Some Broncos on the bubble

[PatsWin2002]

Some Broncos on the bubble
Performance in tonight’s game could be deciding factor for players’ fate

(Here's the relevant part)

Still think the final preseason game is meaningless? Jobs will be won and lost today in the Arizona heat as the Broncos take on the Cardinals (8 p.m., Ch. 4). Players on the fence will be shoved to one side.

“We lost a couple of guys last year (because of the final preseason game),” Denver coach Mike Shanahan said. “We had a couple of tight ends that everybody thought were going to make the team, and they didn’t play well in the last game and they weren’t with us.”

While Shanahan didn’t mention particular names, it’s easy to figure out he’s alluding to Byron Chamberlain and Jed Weaver. Both came into training camp as virtual locks, and both were waived.

“There’s always a number of players that are on the bubble,” Shanahan said.

Lynch can’t stand this time of year. The Broncos have to trim their roster to 53 players by Saturday, and some good players will be hitting the road.

“It’s a tough, tough part of the business, one that you never become accustomed or numb to the longer you play,” Lynch said. “It’s something that hurts every time you see someone go.”

This will be the final opportunity to impress the coaches for a number of players. Take cornerback Roc Alexander for instance. With the play of the three rookie cornerbacks, Alexander could be on the outside looking in. However, he’s a special teams prodigy and one more good game could earn him a spot. And, no, his performance covering Indy’s Reggie Wayne last season in the playoffs won’t be held against him.

“He works his butt off,” defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “He’s giving everything he’s got. He’s been through hell, but I think he’s grown from that. He’s trying to help himself make this football team.”

An interception or two would definitely help Alexander’s cause.

For the most part, Shanahan and his staff have a good idea who they’ll keep and dump. But those decisions aren’t carved in stone.

“They may change if the guy goes out there and plays,” Coyer said. “There are a ton of examples of decisions that have been changed because of game day.”

The speculation was that receivers Charlie Adams, Nate Jackson and Triandos Luke made last year’s squad due to great performances in the preseason finale against this same Arizona team.

It’s déjà vu for Adams, Jackson and Luke as they need similar performances to gain a roster spot. Adams knows what he’s up against.

“I think any time you can put something on film and separate yourself from someone else, it’s always going to help you stick around,” said Adams, who’s looked impressive returning punts for Denver this year. “Anything you can do (today) will help your chances.

“I know the last preseason game helped me last year. They told us going into the game (last year) that someone probably wasn’t going to be here. Every year it’s a different situation. Nothing is set in stone yet.”

Former Colorado State star Cecil Sapp appears to be a lock to make the Broncos again as a special teams player. He’s first string on every unit. However, he’s not subscribing to the theory he’s secured a spot.

“I don’t feel safe at all,” Sapp said. “I’m still fighting. I’ve got to make plays, run, block, catch the ball, know my assignments and play with no mistakes. I’ve got to have a perfect game.”

Now that’s putting extra pressure on the shoulder pads. But Sapp’s not alone in that thinking. Denver quarterback Matt Mauck doesn’t know what the future holds for him as well. He needs to play well tonight.

“Every week is big, but this one especially,” Mauck said.

Mauck should see some significant time with starter Jake Plummer getting the night off. Backup Bradlee Van Pelt will play the first half, and then it will be Mauck’s turn.

“I want to prove I can play at this level, and hopefully I’ll do that,” Mauck said.

Careers will be on the line tonight in Sun Devil Stadium. Some will play themselves into a spot with the team, and others right on out of a position.

“We’re going to find out who can go and who can’t play,” Coyer said.

In other words, this final preseason game will be anything but meaningless.

Link to see the full article where John Lynch tells his own story of being on the bubble:
http://www.lovelandfyi.com/sports-story.asp?ID=1942

[ludo21]

im gonna be there tonight, its gonna be sweet watching the rooks fight for that roster spot!! Goo Broncos@@

[PatsWin2002]

Originally Posted by ludo21

im gonna be there tonight, its gonna be sweet watching the rooks fight for that roster spot!! Goo Broncos@@

Goo?

I think you need more oooooooooooooooooos!

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by PatsWin2002

Goo?

I think you need more oooooooooooooooooos!

Im taking back the rep i gave you ........

[orange 4 life]

good article.

to the casual fan, this game means nothing.

to the DIE HARD fan, this game is VERY interesting.
personally, the first half of game three and this game are maybe the most
intriguing.
last week we saw our starters prepare to play for real, and this week we get to see the backups fight for jobs.
some years the team is basically set going into this game, but this year is much different.
when names like kanell, hape, ellis, and r johnson get cut in the FIRST wave, you know you have some battles going on.

this year, we have ALOT of battles going on.
at receiver, i think smith, lelie, watts, rice, and adams are set (adams based on sundquists comments), but if we keep six devoe or luke could make the team, and a STELLAR performance tonight could convince the team to keep six.
at rb, its again a matter of whether we keep 5 or 6.
if we keep six, we know who's on the team.
if we keep only five, sapp or griffin is gone.
at defensive line, we still have some trimming to do, and guys that played alot last year are on the bubble.
palepoi, fatafehi, and davis are three guys i think that are all looking for big nights, as we cant keep all three. palepoi is the guy on the outside looking in (right now IMO) but a big night might change that.
ernster, roc, sykes, pierce, burns (thought to be a lock but is he?), leseuer, anderson all looking for a spot.
it will be very interesting, and like lynch noted, it will be sad tomorrow as we will definately have to part ways with a few guys we'd like to keep.

jake

[Florida_Bronco]

I'd like to keep Palepoi, he really seemed to play well last year, but I think he's gone.

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by Florida_Bronco

I'd like to keep Palepoi, he really seemed to play well last year, but I think he's gone.

I agree but I think it all depends on how many Dl Shanny wants to keep. It also doesn't help that Palepoi is a pass rusher and that Enndglerberdgerr is ahea dof him and has 4 sacks this preseason. Shanny might think that Enndglerberdger can be the pass rush specialist.