RMN piece on House and Coach Slowik

[SoCalBronco]

Carswell hopes to not get lost in latest shuffle
Veteran tight end works out at guard after trial at tackle

By Lee Rasizer and Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News
July 8, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - Dwayne Carswell is on the move again.

After another brief trial at offensive tackle - and 11 years as a tight end - Carswell, one of the Denver Broncos' longest-tenured players, is taking snaps this week at right guard behind projected starter Cooper Carlisle.


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The coaching staff had discussed a possible switch before P.J. Alexander's season-ending left knee injury in late May firmed up those plans.

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak called playing guard "a big- time mental task" because of the communication necessary with the center and various combination blocks used in the interior line.

"Putting him in there right away hopefully will help him," Kubiak said.

Carswell was shifted to left tackle during the 2004 off-season and stayed there throughout training camp. But once the season began, he was back to tight end. He ended up starting 14 games and catching 22 passes for 198 yards and one touchdown.

[SoCalBronco]

Carswell had been expected to mainly man the tackle spot, but that was before Alexander's injury. Alexander was injured riding a four- wheel all-terrain vehicle when he planted his left leg awkwardly, necessitating surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee.

Carlisle has been with the first team since Dan Neil's season-ending left knee and hernia injuries last season and his subsequent release.

But Carlisle has started only six career games in five seasons, including four last season, and does not have the job security of the other four starters on the line.

The Broncos also have Tyson Clabo, who played in NFL Europe in the spring for Hamburg, as a reserve at right guard.

Carswell still could play some tackle during training camp, too.

"They're trying me out a little bit of everywhere," Carswell said. "Everything will work out the way it'll work out. It's unfortunate P.J. got hurt and I'm in the mix now to back up or do whatever I can do to help the team out."

OLD SCHOOL: Some teams shied away from signing thirtysomething players in free agency this off-season, but the Broncos were not among them.

Denver has 18 players on its roster who are at least 30 and only six - Carswell, kicker Jason Elam, running back Mike Anderson, center Tom Nalen, tackle Matt Lepsis and receiver Rod Smith - are homegrown.

But cornerback Champ Bailey, a seventh-year veteran who was the marquee acquisition before the 2004 season, believes the approach has merit.

"One thing I realized as a young guy is I used to watch the older guys and I think coaches realize that more now these days," Bailey said. "These older guys, you can learn so much from them. I mean Jerry Rice, these guys are going to learn so much from him. That's just going to better you in your career. . . .

" As a young guy, if you don't ask questions, you will never know. I think older guys are going to get on you more, they're going to make you push yourself, which is what you need. You don't always need a coach in your face, you need some teammates to kind of jump on your back, too."

[SoCalBronco]

TOGETHER AGAIN: Secondary coach Bob Slowik is in his second go-round on a coaching staff with Mike Shanahan.

The first time came in the early 1980s, when both were on Charlie Pell's staff at the University of Florida, Shanahan as offensive coordinator, Slowik as a defensive assistant.

"It seems like it was a long time ago when we worked together at the University of Florida - '82 would have been the last year, so you're talking over 20 years ago - but we've stayed close, particularly family-wise," Slowik said. "But I think me being here has nothing to do with us knowing each other from a social standpoint as much as I'm here for a professional reason and I'm sure he's hired me for professional reasons."

Slowik was the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator in 2004 but was demoted by coach Mike Sherman when he hired Jim Bates as defensive coordinator earlier this year.

Slowik said he spent most of the off-season, including Super Bowl Sunday, reviewing the Broncos' game and practice video from last season to try to evaluate the team's defensive backs as well as create a depth chart at the position heading toward training camp.

During minicamp this week, Slowik has lined up Bailey and Lenny Walls at cornerback to go with John Lynch and Nick Ferguson at safety in the starting defense.

Shanahan had an opening for a secondary coach because he fired David Gibbs during the team's bye week last season. Jimmy Spencer and defensive assistant Kirk Doll coached the defensive backs the remainder of the season.

Doll now is the team's linebackers coach; Spencer will assist Slowik.

ETC.: Defensive end/tackle Trevor Pryce was excused because of personal reasons . . . Receiver B.J. Johnson, on injured reserve last season because of a right ankle injury, hurt a hamstring and was kept out of most of the workout . . . The Broncos signed punter/kicker Paul Ernster, whom they took in the seventh round of the April draft. Terms were not disclosed. Ernster was a first-team Division I-AA All-America punter for Northern Arizona.

[fontaine]

I don't trust Slowik. I think he's a merc who's looking to carve out some quick publicity to bag another D-Coordinator job. I dunno how much of his coaching will be team oriented or more to make his secondary and himself look good.

Having different position coaches every couple of years isn't gonna help some of the youngsters at DB develop any quicker. At this stage I'm not too optimistic about our secondary. Champ will be Champ, but there's absolutely no guarantee anyone else will have a clue about coverage.

Our pass rush better show up this year.

[-Slap-]

I don't trust Slowik. I think he's a merc who's looking to carve out some quick publicity to bag another D-Coordinator job. I dunno how much of his coaching will be team oriented or more to make his secondary and himself look good.

Having different position coaches every couple of years isn't gonna help some of the youngsters at DB develop any quicker. At this stage I'm not too optimistic about our secondary. Champ will be Champ, but there's absolutely no guarantee anyone else will have a clue about coverage.

Our pass rush better show up this year.

I don't trust Slowik because each time they've expanded the scope of his authority from assistant to coordinator, he's failed miserably.

[i4jelway7]

I don't trust Slowik. I think he's a merc who's looking to carve out some quick publicity to bag another D-Coordinator job. I dunno how much of his coaching will be team oriented or more to make his secondary and himself look good.

Having different position coaches every couple of years isn't gonna help some of the youngsters at DB develop any quicker. At this stage I'm not too optimistic about our secondary. Champ will be Champ, but there's absolutely no guarantee anyone else will have a clue about coverage.

Our pass rush better show up this year.


couldn't of said it better myself and for that I see another 10-6 season... I'm hoping not but that is my prediction

[Mediator12]

Well, Larry Coyer had enough crap handed to him from Gibbs last year that he handed the LB's over to Kirk Doll. He is going to oversee gameplans and playcalls without any encumbrances this year. Slowik is a good coach and good teacher. Problem with him has always been his lack of coordinating skills. Lucky for Denver, Coyer is the DC and NOT Slowik!

I think Slowik has already given the secondary a needed infusion of change from the Gibbs Era. Jimmy Spencer did not have enough experience to handle the Job handed to him last year and Kirk Doll was doing three jobs after Gibbs was fired. At Worst, the secondary will remain dormant in INT's. At Best, they may learn how to cover deep in Zones.

The Big problem is that Coyer may not like Slowik breathing over his back after this year. The "Professional reasons only for hiring" crap is a typical Shanahan smoke screen. If Coyer has another Top 5 Defense this year, he will no longer be flying under the Radar as a DC. Guys who have failed to produce a Top 5 defense the last two years Still get all the national love from the Media Scribes. Yes, that includes Romeo Crennel, Jim Johnson, Jim Bates, Wade Phillips. Only Monte Kiffin and Jerry Gray were in the Top 5 with Coyer for the last two years. Do not be surprised if Coyer gets some offers to move if Shanahan does not redo his contract.

BTW, why the hell is Jerry Gray under the radar as a DC? Buffalo's defense may struggle this year losing some good talent to FA, but his defenses have been spectacular the last two years. Is it because Ray Lewis does not play for him? This guy has quietly been the most consistent DC the last two years and I bet over half of you did not know which team he coached before I told you!

[bloodsunday]

Well, Larry Coyer had enough crap handed to him from Gibbs last year that he handed the LB's over to Kirk Doll. He is going to oversee gameplans and playcalls without any encumbrances this year. Slowik is a good coach and good teacher. Problem with him has always been his lack of coordinating skills. Lucky for Denver, Coyer is the DC and NOT Slowik!

I think Slowik has already given the secondary a needed infusion of change from the Gibbs Era. Jimmy Spencer did not have enough experience to handle the Job handed to him last year and Kirk Doll was doing three jobs after Gibbs was fired. At Worst, the secondary will remain dormant in INT's. At Best, they may learn how to cover deep in Zones.

The Big problem is that Coyer may not like Slowik breathing over his back after this year. The "Professional reasons only for hiring" crap is a typical Shanahan smoke screen. If Coyer has another Top 5 Defense this year, he will no longer be flying under the Radar as a DC. Guys who have failed to produce a Top 5 defense the last two years Still get all the national love from the Media Scribes. Yes, that includes Romeo Crennel, Jim Johnson, Jim Bates, Wade Phillips. Only Monte Kiffin and Jerry Gray were in the Top 5 with Coyer for the last two years. Do not be surprised if Coyer gets some offers to move if Shanahan does not redo his contract.

BTW, why the hell is Jerry Gray under the radar as a DC? Buffalo's defense may struggle this year losing some good talent to FA, but his defenses have been spectacular the last two years. Is it because Ray Lewis does not play for him? This guy has quietly been the most consistent DC the last two years and I bet over half of you did not know which team he coached before I told you!

I think this is a double-standard we are creating. We went out and signed a bunch of short-term players this offseason to win now. So why not a coach as well? I think Slowick is a good secondary coach and has a history at guarding Randy Moss. So if Slowick, C Brown, and G Warren hit the road at the end of the season together, who cares? Management has sent a clear message that its about winning this year.

Mediator - you are right, I didn't know who Jerry Gray was until you told me. You are correct that he has a very good D -- they carried Buffalo the past few years. Maybe we should make a play for a guy like that? Coaches are not capped in the NFL and we have deeper pockets than Buffalo, so I am sure we could get him if we really wanted.

[Tredici]

~~~Slowik said he spent most of the off-season, including Super Bowl Sunday, reviewing the Broncos' game and practice video from last season to try to evaluate the team's defensive backs as well as create a depth chart at the position heading toward training camp.

During minicamp this week, Slowik has lined up Bailey and Lenny Walls at cornerback to go with John Lynch and Nick Ferguson at safety in the starting defense.~~~~


Wow. Bailey, Walls, Lynch and Ferguson. Who else would've thought of that? I see the brilliance in this hire already.

[Tredici]

The Big problem is that Coyer may not like Slowik breathing over his back after this year. The "Professional reasons only for hiring" crap is a typical Shanahan smoke screen. If Coyer has another Top 5 Defense this year, he will no longer be flying under the Radar as a DC. Guys who have failed to produce a Top 5 defense the last two years Still get all the national love from the Media Scribes. Yes, that includes Romeo Crennel, Jim Johnson, Jim Bates, Wade Phillips. Only Monte Kiffin and Jerry Gray were in the Top 5 with Coyer for the last two years. Do not be surprised if Coyer gets some offers to move if Shanahan does not redo his contract.

BTW, why the hell is Jerry Gray under the radar as a DC? Buffalo's defense may struggle this year losing some good talent to FA, but his defenses have been spectacular the last two years. Is it because Ray Lewis does not play for him? This guy has quietly been the most consistent DC the last two years and I bet over half of you did not know which team he coached before I told you!

Nobody would be surprised by Coyer pursuing other opportunities. After a long tenure in the NFL he was given a shot by Bowlen/Shanahan. You prove yourself, you get some name recognition, and doors get opened that had previously been closed. That's the way the world works.

As for Gray, I suspect he's still under the radar because there are a bunch of guys on that defense with 3-5 years experience making them part of the Phillips era. Wade has earned his respect as a DC and a couple more years removed from the influence he had in Buffalo, people will start to appreciate Gray. Unfortunately, that's the way the world works, too.

[illbroncsfn]

With House Carswell seeing time at RG- I don't see him making the final roster, unless a position switch back to TE occurrs again...

[bendog]

At least slowick didn't move house to guard. (-:

I dunno. Carlisle and Hamilton backed up by Clabo. Who else do they have? zack wilson, tim stuber, chris myers, reese hicks. Cameron Spikes is the only guy with much expericence, and off the top of my head, I've got no idea who or he is or whether he's got any game.

With signing Clement and already having Cornell Green, Guard may be House's last chance, and God knows he's had enough of them, though the one last year where he dumbed the chick out of his care, he at least didn't hit her first, which is a small sign of better decision making.

[fontaine]

I think Slowik has already given the secondary a needed infusion of change from the Gibbs Era. Jimmy Spencer did not have enough experience to handle the Job handed to him last year and Kirk Doll was doing three jobs after Gibbs was fired. At Worst, the secondary will remain dormant in INT's. At Best, they may learn how to cover deep in Zones.


I doubt it. The safety needs to know how to read the QBs eyes, read the offense and study gamefilm, study gamefilm, study gamefilm and yes study more gamefilm.

Lynch, while he has got the experience and know how on how to read the offenses and fool the QB into believing he's crawling up to run support, simply doesn't have the footspeed or acceleration to make up the ground on the deep zone passes but his redeeming quality is that he's rock solid in run support and should be moved to SS.

Kennedy was atrocious at this. He was such a blatant reaction safety that a blind chimp could have done a better job reading plays and anticipating deep passes. How a safety with that much experience and pedigree could get so pumpfaked repeatedly is beyond me but he's detroits problem now.

I'm afraid you either have it or you don't when it comes to being a "new age" safety nowadays. And none of our safeties has "it" in the FS department (don't know about Leseur/Browner). This is why Lynch gets mispositioned as a FS because he at least knows what he's doing (but doesn't have the feet to do it any more) rather than running around like a headless chicken (i.e. Brandon, Kennedy).

I don't expect even a marginal improvement from our safeties in coverage. None whatsoever. You can't improve on what's not there to begin with.

[bendog]

I dunno. I sort of like Ferguson at FS. I agree on Kennedy though.

[Dudeskey]

I don't trust Slowik. I think he's a merc who's looking to carve out some quick publicity to bag another D-Coordinator job.

So true, and he liked blitzing a little too much.

[Merlin]

JG has yet to truly prove himself. In his first couple of years his defences stunk even though he was inheriting a good D from Phillips and the HC was Gregg Williams. The D finally turned around after they hired a consultant to assist JG. Last year was JG first year in total control of a D, and he did a great job, but he will have to maintain it for a couple of more years and prove that he can deliver in the crunch before getting credit. BTW, his D was shredded by Pitts third string offence in the final game of the season, even though Buff was playing for a playoff spot.

Merlin

[fontaine]

So true, and he liked blitzing a little too much.

If you live by the sword, you die by the sword. GreenBay's DL stunk at getting pressure on the QB. K Biamilla was there only true pass rush threat and he didn't get a sack in nine games last season so, I guess he felt obliged to get it done by hook or by crook.

This is why I so badly wanted to get Lance Schulters in here. He's a true FS that isn't a liability in coverage and excelled at the type of man/press coverage that Denver like to run. In the Titans prime they would match up both their CBs one on one with the safeties asked to hold the responsibility on whether to cheat up to the line of scrimmage or help out in coverage by reading/analyzing offensive sets and formations and Schulters did it well. That way we can put Lynch back at SS.

[bendog]

GB's secondary was dead the minute McKenzie held out. They had no man corners and not much pass rush, as fontaine said. I have an open mind, but slap's right, he certianly appears to be a guy who's found his level of competence. But that could be ok. If den's getting some pressure, either walls or champ can play man. Ferguson can back deep. They don't have to get too fancy if they're fundamentally sound by doing what the scheme requires.

[fontaine]

I dunno. I sort of like Ferguson at FS. I agree on Kennedy though.

Hm. . I would like to see Ferguson win the FS gig but time will tell all if Lynch stays at FS and Ferguson moves to SS. That will tell us all we know about how confident they are in Ferguson's coverage abilities.

I personally, thought Ferguson was doomed as a starting coverage guy when they chose to insert a raw undrafted free agent rookie in Alexander to cover a huge WR in Reggie Wayne rather than give Fergy a chance who could at least tackle/and jam better at the line of scrimmage.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Wow. Bailey, Walls, Lynch and Ferguson. Who else would've thought of that? I see the brilliance in this hire already.

I would have gone with Bailey, Middlebrooks, LaSeuer and Brandon but apparently there was something on the game tapes that no one else could see to come up with his lineup.

[Jason in LA]

How about signing Dan Neil to play RG? I think he knows the system and will fit right in.

[-Slap-]

The Big problem is that Coyer may not like Slowik breathing over his back after this year. The "Professional reasons only for hiring" crap is a typical Shanahan smoke screen.

This is what I said the second we hired Slowik. Shanahan has already considered him for the DC job twice in the past and Mike rarely changes his mind about anything.

[Tredici]

I would have gone with Bailey, Middlebrooks, LaSeuer and Brandon but apparently there was something on the game tapes that no one else could see to come up with his lineup.

Hard to tell who is being sarcastic between the two of us.

:undecided

[fontaine]

This is what I said the second we hired Slowik. Shanahan has already considered him for the DC job twice in the past and Mike rarely changes his mind about anything.

Yeah but that doesn't mean Coyer's gone soon. Shanny might want a test drive first, then maybe let Slowik wander around a bit in the NFL until he's a bit more seasoned before finally bringing him at DC.