Broncos Need To Focus On Stability
by John Bena on Dec 30, 2008 8:12 AM MST
in Strictly My Opinion
57 comments
Someone has to pay. I mean, you can't give up 52 points in what was essentially a playoff game and keep your job, can you? Add that 52 points to the other 398 points the Broncos surrendered and you have what some would say was the worst defense in team history and someone has to pay, dammit.
The Broncos defense was bad, and unfortunately for the team and fans, it was at its worst when it mattered most Sunday Night. I can't say the job that Bob Slowik did was acceptable, at least judging by the results on the field. I would caution you, however, to think twice before simply disposing of the embattled defensive coordinator in favor of yet another change. While Slowik and the defense definitely have some explaining to do, what the Broncos need right now is stability.
We can look at this a couple ways. The Broncos defense was bad in 2007, made few significant additions other than Boss Bailey, whom everyone knew was an injury risk to begin with, and parted ways with John Lynch and Domonique Foxworth. I'm not going to say I was against any of those moves, because I wasn't, but right from the word go the defense was at a disadvantage talent wise.
To start, let's look at the front-7, which I would argue is the worst in the NFL. While I would agree that guys like John Engelberger, Ebenezar Ekuban and Kenny Peterson are solid guys to build depth, you cannot have a starting lineup filled with them. The Broncos did, and when you add Nate Webster and Jamie Winborn to the mix you can see that problems with personnel arise almost immediately. If it wasn't role players forced into major roles, the Broncos were relying on young players that are still trying to come into their own. Jarvis Moss showed flashes of being a player, and Marcus Thomas will be a solid contributor in the future, but the front-line, A-List talent just isn't there. You need it to win consistently in the National Football League.
We have talked, and will talk about the improvements the Broncos need to make to the defensive side of the ball. Football is won or lost in the trenches and the Broncos lost those battles more often than not. The focus this off-season HAS TO BE improving the overall talent level of the front-7. Impact players must be brought in along the defensive line and within the linebacking corp for the Broncos defense to take the next step as a defense and a football team.
That brings us back to Bob Slowik. I can't tell you what kind of coordinator he is, or whether or not his scheme will work. What I can tell you with complete certainty is that no coordinator out there would have gotten the defense the Broncos were rolling out there every Sunday to perform that much better that what Slowik did. That is a testament to the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball more than a nod to Slowik's coaching ability. Slowik deserves the chance to bring in the playmakers he needs, whether through the draft or free agency, to do what he needs to do with this defense.
The Broncos have been running the same offensive scheme for 15 years now. Shouldn't the defense be allowed to grow into a defensive system longer than 12 months?
Again, I am not any more satisfied than any of you with the performance of the defense. What I am, however, is a realist. Unless the Broncos commit to brining in the type of defensive talent they have on offense it won't matter who is running the show. Until I can say different, it is the players that need to change and not the coach.
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I found this link very disturbing (Slowik must be fired)
I know we need stability but I think we might have the wrong guy in Slowik.
by mrwhite20 on Dec 30, 2008 8:32 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
It is disturbing...
I agree…Another change, however, brings with it another set of growing pains. In my mind, if there is a change, we need to get a great TEACHER and MOTIVATOR as a DC because there is likely to be alot of young talent on defense next year.
-TSG
SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport
Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com
by John Bena on Dec 30, 2008 8:35 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't that supposed to be Slo's strong suit...
teaching and motivating? I thouhgt I read somewhere that he had this custom computer modeling program, etc. and that the DBs last year considered him a great teacher. If that’s the case, maybe the solution is bring in a tactical and scheme-minded coach and give him a DC title, similar to how we have two guys on offense with OC titles. However, on defense, allow DC Slowick to be the big-picture, motivational, teaching coach that sets the broad framework of the defense, and let the other DC make the calls on Sundays, which seemed to my untrained eye to be one of the biggest problems (mistimed blitzes, playing soft on thrid downs, etc.). I think the larger issues with the defense such as putting safeties in the box rather than back in coverage will be solved if we get some playmakers in the front seven to stop the run.
"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."
by ButteBronco on Dec 30, 2008 9:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Well at least he is consistent, in being the worse DC in the NFL
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:51 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The Two priorities I think are
A DT, If we’re somehow able to get Haynesworth in FA that would be huge. His ability to collapse the pocket and cause carnage will let the likes of Dummervil and Moss to be able to get to the QB easier. I think we have sufficient talent at DE, we just need a dominant DT to create the havoc to give them a chance
A MLB, we need a run stuffer and someone who’s really hungry. I really hope we’re able to get Rey Maualuga from USC. His fiery intensity would be welcomed…
by CombatChuk on Dec 30, 2008 8:35 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with the talent level at DE
Our DEs stink, plain and simple, many games this year they were matched up against second stringers on one on one battles and they got owned. Dummervil is a 3rd down rush end and that is it, Moss is too light and has no power so once he gets engaged he gets eleiminated. Engleberger and Eukuban are 2nd stringers at best. I agree we need a DT or two , but we also need a stud DE or four.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:55 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Moss too light?
He’s the same size as Jason Taylor.
To bear up under loss, to fight the bitterness of defeat and the weakness of grief, to be victor over anger, to smile when tears are close, to resist evil men and base instincts, to hate evil and to love love, to go on when it would seem good to die, to seek after the glory and the dream, to look up with unquenchable faith in something evermore about to be, that is what any man can do, and so be great.
Zane Grey
by bradley on Dec 30, 2008 12:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Too weak then
Hopefully he proves me wrong next year.
Touchdowns win championships? Seriously, get a freakin defense!
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Dec 30, 2008 1:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
He has no strength
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 2:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree 100%
Broncoman, are you on the Julius Peppers bandwagon with me?
Touchdowns win championships? Seriously, get a freakin defense!
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Dec 30, 2008 1:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Peppers alot, I just don't know if we can sign him for something reasonable
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 2:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post Guru,
I agree 100% with everything you said. The good news about the front seven is we have the depth in place right now. The guys you mentioned (Moss, Berger, Thomas, EK, etc.) are solid, cheap depth and it will only take one or two guys to make all these depth guys look a lot better. Realistically, I think we could add as few as two Grade A Beasts to the front seven and see this defense turn from atrocious to servicable (the 23 point threashhold ruru mentioned in his great fanpost yesterday). The first being a MLB #12 (i.e., Maualuga), and hopefully we will land one of the big FAs to plug in at DT or DE (Haynsworth, Peppers, Sugges).
Give Slo a chance with those guys and then judge him.
"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."
by ButteBronco on Dec 30, 2008 8:39 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Two is enough...
It is all about creating matchups on defense….If the Broncos can get a guy who collapses the pocket at will, whether it comes from inside or out, the offense would be forced to double team. That means more max-protections, less options in the passing game, an easier time covering receivers…..you get the idea.
-TSG
SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport
Questions, Comments...E-Mail Me!
milehighreport@gmail.com
by John Bena on Dec 30, 2008 8:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Serviceable
That’s just the thing, if they could get the defense from gut-wrenching awful to serviceable, they’d be a real threat. They don’t need a Steelers/Ravens type defense to go the distance with the offense they’ve got. Even Sunday night, if the D could’ve managed even 3 more stops, it might’ve been a whole different story.
Or so I'm told.
by MN Bronco on Dec 30, 2008 1:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I see a disturbing trend in Slowiks numbers...
when he was with GB and with us.
Fewest Turnovers – 15 in GB, 16 for us
Fewest Interceptions – 8 in GB, 6 for us.
Most yards allowed, Highest Opponents Passer Rating…
This is a trend not an abberition. I’m all for stability, but first you need to get someone in this position who knows what he is doing, it seems fairly clear to me that he doesn’t.
I’m voting for getting rid of him if you can get someone with a good track record.
by CalgaryFan on Dec 30, 2008 8:57 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I'll take two of everything and a new DC-
They have to commit to a two year plan on defence, and I agree with Guru in that the present front 7 is the worst in the NFL. As for Slowik, he could stay on as secondary coach but I feel that because they’ll have to start over (even DJ is suspect) why not get a guy whom you think could really help out.. (is Wade Phillips gonna need a job?) You’ll might remember our recent success drafting defence though right? Dosen’t that also present a need for another sharp mind to lead us in a new direction?
by quarterhorse on Dec 30, 2008 8:57 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Let's get Slowik some talent first...
The front 7 MUST be overhauled!!!
We need 1 stud DT, and 1 stud do-it-all DE (Doom is great as a pass rusher, only, and Moss is still a bust IMO).
DJ needs consistency at WLB, Web needs to go, and while Boss is good when healthy, he can’t stay healthy- so he must go too.
The Broncs main problem has been the front 7 as a whole, with greater emphasis on the D-line. If the D-line does it’s job, the LBs can make plays rather than sitting in reserve to cover for the D-line’s weaknesses. If the front 7 can be transformed into a cohesive unit, then the safeties (which only need to be good, not great) can stay back and allow Champ and Bly to do what they do best— pick off passes from underneath.
As it stands now, the LB’s can’t take chances to penetrate or blitz because they can’t trust the d-line to hold up. When the front 7 don’t get the job done, a safety has to be brought down in support, leaving only one safety deep- which essentially wastes the talent (and cap space) of Champ and Bly- making the whole D ineffective.
Frack, frackin' fracker!
by BornOrange on Dec 30, 2008 9:25 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
this might be a chicken/egg thing..
Is Slowik’s coaching subpar because he doesn’t have much talent to work with, or is the talent playing poorly because of bad coaching?
I think 2 things need to happen, ASAP.
1) Thank Slowik and bring in some fresh blood.
2) Get better immediately at scouting. This upcoming draft is going to be huge for the D side of the ball, and if CMS has a bad draft, the writing may be on the wall fairly soon. The front 7 is atrocious and while free-agent signings can help in the short-term, they are not a long-term solution. Build in the draft, accessorize in free agency.
by Hobnail_Boot on Dec 30, 2008 10:30 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Slowik must go
I agree that we need DEF continuity. But Slowik has to go, along with ~2/3 of our D startters who need moved to the bench or given pink slips. Continuity can start next year… we need an overhaul.
The football outsiders guys have us ranked as the 2nd all-time worst D by their stats:
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2008/final-2008-dvoa-ratings
Continuity will not solve a D this historically bad.
by cjfarls on Dec 30, 2008 9:30 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I believe we should keep Slowik. He doesn't have that many play makers on defense to work with.
Just wait untill the draft. Hopefully we get Rey Maualuga. He would be a great leader for this team.
by broncoholic on Dec 30, 2008 9:44 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if the organization publishes a "Final Report" for their coaches.
I worked for 8 years doing Test and Evaluation for the Navy and we always had to complete a Final Report following a test. The Broncos have plenty of data upon which to analyze and then draw some conclusions about how well or poorly Slo did this past season.. If Slo is retained or followed, it would sure be nice to have Shanny point to some specific, football related points to justify either decision. I’m tired of the trite comments from organizations that say nothing, mean nothing and do nothing but patronize fans.
As for what ails our defense, we all know it comes down to personnel with our lot. Our defense is like some assemblage of B-level actors who love to play but simply don’t have the talent to dominate a game in this league. We are also lacking an emotional team leader on defense (RIP, Al Wilson). There’s no doubt in my mind Shanny and company will address these issues in the off-season.
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
by bcfunk on Dec 30, 2008 9:51 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Patience may be a virtue.......
………but, in this case it’s an agonizing slow death. Please ‘Football God’s’ don’t make me watch another season of this….this…this….just ‘WTH’ do you call that defense ; ‘The dreaded Arena football defense minus two players ?’ ‘Shirley’ this topic’s question is rhetorical ?
After reading the two links herein, I feel better. I no longer felt I was alone ……thank’s fella’s…..Maybe nurse ‘Ratched’ will listen to me now…..
by rockymtnfan on Dec 30, 2008 9:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Can We...
Sign Haynesworth AND Peppers, spend the entire draft on the defense (there is a ton of talent out there) and perhaps hire a stud DC to boot? Heck, I’ll take Albert OR Julius, a full first day of defense in the draft and a short leash on Slowik. I just need something to believe that Shanny and Co. care about the defense and special teams…
Here we go again: http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/
by ejruiz on Dec 30, 2008 10:03 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Slowik must go
Like Rod Marinelli, when the results are that bad, you go.
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
by Darin H on Dec 30, 2008 10:24 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
if last year is any indication...
Slowik probably won’t be fired. Despite the defensive disaster of 07, Bates was not fired. Shannahan offered to keep him on, but with reduced authority. It’s quite likely that Shannahan will do the same with Bates, keeping him on, but with reduced authority. Perhaps Bates will continue to be the teacher motivator while we get a system, play caller, or some other arrangement.
While I agree that the Broncos were saddled with a depressing lack of defensive talent, and suffered an unprecedented number of injuries, I still don’t believe Slowik used the players he had as weel as he needed to do.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Dec 30, 2008 10:53 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
All this talk about the Front 7...
Were you really impressed with our ANY of our Safeties, Bly, or Josh Bell? The defense was a joke, give Slowik another year and some talent.
PS This is what the alphabet would look like if Q and R were eliminated. --Mitch Hedburg
by Jay Elway on Dec 30, 2008 10:37 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
The only reason our secondary was bad was because the front seven wasn't getting any pressure on the QB.
Receivers will own the secondary if the QB is given more than five seconds to throw the ball. Plus we weren’t dropping our safeties back into coverage. So the cornerbacks don’t have any help over the top. If the corners don’t have help, then they can’t play their style of ball.
by broncoholic on Dec 30, 2008 12:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Slowik really has to go!
Ofc we need new talent too! So both has to be addressed. It is absolutely unacceptable how Slowik records lows! It seems he will always find a way to make any defense look REAL bad!
by DjBroncos on Dec 30, 2008 10:40 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Anyone...
who think Slowik should stay, really needs to look at his body of work with GB and, if you can find it, Chicago. Check out the link in the first response in this thread. I think it speaks for itself, this guy cannot be a DC in this league.
by CalgaryFan on Dec 30, 2008 10:42 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Guru, here's my problems with it
And I posted this earlier, but as you correctly pointed out, our problems mainly stem from a lack of talent, and we all know what the constant evaluation of talent has been and that is Shanahan. He oversaw hiring and firing of scouts, GM, DC, and coaches, he signed free agents, approved the trades, and approved the draft picks, obviously Mike does not have an eye for defensive talent.
If we want to change the talent level then we need someone else evaluating the talent and making those choices. Slowvik is not the guy, probably a good DB coach and teacher and that is it, we need a DC that can pick his guys, build an identity and attitude for the defense, and develop a scheme that will work. Look at Miami, went from laughing stock to AFC East champs, switched coaches and schemes, got rid of players and brought in new guys, and now they have a nasty defense.
So I have a hard time believing that Mike is going to be able to draft his way out of this probelm since he has a horrible track record of defensive draft picks. And I really doubt, even if we had all pros at every level in the defense, that Slowvik would be the guy to build around.
I think you need a DC that has job stability because he answers to Bowlen and not Shanahan.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 10:50 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Evaluating Talent
Actually, statistically speaking, Shannahan has actually done a better job of evaluating defensive talent than he has offensive talent. Better than 40% of his picks have worked out on defense, while slightly less than 35% have worked out offensively.
However, over the last 5 years he has spent only 30% of his picks on defensive players. The problem isn’t the quality of defensive picks, it’s the shear number of picks, or lack thereof.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Dec 30, 2008 10:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't find that
From what I looked at he has picked about 35 percent have actually “worked” out on defense, that is still failing, of 41 plus picks, only three guys have been pro-bowl players (Al Wilson, Trevor Price and Deltha O’Neal) and O’neal was a fluke year. Basically, he has not added any exceptional talent and the people he has passed on is staggering. I just think that his talent evlautaion skills are lacking at best.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:42 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I do agree, he has missed on both sides of the draft consistently
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Dec 30, 2008 11:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
This was not a good defense to begin with
And it got worse as the injuries mounted. Still, I feel that all defensive coaches should feel as if they’re on the hot seat.
"Be not like dumb-driven cattle...."
by jcps on Dec 30, 2008 11:09 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
And until our defense gets better our D-coordinator will always be on the "hot seat"
"It doesn't dissipate" ~ Mike Shanahan
Cutler's 4th qtr/OT game winning drives: 9
by weazel on Dec 30, 2008 11:41 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but no can do
I don’t want another year of Slowik running the defense. He just doesn’t cut it. I don’t care about talent, front 7, etc. Go back and think on how our defense played this year. One good game, 2 – 3 bad games, one decent game, 2 in the tank.
No consistency in performance.
Do you really think his playcalling and in-game adjustments are up to par? Sorry Guru, but if you do, I completely and utterly disagree on this point. Most of the season we saw the same base defense being played. Not much variation, no surprises for the opposing team, very little blitzing, and they did NOTHING well overall. I don’t care about not having talent or the right personnel…if what you are doing is not stopping the other team you need to adjust.
No threat from playcalling or adjustments.
Both of these things I attribute at least half of the problem to coaching and the last one is all on the coach. If Shanny decides to keep Slowik, we need a really darn good explanation of why and what his plan is…cause I see NO reason to keep such a poor coach.
Last point: Given the lack of chutzpah I saw from our defense in the last 3 games of the season, I could care less about them needing “stability” from their coaching scheme. I want someone to go in there and knock some heads around if they aren’t playing with fire and determination.
NUFF SAID
I don’t want breakaway speed. I want break-some-poor-fool-as-I-bowl-you-over power getting 6 yards off a play that should have been stopped for 2 at most.
by sadaraine on Dec 30, 2008 11:40 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Even when we did blitz we didn't get any pressure on the QB. Plus, the defense wasn't just inconsistent, so was the offense.
Our defense gives up a lot of yards, but when they get in the red zone, sometimes the defense will hold the opponent to a FG. Plus, you can’t expect the defense to be stellar when the offense gives the ball away and gives the opposing team great field position. What do you expect? Keep Slowik until the next year’s bye week. If he is doing okay, keep him. If he isn’t, and we have a DC in mind to take his place, then fire him and get a the new DC.
by broncoholic on Dec 30, 2008 12:51 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
I think our offense was very consistent. I’d like to see the numbers on how far behind we were when our offense had turnovers…also how many were in a game where we lost our starting RB option?
Look at the statistics…our offense was superb this year. Our defense was trash.
As far as what I expect from a defense after a turnover…I expect them to make a stop 75% of the time. I expect them to have our offense’s back where the offense knows its okay to take a risk because the defense CAN at least keep the other team under 20 points the majority of the time. I expect to see San D-fricken-eggo punt a heck of a lot more than once per entire game and have a heck of a lot less than 7 touchdown drives for absolutely sure.
Keep Slowik until the bye week? Why would you want to do something so utterly stupid? Look at his past performance and look at what we’ve been doing. He is not the answer for defensive coordinator.
I don’t want breakaway speed. I want break-some-poor-fool-as-I-bowl-you-over power getting 6 yards off a play that should have been stopped for 2 at most.
by sadaraine on Dec 30, 2008 1:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I, for one, never liked Robinson.
It was really that fantastic offense of the late 90’s that made him look good. There are only two on D.C.‘s I’d consider: Joe Collier, but he’s probably too old now; and Wade Phillips, who has always done a good job at every place he’s been D.C.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 30, 2008 4:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I was trying to say former Bronco D.C.'s.
Too much turkey I guess.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 30, 2008 4:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
A Few Points
Just a few points:
The offense is not responsible for the reason why the defense played so poorly. Yes, there were games in which the offense made mistakes but I can only think of one game in which the defensive play lead to a win (Tampa Bay) and several games in which the offense (and Hochili) resulted in a win. The running game’s lack of production was a factor, but had to deal with a plethora of injuries, and even when the offense was able to run (see the last SD game) the defense still could not stop anyone. The offense has issues, but with a better defense we win at least three more games. The offense is presently playoff caliber with Probowl players (Cutler-in, Marshall-in, Clady-should be, O line-best in football, receiving corps-one of best in football, tight ends-above average at least, running game-below average but was hit with a historic number of injuries, and will be strong if healthy). The offense ranked NUMBER 2 in the league in yards per game and middle of the pack in points scored. Defense was below average in every category: points allowed, yards, number of turnovers, etc. The only probowl player on the D is Champ and he was hurt all year. DJ is above average, but that’s it. Bly is ordinary. Safeties: awful. Linebackers: pedestrian (career backups) or young. The issues in the front seven have been examined many times but the fact that some people are even mentioning it as "the worst in football" is all that needs to be said. What aspect of the offense can we brag about: O line, Royal and Marshall, tight ends, good if not yet great young quarterback. What aspect of the defense can we brag about? Ummm…can I get back to you on that one.
The issue on defense is both talent-based and scheme-based. Slowick’s success is hard to measure because it is hard to know if he manipulated schemes to overcome talent deficiencies and it still didn’t work. We do need more defensive talent.
Solutions: Haynesworth or Peppers as FAs, FA depth at linebacker such as a Bart Scott, Suggs is a possibility (two or three solid FAs).
Then draft biggest remaining weakness (Mays, Maulaga (cant spell it ever), Laurinatis, whoever is the best player when we draft. Trade some fo lower picks if possible to move up and get another 2nd. So dream first two rounds are ML, S, D-line.
Keep Slowick but reduce his role and bring in a respected DC. Actually give him time to develop (unlike Bates last year).
Then all we need to do is stay healthy, put a hit on Manning, and we’re there.
This has been a disappointing year, but I am thankful to be a Broncofan due to the passions of our fans (think this much conversation is going on in Detroit?). We will not settle for mediocrity yet at eh same time are usually realists. Thanks for a great football year regardless of result, and great site!
by BroncoJeff on Dec 30, 2008 1:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I admire Slowiks creativity on on D but I believe another DC could have made our defense play better
I want our D to be stable and not always trashing the DC every season but I dont think slowik is that answer for the next decade
by RiG on Dec 30, 2008 2:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
This is a great conversation
But one name I don’t hear yet is Scottie O’brien. With the number of bad plays over the past two years by the ST, do we need a new ST coach more than a DC or is the problem the same – PPP?
Piss poor personnel will ‘doom’ us every time.
Jim Goodman for Broncos MVP!
by Emmett Smith on Dec 30, 2008 2:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Mike Shanahan Fired
No joke: http://rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/dec/30/shanahan-broncos-agree-part-ways/?partner=RSS
by S-Train on Dec 30, 2008 3:39 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Shanny Gonzo...
Just got a slew of texts, phone calls and emails saying this and verified it on Denver Post and ESPN … man, time are a changing!
Not sure how I feel about it, but the guy hasn’t done much since 1998 … a bunch of embarrassing playoff losses and terrible personnel decision and a few good ones recently, but I think it may have been time for a change. The defense has been pretty horrible since 1995 when Shanny first got here. A couple decent defenses, but honestly Denver has always been a team that has to outscore their opponent and pray the defense holds up.
As a Broncos lifelong fan I’m thankful for Mike’s 2 Super Bowl wins and all he has done. I would like to see some changes though … not sure if this is what I wanted based on the injuries, but this is what we got…
Who’s coming in?
by Gimmons on Dec 30, 2008 4:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Rick Dennison...
I’d love to see him stay with the team. He’s done one hell of a job with the offensive line this past season!! Learned a lot from Alex Gibbs I’d imagine. He needs to stay!!
by Gimmons on Dec 30, 2008 4:06 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
So much for stability!!
"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."
by ButteBronco on Dec 30, 2008 4:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
All I have to say is WOW WOW WOW!!!!
I did not see this coming at all. Did Bowlen just wake up or something. I personally do not like the move. I think he should have stayed head coach but had his GM duties removed. This is amazing to me because who is available that will be a better coach then Shanahan. The only name that comes to mind is Bill Cowher. Other then Bill there is no other coach out there that is on the same level as Shanahan. This completely ruined my day.
by gnarlybroncodude on Dec 30, 2008 4:14 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
WOW!
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 30, 2008 4:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Shanahan
All other posts are rendered useless at this point until we find a coach. Wow!
by BroncoJeff on Dec 31, 2008 12:20 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
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