Top 25 Broncos of all time

[Atlas]

1) Champ Bailey. He might be the best player in the NFL
2) John Elway
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Gary Zimmerman
6) Terrell Davis
7) Tom Nalen
8) Floyd Little
9) Louie Wright
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson
11) Karl Mecklenburgh
12) Tom Jackson
13) Lionel Taylor
14) Dennis Smith
15) Rod Smith
16) Steve Atwater
17) Billy Thompson
18) Haven Moses
19) Rulon Jones
20) Steve Foley
21) Rick Upchurch
22) Simon Fletcher
23) Steve Watson
24) Bob Swenson
25) Rubin Carter

[Popps]

It's always easy to pick apart a list like this, as everyone has their opinion. Great selection of players, but Rod Smith has to go WAY up on that list.

If I recall correctly, he just moved into the #1 slot for yards from scrimmage as a Bronco. That means that NO Bronco in history has produced more yards with the ball in their hand than Rod.

Add to that the Pro Bowls, Superbowls and the fact that he's been the kind of leader he's been for so long... and Rod deserves a top five, if not three mention, in my opinion.

[Atlas]

Just missing the cut, Otis Armstrong, Howard Griffith, Lyle Alzado, Vance Johnson, Barney Chavous, Ed McCafery, Mark Schlereth, Riley Oddoms, Keith Bishop, Sammy Winder, John Mobley, Al Wilson.

[Atlas]

It's always easy to pick apart a list like this, as everyone has their opinion. Great selection of players, but Rod Smith has to go WAY up on that list.

If I recall correctly, he just moved into the #1 slot for yards from scrimmage as a Bronco. That means that NO Bronco in history has produced more yards with the ball in their hand than Rod.

Add to that the Pro Bowls, Superbowls and the fact that he's been the kind of leader he's been for so long... and Rod deserves a top five, if not three mention, in my opinion.

I looked at that. and I really couldn't move him up. First of all I believe Lionel Taylor is the best WR in Bronco history. IMO. Rod has only been to 2 Pro bowls and one other because two people ahead of him got injured. He is great for his durability and he is a great leader but would you rather have a Rod Smith or a Karl Mecklenburg??

Boy that's a tough decision... I go with Meck.

[Atlas]

Add to that the Pro Bowls, Superbowls and the fact that he's been the kind of leader he's been for so long... and Rod deserves a top five, if not three mention, in my opinion.

Tom Jackson, Wright, Mecklenburgh, Smith, Atwater, Nalen, Zimmerman, Sharpe have all been to more Probowls than Rod.

[Popps]

I looked at that. and I really couldn't move him up. First of all I believe Lionel Taylor is the best WR in Bronco history. IMO. Rod has only been to 2 Pro bowls and one other because two people ahead of him got injured. He is great for his durability but would you rather have a Rod Smith or a Karl Mecklenburg??

Boy that's a tough decision... I go with Meck.

Tough indeed. Meck was a versatile player, and as heady as maybe any player we've had on our defense. Rhino went to something like 5 Pro Bowls. You have to love a LB who could put up double-digit sack seasons for you on a regular basis.

Rod has been such a production machine, and a team leader for so long... it's just hard to imagine him not being near the top of any list.

[Atlas]

Tough indeed. Meck was a versatile player, and as heady as maybe any player we've had on our defense. Rhino went to something like 5 Pro Bowls. You have to love a LB who could put up double-digit sack seasons for you on a regular basis.

Rod has been such a production machine, and a team leader for so long... it's just hard to imagine him not being near the top of any list.


I agree. Rod did start higher on my list but I kept looking at all the great players. I mean Meck had 13 1/2 sacks in 1986!! I wish some Bronco today could do that!!!

Rod Is a great Locker room guy, and if I was doing a draft maybe I would draft him higher than what I have him rated because of all the things he stands for. But as far as just talent and playing ability..... Gimme a Tom Jackson or a Louie Wright... of course that is why this is fun.

What else would you do different??

I'm sure there are some Ed fans that won't like this, but I have Vance Johnson rated higher.

[WoodMan]

One who would be there is Paul Smith or Billy Bryant. The players I's drop to make room would be Foley and Watson.

[Popps]

What else would you do different??



You'll find fewer fans more appreciative of Champ than me, but no way is he over John.

Jackson at 10 seems to be a little high compared to some below him, too. His career was pretty short, as I recall.

Keep in mind, I'm sort of viewing this list as the most important guys to our franchise. Maybe that's not the exact intent of the thread. But, I'm factoring in things ranging from stats, to longevity, to status with teammates, etc.

It's a good list, though. Fun stuff to think about. Blove could have a field day with this thread.

[Atlas]

One who would be there is Paul Smith or Billy Bryant. The players I's drop to make room would be Foley and Watson.

That's Billy "Bryan".... Only one center is needed and that is Nalen. Paul Smith is a good choice. Foley hold the team record for career interceptions......... No way you can drop Blade either.

[Atlas]

You'll find fewer fans more appreciative of Champ than me, but no way is he over John.

Jackson at 10 seems to be a little high compared to some below him, too. His career was pretty short, as I recall.

Keep in mind, I'm sort of viewing this list as the most important guys to our franchise. Maybe that's not the exact intent of the thread. But, I'm factoring in things ranging from stats, to longevity, to status with teammates, etc.

It's a good list, though. Fun stuff to think about. Blove could have a field day with this thread.


Who is better at his position. Champ Or Elway?? That is a very good question. And that is a very close and good arguement which ever way you go.

[Crushaholic]

Rod Smith HAS to be Top 10 material. NOBODY has done more with less expectations than Rod. I'd certainly put him above Tom Jackson and Dennis Smith...

[Atlas]

You'll find fewer fans more appreciative of Champ than me, but no way is he over John.

Jackson at 10 seems to be a little high compared to some below him, too. His career was pretty short, as I recall.

Keep in mind, I'm sort of viewing this list as the most important guys to our franchise. Maybe that's not the exact intent of the thread. But, I'm factoring in things ranging from stats, to longevity, to status with teammates, etc.

It's a good list, though. Fun stuff to think about. Blove could have a field day with this thread.

I think you might be on the something about Tombstone, but he was dominate when he played but I'll concede to you I might have stretched on that one. I'm waiting for Blove to pop up tomorrow. He knows "almost" as much as I do!! LOL

[WoodMan]

That's Billy "Bryan".... Only one center is needed and that is Nalen. Paul Smith is a good choice. Foley hold the team record for career interceptions......... No way you can drop Blade either.

thats right, Bryan. But no way that Eddie Mac is not on the list and Watson is.

[Atlas]

Rod Smith HAS to be Top 10 material. NOBODY has done more with less expectations than Rod. I'd certainly put him above Tom Jackson and Dennis Smith...

What does "less expectation" have to do with this thread? It's about the best Broncos of all time.

Jackson dominated. He was a LB and won games almost single handedly... well you know what I mean. The 1977 game against Baltimore.

You would have no problem putting Rod ahead of Mecklengurg???

These are great conversations!!! Who cares about Plummer!! Hilarious!

[Crushaholic]

What does "less expectation" have to do with this thread? It's about the best Broncos of all time.

Jackson dominated. He was a LB and won games almost single handedly... well you know what I mean. The 1977 game against Baltimore.

You would have no problem putting Rod ahead of Mecklengurg???

These are great conversations!!! Who cares about Plummer!! Hilarious!

You did a fine job with this list. However, you never put a criteria on this list because you just said "Top 25 Broncos of all time". That could mean different things to different people. To me, it means players who made an impact on the field and showed leadership ability. Rod Smith deserves a higher place, IMO because he defied the odds as an undrafted player and became one of the top WRs of this generation. Yes, I would put him above Mecklenburg. Maybe later, I'll take you up on your challenge to create my own list...

[watermock]

Even tho Alzado only played a few years here, he was dominant for the Orange Crush..period...He just flames out too soon. Being a dumbass doen't meant he wan't a dominant player. RIP.

I also think that Zim and Stinky need some consideration..

The list needs to be expanded by a few players is all.

Zim
Stinky
Mark Jackson...are you kidding me? I was in his resteraunt and he had somthing like 10 game balls.
Believe it or not...Daririous Gordon makes my lower list...he carried us to the SB with multiple turnovers. He was a one hit wonder that went to the dark side, but he had great post season in the wild card SB Run.
Vance Johhnson...he opened up the field for Elway.
Finally Sammy Winder...he was a mudder but you wouldn't ever find a harder worker or teammate. I never was enamoured with him as a mudder but he was a fine worker for us, even if he ran a 7.0 40.
.

[OrangeShadow]

you goin to get different opinions from the different generations on here. Some on here (like me) arent old enough to remember some of those players so guys like rod champ and john are going to be higher on our lists than yours.

[DennisSmithHOF]

I would replace Bob Swenson with Al Wilson.

[Rock Chalk]

What does "less expectation" have to do with this thread? It's about the best Broncos of all time.

Jackson dominated. He was a LB and won games almost single handedly... well you know what I mean. The 1977 game against Baltimore.

You would have no problem putting Rod ahead of Mecklengurg???

These are great conversations!!! Who cares about Plummer!! Hilarious!

If its about best Broncos then Rod goes to the top.

pro-bowls mean squat in the grand scheme of things. Rod is the best WR we have ever had, no disrespect to Moses, Taylor, VJ, MJ, or Eddie Mac or Steve Watson intended.

No WR ran routes as good, none ahd the versatility at their peak that Rod has had and none of the others caught an 80 yard TD in the Superbowl :D

Id put Rod ahead of Meck, and everyone except John freakin Elway.

Elway
Rod
Little
Gradishar
Meck
Atwater
Smith
Louis Wright
Shannon Sharpe
Nalen
Zim
Schlereth
TD
Champ
TJ
Wilson

Damn this is hard. Champ needs at least one more year before I really consider him a Bronco and not a Redskin that got traded. I love Champ, but thats how I look at people that came from elsewhere. They got a tougher road before I consider them Broncos.

Lynch will always be a Buc playing the end of his career as a Bronco to me. Guy's a great team leader, but thats how I feel.

[loborugger]

Damn this is hard. Champ needs at least one more year before I really consider him a Bronco and not a Redskin that got traded. I love Champ, but thats how I look at people that came from elsewhere.

Agreed. Which is why I have a problem with Zimm being on the list, esp so far up. Dude was a Vike half his career.

Also, I have a hard time putting anyone in front of Elway. Maybe Little. Maybe.

Otherwise, a nice list.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I voted - Good list but you suck just becasue you gave that option ;D j/k

Could argue details, but it is a very good list

[The Moops]

1) Floyd Little
2) John Elway
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Terrell Davis
6) Billy Thompson
7) Louis Wright
8) Rod Smith
9) Rich Jackson
10) Tom Jackson
11) Steve Atwater
12) Lionel Taylor
13) Lyle Alzado
14) Haven Moses
15) Charley Johnson
16) Jason Elam
17) Paul Smith
18) Rick Upchurch
19) Riley Odoms
20) Steve Watson
21) Simon Fletcher
22) Jim Turner
23) Rubin Carter
24) Vance Johnson
25) Sammy Winder

Sorry, I don't consider Zimmerman a real full-fledged Bronco . . .

[Smith80HOF]

Hilarious that John is considered Number 2. There has never been a Denver Bronco close to Elway. Ask fans nationwide, educated fans that is, who is the best Bronco and I think a vast majority of them would say Elway; no question about it.

[Rascal]

This will get me hanged, but no way should Rod be top 10 IMO.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

This will get me hanged, but no way should Rod be top 10 IMO.

I don't know. I think you could take 2-3 top ones, put the rest in a bucket, toss them out in any order and it would be close.

[pdvd23]

What about the Elway made three amigos

[bendog]

No kickers. I'd get Claudie Minor in there. Anybody for Keith Bishop?

[bronco militia]

my list from 1985-present in no particualr order:

Elway
TD
Sharpe
Rod
Champ
Mecklenburg
Atwater
D Smith
Eddy Mac
Tom Jackson
Rulon Jones
Sammy Winder
Mark Jackson
Simon Fletcher
Al Wilson
Ray Crocket
Mike Anderson
Clinton Portis
Romo
Greg Kragen
Trevor Pryce
Steve Watson
steve sewell
Vance Johnson
Louis Wright

[bronco militia]

sheesh...not a single OL...

Keith Bishop
dave studdard
Gary Zimmerman
Stink
Lepsis
Neal
Nalen
Tony Jones

[Atlas]

The list needs to be expanded by a few players is all.

Zim
Stinky
Mark Jackson...are you kidding me? I was in his resteraunt and he had somthing like 10 game balls.
Believe it or not...Daririous Gordon makes my lower list...he carried us to the SB with multiple turnovers. He was a one hit wonder that went to the dark side, but he had great post season in the wild card SB Run.
Vance Johhnson...he opened up the field for Elway.
Finally Sammy Winder...he was a mudder but you wouldn't ever find a harder worker or teammate. I never was enamoured with him as a mudder but he was a fine worker for us, even if he ran a 7.0 40.
.

I had Zim rated at #5, Vance, Stink and Winder got honorable mention in my 2nd post.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I would replace Bob Swenson with Al Wilson.

Dude. You stole my avatar!

[epicSocialism4tw]

I cant put Champ atop a list like this yet, we'll see in a few years.

Here's my list:

1 Elway
2 Shannon Sharpe
3 Terrell Davis
4 Floyd Little
5 Tom Nalen
6 Steve Atwater
7 Rod Smith
8 Mecklenburg
9 Champ Bailey
10 Doug and Dave Widell as a supertwinhybridmachine

[Smiling Assassin27]

what the hell happened to the Widell brothers?

[Atlas]

1) Floyd Little
2) John Elway
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Terrell Davis
6) Billy Thompson
7) Louis Wright
8) Rod Smith
9) Rich Jackson
10) Tom Jackson
11) Steve Atwater
12) Lionel Taylor
13) Lyle Alzado
14) Haven Moses
15) Charley Johnson
16) Jason Elam
17) Paul Smith
18) Rick Upchurch
19) Riley Odoms
20) Steve Watson
21) Simon Fletcher
22) Jim Turner
23) Rubin Carter
24) Vance Johnson
25) Sammy Winder

Sorry, I don't consider Zimmerman a real full-fledged Bronco . . .

Nice list but where is Meck?

I like where you have Billy Thompson. He was great, Maybe not as good as Louie but they were close.

[Atlas]

Hilarious that John is considered Number 2. There has never been a Denver Bronco close to Elway. Ask fans nationwide, educated fans that is, who is the best Bronco and I think a vast majority of them would say Elway; no question about it.

My list list about skill, not who is the better Bronco.

The list is who is the best player. Champ I feel is a better CB than Elway was a QB.

Elway did the most for the franchise and if I was drafting and I could chooses between Elway or Champ obviously I would choose the Duke. That being said I think Champ is the better player.

[Atlas]

I would replace Bob Swenson with Al Wilson.


I like Wilson and everything but he just misses too many tackles. He missed a lot of tackles last year and he has missed a lot this year. He gives the team a lot but I'd take Swenson over him.

[bendog]

what the hell happened to the Widell brothers?

They went with R66v6s to Atl where he turned them gay.

[Hotrod]

Since you gave some love to Watson its a good list.

[Crushaholic]

Alright. Here's mine. If I were in charge of putting people in the Hall of Fame, #2-#5 on this list would be a lock. Whether Champ is #1 or #2 on people's lists, there is no doubt he is one of the greatest Broncos of all-time...

1) John Elway
2) Champ Bailey
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Floyd Little
6) Terrell Davis
7) Rod Smith
8) Louie Wright
9) Karl Mecklenburg
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson
11) Tom Nalen
12) Tom Jackson
13) Lionel Taylor
14) Gary Zimmerman
15) Steve Atwater
16) Dennis Smith
17) Billy Thompson
18) Haven Moses
19) Simon Fletcher
20) Steve Foley
21) Rick Upchurch
22) Rulon Jones
23) Steve Watson
24) Bob Swenson
25) Ed McCaffrey

[Atlas]

Alright. Here's mine. If I were in charge of putting people in the Hall of Fame, #2-#5 on this list would be a lock. Whether Champ is #1 or #2 on people's lists, there is no doubt he is one of the greatest Broncos of all-time...

1) John Elway
2) Champ Bailey
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Floyd Little
6) Terrell Davis
7) Rod Smith
8) Louie Wright
9) Karl Mecklenburg
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson
11) Tom Nalen
12) Tom Jackson
13) Lionel Taylor
14) Gary Zimmerman
15) Steve Atwater
16) Dennis Smith
17) Billy Thompson
18) Haven Moses
19) Simon Fletcher
20) Steve Foley
21) Rick Upchurch
22) Rulon Jones
23) Steve Watson
24) Bob Swenson
25) Ed McCaffrey

That's a good list. You have to have Nalen a little higher. He has been one of the 2 best Centers in the NFL for a good 5-8 years.

Otherwise the list looks fine to me.

[Hotrod]

I guess I'd be a homer or even a dumbass homer if my list had Jay in the top 5 or so ;D

[Bronx33]

I guess I'd be a homer or even a dumbass homer if my list had Jay in the top 5 or so ;D


Just take a step back (fridge killer) ;)

[titan]

Crushaholic has a good list. Also interesting to see how the players on his list were acquired:

1) John Elway - trade
2) Champ Bailey - trade
3) Randy Gradishar - 1st round draft choice
4) Shannon Sharpe - 7th round draft choice
5) Floyd Little - 1st round draft choice
6) Terrell Davis - 6th round draft choice
7) Rod Smith - free agent
8) Louie Wright - 1st round draft choice
9) Karl Mecklenburg - 12th round draft choice
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson - trade
11) Tom Nalen - 7th round draft choice
12) Tom Jackson - 4th round draft choice
13) Lionel Taylor - free agent
14) Gary Zimmerman - trade
15) Steve Atwater - 1st round draft choice
16) Dennis Smith - 1st round draft choice
17) Billy Thompson - 3rd round draft choice
18) Haven Moses - trade
19) Simon Fletcher - 2nd round draft choice
20) Steve Foley - 8th round draft choice (college qb)
21) Rick Upchurch - 4th round draft choice
22) Rulon Jones - 2nd round draft choice
23) Steve Watson - free agent
24) Bob Swenson - free agent
25) Ed McCaffrey - free agent

or in Crushaholic's top 25:
5 acquired by trade
5 1st round draft choices
5 free agents
10 by draft after the 1st round

[-Slap-]

This will get me hanged, but no way should Rod be top 10 IMO.
Re-watch the Bronco games from 2000 and 2001 and tell me if you still feel that way. Its not an exaggeration to say he carried those teams.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8766/1dp6.jpg

[broncogary]

Even tho Alzado only played a few years here, he was dominant for the Orange Crush..period...He just flames out too soon. Being a dumbass doen't meant he wan't a dominant player. RIP.

Damn Newbie. Alzado was on the Broncos 7 or 8 years. ROFL!

[Chupacabra]

Hilarious that John is considered Number 2. There has never been a Denver Bronco close to Elway. Ask fans nationwide, educated fans that is, who is the best Bronco and I think a vast majority of them would say Elway; no question about it.

Ask fans nationwide, educated fans that is, who are the top 10 nfl players of all time and I think a vast majority of them would say Elway; no question about it.

Elway is #1 Bronco by a landslide.

[SouthStndJunkie]

Elway needs to be #1 without any doubt.

Rod Smith needs to be in the Top 5 for absolute sure. You guys must have his performance this year too fresh in your heads.

11th on the ALL TIME receptions list and he is #15 on the Broncos list?

[epicSocialism4tw]

I think it inice to know that we Bronco fans have been spoiled with a guy that many think is the greatest player of all-time, and also with a guy who is head and shoulders above every player at his position in history in Sharpe. Shannon is easily the best player at the TE spot.

We've got Sharpe. Best TE of all-time
Elway. Best QB of all time.

Then we have
Terrell Davis, who was one of the most dominant players in NFL history over a 3 year span.
Steve Atwater, who is one of the top 10 safeties of all-time.
Rod Smith, who will be one of the most fondly remembered players of his era.
Tom Nalen, who was the centerpiece of the most prolific rushing offense in the league for over 10 years, and thusly is a player that is important historically.
Champ Bailey, who is undoubtedly the best corner of his generation, and is probably an all-time great at the position.

[anthonypacino]

How about a greatest of all time at every postion, like a Pro Bowl fill out every starting postion with only one player.

QB. John Elway
RB. Terrell Davis
FB. Ho Griff
TE. Shannon Sharpe
WR. Rod Smith
WR. Lionel Taylor
C. Tom Nalen
G. Gary Zimmerman
G. Stink
T. Ken Lanier
T. Tony Jones
K. Jason Elam


DE. Rich Jackson
DE. Simon Fletcher
DT. Keith Traylor
DT. Rulon Jones
LB. Karl Mecklenberg
LB. Randy Gradishar
LB. Al Wilson
CB. Champ Bailey
CB. Louis Wright
S. Steve Atwater
S. Dennis Smith
P. Mike Horan

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

Thats 25.

[epicSocialism4tw]

How about a greatest of all time at every postion, like a Pro Bowl fill out every starting postion with only one player.

QB. John Elway
RB. Terrell Davis
FB. Ho Griff
TE. Shannon Sharpe
WR. Rod Smith
WR. Lionel Taylor
C. Tom Nalen
G. Gary Zimmerman
G. Stink
T. Ken Lanier
T. Tony Jones
K. Jason Elam


DE. Rich Jackson
DE. Simon Fletcher
DT. Keith Traylor
DT. Rulon Jones
LB. Karl Mecklenberg
LB. Randy Gradishar
LB. Al Wilson
CB. Champ Bailey
CB. Louis Wright
S. Steve Atwater
S. Dennis Smith
P. Mike Horan

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

Thats 25.

That's one heck of a team.

[Atlas]

Crushaholic has a good list. Also interesting to see how the players on his list were acquired:

1) John Elway - trade
2) Champ Bailey - trade
3) Randy Gradishar - 1st round draft choice
4) Shannon Sharpe - 7th round draft choice
5) Floyd Little - 1st round draft choice
6) Terrell Davis - 6th round draft choice
7) Rod Smith - free agent
8) Louie Wright - 1st round draft choice
9) Karl Mecklenburg - 12th round draft choice
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson - trade
11) Tom Nalen - 7th round draft choice
12) Tom Jackson - 4th round draft choice
13) Lionel Taylor - free agent
14) Gary Zimmerman - trade
15) Steve Atwater - 1st round draft choice
16) Dennis Smith - 1st round draft choice
17) Billy Thompson - 3rd round draft choice
18) Haven Moses - trade
19) Simon Fletcher - 2nd round draft choice
20) Steve Foley - 8th round draft choice (college qb)
21) Rick Upchurch - 4th round draft choice
22) Rulon Jones - 2nd round draft choice
23) Steve Watson - free agent
24) Bob Swenson - free agent
25) Ed McCaffrey - free agent

or in Crushaholic's top 25:
5 acquired by trade
5 1st round draft choices
5 free agents
10 by draft after the 1st round

Great post!!!

[Atlas]

Alright. Here's mine. If I were in charge of putting people in the Hall of Fame, #2-#5 on this list would be a lock. Whether Champ is #1 or #2 on people's lists, there is no doubt he is one of the greatest Broncos of all-time...

1) John Elway
2) Champ Bailey
3) Randy Gradishar
4) Shannon Sharpe
5) Floyd Little
6) Terrell Davis
7) Rod Smith
8) Louie Wright
9) Karl Mecklenburg
10) Rich Tombstone Jackson
11) Tom Nalen
12) Tom Jackson
13) Lionel Taylor
14) Gary Zimmerman
15) Steve Atwater
16) Dennis Smith
17) Billy Thompson
18) Haven Moses
19) Simon Fletcher
20) Steve Foley
21) Rick Upchurch
22) Rulon Jones
23) Steve Watson
24) Bob Swenson
25) Ed McCaffrey

That's a good list I really can't argue with anything you listed.

[Atlas]

Ask fans nationwide, educated fans that is, who are the top 10 nfl players of all time and I think a vast majority of them would say Elway; no question about it.

Elway is #1 Bronco by a landslide.

Do you think Elway was a better QB than Champ is a CB??

Mind you that the last few years Champ has been basically the undisputed best CB in the NFL.

[Atlas]

How about a greatest of all time at every postion, like a Pro Bowl fill out every starting postion with only one player.

QB. John Elway
RB. Terrell Davis
FB. Ho Griff
TE. Shannon Sharpe
WR. Rod Smith
WR. Lionel Taylor
C. Tom Nalen
G. Gary Zimmerman bishop
G. Stink
T. Ken LanierZimmerman
T. Tony Jonesstuddard
K. Jason Elam


DE. Rich Jackson
DE. Simon Fletcherrulon Jones
DT. Keith Traylor
DT. Rulon Jonesrubin carter
LB. Karl Mecklenberg
LB. Randy Gradishar
LB. Al Wilsonbob swenson
CB. Champ Bailey
CB. Louis Wright
S. Steve Atwater
S. Dennis Smith
P. Mike Horanluke Prestridge

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

Thats 25.

Nice list.
I think I might take Dave Studdard over Tony Jones, Rubin Carter at DT because Rulon Jones was a DE. and I would take Rulon Jones over Simon Fletcher.

Gary Zimmerman was a T not a gaurd so he takes Laniers spot. And Keith Bishop moves into the Guard spot

[RMANCIL]

Two days before one of the biggest games of the season and you guys are busy making all time Donkey list and exchanging recipes wow frigging unbelievable.


A little losing really destroys you bunch of Nancy's , eat some red meat take a sot of bourbon and grow a set.

Lose Sunday and your teams playoffs hopes start fading into the sunset or don't any of you care?

[Florida_Bronco]

Two days before one of the biggest games of the season and you guys are busy making all time Donkey list and exchanging recipes wow frigging unbelievable.


A little losing really destroys you bunch of Nancy's , eat some red meat take a sot of bourbon and grow a set.

Lose Sunday and your teams playoffs hopes start fading into the sunset or don't any of you care?

What the hell do you want us to do about it? Nothing we discuss here will have any impact on the game. Nevermind the fact there are several threads discussing the upcoming game.

[RMANCIL]

What the hell do you want us to do about it? Nothing we discuss here will have any impact on the game. Nevermind the fact there are several threads discussing the upcoming game.

Get behind your curent team here take a look at some excited fans. (http://www.chargers.com/news/advanced-media-player.php?reference=5-Sw_mfr_t-SAWuqjGU6Adr4I-J66SMJce6j_aGID4k)

[OrangeShadow]

Two days before one of the biggest games of the season and you guys are busy making all time Donkey list and exchanging recipes wow frigging unbelievable.


A little losing really destroys you bunch of Nancy's , eat some red meat take a sot of bourbon and grow a set.

Lose Sunday and your teams playoffs hopes start fading into the sunset or don't any of you care?

Sorry,we're USED to being in contention. You guys are acting like 6 years olds that are getting nintendo wii's for christmas.

and you REALLY might want to learn how to spell. :rofl:

[RMANCIL]

Sorry,we're USED to being in contention. You guys are acting like 6 years olds that are getting nintendo wii's for christmas.

and you REALLY might want to learn how to spell. :rofl:

It does take a real good strong fan to hang with his team and yes the old Charger fans do know what it is like to deal with losing and in the past few years we also have enjoyed a lot more success.

It looks like the success the Donks have had over the years has softened the fan base or perhaps spoiled the fan base may in fact be a more accurate description.

I know this is about as flat as I have seen you Honks.

Excuse me while I don't dab a tear. 8')

In fact I think you may want to prepared yourself for a nice long run of doing battle with the Chiefs for second place in the west.

[-Slap-]

Sorry,we're USED to being in contention. You guys are acting like 6 years olds that are getting nintendo wii's for christmas.

and you REALLY might want to learn how to spell. :rofl:

Why even waste time with an obvious bandwagon fan like RMANCIL?

Just shut his punk ass out. Talk to the real Charger fans if you like, but why encourage some clown who still has all of his Charger gear showing up on his last credit card statement?

[OrangeShadow]

How about a greatest of all time at every postion, like a Pro Bowl fill out every starting postion with only one player.

QB. John Elway
RB. Terrell Davis
FB. Ho Griff
TE. Shannon Sharpe
WR. Rod Smith
WR. Lionel Taylor
C. Tom Nalen
G. Gary Zimmerman
G. Stink
T. Ken Lanier
T. Tony Jones
K. Jason Elam


DE. Rich Jackson
DE. Simon Fletcher
DT. Keith Traylor
DT. Rulon Jones
LB. Karl Mecklenberg
LB. Randy Gradishar
LB. Al Wilson
CB. Champ Bailey
CB. Louis Wright
S. Steve Atwater
S. Dennis Smith
P. Mike Horan

Head Coach: Mike Shanahan

Thats 25.

Thats a damn good list

[ludo21]

GREAT LIST AP!!

Can we please have those guys Sunday? ;D

[ludo21]

Get behind your curent team here take a look at some excited fans. (http://www.chargers.com/news/advanced-media-player.php?reference=5-Sw_mfr_t-SAWuqjGU6Adr4I-J66SMJce6j_aGID4k)


Not sure why I clikced the lick, but I did...

but.... it just took me to player videos???

I guess they are fans of their own team... :thumbs:

MILE HIGH WEST - Here we COME!!! :Broncos:

[RMANCIL]

Why even waste time with an obvious bandwagon fan like RMANCIL?

Just shut his punk ass out. Talk to the real Charger fans if you like, but why encourage some clown who still has all of his Charger gear showing up on his last credit card statement?

Slap just how long have you been a football fan?

Why the Broncos ?

How many Super Bowls have you seen?

[Atlas]

It does take a real good strong fan to hang with his team and yes the old Charger fans do know what it is like to deal with losing and in the past few years we also have enjoyed a lot more success.

It looks like the success the Donks have had over the years has softened the fan base or perhaps spoiled the fan base may in fact be a more accurate description.

I know this is about as flat as I have seen you Honks.

Excuse me while I don't dab a tear. 8')

In fact I think you may want to prepared yourself for a nice long run of doing battle with the Chiefs for second place in the west.


You guys didn't even exist here 3 years ago and 3 years from now you'll be nothing but a memory.

[RMANCIL]

You guys didn't even exist here 3 years ago and 3 years from now you'll be nothing but a memory.

My join date for this forum is Join Date: Jul 2003 you do the math.

[Florida_Bronco]

Get behind your curent team here take a look at some excited fans. (http://www.chargers.com/news/advanced-media-player.php?reference=5-Sw_mfr_t-SAWuqjGU6Adr4I-J66SMJce6j_aGID4k)

Well, I think we can file you under the dumbass category.

[Florida_Bronco]

My join date for this forum is Join Date: Jul 2003 you do the math.

And prior to this season I don't ever recall seeing you post here. Amazing how a little winning brings the "fans" out of the woodwork.

[RMANCIL]

Well, I think we can file you under the dumbass category.

So tell me when the meetings are ? !Booya! Are you like in charge ?

[RMANCIL]

And prior to this season I don't ever recall seeing you post here. Amazing how a little winning brings the "fans" out of the woodwork.


Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Clearwater, Florida
Posts: 5,068


Looks like your a Johnnie come lately yourself. :thumbs:


So tell me "all knowing one" just what is Shanarat going to pull out of his bag of tricks for Sunday?

[AFCWestFan]

Not one mention of Romanowski?

[OrangeShadow]

Do you think Elway was a better QB than Champ is a CB??

Mind you that the last few years Champ has been basically the undisputed best CB in the NFL.

back on topic
I think champs a better CB than elway was a QB. then again thats like saying a shot of iceberg vodka is better than a shot of ciroc.
Champ was one of the best corners almost as soon as he came into the league.

[Florida_Bronco]

Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Clearwater, Florida
Posts: 5,068


Looks like your a Johnnie come lately yourself. :thumbs:


So tell me "all knowing one" just what is Shanarat going to pull out of his bag of tricks for Sunday?

I'm always around, win or loss.

[-Slap-]

back on topic
I think champs a better CB than elway was a QB. then again thats like saying a shot of iceberg vodka is better than a shot of ciroc.
Champ was one of the best corners almost as soon as he came into the league.

Roland is awesome, but I don't think he towers over his peers on the all time list with some kind of Ruthian dominance.

Dick Lane
Mike Haynes
Rod Woodson
Louis Wright
Willie Brown
Herb Adderly
Deion Sanders
Lem Barney

Probably forgetting a couple.

Most football historians have John Elway in their all time top five QBs and all of them have him in their top ten.

Here's the kicker, though: a great quarterback has more impact on his team than a great cornerback.

If you could draft a Hall of Famer at either position tomorrow, who would you pick?

[orange 4 life]

Who is better at his position. Champ Or Elway?? That is a very good question. And that is a very close and good arguement which ever way you go.

elway.
he's the best EVER at his position, and champ is the best in the game NOW.

that said, it doesnt matter.
elway was a quarterback and champ is a friggin cornerback.
elway took the entire team on his back, and since champ is a corner he cant even take the entire defense on his back.
also, elway played here for 16 years and champ hasnt even been here 5.

elway is #1 without question and by a mile.
i honestly dont even really think its subjective.
its as close to fact as anything subjective can be.

from there, i would have to put floyd little at #2 as he was "mr bronco" and the face of the franchise before elway was in high school.
EVERYONE knew he was getting the ball, and they still couldnt stop him.

as for champ, i wouldnt put him on the list AT ALL, simply because he hasnt played here long enough, but there's very little doubt that when he retires (assuming its as a bronco) he'll be in the top 5 of a greatest bronco list.

jake

[epicSocialism4tw]

.

If you could draft a Hall of Famer at either position tomorrow, who would you pick?

Whichever one played in NY or Chicago.

[BroncoInSkinland]

Where is the love for Jason Elam? I know he's just a kicker, but the man is a machine. Listing all of the accomplishments would take too long, but let's hit a few. 99.59% Points After Touchdown Career, thats #1 in the NFL, ever. 371 Consecutive Points After Touchdown, also #1. 58 Points After Touchdown, No Misses, Season, (1998) #3 ever. 63 Longest Field Goal, #1. 25 Field Goals, 50 or More Yards, Career, #2. There are more 1's, 2's, and 3's but that gets the point across nicely.

He is also way ahead of the curve in the amount of time it took to assemble these stats, having many "shortest time to achieve" 1st's as well. If his career goes on for a few more seasons, he will have many more "#1 NFL evers" under his belt. He has had 14 seasons with us, missing only 4 games in that entire time. And to top that off he married a former Denver Broncos cheerleader, how team oriented is that? :thumbs:

Overall Jason is a phenomenal performer, especially in high pressure situations. He is one of the best ever at his position without question. Further he is dedicated to this team more than any other player I know of, and has been for longer. I have been watching Broncos football for 30 some years, and the last 14 of it Jason Elam has been a huge part of it in a very quiet way. So you might want to consider the Broncos all time points leader for one or two of these lists.

P.S. to the Chargers fans who want to rain on the parade here; there are plenty of other threads where you are more than welcome to contribute. This thread is a not a head in the sand situation at all. For your sake, I hope your team is taking this match up more seriously than your fans, or you are in for one heck of a suprise. You might be in for that suprise anyway.

Edit: Ooops went back and saw a couple of mentions of Jason, sorry for jumping the gun, but I like him so much I am not going to delete the post.

[OrangeShadow]

elway.
he's the best EVER at his position, and champ is the best in the game NOW.


champ is the best ever at his position but i see you're point that QB is a more important aspect

[-Slap-]

Where is the love for Jason Elam? I know he's just a kicker, but the man is a machine. Listing all of the accomplishments would take too long, but let's hit a few. 99.59% Points After Touchdown Career, thats #1 in the NFL, ever. 371 Consecutive Points After Touchdown, also #1. 58 Points After Touchdown, No Misses, Season, (1998) #3 ever. 63 Longest Field Goal, #1. 25 Field Goals, 50 or More Yards, Career, #2. There are more 1's, 2's, and 3's but that gets the point across nicely.

He is also way ahead of the curve in the amount of time it took to assemble these stats, having many "shortest time to achieve" 1st's as well. If his career goes on for a few more seasons, he will have many more "#1 NFL evers" under his belt. He has had 14 seasons with us, missing only 4 games in that entire time. And to top that off he married a former Denver Broncos cheerleader, how team oriented is that? :thumbs:

Overall Jason is a phenomenal performer, especially in high pressure situations. He is one of the best ever at his position without question. Further he is dedicated to this team more than any other player I know of, and has been for longer. I have been watching Broncos football for 30 some years, and the last 14 of it Jason Elam has been a huge part of it in a very quiet way. So you might want to consider the Broncos all time points leader for one or two of these lists.

P.S. to the Chargers fans who want to rain on the parade here; there are plenty of other threads where you are more than welcome to contribute. This thread is a not a head in the sand situation at all. For your sake, I hope your team is taking this match up more seriously than your fans, or you are in for one heck of a suprise. You might be in for that suprise anyway.

Edit: Ooops went back and saw a couple of mentions of Jason, sorry for jumping the gun, but I like him so much I am not going to delete the post.

It would be a shame to delete a great post like that. Jason has been a rock.

[Atlas]

My join date for this forum is Join Date: Jul 2003 you do the math.

Great, now leave... please

[Rock Chalk]

Kyla is a dirty whore.

[Atlas]

Roland is awesome, but I don't think he towers over his peers on the all time list with some kind of Ruthian dominance.

Dick Lane
Mike Haynes
Rod Woodson
Louis Wright
Willie Brown
Herb Adderly
Deion Sanders
Lem Barney

Probably forgetting a couple.

Most football historians have John Elway in their all time top five QBs and all of them have him in their top ten.

Here's the kicker, though: a great quarterback has more impact on his team than a great cornerback.

If you could draft a Hall of Famer at either position tomorrow, who would you pick?

He is much better than Louie Wright. Wright only went to 4 Probowls. He was always mentioned as one of the best CBs in the NFL but he was never hands down the best. Champ has been the best CB in the league the last 5 years and pretty much everyone who watches football agrees with that. There has never been a 5 year stretch in Elway's career where almost everyone who watched football said that he was the best QB in the NFL. There was Montana, Marino, Aikman, Kelly, Kosar, Farve.

In 1986 before Denver played Cleveland Don Shula said he would take Kosar over Elway.

Elway was 1st team All Pro I believe only in 1987. Champ is almost every year.

I admit Elway is more valuable and all that stuff but Champ is a better CB than Elway was a QB.

You get people to make a list of the top 5 CBs in the league and you'll get a wide variety of players in that top 5 but Champ will be #1 on 95% of them.
There was never a time that Elway could say the same thing.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Nobody even has Goose Gonsoulin on the list and he arguably belongs in the top 10. Before Billy Thompson, Steve Foley, Dennis Smith, Steve Atwater or John Lynch, there was Goose Gonsoulin. An original Ring of Fame member, he was the AFL's best safety...43 career picks and still holds the all time single season Bronco record with 11...3 times all AFL, Gonsoulin along with Lionel Taylor was the first true star for the Broncos. Taylor was the Jerry Rice of the 1960's...the most dominant receiver of his era with the highest 6 year total for receptions in NFL history. In an age when teams threw a lot fewer passes, the numbers posted by Taylor and Gonsoulin are amazing.

[-Slap-]

He is much better than Louie Wright. Wright only went to 4 Probowls. He was always mentioned as one of the best CBs in the NFL but he was never hands down the best. Champ has been the best CB in the league the last 5 years and pretty much everyone who watches football agrees with that. There has never been a 5 year stretch in Elway's career where almost everyone who watched football said that he was the best QB in the NFL. There was Montana, Marino, Aikman, Kelly, Kosar, Farve.

The number of Pro Bowls you make has little bearing on how good you are. Mike Boryla made the Pro Bowl in 1975 (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/BoryMi00.htm).

By the way, who cares about popular opinion? Until last season, there were still people saying Charles Woodson and Ty Law were as good as Champ, so that five window of dominance in the view of the football world exists only in your mind.

In 1986 before Denver played Cleveland Don Shula said he would take Kosar over Elway.

Good for him. Do you realize he was clinically senile by that point? John Madden called Louis Wright the best CB he ever saw and laughed at the notion of throwing in his direction.

Elway was 1st team All Pro I believe only in 1987. Champ is almost every year.

Do you understand twice as many cornerbacks make the All Pro team as cornerbacks? Its not Elway's fault Reeves was killing his numbers for the first (and most athletic) nine years of his career.

I admit Elway is more valuable and all that stuff but Champ is a better CB than Elway was a QB.

I'm always looking for a new hookup. How much does your boy charge for an oz of Indica?

You get people to make a list of the top 5 CBs in the league and you'll get a wide variety of players in that top 5 but Champ will be #1 on 95% of them.

****in' ay.

There was never a time that Elway could say the same thing.

This last one makes me question whether you followed the team during John's career.

[Atlas]

Do you understand twice as many cornerbacks make the All Pro team as cornerbacks? Its not Elway's fault Reeves was killing his numbers for the first (and most athletic) nine years of his career.

.

Well, Yes there are 2 CBs announced to the AP All pro team and one QB. Elway has been named to this team one time. Bailey has been named to it almost every year!!

It's fine that people disagree. As long as they know where I'm coming from. All I'm saying is that Champ is a better CB than Elway was a QB. I'm not talking about value or worth or what they did for the city of Denver.

Randy Gradishar was my favorite Bronco of All time for a very long time and Elway Displaced him and he is now my fav. Bronco of all time. So it's not like I don't like Elway. It's just that Champ is that good.

[-Slap-]

Pro Bowls are made by rep when you're playing a position like cornerback. Offensive skill positions are based almost purely on numbers. You're completely ignoring Elway was handcuffed by his offensive scheme during his peak years while his main competition for the one quarterback spot on the First Team had Shula and Walsh doing everything they could to make their boys look good.

At least debate this like a Bronco fan.

[Atlas]

By the way, who cares about popular opinion? Until last season, there were still people saying Charles Woodson and Ty Law were as good as Champ, so that five window of dominance in the view of the football world exists only in your mind.



.

No, not really they were always a step below. I remember last year when Law was getting all those ints people were saying that he was getting burned too much and that he gambles too much. I believe Law led the league last year in penalties for DBs. Woodsen has been injured alot and his work ethic and attitude has been questioned.

Like I said right now there is Champ and there is everyone else. You could never say that about Elway.

And even today you can't say that about any player.
Urlacher might be the closest but I'm sure some people might prefer Merriman to Urlacher.

Champ has been the best for at least 3 years now, the undisputed best... and that is very rare.

[-Slap-]

No, not really they were always a step below. I remember last year when Law was getting all those ints people were saying that he was getting burned too much and that he gambles too much. I believe Law led the league last year in penalties for DBs. Woodsen has been injured alot and his work ethic and attitude has been questioned.

Like I said right now there is Champ and there is everyone else. You could never say that about Elway.

And even today you can't say that about any player.
Urlacher might be the closest but I'm sure some people might prefer Merriman to Urlacher.

Champ has been the best for at least 3 years now, the undisputed best... and that is very rare.

You said there was never a five year stretch where everyone agreed Elway was the best QB, implying everyone has agreed Champ was the best corner over the last five years. That's simply not the case. Now you're trying to revise the comment to say, everybody should have thought way.

You can either use public opinion as the criteria for the comment or not, but you can't shift the meaning to suit your argument.

[Atlas]

You said there was never a five year stretch where everyone agreed Elway was the best QB, implying everyone has agreed Champ was the best corner over the last five years. That's simply not the case. Now you're trying to revise the comment to say, everybody should have thought way.

You can either use public opinion as the criteria for the comment or not, but you can't shift the meaning to suit your argument.

Well, I'm not sure what I have been saying. I guess if you're argueing it than you believe Elway was a better QB than Champ is a CB.. and that is fine.

I had Elway at #1 when I started. I just started thinking about it and Champ is awesome, he is a first time ballot HOF just like Elway so it's a toss up.

[-Slap-]

Well, I'm not sure what I have been saying. I guess if you're argueing it than you believe Elway was a better QB than Champ is a CB.. and that is fine.

I had Elway at #1 when I started. I just started thinking about it and Champ is awesome, he is a first time ballot HOF just like Elway so it's a toss up.

Like most lists, the actual criteria for judgement is a tad hazy. This is not your fault, but its open to interpretation. By calling this the top 25 Broncos of all time, I think its not unreasonable for many people to infer players who've done the most for the Broncos. You already see people questioning Zim because half his dominance came in Purple and Gold. Obviously, Willie Brown and Tony Dorsett aren't going to get any love, but Neil Smith could have if he got here three years sooner.

By this standard, you're giving Champ the nod over John and counting his 2.75 seasons as a Bronco as more impressive than Elway's Sweet 16.

Obviously, you're looking at the totality of their careers then, so maybe Brown, Dorsett and Smith deserve a harder look after all.

[Atlas]

Like most lists, the actual criteria for judgement is a tad hazy. This is not your fault, but its open to interpretation. By calling this the top 25 Broncos of all time, I think its not unreasonable for many people to infer players who've done the most for the Broncos. You already see people questioning Zim because half his dominance came in Purple and Gold. Obviously, Willie Brown and Tony Dorsett aren't going to get any love, but Neil Smith could have if he got here three years sooner.

By this standard, you're giving Champ the nod over John and counting his 2.75 seasons as a Bronco as more impressive than Elway's Sweet 16.

Obviously, you're looking at the totality of their careers then, so maybe Brown, Dorsett and Smith deserve a harder look after all.

Good point. I have said at least three times in this thread that this is about skill. Not what they have done for the Broncos, the community etc. etc.

The thread title wasn't worded very well but I did say many times in the thread what "my" criteria was. Everyone can use their own this is just a discussion that I thought could take us to Sunday. I was very much disliking all the other threads.

I didn't put Champ ahead of John to start a controversy because I try to say exactly what I believe is the truth.

Champ is awesome, Elway is awesome
Elway has a built in advantage because he was a QB, he played here a long time and he went to 5 SBs but that doesn't make him the better player it just makes him more important.

[Atlas]

Obviously, you're looking at the totality of their careers then, so maybe Brown, Dorsett and Smith deserve a harder look after all.

That is a very good point.

The difference IMO is Champ is a current Bronco and still has a good 5 years in Denver. Smith, Dorsett, Brown career's what they were. They are done and they did what the did in Denver.

Actually since Champ is in the moment right now I am probably projecting into the furture but I really have no problem doing it because he is what he is and that is a great, great player. That won't change 3 years from now.