Broncos Training Camp and Free Agency Update

Usually the Broncos dive into free agency with reckless abandon. Mike Shanahan and Josh McDaniels both demonstrated that during their terms in Denver. This year has been slow in that area. I mean really, really slow. Perhaps this new philosophy is a good thing. Word out of Denver is that the team is cash strapped due to all the bad deals and signings from the past few seasons. Also, the Broncos are being very picky and selective, and they want to avoid overspending on talent, and looking for good values for certain players. I can't say I totally disagree with this mindset, but I simply not used to it. Frankly, I thought Denver was going to make at least one huge splash in free agency-Charles Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, or Brandon Mebane were my predictions- but it looks like Denver is going to be patient and let things play out. Another reason for some free agency hold up is the Kyle Orton trade never went through. Apparently, Miami and Orton couldn't come together on a deal to restructure his contract once he got traded. So as it stands now, Orton is still with Denver, and he is currently Denver's starting quarterback and outplaying Tim Tebow (Insert nail in head.) It is not the most ideal situation, but again patience is going to be my key this season with the Broncos. My hope is that Orton will still be dealt at some point this preseason, and Tebow will get a chance to run this team as the starter. Remember, it is a long preseason, and their will be some more twists and turns to this story. Here are some other quick thoughts on the Broncos training camp and roster moves.

-Why doesn't Denver just bury Kyle Orton as the number two QB on the depth chart? I'm sure they don't want to that because it will soften his trade value, and he is better than Tebow right now, but screw it make him want to leave Denver so bad that he would come to terms on a new deal with the Dolphins. I think you would get more out of Tebow if he knew it was his job and his team now. Reports have surfaced that Orton looks really good in camp, and Tebow has struggled. Of course this is the case. Orton is an experienced starter in the NFL, and Tebow may never look smooth in practice, but the bigger picture is that we know what Orton is, and he is not the future of this franchise. We still don't know that about Tebow, and we need to find out. Put Orton on the bench and give Timmy his shot.

-One more thing from experience. Don't read too much into camp reports from beat writers and reporters. These guys really don't know much about football, so take what they say with a grain of salt. QBs can look great in one-on-one drills and in skelly. Even in team drills, they can look good or bad, but what really is important is the live action against other teams. Don't get to optimistic on a player or too pessimistic on a guy based on the reports you get from training camp.

-The Broncos have made a few minor moves. They signed Willis McGahee as another RB to compliment Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos signed David Anderson, wideout formerly of Houston, as a potential fourth or fifth receiver. Also, they resigned defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, who should fit well into John Fox's 4-3 scheme. Also, Denver added a pair of tight ends: Dante Rosario and Daniel Fells. Fells played with the Rams last year, and the Broncos could look to him as a H-Back/TE/FB in their offense. Rosario played with Carolina last year, and he is famous for catching a touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme on the last play of the game to beat the Chargers in Week 1 of the 2008 season. The only reason why I remember that was because FOX announcer Dick Stockon called him "Rosario Dawson" after the catch.

-Ty Warren is coming in for a visit. He is coming off a hip injury that made him miss the 2010 season. I like Warren, but I get nervous with defensive lineman and major injuries.

-I just feel really comfortable with John Fox at the helm as our new head coach. One thing you have heard a lot in Denver is the positivity that Fox brings to the team. There seemed to always be a dark cloud hanging over Josh McDaniels and the Broncos the last two years. It seems like the players will enjoy playing for Fox, and he will get the most out of this team. It might not be a great roster yet, but I get the feeling Fox will be able to have these guys buy in and get the most out of them.

-Hopefully next time I will have some more Bronco signings and some other good news from camp!

Christmas in July

After 136 days, the NFL lockout is over. What a excruciating and mind-numbing experience that whole ordeal was. At the end of the day, the NFL was able to get a 10 year labor deal that looks like a win-win for each side. They were also able to avoid missing any preseason or regular season games, except for the Hall of Fame Game. Thank God the NFL is back and now we head into what will be a wild week in the NFL. Rookie draft picks, undrafted rookies, and free agents all need to be signed. Trades can take place, and teams start reporting for training camp in a matter of days. It is going to be fun, and I look forward to chronicling all the major moves the Broncos make as we head into the 2011 season. With that said and the lockout put to bed, here is my annual "Broncos Things to Look For" Training Camp Preview:

What needs to the Broncos have now that free agency will start?

Denver addressed their linebacker and secondary in the draft, but they still need help on the defensive line. The Broncos need to add at least two more defensive tackles, and they could start by resigning Marcus Thomas and/or Justin Bannan. I don't expect Denver to go after a big name DT, but look for them to get a few mid-level rotational guys. After DL, the Broncos must address the cornerback position. After seeing the disturbing details in the Perrish Cox case, I am concerned about their depth at corner. A guy like Richard Marshall from Carolina looks like a nice fit. On offense the Broncos should add a running back to compliment Knowshon Moreno. A lot of people have Deangelo Williams going to Denver, but I don't see them adding him for a huge price. I wouldn't mind seeing Denver go after a bigger back or a bruiser like Marion Barber, especially at a cheaper price than Williams.

What happens with Kyle Orton?

If there was no lockout, then Orton would have been gone before the NFL Draft in April. I've said it before, and I will say it again: It is time to start the Tim Tebow Era. That means that Denver can't hold onto Orton as a backup at his salary. I think Denver will hold onto Orton until they get a good deal. A good deal would be a 3rd round pick and possibly a player as well. I think Orton gets dealt, but not until the middle or end of training camp.

Who else could be cut or traded?

It was reported that Correll Buckhalter might be one of the first cuts the Broncos make. Also, Renaldo Hill could get the ax as well. It looks like Brian Dawkins will stay, but at a reduced price. Perrish Cox could be let go after the details in his rape case were released last week.

Any other moves to our defense?

The Broncos should add a DT and DE in free agency. Also, a cornerback should definitely be on the priority list, but remember Elvis Dumervil is coming back from injury. Just by adding Doom back, the Broncos defense should be better than last year. Plus, if Denver gets anything from 1st round pick Von Miller, then the Broncos defense could be a lot better in 2011.

Any other moves on offense?

Again RB will be a priority, but I hope Denver doesn't overspend on that position. I think the Broncos will take a look at some TEs that get released and cut by other teams. I think WR and the OL are pretty much set for now.

Are we behind other teams because we have a new head coach and there was a lockout for 136 days of the offseason?

I don't think the Broncos are totally screwed by not having a normal offseason and having a new HC. I'm sure it would have helped to have John Fox around his new team, but he is a solid NFL head coach, and I expect Fox to adjust and adapt very well with this situation. Remember, the Broncos are coming off a 4-12 season, and there are still plenty of talent deficiencies on the roster, but Fox is the real deal, and I think he will get the Broncos ready to go in time for the season opener at home vs. Oakland.

Does Tim Tebow win the QB job?

My heart says yes, and my mind is starting to say yes. I really hope Tebow is given the chance to win this job, and I hope he takes advantage of it. I can see how Kyle Orton could still be on the team, and the coaching staff naming him the starter for Week 1, but the right move is to give Tebow the job. After learning the lockout is over, Tebow tweeted "Game On" on his Twitter account. You obviously know he is ready to go, and I think the Broncos pull the trigger with him and not Orton.

Lockout Blues Once Again

I have tried to stay away and not comment on the lockout this summer. I was waiting patiently for the lockout to end to comment on what I thought about this disgraceful labor dispute in the NFL. Last week, I almost typed a review column on the end of the lockout, and I was going to draft it and post it when the lockout ended. It seemed that was going to be the case this week and most likely on Thursday; however, as Roddy Piper once said, "Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions." That quote sums up this lockout perfectly. Everytime you think it is close to being done, there is a snag or a delay. Everytime you think progress is being made, there is a contradictory statement that the progress isn't moving along as quickly as one thought. Everytime you hear one issue being settled, then you hear another one crops up that is more important. Everytime you hear that they are working towards an agreement, you hear that there is more hard work that needs to be done. Forgive me for being a little angry right now, but I am just representing the masses on this one. I love the NFL and following the NFL-specifically my beloved Denver Broncos-is a passion, hobby, and a way of life for me, but this lockout has definitely affected my affections for the sport I care about so dearly. It has affected all NFL fans deeply as well, and it will get really bad if regular season games are missed. Before I lose it completely, let's review for a second. The last time I posted on the lockout, it looked like this thing would be settled by early to mid July. I was fine with that, and I'm sure a lot of NFL fans were too. Progress was being made, the two parties were gaining trust, core issues were being addressed and settled, lawyers were grinding away, and everything seemed to be on track for a settlement. July 4th came and went without a deal, but there was still reason to believe a deal was right around the corner. July 10th went by and no deal yet, but things are moving the right direction. July 15th was supposed to be an internal deadline for a deal, but that date came and went and still no agreement. The two were to meet with Judge Boylan on July 19th and then the Owners could vote at their meeting on July 21st with the players to either vote the day before or on the 21st. Well, the players didn't vote on the 20th, but the Owners went ahead and voted on the 21st. Did the players follow and vote that night as well? Of course they didn't! Why would they? That leads us to this question: What the hell is going on here. Well, to help answer it I figured I would do a little "Q & A" on what to make of this situation.

Was it a power play by the owners to go ahead and vote on the new CBA on Thursday?

Yes, it was a power play, but I don't think it necessarily is the wrong play by the Owners. In 2006, Gene Upshaw basically did the same thing to the Owners. He gave them a take it or leave it deal as he boarded a plane to go to Hawaii and discuss decertification with the union. The Owners felt that they negotiated everything that was important with the players and basically said, "Here is the deal, we negotiated all the major aspects with you guys, now take it, ratify it, and let's get going with the season." The players might not like that tactic, but time is running short, and I don't think it was a bad strategic move by the Owners.

Do you think Roger Goodell pulled a fast one on DeMaurice Smith?

This is the question that I want answered: What was said between Goodell and Smith before the vote took place and after it went down? It is documented that the two men spoke with each other, but what was said. Did Goodell screw De Smith over? I can't see Goodell going ahead with the vote if Smith was adamant about not doing it. Their trust would be broken, and that kind of move would never result in any deal between the two of them. Something is amiss here, but one thing I think is true is that Goodell and Smith were somehow communicating and on the same page at least. If Smith truly was objecting to a deal, then it is highly doubtful that Goodell would go through with the vote.

Why do you think the players are waiting to ratify this proposal?

In my opinion, the players are doing a couple of things. First, they want to sort out all of the details and make the decision in thoughtful and precise manner. Second, they want to make the owners sweat a little. Third, they want to win a little public relations back by making it look like they want to make sure this deal is the right deal they want to sign. The players are playing a little game with the owners here. Lastly, there are some finishing details and points that they want to get to Owners to look. When that is all done, then I think they will vote on the deal and ratify it.

If this deal gets done, which side would be the winner?

From the details of the proposal, I think both sides got a lot out of this deal and can claim victories. NFL Owners got the revenue split back into their favor. It looks like the owners will get 52% of the revenue, so they got what they wanted there. Also, they were able to put a limit of rookie wages and spending, which is another big win for them. The NFLPA got some really good points too. They rejected 18 games and won that, they received higher minimum salaries, they got reduced training camp and offseason practices, and they got the teams to spend more on the salary floor. It is a win-win for both parties, that will only increase the greater good of the game. The only thing left is for the players to ratify this damn thing.

Who are some of the heroes and villains through this whole debacle?

The villains of this were a lot of the lawyer and legal types. Jeffrey Kessler, outside counsel for the NFLPA, was rumored to be holding up a deal and trying to get the players to continue the fight in court. His name was referenced with pure venom the last few months. Bob Batterman, outside counsel for the NFL, was also referenced as a deal breaker in the last few months from the players' side. Other than that, the heroes of this deal, if it gets done, will be Goodell and Smith. It is said they constantly talked over the real tumultuous times in this negotiation. Remember, this was the first labor deal that both of these men spearheaded. I was very critical of them early on, but both men seemed to realize that they need each other, and both seemed to take control of the ship once it hit rocky waters.

So when does this lockout get put to bed?

Reports on Saturday said that major progress on the remaining issues was all but done, and the NFLPA Executive Committee will recommend the new CBA on Monday. Reports on Sunday made it sound like there was still some unresolved issues; however, most experts believe this deal gets ratified this week at some point by the players-either Monday or Tuesday. We have seen this lockout take many turns, so I won't rejoice until this thing is officially over.