Ten things that shattered the Broncos' season

[dragondawg]

By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE

By the time the Denver Broncos’ season took another devastating hit Thursday with a 31-13 loss at Houston, nobody could be surprised anymore.

After an offseason filled with optimism, Denver is 6-8. The Broncos could be eliminated from the playoffs today with wins by San Diego and Cleveland, and need to win out to avoid their first losing season in eight years.

“I’m not surprised at what happened today because we’ve been doing that all year,” cornerback Champ Bailey said after Thursday’s game. “It’s been too inconsistent. Not playing hard enough and being outplayed in everything.”

There are many reasons the Broncos’ season fell apart, starting with these 10:

1. DEATHS TAKE EMOTIONAL TOLL

When Redskins safety Sean Taylor died Nov. 27, it was apparent the Broncos still weren’t over the offseason deaths of cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash. The emotions came back when they discussed Taylor, offering a window to what the Broncos have been dealing with this season.

“There’s certain things that stay consistent,” receiver Brandon Marshall said when discussing what the Redskins would go through. “Every day those guys have to walk by his locker and walk by different things that are going to remind them of him, so it’s going to be tough.

“We dealt with it this year, and we’re still dealing with it.”

2. DEFENSIVE LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Whether the blame falls on new assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates or the players running his scheme, the defense has taken a major step back this season. After Thursday’s game, the Broncos ranked 30th in scoring defense. Last year, the Broncos finished tied for eighth in scoring defense under Larry Coyer’s leadership. The common excuse during the preseason was the team was slow to pick up the scheme, but eventually the players took responsibility.

“Coach Bates has done a good job with this defense,” cornerback Dre Bly said. “We’ve got to be more consistent. Guys have to be more consistent in their gaps, guys have to be more consistent in their coverages. We just have to execute.”

3. CHANGES BACKFIRE

The Broncos’ biggest offseason moves weren’t wildly successful. Tight end Daniel Graham has 24 catches, Dre Bly has five interceptions but also has given up some big touchdowns, running back Travis Henry has 247 yards since September and defensive linemen Sam Adams and Simeon Rice have been released. Some lesser heralded acquisitions such as receiver Brandon Stokley, defensive tackle Alvin McKinley and guard Montrae Holland have worked out better, but overall the Broncos didn’t have the talent they anticipated when they started the season.

“I think, to be flat out honest, some better personnel would help us be more consistent, and some more experience would help us be more consistent,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.

4. OFFENSE INCONSISTENCY

Thursday’s game was a microcosm of the season. Even though Denver didn’t run the ball well, quarterback Jay Cutler had 254 yards. Yet the Broncos scored only 13 points. All season the Broncos have had trouble scoring. After Thursday, they were 17th in the NFL in points per game despite being fifth in yards.

“It’s real frustrating because it seems like we’re not getting better, even though we emphasize it in practice,” Graham said. “One week we might be good, the next week we’re not. There’s no consistency on the offense.”

5. HENRY DISTRACTED

Henry was supposed to have a huge year. Aside from a few 100-yard games in September, he has had a tough season. From September to December, he fought the NFL over a positive drug test. He said he felt a weight lifted when he won his appeal. Henry also dealt with ankle, rib and knee injuries.

“He was going through a tough time,” coach Mike Shanahan said about Henry.

6. WALKER SIDELINED

Javon Walker had 1,084 yards receiving last year and had 220 yards through two games this season. Then a knee injury, which he says he suffered in Denver’s second preseason game at Dallas, got so painful he sat out some games, had surgery, then sat out some more. Walker has missed eight games this season and has 37 yards since the first two games.

“If that play didn’t happen in Dallas, I’d probably be at 1,000-whatever yards right now, still going, feeling great,” Walker said.

7. KICKING TO HESTER

Denver was on a two-game winning streak and on its way to winning a third Nov. 25 when two touchdowns from Chicago returner Devin Hester helped the Bears pull off an overtime win.
The Broncos wanted to kick near the sideline, but the two kicks Hester returned were kicked to the hashmark, making it easier for him.

But there is the theory that the best strategy against Hester is to kick the ball out of bounds and concede field position. That’s what Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer he instructed punter Ryan Plackemeier to do.

“When we played the Bears with Hester ... I told Ryan under no circumstances was the ball to remain in play,” Holmgren said.

8. OVERTIME HEARTBREAK

Another difficult loss was a 19-13 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 29. Denver drove inside the 10-yard line in the final minute but couldn’t score the winning touchdown. After tying the score on a field goal, Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw deep and Greg Jennings beat Bly for an 82-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.

“To lose it right then at the end like that in overtime was kind of hard,” McKinley said this week.

9. NO STOPPING THE RUN

Winning in the NFL is almost impossible when you can’t stop the run. Denver is ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing defense after giving up 158 yards to Houston. The Broncos had to adjust to a change at linebacker, when Nate Webster moved to the outside and D.J. Williams moved from the outside to the middle, a position he never had played. And the defensive line, built to be big up the middle, never panned out.

After a few good games, the run defense struggled again in a key loss at Oakland on Dec. 2, allowing 175 yards.

“We worked hard to do the little things the right way,” safety Hamza Abdullah said after that game. “It’s just one or two guys here or there.”

10. OFFENSIVE LINE CHANGES

Denver has had almost no continuity on the line this season. In training camp, guard Ben Hamilton suffered a concussion and never fully recovered. Center Tom Nalen joined Hamilton on injured reserve after five games because of a biceps injury. Among the starting offensive linemen, guard Chris Kuper, center Chris Myers and tackle Erik Pears had 10 combined career starts before this season, all by Pears. Tackle Matt Lepsis was coming off a major knee injury, and guard Montrae Holland is in his first year with the team.

The Broncos, who gave up six sacks in their first five games with Nalen, have given up 21 sacks in the nine games since Nalen got hurt.

“I definitely think it was a big challenge, with all of the big injuries that happened,” Myers said.

“No one has been overwhelmed or stressed out about it. They just look at it as their opportunity.”

http://www.gazette.com/sports/broncos_30930___article.html/season_games.html

[go_broncos]

We lost our confidence after we lost to Chicago Bears and we never recovered.

WHY..DID WE KICK TO HESTER??

I am still unable to understand the logic to kick to Hester.

[KipCorrington25]

Hester is one thing but if you don't go into the prevent yourself from winning defense and let Rex Disgustingman drive down the field like it's nothing then you win.

The D lost that game folks!

[Popps]

“I think, to be flat out honest, some better personnel would help us be more consistent, and some more experience would help us be more consistent,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.


Well, Domonique is right. Though, he's probably not the guy who should be saying it.

We've got a defense featuring 7 players that arguably wouldn't be starters on a talented D.

Which one of these players would unseat anyone on the Patriots defense...

-Abdullah? Please.

-Gold? Pfff.

-Williams? You're kidding.

Webster? Right.

Elvis? Might be a good LB in a 4/3. He'd stand a chance, but probably be situational, as he should be.

Crowder? Maybe in a few years.

Thomas? He's a rook, like Crowder, who knows. But, he's shown NOTHING so far. Most talented rookies at least show a flash here and there. He's done zero.

Then you get into our band of Josh Mallard-type slobs that we seem to call up and cut every other week.


Seriously. 80% of our defense couldn't start on another team... and remember, some teams wouldn't even want Bly. Detroit couldn't pack his bags fast enough.

Our defense is a ****ing laughing stock. It was bad the past few years (I don't care what bull**** stats you want to pull) .... and it somehow got even worse.

[The MVPlaya]

http://www.gazette.com/sports/broncos_30930___article.html/season_games.html

Ten things that shattered the Broncos' season
Comments 1 | Recommend 0
By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
December 15, 2007 - 8:50PM

By the time the Denver Broncos’ season took another devastating hit Thursday with a 31-13 loss at Houston, nobody could be surprised anymore.

After an offseason filled with optimism, Denver is 6-8. The Broncos could be eliminated from the playoffs today with wins by San Diego and Cleveland, and need to win out to avoid their first losing season in eight years.

“I’m not surprised at what happened today because we’ve been doing that all year,” cornerback Champ Bailey said after Thursday’s game. “It’s been too inconsistent. Not playing hard enough and being outplayed in everything.”

There are many reasons the Broncos’ season fell apart, starting with these 10:

1. DEATHS TAKE EMOTIONAL TOLL

When Redskins safety Sean Taylor died Nov. 27, it was apparent the Broncos still weren’t over the offseason deaths of cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash. The emotions came back when they discussed Taylor, offering a window to what the Broncos have been dealing with this season.

“There’s certain things that stay consistent,” receiver Brandon Marshall said when discussing what the Redskins would go through. “Every day those guys have to walk by his locker and walk by different things that are going to remind them of him, so it’s going to be tough.

“We dealt with it this year, and we’re still dealing with it.”

2. DEFENSIVE LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Whether the blame falls on new assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates or the players running his scheme, the defense has taken a major step back this season. After Thursday’s game, the Broncos ranked 30th in scoring defense. Last year, the Broncos finished tied for eighth in scoring defense under Larry Coyer’s leadership. The common excuse during the preseason was the team was slow to pick up the scheme, but eventually the players took responsibility.

“Coach Bates has done a good job with this defense,” cornerback Dre Bly said. “We’ve got to be more consistent. Guys have to be more consistent in their gaps, guys have to be more consistent in their coverages. We just have to execute.”

3. CHANGES BACKFIRE

The Broncos’ biggest offseason moves weren’t wildly successful. Tight end Daniel Graham has 24 catches, Dre Bly has five interceptions but also has given up some big touchdowns, running back Travis Henry has 247 yards since September and defensive linemen Sam Adams and Simeon Rice have been released. Some lesser heralded acquisitions such as receiver Brandon Stokley, defensive tackle Alvin McKinley and guard Montrae Holland have worked out better, but overall the Broncos didn’t have the talent they anticipated when they started the season.

“I think, to be flat out honest, some better personnel would help us be more consistent, and some more experience would help us be more consistent,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.

4. OFFENSE INCONSISTENCY

Thursday’s game was a microcosm of the season. Even though Denver didn’t run the ball well, quarterback Jay Cutler had 254 yards. Yet the Broncos scored only 13 points. All season the Broncos have had trouble scoring. After Thursday, they were 17th in the NFL in points per game despite being fifth in yards.

“It’s real frustrating because it seems like we’re not getting better, even though we emphasize it in practice,” Graham said. “One week we might be good, the next week we’re not. There’s no consistency on the offense.”

5. HENRY DISTRACTED

Henry was supposed to have a huge year. Aside from a few 100-yard games in September, he has had a tough season. From September to December, he fought the NFL over a positive drug test. He said he felt a weight lifted when he won his appeal. Henry also dealt with ankle, rib and knee injuries.

“He was going through a tough time,” coach Mike Shanahan said about Henry.

6. WALKER SIDELINED

Javon Walker had 1,084 yards receiving last year and had 220 yards through two games this season. Then a knee injury, which he says he suffered in Denver’s second preseason game at Dallas, got so painful he sat out some games, had surgery, then sat out some more. Walker has missed eight games this season and has 37 yards since the first two games.

“If that play didn’t happen in Dallas, I’d probably be at 1,000-whatever yards right now, still going, feeling great,” Walker said.

7. KICKING TO HESTER

Denver was on a two-game winning streak and on its way to winning a third Nov. 25 when two touchdowns from Chicago returner Devin Hester helped the Bears pull off an overtime win.
The Broncos wanted to kick near the sideline, but the two kicks Hester returned were kicked to the hashmark, making it easier for him.

But there is the theory that the best strategy against Hester is to kick the ball out of bounds and concede field position. That’s what Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren told the Philadelphia Inquirer he instructed punter Ryan Plackemeier to do.

“When we played the Bears with Hester ... I told Ryan under no circumstances was the ball to remain in play,” Holmgren said.

8. OVERTIME HEARTBREAK

Another difficult loss was a 19-13 loss to Green Bay on Oct. 29. Denver drove inside the 10-yard line in the final minute but couldn’t score the winning touchdown. After tying the score on a field goal, Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw deep and Greg Jennings beat Bly for an 82-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.

“To lose it right then at the end like that in overtime was kind of hard,” McKinley said this week.

9. NO STOPPING THE RUN

Winning in the NFL is almost impossible when you can’t stop the run. Denver is ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing defense after giving up 158 yards to Houston. The Broncos had to adjust to a change at linebacker, when Nate Webster moved to the outside and D.J. Williams moved from the outside to the middle, a position he never had played. And the defensive line, built to be big up the middle, never panned out.

After a few good games, the run defense struggled again in a key loss at Oakland on Dec. 2, allowing 175 yards.

“We worked hard to do the little things the right way,” safety Hamza Abdullah said after that game. “It’s just one or two guys here or there.”

10. OFFENSIVE LINE CHANGES

Denver has had almost no continuity on the line this season. In training camp, guard Ben Hamilton suffered a concussion and never fully recovered. Center Tom Nalen joined Hamilton on injured reserve after five games because of a biceps injury. Among the starting offensive linemen, guard Chris Kuper, center Chris Myers and tackle Erik Pears had 10 combined career starts before this season, all by Pears. Tackle Matt Lepsis was coming off a major knee injury, and guard Montrae Holland is in his first year with the team.

The Broncos, who gave up six sacks in their first five games with Nalen, have given up 21 sacks in the nine games since Nalen got hurt.

“I definitely think it was a big challenge, with all of the big injuries that happened,” Myers said.

“No one has been overwhelmed or stressed out about it. They just look at it as their opportunity.”

[Kaylore]

Popps, you've become a caricature of yourself. Do you realize that?

[eddie mac]

It'll be interesting to see the overhaul of personnel this season. IMHO the 2008 FA market is one of the worst in NFL history so I wouldn't expect a miracle turnaround next year unless we get really lucky on the injury front and keep really important players like Nalen/Walker/Moss and a starting RB on the field all season.

[TheChamp24]

It'll be interesting to see the overhaul of personnel this season. IMHO the 2008 FA market is one of the worst in NFL history so I wouldn't expect a miracle turnaround next year unless we get really lucky on the injury front and keep really important players like Nalen/Walker/Moss and a starting RB on the field all season.

RB:
Michael Turner
Marion Barber
Julius Jones
Justin Fargas

WR:
Bernard Berrian
Patrick Crayton

OL:
Alan Faneca
Jordan Gross
Max Starks
Jake Scott
Travelle Wharton

DE:
Jared Allen
Justin Smith
Terrell Suggs

DT:
Albert Haynesworth
Corey Williams
Tommy Kelly

LB:
Lance Briggs
Karlos Dansby
Boss Bailey

S:
Ken Hamlin
Mike Doss
Gibril Wilson

A lot of guys who can help this team, I wouldn't call it the worst FA class in history...

[NYBronco]

Dumping Sauerbum would eliminate the Hester type nightmares and blocked punts. A veteran punter does not put his team in positions such as this. He's proved his worthlessness on this team, now comes the easy part.

[broncs2bowl]

We lost our confidence after we lost to Chicago Bears and we never recovered.

WHY..DID WE KICK TO HESTER??

I am still unable to understand the logic to kick to Hester.

cause Todd didn't want to play chicken poop(i hate Todd)

[eddie mac]

RB:
Michael Turner
Marion Barber
Julius Jones
Justin Fargas

WR:
Bernard Berrian
Patrick Crayton

OL:
Alan Faneca
Jordan Gross
Max Starks
Jake Scott
Travelle Wharton

DE:
Jared Allen
Justin Smith
Terrell Suggs

DT:
Albert Haynesworth
Corey Williams
Tommy Kelly

LB:
Lance Briggs
Karlos Dansby
Boss Bailey

S:
Ken Hamlin
Mike Doss
Gibril Wilson

A lot of guys who can help this team, I wouldn't call it the worst FA class in history...

I would as soon as most of those guys are re-signed or franchised.

[Boogerboots]

You can pretty much expand on point #7 with the overall play of Sauerbrun and the special teams play in general. Even against Houston we constantly allowed them to start on the 35 or better while we started on the 20 on most occasions.

When the other team can start 15 to 20 yards closer on their drives than we do on most kickoffs, that helps to contribute to the record we see today.

For next year, we either we need better ST coverage or we need a guy to kick it through the endzone. Sauerbrun with the current ST squad just ain't doing the job.

[Ray Finkle]

Why is everyone swinging from Gross's nuts? Do you watch him play or just take shots in the dark....Samuels from the Redskins could be sent out and he would be a cheaper alternative to Gross for RT.

[Crushaholic]

We did NOT lose the game because we kicked it to Hester. We were up 34-20 WITH Hester's two runbacks. People seem to forget that. We lost on a blocked punt and the defense couldn't stop Grossman when they needed to do so...

[Raiders Rock]

You would still be in it, if you had not lost to the Raiders

[400HZ]

RB:
Michael Turner
Marion Barber
Julius Jones
Justin Fargas

WR:
Bernard Berrian
Patrick Crayton

OL:
Alan Faneca
Jordan Gross
Max Starks
Jake Scott
Travelle Wharton

DE:
Jared Allen
Justin Smith
Terrell Suggs

DT:
Albert Haynesworth
Corey Williams
Tommy Kelly

LB:
Lance Briggs
Karlos Dansby
Boss Bailey

S:
Ken Hamlin
Mike Doss
Gibril Wilson

A lot of guys who can help this team, I wouldn't call it the worst FA class in history...

That's way better than last year. You left out Bob Sanders too.

[Orange_Beard]

Hard to measure the death of Dwill and the lose of 55.

1 thing I know for sure "If you can't stop the run you will not win."

[Spider]

1. should have been letting other teams score more points then we scored ......

[ohiobronco2]

I thought Marion Barber re signed and if Bob Sanders is available like you say, we'd be fools not to make a run at him.

[Inkana7]

You would still be in it, if you had not lost to the Raiders

So would you, if you hadn't lost 9 games, often in pathetic fashion.

[telluride]

Forgot one:

11. Shanny can not judge talent, can no longer scheme, can not make in-game adjustments, can not properly motivate, and has morphed into Dan Reeves.

[ohiobronco2]

Forgot one:

11. Shanny can not judge talent, can no longer scheme, can not make in-game adjustments, can not properly motivate, and has morphed into Dan Reeves.

You've become a turd just like Bob, Crazywhore, RR and Maximus. You constantly spew this crap, knowing the kind of responces you are going to get. So genius, if we get rid of Shanny, who replaces him? I know that Shanny may have some failures as far as being a talent evaluator is concerned, but the man can still coach, anyone who says otherwise is a complete idiot.

[ohiobronco2]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3157112

[Popps]

Popps, you've become a caricature of yourself. Do you realize that?

All I realize is that you've got a creepy fixation with me, and I understand why no one can stand you around here these days.

Now, put me on ignore, or go seek some counseling... or whatever. You're a sad individual.

[Popps]

Haynesworth might be a jackoff, but you saw the difference he made when he was out. Tenn is a different team. That's the type of impact linemen we've been missing for a long time.

[telluride]

You've become a turd just like Bob, Crazywhore, RR and Maximus. You constantly spew this crap, knowing the kind of responces you are going to get. So genius, if we get rid of Shanny, who replaces him? I know that Shanny may have some failures as far as being a talent evaluator is concerned, but the man can still coach, anyone who says otherwise is a complete idiot.

I've been saying this for a while now: Jason Garrett as head coach, Parcells as GM.

[enjolras]

For me this season imploded the very moment Al Wilson went down for good. That fire and leadership is something you just can't replace.

[Popps]

For me this season imploded the very moment Al Wilson went down for good. That fire and leadership is something you just can't replace.

Add Rod Smith to that thought.

[Kaylore]

All I realize is that you've got a creepy fixation with me, and I understand why no one can stand you around here these days.

Now, put me on ignore, or go seek some counseling... or whatever. You're a sad individual.

No, Popps. You're the sad, bitter poster who rips on 80% of the team as worthless at every turn. I also doubt that the community has asked you to speak for them on their opinion of me. Thanks for the counseling advice. Now please give us another one of your wonderful takes where you rip on the team as garbage not caring "what the stats say".

After all, when Popps forms an opinion, little things like reality won't sway him. Popps is always right.

[Popps]

No, Popps. You're the sad, bitter poster who rips on 80% of the team as worthless at every turn. I also doubt that the community has asked you to speak for them on their opinion of me. Thanks for the counseling advice. Now please give us another one of your wonderful takes where you rip on the team as garbage not caring "what the stats say".

After all, when Popps forms an opinion, little things like reality won't sway him. Popps is always right.


O.K. Sybil.

Take your medicine.

[Raiders Rock]

I love it when they fight amongst themselves

[lex]

We lost our confidence after we lost to Chicago Bears and we never recovered.

WHY..DID WE KICK TO HESTER??

I am still unable to understand the logic to kick to Hester.

Truthfully, Hester did nothing in the first half against us. In fact, he fumbled giving us 3 points. So after a half of keeping him in check, he returns one in the third. Then you are presented with a decision. Do you go by what has worked the vast majority of the game (the fact that he did nothing in the first half on numerous attempts) or do you abandoned what you were doing that was working save one return? There are and were valid points on both sides for kicking or not kicking to him but its really easy to complain after the fact and completely forget how he had done nothing in the first half.

[Bronco Yoda]

#1 = Paper thin depth across the board. Death, injuries, playaing 'go-fish' with our defensive line roster exposed our paper thin roster. Sure, our starting line-up looked good... it looks good for next year too. Problem is we have no depth. And on the lines we don't even have enough bodies to roll in and out like we should even when everything goes well.

We have some great players.... just not nearly enough good players to fill out the roster behind them.

The only chance we had this year is being blessed with few to none injuries. And that rarely happens in the NFL.

[The MVPlaya]

Forgot one:

11. Shanny can not judge talent, can no longer scheme, can not make in-game adjustments, can not properly motivate, and has morphed into Dan Reeves.

Yeah....Jay Cutler, Scheffler, Dumervil, Marshall...nope.ROFL!

[Traveler]

Haynesworth might be a jackoff, but you saw the difference he made when he was out. Tenn is a different team. That's the type of impact linemen we've been missing for a long time.

Thing is, Haynesworth probably won't sniff FA. Tennessee will franchise him unless there is an agreement to let him test the market.

That said, it would be nice to have a shot at him.

[dsmoot]

Yeah....Jay Cutler, Scheffler, Dumervil, Marshall...nope.ROFL!

Our trouble is the 2001 -2005 drafts. We are paying for it now. Basically, we can add Champ and Dre Bly as a result of other players being traded. I can't remember what we got in the way of compensation for Lelie or Hayward. It is quite interesting to see the names and remember how many of these players actually became starters on their own merit (not injury related, not counting nickle players) and of those players who actually is still on the roster and then who is having success elsewhere. This is dismal. Foster and Hamilton are the only OL who earned a starting position (Foster stunk). Darrent is the only DB to earn a starting position. Hayward the only DL. 2 Punters who aren't with the team - you would think we would have hit in one if we would use a pick.

2005 Darrent Williams DB Oklahoma State
Karl Paymah DB Washington State
Domonique Foxworth DB Maryland
Maurice Clarett RB Ohio State
Chris Myers G Miami (FL)
Paul Ernster K Northern Arizona
2004 D.J. Williams LB Miami (FL)
Tatum Bell RB Oklahoma State
Darius Watts WR Marshall
Jeremy LeSueur DB Michigan
Jeff Shoate DB San Diego State
Triandos Luke WR Alabama
Josh Sewell C Nebraska
Matt Mauck QB Louisiana State
Brandon Miree RB Pittsburgh
Bradlee Van Pelt QB Colorado State
2003 George Foster T Georgia
Terry Pierce LB Kansas State
Quentin Griffin RB Oklahoma
Nicholas Eason DT Clemson
Bryant McNeal DE Clemson
Ben Claxton C Mississippi
Adrian Madise WR Texas Christian
Aaron Hunt DE Texas Tech
Clint Mitchell DE Florida
Ahmaad Gallowa RB Alabama
2002 Ashley Lelie WR Hawaii
Clinton Portis RB Miami (FL)
Dorsett Davis DT Mississippi State
Sam Brandon DB UNLV
Herb Haygood WR Michigan State
Jeb Putzier TE Boise State
Chris Young DB Georgia Tech
Monsanto Pope DT Virginia
2001 Willie Middlebrooks DB Minnesota
Paul Toviessi DE Marshall
Reggie Hayward DE Iowa State
Ben Hamilton C Minnesota
Nick Harris P California
Kevin Kasper WR Iowa

[Inkana7]

Our trouble is the 2001 -2005 drafts. We are paying for it now. Basically, we can add Champ and Dre Bly as a result of other players being traded. I can't remember what we got in the way of compensation for Lelie or Hayward. It is quite interesting to see the names and remember how many of these players actually became starters on their own merit (not injury related, not counting nickle players) and of those players who actually is still on the roster and then who is having success elsewhere. This is dismal. Foster and Hamilton are the only OL who earned a starting position (Foster stunk). Darrent is the only DB to earn a starting position. Hayward the only DL. 2 Punters who aren't with the team - you would think we would have hit in one if we would use a pick.

2005 Darrent Williams DB Oklahoma State
Karl Paymah DB Washington State
Domonique Foxworth DB Maryland
Maurice Clarett RB Ohio State
Chris Myers G Miami (FL)
Paul Ernster K Northern Arizona
2004 D.J. Williams LB Miami (FL)
Tatum Bell RB Oklahoma State
Darius Watts WR Marshall
Jeremy LeSueur DB Michigan
Jeff Shoate DB San Diego State
Triandos Luke WR Alabama
Josh Sewell C Nebraska
Matt Mauck QB Louisiana State
Brandon Miree RB Pittsburgh
Bradlee Van Pelt QB Colorado State
2003 George Foster T Georgia
Terry Pierce LB Kansas State
Quentin Griffin RB Oklahoma
Nicholas Eason DT Clemson
Bryant McNeal DE Clemson
Ben Claxton C Mississippi
Adrian Madise WR Texas Christian
Aaron Hunt DE Texas Tech
Clint Mitchell DE Florida
Ahmaad Gallowa RB Alabama
2002 Ashley Lelie WR Hawaii
Clinton Portis RB Miami (FL)
Dorsett Davis DT Mississippi State
Sam Brandon DB UNLV
Herb Haygood WR Michigan State
Jeb Putzier TE Boise State
Chris Young DB Georgia Tech
Monsanto Pope DT Virginia
2001 Willie Middlebrooks DB Minnesota
Paul Toviessi DE Marshall
Reggie Hayward DE Iowa State
Ben Hamilton C Minnesota
Nick Harris P California
Kevin Kasper WR Iowa

Shanny is teh suckz0rz!!!!

[TheDave]

Thing is, Haynesworth probably won't sniff FA. Tennessee will franchise him unless there is an agreement to let him test the market.

That said, it would be nice to have a shot at him.

Another contract year phenom... no thanks.

[summerdenver]

#1 = Paper thin depth across the board.

Thats not true. At some time or other we played backups at the following positions due to injuries QB, OL, WR, TE, RB, DB, DL, LB. Infact we lost starting DE and Sam(and first backup) before the season started.

For the most part the backups played as well as starters. IMO we need more talent on some positions (DE, OL and LB) and more experience in other areas.

[maher_tyler]

I thought Marion Barber re signed and if Bob Sanders is available like you say, we'd be fools not to make a run at him.

If anything the Colts will Franchise him

[Popps]

Thing is, Haynesworth probably won't sniff FA. Tennessee will franchise him unless there is an agreement to let him test the market.

That said, it would be nice to have a shot at him.

He's been a discipline issue, so that's a concern. But, you're right... they probably lock him up, particularly after seeing what their defense was like without him.

Imagine if we could land one DT of his caliber, and a real MLB. Our defense would be light-years better, immediately.

[Dagmar]

Forgot one:

11. Shanny can not judge talent, can no longer scheme, can not make in-game adjustments, can not properly motivate, and has morphed into Dan Reeves.

You are an absolute joke of a Bronco fan and hope you lose your fingers when the animals you fornicate with bite them off so we no longer have to read your posts.

[ol number 7]

Forgot one:

11. Shanny can not judge talent, can no longer scheme, can not make in-game adjustments, can not properly motivate, and has morphed into Dan Reeves.

You see these highlight shows and it shows plays every week that we never try. New England went on fourth down twice on the Jets side of the field in a meaningless game for them them. We punt needing two scores with five minutes left trying to save our season.
:approve:

[Beantown Bronco]

Hard to measure the death of Dwill and the lose of 55.

Somebody better tell DJ he was cut.

[jonny1]

You see these highlight shows and it shows plays every week that we never try. New England went on fourth down twice on the Jets side of the field in a meaningless game for them them. We punt needing two scores with five minutes left trying to save our season.
:approve:

As I recall, Shanahan went for it on 4th down twice Thursday night.

And there were people on here calling it stupid . . .

I was glad to see them go for it.

[defenseman]

You've become a turd just like Bob, Crazywhore, RR and Maximus. You constantly spew this crap, knowing the kind of responces you are going to get. So genius, if we get rid of Shanny, who replaces him? I know that Shanny may have some failures as far as being a talent evaluator is concerned, but the man can still coach, anyone who says otherwise is a complete idiot.

If shanahan is not getting the job done, which he hasn't in the last two years and continues to not get the job done, which he quite possibly may, does it really matter who the GM is at that point? Or the coach? In either case, you are mired in mediocrity with or without him right now, that's not saying a whole lot for his endorsement would you not agree? And don't say a word about 2 SB's in '97/'98. That was TEN YEARS AGO, and historically speaking he's done very little since Elway left. Does that support an argument for those who desire to see him gone? It absolutely does, and a strong one if delivered correctly I might add. To deny this is quite simply, being the 'fan' with orange tinted sunglasses let alone blinders on. A good "business" requires success. Bowlen should look at the long term on this one and make some tough evaluations, I know I would...dman

[Mediator12]

If shanahan is not getting the job done, which he hasn't in the last two years and continues to not get the job done, which he quite possibly may, does it really matter who the GM is at that point? Or the coach? In either case, you are mired in mediocrity with or without him right now, that's not saying a whole lot for his endorsement would you not agree? And don't say a word about 2 SB's in '97/'98. That was TEN YEARS AGO, and historically speaking he's done very little since Elway left. Does that support an argument for those who desire to see him gone? It absolutely does, and a strong one if delivered correctly I might add. To deny this is quite simply, being the 'fan' with orange tinted sunglasses let alone blinders on. A good "business" requires success. Bowlen should look at the long term on this one and make some tough evaluations, I know I would...dman


The thing about that, is what is the definition of success. Not having but one losing season since winning back to back Superbowls and that was the one where You lost the HOF QB and Potential HOF RB in the same season is also a solid track record. One most teams have very little shot at replicating outside INDY and NE currently.

This is still a top notch NFL franchise, one in the top 5 in the NFL for sure with Mike Here. Getting rid of a Successful coach because they are not number one every year is a ludicrous presumption. Especially, in a business environment as diverse and variable as the NFL.

I will agree that Mike has NOT gotten the job done with the offense the last 2years though. They have failed to score with their production for awhile now, and severely regressed the last 2 seasons. However, they are showing signs of getting out of that offensive funk. Defensively though, that scares me. They have imploded this year and need to find a scheme and stay with it. Too much change in players and too many changes in scheme to go along with it. They need to get players to fit a scheme and acquire them that way, not the haphazard get different bodies approach they have done for years.

[defenseman]

The thing about that, is what is the definition of success. Not having but one losing season since winning back to back Superbowls and that was the one where You lost the HOF QB and Potential HOF RB in the same season is also a solid track record. One most teams have very little shot at replicating outside INDY and NE currently.

This is still a top notch NFL franchise, one in the top 5 in the NFL for sure with Mike Here. Getting rid of a Successful coach because they are not number one every year is a ludicrous presumption. Especially, in a business environment as diverse and variable as the NFL.

I will agree that Mike has NOT gotten the job done with the offense the last 2years though. They have failed to score with their production for awhile now, and severely regressed the last 2 seasons. However, they are showing signs of getting out of that offensive funk. Defensively though, that scares me. They have imploded this year and need to find a scheme and stay with it. Too much change in players and too many changes in scheme to go along with it. They need to get players to fit a scheme and acquire them that way, not the haphazard get different bodies approach they have done for years.

If I had to label him, I'd say he's definitely hit or miss or the personnel side of the business. I'm wondering if Bowlen had a revolving door setup at headquarters to handle the goes-in and goes-out this season with respect to personnel. Secondly, it appears to me his abilities to make in game adjustments has gone down hill over the past 3 or 4 years. In addition, the play calling , well it's just plain boring, pretty damn predictable. Add it all up and somethings got to give. I'm guessing the GM side of the house could be unloaded and he can work on coaching and X and O's only. in any case, it'll be interesting to see where this goes. But, I think the machine is definitely broken right now and needs some heavy maintenance. No telling what that will be though..dman

[yerner]

I think it would be a mistake to judge him to harshly this season. We'll be right back in it in the next couple years. I think all the coordinator change has really caused some adjustment in the way they work together. Need some time to get together on the same page.

[orange 4 life]

Popps, you've become a caricature of yourself. Do you realize that?

not sure what that means, but on another note, what about his post do you disagree with?

the defense has folded like a cheap tent since 2003, and each year we fail to properly address our lack of a pass rush.

we lost to the colts in '03 and '04 because of a lack of a pass rush and awful defense, we lost to the steelers in '05 because our defense (with the line taking top honors again) made roethlisberger (who subsequently laid an egg in the superbowl) look like John Elway.

this season, we lost to the bears because of the defense (..and the refs...and the coaching...and the special teams :P ) and we failed to make the playoffs because of the defense.

before another (each better than the former) qb takes the fall, how about fixing the real problem?

[BMF Bronco]

not sure what that means, but on another note, what about his post do you disagree with?

the defense has folded like a cheap tent since 2003, and each year we fail to properly address our lack of a pass rush.

we lost to the colts in '03 and '04 because of a lack of a pass rush and awful defense, we lost to the steelers in '05 because our defense (with the line taking top honors again) made roethlisberger (who subsequently laid an egg in the superbowl) look like John Elway.

this season, we lost to the bears because of the defense (..and the refs...and the coaching...and the special teams :P ) and we failed to make the playoffs because of the defense.

before another (each better than the former) qb takes the fall, how about fixing the real problem?


Spot on, great post. However, you opened Pandora's box, what you will now see is the ensuing rants on how it indeed was Plummer's fault.

[orange 4 life]

Spot on, great post. However, you opened Pandora's box, what you will now see is the ensuing rants on how it indeed was Plummer's fault.

...and as much of a plummer fan as i was and still am, that REALLY wasnt my point.
im now a huge cutler fan, and it made me sick to my stomach this year when people started calling him out with many of the same idiotic statements we heard when people wanted to blame it all on plummer!!

- he stares down his receivers
- he throws too many interceptions
- he's been in the league too long to keep making these mistakes (this one was REALLY ridiculous to hear, but it was used often on 950)
- he just isnt a "winner", and never was in college either, so therefore he never WILL be in the pros.

basically a bunch of nonsensical drivel from people who cant come to terms with reality.

we need walker back healthy (and we need smith either on the field or on the sideline) and our offense will be just fine. we could use another solid lineman or two, but we'll be pretty darn good either way, and cutler has been a joy to watch. if his leadership catches up to his talent, he could be SCARY good.

on defense, we have the same issues we've had every year for quite awhile now.
our line just flat out stinks.
the difference this year is that our backers are missing wilsons leadership, not playing effectively in bates' "gap" scheme (which i question often), and CONSISTENTLY missing tackles and overrunning the play, which just exacerbates the problem.

bottom line is the blame just cant be deflected anymore, and the problem needs to be corrected.

[BMF Bronco]

I agree, and I was the biggest Jake homer in the world, but I too love to watch Cut, I can't wait to see this guy's future.

As for our D, I just don't know man, there is so much that needs to be done, it's going to be like putting a band aid on a severed limb, no matter what we do. It's going to be a long process.

[orange 4 life]

I agree, and I was the biggest Jake homer in the world, but I too love to watch Cut, I can't wait to see this guy's future.

As for our D, I just don't know man, there is so much that needs to be done, it's going to be like putting a band aid on a severed limb, no matter what we do. It's going to be a long process.

I dont know BMF.

for all the "rebuilding" talk we hear, its POSSIBLY only a couple/three players from being at least adequate.
ONE linebacker that can make a difference (we can debate the finer points all day, but we need another playmaker there) and a couple d-linemen.

we need to pony up and get a REAL free agent aquisition (sure, it means overpaying, but who's complaining about baileys contract?) this offseason combined with a couple more "bandaid" type players that might work out.

combine that with a healthy moss and ekuban (his loss was bigger than it was made out to be) and hopefully a continued learning curve from dumervil, crowder, etc., and this just might be a pretty decent defense.

nothing spectacular mind you, but pretty decent, which just might be enough for us to contend next season (at least for the afc west, if not beyond) and build a solid foundation.

[Fedaykin]

A co-worker made a comment to me the other day about the Bronco's. This is the first dissapointing season that the fans generally aren't blaming the quarterback for. That's pretty unprecidented here in Denver since #7 left, heh. It made me think though that Cutler might just be the vaunted savior of this organization, though not because he's the next Elway, but because his good play so far is forcing/allowing people (I think the coaching staff included) to see past his poition and to evaluate the rest of the team in a more objective fashion.

[orange 4 life]

i hear you fedaykin, but here is the thing:

people WERE blaming him earlier in the year, even though it was CRYSTAL clear that he wasnt the primary problem.
sure, he threw a few too many picks (nothing surprising from a second year guy), but he ALSO made alot of plays and took a leadership role.

the defense has gotten SOOOO terribly bad (along with special teams) that its taken some heat off of the qb (thankfully), but i fear another rough season (look how '03, '04, and '05 ended. CLEARLY not the qb's fault) and people will break their ankled jumping off his bandwagon.

i hope not, but what i heard this season wasnt encouraging.
its the ADD generation, and the unadulterated support this team got in the 70's and 80's (even 90's to an extent) is sadly long gone, and when there is blame to place, it seems only qb's and coaches are legal targets.

[Mediator12]

not sure what that means, but on another note, what about his post do you disagree with?

the defense has folded like a cheap tent since 2003, and each year we fail to properly address our lack of a pass rush.

we lost to the colts in '03 and '04 because of a lack of a pass rush and awful defense, we lost to the steelers in '05 because our defense (with the line taking top honors again) made roethlisberger (who subsequently laid an egg in the superbowl) look like John Elway.

this season, we lost to the bears because of the defense (..and the refs...and the coaching...and the special teams :P ) and we failed to make the playoffs because of the defense.

before another (each better than the former) qb takes the fall, how about fixing the real problem?

The DL has been a real problem in Denver since 2002 when they thought Kavika Pittman was a real RDE ;D It all starts with the DL as the foundation of any scheme and the last average DL DEN has fielded was in 2003. That was the year of the first massacre in INDY in the playoffs.

The problem that many here have had is some kind of misconception that the defense was the foundation of ANY Shanahan coached team. The man hardly ever pays attention to the defense, if at all. His teams have always been offensive oriented and have been built to outscore teams like INDY, instead of dominating them on defense. The 2003 and 2004 defenses overachieved with the talent they had and people had higher expectations of them in the playoffs.

What happened was the offense started going 3 and out in INDY as they ramped up the score and took the heart and soul out of a Play Action oriented Passing attack. The running game disappeared against a pathetic Colts Run defense when they needed it. DEN was a front running team that relied on its balanced attack to dominate offensively, and a bend but do not break type defense. As INDY got ahead, the situation got more dire for both sides of the ball. Neither side recovered until it was way too late to make a difference.

In 2005, they changed their scheme to the highest risk blitzing attack that anyone has played since the 46 in CHI under Buddy Ryan in the mid 80's. It worked until they missed all kinds of opportunities against PIT In the AFCCG. And because everyone forgets this, the ONLY reason DEN has won a Playoff game in the new millenium was the defensive and ST's effort over NE. The offense only got 3 points out of 27 that were not gifted from Defensive or ST's TO's. 2 1 yard TD Mike anderson drives, one Rod smith TD catch on a 3 play 15 yard drive, and one FG from a ST's fumble recovery. The offense put up 3 points in that game.

In 2006, they started off better than any other defense in the league in 50 years not giving up a TD until the middle of the 11th quarter they played. Despite 5 TO's in scoring position for other teams in those 3 games. Then, they went another 11 quarters before allowing their next TD against them. Meanwhile, the high powered offense was sputtering out the worst point production in Mike Shanahan's career. The defense gave up over 23 points in regulation only to INDY and SD. The #1 and #2 points per game teams last year. They were no match for any potent offense as the tricks they had to use were easily exposed against good OL and QB's. Yet, they were the ONLY reason DEN had any chance of making the playoffs at all in 2006.

The defense did what it could with those weak ass DL's those last two years. This year you saw what can happen when the Defense can not trick and scheme their way into playing the run better than the sum of its parts. With NO foundation to base the defense, no consistent scheme to acquire players, no continuity in philosophy, and no tricks left to implement this is what you get. A piss poor performing defense with holes all over the place and no strategy to overhaul it.

This is what happens when you piecemeal offseason defensive fixes for too long with no long term solutions. This is what happens when you do not let the defense become proficient and second nature over time. When it is the second fiddle to the head coach's philosophy. When you do not settle on a scheme and build around it over time. You get run down, spare parts type players on defense. This is easily the worst Champ has played in DEN. That has to change. Build on a scheme and make it happen.

The defense has enough good players on it to play at at least the level Coyer had them the last two years. They just need to implement a scheme and keep it for more than half a bloody season damnit!

[TheDave]

In 2005, they changed their scheme to the highest risk blitzing attack that anyone has played since the 46 in CHI under Buddy Ryan in the mid 80's. It worked until they missed all kinds of opportunities against PIT In the AFCCG. And because everyone forgets this, the ONLY reason DEN has won a Playoff game in the new millenium was the defensive and ST's effort over NE. The offense only got 3 points out of 27 that were not gifted from Defensive or ST's TO's. 2 1 yard TD Mike anderson drives, one Rod smith TD catch on a 3 play 15 yard drive, and one FG from a ST's fumble recovery. The offense put up 3 points in that game.



I will never as long as i live understand why they abandoned that style... This defense was simply made for that. Fast good blitzing linebackers, and an EXCELLENT blitzer in John Lynch. Add to that, Champ Bailey who completely shut down the right side of the offense and...and... Again what was the problem?

We did not loose to Pitt because of the Style we played, we lost because of missed opportunities and an offense that was unable to play from behind.

Seriously...How do you go to the AFC championship one year and completely remake your defense the next year?

[Mediator12]

I will never as long as i live understand why they abandoned that style... This defense was simply made for that. Fast good blitzing linebackers, and an EXCELLENT blitzer in John Lynch. Add to that, Champ Bailey who completely shut down the right side of the offense and...and... Again what was the problem?

We did not loose to Pitt because of the Style we played, we lost because of missed opportunities and an offense that was unable to play from behind.

Seriously...How do you go to the AFC championship one year and completely remake your defense the next year?

The high degree of risk involved and the ability to gameplan it over an offseason. The cover zero blitz found a way into a lot of NFL and college teams playbooks as a third down and change of pace weapon. It's a high risk, high reward style.

Same thing happened to the 46 of Ryan. No one runs it anymore, it is too high risk and requires the right kind of players. It's still used in eight man fronts from time to time, but as a base it leaves the CB's too exposed and one screw up is a huge play.

Coaches who have all offseason to gameplan can gimmick it for big plays. It was sure a fun way to play, but it was not practical as a long term scheme.

[TheDave]

The high degree of risk involved and the ability to gameplan it over an offseason. The cover zero blitz found a way into a lot of NFL and college teams playbooks as a third down and change of pace weapon. It's a high risk, high reward style.

Same thing happened to the 46 of Ryan. No one runs it anymore, it is too high risk and requires the right kind of players. It's still used in eight man fronts from time to time, but as a base it leaves the CB's too exposed and one screw up is a huge play.

Coaches who have all offseason to gameplan can gimmick it for big plays. It was sure a fun way to play, but it was not practical as a long term scheme.

I agree you can't live off of it... BUT... To go from the #1 blitzing team in the league to the least blitzing team the very next year just makes no sense.

With the speed we had in the back 7 we could of dropped in and out of "Blitz looks" all day. I really wish Coyer would of continued to develop that style of D... Probably would of kept his job.

By the way the cover zero we rolled out against Pilly was just awesome to watch. (yes even with TO's TD)

[cutthemdown]

“I think, to be flat out honest, some better personnel would help us be more consistent, and some more experience would help us be more consistent,” cornerback Domonique Foxworth said.


Well, Domonique is right. Though, he's probably not the guy who should be saying it.

We've got a defense featuring 7 players that arguably wouldn't be starters on a talented D.

Which one of these players would unseat anyone on the Patriots defense...

-Abdullah? Please.

-Gold? Pfff.

-Williams? You're kidding.

Webster? Right.

Elvis? Might be a good LB in a 4/3. He'd stand a chance, but probably be situational, as he should be.

Crowder? Maybe in a few years.

Thomas? He's a rook, like Crowder, who knows. But, he's shown NOTHING so far. Most talented rookies at least show a flash here and there. He's done zero.

Then you get into our band of Josh Mallard-type slobs that we seem to call up and cut every other week.


Seriously. 80% of our defense couldn't start on another team... and remember, some teams wouldn't even want Bly. Detroit couldn't pack his bags fast enough.

Our defense is a ****ing laughing stock. It was bad the past few years (I don't care what bull**** stats you want to pull) .... and it somehow got even worse.

quoted for truth.

I already hear a lot of people on this board talk about Abdullah like he is going to be a fine starter as safety. This dude is a total scrub and wouldn't start on 99 percent of the defenses in the NFL. He's a backup at best.

Broncos need 2 saftey's 2 linebacker and a DT. And that's assuming that Crowder/Thomas can be starters in the NFL which we don't yet.

I can't remember seeing many plays this year where the SS or FS bailed out a CB that was beaten. For Broncos CB's you better not miss a tackle or the dude goes in for a td.

[Mediator12]

quoted for truth.

I already hear a lot of people on this board talk about Abdullah like he is going to be a fine starter as safety. This dude is a total scrub and wouldn't start on 99 percent of the defenses in the NFL. He's a backup at best.

Broncos need 2 saftey's 2 linebacker and a DT. And that's assuming that Crowder/Thomas can be starters in the NFL which we don't yet.

I can't remember seeing many plays this year where the SS or FS bailed out a CB that was beaten. For Broncos CB's you better not miss a tackle or the dude goes in for a td.

Do you even understand single safety coverage? What SS or FS has had any type of over the top help for either CB?

[maher_tyler]

You build teams around your O and D lines..look at the Colts...without a passrush it doesn't really matter if we have Champ or not and if you can't stop the run that means you gotta stack the line by putting 8 in the box leaving 1 CB in single coverage like we do...when you do that big plays happen(in a number of games this year)..it's a domino effect. Nalen being hurt has hurt a lot and having a bunch of young guys playing hurts to...hopefully we draft a couple O linemen/D linemen...bottom line is: if you have a good QB, OL and DL it makes the rest of the team look like probowlers!!

[sirhcyennek81]

Hester is one thing but if you don't go into the prevent yourself from winning defense and let Rex Disgustingman drive down the field like it's nothing then you win.

The D lost that game folks!


Sure. The D allowed a kick return, a punt return and helped the bears block that punt that led to another score. Hard to pin 21 points on the defense when it was ST that let the team down.


:Broncos: