Bailey may get shot to be offensive - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 08-01-2005, 12:12 AM

Bailey may get shot to be offensive
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Cornerback Champ Bailey smiles at the thought of playing some wide receiver this season for the Broncos. He had one catch for 11 yards last season but says he is a better receiver than last year when he joined the team. (Post / John Leyba)

Champ Bailey isn't sure when he will work with the offense again, but he knows it's coming.

Denver coach Mike Shanahan won't say when or how much the star cornerback will work at receiver but said there will be times Bailey works into the offense.

"Yes, he will work in practice some with the offense at some point," Shana- han said.

That is fine with Bailey, whose play at receiver last season went from a buzz in training camp to an afterthought by the end of the season.

SoCalBronco · 08-01-2005, 12:12 AM

"Anything I can do to help the team win, I'll do," Bailey said. "I want to play all the time, so I'm looking forward to it again."

Bailey focused on receiver in some of the developmental camp season. He played offense in several games early last year, but it was something the team went away from around midseason. Bailey had one catch for 11 yards last season.

Bailey said he is heading into this season a better receiver than he was when he came to Denver in a trade with Washington for Clinton Portis.

"I watch Rod Smith run routes every day," Bailey said. "That right there helps me. I think I'm smoother in my route running."

The Broncos appear to be deeper at receiver, so having Bailey on offense likely would be in unusual packages.

"It's probably best for a defensive player to play offense as a surprise or in different situations," Bailey said. "That's where you'll see me."

No concerns about Pryce

Three days into training camp, the Broncos are convinced Trevor Pryce's back woes, which plagued his almost all of last season, are behind him.

Pryce, who had surgery on his back in September, has practiced every day, although he likely will rest one practice a day during two-a-day workouts.

"There's no signs of any repercussions of his other injuries," Shanahan said. "He's full-speed

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ahead."
Pryce said he doesn't exactly feel good but that's par for the course during camp.

"It's just the normal rigor mortis of camp," Pryce said. "I don't feel any worse than I did this time last year before I was injured."

Adjustments on the line

The Broncos on Sunday signed center Ben Nowland, who was cut Thursday by Washington. Nowland's signing became necessary when Josh Sewell, a sixth-round pick in 2004, abruptly retired Saturday.

Sewell's retirement moves sixth- round pick Chris Myers to backup center behind Tom Nalen. However, if Nalen gets hurt, left guard Ben Hamilton would be moved.

Still, Myers is excited about the extra work in training camp. He also is working at long snapper behind incumbent Mike Leach. Myers hasn't snapped since high school.

"But I did it one-handed, so that doesn't count," Myers said.

Footnotes

The Broncos will consider candidates for their Ring of Fame as early as today. Former safety Steve Atwater is a top candidate. ... Veteran Keith Burns has been working a lot with the second team at middle linebacker, and Terry Pierce has been working at outside linebacker.

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

orange crusher · 08-01-2005, 12:41 AM

I've got mixed feelings about Champ playing offense. I think he could add something to the offense, but I just don't like him playing offense with the lack of experienced backup corners. We've got plenty of receivers to get it done.

Great news on Pryce. I've seen this in multiple places and it's GREAT news for the defensive line. With a healthy Pryce, the defensive line is already better than last year. If Brown, Warren, Engelberger, Myers, and Ekuban come to play, the D-Line will be vastly improved.

Macnut · 08-01-2005, 12:58 AM

He should concentrate of being a DB. IMO he still needs alot to improve based on last season.

Daddy T · 08-01-2005, 01:07 AM

I hope he does play offense. It will increase his chances of getting injured and it will also wear his ass out before the fourth quarter or Kennison will do that anyway.

orange crusher · 08-01-2005, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddy T

I hope he does play offense. It will increase his chances of getting injured and it will also wear his ass out before the fourth quarter or Kennison will do that anyway.

Kennison who?

Rausch · 08-01-2005, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddy T

I hope he does play offense. It will increase his chances of getting injured and it will also wear his ass out before the fourth quarter or Kennison will do that anyway.

No, what it will do is give any defense another reason to think "WTF do here?"

Even if he doesn't catch a pass you have to account for him. If nothing else it's a brilliant decoy...

Macnut · 08-01-2005, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

No, what it will do is give any defense another reason to think "WTF do here?"

Even if he doesn't catch a pass you have to account for him. If nothing else it's a brilliant decoy...

Tire him out so he can't play defense? Good move?

Rausch · 08-01-2005, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macnut

Tire him out so he can't play defense? Good move?

He's chasing a WR every defensive play he's on the field. Do you honestly think 4 more plays a game is going to tire him out?...

Macnut · 08-01-2005, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

He's chasing a WR every defensive play he's on the field. Do you honestly think 4 more plays a game is going to tire him out?...

If thats the case then why stop on offense? Why not use him on special teams too?
Let him concentrate on being a better DB. Somebody like D. Sanders can get by playing some offense, not Champ.

Atlas · 08-01-2005, 03:33 AM

He dropped two critcal passes on slants last year. If you use him just send him on fly patterns. He might get open and he would be a good decoy.

OrangeShadow · 08-01-2005, 05:53 AM

id rather him focus on defense. we have enough weapons on offense

Beantown Bronco · 08-01-2005, 05:59 AM

Pretty much a carbon copy of an article printed last year about Champ....right about this time even. Way to step it up Burger Bill.

I would disagree with the "wearing out" issue. He would only be in on offense for 4-6 plays per game most likely. In college, he played pretty much every down on both offense and defense a few times if I remember correctly.

Raiders Rock · 08-01-2005, 06:05 AM

Every play increases the chance of injury.... and since CB is the hardest position to play in the NFL, I don't think I want my CB playing WR unless it was an emergency.... Wait, it is an emergency, You guys are gonna start Rice.

RR

OrangeShadow · 08-01-2005, 06:12 AM

yeah after rod ash and darius watts. real emergency jackass

TotallyScrewed · 08-01-2005, 06:13 AM

I rather Champ saved the energy for a few more INT's...once he's completed the INT he can turn offensive by running it back.

Bronco_Beerslug · 08-01-2005, 06:44 AM

It's a waste of time and energy. CB needs to concentrate completely on D.

Macnut · 08-01-2005, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

It's a waste of time and energy. CB needs to concentrate completely on D.

That's what I've been saying! Champ could/should get alot better at DB before "thinking" about playing offense. For all that money he's getting, he should be playing alot better in pass coverage. Much too many lapses there.

NaptownChief · 08-01-2005, 11:47 AM

I hope it works out as well as when Jose Canseco went to the mound.

Kaylore · 08-01-2005, 12:02 PM

Rausch has it right. This would be used very seldomly to create mismatch problems and mess with the D's plans. They don't watch film with Bailey on O. The backs don't study and practice to beat Bailey on O. And anyone saying that he will get tired out has to be totally ignorant. He runs around on the field all day long. Three to four more plays a game isn't going to tire him out at all.

Macnut made the asinine comment "Why stop at offense? Why not play Special teams." New England patriots seemed to think that was a good idea too, but then what did they ever accomplish?

rbackfactory80 · 08-01-2005, 01:05 PM

Champ stay on Defense. He is an exceptional corner but he is not superman. People think when Champ checks in it is going to be an automatic 7 on the board.

Crushaholic · 08-01-2005, 02:27 PM

Playing offense against the Chefs doesn't count. Champ needs to stay on defense.

Rascal · 08-01-2005, 02:28 PM

I hate the idea....worry about the defense.

Macnut · 08-01-2005, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Rausch has it right. This would be used very seldomly to create mismatch problems and mess with the D's plans. They don't watch film with Bailey on O. The backs don't study and practice to beat Bailey on O. And anyone saying that he will get tired out has to be totally ignorant. He runs around on the field all day long. Three to four more plays a game isn't going to tire him out at all.

Macnut made the asinine comment "Why stop at offense? Why not play Special teams." New England patriots seemed to think that was a good idea too, but then what did they ever accomplish?

I made that comment in jest. For sure its an asnine idea, but so is playing offense. It probably won't tire him at all but why do it? How good a decoy can he be that putting him on offense will distract the D? The offense got enough weapons without using a seldom used offensive player like Champ. I rather see Rice out there instead of Champ. Rice would be a far more effective decoy, wouldn't you say?

Kaylore · 08-01-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macnut

I made that comment in jest. For sure its an asnine idea, but so is playing offense. It probably won't tire him at all but why do it? How good a decoy can he be that putting him on offense will distract the D? The offense got enough weapons without using a seldom used offensive player like Champ. I rather see Rice out there instead of Champ. Rice would be a far more effective decoy, wouldn't you say?

It depends on the situation. Rice can't stretch the field like Champ can. What about both of them? Then what do you do? Bailey picked up a first down for us in that Chiefs home game, so he can be a great weapon for us. How about Lelie, Luke, Watts and Bailey? Do teams have all the speed at corner to cover all those guys? Like I said its more of a trick play type of thing, and its one more thing a defense has to consider.

08-01-2005, 12:12 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,299 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Bailey may get shot to be offensive Bailey may get shot to be offensive By Bill Williamson Denver Post Staff Writer Cornerback Champ Bailey smiles at the thought of playing some wide receiver this season for the Broncos. He had one catch for 11 yards last season but says he is a better receiver than last year when he joined the team. (Post / John Leyba) Champ Bailey isn't sure when he will work with the offense again, but he knows it's coming. Denver coach Mike Shanahan won't say when or how much the star cornerback will work at receiver but said there will be times Bailey works into the offense. "Yes, he will work in practice some with the offense at some point," Shana- han said. That is fine with Bailey, whose play at receiver last season went from a buzz in training camp to an afterthought by the end of the season. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-01-2005, 12:12 AM	#2
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,299 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	"Anything I can do to help the team win, I'll do," Bailey said. "I want to play all the time, so I'm looking forward to it again." Bailey focused on receiver in some of the developmental camp season. He played offense in several games early last year, but it was something the team went away from around midseason. Bailey had one catch for 11 yards last season. Bailey said he is heading into this season a better receiver than he was when he came to Denver in a trade with Washington for Clinton Portis. "I watch Rod Smith run routes every day," Bailey said. "That right there helps me. I think I'm smoother in my route running." The Broncos appear to be deeper at receiver, so having Bailey on offense likely would be in unusual packages. "It's probably best for a defensive player to play offense as a surprise or in different situations," Bailey said. "That's where you'll see me." No concerns about Pryce Three days into training camp, the Broncos are convinced Trevor Pryce's back woes, which plagued his almost all of last season, are behind him. Pryce, who had surgery on his back in September, has practiced every day, although he likely will rest one practice a day during two-a-day workouts. "There's no signs of any repercussions of his other injuries," Shanahan said. "He's full-speed -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ahead." Pryce said he doesn't exactly feel good but that's par for the course during camp. "It's just the normal rigor mortis of camp," Pryce said. "I don't feel any worse than I did this time last year before I was injured." Adjustments on the line The Broncos on Sunday signed center Ben Nowland, who was cut Thursday by Washington. Nowland's signing became necessary when Josh Sewell, a sixth-round pick in 2004, abruptly retired Saturday. Sewell's retirement moves sixth- round pick Chris Myers to backup center behind Tom Nalen. However, if Nalen gets hurt, left guard Ben Hamilton would be moved. Still, Myers is excited about the extra work in training camp. He also is working at long snapper behind incumbent Mike Leach. Myers hasn't snapped since high school. "But I did it one-handed, so that doesn't count," Myers said. Footnotes The Broncos will consider candidates for their Ring of Fame as early as today. Former safety Steve Atwater is a top candidate. ... Veteran Keith Burns has been working a lot with the second team at middle linebacker, and Terry Pierce has been working at outside linebacker. Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

08-01-2005, 03:33 AM	#11
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	He dropped two critcal passes on slants last year. If you use him just send him on fly patterns. He might get open and he would be a good decoy. Last edited by Atlas; 08-01-2005 at 02:26 PM..

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08-01-2005, 12:41 AM	#3
orange crusher Predominately Orange Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 2,563	I've got mixed feelings about Champ playing offense. I think he could add something to the offense, but I just don't like him playing offense with the lack of experienced backup corners. We've got plenty of receivers to get it done. Great news on Pryce. I've seen this in multiple places and it's GREAT news for the defensive line. With a healthy Pryce, the defensive line is already better than last year. If Brown, Warren, Engelberger, Myers, and Ekuban come to play, the D-Line will be vastly improved.

08-01-2005, 12:58 AM	#4
Macnut Pro Bowler Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 511	He should concentrate of being a DB. IMO he still needs alot to improve based on last season.

08-01-2005, 01:07 AM	#5
Daddy T Rookie KCFOREVER Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cabot Arkansas Posts: 50	I hope he does play offense. It will increase his chances of getting injured and it will also wear his ass out before the fourth quarter or Kennison will do that anyway.

08-01-2005, 05:53 AM	#12
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	id rather him focus on defense. we have enough weapons on offense

08-01-2005, 05:59 AM	#13
Beantown Bronco Athletic Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mass Posts: 19,041 Adopt-a-Bronco: Matt Prater	Pretty much a carbon copy of an article printed last year about Champ....right about this time even. Way to step it up Burger Bill. I would disagree with the "wearing out" issue. He would only be in on offense for 4-6 plays per game most likely. In college, he played pretty much every down on both offense and defense a few times if I remember correctly.

08-01-2005, 06:05 AM	#14
Raiders Rock The Darkside RaidersKickAss.com Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 4,571	Every play increases the chance of injury.... and since CB is the hardest position to play in the NFL, I don't think I want my CB playing WR unless it was an emergency.... Wait, it is an emergency, You guys are gonna start Rice. RR

08-01-2005, 06:12 AM	#15
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	yeah after rod ash and darius watts. real emergency jackass

08-01-2005, 06:13 AM	#16
TotallyScrewed Ring of Famer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,597	I rather Champ saved the energy for a few more INT's...once he's completed the INT he can turn offensive by running it back.

08-01-2005, 06:44 AM	#17
Bronco_Beerslug Angling in the Deep Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Texas Riviera, Southern Mountains Posts: 24,281	It's a waste of time and energy. CB needs to concentrate completely on D.

08-01-2005, 11:47 AM	#19
NaptownChief Donkeys Nightmare Football Pimp Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 7,490	I hope it works out as well as when Jose Canseco went to the mound.

08-01-2005, 12:02 PM	#20
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,049 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	Rausch has it right. This would be used very seldomly to create mismatch problems and mess with the D's plans. They don't watch film with Bailey on O. The backs don't study and practice to beat Bailey on O. And anyone saying that he will get tired out has to be totally ignorant. He runs around on the field all day long. Three to four more plays a game isn't going to tire him out at all. Macnut made the asinine comment "Why stop at offense? Why not play Special teams." New England patriots seemed to think that was a good idea too, but then what did they ever accomplish?

08-01-2005, 01:05 PM	#21
rbackfactory80 Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New York Posts: 4,610	Champ stay on Defense. He is an exceptional corner but he is not superman. People think when Champ checks in it is going to be an automatic 7 on the board.

08-01-2005, 02:27 PM	#22
Crushaholic Armchair Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 22,043	Playing offense against the Chefs doesn't count. Champ needs to stay on defense.

08-01-2005, 02:28 PM	#23
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	I hate the idea....worry about the defense.