View Full Version : Changes alter Broncos' chemistry: By Mike Klis
Changes alter Broncos' chemistry
By Mike Klis, The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 10/19/2007 12:37:13 PM MDT
"I told somebody today, I never thought in a million years that I would say I miss Tom Nalen," Broncos left tackle Matt Lepsis said with a smile. "But I do."
Nalen and his wild red locks, commanding presence and 14-year connection to Bronco quarterbacks, is finished for the season. Stephen Alexander is likely finished with his career, a development that removes sage experience, meticulous work habits and arguably the nicest guy from Broncos headquarters.
"I was talking to some older guys the other day and I came away from that thinking, 'You can't play football forever,' " Alexander said. "It's very temporary. I've been lucky enough to play 10 years. That's a great, long career. It's just a blessing to be able to play that long. I loved the people here, I loved the organization. I think Coach Shanahan is the finest coach in the league. I mean I've played for a lot of coaches and I think Mike Shanahan is the best."
Even the best must endure difficult times. As Nalen and Alexander disappear from the locker rooms, Broncos players were deflecting the demoralizing possibility their star running back, Travis Henry, will get dinged for a year-long suspension and rolling their eyes at Javon Walker, the star receiver who publicly urged his coaches to direct the offense his way, even though he missed the previous two games with a bum knee and knew there was a good chance he would miss a few more.
Where have you gone, 2005 AFC championship-contending team?
Nalen and Alexander went down within months after the Broncos said goodbye to quarterback Jake Plummer and defensive captain Al Wilson. Rod Smith, who for years brought selflessness to the Broncos' No. 1 receiver spot, has spent this season sweating out of sight in the rehab room.
"When you've been around these guys for 10-plus years, it's tough when they're not around," Lepsis said. "You don't realize it when they're here."
Upstairs in the think tank of Dove Valley, the Broncos react to the term, "rebuilding" the way Domenik Hixon takes on a punt in the rain at Buffalo.
They run from it.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen doesn't believe in rebuilding. Neither does the person he put in charge of his organization, Mike Shanahan.
In the modern era of heavy roster turnover and parity, the possibilities of reaching the Super Bowl any particular year are too good to surrender even one season to patience. It's a league in which teams can go from worst to first, and the likes of New England and Indianapolis can stay near the top by maintaining the nucleus and making wise annual decisions with their periphery players.
The Broncos were not rebuilding when they put together their 2007 roster. A team doesn't spend $16 million in guaranteed money to acquire cornerback Dre Bly, $15 million on tight end Daniel Graham, $12 million on Henry and $10 million to keep Walker with the idea of taking a step back.
But when Champ Bailey, John Lynch, Nick Ferguson, Ian Gold, D.J. Williams and Lepsis are the only healthy starters remaining from their 14-4 season of just two years ago, it's clear their nucleus is at the very least in a state of transition.
The difference between "transition" and "rebuild" is often nothing more than semantics. Teams that rebuild often break in a new coach, new systems and a new quarterback. The Broncos have a first-year defensive coordinator in Jim Bates, a new defensive system, a new special-teams coach in Scott O'Brien and a quarterback in Jay Cutler who remains six games shy of a full, 16-game season worth of experience.
Call it a transition year. Don't call it a rebuilding year. But by any other name, 2007 will go down in Bronco annals as a season of change.
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Ouch! I thought I was in a pissy mood.
Garcia Bronco
10-19-2007, 04:41 PM
Klis is the best Bronco writer out there.
rovolution
10-19-2007, 04:45 PM
The 1989 Dallas Cowboys part two.
That young Cowboys team went on to win 3 SBs. Hopefully we have that same kind of luck.
Rohirrim
10-19-2007, 05:47 PM
The 1989 Dallas Cowboys part two.
That young Cowboys team went on to win 3 SBs. Hopefully we have that same kind of luck.
If you're looking at the Broncos and using the word "luck" you haven't been paying much attention lately. This is the most snake-bit team I've ever seen.
mhgaffney
10-19-2007, 11:28 PM
the season sort of just disintegrated.....pooof
BlaK-Argentina
10-20-2007, 12:02 AM
the season sort of just disintegrated.....pooof
Exactly, it's almost over and we're not even halfway through. This sucks.
yavoon
10-20-2007, 12:03 AM
Exactly, it's almost over and we're not even halfway through. This sucks.
still get to watch/worry about jay cutler's progression.
BlaK-Argentina
10-20-2007, 12:09 AM
still get to watch/worry about jay cutler's progression.
I was going to say that, both him and Marshall. Really, it's kind of sad but I'm only looking forward to the games to see how both those guys will do.
And of course, every chance to watch the Champ at work is a blessing. :notworthy
(Jae)
10-20-2007, 01:07 AM
"Even the best must endure difficult times. As Nalen and Alexander disappear from the locker rooms, Broncos players were deflecting the demoralizing possibility their star running back, Travis Henry, will get dinged for a year-long suspension and rolling their eyes at Javon Walker, the star receiver who publicly urged his coaches to direct the offense his way, even though he missed the previous two games with a bum knee and knew there was a good chance he would miss a few more."
Woah, I missed all that drama.
When did this happen?
Popps
10-20-2007, 01:15 AM
The season really is young, but I think it's been one of the more disappointing in recent memory. Expectations were pretty high, at least on offense.
This team is a black-hole of identity. None. Zilch. I have no idea what this team is supposed to be. Are we a running team? What's our defensive personality? Are we aggressive? Do we hit hard?
I mean, what the **** is this team?
I guess that's what the writer is saying. You take away enough guys like Rod, Al and gasp... even Jake, and chemistry and identity changes... and not always for the better.
Klis is the best Bronco writer out there.
That settles it I hate him.
Very telling article... I kinda buy into it. I see a lot of new faces on the _efence for next year.
wabbit
10-20-2007, 04:36 AM
...
This team is a black-hole of identity. None. Zilch. I have no idea what this team is supposed to be....
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
Ray Finkle
10-20-2007, 07:47 AM
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
Maybe a new GM and HC wouldn't be that bad if this season goes in the toilet....
elsid13
10-20-2007, 08:05 AM
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
Wabbit is that your personal feeling or the vibe you're getting from Dove Valley and the its leadership?
My feeling that Shanahan when leaves the HC job will be like Walsh- always involved and shadow that new coaches will have to live with
ludo21
10-20-2007, 10:21 AM
I dont see it being the end of any era, Shanny is still one of the best coaches in the league, and Sundquist has done a fine job bringing in players.
The team is very banged up at key positions, and I think after a year of getting them back to health and some chemistry, this team will be very good with these same players.
This is an old topic. There was a healthy discussion of this at another Broncos site. "Rebuilding" vs "reloading", I believe was the actual terms being debated. And that discussion was several weeks ago. Maybe Klis should simply our over the forums for his topics...he'll be more timely where forum members are concerned.
I don't see any possible way to salvage this season. Even the Rockies had an MVP and rookie of the year, not to mention the leadership of Helton. Shanny retires at seasons end 6-10 or 5-11 won't make him want to stick around. I think it's apparent he caught lightning in a bottle with Elway and TD
ScottXray
10-20-2007, 11:46 AM
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
Hmmmmm. Considering the source, I'd have to say this is a posititve sign that the ownership is NOT accepting the season we are having as acceptable results, for the investments made. While I think Shanahan is a good coach, he's not a good personnel man.
Although Shanny seemed to have Bowlens blessing completely in his pocket until now, we haven't really had a season like this one before. The 99 season was bad but we had lost Elway and TD. We had to reload. This season we have had some injuries...but basically the people on the field have just been outclassed, and out performed by the other team. Ultimately the personnel are the coaches responsibility.
It would also mean that team management is going to be held accountable for not fielding a quality product that is competitve on the field, especially when every resource asked for by management has been given to them.
In other words, heads will roll! I would assume that means everyone from HC on down is going to be looked at in the off season. This is Shanahans team, hand picked, and it is his reponsibility. I'm sure that no matter their past relationship, Bowlen does not want to be embarassed, like he must have been last week, often. And the team HAS been embarassing.
I don't think Bowlen will fire Shanahan even then. But I do think that Shanny won't accept a demotion, which would be justified. So this could be his last here.
Buck up Broncos......If you Like your head coach you better start playing your A##ES off! Jobs are on the line.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
If it does end then it's about time.
Bowlen has to get tired of hearing "This is the player that will get us over the hump, now pay him millions!" Only to have that player not on the roster 1-2 years latter, but still having cap dollars tied to him.
Everyone (no matter what your profession) suffers from burn out. That's when a break is needed or career change required.
We all have seen the same things going on year after, year, after year.
It's sad.
I'm hoping the Broncos players show up Sunday night and that the coaching staff has the game plan in place to win.
Living in Steeler country sucks...
Maximus
10-20-2007, 02:18 PM
Klis is the best Bronco writer out there.
Woody Paige is the best!
orange 4 life
10-20-2007, 04:16 PM
still get to watch jay cutler's progression.
agree, except i removed the negative part.
we have enough to be negative about, God willing jay will progress and it wont be a "worry" at all.
orange 4 life
10-20-2007, 04:18 PM
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
whats your idea of "radical" wabbit, 'cause other than a near TOTAL focus on defensive line im not sure what other changes are needed and/or feasible?
NFLBRONCO
10-20-2007, 04:33 PM
As of this week, this is so true, it hurts.
If the team could somehow manage a break-out game against the Steelers or even the Packers, there is still a chance this team could progress significantly in the positive direction folks hoped for early this season.
If either, or both games collapse into another San Diego debacle...and the season continues as it has so far, there is an equally good chance this could signal the end of an era for the franchise, and radical changes are on the way in the off-season.
I think radical changes need to be made for this franchise imo. We have so many unknowns on this team. Huge questions at DE OT LB DT S RB WR and a young QB lots of issues. If Denver would admit and approach it as we are rebuilding I think fans and Bowlen would be more patient. Makes you wonder how smart it was to bolster CB's when your front 9 stinks we will waste both Bailey and Bly before we get alot better. We are in this shape because none of our moves FA and trades haven't panned out. Even Henry and Walker moves looked real solid but, now it looks like maybe two more bombs. Hard to keep overcoming bad moves time after time and not feel it sooner or later.
As far as the chemistry issue how can we ever gel when every year it seems we hire a new dc bring in 10 new guys from garbage heap and expect huge results. Why not try fewer changes add quality players and build chemistry that way if we don't go radical route.
wabbit
10-20-2007, 05:38 PM
whats your idea of "radical" wabbit, 'cause other than a near TOTAL focus on defensive line im not sure what other changes are needed and/or feasible?
There are rumblings at Dove Valley that I cannot confirm myself...I must rely on the word of a few people who would definately know...really.
It's nebulous in one sense...hints...things spoken one person to another that may or may not be taken out of context...I wasn't there, but it certainly peaked my interest and comes from an unimpeachable source.
One example; I read a lot of folks here applauding the work of Ted Sundquist for this positive progress this franchise has made recently...however few they may be.
In my very humble opinion, Ted is every bit as much accountable for the situation this team currently finds itself as the coaching staff...including Mike Shanahan, and it would not surprise me one bit to find him running some other operation next year.
His drafting decisions are horrible & his FA suggestions have proven to be laughable.
That's one rumble.
The other is that perhaps the top of this organization just needs to re-boot after a decade-plus..and that can mean a lot of things.
The intense, very public, 365 days-a-year nature of this kind of work wears people out, and there are some indications that some decisions...family decisions carrying significant weight...will have to be made at the end of this season.
Folks in the know on this board can back this up, but it is...after all, only a message board.
Just rumor.
Cito Pelon
10-20-2007, 06:18 PM
There are rumblings at Dove Valley that I cannot confirm myself...I must rely on the word of a few people who would definately know...really.
It's nebulous in one sense...hints...things spoken one person to another that may or may not be taken out of context...I wasn't there, but it certainly peaked my interest and comes from an unimpeachable source.
One example; I read a lot of folks here applauding the work of Ted Sundquist for this positive progress this franchise has made recently...however few they may be.
In my very humble opinion, Ted is every bit as much accountable for the situation this team currently finds itself as the coaching staff...including Mike Shanahan, and it would not surprise me one bit to find him running some other operation next year.
His drafting decisions are horrible & his FA suggestions have proven to be laughable.
That's one rumble.
The other is that perhaps the top of this organization just needs to re-boot after a decade-plus..and that can mean a lot of things.
The intense, very public, 365 days-a-year nature of this kind of work wears people out, and there are some indications that some decisions...family decisions carrying significant weight...will have to be made at the end of this season.
Folks in the know on this board can back this up, but it is...after all, only a message board.
Just rumor.
Wabbit, you're saying the rumor is the franchise has gone stale? That's been around for a few years, and I won't argue with anybody about that.
But we'll see how it pans out through the next 11 games. The season looks like fool's gold right now, but you never know. This team needs a confidence boost. A little confidence boost like winning two straight at home, and then the prospects look pretty good for the team. The fans and the press have thrown their hands up in disgust, given up on the season pretty much, but we have to wait and see how the team responds to adversity.
The D has to man up, sure. I think Cutler is hurt. He hasn't thrown downfield for a while. He's hurting.
wabbit
10-20-2007, 07:46 PM
... The season looks like fool's gold right now, but you never know. This team needs a confidence boost...
..I think Cutler is hurt. He hasn't thrown downfield for a while. He's hurting.
I agree entirely. You just don't know.
The post was too heavy on the negative and I apologize for that. I know there are some folks in the organization who feel the talent is there to compete for the AFC West & are frustrated beyond imagination as to why it isn't translating to the field.
Bates' defenses have been notoriously slow starters, but the offense has to start putting up some points as well.
Field position has absolutely killed the Broncos, while at the same time given opponents a huge advantage in every single game.
So, there are a variety of ailments that don't have ready solutions, but, I would think, a little passion and play execution would help enormously.
The players tell the press it's the little things, but the truth is that it's a bigger issue of wanting it, 'it' being success in some measure.
Too many guys collecting a paycheck.
wabbit
10-20-2007, 07:52 PM
Forgot to add that Cutler isn't hurt...I mean, everyone has dings & bumps, but he's not missing a beat in practice.
The game is still very fast around him...things haven't slowed down, but, despite the digs from the national media I hear on ESPN et al, the staff is actually pretty happy with his progress to date.
Rohirrim
10-20-2007, 08:07 PM
Forgot to add that Cutler isn't hurt...I mean, everyone has dings & bumps, but he's not missing a beat in practice.
The game is still very fast around him...things haven't slowed down, but, despite the digs from the national media I hear on ESPN et al, the staff is actually pretty happy with his progress to date.
So am I.
Popps
10-20-2007, 08:16 PM
We need to start putting our QBs in a position to MANAGE games and function as part of a machine. Not dunking them into 14-21 point first half holes every week. It's the same old ****.
You CAN win with QBs not named John Elway, but you don't do it by putting them in the crapper early in games every week.
Just shore up the trenches. How long is it going to take to realize this?
NASurfer
10-20-2007, 08:44 PM
I know it's just a rumor, but if it's Shanahan that decides to 'reboot', I'm going to be seriously down if that happens. Yeah, we're going through a major overhaul period -- but these kind of things happen... even under great coaches. I hope he sticks it out.
Sundquist, I wouldn't mind seeing leaving.
Arkie
10-20-2007, 08:48 PM
The 1989 Dallas Cowboys part two.
That young Cowboys team went on to win 3 SBs. Hopefully we have that same kind of luck.
We just need to work out a similar trade to the Herschel Walker deal that took place during Cowboys 1989 season. :wiggle:
frerottenextelway
10-20-2007, 09:31 PM
Forgot to add that Cutler isn't hurt...I mean, everyone has dings & bumps, but he's not missing a beat in practice.
The game is still very fast around him...things haven't slowed down, but, despite the digs from the national media I hear on ESPN et al, the staff is actually pretty happy with his progress to date.
w3rd. There's only so much you can do if you get the ball 8 times in a game and are *lucky* to start at your own 20.
Sunquist, whatever, but I just hope Shanahan doesn't go. They don't want to use the term rebuild, and obviously want to contend now (and maybe they still will), but the reality is if any other team had this big of changeover in players and coaches, with this many extremely young players, it would be called rebuilding. If they aren't going to let Shanahan see this thing through, then he shouldn't have been here this year either.
elsid13
10-20-2007, 10:09 PM
OK does anyone think that there is clear succession plan in place if the franschise goes with the reboot mode? Will the team look for new HC from within or will it go outside and bring in whole new staff?
Cito Pelon
10-20-2007, 10:43 PM
I agree entirely. You just don't know.
The post was too heavy on the negative and I apologize for that. I know there are some folks in the organization who feel the talent is there to compete for the AFC West & are frustrated beyond imagination as to why it isn't translating to the field.
Bates' defenses have been notoriously slow starters, but the offense has to start putting up some points as well.
Field position has absolutely killed the Broncos, while at the same time given opponents a huge advantage in every single game.
So, there are a variety of ailments that don't have ready solutions, but, I would think, a little passion and play execution would help enormously.
The players tell the press it's the little things, but the truth is that it's a bigger issue of wanting it, 'it' being success in some measure.
Too many guys collecting a paycheck.
It's surprising that the team needs "little things" to go right for them to feel confident. One would think they would think of themselves as a powerful team, but apparently that is not the case.
Why they don't think of themselves as a powerful team I don't understand. I don't understand why they don't play with confidence. This is a powerful O.
Cito Pelon
10-20-2007, 10:53 PM
We need to start putting our QBs in a position to MANAGE games and function as part of a machine. Not dunking them into 14-21 point first half holes every week. It's the same old ****.
You CAN win with QBs not named John Elway, but you don't do it by putting them in the crapper early in games every week.
Just shore up the trenches. How long is it going to take to realize this?
The D sure as hell needs to put some numbers up. TO's, baby, show me some TO's.
Cito Pelon
10-20-2007, 11:05 PM
Forgot to add that Cutler isn't hurt...I mean, everyone has dings & bumps, but he's not missing a beat in practice.
The game is still very fast around him...things haven't slowed down, but, despite the digs from the national media I hear on ESPN et al, the staff is actually pretty happy with his progress to date.
Maybe they should let the kid go deep. Taking what the D gives them isn't making TD's.
ScottXray
10-21-2007, 11:18 AM
OK does anyone think that there is clear succession plan in place if the franschise goes with the reboot mode? Will the team look for new HC from within or will it go outside and bring in whole new staff?
This is Shanahans team , so I don't see why they would consider moving someone within the organisation UP. If Shanahan goes, the new HC would HAVE to come from outside.....and new coaches generally have their OWN personnel they want to come along.
As said before, an ERA would be changing....We would actually say...ok..we're rebuilding from the ground up. It would take a minimum of 3 years.
:sunshine:
~Crash~
10-22-2007, 01:59 AM
I know it's just a rumor, but if it's Shanahan that decides to 'reboot', I'm going to be seriously down if that happens. Yeah, we're going through a major overhaul period -- but these kind of things happen... even under great coaches. I hope he sticks it out.
Sundquist, I wouldn't mind seeing leaving.
The last 2 drafts have been money Sundquist has had the name gm FOR 2 YEARS only in the end Coach has all the say in the draft and FA ! you guys a full Crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sundquist HAS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO THINGS DIFFENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO THIS THREAD AT THIS POINT IS CRAP
wabbit
10-22-2007, 02:22 AM
The last 2 drafts have been money Sundquist has had the name gm FOR 2 YEARS only in the end Coach has all the say in the draft and FA ! you guys a full Crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sundquist HAS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO THINGS DIFFENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO THIS THREAD AT THIS POINT IS CRAP
It's true that all final roster decisions (including the draft) come down to Shanahans' approval...or disapproval, but he relys heavily on input from Sundquist.
He uses minutely detailed scouting reports and film study as well as recommendations from his staff.
...but Sundquist has considerable sway in the final decisions, and at times, even initiates the contact with FAs he thinks might benefit Denver.
Not trying to be confrontational, but the guy makes far too many big, expensive mistakes...Gerard Warren springs to mind, but there are others...many others unfortunately.
~Crash~
10-22-2007, 02:29 AM
It's true that all final roster decisions (including the draft) come down to Shanahans' approval...or disapproval, but he relys heavily on input from Sundquist.
He uses minutely detailed scouting reports and film study as well as recommendations from his staff.
...but Sundquist has considerable sway in the final decisions, and at times, even initiates the contact with FAs he thinks might benefit Denver.
Not trying to be confrontational, but the guy makes far too many big, expensive mistakes...Gerard Warren springs to mind, but there are others...many others unfortunately.
2 years at being the GM and IMO the best 2 drafts by the bronco maybe ever ! yep Sundquist sucks lol
~Crash~
10-22-2007, 02:34 AM
we had alot of very young players playing tonight and they were darn fine !!!!!!!!! LOL Warren was damn fine in the system he was picked up to play in !!!!!!!!!!!!!! and he was one hell of a run stoper so try again wabbit !