Adam Schein: Plummer feeling the heat

[brncs_fan]

A nice wrap up of what we have already been hearing...


On a simply breathtaking Tuesday in lovely Englewood, Colorado, you got the sense that the 2006 Broncos were a team on a mission. And one with a gigantic chip on their collective shoulders after losing at home to the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers in the AFC title game in Denver in January.

As safety John Lynch said, "Look, I have to give Pittsburgh credit. They won the game. But we could've won. We had a chance to make plays on defense. You credit the Steelers; you credit their quarterback. But you ask if I am over that game? No, I am not."

And in a lot of ways, you can make the case that the Broncos, on paper, are better than the 2005 version. Their young cornerbacks are experienced. Javon Walker is on board, and the defense is incredibly deep and talented.

And as always, the Broncos are supremely coached with Mike Shanahan.

But the AFC West is one of the best divisions in the NFL, and the AFC has 10 teams with a legit chance to make the playoffs. And you wonder aloud if the Broncos, even with their brilliant running scheme, have a legit starting running back. And the whispers about Jake Plummer in the big spot, even after an incredibly efficient 2005 regular season, remain after his showing in the aforementioned Steelers game.

And the heat will most certainly be on after the team spent a high first-round pick on a quarterback who has been turning heads at training camp.

We spent an incredible day with the Broncos' players and coaches, and watched as good and as tight a practice as we have seen.

Here are the thoughts on what we saw:


2. Offensive nuggets
Mike Bell was the talk of the NFL when we went to Broncos camp, just a day after Shanahan named the undrafted free agent as his starter in the first preseason game. We talked to Bell after the afternoon practice. Bell is certainly stoked that the staff has noticed his impressive two weeks of training camp.

Bell told us he was stunned he wasn't drafted out of Arizona after a successful college career. Denver general manager Ted Sundquist told us that the team had the running back as high as a fourth-round pick, but went for needs on Day 2. When it became apparent that Bell wasn't going to be picked, Sundquist moved quickly to sign him. And it didn't hurt that Bell grew up as a die-hard Broncos fan.

What stood out at practice was Bell's ability to cut and how good he could fit in the Denver running system. He was easily the best running back in practice. It wasn't even close.

And the reviews from his teammates were flattering: Al Wilson compared him to a young Duce Staley; John Lynch waxed poetic about his cutting ability; Kyle Johnson praised his work ethic.

But now it is show time.

There are all sorts of great training camp stories that become just that; urban legend as a player doesn't really make it.

But Bell did put up some gaudy numbers in college, and come across as very hungry and humble when we talked to him. And he was quick to point out, he is number one on the depth chart for week one of the preseason, not the regular campaign. The guess here is that Bell plays well in the actual games. Shanahan seems to like him and his history is that he never plays a running back based upon draft position. It's a fascinating story and development.

Shanahan also took the time to say he believes the team has three quality backs in Bell, Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne. But the demotion of the latter two speaks volumes. You wonder aloud, like we did in the off-season, if Bell can ever be an every down back.

If part of the method to Mike's madness is to motivate Tatum Bell and Dayne, it is working as both backs appear to be frustrated with the demotion. It did go noted that when I asked Shanahan about what he would be looking for out of the backs in the preseason games, the first thing he mentioned was ball security, a major bugaboo of Bell's game.

And I never have, nor will I ever, believe Dayne can shoulder any type of load.

Javon Walker passed the eye ball test when we watched him practice Tuesday morning. Jake Plummer hit him a few times on short and intermediate routes, and Walker was flawless in catching the ball. We spent a lot of time with a smiling Walker on Tuesday afternoon. He says he isn't 100 percent yet after recovering from surgery to repair his ACL tear. But he sure looked good.

In fact, Shanahan says while he knows Walker thinks he isn't all the way back, the coach believes he is very close. Shanahan is keeping a very close eye on his health this camp, giving him a break when needed. According to the coach, Walker won't play this weekend in the preseason opener against Detroit since the game in on turf. Walker will play in Games 2 and 3 of the preseason, both in Denver, and then sit out the fourth game.

Rod Smith is elated to have Walker in Denver. Smith was giddy when discussing how difficult it is going to be to stop the duo in the passing attack. The veteran wideout still remains one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL.

Todd Devoe additionally made some nice catches and will be in the mix.


3. Defensive nuggets
Shanahan says the biggest goal for the defense is to get more pressure on the quarterback via the front four.

To aid in the goal, the team hopes that former Brown Kenard Lang can replace Trevor Pryce. Lang, a former Cleveland Brown who comes over in the off-season, is so enthused to be a Bronco, praising everything from the weather to the team mentality. As far as his role on the deep and talented defensive line, Lang says, "Look, I'll get the players Gatorade if it means we are closer to a championship. I want to win, and we will win in Denver."

Gerard Warren and Courtney Brown have to prove that last year wasn't a fluke. Lang said the reason they played so much better in Denver last year than they ever did in Cleveland was simply because of coaching. Brown just had knee surgery and is going to miss the preseason.

We spent a lot of time talking to the cerebral Ebenezer Ekuban. He talked about how great it is playing with such talent behind him in the back seven, knowing that if the front line pressures the quarterback as Shanahan and defensive coordinator Larry Coyer want, his teammates will reward the linemen for their efforts.



Champ Bailey remains one of the top five cornerbacks in the game. In talking to him at length, he stressed the chemistry of this Denver defensive backfield. And both second year cornerbacks, Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth, have learned a lot from him. This trio, highlighted by Bailey, is very skilled and matches up well with teams when they run the en vogue three receivers sets.

And here's a great nugget on Williams — John Lynch says Williams reminds him of Ronde Barber, stressing his strength, play-making ability, cover skills and ability to get to the quarterback.

We spent a lot of time with Lynch, who says he was just having a glass of water with NFL on FOX producer Scott Ackerson at the Pro Bowl, not discussing a TV gig at the Pro Bowl. Lynch, still a great player, rightly got a contract extension from owner Pat Bowlen in the off-season.

And we saved the best for last; Al Wilson, DJ Williams and Ian Gold.

There isn't a better linebacker core within the NFL in the 4-3 scheme.

And Al Wilson never gets enough credit for being what he is; one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. Wilson was talking freely about the Super Bowl and being the best defense in the league when we chatted.


4. Quarterback focus
Shanahan confessed he would like to throw the ball more this year, evoking the memories of the McCaferty/Smith/Sharpe days.

And that means, once again, all eyes are on Jake Plummer.

Shanahan was very pleased with Plummer's efficiency in 2005. But now the challenge will be to maintain the same type of touchdown-to-interception ratio while likely throwing the ball more. And after his showing in the AFC title game loss, fair or unfair, Plummer is still going to have to prove his is capable of big games in big spots and leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl.

And Plummer wasn't even close to being the most talked about quarterback in camp.

Jay Cutler has a flat-out cannon for an arm.

John Lynch asked if we heard the ball sizzle.

Rod Smith's eyes lit up when we asked him how the young gun is coming along. And Smith made sure to praise his accuracy in addition to his rocket for an arm. The veteran receiver thinks Cutler is going to be a star.

Everyone we talked to, on and off the air, thinks Cutler is going to be a star.

And Cutler has really impressed Shanahan with his arm strength and work ethic. The coach saw an opportunity to grab a raw gunslinger by trading up in the first round and he couldn't resist. The hardest thing for Shanahan was keeping his affinity for Cutler a secret, admitting that he didn't even tell everyone in the organization and on his staff about his desires until the very last minute.

And Cutler says he was floored when the Broncos called his name. But he is thrilled to be working for Shanahan. We spent time with the rookie after the morning practice. Cutler says his rapport with Plummer is great and that the veteran is helping him out immensely on and off the field. Cutler is the No. 2 quarterback right now on the depth chart, ahead of August wonder Bradlee Van Pelt.


5. Camp Buzz
Nobody cares that Ashley Lelie is holding out. Honestly. We were at Broncos camp for seven hours before his name was even mentioned. Nobody talked about him on the record, off the record, or simply in passing. He is a total non-entity. I finally peppered Shanahan and Sundquist with questions on the subject

Shanahan is a tad flabbergasted that the player in question, who says he wants to be a No. 1 receiver, doesn't want to come in and work. Sundquist is listening to offers for the disgruntled wide out, but the Broncos haven't received an offer to their liking; and they absolutely hold the cards here. The Broncos' win-loss record won't be affected one bit by this athlete who has a vastly confused and self-inflated view of himself.


6. Rookie watch
I loved the Brandon Marshall pick. And the Central Florida product caught a touchdown from Jake Plummer in the two-minute drill at the end of practice. Marshall is going to be a force in the red zone and could act as a pseudo tight end in the Denver attack.

Both Shanahan and general manager Ted Sundquist love the upside of tight end Tony Shefler, who is enjoying a nice camp.

Elvis Dumervil was a gem in the fourth round. Yes, the Louisville product is a bit undersized for a defensive lineman, but he is speedy; and in college he flat out produced. And he fits the bill in what the coach is looking for in a defensive end who can get to the quarterback.


7. He said it
"Please don't get me started on Art Monk. Can someone please explain to be how he isn't in the Hall of Fame? It's just wrong. Does someone have something against him? All those catches, a class guy, a true winner, come on!"

It was a passionate, and accurate, belief from Rod Smith.

8. Can't make it up
Kyle Johnson practiced his Adam Schein impersonation this week in front of public relations guru Paul Kirk, hand motions and all, and nailed his on-air rendition when he joined us at the end of the afternoon practice.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5866000

[BroncoMatt]

Originally Posted by brncs_fan

2. Offensive nuggets
Mike Bell was the talk of the NFL when we went to Broncos camp, just a day after Shanahan named the undrafted free agent as his starter in the first preseason game. We talked to Bell after the afternoon practice. Bell is certainly stoked that the staff has noticed his impressive two weeks of training camp.

Bell told us he was stunned he wasn't drafted out of Arizona after a successful college career. Denver general manager Ted Sundquist told us that the team had the running back as high as a fourth-round pick, but went for needs on Day 2. When it became apparent that Bell wasn't going to be picked, Sundquist moved quickly to sign him. And it didn't hurt that Bell grew up as a die-hard Broncos fan.

Thats why I adopted Ted

[Odysseus]

This was a great read. I loved the Rod Smith quote about Art Monk. It was hilarious that Lelie is almost a non entity. The team seems happy to let him rot on the vines.

[brncs_fan]

Originally Posted by quiettiger

This was a great read. I loved the Rod Smith quote about Art Monk.

I thought so too. My thinking though was that by making a case for Monk he is also making a case for himself.

[Rohirrim]

Originally Posted by quiettiger

This was a great read. I loved the Rod Smith quote about Art Monk. It was hilarious that Lelie is almost a non entity. The team seems happy to let him rot on the vines.

I think what Lelie is doing will go down in NFL history as one of the stupidest holdouts of all time. Of course, who knows if he could beat out Kircus and Watts for playing time?

[R8R H8R]

Originally Posted by brncs_fan

[i]
3. Defensive nuggets
Shanahan says the biggest goal for the defense is to get more pressure on the quarterback via the front four.

To aid in the goal, the team hopes that former Brown Kenard Lang can replace Trevor Pryce. Lang, a former Cleveland Brown who comes over in the off-season, is so enthused to be a Bronco, praising everything from the weather to the team mentality. As far as his role on the deep and talented defensive line, Lang says, "Look, I'll get the players Gatorade if it means we are closer to a championship. I want to win, and we will win in Denver."

This is the one area I still have doubts on. I think the running game will be at least the same. The passing game better with all the new weapons. The secondary should be better just with experience for the young guys.

But the pash rush from the front four--boy, I just don't know if Lang and Dumervil are enough. Well, I suppose we'll see in the next few games if it is.

[ludo21]

It really is puzzling why Lelie wont come back.. or in that case is still holding out!

At this pont he may be scared what his teammates will say, who knows...

I cant wait till Friday to see if the pass rush has improved at all since last week.

[denver5459]

Great read.

[DenverBrit]

Originally Posted by ludo21

It really is puzzling why Lelie wont come back.. or in that case is still holding out!

At this pont he may be scared what his teammates will say, who knows...

I cant wait till Friday to see if the pass rush has improved at all since last week.

He may be past the point of no return.
If he does come back now, he might slip so far down the depth chart that he loses even more value.
Not in the interest of Lilly, or the Broncos if they still hope to trade him.
Talk about a stupid strategy that was never going to work.

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by DenverBrit

He may be past the point of no return.
If he does come back now, he might slip so far down the depth chart that he loses even more value.
Not in the interest of Lilly, or the Broncos if they still hope to trade him.
Talk about a stupid strategy that was never going to work.

Thats just it, if he did come back, which is unlikely at this point. Our future would ROCK!!!

I mean, with MArshall and JAvon and Watts, its still bright, but with Lelie and Walker and Cut, wow!!

It sucks to think that, that dream is gone, but we will still be playoff contenders w/out him.

Now the Branch situation is FAR different, w/out him, the Pats have NO go to WR. They gotta get him in camp! (sorry for that tangent!)

[Idaho_Bronco_Fan]

I know Rod is a team guy and focused on this year, but do you think that quote of his regarding Art Monk might be a little lobbying on his part to stake claim to his (well deserved of course) spot in Canton

[Iowanian]

I'd like to throw some gas on this smoldering QB controversy before week 1.

Maybe Shannahan will just approach this like the donk Rbbc with a qbbc.....Cutler can be your 3rd down QB.

[brncs_fan]

Originally Posted by Idaho_Bronco_Fan

I know Rod is a team guy and focused on this year, but do you think that quote of his regarding Art Monk might be a little lobbying on his part to stake claim to his (well deserved of course) spot in Canton

Post #4

[24champ]

Looks like Champ is doing the super bowl shuffle.

[Odysseus]

Originally Posted by brncs_fan

I thought so too. My thinking though was that by making a case for Monk he is also making a case for himself.

I wonder if it's Rod saying "I don't know how much longer I want to play." or "I'm playing until the wheels fall off" or the every popular...HEY! What about me??

[Odysseus]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

I think what Lelie is doing will go down in NFL history as one of the stupidest holdouts of all time. Of course, who knows if he could beat out Kircus and Watts for playing time?

I have never seen a guy with more factors against him just shut down shop like this. I think it has to be something personal that upset him. I think whenever you see players sitting out for a long period of time that they become injury risks.

[Circle Orange]

It's really a shame about Lelie. He's a legend in his own mind. Granted, the guy's got talent but talented guys come and go in the NFL. Hopefully he'll learn, but I'm beginning to see "QUAMIE BROWN" written all over this.

[Barry Ramey]

It's a big year for Plummer and doesn't seem like the team really misses Lelie all that much.

[baja]

I think Lelie is squirming right now he knows he has to come in sooner or later I say he'll come in this week the pressure must be enormous

[ward63]

Originally Posted by baja fan

I think Lelie is squirming right now he knows he has to come in sooner or later I say he'll come in this week the pressure must be enormous

I still say he won't. If he's gonna stick w/what he said and that he wants to be a #1, there's no chance he comes back.

[Fusionfrontman]

I was playing Madden 06 n saw lelie as the #2 n honstly got confused. i really did forget about who he is hah