Cutler and ShanAHAN: 12/6 media session - The Orange Mane

SoCalBronco · 12-07-2006, 01:57 AM

Cutler's Corner - 12/6/06

By Broncos Update Staff
Syndicated Sports Columnist
Posted Dec 6, 2006

Jay Cutler discusses the learning curve of the NFL, the confidence in the locker room and the pressure of facing the San Diego Chargers. Check out the full transcripts from today's media sesion.

Jay Cutler

On what he learned most from his first start
“I learned a lot. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect going into it. I think the expectations were pretty high, obviously. Coach Shanahan talked about it being a process, and I knew it was going to be a process. (I’ll) just take it one game at a time, learn from my mistakes and move on.”

On whether expectations were too high
“I don’t know. I think everyone was pumped up. A lot of people thought we’d go out there and throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns and win by 30. But I think we took a little bit more realistic approach to it and knew there was going to be some good and some bad. We had a chance at the end. It was just (that) turnovers got us earlier in the game.”

On his first experience getting “Denver quarterback criticism”
“Yeah, that’s good. I deserve it. I made some mistakes out there, things that I shouldn’t do, but there were some positives, too. There was good and bad.”

On what his expectations were
“Like I said, I went into it being realistic. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect. I knew I was going to make mistakes. I knew I was going to miss some reads and some throws, and I did. I’ve just got to get better and keep working.”

On whether he thought the game plan was too much
“It was complicated, but a lot of the stuff that was complicated we really didn’t even do during the game. It was kind of basic throughout the game. Our running attack was working, but just those turnovers really killed us.”

On what he expects after getting through his “Welcome to the NFL” game
“’Welcome to the NFL, Week 2, I guess. There’s going to be some good and bad again. This defense is good, and they’ve got a great offense. They’re an all-around really good team. They just beat us here, so we’ll have our hands full this week.”

On whether the speed of the game began to slow down for his as the game progressed
“Yeah, there were a few times, but then we drove down and I threw that pick early. Then we had a couple consecutive fumbles and things were starting to click a little bit. Then we got some bad field position a couple times, and ended up going three and out. So I was starting to get on a roll, but every once in awhile something would happen. That’s football. You’ve got to work through it.”

On whether he’s begun answering his phone again
“No, it’s on silent. I look at it every once in awhile.”

On having an interception run back for a touchdown
“It’s going to happen. It’s going to happen again sometime. You’re just trying to make a play. You get rid of the ball instead of just taking a sack. But I worked my way out of the first guy and the second guy, I didn’t really see him. It’s one of those things that happen.”

On stretching the field more in the future
“Yeah, we had some stuff in the game plan. It just didn’t get called. We didn’t like some of the looks we were getting. The times we did go to Javon (Walker), it was kind of a double-coverage situation, so it was tough to fit it in there. We’ve got some stuff in there this week to go downfield and some short stuff like we did last week, so we’ll just see whether or not Coach Shanahan is feeling it in the game. Maybe we’ll call it, maybe we won’t.”

On getting comfortable with the coaches and other players
“The offensive line, receivers, Coach Shanahan, Dinger [Assistant Head Coach Mike Heimerdinger], it’s a process. Like he said last week before the game even started, they’ve got to feel me out – what I like to do. I’ve got to feel them out with what they like to call, we’ve got to find a middle ground.”

On whether he’s comfortable running the bootleg
“We did it in the preseason. I was comfortable with it then. We did it in college, so it’s fine. Their defensive ends were flying up the field, so you can’t do that stuff.”

On San Diego’s defense
“They’re good. They’re very good. They fly around the field. They like to bring pressure. Their cornerbacks are good. They try to keep things in front off them, so we’re going to have our hands full. They’re going to be a better defense than they were last time just because (Shawne) Merriman’s back.”

On whether the team’s confidence is shaken
“I don’t think so. This is a veteran group. We’ve got some guys that have been around a long time and that know that there are some waves you’ve got to ride in an NFL season. I think we’re confident in the locker room, and we’ll be ready to go.”

On whether he’s spoken much to QB Jake Plummer
“I talked to him this morning a little bit, and we talked Monday when we came in, talked about the game and stuff. He gave me a few things. Jake’s been great about the whole thing, so I’m not worried about him at all.”

On Chargers LB Shawne Merriman causing havoc for opponents
“He’s been doing that since he got in the league, and that’s nothing new to anybody. He’s a good football player. He flies around the field and makes plays.”

On whether he prefers being under center or in shotgun
“We’re under center a lot here. I was shotgun a little more in college, so I’m still feeling out (Center) Tommy (Nalen) a little bit and he’s still trying to get used to me. My hands are a little bit different than Jake’s. It’s a process.”

On whether he feels the shotgun is more natural for him
“No, I think you talk to a lot of quarterbacks they’d rather be out of the gun. You see things better. You don’t have to worry about the exchange, for the most part. But you can’t do a lot of the stuff we need to do out of the gun.”

On whether stopping San Diego from keying in on the run is dependant upon his performance
“I guess so, but we ran the ball well against Baltimore. We ran the ball really well last week. So I think it’s just a mindset of our linemen, our backs and our receivers to go out and block, and I think we can run the ball no matter what.”

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SoCalBronco · 12-07-2006, 02:01 AM

Coach's Corner - Mike Shanahan 12/6/06

By Press Release

Posted Dec 6, 2006

Mike Shanahan met with the local media today, discussing such topics as Al Wilson's return to the lineup, what it's like coaching against Marty Schottenheimer and how to keeps the team's spirits up after three consecutive losses - Read all about it in today's Coach's Corner.

Mike Shanahan

On if he has found anything remotely close to a weakness in San Diego
“They have been pretty strong in all areas. If you take a look at rushing offense, passing offense, turnover ratio, and then defensively the same thing. Rushing defense, passing defense and then you take a look at their special teams and they have been very consistent. (That is) one of the reasons why they are one of the top teams in the AFC. So to answer your question, no.”

On the advantages/disadvantages of playing San Diego for the second time in less than a month
“I think any time you play someone within a few weeks, I think you are a little bit more familiar with them than playing five, six, seven teams in between. So it gives you a little bit better reference point even though you play each other two times a year. So I think for both teams, obviously it is an advantage to them.”

On how much Chargers LB Shawne Merriman changes his approach to the game on Sunday
“When you take a look at (Shawne) Merriman and (LB Shaun) Phillips and with Merriman missing four games and he is still tied in the league and second in the NFL with his teammate on the other side (Phillips) for sacks - that is pretty impressive. You have got two guys who are tied in the league for sacks-per-play and you don’t see that very often especially when a guy misses four games. He is very talented, he plays extremely hard and is one of the reasons their defense has been so successful.”

On if he has to give special attention to San Diego LB Merriman with Denver’s gameplan
“Well people that don’t are obviously going to be hurt. Even if you double team you are not guaranteed that he is going to stay out of the backfield but yes, you have to account for him on every play.”

On if LB Al Wilson will be able to practice today
“He will be able to practice today and then just kind of play things by ear. We will see how he feels and if there are any setbacks and just approach it day by day.”

On if LB Wilson’s tingling in his shoulders is gone
“Yes. He couldn’t practice today if his tingling wasn’t gone, so it is gone and he can get a few days of reps and be ready to go.”

On the status of TE Chad Mustard
“He will be able to practice today.”

On why nobody has been able to stop San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson so far this season
“Well that is what good teams do. They run a balanced running attack, a balanced passing attack. LT (Tomlinson), I believe is averaging 5.2 (yards) a carry and his backup (RB Michael Turner) is averaging 6.4 (yards per carry) so they are having a little success. Both guys are doing very well. Two excellent running backs and when one guy goes out the other guy can make plays as well so there is a reason why they are very successful and they are doing a great job.”

On how he keeps the team’s spirits up after losing three consecutive games
“There are a lot of different ways to approach it. You have to go out there and practice and obviously address things like you normally do. When I had dinner with (Steelers Head Coach) Bill Cowher, he was basically telling me the same situation. He was like. ‘hey we had a three-game losing streak and people don’t believe that we are 7-and-5 and had a three-game losing streak.’ It is almost déjà vu with different things that happen like that. There are so many things that happen in the National Football League, and I have been in here a long time as an assistant coach and a head coach and you can’t look back. You are what you are and you can do something about the opponent you are going to face the following week and if you start worrying about what happened in the past and you’re feeling sorry for yourself you got a bad season. If you look at it as an opportunity and how we are going to play and then look to December and the month of January then you can do something about it. But I can tell you that a number of teams that played pretty well in that 6-5, 7-5 area going into this month.”

On if having RB Tatum Bell back healthy has helped open things up downfield in the passing game
“Well it is good to have Tatum (Bell) back. Obviously healthy people - the more people you have healthy, the better off you are going to be. Obviously it is good to have Tatum back, and he is feeling pretty good so that is a plus.”

On if he feels that rookie QB Jay Cutler will be a little more at ease going into this weeks game compared to his NFL debut last week
“I think it is just like you. You are no different than he is in your job and his job. The first day on the job you were a little bit nervous and then more relaxed every time you went to work. No difference at the quarterback position but obviously a few more eyes watching. You have got a few eyes yourself.”

On if there is something he can do to help make QB Cutler more relaxed for this week’s game
“No he wasn’t tight. I don’t think he was tight. It is the process you go through. I thought that he handled himself very well, very well. It’s tough, he made a bad play trying to make a play and there are not many guys that could have gotten away from that defensive end- that is pretty impressive. The rest you deal with as time goes on. A couple of touchdowns your first game, that’s not too bad. I have seen players play worse than that.”

On how he keeps QB Cutler’s confidence up
“Any time you have been a four-year starter on the major college level, you have been through some ups and downs and you understand what it takes to be a leader and play at a certain level. He has been through this before. He has played with some good competition, he understands the pressure of the job, the nature of the job and like all great ones they understand that you have to find a way to win and if you don’t you are going to be second guessed and it is just the nature of the game, and he is tough enough to handle it.”

On if he feels that lining up in the shotgun formation gives the quarterback an advantage at seeing how the defense is lining up
“Oh yeah, shotgun gives you a little extra time. I think that he (QB Cutler) did that a lot at Vanderbilt, he is very comfortable with that and I think a lot like John (Elway) and John felt very comfortable with it. When I was at San Francisco, we tried it with Steve Young and Joe Montana and they would fumble the snaps on purpose. They didn’t want to be in it because they felt very comfortable under the center with the 5-7 step drops and everybody is a little different, that is what you have got to get used to but he (Cutler) will do a great job in shotgun over the years. When you are in the shotgun, obviously you are telling people that you are throwing the football but there is nothing wrong with that in passing situations and I think it will be a strong part of his game as time goes on.”

On if K Jason Elam will kick this week
“We are planning on him kicking. I don’t care about practice. This guy has been around forever. I’m talking for games. A lot of times Jason hasn’t kicked during the week. He has a tweak here a tweak there, he knows his body he is a pro but I will be shocked if he is not ready for gameday.”

On if he has any plays designed with K Elam at running back for this week
“I will tell you what is really funny is that we worked on this thing (fake from last week’s game) and he said coach, ‘This is there. It is 100 percent,’ and I said, ‘My only reservation is you pulling a hamstring or a groin.’ I referred to the story of Jeff Gossett, you know Jeff Gossett was a punter for the Oakland Raiders. I’m not sure how many years he was in the league, 13 or 14, and they had a fake punt and that ended his career. So in the back of your mind you are always scared to do something like that with a veteran player but I thought it was a situation where he would take a dive if there was somebody there and he did take a dive. Unfortunately he pulled his hamstring as well.”

On how RB Cecil Sapp is doing after his surgery on his broken left leg
“I called him yesterday after his surgery. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him but I did talk to his recorder, but according to Greek (Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) his surgery went well and it is three months healing time. He is such a tough guy mentally, he just walked off the field like it was no big deal and his leg was broken.”

On if coaching against San Diego Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer is different these days
“Marty has always done a great job of knowing his personnel and finding ways to win. I know Marty from the Cleveland days, and they were throwing the heck out of the football and also in different spots where they were more run-oriented and they didn’t want to turn the football over but he always finds a way to win. What separates him from the Hall of Fame is just winning that big game and when he does he will be in the Hall of Fame.”

On if it feels like he is facing a different guy on the sideline in Schottenheimer
“No not really. He is a football coach and he is going to do what he thinks will give him the best chance to win. People give stereotypes sometimes because they don’t have that so-called quarterback or running back but they had a couple high draft picks and they get a guy like LT and (QB Philip) Rivers and obviously they are doing a lot of things the right way for that to happen and they are playing well.”

On the reason behind putting a few more starters in the special teams unit
“Well we have had a few guys banged up so there is no choice. Any time you lose some guys like (S) Nick Ferguson or (S) Sam Brandon or even (DE) Courtney Brown or a guy like (RB) Cecil Sapp, you get a few guys banged up who can’t practice and can’t play because of an injury you don’t have a choice. These guys know it and these guys step up - a guy like (CB) Champ Bailey was the first to say put me in there and you have a lot of guys like that and (LB) Ian Gold as well. You have a lot of guys that want to help your football team win and they understand what it takes. Only 45 dress on game day, and everybody has a roll.”

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theAPAOps5 · 12-07-2006, 02:04 AM

Yep Denver is going to ruin him........ DAMNIT!!!!!

I really like his confidence and his honesty. Hopefully he gets better and better!

Rascal · 12-07-2006, 02:10 AM

Maybe I'm reading to much into things, but notice how nobody ever mentions dennison? Plus him getting yelled at by Shanny during the game makes me wonder if his days are numbered.

theAPAOps5 · 12-07-2006, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal

Maybe I'm reading to much into things, but notice how nobody ever mentions dennison? Plus him getting yelled at by Shanny during the game makes me wonder if his days are numbered.

Oh yeah silence sometimes speaks louder than words!

Taco John · 12-07-2006, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal

Maybe I'm reading to much into things, but notice how nobody ever mentions dennison? Plus him getting yelled at by Shanny during the game makes me wonder if his days are numbered.

I was never big on Dennison, particularly because it bothered me that he got promoted despite the fact that he coached one of the worst special teams units that I can ever remember. People are hot and bothered by this unit now, but I think the unit Dennison had back in the day makes a case for being worse.

In any case, when Gibbs came back, and we let him get away due to Dennison having the position, I didn't endear to the guy any more... That said, he seemed to do a decent enough job getting the offensive line cohesive enough to continue our tradition of having a dominant running game.

These days, I have no clue what the guy does. I guess he probably still coaches up the offensive line, but I just don't see the fire in these guys that the Alex Gibbs guys used to have. I lament that we ever let Gibbs get away to Atlanta.

theAPAOps5 · 12-07-2006, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I was never big on Dennison, particularly because it bothered me that he got promoted despite the fact that he coached one of the worst special teams units that I can ever remember. People are hot and bothered by this unit now, but I think the unit Dennison had back in the day makes a case for being worse.

In any case, when Gibbs came back, and we let him get away due to Dennison having the position, I didn't endear to the guy any more... That said, he seemed to do a decent enough job getting the offensive line cohesive enough to continue our tradition of having a dominant running game.

These days, I have no clue what the guy does. I guess he probably still coaches up the offensive line, but I just don't see the fire in these guys that the Alex Gibbs guys used to have. I lament that we ever let Gibbs get away to Atlanta.

I would love to see Denver make a run to get Gibbs back. And SD fans thought our line was mean now. A Gibbs coached line is just plain nasty!! In a good way of course

watermock · 12-07-2006, 06:33 AM

Damn...my son is out THREE MONTHS? W/Surgury? I guess he won't be dominating in the playoffs for us this year.

I'm tempted to take a cheerleader but I'll stay by my son. Tough break, he was coming on.

Those were great interviews but you could feel the tone of dissapointment in their voices thru cyber ink.

Great articles, but one thing bothered me. Shanahan said that they know your going to pass in the gun. ONLY IF YOU GO EMPTY BACKFIELD SHANNY...WTF...He's never heard of the draw from the gun? Or the QB draw?

Jay put on a brave face, but it remains to be seen how shaken he is from last week...the interview certainly didn't show it. If anything, Shanahan seems more unsure of himself rather than Cutler the way I read it. I keep reminding the youngin's that I remember Elways early starts...again, Jay had a higher rating, 2 TD's 1 pick...Hasslebeck had O TD's and 1 pick and went to the pro bowl. Doesn't matter because we lost, but he's got one under his belt.

I didn't like that low hit on his legs that wasn't called. Didn't they make a rule about that?

Anyway, very good articles.

Quote:

a guy like (CB) Champ Bailey was the first to say put me in there and you have a lot of guys like that and (LB) Ian Gold as well. You have a lot of guys that want to help your football team win and they understand what it takes. Only 45 dress on game day, and everybody has a roll.”

If we have to put some starters in there so be it...Champ may be getting paid like a primadonna, but he doesn't act like one, or Gold.

Fight Fight Fight then Fight some more!

The way DWill was fielding punts, put Rod Smith in there...at least he won't muff it. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and our roster is banged up.

Put Champ back there returning punts *shudders*...but DWill just looked uncomfortable out there.

Quote:

On how RB Cecil Sapp is doing after his surgery on his broken left leg
“I called him yesterday after his surgery. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him but I did talk to his recorder, but according to Greek (Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) his surgery went well and it is three months healing time. He is such a tough guy mentally, he just walked off the field like it was no big deal and his leg was broken.”

That's my boy...no cart for him!

fontaine · 12-07-2006, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I was never big on Dennison, particularly because it bothered me that he got promoted despite the fact that he coached one of the worst special teams units that I can ever remember. People are hot and bothered by this unit now, but I think the unit Dennison had back in the day makes a case for being worse.

In any case, when Gibbs came back, and we let him get away due to Dennison having the position, I didn't endear to the guy any more... That said, he seemed to do a decent enough job getting the offensive line cohesive enough to continue our tradition of having a dominant running game.

These days, I have no clue what the guy does. I guess he probably still coaches up the offensive line, but I just don't see the fire in these guys that the Alex Gibbs guys used to have. I lament that we ever let Gibbs get away to Atlanta.

I dunno if Gibbs would have made much of a difference. I would like to think so but I look at Gibbs shouting and hollering at Cooper all those years and Coop only started getting it done when he was ready.

Next year I really hope we just go find a reliable, tough RB who can get the hard yards. Bell just isn't healthy enough altho he's got a lot of pop whenever he does play. I actually think our OL will be one of our strengths next year. Lepsis will be back, Hamilton will slide to C, Cooper and Kuper will man the Guard spot and I really believe with some more conditioning Pears can man the RT side. He's looked pretty good but he really needs to work on his athleticism and strength.

It's tough to say what becomes of Foster. I hope he can slim down to the 310 lb range because he just looks sluggish and slow out there. I really think slimming down will bring out his athleticism more and that's the most important thing we need from this guy. He's got the experience/technique and knows the system, he's just not firing out of this stance and getting good leverage/push because his footwork looks sloppy and lazy.

I would love to have Foster at around 310lb and compete at Guard because at that weight he could be quick enough to fire out to the 2nd level and would be ideal against some of the bigger DT that seem to be the norm now.

watermock · 12-07-2006, 06:55 AM

I'm just not sure Foster has the discipline or motivation to even be a guard in the league.

OrangeShadow · 12-07-2006, 07:09 AM

so I’m still feeling out (Center) Tommy (Nalen) a little bit and he’s still trying to get used to me. My hands are a little bit different than Jake’s. It’s a process.”

i know its out of context but...

watermock · 12-07-2006, 08:04 AM

Nalen just has to get used to Jay's bigger hands.

fontaine · 12-07-2006, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

I'm just not sure Foster has the discipline or motivation to even be a guard in the league.

You're probably right. I thought after being benched for Meadows he would play with some fire the past week, but the dude was come out flat like week old beer.

He'll get his chance in the offseason. That whole draft class was a joke.

-Slap- · 12-07-2006, 08:56 AM

On whether the speed of the game began to slow down for his as the game progressed:

“Yeah, there were a few times, but then we drove down and I threw that pick early. Then we had a couple consecutive fumbles and things were starting to click a little bit. Then we got some bad field position a couple times, and ended up going three and out. So I was starting to get on a roll, but every once in awhile something would happen. That’s football. You’ve got to work through it.”

watermock · 12-07-2006, 09:02 AM

He just seems disinterested(foster)...I don't know if he has personal problems or can't stand the grind of the NFL...I would die to get under the lights...My potential NFL or even College career ended with three concussions, one that knocked me out cold, then a broken colarbone. I wasn't allowed to play

watermock · 12-07-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

On whether the speed of the game began to slow down for his as the game progressed:

“Yeah, there were a few times, but then we drove down and I threw that pick early. Then we had a couple consecutive fumbles and things were starting to click a little bit. Then we got some bad field position a couple times, and ended up going three and out. So I was starting to get on a roll, but every once in awhile something would happen. That’s football. You’ve got to work through it.”

Even the apologists have to admit that Jay was left with crap field positon almost constantly. Now give the D cred for stopping Seattle, but we had horrible field position all game.

Then when it was crunch time, they rolled over like a three week old puppy. I still can't figure that coaching decision out. We win or lose...our front 4 was like Curley Larry and Moe but we stayed in the prevent and let them march right down the field. Unbelievable.

Let me die like a warrior, not a wimp. I'm still pissed.

labronco · 12-07-2006, 09:04 PM

Cito Pelon · 12-07-2006, 09:47 PM

Well, it's difficult to step in as the leader for the first time. My trouble with the kid is that he had a decent amount of time to be able to execute the O "efficiently", and didn't.

It's probably my fault for buying into the BS that came out of his own mouth and Shanahan's.

So we'll see how fast the kid realizes he's a minnow trying to swim with sharks, and we'll see how mentally tough he is when he brings what he thinks is his A game, and it still results in D ratings.

Hotwheelz · 12-07-2006, 09:53 PM

Quote:

On his first experience getting “Denver quarterback criticism”
“Yeah, that’s good. I deserve it. I made some mistakes out there, things that I shouldn’t do, but there were some positives, too. There was good and bad.”

Wow.

Rascal · 12-07-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I was never big on Dennison, particularly because it bothered me that he got promoted despite the fact that he coached one of the worst special teams units that I can ever remember. People are hot and bothered by this unit now, but I think the unit Dennison had back in the day makes a case for being worse.

In any case, when Gibbs came back, and we let him get away due to Dennison having the position, I didn't endear to the guy any more... That said, he seemed to do a decent enough job getting the offensive line cohesive enough to continue our tradition of having a dominant running game.

These days, I have no clue what the guy does. I guess he probably still coaches up the offensive line, but I just don't see the fire in these guys that the Alex Gibbs guys used to have. I lament that we ever let Gibbs get away to Atlanta.

The apocolypse is near, I agree with this entire post.

yerner · 12-08-2006, 02:37 AM

I heard stinky say he thinks foster should be a guard next year rather than release him. He thought fosters feet were never going to be consistantly good enough to play tackle. But he thinks foster is super talented and would dominate at guard. I think its a great idea.

12-07-2006, 01:57 AM	#1
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,507 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Cutler and ShanAHAN: 12/6 media session Cutler's Corner - 12/6/06 By Broncos Update Staff Syndicated Sports Columnist Posted Dec 6, 2006 Jay Cutler discusses the learning curve of the NFL, the confidence in the locker room and the pressure of facing the San Diego Chargers. Check out the full transcripts from today's media sesion. Jay Cutler On what he learned most from his first start “I learned a lot. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect going into it. I think the expectations were pretty high, obviously. Coach Shanahan talked about it being a process, and I knew it was going to be a process. (I’ll) just take it one game at a time, learn from my mistakes and move on.” On whether expectations were too high “I don’t know. I think everyone was pumped up. A lot of people thought we’d go out there and throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns and win by 30. But I think we took a little bit more realistic approach to it and knew there was going to be some good and some bad. We had a chance at the end. It was just (that) turnovers got us earlier in the game.” On his first experience getting “Denver quarterback criticism” “Yeah, that’s good. I deserve it. I made some mistakes out there, things that I shouldn’t do, but there were some positives, too. There was good and bad.” On what his expectations were “Like I said, I went into it being realistic. I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect. I knew I was going to make mistakes. I knew I was going to miss some reads and some throws, and I did. I’ve just got to get better and keep working.” On whether he thought the game plan was too much “It was complicated, but a lot of the stuff that was complicated we really didn’t even do during the game. It was kind of basic throughout the game. Our running attack was working, but just those turnovers really killed us.” On what he expects after getting through his “Welcome to the NFL” game “’Welcome to the NFL, Week 2, I guess. There’s going to be some good and bad again. This defense is good, and they’ve got a great offense. They’re an all-around really good team. They just beat us here, so we’ll have our hands full this week.” On whether the speed of the game began to slow down for his as the game progressed “Yeah, there were a few times, but then we drove down and I threw that pick early. Then we had a couple consecutive fumbles and things were starting to click a little bit. Then we got some bad field position a couple times, and ended up going three and out. So I was starting to get on a roll, but every once in awhile something would happen. That’s football. You’ve got to work through it.” On whether he’s begun answering his phone again “No, it’s on silent. I look at it every once in awhile.” On having an interception run back for a touchdown “It’s going to happen. It’s going to happen again sometime. You’re just trying to make a play. You get rid of the ball instead of just taking a sack. But I worked my way out of the first guy and the second guy, I didn’t really see him. It’s one of those things that happen.” On stretching the field more in the future “Yeah, we had some stuff in the game plan. It just didn’t get called. We didn’t like some of the looks we were getting. The times we did go to Javon (Walker), it was kind of a double-coverage situation, so it was tough to fit it in there. We’ve got some stuff in there this week to go downfield and some short stuff like we did last week, so we’ll just see whether or not Coach Shanahan is feeling it in the game. Maybe we’ll call it, maybe we won’t.” On getting comfortable with the coaches and other players “The offensive line, receivers, Coach Shanahan, Dinger [Assistant Head Coach Mike Heimerdinger], it’s a process. Like he said last week before the game even started, they’ve got to feel me out – what I like to do. I’ve got to feel them out with what they like to call, we’ve got to find a middle ground.” On whether he’s comfortable running the bootleg “We did it in the preseason. I was comfortable with it then. We did it in college, so it’s fine. Their defensive ends were flying up the field, so you can’t do that stuff.” On San Diego’s defense “They’re good. They’re very good. They fly around the field. They like to bring pressure. Their cornerbacks are good. They try to keep things in front off them, so we’re going to have our hands full. They’re going to be a better defense than they were last time just because (Shawne) Merriman’s back.” On whether the team’s confidence is shaken “I don’t think so. This is a veteran group. We’ve got some guys that have been around a long time and that know that there are some waves you’ve got to ride in an NFL season. I think we’re confident in the locker room, and we’ll be ready to go.” On whether he’s spoken much to QB Jake Plummer “I talked to him this morning a little bit, and we talked Monday when we came in, talked about the game and stuff. He gave me a few things. Jake’s been great about the whole thing, so I’m not worried about him at all.” On Chargers LB Shawne Merriman causing havoc for opponents “He’s been doing that since he got in the league, and that’s nothing new to anybody. He’s a good football player. He flies around the field and makes plays.” On whether he prefers being under center or in shotgun “We’re under center a lot here. I was shotgun a little more in college, so I’m still feeling out (Center) Tommy (Nalen) a little bit and he’s still trying to get used to me. My hands are a little bit different than Jake’s. It’s a process.” On whether he feels the shotgun is more natural for him “No, I think you talk to a lot of quarterbacks they’d rather be out of the gun. You see things better. You don’t have to worry about the exchange, for the most part. But you can’t do a lot of the stuff we need to do out of the gun.” On whether stopping San Diego from keying in on the run is dependant upon his performance “I guess so, but we ran the ball well against Baltimore. We ran the ball really well last week. So I think it’s just a mindset of our linemen, our backs and our receivers to go out and block, and I think we can run the ball no matter what.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://broncos.scout.com/2/598367.html __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH! Last edited by SoCalBronco; 12-07-2006 at 02:02 AM..

12-07-2006, 02:01 AM	#2
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,507 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	Coach's Corner - Mike Shanahan 12/6/06 By Press Release Posted Dec 6, 2006 Mike Shanahan met with the local media today, discussing such topics as Al Wilson's return to the lineup, what it's like coaching against Marty Schottenheimer and how to keeps the team's spirits up after three consecutive losses - Read all about it in today's Coach's Corner. Mike Shanahan On if he has found anything remotely close to a weakness in San Diego “They have been pretty strong in all areas. If you take a look at rushing offense, passing offense, turnover ratio, and then defensively the same thing. Rushing defense, passing defense and then you take a look at their special teams and they have been very consistent. (That is) one of the reasons why they are one of the top teams in the AFC. So to answer your question, no.” On the advantages/disadvantages of playing San Diego for the second time in less than a month “I think any time you play someone within a few weeks, I think you are a little bit more familiar with them than playing five, six, seven teams in between. So it gives you a little bit better reference point even though you play each other two times a year. So I think for both teams, obviously it is an advantage to them.” On how much Chargers LB Shawne Merriman changes his approach to the game on Sunday “When you take a look at (Shawne) Merriman and (LB Shaun) Phillips and with Merriman missing four games and he is still tied in the league and second in the NFL with his teammate on the other side (Phillips) for sacks - that is pretty impressive. You have got two guys who are tied in the league for sacks-per-play and you don’t see that very often especially when a guy misses four games. He is very talented, he plays extremely hard and is one of the reasons their defense has been so successful.” On if he has to give special attention to San Diego LB Merriman with Denver’s gameplan “Well people that don’t are obviously going to be hurt. Even if you double team you are not guaranteed that he is going to stay out of the backfield but yes, you have to account for him on every play.” On if LB Al Wilson will be able to practice today “He will be able to practice today and then just kind of play things by ear. We will see how he feels and if there are any setbacks and just approach it day by day.” On if LB Wilson’s tingling in his shoulders is gone “Yes. He couldn’t practice today if his tingling wasn’t gone, so it is gone and he can get a few days of reps and be ready to go.” On the status of TE Chad Mustard “He will be able to practice today.” On why nobody has been able to stop San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson so far this season “Well that is what good teams do. They run a balanced running attack, a balanced passing attack. LT (Tomlinson), I believe is averaging 5.2 (yards) a carry and his backup (RB Michael Turner) is averaging 6.4 (yards per carry) so they are having a little success. Both guys are doing very well. Two excellent running backs and when one guy goes out the other guy can make plays as well so there is a reason why they are very successful and they are doing a great job.” On how he keeps the team’s spirits up after losing three consecutive games “There are a lot of different ways to approach it. You have to go out there and practice and obviously address things like you normally do. When I had dinner with (Steelers Head Coach) Bill Cowher, he was basically telling me the same situation. He was like. ‘hey we had a three-game losing streak and people don’t believe that we are 7-and-5 and had a three-game losing streak.’ It is almost déjà vu with different things that happen like that. There are so many things that happen in the National Football League, and I have been in here a long time as an assistant coach and a head coach and you can’t look back. You are what you are and you can do something about the opponent you are going to face the following week and if you start worrying about what happened in the past and you’re feeling sorry for yourself you got a bad season. If you look at it as an opportunity and how we are going to play and then look to December and the month of January then you can do something about it. But I can tell you that a number of teams that played pretty well in that 6-5, 7-5 area going into this month.” On if having RB Tatum Bell back healthy has helped open things up downfield in the passing game “Well it is good to have Tatum (Bell) back. Obviously healthy people - the more people you have healthy, the better off you are going to be. Obviously it is good to have Tatum back, and he is feeling pretty good so that is a plus.” On if he feels that rookie QB Jay Cutler will be a little more at ease going into this weeks game compared to his NFL debut last week “I think it is just like you. You are no different than he is in your job and his job. The first day on the job you were a little bit nervous and then more relaxed every time you went to work. No difference at the quarterback position but obviously a few more eyes watching. You have got a few eyes yourself.” On if there is something he can do to help make QB Cutler more relaxed for this week’s game “No he wasn’t tight. I don’t think he was tight. It is the process you go through. I thought that he handled himself very well, very well. It’s tough, he made a bad play trying to make a play and there are not many guys that could have gotten away from that defensive end- that is pretty impressive. The rest you deal with as time goes on. A couple of touchdowns your first game, that’s not too bad. I have seen players play worse than that.” On how he keeps QB Cutler’s confidence up “Any time you have been a four-year starter on the major college level, you have been through some ups and downs and you understand what it takes to be a leader and play at a certain level. He has been through this before. He has played with some good competition, he understands the pressure of the job, the nature of the job and like all great ones they understand that you have to find a way to win and if you don’t you are going to be second guessed and it is just the nature of the game, and he is tough enough to handle it.” On if he feels that lining up in the shotgun formation gives the quarterback an advantage at seeing how the defense is lining up “Oh yeah, shotgun gives you a little extra time. I think that he (QB Cutler) did that a lot at Vanderbilt, he is very comfortable with that and I think a lot like John (Elway) and John felt very comfortable with it. When I was at San Francisco, we tried it with Steve Young and Joe Montana and they would fumble the snaps on purpose. They didn’t want to be in it because they felt very comfortable under the center with the 5-7 step drops and everybody is a little different, that is what you have got to get used to but he (Cutler) will do a great job in shotgun over the years. When you are in the shotgun, obviously you are telling people that you are throwing the football but there is nothing wrong with that in passing situations and I think it will be a strong part of his game as time goes on.” On if K Jason Elam will kick this week “We are planning on him kicking. I don’t care about practice. This guy has been around forever. I’m talking for games. A lot of times Jason hasn’t kicked during the week. He has a tweak here a tweak there, he knows his body he is a pro but I will be shocked if he is not ready for gameday.” On if he has any plays designed with K Elam at running back for this week “I will tell you what is really funny is that we worked on this thing (fake from last week’s game) and he said coach, ‘This is there. It is 100 percent,’ and I said, ‘My only reservation is you pulling a hamstring or a groin.’ I referred to the story of Jeff Gossett, you know Jeff Gossett was a punter for the Oakland Raiders. I’m not sure how many years he was in the league, 13 or 14, and they had a fake punt and that ended his career. So in the back of your mind you are always scared to do something like that with a veteran player but I thought it was a situation where he would take a dive if there was somebody there and he did take a dive. Unfortunately he pulled his hamstring as well.” On how RB Cecil Sapp is doing after his surgery on his broken left leg “I called him yesterday after his surgery. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him but I did talk to his recorder, but according to Greek (Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) his surgery went well and it is three months healing time. He is such a tough guy mentally, he just walked off the field like it was no big deal and his leg was broken.” On if coaching against San Diego Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer is different these days “Marty has always done a great job of knowing his personnel and finding ways to win. I know Marty from the Cleveland days, and they were throwing the heck out of the football and also in different spots where they were more run-oriented and they didn’t want to turn the football over but he always finds a way to win. What separates him from the Hall of Fame is just winning that big game and when he does he will be in the Hall of Fame.” On if it feels like he is facing a different guy on the sideline in Schottenheimer “No not really. He is a football coach and he is going to do what he thinks will give him the best chance to win. People give stereotypes sometimes because they don’t have that so-called quarterback or running back but they had a couple high draft picks and they get a guy like LT and (QB Philip) Rivers and obviously they are doing a lot of things the right way for that to happen and they are playing well.” On the reason behind putting a few more starters in the special teams unit “Well we have had a few guys banged up so there is no choice. Any time you lose some guys like (S) Nick Ferguson or (S) Sam Brandon or even (DE) Courtney Brown or a guy like (RB) Cecil Sapp, you get a few guys banged up who can’t practice and can’t play because of an injury you don’t have a choice. These guys know it and these guys step up - a guy like (CB) Champ Bailey was the first to say put me in there and you have a lot of guys like that and (LB) Ian Gold as well. You have a lot of guys that want to help your football team win and they understand what it takes. Only 45 dress on game day, and everybody has a roll.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://broncos.scout.com/2/598467.html __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

12-07-2006, 09:04 PM	#17
labronco Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,015	noel

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12-07-2006, 02:04 AM	#3
theAPAOps5 A new beginning! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 26,141 Adopt-a-Bronco: Watermock - RIP	Yep Denver is going to ruin him........ DAMNIT!!!!! I really like his confidence and his honesty. Hopefully he gets better and better!

12-07-2006, 02:10 AM	#4
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,582 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	Maybe I'm reading to much into things, but notice how nobody ever mentions dennison? Plus him getting yelled at by Shanny during the game makes me wonder if his days are numbered.

12-07-2006, 06:55 AM	#10
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I'm just not sure Foster has the discipline or motivation to even be a guard in the league.

12-07-2006, 07:09 AM	#11
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	so I’m still feeling out (Center) Tommy (Nalen) a little bit and he’s still trying to get used to me. My hands are a little bit different than Jake’s. It’s a process.” i know its out of context but...

12-07-2006, 08:04 AM	#12
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Nalen just has to get used to Jay's bigger hands.

12-07-2006, 08:56 AM	#14
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	On whether the speed of the game began to slow down for his as the game progressed: “Yeah, there were a few times, but then we drove down and I threw that pick early. Then we had a couple consecutive fumbles and things were starting to click a little bit. Then we got some bad field position a couple times, and ended up going three and out. So I was starting to get on a roll, but every once in awhile something would happen. That’s football. You’ve got to work through it.”

12-07-2006, 09:02 AM	#15
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	He just seems disinterested(foster)...I don't know if he has personal problems or can't stand the grind of the NFL...I would die to get under the lights...My potential NFL or even College career ended with three concussions, one that knocked me out cold, then a broken colarbone. I wasn't allowed to play

12-07-2006, 09:47 PM	#18
Cito Pelon Attack at all times . . . Happy dog at the Divide Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AFC West Championshipville Posts: 15,273 Adopt-a-Bronco: Elvis	Well, it's difficult to step in as the leader for the first time. My trouble with the kid is that he had a decent amount of time to be able to execute the O "efficiently", and didn't. It's probably my fault for buying into the BS that came out of his own mouth and Shanahan's. So we'll see how fast the kid realizes he's a minnow trying to swim with sharks, and we'll see how mentally tough he is when he brings what he thinks is his A game, and it still results in D ratings.

12-08-2006, 02:37 AM	#21
yerner Ring of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Charlottesville VA Posts: 3,316	I heard stinky say he thinks foster should be a guard next year rather than release him. He thought fosters feet were never going to be consistantly good enough to play tackle. But he thinks foster is super talented and would dominate at guard. I think its a great idea.