Cleaning out his locker Sunday, Brian Dawkins stopped to talk about what he described as “a roller coaster ride” of a season.
“In the middle of that roller coaster ride, there was an up that nobody saw coming from where we started,” Dawkins said. “It was some joy, it was some believing in teammates, it was a character-builder, it was young players growing up, and it did a lot for this team to help us get into the playoffs.”
Dawkins doesn’t buy that the team “backed in” to the postseason.
“No,” he said. “We earned that spot.”
But once the team got there, Dawkins wasn’t able to join his teammates on the field.
After suffering a neck injury against the Chicago Bears, Dawkins missed four of the team’s remaining five games, exiting the one game he played in the first quarter after aggravating the injury.
Dawkins was listed as doubtful for the team’s Divisional round matchup with the New England Patriots, and when Saturday came, he couldn’t suit up.
“It was very disappointing,” he said. “Obviously I want to listen to what the doctors were telling me, and this is what they were telling me, that it’s not ready to go. I would’ve done nobody any good to be on the field and get hurt again and be right back off. Then we also lose a spot for a guy who could actually play that week. It’s very, very frustrating not to be on the football field to help my guys out on the field.
“Lord willing, if we would’ve won this past week, it would’ve taken a move from on high to keep me off the field this coming week if we had passed this last test.”
But Dawkins is left to wonder what if. He won’t let that emotion affect his decision-making as he gets a little time away from the game this offseason.
As he does every year, he’ll work to determine his future plans through prayer.
“Like I always do, where I am in my career, obviously I’ll get down and get in some prayer, get away from the game a little bit and allow the Lord to talk to me and speak to me on what it is He would have me to do next,” he said. “If I decide that I’m listening and He tells me that another year is available for me and the Broncos want me back, then that will be the case.”
Head Coach John Fox said Monday that he told Dawkins, like every other player, to “take a nice, long break.”
“I told them we would do whatever it takes to win the Big Boy Championship and not just the AFC West Championship,” Fox said.
Dawkins said he’s excited about the fight the Broncos showed in 2011.
As for where the team goes from here, he said “it’s up to us.”
He stressed the importance of training in the offseason, and holding firm in the belief in what the Broncos are building in Denver.
“We just laid the foundation, to me, of what we can be as a football team,” he said. “From here, we have to take it and be better next year.”
Tags: Brian Dawkins
I love your backing up my boy Willis and there would be nothing to make me happier, but with a healthy Demaryius that would be a bold prediction allright.
Gruden doesn’t even want HC. He’s turned down lots of offers. It’s much easier to be an expert on TV with no expectations of having to produce.
No kidding, Jon would take nothing less than HC, in fact he would ask for major powers like McD did and he wouldn’t get it here with Elway.
That too, you can’t fail as bad on TV as you can coaching, haha.
Buck, cant trade Royal. He is a FA. I hope he remains a career bronco.
TRB
Dennis Allen did, in fact, interview with the Rams prior to our game against the Patriots, although it took place in Denver on the Thursday before the flight to Foxborough. Mike McCoy was scheduled to talk with Jacksonville on the Monday after the Pittsburgh game, but delayed his interview until Thursday, due to the win and team obligations, upon which the Jags, on Tuesday, deciding not to wait, went ahead and hired Mike Mularkey.
So, both coaches would have interviewed during the middle of the playoffs, but Allen was the only one who actually had the time, since he didn’t have to leave town to do so. Personally, I think the league needs to prohibit playoff coaches from being interviewed, or delay the process until their teams are out of them…..but then, that isn’t really fair to the coaches either, in the event they’re passed over before they even get a chance to interview. Still, it’s not an optimum situation for playoff teams.
Yea I meant to point that out … Allen indeed interviewed on thursday. That was the only free time any of our coords had the whole week to do so.
Then by all means fire Allen like OC said, LMAO!
Just kidding, we need him to stay, he is a great combo with Fox, what they did with our D considering our lack of talent was nothing short of unbelievable.
The broncos could have chosen to deny permission. I know I read of a team recently that did.
Fox is the big dawg. He gets to make the hard decisions.
I really hope they keep Allen…….we need that consistency and like it has been said, he worked wonders with a under-talented team. An off-season with drafting and FA should allow them to fill some holes and make our D a force to be rekoned with next year.
We need a serious run stuffer too……………what am I saying………..we need major help all across the D. We’ve got some awesome pieces, but between those pieces are major holes.
I want to see this organization totally commit to the D this off-season. It is something we’ve overlooked year after year. It is true when they say defenses win championships………..so until we take a hard look in the mirror and commit, we will be taking first/second round exits at best.
KK, no Studesville did not call the plays when he was interim HC, McCoy did.
Just curious though, why do you think the “books took a hit” when Tebow started? He has mid-tier incentives built into his contract, which include playtime percentages and making the playoffs, and which were also considered by some to be “unlikely to earn,” but 6.275 million of his signing bonus was paid last August, instead of all up front in 2010. Even then, they don’t equal the 2 mil plus that was saved by releasing Orton.
You may already be aware, but there have also been rumors that he has, or is willing to restructure his contract to help ease the financial burden of the organization, now that he is starting and earning some nice bonuses. Not to mention that his 55% playing time will double his contract amount from $11.25 mil to $22.5 mil. So far though, these are only unsubstantiated rumors, as far I know.
Here’s what Jeff Legwold has to say about building a championship team.
_________
By Jeff Legwold
The Denver Post
After their season is over, NFL teams like to talk about “getting where we want to go.”
If they didn’t know it before, the Broncos found out Saturday night at New England how far they have to go to be a serious Super Bowl contender. The Patriots pounded them 45-10 in the AFC semifinals.
Yes, quarterback Tim Tebow has to improve. But the Denver defense also has to get better. And if the Broncos lose Dennis Allen to a head coaching job — he’s a candidate in Oakland — they will be looking to hire their seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. The Broncos won’t become a heavyweight on the defensive side of the ball until they have continuity there, in system and personnel.
They have drafted big players and small players, fast players and slow players. They have played a 3-4 defense and they have played a 4-3. They’ve even played both in the same season.
Two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks — the Patriots’ Tom Brady and the New York Giants’ Eli Manning — remain in the playoffs. Can Tebow join them someday? The Broncos certainly hope so.
But the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens also are still alive, and they rank among the NFL’s top three teams in scoring defense — the 49ers second, the Ravens third. The Ravens and Giants tied for third in sacks with 48. The 49ers led the league in turnover margin (plus-28) and run defense (an average of 77.3 yards per game allowed).
The Broncos need a franchise QB or a terrific defense, preferably both, to contend for an NFL championship. If one side of the ball is good, the other side has to be great.
thanks tide………
I thought I read at some point that the organization was reluctant to start TT mid season cause of some financial consequences. I could be totally wrong though………
Actually, you’re not wrong, KK. Starting him wasn’t a problem financially. Letting him play the rest of the season is what will cost them and will double his contract, since he started over 55% of the games. But like I said, there are rumors that he’s renegotiating, or already has.
I mean when u look at how talentless this team is … its amazing we made it as far as we did … epecially having to count on 2 wnd year pros withbarely any playing time at WR … a rookie undrafted CB … 2 rookie safeties, random running backs like Ball and JJ. Virtually none existent TE help, a 2n yr QB with alot to learn … when put in perpective … terrific season … just woulda prefered if it didn’t end in a blow out. But I am one of those people that believes everything happens for a reason. TRB
It takes a long time to build a team when you ship all your talent out.
Absolutely, TRB. That’s part of what makes this season so special….to me, anyway. Against all odds and with abundant imperfections, somehow, someway, they got as far as they did, and I’m so proud of them. Reminds me of that old WWII song called “A Wing and a Prayer.”
What a show, what a fight, boys
We really hit our target for tonight
How we sing as we limp through the air
Look below, there’s our field over there
With just one motor gone
We can still carry on
Comin’ in on a wing and a prayer
A great vote of confidence, haha:
Jets owner Woody Johnson told beat writers today Mark Sanchez ‘is our guy’ but…didn’t rule out pursuing Peyton Manning if he’s available.
Man for someone who was going to come in and spill their peace and get out, I’m sure glad you took my advice to contribute, much appreciated. I might even forgive you, LOL.
Notice the BIG LOL.
Haha Bay,
That is better than “He is our starter going into Training Camp.” What does that even mean? lol
“Hey Timmy, you will be our starter this offseason.”
“Thanks Mr. Elway. What about the 2012 season?”
“Hahaha, oh Timmy. I couldn’t possibly have that information at this time.”
I agree 0723, and it’s funny how the Tebow disciples took that as a major vote of confidence, they obviously failed to read the small print, LOL.
haha … gotta say im kinda glad u are sticking around tide lol. More contributions are always appreciated lol.
Talking about Tebow disciples, this was posted late on a blog three blogs back and I thought was worth a re-post:
FLBroncoGator says:
January 19, 2012 at 5:33 am
We should take Jenkins and Kirkpatrick since weed is legal in Colorado. Both players would be stoked and we could definitely use 2 dynamite corners.
Man Tebow attracts all kinds, not just his kind, all kinds, LOL.
So to my college football watchers … anyone heard of Vontaze Burfict? The guy is an animal … and im not just refering to his 6ft’3 250 frame … oh no, im referring to his intensity and aggressiveness on defense. Thats what you call an attacking defender. What amazes me is that he is projected to go in the late 20s. unbelievable. I know its early for this but watch this vid to see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7achvXsy3Q&feature=related
Once you start blogging, you don’t stop. It is addicting.
Bay, he voiced his opinion and he is doing what you wanted by contributing. Let it go. We should be discussing the Broncos. Besides, two 60yearolds battling it out on a blog seems a bit weak lol. If either of you find this offensive, I apologize. But really think about the situation. 60year olds fighting over a blog is not much different than teenagers fighting on Facebook or trolls arguing on the comment sections of YouTube.
Get in your final jabs and be done with it. This blog should be focused on Tebow. Jeesh. Kids these days…. haha.
P.S. I say all of this very sarcastically. I could care less considering I could leave at any time if I didn’t like it. Just wanted to see what it would feel like as a 22yr old to scold my elders. Carry on lol.
Thats actually pretty good logic … they wouldn’t get into weed trouble any more since its legal lmao … who thinks about stuff like that lol. (minus the improbability of getting 2 first rounders lol)
TRB, Burfict is a beast, but he has some character concerns. For me personally, I would like to see the organization continue to draft high character players. BUT, those high character players better be good. No sense in having a crappy team with a bunch of nice young men. I want the Broncos to win Championships.
Haha nice repost Bay,
I have to admit, FLBronco is pretty intense when it comes to Tebow. I love Tebow myself, but I see where he needs to improve. FLBronco lets his love of one player overshadow the importance of the Broncos. No one player is more important than the team.
unfortunately he got the nastiness steelers love (look at harrison) and we handed him to them by beating the lol.
TRB
Bay, my bark is worse than my bite. Sorry, but I always take up for, and/or pull for the underdog. That’s what led me to the Broncos in the first place over 40 years ago. As bad as they’ve for the last few years, nothing is bad as it used to be way back then.
I can’t promise I won’t do it again, because I am what I am, just as you are. Have had some free time the past couple of days, so I’ve had the luxury of being on the computer more than usual….unfortunately for you, I might add. But yes, I had my say, and I’m done with all of that as well.
And yes, I know you put a lot into this blog, and many appreciate it. I’m just passing through most of the time when I’m reading here, and my contributions probably won’t be of much significance. Regardless, I appreciate the fact that I can drop in on better terms where you’re concerned, and thank you for your peace offering.
9723, usually i would agree … but he is such an animal lol … he is what our defense needs … no nice boys … we need an untamable beast like that lol. Altho its all well an good until the fines and personal fouls start coming in … but he seems like a nice guy … even helped the QB up. LOL
0723, lmao at “this blog should be focused on Tebow” lol … and how dear you age Bay … he is only 57 thank you very much. Whe u get up there those 3 years mean alot. LOL. just jokes
Hahaha TRB, nice. I am sure if we drafted him, that the rest of the team would keep him in line. My point is that I would rather have a team in the news for being awesome, rather than because we have players who can’t stay out of trouble. Then again, as long as he kicked a$$ I suppose I would be okay with that lol.
Haha, whoops! Yeah those 3 years make a difference. My Dad is 51 and when I accidentally called him 52 one day he was all like “Don’t be adding years there, boy! I am old enough, thank you!”
Apologies bay! I meant 60 as a compliment. It is like the new 45 lol.
No problem I’ve been through much worse and you are obviously a very well spoken fellow and we could always use quality input, you already brought up a couple of good points today.
0723, Its funny i was reading up on him somewhere and at the end they said “2 players he the NFL he is similar to. NE Brandon Spikes and DEN Nate Irving” lol. Guess theres hope for Irving yet. Walterfootball got us taking a DT and I am happy with that.
Funny, Denver0723. Thanks for the chuckle.
Hey, I’m only 6 months older than Fox, so don’t put me out to the funny farm yet, LOL.
Would LOVE a DT in the first. If we could stop the run and get some help in the secondary, our pass rush would be so much more effective.
I`d want Dontari Poe DT from Memphis, a brick wall at that, 6’5″ 350lbs.
Many “experts” have us taking Worthy at #25. He is a big cat. Would hate if he didn’t pan out though haha. I can see it now… “You’re not Worthy… You’re not Worthy…”
I wanted a DT first last year and the ones who didn’t wanted one at least in the second, so what did that do? LOL, I guess Fox could care less and will probably pass on it this year too, he loves the edges on D, could care less about major talent on the inside, at least that has been his MO.
Yo Tide your first post was awesome man. I woke up laughin bout the would of could’ve not should of. I really hope we resign Eazy Eddie and I think Nate Irving is our future starting MLB.
I don’t think Fox can ignore the DT position again this year. DA and Elway will be in his ear for sure I think.
If Fox can cave into the option offense, he can cave into a freaking DT this draft!!! lol
Doesn’t Fox know that a force at DT can help the pass rush? We need to seriously consider looking in the draft for one. I’m happy with the Miller pick last year but I though we needed a DT more.
Fox knows DEFENSE. We all wanted a DT. We got a certified QB KILLA. No regrets here.