Change is a way of life in the NFL. The times are a-changin’ for the Denver Broncos.
We all know those changes started with the head coaching change with four games left in the regular season. They continued with the hiring of John Elway as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations shortly after the season ended. Now the changes continue as the Broncos begin to revamp the roster.
Recently, the Broncos released veteran defensive linemen Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams. The two players would have been owed roster bonuses had the team not released them.
Roster turnover is a fact of life for every NFL team every year. But this is especially true when a team has a bad season.
Anyone who has followed the Broncos in recent years knows the defense needs work. A lot of work. Re-signing cornerback Champ Bailey was a big first step to building a quality defense.
The Broncos’ defensive struggles are hardly the fault of Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams. Actually, I thought Bannan played pretty well this past season.
When a defense, though, is ranked at or near the bottom in most major statistical categories and that team has a bad won-loss record, the organization makes changes. It should make changes.
While the Broncos certainly have their work cut out for them, I have confidence in the people making the changes. I believe new head coach John Fox knows defense. He has shown that both as an NFL defensive coordinator and head coach.
Already, Coach Fox has said the Broncos will be a 4-3 defensive team. Here is why I’m o.k. with that: He knows the 4-3 and has had success running it. Will it take some time to transition back to that scheme? Probably so. But let’s remember the Broncos weren’t exactly lighting the world on fire running something different.
I also believe that in the short-term, the Broncos will continue to revamp the roster. Let’s face it, they have to in order to get better. But at some point, once Coach Fox has his systems in place, the revamping should slow down. I’m not sure when that point is. It isn’t likely to be any time soon.
Change simply for the sake of change doesn’t usually amount to much of significance. The Broncos have already learned that.
While the recent moves to release Bannan and Williams were a little surprising (it usually is a little surprising when veterans get released), I’m going to give the new front office/coaching staff a chance to show they can make the right moves.
Time will tell how successful they will be.
What do you think of some of the team’s early moves? Thanks for reading and posting your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Champ Bailey, Head Coach John Fox
you know even though bradford did pretty good for his rookie year. the rams took some critisim for not drafing Suh, the best player in the draft. thats what i beleive, we should draft the best player which happens to be Peterson. most analyst do beleive Peterson is the best player in the draft. the question they have is do we draft need or best player. I think Peterson is best player and a need. put him on the other side of Champ and were set.
Charles Davis top 10 mock draft this evening on NFL network.
1. Panthers – Cam Newton
2. Broncos – Nick Fairley
3. Bills – Da’Quan Bowers
4. Bengals – A J Green
5. Cardinals – Blaine Gabbert
6. Browns – Robert Quinn
7. 49ers – Patrick Peterson
8. Titans – Marcell Dareus
9. Cowboys – Anthony Castonzo
10. Redskins – Von Miller
Cardinals need a QB. Univ of Auburn workout for pro scouts tomorrow. Still think Panthers will take Fairley. They mentioned Bulger possibly going to Az as a stop gap QB. Orton also came up in conversation re: Vikings. Vikes are an older Team averaging 28 yrs of age, NFL network analysts think they will make a move for Orton or possibly Eagles backup.
Question for the Peterson fans. If he is so great why isn’t Carolina considering him a top candidate?
Who says they arent mikeyb? I posted this not to long ago
“According to two league sources spoken to by the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers are “not sold” on drafting a defensive lineman with the No. 1 pick in the draft.
They are reportedly concerned about the health of many of the draft’s top defensive lineman, and are set to take “long looks” at both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert. Observer writer Joseph Person speculates they may even consider LSU CB Patrick Peterson. Although the Panthers have a huge need along their defensive line, they are most concerned with landing an impact player. Newton, Gabbert and Peterson would all fit that bill if ”
I’d be pissed. Point is, you never know till it happens cuz they sure could use the CB help as well. TRB out..
***” Peterson would fit the bill if Carolina decides there’s no lineman worth taking first overall.” rest of quote
Ok and what about all the other analyzers besides that one?
This is the newest bio on Fairley and Dareus
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
He entered the combine regarded as the potential No. 1 overall pick, and his workout did little to detract from that lofty expectation. He glided through agility drills like a dancing bear, and shows uncanny balance and body control for his size. After watching him move easily through a complex series of movements in rush drills, it is easy to see why he dominated interior blockers with his combination of power and finesse. With few defensive tackles possessing his talent and athleticism, it is hard to imagine teams bypassing this Warren Sapp-like talent at the top of the draft
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
His ascension to the top of several draft boards across the league is not a surprise after watching his sensational workout at the combine. At 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, Dareus was 28 pounds heavier than Fairley (his main competition atop the draft at defensive tackle), but recorded a quicker 10-yard split (1.66 to 1.76) in the 40 and looked surprisingly nimble in drills. His combination of balance, body control and quickness is impressive for a man of his size. With that kind of agility to complement the power and strength that he displays on tape, Dareus left Indy looking like the complete package at the position
Those sound pretty solid to me. I personally prefer Fairley cause I want a mean defense and he will help getting after the Qb but will not be upset if we get Dareus.
Thanks for those scouting reports Mikey. As I’m sure you know by now, I’m on your side in this debate. I really want a DT with the #2 pick. Only I personally like Dareus a little better, but like you I would be fine with either one. I look at it like this: Fairley would improve our interior pass rush right away and Dareus would improve our run defense right away. If it comes down to one of these two guys I guess it all depends on whether Fox thinks the pass defense or run defense needs more help.
Not trying to argue who is possible and who is not cuz i know it can go either way. You asked if Peterson is so good why arent they considering him, and I just showed some proof is all. From about three days ago after the combine (march 5th), not expert analysis but “reports” from carolina from. It could be either of them, but u asked me to prove it for Peterson, so I did. That same report proves why it could be a QB as well….Im sure I can find justification for any of the top 5 talents and back it up with combine analysis. Mockers and “experts” are just like us, just guessing. Last years Mock drafts were pretty wrong after the top 3. They base it on what they think a team needs, while those calling the shots have a different plan and strategy in their heads.
All the fighting about the cuts really doesnt make much sense. I dont think it will effect who we draft one bit. Our D was terrible last year from front to back. The players that were cut will be bench players on another team and can easily be replaced at a much lower cost. No major losses here…just trying to save a few bucks.
I hate to sound like a broken record,but Peterson would fill a need,he can play any position in the secondary,and we can still get a quality line man in the second.Again sorry,but I am on the kids bandwagon,BRONCOS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I personally don’t think Dareus or Peterson will fall out of top 5 draft picks. Some Teams will draft on priority need and others best available player. Peterson is the best pure athlete on the board. Broncos definitely need help on D at all three levels.
Suh from Lions was guest analyst on NFL network last evening and he had good things to say about both, Fairley and Dareus. Both will be 3 down lineman and both can stunt and attack from the edge. Fairleys’ quick enough to split gaps and Dareus can bull rush with the best.
Fox and Elway attending Auburns pro workout today, so they’ll be taking a good look at Fairley, again.
Peterson is the best way to go
Ok sndvl, thanks for the oxygen, I got my brains functioning 100% again, minus the beer damage over a lifetime of course, haha.
Anyhow this is for both you and TRB:
Marcell Dareus = MD = Doctor of Defense = DD!
Right back where I started, LOL.
Obviously Fox is seeing a lot of things he likes in Vickerson, like 4.75 millions of them:
The Broncos signed the 6-foot-5, 321-pound defensive lineman to a two-year, $4.75 million contract extension last week.
Included in Vickerson’s contract is a $1 million signing bonus that is payable in multiple installments, regardless of whether the league engages in a work stoppage this offseason.
And I thought he would be worth about 3 mil…
The particulars to Vickerson’s deal: $1 million signing bonus, $1 million salary and $375,000 roster bonus in 2011; $2 million salary and $375,000 roster bonus in 2012.
While all the b.s. goes on about the positive signs of the extensions to the cba talks, Klis is pretty much bringing everyone back down to earth:
It doesn’t figure that NFL owners and players are close to reaching a new CBA, because Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has not been attending the bargaining sessions in Washington even though he is co-chairman of the league’s labor committee.
I’ve entertained the thought of Broncos drafting Peterson with #2 pick as I’m sure the triumvirate has as well. Of course we’d have to wheel and deal to get into position to select Paea or Wilkerson who will probably come off the board during the 2nd half of 1st round. This scenario will not likely pan out, especially with no CBA in place, as we cannot trade players for picks.
Going forward with no CBA, our Team will draft for “priority needs” on Defense. Anytime you do that, you start with the lineman in the trenches, especially with new regime going forward with new system.
I’m sure all three levels will be addressed plus drafting a TE.
Fox is a defensive minded coach who will more than likely make a play for a D-lineman. Therefore Dareus or Fairley are the logical selection…jmo.
And now there is a report that the owners and players have closed the “gap” from one billion to “only” 800 millions, not to mention all the other issues:
The NFL’s labor negotiations resumed Monday with the league and the players’ union close to $800 million apart on the central economic issue of how to divide the sport’s annual revenue, according to The Washington Post.
What happened to Cohen’s gag order?
Other big issue now:
Whether U.S. District Judge David Doty would continue to oversee the sport’s labor deal, the Washington Post reported.
Doty has overseen the labor deal since 1993. Last week, the federal court judge in Minneapolis ruled the structure of the league’s television contracts violated the settlement agreement and wrote he would hold a hearing to determine damages and remedies, including an injunction. That could jeopardize the owners’ ability to receive their approximately $4 billion in TV rights fees from the networks next season if there is a lockout.
The owners are unlikely to agree to any settlement that includes his continued oversight of the collective bargaining agreement, The Washington Post reported.
Good luck to both sides!
royalbroncofan1: You are absolutely right about needing to start in the trenches. I for one have not entertained the thought of drafting Peterson because of the aforementioned need. Peterson has unbelievable athletic ability and could certainly change games. But, you can’t give NFL QBs 4 to 5 seconds to stand in the pocket and read the field. No corner in the league can cover forever. Fairly is my first choice with Bowers a close second. Both play the run well and be disruptive in the backfield. Something we’ve needed for a long time imo.
I hope the league and the union come to an agreement quickly. Life will suck without pro football this year.
Since Ive been advocating Peterson alot, CB has been on my mind. Then I thought if he was a bronco since he wore 7 at LSU would he want to wear 27 (Morenos current number) which then led me to remember the last CB we drafted that wore 27. Darrent Williams. I miss the kid. When I think back to his impact and the way he played, physical and with a good vertical, its hard to imagine he was only 5’8. Tragic how we lost him to senseless violence. Broncos have lost a lot of players in recent years. Call it a curse, call it unfortunate, call it watever but my only prayer is that we dont have to morn another young bronco players death who has barely lived, from D Will to Kenny McKinely. R.I.P
speaking of CBs Perrish Cox court date was yesterday but still no word. Also found our Dwill was a Oklahoma Cowboy, same as Cox. I just wanna know if cox is with us or if he is gone. Prolly be suspended either way.
Has anyone hear of a “Secondary sack”? I think Peterson would cause plenty of those..and we have Doom back…If we do go D line in the draft trade back, because no DT in the draft this year deserves to go 2nd overall! I’m sorry for being a pessimist, but I just don’t believe their worth it…Pick the best player in the draft on D! NOT the best on D line!
we could argue till we are blue in the face yovi, it wouldnt matter, they are about as adamant as we are lol.
Im with you tho bro for what its worth and ive said it before, if WRs can be taken that high, why not CBs? Im yet to recieve an answer. Im surprised analysts dont question this as well … I guess its because WRs are on offense but they are still in on the same amount of plays and subject to the same things as CBs. Just a thought.
Yovi and TRB: I would agree with you if cornerbacks also played the run on the way to the QB. While an incredible athletic talent like Peterson has upside in other areas besides CB we need to stop the run and sack the QB and in my mind if we can get players that can do both of those then I’ll take that over flashy athletic ability. Like it or not games are won in the trenches and recently the Broncos are getting dominated there. Not beaten, DOMINATED!! Give me Fairly or Bowers.
Raidrhadr, I would never doubt that. I know the important of trenches and I know we have been getting owned in the trenches for many years. I just dont see that much gap between the top DTs and the 2nd rounders. And the top DTs dont compare to last years. I think Peterson is the best and is more of a need than many think. A secondary need but a need (no pun
). CBs cover, blitz, come up in the run and with his frame he doesnt shy from tackles and he also returns. Ill be VERY dissapointed if we dont get him but … ill survive lol cuz I am not blind to our primary need, but with our limited picks, I just think my way is more “efficient” lol
raidrhadr: Things don’t look good for CBA to be resolved anytime soon. If NFLPA moves to be de-certified, we’re in trouble.
As others have previously mentioned, this will hurt Teams like the Broncos, who are in transition more than anyone else.
Bleacher report mentions we need to turnover at least 60% of our roster.
Without no OTA’s, spring camp, O-line will not have opportunity to install zone blocking scheme, installing new offense, new defense etc…
To be honest I don’t think xanders was bluffing when praising Failey. With them signing Vickerson being 321 I think he will be the run stopper on dooms side and fairley will be the pass rushing dt on ayers side. I really don’t think coaches try to talk up a value of a player to make someone else get him with all the money they pay on scouts I think it’s pointless to do so.
troy polamalu and ed reed….take both those players off their teams over the last few years and their defense struggles…its proven….take their DT out of the game and they still succeed…Peterson is a talent that hasnt been around in 20 years…thats why CBs havent been chosen so high, not because of their position..CB changes games more times than DT..how many times does a DT handle the ball? return kicks and ints for TDs? they get swallowed up just to stop the run in a 3-4 defense…a 4-3 defense needs better secondaries..
Why isn’t there any news on Cox? His court date was yesterday, wasn’t it? I just googled it and found nothing.
I did read TRB’s post, by the way. I was just expanding on his point.
Especially being the second pick.
I have said many times I was in no way impressed by how Peterson played in his bowl game and since I had heard so much about the kid, I watched that game just waiting to see him do his stuff, but to no avail.
And I also heard professionals who have watched him play many times who say he’s got bad hip motions which can be troublesome for a CB in the NFL hence some think he’ll make a better safety at this level.
These are the things I base my opinion on not wanting Peterson with the #2, not what all the Peterson groupies are saying, not that TRB is one, just clarifying. I base it on what I observed personally and what some experts are saying.
Hence there is no doubt in my mind that taking Peterson with the #2 pick is a much bigger gamble than to pick Dareus, an all around well rounded player who can produce at any position on the line and who has consistently throughout his collegiate career been a beast against the run, which by the way is our #1 weakness, not defending the pass.
To me it’s just elementary, fundamental and basic.
But I in no way shape or form do I hereby intent in changing anyone’s mind because I hope all you Peterson fans will make Peterson your first entry in our little draft contest upcoming so I can have a leg up on the competition, LOL.
TRB… my son had a cap signed by D-will during pre-season back in ’05. We have it in our game room with our Broncos stuff. I was looking at it the other night. Great player who left us too soon. RIP D-Will…
In the draft, EVERY team b.s. EVERY team, it’s just the way of the world, no matter what position you pick at, even the team who has the #1 pick holds his cards usually til the end unless someone really sticks out and they sign him before the draft, which can’t happen this year if there is no new cba.
The draft is a business, business is a game grown ups play and like in the game of pocker you must learn how to bluff to get ahead. Elemantary stuff, dear Watson. Man I really feel like Sherlock today, LOL.
To all the ones who say Cox was supposed to be in court yesterday, the 7th, here is what I found from KWTX:
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (January 7, 2011)—Douglas County, Colo. Judge Susanna Meissner-Cutler said Friday she could not release an affidavit outlining sexual assault allegations against former University High School standout Perrish Cox because the investigation of the assault is ongoing.
She also said she didn’t want to subject the alleged victim to harassment and wanted to protect Cox’s right to a fair trial.
The decision came during a hearing Friday in suburban Denver.
Cox is seeking permission to return to Waco, but the judge didn’t address that issue during the hearing Friday.
He’s scheduled to return to court on March 10 for a hearing on whether there’s enough evidence to proceed to a trial.
So, by these guys’ account, it’s set for Thursday.
Lol its crazy aint it. That even the number 1 pick plays games and never lets it be known who they will draft. I guess its to add more excitement to the draft and not close off options to trading the pick. The panthers at a point did proclaim to take Andre Luck if he declared but he didnt. I remember you being unimpressed by his bowl game but bowers was unimpressive as well but a game doesnt dictate a college career but seeing as how bowl games are against top talent i see the hesitation.
I really wish this CBA would get done, not only do we have to trade players for picks we could use a couple of FAs out there not to mention OTA and training since we have a new coach, new system, new frigging regime lol
Figures if anyone could find something on Perrish it would be you bay cuz i swear i looked lol. But all i could see pointed to the March 7th date. Guess it moved. D day for Perrish is Thursday … will his cox be the reason he perishes, only time will tell.
HI…Look if the panthers take a qb , WE need to trade with AZ they want a qb and might freak out we get their 2nd and 1st which is 5 and a 3rd.they take a qd, now at 5 we still have a chance to get P.P or one ov them DTs.any thoughts on that??? thanks
Yeah, without a new CBA, we are looking at near the bottom of the barrel again, really doesn’t bode well for lowly teams as rbf1 referred to. Long time ago I said without a CBA, this year is bound to basically repeat itself, the same tough guns on top of the divisions and the same lowly teams at the bottom, not the regular switcharoo from last to first in a division we have been accustomed to. And I won’t even argue that point since I’m so sure of it, LOL. Best we could do improvement wise in our division would be to pass the Raiders, that’s about it.
So you bet we need a new CBA like no one else, except for the Panthers.
We should draft peterson. What do u guys think.lol.
Bay how do u play pocker.lol.
Peterson clearly very comfortable with press coverage, run by LSU.
He obviously needs to work on his zone coverage at next level.
Safety will be where he eventually plays in NFL.
Ok TRB, let it be known I will not touch that one with a ten foot pole, LOL.
lmao bay
Daddie, I like your thinking somewhat, but it all boils down on how much you are willing to gamble on D Day and from what I gathered from Fox and Elway, it seems unlikely they will trade down, they just keeep saying we must hit with that pick, we can’t miss with that pick. But maybe it’s just a smoke screen too. Personally I have never enjoyed a #2 pick in my 37 year Bronco fan career, so I don’t trade it down, I use it.
I agree with bay, its good strategy but it can back fire easily. its only good when you know you will definitely get what you want. Take last year for example, lets assume McD had a brain and intended to get pouncey, he kept trading down and trading down but eventually he passed the steelers who many knew would go for pouncey if he was available. Maybe McD just wasnt interested but its a risk this yes. between 2-5, could be gabbert, 3 Dareus, 4 fairley, or 3 peterson, 4 dareus, or many variations. Now do you just wanna gamble and possibly settle for Fairly for example if you know for a fact you want Dareus. Might as well just draft what you KNOW you want, no matter the spot instead of getting stuck with your second 3rd or 4th choice. Another posibility is Carolina taking a QB, and Buffalo panicing and trading up to our spot to beat out a possible AZ trade up so they can get the other QB. That way we only move back 1 spot and possibly acquire a 3rd or 4th. With buffalo, cincy and AZ needing a QB, anyone of them maybe willing to trade up to beat the other to a QB.
The D-line that can stop the run and get after the QB can make cornerbacks look great. Good CB’s don’t make D-line look good!
D-line is the heart of the defense, everything else hinges on how good the D-line is..
GET FAIRLEY OR DAREUS!!!
Oh yeah, get rid of Orton!!
we need to take peterson if hes there no question hes the best corner prospect of the past ten yrs hes faster than nnamdi and bigger than champ could play either corner or safety clean off the field if carolina doesnt take him we cant pass him up i know we need somebody like dareus or fairley but peterson could be a hall of famer when hes done and i know he hasnt played a down of football but look at what suh did last year this guy is the Ndamukong Suh of corners
I believe that the Broncos should pick Fairly with the 2nd pick. Then they should go for Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. So now the secondary is complete and they can draft another DT in the 2nd round. GO BRONCOS!!!
I think the Broncos should go for Fairly with the 2nd pick. Then other defensive lineman in the 2nd round. Then they can go for Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency. That will improve the defensive