Shanahan: 'I have some high expectations for this team'

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Updated August 1, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

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Photo by Ken Papaleo © The Rocky

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and coach Mike Shanahan watch action at training camp Friday.

Video Video: Have fans lost their orange-and-blue ways? Watch »

ENGLEWOOD — Coach Mike Shanahan shook up the talk-radio airwaves Friday, making an on-air pledge that seemed to fly in the face of his normal cautious approach with the media.

"We're not going to miss the playoffs," Shanahan told The Sports Guys on KKFN (104.3 FM) when queried about the vital nature of the upcoming season in Denver.

Shanahan then was asked if he was making a guarantee after back-to- back seasons without a postseason berth for the Broncos.

"Sure sounds like it," he responded.

Shanahan backed off slightly during his podium news conference after the morning practice, citing the importance of the team staying healthy after 72 lost games to injuries in 2007 but saying he had "some high expectations."

"I didn't make a guarantee," Shanahan later told the Rocky, adding, "They've got nothing to talk about, so they want to fire something up."

That doesn't mean the coach lacks confidence in this group to go to the postseason in the face of many skeptics, citing the five hours daily he puts in studying film and isolating on each player as reason for his confidence.

"I say that and I really believe that," he said of his playoff prediction. "But you've got to be lucky and don't have the injuries we've had. If we don't have the injuries, I'd be very disappointed if we didn't make the playoffs."

No matter how Shanahan's words are dissected, the message was evident to Ebenezer Ekuban, a 10-year pro.

"You rarely see a coach guaranteeing a playoff berth. Usually, it's an immature young player who doesn't know what he's talking about," Ekuban said. "But when a coach says that, it's a call to all the players and coaches that, hey, this is what I expect, and if you don't do it, either I'm gone or everybody else is going to be gone. It's a direct challenge to the players to step it up. When the coach says that, you better do it."

The Broncos never have missed the playoffs three straight years under Shanahan. The last time Denver went two seasons without playing into January, the club made the AFC wild- card game in 2003.

"He's expecting a lot out of us and at the same time we're expecting a lot out of the coaching staff to put us in position to win," tight end Daniel Graham said. "That's our goal, and we expect nothing less than that."

Click here for more from Broncos camp Friday.

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Comments

August 1, 2008

2:52 p.m.

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bigbadthor writes:

Not good to hear Boss is having knee problems, hope all is well, but I wonder if John Lynch would accept a role as a LB on the team. He has the size and speed.
August 1, 2008

2:54 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

Barrett has been making a lot of positive noise. keep it up. We need Boss, 100%. Same with Abdullah. Nalen is a concern, but if he can't go, Wiegmann can do the job, nicely. We will have a lot of "Dolts and Traiter" fans who think that we don't have a chance, but I say only this, "It ain't over till Roseanne Barr sings". And the start of our season will begin with the spanking of the "Jokeland Faiders".
August 1, 2008

3:21 p.m.

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Squatch writes:

"we're not going to miss the playoffs."

This is exactly what he said and there was no clairification until the sports guys wanted him to say it again.
August 1, 2008

3:27 p.m.

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Darwin writes:

Shanahan: 'I have some high expectations for this team'

This is a recording, a recording, a recording...
August 1, 2008

3:45 p.m.

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Pigskin writes:

I sure hope we're back in the postseason again this year.
As Shanahan himself is so fond of saying, however, talk is cheap.
August 1, 2008

4:09 p.m.

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BroncoDan writes:

Good luck, Shanny...however, my expectations are pretty low, hope I'm wrong!!! Just gotta win that first game against the Raiders!
August 1, 2008

4:12 p.m.

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ISKIFREELY writes:

"we're not going to miss the playoffs."

Aahh aaahhh...bullsnot!

What he should have said is, "we're going to enjoy watching the playoffs from the beach."
August 1, 2008

4:14 p.m.

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EdVMorales writes:

Bowlen probably told him to fix it or ship out!
August 1, 2008

4:16 p.m.

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Littleboyblue writes:

Needs more talent at D linemen first. I'm worried about the D tackles.
August 1, 2008

4:33 p.m.

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arvada_mark writes:

Keep in mind that last year was an injury riddle fluke of a season. And the year before, well, our coach benched our starting QB in the middle of a playoff race we were winning. As it turned out, all we needed to do was beat the 9ers at home to qualify. With that in mind, we really haven't been that far off the past couple of years. Plus, our defense, a lot of those guys will now be in their 2nd & 3rd years. It's put up time for these guys. I'm not worried. When do tickets go on sale?

Rod Smith for Mayor!
August 1, 2008

4:39 p.m.

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tjpatriot writes:

I hope they make the playoffs, but making it and getting embarrassed in the first round isn't a real great outcome either.

"High Expectations" and a dollar might get you a cup of coffee.
August 1, 2008

4:43 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

Darwin, And what exactly do you expect him to say? Do you think he's going to bash his own team players to the press? What you say to media has to be said with care. What he said is "safe" and all that the press needs to know, at this point in time. Too much info on any weaknesses of team positions is not a smart move to make, by ANY coach.
EdVMorales, and this is how gossip gets spread, through unfounded ideas.
ISKIFREELY, have a crystal ball, do you?
Littleboyblue, I think we'll be ok on DT if we can stay relatively healthy. We Have Robertson (I'm just uncertain of how good his knees can hold up). We have Marcus Thomas. We have Harris who is in his 2nd year. We have McKinley and Mallard who have experience. Lets see what they can do. Who we keep and who we let go is uncertain. But I wouldn't stress too much till after we see how we do on the field.
August 1, 2008

4:49 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

arvada_mark, THAT'S what I like to hear! Sense! Too many whiners out there who have the season all figured out, don't take into account the injuries we suffered in key positions, etc.. Glad to hear from someone who see's things realistically, unlike these people who already picked Denver to miss the playoffs when they haven't played a down. These same people (not all of them, though) have the nerve to call themselves a "Bronco fan"? Hardly.
August 1, 2008

4:52 p.m.

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Diff writes:

Shanahan: 'I have some high expectations for this team'
What would expect him to say, even if the team was at best mediocre - would he come out say so?

Coaching is a lot, or a least in part about cheer leading - at least in the public eye..
for me the Broncos do not mean much anymore - but, I think it is time for a new coach - a change up so to speak - nothing against Mike - He's a darn good coach, just I think he is getting stale here in Denver
August 1, 2008

6:03 p.m.

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ClintEastwood writes:

We'll see Shanny.

Not sure how well that defense has been rebuilt for this year. Also don't see too many (or any) more weapons in camp for Cutler to use. Then there's the team leadership that has departed... The only thing the Bronco's seem to have going for them is their zone blocking scheme that turns a mediocre back into a 1200 yard rusher. If that goes away, I think you are looking at a losing season.

I would have kept Lynch for the leadership, but hey - it's not my job in the balance.
August 1, 2008

6:29 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

termig8r, how do you figure we have nothing on our offense? Besides, Stokley, Sheffler, Marshall, Colbert, Parker, Royal, the two Jacksons, Graham, yeah, we are really lacking. Sheesh. I'm glad it's not YOUR job in the balance, because then it WOULD be a losing season.
August 1, 2008

7:15 p.m.

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TatMat76 writes:

Ive only got two words: GO BRONCOS
August 1, 2008

9:11 p.m.

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porkchop writes:

the road to the superbowl goes through buffalo,ny and everyone knows it.
August 1, 2008

10:02 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

porkchop, huh?
August 3, 2008

11:04 a.m.

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SanDiegoBeez writes:

Only way Broncos are in the playoffs is if the defensive scheme changes. Gone are the days of slow plodding defenses, and the idea of bend and then break. To win the West the defense has to start attacking and dictating to the opposition, not the other way around. Read and react is a good way to be reading the sports page in January, instead of playing football. The team that wins the turnover battle wins the game. Let's face it the defense has been terrible. Slow, gutless wonders. Embarassing. Geez the Broncs are even taking Charger cast-offs like Marlon Mcree. Broncs will be 9-7 at best.
August 3, 2008

1:14 p.m.

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Kevin27 writes:

SanDiegoBeez, so what is this awesome defense that the Chargers used to give up the most rushing yards ever in a single game to Adrian Peterson? Mr. Merriman hasen't been quite the same either since the NFL made him stop using that tainted "protien powder" chock full of nandrlone. San Diego has a great offense, there's no questioning that, but if you are going to preach defense I think you should take a look at your own team too.
August 3, 2008

1:36 p.m.

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Kevin27 writes:

I have no idea why there are Buffalo and San Diego fans in here talking about playoffs anyway. Both teams have managed to get into the playoffs, (San Diego only recently) with nothing to show for it. It definately reflects that southern California front runner attitude that I do not miss at all since moving away from there. Before the Chargers started actually winning, there wasn't a Charger fan to be found. Now they are popping up all over the place. Wierd. Both teams moved out of LA, and now San Diego dosent even want to build a new stadium for its beloved Chargers. Getting to the playoffs is pointless unless you go all the way. Last I checked, Buffalo and San Diego are a combined 0-5 in Super Bowls.
August 3, 2008

7:23 p.m.

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SanDiegoBeez writes:

Kevin27; I have been a Bronco fan since befor Bears stadium became Mile High! I was born and raised in Denver. I have been a season ticket holder in Denver since 1968. I also follow the Chargers since I have lived here since 1978. I have been personally present at the 1st Mon night game in Denver, all home playoff games, 3 superbowls. I know a little about football. Speed wins. Win the turnover battle and win the game -- 82+% of the time. This team has gone to fat, slow behemoths. Linbacking, traditionally a strength, is poor at best. Can't run to the ball, no help in pass coverage, can't get to the QB. Sorry, 9-7 at best until the defense decides to attack with speed.
August 3, 2008

7:49 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

SanDiegoBeez, to a degree, you're correct, but not completely. Wide receivers are getting bigger (look at Marshall), running backs are getting bigger, hell, the whole offensive line is getting bigger. Being small and fast also makes is tougher, because of size, to make a tackle on a much bigger player. Marshall drags the S, CB and even linebackers for yards after the catch. We have some speed this year on the D, if you read our roster. Your 9-7 is not the record I, as well as, others predict. I say 10-6 and a wild card or 11-5 and the division. But, like you, and anyone else on the forum, this is but one more opinion.
August 3, 2008

10:28 p.m.

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Kevin27 writes:

Thanks for the resume San Diego. Thats not exactly expert analysis saying that the team that wins the turnover battle usually wins. My little cousin in pee wee football knows that.
August 3, 2008

10:44 p.m.

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SanDiegoBeez writes:

Dave: All teams in the West, with the exception of the Broncos have Big fast linebackers, Big Corners and Big Safeties; that all RUN! Our defense, and especially the linebackers can't run. All defenses in the West better be able to run to the ball and attack or you lose.
FYI Mcree cost the Chargers in the playoffs 2 years ago by making a high school mistake! 4th down and 20; deep in the 4th. Chargers leading the Pats. Brady throws down field - does Mcree knock it down--no -- instead he intercepts returns 15 yds; tackled and fumbles. Pats recover-first down turns into touchdown turns into season over! BIG reason Chargers let him go -- plus he doesn't play fast! I hope your prediction is right BUT until I see a new defensive attitude/scheme Broncos are not an elite team in the AFC.

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Shanahan: 'I have some high expectations for this team'

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.Updated August 1, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

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Published August 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Updated August 1, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.