Shanahan: Broncos were closer than many thought - The Orange Mane

PatsWin2002 · 01-24-2006, 06:27 PM

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/N...410120-ap.html

Shanahan: Broncos were closer than many thought
By EDDIE PELLS

DENVER (AP) - As it turned out, Mike Shanahan was right.

Laughed at a year ago for saying the Denver Broncos weren't that far away from becoming a Super Bowl team again, he went out, made some changes and actually got his team close in 2005. Close. But not quite there.

The Broncos were clobbered by Pittsburgh, 34-17 in the AFC title game on Sunday. Looking back at the loss two days later, Shanahan stuck to his long-held belief that no season in Denver - no matter how good or surprising - can be deemed a success if it doesn't end in a championship.

"Obviously, there were some good things, good record, but we fell short of our goal," Shanahan said Tuesday.

Still, he conceded that even he thought he might have been a little crazy when, in evaluating his team at the close of 2004, he said the Broncos weren't too far removed from being Super Bowl material. They had just come off a second straight bad loss to Indianapolis in the first round of the playoffs, Jake Plummer was flailing and many in Denver were wondering if the coach himself was losing his touch.

"I was in denial at that time," Shanahan said. "I read the quote the next day and I thought I might have been pushing a little bit."

So, maybe 2005 really was as big a surprise to the Mastermind as it was to most of the rest of the folks around the league.

Plummer improved, throwing seven interceptions and showing glimpses of what he could do when he grasped both the system and the reality that he doesn't have to do everything to win on good teams.

Champ Bailey had his best season, and with nine interceptions was Denver's biggest playmaker, more influential than pretty much anyone on the offence.

Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell kept Denver's consistent running game going.

And though gambles on Jerry Rice and Maurice Clarett didn't pay off, Shanahan made a lot of risky moves that did - Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Todd Sauerbrun and Ron Dayne, to name a few.

From everything the coach said in his final news conference of the season, it appears the Broncos will return without major changes.

He confirmed he'd like to keep Tom Nalen and Matt Lepsis, two cogs on an offensive line. Nalen will be a free agent and Lepsis will probably need a new contract to stay. The coach said Warren was a priority, as was Dayne. Brown's future seems less certain and Trevor Pryce will have to rework his contract if he's to return.

Buoyed by their success in bringing in lower-paid veterans last year - a la the New England Patriots - the Broncos don't figure to make a huge splash in free agency. It is, however, a pretty good bet they'll at least take a look at trading for Terrell Owens.

Shanahan isn't free to discuss Owens specifically, because he's still under contract with the Eagles. But on the subject of bringing in troubled players with talent, the coach was candid.

"Whoever that guy might be ... there's always a possibility if somebody handles himself the right way, they could come into this organization," Shanahan said. "But they're going to have to live by the standards we practice."

Most urgent for Shanahan is finding a new offensive co-ordinator to replace Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's top assistant for all of his 11 years in Denver. Mike Heimerdinger of the Jets, an old friend of Shanahan's, was reportedly interested if he can get out of his contract in New York. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison is another popular candidate.

"We're going to have someone come in that's going to be dedicated and wanting an opportunity to show what they can do," Shanahan said. "I'm sure that person will work out great."

Chances are, that person will be working with a team that looks a lot like the one that went 14-4, won the AFC West and a playoff game - the first in seven seasons - and was, for a brief moment, a favourite to win the Super Bowl.

The Broncos wound up two wins short, though, and that always makes for a long off-season in Denver.

"The hangover will last a long time," Shanahan said. "Any time you play in a championship game, you know what an opportunity it is and if you don't take advantage of it, it hurts."

Vegas_Bronco · 01-24-2006, 06:39 PM

Lets take on some more risk - can we hire a crazy OC Consultant like Mike Martz to compliment Shanny's running game

I wonder if Shanny really went out and just drank himself poor. I'd love to get that guy drunk and listen to his real side.

Bronco_Beerslug · 01-24-2006, 06:41 PM

Quote:

"Whoever that guy might be ... there's always a possibility if somebody handles himself the right way, they could come into this organization," Shanahan said. "But they're going to have to live by the standards we practice."

Welcome aboard TO!!!!!

Rausch · 01-24-2006, 06:44 PM

I'll bet whatever you want that if Martz goes to Denver you miss the playoffs next year and he'd be gone no later than 2 years...

16-JakE-16 · 01-24-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

offence.

who wrote this....?

rbackfactory80 · 01-24-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_Bronco

Lets take on some more risk - can we hire a crazy OC Consultant like Mike Martz to compliment Shanny's running game

I wonder if Shanny really went out and just drank himself poor. I'd love to get that guy drunk and listen to his real side.

No now we have to bring in the Texans offensive line

epicSocialism4tw · 01-24-2006, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16-JakE-16

who wrote this....?

Whoever it is is using British English. He also uses "favourite."

loborugger · 01-24-2006, 07:05 PM

Martz's phobia like avoidance of running will not fit in Denver. Sorry, next candidate.

WoodMan · 01-24-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbackfactory80

No now we have to bring in the Texans offensive line

Well, I don't know about their offensive line, but if they bring in Reggie Bush I would like for Shanahan to make a play for their running back. I think his name is Dominic Davis. Maybe Kubes will do us a favor.

RMT · 01-24-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

Welcome aboard TO!!!!!

That's what I like to hear

RMT · 01-24-2006, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodMan

Well, I don't know about their offensive line, but if they bring in Reggie Bush I would like for Shanahan to make a play for their running back. I think his name is Dominic Davis. Maybe Kubes will do us a favor.

Especially after his hiring was one of the worst-kept secrets during the playoffs. The Broncos would win a challenge of tampering but would never pursue it (unless the Raiders stepped in and made Kubes an offer he couldn't refuse).

rbackfactory80 · 01-24-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodMan

Well, I don't know about their offensive line, but if they bring in Reggie Bush I would like for Shanahan to make a play for their running back. I think his name is Dominic Davis. Maybe Kubes will do us a favor.

I am just kidding, Davis would probably be decent though

watermock · 01-24-2006, 10:52 PM

damn I am still crying....more like wimpering now...vision screwed up totally.

can't sleep and going to doc at 830...

cold and just plain miserable.Dizzy at a whore and can barely drive

Kitty Cat is just warm as french toast....and tucked in like a coconut...

I'm freezing....ugg...

Sassy · 01-24-2006, 11:05 PM

Have him change your meds!
Ask for inderal

~Crash~ · 01-24-2006, 11:09 PM

all this TO talk !!! well what are you guys willing to give to the eagles to get him?

broncofan · 01-24-2006, 11:10 PM

One word: Mariucci.

Worked well with Jeff Garcia, a mobile QB with an arm that leaves some to be desired in San Fran and will keep TO out of town.

Kaylore · 01-24-2006, 11:11 PM

We're not hiring Martz; He's insane.

"Next question".

~Crash~ · 01-24-2006, 11:11 PM

I will though in a couple of cat eyes marbles...lol

fdf · 01-24-2006, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56crash

all this TO talk !!! well what are you guys willing to give to the eagles to get him?

Nothing. The Eagles are going to release him.

But this will turn into another Dale Carter fiasco if we sign him and he gets any up front money. Signing a known cancer who has managed to tear apart two teams is stupid. I don't care how talented he is.

RMT · 01-24-2006, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdf

Nothing. The Eagles are going to release him.

But this will turn into another Dale Carter fiasco if we sign him and he gets any up front money. Signing a known cancer who has managed to tear apart two teams is stupid. I don't care how talented he is.

that sounds like great negotiating banter

L.A. BRONCOS FAN · 01-25-2006, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_Beerslug

Welcome aboard TO!!!!!

Damn - I'm still on the fence.

The attitude problems worry me, but damn...can you just imagine how dangerous our offense would be?

Vegas_Bronco · 01-25-2006, 01:18 AM

We need to trade some Dlineman to the AZ Cards for one of their two WR's. Fitzgerald or Boldin would be nice compliment for Rod's remaining years. We also need a promising replacement for Rod.

The OC, better come in with his azz on fire and ready to work. I think Shanny will stay in house with Dennison.

TO is just not the answer guys - he's old, ugly, and selfish....just wouldn't work in this system. But, the idea that we do have two first round picks and a high cap number does make us a more likely candidate. If we trade higher than a 2nd round pick for T.O. I'll leave the orange forever.....that is, unless they win SB 41 (bad marriage).

I can't believe how amazing Champ Bailey has been for the team. He not only has that defense looking great, but had a huge season and is the PLAYMAKER on this team. We desperately need this mirrored on the offensive side of the ball and while TO seems to be a quick thought, it's not a good one. Champ has not only made the rookie db's better, but he has inspired his whole team. That guy is a FREAK!

If we make one good move on offense, this team can return. We are one playmaker away from having a great team. Shanny's main goals are going to return the playoffs and hurt someone. He should have his team adequately prepared after this humiliating loss.

My guess is that we will draft a good DE or two (pass rush specialist). We will also go Oline, WR, and RB with all but the one defensive pick. Our free agents will come at the WR position and Oline position and maybe at safety. Other than that, it should be pretty typical off season.

Let's hope the 'luck' that Shanny's PLAN and decisions have given us continues to the next year. I don't think we were close at all this year and we would have had a much tougher test going into INDY - we need to be able to beat the Colt's, Patsies and all the tough teams we played at home this year, on their turf in 2006. Our schedule looks like hell.

01-24-2006, 06:27 PM	#1
PatsWin2002 Giggity Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: South of Boston Posts: 6,270	Shanahan: Broncos were closer than many thought http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Football/N...410120-ap.html Shanahan: Broncos were closer than many thought By EDDIE PELLS DENVER (AP) - As it turned out, Mike Shanahan was right. Laughed at a year ago for saying the Denver Broncos weren't that far away from becoming a Super Bowl team again, he went out, made some changes and actually got his team close in 2005. Close. But not quite there. The Broncos were clobbered by Pittsburgh, 34-17 in the AFC title game on Sunday. Looking back at the loss two days later, Shanahan stuck to his long-held belief that no season in Denver - no matter how good or surprising - can be deemed a success if it doesn't end in a championship. "Obviously, there were some good things, good record, but we fell short of our goal," Shanahan said Tuesday. Still, he conceded that even he thought he might have been a little crazy when, in evaluating his team at the close of 2004, he said the Broncos weren't too far removed from being Super Bowl material. They had just come off a second straight bad loss to Indianapolis in the first round of the playoffs, Jake Plummer was flailing and many in Denver were wondering if the coach himself was losing his touch. "I was in denial at that time," Shanahan said. "I read the quote the next day and I thought I might have been pushing a little bit." So, maybe 2005 really was as big a surprise to the Mastermind as it was to most of the rest of the folks around the league. Plummer improved, throwing seven interceptions and showing glimpses of what he could do when he grasped both the system and the reality that he doesn't have to do everything to win on good teams. Champ Bailey had his best season, and with nine interceptions was Denver's biggest playmaker, more influential than pretty much anyone on the offence. Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell kept Denver's consistent running game going. And though gambles on Jerry Rice and Maurice Clarett didn't pay off, Shanahan made a lot of risky moves that did - Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Todd Sauerbrun and Ron Dayne, to name a few. From everything the coach said in his final news conference of the season, it appears the Broncos will return without major changes. He confirmed he'd like to keep Tom Nalen and Matt Lepsis, two cogs on an offensive line. Nalen will be a free agent and Lepsis will probably need a new contract to stay. The coach said Warren was a priority, as was Dayne. Brown's future seems less certain and Trevor Pryce will have to rework his contract if he's to return. Buoyed by their success in bringing in lower-paid veterans last year - a la the New England Patriots - the Broncos don't figure to make a huge splash in free agency. It is, however, a pretty good bet they'll at least take a look at trading for Terrell Owens. Shanahan isn't free to discuss Owens specifically, because he's still under contract with the Eagles. But on the subject of bringing in troubled players with talent, the coach was candid. "Whoever that guy might be ... there's always a possibility if somebody handles himself the right way, they could come into this organization," Shanahan said. "But they're going to have to live by the standards we practice." Most urgent for Shanahan is finding a new offensive co-ordinator to replace Gary Kubiak, who was Shanahan's top assistant for all of his 11 years in Denver. Mike Heimerdinger of the Jets, an old friend of Shanahan's, was reportedly interested if he can get out of his contract in New York. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison is another popular candidate. "We're going to have someone come in that's going to be dedicated and wanting an opportunity to show what they can do," Shanahan said. "I'm sure that person will work out great." Chances are, that person will be working with a team that looks a lot like the one that went 14-4, won the AFC West and a playoff game - the first in seven seasons - and was, for a brief moment, a favourite to win the Super Bowl. The Broncos wound up two wins short, though, and that always makes for a long off-season in Denver. "The hangover will last a long time," Shanahan said. "Any time you play in a championship game, you know what an opportunity it is and if you don't take advantage of it, it hurts."

01-24-2006, 10:52 PM	#13
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	damn I am still crying....more like wimpering now...vision screwed up totally. can't sleep and going to doc at 830... cold and just plain miserable.Dizzy at a whore and can barely drive Kitty Cat is just warm as french toast....and tucked in like a coconut... I'm freezing....ugg... Last edited by watermock; 01-24-2006 at 10:56 PM..

01-25-2006, 01:18 AM	#22
Vegas_Bronco Ring of Famer Fear is a lack of preparation. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 63 Yards Out Posts: 4,024 Adopt-a-Bronco: 1 Elam 1	We need to trade some Dlineman to the AZ Cards for one of their two WR's. Fitzgerald or Boldin would be nice compliment for Rod's remaining years. We also need a promising replacement for Rod. The OC, better come in with his azz on fire and ready to work. I think Shanny will stay in house with Dennison. TO is just not the answer guys - he's old, ugly, and selfish....just wouldn't work in this system. But, the idea that we do have two first round picks and a high cap number does make us a more likely candidate. If we trade higher than a 2nd round pick for T.O. I'll leave the orange forever.....that is, unless they win SB 41 (bad marriage). I can't believe how amazing Champ Bailey has been for the team. He not only has that defense looking great, but had a huge season and is the PLAYMAKER on this team. We desperately need this mirrored on the offensive side of the ball and while TO seems to be a quick thought, it's not a good one. Champ has not only made the rookie db's better, but he has inspired his whole team. That guy is a FREAK! If we make one good move on offense, this team can return. We are one playmaker away from having a great team. Shanny's main goals are going to return the playoffs and hurt someone. He should have his team adequately prepared after this humiliating loss. My guess is that we will draft a good DE or two (pass rush specialist). We will also go Oline, WR, and RB with all but the one defensive pick. Our free agents will come at the WR position and Oline position and maybe at safety. Other than that, it should be pretty typical off season. Let's hope the 'luck' that Shanny's PLAN and decisions have given us continues to the next year. I don't think we were close at all this year and we would have had a much tougher test going into INDY - we need to be able to beat the Colt's, Patsies and all the tough teams we played at home this year, on their turf in 2006. Our schedule looks like hell. Last edited by Vegas_Bronco; 01-25-2006 at 01:21 AM..

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01-24-2006, 06:39 PM	#2
Vegas_Bronco Ring of Famer Fear is a lack of preparation. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 63 Yards Out Posts: 4,024 Adopt-a-Bronco: 1 Elam 1	Lets take on some more risk - can we hire a crazy OC Consultant like Mike Martz to compliment Shanny's running game I wonder if Shanny really went out and just drank himself poor. I'd love to get that guy drunk and listen to his real side.

01-24-2006, 06:44 PM	#4
Rausch Ring of Famer Angry Drunken German... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 2,354	I'll bet whatever you want that if Martz goes to Denver you miss the playoffs next year and he'd be gone no later than 2 years...

01-24-2006, 07:05 PM	#8
loborugger lost in the ether Did we finally get a FB??? Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The 'cuse Posts: 5,783 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Hillis	Martz's phobia like avoidance of running will not fit in Denver. Sorry, next candidate.

01-24-2006, 11:05 PM	#14
Sassy Ring of Famer Join Date: May 2001 Location: ND Posts: 37,952 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eddie Royal	Have him change your meds! Ask for inderal

01-24-2006, 11:09 PM	#15
~Crash~ My new dog Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,600 Adopt-a-Bronco: Kuper	all this TO talk !!! well what are you guys willing to give to the eagles to get him?

01-24-2006, 11:10 PM	#16
broncofan Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philly PA Posts: 886	One word: Mariucci. Worked well with Jeff Garcia, a mobile QB with an arm that leaves some to be desired in San Fran and will keep TO out of town.

01-24-2006, 11:11 PM	#17
Kaylore 6-37, Raider fans. Yummy birds and snow! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ceti Alpha V Posts: 41,025 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Duke	We're not hiring Martz; He's insane. "Next question".