Eric Decker (87) scores on a 90-yard punt return against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)

Memorial weekend has come and gone, so that means we are one step closer to the start of the 2012 football season.  To help fill the days of the long, hot summer ahead of us, I am continuing my look back at some of the games the Broncos have had against teams they will face in 2012.  Week Four of the 2012 season marks the Broncos’ first divisional battle, and that finds the Oakland Raiders visiting Denver.  The Raiders will be led by ex-Bronco Defensive Coordinator, Dennis Allen, in his first head coaching role.  Even though the September 30th matchup is the Broncos’ first game against an AFC West team, the Raiders are opening their 2012 campaign against the San Diego Chargers.  In 2011, the Raiders also opened their season with a game against a division foe – the Denver Broncos.  Continue reading for a brief overview of that season opener.

(more…)

Brian Dawkins is one of seventeen unrestriced free agents on the Denver Broncos' roster. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

In the wake of Sunday’s Grammy Awards and just prior to NFL free agency, let’s divide the Denver Broncos’ seventeen unrestricted free agents into Grammy-themed teams to better understand their individual value to Broncos.

Team Whitney Houston: If you wrote a song and traveled back in time to any year between 1985 and 1995 with the sole mission of ensuring it turned into a platinum hit, who is the first person you call?  Easy.  Whitney Houston.  Who turned “The Star Spangled Banner” into a stirring sensation?  Who could take a Dolly Parton song of any magnitude and do what she did on “I Will Always Love You”?

Fast forward to the present.  If your sole mission is to build a championship team, who are the first people you call?  Your own unrestricted free agents that are going to be a lockdown, sure thing mega hit.  Call them!  Get them in the studio Dove Valley now!
(more…)

Daniel Fells tries to break a tackle against the Chargers. (Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE)

We looked at free agent wide receivers, but what about free agent tight ends?

The tight end position was one of the most publicized positions in football in 2011. New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski led the league in touchdowns with 17. New Orleand Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was 4th on that list with 11 TDs. Gronkowski’s teammate Aaron Hernandez was another tight end who made headlines around the league. A dual tight end system? The Patriots were so successful because of it.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos used their tight ends primarily for blocking. Daniel Fells was the team’s leading tight end with 19 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dante Rosario was second on the list with 7 receptions for 117 yards.

Yes, the Broncos weren’t considered a passing team, but most would agree that their tight ends were underutilized.

Let’s take a look at some of the tight ends who may become available in free agency.
(more…)