3rd WR -

[Needa Pass Rush]

Broncos in search of that elusive third wide receiver

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/12517665.htm

BY FRANK SCHWAB
The Gazette

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - (KRT) - Among the 42-year-old who is in his final season, the 2004 second-round pick who was demoted this preseason because of dropped passes and the third-year player who has been released four times, the Denver Broncos believe they'll find a productive third receiver.

Jerry Rice, Darius Watts and Charlie Adams are 3-4-5 on the depth chart for the Broncos at receiver but none of them have had a spectacular preseason. Rice has caught two passes for 14 yards in three preseason games. Watts has five catches but also five dropped passes. Adams has never caught a pass in a regular-season game.

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said there's no concern about the Broncos' backup receivers, who will get a long look in Denver's final preseason game against Arizona on Friday.

"They don't have a lot of catches, but we see them every day and in over 40 football practices," Kubiak said. "There's tremendous competition going on there."

Coach Mike Shanahan said he hadn't had a chance to evaluate if the team would have any interest in the veteran receivers released this week, including Atlanta's Peerless Price and Cincinnati's Peter Warrick. Price's agent Tim McGee said Tuesday evening he had not been contacted by the Broncos.

The team will probably go with the same group of receivers it has now, and there are some questions after starters Ashley Lelie and Rod Smith.

Rice took over the third receiver job after Denver's first preseason game at Houston. Watts dropped a couple of passes and was demoted from third to fourth on the depth chart.

Rice played sparingly Saturday against Indianapolis after missing three days of practice during the week for personal reasons. Rice, who will turn 43 in October, hasn't had many catches yet but said he's been happy with how he has played so far.

Rice's superstition kept him from making any predictions about whether he would be the third receiver for the season opener Sept.11 against Miami. Kubiak said no decisions have been made and won't be until after Friday's game.

"The best guy's going to win it," Rice said. "I think the competition is good. I'm excited about that, I'm sure Darius is excited too. We get a chance to go at it this weekend."

Coaches have said Watts has worked hard and performed well since his demotion, although he dropped three balls in Denver's second preseason game against San Francisco.

Last season Watts had 31 catches for 385 yards, but also had crucial drops against Atlanta, Oakland and San Diego.

"I got to make sure I keep working on my hands and keep working on my stuff and push through and make plays," Watts said. "I definitely want to do better than I did last year and keep going forward."

Adams worked with the first-team offense as the third receiver a little bit during practice last week and got some playing time with the starters in last week's preseason game.

Adams has shown some big-play ability on punt returns this preseason and has four catches for 55 yards. Adams has a 19.3-yard average on punt returns this preseason but hasn't beat out rookie Darrent Williams for the job.

The Broncos also have Young receivers Triandos Luke and Todd Devoe could push for roster spots with a good game Friday.

"In this league you can't keep them all, but they're capable players and they're capable of playing very well for anybody in this league," Kubiak said.

---

© 2005, The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

[fontaine]

All this article is telling me is that Rice hasn't won the number 3 job, but Watts has given it to him because of his poor hands.

Not exactly awe-inspiring stuff but I still believe Watts will come good this season!

http://www.lubbockonline.com/images/081800/replacementsLR.jpg

[kent156]

another year of bronco football with no third WR atleast they have two good TEs

[Atlas]

another year of bronco football with no third WR atleast they have two good TEs

I think that is more important. All those Elway years Denver really never had a 3rd WR but they did have Shannon Sharpe. Two good pass catching TEs will take some pressure off the 3rd WR.

[i4jelway7]

come on shanny do the offense a favor, all the defensive moves this offseason... Please I beg of you CUT Rice and sign Warrick as the 3rd receiver

[broncohaven]

come on shanny do the offense a favor, all the defensive moves this offseason... Please I beg of you CUT Rice and sign Warrick as the 3rd receiver
I have to admit that I would love to see that. I would hate to see us sign Warrick or Price and cut one of the young guys though.

[TheReverend]

I have to admit that I would love to see that. I would hate to see us sign Warrick or Price and cut one of the young guys though.

Id actually like Rice to stick. If anyone can teach Watts to catch an F'ing ball...

[Bronco9798]

Id actually like Rice to stick. If anyone can teach Watts to catch an F'ing ball...

Rice needs to go away.

[bloodsunday]

All this article is telling me is that Rice hasn't won the number 3 job, but Watts has given it to him because of his poor hands.

Not exactly awe-inspiring stuff but I still believe Watts will come good this season!

http://www.lubbockonline.com/images/081800/replacementsLR.jpg
Maybe we should get Watts some of that stick em' he used. "Coach I look like I just jacked-off an elephant".

[fontaine]

Maybe we should get Watts some of that stick em' he used. "Coach I look like I just jacked-off an elephant".

ROFL!


http://www.lubbockonline.com/images/081800/replacementsLR.jpg
"The football's like a one-man cold to Clifford Franklin. Clifford Franklin's the only man catchin' it, Clifford Franklin's the only man comin' down wid it."

[rbackfactory80]

nah rice needs to stay. We will see what everyone is saying after half the year.

[broncosteven]

We never have a 3rd WR worth a damn hence the 2 TE formation. Our #1 TE is equal or better than any other teams 3rd WR. The guys at 4-5 (6) usually only get a handfull of catches & never crack the starting roster even after a few years. If your not higer than 3 in camp/PS then you are not going to move up & contribute (may play due to injuries but not contribute).

[bloodsunday]

ROFL!


http://www.lubbockonline.com/images/081800/replacementsLR.jpg
"The football's like a one-man cold to Clifford Franklin. Clifford Franklin's the only man catchin' it, Clifford Franklin's the only man comin' down wid it."
He even smiles like Watts ;D Let's hope for the same happy ending.

[Jason in LA]

I don't see what the big deal is about a 3rd WR. When the Broncos won back 2 back who was the 3rd WR? I'm pretty sure I could come up with a name if I thought about it, but who really cares?

Who is the 3rd WR on the Pats or Eagles? The only reason we knew the 3rd WR on the Eagles last year was because he kept running his mouth. Who was the 3rd WR on the Bucs or Ravens when they won it? Who was the 3rd WR on the Panthers when they nearly won it? We all know the 3rd WR on the Colts, but what has that gotten them?

I'm not worried about a 3rd WR.

The Broncos don't need to get rid of Rice to sign Price or Warrick. At this point I don't see why they would get rid of Rice. Out of all the backups he's probably been the best in camp.

[bloodsunday]

I don't see what the big deal is about a 3rd WR. When the Broncos won back 2 back who was the 3rd WR? I'm pretty sure I could come up with a name if I thought about it, but who really cares?

Who is the 3rd WR on the Pats or Eagles? The only reason we knew the 3rd WR on the Eagles last year was because he kept running his mouth. Who was the 3rd WR on the Bucs or Ravens when they won it? Who was the 3rd WR on the Panthers when they nearly won it? We all know the 3rd WR on the Colts, but what has that gotten them?

I'm not worried about a 3rd WR.

The Broncos don't need to get rid of Rice to sign Price or Warrick. At this point I don't see why they would get rid of Rice. Out of all the backups he's probably been the best in camp.
The biggest concern is injury. Your right in that our #3 WR doesn't typically get a ton of catches, but if Rod or Ashley goes down then we better have someone that can step in. It would also be nice to have a #3 guy that is better than most nickel corners for those times that you do pass a lot. Some teams are successful against our run (San Diego and Baltimore) and it'd be nice to have a good #3 WR to open it up a bit in those situations.

[Jason in LA]

I'd like a 3rd WR because of the injury factor, but that's about it. Many people act like the Broncos need 3 productive WRs on the field. That's not the case. They've done well with 2 WRs and a TE. But I do agree that they need somebody in case of injuries.

[Liquid Courage]

I don't see what the big deal is about a 3rd WR. When the Broncos won back 2 back who was the 3rd WR? I'm pretty sure I could come up with a name if I thought about it, but who really cares?

Who is the 3rd WR on the Pats or Eagles? The only reason we knew the 3rd WR on the Eagles last year was because he kept running his mouth. Who was the 3rd WR on the Bucs or Ravens when they won it? Who was the 3rd WR on the Panthers when they nearly won it? We all know the 3rd WR on the Colts, but what has that gotten them?

I'm not worried about a 3rd WR.

The Broncos don't need to get rid of Rice to sign Price or Warrick. At this point I don't see why they would get rid of Rice. Out of all the backups he's probably been the best in camp.


Third WR was Willie Green - my buddy and I spent the entire evening a few weeks back thinking of this at a D-Backs game (not much else to do). If this doesn't lend to the lack of essential need then I don't know what does.

The main difference being that back then we had the BEST QB, BEST OL, BEST RB, 2 of the top 10 WRs, AND the BEST TE - helps buffer whatever weakness slick Willie brought to the table.

[watermock]

If we have Alexander, Putz and Jackson, we should be able to protect Jake against the outside rush of the more prevelant 3-4 and still have several recievers in the play. Against the 3/4, a double TE set with the ability to catch the ball is how to counter. These guys don't have to be fantastic blockers, just get a body on them to keep an outside blitzer from running free. If I see 5 wide against a 3/4 I'm calling Capone up from the grave for a hit on Pubiak.

I'm pretty ambivalent about Rice. This isn't a playground for a 43 year old kid. I don't think he's very serous about this. He's always grinning and talking about "just having fun". While that's good in a way, this is bizness, not practice. Problem is, Shanahan is fiercly loyal, and coached GOAT in S.F. I don't think he is on the bubble at all. Should be, but isn't IMO.

[azbroncfan]

[QUOTE=Jason in LA]I don't see what the big deal is about a 3rd WR. When the Broncos won back 2 back who was the 3rd WR? I'm pretty sure I could come up with a name if I thought about it, but who really cares?

Who is the 3rd WR on the Pats or Eagles? The only reason we knew the 3rd WR on the Eagles last year was because he kept running his mouth. Who was the 3rd WR on the Bucs or Ravens when they won it? Who was the 3rd WR on the Panthers when they nearly won it? We all know the 3rd WR on the Colts, but what has that gotten them?

I'm not worried about a 3rd WR. [QUOTE]
Not to create argument but bucs and ravens had good #3's. Bucs had Jurevicous or however you spell his name and ravens had stokley. Panthers had Proehl who has made a career out of being a good #3. I would like us to have a good #3 but I think we should give a young guy a chance to get some experience.

[leon_d]

Third WR was Willie Green - my buddy and I spent the entire evening a few weeks back thinking of this at a D-Backs game (not much else to do). If this doesn't lend to the lack of essential need then I don't know what does.

The main difference being that back then we had the BEST QB, BEST OL, BEST RB, 2 of the top 10 WRs, AND the BEST TE - helps buffer whatever weakness slick Willie brought to the table.

Well, Willie did sort of stop a Green Bay INT(Sharper?) with a blatant facemask in XXXII. That was nice.

[Pat Bowlen]

Our #1 TE is equal or better than any other teams 3rd WR.
Say what now?.

[Jason in LA]

Not to create argument but bucs and ravens had good #3's. Bucs had Jurevicous or however you spell his name and ravens had stokley. Panthers had Proehl who has made a career out of being a good #3. I would like us to have a good #3 but I think we should give a young guy a chance to get some experience.

You done started a fight now. ;D

Stokley had 11 receptions for 184 yards for the Ravens in 2000. Taylor had 28 for 267 yards. Ismail had 49 for 655 yards. Going by those numbers we can say that they not only did not have a 3rd WR, but they didn't have any WRs. Looking at what Stokely has done since then, maybe they just didn't have a QB to get him the ball.

Jurevicous was decent as a 3rd WR with 37 for 423 yards in '02. But it looks like he split a lot of time with McCardell that year, who had 61 for 670 yards. You can pretty much combine the two and say they had two WRs (Keyshawn went for over 1000 yards that year).

In '03 Proehl gave the Panthers pretty much what Watts gave the Broncos last year.

When a team has a pair of 1000 yard WRs, a 3rd WR only comes into play if one of the starters gets hurt. If Lelie and Smith stay healthy and give the Broncos what they did last year then there isn't a need to have a productive 3rd WR. The 3rd WR will be called on to contribute a lot if Lelie or Smith get hurt. But other than that the 3rd WR won't be much of a factor.

[BMF Bronco]

The last time we had three good WR's was in the late 80's with Nattiel, Johnson, and Jackson, and you saw where that led us!!!!!

[Jason in LA]

We never have a 3rd WR worth a damn hence the 2 TE formation. Our #1 TE is equal or better than any other teams 3rd WR. The guys at 4-5 (6) usually only get a handfull of catches & never crack the starting roster even after a few years. If your not higer than 3 in camp/PS then you are not going to move up & contribute (may play due to injuries but not contribute).

That's pretty much it right there. The Broncos have always gotten good production out of the TEs (even without Sharpe). I'll take our TEs production over most 3rd WRs production.

I don't understand why so many guys are stuck on the young WRs. They'd rather have a young WR who probably will never amount to anything than a WR, Rice, who can contribute now if either Smith or Lelie gets hurt. Chances are these young WRs will never amount to anything. Most young WRs who got good press in camp never amounted to anything. Rod Smith is the only success story out of the bunch. Kasper just got cut by another team. Adrian Madise is taking his tour of the NFL right now. Remember Scottie Montgomery? He was the best looking thing at WR in a couple training camps for the Broncos. He's out of football after doing nothing during his career. Guys that got good press during training camp and now out of football. Chances are Lelie and Watts will be the 1-2 WRs for years to come. So I don't see why there is a big need to hold onto some of these younger guys. I'll take Rice over them.

[Jason in LA]

Third WR was Willie Green - my buddy and I spent the entire evening a few weeks back thinking of this at a D-Backs game (not much else to do). If this doesn't lend to the lack of essential need then I don't know what does.

The main difference being that back then we had the BEST QB, BEST OL, BEST RB, 2 of the top 10 WRs, AND the BEST TE - helps buffer whatever weakness slick Willie brought to the table.

He was supposed to be the 3rd WR that the Broncos had been looking for. He gave the Broncos about 350 yards in two seasons.

[sirhcyennek81]

Realistically, green was the 5th option, behind smith, mccaffrey, sharpe and davis. 350 yards is good for a 5th option.

[Crushaholic]

Rice can catch the ball and move the chains. Shanahan knows not to overextend him and use him as the #3 WR option. I would rather Plummer throw to Rice late in the game and be confident that Rice will catch it and know what to do with the ball.

I remember one game last year when Watts caught a ball late in the game and didn't have the sense to get out of bounds to stop the clock. I know he was trying to get more yards, but it was a costly decision. We ran out of time and lost the game. That likely wouldn't have happened if Rice had the ball instead of Watts. I don't care that he was misused in Seattle and Oakland. I feel confident that he can do his part as the #3 WR to help us win.

[Jason in LA]

Realistically, green was the 5th option, behind smith, mccaffrey, sharpe and davis. 350 yards is good for a 5th option.

That's 350 yards over two seasons.

But I do agree, he was the 5th option. Maybe even sixth because they threw to Griffith every now and then. Maybe even seventh, because they ran two TEs a lot.

This Bronco team is set up the same way. The TEs and RBs will get more action than the 3rd WR.

I want a 3rd WR for depth, not for production. If things go well the 3rd WR won't be called upon often.

[bloodsunday]

I'd like a 3rd WR because of the injury factor, but that's about it. Many people act like the Broncos need 3 productive WRs on the field. That's not the case. They've done well with 2 WRs and a TE. But I do agree that they need somebody in case of injuries.
The other factor is just grooming young talent. It'd be nice to have a young gun that could step in when Rod rides off into the sunset. Of course that's not a concern now, but is approaching....

[DBroncos4life]

I have to admit that I would love to see that. I would hate to see us sign Warrick or Price and cut one of the young guys though.


So you would rather keep young unproven guys instead of bringing in young proven guys? Price is 28 going on 29 this year. Warrick is only 28 as well. Look I love a good underdog story like Rod Smith, but not everyone we bring in is going to be Rod Smith. Warrick and Price have a combined 604 catches, 7526 yards, and 46 TD catches. Now you can count the career stats between Luke, Devoe, and Adams on two hands, even though all of the stats come from Luke as well. Yes it would be nice to have time to see if they can improve but if you have a chance to get better in a area you might not be the strongest in you should jump on it.

[Jason in LA]

The other factor is just grooming young talent. It'd be nice to have a young gun that could step in when Rod rides off into the sunset. Of course that's not a concern now, but is approaching....

Isn't that what they are doing with Watts? They've groomed one WR (Lelie), and Watts is going through the same process right now.

[Jason in LA]

So you would rather keep young unproven guys instead of bringing in young proven guys? Price is 28 going on 29 this year. Warrick is only 28 as well. Look I love a good underdog story like Rod Smith, but not everyone we bring in is going to be Rod Smith. Warrick and Price have a combined 604 catches, 7526 yards, and 46 TD catches. Now you can count the career stats between Luke, Devoe, and Adams on two hands, even though all of the stats come from Luke as well. Yes it would be nice to have time to see if they can improve but if you have a chance to get better in a area you might not be the strongest in you should jump on it.

That's pretty much how I see it. Too many people here are too protective of these young WRs on the roster. I named a few of those guys who went on to become nothing in one of my posts on the last page. Rod Smith is the only one out of the bunch that has been a success. I'd take Rice, or another proven WR, over the guys who are on the bubble. They are on the bubble for a reason. They aren't that good.

[DBroncos4life]

That's pretty much how I see it. Too many people here are too protective of these young WRs on the roster. I named a few of those guys who went on to become nothing in one of my posts on the last page. Rod Smith is the only one out of the bunch that has been a success. I'd take Rice, or another proven WR, over the guys who are on the bubble. They are on the bubble for a reason. They aren't that good.


They only guy I could see us having a chance at landing would be Warrick but it doesn't look like we are going to go after him. I just don't think its wise not to try and get a guy like him. He can sub for Williams if he hits tough times and he gives us a great WR out of the slot. Even though he is short he still works well in the RZ. Maybe we will bring in McCants. I've always like him.

[Needa Pass Rush]

Warrick and Price would both be odd fits in Denver because neither guy is much on blocking. That has always been a Denver staple in the modern era.

[Jetmeck]

nah rice needs to stay. We will see what everyone is saying after half the year.

In the red zone Rice will make the catch in traffic just as Rod will. In Rod and Jerry I trust at least in the RED ZONE. Between the twenties use Watts...........

[Old Dude]

I would just like to point out that each day that passes brings us a little closer to that vision I had, weeks ago, of BVP hitting Rice for an overtime Superbowl victory.

BVP is now #2.

Rice is #3.

[Atlas]

In the red zone Rice will make the catch in traffic just as Rod will. In Rod and Jerry I trust at least in the RED ZONE. Between the twenties use Watts...........


Rice will have to make catches in traffic because he can't get any seperation.

[Mr. Trout]

Id actually like Rice to stick. If anyone can teach Watts to catch an F'ing ball...


There is nothing anybody can do now to show watts how to catch a football..It is all mental now. Either he overcomes it or he doesn't. There is only so many ways to catch a football.

[Ballhawk]

Im sure Watts is a huge burr in Shanny's side this preseason. When Rice was signed, it was to compete for the #4 spot. Shanny had already said we had our #1,2,3 in Rod, Ash, and Watts...well lets recheck the depth chart.

I am not saying Watts is a bust, but it is very hard to get the spot back after the season starts and now if Adams passes him, he will have to wait until next offseason to prove his metal.

I do not sence the same frustration with Bell as with Watts. I think Shanny knows that if Jake goes down for any long period, we are f***ed. MA in there just is better at picking up the blitz and bell should grab a coach aside and ask for some help on technique.