KRIEGER: Shanahan approach goes back to future
By Dave Krieger, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 9, 2008 at 9:51 p.m.
Photo by David Zalubowski © Associated Press
Receiver Keary Colbert was compared "to the Rod Smiths of the world" by Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
When Mike Shanahan took over as coach of the Broncos in 1995, he found a pair of high-maintenance thoroughbreds at wide receiver.
In theory, Anthony Miller and Mike Pritchard were perfectly suited to stretch the field and exploit the howitzer John Elway disguised as a right arm. In practice, not so much.
Two years later, both the former first-round draft choices were gone. In their places, Shanahan installed a pair of no-names.
Rod Smith was an undrafted free agent playing on the Broncos practice squad. Ed McCaffrey was on his third team in five years.
The no-name approach worked out pretty well, anchoring back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
So when you watch Shanahan jettison Javon Walker, a high-maintenance thoroughbred, and bring in an underwhelming cast of candidates to replace him, you're watching him try to repeat a maneuver that worked the first time around.
In fact, he acknowledged as much last week, calling it "a good comparison."
"You want guys that want to play football and are going to give you everything they got," he said. "There's guys out there like Champ Bailey, who's very talented and has great character, that works his rear end off on every play and is a great inspiration to a lot of players. John Lynch, the same way. I can name a number of other players as well.
"And then there are some guys that get a little security and they're not the guys you want on your football team."
Count that last remark as the closest Shanahan will come to publicly expressing disillusionment with some of the big names he has brought in lately.
The question remains whether Keary Colbert, he of the $2.5 million signing bonus, has what it takes to fill Smith's or McCaffrey's shoes. Shanahan also signed veterans Darrell Jackson and Samie Parker, but they are who they are. It is Colbert from whom Shanahan hopes to coax an upside Carolina failed to find in his first four seasons.
Colbert's numbers basically went in the wrong direction after his rookie year, going from 47 catches to 25 to five to 32 last season.
"He was in an offense that didn't have a lot of success throwing the ball, but we believe he's got the ability, much like Rod Smith, to do a number of things for our offense and do it well," Shanahan said. "He blocks well, he catches well, really an experienced guy that's exceptionally bright.
"Same thing with Darrell Jackson, a guy that has played in the National Football League, so we've got some experience there as well."
The knock on both is they don't catch the ball enough. I'm not a fantasy player, but I'm told they both rank near the bottom of something called "catch percentage," pulling in fewer than 50 percent of the balls thrown their way.
Shanahan points out the Panthers brought in Keyshawn Johnson to play opposite Steve Smith in 2006, the year Colbert started just three games and caught only five passes.
"He got a little hurt, got a little injury, caught a few passes that one year," Shanahan said by way of explanation. "He's a guy you want on your football team."
These would sound like excuses if it weren't for the transition a little more than a decade ago that worked out so well.
McCaffrey's numbers in his first four seasons were pretty close to Colbert's. He caught 16, 49 and 27 balls for the Giants, then 11 for San Francisco while Shanahan was offensive coordinator there.
The Niners had receivers named Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Brent Jones that year. Shanahan brought McCaffrey to Denver based on what he saw in practice.
The signing bonus suggests he is making a similar bet on Colbert. He cannot seem to resist comparing him to Smith.
"He's a guy that's very similar to the Rod Smiths of the world - a hard worker, works his rear end off on every play," Shanahan said after watching him in the team's quarterback camp.
"You take a look at somebody's offense, you take a look at their quarterback, their scheme. It doesn't always have to do with the individual."
As you know if you've followed the Broncos since Shanahan's arrival, he is prone to falling in love with new acquisitions. But this year's gambles are a little different.
Over the last couple of years, he has fallen in love with talent, believing a star or two could put the Broncos over the top. In the cases of Walker and Travis Henry in particular, this pursuit backfired, in much the way it backfired on him previously with Dale Carter, Daryl Gardener and Maurice Clarett.
So this year he has gone back to the future, mining for unpolished gems to fill important roles, just as Smith and McCaffrey did in the '90s.
Colbert is not the only one who falls into this category. So does Niko Koutouvides, the Seattle backup signed to play middle linebacker.
For Shanahan, the pendulum has swung from blue chip back to blue collar. He can only hope it works out as well as it did the first time.
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June 10, 2008
2:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Horvil_Tiki writes:
Shanhan Bronco wisdom run out free agent lately years. Sam Adam clog toilet not goal line. Travis Henries run to lawyer not glory. Simon Rice not excalibur moment, is watch excalibur on tv now. Daniels Grahm ok but can has need more effect soon. This year hope for Shanhan wisdom be like old wise gold carp. Megaton wise in the soup murky lands of free agentsy water. Makey right choice player, pick right good players. Shanhan just build great home. Great house on rock now guy, can't move it! Maybe overpay house but not player. Winds are change in Bronco lands. Selfin Young card skyrocket to glory on the ebay.
June 10, 2008
4:15 a.m.
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flybys writes:
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is at least bright enough to look in the mirror, examine himself and admit his old way of doing things was not working.
He was simply poor at rehabilitating and saving lost souls.
So what's his adjustment?
Avoid cancerous personalities like the plague and hire worker bees that warm his heart. Who knows if any of these guys can play but Shanahan believes a man with a dream and the will to work and sacrifice is more conducive to his personality than self-centered pigs with superior talent.
Of course, those are the opposite ends of the spectrum. In reality, Shanahan, like all coaches, desire world class talent who also happen to be quality people. Until the coach can get his hand on a few more of those players, he is choosing good attitude over those with a sense of entitlement.
June 10, 2008
7:39 a.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
3 cheers for Horvil_Tiki!
June 10, 2008
8:26 a.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
Don't worry. Shanahan has a plan.
Just like he did in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, etc.
I'm sure the plan will turn out just like all of the others.
June 10, 2008
8:53 a.m.
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CoLoradoCitizen writes:
Hey horvil tiki........ If I was three years old, i would write just the way you do too. Didn't get much schoolin' huh?
June 10, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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CoLoradoCitizen writes:
I HAD hope for Colbert before reading this article. Carolina went through 4? q.b.'s last season? But to read that he drops 50% of the passes thrown his way is simply no good. So I'll re-iterate the best point made so far:
Don't worry. Shanahan has a plan.
Just like he did in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, etc.
I'm sure the plan will turn out just like all of the others.
June 10, 2008
9:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
randygonz21 writes:
A 50% completion ratio doesn't mean he dropped 50% of the passes moron! It could be thrown his way out of bounds, defended by the D.B. A pass behind him, many different scenarios.
I'd like for all the Shanahan bashers to tell me who they'd rather have here in Denver? We've had a couple bad seasons, but look at some of the other teams around the league. With the exception of New England who else has been dominant this decade?
I remember the days of the DIE HARD, now all we have are a bunch of crybaby fairweather fans!
June 10, 2008
9:24 a.m.
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BigRedCelt writes:
The article does not say that they reciever drops 50% of the passes thrown his way. No reciever would even make the team dropping 50% of what is thrown his way. That particular statistic refers to the efficieny of a teams passing attack. It has as much to do with the QB as the reciever. Stat includes drops, off target passes and passes defended.
Amazing how you guys just dig to find the most negative aspect.
June 10, 2008
9:50 a.m.
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oofda writes:
CoLoradoCitizen you cracked me up!
June 10, 2008
10:09 a.m.
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myerda00 writes:
Coloradocitizen, please blog on Okeylan or Deigo because you are certainly not a Bronco fan. Maybe rickg.... also
To the rest of you FANS, I love the new direction. Shanahan and his coaches are letting the youth step up. The core of this team is great, now find three pieces in this training camp.
June 10, 2008
10:14 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
And it's the same plan he had in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.... right coloradocitizen? His plan is to win games and try to get the Broncos to the Super Bowl every year.
June 10, 2008
10:39 a.m.
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Broncos3233 writes:
Please stop with all the negative waves. So far we are undefeated in 2008! GO BRONCOS!
June 10, 2008
11:21 a.m.
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denfanincali writes:
I can't deal with the Shanahan haters. Hes still one of the best coaches in the league. He's hard working, tireless and driven to get back to the Promised Land. Plus, his record speaks for itself. Hes very talented.
Everyone keeps talking about how crappy we were last year. How quickly we forget all of the obstacles we had last year...injuries to Nalen, Hamilton, Henry, Walker, Moss, Ekuban, Scheffler for much of the beginning of the season, Lynch for the beginning of the season, and don't forget off field distractions due to the deaths of Williams and Nash etc etc etc. A horrible Defensive scheme, NO true middle linebacker, Gold was horrible last year etc. etc. etc. Why do you haters forget all of this? All of these problems would be enough to tank ANY team. Yet, we still managed to win 7 games.
Barring injuries, if we stay healthy, we have the makings of being a true threat, a true competitor this year and an AFC headache for everyone else. We can be THE sleeper of the year. With no significant injuries, 2nd and 3rd year players playing up to expectations, we can truly be special. Why not be a little more optimistic huh? If we win a lot of ball games this year it will be you haters who will chime in with the words "I knew it all along" or "I told you so."
June 10, 2008
11:32 a.m.
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HBBeough writes:
Horvil_Tiki my man, you crack me up. Reading your post was like cracking into a whole box of fortune cookies or sitting at the feet of Confucius himself. Keep up the good work!
June 10, 2008
11:33 a.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
"they both rank near the bottom of something called "catch percentage," pulling in fewer than 50 percent of the balls thrown their way."
That stat refers to how many balls were CAUGHT that were CATCHABLE you idiot. It is very specific and clear to state that he DROPS HALF THE BALLS THROWN HIS WAY.
"Stop with the negative"? Disregard the loud-mouths spewing stupidity. Many many Bronco fans are tired of this LONG STRETCH of either not making the play-offs at all, or getting embarassed in the play-offs. Shanahan continues to make the same mistakes over and over and appears un-able to learn anything.
I remained optimistic through out Shanahan's continued repeated mistakes until last years multiple, embarassing blow-out losses to the likes of the lowly Detroit Lions. Enough is enough. I've had enough.
Ted Sundquist said it best, "It's not that Mike was given BAD information, the information was good. It's what HE DID with that information that is the root cause of this string of failures year in and year out."
June 10, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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HBBeough writes:
My turn Horvil.
R8R H8R angry like Dragon with sharp rock in eye or baby in soiled Kimono.
June 10, 2008
11:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
CoLoradoCitizen writes:
"Not a Bronco fan"? You dont have to lap up the kooL-aid like an obedient dog to "be a fan". Only a FOOL continues too, in fact. The same FOOLS who continued to believe that Dubbya was telling the truth! about W.M.D.'s long after it had been proven other-wise.
June 10, 2008
11:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
R8R_H8R writes:
At half time of the last Chargers game, Phillipe' Rivers made me so mad, I created a web site about him!!
http://www.freewebs.com/riversisleaf/...
I really get sick of the idiotic idea that if you question ANYTHING! , then you're NOT A FAN! That couldn't be farther from the truth. An obedient dog does not equal a 'good fan'. I couldn't stand Jake Plummer..........BECAUSE I'M A FAN! and hated how embarrassing his play was. He was the laughing stock of the announcers every nationally broadcast game.
June 10, 2008
12:17 p.m.
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denfanincali writes:
"Ted Sundquist said it best, "It's not that Mike was given BAD information, the information was good. It's what HE DID with that information that is the root cause of this string of failures year in and year out."
Of COURSE Ted Sundquist is going to say this. He is upset. He was unceremoniously let go. You can't honestly believe he is a reliable source?
I'm not implying that Shanny hasn't made mistakes. What head coach hasn't? But last year was different. All of those injuries and deaths and that Defensive scheme...it was as if GOD himself wanted us to stink. I've seen teams with far fewer obstacles win only a couple games. Sometimes it takes years if not decades for all of the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. Do you think the Patriots would be where they are if not for the luck of having Tom Brady surprise the heck out of everybody by turning into a bonafide star?
Granted, last year was the absolute worst season I have ever seen. I have been watching them since I was a little kid in the 70's. I've seen some bad teams but this one was special in how bad. There was no passion. No sense of get-at-'em. And, the offensive play calling handcuffed Cutler in my opinion. But, I do not think its all about Shanahan's mistakes. He keeps Denver in the hunt in the AFC West year after year. Would you rather be like the Raiders? Or the Chiefs? Or up until 3 years ago the Chargers? Gimme a break. Denver is usually competitive because of him. He knows what hes doing. Sometimes the cookie doesn't always crumble the right way. Injuries are the biggest plague in the NFL. Without them, Denver will be COMPLETELY different this year. If we don't sustain major injuries, you will see a vastly different team on the field this year which could be the beginning of something special.
June 10, 2008
12:24 p.m.
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meatwad writes:
You guys have had enough? weren't we just in the AFC championship game in 05-06? How quickly the easily misled forget.
June 10, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
A few seasons ago the Broncos were playing in the AFC title game, after giving Tom Brady his first loss ever in the playoffs. R8R_H8R, what's your definition of "LONG STRETCH"? I wonder how many coaches can say they've made the playoffs as often as Shanahan, even if the Broncos aren't winning their playoff games. I look at teams like the Raiders, and I'm thankful the Broncos haven't been close to that sorry since Shanahan's been here. I remember Wade Phillips and the blowout losses to the Raiders, and Dan Reeves trying to replace Elway while Elway was still in his prime. KC last year was so awful, losing their last 9 games of the season. The Chargers without LT are maybe average at best. As it's been said, the injuries on offense and defense last year hurt the Broncos, and in my opinion, did more to contribute to the losing season than anything else.
Maybe H8R and his colorado buddy might be happy with Bill Parcells, but wait..... I don't think he's done anything for several years. Last time I saw any relevance in the playoffs from one of his teams was when the Broncos beat them on their way to a second Super Bowl win. A college coach? HA....... isn't Saban and Petrino prime examples of why a college coach is a bad idea? I'll stick behind Shanahan and be content knowing that going into EVERY season the Broncos have a chance, unlike most teams in the league.
June 10, 2008
12:28 p.m.
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HBBeough writes:
R8R LUVR,
Look at the history of the NFL. The system eventually catches up with great teams and after the Hall of famers retire the team needs to rebuild. Give me an example of a dynasty team that didn't emerge from losing seasons.
Shanny has kept this boat afloat for years refusing to even mention the R word and making the playoffs every other year. Last year they restock with a quarteback that has all of 5 games on his stat sheet and they win seven games. You may see that as a complete failure but if you step back and look at the other teams that string together several seasons with fewer wins to rebuild it isn't all that bad.
Last year they hit rock bottom but they are definately on the rise now. Ten win next year easy. Mark my word.
June 10, 2008
12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
TONE writes:
It is good that the Bronco realize that it is a building process. Culter is really has only 1 full season under his belt. So you can almost say that you have to rebuilt. Not like before, quick fix idea. What happen was we all were spoil by the glory back 2 back Superbowl and want something to replace it quick. Mike was in that mode also, a quick fix to get back to the glory day. We never really have a QB since then until now. People been complaining about Mike's coaching ability and I would rather have Mike with us then anyone out there. Really, who can you guys see out there that can do a better job.
Just a scenerio, Mike and Wade Philip.... Wade as denfensive Cord., That would be interesting combo. I like Wade's as defensive cord. He would defenitely put the Bronco D right up there. I think he has a great mind in as D cord. Can you guys just imagine that comdo... Mike as offensive cord/coach...Wade as D cord.... That would be really nice...
Go BRonco
June 10, 2008
12:37 p.m.
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MattR writes:
Hey R8R_H8R - Here is the definition of catch percentage from Football Outsiders.
"Catch % represents the percentage of passes to this receiver completed. This is a reference to incomplete passes, not dropped passes: dropped passes are not specified in publicly available play-by-play, and unfortunately we cannot yet correct for this."
June 10, 2008
12:49 p.m.
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HBBeough writes:
CoLoradoCitizen writes:
Don't worry. Shanahan has a plan.
Just like he did in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, etc.
Dude, over 9 1/2 wins a season through that stretch. After HOF QB John Elway retired! There's about 29 other teams in the league that will take that. Find the team you like better since 2000 and go become their fan. Then when time catches up to them you can come back to Broncoland and say you always knew they'd be great.
In much brigher news... CWilly, I agree with you 100% today. Thanks for stealing all my good points before I could type them.
June 10, 2008
3:31 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
HBB..... thanks. :)
Shanahan is an excellent coach, and he wants nothing more than to make Denver the best team possible, and he can do it. He did it when he first came to Denver in '95. We can't ask for more effort from him, and I feel the team is heading in the right direction under his supervision.
June 10, 2008
4:23 p.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
ColoradCitizen didn't write that, he re-iterated it as a good point that somebody else made.
June 10, 2008
4:27 p.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
If you only want to be an obedient Dog and do exactly as you're told. Please dont post here. A real fan is not a fan who behaves as the coaches obedient dog despite his numerous painfully obvious flaws. I'M tired of the whiney obedient dogs who get excited about too many seasons of one-and-done, or no play-offs at all. And were it not for the idiot plummer's four turn-overs, the team would've gone to the Superbowl, so it's ok to criticize idiot boy who never should've been brought in here. Shanahan has actually evolved into Plummer jr........ makes the same mistakes, over and over again. Great Coach, 100% Lousy G.M.
June 10, 2008
5:12 p.m.
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AKuser writes:
Damn, raider hater, step away from the tv and sports page. Watching sports and following a team is supposed to be an activity that increases your enjoyment of life and provides a diversion in your free time. Clearly this little hobby is not working out for you and you need to consider making a change before we find you on the side of the highway with a sniper rifle.
June 10, 2008
6:39 p.m.
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HBBeough writes:
R8R H8R stop whining. You make no valid points and just sound like a spoiled baby. Don't go around calling people obedient dogs because they don't constantly cry about nothing like you seem to do comment after comment. Find something else to fill your time boy because Mr. Shanahan isn't going anywhere and just because you are too stupid to realize how great he is doesn't mean others can't. He'll be in the hall of fame and you'll still be praying for Bill Parcells. Shut up and get yourself some anger management before you do something to further embarrass your parents.
June 10, 2008
7:50 p.m.
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johnb writes:
I like the way shanny is rebuilding the team. I'm going to have a great time cheering for the Broncos Just like I did in 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, etc.
June 10, 2008
9:01 p.m.
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CrazyNomad writes:
Keary Colbert is not the answer. If Colbert couldn't catch passes playing #2 to Smith, one of the the best WR in the league and double covered most of the time the last few years, then how is he going to get open and make catches playing #2 WR to a one armed Marshall? Shanahan jettison Javon Walker too soon and the Broncos will see Walker dominate them two games this season because of it. Walker was one of the best receivers in the league when Brett Farve was throwing the ball his way and came to Denver hurt. Maybe he is still hurt but maybe not. Either way, two WRs good-average-great will not make the Broncos a winning team that will fight for a ring this year. The play calling is predictable. The defense is in shambles, again and the competition is better coached.
June 10, 2008
9:58 p.m.
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atm726 writes:
I didn't realize Marshall was going to play with one arm this year... I mean I knew he had an injury but I thought it was going to be healed by Training Camp... oh wait, you were trying to exaggerate to make a point.... ha ha very amusing...
June 11, 2008
12:07 p.m.
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mrfxx writes:
CoLoradoCitizen seems to think that being a fan means giving up hope - which is the exact opposite of what it is. Prior to any season every true fan of any team in any town believes that team is going to win it all in the coming season.
That doesn't mean we don't have reservations about locker room impact when we hear about a player's off field problems despite touted on field abilities (I would have bet that any man who had 9 children by 9 mothers either suffered from major attention deficit disorder or was just plain too selfish to be involved in ANY team effort) - but just because most don't get their act together, doesn't mean that all don't get their act together. We wish and hope (and sometimes pray) that it all works out for the best - just as we wish and hope (and sometimes pray) an injury turns out to not be as serious as it looks. Of course, during the season, when things don't work out as the coaches planned we absolutely have the right to complain - but to complain before the actual preseason even starts is something only the bandwagon fans do.
As others pointed out, the "man-games" lost to injury last year were horrendous - worse than many years combined (there was an article last year pointing out that the Super Bowl years the Broncos had limited injury outages - the 2 years combined didn't have as many as last year which ran before the season was over). Add Cutler's undiagnosed diabetes which clearly impacted offense and Bates "my way or the highway" defensive system which amounted to putting square pegs in round holes and last year was a disaster. I'm over it (doesn't mean I didn't want Bates cut most of last season and didn't scream obscenities at the TV when players failed at their positions). I'm more than willing to wait to see what happens preseason and regular season before I start dumping worst case scenarios on the team.
June 11, 2008
1:20 p.m.
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smith49 writes:
i can respect any fans right to say what he wants. however when its factually incorrect then i get a little irritated. shanny has been nothing short of a spectacular coach throughout his time in denver. i think the only problems i have seen from him are limited to his personel descisions. even having said that i don't think he has made soooo many mistakes that we should want him run out of town. he has made some bad descisions, ones that i probly would have made myself so i can't be too critical even though he knows waaaaay more about that then i do. fact is that he has been a superior leader of the broncos organization. having been a fan of the broncos since '74 i have seen what it is like to be a good team, a bad team, and a team that has won it all. the only person that finally brought the "all" was shanny and that alone is enough for me to keep believing that he can bring it back again. so you haters keep on hatin' and you blind sheep keep on followin' because either way the broncos are my team and i am, and always will be a proud wearer of the orange and blue.
June 23, 2008
12:48 p.m.
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GJrodburner writes:
r8r h8r, please don't stop posting. You allow for the other side of the page to be read with your thoughts. Tough way to sled, with all of the true fans planking on you, but I know you are up to the test.
Until Mike "the Dope" Shanny can prove his ability as a G.M. he will never take this team any further than he did in '05. My only real vent on the team is the fact that they did not show up when the game got tough last year. Those two beatings by Sandi pretty much told me that. Granted, injuries to one's top horses leaves you punchless, but not even that should make you want to role over and play dead, and last year's team did that in Detroit, and at home to Diego and on the road in San Diego. The worst loss of last season was one I attended in Chicago. That debacle alone signified to me that Shanny really doesn't regard his acquisitions through f.a. or via the draft as important as his scheme for the overall running of the team. So, wear your thoughts out on this posting site r8r, and let the kool-aide drinkers have their say too. I realize now that my city will never be a full-throated, blind-in-love berg where the Broncos do no wrong...and that is a great leap forward for the Broncos Nation.
Pointing at the flaws does not mean you don't want to see the team win, it just means your tired of doing the same stupid things over and over to lose. Even the drinkers of Shanny's kool-aide, right on for you. It may be this blend of discontent with Shanny, the true-bluers that will live with the densness of Mike, and hopefully, just hopefully, some players that are willing to play every down at full-bore, this team can do better than 7-9, or one-and-done. It'll take that type of mixture to put this team over the top.