SPORTS-(BRONCOS)
Archive
vs. Arizona Cardinals (W 21-3)
Just as they did last December, the Broncos reported to Triple A for a little tune-up against a minor league team. This time, they used some of their Double A call-ups and walked through a 21-3 home win over a Cardinals team. Guys like
D.D. Lewis, Wesly Mallard and Glenn Martinez got to run around in a Donkey uniform and make a few plays.
Really, when the Donkeys have a glaring problem with their porous defense, is it really important to evaluate the status
of third-string linebackers and special teams guys? That's like having a malignant brain tumor hindering your motor
functions, yet you go to hospital to get an in-grown toenail fixed. Edgerrin James ran through the middle of the
defense, almost untouched. If he had played the entire game, James would have racked up
150 yards, easily. John Lynch was interviewed on the sideline late in the
game and referred to the "problems" not as "problems", but "concerns". I'll be creative and call them "ISSUES".
The Donkeys started their prized defensive draft picks of Marcus Thomas, Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss on the line.
They looked about the same as the starters, in that they hugged offensive linemen and gave the obligatory "pass rush". Or
at least an attempt at one. Of the three, Moss looked the worst as he appeared winded and worn down by the end of the first series. All three
are in no jeopardy of being cut, but they're also in no jeopardy of pushing Adams the Hutt or Elvis Dumervil for playing time. The Donkeys
cut Kenard Lang this week, so they appear to be sold on the three rooks.
Milk Dud King Darrell Hackney started behind center. Hackney looked like a third-string QB and he'll probably be released and
brought back on the practice squad. Hackney had good mobility, but didn't appear to be accurate on any throws longer than 8 yards.
Hackney would be a terrific option quarterback, though. Unfortunately for him, the option isn't run too often in the NFL and I don't
think Hackney would meet the requirements to play down the road at Air Force (although, I think Air Force is modifying their
offense this year). Andre Hall carried often at halfback, but I don't think he showed any standout ability. He was fed the ball
18 times and did what anybody who was fed the ball 18 times in the Broncos system would do. So Hall might be gone, completely. Most likely,
Selvin Young will be around, but whether it's on the practice squad or regular roster is the question.
Special teams worked fine, though. A week after Scott Ernster was let go, Todd Sauerbrun impressed. He netted a 52 yard average on
the night and nailed a few touchbacks on his kick-offs. Domenik Hixon shined on an end-around and Brian Clark continued his
solid performance. As I predicted, David Kircus was sent back to Subway this week, which bodes well for Clark.
With no appearance by any starter, Tom Nalen was let to kick field goals before the game. Nalen reported nailed a 42 yarder at one point.
Fortunately, Travis Henry reportedly nailed nobody at halftime. A wondeful new concern to have, since news broke last week of
Henry siring nine children with nine different women. Well, at least he's consistent and didn't slight anyone--- he's an equal
opportunity impregnator. The obvious joke
is that Henry already leads the NFL in scoring. Well, people often talk about the "tradition" of the Broncos, so this harkens
back to the days of off-field problems for the team. When guys like Clarence Kay or Gerald Perry became notorious for their
extracurricular escapades. Too bad Henry's problems exist out-of-state, as the Arapahoe County Courthouse is within walking distance
of the Donkeys' Dove Valley complex.
So...with roughly 10 days to go until the season opener in Buffalo, the Broncos do not appear on solid ground. They've done
nothing to unseat the Chargers as AFC West favorites. This season could open up just like the last two: with an embrassing opening
day loss on the road. I'm not sure who the hell currently plays for Buffalo (is James Lofton still up there?), but I'm sure we'll become quite familiar with their offense in 10 days.
Comment about this article: Contact The Asshole Who Wrote This!
Back to Broncos Index
