Webster states case to start at LB

[dragondawg]

BY FRANK SCHWAB, THE GAZETTE

IRVING, Texas - Nate Webster made a strong case to be the Denver Broncos’ starting strongside linebacker when the regular season starts.

Webster started against Dallas on Saturday, after D.D. Lewis started the first exhibition game. On the second play of the game, Webster stuffed Cowboys running back Julius Jones for no gain. Later in the first quarter he hit Jones in the backfield again for no gain. In the second quarter, he came from behind Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd and forced a fumble with a big hit. Denver recovered the fumble, which set up a field goal.

For the first couple of weeks of training camp, Webster shuttled between D.J. Williams’ primary backup at middle linebacker and a rotation of players at starting strongside linebacker.

“He started, so he had a good week,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.

BLITZ HAPPY

The Broncos were surprised at how much the Cowboys blitzed. Most teams don’t blitz much in the preseason, but Dallas often brought extra rushers. The Cowboys are coached by Wade Phillips, who was once Denver’s coach.

“Two different approaches,” safety John Lynch said. “We didn’t game plan, we played two coverages and two fronts, they blitzed every play. I don’t know if Wade is (ticked) because he got fired here, but it sure looked like it.”

INJURY REPORT

In addition to running back Travis Henry (knee) and defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban (Achilles’ tendon), safety Curome Cox strained his right shoulder and running back Mike Bell strained his left hip in the third quarter. Cox and Bell did not return.

CLARK PROMOTED

Receiver Brian Clark said he was excited to get a promotion for the game. He was Denver’s third receiver ahead of Domenik Hixon. Brandon Stokley, who will probably the third receiver if he is healthy, did not play because of a quadriceps injury. Clark had a 90-yard touchdown among four catches for 117 yards.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/webster_26222___article.html/broncos_game.html

[Bob's your Information Minister]

6-0 Nate Webster vs 6-5 Tony Gonzalez. Yes, please.

[bcbronc]

didnt they turn Gonzo into a blocking TE?

[Watchthemiddle]

6-0 Nate Webster vs 6-5 Tony Gonzalez. Yes, please.

6'0" Champ Bailey vs 6'5" Tony Gonzalez....that seemed to work pretty good.

[eddie mac]

I'd put Nate back in the middle. DJ's not adjusting to this new role at all.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I'd put Nate back in the middle. DJ's not adjusting to this new role at all.
What's he played?...the equivilent of one preseason game at MLB? I remember last preseason and Webster looked good then too. He's a career backup who's been in the league 7 years...how much better can he get?

[eddie mac]

What's he played?...the equivilent of one preseason game at MLB? I remember last preseason and Webster looked good then too. He's a career backup who's been in the league 7 years...how much better can he get?

He was a regular starter in Cincy at MLB before the injury. Fair dues he did look awful against the 49ers last year when Al was out but DJ's been all over the place in both games so far and I dont mean in a good way.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

6'0" Champ Bailey vs 6'5" Tony Gonzalez....that seemed to work pretty good.

Go ahead and leave Bowe on your nickel corner.

[SoCalBronco]

He was a regular starter in Cincy at MLB before the injury. Fair dues he did look awful against the 49ers last year when Al was out but DJ's been all over the place in both games so far and I dont mean in a good way.

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.

[footstepsfrom#27]

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.
What he said.

[Greybeard]

As BCBronc implied in another thread, Webster is a solid MLB, but not a great
one . . . never will be. He is a very good SAM, as he showed tonight. That is
where he belongs, as the starter, IMO.

At MIKE, I still believe D.J. will develop into a fine one. He has more physical
tools than Webster could dream of. This was the second game of his entire life
at MIKE. Give him time to adjust and develop. That is what the preseason is for.
It might take even until midseason . . . who knows? . . . but I believe D.J. is
going to be a force in the middle.

There . . . I tried to be reserved in my opinion, but this is my true feeling.

-----

[24champ]

Yes! Let's make a position change for DJ Williams, god knows these pre-season games mean everything and is the most crucial part of the season. While we are at it lets put Clark in as the number one receiver and start Ramsey at QB. Ha!

[24champ]

. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.

Concur.

[Prodigal19]

I believe the real question is, why does Websters helmet seem to pop off about 3 times a game???

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I believe the real question is, why does Websters helmet seem to pop off about 3 times a game???

Because his brain is so big. That pea-brain DJ has no problems keeping his lid on.

[Florida_Bronco]

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.

Preach on brother!

[Vladimir]

Go ahead and leave Bowe on your nickel corner.

Foxworth vs Bowe

That would be a favorable matchup for us.


Bailey on Gonzo, Bly on Kennison and Foxy on Bowe.

We got ya covered. ^5

Only player on the chiefs that worries me is LJ.

[sirhcyennek81]

Go ahead and leave Bowe on your nickel corner.


Foxworth would start for 31 other teams.


:Broncos:

[OrangeShadow]

Its the second preseason game people give me a break.

[Rock Chalk]

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.

Maybe because DJ is retarded. Not the brightest bulb in the pack.

[elsid13]

Is to early to start the Warren for Vilma rumor??? (I'm kidding - it the second preseason game let thing work themselve out)

[Popps]

6-0 Nate Webster vs 6-5 Tony Gonzalez. Yes, please.

Gonzalez is still playing football?

[BroncoSoja]

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.


Williams will loose his MLB spot and when he does I will be reposting this right here just to let you know how your about as lost as he is.

Keep using the excuse that its because he has only limited time at the Mike, but I like how you do not bring up he has been praticing at the posistion all this offseason... I guess in your mind practices and scrims agianst our first and second team don't count.

Another thing, post 3 quotes about these so called praises that he has been gettting from the coaches. All the offseason blogs and reports I have seen have lacked any recognition for Williams at all.

[Greybeard]

Williams will loose his MLB spot and when he does I will be reposting this right here just to let you know how your about as lost as he is.

Keep using the excuse that its because he has only limited time at the Mike, but I like how you do not bring up he has been praticing at the posistion all this offseason... I guess in your mind practices and scrims agianst our first and second team don't count.

Another thing, post 3 quotes about these so called praises that he has been gettting from the coaches. All the offseason blogs and reports I have seen have lacked any recognition for Williams at all.
I don't know how much experience you have in playing defense, but I did in
high school and college (DE). I know for a fact that MLB is probably the most
difficult position on the field, after QB and CB. A few practices at that
position, after having never played it in one's life, is not enough to begin to
know one's way around. Moreover, practices do not make up for game time
situations. Sorry . . . this is not meant as an offense . . . but you do not
seem to speak from knowledge in the area. ???

-----

[SoCalBronco]

Williams will loose his MLB spot and when he does I will be reposting this right here just to let you know how your about as lost as he is.

Keep using the excuse that its because he has only limited time at the Mike, but I like how you do not bring up he has been praticing at the posistion all this offseason... I guess in your mind practices and scrims agianst our first and second team don't count.

Another thing, post 3 quotes about these so called praises that he has been gettting from the coaches. All the offseason blogs and reports I have seen have lacked any recognition for Williams at all.

You want me to post 3 quotes? What will that accomplish? What do I get out of it? You are already set in your view.

**** it, here are your three quotes.

New middle man likes the plan
Williams excited he's in key position for Bates' scheme
Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky

Linebacker D.J. Williams is adjusting to playing in the middle for the first time. After studying others playing the position under Jim Bates, the fourth-year player realizes he'll be expected to produce a lot of tackles. "This defense is set up for the 'Mike' to play pretty well," Williams said.STORY TOOLS
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By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
August 3, 2007
ENGLEWOOD - D.J. Williams knows what's ahead of him at middle linebacker - a legacy of production at the position in Jim Bates' scheme.
And it was with that knowledge the Broncos' 2004 No. 1 draft pick embarked on his new task this offseason in the post-Al Wilson era.

Williams got a jump on film study well before team camps began and for a half hour a day or every other day, he broke down tape of those who thrived in the system previously under the team's new defensive boss.

He watched as Zach Thomas of the Miami Dolphins averaged 10 tackles a game in making the Pro Bowl in four of five seasons playing in the same system, beginning in 2000.

He witnessed Nick Barnett, whose body type and athletic skills is perhaps an even stronger match, post a career-best 138 tackles in his single year under Bates in 2005 with the Green Bay Packers.

Mostly, he saw the possibilities as the Broncos' new middle man.

"This defense is set up for the 'Mike' to play pretty well," Williams said.

How well?

Williams' position coach, Joe Baker, stated he would be surprised if the fourth-year pro didn't have more than 140 tackles this season, well above previous totals. And it goes beyond the fact Williams has the requisite body type and athleticism or will log increased playing time as an every- down player.

It's because of the steady progress Williams has demonstrated even in a short time at his new position.

"That big thing that's struck me about D.J. is the combination of intelligence and instinct on the field," Baker said. "A lot of guys have one but maybe not both. He's one of those guys when you're sitting in the meeting room and you're talking about ideas and concepts, he literally understands it because of how he talks about it and can draw it on the board.

"But when you actually go out on the field, his feel and ability to execute is awesome. And that's really special."

The switch to the middle, prompted by Wilson's career- threatening neck injury and subsequent release, is Williams' first long-term exposure to the position.

While the pressure to replace a five-time Pro Bowl pick and team captain is daunting in one respect, it's also liberating.

He had practiced at middle linebacker and on the weak side in the nickel but rarely played as Ian Gold and Wilson stayed on the field. On base downs, he first occupied the weak-side spot as a rookie before switching to the strong side - a position he disliked - the past two years.

All that movement was making his head spin.

"Now, I get to concentrate on one position," he said.

Studying Thomas and Barnett demonstrated to him he would be able to read, flow and explode to the ball and use his athleticism without getting too bogged down with information overload.

"Teams can never run away from you when you are in the middle of that defense," Thomas said during a break at Dolphins camp Wednesday. "From what I see, (the Broncos) have a lot of good defensive linemen they've been stacking up. That's what runs that defense. If you have a good defensive line, you can do a lot of great things because it gives you freedom to roam."

One of the biggest adjustments for Williams making the transition will be learning to play under control while racing to the ball from a different area on the field.

"You have to remember, he has to run inside-out to the ball, and sometimes thinking you have to run to the sidelines, you can overrun things," Barnett said. "That's a big adjustment. And there's a lot of cutting back against this scheme you have to guard against."

Williams' approach is to use his speed but in a controlled fashion to avoid overrunning plays.

Those qualities were what stood out in breaking down tape of Thomas, in particular.

"Thomas anticipated and knew what was going to happen even before it happened," Williams said. "Guys may talk about this and that, but in between the tackles, he's one of the fastest linebackers because he has that initial first step and knows where the ball's going without taking false steps. He's just a fundamental player."

The other big change for Williams will be his increased pass- coverage responsibilities.

His lack of action in that role has meant he has played no more than 72 percent of the snaps in a single season as a pro.

But Baker pointed out Williams already had a fundamental grasp of coverage principles in Bates' system because the scheme is similar to one in which the linebacker played at the University of Miami, and that will smooth the transition.

"It's a zone-match scheme, where you're pretty much playing man, so you have to be pretty athletic to make plays," Barnett said of Williams' pending coverage duties.

Training camp is about the Broncos linebacker continuing to grow comfortable with such new responsibilities while making sure he aligns everyone correctly as the defense's play-caller.

Eventually, he will refine his skills and learn adjustments that will allow him to read and react more quickly and take the next step in his career progression.

"To be quite honest with you, we've probably underutilized him a little bit," Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said of Williams' three seasons.

"But you look at D.J. in the offseason and his preparation and how he attacked the minicamp and his preparation, and out here, you see a guy who's excited about football again. And I think that's going to spill over on the field."

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com


Man in the Middle
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By Robin Washut
Daily Press Writer
Published on Saturday, August 04, 2007

ENGLEWOOD — Through his trademark dark-tinted visor, D.J. Williams scanned the offense and barked out defensive adjustments like a general heading into battle.

At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds, Williams didn’t look like a player who was still trying to get the hang of things, and he certainly didn’t act like one. But if you ask the fourth-year vet how his transition from strong side linebacker to middle has gone this off-season, the learning curve has been a little steeper than one might think.

“It’s been a daily struggle, but it’s getting better,” Williams said. “Luckily I’ve guys like (John) Lynch and Sam Adams helping me as I go.”
Broncos' linebacker D.J. Williams tries to apply pressure on Denver quarterback Jay Cutler after getting blocked. The Broncos moved Williams to middle linebacker after they released Al Wilson. (Daily Press / Jonathan Maness)



(Use arrows above to view more photos)

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As if the move to middle linebacker, often referred to as the quarterback of the defense, wasn’t hard enough, Williams has also taken on the responsibility of filling the void in leadership left by the loss of Al Wilson.

After eight years of anchoring Denver’s defense, Wilson was released in April because of injury and salary cap issues. As a result, Williams, who has played on the outside since his freshman year at Miami (Fla.), was called upon to take over the reigns of the Bronco defense.

Widely regarded as one of the premier young linebackers in the NFL, it was never a question of whether Williams had the physical ability to seamlessly fill Wilson’s shoes; it was how he would respond mentally.

In his first three seasons in Denver, Williams has played in every game and racked up 268 career tackles. Statistically, he was right on pace with Wilson, who had 277 over the same span.

Where Williams falls short is the leadership and respect Wilson carried within the team. It was no coincidence that Wilson was voted a captain the past six seasons and represented the team as a speaker at the funerals of cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash.

But while Williams still has a long way to go in that regard, his coaches say he’s met their expectations and then some.

“He’s doing real well,” assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said. “He’s making progress every day. What I like is how he’s taking charge in the huddle, stepping up and providing good leadership at a position where you really need it the most.”

It may take awhile for Williams to reach Wilson’s level as a team leader, but he’s already taken steps in that direction. In fact, one of the biggest actually has nothing to do with football.

For the past few years, Wilson led what has become known as the “pre-calisthenic breakdown” – a randomly selected competition that pits two players against one another in a dance-off. When the team opened it’s off-season training camp in May, Williams continued the tradition by taking over where Wilson left off.

If everything goes as planned, that won’t be the only Wilson tradition Williams keeps intact.

“I’ve got huge shoes to fill,” Williams said. “There may be days that I may be down, but I can’t show it. I can’t act like that because the guys feed off that. Every day I have to be up and keep every guy up because I have to be the tone setter.”

CAMP NOTES

The Broncos spent Friday’s morning session in helmets and shorts alternating between position drills and seven-on-seven scrimmages. Mixing in situational drills – third downs, short-yardage, etc. – the team practiced for about two and a half hours, culminating in a full, no-contact scrimmage.

Quarterback Jay Cutler showed no signs of a sophomore slump, as he looked poised in the pocket and threw crisp, accurate passes all morning. The highlight of the day was during the scrimmage, when Cutler rolled out to his right and hit wide receiver Javon Walker for a 60-yard touchdown pass. The ball was partially tipped by cornerback Champ Bailey, but any time an all-pro like Bailey gets beat deep is an accomplishment.

The defensive highlight of the day belonged to newly acquired cornerback Dre Bly. On the last play of the scrimmage, Bly made a fully-extended dive to break up a pass that garnered “oohs” and “ahhs” from the roughly 700 fans in attendance.

Head coach Mike Shanahan said linebacker Warrick Holdman was still being held at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Denver, overnight and was still reporting some numbness on Friday morning. Holdman was carted off the field Thursday after suffering a spinal injury during the morning session. Shanahan said Holdman was expected to be released from the hospital late Friday morning.

In other injury news, Walker was pulled from practice early after suffering some tightness in his upper left leg. “He got a little tightness,” Shanahan said. “I wasn’t sure if he cramped up, but he didn’t pull anything. It just got a little tight, so we kept him out.” Shanahan backed up his assessment by letting Walker work with the special teams unit during the evening practice. Walker has been working with the Broncos’ hands team.

[Broncoman13]

Thank you SoCal

[telluride]

And everyone, PLEASE STOP QUOTING BOB!

Thank you.

[24champ]

Williams will loose his MLB spot and when he does I will be reposting this right here just to let you know how your about as lost as he is.


You are a nincompoop.

[Rock Chalk]

You guys dont have Soja on ignore? Man I ignored that dude like 2 years ago.

[Florida_Bronco]

Williams will loose his MLB spot and when he does I will be reposting this right here just to let you know how your about as lost as he is.

Keep using the excuse that its because he has only limited time at the Mike, but I like how you do not bring up he has been praticing at the posistion all this offseason... I guess in your mind practices and scrims agianst our first and second team don't count.

Another thing, post 3 quotes about these so called praises that he has been gettting from the coaches. All the offseason blogs and reports I have seen have lacked any recognition for Williams at all.

Dude, stop posting. You are an embarassment to Broncos fans everywhere.

[oubronco]

webster was by FAR the best linebacker on the field last night he was making plays while the rest were missing waaaaaaay too many tackles

[Greybeard]

How about a Nate Webster fan club?

Of course, just calling it that would be kind of dry.

I was thinking of something like "Flying Helmets Fan Club" (FHFC).

Something like that. :yayaya: :yayaya: :yayaya:

;D

-----

[mosca]

I'm kinda wishing that we had kept guys like Donnie Spragan or Chukwurah around as insurance policies. Al Wilson is already proving to be sorely, sorely missed.

[Northman]

This is ridiculous. He has played less than one full game at the position. Nate was godawful last year in the season at MLB, particularly in the SF game. He is having a very good preseason and DJ is struggling at recognition, but to advocate some kind of switch is absurd. The coaches have been praising his play all offseason, he has had a couple bad quarters. Give him a break. Give him a little bit of slack. And where is he going to go? Sure as hell not back to Sam. I'd rather see him at longsnapper than Sam. Gold is not moving from Will. He will be fine. Give him a freaking chance. I can't believe this **** that I am reading.


Havent you heard? Season is over dude. ROFL!

[Northman]

I don't know how much experience you have in playing defense, but I did in
high school and college (DE). I know for a fact that MLB is probably the most
difficult position on the field, after QB and CB. A few practices at that
position, after having never played it in one's life, is not enough to begin to
know one's way around. Moreover, practices do not make up for game time
situations. Sorry . . . this is not meant as an offense . . . but you do not
seem to speak from knowledge in the area. ???

-----

QFT

Having played FS my junior year and then moving to MLB my senior year i can say its worlds difference when talking about on field responsibilities.

[SoCalBronco]

I'm watching this game and I do not see what the big deal is. I see one big mistake so far by DJ and that was flailing at a runner when he would have had a TFL (good speed to the flat). He's been in on a number of tackles on assist situations (i dont know why that isnt registered on nfl.com). I see good pursuit from him on plays to the outside. I see some hesitation, but not as much as in the SF game. Surprisingly, I see him taking on several blocks, doing very well against FBs but not so well when the OL gets to him on the second level (come on DTs!!). Ian is having a very good first half so far from what I can see. Noticed Nate a few times. Is anyone else watching the replay right now? I am focusing exclusively on the backers. Right now at the 12:32 mark in quarter 2, when Bly made his pick.

[Northman]

I'm watching this game and I do not see what the big deal is. I see one big mistake so far by DJ and that was flailing at a runner when he would have had a TFL (good speed to the flat). He's been in on a number of tackles on assist situations (i dont know why that isnt registered on nfl.com). I see good pursuit from him on plays to the outside. I see some hesitation, but not as much as in the SF game. Surprisingly, I see him taking on several blocks, doing very well against FBs but not so well when the OL gets to him on the second level (come on DTs!!). Ian is having a very good first half so far from what I can see. Noticed Nate a few times. Is anyone else watching the replay right now? I am focusing exclusively on the backers. Right now at the 12:32 mark in quarter 2, when Bly made his pick.


Im watching it now as well. The team looks tired and they arent playing too great but a lot of it seems easily correctable issues. Basic stuff like wrapping up and actually making some catches and better throws.

[Rock Chalk]

I just saw DJ williams fall on his face for no reason.

[Greybeard]

I just saw DJ williams fall on his face for no reason.
The first string was in there some 89 plays, as I understand.

Did you see D.J. fall flat on his face for no reason 89 times?

-----

[Rock Chalk]

The first string was in there some 89 plays, as I understand.

Did you see D.J. fall flat on his face for no reason 89 times?

-----

No, its the only time ive seen DJ williams. He's been in absentia the rest of the game dip****.

[DB-Freak]

Hey Socal, how's it been.

I just wanted to drop by and say something about DJ.

Not that I know the NFL Defense and players like Bates does, but there is something about DJ that just seems like he would never be a great read and react player.

Not saying that DJ has intelligence or instincts issue, but he just comes off slow ever since watching him in Miami. Maybe he just has slow reflexes or something.

All in all, I liked it when DJ was allowed to be more of an attacking, upfield player.

But we'll see as the years pass by if DJ was just a late bloomer or not.

[SoCalBronco]

I counted a grand total of three mistakes from him in the first half, what a load of crap you guys were spewing last night. That TFL miss bothers me though, he was in a great position to get one and made a poor attempt at a tackle.

[DB-Freak]

I counted a grand total of three mistakes from him in the first half, what a load of crap you guys were spewing last night. That TFL miss bothers me though, he was in a great position to get one and made a poor attempt at a tackle.

I think the issue is more along the lines of DJ not being the playmaker that people thought he would be.

[Rock Chalk]

I counted a grand total of three mistakes from him in the first half, what a load of crap you guys were spewing last night. That TFL miss bothers me though, he was in a great position to get one and made a poor attempt at a tackle.

Its not the mistakes. I just got done with the first half SoCal, the problem is, he isnt anywhere he should be.

DJ was just not around the ball. He was bulled over no less than 4 times by Jones/Barber, got juked badly in the redzone by Barber, fell on his face for no reason and was just mostly not actively around the ball. Thats not characteristics you want of your MLB.

[SoCalBronco]

Hey Socal, how's it been.

I just wanted to drop by and say something about DJ.

Not that I know the NFL Defense and players like Bates does, but there is something about DJ that just seems like he would never be a great read and react player.

Not saying that DJ has intelligence or instincts issue, but he just comes off slow ever since watching him in Miami. Maybe he just has slow reflexes or something.

All in all, I liked it when DJ was allowed to be more of an attacking, upfield player.

But we'll see as the years pass by if DJ was just a late bloomer or not.

Hey dude, whats up? You havent been posting much recently, I hope you are well. I just watched the replay in the first half and I didnt think he did bad, outside of three mistakes that stood out. I don't think his reaction time was that slow in this game, at least compared to SF. SF he was taking alot of false steps, he cleaned it up a bit this game (still had some false steps but I didnt think it was that bad), but had a few problems that I saw. The damn OL got to him a few times, the DTs needs to get their asses in line. I noticed we used the Over front pretty much the whole first half, I hope we see alot more of the Under front this season. That front would help us alot more in the run game, especially the inside run game, the backers are fast enough to get to the outside.

[24champ]

I think the issue is more along the lines of DJ not being the playmaker that people thought he would be.

You can't do much when your DT's suck and the OL gets to you. I like how the DTs get a free pass around here.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I counted a grand total of three mistakes from him in the first half, what a load of crap you guys were spewing last night. That TFL miss bothers me though, he was in a great position to get one and made a poor attempt at a tackle.Williams is a no show so far in preseason. I have my doubts about him being able to play MLB. Only 2 tackles in two games so far, pretty pathetic.

[Greybeard]

No, its the only time ive seen DJ williams. He's been in absentia the rest of the game dip****.
Oh, now you are getting into the same mode where you made an ass out of
yourself with Taco John.

Getting frustrated, are you? ;)

-----

[DB-Freak]

No doubt the DT's weren't doing well, but I was already taken that into account.

The guy doesn't seem to have the nose for the ball like Al Wilson did.
In Wilson's rookie year, I saw the guy overran plays, but he knew where the ball was going.

DJ sometimes just doesn't get to the ball for some reason.

Another issue I have is, why is an athlete of DJ's strength and athleticism get stonewalled so easily. I know that not many LB's in this kind of scheme are great at shedding blockers, but I expected DJ to at least run over the RBs.

[Rock Chalk]

Oh, now you are getting into the same mode where you made an ass out of
yourself with Taco John.

Getting frustrated, are you? ;)

-----

Oh man, you got a lot to learn cock munch.

[Rock Chalk]

No doubt the DT's weren't doing well, but I was already taken that into account.

The guy doesn't seem to have the nose for the ball like Al Wilson did.
In Wilson's rookie year, I saw the guy overran plays, but he knew where the ball was going.

DJ sometimes just doesn't get to the ball for some reason.

Another issue I have is, why is an athlete of DJ's strength and athleticism get stonewalled so easily. I know that not many LB's in this kind of scheme are great at shedding blockers, but I expected DJ to at least run over the RBs.

QFT

[Greybeard]

Oh man, you got a lot to learn cock munch.
Hilarious!

Oh, you're going to be a lot of fun, Alec!

I had no idea it would be this easy. :approve:

[Play2win]

I just miss AL WILSON. Big time. At least half of Dallas's runs would have been stopped for little or no gain. That is exactly where WILSON would have filled. The difference is night and day, and about 100 rushing yards...

I just hope everybody fathoms what an asset AL WILSON was for this team for so many years.

[Bronco Yoda]

Foxworth would start for 31 other teams.


:Broncos:

not the way he played against Dallas.

[azbroncfan]

I counted a grand total of three mistakes from him in the first half, what a load of crap you guys were spewing last night. That TFL miss bothers me though, he was in a great position to get one and made a poor attempt at a tackle.

I rewatched the second Quarter last night and he was terrible. He jumped the wrong route one time and the TE dragging accrossed his face caught a ball dead center in the middle of the field on third down for a 20 yard gain. He wasn't very good in the run game department getting blown back a few times and was waiting for the runner to come to him. 3 mistakes in first half (which is pretty conservative) averages out to 6 a game which is 96 mistakes for the year. Can't have that out of the MLB.