Broncos determined to stop Raiders' ground game
In two games last season, Oakland rushed for 375 yards against Denver
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 3, 2008 at 11:39 p.m.
The Rocky Illustration, Istock, Getty Images
The Raiders' Justin Fargas led a potent rushing attack against Jarvis Moss and the Broncos in two games last season, but Denver feels it has resolidified its front to stop the run this season.
Who will win the AFC title this season and advance to the Super Bowl?
Drew on the NFL
Scores and statistics
- Broncos statistics
- Broncos schedule
- Broncos roster
- Broncos depth chart
- NFL scoreboard
- AFC standings
- NFC standings
Broncos inbox
The Raiders made a statement in two games against the Broncos last season by rushing 76 times for 375 yards.
And the message was straightforward.
"There's nothing you can do about it, pretty much," Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil said this week.
A new season, revised defensive scheme and tweaked personnel will greet the Raiders on Monday night in the Broncos' opener (8:15 p.m. MDT, KDVR-Channel 31, ESPN).
But with Oakland featuring a young quarterback in JaMarcus Russell, its confidence soaring after finishing sixth in the league with its own zone-blocking system and a hot-shot rookie in Darren McFadden added to the backfield mix, the team's thought process likely will carry over from 2007.
That is, unless the Broncos force the Raiders to stop pounding at them on the ground.
"I can assure you that won't be the message they send this year, I'll tell you that. They won't be able to," Broncos safety Marlon McCree said of the Raiders' you-can't-stop-us mind-set. "If they do, it'll be a message that comes back to them that says, 'Return to sender.' "
The Broncos run defense received new coordinator Bob Slowik's stamp of approval during the preseason. He didn't see much open space. The players flowed to the ball and gang tackled. As a result, opponents managed only 3.4 yards a carry in four games.
And while summer success isn't necessarily a precursor of upcoming events, it might be a positive sign.
The Broncos were gashed last summer, and the problems against the rush carried into the games that counted. That downturn included a Week 2 meeting with Oakland that first fully exposed the Broncos' run-stopping deficiencies and was the first of three 200-yard rushing efforts against Denver in a four-week span.
The Broncos later changed to an eight-man front, which helped, but in December, the Raiders were able to put up 175 rushing yards on a whopping 41 carries. It was the highest rushing total allowed by the Broncos in the final 11 games.
"It's a new year," Dumervil said. "We made a lot of statements in the preseason, made a lot of progress, geared ourselves up for it. And last year is last year. It was something that I wish I wasn't a part of, but we had to go through it. And we made a lot of adjustments and corrections. . . . We're definitely not playing that with the run this year."
The Broncos have two new safeties, Marquand Manuel and McCree. Nate Webster will be playing middle linebacker, allowing D.J. Williams to shift to his natural weak-side position.
And Dewayne Robertson, a trade acquisition, is being looked upon as a stabilizing force in the middle of the front four while next to him, Marcus Thomas attempts to build upon his rookie season.
"I've been hearing about us not being able to stop the run since I've been here, man, and as a unit, we want to go out and prove that we can," Robertson said. "That's where it starts."
Meanwhile, the Raiders' preseason performance likely demonstrated they are just as committed to the running game as last season. Their 130.4 yard per game average ranked sixth in the league behind Justin Fargas' first 1,000-yard rushing season.
"This should be a real big test. We'll just have to hang in there," Slowik said. "They might run the ball 40 times."
The Raiders still have Fargas, but they also have a healthy Michael Bush and McFadden, the No. 4 pick in the draft, at their disposal.
McFadden is the dark horse, coming off a career at the University of Arkansas in which he ran for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. He ran 34 times for 182 yards during the preseason.
"They are very coordinated in their offensive line . . . ," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "They are running the zone-blocking scheme very, very well. They have a lot of confidence in it and are very well-coordinated. So he's going to a system that gives him a chance."
Oakland coach Lane Kiffin praised McFadden's "home-run ability" but stressed he'll bring the rookie along slowly and allow him to get used to running out of the I-formation without taxing him too much mentally.
"Until he goes out there and makes some noise, he's just a rookie. I ain't giving anyone no credit until credit's due," Dumervil said. "Right now, he has to show us what he can do."
The same could be said for the Broncos run defense as a whole. The organization's mantra is that its 30th-place ranking last season was an aberration and it will return to the upper half of the league rankings, where it resided every year from 2000 to 2006.
"It's 11 guys running to the ball. If we could have more guys than that, there'd be guys on the sideline trying to tackle people, we've got everybody trying to stop that ball," McCree said. "And we're going to get them down."
Post your comment
Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
Featured
-
Denver turns 150
Read about the city's history, look at old photos and see a list of influential Denverites.
-
Mount Crushmore
Which four Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Vote here.
-
Winter Escapes
Your insider’s guide to the copious joys of the coolest season.
-
Rocky Multimedia
The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.
-
Weekend plans?
Figure out things to do this weekend with the help of our entertainment calendar.
-
Bronco Dean's rant
Listen to Bronco Dean's pregame rant on the Raiders.
-
Season To Share
The Post-News Season To Share campaign provides grants to area nonprofits.
-
The Rocky @ 150 Years
The Rocky was there when Colorado became a state in 1876. Read our coverage.
-
A Dozen on Denver
And the winner is... Robert Ziegler! See the whole fiction series by clicking here.



September 4, 2008
6:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
Spider writes:
Cut off the head and the body goes with it. Shut down the run and the Broncos will run roughshod over the faders.
September 4, 2008
6:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Now add to the mix a guy that has been missing in preseason. Boss Bailey. The question mark this year will be pass rush.
September 4, 2008
7:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
Raiders have a ground game? Didn't know they had a 'game.' I figure they will just show up for the food. Go Chargers!
September 4, 2008
7:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
True Story. I was transferred to the Bay Area for work about six years ago. Our company had Season tickets to BOTH the Niners and the Raiders. I had no problem getting any clients to go to the Niners, but had to "BEG" clients to go to the Raiders. If you do not have a criminal record, going to a Raider game is like Stevie Wonder playing at a KKK Rally. When you get to the ticket gate, they don't even look at your seat location, they just ask, " Felony or Misdemeanor?" and steer you to your appropriate section.
This is Raiders/ Broncos Week, and in Oakland, this is the ONLY game that the Raiders sell out. No other game except the Cowboys, where half the stands are in Cowboy Blue. Every team has their crazy and unruly fans, but no team even comes close to the uncivilized , thuggish behaviour the Raider Nation exhibits. I have seen grown men, GROWN MEN, spit on and pull off a small child's jersey because he wore the opposing teams jersey. That's not love, that's assault!
I went to a Bronco / Raider game there one year. I can't remember the EXACT score , but it was like 77 to 3, we beat them. I remember Griese was hurt, and Bubby came in and threw for like 900 yards and delivered a baby during a TV timeout. As I was carrying out one of the Raider fans who had passed out, he suddenly woke up and said to two girls walking past, " You shee this guy right hheere? He's a Broknoos fan...." then passed out again.
One young girl, turned to me and said, " You're lucky I'm on parole, or I'd kick your A$$" .TRUE STORY
September 4, 2008
8:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
hdfresh writes:
Denver showed glimpse of hope during the preseason on stopping the run. Let's just hope it translates into the regular season. AFC West is definately a tough divison when it comes to the running attack. Yout have LT, Larry Johnson, and now McFadden if he becomes a threat. Stopping the run is your #1 priority. Then if you can put a little pressure on the QB you'll be gravy.
September 4, 2008
8:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
It's Raider Hater Week, and the same holds true in Oakland. This is the ONLY game that the Raider office does not have to give free tickets to half fill up the stadium. They only sell out the Bronco game. But what a difference in the fans!
I just got back from the Bay Area on business, and their Sports Talk Radio sounds like 5th graders are putting on the show. Every call was like:
"KNBR, Sports Talk, you're on the air"
" HELLOOO GAREEYY"
" Turn your radio down please"
" Oh, how did you know? OK....Umm I just wanna say, Broncos S*ck!"
" Ecellent question caller, let's get to our next caller"
" HELLOO GAREEYY"
" Turn your radio down please"
" Oh, ...sorry, I'm in the same Prison Yard as the last caller...Umm, I just want to add to the last caller's question that....Broncos S*ck!"
" Both excellent questions, we'll be right back after a word from our only sponsor, AAA Bail Bonds!"
September 4, 2008
9:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
real writes:
I hope Geno and Lingling are not typical Bronco fans. Both seem pretty ingnorant. Dont know the Raidres had a run game equals did not whatch Broncos games last year(bandwagon). Geno I doubt you have ever been to a Raider game (liar). Seen barrel man (your most famous fan) at a Raiders game, got some bad mouuthing but that was it. Let me know when we have a player fan riot in Oakland like you did in Denver when the idiots were throwing ice balls with batteries in them. If my house was made of glass I would keep my mouth shut.
September 4, 2008
10:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
DeimosJB writes:
Last year when the Broncos defense was getting spanked in the preseason, the players, coaches, etc, kept saying "it's just preseason. We'll turn it on when the season starts." We all know the rest. The preseason is not a perfect indicator, but it is an imperfect indicator, and judging from the results, our run defense is going to be much better. If our special teams can avoid losing games, combined with our improved defense, our offense is going to win us a lot of games.
September 4, 2008
10:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
real writes:
THis Geno guy is an idiot. Same post on every sorry Bronco site. Not saying we are going to kill you guys (this game is not a certain win for either team)but think we are capable of winning. Russel nay be young but we bet you guys with Mcclown at quaterback. He is an upgrade from that fool.
September 4, 2008
12:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Somebody needs their midol... *cough*raiderfans*cough*
September 4, 2008
1:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
discer writes:
Would the first Raider fan with a brain write something intelligent? Oh I forgot. You can lead a moron to the facts but you can't make him think!
September 4, 2008
1:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
xxx writes:
geno...pretty funny. I get a UNANIMOUS sense from the bronc's D
that they ARE better at stopping the run. I haven't seen a "we'll see" or "time will tell" answer.
September 4, 2008
1:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
real writes:
I hope Geno and Lingling are not typical Bronco fans. Both seem pretty ingnorant. Dont know the Raidres had a run game equals did not whatch Broncos games last year(bandwagon). Geno I doubt you have ever been to a Raider game (liar). Seen barrel man (your most famous fan) at a Raiders game, got some bad mouuthing but that was it. Let me know when we have a player fan riot in Oakland like you did in Denver when the idiots were throwing ice balls with batteries in them. If my house was made of glass I would keep my mouth shut.
2006 season.
At least 102 fans were arrested at the Monday Night Football event, with law enforcement officials saying it was one of the most unruly Raiders games they had ever policed.
Those officials laid partial blame on staffing at the stadium, as did Raiders top executives who demanded a change in operations.
Uhmmm I don't think any fan base has ever had this kind of problem in all U.S. Sports. And by the way in case you missed it, one Sam Adams stated on a Denver based talk show that the worse place to play was in Oakland because the fans would fill zip lock baggies with p!ss and through it on the players as they walked through the tunnels. So don't try shifting the blame because your a fan of the NFL's stepchild of a team. Don't hate on Denver hate on Al'heimer's Davis!
September 4, 2008
1:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
The Broncos have won 6 of 9 Monday night games vs. the Raiders. The only three the Raiders walked away from were a combined score of less than 30 points. Denver on the other hand has made the Raiders look like pop warner football on numberous (recent) occassions. If you want to talk facts Faider fans we can spit all day. If you want to talk smack, no problem, your smack talking is about as pop warner as it comes.
September 4, 2008
1:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
El_Dirty writes:
Ha they threw pee on your players? Ha priceless... C'mon that's funny...
Ya....funny...
Is this guy serious?
September 4, 2008
1:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
To Real and 408 Raiders, nice to see a little banter, let's hope that we can bring it up the maturity ladder.
408 Raider; "LMAO...STFU?" Did you stumble across this site while you were looking for www.hannahmontana.com? OMG, are you POS? Remember , say no to drugs, and just because the other 7th graders are smoking , you don't have to. You are special.
To both; Yes, I have been to MANY games at the NAC. In fact, I used to work in the public address security division. There were more resported arrests at that stadium than any other league. It was a huge source of embarrassement to the organization, and to Network Associates.
In fact we used to have a contest every Raider home game;
3rd prize was lunch for 2 at Park Grille at the Plaza
2nd prize was 4 tickets to a Raider game
1st prize was ONLY 2 tickets to a Raider game!
We had a plaque made! It is on the 3rd floor of the MacAfee HQ
3965 Freedom Circle
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408 Raider, get your parents to drive you there, and you can see it yourself!
Gentlemen, I believe it was Shakespeare who said, " Don't hate the playa, hate the game"
September 4, 2008
1:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
the408RAIDER writes:
Yo donkey dudes! please tell me you don't believe that geno clown! I go to most home games and if I ever saw any 1 disrespect a kid I would put a stop to it! Even if the kid was a donkey fan its not the kids fault his parents are misleading him/her!
That's like saying, I go to all the home games and never once have I seen anyone become drunk and belligerent. That was a stupid statement "yo Faider dudes!"
Who talks like that. Yo donkey dudes? And your reputation precedes you.
September 4, 2008
1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
408 Raider BTW, I think I know you.Remember this is all fun and games. Don't get ugly :-) TTFN
September 4, 2008
1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
Wow the big and tuff girls in Black and Silver are silenced? NICE!
September 4, 2008
2:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
The _Dirty,
You seem to have a point, not a valid one, but a point. Do you think they should allow Drunkenowski his performance enhancing GHB power shake before the game?
Come clean, Dirty, how frustrating is it to hope and dream for a better season, only to be 4 games back by the 1st week of October?
To cling to the "Glory Days" of the 70's? , before cable? I truly believe that if they lifted the local blackout of games, more fans would would embrace the team. Do you agree?
Until then , you are playing for pride by week 5. Who do you play for your Homecoming game? Antioch? You got a real chance there, no kidding.
September 4, 2008
2:51 p.m.
discer writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 4, 2008
2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
Thanks 408, I did and am keeping it real. I doubt I am embarrassing the Denver fan base, they are savvy enough to understand facts.
I am serious when I say that I empathize for you. I know it's hard being a true Raider fan. Games are blacked out, prices are way too high, and I think the Ref's have it out for Davis, so they make up calls against them. In fact, I will wager with you that that the Raiders will have a new head coach before Thanksgiving...... you wanna bet?
September 4, 2008
3:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
discer writes:
My wife passed away two years ago. Thanks! Typical Raider fan! Your sorry A$$ team will only win consistently after Al Davis does his civic duty and goes off to that great roid experiment in the sky with Big Ben, Jack Tatum and Alzado. I bet that the Niners will win twice as many games as the Raiders this year.
September 4, 2008
3:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
RustyWon writes:
Facts are facts my friends.
The raiders have been the worst team in the league over the last few years. - Fact.
That is why they have russell and mcfadden. - Fact.
They will stink again this year. - Fact.
Geno. Great posts. Fun to read.
I have a bunch of cousins in the bay area who support your claims.
GO BRONCOS!
September 4, 2008
3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
discer writes:
My wife passed away two years ago. Thanks! Typical Raider fan! Picking on someone that can't defend themselves. Your sorry A$$ team will only win consistently after Al Davis does his civic duty and goes off to that great roid experiment in the sky with Big Ben, Jack Tatum and Alzado. I bet that the Niners will win twice as many games as the Raiders this year. When you post more that one comment in a row here you are at best BI-POLAR.
September 4, 2008
3:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
I'm amazed that you actually think the Faiders are contenders this year. I'll give you knuckle heads kudos for being die hard (if that's what you call it). But what domination are you referring to? I can't recall any domination the Raiders handed the Broncos recently. In this decade at least. Domination = Defense + Offense + special teams.
Of course the Faiders are a "special team," however I don't see how your sorry excuse for a professional football team can actually do anything worth posting comments about.
September 4, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
I love the confidence that the Bronco fans show, but that confidence can also be seen as ignorance. I do think the Raiders have made some decent moves with the exception of Walker and Lelie. What the heck is that, picking up the other teams leftover crumbs as usual. The Raiders have a shot to win this game, they may also gash the Broncos for over 500 yards of rush offense, don't be surprised. That Denver D-line is pathetic...
September 4, 2008
4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
By Way of Comparison:
Denver has 1 whopping playoff win in 9 years. The Raiders have 4 (and should have had a 5th if it was not for the stupid "tuck" rule) with a Superbowl appearance. Look at the last 5 season for the Raiders, this is why Denver has had success at least qualifying for the playoffs, with the guaranteed 2 wins a season. (Here it is) Probably the only reason Shanny has a job here.
Denver:
99 6-10 no playoffs
00 11-5 Playoff loss to Balimore 21-3
01 8-8 no playoffs
02 9-7 no playoffs
03 10-6 Wild card Playoff loss to Indy 41-10
04 10-6 Wild card Playoff loss to Indy 49-24
05 12-4 Playoff win against NE 27-13
AFC Championship loss to Pitt 34-17
06 9-7 no playoffs
07 7-9 no playoffs
Oakland:
99 8-8 No playoffs
00 12-4 Playoff win 27-0 Miami
AFC Championship loss to Baltimore 16-3
01 10-6 Wildcard Playoff win against NYJ 38-24
Div loss to NE 16-13 (OT)
02 11-5 Div playoff win NYJ 30-10
AFC Championship win 41-24 Tenn
SB loss 48-21 to Tampa Bay
03 4-10 No playoffs
04 5-10 No playoffs
05 4-10 No playoffs
06 2-12 No playoffs
07 4-10 No playoffs
September 4, 2008
4:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
From Monday forward, we will own the Donkey's. Shanarat is going to get what is coming to him 31-10 Raiders win!
September 4, 2008
4:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
Oh and BTW, THANK GOD for the NFL season finally arriving!!!
September 4, 2008
4:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
The_Dirty;
By week 8 this is what The HeadLines will Read in RaiderLand;
Girl Scouts Claim they were only Trying to Sell Javon Walker Cookies; " Not So" said a beaten up Walker in the Raider Tunnel
Al Davis inks Deal to Sell team for Hillary's Old PantSuits! Sigfried and Roy make Davis their "Sexy Model"
Kiffin Benches Russell, Russell so Mad he Eats him!
The Floating Stadium is Complete! Davis Sells Team Every Week to Any City on the Coastline!
Kiffin Leaves to coach in the WNBA! " More Fan Base" says Coach!
September 4, 2008
4:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
El_Dirty abd 408RAIDER have brought intelligence to this site. Truer thoughts have never been written. The tainted SB trophies were gotten by cheating. In a true sense of sportsmanship, give them back! lol
September 4, 2008
4:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
303Geno,
Didn't your computer come with spellcheck. Try using it. It will raise your IQ to the 60 range. Up about 10 points. lol
September 4, 2008
4:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
Back to the RaiderNation. It was fun dissing you!!!!
September 4, 2008
4:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
Digusted;
Did your dog kick YOU today? Man, you make Dr. Kervorkian sound upbeat!
Make sure you are here Tuesday to take your blog whupping.
September 4, 2008
5:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
EXLASEASONTICKETHOLDER;
Spellcheck? Are these words too big for you? Did you lose your dictionary in the divorce?
Fess up, are you still sore she got the season tickets, and you got the Jim Otto bean bag collection?
September 4, 2008
5:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
Nope Geno, just tired of hearing about baseball and the lame Rockies!
September 4, 2008
5:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
Mikeunt;
You jumping in at the end? Gotta go to dinner. I'm buying. You still think the Raiders have a prayer this Monday night?
Work with me, let me know if you still believe. While we have been on here, Russell has gained another 7 pounds. Maybe Al Davis can find Gannon's old number, THEN it's a game!
September 4, 2008
5:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
the408RAIDER, put down your pipe and just say "no". I wish we knew each other because I would match $500 with you on that "bet". Jerkmarcus is going to get an education. Cutler is going to smoke your sorry team, WITHOUT Brandon. Oh, and the Raiders fans ARE that bad at games. Or don't you recall the San Diego game when that pantiewaist idiot stabbed a Charger fan? I had an ex-girlfriend who was a Raiders fan and she had to send her Raiders friends home on more then one occasion for putting their hands on me to the point where I've been forced to put them down. I never mind talking smack with other people when it comes to football, that's what makes it fun, but Raiders fans have been the ONLY ones stupid enough to try and get physical. I suppose they feel that when they wear "black and silver" they suddenly became tough? It doesn't work that way. Many found that out over the years, I'm sure. Many will realize that in the future, I'm sure. Now, when Denver had those fans throwing snowballs and batteries and such, should I have seen it, the cops would be taking him away. Ignorance is ignorance. It's just the Raiders fans seem to excel at it.
September 4, 2008
5:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
real, Lingling is NOT a Broncos fan. I guess you didn't read his "go Chargers"? But he is smart enough to know that nobody likes the Raiders.
September 4, 2008
5:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Anhydrous writes:
I just want to thank the "faider nation's" most educated posters from all over the world for gathering here today to prove just how stupid you wee-todds really are.To the moron that acted like the Faiders have been coming into Mile High and kicking our arses for years was brilliant ! If the collective faider nation had a brain they could see that the "good" teams dont talk crap...They PROVE IT,and since we should consider the fact that we pretty much own you guys mind,body, and soul every year except last year,it's time for you guys to get back in your cells for the other 23 hours of the day and ki$$ the Broncos' A$$ . Let's just see how many of you idiots get on here and talk all this smack AFTER Monday night....My bet is 0
September 4, 2008
5:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Mike_Hunt , you would be a prime example, I'm sure, of what I just mentioned. A mindless punk who would be VERY quiet unless you had several of your buddies to back your weak play. As for "homo', you're the one who lives across the bay from your closet friends in San Fran.
September 4, 2008
5:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
El_Dirty, instructor at Karate for Kids in Las Vegas. Hardly a sissy. Bring your lunch.
September 4, 2008
5:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
RaiderNation951 writes:
Look, the moron who stabed the Chokers fan was an illegal. just because he was at a Chargers home game sporting Raiders gear doesn't make him a member of the Raider Nation.
Face the facts........Burro's vs Raiders twice a year are usually the best games on the schedule for each team. The next best for us Raider fans would have to be stomping KC or SD.
Over the last 5 years that hasn't happened often, but that is the past. We have kept a coach for more then 1 season and things are looking up.
I have no idea why they felt the need to bring in Walker or Lelie, the sad thing is they are two of the best on the roster.
The Burro's O-Line is suspect. Starting players that are young and expecting them to keep Cutler upright is a tall order. Good luck with that.
When your run D is worse then the Raiders.......its pretty sad. Hopefully both teams have done enough to fix the problems this off season.....otherwise it is going to be a ground war. I don't want to see a game with over 500 yards of offense from the run game.
We both have young QB's and for what its worth, Cutler should have the edge in playmaking ability because of experiance.........but J Russ throw's aginst the best secondary in the league every day in practice........
Monday is going to answer a lot of questions for each team......
Sorry but your starting this year out 0-1.......
September 4, 2008
6:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Mike_Hunt, El Dirty, just because it says Karate for Kids, don't let that throw you. Master of Tai Chi Chaun, 30 years, 5th degree Taekwondo. 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), retired. I repeat, bring your lunch.
September 4, 2008
6:28 p.m.
discer writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 4, 2008
6:33 p.m.
discer writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 4, 2008
6:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Hey Broncos fans, I'm here to recall to your memory when some of your fans decided to throw battery filled snowballs at the whole Raiders team, but you call the Raider Nation low life’s?
Seems a little like hypocrisy to me........
September 4, 2008
6:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
kerrdawg writes:
Hey Raider fans...by the end of this season we'll have a quarterback in the Pro Bowl and you'll be drafting another one in the first round. Not to mention McFadden has never broken a tackle in his entire life. If he makes it 5 years in this leauge with his skinny olive oil looking legs I'd be very suprised. I just want to thank you all for giving us two easy wins this year. Go Broncos!
September 4, 2008
6:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
discer writes:
If you think about it ED it's funny just like all of this unimportant diverson called football. Let the fun begin on the field!
September 4, 2008
6:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
I'm here to be respectful, so lets talk some football,
Here is what Mike Shanahan had to say about your run defense to bay area reporters.
On how improved the Raiders' running game might be:
"Hopefully not because they averaged 187 yards a game against us in both games. Hopefully they don't get too much better or we'll really be in trouble. They're very well coordinated, they're very well coached, they play extremely hard together. You can see that the system has been very successful."
September 4, 2008
6:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
discer, some kids never learn. They think that age means you should "mellow" and pull out the ole "Barry Manilow" albums. Not in this lifetime. I'm a humble guy, but ignorant people are always looking for a lesson in humility. When asked why I'm not more humble like they are in Asia??? Simple, I'm not Asian. But it's all good. It's football season and our Broncos will do all their talking on the field. Which reminds me, what is Washington doing? It's 16-7 at the half. They better make their move in the 2nd half or the Giants will dust them.
September 4, 2008
6:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
kerrdawg:
A 500lb man could run on your D.
So just be honest, McFadden makes you scared i know it :-)
September 4, 2008
6:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
kerrdawg, McFadden is an impressive runner. It will be a good gauge for our D line to see if Denvers offseason changes made a difference. Personally I think it will make a difference.
September 4, 2008
6:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Dynamicdave:
Don't forget, Fargas/McFadden/Bush.
September 4, 2008
6:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
El Dirty, Are you ready to go down in fantasy football?
September 4, 2008
6:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
kerrdawg writes:
Dynamicdave...although I usually love your posts, I have to disagree. The knock on McFadden coming out of college was he didn't break many tackles and from what I saw in the preseason he seems to go down on first contact. He may make some big plays here and there but I doubt he'll be an every down back. Unless I'm mistaken the Raiders have two former Broncos castaways on O-line and two more at reciever it seems like the Raiders are doing a good job collecting our trash...good luck with that.
September 4, 2008
6:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
RaiderNation951 writes:
McFadden had 34 carries for 184ish yards. 5.4 ypc isn't bad. Not a bad preseason set of numbers.
Titans D was pretty stout and he broke off 2 runs for 23 and 24 yards, breaking tackles or moving people out of the way.
September 4, 2008
6:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Kerrdawg: We have one o-lineman cooper carlile, and damn he is pretty good.
If I recall Bill Romo was a good trash collection....
And if you really did watch McFadden in the preseason like we did, what you would notice is he moves piles so stop talking to Mike Maoke on the NFL network, this guy can play, you will see soon enough.
P.S. you just signed our trash DT Josh Shaw, come on broncos fans football I.Q. is low these days.
September 4, 2008
7:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
kerrdawg, yeah, I just think it's hard to gauge a preseason game because it's, well, preseason. Everything is so vanilla. I do agree with the "cast-offs" of course. From what I last read, Walker is "questionable" with a hamstring and Ashley is new so will only be good for downhill running (long bombs). Champ will have a picnic with that. I think the Raiders will try to run the ball, more. We soon shall find out and see who has the "bragging rights". McFadden, then LT, then Bush. Monday is close and I'm stoked for it. Let the games begin.
September 4, 2008
7:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
RaiderNation951 writes:
You guys can keep Shaw. When a team would rather go into a game with 3 DT's than keep a player..........that says a lot. Good luck with that.........
September 4, 2008
7:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
RaiderNation951 writes:
I think this is the first time I would rather skip the weekend and just get to Monday already!
September 4, 2008
7:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Anhydrous writes:
Yo Dave, give up trying to speak with all these children when Ebonics is their 1st language .I would bet that the average age of these dorks is 17 yrs old due to the lack of knowledge of the history behind these teams in which the Broncos have been pummeling the perennial last place Faiders for years now. They unquestionably have the most senile owner in Al " I still wear my glasses on strings" Davis and as long as he is in charge, they will remain in last place. They act like this season is going to change things and it just might thanks to KC looking so ill,they might regain the 3rd place title they cherish. Enjoy the fight for 3rd place again losers....
September 4, 2008
8:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Anhydrous, yes, weren't they sooooo loud and boisterous on our Bronco blog when The Cardinals beat their pathetic team DOWN, 24-0? You remember the Cardinals? The same team that we beat with a 3rd string QB and no starters, against their STARTERS! I didn't hear a peep out of the Fader fans for a week. It took them that long to see the keyboards through all of their tears. It's just like an LA Hate... no, wait an Oakland Traite...no, wait, a Fader fan. They boast when nothings been played, then hide in the background when they are proven wrong (which, did I mention, is often?).
September 4, 2008
8:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
kerrdawg writes:
The Raiders have 2 starting o-linemen, carlisle and Cornell Green, neither of whom are good enough to play with Broncos. Not to mention that overrated bozo Gerrard Warren on the D-line. I'm not saying Warren is a bad player, but he's never gonna be a game changer. Then theres Walker listed as a starter and I assume they brought in Lelie to start as well. I guess the Raiders new motto is "If you can beat them...sign them???"
September 4, 2008
8:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
kerrdawg writes:
Mark my words...the Raiders will not gain 100 yards on the ground Monday night. Robertson is going to be a difference maker in the middle of the line. The line backers are much improved as well as the Dfensive coaching staff. The Raiders don't scare anyone with their passing game. We will stack up against the run and force the virtual rookie Russel to beat us. He won't stand a chance and the Broncos now healthy O-line will run the ball down the raiders throat just like we did in the first game we played them last year. I hope to see all you Faiders fans back here on Tuesday ;)
September 4, 2008
9:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
BrienMuleS.u.c.ker;
Is sarcasm new to you? Did you REALLY read my post? Did you read where Bubby Brister delivered a baby during a timeout? He threw for 900 yards? Ohh man, and you call ME an idiot??
Sounds like a real game and your Commodore 64 version on Madden NFL 1999 is a blur to you.
Wow, when you go to work tomorrow, don't forget your nametag and hairnet.
O...K? I'm t yp i n g s l ow e r f o r you...
September 4, 2008
9:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
303Geno, tell them like it is.
kerrdawg, they will be gone at least a week after this game, just like when the Cards spanked them. Out of sight, out of mind.
September 4, 2008
9:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
408Raider I agree with you;
I promise not to poke at your dedicated fans, if you promise to explain football to BrienMuleLover.
Man, please tell him Santa is not real either. I think it is going to be a very emotional week for young Bri Bri.
PEACE!
September 4, 2008
10 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Wow...Raider fans have no intelligence, and no lives.
September 4, 2008
10:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
"DayHamn" - all these Fakerfans are frothing out on a newspaper blogsite. It must have been that Cardinal shellacking their collective emo couldn't handle.
September 4, 2008
10:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
OK 408Raider, Truce!
If there is one thing I want no part of is a fast one handed typist.
September 4, 2008
10:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
BroncFanFl, yeah, just as I told them earlier. Don't worry, after their Traiters get humbled on their own turf, the blog will be quiet of their illiterate mouths for awhile. Either that or they will write in with lame excuses as to why their team took a pounding. They do it every time... On that note, talk to everyone who matters on Tuesday.
September 4, 2008
10:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dakota32 writes:
Shanahan is on his way out and his first shove towards the door is coming this Monday night.
September 4, 2008
10:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dakota32 writes:
The only person still listening to Shanahan's excuses in Denver is Pat Bowlen. Everyone outside of Denver realizes that this guy rode TD to fame and has been falling back on that reputation for the last 9 seasons.
September 4, 2008
10:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dakota32 writes:
This is about what I expected of Denver fans...the first sign of a fight and they run and hide, lol. I live near Denver and have attended many games there, and I have seen Rockies fans cowed by Cubs fans for crying out loud! What a bunch of spineless wimps. No wonder the Democrats chose your weak city to host their convention.
September 5, 2008
1:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
> Dave
> The cardinal game really? Do me a favor and do dome research before u
> get stuck on pointless subject. Kiffin announced that he was only
> going to pass that game. The Cards knew what was coming check the game
> stats. We needed to see exactly where we stood, Kiffin was making a
> point... That loss didn't faze any of us... try again
>
Exept you found out it didn't work. Cards weren't really testing the passing game either, but you guys gave it to them anyway, rrrrrright?
Gee, that was a busted idea, and no it didn't make them learn much of anything from the rest of their offensive concepts. Ohhhwell, while other teams were testing their players on all the facets of a game, you just had to stick one in there and force it to work hell or high water. Duhhh - just one game right?
Nothing else got done, no real questions about other players were answered, nobody was evaluated in other areas. It was a wasted game time just to make a minor point to those players about the importance of balance. Meanwhile the Broncos are taking the time to evaluate each player's strengths and weaknesses, during the running and passing drills of preseason games, making damn sure there are no people left off the team who have the potential to be there. There are all those players still too many to fit on the 53 man squad. After the third game we've gotten all our player's profiles done and have found where they fit the best on the team.
....continued.
September 5, 2008
1:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
....continued.
See, it wasn't just about what a passing qback on a team can demonstrate can do for them - it relies on what they all can do collectively, in all areas of the team play. But NOOOOOOOOOOOO... seems Kiffin believes there had to be a demonstraton for those boneheads to see for themselves first before they would ever start to believe in him.
Sorry dude, the Broncs are way beyond that playground stuff (what did someone quote? a Popswarner league tryout?
The exuse was blown clear out of the water - Raiders were blanked even when pass happy Russell was installed., and nothing else got resolved. Nice way to waste a game. Al Davis have control of those things? He really needs his anal-retentive ways to wake that coach up.
There is just no time to experiment like that in the preseason. Unless, of course, you duds want to fall flat in the regular season wondering why your practices are not addressing the things you do in regular season.
It means the blank score the Faders posted against the Cards wasn't any reason to be confident about their chances of holding the ball....(carrying over into the regular season ).
I predict a few incerceptions to the Broncos will sway this game in their favor, Provided of course the DL can stop that run and pressure the inexperienced Russell. Well, since Raiders didn't practice on that facet, their loss.
On a twilight of hope for the raidernation:
Broncos usually play down to what their opponent does, so if they score 7 points, they wait till the other team scores 7 or 10 before upping it again. It has always gotten them in trouble from "falling asleep" on the other team, and losing at the end because they didn't keep the pressure up. Lets see whether that trend continues.
Shouldn't you Raiders already be at the point where your game strategy is set? Oh, if they were wasting their preseason working a game as a passing drill, then I guess not.
September 5, 2008
7:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
BroncFanFl, what are you going on about???? I'm a Bronco fan, not a Traiters fan. I think you need to reread my post. I repeat, the Raiders got a butt stomping by the Cards. The Broncos beat the Cards with 2nd, 3rd, 4th string players against the Cards starters. So as a Bronco fan, I'm not sure where your rant at me came from? I don't care what the coach announced in a game. If he gave up his game plan, that's on him. Chill.
September 5, 2008
9:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
One day closer to MNF where the Raiders kick the Donkey's and Shanarat's a**. Beware of the 3-headed monster, Fargus, McFadden, and Bush. You'll be getting sick on their exhaust for years to come.
September 5, 2008
9:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Dynamicdave:
This was the football I.Q. I was talking about, when they say Preseason that's what they mean. Preseason means nothing you don't even game plan for the team your are playing.
When The Raiders played the Cards, Kiffin came out and said "We know we can run the football, so we will pass the whole first half." the Raiders came out with 4-5 WR sets and Russell was over 50% passing.
If you want to pin your hopes on preseason be my guest, you know as well as I do it means nothing.
Anyone that knows football, knows this in the NFL you have to run the football to set up the pass especially in the Raiders/Broncos systems.
September 5, 2008
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:
Shawnraider81:
The donkey's are in for a rude awakening. The Raiders running game will go over, around, and through them. When they try to stop it with 8 in the box, thats when JaMarcus will burn them. Long night for Shanarat!
September 5, 2008
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
P.S. It was because of the Raiders defense that Linert is no longer the starter for the Cards, 3 INT's.
If Thomas Howard can take a pick 6 from Cutler, What is Namdi and Hall going to do?
p.s. don't forget the name Gabril Wilson the SS from the superbowl champion giants D.
September 5, 2008
9:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder:
I know I mean if our defense was playing vs. McFadden i would be sacred, and these guys are acting like he is Tatum Bell or something.
Anyway I'm only talking on this blog cause I'm at work and can't talk on Jerrys blog :-).
I'm kind of disapointed in the football I.Q. here.
September 5, 2008
10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
303Geno writes:
ExLax, Shawn81,
Is it true that the Raiders will only suit up three interior defensive linemen? Even Ray Charles can see they are going to be huffing wind by the half!
I hope it will be a beautiful Oakland Bay Area evening, because that D-Line will be looking up at the sky a lot.
NFL Networks today predicted Selvin Young may get 1500 yds just that night!
September 5, 2008
11:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
303Geno:
Yes it's true we only have 3 DT's listed, but at least you know the names of our defensive tackles.
I can't name one of yours, lets face it, our run defense has not been that good, and the broncos has been even worse.
Did you not read this article?
September 5, 2008
5:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
Dynamicdave writes:
> BroncFanFl, what are you going on about????
It was a response to a bad-mouthing troll who was erased, not you.
Apparently admins have heavy-handed a few RaiderTrolls.
++++sssSSSMACCK!!!+++
September 5, 2008
6:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
BroncFanFl writes:
Oh yeah, notice the imbecile was banned for his rude comments. Well, that was the troll I had replied to, and the miscreant got deleted.
Seems some others went "buh bye" too.
And now back to a promising team, the broncs. They'll have little problems with the Raiders this year, as it appears the run-D has been shored up. If GB and Dallas are any indication of what runners behind them big O-lines can do, then there should be little concerns come Monday.
September 5, 2008
6:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
shawnraiders81, preseason still shows signs in different aspects of the game. True, the Pats are 0-4 in preseason, so they are a prime example. They, of course played without Brady, but they had better still pick up the pace because they showed some vulnerabilities on D. Denver OR the Raiders could be the worst teams in the NFL (hypothetical), but they still always to manage an exciting game. I'm stoked for Monday night.
Am I the only one who noticed that Mike_Hunt, had not only had his comments removed, but his entire NAME? Yes, it just justifies my earlier comments. He has a "mouth without brains" Raiders mentality.
September 5, 2008
6:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
BroncFanFl, cool, yeah, I was a bit thrown by the way the blog posted? Yep, we spanked Dallas with their 1st string and I'm impressed with what Denvers "D" showed against the run. Everyone said that the offenses (in preseason) were very "vanilla". CLUE, PEOPLE! SO WAS OURS, yet we STILL took care of business. I am interested to watch the Pats. I want to see if they are as bad as their preseason indicated. I think, of course, that with Brady in the mix, they will be better, but my wishes are that they fall flat on their overrated faces. The Giants proved that, last year.
September 7, 2008
8:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
R8ernation writes:
Wow 39% believe the Donkeys were represent the Afc in the souper bowl. And Raider critics say Raider fans are myopic:) all I can say you guys are wishful thinking cause if yall really believe that, you should consider droping the crack pipe and geting some help! War Raiders!!!
Monday nite score... Oak 28 ....Den 10