October 2009 News

Through The Eyes Of…Lauren Gardner: Not Just Another Pretty Denver Face

Published: October 18, 2009

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I confess. Despite being the most happily married man this side of the Rockies, I’m still a sucker for a pretty face. My wife Kate, allows me to look at the menu as long as I promise not to eat from the buffet. And I promise faithfully. Not so much as even a light snack.

So, when I saw that Lauren Gardner had joined the Linked-in group, A Glove of Their Own, I approached her to do a story before the ink even cooled. I was familiar with Lauren after seeing her cheer for the Denver Broncos in 2007 and remember her as a woman amongst girls.

No offense to the other members of the squad, but Lauren’s flaming red hair, flying crazy against the sea of orange and blue was a sight that few of the 70,000 plus football-hungry males at Invesco Field could ever forget.

Blessed with flowing red locks, a gorgeous white toothie smile, and abs that a forty something like me would die for, Lauren registers on the smoking scale somewhere slightly north of “mucho caliente.”

I asked Lauren, if she would be interested in being the latest subject of my weekly column, Through The Eyes of….My thought being that I could present would-be readers with the sideline perspective of the game through the eyes of the NFL cheerleader.

Much to my disappointment and the suspected disappointment of those 70,000 rabid fans, Lauren is no longer a Bronco cheerleader, but remains Denver’s “Queen of the Sports Air Waves” in her multiple roles as the In-Game Host at the Colorado Rockies, as well as, an on-air personality at Altitude Sports and Entertainment for the Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse Team and the Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League.

In her spare time (say what?) she works full-time as a real estate sales assistant for the Spire Denver.

Lauren was nice enough to spend some time with me on the “other side of the microphone” and clearly proves to the readers that she is more than just another pretty face in this week’s segment of “Through The Eyes of…Lauren Gardner…Not Just Another Pretty Face.

Civ: You originally went by the name Mile High Sports Betty. How did this come about and do you still use it?

Lauren: Ha ha….Oh that brings back memories. Mile High Sports Betty was a term coined by the publishers over at Mile High Sports when I began doing a TV segment for their show on Altitude. I would go around town checking out different places and events.

It was the first time I’d ever done anything on TV. I remember the very first segment was at the Stock Show and I had bought a new outfit and was so excited only to have it completely ruined by all of the dirt and manure. I have had many nicknames and still do, but that one never really stuck.

Civ: You are the in game host for the Rockies. Is there anyone you interviewed who made your knees weak?

Lauren: Unfortunately, as in game host, I only interviewed fans. They are all so interesting and it was so much fun to be in the stands and mingling with the people that make the sport so great.

My most memorable fan interview was Todd Helton’s number one fan who brings a giant Helton sign to every game and knows everything about him. However, when I worked for Champ Car, (a race car series that is now merged with the INDY Car series), I was lucky enough to interview Mario Andretti. He was driving the two-seater F1 car and was as nice as can be, although I was surprised at how little he is.

Civ: Do you go in the locker room or strictly baselines, benches, and bleacher interviews?

Lauren: When I work the sidelines for the Mammoth and the Eagles, (not the football team), I stay rinkside and outside of the dressing rooms. For the Mammoth, they allow me bench access for interviews during the games, which is incredible, and it gives the viewer the feel for the emotion of that very moment!

Civ: Should women reporters be allowed in the locker room? Would you blush?

Lauren: I feel that’s a decision for both the team and the reporter. It really depends on the situation. I have been in the teams that I cover locker rooms and keep my eyes straight ahead and go about my business. It’s strictly professional and both parties have always acted as such.

Civ: You are very polished on air despite your relative youth. Is this the result of your college work and education?

Lauren: Well, thank you. Sometimes I feel like I sound like an absolute mess, but try my best to be articulate and composed. I realize I’m quite young, but I don’t feel it’s an excuse to speak like a surfer or a valley girl.

I do think that studying Political Science in college was a great way to hone reading, writing and verbal skills, as well as, analytical thinking. Growing up, I was always that kid that would read on the playground and loved English class. I was such a nerd!

Civ: How did you decide to enter this field and what are your long term goals?

Lauren: I studied Political Science in college and had plans of going to law school. Playing softball was a very significant part of my life growing up as I am extremely competitive and there’s nothing like the feeling of leaving everything you have out on the diamond (the softball diamond in my case). My family and I would always go to sporting events and watch them on TV.

My sophomore year in college, I ended up with an internship at Mile High Sports and later at FSN Rocky Mountain. It was then and there that I decided that I love the excitement of the industry and that I wanted to try and make it in sports broadcasting. I’m definitely at the stage of trying to get my foot in the door and I’m loving every minute of it!

My ultimate goal is to be on a big network covering the most exciting games.

Civ: In addition to the Rockies you work for Altitude Sports covering the Mammoth and the Eagles, how does your role differ covering lax, hockey, or baseball?

Lauren: My role with the Mammoth and the Eagles is much different than with the Rockies. I work in the in-game entertainment department for the Rockies and get to host different contests with the fans on the big screen. It’s a lot of fun and I can really relax and have a good time.

My true passion is what I do on the sidelines with the Eagles and the Mammoth. I am able to be right in the mix and get inside stories about what’s going on, as well as, interviews. I enjoy the challenge of live television and radio…you never know what’s going to happen and you have to be quick on your feet.

Civ: You were a former Bronco cheerleader and rated as many as the Cheerleading Rookie of the Year in 2007. How did that make you feel?

Lauren: It was really honoring to be recognized, but it’s all really subjective. I guess I’ve always grown up as a tomboy and don’t see myself as much of a girly girl, but when the time comes, it’s fun to play dress up and embrace my femininity. Really, I see myself as a huge dork that laughs at my own jokes and forgets to shower sometimes.

I had a great time cheering for the team that I grew up idolizing and watching. The best part about the experience was the friendships I made and being part of an organization that is so involved with the community.

Civ: Who was the coolest player you met as a Bronco cheerleader? Did you date any players?

Lauren: I would have to say the coolest player I met was John Elway. John Lynch is also one of the greats I met as well. Him and his wife are very nice and are active in their foundation. I never dated any of the players and never had any interest.

Civ: How did you become more than just a pretty face?

Lauren: That’s so flattering to be called pretty. I still blush when people say that. In all seriousness, it is hard to separate yourself from that stereotype when we live in the world that we do. Everybody uses the tools that they’ve been given and I’m using mine.

If I had it my way, I’d be an extremely athletic guy and would be able to fulfill my dream of playing baseball for a living. That’s not the case and I’m trying to do the next best thing, which is get as close to the excitement as possible.

I have a very long way to go and I know that I am where I am today is by being very persistent and working hard. I remember when I wanted to intern at FSN, I had to call them six times before they even got back to me.

Civ: You were named Miss Hot Rod or something like that…cooler than an ESPY or not?

Lauren: LOL. An ESPY is certainly a huge honor….depending on what you’re awarded for. I was actually, The Face of Champ Car, abbreviated as FOCC, (I always thought that was kind of funny). As cheesy as the entire thing was, it gave me the opportunity to travel all over North America and meet some really great people from around the world. I grew up as a gear head of sorts going to car shows and races with my dad and watching open wheel racing on TV.

When I had the chance to be in the middle of it all…well, I couldn’t pass it up.

The experience was great! As the ambassador, I gave tours of the paddock to fans and told them all about the cars, the drivers and the series. It was nice to show people that I really knew what I was talking about and it was great to improve on my public speaking skills.

There were also a lot of public appearances…especially in Mexico City. There were billboards with my face on it! It was hilarious! The coolest part of the entire thing was riding in the Formula One two-seater in Long Beach, (I’ve been sky diving and I have to say this was even more exciting than that!).

Civ: Did you ever feel that 60,000 screaming Bronco fans may have been distracted from the game when you cheered?

Lauren: I’m not sure. I would dance my heart out in hopes of entertaining everyone. So….my final answer is: I hope so.

Civ: What does your daily menu entail?

Lauren: Honestly, I try and eat as healthy as possible when I can and have the will power to. That means lean proteins, salads, and whole grains…light on the sodium. When it comes to pizza, all bets are off. I love pizza, Mexican food and my biggest weakness of all are cupcakes.

There’s a place by my office that has the best cupcakes on the planet. I even stalk their website on a daily basis to look at the pictures and see what flavors they are featuring that day (that’s completely normal, right?). www.happycakes.com

Civ: How many sit ups do you do a day to keep your abs that toned?

Lauren: Oh man! I have to say that I do spend my fair share of time in the gym. I enjoy being physically fit and I have a lot more energy when I’m working out on a regular basis. When I cheered for the Mammoth and the Broncos, the uniform was great motivation to stay in shape.

Now that I’m retired, (that makes me sound so old!! ), I am training for a mini triathlon. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m having a lot of fun pushing myself.

Civ: Did you win prom queen in your high school? Any awards?

Lauren: I was nominated for homecoming queen my freshman year in high school, but ended up losing. My team-mates voted me as captain as the dance team and the softball team in high school.

I also won outstanding athlete, academic award, (I don’t know where they come up with this stuff), as well as, first team all conference and all region in softball my Senior year (I think I was most proud of those). They were all character building experiences.

Civ: You went to University of Colorado Boulder. I assume you cheered there. Were you a sorority girl? Was there hazing?

Lauren: A lot of people assume both of those things, however, I didn’t do either. I began cheering for the Colorado Mammoth my sophomore year and never ended up joining a sorority. In high school, we would toilet paper all of the freshman’s houses on the softball team….is that considered hazing?

Civ: What are your favorite movie…Favorite food…Favorite TV show… ?

Lauren: Movie: tie between Anchorman, Caddy Shack, and Pulp Fiction.
Food: Pizza and Cupcakes (from Happy Cakes)
TV Show: Sex and the City, Seinfeld, and Family Guy

Civ: You are a member of the Linked in group, A Glove of Their Own..have you read the book yet and would it embarrass you if we named you the A Glove of Their Own cheerleader?

Lauren: I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t read the book, but have fully intended on doing so. I would be honored to be named the A Glove of Their Own cheerleader!

Civ: You do a lot of charity work, tell us about what you’re involved in?

Lauren: Growing up, my family has made it a point for us to give back. Whether it was as simple as sponsoring a child on Christmas to taking on a big project. While cheering for the Broncos, we collectively contributed 1,200 hours to charity a year.

Last season we worked with Habitat for Humanity and we actually went out and built houses. I never knew I would be capable of operating a circular saw until then. The year before we raised $50,000 dollars in the name of one of the alumni that is a breast cancer survivor.

The best experience that I’ve ever had while giving back was when my mom and I traveled to Ecuador for two weeks to work in a school for disabled and impoverished children. I was nervous at first because I have never worked with disabled children, but it ended up being the best experience I’ve ever had. I want to go back when I can raise the money. TC

Todd Civin is a freelance writer for the Bleacher Report , Seamheads and Sports, Then and Now . He is a supporter of the award winning children’s story, A Glove of Their Own, which promotes paying it forward through sports. Visit the site at www.agloveoftheirown.com and purchase under today’s donor code, BEF777 Boomer Esiason Foundation as $3. per sale will go to Boomer’s Foundation.

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Sleeper Kyle Orton Ready to Wake Up for Fantasy Teams

Published: October 17, 2009

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There are some big names on bye this weekend which means you may be searching the waiver wire or the depths of your roster for players to fill in your starting lineup.

There may be some big names rusting on the waiver wire that teams have given up on over the course of the first five weeks.

Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos

Orton has had a solid season thus far and it should continue against a soft Chargers defense on Monday Night Football. The Broncos defense will continually put Orton in good spots on the field, which could lead to a big day passing for Orton.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers

The Panthers are near death, but luckily they play the equally-as-dead Buccaneers this week. The Bucs are already thinking about next season’s draft, which should lead to big days for both DeAngelo Williams and Stewart. Stewart is always a threat in the red zone and could find the end zone a few times.

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams

There is some life in Avery after all. He found the end zone last week and is facing the Jaguars defense that gave up four touchdown passes to Matt Hasselbeck. Somebody has to score for the Rams, and Avery is the best option through the air for Marc Bulger.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions

Pettigrew is the top tight end in Detroit and he is playing against a Packers defense that has yet to prove they can be consistent. Culpepper is likely to be the starter and he may lean on his tight end when he gets in trouble.

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Breaking Down the Defensive Schemes in Today’s NFL

Published: October 17, 2009

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A couple of days ago, I was trying to explain the defensive scheme the Broncos play to my girlfriend, only to get a vacant stare back at me.

At this time, I remembered reading a few blogs on many different sites, including this one, where a lot of the fans of their respective teams ran into the same issue.

I took it upon myself to do a serious amount of research and try to point out the differences among the countless schemes being employed in today’s game but found it a bigger task than I anticipated, so I have boiled it down to 4 different schemes in total, within the two main formations, the 3-4 and the 4-3.

Let’s begin.

Not all 3-4 are the same, in fact there are various schemes ran out of this formation, because at the end of the day, the name 3-4 or 34 as some people like to call it, depicts a formation not the scheme.

One of the schemes employed out of this formation is the two gap system, think San Diego, Cleveland and Miami to name a few.

This system employs three down lineman and four linebackers as their front seven. The three down lineman are each responsible for two gaps, with the nose tackle (NT for short) being the most important of all, followed closely by the two ends.

The NT will be responsible for the gaps between the center and each guard while the DEs are responsible for the gaps between the guards and tackles as well as “sealing” the end.

I believe that this the hardest scheme to find players for because the breed of athlete it employs is just hard to find.

This version of the 3-4 relies on the down lineman to “hold” the point of attack, other wise known as the line of scrimmage, making sure to tackle anyone coming down their respective gaps all the while taking on blockers to allow the linbackers (LB) a free path to the ball.

This requires strong, big, and heavy linemen that can move laterally with quickness, but it does not require penetration, that’s left mostly to the LBs, especially the outside LBs.

In turn, this will require instinctive LBs on the inside and strong LBs on the outside to produce the pass rush. This scheme relies heavily on the OLBs to produce pressure on the QB.

This style of defense is great against the run but a little vulnerable against the pass. Another problem with this scheme is depth, as it relies heavily on the NT, which is a rare find in the NFL.

If your NT just happens to get injured the defense will suffer greatly due to the fact that NT are at a premium and very difficult to find, making the building of depth a problem. If you want an example see the Chargers.

Now a different scheme from the same formation would be the one-gap or “attacking” 3-4. This scheme was made popular by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2001 season, however, one of the first teams to use it successfully were the 1975 Broncos (although their best season with the scheme came in 1977).

While the same formation is used, the difference lies within the personnel. In this case the linemen are usually a little lighter and quicker, this is due to the fact that they will be given one gap to defend and will be frequently asked to penetrate and get to the QB.

This also requires a different type of LB, one that will be able fight off blockers and get to the ball. This style of defense does require one LB to be fast and instinctive and that’s usually called the “jack” LB.

With this scheme, pressure is put on the QB from all angles making it excel against the pass, but it is vulnerable to the run. Some of the teams that use this scheme are the Jets, Broncos and Ravens.

The most important position with in this scheme are the LBs, both the ILBs and the OLBs. Speed and quickness are at a premium among the LBs within this scheme and that’s due to the bevy of things they will be asked to do, anything from blitzing to man to man coverage.

While the two-gap system is designed to to funnel the ball toward the linemen, the one gap is designed to funnel the ball towards the LBs.

Now in the 4-3 there are four linemen and three LBs representing the front seven. This formation is a little less varied than the 3-4.

In most schemes, the four down linemen breakdown as follows, 2 DEs 1 NT and a DT(defensive tackle). Now I know I said one NT and the truth is, while many think the 4-3 employs two defensive tackles, it actually employs one three-technique DT and a five-technique DT, better known as a nose tackle.

This formation is all about the linemen, and therefore they are the true play makers of this formation.

Take, for instance, the 2002 Tampa Bay Bucs. That team might have been the truest incarnation of what a 4-3 defense should be, with two true pass rushers in the edges as DEs in Rice and Spires, one good NT in McFarland, and perhaps one of the best three-technique DTs in league history with Sapp.

The LBs also change in this formation. Let’s start with the weak-side LB or “Will;” he must be fast and athletic.

The strong side LB or “Sam” must be big and strong, with the middle LB, or “Mike,” being instinctive and a combination of both, but the linemen are the stars of the show.

The linemen’s jobs break down as follows, the DEs will be responsible for the edges and applying pressure on the QB while the NT will be responsible for the gaps between the guard/center and tackle/guard.

Which brings us to the star of the show the DT, in the 3 technique, the DT is the one lineman that has free reign, he can choose his gap and “shoot” it, applying pressure to the QB and collapsing the pocket from the inside.

This defense is probably the most well rounded of all as it is strong both aginst the run and pass, but that is not to say that it is easy. Finding a true 3 technique DT, aside from the fact that they are more abundant, is probably just as hard as findinga good NT to play the two gap 3-4.

Don’t believe me? Just ask Mike Shanahan or the 2009 Raiders.

Some of the teams that use this style of defense successfully are the Giants, Eagles, Vikings and Bears.

Now I have left my favorite for last, and that is the “zone blitz” scheme. This scheme was perfected by Dick LeBeau of the Pittsburgh Steelers, actually he might have invented it I’m not sure, but he sure damn perfected it.

While the Steelers use a 3-4 formation, this is a scheme that could be used out of any formation, as long as Mr. LeBeau is teaching it, but for now we’ll go with the two-gap 3-4.

This scheme is all about deceiving the offense, at any given time anyone on the field regardless of position could drop into a zone coverage or blitz, and yes, that includes the linemen.

That makes it almost impossible for the offensive line to adjust their protection scheme in order to account for a blitzer, which in turn causes confusion that usually results in pressure, sacks, or turnovers.

What makes this scheme go is the personnel, and you must have the absolutely correct personnel in order to run this defense and it takes quite a while to learn, that is why you will rarely see a rookie or young player start for the Steelers defense.

The linemen must be fast, strong, and athletic, along with all the linebackers and safeties.

Corners don’t have to have blazing speed, since they will be responsible for zones and not man-to-man coverage. Along with all those attributes I mentioned above, perhaps the two most important ones are discipline and trust.

Each player must trust his teammates to be disciplined enough to do their jobs and not free lance, well Polomalu is the only one allowed to free lance, but he is usually right.

When this defense is at its peak it is virtually inpenetrable and perhaps the best defense against both the run and pass, although rarely using man-to-man coverage does have its draw backs, mainly against the pass, this scheme might just be the best of them all or at least its my favorite.

Well, that’s all I have for today, and I hope I helped clarify some of the differences between defenses that sometimes can seem like they are all alike. Please feel free to comment and discuss.

Thanks for reading.

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Broncos Still Getting No Love: Denver an Underdog to Chargers on Monday Night

Published: October 16, 2009

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Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos are coming off an extremely emotional and hard fought victory against my New England Patriots as the San Diego Chargers sat back on their bye week watching helplessly as the Broncos took a two-and-a-half game lead early in the chase for a division title.

The line opened up with the Broncos taking a three-and-a-half point lead into San Diego, a road divisional rivalry game, so ok maybe the line is justifiable…let me tell you why it’s way off base.

Let me start by saying that I know the home team is usually awarded a certain amount of points just for having home-field advantage but I don’t believe that should apply for a Monday night game, the intensity of it being a national broadcast, the pregame fireworks, the magnitude of this game can’t be overlooked, it’s going to be the closest feel to a playoff game that you can get in mid-October.

The Chargers have been woeful on defense since the start of the year; a season that kicked off with such promise has turned bleak in hurry with a season-ending injury to Pro Bowl nose tackle Jamal Williams and the less than stellar play of Shawn Merriman who has produced but eight tackles through four games this season.

Their defense can’t stop the run or generate any type of pass rush as they face one of the league’s best young runners and a very efficient quarterback with an ultra-talented receiving core.

The Broncos on the other hand bring the fifth best overall defense only allowing 171 yards per game through the air and 81 on the ground. Elvis Dumervil has been absolutely “lights out” so far with eight sacks in his first five games, the defensive line in general has been absolutely relentless and with the absence of any semblance of a running game Philip Rivers may be in for a long night.

Vegas has really overlooked this talented Broncos squad, I’m looking for their playmakers to have a big day, Orton, Moreno, Marshall, and Dumervil will be too much for the Chargers to handle and the Broncos will win this one outright.

Final score 28-21 Broncos.

By the way, please follow me on Twitter mattbish9

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Broncos Still Getting No Love: Denver an Underdog to Chargers on Monday Night

Published: October 16, 2009

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The line opened up with the Broncos taking a three-and-a-half point lead into San Diego, a road divisional rivalry game, so ok maybe the line is justifiable…let me tell you why it’s way off base.

Their defense can’t stop the run or generate any type of pass rush as they face one of the league’s best young runners and a very efficient quarterback with an ultra-talented receiving core.

Final score 28-21 Broncos.

By the way, please follow me on Twitter mattbish9

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Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals Keep Finding Ways To Win

Published: October 16, 2009

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The Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against each other in the first round of NFL fixtures last month, and few expected either side to mount a serious challenge this term.

After the game, not many changed their views, but in truth that match told us a lot about how the two teams have since put themselves in contention for the playoffs.

The contest itself was a dour affair, lit up by a remarkable penultimate play which saw a deflected pass fall into the grateful hands of Denver wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who completed an 87-yard touchdown.

Since “The Immaculate Deflection,” both sides have remained unbeaten, defeating some big guns along the way. Both defenses were resolute that day and have formed a basis of success for both franchises.

In Denver, rookie head coach Josh McDaniels hardly eased himself into his new position, and his treatment of quarterback Jay Cutler, arguably his best player at the time, was shambolic and a mistake.

Since then, however, McDaniels has shown he has the nous to win football matches. His passion for the game is evident and by outwitting former mentor Bill Belichick this past week, giving him a serious scalp to his credit already.

McDaniels and new quarterback Kyle Orton have not been asked to turn this franchise around. The tools were in place for a successful season after finishing 8-8 last time around, but fine-tuning was required to ensure they built upon that.

What McDaniels really needed to address was his porous defense, which allowed on average 28 points per game last year. This time around, teams are averaging only 8.6 points per game against Denver, and this includes the explosive offenses in Dallas and New England. The addition of safety Brian Dawkins has helped, but so has the efficiency of the offense.

Orton has only thrown one interception, and in Knowshon Moreno the Broncos have a promising running back that can gain first downs and keep the ball moving. Their fourth-quarter, 90-yard drive against the Pats may not have been spectacular, but it was typical of how Denver uses this offense to control games.

The Bengals have also turned things around, but in a very different way. The problem in Cincinnati was an attitude one, and head coach Marvin Lewis needed to change the mentality if he was to have success in Ohio.

In recent weeks, the Bengals have looked sharper and more deadly. They’ve always had big-time offensive players like Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer but have been complemented brilliantly this season by a stingy defense.

So far this season, Derrick Mason, Greg Jennings, and Braylon Edwards, all legitimate number one receivers, have failed to haul in a single reception against the Bengals.

Unlike Denver, Cincinnati finds itself in an ultra-competitive division that contains the two teams who contested last year’s AFC Championship game. But by winning all three of their games against their fellow AFC North teams, the Bengals sit atop of the division.

Palmer’s ability to get it done in key situations has proved crucial thus far for the Bengals, giving them a quarterback capable of shredding teams through the air.

The important factor so far, though, is that both of these teams have managed to find ways to win games in any manner possible.

The Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns with a field goal that did not even go through the posts, and Denver can point to a miraculous deflection for victory in Week One. Denver and Cincinnati both have shown a knack for winning games late in the fourth quarter or overtime, and that’s is an invaluable weapon to have.

Neither side have torn teams apart with its offensive firepower, but, crucially, they have consistently found ways of sticking with their opponents long enough to win.

Many have been waiting for the wheels to come off the bandwagons in Denver and Cincinnati, but instead the Broncos and Bengals seem to be accelerating at an alarming rate.

Every year, one or two teams come from nowhere to shock us all and make themselves serious contenders. After beating New England and Baltimore, it is time to take both Denver and Cincinnati very seriously.