Dumervil Signs Extension!

The Broncos extended All-Pro Linebacker Elvis Dumervil's contract on Friday. The two sides agreed to five-year, $58.3 million extension. This is obviously very good news on multiple fronts. First, the Broncos kept one of the their best players in the fold, and extended a contract to one of our most important playmakers on defense. Also, this avoids any type of possible holdout by Dumervil when training camp gets going next month. Consequently, this extension proves that Head Coach Josh McDaniels will reward the guys that he likes and that he wants on this team. Dumervil said and did all the right things in the offseason, unlike Brandon Marshall last year, and McDaniels stated that he wanted to keep Dumervil a Bronco for a long, long time. Well, McDaniels kept to his word, and the Broncos have re-upped one of their best players and best character guys on the team. It sends this message to the rest of the players: If you buy in the Denver Bronco Way, then you will be rewarded nicely. The move also creates some trust between the players and management. Good day for the Broncos!

Sleeper Report 2010 Part 2

Here are the last four teams that could be the potential sleeper in the NFL in 2010.......

4) Detroit Lions- I know this sounds crazy, but Jim Schwartz is really building the team up the right way. He has his franchise QB, Matthew Stafford, and he drafted a dominating player on the defensive side of the ball, Ndukong Suh, and the Lions also have one of the best young wideouts in Calvin Johnson. They added Kyle Vandenbosch and they completely retooled their front seven. The Lions aren't as far away as people think.

3) Kansas City Chiefs- Look for Matt Cassel to bounce back from a terrible year in 2009. The key for the Chiefs was adding Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel to the coaching staff and taking the play calling duties away from head coach Todd Haley. Also, the Chiefs got two of the biggest gamebreakers in the draft: Eric Berry and Dexter McCluster.

2) Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll returns to the NFL and finds that things aren't so bad in Seattle. If Matt Hasselback can stay healthy, then the Seahawks can make a run at a very weak NFC West title.

1) Washington Redskins: Two ways to ensure success in the NFL: A quality QB and a good head coach. The Skins have both as Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan begin their reign together. Plus, Washington retooled their offensive life and regardless of what Albert Haynesworth does, the Redskins will be tough on defense every week. This team has all the makings of a classic sleeper. The Redskins are my pick to jump up and go 10-6 and become the 2010 sleeper of the NFL season.

Sleeper Report 2010

It is almost July 4th, so that means there is really nothing going on in the NFL these days. The last few years around this time, I have provided my rankings for the potential sleepers for the upcoming NFL season. The formula for the sleeper is pretty simple: At least 10 losses the year before, the loss of big name player, and absolutely no hype heading into the next season. The sleeper rises up and makes a surprising turnaround and qualifies for the playoffs as every expert is saying "How the fuck did that happen?" Last year, Green Bay and Cincinnati both pulled the rabbit out of the hat and made the playoffs- correctly predicted by myself mind you. Here are the list of potential sleepers for the 2010 season: (Remember at least one of these teams will make the playoffs in 2010)

-Buffalo Bills (6-10 in 2009)

-Cleveland Browns (5-11 in 2009)

-Oakland Raiders (5-11 in 2009)

-Kansas City Chiefs (4-12 in 2009)

-Washington Redskins (4-12 in 2009)

-Detroit Lions (2-14 in 2009)

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13 in 2009)

-Seattle Seahawks (5-11 in 2009)

-St. Louis Rams (1-15 in 2009)

9 teams total fit the ultimate sleeper criteria. Over the next few days/weeks, I will countdown the potential sleepers in order to see which team is the best sleeper pick for 2010.

Let's start the countdown.....

9) St. Louis Rams: The Rams have too many holes to fill to fully make a run at 9-7 this year. They are going to start Sam Bradford at QB, and that should give them a little spark, but the Rams are definitely two years away from contending for the playoffs.

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Raheem Morris Era might get grouped in with the other following Coaching Eras: The Rich Kotite Era, The Rod Rust Era, The Jim Mora Seattle Era, and the Ray Rhodes Era. All of these eras were monumental failures, and I think the Morris is way in over his head. I'm not sold on Josh Freeman, and I can't see the Bucs making a run in their division.

7) Buffalo Bills: At first glance the Bills look like a good sleeper, but then you realize that Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are battling for the starting QB position. If the Bills had taken Jimmy Clausen in the second round of the draft, then maybe they would be an awesome sleeper choice. The Bills are like the Royals, and they are not making a run this year.

6) Cleveland Browns: Don't get fooled by the Browns winning four straight to end the season. This is just a one year shot for Eric Mangini and Jake Delhomme. Mike Holmgren is calling the shots, and the Browns will not make a run this year. Expect more of the same losing for the Browns in 2010.

5) Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have been on the cusp the last few years. Look at last year: They beat Philly, Denver, Cincy, and Pittsburgh. Plus, they played the Chargers very tough both times. The key for the Raiders is how much Jason Campbell is an improvement over JaMarcus Russell. Obviously, Campbell is an upgrade, but is Campbell enough of an upgrade to get the Raiders to at least 9-7. They have a shot and are one of the most intriguing sleepers of 2010.

Next time the Final Four Sleepers!

Summer NFL Mailbag!

Okay, so I decided to empty the mailbox one time before I go on hiatus for the summer! Let's take a look at some questions before I head off for the summertime.....

What do you think about NY/NJ getting the 2014 Super Bowl?
I don't understand why people are getting bent out of shape about the Super Bowl coming to the new Meadowlands Stadium in New York/New Jersey. First, NYC will be able to be a very gracious host to the Super Bowl that week. If there is any city that can handle the Super Bowl festivities, then New York City is that city. Secondly, the weather really will not be a big factor for the game. I know it will be cold and windy, but in the NFL cold and wind do not play factors that much in the outcome of a game. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will still play very well in the cold no matter what the conditions are like. There have been plenty of great games played recently in the cold (Packers-Giants '07 NFC Title Game), so the weather does not bother me from a fan perspective. If they get snow for the game, then the NFL will be doing cartwheels because everyone loves to watch football in the snow. As far as the fans go, I hope that the cold weather drives away most of the corporate fans and more and more real NFL fans go the game instead. I like the idea and love that New York is gonna host the Super Bowl.

What do you think of the possibility of an 18 game season?
I've said this before on the blog, and I will say it again: I HATE the 18 game season! Just leave it the way it is. Too many games will dilute the product. The NFL always leaves the fans wanting more. 18 games screws that up. It messes up the scheduling, injuries could become more of a factor, and it just extends the season too long. Just leave it the way it is please!

Do you think the Broncos will sign Elvis Dumervil to a long term deal?
If I had to guess at odds, I would think that there is an 90% chance that Dumervil signs with Denver. Josh McDaniels has publicy stated that Dumervil should be a Bronco for a long time, and Dumervil did everything right this offseason. He reported to minicamps and mandatory sessions and has said the right thing each time. I think both sides get it done, and the Broncos need to have him apart of their defense.

As of right now, where do you see the Denver Broncos in 2010?
I really need to spend all summer thinking about what the Broncos will accomplish in 2010. It is too early to figure that out now, but everyone seems to think Denver will be a bad team in 2010. I bought two magazines so far, and each one (Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly) predicted that Denver would finish last in the AFC West with records of 4-12 and 6-10. At this point, I look at Denver as an 8-8 team. I really need to look at them in training camp and the preseason to get a real idea of where this team is headed. I do think that the future is bright for McDaniels and company.

Heading into the summer, which teams are overrated and which are underrated?
The three teams that are overrated and could disappoint are the following in reverse order:
3-Baltimore Ravens- Everyone thinks that getting Anquan Boldin will make them a Super Bowl team, but I am still not sold on Joe Flacco. Plus, that defense is getting older.
2-Minnesota Vikins- I know Brett Favre will probably come back, but the expectations will be Suepr Bowl or bust. Every week will be like a playoff game for this team, and I don't know if they can handle the pressure every week.
1-New York Jets- They have the most primetime games, Hard Knocks features them, all of those shady character issues equals a big letdown for Jet fans in 2010.

Three teams that are underrated going into 2010:
3-The Kansas City Chiefs- Three straight horrible years have led to them adding Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel to their staff. Plus, they got the 2 biggest gamebreakers in the Draft: Dexter McCluster and Eric Berry.
2-Chicago Bears- The Cutler-Martz combination could be deadly, and they added some solid moves with Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor.
1-Miami Dolphins- All they needed was a gamebreaker at receiver and they got one with the trade for Brandon Marshall. The Fins are one of the most well-coached teams in the NFL, and no one is paying attention to them in the AFC East.

Summer Blog Update

Father's Day has just passed and the NFL really will go on hiatus for the next month and a half. With the NFL taking some downtime, the Bronco Blog will be taking some downtime as well. My big NFL Preview Column will probably go up sometime in the middle of August. I like to see the training camps open, and I like watching a few preseason games before I make my predicitions for 2010. As far as this summer goes, I won't be blogging unless there are any major developments, especially with the Broncos. For now, it is time to unwind and relax and enjoy the summer because once August hits, then NFL is back in the news and there will be plenty to talk about as the season approaches.

2010 Sunday Night Football Analysis

Since NBC grabbed the SNF package back in 2006, the peacock network has tried to make SNF the marquee primetime game of the week. With too many options available at everyone's disposal, Monday Night Football was not garnering the buzz and ratings like it used to. Thanks to flex scheduling, NBC has succeeded in making the Sunday night package a must see event for all NFL fans. The only discretion with NBC is that it has become so predictable in the matchups and teams that they want to feature. On SNF, you know you are going to get the NFC East (Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins), the marquee teams in the NFC North (Bears, Packers, and Vikings), a random "hot" team from the NFC South or West (Saints, Falcons, Niners, or even Cardinals), the Pats, the Colts, the Steelers and a random "hot" team from another AFC group (Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers, or Broncos). There really isn't much diversity for the NFL fan on SNF. Let's take a look at this year's SNF sked and break it down.

Week 1
Dallas at Washington
My take: I like this opener because you have a marquee team going against their rival, and you get the first glimpse of the McNabb/Shanahan Era. Good choice by NBC.

Week 2
New York Giants at Indianapolis
My take: You knew NBC was going to fight for Manning Bowl II. Everyone wants to see Peyton vs. Eli, and you get the New York market involved early in the year. A win-win for every NFL fan.

Week 3
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
My take: I thought this should have been the MNF opener, but I'll take it in Week 3. Another solid rivalry, and the Jets are a hot team heading into 2010. Throw in Brandon Marshall and Rex Ryan and you've got a good matchup. Also, don't forget that New York audience.

Week 4
Chicago at New York Giants
My take: Do we need to see the Giants on SNF for the second time in three weeks? NBC must've really wanted to get the Chicago and New York markets because there is no need for the G-Men to be twice in three weeks. This could have been saved for later in the year.

Week 5
Philadelphia at San Francisco
My take: It might not be the greatest matchup on paper, but I like this selection. It is nice to see NBC get the Niners involved. San Fran has a good chance to make the playoffs this year, so this game is a refreshing choice. Plus, it will be Kevin Kolb's first SNF appearance as the Eagles starting QB.

Week 6
Indianapolis at Washington
My take: I know it is Peyton Manning and the Colts, but do we need to see them again this early in the year. Colts-Skins just doesn't have that certain appeal because it isn't a rivalry and traditional matchup. This isn't the best choice.

Week 7
Minnesota at Green Bay
My take: If Brett Favre comes back for 2010, then this selection is a homerun. NBC got shutout of the Favre-Packers matchups in 2009. One game went to ESPN, and the other game went to FOX. NBC will be doing backflips if Favre comes back for this one.

Week 8
Pittsburgh at New Orleans
My take: This should have been the Thursday Night opener, but we'll take it in Week 8. Big Ben will be back from suspension by this point in the season, and the game will feature the last two Super Bowl winners. Good selection by NBC.

Week 9
Dallas at Green Bay
My take: NBC is going to Lambeau for the second time in three weeks. This drives me nuts. FOX must have been screaming about losing this matchup. It is a good game, but we don't need to see GB again so soon. This could have been later on in the year.

Week 10
New England at Pittsburgh
My take: Two perennial AFC powers going at it from Heinz Field. Great setting and a great matchup.

Week 11
New York Giants at Philadelphia
My take: When NBC is in doubt, they go with a NFC East matchup. It is the same thing every year. They should give other teams a shot instead of these two.

Week 12
San Diego at Indy
My take: Finally, NBC gives the AFC West some love. Great matchup between the two best teams in the AFC last year. This is a solid choice by NBC, and it should be a great one.

Week 13
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
My take: It seems like every year Steelers-Ravens have at least one primetime game. There is good reasoning behind this decision because these teams always have great games against each other. Good selection by the peacock.

Week 14
Philly at Dallas
My take: Here we go with another NFC East matchup. NBC should spread the wealth around a little bit more. There is no need for another NFC East game on SNF.

Week 15
Green Bay at New England
My take: A great choice by NBC. You get Tom Brady and the Pats against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Two highly-touted teams in a big game late in the year. Nice work by NBC snagging this game away from FOX.

Week 16
San Diego at Cincinnati
My take: This game gets my vote for "Game Definitely Flexed Out in 2010." I would bet my mortgage that this game will be a victim of flex scheduling. If it doesn't get flexed, then it will be a snoozefest.

Week 17
TBD
My take: Here is the perfect scenario for NBC's Week 17 SNF game: San Diego at Denver. The Chargers and Broncos are both 10-5, and the winner takes the AFC West. The loser doesn't even get a wild card berth. Tim Tebow leads Denver to a blowout victory, and the Broncos get revenge for the 2008 SNF finale.

2010 Sunday Night Football Lineup

Week 1
Thursday, September 9
8:30 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
Louisiana Superdome
Sunday, September 12
8:20 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
2
Sunday, September 19
8:20 p.m.
New York Giants
Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
3
Sunday, September 26
8:20 p.m.
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins
Sun Life Stadium
4
Sunday, October 3
8:20 p.m.
Chicago Bears
New York Giants
Meadowlands Stadium
5
Sunday, October 10
8:20 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers
Candlestick Park
6
Sunday, October 17
8:20 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts
Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
7
Sunday, October 24
8:20 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
8
Sunday, October 31
8:20 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints
Louisiana Superdome
9
Sunday, November 7
8:20 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
10
Sunday, November 14
8:20 p.m.
New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers
Heinz Field
11
Sunday, November 21
8:20 p.m.
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
12
Sunday, November 28
8:20 p.m.
San Diego Chargers
Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
13
Sunday, December 5
8:20 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
M&T Bank Stadium
14
Sunday, December 12
8:20 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Stadium
15
Sunday, December 19
8:20 p.m.
Green Bay Packers
New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
16
Sunday, December 26
8:20 p.m.
San Diego Chargers
Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
17
Sunday, January 2
8:20 p.m.
TBD
TBD
TBD
Subject to change(Flexible scheduling)