Bar Has Been Set For Jackson And Wolfe

For perspective, Jason Fitzgerald projected Daniels would get four years at $25M to $29M. Oops.

At any rate, the bar is now set for guys like Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe, and tells me that, even with the Broncos cutting Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware and Britton Colquitt, they aren’t going to be able to keep both Jackson and Wolfe.

Unless you want to cut Ryan Clady, too. And after yesterday’s game, I think most of you will be hesitant to do that.

The Morning After: This One’s On The Offense

Anybody got an aspirin?

Let’s review what happened yesterday: The Denver Broncos defense gave up 126 yards of total offense, 13 points (the two the Raiders scored on the safety aren’t the defense’s fault) and the Broncos still don’t win the game.

Even if you take away the safety and Brock Osweiler throws the ball away, the Broncos still lose if everything else remains equal.
Continue reading The Morning After: This One’s On The Offense

Trevathan, Ward Won’t Play Sunday

Also, CJ Anderson tried to practice Friday but had to leave the field. Gary Kubiak has listed him as questionable. Kubiak said Ronnie Hillman should be fine, so expect he and Juwan Thompson to get the bulk of touches.

David Bruton, however, practiced on a limited basis. If he is active, I would imagine the Broncos would do everything they can to limit his snaps. If he doesn’t play, it’s at least a good sign that he’ll be available to play against Pittsburgh.

Shane Ray returned to practice Friday, so he’ll be active. All indications are Vernon Davis will play Sunday, too. And Kubiak expects DeMarcus Ware will be active.

Midweek Musings: Round Two With The Raiders

Hello, Bronco fans! Just have a few things to go over about this week’s game with the Raiders and some other things to consider.

* The biggest difference between the Raiders team now versus the one the Broncos first played in Oakland is the Raiders defense has lost a couple of key players. Aldon Smith, of course, has been suspended for a year for violating the substance abuse policy. Per Pro Football Reference, Smith played 88 percent of Oakland’s defensive snaps in the Week 5 matchup. He was credited with four tackles and half a sack.

Also gone is defensive end Justin Tuck, who tore his pectoral muscle in the Week 5 game. Before the injury, Tuck played 64 percent of the defensive snaps and had one tackle. Linebacker Neiron Ball, who played 62 percent of the defensive snaps and 35 percent of the special teams play, is out for the season with a knee injury he received against San Diego Oct. 25.
Continue reading Midweek Musings: Round Two With The Raiders

NFL Rookie Diaries: Shane Ray

Via The Players’ Tribune:

Von is the guy who teaches me the physical stuff. DeMarcus is the veteran — the guy whose brain I just want to pick. He’s so much more technical. We’ll be watching film, and he’ll stop, rewind, and replay it in slow motion.

“Hey, did you guys see that? The quarterback is leaning before he snaps the ball. If you key on that, it can help you get off the ball faster.”

We’re all looking around at each other.

I didn’t notice that … you?

Nope, me neither.

DeMarcus picks up on things nobody else in the room sees because he’s just been doing it for so much longer.

I’ve been on the record several times as saying that DeMarcus Ware is a likely cap casualty for 2016.  But stories like this told from Ray help to slow my roll.  Even though Ware has been limited this year on the field, his behind the scenes contributions can’t be taken for granted.

Ray’s entire entry is worth a full read.

Broncos Injury Reports For Wednesday

Several notes culled on Twitter from various Broncos beat reporters about injuries the Broncos are dealing with:

* C.J. Anderson, David Bruton Jr. and Sylvester Williams all were present at practice Wednesday for the walk through but none of them took part in drills. Talk is that Williams might be available for Sunday’s game. Anderson remains day to day. Bruton will almost certainly be held out Sunday.

* DeMarcus Ware was at practice walk through and was limited. It’s possible he’ll play Sunday but his snaps will be limited.

* Ronnie Hillman is dealing with an ankle injury and did not practice Wednesday. Given the status of Hillman and Anderson, Juwan Thompson will likely get more touches against Oakland.

* Vernon Davis and Danny Trevathan are still in concussion protocol and won’t practice until they are cleared.

* T.J. Ward did not practice and I would imagine he won’t play Sunday.

* Peyton Manning did not practice. We already know Brock Osweiler will start Sunday.