Teams sure to test for 'weak link' on Broncos offensive front
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 4, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
UP Rookie left tackle Ryan Clady is one three players on the Broncos' offensive line with two years' experience or less. Derrick Burgess, a Pro Bowl defensive end for the Raiders, likely will line up at both defensive end spots to try to inflict the most damage.
* The game: 8:15 p.m. MDT Monday, McAfee Coliseum (63,132 capacity), Oakland, Calif.
* The records: Opener for both teams.
* The series: Raiders lead 54-39-2, including 30-18 at home.
* TV/radio: KDVR-Channel 31, ESPN; KOA-AM (850), KBNO-AM (1280).
* Who's favored: Broncos by 3.
The Broncos likely will start the youngest offensive line in Mike Shanahan's tenure Monday night in Oakland.
Player, position (Exp.): starts
Ryan Clady, LT: (R) 0
Ben Hamilton, LG: (8) 80
Casey Wiegmann, C: (13) 136
Chris Kuper, RG: (3) 11
Ryan Harris, RT: (2) 0
Among the items in his career collection, Rick Dennison has a master's degree in civil engineering.
Good thing.
Because the Broncos offensive line coach, who also coordinates the team's running game, is looking at a roll-up-the-sleeves task this season.
"And we'll just block the guys in front of us," Dennison said.
Block them with a rookie at left tackle in Ryan Clady, a second- year player at right tackle in Ryan Harris and a third-year player at right guard in Chris Kuper. In short, that's more youth in the starting lineup for an opener than the Broncos have had in Dennison's time coaching the offensive front.
And more than enough youth to get the attention of a defensive coordinator such as, say, Rob Ryan of the Oakland Raiders.
"Sure, I think they are going to come out and test them, you expect that from a defense," Broncos tight end Daniel Graham said. "That's just the way it is. They try to find a weak link on the offense or try to find inexperience. But those guys have played all through the preseason, and they'll be ready. They have to be."
For their part up front, the Raiders have added a little unpredictability into the mix, deciding that moving Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Burgess around the formation is the way to go. Burgess is expected to line up at various times at both defensive end spots, depending on where the Raiders believe he can do the most damage.
And he has done plenty of damage since signing with Oakland as a free agent. Burgess has piled up 35 of his 431/2 career sacks in three seasons with the Raiders. But after he went from 16 sacks in 2005 to 11 in 2006 to eight last season, the Raiders will use him on both sides of the formation in an effort to try to find him a little more room to work.
It means he likely will get plenty of chances at Clady and Harris on the night, while the Broncos are expected to use some of their two- tight end formations to close down things.
Graham is considered one of the best blockers in the league at his position, and the Broncos often are quick to keep him in when they need a little more pass-protection help on the edge of the line.
"I'm just going to go out there, try to stay with my techniques, stay as a calm as possible," Clady said. "You just keep to your techniques, remember what you're supposed to do and keep going no matter what happens. Things happen faster now, so you have to be ready for that."
The Raiders have also bounced Tommy Kelly, a 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, inside to tackle from the defensive end spot he played last season.
The Raiders also lavished Kelly, who missed nine games in 2007 because of a right knee injury, with a new contract that includes more than $18 million in guaranteed money.
Part of the rationale for moving Kelly to tackle was the fact the Raiders allowed 10 running backs to gain at least 100 yards against them last season. In the end, many teams simply shunned throwing the ball because of the success they had running against Oakland.
But also a big part of the Raiders' defensive package this season will be the fact they believe they have one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.
DeAngelo Hall, who has been named to one Pro Bowl in his career and declared the league's fastest man at a competition in Hawaii the same year, and Nnamdi Asomugha are comfortable in single coverage.
And leaving the cornerbacks alone allows a defense to add to the pass rush if it wishes. In two meetings last season, the Raiders sacked Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler three times and intercepted him four times.
Asked if he believed the Raiders defense will test his young linemen early and often Monday night, Dennison said with a smile, "I don't know, we'll see. I couldn't tell you, I'm not a defensive coach."
Still, the NFL often is a cruel business for those looking to make their way. The pace and any comfort level they might have found in the preseason gives way to the week-to-week chase of a playoff spot in a season that can be, with at least four preseason games tacked on, almost two months longer than any season they have experienced before.
At times, the season might feel like veteran players are looking to win at their expense.
"I think young players always get tested," Broncos center Casey Wiegmann said. "They get tested in games and even in practice. I went against Tony Siragusa all the time in practice (as a rookie) - like in a Friday practice, he didn't want to be touched, and if you did touch him, he'd be right in your face. I didn't understand it then, but I do now."
"For me, the most that happened was in practice, just going against Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest every day," Graham said of his rookie year in New England. "You knew they were just messing with you, but, at the same time, just getting you better. So when things happened in a game, it wasn't such a big deal."
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September 5, 2008
11:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
"and leaving the cornerbacks alone allows a defense to add to the pass rush if it wishes. In two meetings last season, the Raiders sacked Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler three times and intercepted him four times."
this says it all, now we added.
1) D-Hall, Gabril Wilson, McFadden, Russell(starting).
It's going to be a long night for broncos fans.....
September 5, 2008
12:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
We'll see. Enjoy the numbers while you can, mate. They'll be turning in the Broncos favor come monday night.
Oh, and good luck dealing with Broncos rejects for WR's all season long...
September 5, 2008
12:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
real writes:
Other than Marshall (who is out) you guys have a bunch of casts off at receiver also. Darrel hands of stone Jackson is going to be your one. Thats not much hope against the best cover corners in the league.
September 5, 2008
12:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Eddie Royal a cast-off? You can't exactly bash him since he's a rookie (a damn good one). But he could still whoop Walker and Lelie in numbers. Then again...you never know till game time. The Broncos could win 56-3 or it could go the other way. Let's leave room for a little suspense, hmm? Make it interesting...
Best of luck Raider fans...may the best team win.
September 5, 2008
12:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
SayWhat32 writes:
Raiders fans have never been praised for IQ levels and from the comments I see here nothing has changed.
I will try and make this simple for you simple minded Raider fans. You have a plague at the top of your organization that is the basis of the problem. Raiders always have talent but the idiot at the top gets in the way. The game passed him by in the late 80's. And do not even try the superbowl apperiance with Gruden. Gruden left because of the plague. The plague does not get it that HE is the problem. Let Kiffin be the coach and lead the team.
That is why an intelligent Bronco fan like myself can say with confidence that the Raiders are a 6-10 team at best and the broncos will win the game because Shanny is allowed to coach and will have a game plan that will destroy the Raiders yet again. Talk all you want about cast offs on both sides...point is that Shanny can coach those cast offs and the Plague thinks he can coach from upstairs.
September 5, 2008
12:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Haha...the Plague...that's clever. Pretty accurate too...
September 5, 2008
1:12 p.m.
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shawnraiders81 writes:
SayWhat32:
Come on, I.Q. levels, I hear you guys saying we are the scum of the earth. I don't hear any of you talking about throwing snowballs at players on that monday night game a few years back that is the true colors of broncos fans to me.
Anyway Gruden did not leave he was traded, for being such a smart person you don't know much.
Have fun watching McFadden run over your team for the next 10 years.
p.s. the Raiders have been in the superbowl almost every decade, and we are the last AFC west team to get there.
September 5, 2008
1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
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."
He is your own coach talking about our running game.
September 5, 2008
1:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Good for him. I don't disagree, but that doesn't mean we can't beat you. We'll just have to wait and see what monday night has in store.
September 5, 2008
1:32 p.m.
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shawnraiders81 writes:
Midnight127:
At least you are a respectable fan who wants to talk about football instead of play the Raider fan I.Q. card, yes some of us Raider fans are medical professionals like myself don't believe everything your buddy Mark Scherith says on BSPN.
I think we can a respectable debate about football that’s what makes this great, even if you guys gave up over 187 yards vs. the Raiders last year.... Have hope broncos fans!
September 5, 2008
1:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Shawnraiders81:
I agree. Why make it personal? Although in heated discussions I can be a bit harsh.
In any event...I'm really excited for monday night. Should be a good game.
September 5, 2008
1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Midnight127:
You have to be alittle worried about our 3 headed monster.
Fargas/McFadden/Bush.
Both our teams have been very bad at stoping the run.........
September 5, 2008
1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
I think there is one thing we have in common as Raiders and broncos fans......
I think we all HATE the mouth on Phillip Rivers, I know I never wish an INJ on anyone, I can say I would not mind seeing him hurt alittle.......
September 5, 2008
1:59 p.m.
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Midnight127 writes:
Yea, I'm slightly concerned...I'm not sure just how well our run defense has improved since last year. And if Boss Bailey doesn't play, I'll be even more concerned.
You guys lucked out....no Alridge. lol but I think Young and Hall will do ok. We'll just have to see. I'm wondering how much we'll pass...
September 5, 2008
2:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
real writes:
Depends if we jump on you early, not sure if your coach wants to turn Cutler loose until he sees if your young line can hold up in pass protection. Not sold on either team stopping the run, but we have far more talent in the backfied so if it comes down to a run-run game I think you are in trouble.
September 5, 2008
2:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
Omg...Norv Turner needs to teach his boy Philip Rivers to shut his mouth...or teach him to back up his smack with his game. Either way works for me. Unfortunately, Rivers gets his manners and his class from the same place Turner got his.
September 5, 2008
2:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
JaMarcus is the wild card for us, if he plays like a rookie I think it will be a close game, if he plays like I have seen him play, like a 5 year vet I think we will win by 14 points.
Have to wait and see.......
September 5, 2008
2:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
I'm not sure I'm going to last till Monday...the excitement is killing me. Oh well. In the meantime, maybe I should stop procrastinating and do my calc homework...
September 5, 2008
2:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
mtmario66 writes:
OK, I hate the Raiders, but have liked quite a few of their players over the years and I like how even at their worst times....the Raiders would make a game of it every time they played Denver. I will say this though, I could care less if Rivers ever played another game...I think he is bad for football and should have his head ripped off by both the Broncos and the Raiders!!! He is as classless as they come as far as professional athletes are concerned. There have been a few Broncos and Raiders that had a mouth, but never the way Rivers is...not even the one player we both had on our teams Romanowski. I hope this Monday Night Game is as good as it should be...Raiders have a lot of talent and I believe that the Broncos do as well. Let's have our teams bring back some class to the AFC West and shut the door on Rivers! Good Luck fans from both teams!! Enjoy!
September 5, 2008
2:53 p.m.
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shawnraiders81 writes:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
Hey please no more Raider fan I.Q. lines ok, this is sick.
September 5, 2008
4:12 p.m.
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esarem writes:
Remind me. What part of the Broncos isn't weak? Monday night opener; Battle of the Bums. Yes, I'll watch and cheer for the Broncos but I think they'll be lucky to get over .500 this year.
September 5, 2008
4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Midnight127 writes:
esarem:
Would it kill you to be optimistic?
September 5, 2008
5:26 p.m.
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kerrdawg writes:
Raiders have no threats passing the ball. Russell is virtually a rookie. Who's your number one??? Curry??? LMAO! We can stack 9 guys against the run and not even worry about the pass. And you guys claim you have the best corners in the leauge??? Ever heard of a guy named Champ Bailey? And Bly has had a pretty decent career so far too. Hall is overrated, he gives up a ton of big plays. Broncos will rush for at least 200 yards on your sorry run defense and the Raiders won't even break 100 on the ground. Right it down Raiders fans, it's inevitable.
September 5, 2008
5:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
kerrdawg :
Your team is one to talk, you also have no WR's Brandon Marshall is out and then your next best WR is a rookie.
Dude come on please act smarter than a 5th grader.
September 5, 2008
5:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
kerrdawg writes:
That is a good point, Broncos will be looking for someone to step up with Marshall out. But I don't see where the Raiders improved their run def from last year. They brought in Hall??? How the hell is that gonna help? The Broncos brought in a proven run stuffer in Robertson to sure up the interior d-line and added Boss Bailey (who is going to play) at linebacker which is a huge upgrade from laste year. Did you write it down yet??? You better.
September 5, 2008
5:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Kerrdawg:
We also got SS Gabril Wilson for the Giants, trust me you will know his name by the end of the game has the most tackle in the league last 5 years.
Plus I liked Warren Sapp, but to be honest he was aweful vs. the run. Tommy Kelly is much better at tackle.
and the only thing I have EVER seen from Boss Bailey is that he has the same last name as champ, that does not make him good.
So to sum up.
You added one DT and Boss Bailey.
We added Deangelo Hall, Gabril Wilson, moved Tommy Kelly to DT.
the broncos have been aweful vs the run too just remember that.
September 5, 2008
6:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
The Broncos are historically in the top 10 against the run; last year we su*ked but we have changes on our coaching and have Robertson and a different scheme than last year which was way differant than the past. I think the raiders will have problems throwing the ball Russel ain't there yet; raiders have decent corners not the best on D; Kelly could be ? due to inury last season, we'll see.
Broncos OL is young but did a very good job in pre-season but thats preseason; we need to run the ball first and pass later in the game. Bronocs 27-17
September 5, 2008
6:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Brian:
The Raiders have historically been in the superbowl almost ever decade, When Raider fans bring up "history" we get bashed for living in the past, the truth is the Raiders and broncos have been aweful vs the run last year.
we ran up over 187 yards vs you guys last game, thats not from a "bad" system.
I think JaMarcus is ready more that Cutler, add in Fargas and McFadden not to mention Michael Bush.
Raiders 28 denver 14
September 5, 2008
6:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
It was a "bad system" for the Broncos and it was 1 year not several, I think the Broncos will be much improved against the run, we will see. Cutler is way more ready than JaMarcus but obviously we will not agree because we have our bias'.
I don't get why McFadden is looked at being such a great back when Arkansas had Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis too but didn't really compete for a national title, they were good but should have been great. And I'm not talking trash I just don't see what McFadden really brings??
Now the trash talk Broncos 30-10!!!!!!
September 5, 2008
6:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Brian:
Be honest you know McFadden is a beast, everyone knows McFadden is a beast except broncos fans this week.
All the commentators scouts EVERYONE in the NFL thinks McFadden is a freakish talent.
But don't worry I would try to down play him as much as possible if I was in your shoes.
I tired it with L.T. it did not work for me and I don't think this will work for you.
September 5, 2008
6:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Brian:
P.S. I am a pac-10 guy myself but look at the numbers McFadden put up in the SEC, that guy is special.
September 5, 2008
6:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
shwan:
NFL fantasy player rankings has Sevin Young (undrafted) ranked 14th and Darren McFadden 15th hmmm. Thomas Jones, Earnest Graham are ranked 10 and 11. I might take Fargas (ranked 31) in fantasy before McFadden but thats fantasy football and me!
Against Az (Oak 0 Az 24) 12-40yds has no TD's in pre-season.
6'2" 210; a beast??
CBS sports "he should share carries with Justin Fargas Week 1 and McFadden remains a No. 2 Fantasy RB."
More form CBS sports "McFadden, who should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB to be safe,"
From Kiffin:
"Kiffin says. McFadden is still a rookie and Kiffin says he's in no rush to overload his star pupil, especially before a national television audience. "We've got to get this guy in the I-formation and let him take the ball and get hit without fumbling it before we start trying to move him all over the place," Kiffin said
A beast???
September 5, 2008
6:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
I agree he put-up some good numbers but so did Reggie Bush form the Pac-10; So Cal; Bush is not bad though he better do well he is on one of my fantasy teams.
McFadden is still a rookie and so far has not had much playin time at this level; I imagine he will split carries with Fargas for most of the season.
September 5, 2008
6:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Brian:
Brother come on, it was the PRESEASON, we used McFadden in the I formation and ran him up the middle every single time.
Even Coach Kiffin said we want to be "vanilla" in the preseason we don't want to show our cards.
Trust me I am a part of many Raiders blogs that I can not access at work thats why i'm here, and the have been using McFadden in the slot, at QB with the wild hog formation and getting him on the edge.
Since when did people who talk about fantasy football mean anything?
I promise you will have nightmares about Darren McFadden come Monday night about 10:30 p.m. PST.
September 5, 2008
7:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
Fantasy is about yards and points, not wins; Arkansas did not even challenge for a national title because of a lack of wins.
You are right, we will see Monday night, I don't think McFadden will be the story though.
About being "vanilla"; that is fine for teams that were in the playoffs last year, not for a team that needs to build on winning.
10:30 Eastern you mean.
September 5, 2008
7:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Brain writes:
Oh wait; you meant at the end of the game, my bad.
September 5, 2008
7:21 p.m.
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Brain writes:
I do love raider week!!
September 5, 2008
10:01 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
so, raiduh fans - how many of those yds at arkansas did mcfiddle get when broncos FB peyton hillis was NOT blocking for him? take your time, check it out. i'll wait......
i saw it written above that mcfiddle is a beast. maybe so......but i bring you his old friend:
peyton hillis
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 250 lbs.
now THAT'S a BEAST.
grrrrrrr.
hope yer linebackers are insured.
September 6, 2008
9:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
shawnraiders81, you stated two things that are very confusing? "we ran up over 187 yards vs you guys last game, that's not from a "bad" system." and "I think JaMarcus is ready more that Cutler, add in Fargas and McFadden not to mention Michael Bush."???? You seem to have some football knowledge but that was waaaay offbase. We DID have a bad system. They were trying to run a 2-gap D which wasn't working and leaving holes in the D. We now run a 1-gap D. And how can you even for a moment crown JaMarcus over Cutler??? What has JaMarcus done? Nothing. This is pretty much like his rookie season. Cutler has played a full year in the system and put up some decent #'s. Has JaMarcus? No, he hasn't. Maybe he will in the future, but what you stated was spoken from your heart, not your head.
September 6, 2008
8:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
vvsignin writes:
Simple fact...Broncos (and pretty much everyone else) own the Raiders. Get ready for another 4-12 season illiterate bikers/gangsters! There are no Tim Browns/Jerry Rices/Rich Gannons on this team. Jamarcus Russell? Please...Commitment To Mediocrity!