Mini Camp Notebook: Coyer's New Perspective

[SoCalBronco]

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

Mini-Camp Notebook: Coyer's New Perspective
By Andrew Mason
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Whether he was a defensive coordinator or simply a position coach, every one of Larry Coyer's practice sessions in his first five years with the Broncos saw him devote the first portion of the day's work solely to the linebackers.

When Coyer was promoted from linebackers coach to coordinator in 2003, the Broncos did not hire a position coach to take his place. The 'backers remained his domain, as he directed Al Wilson to a Pro Bowl season in 2003 and groomed D.J. Williams to the team lead in tackles as a rookie last fall.

But that changed this offseason. Kirk Doll shifted to linebackers coach, turning Coyer's role into one of overseer, hopping from station to station to watch and encourage every line of his defense.

"It's a change, but I get a better feel for how all of our coaches work," Coyer said. "We have a great coaching staff. I get a chance to work with them, watch them work and move from position to position. Anything I want to emphasize in particular, I can go over there and do it. It's just a joy for me to be able to move around and watch the guys operate and coach."

The change was hardly a result of underperformance; the Broncos' defense has been a mainstay near the head of the NFL class in terms of total yardage since Coyer assumed the reins. Yet he believed that the linebackers would be better served by a full-time mentor, rather than someone doing double duty.

[SoCalBronco]

I think the time was right for the new approach," Coyer said. "There were times a year ago when I felt like I might have cheated the linebackers a little bit trying to do both jobs. You cheat them just a little bit. I just thought it was time, and Coach (Shanahan) was great about the deal. Doll is a great communicator. That's not going to do anything but help us there."

But old patterns can't truly be broken.

"Every once in a while, I'll sneak back into the linebackers by habit," Coyer said, "but really it just gives me an opportunity to watch, observe and see guys practice and be able to correlate how they play."

ANOTHER ARRIVAL: Courtney Brown and Ebenezer Ekuban weren't practicing at top speed during the May and June organized team activities, but they could at least hang around the Broncos' facility and watch their teammates go through the paces while taking mental repetitions of their own.

Safety Brandon Browner couldn't even do that.

The undrafted rookie free agent not only has to deal with a position transfer from cornerback to safety, but also must handle the fact that he couldn't participate in any practices until Wednesday, thanks to Oregon State's academic calendar. OSU was still in its spring term when the Broncos conducted team and quarterback camps, meaning Browner could not participate in the sessions.

Safety John Lynch knew better than most about what Browner had to endure.

"It's a tough rule. I remember I had that same thing with Stanford (in 1993) and I couldn't come in and it hurts those guys," Lynch said. "In the long run, he can catch up. He'll have to make his mark the next three days and in training camp and there's plenty of time to do it there. It's not an ideal situation, but it's the rules."

But when Browner got to work, he immediately impressed the 13-year veteran -- thanks in part to the fact that his 6-foot-4 frame evokes comparisons with a Broncos starter.

"Lenny Walls Jr.," Lynch said, smiling. "They look a lot alike. He seemed to pick up on the stuff pretty quick for a guy that hasn't been out here with us the past three or four weeks."

[SoCalBronco]

SAUERBRUN DEBUT: With all details on Todd Sauerbrun contract finalized -- they'd been done for "a while," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said -- the Pro Bowl punter stepped onto the Broncos' practice field Wednesday for the first time since the May trade that brought him to Denver from the Carolina Panthers.

"He had a chance to punt in special teams and he was very impressive. You can see why he's had the success that he's had," Shanahan said. "He has a lot of talent and hopefully he plays well for us."

The discipline and off-the-field issues of Sauerbrun's past did not give Shanahan reason for pause.

"You know, people told us not to bring in Alfred Williams and he did a pretty good job for us," Shanahan said. "Keith Traylor, Darrien Gordon (are other) guys that have stepped up. Obviously, I know what people have done in the past. We have checked into it, and hopefully he'll be a team player and he'll live up to the standards we have set here in Denver. If not, then he won't be with us.

"Some guys step up and do what needs to be done, and other guys don't. If they don't they won't be with us. If they do, then he's got a chance to have a great career here because we know what kind of talent he has."

That talent is one that Shanahan believes can be a difference-maker that the Broncos have lacked on special teams.

"Well, it can be the difference between winning and losing," Shanahan said. "It's one the reasons why we have been average on special teams the last couple of years. We have done some good things on offense and defense, but it takes all three phases to get to the Super Bowl and do things that you are proud of. It's an area that we have addressed in the offseason and hopefully we have made some strides."

THE NEW SCHEDULE: Count defensive tackle Gerard Warren among those who approves of the Broncos' revised offseason schedule.

The three-day mini-camp, which used to take place on the second weekend of May, was moved to July for this offseason as the Broncos overhauled their offseason schedule.

"It's something to send you home with something on your mind," Warren said. "A lot of my friends have been home since mid-June, and they're bored to death; they don't know what to do with themselves."

To Warren, the break that follows mini-camp helps, as well.

"I tell (my friends) I get 13 days off," he said.

But not until after this week.

"I've talked to guys who play for other teams and they can't believe we still have a mini-camp," safetyNick Ferguson said. "I believe it actually helps us going into training camp at the end of the month. Guys will be more focused with the jobs at hand. Actually it may prove beneficial in the long run."

Yet to others, the practice changes were barely worthy of a shrug.

"It doesn't really matter to me," wide receiver Darius Watts said.

NUMBERS GAME: Tight end Nate Jackson donned 89 for the first time; he'd worn 14 while at wide receiver but made the change after switching positions ... Wide receiver Todd Devoe slid into the vacated 14.

[ludo21]

wow i love lynchs words, lenny walls jr. (referrring to Brandon Browner)

Nice article, thanks socal

[ØrangeÇrush]

Isn't it sad? We've already heard more about Browner in one day of minicamps than from Karl Paymah during the whole offseason. When push comes to shove, I know who isn't going to be on the roster.

[SoCalBronco]

Isn't it sad? We've already heard more about Browner in one day of minicamps than from Karl Paymah during the whole offseason. When push comes to shove, I know who isn't going to be on the roster.

I dunno about that Crush. Mediator is reporting that the staff likes Paymah's man press-coverage ability so far.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I dunno about that Crush. Mediator is reporting that the staff likes Paymah's man press-coverage ability so far.

I guess I'm just commenting on the lack of press coverage on the man so far. I guess between the DL and DB situation there are an ass-ton of bodies and very few clear cut starters. The Dline is further muddled by all the injured players returning. The two most competitive spots going into training camp imho.

[bpc]

Its too early to say anything about the rookies. I like the emphasis we are putting on defense though. I really want to see what D Williams brings to the table. I think he is going to be a key to the secondary for us.

[wabbit]

It's really hard to separate the rookies during the action, partly because they are often turned sideways or otherwise obscured & you can't see the number until the play is finished...and, the damned numbers are...once again...wrong for some players.

Both DJ Williams & Patrick Chukwurah were wearing #55, for example...there were more duplicate #'s, but I can't remember them all at the moment.

For what it's worth, Larry Coyer does look energized. He clapped his hands & stamped his feet a couple of times when Brown, Pryce, warren & Ellis stampeded around...what a combo if they can stay healthy...holy cow.

[Cito Pelon]

It's really hard to separate the rookies during the action, partly because they are often turned sideways or otherwise obscured & you can't see the number until the play is finished...and, the damned numbers are...once again...wrong for some players.

Both DJ Williams & Patrick Chukwurah were wearing #55, for example...there were more duplicate #'s, but I can't remember them all at the moment.

For what it's worth, Larry Coyer does look energized. He clapped his hands & stamped his feet a couple of times when Brown, Pryce, warren & Ellis stampeded around...what a combo if they can stay healthy...holy cow.

Gold is the "brown-eyed handsome man" I guess. He gets roses strewn as he walks to the locker room. I'm curious to see if Chukwurah will be given even a chance to beat him out. I thought last year Chukwurah did everything Gold ever did.

[Mediator12]

I guess I'm just commenting on the lack of press coverage on the man so far. I guess between the DL and DB situation there are an ass-ton of bodies and very few clear cut starters. The Dline is further muddled by all the injured players returning. The two most competitive spots going into training camp imho.

This stuff energizes Coyer. Period. It makes Veterans and underachievers WORK in the off season and Camp. The incumbents do not get a free pass. This includes everyone on the whole "D" including Bailey and Lynch. The best part of that is they are both hard workers and relish the competition.

This is a good thing fellas. Camp is not just to get ready for the season but a competitive mental environment. It sharpens the discipline and improves the overall confidence mentally. Let the Games Begin!

[anthonypacino]

The rookies biggest impact will come on special teams anyway, THAT will make the D 10 times better than last year. Field postion is so important, with Browner's size it would make him great in the 40-Nickel D, almost like a 4-4 but he is kinda like a rover a DB/LB.

[Rohirrim]

He clapped his hands & stamped his feet a couple of times when Brown, Pryce, warren & Ellis stampeded around...what a combo if they can stay healthy...holy cow.

I'll tell you, there is nothing that would put a bigger smile on my face than to see a Denver Dline that not only put up the sacks, but was able to intimidate. I hate to say it, but if that can happen this season it would be better than sex.

[Broncoman13]

Ro needs to find himself a better woman!!!

[broncosteven]

Ro needs to find himself a better woman!!!

Or switch hands lol

[Atlas]

I'll tell you, there is nothing that would put a bigger smile on my face than to see a Denver Dline that not only put up the sacks, but was able to intimidate. I hate to say it, but if that can happen this season it would be better than sex.


Hell, every Bronco season is better than sex.

[Rohirrim]

Well it lasts longer, anyway. ;D

[epicSocialism4tw]

That D line is the key to the season. If they are effective at pressuring the QB, this defense can potentially be the most intimidating in the NFL. There is still a coverage problem at FS, but if the QB is on his heels, he's not making the safeties backpedal anyhow.

[Atlas]

That D line is the key to the season. If they are effective at pressuring the QB, this defense can potentially be the most intimidating in the NFL. There is still a coverage problem at FS, but if the QB is on his heels, he's not making the safeties backpedal anyhow.

Fergussen is no worse then Kenedy at covering. The weekness right now is the nickle and dime package.

The Colts come out in a 5 WR set does anyone here actually think Denver will be able to stop them??? That is why I would be all in favor of signing Bobby Taylor or Law on a 1 year deal.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Fergussen is no worse then Kenedy at covering. The weekness right now is the nickle and dime package.

The Colts come out in a 5 WR set does anyone here actually think Denver will be able to stop them??? That is why I would be all in favor of signing Bobby Taylor or Law on a 1 year deal.

Ferguson may not be worse than Kennedy, but Kennedy was poor in support of the CB's. The CB is not the only one involved in deep coverage. Denver's deep coverage was very vulnerable last season.

[Rohirrim]

Ferguson may not be worse than Kennedy, but Kennedy was poor in support of the CB's. The CB is not the only one involved in deep coverage. Denver's deep coverage was very vulnerable last season.

The only thing that stops the deep out is a pass rush. It's so simple. Deep passes take time. Take away the time = take away the deep pass.

[epicSocialism4tw]

The only thing that stops the deep out is a pass rush. It's so simple. Deep passes take time. Take away the time = take away the deep pass.


In an earlier post I said the same thing. If the QB has to check down a second after the snap because Trevor is imploding the pass coverage, all Champ has to do is read the QB and we have either a turnover or a 1-3 yd play. With our speed at LB, the likely hood of some serious problems for the other offense becomes greater due to their chances of being in the right spot. The QB would essentially be playing into the defenses hands with some continuous pressure up front.

[Broncoman13]

Mason needs to turn off the tube and write a story already!!! What time did these reports come out yesterday anyhow.


Guess I can just look at the first post on this thread.... SoCal most likely had it on here with 13 seconds of it's posting on the Broncos OWS.

[SoCalBronco]

Mason needs to turn off the tube and write a story already!!! What time did these reports come out yesterday anyhow.


Guess I can just look at the first post on this thread.... SoCal most likely had it on here with 13 seconds of it's posting on the Broncos OWS.

Yeah i am getting pissed off, its 5 PM Denver time and they havent updated the site yet for Day 2 of camp. I was looking forward to reading the new stuff and hearing the new interviews when I got home and its still the same crap from yesterday. We need new material already.

[DBroncos4life]

Yeah i am getting pissed off, its 5 PM Denver time and they havent updated the site yet for Day 2 of camp. I was looking forward to reading the new stuff and hearing the new interviews when I got home and its still the same crap from yesterday. We need new material already.



I too was waiting for new stuff. :'(

[SoCalBronco]

Our prayers have been answered, new stuff is up!