In an offseason of change on the defense, John Lynch faces another one in this, his 15th offseason.
The defensive scheme is different, although his first glance at what exists reveals a system that he admitted Monday reminds him of what he ran during his years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But without team captain Al Wilson — and with linebacker Keith Burns headed for the sidelines as an assistant coach and Jake Plummer in retirement — the Broncos’ returning captains corps includes just Lynch and Rod Smith, although safety Nick Ferguson has been a special-teams captain.
Leadership, though, is about more than what would be indicated by a “C” on the jersey if the NFL ever decided to go NHL-style with the designation.
“You can’t have enough good leaders, so when people say that one guy was the leader of the team, that’s not necessarily accurate — particularly on the good teams,” Lynch said. “I think it takes a lot of great leaders, and that’s where we’re fortunate here. We’ve got a lot of guys who spent a lot of years in the league. We’ve got young guys like Jay Cutler that are going to have to step into leadership roles, but there’s plenty of leadership here.”
So where does one turn for leadership? Lynch — who as a team leader is rarely shy about pressing a button to ignite a flame or two — offered some names as candidates — linebackers D.J. Williams and Ian Gold and defensive linemen Kenard Lang and Ebenezer Ekuban, among others, who include …
“Champ Bailey’s not a big rah-rah guy, but just by his example, the way he goes out and prepares every week, that’s leadership,” Lynch said.
But even by the admission of the No. 1 Bronco, fully replacing Wilson is no guarantee.
“I don’t look at it as trying to replace Al because Al had a lot of unique qualities as well as talent,” President/CEO Pat Bowlen told The Denver Post. “But this kind of thing is not new to my business. If we’re lucky enough to get a player with the same unique qualities as Al, hallelujah.”
“Do you ever replace a guy like Al? I don’t know,” Lynch said. ” All that he brought to us in his play and his leadership, that’d be difficult to do, but you just trust in your organization, making the decision and having an idea of how they’re going to try to replace him.”
Tags: 2007 season, Al Wilson, Defense, Linebackers
They have it right. You don’t try an replace Al Wilson. You can’t. You try as a team to find someone that will blaze their own trail, become their own type of leader.
Like Lynch said, there are plenty of leaders on the team, and it is time for some of the “younger” guys to become more vocal members of the team.
-TSG
http://www.milehighreport.com
Al Wilson is one of a kind!!!!!!
AL Wilson ranked 27th among linebackers, for tackles. If the D-Line was as bad as every body said, that left more opportunity for him to shine. He didn’t. He was never as good as the hype. Ordinary, never extraordinary.
It’s actually the opposite…If the D-Line is lousy, they don’t keep blockers from getting to the LB’s, and when you emply a system with smaller, faster linebackers it is imperative that the D-Line keep them clean.
That’s the reason Bates is beefing up the D-line, to get some size in there to clog the middle….
TSG
http://www.milehighreport.com
The some of his parts, or stats, does not equal the whole. Al brought more to the team then can be recorded on a stat sheet. We will miss you Al. God Bless and Good Luck.
Correct, he should be racking up a ton of tackles in this defense, but that is not the reason he was cut. He was going to be paid $5.5 million this year when it is very conceivable he might not even be able to play because of the neck injury, just like John Mobley.
Its about time Al was brought up on the front of the site. He deserves the best wherever he goes. I am truly saddend that he will no longer be a Bronco. But a Bronco to me he will always be.
True Riddler, it seems a bit suspect that there is no big send off for Al. I think he’s deserved it, wether you like the move or not, Al played hard for the Broncos. The fact that this blog doesnt even have an rticle about him seems a bit disrespectful.
The reason that it was not played up on the front of the site is because Wilson, as of now, has still not officially been released by the Broncos.
Andrew,
Is there any speculation when he will be offically released and why they haven’t done it yet?
Speculation? Your guess would be as good as mine … I would surmise it’s a paperwork issue, making sure all the i’s are dotted, t’s are crossed, etc. That’s why when players join the Broncos, the signing isn’t announced until a couple of days — or even as long as week — after it’s reported as agreed to terms in the newspapers, on Web sites, etc.
I think this could be the dumbest thing denver can do this off season.Yeah so what if al wilson has a neck problem he is a leader and still one of the best middle linebackers in the game not to mention that he is a 5 time probowler i think he is a great leader for the team and i am cofused about what denver is thinking
Thanks
Denverfan4ever
Yeah, he will be an excellent leader while standing on the sideline on injurd reserve while making over $5 million this year (because we all know we have too much salary cap space). Trust me, the Broncos coaching staff know much more than any of us do. That is why we are fans making $100,000 a year where as these guys make 10-15 times what we do in only 8-10 months worth of actual work.
Mr. Wilson,
You are my favorite Bronco. Not since Tom Jackson have I seen such an impressive leader, and talent and human being at your position. You have been my favorite player since you came to the Broncos, and your presence will be missed.
Thank you for the hits, the sacrifices, the never-say-die, the Super Bowls, and for giving my nephews and I the joy of having watched a good human being play a good game, and be rewarded accordingly.
Your picture is still on my wall, your presence is still in my heart.
To Al Wilson–
Thanks for the memories, I can only wish that we can come across another player that had your heart and desire to win. It’s not every day that you can come across a player with talent, charisma, and leadership abilities. You will be sorely missed, and you will always be #56 to me.
Now on the subject of replacing Al, yes, I agree, one of the young players has to step up and has to want it bad enough……
Al Wilson has also been my favorite Bronco since the 99 season. The teams move to release him, in my eyes isn’t a bad move at all. I believe even without the injury Al Wilson is the best/safest bet to free up salary space due to this years agressive free agency. With Ian Gold to play strong, D.J. Williams to middle ( who has size and ability to become a better LB then Wilson) and an average LB playing weak. We should still have a LB core which plays well.