For two key Broncos recovering from injuries, their status was quo on Wednesday afternoon as the Broncos returned to the practice field. Javon Walker was in uniform and saw limited work during the session, while Champ Bailey joined Sam Adams on the sidelines. Adams has sat out Wednesday sessions throughout the year to date.
“(Bailey) had some treatment and got in a little workout in the weight room,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said. “We’ll know more tomorrow on Champ.”
A specific prognosis for whether Bailey will play against the Steelers will arrive Friday. For now, the Broncos and Bailey will simply wait.
“We’ll see,” Shanahan said. “You’re always hoping that (quadriceps muscle) comes around, but you’re never sure.”
Walker, meanwhile, “practiced some,” Shanahan said, but the wideout was confident that he would be ready to play Sunday.
“When the game comes around, with the adrenaline rush and what’s happening on Sundays, you feel 100 percent,” Walker said. “That’s the way I would feel going into every Sunday. It’s just the things that you have to prepare for up until that day that makes it tough. Sundays will take care of themselves.”
Walker said he didn’t detect much pain when he ran during Monday’s practice.
“I really don’t notice it until everything is done and it’s time to calm down,” Walker said. “But usually when I’m out there in the midst of playing, I don’t even notice it.
“We’ve just got to kind of watch it and figure out what day would be a good day to rest it and get it ready for Sunday.”
MORE FROM PRACTICE: Tight end Stephen Alexander was listed as having limited participation in practice with his lingering calf injury … Hamza Abdullah also fully participated in practice for the first time since injuring his hip last month … Tuesday signee Jordan Beck wore jersey No. 57 and said as he left the field that he worked at middle linebacker during Wednesday’s session. “He’s so bright that eventually he’ll be able to learn all three (linebacker spots),” assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said.
FROM PITTSBURGH: Defensive tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring) and tight end Jerame Tuman (back) did not take part in Wednesday’s practice … Cornerback Bryant McFadden was limited Wednesday with an ankle injury.
Tags: Champ Bailey, Javon Walker, Mike Shanahan
Mason,
Can you tell us more about Jordan Beck? I hadn’t even heard we’d signed him until I read your post.
Jordan Beck … in brief:
He was cut by the Falcons at the end of this year’s training camp, and has had “eight” tryouts since, he said … Atlanta used a third-round pick on him in the 2005 draft after he had a phenomenal combine workout … Played at Cal-Poly; he actually was a non-scholarship player upon his arrival … He’s a middle linebacker by trade, playing there most of his time at Cal Poly and again as a backup in Atlanta .. I’m writing a feature on him over on the main site to post either tonight or tomorrow.
Hey Andrew,
Any updates on Rod Smith. Is he looking like he will be ready after his PUP list time is up?
There’s nothing to update right now … still in wait-and-see mode. He’s rehabbing daily, but the Broncos have another few weeks before they have to make a decision as to whether he moves onto the 53-man roster or goes to injured reserve.
Did we meet with anymore candidates for linebacker positions?
Whateve happened to Jamie Winborn? Has he had any playing time?
Mr. Mason,
Are there any indications as to Hamza Abdullah playing on Sunday? I still say this guy is the defenses secret weapon. He can not only add to our stingy passing defense but has no problem supporting the run. And finally, was there any word as to why Beck was released by the other teams he’s been with? I have heard he’s one fast MLB and I remember seeing him during the combine. He appeared to be as quick as he is fast and looked like he’s got really fluid hips but I remember the commentators being concerned with his lack of presence at the point of attack.
Thanks,
Mike in San Diego
Oh what a relief. Flyeaglefly and Tyler aren’t here so this post consists entirely of the takes of Broncos FANS! Marvelous! Anyway, there’s no doubt in my mind that Champ will be ready. He’s a gamer.
I was looking at some stats today, and really we aren’t doing that badly.
High points:
Only 6 sacks allowed (3rd best in NFL)
Relatively few turnovers (6 INT, 3 FL as far as I can tell)
365 Offensive Yds/G (5th)
151 Penalty Yds/G (5th lowest)
145 Pass Yds Allowed/G (1st)
48% 3rd down conversions (7th highest)
Low points:
15 PPG (5th lowest)
27 PPG allowed (6th highest)
Relatively few turnovers forced
20.5 punt return avg allowed (2nd highest)
187 Rush Yds/G allowed (highest)
Now, the positive stats are some pretty good cateogries. Turnovers, penalties, and 3rd downs are usually decent indicators of a teams success.
The yards/game seem to indicate that our points/game has thus far been a fluke (or the yards/game have). The punt return average can also be taken with a grain of salt because the Broncos have punted so few times this year and only six of them have been returned, so that data might not be indicative of what the Broncos can actually put up.
That said, the Broncos have only put 5 games on the books and that’s not even 1/3rd of a season, but I think the Broncos are looking pretty good “going forward” as the pundits say.
Andrew-
Any interesting stats you have to share? Also, Bailey leads the team with 5 special teams tackles. Is he playing special teams full time or just in certain situations?
thanks,
–Jason
poorboywilly, Great blog! I think that Champ is playing full time. I also think thats why some of our special teams line ups look so much different from other teams. Shanahan uses his “best player” scenario when activating players for the coverage teams. I’m not saying it is or isn’t a good idea, thats just what the Bronco’s do. Some additional stats that may give us hope,
1st down (passing)% – 4th best in AFC – 60.2%
1st down (rushing)% – 5th best in AFC – 25.0%
20+yard (rushing) – 5th best in AFC – 4
103 passing att. made on defense w/ 69 comp allowing only 7.6 yards/com
Areas of needed improvement:
333 total tackles – 12th best in AFC
264 solo tackles – 11th best in AFC
Scoring (offense) – 15th best in AFC – 75 pts
Kick off returns – 11th best in AFC – 22.9 yrd avg.
Punt returns – 12 best in AFC – 6.3 yrd avg
If anything I expect the Broncos to come out and play smash mouth football. I believe were capable of putting some serious dings in that steel curtain!
ANYTHING MADE OF STEELcurtain CAN BE orangeCRUSHED!
Dominate!
Mike in San Diego
[...] Javon Walker was limited in practice Wednesday, although he insists he’ll play Sunday. Champ Bailey was sidelined again. Oh, and Jim Bates loves Jordan Beck. – Mason’s Morsels [...]
[...] After a few weeks off with swelling in his surgically repaired knee Javon Walker could play this weekend, but he’s going to be very limited and it’s a terrible matchup. Don’t start him [...]
KARL M BRONCO Says:
LAMENTABLEMENTE VAMOS A TERMINAR CON 5 GANADOS Y 11 PERDIDOS, A PESAR DE LO POSITIVO DE SHANAHAN DE QUE NO PASA NADA Y QUE ESTAN TRABAJANDO EN LOS DETALLES DEFENSIVOS , LA REALIDAD ES QUE NOS ESPERAN TRES O CUATRO TEMPORADAS DE MEDIOCRIDAD CON CUTLER AL FRENTE Y SHANAHAN COMO HEAD COACH.
LA ERA DE SHANAHAN QUEDO ATRAS , YA NO SON LOS 90s, ES MUY FRUSTANTE VER COMO SEMANA TRAS SEMANA NOS APLASTAN FISICAMENTE,
LO SIENTO POR LOS FANS DE LOS BRONCOS PERO NOS ESPERAN AÑOS DE SEQUIA Y FRUSTACION
There is only one stat that matters:
record 2wins-3losses.
points for 75, points against 136
when you nearly getting doubled up on points you are lucky to have a 2-3 record. Even if you throw out the 41 points that were scored on us by San Diego we are still getting out scored. That is pitiful. There are only three teams that have scored less points than we have. 10 teams that have had more points scored against them, but of those 8 have not had a by week yet so they have had one more game to rack up points.
We are miserable all around and it needs to change, we are too talented for this. If you have all the talent and can’t win the problem is always coaching. The two Mikey’s on offense better pick it. Bad boy Bates needs to figure it out.
your team suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To poorboywilly. Are you on Crack. Does anyboby in Bronco Nation out there no football. We are one of the worst teams in the league. We have given up more points and more yardage in each of the last 5 games. And to fix this problem during the bye week we gave our players extra time off. Ya, thats really going to help. We are very lucky to be 2-3 right now. We should be 0-5. I said that the Colts would put up 40 on us and you guys laughed. I said the Chargers would run for 200 on us and you guys laughed. Here is my 3rd prediction, we will be 2-8 after the 10th game. Dont even think about accusing me of not being a fan. I am more of a fan on the West Coast than most of you in Denver. I actually bleed Orange but am just being realistic. LPP is a moron when it comes to Jake but he is right on when it comes to our Coaches..After this year we need a change. Bring in Bill Cower
Where are you all going to be, and what will you be saying when the team finally clicks, and turns the season around to finish 10-6 and get into the playoffs? Then we’ll se what you say about the coaches.
The coaches are responsible for the schemes and playcalling, but it’s the players who actually have to perform. Regardless of how much talent we have, the players have been missing assignments, overpersuing, making bad reads, fumbling, and just not playing well. That is not the coaches fault. Granted, they could be better at motivating, but there is nothing wrong with our coaching. Quit all the whining!
I disagree, Westcoast.
Well, just about the 2-8 part, I actually think they’ll be 3-7…I have a feeling they’ll beat either Green Bay or Tennessee somehow. They might win both games if Vince Young is out for week 11, but I doubt it.
Just for you stats people Jay Cutler’s current QB rating is 82.8, John Elway’s first season rating was 54.9, 2nd season 76.8, 3rd 70.0.
In fact in the first 10 years 1983 to 1992 Elway’s highest rating was 83.4.
Uh… West Coast I hate to break it to ya but Bill Cowher is retired unless you know of another Bill Cowher that the rest of don’t… are living in a hole or something??? My prediction is that you’re dead wrong & if you’re such a fan why don’t you have a little faith in your team. If you bleed Orange & Blue like you’re claiming then why are you being so doubtful by predicting we’re gonna have a 2-8 season? The more you think that, the better chances its gonna happen… what kind of fan wishes a bad season on their own team?
If you’re gonna diss this team why don’t you go somewhere else or better go be a fan for some other team. Your negativity is in no way welcome here… here on this website the majority of us want us to do well, we want a winning seasson, we have faith in our team, we’re not PREDICTING the worse for this team… get a life man!!!! I was born with Blue & Orange blood and although we have many many things to work on — I am in no way going to wish or hope the worst for this team. I believe in this team till the very end… I know these can change for the better but its up to them to change. They are the ones coaching & playing the game, not us.
I highly suggest you go find some faith to put in this team or just don’t come here & say anything. I want our team to change for the good but I also want them to know they’re fans aren’t predicting that they’re going to have a losing season. It is our job as fans to be supportive and positive… believe it or not & call me crazy but we really do have an effect on this team. If we weren’t supportive we wouldn’t show up to watch the games & what would be the point if no one showed up to watch… can you say pointless?
I don’t want to come across like I’m coming after you WestCoast, but please keep your negative predictions to yourself & think positive for once, have little faith in our team. And you know, after that dreadful San Diego game, just maybe some time off is exactly what our Broncos needed — to clear their heads and hopefully that game was a HUGE wake up call and a dose of reality to get our guys back in the game. Just have a little faith, man — that’s not too much to ask in support of the Broncos. It your job as well as mine as a fan.
GO BRONCOS!!!!
You all make me laugh, you get as worked up as I do. Walkers attitiude is refreshing. Cutler/Marshall’s press conference also. I’m tired of stats ( you can tell who the Mike “stats” Shanahan fans are). Playing football is about having fun and a winning attitude- not, “how may times have they run this play on 3rd an 6 from the 20 with 5:22 left in the 3rd quarter of game 7 of every season under coach Turner with assistant Cameron.
Nice to see some fresh winning attitude and fun coming from the players. Now I want to see killer instincts on Sunday crush Pittsburgh for the whole country to see, NOT STATS! I’ve bled orange and blue all my life and these last 2 week I felt like I was in a Mel Gibson movie.
GO BRONCOS!
WestCoast -
1) I pointed out some good and bad stats. I pointed out how I think some of them seem to be good indicators for the future. We have some pretty talented players on our team, and I think that hidden in our last three TERRIBLE losses (Indy, San Diego, and Jax – our shedule has been far from soft) is the fact that there is a good Bronco team on the field.
2) Obviously (I hope), I wasn’t painting a peachy picture of our defense. We need MUCH better run defense, and we need fewer points against. We also need to score more points (but as I said, either our offensive stats will go down or our points per game will go up; one of them is lying, you just can’t put up that many yards and convert that well on 3rd downs and not score points)
3) I entirely agree that what counts is wins. That’s why I was a fan of Plummer, because we generally won under his leadership. However, his time in Denver is over, and I am a HUGE fan of Cutler, who will be here for many successful years.
Bottom line: our defense has issues that need to be sorted out in order to get the all important stat (wins). If they are sorted out, I think all signs point to the Broncos doing very well, but if they don’t get fixed, we will continue to struggle, especially since our schedule doesn’t get much easier from here.
The Cool Thing About Fantasy Football
Everyone loves fantasy football and get very excited for the fantasy drafts. But, have you ever really thought about why? I mean, beyond the obvious.