For Holland, This Is the Sweetest Season

[dragondawg]

I’m not sure anyone’s happier about the start of the season than Montrae Holland.

Yes, there’s eagerness throughout the locker room. In one corner, there’s Selvin Young, who flashes a broad, toothy grin when asked about how he progressed from undrafted fifth-teamer to Travis Henry’s backup. In another, there’s three rookie defensive linemen who all worked their way onto the second team — and, one would think, into the front-line rotation by Sunday, assuming they’re among the active 45 players. The locker room is pregnant with expectation and, it seems, oozing with confidence.

But as Holland wrapped tape around his hands and thumbs in the locker room this week, he paused to ponder just what he’d managed to do. On a team where linemen are usually cultivated patiently from the draft and the undrafted rookie pool rather than imported via trade or free agency, Holland is poised become the first offseason veteran pickup to be a part of Denver’s opening-day starting offensive line since Ephraim Salaam in 2002. (Salaam also started the ‘03 opener; that would be his final Broncos season.)

And given the fact that Holland spent the last eight games of 2006 and the playoffs as a game-day inactive, there are many reasons why he admitted he couldn’t remember starting a season with such excitement and anticipation.

“Man, I don’t know,” he said after mentally scanning through the years to compare this season with the others of his football life. “I can’t even tell you. I’m overwhelmed just to have another opportunity to go out with a great team.”

It’s not just about the team, though. It’s about proving that he’s back.

As 2006 dawned, Holland had etched a solid niche for himself after joining the Saints as a fourth-round pick from Florida State in 2003. He’d started 30 games over his first three seasons, including 23 of the 28 games in which he’d played in 2004 and 2005; only a torn right knee ligament late in 2004 had come close to derailing his professional career.

But in year four of his career, the business side of the NFL tagged him. The Saints made a coaching change, which was only the most visible tenet of a thorough overhaul in the wake of a 3-13 2005 season. Nevertheless, Holland appeared to be in their plans as training camp began.

Then he sprained his knee, Jamar Nesbit slid over into his spot, and you know how the rest of the story goes. Player gets hurt; player usurped by teammate while injured; player can’t get his job back. It’s a story as common in sport as injuries themselves, and Holland’s tale was just another version of the purported headache that befell Wally Pipp when Lou Gehrig replaced him in the New York Yankees’ lineup 81 years earlier.

“It was one of the worst feelings that I ever had, because not only was I on the bench, but halfway through the season I wasn’t active, either,” Holland recalled.

Meanwhile, as Holland suffered in silence, his team celebrated. Bandwagons don’t stop for the guys left at the curb. Holland had one of two choices — sulk and create discord, or smile and enjoy the moments which he could only watch from the sidelines.

He chose the latter. He chose wisely — and honorably.

“We won the division and I was celebrating with the guys,” he said. “I was happy with everyone around me. I can’t place my disappointment on my teammates. I just had to roll with it and be a team player.”

But when he became an unrestricted free agent, he was also happy to leave and restore the promise to his career. The Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns called, but the team that piqued his interest the most was the one for whom he will start at right guard when the regular sseason opens Sunday.

“When I heard the Broncos wanted me, I focused in and signed on the first day of free agency,” he said.

His focus then translated to the playing field, where he claimed first-team work at right guard by the second week of training camp, seizing it and refusing to yield as the preseason progressed. His work in the August games was solid; he meshed into the line with surprising smoothness for a newcomer to both tbe Broncos and a zone-blocking scheme.

“For the most part, it was okay (this summer). I can always be better,” he said. “We didn’t do a whole lot of zone-blocking there (in New Orleans). There’s a lot of man-blocking, a lot of power run-blocking. It’s different, but it’s coming along pretty well.”

And for the 27-yer-old native of Jefferson, Texas, the regular-season’s dawn is a new beginning in every way.

“It feels like my first year again,” he said. “There’s great guys around me. It’s a great feeling.”

http://blog.denverbroncos.com/mason/...eetest-season/

[bpc]

I'm so happy for this guy. He totally earned his spot with great preseason play. I hope to see this guy end up being another Stinky for us. The guy plays STRONG.

[Atlas]

People keep saying "Kuper this" and "Kuper that" I believe it's Holland's job for the year.

[Odysseus]

The offensive line is a chain. One weak link and snap! I hope they ALL do well.

[thumpc]

Kuper can work at LT and LG.

[cutthemdown]

Here's my post on Holland from earlier in the yr. When all of you were thinking Kuper I was saying Holland. When will you all just ask me instead of guessing.


I think Montrea Holland has a shot to start at RG over Kuper but Kuper will be in the mix. I think SSL and RG the two most interesting battles. For some reason I think Moore gets the SSl, probably just because he knows the system well and will make less mistakes. Holland I think if he doesn't win the starting job could still maybe see some time in a redzone package that features him as a bigger gaurd to move the pile. A 2 TE set with Graham and Alexander with a big gaurd like Holland could be pretty physical for running the ball well in the redzone.


Notice how I followed that up by being so far off on the SSL spot. Lol Moore didn't even make it out of camp.

[bpc]

Well with Hamilton having this concussion lingering on, i'm starting to become doubtful that this is just "some" regular concussion. I'm starting to get a career threatening feeling.

With that I think we have found a very good potential starter in Holland. Kuper has the ability to be a run blocking monster. Myers was one of the most improved players in camp IMO. I can see all three having an impact in the next couple years on the interior line. We could eventually see Kuper take over at RG, Holland play at LG, with Myers lining up at Center should Nalen hang em' up at some point.

The depth on the interior of our line is one of the things that has totally shifted for me in my mind.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by Atlas

People keep saying "Kuper this" and "Kuper that" I believe it's Holland's job for the year.

The coaches really expected Kuper to take the job but Holland stepped up in practice and never let go. Kuper is the better run blocker but has struggled in pass protection and that's what ultimately got him benched in favor of Holland. I also think you can't underestimate a man who has been shut down. He lost out to a Div 1AA player in New Orleans so I imagine he was going to be damned if he was going to let that happen again.

Either way it will only help the team with those two pushing each other. Kuper can keep getting better and ultimately he'll be the better player because he has so much more upside. That the team likes him at tackle is also a good sign. Anyway, our interior line is something I feel very good about.

[Odysseus]

Originally Posted by bpc

Well with Hamilton having this concussion lingering on, i'm starting to become doubtful that this is just "some" regular concussion. I'm starting to get a career threatening feeling.

With that I think we have found a very good potential starter in Holland. Kuper has the ability to be a run blocking monster. Myers was one of the most improved players in camp IMO. I can see all three having an impact in the next couple years on the interior line. We could eventually see Kuper take over at RG, Holland play at LG, with Myers lining up at Center should Nalen hang em' up at some point.

The depth on the interior of our line is one of the things that has totally shifted for me in my mind.

All this Nalen press makes me wonder if this is his last year. The guy is not into fanfare much at all.

I am not quite sure why the Broncos pass on so many top shelf OL candidates that could give them help right away but they won't have that choice next year. I would draft an OT and bring in a OG FA who plays center. Anybody on the practice squad worth bring up?

You don't "get over" a concussion. Sorry. The brain is pretty unforgiving like that. Your melon gets broke and then it is pretty much a matter of time.

[Kaylore]

No, your brain can heal back but as it regrows it alters a little bit and over time that can translate into some strange results. But your brain can heal just like every other part of your body.

[chrisp]

The exciting thing about Holland is that he's clearly adapted quickly to a different scheme, and also that he clearly has enough athleticism for that scheme despite his size.

That said, he got the job because Kuper screwed up so they may be looking to put Kuper back in there if Holland doesn't shine. Kaylore seems to be sticking to his story that Kuper's the future and it was his pimping of him that got everybody stoked up about the guy in the first place.

Somehow, though, I think that Holland will do pretty well so Kuper could be looking at another season on the bench.

Still, for a 6th-round draft pick to only be a decent backup isn't exactly a bust. these guys aren't supposed to be starters fer chrissakes!!!!

[Odysseus]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

No, your brain can heal back but as it regrows it alters a little bit and over time that can translate into some strange results. But your brain can heal just like every other part of your body.

Try telling that to some of my friends that have survived roadside bombs. The vehicle is fine and they don't have a knick on them but their brains are goo. Sure they think they know who they are but you know that your old buddy is gone.

Surviving a heart attack doesn't mean your heart is stronger after it mends. It's then more susceptible to heart attacks. The same with the brain. Players that continue their careers know the risks or should. Some players put in more years and walk away fine but some don't.

The body is an amazing instrument but the PLAYER is the one who should be most intuned to what it does or doesn't do right. If you get a chance to go to a hall of fame ceremony ask around and see whose still got their health years later.

[Ray Finkle]

Hey Kalore,
Brains do not heal like you suggest. Once dendrites are damaged, they do not regenerate.....concussions are similar to long term drinking issues. Once damage is done, it can not be improved.....

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by Ray Finkle

Hey Kalore,
Brains do not heal like you suggest. Once dendrites are damaged, they do not regenerate.....concussions are similar to long term drinking issues. Once damage is done, it can not be improved.....

Actually we have a specialist on the site on this subject matter!

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showpos...4&postcount=26

Originally Posted by Bob

Thanks for your intelligent response on this subject.

I work with people with brain injuries every day. I have worked with those who have been hurt while playing sports – and brain injuries are hard to understand if you have not experienced it or seen it first hand. If Hamilton is dealing with the symptoms of his "concussion" he was not "dinged" he has sustained a “mild” brain injury. Heck, concussion is really just a euphemism for mild brain injury in my opinion. The good news is that the brain has an incredible capacity to heal, Hamilton is a very bright guy, from what I have read, and he is young -- but the time timetable is sometimes longer than fans (and athletes want.) The brain after an injury is organically healing for up to five years (and most change though is seen in 6-8 months.) Statistically speaking most concussions are not “felt” by the person after a few days – but if he is still nauseous, and is having other cognitive problems and he is seeing a specialist it might be a few months. He needs to slow down now to get the care he needs so he can return to not only football, but other stuff as well – it would be a damn shame to rush him back too early. If you look at Steve Young’s behavior/personality now vs. before his multiple “dings” (according to people that I know who have known him – there is a change.) He is still a smart, smart guy, but there is a change in his personality.

The brain after even after a “mild” injuries like this (I say the word “mild” but the labels used for “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe” brain injuries really do not often capture the long term impact of how that injury might be felt by the person. The mild, moderate, and severe label is usually based on the length of time a person was unconscious, the duration of amnesiac symptoms pre-post injury, and Glascow coma scale shortly after the injury –in other words how “out of it” the patient was after the injury.) But there many people who cant hold down a job 1 year after a “mild” injury, and get divorced because they are a different person.

I think that eventually the NFL will make real progress in this area -- as although this issue is loaded with ethical considerations, it is also about money. As folks get bigger and faster and injuries like this mount to star players, and as older ex-players with disabilities are able to demonstrate that the NFL was not proactive in dealing with these issues -- it may just come down to dollars and cents that kick the NFL in the right direction. I get that the NFL is violent, and players take some risk in strapping on the helmet when they play the game -- but players should have the best equipment available, the best testing, and the best rehab when hurt.

I have heard the NFL is looking into (or researching a new helmet that actually measures the impacts of each hit, and based on measurements will know by the impact of the hit, if a player has probably sustained a concussion -- the logistics are interesting/problematic -- and hope the NFL, players and fans can get what they bargained for uninterrupted (as safe as you can-make-it) play.

[Ray Finkle]

Guess I am wrong again.....Damn you and your search function Kaylore!

[Odysseus]

The reason there is brain research is that we don't have everything figured out.

The fact the league is just NOW doing something about long term problems with concussions is kind of offensive.

None of this stuff is certain experts be damned.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Kuper will start at LG next year.

[azbroncfan]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

I also think you can't underestimate a man who has been shut down. He lost out to a Div 1AA player in New Orleans so I imagine he was going to be damned if he was going to let that happen again.

.

He got hurt and his replacement played well. It wasn't so much that he was just flat out played.

[Kaylore]

Originally Posted by azbroncfan

He got hurt and his replacement played well. It wasn't so much that he was just flat out played.

The guy wasn't even active half the season. Not sure what was going on but judging by the way they let him walk and didn't even let him dress for games, they sure didn't think much of Holland. That's ok because he's playing well for us!

[bpc]

Originally Posted by chrisp

The exciting thing about Holland is that he's clearly adapted quickly to a different scheme, and also that he clearly has enough athleticism for that scheme despite his size.

Actually, the thing I love with Holland is another pass blocker who can stone his guy at the line of scrimmage and keep him here.

I feel like Nalen and Lepsis potentially are guys that can do that but we need more if we are to pass like we want to.