Which Bronco linebacker is most likely to make the probowl?

[Taco John]

The question isn't which is your favorite Bronco linebacker, though some will get it confused for that. The discussion here is which Bronco is most likely to make the pro bowl and why?

[Ballhawk]

Based on stats Ian is on his way. If our D keeps dominating, every known name will get an invite: Champ, Al, Lynch and Pryce would all be possible.

[elsid13]

Al Wilson has the best chance, because player know he leader of the corp and the big hits that make the ESPN coverage. Gold is close second. Williams even though he playing better then last year will be overlooked due to the media coverage of the other two.

[Drek]

2 FFs and a sack already gives Wilson a nice start statistically, and he's a well known team leader starting to finally get some press. I'm betting on him.

[meangene]

Wilson is the leader of the D and everyone knows that. He has the reputation around the league. Gold is definitely worthy thus far as well. I read today that Williams is going to be getting more reps in the nickel so his stats should improve but I suspect at Gold's expense.

[Broncoman13]

Ian Gold IMO is the most likely, but I really and truly think that if they both keep this same pace both will go.

Gold- 18 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles. Of Golds tackles I would bet from watching the games that atleast 1/3 of them have been for a loss or no gain.

Wilson- 22 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles. Really stepped it up last week against the Jags. Until that point his stat line looked "normal", now it's looking real good. He's not been as consistent as Gold to date. But, I have a feeling that will change!

DJ Williams- 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble. Had a sack taken away by a late TO taken by John Lynch. It's hard to guage his contributions though. Gates had a good game. McMichael had a good game. Gonzo had a poor game (season!), and Kyle Brady had a poor game (season). You have to wonder if we'd be talking about DJ instead of Ian had he stayed at WLB. Oh well, they're all doing well. Good test this weekend for DJ vs Cooley.

Again, due to consistency over the first quarter I give the edge to Ian Gold.

[kent156]

my money is on wilson we all know ray lewis will make it so wilson is the backup.

[Rascal]

Well it won't be DJ that's for sure.

Not with him not being in the nickle. If he continues to see only 16 snaps a game he is in for a rough year statistically (more so then just switching to strong side).

According to the RMN he isn't exactly real thrilled with it either. The whole thing about him and Ian both playing weak side turned out to be a load of crap.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/broncos/article/0,1299,DRMN_17_4139854,00.html

[Ballhawk]

Well it won't be DJ that's for sure.

Not with him not being in the nickle. If he continues to see only 16 snaps a game he is in for a rough year statistically (more so then just switching to strong side).

According to the RMN he isn't exactly real thrilled with it either. The whole thing about him and Ian both playing weak side turned out to be a load of crap.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/broncos/article/0,1299,DRMN_17_4139854,00.html

DJ is playing a lot of Will, it is the lack up reps in the nickle. I think that we will see it again when Gonzo and Gates play, Brandon has done a great job on them.

[Mile High Shack]

Well it won't be DJ that's for sure.

Not with him not being in the nickle. If he continues to see only 16 snaps a game he is in for a rough year statistically (more so then just switching to strong side).

According to the RMN he isn't exactly real thrilled with it either. The whole thing about him and Ian both playing weak side turned out to be a load of crap.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/broncos/article/0,1299,DRMN_17_4139854,00.html

sounds like he is ok with it to me

"I'm just being patient and just trying to do my role," Williams said. "When you start thinking about your personal numbers and all that, you go out of the scheme of the defense and hurt the team. And I'd rather be 50 tackles at the end of the season and be a Super Bowl champ than be 130-something tackles and didn't make the playoffs and make the Pro Bowl."

[Broncoman13]

We'll see it all season!!! Denver plays close to 65% of the time in the Nickel. With Brandon playing as well as he is the "big nickel" is as effective against the run as the 4-3 and a lot more effective vs the pass!

[superbowlXL]

Hey ballhawk (smoak on hailredskins)!

I also voted gold, but I think if you guys keep it up, it'll definitely be multiple players. From experience, you also have to win. We had a top 5 defense last season (ranked 3rd according to yardage allowed) and we set one guy (Marcus Washington). the fraud Trotter went despite not even starting half the season when Antonio Pierce had easily the best season of an NFC MLB.


Que sera, sera I suppose.

And wow, even if I win our bet, I may not want to change that avatar... :thumbsup:

[Garcia Bronco]

I think Gold and Wilson can both make the pro-bowl

[JPEZ]

"Big Al" is my choice.
He'll knock ya into next week! :thumbsup: :Broncos:

[Mediator12]

Again, DJ has played well too. His snaps and opportunities have been limited due to his inconsistency in the nickle sets. He will get better over time IMHO.

I remember in camp when he blew three straight assignments in the nickle. He let one play affect the other two. That is mental and I believe he will get over that. BTW, DJ has allowed one reception in four games of coverage. None to a RB, None to a TE, and only to a WR on a pick/Rub route.

DJ has simply to be more consistent and the numbers will start to reflect that.

[Rock Chalk]

Again, DJ has played well too. His snaps and opportunities have been limited due to his inconsistency in the nickle sets. He will get better over time IMHO.

I remember in camp when he blew three straight assignments in the nickle. He let one play affect the other two. That is mental and I believe he will get over that. BTW, DJ has allowed one reception in four games of coverage. None to a RB, None to a TE, and only to a WR on a pick/Rub route.

DJ has simply to be more consistent and the numbers will start to reflect that.
Pretty sure his consistency would be higher if he was our sole Will LB and getting the snaps he showed he deserved last year.

Its whatever though, we are playing well on defense so Im not gonna bitch.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I remember in camp when he blew three straight assignments in the nickle. He let one play affect the other two. That is mental and I believe he will get over that. BTW, DJ has allowed one reception in four games of coverage. None to a RB, None to a TE, and only to a WR on a pick/Rub route.

.
I think he is doing a great job in coverage since that was supposed to be his weakness. Any time you can take away the short TE routes and RB dump offs, you give the DL more time to get pressure.

As for the poll - Wilson has the nationwide reputation, so I suspect he has the best chance, but they are all playing extremely well as we knew they would.

[westcliffe]

I think it will be Wilson. He is finally getting the media's attention. If Warren can stay healthy and continue to be a beast in front of him, no way will Al not make it. Although, as someone mentioned earlier, it will be as a backup because of the media's hard on for Ray Lewis.

[dj_stouty]

With Bruschi and Spikes both out for the season, I think Denver has a decent shot at sending one of their linebackers to the Pro Bowl.

If I had to guess, it would be Wilson. He seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, and we all know the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest.

[Broncoman13]

I'm kind of confused with DJ right now. I fully expected the Nickel to include both DJ and Ian. In fact, you could play a "big nickel" package with Ian manning the spot Sam Brandon is playing right now...then allow DJ to play WLB. I'm sure this has been throught through by Coyer and Company, but I hate seeing DJ leave the field. I wouldn't blame him one bit if he was upset with the franchise and asked for a trade in the offseason. I know I'm jumping the gun a bit...but dude was great as a rookie and now he's all of the sudden taken a step back? The guy has done everything asked of him too...that's what makes it even more frustrating. He stayed with Denver during the offseason and participated in all the workouts while the rest of the Canes were in My-a-Me living it up....err... working out.

[Rascal]

With Bruschi and Spikes both out for the season, I think Denver has a decent shot at sending one of their linebackers to the Pro Bowl.

If I had to guess, it would be Wilson. He seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, and we all know the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest.

Well if you know the Pats they could care less how many pro bowls the player has been too.

If agree with Oskie on this...if he continues to get poor playing time I wouldn't be suprised to see him leave soon.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I'm kind of confused with DJ right now. I fully expected the Nickel to include both DJ and Ian. In fact, you could play a "big nickel" package with Ian manning the spot Sam Brandon is playing right now...then allow DJ to play WLB. I'm sure this has been throught through by Coyer and Company, but I hate seeing DJ leave the field. I wouldn't blame him one bit if he was upset with the franchise and asked for a trade in the offseason. I know I'm jumping the gun a bit...but dude was great as a rookie and now he's all of the sudden taken a step back? The guy has done everything asked of him too...that's what makes it even more frustrating. He stayed with Denver during the offseason and participated in all the workouts while the rest of the Canes were in My-a-Me living it up....err... working out.

I don't see that he has taken a step back. The defense schemes have changed along with the personnel. He is playing very well in a new position in those new schemes regardless of the "statistics".

[epicSocialism4tw]

Al will be in if he continues to show for the media by performing in big games. I would expect that another Denver LB will make the cut if this D continues to improve. All 3 could be in if the D improves and our record shows the dominance level of the D.

[ludo21]

Gold, mainly caz he will get the sack stats since then send him the most on blitzes.

Wilson could too tho if he continues to roam around and make great plays.

Im not worried about DJ at all, he has played great when in the game. I dont mind him leaving the field during nickel because Brandon is playing good right now. Id rather the D continue to dominate than messing with things during the season.

Main thing im worried about is pissing DJ off to the point he wants out. He is a talent with an education from the U, he knows he could go anywhere in the league, make good money, AND play his real position.

[BroncoInferno]

Well if you know the Pats they could care less how many pro bowls the player has been too.

If agree with Oskie on this...if he continues to get poor playing time I wouldn't be suprised to see him leave soon.

What leverage does he have? He's in year two of a five year deal. Unless a team wants to give us a fat top 10 draft pick, he's going to be here for awhile. Right now, Gold is simply playing better than DJ in the nickle sets. I have no doubt DJ will improve and get on the field more in those situations.

[broncosteven]

Ian is getting the national press. He was in tribune article here in Chitown last week. I think Al deserves it & I don't like Ian all that much but there is a lot to be said for national exposure in this Popularity contest.

[SoCalBronco]

good article. So much for me trusting Coyer to be even handed.


Chris Schneider © News

D.J. Williams was a big force last season for the Broncos, when he led the team in tackles as a rookie and chased down San Diego quarterback Drew Brees. This season, the line- backer's role has been limited, but he's not complaining because the Broncos are winning.

PRINT THIS STORY | E-MAIL THIS STORY

Circumstance hindering Williams
Second-year linebacker's limited role is not because of his play, it is situational


Gold's signing in free agency, according to all the off-season chatter, was supposed to push Williams from the weak-side position to the strong side and perhaps dull his play-making ability after a season in which he became the first Broncos rookie in 32 years to lead the team in tackles (114).

The hypothesis was only half right. Technically, Williams has played weak side more frequently than the strong side. But the way the Broncos' defensive scheme is constructed, Gold still is being allowed to flow to the action by tweaking formations to protect him,

Yeah....they are both getting oppurtunities to shine like you promised arent they Larry?

We are winning though, so its not a big deal. I just wish he was honest about it up front instead of BSing me in the Q&A. I dont enjoy being lied too.

[elsid13]

Coyer seem to love Gold, but at some point he needs to find away to get Williams onto the field. There to much talent there for him to sit on the bench.

[16-JakE-16]

I voted for Al.


But to comment on all the DJ talk, I for one do not like the fact that he's seeing significantly less playing time. Not only is this probably the best lb core in the league, but no doubt the fastest. I see no problem with keeping them all on the field in nickel packages.

[Northman]

Based on stats Ian is on his way. If our D keeps dominating, every known name will get an invite: Champ, Al, Lynch and Pryce would all be possible.


Yep, right now the leader is Ian.

[Dudeskey]

2 FFs and a sack already gives Wilson a nice start statistically, and he's a well known team leader starting to finally get some press. I'm betting on him.

I agree on Wilson. Gold's a close second...™

[SoCalBronco]

Coyer seem to love Gold, but at some point he needs to find away to get Williams onto the field.

Dont hold your breath.

[ozomulsion]

DJ is playing a lot of Will, it is the lack up reps in the nickle. I think that we will see it again when Gonzo and Gates play, Brandon has done a great job on them.

D.J. isn't playing much WILL at all. He'll line up at the ROLB spot but mainly when the TE is lined up on the the left. Hence, he is still playing the strong side.

[Play2win]

I guess I'll chime in here. Alot of people think IAN is about to become the media's new darling, or something like that (if he continues to cause Turnovers).

I'm sure thats true, but I think (FINALLY!!) people are starting to take notice of AL WILSON. They are noticing him for more than just the WOW-hit. He is becoming a GAME-CHANGER. With great help from the D-LINE. It just shows, all we needed was a Good/Great DT, and WILSON could start to take over games.

If WILSON has a few more games like he has had, and the media is going to be all over it. I doesn't hurt when Leftwhich says things like, He thought there were 6 AL WILSONS out there.

I think WILSON is going to take take his game to a NEW LEVEL in the second half of this season, and everyone, even the media, Will Take NOTICE!!!

But, AL should thank everyone on the new D-LINE of ours for all his success this year. I am sure he will, he is that type of Person. Hell, he'll probably take them all out to Ruth's Chris!!!


:militia: AL WILSON ROCCKKKSSSS!!!! :militia:

[SoCalBronco]

D.J. isn't playing much WILL at all. He'll line up at the ROLB spot but mainly when the TE is lined up on the the left. Hence, he is still playing the strong side.

In addition, as the bold parts of the article mentioned above, Coyer is designing the scheme, regardless of which side either of them line up on, so that his favorite son, Ian, can make the plays.

[SoCalBronco]

I guess I'll chime in here. Alot of people think IAN is about to become the media's new darling, or something like that (if he continues to cause Turnovers).

I'm sure thats true, but I think (FINALLY!!) people are starting to take notice of AL WILSON. They are noticing him for more than just the WOW-hit. He is becoming a GAME-CHANGER. With great help from the D-LINE. It just shows, all we needed was a Good/Great DT, and WILSON could start to take over games.

If WILSON has a few more games like he has had, and the media is going to be all over it. I doesn't hurt when Leftwhich says things like, He thought there were 6 AL WILSONS out there.

I think WILSON is going to take take his game to a NEW LEVEL in the second half of this season, and everyone, even the media, Will Take NOTICE!!!

But, AL should thank everyone on the new D-LINE of ours for all his success this year. I am sure he will, he is that type of Person. Hell, he'll probably take them all out to Ruth's Chris!!!


:militia: AL WILSON ROCCKKKSSSS!!!! :militia:

Your right. He does rock. I really have loved the way Al is playing so far this season. He is getting props now in the press and quite deservedly so. He had parts of 2004 where he wasnt as sharp but he has really been a beast so far this year.

[Play2win]

Your right. He does rock. I really have loved the way Al is playing so far this season. He is getting props now in the press and quite deservedly so. He had parts of 2004 where he wasnt as sharp but he has really been a beast so far this year.
Yep. Now, he just needs to keep it up for the Duration. :thumbsup:

[Kaylore]

Al Wilson, though honestly they both (him and Ian) could the way that line is playing, but Al Wilson already has some recognition from the league for his performance. DJ it will be much harder because his possition doesn't usually garner the "sexy" stats and because we are in nickle so much.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Al Wilson has the only shot, IMO.

[DBroncos4life]

Burns! SP Teams baby!!!!!

[ludo21]

Burns! SP Teams baby!!!!!


I agree. Burns gets the crowd and ST pumped up!! Its awesome to see him running around making hits, !!!!! :militia: I hope he does make it as ST player caz he has been all over the place!!

[Rascal]

What leverage does he have? He's in year two of a five year deal. Unless a team wants to give us a fat top 10 draft pick, he's going to be here for awhile. Right now, Gold is simply playing better than DJ in the nickle sets. I have no doubt DJ will improve and get on the field more in those situations.

All he has to do is go to Shanny and say he wants to be traded and hire Rosenhaus as an agent or if Rosenhaus is his agent have him make some noise. He will be gone very quickly.

[BroncoInferno]

All he has to do is go to Shanny and say he wants to be traded and hire Rosenhaus as an agent or if Rosenhaus is his agent have him make some noise. He will be gone very quickly.

Uh, no. Rosenhaus wasn't able to get TO out of Philly was he? And that with TO disparaging members of the Eagles organization (including teammates) in the media, something I highly doubt DJ would ever do. When you're in the second year of a five year deal, you simply have no leverage. The only way we would trade him would be in a Portis kind of situation, where we have the chance to get another high caliber player in return, or a top 10 draft pick. Nope, the leverage is all on Denver's side here. Besides, DJ is going to continue to improve in his new role, and it will all work out.