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06-06-2008, 06:22 PM
Posted: Friday June 6, 2008 1:53PM; Updated: Friday June 6, 2008 2:00PM
Bucky Brooks Bucky Brooks >
INSIDE THE NFL
The Scouts' Buzz: Writing was on wall for Henry's future in Denver
In 12 games last season, Travis Henry rushed for 691 yards and four touchdowns.
AP
If he followed the offseason moves made by the Broncos, Travis Henry should not have been surprised when the team released him this week.
First, Denver forced Henry to take a significant pay cut after the season and eliminated a $6 million option bonus that was part of the veteran's original five-year, $22.5 million contract signed only a season ago. Then, the team drafted a promising running back (Ryan Torian) and signed 11-year veteran Michael Pittman to compete for playing time in the backfield. With Selvin Young returning after a solid rookie season, Henry was entering training camp faced with the prospect of having to earn his carries as part of running-back-by-committee attack.
"The decision to release him is not surprising considering the limited production he provided the team last season," said an AFC scout. "This league is all about performance, and they got better production from other guys on their roster. ... If he had played better for them, they would be willing to overlook his questionable character and work habits."
Although Henry briefly led the league in rushing during the first month of the 2007 season, he didn't appear to significantly upgrade the Broncos' running game and his tumultuous first season included several questionable off-field incidents. While coach Mike Shanahan had staunchly defended Henry, he eventually used the off-field problems as justification for severing ties with the disappointing veteran.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/06/06/buzz/index.html?eref=si_nfl
Bucky Brooks Bucky Brooks >
INSIDE THE NFL
The Scouts' Buzz: Writing was on wall for Henry's future in Denver
In 12 games last season, Travis Henry rushed for 691 yards and four touchdowns.
AP
If he followed the offseason moves made by the Broncos, Travis Henry should not have been surprised when the team released him this week.
First, Denver forced Henry to take a significant pay cut after the season and eliminated a $6 million option bonus that was part of the veteran's original five-year, $22.5 million contract signed only a season ago. Then, the team drafted a promising running back (Ryan Torian) and signed 11-year veteran Michael Pittman to compete for playing time in the backfield. With Selvin Young returning after a solid rookie season, Henry was entering training camp faced with the prospect of having to earn his carries as part of running-back-by-committee attack.
"The decision to release him is not surprising considering the limited production he provided the team last season," said an AFC scout. "This league is all about performance, and they got better production from other guys on their roster. ... If he had played better for them, they would be willing to overlook his questionable character and work habits."
Although Henry briefly led the league in rushing during the first month of the 2007 season, he didn't appear to significantly upgrade the Broncos' running game and his tumultuous first season included several questionable off-field incidents. While coach Mike Shanahan had staunchly defended Henry, he eventually used the off-field problems as justification for severing ties with the disappointing veteran.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/06/06/buzz/index.html?eref=si_nfl