View Full Version : Good DenverPost article (Goodmans, Barrett, Woodyard)
cmhargrove
12-09-2008, 06:15 AM
Front office gets kudos from Shanny
The Denver Post
Updated: 12/08/2008 11:25:13 PM MST
It's not just the tailbacks.
OK, so it's mostly the tailbacks, but the Broncos have also endured substantial in-season changes at safety, linebacker, cornerback and their practice squad.
When Cory Boyd is promoted from the practice squad this week, the Broncos will have 14 players (including Brandon Marshall, who was suspended the first game of the season) on their 53-man roster who weren't there when the season started. And offensive guard Mitch Erickson is the only holdover from the season-opening, eight-man practice squad.
Precipitating such change was losing 14 players, including Peyton Hillis, to season-ending injuries.
Yet, the Broncos are 8-5 and holding a three-game lead in the AFC West with three games remaining.
"To be honest, our personnel department has done an unbelievable job bringing these guys in, researching and coming up with the best players," coach Mike Shanahan said.
The Broncos' personnel department is led by Jim Goodman and flanked by Brian Xanders and Jeff Goodman.
The Man from Santa Claus.
Jay Cutler has not been sacked the past three games, and Monday the Broncos' quarterback returned the favor by picking up the tab on tailored suits for his seven favorite protectors: five starting offensive linemen — Ryan Clady, Ben Hamilton, Casey Wiegmann, Chris Kuper and Ryan Harris — plus blocking tight end Daniel Graham and short-yardage blocker Kory Lichtensteiger.
Barrett backs off Tony G.
It sure looked like Broncos rookie safety Josh Barrett was taunting Kansas City and future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez during the game Sunday.
"Did it?" Barrett said Monday. "No, I wasn't saying anything to Tony. He might have been in close proximity, but I wasn't saying anything derogatory to him. I was more so talking to myself out loud. Telling myself, 'Keep it up, keep going, don't let up.' "
Injury report.
Receiver Brandon Stokley was limping Monday but said an MRI on his sore heel revealed nothing more than a bad bruise.
"I don't think it will be anything that keeps him out of the game," Shanahan said.
Broncos middle linebacker Mario Haggan said he might miss a practice or two because of his sprained right knee ligament but believes he will be able to play Sunday at Carolina.
Broncos fullback Spencer Larsen was able to forget about the pain from his bruised hip as he was limping with a pulled right groin.
"Right now, I'm expecting to be ready to play," Larsen said.
The Broncos are hoping cornerback Champ Bailey, outside linebacker D.J. Williams and safety Marlon McCree can return from their injuries to play at Carolina.
"Definitely," McCree said. "I'm out there."
Woodyard to play.
Shanahan said that even when Williams returns, the player who has replaced him, Wesley Woodyard, will stay on the field.
"Yes, he's a playmaker," Shanahan said. "We will try to keep him out there as much as we can. He is fun to watch, both on defense and special teams."
Shanahan did not reveal how he would use Williams and Woodyard at the same time, but he put the kibosh on moving back to the 3-4 defense.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 06:19 AM
Short term, Wesley is going to stay at will. It's the only thing that makes sense. You can't put an UDFA rookie to Mike mid season, and the FO will view him as too small for Sam. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out this weekend.
Paladin
12-09-2008, 06:23 AM
I hope to see Barrett get a full-head-of-steam smack down on Williams......
snowspot66
12-09-2008, 06:25 AM
Sure you can. Do you honestly think it could be any worse than Webster? We're not dealing with pro bowl starters here. It's not like there will be a drop off in the quality of play.
Atlas
12-09-2008, 06:38 AM
Shanahan: "DJ your moving back to MLB."
D.J. Williams: "Yes sir."
Br0nc0Buster
12-09-2008, 06:39 AM
Well Beason is 6' 237lb.
I am not sure how much WW weighs, I can seen some sites say up to 230, but some people on here said 219.
Anyways if he puts a little weight he is essentially the same size as beason.
I am not sure if he is as strong as beason, but he handled Jamal Lewis with no problems.
ludo21
12-09-2008, 06:42 AM
DJ - WLB
WW - MLB
Winborn - SLB
thats my solution to get the 3 best players on the field at 2/3 at their best spots.
I don't know how it will work out but its a nice problem to have. We need to figure out our rotation at HB and LB in short order though while handling our business. Still one game left to win along with getting guys game ready and finding out who has the goods.
dbfan21
12-09-2008, 07:02 AM
It was definitely nice to see Shanahan say that WW was going to see considerable playing time. He's a playmaker!
Flex Gunmetal
12-09-2008, 07:43 AM
Shanahan: "DJ your moving back to MLB."
D.J. Williams: "Yes sir."
Yikes. DJ was playing lights out at weakside till he got injured.
I was listening to Alfred Williams and he said there's no way DJ doesn't return to wlb. ???
Beantown Bronco
12-09-2008, 07:47 AM
:lombardi:
SoCalBronco
12-09-2008, 08:21 AM
Shanahan: "DJ your moving back to MLB."
D.J. Williams: "Yes sir."
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
theAPAOps5
12-09-2008, 08:30 AM
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
They won't move him they saw he wasn't a good fit.
MagicHef
12-09-2008, 08:39 AM
Shanahan did not reveal how he would use Williams and Woodyard at the same time, but he put the kibosh on moving back to the 3-4 defense.
I thought I saw one play with a 3-4 look on Sunday. Was I imagining it?
Dr. Broncenstein
12-09-2008, 08:41 AM
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
I doubt Williams gets all butthurt over a move to Sam or Mike. Maybe if he was as productive as his undrafted rookie free-agent backup, he could stay at his natural position. Woodyard is the best player on this defense save for a healthy Champ Bailey.
footstepsfrom#27
12-09-2008, 08:52 AM
Why can't WWIII just move to safety? Even if he struggles in coverage how could he be any worse than the crap we got already? I'd like to see him and Barrett both back there puttin' the bruise on people. Then move Larsen into the MLB spot and keep DJ and Winborn where they already are; problem solved...or at least you get a nice experiment going. What if Woodyard turns ito Steve Atwater? Now you can scratch safety off the draft list.
It's worth a shot...no?
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 08:53 AM
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
Dude... he's getting payed fairly for his ability (very good) and they're not forcing him to do anything or benching him or banishing him... he's being a team player in a play off hunt and getting paid well for it.
wtf is going on here?!?
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 08:55 AM
I doubt Williams gets all butthurt over a move to Sam or Mike. Maybe if he was as productive as his undrafted rookie free-agent backup, he could stay at his natural position. Woodyard is the best player on this defense save for a healthy Champ Bailey.
There's no need to take a shot at DJ over that. DJ DID play at a pro bowl level before injury, and it turns out we got a diamond with Wesley who looks like the best rookie linebacker in the league. I'm not sure how his outstanding achievement reflects poorly on our other best linebacker, but you keep at it.
theAPAOps5
12-09-2008, 09:07 AM
Dude... he's getting payed fairly for his ability (very good) and they're not forcing him to do anything or benching him or banishing him... he's being a team player in a play off hunt and getting paid well for it.
wtf is going on here?!?
SoCal is a big time DJ fan. So I think he tends to get a little defensive about him. But I think its a bit of an overreaction to say too bad he signed here to move him around WHEN no one on the team has said that.
Dr. Broncenstein
12-09-2008, 09:41 AM
There's no need to take a shot at DJ over that. DJ DID play at a pro bowl level before injury, and it turns out we got a diamond with Wesley who looks like the best rookie linebacker in the league. I'm not sure how his outstanding achievement reflects poorly on our other best linebacker, but you keep at it.
DJ has the physical ability and size to play at any linebacker position. He has the mental capacity to play one. Given his draft status and cap number, I find this a little irritating. Especially when the discussion begins to involve DJ's feelings on the matter.
tsiguy96
12-09-2008, 09:44 AM
they would be a better team with DJ at MLB. that should be enough for him to move.....
DarkHorse
12-09-2008, 09:52 AM
Reminds me of all the nonsense talk about putting Ian Gold at Safety :rofl:
Woodyard will play but he shouldn't take the spot from DJ Williams, he's better than Webster tho. Not sure where he will fit in but it's not safety - that's hilarious.
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 10:04 AM
DJ has the physical ability and size to play at any linebacker position. He has the mental capacity to play one. Given his draft status and cap number, I find this a little irritating. Especially when the discussion begins to involve DJ's feelings on the matter.
Well... uh...
I'm trying to figure out which argument to go with, but you really make a great point.
I suppose in his defense, he didn't have much preparation time for Mike, and he was a good Sam, but point blank, you're pretty right on here. Also in his defense, most professional football players are pretty brain dead.
55CrushEm
12-09-2008, 10:11 AM
DJ or WW is a better option at Mike, than Webster is.....whoever they decide to play at Mike (between DJ and WW)...the other will be the Will.
Either way....I'm hopefull that Webster is off the field, and WW is on.....that alone makes the unit better.
cmhargrove
12-09-2008, 11:50 AM
Anyone notice the paragraph about Cutler buying the O-line custom tailored suits?
Beantown Bronco
12-09-2008, 12:00 PM
Anyone notice the paragraph about Cutler buying the O-line custom tailored suits?
Yup, rumor has it they went here:
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SureShot
12-09-2008, 12:02 PM
Anyone notice the paragraph about Cutler buying the O-line custom tailored suits?
Just taking care of those that care of him. Good stuff.
I doubt Williams gets all butthurt over a move to Sam or Mike. Maybe if he was as productive as his undrafted rookie free-agent backup, he could stay at his natural position. Woodyard is the best player on this defense save for a healthy Champ Bailey.
DJ Williams was on pace for a pro bowl season through the first 8 games.
In the five games that Woodyard has replaced him he's been very good, but even that small sample size when projected to a full season doesn't match up to what DJ was doing before getting hurt.
DJ is hands down the second best player on our defense. Woodyard is a talented tackler and great at chasing down running plays, but not any better than DJ is at it and there are a ton of other things that go into LB play (pass rush and coverage for example) that Woodyard doesn't do nearly as well as DJ.
Sounds to me like Woodyard is going to see time as a in the box safety on running downs and at SLB on passing downs. Thats a great use for him for now and come the off-season he can put on 10 pounds or so and get up to a legitimate weight to play SLB full time, where his excellent pursuit and tackling fundamentals will play very well in open space with a bigger DE keeping linemen off him and taking some of the run stopping beating off Champ.
Inkana7
12-09-2008, 03:00 PM
Let's see what he can do at Mike. With DJ calling out the defensive plays and getting everyone in place, all he had to do is play.
Broncos_OTM
12-09-2008, 03:14 PM
Reminds me of all the nonsense talk about putting Ian Gold at Safety :rofl:
Woodyard will play but he shouldn't take the spot from DJ Williams, he's better than Webster tho. Not sure where he will fit in but it's not safety - that's hilarious.
He has playe3d safety before. he would make a very good strong safety he is really quick he is not a guy you want playing center field but playing essentially the 4 linebacker role he is good at ..
mr007
12-09-2008, 03:22 PM
There's no need to take a shot at DJ over that. DJ DID play at a pro bowl level before injury, and it turns out we got a diamond with Wesley who looks like the best rookie linebacker in the league. I'm not sure how his outstanding achievement reflects poorly on our other best linebacker, but you keep at it.
Not to take away the play of Woodyard, but you have seen Jerod Mayo play, right?
BroncoMan4ever
12-09-2008, 04:45 PM
Shanahan: "DJ your moving back to MLB."
D.J. Williams: "Yes sir."
i doubt that very much. i would think DJ made them put into his new contract a clause stating that he wouldn't be moved around to different positions.
i would not be surprised to see Woodyard line up as our MIKE or SAM. and MIKE is more likely because even if Winborn is a jackass he has played well.
Cito Pelon
12-09-2008, 05:30 PM
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
C'mon. DJ said before TC started this year he was beginning to like MLB a lot and would be fine playing there again.
s0phr0syne
12-09-2008, 05:34 PM
C'mon. DJ said before TC started this year he was beginning to like MLB a lot and would be fine playing there again.
hmmm, it's interesting you bring this up because I had almost forgotten about that. When they signed Niko, DJ originally did show some sentiment about wanting to compete at MLB and not wanting to just give it up. Meh, we'll see what happens!
wandlc
12-09-2008, 06:03 PM
Rewatch some of the games that DJ did play in. There are several times where he is lined up at MLB. Trying to stop the run, I wouldn't be surprised to see WW at SS. If Carolina starts to run like last night, it might be like an earlier poster suggested, WW and Barret at safeties with DJ, Winborn and Larsen\Webster\Haggan as LBs.
extralife
12-09-2008, 06:24 PM
I have a feeling all Mike means is WW will see some time at WLB while we work DJ back in. In the long term, I'm not sure how this will pan out. I think WW may get some looks at saftey this season just to see what happens.
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 06:58 PM
Not to take away the play of Woodyard, but you have seen Jerod Mayo play, right?
No, you're right. I WOULD like to have seen full seasons from Wesley and maybe he would've posted a comparable season, but Mayo did earn his starting job outright and has played well. Can't fault him for beating his competition early on.
TheReverend
12-09-2008, 06:59 PM
Rewatch some of the games that DJ did play in. There are several times where he is lined up at MLB. Trying to stop the run, I wouldn't be surprised to see WW at SS. If Carolina starts to run like last night, it might be like an earlier poster suggested, WW and Barret at safeties with DJ, Winborn and Larsen\Webster\Haggan as LBs.
That's a 4-3 over. He's still playing will. You'll also notice the sam is up by the LOS on the strong side.
theAPAOps5
12-09-2008, 07:17 PM
That's a 4-3 over. He's still playing will. You'll also notice the sam is up by the LOS on the strong side.
Yep the day Kaylor and I were at camp they ran that scheme a lot.
Ray Finkle
12-09-2008, 07:44 PM
Well...its DJ's fault for resigning here. He should have been smart enough to know that these stupid games wouldn't end, even when it was obvious that he was by far at his best at his natural spot.
But yeah, if they ask him, he has to say yes, unfortunately. Whatever. It is what it is.
Come down...you'll blow a blood vessel.
No one has even hinted that DJ will move. He was playing at a higher level then Woodyard before he got hurt. Woody will either split time at SLB or fill in at MLB....he's better then Webster or Winborn.