In Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, Champ Bailey held Dwayne Bowe — the league’s hottest receiver after scoring in seven straight games coming in — without a single catch. Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale called it “one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”
Bailey’s reward for the effort? The nine-time Pro Bowler gets a Week 14 matchup with Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald — a four-time Pro Bowler who is one catch away from being the team’s all-time receptions leader.
“It is more of a challenge this week,” Bailey said. “He is more of a polished receiver. He is more experienced. So, my hands will be a little full this week.”
Bailey’s work in Kansas City showed why he’s still one of the most respected cornerbacks in the game.
Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel passed for Bowe three times without success. In the fourth quarter, Bailey drew an offensive pass interference penalty when Bowe pushed off while making a 22-yard catch. He finished the game with four tackles, including a sack, and one pass defended.
“It was just his day,” fellow cornerback Nate Jones said. “He won that battle.”
In Arizona, Bailey will likely be battling the more veteran Fitzgerald attempting to catch passes from an inexperienced quarterback. With injuries to the Cardinals’ top two quarterbacks, it’s possible that rookie John Skelton will make his first career start.
Arizona starter Derek Anderson has not practiced this week, and the defense, which held Kansas City to just 10 points last week, has spent the week preparing for Skelton. Martindale said the team has watched tape of him playing in preseason and in Sunday’s loss to the Rams and called him “a big stationary target back there.”
“I wish I knew more about this guy, but it is what it is,” Bailey said. “I know No. 11 (Fitzgerald) is going to run his routes just the same.”
For his part, Fitzgerald said he’s watched tape of each Broncos game and understands he’s in for a tough Sunday afternoon. The only time the pair have played in the same regular season game, Fitzgerald had five catches for 77 yards but Bailey finished with a pair of interceptions in a 37-20 Denver win back in 2006.
“He’s a competitor and every time you play against him, you know exactly what type of matchup you’re going to be in,” Fitzgerald said in a Wednesday conference call. “It’ll be a competitive fight and it’s always fun to compete against people you respect and admire.”
While it might be hard for Bailey to play up to the incredible standard he set last week, Martindale said Bailey’s consistency remains one of his best attributes. The defensive coordinator knows Bailey will be ready to step up again on Sunday.
“I always joke around with (Jets Head Coach) Rex (Ryan),” Martindale said. “I say he’s got his guy, that’s ‘Revis Island’ and I say, ‘Champ’s island is Honolulu, because he’s over there at the Pro Bowl all the time.’ That’s how I feel about him and he goes about it every day.”
MCCOY MAKES THE CALLS
In his first media session since Josh McDaniels was relieved of his head coaching duties, Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy echoed Interim Head Coach Eric Studesville’s message this week.
McCoy, who will assume McDaniels’ play-calling duties, said the move means plenty of small changes around Dove Valley but nothing drastic as the team heads into its final four games of the season.
“I just have a bigger role now, but we are not changing the way we game plan or anything,” McCoy said. “Everyone is still involved, (and) we are going it the exact same way as it was before on a day-to-day basis getting ready for our opponent.”
McCoy said he has a little bit of play-calling experience from his time in Carolina when then-offensive coordinator Dan Henning would give him the responsibility in certain situations. The second-year coordinator gave credit to the offensive system in place and vowed to avoid changes to a scheme that has served him well since his days as the Panthers quarterbacks coach.
In his weekly press conference yesterday, Kyle Orton said he’s “comfortable” with the coordinator. He appreciates the communication that he’s had with McCoy, a former quarterback himself, during games. While Orton said it will be different having a new voice talking to him in his helmet during games, he’s confident in McCoy’s ability to handle the new duty.
McCoy, who called the coaching change “an unfortunate part of the business,” said he’s ready for the new challenges he’ll face down the stretch.
“I have been very fortunate since the day I got in this business back in 2000 to work with some great coaches, and they have prepared me for this opportunity that I have now,” McCoy said. “From the very first day to the last day Josh was here, I have been very fortunate and they have all prepared me for how to plan for games.”
Matt Prater made his first appearance on the injury report this season as he was limited in Thursday’s session with a right groin injury. Andre Goodman (quadricep) and Darcel McBath (quadricep/ankle) also had limited participation in the session.
Brian Dawkins (knee), Spencer Larsen (hamstring) and Demaryius Thomas (ankle) missed their second straight workout and Studesville said previously that all three will miss Sunday’s game.
For the Cardinals, Anderson (head) was the lone player to miss Thursday’s practice. WR Steve Breaston (knee), DE Calais Campbell (ankle), K Jay Feeley (right groin), LB Clark Haggans (groin) and LB Joey Porter (knee) practiced with limited participation. CB Michael Adams (shoulder), DT Darnell Dockett (shoulder) and CB Greg Toler (foot) had full participation in the session.
- Eric Detweiler, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: 2010, Champ Bailey, Defensive Coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale, Denver Broncos, Week 14
Dear Mr.Bowlen
I know you are a owner of the fans so please do everything in your power to keep Champ in Denver he is great for are team he has always been a bright spot for us if the man wants to be here please keep him you want class he has it.
now lets see if HollieBronco is right and Mr.Bowlen listens to the fans. I hope so
CHUCKY, CHUCKY,CHUCKY, TEBOW, TEBOW,TEBOW.
CHAMP,CHAMP,CHAMP,CHAMP,CHAMP,CHAMP
…Champ! Tebow! Gruden!
Hope champ stays. wouldnt blame him for bailing how ever. (lol bailey bailing)
He deserves a championship and this team is a question mark. With the right coach however i believe we can make playoffs next year. and with right coach make superbowl in 2-3 years. He was so close in 2005. He says he loves denver and wnats to stay here during the whole withdrawing talks fiasco. but after resent events he said this is the last straw. they better stick with the next guy which indicates that he is still in with the next guy if we are willing to renegotiate. Man is still playing at a HIGH level.
Hey, we still have the franchise tag. Unless it changes with a new CBA. Hate to see that used on Champ, but, if it means hes gonna stay on Hawaii Island….
GO BRONCOS!!!
Lol ‘Honolulu Island’ or ‘Hawaii Island’. I like that. Good call by Wink. Revis has nothing on Champ. That’s why I hope he stays in Denver. He’s better than overrated CBs like Revis and he doesn’t even have to open his mouth to prove it. He does his talking on the football field with his play. Stay in Denver Champ! We need you.
Although like many of you, I wouldn’t blame him if he leaves. He deserves the best situation possible. I just hope that’s right here in Denver.
Its funny, I was reading up on the whole kubiak thing and the Texans fans sure as heck want him out of there lol. If the owner listens to the fans like what happened over here, we might get our wish…but whether he comes back in the capacity of HC or OC or if he even comes back period is all speculation. But while Gruden would be nice, expensive, but nice, I would Happilly take Kubiak and Dennison back with someone Nolan as our DC. However doubt he is leaving miami. Point is I am for Kubiak as long as he doesnt have absolute power. Want someone else to Hire the DC cuz with Kubiak running the O…I know it will be potent (especially with dennison for the running game) but D has always been our problem.
O yea, Sign champ. I know he wants to be a career bronco….question is do the staff want him to be. I know theres alot of talk about money and its all understandable but losing him will be a mistake. 3 pro bowlers in 2 years lol
For the first time in a long time I find that there is nothing for me to write right now that has any strong implications on what is going on with the team right now.
I am like floating in a space capsule with nothing around me to grab, to hold on to, no way to walk anywhere in any real direction, just bobbing up and down aimlessly in a gravity less bliss.
And I know it’s a good thing, the season is lost, the intense McD regime has been lifted off my back, the black clouds have been lifted, what better time than now to let loose of all that tied me down and float around with a big smile on my face.
There will be plenty of time to come back down to earth and deal with all of this “start over” task that is ahead of us, because I am not fooling myself into thinking that what is going on in the next four games is a real start over.
No, it is just like I am in an interim flotation device right now that is taking me from the “McD” ship that just sunk to some new ship that is still nowhere on the horizon since it hasn’t even been build yet…. So I patiently float on nice calm warm waters, with no worries whatsoever, having left all my nightmares go down with the sinking ship, just admiring the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, knowing that somewhere out there this beautiful brand new ship will appear soon, with a great captain and capable mates who will swoop me out of the waters and take me to the promise land.
I truly I’m in that kind of a fairy tale daze now.
Thank you Mr. B.
Ok, TRB brings me right back down from cloud 9, LOL. No way I want an offensive minded HC again, I want a defensive HC, Gregg Williams is my first choice and Dennison as the OC, the zone blocking is his thing, not Kubiak’s.
A great D and a good running game is what wins championships in my mind.
The way I understood it when the current CBA expires there is no agreement, period. So who would want to sign with anyone at this time, Coaches, GM.s, or players? I wonder if The NFL Owners are considering useing scab’s again? ect… ahh So many questions.
To much speculation.
must
get
back
to
gameplanning!
sorry i have a glich.
Let’s get back to the game.
I need a scouting report on the cards, please?
Morning Broncos Country… What a glorious day! Im still in shock. Its great
here you go baylin….Took me by surprise!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Who-s-the-NFL-s-fastest-receiver-?urn=nfl-293467
Elway, Kubiak, Tebow…. Now thats a trifecta.
I also heard John Clayton on ESPN 1000 AM radio here in Chicago talking about Tebow. He ranted and raved how Tebow will eventually be cut as he does not have the ability to succeed as an every down QB! It was quite revealing
sndvl,
yeah but who the f is John Clayton. He just goes with the rest of the clueless media. Give tebow a shot
Im taking over for the day baylin….lol
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81cca328/article/exsteelers-coach-cowher-open-to-a-return-to-the-field?module=HP_headlines
My methodology is slightly different than yours though!!!
Happy Day
Heres your scouting report Monodono. Not sure if its what you’re looking for, but its interesting enough!!!
http://www.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=301212022
Thanks sndvl, I can use the break, haha.
Cowher will coach Carolina if he comes back.
Tebow is the million dollar question, that’s why we have to find out about his potential as a starter NOW!!! We know what Orton can do, what’s the sense in playing him in meaningless games? Bowlen does need to tell Stud that he must start Tebow, let’s get real here, if Stud thinks playing Orton will give him the best shot at winning more games so he can get the permanent HC job, somebody needs to set him straight, it’s just not going to happen either way, be honest with the man and have him start Tebow!
sndvl, you sure are doing my job the easy way though! LOL.
Heres the Clayton audio if anyone is interested!
Just fast forward to an hour into the podcast and listen to the Clayton segment.
*disclaimer* if you believe in Tebow this clip might not be for you….
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?callsign=ESPNRADIO&autoplay=1&id=5899742
I totally agree with you baylin.
We know what we have in Orton. Im shocked at his performance after the way we ran the ball at KC. Thought thats all he needs, a run game. I am unable to stick up for my guy after that poor performance. We all know what Ortons ceiling is. And we have no idea what Tebow brings to the table. Its time to start finding out. If they want to wait for the home game thats fine!
Orton needs some revenge in the black(stool) hole! lol
Im not so sure Carolina is the “ideal situation”….
This one is from the salt lake tribune. Thanks McD!
Denver • If all doesn’t go well in the Denver Broncos’ final four games, the organization will have a shot at their most exciting NFL draft in history.
It will be the draft that Josh McDaniels built.
At 3-9, the Broncos are tied for the league’s fifth-worst record. The team hasn’t picked in the top five since 1991, when it took Nebraska linebacker Mike Croel with the No. 4 pick.
It gets even better for the Broncos if it gets worse.
Tied for the NFL’s second-worst records are Buffalo, Cincinnati and Detroit, each at 2-10. With the Broncos just a game back and four to play, they could have the No. 2 or No. 3 draft pick in April.
Either would be the highest pick in franchise history.
“A lot of pressure,” said Jeffrey Foster, director of National Football Scouting Inc. “You can’t miss on those.”
For now, the Broncos’ primary concern isn’t if they miss on a top-five draft pick, but who will be taking the swing. The firing of McDaniels, who was not only head coach, but had final say on draft day, leaves the Broncos planning their next move.
That’s where all his ties are at now and I frankly am not sure that this would be a better situation anyway. I mean McD managed to dismantle this team in some record time.
One last one, from Online sports handicapping (gambling is an addiction. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling….youll go broke)
Earlier this week the Denver Broncos fired head coach Josh McDaniels and replaced him with Eric Studesville. Studesville will be making his head coaching debut this weekend against the Cardinals. The Broncos starting quarterback for this game will be Kyle Orton. The Denver Broncos are currently 3-9 heading into Week 14.
The Arizona Cardinals are led by head coach Ken Whisenhunt who had a regular season record of 10-6 last season. John Skelton will most likely be starting for the Cardinals this week with both Derek Anderson and Max Hall injured. The Arizona Cardinals are currently 3-9 this season.
Here you will find the latest NFL picks Week 14 between the Broncos and Cardinals as found online at our recommended online sportsbooks.
Denver Broncos betting odds on the point spread are currently set at -4.5 (-110), and the Arizona Cardinals betting odds on the point spread are currently set at +4.5 (-110).
The Over/Under totals on this game are currently posted at O/U 42.5 points at -110 betting lines.
Now that you’ve had a chance to check out the above NFL betting lines for this week in NFL Football, it’s time to go over our NFL picks for this game.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that teams generally get pumped up to play their first game under a new head coach. Whether it’s extra positive energy, or just trying to impress the new boss, teams like the Cowboys and Vikings have found a way to win. It also helps when the opposing team is being forced to start their third-string quarterback. The Cardinals are 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 games when playing the Broncos. My NFL picks for this game would be to take the Denver Broncos on the point spread at -4.5 (-110) and the UNDER 42.5 points.
There you have our NFL Week 14 picks brought to you by the SBG Global NFL betting site. If you want to make some steady cash investing on NFL football betting, subscribe to our Free Sports Picks Newsletter and get blue-chip advice on money management, line analysis and game forecasting. Our NFL predictions staff loves the feeling of making our clients money week in and week out!
Submitted by Ty Lexington on Fri, 12/10/2010 – 9:45am.
Actually that’s today’s Klis article in the DP.
whew, that was exhausting. Kudos to you baylin!!!!
snow shoveling time!!!
GO BRONCOS!!!
The one about our draft picks.
haha, love that AP
sndvl is going to shovel snow and I’m about to take my boat out for a lunch cruise, haha.
“Denver not the ideal situation”?
please elaborate! after your boat ride of course!!!!
It won’t take long:
Aging D and a horrible front seven, enough to make an ex-Pittsburgh coach cringe.
And frankly going from an overly exhuberant McD on the sidelines to an ape grimacing scary man is not exactly a huge upgrade, LOL.
Bay,sndvl,I know you guys don’t like to talk about the draft this early,but do you have anyone in mind that you would like to see us draft with our #1?
I like Nick Fairley DE/DT from Auburn,he can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4.The guy is unstoppable!
A lot of fans like Patrick Peterson(the shutdown Corner) outta LSU but he’s predicted to go top 3,the next best CB is Prince Amukamara outta Nebraska,which happens to be our pick according to the Mock draft.He is supposed to be almost as good as Peterson.
In the mock we are predicted to take Jerrell Powe NT outta Ole Miss.
I could live with Fairley and Powe to sue up our Dline,thats what we wanted last year and McD hired the old guys instead.
2011 Mock:
1st round Amukamara CB
2nd round Powe NT
BFE, most the guys you mentioned are in this Klis article today, you may enjoy reading it:
Read more: Draft lowdown: Broncos could get as good as a top-five selection – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_16822095#ixzz17jBRi4dM
Read The Denver Post’s Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse
Disregard the second link.
Jared Crick DE/DT outta Nebraska is mocked as our other 2nd rounder,remember we have 2 #2s because of the Marshall trade.
So its mocked like this:
Amukamara CB Nebraska
Powe NT Ole Miss
Crick DE/DT Nebraska
But that will all change before draft day,just thought I’d throw it out there.
Maybe we can trade Orton and Maroney and pick up a #3 and maybe a #5.I just hope somebody comes in here that knows talent and drafts by position instead of BPA.We need all kinds of help on Defense at every position.IMO.
WOW!! Perrish Cox was arrested for sexual assault last night!!
When it rains…. It STORMS!!
Well, we all knew Cox was the only draft pick McD made with character issues, maybe another failure?
Its true how much shame must the Broncos endure in one season,sad!
Oh the media will have fun with this one. Esp the Broncos haters like Jaime Pukes.
Just win I was gonna take a chance and start the Broncos D/ST in one of my fantasy football leagues.
wow, I long for the good old days of pride and integrity in Bronco land.
Just when not win, I had a victory on my mond.
Just when i was about to say “If bailey stays, forget peterson, we have cox” and then I hear he is arrested for sexual assault. sigh. well sure can’t blame McDaniels for this one lol. I am extremely dissapointed. Good thing Goodman is ready to go because I dunno how this will impact us.
As far as draft, I know we need a DT…but I think we need a DE more. Last great DE we had was Trevor pryce. Its about time to draft one in the first round. So for me it would be DE 1st round, DE/DT 2nd round, Pass catching TE like rudolph 2nd round. Trade Orton and Maroney for picks. We need to dedicate time to getting young. We have been the old guys for too long. Sure theres growing pains with rooks but it pays out eventually. Not everyone can sign all vets like the pats did and win the superbowl. Look at them now. Rookie defense and they are 10 and 2. 2nd worst pass D but at least they 10 and 2 lol. helps that they have Brady.
Sorry about your boy sndvl but he looked atrocious agianst the chiefs even with a run game. Like you said, we know ortons ceiling. Not any upsides left. Tebow is full of potential. I need him to start playing especially with how much we are paying him lol. I believe in Tebow, he is smart, gifted, hardworking, and has the big man upstairs on his side. He cant fail. Dont think he knows how lol. Besides, people keep forgeting that he pretty much passed for as many TDs in college that he ran for. Man is one of the best to ever do it on the college level and on all levels. I think ill give him the benefit of the doubt… lol
And yes Cox slipped due to “character issues” but it was nothing serious. He missed curfew one too many times and was supended from his bowl game i believe. He was a college kid, curfew is non existent in college not unless you are on a sport team which he was. Could happen to anyone. But this…dunno what happened. still alot of half information right now…
kind of ironic that a man with the last name of cox was arested for sexual assault lol. yeah but this is not good now we need goodie to step it up