Royal highness: Broncos rookie receiver takes off
Receiver's NFL debut fit for a king in Denver's rout
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 8, 2008 at 11:44 p.m.
Updated September 9, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
Darin McGregor © The Rocky
Broncos rookie receiver Eddie Royal attempts to evade Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on an end around during the first quarter Monday. Royal put on a one-man exhibition during his NFL debut, gouging the Oakland defense by catching nine passes for 146 yards and one touchdown.
Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky
Broncos safety Marlon McCree, bottom, cuts the legs out from under Raiders running back Justin Fargas in the first quarter.
What was the best aspect of the Broncos' victory?
5 rookies started at tackle in the season-opening weekend, including Clady. Sam Baker (Atlanta), Branden Albert (Kansas City), Duane Brown (Houston) and Jeff Otah (Carolina) were the others.
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- WIN, LOSE & DREW: Royal Pain
America, his name is Eddie Royal.
For he is now, after all he did on a nationally televised appearance Monday night in the Broncos' regular-season opener in McAfee Coliseum, the smiling and rather photogenic face of the Broncos' youth movement.
See Eddie run, see Eddie catch, see Eddie return punts, see him do whatever the Broncos needed him to do in what became a 41-14 victory against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum.
"You never know how a rookie is going to react," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "We had a great feeling of how he'd react going into the game - just the way he did. . . . He handled himself like a five-year vet."
Royal had the Broncos' first carry of the night out of the backfield and he caught the first pass Jay Cutler threw.
After that, Royal did a little more of this, a lot more of that and is now Exhibit A that, however the rest of the season goes for the local franchise, Mike Shanahan has dialed back the team's experience meter in search of athleticism and some explosiveness.
At one point, Royal, who found himself selected behind 41 other players in April's draft, had frustrated Raiders cornerback DeAngelo Hall - a Pro Bowl selection in his time with the Atlanta Falcons now with a $70 million contract - enough that Hall took two personal-foul penalties for taking a run at Royal after catches.
On the second, Royal had sold his route well enough that Hall ended up prone, face down, on the turf before he got up to arrive late to hit Royal and bring the flag.
"He's very competitive individual with a lot of talent," Shanahan said. "Many DBs are going to have a hard time covering him one-on-one."
By halftime, Royal had nine rushing yards and had caught seven passes for 99 yards, and the Broncos had the game firmly in hand. By the time he caught his ninth pass to conclude his night, his 146 receiving yards were the most in the league's opening weekend.
This is how it will be for this Broncos team - good or bad, they will sink or swim in the AFC's postseason pool with this large collection of young players.
This is the youngest team in Shanahan's tenure as coach, one that has almost 50 percent of its roster entering their first, second or third seasons in the league.
One with a third-year quarterback in Jay Cutler, who finished with 299 passing yards and two touchdowns.
One that no longer is one of the oldest teams in the league, as it has been for much of Shanahan's time in Denver.
It was such a seamless effort that it would have been difficult to notice they had started another rookie at left tackle in Ryan Clady, a player at right tackle in Ryan Harris who had no previous NFL starts, and a rookie at fullback in Peyton Hillis.
Seamless enough that their best offensive player in the eyes of many of the league's scouts, receiver Brandon Marshall, was back in Denver because of a suspension.
All in a night where youth was not wasted on the young.
Ask around
Royal has shown himself to be wise beyond his years in plenty of other things as well.
He already has been smart enough to ask some fairly accomplished defensive backs about what they're thinking in certain situations against receivers.
"I went right to Champ and Dre," Royal said. "I figured it would be good to see what thought when they're going against receivers."
And why not? Champ Bailey has been selected to eight Pro Bowls in his career while Dre Bly has been named to two. Both cornerbacks are entering their 10th seasons in the league, so they have plenty of wisdom to impart.
"I had to know, you play DBs now, and their knowledge of the game, the way they can read routes and break you down," Royal said. "Whether it's what the offense is doing or what you're doing to give away the route. Just definitely the knowledge. You didn't see that kind of thing in college.
"The main thing, as a receiver, is you want to make every route look the same so they can't read anything you're doing.
"You want to play with low pad level and I try to talk to the DBs, to Champ and Dre, to see what they're thinking, to see what I've done on that particular route."
Run it down
The Broncos offense did its part by putting the game out of reach in the third quarter, but the Broncos defense showed that it intends to be more difficult to run the ball against than it was in the first month of the 2007 season.
It also showed it still has some work to do before the Broncos take on a balanced offense in position to stress them for four quarters.
But last season, the Broncos saw their postseason aspirations get buried under opposing running backs. Three of the Broncos first five opponents rushed for at least 200 yards, while four of the first five finished with at least 186 yards.
The Raiders did try to see for themselves early if the Broncos had improved at all, running on the first eight plays from scrimmage Monday night. And they likely would have continued that theme had the Broncos not tipped the scoreboard so heavily away from them so quickly.
"We played much better than we have played last year," Shanahan said. "By no means did we play perfect . . . but stepped up and did some things."
The Raiders finished with 150 rushing yards, but 42 of those came on a Justin Fargas run in the final minutes with the Broncos leading by 34 points.
The other guys
No receivers were selected in the first round of the April draft, but four were picked before the Broncos took Royal at No. 42.
No. 33 Donnie Avery, by St. Louis; No. 34 Devin Thomas, by Washington; No. 36 Jordy Nelson, by Green Bay; No. 41 James Hardy, by Buffalo.
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September 9, 2008
12:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
OPETH72 writes:
I know, I know. It was just the raiders, but it feels so, so good. Rookie of the year? Too early to tell, but that game without Marshall says a lot. Will the raider posters of days past venture in here to make some excuses? Oh well, if not, I am sure they will return again later in the season. Nothing feels better than stomping those bottom of the barrel, last place addicts. How many number one picks will these guys pile up before they can play ball? Looks like they could be headed for another. And now for the tough part. San Diego next. And I have a feeling they are a bit upset that Dave made some money off their misfortunes with Carolina. I am glad this one is Denver. I think we have the makings of a really, really good game coming up. Not going to go down like last year. My early prediction, Broncos-34, that other team-28. I said it early on, and I will stick with it, this team can score some points. And that takes the pressure off the defense. We put up 41 on the raiders. And that was all they had was defense. T. Kelly, Hall, Asoumaugagahgannhsghnshgg (yes, I am sure that was not spelled correctly, alcohol will do that, haha) among others. We keep rolling like this and we will not lose many games. This season started just as some of us here had hoped. It is week to week, but for this week, enjoy fellow Bronco fans!!!!!!!
September 9, 2008
12:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
bobby_denver writes:
RickyLee....What did the Oakland newspapers have to say 'bout that??? Or what does any Raider Nation fan have to say 'bout it?? I feel bad.... for how old Al Davis is. Was that a hooker in is suite??? How do you sound now? "Goooooooooo Raaaaaiiiders." This is Broncos Country!!!!!!!!!!
September 9, 2008
12:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
ricardo_mantelban writes:
Good signs that aren't as sexy as Eddie and Jay :
- Matt Prater good from 26 and 43.
- The announcers didn't mention Clady or Harris ONCE!
September 9, 2008
12:55 a.m.
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ricardo_mantelban writes:
Oh, and Shanahan was baddass with the calls. Eat it Shanny haters!
September 9, 2008
12:58 a.m.
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dirkle writes:
Great game, fun to watch.
Enjoy it - we play a REAL football team (that is really p#zz'd off) next Sunday.
THEN we'll know what kind of hand we've been dealt.
September 9, 2008
1:19 a.m.
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jibbons writes:
eat it indeed,
how do you like them shannahanigans?
September 9, 2008
1:40 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Can we all sing.... "SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT. ALL IS CALM, RAIDERS EMBALMED".....
September 9, 2008
1:44 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
It will be a quiet week from the Traiter fans. Can we all say.... "YES", or "Yay--a-yes"....... Idiot Raiders. Will you EVER LEARN?????????????
September 9, 2008
2:19 a.m.
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NJBroncosFan writes:
WOW what a season opener... first off we dont only beat the raiders, we demolish them (without Brandon Marshall).. then we see the true talent and versatility of Eddie Royal...... and the defense looks improved.... then again it was only the raiders.. but none the less a victory is a victory and for that one I am proud of our Broncos... maybe the division will be ours again?
September 9, 2008
3:19 a.m.
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Hambone writes:
You won't hear from Prickylee or any other degenerates..errr. Raiderfans. They're probably in jail for beating their wives. I just love to see a man in black makeup cry!!!
September 9, 2008
5:46 a.m.
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ELWAY420 writes:
Fellas
Ive read these posts for a while and never bothered to register.....but gaddam last night was the just the best thing I have ever seen. The game was on until like 1am or so here on in EST, and MAN was I rewarded.
GOD that ruled.
Eddie Royal for president
Al Davis for first lady
September 9, 2008
6:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
1968camaro writes:
It's always a good game when Denver Beats the Raiders. Raiders need a new "owner". Al Davis needs to sell this organization. I'm a Bronco fan hardcore! But have respect for the Raiders and a must to have them in the Wild Wild west. But Al Davis needs to stop trying to coach his team!
Denver will own the west this year!
September 9, 2008
6:19 a.m.
Suggest removal
Champion writes:
What amazes me about Royal is that Shanahans offense has been said to be difficult to learn for a rookie receiver way back to super bowl days, and yet first start Royal turns in an amazing effort. Royal could be a friendly Steve Smith, productive despite size . Agree with Golic when he said he doesn't think Marshall will catch 100 balls this year.
September 9, 2008
6:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
RickyLee writes:
We'll get 'em next week.
GOOOOOO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's funny, and when the Chargers get a dose of the Royal treatment next week it'll be GOOOO SAINTS... gotta love Faider Nation. Oh by the way what happend to Darren McFaider?
September 9, 2008
6:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
kmeissner writes:
Rickylee just likes to root against the Broncos. Oh well... Hopefully we'll look just as good next week against the Chargers! I'm so glad to see the Defense FINALLY step up to the plate though. They did great. Clady and Harris looked like studs. Cutler was brilliant. Royal was ALL OVER THE PLACE! I can't wait to see how this season shapes up. GO BRONCOS!
September 9, 2008
7:21 a.m.
Suggest removal
TDfan30 writes:
Ok, folks, it's too early to talk Super Bowl. However, I must state that with the Bolts coming in next week, this game was almost a "must win". If the home-town-heroes would have lost this game and then played a very angry SD team, they could have been potentially 0-2 and in trouble very early in the season. With that said, the Broncs came to play. Once the 'D' settled down, they showed glimmers of the good ol' days. However, they did allow some trash time yardage. Let's hope that is all it was: trash time. Cutler and Royal... man, did they make the secondary look like pee-wee league rejects? I'm stoked and I can't wait to see how SD handles Marshall, Royal and Stockley in 3-wide sets!! Hmmm... could it be that the passing game opens up the running game instead of the reverse? We'll see!
September 9, 2008
7:25 a.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Go Chargers! Nice to see the raiders are in the gutter where they belong.
September 9, 2008
7:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
SirRealist writes:
Holy cow! Again, I know it's just the Rayduhs, but we had good play calling, good O-line protection, good run-stop support, decent secondary coverage, some actual pressure on the opposing QB, a kicking game, and not bad returns. If we can get better on kick coverages, and stay healthy, this team can make it to the playoffs this year. We will be tested next Sunday by the 'Bolts, but their run game is hobbled, so if our vaunted secondary can stop a good portion of the air attack, the Broncos walk out of Mile High with a 2-0 record. After that, we'll see, but I'm liking the youth and the talent. It's been awhile. Kudos to the team all the way around.
September 9, 2008
8 a.m.
Suggest removal
Geezeroef writes:
all is not perfect in Broncoland! The run defense is not that good, the special teams looks suspect, but a win against the Raiders is always sweet. A better quarterback would have done some damage yesterday.
September 9, 2008
8:05 a.m.
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NYBroncofan writes:
Nice to see the Broncos spank the Faiders. If I didn't know better, I thought I saw Al Davis sitting in his owner's box dripping oatmeal from his chin and asking for a diaper change.
September 9, 2008
8:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
discer writes:
With a record of 19 wins and 62 losses over their last 81 games if I were a Raidah fan I wouldn't say a word! To those fans:
It is better to leave your mouth shut and leave some question as to your ignorance than it is to open it and remove all doubt!
September 9, 2008
8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
yeah, the not-so-special-teams are suspect once again (where was niko?) but i think TDfan30 is onto something here..... this yr, pass sets up the run. the o-line needs more time to get the whole run blocking thing down, but pass protection looks brilliant. sure helps to have a mobile qb who can throw accurately on the run!
run defense needs to eat extra wheaties before every game.....but they are improved from last yr.
nice effort overall.....bring on the chargers!! (eat it lingling)
[[[[[[[[[[[incognitoboy]]]]]]]]]]]]]
September 9, 2008
8:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Geezeroef, the run defense did well. What game were you watching? The Faiders, unless you forgot to notice, have decent RB's? Or did you forget? Denvers D, did just fine. And for all you Traiters fans, HAH! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I'm sorry, that's gloating. I shouldn't do that. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
September 9, 2008
8:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cutler6 writes:
Any Shanny haters?
September 9, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
I thought not.
September 9, 2008
9:06 a.m.
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JCRiggle writes:
Not only did Eddie Royal look good running routes and catching balls, he made some extremely smart plays that go unnoticed. Like throwing the ball away on that broken reverse. How many players, let alone rookies, would have tried to run the other way or danced around and lost 15-20 yards instead of just being smart and throwing it out of bounds. Royal is an athlete but has the brains to match. He will be a star.
September 9, 2008
9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
chartguy writes:
There's a "slideshow" next to the article, titled "Jarvis Moss' comeback".
Did Jarvis Moss even play last night?
Is this another first-round bust for the Broncos?
September 9, 2008
9:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
SE7EN writes:
After last night, I'm sure the unemployment line in Oakland will be shorter than usual as Raider fan recovers from their hangovers.
September 9, 2008
9:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Miss_Sin_Link writes:
How impressive was that?! Actually, thought, I thought the best play His Royal Highness ran all night wasn't against Hall, who he'd been beating like a drum all night. It was the one on Asomugha. Aso is a true quality corner, and Eddie did a double move on a short slant on third down that just turned him inside out.
Dude is sooo quick! His punt return with the Raider defender essentially on top of him as he caught the ball, then making four more guys miss in short succession, all in traffic, was amazing. Even when he fumbled, he spun around instantaneously to get on top of the ball. All game, he just looked like he was moving at a completely different speed than everyone else on the field. I get goosebumps to think of how dominant this passing game can get when he's paired with Marshall...
Can you say ROY-al? (As in Rookie Of the Year...)
September 9, 2008
9:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
RustyWon writes:
I like how all the loud mouth raider fans that were here yesterday are no where to be seen.
They have scattered off to their shadowed corners to sulk.
They should get used to it because their team is pathetic. mcfadeaway couldn't even finish the game.
Nothing better than the site of all the raider fans in the stands with their make-up dripping down on to their stupid dolls sewn on their shoulders. Love it.
O-Line looked awesome. That was a key to the game for sure.
Next up are the chargers, and they're mad right about now. We better plan on bringing the A game again.
September 9, 2008
9:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
SirRealist writes:
The possibilities with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Stokely, along with Dan Graham and Nate Jackson, coupled with a good running back corp, and a mobile, strong-armed, smart QB all on the field at the same time, really gives me hope. They all need time to gel, maybe this year, maybe next, because a lot depends on that nearly new O-line. But, one has to think things are far better than the past few years.
September 9, 2008
9:47 a.m.
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Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
Don't get carried away you Denver fans, remember who you played. Watch a real defense and team play them next week and tell me all these beaming high hopes are still there!
The Raiders had about as much creativity in their offense as you'd expect. My question, why do they draft Jamarcus Russell and not play him, it is not like they were contending for anything last year or since 02. See what he's got, he can play, he just needs some experience.
As for the Raiders secondary, what was that? DeAngelo Hall looked like an upset baby getting burnt by Royal. I love what ESPN said about him, a "hyped and highly paid "diva" corner". If he'd quit his whining and play with some pride, maybe he could live up to his so called HOF potential.
Yes, all in all a good night for the Broncs and Shanny. But remember, you don't get cupcakes every week, they'll get punched in the mouth next week and we'll see a different set of comments. They will face a much more disciplined and talented team on both sides of the ball. Week one brings out the optimists and ignoramuses.
September 9, 2008
9:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Deadwingsuck writes:
WHERE IS ALL THE RAIDERETTE NATION FANS NOW!?!?!? LMFAOOOO!!!!
Gotta love it!!!
I make GOOD money off this team...KEEP LOSING!!!!!! LMFAOOO!!!
September 9, 2008
9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Willy writes:
Great game by the kid, but let's not get our expectations too high. It's a long season and he just needs to keep up the good work. Shanahan has taken the cuffs off the offense.
September 9, 2008
9:57 a.m.
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reddog writes:
Sorry Rickylee, your "go raiders" backfired as bad as the raiders themselves. Keep it up I think you are a jinx for the opposing teams.
September 9, 2008
10 a.m.
Suggest removal
royalmarshalls writes:
I have been reading post on here for a while and just decided to create an account after that great game last night!
Where would this board be without Ricky(Martin)Lee the biggest fan in the NFL. Hell he likes every single team except the Broncos! lol!
I was happy to see the offense run full force last night. Cutler looked great, Royal did just what I thought he would and the O-line did a great job. Now to see how we work when Marshall gets back. The Run-D was better than last year, but I still want to see it improve. However, the line actually put some pressure on Jamarclown and I cant remember the last time I saw that.
GO BRONCOS!!!
September 9, 2008
10:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
joggle writes:
I sort of agree with you DiD. Halfway through the third quarter I couldn't help but think that the Raiders were playing like CU in the bad old days when they couldn't go 3 plays without getting a penalty. I love the Broncos but come on, let's see some competition to make it interesting.
September 9, 2008
10:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
sbhchawk writes:
Sir Real, you forgot about our first pass catching TE, T.S.
Flying in for the game this week and can't wait to see the Orange fever overwhelm the Charger blue
September 9, 2008
10:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
peter303 writes:
Now Jay has health back, he can reach his potential. Go jay!
September 9, 2008
10:35 a.m.
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Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
And Joggle, I think that the old CU teams of yester-year probably would have beaten the Raiders last night, they were that bad.
September 9, 2008
11:04 a.m.
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willysfish writes:
Great Game! Loved the play calling - makes the Shanahan haters retreat!
We should point out though, that there were a number of very open receivers down the field that Russel missed. If those would have connected, the game would have been closer and the faider running game would have been more productive.
But nothing better than a faider a$$ kicking by the broncos, and a charger loss as well as KC. Perfect opening to this season.
September 9, 2008
11:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
dawnmarie01 writes:
Just goes to show that experience is highly over-rated!
September 9, 2008
11:26 a.m.
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discer writes:
Who are you going to double team now? Marshall or Royal. When this season is over barring injury Jay Cutler will have a higher quarterback rating than Phillip "running mouth" Rivers. A Monster season for Cutler is on the way and the "D" will get better as the season progresses.
September 9, 2008
11:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
Rutabaga writes:
This is a bad day for those guys who hate Mike Shanahan but like to be Broncos fans. Hah... Now what. Maybe you could be Raider fans and hate Al Davis... You could always have fun that way...
Go Broncos...To The Championship and Beyond
September 9, 2008
11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Was it just me or was those three clowns (Mike's) in the booth last night falling all over themselves with how great the Raider's were? And then as the game turn into a laugh er the tune was changed. Dicka has never liked the Broncos because Elway got his buddy Reeves fired. (Remember "The inmates are running the asylum")
September 9, 2008
11:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
willysfish writes:
Yea - I thought the same thing about those three Mike Dorks. They were terrible and everything was Raiders this and Raiders that. Ditka mostly only brought up negative things about the Broncs. Glad I don't listen to Mike and Mike in the morning and Ditka is just that - a Dicka.
September 9, 2008
12:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
fastnloose writes:
Jamarcus Russell will eat his way out of the league within 4 years.Did you see how fast our linebackers closed on him? Imagine another 20lbs on that fat tush!
September 9, 2008
12:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
vvsignin writes:
So Dikta won a SB. Lots of coaches win one SB. But not all of them go and trade away a whole draft for one RB that sticks with the team for three years and then leaves. Way to go Mike! You set back the Saints like a decade with that brilliant maneuver. Too bad the late game had the 'B' squad. All of the hype surrounding Aaron Rodgers brought over the quality announcers. Anyhow, if the Broncs can pick up that nasty zone dog blitz the Chargers bring and hit some screens and crossing routes against it, this will be a game on Sunday. It wouldn't hurt either if Dumerville rung River's bell. A win on Sunday would send this town into a friggin frenzy...
September 9, 2008
1:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
shawnraiders81 writes:
Hey guys, Im here to eat crow, I was here talking football last week and your guys look good. Eddie Royal looks to be a great pick up, but you have to give JaMarcus props he will be a great NFL qb, if he ever gets an offensive line.
McFadden will be the real deal too!
anyway good game, I hope you guys would do the same and come on to our blog and eat crow, soon enough see not all Raiders fans are drunks and Low Lifes I'm being a man and a true Raider fan by having the balls to take it........
September 9, 2008
1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
LarryB writes:
And now we know why some of us call him FAST EDDIE ROYAL!! :)
September 9, 2008
1:33 p.m.
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LarryB writes:
By the way, Shawnraiders81, I indeed have to compliment Russell. We have to remember, he is effectively a rookie. He showed some great skills, and the thought he is going to get better is scary.
I wasn't overly impressed with McFadden, not like I was Fargus, but Russell is threatening to become the real deal.
September 9, 2008
1:39 p.m.
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hharlin writes:
Did anyone look at ESPN's power ranking? Are they a bunch of idiots or what?Denver at number 19!
September 9, 2008
1:41 p.m.
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shawnraiders81 writes:
P.S. Anyone want to trade for Deangelo Hall? (Please God!)
September 9, 2008
2:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
RockyV writes:
All the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News could talk about was how the Broncos won't be able to pass and that the rookie will struggle - Denver will have to rely on tight ends and running game...
I wonder how many of the self-made "experts" at the papers that prognistated all this are willing to eat crow and say they were wrong now that Royal has not only proven them wrong - but embarrassingly so.
September 9, 2008
2:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
4gColoNative writes:
Maybe a Raider fan can describe how it feels to walk out of a stadium, after your gangsta team just got supremely humiliated, with all that makeup, spiked shoulder pads, effigies, etc. on yourself.
Or maybe if you're clueless enough, it doesn't bother you. Because you are incapable of realizing just how much of a stupid a$$ you are.
Raiders fans: the people who have, in the past, thrown D-cell batteries at players from the stands.
September 9, 2008
2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
LingLingfor_prez writes:
ESPN's power rankings are usually junk. It's too early to tell anyway. I don't have much to say since I am still laughing at the Raiders but also laughing at the "tree-sitters" at UC Berkeley. If they were protesting about how bad the Raiders are, then I could understand spending 21 months up there (might be a while.) Go Chargers!
September 9, 2008
3:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
joggle writes:
Yea, Russell probably would have done a heck of a lot better if he had all day to throw like Cutler did. For this year Russell better learn to get rid of the ball faster otherwise a lot of sacks and fumbles will be heading his way.
What was up with that anyway? I didn't think Denver's O-line is that good and I don't think Oakland was dumb enough to play prevent defense so what the heck? I'm a Bronco fan but you gotta admit the Oakland D must have either been confused or just not trying hard enough sometimes because there's no excuse in the NFL for letting a quarterback sit back there for as long as he wants before tossing to his receiver on the third or fifth read.
September 9, 2008
3:17 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
I'm trying not to get too excited, after all the Raiders have been pathetic for a long time now and they self destructed again last night, but.............the Broncs looked good didn't they? Cutler was sharp and STRONG, Royal looked great and the play calling was better than it's been for a few years. I hope they can carry this momentum and emotion through next week and pound the Chargers.
September 9, 2008
3:41 p.m.
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discer writes:
Seems to me that the pressure is on the Chargers. The Broncos should be loose knowing that they will come out of that game no worse that tied for first and at best 2-0 with a two game lead on San Diego, and not the opposite as so many so-called experts had predicted. Either way not a bad start for a young team with a lot of promise. If they stay healthy and don't turn it over too much they could be somebody!
September 9, 2008
3:41 p.m.
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BroncFanFl writes:
I'm thinking - yep - highlight Royal on the Raiders, and make the Chargers start worrying about who to cover.
<snigger>
Offensive control of the game is starting to look easier for the Broncs. Nice play, Shanahan.
September 9, 2008
3:57 p.m.
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street2 writes:
RickeyLee, isn't that a disease sailors used to get.
September 9, 2008
4:37 p.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
Gotta admit I was uber-impressed with Royal. The play of the game wasn't the touchdown catch, but throwing it out of bounds on a busted play. The guy had the presence of mind to realize it just wasn't there and tossed it - he played QB better than JaMarcus Russell did.
Nothing prettier than watching Raider fan makeup streaked with tears though.
September 9, 2008
5:18 p.m.
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Spider writes:
LingLingfor_prez, you should go check out the faderz website and see the trash they were talking about your loss to the Panthers. Some of it was really funny.
September 9, 2008
5:52 p.m.
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Broncody writes:
Shawnraiders81 I respect what you said and way to be a man and take your cyber lumps. Russel did impress me when he threw the ball. He didn't seem to feel the rush coming as well as he should have and he didn't seem to be able to break tackles like I thought he would. If Curry would have caught the ball it might have been a different game. I never liked Paymah over Foxworth and I wanted Foxy back last night on Mrs. Lelie. I liked the way Hillis played, again, and thought having Pittman get the ball at the goal line makes his signing worth it.
September 9, 2008
6 p.m.
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SE7EN writes:
Hey all you apologists for Denver winning a game. All of you people saying "it was just the raiders...don't forget who you beat..blah blahhhhhhhh" "wait until you play a real defense...blaahhhh" So what will be your excuse next week?? "Oh the Chargers don't have Merriman.." Yeah yeah yeah..we won...It is obvious we've improved...get used to it and get over it.
September 9, 2008
7:03 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
broncody - MRS. lelie??! LMAO!!! thanks, man, made my day! it's really too bad she had to go and grab that touchdown pass and have bragging rights, small as they may be.......
gotta give props to shawnraiders81 for, like broncody said, coming back and taking his cyberlumps. wow, who knew there was an honorable man on the wrong side of the bay? i too, think jamarcus russell has potential, but i firmly believe AL TRACKSUIT is going to goober it up for him by putting him on the coach-for-a-season carousel. the poor guy will have to learn a different system every year, and is he really THAT smart? i have my doubts. talented athlete for sure, but reminds me of daunte 'nobody loves me' chokepepper a bit. that's my 2 cents...
[[[[[[[[[[incognitoboy]]]]]]]]]]]
September 9, 2008
9:05 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Disgusting_in_Denver, you keep harping how bad the Raiders were? Why not look at the possibility that Denver is just "really that good"? You "glass half empty" lines are getting old. But that's ok. We will take pleasure in watching your posts fall flat on their faces, week after week.
September 9, 2008
9:56 p.m.
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jmfslots writes:
This was a "Team Win". Cutler was brilliant- cool hand Jay! Royal did things that no rookie is suppose to be able to do. I'm impressed. The OL gave Jay all the time in the world. One thing that has only been mentioned a few times in these posts is the Game Plan. Shanny did a fantastic job of designing and calling plays that had the Raiders completely off balance. They didn't know where to turn or what to do. Marshall will be back next game and they can't double team both him and Royal- it should be fun. The surprise in the game was that with all the youth on the team- no-one was playing like a new kid on the block. Great team effort.
September 9, 2008
10:16 p.m.
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den2mke writes:
There's a reason the Broncos have been competitive with aging, less-than-stellar talent during the Griese/Plummer years: Shanahan. Everyone acts like it's a surprise the play calling was so good last night. THE PLAY CALLING IS ALWAYS GOOD...just that for the first time in 10 years he can open the whole book up! No QB that can't throw a 20-yard out or will implode if given too much leash.
This is a breathe of fresh air...Royal has uncanny instincts, mad quix and I really can't wait to see defenses try to match up with him, Marshall and our TEs in the passing game...Know it's only the Raiders, but Cutler didn't get TOUCHED last night...
Real football starts in week 2--and I'm still a bit concerned about our D and run offense--but the weapons on offense are going to make things interesting...