A Few Good Questions With....DT Carlton Powell
by John Bena on May 14, 2008 5:08 AM MDT
in A Few Good Questions With...
55 comments
Defensive Tackle was a position of need heading into the 2008 NFL Draft for the Broncos. Just days before Draft Weekend, the Broncos secured DeWayne Robertson from the New York Jets, but still felt the need to inject some youth to the position by selecting DT Carlton Powell from Virginia Tech.
Recently, Carlton was nice enough to answer some questions from members of MileHighrReport.com. We thank Carlton again for taking the time to help us get to know him, and thanks to everyone who posted questions here at the site --
MHR -- How surprised were you that the Broncos were the team that drafted you?
CP -- On a Scale from 1-10 I would say an 8.
MHR -- Was there any contact between you and the Broncos prior to the draft?
CP -- The only time was at the Combine when I talked to Coach Johnson in the war room.
MHR -- Many fans at milehighreport.com share the belief that the DT position was the major defensive weakness in '07. Coach Shanahan has brought in DeWayne Robertson from NY and you from the draft to help our current guys out. What can you share with the fans to give us some hope that our DT group will be ready to rock in '08?
CP -- Well I was the only active DT in the Div. 1-A collegiate ranks to have held the opponents to minus yardage rushing in my career so I know I can help.
MHR -- How do you think your style of DT play compares to the style of DT Denver needs on the line?
CP -- Well my style is kind of a smash and grab and I like causing havoc and making it hard for the Offense to get any plays together.
MHR -- Can you tell us how your faith has helped you be a better football player?
CP -- My faith just helped me in general be a better person which translates to a better ball player.
MHR -- How did the events of 04/16/07 shape you as a person, a football player, and a teammate?
CP -- It definitely shook me up a little bit and made me realize that tomorrow’s not really promised so you need to live every day and appreciate your loved ones. I like to say to make sure you accomplish something every day and live it to the fullest.
MHR -- When you look at the Broncos, particularly on the defensive line, what do you see?
CP -- I see a lot of potential. I see myself getting right into rotation and competing for the starting job and making every body else better.
MHR -- What is involved in being a solid run-stuffer?
CP -- Definitely you got to have a lot of strength and be strong-minded especially with the double team because you just have to clog up the hole so the linebacker can run free.
MHR -- If you could compare yourself to one player currently in the League, who would that be and why?
CP -- Not one player but I take different aspects from different players. I’m kind of like a jack of all trades.
MHR -- What can you tell us about Eddie Royal?
CP -- Eddie Royal is a great guy – very productive and a great wide receiver.
MHR -- Thanks Carlton, and best of luck in 2008!
CP -- Thank you and God Bless, Carlton.
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Thanks Guru!
What a great sounding kid!
Here’s something I really loved:
Well I was the only active DT in the Div. 1-A collegiate ranks to have held the opponents to minus yardage rushing in my career so I know I can help
That may or may not translate to the NFL, but those are magic words to defensive coordinators. Ask a DC what he wants (in front of a HC), and he’ll say a shutout (no points by the opponens offense). But get him away from the HC, get him a few beers, and ask him what he really, really wants and he’ll say, with a gleam in his eye, “I want to hold teams to minus yardage!”
I like the attitutude Carlton shows. I’m grateful he took the time to answer our questions, and I’m grateful you got the interview and typed it up for everyone. You rock!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 14, 2008 6:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
He sounds like a solid citizen.
Picking him seems to confirm that Shananhan is getting back to a Bronco fundamental, good character. No doubt Mr. Carlton’s faith is a factor there. Somebody said you can’t win a championship with a bunch of choir boys, but I’d take a bunch of choirboys who are big and tough and determined to succeed.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 14, 2008 8:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't hurt to have a solid player on your team who
also has a strong moral compass.
by Tim Lynch on May 14, 2008 9:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone else feel...
that our overall team character/leadership got significantly upgrade this offseason. I know the bottom line still comes down to performance and results, but my initial thoughts are that we have infused our team with high-character guys who lead. It’s the same feeling I got when we drafted Al Wilson years ago. He wasn’t considered the “top” LB that year, but I’ll never forget that he was known as a leader. Reading CP’s interview, listening to Jumping Jack Williams on MHR radio, and watching Eddie 2.0 at his press conference and all I see is maturity and desire to playt the game.
Man, can the season get here already!
Great piece! MHR led by TSG continues to impress.
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
by bcfunk on May 14, 2008 8:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
totally agree
Lets get back to that type of football player again. As for Big Al Wilson, He was the voice and heart of the Broncos. Need to get him to coach for us if he can’t play again. Rod smith too for that fact. But I like the draft class. that is what they seem full of this year …..Class…
For the love of the animals. 24
by Earthtiger24 on May 14, 2008 10:13 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's certainly better
than what Chad Johnson is full of, not to mention our own dearly departed Javon Walker.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 10:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could he hold a locker room Bible Study here?
hmm sounds intriguing. I am glad we have this guy on our team hands down.
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 14, 2008 9:10 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Love your signature.
We’ve got a long list of Broncos who’ve been unfairly shunned.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 15, 2008 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can only go with the one who got me into Bronco Football.
Other wise the signature would be a page and a half long
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 15, 2008 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He says....
“Well my style is kind of a smash and grab and I like causing havoc”.......
Pretty much an awesome answer. Smash and Grab describes the DT position very well. LMAO!! We will see if he works out for you all, but I like his response there…
OakFoSho
S&BP > Mile High Mules ............ Like Sharks? http://mvn.com/nhl-sharks/
by 0akFoSho on May 14, 2008 9:14 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Can anyone tell me
what that minus yardage statistic actually means? Is it an indication of what happened on plays in his area of responsibility or (more likely) where people were when he tackled them? If the latter it could mean (not saying it does) that he either tackles the runner in the backfield or he gets through for a big gain. I’m one of the few people who voted that he won’t make an impact in 2008, because if he does, as a rookie, it probably means we’re in trouble, that Marcus and/or D-Rob, for instance, haven’t played as well as we’d hoped. A slightly less alarming scenario would be that the other veteran DTs don’t play well, that there’s more of a drop-off from the starters to them than to the rookie (but that would leave Thomas and D-Rob worn down by season’s end). The least likely possibility is that he turns out to be a first-year phenom and thus a huge steal, which would be just fine with me.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 10:12 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
we need to define “Impact.” I, personally, would consider it an impact if Powell gains more playing time as the season goes on (in a substitutional role), providing an acceptable (if not amazing) level of performance while the starters take a breather. Basically, if Powell works as a back-up without letting the opposing offensive line have it’s way with him…that would be enough for me.
As for the negative yardage stat…it means he’s the best DT in this draft class. Or so I’m choosing to believe today. Tomorrow will probably be different. :o)
~Uffdah
by Disco_Stu on May 14, 2008 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
I would define it as playing well or even adequately, since our d-line play last year was obviously less than adequate. But even if Powell is a pleasant surprise and plays well for a rookie, that’s not the same as playing well, period. I think fans in general tend to underestimate the gap between even a talented rookie and a merely average veteran. I know I did until recently. I’ve seen basketball teams with lots of really young players who are supposedly playing really well, and yet they’re losing way more games than they’re winning, and I remember wondering, Why is that? Rookies playing “well” is a harbinger of the future. It means the team is probably going to be pretty good in a couple of years. It doesn’t mean those rookies are playing even as well as ordinary veterans right now, which is why the team is losing. I remember being one of the many fans who were upset at how much Darrent Williams was getting beat. I didn’t understand that his playing so well for a young player meant that he was going to be good, not that he was good already. What I’m saying is that Powell could conceivably be the best run-stopping rookie DT in the league and still not be very good at stopping the run. But in that case it would be a pretty good indication that he’ll become one by his third or even second season. My scenario of a positive outcome for Powell is that he makes the team, excites the coaches, and makes solid progress during the season, eventually getting some playing time without hurting the team too much. That doesn’t fit my definition of making an impact, but it does fit my definition of building a d-line solidly through the draft, which pays off down the line rather than immediately. Our improvement this year will come from D-Rob and from the development of the players we drafted in 2006 (Doom) and 2007 (Moss, Crowder, Thomas).
It was Powell’s potential I was trying to gauge with my question about the negative yardage statistic. Does he lunge into the backfield and watch the runner go through his gap for a large gain much of the time, with a tackle for a loss when he does get him, or does the stat mean that it was hard to gain yardage running at him. He’s the best DT in his class if that’s what the stat tells us, and if he’s not as limited a pass-rusher as the scouting reports say he is, and if he’s able to adapt to the next level as well as I hope he does. I’m hoping, for instance, that he’s just raw as a pass rusher, that he can be taught technique. I’m also thinking he’ll need to bulk up, as I’m not sure he’ll develop into a run-stopper at the next level if he plays at 292 lbs., which is what I remember him being listed at. That’s a lot of ifs, but I’m pretty high on the guy and think he’ll develop into a quality run-stopper. Those question marks are just my reality checks, not my feelings.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then I think
we have the same hope for Powell: that he grows, maybe subs a bit, and doesn’t completely embarrass himself. :o)
You make a great point about “playing well for a rookie” and “playing well.” I was probably thinking “playing well for a rookie” for “impact”; under that assumption, I think he makes an impact. If impact is “play very well for a seasoned veteran”, then no, I don’t think he makes an impact this year.
And I remember reading a little more about his “negative yards against him”, but even that was still a little vague. I’ll post if I find it again…maybe others can interpret it better than I.
~Uffdah
by Disco_Stu on May 14, 2008 12:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not an official explanation
but I thoght I would weigh in with some observations made while scouting DTs:
1. minus yardage against refers to running plays to his area (off of the left guard). There is no allowance made for his tackling, if he misses the RB completely, that play counts against him. On the other hand, he was probably defending the weakside a lot of the times, which means that he was defending cutback runners and weakside running plays. Still, I’m with HT here, he was doing something very special with consistency.
2. regardless of his weight he was tenacious against double teams. The minus yardage tackles no doubt belong to his linebackers and I loved his comments about keeping his LBs clean.
3. I see him needing to show two skills this year (or at least demonstrating them effectively at a pro level): maintaining ground against double teams, which he can do by focusing on not letting guards and centers get there hands into his chest. He is already good at this, he just needs to do it at an NFL level. The other thing he can do to have an impact is maintain his stellar record for HUSTLE. This is a player who gives everything he’s got up to the whistle and who gets up fast and acts like every action is critical. By learning his assignments and getting comfortable with his teammates he should be able to free his mind up on gameday to focus on putting all his hustle into the plays.
4. Unlike other late DTs taken Powell actually HAS pass rushing moves. None of them are elite or anything, but the ‘experts’ who say he doesn’t have any pass rushing ability are referring to guys around him who have good bull rushes but nothing else. The bull rush isn’t even a ‘move’ per se. Powell has a variety of moves, fast hands, and a tenacious, no-quit motor. Quality run stopper for sure, but lets hope that the Goodmans picked up on something in his character taht tells them he has the DRIVE to be the best. Talent will only take you so far, the rest of the road is built by the parts of yourself that you are willing to lose.
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on May 14, 2008 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
VT linebackers
running a 3-4 the two ILBs for the years Carlton Powell played: Vince Hall, Xavier Adibi
Vince Hall: 404 tackles, 9.5 sacks for -63 yards, 30 stops for losses totalling -99yds, 34 QB pressures (injured missed 6 games his senior year)
Xavier Adibi: 291 tackles, 11 sacks for -34 yards, 30 stops for losses for -78 yards, 18 QB pressures.
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on May 14, 2008 5:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Statline for tackles for loss
in 73 running plays ran towards Powell (off LG) opponents were held to -21 yards rushing. You only get that with consistency.
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on May 14, 2008 5:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you, thank you, thank you
for this wealth of useful and encouraging info. This is even better than I had hoped. So you’re saying the -21 yrd figure refers to plays run through his area of responsibility, regardless of who made the tackles? It sounds almost too good to be true. It makes me wonder, why wasn’t he ranked and taken higher? Was it because of his size? If he can hold his ground against double teams at the pro level, might he come to be used as a nose tackle in the 4-3, playing a 1-technique and being responsible for both A gaps? D-Rob was used as a nose tackle in the 3-4, right? I understand he wasn’t quite large enough for it. Does a nose tackle in a 4-3, with a one-gap under tackle on the strong side, have to be quite as large? Is that how the Broncos might use D-Rob? (Am I getting the terminology right?) What I’m wondering is, might Powell, if he develops fairly rapidly, back up D-Rob on the right side, with Thomas being a one-gapper on the strong side? If we had guys capable of taking on double-teams manning the weakside, with Dumervil at right DE, with D.J. at Will, wouldn’t that put tremendous pressure on the LT defending his QB’s blind side?
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 10:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope HT makes a comment on this.
My understanding mirrors yours. The bottom line is they can only double so many men.
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. - Emerson
by firstfan on May 15, 2008 10:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It took me awhile to show up / answers for Spock
Some quick thoughts (I’ll leave the college and scouting stuff to Styg, who knows much more than I do about them).
If he can hold his ground against double teams at the pro level, might he come to be used as a nose tackle in the 4-3, playing a 1-technique and being responsible for both A gaps?
Yes/No. Yes – he certainly might play at 1 tech and cover both A gaps. No – he would still be called a DT because he is playing in a 4-3, not a NT.
D-Rob was used as a nose tackle in the 3-4, right? I understand he wasn’t quite large enough for it.
The NYJs play the Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 system. It requires the NTs to be extremely proficient in playing 2 gap and demanding double teams consistently. It’s not a knock on DRob that he didn’t fit it well. In a 4-3, he should do just fine.
Does a nose tackle in a 4-3, with a one-gap under tackle on the strong side, have to be quite as large? Is that how the Broncos might use D-Rob? (Am I getting the terminology right?)
The only terminology you’ve gotten incorrect is using the term NT when talking about a 4-3 player. The middle two guys on the DL are always called DTs. (NT is a 3-4 term).
Have to be as large as a 3-4 NT? No, he doesn’t. Remember, he’s got 3 other DLs to work with with. There are only so many true NTs out there, and the 3-4 teams will bid and fight harder for them. We get the advantage of only paying for 3 LBs and not worrying about gut power runs (unless we suck like we did last year). Yes, DRob might be used this way, or he might space evenly withhis counterpart DT.
What I’m wondering is, might Powell, if he develops fairly rapidly, back up D-Rob on the right side, with Thomas being a one-gapper on the strong side? If we had guys capable of taking on double-teams manning the weakside, with Dumervil at right DE, with D.J. at Will, wouldn’t that put tremendous pressure on the LT defending his QB’s blind side?
Yes; although Denver may also use him in a “2 – 2 gap” package (DRob and Powell) together in some rotations. And “Yes” the question on pressure.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 16, 2008 2:29 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey styg50,
where’d you snag that picture of me that you use for your avatar? ; )
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 15, 2008 9:36 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the avatar is the great author...
Victor Hugo. I’m not sure. Zappa thinks it may be Nancy Sinatra.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 16, 2008 2:03 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually look like paula abdul a little
around the eyes mostly
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 16, 2008 2:25 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
I guess if squint kind of funny it looks that way, huh?
lol
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 16, 2008 2:30 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
as much as simon looks like her on Idol
lol poor zappa!
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 16, 2008 2:35 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nancy has not aged well...
...but I was in love with her knee high white letter boots, back in the day.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 16, 2008 9:12 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
She could have “walked all over me” back in the day!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 16, 2008 11:08 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think impact doesn't mean...
...somebody who holds his own. He’s the kind of guy who makes a big impression. To use an analogy, he hits the pile and makes it move.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on May 15, 2008 9:33 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not familiar with individual stats for a DL and "minus yards" is.
I’m familiar with the term as it applies to an entire defense. I don’t know ehat Powell meant by “him” having the stat.
In HS ball stats are usually kept by a student that the home team’s athletic director has assigned, sitting up in the booth. Both teams could have the stats if they wanted them, and I think (I’m not sure) that the officials took a copy for the state association. That’s how it worked in our part of the country anyway. (It was nowhere near the NFL’s precise work, and accuracy was always a disupte).
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on May 14, 2008 10:34 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I first read about him I thought, WOW, a DT that allowed MINUS yards the college level, & He's being compared to D Rob, whom we just picked up! If we could get him & he can learn from D Rob, we might ..... well you get the gist. When we picked him up on the second day, I got excited! When I read about the different DTs available in the draft I wasn't sold on most of them ( words like "takes plays off", "raw" & "has potential, but?" ) kept coming up & IMO we saw enough of that last year by our beloved Broncos!!!! It also helped me understand better why we went for a guy that didn't pass a physical ( D Rob). Hopefully these two can play a high level for us this year & into the future ( I voted Yes) ! This was a pretty weak class of DTs & we probably were’nt going to get many great ones in the draft, so here’s hoping we can find one more GOOD one in the next couple of months thru trade or? Then do what’s necessary to continue to bring in guys with solid skills & good character. I’ll take guys that play with thier whole heart & soul ( R. Smith, Champ, & Lynch) andy day!!!!
by Pmac54 on May 14, 2008 10:26 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what you're seeing
Pmac54, but the top half of your post is obscured. Perhaps you posted it while you had some of the text selected. I’m going to select the text of this response and then preview it, to see what it looks like. Nope, looks just fine. Don’t know what you did to make half of your response unreadable, but thought I’d give you a heads-up in case it looks different on your browser/computer.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 11:11 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not quite sure what I did wrong? I wrote in the ” post a comment” section & that’s how it came out?? If anyone can correct it/me I would appreciate it, Thanks!
by Pmac54 on May 14, 2008 12:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
This time your response
turned out okay. (You can put a title, which can be the beginning of your reply if you like, in the upper narrow box, by the way.) Maybe you could reply to yourself and redo that earlier post, so we can all see what you had to say.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm enthused
The kid sounds smart, really smart.
And anybody who can send the rushing offense in the other direction is worth buying.
by AZDynamics on May 14, 2008 10:50 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Color Me Impressed.
Sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders for a young man and I wish him all the best. I think he’ll make a positive impact this year.
Please check out my blog at http://thefulldeck.blogspot.com/ , now redesigned and recommited!
by ejruiz on May 14, 2008 10:50 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Guru
Man this site has grown so much since i joined it during mid season of last year and im loving every minute of it….Guru, Hoosierteacher, styg, and my fellow Nor cali man Zappa…you guys are awesome keep up the good work…see you on the show tonite hopefully the chat will work for me this time…..
TommyTSlice
Brandon Marshall is a BEAST!!!!
by TommyTSlice on May 14, 2008 11:50 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope
that he can have some sort of an impact as a rookie. But it seems like it takes rookie DT’s a year or so to really become an impact. That being said, I hope he can be part of a consistent rotation. I was not a fan of the Robertson trade, but I am hoping that with a new team Robertson along with Thomas and hopefully Powell can become a good run stuffing set of tackles that will open up the DE’s to cause havok on the opposing teams. But I do like he seems like a good citizen and smart guy. Hopefully with the Broncos actually bringing in good characters again this team will become the team we all have been waiting for
by broncfanstuckinsd on May 14, 2008 12:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fan
because, one, he’s been playing at nose tackle, which is not what he’s suited for, and has still done pretty well, and, two, despite his bad knee he’s missed very little playing time and has been productive. Unless his knee suddenly gets worse, he gives us immediate help and is a pretty dramatic upgrade at DT. And if his knee does get worse, and he doesn’t perform as expected, it won’t cost us anything. We won’t be any worse off than if we hadn’t gotten him. It won’t even cost us a draft choice. It might not cost us a draft choice, and if it does it’ll be a low one, even if he performs beyond our wildest dreams. Frankly, I can’t see any downside to the deal. That would happen only if they continued playing him while he was playing poorly, thus stealing development time from a younger player. But I don’t think it’s likely that he’ll play poorly, or that we’d sacrifice a rookie or second year player’s development if he did. I think we’ve learned that lesson.
But that’s a worst-case scenario. I, too, think Powell is a solid citizen, I look forward to him developing into a solid pro, and I think we’ll be much-improved against the run. If you analyze the stats we were considerably better against the run during the latter part of last season, and I think we’ll be even better this year. It would take a perfect storm of unlikely circumstances to make us worse.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
I am a little bit weary of the guys that have been brought in here lately to be DT’s. O would love for Rovbertson to be a big cog in the D line. I know if he makes the team he will get a 5 year 24 mill contract. At the worst the Broncs lose a 6 next year. I hope he has a good year after year. I just think what happened with Gerard Warren, one good season then not really much. Maybe the Broncos pulled the plug on him too soon. I know he hurt his toe early in 2006, but. . . .
I totally agree after the bye week last year the defense was better against the run. Well I am always a 100% supporter of the team, I guess I am being cautious in my enthusiasm for the DT position. I hope I am totally wrong in my gut feeling on Robertson. I guess I want the Broncos to kick some serious booty this year so these clowns here in San Dog will STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Broncos!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by broncfanstuckinsd on May 14, 2008 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Warren
as I understand it, was he was a one-gap attacking DT and didn’t adapt well to being the two-gap, read and react DT the Bates system called for. So we traded him off. By the time we moved back towards a one-gap system, in which he would have been effective, it was too late. He was already gone (and playing well for the faders). So yes, in that sense the Broncos pulled the plug on him too soon. That means we were weaker against the ground game than we might have been, because Warren is a good run-stopper in a one-gap scheme, but it probably will work to our advantage in the long run because we committed to building the d-line from the ground up. Even D-Rob, the veteran of the group, is still pretty young. I understand and empathize with your caution. My cautious optimism is based on the fact that we haven’t lost anyone that we had at the end of last season, that in addition (counting Powell and Moss) we have three people that we didn’t have, one of them an established veteran, and that all those very young players we had last year are going to be a year older. We don’t have to be great or even good, just better, and it’s almost certain that we’ll be better, especially given how much the linebacking has been upgraded. Our play there, with the exception of D.J., was almost as bad as our lineplay.
"In the empty spaces - lacunae, vacuums, pauses, voids, black holes - new things begin. We are born anew from the unexplored space, the badlands, the outlaw territory." - Sam Keen
by spock on May 14, 2008 10:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totall agree with your concern. DT was a huge problem last year. Sam Adams was a huge bust. I’m not sold on Robertson, though I think he’s in a better situation to succeed here than with the Jets. As for Powell, I really like this guy from what I’ve seen. However, he is still a rookie. I really miss Al Wilson. He really hid the weaknesses of the DL when he played Mike. It wasn’t until he left that we really had problems with Run D.
by Bronco Billy on May 15, 2008 9:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank Guru and thanks to Carlton!
Sounds like a good kid, I’m glad we drafted him. My favorite quote:
CP—Definitely you got to have a lot of strength and be strong-minded especially with the double team because you just have to clog up the hole so the linebacker can run free.
It’s says a lot about a player who wants his team to succeed over his personal glory. Best of luck in camp and this season Carlton!
by Darin H on May 14, 2008 3:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
bronco billy
’ i really miss Al Wilson. He really hid the weaknesses of the DL when he played Mike. It wasn’t until he left that we really had problems with Run D.” hallelujah, brother. i’ve been saying this for years now, along with the safety in the box(atwater, now lynch). i also miss trevor price, he was huge for our d-line. hell, he was the d-line. i’m still worried about our current dt position. who is behind thomas, d-rob, mckinley, and i guess, powell. anyone? is that a strong d-line for this season? am i underrating thomas and d-rob? i don’t know, maybe we need 1 more draft to round this group out, and hopefully the ‘backers will make the impact we’re looking for. 1 injury or poor performance from any of those 4 guys, and we could be in trouble, no? the jets may get that high draft pick yet. i’m still hoping to get 1 more solid veteran for this season. then, i can check this off the worry list
by davecheffy on May 17, 2008 11:53 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
hmm I wonder
which veteran out there would satisfy your interest? I don’t see one that would insure my confidence. I think that in Denver on the Defensive line and at the tackle position in particular, the guys need to understand and commit to their role. The are there to make sure no one gets through the middle, end of story. If they play right there and pushing the gut of the offense backwards then runs have to go outside to Doom and company at the end position, The tight end has to stay and block with the O-Line and that forces the ass to Bailey or Bly. The guys we have are quick and smart. They can cover their assignment and give the next level the support it needs to to do it’s job. I agree that we are a little “less seasoned” at this position than I would like, but the other side of the coin is a veteran who doesn’t compliment the guys we have well. I also wouldn’t worry too much about the draft compensation for D-Rob. I think we will get what Shannahan is willing to pay. I am confident in the guys we have and anticipate great things from them.
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 18, 2008 6:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who is the ass we are forcing to Bailey or Bly?
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. - Emerson
by firstfan on May 18, 2008 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm a little typo..
laptops sometimes gut you in the middle of a word the word should have been pass. I apologize to those who may have been offended by vulgar language however unintended! I hope the readers will realize it as a typo and know that MHR is a family friendly site! Thanks for catching that First!
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 18, 2008 7:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aw shucks!
I thought it must have been a particularly poor player, perhaps one of Phyllis’s merry men.
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. - Emerson
by firstfan on May 19, 2008 12:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
well I would liek to say that some of them dont know that from the football but like Guru said
60 pts vs single digits?
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 19, 2008 12:32 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That still smarts
It is why Sandy Eggo is now tied with oakland for my most disliked team. The chefs have fallen off the menu. davecheffy makes a good point below. After a few premier players the talent pool remains pretty constant and we could use someone elses’ castoff to shore up a weakness.
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. - Emerson
by firstfan on May 19, 2008 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your original point
is well taken. I don’t see any other suitable veterans available either. I couldn’t resist the jab. :)
Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. - Emerson
by firstfan on May 19, 2008 12:20 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Its cool I understand!
And yes I just cant find one!
Until Terrell Davis makes it into the Hall of Fame, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of such a place other than the Ring of Fame at Mile High!
Davis to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 19, 2008 12:33 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
dt pickup
preseason roster/salary cuts should provide a solid veteran dt, in case powell isn’t up to 16 nfl games, or, of course, an injury to one of the top 4. i’m certain we will find someone better than steven harris or michael bozeman at that time
by davecheffy on May 19, 2008 12:51 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Bull...rushes
I was reading a pretty good analysis of the KC draft. The point was made that Dorsey, for all his talent, tends to do what many of the bigger kids do from HS thru college. He has few moves and no real technique because he has been able to bullrush his way through his career. I haven’t seen enough film to know if it’s true, but if so it’s interesting that Powell has already moved to developing technique to complement his power and disruptive ability.
This was from nfl.com, for what that’s worth. ESPN and scout.com made similar arguments. “Needs to tighten the softness in his midsection…Does a good job flowing to the ball along the line, but must be more alert to keeping his pad level down…When he gets too high and narrows his base, he is susceptible to low blocks…Does not always use his hands to protect his legs from cut blocks, but he has the strength needed to neutralize (does this equally well in one-on-one situations and double teams)... When he gets too tall in his pads, he struggles to shed and stack, causing him to lose some battles in attempts to play off those blocks…Needs to be more consistent shooting his hands, as he tends to lean and give a shoulder rather than extending to play off the blocks, causing him to get washed out some vs. the more active and bigger blockers…Has the timed speed to slip through the pile and apply pressure, but his adequate change-of-direction agility sees him labor at times when he has to get in gear when working in space. Must show better hip flexibility and lateral movement in his backside pursuit before he can be given more opportunities to rush the passer.”
by Emmett Smith on May 22, 2008 10:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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