O.K. I go fishing in the Bahamas (see the 7.5-pound bonefish) and I post before I go and figure I’ll stop back in a week or so later and what do I find. YOU GUYS & GALS have 74 responses….WOW!!! You are on fire.
So here we go!! O.K. Elam……:o(I’m going to miss him and so are you, so now, get over it, he’s gone. Brutal right?? Well that’s the business of the NFL and money’s an issue and we have to move on, like it or not. I didn’t, but I’m past it. No perfect world out there.
Brandon Marshall, he’s young and under fire, I say he’ll shape up as he’s a smart kid who’s made a few mistakes…unfortunately I did too at that age, wasn’t perfect, still not. You probably did a few things at that age too that you don’t want to talk about and the times have changed. These guys live under a microscope today. They even have the 911 phone call…holy cow!!
Cutler told him how he feels. Me, I would have kept that under wraps and in the locker room. But I’m an O-line-type guy anyway.
I was in Dan Reeves office a few times too and if any of you remember those stories, don’t write about it or I’ll deny it 
)
The combines were wild. 4.2′ and 4.3′s whew that’s fast.
We could use some of that speed. You all analyzed that with a microscope and have your favorites. Those guys will be fun to watch as the draft comes up.
DRAFT: What do you think? Left tackle and defensive tackle?? Everyone give me your top two picks for us.
Fishing? O.K. Coop what are you talking about here? A little leisure time never hurt anyone and I fished with a 71-year-old Bahamian Legend, Charlie Smith, the inventor of the “Crazy Charlie Fly” used worldwide for bonefishing. 71 years old and he poled me and another angler around all day chasing bonefish. Can you imagine? I need to figure out what he eats for breakfast. What a place by the way. I’ll tell you more if you’re interested.
Tags: Brandon Marshall, Fishing, Jason Elam, NFL Draft
Thanks Mark
My first two picks
#12 – Limas Sweed (The BEST WR in the draft class and the first off the board) Keary is unproven, and B-Marsh needs to prove more… I’d like to see Stokely in the Slot because he’s our third best receiver (which would mean our top two are animals!)
#42 – Sam Baker (OT who is agile enough to play in our zone blocking scheme). DT would be good here as well, after this pick, I think we take best available tallent – I wouldn’t mind seeing us take Mehloff in the late rounds – the kicker from Wisconsin…
While I, like many of my fellow blogsters, was saddenerd by results of Shanny’s “St. Valentines Day Massacre”, I’m glad to see that the Broncos have chosen to continue your input and following blog comments.
While I’ll always feel that letting Elam go was a major mistake, there is one thing that heartens me, as far back as Gene Mingo, the Broncos have always had a quality kicker. Let’s hope that the tradition continues.
Coop:
Glad to see you back. Nice looking bonefish. I went to Chritmas Island in Jan. My wife got an 8 #, I didn’t even come close. What a privelidge to fish with Charlie Smith. By the way, don’t make 71 sound so damn old.
As for picks, I am going to assume we do not trade up and the Longs, Dorsey, Gholsten, Ellis et al are gone by the 12th pick. I say go for Branden Albert. I know, he is projected as a guard, but I think between Kuper, Harris and Pears we can protect Cutler’s fanny and Albert would be a force in the middle. He has the cranial capacity to handle a zone blocking system and at 6’6″ and 309 he will be able to push some DTs off the line. I just hated when we would get a first and goal from inside the 5 and end up with three.
As a lineman what do you think?
Pick Round #1 – Ryan Clady or Kentwan Balmer (only if Sederick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey are taken).
Pick Round #2 – Desean Jackson (only if Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed are taken). Could also be a great returner for us, and I hate to say it but our special teams have been sub-par for a couple years.
What do you guys think?
John-Jake-n-Jay
7;16,6
#12=Chris Williams T Vandy
#42=Trevor Laws DT ND
ok i just wanna say something to john-jake-n-jay. i have no problem with john or jay.. but jake flipped his crowd off?? i dont see how you can respect him
Limas Sweed from Texas, and I like Arizona linebacker Spencer Larsen perhaps as a later-round draft pick. The guy is a tackling machine.
I hope Earl Bennett from Vanderbilt is still available in the later rounds as he obviously has good chemistry with Cutler and could be a great value WR.
chris williams OT and then i really hope he drops but I still think tom Zbikowski from Notre dame john lynch can teach him how to be like him and he is that making young safety that reminds me of some of the greats we need smash mouth hardness on our defense and I think he brings that to the table along with the play making abilities.I know that is a very unlikely scenario but still hope it happens
The Broncos two greatest needs are Defensive Tackle and the Left Tackle. DT:
The concensus among the “experts” is the the two best DTs, Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis will be long gone before the Broncos are on the clock.
Pat Simms has the potential, but has major character issues both on and off the field. Didn’t we do this last year?
Kentwain Balmer had only one good year, his senior year. Who the real Balmer is going to be is a major issue that makes him a reach in the early first round.
OT:
he concensus is that the two best OTs, Jake Long and Ryan Clady, will be long gone before the Broncos are up.
Jeff Otah is projected as a first rounder but with the caviat that he’s slow and doesn’t play with pain.
Gosder Cherilus is projected as a first to second round pick.He’s slow to react and would be best at right tackle.
Chris Williams is projected as a top 15 pick. He lacks a mean streak and is a better pass blocker than run blocker at the moment. Run blocking is of primary concern in Broncos zone-blocking scheme.
Sam Baker Projected anywhere from first to iffy third round pick. Short armed and plays like it. Passive. Struggles to handle speed.
While none of these are perfect, it looks to me like the best persdon to fill a major hole is Chris Williams.
Other options:
1) Trade up to get Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis.
2) Trade down and take the best athlete available no matter what the position.
If McFadden is available at #9, trade up for him. If not, and Clady is not taken, take him. Otherwise, Take Chris Williams, Kentwan Balmer, or Dan Connor.
Ryan Clady! then a DT or WR
After picking up Weigmann from the Chiefs and drafting Harris last year, I’m thinking Shanny will try to pick up some depth for the O-line on day 2. The draft is thick with quality O-lineman. With the two best D-tackles already gone, I think Shanny tricks us again and trades down picks up RB Jonathan Stewart ,Oregon. The perfect down hill runner that can punish defense’s and can probably protect Cutler when necessary with his 235lbs of beast. With the 2nd pick, WR Earl Bennett. Why? He’s a sure thing, he and Cutler already know each other well. No two year learning curve with Bennett and if Marshall doesn’t get his act together and grow up, they got a guy that can get the job done. I would like to see a trade of Selvin Young or Andre Hall plus a draft pick or two to move up and get a DT, or just trade some picks to move up for a DT maybe in the 2nd or 3rd round. Maybe do nothing like that and just see who falls to them ,with all the picks the Broncos have they should be able to score some good players on day 2. Before he got fired, T. Sundquist posted some info about having just as good a chance of getting a player that will still be in the NFL after a couple of years on day two as on day one or something to that affect.
Where did you catch that little fishy Coop, in the kiddie pond? It looks like it is made out of plastic!
If we pick up Dewayne Robertson, here’s the top 2:
#12 – Rashard Mendenhall
#42 – Earl Bennett
If we don’t pick up Dewayne Robertson, here’s the top 2:
#12 – Chris Williams
#42 – Trevor Laws/Pat Simms/Dre Moore
I will go on record as saying the deal w/Jets and Robertson IS going to happen. Something Shanny and the staff REALLY like about him. Plus, I think it may involve more than just a trade for Robertson, I believe we could be positioning ourselves for #1 swap w/Jets (#12 to #6) and we also grab Ellis. I also believe it will involve Foxworth!!!! If this happens, the rest of our draft goes almost completely Offense, i.e. RB/WR/OT/OG/PK
BroncoBoy1993, Jake was having a rough day and I am sure that some fans were hassling him. He won like 75% of the games he played in Denver and no body made the boot leg look as good as he did. So that is why he is apart of the John-Jake-n-Jay
John-Jake-n-Jay
7;16,6
Comments:
oldsouthstander (were you there when they still served beer in bottles and they would come flying out of the South Stand when Saban would put Tensi in or when the Raiders would go to the lockerroom?): I agree with your assessment of the available OTs-Williams is the best option for the Broncos-Long gone.
Lynchifier: Can’t see trading up for McFadden. I could see it for Dorsey or Ellis.
C2: Something about Clady bothers me. Thing Williams is a better pick. Call it intuition.
imready: Aren’t you worried about Jonathon Stewart’s toe surgery that will keep him out as long as Marshall will be out? Sounds like a risky 1st pick. He is great…if healthy. I agree w/you about Earl Bennett; he is a sure thing.
HOGblog: If what you say comes true, it would be another Shanahan special. DeWayne looked great coming out of Kentucky. Who knows?
John-Jake-n-Jay: Even so, don’t you think one’s skin should be thicker and not with rabbit ears?
If we stick with our current picks
#12 – Chris Williams
#42 – Trevor Laws
and hopefully….
#104 – Owen Schmitt
Ooooooops!
I meant to put….
#108 – Owen Schmitt (not #104 – I’m sure you understood)
Samparnell
I’ve been a Southstander since the mid 60′s. Remember the game when the Raiders were trouncing the Broncos and some gal ran onto the field and stole the ball?
The difference between the younger and older Bronco fans is easy to see.
We have one losing season and they consider is a disaster. The Broncos didn’t have their first winning season until about their 15th year in existance. I remember the game that they were so bad that they didn’t get a single first down. But, we still cheered our brain out for them because, no matter how bad they were, they always gave 100%.
Current players like TO, Chad Johnson, Travis Henry, Brandon Marshall, et al, ad nasium would have been “disciplined” by the players themselves and they would have either shut up, straightened up and played or been long gone.
The amount of money given to the current players makes it very difficult for them to remember their love for the game. I’m not knocking them for it, but I do feel it can be a major distraction. How many of we fans could properly handle the millions a rookie gets?
As long as you properly invested it in stocks and CDs then im sure I would last perfectly fine. hopefully if i got good interest it would double in a few years and i would make more then a rookie. oldsouthstander
Hey, oldsouthstander:
Remember when Saban had a chance to go for it on 4th & goal AT HOME and kicked a FG instead for the tie? When asked about it in the post-game interview, he said, “Half a loaf is better than none.” When he ran on the field at the next home game, the south stand threw half loafs (loaves?) of bread at him! Sooo cool. Did you participate in that little fracas?
Yeah, I agree about these current fans. What a bunch of cry-babies! 9-7 & 7-9 and they’re all hitting the panic button. The sixties!
It’s nice that Zimmerman is going into the HOF, but if Floyd Little doesn’t get it soon, everyone who saw him play will be in nursing homes. Those old-school guys, like Rich Jackson, would keep much better focus in the lockerroom, I’m sure.
I too was at the half a loaf game as well as the next home game. It is truly as shame Floyd Little is not in HOF.
Now there you go spreading wild tails about the old south stands. Everybody knows that we were polite, didn’t boo and never, never littered the field. YYYUUUUKKKK!!!!!! I was in row 31 of the old south sdtands, so the field was out of my range.
Floyd Little. Can you imagine what his numbers would have been on even a half way decent team? While he’ll always be a true HOF in my heart, I’m afraid that his numbers will keep it from ever happening.
Rick Jackson. The best defensive lineman who’ll never even be considered for the HOF. He totally revolutionized the D line play and only his peers know about it and stand in awe of it.
Randy Gradashir. The only thing that any of the LB’s of his era that are in the HOF have more of than Randy is Super Bowl rings. He was ahead of them in just about any other category you can think of. Never missed a single game in his entire career. Had over 100 tackles every signle year, etc, etc, ad nasium. Wonder if a letter writing campaign to the old timers committee would be of any help?
I still have my South Stand Super Fan Club T shirt. Remember them and meetings at the park?
When the South Stand was torn down, did they save some pieces of it for the ticket holders? For an add-on, it was a remarkable place. For what was inside of it as well as who sat on top of it. Long live the South Stand!
You bring back the memories: “Goose” Gonsoulin; Frank Tripucka; Lionel Taylor; Steve Tensi; Dave Costas; Bobby Maples; Louis Wright; Bob Swenson; Charley Johnson… ,well, at least some of them.
Come on, man. I bet you can still reach the field from row 31.
When the South Stand was torn down, did they save some pieces of it for the ticket holders? For an add-on, it was a remarkable place. For what was inside of it as well as who sat on top of it. Long live the South Stand!
You bring back the memories: “Goose” Gonsoulin; Frank Tripucka; Lionel Taylor; Steve Tensi; Dave Costas; Bobby Maples; Louis Wright; Bob Swenson; Charley Johnson… ,well, at least some of them.
I had moved from the area when the old Mile High was tyorn down, so I’m not sure that any parts of it were saved and sold as memorabelia. I’d have loved to have latched onto my South stand seats.
Mentioning Lou Sabin and his “half a loaf” comment still leaves a bitter taste in we old timers, but the reality is that Lou should be in the Ring of Fame. It was his defensive gebnius that started the Broncos on the road to 30 plus years of football excellence.
Speaking of the Ring of Fame, another name that should be up there is Bob Martin. His radio broadcasting excellence made the Broncos extensive newtork what it is. Bob never made excuses for the Broncos record, but he was always able to get across the excellent effort that the Broncos were putting out. That’s what kept us all coming back after another sub-500 season. You knew that they were doing the best they could possiobly do. What more can you ask of any football player?
You’re right about Saban. He laid the foundation that Ralston, Miller and Reaves built on.
You’re also right about Bob Martin. When I moved to NM in ’74, sometimes the only way to get a game was on the radio. Bob Martin and Larry Zimmer were so cool because they told it the way it was, warts and all. If the Broncos were stinking it up, they said so. If another team was kicking their butts, they gave credit where credit was due. They had a lot of credibility. They were also very descriptive. If Denver was in a tough game and started stepping up, they put you right there in the stadium with them. They also did great half-time interviews with an official from the other team. I’ll never forget the interview they did with a Dolphins’ guy in Miami’s first year as an expansion team. Bob very presciently saw the future greatness of the fins.
After thinking long and hard about the draft, I say our only chance of the playoffs is to pick an RB who can hopefully win us some games on his own, just like Adrian Peterson did for the Vikings last season. Therefore, we most go for McFadden or Mendenhall. We can strengthen the other positions with later round bargains like Earl Bennett at WR etc.
Some great picks mentioned and some will be gone by the time we get a shot but I loved the thoughts behind the picks and moving up or down for that matter. It will be an interesting draft. OT and DT will be the focus but we’ve been surprised before.
The southstander comments bring back some memories and by the way, YOU were the BEST!!! That’s what I miss about the new stadium, it’s really a sports venue not really a football stadium. The antics that came out of the south stands are unforgettable. That was really part of the game and the true 11th man which I think is missed in todays game. I have two seats from the old Mile High on my back deck, love em.
Funny comments on my plastic fish…(bonefish from the Bahamas, mon) and the 71 year old comment wasn’t that he’s old, but that Charlie Smith still guides to this day. Gives me hope.
) and was like listening to a historian if you like that kind of thing, I did. Also, Christmas Islands on my flyfishing to-do list one of these days.
You know what I enjoy? The different thoughts and perspectives you all bring to the blog, because sometimes I have my opinion on a young player or some of the kids we discussed for the upcoming draft and you share your thoughts and I have to rethink mine a little. Even with all the information available out there it’s still easy to miss some important data that changes your mind.
O.K. I’m going with Memphis tonight on gut alone. Let’s see if it proves right. If you get a chance, give us you game winner. I’ll be watching with my two little guys.
Also, if you fish. I have to tell you a funny story, if you don’t fish, you can tune out here. I went up to Casper, Wyoming a week ago and fished with my 9-year old. My other son had a basketball game and couldn’t go. It was blowing 35+ on Saturday and Sunday it was 21 and snowing. I played in Green Bay and Kansas City in December over the years and I was never colder in my life on the water. My son caught his first rainbow-fish (his words) on fly and his giggles were worth every second in the cold weather. He went on to catch 4 rainbow trout and I even rowed to get us off the river it was so cold. When he gets home he tells his mother that he was so cold he wanted to cry but wouldn’t. Tough little hombre. Must get it from his mother.
) Those experiences are the kind you remember forever….take a kid fishing if you haven’t.
Coop
Glad you laughed at my “plastic fish” comment Coop, I don’t want an O-lineman pissed off at me ! I live in Casper,Wy and really enjoyed your fishing story. I am an advid fisherman and have boated/caught some beauties from from the N. Platte river as well as 3-9lb+ and 1-13lb Walleye from local reservoirs. You guys got some “big ones” being out in that weather fishing last week, it was nasty out!
SAMPARNELL- Stewart is an animal and I doubt that toe is going to keep him from reaching his goals but as you said, there is some risk there. I just look how T. Henri succeeds in Shanny’s offense when he’s healthly, imagine having two T. Henri type of backs. I also think Stewart would set an example with his work ethic, one of those very important intangibles that can bring out the best in other players, kind of like Rod Smith. Mendenhall would be my second choice at RB , but wouldn’t punish a defense like Stewart will.
imready:
The only reason I mentioned Jonathan Stewart’s toe surgery is because it has cut short many a promising football career. I sure hope he recovers well. He seems like an NFL RB for sure.
Some others kind of in his mold but not ranked as high are Jalen Parmele and Xavier Omon.
How do you think Ray Rice would do as a Bronco?
I just saw a pretty convincing scenario under which Ellis would be available at #12. This could be the most interesting draft in many years.
I love hearing the comments on Rich Jackson, Floyd Little et al. I’ve heard it said that Rich Jackson’s head slap (now illegal) could knock a man out. Floyd Little was the complete package. He could run the ball with power and yet was very elusive. He blocked and caught the ball coming out of the backfield.
oldsouthstander, our seats couldn’t have been too far apart. I think my father-in-law’s tickets were row 30 and about six seats in from the west end.
Coop, if you want some real trout, bring your boy to Alaska sometime.
By the way Coop – I think we were the TWELFTH man. No wonder we couldn’t win in those days.
Not all the times in the south stands were so great, a few people tended to drink a bit too much.
Samparnell-I would never suggest I was right about any of these guys, you never know what they are going to bring to the table when the get in the NFL. I don’t follow the college game at all , so all I know about any of these guys is what I read on their potential and where they may be picked in the draft. I just read up on Ray Rice, I like his build. When you look at the success that Maurice Jones-Drew has had you’d be very happy if you could get that kind of performance out of Ray Rice. There have been some backs in the NFL that weren’t the tallest but were very successful, Emmit Smith comes to mind. Rice some speed and possible explosiveness, runs between the tackles. If it takes the defense and instant more to pick him up behind the O-line that gives him a little more time to get through the hole . I always worry about blocking with any back, he’s under 200lbs but has leverage. I say pick up the best downhill runner you can that will block and can catch a pass out of the backfield. Is he tough enough to be an every down back in the NFL if necessary?
Maybe Stewart will fall further in the draft because of his toe. If Stewart can be healthy, he can be that every down back. As we all have observed ,Shanny likes to take a chance once in a while. Guess we will have our answers in a few weeks! Go Broncos!
#12-Ryan Clady/Chris Williams (Which ever one is available)
#42-Manningham/Hardy (Which ever one is available)
My first pick is DT Trevor Laws from the Fighting Irish. If you look at the arguments against our #92 when he had entered the draft you see very similar remarks. The one that stands out in my mind is the idea that the collegiate numbers would not transfer to the NFL. I remember talking to my son about it and I told him that there would be a simple crucible. If even half of Dumervile’s numbers transferred in the first year then he’d be a pro bowler. And what do you know? Why he wasn’t in the pro bowl this year I will never know. Trevor Laws is going to be the same type of player. Don’t let the size issue dissuade you. This guy is a high motor, intelligent, coachable, game changer.
The next pick is for the offense. It is Arkansas FB Peyton Hillis. Coach Mike Shanahan spoke many times at the beginning of this off season about getting back to his “philosophy” of football. That philosophy includes a dominate full back. If you look at the questions that have arisen about Darren McFadden then you have to look at those things that helped him become the most talked about RB in this years draft. Some are concerned that there is to much hype surrounding McFadden. The more cautious analysts say that he doesn’t break tackles, he goes down on the first hit, and while he may be fast he is not powerful. Then how do you explain the numbers and the performance? You look at the offensive line and the Full Back. Hillis was a big reason that McFadden had the seasons that he has. It is not only his blocking ability but his ability as a receiver coming out of the backfield. Many of the scouts at the Senior Bowl said that Hillis had the best hands on the field, not the best hands out of the running backs that attended, but out of the entire offense. When I watched him I was really impressed with his quick feet, his willingness to drop his shoulder, and again, his excellent hands! When you look to the Broncos most dominating running attack you find T.D. and you find Howard Griffith. #30 was big enough to run out of the single back set as often as not but Shanahan greatly increased Davis’ affectiveness and the overall dynamic nature of the offense with the addition of #29 (aka the Human Plow)! Hillis will bring this same dynamic to the offense. It gives Cutler a better receiver out of the backfield and allows for better blocking in max protect situations. Hillis also has the quality of a good short yardage back. The final observation actually is affected more by the types of running backs that Denver has grouped together than anything else. They are smaller than T.D. and are therefore, more prone to injury if they have to attack defenses from the single back formation. If Denver wants to stick with this prototype of running back then they need to give them greater protection than they received over the last couple of years. This one pick could be the final cog that needs to be added to transform this offense from one that you have to pay attention to, to one that you simply can not stop.
1. DT Trevor Laws
2. FB Peyton Hillis
Mike in San Diego
Where is the love for all fans!
Denver has gotten away from using a fullback, opting for the single back set. Why? The only reason I can ever remember hearing was better vision for the RB. It would be great to see them get back to the power running game. I think to have consistant success running the ball with the smaller offensive line the Broncos usually have is a great fullback. The question is, will Shanny go that direction? I hope you are right archangel77, I’m tired of seeing coach trying to punch it in down in the red zone and fail time and time again. I have always wondered if one of our tight ends could fill that lead blocking role but a real fullback would be a great addition, especially if Young or Hall are in the backfield. It could also help keep Henry healthy if he had someone to deliver a blow in front of him. I’d still like to see J. Stewart added to the RB corp, he would really thrive with a great fullback.
Personally, I’d like to see Young or Hall traded with draft picks if necessary for a 3-4 years experienced DT. I think that might be the best case senerio for the D-line, get someone who is close to their age but experienced enough that can be a leader and someone they can look up to. I don’t know that a rookie added to the d-line is going to help very much for this season but may be great for the long haul.
On the subject of Fullback, I have one thing to say, OWEN SCHMITT!
Big 12 fans may remember him from the Fiesta Bowl. That’s right, Big 12 Champ vs. Big East Champ. Takes more than just showing up to win a bowl game. OU punked two years in a row. Tsk. Tsk.
If it’s blocking you want, Owen’s the man. He blocked from the FB, TE, H-Back, Z motion; all of those positions and broke ten facemasks in the process. If the Broncos REALLY want a FB, why not get a true throwback guy?
I totally agree with the Fullback need……
First we must try to get Owen Schmitt early in the fourth.
But, if it doesn’t work out I wouldn’t mind seeing us take Hillis in the fifth.
I learn a little everytime I blog with you all. It’s fun for me to read your comments as you make some great points and really know your stuff and know some of these kids (Owen Schimitt- Ray Rice) in the draft like they were your own or a family member. I was riding the bike last night at the Trails Rec Center in Aurora with a buddy and he said he heard we might trade down? I asked where he heard that and he said ESPN. Did any of you hear that??
I guess we wait till draft day anyway, because things can change by the minute. What’s funny, is I don’t get to wrapped up in draft picks to early because it all changes when they hit the field. Injuries and the step from college to the Pro’s is a big step. A lot like preseason to the Playoff’s in that the speed of the game changes and the intensity level everyday is different from college. In college you may play a few good players. In the Pro’s you practice against the best players everday.
Hey, firstfan, they have palm trees in Alaska??
) or any tarpon? I keep getting asked to go there but always seem to lean towards the palm trees, Jimmy Buffet music and flats fishing. I know…….great fishing up there but I’m a warm water guy, mostly. I’m learning more and more about our local waters as my boys enjoy flyfishing, so getting them going locally is fun for all of us.
If any of you are interested I host a flyfishing charity event in Aspen every September for Cystic Fibrosis that raises money for the charity. You can get the details at my website http://www.come2colorado.com and a portion of your entry is tax deductable. Check it out. It’s for a great cause. And honestly, I’m not sure there are many prettier fish than the rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.
On the 12th man. I miss them. The game’s not the same for me without them. It just added a fan element I don’t see anymore.
Rich Jackson, Floyd Little….bring back some fond memories, even though they were before my time, I have the utmost respect for those guys. Class acts.
I had to laugh on the way to the office this morning. Mark Schlereth was asked on a radio shopw, why he commented that he liked Jay Cutler making the comments about Brandon Marshall in the press, when John Elway said, much like I did, that he would have kept it in the locker room. Schlereth went on to say the players are different, blah, blah, blah. Folks he works for ESPN and lives for that stuff and trys to get sound bites so they can air them and get ratings and then talk about them for weeks at a time and create controversy were ever they can. You all aren’t fooled by that stuff, right? I just started laughing when I heard his comments. Jay and Brandon will be fine and if he heals up like they say, he’ll be the receiver we think he is.
COOP
Hey Coop,
Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to blog with the fans, I’m not sure that any other franchise puts the fans with those that have lined up on the field of battle. Most of us can only imagine what it must be like to see and hear thousands upon thousands of dedicated fans cheering and supporting you while you take care of business. I wish the very best for you, your family and friends.
I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but I like Cutler calling out Marshall. I know it’s ratings and certainly you can raise the arguement that a playmaker like Marshall could confront Jay and say “hey keep this in our backyard”
If this had been striclty about performance I don’t think it ever hits the air ways. I don’t think we’ll ever hear Jay comment negatively about a particular player or players performance on the field. However, when it comes to irresponsibilities off the field regarding our #1 WR, the questions going to get asked and asked and asked by the media. If Jay plays the political game of keeping his thoughts out of the media, then we as fans will begin to speculate on what was done about it? did the organization give him a pass? is Shanny losing control? etc.
As a fan, I now know that it was addressed, that they do see him doing great things, and my offensive captain has a problem with my #1 WR be irresponsible off the field.
I would want the same thing if Jay or any other player was being equally as irresponsible.
On a side note. I love Brandon. He’s a young kid that made some mistakes. We all have. I know I have enough to go around for everyone. I think Brandon has put this behind him, will have a fantastic year and will grow to be something pretty darn special.
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Coop, Alaska has sites that would rival any beach! I am a fan of palm trees and sand too but our mountains and streams are hard to beat.
By the way, I love your blog! You should do the game day blog now that Mason is gone.
Broncfalls, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the Broncos letting me interact with everyone the way they do. Like I mentioned, I really learn a lot from all of you, too. If I miss a few days of news or don’t read the paper everyday, I fall behind. It’s amazing today with the “Speed of Information”. I always know I’ll can get caught up here with all of you.
As a fan, I actually agree with you, but as a former player, I don’t. Maybe I’m old school…probably. Just my opinion, here’s why. Look how long this has hung around. When you think about it, it’s ridiculous. The media will ride this comment all the way through next season, mark my words.
When I first heard the interview, I thought, “hmm, I would have kept that in the locker room.” The guys are buddies and when I heard the whole interview my thoughts were, “O.K. no big deal, move on.” BUT not the media, they turned it into a “SOUND BITE” that they could circulate, debate, criticize, ask other players their opinions of and here we are with what’s called a team distraction. Media made, team distraction. Not players…media.
Same as the pictures of Matt Leinart at a party a few weeks ago. These guys live in a fishbowl and the media is competing for a story to grab headlines and ratings, so think about it like this, you’re a writer, every week, after every game, every year, you get the STOCK answers from players…boring. You actually know the answer or the variation of the answer before you ask the question…boring. So you start asking questions for reaction. You go over the line to get a response, that’s your job. A young player not realizing that it will get clipped into a “SOUND BITE” answers…it’s over. That simple and now you’ve been quoted to say something you really didn’t mean the way it’s portrayed, that’s all.
One other thing, if it would have been a comment about a players performance, it would have been a firestorm in the media, promise. It’s not hard to see where my heart is…with the players, because it happened to me a number of times. I saw it happen to team mates and until it’s happened to you, it’s hard to understand from a players point of view. My opinion only.
Coop
DRAFT DAY, Eveyone take a shot at your choice. You don’t have to go into detail, just a name and let’s see who makes the right call.
Rashard Mendenhall
Well Mark, I’d rather focus on day 2.
I have 4 players targeted.
Okam
Harrison
Schmitt
Alridge
We need a couple of run stuffers at DT. (Okam and Harrison)
Schmitt will block anything that moves. (We need a stud fullback to help compensate for our LT issues)
I see too much potential in Alridge to pass him up. (4.33 Running Back or wide receiver or kick returner, yeah, I can find a spot for a guy like that)
1st round, well, if “I’m” GM I take Cromartie. (best athlete available), no way will the Broncos do that. so I look for them to slide back a little and take whoever is available between Clady, Williams or Otah.
I would also bring back Brandon Browner for special teams (He is a special teams ace in the CFL, nice cheap player, good production)
#12. RYAN CLADY. Boise State Broncos. big strong offensive tackle would be perfect to replace Matt Lepsis. Scouts and Clady both say that he is a denver broncos type of offensive lineman. if clady is taken then i would give selvin and travis henry a little competition by drafing RASHARD MENDENHALL from illinois.
jeeze denver please please please go for Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin. I’m tired of everyone saying that we should take low profile guys that want to play. Thats not going to get us 12+wins. Looks at T.O. he talks enough trash for everyone in the NFL and everyone hates him but he gets 12+ TDs a year. Denver NEEDS another big wide receiver. Maybe even Chris Henry! Just something better than Darrell Jackson. How can you not agree with me.