Slowik will be back next season - Shanny announced after the game.

[Dagmar]

Facepalm.

[TheDave]

Doesn't suprise me...

[Dagmar]

http://www.facepalm.org/img.php

[DivineBronco]

lets see if thats still the case when wade phillips is fired..........hmmmmmm

[Dagmar]

Vic Lombardi announced this on Broncos All Access a minute ago.

I figured I would wave goodbye to the 'Mane with some great news.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Ok... WHAT?? This better be a joke.

[CBF1]

I am calling BS

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Sure he'll be back. But as defensive coordinator? I say we let the asshole handle the luggage, but odds are good he'll either lose half of it, drop it on the tarmac or line it up 10 yards short of the ramp.

[BroncoBuff]

Rusty ... where are you going?

[baja]

You should give Bob a call....

[long beach bronco]

Shanny is in denial. Expect another 8-8 season next year, especially playing the NFC East. This news was pathetic.

[Broncojef]

If Shanny is set on having Slowick I hope Bowlen grows a pair and says adios to Shanahan. I just cannot imagine watching another game with this same setup, its disgusting.

[bronco militia]

shanny has been known to change his mind

[wolf754life]

its his best friend, my tone will not change, i will not sit around and say nothing.

ONLY THE RAMS and DETRIOT LIONS GAVE UP MORE POINTS THAN US!

JOIN THE CAUSE, get rid of these guys, they are ruining the franchise!

[lex]

Unacceptable.

[Dagmar]

I am calling BS

I am not sure why they would lie on the most watched local sports show.

[NFLBRONCO]

shanny has been known to change his mind


I hope so

[lex]

I feel like crying. I cant take another year of this guy.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Doubt he's going to fire the guy (or ask him to resign) before they're back in Denver.

However, I doubt he's gone. He's hitching himself to Slowik being able to turn it around when the defense has talent.

If he keeps Slowik to coach a defense that just gave up the 2nd most points in franchise history, I hope Bowlen gives him a playoffs or bust ultimatum.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Ok if this turns out to be true I want them both gone. Bring in Cowher and get this **** over with.

[Dagmar]

Rusty ... where are you going?

Taking a break from the Mane, I have pissed too many people off and have been told in many neg reps I'm worse than Bob so I figured it was time. I'll still lurk and read sometimes.

[tsiguy96]

i bet slowik has a tight rope this time around. i really really hope so, possibly teh worst DC in the league right now. we have more talent then the other bottom 5-6 teams, but wow is he horrible

[Dagmar]

I like how my facepalm image keeps changing, now that is cool.

This is my fave...http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/Nightmare30/Funny%20stuff/facepalm.jpg

[Fusionfrontman]

Doubt he's going to fire the guy (or ask him to resign) before they're back in Denver.

However, I doubt he's gone. He's hitching himself to Slowik being able to turn it around when the defense has talent.

If he keeps Slowik to coach a defense that just gave up the 2nd most points in franchise history, I hope Bowlen gives him a playoffs or bust ultimatum.

I agree all the way. Slowick is the problem, and is Shannahan wants to keep him around, then Bowlen has got to let him know, playoff WIN or Shanahan goes then.

[wolf754life]

guys, think about it

champ bailey comes out and says slowick is the best coach he has ever had!

what champ wants champ gets

his bro, his coach, his salary

favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
NEPOTISM

they are ruining the franchise!

[baja]

come on you guys I can't believe you are this gullible there is no way Shanny "announces " he is keeping his DC, bull crap - why would that even come up in the post game show. Rusty got you all.

[tsiguy96]

i am a big of supporter as shanahan as anyone, he NEEDS to be the coach. NOT the gm.

[lex]

Doubt he's going to fire the guy (or ask him to resign) before they're back in Denver.

However, I doubt he's gone. He's hitching himself to Slowik being able to turn it around when the defense has talent.

If he keeps Slowik to coach a defense that just gave up the 2nd most points in franchise history, I hope Bowlen gives him a playoffs or bust ultimatum.


I cant even stomach that. This past season was too horrible to tolerate hearing this guy is still our DC and even worse, watching his handiwerk on the field. I just cant take it. The only thing that got me through the season was the hope was that somehow this guy would be gone.

[orange crusher]

I can't take another year of this! Pat needs to step in and tell Shanahan that either Slowik goes or they both go.

[wolf754life]

NEPOTISM-favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)

[spdirty]

I hate slowik as bad as everyone else, but just get some ****ing players n here. And if the defense has another 400 point season both shanny and slowik need to go. Stroud and Jenkins were both out there yet we got Robertson. Moss and Crowder.

If haynesworth is out there as a fa we need to do what it takes to get him here. No excuses. We need players on defense. And everyone else here knows what else we need.

[lex]

come on you guys I can't believe you are this gullible there is no way Shanny "announces " he is keeping his DC, bull crap - why would that even come up in the post game show. Rusty got you all.

Why would the press not ask this question? Also, as much as you dont want to believe it, its consistent with all the other cronyism that exists among the coaches.

[spdirty]

Sure he'll be back. But as defensive coordinator? I say we let the a-hole handle the luggage, but odds are good he'll either lose half of it, drop it on the tarmac or line it up 10 yards short of the ramp.

LOL

[Broncojef]

i am a big of supporter as shanahan as anyone, he NEEDS to be the coach. NOT the gm.

Watching his most recent drafts and his coaching skills this last year I'd say you have it backwards. the drafts are looking OK recently and his coaching skills suck.

[Dagmar]

come on you guys I can't believe you are this gullible there is no way Shanny "announces " he is keeping his DC, bull crap - why would that even come up in the post game show. Rusty got you all.

Sigh. It was announced by Vic Lombardi on Broncos All Access, the local Sunday night show here in Colorado.

Believe what you want and go pay up on your bets.

[Broncoman13]

Sadly I think it's time for Shanny to go. I was afraid this would happen. I know he can easily change his mind (or have his mind changed for him!) but that still doesn't answer the bigger issue that is, Shanny doesn't see the problem here. He still thinks he's on the cusp of a great team. We need some outside perspective in a very bad way!

[baja]

Why would the press not ask this question? Also, as much as you dont want to believe it, its consistent with all the other cronyism that exists among the coaches.

I would be very surprised if this was addressed after the game. I do not believe it.

[wolf754life]

Sadly I think it's time for Shanny to go. I was afraid this would happen. I know he can easily change his mind (or have his mind changed for him!) but that still doesn't answer the bigger issue that is, Shanny doesn't see the problem here. He still thinks he's on the cusp of a great team. We need some outside perspective in a very bad way!

agreed, what if we draft another Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder?

can we afford to whiff on our next defenders?

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I cant even stomach that. This past season was too horrible to tolerate hearing this guy is still our DC and even worse, watching his handiwerk on the field. I just cant take it. The only thing that got me through the season was the hope was that somehow this guy would be gone.

I'm not saying I think they should keep him. I think Slowik's in the same position Cam Cameron was in Miami after last season. They had **** for talent, but he still got the can because 1-15 is not acceptable. He needs to go because the unit he put out there came up with 0 meaningful stops over the final 2 games (and if I wasn't too lazy to look at the Carolina boxscore, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the final 3).

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Oh **** me.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/first_45446___article.html/broncos_defense.html

"Broncos coach Mike Shanahan emphatically said he would not consider replacing defensive coordinator Bob Slowik after the season, but he said improvements must be made. "

Bob's son, Ryan, is also a ST assistant. What can I take from that knowledge? The Slowiks blow at football.

[baja]

Sigh. It was announced by Vic Lombardi on Broncos All Access, the local Sunday night show here in Colorado.

Believe what you want and go pay up on your bets.

Don't you worry about my bets sonny.

[tsiguy96]

Watching his most recent drafts and his coaching skills this last year I'd say you have it backwards. the drafts are looking OK recently and his coaching skills suck.

no, i dont. he is doing the drafting yes, but his handling personnel is horrible. strength coaches, slowik, dl coaches.

[Broncojef]

I hate slowik as bad as everyone else, but just get some ****ing players n here. And if the defense has another 400 point season both shanny and slowik need to go. Stroud and Jenkins were both out there yet we got Robertson. Moss and Crowder.

If haynesworth is out there as a fa we need to do what it takes to get him here. No excuses. We need players on defense. And everyone else here knows what else we need.

I watched series this year when we were agressive such as the first series against the Bills and we dominated, then for unknown reasons we went back to the cushion BS and were terrible. I think this is a Slowick thing more than a talent thing. Do we need better players? Sure. But this coaching staff benched Woodyard and Larsen only to watch the Nate/DJ crap the entire SD game. They have no clue at evaluating talent or schemes to stop the offense and these are the last people we need holding the keys to our rebuilding process, they are clueless.

[summerdenver]

The loud cheer you hear is chargers celebrating winning the AFCW div for next year.

If this is true, then shanahan is fast sliding into Al Davis territory of denialism.

[lex]

I'm not saying I think they should keep him. I think Slowik's in the same position Cam Cameron was in Miami after last season. They had **** for talent, but he still got the can because 1-15 is not acceptable. He needs to go because the unit he put out there came up with 0 meaningful stops over the final 2 games (and if I wasn't too lazy to look at the Carolina boxscore, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the final 3).

I think the problem begins with Slowik.

[Dagmar]

I would be very surprised if this was addressed after the game. I do not believe it.

Ok. WHatever.

Shouldn't you be on Paypal?

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=75276

[BlaK-Argentina]

Oh **** me.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/first_45446___article.html/broncos_defense.html

"Broncos coach Mike Shanahan emphatically said he would not consider replacing defensive coordinator Bob Slowik after the season, but he said improvements must be made. "

Bob's son, Ryan, is also a ST assistant. What can I take from that knowledge? The Slowiks blow at football.

**** us all. This is even worse than losing the game.

[HEAV]

Taking a break from the Mane, I have pissed too many people off and have been told in many neg reps I'm worse than Bob so I figured it was time. I'll still lurk and read sometimes.

Dude don't let the Homers beat you down.

I'm the most hated guy on here...well maybe second most to Wolf...but still someone has to keep showing these smuck's that living with Shanny blinders isn't going to cut it.

Take a break if you need to chill out. But don't let the F-Wads AKA sheep drive you away.

Hell my neg rep reads like a hall of fame! Doesn't bother me. just proves how weak the Shanny circle jerk crew really is.

[ScottXray]

If Shanahan keeps Slowik as DC then I hope Bowlen has the brains to see that Shanny has stayed past his expiration date. Even with talent Slowik will give up huge chunks of points.

I'm tired of having a coaching staff that never played the game at the level of the NFL. Or even at a highly rated college team level.

The entire Defensive staff should be canned and the GM duties given to someone that can evaluate NFL level talent.

[Broncojef]

no, i dont. he is doing the drafting yes, but his handling personnel is horrible. strength coaches, slowik, dl coaches.

Your right from that angle he has created another mess.

[Dagmar]

Don't you worry about my bets sonny.

Alright old orange man.

[spdirty]

i am a big of supporter as shanahan as anyone, he NEEDS to be the coach. NOT the gm.

shanahan has completely rebuilt the offense with the exception of Hamilton since '05. Ill give him an offseason to fix this shlt. But Slowik is extremely disturbing.

[CBF1]

I hate slowik as bad as everyone else, but just get some ****ing players n here. And if the defense has another 400 point season both shanny and slowik need to go. Stroud and Jenkins were both out there yet we got Robertson. Moss and Crowder.

If haynesworth is out there as a fa we need to do what it takes to get him here. No excuses. We need players on defense. And everyone else here knows what else we need.

It is not IF HAYNESWORTH is out there. If you had been paying attention you would know that with his Pro Bowl selection, his contract with the Titans now is no longer valid after the season (He was tagged as a franchise player after last season) and they can not franchise him again.... So YES he is available.

[wolf754life]

this is unreal, now the fanboys are justifying slowick, where will it stop?

the humanity!

[Hercules Rockefeller]

It is not IF HAYNESWORTH is out there. If you had been paying attention you would know that with his Pro Bowl selection, his contract with the Titans now is no longer valid after the season (He was tagged as a franchise player after last season) and they can not franchise him again.... So YES he is available.

Don't know why ESPN made such a big deal about Haynesworth making the Pro Bowl, he had like 4 different things that could happen that would prevent the Titans from tagging him again. A couple were playoff related and I thought the Titans had already attained one of those team goals that would prevent him from being tagged again before the Pro Bowl teams were even announced.

[summerdenver]

Is Shanny trying to get fired?

If I were Bowlen and shanahan insists that he bring slowik back, I would fire him on the spot. We are probably even better off witout a DC come to think of it. Seriously, if the defensive players were making something up on their own would it be worse than this?

[spdirty]

It is not IF HAYNESWORTH is out there. If you had been paying attention you would know that with his Pro Bowl selection, his contract with the Titans now is no longer valid after the season (He was tagged as a franchise player after last season) and they can not franchise him again.... So YES he is available.

good. He better be a Bronco next year.

[NFLBRONCO]

shanahan has completely reuilt the offense with the evception of Hamilton since '05. Ill give him an offseason to fix this shlt. But Slowik is extremely disturbing.

It will be pretty tough to upgrade this D in one offseason. I think for us to get better faster depends on who we sign before draft. If we sign bargain types again it will take several years if we hit big name market and we luck out we can improve greatly in 09.

[HEAV]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rulon Velvet Jones
Oh **** me.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/first_...s_defense.html

"Broncos coach Mike Shanahan emphatically said he would not consider replacing defensive coordinator Bob Slowik after the season, but he said improvements must be made. "

Bob's son, Ryan, is also a ST assistant. What can I take from that knowledge? The Slowiks blow at football.


**** us all. This is even worse than losing the game.


Just like I said in Baha's thread.

Mike Shanahan will not relinquish any power or control to any other individual.

Slowick is just another yes man.

Rob Ryan will be available as a DC, but he would be a threat to Shanny.


Mike Shanahan will never hire an equal to him ever again. But again this is the price you pay when you give total power to one person.

[spdirty]

Is Shanny trying to get fired?

If I were Bowlen and shanahan insists that he bring slowik back, I would fire him on the spot. We are probably even better off witout a DC come to think of it. Seriously, if the defensive players were making something up on their own would it be worse than this?

LOL let Winborn call the plays.

[spdirty]

http://www.gazette.com/sports/first_...s_defense.html
.

doesnt work.

[broncofan2438]

Who gives a ****.......doesnt matter who is calling plays...we suck

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

http://www.gazette.com/sports/first_45446___article.html/broncos_defense.html

ecember 28, 2008 - 10:36 PM
FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
SAN DIEGO - Thanks to the clock running out in the first half, the Denver Broncos' defense finally got a stop.

The Chargers scored on their first four possessions of the first half, putting the Broncos in a 24-6 hole at halftime. Denver's defense was ranked 28th in the NFL in yards allowed through 15 games, and it had one of its worst games with a playoff spot on the line.

The Chargers had little trouble moving the ball. Their receivers always seemed open against soft coverage. Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles either ran around Broncos defenders or ran through them. San Diego had 289 rushing yards and 202 passing yards. The Chargers probably could have had more passing yards, but threw only 20 times, completing 15.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan emphatically said he would not consider replacing defensive coordinator Bob Slowik after the season, but he said improvements must be made.

"Defensively, we've got a lot of work to do," Shanahan said.

The first time Denver got a stop, other than when the first half ended, came when the Chargers punted with 50 seconds left in the third quarter. San Diego scored touchdowns on each of its first two second-half possessions, including a one-play drive. On the play after an interception by quarterback Jay Cutler, LaDainian Tomlinson ran mostly untouched for a 14-yard touchdown. That put the Broncos behind 38-13.

Cornerback Champ Bailey played hurt, and the Chargers hit a couple of big plays against him. Bailey left the game with a left elbow injury on the second play from scrimmage. He tried tackling San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson with his left arm after falling down awkwardly. He went straight to the bench and after being looked at by trainers, was taken to the locker room.

Bailey had the injured elbow wrapped up when he returned for the Broncos' second series on defense. The Chargers went right after him, and Vincent Jackson got behind Bailey for a 37-yard catch. Bailey, who was playing only his second game after missing seven with a groin injury, didn't look healthy when tight end Antonio Gates beat him for a 34-yard catch the series after Jackson's long grab.

The Chargers got plenty of big plays, and their final score came on a 4-yard touchdown run by rookie Jacob Hester with 1:15 remaining.

"When you look up at the scoreboard and see 52 points, it hurts," cornerback Dre Bly said.

The Broncos will have to upgrade their personnel in the offseason. Bly said he didn't know what changes would occur, but he understood after missing the playoffs that some things will be different.

"What we did this year was not acceptable," Bly said.

[Popps]

Mike Shanahan will never hire an equal to him ever again. But again this is the price you pay when you give total power to one person.

Should we all just make a date for next year at this time to have this same conversation? I guess we need the schedule to come out first.

The good news about this all is that the drama is coming out of it. With this entire staff in tact, you can rest assured we'll have a decent offense... we'll start strong and then go in the ****ter.

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

Baby steps, fellas. Go from the 29th ranked defense to the 23rd, then to the 20th the next season and so on...eventually, you'll crack the top-half of the league.

[BroncoBuff]

shanahan has completely rebuilt the offense with the exception of Hamilton since '05.
Isn't that freaking amazing?!

You gotta hand it to Shanny ... he left the stadium after an AFC Championship Game loss, completely rebuilt the offense from scratch in three years (save Hamilton). The only players who are more than 3 years in the league are Hamilton, Weigmann, Stokley and Graham ... and they're all just 30 and 31.

We have the most exciting young offense in the league, and it'll be even better - smoother - next year. Heaven help the rest of the league if Lichtensteiger, Torain and Chad Jackson play up to their potential, we could have this entire offense together for 5-6 or more years.

[ScottXray]

Baby steps, fellas. Go from the 29th ranked defense to the 23rd, then to the 20th the next season and so on...eventually, you'll crack the top-half of the league.

Of course, by then the Offensive players have left to other teams or injury and you start all over again.

[spdirty]

Isn't that freaking amazing?!

You gotta hand it to Shanny ... he left the stadium after an AFC Championship Game loss, completely rebuilt the offense from scratch in three years (save Hamilton). The only players who are more than 3 years in the league are Hamilton, Weigmann, Stokley and Graham ... and they're all just 30 and 31.

We have the most exciting young offense in the league, and it'll be even better - smoother - next year. Heaven help the rest of the league if Lichtensteiger, Torain and Chad Jackson play up to their potential, we could have this entire offense together for 5-6 or more years.

yep. If we can just have a good frickin defensive draft this year, and get Haynesworth, Im pretty excited about next year.

[broncofan2438]

broncos = choke, joke

[cutthemdown]

It's not Slowiks fault people. Get over it.

[Florida_Bronco]

Dude don't let the Homers beat you down.

I'm the most hated guy on here...well maybe second most to Wolf...but still someone has to keep showing these smuck's that living with Shanny blinders isn't going to cut it.

Take a break if you need to chill out. But don't let the F-Wads AKA sheep drive you away.

Hell my neg rep reads like a hall of fame! Doesn't bother me. just proves how weak the Shanny circle jerk crew really is.

That's right HEAV, you're a soldier of reality.

[broncolife]

I cant believe I feel worse about one of our coaches coming back then us getting knocked out of the playoffs. I was on the fence with the fire Shanny thing, but with Slowik coming back I am a loose board away from falling over to the fire Shanny crowd.

[TomServo]

but we have these trophys from ten years ago.
it used to be "elway sucks w/out shanny". ive made my mind up. it was the other way around.

[gunns]

Before this season I said my 3 biggest concerns were Slowik, Dennison, and the lack of safeties. I was lambasted for the first two......that Slowik didn't have the talent to work with, that Dennison has done a remarkable job since Gibbs left and we should give him a chance at the offense.

Well, IMO, I was right to be concerned about all 3. We didn't pick up any quality safeties, AGAIN. And people can say what they want about the talent on the defense but we have some great talent on the D and Slowik couldn't even work with that. The schemes he put in were laughable.

Now I'll agree that the offense was heads and tails above where it's been for the past couple of years. In fact we had one of the top scoring offenses...for awhile. But when our offense stalls after the first quarter in quite a few games and you can't quarrel with the talent, it's the coaching. How long has it been since we have seen a Denver offense NOT be a dominant force on their homefield for almost the entire year? Yes, yes I now all about our running game but there were several games where we saw Cutler take it over and win it with virtually no running game. With all the injuries, it might be prudent to look at those who are in charge of strength and conditioning.

Shanahan has had some good drafts lately. For me, that's about all the good you can say about him. The two DL coaches we have, Johnson and Burney, have coached for other teams and they sucked at that time. O'Brien's abilities on ST's has been dismal and his previous coaching experience was lackluster. Why are all these guys here? Shanahan. The players on this team aren't as bad as the team that was on the field. Our DL has been awful for years and Shanahan brings in the Browns line that sucked in Cleveland? Bowlen needs to take control of this team and start calling the shots. A house cleaning of coaches is first and foremost. And if Shanahan doesn't like it, he can go too. The fact the man took us to two SB victories, 10 years ago begins to fade in the reality of 4 playoff appearances in 10 years, one win, and mediocre products on the field.

[wolf754life]

you can't let this go off the front page, I mean how can slow lick get a free pass?

how can the rat not give a crap?

I am more motivated than ever before for Mike Shannahans Ouster!!!

[DomCasual]

Before this season I said my 3 biggest concerns were Slowik, Dennison, and the lack of safeties. I was lambasted for the first two......that Slowik didn't have the talent to work with, that Dennison has done a remarkable job since Gibbs left and we should give him a chance at the offense.

Well, IMO, I was right to be concerned about all 3.

I don't think you can be too upset with Dennison. I would have agreed with you before this season. But he's proven himself to me. The fact is that we're a passing team - at least for now. And the offensive line looked as good as any in the NFL at pass protection. When you throw in the fact that this was done with a bunch of kids (albeit, talented kids), I think it says a lot about how they were coached.

[TomServo]

how can i get a gig like that? prolly pays at least 250,000$ a year . "Play ten yards off what the other teams needs for a first down. PERFECT!"

[Cheez Whiz]

Don't worry.

Bob Slowik won't be fired. He will resign within a few weeks.

[Elway777]

If Broncos keep Slowik then its time for the Mastermind to go. I would bring in Josh McDonald from New England.

[nickademus]

Slowik's scheme is horrible I have seen better on the high school level. Seriously when Brandon "McDonalds Wrapper" Marshall can point out the problems you know you got issues. The thing that bugs me the most is the 4 pt stance he makes us use, this kills any speed we had off the edge and gives us no pass rush which is great since our CB's are 8-12 yards off their Wr's every play. I wont even start with the middle of our D I like Thomas but put a big body next to him for god's sake. All in all we need 6-8 new starters on D that is freaking awesome.

[TomServo]

No its perfect. we Never give up the big play, who gives a rats ass if we give up 12 yards per play? at least we dont give up the big play.

[Mile High 81]

I wachted the game a few minutes ago and thought, well at least that will get Slowik fired.

In know that is not all about him, there is definitely a lack of talent but with a offense like we have you should be able to stop Teams like Jacksonville, Oakland, Buffalo etc and hold them down. I hope season ticket holders will send Bowlen a message.

[broncocalijohn]

Isn't that freaking amazing?!

You gotta hand it to Shanny ... he left the stadium after an AFC Championship Game loss, completely rebuilt the offense from scratch in three years (save Hamilton). The only players who are more than 3 years in the league are Hamilton, Weigmann, Stokley and Graham ... and they're all just 30 and 31.

We have the most exciting young offense in the league, and it'll be even better - smoother - next year. Heaven help the rest of the league if Lichtensteiger, Torain and Chad Jackson play up to their potential, we could have this entire offense together for 5-6 or more years.

I think we have proven that you need to play defense between those star gazing, offensive plays during those 60 minutes of football. Keep the offense out this discussion as it lays on the defense for next year.

[BroncoMan4ever]

i don't give a **** if Slowik is Mike's girlfriend his butt buddy best friend whatever, shanahan needs to drop kick his sorry no talent ass out of town.

if he is back next season, Bowlen needs to make it clear to Mike, his job is on the line.

i am as big a Shanahan supporter as there is, but if he is stupid enough to allow Slowik to come back, he needs to get ****canned.

Bowlen needs to tell him, "If Slowik is back next year, that Mike has to win the division and do more than 1 and done in the playoffs or they are both gone."

[TomServo]

shiny shiny trophys....im a genious. my D coach plays 12 yards of the line? F it im a genious. i won some trophys with the best qb ever...wasnt him was me. im brilliant. i screwed the broncos out of their SB every decade thing? **** it im shanahan.

[WABronco]

Arguably the only player with any sort of impact talent on the defense is over 30 years old. Yes, let's lay the blame entirely at the feet of one man.

[Bronco Yoda]

This is great news! And to top it off, we're really only one player away from a Championship.

Yeeeehaaaaw!

Anyone else want a drinky?

[SPORTSWRITER]

If Shanny is set on having Slowick I hope Bowlen grows a pair and says adios to Shanahan. I just cannot imagine watching another game with this same setup, its disgusting.

I thought somebody had castrated Bowlen after the last SB win. I think he should sell the team to Steinbrenner or maybe Trump. Or the Mane! ;D

[The MVPlaya]

I'm sure Shanahan will force him to resign or demote him.

[elsid13]

I have strange feeling Slowick will be the DC, but there will be a new Assistant Head Coach of Defense appointed.

[Broncoman13]

First team in history to be up in the division by three games with three games to go and not make the playoffs/win the division. But it gets worse! Not only did we not make the playoffs... we actually got worse on defense when compared to 2007, which is unthinkable! We went from 25.9 pts per game with 409 points scored against us to 28 pts per game with 448 scored against us in 2008. We actually got worse!!!

Anybody that's not holding Mike Shanahan responsible for the mess on defense needs to have their head examined! Players, scheme, coaches, whatever... it's on SHANAHAN! Teflon coach is on the mark.

[Broncoman13]

I wish we could bring back Coyer. At the very least he would find a way for what little talent we have on defense to make plays!

With the cap room we have it's possible to get a threesome like Haynesworth, Peppers, and Atogwe. But with Bowlen penny pinching I doubt we get one of them. I think we'll make a play at Peppers. We went after Kerney. We went after Abraham. No doubt we'll make a play for Peppers unless Bowlen is just scared ****less of the current economy.

[HEAV]

Isn't that freaking amazing?!

You gotta hand it to Shanny ... he left the stadium after an AFC Championship Game loss, completely rebuilt the offense from scratch in three years (save Hamilton). The only players who are more than 3 years in the league are Hamilton, Weigmann, Stokley and Graham ... and they're all just 30 and 31.

We have the most exciting young offense in the league, and it'll be even better - smoother - next year. Heaven help the rest of the league if Lichtensteiger, Torain and Chad Jackson play up to their potential, we could have this entire offense together for 5-6 or more years.

In the salary cap era it will be hard to keep talent together for that long.

Also it could take Shanny, and his crew, years to turn around the defense (the way they have been going) so by the time he finally figures out a half decent defense his offense could be totally different from today.

Not to mention there is a work stoppage coming to the NFL. There will be one un-capped year and some teams will spen freely, but with the current financial outlook...

[Broncomutt]

ONLY THE RAMS and DETRIOT LIONS GAVE UP MORE POINTS THAN US!



Wait a minute. We weren't that bad were we?

[toad]

Wait a minute. We weren't that bad were we?

4th worst overall DEF in the league....ahead of only the 4-12 Seahawks, the 2-14 Chiefs, and the infamous 0-16 Lions.

3rd worst in points allowed....just behind the 0-16 Lions and 2-14 Rams.

In addition, the 2 killers this year (beyond our overall season of mediocrity) were losses to OAK and KC in the division.

KC is the 24th ranked offense in the league, averaging 18.2 points/game and they drop 33 on us for the loss.

OAK is the 29th ranked offense in th league, averaging 16.4 points/game and they drop 31 on us for the loss.

When 2 terrible offenses, one arguably among the worst in the league, drop 30+ points (nearly double their avg output) on you in division losses, it speaks volumes to the nature of this defense.

[HEAV]

Wait a minute. We weren't that bad were we?

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?season=2008&seasonType=REG&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&d-447263-o=2&conference=ALL&tabSeq=2&role=OPP&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=TOTAL_POINTS_SCORED&d-447263-n=1



Sadly ...yes.

[Rohirrim]

I have strange feeling Slowick will be the DC, but there will be a new Assistant Head Coach of Defense appointed.

I don't think one defensive assistant is enough. What this team needs is a Vice President of Defense, a Liason Assistant to the Defense, an Of Counsel to the Defense and an Assistant to the Main Defensive Assistant. The problem with this team is that there are not enough coaches.

[elsid13]

I wish we could bring back Coyer. At the very least he would find a way for what little talent we have on defense to make plays!

With the cap room we have it's possible to get a threesome like Haynesworth, Peppers, and Atogwe. But with Bowlen penny pinching I doubt we get one of them. I think we'll make a play at Peppers. We went after Kerney. We went after Abraham. No doubt we'll make a play for Peppers unless Bowlen is just scared ****less of the current economy.

i wouldn't get your hopes up.

- Peppers will be franchised according to multiply media sources
- Haynesworth reportedly stated that wants to retire as Titan and is willing to take slightly less money to do so. (How much is the question)
- Crazy Al can franchise Nnamdi Asomugha again
- Atogwe might be the only FA on your list that might be available if things break right.

[elsid13]

I don't think one defensive assistant is enough. What this team needs is a Vice President of Defense, a Liason Assistant to the Defense, an Of Counsel to the Defense and an Assistant to the Main Defensive Assistant. The problem with this team is that there are not enough coaches.

Two coaches for every player. Sweet.

[Jens1893]

First team in history to be up in the division by three games with three games to go and not make the playoffs/win the division. But it gets worse! Not only did we not make the playoffs... we actually got worse on defense when compared to 2007, which is unthinkable! We went from 25.9 pts per game with 409 points scored against us to 28 pts per game with 448 scored against us in 2008. We actually got worse!!!

Anybody that's not holding Mike Shanahan responsible for the mess on defense needs to have their head examined! Players, scheme, coaches, whatever... it's on SHANAHAN! Teflon coach is on the mark.

You forgot a rather interesting stat ... we went from 30 takeaways in 07 to a whopping 13 this season. We had SIX interceptions all season.

[oubronco]

well we'll have another fuggin sh*t year next year thanks Shanad*ckhan

[Traveler]

9 games of 30 or more points and the DC doesn't get fired? Wish they would fire the entire defensive staff.

We might as well have kept Bates. At least then they would be in year two of running his scheme.

I feel sorry for the Bronco season ticket holders. The product they put on the field just isn't worth the money.

My heart goes out to Champ. Denver is wasting his talents. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he asked/demanded to be traded. This defense is atrocious!

[rastaman]

Don't worry, Champ salary acceleration/increase over the next 2 or 3 years, will demand Champ either renegotiates or he's gone anyway. No way does he make the estimated 10 million dollars per season for a CB 30 yrs old plus, and who's nicked up injuries seem to have caught up with him.

Champ either takes a salary cut soon or the Broncos let him go anyway.

[broncofan7]

Don't worry, Champ salary acceleration/increase over the next 2 or 3 years, will demand Champ either renegotiates or he's gone anyway. No way does he make the estimated 10 million dollars per season for a CB 30 yrs old plus, and who's nicked up injuries seem to have caught up with him.

Champ either takes a salary cut soon or the Broncos let him go anyway.

We won't cut him--but we should explore trading him for sure. If anyone is willing to give up a #1 (say AZ for example to replace Rod Hood) we should jump on it

[Dendave]

Bring him in as a coach

Schefter: Marinelli out in Detroit after 0-16 season

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80dbc543&template=without-video&confirm=true

[Broncoman13]

Yes b/c a 3-4 minded DC is exactly what we need... /sarc

[elsid13]

Yes b/c a 3-4 minded DC is exactly what we need... /sarc

Marinelli runs a Tampa 2 defense. He is from the Kiffen coaching tree. The problem is that we don't have MLB that has the speed or coverage ability to get down the center of the field. But if Denver moves to Tampa-2 it would help with players like DJ, Thomas/Robinson and Doom that fit that scheme better. Coyer ran something similiar when he was here.

[DarkHorse]

Phil Savage was fired before the Browns even left Pittsburgh, we couldn't get the same deal with Slowik????

[Broncoman13]

Marinelli runs a Tampa 2 defense. He is from the Kiffen coaching tree. The problem is that we don't have MLB that has the speed or coverage ability to get down the center of the field. But if Denver moves to Tampa-2 it would help with players like DJ, Thomas/Robinson and Doom that fit that scheme better. Coyer ran something similiar when he was here.

Awesome, he coached his way to the worst record in NFL history.... BRING HIM IN! Shanny could always use a throwdown scapegoat.

[Rohirrim]

Shanahan reminds me of Cheney. No matter what happens he just looks into the camera and says, "So?"

[Ironlung]

Watching the d last night was actually comical. We were laughing early and often, its like watchin the 3 stooges.

[Broncoman13]

I say you have to get rid of Slo. Bring in Mangini or Marenilli or hell even Herm Edwards and go with a cover two. I said this last year and paid dearly for it this year, but NOTHING CAN BE WORSE THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW!

[bronco militia]

I say you have to get rid of Slo. Bring in Mangini or Marenilli or hell even Herm Edwards and go with a cover two. I said this last year and paid dearly for it this year, but NOTHING CAN BE WORSE THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW!

sadly, Bates was worse

anyway, I agree that Slowdick has to go

[baja]

Arguably the only player with any sort of impact talent on the defense is over 30 years old. Yes, let's lay the blame entirely at the feet of one man.

And did the NFLPA send us those bad players and make our poor abused coaches use them

[baja]

4th worst overall DEF in the league....ahead of only the 4-12 Seahawks, the 2-14 Chiefs, and the infamous 0-16 Lions.

3rd worst in points allowed....just behind the 0-16 Lions and 2-14 Rams.

In addition, the 2 killers this year (beyond our overall season of mediocrity) were losses to OAK and KC in the division.

<b>KC is the 24th ranked offense in the league, averaging 18.2 points/game and they drop 33 on us for the loss.

OAK is the 29th ranked offense in th league, averaging 16.4 points/game and they drop 31 on us for the loss.

When 2 terrible offenses, one arguably among the worst in the league, drop 30+ points (nearly double their avg output) on you in division losses, it speaks volumes to the nature of this defense.

This indeed speaks volumes
This is as good a deffinition of FAIL as any

[baja]

Don't worry, Champ salary acceleration/increase over the next 2 or 3 years, will demand Champ either renegotiates or he's gone anyway. No way does he make the estimated 10 million dollars per season for a CB 30 yrs old plus, and who's nicked up injuries seem to have caught up with him.


Champ either takes a salary cut soon or the Broncos let him go anyway.

Champ did not have a great game yesterday

[Rohirrim]

This indeed speaks volumes
This is as good a deffinition of FAIL as any

Judging by Shanahan's inability to make defensive improvements (and his statement that Slowik is going nowhere), I'm guessing the Broncos go 1 and 5 in the AFC West next season. Michael Bush (the guy many of us wanted Shanahan to pursue) looked awesome in the Raiders last game.

[TonyR]

You gotta hand it to Shanny ... he left the stadium after an AFC Championship Game loss, completely rebuilt the offense from scratch in three years (save Hamilton). The only players who are more than 3 years in the league are Hamilton, Weigmann, Stokley and Graham ... and they're all just 30 and 31.

We have the most exciting young offense in the league, and it'll be even better - smoother - next year. Heaven help the rest of the league if Lichtensteiger, Torain and Chad Jackson play up to their potential, we could have this entire offense together for 5-6 or more years.

Posts like this one simply amaze me. After a game like that some people still cling to this nonsense. Just unbelievable. Even more frightening is that Bowlen and Shanahan might feel this way, too. Yes, heaven help the rest of the league. What a ****ing joke.

[theAPAOps5]

This announcement is pitiful, and alas I cannot defend Shanahan any longer. Its downright arrogant to think Slowick deserves to be brought back.

My biggest fear is he thinks all he needs is an elite back. So rather than throw all those picks at Defense he trades them to move up for a back.

Just a bad, bad move if he follows through and retains him.

[Beantown Bronco]

My biggest fear is he thinks all he needs is an elite back. So rather than throw all those picks at Defense he trades them to move up for a back.

Don't let a few nimrods here fool you. If Shanny wouldn't pull the trigger on Steven Jackson, who he could've easily had after moving BACK in the first round, there's now way he'll move UP to grab one in round one.

[DarkHorse]

Next year

[TonyR]

Don't let a few nimrods here fool you. If Shanny wouldn't pull the trigger on Steven Jackson, who he could've easily had after moving BACK in the first round, there's now way he'll move UP to grab one in round one.

Yea, maybe he'll move up and grab "the next Jarvis Moss" instead. That or sit back and get "the next Tim Crowder" in the 2nd round. We're only a few players away...

[Man-Goblin]

This thread makes me want to throw up my bloody maries for many reasons.

[55CrushEm]

Crennel was fired this morning, too. He's worth a look......

I hope Shanny wakes up.

[bowtown]

I have strange feeling Slowick will be the DC, but there will be a new Assistant Head Coach of Defense appointed.

This.

[TheReverend]

sadly, Bates was worse

anyway, I agree that Slowdick has to go

:spit:

[no-pseudo-fan]

We need some mean nasty ugly players that love to punish the offense for being on the field, and "Slo needs to go"TM. Miami has proven that a mean defense can hide holes better than a fast one can.

[gunns]

I don't think you can be too upset with Dennison. I would have agreed with you before this season. But he's proven himself to me. The fact is that we're a passing team - at least for now. And the offensive line looked as good as any in the NFL at pass protection. When you throw in the fact that this was done with a bunch of kids (albeit, talented kids), I think it says a lot about how they were coached.

I am upset with Dennison. It's a prime example of having the talent and not exploiting it. While I give the majority of this disappointing season to the D, what was with the O coming out strong and then stalling for the remainder of the game? You can blame the D for a lot but not for an offense like this one totally disappearing for several quarters a game. You are absolutely right about our OL, and with an OL like that we should have done more. Yes we had injuries to our RB's, but I think Tatum, who is average at best, showed last night that our OL made him successful. I just don't believe Dennison got the most out of that O. Of course I've detested the man since he was our ST's coach and think we could do better.

[socalorado]

This announcement is pitiful, and alas I cannot defend Shanahan any longer. Its downright arrogant to think Slowick deserves to be brought back.

My biggest fear is he thinks all he needs is an elite back. So rather than throw all those picks at Defense he trades them to move up for a back.

Just a bad, bad move if he follows through and retains him.

Agreed. I no longer can support any of the coaches here.
I just saw the Jets canned Eric (cartman) Mangini!
Jeez, this whole shanny mess is getting out of control.

[Mediator12]

I am upset with Dennison. It's a prime example of having the talent and not exploiting it. While I give the majority of this disappointing season to the D, what was with the O coming out strong and then stalling for the remainder of the game? You can blame the D for a lot but not for an offense like this one totally disappearing for several quarters a game. You are absolutely right about our OL, and with an OL like that we should have done more. Yes we had injuries to our RB's, but I think Tatum, who is average at best, showed last night that our OL made him successful. I just don't believe Dennison got the most out of that O. Of course I've detested the man since he was our ST's coach and think we could do better.

I am really interested in what you are upset with gunns. Jeremy Bates Calls the plays, Shanahan approves the gameplans and makes in game adjustments, and Dennison simply coaches the OL during the game. The OL did a phenomenal job in both phases of the game and the skill position prima donnas made many more egregious mental and physical errors.

[Bronx33]

Med i looked through your posts seing if you had your take on slowiks defense i know you know a little bit about NFL level defenses ;) and didn't see anything i was wondering if you could give me your take on slowiks schemes and anything else you could add i really value your input.

[Inkana7]

This just ruined my...winter, spring and summer.

[Kaylore]

This just ruined my...winter, spring and summer.

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I have absolutely ZERO faith in this front office in coaching staff to draft and develop any kind of playmaker on defense. Zero. I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine. I expect there to be little to no improvement statistically on defense next season. We'll have no turnovers, high opponent's passer ratings and run defense that is good 80% of the time and the other 20% it will give up 40 yard TD runs.

Shanahan's in denial.

[wolf754life]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I have absolutely ZERO faith in this front office in coaching staff to draft and develop any kind of playmaker on defense. Zero. I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine. I expect there to be little to no improvement statistically on defense next season. We'll have no turnovers, high opponent's passer ratings and run defense that is good 80% of the time and the other 20% it will give up 40 yard TD runs.

Shanahan's in denial.


On point, repped for truth...................

soon enough, we just have to keep suffering for one more year!!!

[Broncojef]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I have absolutely ZERO faith in this front office in coaching staff to draft and develop any kind of playmaker on defense. Zero. I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine. I expect there to be little to no improvement statistically on defense next season. We'll have no turnovers, high opponent's passer ratings and run defense that is good 80% of the time and the other 20% it will give up 40 yard TD runs.

Shanahan's in denial.

I feel physically ill this morning thinking about more years of the same.

[rugbythug]

Slowick was for years our Secondary coach. And the secondary was also one of our big problems. We need an asistant head coach defence from the eagles.

[oubronco]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I have absolutely ZERO faith in this front office in coaching staff to draft and develop any kind of playmaker on defense. Zero. I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine. I expect there to be little to no improvement statistically on defense next season. We'll have no turnovers, high opponent's passer ratings and run defense that is good 80% of the time and the other 20% it will give up 40 yard TD runs.

Shanahan's in denial.

not only that but when was the last time you seen a safety or DB lay the wood to breakup a pass or god forbid pickoff the pass

[NASurfer]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there.
I really hope that's not what's keeping Slowik here. He can deal with that criticism now, or he could deal with having the 32nd ranked defense next year.

I hope Shanahan realizes that the first option is the lesser of two evils.

[montrose]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I expected Slo to be back for these very reasons. Now that we know he's coming back, I expect the message to the fan base will be "we're returning to the fundamentals" similar to the message before 2006 that "we're putting more emphasis on rushing the passer with the front four" despite not bringing in one new pass-rusher.

The only way I see Slowik's defense working is to make a 180 on the D-Line that I haven't seen any team make. What a lot of fans on this board may not realize is that a majority of the teams in the league have a bad pass rush. The problem is that unlike some of these teams that use blitzing to mask the problem - Slowik's defense is designed as if we had a dominating pass-rush.

Now that we know Slo is coming back, the only way to improve the defense is to upgrade the talent so much that it can execute this scheme. That means likely overpaying in FA for help on the D-Line and in the defensive backfield. For Slowik's defense to reach middle-of-the-pack status, the Broncos will need (in one offseason) to find:

2 Starting DE's that can stop the run and rush the passer. Dumervil proved he's not an every down DE while Ekuban was the best of a bad bunch. With Moss and Crowder still developing at best - the team will need to find two starting guys in addition to resigning Ekuban to play in a reserve role.

1 Starting NT that can play next to Marcus Thomas. Thomas, Robertson and Peterson helped improve the position from 2007 - but are all UT's. With Peterson a FA and Robertson due a bonus - I'd think you let Robertson go and keep Peterson as his backup while making a big-time NT a top priority and finding a backup NT also a need.

1 Starting MLB as Webster is a FA that may not be back, Niko is an exclusive special teamer, Haggan is not a starting-caliber MLB and Larsen did not show enough to lead the coaches to believe he's a starting MLB. DJ could be moved back to the middle where he saw mixed returns in 2007 our Woodyard could be asked to bulk up and move to the middle - however that's another experiment. The MLB needs to not only tackle well, but be stellar in coverage as Slowik doesn't blitz much and asks his front 7 to control the line of scrimmage.

2 Starting S' as the position was the Broncos worst in 2008. Slowik's "prevent scheme" requires safeties who can cover a lot of ground and close quickly on defenders to make up for the large cushions provided. The safeties also need to tackle well as Slowik doesn't believe in much blitzing. Barrett showed enough potential to warrant a look but is far too raw to be a starting S in the NFL. McCree and Manual were disasters, so the Broncos should be looking for at least 2, possibly 3 safeties to add to the mix.

1 Starting CB as Bly's contract may not allow him to come back despite playing as the Broncos defensive MVP in 2008. Even if Bly's deal is restructured, he and Bailey aren't getting any younger while Bell and Williams didn't show they have the ability to play Slowik's 12-to-15 yard cushion.

[socalorado]

Slowick was for years our Secondary coach. And the secondary was also one of our big problems. We need an asistant head coach defence from the eagles.

Bill Shuey

[wolf754life]

I expected Slo to be back for these very reasons. Now that we know he's coming back, I expect the message to the fan base will be "we're returning to the fundamentals" similar to the message before 2006 that "we're putting more emphasis on rushing the passer with the front four" despite not bringing in one new pass-rusher.

The only way I see Slowik's defense working is to make a 180 on the D-Line that I haven't seen any team make. What a lot of fans on this board may not realize is that a majority of the teams in the league have a bad pass rush. The problem is that unlike some of these teams that use blitzing to mask the problem - Slowik's defense is designed as if we had a dominating pass-rush.

Now that we know Slo is coming back, the only way to improve the defense is to upgrade the talent so much that it can execute this scheme. That means likely overpaying in FA for help on the D-Line and in the defensive backfield. For Slowik's defense to reach middle-of-the-pack status, the Broncos will need (in one offseason) to find:

2 Starting DE's that can stop the run and rush the passer. Dumervil proved he's not an every down DE while Ekuban was the best of a bad bunch. With Moss and Crowder still developing at best - the team will need to find two starting guys in addition to resigning Ekuban to play in a reserve role.

1 Starting NT that can play next to Marcus Thomas. Thomas, Robertson and Peterson helped improve the position from 2007 - but are all UT's. With Peterson a FA and Robertson due a bonus - I'd think you let Robertson go and keep Peterson as his backup while making a big-time NT a top priority and finding a backup NT also a need.

1 Starting MLB as Webster is a FA that may not be back, Niko is an exclusive special teamer, Haggan is not a starting-caliber MLB and Larsen did not show enough to lead the coaches to believe he's a starting MLB. DJ could be moved back to the middle where he saw mixed returns in 2007 our Woodyard could be asked to bulk up and move to the middle - however that's another experiment. The MLB needs to not only tackle well, but be stellar in coverage as Slowik doesn't blitz much and asks his front 7 to control the line of scrimmage.

2 Starting S' as the position was the Broncos worst in 2008. Slowik's "prevent scheme" requires safeties who can cover a lot of ground and close quickly on defenders to make up for the large cushions provided. The safeties also need to tackle well as Slowik doesn't believe in much blitzing. Barrett showed enough potential to warrant a look but is far too raw to be a starting S in the NFL. McCree and Manual were disasters, so the Broncos should be looking for at least 2, possibly 3 safeties to add to the mix.

1 Starting CB as Bly's contract may not allow him to come back despite playing as the Broncos defensive MVP in 2008. Even if Bly's deal is restructured, he and Bailey aren't getting any younger while Bell and Williams didn't show they have the ability to play Slowik's 12-to-15 yard cushion.

No way the current coaching staff can deliver on that plan, not with their track record on D!

its fun to talk about though, too bad we have to live in reality....

[stugotsII]

The issue on defense is deep, very deep.

Not only is Slowik the problem, but the players he has to run his scheme are inferior. And the problem with that is that he is the defensive coordinator and is most likely telling Shanny to bring in these players.

Again, it's both coach and player, but the problem is the coach is bringing in the players.

Get rid of Slowik...

[oubronco]

The issue on defense is deep, very deep.

Not only is Slowik the problem, but the players he has to run his scheme are inferior. And the problem with that is that he is the defensive coordinator and is most likely telling Shanny to bring in these players.

Again, it's both coach and player, but the problem is the coach is bringing in the players.

Get rid of Slowik...

that is the biggest problem

[rastaman]

I feel like crying. I cant take another year of this guy.

Maybe Slowick has compromising photos, videos or evidence on Shanahan vices we don't know about.:P

Can't have all that crap out on "Youtube"!!!

[gunns]

I am really interested in what you are upset with gunns. Jeremy Bates Calls the plays, Shanahan approves the gameplans and makes in game adjustments, and Dennison simply coaches the OL during the game. The OL did a phenomenal job in both phases of the game and the skill position prima donnas made many more egregious mental and physical errors.

Then maybe I'm confused. Bates is listed as a QB/WR coach. Dennison is listed as OC/OL. I agree that the OL did a great job this year, and with that OL it was confusing watching the O stall so often this year and especially at home. The D was consistent with their awfulness, the O just plain confusing.

[socalorado]

that is the biggest problem

You know, after reading everyones posts since last night, i am begginning to think the problem is Mike Shanahan.
I am not saying fire him, cause apparently thats not an option, but this guy needs to be read the riot act and have his balls handed to him by Bowlen.
There needs to be a time frame set up and some parameters for success made to him. He needs an @$$ chewing for all the stupid mistakes hes made and then he needs to be given a standard.
Either make the AFCCG next year, or your @$$ is gone.
Jim Haslett, Eric Mangini, Bill Cower, Marty Shotmyselfinthefootenhiemer could have gone 8-8 in DEN this year.

[~Crash~]

this is unreal, now the fanboys are justifying slowick, where will it stop?

the humanity!

I wanted Dennison out for years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hated the guy .

this year I think Dennison is just might be our best coach. people need to not get into a hyperbole...

Coach might be talking keeping him as as the DB's coach who knows . I like that Coach is fare and tries to keep all his coaches ... He was going to keep Bates as the LB'ers coach ...

[Traveler]

You know, after reading everyones posts since last night, i am begginning to think the problem is Mike Shanahan.
I am not saying fire him, cause apparently thats not an option, but this guy needs to be read the riot act and have his balls handed to him by Bowlen.
There needs to be a time frame set up and some parameters for success made to him. He needs an @$$ chewing for all the stupid mistakes hes made and then he needs to be given a standard.
Either make the AFCCG next year, or your @$$ is gone.
Jim Haslett, Eric Mangini, Bill Cower, Marty Shotmyselfinthefootenhiemer could have gone 8-8 in DEN this year.

Hell, I'd be happy if Marty was our DC. At least he'd get in the players' ass if they weren't performing.

[wolf754life]

I wanted Dennison out for years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hated the guy .

this year I think Dennison is just might be our best coach. people need to not get into a hyperbole...

Coach might be talking keeping him as as the DB's coach who knows . I like that Coach is fare and tries to keep all his coaches ... He was going to keep Bates as the LB'ers coach ...

can't we all be friends and not keep score, who cares about our record

dinner at mike shannahans tonight

kumbiya my lord, kubiya!

[~Crash~]

I hate Slowick he nuters your D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

saying that he has no MLB'er . The day Wilson went down this teams D went to hell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and before some blames Slowick Coyer (I liked) look verry lost himself !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bowtown]

Then maybe I'm confused. Bates is listed as a QB/WR coach. Dennison is listed as OC/OL. I agree that the OL did a great job this year, and with that OL it was confusing watching the O stall so often this year and especially at home. The D was consistent with their awfulness, the O just plain confusing.

Dennison is an OC in name and salary only. He was promoted in order to keep him from leaving the team. He helps design the running plays and coaches the O line. He learned well from Gibbs and has done a masterful job this season. His counterparts on the other side of the ball though have not. Jacob Burney and Bill Johnson should both be replaced immediately.

[Rock Chalk]

Before this season I said my 3 biggest concerns were Slowik, Dennison, and the lack of safeties. I was lambasted for the first two......that Slowik didn't have the talent to work with, that Dennison has done a remarkable job since Gibbs left and we should give him a chance at the offense.

Well, IMO, I was right to be concerned about all 3. We didn't pick up any quality safeties, AGAIN. And people can say what they want about the talent on the defense but we have some great talent on the D and Slowik couldn't even work with that. The schemes he put in were laughable.

Now I'll agree that the offense was heads and tails above where it's been for the past couple of years. In fact we had one of the top scoring offenses...for awhile. But when our offense stalls after the first quarter in quite a few games and you can't quarrel with the talent, it's the coaching. How long has it been since we have seen a Denver offense NOT be a dominant force on their homefield for almost the entire year? Yes, yes I now all about our running game but there were several games where we saw Cutler take it over and win it with virtually no running game. With all the injuries, it might be prudent to look at those who are in charge of strength and conditioning.

Shanahan has had some good drafts lately. For me, that's about all the good you can say about him. The two DL coaches we have, Johnson and Burney, have coached for other teams and they sucked at that time. O'Brien's abilities on ST's has been dismal and his previous coaching experience was lackluster. Why are all these guys here? Shanahan. The players on this team aren't as bad as the team that was on the field. Our DL has been awful for years and Shanahan brings in the Browns line that sucked in Cleveland? Bowlen needs to take control of this team and start calling the shots. A house cleaning of coaches is first and foremost. And if Shanahan doesn't like it, he can go too. The fact the man took us to two SB victories, 10 years ago begins to fade in the reality of 4 playoff appearances in 10 years, one win, and mediocre products on the field.

Your retarded hatred for Dennison has no merit whatsoever.

Denver produced the best pass blocking offensive line since the Superbowl years and with 7 RBs going to IR, Dennison still got the offensive line to produce a decent ground attack.

Dennison didnt start off well as the o-line coach but other than Bobby Turner he is the one coach I do not want to fire ever at this moment.

Slowik and Burney need to go but Dennison is fine where he is.

[~Crash~]

Hell, I'd be happy if Marty was our DC. At least he'd get in the players' ass if they weren't performing.

Marty would not do good in a booth . also Marty should be a Head Coach .

[theAPAOps5]

I find it down right laughable that anyone would even bring up Dennison as problem on this coaching staff. It just shows that the poster has no real clue about football. Dennison was possibly the best coach on the staff this year.

[bowtown]

Marty would not do good in a booth . also Marty should be a Head Coach .

Marty and Shanahan trying to coexist on the same team would make for a great sitcom.

[Play2win]

Vic Lombardi announced this on Broncos All Access a minute ago.

I figured I would wave goodbye to the 'Mane with some great news.

You shouldn't go anywhere. you are one of the great posters here on the mane. :thumbsup:

[Natedogg]

No kidding. Slowick is awful but Shanahan has no choice. If he fires another one then the finger is on him for never letting him "get time to get the players he needs." Now there is some valid criticism there. We lack talent on that side of the ball. However the fundamentals of this team have to gone to pot since Slowick has taken over. They don't wrap up, they don't take good angles, they don't maintain their gaps, they don't contest passes, they don't go for strips and lately they play stupid (late hits, facemasks, holding.) Everything about the defense is garbage. We know they can play better than that but they don't.

I have absolutely ZERO faith in this front office in coaching staff to draft and develop any kind of playmaker on defense. Zero. I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine. I expect there to be little to no improvement statistically on defense next season. We'll have no turnovers, high opponent's passer ratings and run defense that is good 80% of the time and the other 20% it will give up 40 yard TD runs.

Shanahan's in denial.

You're right. Its the womanish tackling which upsets me more than anything else the D sucked at this whole season.

Oh yeah... maybe the 35 yard cushions the CBs give again and again and again and ****ING AGAIN!

[TheReverend]

Shanahan, Dennison, Bates, Turner and O'Brien should be the only coaches that avoid a massive purge in Dove Valley this season.

[wolf754life]

Shanahan, Dennison, Bates, Turner and O'Brien should be the only coaches that avoid a massive purge in Dove Valley this season.

rev its not going to change, you can't kill the snake without taking the head off.

keep dreaming broham.

[~Crash~]

You're right. Its the womanish tackling which upsets me more than anything else the D sucked at this whole season.

Oh yeah... maybe the 35 yard cushions the CBs give again and again and again and ****ING AGAIN!

It goes way deeper but yes it scratches the surface . This team and the players were rebelling against slowik so he did a face about and started to run Base D and this is his one trick pony that seems to work a little....

[rastaman]

Slowick was for years our Secondary coach. And the secondary was also one of our big problems. We need an asistant head coach defence from the eagles.

or Giants!!! or Ravens!!!

[telluride]

Shanahan, Dennison, Bates, Turner and O'Brien should be the only coaches that avoid a massive purge in Dove Valley this season.

Turner is the only coach I'd keep, actually.

[Traveler]

Shanahan, Dennison, Bates, Turner and O'Brien should be the only coaches that avoid a massive purge in Dove Valley this season.

O'Brien should be a casualty too.

[ScottXray]

I'd keep Dennison and Turner. Beyond that they all can go!

Right down to the water boys.

Not happening , but I want to win the lottery too!

[The Moops]

Yes, giving up only 52 points in a must-win game!

WE NEED HIM BACK!!!!!

Stupid Shanahan . . .

[summerdenver]

I just got a chance to see the post game videos on db site but its hard not to feel sorry for Mike.

He is in such a denial if he is thinking that this team is close. The fact is not only is the defense far away we don't even know how to fix it.

[Florida_Bronco]

Slowick was for years our Secondary coach. And the secondary was also one of our big problems. We need an asistant head coach defence from the eagles.

Slowik joined the team as a DB coach in 2005, when Champ had arguably his best year ever and D-Will, Foxworth, Lynch and Ferguson were all playing well.

Slowik is a good DB coach, just a horrible coordinator.

[montrose]

Slowik joined the team as a DB coach in 2005, when Champ had arguably his best year ever and D-Will, Foxworth, Lynch and Ferguson were all playing well.

Slowik is a good DB coach, just a horrible coordinator.

Exactly. Slowik was a very good DB coach for us he's just not a strong coordinator. Position coaches are very underrated. I'd keep Bates, Bobby T, Dennison, McPhearson and Fisch but I'd do away with Burney, Bradford and Johnson.

[BroncoBuff]

I fully expect our draft to involve a bunch of high round defensive picks that bust and are riding the pine.
That's not fair, Khan ... we've drafted a few defensive duds, but they came long before Goodman was in charge.

[Beantown Bronco]

Slowik joined the team as a DB coach in 2005, when Champ had arguably his best year ever and D-Will, Foxworth, Lynch and Ferguson were all playing well.

Slowik is a good DB coach, just a horrible coordinator.

Which is comical in a way, considering 90% of the folks criticizing him around here site their hatred for the way he's coaching the DBs (the 10 yard "off" coverage in particular).

[Florida_Bronco]

Which is comical in a way, considering 90% of the folks criticizing him around here site their hatred for the way he's coaching the DBs (the 10 yard "off" coverage in particular).

Indeed.

[DarkHorse]

So are there any college players coming out next year that fit Slowiks 10 yard corner cushion? What about the 20-30 yard safety cushion?

Anyone coming out that has impossible closing speed that we can insert into this great defensive scheme?


I mean, there has to be at least 3 Champ Bailey's coming out right?

Package picks and get Slowik the proper corners, while we're at it i'm sure there's a d-linemand coming out that we can draft to fit him as well.


Any first day schemes available we can try to draft?

[DarkHorse]

Which is comical in a way, considering 90% of the folks criticizing him around here site their hatred for the way he's coaching the DBs (the 10 yard "off" coverage in particular).

What's comical is missing the fact that of that list of GREAT players under Slowiks GREAT 2005 scheme - ONLY 1 IS STILL ON THE TEAM.


He had good results 3 years ago - sweet, sign me up for another term.

[Br0nc0Buster]

Which is comical in a way, considering 90% of the folks criticizing him around here site their hatred for the way he's coaching the DBs (the 10 yard "off" coverage in particular).

You know what is more comical?
Getting 6 picks as a team and 13 turnovers in an entire season

Slowick's 10 yard cushion is beyond stupid.

[Beantown Bronco]

You know what is more comical?
Getting 6 picks as a team and 13 turnovers in an entire season

Slowick's 10 yard cushion is beyond stupid.

The cushion is NOT the reason they don't get picks. You think playing "bump and run" with the CBs backs turned to the QBs is all of a sudden going to improve their ball awareness?

Picks come from pressure. Guys who get a lot of picks get them because of the position they are in 5 seconds after the snap, not where they are lined up as the ball is being snapped.

[uplink]

Shannahan is a great coach, but this decision may be the beginning of the end for his tenure in Denver.

No reason to think the defense will not be as bad next year without some drastic changes.

[Bronx33]

Shannahan is a great coach, but this decision may be the beginning of the end for his tenure in Denver.

No reason to think the defense will not be as bad next year without some drastic changes.


If slowik stays on as DC i agree but if slowik is kept on as a coach it could be a good thing.

[Bronx33]

The cushion is NOT the reason they don't get picks. You think playing "bump and run" with the CBs backs turned to the QBs is all of a sudden going to improve their ball awareness?

Picks come from pressure. Guys who get a lot of picks get them because of the position they are in 5 seconds after the snap, not where they are lined up as the ball is being snapped.


Hmmmm picks can also happen if a receiver is in the position to break on an opposing receivers route if hes ten yards off when the pass is thrown ( he can't do shyt)

[Beantown Bronco]

Hmmmm picks can also happen if a receiver is in the position to break on an opposing receivers route if hes ten yards off when the pass is thrown ( he can't do shyt)

I've specifically been looking for that. Do you know how many "quick hitter" passes they've been defending? Not many. Opposing QBs know that they aren't going to be pressured, so they are sitting back there and waiting for deeper patterns to open up instead of simply settling for the quick hits to the receivers on the LOS.

[Br0nc0Buster]

The cushion is NOT the reason they don't get picks. You think playing "bump and run" with the CBs backs turned to the QBs is all of a sudden going to improve their ball awareness?

Picks come from pressure. Guys who get a lot of picks get them because of the position they are in 5 seconds after the snap, not where they are lined up as the ball is being snapped.

I think playing more aggressive is going to get us more turnovers.
That includes getting physical with the receivers, and using blitzes and stunts.

And anytime a qb wants to throw a quick 7 yard out they can because our corners are always playing 10 yards off.
I can recall plays where it was 3rd and short and our guys were still playing 10 yards off.
The Atlanta game comes to mind.
Matt Ryan throws a quick out to his slot receiver 2 sec after he hiked it for a 7 yard pick up and a first down.

Slowick runs a pussy prevent defense, and his cushions are just a part of it.

[montrose]

The cushion is NOT the reason they don't get picks. You think playing "bump and run" with the CBs backs turned to the QBs is all of a sudden going to improve their ball awareness?

Picks come from pressure. Guys who get a lot of picks get them because of the position they are in 5 seconds after the snap, not where they are lined up as the ball is being snapped.

This is true, most interceptions come from pressure - especially blitzing pressure. Slowik's cushions have killed the Broncos all season in 2 scenarios:

1) The defense makes a good play or draws a penalty on 1st down, forcing 2nd and long. On 2nd and long, the defender's 15 yard cushion leads to an easy 12-13 yard reception and a 3rd and short situation.

2) On 3rd down with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to go; the cushion of 10-15 yards allows our opponents to throw slants and comebacks for easy 1st downs.

Playing more bump wouldn't necessarily create turnovers but could help prevent this. Seeing Bly is a bump-CB, you'd think putting him in that defense more often would make sense.

[Kaylore]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2934&dateline=1230513216
Who is she? She looks Japanese.

[montrose]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2934&dateline=1230513216
Who is she? She looks Japanese.

Kahn I thought you didn't dig the Asian women? :)

[Bronx33]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2934&dateline=1230513216
Who is she? She looks Japanese.



I don't know that was the original picture i too want to know what her face looks like.

[Florida_Bronco]

This is true, most interceptions come from pressure - especially blitzing pressure. Slowik's cushions have killed the Broncos all season in 2 scenarios:

1) The defense makes a good play or draws a penalty on 1st down, forcing 2nd and long. On 2nd and long, the defender's 15 yard cushion leads to an easy 12-13 yard reception and a 3rd and short situation.

2) On 3rd down with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to go; the cushion of 10-15 yards allows our opponents to throw slants and comebacks for easy 1st downs.

Playing more bump wouldn't necessarily create turnovers but could help prevent this. Seeing Bly is a bump-CB, you'd think putting him in that defense more often would make sense.

Refresh my memory. How did the corners play in 2005? If I remember correctly, Champ played about 5-7 yards back and D-Will played closer.

[Punisher]

I really hope he dies i swear to god i just hope he dies.
If it says breaking news Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dies I'll jump for joy like we won the Super Bowl.

[lostknight]

I really hope he dies i swear to god i just hope he dies.


This is over the line.

[Br0nc0Buster]

Refresh my memory. How did the corners play in 2005? If I remember correctly, Champ played about 5-7 yards back and D-Will played closer.

In 2005 we blitzed the **** out of teams.

So yeah if we blitz then the cushions can be useful.
The problem is, we never blitz, and we never get pressure

[Kaylore]

Kahn I thought you didn't dig the Asian women? :)

Depending on your definition of "Dig" I might not. Gimme a week, though. ;D

[baja]

Judging by Shanahan's inability to make defensive improvements (and his statement that Slowik is going nowhere), I'm guessing the Broncos go 1 and 5 in the AFC West next season. Michael Bush (the guy many of us wanted Shanahan to pursue) looked awesome in the Raiders last game.

It's true while we are busy getting worse on D the rest of the West is getting stronger. The Raiders looked respectable yesterday.

[montrose]

Refresh my memory. How did the corners play in 2005? If I remember correctly, Champ played about 5-7 yards back and D-Will played closer.

We mixed it up quite a bit but that sounds about right. It depended a great deal on the play. If it were 3rd and 3, we'd be up; if it were 2nd and long, we'd give about a 7-yard cushion. That 2005 defense seems so long ago... I miss Courtney Brown, one of the most underrated Broncos (albeit for a short tenure) in recent memory.

[Bronx33]

It's true while we are busy getting worse on D the rest of the West is getting stronger. The Raiders looked respectable yesterday.



They have been just as inconsistant all season but yes they played well yesterday but still got ripped for 255 passing and 125 rushing.


http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&statisticCategory=GAME_STATS&conference=AFC&role=OPP&season=2008&seasonType=REG

[Punisher]

This is over the line.

You know whats over the line... What Slowik said before the Chargers game "I just hope we hold them to Field Goals" Really what kind of ****ing defensive coordinator says that the guy needs to just Die and trust me I'm not Playing around here...He needs to Die

[DBBBSBS]

I really hope he dies i swear to god i just hope he dies.
If it says breaking news Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dies I'll jump for joy like we won the Super Bowl.

Instead.. why dont you. So you need not watch any of this.

[bronco militia]

It's true while we are busy getting worse on D the rest of the West is getting stronger. The Raiders looked respectable yesterday.




The Raiders were on their way to their fourth straight 12-loss season before rallying to beat the Bucs. So the Silver 'n' Bleak finish 5-11. Parade on Tuesday. . . .

:rofl:

[Punisher]

Instead.. why dont you. So you need not watch any of this.

Way ahead of you

[lex]

This is over the line.

What are you, thought control? If thats how he feels, thats how he feels.

[TonyR]

...we've drafted a few defensive duds, but they came long before Goodman was in charge.

Weren't Moss and Crowder Goodman picks? Or did they come in the following year?

[Popps]

I really hope he dies i swear to god i just hope he dies.
If it says breaking news Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dies I'll jump for joy like we won the Super Bowl.

Yea, but even if he died... Shanahan might keep him in his current position. He'd be the ultimate yes-man.

Weekend at Shanny's!

http://www.hollywoodteenmovies.com/WeekendAtBerniesPic1.jpg

[Meck77]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/image.php?u=2934&dateline=1230513216
Who is she? She looks Japanese.

paging the butt police...paging the butt police......

[uplink]

One possible theory for why Shanny keeps Slowick even though the defense looks bad beyond belief and there is not reason to think things will change:

He wants to fire him, but thinks this will undermine his reputation with
Bowlen.

If Shanny fires Slowick then his failings at managing the defensive side of the team are front and center. He has to go to Bowlen again and tell him how his choice of direction was wrong again and they need to start from square one again on the defensive side of things. Maybe he is worried about doing this since he fears Bowlen is getting tired of all the changes
and the money he is dishing out to pay the free agent busts that are supposed to fit the defensive scheme.

Solution is he keeps Slowick and claims things just need more time or the injuries excuse.