Broncos' Winborn ready to bury what ifs

Many obstacles to starting role in rearview mirror

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 25, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

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Photo by Joe Mahoney © The Rocky

Denver Broncos linebacker Jamie Winborn celebates a tackle against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

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It's all about if.

If Jamie Winborn was healthy. If Winborn had arrived sooner instead of later. If things had just gone differently at some point somewhere.

"I don't know, I think about that sometimes," Winborn said. "But really, I try not to spend too much on what's already happened. I do know I'm just now getting back to where I can show what I can do."

In the eyes of many defensive coaches and personnel executives around the league, Winborn always has had the ability, the skill set, the makeup to be a starting linebacker in somebody's defense.

"No question," Broncos linebackers coach Jim Ryan said. "He is obviously good enough to be a starter in this league. I think that's obvious by the way he plays and the way he conducts himself."

Yet Winborn, who was a high- end prospect, having led the Southeastern Conference in tackles as a freshman and sophomore at Vanderbilt, has started more than four games in any of his previous seven seasons just once - 10 starts for the 49ers in 2004.

He has finished three seasons on injured reserve. He has been traded once - to Jacksonville from San Francisco - and been released, by the Buccaneers, in his NFL career.

In short, Winborn has been more places than he thought he would be, seen more things, and he has had a few more fresh starts than he wanted to have.

"I was on a visit to the Seahawks one time when (current Atlanta Falcons safety) Lawyer Milloy was there, too," Winborn said. "I always remember what he said. He said he had some of the same things happen in his career as mine, and one of the things he told me that stuck with me was, 'Just never let anybody see that you have all that on your chest. Play the game the way you love the game. Do that, you'll be fine.'

"I've been doing that and I can't wait until we play Atlanta later this year, so I can tell him how much that helped."

Winborn hasn't been a full-time starter in the Broncos defense, but the team wanted to get him on the field badly enough that it broke out a 3-4 defense Sunday against New Orleans. One of the reasons was Winborn could play as a fourth linebacker in the formation.

Winborn started the opener against the Raiders for the injured Boss Bailey and showed enough for Broncos coaches to search for ways to play him more after Bailey's return to the lineup.

"I thought he played exceptionally well there," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "It's about getting your best guys on the field."

The Broncos signed Winborn in September 2007, 10 days after he had been released by the Buccaneers. Some in the organization just wanted to see what they might get in the deal.

That's because Winborn's time with the 49ers - the team that selected him in the second round (47th overall) of the 2001 draft - had ended poorly. Some in the league wondered then how much Winborn might have had to do with that.

"But they kept switching head coaches, kept switching defenses," Winborn said. "By the time I got to Mike Nolan, I was in my fifth year (in 2005), coming off my best season - 100-some tackles - then all of sudden I earned a starting position. I started the first game, started the second game, then the third game, they started a buddy of mine instead - Andre Carter - and then they told me I was going to be traded and sent me home.

"So I went home, on a Wednesday. I think a lot of teams wondered, 'Am I a bad-attitude guy?' and they wondered what the situation was. It was none of that. I don't think Mike (Nolan) handled that like he should have. You take somebody off the field and send them home in the middle of the week and don't let them come back until they are traded, and people are going to think you're a bad guy."

The 49ers traded him to the Jaguars. And in Winborn's mind, Jacksonville had been too hasty to put him on injured reserve for the final month of the season because of a knee injury after he played sparingly in five games.

He went to the Buccaneers in 2006 and was told before he signed he would compete for the strong-side linebacker spot.

Instead, he was moved to the weak side when workouts began. And playing the weak side for the Buccaneers then and now is Derrick Brooks, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection.

Winborn played in 14 games for the Buccaneers in 2006, with no starts, before landing with the Broncos last season. Winborn, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, made two starts for the Broncos last season and led them in special-teams tackles.

"I think it's taken me until right now to get past all that from the 49ers, from moving around, for some people around the league," Winborn said. "I'm just now starting to get back to where I think I can be as a player. The Broncos, they just gave me a chance to be a clean-slate player - that's all you can ask."

• September 25, 2008

  5:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  incognitoboy writes:

  welcome to a real team, jamie! work hard, stay healthy, and keep on slammin' 'em baby! that's just the way we like it in bronco country.

• September 25, 2008

  6:45 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  deepwater805 writes:

  Welcome to the Bronco Nation Jamie. You're gonna be an asset, and kick some other teams assets....

• September 25, 2008

  9:10 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  den2mke writes:

  I have a question about this 3-4 defense we keep hearing about...

  Every good 3-4 I've ever seen--even going back to the Broncos, as they used it with at least some degree of success--has had an outside linebacker particularly adept at rushing the passer. The Broncos used to use 'tweaners like Simon Fletcher or Mecklenburg, Pitt was successful with Porter, SD with Merriman, NE uses Seymour as an LB/DL combo, etc.

  While I can understand the Broncos wanting to cater to the perceived strength at LB, guess my question is: Do they have the personnel to rush the passer with one of these players?

  Guess there's something to be said for 'the element of surprise' but seems to me if it can't be used to generate rush from the outside it would almost be better having the extra big body in the trenches.

  Maybe the question is: Does the player--ie, a bona fide rusher at LB-- make the scheme or does the scheme make the player?

  Just curious if anyone else had thought about this because, as good as DJ and some of the other LBs may be, guess I've not seen much from them in terms of dominant pass-rushing skills.

• September 25, 2008

  9:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  den2mke, keep in mind, DJ was nominated for D player of the week. Sounds like he's doing his job, to me. Boss has looked good. Dewayne needs to step up his game some.

• September 25, 2008

  10:11 p.m.

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  Spider writes:

  To make the 3-4 work effectively you need a stud at nose-tackle. Who on this squad fits that criteria?

• September 25, 2008

  11:12 p.m.

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  FTR writes:

  Jamie
  Stay the course and play Bronco Football. You will be Loved!!
  FTR

• September 26, 2008

  12:09 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  JStraw writes:

  I watched the game again, just to watch the defense. Couldnt help but notice Boss getting beat to the corner many times. Seems like he either is a step slow or he's just unsure of where he should be. Not good to see your linebackers chasing a running back who just turned the corner. Jamie, on the other hand seemed a bit faster to the ball.

• September 26, 2008

  12:22 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  deezBroncs1127 writes:

  I agree with you spider, you need the front 3 defensive lineman to be steller in order for the 3-4 to work, and I don't see that with our squad. Stick with the 4-3 and tweak the secondary. Paymah is horrible, start there. Jack Williams needs to get a look. Paymah just consistantly keeps getting beat or is it just me. At least the Linebackers are tackling this year compared to last season. Bronco fans don't pust the panic button yet. When our secondary steps up, this team is gonna be very dangerous.

• September 26, 2008

  7:04 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BroncoRick69 writes:

  Ya know whats cool is the Broncos defensive coordinator; Joe Collier invented the 3-4 defense. Back when the Broncos went to their first super bowl. A little-known assistant coach worked for Joe Collier at the time his name was Bill Belichick. What a great defense and what fun to watch them absolutely dominate.

• September 26, 2008

  10:03 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BigRedCelt writes:

  JStraw..I noticed that also. It seemed to me that he was hesitating as if unsure of his assignment. I'm hoping thats the case because thats easy enough to correct. Something that is really bothering me...did anyone else notice that the only tackle Bly made all day was on Nate webster after he scored? On Thomas' TD in the 4th where he streached out the ball to get over the goal line. Bly was standing right there and made no attempt to get between Thomas and the goal line.

  I think all of Denvers LBs have pass rushing skills they just need to send them. Go blitz mad baby and pound that QB. The D's getting fried anyway make the QB pay.

• September 26, 2008

  10:09 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  spencerr writes:

  You need a stud at nose tackle and at least a couple of oversized linebackers. The Broncos LBs are not oversized, not one of them. Nor do they have someone who can collapse the pocket playing nose tackle. You will see the 3-4 look sometimes simply because the Broncos linebackers are better than their D-line, but don't expect them to utilize it tooooo much. Unless they get lucky enough to blitz an LB and no one picks him up, it won't generate more sacks. It has helped on the run though.

• September 26, 2008

  10:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  Hey Dynamicdave!

  ssqured told me I could find you on the the Broncos strings! How's life out there?

  Go Chiefs!

• September 26, 2008

  12:04 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Bigg_Nuggets writes:

  The Broncos do not have a proper nose tackle for the 3-4, but they do have two exceptional athletes that could be used as linebackers in the system in Dummerville and Moss. They are too small to take the brunt of the o-line in a 4-3 scheme, but they would be perfect in a 3-4 if they have the lateral mobility to pick up in coverage. I think Dummerville should be played at LB right now with Boss in the middle with DJ and then winborn and Moss rotating. I know we all think Moss is a bust, but I would love to see him in space. Put Crowder, Engelberger, Thomas, and Robinson rotating on the line. Am I making any sense to any one here? Let's get our most speed in the most space and see if we can get to the QB. We still have problems covering the TE though. Our safties are weak and Paymah just doesn't seem to have the instincts, so we NEED a pass-rush.

• September 26, 2008

  12:05 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  gentrrm writes:

  In my humble opinion, the Broncos don't have any business playing a 3-4 defense. One of the ingredients for a successful 3-4 is some stout DL, which we don't have. I disagree with deezBroncos1127 saying that "When our secondary steps up, this team is gonna be very dangerous". The secondary is not the major problem here...it's putting some pressure on the Abe’s. You can have the best secondary in the NFL, but if you give the opposing QB all day to throw, he's gonna rip 'em up.

• September 26, 2008

  1:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Heidi, go "Chiefs"? Go "CHIEFS"??? Ha, ha. Ok, it's all good. Anyways, I'm doing fine. Retired from my studio. Enjoying the good life. Riding my Sportster a lot. Temps are down in the 90's so it's not as bad, right now. Looking forward to the Broncos really "punishing" the Chiefs. Yes, "punish"! I have a little free time, today, then I have to teach at the YMCA at 5pm (volunteer). So, how is life in your neck of the woods? Found that online "guy of your dreams", yet? Just so you know, it would never work between us, what, with you rooting for the Chiefs and all, ha, ha. Do you live in KC? If so, my condolences. It could be worse, I suppose. You could live in Oakland. Anyways, glad to hear from you. I'll bump into you on the RMN occasionally. I'm always in the Broncos section, giving my 2 cents worth. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• September 26, 2008

  3:10 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  Dynamicdave,

  Retired? I'm jealous! But it's too hot there for me. No, I do not live in KC. I'm a Chiefs fan because that was the nearest NFL team to where I grew up. Unless you want to count the Vikings. But games there are boring and so are the fans! I live in the Denver area so can't dislike the Broncos. And definitely don't like the Raiders! Who does?
  I am not looking for the guy of my dreams here, even though I haven't found him yet!

• September 26, 2008

  3:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Heidi, ha, ha, I know. Just razzing you. Anyways, the Broncos will dominate. It will be a cold, cold, morning for the Chiefs and that is regardless of the weather. Chiefs should just stay at home and mail the score in. It will be a blowout. Denver is on a roll and getting a piece of the "luck" along the way.

• September 26, 2008

  4:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  Wow, dave, won't you feel stupid when the donkeys lose! Haha! But you're probably right....
  I just got home and want to ride my bike (the kind with pedals) but it's starting to rain a bit! I guess I will have to hop on my mountain bike.

• September 26, 2008

  4:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Heidi, yes, it's horrible here. Sunny and 98. Darn.

• September 26, 2008

  4:40 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  I'm still not jealous. I love the fall here! 98 is too hot!

• September 26, 2008

  5:40 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Bradonkadoncs writes:

  *thump* *thump* *thump* - that is the sound of the rest of us rolling along as the third wheel with Dynamic and Heidi. It is so warm and fuzzy in here on Friday afternoon (especially when we are playing the Chefs.)

• September 26, 2008

  8:11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Bradonkadoncs, aaaaw, we're sorry. Chime in anytime you'd like. We won't mind, really. Just catching up with ole', "online friends". But yeah, it is a slow week, knowing the KC Thieves are next. Two more days and we can move on to the next NFL victim, Tampon Bay.

• September 26, 2008

  8:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  Haha! I'd rather be a thief than a tampon!

  Donkeydonks, we play well with others, so don't worry.

• September 26, 2008

  9:28 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  She's baa-aack! Dee, dee, dee, dee, dee, dee. We stole the spotlight and took the spirit of the rivalry, away. Darn, and I was on a role, these past couple of weeks.... Broncos-42 and KC-17. Read em' and weep. I've been on my mark with my picks, so far, this season (knock on wood). KC doesn't have a team in sync. Offense is non-existant and the D is depleted. Denver is healthy and rolling. They won't hardly notice the "bump" that we call Missouri.

• September 26, 2008

  9:44 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  Ok, Ok, it won't be much of a game then and maybe I won't even watch it. I don't want to weep.

  Sorry for intruding. I have nothing intelligent to add to the conversation that was going on before I interrupted.
  Have a good night!

• September 26, 2008

  9:57 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  Heidi, come back. Don't go into the light..... Talk to you again on another day. I'm out of here for the night as well.

• September 27, 2008

  6:29 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Heidi writes:

  dave,

  I changed my mind. I am going to watch the game with my dad who is a Broncos fan. And I think the score may be closer than you think. Afterall, it is at Arrowhead! The best place to watch a game!

• September 27, 2008

  7:25 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  BCC233 writes:

  If the Broncos score less than 40 that will be an upset by KC.

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