Darrent Williams

[Bronx33]

Your thoughts?

[TheReverend]

One great return, another return he shouldve fair caught, but it was his first pro-game... hell adjust and get a better feel for it. Played solid at corner. Im really looking forward to watching my favorite midget grow up with the Broncos.

[Ballhawk]

He is the energizer bunny! At DB or returner he brings exciteent and effort and is a gamer. I think all four of these DBs (Browner included) are going to ake up a core part of our D for years to come.

[Kaylore]

He's young and is too agressive. Most of his mistakes are because he's trying too hard to make a big play. As he learns to curb his enthusiasm he will be a solid player with big play potential - espcially in the return game. Now if we can just get him some coverage...

[TheReverend]

He's young and is too agressive. Most of his mistakes are because he's trying too hard to make a big play. As he learns to curb his enthusiasm he will be a solid player with big play potential - espcially in the return game. Now if we can just get him some coverage...

I love guys who have the balls to chance it all going for the big play.

[elsid13]

As Lynch said "we have a player"

[watermock]

Everything I have read about all 4 is they are all hard workers and have talent. It's about time. Funny how we finally seem to have gotten some decent corner picks now that David Gibbs was shown the door.

[Kaylore]

Everything I have read about all 4 is they are all hard workers and have talent. It's about time. Funny how we finally seem to have gotten some decent corner picks now that David Gibbs was shown the door.
That's what I was thinking. I don't know if that's related, but after we dropped Gibbs we averaged and interception a game and already our draft prospects look light years better. I mean the concept that one of our drafted corners could contribute right away seems foreign to most fans. I'm not regretting the movee, that's for sure. Ha!

[Tredici]

He still looks too small to carry the number 27.

But he plays with big heart.

[broncofan4life]

something we haven't had since D. Gordon a good punt returner. :Broncos:

[Play2win]

Amazing he went against Dre' in his FIRST pro game!!

I didn't see the game, but by all acounts, he held his own against somebody about twice his size.

For the people that did see the game, how exactly did he do against this NFL protypical physical WR?

[watermock]

It's always fun when a little guy is tough as nails. I keep hoping and praying for anything close to Darrell Green. Yeah, it's crazy, but there are some similarities. He was bashed early for being drafted in the first, and struggled early, but seemed to have a decent career. :charge:

[TheReverend]

Amazing he went against Dre' in his FIRST pro game!!

I didn't see the game, but by all acounts, he held his own against somebody about twice his size.

For the people that did see the game, how exactly did he do against this NFL protypical physical WR?

He gave a good 12 yard cushion but hes so quick he could close quickly... plays smart and keeps his head on a swivel between the QB and his man without any need for read steps. Hes a confident gambler too... I think we need that. Champ can shut em down in cover but I also want someone who will go after the ball everytime its in the air. He should be a perfect nickle and a solid starter in years to come.

[Bronco LB 59]

He's young and is too agressive. Most of his mistakes are because he's trying too hard to make a big play. As he learns to curb his enthusiasm he will be a solid player with big play potential - espcially in the return game. Now if we can just get him some coverage...

This is a great take on Darrent. I share the same sentiments. Darrent will have his hard knocks like all rookie corners do. He'll counter some of those ugly plays with big plays. Considering the lack of turnovers over the years, I don't think having an athlete who takes a few risks is such a bad thing. I guarantee there will fans tearing him apart as soon as he gets burned Terrell Buckley style in a regular season game.

[TheReverend]

This is a great take on Darrent. I share the same sentiments. Darrent will have his hard knocks like all rookie corners do. He'll counter some of those ugly plays with big plays. Considering the lack of turnovers over the years, I don't think having an athlete who takes a few risks is such a bad thing. I guarantee there will fans tearing him apart as soon as he gets burned Terrell Buckley style in a regular season game.

Hey, hey! Cut him some slack. We have hard hitting safeties for a reason. Let the little man ball.

[Kaylore]

This is a great take on Darrent. I share the same sentiments. Darrent will have his hard knocks like all rookie corners do. He'll counter some of those ugly plays with big plays. Considering the lack of turnovers over the years, I don't think having an athlete who takes a few risks is such a bad thing. I guarantee there will fans tearing him apart as soon as he gets burned Terrell Buckley style in a regular season game.
In Larry Coyer's interview (one of the best Coach interviews I've seen and a must watch for all Bronco fans) he states very clearly that they are going to gamble more this year. He says that you have to in order create plays that win you games and I think Darrent's possition ahead of Foxworth speaks to that philosophy.

[Ballhawk]

Darrent seems like a player that can get in a zone and really be a spark plug, which is a rare thing out of a D player. He can make plays that will pump up his teammates. I really like this kid and expect him to play very well this year, rare for a rookie.

[watermock]

In Larry Coyer's interview (one of the best Coach interviews I've seen and a must watch for all Bronco fans) he states very clearly that they are going to gamble more this year. He says that you have to in order create plays that win you games and I think Darrent's possition ahead of Foxworth speaks to that philosophy.

Khan, you should know as well as anyone that taking unnecessary risks can bite you in the ass. :drown:

[TheReverend]

Khan, you should know as well as anyone that taking unnecessary risks can bite you in the ass. :drown:

:loopy:

I think that icon was made for you, Mock. Perimeter players NEED to gamble on their own abilities or they'll get beat almost every time. Short-term memory is taught to CBs for a reason...

[Kaylore]

Khan, you should know as well as anyone that taking unnecessary risks can bite you in the ass. :drown:
Right but the key word is unnecessary. If you never gambled you would never blitz, jump routes or doing anything with big play potential. Indeed taking risks is part of football, though Marty Shottenheimer won't tell you that.

[watermock]

I'm talking about your behavior in Wrath of Khan when you should of cut line and taken the Enterprise away at warp speed. But noo! You had to get greedy.

[Kaylore]

I'm talking about your behavior in Wrath of Khan when you should of cut line and taken the Enterprise away at warp speed. But noo! You had to get greedy.
He laughed at my intelligence! I'm sorry but that's inexcusable!

[Bronco LB 59]

Hey, hey! Cut him some slack. We have hard hitting safeties for a reason. Let the little man ball.

Don't get me wrong, I like Darrent's attitude and style of play. I was a big fan of his when he played in Stillwater. I am just merely pointing out both the positives and negatives of playing a rookie who is going to take some gambles.

All rookies get burned and I hope fans don't turn on Darrent if he has a few ugly moments this season.

On the bright side, Darrent is going to step in front of one pass and take it to the house this year. My prediction. If that happens, I think it's well worth throwing him into the fire.

[watermock]

I think will bring a couple returns to the house, and a couple more picks.

[Bronco LB 59]

In Larry Coyer's interview (one of the best Coach interviews I've seen and a must watch for all Bronco fans) he states very clearly that they are going to gamble more this year. He says that you have to in order create plays that win you games and I think Darrent's possition ahead of Foxworth speaks to that philosophy.

Do you have a link?

Coyer is by far the most candid defensive coordinator since I have been a Bronco fan. Don't judge him by his beer gut, he's a bright guy that understands defensive philosophy inside and out. Even though we've had more established guys like Collier, Phillips and Robinson in the past, Coyer is hands down my favorite one. I was a little ticked off when SOME fans were calling for his head last season.

[watermock]

I have never called for his head. We went into the Indy game last year hobbled at secondary, and Pryce was worthless. I questioned the move, mainly because he's never really coached for a winner, but it was a crafty, good move. I like his old school attitude. I also like that we have stuck with a 4-3. He's a 4-3 guy, and I would rather go 3-3-5 and keep all our LB's on the field, who are as fast as most safeties.

I remember more calls for Kubiaks head, David Gibbs, Deltha's and specifically, any special teams coach we could find a rope for.

[Cito Pelon]

Amazing he went against Dre' in his FIRST pro game!!

I didn't see the game, but by all acounts, he held his own against somebody about twice his size.

For the people that did see the game, how exactly did he do against this NFL protypical physical WR?

Andre must have gone slower in practice in order to school Darrent in the game. Darrent missed a tackle by not taking the right angle after Andre caught a short pass. But Darrent is a fast learner. The kid had a 25 Wonderlic. That's probably a top 5 percentile in the draft class.

Darrent is the real deal. Excellent feet, changes direction fast, can make mistakes because he can close on the ball fast. Gets his head around fast, spots the ball in the air, and has good hands to make the pick. He's a keeper, as is Paymah, and Foxworth. These rooks are fast and skillful. And they hit, no problem, no hesitation.

[Rock Chalk]

He still looks too small to carry the number 27.

But he plays with big heart.
Yeah but he did have a hit reminiscent of old number 27.

[Bronx33]

Yeah but he did have a hit reminiscent of old number 27.


He did T that guy up perfectly.......and the seeing the #27 was kinda weird.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Calvin Jones has returned.

[DBroncos4life]

Calvin Jones has returned.


huh?

[broncogary]

U of Washington corner, about 5'7", 170 lbs, mid 70's Bronco's, I think. A heck of a player until he got hurt.

[Cito Pelon]

He did T that guy up perfectly.......and the seeing the #27 was kinda weird.

I'll be a jerk and say Darrent should have been trying to get his hands in there for a fumble. Or it could have been called an INT if he wrestled the ball away.

[Kaylore]

Do you have a link?

Coyer is by far the most candid defensive coordinator since I have been a Bronco fan. Don't judge him by his beer gut, he's a bright guy that understands defensive philosophy inside and out. Even though we've had more established guys like Collier, Phillips and Robinson in the past, Coyer is hands down my favorite one. I was a little ticked off when SOME fans were calling for his head last season.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=913&videoID=795
I'm a Coyer homer. He's my adopt-a-coach. He's coached every possition of the defense and just about every type of defense. He knows all their strengths and weaknesses. He's passionate about what he does but remembers the man upstairs. I really think he's a great package.

[Cito Pelon]

He gave a good 12 yard cushion but hes so quick he could close quickly... plays smart and keeps his head on a swivel between the QB and his man without any need for read steps..

That's about the way I was looking at it.

[DBroncos4life]

U of Washington corner, about 5'7", 170 lbs, mid 70's Bronco's, I think. A heck of a player until he got hurt.


Oh I was thinking of the NU running back. I was pretty lost there. He has to be over 30 now.

[Cito Pelon]

something we haven't had since D. Gordon a good punt returner. :Broncos:

A natural. He has a few finer points to learn it looks like to me, but I agree this is something the Broncs haven't seen for a few years. A natural PR guy. That's a huge bonus to the team from last year's 10-6. Match him with Sauer, and that can mean as much as 3-7 points a game.

[ozomulsion]

Your thoughts?

Hasn't played since the fourth game of his senior season. "You ain't seen nothin' yet"!

[Cito Pelon]

In Larry Coyer's interview (one of the best Coach interviews I've seen and a must watch for all Bronco fans) he states very clearly that they are going to gamble more this year. He says that you have to in order create plays that win you games and I think Darrent's possition ahead of Foxworth speaks to that philosophy.

He has the players to gamble this year. These rooks close to the ball fast. Very impressive. How did the Texans get a TD pass? By catching the Broncs in a blitz and suckering everybody else to the outside leaving Wilson alone in the middle, and he did a pretty good job of coverage.

HOU went after Darrent on almost every play - they were pretty intent on winning the first-team battle - never really went after Walls. Denver has some good DB's. I want to see some pressure on the QB from the DL. There were some flashes of that. That's the missing part of the puzzle, still.

[Bronx33]

He has the players to gamble this year. These rooks close to the ball fast. Very impressive. How did the Texans get a TD pass? By catching the Broncs in a blitz and suckering everybody else to the outside leaving Wilson alone in the middle, and he did a pretty good job of coverage.

HOU went after Darrent on almost every play - they were pretty intent on winning the first-team battle - never really went after Walls. Denver has some good DB's. I want to see some pressure on the QB from the DL. There were some flashes of that. That's the missing part of the puzzle, still.


I like how darrent handled the attack on him...

[baja]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=913&videoID=795
I'm a Coyer homer. He's my adopt-a-coach. He's coached every possition of the defense and just about every type of defense. He knows all their strengths and weaknesses. He's passionate about what he does but remembers the man upstairs. I really think he's a great package.

Thanks for pointing out that link. Revealing and enjoyable!

[Bronx33]

Thanks for pointing out that link. Revealing and enjoyable!

Coyer really seems to likes DJ alot....

[Odysseus]

I adopted Coyer right after his first interview. I adopted the defense the first opportunity to REALLY adopt anything. I'm a big defensive homer and am glad that Coyer is filling in his shoes and surrounding himself with some good people.

Regarding Special Teams...(Insert annual Special Teams rant here)

[Ratboy]

It's going to be nice to see Williams and Bailey leading our Defensive Backs for years to come.

[footstepsfrom#27]

U of Washington corner, about 5'7", 170 lbs, mid 70's Bronco's, I think. A heck of a player until he got hurt.
The little dude had serious hops...could dunk a volleyball. His hands weren't big enough to grip a basketball. LOL

[bloodsunday]

He reminds me of a little fiestier version of Darrien Gordon, which I believe is a compliment. Gordon played a big ROLE on our championship teams. What's interesting is that I had a dialogue with some of you (Mediator) about whether or not we expected him to play corner, and the same story appeared in the paper yesterday.

The article is titled "Williams shows team more than Broncos bargained for"

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_2941769

I had a feeling that this was a ST only move, which kind of disappoints me. I don't know why we take a specialist so early with huge holes, IMO, at OL and WR. Nonetheless, sometimes you get lucky and we may have in this instance.

[bloodsunday]

Overall I think he looked good. He needs to take a few less chances on some returns in the regular season, but I know he was trying hard to impress.

[Mediator12]

He reminds me of a little fiestier version of Darrien Gordon, which I believe is a compliment. Gordon played a big ROLE on our championship teams. What's interesting is that I had a dialogue with some of you (Mediator) about whether or not we expected him to play corner, and the same story appeared in the paper yesterday.

The article is titled "Williams shows team more than Broncos bargained for"

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_2941769

I had a feeling that this was a ST only move, which kind of disappoints me. I don't know why we take a specialist so early with huge holes, IMO, at OL and WR. Nonetheless, sometimes you get lucky and we may have in this instance.

OL I will give you bloodsunday, but we disagree on WR. Lelie is not perfect, but is a very good #2 At this point. I wish he would have grown into a legit #1 WR by now but he is still improving at least.

Watts needs some serious confidence and has to get over the mental blocks in catching the ball. Our Younger WR's just need reps and Devoe may be a playmaker in the making.

[bloodsunday]

Lelie is not perfect, but is a very good #2 At this point. I wish he would have grown into a legit #1 WR by now but he is still improving at least.

Watts needs some serious confidence and has to get over the mental blocks in catching the ball. Our Younger WR's just need reps and Devoe may be a playmaker in the making.
Smith and Lelie are fine as #1 and #2 because they compliment each other's style. The problem is that there appears to be a huge drop off after that. Watts is the key to this group. He needs to play better for this group to be considered anything more than a disappointment. I am hopeful that a young guy like Devoe, Luke or Adams steps up, but we have had a tough time developing the young WR lately. I wonder if having a veteran QB can stunt their growth? It seems like Plummer and Kannel were locked onto their security blankets. Maybe having a young gun like Van Pelt slingin' the ball will get these guys some more quality reps in the preseason.

Regardless, at this point you'd have to talk me off of the ledge if Smith or Lelie were injured.

[fontaine]

I'm not ready to homer up yet. D Williams seems like he's doing well in his return duties and it looks like he might be more physical in run support than I feared initially.

But wake me up when this kid does something of note like hold his own against a real offense instead of the Houston Texans. It's a good start, that's all.

[Play2win]

OL I will give you bloodsunday, but we disagree on WR. Lelie is not perfect, but is a very good #2 At this point. I wish he would have grown into a legit #1 WR by now but he is still improving at least.

Watts needs some serious confidence and has to get over the mental blocks in catching the ball. Our Younger WR's just need reps and Devoe may be a playmaker in the making.
I wish Lelie would run more quick slants, Maybe Jerry Rice can show him how to break them like he used to do. Atleast some more middle slants. I just get this fealing if Jake could deliver the ball in stride as ASH is coming across the middle, we could see some real long gains.

And Don't worry about Watts, he is going to be just fine. By Regular Season he'll be catching anything and everything thrown his way...

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

[QUOTE=Play2Win]I wish Lelie would run more quick slants, Maybe Jerry Rice can show him how to break them like he used to do. Atleast some more middle slants. I just get this fealing if Jake could deliver the ball in stride as ASH is coming across the middle, we could see some real long gains.
QUOTE]

Just remember, he runs the routes he is assigned by the coaches to run. He can not improvise his routes other than making his reads and adjusting to them.

[Play2win]

Just remember, he runs the routes he is assigned by the coaches to run. He can not improvise his routes other than making his reads and adjusting to them.
I know, I know. But I was just thinking, since Shanahan was in SanFrancisco when Jerry was doing alot of those routes, and now Jerry is here, along with Lelie, Maybe, just maybe, they can start implementing some of those routes in Lelie's game.

[bloodsunday]

[Just remember, he runs the routes he is assigned by the coaches to run. He can not improvise his routes other than making his reads and adjusting to them.
That's true, but he seems to do best on busted plays. Perhaps he is not doing a good enough job on the average play.

[Rock Chalk]

I'm not ready to homer up yet. D Williams seems like he's doing well in his return duties and it looks like he might be more physical in run support than I feared initially.

But wake me up when this kid does something of note like hold his own against a real offense instead of the Houston Texans. It's a good start, that's all.
Andre Johnson, Dominique Davis and David Carr don't constitute a "real offense"

Sit down and hush.

[Mediator12]

Andre Johnson, Dominique Davis and David Carr don't constitute a "real offense"

Sit down and hush.

Well alec, that play was Banks, Murphy, and Wells. Are they a real Offense?

[Rock Chalk]

Well alec, that play was Banks, Murphy, and Wells. Are they a real Offense?
They looked pretty good on that drive to me. Banks was pretty accurate and no one seemed able to tackle wells.

[Mediator12]

They looked pretty good on that drive to me. Banks was pretty accurate and no one seemed able to tackle wells.

Williams did. And he seperated his tendon off his finger too.

[fontaine]

Andre Johnson, Dominique Davis and David Carr don't constitute a "real offense"

Sit down and hush.

You can homer on, but Houston's offense last year was in the bottom half of the league in yards, points scored etc. BTW, Carr sucks. This was a preason game, so yeah, it wasn't their full set offense.

[Broncoman13]

Two things I noticed with Williams... one on D and one on ST's. On the deep route where he bought the PI penalty he did a poor job of getting his head around. I'm not sure he knew the ball was coming until it was too late. He was in the WR's hip pocket and likely would have made a play on the ball if he would have looked. The potential is certainly there as he had blanket coverage, just needs to get his head around!

On his returns he needs to learn patience. You can't take everyone to the house. Sometimes taking the fair catch on a punt is more beneficial to the team. Especially when you consider that he had to run backwards on all of his returns. One gained 14 yards the other two lost 3 or 4 yards! On Kick Returns he blazes straight up the middle. Reminds me of what used to frustrate me about Chris Cole. Super speed but straight up the middle into a pile and then nothing. I'm not saying he should run latterally b/c that would be the same as his punt returns... but being patient and allowing a hole to open would have a good idea. The big difference between Coles and Williams is acceleration and agility. DWill can stop on a dime and get up to top speed with only a few strides...whereas a guy like Chris Cole took from the 5 to the 25 before he hit that blazing speed. Hopefully the coaches are in his ear telling him that he has a little freedom to wait for that hole and then hit it. We don't need TD returns from him every time... we do need a couple 40 yard returns though and there's no reason he can't do it!

[Broncoman13]

You can homer on, but Houston's offense last year was in the bottom half of the league in yards, points scored etc. BTW, Carr sucks. This was a preason game, so yeah, it wasn't their full set offense.


Carr sucks??? You're starting to lose a lot of credability!

[fontaine]

Carr sucks??? You're starting to lose a lot of credability!

Don't make me laugh. I could care less about credibility when it comes to my set of high standards from the QB position.

[bloodsunday]

Carr sucks??? You're starting to lose a lot of credability!
I wouldn't say he sucks, but he certainly hasn't lived up to his billing as of yet.

[Rock Chalk]

You can homer on, but Houston's offense last year was in the bottom half of the league in yards, points scored etc. BTW, Carr sucks. This was a preason game, so yeah, it wasn't their full set offense.
Carr sucks?

Whatever you say Bob.

[Broncoman13]

I wouldn't say he sucks, but he certainly hasn't lived up to his billing as of yet.


Given the yearly need for them at OL that is never addressed I'd say he has more than lived up to his #1 selection. I think you'd be suprised to find how well he moves too. Look it up, I bet you find he gets more yards rushing than a few people that would suprise you... mainly McNabb and Jake! When you consider his OL you look at him in a more clear picture.

[DBroncos4life]

I don't think Carr is that bad. This team was built from the ground up not too many years ago and he had to play with some poor ass lines. His WR's are starting to come into their own as well. This year should be the next step for him.

[Broncoman13]

I don't think so... as far as Carr is concerned. It could be but his line is still an eye sore. I don't think they have one lineman that would be a starter on our team. Hell, I don't think they have one lineman that would start at UT! Then again, UT's starting OL is better than a lot of NFL teams!

[maven]

Carr sucks?

Whatever you say Bob.

Carr may not suck, but he hasn't shown anything consistantly great.