The new tandem of Head Coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Brian Xanders is off and running, as one can tell by the roster moves coming out of Dove Valley these days.
Coach McDaniels exudes an energy level that is truly infectious, and the entire organization seems to be energized by his personality.
The coaching staff is now complete, and it includes some names and faces very familiar to Bronco fans.
Of course, Bobby Turner continues as the running backs coach and Rick Dennison has the offensive line, while fan favorite (as a player) Keith Burns remains in his special teams capacity as well. Rich Tuten and top assistant Greg Saporta continue to handle strength and conditioning for the Broncos.
But in addition, Mike Nolan is back with the team as our defensive coordinator. The offensive coordinator is Mike McCoy, and he shares a brief Denver playing career with Mike Nolan.
Each was signed by Denver as a college free agent and then went into coaching after being waived by the Broncos. Noaln was a free agent safety from Oregon and McCoy a free agent quarterback from Utah.
In addition, Ed Donatell was on our staff for both Super Bowl victories and has returned as defensive backfoeld coach, so there is a lot of familiarity for fans on the coaching staff.
All the coaches and scouts this week are congregating in Indianapolis for the NFL’s annual scouting combine, while at the same time evaluations continue on both active Broncos players and upcoming free agent talent from other teams.
The answer to the question of how the 2009 Broncos will be built is that in each case every possible player is evaluated, and the determination will be made as to how he helps the Broncos, does he make the team better, will he help the team win.
There is no absolute relative to free agency beyond the fact that every player has to be evaluated.
We are fortunate to have had a lot of young players make the team from the draft and college free agency the last couple of years, and we have nine selections set in this year’s draft.
So there are high hopes for another good talent crop there, one that will be supplemented by free agency.
This will be the 50th year of play for the Denver Broncos, as well as for the other seven original American Football League teams, and we will bring both talent and passion into the upcoming season.
The other seven, by the way, include the New York Titans (now Jets), Buffalo Bills, Boston (now New England) Patriots, Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), Los Angeles (now San Diego) Chargers, Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs).
These eight will be celebrating their 50th year of play, and fans can look for announcements in the next couple of months about that year-long anniversary date.
Meanwhile, the coaches and scouts are all heading to and returning from Indy at various times, depending on the dates of workouts for respective position groups.
It is an exciting time for the Broncos, and that excitement is only going to build as we get ready for the draft and NFL-authorized on field workouts.
It did not take long to realize Coach McDaniels brings a high level of intensity and passion to his job, and I believe fans will pick up on this and take to it immediately.
Stay tuned. It is going to be a fun ride in 2009.
Tags: Josh McDaniels, Mike Nolan, Uncategorized
cool im the first one to post
if we can draft a stud linebacker or defensive lineman in the first round all of us bronco fans should be very pleased
HA! and you all thought I was a nut case
Mr. Saccomano, Thank you for finally posting I’ve been wondering if you were still around with all the shake downs going on. I just read an article by Mike Klis that Scouts Bobby Beers and Tyler Goodman are no longer with The Broncos. What happened? was that a part of letting go Jim and Jeff Goodman or was that a trickle down effect, and why was’nt there an anouncement? It seems like terrible timeing.
Since we are talking about the staff, I’ve been blogging a lot lately and I sure would like to have a chance to become a part of the TEAM. I think The Broncos Blogging Nation could use a site presented by a Fan for the Fans. I’m the One The Fans respond to and I will always respond to The Fans. How do I take my first step? Lord knows I can get the fans talking even if it’s just to tell me to shut up and get a Life.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Monodono – I enjoy reading your blogs which are often indepth and to the point. i hope they take you on! You still a Bronco nut lol
I am excited over the new management and coaching staff which sees a changing of the guard. The roster cuts i see were well overdue and ridding us of “Shanahan” mistakes, but thats my opinion.
Chatting with my friends here in New Zealand over Josh McDaniels, and they feel that he is only a good coach in the perfect system, outside he would fail.. But hey they’re Pats fans adn I feel with Bowlens support and backing McDaniels will flourish in the next season or so. Nolan will do the same.
TIME OF POSSESSION!!! lol
ITS GO TIME!!!!
PS – I wonder if we should draft Raji?? Hahahaha
Goodness, I think we started a trend… We gotta stop w/ that though… haha
I promise to never do that again
so how bout we not do that…..
do what?
samoanbronco-
Please tell me you don’t actually think we should draft Raji?
BRONCOBAILEY99 and JayCutler1701-
What did you start? and what are we stopping?
haha broncos14441… me and another fellow copied and pasted the samething over and over in our comment saying who we should draft… I’m glad they took it off… and I do apologize
I don’t think we should draft Raji… Like I’ve said over and over and over… we need a “QB” of the deffense… in other words, a MLB
I agree and think that a MLB would be great, but in my opinion i think we should let are current linebackers stay one more year under mike nolan and the new coaching staff. What we really need is a strong secondary, starting with a killer SS & FS but now we also need to think of a new CB because Dre Bly is gone.
-FREE AGENCY!!!
-JOHN LYNCH!!!!!
-JAY CUTLER!!!!!!
Mr. Saccamano please don’t even think about Mondono as a blogger. Bobby Beers left to be an Ad at Idaho and Goodman left because his brother and dad got the Denver boot.
Bones1965, Thanks for the info. Why ya hate’n on me?
Ya see Mr. Saccomano case in point, people respond. They all love me or hate me!
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alright mono, run this up the flag pole: det. has #1 and #20 can we get #20? and what should we pay fot it? what can we do with it? and remwember: who what where when and why. now to anwser this you have to give reasonable answers not like a kid in a candy store. now remember i asked about the draft don’t go into F/A ‘couse we are not there yet. answer in 50 words or less, we don’t want another novel from you, remind you of school, good saccamano will be the judge. no, that can’t be, weather you pass or don’t the FCC probablly has a law against it. and it would unfair to saccamano.
Mr. Saccomano-
monodono really does have some promise as a great blogger. Whether it is ripping on him or agreeing with him, the fans respond. I’m amazed by this guys knowledge and I hope you at least look into it.
monodono-
I am doing everything I can to get you a blog on this website!!! I hope to the God that they listen! Your better at writing and know more than alot of the blog writers on here anyway!
texark-fan, your right Detriot actually has 4 picks in the first 65, so their sitting pretty good in that department, but that brings up the question what do The Broncos have to trade? Not Bly. The only thing they would want is our #1 pick. Is it worth it? Sure if Raji, Maualuga, Orakpo, or Vontae Davis are gone.
With Dre gone The Broncos really need a Vonte Davis type CB. There would have to be compensation. I’m not sure a 7th, 6th, or even a 5th round pick is worth it.
Let’s for the sake of this conversation say we do make the trade, what are we trying to accomplish at the 20th pick? The players that are available and the positions were The Broncos have a need IMHO would be LB Brian Cushing 6-3/243/ SR – USC or CB Sean Smith 6-3/207/ JR – Utah, it is possible that Vontae Davis and LB James Laurinaitis 6-3/240/ SR – Ohio State would still be available but doubtful.
Fifty words or less HA! This just scatches the surface of such a loaded question considering The Lions pretty much have to rebuild their whole Defense as well. Question is why would their new staff want to give up any picks in such a good field?
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
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broncos14441, Thanks.
This is fun…..
The Chargers have alway had a Dorky name
det just paid for a #1 can they afford a 20th also, i don’t think so. 4 in the frist 65, what a price to pay, another 1st rounder is high, they could trade down to den 2nd and also get one of our extras. with the 12th we could get raji and with the 20th laurinaitis (8 picks latter) these are not my picks but most bloggers.
lions need picks to rebuild as to where den starts with some good players.
yes 50 words was to challange you, you want to be a blogger for den. you have to report and answer for it. you do very well as far as putting info out to us but sometimes it is out in left field. you say it is to start us going, some times it stops people with a small point to make, thinking it is not inportant. you have to invite the little girl (yes i remember her) and the old man (me) back over and over again.
ps i did like the above as a reader. but give 12/20 more thought.
Well, I don’t know what I missed but this was hilarious to read. It never gets old coming on here and reading people’s comments.
I’m trusting that McDenver will make the right choices for the team… makes me nervous having someone new but I have no choice. This has turned out to be – hands down – the most interesting rollercoaster of a ride offseason I’ve ever seen in my life… no doubt its only going to get more interesting.
And you all really didn’t think monodono could actually say just 50 words did ya… like he said HA!!! Good attempt though. You do need your own blog mister!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Monodono Vontae Davis will be a late 1st rounder early 2nd round pick.
Smith is big buts lacks high end speed and might move to safety. Smith is projected in the third round.
Nice Try Monodono.
This staff is doing the RIGHT things!!!
I love what is happening to our D.
So far they are cutting the FAT (bly, robertson, manual)
Keep up the good work boys!
I know some of you disagree with me… But I can say this STAFF agrees with me so thats all I care about.
I expect to see some hard working, high character players brought in here. That is what you need for success!
Not over-paid, under-producers!!!
Sure I’ll take Bly back to the team… ON the sidelines passing out the water bottles.
Love,
Jack
F I N A L L Y ! ! ! We are getting rid of all the dead weight around here. Hopefully McDaniels doesnt bring in more dead weight like the Dre Bly’s and Jaime Winborn’s to name a few.
This team seems to have finally pulled its head out of it’s ass from the coaching point of view. This team should have never fallen to this point but now that we have new blood taking the reigns, I think this team can get back to a healthy situation.
The great thing is, is that the only thing that needs rebuilding is our defense(speaking of which, dont we still have the rights to Al Wilson?). I can honeslty say that a Super Bowel is in Denver’s near future. Once again we have something to look forword to this coming up season.
G O D E N V E R!!!!
R@iderH@ter_777-
Jamie Winbourn wasn’t “dead weight,” he was our leading tackler! He pulls his own and the only reason he isn’t on the team is because he doesn’t fit into a 3-4 and the broncos are on a youth movement.
Denver Post says:
The Broncos have made “significant progress” in contract talks with Pro Bowl C Casey Wiegmann.
The new deal will reportedly be for three years and likely about $10 million. Wiegmann, 35, indicated recently that he plans to play another two seasons.
Rocky Mountain News says:
The Broncos have informed Jarvis Moss that he will be moving to outside linebacker this offseason.
Moss has the requisite pass rushing skills and athleticism to play outside in the 3-4, but his coverage skills need work. Notoriously underweight, Moss never fit well as a defensive end, so the move should be beneficial.
rotoworld.com has reported that:
Beat reporter Matt Maiocco speculates that USC ILB Rey Maualuga could be the 49ers’ pick at No. 10 overall in the draft.
Maiocco makes it clear that he’s only speculating, but this is a very real possibility with Takeo Spikes unsigned.
Hey bronco fans, who do you think we should get if both Rey Maulaunga and BJ Rajii are both taken by are 12 pick.
It’s been 50 years since the AFL came into existence, that’s crazy! I know that we need to make some defensive enhancements, but if we draft Maualuga or another stud, all will be well. I have full confidence in McDaniels, he appears to be doing everything correctly.
I do not understand why no one is talking about getting Taylor Mays. We all saw how badly we got burned on big plays last season. Our safetys were horrible and I feel this should be a bigger priority than LB. Mays will give our secondary a big help and help stop the run. Remember what Lynch and Atwater did to our run defense. Taylor Mays should be given some consideration.
Taylor Mays is staying in collage. Next year maybe
bronco#80, If Raji and Maualuga is gone The Broncos could choose CB Vontae Davis 6-0/204/ JR- Illinois, OLB Brian Cushing 6-3/243/ SR- USC or DE Brian Orakpo 6-4/260/ DE- Texas, any one of the three would fill a need on The D!
Thanks for the info.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
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Man I sure hope Pat Bowlen has the strength to stick with Xanders and McD through next season. We should be able to finish close to .500, but a .500 finish in 2009 is a major improvement over the .500 finish in 2008 in my mind. Let us transition to a champion.
Thanks, monodono, those were the ones i were thinking of and maybe The DT from Mississippi, cant remember his name perri something. Out of all of them I would go with Vintae Davis or maybe Orakpo.
I think your thinking of DT Peria Jerry 6-2/290/ SR- Mississippi, I tellya who I like is DT Terrance Taylor 6-0/319/ SR- Michigan this guy is a Beast and we may be able to get Him in the fourth round, also DT Sammie Lee Hill 6-4/328/ SR- Stillman could be that dark horse.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Look people..Like him or hate him monodono tells it like it is…..Im with ya monodono godspeed!!
Cant wait for ’09..Im on board with coach Mac and i look to some great improvement this season…
LBWilson56, THanks. I’m looking to see some improvement as well, even if their only a .500 TEAM next year. Everybody climb aboard The McDaniels Xanders EXPRESS!
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
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rotoworld.com says:
Ryan Torain has begun doing treadmill and stationary bike work as he recovers from ACL surgery. He says he’s a week away from starting jogging and agility work. Torain has torn his ACL, suffered a Lisfranc injury, and shattered his elbow in the last 18 months. Under a new coaching staff, he’s squarely on the roster bubble.
Source: Rocky Mountain News
it also says that The Broncos are expected to add “seven or eight” free agents by mid-March
thank you, bronco#80. down here don’t get newspapers.
Ya thanks bronco#80!
texark-fan, you guy’s can go to the press box and then to the media room on this site and read all The Broncos news paper clippings from Denver post and Rocky MT news. Check out the game books too.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
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just went there, THANKS MONODONO. am going back
Donnie Edwards is Released we can pickhim up he does better in a 3-4 than 4-3 and we can pick up C. Mccallaster hes still good. maybe even get a big S like Leonard or Samuel or pick up Scott to play OLB
Been a Broncomaniac since ’77. I think Bowlen should fork out some cash for the “D”. I would start with picking up Ray Lewis at MLB, he still has 3 good years. Plus, the mentor factor and lockeroom presence. Then make one of his priorities to take #12 draft pick “Rey Maualuga LB, USC” under his wing and lay the foundation for the future. Plus, pick up Bertrand Berry DL, Sean Dawkins S, Chris McCallister CB, and Derrick Ward RB in Free Agency. If this happens the Broncs would be a major contendernext February. Defense wins championships!
Been a Broncomaniac since ’77. I think Bowlen should fork out some cash for the “D”. I would start with picking up Ray Lewis at MLB still has 3 good years. Plus, the mentor factor and lockeroom presence. Then make one of his priorities to take #12 draft pick “Rey Maualuga LB, USC” under his wing and lay the foundation for the future. Plus, pick up Bertrand Berry DL, Sean Dawkins S, Chris McCallister CB, and Derrick Ward RB in Free Agency. If this happens the Broncs would be a major contendernext February. Defense wins championships!
get vilma and bigby bring back foxy and get our defense back
i agree with going after foxy but vilma doesnt do well in a 3-4 D and we will be going to it partially this year and i think we will be fully a 3-4 by next year. mccallister is an ok possibility but brian dawkins will go back to philly. i just hope we get manaluga or lauranitis in the draft. raji is a good pick but i would rather have a dominating mlb than a dominating dt. just look at recent drafts and picks like patrick willis with the 49′s. he’s a gamechanger for the niners but picks like the “almighty” glen dorsey outta lsu just hasnt made that much of an impact on the team’s D overall. bottom line to me is mlb is more important just slightly.
foxy great. vilma ? digby taged….
what about dunta robinson? he has 5 years in nfl.
nfl wetwork said something about us getting FIELDS from S F, any input?
my mistake robinson is off the market
Hey this is sort of off topic but it has been bothering me…In McDenvers interview at the combine, shefter said something about Cutler needing to keep his mouth shut because he had said some controversial issues…This is news to me…Does any one know what was said by Cutler or what he did ?? Did it have to do with the cry baby Rivers ordeal?
Mr. Saccomano,
Being that it is the Broncos 50th anniversary, is there any chance Mr. Bowlen will bring back our ORANGE jersies? Not the throwbacks but, the ones they wore a couple of times last season. I don’t know about the posters here but, the Broncos fans I hang out with, which is quite a few, think those orange jersies are awsome! And, would love to see them become our home jersies. I know it won’t make them play any better but, us old timers really miss the Broncos in orange and, like most fans of the NFL, identify the Broncos in orange. The blue jersies they wear now make them look too much like the Chicago Bears. I know I speak for a lot of the Bronco Nation when I ask you to please ask Mr. Bowlen to let us have our orange jersies back! Please! Thanx
Bleeding Orange
Mr. Saccomano,
The new staff is off and running, and looking to destabilize the fan base at the same time. Cutler has obviously proven to be the hottest young quarterback talent in the league, the shining bright spot that the franchise has to move forward with. He is a franchise player in the purest form of the term. To even consider sending him on in order to pick up a mediocre talent that looked good in a well oiled system like Cassel borders on ridiculous.
However, Cutler was outspoken about losing Shanahan and Bates and this looks more like young Coach McDaniels has something to prove and wants to clear the house and show who the new boss is. How better than remove the leader of the team on the field and replace him with his own man and buddy from New England.
Young Coach McDaniels should remember though that Mr. Bowlen is the real boss and the NFL makes money through its fan base. Fan base means not tossing out franchise players because a young head coach has something to prove. Dan Reeves can remember where his issues with John Elway got him. But, maybe that is exactly what Coach McDaniels remembers and he wants to clear out the popular team leader while he has the chance.
yo what up? is Cutler acting like a baby or what?!?! He thinks he’s untouchable. are you kidding me? who cares if you went to the ProBowl. Look @ your W/L record. Mediocore @ best. Snake took us to a play-off game+had a much better W/L record. I heard there “might” be trade talk w/Vikings+Bucs. I’m all for it. We can get Garcia+draft a QB in the later rounds. I’m start’n to get the vibe that we got the 2nd coming of Jeff George. I’m not a Cutler fan. Do not care if he has a rocket arm. He needs to start winning games (That’s what a QB is measured by) before he’s allowed these tantrums. What do you guys think ’bout that? I’m happy ’bout signing Dawkins. He’s an All-Time Warrior, but…how many good years does he have left? 2…maybe 3??? I still think we need to draft a stud Safety in the 2nd/3rd rd. Groom that kid behind BDawk. Dawkins will bring instant toughness+leadership. No joke ’bout that. I hope he+Champ work well together. Not sold on Safety Renaldo Hill. He seems stop-gap for only 1-2 years. I hope I’m wrong ’bout that. Andre Davis made plays in Cleveland+I hope he does a better job than Niko (Bust!!). I still like Webster so not sure where his future lies in Denver. keep it real. punches n bunches