Sharpe: That might have been the Broncos' worst defense in years
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published December 29, 2008 at 3:16 p.m.
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Shannon Sharpe: Shanahan must do a better job of selecting talent.
What should the Broncos do with coach Mike Shanahan after a third consecutive season without making the playoffs?
ATLANTA — Shannon Sharpe would have said plenty on the air about his former team falling apart Sunday night in San Diego, but the game was played after CBS had signed off for the day on its NFL coverage.
Instead, the CBS studio analyst and former Broncos tight end watched the 52-21 season-ending loss to the Chargers aboard a Delta flight from New York to his hometown of Atlanta. His disappointment was reserved to muttering to himself or to nearby passengers.
Eventually, Sharpe did offer his thoughts to the Rocky Mountain News' Chris Tomasson about the Broncos' season, about how coach Mike Shanahan must "do a better job of picking talent" and about his own chances of being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Jan. 31.
Sharpe, in his first year of Hall eligibility, is one of 25 semifinalists. Should he get in, Sharpe said he would be introduced by his brother, Sterling Sharpe, an NFL receiver (1988 to 1994) before his career ended because of a neck injury.
Sharpe played with the Broncos from 1990 to 1999 and 2002 to 2003, winning two Super Bowl rings. He also played with Baltimore in 2000 and 2001, winning a third Super Bowl. He retired as the NFL's all-time tight end leader with 815 catches and 10,060 yards, records broken this season by Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez.
What are your thoughts on the Broncos' late-season collapse, culminated by their loss to the Chargers?
I'm disappointed. You have a three-game lead and you've got to take the game at home to Buffalo (a 30-23 loss Dec. 21) so it doesn't come down to winner-take-all. The defense is not very good. Run. Pass. They need a pass rusher. And Jay Cutler, as talented as he is, he still puts the ball in harm's way far too many times. . . . When you look at their defense, they always gave up 500 yards a game. That's just a shame. I don't know if, in the short term, if they can get it fixed because it's such a glaring weakness. They can't pressure the quarterback. They can't stop the run. . . . That just might be (Denver's) worst defense in all my years in being associated with the Broncos (since 1990).
How monumental of a collapse is it considering no team ever had lost a three-game division lead with three to play and what lingering effects might it have?
How does it get any worse? They haven't been to the playoffs in three years so, what, they're not going to make it a fourth year in a row? . . . I just don't think they have enough playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. . . . Honestly, did anybody expect the Broncos to win (Sunday)? Anybody that follows the game knows there's no way the Broncos were going to win that game. The Chargers were better. . . . That's going to hurt for a while. But 52-21. Everybody is going to remember that until September.
Some believe Mike Shanahan can be with the Broncos for about as long as he wants, but do you look at him as being on the hot seat?
I just think they need to do a better job of picking players. You set yourselves up when you take all those (former) Cleveland Browns players, when you move up (in the draft) to take players that don't pan out. . . . When you constantly do that, year after year, it catches up to you. . . . Offensively, they have the pieces . . . but (not) defensively.
But Shanahan is making the personnel calls (as vice president of football operations)?
The guy's name on his check is (owner) Pat Bowlen, and Pat Bowlen seems to think he's doing a good enough job. Far be it for me to tell him what he should do. I just think that, if he's going to continue in that role, he just has to do a better job of picking talent.
Can Shanahan effectively perform both roles of coaching and personnel, or is that too tough in today's NFL?
It's hard to say he can't because he's had success doing it. He's won (two) Super Bowls doing it that way. So why can't he? Maybe what has happened is he enjoyed so much success so early. His first year, he goes 8-8 (in 1995), then we go 13-3 division (title in 1996), and then you get back-to-back Super Bowls (after the 1997 and 1998 seasons). So, naturally, with that progression, everybody thinks every second or third year, Mike should be playing for a Super Bowl. Those are unrealistic expectations, but those are expectations Mike has for himself. Once you (win) that Super Bowl, nothing else matters. Mike understands that and (puts) that type of pressure on your need to perform. But there's no question he has to do a better job of picking talent.
As one of 25 Hall of Fame semifinalists (the list soon will be cut to 15 finalists with four to seven selected Jan. 31 for the Hall), how do you assess your chances?
I've taken the test and, hopefully, the grade I got was good enough. . . . If somebody would have told me I would have the career I had coming out of Savannah State, I wouldn't have believed them. Everything I received after the Super Bowls and what I have been able to accomplish in 14 years is icing on the cake. . . . But there's nothing I can do about it now. I realize there are a lot of good guys that are worthy.
What would it mean to be the first tight end enshrined in the first year of eligibility?
I don't want to say I should be a first ballot. I never measured myself up against someone else. . . . I will sit around antsy, like the rest of the guys. I actually will be at (the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., where the class is announced) to do my radio show. Am I inviting 50 people down there? No.
Where are your Super Bowl rings?
I gave my brother one and my sister (Libby) now has the other two in a safety-deposit box. I don't wear them. I know I have them. It's kind of like Bill Gates doesn't walk around with millions in his pocket, but you know he has it.
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December 29, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
RustyWon writes:
We need some steady playmakers on defense. We didn't have anything all year on D.
Bly is bad, Webster is the worst.
The safeties weren't able to stay with anyone in coverage, and couldn't tackle on the running plays.
Aside from a couple plays in the first series, there was hardly any pressure on rivers from the D-Line.
Greg Robinson is available if we want another D coordinator.
Of course, I'm kidding - but he was the last decent one we had.
At least his schemes put pressure on the QB.
Kudos to san diego for playing hard down the stretch. They deserve the playoff spot. If Dewayne Bowe could cover an onside kick, we wouldn't be talking about this right now.
And another thing, how cool is it that the patriots don't get in at 11-5?
That's exactly what they did to us in 1985.
Oh Well.
Go Avalanche.
December 29, 2008
3:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Shannon has spoken the truth. Mourn the end of the season, take a deep breath, and assess the holes with a clear head.
Shanahan is an elite coach and isn't going anywhere but he needs help assessing talent on the defensive side of the ball. Too many washed up Browns players hurt the line. Draft three defensive linemen (at least) and let them sort it out in camp.
The biggest weakness is a lack of a pass rush and defensive coaching. We need to get a monster pass rusher to compliment Elvis Dumervil in the draft and coach the linebackers to have a little more discipline keeping to their assigned running lanes. Build a Ravens type defense and we're good to go.
December 29, 2008
3:51 p.m.
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zerotolerance writes:
Where I think we are making the first mistake is to ask Shannon Sharpe what he thinks should happen. I dont think he knows just how much Shanahan stinks and he is trying to protect his butt by not ellaborating on his futility. I think he has a good shot of going in first ballot, so thats why he is choosing his words kindly.
December 29, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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Spider writes:
At least Webster kept his helmet on last night :-)
December 29, 2008
3:56 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
the 'mouth of the south' once again has words of wisdom
"Once you (win) that Super Bowl, nothing else matters. Mike understands that and (puts) that type of pressure on your need to perform. But there’s no question he has to do a better job of picking talent."
well, that should be easier to do with draft pick packages to move up from the 16-20 range into the top 10, and accomplishing that is absolutely essential to our future success . i don't believe this draft has the same depth of D talent as last year, if i remember right.
top DT, LB, SS available in each round, in that order. no more than 3 free agents. CUT bly and webster, trade moss and crowder, together if necessary, for a RFA DB, (think asomugha) and hire new D-line and D-backs coaches.
should be easy to do, right?
December 29, 2008
3:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hillis22 writes:
Shanahan was an Elite coach, but not any longer. Without Kubiak to help him out, the rest of the NFL has caught up to him and figured him out. As he said after the Buffal debacle... getting it done is all that matters at this level and for the last 4 or so years.. he hasn't gotten it done. He has blamed everyone under the sun and has no one left but himself. We thank him for the SB wins and all he has done, but it is time to move on.
December 29, 2008
4:19 p.m.
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Biff writes:
Wrong Hillis22....we have Shanatan's successor right here in Denver. He's our offensive coordinator....he's just a little too young right now to be taking over the head coaching position. When Shanatan retires in the next 4 or 5 years, he'll be promoted.
Mark my words.
December 29, 2008
4:31 p.m.
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dmacp writes:
Let's not forget special teams. They were a huge factor in the Buffalo loss. You can't put your defense in that position too many times. I can't understand Shanny giving up either Rouen or Elam for the current set of kickers. They both may have had weaker legs, but they were clutch most of the time. If you had to get rid of Elam, why didn't he get Mason Crosby in the draft when he had a chance. When is the last time we had a great return game and our coverage units have been horrendous.
December 29, 2008
4:32 p.m.
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Andynonymous writes:
Sorry, I don't mark any words coming from someone named Biff; I don't mean any offense, I'm just saying....
The offense seemed to struggle once they got off the script, especially later in the season.
I think the last three drafts have been much better than recent years. I think we'll draft heavily to the defensive side this time (yes, I'm a genius AND clairvoyant) and perhaps that and a year of seasoning for our rookie class this year will be enough. They at least have plenty of film for how not to do it. I say draft the best available defensive player when he comes, not in any certain order. But defense. Maybe Mangini can come coach our D?
December 29, 2008
4:40 p.m.
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Chargerskillbroncos writes:
As I said last saturday, your season is over.
But I gotta give you Bronco fans a high five. Your loyal and classy and deserve a better performance than what we all saw last night. I expected a better game, more like what you gave us in September. We should have been able to stop that two point conversion. Your team was playing better and the Bolts were not playing very well at all.
You know we love all the Coloradans that both live and visit us here at the beach. Better luck next year and thanks for being such classy fans.
Root for the Bolts, they are gonna need it!
Your right on about the Cheatriots-its cool to see them done for the year.
December 29, 2008
4:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Uno_Cinco writes:
Shannon hit it right on the nose, I hope he gets in on the first ballot...
Mike Shanahan needs to go back to straight coaching personnel is not his game anymore and if he does not want to give up control then he must go...I know Cower would be a nice addition...
December 29, 2008
4:56 p.m.
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bwall19 writes:
CUT Bly - he's worthless! As far as Shanahan...I'm sick of everyone blaming him - is he the one who doesn't know how to wrap up and tackle? is he the one letting the balls go thru his hands? Royal was horrible last nite - thank God he wasn't that way all year but the Broncos didn't want it bad enough - that was evident. Cutler is still growing - Elway wasn't great for his first few years either. He just has to learn from his mistakes - his WR's need to CATCH the ball - make it happen. Hopefully we won't have the injuries at RB next year - that was unbelievable. The D all year was bad....and I hope they get some D-men for next year who can step up and make things happen! I'm still and always will be a TRUE Broncos fan!
December 29, 2008
5:01 p.m.
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Uno_Cinco writes:
Maybe Bill Parcells can you come turn around our Broncos?
The TUNA has the magic touch...
December 29, 2008
5:10 p.m.
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bronco_fan_no_matter_how_painful writes:
This was a very disappointing end to the season, and while I have begged, hoped, and pleaded for Bill Cowher, we have to accept that Shannahan is going nowhere and we should start hoping instead for a new GM (in other words, a GM period)...Defense must be addressed immediately. Find a defensive coordinator, or keep the current one, what ever but make that decision soon. After that, send have of these defensive pretenders down the road with their walking papers. Nate Webster should be at the front of the line and be the first one out the door. Dre Bly can go with him. Next, name Wesley Woodyard a starter in the LB corp...after that start scouting the draft and free agency for studs at safety, middle linebacker, and pass rush specialist...rethink the system to allow blitzing much more frequently and get someone to coach our corners not to just give up easy 15-20 yard plays. Bottom line, MAN UP and get some heart and leadership on the defensive side of the football. The offense will be fine, once the running game is consistent (healthy) Cutler will make fewer mistakes because he won't have to throw the ball 50-60 times per game. It is easy, start having some accountability for players who consistently make the same mistakes that they should have learned in Pop Warner or High School (Webster). This team makes me crazy but I will still love them and hope for better results next year. Go Broncos!!!! 09 is our year...
December 29, 2008
5:13 p.m.
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MrWright writes:
Our offense is going to be amazing over the next decade+!If we do not look for major changes on D we will be like so many teams before that have a choice offense and zero rings...i.e....San Diega, Fouts era.I think Shanny is a great coach, let him coach, get a new personel guy so he can focus on that offense. I am authentically nervous about the prospects of Slowick coming back. His schemes were flawed and as a team we did not grow...we need a defensive teacher, one with lots of emotion to get our players psyched, aggressive!! I like our young guys showed some real grit...let them play!!! Move DJ back to the middle, let Woodyard play weakside!!! Larsen also played very smart......Webster has to go alog with McCree and Manual...the worst safties in Bronco history!! GO BRONCOS!!! PLease be smart....make real changes on D!! Don't let this offense go fallow because of bad defense!!! Look at our options for a teacher!!!
December 29, 2008
5:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
baylinorcrush writes:
Uno Cinco, wishful thinking, as long as Bowlen owns the team, Shanahan is a shoe in, and Shany would not allow a general manager because he would loose his power. In case you didn't notice, he is a power freak!
I can't blame you for hoping so.
With Shany in place and no GM, I don't see how we can ever buid a worthy defense, considering Shanny has shown over and over he can't hire the right coaches nor players on that side of the ball.
December 29, 2008
5:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
44roger writes:
Not a fan but I think Cutler is a lot of the problem, they just don't like this kid. And that's how he acts. He's not a leader. when he compares himself to Elway he ticked off some people, and guys won't play for a guy who wants the spotlight-just my opinion.
December 29, 2008
5:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
freddyfender writes:
Hey, we won a super bowl or two with Robinson as our coordinator, you're seriously going to bad mouth that guy?!! Mrwright is right, we need a teacher, these guys are fundamentally flawed, watch the defense closely and see the poor gap responsibility, bad angles to the ball carrier and very poor tackling. A teacher is what we need.Great defense is in the details people, details.
December 29, 2008
5:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
BlueSky writes:
Andynonymous: I was thinking the same thing, about Shanny bringing Mangini to Denver and be the D boss. Or perhaps put his ego aside and rehire Greg Robinson who by far put together the best D in Shanny's era. I don't think the D line players are all that bad. What had been so bad is the Broncos D bosses have been a bunch of whimps that are so afraid of blitzing the QB's. I hope Mangini will come help Denver.
Last but not least, get rid of Webster and Bly. They don't worth the crap.
December 29, 2008
6:01 p.m.
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Dezmond22 writes:
Words of wisdom from one of the best players the Broncos have ever had at his position.
The only solution to getting the defense back to something respectable is to blow it all up and start over again. It can't get any worse. They have no skill and no heart. It will take more then just one year to fix that debacle.
They need a MLB with heart that can lead the team which has been missing since Al Wilson left.
Bye, bye Webster! Bye, bye worthless safeties! I wish I could say bye, bye Bly but we are stuck with his insane contract for playing 10 yards off the WR for another couple of years. Another dumb signing plaguing this team's future.
December 29, 2008
6:02 p.m.
cdmdenver writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
December 29, 2008
6:20 p.m.
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Mark13 writes:
The problem is the Broncos never are really terrible because Shanahan always tries to build a champion every year. They are just good enough to be middle of the pack in the draft. If they had a really horrible year and got the top pick like SD, the Giants, Tennessee, Arizona, have done in the past few years they could have built a defense by now.
Name a player who was still on the board that the Broncos should have drafted recently.
December 29, 2008
7:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
yme66rmn writes:
The fact of the situation is this; Bronco Country expectations for a youngster like Jay Cutler and the antics of Brandon "look at me" Marshall are beyond reality. The face of the Broncos needs to be, "come together as a team", stop dishing the ball to BM and let the tightend beat on the linebackers in the first half so that in the second half they are not cheating up on the line and the running backs will have a better lane open to do the Tatum Bell on step and gone, Great Job Tatum. Tatum, keep working hard in the off season and come back with the idea of owning the tailback position, Hillis will need you to assist his deception as a receiver. Young Mr. Bates needs to look at the Gary Kubiak film and become a better offensive co-ordinator and show his team side not his Mike Shanahan dependence. Half a good off season TEAM BRONCOS and come back for the title next year. S. Sharp is now a commentator and likes to do like all the rest of them, listen to himself talk. If he wants to help TEAM BRONCOS, come back and apply for the receivers coach job and help grow BM up into a man type receiver. He was a momma's boy at UCF and he needs to trade his knickers in for some pads and hit some defensive backs, stop throwing his ball tantrums and earn the A in TEAM, NOT BE THE "i" IN selfish. Come together men and play like, "CHAMPIONS". I have been a fan since 1961, my brother Pat was a Bronco for three years and WE KNOW YOU CAN WIN IT ALL AGAIN!
December 29, 2008
7:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
LooseCannon writes:
A class act, Shannon Sharpe. Hope he makes it on the first ballot. Regarding the Broncos, he is spot on. Also, as some posters have said, we HAVE to get a better special teams effort. What happened to Rick Dennison (I don't live in Denver anymore, so forgive me not knowing this). I recall he was a heckuva assistant coach...
December 29, 2008
7:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
ORBroncoFan53 writes:
Not to sound negitive but I goota say, I was a little shocked to find out Cutler had already made vacation plans and was flying out of town today at 3:00 pm. I mean I guess no need to dwell on the season just collect your paycheck and grab your flight out of town.I did however find it a little punkish that he said he wasn't going to prepare for the pro bowl, he was just going to show up and fling it around.Sure hope it all works out for you Jay.
December 29, 2008
8:11 p.m.
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jfkdem47 writes:
Time for the annual "make excuses for Shanahan" crew to dust off the same old excuses they've reused over and over for years.
December 29, 2008
8:13 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
LooseCannon, the team has Dennison listed as Offensive coordinator/ Offensive line coach, although I think he is strictly Offensive Line coach. Come to think of it the O'line looks great maybe they should try him at Offensive Line/ Defensive coordinator?
December 29, 2008
8:27 p.m.
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MrYeahBut writes:
I think that the only thing that would be more absurd than firing another defensive coordinator would be keeping this one.
December 29, 2008
8:35 p.m.
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topdog4350 writes:
I was sick to my stomach not to see Woodyard out there. What the heck???? Wasn't it obvious that this kid is a talent and is being wasted on the bench. About every big play yesterday had #58 in the scene blowing it. Answer me this one question...Why wasn't #59 out there? What happened to playing the best 11???
December 29, 2008
8:40 p.m.
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Ahab337 writes:
Look at it this way...at least we're not Detroit.
Go Avs!
December 29, 2008
8:45 p.m.
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ORBroncoFan53 writes:
topdog4350, I think you are being to hard on Webster he made a great play by grabbing DJ Williams' face mask and keeping him from making the tackle on the goal line.That was almost funny if it wasn't so sad. That said it all about our defense.
December 29, 2008
9:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Gonzopozo writes:
Come on, did anyone want to watch the Broncos lose to the Colts by 50 at home next weekend? It was wise to lose in SD and move up in the draft. Now trade Marshall ( he's just a TO wanna be ) for some high draft picks (maybe a 1 and a 2) and get ready for 2009 !!!
December 29, 2008
9:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrYeahBut writes:
Trade Marshall? Okay I've heard it all now.
That makes sense...let's trade our best WR.
Cutler too. He's just a Favre 'wanna be'.
Royal? I'm sick of his "I'm so humble" attitude.
Clady? Gone!
Harris? Gone!
Stokley? Just a Wes Welker 'wanna be'.
Let's fire Shanny, Slowik, Dennison, and Bates and force Bowlen to sell the team.
We'll get a college all-star team with the draft picks and might manage to win a game next year.
Good lord man...get a grip!
December 29, 2008
9:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jared0709 writes:
We gave up 448 points, 28 per game, this season and we were minus 17 on takeaways/giveaways. Thats 30 turnovers and only 13 takeaways. 14 teams had more interceptions than we had in total takeaways. I can't name 1 bronco player that could start for one of the better defenses this year. Champ, while injured, is coming off a 2007 year he only had 3 interceptions. Dummervil is situational for most teams. Maybe DJ Williams, but after those three, its not even close. Phylis only attempted 20 pass for 200 and some odd yards and still they scored 52 points. Our defense should be embarrassed. I'm still shocked everyone, coaches included, in the locker room are being so politically correct. Our defense just plain stinks, they were horrible and the healing can't start until they all admit it. Bly said they just weren't consistent. That reasoning might carry weight with the offense, but the d were extremely consistent, they gave up 28 points a game, were in the bottom 10% of every statistical catagory, but its not the type of consistency the d should be trying for. Wake up, I love the Bronc's, but I'd appreciate a little honesty coming from everyone about how bad the d was this year, and 2009 will be just as bad if there isn't a huge culture change. 4 of our last 5 years our last game ended in blowouts; Indy twice and SD twice. Different Def C's each time, but same poor defense!
December 29, 2008
9:59 p.m.
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bronco_fan_no_matter_how_painful writes:
Jared...perfectly stated, a culture change is needed. there is no leadership on the defense and it is desperately needed! However, you are wrong on Champ (he'd start for anyone) he only had 3 picks because no one throws at him...why would you when you can throw all day over toward Bly?!?
December 29, 2008
10:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
bronco_fan_no_matter_how_painful writes:
oh, as for Gonzo...dude you are totally clueless! Trade Marshall? yeah, that is a great idea...that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard (next to Dan Reeves wanting to trade Elway to Washington and drafting Tommy Maddox)
December 29, 2008
10:06 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
44roger, Cutler never said he was better then Elway. Ever. You need to go back and reread the article. He said he has a stronger arm, nothing more. They asked him if he could throw harder then John. He answered it. He never, ever, ever, EVER, said he was better. I don't know why people get selective hearing?
December 29, 2008
10:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
Gonzopozo, I agree with "bronco_fan_no_matter_how_painful". You need to get a clue. Trade Marshall? Yeah, trade a Pro Bowler. I don't think you really thought that one through.
December 29, 2008
10:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
jlstaud writes:
Here is a scary thought. Shannahan will be coaching in Denver for the next 15 to 20 years. Mike is going to coach another five or six and then we're gonna get stuck with his bouncing baby boy Kyle. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Bowlen has already promised it.
December 29, 2008
11:36 p.m.
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broncobuddha writes:
While the defense is bloody awful in terms of yardage and big plays, I think what exacerbates the problem is that we do not force turnovers. The defenses on the teams in the mid-80s that were coached by Joe Collier always gave up lots of yardage, but made up for it by forcing 2-3 turnovers every game (we were the original "bend but don't break" defense).
Why can't we strip the ball or punch it loose? Why aren't the safeties and linebackers tipping passes and creating picks? Granted, having no-talent guys like Nate Webster, Josh Barrett, et al. back there doesn't help, but it looks as if the players aren't even trying to create takeaways. The teams from 20 years ago looked like they practiced takeaway techniques. Say what you will about Reeves, but he had his defensive players practice running with the football and his offensive players practiced tackling. And his teams almost always had positive takeaway-giveaway numbers. By contrast, Shanahan's teams are usually negative (or around zero) even in years when we have a good record.
Turnovers become points, they take opportunities away from the other team, they take pressure off the offense because they know they don't have to be perfect and they build (or switch) momentum. The two most frustrating things about Shanny as coach are 1) his indifference about creating turnovers and 2) his desire (and consistent success) to field the worst special teams unit in the league.
December 30, 2008
12:41 a.m.
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Bluebeard writes:
In the year 2000. In the year 2000: Mike Shannahan will become the Al Davis of Denver.
December 30, 2008
12:49 a.m.
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vieng111 writes:
Here are the Super Bowl winners for the last 10 years, for those that expect Shanahan to win it every 3-4 years. It's extremely difficult.
New England was good, but they made it to less playoffs then Shanahan during the span with the Broncos. I will always stick with Shanahan.
Sharpe forgot one thing, yes Shanahan makes the final decision on players, but he must believe/listen in his scouts. Scouts are essentially one of the biggest part of personnel decisions.
2008 - New York Giants
2007 - Indianapolis Colts
2006 - Pittsburgh Steelers
2005 - New England Patriots
2004 - New England Patriots
2003 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2002 - New England Patriots
2001 - Baltimore Ravens
2000 - St. Louis Rams
1999 - Denver Broncos
1998 - Denver Broncos
December 30, 2008
6:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Hillis22 writes:
Vieng.... I doubt any of us expect Mike to win it every 3 or 4 years... I can settle for once every 8 or so.. but we do expect to make the playoffs 3 or 4 of every 5 years.. and win more than 1 playoff game in that span.
December 30, 2008
7:10 a.m.
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breckrider writes:
and bronco fans laugh at the raiders.
December 30, 2008
8:09 a.m.
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Jared0709 writes:
bronco_fan_no_matter_how_painful, while I mostly agree with your statements on Champ, I'm not sure his great years aren't behind him. I hope not, but it seems for what ever the reason at certain positions, when it goes, it goes quickly.
December 30, 2008
8:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
SamH3 writes:
Jared0709--
Chump lost his skills before he arrived in Denver...THE most overrated player in the NFL....
December 30, 2008
9:01 a.m.
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JINX writes:
The offense is a great core and they should not trade anyone, least of all Cutler, Marshall, Royal or Clady. They do need to bring in a back that can take the punishment. What does it say about a team thal loses 7 backs. How does that happen, is it like throwing high over the middle to a receiver. Some how, the broncos are puttin their backs in a postition to get hurt. As for Bailey, no one throws his way because he is never in the game. How do you miss 7 games and still get voted to the Pro Bowl, blows my mind. Bly, I can't figure it, is he another Deltha or is he taking the punishment for Bailey. Is there anyone better that we can get because Paymah is not the answer. Scrap the whole D Line and find a better more inspiring D Coach. This season was not Cutler's fault, you can't carry a team on your own and not make mistakes. Every time he scored the D gave it right back.
December 30, 2008
9:21 a.m.
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SamH3 writes:
JINX said:
How do you miss 7 games and still get voted to the Pro Bowl, blows my mind.
Answer: The same way Atwater did, HYPE. The same hype that has nearly every fan believing Chump has any skills.
December 30, 2008
9:21 a.m.
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Blind_Pete writes:
Yes, we do laugh at the Raiders. They are an annual joke. I hope Al Davis lives forever! Come to think of it, maybe he did die and this is the hell that God sent him to!
As for ChargerskillBroncos, it is nice of you to call Bronco fans classy. But, how can we cheer for the Bolts when they have Rivers, who has absolutely no class whatsoever? If it were not for that jerk, I actually would root for the Chargers to represent the West. But I'd cheer for anyone to beat that chump Rivers.
If it had not been for the most amazing run of injuries that I've ever seen, we'd be a playoff team to be reckoned with, and Shanahan would be getting compliments for picking all this young talent that we have. But, if that had happened, we would remain a flawed team without the draft picks to fix our holes. So, I think that things worked out for the best. Let's draft defense, and get a special teams coach who will scheme better and teach these kids how to do what other teams seem to know.
Finally, just to remind everyone, that in the mid 1990's, Oakland was killing us with Tim Brown. First round of playoffs, and he'd light up the scoreboard against us. It looked so hopeless. Yet, it turned out that we were just a couple of pieces away from putting together one of the best teams in NFL history. I truly believe that we are at a similar juncture right now. I think we're a lot closer than it looks to having a championship team.
December 30, 2008
9:28 a.m.
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Rutabaga writes:
Before I watched the game Sunday I had these rocket ballons that you shoot up in the air and they go way up, making a real funny noise. The last one I shot was my best. I colored it orange and blue after my favorite team. I pumped the pumper and up it went. But then something went wrong. It kind of went sideways for a while and wizzed around my deck like it was lost or something. Then it ran out of air and fell right into an ash bucket that was full from the fireplace. There were still some burning things in there and the ballon melted into a burt rubber blob. After the game, I thought about my Bronco ballon. It kind of reminded me of the whole Bronco season... Oh well, maybe next year it will be better. It's almost next year already. Yikes...
Happy New Year Everyone
December 30, 2008
10:41 a.m.
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LooseCannon writes:
ORBroncoFan53--thanks for Dennison update. That he is the OLine coach/OCoordinator underscores what lots of posters are saying: we need a more inspirational (among other qualities) coach for the Defense. Dennison obviously gets the best out of his players--the Broncos seem always undersized in the OLine but always have a ground-game machine regardless of who is hauling the football. Dennison is a passionate enthusiast who instills pride in his guys. I'd like to see what he could do with the D.
December 30, 2008
10:55 a.m.
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SirRealist writes:
Who is the Ravens D-Co? I think I seriously consider bringing him in here as Asst Head Coach/D-Co and start rebuilding even before starting to prepare for the draft. I'd look at the likely free agents, the real defensive college play makers, and then assemble the best D I could for next year. You can win championships with "good" defense and a very good offense, but not with the porous, putrid, pathetic assemblage we currently have.
December 30, 2008
11:13 a.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
The comment about special teams is a good point. When the L A Rams under George Allen had problems in this area Allen appointed himself Special Teams Coach and let the coordinators handle the defense and offense. Made a huge difference.
December 30, 2008
11:54 a.m.
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Dusty_Piniella writes:
shannon said this may be the worst Bronco defense in a long time? He is wrong.........
This is the worst Bronco defense in the history of the Broncos..period!
December 30, 2008
4:44 p.m.
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tibercio writes:
Kubiac was king.
I always liked Shanahan but, proof is in the pudding. Next!
December 30, 2008
7:12 p.m.
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DeadMeat writes:
Shannon Sharpe hit the nail on the head, while dancing around some direct questions of accountability. In any case, Coach Mike is gone. Regardless of the cover story about the Bowlen & Shanahan split centering on Bob Slowik, I think its pretty obvious it was really about Coach Mike surrendering the Personnel decisions. Good, bad, at least Broncos fans can look forward to something different. We gave Coach Mike a decade after the Super-Bowls and went nowhere but down. As long as the next guy focuses on winning our Home game, I'll be happy. Denver used to be a place other teams didn't want to visit. We used to have a "Not In OUR House!" attitude, but this police-blotter line-up Coach Mike has left us takes pride in nothing...except maybe spending their signing bonuses?
December 30, 2008
9:28 p.m.
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rockydude writes:
The majority of the problem is lack of pass rush. Any team in the NFL, looking to move beyond the first couple of rounds will need one (look at Denver... lack of, and Dallas... victims of). We need a big man in the middle, the last push we had was with Keith Traylor.
The next major glaring problem is the linebacking core. I don't know if DJ Williams just doesn't know where to be, or, is he the result of a bad defensive coordinator. In the few times I've seen Woodyard this year, he's always around the ball. Where's DJ? Maybe he just needs a red and white polo shirt.