Friday, March 8, 2013

Denver Broncos Stater Grades: Offense

Peyton Manning

He had is best year statistically throwing for 4,659 yards 37 TD's and 11 Interceptions. He lead this team to their best record since 2005 at 13-3. He is the reason the team was able to secure the top seed in the AFC. Even after the neck surgeries he still looked like a top 5 QB and although he lost some arm strength he was still able to outsmart defenses with his football knowledge.

Grade: A

Willis McGahee

 He only played 10 games, but still rushed for 731 yards at a 4.4 YPC clip and he ran for 4 TD's however, he coughed the ball up 5 times. His fumbling issues were a problem they altered games such as the Patriots game where the Broncos tried to make a comeback, but he fumbled the ball, ending the comeback bid. It is hard to successful when your running back turns it over so often. Moreno out-shined Willis when he got the chance rushing for just over 500 yards in his 6 starts and also having 4 rushing TD's to only 1 fumble.

Grade: C+

Demaryious Thomas

Thomas showed everyone what he was capable of in the second half of last season and in the playoffs. With Manning at the helm things only got better. He caught 94 balls for 1,434 yards for 10 TD's. Thomas dominated opponents and made a name for himself as a potential top 5 wide receiver. Some only thought he could be a deep threat in the NFL, but he showed he could be a good possession receiver too. Early in the year he struggled with dropped balls and fumbles, but he got over his fumblitis fairly quick. His dropped balls persisted, but they became less and less of a factor as the season wore on.

Grade: A-

Eric Decker

Decker played well in the second option role, he finished with 85 receptions 1,064 yards and a surprising 13 TD's. He was the Broncos best receiver in the red zone, he knew how to find the open spot and make a target for Manning. He had some problems with dropped balls during the middle of the season, but he seemed to overcome that part of his game as the year went on.

Grade: B+

Jacob Tamme

Tamme did not do as well as some though he would considering he played for Manning before and that developed a good rapport during the 2010 season. Tamme only finished with 52 receptions 555 yards and 2 TD's. Joel Dreessen seemed to take over more and more of the Tight End duties since he was a better blocker and a decent receiver. Dreessen was more effective in the red zone catching 5 TD's. Tamme needs to step it up or he may lose his starting job next season.

Grade: C

Ryan Clady

There is a reason Clady will be receiving the franchise tag and hopefully a long term deal this offseason. He has done an excellent job of projecting Manning's blindside and he deserves all of the money he will receive. He does lack a little in the run blocking department, but he is not that bad.

Grade: A-

Zane Beadles

In my eyes, this was Beadles best year yet. He needs to improve as a pass blocker, but his run blocking was phenomenal. He looked great always getting guys out of the way and moving onto the second level. In order to thrive in a Peyton Manning run offense he needs to improve his passing blocking, but I saw improvement from last year until this one so lets hope he can keep that up.

Grade: B

Dan Koppen

Koppen replaced Walton early in the season due to injury. Koppen was exactly what this offensive line needed, a veteran presence, since they were also without Kuper. Koppen did an excellent job calling out who to block and seemed to mesh well with Manning. I hope he can keep his starting job when Manning comes back.

Grade: B+

Manny Ramirez

He was just awful. Could not pass block to save his life and he is a mediocre run blocker. He was the weak link on this line the whole season. Since Kuper cant seem to stay healthy, I would not be surprised if the Broncos drafted a backup guard that could spot start when someone is injured. If the Broncos have to go with Manny any longer it could prove to be deadly.

Grade: D

Orlando Franklin

What an improvement this guy made as a pass blocker from year one to year two. He was head and shoulders above what he did in his rookie year. His feet seemed to move a little quicker. This is not to say he still cant make major improvements in the pass blocking arena, but if he improves this year like he did last he could be one of the top tackles in the league.

Grade: B+



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