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It’s summertime, long warm days, BBQ’s, and picnics. Families are enjoying vacations, the laughter and play of children throughout the day, school’s out, and the Denver Broncos are beginning training camp.
Amongst all the fun and sun, a “buzz” can be heard coming from Dove Valley. This year something just seems different. Something is very unfamiliar. Bronco and football fans alike are eating it up. Why is no one saying…..”this is the pre-season, None of this stuff really matters.” People are actually tuning in, logging in, reading, learning, and listening to all things Broncos.
Head coach Josh McDaniels has created an atmosphere. One of furious competition, intrigue, and anticipation.
Can anyone remember the last time fans were so excited to hear what’s going on in training camp? Can anyone remember the last time fans were chomping at the bit for the pre-season’s first game? I certainly can’t. Usually fans (including me) are kind of complacent until game three of the pre-season. That’s when we believe we will get a good look at our team. So what’s so different about this year?
While most people will give the credit to the Broncos 25th overall pick (Tim Tebow), I believe the story runs much deeper.
This year there is something for everyone. Defensive aficionados have the excitement of Parrish Cox, Alphonso Smith, Robert Ayers, and all the additions along the front seven to watch, observe, and thoroughly enjoy. It doesn’t hurt that Elvis Dumervil has just signed long term and that Champ Bailey is in his final contract year.
The Broncos return most of last years’ No. 7 overall defense and No. 3 passing defense.
They have added depth, an aggressive “players favorite” coach in “Wink” Martindale, and the promise of improvement due to being in their second year in the 3/4 system. Oh yes, There is something for the fan who loves defense.
How about the fans who love a tough physical battle on offense and long for the days of the storied Broncos running game ? In comes a LOT of beef up front—the Broncos transitioning to a power running scheme, Knowshon Moreno in his second year, and Spencer Larson focusing on the full-back position. Add that to three big aggressive TEs and Marquez Branson promising to give the Broncos a very big pass catching target over the middle and I would say these fans are on the edges of their sofas waiting to see how this scenario pans out. If the rumors are correct, the trading of JJ Arrington has opened the door for Brian Dawkins friend and old teammate Brian Westbrook. There is a definite buzz coming out of the backfield and in the trenches.
The Broncos return an already solid offensive line and looks to have improved upon that with depth, size, and scheme. J.D. Walton was stellar against the likes of Ndamokong Suh, Gerald McCoy, and Cam Thomas. He has a mean nasty center who makes little to no mistakes and has competed against arguably the top three DT his whole career. and please see my piece on Zane Beadles, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/425939-zane-beadles-yet-another-bronco-signs .
Feel the excitement yet ?
How about all you big play loving, pass catching, high scoring fans ? Coach McDaniels has promised to do much better than last year in making big plays. He has proved his commitment to this by bring in a player who was second in the nation in yards per catch in Demaryius Thomas, a sure handed threat over the middle and in traffic in Eric Decker, and added two QBs (Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow) with the pedigrees to challenge Kyle Orton to do just that! Not to mention Kenny McKinley, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie “big time” Royal, and competition between OTA standouts Matthew Willis and Brandon Lloyd. You have to be feeling it by now, right?
For all you star watchers and game time apparel people—we all know what the Denver Broncos have done by selecting Tim Tebow. Has sports seen anything like this? Has any rookie ever come into ANY sport and IMMEDIATELY led in jersey sales, and been as spoken about and polarized?
For all you Tebow fans, this has GOT to be an exciting time. Everyone will get their first game-time Tebow sighting during pre-season game one where all the talk and speculation meets reality. Where Jaime Dukes will have to put up or shut up. Where all this online bantering and discussion finally has some data to contribute. And to top all that off….training camp is free and open to the public, including autographs and up close interaction TOMORROW!
Fans and critics alike must admit, this pre-season will be one to remember. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!