My weekly "Champ Kicks @SS" thread....

[Popps]

Can we PLEASE stop bickering about the QB just to take a moment to realize that we're in the presence of football greatness.

Champ was AFC player of the month, and with a couple more games like this... might have a shot at defensive player of the year.

Keep in mind, he almost had a third INT. Would have been tough, but he had a good read on it and almost made the catch.

This guy has almost single-handedly saved two straight seasons for us with game changing/saving plays.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5121821,00.html

Bailey burns Roethlisberger

Cornerback intercepts two passes as defense creates six turnovers
Marc Piscotty © News

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey signals a first down as teammate Domonique Foxworth jumps on his back to celebrate Bailey's second interception Sunday. "It doesn't make much sense to me considering the way he is tracking down balls right now," Al Wilson said of quarterbacks testing Bailey during games.PITTSBURGH - Al Wilson can't believe opposing quarterbacks throw the ball anywhere near Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey.
"It doesn't make much sense to me considering the way he is tracking down balls right now," Wilson said of Bailey, who intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger twice and dropped a third potential interception during the Broncos' 31-20 win Sunday at Heinz Field.

"I know this, though, I'm always happy to see that ball going in Champ's direction because there is a pretty good chance that he is going to come away with it," Wilson said.

Against the Steelers, the Broncos came away with six turnovers. Pittsburgh lost three of its six fumbles and safety Curome Cox also intercepted a Roethlisberger pass.

"That is what it takes to win," Wilson said. "It's not about how many yards you give up; it's about keeping the other team out of the end zone. We're pretty good at doing that."

The Broncos defense was on the field for almost 35 minutes, and the 499 yards Pittsburgh gained might seem alarming considering the 428 yards it allowed in a loss the previous week against the Indianapolis Colts.

"Not really," Wilson said. "Great defenses make the plays at big times."

The same can be said of great cornerbacks. And currently, there are none playing any better than Bailey.

This season, he has intercepted a pass in the end zone, taken possession of the ball twice at the Broncos 3-yard line and two more times at the Broncos 2.

Both of his interceptions against

Roethlisberger came with the Steelers driving deep in Broncos territory with the drives appearing they might end with touchdowns.

They didn't with the help of Bailey's confidence in Roethlisberger's level of confidence.

"Ben is so confident. He has tremendous confidence that he can make every play," Bailey said. "I knew he was going to come at me because he has that kind of confidence. But there is a price you have to pay for coming at me."

Bailey said he expected the Broncos secondary to get some playmaking opportunities against the Steelers.

Wilson said Pittsburgh is the best two-win team he has seen.

What Bailey and Wilson would not say was the Broncos' victory served as revenge for a disappointing home loss against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game in January.

"I wasn't carrying anything over from that game," Bailey said. "We just wanted to come in here and play a good game after last week."

In their 34-31 loss against the Colts, the Broncos did not force a turnover.

Cornerback Darrent Williams, who recovered two fumbles against the Steelers, said the Broncos' defensive unit focused on takeaways during practice leading to the game.

"What we emphasized a lot was slapping at the ball and trying to knock it away," Williams said. "We did that a lot last season but haven't been doing it a lot this year. We had to get back to that kind of Broncos defense."

According to Wilson, the six turnovers created are as positive a sign as the Broncos' 6-2 record through the first half of the season.

"Turnovers tell you that your team is playing hard for 60 minutes. That is what we did here," Wilson said. "That is what we have to do, period. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself."

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I'll be quite honest...he makes me jealous. I dream about our corners looking studly like he does out there.

[Clockwork Orange]

Keep in mind, he almost had a third INT. Would have been tough, but he had a good read on it and almost made the catch.

Actually, he almost had four. He had the one that you're talking about go off his fingertips and Curome Cox jumped in front of him and stole one at the end of the game.

He's made a case for serious DPOY consideration through the first half of the season.

[Popps]

I'll be quite honest...he makes me jealous. I dream about our corners looking studly like he does out there.

He actually had a missed tackle today, which was a shock. (It happens, of course.)

But, what your average fan doesn't know about Champ is that he's as good coming up and playing the run as most safeties in the league, and probably a better tackler than most.

There's just not a flaw in the guy's game, period. He'll get beat now and then. Even the greatest do. But, he's worth every penny we pay him.

What a treat it is to get to watch this guy play every week.

[Dagmar]

Bailey is so freaking good it's unreal.

[24champ]

Actually, he almost had four. He had the one that you're talking about go off his fingertips and Curome Cox jumped in front of him and stole one at the end of the game.

He's made a case for serious DPOY consideration through the first half of the season.

He plays so consistent, he makes plays at the right time. He is the best in the business and is worth every penny. There was one play that really impressed me when Ward put a double move on him and Ben threw it and Champ regained position to stick his hand in there to make it incomplete, things like that impress me. He got robbed of the DPOY award but I think he should win it again this year.

[Popps]

He plays so consistent, he makes plays at the right time. He is the best in the business and is worth every penny. There was one play that really impressed me when Ward put a double move on him and Ben threw it and Champ regained position to stick his hand in there to make it incomplete, things like that impress me. He got robbed of the DPOY award but I think he should win it again this year.

I guess I don't need to sell you on the guy, do I. :)

Not that I need to sell anyone on him, around here. He's the one thing we can all agree on.

But, think about it... if he doesn't make that play last year against SD, and this year against Balt, we could have had decidedly different (less fulfilling) seasons.

[24champ]

I guess I don't need to sell you on the guy, do I. :)
Not that I need to sell anyone on him, around here. He's the one thing we can all agree on.

But, think about it... if he doesn't make that play last year against SD, and this year against Balt, we could have had decidedly different (less fulfilling) seasons.


The only selling your going to do is 15 years from now when Champ is retired, and we are all going to be debating whether he is the greatest Bronco ever to put on a Uni. He is that good IMO.

[Sarcastro]

Chiefs fan here to say that I am extremely impressed with Champ. I have gotten to see him play quite a few times this year, and everytime I see him he is playing great.

I thought he was very good last season, but you could still throw at him with success, Eddie Kennison at the Arrowhead game is an example of this. This season, anytime I see him getting thrown at he is punishing the opposing QB for doing it. This seems to be especially true in the redzone where he always seems to have a better idea where the ball is going then the WR he is covering. I have been astounded by his ability to take away points for other teams by getting INTs in the redzone.

Also, the guy tackles like a safety or LB.

[Popps]

The only selling your going to do is 15 years from now when Champ is retired, and we are all going to be debating whether he is the greatest Bronco ever to put on a Uni. He is that good IMO.

At least the greatest defender. (If he keeps this up.)

We've had a ton of other great ones, but as far as being COMPLETE and dominating, game-changing players... if he can do this a few more years, how do you argue against it?

[s0phr0syne]

This season, anytime I see him getting thrown at he is punishing the opposing QB for doing it. This seems to be especially true in the redzone where he always seems to have a better idea where the ball is going then the WR he is covering. I have been astounded by his ability to take away points for other teams by getting INTs in the redzone.







Yeah, it really is amazing. He seems to attribute a lot of his succes to studying the film and having the discipline to recognize it all on field. Like several others have already said, I echo the sentiment that it truly is a privilege to watch Champ play week-in-week-out.

[BroncoBuff]

He might be the best player we've ever had .... from the standpoint of being the very best at his position in the league for 2+ years running. He'll be first team All-Pro again this year, making it three straight. Have we ever had that? I don't think we have had 3 straight like that.







http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2364/champbaileyqf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
ATTENTION!
AUGUST 2021: CANTON, OHIO ... Be there to support Champ! Reserve your holo-reality chamber and join the induction ceremony!

[Northman]

Champ was golden. And Darrent had some good moments as well but i worry about his health. We took some shots on Defense yesterday. Hopefully everyone will be ok.

[OrangeShadow]

champ has been one of my favorite broncos since he was brought here. hes completley changed the team since he came here i love having champ on our side.

[Willynowei]

Champ was my favorite defender in the league before he was brought to Denver. Every game i look for more pressure from the front line and if, we someday get those studs on the D-line.....

We haven't even seen the best of Champ. Pressure makes mediocre corners look good, and makes great corners literally unbeatable. The more dependable and fierce our pressure gets, the better Champ will perform.

[eddie mac]

Can we PLEASE stop bickering about the QB just to take a moment to realize that we're in the presence of football greatness.

Champ was AFC player of the month, and with a couple more games like this... might have a shot at defensive player of the year.

Keep in mind, he almost had a third INT. Would have been tough, but he had a good read on it and almost made the catch.

This guy has almost single-handedly saved two straight seasons for us with game changing/saving plays.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5121821,00.html

Bailey burns Roethlisberger

Cornerback intercepts two passes as defense creates six turnovers
Marc Piscotty © News

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey signals a first down as teammate Domonique Foxworth jumps on his back to celebrate Bailey's second interception Sunday. "It doesn't make much sense to me considering the way he is tracking down balls right now," Al Wilson said of quarterbacks testing Bailey during games.PITTSBURGH - Al Wilson can't believe opposing quarterbacks throw the ball anywhere near Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey.
"It doesn't make much sense to me considering the way he is tracking down balls right now," Wilson said of Bailey, who intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger twice and dropped a third potential interception during the Broncos' 31-20 win Sunday at Heinz Field.

"I know this, though, I'm always happy to see that ball going in Champ's direction because there is a pretty good chance that he is going to come away with it," Wilson said.

Against the Steelers, the Broncos came away with six turnovers. Pittsburgh lost three of its six fumbles and safety Curome Cox also intercepted a Roethlisberger pass.

"That is what it takes to win," Wilson said. "It's not about how many yards you give up; it's about keeping the other team out of the end zone. We're pretty good at doing that."

The Broncos defense was on the field for almost 35 minutes, and the 499 yards Pittsburgh gained might seem alarming considering the 428 yards it allowed in a loss the previous week against the Indianapolis Colts.

"Not really," Wilson said. "Great defenses make the plays at big times."

The same can be said of great cornerbacks. And currently, there are none playing any better than Bailey.

This season, he has intercepted a pass in the end zone, taken possession of the ball twice at the Broncos 3-yard line and two more times at the Broncos 2.

Both of his interceptions against

Roethlisberger came with the Steelers driving deep in Broncos territory with the drives appearing they might end with touchdowns.

They didn't with the help of Bailey's confidence in Roethlisberger's level of confidence.

"Ben is so confident. He has tremendous confidence that he can make every play," Bailey said. "I knew he was going to come at me because he has that kind of confidence. But there is a price you have to pay for coming at me."

Bailey said he expected the Broncos secondary to get some playmaking opportunities against the Steelers.

Wilson said Pittsburgh is the best two-win team he has seen.

What Bailey and Wilson would not say was the Broncos' victory served as revenge for a disappointing home loss against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game in January.

"I wasn't carrying anything over from that game," Bailey said. "We just wanted to come in here and play a good game after last week."

In their 34-31 loss against the Colts, the Broncos did not force a turnover.

Cornerback Darrent Williams, who recovered two fumbles against the Steelers, said the Broncos' defensive unit focused on takeaways during practice leading to the game.

"What we emphasized a lot was slapping at the ball and trying to knock it away," Williams said. "We did that a lot last season but haven't been doing it a lot this year. We had to get back to that kind of Broncos defense."

According to Wilson, the six turnovers created are as positive a sign as the Broncos' 6-2 record through the first half of the season.

"Turnovers tell you that your team is playing hard for 60 minutes. That is what we did here," Wilson said. "That is what we have to do, period. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself."

Maybe that's why we missed so many tackles today. Certainly seemed like we were going for the ball on nearly every damn play.

[HitEmCold]

If you are at a game, and watch Champ in coverage on a couple of plays instead of following the ball, you will be in awe of how smooth and fluid he is. It is obvious he is the best athlete on the field every Sunday.

[Orange_Beard]

I hope he wins Defensive Player of the year. In a time where the passing games dominates, Champ is a game changer.

[Mile High Shack]

do the redskins still think they got the better end of the deal?
lol

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I'm with you guys on this. I don't think there has been a better all round CB in the NFL since, at least, Lem Barney.

[dbfan4life]

Note to league: Don't throw in Champ's direction!

[broncosteven]

Champ is our PUNT Return team!

My daughter & I have matching Bailey jerseys.

I put the Elway jersey way for a while, enough said.

[BMF Bronco]

Note to league: PLEASE throw in Champ's direction!

Fixed it for you!:thumbsup:

[worm]

The more the QB gets flushed to the right sideline....the more dangerous Champ becomes because of the field being cut in half....his half....for most mortal armed QBs.

If we had a stud RDE applying consistent pressure...Champ's game would be even better than it is now...if that is possible.

[Broncobiv]

In a couple more days, I'll have my new authentic orange alternate #24 jersey. Woooo!!

It was a beautiful game by Champ. I swear, the two phrases I utter most at the bar during games are "Come on Jake" and "CHAMP!!!" after he gets yet another interception. I feel like we're getting spolied after all the seasons of sub-par interception totals.

[Spider]

Champ who ?

[Cleo McDowell]

as part of a bet with a steeler, CHAMP Jersey hanging above his office space. good times.

[TheChamp24]

He became my favorite player when he entered the league, primarily because everything I read on him was amazing. "The next Deion Sanders of CB's." stood out at me the most.
Then, he was incredible. Just amazing, especially now he is a Bronco. I mean, yesterday, he was amazing. He is on his man like stink on a monkey this season.

[Atwater His Ass]

I still can't believe how little we gave up to aquire Champ. Un-freaking believable.

[SportinOne]

Imagine how great Washington's secondary would be if they had kept Champ...

Sean Taylor and Champ Bailey? sorry guys, hehe.

[Gcver2ver3]

I hate to even speak out loud on how good he's been....

i actually get offended when people call champ "one of" the best corners in football...one of?...please!

Champ right now may be the single best defensive player in football....heck maybe the best player in football PERIOD...

his dominance of late has been dare i say "deion like" but champ has done it with the new tick tacky rules and champ is a terrific tackler...

he has 5 picks in his last 5 games...he just keeps punishing QB's for throwing his way...i just can't believe they keep trying...he held marvin harrison to 38 yds receiving...marvin friggin harrison with peyton manning! Peyton tried going to marvin but he soon realized he was playing with fire and just stayed on d-will....

It's like the great deion sanders said...."if you have to choose between to corners....you don't choose champ bailey"

that my friends is greatness recognizing greatness......

[SprintRightOption]

The funny thing is all the redskins fan that thought S. Springs was just as good when they signed him. Springs even took the 24 jersey Champ wore, and actually had a few interceptions between getting beat, being out of position to defend a pass, and provided almost no run support. Last year and this year they have started to realize that Springs is average and Champ is the best CB in the league. Woops!

[Northman]

The funny thing is all the redskins fan that thought S. Springs was just as good when they signed him. Springs even took the 24 jersey Champ wore, and actually had a few interceptions between getting beat, being out of position to defend a pass, and provided almost no run support. Last year and this year they have started to realize that Springs is average and Champ is the best CB in the league. Woops!



A lot of Skin's fans are now kicking themselves about that trade. They still like Portis but they are bitching up a storm about letting Champ go in the process. Ha!

[Popps]

I'll take our side of the trade, any day. But... it's not working out that bad for them, either. Respectively, both teams got upgrades in places they needed them desperately. Keep in mind, Tater is sort of a freebie we got out of that deal.

I love the fact that we made two blockbuster moves, and both have panned out so well.

[OrangeShadow]

gcver2ver3 made the best point, champs doing this with the rules geard for offensive sucess, that and the fact that he tackels like a safety of linebacker makes him the best player in the game,period.

[Gcver2ver3]

gcver2ver3 made the best point, champs doing this with the rules geard for offensive sucess, that and the fact that he tackels like a safety of linebacker makes him the best player in the game,period.

here...here...

[Popps]

gcver2ver3 made the best point, champs doing this with the rules geard for offensive sucess, that and the fact that he tackels like a safety of linebacker makes him the best player in the game,period.

4x the production of Ray Lewis with 1/100th the hype.

The guy makes one of the biggest defensive plays in football last season, and the media rambles on about some dude catching up to him at the 1 yard line because he didn't see anyone coming.

Imagine what this guy would do with consistent QB pressure up front. It would be obscene.

[Northman]

Champ Bailey sucks.

[epicSocialism4tw]

4x the production of Ray Lewis with 1/100th the hype.

The guy makes one of the biggest defensive plays in football last season, and the media rambles on about some dude catching up to him at the 1 yard line because he didn't see anyone coming.

Imagine what this guy would do with consistent QB pressure up front. It would be obscene.


That was the pick that brought down the Pats. Legendary.

Let's hope that somehow the Pats and Clots can meet up in the divisional playoff round, so that we get the Patsies at home in the Conf. Title bout.

[DB-Freak]

Just don't wanna see him get taken to school by Kennison anymore.