Another Defensive Tackle Cut from Broncos Roster

The Denver Broncos decided to depart with yet another defensive tackle. They gave Antwon Burton his walking papers Tuesday. The Broncos now have only 3 of the original defensive tackles left from training camp; veteran Sam Adams, Alvin McKinley, and rookie Marcus Thomas. After cutting Burton the Broncos turned around and signed Kenny Peterson. Kenny Peterson was cut by the Broncos last month.

Peterson was suspended for the first month of the season after violating the league's substance abuse policy. The suspension was a result of using a banned dietary supplement. Defensive coordinator Jim Bates worked with Peterson while he was the coach in Green Bay. Peterson is familiar with Bates' system, or lack there of, and should be able to step in immediately.

I'm sure Antwon Burton was very suprised when he was informed that he was being let go. He played a lot of snaps in the Kansas City game, and after reviewing the film he did not play that bad. In fact he was pretty decent, he took on double teams without giving much ground and even almost intercepted a pass on a zone blitz. I just don't get it. I know Burton wasn't an all star, but he is a role player that had been doing a decent job. I just don't see someone coming off the streets at this point in the season and performing better. We need DT depth so why not add Peterson and dump a different player?

What is strange is the fact that the Broncos felt Peterson could not make an impact and cut him no more than a month ago. Now we turn around and sign him after cutting yet another DT. We find ourselves with only 4 defensive tackles, one of which is not in game shape. Peterson is not the big body Bates supposedly covets, he is the smallest of the DT. Peterson is 6'3" 285 lbs in his 5th year out of Ohio State. I'm obviously concerned that we only have 4 active DT, especially in goal-line and short yardage situations. It appears as if the Broncos have decided the large DT they targeted in the pre-season are now no longer the priority due to the serious lack of personnel. Instead they have now focused on making speed and strength the core of the defensive scheme. What a mess! The personnel decision this year have been beyond horrible. General Manager Ted Sundquist should definitely be on the hot seat.