HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

On the Broncos’ defense

“They played well. We did a lot of good things on defense. Any time you have six series with three plays and out, it is a good start. I was pleased with their effort throughout the game. We are starting to build and starting to make some strides forward. Hopefully, we can keep it going.”

On the defenses having more enthusiasm against Tampa Bay compared to previous weeks

“I wouldn’t go through that. I think people have a short memory sometimes. We played three quarters against the Raiders that we allowed 128 yards in total offense, 27 zip. They are a pretty good rushing football team. We did some good things against San Diego. We have had some opportunities where we have played a good three quarters or a good quarter, but in this game we played a good four quarters.”

On how WR Brandon Marshall is handling being double covered

“That is football in the National Football League. You have to understand what it takes to win and the quarterback, I thought, managed the game very well. In that situation, most people don’t look at the fact that we had three third-and-2’s, two third-and-3’s and a third-and-4 that we missed. We were 6-of-14. The ones we missed were ones that keep drives going. Instead of having 16 points, you end up having 30 points. We have been much better in our third down area. When you miss three those and you are still 6-of-14 against an excellent defense, you are doing some good things. We just have to work on that third down area to keep the ball and get some more plays. We completed 68 percent of our passes for 227 yards and that is good. You can’t turn the football over and you can’t get second and long and third and long, and for the most part we didn’t. That is what you have to do to win the football game. Especially some of the young guys, they want to contribute but they don’t understand what it takes to win sometimes. You have to make those third downs.”

On the contributions of DT Dewayne Robertson

“He is doing what we ask him to do. It is always a change going from a 3-4 to a four-man front. You have to be pretty unselfish in the four-man front because a lot of times the linebackers are going to get the tackles. I think it was obvious after you saw the stats following the game that the defensive line did a good job occupying the offensive lineman and giving the linebackers an opportunity to make some plays.”

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It's time to take an honest self evaluation.  There are a lot of good things to take comfort in if you are a Broncos fan.  There are also some things that need to be faced that should keep you awake at night.  I want to look at both.

Coming from a coach's perspective, folks shouldn't panic over one game.  On the other hand, folks shouldn't get too excited over the 3-0 mark we were at before the KC loss.  What we have on our hands is a very, very good team that has some terrible flaws.  Yes, we beat SD and NO, but the games were close enough to be decided by a two point conversion and missed FGs.  We beat Oakland, but that's not much to brag about.  We also lost to KC, and that's a concern.

We'll look at what can be adjusted for and what probably can't, and where this puts the team as it continues The Quest.

Read on...

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For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride

Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders

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IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

 FROM MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

How important is this game to the Broncos?  After all, this isn't a game against the Chargers for the title of AFC West best.  However, it is an important game in many, many ways.

1. The winner is undefeated, the loser has to win two games in a row for a winning season.
2. The game is a divisional pairing; crucial for playoff tie breaks.
3. This is Monday Night Football; the big stage.  The confidence boost (or lag) could be a major factor going into the early season.

For Denver fans, it doesn't get any better than this.  Denver playing in the opening MNF game against the hated Raiders.  Let's break down the Xs and Os, and take a look at how these teams match up.

Read on...

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For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride

Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders

  For thoughts on the game from a Cardinals perspective, visit Revenge of the Birds!!

The final game of the preseason is upon us, and it's the toughest game to prep for MHR's defensive coordinator in residence.  Why?

1. Chalk Talk likes to analyze teams systems, not so much player match-ups.  This is because player match-ups appear all over sports media (both on and off line).  Arizona has performed so badly over the years, that information about their offensive and defensive systems are very difficult to find.
2. Being a preseason game, teams play very vanilla.  For this reason, preseason Chalk Talks are abbreviated, and treat the game as if starters where playing and systems are in effect.  But game four in a preseason is the toughest of all.  Starters may be rested entirely, and no hint of offensive or defensive styles will be showcased.

What's a game prep writer to do?  Serve his fellow Broncos fans.  After all, the preseason is a "preseason" for Chalk Talk too.  Chalk Talk (like the fans and the players) is gearing up, practicing, and shaking off the cob webs too.  The '08 season is days away, as is the hated raiders (sic).  Which reminds me,

A very special WELL DONE to our Cardinal friends in Arizona.  All of us at MHR send you a Mile High Salute for your blow out of the raiders (sic).  When it comes to beating the raiders (sic), we're ALL Americans. 

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Here's a Friday edition of Horse Tracks.  Enjoy!

 Take a look at Broncos' five point plan according to the Denver Post.  See here

 Just a short time after Jim Armstrong gave some players a little love, he's back to tell us his doubts about the Broncos' playoff chances.  here

 The first wave of cuts are coming.  See here

 Sam Adams, the small, asks if it is showtime for the defense.  See here

  Is it Nate Webster or Niko Koutouvides?  We will know very soon.  See here and here

 Niko talked about his Greek heritage and upbringing.  See here

 Nate Jackson is still pushing ahead to land a roster spot.  See here

 Here's an outsider look at the Broncos for 2008.  See here

 Will the changes Shanny made this season equate to success?  Let's hope so!  See here

 If you still haven't seen it yet, here is the story about Torain's recovery schedule.  See here

 A Broncos cheerleader was in the news too.  See here

 Brandon Stokley has a group of specialists that keep his body in good shape.  See here and here

 Here's a story about the gang involved with Darrent Williams' murder.  See here

 Former Bronco Tatum "needs new cleats/grass tackled" Bell sounded off on Mike Martz.  See here

 Some former Bronco players took time to remember Gene Upshaw.  See here

 Former defensive coordinator and father of Jeremy Bates, offensive coach, Jim Bates has inducted into his high school's hall of fame.  See here

AFC West

Looks like Phyllis and his merry men got extra merry at the water park.  What a way to prepare for the season.  See here

Apparently things are not looking too hot for Javon Walker and the conquered fader nation.  See here

From the looks of this write-up, however, seems there are some fans that are in a faded charcoal and gray version of la-la land.  See here

That is all I have for now, enjoy the game tonight.  Have a great weekend and GO BRONCOS!!!

Many around here think I am the eternal optimist, but that really isn't the case.  If you go back, way back, to last season you'll find my posts were not all cheery and rosy.  However, during the off season I must, as a fan, take on a different persona.  I must cheer on and rah rah my favorite team in the anticipation of the upcoming season.  The off season in my mind ends in two days with our first preseason game, therefore, it is time to get serious.

I have some major concerns about this team that I have really only hinted at over the past few months.  You could call some of them "IFs" or just simple deficiencies.  Whatever you might call them, these are the things that I beleive will be the difference between another 8-8 season and a 13-3 season. 

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Good Morning, BroncoManiacs!  Here is your Thursday Morning addition of Horse Tracks.....

   Alot of reaction to what Brandon Marshall had to say yesterday after practice.  You can check it out HERE, HERE, and HERE.

  Several thoughts on the injury to Ryan Torain as well..  You check that out HERE, HERE and HERE.

  Chances are the Broncos will be without Tom Nalen until Week 1

  Randy Gradishar and Floyd Little have made the cut with the Veteran's Committee at the hall of fame

  The latest edition of MHR Radio has been uploaded.  You can subscribe HERE.

AROUND THE NATION

   AcmePackingCompany has some final thoughts on the most annoying story in sports history.(AcmePackingCompany)

   Ten things Chiefs fans are looking for when they play the Bears in their Pre-Season opener tonight(Arrowhead Pride)

BRONCOS WIDE RECEIVER BRANDON MARSHALL

On his suspension --
"All I can do is come out here every day and try and be the best player I can be. My job right now is to be a leader in this team and get the guys out there better. I believe in our system, and I believe in what we are doing around here. I expect those other young guy receivers to go out there and have no drop off at the receiver position."

On if he plans to appeal --
"All I can do is come out here and be the best I can be. I'm just out here to work hard."

On his reaction to the ruling --
"I can't worry about the past. I am going to worry about the future and getting better on the field and in the community, and show my teammates that I am here every day, no matter what is going on. I'll come to play. "

On what he has learned --
"It's just being more responsible. It's just being the best I can be in the community and on the field. That is all it is. It's not hard, it's not rocket science. Like I said, I have a job to do, and I plan on getting it done."

On the conditions of the ruling --
"It is three games. I guess if I do some things it might be two. All I can do is take everything in and continue to work hard. I've got guys out there that have to get ready for this game, so I can be a leader verbally, and with my actions."

On what things he can do to reduce the ruling --
"I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure I will find out in the next couple of days."

On his thoughts on getting counseling --
"Like I said, I'm just going to do what I am supposed to do, whether it is off the field or on the field, and get past this. One thing about our organization, our team is that they make it easy for me to come out here and (not) have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Like I said, I gave that weight for someone else to carry."

On how he'll stay sharp after missing two games --
"Continue to work hard. Otherwise I am feeling good. I am enjoying camp, I am out there running the routes, and I am excited to see where we will go as a team, and as an organization."

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