Adams ahead of Watts

[Atlas]

This was very suprising to me. Good for Adams!!

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3004029

NFL legend calls it a career at 42, unable to catch much time with Broncos
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer

Before Broncoland really got a chance to say hello, Jerry Rice said goodbye.

By statistics, he was the greatest receiver in NFL history. By age, the 42-year-old Rice no longer had enough legs to beat out the likes of Charlie Adams, Darius Watts and Todd Devoe for the Broncos' backup receiver spots.

Told last week by coach Mike Shanahan that he no longer would be the Broncos' No. 3 wideout behind starters Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie, the legendary Rice ended his record-setting, 20-year career Monday when he announced his retirement at the team's Dove Valley headquarters.

"I came here to fight for that third position, and it didn't happen," Rice said. "And I knew I had to make a decision, and I feel like I made the best one."

Adams is the Broncos' No. 3 wideout heading into their season opener Sunday at Miami.

Although he has zero regular- season catches in his NFL career, Adams earned the role after becoming arguably the Broncos' MVP of the preseason. Besides making tough catches in traffic in workouts and exhibition games, Adams returned seven punts for a 17.6-yard average.

Rice admitted the competition for the No. 3 receiver spot was tougher than he anticipated when he joined the Broncos in May.

"If the GOAT is saying nice things about us, it's worth something to me anytime," Adams said, referring to Rice's nickname, an acronym for "greatest of all time."

"Even him calling us competition, man," Devoe said. "I can definitely live with that."

When Rice walked into a team meeting Monday to say goodbye, he was given a spontaneous standing ovation from the players. Not bad for a guy who made just four catches for 24 yards in four preseason games. His longest gain with the Broncos was 8 yards.

Meanwhile, Devoe, who spent his rookie year last season on three NFL practice squads, had 10 catches for 200 yards in the preseason. Darius Watts had eight catches (despite at least five drops) for 87 yards and Adams had six catches for 77 yards.

It was thought Rice was informed he would not be the Broncos' No. 3 receiver Saturday, the day after Denver finished off its 4-0 preseason by defeating the Arizona Cardinals 30-21 in Tempe, Ariz.

In truth, Rice was notified a few days before the game. At that point, he decided to finish off the week in hopes his performance at Arizona could cause Shanahan and the coaching staff to change their minds. When Rice finished the game with only two catches for 10 yards while his three competitors all had big nights, he walked off the field sounding like a star who had just played his last game.

"During the exhibition (season), it's sort of hard to show what you're capable of because you're working with different guys and you're trying to get some type of chemistry going," Rice said. "It just didn't happen for me in that game."

Had he postponed the inevitable and opted to play one more season, Rice likely would have been no better than the Broncos' No. 5 receiver, a position that rarely gets to dress in uniform on game days.

This hardly was an option for a player who holds 38 NFL records and played on three Super Bowl championship teams with the San Francisco 49ers.

"I thought it was timely," said Bill Walsh, Rice's first head coach with the 49ers. "He wanted to play one more year, and he did everything he could possibly do to make it happen. It didn't work out, but that's OK. I think Mike Shanahan handled it beautifully, and I think Jerry moves on with his health and as probably the greatest player of his era and certainly the greatest player ever at his position."

Shanahan repeated his oft-stated claim that Rice not only is the best receiver in NFL history, but best player, period. Rice said Joe Montana was the best player he ever had as a teammate and the best cornerbacks he went up against was "a tossup between Darrell Green and Deion Sanders."

Although the Broncos were his last team, Rice is expected to formally sign a contract with the 49ers so he can retire with the team where he played his first 16 seasons and made his mark.

It's a move Broncos backup tight end Nate Jackson, a Bay Area native who grew up a diehard 49ers fan, would endorse.

"I had Jerry's posters hanging up all over my wall," said Jackson, who was 6 in Rice's rookie season. "It was a little surreal seeing him in here in camp. Then you get to know him and realize he's a guy just like you are, except he's an exceptional guy. I enjoyed having him around, and I know everyone else did, too. It was sad to see him go."

After the Broncos' afternoon workout Monday, Rice's locker was cleaned out, nameplate and all.

Gone before Denver really got to see him.

Life after Jerry
With the retirement of Jerry Rice, here's a look at the Broncos' top candidates to back up starters Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie as the team's No. 3 wide receiver:

Charlie Adams, third year

He will be the No. 3 wide receiver in the season opener Sunday at Miami. His size (6-feet-2, 190 pounds), strength and reliable hands make him the best third-down option among the three candidates. He also may replace rookie Darrent Williams on punt returns.

Darius Watts, second year

The No. 3 wide receiver last season, he fell back this year after again struggling to catch the football in Denver's first two preseason games. His two terrific snags for touchdowns in the final preseason game put him back in good favor, but he has to do it again before he reclaims the No. 3 spot. He will be the No. 4 wideout at Miami.

Todd Devoe, first year

He's the biggest (6-2, 198) and perhaps most physically gifted of the group. He likely won't dress for the Miami game. He will have to show he consistently can catch the ball in practice before he supplants Adams or Watts.

[SoCalBronco]

Please remember to also provide a link to the articles, Atlas.


Interesting that Adams is ahead of Watts. I think Watts should be No. 3. Get him the extra reps in practice. He is turning the corner and we need him. That arizona game was huge for his confidence. Give him alot of oppurtunities at Miami.

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Please remember to also provide a link to the articles, Atlas.

I was getting around to it!!!!!! Get off my back!!!!!!!!! You Hurricane scum you!!!!

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Please remember to also provide a link to the articles, Atlas.

I didn't know you were still up. I'll let you post the rest of the articles..... too much work for me.

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Atlas

I didn't know you were still up. I'll let you post the rest of the articles..... too much work for me.

nah man, i am in no mood to put up the rest of the articles tonight.

ah what the hell it will take my mind off the game.

[Popps]

Definitely a surprise, but Adams is probably seen as a safer pick right now. He's got nowhere near the upside of Watts, but the staff wants a #3 who can hold onto a couple of balls a game and Watts waited too long to show them he could do that. Once again, I just hope we keep with him. I'm happy for Adams... he's played well in a couple of pre-seasons and is now getting his shot.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Please remember to also provide a link to the articles, Atlas.


Interesting that Adams is ahead of Watts. I think Watts should be No. 3. Get him the extra reps in practice. He is turning the corner and we need him. That arizona game was huge for his confidence. Give him alot of oppurtunities at Miami.

I agree. He still gets the best separation of the receivers and you would think you'd want to reward his big plays from the Cards game. I guess if Adams is more reliable, then that is that. Whether Adams returns or Darrent does, at least its not Rod Smith.

[Atlas]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I agree. He still gets the best seperation of the receivers and you would think you'd want to reward his big plays from the Cards game. I guess if Adams is more reliable, then that is that. Where Adams returns or Darrent does, at least its not Rod Smith.

My big prediction is that Adams will hold onto the #3 spot the whole season. He isn't as quick as Watts but he is very big and strong for a WR. He runs like a RB and I believe he is going to make some big plays running after the catch. I have always liked the way he ran with the ball. He is a reliable WR and he can break tackles. Just wait and see.

Get your Adams' jerseys now!!!

[GreatBronco16]

It could just be Shanny trying to keep Watts working extra hard during practice to make and keep himself at #3. Having Rice pushing him seemed to help him some, so maybe Shanny thinks he still needs to be pushed for the job.

[Clockwork Orange]

Watts will get playing time regardless of where he's currently listed on the depth chart. Adams had a good preseason and I'm glad to see he's getting rewarded for it. I just hope that Devoe doesn't become the forgotten man in all of this.

[Atlas]

Here is a good article about Denver's quest for a good 3WR. Pre Rice cut
SoCals link:http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercu...s/12517665.htm

Broncos in search of that elusive third wide receiver

BY FRANK SCHWAB

The Gazette


ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - (KRT) - Among the 42-year-old who is in his final season, the 2004 second-round pick who was demoted this preseason because of dropped passes and the third-year player who has been released four times, the Denver Broncos believe they'll find a productive third receiver.

Jerry Rice, Darius Watts and Charlie Adams are 3-4-5 on the depth chart for the Broncos at receiver but none of them have had a spectacular preseason. Rice has caught two passes for 14 yards in three preseason games. Watts has five catches but also five dropped passes. Adams has never caught a pass in a regular-season game.

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said there's no concern about the Broncos' backup receivers, who will get a long look in Denver's final preseason game against Arizona on Friday.

"They don't have a lot of catches, but we see them every day and in over 40 football practices," Kubiak said. "There's tremendous competition going on there."

Coach Mike Shanahan said he hadn't had a chance to evaluate if the team would have any interest in the veteran receivers released this week, including Atlanta's Peerless Price and Cincinnati's Peter Warrick. Price's agent Tim McGee said Tuesday evening he had not been contacted by the Broncos.

The team will probably go with the same group of receivers it has now, and there are some questions after starters Ashley Lelie and Rod Smith.

Rice took over the third receiver job after Denver's first preseason game at Houston. Watts dropped a couple of passes and was demoted from third to fourth on the depth chart.

Rice played sparingly Saturday against Indianapolis after missing three days of practice during the week for personal reasons. Rice, who will turn 43 in October, hasn't had many catches yet but said he's been happy with how he has played so far.

Rice's superstition kept him from making any predictions about whether he would be the third receiver for the season opener Sept.11 against Miami. Kubiak said no decisions have been made and won't be until after Friday's game.

"The best guy's going to win it," Rice said. "I think the competition is good. I'm excited about that, I'm sure Darius is excited too. We get a chance to go at it this weekend."

Coaches have said Watts has worked hard and performed well since his demotion, although he dropped three balls in Denver's second preseason game against San Francisco.

Last season Watts had 31 catches for 385 yards, but also had crucial drops against Atlanta, Oakland and San Diego.

"I got to make sure I keep working on my hands and keep working on my stuff and push through and make plays," Watts said. "I definitely want to do better than I did last year and keep going forward."

Adams worked with the first-team offense as the third receiver a little bit during practice last week and got some playing time with the starters in last week's preseason game.

Adams has shown some big-play ability on punt returns this preseason and has four catches for 55 yards. Adams has a 19.3-yard average on punt returns this preseason but hasn't beat out rookie Darrent Williams for the job.

The Broncos also have Young receivers Triandos Luke and Todd Devoe could push for roster spots with a good game Friday.

"In this league you can't keep them all, but they're capable players and they're capable of playing very well for anybody in this league," Kubiak said.

[Broncoman13]

I think it's just a matter of time before Watts becomes the #3 again. I kind of look at Watts and Adams as the 3 and 3a. Both are good and it's encouraging to have so much competition for our 3,4 AND 5th WR's. Devoe's size will help him to find the field. Unfortunately he will have a bit of a wait as we are now pretty deep at the position.

[Ratboy]

Watts will have a better season than last year. 4-5 touchdowns. and the only reason he will have 4-5 is because he will be behind Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie.

Go Watts!

[Odysseus]

Adams is going to contribute heavily on special teams. Why suit up Watts if all he is really is just a reciever? Adams is the better of the two with blocking. Adams got where he is by playing with all heart. I like Adams ahead of Watts.

All the people who were crying bitter tears about Jerry Rice getting in Watts way. Whose in Watts way now? I love "The Claw" but giving him a roster spot is not the same thing as earning it.

[bloodsunday]

Man its nice to have some confidence in our options. I feel confident that anyone that gets in there will compete and that if Watts can't hang onto the ball, then we aren't forced to play him.

By the way, let me say congrats to Shanny for the way he handled the Rice departure. If he signs an OL with that spot, I'll lay off him. I promise.

[Broncoman13]

I think people made a really big deal out of Watts drops. He wasn't dropping "good" passes. He was missing the tough/difficult balls. He caught the on target passes and then made some plays vs AZ. He'll be fine!

[broncosteven]

I bet that Watts may take the spot back mid game at Miami unless Adams really makes an impact. if that is the case then Watts is in real trouble.

As far as my feelings for the goat go Hawk Harrelson would puts it best: "HE GONE"

GO WHITE-SOX! SOX win Series & Broncos win SB XL what a Fall/winter to look forward to!

[GonzoLays]

It is very simple. Charlie Adams can go across the middle and catch tough passes. Darius Watts does not have the build to live across the middle and survive. In professional football, you have to have a wide receiver who is willing the take the punishment of getting hit by a safety across the middle to keep the drives alive. That is why charlie adams is the third receiver. You can't have three guys running side by side down the sidelines to get open. Someone has to take the punishment. Adams in the guy.

You guys can rest easy now.

[Jason in LA]

Funny that over the past year Watts was the 2nd coming of Jerry Rice to some people around here, while Lelie was just a fast guy who played football.

Now the Watts guys are saying he'll win the job back. It's like they are rooting for the guy, just because he is their guy.

The way I see it, I want the best guy to have that 3rd spot, no matter who it is. If Watts starts playing better than Adams, then I want Watts there. But if Adams gives the coaching staff no reason to demote him, then I want Adams there. At this point he's better. Atleast the coaches think so. That's enough for me.

I hope Watts gets better. We can see that Adams will get better. Both of them pushing for that 3rd spot will make them both better, which will make the Broncos better.

[Jetmeck]

Originally Posted by OSKIE

I think it's just a matter of time before Watts becomes the #3 again. I kind of look at Watts and Adams as the 3 and 3a. Both are good and it's encouraging to have so much competition for our 3,4 AND 5th WR's. Devoe's size will help him to find the field. Unfortunately he will have a bit of a wait as we are now pretty deep at the position.

Isn't this great for a change, deep at WR. Been trying to find ONE third receiver for years and now we have three that could fill the role quite well, same with RB's.....we are stacked at those two positions, now let's hope Plummer stays healthy because I don't know if BVP is ready yet ?

[westcliffe]

Originally posted by Jetmeck

Isn't this great for a change, deep at WR. Been trying to find ONE third receiver for years and now we have three that could fill the role quite well

Nice Take. I completely agree. Wonderful to have quality depth at these positions.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by Jetmeck

Isn't this great for a change, deep at WR. Been trying to find ONE third receiver for years and now we have three that could fill the role quite well, same with RB's.....we are stacked at those two positions, now let's hope Plummer stays healthy because I don't know if BVP is ready yet ?

The one thing we didn't have last year was someone really pushing Watts for the job. Now we have three guys who, if the play up to their potential, could be great third options out there. One thing kind of nice about Adams is his ability to break tackles means there is potential for YAC, and I think the coaching staff has been looking for that type of receiver for some time.

On thing I didn't get a good look at in the games, but you know is a big part of why who starts where, is how well each of these guys blocks. Adams is kind of big, so you gotta wonder if he can block better than Watts right now.

I still love the Watts potential and believe he'll be a solid receiver, but if he someone is playing well and pushing him, that will only make him and the other receivers better.

[Tom G]

Funny. Wasn't it just last year that it was Adams dropping every thing in sight and now he's #3 WR because of his "great hands", or at least better hands than Watts'?

And you old timers, don't you remember HOF'r Fred Biletnikof (sp?) dropping the first dozen or so passes thrown to him?

It really does puzzle me why some of these professional WRs have so much trouble holding on to passes. I was a ham and egger, not very good, pseudo WR and don't ever remember dropping a pass that hit me in the numbers. I mean these guys are pros! Lots of reps and lots of practice! Why do they drop what seem to be very catchable passes? Speed of play? Footsteps? Bullet passes? Nose down "heavy" ball?

[TotallyScrewed]

I heard it the other way when Shanny spoke about Rice's retirement. Something like "Jerry lost out on the 3rd WR position after Watts' performance in practice and the final preseason game against Arizona". And that Rice didn't want to compete for the 4th spot with Adams.

I just can't see Adams ahead of Watts at this point.

[Jason in LA]

Originally Posted by Tom G

Funny. Wasn't it just last year that it was Adams dropping every thing in sight and now he's #3 WR because of his "great hands", or at least better hands than Watts'?

And you old timers, don't you remember HOF'r Fred Biletnikof (sp?) dropping the first dozen or so passes thrown to him?

It really does puzzle me why some of these professional WRs have so much trouble holding on to passes. I was a ham and egger, not very good, pseudo WR and don't ever remember dropping a pass that hit me in the numbers. I mean these guys are pros! Lots of reps and lots of practice! Why do they drop what seem to be very catchable passes? Speed of play? Footsteps? Bullet passes? Nose down "heavy" ball?

I think Fred B. got over the drops when he found a jar of stickem.