of the season gets a bit easier, with only 1 play off team left, the Broncos look to finish on track.

Week 10 takes John Fox back to his former team the Carolina Panthers for the first time. Denver holds the overall record at 2-1 but the Panthers won the last match up back in 2008. Fox I’m sure will make sure his team is extra prepared to face Cam Newton and the Panthers. Newton has proven to be able to take over games, and resurrected Steve Smiths career. With this being in Carolina will only make it that much tougher a match up for Denver to come in and win. I narrowly give this one to Carolina, but only because John Fox’s return will amp up emotion and it is in Carolina. Denver 24 Carolina 27 bringing Denver’s record to 6-3.

Denver then returns home to face the San Diego Chargers for the second time. Not much changes from the first match up, and with this one being in Denver, I can’t see San Diego getting any closer to the Broncos. Granted the only going for San Diego is the fact that divisional games are always played harder by both sides. However, I still see Denver sweeping the Chargers this season by the score of: Denver 31 San Diego 21 to up Denver’s record to 7-3.

The Broncos have their 2nd divisional match up in a row when they head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. Kansas City leads the overall series at 56-48 and won the last match up with Denver in the 2011 season. The Chiefs get a lot of talent back this year from injuries, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki, Eric Berry, and Matt Castle who will lead an offense that picked up an inconsistent Peyton Hillis. If Castle struggles, the Chiefs will struggle and with the new talent in the AFC west, Kansas City has no room for mistakes. I can’t see the Chiefs making the play offs this season in a division with Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Carson Palmer, but if they play well, this team is scary. I don’t see them beating Denver this game, they still have work to do to contend for a play off spot, but I think this will be close. Denver 28 Kansas City 24 and Denver escapes with an 8-3 record.

Week 13 sees the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to Denver. Denver leads the series record at 5-2 and has the current winning streak with 2 wins. This could be the easiest game of the season except maybe Cleveland. The Bucs picked up Vincent Jackson, but they still have a ton of work to do on both sides of the ball. Tampa did nothing to impress last season and that includes QB Josh Freeman. Freeman will have to show a lot of improvement if Tampa wants to accomplish anything this season. I can’t see this game being real close as the Broncos cruise to up their record to 9-3. Denver 31 Tampa Bay 17.

Part 4, the final chapter of the 2012 season coming soon!

The second quarter of the season doesn’t get any easier for Denver. With 3 out of 4 games on the road, this could be the toughest quarter on the schedule.

To start the second quarter of the season, Denver will hit the road to face the New England Patriots. The Broncos hold the overall series record against the Patriots with a 27-18 record, with New England holding the current streak at 2 wins in a row. The Patriots upgraded their defense through the draft, but didn’t do much more than that. This team destroyed Denver twice last year and with us adding Peyton Manning, I can see us getting closer to match the Patriots though I don’t believe were there yet. Add in the fact we go to New England, and I just can’t see us coming out with a victory over Tom Brady and company. Unfortunately, Denver 27 New England 35 to bring us to 3-2 on the season.

Week 6 Denver takes the road for the second week in a row to take on the San Diego Chargers for their 2nd Monday night football appearance. Denver holds the overall record at 55-48-1 and takes the current streak with 1 win. San Diego took a hit on offense when Mike Tolbert and Vincent Jackson both left for new teams this off season. The Chargers did grab Robert Meachem and former Bronco Eddie Royal to counter but neither are Vincent Jackson. Rivers had a tough season last year and may improve, but I doubt it will happen without a true #1 receiver, and Mike Tolbert leaving leaves Ryan Mathews as the definite starter who has durability issues. San Diego’s defense should still be a force, they could be the strength of this team this season. This game is in San Diego, but I believe the Chargers won’t out do the Broncos. Denver 24 San Diego 20 to up our record to 4-2.

After the bye week in week 7, Denver plays back at home against the visiting New Orleans Saints on their second Sunday night football appearance. Denver holds the overall record at 7-2 and the current win streak winning the last 3 games. This will be a tough season for New Orleans without Sean Payton calling plays. They also lost some WR talent which will also hurt this team. I can see Denver winning this one by a touchdown or more, especially with the home field advantage. Denver 31 New Orleans 24 to push up to 5-2 on the season.

Week 8 sees Denver going back on the road this time to Cincinnati to face the Bengals. Denver holds the series record at 18-8 and holds the current win streak winning the last 3 games. The Bengals could be a good team this year, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green were very impressive last season, and Mike Zimmer definitely did his part on getting the defense to play for him. Denver could be in for a battle, but I don’t think Cincinnati is up for the challenge. Denver 27 Cincinnati 20 and Denver heads out with a 6-2 record.

Part 3 of the 2012 season coming soon!!!

With the 2012 NFL season less than a couple months away, I wanted to take a look at our upcoming opponents, offer some thoughts, and predict what our beloved Broncos will do this year.

On September 9th, Denver faces the Steelers on Sunday night football to open up the season at home. Denver holds the all time record at 17-10-1 and holds the current streak at 1. Pittsburgh lost a lot of talent this year, although they did draft some offensive line talent which should contribute right away, but did little to make up for the defensive players lost. Pittsburgh is still a good team, but I don’t believe they will be as good. My prediction, Denvers defense puts up a physical fight, and the offense is able to get through the new holes in this defense, Denver 24 Pittsburgh 17.

In week 2, Denver hits the road to face the Atlanta Falcons for their first Monday night appearance. Denver holds the overall record against Atlanta at 9-4 with the current streak belonging to the Broncos at 1-0. Atlanta will be a very tough team, good offense and defense, and at home in the Georgia Dome. There is a lot of fire power on this offense that will offer a stiff challenge to our defense. Honestly, I can’t see Denver taking down the Steelers and Falcons within 6 days. Again, I see this as a close game with more offense than defense this time. Unfortunately, I believe the Falcons will take down Denver, Denver 28 Atlanta 31, bringing our season to an even 1-1.

For week 3, Denver returns home to take on the Houston Texans. Denver holds the series record at 2-1 along with the current streak of 1-0. Houston regains Matt Schaub this season to add back into the equation with Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. This is a beast of an offense, although, I can’t see Schaub being a Superbowl winning quarterback, but hey, didn’t these guys make the play offs with a 3rd string QB last year? Again, this will be an offensive slug fest, Houston hurt themselves when they did not bring back Mario Williams. His absence will certainly be felt. This game could honestly go either way, but Denver takes a nail biter. Denver 34 Houston 31, which brings us up to 2-1.

In week 4, Denver takes on their old nemesis, the Oakland Raiders for the their 2nd home game in a row. Oakland holds the overall record at 59-42-2 with Denver holding the current streak at 1 win. This will be a battle on both sides of the ball. Remember, Dennis Allen, our defensive coordinator from last year is now their head coach, so you already know their defense will be ready. Their offense will be rejuvenated as well with Carson Palmer having another year with the team and Darren Mcfadden returning to the line up. The series will be split yet again this season, but Denver takes this one thanks to home field advantage to go 3-1 in the first quarter of the season. Denver 28 Oakland 24.

Part 2 of the 2012 season coming soon!

Mark my words, this year, Denvers offense will be with the elite. Not just because Denver made the largest free agency signing in NFL history in signing Peyton Manning, although, this is a huge help. Not because we got rid of sporadic and inaccurate Tim Tebow and this is coming from a Tebow fan. Not because we had a great offensive draft, which we didn’t really have that great of a draft at all for anyone who has a question mark above their head, but because we finally have the offensive pieces that together can be elite. Your saying one of two things, either “How you do figure that one”, or “Why? Because you have Manning?”.

#23 Running back Willis Mcgahee

Simple, we have Manning yes, but we also have a bruiser in tailback Willis Mcgahee and adding Darren Sproles like Ronnie Hillman who is a home run hitter and adds a pass catching ability. Then when you add Demayrius Thomas and Eric Decker, Peyton Manning has never had two receivers so big and fast, it makes the receiving threat of this offense that much more dangerous. Throw in Andre Caldwell, former Manning teammate Brandon Stokely, and Tebows home run hitter from last season, Matt Willis, the 5 receiver sets we will be running just have me drooling for the season. Our offensive line did not receive any help, but really, they didn’t need it. We have a potential top 5 offensive line that just gained a year of experience. Sure you can look at sacks allowed, but figure in the fact that Tim Tebow rarely stayed in the pocket, that is not the O-lines fault at all. There job, if the quarterback stays in the pocket, is to keep them standing upright. Look back to when Kyle Orton was the quarterback. The only time the man was on his back was when he would hold onto the ball for far to long. Then again, Kyle Orton is nowhere near the quarterback that Manning is, no disrespect Kyle.

#88 Demaryius Thomas with #87 Eric Decker

You can also throw in the fact that Denver brought in 2 pass catching tight ends in Joel Dreesen and former Manning teammate Jacob Tamme, who really did not do a shabby job when Dallas Clark went down in Indianapolis. Dreesen is also a very capable blocker which will do us some good when it comes to the run game. Factor in all this together, Manning helps the run game, Hillman and Mcgahee will compliment each other which will help the run game, our recievers help the passing game along with Manning, the tight ends will help in the passing game, then throw in Hillman who can help with the passing game as well and you have weapons everywhere.

With all these weapons, if they can gel together and stay healthy, your looking at one of the elite offenses for 2012 with this Denver Broncos unit.

Continuing with part of my last article, I thought it would be good to go a little more in depth in order to show the true importance of the Broncos acquiring Jack Del Rio.

One thing to note, is that Jack Del Rio has experience on the field as a player. Del Rio, a Linebacker from USC, was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 3rd round, 68th overall in the 1985 NFL draft. Del Rio also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings before hanging up his cleats in 1996 after being signed to the Miami Dolphins and losing his job to rookie Zach Thomas. Del Rio had his only Pro Bowl and All Pro season in 1994 with the Vikings.

Now I don’t want this article to go on forever, so I will give a brief look at Jack Del Rio’s coaching career. What I am most interested in, are his days as defensive coordinator and head coach and the defensive rankings that he obtained during those years. Jack Del Rio would not stay out of the NFL for long. In 1997, Del Rio was hired to be the strength and conditioning coach for the team who drafted him, the New Orleans Saints. After 2 season with the Saints, Del Rio accepted a position with the Baltimore Ravens where he lasted 3 seasons as their Linebackers coach. In Baltimore, Del Rio would win the only Superbowl in his career, Super Bowl XXXV.

So now we reach the part I am most interested in, and why I believe Denver scored big when they brought in Jack Del Rio. In 2002, Jack Del Rio was hired on with the Carolina Panthers to be the defensive coordinator under now Broncos head coach, John Fox. Good to know there is some familiarity between these two going forward. Del Rios first year and only year as defensive coordinator with the Panthers was a huge success. The Panthers defense ranked 2nd in yards allowed, and 5th in points allowed that season. After 2002, Jack Del Rio was hired on as the Jacksonville Jaguars 2nd head coach after Tom Coughlin was relieved of his duties. Jack Del Rio held his position for almost 9 full seasons before he was fired in the 2011 season by the struggling Jaguars. In those 9 seasons, Del Rios defenses ranked in the top 10 in yards allowed 4 times and in the top 10 in points allowed 5 times. Unfortunately, his reign as head coach achieved little success. Del Rio only had 1 play off victory in his 2 appearances.

When you look at Jack Del Rio and Broncos head coach John Fox, they both had struggles in their careers, but one constant was their defensive consistency. In John Foxs 9 years as the Panthers head coach, his defense was ranked in the top 10 in yards and points allowed 5 times each. Combine these two together on the same defense, and I have to say, we could easily have a consistently dominating defense. Here is to the return of the orange crush!

With the 2012 season right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to think about what the Broncos have done this off-season and how I believe our season will turn out.

Obviously, the largest move by far was the signing of Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning will be the best quarterback on the roster we have had since John Elway retired. He may also be the largest risk we have ever taken in the teams history. Our season rides on Manning’s shoulders, and if he fails to remain healthy for the entire season, this move may forever stain John Elways reputation as Vice President of Football Operations. There is a lot of money wrapped up in Manning, and if he is nothing like the Manning of old, then the Broncos may be in a world of hurt for the next few years. Caleb Hanie and Brock Osweiler back up Manning, with Osweiler being the project rookie for the future we took in the 2nd round in this years draft, if Manning goes down, it is up to Caleb Hanie to carry the Broncos through the season. From Manning to Hanie is a huge drop off, one I do not believe Denver could recover from should the worst happen. On the other hand, if we get the Manning of old, this season could be a huge success.

The next best move that Denver has made this off-season has got to be the hiring of Jack Del Rio. Manning and Offensive Coordinator Mike Mccoy can run the offense more than just fine I’m sure, but to have Del Rio back up John Fox on the defensive side of the ball? I have high expectations for our defense this coming season. Jack Del Rio even mentioned to be excited to be a coordinator again. Without the stress of the Head Coaching position, he can focus more on one side of the ball, his best side, the defense. With returning players in Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, Champ Baily, along with newly acquired Mike Adams, rookie Derek Wolfe, Dreyton Florence, and Tracy Porter, this could be the season we see the Orange Crush resurrected.

With everything Denver has accomplished this off-season, the 2012 season is still completely up in the air. With the second toughest schedule including 7 play off teams from last season, Denver definitely has their work cut out for them. On the bright side, at least they have plenty of T.V. time this year for us fans on the East coast. As I wrap up this article, I think of the upgrades Denver has made. Offensively and defensively, Denver is better all round. However, as I said in the beginning, this seasons success will come down to the health of Peyton Manning. Without Manning, we could be praying Caleb Hanie becomes the next Tim Tebow, because he’ll need the luck, and the prayers.