Lynch is gone?!
by jonahsilas on Jul 30, 2008 6:23 PM MDT
46 comments
Both RMN and CBS4 are reporting that John Lynch's absence from practice is due to disgruntlement, and that he will be released to pursue another job - either playing or broadcasting - tomorrow.
[As of 7:30 MDT on Wednesday the Denver Post is reporting that this has been verified by multiple sources, so it seems certain that Lynch is no longer a Bronco. So long, John. Thanks for everything.]
Lynch was starting at Safety in the base defense, but coming out in the nickel and dime packages, so far in camp. Another report I read early in camp said he was working his butt off and fired up to make it hard for the coaching staff to keep him off the field - so this comes as a big surprise to me. Lynch's veteran leadership was part of what I was counting on to keep a young defense in step - especially as a mentor to young guys Barrett, Woodyard and even Abdullah.
I know I have no back story, but this seems like an odd move by Lynch. He was asked to take a pay cut, and told he had no guaranteed starting position, and could compete for inclusion in any and all packages. Yet the coaching staff still started camp with him getting the majority of starter reps - only pulling him out for the obvious passing packages, where youthful speed was desired. It seems to me like the Broncos organization lived up to their side of the bargain. I wonder what Lynch's beef is?
More importantly, what does this mean for the defense overall? Is it a disaster of epic proportions, a welcome relief, or somewhere in between? Vote and discuss below.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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Well to me
I would say I didnt think he was gonna start, I am not upset at all. He was good and great for the Broncos but age just caught up with him.
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 30, 2008 6:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I figured he would at least
start at the beginning of the season. His on-field intelligence, to me, will be sorely missed. Less so his rapidly diminishing speed and hitting….
I am very worried about the absence of a proven vet to mentor the young safeties though. But maybe it makes room for Barrett or Woodyard to make the squad…
by jonahsilas on Jul 30, 2008 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think thats
Why they got McCree, IMO. I like him, especially watching him the past 2 seasons here in SD. Plus the only reason he was pushed out of SD was he was a Marty guy, and AJ did not want him. Good for the Broncos
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 30, 2008 7:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
He got pushed for more than that. For one his contract ramped up this year, for another Weddle is clearly the future at Safety. But also the Bolts gave up a lot of big yardage plays, and you would often see a wide receiver or TE whipping by McCree on many of them. Also when the Vikings Peterson ran through us for what seemed like 3,000 yards, you could see him and Hart just taking some really bad angles. McCree’s a big hitter, and was really excellent at pulling the secondary together when he first got to SD, and I’m sure he will fill Denver in completely on the Bolts D, he was a real student. It’s too bad about Lynch, I bet he finds somewhere to compete for a starting job.
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 30, 2008 10:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lynch to SD?
Bill Williamson (I know, I know) mentioned it as a possibility since that is where Lynch lives, but it does not seem like the right fit for either side. If I am the Chargers, why would I let McCree go only to grab Lynch a few months later. And if I am Lynch and want to compete for a starting job, SD does not seem like a good choice.
I am sad to see him go and I have a feeling he has played his last down in the NFL. I hope he finds another opportunity, but right now I can’t think of a better playing time + winning team combination than Denver. (Granted I am a bit biased about Denver’s winningness)
by MattR on Jul 31, 2008 1:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to picture
I don’t think he would compete with the Chargers main two Safeties, Weddle or Hart. Weddle they have groomed to take over from McCree and looks to really come into his own this year; Hart had a big year (though some games were spotty) and just got a big new contract. Oliver is being prepped as a backup at Safety as well as nickel/dime packages, so Lynch would provide depth and obvious leadership; but the roster is really tight now. It’s hard to picture him leaving Denver for somewhere that he would likely have to fight just to make the roster.
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 31, 2008 8:32 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Don’t think there is a place for him in SD – if he wants to be an every down player. So far I haven’t thought of a team that is competitive enough and in such need of a safety that he gets a starting gig.
Jax looks the most likely to me – they are close with their D, but lost Sammy Knight in the offseason.
by jonahsilas on Jul 31, 2008 10:48 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also agree.
SD is too good and deep at SAF.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jul 31, 2008 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was talk this AM
on the local stattion. They were saying that he would be in the same position as in denver. Then one of the hosts clowned Shanny saying thats another reason he hates him and the Broncos. (I guess aside from being a Chargers honk and his favorite team Minnesota has exactly 2 fewer rings). So his show has a segement called FU of the day. I dont know if he read mine, but I sent him my FU of the day and it was to him. The last I checked the NFL is a business. Plus he is a huge Lynch fan. Anyways I support the choice of the Bronco mgmt
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 11:34 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
But the thing is
Weddle and McCree were FS. The TE resposniblity is the SS. That would have been Hart. So in essence your criticism of McCree is a little off. I con respect that the Chargers felt Weddle was the future and thats fine. But remember it was also McCree who forced the fumble that led to SD’s winning score against the Colts. Lynch and McCRee both play FS, which is run support and playing centerfield.
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not always
Check out this photo. That was also against the Colts. I saw that a fair amount last season against a variety of folks. Top WRs and TEs can get past him sometimes now. He is a huge hitter, but elite runners like the Vikings Peterson can get past too and he doesn’t always take the best angles.
Don’t get me wrong, when he came to the Chargers their secondary was a shambles, and there is no doubt that his leadership, dedication and film sessions turned that whole unit around. He is a huge hitter and was an enormous asset to the Chargers, I’m just saying he has some weaknesses too.
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 31, 2008 12:31 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
We agree to disagree
From what I see it that Clark beat someone and its up to McCree to make the tackle. But my main point is that MM is a FS and he the TE coming off the line is usually not his man, now if they are in a zone and he lets him go thats one thing.
Also I am not claiming he is the best FS in the leauge, my real point is right now he is a better option than Lynch.
I guess we both agree about him, but we view it a bit differently.
I cant wait for week 2, to take down the Chargers =)
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 12:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have 9/14 circled too
I worry some about that game. The Broncos are due, they are going to have a lot of motivation at home and at least two Bolts starters are going to be out, maybe more. That should be a great game.
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 31, 2008 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very subtle
well played sir! :)
(In case anyone missed it he just claimed we could be competitive against the bolts if they are short on starters and if we have scads and scads of uber motivation.) ;)
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 31, 2008 1:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha, you read between, on the side and all around the lines
Yeah, if the Broncos come to SD, the Bolts are healthy and Denver wasn’t particularly motivated I would worry less.
;-)
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 31, 2008 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe
I will have to find a good spot to watch it amongst SD fans.
I like going to hooters most of the Charger fans there are respectful and not the #$x%x that I run into sometimes at bars. ( i am sure the is vise versa for some Denver fans after a few pops)
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 1:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And even if the game gets ugly
The waitresses are awful easy on the eyes…
"He's doing everything a receiver would do except catch the ball." Mike Shanahan
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 31, 2008 3:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, he thinks that the Team didn't keep it's word.
When he was told that he would be given a chance to compete, it meant all packages. So when he wasn’t given a chance to compete in the nickle and dime situations he saw it as a broken promis … Well that’s the impression I got anyways.
Go So Cal. I am the bigger one.
by amirebram on Jul 30, 2008 7:18 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
In my book
“chance to compete” does not equal “incumbent starter in all packages”... I mean, they gave him a chance to shine in the base package, which presumably would get him a shot at first team nickel and dime packages.
I saw him not being in those packages as
a) resting him – he’s an old guy doesn’t need to be in on 100 snaps a practice
b) providing motivation all around – for Lynch to work hard, and the young/new guys to hold him off
Alas, if that was the plan, it backfired—big time. OTOH, any player with that kind of sense of entitlement is not good for team morale, so maybe it is better.
by jonahsilas on Jul 30, 2008 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I see it is similar to TSG ...
This year 3 of a 5 year plan. Lynch simply didn’t have a place in those plans. He was gone after this season anyways, so who cares.
So why did we keep him around? Same reason we always sign a few has-been FA to one year deals each year. To give the team a chance to win, even when they are re-building. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, then no loss.
Go So Cal. I am the bigger one.
by amirebram on Jul 30, 2008 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
The organization didn’t have a big investment in him any more, and his leaving in that regard is not painful.
This one season of leadership and mentoring could be very helpful though. I know in my work having a guide to show me the ropes, even if for a short spell, is always of value. For somethign as intense as NFL starting safety, I can only imagine it is moreso.
by jonahsilas on Jul 31, 2008 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you Jonah
He had a chance to compete. Let’s face it, if he was the best option for the team in every package and every down, the team would want to go in that direction. He wasn’t. He was great for where they needed him, but he chose another path. No harm, no foul by poth parties.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jul 31, 2008 5:09 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
And sounds like
he was even losing reps in the base package, so perhaps the writing was on the proverbial wall, and he read it.
It does sound like he and Shanahan had a good and honest meeting, and nobody leaves with hard feelings. Thank goodness for that.
by jonahsilas on Jul 31, 2008 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree too
I was trying to state how Lynch might view the situation.
The way I see it is that even in the base packages he got burned by the TE and RB coming out of the backfield … if he can’t deal with that, then why the hell would we play him in the nickle or dime situation?
The coaches aren’t dumb. They want to win. And it’s not like we signed a big money FA or a 1st round rookie at Safety. Lynch had no excuse in my eye.
Go So Cal. I am the bigger one.
by amirebram on Jul 31, 2008 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Post Amirebram.
His spot was there to earn. I think he really wanted to give it a try but reality started to sink in. I wish him the best of Luck. Fantastic Bronco!
by YellowStoneBronco on Jul 31, 2008 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked what Lynch told Shanny.
He basically said that he can’t lead from the sideline, and he was having a hard time in the transition from one situation to another. He is playing with the same guys and wants to lead, but he isn’t on the field making plays … yah that’s awkward.
He might be totaly ok with playing backup with a new bunch of guys he hasn’t played with before. You never know
Go So Cal. I am the bigger one.
by amirebram on Aug 1, 2008 4:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
history and context may make all the difference.
by jonahsilas on Aug 1, 2008 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad, but probalby for the best.
I thought John could read the writing on the wall- that at best he would start the season as a “run down” only safety. But it is very rare for any great athlete to come to terms with the reality of their diminished skills.
We will miss John for his leadership, and tackling. But we will probably be better off on defense, overall, cause you can’t be one-dimensional against good teams, without getting exploited. I just hope he is smart enough to retire, versus getting picked up by another team to basically do the same thing the Broncos were going to use him for.
by The Gun Young on Jul 30, 2008 7:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The Post has picked up the story as well
They have the most reputable sources, and at his point I would say this is 100% going to go down.
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 30, 2008 7:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Will amend my post accordingly
with a tear in my eye. ;-(
by jonahsilas on Jul 30, 2008 8:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you might take this kinda hard
We are here for you!
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 31, 2008 10:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I miss him already....
We all loved to see opposing receivers get lit up by Mr. Lynch. Not that I am a vengeful guy, but I was so looking forward to a big hit on by this man on Javon Walker when we played the raiders.
The hard hits and high character will be missed. Class Act and someone my kids could look up too. Smith, Lynch, Elam …wow… what a year. I don’t think we are at a huge loss of talent. We have a pretty good outlook on roster spots. Nothing against the players lost, but this is how change happens. However, I do think the clutch leadership group, needs some new members. Step up boys… It is time to be men. Looking forward to seeing who is going to fill the shoes of leadership.
J.Lynch – thanks for being a player my boys could look up to. And when you get inducted, please remember us Bronco fans love you the most.
by YellowStoneBronco on Jul 31, 2008 10:32 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
I think Walker will get a few nice hits from Bailey. While technicaly sound, Bailey will see and get some good shots on the right set-ups that will be too good to pass up. That’s my guess.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jul 31, 2008 11:08 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont forget
McCree can hit also. Maybe not as well known as Lynch but I can see him laying the wood. I have some interviews in the offseason with McCree and he was saying he plans retiring as a Bronco. to me that means he could have a good 4-5 years here. He is a playmaker and a hitter. Ask Marvin Harriosn in the playoff game against the Colts
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howabout...
Bailey with the pick right in front of Walker and McCree with a huge punishing blindside block on Walker. The kind that make the whole crowd wince and then cheer!
I will be traveling to mecca “mile high” for the home Raiders game… waiting with anticipation.
by YellowStoneBronco on Jul 31, 2008 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
That will work for me
I would love nothing more to see Walker hit and when he gets up he is woozy. A hit so hard he think he is still playing in GB
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 31, 2008 12:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our guys...
...would have too much class to act like they were taking Walker’s watch and wallet after the hit, but my God it would be hillarious!
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jul 31, 2008 12:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lynch is a great guy and as of today, a below average NFL player
This is absolutely for the best. In a perfect world, Lynch would have stuck with the team in a caoching/mentoring role, but that was never in the cards. Frankly, because of his lack of speed, he is a liability to put on the field with such a young and shaky defense. It’s not hard for an opposing team to change plays simply because Lynch is on the field when they can get a great matchup against him.
He was going to be our short yardage safety. I can’t imagine he would get much more than that. I think that it’s best for the current secondary as well. Heart and Knowledge only get you so far once your physical ability wanes enough.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him after a game. The thing he was most concerned about was hanging out with his son. John was limping so badly it was hard to watch, but he didn’t miss any plays and was back the following week (this was the Falcons loss a few years back). He’s obviously one of the best ‘men’ to wear a Broncos uniform in the franchise’s history, but he wasn’t going to be able to contribute as a starting safety in the NFL with Denver in 2008.
Best of luck elsewhere John, thanks for your time here.
by super7 on Jul 31, 2008 12:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if I'd say below average.
Average would be bad enough. In my opinion, he’s better than average. His knowledge makes up for his speed, and he still hits hard. The problem is, when you combine his speed and injury issues, and you have a young team building for a run (in my opinion) for next year, you want to field the young talent that you have now. There are teams that Lynch can start for, but at his age, not for more than another year.
I had hoped he would retire on top at the end of last season, but felt that he could contribute if he wanted to stay another year. I thought it might be in a more limited role, and I think that finally caught up to John.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jul 31, 2008 6:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
You nailed it HT
coupled with Lynch’s comments about the “lack of expectations” and how it didn’t “didn’t feel right,” it was obvious that Lynch was really an afterthought to the Broncos.
This team is all about the future, and unlike some coaches who might let things develop on their own, Shanahan is trying to make the future NOW. That means the emphasis is on the young players on the team, above and beyond what may be normal. The result is that a guy like Lynch, who has probowl talent to offer, has to be benched and sidelined in the best interests of a team that is trying to develop its youth core as quickly as possible.
What Lynch can’t find the right words for is the idea that, in the grand scheme of things for this team, he doesn’t matter, and that is no fault of the Broncos or of Lynch. This is what it is, and Lynch knows now that playing his butt off and working as hard as ever can’t change the fact that this team needs to incorporate all the “waiting in the wings” type of players now, before it is too late.
He is wise to move on now, and to trust his gut, and Shanahan was wise not let this situation stretch out. This could have been bad in so many ways, lots of them bad, but I am proud so far of how it has been handled on all sides.
Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 31, 2008 7:24 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great points all around
and kudos Styg and HT for getting the bigger picture (which I totally lost sight of)...
Lynch was not going to be involved in a way that suited him – for many reasons including player development.
This situation could have been a disaster that blew up into a Favre-ian saga full of backbiting and litigation. Lynch, Shanahan and the organization all handled it graciously, and as transparently as possible.
I will take that over a media circus any day.
by jonahsilas on Jul 31, 2008 8:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
now that we know 'Lynch is gone' lets be happy that we have a team ....
that might be better without him.
Don’t get me wrong, I love John Lynch, he is a one of a kind on the defense side like Rod Smith is a one of a kind to the offense. A great leader, ‘almost the hero type’, Lynch should retire as a Bronco….but I guess it will not be.
Lets look at us. Other teams might have said, “You have this contract…we own you!” But we are the Broncos…we do things in an orderly manner.
I wish the best for John, as do all MHR readers. I am still not convinced that he will not be here this year-unless he goes to the Bucs-Hall of Fame preview.
by Mike Clark on Jul 31, 2008 10:03 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
what happened?
did lynch leave the team, or was he told he wasn’t in their plans? i’ve been out of the loop for awhile, and the local media here didn’t say much about it. is he definitely gone? retiring? a free agent now? was this a team decision? maybe mcree is looking good, if so. i don’t know the specifics to comment further, but we are really losing our old guard, aren’t we? if nalen can’t play now, i’m seriously going to get worried. hopefully, mcree can step it up and be a force in the rushing defense, where we appear to be needing it again, with powell out and the mlb position looking average, at best. time to move on, i guess
by davecheffy on Aug 8, 2008 10:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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