2010 Denver Broncos Preview

After winning their first 6 games last season under upstart rookie head coach Josh Mcdaniels, the Broncos would up going 2-8 to finish even at 8-8. There have been a few changes to the roster, as Mcdaniels decided to ship star receiver Brandon Marshall off to Miami, draft one of the best college QB's in history (yes, that Tebow guy) and also trade for a another young & former first round QB Brady Quinn. These moves can make or break the Mcdaniels Era in Denver.

Offense
A staple of the Denver Broncos offense has always been to employ a zone blocking scheme, which allows the RB to read one block and hit that whole aggressively. That will still be the case in 2010 with second year back Knowshon Moreno, who has the potential to be a breakout player this season. QB Kyle Orton is steady and reliable in the short passing game. Denver used the twenty-second overall pick in the draft to pick up Demaryius Thomas, a big receiver who may be able to fill Brandon Marchall's shoes as Orton's favorite target. But don't expect much this season. Eddie Royal is a nice route runner with good speed to get down the field and also make plays in the return game while veterans Brandon Lloyd & Jabar Gaffney can fill in the slot. TE Daniel Graham will be primarily used as a blocker, as many of the Broncos offensive plays utilize 3-receiver sets.

Defense
The loss of star pass-rusher LB Elvis Dumervil to a torn pectoral muscle will be a huge hit to a defense that is lacking playmakers. MLB D.J. Williams is solid and makes a lot of tackles and CB Champ Bailey is still one of the best in the business, but there is no replacing Dumervil's pressure on the QB. Simply put, the Broncos will give up a ton of points.

Prediction
6-10

Without Durmervil, I can't see the Broncos being able to keep offenses from lighting up the scoreboard. The offense is young and will have flashes but inconsistency will cause too many mistakes for them to compete in a shootout. Denver should try to get golden boy Tim Tebow on the fast track as he'll probably be starting a couple of games and taking a ton of hits by season's end.

-ALR

Los That Links 8-17-10

I'll never ask another grown man for an autograph. Can't do it. Won't do it. It's a pride thing. How anyone over the age of 18 can look themselves in the mirror after doing so.

So imagine my disappointment after getting word that two Cincinnati reporters asked Denver Broncos rookie QB Tim Tebow for his autograph, after his first pre-season game. I'm no "journalistic-ethics" whistle blower, but I am big on self-respect. And frankly, I don't see how you can have much self-respect if you're asking a kid in his underwear to write his name on a piece of paper so you can show it to other people.

Now I'm aware of Tebow-mania. I know that his popularity spreads far and wide over this great land of ours (even on this site). He's a modern day folk hero, only all of his accomplishments have been captured on film with audio. There is no hate being thrown on Tebow (this time).

No, this is directed at anyone 18 and up who is out there asking other people for autographs. Consider this a public service announcement. Please, stop it. You're an embarrassment to yourself and others.

People tend to confuse you with people like us, but we're not the same. We follow sports because we love the game. You follow sports because you love the fame. Two different kinds of lame, but your's carries the heavier stain of shame.
(End Hip Hop Quotable Rant)

On to Los That Links

- Lebron James explains the difference between Akron and Cleveland in a GQ interview, and actually brings some clarity to the situation that led to "The Decision". He also took one fabulous picture.

- Brett Favre is flying back to Minnesota.

- New York Giants wide out Victor Cruz reminded the New York Jets why they need to pay Darrelle Revis.

- Running back Stafon Johnson can't catch a break, unless of course it's a bone in his body.

- Watch as the generation gap between me and the current NBA rookies grows, to the tune of Cali Swag District's "Teach Me How to Dougie".

- And finally, JR Smith improved upon his legacy as the Michael Jordan of neck tattoos.

-MARCUSJNORRIS

Los That Links 8-16-10

How's it? Sorry for the continual delay on the Los That Links posts. I'm sure your entire day depends on us providing work distraction. Still on the island of Kauai (Mahalo), but will be returning stateside soon.

Big thanks to ALR and lostherod for helping out with technical issues. Them brothas is talented. On to Los That Links.

- And on the seventh day, God rested. He sat down in front of the big flatscreen in the sky and watched Tim Tebow make his NFL debut. He was pleased...but still skeptical.

- NBA rookie Lance Stephenson is keeping the Indiana Pacer arrested development tradition alive.

- Proven baseball veteran and Hall of Famer the day he retires, Stephen Strasburg, is tired of these unproven rookies holding out for higher pay.

- Brian Westbrook signs w/ the San Francisco 49ers, ensuring a Super Bowl season. Or not.

- Tony Dungy:"Roger Goddell should talk to Rex Ryan about his foul language."
Rex Ryan: "Go (bleep) yourself with your (bleeping) bible, you (bleepity-bleep), (bleep) sucker."

- Reports are Carmelo Anthony won't re-sign in Denver. It remains a total and complete mystery as to where he'll possibly sign. A complete unknown.(Concrete jungle where dreams are made of...)

- Aaron Schobel retires. Aaron, we hardly ever knew you. No, seriously, we don't know who you are.

- Finally, the Francisco Rodriguez locker room fight with his girlfriend's father resulted in a suspension, a torn hand ligament, and apparently, a loss of $30 million if the NY Mets get their way. And you though Manny Pacqiao vs. Floyd Mayweather was gonna cost some money.

Sparking The Tebow Debate

Tim Tebow is top 5 best college player of all time. Dominated the SEC, which is possibly the strongest conference in the NCAA. *I will also be doing a write up on that soon, shameless plug* He just signed a deal for 5 years worth $33m, already picked up an endorsement deal, has the top selling jersey all before throwing one of those bad motioned passes of his. The debate question is... Where will Tim Tebow be in 5 years?

My take on the subject... I think Tebow will eventually be the starter for the Broncos. I don't think he will have stellar numbers, but I do think the intangibles of finding ways to win will prevent epic late season collapses, like the down the stretch 2-6 record the Broncos had last season from happening. Yes the throwing motion is slow and atrocious. Yes reading defenses needs to be improved. Yes this guy knows how to win games...

Weigh-in in the COMMENTS section, and let the Tebow debate begin!!!

- @lostherod