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Broncos report: Bowlen pleased with team's early turnaround

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 9, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.

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Pat Bowlen, talks to the media Thursday after Broncos practice.

Photo by Ken Papaleo © The Rocky

Pat Bowlen, talks to the media Thursday after Broncos practice.

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Broncos owner Pat Bowlen already is wrong on his annual 16-0 prediction. But with Denver off to a 4-1 start, he's hardly complaining, even if it's still early with potential potholes in the way.

The team has a two-game lead in the AFC West. It is playing an exciting brand of football. And there is tremendous optimism for the future, given the successful infusion of players from recent drafts.

"I like what I see. I especially like what I saw in the last game," Bowlen said, referring to Denver's 16-13 home victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"We came out and really fought our (butts) off. If we can continue to play like that, we'll be OK and be there at the end. I don't know if we're going to be in the Super Bowl. But we're going to be there. But the thing I like the most is that I look at the composure of this team and we have a lot of young guys who are playing really well. And to me, that's sort of the secret to success."

Players such as Jay Cutler, Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Brandon Marshall and others remain in the nascent stages of their careers.

"Bad things can happen. There could be season-ending injuries. You could lose so-and-so. But to me the team that we have, in my mind, is a very tight-knit group of guys and there's not a lot of 'outliers,' so to speak. There's an awful lot of guys in that locker room, if not every one of them, who have bought into it and thinks we've got a chance. It's just a much different chemistry in the building."

That's a 180-degree turn from last offseason, when Bowlen made headlines by openly lamenting the Broncos' lack of togetherness and calling for a "different attitude."

Whether it's the result of Denver's early success or the nature of the locker room following a makeover of the roster over the last eight-plus months, Bowlen can't say enough about the attitude he's now witnessing at Dove Valley.

"These guys have got it," Bowlen said. "We have a long way to go and bad things can happen to you. But this is a group that I believe really likes each other and that's so important."

New marching orders

The cumbersome metal brace is now a thing of the past. Running back Ryan Torain at this juncture is concentrating on building his left arm back to the same level as his right, two months after suffering a dislocated elbow in training camp.

During a doctor's visit this week, Torain was cleared to lift weights and step up his physical activity. He might return to practice next week.

"But it's still up in the air," Torain cautioned.

A rookie fifth-round draft pick from Arizona State, Torain was impressive this summer and was possibly on track for a starting role before his injury occurred. Denver could have Torain available for the Nov. 2 game vs. Miami.

How much he'll play over the season's final two months remains in doubt.

Denver has evolved into a clear committee approach in the backfield but Torain's physical style should be a welcome addition.

"I think I'll be able to jump right in and try to get right back into the mix," Torain said. "I don't know how much I'll be able to contribute. But I'm going to work hard and hopefully it'll pay off."

On the go

The Broncos defense has faced a steady stream of pocket passers through five games: JaMarcus Russell, Philip Rivers, Damon Huard, Brian Griese and Drew Brees.

Jacksonville's David Garrard injects a dose of mobility to the proceedings Sunday.

Since 2006, Garrard ranks third among all quarterbacks in rushing yards with 530, trailing only Michael Vick (1,039 yards) and Vince Young (951).

The seventh-year pro has taken off 118 times within that span, including a famous 32-yard jaunt on fourth-and-2 in the playoffs last season against Pittsburgh that set up a game-winning field goal.

"If you ever played against Steve McNair in his younger days, he's Steve McNair," Broncos safety Marquand Manuel said. "He's able to get out there and get the first down, run for 15 or 20, break tackles of D-linemen. From that standpoint, he's very dangerous with the ball."

Arms race

For a Sporting News feature appearing this week, Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was asked who possesses a stronger arm: himself or John Elway, when he was in his prime in Denver?

"I have a stronger arm than John, hands down," Cutler responded, breaking into a grin but flashing some self-confidence, too. "I'll bet on it against anybody's in the league. Brett Favre's got a cannon. But on game days, there's nobody in the league who's going to throw it harder than I am at all."

Elway didn't exactly dispute the notion to the magazine, for whom he writes a column, either.

"His arm is pretty special - might even be as good as mine when I was his age," the Hall of Fame QB wrote. "Certainly, it's better than mine was at the end."

Injury report

* Eddie Royal's left foot is improving, enough for him to go through a limited workout Thursday. But the receiver is hardly a lock for Sunday's game with the bone bruise that had him on crutches just a few days earlier.

"I haven't even thought about that. I haven't thought that far into it," he said. "I'm just worried about the next day and trying to get better and better."

Royal during the open media period appeared hesitant and confined his movements to a light jog.

"I'm moving around," he said, adding that the warm-up period isn't the best gauge of his progress. "It's feeling better."

* Defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban and defensive tackle Josh Shaw also went through a limited workout.

Numbers game

400 victories by the Broncos franchise with a win on Sunday. Denver is the second-winningest franchise among the original eight AFL teams. Oakland is No. 1.

Comments

  • October 9, 2008

    6:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Hey, Oakland is finally 1st in something this year, ha, ha. That won't last. Not the way they're playing. Denver will soon own that stat, as well. Can't wait for Torain to show up. He might add something to the offense that we haven't seen in awhile. A gamebreaking RB. Pittman has me curious, as well. I have a feeling they will spell Royal with Martinez or maybe D. Jackson if he's ready. Man, is it Sunday, yet?

  • October 9, 2008

    7:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jubei writes:

    Dave, I agree, man, this week is CRAWLING by...

    I also agree that ER will sit out this Sunday. D-Jack will be sufficient to get us through this game. Besides, we still have BM and Stoke to help out at the receiver position and Martinez will field punts (just don't fumble, Glenn!). And Nate Jackson will do fine in place of Sheff.

    Really though, I feel like this is the game where the running attack takes on more of a dominant role in the offense. If the O-line can control the line of scrimmage against that big Jax front four, then I think we'll see the whining about the run game tone down considerably. Pittman will absolutely be the key component in that effort. If the run game is keeping the Jax D honest, then JC will slice 'em and dice 'em on play-action passes all afternoon.

    Let's just hope that the defense eats the same breakfast as last week, or whatever it was, because we need them to build on the TB game and play disciplined. Most importantly, keep Garrard in the pocket, and GET OFF THE FIELD on 3rd down.

    Jason

  • October 9, 2008

    8:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Jubei, they said ER practiced and will probably play on Sunday. I think they will spell him though so he doesn't aggravate it. Jags D has surrendered 3, 100 yard games out of 5. Pittman should have a good game. I think Cutler will play well, also. I agree with the hopes of our D. Lets hope they are still hungry. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • October 9, 2008

    8:20 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    TXBRONC writes:

    In some respects Jacksonville is probably the most dangerous offense we've faced so far because this is first time we have faced a quarterback who is as mobile as our quarterback.

  • October 9, 2008

    8:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jubei writes:

    Dave, I blew right by the note about Royal. Honestly, I'd rather have him sit this one out and get over the injury. But these guys play hurt all of the time. We'll see. I'm getting ahead of myself, but I just want to make sure ER, Marshall and Stoke are good to go for the SD game, because I want to see Cromartie and the rest of that secondary get lit up a second time when we win the division in their house. And no excuses about refs costing them the game either. Best part of it is, if that happens, SD may not go to the playoffs at all! I can already hear LT crying!

    Tex, if this D can pull off even a decent performance against Garrard, MJD, and Fred Taylor, then I'll feel much better about the rest of the season. Call this game a watershed moment for the D.

    Jason

  • October 9, 2008

    9:25 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    Jubei, it won't be LT crying, it will be his wife, ha, ha. When I read that in the newspaper, I couldn't stop laughing. She got all in a fit because of the bad call and was crying. Give me a break. I bet she isn't crying when she goes shopping and spends some of his money? I'll be at the final game in SD. A Charger friend of mine who lived here in Vegas has tickets on the 40 in the 1st level, behind the Broncos. I'll be wearing my Broncos jersey, proudly.
    Stop the run 1st against the Jags, then let Garrard try to throw. He's been throwing interceptions, every game. Lets hope it continues. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • October 10, 2008

    12:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kidski52 writes:

    You have to admire Cutler's 'bravado' but I think he should let others compare his howitzer arm to big John's. I watched Elway from Stanford clear through to his final game, heard about the "Elway cross" and broken fingers, ect... and begrudgingly have to admit he(Cutler) is right. However, after 5 Super Bowl appearances with two wins (would have been more with a better head coach) I think it best to 'reign it in' until you match or better the bottom line. Don't dish The Legend, yet. Love this guy and truly hope he becomes The Legend2. Lots of ESPN play on this. They hate the Broncos it seems and look for any reason to kill em nationally.

  • October 10, 2008

    5:21 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Woody writes:

    If it's alright with John, ,,, everyone else get on board. Calm confidence is an essential key in creative visualization. Shanahan's handing Cutler the keys to the kingdom. Reeves did to John's career what the Army did to Ali's.

  • October 10, 2008

    11:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    azis1100 writes:

    I grew up watching Elway, fav team fav QB...i'd take elway in anygame at anytime if i had a choice...but...i'd have to agree with Cutler on this one. i think elways max range was 77yards in the probowl activities but through the offseason people were saying jay was able to throw 80-85yrd range.