The Broncos on Monday claimed defensive back Antwain Spann off waivers from Buffalo and waived receiver Travis Shelton.
Spann played for New England from 2006 to 2008 and competed in training camp this season with the Buffalo Bills. He entered the league with the New York Giants in 2005 as an undrafted free agent.
Spann has appeared in 19 career regular-season games and totaled 11 special-teams tackles along with one defensive stop. He has also played in three postseason games, notching two special teams tackles.
Tags: Antwain Spann, Roster Moves
So is this acquire just for special teams or do you think McDaniels saw something he didn’t like in the secondary.
Oh yeah and first…LOL, unless we’re not doing that anymore.
Wow, another ex-Pat…
Hey..wait a sec…BMarsh has moved up to 1st team on a 4 receiver depth chart….Does that mean he is 1,2,3, or 4? Anyone know?
maybe he started to read the playbook.
I think mcdaniels is in for a quick ride. Preseason or not, you can’t help but notice that Orton is not a superbowl caliber QB and that even though our defense is already better than it was last year, the schedule has too many tough teams to not have a qb to rely on. You can’t win the big ones when you keep handing the ball over
scttyclln- I disagree. I think McDaniels is here for awhile. He needs his first season win to gain a little trust in the system from the players. Which, if you listen to the guys, it sounds like they are buying in. Orton is really feeling some heat and pressure to make things happen right now. He will settle in and get into the flow of the system and game.
The Defense is better, it is gaining an identity and some heart. It is good to see.
Question___is that really a picture of A. Swain? I thought he wore #28.
Orange Crush!!!!!!Look it up Son!!!!!!!
I think the defense has looked good up front. I hesitate saying great because I would like to see them create turnovers and score some points. As for Orton, he is not a rookie. The great ones have to perform under pressure, that excuse should be out the window. I have seen him making too many mistakes to think he will do well. Two weeks in a row he has made devestating mistakes within five yards of the endzone. Four interceptions and he hasn’t even played a full game. As many intellegent Broncos fans that are out there…we can’t ignore the obvious.
I can’t explain Orton’s brain farts in the first 2 preseason games except that he’s still a bit nervous and wants to do so well for us savage fans. Once he gets more familiar with the scheme and really gets in sync with his receivers, he’ll do fine. The difference between Kyle and Matt Hasselbeck in pure talent was quite obvious Friday night, but all Kyle has to do is settle in, get his rhythm going, and trust the players he has around him. He’ll be protected by a stellar OL, and he was weapons everywhere that he can use to put up major stats. If we stay healthy, we’ll bring the wood in every game we play this season, and we’ll be knocking on the play-off doors come December.
I think we do good, true Orton isnt a Superbowl Caliber QB but neither was plummer and he took us to the AFC championships. With Marshall, Royal, Stokely, Graham, sheff, Moreno, Hillis and the whole Oline. I still believe Orton got enough talent to carry him but the inclusion of Bmarsh will be important.
I also hope Bmarsh being on first team is a good sign of things to come. He’s skills bring so much to the team and his presence on the field is great and he exudes excitement. Not to mention he opens up oppourtunities for our great slot recievers.
I read this somewhere, where someone said Marshall and McD might not actually be beefing, that McD is pulling a play straight out of the belichek playbook, You know. The play Belichek pulled with Randy Moss where people werent sure if he would play and that he might be a distraction and all he did that year was catch 23 TDs. Lets hope its the same situation. I SERIOUSLY HOPE thats the situation
We will win next week, after all its our first home game. McD wont lose it. So far I dont think he has cared and all he has been doing was feeling out the team/playbook to see what works and what doesnt work. But he will give us a show at home so as to acquire our vote of confidence. Cant wait to see cutler. Say what u may but I miss him on this team. But one way or another, him and the bears are going down next game lol
The Seasons Ours For The Taking
GO BRONCOS!!!
another ex patriot….great………I dont think this guy is aware that he is no longer a patriot. Him trying to bring ex-patriots in started our biggest offseason drama. Not to mention letting Mike Leach a proven guy go for an ex patriot who hasnt done bad but still. Im just smelling some pat favoritism thats all. Hopefully this guy can contribute, whatever works I guess
I wish Moreno was healthy! Dont think we would have any interceptions in the red zone if he was.
Ya know, I begin to wonder sometimes if patriot cordinators fail for a while as a new head coach because they bring in all these players that were with the patriots but couldn’t cut it anymore?
Just a thought due to Romeo Crenell, Eric Mangini, and the Notre Dame sumo wrestler…… (delaying till I remembered his name) Charlie Weis!
I really believe in what McDaniels is doing and preaching, I think we will do fine and he will totally break the mold!
Anyone with stats on this new aquisition? Hope we don’t pay him the way we paid niko for special teams play if he doesn’t compete/play on defense!
USC- Moreno will come back healthy, and we have Hillis. The 3 passes from the 2 yard line were just for situational play. i.e. what preseason games are for! Just like against the 49ers how we went for the 2 point conversion rather than kicking the PAT and took our chance on calling the coin toss.
We will be fine in the regular season. We will play the way we really want to, and win games!
Stay thirsty my friends!
Yes Antwain Spann last number with the pats was 28 but his original number was 31 when he first signed with the pats. This is a good fit for Spann. The defense that’s ran here is something like what they run in New England while he was with the Pats. Giving the opportunity everyone in Denver will see this was a good move.
Denver will see this is not just a special team player. This is a player that can help out Defense and the secondary unit as a whole. A well rounded player if giving the opportunity. I know from first hand seeing him grow from a little boy to a man. And i’ve been around football long enough to know what he has to offer to help make this team a better team.
scttyclln, obvious??? Orton did fine. Your analogy doesn’t work mainly because you’re basing this off of a preseason game with a new QB in a new system. I don’t think Orton will make these type of decisions in regular season. Also, it was 4th down and nobody open. Either take a sack and maybe get hurt and let Seattle take over in downs, or throw it up for grabs and hope for something to happen in Denver’s favor. If intercepted, then Seattle takes over. I don’t see the problem? McD isn’t going anywhere, even if Denver has a bad season (they won’t).
TRB & 2champ, Shanny also brought half of the 49er staff and team with him from San Fran, when he took over for the Broncos. It’s smart of McD. Bring someone in who can make the transition easier. Besides, he will be mostly ST.
I commented on the other blog about who Denver will cut or waive 1st. Shelton was on my list. One down, ha, ha.
Antwain Spann was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on January 19, 2006 … Originally signed by the New York Giants as a rookie free agent (5/17/05) … Released by the Giants (8/30/05) … Released by the Patriots (9/2/06) … Signed to the Patriots practice squad (9/3/06) … Signed to the Patriots’ active roster (9/30/06) … Released by the Patriots (11/7/06) … Re-signed to the Patriots practice squad (11/8/06) … Signed from the practice squad to the Patriots’ active roster (11/18/06) … Released by the Patriots (11/22/06) … Re-signed to the Patriots practice squad (11/24/06) … Signed from the practice squad to the Patriots’ active roster (12/9/06) …. Released by the Patriots (7/19/07) … Signed to the Patriots practice squad (9/25/07) … Signed to the Patriots’ active roster (12/28/07) … Released by the Patriots (8/30/08) … Signed to the Patriots practice squad (8/31/08) … Signed to the Patriots’ active roster (10/22/08).
Lets see I will take Spann or no ahh on second thought I will take Spann, Spann, Spann Bacon and Spann. LOL
Go Broncos
FTR
Lets see I will take
Color Commentary
dynamicdave…u took the words right out of my mouth….4th down..i was pissed at first, but realized it was 4th down..so Orton put it up for a chance , because he gets sacked its seahawks ball either way…great play by orton, and all you denver fans doubting Orton, look how he has moved the ball down the field each time, and if Gaffney doesnt drop that ball, that 4th down woulda never happened, so Orton shoulda had 2td’s….Orton is a smart guy, and now hes getting Marshall too, with that O-line…oh yeah….go broncos
FTR he he Spann Spann Spann.I’m sure at some point we pick up some Dline.It will be interesting to see who’s available.
Another Pat eh? Oy Vey! Am I the only starting to be bothered by all these Pats players coming here? Not sure what to think of it all. Yeah they’ll catch on quickly but still bothers me.
You’re too funny FTR. You’re a gifted commenter! haha
I was playing off monty python’s Spam gig. At least we now have Spann on the menu. He is a stand spicial teams player. We will see how it all plays out at the McD cafe. -Ha Ask DD for more indepth information. I was only joking. He looks like a player ready to land somewhere and I think he could stick with the Broncos Special teams.
Thanks 07elway Iam after Chris Collinsworth’s job.—-ha
Well off to bed for this old man. See you all later- If you want a bedtime joke see what the bolts gave to thier QB.
DD I wasn’t saying I didn’t like the moves he has made. I said from the start look for people that played for McDenver before to be signed! It is more than just a transition, sometimes they are great players and just need to come out from behind the shadow of the starters from the previous team. Also in the transition it helps teach the system and terminology to the other players.
I was just saying I didn’t know anything on this guy, seems like we didn’t get any info this time as opposed to all the other aquisitions.
And like I said, mark my words, McDenver will be the one to break the mold of Belichek assistants not succeeding! We WILL DO WELL!
Stay thirsty my friends!
Former Patriots now with Broncos:
1) Daniel Graham
2) Chad Jackson
3) Jabar Gaffney
4) Lamont Jordon
5) Lonnie Paxton
6) Le Kevin Smith
7) Antwain Spann
Of course, Daniel and Chad were here before Coach McDaniels.
Here’s a history tidbit:
Last time Broncos hired a former assistant from Patriots:
Red Miller -1977 who took Broncos to Super Bowl as first year Head Coach. Also Def Coord Joe Collier installed 3-4 defense during that same time frame.
Not saying history will repeat itself. Just a bit of irony.
Great our 2009 DENVER PATRIOTS!!! This is getting ridiculous, are we gonna take all of patriots leftovers like hand me down. I was kind of getting sick of Browns hand me down players, at least we r getting hand me down players from a high caliber team. Anyway good luck to our team.
Does it really matter where these players are coming from? As long as they can play football what’s the difference. My point is, if we could get Tom Brady would we turn him down because he is a patriot? Not that anyone of these guys compare to Brady but you get the point.
—GO BRONCOS—
I know LeKevin Smith can play and he was a Pats’ leftover. Spann has done a couple of good things in his career. So long as McDaniels picks the best players after final cuts have taken place I believe we’ll be well on our way to success this season with greater successes to come in the next few years. All will be well for the Broncos so long as Orton plays how he did for the most part at Seattle. GO BRONCOS!!!
All linguistic intrepidity and philosophical pundits aside….If we bring one more former Patriot on board I am going to puke. McDaniel’s; Quite bringing in these bean town retreads, work with the talent we have, get us a win (yes I know its preseason) and for gods sake stop telling me about any portion of the “new system”, especially if it doesn’t include running Hillis at a goal line that is only three yards away. I appreciate the need for practicing what I am sure McDaniel’s calls his “high percentage” plays but giving the rest of the AFC West something to worry about other than who’s turn its going to be to pick off Orton in the end zone might prove just as useful.
Break their will to compete!
Mike in San Diego
You guys sure have short memories. When Shanny came from San Fran, he brought a large portion of the staff and a handful of the players. Nobody batted an eyelash. I don’t think some of you see the big picture here? Don’t you think it makes sense to bring in some players that know McD’s system, so as to help those who don’t know the system, adjust? It helps them to gel quicker. It makes perfect sense to me and how you guys cannot see the logic in it is beyond me? New England’s D is similar to what Denver runs and Spann is a 3-4 player. He is also ST as was Shelton who we released. Is he an upgrade? Yes, he is, because we didn’t need anymore WR’s. Spann plays ST and DE. UPGRADE! Try to relax and get an understanding of what the coach is trying to accomplish, rather than complaining about unfounded problems that don’t exist.
I totally agree with you Dynamicdave! denver fans need to relax and give it a chance. maybe after 3 or 4 weeks into the season if we havent won a game then we can start critisizing McD’s decision’s
GO BRONCOS!!
Why are some people calling Le Kevin Smith a Pat’s leftover/reject. Didn’t we get him in a trade deal involving future draft picks? I wouldn’t call that being a leftover/reject. And he already showed some good things in Seattle. He was a good pick up.
Why did we cut Mike Leach and give Lonnie Paxton such a big contract?? That move does confuse me a little. Maybe McD made him a promise on his way out of NE.
My heart hurts after reading today’s ESPN article about the troubles Marshall may cause the team if he isn’t dealt or given a raise. Where did everything go wrong? We lost last year to San Diego to end the season and it was a sad moment for Bronco Nation but I was immediately licking my chops and couldn’t wait for next season to begin. I knew we were on the brink of stardom. Now I look at the team and ask myself,”What was I waiting for?”
Dave, thanks for being the one person that speaks consistent truth and bestows upon all these unknowledgable and ill willed so called Bronco fans. You all need to shut your mouth about who McD brings in. I read someone said use the talent we got, excuse me for saying this but the talent we got hasn’t gotten us very far in some cases. Whether it be not knowing the system or just not that talented, who knows but bringing people in no matter where they come from shows everyone from top to bottom that you are replaceable. That alone is what makes a good team great. If your starters all commit to giving 110% all the time because they know that they can be replaced at any given time, I fail to see an issue with that. Maybe I should put on my helmet……”Have you seen my baseball?” We sure to have a lot of short bussers on here, don’t we, Dynamic?
Spot on DD…Ya know,it amazes me that people take the time to criticise decisions and not look at the big picture.OF COURSE you want players who are familiar ith McD’s system so they can come in and be a factor with the team RIGHT AWAY!!Cmon people,THINK…I for one have no problem with these ex-Pats coming to Denver..Whatever it takes to get this team back on track….Oh and by the way,i would much rather have ex-Pats than ex-Browns..we all know how that turned out..
STAY POSITIVE PEOPLE!!!
Seriously, really people. So we excuse Orton for making a HORRIBLE play because it was preseason. Let’s review, 4th down inside the five. If he takes the sack, we are giving them the ball at the 5. Instead, on a play were he still had time, he throws the ball, with his non-throwing hand, weakly in the air into coverage. Giving the other team the ball at the 20. This is ok? When we had 3 and outs against the Seahawk 2nd unit, with our 2st team in, this too is ok? That’s right it is preseason. no worries. Pre-season is supposed ot be an indicator of what you are going to do. Apparently we are going to throw screens and hitches, followed by screens and hitches. We are going to trade away a first round pick to get a guy that is not starting. Pick up every WAIVED player to come in and play. The defense is not McDaniels’ he has never been a defensive guy. The defense is Nolan’s. Nolan did not coach the Pats. So it is not a New England D. Well here’s to the season opener in Denver. First game in Denver for me. Hope I don’t regret it.
WOW!! Vabronco guy I hope the rest of the people from VA aren’t has stupid as you present yourself to be.
First of all he did not have time if you watched the game you would have seen that the reason he went to his other hand was because his right arm was being grabbed a defensive player or were you just too busy thinking of lame insults to see that?
Secondly, if preseason is “an indicator of what you are going to do.” Then please tell me why the Lions went 4-0 last year in the preseason, but could not win one game in the regular season. You need to do some research before you come on here insulting the Broncos.
Hit the books and get your facts straight next time. You and other fans like you make me sick and I feel bad for the entire Bronco organization that we have people like you that call yourselves “fans”!!
Go Broncos
Oh and one other thing, every fascett of the game is the Head Coaches. He is the one that decides what schemes to run. Do you honestly think for a second a guy as smart as McD didn’t consult Nolan before making that move as well? Your stupidity saddens me bro, just sad.
vabroncoguy, so you would rather watch Orton take a hit and maybe get injured? I think you really need to think that one out some more. If it had been regular season, McD would have gone for 3. Orton figured if it gets INT then Seattle takes over at the 20. If it hits the ground then Seattle takes over on downs. If Denver catches it, then it’s a TD. But you would rather see him get sacked and risk injury. Hmmmmm.
LB56, yeah, they forget about Easy Ed and Romanowski and all the coaches we brought from San Fran. They think because someone played for another team that they are still with that team? HALT THE PRESSES! OH MY GOD, WE HAVE 3 EAGLE PLAYERS!! GET RID OF THEM, FAST! We can have, as you said, as many Pats players as it takes to get the job done. In this day and age, players are jumping from team to team. But once they sign their name to the dotted line and start the season, THEY ARE DENVER BRONCO PLAYERS! It seems that some people just don’t get it?
Personally I think it’s great to see the addition of these players to the Team. They will definitely help with the transition to the new system, and contribute as well. Players that can help the TE’s, D-line, RB’s, WR’s & ST’s.
It’s like DD said, nothing new as we Coach Shanahan brought over some players/coaches from San Fran… Romo, McCaffrey & Tim McKyer to name a few.
I listed to players to recognize them, not for them to get slammed !!
Donkeysfan731 I would just like to correct you on how much truth DD bestows upon the unknowledgable…..
Spann plays ST and DB, not DE as you said DynamicDave.
LOL STAND CORRECTED BOTH OF YOU!
That said, I’ll restate what I said before, I love all the pick ups like DD does as long as they help our team win.
Only aquisition I questioned a little was the huge contract we gave Paxton to just be a long snapper, while getting rid of Leach who was a decent blocking TE in 3 tight sets, plus a long snapper.
I questioned it less after Kern and Prater said how good Paxton was and hadn’t had a bad snap in how many years??? I question it no more.
Finally, it may have came across wrong what I said about Spann, I just wanted some info and stats on him, I mean every signing til now we got more than a picture and 3 sentences of info.
Stay thirsty my friends!
wow to much going on Over a preseason game. I think because all the changes this year people are looking for any excuses just not to like Mcd. Look i think he has brought a new style to the team. all this talk about him bringing in Patriot personal being bad is just dumb you need people around that know the system so the transition is not so bad. like it or not they are a 3 superbowl win team so they must of been doing something right. so why wouldn’t you want some of those guys on the team. Its not like they are going to make us lose. because there x patriots. there here to win and try to make the team. I’m not going to question anyone fan loyalty but it sounds just ridiculas when there some on here calling each other names like there all knowing of everything in the universe. All these guys on the team past and present all got heart and none of us can can measure how much. If we just wait and see everything will work itself out
2champ. Don’t know why I said DB is a DE? I know the difference. Momentary brain fart, sorry. What I meant to say was that Spann was listed by the NFL as a corner, not DE. I’ll blame it on this friggin’ fever I’ve been riunning for 3 days, lol. Sorry.
VaBroncoguy, you’re right, I should have read it closer. As I said, I’ve been reading and blogging (whenever I woke up from sleeping) with a 101+ fever for the past 3-4 days. I would sleep, get up, read up on the Broncos, blog for an hour then sleep again. So I missed some things. So for that, I apologize. My bad.
DD looks like they took the comments off the message board anyway
So were good? I read your post after I reiterated my unfounded anger on another article. However, I wrote my apology to you on there, after my rant, as well.