Shanahan at the Bronco QB Club

[titan]

I’ve been a member of the Bronco Quarterback Club for several years – tonight I got a chance to hear Mike Shanahan at his annual appearance in front of the group at Red and Jerrys in Englewood. Below is a summary of what Shanahan talked about.

Shanahan said the mood was good at the camp today because it was the last of the two-a-days. The rookies were especially happy because they don’t have to stay at the team hotel anymore.

Mike said he thinks “we’ll be a better team this year. We have learned our lessons from the Pittsburgh game”.

Then Mike did a review of this year’s draft choices:

Jay Cutler: A great young prospect who Shanahan is very impressed with. Mike said people ask him how he rates Cutler’s arm strength. Mike said, “Elway rates a 10, and Cutler rates a 10” when it comes to arm strength. Cutler is very sharp. A 4 year starter in college who never missed a game, and has great poise for a rookie.

Javon Walker – Big, strong kid with a great attitude. He’ll be everybody’s favorite in a couple of years. (a veteran but since acquired with a #2 pick shanny rated him with the other draft picks)

Tony Scheffler – he has great receiving skills. Has the things we were hoping for – we needed a tight end that can run

Brandon Marshall – we weren’t sure he’d be a wide receiver or tight end for us. Then in camp he starts beating our veteran cornerbacks from the wide receiver position. Champ Bailey said to me, “How did this guy go in the 4th round?” Should have been drafted much higher on ability. He has a pcl tear but should be ready by the last exhibition game.

Elvis Dumervil – short but a good pass rusher and has long arms (his arms are like a 6’5” guy – I don’t know how that happened)

Hixon – may not play for us this year. Has great speed and we think can make an impact in the return game.

Chris Kuper – he’s been very impressive. He will make the team.

Greg Eslinger – we like him – he has a chance to make the team
(note kuper is a sure thing while eslinger isn’t rated quite as high by shanahan)

Shanahan said he’s very optimistic about the draft choices – that they are all good character guys.

Then Shanahan took questions from the crowd:

Will you go with 2 or 3 quarterbacks?

Not sure yet.

What do you think of Kircus?

He has a vertical jump of 42 inches, he can run the 40 under 4.4, and he’s a white guy! He’s a competitor, an overachiever. Can separate from coverage.

How about Ashley Lelie?

I really like Ashley. I think he’s been led down the wrong road by some bad advice. I tell Ashley you earn what you get. Ashley is responsible for his own actions and I am not going to make it easy for him.

How about the little girl getting run over at your practice yesterday?

It is important to me to allow the fans to be close – to be part of the action. That was an unfortunate accident. After practice we treated the little girl and her family to dinner with the team. Bradlee Van Pelt took her around to meet many of the players and sign a football for her.

Will Bradlee Van Pelt change positions?

I think he has the ability to play another position, but I’ll be shocked if he does. Phil Simms spent a lot of time with Bradlee in the offseason – I think Simms is one of the best quarterback coaches out there. Van Pelt has perseverance – a quality that made John Elway great.

What about Todd Sauerbraun?

He’s on a short lease. He’ll get no kicks in preseason. With him being out others have a chance to take his job. Ernster will punt the next two games. If Todd makes another mistake like this he’s gone.

Who is your toughest competition in the AFC?

10 teams in the league are capable of winning the Super Bowl – just like us. Not that much difference in talent between these top 10 teams.

What about the lack of a pass rush?

Sacks are not that important – I look more at turnover ratio. We had a +20 turnover ratio last year (defensive takeaways minus offensive giveaways) which should have been enough to win the Super Bowl. Only one team was better than us in turnover ratio. Don’t pay attention to sacks – you read the papers too much.

Do you think the preseason is too long?

We play the starters the same in the preseason regardless of wins or losses. 10 plays the first game, 20 plays the second game, 35 plays the 3rd game, and don’t play them in the 4th game. Preseason a good chance to look at your young players. I don’t think we need that many games to get ready for the season. I come from a college background where all the games count.

What do you think of Mike Bell?

After our 6th round pick we called him and told him “if you aren’t drafted we want you” We expected him to be drafted, and we were pleased to get him. He reminds me of TD. He earned the #1 running back job on his play in camp. Can he keep it? We’ll see. Our running back position is very competitive.

With that Shanahan said goodbye to the group. Shanny’s Dad was in attendance and got a good reception from the fans.

There was a good crowd at the meeting – one of the biggest turnouts I’ve seen at a bronco qb club meeting I have attended (24 tables with 8 to 10 fans each). The restaurant ran out of some food for those of us at the end of the line but otherwise it was a good evening of Bronco football talk and got me more excited for the upcoming season.

[Rocket 7]

Good stuff titan! Great report

[SouthStndJunkie]

Thanks for sharing that.

[Steve Sewell]

Rep for sharing that. Thanks man!

[CBF1]

Great report. If only I lived in Denver :(

[Bronco Billy]

Nice report - thanks.

I can't think of the 10 teams that have the talent to make the Super Bowl in the AFC. Maybe 5.

[Broncos4Life]

Cool stuff man. Never heard of the QB club.

[rovolution]

Did he really say the "and he's white!" part about Kircus?

[theAPAOps5]

Wow awesome report. That was pretty candid for Shanny. I especially like the Mike Bell talk. Definately still wide open at the RB position. Interesting comment about Ashley being led down the wrong path. Sounds like a knock on the agent.

[Rocket 7]

Cool stuff man. Never heard of the QB club.
http://www.denverbroncosqbclub.com/

[Kaylore]

Good stuff

[baja]

NICE!

Arm strength;

Elway = 10

Cutler = 10

Nice place to start

[Requiem]

****, sacks are important Shanahan. Draft Quentin Moses NOW.

[Garcia Bronco]

This is a bunch of horse hockey. Complete crap....I can't believe this at all.
No food at the end of the line?!?!?!

")

[titan]

Shanny did say the "white" comment about Kircus but it was said with a laugh. He does open up more in front of the quarterback club. A few years ago I heard Shanny after the game Portis held up a championship belt and he was not happy with that ("don't talk to me about that belt") his other comments on Portis that night made me think Clinton would be gone.

Shanny's annual appearance in front of the qb club does give fans a chance to ask questions directly to the man - that's the best part about it.

[Garcia Bronco]

I love me some Shanahan...but the belt was classically funny...5 TD's and the belt...Robinson crying on the sideline...it was awesome....equally awesome for the career day defense

[R8R H8R]

Wow awesome report. That was pretty candid for Shanny. I especially like the Mike Bell talk. Definately still wide open at the RB position. Interesting comment about Ashley being led down the wrong path. Sounds like a knock on the agent.

Yea, he doesn't talk like this to the media. He has learned his leason; if he is wrong about something, they won't let him forget it.

[titan]

He even said once during the evening "there's nobody from the media here so ..." I'm not the media but he didn't see me taking notes from one of the back tables :-)

[snowspot66]

****, sacks are important Shanahan. Draft Quentin Moses NOW.

Important? Maybe. Vital? No. He was very specific and said sacks. I want sacks as much as the next person but I'll be happy as long as the QB isn't sitting in the pocket all day while we play grabass with the other teams O-line. Now, if he had said pressure isn't important then we could all give a big "WTF?"

[R8R H8R]

He even said once during the evening "there's nobody from the media here so ..." I'm not the media but he didn't see me taking notes from one of the back tables :-)

Titan, has Shanny ever tipped his hand before about a young guy / rookie making the team like he did with Kuper?

I guess I am so used to the bland "company" answers he usually gives the press, I am surprised he would already declare a rookie 5th round draft choice has made the team.

But good for him, and good for you guys to get it out of him. :thumbsup:

[titan]

He just volunteered that about Kuper (he talked about the rookies in his opening remarks before opening it up to questions). You're right - he's usually much more guarded when talking about a rookie.

The big name rookie position players naturally get more attention (the Cutlers, Shefflers, etc) but I thought the Kuper comment was one of the more interesting Shanny comments of the night.

[ludo21]

THIS is why the 100 post rule, is NOT a rule!!

REPPP!!!!!

stick around man, you rock!! :militia:

[Archie]

NICE!

Arm strength;

Elway = 10

Cutler = 10

Nice place to start

That's what I'm talking about.... Yeah Baby!!! Yeah!

[baja]

He just volunteered that about Kuper (he talked about the rookies in his opening remarks before opening it up to questions). You're right - he's usually much more guarded when talking about a rookie.

The big name rookie position players naturally get more attention (the Cutlers, Shefflers, etc) but I thought the Kuper comment was one of the more interesting Shanny comments of the night.

hey titan how do we know you were really there I mean you have Titan as a handle maybe you are a spy.

I know tell us whick one of shanny's eyes is glass. huh huh!!

Well clearly here is a case where the 100 post rule goes out the window.

OR Is that you hot Rod??

[R8R H8R]

He just volunteered that about Kuper (he talked about the rookies in his opening remarks before opening it up to questions). You're right - he's usually much more guarded when talking about a rookie.

The big name rookie position players naturally get more attention (the Cutlers, Shefflers, etc) but I thought the Kuper comment was one of the more interesting Shanny comments of the night.

Am I reading too much into his answer about BVP, or did he seem to give a less than ringing endorsement to him?

[titan]

I'm still pretty new here - what's the 100 post rule?

[Malcontent]

I'm still pretty new here - what's the 100 post rule?


Its an unwritten rule here that newbies cannot post a new thread until they have 100 post under their belt. Your quality thread will not be subject to the rule. That was an awesome report.

[lookin' glass]

Don't know if this has already been posted. Shanhan quote in the Kircus/Foxworth section of DenverBroncos.com "I told(Titans coach Jeff Fisher) that we would get along fine if he did not bring his mascot, and he promised that he would not."

[Malcontent]

Don't know if this has already been posted. Shanhan quote in the Kircus/Foxworth section of DenverBroncos.com "I told(Titans coach Jeff Fisher) that we would get along fine if he did not bring his mascot, and he promised that he would not."


Thanks for that...:Whaaaa!: :Whaaaa!:

[ludo21]

Don't know if this has already been posted. Shanhan quote in the Kircus/Foxworth section of DenverBroncos.com "I told(Titans coach Jeff Fisher) that we would get along fine if he did not bring his mascot, and he promised that he would not."

:giggle: :rofl:

Awesome!

[watermock]

Fisher is a friend of Shanny's. He asked Fisher about Cutlers weaknesses, and was told he has NONE. It's strongly rumored he wanted the Vandy QB as that's in Nashville as well but got overruled. They are going to live to regret it. Wow...a 10 arm. That walking in hallowed ground.

Shanahan doesn't give out rookie praise easily. He literally is gushing about this class. Both Dumervil and Eslinger are kinda undersized. Hixon will no doubt go on IR. He might even be healed but he's missed too much time. The only poor pick. I didn't know Kircus ran a sub 4.4 and has a 42 vertical. He also seems to have an uncanny chemistry with Cutler as well as Scheff.

I've never heard Shanny so giddy about a draft class and other new arrivals like Mike Bell, Webster and Kircus.

[Bronco Billy]

Shanahan doesn't give out rookie praise easily. He literally is gushing about this class.

I've never heard Shanny so giddy about a draft class and other new arrivals like Mike Bell, Webster and Kircus.

Me neither. Expecting big things this year!!!

[Paladin]

Mock, I know you've been hitting on Hixon pretty regular, but I think maybe he needs a little seasonng and then I think you will see him go. He has great speed for a guy his size, and reportedly has a knack for making people miss him becasue of his moves when he runs. I will grant that he may hit the IR this year, but that just means a year to study the playbook, watch the practices, study film, hit the weights, and generaly get ready for next year.

I am not down on him. Sounds like Eslinger will be moved to the PS if possible along with Clark, perhaps.

I do not know when the last time the Broncos gushed over a draft class - an entire draft class - as they have this year. Nor one as apparently successful as this one.

[titan]

When talking about Cutler's arm strength tonight, Shanahan said "Elway is a 10" then said another qb (can't remember who but a former nfl star) is a 10. I expected him to say Cutler is a 9 - I was surprised when he said strongly "Cutler is a 10"

[ludo21]

Seeing the zip Cutler puts on the ball, im not surprised at his "10" remark at all.

Now, can he be Elway good when the games count? I dont know, but he is on his way.

[DenverBrit]

Great read, thanks.

[Killericon]

Rep.

You rock.

[ward63]

Good stuff Titan.

[DeusExManning]

Did he really say the "and he's white!" part about Kircus?

That is what I was wondering, does not sound like something Shanny would say.

[DeusExManning]

THIS is why the 100 post rule, is NOT a rule!!

REPPP!!!!!

stick around man, you rock!! :militia:


Exactly!!!

[baja]

Originally Posted by rovolution
Did he really say the "and he's white!" part about Kircus?

That is what I was wondering, does not sound like something Shanny would say.

This is what makes me think this is Hot Rod or some other board member.

If this is a hoax it is very well done.

But Shanny would never say a rookie has made the team before the end of training camp and the "he's white" comment is over the top and a clue by the impostor as this was a comment made by Kaylore in his camp reports...

Question is will he step forward???

[ClevelandBronco]

titan is unquestionably exempt from the 100 post rule. That was seriously well reported info. Thanks.

(I'm unsettled by the "white" observation of Kircus's abilities, but I'm going to just assume that it was something Mike said to get a laugh. Still, I'm just tired of the idea that there's any difference, real or percieved, serious or comedic, that anyone ought to care about.)

[baja]

And the name Titan very clever....

just goes to show ya when you want to believe something bad enough you over look the obvious.

[baja]

....On second thought I think it is Garcia

[watermock]

Mock, I know you've been hitting on Hixon pretty regular, but I think maybe he needs a little seasonng and then I think you will see him go. He has great speed for a guy his size, and reportedly has a knack for making people miss him becasue of his moves when he runs. I will grant that he may hit the IR this year, but that just means a year to study the playbook, watch the practices, study film, hit the weights, and generaly get ready for next year.

I am not down on him. Sounds like Eslinger will be moved to the PS if possible along with Clark, perhaps.

I do not know when the last time the Broncos gushed over a draft class - an entire draft class - as they have this year. Nor one as apparently successful as this one.

I'm not "down" on him at all. I just think he would of lasted to the 5th at least. He was injured. He might still work out for the return man for us, but the door is closing...he's definetly headed for IR IMO. I'm happy with the Kuper pick in the 5th anyway so it'a all good. I'm just saying he's lost too much time not to go on IR even if he's healthy at this point. I just hate having deja vu of Willie Middlebrooks.

[SoCalBronco]

Thank you very much for that, titan. :)

[milehimike]

Good work,kudos and props 2 u.!!!!! Keep them comming like that.

[Circle Orange]

Nice report - thanks.

I can't think of the 10 teams that have the talent to make the Super Bowl in the AFC. Maybe 5.


Yeah, ten seems a bit of a reach...maybe seven at most, if things break right. It's hard to tell each year anymore. Pittsburgh won the super bowl, but they didn't look that impressive or overwhelming to me at all. In fact Seattle seemed disinterested and wasted time in the game.

Wonder if Shanny looks like dad?

[titan]

Thanks for the comments. CHeck my first posts under history - I am a new board member (not a vet under a disguised name). I've had bronco season tickets since I was a kid in 1968 and recently discovered this board (the training camp reports were great!) Think I found a home here for bronco talk.

Really the Shanahan "white guy" comment about Kircus he said jokingly - don't take it too seriously.

The "10 teams" comment that could win the Super Bowl - Shanahan meant 10 teams in the NFL (not just the AFC) have the talent to win the Bowl (though the original question was about the AFC).

[Arkansas Bronco]

I hope the "he's white" line isnt taken out of context. Fact is white pro WR's are just very rare. Thats how I take the line and I am pretty sure that was how it was bieng delivered.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Thanks Titan. Hope you enjoy your time here and contribute your thoughts.

[baja]

Thanks for the comments. CHeck my first posts under history - I am a new board member (not a vet under a disguised name). I've had bronco season tickets since I was a kid in 1968 and recently discovered this board (the training camp reports were great!) Think I found a home here for bronco talk.

Really the Shanahan "white guy" comment about Kircus he said jokingly - don't take it too seriously.

The "10 teams" comment that could win the Super Bowl - Shanahan meant 10 teams in the NFL (not just the AFC) have the talent to win the Bowl (though the original question was about the AFC).

A great big welcome titan (why that name?) guys here myself included are always clowning around and sometimes make alias accounts for one reason or other. Your post was so good it seemed almost too good to be true. If you are not a regular posting under an alias than you will enjoy the OM it's a great place to discuss bronco football and other things as it is a great place to get information. That was a great post sorry if I doubted you but you will understand why I trust. Again welcome and GO BRONCOS.

[titan]

No offense taken, baja. Glad to be here! Titan was a nickname I had as a kid and and has nothing to do with the tennessee titans.

I've been on another bronco forum for years - when I posted stuff like this in the past I'd get next to zero response. Good to see more diehards here like myself wanting to talk bronco football!

[baja]

Ya well don't rest on your laurals get out there and get some more good stuff. ;D

[OrangeShadow]

thanks for sharin that it was cool

[elsid13]

No offense taken, baja. Glad to be here! Titan was a nickname I had as a kid and and has nothing to do with the tennessee titans.

I've been on another bronco forum for years - when I posted stuff like this in the past I'd get next to zero response. Good to see more diehards here like myself wanting to talk bronco football!

Welcome to board. And please don't take some comments or questions the wrong way. We are very very very serious about Denver here and we always want the best, most accurate information. This is place is really becoming a clearing house of Bronco's football data and people in community want to ensure that it stand in forefront and keeps it reputation as one of the best football sites on the web.

Once again welcome and hope you're ready for some championship football this season.