Optimistic about our D? - Good DJ Interview

[cmhargrove]

There are many of us here who feel our big problems on D last year came from guys playing out of position and not responding to our new scheme / coach. In other words, I think things should significantly improve just by returning our players to their old scheme. Much less getting a few anchors back like Ekuban.

This is a very good interview with DJ where he speaks about these issues. It leaves you feeling much more optimistic about how our defense could rebound this year.

He also directly points out the weakness at D-tackle, so I hope the Broncos FO is right on track there. I would love to see us pick up two D-tackles in this draft.

Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=349&videoID=2604&type=broncosTV&year=&month=

[montrose]

Good interview. In an era where there don't seem to be too many team-first guys, DJ appears to have that mentality. He openly admits he hated playing Sam, but played it for two seasons to accommodate the team and at the end of the interview when he was asked about the radio communication in the helmet, he took the stance that no positions are set when we all know that he and Champ aren't coming off the field this year.

If any player would have a right to be ticked it's this guy, but he's just quietly done whatever the coaching staff asked him. I'm excited to see how he does back at Will this year.

[brncs_fan]

Did anyone else see his eyes light up right at the end when he mentioned how Winborn came in and played well?

Could he be our Mike instead of Niko?

[worm]

DJ is a quality guy. I am excited to see him back at Will.

His comfort level, the maturation of the young guys up front, a healthy Boss and a scheme that is understood from Day 1 will go a long way to improving this D.

[TheChamp24]

Optimistic about the D? We added a backup LB to start at MLB, and signed another LB who all I've seen talked about is about as bad as Ian Gold was.

And we really need a veteran STARTER DT(not some scrub) and draft a rookie DT.

[Smiling Assassin27]

this is the time when hope springs eternal. when we see marion barber being stopped behind the line of scrimmage consistently in the preseason, then i'll get a bit geeked.

[Broncojef]

I still think we should have drafted Steven Jackson, Our LB corp went from one of the best in the league to one of the worst in the league and not just because we had no DT studs upfront. Sorry not a DJ fan.

[rovolution]

I still think we should have drafted Steven Jackson, Our LB corp went from one of the best in the league to one of the worst in the league and not just because we had no DT studs upfront. Sorry not a DJ fan.

Shanny liked Chris Perry more than Stephen Jackson

[Kaylore]

I think it's interesting that DJ said no position is set.

[Gcver2ver3]

Did anyone else see his eyes light up right at the end when he mentioned how Winborn came in and played well?

Could he be our Mike instead of Niko?

my prediction is that winborn will push Boss Bailey for reps at SAM...

i also predict Maners will be calling for the benching of Boss Bailey for Winborn...

[Gcver2ver3]

Shanny liked Chris Perry more than Stephen Jackson

really?

where did u hear that?...

i thought for sure i remembered shanny liking steven jackson best out of all the available RBs in 04...

[rovolution]

really?

where did u hear that?...

i thought for sure i remembered shanny liking steven jackson best out of all the available RBs in 04...

heard it here on the Mane many moons ago

[Killericon]

my prediction is that winborn will push Boss Bailey for reps at SAM...

i also predict Maners will be calling for the benching of Boss Bailey for Winborn...

Probably starting with me. I like Boss a lot, but Winborn is my guy.

In all honesty, I think that the best LB corps we could field at this moment would be Boss at Sam, DJ at Mike and Winborn at Will, but I'm hoping we get an ILB in the draft. Having said that, Winborn is a natural Will, so he's going to have a hard time seeing the field.

[Gcver2ver3]

heard it here on the Mane many moons ago

oh well then it must be true...;)

[theAPAOps5]

Optimistic about the D? We added a backup LB to start at MLB, and signed another LB who all I've seen talked about is about as bad as Ian Gold was.

And we really need a veteran STARTER DT(not some scrub) and draft a rookie DT.

A backup to the best MLB in the league. I think Niko will be a bright spot for Denver this season. The Seattle fans rave about him.

[TheReverend]

I think it's interesting that DJ said no position is set.

Really? With how fluid DJ's entire career has been in regards of putting the best LB's on the field, I figured it was a pretty natural assumption that if Winborn outperformed Niko DJ would be the Mike again... but I'm also figuring Niko to be a special teams guy regardless. Day one the Broncos WILL draft Connor/Mayo, and I'd be shocked if they're not the Mike at the Black Hole.

All in all, a great interview with a genuinely nice guy. I still feel it'd be in Den's best interest if Shanahan gives him a new goldfish every week and then kills it on gameday.

[theAPAOps5]

All in all, a great interview with a genuinely nice guy. I still feel it'd be in Den's best interest if Shanahan gives him a new goldfish every week and then kills it on gameday.


No, no, no images like that will just give telluride and wolf4life more material in the bedroom. They already have a full script to roll play from why give them more.

[2KBack]

Optimistic about the D? **** that, I'm optimistic about the whole damn team. I'll have plenty of time to bitch, moan, and throw things during the season. I'm not going to spend the whole offseason in an emotional roller coaster too.

[Kaylore]

Really? With how fluid DJ's entire career has been in regards of putting the best LB's on the field, I figured it was a pretty natural assumption that if Winborn outperformed Niko DJ would be the Mike again
Best player should play but I really don't expect to see DJ play anything but weakside this year.

[Ratboy]

I love how laid back he is. DJ is a good person with great talent, I'm glad he is going back to his natural position.

[alkemical]

One thing that's a bonus for him. He should really understand the mental side of the game much more playing all the different positions. Versatility is never a bad thing.

[Drek]

Koutouvides is an underrated player. He was a solid starter in only his rookie season in Seattle who then got beat out by a guy who is one of the best MLBs in the NFL.

Seattle took two guys with very similar game coming out of college it Koutouvides and Tatupu. Just because Koutouvides wasn't a starter isn't a bad sign, he played behind one of the best and was an absolute beast on special teams.

I think we'll all be impressed with his run stopping capabilities.

I also think we'll be in a much better situation in regards to our nickel down pair with Boss and DJ, Boss is a very good cover linebacker.

I don't see us drafting LB early this year. If Niko doesn't work out at MLB we'll address it early next year in a much better class, not reach on someone this year in a weak class, unless we get stupid lucky and a guy like Mayo falls in our lap in round 2.

As a whole I think the defense will be better, but we'll always be middle of the pack at best until we fix our problems at DT. Until then our DEs get doubled and our linebackers need to play defensively watching for the run. We let opposing QBs sit back and pick us apart because no matter how talented Bailey and Bly are they can't cover someone for 10 seconds without giving up an openning.

I think we'll be back to the middle of the pack again this year though, probably in the 13-17 range in total yardage against. Not good enough to make us an elite team though, unless the offense suddenly becomes top 3.

[cmhargrove]

Koutouvides is an underrated player. He was a solid starter in only his rookie season in Seattle who then got beat out by a guy who is one of the best MLBs in the NFL.

Seattle took two guys with very similar game coming out of college it Koutouvides and Tatupu. Just because Koutouvides wasn't a starter isn't a bad sign, he played behind one of the best and was an absolute beast on special teams.

I think we'll all be impressed with his run stopping capabilities.

I also think we'll be in a much better situation in regards to our nickel down pair with Boss and DJ, Boss is a very good cover linebacker.

I don't see us drafting LB early this year. If Niko doesn't work out at MLB we'll address it early next year in a much better class, not reach on someone this year in a weak class, unless we get stupid lucky and a guy like Mayo falls in our lap in round 2.

As a whole I think the defense will be better, but we'll always be middle of the pack at best until we fix our problems at DT. Until then our DEs get doubled and our linebackers need to play defensively watching for the run. We let opposing QBs sit back and pick us apart because no matter how talented Bailey and Bly are they can't cover someone for 10 seconds without giving up an openning.

I think we'll be back to the middle of the pack again this year though, probably in the 13-17 range in total yardage against. Not good enough to make us an elite team though, unless the offense suddenly becomes top 3.

Good analysis. I think Niko will be a better player than people think. I also really like our depth / backups in Winborn and Webster. So, if someone does go down we have some depth at LB. I even think we could try Winborn at pseudo-safety in our old "Big Nickel" package and let him stick on the TE's like Brandon used to. Winborn is fast, plays hard, and deserves to see the field.

Also, about the "statistical" side of the defense. I think if our offense figures out how to score the ball more regularly, it will really help our defense (no crap). Our defense has always been designed to hold a lead, not to just keep other teams completely off the board. It will make our corners shine, and help us use our speed on the outside more effectively (creative blitzing).

I expect the defense to improve, my question mark is really hinging more on the offense and Cutler a little more lately. It's not enough to move the ball, we have to be able to pound it in.

[TheChamp24]

Spew whatever you want, but still, Niko was a backup and special teamer. I don't care what the Seattle fans say, but really, we have no idea if he can be the starter at MLB for a full season.

and Boss Bailey, in putting this lightly from Detroit Lion and other NFL fans, completely sucks. Where are people getting he is a good cover LB? Everything I hear about him says he sucks. If anything, he is a marginal upgrade at best of Ian Gold.

[Drek]

Spew whatever you want, but still, Niko was a backup and special teamer. I don't care what the Seattle fans say, but really, we have no idea if he can be the starter at MLB for a full season.

and Boss Bailey, in putting this lightly from Detroit Lion and other NFL fans, completely sucks. Where are people getting he is a good cover LB? Everything I hear about him says he sucks. If anything, he is a marginal upgrade at best of Ian Gold.

So Seattle fans, people who've watched one of the better MLBs in the world and one of the better teams in the entire NFC, can't be trusted to give a worthwhile opinion on an MLB.

But Detroit fans, who've seen nothing but suck because their entire team is ran horribly, those guys have good takes!

Before Seattle's defense really came together Niko played every game, as a rookie, and was a solid contributor. Boss Bailey was a highly regarded talent coming out of college, most professional scouts still like his athleticism and coverage abilities, but he played on a horrible team in multiple defensive systems.

Before you bash Boss consider that he was actually a sought after FA by other teams. We got first visit and locked him up before he left thanks to having Champ on the team. When a team that has been as successful in FA acquisitions of late as Green Bay has been is pursuing the same guy you are as their #1 target for an OLB need you should feel good about getting him.

Be a hater all you want, just remember it when our defense is suddenly solidly average and Niko and Boss are a significant part of it.

[cmhargrove]

Spew whatever you want, but still, Niko was a backup and special teamer. I don't care what the Seattle fans say, but really, we have no idea if he can be the starter at MLB for a full season.

and Boss Bailey, in putting this lightly from Detroit Lion and other NFL fans, completely sucks. Where are people getting he is a good cover LB? Everything I hear about him says he sucks. If anything, he is a marginal upgrade at best of Ian Gold.

1. Niko is a career MLB. Dj had to learn the position on the job. We haven't had dominant MLB play for a couple years. (Even Al was waning at the end of the 2006 season). A solid MLB with instincts to hit the hole hard is all we need. We don't need a world beater, just someone who makes his hit at or near the LOS and makes teams pay for running between the tackles. I don't know how he will do, but compared to the last year and a half, he should be an immediate improvement, and could get even better.

However, you are correct, none of us knows for sure what his ceiling is.

2. Boss is an upgrade to Nate Webster (in the coaches present configuration). Nate had a few hard hits, but was often out of position and didn't always pursue well towards the sidelines. Webster was an extreme liability in coverage of any sort.

Boss takes over for Nate, DJ takes over for Ian, Niko just has to plug the middle and lay his helmet on people - I think he sounds well suited to that role. He has very experienced help to his right and his left.

[TheChamp24]

So Seattle fans, people who've watched one of the better MLBs in the world and one of the better teams in the entire NFC, can't be trusted to give a worthwhile opinion on an MLB.

But Detroit fans, who've seen nothing but suck because their entire team is ran horribly, those guys have good takes!

Before Seattle's defense really came together Niko played every game, as a rookie, and was a solid contributor. Boss Bailey was a highly regarded talent coming out of college, most professional scouts still like his athleticism and coverage abilities, but he played on a horrible team in multiple defensive systems.

Before you bash Boss consider that he was actually a sought after FA by other teams. We got first visit and locked him up before he left thanks to having Champ on the team. When a team that has been as successful in FA acquisitions of late as Green Bay has been is pursuing the same guy you are as their #1 target for an OLB need you should feel good about getting him.

Be a hater all you want, just remember it when our defense is suddenly solidly average and Niko and Boss are a significant part of it.

If our defense becomes average, it won't be because of Niko and Boss, it will because we actually have a decent line.
and Boss is a Lions reject, and I've seen other people laugh at us giving him as much money as he did. I honestly don't expect him to be any sort of upgrade to what we had last year. I guess you could say since DJ is moving, and Boss is taking strong side, then its addition by subtraction cutting Gold loose.

[cmhargrove]

If our defense becomes average, it won't be because of Niko and Boss, it will because we actually have a decent line.
and Boss is a Lions reject, and I've seen other people laugh at us giving him as much money as he did. I honestly don't expect him to be any sort of upgrade to what we had last year. I guess you could say since DJ is moving, and Boss is taking strong side, then its addition by subtraction cutting Gold loose.

Just a question, when is the last time you figure we had a "decent line." As I see it, our line wasn't anything special during Coyer's final year in 2006, and we had a "record setting defense" for the first half of the season. What did it take us, 5 or 6 games to yield our first TD? Ask yourself what the major factors were that changed between 2006 and 2007. There are lots of new faces, but the main thing is we were learning a new system that we soon found our team wasn't suited to.

Merely a switch back to our previous scheme will be an improvement. I don't know how much, but you seem awfully pessimistic. If we had an average defense last year, we would have been a wildcard playoff team. All we needed was average.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

This year they are turning the D-line loose!

[OABB]

This year they are turning the D-line loose!

I'm sorry everyone...but this is funny!

[mhgaffney]

If either Lofton or Connor are there in round two -- I hope we grab them.

[Broncojef]

I think Niko will work out fine at MLB and be the surprise fan favorite this year. I expect to not curse as much with DJ at the WILL either. We need a couple of young horses up front and I think this Defense will be fine.

[BroncoMan4ever]

A backup to the best MLB in the league. I think Niko will be a bright spot for Denver this season. The Seattle fans rave about him.

I definitely agree. Niko could start on a lot of teams in the NFL. Had he not been in Seattle, he would be a really well known hard to pronounce name at the MLB position in this league. He is going to be a really good pickup for us

[Popps]

"Elvis having to play a full game hurt us"

Anyone else still want to argue that Elvis is an every-down player? Even his teammates know he's not.

Great specialty guy, not an every-downer.

[footstepsfrom#27]

"Elvis having to play a full game hurt us"

Anyone else still want to argue that Elvis is an every-down player? Even his teammates know he's not.

Great specialty guy, not an every-downer.
I'm your hucklberry. ;D

[sirhcyennek81]

Optimistic about the D? We added a backup LB to start at MLB, and signed another LB who all I've seen talked about is about as bad as Ian Gold was.

And we really need a veteran STARTER DT(not some scrub) and draft a rookie DT.


Niko would have started in Seattle if they didnt draft lofa tatupu (sp). Give him a shot, you never know.


:Broncos:

[Bronco Jamus]

Niko is Greek. That's all we need at MLB:)

[BroncoBuff]

Did anyone else see his eyes light up right at the end when he mentioned how Winborn came in and played well?

Could he be our Mike instead of Niko?
They're paying Niko starter money, and I'm not sure Winborn is a Mike.

I dunno how I missed this about Winborn, but I just recently noticed he's in his EIGHTH YEAR in the league. For some reason I thought he was a Hamza-type 2nd/3rd year guy on just his second team.

[TheChamp24]

Man, I'm willing to give Niko a shot, but the way some of you act as if he's the savior to our MLB, its downright funny to me.

[theAPAOps5]

Man, I'm willing to give Niko a shot, but the way some of you act as if he's the savior to our MLB, its downright funny to me.

I don't think he will be a savior but I think he will surprise people. The best compliment someone gave him is that he is a beast on special teams. Usually that carriers over to their position.

If he wasn't behind Tatupu I am confident he would be starting.

[Dedhed]

When you look at it, we've upgraded every LB position on the field this off-season.

MLB: Yes, DJ ended the season with a high tackle count and proved he was a servicable Mike, but in the early going he couldn't find the gap with a shoe horn. An experienced Mike, even if he's a journeyman will read the field better and be in better spots to make plays.

Sam: Boss may be overrated by some, but he's an athletic Sam with decent size andcover skills. He's not stepping in for a stud at that spot. He's replacing an average talent who was playing that position for the first time in his career. Boss is an upgrade at Sam in every possible way. Better skills, and more experience.

Will: I'm more excited about this move than anything else in the off-season. DJ's play at Will in his rookie season was the best we've seen from the position in over a decade, and with the experience he's gained since then I think he's going to be a beast for us there. He's a huge upgrade over softness that was Ian Gold.

I expect we'll see a lot of Ekuban inside at DT, and the DL as a whole will be more experienced. If we add Robertson, and factor in the bump from guys playing a familiar scheme and the experience gained by the horde of young DL, all of a sudden this defense starts to look decent.

[Drek]

Man, I'm willing to give Niko a shot, but the way some of you act as if he's the savior to our MLB, its downright funny to me.

Ask yourself what we need from an MLB savior, when we already have two good coverage OLBs (DJ and Boss) to play the nickel.

A 1st and 2nd down guy who plugs the gaps and finishes tackles. Right? We get that and it frees DJ and Boss up to be sideline to sideline guys, and our run defense gets a whole lot better.

Now lets look at his resume. He was a solid starting MLB doing the exact same role for Seattle in his rookie season. Since then he's been a difference maker on special teams where he finishes tackles and maintains his assignment.

So clearly he can finish a tackle. Clearly he can learn his duties on a play, and clearly he can handle a part time starter's role.

So yeah, I guess you would call him an MLB savior, in that he should be at least solidly average in the position, freeing up our more talented guys to go back to their natural roles.