Foxworth frustrated as a sub

[dragondawg]

Foxworth frustrated as a sub
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

San Francisco - Domonique Foxworth is not a disgruntled player. He is not asking for a trade.

He loves being a Bronco. He loves Denver. He loves his teammates. He wants to stay a Bronco forever.

But he also wants to play. That's the bottom line. Foxworth wants to be on the field as much as possible. He thinks he deserves it.

But he knows he has to deal with the fact that, barring an injury to a starting defensive back, he is the fifth defensive back. In the Broncos' 17-13 victory over San Francisco in the preseason opener Monday night, he watched as Denver opened the game in its base defense with starting cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Dré Bly on the field. Foxworth came on the field for the second series.

Late last week, Foxworth admitted it was difficult for him, but he knew he had to live with the situation.

"It's extremely frustrating," Foxworth said. "I know I can play. I have proven I can play. ... I understand the team wants to get better and get as many good players as possible, and we're very good in the secondary. But everyone wants to play every play."

Foxworth knows he has to be patient. Known as one of the most articulate, bright and friendly players on the team, the 2005 third-round pick was the nickel back the past two seasons, playing behind Bailey and Darrent Williams. When Denver traded for Bly to replace the slain Williams and then signed him to a rich extension, Foxworth found himself in a similar position heading into his third season.

"When Dré came here, we went out to lunch and I told him I would be on his heels," Foxworth said. "I really like Dré. We do a lot of things off the field together, and having him and Champ here is going to help my career."

Foxworth has been told he will be the first player in at all four secondary spots should there be an injury. Foxworth, who played some safety last year when Nick Ferguson was injured, started in John Lynch's spot at practice last Thursday when Lynch attended Bill Walsh's funeral.

"Domonique is a very valuable guy," coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's a big part of what we do."

Foxworth said he talked to Shanahan shortly before the start of training camp because he heard his name in trade rumors. The Chiefs brought up Foxworth's name when the Broncos were pursuing safety Greg Wesley, but the Broncos declined to add Foxworth to the talks. After this season, Foxworth will be a restricted free agent. While it's early, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Broncos put a first-round tender on Foxworth, meaning a team would have to offer Denver a first-round pick to dissuade the Broncos from matching a contract offer. If that scenario unfolds, Denver could easily opt to keep Foxworth anyway because of his value.

Foxworth has noticed that in defensive coordinator Jim Bates' system, the nickel back is on the field more than in the previous regime's.

"I think he may be the best nickel we've ever coached," Bates said. "He has speed, he has skills and he plays very smart. He is exceptional."

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6617271

[Willynowei]

"I think he may be the best nickel we've ever coached," Bates said. "He has speed, he has skills and he plays very smart. He is exceptional."

That is some complement.

[footstepsfrom#27]

We should just dump the 4-3 and go to a 4-2-5...Lynch is almost a linebaker anyway.

[Atlas]

Stop whining and prove it on the field that you deserve to be there otherwise just shut the**** up how "frustrating" it is. For christ sakes you sound like Lelie.

[Killericon]

Stop whining and prove it on the field that you deserve to be there otherwise just shut the**** up how "frustrating" it is. For christ sakes you sound like Lelie.
"When Dré came here, we went out to lunch and I told him I would be on his heels," Foxworth said.

That doesn't sound like Lelie at all.

[Atlas]

That doesn't sound like Lelie at all.

Why doesn't he say "oh it's just so frustrating that Bly is better than me and I can't get on the field." He doesn't deserve to be on the field because he isn't better than Bly. He should just keep his mouth shut.

[Bronco LB 59]

Foxworth really didn't say anything. It's easy to sensationalize a quote and make something bigger than what it is. He's expressing frustration like any of us would if we worked hard at something and were stuck in the same place. Actions speak louder than words and Foxworth is one of the most admirable people on the team.

[Killericon]

Why doesn't he say "oh it's just so frustrating that Bly is better than me and I can't get on the field." He doesn't deserve to be on the field because he isn't better than Bly. He should just keep his mouth shut.

He knows that. I think you're being more than a little bit too harsh on the guy. I mean, he's trying hard to get onto the field, and it's frustrating because Bly and Bailey are so good. I don't see what's wrong with him saying that.

[Northman]

He knows that. I think you're being more than a little bit too harsh on the guy. I mean, he's trying hard to get onto the field, and it's frustrating because Bly and Bailey are so good. I don't see what's wrong with him saying that.

I agree. Foxy hasnt badmouthed the Broncos or players in any way. He just wants to play and there is nothing wrong with that.

[serious hops]

I fail to see where one little comment deserves comparisons to Lelie. Foxworth has done everything that the team has asked him to do, including playing safety last year when they needed help there. He's played the nickel, he's started when we've needed him to, and more often than not he's done a good job when he's been on the field. Remember the game last year where he had 14 tackles and collapsed in the locker room afterwards? Doesn't exactly sound like Lily to me. When we brought in Bly, did he holdout and cry about it? No, he got his ass in to camp, and according to Khan and SoCal's reports he worked hard to improve his physicality to fit better into Bates' system. I think you're mistaking his competitive drive (which you want in a player) for Lily's sense of entitlement. Foxworth never said anything should be given to him, or that he shouldn't have to compete for a spot.

He's a heady, versatile player who'll get plenty of chances to make an impact this year, and may well be a big part of our future in the secondary. I hope we put a high tender on him if we don't sign him to an extension.

[Atlas]

he just needs to shut up and play football. Don't you think EVERY backup on the team is "frustrated" because they aren't playing more? If he is frustrated than he better see a shrink because it ain't gonna get any better throughout the year.

So since Bly was signed before the draft Foxworth hasn't been able to come to grips with the fact that he is a nickle back even though he was a nickleback all last year?? We'll see how "frustrated " he gets if Paymah passes him on the depth chart.

What if Mike Bell came out and said he was "frustrated" that he wasn't playing more what would your reaction be? I bet 90% of the board would just tell him to shut the **** up.

FOXWORTH IDEAL REPLY:
Dre Bly and Champ are great players, they are Pro Bowl players and they have been in the league a long time. I just need to be prepared when called upon and be ready to perform if one of them gets injured, my time will come and I'm looking forward to making a playoff run this year no matter how much I'm playing."

Sounds a hell of a lot better than "I'm frustrated(Whaa ****ing Whaaa)

[baja]

Dude just wants to play and that's what you want!

[Drek]

What if Mike Bell came out and said he was "frustrated" that he wasn't playing more what would your reaction be? I bet 90% of the board would just tell him to shut the **** up.


Actually Bell has made some comments about being back fighting for a job again this camp, since he's splitting snaps pretty evenly with Cecil Sapp. Didn't sound thrilled with the fact that he's got pretty much 0% chance to beat out Henry either.

Every player wants to play more, Foxworth even said as much. Just because the guy is a bright, articulate interview and therefore going to be targeted by reporters more often than most of his teammates doesn't mean he's trying to start ****.

If you ask me this is exactly what you want to hear. A guy saying he feels he can start and that he's going to push the #2 for the job as best he can. We should be happy about articles like this. It increases Foxworth's profile around the league so should he actually beat Bly out it won't be viewed as "Oh, Dre Bly got beat out by their nickel back, must be toast", instead it'd be "Foxworth really stepped it up to take the job". The former kills Bly's trade value and would saddle us with that contract, the later doesn't hurt his value much, if any. Also, as the article points out, Foxworth is an RFA this year. Corners are very highly valued around the league. If he gets a good amount of press, like this, and then performs well as a nickel and all around sub he might just get the chance to start for someone and we might just be recouping a fat 1st round pick for him. Nothing wrong with that.

[Atlas]

Dude just wants to play and that's what you want!

No ****, EVERY rookie is "frustrated" but they don't bring it out in the media and wine about it. " AH man, it's so frustrating" When you say that you are saying basically that you feel you deserve to get more playing time and it's "frustrating" that your not getting it. He hasn't earned anything to be frustrated. Suck it up and make some plays. If he was outplaying Bly and the ONLY reason Bly was starting ahead of him was because he made more money now that would be frustrating.

What he is doing is just drawing attention to himself for no reason.

[baja]

No ****, EVERY rookie is "frustrated" but they don't go to the media and wine about it. Suck it up and make some plays.

Your idea of "wine" and mine is different.

You want to see whine? Use TO as the standard.

[Atlas]

Your idea of "wine" and mine is different.

You want to see whine? Use TO as the standard.

I'm just being ornry. I have had any sleep in 40 hours. I'm pissed!!! lol

How the **** do you spell ornry??? That don't look right.

[Drek]

Ornery.

[baja]

Hornery

[HEAV]

In this league he's one injury away from starting. As far as playing time goes. Many teams now run three wide on 1st and 2nd downs.

Foxy will get his shots, just has to make the play when they come his way.

He's got a fire to play and that's great!

[NASurfer]

Foxworth needs to be kept around. Put the tender on him, whatever. We might have a little more space with "Big Money" gone... It'll just be nice to have a younger talented player ready to roll just in case something happens.

[Beantown Bronco]

I'd be more worried if he came out and said he was happy not being out on the field every play....

[SportinOne]

I agree, we definitly need to first round tender him rather than sign the extension.

If we tender him, there JUST might be a team with a middle round pick that needs a corner that bad. Maybe someone like Buffalo. I would love to have Foxy on the team, but we definitely could use help elswhere. We then have two first round picks and given the way we have been trading demons the last couple years, we could turn that into a very fine top ten draft pick, just for letting foxy go. Or we could stand pat and have two first rounders. I'm sure that would calm some of the people who see next year as a wasted draft with the picks we already gave up.

Then again, if we have to get by and Indy or a Cincy in the playofffs, it sure would help to have that extra proven CB. But how many teams really have three solid CBs? Teams that beat Indy are teams with a great, attacking front 7. So if we take the pick i wouldn't be afraid to look at the DL again, or even an LB.

[ro_50]

Foxworth really didn't say anything. It's easy to sensationalize a quote and make something bigger than what it is. He's expressing frustration like any of us would if we worked hard at something and were stuck in the same place. Actions speak louder than words and Foxworth is one of the most admirable people on the team.

Well said.

[epicSocialism4tw]

If Foxy didnt get waxed like a chump in the AFC Championship game, we would have never gone after Bly.

Earn it, Foxworth. Play so well that they cant keep you off of the field.

[Atlas]

If Foxy didnt get waxed like a chump in the AFC Championship game, we would have never gone after Bly.

Earn it, Foxworth. Play so well that they cant keep you off of the field.

Exactly people are kissing his ass like he is an all pro. If Mike Bell or Cecil Sapp or anyone else said this people would be all over him. What if Paymah came out and said that he was just so frustrated because he isn't playing more?

[rovolution]

Why doesn't he say "oh it's just so frustrating that Bly is better than me and I can't get on the field." He doesn't deserve to be on the field because he isn't better than Bly. He should just keep his mouth shut.

this is a little too extreme. He just wants his opportunity. I never saw him staging a holdout and going on a media tour voicing his displeasure with the FO. Thats what Lilly did. Foxy seems willing to play the nickel.

Shanny will give Fox his opportunity and not franchise tag him when the time comes.

[Atlas]

this is a little too extreme. He just wants his opportunity. I never saw him staging a holdout and going on a media tour voicing his displeasure with the FO. Thats what Lilly did. Foxy seems willing to play the nickel.

Shanny will give Fox his opportunity and not franchise tag him when the time comes.

I didn't say he wouldn't I'm just saying WTF should he say anything at all. Just drawing attention to himself. Again if Amon Gordon was saying he was frustrated that Sam Adams and Kenedy were getting most of the plays what would your reaction be?

[brncs_fan]

I would imagine it was a simple case of someone asking him a question and he responding openly and honestly. I have no problem with what he said. Personally, I want ll my non-starters to be "frustrated" with their lack of playing time and doing everything in their power to get better and challenge for playing time. It is obvious that he plans on wqorking as hard as he can to get on the field as much as possible, hence his comments to Bly.

There is a line to be drawn though were you go from wanting to be handed something instead of earning it. I don't think Foxy is asking to be handed anything.

[KipCorrington25]

I agree with the sentiment that he should STFU and let his play on the field speak for itself. I like Foxworth and think he has the potential to be a fine player for many years but his play so far on the field the last 2 seasons has not sold me yet.

Get a few picks, make a few plays, and then start telling us about how great you are. But until then shut up.

[brncs_fan]

Again if Amon Gordon was saying he was frustrated that Sam Adams and Kenedy were getting most of the plays what would your reaction be?

Depends on if he was merely frustrated at his lack of playing time or if he is merely wanting to be handed the job. If he is frustrated and working to change it, then fine. Otherwise, STFU and go back to beating on the sled for a while.

It is pretty universal across all players.

[kmartin575]

2008 will be his last year in Denver because it's obvious that after his RFA year he isn't going to want to stick around and play second fiddle to old farts like Bailey and Bly.

[SoCalBronco]

If Foxy didnt get waxed like a chump in the AFC Championship game, we would have never gone after Bly.

Earn it, Foxworth. Play so well that they cant keep you off of the field.

I dunno, Llama....the AFC Title game was a full year earlier. Fox looked pretty good when he got to start last year..specifically against Arizona and a few other games. I understand what he is saying, he wants to have a shot at the brass ring, but the dice get loaded when the competitor gets 16m guaranteed. It's no longer a competition, despite what Shanny may say to the contrary. He would have to substantially outplay Bly to get in the lineup, not just outplay him. It has to be a rout. That said, Bly looked better than Foxworth, so even on merit, Bly should be starting. I still don't mind what Fox said, I'd be frustrated too. He is a great nickel corner, but probably could start for a number of teams. He's a great kid, and I am glad we will have him for two more years.

[Cito Pelon]

Foxworth is sounding off too much. CBS4 Reggie Rivers interviewed him after the SF game and it seemed like 22 was sulking. He played hard, that's for sure, but then he wants a hug. I'm not trying to be an ass, but that's what it looked like. Dude seems like he's high maintenance. He needs lots of coaching love.

[Odysseus]

That doesn't sound like Lelie at all.

Foxworth can start for another team and he knows it. I think it's the natural frustration of a competitor. If he WASN'T frustrated then we would have a problem. I think he's a real asset being on the team and I respect his position.

[Vegas_Bronco]

This year our secondary is sooo deep it's almost inevitable that we lose at least 2-3 guys next season to other teams either due to contract demands or player playtime issues. It's the one negative to having a potentially wonderful year - players 'get' better than ever when the whole team succeeds and the spotlight is on. It's amazing to watch the dismantling of the Patriots and Colts, but seems to be the price you pay when you win the big game.

We are going to have some real player management issues next year or two at DB, Safety, possibly HB, & WR, TE just because we have new talent at each one of these positions which may not be able to surplant their veteran potential pro bowlers.

[houghtam]

"I would imagine it was a simple case of someone asking him a question and he responding openly and honestly."

Amen.

This is not a case where Foxworth called up the Denver Post and said "I want a story done about me and how pissed off I am at not being a starter."

Your hypothetical "perfect response" for Foxworth was nothing short of laughable, Atlas. He's not a quarterback. He's not going to sit on the bench and wait for Bailey or Bly to get injured. We're not going to be in our base defense very much...I think I read somewhere that the Broncos played in nickel almost half of their defensive plays last season. Foxworth will see his fair share of plays, and if he outplays Bly of Bailey (doubtful, but..), there's no doubt in my mind he'll replace them.

Personally? Considering the quote sounds NOTHING like Lelie's, I WANT my backups to be frustrated, and when they're asked, I WANT them to show it. If a backup of mine came out with a canned response and no fire like you're suggesting, they wouldn't be on my team for very long.

[lazarus4444]

I like foxworth. No primadonna written on him at all....

[Malcontent]

I didn't say he wouldn't I'm just saying WTF should he say anything at all. Just drawing attention to himself. Again if Amon Gordon was saying he was frustrated that Sam Adams and Kenedy were getting most of the plays what would your reaction be?

Dude, could it be possible that he was actually asked if he was frustrated not starting?? I mean...WTF would you say? Nah..I'm just peachy being a backup, even though I know I'm good enough to start. Ya I thought so.

[NFLBRONCO]

I think Denver will be forced to deal Foxworth or Paymah next season. I hope they stay but, I can totally understand them wanting to play more then nickel. Only way these guys start here is if we lose bly or champ to injury.

[serious hops]

I dunno, Llama....the AFC Title game was a full year earlier.




To which I would add, I personally think it's a bit much to expect a rookie corner to hold his coverage when the QB has enough time to read the New York Times before deciding where to go with the ball.

[lazarus4444]

To which I would add, I personally think it's a bit much to expect a rookie corner to hold his coverage when the QB has enough time to read the New York Times before deciding where to go with the ball.

Extremely good point you have....

[ZONA]

Fox should just hit the weight room hard this season and all of the offseason and try to become a safety. Champ and Bly are young and probably not going anywhere. On the other hand, our safety's are older and he could push them next year to start.

[thumpc]

Foxy will play a whole lot of ballhawking free safety the 2nd half of the season, solidifying the secondary. Lynch and Fergy split time at SS, Foxworthington pulls down 5 ints on the year, plus 2 in the playoffs.