Mile High Report

For those Bronco Fans Who have served....

2012-05-27T16:27:31Z

Greetings all,

I want to take this opportunity to remind us all of something very important. Those of our fellow Bronco Fans who have served. MHR has always been a close knit family and regardless of who we are, how much knowledge, or in my case sarcasm, we bring to the table we are still that Family. I wanted to post just a quick thank you to those who have served in the United States Military! As we are a International Blog now I feel that I should also say thank you to those who have served in other countries military as well. It takes great courage to stand up and say I will protect my neighbors' freedom, and for that I say thank you. BBQ's are great and a day off of work is fantastic but lets us remember why we have this day. In the comment section please add your name if you have served!

To those who have served thank you!

To those who have sacrificed all....

Thank you!

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 5/27/12

2012-05-27T12:00:58Z

Training camp first shot to see Manning - The Denver Post
The Peyton Manning Era won't officially start until after Labor Day, when the Broncos play their first game of the 2012 season in a nationally televised season opener Sept. 9 against Pittsburgh.

Denver Broncos have starting jobs at defensive tackle available again - The Denver Post
Another offseason, another year in which defensive tackle remains perhaps the biggest question about the Broncos' defense.

Denver Broncos Blogs

Knowshon Moreno fighting for spot with Broncos - NFL.com
Knowshon Moreno is working his way back from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in 2011, but where he'll play in 2012 remains in question.

Division News

Chiefs not worried about Jamaal Charles' readiness - NFL.com
September was not a kind month for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011.

Ryan Mathews preparing for bigger role with Chargers - NFL.com
In his first two seasons in the NFL, San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has been part of a committee approach in the backfield.

Future Foes

ProFootballWeekly.com - Ravens' OLB plan is clear
From all indications, the Ravens will go with Paul Kruger and rookie Courtney Upshaw at outside linebacker to begin the season as Terrell Suggs recovers from an Achilles tendon injury.

Marshal Yanda still hurt by Ravens' playoff loss to Pats - NFL.com
The prospect of a new season is supposed to heal old wounds for players. But Ravens OL Marshal Yanda hasn't gotten over last season's season-ending loss to the New England Patriots.

A.J. Green wants to become leader for Bengals - NFL.com
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green had a sensational rookie season, starting all 15 games he was active and catching 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.

NFL News

Vilma v. Goodell officially assigned a judge | ProFootballTalk
With all the various lawsuits and other legal maneuverings in the NFL, it’s easy to forget some of them.

Ex-NFL player Reggie Rucker: Concussions were funny then, not now | ProFootballTalk
Reggie Rucker played wide receiver in the NFL from 1970 to 1981, and he says that in his playing days, the culture of the league as it related to head injuries was to treat the whole thing as a joke.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Ex-NFL QB Jeff Garcia wants to play for Eagles again - NFL.com
At age 42, Jeff Garcia says he's not done playing quarterback. After spending 2006 and 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles, he's lobbying the organization for another chance to make the roster.

Fisher, Shanahan, Kubiak taking part in "Drive for Dinger" | ProFootballTalk
During the rare quiet weeks on the calendar for NFL head coaches, three of them will be devoting their time to a late colleague and friend

Free agent Max Starks expects to be cleared around camp time | ProFootballTalk
The Steelers signed free agent tackle Max Starks off the street in early October of last season,

ProFootballWeekly.com - Free-agent OLBs Dunbar, Haggan will likely start for Rams
Following in the footsteps of fellow free-agent addition Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who was instantly proclaimed a front-runner for one of the Rams’ starting OLB positions,

Go Broncos!

Horse Whisperings - Replacement Refs

2012-05-26T23:00:14Z

Welcome to the lull in what was once a year-round NFL season. After the current CBA was signed last August, a hole was created in the Broncos offseason schedule, and we are stuck right in the middle of it. Here in Broncos Country, we don’t shut our doors and every weekend is a good excuse for a barbeque though and Memorial Day weekend is the opening of barbeque season in Colorado. But I didn’t intend to talk about food this evening. A few things came across the wire this afternoon so I figured it was time for another Whispering post.

If you have been paying attention in Horse Tracks, you know that the contract between the NFL and their Referees will expire at the end of the month. Considering that is a mere 5 days away, I believe it is worth talking about.
Now, it has been reported that the two sides have been at an impasse, so they will go through a Mediator to reach an accord.

Small problem

The Arbitors to be used are the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). This is the same outfit who was involved during last year’s Lockout and couldn’t get it done.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says, the goal is to negotiate an agreement, but the league is currently scouting for replacements.

I suppose that is sound business sense and maybe we should be encouraged that at least the NFL plans to allow us our Sunday entertainment this season, but at what cost?

NFL Referees are the cream of the crop and if they are replaced, it will demean the game as we know it. I’m not talking from a Union perspective here either. I’m not sure what an NFL Ref has to go through to become a member of an NFL Officiating crew, but I know they are the best at what they do.

How would you feel if the officiating in the NFL were to become as inane as the NBA?

Sorry, I wasn’t trying to scare you, but most of us have seen the obtuseness of NCAA refereeing. It borders on favoritism and conspiracy. Is that what you want in your Sunday entertainment? Where do you suppose the league will recruit these so called replacements?

From that same article,

In 2001, before the sides agreed on the contract which expires next week, replacement officials manned the first week of the regular season before a deal was struck.

In 2001, before the sides agreed on the contract which expires next week, replacement officials manned the first week of the regular season before a deal was struck.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

Oh yeah, have a good Memorial Weekend Broncos Country.

Go Broncos!

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2012 Denver Broncos OTAs: Defense Features Some Intriguing Position Battles

2012-05-26T17:00:12Z

Potential. That's arguably the greatest aspect of the NFL offseason. No matter if it's through the draft, free agency, or offseason activities, NFL fans have so much reason to be excited about the coming season because their team is undefeated, and no matter how cynical you are, there has to be some sense of optimism among the fan base.

So is the case with the Denver Broncos, fresh off of an AFC West title and signing probably the best free agent of all time. I don't know about everybody else, but I am more excited for this season than most, because the Broncos have something that they've really not had since the mid-late 1990's, which is a proven superstar quarterback capable of taking over games.

But lost in the quarterback shuffle in Denver is the continued defensive makeover, which is an area of this team that has gone largely ignored up until John Elway and John Fox took over as the leaders of the organization. Since last year's draft, the Broncos have added quite a few young defenders, and have also added some older veterans into the mix. Here are some offseason matchups between players and positions that I am really intrigued by on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.

Starting Safeties

The Broncos have a really intriguing battle about to happen at the safety position with Rahim Moore, Quinton Carter, and Mike Adams going after two spots. I don't think Mike Adams has anything locked down, but the Broncos certainly didn't want to go without getting a veteran at the safety position this offseason. Rahim Moore was benched as a rookie, and Quinton Carter struggled at times but looks like he has some upside.

These guys are all really hard workers, and the competition should only help them, but as fans of the team, we'd obviously like to see our young guys develop sooner rather than later, meaning the tandem of Carter and Moore would be the ideal starters in an ideal world, but I think that based on last season, the starting safeties will be Carter and Adams.

An interesting name to watch in these offseason battles is rookie undrafted free agent Duke Ihenacho, who was at one point considered one of the top safety prospects in the country. He has very good closing speed and has great anticipation. I'm not sure why he was undrafted, but I think he has a shot at making the roster and cracking the rotation as a young guy.

Backup Cornerbacks

We all know Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter are likely to be the starters, but I love the depth the Broncos are building at the cornerback position. A mixture of injuries and lack of talent prompted the Broncos to throw undrafted rookie Chris Harris into the mix last season, but he has proven that he is more than worthy of a roster spot for his ability to play the nickel cornerback position as well as safety at times, which he played in college.

This offseason, the Broncos also added veteran Drayton Florence, who really upgrades the nickel and dime defensive packages. He will be a very solid addition to the defensive backfield, as will 2012 draft pick Omar Bolden.

Bolden is coming off of a season-ending injury that he sustained prior to the 2011 campaign with Arizona State, but he is a playmaker and a guy who can contribute in a variety of ways. Between those five guys, it looks like Denver has at least eight spots in the secondary locked up between Bailey, Porter, Florence, Harris, Bolden, Carter, Moore, and Adams.

I could see up to 12 spots being used in the secondary, but likely only 10 or 11 will be taken. Since I've only listed three safeties above, I think David Bruton will also make the roster (though he seemed to be on the cusp last year), and I hope that Syd'Quan Thompson and Coryell Judie also make the roster.

Thompson is coming off of a torn Achilles injury, which is going to be really tough to come back from, but he has a knack for making plays and I think he brings great dept hto the secondary. Judie is a guy who could potentially return kicks and punts, and he has great raw ability. He will be a candidate for the practice squad if he doesn't make the roster right away.

Linebacker

This is the position battle that I'm probably the most intrigued by. The Broncos have used quite a few picks on the linebacker position the last two years, between Von Miller, Nate Irvin, Mike Mohamed, and Danny Trevathan.

D.J. Williams is facing a suspension to start the year, and Wesley Woodyard will likely start in his place, and right now, the two other starting linebackers would be Joe Mays and Miller. Mays re-signed with the Broncos this offseason, but they maintain that they have high hopes for Nate Irving, who didn't see hardly any time last year at linebacker.

Irving was a high third round pick, so I have high expectations for him. He needs to come out in training camp and in the pre-season and win the inside linebacker job.

One interesting name to watch for is 2009 undrafted free agent Cyril Obiozor, who signed with the team in the winter. Obiozor has bounced around the league from Green Bay to San Diego, then to Arizona. Obiozor is from Texas A&M where he played defensive end and he will play a similar "joker" role for the Broncos, who really don't have anyone who plays that position on the roster other than Miller.

There are a ton of individual position battles on this team that I'm encouraged about, and this is a really brief look into them, but it's something we can get more in-depth into as the offseason progresses.

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 5/26/12

2012-05-26T12:01:07Z

ProFootballWeekly.com - Manning takes on teaching role at Broncos' OTAs
Peyton Manning already is having a great impact on the Broncos, though more so as a teacher than as a quarterback.

Huddle Up: Sorry, Willis McGahee, Peyton’s presence won’t help run game – Audibles
The near-unanimous stance around the NFL is that the Denver Broncos made themselves a much better football team by adding Peyton Manning, assuming he’s healthy for the season.

Florence Brings ‘Physical Presence’ to Secondary " DenverBroncos.com
When cornerback Drayton Florence signed with Denver, he said it was all about timing. The Broncos are coming off a strong defensive season, quarterback Peyton Manning has joined the team and Florence has a chance to compete for a championship in his 10th NFL season.

Playbooks Go Digital
Starting this season, Broncos players will receive iPads for studying the playbook and watching game film.

Denver Broncos Blogs

Ty Warren and Matt Prater: Different deals - First-and-Orange
Defensive tackle Ty Warren and kicker Matt Prater are connected as the Broncos’ unofficial holdouts of the team’s voluntaty offseason program. But both are entirely different contractual cases.

Mario Fannin intrigues Broncos with speed, receiving ability at RB - The Denver Post
Mario Fannin was certainly one of the most intriguing rookies in last years training camp.

Division News

AFC West links: Poe sees pass-rush reps - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Denver Broncos Though players see a variety of benefits in Denver's ongoing organized team activities, better chemistry is atop the list, Mike Adams and Von Miller tell the Broncos' official site.

Future Foes

Bernard Pollard on Ravens defense: 'You can't stop us' - NFL.com
NFL Network's Kimberly Jones reported Thursday on the Baltimore Ravens' seamless transition on defense from Chuck Pagano to new coordinator Dean Pees.

Bengals sign first-round draft pick Kevin Zeitler - NFL.com
The Cincinnati Bengals signed another first-round draft pick, locking up Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler on Friday. The team announced the news via their official website.

Steelers' Keenan Lewis predicts Pro Bowl trip - NFL.com
In his first three seasons in the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis has as many interceptions (one) as he has starts.

Steelers' Pouncey says Colon will do well at guard - NFL.com
It's a time of transition for the Pittsburgh Steelers, both in terms of personnel and strategy.

Justin Forsett reportedly to try out for Texans - NFL.com
The Houston Texans continue to fine-tune their stable of running backs.

Chandler Jones’ deal a step back from No. 21 in 2011 | ProFootballTalk
Though the new rookie wage scale leaves first-round picks and the teams that picked them precious few subjects about which to haggle, one point of potential contention arises from the question of how much of the rookie deal will be guaranteed.

NFL offseason report cards: AFC North
The Huddle will be grading each NFL team's offseason based on roster maneuvers, coaching changes, current events and so forth. Today's look is at the AFC North with the AFC East on deck.

NFL News

NFL, officials head to federal mediation | ProFootballTalk
With the labor agreement between the NFL and its game officials expiring in less than a week, pro football will be heading back to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Washington, in the hopes of working out a new deal before a lockout or a strike.

Report: Inside the NFL puts Sapp on the outside | ProFootballTalk
It’s still unknown whether NFL Network will keep Warren Sapp beyond the expiration of his contract in August. But it is known that Showtime won’t be bringing Sapp back for Inside the NFL.

NFL, NFLPA differ on why HGH doctor resigned | ProFootballTalk
Last August, the NFL and NFLPA agreed that HGH testing will be conducted under the new CBA. Since then, HGH testing has not been conducted.

NFL changes its rules for "Griffin III" | ProFootballTalk
Six years ago, running back Reggie Bush tried to persuade the league to adjust its jersey rules to allow him to wear No. 5 in the NFL.

NFL says New Jersey gambling law would not change SB site - NFL.com
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's plan to allow sports betting at all horse-racing tracks and casions in the state would have no effect on the league's plans to hold Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in February 2014.

Foxworth vows to fight NFL “tooth and nail” where interests don’t align | ProFootballTalk
The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to a labor deal that will carry the game through at least nine more seasons without a lockout or a strike. But the presence of a labor contract doesn’t guarantee labor peace.

Miscellaneous Stuff

Dallas Clark: It felt right in Tampa | ProFootballTalk
We knew Dallas Clark would be wearing a uniform other than the Colts one he’s worn since entering his league if he played in 2012, but we didn’t know which one until he signed with the Buccaneers this week.

Redskins' Santana Moss: RG3 a work in progress - NFL.com
Santana Moss has been a patient man in the nation's capital.

Mike Jenkins targeted by Indianapolis Colts in trade - NFL.com
The Indianapolis Colts have made multiple trade offers for disgruntled Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins, a source with knowledge of the talks confirmed.

Go Broncos!

NFL - NFLPA Need to Study For HgH Test

2012-05-25T19:35:06Z

When the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and it’s Players Union was ratified last August, officially ending a 4-1/12 Month Lockout, both sides were in accord for the testing of Human Growth Hormone (HgH) in the players.
The first snag that developed after, was whether an effective test could be done. The NFLPA said that the Players would subject to a Urine test, but that wasn’t good enough. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), which oversees the testing of Olympic Athletes claimed the only effective test administered is a blood test. The NFLPA argued that it was too invasive, which made the players appear to be sissies. After another round of discussion, that barrier was knocked down and it was made part of the CBA.

Still, NFLPA Chief DeMaurice Smith keeps finding new ways to deter what the two sides have already agreed to do. In typical lawyer fashion, he has spoken out of both sides of his mouth, saying in one breath that the Players want testing and then contradicting himself by preventing the onset of the testing.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is adamant about this topic. Next to Player Safety, HgH testing is his biggest priority.
The latest compromise in the start of HgH testing was to conduct a population study at an independent laboratory. The Players Union argued that, since NFL players are larger, normal permissable limits of natural HgH may be higher in them. The NFL then agreed to the study and found a lab to conduct it.
It has been reported today, that the independent lab through which the testing would be done, withdrew from the project

According to The Washington Post,

A person familiar with the NFL's view on matter told the newspaper the league believes the NFLPA's "actions caused the scientist who had agreed to do the population study to withdraw." According to the anonymous source, the initial candidate concluded the study was "scientifically unnecessary" and believed the NFLPA's motivations were "more about politics than science." The source told the newspaper multiple scientists have turned down the role for the same reason.

If you take DeMaurice Smith’s statement from the same article, you can see the politics in action.

"We just recently found out ... the league's choice to run the population study that we had consented to recently withdrew and said that he wasn't the right person to get this done," Smith told The Post. "I'm thrilled that the league has made a decision to move forward with the population study. I'm a little frustrated that their selection has now pulled out so that we have to again re-up and try to get this done."

Is that a backhanded compliment or what? Mr. Smith, you lost all credibility long ago and really should be dis-barred.

Meanwhile, a new independent lab needs to be found and Smith’s lawyer stalling tactics will prevent "natural growth" of the National Football League.

Go Broncos!

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Bronco Playbooks Go Digital

2012-05-25T16:29:28Z

Bronco Playbooks Go Digital

"As far as the film study and the ease with which it can be done, the film will be downloaded automatically when the players walk in the building," Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said.

Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 5/25/12

2012-05-25T12:06:39Z

Chemistry, Camaraderie and Communication
According to players like Peyton Manning, Von Miller, Tracy Porter and Mike Adams, OTAs are important in large part because teammates get to know each other's tendencies heading into the season.

Broncos' Porter close to ribbing Manning about INT - NFL.com
The Denver Broncos signed both Peyton Manning and Tracy Porter in the offseason, bringing together two men who will forever be linked in Super Bowl lore.

NFL Approves More Rule Changes " DenverBroncos.com
Back in March, the NFL owners passed a few new rule changes and tabled discussion on a few others until the next set of league meetings.

Denver Broncos Videos

Top 100 Players of 2012: Von Miller
After racking up 11.5 sacks and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2011, Broncos LB Von Miller comes in at No. 52 on The Top 100 Players of 2012.

Denver Broncos Blogs

New Broncos CB Porter not talking trash to Manning ... yet
Peyton Manning has one Super Bowl ring ... just one Super Bowl ring say those who nitpick his legacy so far or even suggest younger brother Eli Manning (and his double dose of bling) has surpassed the NFL's only four-time MVP.

Broncos will wait and see with veteran defensive tackle Ty Warren - The Denver Post
Todays question about the Broncos comes from Shaun Cooney in Grand Junction. Q: With Ty Warren whining about making $4 million last season for doing nothing, is there any chance the Broncos just cut him and find themselves another option at defensive tackle.

A.J. Smith pumps up Peyton Manning, Broncos - NFL.com
No surprise here: The Denver Broncos have emerged as the hot pick in the AFC West. This is what happens when a playoff team from a year ago solves its quarterback problem with Peyton Manning.

Division News

Chargers: Dream/nightmare scenario - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Dream scenario (10-6): Although Philip Rivers had a very down 2011 by his fantastic track record, the Chargers still threw the ball effectively and should once again in 2012.

Raiders: Dream/nightmare scenarios - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Dream scenario (9-7): Maybe the Raiders get the Carson Palmer whom the last staff envisioned and he regains his form from years ago.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Cardinals sign LB Groves
The Cardinals signed former Raiders unrestricted free-agent LB Quentin Groves on Thursday, the team confirmed.

Chiefs: Dream/nightmare scenarios - AFC West Blog - ESPN
Dream scenario (10-6): Kansas City’s roster is much stronger than it was in 2011, when the Chiefs were riddled with key injuries.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Chiefs don't envision drop-off from Carr to Routt
Buy low, sell high. It’s good advice in the stock market but applies to football, too. This offseason, the Chiefs believe they have done that. By letting CB Brandon Carr depart in free agency and replacing him with free-agent pickup Stanford Routt,

Future Foes

AFC North 2012 NFL Draft Assessment per Team | TheFootballEducator.com
Last season the AFC North sent three teams to the NFL playoffs. That is a heck of a run considering there are only six spots per conference

Paul Kruger in line to pick up Suggs' slack for Ravens - NFL.com
No single Baltimore Ravens defender is going to replace Terrell Suggs. But the player most often mentioned as the key in filling in while Suggs recovers from a torn Achilles' tendon is second-round pick Courtney Upshaw.

Jon Beason held out of Panthers OTAs post-surgery - NFL.com
The Carolina Panthers are taking a cautious approach with middle linebacker Jon Beason, holding the veteran out of the OTAs, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reported Thursday.

ProFootballWeekly.com - NFC South players in the crosshairs
As training camp approaches, we take a look at the players on each team who will be most heavily scrutinized.

Abram Elam visits the Chiefs | ProFootballTalk
The Chiefs kicked the tires on veteran safety Abram Elam on Thursday

ProFootballWeekly.com - Young candidates for Bengals' WR spot opposite Green
The Bengals have a host of youthful challengers for the starting WR spot opposite A.J. Green.

NFL News

Jim Brown criticizes Trent Richardson, Mike Holmgren | ProFootballTalk
Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown wasn’t thrilled with the team’s selection of Trent Richardson in last month’s first round, and he made those feelings clear on the draft’s first day.

NFLPA scores legal victory against former players | ProFootballTalk
The ever-growing portfolio of litigation involved the NFLPA has gotten smaller by one case.

DeMaurice Smith says NFLPA's collusion suit will hold up - NFL.com
NFL players union chief DeMaurice Smith said Thursday that his group's claim of collusion against the NFL will stand up in court.

NFL, game officials agree to mediation over new labor deal - NFL.com
The NFL and its referees' union have agreed to federal mediation.

Miscellaneous Stuff

What is Nicks facing during the rehab process? | National Football Post
After experiencing the same injury during my career, here's a look at the situation for the Giants WR.

Sergio Kindle struggling to overcome hearing loss - NFL.com
Paul Kruger and Courtney Upshaw are the early favorites to start at outside linebacker for the Ravens this year. The team's 2010 second-round pick Sergio Kindle is just trying to make the roster and prove he can still have an NFL career after fracturing his skull falling down the stairs prior to his lost rookie season.

Kellen Winslow ready to fill a need for Seattle Seahawks - NFL.com
Kellen Winslow is ready to prove he still has something left for the Seattle Seahawks.

Go Broncos!