| Travis Heath. 28th August, 2005 - 5:48 pm
 This column features all the essential bits and pieces that you as a Broncos fan need to know heading into the season. I will publish a similar column every couple of weeks throughout the season.
Well, here’s my inaugural effort:
- Rookie cornerback Darrent Williams has been very impressive so far in the preseason. With Champ Bailey sidelined by a nagging injury the entire preseason to date, Williams has gotten a chance to show what he can do against some elite wide receivers. In Saturday’s preseason game against the Colts, Williams made two impressive plays back to back. On second and long, he covered Colts receiver Marvin Harrison one on one, matching him step for step down the field and forcing an incompletion. Then, on third down, Williams came on a cleverly disguised corner blitz knocking Peyton Manning to the turf. Manning was incensed at as a result of the play, screaming at teammates after he arrived on the sideline.
- This is not to say that Williams hasn’t looked like a rookie at times. He was burned in the first half by Harrison when Williams appeared to playing zone coverage . . . the only problem was the rest of the team was in man to man. Still, cornerback may be the most difficult position to play as a rookie in the NFL, with the exception of quarterback. That said, Williams looks amazingly comfortable. He also has Dante Hall like potential returning kicks, and he could very well make a few highlight reels this regular season.
- Jerry Rice has been less than impressive during the preseason, catching just two balls for only 14 yards thus far. However, he has still moved up the depth chart securing the third receiver spot. This, however, is due to the struggle of another Broncos receiver, as opposed to the performance of Rice on the field.
- That other Broncos receiver is none other than Darius Watts. Watts has exhibited unbelieveable speed and quickness, often making defensive backs look silly as a result of his double moves. One problem though . . . he can’t seem to catch the ball. Consider this, Watts has dropped 7 passes so far this preseason.
- Here’s for hoping Watts makes it, because his struggles aren’t for a lack of hard work. The kid has stayed after practice catching balls for much of the last two weeks. One factor contributing to his struggles, could be a near fatal car accident Watts was in a few years back in which one of his hands was badly mangled.
- Trevor Pryce looks to be back from last year’s back injury, which ultimately threatened his career. Pryce looked great against the Colts, pressuring Peyton Manning on seemingly every pass play. He sacked Manning early in the game, something that not too many players were able to do a season ago.
- Defensive tackle Gerard Warren has looked motivated so far this preseason, and if you read my Lake Erie Conspiracy article, then you know that this is a surprise to me. Against the Colts, Warren seemed to be around the ball carrier all game long. He showed great speed for such a big man moving sideline-to-sideline chasing down and/or covering Indy’s running backs.
- Warren also played fullback in a goal line offensive series Saturday night, bulldozing a path for a Mike Anderson two-yard touchdown run.
- With everyone talking about the Cleveland boys on the defensive line, Dorsett Davis’ fine performance this preseason has slid largely under the proverbial radar. Look for Davis to get some time on the D-line for the Broncos in the regular season.
- Mike Anderson looks to have secured the starting tailback spot with his performance against the Colts. He ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries. In the first quarter, Anderson ripped off a 93-yard touchdown run. Anderson has looked revitalized this preseason, after returning from a serous groin injury that cost him the entire 2004 campaign.
- Running back Tatum Bell has not impressed the coaching staff so far this preseason. Many had penciled him in as the starter before training camp. He should see a lot of action in the final preseason game this Friday against Arizona.
- Quentin Griffin saw his first game action Saturday since tearing his ACL last October. He is currently third on the depth chart. Remember, last year at this time he was the starter -- and he looked great against the Chiefs on opening day last year.
- Ron Dayne has looked solid so far this preseason as well. With Dayne, the Broncos have four running backs who could possibly get carries in the regular season.
- Notice how I said four running backs. That’s because Maurice Clarrett has yet to carry the ball in a Broncos uniform. Look for him to get cut by the Broncos, as he doesn’t seem like the type of personality who would thrive on a practice squad.
- Wide receiver Ashley Lelie took a big step forward last season leading the NFL in yards per catch. If the preseason is any indication, he will take another step forward this year. He made the Colts starting defensive backs look like high school kids on Saturday, catching 5 balls for 104 yards and a touchdown.
- Tight end Stephen Alexander appears to have a strangle hold on the starting tight end job. Not that second stringer Jeb Putzier won’t see plenty of time. Remember though, the Broncos matched the Jets offer sheet on Putzier for over 12 million dollars in the offseason. That’s a lot of money to spend on a backup.
- Defensive end John Engleberger -- acquired in a trade for corner Willie Middlebrooks in the offseason -- has looked solid thus far. Look for him to get some time in the regular season as a third down pass rushing specialist.
- Although Nigerian native Patrick Chukwurah is listed as a linebacker on the depth chart, look for him to play defensive end periodically in third down situations. Shanahan loves his intensity and propensity for getting to the quarterback.
- Bradlee Van Pelt looks to have secured the backup quarterback job. Not bad for a second year player who went undrafted out of Colorado State.
- Ian Gold is back in a Broncos uniform after a one year hiatus spent in Tampa. Gold looks as comfortable as ever with the Broncos defensive scheme. If Gold can stay healthy, he could very well qualify for his second Pro Bowl as a member of the Broncos.
- It looks like coach Shanahan is already in mid-season form. When the referees blew a call early in Saturday’s game, the veins in Shanny’s neck started to pop out and his face turned bright red. Must be time to start the season.
Thanks for reading, and remember -- Broncos notes, you can’t read just one. |
