LEGWOLD: Broncos have plenty of holes to fill on defense, special teams
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published February 26, 2009 at 6:12 p.m.
All for one
In a stunning turn of events for two stories programs, both Notre Dame and Miami each had just one player invited to this year's scouting combine. That put them in some pretty unfamiliar company.
| School | Players invited to combine |
| Miami | 1 |
| Notre Dame | 1 |
That put them even with . . .
| Buffalo | 1 |
| Cal Poly | 1 |
| Furman | 1 |
| Hampton | 1 |
| Hartwick | 1 |
| Liberty | 1 |
| Missouri Western | 1 |
| Northeastern | 1 |
| Stillman | 1 |
And put them behind . . .
| Central Arkansas | 2 |
| Central Washington | 2 |
FAMILY AFFAIR
California-Berkeley linebacker Worrell Williams won't have to seek out any advice how his family should deal with the anxiety in the time leading up to the NFL draft.
Seems they have done this before.
Williams, who completed his work at the league's scouting combine this week, is Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams' brother. Williams was the Broncos' first-round pick in the 2004 draft.
"We talked some about the whole thing," D.J. Williams said. "I didn't want to pressure him. I just said if he had any questions all he should just ask. At the combine, I told him just tell the truth about everything, because every question that they ask you they already know the answer to.
"But he's not the type to get loud and jump up around. I can tell he's excited. He knows the whole family's excited about it because they get to go through the whole experience again. They've been through it once before so now they come into it prepared."
HE SAID IT
"Jay gives you a chance to be successful right away. You have to have a competitive quarterback to be able to win at a high level in this league . . . He's going to be a big piece of what we do."
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels on quarterback Jay Cutler's place in the team's rebuilding efforts.
NUMBERS GAME
50-50 Odds, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree said, that he will run a 40-yard dash before the draft. Crabtree has a stress fracture in his left foot and he's trying to decide whether or not to work out for scouts before having it repaired. He did not run at the combine.
At almost every opportunity to throw the Broncos defense of 2008 under any passing Greyhound, first-year Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has instead offered something on the order of:
"We want to make the whole team better."
Good thing. Because with a draft board full of hopefuls staring them in the face, a closer look at the Broncos' special teams numbers from the past year reveals almost as big a job as repairing a defense that has surrendered 400 points in back-to-back seasons.
The Broncos weren't ranked higher than 13th in any major special teams category, and they were ranked higher than 23rd in just one — punt return average at 9.8 yards per return, checking in at 13th.
Beyond that is a long road of ugliness. Consider:
* The Broncos were 23rd in kickoff returns (21.83-yard average).
* They were 28th in kickoff coverage and 28th in punt coverage.
* And they were 30th in their average drive start after kickoffs, 19th in opponents' average drive start after kickoffs, 30th in getting punts down inside the 20, 30th in field-goal percentage, tied for last in blocked kicks (zero) and tied for last in special teams takeaways (zero).
Put all of that as well as several other major components together you have one of the worst teams in the league on special teams. So much so when Rick Gosselin, long-time NFL columnist for the Dallas Morning News crunched all of the above numbers with plenty of others in his annual special teams rankings – an much-anticipated read for special-teams coaches around the league – the Broncos settled in at 31st overall in the league when the math was completed.
That puts the Broncos in the league's basement on special teams to go with the fact they were one of the worst teams in the league on defense, just one of three teams that has surrendered at least 400 points in each of the last two season – Detroit and St. Louis were the others.
That's two thirds of the well-worn three phases of the game which coaches near and far speak of when assessing how things are going.
And it also means those expecting a quick fix, that the Broncos offense can simply overcome blemishes that run that deep, may need two scoops of patience. And when Broncos general manager Brian Xanders floated the idea of trying to acquire more draft picks recently, that too is an indication of just how big the job will be to dig out when money's also tight.
GET READY
With the opening of free agency Friday morning, there is still the air of potential disappointment for most players who currently find themselves on the open market.
While the big-ticket guys like Albert Haynesworth is certainly to find something to his liking, others will find a cooled market low on cash.
Many teams with newer stadiums are staring at rather substantial debt service as well as the prospect of unsold seats, lost marketing deals from perennial heavyweights like General Motors and in some cases, even sagging local broadcast rights, if the economy doesn't pick up steam.
Head coach after head coach, general manager after general manager at the league's scouting combine hinted at a far more frugal approach this time around. Of course folks have heard that song before only to see teams like the Broncos lavish a $2.5 million signing bonus on a wide receiver (Keary Colbert) last March who had one touchdown catch in his previous three seasons combined or see the Raiders toss around cash they had to borrow to pay punter Shane Lechler and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Agents and players would argue the league's chief revenue stream – network TV money – will not be altered this year. That is true and the NFL Players Association acting executive director Richard Berthelsen continues to say "there's enough money to go around" as the union prepares to dig in for labor talks with the league owners in the coming months.
But with even the ultimate money talks guy – Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones – feeling the pinch of a lost naming rights deal and the burden of putting plenty of his own money in a new stadium, the new watchword is "value."
McDaniels even outlined the Broncos approach this way:
"I think what we're looking to do is accumulate a roster where their value off the field equals the value on the field. That's really the goal. So if a player earns a tremendous amount of money, that's fine as long as he's producing at that level. I think that's every team's goal, but that's certainly our goal is to try to pay people what they're worth.
"I think there are a lot of players who are worth a lot of money and if some of those players are attracted to us and would fit into our system then we might have an interest in them too. I think the goal is not to have everybody at a smaller salary, it's to make sure you get the players there who are going to fit into your system and you place a value on them and they perform at that level."
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February 26, 2009
6:49 p.m.
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FTR writes:
I am first to post. Never have had that happen before. So I would like to ask the regular posters that I have grown to admire and enjoyed reading. The list is too large to post here. So do we all go to the Denver Post and if so how will we know who is who with out or post names? This is off the subject of the article and I am sure the regulars and usual Trolls will show up soon. I for one will miss the RMN. I have always come here for my fellow BRONCO NATION comments, opinons, and just to read and get informed. Please advise this old man where everyone plans on going to continue posting. Oh and I did not know the hated fadiers had to barrow money to pay Shane Lechler and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Is the old man Davis running out of $ Hats off to all.
GO BRONCOS
FTR
February 26, 2009
6:55 p.m.
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FTR writes:
I have a sever here at the house and will look into seeing about getting a web site up and running as a short term go between. When will this site shut down?
FTR
February 26, 2009
7:04 p.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
FTR, I don't live in Colorado anymore. Is it for real that the RMN will shut down? Hearing from you it's gonna happen very soon?
What a shame, this is by far the best Bronco blog, both in it's posting format and the cool guys that are on it. I would truly miss it and as I don't like the DP blog, you have a very legitimate question, where are we gonna be all at.
February 26, 2009
7:08 p.m.
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DrChris writes:
FTR, blog on dbtruefans.blogspot.com all the regular RMN bloggers are creating accounts their. DON'T go to the Dpost
February 26, 2009
7:08 p.m.
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TXBRONC writes:
I have an account with the Post and I go by the same name there as I do here.
February 26, 2009
7:10 p.m.
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dehag24 writes:
hey guys a lot of us regular bloggers are over on dbtruefans@blogspot.com head over and get signed up
February 26, 2009
7:12 p.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
Regarding Jeff's article, it pretty much sums up my feelings about where we're at, we need to rebuild 2 thirds of our team (defense and special team), a giant undertaking. We are basically 22 guys short right now (12 released, 10 we won't sign), we need to sign about 8-9 guys in free agency, drop down in the draft in a couple of spots to get a couple extra picks (11) and we'll fill the rest with a few undrafted guys. So we cannot spend much money on anyone, but need to spread the wealth around.
February 26, 2009
7:13 p.m.
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coskibum writes:
Looks like most are going to start their own blog... http://dbtruefans.blogspot.com/ I for one will miss this place. Definitely the best Broncos blog going. We had a good mix of posters here. I will also miss the reporters/writers who's insight sure stoked the fire of the blogger's (good & bad). I look to tomorrow with both hope and sorrow. I just wish all who work @ RMN and their families the best. You will be missed!
Long live the Bronco Nation...
Go Broncos!
coskibum - Peace out
February 26, 2009
7:23 p.m.
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baylinorcrush writes:
I just saw the headline, I can't believe tomorrow is the last edition. Thanx to all at RMN for the worthy Bronco news you put out and the good times you created for your bloggers. This will leave a void in most of us, how sad.
February 26, 2009
8:18 p.m.
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mmjader writes:
That is bad news. I wasn't sure when this would happen. Maybe a facebook/myspace, or some other cheesy social network site might be a place we could gab about the Broncos. I too will miss the RMN. I read the DP once in while, but-to me, the posters seem so negative. It also seems to be filled with trolls. I have really enjoyed everyones knowledge on this site. I say until we can figure something out, we post on DP. We could use the same user names. What a terrible time for this to take place. It is my most exciting time between FA and the draft, of the off-season anyways. I hope to see everyone on DP in the next couple of days. If not, thanks for the good times and thank you RMN.
February 26, 2009
8:21 p.m.
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mmjader writes:
Or Blogspot. We could call it something like the RMN Broncos Blog so we could all find it. At least the sites I have mentioned are free. Just sayin'....
February 26, 2009
8:27 p.m.
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Rubenc2 writes:
Dynamic Dave,
Ive always enjoyed your comments and I find we almost always think alike although I very rarely if ever post.Will you post on the Denver Posts broncos articles?I read both online editions everyday but generally read only the RMN comments.
February 26, 2009
8:46 p.m.
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OrangeCrusher writes:
Here's to 150 years of the RMN! I give a BIG MILE HIGH SALUTE!!!
A couple more hrs to FA!!!!
February 26, 2009
8:53 p.m.
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6_is_the_new_7 writes:
Rubenc2
Dynamic Dave is not feeling so dynamic today. He's sick and went to bed. He did say earlier he doesn't like the Post. Feel free to join at dbtruefans@blogspot.com
February 26, 2009
9 p.m.
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davecheffy writes:
just a heads up to rmn bloggers. really sorry to hear the news they're shutting down here, i like this site much better than the post. but all is not lost! if you haven't already, you really should check out milehighreport.com. maybe a little overwhelming to some used to a slower pace, but take your time and browse thru the posts, learn about systems and what-not at mhr university, and feel free to comment(or even make a post of your own) on any subject concerning your favorite team, the denver broncos. in my opinion(and many), simply "the best damn site on the net". i was living in a cave until i found this place. puts these so-called "experts" to shame. hope to see you over there
February 26, 2009
9:31 p.m.
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ZonaBroncoFan writes:
it shows how great our offense was to be able to be in a position to win the division with a D and Special teams so terrible.
February 26, 2009
9:33 p.m.
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Spider writes:
I have an accout at the Post under the same name as I do here. I seldom go on that site because this one is so much better. I guess when I'm not able to post here any longer I'll go on the Post or tryout the blogspot.com that was recommended. I'll probably go to the fader blog and troll more than usual as well. Hope to see your posts somewhere along the way.....they're usually really good.
February 26, 2009
9:35 p.m.
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Rubenc2 writes:
6_is_the_new_7
Thank you very much.I just signed up.
February 26, 2009
10:13 p.m.
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Spider writes:
I must be computer iliterate. I can't figure out how to sign up on the new blog?
February 26, 2009
10:18 p.m.
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FTR writes:
All right then it sounds like dbtruefans@blogspot.com is the place to be where the Bronco Nation can continue. Sorry to hear DD is unable to give us his always good post! Thanks for the heads up 6_is_the_new_7! I also never have liked the Denver Post. I also want to wish only the best for the RMN team. See you all on the new site. Signing off for the last time. And always remember our hated foes.
1. The Radiers
2. The cry baby Chargers
3 The Trolls--Never ever feed them!!!
Thanks to all that put up with my stupid posts.
And thanks to those who agreed with me!!----HA
GO BRONCOS
FTR
February 26, 2009
10:25 p.m.
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dsheil writes:
Sorry to see the RMN go. I am in CA and dropped by EVERY DAY to read the Broncos news and read all the blogs. This forum is so much better than the DP, but I must admit I also read their Broncos news. If we all go there and post supportive, positive comments, maybe we can help bring it up to the RMN standards. I post on on the DP as "musicnut" . Drop me a note.
Here's a great big Mile High Salute to the Rocky Mountain News.
February 26, 2009
11:28 p.m.
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telews00 writes:
I think the Broncos need to re-sign Dre Bly to a huge multi-year deal and also try to get Deon Sanders to come out of retirement. Just kidding... wanted to see if anyone was awake out there.
Seriously.. they gotta sign Sean Jones at safety and Gabari Wilson at CB.
February 26, 2009
11:29 p.m.
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kidski52 writes:
Thanks to all who have posted here. I don't live in CO anymore but have been an avid Bronco fan since 1968 and this has been the only way I could get the 'real' info on my favorite team. I haven't posted much because everything I feel or think is already posted by the fine folks here. I'll try the other places mentioned to get my 'fix' on a daily basis and again thanks to all, keep it going.
February 27, 2009
1:08 a.m.
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BritishBronco writes:
Am very sorry to hear of the loss of the RMN. The analysis was always so much deeper then that of the DP. I wish the staff well.
For those chaps who still want to blog check out the magnificent
http://www.milehighreport.com/
Tons of in-depth analysis, and a really friendly approach - a site which rarely if ever gets a troll, even visiting Fader/Dolts fans keep it friendly!
Check it out - you won't regret it.
February 27, 2009
4:59 a.m.
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voicewithin writes:
First Jeff it has really been great reading columns over the years. Thank you for all you have given to our community!
The Broncos defense and Special teams are down in the basement without a ladder. Should we be Surprised?
Bronco's Blog: http://ibelievethis.us/bronco's/
February 27, 2009
5:16 a.m.
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BroncoJones writes:
Living in Chief/Cowboy territory is very difficult. I really appreciate the posts here because you guys are well informed and honest fans. This is where we get our news and insights. The article mentions "The long road to ugliness." This is it, The RMN shutting down is worse than the Bronco special teams performance over the last two decades.
We have a rock solid underground of fans here called "Broncos without Borders," We will endeavor to percevere. Keep posting!
February 27, 2009
5:23 a.m.
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nmbronco1 writes:
It's just sad to read one of the last sports articles on the RMN. Thanks for all the good work, Jeff, and good luck in your new ventures.
Real hard to wrap my mind around going to the Denver Post site on a regular basis... can't stand Woody Paige or any of their sports writers...
February 27, 2009
6:52 a.m.
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MRBONG writes:
I dont understand how the Post isnt shutting down and RMN is ? the denver post sukks , and its sukked for a long time ,how can anyone read that overgrown piece of trash ?. and they have the worst blog format on the internet.
February 27, 2009
9:12 a.m.
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Nick_Shadow writes:
I haven't said much over the years, but I have greatly enjoyed reading these entries. Thanks for the information and the entertainment. Losing the Rocky is an unfortunate milestone, having relied on the paper for 40+ years, I will miss it.
The best to all,
Nick.
February 27, 2009
10:08 a.m.
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SteveC writes:
I'm very sad to see the News go. Over the years I have had many great discussions or even arguments on these pages. I have many people that I consider to be a friend of sorts, we may never go out for beers or anything like that but even if I haven't had anything to say I've listened in to the conversations. Some of which had nothing at all to do with the story with which they were posted. For those of you who know me, I will StevenC at the DP's page. I hope to see you there. Dave, if I don't see you there, I hope your Mom is doing is well, my prayers are with both of you. Steve
February 27, 2009
10:19 a.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
I will really miss this site...zero interest in going to the DP even though I love Woody....too many clowns! I can't tell you how many times I have tried reading through those garbage comments...
dano lifts heavy things but has a sweet avatar
Enjoy!
Oh, and prepare yourself...you will witness GROWN MEN using:
:sigh: and :roll:
I hate that crap and that's why I came here; to have an educated debate with others that love the Broncos. It's been fun, Thanks.
G-D bless you all,
L&P08
Go Broncos!
February 27, 2009
11:07 a.m.
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myerda00 writes:
I too will go to dbtruefans@blogspot.com. I also post at cbs.sportsline.com, Bleacherreports.com, and Broncotalk.net, den.scout.com, denverbroncos.com.
Very disappointed at the early FA Bronco news. Two RB's to visit Denver on Friday. Buckholder (Eagles) and JJ Arrington (AZ).
February 27, 2009
11:38 a.m.
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Meter6 writes:
Yeah it's true that the Bronco reporting at The Post was sub par to that of The Rocky, but there is actually a pretty good base of bloggers there. Check out the The Bronco Bus Blog on the DP site. Folks are posting all of the latest FA action and Draft prospect analysis. I don't really post there (or here) all that much, but I check in on that blog for info. It's better than the articles. I'm not looking to hype the blog, but I liked coming on here to read the comments as well and I figured most of you guys would fit in well there. http://neighbors.denverpost.com/viewt...
February 27, 2009
11:38 a.m.
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Austin603 writes:
Thank you for being the great source of news you have been for so many years. A day without the Rocky will be like a day without sunshine. This is a very sad day for everyone in our town and state. The post blows!
February 27, 2009
12:34 p.m.
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dsheil writes:
Adam Schefter just reported that "Safety BRIAN DAWKINS is on his way to Denver for a visit. Dawkins has played 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Eagles."
February 27, 2009
12:41 p.m.
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denmex writes:
thanks for the info guys, for a bronco fan living in mexico city u where the greatest source i couldd ask 4, god bless the RMN hard workers and their families in this dificult moments.
and to all the guys that post here i will try to find u guys some where ells u are grate, lets try to keap this bronco family alive, i will join u at the dbtruefans hope we all sing up there.
ps. dynamicdave:
u have to post 1 last time men so get ur thing toghether and put some words on this blog
ps2:
dont like the 2 rbs, hope we cant sing dakins
February 27, 2009
2:43 p.m.
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BringBackOrange writes:
Ok guys, I called it without any press reports to back it up. I said Brian Dawkins would sign with Denver and guess who is visiting Denver today Feb 27th the first day of NFL free agency? I don't care if he is gonna be 36. He still has two good years in him and would bring intensity and leadership we have lacked for WAY to long. Last year's Denver D was the worst in my 24 years of watching football.
February 27, 2009
4:51 p.m.
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oc60 writes:
I only recently started posting on the internet blog and found the RMN friendly with accurate information from all you bloggers. Said another way I'm sorry it was a short stay and didn't really get to know very many bronco fans here.
But, I've been using SBNation http://www.milehighreport.com/
for the most up to date information on Broncos. They're usually the first to post any information about the team. The blogging there is a bit over whelming at first but with over 500,000 members its very informative. I'm sure you can find what you enjoyed here once you filter through the maze.
February 27, 2009
5:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
oc60 writes:
Broncos FA signings:
Jabar Gaffney WR 4-yrs
Correell Buckhalter RB 4-years
JJ Arrington RB 4-years
Lonie Paxton LS 4-years
Brian Dawkins S 2-years
Go Broncos!!!
February 27, 2009
6:24 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
It's been a good ride. See everybody at our new site Denver Broncos True Fans. Thanks Jeff for the work. I'm sure you'll do well.
February 27, 2009
8:36 p.m.
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GJrodburner writes:
Although this isn't as sad as when my father passed away in 2005, it is in some small way a death nonetheless. I will never post at the DumP; that is just the honest felt passion I have always had for the RMN and the way they have always covered the Broncos. Great ride, good fun, and pretty insightful opinions by nearly everyone of the bloggers on this site. Keep bleeding orange and blue and look forward to finding some of you on other sites should I venture out to another some time in the near future.
February 27, 2009
11:46 p.m.
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gylizard1 writes:
THANK YOU ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS..I have faithfully read your paper every day for many years now..and loved being able to get online and read it as well..and to make posts to this site..we will miss you very much!!
February 28, 2009
7:29 a.m.
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Broncofan_in_Boston writes:
Holy sh#$!
I've posted on the DP before, but reading the posts more the past couple days, THEY ARE THE WORST!!
Many people absolutely ripping the moves so far. Moves I find to be quite solid... plus, we are on day f'n 2!
Can we give it a few days and see how it shakes out. I'm ecstatic at the speed at which they are moving. Has anyone else in the west even made a move?
They are showing decisiveness. And the deals are all reasonable money.
Yikes... if we all send in like $50, do you think the RMN can stay open?
That old saying is never more true....
Don't know what ya got, till its gone
February 28, 2009
10:50 a.m.
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rustysc writes:
Living near Charlotte for the last couple of years, I have come to depend on your articles Jeff. Knowing you will do great, and hoping the best for you and yours. good luck.
I too will avoid the hate mail the Broncos endure at the Post, and join with another site. Been a lot of fun.
February 28, 2009
1:57 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
For those who like to talk Broncos talk without the whining, go to dbtruefans@blogspot.com . Most of us are there now. We are growing and it's all amongst friends. Dehag24 created it and is tweaking it up daily. Join the fun. SteveC and a few others, "Come On Down. The Price Is Right."