Notes From Lombardi: Broncos Breakdown

FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:

TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF DENVER’S MOVES...

The Broncos have been busy this offseason as they attempt to rebuild and reconstruct their team.  One thing that has become very apparent in the first week of free agency is that head coach Josh McDaniels is firmly in charge. Just ask Jay Cutler.  In spite of his youthful appearance, McDaniels has a plan, and part of that plan is to change things -- dramatically.  I compared all the Denver moves earlier to a college team that hires a new coach and raids the junior college programs to increase its core talent level in hopes of winning as it rebuilds.  I see the “Year One” part of the plan is to increase the Broncos’ talent and character level along with getting everyone to understand the new method of operations on and off the field.  The word “compete” is the focus each time the players enter the building.  However, one question still hasn’t been answered: Where do all the pieces fit? 

First, the key component of the McDaniels plan is to increase the level of competition in practice.  Read the book by Jim Collins, “Good to Great,” and you realize that everything we must do to achieve our goals comes in gradual steps of progress.  McDaniels seems willing to invest money in players who are not significantly better than what he may or may not have, but he’s willing to make this move in order to increase the level of competition at each practice.  Churchill once said, “Fear does the work of reason.” When there is competition, players are fearful of losing their jobs, so they work harder, practice harder and pay attention harder.  As George Young, the late GM of the Giants, used to say, “The hungry solider is the best solider.”  McDaniels is trying to lay a foundation of competitiveness and professionalism.  There’s a plan here. 

We know the Broncos are going to a 3-4 hybrid defense, and since they were one of the worst team in the NFL in terms of defensive talent, this move shouldn’t be hard to make.  Any move here means instant starter and instant help, regardless of how small the improvement might be.  Switching from the 4-3 to the 3-4 requires finding some base ends who can handle the tackles in the league and play with power.  It also requires a nose tackle who can play the run and is physical inside.  All parts were not in stock when McDaniels and Mike Nolan took over this defense, so it will be a work in progress.  Patience is a virtue in Denver.  Playing sound, fundamental defense and not being as scheme creative as they were in the past should help the Broncos cut down on all the big plays allowed on defense. 

Here are their transactions so far:

OFFENSE

Chris Simms, QB: He’s a good leader and very hungry for a starting job. Joining McDaniels will rejuvenate his career.  He’ll keep the pressure on and always competes. 

LaMont Jordan, RB: A big back who cannot be the starter. But he can wear down teams and is a very good short yardage runner. 

J.J. Arrington, RB: Kickoff return specialist and a jack-of-all-trades. The Kevin Faulk of the Rockies. 

Correll Buckhalter, RB: Another back who cannot be the main man, but he and Jordan might be able to complement each other. Between the two of them, the Broncos might have one back. 

Jabar Gaffney, WR: McDaniels needed someone who can show the other wideouts what the offense is about and someone he can trust to prepare and play the game the right way.  This signing will help on the field, but more off the field. 

DEFENSE

Kenny Peterson, DT: He has played well for the Broncos and might be the best defensive lineman from the old regime.  He is best when he’s on the move and might be best suited to an inside nickel tackle role. 

Darrell Reid, DT: Comes from the one-gap scheme of the Colts and is best suited to be on the move. Plays a little bigger than his size, however, he’s not a zero technique nose and will need to be on the move. 

Ronald Fields, DT: Will significantly help the defense in terms of power and technique.  He is strong and can hold the line of scrimmage.  My favorite signing of the Broncos. 

Andra Davis, LB: Not very fast, will struggle in pass coverage and struggle to make space plays.  He’s very limited, and I doubt he can hold the starting job all year.  They might be able to draft over him. 

Andre' Goodman, CB: Smart and tough and coming off his best season.  He might not have great speed, but he has balance and can make plays. 

Renaldo Hill, CB/FS: He’s a football player – smart and aware of the game -- but he’s limited in some areas of athletic talent.  He can play inside slot, and as long as everyone knows his speed limitations, he will be able to make plays. 

Brian Dawkins, S: Like Gaffney, he was signed for his off-the-field talents as much as his on-field talent. 

Lonnie Paxton, C: He helps McDaniels set up his kicking game.  Not sure I would have spent the money on a replaceable position. 

Even after all this, there is still much work to do.  The Broncos must find a pass rushing outside backer, and it appears to me they will focus on defensive players in the draft.  Improving the core special teams players and defensive talent is the first order of business in the draft.  This free agent class will never make a splash, but the Broncos have to get good before they get great.  Great players need to come from the draft. 

Competition is the Golden Rule, and McDaniels is the boss. We’ve learned this in the last week. 

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