Winning in the Offseason - Shanahan's the Master

[BroncoBuff]

Mike Shanahan has had problems in the draft, at least until 2005. But when it comes to off-season trades, contracts, salary caps and free agents, he is the MASTER of aggressive roster management. How else could we be among the Top 3 records in the NFL in the decade after John retired? Shanahan's aggressive off-season moves is how we stay so competitive year in and year out despite horrible drafts. I was looking at some AFC West opponents, and I just can't figure out why they don't conduct business more like Mike - it's not rocket science.


KANSAS CITY - Lose 3 starting O-Linemen (including two Hall of Famers) in the last 10 months, but has done very little to replace them. The most aggressive adjustment I've heard is promising "LJ will be more integrated into the passing game this year." Is that the best you can do? Montrae Holland is better than your weak replacements. And you have almost no WRs and a very, very weak QB position (word is Brodie Croyle might finish training camp under 200 pounds). So you draft Bowe, fine. But what about Ashley Lelie, or Keyshawn or Brandon Stokely? Do something! Samie Parker was their only signing, and he's a returner at best. Maybe there's not much you can do about the QB spot, but all they drafted was D-Linemen, a RB, a TE and even a kicker. Mike would have gone out aggressively after free agent WRs and O-Linemen.

OAKLAND - Okay, fine, Al, Art Shell "set the franchise back a decade" by passing over Matt Leinart for Michael Huff. But where were you when the Texans grabbed Matt Schaub for two second rounders? YOUR second rounders were more valuable than the Texans, Atlanta would have made that trade. THEN you couldda drafted Calvin Johnson and maybe re-energized and held on to Randy Moss! Then you'd have Matt Schaub throwing to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. Instead, you have a raw rookie QB and no wideouts. Mike would've made that scenario happen.



My question: If Shanahan had run these teams the last 6 months - what would he have done?

[bronco militia]

hmmmmm..the chiefs and Redskins must have had down offseasons

[CBF1]

good comments

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Trolls will be in here whining soon.

[Odysseus]

Mike Shanahan has had problems in the draft, at least until 2005. But when it comes to off-season trades, contracts, salary caps and free agents, he is the MASTER of aggressive roster management. How else could we be among the Top 3 records in the NFL in the decade after John retired? Shanahan's aggressive off-season moves is how we stay so competitive year in and year out despite horrible drafts. I was looking at some AFC West opponents, and I just can't figure out why they don't conduct business more like Mike - it's not rocket science.


KANSAS CITY - Lose 3 starting O-Linemen (including two Hall of Famers) in the last 10 months, but has done very little to replace them. The most aggressive adjustment I've heard is promising "LJ will be more integrated into the passing game this year." Is that the best you can do? Montrae Holland is better than your weak replacements. And you have almost no WRs and a very, very weak QB position (word is Brodie Croyle might finish training camp under 200 pounds). So you draft Bowe, fine. But what about Ashley Lelie, or Keyshawn or Brandon Stokely? Do something! Samie Parker was their only signing, and he's a returner at best. Maybe there's not much you can do about the QB spot, but all they drafted was D-Linemen, a RB, a TE and even a kicker. Mike would have gone out aggressively after free agent WRs and O-Linemen.

OAKLAND - Okay, fine, Al, Art Shell "set the franchise back a decade" by passing over Matt Leinart for Michael Huff. But where were you when the Texans grabbed Matt Schaub for two second rounders? YOUR second rounders were more valuable than the Texans, Atlanta would have made that trade. THEN you couldda drafted Calvin Johnson and maybe re-energized and held on to Randy Moss! Then you'd have Matt Schaub throwing to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. Instead, you have a raw rookie QB and no wideouts. Mike would've made that scenario happen.

My question: If Shanahan had run these teams the last 6 months - what would he have done?

If you take away Shanahan's first three years with the Broncos and evaluate his career you will see a very different picture of this team. He did not have the coaching staff he had or the hall of fame players. Those times seemed almost simple and innocent compared to today's NFL.

I am excited at the depth and level of improvement that Mike Shanahan has constructed this past three years. He has some of the most serious coaching talent of any team in the NFL.

Bates is head coach material. Hemeirdinger is head coach material. Scott O'Brien has been in the league 14 years. Dennison, like him or not, has proven he can run an offense. Bates and O'Brien are like WOW in my book.

Broncos are a fun team to watch because each year is remarkable.

[ZachKC]

The Broncos have had a great offseason I would say.

Does more activity in the off season really relate to having success in the season? Ask the Redskins.

Aside from that general idea...

This Chiefs offense still has a good range of weapons. Its pretty interesting actually, today Tony G. said Bowe is the best draft pick he has seen since he has been in Kansas City. I think with his addition it is going to get harder to account for whats going on from sideline to sideline when you go up against KC. Late last season we saw the emergence of Kris Wilson as a FB\HB\TE\INSERT POSTION HERE hybrid that does a little bit of everything making some really good plays last year. Bowe is young but he should do some good things himself taking a lot of pressure of Tony who still knows his way around first down markers. No doubt there are questions on the offensive line. Welbourne? I am not crazy about him at tackle...he has been adequate at guard. McIntosh? Not really Roaf sadly...but fortunately NOT Jordan Black. Dunn comes back as one of the best blocking TEs in the NFL.

There are a lot of pictures of Croyle and Green side by side...they are so similarly built it is eerie. This whole small thing seems blown out of proportion.

Larry Johnson is also a decent running back I hear. This team has some obstacles...questions at OL...a young QB. But it is nothing compared to what they faced last year when you combine losing Roaf, having your starting QB go down, and having a new OC. They still put up some pretty goos numbers despite all of that.

There was also some talk of us drafting defense like it was a bad move. Last year this defense wasn't too shabby. They have gotten faster and added talent and depth to the defensive line. They are also in the 2nd year of a defensive leading coach. The same coach who turned what the KC defense was to what it was last year. Thats quite a turn around.

[nickademus]

dont give Herm to much credit for your turnaround on d last year. look at the Jets franchise that guy ran a decent gm out of town destroyed an offence and never really put together a top rated d.

[ZachKC]

dont give Herm to much credit for your turnaround on d last year. look at the Jets franchise that guy ran a decent gm out of town destroyed an offence and never really put together a top rated d.
Why again can't Herm get any credit for the Chiefs turnaround on defense?

[telluride]

My question: If Shanahan had run these teams the last 6 months - what would he have done?

Retired.

[BroncoBuff]

There have been some rumors that Bill Cowher is interested in the KC job. But I can't believe they're saddling Herm with the rebuild years just to turn the team over to Cowher - that doesn't make sense. They had to hire him away from the Jets.

And maybe I'm underrating the Chefs WRs. I scoffed when I read Herm wants 2nd year guys Chris Hannon and Jeff Webb to vie for strating spots. But I guess lots of folks don't know Brandon Marshall either, and he's exactly that description.

But still - there's a passivity about these teams' moves.

[ZachKC]

There have been some rumors that Bill Cowher is interested in the KC job. But I can't believe they're saddling Herm with the rebuild years just to turn the team over to Cowher - that doesn't make sense. They had to hire him away from the Jets.

And maybe I'm underrating the Chefs WRs. I scoffed when I read Herm wants 2nd year guys Chris Hannon and Jeff Webb to vie for strating spots. But I guess lots of folks don't know Brandon Marshall either, and he's exactly that description.

But still - there's a passivity about these teams' moves.

I think this whole rebuilding thing is just talk...this team is getting younger but I dont believe it is rebuilding.

I personally don't expect much out of Hannon...a lot of people like the guy. Jeff Webb is something to look out for. A big YAC type reciever...he will go into the middle and come down with it. This will be a big year for him. He needs to convince people he is ready for prime time. He will be our return guy. Parker is frustrating...very frustrating. The guy has a lot of talent and speed but no focus. He will drop an easy pass and then make some amazing big time play in a crucial part of the game. This is a make or break year for him KC. I am kind surprised he is still around. Kennison? Bronco fans hate him but he still has a lot of game...his numbers were obviously hurt by the QB problems last year.

[Tredici]

Why do so many people freak out at the term rebuilding? Every team rebuilds every single season. Every team that changes any coaching position are rebuilding.

BFD

[ZachKC]

Why do so many people freak out at the term rebuilding? Every team rebuilds every single season. Every team that changes any coaching position are rebuilding.

BFD
I have no problem with that label being put on the Chiefs in that context.

But I take exception when it is thrown out there insinuating that the Chiefs are bombing in this coming year taking two steps back to take one step forward. Like they won't be a factor.

[Jens1893]

I think it´s kinda funny how things are going in circles for the Chiefs. I started watching football in the 90s when the Chiefs had a pretty dominating defense with guys like Neil Smith, James Hasty, Dale C*rt*r and Derrick Thomas, but their offense wasn´t up to much ... then the guys on defense left, their defense regressed, but their offense was pretty damn good with guys like Priest Holmes, Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez and their guys on the line and now their offense is regressing, but their defense is starting to come along.

[Los Broncos]

There have been some rumors that Bill Cowher is interested in the KC job. But I can't believe they're saddling Herm with the rebuild years just to turn the team over to Cowher - that doesn't make sense. They had to hire him away from the Jets.

And maybe I'm underrating the Chefs WRs. I scoffed when I read Herm wants 2nd year guys Chris Hannon and Jeff Webb to vie for strating spots. But I guess lots of folks don't know Brandon Marshall either, and he's exactly that description.

But still - there's a passivity about these teams' moves.

Cowher going to kc would be my worst nightmare.

[Kaylore]

The Broncos have had a great offseason I would say.

Does more activity in the off season really relate to having success in the season? Ask the Redskins.


Ah, the old biased sample fallacy. Fact is that franchise sucks and doesn't build throught the draft. The Niners and Cowboys of the nineties were agressive in the draft and free agency and won championships that way. So were the Packers of the nineties. Pointing at one of the worst franchises of the past two decades and saying "see, it doesn't work" is like the people around here who cite George Foster as an example of how big linemen can't play football.

[ZachKC]

Ah, the old biased sample fallacy. Fact is that franchise sucks and doesn't build throught the draft. The Niners and Cowboys of the nineties were agressive in the draft and free agency and won championships that way. So were the Packers of the nineties. Pointing at one of the worst franchises of the past two decades and saying "see, it doesn't work" is like the people around here who cite George Foster as an example of how big linemen can't play football.
I was upfront that it was a pretty general statement. Hey, I think the Broncos have had a good offseason...good moves. But I think a lot of teams jump into FA just to jump into and often...quite often get burned. But teams get so much heat because their ADD fans think any move is better than no move! Right? Right? I am not against FA signings...but less seems to be more generally.

[Kaylore]

I was upfront that it was a pretty general statement. Hey, I think the Broncos have had a good offseason...good moves. But I think a lot of teams jump into FA just to jump into and often...quite often get burned. But teams get so much heat because their ADD fans think any move is better than no move! Right? Right? I am not against FA signings...but less seems to be more generally.

No, I really don't agree. I don't think it has anything to do with less is more. I think it's just like the draft where it's important to do your homework and bring guys in who are going to thrive in your system. Schlereth, Zimmerman, Neil Smith, Darrien Gordon, Eddy Mac and Howard Griffith all were guys we brought in that played huge roles in getting us over the hump. I would say that was a case where more was more.

I think you use every opportunity that's available to make your team better and if that means a bunch of free agents, then so be it.

[ZachKC]

No, I really don't agree. I don't think it has anything to do with less is more. I think it's just like the draft where it's important to do your homework and bring guys in who are going to thrive in your system. Schlereth, Zimmerman, Neil Smith, Darrien Gordon, Eddy Mac and Howard Griffith all were guys we brought in that played huge roles in getting us over the hump. I would say that was a case where more was more.

I think you use every opportunity that's available to make your team better and if that means a bunch of free agents, then so be it.

Well of course if every player you bring in is fantastic and plays lights out football for you then FA is great!

I don't think that happens all the time. Obviously you are well aware of many teams who brought in people...showed them the money and they proceeded to not do a lot with it.

There are a lot of times where you are not getting the production out of that player you paid for.

I don't even know why we are arguing. I mean if you pick the right players it will work out for you if you don't then it won't. I think more teams don't get the bang for their buck are out there than teams that do. Maybe thats a better clarification of my point.

[Kaylore]

I don't even know why we are arguing.
I didn't even know we were.

[BroncoBuff]

I'm not sure what Mike Shanahan would've done with the Raiders ... but if

I had been hired as Raiders GM in January, here's what I would have done:
1. Go to Randy Moss ... get down on my knees if I have to, and beg him to give me a chance. ONE YEAR, I'll ask him. Give him that old Mike Tice "Moss Ratio" business - promise him 25-40% of the plays would go his way.
2. Once it became known Matt Schaub was avbailable, I'd get on the horn to the Falcons pronto. "Keep me in the loop," I'd say. I would make clear to thjem that I meant business. When they came to me with the Texans two 2nd round picks - I'd offer the same deal. Since the Raiders picks were 8 slots higher than Houston, Matt Schaub would be mine.
3. I would draft Calvin Johnson number one.

Now, it's important to note that these aren't some "Pie in the Sky" dream maneuvers like those usually posted. These are three EASILY makeable moves. If Moss whines too much, I tell him we're holding him to the contract for now, and keep charming and flattering his immature, talented ass. I trust he'd take to the idea of mentoring the "NExt Randy Moss."


So.... MY Raiders have:
Matt Schaub - powerful, young arm - already NFL broken-in
Randy Moss - still the best WR alive when he cares, and
Calvin Johnson - A can't miss, 10 Pro-Bowl career once-in-a-decade talent.

VS. the real Raiders - with an amazing physical specimin but mega-raw rookie QB, and Jerry Porter poouting his way halfway through routes (if they're lucky).

Shanahan would've done no less. So why aren't the real Raiders more aggressive?

[(Jae)]

Then you'd have Matt Schaub throwing to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. Instead, you have a raw rookie QB and no wideouts.


Ronald Curry and Joey Porter arent that bad............

[mattbeymvp]

Matt Schaub is a joke.

[BroncoBuff]

I reeled in Matt Bey! How's it hanging, hater?

Schaub was the best QB available this year imo - draft or free agent. And he has the arm strength to make the throws Al wants. Jae - you're right about Porter. Great talent, strange head. I'm not so high on Curry. And besides, Moss and Johnson would be the best duo in the NFL - better than Arizona even.

AND REMEMBER - The Raiders already have a Top 5 defense. My Raiders would be potentially a real threat. Maybe sign an offensive lineman, too. Not Cooper Carlisle, but one of the good ones. Hell, I'd offer another #2 to Pittsburgh for Faneca.

My basic point is - we came into the offseason with (supposedly) less cap room that KC or Oakland. And yet - once again Matt Bey - Shanahan found ways to inject talent into every corner of the roster. Al Davis really, REALLY screwed up when he let Mike go. Don't you agree?

[mattbeymvp]

Your opinion is illinformed and wrong.

Go look up Schaub's statistics.

[spdirty]

I'm not sure what Mike Shanahan would've done with the Raiders ... but if

I had been hired as Raiders GM in January, here's what I would have done:
1. Go to Randy Moss ... get down on my knees if I have to, and beg him to give me a chance. ONE YEAR, I'll ask him. Give him that old Mike Tice "Moss Ratio" business - promise him 25-40% of the plays would go his way.
2. Once it became known Matt Schaub was avbailable, I'd get on the horn to the Falcons pronto. "Keep me in the loop," I'd say. I would make clear to thjem that I meant business. When they came to me with the Texans two 2nd round picks - I'd offer the same deal. Since the Raiders picks were 8 slots higher than Houston, Matt Schaub would be mine.
3. I would draft Calvin Johnson number one.

Now, it's important to note that these aren't some "Pie in the Sky" dream maneuvers like those usually posted. These are three EASILY makeable moves. If Moss whines too much, I tell him we're holding him to the contract for now, and keep charming and flattering his immature, talented ass. I trust he'd take to the idea of mentoring the "NExt Randy Moss."


So.... MY Raiders have:
Matt Schaub - powerful, young arm - already NFL broken-in
Randy Moss - still the best WR alive when he cares, and
Calvin Johnson - A can't miss, 10 Pro-Bowl career once-in-a-decade talent.

VS. the real Raiders - with an amazing physical specimin but mega-raw rookie QB, and Jerry Porter poouting his way halfway through routes (if they're lucky).

Shanahan would've done no less. So why aren't the real Raiders more aggressive?

Man, had that scenario played out, they wouldve had a shot to go .500. Their O-line still sucks though.

[BroncoBuff]

Your opinion is illinformed and wrong.

Go look up Schaub's statistics.

Okay ... here. He threw a couppla picks as a rookie ... but overall, he's barely played. Atlanta will rue the day the let him go. Especially since he's in Kubiak's offense with a stud WR (one anyway). I'd rather have Schaub than Vick actually. Schaub's rushing numbers are pretty damn good for as few snaps as he took ... he's a better runner than I thought. And a B I G guy!



http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/5813/70101895jd5.jpg

[BroncoBuff]

Thanks spdirty. This was a followup below where I mentioned trading for Faneca. Is Faneca a whiny b!tch? Yes, he is. But he is very talented, and after all, these are the Raidesr we're talking about.

Schaub was the best QB available this year imo - draft or free agent. And he has the arm strength to make the throws Al wants. Jae - you're right about Porter. Great talent, strange head. I'm not so high on Curry. And besides, Moss and Johnson would be the best duo in the NFL - better than Arizona even.

AND REMEMBER - The Raiders already have a Top 5 defense. My Raiders would be potentially a real threat. Maybe sign an offensive lineman, too. Not Cooper Carlisle, but one of the good ones. Hell, I'd offer another #2 to Pittsburgh for Faneca.

My basic point is - we came into the offseason with (supposedly) less cap room that KC or Oakland. And yet - once again Matt Bey - Shanahan found ways to inject talent into every corner of the roster. Al Davis really, REALLY screwed up when he let Mike go. Don't you agree?