Jets Still Posturing for a Possible Brandon Marshall Trade with Broncos

Over the weekend a very interesting trade took place between the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets.

The Lions sent quarterback Kevin O’Connell to the Jets for an undisclosed pick. The Lions acquired O’Connell off waivers from the New England Patriots on Sept. 1. The trade occurred Saturday, Sept. 5.

What’s interesting here is that the Denver Broncos also put in a claim for O’Connell before he became the property of the Detroit Lions for a brief moment.

The New York Jets now have four quarterbacks on their roster and say they plan to “move forward with four quarterbacks on the roster.”

While the Jets legitimately like O’Connell, he is also more valuable to them right now as trade bait. 

He is coming into a new system with three quarterbacks that have spent at least six months adapting to the new Jets regime. Ahead of O’Connell on the depth chart are starter Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, a fourth-year player out of Oregon, and Erik Ainge, in his second year out of Tennessee.

The Jets in all likelihood will offer the Broncos O’Connell and draft picks. The Broncos are rumored to have shown some interest in Jets linebacker David Harris as well. Keep in mind the Jets are depleted in high draft picks due to last year’s acquisition of Brett Favre and this year’s move to get Sanchez.  

If the Broncos do eventually discuss a trade with New York, they should call the Jets’ bluff and ask for Mark Sanchez; in all logic that isn’t going to happen, but they should still pursue that angle. Sanchez has won the starting quarterback job in New York as a rookie.   

Sanchez was seen on the University of Colorado sidelines during the CU-CSU game all decked out in Buffs gear. He was there supporting his longtime friend, CU wideout Scotty McKnight. Sanchez was standing alongside, ironically enough, Broncos third stringer and fellow rookie Tom Brandstater.

The Denver Broncos took Brandon Marshall off the suspended list on Sunday and officially made room for him on the roster by releasing former New England Patriot wide receiver Chad Jackson. The Broncos had been carrying seven receivers.

It’s important to note that the Broncos have taken the stance that they are not looking to trade Marshall. The thinking is at this point Brandon needs the team and they need him. However, this strained relationship leaves a number of things to think about.

The Jets are carrying four quarterbacks, and as everyone now knows, the Broncos have three quarterbacks that are all young in coach Josh McDaniels’ system. Kyle Orton’s and Chris Simms’ injuries have put the position in doubt. While Brandstater had a good debut as a starter, he has noticeable things he should work on before becoming the starter. 

Both Coach McDaniels and the Jets are high on Kevin O’Connell’s potential in the NFL. 

The question is, what will really come of Brandon Marshall this season and any possible trade?

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Jets Still Posturing For a Possible Brandon Marshall Trade with Broncos

 

Over the weekend a very interesting trade took place between the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets.

The Lions sent quarterback Kevin O’Connell to the Jets for an undisclosed pick.  The Lion acquired O’Connell off of waivers from the New England Patriots on September 1^st.  The trade occurred Saturday September 5^th.

What’s interesting here is that the Denver Broncos also put in a claim for O’Connell before he became the property of the Detroit Lions for a brief moment.

The New York Jets now have four quarterbacks on their roster and say they plan to “move forward with four quarterbacks on the roster.”

While the Jets legitimately like O’Connell he is also more valuable to them right now as trade bait. 

He is coming into a new system with three quarterbacks that have spent at least six months adapting to the new Jets regime.   Ahead of O’Connell on the depth chart are starter Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens a fourth year player out of Oregon, and Erik Ainge in his second year out of Tennessee.

The Jets in all likelihood will offer the Broncos O’Connell and draft picks.  The Broncos have been rumored to have shown some interest in Jets linebacker David Harris as well.  Keep in mind the Jets are depleted in high draft picks due to last year’s acquisition of Brett Favre and this year’s move to get Mark Sanchez.  

If the Broncos do eventually discuss a trade with New York, they should call the Jets bluff and ask for Mark Sanchez, which in all logic isn’t going to happen, but they should pursue that angle.  Sanchez has won the starting quarterback job in New York as a rookie.   

Sanchez was seen on the University of Colorado sidelines during the CU / CSU game all decked out in Buffs gear.  He was there supporting his longtime friend, CU wide-out Scotty McKnight.  Sanchez was standing alongside ironically enough, Broncos third stringer and fellow rookie Tom Brandstatter.

The Denver Broncos took Brandon Marshall off the suspended list on Sunday and officially made room for him on the roster by releasing former New England Patriot wide receiver Chad Jackson.  The Broncos had been carrying seven receivers.

It’s important to note that the Broncos have taken the stance that they are not looking to trade Brandon Marshall.  The thinking is at this point Brandon need the team and they need him.  However, this strained relationship leaves a number of things to think about.

The Jets are carrying four quarterbacks and as everyone now knows, the Broncos have three quarterbacks that are all young in Coach McDaniels’ system.  Kyle Orton’s and Chris Simms’ injuries have put the position in doubt.  While Tom Brandstatter had a good debut as a starter, he has noticeable things he should work on before becoming the starter. 

Both Coach McDaniels and the Jets are high on Kevin O’Connell’s potential in the NFL. 

The question is what will really come of Brandon Marshall this season and any possible trade?

 

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Are You Kidding Me? ESPN.com Denver Broncos Preview Out of Touch with Reality

It would appear as though most of ESPN’s NFL analysts have forgotten that football is an 11-on-11 sport.

In what would be the biggest waste of seven minutes of my life, I endured the ESPN.com official Denver Broncos 2009 season preview.

This preview was not only irrational, it was downright pathetic, and not just because I disagree.

Scouts Inc.’s Jeremy Green had one of the more intriguing comments on the Broncos’ 2009 prospects: “This is not a very good team, but in the AFC West that is enough for second place. The Broncos have concerns at quarterback, along the D-line, and in the secondary.”

Concerns in the secondary? Does this guy have the first clue what he is talking about?

Broncos fans do not even need me to go into detail here to explain this comment, but for those who are not in the know, the Broncos have one of the more formidable secondaries in the entire NFL.

In fact, the preview goes on to say that the Broncos’ biggest offseason addition was the signing of Andre’ Goodman to pair with Champ Bailey.

Another comment I found particularly disturbing was one by Paul Kuharsky: “Offseason debacle leaves team in position to struggle. The Broncos undid a high-flying offense while not doing near enough to fix a bad defense.”

Yes. Because the Broncos do not have Jay Cutler, they have “undid” a high-flying offense.

Also, not doing “near enough” to fix their bad defense? Might I offer a little wisdom here:

• Three new starters on the defensive line
• Three new starters at linebacker
• Three new starters in the defensive backfield
• First-round pick used on DE/OLB Robert Ayers
• Three picks in first two rounds used on defense
• Brought in Mike Nolan, a defensive guru
• Switched defensive schemes

Just because the Broncos did not break the bank for every available defensive free agent or draft pick does not mean they did not do enough to fix their defense.

The comment that prompted this article was one that was written by James Walker.

“Any hope of the Broncos having a successful season was shipped to the Windy City.”

It really is sad that this man was compensated to give this kind of an opinion.

It was also sad that second-year tackle Ryan Clady was given a grade of 79 out of 99 by Scouts Inc. I am not sure who justified this ranking, though it means nothing, but you have to give the guy credit where credit is due.

Clady allowed half a sack on 620 pass attempts and only had three penalties all of last season. He was the most dominant offensive lineman in the NFL, by far. There is really no disputing it.

I will give this preview some credit, though. They did state that Denver’s “strengths” were along the offensive line, with their offensive weaponry, and in their defensive backfield.

But is this preview really justifiable? Let us take a look at Denver’s 2009 roster compared to the 2008 team that went 8-8, and you tell me if this year’s squad is better.

 

Offense

Quarterback

Kyle Orton vs. Jay Cutler

Advantage: Cutler

Even the most anti-Cutler Broncos fan will tell you that Cutler is the better player than Orton. 

Despite the fact that many believe Orton is fully capable of being an excellent field general for the team, Jay Cutler is an elite talent. He has not proven it in terms of wins and losses, but his skill set is one of the best in the NFL.

Consensus: The Broncos clearly downgraded at the quarterback position, but not to the point where they will have to hand the ball off every play. Kyle Orton is a very capable, smart NFL quarterback.

ESPN 1, Sayre 0

 

Running Back

Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis, LaMont Jordan vs. Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, etc.

Advantage: Moreno, Buckhalter, Hillis, Jordan

The Broncos’ 2008 group of running backs was makeshift. Not a single back that was on Denver’s active roster at the start of last year (save for Hillis) is currently on an active 53-man roster.

Denver’s new group of backs is versatile, tough, and just downright better than they have had since Clinton Portis roamed around the Mile High City.

Consensus: The Broncos undoubtedly upgraded at the running back position. Plain and simple.

ESPN 1, Sayre 1

 

Wide Receiver

Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley, Brandon Lloyd vs.  Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Darrell Jackson, Clifford Russell

Advantage: Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Gaffney, McKinley, Lloyd

Last year’s group was not much different than the 2009 group, but the additions of McKinley, Lloyd, and Gaffney give the Broncos excellent depth at this position. The Broncos signed a few journeymen last year because of injuries to Stokley and Royal, and their lack of depth showed.

Consensus: Upgrade. No real debate there.

ESPN 1, Sayre 2

 

Tight End

Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Richard Quinn vs. Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson

Advantage: Graham, Scheffler, Quinn

The only difference here is the third tight end. Quinn is in some trouble right now, but on the field he is a superior prospect than Jackson, who was a converted wide receiver.

Consensus: Though only slightly, the Broncos upgraded at the tight end position this offseason.

ESPN 1, Sayre 3

 

Offensive Line

Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper, Casey Wiegmann, Tyler Polumbus, Seth Olsen, Russ Hochstein, Brandon Gorin vs. Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper, Casey Wiegmann, Kory Lichtensteiger, Tyler Polumbus

Advantage: 2009 Group

The Broncos’ starting offensive line is exactly the same as last year, but the depth has been significantly upgraded. Russ Hochstein, Seth Olsen, and Brandon Gorin were brought in to back up Denver’s offensive line and are far more capable than what the Broncos had in 2008.

Consensus: Along with experience from 2008 and upgrades in 2009, this unit has been upgraded overall.

ESPN 1, Sayre 4

 

Defense

Defensive Line

Kenny Peterson, Ryan McBean, Ronald Fields, Vonnie Holliday, Marcus Thomas, Chris Baker vs. Elvis Dumervil, Marcus Thomas, Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engleberger, Kenny Peterson, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, DeWayne Robertson

Advantage: Peterson, McBean, Fields, Holliday, Thomas, Baker

While this is a tough position to compare to last year, the change of scheme and increase in overall girth gives the 2009 unit the advantage.

Last season, Denver defensive linemen averaged roughly 6’3″, 275 lbs. This year, they average 6’4″, 300 lbs. That alone will help the linebackers greatly.

Consensus: The Broncos’ defensive front appears much more tough, formidable, and capable of stopping the run in the preseason, but I will be fair and wait to pass judgment until they get it done in the regular season. Wash.

ESPN 1, Sayre 4

 

Linebackers

D.J. Williams, Andra Davis, Elvis Dumervil, Mario Haggan, Wesley Woodyard, Spencer Larsen, Robert Ayers, Jarvis Moss, Darrell Reid vs. D.J. Williams, Boss Bailey, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard, Spencer Larsen, Mario Haggan

Advantage: Williams, Davis, Dumervil, Haggan, Woodyard, Larsen, Ayers, Moss, Reid

Again, the Broncos simply did what was needed to upgrade these positions. The hybrid linebackers could struggle in coverage at first, but that is a problem that can be fixed through experience. 

Consensus: Improvement.

ESPN 1, Sayre 5

 

Cornerbacks

Champ Bailey, Andre’ Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Jack Williams vs. Champ Bailey, Dre’ Bly, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams, Josh Bell

Advantage: Bailey, Goodman, Smith, Williams

The Broncos upgraded this position greatly this offseason by adding Goodman and Smith. The only thing they lack is pure depth. On the top end, they are among the best in the league.

Consensus: Upgrade.

ESPN 1, Sayre 6

 

Safeties

Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Josh Barrett, Darcel McBath, David Bruton vs. Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel, Calvin Lowery, Vernon Fox, Josh Barrett

Advantage: Dawkins, Hill, Barrett, McBath, Bruton

The Broncos’ 2008 unit was an absolute joke. 

Consensus: Upgrade, by far.

ESPN 1, Sayre 7

 

Specialists

Matt Prater, Brett Kern, Lonie Paxton vs. Matt Prater, Brett Kern, Mike Leach

Advantage: Neither

This one is a wash. Both Paxton and Leach are great long snappers. 

ESPN 1, Sayre 7

 

So, ESPN, it would appear to me that the Broncos have upgraded significantly from their team in 2008 despite losing Jay Cutler. The schemes and culture of this team have changed drastically, but this is the NFL, and these players are going to have to be able to pick things up quickly.

For a team that featured over a dozen rookie performers in 2008 starting at one point, this seasoned, more veteran team would appear to have a much better chance at eight wins than last year’s squad did.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

ESPN.com Denver Broncos Preview a Disgrace to Sports Journalism

It would appear as though most of ESPN’s NFL analysts have forgotten that football is an 11-on-11 sport.

In what would be the biggest waste of seven minutes of my life, I endured the ESPN.com official Denver Broncos 2009 season preview.

This preview was not only irrational, it was downright pathetic, and not just because I disagree.

Scout’s Inc.’s Jeremy Green had one of the more intriguing comments on the Broncos’ 2009 prospects:  “This is not a very good team, but in the AFC West that is enough for second place. The Broncos have concerns at quarterback, along the D-line and in the secondary.”

Concerns in the secondary?  Does this guy have the first clue what he is talking about?

Broncos fans do not even need me to go into detail here to explain this comment, but for those who are not in the know, the Broncos have one of the more formidable secondaries in the entire NFL.

In fact, the preview goes on to say that the Broncos’ biggest offseason addition was the signing of Andre’ Goodman to pair with Champ Bailey.

Another comment I found particularly disturbing was one by Paul Kuharsky: “Offseason debacle leaves team in position to struggle. The Broncos undid a high-flying offense while not doing near enough to fix a bad defense.”

Yes. Because the Broncos do not have Jay Cutler, they have “undid” a high-flying offense.

Also, not doing “near enough” to fix their bad defense?  Might I offer a little wisdom here:

• Three new starters on the defensive line
• Three new starters at linebacker
• Three new starters in the defensive backfield
• First-round pick used on DE/OLB Robert Ayers
• Three picks in first two rounds used on defense
• Brought in Mike Nolan, a defensive guru
• Switched defensive schemes

Just because the Broncos did not break the bank for every available defensive free agent or draft pick does not mean they did not do enough to fix their defense.

The comment that prompted this article was one that was written by James Walker.

“Any hope of the Broncos having a successful season was shipped to the Windy City.”

It really is sad that this man was compensated to give this kind of an opinion.

It was also sad that second year tackle Ryan Clady was given a grade of 79 out of 99 by Scout’s Inc.  I am not sure who justified this ranking, though it means nothing, but you have to give the guy credit where credit is due.

Clady allowed half a sack on 620 pass attempts and only had three penalties all of last season. He was the most dominant offensive lineman in the NFL, by far.  There is really no disputing it.

I will give this preview some credit, though. They did state that Denver’s “strengths” were along the offensive line, with their offensive weaponry, and in their defensive backfield.

But is this preview really justifiable?  Let us take a look at Denver’s 2009 roster compared to the 2008 team that went 8-8, and you tell me if this year’s squad is better.

 

Offense

 

Quarterback

Kyle Orton vs. Jay Cutler

Advantage:  Cutler

Even the most anti-Cutler Broncos fan will tell you that Cutler is the better player than Orton. 

Despite the fact that many believe Orton is fully capable of being an excellent field general for the team, Jay Cutler is an elite talent.  He has not proven it in terms of wins and losses, but his skill set is one of the best in the NFL.

Consensus:  The Broncos clearly downgraded at the quarterback position, but not to the point where they will have to hand the ball off every play. Kyle Orton is a very capable, smart NFL quarterback.

ESPN 1, Sayre 0

 

Running Back

Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis, LaMont Jordan vs. Selvin Young, Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, etc.

Advantage:  Moreno, Buckhalter, Hillis, Jordan

The Broncos’ 2008 group of running backs was makeshift.  Not a single back that was on Denver’s active roster at the start of last year (save for Hillis) is currently on an active 53-man roster.

Denver’s new group of backs is versatile, tough, and just downright better than they have had since Clinton Portis roamed around the Mile High City.

Consensus:  The Broncos undoubtedly upgraded at the running back position. Plain and simple.

ESPN 1, Sayre 1

 

Wide Receiver

Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley, Brandon Lloyd vs.  Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Darrell Jackson, Clifford Russell

Advantage:  Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Gaffney, McKinley, Lloyd

Last year’s group was not much different than the 2009 group, but the additions of McKinley, Lloyd, and Gaffney give the Broncos excellent depth at this position.  The Broncos signed a few journeymen last year because of injuries to Stokley and Royal, and their lack of depth showed.

Consensus:  Upgrade.  No real debate there.

ESPN 1, Sayre 2

 

Tight End

Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Richard Quinn vs. Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Nate Jackson

Advantage:  Graham, Scheffler, Quinn

The only difference here is the third tight end. Quinn is in some trouble right now, but on the field he is a superior prospect than Jackson, who was a converted wide receiver.

Consensus:  Though only slightly, the Broncos upgraded at the tight end position this offseason.

ESPN 1, Sayre 3

 

Offensive Line

Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper, Casey Wiegmann, Tyler Polumbus, Seth Olsen, Russ Hochstein, Brandon Gorin vs. Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Ben Hamilton, Chris Kuper, Casey Wiegmann, Kory Lichtensteiger, Tyler Polumbus

Advantage:  2009 Group

The Broncos’ starting offensive line is exactly the same as last year, but the depth has been significantly upgraded. Russ Hochstein, Seth Olsen, and Brandon Gorin were brought in to back up Denver’s offensive line, and are far more capable than what the Broncos had in 2008.

Consensus: Along with experience from 2008 and upgrades in 2009, this unit has been upgraded overall.

ESPN 1, Sayre 4

 

Defense

 

Defensive Line

Kenny Peterson, Ryan McBean, Ronald Fields, Vonnie Holliday, Marcus Thomas, Chris Baker vs. Elvis Dumervil, Marcus Thomas, Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engleberger, Kenny Peterson, Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder, DeWayne Robertson

Advantage:  Peterson, McBean, Fields, Holliday, Thomas, Baker

While this is a tough position to compare to last year, the change of scheme and increase in overall girth gives the 2009 unit the advantage.

Last season, Denver defensive linemen averaged roughly 6’3″, 275-lbs. This year, they average 6’4″, 300-lbs. That alone will help the linebackers greatly.

Consensus: The Broncos’ defensive front appeared much more tough, formidable, and capable of stopping the run in the preseason, but I will be fair and wait to pass judgement until they get it done in the regular season. Wash.

ESPN 1, Sayre 4

 

Linebackers

D.J. Williams, Andra Davis, Elvis Dumervil, Mario Haggan, Wesley Woodyard, Spencer Larsen, Robert Ayers, Jarvis Moss, Darrell Reid vs. D.J. Williams, Boss Bailey, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard, Spencer Larsen, Mario Haggan

Advantage: Williams, Davis, Dumervil, Haggan, Woodyard, Larsen, Ayers, Moss, Reid

Again, the Broncos simply did what was needed to upgrade these positions. The hybrid linebackers could struggle in coverage at first, but that is a problem that can be fixed through experience. 

Consensus: Improvement

ESPN 1, Sayre 5

 

Cornerbacks

Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Jack Williams vs. Champ Bailey, Dre’ Bly, Karl Paymah, Jack Williams, Josh Bell

Advantage: Bailey, Goodman, Smith, Williams

The Broncos upgraded this position greatly this offseason by adding Goodman and Smith.  The only thing they lack is pure depth. On the top end, they are among the best in the league.

Consensus: Upgrade

ESPN 1, Sayre 6

 

Safeties

Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Josh Barrett, Darcel McBath, David Bruton vs. Marlon McCree, Marquand Manuel, Calvin Lowery, Vernon Fox, Josh Barrett

Advantage:  Dawkins, Hill, Barrett, McBath, Bruton

The Broncos’ 2008 unit was an absolute joke. 

Consensus: Upgrade, by far

ESPN 1, Sayre 7

 

Specialists

Matt Prater, Brett Kern, Lonie Paxton vs. Matt Prater, Brett Kern, Mike Leach

Advantage:  Neither

This one is a wash.  Both Paxton and Leach are great long-snappers. 

ESPN 1, Sayre 7

 

So, ESPN, it would appear to me that the Broncos have upgraded significantly from their team in 2008 despite losing Jay Cutler.  The schemes and culture of this team have changed drastically, but this is the NFL and these players are going to have to be able to pick things up quickly.

For a team that featured over a dozen rookie performers in 2008 starting at one point, this seasoned, more veteran team would appear to have a much better chance at eight wins than last year’s squad did.

 

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Denver’s Backup Plan, If Marshall Decides Not To Play For Denver…Again

EDITORS!!!  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EDIT THIS ARTICLE.  I DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO DELETE AND REPOST AGAIN. 

Brandon Marshall is back, but is he ready to perform?  Is Marshall a coach’s comment away from throwing a fit again?

If so, I think the Broncos have a monster backup plan now, that could rear its ugly head in a couple of weeks.

The New England Patriots just let go one of their prized possessions; 5-technique master, perennial pro-bowler, Super bowl Champion, Richard Seymour.

New England pulled a classy move, and sent one of their greatest all time players to the worst organization in the NFL. Seymour is not happy. Below is a quote from Pats veteran and friend, Rodney Harrison:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/07/harrison-seymours-not-thrilled-with-deal-to-raiders/

If Seymour decides not to show up at Faiders practice, “Big Al” (Davis) may have yet another problem on his hands.

My solution: Trade Marshall straight up for Seymour.

Seymour would go to a 3-4 defense, where he will be better utilized. He will also go to a much better organization and should be familiar with the “Patriot Way” that has been installed this summer at Dove Valley.

Marshall Gets some new scenery, a new contract, and he will get to try to stick it to the Broncos twice a year…just like Javon Walker does.

The Al Davis/Mike Shanahan factor is gone. There are two disgruntled superstars on the block.  Both teams get to air out their drama, before the season starts.

In my opinion, this would work in both teams favors.

Of course, this is only a backup plan. If Marshall decides he needs to play to earn a new contract, then we should keep him and go forward.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Denver’s Backup Plan, If Marshall Decides Not To Play For Denver…Again

EDITORS!!!  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EDIT THIS ARTICLE.  I DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO DELETE AND REPOST AGAIN. 

Brandon Marshall is back, but is he ready to perform?  Is Marshall a coach’s comment away from throwing a fit again?

If so, I think the Broncos have a monster backup plan now, that could rear its ugly head in a couple of weeks.

The New England Patriots just let go one of their prized possessions; 5-technique master, perennial pro-bowler, Super bowl Champion, Richard Seymour.

New England pulled a classy move, and sent one of their greatest all time players to the worst organization in the NFL. Seymour is not happy. Below is a quote from Pats veteran and friend, Rodney Harrison:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/07/harrison-seymours-not-thrilled-with-deal-to-raiders/

If Seymour decides not to show up at Faiders practice, “Big Al” (Davis) may have yet another problem on his hands.

My solution: Trade Marshall straight up for Seymour.

Seymour would go to a 3-4 defense, where he will be better utilized. He will also go to a much better organization and should be familiar with the “Patriot Way” that has been installed this summer at Dove Valley.

Marshall Gets some new scenery, a new contract, and he will get to try to stick it to the Broncos twice a year…just like Javon Walker does.

The Al Davis/Mike Shanahan factor is gone. There are two disgruntled superstars on the block.  Both teams get to air out their drama, before the season starts.

In my opinion, this would work in both teams favors.

Of course, this is only a backup plan. If Marshall decides he needs to play to earn a new contract, then we should keep him and go forward.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Denver Broncos Rookie TE Richard Quinn Arrested

Just days after fellow AFC West player Shawne Merriman was arrested for domestic violence, Denver Broncos rookie tight end Richard Quinn found himself behind bars on the same accusations.

Per the report from the Denver Post, Quinn says he was trying to restrain the woman from hitting him in the face, resulting in him “shaking her to the ground.

The woman engaged in the dispute maintains that Quinn took her cell phone away to prevent her from calling the cops, and Quinn refutes that the only reason he took her cell phone away was so she would not use it as a weapon to hit him in the face with.

Quinn’s agent/ attorney feels his client did everything he was supposed to.

“I’m very proud the way Richard handled this delicate situation by defusing what otherwise could have been a potentially dangerous situation.

”When all the facts come out, people will find out Richard’s done nothing wrong. Richard’s No. 1 concern right now is the welfare of his daughter and to avoid any negative light brought to the Denver Broncos, Richard and his family.”

This is really the last thing the Broncos need right now, and quite frankly, it is absurd.

Quinn was regarded as a player of very high character coming out of North Carolina, and many felt the Broncos “reached” for him in the draft. 

The consensus was that Quinn was to be as high as a high third round pick, and the Broncos did not chance that happening, making a move into the second round to snag the blocking tight end.

It is not my place to pass judgement, but situations like this always leave me confused. 

How do NFL players find themselves in these predicaments?  How do athletes in general seem to make it commonplace for incidents like this to occur?

I read a very convincing article in the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine from an anonymous athlete who suggested that he/she was surprised these types of things do not happen to pro athletes more than they do because of all the temptation, publicity, and attention they get.

I am sure Quinn’s lady friend knows/knew he was a professional athlete, and has egged him on to the point where he cannot even stand it, but violence is not the way to go about it.

Again, I do not know any or all of the details of what actually happened, but Bronco fans can only hope this is just a small speed bump. 

Not that the negative publicity could become any more prevalent for the Broncos…

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Why Terrell Davis Belongs in the Hall of Fame (By a Raider Fan)

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I note “by a Raider fan” because, in this argument, I will be speaking against my interests.  Raider fans and Bronco fans are mortal enemies, and if the Raiders went 1-15, yet won in Denver, I would be happy.

I, however, give credit where credit is due.

As anyone would know, we Raider fans are characterized as “rowdies” and “creeps” by the sports media, and Jay Mariotti of Around the Horn has admitted it.

Mariotti shockingly admitted that he, and possibly others, do not investigate stories about the Raiders, but simply rely on gossip. 

That is an admission of defamation because you are saying that you cannot provide substantiation for your statements.  Frankly, I would like to see the Oakland Raiders pore through Mariotti’s articles and find the material to sue him.  That could just be a fantasy, but it is what I would like to see. 

After all, people like Mariotti claim to be inherently better reporters than bloggers, so why can’t people like Mariotti be held to a higher standard?

As the saying goes, “make it global,” thus it is not a problem with just one reporter that claims to be unbiased and yet makes up news, it is a problem with every reporter that claims to be unbiased and yet makes up news.

I am every sportswriter’s thorn in the side.  I do not preach craziness; I preach confidence.  That, to some, is craziness.

The reason that many fail in their analysis is that they do not believe in what they think, so they seek affirmation from others who could just as easily be wrong.

Why else would people protest at Town Hall meetings in order to say, “Watch Glenn Beck?”

Granted, you are not seeking affirmation from the guy with a Joe Dirt mullet, but the act of seeking affirmation for your opinions is what hinders you.  It is like a Chinese finger trap, you must do the opposite of what you think will work.

I know that I’m Mr. Controversial with my interpretations of real news (ever heard of that Jay?), which range from apologizing to Michael Vick for slavery and post-slavery racial oppression and arguing that Roger Goodell couldn’t get his Spygate story straight, to believing that extraordinary justice was given to Darko Milicic for the NATO bombings of Serbia in 1999.

I have also argued that Dan Marino and Dan Fouts do not belong in the Hall of Fame.

To me, justice is ultimately what sports are about. Sure, you can view them abstractly to predict what will happen, but ultimately every great athlete is there for a reason that others are not: Justice.

Their will or desire determined their presence and was coordinated by the selectors of will known as sports executives.

The issue, however, is not who is biased or who is not, because I do believe that everyone is biased.

If you had no bias, you would lack motivation: a bias is just intellectual fuel that people suppress because they think they have to.  Often times, for immediate gratification (money), and the feeling that, “I could do that, but I don’t want to.” 

Thomas Edison, for instance, was incredibly biased in favor of direct current, which he discovered, as opposed to alternating current, which was discovered by Nikola Tesla.  Did Edison’s biases stop him from creating the metaphorically great idea, the light bulb?

Nope.

Thus, it is just a matter of how well you defend your bias.  The problem is when you lie by claiming to be unbiased.  Be open about it, go down swinging if you must, and keep trying.

Shouting out, “You’re biased” is just hypocrisy.

With that said, arguing in favor of Terrell Davis for the Hall of Fame is not something I can stomach, but I believe that it is consistent with many of my previous arguments.  This is just the point at which it has become uncomfortable.

Here we go.

I must start with an indirect arguments about the standards for induction by pro sports’ Halls of Fame because two of the Big Three (baseball and football) revolve heavily around statistics and the longevity of a career as a reflection of greatness.

The problem I have had with Hall of Fame inductions is that in the past generation, the Halls have put a premium on statistics, rather than championships.

These same writers will turn around and cry about how athletes cheated them by inflating their statistics with steroids.  (Hey, Jay, I bet you didn’t investigate Sammy Sosa either.)  Those players only did so because of the “magic numbers” created by writers who thought statistics reflected greatness more than championships do.

Thus, by fixation on statistics, the writers lowered the bar.  The players ceased to care about victory as long as they got paid and built a resume of meaningless statistics. 

Just ask Manny Ramirez. 

Ramirez took heat in 2007 when he claimed that it did not matter if the Red Sox won the World Series or not.  Fortunately, for Ramirez, the Sox won the Series that year.

I however take it as evidence of something that I like to say: If you do not care about winning, you are probably on drugs.  With the juicers, winning is just incidental.

Unlike rock musicians however, drugs are just the key to something that they do not understand, and which might lead to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Ultimately, what is it that an athlete should be on the field to do? 

To win—that is the only answer.

Statistics are just the consolation prize for when you lose.  Occasionally, one player comes along, who is mired in losing for a long time, yet he keeps posting great statistics, so fans and writers try to recognize that, but in doing so, lose sight of the real reason that the game is played: to win, not rack up statistics.

Thus, if writers truly want to send a message to players to stop juicing, then I would suggest that they make new examples with their inductions.

The standard I set is, “Championships + Statistics = Greatness.”  Yet, people are willing to isolate statistics to the detriment of championships.

Frankly, Doug Williams did in half a season what Dan Marino tried for an entire career to do-win the Super Bowl.

Yet, the Hall glorifies a quarterback whose career was defined mostly by 1984-1986 while being the top NFL passer and appearing in the Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins.   It glorifies a career that, after 1986, was mostly average, but long.

That is not to say that anyone can play in the pros for many years.  I find it quite odd that Hall preference goes to those who never accomplished the goal that they set out to do: win.

I guarantee, like Joe Namath, that Marino would trade his statistics for a ring.  If not, why did he play?

After all this, the argument to support Terrell Davis is quite simple.  Davis’ career was defined mostly by what he did in 1996-1998 by being the top NFL runner and winning two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos.

In two seasons, Davis did far more than most athletes can ever dream of doing. 

That is greatness.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Fans: Reality Check Time

As the NFL preseason ends, the excitement that brings football fans back year after year is finally upon us with the regular season set to begin.

If your fervor has not been sullied by uninspired preseason games, your enthusiasm for the coming season is at an all-time high when your team finally takes the field this Sunday (for most teams).

Unfortunately, just by the nature of competition, half of the teams will win this week and the other half will lose (unless you’re Donovan McNabb or Andy Reid and are unaware your team can tie a game and therefore fail to try for the win).

It is for this very reason that I feel it is time for us all to take off our respective team colored glasses and face some harsh truths.

 

Your team is not as good as you think they are.

 

We are football fans. We believe in our team. We place our hope in their hands every week. We share in the emotion of their successes and failures, so much so that we marry ourselves to our team with words of ownership (we just need to…, etc.).

But to be honest with ourselves, without dashing the hopes that have us chomping at the bit, we need to keep ourselves from buying into the hype, or we will surely be disappointed.

Without calling out teams or players (because we all know who they are):

That rookie your team picked up in the draft is still a rookie and will probably not have that much of an impact for your team this year. Even if he shows flashes of brilliance, he will fail more than he succeeds this year (with few exceptions.)

That older veteran player your team picked up in free agency is old, and probably doesn’t have the gas left in the tank that he did in his heyday. Don’t be surprised if he underperforms—because your team paid him for what he did in his past rather than what he has the ability to do for your team in the future.

Your new rookie head coach is a rookie head coach and will/has made rookie mistakes himself. I don’t care how good he was as a coordinator, he has a lot more on his plate now than he ever had in the past. He is not the savior of your franchise and will not lead you to the Super Bowl this year or the next. The reason your team has a new head coach is because your team wasn’t very good last year, despite what you may think.

The prospect players on your roster are not that good. All the potential in the world won’t make them an impact player in the NFL. 

Though patience is required to develop a legitimate player in the NFL, some players will never pan out. Even if they were a very high draft pick, some players are just busts. Your organization is paying them a whole lot for very little in return.

Your offense will not be as dynamic as you think it will. Sure you have some very talented running backs (or receivers), but without any decent receivers (or running backs) your offense is one dimensional and will stall eventually.

Your team will miss the player or coach that they lost to another team this off-season. The dynamic that individual brought to the team, allowing them to be so successfu is gone, and it will show.

No one can predict the future and few things in life are certain, but I think we will all be better off if we temper our expectations with reality.

I do not suggest that you dilute the excitement or fervor for your team.  But simply realize the hype for what it is.

As the saying goes…”On any given Sunday…”

Never give up hope, but make sure your expectations are realistic for your team.

Allow yourself to be surprised by players exceeding your expectations, and aptly prepared when they simply meet your realistic expectations.

I hope I didn’t depress anyone with this article—just trying to speak some truth.

Hope for the best, but prepare (yourself) for the worst.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

Why the Denver Broncos’ 2009 Season Is Sure to Disappoint

As a longtime Denver Broncos fan, I tend to look at the team through orange (and blue) tinted glasses.  

 

I like to take a glass half full instead of half empty approach with the team.

For 14 years, it seemed a given the Broncos would win around nine games, and I always figured that they would finish at, or near, the top of the AFC West and in contention to make the playoffs.

 

While they might not be the best team in the NFL, they would provide entertainment and would be competitive.

 

Yet, this year, it grows increasingly harder to look at this team as anything other than a rebuilding project.

 

Based on the preseason, it doesn’t appear that we can truly judge what kind of team this group will be.

Due to all the changes that took place during the offseason, I do not believe they will be in contention for the playoffs, and they might finish at the bottom of the AFC West, possibly near the bottom of the entire AFC.

 

My prediction is that they go 4-12, fail to make the playoffs, and give Seattle a very nice top 10 pick in the draft next year.

 

Don’t get me wrong though; going 4-12 shouldn’t be considered a “bad” thing.

My way of thinking is that they could finish with a worse record but still be a better team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

 

Now, allow me to run down a couple of reasons why I believe the team will have a less than stellar year.

 

 

Reason One: The Schedule

 

Denver finished second in the AFC West in 2008.

 

After watching the team collapse down the stretch last season, it is unfortunate that they couldn’t have been just a little worse.

They did just enough to get themselves to a record of 8-8 and what can be best described, at least on paper, as a who’s who of murderers’ row opponents in 2009.

 

The first three games look winnable.

 

Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Oakland are sure to have improved over last season, but none are expected to have such marked improvement that they should be considered contenders.

 

Following the week three matchup with Oakland, the going gets tough.

 

Dallas, New England, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Washington, San Diego, and New York (Giants) are their next eight opponents, and they still have Indianapolis and Philadelphia on the schedule.

 

At least on paper, that schedule is the definition of brutal.

 

Of course, anything can happen on any given Sunday. But it is going to be tough.

 

Don’t forget that the Broncos struggled in the AFC West last season and lost a game to each of the other teams within their division.

 

This season has the makings of a being very long and difficult to watch, Broncos fans.

 

 

 

Reason Two: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

 

Everything has been changed for the Broncos this year.

 

The defense moved away from the 4-3 that they typically ran under Mike Shanahan and have adopted a new 3-4 scheme. During the preseason, it appeared to be a stroke of genius as the defense finished the exhibition portion of the year ranked seventh.

I know, nothing in the preseason means anything, but it gives us hope.

 

They might not be a top 10 defensive team during the regular season, but they will certainly be better than they have been in recent years.

 

They got bigger along the defensive front, with all three of the down linemen tipping the scales at over 300 pounds.

 

But the weak link of the defense remains the defensive line.

 

The linebackers are going to be expected to put pressure on opposing offense, and they will likely be up to the task.

Elvis Dumervil is the team’s most accomplished and consistent pass rusher, but he cannot do it all. They need someone else to step up so the opposing offense cannot just game plan away from Dumervil like Chicago did in the second half of their preseason matchup.

 

They have to hope that the front seven can create just enough pressure to buy Denver’s world-class secondary time to make a play.

 

On top of changing things on the defensive side, coach Josh McDaniels has put in an entirely new offensive system, rebuilding the offense from the ground up.

 

First, he changed the blocking scheme, which many people wouldn’t notice. Denver is keeping elements of the zone blocking scheme they ran under Coach Shanahan but are moving towards more of a man blocking scheme.

 

McDaniels seemed to be very conservative during the preseason, running a very basic version of his offense. Because of this, the growing pains are going to be plentiful. The offensive system Coach McDaniels runs is said to be one of the most difficult to master in the entire National Football League.

Maybe that is why the offense seemed stuck in neutral throughout the preseason.

 

Players who played under Shanahan or in another system are going to need some time to grasp all elements and learn what their roles will be in the new schemes.

 

Maybe that is why McDaniels keeps grabbing players off the New England scrap heap. Or maybe he doesn’t trust the players he inherited and doesn’t believe they can play here now. Or possibly, as rumored, he has a divided locker room, and bringing New England players in is the only way McDaniels can have a voice or gain control.

 

I have never seen a more polarizing figure in Broncos Country than McDaniels.

 

It seems that Broncos fans either love him or hate him, like there isn’t a lot of middle ground on the subject. Not all of us have to like him, and no one should question another fan’s loyalty just because he or she doesn’t like McDaniels. He is here, at least temporarily, so get used to it and learn to live with him.

 

 

 

Too many of the elements of the Broncos’ season make the prognosis look very bleak.

 

They have a brutal schedule, a first time head coach, changes throughout the organization, the possibility of a locker room divided, and so much more. Put it all together, and anything more than four wins would be an accomplishment.

Read more Denver Broncos news on BleacherReport.com

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