Holland blocks idea of backup plan

[dragondawg]

Former Saint has won starting guard job and vows he will keep it

ENGLEWOOD - Another game, another view from the bench.

Only when guard Montrae Holland wears a baseball cap on the sideline Thursday night for the Broncos' preseason finale, he'll do so with the knowledge he'll be returning to the starting lineup soon enough, when the games count Sept. 9, as the team's starting right guard.

"It's different circumstances for sure," said Holland, an unrestricted free-agent pickup in March.

Holland was the New Orleans Saints' top player at left guard last summer before a knee sprain derailed his training camp.

By the time he was healthy, Jamar Nesbit had moved from right tackle into his spot and wouldn't relinquish it.

Holland ended up as the top backup at both guard spots once the season began. And while New Orleans went on its storybook run to the NFC Championship Game, his situation made it difficult to enjoy the ride.

"It was a heartbreak because it was a big year for me," he said. "But the team is bigger than me. And I couldn't go all off and be disgruntled when we were on the move, winning games and going to playoffs. . . . So I played my role and did whatever the team wanted me to do."

But in the process, he learned a lesson.

"Coming into last year, I had the wrong mind-set, that I was going to get my spot back regardless. 'The coaches know I can play,' and this and that," he said. "But after awhile, when you're out, they're going to move on. So the main thing is to stay in there and don't give it up."

Holland has done just that with the Broncos.

Relegated to the second team behind Chris Kuper at right guard all offseason and during the beginning of training camp as well, he awaited his turn while learning the nuances of the Broncos' zone-blocking system that differs from the power-based schemes to which he'd been accustomed.

Holland's mind-set changed Aug. 6. Kuper had a rough practice, was removed from the first team, then was publicly criticized by coach Mike Shanahan for his tough day.

Holland since has stood his ground and won the job outright, using the experiences he had with the Saints to his advantage, only doing the replacing instead of being the one replaced.

"It's like any other position on this team," Broncos assistant head coach/offense Mike Heimerdinger said. "Mike fired Chris that day and put Montrae in. And if Montrae hadn't stepped up and done what he was supposed to do, Chris would have been back and Montrae would have been out. But Montrae's stepped up and hasn't given that position back. And I don't think he's going to."

Holland brings a different dimension to the Broncos' line. He's 320 pounds, but as his former Florida State teammate Milford Brown of the St. Louis Rams has reminded him, he looks 350 next to smaller linemates.

Holland already was used to pass protecting in a pocket-based attack. And it has shown this preseason.

"He's hard to get around," Heimerdinger said.

The movement skills and combination blocking of the Broncos have been a bigger adjustment.

"He's not there yet," Shanahan said. "But he does have quickness enough to run our scheme, and the more work he'll get, the better he'll be."

That Holland already has moved into the lineup hasn't surprised Doug Marrone, the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for the Saints.

"Montrae is a big, strong player who actually has the quickness and ability to adjust to any system," Marrone said. "He has the athleticism and quick feet to move in space. . . . There's no question that Montrae is a starter, a player with that level of ability. He had to fight through some injuries heading into last season. But having him on our roster basically gave us a third player at guard who was of starting caliber."

Unlike Tom Nalen, Matt Lepsis, Ben Hamilton and others, Holland hasn't had the luxury of extensive time in the Broncos' zone-blocking system before starting full time.

Holland has tried to make up for the absence of that wait-and-see period by picking the brains of his new teammates and being diligent in his note-taking in meetings. Having Nalen, a 14-year veteran in Denver, beside him at center to identify different situations and make the proper line calls helps, too.

"It's a pretty thorough system, but once you get in there every day you pick up things as you go," he said. "You can't master it all in six months. So I go through learning different situations day by day."

One big plus is Holland, 27, does have previous experience playing against other defensive linemen to draw upon. He started 30 of 52 games during his four seasons with the Saints, including a career-high 13 in 2004.

Even so, he can't help but feel as if he's completely starting over. Being named the No. 1 right guard for the Broncos has "meant a lot." The team further has demonstrated its faith in Holland by signing him to a contract extension through the 2009 season.

He'll replace Cooper Carlisle, who departed in free agency.

"Last year was depressing to sit on the sidelines. Sometimes I wasn't even activated. And it hurt," Holland said. "To be given an even better opportunity to come into a great team, with great coaches, and get the chance to be able to put last year behind me and move forward, it's been great. I'm excited to come to work and just to live up to what the guys want me to be."

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...684925,00.html

[dragondawg]

Broncos guard has done some heavy lifting

It's apparently easy for Montrae Holland to get things off his chest. He still holds the record in the Florida State athletic department for the top bench press in the football program's history - 565 pounds.
The Broncos guard beat the record held by Tra Thomas, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, by 10 pounds.
"At Florida State, everything was about competition," he said. "And I was determined to put my name somewhere."
Holland doesn't believe he has lost any of that strength, but he hasn't checked recently.
He and former Saints teammate LeCharles Bentley a few years back were having their own contests as to who was stronger. Bentley ended up tearing a pectoral muscle.
So Holland does more maintenance work now instead of trying to set new standards.
Asked how it feels to have once pushed 565 pounds airborne, Holland smiled.
"It brings tears to your eyes."

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...684923,00.html

[Kaylore]

Holland's mind-set changed Aug. 6. Kuper had a rough practice, was removed from the first team, then was publicly criticized by coach Mike Shanahan for his tough day.

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch. Kuper will take back his spot eventually. He has way more upside than Holland will ever have, but I like that we have two quality guys battling it out and I'd rather have too much talent like we do at guard, than too little, like we do at tackle.

[elsid13]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch. Kuper will take back his spot eventually. He has way more upside than Holland will ever have, but I like that we have two quality guys battling it out and I'd rather have too much talent like we do at guard, than too little, like we do at tackle.

If Shanahan was pissed, it wasn't because you asked the question. Beside if you didn't someone else would have.

Beside I am sure Kuper understand that it a job, and if he up to it, and show something in practice Shanahan will give him opportunity to play. We get to see how bad the kid wants it.

[ward63]

Kuper has a great ability to play anywhere on the line but C, so that'll help him when we need him and if Hamilton's not ready, he needs to keep his head up b/c we'll nee him there sometimes too.

[Mediator12]

In light of this, Why the Hell is Kuper Not starting over Myers at Left Guard? I lke Myers as a backup, but if Kuper is that close why not get him some more practice while Hamilton sits?

[Atlas]

Holland won't give up the job anytime soon. He fits the mold of a Bronco OL plus he is 320 and extrodinaryily strong. We'll see how he does on the sweeps but I think he'll keep it all year.

[WoodMan]

This has turned into an excellent signing by the Broncos. I remember when he was signed several on this board were saying Montrae Who? Camp fodder and that sort of thing. They had no idea of who they were talking about. Holland has used his ambition and former experience to put Kuper on the bench for now. He is young, strong, and ambitious. Maybe Kuper will supplant someone else on the line, but Holland looks as if he intends to stay.

[chrisp]

As far as i know the only question marks with Kuper were about his desire and commitment, not his ability and it is a concern that he had that bad day very soon after he got named as the starter for the first time - if he doesn't learn to fight for his job on every play he will never be a consistent starter for us.

It is pleasing nevertheless that we have Myers doing well in relief of Hamilton and Holland showing enough athleticism to adapt well to our zone-blocking scheme, particularly given that he's not had that long to get it down.

I'm sure that there is an element of mind-games with Kuper but I think that however this one plays out the one thing we do know is that we have depth on the interior - in my mind the only issues on the O-line are with depth at the tackle positions.

Also, whilst we all have high hopes for Kuper as a 6th or 7th round draft pick (can't remember!) if he does end up as merely a quality backup that doesn't necesarily make him a bust....

[bpc]

Honestly, they should move Holland to LG. He is a dominating pass blocker and they speak about his strength in this artilce... its all true. The guy locks down defensive line with ease. He is the only guy play in and play out that keeps defenders at or near the LOS on pass plays.

Kuper is not nearly as consistent yet. I think it would be great to have him move into the RG spot and maybe have Myers challenge him there.

Funny that they write this story about a player losing their spot because of injury... that might be Ben Hamilton this year. We've seen a lot of depth at guard between Holland, Myers and Kuper. I think they can all play the position very well.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Originally Posted by Mediator12

In light of this, Why the Hell is Kuper Not starting over Myers at Left Guard? I lke Myers as a backup, but if Kuper is that close why not get him some more practice while Hamilton sits?

Well I'd like to see Kuper step up and put little Bennie Hamilton on the bench. Yeah I know...he grades out like John Hannah or something...whatever...every time I see that guy pass block he's getting owned by some 350 pound behemoth and pushed 5 yards off the LOS.

It looks like Kuper's the new utility guy...what happened to him?

[HorseHead]

no love for my Adopt-a-Bronco....have you seen Kuper? He looks like how a Guard should look like...

Actually, he looks like that German kid "Augustus" in Willy Wonka....big a-s son of a b-tch.......

[Bladerunner]

Originally Posted by elsid13

If Shanahan was pissed, it wasn't because you asked the question. Beside if you didn't someone else would have.

Beside I am sure Kuper understand that it a job, and if he up to it, and show something in practice Shanahan will give him opportunity to play. We get to see how bad the kid wants it.

well he certainly was pissed before Khan poked him about it, but I doubt anyone else would have asked...while Kaylore was asking about the changes in the O and D lines, most other guys were asking the same questions about when Rod was going to come back and whether Cutler was going to be a Hall of Famer. You can always tell when a reporter hits on something that Shanahan actually has on his mind, because he suddenly shows a little emotion. Kaylore nailed it with that question that day.

I'll get off his jock now...

[HEAV]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch. Kuper will take back his spot eventually. He has way more upside than Holland will ever have, but I like that we have two quality guys battling it out and I'd rather have too much talent like we do at guard, than too little, like we do at tackle.

Let it go Kay...let it go. The battle is over, Kuper can have all the upside in the world, it's what you do on the field that counts. Montrae is the bull that this team has needed for years.

[mrfabulous]

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

Well I'd like to see Kuper step up and put little Bennie Hamilton on the bench. Yeah I know...he grades out like John Hannah or something...whatever...every time I see that guy pass block he's getting owned by some 350 pound behemoth and pushed 5 yards off the LOS.
It looks like Kuper's the new utility guy...what happened to him?

Really? Every time? Hard to believe a player that pitiful could stay on the team this long, much less play every offensive snap the last 5 seasons.

[yerner]

I agree with the hamilton thing. He fights hard but is less than extrodinary. I just cant forget him getting picked up and tossed in the Seattle game last year. I know its one play and kind of petty. Overall, I am not so exicited by the o line especially now that so dude name Holland is starting.

[broncosteven]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch. Kuper will take back his spot eventually. He has way more upside than Holland will ever have, but I like that we have two quality guys battling it out and I'd rather have too much talent like we do at guard, than too little, like we do at tackle.

Anyone on "Suicide watch" for Kahn?

I know how I would feel if Gene was kicked off the Tiger team for Apollo 13!

I just hope Kahn is not sitting in front of the TV gorging on Ice Cream and snickers (for the fiber) watching the endless marathons of Scrubs.

The Wheel in the sky keeps on turning bro!

[BroncoBuff]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch.

It was YOU? Khan started this entire process. Now Holland gets to start, Myers gets to start, and Kuper has logged time at the money spot, left tackle. See what you started Khan?

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by HEAV

Let it go Kay...let it go. The battle is over, Kuper can have all the upside in the world, it's what you do on the field that counts. Montrae is the bull that this team has needed for years.

Give me a break, HEAV. You're doing a lot of chest thumping for essentially just guessing right. You've never scouted Holland or had a chance to watch Kuper up close. To close the book on this guy because you really want to be right on this is pretty lame. I want the best player to play and right now that has been Holland buts it not like Kuper sucks or isn't starting material. Kuper is a good football player and he can help this team and Holland being here doesn't mean we can't find a way to use him.

Originally Posted by BroncoSteven

Anyone on "Suicide watch" for Kahn?

I know how I would feel if Gene was kicked off the Tiger team for Apollo 13!

I just hope Kahn is not sitting in front of the TV gorging on Ice Cream and snickers (for the fiber) watching the endless marathons of Scrubs.

The Wheel in the sky keeps on turning bro!

I would watch a scrubs marathon regardless! I'm really not upset by this and it's a long season so anything can happen. I'm not so emotionally invested in Kuper that I want him to play over someone who is doing better than him! The main goal is to make the team better and it looks like both players are doing that. Let the best man start. Nice Journey reference, btw!

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

It was YOU? Khan started this entire process. Now Holland gets to start, Myers gets to start, and Kuper has logged time at the money spot, left tackle. See what you started Khan?

No, Kuper giving up three sacks in practice started it. The staff moving Kuper around isn't the team "looking for something for him to do", it's a combination of the lack of depth at tackle, and a way to give Kuper more reps and take advantage of his talent. If the Broncos move you around on the line, that means they like you.

[BroncoBuff]

The movement skills and combination blocking of the Broncos have been a bigger adjustment. "He's not there yet," Shanahan said.

That was what I saw during the Dallas game - that he had 'two left feet' in the running game. I suppose the zone blocking choreography is not easy for a big guy at first, but I admit he looked like a block of granite forming a classic passer's pocket against Cleveland.

Does anybody remember an article last August by Dave Krieger, and in-depth, long-focus column, where he said that 2006 would be the end of the "prototype light" Broncos O-Line? He seemed so sure of himself, but I was skeptical because it seemed odd for Shanny to talk about an overhaul of the line on the eve of the season opener .... but I guess Krieger was right.

They publicly told Hamilton to add 15 pounds, they jettisoned Foster, and (despite what you may have read in another thread), they never did pursue re-signing Cooper Carlisle. I'm gonna pay closer attention to Krieger's columns in the future I guess. The football ones anyway.

[Hotrod]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

Shanahan went off on Kuper in the press conference. I feel bad because he was responding to my question about the switch. Kuper will take back his spot eventually. He has way more upside than Holland will ever have, but I like that we have two quality guys battling it out and I'd rather have too much talent like we do at guard, than too little, like we do at tackle.

Im thinking of a name that starts with M and ends in ustard

[BroncoBuff]

No no, Khan - you're absolutely right. That's what I meant ... they wouldn't give Kuper time at "the money spot" on the O-Line if they didn't like him. There were bodies they couldda put out there if it was simply an injury thing.

Right now, I'd say Kuper and Myers (to the extent he's subbing for Hamilton) are strone-cold, hammer-and-tong locks. Both long-term fixtures into the 20-10s.

Erik Pears
Montrae Holland
Tom Nalen
Chris Myers
Matt Lespsis

Chris Kuper
Greg Eslinger

Ryan Miller - IR
Ben Hamilton - PUP

The only question left: Adam Meadows or Chad Mustard?

And I really heaven't seen Meadows out there during pre-season.

[BroncoBuff]

That depth chart is pretty light on depth ... Kuper, Eslinger and Mustard is not much at backups, but can they keep nine?

[rovolution]

Originally Posted by yerner

I just cant forget him getting picked up and tossed in the Seattle game last year.

Neither can i, neither can i...and even then Cutler almost made a play out of it...

Hamilton is a liability in drop back passing, which is going to happen quite often now in this new Post Plummer offense.

Kuper needs to step up his game.

[bpc]

We need to pick up tackle prospects next season.

I am hopeful that Pears can keep getting better as he started the preseason terribly but has gotten better. I'm all for disposing of Adam Meadows after this season.