AFC West: Peyton Manning
» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Broncos in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): Peyton Manning takes a 2011 playoff team to the Super Bowl, which the Broncos win, of course. I find this scenario to be unlikely, but it is possible -- because I won’t doubt the greatness of Manning. For this to occur, Manning’s new teammates will have to quickly adapt to an offense that is extremely different than what they ran with Tim Tebow behind center. But of course, Manning will be orchestrating it and can get an awful lot of out his teammates. The Broncos’ run defense improved dramatically from 2010 to 2011. They did lose their best run defender in Brodrick Bunkley, but if they can overcome that loss and remain strong in this department it will go a long way toward getting opposing offenses into third-and-long situations. Denver’s pass-rushing duo of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, along with what looks like a vastly improved set of cornerbacks, could make things very difficult on opposing passing games. All of this plays well into the hands of the offense and Manning. Also, unlike the Manning years in Indianapolis, the Broncos were exceptional overall on special teams last season. There is no reason that shouldn’t keep up. Denver has quickly built this team around Manning, and to win now.
Nightmare scenario (4-12): Of course, the huge nightmare scenario for Denver is if Manning takes a big hit early in the season and is sidelined. As great as Manning has supposedly looked during his recovery process, taking big hits is the true test of this elder statesman’s health. As I alluded to above, I have some doubts as to how well the holdover Denver offensive players will adapt to the Manning way of playing offense. It will be like going from "The Flintstones" to "The Jetsons." The offensive line is the spot that worries me most in this drastic transition. The offense now requires the linemen to be athletic, move in unison, excel with the mental aspects of the position and be on the same page as Manning with all of his pre-snap adjustments. As is also the case with the receiver routes and adjustments, all of these drastic adjustments will take a lot of time and a ton of practice and game repetitions. Defensively, the loss of Bunkley does loom large, and the middle of this defense could be vulnerable. Also, the Broncos could really use one more pass-rush threat to step up. Denver will play a first-place schedule, with half of its games against the AFC North and NFC South, which seems very daunting. The rest of the division really fought injury problems in 2011; the Broncos remained quite fortunate on that front. If it goes bad in Denver this season, it might go really bad … like 4-12 bad.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Broncos in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): Peyton Manning takes a 2011 playoff team to the Super Bowl, which the Broncos win, of course. I find this scenario to be unlikely, but it is possible -- because I won’t doubt the greatness of Manning. For this to occur, Manning’s new teammates will have to quickly adapt to an offense that is extremely different than what they ran with Tim Tebow behind center. But of course, Manning will be orchestrating it and can get an awful lot of out his teammates. The Broncos’ run defense improved dramatically from 2010 to 2011. They did lose their best run defender in Brodrick Bunkley, but if they can overcome that loss and remain strong in this department it will go a long way toward getting opposing offenses into third-and-long situations. Denver’s pass-rushing duo of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, along with what looks like a vastly improved set of cornerbacks, could make things very difficult on opposing passing games. All of this plays well into the hands of the offense and Manning. Also, unlike the Manning years in Indianapolis, the Broncos were exceptional overall on special teams last season. There is no reason that shouldn’t keep up. Denver has quickly built this team around Manning, and to win now.
Nightmare scenario (4-12): Of course, the huge nightmare scenario for Denver is if Manning takes a big hit early in the season and is sidelined. As great as Manning has supposedly looked during his recovery process, taking big hits is the true test of this elder statesman’s health. As I alluded to above, I have some doubts as to how well the holdover Denver offensive players will adapt to the Manning way of playing offense. It will be like going from "The Flintstones" to "The Jetsons." The offensive line is the spot that worries me most in this drastic transition. The offense now requires the linemen to be athletic, move in unison, excel with the mental aspects of the position and be on the same page as Manning with all of his pre-snap adjustments. As is also the case with the receiver routes and adjustments, all of these drastic adjustments will take a lot of time and a ton of practice and game repetitions. Defensively, the loss of Bunkley does loom large, and the middle of this defense could be vulnerable. Also, the Broncos could really use one more pass-rush threat to step up. Denver will play a first-place schedule, with half of its games against the AFC North and NFC South, which seems very daunting. The rest of the division really fought injury problems in 2011; the Broncos remained quite fortunate on that front. If it goes bad in Denver this season, it might go really bad … like 4-12 bad.
Denver Broncos
Cornerback Tracy Porter, whose pick-six sealed the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts, hasn't gotten around to talking trash to new Denver teammate Peyton Manning, the man who threw that ball. "I think once we finally get settled in we'll have enough time to shoot that little joke in," Porter told USA Today. "As of right now, we're both still learning."
The Broncos' trade of backup cornerback Cassius Vaughn to Indianapolis for little-used fullback Chris Gronkowski is most significant for the fact that it's Matt Russell's first trade since taking over as director of player personnel, Mike Klis notes.
Defensive end Elvis Dumervil is "more in shape" than at this point last year, he tells the Broncos' official site, and credits the team's strength coach and a new nutrition plan.
After a Pro Bowl rookie season, Broncos linebacker Von Miller landed the Denver Athletic Club's Colorado Athlete of the Year award.
Kansas City Chiefs
Coach Romeo Crennel, who grew up in a military family, and linebacker Caleb Campbell, a West Point grad who holds the rank of lieutenant in the U.S. Army, were among a Chiefs contingent that visited a junior high school at nearby Fort Leavenworth.
Oakland Raiders
With more talent on his side of the ball than on defense, new Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is going to need to keep the unit humming and take some pressure off Dennis Allen's defense, Mark Purdy writes in the San Jose Mercury News.
Mike Goodson, an offseason trade acquisition from Carolina, is making an impression with coaches in his quest to win the backup running back job.
San Diego Chargers
General manager A.J. Smith laughed off Las Vegas picking the Chargers to finish second in the division, behind Denver. "I couldn't care less about predictions," Smith told U-T San Diego on Wednesday. "It's fun to do, and it stimulates conversation."
Coach Norv Turner told season-ticket holders during a conference call that he'll lean "heavily" on special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia this season after Bisaccia was given the title of assistant head coach.
Cornerback Tracy Porter, whose pick-six sealed the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts, hasn't gotten around to talking trash to new Denver teammate Peyton Manning, the man who threw that ball. "I think once we finally get settled in we'll have enough time to shoot that little joke in," Porter told USA Today. "As of right now, we're both still learning."
The Broncos' trade of backup cornerback Cassius Vaughn to Indianapolis for little-used fullback Chris Gronkowski is most significant for the fact that it's Matt Russell's first trade since taking over as director of player personnel, Mike Klis notes.
Defensive end Elvis Dumervil is "more in shape" than at this point last year, he tells the Broncos' official site, and credits the team's strength coach and a new nutrition plan.
After a Pro Bowl rookie season, Broncos linebacker Von Miller landed the Denver Athletic Club's Colorado Athlete of the Year award.
Kansas City Chiefs
Coach Romeo Crennel, who grew up in a military family, and linebacker Caleb Campbell, a West Point grad who holds the rank of lieutenant in the U.S. Army, were among a Chiefs contingent that visited a junior high school at nearby Fort Leavenworth.
Oakland Raiders
With more talent on his side of the ball than on defense, new Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is going to need to keep the unit humming and take some pressure off Dennis Allen's defense, Mark Purdy writes in the San Jose Mercury News.
Mike Goodson, an offseason trade acquisition from Carolina, is making an impression with coaches in his quest to win the backup running back job.
San Diego Chargers
General manager A.J. Smith laughed off Las Vegas picking the Chargers to finish second in the division, behind Denver. "I couldn't care less about predictions," Smith told U-T San Diego on Wednesday. "It's fun to do, and it stimulates conversation."
Coach Norv Turner told season-ticket holders during a conference call that he'll lean "heavily" on special-teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia this season after Bisaccia was given the title of assistant head coach.
There were plenty of big names who lost a good portion of last season to injuries. Some were on teams that could've made postseason runs. Others were in positions to help their respective squads enjoy breakthrough years, writes Jeffri Chadiha.
The bigger challenge in this space is deciding which injured players will have the most impact. Denver's Peyton Manning might be the odds-on favorite, but it's also hard to ignore his peers.
Chadiha includes two other AFC West players in his list of the 10 best players who had their seasons shortened last year, along with how they'll impact their respective teams this fall.
The bigger challenge in this space is deciding which injured players will have the most impact. Denver's Peyton Manning might be the odds-on favorite, but it's also hard to ignore his peers.
Chadiha includes two other AFC West players in his list of the 10 best players who had their seasons shortened last year, along with how they'll impact their respective teams this fall.
Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless discuss the high praise for Peyton Manning after his first workout with the Broncos.
AFC West links: Cassel says he's a good QB
May, 22, 2012
May 22
9:50
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning's presence will undoubtedly improve Willis McGahee's rushing stats -- at least that's what McGahee is preaching, and Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla says the Broncos running back has a sermon he can back up.
Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' trial on driving under the influence and traffic charges ended Monday in a mistrial.
Who is the most indispensable player to his team in the NFL today? At least three NFL.com writers answer the question by saying the Broncos cannot succeed in 2012 without Manning under center.
Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel defends his position as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, telling Sports Radio 610 in Kansas City: “I believe in myself, and I know I’m a good quarterback. Of course there are going to be criticisms and everything like that, and that’s part of the business. ... And hopefully it’s all going to go in the right direction, we’re going to win a lot of ball games, get in the playoffs, and ideally we’d like to win a Super Bowl.”
Arrowhead Pride takes a closer look at fourth-round pick, wide receiver Devon "Wiggles" Wylie out of Fresno State.
The Chiefs are using Dexter McCluster as a wideout -- for now. The Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher has more observations from practice.
Oakland Raiders
San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami says Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain's actions and his spotty play have shown he's the polar opposite of the kinds of players GM Reggie McKenzie and new coach Dennis Allen want in their locker room.
If there were such a thing as an offseason practice MVP, fifth-round draft pick Juron Criner would walk away with the trophy. Criner, a rookie out of Arizona, even impressed Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are in need of a third-down back, and it just so happens the best running back in franchise history and the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history is looking for a team to join. GM A.J. Smith should set aside past differences and bring LaDainian Tomlinson back, says the North County Times' Jay Paris.
Opinions vary on funding for a new Chargers stadium. San Diego’s four major mayoral candidates state their cases.
Peyton Manning's presence will undoubtedly improve Willis McGahee's rushing stats -- at least that's what McGahee is preaching, and Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla says the Broncos running back has a sermon he can back up.
Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' trial on driving under the influence and traffic charges ended Monday in a mistrial.
Who is the most indispensable player to his team in the NFL today? At least three NFL.com writers answer the question by saying the Broncos cannot succeed in 2012 without Manning under center.
Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel defends his position as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, telling Sports Radio 610 in Kansas City: “I believe in myself, and I know I’m a good quarterback. Of course there are going to be criticisms and everything like that, and that’s part of the business. ... And hopefully it’s all going to go in the right direction, we’re going to win a lot of ball games, get in the playoffs, and ideally we’d like to win a Super Bowl.”
Arrowhead Pride takes a closer look at fourth-round pick, wide receiver Devon "Wiggles" Wylie out of Fresno State.
The Chiefs are using Dexter McCluster as a wideout -- for now. The Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher has more observations from practice.
Oakland Raiders
San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami says Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain's actions and his spotty play have shown he's the polar opposite of the kinds of players GM Reggie McKenzie and new coach Dennis Allen want in their locker room.
If there were such a thing as an offseason practice MVP, fifth-round draft pick Juron Criner would walk away with the trophy. Criner, a rookie out of Arizona, even impressed Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer.
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are in need of a third-down back, and it just so happens the best running back in franchise history and the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history is looking for a team to join. GM A.J. Smith should set aside past differences and bring LaDainian Tomlinson back, says the North County Times' Jay Paris.
Opinions vary on funding for a new Chargers stadium. San Diego’s four major mayoral candidates state their cases.
Josina Anderson reports from Colorado as Denver's organized team activities began Monday.
Ron Chenoy/US PresswirePeyton Manning ran the offensive practice and showed zip on his arm at Denver's first OTA of 2012.Manning ran the offensive practice, lining up receivers, running backs and even fellow quarterbacks during the Broncos' workout Monday that marked the first time the media witnessed Manning throwing the ball since last year's training camp.
AFC West links: Is this San Diego's year?
May, 21, 2012
May 21
10:02
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Mike Klis of The Denver Post: "The meshing of [John] Fox and [Peyton] Manning, and Manning and the Broncos, begins today with the Broncos' first organized team activity (OTA) workout at their Dove Valley headquarters."
Denver has reportedly started talks on a contract extension with left tackle Ryan Clady.
Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com offers a preview of the team's OTAs that start Monday.
SI.com's Don Banks includes running back Jamaal Charles among those players primed for a bounce-back season in 2012.
Oakland Raiders
Toni Monkovic of The New York Times' Fifth Down Blog asks: "To put it in today’s terms, was the Raiders’ use of illegal pads [back in the day] on par or even worse than the Saints’ bounty system?"
Wide receiver Denarius Moore says he's fine with receiving added attention from defensive backs.
San Diego Chargers
Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego: "For eight long years, since just after the dawn of the A.J. Smith period, we’ve been teased with every reason to believe that this is the year a Chargers team that looks so good will actually be good enough. And so … with the caution that this could well be like the movie trailer that promises thrills and chills only to turn out to be 'John Carter,' I am intrigued enough by what I see and hear to deliver the teasing news that the Chargers have perhaps found the final pieces of the puzzle."
Scott Bair of the North County Times goes one-on-one with rookie safety Brandon Taylor.
Mike Klis of The Denver Post: "The meshing of [John] Fox and [Peyton] Manning, and Manning and the Broncos, begins today with the Broncos' first organized team activity (OTA) workout at their Dove Valley headquarters."
Denver has reportedly started talks on a contract extension with left tackle Ryan Clady.
Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com offers a preview of the team's OTAs that start Monday.
SI.com's Don Banks includes running back Jamaal Charles among those players primed for a bounce-back season in 2012.
Oakland Raiders
Toni Monkovic of The New York Times' Fifth Down Blog asks: "To put it in today’s terms, was the Raiders’ use of illegal pads [back in the day] on par or even worse than the Saints’ bounty system?"
Wide receiver Denarius Moore says he's fine with receiving added attention from defensive backs.
San Diego Chargers
Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego: "For eight long years, since just after the dawn of the A.J. Smith period, we’ve been teased with every reason to believe that this is the year a Chargers team that looks so good will actually be good enough. And so … with the caution that this could well be like the movie trailer that promises thrills and chills only to turn out to be 'John Carter,' I am intrigued enough by what I see and hear to deliver the teasing news that the Chargers have perhaps found the final pieces of the puzzle."
Scott Bair of the North County Times goes one-on-one with rookie safety Brandon Taylor.
Weekend mail call:
MD Ellis from Marysville, Calif., wants to know if the Oakland Raiders could trade a receiver such as Louis Murphy because of fifth-round pick Juron Criner.
Bill Williamson: Perhaps late in the preseason, something could happen since Murphy is a free agent after next season. But I think the most likely situation is Oakland will keep all of their young receivers and see how it develops. It’s a good, solid group. But it needs some players to stand out, so the Raiders may be better off keeping everyone and seeing how it plays out.
Jon from Fort Dodge, Iowa wants to know if I think the Denver Broncos have a realistic chance to make the Super Bowl.
BW: If Peyton Manning's neck issues are behind him, I think Denver has a chance to be very competitive and they should be a fairly strong team. But there are more talented teams in the AFC West and Denver has the second toughest schedule in the NFL. For Denver to get to the Super Bowl it will need its defense to continue to make huge strides, have great health and some good fortune.
Kurt from Seattle wants to know what I think about Kansas City Chiefs receivers coach Nick Sirianni.
BW: Sirianni has been highly regarded in Kansas City. He was the offensive quality control coach for the past three years. He helped in several different areas and he was credited for helping Matt Cassel during his strong season in 2010. I think Sirianni certainly can be a coach to look for as an offensive coordinator candidate in the coming seasons.
MD Ellis from Marysville, Calif., wants to know if the Oakland Raiders could trade a receiver such as Louis Murphy because of fifth-round pick Juron Criner.
Bill Williamson: Perhaps late in the preseason, something could happen since Murphy is a free agent after next season. But I think the most likely situation is Oakland will keep all of their young receivers and see how it develops. It’s a good, solid group. But it needs some players to stand out, so the Raiders may be better off keeping everyone and seeing how it plays out.
Jon from Fort Dodge, Iowa wants to know if I think the Denver Broncos have a realistic chance to make the Super Bowl.
BW: If Peyton Manning's neck issues are behind him, I think Denver has a chance to be very competitive and they should be a fairly strong team. But there are more talented teams in the AFC West and Denver has the second toughest schedule in the NFL. For Denver to get to the Super Bowl it will need its defense to continue to make huge strides, have great health and some good fortune.
Kurt from Seattle wants to know what I think about Kansas City Chiefs receivers coach Nick Sirianni.
BW: Sirianni has been highly regarded in Kansas City. He was the offensive quality control coach for the past three years. He helped in several different areas and he was credited for helping Matt Cassel during his strong season in 2010. I think Sirianni certainly can be a coach to look for as an offensive coordinator candidate in the coming seasons.
Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, held earlier Thursday:
Denver
McNutty from Seattle: Does the signing of [Joel] Dreessen and [Jacob] Tamme (Dreesetamme) mean that Denver is not counting on Julius Thomas this year?
Bill Williamson: They are giving Thomas time. Tamme and Dreessen are ready to go. Thomas is a developmental player. If he comes on strong (as he did in camp last year before he was injured), he'll get his chance.
Kansas City
Atilla from St. Louis: Bill - what do you see that makes you believe that [Jon] Baldwin can make the step to become a better than average receiver. I was not impressed with the fight issues last year, and I hoping he grew from that experience. His best catch was one that was nullified against Denver behind the safety's back.
BW: He has big ability and he fits the offense. He has a chance. But he has to keep his head on straight.
Oakland
Scott Seymour from Anaheim, Calif.: Which AFC West team has the best receiver group?
BW: I think Oakland has a chance to be the deepest in the division. Really, it's a young group of receivers throughout the division and I want to see which group steps up. But I do like how deep Oakland's receivers are.
San Diego
Sergio from Tijuana, Mexico: Hi Bill, what expectations do you have for Robert Meachem, can he be this year's Reggie Bush and live up to expectations with more playing time in SD?
BW: He will be given a huge opportunity. He has great speed and he is a vertical threat. That is perfect for Philip Rivers' arm and Norv Turner's scheme. They expect him to be a difference maker. I think health is the key for him.
Denver
McNutty from Seattle: Does the signing of [Joel] Dreessen and [Jacob] Tamme (Dreesetamme) mean that Denver is not counting on Julius Thomas this year?
Bill Williamson: They are giving Thomas time. Tamme and Dreessen are ready to go. Thomas is a developmental player. If he comes on strong (as he did in camp last year before he was injured), he'll get his chance.
Kansas City
Atilla from St. Louis: Bill - what do you see that makes you believe that [Jon] Baldwin can make the step to become a better than average receiver. I was not impressed with the fight issues last year, and I hoping he grew from that experience. His best catch was one that was nullified against Denver behind the safety's back.
BW: He has big ability and he fits the offense. He has a chance. But he has to keep his head on straight.
Oakland
Scott Seymour from Anaheim, Calif.: Which AFC West team has the best receiver group?
BW: I think Oakland has a chance to be the deepest in the division. Really, it's a young group of receivers throughout the division and I want to see which group steps up. But I do like how deep Oakland's receivers are.
San Diego
Sergio from Tijuana, Mexico: Hi Bill, what expectations do you have for Robert Meachem, can he be this year's Reggie Bush and live up to expectations with more playing time in SD?
BW: He will be given a huge opportunity. He has great speed and he is a vertical threat. That is perfect for Philip Rivers' arm and Norv Turner's scheme. They expect him to be a difference maker. I think health is the key for him.
» NFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Broncos and why.
John Elway’s second tenure with the Denver Broncos has gone well so far.
The legendary Denver quarterback has earned rave reviews around the league for his work as Denver’s primary football decision-maker since he took over in January 2011. On the surface, things are looking good in Denver, and there really isn’t a lot of pressure on anyone as the Peyton Manning era begins.
However, if Manning doesn't bounce back from the neck injury that sidelined him for the 2011 season, the heat will be on Elway. By all indications, Manning, 36, should be fine and plenty of teams would have taken the same risk as Elway did.
But if the 2012 season somehow starts without Manning behind center in Denver, Elway is going to hear it from fans. He will be asked every day how he could trade away Tim Tebow and sign damaged goods like Manning.
It will not be a pretty scene if that happens. The odds are Manning will be fine, but Elway needs to hope the odds play out as expected because he is all-in with Manning.
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Broncos and why.
John Elway’s second tenure with the Denver Broncos has gone well so far.
The legendary Denver quarterback has earned rave reviews around the league for his work as Denver’s primary football decision-maker since he took over in January 2011. On the surface, things are looking good in Denver, and there really isn’t a lot of pressure on anyone as the Peyton Manning era begins.
However, if Manning doesn't bounce back from the neck injury that sidelined him for the 2011 season, the heat will be on Elway. By all indications, Manning, 36, should be fine and plenty of teams would have taken the same risk as Elway did.
But if the 2012 season somehow starts without Manning behind center in Denver, Elway is going to hear it from fans. He will be asked every day how he could trade away Tim Tebow and sign damaged goods like Manning.
It will not be a pretty scene if that happens. The odds are Manning will be fine, but Elway needs to hope the odds play out as expected because he is all-in with Manning.
Continuing our 2012 AFC position-by-position rankings, here are the receivers. It’s a young, fairly unproven group that lost top players Vincent Jackson and Brandon Lloyd in the past year:
1. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: With Jackson gone, Bowe, who received the franchise tag by the Chiefs this offseason, is the clear top receiver in the division.
2. Malcom Floyd, San Diego: Floyd is good, but he probably wouldn’t be ranked this high in most divisions. If he can stay healthy, he can be a star.
3. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland: I have a lot of respect for Heyward-Bey for taking a big step during the 2011 season. He still is not perfect and he has to prove he can be a consistent player, but he has a chance.
4. Demaryius Thomas, Denver: I bet Thomas will be ranked at least No. 2 on this list next year. The sky is the limit.
5. Eric Decker, Denver: Peyton Manning is already talking him up. You know what that means -- lots of catches.
6. Denarius Moore, Oakland: Moore showed flashes as a rookie and he has star potential. He will be given a chance to shine.
7. Robert Meachem, San Diego: Meachem is not as good as Jackson was, but he fits the Chargers’ vertical offense and he will make his presence felt.
8. Jon Baldwin, Kansas City: Baldwin has large potential and he easily could be in the top three on this list next year. He has to show he’s ready for the challenge.
9. Jacoby Ford, Oakland: I’m a big Ford fan, but his health and the presence of Heyward-Bey and Moore may make him a third option.
10. Vincent Brown, San Diego: The Chargers love this kid. Expect nice, big numbers this year.
11. Steve Breaston, Kansas City: He’s a solid, steady receiver who can help his team win.
12. Andre Caldwell, Denver: He will be interesting to watch. The Broncos think this free-agent pickup could make his presence felt.
13. Louis Murphy, Oakland: Murphy can’t stay healthy and other receivers may have bypassed him. But he’s a pro who knows how to come up with the big catch.
14. Eddie Royal, San Diego: The former Denver receiver will be given a chance to shine in the Chargers’ rotation.
15. Devon Wylie, Kansas City: This is a projection pick. The Chiefs love him and think he can come in and make some catches as a fourth-round pick.
1. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: With Jackson gone, Bowe, who received the franchise tag by the Chiefs this offseason, is the clear top receiver in the division.
2. Malcom Floyd, San Diego: Floyd is good, but he probably wouldn’t be ranked this high in most divisions. If he can stay healthy, he can be a star.
3. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland: I have a lot of respect for Heyward-Bey for taking a big step during the 2011 season. He still is not perfect and he has to prove he can be a consistent player, but he has a chance.
4. Demaryius Thomas, Denver: I bet Thomas will be ranked at least No. 2 on this list next year. The sky is the limit.
5. Eric Decker, Denver: Peyton Manning is already talking him up. You know what that means -- lots of catches.
6. Denarius Moore, Oakland: Moore showed flashes as a rookie and he has star potential. He will be given a chance to shine.
7. Robert Meachem, San Diego: Meachem is not as good as Jackson was, but he fits the Chargers’ vertical offense and he will make his presence felt.
8. Jon Baldwin, Kansas City: Baldwin has large potential and he easily could be in the top three on this list next year. He has to show he’s ready for the challenge.
9. Jacoby Ford, Oakland: I’m a big Ford fan, but his health and the presence of Heyward-Bey and Moore may make him a third option.
10. Vincent Brown, San Diego: The Chargers love this kid. Expect nice, big numbers this year.
11. Steve Breaston, Kansas City: He’s a solid, steady receiver who can help his team win.
12. Andre Caldwell, Denver: He will be interesting to watch. The Broncos think this free-agent pickup could make his presence felt.
13. Louis Murphy, Oakland: Murphy can’t stay healthy and other receivers may have bypassed him. But he’s a pro who knows how to come up with the big catch.
14. Eddie Royal, San Diego: The former Denver receiver will be given a chance to shine in the Chargers’ rotation.
15. Devon Wylie, Kansas City: This is a projection pick. The Chiefs love him and think he can come in and make some catches as a fourth-round pick.
If the wild, but short, Tim Tebow experiment in Denver showed anything it was that Mike McCoy is a flexible coach.
McCoy impressed folks from around the league by scrapping a traditional pro-style offensive scheme in four of several variations of the position to best utilize Tebow’s ability. It resulted in Denver’s first playoff win in six years.
Now that McCoy is in charge of the offense run by Peyton Manning -- perhaps the most scheme-involved quarterback in the history of the NFL -- McCoy, once again, is willing to adjust to whatever best fits his quarterback.
“There are going to be several things,” McCoy told reporters during the Broncos’ rookie minicamp during the weekend. “This is going to be a work in progress for everybody. Coaches, players, everybody within the organization, with how we’re going to do things, the types of things we’re going to change, but there are plenty of things that we’ve done in the past here that we want to give Peyton the opportunity to see. He is very flexible. He wants some new ideas and to run some new things. We’ve spent some time in the last couple of weeks explaining the things as an offensive staff we really like and things we can help him with. And that is our job. It’s going to come down to the next couple of months, by the time we come out of training camp to say, ‘OK, what do our players do best? What are the things that Peyton likes best as the quarterback?’ Because it all starts with the quarterback in our system. There are a lot of things that he hasn’t done that he is excited to look at — getting some two-back situations and things he hasn’t done a whole lot of, and we have had a lot of success with that here in the last couple of years so we are going to continue to build that. There are going to be some things that we’re going to try whether he has done then or we have done them here or other coaches have run them somewhere else and we’ll pick and choose what we’re going to do when it comes to the opening game.”
When September rolls around, be sure McCoy will have his adjustments made and ready for yet another offense in Denver.
McCoy impressed folks from around the league by scrapping a traditional pro-style offensive scheme in four of several variations of the position to best utilize Tebow’s ability. It resulted in Denver’s first playoff win in six years.
Now that McCoy is in charge of the offense run by Peyton Manning -- perhaps the most scheme-involved quarterback in the history of the NFL -- McCoy, once again, is willing to adjust to whatever best fits his quarterback.
“There are going to be several things,” McCoy told reporters during the Broncos’ rookie minicamp during the weekend. “This is going to be a work in progress for everybody. Coaches, players, everybody within the organization, with how we’re going to do things, the types of things we’re going to change, but there are plenty of things that we’ve done in the past here that we want to give Peyton the opportunity to see. He is very flexible. He wants some new ideas and to run some new things. We’ve spent some time in the last couple of weeks explaining the things as an offensive staff we really like and things we can help him with. And that is our job. It’s going to come down to the next couple of months, by the time we come out of training camp to say, ‘OK, what do our players do best? What are the things that Peyton likes best as the quarterback?’ Because it all starts with the quarterback in our system. There are a lot of things that he hasn’t done that he is excited to look at — getting some two-back situations and things he hasn’t done a whole lot of, and we have had a lot of success with that here in the last couple of years so we are going to continue to build that. There are going to be some things that we’re going to try whether he has done then or we have done them here or other coaches have run them somewhere else and we’ll pick and choose what we’re going to do when it comes to the opening game.”
When September rolls around, be sure McCoy will have his adjustments made and ready for yet another offense in Denver.
Mailbag: Can Demaryius Thomas be a star?
May, 13, 2012
May 13
9:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Weekend mail call:
Mike O’Connell from San Diego writes: What type of impact do you expect running back Mike Goodson to have in Oakland?
Bill Williamson: Goodson was acquired from Carolina for guard Bruce Campbell. It was a trade of players who didn’t fit with their former teams' plans. Goodson has some ability, but he did not carry the ball at all in 2011, and was active for just four games. So, to expect him to be Darren McFadden’s primary backup might be a tad risky. Perhaps Goodson (who has 501 yards on 125 career carries) will carve a role for himself in Oakland as a running back, but he is far from established.
Matt Duench from Waterloo, Ontario, writes: What do you expect from Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas in 2012?
BW: I expect big things form Thomas. He is growing as a player, and having him work with Peyton Manning should be a major boost to his career. I fully expect Thomas -- if he can stay healthy -- to take the next step in his career in 2012. I think he can be a star.
Darren from Kansans City writes: Do you think Rodney Hudson is ready to be the Chiefs’ starting center?
BW: I think so. He is a second-round pick entering his second season. We really won’t know until we see him, but the Chiefs believe in him and plan for him to play this season. Hudson is known for being a smart, tough player. He has a chance to develop into a solid pro.
Mike O’Connell from San Diego writes: What type of impact do you expect running back Mike Goodson to have in Oakland?
Bill Williamson: Goodson was acquired from Carolina for guard Bruce Campbell. It was a trade of players who didn’t fit with their former teams' plans. Goodson has some ability, but he did not carry the ball at all in 2011, and was active for just four games. So, to expect him to be Darren McFadden’s primary backup might be a tad risky. Perhaps Goodson (who has 501 yards on 125 career carries) will carve a role for himself in Oakland as a running back, but he is far from established.
Matt Duench from Waterloo, Ontario, writes: What do you expect from Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas in 2012?
BW: I expect big things form Thomas. He is growing as a player, and having him work with Peyton Manning should be a major boost to his career. I fully expect Thomas -- if he can stay healthy -- to take the next step in his career in 2012. I think he can be a star.
Darren from Kansans City writes: Do you think Rodney Hudson is ready to be the Chiefs’ starting center?
BW: I think so. He is a second-round pick entering his second season. We really won’t know until we see him, but the Chiefs believe in him and plan for him to play this season. Hudson is known for being a smart, tough player. He has a chance to develop into a solid pro.
How much respect does John Fox have for Junior Seau?
Enough to fly from Denver to San Diego on Friday after the Broncos’ rookie minicamp practice to attend a celebration of life in Seau’s memory at Qualcomm Stadium on Friday night. Fox will return to Denver for the Broncos’ practice Saturday. Fox will be joined by Denver vice president John Elway and quarterback Peyton Manning at the ceremony.
The Chargers are hosting the event. Seau committed suicide May 2. He was 43.
Fox, a San Diego native like Seau, was on the Chargers’ staff in 1992-93. Seau was part of that team.
“I have the utmost respect (for Seau),” Fox told reporters Friday afternoon before flying to San Diego. “It was a tragedy losing a guy of that magnitude both as a person and as a player. It is going to be about celebrating Junior and his life and I’m more than happy to be there.”
In other AFC West news:
In an Insider piece
, Gary Horton looks at scheme changes for each AFC West team.
Enough to fly from Denver to San Diego on Friday after the Broncos’ rookie minicamp practice to attend a celebration of life in Seau’s memory at Qualcomm Stadium on Friday night. Fox will return to Denver for the Broncos’ practice Saturday. Fox will be joined by Denver vice president John Elway and quarterback Peyton Manning at the ceremony.
The Chargers are hosting the event. Seau committed suicide May 2. He was 43.
Fox, a San Diego native like Seau, was on the Chargers’ staff in 1992-93. Seau was part of that team.
“I have the utmost respect (for Seau),” Fox told reporters Friday afternoon before flying to San Diego. “It was a tragedy losing a guy of that magnitude both as a person and as a player. It is going to be about celebrating Junior and his life and I’m more than happy to be there.”
In other AFC West news:
In an Insider piece
, Gary Horton looks at scheme changes for each AFC West team.ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
