Alexander won't rock boat

[dragondawg]

Veteran tight end glad to see Graham come aboard despite reduced role
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer

Soon after the Broncos signed his replacement, tight end Stephen Alexander placed a phone call to coach Mike Shanahan.

A lesser man might have griped about the Broncos taking his starting job away and giving it, along with a $15 million guaranteed contract, to Daniel Graham. Alexander began his conversation with Shanahan by offering congratulations. And he meant it.

"I'm glad they signed him," Alexander said Wednesday after his offseason conditioning workout at the team's headquarters. "I think he's definitely going to help our football team. He's a great player, he's a physical player. I was not at all displeased with the team signing him."

No wonder Shanahan wants to keep Alexander around. And the coach told him so during their phone conversation.

In his two years as a starter, Alexander combined for 370 yards on 39 catches as the Broncos primarily utilized his blocking skills. Graham figures to get more receptions from his "blocking" tight end position next season, but look for the Broncos to play more two-tight end sets, with Alexander on running downs and Tony Scheffler on passing downs.

However it turns out, Alexander knows he'll be spending a fair share of his 10th NFL season on the sidelines as Graham becomes the new every-down tight end.

"It's not a competition, and I understand that, and I'm fine with that," Alexander said. "I've said from Day One, I don't care about how many balls I catch or how many plays I play, or if I'm a starter.

"Early on in my career I might have been upset or wondering why they're doing what they're doing.

"But I've been around long enough now to where I know it's a business. And I've always been told the one thing you can't worry about are things you can't control."

Lynch big on boxing

The NFL draft is almost three weeks away, which means it must be time to wonder if the Broncos are going to seek a replacement for starting safeties John Lynch, who is 35, and Nick Ferguson, who is 32 and coming off knee surgery. Top backup Sam Brandon is also coming off major knee surgery.

But Lynch said the safety position is stronger than people think, in part because he believes Hamza Abdullah, who played sparingly last year, has a chance to become a star.

"They might have to address it just because I can't play for- ever," Lynch said about the Broncos' draft. "But I heard (Carolina safety) Mike Minter say the other day this is his last year and ... like he said, 'If they're going to bring them in, they better draft them high and they better draft them good."'

To help ward off athletic mortality, Lynch is mixing in three 40-minute boxing sessions a week to his conditioning routine this offseason.

"The first two weeks, you're leaving on the verge of throwing up," he said. "But it's something to keep training fun. It's a lot of old-school training, which I like."

Footnotes

New cornerback Dré Bly got to know his mate Champ Bailey through Bailey's younger brother, Boss, a teammate of Bly's in Detroit. Bly said he and the Bailey brothers have gone fishing in the past. ... Bly will wear No. 32. ... Bly's brother-in-law is Gary Downs, a running back for Denver in 1995.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5596045

[Atlas]

Aleaxnder is a pretty good TE. I'd be suprised if Denver didn't trade him before the season starts. No sense him being 3rd string when the Broncos have Nate Jackson behind him...Hilarious!

[SoCalBronco]

Thanks dragondawg, good stuff.

[chrisp]

With us likely to use a lot of 2 TE sets i can see us keeping 5 Tight ends if you include Mike Leach - maybe even 6. Jackson has a chance to catch on as the natural backup to Sheffler (should he be injured) and Mustard could still be included for the 'jumbo' package, although his position looks a little more shaky now with Alexander being demoted to the 'blocking TE' role.

[BroncoBuff]

What are you laughing at, Atlas?

I'll bet Nate Jackson makes the team, hands down. He's a major coach's favorite, and they've already stuck with him through a position change (from WR), and TWO season-ending injuries. In fact, I'll bet whenever he stops playing, he'll be hired as a coach or coach's assistant.

I'd like to think they'll keep Mustard over Alexander - one of the OM training camp reporters said Alexander seemd like a real jerk - but since the salary cap is (apparently) under control and we even have a surplus, the incentive to cut the much-higher paid Alexander is gone.

[Orange_Beard]

"But Lynch said the safety position is stronger than people think, in part because he believes Hamza Abdullah, who played sparingly last year, has a chance to become a star."

I completely agree with this, Hamza looks like a find to me, speed and willingness to throw his body around.

[Atlas]

What are you laughing at, Atlas?

I'll bet Nate Jackson makes the team, hands down. He's a major coach's favorite, and they've already stuck with him through a position change (from WR), and TWO season-ending injuries. In fact, I'll bet whenever he stops playing, he'll be hired as a coach or coach's assistant.

I'd like to think they'll keep Mustard over Alexander - one of the OM training camp reporters said Alexander seemd like a real jerk - but since the salary cap is (apparently) under control and we even have a surplus, the incentive to cut the much-higher paid Alexander is gone.

That's what I was saying. There is no way Shanny is cutting his Boy Nate so might as well trade Alexander. I also disagree with Denver keeping 5 TEs this year. I believe they have the two they want to start. Mustard and Jackson will be the other two. I don't count Leach. When is that last time he caught a pass in a game?

[MechanicalBull]

Yahoo has the depth chart as Graham, Alexander, then Scheffler. Maybe they know something we don't. :rofl: I could actually see Alexander hanging around this season and if not then get let go during training camp.

[plummershelper]

What about Landon Trusty? He was injured in camp last year, but people were pretty high on him. He's got great size and I know a lot of Charger fans were sad to see him go. I could see Mustard moving back to the House TE/T position giving Trusty a chance to make the roster as a blocking TE.

[cmhargrove]

If they really are thinking superbowl this year, they should finally cut ties with Jackson and keep Alexander. If Graham or Scheffler get hurt, we would be in trouble without Alexander. I love watching Scheffler do his thing but he has a lot of growing to do this year, and he will have to do it without Brewster. Hopefully he has been studying and working during the offseason.

The only advantage of keeping Jackson is that he plays special teams and he is occasionally in on a tackle. The only time he looks like a receiving threat is during the preseason when he plays against backups. I like the guy, he just hasn't turned in one defining performance in his entire tenure on the team. Where is one game you could point to and say "Wow, look at Jackson, he could be really good"????

[ward63]

I hope Alexander stays as well.

[Triplelefthook]

If Scheffler isn't #2 on the depth chart then he must be really really really terrible at blocking. He and Cutler have a serious bond/alliance. Shef's impact in games went up by about 2000% once Cutler replaced Plummer. He is a serious threat offensively and there would be no reason at all to have him as #3 unless he blocks like Tatum Bell or something.

I am surprised to read that Alexander will be on the team next year... once Graham was signed i definitely thought he would be out

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

"But Lynch said the safety position is stronger than people think, in part because he believes Hamza Abdullah, who played sparingly last year, has a chance to become a star."

I completely agree with this, Hamza looks like a find to me, speed and willingness to throw his body around.

I saw him the other day with his girlfriend/wife. He is tiny. She is bigger. He was driving a tricked out Chrysler 300 with oversized tires/wheels that scraped against the fender wall when he tried to make a tight turn out of a parking place.

[Dukes]

I saw him the other day with his girlfriend/wife. He is tiny. She is bigger. He was driving a tricked out Chrysler 300 with oversized tires/wheels that scraped against the fender wall when he tried to make a tight turn out of a parking place.

That's how they roll :rofl:

[Odysseus]

What about Landon Trusty? He was injured in camp last year, but people were pretty high on him. He's got great size and I know a lot of Charger fans were sad to see him go. I could see Mustard moving back to the House TE/T position giving Trusty a chance to make the roster as a blocking TE.

You and me are the only posters on all the Mane interested in this 6'7 TE. I would love to the Broncos DEEEEEEP at TE so that Cutler can reach into his bag like Tiger Woods and score at will.

If our OL has the depth and Mustard improves on both catching and blocking then that would be...honey mustard swweeet.

[Mediator12]

I saw him the other day with his girlfriend/wife. He is tiny. She is bigger. He was driving a tricked out Chrysler 300 with oversized tires/wheels that scraped against the fender wall when he tried to make a tight turn out of a parking place.

You sure that was Hamza? He was skinny the first year here, but he was much thicker last year. Plus, he is a legit 6'2 and last I heard he was pushing 220. I really like his ball skills as a FS and He may just surprise some people here if he ever gets some reps replacing Lynch.

[broncs2bowl]

Hamza Abdullah a star!...hmmmm?

[Odysseus]

I saw him the other day with his girlfriend/wife. He is tiny. She is bigger. He was driving a tricked out Chrysler 300 with oversized tires/wheels that scraped against the fender wall when he tried to make a tight turn out of a parking place.

I sure do miss Atwater.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

You sure that was Hamza? He was skinny the first year here, but he was much thicker last year. Plus, he is a legit 6'2 and last I heard he was pushing 220. I really like his ball skills as a FS and He may just surprise some people here if he ever gets some reps replacing Lynch.

Positive. He introduced himself. I am 6'2" and he only came up to my nose.

[Mediator12]

Positive. He introduced himself. I am 6'2" and he only came up to my nose.

That is really weird. I am 5'11 and he was at least three inches taller than me at camp, almost as tall as Lynch and Sam Brandon. I spent a lot of time around the DB's last camp and that just does not seem right. Plus, he was a lot thicker than 2005. Hmmm. I have no idea how that could be.

[usedupbraids]

"But Lynch said the safety position is stronger than people think, in part because he believes Hamza Abdullah, who played sparingly last year, has a chance to become a star."

I completely agree with this, Hamza looks like a find to me, speed and willingness to throw his body around.

didnt he start the last game vs the san fran?

[Gcver2ver3]

I like alexander's attitude but i expect him to be cut

[Barry Ramey]

I'll be very surprised if Alexander isn't let go at some point. Graham and Scheffler will likely be on the field the most. If Alexander could play special teams, that might help him stay on.

[Triplelefthook]

I am still convinced that no one really knows how tall they are. Get yourself measured, write it down and stop pretending to know.

I can't stand how many times people say "oh his is listed at 6 foot but i am 6'3 and he was at least 4 1/2 inches shorter than me" blah blah blah.

Mike Tyson is listed as 5'11, countless people have disputed it and said he is shorter but put him up to a measuring stick he is 5'11 on the mark go figure

[plummershelper]

Positive. He introduced himself. I am 6'2" and he only came up to my nose.

Maybe it was some random guy posing as Hamza. Like that guy in Pittsburgh did, claiming to be Big Ben to pull in wool.

[plummershelper]

You and me are the only posters on all the Mane interested in this 6'7 TE. I would love to the Broncos DEEEEEEP at TE so that Cutler can reach into his bag like Tiger Woods and score at will.

If our OL has the depth and Mustard improves on both catching and blocking then that would be...honey mustard swweeet.

WORD!!

[azbroncfan]

If Alexander rocked the boat he would get thrown off.

[plummershelper]

To push my agenda a bit more:

Landon Trusty, Central Arkansas, TE
» 2003 First Team All-American
» 3-time Academic All-American
» 4.0 grade-point average, majoring in Finance
» 6’7”, 275 lbs., 4.84 – 40

[Triplelefthook]

Maybe it was some random guy posing as Hamza. Like that guy in Pittsburgh did, claiming to be Big Ben to pull in wool.

Funny story- I work for OppenheimerFunds, and if you ever watch the Avalanche games you will see alot of our commercials... Gene Hackman is our spokesperson who does the voice for all the commercials. About a month ago was the company's 100 year anniversary... we had a Gene Hackman LOOK-A-LIKE come visit us for a special event in the auditorium!!!! No joke. There is a guy out there who makes appearances as a Gene Hackman look-a-like and gets paid for it. Lamest thing i have ever seen in my life

:)

[ludo21]

"They might have to address it just because I can't play for- ever," Lynch said about the Broncos' draft. "But I heard (Carolina safety) Mike Minter say the other day this is his last year and ... like he said, 'If they're going to bring them in, they better draft them high and they better draft them good."'


Lynch is awesome!!!

[PRBronco]

I don't see how the FO could release alexander, he's been a consummate team player, doing everything they've asked of him, and not making a peep (as far as i know, at least :S) His role as a receiver has all but dried up, but he keeps plugging away, and making a clutch catch here and there. I was surprised to hear that he's considered a jerk though, that sucks!

On other things in this thread:
-lol at gene hackman lookalike
-good to hear abdullah will get a chance to star, i've been hoping he would

[chaz]

"But Lynch said the safety position is stronger than people think, in part because he believes Hamza Abdullah, who played sparingly last year, has a chance to become a star."

I completely agree with this, Hamza looks like a find to me, speed and willingness to throw his body around.

:~ohyah!: ;D **me beaming with pride at my adopt-a-bronco**

[plummershelper]

I don't see how the FO could release alexander, he's been a consummate team player, doing everything they've asked of him, and not making a peep (as far as i know, at least :S) His role as a receiver has all but dried up, but he keeps plugging away, and making a clutch catch here and there. I was surprised to hear that he's considered a jerk though, that sucks!

On other things in this thread:
-lol at gene hackman lookalike
-good to hear abdullah will get a chance to star, i've been hoping he would

We can see from the Al scenario that the front office isn't held to loyalty cause someone is a nice guy. SA is going to have to earn it and play some special teams to stay.

[Kaylore]

I've seen Hamza as well and I have trouble believing that he is any shorter than 5'11". I'm 6'3" barefoot (and yes tripplelefthook, I was measured ;)) so I'm having difficulty believing he's that short and that they would err so horribly in listing his height.

On another note, Mediator and I were really impressed with him in camp, and while he was raw, he has a high motor and went 100% on every play. I don't know if he's the answer, and I wouldn't mind a first day pick going to a safety, but we have some good depth at least.

[Triplelefthook]

I've seen Hamza as well and I have trouble believing that he is any shorter than 5'11". I'm 6'3" barefoot (and yes tripplelefthook, I was measured ;)) so I'm having difficulty believing he's that short and that they would err so horribly in listing his height.



haha, fair enough

[NYBronco]

What a change of pace from Plummer's and Lelie's attitudes.

[Los Broncos]

Id like to see Alexander stay, he blocks pretty well and can catch a few here and there.

[ZONA]

I sure do miss Atwater.

I love Atwater too......but that dude knocked out as many of our own players as he did the other team. He was the real deal when it came to big hitting safety. I can tell you though, the other teams WR's definately knew when they went across the middle, the ball better be thrown perfectly because they weren't going to jump up and stretch out for it, if you know what I mean. :bash:

[Merlin]

I love Atwater too......but that dude knocked out as many of our own players as he did the other team.
1998 SB he knocks a GB player, a Denver player and himself out in one play. I wonder why GB WR were having trouble catching by the end of the game.

[Inkana7]

I've seen Hamza as well and I have trouble believing that he is any shorter than 5'11". I'm 6'3" barefoot (and yes tripplelefthook, I was measured ;)) so I'm having difficulty believing he's that short and that they would err so horribly in listing his height.

On another note, Mediator and I were really impressed with him in camp, and while he was raw, he has a high motor and went 100% on every play. I don't know if he's the answer, and I wouldn't mind a first day pick going to a safety, but we have some good depth at least.

I really like Hamza. Seems pretty fast and physical, but raw, like you said. I think he can be soild if he applies himself and works hard and learns from Lynch.

[cutthemdown]

I was thinking alot about a Graham/Sheff combo. I have thought less about a Graham/Alexander combo. But in short yardage situation, and on 1st downs that would really be a tough front to defense. If Kuper and Pears are better on the RT side and then you also add Grahams blocking a great improvement could be realized. Throw in Henry and I'm starting to get a little too excited, like maybe I'm just being a huge homer. Usually I feel like im pretty realistic but when I look at this blocking potential I can't help but start to think Bronco rb's could seriously challenge the 5.0 yrd per carry threshold. Cutler may be looking at a lot of 3rd and 4 and less this yr which could bode very well for him.

[TallyBronco]

Nate Jackson isn't the Gary Kubiak of tight-ends. He's not even the Bubby Brister. Let him sit on someone else's bench while we build up a genuine rotation on the defensive line.

[BroncoBuff]

Khan, SoCal, Med ?

One of you guys caught Alexander talking some real trash to a couppla teammates during camp. Sounded to me like he was an ass. Refresh my memory ... ?

[WABronco]

If Alexander rocked the boat he would get thrown off.

Hahaha exactly what I thought. They'd just cut his ass and he'd be out of a job!

[Orange_Beard]

I saw him the other day with his girlfriend/wife. He is tiny. She is bigger. He was driving a tricked out Chrysler 300 with oversized tires/wheels that scraped against the fender wall when he tried to make a tight turn out of a parking place.

Wow, when I see him on the field he looks taller and skinny. He looks like he can run and jump....May be make up for lack of height.

I love when a player works his way on to the field. This guy looks like he is headed that way.