The glass is half full in Denver

By Robert Rousseau  |   Monday, September 18, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Denver Broncos
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Let's be positive. Forget that glass is half-empty approach, we're talking the glass is half-full here. Yes, the Denver Broncos have looked like a shell of their former selves in the first two games of the 2006-07 season, producing a total of 27 points against defenses that were some of the worst in the league the previous season (even if both of those teams do have new coaches and agendas).

Beyond that, there have been pass protection issues, the offensive line hasn't looked nearly as meticulous in its run blocking as in the past, and Jake Plummer has seemed anything but the rejuvenated player he was for most of last season.

But, again, this is a positive article, and there are certainly things to be somewhat optimistic about when it comes to the Broncos. Here are four:

1. Somehow, they're 1-1 --Anyone who was watching the game on Sunday against the Chiefs knows that it could've easily gone the other way. This is a team that scored nine points in an overtime game and was victorious; hey, a win's a win.

2. The defense has looked really good --The unit only gave up 278 total yards against the Chiefs and, despite the extra period, Kansas City was only able to score a mere six points on the afternoon.

3. Javon Walker is the playmaker Denver hoped for --Walker broke through against the Chiefs, pulling in five receptions for 79 yards. Even better, he came through with a big fourth-and-one reverse in the third quarter that netted the team an important first down (on two consecutive reverses he gained 21 yards). Not only is Walker beginning to show his athleticism, he's also exhibiting some emotion on the field. After big catches or plays he gets visibly pumped up; in the best-case scenario, Walker's energy will become infectious for a team that has looked anything but thrilled to be playing football. Head coach Mike Shanahan has also noticed his energy, indicating in an Associated Press article that, "It's exciting to see a guy who wants the ball on every play."

4. Jason Elam doesn't get rattled -- An oldie but goodie. Sure, one could bring up the fact that Elam missed a 44-yarder in the wind on Sunday against Kansas City. However, unlike many kickers, Elam has that ability to block out the past and deliver. He hit on his next three attempts in customary fashion. Unfortunately for Denver, if the offense doesn't pick up soon, Elam is going to become an even more important person than he already is for the team.

So, all is not lost in Denver. However, this list must grow if the team is going to live up to the hype that was built in reaching the AFC Championship game during the 2005-06 season.

The Broncos are too good to be playing like they are. They need to turn this around immediately.

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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or ...
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