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Posts Tagged ‘Champ Bailey’

By the Numbers: 24

February 28th, 2011 - 12:37pm by jim_saccomanoOther posts by

I thought it might be fun to have a series of blogs (and, since it’s my blog, whatever I think might be fun seems pretty likely to find its way into print) on Broncos by the numbers.

The team has just completed 50 years of play, a milestone in any franchise history, and over that time a lot of players have made contributions, large and small, to what the Broncos are. It’s like family members, some more accomplished than others but when you are in a family, you are in for keeps. So too for the Broncos. Once a Broncos, always a Bronco.

Those players have worn a lot of numbers over the years, and we are going to take a look, over time, at various uniform numbers.

The recent signing of Champ Bailey to a new four-year contract prompted the thought that in Denver Broncos history, the number “24” is all about cornerbacks, and all about the Hall of Fame.

Thirteen players have worn number 24 in the 51 years of Broncos history, nine defensive backs and four running backs.

Otis Armstrong led the NFL in rushing twice and went to the Pro Bowl as the Broncos’ leading rusher, but really, “24” is all about Champ Bailey, and before him, Willie Brown.

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Elway on Bailey

February 17th, 2011 - 10:15am by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

John Elway just sent out a number of tweets regarding contract negotiations with Champ Bailey, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. For those of you who don’t have Twitter, we figured we’d share them here.

“We’ve been working with Champ Bailey’s representative this week on a new contract, which is an important priority for us,” Elway wrote. “Our conversations have been constructive, and we’ll continue those talks in the hopes that we can reach an agreement. Champ’s an elite player who means a great deal to our entire organization and our fans. We want Champ to finish his Hall of Fame career as a Denver Bronco.”

Bailey Headed to Hawaii

January 27th, 2011 - 2:59pm by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

Champ Bailey

The Broncos added another Pro Bowler on Thursday.

Champ Bailey is headed to Honolulu to replace Nnamdi Asomugha at cornerback on the AFC roster. Bailey’s 10th trip to the Pro Bowl marks the most in league history by a cornerback.

He joins fellow Bronco Brandon Lloyd on the squad, marking the 22nd consecutive year the Broncos have had multiple Pro Bowlers.

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What They’re Saying

January 5th, 2011 - 10:10am by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

With the news that John Elway will join the Broncos front office as executive vice president of football operations, we thought we’d compile some recent quotes on the move. All of the quotes came before Elway officially assumed his new position.

Champ Bailey:
“Obviously he doesn’t have a track record of being involved, but for what he means to Denver, great move. I think his presence will definitely rub off on a lot of people, and this program definitely benefits from that. I’ve looked up to him since I’ve been here. He’s the man, he’s always going to be the man. I hope he can do some good things for us.”

“He’s effective. His voice, his presence, that’s all you need — somebody to be positively effective in this locker room. If you can find anybody like that, John Elway might be the guy.”

“I think when you talk about (John) Elway and then (Broncos Owner and CEO) Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and (Team President) Mr. (Joe) Ellis and those guys upstairs — they are going to do what is right. … I think with Mr. Bowlen, Mr. Ellis and Elway running this team, everything will be fine.”

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Learning Curve

December 30th, 2010 - 2:54pm by Eric DetweilerOther posts by

As Tim Tebow continues to grow from his first few games as an NFL starting quarterback, Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy said he’s learning right along with the rookie.

McCoy, who assumed playcalling duties three games ago, said he and the offensive staff have appreciated the chance to pick up added responsibility down the stretch this season.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn because there’s something that comes up every week,” McCoy said. “You’re never going to call a perfect game. There’s always going to be something that you want to call, or you want back that you called, and you learn from it.”

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Fundamentally Sound

December 14th, 2010 - 2:15pm by Gray CaldwellOther posts by

On Tuesday, the NFL Players Association and USA Football announced the All-Fundamentals Team.

Champ Bailey was named to the roster, earning a trophy and an equipment grant to give to any youth or high school football program he chooses.

Ryan Clady earned the honor last season.

The roster is chosen based on two criteria: fundamentally sound play and consistent display of good character. Those selected are role models that young football players should watch and say, “I want to play like him.”

The fundamental Bailey is noted for on the roster is “playing the ball.”

This season, Bailey has accumulated 43 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups. In the past two games, he has held Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe without a catch and kept Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald out of the end zone while breaking up two passes intended for him and drawing an offensive holding penalty against the receiver.

The nine-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL All-Decade team for the 2000s is currently tied for sixth all-time among Broncos players with 30 interceptions with the club. His 48 career interceptions are tops among cornerbacks and third among all players in the NFL since his rookie season in 1999.

-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com

A Challenging Encore

December 9th, 2010 - 4:03pm by Eric DetweilerOther posts by

In Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, Champ Bailey held Dwayne Bowe — the league’s hottest receiver after scoring in seven straight games coming in — without a single catch. Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale called it “one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”

Bailey’s reward for the effort? The nine-time Pro Bowler gets a Week 14 matchup with Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald — a four-time Pro Bowler who is one catch away from being the team’s all-time receptions leader.

“It is more of a challenge this week,” Bailey said. “He is more of a polished receiver. He is more experienced. So, my hands will be a little full this week.”

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Respecting Rivers

November 18th, 2010 - 4:58pm by Gabe HiattOther posts by

Philip Rivers has cornered the market on just about every significant statistic but one this season.

The Chargers quarterback leads the league with 2,944 passing yards, is tied for the first with 19 touchdown passes and stands in fifth place with a 65.3 percent completion rate.

Still, he hasn’t been able to lead his team to more than four wins in nine games, placing San Diego just one game ahead of Denver in the AFC West standings.

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Bakke: Priceless Moments

October 27th, 2010 - 3:41pm by Gabe HiattOther posts by

Over the years I have photographed many losses. Some losses were close, leaving you with that heartbreak feeling you might have experienced in junior high.

Others maybe not so close, leaving you with a sense of bewilderment.

I struggle sometimes in those types of games trying to capture the moment, or a key play or even better a bright spot in a rather difficult environment.

Fortunately for me, last weekend’s best images came before kickoff.

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A Talented Twosome

October 26th, 2010 - 4:18pm by Gabe HiattOther posts by

Mario Haggan doesn’t care how many wins and losses litter San Francisco’s schedule. The 49ers are 1-6 coming into the game this weekend, but five of those games were decided by seven points or less.

“The record doesn’t say what this team is,” Haggan said. “They have a great defense. Some things have been a little inconsistent, but they have a lot of explosive players.”

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