An article I didn't expect

[Atlas]

Does Shanny have a little lack of faith in Jake??


Shanahan remains unsure about quarterback, season (7/29/05)



MILO F. BRYANT Gazette Sports columnist

ENGLEWOOD - Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said it best Thursday, when he spoke with concern about the upcoming season and simultaneously encapsulated last season.

"If you looked at our turnover margin last season, we should have won five games," Coyer said, explaining one of the team's glaring problems. "We were fortunate to win 10."

If the Broncos are as fortunate this season, coach Mike Shanahan will have pulled off the triumph of the decade. He would be the mastermind he's supposed to be.

Shanahan was reserved while talking about Super Bowl expectations. After all, it's been six seasons since the Broncos won a playoff game.

Shanahan didn't exactly convey excitement - no rah rah chants. He wasn't downtrodden either. His talk was nonchalant, almost dispassionate. That attitude might be a result of another tedious news conference. Or it could be a result of the uncertainty that he faces this season.

Let us start with the quarterback.

Don't be misled by Jake Plummer's strong numbers from last season. The Broncos quarterback threw for 4,089 yards and 27 touchdowns. But Plummer has been inconsistent since he left Arizona State in 1997. His biggest consistency has been senseless mistakes and poor decision-making. Remember the left-handed interception against Kansas City? How about the fade audible at San Diego that resulted in an interception?

Plummer tossed 20 interceptions last season. And few had faith in him during crucial stretches.

Alas, this is Plummer's team. And - don't let this scare you too much - the offense will have to rely on Plummer more this season than at any time during the past two seasons.

"I feel very good about Jake, especially coming into this year," Shanahan said. "He's got a good feel for the system, a good feel of the supporting cast. He doesn't have to think now. (He) can react.

"I think this will be the true year to evaluate Jake Plummer. I feel very good about what he's done in the offseason. He's had a lot of reps. I would be surprised if he doesn't have a heck of a year."

CONTINUED

[Atlas]

CONTINUED
Let me translate Shanahan's coach speak. Shanahan isn't hunky-dory about his quarterback. Shanahan is saying that Plummer has zero reasons to fail this season.

If, however, Plummer does fail, so does the Broncos' offense.

If I'm a defensive player, nobody on the Broncos offense scares me. To whom will Plummer hand off the ball? Secondyear running back Tatum Bell? Sure, Bell will start atop the summer camp depth chart at tailback. But there must be some concern about his ability. If not, Shanahan wouldn't have drafted Maurice Clarett and signed Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, an NFL bust to this point.

Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie have proven to be the Broncos' most potent and productive offensive players. But the NFL has evolved. Teams with two decent receivers are common. Good teams usually have at least three very good receivers and a couple of decent receivers coming off the bench.

And that begs the question: How far will this Jerry Rice experiment go? Rice still can play, but at what level? Rice wants a hero's ending. Odds are against his getting one. But Rice striving to get that glorious ending will be one of two things - a major distraction or a major help.

"Even though we have the basis of the same team, we still have to improve," Shanahan said. "I think we can do that in a lot of different areas. . . . If you're not improving in our division, the chances are you're not going to win it."

Getting the Cleveland Browns defensive line and its defensive line coach doesn't look like an improvement. The Browns finished 4-12 in 2004 and gave up more points (390) than all but three AFC teams.

The Broncos drafted three cornerbacks and still do not look better than the Oakland Raiders' trio of wide receivers. Jerry Porter roasted the Broncos last year, and he isn't even the best Raiders' receiver now.

Other than the linebackers and offensive line, Shanahan has an uncertainty at every position - something he has yet to face as the Broncos coach.

[Atlas]

Let me translate Shanahan's coach speak. Shanahan isn't hunky-dory about his quarterback. Shanahan is saying that Plummer has zero reasons to fail this season.

I agree. Shanny has done everything he can for the team to succeed. It's up to Plummer to get this offense in the endzone. This is his make or break year, especially with two first rounders next year if Jake disappoints Denver will take a QB. If he has a great year... well, hell if Jake has a great year he will be sporting a brand new Superbowl ring.

[Atlas]

Getting the Cleveland Browns defensive line and its defensive line coach doesn't look like an improvement. The Browns finished 4-12 in 2004 and gave up more points (390) than all but three AFC teams.

.

This is amazing to me. Both Brown and Warren were both very highly touted coming out. Every expert said both players were great selections. They went to a crappy team that wasn't only crappy but was in kaos. The firing of coaches and front office people the fact that players were getting arrested and injured. The team was in total disarray and I would venture to think a lot of players on those teams didn't play well. It just seems to me that maybe these writers might want to look at the prospect that maybe it was the organization that failed and not so much the players.

This offseason has been amazing to me. I just can't believe NO writers around the country can see what's going on here. Denver gave up NOTHING for these guys. They are very talented and they are motivated and they are with a winning organization that demads a lot of their players..... but yet no one sees this.

I think Warren is going to be huge this season. As far as Brown it's all about health BUT I think Denver wiill be very cautious with him and rotate him often.

I'm getting homer mode ready. It's going to be a great season.

I wonder what Woody is going to write.

[Daddy T]

They didn't really win 10. They were handed the last one by the Colts third string.

[orange crusher]

They didn't really win 10. They were handed the last one by the Colts third string.

Did chief planet close down?

[ZachKC]

Wow, so there is trouble with a team front office\coaching wise and it sucked all of the talent out of these players and made them suck?

And I thought there were some homers on Chiefs Planet.

[Taco John]

Wow, so there is trouble with a team front office\coaching wise and it sucked all of the talent out of these players and made them suck?

And I thought there were some homers on Chiefs Planet.



How is it that you guys got almost nothing out of Chester McGlockton, and yet there were folks here sad to see the big guy go? And Keith Traylor? How is it he could completely draw a blank in KC, yet come to Denver and turn into a force? How does that happen?

[crazyhorse]

How is it that you guys got almost nothing out of Chester McGlockton, and yet there were folks here sad to see the big guy go? And Keith Traylor? How is it he could completely draw a blank in KC, yet come to Denver and turn into a force? How does that happen?

McGlockton had some good seasons in KC. He was notorious for playing hard a couple years and then falling off. I wouldn't say he was as good for the Broncos as he was for the Chiefs. But that is just opinion. Traylor never did very well in KC.

[Atlas]

McGlockton had some good seasons in KC. He was notorious for playing hard a couple years and then falling off. I wouldn't say he was as good for the Broncos as he was for the Chiefs. But that is just opinion. Traylor never did very well in KC.

He was better for the Broncos in his two years there than he was with the Chefs his last season there. His last year in KC he really dropped off badly then he bounced back great for the Broncs.

[Tombstone RJ]

This article sums up many people's feelings about Plummer, including my own. He has no excuses not to succeed, and he must quit making stupid mistakes.

If he doesn't, say hello to Vince Young.

[gunns]

This article sums up many people's feelings about Plummer, including my own. He has no excuses not to succeed, and he must quit making stupid mistakes.

If he doesn't, say hello to Vince Young.

I agree also. And if Shanahan was truly saying Jake has no excuses this year my opinion of Shanahan rose back to where it should be. I'm tired of hearing about Jake's yards and TD's last year, his INT's and red zone play killed us in some games. The Browncos has not concerned me as much because I believe Shanahan did a great job in doing the most he could for the line. Overall I would love to see the Dline and Plummer make the media and fans of other teams eat and choke on their preseason words

[-Slap-]

This article sums up many people's feelings about Plummer, including my own. He has no excuses not to succeed, and he must quit making stupid mistakes.

If he doesn't, say hello to Vince Young.
Yep. Jake is a nice guy, but that doesn't feed the bulldog.

[TotallyScrewed]

This IS exactly what I expect to read from the Outsiders...

Shanny's last run...blah, blah, blah...Plummer sucks...blah, blah, blah...Browncos...ha, ha, blah...blah...

Well, we'll see. I think there are a lot, a huge difference, in the number of weapons on offense. I think that Lelie and Watts explode on to the scene and the Rod will hold up. I think that Putz and Jackson will be a great combination. Jake's biggest problem last year was a lack of experience/confidence in the players around him and because of this he forced plays and balls to a well covered Rod Smith. I don't think that will happen this year but like I said, we'll see.

I don't see the big concern for the ex-brown's. If you don't think they'll improve a crappy 2004 Denver rush then what's news?? I think they will vastly improve...new scene and better overall coaching, contract years, better players all around (linebackers especially) but including secondary, and offense which will give them some rest. Can that change things?

Denver will be better in all phases of the game. The rest of the league better work to keep pace. It could be too late, we'll see.

[Play2win]

This guy is a hack. He's putting words in Shanahan's mouth. His other comments won't even flush down the toilet. He makes Bill Williamson look like a Pulizier Prize Winner.

And Vince Young is not the Answer, either. He'll just exagerate the good and bad of Jake. His running ability is better than jake's, but his passing ability is worse. I don't even know if he makes it as a QB. He would probably be a Killer WR. I have yet to see Vince throw a Pro-Level pass, But I'll admit I've seen him a few times, but not a whole lot.

[Saulbadguy]

How is it that you guys got almost nothing out of Chester McGlockton, and yet there were folks here sad to see the big guy go? And Keith Traylor? How is it he could completely draw a blank in KC, yet come to Denver and turn into a force? How does that happen?
That happens quite a bit in the NFL. Change of scenery, scheme, etc.

[Saulbadguy]

This article sums up many people's feelings about Plummer, including my own. He has no excuses not to succeed, and he must quit making stupid mistakes.

If he doesn't, say hello to Vince Young.
Vince Young? :kiddingme

Good luck with that.

[Tredici]

"I think this will be the true year to evaluate Jake Plummer. I feel very good about what he's done in the offseason. He's had a lot of reps. I would be surprised if he doesn't have a heck of a year."

It's amazing. That doesn't need any "translation". He said what he said. No more. No less. I have no reason to trust anyone else telling me what coach speak means.

Let me translate Shanahan's coach speak. Shanahan isn't hunky-dory about his quarterback. Shanahan is saying that Plummer has zero reasons to fail this season.

When I hear Shanahan say that, then I'll decide that is what he means.

[dsmoot]

This article sums up many people's feelings about Plummer, including my own. He has no excuses not to succeed, and he must quit making stupid mistakes.

If he doesn't, say hello to Vince Young.


I am dating myself here. Does anyone remember the rep Craig Morton had when he came to Denver in 1977. Good QB. Great arm. He just seemed to make the wrong throw at the wrong time. Even when he was with the Cowboys. He was given one point of focus when he came to Denver -- don't turn the ball over!!!

A key to the Superbowl dance that year was that Morton was able to deliver. I think he had only 6 to 9 int's that year. He ate the ball when he had to and he certainly didn't have any mobility to speak of. When Plummer came to Denver with his reputation, I thought of the Morton situation and thought history could repeat itself and Plummer could finally mature. I thought Shanahan could help Plummer make the change with a better level of talent than Phoenix.

Last year was disappointing because it was Jake's second year and this situation is all about mental discipline. I still believe it can happen this year but I am certainly less optimistic and if we don't see a marked improvement, we probably never will. It might mean that Plummer can't mentally slow the game down enough in crucial situations to make good decisions. Shanahan may already believe this but he didn't have alot of options given the cap, the teams overall level of talent, the price one has to pay for a top QB and the need to field the most competitive team following six years without a playoff victory.

As others have stated, the best offseason move may have been the Washington trade that gave us that second first round pick next year. It certainly provides alot of options of moving up in the first round to get a specific player without having to give up an established player.

I will be rooting for Jake hoping to see this problem dissolve away. The victorys needed to have some home playoff games were easily within the grasp last year but they were left out on the field. If Denver is to advance beyond last two seasons, there has to be a favorable health situation and some home playoff games.

[Raiders Rock]

How is it that you guys got almost nothing out of Chester McGlockton, and yet there were folks here sad to see the big guy go? And Keith Traylor? How is it he could completely draw a blank in KC, yet come to Denver and turn into a force? How does that happen?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/greenchicken/ctacospin.gif

[bombquixote]

This guy is a hack. He's putting words in Shanahan's mouth. His other comments won't even flush down the toilet. He makes Bill Williamson look like a Pulizier Prize Winner.

no doubt...
"Let me translate Shanahan's coach speak. Shanahan isn't hunky-dory about his quarterback. Shanahan is saying that Plummer has zero reasons to fail this season."
huh? what i heard was shanahan expressing confidence in his qb. pot-stirring bitch.

[Crushaholic]

no doubt...
"Let me translate Shanahan's coach speak. Shanahan isn't hunky-dory about his quarterback. Shanahan is saying that Plummer has zero reasons to fail this season."
huh? what i heard was shanahan expressing confidence in his qb. pot-stirring b****.

You're right. Shanahan expressed confidence in Plummer. This writer is full of it. He said Shanahan wasn't "rah rah" about the season. Since when has Shanahan EVER been "rah rah"? He always displays a calm demeanor.

[Taco John]

I think this writer nailed it... I think he's exactly right. It's what I've been saying ever since Jake's contract was restructured.

[Tredici]

I think this writer nailed it... I think he's exactly right. It's what I've been saying ever since Jake's contract was restructured.

I wouldn't mind it if the WRITER took credit for the thought. If he had the balls to say, Here's what I think the situation is. Instead he does some Ms. Cleo/Rush Limbaugh (take your pick) imitation of "translating" something, that clearly needed no translation. Putting words in Shanahan's mouth is cheap speculation.

[Al Wilson]

With that terrible turnover ratio we still could've won 13 games last year. 1 point losses to Raider & Jags, and that ****ing game against SD.

[MileHighMania]

Plummer is the easy target to blame for the team's woes... yes, he has issues and while the offense did nothing in the last two playoff games against Indy, the defense did just as poorly.

Many people expected Jake to put on the Broncos' jersey and forget how to throw INTs. Granted, I was hoping he would cut it down a bit and not throw 20, but I'd be amazed if he got the INT total below 15. If he can get in the 3,800-4,000 yard range - upwards of 27 TDs again with 15 INTs and the team still finds a way to win 10 games and advance, I think that is ideal.

I'd like to hold the ENTIRE team accountable for the Indy playoff games, not just Jake. Plummer is far from perfect and while I think that the writer is going over the top to interpret Shanahan's comments... I do agree that Plummer has a great cast around him.

He does need to work on his reads and just taking a sack or throwing it 30 feet in the air and out of bounds, rather than force a pass. It appears he's worked with the coaches all offseason on improving in this area. It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I'm willing to see what happens.

2004 was a nice improvement in many parts for Jake and this offense...

[MileHighMania]

With that terrible turnover ratio we still could've won 13 games last year. 1 point losses to Raider & Jags, and that ****ing game against SD.

Agreed... that fumble by Q at JAX when they should have gone for the chipshot FG is bad playcalling at that juncture of the game. Giving up a big lead at home in the snow to Oakland with the defense getting torched and missing a FG... that's just bad play all around.

And, that turnover ration that Coyer speaks of... well, his defense could do a thing or two about improving it.

[DBroncos4life]

if Plummer would take a sack sometimes instead of forcing a thorw I think he would improve so much. I don't know why he thinks taking a sack is worse then throwing the ball to nothing.

[telluride]

I am dating myself here. Does anyone remember the rep Craig Morton had when he came to Denver in 1977. Good QB. Great arm. He just seemed to make the wrong throw at the wrong time. Even when he was with the Cowboys. He was given one point of focus when he came to Denver -- don't turn the ball over!!!

A key to the Superbowl dance that year was that Morton was able to deliver.

Blasphemy! Norris Weese was the key to our Super Bowl that year!

Ah, Norris. Where have you gone?

[rbackfactory80]

if Plummer would take a sack sometimes instead of forcing a thorw I think he would improve so much. I don't know why he thinks taking a sack is worse then throwing the ball to nothing.

Your probably right, but if he gets hit and injured, well you know what I am thinking. NO CHANCE

[Atlas]

I am dating myself here. Does anyone remember the rep Craig Morton had when he came to Denver in 1977.

Dude that sounds kind of gay.