Broncos cuts breakdown

Defensive line/linebacker disappointments Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas both get rejection letters from the Broncos.

Crowder was a prep star in Texas, matriculated to the University of Texas, and was a high draft pick who did regrettably little. He was overrated, lacking explosion and didn't make plays. Thomas, a Florida Gator with real promise, never proved former coach Mike Shanahan's faith in him was justified. He had size but didn't show on game day.

Linebacker Jarvis Moss somehow has made the team, maybe based on some flashes against the Cardinals. The potential has always been there, the production, however, has been absent. The Broncos must see something most media and fans don't. Maybe Moss is a late bloomer but the odds of success for him are slim. Here's hoping Moss, who has overcome many physical problems in his life, proves us wrong.

Broncos get positive feedback

The Broncos won a game, a preseason game but it was still a win and it was a shutout and it came over a team that should be competitive in 2009. Beating Arizona is the bright light that new coach Josh McDaniels needed. It was some kind of confidence confirmation for the players too.

Rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater showed he can play. In a preseason game. He's got a long ways to go but he does look coachable and with hard work he could develop. Just hope that starter Kyle Orton and backup Chris Simms don't get hurt at the same time during the regular season.

The defense gets a solid grade in this one.

The season opener is next and the Broncos will have to run the ball better, play the same kind of defense and hope the quarterbacking doesn't doom it's chances of competing well and having a chance to win.

Hold on as it promises to be a rough go in 2009 in year 1 of the McDaniels regime.

Notes

The Broncos running game looks like a weakness unless the line gets healthy and unless Knowshown Moreno has a smash debut.

Rookie Kenny McKinley looks like a real find as a third or fourth receiver. He won't be a star but he could be a productive part of the offense.

I think, but I'm not sure, there was a Jarvis Moss sighting. Will it be enough for him to make the roster, I'm not sure.

Rookie DB David Bruton looks like a contributor to be and the secondary and special teams needs some rambunctious youth.

Niner game notes

So Kyle Orton's debut was terrible. It's the first preseason game and even though Orton is a veteran he's with a new team, with new co-workers and a new coach. Temper the disdain for the quarterback.

Chris Simms can make all the same claims as Orton (see above) but he did put up strong numbers. Simms has never lacked talent, only an understanding of how to read defenses and make the correct decision. With better coaching, who knows what's possible.

There was a Jarvis Moss sighting. Will it repeat itself in coming weeks?

Knowshon Moreno got dinged. How serious is it and how long will it affect him? The early word is 1-2 weeks with a sprained MCL. The NFL is tough on the body, especially the knees, especially those pins of running backs. Moreno, even without playing a regular season down is too valuable to this team to be a sideline decoration. He must stay healthy.