Charlie Adams Makes His Case

[PatsWin2002]

Charlie Adams Makes His Case
Broncos-49ers Notebook
by Andrew Mason and J. Michael Moore, DenverBroncos.com

CBS4/DenverBroncos.com) DENVER When Charlie Adams stepped onto the field to field an Andy Lee punt with 93 seconds left the third quarter, the Broncos had amassed just 15 yards on five punt returns in the previous game and a half.

Adams caught the 48-yard kick, then didn't stop until he'd gone more than twice as far, sprinting 39 yards to the San Francisco 27 and setting up Jason Elam's second field goal of the game.

It matched the return he posted the last time the Broncos played on their home field, when he posted the team's longest punt return of the 2004 season during the regular-season-ending win over the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 2.

That's not bad for someone who is listed as third on the depth chart at punt returner behind rookie Darrent Williams and second-year wideout Triandos Luke.

"I'm not down here thinking about who's going to be the returner," Adams said. "I'm just trying to help the team where I can, and I was able to do that."

Adams added a 29-yard return in the final period and ended the evening with a 25.7-yard average on three punt returns. By those numbers, one could understand if Adams was feeling overlooked in the returner derby. But he refused to fret about his status in regards to his performance.

"That's the business," Adams said. "That's how things go. If you're going to get upset over things like that, then you will drive yourself crazy worrying about things that you have no control over. That's something that no one has control over. I haven't really concerned myself with it. I just go out and play."

And on Saturday, he played quite well.

-- Andrew Mason

The rest:
http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_story_234173720.html

[i4jelway7]

I think Adams makes the team this year

[Rock Chalk]

Well, he can catch, and he can return. Thats two things Watts cant do ;D

[GreatBronco16]

Well, he can catch, and he can return. Thats two things Watts cant do ;D

Sad thing is, it's true. :(

[Northman]

Im happy about this.

[wabbit]

Mike Shanahan has always used the versatility factor as the deciding difference between players on the bubble.

If you can play WR...effectively...and return punts...effectively...you have a great shot at a roster spot.

Adams should make the final roster, but again, Coyer wants more D-lineman & Kubiak hopes to keep an extra RB

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Mike Shanahan has always used the versatility factor as the deciding difference between players on the bubble.

If you can play WR...effectively...and return punts...effectively...you have a great shot at a roster spot.

Adams should make the final roster, but again, Coyer wants more D-lineman & Kubiak hopes to keep an extra RB

Boy Wabbit, I have been preaching 5 WRs and everyone thinks I am crazy that six is the number. You don't suppose they would keep only 4 and have Champ as No. 5 do you?

[wabbit]

Boy Wabbit, I have been preaching 5 WRs and everyone thinks I am crazy that six is the number. You don't suppose they would keep only 4 and have Champ as No. 5 do you?

No

Shanahan is all about offense, and Denvers' WRs aren't anywhere near an elite group.

I do think Bailey will play some WR this year...if only because he likes it & has the ability, but I don't believe Shanahan, or anyone on his staff would consider keeping only 4 WRs.

It will be 5...maybe six...and don't forget that Shanahan has said time & again that he will keep his eye on other roster cuts...especially final cuts.

What this mean is; DeVoe may make the final roster, only to be waived before the first regular season game when Denver claims Player 'X' from who-knows-where.

It happens.

[ludo21]

No

Shanahan is all about offense, and Denvers' WRs aren't anywhere near an elite group.

I do think Bailey will play some WR this year...if only because he likes it & has the ability, but I don't believe Shanahan, or anyone on his staff would consider keeping only 4 WRs.

It will be 5...maybe six...and don't forget that Shanahan has said time & again that he will keep his eye on other roster cuts...especially final cuts.

What this mean is; DeVoe may make the final roster, only to be waived before the first regular season game when Denver claims Player 'X' from who-knows-where.

It happens.

Wow, great analysis wabbit, thanks for the info, and ur right, he has said that many times, i think something like theat may very well happen.

[JCMElway]

I think Adams returning kicks well is a huge problem for Triandos Luke. I have never been enamoured with Luke. He doesn't seem to have great field awareness and has a hard time coming up with the big play. His saving grace has been his position on the punt return team, but I think his second team status is in serious jeopardy. Adams has been very consistent in returns and running routes, and Devoe seems to have that "lightning-in-a-bottle" quality.

I think we go with 6 WR and those 6 are Rod, Lelie, Watts, Rice, Adama and Devoe.

If we do only go with 5 I think we cut Devoe and hope to add him to the the PS. If we did cut Devoe do you think any other team would claim him?

[DBroncos4life]

well we have lost a DB in two straight weeks due to an injury. While I'm not happy about it, it does make things some what easier come cut time. I'm not to thrilled with the idea of only keeping 5 WR's though.

[Ratboy]

Thanks for the insight, wabbit!

[JCMElway]

well we have lost a DB in two straight weeks due to an injury. While I'm not happy about it, it does make things some what easier come cut time. I'm not to thrilled with the idea of only keeping 5 WR's though.

Now that Browner's gone use the extra spot for a WR to use on special teams.

[wabbit]

Now that Browner's gone use the extra spot for a WR to use on special teams.

...or, and sadly, more likely...a KO specialist

This idea of keeping three kickers really wears on me, but I also see the need.

It's also why Sauerbrun is getting chances at kicking off. Unfortunately, he's no better than Elam & that's not good enough.

[watermock]

We will find out soon enough. Big game next week. For PRACTICE. I totally forgot about Champ playing some WR but I haven't seen him out there. It has to be considered with our WR numbers. I wish D. Williams was returning punts like Adams. WTF is that deal? You can't cut a dude that is cutting thru the Niners, (yeah the niners) like butter. The Apocalypse is coming (it means the curtain opening), and for some players, it's off to McDonalds. Don't forget, we will also probably look at some late cuts at OL and Safety.

The NFL needs to expand the roster just a few men again. Just a couple. There is so much specialization now. You have snapping specialists, you have kickoff specialists, you have to have multiple DB's for the nintendo offense, and of course, multiple WR's. Teams are more apt to pull a guy that has a minor injury now. Old days, he just played thru it. I think a 55 man roster is called for, 8 man practice squad. I'm not sure about the inactive amount, I think that's 8, it should be 10. Those 18 don't need to be on the sidelines. Let them go up in the booth and have cocktails with Pubiak.

[watermock]

Did they put Browner on IR?

[wabbit]

Did they put Browner on IR?

Not yet Mock...the team has a week to decide that before the cut-down to 65 players...what...a week from today, or Tuesday...it's almost Tuesday...anyway, he's actually progressed very well & played especially well on Special Teams.

It would be nice to keep him active if he could play inside of 6 weeks total, but the wait is also a luxury that I'm not sure the team could afford.

I think IR is likely...early next week.

[JCMElway]

Not yet Mock...the team has a week to decide that before the cut-down to 65 players...what...a week from today, or Tuesday...it's almost Tuesday...anyway, he's actually progressed very well & played especially well on Special Teams.

It would be nice to keep him active if he could play inside of 6 weeks total, but the wait is also a luxury that I'm not sure the team could afford.

I think IR is likely...early next week.

You da man Wabbit!

[watermock]

Have you heard if it was just cracked or just needed a cast and rest? I mean, did they have to screw him together?

[24champ]

Can I say Wabbit is the MAN! holy crap, no one gets better info than you! I truly feel like i get an insider report when you post Wabbit.

[wabbit]

Have you heard if it was just cracked or just needed a cast and rest? I mean, did they have to screw him together?

I think sports specialists almost always put a metal stabilizer on the bone to secure while it heals.

That way he can work out the rest of his body & not have to worry about de-stabilizing the bone...as long as he doesn't put undo stress on it of course.

Still, I haven't heard if this was done..I'll ask Wednesday.

It's even possible the team is waiting to see if the bone might be stabilized and he can play...with a league-approved cast of course.

In the end, it all depends on how much the team perceives his value THIS YEAR. If he's seen as a regular...even on Special Teams, he'll stay on the active roster and work out until he can play.

This seems unlikely though...with roster spots at a premium, IR with a years development seems the more logical choice.

[24champ]

I think sports specialists almost always put a metal stabilizer on the bone to secure while it heals.

That way he can work out the rest of his body & not have to worry about de-stabilizing the bone...as long as he doesn't put undo stress on it of course.

Still, I haven't heard if this was done..I'll ask Wednesday.

It's even possible the team is waiting to see if the bone might be stabilized and he can play...with a league-approved cast of course.

In the end, it all depends on how much the team perceives his value THIS YEAR. If he's seen as a regular...even on Special Teams, he'll stay on the active roster and work out until he can play.

This seems unlikely though...with roster spots at a premium, IR with a years development seems the more logical choice.

wabbit how do you get this info? seriously this is great stuff, do you work for the broncos? are you andrew mason? haha

[anthonypacino]

Yeah I can totally see keeping 6 WR's, but let's not get too crazy yet, it was only one PRE-Season game...against the Niners...They will at least look at Adams and he now has a great chance to make a name for himself, can it really be...we might have depth at KR/PR? That would be great. Keeping three kickers kills me as well, I know we need them but I wish the old school days were still around and Shanny would make Plummer kick and punt like Blanda or Baugh! (yeah right) I tried to start a new thread but had trouble so I am just going to ask the people here since they all watched the game...Do you think Shanny will run the B.A.D. all year? None of the backs really seem to bring the total package to the field, BVP was either hurried or picking himself off the ground everytime Bell was in pass-protection, it was his fault for the blocked punt as well. Anderson still looks a little hesitant to me, I question his durability although he has the size and skill to be a decent pass blocker, Dayne follows his blockers well and makes his first cut very quick but does he have the stamina to carry a team for a whole game? or a season? That would be more work than he has seen since coming to the NFL. So will Shanny run the Bell, ANderson, Dayne (B.A.D.) a healthy dose of Bell and Anderson in the first half then finish them off by pounding Dayne down their throats. It worked for the Steelers last year.

[wabbit]

I am not Andrew MAson

I am contributing press, so I attend press conferences when I can, as well as practices and 'special' events...FA signings & the like.

I also work in other areas of media not associated with sports in any way.

Sorry if I don't always have the most up-to-the-moment kind of flashes, but I get what I can...and report what I can...sometimes there are things coaches & staff just don't want publicized for good reasons, and they are always very good reasons...so I, and others leave it be.

That's been more true this year than years past for whatever reason.

[JCMElway]

I am not Andrew MAson

I am contributing press, so I attend press conferences when I can, as well as practices and 'special' events...FA signings & the like.

I also work in other areas of media not associated with sports in any way.

Sorry if I don't always have the most up-to-the-moment kind of flashes, but I get what I can...and report what I can...sometimes there are things coaches & staff just don't want publicized for good reasons, and they are always very good reasons...so I, and others leave it be.

That's been more true this year than years past for whatever reason.

Whatever info you can give it's super-appreciated. I have never been so well informed about the Broncs. Ever. If you are ever in Austin, let me know. I'll buy you a beer.

Hell, I'd even buy you two!

[24champ]

I am not Andrew MAson

I am contributing press, so I attend press conferences when I can, as well as practices and 'special' events...FA signings & the like.

I also work in other areas of media not associated with sports in any way.

Sorry if I don't always have the most up-to-the-moment kind of flashes, but I get what I can...and report what I can...sometimes there are things coaches & staff just don't want publicized for good reasons, and they are always very good reasons...so I, and others leave it be.

That's been more true this year than years past for whatever reason.

well either way your reports are sure appreciated wabbit! I think you and Kahn bring invaluable info to the mane.

[watermock]

Whatever info you can give it's super-appreciated. I have never been so well informed about the Broncs. Ever. If you are ever in Austin, let me know. I'll buy you a beer.

Hell, I'd even buy you two!

Wabbit has press credentials. That's all to say, all I know.

[watermock]

I'm working on getting Khan some pres cred for the mane, if he wants it. I floated it past him, so who knows. If Mighty Smurf emerges from Iraq with his head still on, he's going to be quite a photographer. I bet we can get him in there. Come back to us when your done with your duty Smurf.

It's so funny with that kid. One day, he's waiting for the SI Swimsuit Issue, then he's in the sands of Iraq. Last time he posted he was a totally different man. Man, that's alot of growing up to do, real fast. If anyone doesn't welcome our soldiers back from a humanitarian mission with grit in their teeth they will meet my wrath.

At any rate, I think Smurf must be closing in on a year unless he has signed back on.

[SoCalBronco]

Wabbit's reports are certainly very much appreciated.

Wabbit, Khan, Mediator and Heav all have done great work for us and are one of the key reasons why the Mane is where it is all at.

[wabbit]

...Do you think Shanny will run the B.A.D. all year? ...he Bell, ANderson, Dayne (B.A.D.) a healthy dose of Bell and Anderson in the first half then finish them off by pounding Dayne down their throats. It worked for the Steelers last year.

Ya know, sometimes you have to read between the lines when coaches talk about their situations with position players & RB is good one for discussion this year.

I get the impression...very indirectly mind you...that the staff on the whole is very disappointed that Tatum Bell didn't seize the moment, as it were, and take hold of the #1 TB position.

Honestly, he floundered the first week of training camp and only now (vs San Francisco) flashed some real ability the coaches thought they would see from day 1 of position camps.

RB by committee is something that would keep Shanahan up watching the late-late show. He much prefers to name a starting TB, then play him for all he's worth (325-375 carries) through the season.

Bobby Turner explains this by detailing the rhythm he feels a RB needs to keep Denver's offensive scheme on balance. A back coming in off the bench doesn't have the 'feel for the game' as he put it, but, as was pointed out, a rotation may be the only way Denver gains the full use of it's play-book this season.

Anderson brings the between-the-tackles power...as does Dayne, but Dayne is the better receiver & probably the better back for screens.

Bell is the flashier, inside-outside guy who can add the speed you need at RB between the 20 yard lines, but only Saturday did he break through for a goal-line run seen only twice in camp up to this week.

Griffin, as Shanahan pointed out specifically in his post-game press conference, is still the change of pace guy...a zippy, Vaughn Hebron type who Shanahan has missed since his departure a few years back.

As was pointed out, each brings some of the skill to the table, but it seems no-one has served the whole need.

SO, Bell will get every chance to take the job, but as of the moment...Mike Anderson...even at 32...is holding down the top spot.

That alone says it all.

[Kaylore]

True Wabbit, but don't count Tatum out yet. I think he still has the chance and that he's sharing time with Mike suggests he's earned the right to be there. Part of me thinks they don't want to showcase Tatum's ability yet and are saving their best schemes for the real show. Part of me wonders if we aren't shopping some players, and another part of me wonders if we aren't going to put Mike back at FB but use him a lot more, so you have both Tatum and Mike in the backfield and the defense is left thinking "well now what the hell are we supposed to do?" Just ideas.

[watermock]

Khan:
"well now what the hell are we supposed to do?"

Coyer:
"Tackle the ball you dimwits..."

Khan, I have never seem you ask questions...are you losing your MOJO?

[JCMElway]

True Wabbit, but don't count Tatum out yet. I think he still has the chance and that he's sharing time with Mike suggests he's earned the right to be there. Part of me thinks they don't want to showcase Tatum's ability yet and are saving their best schemes for the real show. Part of me wonders if we aren't shopping some players, and another part of me wonders if we aren't going to put Mike back at FB but use him a lot more, so you have both Tatum and Mike in the backfield and the defense is left thinking "well now what the hell are we supposed to do?" Just ideas.

Very good take Khan. I will trust the mastermind to use all of his assets to their best advantage!

What players do you think we're shopping?

[Kaylore]

Khan:
"well now what the hell are we supposed to do?"

Coyer:
"Tackle the ball you dimwits..."

Khan, I have never seem you ask questions...are you losing your MOJO?
I didn't tecnhically ask that question, but I do ask them and my mojo is fine!

[Kaylore]

Very good take Khan. I will trust the mastermind to use all of his assets to their best advantage!

What players do you think we're shopping?
I'm not sure. I just know that the way or FO has handled trades you gotta think Shanny's getting ready to pull a fast one on some team. You never know. We've heard Dorsett was on the trade plate awhile ago, but now you gotta wonder if we wouldn't rather keep him. I know its unlikely that we'll ever find a team that will want to trade for one of our backs ever again, but look at the fast one we've pulled on the 'skins two years in a row - just keep your eyes peeled.

[wabbit]

...Part of me thinks they don't want to showcase Tatum's ability yet and are saving their best schemes for the real show. Part of me wonders if we aren't shopping some players, and another part of me wonders if we aren't going to put Mike back at FB but use him a lot more, so you have both Tatum and Mike in the backfield and the defense is left thinking "well now what the hell are we supposed to do?" Just ideas.

You bring up a very good point, and you very well could be right, but you would know, perhaps even better than I, that Bell hasn't exactly lit it up in camp this year.

He was downright lousy in position camps...to the extent that Shanahan took him off to his office & had a chat with him to see if there was some kind of off-the-field problem.

He was out of shape & seemed to just go through the motions for time...now, he seems to be picking up the pace in a big way.

The San Fran performance was the best I'd seen of him to date, although he had a nice run or two against Houston.

But, as you suggest, maybe there is more than meets the eye, and with Shanahan...that's just standard operating procendure.

[Kaylore]

You bring up a very good point, and you very well could be right, but you would know, perhaps even better than I, that Bell hasn't exactly lit it up in camp this year.

He was downright lousy in position camps...to the extent that Shanahan took him off to his office & had a chat with him to see if there was some kind of off-the-field problem.

He was out of shape & seemed to just go through the motions for time...now, he seems to be picking up the pace in a big way.
Yeah, Mike has been the most "complete" back in camp. However Tatum got better as the season rolled along. We often forget that this was his first full training camp healthy and able to get reps.

The San Fran performance was the best I'd seen of him to date, although he had a nice run or two against Houston.

But, as you suggest, maybe there is more than meets the eye, and with Shanahan...that's just standard operating procendure.
I think he'll be even better next game. There's a learning curve to get over and that he scored on the goaline drill is HUGE because grinding out those short, tough yards were the exact plays he NEVER made in camp. Between Mike, Bell, Dayne and Q I would say Tatum is the one back that could embody the best attributes of all four. I don't know what's going to happen, but its nice to know that we are stacked at that possition.

[watermock]

Can we trade Watts for another first rounder Mr. Gibbs? Please Mr. Gibbs. We have Cheerleaders that give favors...Mr. Gibbs? Dammit, that whore is used up.