Broncos hire Nolan, begin talks on assembling a new staff
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 13, 2009 at 11:16 p.m.
Photo by © AP
Bates was given permission to speak with the Raiders.
Should Josh McDaniels retain the core offensive assistants from Mike Shanahan's staff?
Josh McDaniels' first full day as Broncos coach consisted mostly of closed doors and the meetings behind them as he moved toward building a coaching staff and evaluating his team's personnel.
With a four-year, $8 million contract in hand, McDaniels spent Tuesday in his new office, huddled with team officials and some of Mike Shanahan's former assistants, including Rick Dennison and Bobby Turner.
McDaniels also made his first hire, former San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan. Nolan agreed to terms on a two-year deal to run the Broncos defense and arrived at the team's Dove Valley complex Tuesday afternoon.
McDaniels had said Monday he hoped to have a defensive staff in place before deciding what scheme the team would play.
McDaniels also is pursuing coaching veteran Dom Capers, who, despite having a year remaining on his contract with New England, was not expected to return to the Patriots for the 2009 season.
Nolan and Capers are well-versed in the 3-4 defense (three linemen, four linebackers), so if the Broncos determine they have enough, or can obtain enough, players to play it, they could take the field that way as soon as next season.
Patriots special teams coach Brad Seely, who has been on that team's coaching staff for a decade and is the only holdover from Pete Carroll's time with the team, will get heavy consideration for that job with the Broncos.
Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott also is being considered for a position on McDaniels' staff. McDermott, who is believed to have a year remaining on his contract, is off limits for interviews because his team still is in the playoffs.
Nolan, who officially became McDaniels' first hire, was fired in his fourth season as 49ers coach in October and is a longtime defensive coach who has served as a coordinator for four teams (Ravens, Jets, Redskins and Giants). He got his NFL start as a special teams and linebackers coach with the Broncos from 1987 to 1992.
Part of the plan for the Broncos that McDaniels unveiled in his two interviews, owner Pat Bowlen said, was he would bring in "some veteran hands" to repair the defense.
"I know Josh can fix this defense, and I believe he can," Bowlen said Monday in announcing McDaniels' hiring. "(Nolan has) coached for me before, I know him, he knows us and what we're about here."
Turner and Dennison --- who were assistants with Shanahan for his entire 14-year tenure --- interviewed with McDaniels about remaining on the staff. Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates is believed to be out of town, so he has not met with McDaniels face to face. Broncos officials also have recommended McDaniels retain receivers coach Jedd Fisch.
Dennison interviewed earlier in the week with the 49ers for their offensive coordinator job and is believed to be nearing an interview with another team. The Broncos gave the four assistants who remain permission to speak with other teams if they wish.
So Bates --- who recently signed a two-year extension and has three years on his contract overall --- was given permission to speak with the Oakland Raiders after they requested, in writing, a chance to talk with him about a position on their coaching staff.
Raiders owner Al Davis, who has been hospitalized but is conducting interviews with head coaching candidates, can talk with Bates about running the offense --- if interim coach Tom Cable is retained or someone with a defensive background such as Winston Moss is hired for the top job --- or possibly even the head coaching job.
Bates, who, at 32, is the same age as McDaniels, just finished his first season as the Broncos' primary play-caller on offense. Quarterback Jay Cutler set a franchise single-season record for passing yards (4,526) and earned his first Pro Bowl trip.
But Bates' role on McDaniels' staff would be different if he remained. Cutler has said he prefers Bates stay, but McDaniels already has indicated he will call plays in the Broncos offense.
McDaniels called the plays for the Patriots' high-powered offense in recent seasons, including 2007 when the team set the NFL single-season scoring record and quarterback Tom Brady won the league's Most Valuable Player award.
McDaniels said he hopes to have his staff complete as soon as possible so the coaches can begin to evaluate the team's personnel.
The college all-star games, including the Senior Bowl, are coming up, and the scouting combine opens in a little more than a month in Indianapolis.
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January 13, 2009
11:59 p.m.
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Swick writes:
Going to the Raiders probably wouldn't help Bates' career. Who in their right mind would work for Al Davis? I know he's in the hospital or whatever, but unless he's on his way out, you'd be crazy to get involved with that organization. Please get better Mr. Davis. Nobody makes personel and coaching decisions like you do.
January 14, 2009
7:43 a.m.
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hallandnash writes:
One practice and Cutler forgets about Bates.
January 14, 2009
7:46 a.m.
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The_KIMN_Chicken writes:
The Special Teams coach will be a huge hire. Our Special Teams have been a disaster for years now, please let's get someone in here who can turn that around. We ALWAYS lose the special teams battle week after week and it becomes too much to overcome quite often.
January 14, 2009
8:18 a.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
What Chicken said.
January 14, 2009
8:32 a.m.
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Rutabaga writes:
Yea, what Chicken said too.
P.S. I like McNuggets...
January 14, 2009
9:34 a.m.
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Jubei writes:
I'd love to see a power running game to complement McD's passing offense. How much did the red zone offense suffer when Pittman, and then Hillis went down?
Also, add me to the list of dittos on Chicken's post. Add a dismal special teams unit to an awful defense, and an offense that struggles in the red zone, and you get a very mediocre team. Short fields for the defense and long ones for the offense lose games.
If we can move the defense and ST up to the middle of the pack, and get even a little better in the red zone, we'll be in good shape.
January 14, 2009
9:39 a.m.
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DenverDon writes:
Agree with Chicken as well. It never gets any press, but we lose the special teams battle every week. I habitually cringe on every punt and KO. It has been a point of aggrevation for me for years now.
Just took a peak at the 2009 draft.....there is little doubt that there will be an impact LB and/or safety available at the 12th spot or deeper, maybe allowing a trade down for more picks. We may have the worst defense in all of football, but hey, the draft will be a start to recovery. Lets hope Goodman has his act together.
January 14, 2009
10:17 a.m.
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johna writes:
Well it was time for Shanahan to go but I do not feel good about anything that Bowlen has done since. I am afraid that in 2 years if he still owns the team Bowlen will be looking for a head coach. This situation is not good/
January 14, 2009
10:40 a.m.
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des696 writes:
I'm excited about the prospect of going to a 3-4 defense. We will then be able to use Woodyard more and hopefully be more aggressive with the pass rush.
And ditto on Chicken's comments...
January 14, 2009
10:56 a.m.
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JCut6JElway7 writes:
It's been 14 years since we had a new regime here with the Broncos... and as much as Coach Shanahan did and he will ALWAYS be a Bronco ledgend... it was time to move on. I think so far these are all very positive moves and will pay off next year. Coach McDaniels product in NE proves he knows offense and here he's got what can be BETTER than NE offense and much younger players... I don't think we have any clear #1 RB on this team. Hillis can be a short yardage/3rd down back and Ryan Torain we have not seen enough to know if he can handle the workload. We all know the Defense needs a total over-haul as well as special teams including the kicker. As it stands we can't say anything now... it's wait and see. BUT we could very well in 3, 4, 5 years be talking about what a GREAT hire this was and dare I say... d-y-n-a-s-t-y??? I know wishfull thinking... but one never knows.
January 14, 2009
11:01 a.m.
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Littleboyblue writes:
We are better off now than we've been in the last decade. It all boils down to what type of football players are we gonna bring in here? We need more guys like Woodyard and Royal. We've come out like gangbusters every year now lately and by mid season...same old stuff. Due to same old message? Well, new message, new direction, new result yielded? Hopefully...and yeah on what Chicken said!!
January 14, 2009
11:07 a.m.
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curoma writes:
I'd say getting the STC from NE is pretty close to a LOCK. Since our STC just got hired by NE.
Let Bates go! All the yards in the world don't mean squat if you can't be creative enough to SCORE in the red zone.
In 2007 NO team in HISTORY was as GOOD as that NE Team. The Bronco talent on the O side is just as talented, just younger.
If the defense improves to say, 13th>17th in the league then with IMPROVED scoring, the Bronc's could definitely win the West.
Sign Sproles! That guy is amazing catching the screen and running back KO's.
Get a big fat guy for nose tackle to plug the middle, there's a few gonna be on the FA market.
Draft one of the 2 senior LB's from USC. (Both would be better).
And LAST but by no-ways least, get 2 (that's T-W-O) SAFETIES who can jar a guys teeth loose when they hit you.
Then this team WILL get back to double-digit wins NEXT year!
January 14, 2009
11:16 a.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
Free Agency will be the start to recovery.....not the draft. Glad to hear that McDaniels wants a few veterans. Thinking we can plug our holes with instant quality through the draft is nucking futs!
January 14, 2009
11:24 a.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
curoma- Agree with most....not Sproles. Remember that Griffin kid we had years ago out of Oklahoma? Alot like Sproles, so why didn't he work out? Hell he set a record for all purpose yards in a game if i'm not mistaken. TOO SMALL. That trick stuff works every now and then, but those guys can't take the hits game in and game out. Teams want Sproles; Sproles wants money. We need another quality receiver (Nicks UNC) on offense and OL depth. That's it. Spend the money on Defense.
January 14, 2009
11:27 a.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
ALSO, I would like to see Denver get someone like Chris Simms to backup Jay.
January 14, 2009
11:49 a.m.
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6_is_the_new_7 writes:
Agreed with chicken, ST are terrible. Every year it seems like we draft a returner under Shanahan and never get one.
January 14, 2009
12:34 p.m.
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42n8 writes:
I'd like to see our team draft a couple of impact cornerbacks and move Champ to free safety and Bly out altogether. Nebraska has a Boy Named 'Su' on their defense who would look awfully good in Blue and Orange, and Missouri has a young man, Ziggy Hood who deserves a look. Frankly, I'm tired of the Broncs looking to the SEC or the Big 10 for their talent when there is a bunch of it right here in the Big 12! I'm not sure who's on the free agent market, but I'd like to see the Broncs do some exploring there, too; if Mr. Bowlen didn't get burned too badly with some of Shanahan's decisions.
January 14, 2009
1:07 p.m.
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skifastbadly writes:
Don't forget but we also need a new punter and kicker. Louie Sakoda from Utah could fill both those needs. Only problem is he doesn't have a big leg. My point is we need help everywhere but the offense. We have returners but we need some tacklers on this team. We can't always have Champ out there making every tackle. Lucky we got a young team and 9 draft picks. Cutler, your red zone interceptions cost the Mastermind his job, something tells me you go before McDaniels. So forget Bates and master your new playbook.
January 14, 2009
1:07 p.m.
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Jubei writes:
liesandpropaganda08, I agree with you on your point about free agency as a way to START the change to a 3-4 scheme. We need at least one veteran 3-4 guy on the line and in the LB corps to help the younger guys transition in the near term.
But with the draft picks that we have this year, I want to see a continued emphasis on building over the long haul through the draft. One of the comments that impressed me about McD was his statement that he basically has a short- and long-term goal for the defense.
Get the quality vets in the next couple seasons to stay competitive, and gradually shift over to the long-term solution via the draft.
So far so good.
BTW, did any of you guys hear that Taylor Mays is NOT coming out this year? I swear I heard that on ESPN radio yesterday...
January 14, 2009
1:29 p.m.
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Miss_Sin_Link writes:
How can anyone disagree with chicken?
Speaking of chicken, I see that Ashley Lelie is available again...
January 14, 2009
2:11 p.m.
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R8R_H8R writes:
J.Bates can go, this offense moved the ball like crazy, and stalled in the red zone. Hopefully Ryan Torrain and Peyton Hillis will both be healthy next year. THat would be a formidable duo in the backfield.
Rick Dennison has coached the Best Offensive Line the Denver Broncos have ever fielded. Bar none. This Line can pass-block. THere has NEVER been a q.b. here that did not have run for his life due to lack of pass-blocking. All they ever did was dive at the knees of the defense to run-block. I REALLY hope Rick Dennison stays on as Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line coach.
The Broncs paid a fortune to get the Special Teams coach from the Jags. Highest paid S.T. coach in the NFL the last 2 years. He has been a miserable failure. Don't blame Shanahan for that. He put out the effort on his part.
I would LOVE IT if Dom Capers came in to work on Defense, but for the life of me i can't understand why he would? He's been a D-Coordinator and a Head Coach. He would be neither here. And I also don't see why the Secondary Coach would leave Philly to come here for a Lateral move? Wouldn't he wait for a job as a D-coordinator himself?
January 14, 2009
2:56 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
johna writes:
"Well it was time for Shanahan to go but I do not feel good about anything that Bowlen has done since. I am afraid that in 2 years if he still owns the team Bowlen will be looking for a head coach. This situation is not good."
Yeah, johna, that's the spirit. Keep em' flying. You are a minority opinion in this matter. What does that tell you? That you're right and the rest of us are wrong? Hmmmm, Methinks you doth protest too much.
January 14, 2009
4:14 p.m.
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oc60 writes:
McDaniels hire was done to bring home another SB trophy for Mr. Bowlen and it's going to be with Passing first and Running second. You can't be both and the talent on this team is passing. You only need to look at Carolina Panthers to see why, they were a run first team who tried to become a passing team in the playoffs.
January 14, 2009
4:21 p.m.
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T1anda writes:
Under McD... Denver will be a pass first team. Rb's will take a back seat. Jay Cutler oil up your arm!
January 14, 2009
6:29 p.m.
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RoloFan writes:
I'm confused. McD wants to hire Dom Capers too? Who's going to do what? Are we going to have two defensive coordinators or an Asst Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator? Or is one of them being hired to be a position coach?
Does the right hand know what the left hand is doing at Dove Valley?
January 14, 2009
6:42 p.m.
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MRBONG writes:
in case you didnt know the pats running game and offensive line su-cks and thats y they lost the superbowl and jay cutler is no tom brady and brandon marshall is no randy moss kiss goodbye the leauges best o-line/running game , im preety sure all we needed was better players not new coaches, this was probally shanahans best coaching job considering all the injuries 2 years ago are offense needed help so thats what we did with the last draft this year it was the defense , you cant do it all in 1 year. i have no doubt that Mcdainels wont even come close to shanahan and in 2 years well be looking for a new coach
January 14, 2009
6:52 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
skifastbadly, where do you get that Kerns needs to go? He was a good punter. He averaged 46.7 yards a punt. He was good at kicking it inside the 20. The ST could have done better at tackling but Kerns did his job. Prater, on the other hand, was more and more disappointing as the year went on.
MRBONG, ahh, your optimism is always so refreshing.... NOT!
R8R_H8R, Bates wouldn't be calling the plays but he could continue to coach Cutler. He could even be an OC but under McDaniels tutilage.
January 14, 2009
7:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
skifastbadly writes:
Dynamicdave, Kern was 8th in average and 16th in net average. Considering his tremendus homefield advantage, I would say we need a new punter. Sakoda is an All American punter and an excellent place kicker having made 44 fg's in his college career. He was all Mountain West the last 2 years as a kicker. I agree we need serious help on special teams, would'nt it be great if our punter could kick? we would free up a roster spot for a real football player, an extra RB or LB. Not to mention maybe we could get down and tackle the returner.
January 14, 2009
8:42 p.m.
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Domination707 writes:
if were gonna paly a 3-4 we should get Ray Lewis he's a beast playing the 3-4
January 14, 2009
10:01 p.m.
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yobeach writes:
RB L. Maroney fit the bill in NE to the tune of 41-7 this year the last game I checked with Josh M running the controls over a lackluster Denver D. I can't wait to see who Josh M starts at RB in the Denver offense. Stokely is better than Wes Welker. Eddie Royal and B. Marshall work for me at WR. For the D, get a stud safety, another CB besides Bly, and Nolan will have to figure out the D line fiasco. Get some linebackers who want to fly around.
Prater is no J.Elam, so that's another hole. Relax everyone, this new coach Josh M. has a very bright future in the Mile High.
I will miss Mike's risky play calling on 4th down because he liked to take a gamble. I just hope we Broncos never have to play against him and he's on the opposite sideline. I was in shock to see the breaking news on ESPN that he was canned. Only 3 years ago we were one win away from the Super Bowl. Best of luck, Mike, as you're a class act!
January 14, 2009
10:42 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
skifastbadly, as I said, Kerns isn't bad. The rest of the ST made his average (net) weak, or he would be in the top 5.
Domination707, Denver can't afford Ray Lewis.
January 15, 2009
8:48 a.m.
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SE7EN writes:
McD sounds like a pretty sharp and confident guy. Broncos (AFC West in general) might have the toughest schedule in the league. We'll have to wait and see.
If the Defensive side and S/T makes little or no improvement this year, I'll be impressed if McD can squeeze 8-9 wins from this team given the schedule and their lack of playmakers on defense.
January 15, 2009
2:04 p.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
Dynamicdave- We can't afford Lewis?.....thought we had 39mil+ to spend, oh well.
IF we were to cut Bly and trade Robertson and Champ could we afford...hmmm...Haynesworth, Dawkins or Mike Brown, AND Ray Lewis or Suggs? Think we would stilI have enough change left over to sign Cutler and Co. to long term deals as well. I would trade our 3 for those 3 and draft ROOKIE corners that don't throw themselves down on the ground when they get beat.
January 15, 2009
8:46 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
liesandpropaganda08, we do have 39 million, but the draft can kill us in the 1st and 2nd round, especially if we give away some later draft choices and maybe even a future draft choice for a 2nd #1 pick. You know how much these unproven kids make. We probably will trade up some, as well. As long as they don't pay a ridiculous amount of money, upfront. Remember what the Raiders paid to WR Walker? It depends on what Peppers asks, sure, but I doubt we can afford what I think he would want.
January 15, 2009
8:48 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Meant to say "Lewis", but Peppers is also a good example.
January 15, 2009
8:51 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
PS: Champ isn't going anywhere.
January 15, 2009
10:12 p.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
Dynamicdave- Who would we want to draft in the bottom half of round one? Not sure why we want (2) first rd picks. I agree w/ you about the draft...it's a crapshoot at best, but there are many that feel we have 9 positions of need and 9 draft picks, so we don't need FA's. NUTS! I hope Denver keeps ALL draft picks and should trade Champ for more. We need depth at all positions, mostly defense, so hopefully Goodman drafts well there.
As far as Lewis...we HAVE the money to get it done now, but should go after him IF we can't get Suggs.
Champ...great player that has lost a step or two. How many years does he have left on his current contract Dave? I think maybe 2. How much are we gonna have to pay him? When Nate Clemens signed that deal with San Fran, Bailey was quoted numerous times about his desire to be the highest paid corner in the league. Look the articles up and ask yourself if this guy will take a paycut to stay with the Denver Broncos! THAT is funny. The guy has made MANY great plays, but has also thrown himself down on the ground many times because he's beat and doesn't want to show teams he isn't as fast as he used to be. How many times do we see Champ playing 10 yards off the line of scrimmage? I would like to see what his time is in the 40. Face it, he's getting old. Salary wise, look at the Broncos D: Our corners are amongst the highest paid in the league and look at the results. People can blame the rush, or lack thereof, but our secondary couldn't stop teams when we had a rush.
We need help up front, QUALITY HELP, more than Champ Bailey. How are we going to pay everybody if this guy is the highest paid at his position? Were not talking highest paid punter. We need the highest paid end or tackle more than the highest paid corner.
That being said, I don't think he's going anywhere either.
January 15, 2009
10:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
liesandpropaganda08 writes:
If we get rid of him it means we don't have to keep signing players named "BAILEY". That's a plus, right?
Wonder where "Boss" is anyway? Probably getting ready to mindlessly collide with something and get hurt again...oh well, at least he's getting time off....
Now that I think about it, we can forget the big NT, keep "Champ", and try to get an Ed Reed type safety instead to give "Champ" help deep...that should help our "shutdown corner" shut his man down. Dallas Clark beat "Champ" deep. Dallas Clark!
January 16, 2009
11:26 a.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
liesandpropaganda08, nope, disagree (not ME, ha, ha). Champ is 30. He still has a lot left under the hood. Darrell Green played much, much longer then Champ. Bailey is of the same type of stock. Getting rid of your best D player, makes no sense. Yes, he was injured last year. 1st time in his career. He came back and was still hobbled by his injury. I don't hold with the idea that he has "lost a step". Not this early in his career. Playing 10 yards off the line of scrimmage wasn't his idea, that's Slowic and his asinine coaching. So what, about Dallas Clark? Even the best can't win every play. I remember in Jr. High School, I was this scrawny, lanky kid who had to block Richard (a big, kid who outweighed me by 20 lbs, at least. I dropped him on his butt (right after he had told me he was going to put me on my a$$). Point is, he got beat and I got praised for leveling him. Who would have thought? So Champ got beat? Can't win them all, even to the "underdog." Steve Watson and Eddie McCaffrey were not fast, at all. But they ran precision routes and got open. Look what Champ was doing to Moss, this last game. He was "shutting him down." You'll never get me to agree that we should get rid of him. Never. Now, should Josh, decide to get rid of him, oh well, that's his choice. I have no say in it, but I would call it an asinine move. Opinions are wonderful things. God, I love this game.
January 16, 2009
12:18 p.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
Time will tell the tale Dave, and he HAS lost a step.
I am not trying to convince you, or anyone else for that matter. that we need to trade "Champ". Not my choice who they keep AND I couldn't care less about who thinks what. All I am saying is we need help up front that will not be cheap.
How will we get the help we need on the D Line AND pay "Champ"? And we will have to pay "Champ" who BTW is NO Darrell Green. The difference Dave is that Green didn't get beat as often as "Champ" has. And the comment about Slowic being responsible for "Champ" playing so far off the line...."Champ" has been doing that since Chad Johnson lit him up years ago.
The "loyalists" among us need to understand that the guy is scared of getting beat deep and requires help from a Safety many times throughout the game. Slowic...HAAAA! Darrell Green? Not on his best day Dave.
What is the opposing QB's completion percentage against "Champ" anyway?
It never ends! Maybe blind loyalty will keep him around though.
January 16, 2009
12:33 p.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
We got burned deep almost every play while "our best defensive player" was sidelined for weeks with a groin injury....wait a minute, no we didn't.
How much does "Champ" really matter?
January 16, 2009
2:04 p.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
"Champ" Bailey was the 7th highest paid player in the NFL last year folks. That guy counted almost 13 million dollars against the salary cap last year. 13 million!
Let's compare that to some other players salaries:
Pat Williams 8.4M
Haynesworth 7.2M
Richard Seymour 6.8M
Kris Jenkins 5.9M
Freeney 5.7M
Marcus Stroud 5.6M
Mike Brown 3.1M
B Dawkins 3.3M
Bob Sanders 8.7M
D Sharper 4.3M
J Abraham 8.5M
Peppers (NO!) 14M
O Umenyiora 5M
13 million for "CHAMP"? ....Opinions are great!
Go Broncos!
January 16, 2009
3:49 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
liesandpropaganda08, and who's to say he wouldn't have earned it (barring injury)? He might have been the #1 selection to the Pro Bowl, we'll never know. Maybe they will require him to renegotiate his contract to protect the team in case of another severe injury like he had. Also, there was talk of the players (Cutler and Champ included) to free up money to pick up other players. Here is an article on the salary cap. Champ IMO is worth every penny.
"Currently, the Broncos rank 25th in the NFL with just under $99 million in salary for 2008. However, Dre' Bly accepted a pay cut at the beginning of this season, so that will free up another $4-to-5 million for the Broncos.
Rest assured, Denver will give a complete makeover to its defense, which ranked 30th in the NFL in 2008. That makeover could result in the departures of Marlon McCree, Vernon Fox, Marquand Manuel, Nate Webster, Boss Bailey, Ebenezer Ekuban, Kenny Peterson, John Engelberger, Niko Koutouvides, Dewayne Robertson, and Karl Paymah.
Those departures would leave the Broncos with a team salary of about $75 million, freeing up an astounding $50 million dollars in cap space.
Denver's nine draft picks will likely consume about $8-to-9 million of that cap space. Pat Bowlen's new GM and Head Coach will likely have $41 million dollars to spend on a new defense."
I'm not worried about Denver. Get rid of Champ and you get rid of a quality player, a quality team leader and we saw what that did when we lost Al Wilson. Sorry, but I prefer to pay Champ. Talk to him about negotiating his contract for the help of the team, but not because he isn't worth it. I still say he's worth being the 7th highest paid CB in the league.
January 18, 2009
1:40 a.m.
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liesandpropaganda08 writes:
Dynamicdave- Again, I love what Champ has done in Denver...
7th Highest Paid Player in the League....not CB...League.
I just don't see how they can make this work. IF he doesn't renegotiate, and I don't think he should, we will lose him in a year or two and get no compensation. We all have flaws and Champ is no exception, but he is the best corner in the league and should be paid accordingly. McAllister (sp?) w/ Baltimore made 10M+ and Champ is better....should we spend that kind of money on a corner though?
You are right when you mention the leadership he brings...not to mention the fact he has made Cutler and Co. better. I think the talent we had on defense was better than '07 but Lynch left that "leadership" void and we suffered. You got me on that one.
Oh well, we'll see what happens like always. I just hope we get some talent on defense....draft will be huge for Goodman