KRIEGER: Bizarre Broncos offseason keeps getting stranger
By Dave Krieger, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
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Near the end of last season, when the Broncos brought in both a punter and a kickoff specialist to replace Todd Sauerbrun, one of the wretches asked Mike Shanahan if he'd signed the kicker, Matt Prater, to replace free agent-to-be Jason Elam.
Shanahan bristled at the question, suggesting the wretch was a dunderhead and citing a testimonial to Elam's splendor he had only just delivered.
Three months later, Elam is gone and Prater is one of two candidates - along with veteran Olindo Mare - mentioned as a likely replacement.
This is just one oddball development in the oddest Broncos offseason in memory. Check me if I miss something:
* Shanahan dumps his defensive coordinator. Oops, Shanahan dumps his assistant head coach/defense. This was not so odd in itself. He's done it four times since 2000. But in this case, it came after Jim Bates had been on the job for just a year.
* Shanahan's offensive coordinator bolts for Tennessee. Oops, Shanahan's assistant head coach/offense bolts for Tennessee. It is explained that the opportunity to run an offense is a step up from pretending to run one. It is not explained that Tennessee is a playoff team and Denver is not.
* In the wake of Sauerbrun's rather sudden and embarrassing departure, owner Pat Bowlen suggests character will be a bigger factor going forward. The Broncos release former No. 1 receiver Javon Walker, taking a $7 million salary cap hit. They retain running back Travis Henry, the prodigal father. Henry agreed to renegotiate his contract; Walker didn't.
* Shanahan pink slips his general manager. Anybody else getting Bananas flashbacks about now? Shanahan has yet to offer a public explanation for dumping Ted Sundquist, but owner Pat Bowlen explains it this way: "I often in my business and football careers have had to get rid of people I couldn't get along with or communicate with and I think this was a classic case of that."
Sundquist's firing is the first acknowledgement by the organization that anything is wrong with the personnel operation. At the end of last season, Shanahan insisted the club's talent level was fine, even when it was pointed out that only two players remain from the 2001-04 drafts. The fault for the 7-9 record lay with him as a coach, he said.
* To replace Sundquist, the Broncos announce increased responsibilities for director of player personnel Jim Goodman and his son, Jeff, a rookie scout two years ago.
* Bowlen suggests the departure of Shanahan's top lieutenants is no reason to call him Fidel. "I am the check," the owner says. At least now we know.
The Broncos' organizational model calls for power over both football and personnel to be vested in one person, with the owner occasionally meddling to keep that one person in check.
* Bowlen says he's monitoring the Elam contract negotiations just as he monitored the John Lynch talks. Lynch took a pay cut and stayed. Elam, the Broncos' career scoring leader, walks. No word from Bowlen. Or anybody else at Dove Valley.
* The Broncos lay off eight employees from the business side of the organization. About the same time, my colleague Penny Parker reports that Shanahan has sold his 7,700-square foot Cherry Hills home for $16 million and bought land nearby for a mansion three or four times bigger.
Marie Antoinette, where are you when we need you?
Bowlen has been making the case that the current collective bargaining agreement, which guarantees players 60 percent of NFL revenues, is untenable for the owners, even though they agreed to it two years ago. Amid threats from the owners to opt out of the current agreement, a potential labor war looms.
Either Bowlen has bigger cash problems than he's letting on or the eight laid-off employees are pawns in this dispute, intended to provide evidence across a bargaining table some months hence that the clubs are in dire financial straits. The Broncos have also cut back their spending in free agency, signing only a modest cast of role players. Amid all these signs of financial hardship, Shanahan prepares to build the Taj Mahal.
* No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall cuts one artery, one vein, one nerve, two tendons and three muscles in his arm after slipping on a fast-food bag (first story) or roughhousing with a relative (second story). Recovery time: four months. Investigators are looking into the whereabouts of Brian Griese's dog.
* Champ Bailey wonders what the Broncos are doing. After playing the good soldier for most of his four years in Denver, Bailey says the loss of Elam is the "most significant" move of the Broncos' offseason. "I think what we've done is let some key guys go that really helped us out last year," he explains.
And they just signed the guy's brother, for crying out loud. Makes you wonder what'll happen next. We might need Woody Allen to do the video.
Comments
Posted by BroncoB on March 27, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It is not explained that Tennessee is a playoff team and Denver is not."
Maybe you don't remember, but we beat the snot out of Tennessee.
Posted by MrBigShout on March 27, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Broncos management is trying to play the "Emperor's new clothes" gambit with the fans and media. They really are hiding something in plain sight, incompetence. And "BroncoB", beating the "snot" out of Tennessee pales by comparison with being killed by San Diego twice.
Posted by Bronco6 on March 27, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on, Get real! Not really worth reading...
Posted by MiamiMike on March 27, 2008 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was born in Denver and bleed Orange & Blue but enough is enough. We need a general manager. Bottom line it is not working in Denver. I know some of you are upset with people in this blog that complain. You say we are not true fans. There has to be a point where if you see enough smoke there is fire. You can be a fan and not be blinded by your love for a team as you would do in a relationship. This team has issue's. Finally Bailey is starting to wonder OUT LOUD what is going on. This is a guy who just saw his brother signed. He should be happy. There is something missing here. Just to many things that do not add up to a positive environment. To many coaches have left or fired in the past few years. Poor free agency picks. Player we let go and replaced with who? We all agree for the most part we needed a tackle and still do. We have blown money every year and this year we did nothing to REALLY get one. I know in business when someone wants to sell their company they need to cut expenses. This allows you to show more profit on the books. I just wonder if Bowlen is trying to show that his team is worth more on paper. I would at least understand this. I do not understand where the business smarts is if this off season and the past 2 years are a sign of improving?
Posted by mpbarker on March 27, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a client and friend who's a big time Raider fan--and another who used to be their quarterback. I have given them endless grief over the past few years. This week I had two calls from them. One just said "Go Broncos!" and the other said "Welcome to my world!." I hope Pat Bowlen isn't starting down the Al Davis "I'm a caricature of my former self" path.
I'm witholding judgement, but it's starting to look like a long, unwatchable season again.
Posted by OpenYourEyes on March 27, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Clearly the Broncs are up to something. If it works, it will be the resurgence of the mastermind. When it (most likely) doesn't work, they are going to claim to have been working on the business side of the operation - the standard sports cliches: "we are rebuilding, getting younger, thinking about the future, evaluating and bringing along our young talent, giving the guys the time to play and mature, making a situation where our core of young players can gel, the list is endless. In reality, I think you're right Kreiger, they can only be seen to be cutting back on dollars put out, and hoping to have a season where the youth invigorates the veterans and shocks the league, a-la-rockies. The only problem, you still have a crappy red-zone play calling offensive mastermind and a lot of holes on both sides of the ball with no more creativity left. And the fact that the Broncs are looking incompetent next to the Rockies, like Mike is looking next to Clint, how times have changed...
Posted by Matadore on March 27, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Dave, why don't you and that Lickcomb guy go write for the KC newspapers? I heard they could use a couple of negative attitudes over there. Elam was great while he lasted, 15 yrs, not bad for a team that make bad personnel decisions day in and day out. Walker: Bad knee, bad attitude, good riddance. Henry: Whats your problem? We saved money on him, I think Shanny did good there. So Whats the deal here? Last year we were to aggressive in FA this year were not aggressive enough. Think positive, Shanny will shine again.
Posted by bighoss on March 27, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We need to get some new ideas and get rid of the dicatator Shanny aka the mastermind must go now until he is gone it will be the same as last year medicore play that wasn't fun to watch. barely competing in the division let alone in the conference. Shanny must go!
Posted by TruthHurts on March 27, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Somebody has to tell Shanahan that the Mastermind thing was just something said in the press a while back to make that particular story more interesting...No one ever expected or intended for him to really believe he is......
Posted by benh0017 on March 27, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Even true Bronco fans, such as the ones posted today, need to start wondering. You have to scratch your head, nothing is making any sense. Yep, I too am a life long bronco, but at some point you have say what the hell is going on.
Two years ago, Gary Kubiak leaves and since then, the Broncos are a 500 team (just barely)and only because of 4 field goals by the guy who just left for Atlanta. Oh, and by the way, Kubiaks Texans just happen to be one of the up and comers in the NFL.
Seems the real genius lives in Houston.
If you all are real fans of the Broncos, you take a step back and take a realistic look at this team. From the we'll take the entire Cleveland defense to the 3rd round pick for the idiot from Ohio State, most of Shanahan's moves are laughable at best, pathetic at worst.
Shanahan is on his own page and Bowlen just gives him more power and evidently, more money. How much is his new digs costing??? Ask the 7 poor working class guys who no longer have their jobs.
Think the Broncos aren't in trouble. Ask Champ Bailey what he thinks.
Posted by hoppman on March 27, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me know when the Texans have actually won anything, I am not convinced they are up and coming and I am not convinced that Kubiak is that great of a coach.
Posted by MarcoPolo on March 27, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Maybe you don't remember, but we beat the snot out of Tennessee."
Yeah! They should've let us go to the Superbowl JUST for that.
Posted by benh0017 on March 27, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hoppman:
When was the last time the Broncos won anything significant? You're right, Kubiak was still here.
Quit living in the past...and just get ready for a bleak future.
Posted by nutmg1 on March 27, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Bronco's didn't beat the snot out of anyone last year.
Posted by joeblow on March 27, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yo, Matador!
You forgot to blame Kreiger for the 7-9 season. Remember the field goals he missed? Remember the plays he called in the red zone that resulted in, uh, nothing? Remember...well, perhaps it's too much to have you remember anything since you clearly don't remember the Rozelle Trophy the Broncos won this past February. No, wait! That's because they were 7-9. That, Matador, is hard to forget!
Posted by paul_t on March 27, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wasn't aware that the Broncos and Pat Bowlen were paying for Mike Shanahan's "Taj Mahal". Because that's the only explanation I can come up with for Dave Krieger to even mention it in this article, let alone link the construction of the new mansion to the Bronco's personnel decisions. If in fact Mike is paying for it with his own money, what possible connection could it have with the Broncos off-season? Oh, never mind I figured it out. It adds sensationalism to a complete fluff piece. Way to go Dave Krieger, keep up the Pulitzer prize-winning journalism that would do any Britney Spears fan proud.
Posted by kmeissner on March 27, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Matadore. Dave NEVER has ANYTHING good to say about the Broncos. You are the most negative writer on the staff and we don't need you here.
Walker was a cry-baby... Henry was the leading rusher in the league until all those bogus weed charges.
All of you that cry about the Broncos every year aren't really fans and you might as well move to KC or Oakland.
Posted by rickg19611 on March 27, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"we beat the snot out of Tennessee." ROFLMAO... that's the lamest excuse for Denver's blunders during the offseason that I've heard yet.
Shanahan-Fans are running out of excuses for his repeated failures. Maybe they can all gather over at the Shanahan's new palace to polish his shoes.
Posted by r8rh8r on March 27, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
*YAWN*
Posted by jlcampbelldenver on March 27, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great article!! Once again you have hit the nail on the head! The Broncos are in disarray. Money is all they are concerned about. Champ is right. I previously stated I didnt see 5 wins.....I was wrong. I dont even see 4 wins.
Posted by StukNKansas on March 27, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, here is the deal. We all have to let go of the past and stop looking for the second coming of Johnny, or TD. The Broncos are in trouble, and last season proved it. The majority of them are overpaid babies who flat out are not playing to their potential. Who's fault is that, the Coach. Shanahan has been set in his ways for a long time, and a true Bronco fan knows why we won our Superbowls; his name was Terrell Davis. Shanahan is past his time, and he has become extremely predcitable in his play calling. Honestly since "Kub" left, it has been like watching a game of Madden Football when the Broncos are on offense. Run, Run, play action. With the occasional creative play every so often; if it isn't a stupid "fake" play that you would run in the backyard. Shanahan needs to realize that he is causing these problems, and he needs to put up or shut up. Bowlen needs to grow some juevos and take charge.
I am Denver -raised, and actually played HS ball at TJ with Daniel Graham (who could really make an impact if they would design some Shannon Sharpe like plays for him). I have lived in Kansas for the last 6 years and have grown a hatred for the Chiefs more than the Raiders now. The one year that I can walk with my head held high and say we swept the Chiefs, it had to take the Chiefs to be a 4-12 team, and had nothing to do with the Broncos talent. Before the season I said we were going to the SuperBowl with all the Free agents we signed; guess I didn't bet on stupidity and arrogance which has littered Shanahan's mind. Unless some drastic measures are taken, we are in for an even worse, and far more disappointing season than this past one. We may be the 4-12 team this year.
I
Posted by jlcampbelldenver on March 27, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whats this about Marshall slitting his wrist? Freak accidents happen alot seems like. Amazing!
Posted by Jon_Tollerud on March 27, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can sense some frustration with some fans here. If you would like to see some other fans opinions as well as some really good articles and information bits check out http://www.milehighreport.com sign up and add your comments to the world of blue and orange
Posted by myerda00 on March 27, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All except a couple of these posts are of the GHE fan. (Thats glass-half-empty). Lets look around the league so as to find a model; Cin, Atl, Oak, Det, Chi, SF, Dal, Jets, and Tenn, I do not thinks so because of player issues. How about Cle, Hou, Mia, KC, and Minn, I do not think so because of 'rebuilding'. Even look at NE, everything in FA. Humm we tried that.
So we let a fan favorite leave because of money, thats called free-agency. NFL owners can not pay for past work and expect to survive.
Broncos have added some 'hungry' players, not big money hopefulles.
The personel is now young with new excitement.
Remember you guys and gals THIS IS A GAME. Enjoy your team.
Posted by Quagmate on March 27, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thre is a living solution, all you have to do is look at the man coaching the Seahwaks. Holmgren went through the exact same malaise until he gave up his GM duties.
That should be the first step. If Bowlen hires a GM, I really don't think Shanahan will quit. He is a great coach, make no mistake, but the personnel decisions he make are average. Not bad, just average. Combined with a geat GM the team will improve.
I'm not sure there is another team out there that has one man responsible for so much; Personnel, game planning, play calling, coaching, etc.
Posted by UncleBuck on March 27, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What, did Bowlen give Shanahan the GM title also? I thought Sundquist the GM was replaced and Shanahan was still VP of Operations. Who offered Myers the 6th round tender instead of a 2nd round tender? Was it Shanahan or Sundquist? Is that why one of them is gone? Do any of us really know? Does the writer of this article not understand the jeopardy the league is in a couple of years from now and that the whole league is cutting back and letting people go. I have never seen so many uneducated people with so much to say.
Posted by CMoney on March 27, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As Bronco fans we have become accustomed to having a competitive franchise nearly every year of Shanny's tenure. We NEVER spent millions to make a Super Bowl run for one or two years and then have he classic SALARY CAP FIRESALE ala the Titans, Niners, Raiders, Ravens. Some of these "buy a Super Bowl" franchises have been "rebuilding" for over a decade. While it bothers me that Shanny always tiptoes the salary cap line we do manage the cap as well or better than 90% of the 32 franchises in the league (with exception to the Pats, Chargers, and Colts). That being said, we as Bronco fans are having a hard time facing the "rebuilding" era that seems to be imminent. Remember true fans are "thick and thin" and that criticism should be constructive not destructive. We are younger club than I can remember in the Shanny era with lots of upside. Many of our off season moves have brought in role players and saved us some space under the cap. Taking the hit on Javon (he's all yours Al) now we'll free up cap space during the next two years rather than the alternative of screwing up our cap for the next three. Henry saved us almost $6 million, the Wiegman/Myers swap saved us money, Elam walking will potentially save us about $1.5 million. Sundquist was a figure head not a REAL GM, and Shanny's new digs (aka "Taj Mahal")has nothing to do with team finances, player salaries, or the organizations layoffs. Ten years ago the fans of Denver would have built that house for Shanny. At any rate, lets look at some of the "silver linings". Cutler is the real deal, Marshall needs to screw his head on and realize he is a pro now but he his an animal at wideout, Scheffler will be 100% (knock on wood) to start this season and has the speed and hands at TE to be a top 5 TE in the entire league, Henry was leading the league in rushing until he was injured,, had a "false positive" THC test, and was publicly chastised for being a pimp that can't wrap his tool. The defense played the first half of the season under Bates' strange version of the 4-3 where Moss was standing up at DE and Bailey was our leading tackler in some of those games. We have a great mix at DE, we are still a player for D. Robertson a DT he spends time in the offensive backfield ala T. Pryce, the best corner tandem in the league, new depth at safety, a new MLB (untested but a special teams freak) that will put D.J. in his natural position to make tackles, and Boss who held Gonzales and Gates to only 2 receptions between the two of them last season. If we can get somebody who can get touchbacks on kickoffs instead of every team starting at the 35 yard line or better, and a YOUNG franchise left tackle (Clady or Williams) for Cutler and the boys to grow with, I believe the growing pains will continue for a couple of years but all in all the franchise is heading in the right direction.
Posted by TONE on March 27, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey I just want to see if anyone would help me get Brandon Marshall his nnickname.... Brandon "BIG MAC" Marshall. I like how it sounds and think it would be a great fit for Brandon.... Touch Down!!! BIG MAC has done it again!!!! TOUCH DOWN!!!!!! .... What do you guys think.... I hope you guys like how it would ring... We need something like when we have the "Mile High Salute" remember that... We haven't have anything for awhile.... DAVE, Help!!! You are the media...
Posted by cowboy21 on March 27, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm a little confused with this whole Brandon Marshall injury. First of all he said it was just a cut on his arm & he will be ready by training camp. Excuse me, but being out 3 to 4 months is not just a cut on your arm. Thats 3 to 4 months that you can't work out, i bet this will end up as an excuse later on during training camp as to why he can't catch the ball, or his timing is off with Jay Cutler, or his strength isn't there yet, or whatever other excuse is out there. I would think that it takes a lot of force to put half your arm through an entertainment system, so it really makes you wonder what the hell was he really doing.
Posted by rickg19611 on March 27, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shanahan has it under control. His fans (all 3 of them) know he has "a plan".
End result? A 4-12 season is on the way. And it would be even worse if they didn't have the luck to face some even worse teams during the season.
Posted by Cwillyrun1 on March 27, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!!! Sounds more like your personal rant than bringing up valid points. The d-coordinator blew chunks, so he's gone. The o-coordinator went back to Tennessee where he was the o-coordinator a year before. Elam was intent on going to Atlanta, to go back home. Not re-signing Walker with his bum knee and locker room head case isn't the same as keeping Henry. I'd say nice try Krieger, but it was so pathetic I can't even compliment you in any way!
Hey rick, go cheer on the Raiders and Greasy Al..... I'm sure you think he has a plan.
Posted by aragornzxl on March 27, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets look at the Broncos off season additions:
LB Bailey (wonders what his real reason for being here)
FS McCree (good addition, not impact player though)
SS Marquand (again, good insurance for Abdullah, if he screws up)
LB Niko Koutouvides (claims he didnt ahve a chance, well hes got chances here in Broncos. We just love to give people chances, dont we?)
WR Colbert (I have nothing to say about him. People will argue that past stats dont reflect his abilities, so ill reserve my judgement until he plays)
WR Taylor Jacobs (384 yards in 50 games, um.....why did we get him in the first place. Second chance?)
C Weigman: Probably the best acquisation in my mind. Good player, fits the scheme, gives a veteran presence.
Thats pretty much about it.....
now for losses:
WR Javon Walker: Cut him and got a 7 MIL CAP HIT??? WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING? you save money by cutting people, not lose 7 MILLION!!!
LB Ian Gold: (had almost tackles as Bailey and Niko whats his face combined)
K Jason Elam (this is the most serious blow. It reminded me of Al Wilson. And look where we ended up without him. When Champ Bailey speaks out, you listen)
Nick Fergueson (Underused in Denver, gets a chance in Houston)
Rod Smith : Retired. A Great player, nothing more to say.
Warrick Holdman : Didnt even give him a chance, what was i saying earlier about chances?
Matt Lepsis : Retired, a huge hit on the Oline
Chris Myers: Traded to the Texans for a 4th round pick. I dont know what the Broncos were thinking, we were already short on linemen.
As you can see, you can draw your own conclusions. You can either be optimistic or you can realize the Broncos got a problem. The thing with Marshall abosolutely intrigues me. Who the hell run their arm through a entertainement center, then blame a mcDonald's bag. His arm must be made of steel, to cut through the entertainement center like that. Then again, maybe not, since hes gonna be out of service for 4 months. You have to wonder what in the world is he thinking or doing? Is he really that confident in the Broncos ability or talents to afford losing a player like that for that long of a time. Seriously guys, grow up.
Posted by dirkle on March 27, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shanahan, though losing much of his '97 / '98 luster, still has not fatally failed yet (though he appears to be workin' on it).
Just my opinion, but I say he gets 3 years (tops) to right the ship and go deep into the playoffs.
If he fails, he's gone, and the Bowlen has to shell out for both a new coach and A PROVEN, EXPERIENCED, TALENTED GM.
Otherwise ... can you say "Sunday Blackouts?"
Posted by jcn7vc on March 27, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TONE: I think "Big Mac" would be a very appropriate nickname considering that it is why he will be out 4 months. Maybe whenever he hears it he will remember to not screw around and start focusing on what he is paid to do.
Nicknames are not something you try to get people to rally around to give someone. They come naturally. Also, "Big Mac" has been over-done ever since Marc McGwire was dubbed that back in the 90's. Dumb and unoriginal.
Posted by TroyJGrice on March 27, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Broncos today are really just a predominantly orange facade. They are overdue for a liquidation-phase. I think Bowlen is trying to bring them in for a soft landing.
The team-by-mercenary doctrine failed as mercenaries don't do the unseen little things that are necessary to win.
Most of the recent liquidation has been spot on:
Old kickers with 46 yard range who can't kickoff are a frivolous waste of cap room.
Last season's LBs were a complete travesty. Nate Webster (ostenibly a professional LB) could not fill and Ian Gold's persistent overpursuit would make a pop warner coach cringe.
Javon Walker = mercenary malcontent who should have been removed AT ANY COST, $20 million if necessary.
Jim Bates, right or wrong, lost the confidence of his players. He took himself out.
This team needs long term, team players. They need 2 LBs in this draft. They also need a strong safety from this draft. They need to sign 2, high caliber OLs when they come available on the market and the timing is right. RBS are a crap shoot so they shouldn't waste money on one yet.
Bronco fans need to keep their expectations realistic. If Shanahan's ego permits him to stay the course through 2 losing seasons, they will be right back where they were 10 years ago.
Sit tight.
Posted by Cwillyrun1 on March 27, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aragorn, some comments on the offseason losses you mentioned.
Ferguson wasn't underused. He was a starter. He's in his mid-30's and I thought he was more like a backup than a starter.
Myers was leaving since he was going to be signed to an offer sheet for more than the Broncos could pay him. He's not a starter here, and he's not going to get starters money in Denver. So the Broncos got something for him instead of nothing.
Warrick Holdman? Is that what you consider a loss? Alrighty then.
Oh, and Al Wilson was let go because of his neck injury. It wasn't much of a choice, and he didn't play for any team in the NFL last year so it wasn't due to anything but his injury.
Posted by SFBronco on March 28, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posters on this board crack me up. Tell us how bad everything is and then tell us you want to keep all the players from last year? Makes no sense.
aragorn's post cracked me up. You wanted to keep Javon Walker? the guy wanted OUT. You want to pay him what the Raiders did? GM is not in your future.
I love Elam, we all do. You think he deserves to be the 3rd highest paid kicker in the league? me either.
Myers? Gold? You REALLY wanted to keep those guys? When the rest of the AFC West found out the Broncos had cut Ian Gold, their response? "Ian Gold was on the Broncos last year?" Which new NFL team has he signed with again? Myers is young, but not good yet. Alex Gibbs can make him good I would imagine.
What do Elam, Myers and Walker all have in common? All went to losing franchises that need to pay a premium to attract mediocre free agents. They are not good.
You forgot a couple of key offseason additions: Hamilton and Nalen back healthy. You don't think a pro bowl center and close to pro bowl interior OL would help a healthy Henry do you? Nah, didn't think so. Key to '08 is staying healthy and continued development of the DL. Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted by Elway on March 28, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am ashamed to have played for Denver. They sucked before me and are now pathetic. I think Pat should sell some fur and buy a clue. Napolean has to go. I was the sole reason for the only success he ever had. Oh well, time to go polish my teeth.
Posted by ham on March 28, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe in Mike Shanahan, but this is DEFINITELY a weird, weird off-season. Things are not well in Dove Valley. The Broncos are going backwards.
Posted by aragornzxl on March 28, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ferguson: I didnt say his losss was impact, I didnt even infer that he would help much in Denver. I said that in my mind, he was underused, and he gets a new chance in Houston, which is true.
Javon Walker: 7 million cap hit, you guys call that a good move? Me neither. I still say we should have traded him to some team and at least get a draft pick in return. I agree that he was cancer, but think about it, 7 million wasted just to cut a guy.....imagine what we could do with 7 million..
Ian Gold: Ian Gold, I believe, is a much better player than Boss Bailey or Jaime Winborn, who was really a back-up most of his career. Please dont try to convince me that Boss is better tahn Gold, even if he is, losing Gold is still losing Gold....you never know what he might do next year.
Myers: Now guys imagine...if the Broncos got an eriee repeat of last season when one of the aging Oline gets hurt, whos going to take their place? On their depth chart, I see Issac Snell and Montraed Holland. WHO? Exactly. They need all the help they can get on Oline, whether he is a starter or not, if they let Myers sign with Houston, fine, get someone to replace him.
Warrick Holdman: That guy had 69 tackles before his IR season last year, and he had 109 with the chicago in 2001. No LB has that much on the BRONCOS DC, except for DJ. So yeah, we shoulda kept him, at least give him a chance.
Posted by Jaeks75 on March 31, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When he takes Williams next month with the 12th pick, it will solidify that Mike just doesn't have the magic anymore. We need talent not a person to fill a hole
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