Broncos report: Bailey vows to return this week vs. Chiefs

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 1, 2008 at 5:36 p.m.

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Champ Bailey runs an interception down field against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 14, 2008, in the first quarter at Invesco Field in Denver.

Just for the record, the answers are yes, yes and yes.

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey missed his fifth consecutive game Sunday because of the groin injury he suffered in October in New England.

But Monday he said, yes, he's feeling better. Yes, it's driving him crazy to stand on the sideline. And, yes, he will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High (2:05 p.m., CBS 4).

At least if it's up to him, that is.

"I definitely want to be out there when we clinch this division. I'll be out there this week one way or the other," Bailey said Monday. "I'm saying I'm going. Unless something else happens, I'll be out there."

Bailey has practiced on a limited basis the past two weeks and worked out in cleats at the team's Dove Valley complex Monday.

But Broncos coach Mike Shanahan wasn't willing to commit beyond general optimism that Bailey could play against the Chiefs.

"We'll see how he practices," Shanahan said. "He seems to be getting better. He practiced a little bit last week. . . . Hopefully that's a good sign."

Bailey, who had missed only three games in his previous nine NFL seasons combined, has seen the team go 3-2 in the games he has missed. That total now includes road wins at Atlanta and at the Jets, two teams that have won at least eight games this season.

Rookie Josh Bell has started the past three games in Bailey's left cornerback spot, and Karl Paymah started the first two games Bailey missed with the injury. Bell has played well enough that the Broncos have even left him alone on opposing receivers from time to time.

It allowed the Broncos to mix things up in coverage, as well as give Dre Bly some help deep with a safety from time to time. That has allowed Bly to play far more aggressively to the underneath side of the receiver and play the ball.

Both of Bly's interceptions this season have come in the past three games.

"That's special to see how the young guys have played all over the defense," Bailey said. " . . . But Josh has played really hard and he's a smart guy. He's really played with some confidence and kept his head up. But most important he's done whatever they've asked him to do.

"He's been in some tough spots and he keeps on playing."

Shanahan said he's hopeful linebacker Nate Webster (knee), who has missed the past three games, could be ready to return as well this week. D.J. Williams (knee) has missed four games and still is likely at least a week away from being able to play in a game.

Safety Marlon McCree, who has missed four games with a severely sprain ankle, said last week he was hopeful to practice on a limited basis in the coming week.

"Been testing myself for about two weeks now," Bailey said. "This is probably the best I've felt in two weeks. . . . I just want to get back out there. I don't like standing and watching while everybody else is out there trying to get us some wins. But you have to like the way guys have fought out there. I've been saying, those guys might not have expected to play this year as much as they have, but they have all had a lot of fight in them, and they're out there laying it all on the line."

Photo by Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky

Peyton Hillis will continue to play at running back even when Selvin Young is back to being healthy.

The more you can do

At one point early in the season, Peyton Hillis was the Broncos' fullback.

Now, after watching him play as the team's primary running back, Shanahan said Monday he's prepared to formally add at least one more job title to the rookie's resume.

"He's proven he can play tailback and fullback," Shanahan said. "In fact, he's better with the ball in his hands. . . . He's going to get a chance to play more at tailback with what he's done. He can break tackles, and it really gives us a lot of flexibility."

So, even when Selvin Young is ready to return to the lineup - he has missed six of the past seven games with a groin injury and had only one carry in the other game - Hillis is still going to get his chances to carry the ball.

In fact, Shanahan said Monday he's going to look into expanding the rookie's job description beyond the backfield.

"I'm not sure he can't even go out there and . . . be a tight end-type guy with that size," Shanahan said. "(A) Dallas Clark type at the position, guys who can catch the ball and make plays downfield."

Hillis played running back some at the University of Arkansas, as well as tight end, H-back and punt returner.

"I always expect the best," Hillis said. "The coaches have confidence in me and want me to do well. I feel that."

Hillis is the only Broncos player this year to have a 100-yard rushing game and a 100-yard receiving game. He had 129 yards rushing in the win over the Jets on Sunday and 116 yards receiving in the loss to Miami.

"He's really done a good job," Shanahan said. " . . . He's done a lot of good things to help our football team win."

Shaw out for year

Defensive tackle Josh Shaw is headed for injured reserve after suffering a dislocated left elbow against the Jets.

Shaw, who was wearing a heavy splint Monday, had a magnetic resonance imaging exam in the morning and some ligament damage was found.

Whether Shaw needs surgery will be decided after the MRI results are examined.

"Right now it doesn't look good," Shanahan said.

Nic Clemons will take Shaw's spot in the defensive line rotation. Shaw has suffered a severe cut on his leg this year that required 40 stitches and also missed time with a groin injury before hurting his elbow.

The Broncos are expected to look at players to fill Shaw's roster spot and could grab someone with experience in their defense. Antwon Burton, who started last season's opener at defensive tackle and has been waived by the Chiefs, is a possibility.

Etc.

* Linebacker Spencer Larsen, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban and safety Marquand Manuel, who all left the field with injuries Sunday, are initially expected to practice this week and be available vs. the Chiefs.

* The Broncos also liked what they saw from veteran Vernon Fox at free safety Sunday. He was the fourth player to start there in the last five games, and he is expected to start there against the Chiefs.

* Rookie safety Josh Barrett, recently signed from the practice squad, played extensively in the Broncos' six defensive back package against the Jets, and Shanahan said he graded out favorably as well. "Maybe we should have been playing him a little bit earlier," Shanahan said of the seventh-round draft pick. "He made some plays in pass defense. He's got something you can't coach and that's size and speed."

• December 1, 2008

  6:12 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jubei writes:

  I think the starting jobs should stay with Hillis, Larsen, and Barrett unless they really start screwing up.

  Unfortunately, I missed the game, but the stats say Peyton had a monster day. With a bruising, power run game to compliment the passing game, I think this team could surprise some teams in the playoffs.

  Some will complain about the record, but I for one am loving the fact that our young guys are stepping up and getting better with time. If they are productive, and fit the game plan, leave them in.

  Here's to a dominating win at home, avenging an earlier beatdown and clinching the division all in one game!

  P.S. Say no to Nate Webster at starting MLB!

• December 1, 2008

  6:14 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jubei writes:

  I guess Barrett didn't start, but you get my drift...

• December 1, 2008

  6:48 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  incognitoboy writes:

  "Rookie safety Josh Barrett, recently signed from the practice squad, played extensively in the Broncos six defensive back package against the Jets and Shanahan said he graded out favorably as well.

  {"Maybe we should have been playing him a little bit earlier,"} *

  Shanahan said of the seventh-round draft pick. "He made some plays in pass defense. He's got something you can't coach and that's size and speed."

  * many of us have been wondering the same thing for awhile. time in the doghouse for barrett? was he really just not ready? hard to say..... apparently he turned some heads. i'm still mad at my wife for not taping the game!

  GO BRONCOS!!

• December 1, 2008

  7:06 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Yeah, we've all been saying, where is Barrett? Why are they not playing Barrett? Why is Barrett on the Practice squad? Glad Shanahan finally noticed him. The kid has skills. Shame about Shaw. He was doing well. Glad to here about Hillis. Give him the rock. He is a playmaker. Bell looked very good at CB. I hope they still give him some playing time. Fox wasn't bad either at FS. These kids are hungry.

• December 1, 2008

  10:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Spider writes:

  GOSH! We have some good talented young players. Sure makes the future look bright!!!!!

• December 1, 2008

  10:36 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Spider, sure does. I see many years of cheering for a team that will be far superior then most others. Oh happy days. I still say to keep a close eye on them from here on out. They could surprise a lot of teams.

• December 1, 2008

  11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Bigg_Nuggets writes:

  Oh Davey boy. We usually agree, but look at the tape. Fox made awful reads and missed easy tackles. Barret should start.

• December 1, 2008

  11:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Fox only blew one assignment. He wasn't looking at the run play and was playing pass. He blew his coverage and cost a TD. Other then that mistake, he played a decent game. Josh played safety. Fox played free safety.

• December 2, 2008

  12:31 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  MATTP1 writes:

  Please keep Larson in the middle even when Webster comes back.We have to find a place for Woodyard on the field when DJ returns.Maybe he could play SS he is fast and a hitter ,he is just to good to be on the bench.He would probably be our best bet against Gonzalas he has the speed to stay with Tony.Boy i love these young guys ,Lets lock this thing up with a win against the Chiefs,keep the nice play calling.Go Broncs

• December 2, 2008

  1:10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  AlexZander39 writes:

  Seems like the Broncos broke up or batted down more passes this game than all the others combined. They definitely need to do that the rest of the season.

  And maybe Jay Cutler can talk Denver and the NFL into letting the Broncos wear their white road jersey at home. Cutler has been more accurate the last three road games throwing to a white jersey than his last three home games throwing to a blue jersey.

• December 2, 2008

  3:30 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  davkuc writes:

  Maybe it was that Sundquist guy. Jim Goodman is the man. Do it again next year but only get d-linemen, safteies and a mlb.

• December 2, 2008

  7:30 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Andynonymous writes:

  The drafts do seem to have been better the past three years davkuc (if that's your REAL name) and the only thing I've seen about what's been different is an article saying they got everyone they wanted this year. It just seems like they are getting better players, but maybe it comes down to second or third choices at the spots they pick don't pan out?

  I've been watching a long time and these past three drafts have been about the best I've seen. Starting with trading up to get the Knife Set.

• December 2, 2008

  8:15 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  maverick7 writes:

  The future is bright...with that said they still need some lessons on tackling. Randy G said it best in his interview, they just want to make the highlight reel with a big hit. Wrap them up around the legs and even the big men fall down. They did a better job on the Jets but still some work needed. I like the fact that the newbies on D are playing and may push the vets to be better to gain their spot back. I would really like to them 'Crush' the Chiefs on Sunday...oh i don't know 42-0!!

• December 2, 2008

  8:25 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

  There have been things to complain about this year. Mainly, inconsistency. You wish you could explain how this team can lose to Jax and Oak at home. KC anywhere.

  What no one can complain about is this year's draft. They set out to bring in mature, character guys and it shows in the way they contribute as rookies.

  I've been critical of some of the teams performances and frustrated by Cutler and Marshall when they get into their "moods"... but you have to be happy about recent drafts... the past 2 years as well. Cutler, Marshall, Kuper and Sheffler (wouldn't Domenick Hixon look good in a Denver uniform? would have saved us from the Keary Colbert signing, though, Royal might not have been on the radar). And Harris and Thomas from '07... Moss still has potential and could still be a player. We'll see with Crowder.

  I totally agree, if they can do a similar type job this coming off-season with d-line and safety, the Broncos could be really good for a long time.

  I think the problem is defensive lineman are at such a premium, they will need to do their homework and get talent in later rounds. The top guys don't last long in the draft.

  Getting all these guys signed is another matter, but its a good problem to have versus trying to overpay in free agency.

• December 2, 2008

  8:43 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  maverick7 writes:

  oh BTW, it will take two games to win the AFC West. I know with a SD loss, but I can't imagine them losing to Raiders at home. I guess the Broncs did. Go Ra...I can't do it!

• December 2, 2008

  8:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

  I forgot to mention the king. Elvis was from the '06 draft.

  Adding to that, they have some talent on the d-line... but they need that stud that demands double and triple teams and allows the other guys to flourish.

  I think when you look at really good defensive lines, there's usually one guy that really raises the other guys' play. If we had that Albert Haynesworth type in the middle, Dumervill, Moss, Thomas, Ekuban, etc. would be looking at a lot of one on one matchups. Then, when Doom is beating his guy, that tight end who's always open in the middle of the field never gets into the pattern, because he's kept in to protect the passer.

  The secondary suddenly looks a lot better because the qb doesn't have all day to allow his receivers to get open.

  Unfortunately, everyone is looking for that stud.

  They aren't far away guys.

  I'll rip Shanny at times, but I also say even the biggest Shanny haters need to give it one more year. If he can reign in Cutler and Marsh, stay a bit healthier, and get a couple of guys on defense... the right couple of guys... the sky is the limit.

• December 2, 2008

  10:31 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jr_mcmillin writes:

  I can't stand the raiders and never pull for them...... but this Thursday I hope they beat SD. With a SD loss, the Broncs will have the added knowledge that a win will clinch the division. I'm sure they'll be motivated enough to avenge the earlier loss. But with the chance to clinch, and negate the struggles they've had at home, there should be no lack of motivation this week. C'mon raiders........ for Thursday only. Go Broncs always!!!

• December 2, 2008

  1:54 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  plcampbell writes:

  Firstly, I am a Texan and my twin sons both played football with Josh Bell at Baylor. I knew from the very first time I saw this kid, I knew he was something special. There is no doubt that the Broncos got lucky that the Chargers went brain dead and cut this kid.

  Josh has the smarts, hard work ethics, talent and the swagger that is unusal for an undrafted FA. The thing about Josh is this, he believes in his abilities and won't back down from any WR(T.O. are you hearing this?).

  It is his belief that no WR can beat him. Josh was a star player at Skyline high school here in Dallas and he was recruited vigorously by Baylor. Being the annual doormat for the Big 12, Baylor genuinely was blown out by the second quarter and the rest of the team would have quit, but not JB.

  The one thing that would always stand out to me was this guy never quit. In fact, you could never tell if Baylor was losing or winning by this young man's un-relentless hustle. Josh is use to handling the opposing teams top WR.

  The Broncos are lucky to have signed Josh, he is their future and he just so happens to be the heir apparent to Champ or Dre. I'll even go so far to say this, he was better than San Diego's 'Antoine Cason'.

  I'm happy for you Josh, we will be be pulling for and the Broncos to go all the way. Coach Shanahan, thank you for giving Josh a chance. I believe when Champ comes back you can let him cover the slot receiver and the Broncos will become more consistent down the stretch. Good Luck to you, the team and all your fans.

• December 2, 2008

  3:11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  joggle writes:

  Heck, I rarely root for any team from California, much less the Raiders. However, given how awful they've been for so long (esp. thanks to their idiot owner) I haven't really been rooting against them this year so it isn't too hard for me to root for them against San Diego.

  With that said, umm, go Raiders (I guess).

• December 2, 2008

  10:06 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Andynonymous writes:

  Yeah, speaking of, seems like Reggie Hayward is having a pretty good career in Jacksonville. But who would have thought Hixon would do that well based on what he showed us here.

  Good to see that post about Bell, even the plays they're catching balls on him, he seems to have good coverage. Be nice to be able to put him in the slot when Champ gets back.

  It seems like it should be hard to keep Woodyard off of the field when other LBs get healthy; maybe he can play strong safety; anyone know if he ever played that position?

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