Shanny is still a Decent coach.

[jmz313]

He's just a bad Executive/GM. He needs to loose some of his control win or loose in SD. The lack of D quality over the last few years should be noted on the pink slip for his VP job. The Team needs a firey coach for the D, not a yes man. Until that is addressed, the broncos will continue to be a 7-9 to 9-7 team. Those records normally don't make the playoffs in the AFC.

The Product on the field needs improvment. I'm not sure who shanny's new boss should be but the Broncos need one.

[Smiling Assassin27]

To be honest, Shanahan has managed to make a mediocre season out what should've been a 4-12, maybe 5-11 season. Props to him on that, but yesterday's loss begins with him. The question always remains, who would we get to replace him?

[Kaylore]

Shanahan gets props along with Cutler for taking a 3-4 win team and putting them above .500. That said, he needs to be called out for some regular flaws.


Hiring Bob Slowik, a buddy of his, who has never been qualified as an even average defensive coordinator. His horrible schemes and horrible coaching are a major reason this defense is so awful.
Failing to draft and develop any kind of defensive talent. Our drafts on defense have been pretty bad and we can't coach guys to play over their head.
Hiring bust FA's. He's brought in several free agents for a lot of money only to see them implode. That doesn't mean some don't work out (Graham) but lately a lot of the more expensive ones never live up to their contract. (Henry, Koutovides, Bly, the Browncos, Colbert)
Firing Larry Coyer. Huge mistake.
Poor special teams since the Super Bowl teams. This is a problem every year.
Having a lot of athletes but not having enough "smart" football players. Shanahan's put athleticism at a premium over brains and the result is a bunch of fast guys that are football dumb.


The good news is there's more he can do well than he can't. The bad news is half of these are never going to change because of who he is.

[Broncoman13]

Good post Khan. Pretty much sums it up for me. I couldn't stand the Slowik hiring. Hoped for the best but that was a terrible choice. I fear he'll leave him in the position and blame the DLine for our struggles.

btw, I thought of a good name for Peyton Hillis...

The Orange Ghost!!!

[jmz313]

4-12, 5-11? really. what would make you set your expectations that low? Shanny has never coached a broncos team to such a bad record.

Yesterdays Loss begins with shanny the coach. The season's loss, would begin at Shanny the VP.

[Broncoman13]

4-12, 5-11? really. what would make you set your expectations that low? Shanny has never coached a broncos team to such a bad record.

Yesterdays Loss begins with shanny the coach. The season's loss, would begin at Shanny the VP.


At the beginning of the season most said 8-8 would be the mark. There were a few that said 10-6 but for the most part everyone felt it would be another building year. Ask that same group what they would have projected had they known we would lose FIVE RBs to IR. Play a long stretch without Champ Bailey, Nate Webster, Boss Bailey, or DJ Williams. Start at one point or another Eight Rookies (Clady, Royal, Hillis, Larsen, Barrett, Woodyard, JMFW, and Bell). With all of that it's hard to imagine being in the hunt.

[EmpireOrange]

He's just a bad Executive/GM. He needs to loose some of his control win or loose in SD. The lack of D quality over the last few years should be noted on the pink slip for his VP job. The Team needs a firey coach for the D, not a yes man. Until that is addressed, the broncos will continue to be a 7-9 to 9-7 team. Those records normally don't make the playoffs in the AFC.

The Product on the field needs improvment. I'm not sure who shanny's new boss should be but the Broncos need one.

It is not the players, or the assistant coaches. Its not Shanny the GM either. Yesterdays game was the Broncos in a nut shell for the last 10 years. Fast start and then faulter in the middle and end. I bet you any amount that the Broncos in the last decade have scored more points in the first quarter than any other team in the NFL. I will also bet you that the Broncos have scored the fewest points in the 4th quarter and second half as a whole than any other team in the NFL. Look at Belicheck. Look at him! He loses one of the best QB the league has seen since John Elway and his team is sitting with +10 wins and has won 10 straight games. New England teams under Belicheck are tough minded, disciplined, and play hard. Teams under Shannahan are weak, undisiplined, and play half-arse. Different players same result. That, good sir, is coaching not players, not GM, and not assistant coaches. Under Shannahan the "home field advantage" that use to be polled by ESPN all that time as one the best advantages in sports is gone! Why is that? Has Denver eroded to sea level? Is the "altitude" gone? No! It never was the altituted it was Bronco football and pride. That is gone! Under Shanny a culture instilled by Shannahan has turned the Broncos into prision-b***** at home. You can't continue to make excuses for him. Stop it! Stoooop! Just stop it...

[jmz313]

It is not the players, or the assistant coaches. Its not Shanny the GM either. Yesterdays game was the Broncos in a nut shell for the last 10 years. Fast start and then faulter in the middle and end. I bet you any amount that the Broncos in the last decade have scored more points in the first quarter than any other team in the NFL. I will also bet you that the Broncos have scored the fewest points in the 4th quarter and second half as a whole than any other team in the NFL. Look at Belicheck. Look at him! He loses one of the best QB the league has seen since John Elway and his team is sitting with +10 wins and has won 10 straight games. New England teams under Belicheck are tough minded, disciplined, and play hard. Teams under Shannahan are weak, undisiplined, and play half-arse. Different players same result. That, good sir, is coaching not players, not GM, and not assistant coaches. Under Shannahan the "home field advantage" that use to be polled by ESPN all that time as one the best advantages in sports is gone! Why is that? Has Denver eroded to sea level? Is the "altitude" gone? No! It never was the altituted it was Bronco football and pride. That is gone! Under Shanny a culture instilled by Shannahan has turned the Broncos into prision-b***** at home. You can't continue to make excuses for him. Stop it! Stoooop! Just stop it...

Shanny will not be getting canned as coach. I have Started hoping he's forced to play nice with other Quality Coaches instead. He's everyones boss, they don;t disagree with him. That is the issue in regards to D and ST, IMO.

As for yesterday, Shanny didn't over throw Stokely and Royal. Cutler did. The play was called that would of been 6 points, can't blame that on the coach. The preperation, the Missed tackling, poor coverages called, etc, blame them on coaches on game day.

[Rohirrim]

It is really time to question the training regimen for this team. I thought the injury bug was a bad break five years ago. Now, it's become a pattern. Why do the Broncos run out of gas in the fourth quarter? I remember when Coughlin came into NY and the players (Strahan) bitched about the long workouts, military atmosphere and practicing in pads. Then they won a SB and STFU. Football is a tough game. I remember when the Broncos used to go to blistering hot, cow-stink Greeley and get their asses kicked for weeks, bitching and moaning all the way. Now they pull up to the Five Star Dove Valley Hotel in their spoke-wheeled Hummers and run around on manicured lawns (when they're not in the dome to get out of the inclement weather). Shanahan does not field a tough team. It shows.

[Broncojef]

Everyone keeps saying what this thread eludes to a good/great coach and a poor GM. The more I watch this team the less I find this to be true. Take yesterday for example, the team comes out strong executes and gets out to a 13-0 lead and then falls apart. There is no coaching, adjustments or motivation by the coaching staff to keep these guys playing at the level they need to be. On offense we have an even mix of run and pass early on and are exploiting the Bills and by the end of the game its pass every play. On Defense we start out with some nice blitz schemes, the run D looks good and Edwards is on his ass. By the end of the game its the same old 10 yard cushion zone scheme crap. I'm just not impressed at all with Shanahan or his system. Our team is in the 8-8/7-9 rebuilding mode because we had so many terrible drafts under Shanahan and FA bombs, the only excitement I saw this season was when the crappy starters got hurt and younger talent with more enthusiasm was allowed to play. If the starters had stayed healthy Hillis, Larsen and Woodyard would have ridden the bench all season and we'd be told we just don't know how to evaluate talent when calling for some of the young kids to break the lineup. Sorry Shanny just needs to go, we need a change.

[Kaylore]

It is really time to question the training regimen for this team. I thought the injury bug was a bad break five years ago. Now, it's become a pattern. Why do the Broncos run out of gas in the fourth quarter? I remember when Coughlin came into NY and the players (Strahan) b****ed about the long workouts, military atmosphere and practicing in pads. Then they won a SB and STFU. Football is a tough game. I remember when the Broncos used to go to blistering hot, cow-stink Greeley and get their asses kicked for weeks, b****ing and moaning all the way. Now they pull up to the Five Star Dove Valley Hotel in their spoke-wheeled Hummers and run around on manicured lawns (when they're not in the dome to get out of the inclement weather). Shanahan does not field a tough team. It shows.

I agree with this. I read some articles on training and while Tuten is hard on the players, he's apparently old-school with traditional weight-rep regimens. There was a video on Troy Polamalu where he was getting hurt a lot during season training with the team and he went back his West-coast training facility where they use low weight at high reps in busts to build speed. Troy doesn't lift a weight greater than 25 pounds and the last two years you can see the difference. He has the speed and explosiveness and he doesn't get hurt. Obviously linemen wouldn't train that way even using the same philosophy, but I think they need to explore why our soft-tissue injuries (hammy, groin, quadriceps, ankle twists) are always highest in the league.

[jmz313]

Everyone keeps saying what this thread eludes to a good/great coach and a poor GM. The more I watch this team the less I find this to be true. Take yesterday for example, the team comes out strong executes and gets out to a 13-0 lead and then falls apart. There is no coaching, adjustments or motivation by the coaching staff to keep these guys playing at the level they need to be. On offense we have an even mix of run and pass early on and are exploiting the Bills and by the end of the game its pass every play. On Defense we start out with some nice blitz schemes, the run D looks good and Edwards is on his ass. By the end of the game its the same old 10 yard cushion zone scheme crap. I'm just not impressed at all with Shanahan or his system. Our team is in the 8-8/7-9 rebuilding mode because we had so many terrible drafts under Shanahan and FA bombs, the only excitement I saw this season was when the crappy starters got hurt and younger talent with more enthusiasm was allowed to play. If the starters had stayed healthy Hillis, Larsen and Woodyard would have ridden the bench all season and we'd be told we just don't know how to evaluate talent when calling for some of the young kids to break the lineup. Sorry Shanny just needs to go, we need a change.

The Broncos need a Good D cordinator. Shanny the VP will not hire anyone who will not do it his way. UNtil then, D talent will not be developed. we will suck and teams like the Steelers, Pats, and ravens will continue to have more good years then bad ones, unlike the broncos.

[Play2win]

It is really time to question the training regimen for this team. I thought the injury bug was a bad break five years ago. Now, it's become a pattern. Why do the Broncos run out of gas in the fourth quarter? I remember when Coughlin came into NY and the players (Strahan) b****ed about the long workouts, military atmosphere and practicing in pads. Then they won a SB and STFU. Football is a tough game. I remember when the Broncos used to go to blistering hot, cow-stink Greeley and get their asses kicked for weeks, b****ing and moaning all the way. Now they pull up to the Five Star Dove Valley Hotel in their spoke-wheeled Hummers and run around on manicured lawns (when they're not in the dome to get out of the inclement weather). Shanahan does not field a tough team. It shows.

Its not just the 4th quarter of the games... they also run out of gas the 4th quarter of the SEASON...

[Garcia Bronco]

It is really time to question the training regimen for this team. I thought the injury bug was a bad break five years ago. Now, it's become a pattern. Why do the Broncos run out of gas in the fourth quarter? I remember when Coughlin came into NY and the players (Strahan) b****ed about the long workouts, military atmosphere and practicing in pads. Then they won a SB and STFU. Football is a tough game. I remember when the Broncos used to go to blistering hot, cow-stink Greeley and get their asses kicked for weeks, b****ing and moaning all the way. Now they pull up to the Five Star Dove Valley Hotel in their spoke-wheeled Hummers and run around on manicured lawns (when they're not in the dome to get out of the inclement weather). Shanahan does not field a tough team. It shows.

Great post. I agree.

[Broncojef]

The Broncos need a Good D cordinator. Shanny the VP will not hire anyone who will not do it his way. UNtil then, D talent will not be developed. we will suck and teams like the Steelers, Pats, and ravens will continue to have more good years then bad ones, unlike the broncos.

Shanny will never accept a role with lesser responsibilities. He's the coach/GM or he will leave....period. We seem to be at an impasse with areas that just will never change (Special Teams, Defense etc) under Shanahan and its for that reason he needs to go. I agree with earlier assessments that Bowlen will never fire Shanny so my only hope is eventually he gets tired of the 500 seasons and calls it quits. I completely agree with your Defensive analogy of where we sit.

[Traveler]

Shanahan was ballsy enough to guarantee the team would be in the playoffs this year. If they don't make it, will he do the right thing and resign?

[EmpireOrange]

Shanny will not be getting canned. I have Started hoping he's forced to play nice with other Quality Coaches instead. He's everyones boss, they don;t disagree with him. That is the issue in regards to D and ST, IMO.

As for yesterday, Shanny didn't over throw Stokely and Royal. Cutler did. The play was called that would of been 6 points, can't blame that on the coach. The preperation, the Missed tackling, poor coverages called, etc, blame them on coaches on game day.

I agree with you that Shanny is not going to be fired. However there is hope that he will retire or step away for a while. He can't think that this is good for him and his coaching legacy. I think, because of the playoff guarantee, it is possible he steps down after this season. Let us hope.

Yes, yes you can if it happens for 10 years the coach is absolutely to blame. Look, the Broncos have played like that for a decade now. In the second half of the season and into the playoffs - if we were lucky enough to back our way in. Yes there is the 2005 season but remember the Steelers game and how they faltered at home. The Pats game at home, crap! Pats gave us that game which happens once in a lifetime. Everything fell in Denver's favor and they still effed it up. At some point you have to look at the leadership. Had we traveled to Indy it would have been worse. Denver is synonymous with dropping off down the stretch. The toughest team to beat on opening day are the Broncos by week 8, however, Denver can lose to anybody - even to the Detroit’s of the world. Why is that? Its because teams adjust and Shanny dose not. That is why games are so close and the opponents gain so much ground in the second half. Teams adjust, Shannahan dose not. Remember the regular season Pat/Broncos game in 2005. Denver was stomping them 28-3! And they almost lost that game. That is coaching my friend. Anybody can go from game to game, year to year, and find players who messed up or who caused the Broncos to lose. That's easy but when you look at the Broncos as a whole over the long term you see players and cordinators change - allot by the way - but results stay the same. There is only one constant in this discussion, Shannahan. He is absolutely to blame…

[Garcia Bronco]

I love the assumptions you guys make on the Man's management style. Unless you've worked for him you really have no idea.

[Popps]

I agree with this. I read some articles on training and while Tuten is hard on the players, he's apparently old-school with traditional weight-rep regimens. There was a video on Troy Polamalu where he was getting hurt a lot during season training with the team and he went back his West-coast training facility where they use low weight at high reps in busts to build speed. Troy doesn't lift a weight greater than 25 pounds and the last two years you can see the difference. He has the speed and explosiveness and he doesn't get hurt. Obviously linemen wouldn't train that way even using the same philosophy, but I think they need to explore why our soft-tissue injuries (hammy, groin, quadriceps, ankle twists) are always highest in the league.

This is interesting, and something I'm starting to buy into, as well. Our injuries are just beyond bad luck, they have to be. We absolutely have guys dropping like flies every game.

I don't know if it's flexibility, training, (lack of) hitting in practice, etc... but there's really something wrong with something this team's doing with regards to keeping players physically game-ready.

[EmpireOrange]

I love the assumptions you guys make on the Man's management style. Unless you've worked for him you really have no idea.

I have watched the Broncos year in and year out. I don't have to work for him to know his leadership has failed. The guy has been given every opportunity. Holding him accountable is not unfair at this point.

[rastaman]

Shanahan was ballsy enough to guarantee the team would be in the playoffs this year. If they don't make it, will he do the right thing and resign?

Question is, how many 2-14, 4-12, 6-10 seasons will the Bronco Fans and Bowlen be able to endure over the next couple of years!!!!

I say before we get too hasty with kicking Shanahan to the curb, take a long look at Steve Fisher and the Tenn. Titans.

Also, I don't know how this happens, but the last 3 years Denver has been able to use the excuse of having an inexperienced QB, rash of injuries to to O line, or a rash of freak injuries to their running backs to explain why they haven't made the playoffs.

I'd venture to say had Shanahan had a healthy stable of RB's this team could have been 12-4 to 10-6 at best instead of finishing with a projected 8-8 season.

Simply put, Shanahan looks mastermind with a QB that can make all the throws and a RB or RBBC that can amass anywere from 1,800 yards to 2200 yards.

Both QB and RB or RBBC must be operating in unison in order for a Mike Shanahan team to excell.

[bronco_diesel]

I agree with this. I read some articles on training and while Tuten is hard on the players, he's apparently old-school with traditional weight-rep regimens. There was a video on Troy Polamalu where he was getting hurt a lot during season training with the team and he went back his West-coast training facility where they use low weight at high reps in busts to build speed. Troy doesn't lift a weight greater than 25 pounds and the last two years you can see the difference. He has the speed and explosiveness and he doesn't get hurt. Obviously linemen wouldn't train that way even using the same philosophy, but I think they need to explore why our soft-tissue injuries (hammy, groin, quadriceps, ankle twists) are always highest in the league.

Good point on the soft tissue injuries. Hamstrings problems, in my opinion should be very infrequent injures in today’s world of sports medicine. They are typically an issue of improper balance in strength and/or tightness. With the knowledge and facilities available to the athletes, this scenario should be very rare.

I would like to see the Bronco’s take a hard look at their strength and conditioning programs and consider making changes. This team has been plagued with injuries since the Super Bowl years aside from 2005. Some of that is luck, but not all of it should be based on luck.

I’ve become a big fan of a trainer named Alwyn Cosgrove. I’ve learned a lot just by his training methods. He seems to be ahead of the curve when it comes to strength and conditioning for athletes. My dream scenario would be having the Bronco’s seek out his recommendations.