Thought Process Going Forward...

[Broncoman13]

I have a question. I am more and more on the fence regarding Mike Shanahan. Sure he is a future HOFer (so is Joe Gibss). I really don't think there is a better option out there. The only "dream" scenario I could stomach happening involves names like Cowher, Nolan, and Norv Turner... and I'm not talking one of the three, I'm talking ALL THREE TOGETHER!

Anyhow, looking toward this weekend. If we go to San Diego and give up say 35 or more points in a losing effort and Shanny decides NOT to fire Slowik, what will your reaction be? I really curious about the guy's opinions that are "on the Shanny bandwagon", which I normally fit into. Personally, I think he screwed the pooch hiring a buddy. One one hand we need consistency in the worst way on defense. We've had WAY too many DCs in the past several years. Its no secret that our offense is good b/c of the consistency of personnel. On defense though I feel like we're trapped b/c of Shanny's decision. We need to get to a level of consistency that allows the players to really get a feel for what we are trying to do on defense... but I'm not sure that Slowik will ever be more than just a good position coach. Somebody tell me I'm wrong and that it will be okay b/c this team is NOT going in the right direction when it comes to defense.

So the real question is, do we stick with Slowik knowing that he sucks but knowing that we need consistency or do we dump him and start over yet again, essentially giving Shanny another scapegoat?

[Atwater His Ass]

We need consistency, you're right. However, I am not for keeping Slowik around just for the sake of consistency.

I would love to have a DC like Cowher or Marty or even Wade or Greg Robinson. Won't happen though.

I'm really at a loss here. We hired a more than qualified guy like Bates, let him get some players he wanted, and it still fell apart. Then we get the buddy system hire in Slowik and that's obviously not working either.

I would like to say that we go out and get a true defensive minded guy and give him some latitude in the personnel department and give him 3 years to turn this around.

Bottom line is we have an all-world offense that is just starting to come together and I don't want to see that potential destroyed because of horrible defensive play.

[PaintballCLE]

well slowik HAS to go..........no reason to be having your corners play 10+ yards off the line all the time

[go_broncos]

I think our coach itself doesn't understand the Defense.

When u start rebuilding, you need start from D-line.

But, we got Safeties and CBs.

That is the reason i don't have any confidence in Shanahan.

[Atwater His Ass]

I think our coach itself doesn't understand the Defense.

When u start rebuilding, you need start from D-line.

But, we got Safeties and CBs.

That is the reason i don't have any confidence in Shanahan.

Please elaborate because I see a lot of draft picks and FA money invested on the DL.

[Broncoman13]

And what safeties?

[bpc]

I'm a staunch Shanahan supporter. We aren't that far away. That being said, this defense is horrible. It was horrible last year and I attribute half the season to Slowik as well. We've given up 30 pts 8 times this year, we're 28th in total defense, basically last in TO's and we're in the bottom 10 in sacks. Slowik brings absolutely nothing to the table. Through his shear genius, he should be able to come up with a scheme week in and week out that gives us a chance to compete. When things get stale on game day, switch it up and put us in a position to win. His defense is horribly predictable, our coverage sucks, our pass rush sucks, blitz sucks and it just in general never helps the O. If we have an average defense yesterday, we win the ball game. A 13pt spot along with another couple scores that would have been put on the board should have been enough, i don't care how many plays the offense left on the field.

It should be a mandate that if our season ends next Sunday, or the Sunday after that, the following Monday we read in the newspaper "Slowik fired".

I also think it should be mandatory that we attempt to spend some of this cap space we'll have (Eddie Mac reports close to 31 mill) on free agents to help put a competitive team on the field. I don't want to hear about the organization not being able to afford it and what not. Lots of people spend tons of money following this team each year. It is pathetic what the team put on the field for a majority of the home slate, notably poor losses to teams like Jacksonville, Oakland and Buffalo. Spend money to make this team better. Peppers, Suggs, Haynesworth, Namdi, Atogwhe. Doesn't matter. Bring in some guys that can make this team (DEFENSE) competitive and better. It is the only thing really holding us back.

Fail to do these things, and we let 2009 slip away like we did 2008... it will be time for Shanahan to move on.

[razorwire77]

I'm a staunch Shanahan supporter. We aren't that far away. That being said, this defense is horrible. It was horrible last year and I attribute half the season to Slowik as well. We've given up 30 pts 8 times this year, we're 28th in total defense, basically last in TO's and we're in the bottom 10 in sacks. Slowik brings absolutely nothing to the table. Through his shear genius, he should be able to come up with a scheme week in and week out that gives us a chance to compete. When things get stale on game day, switch it up and put us in a position to win. His defense is horribly predictable, our coverage sucks, our pass rush sucks, blitz sucks and it just in general never helps the O. If we have an average defense yesterday, we win the ball game. A 13pt spot along with another couple scores that would have been put on the board should have been enough, i don't care how many plays the offense left on the field.

It should be a mandate that if our season ends next Sunday, or the Sunday after that, the following Monday we read in the newspaper "Slowik" fired.

I also think it should be mandatory that we attempt to spend some of this cap space we'll have (Eddie Mac reports close to 31 mill) on free agents to help put a competitive team on the field. I don't want to hear about the organization not being able to afford it and what not. Lots of people spend tons of money following this team each year. It is pathetic what the team put on the field for a majority of the home slate, notably poor losses to teams like Jacksonville, Oakland and Buffalo. Spend money to make this team better. Peppers, Suggs, Haynesworth, Namdi, Atogwhe. Doesn't matter. Bring in some guys that can make this team (DEFENSE) competitive and better. It is the only thing really holding us back.

Great post. 2009 will be a defining time in the Shanny era. Basically, if we do what you discussed in 2009 and are successful to the tune of 11-5/12-4 with a playoff win, Shanahan will be here for as long as he wants. However, if 2009 fields an 8-8/9-7 team in which there isn't significant improvement and we miss the playoffs I think he's done.

[lex]

I have a question. I am more and more on the fence regarding Mike Shanahan. Sure he is a future HOFer (so is Joe Gibss). I really don't think there is a better option out there. The only "dream" scenario I could stomach happening involves names like Cowher, Nolan, and Norv Turner... and I'm not talking one of the three, I'm talking ALL THREE TOGETHER!

Anyhow, looking toward this weekend. If we go to San Diego and give up say 35 or more points in a losing effort and Shanny decides NOT to fire Slowik, what will your reaction be? I really curious about the guy's opinions that are "on the Shanny bandwagon", which I normally fit into. Personally, I think he screwed the pooch hiring a buddy. One one hand we need consistency in the worst way on defense. We've had WAY too many DCs in the past several years. Its no secret that our offense is good b/c of the consistency of personnel. On defense though I feel like we're trapped b/c of Shanny's decision. We need to get to a level of consistency that allows the players to really get a feel for what we are trying to do on defense... but I'm not sure that Slowik will ever be more than just a good position coach. Somebody tell me I'm wrong and that it will be okay b/c this team is NOT going in the right direction when it comes to defense.

So the real question is, do we stick with Slowik knowing that he sucks but knowing that we need consistency or do we dump him and start over yet again, essentially giving Shanny another scapegoat?

Dump him. I have no faith in him. Absolutely none. Not only that, but there really is no legitimate reason for Slowik to keep his job. Even though there were injuries, the defense had 2 INTs when Champ went down with an injury. Thats not getting it done. And our defense actually seemed to play better when some of the other guys went down with injuries. So its not as if one can even say, that was the reason for his failure.


Also, he's just not a good schemer. With teams that can blitz and scheme blitz, you sometimes see a DE slip through for a sack because none of the blockers picked him up because the OL was confused by the look the defense presented. This hasnt happened in Denver since Slowik has been here. Often times, this happens because the LT is more worried about the OLB. It just doesnt seem that Slowik is capable of scheming in a way that improves the pass rush. And then, dont even get me started on the 10 yard cushions on 3rd and 5.

[oubronco]

Hire a GM to hire a new DC who brings his own staff get rid of Slowd*ck and the sh*tty position coaches demote Shanny to Head Coach and let him do his thing with the Offense problem fixed

[lex]

Hire a GM to hire a new DC who brings his own staff get rid of Slowd*ck and the sh*tty position coaches demote Shanny to Head Coach and let him do his thing with the Offense problem fixed

If only it were that simple.

[oubronco]

If only it were that simple.

and why isn't it Bowlen "OWNS" the team don't he

[lex]

and why isn't it Bowlen "OWNS" the team don't he

Yeah, Bowlen owns the team. But who says Shanahan would stick around for that? Why wouldnt he just tell Shanahan to hire a new DC rather than hire a GM, which would be an obvious affront.

[summerdenver]

If we go to San Diego and give up say 35 or more points in a losing effort and Shanny decides NOT to fire Slowik, what will your reaction be?

I will poke my eyes with some sharp object just so that i can avoid watching his putrid scheme.

Seriously he needs to go. His scheme basically consists of double covering the primary and secondary options of the opposition and leaving 3rd and 4th option uncovered thereby cunningly lull them into forgetting the primary options. IIRC, we did not hear a lot of Lee evans yesterday ......

[yerner]

I've said it before, I think this team is as good a team going forward as Shanny has built since the superbowls. If they dump him now, the guys drafting go with him. Sure, the defense hasn't been drafted as successfully as the offense, but one successful draft this year will change everything. There is nothing more overrated than coordinators. They all know the same football plays.

[Cito Pelon]

I have a question. I am more and more on the fence regarding Mike Shanahan. Sure he is a future HOFer (so is Joe Gibss). I really don't think there is a better option out there. The only "dream" scenario I could stomach happening involves names like Cowher, Nolan, and Norv Turner... and I'm not talking one of the three, I'm talking ALL THREE TOGETHER!

Anyhow, looking toward this weekend. If we go to San Diego and give up say 35 or more points in a losing effort and Shanny decides NOT to fire Slowik, what will your reaction be? I really curious about the guy's opinions that are "on the Shanny bandwagon", which I normally fit into. Personally, I think he screwed the pooch hiring a buddy. One one hand we need consistency in the worst way on defense. We've had WAY too many DCs in the past several years. Its no secret that our offense is good b/c of the consistency of personnel. On defense though I feel like we're trapped b/c of Shanny's decision. We need to get to a level of consistency that allows the players to really get a feel for what we are trying to do on defense... but I'm not sure that Slowik will ever be more than just a good position coach. Somebody tell me I'm wrong and that it will be okay b/c this team is NOT going in the right direction when it comes to defense.

So the real question is, do we stick with Slowik knowing that he sucks but knowing that we need consistency or do we dump him and start over yet again, essentially giving Shanny another scapegoat?

Shanahan calls the shots on D, Oskie. Slowik just tries to make the best of it.

[HEAV]

Why does it have to be a major name?

Who was (inseret decent head coach) before he was (decent head coach)?

There are young talented cordinators out there with the drive and hunger to be head coaches.

Dolphins, Ravens, Falcons, Steelers all teams that went outside the box and selected unknown (to regular fans) coaches and have had success.

It's not about the name, it's about the results.

Yes I understand that some teams have flopped trying to find the next great young mind in head coaching. But wasn't this the same mentality that was going around with Plummer vs Cutler.

Many said "We know what we will get in Plummer, but Cutler has a chance to be better."

Could it be we now know what we will get from Shanny year to year? Average win lose record, 1 division title in 10 years, decent stats for offense, poor stats for defense. Lack luster showing at home verse lesser teams, freeagent busts, the promise of next year or a few players away.



Many on here said we could not pass on the future quarterback of this franchise. It turned out to be true Jay has great potential and is showing flashes of greatness.

So why not do a search for the coach of the future. I new voice and ideas to freshen up a stale franchise that, while having talent at key spots, seems to be stuck in neutral?


But at the end of the day Bowlen is handcuffed to Shanny. Too much power, too many yes men, only Bowlen has power to fire Shanny. That's the problem when you turn over any company to one person.

Franchise should not be run like a dictatorship.

Eleven, Ten years ago I would have followed Shanny into hell. He got my childhood hero (Elway) to the top of the mountain. I sang his praises for years.

But now I don't reconize Shanny. The run game has been in decline that past several years, the Defense, the treatmeant of certain players, the siging of others.


As far as the draft's got good draft's the past few years. But it was Jeff Fisher that told Shanny that Jay was the real deal, Shanny would have taken Leinhart, Fisher would have taken Cutler, but ownership wanted Young.

Could be Shanny got lucky that his best friend told him inside info on a player Fisher coach at a scout game?


But again will change happen? Not this year, maybe not until the wheels to fall off. But then it may be too late... Mike was 43 when he took this job. Now with Dungy and Holmgren retiring Shannyis one of the older coaches in the NFL. He will be 57 this August, Bill Walsh retired from the NFL at 57 he was head man for ten years, Mike has been head man for 13. No amount of hair dye can cover burnout and complacency.

It very well could be time to not just be a young player team, but also a young coach team.

I just fear this team will continue to flounder under Shanny in the years to come.

[Kaylore]

I think the criticisms of Shanahan on defense are fair. I mean from his perspective he won a bunch of super bowls with a bunch of offense and a high risk, high reward defense. Having said that, I just feel like his entire philosophy is off. He says it's "stop the run, let them pass on you." Well that's not the case anymore. It's more about pass defense. A majority of the times you need a clutch stop it's usually a passing situation: third down, two minute drill, fourth quarter. Sure, your defense needs to try and get the ball back if you're behind, but if you have a good pass defense and a decent offense, those situations aren't happening a great deal.

Anyway I have no answers. Our players on defense seem to be football dumb. Our front seven sucks save a few and our safeties are the worst in the league. Slowiks scheme is terrible and what's worse is the players don't play very smart under him. They don't go for strips, they don't go for picks, they don't even challenge the ball when they're covering someone. It's like they just try and sort of get in position and then wait for the catch and then try and tackle. It's so frustrating.

I mean Slowik's defense is horrible because it does nothing but sap the life out of players and give the opponents offense confidence. It regularly allows third down conversions. That's a big plus and minus on both ends. It never generates turnovers. Those aren't just big because you get the ball back, they are momentum killers. It gets in the opponent's head. This year we've picked off six passes and amongst those we have a rookie, Brett Favre, and a questionable one on Rivers. Yay. Everything about the Slowik defense is designed to build confidence in the opponents and kill it in your team. It's pathetic. The players love him, or at least Bly loves him, but I can't imagine why. I mean if I had a boss who made me look like an idiot all year I would hate coming to work, but whatever.

[HEAV]

I think the criticisms of Shanahan on defense are fair. I mean from his perspective he won a bunch of super bowls with a bunch of offense and a high risk, high reward defense. Having said that, I just feel like his entire philosophy is off. He says it's "stop the run, let them pass on you." Well that's not the case anymore. It's more about pass defense. A majority of the times you need a clutch stop it's usually a passing situation: third down, two minute drill, fourth quarter. Sure, your defense needs to try and get the ball back if you're behind, but if you have a good pass defense and a decent offense, those situations aren't happening a great deal.

Anyway I have no answers. Our players on defense seem to be football dumb. Our front seven sucks save a few and our safeties are the worst in the league. Slowiks scheme is terrible and what's worse is the players don't play very smart under him. They don't go for strips, they don't go for picks, they don't even challenge the ball when they're covering someone. It's like they just try and sort of get in position and then wait for the catch and then try and tackle. It's so frustrating.

I mean Slowik's defense is horrible because it does nothing but sap the life out of players and give the opponents offense confidence. It regularly allows third down conversions. That's a big plus and minus on both ends. It never generates turnovers. Those aren't just big because you get the ball back, they are momentum killers. It gets in the opponent's head. This year we've picked off six passes and amongst those we have a rookie, Brett Favre, and a questionable one on Rivers. Yay. Everything about the Slowik defense is designed to build confidence in the opponents and kill it in your team. It's pathetic. The players love him, or at least Bly loves him, but I can't imagine why. I mean if I had a boss who made me look like an idiot all year I would hate coming to work, but whatever.



At the end of the game it's about sacks/pressure and turnovers. 14 turnovers and 24 sacks just don't cut it.

Let's not forget scoring TD's in the redzone. Being up 21-3 would have made the Bills on dimensional and the Broncos could have attacked the QB.

[Cheez Whiz]

The players love him, or at least Bly loves him, but I can't imagine why. I mean if I had a boss who made me look like an idiot all year I would hate coming to work, but whatever.

I disagree. I think at the beginning of the season the players tried to rally around someone that could give them hope. Why do you think players are secretively calling Slowik out? Wasn't it Paymah who told another player after the game that the play calling was crap?

I just don't see how this hack (Slowik) can keep his job. I would have replaced him 10 games ago. He sucked in Cleveland, He sucked in Green Bay, and he sucks in Denver. HOW does this guy get replaced by Jim Bates, only to replace Jim Bates a few years later? Mike Shanahan is a moron.

If Shanahan isn't leaving, atleast he needs to get the balls to kick Slowik to the curb after our season is over. I don't even care if a miracle happens and we win the Super Bowl and our defense plays like Orange Crush.

SLOWIK NEEDS TO GO.

[Cheez Whiz]

Just looking at the stats of our _efense angers me. God this guy sucks so bad!

[Florida_Bronco]

I think the criticisms of Shanahan on defense are fair. I mean from his perspective he won a bunch of super bowls with a bunch of offense and a high risk, high reward defense. Having said that, I just feel like his entire philosophy is off. He says it's "stop the run, let them pass on you." Well that's not the case anymore. It's more about pass defense. A majority of the times you need a clutch stop it's usually a passing situation: third down, two minute drill, fourth quarter. Sure, your defense needs to try and get the ball back if you're behind, but if you have a good pass defense and a decent offense, those situations aren't happening a great deal.

Anyway I have no answers. Our players on defense seem to be football dumb. Our front seven sucks save a few and our safeties are the worst in the league. Slowiks scheme is terrible and what's worse is the players don't play very smart under him. They don't go for strips, they don't go for picks, they don't even challenge the ball when they're covering someone. It's like they just try and sort of get in position and then wait for the catch and then try and tackle. It's so frustrating.

I mean Slowik's defense is horrible because it does nothing but sap the life out of players and give the opponents offense confidence. It regularly allows third down conversions. That's a big plus and minus on both ends. It never generates turnovers. Those aren't just big because you get the ball back, they are momentum killers. It gets in the opponent's head. This year we've picked off six passes and amongst those we have a rookie, Brett Favre, and a questionable one on Rivers. Yay. Everything about the Slowik defense is designed to build confidence in the opponents and kill it in your team. It's pathetic. The players love him, or at least Bly loves him, but I can't imagine why. I mean if I had a boss who made me look like an idiot all year I would hate coming to work, but whatever.

I think the players are appearing dumb because Slowik kept changing things up and sucks in general. Earlier this year, you had DJ Williams coming out saying that no one knew what they were doing, so obviously there is a coaching issue there. I get the impression that the players are on pins and needles just trying to get the basic job done, much less picks and forced fumbles.

[tsiguy96]

keep shanny, let him pick his offensive players like hes been doing. get a DC that is capable (young people are usually more creative, give someone a shot) and let them pick their players, and tell shanny to keep his hands off.

[kmonty]

It's hard to use "consistency" as the argument for keeping Slowik when he's moving from the 4-3 to the 3-4 to the 4-4 on a whim.

[Popps]

I also think it should be mandatory that we attempt to spend some of this cap space we'll have (Eddie Mac reports close to 31 mill) on free agents to help put a competitive team on the field. I don't want to hear about the organization not being able to afford it and what not. Lots of people spend tons of money following this team each year. It is pathetic what the team put on the field for a majority of the home slate, notably poor losses to teams like Jacksonville, Oakland and Buffalo. Spend money to make this team better. Peppers, Suggs, Haynesworth, Namdi, Atogwhe. Doesn't matter. Bring in some guys that can make this team (DEFENSE) competitive and better. It is the only thing really holding us back.

Fail to do these things, and we let 2009 slip away like we did 2008... it will be time for Shanahan to move on.

Speaking my language, man. Wish I had a nickel for every time I've posted basically this exact same thing. This "we can't afford it" routine is a ****ing joke. We've passed on play-maker after play-maker on defense in favor of scrubs and cast-offs. It's time to get serious about this whole thing or just quit pretending we're an elite team. One playoff win in a decade and our "prize" off-season signing is Boss Bailey? Give me a ****ing break.

How horrifically incompetent does a staff have to be to sign Boss Bailey to a big contract and assume the defense is fixed while John Engleberger remains a starter? Honestly. Just try to wrap your head around that.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Slowik is as good as gone. If he is back in any capacity next season, Bowlen had better have Shanahan's head examined.

And to all those thinking that Shanahan needs to go because we haven't been able to wrap up the division, you all need to shut up and go away.

Injuries finally caught up to the team, as well as idiotic game-planning in the special teams. Seriously, does anyone think the Bills put up 30 on us if we kick it deep and give them long fields and not have them starting every drive at around the 45?

[elsid13]

I think it funny that people are ready to throw Shanahan to the curb for a guy (Cowher) that many thought would was slightly improved Marty and couldn't win the big one. Shanahan has completely run this organization with lots of input from his coaches, front office folks and scouts. Cowher has never done that and might be complete failure if you give him the reigns like he asking for.

Let look at what product Shanahan has assembled on the field since AFC Title game.
1. A young Franchise QB (one of, if not the key elements to be winning team)
2. A young franchise LT (another key element)
3. A very good offense line with youth (dominate line play = championships)
4. A young #1 WR that forces DC to rotate their coverage to him
5. Two young TEs that can control center of the field
6. A #2 WR that attack all parts of the field and can step in and be #1 WR when he needs to.
7. A Rathman type WCO FB that acts a pass outlet and short yardage monster
8. A young aggresive QB coach/OC (Bates) that might be the next great play caller in the league

In fact all shanahan is missing healthy back that make the other team honor the PA and get those hard inside yards

While on defense (which I admit has been disappoint this season)

1. Very young defense line talent - Doom, Moss, and Thomas
2. A solid WLB with pro-bowl potential
3. A rookie WLB that seems to make plays -Woodyard
4. A young safety that seem to have the physical ability to make play over the entire field
5. A ST ace (Larson) that can bring the pain when he healthy
6. The best LOS in league
7 A good rookie punter
8 A HOF Corner and a solid #2 CB in league. Plus some young depth in the secondary in Bell and Williams.

Denver needs some help here but a solid FA (doesn't need to be big names) and rookie class put this team in solid position to be very competitive

[Traveler]

My questions with this team are as follows:

Offense-

Why does there seem to be no adjustments made after the opposing team makes halftime adjustments?

Defense-

Why does the defense never seem to get better as the season goes along?

Why haven't they been able to generate a pass rush for more than ten years?

Why are they such sloppy tacklers?

Why are our CB's playing ten yards off the line of scrimmage?

Special Teams-

Why have they been ranked at or near the bottom of the league for more than 8 years?


Overall tendancy-

Why does this team endure so many injuries? Most notably hamstrings.

Why do they seem to fade towards the end of the season instead of playing their best football?

Why do they rarely take advantage of the times when they can control their own destiny when the division title, or playoffs at at stake?

Inquiring minds wanna know...

[fountelway]

how about jack del rio or romeo crennel as dc next year?

[Inkana7]

how about jack del rio or romeo crennel as dc next year?

Why get guys who have pretty much failed? Jake Del Rio's defene was nothing without Mike Smith and Crennel's done squat without Bellichick.

If we do fire Slowik, bring someone who's flown under the radar. I was big on getting Mike Smith last year, but he got the head coaching gig in Atlanta. If I were in charge I would go after Greg Manusky or Rex Ryan. They both run hybrid 4-3/3-4 schemes that really maximize the talent on their team. I'm also in love with the Ravens defense. Yeah, they have Ed Reed, but their pressure schemes are amazing to watch.

[Inkana7]

And a good D-Line coach. Is anyone else tired of seeing nothing but bull rushes? I can't even remember the last time I've seen a stunt.

[Traveler]

And a good D-Line coach. Is anyone else tired of seeing nothing but bull rushes? I can't even remember the last time I've seen a stunt.

I asked that same question last week.

[TonyR]

I'm a staunch Shanahan supporter. We aren't that far away.

You start by saying "we aren't that far away" and the the rest of your post refutes this. Without a considerably better defense we ARE far away.

[oubronco]

And a good D-Line coach. Is anyone else tired of seeing nothing but bull rushes? I can't even remember the last time I've seen a stunt.

I've been onboard with this Idea for the last 8-10 years :thumbsup:

[ND Bronco Fan]

I think the biggest change we can make is the D-Line coach next year. Well that and a safety............lets relax guys....a few pieces (DE-MLB-Safety) with the cap room we have and drafting getting better it will be fine next year, sorry but I have given up on the defense this year.

[TonyR]

How horrifically incompetent does a staff have to be to sign Boss Bailey to a big contract and assume the defense is fixed while John Engleberger remains a starter? Honestly. Just try to wrap your head around that.

This is EXACTLY why I can't figure out the BS I see posted all over this forum that we're going to magically fix the defense this offseason. This defense is a long ways away from being good and this front office has no track record for getting and developing defensive talent.

[TonyR]

To all those who think Bowlen is going to go all out and spend on FA's and coaches this offseason please read this.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/22/phillips-to-be-back-for-the-boys/

The economy and the upcoming labor dispute is going to put owner wallets on lockdown.

[bombquixote]

You start by saying "we aren't that far away" and the the rest of your post refutes this. Without a considerably better defense we ARE far away.

They are not far away from contention. Look, this team finally has on offense what it hasn't had in almost a decade: real talent, especially at QB and on the line. Now on defense, we're three players and an aggressive scheme away being middle-of-the-road or better. Ten more turnovers means 4 more victories. A step away from 12-4 or 13-3. A playmaker at DE, one at linebacker, an adequate cover safety, and we're good. We have bank for free agents going into the off season, and A LOT of draft selections in April, so we CAN get these things THIS offseason. We all knew this season was the final step in rebuilding, and so it was. Next season, we WILL contend. Mark it down.

[TonyR]

Next season, we WILL contend. Mark it down.

I hope you're right. This FO's track record on defensive drafting and FA signings leaves more than a little doubt that it will be so easy but I guess all we can do is wait and see.

[lostknight]

I think we need a reality check here. The reality is that this team is rebuilding as rapidly as possible, and being competitive while doing so. But we still have some significant rebuilding to do. The good news after this year is that with the exception of the RB position, we are completely set for the offense.

The Goodman's have done more then a great job in starting to bring in talent. The reality is that the defense got too old, and lost too much talent under Ted, and to change GM's now is insane.

I went into this season thinking that the offense would be improved, but that we would have to wait until next year to get out from some disastrous contracts, and to have a Draft focused around defense. Once that is complete, we should have a team that dominates.

We have the pro bowl -quarterback, we have two pro bowl wide receivers, and the best offensive line in football. Even a incremental improvement in defense and the running game should make this team the dominate player for years to come.

Or we can fire Mike Shannahan and replace him with Norv Turner or Lane Kiffen. There is a reason coaches like that get jobs - because there really are not that many HoF coaches.

Thankfully it's not your choice.

[Traveler]

I think we need a reality check here. The reality is that this team is rebuilding as rapidly as possible, and being competitive while doing so. But we still have some significant rebuilding to do. The good news after this year is that with the exception of the RB position, we are completely set for the offense.

The Goodman's have done more then a great job in starting to bring in talent. The reality is that the defense got too old, and lost too much talent under Ted, and to change GM's now is insane.

I went into this season thinking that the offense would be improved, but that we would have to wait until next year to get out from some disastrous contracts, and to have a Draft focused around defense. Once that is complete, we should have a team that dominates.

We have the pro bowl -quarterback, we have two pro bowl wide receivers, and the best offensive line in football. Even a incremental improvement in defense and the running game should make this team the dominate player for years to come.

Or we can fire Mike Shannahan and replace him with Norv Turner or Lane Kiffen. There is a reason coaches like that get jobs - because there really are not that many HoF coaches.

Thankfully it's not your choice.

You're really Jim Goodman, aren't you?:thumbsup:

[bombquixote]

I hope you're right. This FO's track record on defensive drafting and FA signings leaves more than a little doubt that it will be so easy but I guess all we can do is wait and see.

The drafting has definitely been questionable, but they've done pretty well in FA, given what has been available. I think there's going to be a little more out there this year than usual (e.g. Haynesworth), plus our front office seems to be much better at talent evaluation in the draft post Sundquist. It's not like we need a dominant D. Just a few more real players.

[TonyR]

We have the pro bowl -quarterback, we have two pro bowl wide receivers, and the best offensive line in football. Even a incremental improvement in defense and the running game should make this team the dominate player for years to come.

Or we can fire Mike Shannahan and replace him with Norv Turner or Lane Kiffen. There is a reason coaches like that get jobs - because there really are not that many HoF coaches.


I hear what you're saying, but...

Royal made the Pro Bowl?

The NYG would beg to differ on our O-line being the best.

And who's advocating replacing Shanahan with Norv or Kiffin (who will be head coach at U Tennessee next season)? Where do you get this nonsense?

[Inkana7]

No, TonyR, you're right. We DON'T have a good O-Line.

[Broncoman13]

I have a question. I am more and more on the fence regarding Mike Shanahan. Sure he is a future HOFer (so is Joe Gibss). I really don't think there is a better option out there. The only "dream" scenario I could stomach happening involves names like Cowher, Nolan, and Norv Turner... and I'm not talking one of the three, I'm talking ALL THREE TOGETHER!

Anyhow, looking toward this weekend. If we go to San Diego and give up say 35 or more points in a losing effort and Shanny decides NOT to fire Slowik, what will your reaction be? I really curious about the guy's opinions that are "on the Shanny bandwagon", which I normally fit into. Personally, I think he screwed the pooch hiring a buddy. One one hand we need consistency in the worst way on defense. We've had WAY too many DCs in the past several years. Its no secret that our offense is good b/c of the consistency of personnel. On defense though I feel like we're trapped b/c of Shanny's decision. We need to get to a level of consistency that allows the players to really get a feel for what we are trying to do on defense... but I'm not sure that Slowik will ever be more than just a good position coach. Somebody tell me I'm wrong and that it will be okay b/c this team is NOT going in the right direction when it comes to defense.

So the real question is, do we stick with Slowik knowing that he sucks but knowing that we need consistency or do we dump him and start over yet again, essentially giving Shanny another scapegoat?


Did I say 35, I meant 52. Pretty much what I thought would happen...happened! Sucks. If Shanny doesn't act we're in big trouble!!!