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DENVER, Colo. -
With all the buildup to Sunday night's Broncos-Bears game, it was virtually impossible for the actual play to live up to the hype. And it didn't.
Jay Cutler played long enough to remind Broncos fans of how talented he is, but short enough to not remind them TOO much.
Josh McDaniels' offense sputtered enough to cast a shadow of doubt over how well his team will be able to compete, but that was overshadowed by Kyle Orton's bloody right index finger.
Watching from the press box, and being in the locker room with the players after wards gave me some new found perspective--and opinion on the season ahead. Here now, some thoughts on Sunday night, and the near future:
- I was disappointed in the Broncos offensive effort. Previously I believed this team was much closer to being offensive capable than it appeared against the Bears. When I interviewed Brandon Stokley one-on-one, his disappointment bolstered mine. He told me he thought the team took a step backwards, and would have to work hard to get back on track in time for the regular season opener. Ouch.
- The linebacking corps could turn into the strength of this team. Elvis Dumervil still has a lot to learn in dropping back, but his pass rushing skills are getting better. The inside backers have incredible closing speed, and any team that brings a run-first mentality to the Broncos is in for a dogfight.
- I don't know who will be the starting quarterback against the Bengals. Presumably, it will be Orton, but if his finger doesn't heal in a timely fashion, it could very well be Simms. Either way, uncertainty at the QB position is NOT a good thing.
- I'm more skeptical of the Broncos chances now than at any point before. The Bears are a tough, defensively capable football team with a sound quarterback. They gave the Broncos fits. They are not dissimilar to the Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Colts and Chargers. Those teams account for 10 games on the Broncos schedule. If the Broncos go 4-6 against those teams, it'll be a miracle. If they go 5-1 against the remainder of the schedule, it'll also be a miracle.
Final analysis from the Bears game: This team has a long way to go. A distance that will take more than 16 games to span.
Jay Cutler played long enough to remind Broncos fans of how talented he is, but short enough to not remind them TOO much.
Josh McDaniels' offense sputtered enough to cast a shadow of doubt over how well his team will be able to compete, but that was overshadowed by Kyle Orton's bloody right index finger.
Watching from the press box, and being in the locker room with the players after wards gave me some new found perspective--and opinion on the season ahead. Here now, some thoughts on Sunday night, and the near future:
- I was disappointed in the Broncos offensive effort. Previously I believed this team was much closer to being offensive capable than it appeared against the Bears. When I interviewed Brandon Stokley one-on-one, his disappointment bolstered mine. He told me he thought the team took a step backwards, and would have to work hard to get back on track in time for the regular season opener. Ouch.
- The linebacking corps could turn into the strength of this team. Elvis Dumervil still has a lot to learn in dropping back, but his pass rushing skills are getting better. The inside backers have incredible closing speed, and any team that brings a run-first mentality to the Broncos is in for a dogfight.
- I don't know who will be the starting quarterback against the Bengals. Presumably, it will be Orton, but if his finger doesn't heal in a timely fashion, it could very well be Simms. Either way, uncertainty at the QB position is NOT a good thing.
- I'm more skeptical of the Broncos chances now than at any point before. The Bears are a tough, defensively capable football team with a sound quarterback. They gave the Broncos fits. They are not dissimilar to the Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Colts and Chargers. Those teams account for 10 games on the Broncos schedule. If the Broncos go 4-6 against those teams, it'll be a miracle. If they go 5-1 against the remainder of the schedule, it'll also be a miracle.
Final analysis from the Bears game: This team has a long way to go. A distance that will take more than 16 games to span.
