The NFL announced that Commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract has been extended through the 2018 season.
“It is the only place I have ever wanted to work,” Goodell told the Associated Press. “I am grateful for the contributions and counsel of NFL owners in managing our league, the talented staff that supports us, and the players and coaches that perform their magic on the field. It is truly a team effort. I am eagerly looking ahead to the challenge of building on our momentum and doing all we can to improve our game for the fans and everyone that is part of our league.”
Goodell became the league’s commissioner in 2006, taking over for Paul Tagliabue. This past year, Goodell helped negotiate a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA. He also oversaw nine-year extensions of the NFL’s broadcast television contracts with NBC, CBS and FOX. Prior to the start of the 2011 season, the league agreed to a $15.2 billion extension that gives ESPN the broadcast rights to Monday Night Football through the 2021 season.
Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen is a member of the league’s compensation committee, which approved the extension.
“I speak on behalf of 32 NFL club owners in saying we are fortunate to have Roger Goodell as our commissioner,” said Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who is the chairman of the compensation committee. “Since becoming commissioner in 2006, the NFL — already the leader in professional sports — has gotten even stronger. As evidenced by this contract extension, we have great confidence in Roger’s vision and leadership of the NFL. Our clubs, players and fans could not ask for a better CEO.”
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Roger Goodell
Woody is saying all this just for the benefit of all the bloggers who keep hanging on wild hopes that Moreno’s next year will be the one, and EVERY year they said the same thing, a campaign pretty much led by TRB:
The Broncos need a running back who can get outside. As anybody who reads me knows, I’ve written for three years that Knowshon Moreno was a major mistake. John Fox figured it out right away. (Josh McDaniels also knew almost immediately he had screwed up picking Moreno in the first round.)
Ditto all that, been saying that for as long as Woody, from the start.
Who to believe?
Woody goes on; so the Broncos have to draft a running back in the second round, at least. That would be the 50th pick. Trent Richardson from Alabama will be gone, but the Broncos can use that second pick on Chris Polk from Washington, Lamar Miller from Miami or LaMichael James from Oregon.
And he is not as convinced as many are that we are set at TE:
Julius Thomas and Virgil Green were first-year busts. Thomas played football like a basketball player. Sure, he got hurt (ankle), and recovered slowly, but he was lost in the system, particularly after the Broncos went to Tebow, and he can’t block. Green was green. I think both Daniel Fells and Dante Rosario are free agents. Both had very good moments, but I don’t know about long term. I think they’ll probably bring in another veteran who can block (they had to use lineman Chris Clark, as I’m sure you know, all the time as a tight end — I got tired of hearing his number called by the referee as an eligible receiver) . And I hope that Thomas and Green get a clue, that Fells comes back and they can find someone in the shuffle.
That helps backing up my assessment of last year draft being mediocre when many here call it a good one.
He says we also need a WR which I would debate simply because this is a Fox-McCoy ran O, run first, run second, pass on third if you have to:
Let’s be straight. Eddie Royal (who will be a free agent, but really wants to return to Denver, and probably will), Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Matt Willis (also a free agent) have to improve considerably (and get over the dropsies), but the Broncos still don’t have a stretch-the-defense burner.
For the record I never wanted Moreno too and was pretty peeved at the pick but since we got ive supported him because I believe he has flashes of potential. I always say he will never be worthy of the 12th overall pick but I still believe he can do very well in this league. My BBBP is Moreno having 1500 all purpose yards this year and I stand by it. With that said, Im also the guy who wants us to get Doug Martin in the 2nd round. At 5’9 219 with 4.4 speed, the guy is a bowling ball. Even a great returner. As it stands right now, with McGahees aging and Morenos … well … fragileness, I wouldn’t stake my franchise on either lasting a full season. Plus the fumbles aren’t very appealing, both McGahee and Moreno. McGahee has actually fumbled way more than Moreno ever did in a single year and possibly since Moreno’s been here but then again McGahee has probably played more games in 1 season than Moreno ever has. Point is, we need a Matt Forte type guy who goes like 300 carries with no fumbles. Doug Martin is compared to the likes of Ray Rice. Rice was also taken in the second round. So I like Doug alot. Another option is Houstons Ben Tate. Blazing fast and might be able to get for a 2nd (the original round he was drafted in). TRB
I don’t think Moreno will be on the team next season…when he is healthy he’s not productive..when he’s somewhat productive he’s not healthy…when he is healthy and productive, he was in college…
And yes we do need help on the O line:
Honestly, there are questions about center. More than one evaluator told me J. D. Walton could be the worst starting center in the NFL. Even if he’s not, Walton certainly is no Pro Bowl candidate in the future. They’ve got to sign a veteran who can play and slip Walton into a backup spot. Ryan Clady somewhat returned to form, although the Broncos aren’t totally in love with him. Orlando Franklin got thrown into the fire right away and then was the main tackle for having a left-handed quarterback’s back. He made mistakes and got beat occasionally, but he can play. And Chris Kuper had a Pro Bowl year. His injury injured the Broncos, especially against New England. You don’t get much drafting an offensive lineman way down in the draft, so I expect the Broncos will try to get one earlier if they can.
Pretty brutal about Walton but probably deserved.
And the Broncos aren’t totally in love with Clady, HUGE news I did not know, and it then all makes sense that they haven’t entered in any contract extension with him yet.
I still have no clue how he made the pro bowl this year….
I dunno about their understanding of the system but one thing I will say about green is, for a HBack type who is more receiver than blocker, he blocked very well last year in a couple of key games. I mean he sealed his edge, and thats saying alot because I rarely notice blocking or when any of our TEs are on the field for that matter. unfortunately we will either have to get a good one in FA cuz I don’t think it would be wise spending a top pick on one … at least not this year. Let give these young guys thier offseason. They will be learning in reverse actually. Game experience before OTAs. We will see how that goes and if it doesn’t then we revisit the TE thing next year. That would be my approach, but my personnel approach is never in line with the organizations.
TRB
Woody thinks we may very well trade down:
I look for John Elway and Brian Xanders to maybe get rid of their first-round draft choice for a couple of other lower picks.
I also wrote the same about Walton. I agree. When you see the pouncey play in Pits, u understand the gap this 2 guys have even being drafted in the same year. Walton is the weak link in our Oline. Quality back up sure but for a QB of the Oline … we definitely need better. In my book, these days it goes, Kuper, Clady, Franklin, Beadles, Walton. Figures the 2 McD guys would be bringing up the rear.
As far as trading down I think that would be a great idea … but with who? and do we trade our first for a later first and a 2nd … or for 2 2nds or something? For example, the Eagles have 2 2nds. So our 25th for thier 46th and 51 or something like that. Dunno the worth of our pick. TRB
And Woody tells us how he sees the 2012 QQ develop:
Here’s what I honestly think. The Broncos will sign a veteran backup to Tebow, and Weber will be No. 3 in camp and get more opportunities to play in the second half in a couple of games, and he’ll end up on the practice squad again. The only other possibility is that the Broncos fall in love with some college quarterback to pick in the third round, but they have so many needs in so many positions. I feel certain the Broncos will give Tebow every chance to succeed next year. If he falls flat on his face, the Broncos would make QB a No. 1 priority in the next draft.
It sure is looking that way since half the top QBs of this class did not declare, Tebow shines in 2012 or they try to replace him in 2013, just not this year, I would now agree with all that, the trading up to get RG3 seems so difficult to accomplish and it would come at such a high price that I see the organization stuck between a rock and a hard place on the QQ and going with minimal investment there for this year and therefore not neglecting the rest of the team which needs MAJOR improvement at so many positions.
TRB, Woody says maybe for a second round pick and a middle of the pack pick (i.e. 3rd or 4th).
Anyway it’s funny to see Woody talking at length about all our needs on O in his mail bag installement and about the D he simply says this:
The Broncos have four Pro Bowl players on defense. They need four more. In the old Orange Crush Days, they had the Greatest, Randy Gradishar, and Tom Jackson, Bob Swenson (the most underrated Broncos player of all time), Lyle Alzado, Rubin Carter, Steve Foley, Billy Thompson and Louis Wright (who belongs in the Hall of Fame). They need to match that number and quality now to be a Super Bowl champion.
But I thought Tebow alone could get us there? LOL.
for a 2nd and a 3rd … blah … would have to be a high 2nd and 3rd I suppose. Like a trade with the Colts for example lol. maybe im just greedy but at least the 25th pick still has first round talent. Anyway, I guess we could just look at the McD trade for Tebow for the going rate on 25th overall pick (even tho some believe he overpayed). TRB
#25: Baltimore → Denver (D). Baltimore traded this selection to Denver for a second-round selection it acquired from Miami (43rd overall; Baltimore selected Sergio Kindle), a third-round selection it acquired from Philadelphia (70th overall; Baltimore selected Ed Dickson), and a fourth-round selection (114th overall; Baltimore selected Dennis Pitta
The sad truth is we need so much talent that one #25 pick is not going to make an ounce of difference at this point. We obviously are not looking at one quality pick but a bunch of good ones. I would totally agree with Woody on that. I guess it all depends on how good you think our team is now and I personally don’t think they are very good.
Legwold is basically telling Bronco fans to watch the Senior Bowl, not to worry I always do:
Look for the Broncos’ draft class this year to include a hefty dose of players who were evaluated at the Senior Bowl. Four members of the Broncos’ nine-player draft class in 2011 played in the Senior Bowl.
BTW, we need at least 9 picks in this draft, we currently have 7.
its a trade off. Its either u go with 25 and get quality (or should i say hope to get quality) or u trade down for more shots and in the dark and possibly end up with a hit or a bunch of misses. For the record I agree with woody. i was thinking the same. I was personally hoping for 2nds but if its for a early 2nd and 3rd thats cool. Either way, we may not be drafting on day one. When I look at the number some people with our record are drafting at, I wonder if the playoffs was worth it. But watching us beat the steelers … nothing can compare. TRB
It’s probably why they call it a trade, LOL.
…touché
Personally I would keep our first round pick. There have been a lot of great players taken at the 20+ pick. 1 player can make a huge impact….more so then 2 good players.
Bucs just hired someone. Greg Schiano from Rutgers.
Interesting tidbit from NFLN: Although Allen say on Tuesday that he’s Raiders new HC. Raiders have yet to say anything about it.
The will just have to evaluate the value of thier pick. The other thing is u never know till draft day. If someone u like falls to u … yay pick with 25. If they don’t and u think ur next true desire will be available later, u trade back. Just the way it works and u never really know till that day. The option just remains open. TRB
My draft priority by position: ILB, RB, DT, CB, DE, TE, S
After some research I’ll put names to these.
ILB – Vontaze Buffict
RB – Doug Martin
DT – Dontari Poe
CB – Alphonzo Denard
DE – ?
TE – Dwayne Allen
S – Mark Barron
Not the best in their class but the best of the ones who will be available in my book. lol
TRB … I didn’t look at any DEs so none come to mind.
and some of them are actually th ebest in their class Dwayne Allen, Barron, and Vontaze Buffict by my evaluations at least.
TRB
Old news, Oldsouth. Raiders say Allen can choose his own staff. Hope he doesn’t lure more Broncos coaches to Oakland.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d826575dd/article/raiders-gm-mckenzie-says-choosing-staff-will-be-up-to-allen
u knwo what … switch DT with Jerel Worthy and DE Jared Crick … that should give u a good Idea of the talent we can get at 25. TRB
Tide, I would imagine another positions coach would jump ship from us to raiders to become a coordinator. wouldn’t surprise me one bit. I expect to see him pull from Denver and NO for his staff. As a young guy, he needs people he knows who will not mind listening to him. TRB
It feels totally weird being in somewhat of a state of limbo.
There are so many question marks as to what this team and organization will look like in the 2012-13 season.
I guess that also adds to the excitement as well……..THE UNKNOWN!
TRB, I agree. You know, birds of a feather and all that. It wouldn’t be a surprise, and most coaches do it. Just hope he’s more interested in drawing from the Saints’ staff than Denver’s, not that I mind any of ours going to better themselves. It’s just the competitive advantage they might garner on both sides of the ball that concerns me a bit, but que sera, sera.
KK, I’ll take our limbo over the Colts’ limbo any day.
I couldn’t agree more tide! lol
The Colts are basically where we were at only three years ago when McD came to town.
Eliot Harris with his exit interview from NFL.com
With the 2011 season in the rearview mirror for all but two teams, it’s time for NFL.com’s annual “Exit Interviews,” a chance to review the ups and downs of each team’s past season and spin it forward.
2011 in a Nutshell: Dumervilmania? OK, maybe not. Tebowmania was an 8-8 team, with Tim Tebow himself going 7-4 as a starter. This club won the AFC West by default when the competition was hit hard by injuries (Raiders, Chiefs) and chronic underachievement (Chargers). Still, the Broncos made the playoffs on the strength of a quarterback who brought great competitive energy, and a defense that was clutch in the middle of the season.
What Went Right: Actually, there was quite of bit of Dumervilmania and Von Miller mania to go around. The two pass rushers combined for 21 sacks, even though both played hurt and missed some games. They also made the Pro Bowl alongside Champ Bailey .
The defense as a whole struggled at times, but there is talent on that side of the ball, enough to greatly contribute to the six-game win streak in the heart of the season. In the five games that Miller played in that streak, the defense yielded just 14 points per game.
Now, to the offense …
To ignore Tebow’s impact on the franchise is to dismiss CGI in movies, or the iPad. Despite not being a classic dropback passer, the young quarterback out of Florida thrived once he had the opportunity to run the zone-read offense. Some of the biggest plays of the Broncos’ season came courtesy of Tebow’s monstrous legs.
Remember the touchdown vs. the Jets? The big runs against the Raiders? Or the clutch scampers against the Steelers, including a big touchdown? Ironically, it was his on-time, on-the-mark throw to Demaryius Thomas that won that game in overtime. It showed both Tebow’s development and the development of a playmaker in the 24-year-old Thomas. Moreover, the game-winning play reflected Mike McCoy’s offensive acumen and versatility, which played an integral role in his quarterback’s success …
What Went Not So Right: … except McCoy still has a mountain of work cut out for him. Tebow’s game needs to be developed further, so the passing attack isn’t a liability. His footwork, throwing motion and inaccuracy all made running a modern pro offense difficult, which is why head coach John Fox pulled the trigger on going to a collegiate attack.
It was obvious in the playoff loss to the Patriots that Denver was systematically challenged when trying to mount a multi-score comeback. And there were times when the Denver defense could not hold the fort, like in late-season losses to the Bills and Patriots. Denver can still give up the big play, thanks in part to three rookies in the secondary. First-year man Chris Harr is had his struggles, while safety Quinton Carter allowed four touchdowns, despite being thrown at only 30 times. Fellow rookie safety Rahim Moore gave up threes scores, even though he was thrown at just 14 times. Meanwhile, no one was creating turnovers. The secondary as a whole had eight interceptions — three players in the NFL had seven by themselves.
Offseason Crystal Ball: The Broncos’ offseason issues started when defensive coordinator Dennis Allen departed to become Oakland’s latest head coach. The new DC will need to replace Brian Dawkins , who is 38 and had no picks in 2011. Bailey will be entering his 14th year, and like Dawkins, can’t play forever. Getting the most out of youngsters Carter and Moore and finding ways to get takeaways will be a priority.
Speaking of coordinators, it looks like McCoy will be back after losing out on the Dolphins’ coaching job. His mission, should he choose to accept it, is to make a better passer out of Tebow, as well as create more plays in the passing game. With the club not getting anything from Knowshon Moreno in three seasons, can McCoy really rely on a 30-year old Willis McGahee to rush for over 1,000 yards again? Denver must be more efficient throwing the ball to have more success in 2012.
Team Needs and Draft: Team president John Elway and Fox will likely lean toward acquiring some defensive talent in the draft and free agency. The Broncos’ nickel and dime packages were pretty vulnerable late in the season. They need to get better on the interior. An inside linebacker would be a good start, unless Nate Irving is deemed to be the guy. That said, in my initial mock draft , I have the Broncos taking defensive tackle Jerel Worthy of Michigan State, especially with Brodrick Bunkley being a free agent.
Getting secondary help in the draft wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. Considering Denver took two safeties (Moore and Carter) in last year’s draft, it’s a safe bet the Johns will look at corners. Tight end and offensive line depth are also strong possibilities.
My apologies. It’s Elliot Harrison…
Thanks Sndvl. I think that’s a fair assessment.
I think that assessment was fair also. BTW happy Thursday to everyone. I got some much needed sleep last night and it feels good. I am excited to watch the draft process and also to see what the team will do in free agency. It will be interesting to see who they get to back up Tebow. On defense I know we need someone who can tackle and also cover receivers LOL. I am still hoping that in the OTA’s they will have a solid week of just tackeling drills with actual moving targets LOL.
I seriously hate when people say we won division by default. Or point to other teams injuries to be the reason we won the west or games we played. Last i checked injuries were part of the NFL and we ourselves didn’t go the yr without injuries. And the division wasn’t won by default, they placed themselves in the position to still win the division with a win or a loss. The other teams in our division did not. If we lost and raiders won, would they have gotten in by default? because the lead team (us) couldn’t close out? There is no default. There is no backing in. Every game we played and won resulted in the playoffs. And that whole “Didn’t beat anyone all year with a winning record” … yea … neither did the patriots until the beat the ravens last week .. but u didn’t hear anything about that. Broncos won the division … any other extra rationalization is just pointless and weak in my book. You make the most out of ur situations.
TRB
Its so funny … both our coordinators ended up front runners. We easily coulda lost our OC and DC this offseason.
TRB
***Free Agent Wish List Part 1***
1. Jermicheal Finley TE
2. Laron Landry SS
3. Osi Umenyura DT
These guys all have gas in the tank… and would fill some very serious voids that this team had last season…
Tide: NFLN as always up to date with the latest news. LOL.
I hope we trade back with our first for a 2nd 3rd n 2013 3rd n 5th from Seattle.
Then we could get :
2a. Dontari Poe DT
2b. Chris Polk RB
3a. Alameda Ta’amu DT
3b. Michael Brewster C
4. Chris Rainey RB/WR/ST
5a. Chad Diehl FB
5b. Asa Jackson CB
7. Kellen Moore/ Chase Keenum QB
FA:
1. *Dan Connor ILB
2. Vincent Jackson/*Bernard Berian/Desean Jackson WR
3. *Rashean Mathis/ Richard Marshall/*Terrell Thomas CB
4. *Reggie Nelson S
Resign:
1. *Prater K
2. *Bunkley NT
3. *Woodyard OLB
4. *Royal WR
5. *Thomas DT
6. *Haggan OLB
7. *Harvey DE
Offense:
QB-Tebow, Keenum or Moore, Weber
RB-McGahee, Polk, Moreno, Fanin
WR-Thomas, Berrian/V.Jackson/D.Jackson, Decker, Royal
TE- Rosario, Ingram, Thomas
FB-Diehl, Green
OT-Clady,Franklin, Harris
OG-Kuper, Beadles, Hochstein
C-Waldon, Brewster
Defense:
NT-Bunkley, Poe
DT-Warren, Thomas, Ta’amu
RDE-Ayers, Hunter
LDE-Doom, Harvey
ILB-Connor, Mays, Irving
ROLB-Von, Haggan
LOLB-DJ, Woodyard
RCB-Mathis/Marshall/Thomas, Harris
LCB-Champ, Vaughn, Jackson
SS-Carter, Bruton
FS-Nelson, Moore
ST:
K-Prater
P-Colquitt
KR/PR-Rainey
LS-Paxton
You’re welcome applejack (I love that cereal btw, lol)!
It was a spot on assessment in all honesty. Take into consideration that the first few games, Elvis and Champ were limited. Von was seeing his first action and Bunkley had yet to create his impact role. Oh. There was that Orton thing too…lmao
I’m completely shocked the organization is as high on Clady as baylin pointed out in Woodys article.
Are they mad?
He needs to be locked up. Like yesterday. I mean even in his worst year as a pro, he was still a pro bowl player. To lose him would be a major mistake. MAJOR.
He needs to be their #1 priority.
1A would be Matt Prater.
Then Bunkley.
And as we found out with injuries to Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson, we need depth so I’d say locking up Marcus Thomas would be fourth on that list.
Eddie Royal. That’s tricky. Since M Willis is a FA too. I imagine the FO will probably go with the cheaper of the two, if at all. Which I hate to see happen. I imagine the deep wallets of Dan Snyder will be instrumental in reuniting Royal with his former coach….just mho!
That basically leaves the LB trio who are set to hit FA. This one is very tricky. I suppose it all depends on who is hired as DC. Of its the promotion from within, I would think Woodyard and Haggen will definitely be back. Haggen is such a solid backup. Filled in perfectly for Von. Woodyard filled in for DJ Williams during his injury and is a ST captain. Mays. While unimpressive at times, he can pop. And was our starting Mike. He seems to be the odd one out. Irving was drafted in the 3rd round and I am sure it’s because he was drafted to replace Mays in the middle. He should be fully recovered from his injuries (as fully recovered as one could get of course). Got playing time on ST and had a full season to learn by watching. I think he should get his shot. If he doesn’t cut it, then we will know another need going into 2013…
That to me puts our draft need priority at CB, RB and DT. With OL and TE in the back rounds. We have a first, second, third, fourth, 2 fifths and a 7th (if I remember correctly). Im all for trading back from 25, if it lands us say a 2nd and a 4th. With 2 picks in the 2nd, 4th and 5th rounds-we would have the flexibility to land 3 players who fit our needs at CB, RB and DT. 3 who would be high on the board. Getting an extra 2nd would allow us to take the chance on Crick. (As long as his prognosis is a positive one and he’s cleared by the doctors)…
Anyway, that’s my thoughts for the day. I am eagerly anticipating the hire of our new DC…
Broncos Country Strong 2012!
Risky, I could live with those moves… I’m adding a name to my Draft Board, and that is the OLB/DE hybrid from S. Carolina named Ingram…
SNDVL… I agree with the FA assessment also, only I don’t think that they should really even consider re-signing Willis… Let him go…
Okay, I have a question to all of you long time Bronco fans. In the 2010 year what were you excited about as far as the team goes? For that matter how about the first part of last year?
Tough Question Shaz… Wasn’t really alot to be Excited about… Mc D still had his finger on the trigger, emptying our talent pool… and trading away our draft picks…
I was excited for the season to start… because I love the game, but as a realist I was really just digging in for a long season and hoping to get a quality Draft Choice that would help turn the Franchise around…
We got lucky, with Mc D getting fired, Elway coming back, and then us getting Foxxy for a coach and Miller with the #2 pick… but really there was very little true ‘Excitement’ about our chances when 2010 started…
Wait… I lied… I was excited to see Shannahan back as a Coach at the beginning of 2010…
I only asked because I read Woody’s mailbag and he made a statement that kind of surprised me. He said that after Elway it seemed as though the fan’s haven’t had a lot to get excited about and many lost interest in the team. I just didn’t think that the Denver fans were fly by night ones. I won’t get into his whole comment but you should read it.