Putzier due 1.5 Million on March 1

[Master___Pain]

if the Broncos don't exercise that option he becomes a FA. Do they like Duke and Alexander enough to not sign him?

[Bronco_Beerslug]

The guy is worth every nickel and then some.

[Drek]

More accurately, do they like a TE in this draft enough to let him go?

Lot of TEs, I'm sure we can get one of them with the 29th pick. We could have traded him last year to the Jets, but they were offering pretty mediocre compensation.

More important question is just how much cap we'd have to eat if we did let him go only one year into a long deal.

[Master___Pain]

The guy is worth every nickel and then some.

That's my thinking too.

[CBF1]

For a TE getting good money, I do not think he lived up to all the hype here at the mane. Good... I agree, but not great by any strech of the imagination.

[anthonypacino]

if the Broncos don't exercise that option he becomes a FA. Do they like Duke and Alexander enough to not sign him?
we kept Duke around and then we just picked up another TE from San Diego. Shanny has always been TE crazy, remember a few years ago when we went into camp with something like 7 TE's we went out and got OJ Santiago and a few others then cut them before the season. Putz will stay Nate Jackson will probably be dumped.

[TheDave]

The guy is worth every nickel and then some.

Then why was he 2nd team?

[scorpio]

Nate Jackson will probably be dumped.


Not DJ Nasty Nate! Say it ain't so!

[DrFate]

I realize I'm in the minority on this, but I'll say it anyway...

I don't see it - he is an extremely average TE. I was irritated when we didn't take the 2nd (or 3rd, can't remember) round pick from the Jets for the guy.

He isn't a bad player - but he doesn't have great speed or great hands and is a mediocre blocker. I can't see keeping a guy who had 37 catches and zero TDs while making above-average-for-the-position salary. (He has a five-year contract worth $12.5 million)

If he can get more money elsewhere (more power to him)

[Rock Chalk]

Then why was he 2nd team?
Thats a misnomer.

He is a pass catching TE and worth the money. Blocking he is lacking and since we ran primarily to star the game, Alexander was "starter".

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I realize I'm in the minority on this, but I'll say it anyway...

I don't see it - he is an extremely average TE. I was irritated when we didn't take the 2nd (or 3rd, can't remember) round pick from the Jets for the guy.

He isn't a bad player - but he doesn't have great speed or great hands and is a mediocre blocker. I can't see keeping a guy who had 37 catches and zero TDs while making above-average-for-the-position salary. (He has a five-year contract worth $12.5 million)

If he can get more money elsewhere (more power to him)
He has very good hands and made clutch catches all year. Alexander made clutch drops all year. We have no one that's even close to catching as well right now. If Duke comes on takes over, more power to him.

[DrFate]

He has very good hands and made clutch catches all year. Alexander made clutch drops all year. We have no one that's even close to catching as well right now. If Duke comes on takes over, more power to him.

He averages a little over 2 catches a game. He didn't find the endzone. He had basically the same numbers in '04. I just don't see this kind of production as being worth big money (if I remember he is getting top 5 TE money).

[Rohirrim]

Maybe if Putz was gone the Broncos wouldn't lead the "Jacked Up" sequence every week.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Maybe if Putz was gone the Broncos wouldn't lead the "Jacked Up" sequence every week.
He's just like McCaffrey. The guy gets clobbered but hangs on to the ball. We didn't use him near enough this year.

[Rohirrim]

He's just like McCaffrey. The guy gets clobbered but hangs on to the ball. We didn't use him near enough this year.

I forgot to put the smiley face next to that one. I admire Putz. He might cough up a lung on one of those hits, but he hangs on to the ball.

[epicSocialism4tw]

2 words for you guys: Mercedes Lewis.

[bpc]

If this guy washes out from us this offseason, I would not be crying. The guy isn't a complete TE... who knows if he will become one. He also can't really stretch a defense which is a problem for a team that relies on running into the middle of a defense so often.

[SpringStein]

2 words for you guys: Mercedes Lewis.
MArcedes ;)

[ludo21]

Pay him.

He is going to be a good TE here if we use him properly. He is a former WR so his blocking defiency is expected. We should use him more and get him the ball, he has proven that he actually gets YAC, even tho when he runs it looks like he is jogging.

[Old Dude]

Putz is okay, but not really a gamebreaker. And his blocking skills need lots of improvement.

Our receiving corps is weak, as a whole.

If we can significantly upgrade our wideouts via free agency, then we wouldn't necessarily need a stud at TE, and he could hang around.

But if we can't upgrade our wideouts, then TE is a position we might look to improve, through the draft if nothing else.

[sippybrew]

I think Putz is a keeper. He didn't get thrown to very much is why his stats remain average. Hopefully Duke steps up as well. Dump Alexander, he dropped the ball all year long.

[Rohirrim]

Not to mention (hopefully) The House comes back 100% next year.

[TheDave]

Thats a misnomer.

He is a pass catching TE and worth the money. Blocking he is lacking and since we ran primarily to star the game, Alexander was "starter".

So was Sharpe, but i never remember "House" starting over him... Point is that we are paying top money to a guy that is far from a complete player. I'm still looking to upgrade that position.

[defenseman]

I'm interested to see if Carswell comes back as a TE, or possibly a tackle?...dman

[ludo21]

I'm interested to see if Carswell comes back as a TE, or possibly a tackle?...dman


With the injury he had, im betting that if he comes back at all it will be at the TE position. Less of chance to get jabbed in the tummy all the time out there.

[DomCasual]

Lot of TEs, I'm sure we can get one of them with the 29th pick.
We need to upgrade other positions first. There's no way we use one of the firsts at tight end, in my opinion.

[Mile High Shack]

all I can say is

there was a reason that Duke started to get more playing time...even in the playoffs

what that reason is, I don't know for sure, but I'm sure it says something

[Old Dude]

It will be interesting to see how the AGCP (Antonio Gates Cloning Project) goes in 2006.

[DomCasual]

all I can say is

there was a reason that Duke started to get more playing time...even in the playoffs

what that reason is, I don't know for sure, but I'm sure it says something
:giggle: Well, thanks for that keen insight, Shack.

[Mile High Shack]

:giggle: Well, thanks for that keen insight, Shack.

LOL

I just like to point things out for no apparent reason

what I think it means is that Steven Alexander is as good as gone

in fact it wouldn't surprise me if they try and make Duke the full time starter next year, assuming he can block

[TheDave]

LOL

I just like to point things out for no apparent reason

what I think it means is that Steven Alexander is as good as gone

in fact it wouldn't surprise me if they try and make Duke the full time starter next year, assuming he can block

and his ACL's hold up!

[ludo21]

LOL

I just like to point things out for no apparent reason

what I think it means is that Steven Alexander is as good as gone

in fact it wouldn't surprise me if they try and make Duke the full time starter next year, assuming he can block


and he can! Every time i watched him in there pass blocking he held his own. Im really looking forward to Duke next year in more of a role.
Alexander is gone in most scenarios, we wont draft a TE first round tho, not a primary need imo.

[DomCasual]

LOL

I just like to point things out for no apparent reason

what I think it means is that Steven Alexander is as good as gone

in fact it wouldn't surprise me if they try and make Duke the full time starter next year, assuming he can block
I'd love to see it happen, assuming Duke has improved enough to make it work. He's young. He's athletic. Everyone on the team seems to like him, to the point of basically adopting him as a team mascot. And he wears #84 - that number has been money for the Broncos for a long time (with all apologies to Clint Sampson, may he rest in peace).

[eddie mac]

if the Broncos don't exercise that option he becomes a FA. Do they like Duke and Alexander enough to not sign him?

What kind of signing bonus did Jeb get last year? By my calculations it was only $1 million.

The base salaries amount to: $10m, this bonus is $1.5m so that only leaves $1m of the $12.5m deal.

2005 500000.00
2006 1500000.00
2007 1700000.00
2008 3000000.00
2009 3300000.00

Are you totally sure that he'll be a FA if we dont pay the bonus? It could be that Denver may have to pay it or cut him, in that case a $3.2m cap hit this year would result in a $800k cap hit instead., shaving $2.4m of that figure of $27m or thereabouts.

[Conklin]

so am i the only one that noticed Duke has been assigned to NFL Europe so he won't be playing here next year?

[watermock]

I like the Putz. I think he's made steady if slow progress. He's decptively fast but does lumber a bit.

[BigPlayShay]

so am i the only one that noticed Duke has been assigned to NFL Europe so he won't be playing here next year?

Just because he is going to Europe does not mean he won't be playing in 06. The Broncos are allocating him to Europe probably to work on blocking, catching, etc... to get him more prepared for a larger role in 06.

[Jens1893]

so am i the only one that noticed Duke has been assigned to NFL Europe so he won't be playing here next year?

NFL Europe runs from March till May ... think it´s a bit earlier because of the World Cup. Duke will be back in Denver for the training camp.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I don't see it - he is an extremely average TE. I was irritated when we didn't take the 2nd (or 3rd, can't remember) round pick from the Jets for the guy.


That's what the Broncos wanted, not what the Jets offered.

[Clockwork Orange]

I believe the Jets were offering a 5th or 6th rounder.

[RMT]

For a TE getting good money, I do not think he lived up to all the hype here at the mane. Good... I agree, but not great by any strech of the imagination.

Exactly ... Shannon Sharpe was more productive in his last year and he "only" earned about $800,000, which is significantly less than Putzier.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I believe the Jets were offering a 5th or 6th rounder.

Yeah, I think they were willing to give up the 6th that they were required to because of Putz's RFA status, but nothing more.

[broncohaven]

I don't see it from Putz. Duke is already a better blocker, and IMO has a great upside. I like Putz's skill, but he doesn't show any heart or fire. He was "jacked up" twenty times this year by 185lb CBs. I think he's a little soft. Although I would worry a little if we let him go, as Alexander dropped every ball thrown to him during the last 4 games.

I like Putz, but we're gonna be strapped for cash and I think we should let him go.

[Finger Roll]

but he can't block a crippled old lady and he's pretty much worthless in the redzone which is a joke for a tightend.

[Finger Roll]

can any of this years stud TE prospects like Davis, Lewis and Pope block? Probably not since TE's today are worthless blockers. With the exception of a couple.

[ludo21]

I don't see it from Putz. Duke is already a better blocker, and IMO has a great upside. I like Putz's skill, but he doesn't show any heart or fire. He was "jacked up" twenty times this year by 185lb CBs. I think he's a little soft. Although I would worry a little if we let him go, as Alexander dropped every ball thrown to him during the last 4 games.

I like Putz, but we're gonna be strapped for cash and I think we should let him go.

Soft???

Wow, thats the most BS! Everytime he got hit he got back up and played. Thats being soft? Or were you implying that he is soft for just the fact he gets hit? JAkes the Qb that puts Putz in those spots, i put that on him.

Putz hasnt lived up to what we want him to be yet, but calling him soft is unfair.

[elsid13]

Duke going to NFLE means that the team has plans for him in 06. They did the same thing with Hamiliton. Add to the fact that Shanahan and Kubes trusted him enough to be in Steelers game to block means that they are fast tracking him.

[Finger Roll]

Duke is listed at 225. I'm not keeping my hopes up with a TE 25 pounds under weight.

[Drek]

Wouldn't surprise me at all if we were to let Putz and Alexander both walk. Landon Trusty looks to provide us with a blocking TE option, and Duke is likely going to get fast tracked into real playing time come '06. This is a great year for TEs, we could probably get someone like Anthony Fassano in the 2nd or 3rd, and he's an all around quality TE with some fire in his belly.

I don't think we will release Putz, but it won't surprise me if we did, the fact that we can get out now for minimal cap indicates a plan regarding him originating from last year.

[watermock]

Man, I just don't understand how we could be this far over the cap with all that dead money finally off the books. I know Pryce has an unacceptable number, and we have alot of deferred money owed to Rod, but he's earned it...Nails might have to go, but I'm sure he want's to finish here and would probably redo.

Pryce simply isn't dominant anymore. He's worth no more than last year. I'm still not over the Pitt game enough to start fussing about the cap and draft. Dammit WTF happened last Sunday? It was like we went full circle back to the Miami game...It's a fact that Pitt struggled midseason with injuries and was better than their record, but we laid such an egg and I was so exausted from anticipation I actually had to take a short nap midgame...not to mention I was so pissed off I was going blind...

[Atlas]

Putz's aver per catch is one of the leagues best. He has good hands and he can stretch the field. A 1.5 mil signing bonus isn't too much.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Duke going to NFLE means that the team has plans for him in 06.

Denver had plans for him in '06 when they signed him as their 5th TE to prevent him from getting poached by another team off the PS.

[Ray Finkle]

Like I said when he signed the offer sheet, don't let the door hit your butt on the way out.

So he has good YAC, he blows in the redzone....

[Kaylore]

I realize I'm in the minority on this, but I'll say it anyway...

I don't see it - he is an extremely average TE. I was irritated when we didn't take the 2nd (or 3rd, can't remember) round pick from the Jets for the guy.

He isn't a bad player - but he doesn't have great speed or great hands and is a mediocre blocker. I can't see keeping a guy who had 37 catches and zero TDs while making above-average-for-the-position salary. (He has a five-year contract worth $12.5 million)

If he can get more money elsewhere (more power to him)
I agree with all of this. I'm a little disappointed with how he's performed, especially considering what we threw at him. I don't think his blocking has really got to where it should be and drops from all our tight ends have killed us in some critical situations.

I don't think people appreciate how improtant the tight end is in the Broncos offense. They effectively play three positions (tight end, fullback, receiver) and need to be able to at least be moderately effective at all three. I personally feel it's one of the top three possitions in our offense and requires some kind of a marquee talent. Outside of the sudden emergence of one of the guys we have on our team, it is an area we should focus on.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Outside of the sudden emergence of one of the guys we have on our team, it is an area we should focus on.
Before a D line, Safety, O line, WR or after?

[Ray Finkle]

Before a D line, Safety, O line, WR or after?


DE/DT/S/OL/WR/RB in that order....

[Bronco_Beerslug]

DE/DT/S/OL/WR/RB in that order....
So besides QB and CB, revamp the whole team.

[Ray Finkle]

So besides QB and CB, revamp the whole team.


I don't think it is that bad....they need to get bigger and quicker on the lines

[Kaylore]

Before a D line, Safety, O line, WR or after?
I agree that our D-line needs a little bit of help. And perhaps our O-line depending on who's left. A great TE is in an investment in a WR.

SAFETY!?!?! Where do all you guys get the idea we need help at safety? We have one who was at the top of the league in interceptions at his possition and another who went to the pro-bowl for the second straight year. Not to mention the two young 'uns we had who were on IR this season. To suggest we need to bring in safety help this season is ludicrous.

[HEAV]

Keep Putz. He's the second leading pass catcher, after Rod. I'd hate to see another solid (home developed) TE product leave and have success elsewhere.

Ala
Bears | Clark named to the Pro Bowl


Chicago Bears TE Desmond Clark has been named to the 2006 Pro Bowl as the NFC need player.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

SAFETY!?!?! Where do all you guys get the idea we need help at safety? We have one who was at the top of the league in interceptions at his possition and another who went to the pro-bowl for the second straight year. Not to mention the two young 'uns we had who were on IR this season. To suggest we need to bring in safety help this season is ludicrous.

The "young 'uns" haven't proven dick, especially Browner, and the safety who was at the top of the league in interceptions was completely exposed in both playoff games as being terrible in coverage. Anyone who has a vertical of more than 1 foot could have picked off that TD pass to Ward at the end of the first half on Sunday. Lynch is going to be how old at the start of next season?

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I agree that our D-line needs a little bit of help. And perhaps our O-line depending on who's left. A great TE is in an investment in a WR.

SAFETY!?!?! Where do all you guys get the idea we need help at safety? We have one who was at the top of the league in interceptions at his possition and another who went to the pro-bowl for the second straight year. Not to mention the two young 'uns we had who were on IR this season. To suggest we need to bring in safety help this season is ludicrous.

We need one that can drop back in protection and help support our corners. We were toasted by the passing game this year. Whether that's Browner (Steve Atwater clone?) or not we need one.

[Ray Finkle]

I agree that our D-line needs a little bit of help. And perhaps our O-line depending on who's left. A great TE is in an investment in a WR.

SAFETY!?!?! Where do all you guys get the idea we need help at safety? We have one who was at the top of the league in interceptions at his possition and another who went to the pro-bowl for the second straight year. Not to mention the two young 'uns we had who were on IR this season. To suggest we need to bring in safety help this season is ludicrous.



both safeties run like they have a plunger up their butts....look at see what Reed, A. Wilson (the Cards S), and Polumalu bring to their teams.

[Ray Finkle]

Keep Putz. He's the second leading pass catcher, after Rod. I'd hate to see another solid (home developed) TE product leave and have success elsewhere.

Ala
Bears | Clark named to the Pro Bowl


Chicago Bears TE Desmond Clark has been named to the 2006 Pro Bowl as the NFC need player.


Need player.....that is overwhelming. What good is a TE that does nothing in the redzone. That is where the cream rise to the top....

[spdirty]

Screw it...we're in shambles, lets just completely dismantle the team and start all over.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

both safeties run like they have a plunger up their butts....look at see what Reed, A. Wilson (the Cards S), and Polumalu bring to their teams.
You left out the best one in the league (the spitter).

[Ray Finkle]

You left out the best one in the league (the spitter).


oh yeah Sean "Don't make me spit on you and then deny it" Taylor....

[Kaylore]

The "young 'uns" haven't proven dick, especially Browner, and the safety who was at the top of the league in interceptions was completely exposed
I disagree on both points.

1. Browner was the second string safety before he left camp, and had worked his way to that point from the practice squad with his special teams play and play on the field and that was after missing the first two camps leading up to that point. Have we seen him respond in a "real" game yet? No, but the same can be said for anyone else we might draft, and we don't have the money to throw around at some "super" safety free agent.

2. And what a stupid and unfair argument against Nick Ferguson. Everyone played like butt in that game. It was TEAM loss. To say that one bad game should overshadow what was an exceptional season is retarded. By your logic, we should dump Champ too for dropping an interception that hit him right in the chest. I mean he was "exposed" too, right?

We need one that can drop back in protection and help support our corners. We were toasted by the passing game this year. Whether that's Browner (Steve Atwater clone?) or not we need one.

Our safeties didn't have trouble dropping back into coverage. The problem is they hardly ever did. We had to just to get some preassure. Maybe if we had some explosive help on the D-line we could leave them in coveragea little more.

All year everyone has whined about our safeties like they get burned every game, when nothing of the sort happened this year and there wasn't a game I could think of that showed either one of our starters being consistantly burned in coverage. It's pretty ridiculous.

[Florida_Bronco]

I personally like Putz. You should all remember that he received virtually no playing time his first 2 years, and then after getting the starting job last year, he really played well.

He's still developing, so let's stick with him.

[Florida_Bronco]

I disagree on both points.

1. Browner was the second string safety before he left camp, and had worked his way to that point from the practice squad with his special teams play and play on the field and that was after missing the first two camps leading up to that point. Have we seen him respond in a "real" game yet? No, but the same can be said for anyone else we might draft, and we don't have the money to throw around at some "super" safety free agent.

2. And what a stupid and unfair argument against Nick Ferguson. Everyone played like butt in that game. It was TEAM loss. To say that one bad game should overshadow what was an exceptional season is retarded. By your logic, we should dump Champ too for dropping an interception that hit him right in the chest. I mean he was "exposed" too, right?



Our safeties didn't have trouble dropping back into coverage. The problem is they hardly ever did. We had to just to get some preassure. Maybe if we had some explosive help on the D-line we could leave them in coveragea little more.

All year everyone has whined about our safeties like they get burned every game, when nothing of the sort happened this year and there wasn't a game I could think of that showed either one of our starters being consistantly burned in coverage. It's pretty ridiculous.

Good post Kaylore - REP

[RMT]

Putz's aver per catch is one of the leagues best. He has good hands and he can stretch the field. A 1.5 mil signing bonus isn't too much.

For what Putz brings to the table, I feel it's too much.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I disagree on both points.

1. Browner was the second string safety before he left camp, and had worked his way to that point from the practice squad with his special teams play and play on the field and that was after missing the first two camps leading up to that point. Have we seen him respond in a "real" game yet? No, but the same can be said for anyone else we might draft, and we don't have the money to throw around at some "super" safety free agent.

2. And what a stupid and unfair argument against Nick Ferguson. Everyone played like butt in that game. It was TEAM loss. To say that one bad game should overshadow what was an exceptional season is retarded. By your logic, we should dump Champ too for dropping an interception that hit him right in the chest. I mean he was "exposed" too, right?


1. So how did Browner do in the regular season when games mattered? Oh wait, he only made it through 2 preseason games where he recorded a single pass breakup and 0 tackles. Sorry, he hasn't proven anything yet, especially when he's being argued as a reason the Broncos don't need a safety.

2. So when Ferguson had the ability to pick off Big Ben's pass in the endzone, it was a team thing because he couldn't jump high enough? Ferguson was terrible in both playoff games and was routinely picked on when he was back in coverage. You're also contradicting yourself. If Ferguson can't be blamed because it was a team loss, why did you list a handful of positions that need to be upgraded? Surely we can't judge any positions need/lack of a need due to the game last Sunday.

Yes my logic says Champ could be upgraded because I said Ferguson was picked on in both playoff games. Next time read the actual words in my post. I didn't say just the Steelers game like you're attempting to say I did when you make your Champ argument, I said Ferguson got lit up in the Pats game too. Champ also at least got to the ball when he went for the pick, Ferguson made a half-assed leap at a ball that most semi-athletic people could get to at least deflect.

[ScottXray]

all I can say is

there was a reason that Duke started to get more playing time...even in the playoffs

what that reason is, I don't know for sure, but I'm sure it says something


I was watching some replays of the Pitt game that were showing Duke blocking. On two of them he blocked Polmalu, and while he didn't pancake him, Polamalu didn't get in on the tackles, or even close. Duke pushed him right out of the play, cleanly. If the kid has developed those kind of skills in his first year playing football, he is going to be incredible later on. Maybe he started the Pitt gamecause he blocks well.
He's going to NFL europe this year. He should be a lot better after a season playing there. I hope he doesn't get injured, and comes back to camp next year with a few "tricks" up his sleeve. :thumbsup:

[Kaylore]

1. So how did Browner do in the regular season when games mattered? Oh wait, he only made it through 2 preseason games where he recorded a single pass breakup and 0 tackles. Sorry, he hasn't proven anything yet, especially when he's being argued as a reason the Broncos don't need a safety.

2. So when Ferguson had the ability to pick off Big Ben's pass in the endzone, it was a team thing because he couldn't jump high enough? Ferguson was terrible in both playoff games and was routinely picked on when he was back in coverage. You're also contradicting yourself. If Ferguson can't be blamed because it was a team loss, why did you list a handful of positions that need to be upgraded? Surely we can't judge any positions need/lack of a need due to the game last Sunday.

Yes my logic says Champ could be upgraded because I said Ferguson was picked on in both playoff games. Next time read the actual words in my post. I didn't say just the Steelers game like you're attempting to say I did when you make your Champ argument, I said Ferguson got lit up in the Pats game too. Champ also at least got to the ball when he went for the pick, Ferguson made a half-assed leap at a ball that most semi-athletic people could get to at least deflect.

You're too furious about the loss to talk about things logically right now. I'm not even going to "argue" with your ridiculous statements because their entirely rooted in anger and scapegoating.

[broncofan]

He's just like McCaffrey. The guy gets clobbered but hangs on to the ball. We didn't use him near enough this year.

Right on. That's the exact same way I've viewed him his past couple years now.

Putz has been a true unsung hero for us this year. The most recent NFL fad has been the finesse, pass-catching TE. Putz doesn't have the prettiest style of play for a guy with his style, but I like how he grinds it out and isn't afraid to lay himself out for the team.

Regardless of whether Duke pans out as much as I'm hoping he will, pay him his money...he deserves it.

[DBroncos4life]

Need player.....that is overwhelming. What good is a TE that does nothing in the redzone. That is where the cream rise to the top....
I agree it does look bad but then I remember that we are a running team, and we had a FB that caught 5 tds. I think that equals things a little.

[sirhcyennek81]

Second year running he is our third leading receiver. and he is a backup tight end. His blocking is improving. Put alot of work into Putzier, best to keep him.

:Broncos:

[TheDave]

The Denver Broncos have an important decision to make by March 1. That is whether to pick up the $1.5 million option on tight end Jeb Putzier's contract or let him become an unrestricted free agent. The team is trying to develop first-year tight end Wesley Duke, whom they are sending to NFL Europe. They also have veteran tight end Stephen Alexander, who is under contract through 2007. According to a league source, it's possible that Putzier ends up with San Francisco if Denver doesn't pick up the option. Oft-injured TE Eric Johnson's contract is up after 2006.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5276952

[fontaine]

I think we should keep him.

Yeah, his blocking isn't great, but apart from Crumpler and Gonzo there really aren't that many pass catching TEs that can block all that well.

We should let Alexander go since his blocking isn't too poor and inconsistent and I'd rather have House doing the blocking duties anyways.

[Drek]

I think we should keep him.

Yeah, his blocking isn't great, but apart from Crumpler and Gonzo there really aren't that many pass catching TEs that can block all that well.

We should let Alexander go since his blocking isn't too poor and inconsistent and I'd rather have House doing the blocking duties anyways. House might never play NFL level football again, so don't be counting those chickens before they hatch.

However, this new Landon Trusty fellow should, at 6'7", 260, be able to put a hat on someone and keep them from jumping up Jake's ass, so if its a blocking TE we're looking for, he's a start.

In my opinion Putz has done a lot with what talent he has and in the last two years has made some big plays for us. He's not an elite TE however, and thats the money he's going to see for most of this contract. Like I said last year, we gave him top 10 TE money. He isn't a top 10 TE, and so the decision is really up to if the FO thinks he can be one at some point very soon. I don't think he will myself. If cutting him leads to us drafting someone with real elite talent at the TE position (Lewis, Davis, or Pope to name three in this draft class), or a good all around TE (Anthony Fassano for example), I'm all good with it. It'll save us money on the cap and improve the position, can't ask for more than that.

[fontaine]

House might never play NFL level football again, so don't be counting those chickens before they hatch.

However, this new Landon Trusty fellow should, at 6'7", 260, be able to put a hat on someone and keep them from jumping up Jake's ass, so if its a blocking TE we're looking for, he's a start.

In my opinion Putz has done a lot with what talent he has and in the last two years has made some big plays for us. He's not an elite TE however, and thats the money he's going to see for most of this contract. Like I said last year, we gave him top 10 TE money. He isn't a top 10 TE, and so the decision is really up to if the FO thinks he can be one at some point very soon. I don't think he will myself. If cutting him leads to us drafting someone with real elite talent at the TE position (Lewis, Davis, or Pope to name three in this draft class), or a good all around TE (Anthony Fassano for example), I'm all good with it. It'll save us money on the cap and improve the position, can't ask for more than that.

Fair enough, if House isn't available then there usually are cheap blocking TE available in Free Agency. I think we should get a good blocking TE that can seal off the edge since none of our TEs can and it hurt our perimeter running game IMO.

I haven't looked into the draft really, so I'm open to suggestions. With KJ also around I dunno if we absolutely need an every down pass catching TE since KJ does a good job of catching the ball as well.

[watermock]

I don't mind taking house back, but he took a hard hit and isn't a spring chicken.
When you get your guts pushed up into your lungs I don't know if your ever the same...
and he's getting up there...I'm not going to push him out tho...I'm more worried about his health than anything else. He's not ring of fame but he's damn close. Depends on his health. If he gets cleared, that's cool. man he got beat up tho. Almost died. I'm more concerned he might get hurt.

If he tried to come back I want a double check on his ability to do so. After having his guts pushed up inside him , I don't want to see him hurt. He's not a young man to boot. I'm not kickin' him to the curb, it's concern. I don't know how you can recover completely from such injury. If they clear him and he is up to par, you gotta let him play, but I'm leery. poor guy....I would hang it up...I don't want him busting a liver or spleen or whatever...

He was busted up pretty good. He doesn't have anything to prove at this point. His call tho. I don't want to kick him to the curb, but man, he took a major hit and isn't young. I honestly think he should hang up the jock strap...I don't like the fact his guts were pushed up to his sternum...I just got a bad feeling about it...This is a brutal game...I can't stop him, but I honestly think it's time to hang it up.. I don't want old house getting hurt at this point.

Rant over.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

2. And what a stupid and unfair argument against Nick Ferguson. Everyone played like butt in that game. It was TEAM loss. To say that one bad game should overshadow what was an exceptional season is retarded. By your logic, we should dump Champ too for dropping an interception that hit him right in the chest. I mean he was "exposed" too, right?

Champ DIDN'T drop that ball, Ward made a great play to get an arm in there and bounce it up in the air.



Our safeties didn't have trouble dropping back into coverage. The problem is they hardly ever did. We had to just to get some preassure. Maybe if we had some explosive help on the D-line we could leave them in coveragea little more.



Our safeties do indeed having trouble getting back in coverage. Neither one has the speed to close on the ball.
If not for a great play from Bailey in the NE game we would still be talking about how Brady throttled us even though they commited 4 TOs.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

You're too furious about the loss to talk about things logically right now. I'm not even going to "argue" with your ridiculous statements because their entirely rooted in anger and scapegoating.

Actually I'm not, but since you're throwing out guys who have never seen the field in an actual regular season game as why the Broncos are fine at safety, it's worthless to even discuss this with you. But continue to make weak defenses like the "team loss" one you made last night. If every loss is a team loss, then no one should ever be replaced for sucking because the blame can't fall on them.

[DarkHorse30]

I realize I'm in the minority on this, but I'll say it anyway...

I don't see it - he is an extremely average TE. I was irritated when we didn't take the 2nd (or 3rd, can't remember) round pick from the Jets for the guy.

He isn't a bad player - but he doesn't have great speed or great hands and is a mediocre blocker. I can't see keeping a guy who had 37 catches and zero TDs while making above-average-for-the-position salary. (He has a five-year contract worth $12.5 million)

If he can get more money elsewhere (more power to him)

Bingo. Putz is not a game-breaker....he's merely adequate, if that. You know you have an average TE when you say "Wow, he made a catch" in a game, instead of expecting it 3-4 times a game...and a TD now and then. Let him go.

Sometimes I wish Denver would actually draft a top-line TE like they say we will every year.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Bingo. Putz is not a game-breaker....he's merely adequate, if that. You know you have an average TE when you say "Wow, he made a catch" in a game, instead of expecting it 3-4 times a game...and a TD now and then. Let him go.

Sometimes I wish Denver would actually draft a top-line TE like they say we will every year.

Did you watch any games this year? He caught everything that came his way and some were huge catches.

Geeezus! Lelie only had 5 more catches than Jeb.

[fontaine]

Did you watch any games this year? He caught everything that came his way and some were huge catches.

Geeezus! Lelie only had 5 more catches than Jeb.

And between them both they had one TD, yet according to posters here Lelie will be ready to take on the 1 WR role after Rod, has low stats because he is ignored by Plummer on purpose and is a game breaker who doesn't get passes thrown his way!

I cringe at the thought of Rod missing a game or getting injured because the rest of our top wideouts have like one or two combined TDs for the season.

At least Hummer used to be a WR coach who developed Eddie Mac and Rod. Maybe he can take Dumb and Dumber and get them to be more complete players.
Ha!

[bloodsunday]

I'll go either way on this one. I see the merits of keeping him (1.5 million isn't really breaking the bank), but I also see the argument that it might be time to upgrade the position. A VERY early mock draft I saw has us picking Pope out of Georgia with the 22nd pick.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

And between them both they had one TD, yet according to posters here Lelie will be ready to take on the 1 WR role after Rod, has low stats because he is ignored by Plummer on purpose and is a game breaker who doesn't get passes thrown his way!

I cringe at the thought of Rod missing a game or getting injured because the rest of our top wideouts have like one or two combined TDs for the season.

At least Hummer used to be a WR coach who developed Eddie Mac and Rod. Maybe he can take Dumb and Dumber and get them to be more complete players.
Ha!


A big part of the lack of catches goes to Shanahan for dumbing down Jake.

[fontaine]

A big part of the lack of catches goes to Shanahan for dumbing down Jake.

If "dumbing" down results in 13 wins against a tough schedule all the way to the AFC Championship and home field advantage, then I'm killing all my remaining brain cells . . . . . . now.

:yayaya:

[bloodsunday]

If "dumbing" down results in 13 wins against a tough schedule all the way to the AFC Championship and home field advantage, then I'm killing all my remaining brain cells . . . . . . now.
The question we need to be asking is: Can we duplicate this success? The schedule appears to be almost as hard next year. The two biggest keys from this season's turnaround (IMO) were Redzone efficency on O and turnover margin. But have we really fixed either issue or did we just get some breaks with some temporary band-aids?

I am not really sure, just wondering aloud.

[bendog]

I'd hoped Putz would upgrade his blocking but with Alexander getting on the field, it appears not. Worse, going two te makes the offense even less a long gain threat as neither guy is really fast. But, neither Nate Jackson nor Alexander, till this year, have shown they can stay healthy.

[Old Dude]

Looks more and more like Heimerdinger is going to be the OC. If so, then Putz will probably be retained. The Jets tried to sign him last year, so I'd assume that Heimerdinger has a high opinion of him. Plus, Heimerdinger had a rep at Tennessee for using TEs pretty effectively.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

If "dumbing" down results in 13 wins against a tough schedule all the way to the AFC Championship and home field advantage, then I'm killing all my remaining brain cells . . . . . . now.

:yayaya:
Nothing wrong with reeling in Jake to get more wins but that takes away from the passing game.

[Ray Finkle]

Did you watch any games this year? He caught everything that came his way and some were huge catches.

Geeezus! Lelie only had 5 more catches than Jeb.


TE's make their $$ in the redzone....ever notice Jeb in the red? Neither does anyone else....

[DBroncos4life]

Did any other team have a FB with 5 TD catches this year? We had 25 rushing TDs and a FB with 5 td catches. I only recall a hand full of passes going the TE's way in the RZ in the first place.

[Ray Finkle]

Did any other team have a FB with 5 TD catches this year? We had 25 rushing TDs and a FB with 5 td catches. I only recall a hand full of passes going the TE's way in the RZ in the first place.


there is a reason for that....what made the 97-98 Broncos leathal was Sharpe. If you overplayed the Run, he would catch a TD. If you covered him, that opened up the lanes for Rod, Ed, and Grif.....

Since the TE isn't doing squat in the red, KJ gets those balls....Look how much attention Miller gets first in the redzone with Pitt. I don't think any defense is thinking...."Damn, we need to stop Putz/Alexander/Jackson"....

[ro_50]

I like Putz but is he worth the money, who knows.

He has to improve his blocking, that much is certain.

He does get open and is solid but not spectacular.

[azbroncfan]

TE's make their $$ in the redzone....ever notice Jeb in the red? Neither does anyone else....
Or Lelie? Outside of smith and the Johnson our redzone O wasn't very good at passing.

[Mr. Trout]

Basically we keep the Putz!!!

[DrFate]

Geeezus! Lelie only had 5 more catches than Jeb.

That is as much of an indictment against Lelie as it is a point supporting Putzier.

I have made the point before of how much talent this offense has lost and how much has been invested in the defense (draft picks, FA money, trades) in the last 2+ years. Since Jake got here he has lost Portis, Droughns, Sharpe and McCaffery. This board goes bozo everytime the offense has a sub-par game and nobody wants to talk about how trades are made that shift the balance from offense to defense. How all the FA money is spent on defense. How the last 2 drafts have focused on defense.

The front office turned Portis into Bailey. Passed on Stephen Jackson to draft DJ Williams. Spent money to bring back Ian Gold. Turned Drouhns into some of the Browncos. This team is desparately lacking at the skill positions. Lelie hasn't developed as hoped and Putzier is an extremely average player at his position who is getting above-average money.

I have no problem with Putzier staying on the team, but I can't see how you justify giving him a big bonus based on his performance.

[Atlas]

I agree that our D-line needs a little bit of help. And perhaps our O-line depending on who's left. A great TE is in an investment in a WR.

SAFETY!?!?! Where do all you guys get the idea we need help at safety? We have one who was at the top of the league in interceptions at his possition and another who went to the pro-bowl for the second straight year. Not to mention the two young 'uns we had who were on IR this season. To suggest we need to bring in safety help this season is ludicrous.

Cut Lynch and save $3 million on the cap.

[~Crash~]

Then why was he 2nd team?

LMAO this is like shooting fish in a barrel...Shanon Sharp was 2nd team by your standars? :strong:

[~Crash~]

LOL

I just like to point things out for no apparent reason

what I think it means is that Steven Alexander is as good as gone

in fact it wouldn't surprise me if they try and make Duke the full time starter next year, assuming he can block

I keyed in on duke blocking wow is all I can say he realy finished of his blocks .what cannons the guy has :strong:

[fontaine]

That is as much of an indictment against Lelie as it is a point supporting Putzier.

I have made the point before of how much talent this offense has lost and how much has been invested in the defense (draft picks, FA money, trades) in the last 2+ years. Since Jake got here he has lost Portis, Droughns, Sharpe and McCaffery. This board goes bozo everytime the offense has a sub-par game and nobody wants to talk about how trades are made that shift the balance from offense to defense. How all the FA money is spent on defense. How the last 2 drafts have focused on defense.

The front office turned Portis into Bailey. Passed on Stephen Jackson to draft DJ Williams. Spent money to bring back Ian Gold. Turned Drouhns into some of the Browncos. This team is desparately lacking at the skill positions. Lelie hasn't developed as hoped and Putzier is an extremely average player at his position who is getting above-average money.

I have no problem with Putzier staying on the team, but I can't see how you justify giving him a big bonus based on his performance.

Correct. Correct. And right again.

Shanahan did a great job this season in taking the least pure talented offense in the AFC West and making it one of the best based around total execution from the OL, a strong running game, and limiting Jake's passing attempts to make them more quality rather than quantity.

Now that there will be some turnover at the OL, it's natural to assume that there will be some dropoff in their play. That's all well and good if you've got consistent playmakers like Tomlinson, or Gates, or Tom Brady who can overcome that, but in our offense we just have Rod and he's aging.

The most damning thing to our offense, IMO, has been the past two playoff games where we went up against elite D-Coordinators in Bellichick and LeBeau.

Those guys were right on the money with their countermeasures in stopping our offense in the first half. Keep the front 7 disciplined against the run with safety help. Send more coverage over to Rod at the start of the game which forced Plummer to look towards Lelie/Putz more often in the early part of the game and those guys were too inconsistent on clutch 3rd down plays. Stack the line against Mike in the interior because he doesn't have the speed to go outside and against Bell cover the perimeter because he's too inconsistent in his vision to wait and pick the right cutback lane in the interior.

This drastically slowed down our offense in the first half, while the other team built a lead. Since we're not made to come from behind, we abandon our game plan and don't run the ball making the offense one dimensional in the 2nd half. That's the beauty of this plan. Stop the O in the first two quarters and you kill them for the game. We might not have done this against the Pats but that was only because our D managed to wrestle enough turnovers to keep the Pats from taking that lead, but it would have turned out that way because they were stopping our run.

In a nutshell, this is how the Pats and Steelers played us in the first half, and it worked like a charm. Every single defense we'll face next year will try and duplicate this scheme since Rod is still our primary playmaker in the passing game and Lelie is nowhere near good enough (and in my honest estimation, nowhere near tough enough) to make secondaries pay when Rod takes away the coverage. Lelie doesnt' get YAC, doesn't score in the red zone, doesn't get open on third downs and is a gimmick, a luxury deep threat when we need an every down WR.

Essentially, Defenses are willing to focus on Rod and why not when the Jake to Lelie/Putz hookup has contributed ONE touchdown in 18 games.

Anderson and Bell have been too predictable. If Anderson is in stack the interior because he doesn't have speed on the outside. If Bell is in stack the perimeter because his vision is lacking inside.

We are desperately going to need either Leile/Putz/Bell to mature and grow up in a big, big way or find guys in the draft (RB) and free agency (WR) to do it instead of these guys.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.