Prisco: Five Things to Know

[bloodsunday]

1. It was assumed second-year player Tatum Bell would win the running back job, but so far it's Mike Anderson who is having the better camp. Anderson is working with the first team and has the inside track to be the opening-day starter. Bell could still take the job from him with a good preseason, but Anderson has really impressed the coaching staff. At 240 pounds, he brings a powerful running style.

2. Jerry Rice is third on the receiver depth chart behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie and ahead of Darius Watts. If the Broncos had an emerging youngster at receiver, Rice could have been expendable. But they don't. So he'll stick around. He's also good for the young receivers.

3. The thing that really shows up when watching the Broncos practice is how fast they are on defense. Aside from safety John Lynch, the back seven can really run. The linebacker trio of D.J. Williams, Al Wilson and Ian Gold is really fast. Getting to the football will not be a problem.

4. When the Broncos traded for Cleveland defensive tackle Gerard Warren, it opened a lot of eyes around the league. Warren was a major disappointment in Cleveland after being a first-round pick. So far in this camp, Warren was dominant before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him some. Warren has the tools to be a cat-quick, run-stuffing tackle. It's just a matter of whether he wants it bad enough. It appears he does in Denver.

5. Broncos center Tom Nalen was standing in front of me during a practice last week, and he looked to weigh maybe 275 pounds. In an era of huge offensive linemen, the Broncos continue to go with the small, athletic type. Nalen is the king of that. He remains one of the game's best centers for two reasons -- he knows all the tricks of the trade and he's quick. Word is Nalen was even lighter in the spring. He doesn't look like the dominant center he is, that's for sure.

[bloodsunday]

Items 1 - 3.... yada, yada, yada...

4 is a good read because we are finally getting some credit. Who was available in the 4th round that could have half his impact on this season? If he has a good season he may even give us a hometown discount because he has seen the good life :)

5 is nothing shocking but some good props for a much deserved player. Next to Rod Smith I think Nalen maybe the most underappreciated Bronco ever, or at least in recent years.

[Rascal]

Nalen is underappreciated but the writing is on the wall. He is not as dominant in recent years. I honestly wouldn't be suprised to not see him finish the year or for him not to be back next year :(.

[bloodsunday]

Nalen is underappreciated but the writing is on the wall. He is not as dominant in recent years. I honestly wouldn't be suprised to not see him finish the year or for him not to be back next year :(.
They may do him Dan Neil style.... It's sad because he has been such a trooper for us. But there just isn't a demand for 275 OL anymore. If he decides he won't play anywhere other than Denver (or doesn't get an offer), then this could very well be his last year.

[Tombstone RJ]

I'm sorry but Rice is pissing me off. He's just good enough to take a spot away from Watts/Adams/Devoe/Johnson but he's not ever going to be good enough to be anything more than a role player.

This is what I was scared of when the Broncos brought in Rice, that he'd be just good enough to missplace a young WR trying to make the team, but other than that, he's not bringing anything to the table.

And, as for his leadership skills, that'd be nice if the Broncos were lacking in leaders, but they aren't. Rod Smith, Plummer, Nalen, Anderson are all leaders on offense.

[Rascal]

Our WR's will be Smith, Lelie, Watts, Rice, Luke, Devoe, and Adams. The last three won't clear waivers to be put on PS (or can't in Luke's and Devoe's case...not sure about Adams) so we will keep them.

[bloodsunday]

I'm sorry but Rice is pissing me off. He's just good enough to take a spot away from Watts/Adams/Devoe/Johnson but he's not ever going to be good enough to be anything more than a role player.

This is what I was scared of when the Broncos brought in Rice, that he'd be just good enough to missplace a young WR trying to make the team, but other than that, he's not bringing anything to the table.

And, as for his leadership skills, that'd be nice if the Broncos were lacking in leaders, but they aren't. Rod Smith, Plummer, Nalen, Anderson are all leaders on offense.
I agree with everything you said except for one thing, it's not Rice's fault that no one else is stepping up. Blame Shanny/Sundquist for not bringing in adequate depth via either FA or the draft. Blame Watts for dropping balls. Blame the QBs for not giving the young guys enough looks (which I suspect a guy like Kannell is locking onto the vets to save his own ass). Rice is a better option right now than the 4 guys you listed just for his consistency. When a game is on the line this season (ala Oakland last year) if the ball is there, Rice will catch it.

I guess what I am saying is that I agree with you that if Rice is #3 something is wrong. The question is what is wrong? Are we not able to develop our young WR (poor coaching)? Are we not bringing in the right guys (poor personnel)? Are the young guys just not stepping up? I don't know. I have been worried about WR since before the draft and was dumbfounded that we didn't take a WR. Why not a guy like Fred Gibson instead of Clarett?

I definitely think that the leadership/mentor thing is overrated. You either have it or you don't. Rod has it, Rice doesn't. Case closed.

[fontaine]

Our WR's will be Smith, Lelie, Watts, Rice, Luke, Devoe, and Adams. The last three won't clear waivers to be put on PS (or can't in Luke's and Devoe's case...not sure about Adams) so we will keep them.

Go in with 7 WRs? I don't think so. Rice barely gets any catches on the field while Watts/Devoe/Adams have been looking good in hauling in more passes. Watts has had a few bad days and a few very good ones. So far Rice has seen more print because of his rep rather than his actual play on the field.

Please let Rice be cut! Smith/Lelie/Watts/Luke/Adams

[Rohirrim]

Looks like WR will be moving to the top of next year's shopping list - once again. :nono:

[delany]

All Rice has to do is catch the balls that Watts dropped towards the end of last year to make an impact.

[fontaine]

Looks like WR will be moving to the top of next year's shopping list - once again. :nono:

I don't think so. Watts has shown again and again that he can get seperation with his burst, and explosiveness in and out of this cuts against all of our CBs, starters included. That kind of ability is like gold dust. Either you have it, or you don't. The thing about Watts is that he's more likely get open/separation against a number 3 CB than Rice/Devoe/Luke/Adams etc. Even Lelie. That's why Watts should get into the offense because on 3 WR sets he's going to get open and YAC, instead of just getting the odd statistical pass for the day like Rice.

Not this year, but possibly next season Watts could be a starter for us.

Essentially, the diliemna the coaches have is Watts will get open a LOT more than Rice but Rice is more assured of catching the ball if and when he gets open.

[bendog]

maybe the d looks so fast cause they're practicing against an o that has MA and Rice?

[Tombstone RJ]

I agree with everything you said except for one thing, it's not Rice's fault that no one else is stepping up. Blame Shanny/Sundquist for not brining in adequate depth via either FA or the draft. Blame Watts for dropping balls. Blame the QBs for not giving the young guys enough looks (which I suspect a guy like Kannell is locking onto the vets to save his own ass). Rice is a better option right now than the 4 guys you listed just for his consistency. When a game is on the line this season (ala Oakland last year) if the ball is there, Rice will catch it.

I definitely think that the leadership/mentor thing is overrated. You either have it or you don't. Rod has it, Rice doesn't. Case closed.

Very true, but what gets me a little mad is that Rice is taking plays away from young WRs by his very presence in camp. One pass to Rice is the equivalent of one less pass thrown to a young WR. So, while a young kid is sitting on the sideline, watching Rice make a play, he's also sitting on the sideline not getting the ball thrown his way.

Yes, in big games, you want Rice and his fantastic experience, no doubt. He's much more likely to come through in a clutch situation. But again, if it is Rice out there on the field and not Watts, we'll never know if Watts would have made the play.

Its a tough situation for the Broncos to be in (keeping Rice over a young and possible very good WR).

[Rascal]

Looks like WR will be moving to the top of next year's shopping list - once again. :nono:

I don't think so. Rod probably has at least two years left in him and Lelie is golden. The verdict is unclear about Watts but should he develop as he should we have our #1 and #2 for future years. #3 has always been a problem for us and I doubt Shanny and Co will do anything other then letting our current young guys (adams, devoe, luke, etc) battle it out and pick the #3 from there.

[Traveler]

Looks like WR will be moving to the top of next year's shopping list - once again. :nono:


I would take an educated guess and say that next years draft would be almost totally offense. We've focused on defense since the Lelie/Portis draft. Time to focus on hte other side of the ball since we have alot of guys who are long in the tooth.

[Rascal]

I wouldn't be suprised to see us pick one of those stud D-lineman that are coming out next year. Especially given Pryce's situation.

[Tombstone RJ]

I wouldn't be suprised to see us pick one of those stud D-lineman that are coming out next year. Especially given Pryce's situation.

I agree. Pryce's health is a real concern. Even if Brown stays healthy this year, you don't know if he'll be consistently healthy in the future. A big time DE would be REAL nice.

[bloodsunday]

Very true, but what gets me a little mad is that Rice is taking plays away from young WRs by his very presence in camp. One pass to Rice is the equivalent of one less pass thrown to a young WR. So, while a young kid is sitting on the sideline, watching Rice make a play, he's also sitting on the sideline not getting the ball thrown his way.
Agreed. Not sure if you saw my edited post. I just wonder what the root of the problem is -- coaching, personnel selection, players?

Yes, in big games, you want Rice and his fantastic experience, no doubt. He's much more likely to come through in a clutch situation. But again, if it is Rice out there on the field and not Watts, we'll never know if Watts would have made the play.
Watts has simply shown a propensity of dropping balls. Shanny is big on consistency. If you are rebuilding, you let him play through it. If you are a playoff contender, you find someone else to catch them.

Its a tough situation for the Broncos to be in (keeping Rice over a young and possible very good WR).
You're right its a tough position to be in as a playoff contender. If you SanFran, its a no brainer. At some point the guy has to step up. It's not like Watts hasn't been given a chance. I think Rice has hurt Devoe, Adams and Luke more than Watts. Rice was never going to be below those guys and probably has taken reps from them.

[bloodsunday]

I agree. Pryce's health is a real concern. Even if Brown stays healthy this year, you don't know if he'll be consistently healthy in the future. A big time DE would be REAL nice.
And real expensive. I don't know if this team has the cap space to afford two #1s, especially if one (or both) are in the top 10.

[Odysseus]

If Rice catches one pass on one play that gives us one first down that lets us set up a play for anyone to score seven getting us into the playoffs he was worth it.

Rice isn't taking anything from these younger guys but balls they would have dropped.

Rice takes away from Special teams. Rice takes away from third and outs. Rice takes away from "my coach is too stupid to draft a WR". Rice takes away from we need a clutch third reciever.

If you guys want to hate on Rice could you have the decency to wait until he's actually done something? I hope they use Jerry Rice extensively and rub it in until it stings both Broncos and Raiders fans.

Watts is going to emerge later in the season. Shanny has too much invested in him not to play him. Watts will get his chances to emerge. He simply has to focus and take his shots when they are there.

[Jason in LA]

I'm sorry but Rice is pissing me off. He's just good enough to take a spot away from Watts/Adams/Devoe/Johnson but he's not ever going to be good enough to be anything more than a role player.

This is what I was scared of when the Broncos brought in Rice, that he'd be just good enough to missplace a young WR trying to make the team, but other than that, he's not bringing anything to the table.



Rice allows the Broncos to weed out the guys who aren't good enough. If a young WR isn't good enough to beat out Rice at 42, then how is that young WR ever going to make it in the NFL? He's not good enough, so there is no point in wasting more time with the guy.

Rice adds depth. If a youngster is cut because of it, so be it.

[bloodsunday]

If you guys want to hate on Rice could you have the decency to wait until he's actually done something? I hope they use Jerry Rice extensively and rub it in until it stings both Broncos and Raiders fans.
I'm not hating on Rice. I happen to think its cool that he's a Bronco. His production and the production of the team will determine the success or failure of the move. However, that doesn't change the fact that the long-term outlook of this WR corp is shaky. We have done a poor job developing WR and Rod can't play forever.

Watts is going to emerge later in the season. Shanny has too much invested in him not to play him. Watts will get his chances to emerge. He simply has to focus and take his shots when they are there.
That's the one thing that's overlooked in all this conversation and a very good point. Watts has had chances and will get more. Shanny wants him to be #3, he needs him to be that guy. If Watts steps up his performance, this could be a temporary demotion. One reality is that the depth chart and roles between Rice and Watts could be kind of grey all season long. For example, Watts may be #3 except on 3rd down and/or redzone.

[Jason in LA]

The way I see it this Bronco team is built to win now. So they need players to help this year, not a few years down the line. If Rice can help them win this year, I'll take him over a guy that may help a few years down the line, but more than likely wouldn't make the team.

[Rohirrim]

I don't think so. Watts has shown again and again that he can get seperation with his burst, and explosiveness in and out of this cuts against all of our CBs, starters included. That kind of ability is like gold dust. Either you have it, or you don't. The thing about Watts is that he's more likely get open/separation against a number 3 CB than Rice/Devoe/Luke/Adams etc. Even Lelie. That's why Watts should get into the offense because on 3 WR sets he's going to get open and YAC, instead of just getting the odd statistical pass for the day like Rice.

Not this year, but possibly next season Watts could be a starter for us.

Essentially, the diliemna the coaches have is Watts will get open a LOT more than Rice but Rice is more assured of catching the ball if and when he gets open.

I've been a Watts backer since I first saw him in camp last year. There's no doubt the dude has killer moves. But man! You gots to catch the ball! I'm still keeping my fingers crossed on him.

[Tredici]

1. It was assumed second-year player Tatum Bell would win the running back job, but so far it's Mike Anderson who is having the better camp. Anderson is working with the first team and has the inside track to be the opening-day starter. Bell could still take the job from him with a good preseason, but Anderson has really impressed the coaching staff. At 240 pounds, he brings a powerful running style.

2. Jerry Rice is third on the receiver depth chart behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie and ahead of Darius Watts. If the Broncos had an emerging youngster at receiver, Rice could have been expendable. But they don't. So he'll stick around. He's also good for the young receivers.

3. The thing that really shows up when watching the Broncos practice is how fast they are on defense. Aside from safety John Lynch, the back seven can really run. The linebacker trio of D.J. Williams, Al Wilson and Ian Gold is really fast. Getting to the football will not be a problem.

4. When the Broncos traded for Cleveland defensive tackle Gerard Warren, it opened a lot of eyes around the league. Warren was a major disappointment in Cleveland after being a first-round pick. So far in this camp, Warren was dominant before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him some. Warren has the tools to be a cat-quick, run-stuffing tackle. It's just a matter of whether he wants it bad enough. It appears he does in Denver.

5. Broncos center Tom Nalen was standing in front of me during a practice last week, and he looked to weigh maybe 275 pounds. In an era of huge offensive linemen, the Broncos continue to go with the small, athletic type. Nalen is the king of that. He remains one of the game's best centers for two reasons -- he knows all the tricks of the trade and he's quick. Word is Nalen was even lighter in the spring. He doesn't look like the dominant center he is, that's for sure.


Shouldn't Prisco have titled his report:

Five Things Everyone Who Hasn't Been Living Under A Rock The Past Month Knows but I'm Too Lazy To Find Anything Interesting or New to Report.

[Ballhawk]

I do not believe Rice will be that much of an impact this year, but I doubt the #4 WR on any team makes that much of an impact. What I do find comfort in is that if our #1 or 2 goes down, Rice would step in and perform. He would not get all jittery about it, miss plays, or suffer from a lack of concentration. It is all well and good to want the young guys to step up, but if they do not do it do not blame Rice. Does anyone seriously want to see Luke thrust into a starter role? Or Adams, Devoe, even Watts would make me uncomfortable.

Jake knows that if he hits Rod in the hands then 99% of the time Rod makes the catch. I think he knows this about Rice too. Fact is that with the way the rules are enforced Rice would not need any seperation to catch the ball if it is thrown to the right spot. I remember Sharpe making a big catch time and time again with a LBer draped all over him, but the ball was low and away from the defender.

[ZachKC]

Shouldn't Prisco have titled his report:

Five Things Everyone Who Hasn't Been Living Under A Rock The Past Month Knows but I'm Too Lazy To Find Anything Interesting or New to Report.
Not everyone spends a good amount of their time on sports message boards. If you don't want him to speculate or not use his opinion what could the guy possibly have offered that wouldn't have already been gone over many many times on here?

[Tredici]

Not everyone spends a good amount of their time on sports message boards. If you don't want him to speculate or not use his opinion what could the guy possibly have offered that wouldn't have already been gone over many many times on here?

Um... something that shows he earns his salary? None of that crap was remotely remote. You wouldn't have to spend any time on a sports message board for those breathtaking observations.

[ZachKC]

Um... something that shows he earns his salary? None of that crap was remotely remote. You wouldn't have to spend any time on a sports message board for those breathtaking observations.
I don't think someone who didn't follow the Broncos pretty closley would know some of that stuff. I know alot of people who are crazy about this team and that team but don't follow things a lot in the offseason.

But aside from that do you think there is anything he could have said that would have been "news" to someone that frequents the OM?

[watermock]

1. It was assumed second-year player Tatum Bell would win the running back job, but so far it's Mike Anderson who is having the better camp. Anderson is working with the first team and has the inside track to be the opening-day starter. Bell could still take the job from him with a good preseason, but Anderson has really impressed the coaching staff. At 240 pounds, he brings a powerful running style.

Prisco is amusing. The idea was to hang Anderson out as trade bait, but MoC has been such a wimp he will stay. He's slow old and blind. Don't even talk to me. I'm pissed. We don't have a franchise RB. We don't. If you think we do your insane. Bell better step up or we are in trouble. Or a sleeper, Sapp.

2. Jerry Rice is third on the receiver depth chart behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie and ahead of Darius Watts. If the Broncos had an emerging youngster at receiver, Rice could have been expendable. But they don't. So he'll stick around. He's also good for the young receivers.

Rice and Watts will share snaps. So what. That is such a blanket analysis. Everyone knew Shanahan would give Rice a spot. He's loyal. Doesn't mean he won't make him inactive. He's loyal, but ruthless, and Jerry isn't asking for anything. Get off his back. Hey get on his back, it will just motivate him. Go Jerry! He might just surprise. Something tells me Jerry has just a couple ounces left. Trust me.

3. The thing that really shows up when watching the Broncos practice is how fast they are on defense. Aside from safety John Lynch, the back seven can really run. The linebacker trio of D.J. Williams, Al Wilson and Ian Gold is really fast. Getting to the football will not be a problem.

Gee, isn't the front 7 composed of the Browncos, a bunch of castoffs? Huh.

4. When the Broncos traded for Cleveland defensive tackle Gerard Warren, it opened a lot of eyes around the league. Warren was a major disappointment in Cleveland after being a first-round pick. So far in this camp, Warren was dominant before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him some. Warren has the tools to be a cat-quick, run-stuffing tackle. It's just a matter of whether he wants it bad enough. It appears he does in Denver.

Why bother having Warren play these last two games? Let him rest along with C. Brown. Hell let Pryce rest. Let them all rest.

The task master is done sizing them up. Let the poor guys heal up some. Lets see what the bubble boys can do.

5. Broncos center Tom Nalen was standing in front of me during a practice last week, and he looked to weigh maybe 275 pounds. In an era of huge offensive linemen, the Broncos continue to go with the small, athletic type. Nalen is the king of that. He remains one of the game's best centers for two reasons -- he knows all the tricks of the trade and he's quick. Word is Nalen was even lighter in the spring. He doesn't look like the dominant center he is, that's for sure

Nalen has been a bulldog for a long time, and deserves a spot in the ring of fame IMO. I'm surprise they haven't worked Leach there, but Hamilton or Meyers have to pick up the rock. Next draft, we need to get some solid OL.

Our OL is paper thin.

[Odysseus]

Our OL is paper thin.

:dunk:

[broncogary]

... I'm surprise they haven't worked Leach there, but Hamilton or Meyers have to pick up the rock.

Leach is 6'2', 245 pounds.

[bloodsunday]

Nalen has been a bulldog for a long time, and deserves a spot in the ring of fame IMO. I'm surprise they haven't worked Leach there, but Hamilton or Meyers have to pick up the rock. Next draft, we need to get some solid OL.

Our OL is paper thin.
My other complaint about the draft. I will give Shanny a break because the three DBs have impressed (so far). But I am very, very disappointed that we didn't get a WR, OL and Clarett (WTF?). I am already sick of this guy.