Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Gary Carter, Mets All-Time Great Catcher, Has Died

NEW EDITION: SPENCER LARSEN FOR MLB.

I think a lot of you knew this was coming!

The movement of "Spencer Larsen for MLB" started off slow, with a few members, and many doubters. Shout outs to Yellow Stone, who was one of the originals who lauded Larsen for MLB.

The majority of support for the movement came from this very board (kudos to all of us) and has been growing at a steady rate. The nation has now seen what the majority of us believed, and had confirmed by his performance on the weekend: that we have a REAL player in the Stormin' Mormon, and I have said before, he is our version of Zach Thomas.

He brings everything to the position that you need in a MLB:

  • Reads the game well.
  • Is always around the ball.
  • Sure tackler
  • Does not over pursue on the back side of plays eg. On a Michael Turner stretch play, Turner cuts back, and there is Larsen covering the cut back for a loss.
  • Natural leader
  • Brings controlled aggression.
  • Calm demeanor and focused.
  • Passionate at the same time.
What I really loved about Larsen is the emotional foil that he is for WW and Winbourn. WInborn is over the top excited, and playing next to another over excitable guy in Webster made our LB corps unorganized and TOO on edge emotionally all the time. When Spence made great plays yesterday, WW and Jamie were there to congratulate and go nuts, but Larsen would just high five and move on with his job. It was an interesting dynamic, and one which made WW and Jamie focus more on their jobs. He already from one game looked the definitive leader of those guys yesterday.
I know it is TOTALLY uncool for a player to lose his job via injury, but we need to keep Larsen at MLB. It is best for the team.
Brandon Marshall had an interesting quote from his presser yesterday. The first thing he commented on was Larsen. This is not verbatim but goes something like this:
"I saw some college highlights of Spence making an interception, and thought man this guy is athletic. At camp, I told him this and that I could not wait to see him player line backer. I have been waiting for this for a long time!"
It seems there is a lot of support for Larsen from the team as well.
I found it curious that the team drafted another FB in Haynes last week. I can see our back field being Hillis, Bell and Pope with Haynes as FB. Otherwise, I see them bringing in Cory Boyd, putting Hillis at FB with Pope and Bell.
Anyway, what are your thoughts? Mine are to leave Larsen there, bring back DJ when he is ready and rotate him with Winborn. WW stays.....that kid is a player as well.
I like the look of our LB corps now and think it might change our drafting strategy.
Thanks for all the great info and posts guys!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

Comment 65 comments  |  1 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

My Biggest Fear... Unrealized.

For the past couple of months I was very fearful that we would never get a look at Larsen in the MLB role and the he would fade away as another late round draft pick into obscurity. My thoughts were the other players in front of him would play just well enough to keep him off the field and that come draft time we would draft a super stud with one of our first two picks. But yesterday we saw something special…. This fickle crowd of all things Broncos is already discussing draft stratagem changes. And I am sure some of the top college MLB recruits are scratching the Broncos off their list of possible landing places. This vision brings a warm smile to at least one Bronco Fan.

Play with heart = Win fans hearts.

As i live 10+ hours from denver by car, we don’t get to very many games. However, I will be there next week sitting in the south stands with my two oldest boys (10 and 8). Their first game. Believe me when I say, we will be watching Larsen very closely. And hopefully, I will be able to teach my boys about playing with heart.

My image is the Circa 1960-’61 Broncos home uniform sock. Some what folk lore to me ... but referred to as the clown sock by my Dad.

by YellowStoneBronco on Nov 17, 2008 9:09 AM MST reply actions  

That is great YellowStone

I love it that you are taking the boys to the game. Be sure to send us a post-game report.

It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08

by firstfan on Nov 17, 2008 4:08 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah Yellow Stone...

Both my 4 years…daughter and son, are getting into it.
One of the first things they ever said was “TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS”…..pretty funny as my wife and family are from Dallas and are cowboy fans!!!
Enjoy the game my friend and cheer us home for a win!!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 4:29 PM MST up reply actions  

No argument here...

on keeping the Stormin Mormon in the middle. (kudos to whoever came up with that name) I think the real dilemma will be finding a way to keep WW on the field with Winborn playing as well as he’s been. Great point on Larsen keeping Winborn emotionally in check, he needs it. That guy does alota celebrating.

This entire rookie class seems to be pretty even keel. From Clady to Hillis, they all seem well grounded and team oriented. Great job by the front office going “character” in this years draft!

by donbok1 on Nov 17, 2008 9:10 AM MST reply actions  

Wait, so I'm confused

I’ve heard Larsen’s nickname as both the Stormin’ Mormon and the Stormin’ Norman. So, which one is it? They imply rather different things. ;)

Blast and botheration.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2008 11:19 AM MST up reply actions  

The Stormin' Mormon...

Rhymes with Stormin’ norman after General Norman Schwartzkopk.
Larsen took a year off football to do his Mormon missionary work.
The name actually came from this site….I cant remember who….Please hit me back with who made it up, but I have been running with it as it sums up Spencer Larsen perfectly!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 11:26 AM MST up reply actions  

Somehow

I’m having trouble picturing Spencer in that spiffy white shirt/nametag combo. I think he should stick to football, everyone would be happier. Especially us.

Blast and botheration.

by Silverblood on Nov 17, 2008 11:29 AM MST up reply actions  

Haggan

I found bringing him in strange, except that he is an utter stud on ST and did well for us there yesterday. In addition, I suppose that he is backup for both SAM, which he played for Buffalo last year, and MLB if Larsen goes down

Larsen for QB...

by Doc Bear on Nov 17, 2008 10:57 AM MST reply actions  

nice sig

hahaha. I like…

Check out the website listed below...

Rivers light in the loafers?

by EastCoastBronco on Nov 17, 2008 12:22 PM MST up reply actions  

Also Woodyard...

I that guy brought a ton of energy, enthusiasm, and great play. He brought so much enthusiasm that I had to chuckle on several plays. You can see him boyishly jumping on a pile at the end of a play or see him in the background mimicking Winborn’s big play celebration gyration. Gotta love it. I think Winborn played very well too (yes, yes he missed a pick six…but he was also in perfect position to make a pick six). All in all…I was very impressed by the play of our LBs.

Our DBs on the other hand…

What did everybody think about Josh Bell?

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 17, 2008 11:33 AM MST reply actions  

Ha!

I love Winborn’s dance, and the emotion he brings to the table. WW mocking it makes it better. I agree that the LBs have been much improved the past two weeks, perhaps the best the group has looked all year. That said, DJ returns full time to WLB. No question.

There has been some discussion about moving WW to Safety, but people say he’s not fast enough. Then, when moving him to SAM comes up, people say he’s undersized. Are his coverage skills and speed enough to make up for his lack of size at SAM? Like I said, when DJ returns, he has to get his job back. WW will continue to contribute on special teams and if DJ is not 100% or gets dinged again down the stretch, we have a great backup. In the off season, I’d like to see him compete with Winborn and Boss (?), at SAM.

The good news is that the play of our key backups: Woodyard, Hillis, Pope, Tater, JMFW, J. Bell, and Paymah and the two consecutive road wins means DJ, Selvin and Champ can take their time coming off injuries, as it wouldn’t make sense to bring them back until they are 100. If WW was a bust and we lost either one of the last two, they may have rushed DJ back in order to salvage something—same with Selvin and Champ for that matter. If these three can rest up and be 100 for the final three games, it would be huge.

As for Josh Bell, I think the fact that you didn’t really see him much yesterday says a lot. The plays that stick out are third down conversions. Yesterday, it was primarily Manual, Bly and JMFW that got beat on big third downs from what I can remember. Plus, you know the offensive coaches wanted to attack an undrafted rook. The fact that he didn’t get lit up play after play at the #2 corner spot, ala Foxy (Pittsburg ’05), Paymah (SD ’08), JMFW (KC ’08), says a lot.

by ButteBronco on Nov 17, 2008 12:44 PM MST up reply actions  

All things considered

I liked Bell for several reasons;

1) He played hard and played well overall
2) He is VERY young and so it is all upside with him at this point. He was basically able to hold his own in his first NFL game after being shot out of a cannon up the depth chart.
3) I generally trust the denver decision making. They have been doing a great job with personnel decisions and hell, even they’re defensive schemes have started to make sense.
4) His last name is Bell. He should have a very suprisingly productive 2-3 years before we give him the axe and, if he’s lucky, we will then save him from a bad retail job (Incase of further RB injury, Shanny has Mike Bell’s # on speed dial who is actually working at a kiosk in the mall demonstrating over priced cutlery sets) ;-)

Check out the website listed below...

Rivers light in the loafers?

by EastCoastBronco on Nov 17, 2008 12:31 PM MST reply actions  

BTW,

In these harsh economic times, I know it can be hard to find work. So for any of you out there job hunting right now, I just want to let you know that the subway in detroit is fully manned, but there is a cell phone store in denver with a recent position opening! But you better hurry and get your application in before Glen Martinez beats you there!

Check out the website listed below...

Rivers light in the loafers?

by EastCoastBronco on Nov 17, 2008 12:34 PM MST up reply actions  

So long as you guys keep in mind he is a rookie and try not to throw him under the bus

when he has a bad game….because he will. The one thing I liked the most was the lack of celebrating after every single tackle. That got annoying after a while….some of them would even celebrate after tackling someone for a 15-20 yard GAIN. I’ve had enough of that crap….do you J-O-B.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 12:44 PM MST reply actions  

Winborn after Turner got a first down.

That was embarrasing to me as a fan.

It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08

by firstfan on Nov 17, 2008 4:14 PM MST up reply actions  

ya

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 5:00 PM MST up reply actions  

If I'm not mistaken

DJ and Woodyard both play Weakside Linebacker. Winborn plays Strongside (replacing Boss).

The problem will be what to do with Woodyard when DJ returns.

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 17, 2008 12:45 PM MST reply actions  

Maybe he could play SAM

Or we could try him at safety like some members are requesting. I want to keep him; he’s a player. Hopefully we can find a spot for him where ha can start, or at least regularly contribute.

His Highness, The Duke of Juke, Fast Easy Eddie Casino Crown Royale With Cheese!

by papigrande on Nov 17, 2008 2:48 PM MST up reply actions  

I don't think our DL supports a reasonable 3-4.

Leave DJ at WLB, keep Larsen at MLB, and do whatever is best at SLB.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 17, 2008 3:53 PM MST up reply actions  

Hey HT,

What do we do when everyone is back healthy? Who plays and who sits…and of course, why?

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 4:04 PM MST up reply actions  

Shanahan seems to have it right.

Shanahan believes that veteran status doesn’t mean jack. Every year players have to fight for their jobs in camp, and it doesn’t change during the season. Even with this approach, Shanahan still gets the respect of his players.

I believe that Shanahan will start the players that perform the best. I tend to think that it won’t matter to Shanny who the starter was. All he cares about is who is playing the best ball. For that reason, if you lose your spot to an injury, you may not come back if some rookie is playing well.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 17, 2008 4:21 PM MST up reply actions  

HT.....

Thats a great slant on things.
I echo Zappa’s comments on not throwing any of the rookies under the bus.
Here’s my feelings…..I would rather see rookie mistakes from a rookie, and see them learn from them, than rookie mistakes from a 10 year vet who does not learn from them.
This is the best our LB corps looked all year, and it will only get better when DJ come back. He will be able to play his position and make plays and not have to cover for mistakes made by others.
The comments made by the D Line really hit home too….they knew they had rookies and there aim was to keep blockers off them….they really stepped up and we get a defensive effort like we had on the weekend.
We are starting to click!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 4:33 PM MST up reply actions  

Can I ask for a consensus as to who all will be starting when everyone is healthy...

When DJ and Nate come back. Will it be DJ, Larson, Woodyard? DJ, Webster, Woodyard? DJ, Larson, Winborn? So many combinations I need some input.

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 5:07 PM MST up reply actions  

I would say

DJ, Larsen for sure. I would think that Winborn wins out at SAM since he has been playing there with Woodyard backing him up while learning out to play SAM.

Apparently, Niko will be backing up Woodyard until DJ returns.

Webster goes to ST!

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 18, 2008 11:13 AM MST up reply actions  

When you say "Webster goes to ST!"

Do you mean saint louis? Or was it an acronym for something like Suck Town, or Shan’t Tackle?

Check out the website listed below...

Rivers light in the loafers?

by EastCoastBronco on Nov 18, 2008 1:59 PM MST up reply actions  

Either of those would be preferable

since it would mean getting him out of town, but I was thinking more along the lines of Special Teams…

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 18, 2008 3:11 PM MST up reply actions  

Our LBs are also too light to support a 3-4

Gap control requires bigger bodies. 3-4 LBs are bigger, they must be able to fend off O-linemen. It is not reasonable to expect 3 D-linemen to occupy 5 O-linemen. Plus, FBs have a bigger head of steam when they slam into the LBs.

Denver drafts and signs fast LBs, they need schemes that accentuate their strengths, not their weaknesses.

The future looks so bright that we're going to need blue and orange sunglasses!

by Arctic Bronco on Nov 17, 2008 8:40 PM MST up reply actions  

Coverage LBs

I asked HT about this once. He was kind enough to note that there is the option of playing coverage LBs – lighter and faster – either as well as or in preference to the bigger LBs that most folks associate with the Bullough 3-4. Either approach can apparently work.

He doesn’t know anything but 100 percent
- Shanahan on Larsen

by Doc Bear on Nov 18, 2008 11:51 AM MST up reply actions  

Denver is done running the 3-4 this year

you might see it once or twice, as a ‘trick’ formation, but my money is on Denver playing straight 4-3 the rest of the way.

Whatever they were looking for, they have seen enough.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Nov 17, 2008 5:24 PM MST up reply actions  

It's always a problem

When your ‘guy’ goes down and his replacement is doing better than he was, what do you do now?

DJ was/is one of the best. Winborn has been everything we have asked of him. Larsen may have earned himself a job, at least for a while. Woodyard? Hmmm…

Shanahan himself said that Woodyard would start in this league at LB. I hope that we can keep him there. Whatever the outcome, this is the place where the depth we talked about at the begininning of the season has saved our bacon.

Larsen for QB...

by Doc Bear on Nov 17, 2008 3:16 PM MST reply actions  

maybe we draft a stud NT and go full bore 3-4 next year. :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 5:02 PM MST up reply actions  

Terrance Cody?

Should be available mid to late first round

Touchdowns win championships?

by 53guys on Nov 17, 2008 5:51 PM MST up reply actions  

sshhhhh

Don’t say such awful things out loud. They may hear you….

Check out the website listed below...

Rivers light in the loafers?

by EastCoastBronco on Nov 18, 2008 2:03 PM MST up reply actions  

man...

there ain’t nothin’ wrong with a 3-4…assuming that you have the proper personel to run it.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 18, 2008 3:11 PM MST up reply actions  

Denver's struggles this year may be that they're the ultimate 'tweener' defense.

They’ve got aspects of a good 4-3 and 3-4; however, they don’t have the personel to be truely excellent at either.

I think they need to commit to one or the other and work to perfect it. Honestly, I’d have no problem with them moving towards a 3-4 provided that they do it effectively.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 18, 2008 3:13 PM MST up reply actions  

Well that was One game.

I do love his intensity and hope he can “hold up” and not get injured like so many others. When you play with that much Intensity, It is inevitable that and injury will happen eventually, but now we know what kind of depth that we have and we need to hold on to most of them. I think we should elliminate some of the high priced players in the possitions.

by metalman5050 on Nov 17, 2008 3:47 PM MST reply actions  

Metal....

Thats what makes it ALL the more impressive….
First game starter in a HUGE pressure game and Larsen come out and plays like he did.
MUCHO IMPRESSIVE!!!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 4:35 PM MST up reply actions  

You know I'm impressed.

I got my wish and they put him in! I was so surprised to see him playing three ways. Very impressed!

by metalman5050 on Nov 17, 2008 4:52 PM MST up reply actions  

Agreed man....

These guys remind me of the Replacements starring Kaenu Reeves.
Seriously, Larsen is like Danny Bateman….

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 4:57 PM MST reply actions  

sure

Click your username at the top left of the page—that will open up your personal SB Nation profile. To the right there is a link called “edit profile,” click that. In the area where it says “profile image” just paste the link for the image you would like to use. Save the settings and you’re done.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 17, 2008 8:29 PM MST up reply actions  

yeah, what she said.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 18, 2008 2:03 PM MST up reply actions  

I want to know that too!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 5:34 PM MST reply actions  

Yep mate....

Thats my beautiful daughter Charlotte.
Luckily she has her mom’s looks and not her old mans!!!
I can do that…just trying to figure how to paste photos to a thread…I will get it dialled!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 7:16 PM MST up reply actions  

to put a photo in the thread, use the little cheat icons in the comment section

above where I’m typing right now, there is a picture of a tree—that’s the button to add an image. Click the tree and a box will pop up—paste the URL of your image in that box. (to get the URL, right click on the image and then hit properties. You should see a URL listed—just copy and paste to the box that pops up.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 17, 2008 8:33 PM MST up reply actions  

You need to use photobucket or some other photo sharing site

Load up your picture there then refer to the URL of the image.

Photobucket makes it easy because for each picture, they provide various methods of referencing it. Copy URL from the HTML field and Paste it into the pop-up that batgirl talks about above.

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 18, 2008 11:18 AM MST up reply actions  

you actually don't have to use photobucket

I used to take the time to do that until someone let me know that you can just look at the properties to any web photo and paste that url to the image box. It’s way faster.

Here is a quick test to see, using the photo on the Denver Post’s Bronco’s page.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 18, 2008 2:14 PM MST up reply actions  

I guess I was thinking

more along the lines of using a picture off your computer.

I agree that using a picture off the Internet is much easier the way that you showed.

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 18, 2008 3:12 PM MST up reply actions  

Did it work?

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 18, 2008 3:20 PM MST up reply actions  

How ’bout now?

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 18, 2008 3:21 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah!!!

thanks all…i always wondered how to do that.

GO BRONCOS!!!

by UnarmingMermaid on Nov 18, 2008 3:21 PM MST up reply actions  

Click your username at the top left (by SBNation)

then edit profile and browse to a picture.

Touchdowns win championships?

by 53guys on Nov 17, 2008 5:53 PM MST reply actions  

Thanks Bat Girl!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 8:36 PM MST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

MileHighReport(MHR) is the ultimate independent resource for the Denver Broncos on the web. Along with MHR Radio, the official podcast of MHR, we look to provide hardcore Denver Broncos fans positive, independent insight about the Broncos, 24/7/365!

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Haleycriesalot_small
Pre-Free Agency Thoughts
Pumpkin_small
MLBs - what we have and what Fox and Del Rio historically want
Ph_small
2011: MHR I Need Your Help With An Upcoming Post
Zozobra_small
Explaining What "IT" Is that Tebow Has: An Analysis of the Art of Miracles
Pumpkin_small
The risk/reward analysis on drafting RBs earlier vs later

Recent FanPosts

0_1979_ford_f100-sequin_small
QBs and what MHR wants???
Small
Denver Broncos Draft Strategy - Analyzing 2011 Offseason
Small
Broncos Roster needs – offseason 2012
Cube-orange_small
what makes a good nickel cornerback?
Small
Spread-ing History
Denver-broncos-wallpaper_1__small
The First Real Signing
La_la_land_small
Kids In A Candy Store
Small
A Shot at a Mock
Small
Broncos positions of need – off season 2012
0_1979_ford_f100-sequin_small
My GM box 2.0

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Getting Social With MHR

Facebook_badge_medium_medium
Black_generated_button

Milehighreport_email_medium

Web Stuff


 

Listed on BlogShares Top NFL Fan Sites


General Manager/Head Coach

Milehighreport_small John Bena

2011_small KaptainKirk

Asst. Head Coach

Dadndaughter_small Tim Lynch

2_small Sayre Bedinger

Bronco-pride_small Brian Shrout

Broncohoodie_in_africa_small Troy Hufford

Position Coach

182px-jesus_small Jezru

Flag_canada_small Colby

Img_0007_small Topher Doll

Small zsheely

Hottie_small Sarah_Marshall

Quality Control

800px-john_brown_painting_small mdierk