Is Rod Showing His Age?

[TXBRONC]

I saw a couple of threads talking about wide receivers and it reminded me about whether or Rod is starting show his age with diminishing skills. Don't get wrong, I like Rod Smith but from what I have seen these first three games he's like has really slowed down. What do you all think?

[Rock Chalk]

Slower yes, able to get open still, yes. His case of the drops will be corrected and I still firmly believe he can play yet one more year after this as a #3 guy for us.

[labronx]

I still wanna see him in a couple of more games, but yes, it does look like he has slowed down and is not getting as opened as before. Another reason, is Walker, Smith in his prime was not the type of WR that Walker WILL be for us.

Seeing Walker play really makes Smith look slowe and less physical, Walker creates seperation out of pure presence, kinda like Watts would, but this guy actually catches the ball.

[Bronx33]

Well 3 games really can't be used to make a very educated call on his skills lacking in one way or another, sure hes older but i will say hes better than a majority of the receivers in the league.

[2KBack]

I still think so far this season that Rod has been the defenses focus, with the knowledge that Plummer has a tendency to lock in on him. Now that Walker has shown he is still a threat, and Plummer is willing to use him, Rod will start getting normal coverage again.

[Requiem]

I've been saying for a while now that Rod would be a better option in the slot, but since we don't have anyone else capable of being a #2 right now (or is ready to be) -- he's gotta stay there.

[TXBRONC]

Before I get back to this topic at hand I would like apologize for duplicating this thread and taking up extra space.

[watermock]

We all love Rod Smith, but there is no question he has lost a step. He might come back this week somewhat.

[Bronx33]

Before I get back to this topic at hand I would like apologize for duplicating this thread and taking up extra space.


You can delete the other one.

[BMF Bronco]

Rod is still the MAN! Yes, he is getting older but still putting a hurting on the kids covering him.

[TXBRONC]

I still think so far this season that Rod has been the defenses focus, with the knowledge that Plummer has a tendency to lock in on him. Now that Walker has shown he is still a threat, and Plummer is willing to use him, Rod will start getting normal coverage again.

I don't think he's been getting double coverage if that's what you mean. It looks like he hasn't been able to create separation even with one on one coverage. I admit I could be wrong but it sure looks that right now.

[TXBRONC]

You can delete the other one.


I tried that but it seem to work. Also someone responded to it and I would hate for them to lose that post because of me. So maybe one of the mods could combine it with this one.

[Bronx33]

I tried that but it seem to work. Also someone responded to it and I would hate for them to lose that post because of me. So maybe one of the mods could combine it with this one.

They will get it.

[labronx]

I don't think he's been getting double coverage if that's what you mean. It looks like he hasn't been able to create separation even with one on one coverage. I admit I could be wrong but it sure looks that right now.

the last interception threw against STL he was triple covered. He is not a point of focus anymore, however, Plummer's dependance on him causes double coverages, due to to him telegraphing, which brings the safety over.

[2KBack]

I don't think he's been getting double coverage if that's what you mean. It looks like he hasn't been able to create separation even with one on one coverage. I admit I could be wrong but it sure looks that right now.

I'd have to go back and look at it again, but I remember thinking during the NEw england game that there was a safety and Corner on Rod on almost all of his catches. It's one of the reasons he's been taking so many hard shots. He still has just as many catches as Walker, just not the yardage, which is understandable since he isn't the deep guy anymore, and has been making all traffic catches. I personally think he's just having some drop issues, which could be stemming from the concussion issue. It's just my theory.

[MechanicalBull]

I'd say yes and no. He hasn't looked like his old self in the first 3 games but the offense hasn't looked great either until the Pats game and perhaps the concussion has something to do to it. Like 2kback said if Jake looks for Javon now and doesn't just focus in on Rod he will probably look a lot better in games.

[TXBRONC]

the last interception threw against STL he was triple covered. He is not a point of focus anymore, however, Plummer's dependance on him causes double coverages, due to to him telegraphing, which brings the safety over.


Was it really triple coverage? I have the game on my Tivo so could go back and look as well.

[BMF Bronco]

the last interception threw against STL he was triple covered. He is not a point of focus anymore, however, Plummer's dependance on him causes double coverages, due to to him telegraphing, which brings the safety over.

Luckily, that's why we brought on Javon!

[12th man]

I don't know. I mean he has had a slow start, but you have to remember, he missed a lot of Training camp due to injury, then the two concussions one of wich kept him on the sidlines for a good amount of time for the KC game, and plus shanny said Rod will not see as much as actiion because of the concussion. So he really hasn't had a chance to get in his grove yet. He looked better vs. the pats but still had a few drops, but that's an easy fix for a guy like Rod. So, Im going to wait and see what he can do once he gets going. Then I"ll judge if he has lost a step.

[Broncoman13]

I'd just like to say that there is a big difference between drops and having your head/ribs/head&ribs blasted to break-up a pass! Rod isn't just "dropping" passes... he's being hit and the defenders are doing their jobs. He's dropped a few, but generally speaking, his "drops" have been passes defensed.

[TXBRONC]

I'd just like to say that there is a big difference between drops and having your head/ribs/head&ribs blasted to break-up a pass! Rod isn't just "dropping" passes... he's being hit and the defenders are doing their jobs. He's dropped a few, but generally speaking, his "drops" have been passes defensed.


That may be true, but I think the reason for that could very well be because he just isn't getting separation like he has in the past.

[PLOWHORSE]

Older yet Smarter!!

[broncosteven]

I think if Rod was a detriment to the team or we had a better WR to replace him Shanny would have demoted him but the fact is that he is still a starter at WR & getting a good amount of playing time. It is his job to lose either by entropy (i.e. age) or some young kid steps up in practice & games & out performs him consitently. I think he can still contribute & will remain our starter for a while yet.

We will need Rod for a while yet. Kircus has done well but needs to do more than 2 or 3 catches a game to excite me. Plus it would be nice to see Marshall actually make a couple of catches so we know what he can do. It is all about depth...

[Atlas]

The only reason this thread pops up is because Rod got a concussion. Last time I checked young guys get concussions too. Rod has 11 receptions tied for the team lead and IF he wouldn't have gotten the concussion he probably would have 16-18 catches.

The whole offense is struggleing, Well, Plummer anyway. Rod will be just fine.

[TXBRONC]

The only reason this thread pops up is because Rod got a concussion. Last time I checked young guys get concussions too. Rod has 11 receptions tied for the team lead and IF he wouldn't have gotten the concussion he probably would have 16-18 catches.

The whole offense is struggleing, Well, Plummer anyway. Rod will be just fine.

No this isn't even one of the reasons that I started this thread. I started because I was wondering if others think that Rod is starting to slow down. The concussion is secondary.

While you are correct that Rod is tied for the lead in receptions with 11, his total yards is only 94 and his ypc is 8.5.

I like Rod and appreciate everything he has done for the Broncos but I don't think its spitting on his good name to wonder if maybe he's starting show his age as a player.

[labronx]

Was it really triple coverage? I have the game on my Tivo so could go back and look as well.

It wasn't triple planned triple coverage. But I think when the ball got there, there was 3 receivers around him.

[The MVPlaya]

Regardless, he's still one of the most reliable guys on our team. We should of signed TO and Javon Walker...

[TXBRONC]

I think if Rod was a detriment to the team or we had a better WR to replace him Shanny would have demoted him but the fact is that he is still a starter at WR & getting a good amount of playing time. It is his job to lose either by entropy (i.e. age) or some young kid steps up in practice & games & out performs him consitently. I think he can still contribute & will remain our starter for a while yet.

We will need Rod for a while yet. Kircus has done well but needs to do more than 2 or 3 catches a game to excite me. Plus it would be nice to see Marshall actually make a couple of catches so we know what he can do. It is all about depth...

I'm not suggesting that Rod is detriment, or that he can't contribute, but that I think that his skills might be deteriorating.

[Atlas]

No this isn't even one of the reasons that I started this thread. I started because I was wondering if others think that Rod is starting to slow down. The concussion is secondary. If he wouldn't have had the concussion there would have been no need for you to ask what others think about Rod because it would be obvious to everyone he is doing just fine.

While you are correct that Rod is tied for the lead in receptions with 11, his total yards is only 94 and his ypc is 8.5.
.

Yeah that is because Jake and the offense have been sucking. If Jake is not successful throwing the ball downfield than Rod is going to have a hard time getting open on the underneath crossing routes.

[broncosteven]

I'm not suggesting that Rod is detriment, or that he can't contribute, but that I think that his skills might be deteriorating.

I don't mean any offense but if you say his skills are declining then someone should be able to beat him out for his spot right? Maybe I am not following.

[TXBRONC]

I don't mean any offense but if you say his skills are declining then someone should be able to beat him out for his spot right? Maybe I am not following.


No offense taken. Not necessarily could someone take his spot right now because he is our most experienced reciever. Besides that Shanahan expects his receivers to be adequate blockers, young reciever generally haven't developed that skill coming out of college.

[Circle Orange]

I think he's at the stage now where the quarterback would need to have a gun to get the ball in there...it would allow him some separation from dbs.

[watermock]

The only reason this thread pops up is because Rod got a concussion. Last time I checked young guys get concussions too. Rod has 11 receptions tied for the team lead and IF he wouldn't have gotten the concussion he probably would have 16-18 catches.

The whole offense is struggleing, Well, Plummer anyway. Rod will be just fine.

I have to beg to differ. We have watched him cheat father time year after year, but he was noticably slow last week. You would have to be blind not to see it. Now he may of been downplaying post-concussion syndrome, but he was cleared to play. That ass-wipe Ms. Lilly could of stepped in right about now. I hope he's proud of his 5 catches for 75 yards and ZERO TD's after three games. No that isn't his week 3 stats, that is for the SEASON.

Even more astounding is that we have a legitimate arm in the hangar getting fine tuned in the hangar that will someday soon berowing 50 yard ropes to whatever WR is lucky enough to be on this fine team. It's going to be rather amusing when players like Marshall, Kircus and Scheff are getting more touches than Ms. Lilly.

Even more astounding, is that at this rate, he's going to have around 45 receptions for under 500 yards. Yep, he's going to really cash in when he hits free agency next year.

Enough regarding that moron. Hopefully Rod can rebound this week, but it's not a given. It might be time to start easing him out to pasture as a #3 soon. I'm glad they got him a new helmet. Good to see they took my advice. Ha!

[epicSocialism4tw]

Rod had some really bad drops last week. We need Reliable Rod to wake up and get on the field.

[ZONA]

Usually you can tell when receivers are getting older by how often they get up slowly after even average tackles. You'll see them make a catch for 10 yards, get tackled by one guy, nothing severe, yet they signal the coach to take them out. They rest for 2 plays then go back in for 1.

I see Rod getting up slower and slower almost every time. Another thing I look for is YAC. When's the last time Rod has caught a pass and ran for yards afterwards? He seems to always get tackled right away.

Yeah - you don't need to see 10 more games to know he's probably on his last year. That's my take.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Ironic IF...and I emphasise IF...Rod has slowed down and Lelie bailed out just as he might have actually had a shot at supplanting him...now he's in Atlanta where he'll ride pine again...LOL

[TXBRONC]

Ironic IF...and I emphasise IF...Rod has slowed down and Lelie bailed out just as he might have actually had a shot at supplanting him...now he's in Atlanta where he'll ride pine again...LOL

Yeah there is alot of irony in the situation with Lelie but such is life.

[watermock]

I think if Rod was a detriment to the team or we had a better WR to replace him Shanny would have demoted him but the fact is that he is still a starter at WR & getting a good amount of playing time. It is his job to lose either by entropy (i.e. age) or some young kid steps up in practice & games & out performs him consitently. I think he can still contribute & will remain our starter for a while yet.

We will need Rod for a while yet. Kircus has done well but needs to do more than 2 or 3 catches a game to excite me. Plus it would be nice to see Marshall actually make a couple of catches so we know what he can do. It is all about depth...

Last week was the first time I really saw him show his age. Alot of us noticed it. Hopefully it was some concussion hangover and he can rebound. Rod just didn't look like...well...Rod Smith. He hasn't been demoted because he has never fallen off in performance like he did last week. I think a week of rest will help him. Who knows if his head feels like it was cracked open...he would never let on.

[Cito Pelon]

Rod's contemporaries are all gone. He'll have a contributory year, but he's passed the torch, and he should be proud of that.

[ZONA]

Yep - this whole Lellie thing did not work out for us. Heck, how long have we been looking for a good wideout? We've drafted a ton, even a few 1st rounders, and still nothing. Shanny knew Rod was going to be slowing down right about now and we should have had somebody in place to take over #1. We should not be expecting Rod to be a #1 at this stage of his career.

But, with the addition of Walker, it should work out just fine. I think one of the younger guys can step up as well as Schefler. We need to get the TE catching more balls, like Sharpe was doing. The TE has to be a 1st or 2nd option. usually their size is hard for DB's to handle and bigger slower backers can't keep up. I'd like to see Walker and Shefler just explode this year and Rod can be a good 3rd option.

[watermock]

I think another quality TE is a priority with all the 3-4. The best way to neutralize the 3-4 is with two TE, both of which can catch the ball.

Chandler from Iowa would be a decent choice in round two if he's there. Scheff and Chandler would scare that defense into a corner.

[BroncoMan4ever]

I saw a couple of threads talking about wide receivers and it reminded me about whether or Rod is starting show his age with diminishing skills. Don't get wrong, I like Rod Smith but from what I have seen these first three games he's like has really slowed down. What do you all think?

I can't help but think that Rod is just being keyed on by defenses. I mean, like everyone here knows, Jake locks in on him all the time and Rod gets doubled up and pounded every time that happens.
I also think that now that Jake has been showing that he is willing and ready to get the ball to Javon, Tatum or Kircus; Rod won't be double teamed as much and will look a lot like his old self.

[-Slap-]

I'd just like to say that there is a big difference between drops and having your head/ribs/head&ribs blasted to break-up a pass! Rod isn't just "dropping" passes... he's being hit and the defenders are doing their jobs. He's dropped a few, but generally speaking, his "drops" have been passes defensed.

Thank you. I saw people blaming Rod for a drop when Jake ran him straight into the free safety for a cherry shot last week.

[Atlas]

I have to beg to differ. We have watched him cheat father time year after year, but he was noticably slow last week. You would have to be blind not to see it. Now he may of been downplaying post-concussion syndrome, but he was cleared to play. That ass-wipe Ms. Lilly could of stepped in right about now. I hope he's proud of his 5 catches for 75 yards and ZERO TD's after three games. No that isn't his week 3 stats, that is for the SEASON.

Even more astounding is that we have a legitimate arm in the hangar getting fine tuned in the hangar that will someday soon berowing 50 yard ropes to whatever WR is lucky enough to be on this fine team. It's going to be rather amusing when players like Marshall, Kircus and Scheff are getting more touches than Ms. Lilly.

Even more astounding, is that at this rate, he's going to have around 45 receptions for under 500 yards. Yep, he's going to really cash in when he hits free agency next year.

Enough regarding that moron. Hopefully Rod can rebound this week, but it's not a given. It might be time to start easing him out to pasture as a #3 soon. I'm glad they got him a new helmet. Good to see they took my advice. Ha!


You guys might be right. BUT he is coming off a concussion, Jake has not been playing well either. This is way too early to be writing him off. I'll bet he comes back just as good as he was last year after the bye.

[TXBRONC]

You guys might be right. BUT he is coming off a concussion, Jake has not been playing well either. This is way too early to be writing him off. I'll bet he comes back just as good as he was last year after the bye.

I don't think anyone is writing him off. Rod is still capable of contributing but I think we are seeing that his skill are diminishing.

Also Rod's concussion had nothing to do with what I think we're seeing in his play.