Lynch rarin' to go in 13th season

[SoCalBronco]

Safety Lynch rarin' to go in 13th season
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer





Lynch: "I don't know how much longer I have, but I feel like I have a lot left. Going into last year, I couldn't say that." (Post file)

Last year, John Lynch had no idea how long his NFL career would last.

Today, for a whole new set of more comforting reasons, Lynch still can't pinpoint the end of his career. Heading into his 13th season, the Broncos safety is approaching the 2005 season healthy and as rejuvenated as he has felt in years.

"I feel great. I feel like I'm playing at a high level and I can do some good things out there," Lynch said Sunday. "I don't know how much longer I have, but I feel like I have a lot left. Going into last year, I couldn't say that."

[SoCalBronco]

Lynch, who turns 34 in September, was one of last season's feel-good stories. The Broncos signed Lynch after he was cut by Tampa Bay. He was coming off neck surgery, and many around the league thought Denver was getting damaged goods, a player past his prime.

However, Lynch instantly became a leader of the Denver defense, often displaying his trademark teeth-rattling hits. His injury concerns faded and he was voted to his sixth Pro Bowl.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertisement


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Lynch tries not to get caught up in the past or on personal accomplishments, but admits to satisfaction of coming back from a serious injury to prove he still could play.

"You try not to be bitter, but I had a chip on my shoulder last year," Lynch said. "I wanted to show that I can still play."

Three days into his second training camp with the Broncos, Lynch is squarely focused on a future that doesn't have questions.

"I can still do things better, and that's what I'll work on," Lynch said. "But as long as I play, I want to make sure I'm still playing well. I don't want to be a guy who comes in on third down. I think I can still make a difference."

[Atlas]

Lynch is a great guy and leader but I hope one of the young guys step up and will be ready to start next year.

[orange crusher]

He definately makes up for his lack of speed with smarts and physical play. For a while, the team was losing a lot of leaders as the players from the SuperBowl years retired or left the team for other reasons. I'm glad they brought in John Lynch and others to fill that leadership role.

[Rausch]

He's solid, always has been.

Speed was never his game, hitting and causing turnovers is. He uses his ability to sniff out the ball carrier to make the play.

He's obviously on the downside of his career but so was Neil Smith (I'll never forgive him) when you got him...

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Rausch

He's solid, always has been.

Speed was never his game, hitting and causing turnovers is. He uses his ability to sniff out the ball carrier to make the play.

He's obviously on the downside of his career but so was Neil Smith (I'll never forgive him) when you got him...

Not sure why you cant forgive Neil Smith. Its not like he wanted out. You guys gave up on him. What is he supposed to do, just retire when the Chiefs let him go when he thinks he can still play? Blame your own Front Office. It would be just as unfair and absurd for a Broncos fan to hate Bill Romanowski when he left to go to Oakland. Dont blame the player. Blame the team. We let him go in favor of Gold, we told him he wouldnt start. Its only natural that he would want to go where he can play. I dont blame Bill and I dont see why you blame Neil.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Not sure why you cant forgive Neil Smith. Its not like he wanted out. You guys gave up on him. What is he supposed to do, just retire when the Chiefs let him go when he thinks he can still play? Blame your own Front Office. It would be just as unfair and absurd for a Broncos fan to hate Bill Romanowski when he left to go to Oakland. Dont blame the player. Blame the team. We let him go in favor of Gold, we told him he wouldnt start. Its only natural that he would want to go where he can play. I dont blame Bill and I dont see why you blame Neil.

Smith turned down a bigger paycheck to go to Denver. That's a fact.

It's his job. I don't blame him for thinking he might have a better chance somewhere else to get a ring. I hate that it was denver, but I understand.

What I won't ever forget was NFL films being on the sidelines during his first game against the Chiefs saying "It's nice to finally be playing for the good guys."

That was a great big slap in the face to all KC fans...