Rod Smiths Injury

[Stormontheplains]

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5421214

By the way, don't discount that ailing hip, the one that required a recent scope, on the list of reasons for Rod Smith's so-so 2006 season. Said one Dove Valley front-office type, "The doctor said it was amazing he could even run." ... :notworthy


Rod may be better than last year, Dude is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fontaine]

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5421214

By the way, don't discount that ailing hip, the one that required a recent scope, on the list of reasons for Rod Smith's so-so 2006 season. Said one Dove Valley front-office type, "The doctor said it was amazing he could even run." ...:notworthy


Rod may be better than last year, Dude is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, that's bad news. What the hell is Rod thinking! He's going to be the number 3 WR here and already took a paycut.

Rod should just do what Plummer did.

Ask for a trade where he can start somewhere else, then retire, and have his health and future to look forward to in stead of competing every Sunday.

That way we can start a Rod appreciation thread!

:P

[TheDave]

Not saying that the hip wasn't some of the reason for last seasons down fall... BUT, if it was really that bad why did it take until March to do something about it.

[Pat Bowlen]

God bless this man.

[thumpc]

Nice find! I was very impressed in training camp last year, he didn't seem to be slowed in his quickness at the time.:strong: :yayaya: ^5 :bandwagon :militia: :yep: :bronxrox:

[Garcia Bronco]

People keep underestimating Rod Smith and I just don't get it. You would think people would realize his dedication when he caught 100 balls from Griese on two bum ankles. Not so fast Marshall.

[chaz]

not so fast marshall indeed garcia...don't know why everyone has just been thinking rod is going to simply step aside....i bet he wins the #2 spot this year if this hip problem heals up and allows him back to 100%

[thumpc]

Here's the move, he works out lightly in camp, goes on PUP for six weeks to start the season and open a roster spot for one of the five first day picks we are gonna have. Trusted Rod shows up fresh in late October ready to last into February, a rookie gets a papercut and goes on IR, I get a picture taken with the new Lombardi trophy when it comes to my town on the victory tour.

[TheDave]

People keep underestimating Rod Smith and I just don't get it. You would think people would realize his dedication when he caught 100 balls from Griese on two bum ankles. Not so fast Marshall.


He's 37 years old... Not sure how old you are Garcia but I'm the same age as rod, and there is a HUGE difference between 37 and 24. Either this season or next will be his last. That has nothing to do with underestimating him it is simply the reality of the situation.

[Garcia Bronco]

He's 37 years old... Not sure how old you are Garcia but I'm the same age as rod, and there is a HUGE difference between 37 and 24. Either this season or next will be his last. That has nothing to do with underestimating him it is simply the reality of the situation.

You know you are only as old as you feel. I think he's got at least 2 seasons left.

[TheDave]

You know you are only as old as you feel

and i would agree with you anywhere but in professional sports.

[bronco militia]

Rods' also a very smart man:

Denver made concessions to the 36-year-old wide receiver by guaranteeing his base salaries this year and next, the final year of his contract. That means the franchise's all-time leader in catches, touchdowns and receiving yards will pocket $3 million no matter what. He'll carry a similar cap figure next season ($3.55 million) if he decides to play out his deal.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5408337,00.html

[Los Broncos]

Dam Rod, im not ready to accept him retiring any time soon, have to see him a catch a nice Cutler fade pass in the end zone one time.

[Natedogg]

Changed my avy just for him. Rod is our James Lofton. I wish all the naysayers would just **** off.

[BigPlayShay]

In Rod We Trust

[El Guapo]

All NFL players take heed (once again). :strong:

[rovolution]

Changed my avy just for him. Rod is our James Lofton. I wish all the naysayers would just f*** off.

I love your avatar man. Rod's first NFL reception...a game winning TD catch from the legendary Elway (and he beat the legendary Darrell Green). I cant believe how far Rod has come since then.

Dont ever doubt #80 of the Broncos!

[cmhargrove]

I really don't see why he can't come back from this injury. I think IR may be in his future, but with his dedication, I think he could finish out his 2 years as well. If he was running and not complaining last year with the infection, I don't see how dibridement of the wound would make him feel any worse. I am imagining he will be feeling much better in a few weeks, then will be running better than expected by training camp.

He might actually feel extra energy after going through a "rehab" process. It often strengthens atheletes better than they were before. Let Greek do his magic, then Rod can do his.

[Garcia Bronco]

I love your avatar man. Rod's first NFL reception...a game winning TD catch from the legendary Elway (and he beat the legendary Darrell Green). I cant believe how far Rod has come since then.

Dont ever doubt #80 of the Broncos!

What a great day...I remember it well...I was in Redskin country. My buddy still bittches about TD getting a TD that he claims wasn't a TD.

[Natedogg]

I love your avatar man. Rod's first NFL reception...a game winning TD catch from the legendary Elway (and he beat the legendary Darrell Green). I cant believe how far Rod has come since then.

Dont ever doubt #80 of the Broncos!

Thanks man. I actually got this pic from the "rod took a paycut thread" 3 or 4 days ago... forgot who posted it... but thanks. No doubt. What a moment. What a great catch. What a player. Rod I hope you read the mane so I can tell you that you are my hero.

[rubaiyat]

and i would agree with you anywhere but in professional sports.

Agreed. If Rice could no longer hack it by pure will and conditioning alone, I tip my hat to Rod, but I don't forsee him being more than a steady, reliable option for a couple passes a game at best from here no out.

[Odysseus]

Changed my avy just for him. Rod is our James Lofton. I wish all the naysayers would just **** off.

Defenestration is a good word.

This is why I put up with this games childish peccadillo and narcissism. It is for these singular opportunities at seeing a players heart.

[Natedogg]

Defenestration (Latin, de ("from; out of") + fenestra ("window")) is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. Historically, it was used as an act of political dissent, notably the Defenestrations of Prague. The Bohemian rebels inspired some Philadelphia anarchists to publish a newspaper: the defenestrator, a journal of hope and refusal.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenestration (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=1&oi=define&q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenestration&usg=__pPVTEtayR3Y16PjC6LDnZK2tDis=)

I prefer the simpler, one syllable word: faith.

[Odysseus]

Defenestration (Latin, de ("from; out of") + fenestra ("window")) is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. Historically, it was used as an act of political dissent, notably the Defenestrations of Prague. The Bohemian rebels inspired some Philadelphia anarchists to publish a newspaper: the defenestrator, a journal of hope and refusal.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenestration (http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&start=1&oi=define&q=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenestration&usg=__pPVTEtayR3Y16PjC6LDnZK2tDis=)

I prefer the simpler, one syllable word: faith.


I don't think most people have a clue what you are talking about.

[watermock]

Rod probably tried rest and that's why it was March IMO. It's not like he has to learn the system, just get his conditioning back. I don't care if he's rehabbing all thru preseason or however long it takes.

I'm a little ashamed thinking he just had hit a wall. I can't believe this injury was so well covered up...and Rod never complained or let on once...it's a testament on how tight this team is how that wasn't leaked. Hell military secrets get leaked all the time.

I've got a bad hip from a bad skiing collision on ice and when it bothers you, it almost brings you to tears. For some reason it's not hurt lately tho. I guess it took 25 years to heal. Ha! It's probably because I'm not pounding asphalt hawking cars anymore.

Rod is the MAN to fight thru that. I don't mind guaranteing a pittiance so he can retire after 08. He deserves that. I think he's still thinking in 95 dollars...heh. He's a squirrel so don't cry for Rod. Aparrently the only splurge was his mansion, and that's an investment.

By 09 even Nalen will likely have retired.

[thumpc]

The Defenestration of Prague, two catholic bishops were thrown out of a 2nd story window at a Lutheran protestant meeting. They were "saved" from further harm by landing in a pile of manure.
That's how I remember it anyway.

[Natedogg]

I didnt know what defenstration meant... had to look it up. Hell, my spellcheck doesnt even consider it a word. :)

[BlaK-Argentina]

Will the Broncos retire #80? I definitely think they should, but I was thinking that the didn't retire Sharpe's #84, so... I don't know. I'd HATE to see someone else wearing that number in Denver.

[thumpc]

I liked it so much I remembered it from high school history, way back then.
There was a punk band called that too.

[c_lazy_r]

You know you are only as old as you feel. I think he's got at least 2 seasons left.

I like Rod as well as anyone but he is not Jerry Rice and look at what happened to him.

[Garcia Bronco]

I like Rod as well as anyone but he is not Jerry Rice and look at what happened to him.

I think as far as dedication and training.....I'd put up Rod for the pepsi challege with any WR in the history of the game. You'd be surprised what can be acomplished with elbow grease.

[TheDave]

I think as far as dedication and training.....I'd put up Rod for the pepsi challege with any WR in the history of the game. You'd be surprised what can be acomplished with elbow grease.

problem is, this isn't the pepsi challenge. This is a man fighting against age and "Father Time" always wins.

[thumpc]

Trusted Rod is just warming up. He's just now getting started.

[Garcia Bronco]

problem is, this isn't the pepsi challenge. This is a man fighting against age and "Father Time" always wins.

Some how...I think the millionaire that still carries food stamps in his wallet to remind him of the hard times can beat father time back longer than most.

[MileHighMania]

I hope he heals completely and in the process ... Brandon plays well enough to earn the #2 spot. I think Rod is wise enough to realize this is likely his last year and in that #3 role, he would be greatness.

Imagine the upside for the offense if Rod is 100% healthy and Marshal is able to win the #2 spot. Walker, Marshall, Smith, Graham, Scheffler and Henry with Cutler. I dig the diversity (ie - productivity) of what that offense could provide every week.

[Garcia Bronco]

I still think Rod will be back to number 2.

[Blueflame]

I like Rod as well as anyone but he is not Jerry Rice and look at what happened to him.

You might have a point if Rod was, like.... 42. ::)

Rod will know when to hang 'em up... unlike the aforementioned Rice, he won't make his team trade him elsewhere and hang around the league living off past accomplishments (favors from his past coaches) for 3 or 4 more seasons until eventually he's told by one of those former coaches (who doesn't want to be in the position of having to "cut" the "GOAT") that he won't win a fair competition for the #5 WR slot.

[thumpc]

The GOAT was still productive at 38, if I recall correctly.

[c_lazy_r]

[QUOTE=Blueflame;1512411]You might have a point if Rod was, like.... 42. ::)

QUOTE]


My point was not that they (Rod & Jerry) were the same age. Simply that no matter how much you want to believe you are the same player you once were...you are not. To some it happens at 30 and others at 40.

[Garcia Bronco]

The GOAT was still productive at 38, if I recall correctly.

Very productive under Rich Gannon

[Blueflame]

The GOAT was still productive at 38, if I recall correctly.

The last season he was among the league's top ten in any category (tied for 9th in total receptions) was 2002 when he was 40... but he was trying to extend his career with the Broncos in preseason 2005.

[Blueflame]

[QUOTE=Blueflame;1512411]You might have a point if Rod was, like.... 42. ::)

[QUOTE]


My point was not that they (Rod & Jerry) were the same age. Simply that no matter how much you want to believe you are the same player you once were...you are not. To some it happens at 30 and others at 40.

I don't think Rod's at the point yet where he's exhausted his usefulness to the team. As Garcia said, it's not a stretch to presume that he'll go into the season at #2 (barring setbacks in his rehab from the surgery, of course). This is not to say that Brandon won't eventually take the #2 slot... he does have the potential/talent to do it, it all depends on the speed of his progress and Rod's health.

[c_lazy_r]

[QUOTE=c_lazy_r;1512420][QUOTE=Blueflame;1512411]You might have a point if Rod was, like.... 42. ::)



I don't think Rod's at the point yet where he's exhausted his usefulness to the team. As Garcia said, it's not a stretch to presume that he'll go into the season at #2 (barring setbacks in his rehab from the surgery, of course). This is not to say that Brandon won't eventually take the #2 slot... he does have the potential/talent to do it, it all depends on the speed of his progress and Rod's health.

I don't know what I said that would indicate Rod "exhausted his usefulness". At any rate, Rod is a tremendous player with a huge heart and I sincerely hope his dropoff last year was a result of injury. If it was, we can look forward to the Rod of old. If his production decrease last year was not due to injury, I think the Broncos need to evaluate all available options.

Like it or not, his play last season was not good. I am not taking into consideration his contribution as a leader for this team. That, in my opinion, is strictly a coaches decision.

[Blueflame]

[QUOTE=Blueflame;1512452][QUOTE=c_lazy_r;1512420]

I don't know what I said that would indicate Rod "exhausted his usefulness". At any rate, Rod is a tremendous player with a huge heart and I sincerely hope his dropoff last year was a result of injury. If it was, we can look forward to the Rod of old. If his production decrease last year was not due to injury, I think the Broncos need to evaluate all available options.

Like it or not, his play last season was not good. I am not taking into consideration his contribution as a leader for this team. That, in my opinion, is strictly a coaches decision.

There could be a number of reasons why any Broncos offensive player's '06 numbers might look subpar. The injury most likely was one of the factors, but one cannot discount Plummer's passer rating dropping from 90.2 to 68.8 as another possible reason. When one looks at the offensive rankings throughout Plummer's tenure in Denver, the picture becomes clear that the offense as a whole struggled in '06. The numbers are points/yards (out of 32) from profootballreference.com.

2006 17 23
2005 7 4
2004 9 5
2003 10 8

Another factor could be the absence of Kubiak/getting used to a new OC. Despite the respectable numbers put up on the ground (1025 for T. Bell; 677 for M. Bell) one could also question whether the RBBC approach with alternating backs might have kept the offense from being able to get into a rhythm quite as well as they might have had there been a definitive "starter" as there should be in '07 with Henry.

At any rate, the offense's ineptitude in '06 did not start... or end... with Rod Smith.

[Kaylore]

Not so fast Marshall.

How cool would that be if they really fought it out and he came back like he was in 2005? Man we'd be scary good.

[Garcia Bronco]

How cool would that be if they really fought it out and he came back like he was in 2005? Man we'd be scary good.

I hate to say this, but I think we are going to be scary good. Marshall is going to be awesome IMO...so if Rod gets back close to form...we'll be pretty dang good. I am stoked for training camp this season...and I'll actually get to go. :)

[Houshyamama]

Will the Broncos retire #80? I definitely think they should, but I was thinking that the didn't retire Sharpe's #84, so... I don't know. I'd HATE to see someone else wearing that number in Denver.

no doubt they will, no doubt. He has done so much for this organization. Death, Taxes and Rod Smith.

[Malcontent]

Imagine for a moment...Rod Smith named comeback player of the year...Broncos dedicate season to Nash and DWill, and win SB in Glendale..My hometown. It couldn't possibly get any better than that!

[c_lazy_r]

[QUOTE=c_lazy_r;1512503][QUOTE=Blueflame;1512452]

There could be a number of reasons why any Broncos offensive player's '06 numbers might look subpar. The injury most likely was one of the factors, but one cannot discount Plummer's passer rating dropping from 90.2 to 68.8 as another possible reason. When one looks at the offensive rankings throughout Plummer's tenure in Denver, the picture becomes clear that the offense as a whole struggled in '06. The numbers are points/yards (out of 32) from profootballreference.com.

2006 17 23
2005 7 4
2004 9 5
2003 10 8

Another factor could be the absence of Kubiak/getting used to a new OC. Despite the respectable numbers put up on the ground (1025 for T. Bell; 677 for M. Bell) one could also question whether the RBBC approach with alternating backs might have kept the offense from being able to get into a rhythm quite as well as they might have had there been a definitive "starter" as there should be in '07 with Henry.

At any rate, the offense's ineptitude in '06 did not start... or end... with Rod Smith.

I really have no desire to argue about the overall offensive production last season. My only point with regard to Rod Smith was that, sooner or later, age catches up to you. I hope as much as anyone that he can return to form in 2007. Rod is a great player with an incredible story. Unfortunately, there comes a day when you can no longer depend upon desire and work ethic alone. The physical pieces also have to be there.

[Blueflame]

[QUOTE=Blueflame;1512563][QUOTE=c_lazy_r;1512503]

I really have no desire to argue about the overall offensive production last season. My only point with regard to Rod Smith was that, sooner or later, age catches up to you. I hope as much as anyone that he can return to form in 2007. Rod is a great player with an incredible story. Unfortunately, there comes a day when you can no longer depend upon desire and work ethic alone. The physical pieces also have to be there.

Ok, but I don't think Rod's at that point yet... where age has caught up to him. Yeah, he had subpar numbers in one season ('06) but the offense as a whole had subpar numbers that season and therefore, I don't buy the idea that those subpar numbers necessarily mean that he's finished or will slip from #2 to #3. It's my stance that Rod's lower stats were directly related to a) his hip injury and b) Jake Plummer's struggles.

[TheDave]

[QUOTE=c_lazy_r;1513357][QUOTE=Blueflame;1512563]

Ok, but I don't think Rod's at that point yet... where age has caught up to him.

Yeah, thats probably why most here think he will be our #3 WR. Trust me age has caught up to him... Sorry to bear the bad news here folks but the NFL is a young mans game. 24 year old legs will always be faster and more agil than 38 year old ones. There was a time when Jerry Rice was the Greatest ever. Age eventually beat him and will one day do the same to Rod Smith, no matter how many food stamps he carries around as a reminder.

Right now i'm just hopping for one more year. If i get another great, but i'll be happy with one.

[watermock]

Imagine for a moment...Rod Smith named comeback player of the year...Broncos dedicate season to Nash and DWill, and win SB in Glendale..My hometown. It couldn't possibly get any better than that!

Well it couldn't get any worse than New Year's day/eve. We need some ying/yang karma fix.

Alot depends on if Rod's hip is just plain shot or if he can recover fully. He must of been in alot of pain. Rod is the real Soulja! Playing on two broken ankles and now this. Unreal. And never a peep. Meanwhile I suppose it's only a matter of time till the Team Obliterator gets back in his stationary bike race.

[Rascal]

Not saying that the hip wasn't some of the reason for last seasons down fall... BUT, if it was really that bad why did it take until March to do something about it.

Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.

[watermock]

Because he wanted to rest it and see if improved I imagine.

[BroncoFanDoug]

I am 50. I will tell you that what you notice most between being 25 and 40 around health is it takes longer to heal. Before you slow down, before you are not as strong, this is what hits you.

I hope very much that Rod is with us a couple more years (and then years after that coaching - he has the right mind set). And there are very good reasons to be concerned how he will be able to recover from injuries.

[watermock]

Was his hip even on the injury report?

[Blueflame]

If Rod's name ever showed up at all on last year's injury reports, I certainly never saw it.... although I do recall there being a bit of concern because he'd had several concussions within a relatively short time.

[Odysseus]

If Rod's name ever showed up at all on last year's injury reports, I certainly never saw it.... although I do recall there being a bit of concern because he'd had several concussions within a relatively short time.

You made some outstanding posts. Teams OWNED our offense last year. Plummer would roll out and get plastered. Plummer s accuracy was painful. There were a lot of factors going against Rod last year but age would not be really as big a deal as people make it to be.

There is a 55 year old man whose out here running the Special Forces guys into the dirt.

Ultra marathoners are routinely over the age of 40. (Toenails are overrated)

My martial arts instructor is in his 70's and I promise you he has embarrassed 100's of trained black belts. You got skills? Bring them. All comers. You'll lose.

A concussion, hip injury and a shaky offense is a lot for a healthy 25 year old athlete to bear much less tough guy Rod Smith. You don't get surgery until you get assurances...period. Give that age bull**** a rest.

The bottom line is can the guy play....period. Age is nothing.

Last year Rod dropped many a clutch pass and even fumbled when that is not normal for him. He took shots that I have not seen him have to take his whole career. He was wholesale not included for part of the year probably to keep him from getting killed out there.

If Rod comes back all you naysayers better get your excuses ready.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I watched Joe Sakic last night. He is older than Rod and I bet he plays 2-3 more years. Some guys can do it.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I watched Joe Sakic last night. He is older than Rod and I bet he plays 2-3 more years. Some guys can do it.Hockey player = NFL player? Smith will be no more than a 3 this year and maybe not even that.