The 2009 NFL Draft is starting in around an hour and the Denver Broncos have 2 picks in the first round. There has been a lot of speculation on whether the Broncos will trade up to try and get Mark Sanchez, but I doubt it will happen. I see the Broncos standing pat and just taking their 2 selections. I hope the B.J. Raji falls to number 12 so the Broncos can get him and I’d like to see Malcolm Jenkins get picked at 18. I also really hope the Raiders don’t take Michael Crabtree, because I’d like to see him actually have a career with a decent team. Stay tuned for more draft day coverage.

Denver Broncos NFL Draft Day 2009

B.J. Raji has gone to the Green Bay Packers, so unfortunately we won’t see him in the blue and orange. My next hope is that Brian Orakpo gets picked. He is a solid end and I think he could make an immediate impact in turning the Broncos defense around.

Despite the fact we already signed 3 freeagent running backs this offseason, Denver decided to use their 12th overall pick to get Knowshon Moreno. I would have really preferred getting Brian Orakpo, it is the defense we need to get built back up. We have a backfield about 24 people deep right now, we did not need another running back. Josh McDaniels is not having a good start to his first draft.

Defense was finally addressed as the Broncos take Robert Ayers with the 18th overall pick. Ayers is a good defensive end who should make an immediate impact up front. I am disappointed that we didn’t get a chance at Malcolm Jenkins. Hopefully the Broncos get some more defensive players with the rest of their draft picks.

So Chauncey Billups is officially dominating the playoffs. He led the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets to give Denver a 2-0 lead in the series. This game was as chippy as the first, with three more technicals called bringing the total to seven for the series. Dahntay Jones continued his smothering defensive performance from last game, which is sure to lead to more complaints from Hornets coach Byron Scott. Chris “Birdman” Andersen had some electrifying plays, such as a soaring dunk off of a missed shot by Chauncey, and J.R. Smith played well scoring 15 points.

Chauncey Billups dominates Chris Paul and the Hornets

Carmelo Anthony contributed 22 points and had 9 assists. The star of the game was definitely Billups. He contributed 31 points and has now gone two games in a row without committing a turnover or missing a free throw. Chris Paul has definitely been outplayed by Billups this series, but still managed to dish out 13 assists this game. David West led the Hornets with 21 points. This game was closer than the first, but it was still obvious who was in control. Hopefully the Nuggets can continue this level of play as they travel to New Orleans for the next two games in the series.

- Gonzo

Tonight is game 2 of the first round playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Hornets. It seems that New Orleans coach Byron Scott doesn’t like how Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones has been covering Chris Paul. In other words he is upset that Chris Paul was unable to drop 40 points against the Nuggets. Come on, it’s the playoffs and everyone is going to play physically. The whole game was chippy with everyone on the court getting their licks, that’s just how the game goes. If that aggressive style of play is what it takes for the Nuggets to get another blowout victory I’m all for it. The Hornets just have to suck it up and play basketball, or else their season will end very soon.

Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones

Speaking of Colorado victories, the Colorado Rockies are back on track and Todd Helton reaffirmed his position as one of the great Rockies players. Helton batted 3-5 with a home run and 3 RBI’s in the Rockies’ 9-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The pitching was not much of an improvement, but a big 6^th inning with 4 runs put the Rockies ahead for good. Hopefully the Rockies can put a winning streak together and continue some excellent batting.

Todd Helton is my hero

- Gonzo

The Arizona Diamondbacks came into yesterday’s match up against our beloved Colorado Rockies as a team in the midst of a batting slump. Fortunately for the Diamondbacks, the pitchers for the Rockies continued their mediocre play, leading to a 6-3 Arizona victory. Jason Marquis gave up all 6 runs, including home runs from Mark Reynolds and Miguel Montero. The Rockies didn’t bat poorly, they had 8 hits including a homer from Ian Stewart, but runners were still on base far too often at the end of innings.

Ian Stewart has batted well for the Rockies this season

It has now been 4 games since a Rockies victory, but it is still early in the season. I am hoping that our pitchers are just shaking off the cobwebs from the offseason and getting prepared to pitch some stellar games. The Rockies face the Diamond backs again today, and hopefully they can maximize on all their scoring opportunities.

- Gonzo

]]> http://dailydenversports.com/rockies-losing-streak-continues/feed/ 0 http://dailydenversports.com/chauncey-billups-carries-nuggets-past-hornets/ http://dailydenversports.com/chauncey-billups-carries-nuggets-past-hornets/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:08:59 +0000 Jordan Gonzales http://dailydenversports.com/?p=68

Chauncey Billups lived up to the name Mr. Big Shot yesterday. He sank 8 three pointers as the Denver Nuggets absolutely dominated the New Orleans Hornets 113-84. Chris Paul played well for the Hornets with 21 points and 11 rebounds, but things fell apart in the third quarter. Chauncey became absolutely unstoppable, hitting 4 three’s and starting the Nuggets on a 21-0 run that would last into the 4^th quarter. J.R. Smith contributed 10 straight points at the beginning of the 4^th quarter and Chris “Birdman” Andersen had 5 blocks. All in all, I couldn’t think of a better way to start the series.

Chauncey Billups' 8 three pointers set a franchise record for the Nuggets

While the Nuggets were dominating the Colorado Rockies were being dominated. In the last game of a 3 game series, the Rockies fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 14-2. Matt Kemp was the batting MVP for the Dodgers with a solo home run and a grand slam. I would pick an MVP for the Rockies but I can’t think of one right now and I would rather focus on the Nuggets victory. Coming up next for the Rockies are the Arizona Diamondbacks, so hopefully this losing streak will be brought to a halt.

I may be mad at the Rockies but Todd Helton is still the man

- Gonzo

The Colorado Rockies once again fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier each hit two home runs to lead the dodgers to a 9-5 victory. Aaron Cook pitched poorly for the Rockies and gave up 5 runs in 4 innings. The Rockies are playing the Dodgers for the third time today to hopefully take one game from this three game series.

Aaron Cook did not pitch well against the Los Angeles Dodgers

Make sure all you Denver sports fans tune in tonight for the first game in the Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets playoff series. Honestly, this series could go either way, but I think the Nuggets have more depth than the Hornets. The Nuggets have players like Chris Andersen coming off the bench to provide a spark, whereas the Hornets will be relying on Chris Paul to play well. The flip side is Chris Paul almost always plays very well. Tune into TNT and watch it tonight!

Chris Andersen should provide a spark for the Nuggets off the bench

- Gonzo

Colorado Rockies, you have disappointed me. You scored 3 runs in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but then gave up 4 runs in the seventh. Everything in between was good, and I have to say that Jorge De La Rosa pitched a better game than I was expecting. Once again, the Rockies couldn’t close, but for once it wasn’t Huston Street giving up the big play. The Rockies play the Dodgers again today, so maybe we can get a lead and hold on to it this time.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa pitched a good game against the Los Angeles Dodgers

In better news for Colorado sports, the Colorado Mammoth and Gavin Prout beat the Edmonton Rush 10-9. With this win, the Mammoth scored themselves a playoff spot. This was a back and forth game all the way through, although I was surprised the Mammoth did not win by more. They took 12 more shots on goal than the Rush, but in the end, a win is a win and a playoff berth is nothing to frown at.

Colorado Mammoth captain Gavin Prout

- Gonzo

The Denver Nuggets are now preparing for their first round playoff series against the New Orleans Hornets. I think this is going to be a great series to watch, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes back and forth. Chris Paul is one of the most dangerous players in the game, and if he gets hot the Hornets will be hard to stop.

The Nuggets will have to stop Chris Paul

I expect to see some big performances out of Chauncey Billups, Nene Hilario, Chris “Birdman” Andersen, and Kenyon Martin during this series. They will have to step up big time defensively. The regular season match-ups were split, with 2 wins each for the Nuggets and Hornets. Hopefully the Nuggets will finally be able to get out of the first round without Dikembe Mutumbo.

Chris "Birdman" Andersen dunks in a game

The Colorado Rockies are playing Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight. The Rockies are 4-4 and have not looked great, but are coming off a nice 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. If the Rockies want to have a chance against the Dodgers they will need some improved pitching. Jorge De La Rosa had a terrible opening game against the Philadelphia Phillies, giving up 5 runs in 4 innings. Huston Street will also have to learn how to close a game if the Rockies want to pull this one off.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa

- Gonzo

The Colorado Rockies got revenge against the Chicago Cubs yesterday, beating them 5-2. It was very nice to see the Rockies get some hits after their 4-0 trouncing against the Cubs earlier this season. Former Cub Jason Marquis pitched well for the Rockies, something Cub’s fans didn’t seem to appreciate as they constantly booed him. I’m glad he is with the Rockies now, and a win against the Cubs must have felt good for him. If the Rockies continue to play like this then we may end up having two playoff teams in Colorado. It is never too early for optimism!

The Denver Nuggets got their butts handed to them by the Portland Trailblazers last night 76-104, not a good way to go into the playoffs. I would have much preferred a win so we could go into the playoffs with a little momentum, but it was not to be. Carmelo Anthony had a very poor shooting night and finished with only 12 points. Chauncey Billups played well as usual but it was not enough. The Nuggets still have home court advantage, and will be playing the New Orleans Hornets in the first round. I think this is a winnable series and should provide some exciting games, but the Nuggets will definitely have to play better than they did against Portland.

- Gonzo

Brady Quinn has long been one of my favorite players, despite the fact the he hasn’t really played much for the Cleveland Browns. I am of course extremely biased due to my affiliation with Notre Dame, but I am following the rumors surrounding Brady Quinn very carefully. Right now there are rumored to be two teams interested in getting him in a trade, and supposedly one of these unnamed teams has offered a first round draft pick.

Brady Quinn back in the Notre Dame days

I don’t know how believable this is since I assume the Browns would eagerly take a first round draft pick for Quinn. I remain hopeful that one of these teams vying for Quinn is the Denver Broncos. After all, the Broncos did just receive an extra first round pick from the Chicago Bears through the Jay Cutler trade. There has also been lots of speculation how Brady Quinn would fit into the Broncos’ new offensive scheme with Josh McDaniels at the helm, and the conclusion has widely been that he would be a perfect fit. Notre Dame’s offense is very close to what McDaniels plans on running in Denver.

Brady Quinn at practice with the Cleveland Browns

Right now it is all just rumors and speculations and I won’t get my hopes up. I just know it would be awesome if Brady Quinn landed in Denver. In fact I would be willing to guarantee a playoff appearance if he did, just because I’m feeling optimistic.

- Gonzo

Holy crap J.R. Smith, that was amazing. Smith had 45 points against the Kings and made 11 3-pointers. If I am not mistaken that ties the Denver Nuggets franchise record and is one off from the NBA record. So yeah, J.R. Smith had a pretty good night. If he keeps playing like this I feel confident that the Nuggets will finally make it past the first round. And by the way, with the win over the Sacramento Kings, the Nuggets have locked up the division and home court advantage for the playoffs.

J.R. Smith celebrates a 3-point shot

With no other teams with games today I am just left to speculate on the upcoming NFL draft and where the Denver Broncos stand. With two first round picks I am really hoping for an impact defensive player, although I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos drafted a quarterback to challenge Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. I am just hoping B.J. Raji falls to number 12 so the Broncos can scoop him up. That guy is a beast. That’s all I have for today, watch a replay of the Nuggets vs. Kings game to keep yourself occupied until tomorrow’s post.

B.J. Raji #90

- Gonzo

Well the first Colorado Rockies game I saw this season did not go very well. The Rockies lost 4-0 to the Chicago Cubs earlier today, and I have to say the Rockies did not put up much of a fight. You know it was a bad game when the offensive highlight is Garett Atkins’ single. He didn’t have much competition for Colorado Rockies play of the game considering that was the only hit we got.

Garrett Atkins #27

While this game didn’t go well, it is still very early on in the season and I’m hopeful that the Rockies can step up and maybe even make another playoff run this season. Mostly I just want Todd Helton to be healthy. He is the heart and soul of the Colorado Rockies. For now though, we all look to the Denver Nuggets for some post-season glory.

Todd Helton #17

- Gonzo

After disappointing seasons from both the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Broncos, it seems that Denver’s playoff hopes rest on the Denver Nuggets. Luckily, the Nuggets are in a good position to make fans happy. With a 53-27 record, the Nuggets are in arguably the best position they’ve ever been in to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Carmelo Anthony dunks in a game

Star players such as Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups are providing consistently good play, while J. R. Smith has been lighting up the scoreboard from off the bench. If the Nuggets are going to make an impact in the postseason, Kenyon Martin will need to stay healthy and Nene will have to provide some solid defense as well. Some blocked shots from Chris “Birdman” Anderson wouldn’t hurt either.

J. R. Smith goes for a lay-up

I think the Nuggets have all the right pieces to make a championship run this year; it all depends on whether they can stay focused. We’ve known for years that the Nuggets were good enough to make it to the playoffs, but now they need to take the next step and prove that they’re good enough to make it past the first round.

- Gonzo