watermock
09-22-2005, 04:05 AM
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/images/legwold.jpg vs. http://media.mnginteractive.com/media/paper36/broncos_mailbag_logo_2004.gif
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/broncos/archives/2005/09/here_is_a_headl.html#more
Legwold:Q: Jeff,
With your words calling Saban "..a rookie coach..", looks like you are making the same mistake of underestimating him as "Napoleon" Shanahan and his players did. Saban, prior to his fairly successful tenure as a collegiate head coach, was a very well-respected NFL assistant for many years. He may be a first-year NFL head coach, but he certainly is no rookie NFL coach.
A: Tom,
You are right about that. I did call him a "rookie head coach,'' which is indeed true for the NFL, but probably not the most accurate way to describe him overall.
He was 34-22-1 record at Michigan State and pushed them into four bowls in five seasons. He went 48-16 at LSU with five bowls in five seasons, including a national championship.
That's no rookie head coach. So, in the end, I probably should have built a better sentence there.
Still, with all of the Dolphins' football power in his seemingly paranoid hands, he will have to prove over the long haul he can manage the salary cap, the draft and coach his team well enough to get the Dolphins to where owner Wayne Huizenga is paying him $4 million a year to get them.
Larry Pool writes:
Q: Have been a Bronco fan for 35 years and have stuck with them even after three moves. (We lived in Colorado for 20 years).
Well, it's time to move on. The game was one of the worst games that I can remember the Broncos playing. (Jake) Plummer is awful, I mean awful. Why didn't the coach pull him and put in Van Pelt?
A: A common theme here.
When in doubt, pull the quarterback, is how it usually goes.
Actually I've long discovered that the most popular player in almost every NFL city is the backup quarterback.
For several years people tried to convince me that Neil O'Donnell should play in front of Steve McNair in Nashville. Then McNair took his team to the Super Bowl and eventually won the league's MVP award.
So Larry, I think most Broncos fans feel your pain from the Miami venture. But truth be told coaches don't spend much of the year breaking down video, watching practice and sitting through meetings with all of the quarterbacks only to then decide to play the guy who isn't the best one.
Plummer is the Broncos best quarterback. Bradlee Van Pelt is a prospect at this point, unproven and still learning.
This is Plummer's deal and the Broncos have invested in a long-term contract to take the ride with him.
Harry Puncec from Lakewood says:
Q: Jeff, may I suggest a description for the 2005 Broncos? The Team from FEMA.
They went to Miami without a plan, dropped the ball at every chance, and left town the worse for having been there. Where they differ from the 'real' FEMA is that they arrive just before the disaster.
A: You may. Harsh. At least the harshest we can print, this is a family show, after all.
Jay Mangers from Lincoln, Neb., wonders...
Q: Should the Redskins be as bad as they look right now this season, and the Broncos get a top five pick in next year's draft, what do you think the Broncos will pick?
A: Jay, the Broncos 2006 draft just may be the most important of Mike Shanahan's tenure.
The team will have two first-round picks -- the Broncos' own to go with the Redskins' -- so at the moment they have nine picks in addition to two likely compensatory picks they will be awarded in March for the losses of Kenoy Kennedy, Kelly Herndon and Reggie Hayward in free agency.
And when you're at the top of the board, don't go for need, go for impact. The best player available is always the way to go.
Now, they will need a cornerback -- Lenny Walls is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season -- a pass rusher and some offensive line prospects.
They can get all of that with either of the two picks. It also figures to be a deep class at running back as well.
And any time a team finds its way into the draft's top five, you always have to take a long look at a quarterback. The idea is the team isn't planning to be back up there any time soon and that's usually -- Tom Brady, a former sixth-rounder, not withstanding -- where the franchise passers are.
Mike Shanahan has never had a pick higher than 15th in his tenure with the Broncos and the Broncos haven't picked in the top 10 overall since they selected former Nebraska linebacker Mike Croel with the fourth pick of the 1991 draft.
And finally, Hugh DeLury Jr. wonders...
Q: Can you tell me if any NFL team has called Maurice Clarett?
A: Hugh, I have spoken to a pile of general managers over the last two weeks and not one of them has any interest in Clarett at the moment.
That likely means, unless there is a substantial number of injuries league-wide that gets him on to somebody's front burner, he's going to have to just go somewhere and play.
He needs to prove, in those general managers' minds, that he's willing to show up someplace like the Canadian Football League or NFL Europe and just work.
Nobody has seen him carry the ball in a game for two years and the Broncos cut him before he carried it for them in the preseason. That makes people nervous, especially given his sullen behavior in Denver with teammates and team officials.
----------------------
http://www.denverpost.com/broncosmailbag/ci_3033638
Those were some tought body shots, but Burger Bill isn't phased...
I just wanted to compliment both Domonique Foxworth and The Denver Post on the rookie journal this year. Mr. Foxworth started off well and has improved his writing. We could be talking about a career after he helps the Broncos win three or four Super Bowls.
-- Robert B., Ada, Okla.
I agree, Robert. Domonique has been a fine addition to both the Broncos and The Denver Post. Of course, his most important role is his real job. With
Rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth, above, shares his thoughts and experiences with Denver Post readers in a weekly journal throughout the season. The rookie journal runs each Wednesday on DenverPost.com. (Post file)
Champ Bailey injured, Foxworth, a third-round pick, may play often. He did well in his first NFL action. He is a smart player who plays with a lot of confidence. Expect him to be a fine Bronco for several years. As far as his journalism career, Domonique is one of those guys who'll go as far as he wants to go.
I just want to say, before everyone starts calling for Jake Plummer's head after the Miami debacle: Look to the ineptness of his receivers. I could not count the number of dropped balls between Ashley Lelie, Stephen Alexander and Jeb Putzier.
-- Wesley Avent, Casper, Wyo.
Indeed, Wesley, it was a horrendous effort for the entire offense. To blame it all on the quarterback is lazy and uncreative. He had plenty of help in blowing this game.
Since when have kickers been more important than QBs? Present day, according to Mike Shanahan: three kickers, two QBs! What do you think about the third kicker on the roster?
-- Keith Eddington, Long Beach, Calif.
Keith - It may be a little unusual, but the three kickers all played and one quarterback played. As long as there is a role for everyone, I don't see a problem. The problem, though, is that rookie Paul Ernster has to get more consistent on his kickoffs and validate carrying three kickers. If not, the Broncos can deal with shorter kickoffs with just two kickers on the roster.
Five shots from the 3-yard line, and Ron Dayne is never called in?
-- Clint, Farmington, N.M.
Clint - Dayne was inactive for the game. So, if he was called in, the officials may have been a little mad. Plus, he would have looked silly coming in his street clothes.
Did you see Randy Moss' 73-yard TD last week? Who on the
Jake Plummer completed 22 passes for 251 yards with one TD and two INTs in the season-opening loss Sunday at Miami. (Post file)
Broncos is going to stop THAT?
-- Mark, Colorado Springs
Mark - They may not stop the bombs to Moss. But they may be able to stop Moss when he continues to take plays off and when Kerry Collins throws balls over his head.
Tell me why the Broncos' high-powered offense can't score against Miami.
-- Charles Truitt, Meridian, Idaho
Charles - Dropped balls, interceptions and poor execution in the red zone.
How has Trevor Pryce looked so far this year after coming back from surgery?
-- J. Brady, Lompoc, Calif.
J. - He's coming along. He reports no ill effects from his surgically repaired back that cost him virtually all of last season. As he gets more comfortable, watch for Pryce to start making more of an impact.
Bill Williamson is in his second season as a Denver Post NFL writer. To drop a question into the Mailbag click here.
-------------------------
I miss Woody and the Shyster....
http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/broncos/archives/2005/09/here_is_a_headl.html#more
Legwold:Q: Jeff,
With your words calling Saban "..a rookie coach..", looks like you are making the same mistake of underestimating him as "Napoleon" Shanahan and his players did. Saban, prior to his fairly successful tenure as a collegiate head coach, was a very well-respected NFL assistant for many years. He may be a first-year NFL head coach, but he certainly is no rookie NFL coach.
A: Tom,
You are right about that. I did call him a "rookie head coach,'' which is indeed true for the NFL, but probably not the most accurate way to describe him overall.
He was 34-22-1 record at Michigan State and pushed them into four bowls in five seasons. He went 48-16 at LSU with five bowls in five seasons, including a national championship.
That's no rookie head coach. So, in the end, I probably should have built a better sentence there.
Still, with all of the Dolphins' football power in his seemingly paranoid hands, he will have to prove over the long haul he can manage the salary cap, the draft and coach his team well enough to get the Dolphins to where owner Wayne Huizenga is paying him $4 million a year to get them.
Larry Pool writes:
Q: Have been a Bronco fan for 35 years and have stuck with them even after three moves. (We lived in Colorado for 20 years).
Well, it's time to move on. The game was one of the worst games that I can remember the Broncos playing. (Jake) Plummer is awful, I mean awful. Why didn't the coach pull him and put in Van Pelt?
A: A common theme here.
When in doubt, pull the quarterback, is how it usually goes.
Actually I've long discovered that the most popular player in almost every NFL city is the backup quarterback.
For several years people tried to convince me that Neil O'Donnell should play in front of Steve McNair in Nashville. Then McNair took his team to the Super Bowl and eventually won the league's MVP award.
So Larry, I think most Broncos fans feel your pain from the Miami venture. But truth be told coaches don't spend much of the year breaking down video, watching practice and sitting through meetings with all of the quarterbacks only to then decide to play the guy who isn't the best one.
Plummer is the Broncos best quarterback. Bradlee Van Pelt is a prospect at this point, unproven and still learning.
This is Plummer's deal and the Broncos have invested in a long-term contract to take the ride with him.
Harry Puncec from Lakewood says:
Q: Jeff, may I suggest a description for the 2005 Broncos? The Team from FEMA.
They went to Miami without a plan, dropped the ball at every chance, and left town the worse for having been there. Where they differ from the 'real' FEMA is that they arrive just before the disaster.
A: You may. Harsh. At least the harshest we can print, this is a family show, after all.
Jay Mangers from Lincoln, Neb., wonders...
Q: Should the Redskins be as bad as they look right now this season, and the Broncos get a top five pick in next year's draft, what do you think the Broncos will pick?
A: Jay, the Broncos 2006 draft just may be the most important of Mike Shanahan's tenure.
The team will have two first-round picks -- the Broncos' own to go with the Redskins' -- so at the moment they have nine picks in addition to two likely compensatory picks they will be awarded in March for the losses of Kenoy Kennedy, Kelly Herndon and Reggie Hayward in free agency.
And when you're at the top of the board, don't go for need, go for impact. The best player available is always the way to go.
Now, they will need a cornerback -- Lenny Walls is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season -- a pass rusher and some offensive line prospects.
They can get all of that with either of the two picks. It also figures to be a deep class at running back as well.
And any time a team finds its way into the draft's top five, you always have to take a long look at a quarterback. The idea is the team isn't planning to be back up there any time soon and that's usually -- Tom Brady, a former sixth-rounder, not withstanding -- where the franchise passers are.
Mike Shanahan has never had a pick higher than 15th in his tenure with the Broncos and the Broncos haven't picked in the top 10 overall since they selected former Nebraska linebacker Mike Croel with the fourth pick of the 1991 draft.
And finally, Hugh DeLury Jr. wonders...
Q: Can you tell me if any NFL team has called Maurice Clarett?
A: Hugh, I have spoken to a pile of general managers over the last two weeks and not one of them has any interest in Clarett at the moment.
That likely means, unless there is a substantial number of injuries league-wide that gets him on to somebody's front burner, he's going to have to just go somewhere and play.
He needs to prove, in those general managers' minds, that he's willing to show up someplace like the Canadian Football League or NFL Europe and just work.
Nobody has seen him carry the ball in a game for two years and the Broncos cut him before he carried it for them in the preseason. That makes people nervous, especially given his sullen behavior in Denver with teammates and team officials.
----------------------
http://www.denverpost.com/broncosmailbag/ci_3033638
Those were some tought body shots, but Burger Bill isn't phased...
I just wanted to compliment both Domonique Foxworth and The Denver Post on the rookie journal this year. Mr. Foxworth started off well and has improved his writing. We could be talking about a career after he helps the Broncos win three or four Super Bowls.
-- Robert B., Ada, Okla.
I agree, Robert. Domonique has been a fine addition to both the Broncos and The Denver Post. Of course, his most important role is his real job. With
Rookie cornerback Domonique Foxworth, above, shares his thoughts and experiences with Denver Post readers in a weekly journal throughout the season. The rookie journal runs each Wednesday on DenverPost.com. (Post file)
Champ Bailey injured, Foxworth, a third-round pick, may play often. He did well in his first NFL action. He is a smart player who plays with a lot of confidence. Expect him to be a fine Bronco for several years. As far as his journalism career, Domonique is one of those guys who'll go as far as he wants to go.
I just want to say, before everyone starts calling for Jake Plummer's head after the Miami debacle: Look to the ineptness of his receivers. I could not count the number of dropped balls between Ashley Lelie, Stephen Alexander and Jeb Putzier.
-- Wesley Avent, Casper, Wyo.
Indeed, Wesley, it was a horrendous effort for the entire offense. To blame it all on the quarterback is lazy and uncreative. He had plenty of help in blowing this game.
Since when have kickers been more important than QBs? Present day, according to Mike Shanahan: three kickers, two QBs! What do you think about the third kicker on the roster?
-- Keith Eddington, Long Beach, Calif.
Keith - It may be a little unusual, but the three kickers all played and one quarterback played. As long as there is a role for everyone, I don't see a problem. The problem, though, is that rookie Paul Ernster has to get more consistent on his kickoffs and validate carrying three kickers. If not, the Broncos can deal with shorter kickoffs with just two kickers on the roster.
Five shots from the 3-yard line, and Ron Dayne is never called in?
-- Clint, Farmington, N.M.
Clint - Dayne was inactive for the game. So, if he was called in, the officials may have been a little mad. Plus, he would have looked silly coming in his street clothes.
Did you see Randy Moss' 73-yard TD last week? Who on the
Jake Plummer completed 22 passes for 251 yards with one TD and two INTs in the season-opening loss Sunday at Miami. (Post file)
Broncos is going to stop THAT?
-- Mark, Colorado Springs
Mark - They may not stop the bombs to Moss. But they may be able to stop Moss when he continues to take plays off and when Kerry Collins throws balls over his head.
Tell me why the Broncos' high-powered offense can't score against Miami.
-- Charles Truitt, Meridian, Idaho
Charles - Dropped balls, interceptions and poor execution in the red zone.
How has Trevor Pryce looked so far this year after coming back from surgery?
-- J. Brady, Lompoc, Calif.
J. - He's coming along. He reports no ill effects from his surgically repaired back that cost him virtually all of last season. As he gets more comfortable, watch for Pryce to start making more of an impact.
Bill Williamson is in his second season as a Denver Post NFL writer. To drop a question into the Mailbag click here.
-------------------------
I miss Woody and the Shyster....