Watershed year for Van Pelt - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 07-31-2005, 12:47 AM

Watershed year for Van Pelt
Second-year quarterback riding wave of maturation
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Last year I may have been a professional, but I didn t know how to be one, Van Pelt said of his rookie season. (Post file)

Last spring, Bradlee Van Pelt thought it was time to treat himself. After all, he was just drafted in the seventh round by the Broncos.

Sounded like a perfect time to jet to the Grand Caymans for a little scuba diving and sun time for the California golden boy who turned Fort Collins into his personal oasis as a freewheeling quarterback.

Problem was, the Broncos expected Van Pelt to be at Dove Valley studying his new, complex playbook, not in the Caribbean, studying exotic fish in some faraway ocean.

"The coaches had to call me back and get my butt back here and off vacation. That was not a good start," Van Pelt said. "Here I was with a tan and not knowing anything about my new job. I couldn't even hand off the ball to the running back. Here's the simplest part of my new job, and I couldn't even do it."

SoCalBronco · 07-31-2005, 12:47 AM

In an honest and harsh evaluation of his first year in the NFL, Van Pelt - famous in the state for his brash play on the field and good times off it while starring at Colorado State - unwound from his first practice in an attempt to become Jake Plummer's backup.

"Last year I may have been a professional, but I didn't know how to be one," said Van Pelt, now donning No. 11 after wearing No. 9 as part of the Broncos practice squad last year. "I just went along my way thinking I was going to be a quarterback just the way I was at Colorado State.

"Really, I was lost. I knew I had to develop, but I didn't have any idea what to do."

The Grand Caymans vacation wasn't his only misstep.

There was also the time he went to grab some food at McDonald's for his teammates and himself. Problem was, Van Pelt got lost and was late to a team meeting. He was also late to a meeting before the season opener against Kansas City.

SoCalBronco · 07-31-2005, 12:47 AM

It got to the point where coaches thought Van Pelt wasn't taking his job seriously or mentally grasping it. While fellow rookie and practice squad quarterback Matt Mauck was on the sidelines during games, Van Pelt was up in the coaches' booth - essentially being babysat. Coaches figured Van Pelt would be better served learning the NFL game upstairs than being down on the field with teammates.

Van Pelt pins his rookie troubles all on himself.

"The only person I was

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listening to was Bradlee, and Bradlee was leading me down some scary roads," Van Pelt said. "I was definitely going down the wrong roads. I felt like I was the kid in the dunce cap in the back of the room, being punished for being bad. But about halfway through the season, I saw where I was going and I took off that hat for good."
Broncos quarterbacks coach Pat McPherson chuckles at Van Pelt's self-evaluation. However, McPherson said Van Pelt has matured on and off the field. The team noticed changes in Van Pelt late last season, and he came to the offseason program physically and mentally improved.

"He's come a long way and he has a chance," McPherson said. "There's growth from last year. He's a better player this year."

Van Pelt has improved as a passer, becoming more accurate and consistent, and has a better grasp of the playbook. Coupled with his running and playmaking ability, Van Pelt has parlayed his maturity into a chance to win the No. 2 quarterback battle.

Van Pelt is starting training camp as the No. 3 quarterback behind Plummer and Danny Kanell. Fellow 2004 seventh-round pick Mauck is running No. 4.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Van Pelt will get ample playing time in the preseason, which begins Aug. 13 at Houston.

"I like what I see," Shanahan said. "He's starting to figure things out well, and he's working hard."

For Van Pelt, that means putting off the scuba diving and jumping headfirst into the NFL waters.

"I'm still myself and I'll always be a little different," he said. "But now it's all about becoming the best NFL player I can be."

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.

Bronco LB 59 · 07-31-2005, 03:13 AM

Suprise! Suprise! "Sunshine" is the #3 guy ahead of Mauck! WOW! Hercules will be pleased to know. Sunshine's distinct advantage is his age. People forget that Mauck is a 26 year old sophomore.

Tombstone RJ · 07-31-2005, 05:38 AM

BVP, 'Nuff said.

big56fan#1 · 07-31-2005, 10:03 AM

When I met BVP last year in Canton after the game, He took time to visit with me it was cool. He was very humble at the time and very intellagent to talk with, I mean you could tell he took his time to think about what you asked him and gave an answer with thought behind it. Even my wife who was standing there next to me and a steeler fan said was surprised how humble and intellagent he seemed to be. She became a BVP fan that night. So its cool that he has made some progress. Good Luck BVP!!!

P.S. Im a Buff Fan so I didnt like BVP all that much til I met him Last year.

Dukes · 07-31-2005, 10:13 AM

I hope he's the #2 guy

-Slap- · 07-31-2005, 10:14 AM

Some unconventional personalities have become very successful quarterbacks in the NFL. Layne, Stabler, McMahon, even Brett Favre was a total screwup as a rookie. Still, the list of knucklehead QBs who flamed out and vanished is much longer.

big56fan#1 · 07-31-2005, 07:35 PM

ak1971 · 07-31-2005, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big56fan#1

and intellagent he seemed to be. .

this sums up BVP

Florida_Bronco · 07-31-2005, 08:23 PM

I'm fairly excited about this kid, I think he may have a future here.

watermock · 07-31-2005, 09:07 PM

I usually don't scold, because I'm a so-so speller, but it's intelligent. Bad word to misspell. I won't mention the sentence contruct.

I didn't give BVD a snowball's chance in Hell. Sounds like he's really improved. Mauck was the buzz last camp, the OF1 reporting crew is saying he's a totally different guy. God knows he's tough enough.

Kaylore · 07-31-2005, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I usually don't scold, because I'm a so-so speller, but it's intelligent. Bad word to misspell.

I didn't give BVD a snowball's chance in Hell. Sounds like he's really improved. Mauck was the buzz last camp, the OF1 reporting crew is saying he's a totally different guy. God knows he's tough enough.

Yeah I was surprised too. Last year he looked like one of those colorado snowboarder dudes that likes to use status in some sport solely to get poo-nanny. He seems different now. His play is light years better than last year. I think there is potential there and his desire to win and all that good stuff has to be admired.

Atlas · 07-31-2005, 09:13 PM

That is so stupid. How can this year be considered a watershed year for BVP when in all likelihood he is going to end up as the 3rd stringer or practice squad.

Kaylore · 07-31-2005, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

That is so stupid. How can this year be considered a watershed year for BVP when in all likelihood he is going to end up as the 3rd stringer or practice squad.

If Kannell keeps throwing picks, he'll be the backup.

Atlas · 07-31-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

If Kannell keeps throwing picks, he'll be the backup.

No because Mauck is better than him. Thus he would be 3rd string....at best

Meck77 · 07-31-2005, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

That is so stupid. How can this year be considered a watershed year for BVP when in all likelihood he is going to end up as the 3rd stringer or practice squad.

Yeah well there are a half dozen guys on here seeing the same thing. BVP had the play of the day. A nice strike to Rice up the middle! Jake on the other hand was tossing balls out of bounds! There is still alot of camp left but BVP is gaining ground everyday so far.

The Snake was on OF1 today. He signed it after practice. He stopped his car in traffic, got out, signed it while he held up atleast four other Broncos players cars. It was hillarious.

Play2win · 07-31-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

The Snake was on OF1 today. He signed it after practice. He stopped his car in traffic, got out, signed it while he held up atleast four other Broncos players cars. It was hillarious.

SWEET!!

Did ya ask him what was up with him sporting that Porn-Stash earlier in the year?

Kaylore · 07-31-2005, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

Yeah well there are a half dozen guys on here seeing the same thing. BVP had the play of the day. A nice strike to Rice up the middle! Jake on the other hand was tossing balls out of bounds! There is still alot of camp left but BVP is gaining ground everyday so far.

The Snake was on OF1 today. He signed it after practice. He stopped his car in traffic, got out, signed it while he held up atleast four other Broncos players cars. It was hillarious.

Post today's pictures Meck!!!!

Meck77 · 07-31-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Post today's pictures Meck!!!!

The camera is in the bus and to be honest I have no idea how to do it.

I build buses and bbq stuff. I'm not a computer guy. BD will get them up in the morning.

We need to figure out a way to get the bus webcams going. That's on the to do list. It would be much easier to just snap shots and zip them onto the website then having to mess with card readers and such.

I have a wireless webcam ready to roll for this years tailgates. Should be a fun little toy and we can probably get it working by the season.

No1Broncosfan is pretty handy with computers I think he will be able to help with that stuff.

Bronx33 · 07-31-2005, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

Yeah well there are a half dozen guys on here seeing the same thing. BVP had the play of the day. A nice strike to Rice up the middle! Jake on the other hand was tossing balls out of bounds! There is still alot of camp left but BVP is gaining ground everyday so far.

The Snake was on OF1 today. He signed it after practice. He stopped his car in traffic, got out, signed it while he held up atleast four other Broncos players cars. It was hillarious.

And you told me to go with ya guys! D@MN! i missed it!

Meck77 · 07-31-2005, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronx33

And you told me to go with ya guys! D@MN! i missed it!

Well you would have had to wait a long time. We waited by the gate until 6:30 pm but got a tip that they don't leave until atleast 8:30. So we went to eat and came back.

I didn't get a pic of Jake signing though. I didn't want him to think we were some kinda paparazzi and bug him. He was really rushed and all the players wanted out of camp. They were cruising out of there.

I don't think he realized he signed under the great Randy Gradishar.

It's kinda weird but Jake Plummer is the first current Broncos player to sign OF1. I told Jake if he ever needs a ride we would be happy to spin him around...lol

We are going to have a good time this year Omaners. Look forward to your arrival. The Force will be with you when you get here and I'm counting the days to the road trips planned!

Macnut · 07-31-2005, 11:04 PM

From watching a few of his college games, I could tell he had "it", the kind that the Roth guy possesses.

Kaylore · 07-31-2005, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

We are going to have a good time this year Omaners. Look forward to your arrival. The Force will be with you when you get here

Dukes · 07-31-2005, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

That raiders fan looks like he's getting his butt kicked

07-31-2005, 10:03 AM	#6
big56fan#1 Orange and Blue baby!!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Follansbee West Virgina Posts: 414	When I met BVP last year in Canton after the game, He took time to visit with me it was cool. He was very humble at the time and very intellagent to talk with, I mean you could tell he took his time to think about what you asked him and gave an answer with thought behind it. Even my wife who was standing there next to me and a steeler fan said was surprised how humble and intellagent he seemed to be. She became a BVP fan that night. So its cool that he has made some progress. Good Luck BVP!!! P.S. Im a Buff Fan so I didnt like BVP all that much til I met him Last year. Last edited by big56fan#1; 07-31-2005 at 10:05 AM..

07-31-2005, 09:07 PM	#12
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I usually don't scold, because I'm a so-so speller, but it's intelligent. Bad word to misspell. I won't mention the sentence contruct. I didn't give BVD a snowball's chance in Hell. Sounds like he's really improved. Mauck was the buzz last camp, the OF1 reporting crew is saying he's a totally different guy. God knows he's tough enough. Last edited by watermock; 07-31-2005 at 09:10 PM..

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07-31-2005, 12:47 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,505 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Watershed year for Van Pelt Watershed year for Van Pelt Second-year quarterback riding wave of maturation By Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writer Last year I may have been a professional, but I didn t know how to be one, Van Pelt said of his rookie season. (Post file) Last spring, Bradlee Van Pelt thought it was time to treat himself. After all, he was just drafted in the seventh round by the Broncos. Sounded like a perfect time to jet to the Grand Caymans for a little scuba diving and sun time for the California golden boy who turned Fort Collins into his personal oasis as a freewheeling quarterback. Problem was, the Broncos expected Van Pelt to be at Dove Valley studying his new, complex playbook, not in the Caribbean, studying exotic fish in some faraway ocean. "The coaches had to call me back and get my butt back here and off vacation. That was not a good start," Van Pelt said. "Here I was with a tan and not knowing anything about my new job. I couldn't even hand off the ball to the running back. Here's the simplest part of my new job, and I couldn't even do it." __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

07-31-2005, 03:13 AM	#4
Bronco LB 59 Ring of Famer Keep your head up dog Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Leucadia CA Posts: 6,068	Suprise! Suprise! "Sunshine" is the #3 guy ahead of Mauck! WOW! Hercules will be pleased to know. Sunshine's distinct advantage is his age. People forget that Mauck is a 26 year old sophomore.

07-31-2005, 05:38 AM	#5
Tombstone RJ Ring of Famer Old School Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: In the Tetons! Posts: 19,523 Adopt-a-Bronco: WorrellWilliams	BVP, 'Nuff said.

07-31-2005, 10:13 AM	#7
Dukes Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,325	I hope he's the #2 guy

07-31-2005, 10:14 AM	#8
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	Some unconventional personalities have become very successful quarterbacks in the NFL. Layne, Stabler, McMahon, even Brett Favre was a total screwup as a rookie. Still, the list of knucklehead QBs who flamed out and vanished is much longer.

07-31-2005, 07:35 PM	#9
big56fan#1 Orange and Blue baby!!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Follansbee West Virgina Posts: 414

07-31-2005, 08:23 PM	#11
Florida_Bronco Got trolls? Welcome to Mile High, Brady! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 13,810 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brady Quinn	I'm fairly excited about this kid, I think he may have a future here.

07-31-2005, 09:13 PM	#14
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	That is so stupid. How can this year be considered a watershed year for BVP when in all likelihood he is going to end up as the 3rd stringer or practice squad.

07-31-2005, 11:04 PM	#23
Macnut Pro Bowler Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 511	From watching a few of his college games, I could tell he had "it", the kind that the Roth guy possesses.