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On both sides of the ball, the Denver Broncos’ running game is like a stadium turnstile.

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Why this article’s title? The turnstiles at the entrances of most stadiums, regardless of sport, allow motion straight through without any resistance. Much like Denver’s run defense thus far in the preseason. Try to move through the other way? The bars stop you in your tracks and you get nowhere. Much like Denver’s rushing offense thus far.

Having visited the Denver Post‘s Denver Broncos section this evening, I could not help but notice that the top three of the top four articles’ headlines all shouted concern over the running game. Yes Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter and Lendale White (the likely depth chart after game four of the 2010 season) are injured at present, leaving over 30 and oft-injured RB Justin “Huggie Cub” Fargas and frequently Google searched (“who is” + “Lance + Ball”) RB Lance Ball to carry the load in the mean time. These are big time problems. preseason-starting-o-line

While they did not show it over the weekend against Detroit, I still believe that by season’s end the offensive line will be this team’s strongest unit. Right now? Not so much. I am still impressed by the rooks, Zane Beadles (68)  and *JYD Walton (50) even after they were initially abused by the Lions revamped defensive front four. This offensive line does not have anyone at left tackle to stop a speed rusher hard-charging around the corner. Both D’Anthony Batiste (67) and  Tyler Polumbus (77) have looked overwhelmed trying to fill the gaping maw left by Ryan Clady‘s injury. On that note, maybe the Broncos should bring in former “quarterback of the future” Jeff Lewis yearly to warn players away from off-season pickup basketball? Just a thought. Back on point, Ryan Harris (74) seems season ready, which is a relief and a ray of hope for the tackles.

The interior line has fared a shard better, with Russ Hochstein looking confident in his reads, but overpowered often. The same goes for rookie Eric Olsen and Seth Olsen (no relation) who seem to know their calls, but have been bullied at guard. Stanley Daniels just seems lost.

Because of all of these factors, Denver’s toothlessly growling running game has produced an average rushing output of 55.5 yard over the first two preseason games. The managed just 36 in Cincy, and against a young and hungry Lions team they managed an unacceptable 75.

So what is the issue with Denver’s defense? All of the injuries, lack of NFL skill and mental lapses mentioned above are just as present on the defensive side. Elvis Dumervil and D.J. Williams have seen their absences leave a chaotic scramble for a unit that can play together instinctively. Wesley Woodyard lacks the size to shed the offensive linemen who continue to blow bast the D-line and engage him, and Akin Ayodele is hesitating as if he is still learning the scheme. Outside, I must say Robert Ayers looks ready to give 6-8  sacks and help in run support. Add in the pleasant surprise of Jarvis Moss and his resurrection from the scrap heap and the OLB starters may be able to endure Dumervil’s absence. Mario Haggan badly needs to move back inside, as he is over-pursuing and leaving cut lanes wide open.

Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams - Broncos Training Camp - 0805Further concerning though? High dollar free agent defensive acquisitions (all expected to start when signed) Justin Bannan (97), Jamal Williams (76) and Jarvis Green have been blown up play after play and rendered ineffective. The opposing offensive line is getting to the injury replacement linebackers and flattening them leaving the cornerbacks and safeties to make the plays. The lone exception to this, in all fairness, is Jarvis Green. However this is because Ryan McBean has forced him into a backup role from the looks of things.  Yes, thus far this preseason, opposing teams have run right through Denver’s “revamped and enlarged” defensive line, straight through the injured linebacking core and into the secondary who are then forced to make continuous “saving” tackles. In the first two preseason games, Denver’s defense is allowing an average of 171 rushing yards per game. They surrendered 191 against the Cincinnati Bengals, 151 against the Detroit Lions.

Should the front seven not correct their tendency to over-pursue, this team will be on Sportscenter weekly….highlighting the FedEx Ground Player of the Week‘s latest exploits. For example, in the 2nd quarter, RB Jahvid Best of the Lions ran a “one cut” designed play that indicates that every team in the league is seeing this tendency. He took the ball, faked towards right guard, and cut it back into the defense’s backside pursuit, which was badly out of position. But for a saving tackle by from the secondary, this would have gone end zone.

I think getting healthy and keeping the “ONES” working together will cure much of this. But even then, they will need a week or two to re-capture the gel that makes these types of problems go away. It is going to be an interesting rest of the preseason, no doubt. But I think it may be week 3 before this team fully shows what it will be for 2010

* When I asked him to sign my program, J.D. Walton told me ‘JYD’ (Junk Yard Dog) was what his college coach called him, so that was not a typo and will be his name from here out.


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