Broncos' bye week just what the doctor ordered
Dove Valley looks like hospital ward with many injuries
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published October 22, 2008 at 7:36 p.m.
Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.
Please download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player, or enable JavaScript for your browser to view the video player.
Photo by Ken Papaleo © The Rocky
Roderick Rogers, left, and Marguand Manual jump for a batted ball during training camp in August. Rogers will now be catching balls on the other side of the line because of the Broncos' injury woes.
Which Broncos injury will hurt the team most this season?
Drew on the NFL
Scores and statistics
- Broncos statistics
- Broncos schedule
- Broncos roster
- Broncos depth chart
- NFL scoreboard
- AFC standings
- NFC standings
Broncos inbox
One by one, Broncos receivers caught their warm-up passes: Eddie Royal. Darrell Jackson. Glenn Martinez.
Roderick Rogers . . .
Wait a minute. Roderick Rogers, the safety?
Yes, the safety. It's symbolic of what it's come to as Denver completed its lone workout this week and headed into the bye weekend.
There were three true receivers practicing, pressing Rogers into a switch to offense to get through the hour on the field.
"I don't know anything about pro and college route running," Rogers said. "I know what's on scout team and how to read a card - that's all I know."
Only two listed tailbacks, Ryan Torain and Andre Hall, were taking handoffs, along with practice-squad player P.J. Pope.
But they weren't the only positions short-handed Wednesday.
The team uniform might as well have been a gray sweat-shirt ensemble because that was the outfit of the day.
Cornerback Champ Bailey, tailbacks Michael Pittman and Selvin Young, tight end Tony Scheffler, linebacker Boss Bailey, receivers Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley - nearly all chose that gear on a chilly afternoon that illustrated the three-losses-in-four-games cold spell preceding the off week.
It's apparent that much is ailing the Broncos (4-3).
So the question is: Is there a doctor in the house?
"Fortunately," coach Mike Shanahan said, "we have some time to work out some kinks."
"That's what the NFL's about, up and down years," added Stokley, whose concussion symptoms have improved to the point where he might be available for the next game, Nov. 2 against the Miami Dolphins. "Nothing's ever going to be easy sailing."
This is just short of tsunami choppiness in the water right now.
A 3-0 start has been transformed into a deep morass, lowlighted by a 41-7 loss at New England on Monday night.
Champ Bailey, the team's best defensive player, is out a minimum of a month with a torn groin. His brother, Boss, the team's highest-profile free-agent signee last offseason, is done for the year and needs major surgery on his left knee.
Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey played his first five snaps of the season and ended up with a right elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve and might require surgery but initially will be treated with rehabilitation.
Pittman was headed to see a neurologist because of a bad stinger against the Patriots but insisted it's a precaution.
"It's tough, frustrating, all of the above," Boss Bailey said of his situation - but perhaps summing up recent events as well.
"In order for us to be able to relate and deal with it, we have to go through things like this, where it gets tough on us," Jackson said. "We still have a winning record. We're still leading the division. We're still in control of our own destiny. And over the next nine games, we'll be able to refer to this and be able to push through it and know how to handle it."
For now, the Broncos will gladly take just one simple positive to build upon. That positive might be the bye itself.
The timing couldn't be better from a health standpoint and in assessing what kind of schematic and personnel changes are needed to forge a potential turnaround.
"You get a chance to look back on things and try to come back and fix things that you weren't so good on in the past," defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson said. "We need to rest up, heal up and try to get back to playing football the way we know and do the things we do best and just do them."
On offense, that means getting Stokley, Scheffler and others to full strength and going back to the wide-open passing game that marked the team's early success.
The team also is exploring adding former Patriots second-round pick Chad Jackson to bolster the depleted receiving corps and allowing Rogers to go back to the defensive side of the ball.
Bringing rookie Torain back into the mix - he's the opposite of many Broncos players, fully healed after rehabilitation instead of vice versa - also might provide a boost.
Quarterback Jay Cutler had the swelling subside in his injured index finger on his throwing hand and was able to practice.
"He'll be OK," Shanahan said.
Denver will activate Darrell Hackney off the practice squad to back up Cutler but also will explore signing a veteran quarterback to sub for Ramsey. The team also lost backup offensive tackle Erik Pears (appendectomy, placed on reserve/nonfootball injury list), but he already had been surpassed as the top backup by rookie Tyler Polumbus.
It's trickier on defense, where losing the Bailey brothers from an already struggling group figures to hurt. Denver is ranked 29th in the league against the rush and 28th against the pass, where Champ Bailey largely was avoided.
"Whenever you lose a shutdown corner, it's huge," defensive end Elvis Dumervil said. "As far as the run game, he's a good tackler. Taking a guy like Champ out of the game, the ball can come out much quicker now. Everybody has to try and . . . compensate. And for Boss as well."
Jamie Winborn will replace Boss Bailey, with Wesley Woodyard potentially getting a look, should Denver continue using its 3-4 look.
Karl Paymah, because of his experience over rookie Jack Williams, figures to get the first shot to replace Champ Bailey at left corner.
"I've been here four years, and I'm looked to as one of the best on the team," Paymah said of the challenge ahead. "I've been in that position. I've started before for Champ. I just have to go in there and not worry about anything but X's and O's and have fun."
Fun is the prescription for all the Broncos for the next several days.
"I'm going back home and waking up to the ocean," said Dumervil, a native of Miami.
"We still have a long season ahead, and we can't be too down about it," Boss Bailey said. "You can't overreact about it. Everybody's got to pick it up and keep going . . . and keep this thing moving because we are still in first place in the division."
Featured
-
DNC in Denver
Complete coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
-
The Crevasse
A five-part series that examines one tragic day on Mount Rainier.
-
Deadly denial
Sick nuclear workers applied for government compensation but most haven't seen a dime.
-
Final Salute
The Rocky followed Maj. Steve Beck as he took on the most difficult duty of his career.
-
'Colorado's burning'
Coverage of the state's worst wildfires.
-
Columbine shootings
Coverage of the April 20, 1999, shootings at Littleton's Columbine High School.
-
The Crossing
Colorado's deadliest traffic accident killed 20 children on Dec. 14, 1961.
-
Osveli's journey
Osveli Sales left Guatemala for a better life. Two months later, he came home in a box.
-
Wake for an Indian warrior
Oglala Sioux bestow a tribute to the first tribal fatality in Iraq.
Broncos cheerleaders
October 22, 2008
8:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
“I’ve been here four years, and I’m looked to as one of the best on the team,” Paymah said of the challenge ahead. “I’ve been in that position.".... Not from what I've seen. I would prefer Jack Williams.
October 22, 2008
8:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
"Denver will activate Darrell Hackney off the practice squad to back up Cutler but will also explore signing a veteran QB to sub for Ramsey."
like.....? vinny testaverde, or what? HA!
we should snatch andre woodson off the giants' PS, didn't he play pretty well in the AFL? or bring back parsons who is unemployed right now.
here's a thought: jared lorenzen. bring him in as a TE, he's a big boy. keep him as an emergency QB. so he's incredibly inaccurate....i said emergency, didn't i?
there's just not very many to choose from. anybody?
did we actually sign chad jackson? darrel on the way out?
October 22, 2008
9:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
incognitoboy, I looked up Chad Jackson on Wikipedia and it had him listed as a Bronco now? Must have signed him. I don't know who is available at QB. Vinnie isn't the answer. I would rather trust Darrell Hackney. He can scramble. I think Scheffler will be back for Miami. Stokley, also. We will be healthy on O. Defense, well, I guess this is where they start to earn their big bucks.
October 22, 2008
9:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
6_is_the_new_7 writes:
If Cutler gets hurt the season is done. I say go with just Hackney as the backup and if Jay goes down then pick up Quinn Grey or someone. With Champ out for a month maybe Bly won't look so horrible. The backups can't do worse on defense than the starters did Monday. For me personally, that was the most pathetic showing on defense ever. That includes the Superbowls against Wash. and S.F., Manning making them look like idiots, and Dillon rushing for a new record.
October 22, 2008
11:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
broncos4724 writes:
you "fans" make me sick Shanahan is a great coach....theres a reason why we have only 2 losing seasons under him because he knows how to win.....yeah maybe he's only won one playoff game since elway but he gives us a chance to win every year...how many other nfl teams can say that...look they werent even supposed to be that good of a team this year there still young and still rebuilding....but yet we still have 4 wins and in first place and yet everyone's crying like were 0-7 this town is spoiled with this team they expect a championship every year and come on lets be real...its not gonna happen every year i mean for god sakes we were in the afc championship game just 3 years ago and now everyones calling for shannys head.... mike holgrem as been in seattle for 10 years and has never won a super bowl, jeff fisher has been with the titans for 15 years and has never won a super bowl, bill cowher won one super bowl in his 15 years with pittsburg, tony dungy has won 1 super bowl with the colts...these are all great coaches cause they gave there team a chance to win every year even though some of them have only won 1 super bowl in there time....if Shanahan is ever fired i guarantee each and everyone of you will be wanting him back 2 3 years after it happens
October 23, 2008
1:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
ColoradoSportsFaninTexas writes:
This team is still going to win the West, and reach the playoffs....There, I said it.....its out there now....But I really think they can still have a good season.....
Yes, this team has a lot of problems right now....But they are all obstacles that can be overcome....they will get some players back who were recovering from injury....they lost some athletes on the defensive side of the ball, but they will find a way to overcome that.... The Broncs have problems on defense, but what else is new?? They havent had a strong defense since the Orange Crush days, but yet they still found a way to win...Thanks to guys named Elway, Davis and Co.....
The offense will be fine once they learn to not worry so much about big plays, and just focus on holding onto the ball, and move the chains.....and keep the defense off the field.....
The defense now has 2 weeks to figure some things out...chiefly what scheme will they run....3-4 or 4-3....Losing the Bailey brothers really hurts....no pun intended....but Paymah and Winborn have awfully big shoes to fill...But you know that Shanny and Slowik are gonna come up with something to help the defense....
Besides, would you rather be in San Diego, where the Dolts are really a mess....take a look at THEIR upcoming schedule, and things in Broncoland dont appear so grim....And of course you wouldnt want to be a Raiduhs or Chiefs fan right now....Unless you are looking forward to the Number 1 pick in next years draft....with regards to the Lions and Bengals.....
So, the Broncos have a huge mountain to climb in order to reach the playoffs....and how do you scale such a mountain?? Just take it one step at a time....the first step starts with the dolphins...They are proving to be a competitive bunch this year, but the Broncs could have a tougher opponent to come out of the bye week....I am sure that the Broncos offense knows that the 'fins are gonna be lookin to strip the ball or punch the ball out of their hands....so they need to prepare for that....As for the defense, the Broncs just need to focus on the basics, and cut down on missed tackles and blown assignments....they had what...6 sacks against the motionless Cassel, but it might be something to build on....
Cheer up Bronco fans....there is a LOT of football left....the bandwagon jumpers should have bailed out by now, so the true Bronco believers can rest assured that Shanny will find a way for this team to win....
October 23, 2008
9:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
milomonkey writes:
What? Shanahan hasn't been fired yet?
My fondest wish would be to work for a boss like Bowlen who rewards mediocrity.
October 23, 2008
10:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
Paymah over Williams will be a mistake Paymah has had many opportunities and he has yet to improve in any way. I would also like to see the Rookie Williams thrown into the fire and see what he can do maybe he will be a replacement for Bly.
Can anyone fill me in on why they are playing Josh Barrett at the safety position? What we have going on back cant be that special that he should get a shot, hell he might actually be able to tackle.
October 23, 2008
10:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
kidbronc11 writes:
"I looked up Chad Jackson on Wikipedia and it had him listed as a Bronco now? Must have signed him."
I too heard the other day on Sirius NFL Radio that Chad Jackson had signed with Denver, but never officially heard it anywhere else. Get some rest guys, time to turn over a new leaf. (Just please...not Ryan Leaf)
October 23, 2008
1:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
broncos4724, Where did your rant come from? Nobody on this blog screamed for Shanahans head except for Milo the "monkeyman" and that was AFTER your rant. Chill out. Rant on the an article where someone writes in and says get rid of, not to people who are supportive. Sheesh.
As for injuries, KC is without both QB's. San Diego is out of sinc and they have it tougher then us with their schedule and the Raiders, well, they'll always be the Raiders. So, cheer up, broncos4724. Direct your rants where the are deserved, not at those who support the Broncos and Shanahan.
October 23, 2008
2:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Deadwingsuck writes:
DOCTOR PLEASE order no more fumbles, interceptions and ingrown hairs from Cutler, PLEASE!??? LOL
October 23, 2008
2:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
broncos4724 writes:
yeah i know dynamic dave i put it on the wrong one i meant for it to be on the one before this lol
October 23, 2008
2:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
broncos4724, it's all good.
October 23, 2008
3:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrWright writes:
Shanny is an amazing coach....we have a growing number of young future pro bowl players..........our defense needs new blood period, both players and coaches that can "teach" a solid defensive scheme and players that can accomodate the scheme. A 3-4 D would be an epic jump for us, I love the idea, we just seem to get quality LB's more so than D-linemen, plus it gives us more options on D. We will heal, get young players valuable experience, and in time (Meaning in the next few yeas) we will begin a steady rise to the top and be a contender for a good 7-8 year stretch............It will be fun to watch, though now is a little painful.............I will watch every minute of each game and when we win the Bowl again I will fully appreciate how sweet it is to be part ofa championship team!!!...............Go Broncos!!!
October 23, 2008
3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
can_am_broncofan writes:
does everyone remember how creative the play calling was for the offence in week 1 vs the raiders? i do. everyone seemed to be involved, we weren't just throwing to marshall,telegraphing what we were doing. i'd like to see that again with a few more wrinkles thrown in namely: how about some halfback passes ,flea flickers, fake field goal kicks(at the right time & field position)play action & more bootlegs. laugh if you will but if atleast 1 of those were to work,they could be game changers. we all know the d needs help so lets help them out! outscore the other team to win & who cares how we win.also some observations: we never seem to go for the jugular when we're winning,always leaving the door open for the opposition to comeback.play the same way that got the lead.also, teams now think passing on us will be a cakewalk- lets jump more passes what do we have to lose? tell me what you think?
October 23, 2008
4:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrWright writes:
Can_am.....I agree agression wins in this league, maybe we should take Marshall out sometimes so Cutler has to trust other players....we have so much talent right now on offense, it is awesome....our WR's and TE's as as good as we have ever had...they are only going to get better......a w is a w!!!!
October 23, 2008
4:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
topdog4350 writes:
I'd like to see the Broncos cover the basic fundamentals of football. On offense you catch, hang on to the football, and execute. Defense, wrap up!! Make a tackle.
It was nice to finally see some sacks, but letting 3rd and 4th string running backs walk all over us is embarrassing. Cover the gaps and wrap up! Lately the offense has left the D in some binds and on the field a very long time. I think it is great that the D toughens up in the red zone and luckily only allowed field goals.
We need a good bye week to heal up, then protect the football and wrap up and we'll see much more success!
October 23, 2008
6:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrWright writes:
Hillbilly, that you are! Who would replace him? Name 5 coaches that are better than him. The reason the NFL is so sweet is because it is the most competitive league in pro sports! Cower would have been fired with your football say, a few years after miserable seasons and repeated home losses in the championship games he won it all, in his 15th year! I am glad we have to fight to win, it made the first superbowl victory that much sweeter....these times will make the next just as sweet!!!! Go Broncos!!!!
October 23, 2008
6:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
6_is_the_new_7 writes:
Thanks Dynamicdave. Bronco4724 you need to copy and paste it below hillbilygoth. I'm not a Shanny basher! I too think we still got a good shot at winning the West. If we don't win though we ain't making the playoffs. No wild card here. You know I was thinking. What if Paymah or Williams step in and the defense gets better because everything is more evened out as far as the other team always going away from Champ? Champ's the best. He absolutely shut down Moss. I'm just saying.
October 23, 2008
6:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
6_is_the_new_7 writes:
Are we sure we can't get Lynch back?
October 24, 2008
10:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
myerda00 writes:
Does anyone know anything about Charlton Powell? He was put on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before the season, so he should be eligiable to return after the seventh game, correct?
October 24, 2008
5:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
Dynamicdave writes:
myerda00, here is a breakdown of PUP rules. I don't know the extent of Carltons injury, so I don't know how he is rehabbing. The RMN hasn't spoken of him, recently. Pop a private question to Sam Adams. he's good at getting inside info.
1. A player on the PUP does not count against the active roster.
2. A player on the PUP can not practice with the team, but can rehab privately and attend team meetings.
3. A player on the PUP can be activated at any time during training camp.
4. A player on the PUP will be strictly reserve until Week 6 once the season starts.
5. There's a 3 week window (Weeks 7-9) in which a player on the PUP can practice with the team. At the end of this window, the player must be activated or place on the PUP or IR for the remainder of the season.
6. A player can only be placed on the PUP before the start of training camp in most situations. The real rule is that a player can not be placed on the PUP after being listed on the Active Roster at any time after the first day of training camp.