As the 2008 NFL draws to a close, the Broncos have spent the last month planning for the 2009 campaign and beyond.
The shock and surprise of the team’s first head coaching change in 14 years has now settled into the reality that the Josh McDaniels era is underway at Dove Valley.
Ultimately, time will tell how successful Coach McDaniels is. This past week there were strong indications that he is off to a great start.
Broncos’ quarterback Jay Cutler told 850 KOA last week that he wasn’t exactly a happy camper when he heard the news of Coach Shanahan’s dismissal.
“I was mad, I was shocked, I was disappointed,” Cutler admitted. “Coming off my third year, we had a lot of success and I felt like we were going to take some steps back and start all over again. When it first happened, I wasn’t very happy about it.”
But after speaking with his new head coach several times, Cutler believes the Broncos hired the right guy.
“He impressed me from the start,” Cutler told 850 KOA. “(He’s) very sharp, you can tell he had a lot of energy. A month removed (from the change), after the fact, you can kind of understand why it was time for a change.”
Obviously I am no football coach and I didn’t even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. But I know the Broncos’ new coach had to get the quarterback is his corner.
Coach McDaniels is winning Cutler over and the quarterback believes the rest of the players will soon learn why he is so excited about his new head coach.
“I think the guys are going to be able to relate to him,” Cutler said. “I don’t think they’ll have any problems respecting him even though he is 32 because he has a presence about him and I haven’t even met him in person. This is just (from talking with him) over the phone. I have a good feel about him.”
Certainly none of this guarantees a spot in the playoffs next year but it is undoubtedly a good start.
Coach McDaniels has spent the last few weeks filling out his coaching staff. Most notably, former 49ers’ head coach Mike Nolan is the Broncos’ new defensive coordinator.
Nolan has often used the 3-4 scheme, one which many people have pointed out doesn’t fit the Broncos’ current personnel. Given the struggles the Broncos’ have had on defense the last few years, we would all be hard-pressed to think of a defensive scheme they could run that would produce a vastly improved result.
Furthermore, to think that Nolan can only coach a defense that runs a 3-4 seems short-sighted to me. The man has been coaching in the NFL since 1987. He knows defense, not just one defense.
Again, the credentials don’t guarantee a thing. But let’s at least give him a chance to unpack the moving boxes before we start telling him what defense to run.
Change can be unsettling. In this case, the sudden and dramatic nature of it turned the Broncos’ football operations partially upside down. That is difficult for all involved.
But that time is quickly becoming the past. Now Coach McDaniels is settling in and Cutler, for one, is embracing the change.
“I put down the phone (after their first conversation) and texted Casey (Wiegmann) and said, ‘You need to call this guy; he’s the real deal,’” Cutler shared. “When Josh was hired everyone (was thinking), ‘He’s 32 and he hasn’t had any head coaching experience.’ But it’s going to be fun.”
Coach Shanahan is a great football coach and will one day be in the NFL Hall of Fame. Before that, he will likely land a another really good head coaching position in the NFL. Moreover, his legacy will rightly be as one of the best coaches in Denver sports history. A big, big part of me wishes he were still the Broncos’ head coach.
I can also say that as the days go by, I find myself more excited about Coach McDaniels and his staff. I am looking forward to the off-season more than I have in a long time.
Now that the assistant coaches are on board, what are your thoughts about the new staff? I ask you keep your comments respectful; I enjoy reading your posts.
Thanks and I’ll catch up with you next week and share some thoughts about the Super Bowl.
Best,
Mike
Tags: Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels, Mike Nolan
Mike,
It’s good to read a post not about The SB or Shannon not being inducted, THANK YOU!
I’m glad we got to finally hear from Jay on how he feel’s about Coach McDaniels, these are good signs. I think Coach McDaniels HC and Coach McCoy OC/QB are a perfect fit for the Offense and I’m glad the HC will be calling the play’s from here on out. Keeping Coach Dennison OLC and Coach Turner RBC are key people to retain. I’m not however sold on Coach Gase REC and I’m not sure about Coach Barone TEC.
Coach Priefer STC will do just fine.
Signing Mike Nolan as The DC is HUGE and I agree with you He know’s Defense and will not be restricted to a 3-4 only scheme, I think He will develope a Hybrid D, and Coach to the strengthes of the tallent he has that’s what good Coaches do. Coaches Nunnely DLC, MartindaleLBC, and Donatell SEC are all solid Coaches with experience.
Overall this is a Great Staff and I look forward to see what they will produce and the changes they make in the next few month’s. With The NFL combine Feb.18-24, Free Agency beginnig Feb. 27, and The NFL Draft April 25-26 this is the most excited I’ve been about The Broncos in five years. So with that being said once again Mr. Rice Thank you for the post and thank you for keeping the Broncos future a subject to talk about.
Now I want to ask you a question. Who are the available Free Agents The Broncos might consider and what kind of trades do you forsee in The Broncos future? To me this might give some insight as to how The Broncos might Draft. What do you think?
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
monodono…thanks for your posting your thoughts. I always enjoy reading them.
Rest assured, I will continue to post blogs pertaining to the Broncos throughout the off-season. At the same time, I will also be posting blogs that relate to what is going on in the NFL. I understand that fans want to stay updated on the Broncos and all of us aspire to do that.
Your question about free agents is a really good one. I must admit that right now, I cannot answer it. I need to do some homework about who will be available. I will be doing that in the next few weeks.
Based on the past few seasons and the current state of the economy, I would be surprised if the Broncos went after any big-name, high-priced free agents. That is purely my opinion and not based on anything I have heard to this point. No doubt it will be fun to watch.
Thanks again, monodono.
Sincerely,
Mike
Mr. Rice,
Thanks again for the post, and I appreciate your input on whats going on in the NFL. I have an idea though, maybe when you post a blog about whats going on in The NFL, you could post a second topic on The Broncos Nation or maybe you and your friend Mr. Logan could post a point, counter point. That would be awesome! I’ve always had Great respect for His opinion as well as Yours. This might help keep some focus on What Broncos Nation is and might do as well as keeping us informed about the NFL.
As far as Free Agants go I think We all need help in studying who’s availlable and for how much or how long. We actually need to know who will be staying around and for how much and how long before that. Free Agancy begins in 25 day’s now, that’s not much time. The NFL Combine is in16 day’s, We NEED info.
I agree with you on Te Broncos not picking up any Big-Name High-Priced FA’s like Hainseworth do to the economy. On the flipside if The Broncos don’t find a marquee NT and Safety they could be in a world of hurt on the D and the fan’s might not come out to support another mediocore TEAM. Look at The AV’s, they haven’t made any moves and are a 500 TEAM at best look at the empty seat’s at The Pepsi Center, it’s unheard of. They may have to sell sell sell soon.
On a good note That was a Great SB and Dockett is the real deal at NT. Is He available? and if so for how much?… food for thuoght.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
anyone got a towel? I got a little sloppy there….
Man it has been a while since I have written any posts, but I have to agree with monodono in saying that it is much more fun posting on something related to our team. Can’t expect to get a lot of coverage on our team from the NFL or ESPN sites because of the superbowl, and now with the pro bowl coming as well. So where else to turn when you want to see what is going on with your team, but your teams website??
So thank you Mike for keeping it to just that, our team! That is why I am posting now, I have no desire to comment on post superbowl, or the hall of fame being biast against us, let alone the pro bowl being equally as biast!
Anyway, I agree we won’t go after any high priced FA, but I don’t necessarily put it to the economy, what most of us don’t understand is the economy is what we make it! We should save money especially in these times, but we also need to spend money or else more companies won’t be making money and we do more cut backs, more unemployment = more saving/NO SPENDING WORSE ECONOMY!
I really think that with the new coaches they will take a look at who we have with talent, I really don’t see these new coaches looking over Woodyard and Larsen’s talent, and giving Barrett a real chance.
Just a thought, but really what about Larsen and DJ as the two ILB when we play the 3-4, putting Woodyard as a speed rushing OLB and Winborn as the coverage OLB? I know Boss is good, but I can honestly see us cutting him due to injuries and his high cap hit?
I really don’t know what we will do on the D Line, which is really where we need the most help, I love the thought of Dockett, but I don’t think he is a FA, and if he is I don’t think Arizona lets him go. A good safety and DT in the draft are needed I think.
So Rice, what do you think draft is going to be like for us, besides EXCITING? We obviously need help everywhere, but I see Safety and the D Line the biggest holes! I’m not a big college football follower so fill me in guys, what are some names I need to go google and watch on youtube?
Hold onto the ball offense,
Maintain your gaps defense,
KEEP the faith fans!
u dont think a guy whos a great leader at MLB like ray lewis or ferrior would dramaticlly help this D. i know 1 player doesnt change a team and Nolan is a great pickup. id like some cheaper good DT’s to come in im just not thrilled with the ones we have. Kenny Petterson is an awesome guy but not thrilled on his play hes like nate jackson in my oppinion, great guy to have on the team keep everyone laughin and not down but id like some tank johnson like guys big beastly guys. haynesworth is a dirty player i dont want him on our team
Here ya go mondono……….
the quicker picker-upper!…..
BOUNTY!
I’m sorry if this goes against keeping the comments clean Mike, but I gotta say this……
raiderhater78 just wondering how you can say Haynesworth is a dirty player and you don’t want him on our team, and then say you want TANK JOHNSON LIKE GUYS? To me those two are the same dirty player, minus Haynesworth is better on and off the field. Tank hasn’t really in Dallas, but for him it’s a matter of time.
To me either one would do fine with out team, cuz our owner WON’T put up with it, and Denver isn’t like the other big cities, not the same temptations!
Unless you’re from LA and play basketball…….. hahahaha
Really, that must be a different Denver where D. Will was shot then.
And I think to say we dont have the players for a 3-4 is because of too much conventenal thinking. Put robertson and thomas at DE. Elvis, moss, at OLB crowder and DJ at middle. Draft a NT. And draft a safety. Draft some more linebackers incase crowder and moss cant make the transition. And there you have it will we have the best Defensive unit in the league, of course not but is there a chance that its alot better than the crap weve been seeing for 3 years?? ill role the dice on that and say no doubt about it.
2champ4pickSIX, thnx for the towel. Looks like you could use one yourself, HA!
I agree with you, The Broncos need to spend some money (not alot) to make money. I also agree with everything you said about reviewing the talent the Coaches have and the set ups you gave on the linebacking corps (Boss staying healthy is a big if). I think we need to pick up a true veteran Safty though to go with Barrett, I was’nt impressed with Manuel and co. Dockett may or may not be a FA but He sure played a great game. Bertram Berry is a FA, and it would be good to bring Him back.
If you really want to do some research check this link out http://www.milehighreport.com/
you will have more info than you can digest.
raiderhater78, If I remember right Kenny Peterson tore his achillies tendon and from what I’ve read resently about his rehab He is doing great I for one hope He has a break out year or He may be gone.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
I agree U N O,
Get a NT Free Agent, a beast MLB in the first round, maybe a Safety in the second? Then kinda just go for best talent available at any position after the 2nd round. Don’t be suprised though if we see the Broncos take a RB in the draft, I know Hillis is a beast and I will enjoy watching him next season, but the rest of the RBs I dont really think have much promise except for Torain. We don’t need a every down back, we have proven that. But I hope they train the guys this next offseason to STRETCH YOUR GROIN!
raiderhater78, sorry bro it was Carlton Powell that tore his achillies.
U N O, I agree with you The Broncos need to make some moves so we know were we stand in the draft, but you said haveing a standout Safety would be nice, that sounds like you think it’s a luxury, to me it’s a must and something we have’nt had all last year. No offense to John Lynch but he had lost a step or two His last couple of years and The Broncos have’nt been right there in a while.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
So VERY glad to hear Cutler’s take on all this. And I’m so glad to hear that he’s embracing this new coach. This makes me feel much better knowing that he thinks we got the right coach.
And 2champ is right about something – its like starting your own business, in order to make money you’ve got to spend some. If we get someone worth spending some money on it will pay off later on down the road… that’s what we need. They’ll grow with the team as the years come and will get us some stability around here. We need some major consistency and stability. The right defensive players can get us that or at least help us get those 2 things. But I don’t even get a hello from my football stud?! Come on mister!!!
And I would’ve offered you a “quicker picker upper” too monodono but it looks like my stud beat me to it!! If you need another one… hear ya go!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
The NFL is feeling the crunch of the economy. Quite a few Teams have cut back on employees. No doubt the F/A market will be tested by the players. Question is can anybody really afford these guys anymore? Very few seem to have any consistent success so there lies the real question.. are we going to sacrifice big $$$$ for someone who turned out to be a liability rather than an asset. We need to go out and build thru the draft and get the best we can can w/ each and every pick. Get some extra picks if we can by trading for players that want out. (Keep cost down).
We don’t need to draft a RB ! We really need to focus on a leader on Defense – a game changer !! We’ve got a stable of running backs. Coach McDaniels will work them hard and they will be in the best shape for football season. (agree – not enough conditioning).
Patrick Chung (Oregon/S) is that type of safety that could play in the box… If he drops to us in the 2nd round… We better take him…. That’ll be a steal.
Man, it’s kinda nice reading POSITIVE comments and for the most part, people are agreeing… Keep it up boys/girls (whoever you are)
There are some many ponder-ables when glassing over what may or may not happen with the Broncos this year. As I said in an earlier post I think that our first idea as to what the Broncos are going to do this year would come once we saw who stayed and who was brought in at the assistant and skill position/ coaching levels. I agree that Nolan’s hiring doesn’t automatically designate Denver as a 3-4 team but the hiring of Don Martindale and Wayne Nunnely do point to that eventuality. Nunnely’s coaching job in San Diego as the D-Line coach was not just impressive but astounding. I believe that if you took the majority of SD’s defensive lineman ( with the exception of Jamal Williams) and placed them with other 3-4 defenses around the league, most would barely crack the second team let alone the starting line up. Martindale can coach linebackers in the 4-3, as he did for the Raiders, but he also kept that teams linebacking corp very productive when they made the short lived move to the 3-4. Of these two; I think that the biggest question regarding the Broncos personnel are as follows. Can Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervil stand up to do their jobs and is there really any lineman that can tackle the Nose Tackle position? I actually believe that Moss can stop worrying about his weight and play from the OLB position. If #92 stops eating in Florida in the off season then he can play there as well. After gaining weight so that he could stand up to being a better run defender Dumervil should relish the idea of getting slim and fast again. Watching these two coming off the shoulders of two, larger, defensive ends might just prove more than an opposing teams QB could take. Also, with the addition of Dumervil and Moss to the linebacking corp, the question of replacing our remaining LB’s becomes less problematic. Instead of “do we have anyone” the question is turned into “who will we keep”? I believe that D.J. Williams has the physical tools and size to play in any scheme but the leadership qualities are simply not there. While I do not think that a LB will be Denver’s first round pick in this years draft, I do believe that leadership needs to be found and quickly. Bailey is fast but he is injured to often and really does not have the bulk to be a 3-4 backer. After watching the two all year I would take the play of Larsen over Webster any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Larsen has better size and is just as fast as Webster. I also believe that given the chance he could become the voice of the LB corp while playing next to D.J. Williams on the inside. Winborn had some nice moments last year but should only be a back up if he stays. Wesley Woodyard is on the big side for a safety but almost too small for a LB in any scheme. That being said the guy is a play maker and is always around the ball. He is also the best coverage backer we have outside of D.J. so finding a way to use him is a necessity. I also think that Hagan will be in the mix as well. He knows Nolan and has the size needed for a 3-4 backer. A Lot of Broncos fans have touted Safety Josh Barrett…and I am one of them. With the right coaching this guy can be the Adrian Wilson or our defense. There simply are not that many Safeties that are 6’2”, weight 230 lbs., and run a legitimate 4.4 40. He showed his potential in Denver’s second contest against the Chiefs while matching up against Tony Gonzales and was barely out of place so many times that the I stopped asking “what if?” and simple started to realize that I was watching the beginning of the “when?”. The biggest question still remains on the line. Can E.E. or Crowder be a 3-4 end? The one guy with the most potential for being a 3-4 end is DT Carlton Powell who was robbed from Bronco fans before we even got an idea of what he could do. His ability to stack up against the run may be just what the doctor ordered and his being out for a year may actually help. Instead of having to drum out all of the things he would have learned playing in a 4-3 last year, he can start with a clean slate. I think that Marcus Thomas has what it takes to play the NT position but he still has to add another 15 pounds and will have to get stronger. Dewayne Robertson left the Jets because he hated playing in a 3-4 and his numbers when doing it did little to belay any fiction that states he would be able to play it in the future. Although I may be mistaken; I believe that Jamal William is a free agent this year and while he is on the downside of his career with ever increasing knee problems I still think he would be a welcome tutor for our NT’s. Ultimately; I am excited. The chance to be part of something new and exciting might be enough to get some of our better players out of their slumps while adding to the energy and effort of our younger players. Just the chance that it could come together is worth taking the shot. Remember; he who dares wins!
Dominate!
Mike in San Diego
BRONCOSBAILEY99, your wrong! I try not to agree with everyone HA! just kidding
U N O, Great list! question What kind of cap hit will it take to sign some of these guy’s? I also don’t see any FB’s do you think The Broncos will keep Hillis, Larsen, and A. Pinnock at that possition? if so we do need a inside LB.
I LOVE Brian Dawkins but I don’t think he will be available. Dawan Landry would be my next choise.
I also think we have some Players on the team that haven’t lived up to thier contracts and maybe let go or put up for trade bait, like N. Koutouvides and P. Ramsey. To much money!
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
McDaniels comes from the Pats…so, I really doubt he will go after any big dollar FA’s. Defense in Denver will most likely be built around a solid core of draft picks and character type, smart players. Just a guess but it’s what he is used to seeing work in New England.
Also, just to ring in with my opinion of the new coaching staff. I am very excited about McDaniels and Nolan. I was a big ShanaFan…but this is going to be good for the Broncos.
im a lineman we all cheat theres holding in every play so im all good with playin a lil dirty but Haynesworth went over the line when he stomped on a dudes head while the guy was on the ground thats just messed up.
ok 1 thing that clearly needs to change and i think everyone agrees we need more pressure on the QB theres where nolan comes in he blitz when needed and drops back when needed hes good at what he does. but we def need help on the line to create presure even when were not blitzing. thats why i ask for a big QB hungry DT and Powerful DE’s. the MLB i keep askin for is so we have a good captain like we had with Al Wilson. we have a greeat leader but he isnt verbal champ plays and teaches in his play. we had lynch but obviously him alone wasnt enough cause with out Al our D has been crap
You’re right about McDaniels mike007 – he won’t go after any big dollar F/A is right.
Nice wish list U N O but most of those guys will be retained by the current Teams. Maybe McGinist or Harrison might come available.
i think before the seasons starts the nfl needs to sit down and take a look at their officiating…. this season was by far the worst i have seen in 28 years of watching this sport…back to the broncos.. i think d.j. and larsen ilb’s with woodyard and winborn olb’s…. get rid of moss and crowder and bring in some fresh blood… after that i have no clue… cuz if i did i’d be a coach and not just a spectator….as far as rb’s go i would love to see hillis and torain with aldridge as a change of pace back.. young has worn out his welcome with lack of productivity.. bell could stay but can he thrive without zone blocking???? i dont know.. i have quit a few questions concerning this next season and i hope McDaniels can answer them..
in McD we trust
just a lil taste of the ROYAL treatment
Enjoyed reading the various opinions posted today like the rest of you loyal die hard bronco fans I am also excited about our offseason. For the first time in 5+ years I’m looking forward to Coach Josh McDaniel’s first coaching decision. Will he trade, wait until the draft, start signing FA’s, and who will he cut/waive? Let Goodman and his staff bring in the players he knows talent – just tell him what we need. Here’s my summation so far and why I’m so excited about the future. It’s been many years since Denver has hired a complete and bonafide coaching staff with NFL experience and in most cases coaches with playoff and SB experiences. It’s obvious that Josh has earned respect from his peers and the reason he was able to hire and retain this excellent coaching staff in a timely manner this should bold well for our Broncos both short and long term in climbing back to the first tier as a legitimate contenders.
As far as the draft I hope we draft B.J. Raji no matter what it takes he’s the real deal at NT one of the most important positions for the Broncos to fill. Next, I hope we can draft Nic Harris or Clay Matthews in the 2nd round. The nice thing about Harris he played safety at OU and is being move to LB for the NFL. Drafting him could mean a player who can play two positions. Clay Matthew’s is the next best thing to filling the 2nd ILB spot he’s very familiar with the 3-4 defense under Pete Carroll at USC. On the offensive side we should draft a WR, and FB.
I’m waiting to see who Broncos will keep and the players who will be asked to play different position. I’d like to see Woodyard play Safety & LB. Let Larsen compete to play the other ILB position opposite DJ Williams. Maybe even move Elvis Dumervil to OLB on obvious passing situations or full time. Hoping Moss or Crowder has a break out year at DE.
Finally, the Broncos are loaded at running back really looking forward to watching Peyton Hillis Ryan Torain, and Anthony Alridge next season. What I like about Alridge is his speed and his ability to gain extra yards for such a small RB reminds me of Barry Sanders during his first 2 years in the league. Alridge to me is the perfect change of pace RB and could be used at WR in the slot position to help keep Brandon Stokley fresh and his eventual replacement. Use him for KO & Punt returns to keep Eddie Royal fresh to be more effective at WR. Tatum Bell, Selvin Young, and Andre Hall will be excellent back ups. But, we still need a FB who can come in and start maybe through FA’s or the draft. Yes I am an excited Broncos Fan again.
I don’t care what you do to the defense as long as Champ Bailey and D.j williams stays Ialso disagree Tatum bell should be th starter
I the Nolan hire was outstanding , his past performance at DC speaks for itself. Most of the other coaches I wouldn’t know if I tripped over them.
I’m glad Cutler is excited and impressed. I trust his judgement , he is a pretty well ground young man so I’m optomistic aboout our new young head coach.
In the real world ,I’m a value shopper,that’s how I look at free agency. No old guys, I’ve seen too many of those guys get too much cash for too little performance. The way I see it, the best way to get value in free agency would be to find teams that are very good in the area you need help and try to sign some of there second string. Some teams are better at picking personal at certain positions, why not take advantage of their talents?
The 3-4 for the Broncos? I think it would be easier to go to some varient of the 3-4 with our current personal than to stick with the 4-3. Get some beef for up front and use some of our tweener players like Moss and Dumervil to our advantage. They are big men with speed, a rare combination. It will be fun trying to figure out what may happen this off season, I can’t wait! Go Broncos!
i think Tatum and hillis should split carries and Pittman start FB
The flaw with running a 3-4 defense is you become immediately sesceptible to an offense running the football right up the middle on you.
We already have that problem with the 4-3. In a 3-4 you have to have big defensive lineman to occupy the front 7. Big Defensive ends, and an even bigger DT.Even your outside linebackers have to be able to play very physically against the opposing O-line. None of the Broncos D-linemen fit this mold. Smaller ends like Dumerville and Jarvis Moss become completely expendable. That is a problem because We have a big first round pick invested in Moss, and Dumerville is an extraordinary athlete, and we don’t want to give up on players like them too fast.
None of the Broncos linebackers fit this mold either, unless D.J. Williams plays inside linebacker and Boss sticks around and is healthy for a season.
The bottom line is: to be a competitive defense next season we will need a few top notch free-agents, 3 ready to play draft picks, and possibly a trade or two.
But to be great, and that is the aspiration of every football team, We are looking at probably a three or for year rebuild on defense.
On defense alone We need: a Top Safety, another corner WHO CAN PLAY, an inside linebacker who can dominate against the run and fill passing lanes, a defensive end with size and speed, and a rather enormous DT. whew!
2 THINGS!!!
U N O… You’re wrong… Shefler can score six just like the rest of ‘em.. he’s proved that agains the Texans 2 seasons ago… That diving touchdown…MMMMmmm!!… Delish-… but yea, that’s it
and 2… Terrell Davis even thinks that Torains is the best back on our team… I read that on a website someone put a link onto here…. So I think… (key word think) That Torain will become the starter by the begining of the season…
and 3 (yes I know I only said 2)… monodono… Thanks for ruining the agreements… hahaha
Ok i got some pointless questions:
monodono – Why do you always say ” TIME OF POSSESION! ”
U N O – I’m from Nebraska so when I hear UNO i think University of Nebraska in Omaha. So is that it or what does that mean?
Yeah… I have the same questions…
Ok, but now heres what I wanted to say… I’m sure most of you will shoot this idea down…
I’ve read numerous times that Dallas may release their S Roy Williams… Now… If they do… even though past 2 yrs he’s been struggling w/ injury… [I] Think it would be a good Idea to try and pick him up… He’s got 6 years under his belt and has proven to be a team/ and vocal leader in a positive way…
Now… w/ out saying “BRONCOBAILEY99 YOUR STUPID… THis That!!… YADA YADA!!!… just nice and simply… what do you guys think of that?
The Broncos are headed in the right direction and they are perfectly poised to make a similar run to the Cardinals’ in 2008. I think that McDaniels will make all the right calls in free agency and we’ll be prepared for whatever 2009 throws at us. GO BRONCOS!!!
Agreed….
Now… what do people think about my suggestion? It’s ontop of BradJamesBroncoFan’s comment
ahah,,BRONCOBAILEY@shoot u down (ur idea)…
okie,,S Roy Williams is a good one, but I havent heard of him being a vocal leader, well not that I heard of….but any coach would fear his liability in the pass coverage..but still a good suggestion…
maybe Sharper (but getting old), or Jermaine Phillips, or Landry(became expendable after Leonards and Zbikowski showed up) , or Otogwe(might become pricy) but we can worry about prices…all good upgrades at safety.we cant doubt any old players, especially how Harrison came from being cut several times and going to the Euro league to becoming the defensive player the year….
I’d get Chung or Nic Harris in the mid rounds to back up,,eventually be a starters…
and couldnt agree with you more BradJamesBroncoFan
oh I found this website that included most of the FAs for this year,,
so far it all seemed accurate..
thought it might help:
http://www.nflgridirongab.com/2009/01/05/list-of-top-2009-nfl-free-agents/
could make it a link,,try copy it and past it on your browser…
oops,,my bad,,check it out…
Thanks for that assistance broncos20
I suppose the puzzle pieces are all there.
What we are lacking as spectators, though, is an indication of what type of players will be retained, and which will be expendable, given a prevalence of a certain mind-set, philosophy, game-plan. What team identity is sought, for the atheletes on the field to represent. Tough guys, freaks, good guys, bad boys…
How long has it been, since coach McDaniels was brought in as the pinnacle to the solution of all the fans´woes? And the only example of player retention, is the publicity prodding exclamations toward Jay Cutler? It would seem the new management is toiling in oblivion, and I must suspect that what we will be dealt are foregone conclusions. None of the new coaches are objectionable, but none are acclaimed as success indicators. They have a chance here to create something new, something with it´s own identity. The balance of power has not been illustrated. The whole machination seems very cumbersome coming out of the starting blocks. You must find ways to communicate to the fans, and players must be reassured that they won´t be flipping burgers, and that they were dunderheads for thinking the NFL would be a good career move.
We should sign Jovan Haye, Karlos Dansby, and Oshiomogho Atogawe.
All can play the 3-4 and the 4-3. they also are talented and young.
First off, start the 3-4 defense NOW. Don’t play around with the 4-3 because the current players can’t play it anyway. I’m thinking 6 new starters on the Denver D. Keeping Bailey, D.J., Woodyard, Marcus Thomas and Dumervil.
If I were making the Broncos personell decisions this off season, I’m doing this: * = starter
FREE AGENTS
TARGETED:
DEFENSE
*JERMAINE PHILLIPS, S – EXPERIENCED, PRODUCTIVE, USED TO 3-4
*DAWAN LANDRY, S – EXPERIENCED IN BALTIMORES D
*JONATHAN VILMA, MLB – VILMA-WILLIAMS, LB’S FOR 8+ YEARS IN D
*PHILLIP BUCHANON, CB – BYE BLY!
*CHRIS CANTY, DE – PRODUCTIVE IN DALLAS, GOOD 3-4 DE
OFFENSE
*DARREN SPROLES, RB – HILLIS-SPROLES = GREATNESS!!!
SPECIAL
*SHAYNE GRAHAM, K – EXPERIENCED, OUR KICKER CHOKES!
OUTSIDE CHANCES:
ALBERT HAYNESWORTH, DT – EXPENSIVE, FIT IN A 3-4 SCHEME?
TERRELL SUGGS, DE – EXPENSIVE, WOULD BE GREAT IN DENVER
DRAFT:
1ST ROUND: *B.J. RAJI, DT – HUGE! WATCH HIS HIGHLIGHTS, HE MAKES PLAYS!
-OR, *REY MAUALUGA, MLB – IF MLB STILL A NEED, CONSIDER THIS ANIMAL!
2ND ROUND: GO WITH BEST SAFETY AVAILABLE OR DT IF NOT ALREADY DRAFTED
3RD ROUND: BEST DE AVAILABLE
2009 DEFENSE LOOKS LIKE THIS:
DT – B.J. RAJI
DE – CHRIS CANTY
DE – MARCUS THOMAS
MLB – JONATHAN VILMA
MLB – D.J. WILLIAMS/WOODYARD
OLB – ELVIS DUMERVIL (RUSH LB) – MOSS A POSSIBILITY
OLB – WESLEY WOODYARD/D.J. (WEAK SIDE)
CB – CHAMP BAILEY
CB – PHILLIP BUCHANON
S – JERMAINE PHILLIPS
S – DAWAN LANDRY OR 2ND ROUND SAFETY
WITH THE DEFENSE I JUST PUT TOGETHER AND THE ADDITION OF SPROLES TO OUR OFFENSE. WHY CAN’T WE BE A TOP 8 TEAM NEXT YEAR???
Even if some doubt that Coach McDaniels will go fishing in the Free Agent’s market or make any trades, we as Fan’s need to review our current tallent and at least look at what’s available before we can have any idea what The Broncos are going to do in the draft. So run with it guy’s throw your ideas out there even if their STUPID… just kiddin BRONCOSBAILY99 HA!
Keep throwing your ideas out there this is Great!
U N O, are you saying will play FB? Larsen will be an ILB? What’s your take on A. Pinnock as a player in The NFL, we never got to see him on the field. He sure look’s good on paper though.
theRYOALtreatment, how can you say Young wore out His welcome with lack of produtivity and what do you mean can Bell thrive without zone blocking (just what are you suggesting here?).
ocbroncos, Woodyard at Safety eh… I’m not sure he could cover reciever’s that well, but interesting. I do like BJ. Raji but I don’t think The Broncos will trade up in the draft if anything I think they may trade down and pick up some more picks.
raiderhater78, OK You tell Pittman He’s now a FB. HA! That’s funny
BRONCOSBAILEY99, I do what I can, sometimes I disagree just to spark discussion just like Jesse “The Governing Body” Ventura use to. He use to say some of worst crap just to piss people off and then they would really open up. My Hero…..
broncos14441, I added TIME OF POSSESSION to my post’s when I became fed up with The Broncos lack thereof. Did you know The Broncos only controlled the TIME OF POSSESSION 3 out of the 16 games? It’s really a differance in opinion and phylosophy of what The Broncos were doing on the field. I believe if you control the Ball, control the TIME OF POSSESSION, you control the game. When you KNOW you have an average D at best, why not control the TIME OF POSSESSION and help the Defense, instead of pass pass pass and thier right back on the field. IMHO The lacked control of thier games.
A. The Broncos did’nt run the ball on 1st down enough to control the LB’s and S’s.
B. If your 1st down is an incomplete pass your now behind and have’nt established you will even run. That also lead’s to 3&outs which The Broncos had way to many the past couple of years..
C. Then a young QB feels He must throw, it’s a bad cycle to get into.
Now I understand that the TIME OF POSSESSION is a slightly missleading stat but it’s really more of brining this to everyones attention that’s why the extra emphasis on TIME OF POSSESSION.
Mike Tomlin said something on the podium after The SB that struck me. I don’t have the exact words but it went something like, If they were going to score we wanted them to do it fast, throw the flashy scrores out the window we are here to play for 60min! once again not His exact words but it shows He was in CONTROL of that game. I could rant and rave on about TIME OF POSSESSION but I think I already have. TIME OF POSSESSION will make a bad D look average and a average D look good and a good D look Great and of course a Great D just looks Great.
broncos20 Thanks for the link.
Wow I really did go off the deep end, what is that 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ok make it 8
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Sorry U N O, the question was are you saying Hillis will play FB?
That’s a pretty picture Jack_Fan now what do you think that would cost?
Free Agent Quarterbacks:
Patrick Ramsey, UFA, Denver Broncos
Charlie Batch, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kyle Boller, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Matt Cassel, UFA, New England Patriots
Rex Grossman, UFA, Chicago Bears
Byron Leftwich, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
J.P. Losman, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Kyle Orton, UFA, Chicago Bears
Kurt Warner, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Jeff Garcia, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Charlie Frye UFA Seattle Seahawks
Brooks Bollinger UFA Dallas Cowboys
Chris Simms UFA Tennessee Titans
J.T. O’Sullivan UFA San Francisco 49ers
Matt Gutierrez UFA New England Patriots
Gibran Hamdan UFA Buffalo Bills
Luke McCown UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brock Berlin RFA St Louis Rams
Shane Boyd RFA Houston Texans
Since I think Patrick Ramsey is over paid, over 3 mill cap hit, who would you choose as your back up QB?
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Defensive Line:
Jonathan Babineaux, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Bertrand Berry, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Kevin Carter, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Shaun Cody, UFA, Detroit Lions
Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Tank Johnson, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Julius Peppers, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
John Thornton, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Marcus Tubbs, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Victor Adeyanju RFA St Louis Rams
La’Roi Glover UFA St Louis Rams
Jerome McDougle UFA New York Giants
and here are some D Linemen…
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
I also read some where, I don’t remember were That Matt Lienart might want out of AZ if they sign Kurt Warner to a new deal, not that Matt want’s to be a back up. Just thinking ….
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
WOW, you got some excellent points and ideas and all that good stuff monodono but goodness, you need more than just the “quicker picker upper” you need like a water vaccum or something… drool vaccum!! Man, you’re all over the place on this thing… entertaining, I love it!!!
I would pick Warner as a back up QB but there’s no way in the world that’ll happen after the season he just had. Plus, he’s one of the classiest guys in the league… I respect him ALOT!! If I had to pick another one off that monster of a list up there, I’m not too thrilled with any of the others. They’re either not good enough in my eyes which explains why their backups right now – minus Cassel and Warner. Cassel technically is but Brady might’ve just lost his starting spot… who knows!! And then half those people I’ve never even heard of which also explains why their backups right now… their unknowns to alot of people and then their backups to someone who’s got some years under their belt.
And the defensive linemen… anyone on that list that I would pick I just envision them costing us an arm & a leg just to get him to play for us and of course they’ll want a starting job… who wouldn’t?!?! But Peppers and Haynesworth would be awesome for our D. I hate the Cowboys so I won’t even bother rolling the idea around of Tank plus he’s got issues!!!
This will be an interesting, VERY VERY VERY interesting offseason and draft. Making me nervous!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
pittman was back up FB on both the bronco and Bucs and knowing that he can run we’d have him available in every Power I scheme and more. its not a joke he has played the possition several times. and if u hear him he says i wanna help the team in any way possible meaning hed be a OT if it helps lol dont doubt him
HA! I don’t doubt Him I just dont want to be the one to tell him to play FB.
[...] Rice Takes » Blog Archive » The Dust Settles [...]
Jack Fan….I have to ask you to look into something called the “salary cap”. The Broncos could never, nor could any NFL team, sign all those FA’s and stay under the cap….signing only Haynesworth and Suggs would put many teams over the cap.