Broncos' Bailey to have elbow surgery today

Injury suffered by cornerback was in final game of year

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 7, 2009 at 11:21 p.m.

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Photo by Joe Mahoney / The Rocky

The Broncos' Champ Bailey missed nine game this season and needs elbow surgery that will sideline him three to four months.

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January 8, 2009

4:06 a.m.

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33y2get writes:

God speed ... Hope goes well and we see you back next year healthy ...
January 8, 2009

4:07 a.m.

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martinezb97045 writes:

Being that Champ is older they should start him as a safety next to Barrett and get a quality cornerback with one of the draft picks they have this coming draft. This would limit the opposing offenses next year and we'd have a player capable of making plays like Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu.
January 8, 2009

7:59 a.m.

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BroncoRick69 writes:

I don't think Bailey is quite big enough to be a safety. Besides I think it would hurt his pride to be put back at safety. He definitely prides himself on being a shutdown corner, and that is what makes him so good. Maybe he would be willing to put on about 20-30 pounds and play safety, who knows?
January 8, 2009

8:10 a.m.

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koloradokaos writes:

Move him to WR to limit contact and prolong his career. He'd be a H. Ward type.
January 8, 2009

8:12 a.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

Keep him at CB. Darrell Green played until he was 42. He even played with Champ (remember the reverse that they did, while playing with Washington?). A man gets injured and you guys panic and want to put him out to pasture? It's a contact sport, guys. Players get bigger every year and injuries will happen. Welcome to football.
January 8, 2009

8:30 a.m.

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Stan_C writes:

Best tackler in the NFL.
January 8, 2009

9:12 a.m.

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Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

DynamicDave, I'm totally with you on this.

There has been talk all over the web about trading Champ or Champ is getting old and broken down or move him to safety. I'm not jumping on anyone in this thread... this is more of a cumulative frustration regarding this topic.

If this was a blown out ACL, or his 2nd knee surgery, or he's had chronic should injuries, etc. etc. I would understand the concern.

A pulled groin should have no long term ramifications. And the elbow surgery is minor. And like the article states, its his 1st surgery! Ever! That's amazing.

Champ is a great player. A great talent. He is very smart and works hard at his film study. He's also noted to be a great teammate. That's a very rare combination. He will continue to be a great CB after he loses a step, because of his mind and preparation.

Darrell Green, Dieon Sanders, Eric Allen, Rod Woodson all played (and excelled) well into their late 30's. Yes, Woodson moved to safety, but not at 30 years old. And Woodson was a bigger corner who lost a couple steps earlier due to his size and if I remember correctly, a blown out ACL.

Champ is one of only a handful of guys on this team that are not part of the problem. Of those guys, he's #1.

Even our great young talents, Jay and Brandon, still have maturity issues... pouting, turnovers and big mouths.

Non-issues... Most of the O-line, Dan Graham, Eddie Royal... the long snapper. Kern. Maybe Hillis. His injury was freak, I'm not ready to say he's an injury risk.

Other than that, we can poke holes in just about everyone. And that's fine... not everyone is a great player. Most of any team will have positives and negatives, whether its Stokely's concussions, Dumervil's size, DJ's struggles, Schef's injuries every year, etc, etc. Doesn't mean they are bad players. That's what building a team is.

The point is, Champ is the #1 guy none of us should be worried about and none of us should want to trade away for a couple draft picks that might end up being Willie Middlebrooks or Jarvis Moss.

You want to "fix" Champ or get the old Champ back. Fix the d-line so he doesn't have to cover the best athletes on the field for 5-6 seconds. Fix the d-line so they can do their job in stopping the run and he doesn't have to make so many tackles.

Then, he'll stay healthy and then he will shutdown half the field. Then he will start getting those picks again because the QB won't be able to go through his progressions. He'll have to throw before he's ready.
January 8, 2009

9:42 a.m.

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ORBroncoFan53 writes:

Well maybe that will put to rest all the we need to trade Bailey because he's getting old and he still has trade value speculation now that some may see him as damaged goods. I couldn't understand a lot of people last week wanting to trade Bailey away because he's 30, so what.YEAH let's trade Bailey away so he can go start for another team in the Pro Bowl every year. Some say Champ has lost a step ,and maybe so but if we had any kind of pass rush that didn't give the other teams QB all day in the pocket he would still be the best around. And when he is in the box there isn't a better tackling corner in the league.We need to say goodbye to BLY, but hell who knows if he stays and we can find someone to help Elvis on the other side maybe he dosen't look so bad either.
January 8, 2009

10 a.m.

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STR8SHTR writes:

CHAMP BAILEY IS THE BEST OF THE BEST AT THE CORNER POSITION...HOWEVER MOST OF YOU ARE RIGHT, HE IS GETTING OLDER. I THINK WE SHOULD LEAVE HIM AT CORNER BUT FIND SOME LINEBACKERS AND DEFENSIVE LINEMAN WHO CAN TACKLE ON THE FIRST AND SECOND LEVELS RATHER THAN HAVING YOUR CORNER MAKE 10 SOLO TACKLES A GAME...PATHETIC REALLY. IT'S NO WONDER WHY THE POOR DUDE IS HURT ALL THE DAMN TIME. YOU HAVE A 160 LB CORNER TACKLING 240 LB RUNNING BACKS AND SOMETIMES BIGGER...GIVE ME A BREAK...WE NEED A WHOLE NEW DEFENSIVE FRONT 8...AL WILSON IS TRUELY MISSED.
January 8, 2009

10:10 a.m.

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The_Man writes:

Al Wilson s_cks, thats why he doesn't play anymore. He couldn't tackle anyone his last two years. Give me a break, we only won 1 playoff game with the great Al Wilson.
January 8, 2009

10:25 a.m.

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ORBroncoFan53 writes:

The_Man, not sure what you have against Al, Not really sure why you call your self the man either, but for the record # 56 was the heart of that defense and he was playing with a bunch of cast off's who couldn't play for the Browns.
January 8, 2009

10:45 a.m.

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catrachomilla writes:

Get a couple of premier defensive ends that can rush the QB and both Bailey and Bly will start looking real good.

Bailey too old? I don't think so. It's more like we put weak pressure on our opponents QB..
January 8, 2009

10:53 a.m.

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kidbronc11 writes:

"Get a couple of premier defensive ends that can rush the QB and both Bailey and Bly will start looking real good."

I agree.....lets get Everette Brown DE Fla. St. Noles!!!!
January 8, 2009

12:38 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

STR8SHTR, I agree with your post, however, just a friendly FYI, Champ is 192 lbs., not 160.

catrachomilla, I think we need 1 more DE. Dumerville will get the job done when the other DE is putting pressure on the QB, as well. Dumervil was double teamed, much of the season. Once Denver gets the front 4 rebuilt and are able to pressure up the middle, the DE's will make more plays.
January 8, 2009

12:41 p.m.

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chargertom writes:

Nice arm tackle, chump...dude ran right through you...
January 8, 2009

12:46 p.m.

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discer writes:

chaegertom, you should go back to your own newspaper and figure out why LT doesn't have the stones to play in the playoffs.....ever! Fact is you are probably better off with Sproles in there. After all he has is a much bigger man than L.T.
January 8, 2009

12:54 p.m.

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STR8SHTR writes:

@ THE_MAN
NICE JUSTIFICATION, WE ONLY WON 1 PLAYOFF GAME WITH AL WILSON....LAST TIME I CHECKED THERE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE ANOTHER 10 PLAYERS ON THAT SIDE OF THE BALL...HE COULDN'T DO IT ALONE, BUT HE WAS THE HEART OF THAT DEFENSE...YOU COULD NEVER TAKE THAT AWAY.
@ CHARGERTOM
I BET WHEN THE CHARGERS WERE 3 GAMES BACK YOU WERE STUCK IN A CLOSET SOMEWHERE MAYBE EVEN WITH THE_MAN...CHARGERS GETTING WORKED THIS WEEKEND...(YOU HEARD IT HEAR FIRST)

SORRY BOUT THE ALL CAPS, NOT YELLING...
January 8, 2009

1:35 p.m.

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Squatch writes:

Champ Bailey is bigger than Ed Reed & Bob Sanders so he is big enough to play safety but that wouldn’t be good idea. Yes Bailey was picked on by Offenses during this season but lack of a Pass Rush and LB that couldn’t cover my Grandfather with 2 knee replacement makes Bailey have to watch and react different than any defense he has played with in his career.
January 8, 2009

1:42 p.m.

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RomBrew writes:

Trade him while he is still worth something.
January 8, 2009

1:47 p.m.

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Squatch writes:

Al Wilson missed a lot of tackles his last year because he was palying hurt and had lingering neck issues. He played his A$$ off while he was out there and more than can be said of some the guys on this current defense.
January 8, 2009

1:51 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

RomBrew, sorry, bad idea.
January 8, 2009

1:54 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

STR8SHTR.
You mean Al Wilson was doing it alone, your insinuating that Champ was worthless as well ad DJ Williams. The D-line was better too during those days. I am not sure what your point is. I just thought it was funny during Al's last few seasons how the announcers would comment if you missed a tackle you have to come and talk to AL Wilson. But Wilson led the Broncos in missed tackles, we called him air Wilson because he was frequently tackling noone and grabbing his jock strap off the ground. Maybe thats why guys like Nate Webster can't tackle because Al was the leader and Nate learned from him. But hey if you want to be naive and say he was this great leader of men who led us exactly nowhere. Give me some examples when Al came up big in the playoffs for us.
January 8, 2009

2:03 p.m.

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Squatch writes:

Nice job Chargertom your greatest player LT he pulled himself out of last year because he puts himself over his team and will be sitting out his biggest game of his career (Cant blame him this year). The only heart your Chargers have is sitting on the sideline and hell he tried to play thru his injury even though he knew it was bad. The day LT can man up and quite his crying (he just as big a crybaby as Cutler) you can come and bad mouth Champ Bailey. LT showed his true colors after the Patriots stomped a mud hole in the chargers and he cried about the imitation of the "lights out”.
January 8, 2009

2:06 p.m.

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Broncofan_in_Boston writes:

Up until Champ got hurt, the writers were saying that opposing teams only threw at Champ about a dozen times in 6 games. If anyone watched the MNF game vs. the Pats, Champ dominated Randy Moss up until he popped his groin covering Moss on a deep rout.

After Champ left, Moss took over the game and scored a couple TDs.

Over the hill? Picked on?

I'm not buying it. I think people are judging him on his performance in the last 2 games when he came back despite being hurt. Yes, at that point he was picked on a bit and had lost a step. All NFL players go through injuries.

And not only was he injured, but he hadn't been able to play in 2 months. So he was injured and out of game shape.

chargertom, you are an idiot. Did you read the article? He had a severe groin injury and a dislocated elbow. They popped it back in and he played the rest of the game. He was doing all he could do to help his team.
January 8, 2009

2:25 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

The_Man , although STR8SHTR was incorrect about Al "having to do it all alone", he was correct, though about him "being the heart" of the D. Your assessment that Al Wilson "s*cked", was totally ludicrous. Maybe you need to read up on his stats, before you bash a player. He led the team in tackles his last season with 113. He played his entire eight-year career with the Broncos, was a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection. Wilson was the undisputed leader in the locker room and even spoke at the funerals for cornerback Darrent Williams and running back Damien Nash. He was a leader.
January 8, 2009

2:53 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

Dynamicdave,
I know Al's stats, thats great, but no one including you can give me some examples of when Al came up big in the playoffs, or when did this guy create some turnovers. What does leading the team in tackles mean anyway, when DJ Williams was at MLB two seasons ago he led the team in tackles and was second in the league but the fans and media couldn't wait to replace him at MLB.
January 8, 2009

3:30 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

The_Man, Al was 5 time Pro Bowl, so your point is mute. We and the players and coaches saw his talent. You are stuck in your mindset and nobody's going to change it. To say he s*cked, is crazy. You don't go to the Pro Bowl 5 out of 8 times because you s*ck.
January 8, 2009

3:58 p.m.

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ORBroncoFan53 writes:

The only reason Al Wilson isn't starting for someone in the NFL is because his neck injury won't let him. I think he would make one hell of a LB coach for us though.
January 8, 2009

4:02 p.m.

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AKuser writes:

Denver is not the Chiefs, you dont trade someone because they are good (ex. Jared Allen). Lets see, lets trade Champ and see if we parlay a 1st round pick into a all pro cornerback...
January 8, 2009

4:14 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

Al Wilson was cleared by doctors to play. Why is no one giving me Al Wilson's heroics in the playoffs. What did he do in 05 in the AFC championship game against the Steelers. DDAVE answer that question before you tell me my point is mute.
January 8, 2009

4:34 p.m.

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BringBackOrange writes:

Hey guys I wouldn't look at putting Champ at safety as a blow to his "degrading" skills. I look at it and it makes a whole lot of sense. He has amazing balls skills so why not put him in the middle of the action ala Ed Reed and let him make plays. As a shutdown corner the ball never goes his way anyway. Plus he is so busy with his man that he doesn't have a chance to see the play develop. You say he is to small but he isn't any smaller than Ed Reed. Plus he is Denver's best tackler. Hell we put puny Dominique Foxworth there. With his instincts and athleticism he would get 8 to 10 picks a year and cover for burnt corners. Im sorry did anyone say Dre Bly???
January 8, 2009

4:35 p.m.

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discer writes:

You don't need Al Wilson's playoff stats to prove or disprove his value to the Bronco's. In my opinion Wilson was their Defensive leader and they have not had a decent one since. Look at Marvin Harrison's playoff record and he is a sure fire Hall of Famer. Maybe even first ballot.
January 8, 2009

4:43 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

Marvin Harrison has a superbowl ring
thanks
January 8, 2009

5 p.m.

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Bigg_Nuggets writes:

BringBackOrange has the same point I would make. Champ is built much like Ed Reed. He is a brilliant ballplayer and finds himself in the right position time after time. The truth of the matter is you might be limiting his abillity at corner. This point is moot if the Broncos can't develope or pick up decent corners, but if teams won't throw at Champ then it removes him from the game. If you put him at safety he has a chance to be involved every down. That doesn't sound so bad to me. Finally, stop talking with this guy about Al Wilson it's liking trying to teach a dog to talk, pointless.
January 8, 2009

5:02 p.m.

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Bigg_Nuggets writes:

Yes I did use moot instead of mute. The-Man needs to be mute because his points are moot
January 8, 2009

5:17 p.m.

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PDXBroncos writes:

Um. No. He is not going to be a safety nor a receiver. At least not anytime soon. The only reason he had an off year in 07 is due to the fact that any team could run at any time against the defense. This year, he had a prolonged injury for the first time in his career.

Don't be so quick to send him to the glue factory.
January 8, 2009

5:22 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

Small_Nuggets thanks for your worthless opinions, I see you can't defend big Al either except by saying stop talking to me.
January 8, 2009

5:48 p.m.

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ORBroncoFan53 writes:

The_MAN, really enough said you don't like Al Wilson everyone else does.You don't think his stats were any good, everyone else does.You dont think being the captain of the defense that went to the AFC championship in 2005 says something about the guy, everyone else does.You don't think being voted to the Pro Bowl 5 times says anything about the guy when everyone else does.Do you see a pattern here, do you get I't that not one other person thinks Al Wilson su##s like you think he does.We get it you just don't, so let's just agree to disagree ok. Just as long as you understand we are right and you are wrong!!!
January 8, 2009

5:50 p.m.

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Bigg_Nuggets writes:

Little_man, I am not in the business of defending grown men, and to be quite honest I greatly doubt Al Wilson needs me to defend him. The truth is he was looked to as a leader not just in his own mind, but by the entire defense. Defensively the Broncos have gotten progressively worse since he left. He is not a hall of fame player, but he was a better linebacker than anyone on the team right now and he was a stand up individual who played with passion and never gave up, something that can't be said for all of the Broncos this year. As for his injury. Doctor's cleared him too late to make a camp, and due to the timing in his career it was too great a risk to bring him back for anyone. I only hope the Broncos re-sign him to a one day contract and he retires in Orange.
January 8, 2009

6:03 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

The_Man, we already made our point when we said 5 Pro Bowls out of 8 seasons? You just don't get it? Also, SB rings means squat when it comes to an individuals play, or have you forgotten Dan Marino? I suppose "he s*cks", too?

Bigg_Nuggets, thanks, I meant "moot", but I guess "mute" works, as well. My bad. My point to "The_Man" is simply that he said a 5 year Pro Bowler, "s*cks"???? I just don't know what his logic is? To say he doesn't have a SB ring? So what? Does Terrell Owens have a ring? No. Does he s*ck? Only as a person, not as a player. His argument will never work with trying to convince us he s*cks."
January 8, 2009

6:38 p.m.

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Atwater2727 writes:

The CB's also look suspect when the saftey help is terrible. You should be able to play zone and release the WR to some safety help and not have to play Man all game long. We need a good young safety. We've taken DL the last few years and almost none of them have panned out. Hopefully the new coach will be better at spotting DL talent. I'd like to see a top tier safety prospect go 1st round - they're cheaper anyway. Hopefully Bowlen will open up the ole checkbook this offseason and get a good DT.
January 8, 2009

7:34 p.m.

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The_Man writes:

Wow so we have a bunch of Broncos fans on here who don't care about getting to the Superbowl or winning in the playoffs as long as we fill up the stat sheet and go to the pro bowl its all good.
January 8, 2009

7:43 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

The_Man, think about what you're saying. So, it means don't hire a player who can get to the Pro Bowl, 5 times?? There are 10 other players on D and he was the leader of that D. He was doing his job. You said he s*cks and that is ridiculous. Nobody here will agree with you because it's a statement with no substance, but I suppose (and I've said this before) that the fans, the players and all the coaches around the league who nominated him to the Pro Bowl 5 times, don't know anything and you're the ONLY ONE who knows Al for what he really is? Please.
January 9, 2009

6:55 a.m.

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chargertom writes:

The_Man is right; jackie cutlet going to the pro bowl is ALL that's important...lol.
Plus horsefaces superbowls. Enjoy them this weekend.
January 9, 2009

12:51 p.m.

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wardo writes:

I, for one, like the idea of Bailey being moved to safety. Not only is he big enough, he is the best tackler on the Broncos. I'm not suggesting this because I think he is losing much at the corner spot - but look at Ed Reed in Baltimore and/or Dawkins in Philly...those defensive coaches admit that they are able to have an attack mentality on defense because of their safeties. Champ is a "ball hawk" and would do well - as did Braxton when he was here or even Rod Woodson when he was with the Raiders. offenses would have a more challenging time throwing away from Champ if he were at safety than if he continues at corner, where he supposedly takes away half the field...sorry, but that's no longer true. New defensive coordinator will make this change...
January 9, 2009

3:32 p.m.

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Dynamicdave writes:

wardo, incorrect, it IS still true. He struggled only after the injury, not before. He was shutting Moss down during the Patriots game. You guys are being critical of him for slowing down AFTER an injury? He will remain the CB, of THAT, I'm fairly certain. A D coach will not move him. He hasn't lost a step (before the injury) and he wasn't 100% in the games after, either. Besides, it costs a lot more to pay for new CB's then it does S. We would have to spend big money for a quality CB when we move, IMO, the best CB in the league, to S? Makes no sense. People need to quit panicking at the drop of hat, over unfounded reasons.

Home › Denver Broncos

Broncos' Bailey to have elbow surgery today

Injury suffered by cornerback was in final game of year

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 7, 2009 at 11:21 p.m.

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