Pot Roast has Chosen his Number for that BIG jersey of his

+Denver Broncos DT, Terrance Knighton, has a new number with his generosity to DeMarcus Ware with #94. +BRONCOS CR3W

After giving No. 94 to @DeMarcusWare, @MrKnighton2u has picked a new number: http://t.co/mVp0BliI2g pic.twitter.com/QBC5lv0EL6
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 18, 2014

As to those who Wondered if Pot Roast or DeMarcus will be Wearing #94

Who is to wear Number 94 in Mile High?

I have enough respect for the game and it's history and the men that the best to ever do it. Giving my #94 ... http://t.co/lJ96nngOiw
— Terrance Knighton (@MrKnighton2u) March 13, 2014

Kind gesture Pot Roast, but at least get a #Rolex from it or something! Go :D !

Lol oh that 94 gon cost tho

— Terrance Knighton (@MrKnighton2u) March 12, 2014

New deal not likely for Knighton

Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe
via Getty Images)Terrance Knighton,
left, was one of Denver's
best performers on the
defensive line this season.

By Jeff Legwold | ESPN.com

After a 35-point loss in Super Bowl XLVIII, the Denver Broncos have discovered the hangover can still linger in the city too.

Some with the team said this week that representatives for defensive tackle Terrance Knighton have approached the Broncos about the possibility of a new contract, an item that got things buzzing on the Front Range.

So much so that Knighton took to Twitter Tuesday to post: “I don't know why people are mad at me. All I do is play football. The business part is controlled by my agent.’’

Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Terrance Knighton, left, was one of Denver's best performers on the defensive line this season. But it is often a rite of post-Super Bowl passage for teams. In the wake of the title-game appearance, players whose contracts made them relative bargains on the way to the championship game may be hoping for a bit of a re-do.

Knighton, who signed a two-year deal last March, was one of the Broncos’ best performers on defense this season, particularly down the stretch after Kevin Vickerson went to injured reserve with a hip injury in late November. Knighton’s deal, which included a $500,000 signing bonus, called for him to earn a $1 million base salary in the 2013 season to go with a $1.5 million base salary in ’14.

Knighton does have a $1 million roster bonus due in March.

And in the end, players, or in reality their agents, can certainly ask for a new deal. That’s how it works, the business of football. After all, when a team is done with a player, the executives don’t suddenly stop before typing the guy’s name on the waiver wire and say, “Oh wait, he’s got three years left on the deal -- we should honor that.’’

That said, don’t expect Knighton or his representatives to have much success with this one. With John Elway calling the football shots, the Broncos have chosen short-term deals for most of their free-agent signees just for this scenario. Elway ran a lot of businesses before Pat Bowlen hired him to be the team's top football executive and thus far Elway has picked his spots in free agency and hasn't made a habit of tearing up old deals to make new ones.

Knighton’s impact was clear on the team’s defense and he, and linebacker Danny Trevathan, may have been the most consistent performers all season.

But right now his $2.75 million salary-cap figure is slated as the third-highest on the defense for 2014, behind only Champ Bailey ($10 million) and linebacker Von Miller ($6.682 million). The Broncos are expected to at least broach the topic of a cap adjustment, possibly even a salary cut like Chris Kuper had last August, with Bailey in the coming weeks and months.

So, the Broncos will, unless there is an unexpected and shocking shift in their feelings on the topic, simply let Knighton play out the 2014 season and re-visit it next year at this time when Knighton will be approaching free agency.

In addition the Broncos will have an eye on the salary-cap horizon as well with Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, Orlando Franklin and Miller all slated to be unrestricted free agents following the 2014 season.

Terrance Knighton Explains Origin of "Pot Roast" Nickname

Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

January 28, 2014

(Photo: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)

NEWARK – No more satisfying way to begin Media Day morning than with a heaping helping of "Pot Roast'' for breakfast.

Denver Broncos star defensive tackle Terrance Knighton has become a rising star and was a popular attraction for Tuesday's Super Bowl XLVIII Media Day coming off his fourth-down sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game.

"I've only had Pot Roast twice,'' Knighton said. "My rookie year in Jacksonville. And the second time was last week when I took the whole defensive line out to a Denver restaurant.

"We had Pot Roast and Pot Roast egg rolls.

"Maybe I can get a Chunky Soup commercial or something like that.

"Who knows?

"There's a lot of things you can do with Pot Roast.

"Hopefully, somebody can up with an idea and I'm open to it.''

So how did the 6-3, 330-pound, fifth-year defensive tackle come by his moniker?

"It was on a flight coming back from Seattle my rookie year in Jacksonville,'' Knighton said. "It was a six-hour flight. Guys were tired. The plane was dark and the lady was walking down the aisle, saying, "Pot Roast? Pot Roast?'

"And I'm like, 'Right here.' My teammate behind me said, 'You say that like that's your name?'

"He said, 'I'm going to call you Pot Roast from now on.' I said, 'Yeah, whatever.'

"So it stuck to me.'''

Knighton paused before adding, "It was either that or Shrimp Alfredo.'''

One of the key players in the Super Sunday trenches is a ton of fun.

About 100 pounds and nine years ago, the 27-year-old Knighton was a 6-2, 235-pound wide receiver at Windsor High in Hartfield, Conn.

"I miss catching touchdowns,'' Knighton said.

That's OK. He's gotten pretty good at sacking quarterbacks after he beat guard Logan Mankins and dropped Brady for a key sack when the Patriots went for it on fourth-and-3 from the Broncos' 29 late in the third quarter in their win to reach the Super Bowl.

Knighton had some fun with the heralded battle between himself and Seattle Seahawks power back Marshawn Lynch, who just inked a deal with "Skittles.''

"People are saying, it's Pot Roast versus Skittles,'' he said.

"I'm going to have fun with it. My family loves it. Fans love it. My coaches love it.

"If I get a sack this game, I've got a little special sack dance. It's something to do with Pot Roast.

"You'll see.''

H/T - Original +USA TODAY Sports Article Founde Here:

"POT ROAST" was the Special of the AFC Championship

With Sunday's 51-28 Win, the Broncos Clinched a Spot in the Postseason

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos are headed to the playoffs.

Wild finishes gave the +Miami Dolphins and +Baltimore Ravens wins earlier in the day, meaning only a Broncos win against the +Tennessee Titans would secure the club a place in the postseason.

Peyton Manning On a Boot from Game 13,
Broncos hosting Titans with a 51 - 28 win.
Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com (AP)

Four quarters later, a 51-28 victory clinched it.

“That’s our goal," Head Coach John Fox said of the playoffs. "But our goal is still to win the division and obviously get the best seed we can. Our biggest goal is to get to the big game and win the big game.”

It marks the team's third consecutive playoff berth, and the franchise's 20th overall.

The win gave quarterback Peyton Manning his 13th season in which his team has made the playoffs, which according to Elias Sports Bureau surpassed Brett Favre's previous record for the most by a +NFL quarterback in history.

"It’s good," wide receiver Eric Decker said. "I guess you have some security but our job is not finished – winning this division is number one and winning this conference is number two. And we have to make sure that we get better as a team as a whole. We have a big goal and expectations for this year, and that’s just one week at a time and grinding away."


                                 Brought to you by +FOX Sports

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. echoed those sentiments, noting that there are still three more games to improve the team's seed.

But the team still has the one-week-at-a-time mentality that has served it well to this point. And that means all eyes are on the +Chargers for a Thursday Night Football matchup in just four days.

"We're just trying to keep pushing," linebacker Von Miller said. "We're not worried about playoffs. We want to take care of San Diego right now. Continue to take it one play at a time. We don't want to bite off more than we can chew. That's what's been working for us, so we're going to stick to it."

Pro Football Focus Ranking Numbers Reveal No Insight

Peyton nor Demaryius not listed as top performers for Week 10

Had to post some remarks about this article write up and these pointless rankings/numbers that they attach to players that reveal nothing about how a team played in a team game and the caliber of competition they played, let alone a solid win or loss from the week. Look at some of the teams these players are on and their results from week 10. They have some great aspects to how they get to these numbers and analyze and player by every single play they have, but on the flipside, they are not insightful when it relates to the broad spectrum of how the league's teams, and its players are executing as a whole. Particularly, in relation, to wins and losses for a team game.

We are not really saying that we or anyone should not be a big fan of +Pro Football Focus (PFF) articles that are based on these ratings. In fact, PFF has some very insightful stuff on their site that we love to read. Their ratings system though, we are not buying. For one, how do they come to give a rating and in reality, we feel it is just to put a number on each position just for the sake of it. Instead of doing the old school way of describing a player's caliber of play as extremely great, good, so-so, not so good, and/or pretty bad. 

Plenty aware that a lot of work goes behind reaching these numbers and that they are probably pretty solid. The performance of others in football relies on the 10 other guys next to you. We prefer to look at the teams wins & losses and regular stats with a bit of modernization of some of the stats. Like yards per play, for example. With the up-tempo teams that are featured nowadays, coaches often look at how much yards per play they are giving up in comparison to total yards allowed. One week, for example the +Denver Broncos face the +Chargers, who average these amount of plays per game. The next week, just for arguments sake, they face the Patriots who average plays/game. Based on getting off that many more plays per game, the Patriots should obviously average more yards of offense per game and more than likely more yards given up on defense since they are more plays overall in their games. 

It is very similar to +ESPN constant attempt to change the QB ratings/stats to TotalQBR, but that is flawed right off the bat when looking into it because they give a higher rating to QBs that are able to come back from a deficit. The Broncos, don't often have a deficit, so Peyton Manning most likely would not get a higher Total QBR then he really should over other QB's. In the event a QB leads the whole game despite stellar performance and maintaining that lead to a win, it counts as a negative in comparison to a QB that comes back from behind and gets a win. That is significantly flawed. A QB that jumps out to a big lead each and every week is not rated as high because they are that good that a deficit is not common place. Factoring in numbers of opponents players is contingent on them, etc. All in all, its just for computer rankings sake, instead of just looking at the original statistics and above all, point differential, takeaway margin, field position, 3rd down efficiency on both sides, and redzone efficiency on both sides means more to us than a number that some algorithm crunched insides of multiple other algorithms is not as significant to Broncos CR3W. In interviews that we have listened to several +Pac-12 Conference coaches agree, the +University of Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham looks at avg./yards per play that his consistently solid defenses give up, and if it is 5 yards or less then they did their job. Many of these coaches have had NFL experience as well. PFF needs to look at numbers like this and above all, factor in wins and losses, and ding teams that have to come from behind and got a deficit to begin with. As well as teams they maintain and hold leads consistently. That said, we don't really plan on using PFF's numbers as a point of reference very often.

Aside from that, these ratings appear to be much more based on how badly the guy on one side plays against another or in layman terms, how bad the opponent is. RGIII is Honorable Mention? He lost at Minnesota, Peyton Manning through for over 300 yards and 4 TDs with a better completion percentage. What is beyond understanding as well, is how is Julius Thomas not above either listed and Demaryius Thomas above any WR from week 10? Brandon Marshall had a great game, but he lost to +Detroit Lions at home and did not have a Demaryius caliber game and many would concur. Beybey Thomas is only an honorable mention?! Our point is, maybe in future don't take PFF's ratings into a discussion as the only piece of evidence or pudding. Their numbers, in the human brain, do not add up sensibly. The Denver Broncos linebackers were really good against San Diego Chargers. We really felt Chris Harris Jr. and Rahim Moore (especially Moore) were exceptional as well as key situations. 3rd & 16 with just around 4 minutes remaining in the game with a pass deflected and forcing the +Chargers to punt the ball away. Look at the clip below. Example after example. A +Oakland Raiders center against the +New York Giants. Raiders lost the game by the way. +Buffalo Bills got trounced at +Pittsburgh Steelers. We find it odd that many so-called pundits and experts use PFF for references in regards to quality of play. The +Carolina Panthers defensive line against the +San Francisco 49ers are not acknowledged or 'honorable mention(ed).' Very skewed numbers overall. Great to see Von Miller in there. Still, we find another example, Terrance Knighton is playing light out, where is he? Offensive lineman can't get a good score on pass protection? So a run oriented team is likely to get acclaim by PFF over a pass oriented team for offensive line play.

Screenshot of PFF Week 10 NFL
Team based on their (PFF) Analysis Numbers

Perhaps in the world of wizards and Mr. Harry Potter, but this is the world of Muggles. Apologies PFF, not quidditch here. Happy to wager Terrance Knighton's level of play as of late along with Chris Harris Jr. and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (DRC) against the players' performances, listed. +Baltimore Ravens DB's obviously faced Andy Dalton, the bad version, which influenced their rating more than anything else. Somehow, take into account what the opposing player did in comparison to what he should have done and rate his expected caliber of play into that factor. How about Hammer (Wesley) Woodyard and Danny Trevathan combining for 22 tackles against the ball control, deliberate +Chargers run game? Teams like +Tennessee Titans who dropped a loss to winless +Jacksonville Jaguars. Our interpretation is the team that plays a QB with a low pass completion rate, QB that plays well in a deficit, an O-Line is rewarded for a good running game over a good passing game. Not too mention they listed a +Dallas Cowboys player, they got manhandled by the +New Orleans Saints. 

Broncos Defense, Home Field too Much for Shanahan, Redskins

Broncos D and Second Half Derail 'Skins

Denver, CO - Broncos improve to 7-1 with 38 straight unanswered points with a 45-21 final.

The Denver Broncos contingency welcomed "Shanny," (Mike Shanahan) back with much warmth and gratitude but by the time the coach of the Washington Redskins left, he was dismissed & sent back to Washington DC unfamiliar with the losing feeling he had just endured at his former home, Mile High. Shanahan filled the stadium and the millions of Broncos fans (Cr3w) with a lot of great memories; which included Super Bowl wins, MVP seasons for players, Coach of the Year awards, and many other historic accomplishments. He is considered by many, the Broncos greatest head coach in their franchise history. It would be hard to dispute such acclaim considering his track record with. The Redskins appeared to have played their best offense of the year the week prior against the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos defense had been spoken about in most manners, negatively, regarding their performances.Specifically, when defending the pass along with the amount of points they had allowed thus far this season.

Welker scoring 6 yd TD
AP (DenverBroncos.com)

The Broncos started the game as if it were going play by play on their game plan script. Redskins, chose to receive the ball, and the Broncos defense forced a three and out right out of the gate. Peyton Manning and his offensive teammates took their first drive methodically, swiftly, and efficiently down the field capped off by a 6 yard TD pass to +Wes Welker over 9 plays and 3:40 off the clock to take the lead, 7-0. Manning was 5-5 on the drive looking sharp right out of the gates. An unusual start for the Broncos despite a record setting offense through eight games this year, they have consistently been a second half team with Peyton Manning, including last year. This stayed true, though, because it turned out to be the only score the Broncos had in the first half. 

After the Welker TD, both offenses did very little. Both sides punted 3 times apiece. The silver lining came in the fashion of the Broncos defense playing very well. The Broncos moved the ball but stalled out near field goal range for Matt Prater. The discouraging aspect was that one of the drives ended on third and short when they failed to convert on that type of situation in week 7 at Indianapolis several times. A few drives were backed up on 3rd by a penalty or loss of yards on 2nd down. The Broncos were getting first downs but unable to continue with a few in succession. With 7:33 left in the 2nd quarter, the +Washington Redskins controlled the clock and had many small chunks of yards that involved one costly penalty on the Broncos, and scored a TD. The drive started on the Redskins own 5 yard line and took 16 plays over 7:03. The penalty was 12 men on the field on the Broncos on a 3rd and 5 on their 12 yard line to give the Redskins a first down by just enough. On first and goal from the 7, +Robert Griffin III threw a TD to Leonard Hankerson making it 7-7 going into the half. A low scoring affair that was expected to be the opposite for many expecting around 60 to 70 points between the two teams.

The second half was a different story. Turnovers for both sides, the Broncos defense, for the first time, looked like the top five ranked defense they were last year. They created a lot of problems, sacks, pressure, and turnovers with few penalties. That is not to say that after the first 3 minutes and 34 seconds of the half the Broncos were looking unlike the usual second half team they are accustomed to. Digging themselves into a hole after two quick turnovers that the Redskins turned into 2 TDs to go up 21 - 7. One from a pick 6 off of Manning that DeAngelo Hall took back 26 yards after giving Beybey (Demaryius) Thomas a tug, from which Thomas fell to the ground on a slant route that was not flagged. The other was caused by a sack strip by Ryan Kerrigan and recovered by Brian Orakpo on the DEN 19 yard line. Three +Alfred Morris runs straight included a TD on the third run. It was now gut check time for the Broncos coming off of a loss and playing poorly at home, down 14 pts right out of the second half gate.

Montee Ball first career TD, 4 yard run
(AP - Denver Broncos)

The following possession, the Broncos took over at their own 25 and ran 11 plays over 3:37 that was capped off by a Montee Ball 4 yard run that moved the pile and carry both lines of the Broncos and Redskins the whole 4 yards, finding his way into the endzone. This play was the turning point of the game in many respects. The home crowd, who had been silent for much of 2 quarters, ignited by this tough, filled with heart, and physical running by Ball. A key play in the drive was the Broncos 4th down conversion with a Knowshon Moreno 5 yard run on the WAS 20 that heightened and increased the momentum for Ball's TD run.

Broncos came out and allowed 29 yards on 4 plays, but one was 11 yard pass with 15 yards tacked on by an unnecessary roughness penalty on Kevin Vickerson (60 yards by 4 penalties in weeks 7 & 8 by Vickerson). Despite that first play, the Broncos defense allowed 3 yards on 3 plays after and got the ball right back to their offense with 5:03 left in the 3rd quarter on their own 17. The Broncos drove the length of the field to the Redskins 1 yard line. They failed to score on 3rd and goal at which point, the 3rd quarter expired. During the break in between the 3rd and 4th quarters, the Broncos elected to go for the TD on 4th down. In a wonderfully called scheme, Broncos came out in a 3 TE formation (heavy formation) that had a triple shift out of a goal-line formation to bunch TE off of the right tackle. The shift led to outmatching the "heavy" Redskins defense and a +Joel Dreesen TD grab that made it 21-21. At this point the "MO" (momentum) was fully throttled in the the Broncos favor and the home crowd was very alive and enthusiastic.

The aspects of the 2nd half up to the 21 pts apiece score of note were the early 14 points the Redskins got, the Broncos defense came out and got the ball back to their offense quickly back to back, and the biggest plays to that point were the two big time 4th down conversions the Broncos got that led to both TDs they earned in the half.

Only 20 seconds later, the Redskins were punting on their 4th play after 3 RGIII incompletions. A shanked punt by Sav Rocca, landed the Broncos offense on the WAS 35. The first play after, cemented the momentum and control of the game on a screen pass to Moreno for a TD with great blocking, reading those blocks, and a key block by 'do it all' WR Welker to spring the last 5 yards for Moreno. Broncos took the lead 28-21, which included 21 unanswered. 

RGIII losing ball after Von Miller (pulling RGIII Down) Sack
and Derek Wolfe recovery (AP - Denver Broncos)

The next possession is probably the drive that let all of the air out of the Redskins when Von Miller, the All-Pro LB/DE of the Broncos, got his first sack of the season (his 2nd game back) while stripping the ball from behind RGIII, a FF, that Derek Wolfe pounced on the WAS 34. It was the 2nd play on offense for the Redskins after the Broncos took the lead. Those 4 defensive outings (led to 24 unanaswered pts by the offense) seemed to be all wrapped up in one considering how quickly they occurred and the vast change in the game itself.

This led to a Matt Prater FG that put the Broncos up ten points, 31-21. At this point the Redskins had completely abandoned the run even though the Broncos last 17 points had only taken less than 3:46 in all and 11+ minutes still remaining. Another 3 downs and out forced by the defense where the Broncos committed their 3rd turnover on the WAS 18 with a pass intended for a double covered Welker. Two plays after, the exceptional cover DB, Chris Harris Jr intercepted RGIII on the WAS 25. 

Peyton took advantage with a 35 yard pass (because of a holding call putting them 10 yards back) to Beybey Thomas for a TD that truly sealed it up, with a 38-21 score. 31 unanswered points by the Broncos at this point. 

Beybey Thomas 35 yd TD (AP - Denver Broncos)

Leon Hall described the change in score, "It was like a blur," Hall said. "Someone asked me, 'What went wrong, what happened?' To be brutally honest, I don't remember. I looked up one point, 21-7, felt good, everybody smiling. Turned around and it ... was 38-21." 

In the last 6+ minutes, the Broncos added a TD, another 3 interceptions by Rahim Moore, Shaun Phillips, and 1 being returned for a 75 yard TD by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for a pick six, putting the final score at 45-21.

Broncos coach called it,"Without a doubt...," the best defensive outing of the season in the post-game press conference and reemphasized that on Monday. Despite 4 turnovers by the Broncos, all by Manning (1 of which was on him, the interception intended for Welker), the Broncos defense forced 5, giving the Broncos a +1 in turnover margin for the game. The fumble was caused as he was throwing, and Kerrigan got just enough of his arm reaching out for it. DeAngelo Hall twice intercepted him by some savvy pro bowl caliber play on one and the other he slickly pulled Beybey down as mentioned before. The other, Hall got one hand on a ball while Beybey Thomas was bringing it in for a catch and Hall managed to pull it within his grip while airborne, parallel to the ground, with one hand. A play that is described as 'tip your cap to' for making. "That stuff happens in football," Manning said. "We haven't had a ton of that, but the fact we were able to overcome it was critical," in reference to the turnovers committed. An issue that still need to be rectified and minimized if they plan on bigger things this season.

One has to question the Broncos throwing the ball as they had that led to the 2 late INT's. They were not running the ball with big gashes of yards but the Redskins team, and especially their defense appeared to be wearing down and the yards were starting to increase per rush. It was a balanced overall pas/run ratio when you consider the passing offense is setting records for TD passes and yards for 8 games into an NFL season. I would still preferred to see a little focus on what football calls, "The 4 min. offense," when up 17 and only half of the 4th quarter left. 

Broncos wk8 RB Trio: Moreno (27), Ball (28), and
C.J. Anderson (22) - (AP - Denver Broncos)

The Broncos defense earned the nickname, "Orange Crush" from their performance, forcing five turnovers as mentioned, all in the 4th. Also creating two additional FF that they did not recover. CJ Anderson saw some meaningful playing time in his first active career game. The player to pay the price was the fumble ridden RB, Ronnie Hillman. The headlines and writers will mostly talk about Von Miller returning, but the brutal span for the Broncos defense is not coincidentally aligned with Hammer Woodyard missing the playing time he did. Woodyard returned to the lineup and also got some rest because of the late lead and got through the game not aggravating his injury any further. A big positive coming into a bye. 

Regarding the bye coming up in week 9, Manning said, "It could not have come at a better time. A lot of players are quite beat up and could use the rest." John Fox said that Peyton will not see many reps this week in practice. Mannings ankle did not get aggravated either, but Fox recognizes the rest true value, to get their MVP caliber QB much needed rest for his body. They will practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday receiving the rest of the week off until Monday after the league finishes week 9. Resuming their week 10 as usual on Monday in preparation for a trip to San Diego.

Terrance Knighton should be noted as well. The guy is getting in the back field disrupting running plays, but also inside pressure on the QB consistently. Something every QB will point out as the most disruptive aspect to the passing game if they cannot step up the middle of the pocket because it is getting collapsed from the front. Despite the 4 turnovers by the Broncos, the defense came out and bailed them out after 2 of them with turnovers of their own and causing all 5 in the 4th quarter. Consistent pressure on RGIII and a very active secondary with linebackers lead the way to this Broncos victory. Former head coach, Shanahana summed it up, "You can't give Peyton that many opportunities because he's going to take advantage of it," coaching in Denver for the first time since the Broncos fired him in 2008.

Julius Thomas and Duke Ihenacho both left the game with ankle injuries and did not return. Julius Thomas had an MRI on Monday, October 28th that turned out negative for a high ankle sprain. Good news for the Broncos and their offense implying he should not miss anytime or much especially with a bye week to treat his ankle with the training staff. No official word for "Nacho."

Orlando Franklin, Joel Dreesen, and 'Hammer' Woodyard all played through questionable injuries and appeared to come out of it no worse. Now the Broncos are heading into a much needed mid-season bye to rest a relatively beat up bunch in Denver.

Notes:
Passing:
Manning finished 30-44 and 354 yards 4 TD 3 INT (1 FL)

RGIII finished 15 of 30 for 132 yards 1 TD 2 INT

Rushing:
Montee Ball 11 carries for 37 yards 1 TD
Moreno 14 for 44 Yards 6 rec 89 yards 1TD
CJ Anderson debuted with 4 for 22 yards

Alfred Morris 17 attempts for 93 yards TD

Receiving:
Welker 6 catches 81 yards 1 TD (9 TD catches ties career high and leads the NFL through week 8)
Beybey Thomas 7 for 75 1 TD
Decker 4 for 42

Jordan Reed 8 for 90
Garcon 7 for 46

Should Elway, Broncos Work a Trade? No Need to Panic

The +Denver Broncos certainly have been depleted on the offensive line with 3 starters out, 2 of them out for the season. The big boys up front on offense or defense, though, have been solid this season. Are they really in need of a trade though at 6-1 and room to improve their execution in many aspects. Some are suggesting to trade for Jared Allen of the Vikings. Does that mean Shaun Phillips, Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, and Robert Ayers see less playing time. The issue is not with the D-Line especially since we saw the Broncos best pass defense performance of the year on Sunday and they continue to be stout versus the run. 

Hard to believe, given the score of 39-33. Take into account the Colts scored 26 points off of short-field situations and turnovers from the Broncos (including 2 minutes the Broncos left on the clock before half for the Colts to score a TD).

Not saying that Allen is a bad player by any means, but it is not a need for this team. He is a great player and leader from what has been observed. His teammates always are positive when speaking in terms of Allen. He is also a Colorado type-guy as well (Idaho - cowboy western roots). Shaun Phillips is filling in great on the 'other' DE role aside Von Miller, and Derek Wolfe/Malik Jackson are sound playing hybrid DE/DT pass/run situation roles as well. The pass defense has been inadequate this year, no one can deny that, but the +Denver Broncos rush defense has been solid this year. The call for urgency or quick reaction is not necessary. They are 6-1 and have a lot of room to improve on. If the offense did not continue to leave the defense in such bad situations last Sunday, the defense pulled through rather well in Miller's first game action.

Should the Broncos Trade for Jared Allen (Denver Post)

Woodyard being out has definitely hurt the squad as well, him being the captain, signal caller and all. If they feel the necessity to trade for a player or position, the Broncos should pursue a LB if they are looking for assistance or more established depth. Danny Trevathan has improved markedly since coming in whilst seeing more snaps when "Hammer" Woodyard has been on the sideline with an injury.

Malik Jackson (97) applying pressure on Andrew Luck, QB of the Indianapolis Colts.
Photo Courtesy: DenverBroncos.com

The Broncos defense allowed the least amount of total yards and passing yards on their defense all season in week 7 versus the Colts. Even less than when they played the Giants in week 2, Raiders in week 3, and Jaguars in week 6. Two of those game were at home as well. The only game they forced more punts was versus the Ravens in week 1. 10 punts to the 9 they forced against the Colts. The Colts converted 5 of 17 3rd down attempts, the worst percentage that the Broncos opponents have had in a game this year as well.

It may not be enough to stop all the panicky articles and headlines being written. Broncos just need to stay the course and work on their execution and precision more than anything (and game management). The defense looked more active with one game that had Miller in there. The individual stats do not tell the story for Miller's return. Luck was hurried or forced to scramble regularly. The Broncos defense should iron those patches out. They have first year starters Ihenacho, Trevathan, Knighton, Wolfe, and last week Kayvon Webster seeing regular time and they will only improve as a unit. Woodyard returning would significantly stamp that together. A trade, if it is going to take a hit on their salary cap space in the coming off-season or sacrifice a valuable draft pick (every draft pick is valuable), even in the 7th round. A 7th round pick essentially means they are one of the top 210 players coming out of college. To be drafted says a lot in its own place. No trade is necessary unless a great find like Louis Vasquez somehow for the protection of Peyton Manning or a serviceable LB. Reasons the D-Line would be addressed do not stack up.