Defense Wins Championships?
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:24 PM MST
67 comments
I won't claim to be any sort of expert in regards to managing a pro football organization, but I have a strong belief that there is an unspoken of bias in the NFL. Not the racist bias one instantly thinks of(thank you media brainwashing), but of bias of mentality. A mentality that says defense wins championships, but offensive minded coaches build dynasties. At least in the modern era of sports. Look at the dynasties of the last thirty years. Bill Walsh, Jimmy Johnson, Mike Shanahan, Bill Belichick...offensive geniuses right? Then look at the great defensive minded coaches of the last thirty years. Bill Parcels, Joe Gibbs, Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher...great defensive coaches right?
What is the difference between the first four coaches mentioned and the last five? Well, for starters, about five Super Bowl victories. The offensive masterminds of the last thirty years were a collective 11-1 in the Super Bowl...with the lone loss being this past Super Bowl by the Patriots. The second group was a combined 8-3. Still stellar and elite among men, but I also included one more coach in this sample. The main difference I am seeing is a lack of dynasty building by defensive minded coaches. Many times they grind it out for years before finally reaching the top. Not to mention most of those Super Bowl wins came in the 80's and early 90's. Since 1995, these coaches are just 2-3 in the big game.
Pat Bowlen must be consciously or subconsciously aware of this trend in the NFL. He knows he needs defense to win a Championship, but he also knows he wants to win more than one Championship and to do that he needs a powerhouse offense. McDaniel must have impressed him enough to make his worry over the defense seem less of a problem. Not only that, Pat Bowlen wants a dynasty. A Dynasty that was cut short with the retirement of John Elway, as we all have wondered what history would have been made if Elway had been 5-10 years younger when that team was put together.
I actually wanted Leslie Frazier to be hired last week because I wanted a classy guy to take the reigns of this football team who could also repair the damage done to our defense. Instead, Pat Bowlen once again showed me why I am just a fan and he is the Boss. The hiring of Josh McDaniel was a shrewd move by an owner who has the foresight to know what will bring his team success in the future. Why shrewd? Because Pat Bowlen understands the importance of an offensive minded coach and winning Super Bowls.
On top of that, the addition of Mike Nolan as Defensive Coordinator sent me about mile high. I was not big on Dom Capers at all, in fact, I felt like he'd be a horrible addition to our coaching staff. I live near the bay area and I saw first hand what Mike Nolan built in San Francisco and if it wasn't for that franchises dysfunctionality then he would have brought them back to the playoffs. In my opinion, Mike Nolan gave too much freedom to Mike Martz who proceeded to completely screw up that offense that had worked so well under Norv Turner. Nolan is a defensive guy and he took the blame in San Francisco for a problem that was essentially created by Martz. A fact proven by Mike Singletary's unwillingness to give Martz the freedom he enjoyed under Nolan. Which the world saw on television when the two got into a shouting match. Martz is gone and I think the 49ers will threaten playoffs in 2009 because of that. Any team that hires Martz deserves what they get.
That said, Mike Nolan will turn this defense into a solid unit. Next year might be a little rough, but by the 2010 season we should be fielding a playoff caliber defense. If the offense continues to progress into a more dominating unit then God help the AFC West and the rest of the NFL. I've spent the last two weeks in nervous anticipation and now I can finally celebrate the move. I am grateful for actually being happy about the choices made and I am already laughing at the Raider fan cat calls about us hiring the next Lane Kiffin. How sad that so many of them don't see that it is the owner who is the problem, not some 30-something coach. We have Pat Bowlen, no worries about power hungry egomaniacs there.
To conclude this little rant, defenses do win championships. Just not as often as they once did. Although, it should be noted that the leagues top two defenses are squaring off in the AFC Championship game this weekend. Whatever the trend may be going forward, Denver has been an offensive oriented team for a long time and too much change could be a bad thing(don't tell voters that). In short, I like the direction Pat Bowlen has decided to take us and I will reserve judgement for at least two years....barring a major fall.
BRING ON THE DRAFT!!!!!!
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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Great QBs win Championships, in reality...
Very few have been won without one.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Jan 12, 2009 4:29 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good point, but
would you call Phil Simms, Doug Williams, Jeff Hostetler, or Jim McMahon great QBs? I’d call Peyton Manning great, but he only won one Super Bowl with a defensive minded coach in Tony Dungy. I thought about QBs too, but that doesn’t add up very well either.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:33 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Trent Dilfer
was so good that he was waived after receiving his ring!
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"tough times don't last, tough people do" - Mike "The Mastermind" Shanahan
by DesertBroncoFan on Jan 12, 2009 4:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Great QBs are needed to win MULTIPLE Championships
A team can get lucky and win a single SB with an OK QB. Winning multiple in the modern era requires a great QB. The mediocre QBs are usually gotten rid of after 1-3 years. The great QBs are kept long term.
Victor Frankl:
What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him.
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.
by wyoeng on Jan 12, 2009 5:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Also,
I agree with you that QBs win Championships…now. Which makes hiring an offensive minded coach all the more important in today’s league.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I've always hated the old cliche "defense wins championships".
Sometimes defensive teams win and some times offensive teams win. I don’t think anyone would argue the Broncos won back to back SBs because of their great defense. If defense is all it takes to win championships then Baltimore would have won the last 5 SBs.
There is more than one way to skin a cat…althought lots of people will try to tell you otherwise.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
by PosterNutbag on Jan 12, 2009 4:34 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but that old cliche was so undeniably true for so many years that its hard to just discard.
Chuck Noll’s Steel Curtain for example. The 70’s Dolphins…. I think that cliche began to hold less merit by the mid 90’s.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The game and the rules have changed since then....its like saying the bill of rights is totally suited to todays world. Probably not. Thats why we have seen an increase in the pssing game!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 4:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Gasp! I still believe the Bill of Rights is totally suited in today's world. lol But that's for another place and another time. lol
;-)
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
We must increase the passing game..... because of the Bill of Rights!
Brilliant!!! Someone get Bowlen on the phone about this!!!
Oh, and brilliant post Zappa. Rec’d and such. You just proved to me that hiring an offensive coach (was the right thing to do.
"WTF" By Zappa. 1/5/09
I can deal with bears....sharks on the other hand.......of course, I am not talking about if I were menstrual(I’m a guy so that isn’t it), but yeah. I can deal with bears if my arm or something was bleedin’, but sharks? I’ll pass on those. The worst feeling in the world is to be out in the surf and feel something very large brush up against your leg as you were alone waiting for your next wave. I don’t think I’ve gone out past waist deep in the ocean since. lol It was probably just a damn dolphin or something, but yeah. Screw sharks and the evolutionary train they rode in on!
by papigrande on Jan 12, 2009 4:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the hire for sure....
My point young grass hopper Papi is that back in the day when the rules and style of play was different, then there was a bigger reliance on defense.
WIth rule changes over the years eg. incidental contact, holding calls on DB’s etc etc has enabled the game to evolve and lends itself to a greater focus on the vertical passing game. A HOT offense maybe able to over come a brutal defense.
I still think you need both, but as Zappa pointed out, even the 2000 Ravens relied on the defense to win the SB. This team now has more balance with a legitimate offense as well.
We have so much upside on the O that we only need to make some improvements on D to be in there.
Awesome mate and thanks!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 4:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I was trying to prove to myself along the way….lol
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
The Broncos have only gone deep io playoffs when they’ve had a top 10 defense, despite having a top 5 offense year in and year out.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 11:44 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
that's fine...I'm not arguing that defense isn't often important in winning a championship.
My point is that defense by itself does not, or at least rarely, “win championships”.
Even the predominantly defensive teams that win tend to have an unusualy good offense the years that they win.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
by PosterNutbag on Jan 13, 2009 2:25 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Defense AND offense wins championships
If your combined offense and defense is better than your opponent’s combined offense and defense chances are you’ll win. I suspect that’s what you meant and would only change your “unusually good” to “relatively good”. If the offense of a team with a lights-out defense can improve to where they can manage not to trip over their own feet, they have a chance. That might be an exaggeration, but not much of one when it comes to the Ravens’ super bowl winning team.
"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 Jan 14, 2009 10:37 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Right...
I meant “unusually good” for that particular team. In other words, “relatively good”.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
by PosterNutbag on Jan 14, 2009 11:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Offense HAS to be there.
Defense just has to be better than the opposing offense to a higher degree than the opposing defense is better than one’s own offense. Read it again. It does make sense.
If Opponent’s D < Bronco O = x
Broncos D + x = Opponent’s O
hell I don’t know. I never understood math when the letters and numbers started mixing. But there’s a formula for certain victory in there somewhere.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
by HarvJNep2n on Jan 14, 2009 10:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The simple "DUH" explanation for this is
The team whose offense can score more on the other team’s defense wins. So even against a team with a strong defense, if our offense is THAT incredible, we will win as long as our D can hold their offense to a reasonable game.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
by HarvJNep2n on Jan 14, 2009 10:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
damn you
I must be autistic or something… everytime I see numerical relationships between things my mind wanders off and I don’t get it back for a while.
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 14, 2009 11:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post Zappa...
I believe this year in the NFL was one that has a lot of teams in transition, needing one last part, or at the back end of their opportunities.
Thats why we have seen some CRAZY results in the play offs. This wont happen again, I dont think.
The team with the MOST upside in the play offs is the Ravens. great defense, an improving offense and a good young QB in Flacco.
BUT, are there any teams in the play offs who have the upside that our offense has? Not even close!
I always use “the chef” analogy: No matter what the ingredients a great chef will be able to make a good meal. Our problem this year on defense: we had average ingredients but had a chef in Slowik that could have burnt water….a total clutz who could not find the kitchen.
A good draft, some quality FA pick ups and we are back in it with Nolan as our DC. Hes a GREAT chef.
Nice job Zappa!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 4:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks dude.
Good points on the transition aspect. I hadn’t even thought about that, but it does make sense. Ironically, I think the league may have went through a similar transition in 2000 when the Ravens went on to win the Super Bowl.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Very possible Zappa....great post and rec'd by the way.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 4:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention...
I imagine what Bowlen really liked about McDaniels is his experience coaching on the offensive AND defensive side of the ball.
I read somewhere that one reason his responsibilities continued to grow with the Pats was the tremendous amount of success he had getting the most out of a banged up secondary as the secondary coach.
From everything I’ve read McDaniels has succeeded no matter where they put him.
I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!
by PosterNutbag on Jan 12, 2009 4:52 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Well, it isn't hard to succeed coaching for this decades only dynasty.
I just hope he excels in Denver as well!!!!
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Well put
I have to agree with what you are saying. I like the idea of Nolan as DC. I thought if Shanny could just get that type of DC while coaching he would still be here. All in all looks positive for our Broncos…. We just had a baby boy and we are excited to let this be his first Broncos experience… Lets go Broncos!!!!
For the love of the animals. 24
by Earthtiger24 on Jan 12, 2009 4:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Shanny might still have had his job if he picked up Nolan as soon as he became available. His loyalty to Slowik cost him the season and his job!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 4:55 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I am not sure Mike Nolan would have been a good pick up while Shanny was HC...
Shanny was “The Boss” and he preferred giving orders rather than receiving advice. I am not saying he was an egomaniac, but this team was HIS program and rightfully so. I just don’t think Nolan would have been able to work well with Shanny. In this situation though, Nolan’s advice will be appreciated and his head coaching experience will be even more valuable to McDaniel than his defensive expertise. If Shanny were still head coach then I think we’d have another Ray Rhodes type of situation with Nolan as DC. Just my thought anyway.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah mate, great points...
Shanny liked his fiefdom and surrounded himself by those that were no threat to his authority. Nolan would have been almost an equal….this was ultimately Shanny’s undoing….surrounding himself by friends rather than quality. Think it was born out of loyalty to his friends, and also noy wanting to be questioned by his staff for his decisions.
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 5:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Shanny HAD some good DCs and fired them
and probably limited their success while they were their due to his own defensive deficiencies.
"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 Jan 14, 2009 10:40 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats on the little one, ET24!!
Thanks to Mike Shanahan, a great coach who will be dearly missed. But...
Let's all get on the Mac Daddy Express!
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 Jan 12, 2009 6:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Totally missed that comment. lol
Congrats! Baby’s are the coolest.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 6:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you both to both of you.
I just cant wait to debate with him which coach was better..lol
For the love of the animals. 24
by Earthtiger24 on Jan 12, 2009 11:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The best team usually wins
The team that plays together on O, D and ST usually wins. ie, the most complete team with the fewest weaknesses win.
We can take our top O, get an above average D and an average ST and beat any given team on any Sunday. We get a Top 5 D and we’re a dynasty (again)
Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960
by Darin H on Jan 12, 2009 4:54 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
ST? Oh, you're talking about the 1996 Packers. lol
Hell, we won 8 games with a 30th ranked defense….think what we could do with a 15th ranked defense. heheheh! All kidding aside, you are spot on. It doesn’t really matter what you are ranked…it only matters who you play on any given Sunday.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 4:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I would correct that to say...
“it only matters HOW you play on any given Sunday” I think the Cards kinda made that point on Saturday.
by JR_G on Jan 12, 2009 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Historically
the teams with the better defense tend to win. Not always, but far more often than not.
It’s no coincidence that the #1, #2, & #3 defenses are all still in the playoffs. And while AZ defense was mediocre this year (#15) they have stepped it up in the playoffs.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 5:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice Idea, but get your facts straight...
Belichick – defensive coordinator, NE, NYG, NYJ
Joe Gibbs – offensive coordinator, TB, SD
Jimmy Johnson – defensive coordinator, Ok, Ark, Pitt
I don’t think you can draw any conclusions about the HC’s background. Great HCs understand the full spectrum of coaching and the need for a team to be fundamentally sound in all aspects. Sometimes coaches learn to excel on the other side of the ball. Tom Landry was a defensive coordinator but it now known for his offensive innovations. Mike Ditka was a TE who coached defense.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 5:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I guess I equate those guys to the defensive teams they commanded.
I could have gotten my facts straight, but this was a rant really. I suppose I was equating the coaches to the types of offenses they commanded.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 6:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Rants are good!
I think the main point I see is that just because a coach has a background on one side of the ball doesn’t mean they can’t excel on the other side as well.
Big Mac may have come to us as an offensive guy but he prove to be a solid defensive guy as well!
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 6:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Mc Daniels said it in his conference...
A HC needs to be well rounded in all facets of the game!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Jan 12, 2009 6:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Nolan as DC
I was listening to Sandy and Jim and they quoted Nolans DC record. Frankly, it sounded terrible. I don’t know who to believe. What do you guy’s know about him.
by danelama on Jan 12, 2009 6:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Nolan
He has coached some of the best defenses in the league…not sure who Sandy and Jim are but…
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 12, 2009 6:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Including coaching linebacker...
for the Broncos under both Collier and Phillips. He may even have been Dennison’s coach briefly.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 7:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
sure was
Dennison was a Bronco from 82-90
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 12, 2009 7:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I am stoked about
a return to the Denver Linebacker tradition. If memory serves me correctly Nolan was instrumental in converting Mecklinburg and Fletcher to LB.
Jackson, Swenson, Gradishar & Rizzo
Mecklenburg, Fletcher, Dennison & Brooks
Romanovski, Mobley, Aldridge
Wilson, Williams, Gold
Williams, Woodyard, ??? who else will step up?
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 12, 2009 7:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Fletcher
was a great pass rusher and LB. Nolan got the best out of Meck, Fletcher, Croel. I think he will be a great presence for the defense. At least the Broncos have a DC that can actually scheme to stop people. I dont we will ever hear Nolan tell Al Michaels he hopes to be able to hold the opposing team to FG’s. When Slo said that I knew Denver was toast against SD
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 12, 2009 8:12 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Sandy and Jim are the retards on the Fan
Yeah when I heard them talk about Nolans record it did sound bad but then when I looked it up myself I realized they were totally wrong. Plus they didnt include when he was at the Giants and really turned the D around.
I listen to them everyday at work and almost everyday I want to go punch a baby in the face afterwards. Why cant Denver have another local sports radio option?
by purplesocks on Jan 13, 2009 11:07 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
lol! Never punch a baby in the face....punch a politician in the face. It's more satisfying.
Just be happy you got what you got. The only sports radio option I have is a RAIDERS station. uhg. Instead, I listen to the crap they spew on ESPN Radio.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 13, 2009 1:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
we have
3 all sports stations here, I have not listened to the local stations since Denver lost to the Bills. Cant stomach the wagon riders here. I would listen the ESPN radio, against my better judgement. It all sucks IMO.
BTW I have a huge list on pols I wanna punch. . .
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 13, 2009 2:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I have hated Sandy
since 1986 when I was living in Denver. He was on KOA then. He is an ass. I am lucky in a sense I can only listen to the fan on line and usually dont wanna do that
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 13, 2009 2:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nolan sicked the Fletcher beast on the NFL?
Awesome!!! Hopefully he sicks some more beasts on the league starting this year. The Orange Crush needs to return. Our D has been lame this decade.
by PABroncofan on Jan 12, 2009 7:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
One small question about offense
I watch games, but don’t really analyze why something worked or didn’t, but was the offense “great” this year? I thought if putting up yards=great, then the broncos certainly were, but it seemed like good drives ended way to quickly with stupidly called plays, we prematurely abandoned what was working, and the ball wasn’t put into the end zone often enough (and sometimes it was into the wrong guy’s hands). I suppose the argument could be that it will just take a little tweaking, but I’ll feel more in line with a “great” offense when things don’t seem so disjointed and drives quit sputtering.
Is it just me, or do other teams seem to adjust better at half-time that the Broncos? For years now it seems as though we can beat someone up until half-time and then both the Broncos offense and defense stop being effective. Is that my imagination?
As I said, I’m not much for analyzing the whys of the game, but perhaps this new coach will add some offensive originality and also an ability to adjust to changing conditions; at least I hope so. I’d appreciate any feedback out there.
by NDbronco on Jan 13, 2009 2:08 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
One big factor
Yeah they were great. Keep in mind the lack of RB. They got injured way way way too often and it is very damaging to a game plan when your back-up RB hasn’t been taking the snaps. It just isn’t the same and heavily affected their Red zone offense.
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 Jan 13, 2009 2:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
The Broncos' offense was not great
They were middle of the pack in points scored. A great offense scores lots of points. Lots of yardage shows potential, not greatness.
"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 Jan 14, 2009 10:48 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they have the potential to be great.
styg50 used to do a NPLB series back during the ’07 season…NPLB=No Points Left Behind. It appears the theme with out highly talented offense is a lack of production in the end zone. I think we will be great once we start matching points production with yards production.
And welcome to MHR!
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 13, 2009 2:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I did a post on this a few weeks ago...
The Broncos lead the lead in average drive yardage and average drive success rate. BUT, they were dead last in average starting position. So many drives fizzled in that no-man’s land across midfield but out of field goal range. Also, the Broncos committed too many red-zone turnovers. Some of these could be do to the abondonment of the running game, some just to inexperience on Cutler’s part.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Jan 13, 2009 3:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
good point
Here’s hoping we have a healthy back all next year.
by NDbronco on Jan 13, 2009 2:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
+1
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 Jan 13, 2009 2:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
+2
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 13, 2009 2:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with everything you wrote your rant! I to wanted Leslie Frazier also. I am very happy with what Pat Bowlen has done( as always)! I think everyone can agree that a well rounded coach from Both sides of the ball with Great OC/DC its the best of both worlds! I think thats what we are putting in place! Josh has experience on offense and defense! Everyone knows It Takes a GREAT coach with a GREAT support cast to make dynasties!
by Nichols4Broncos on Jan 13, 2009 3:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks man! Welcome to MHR!!
Is that a Cecil Sapp jersey?
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 13, 2009 4:00 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Your welcome! Thats the one and only Ed McCaffrey!!
My favorite Bronco wide out! Thank You for the welcome! This is a great site, with quality material!! Been around MHR for awhile just don’t usually comment!
I am definitely pumped about Nolan too!
by Nichols4Broncos on Jan 14, 2009 12:12 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
87...I thought it was 37. lol
My wife is a Cowboy’s fan, but she gets all googoo gaga over Eddie Mac. Drives me crazy cause I like him for his skill not is fargin’ arms! Oh well…maybe someday I can convert her to a Broncomaniac using some burly dudes arms. lol
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 14, 2009 10:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
What about Shannon Sharpe's arms?
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"tough times don't last, tough people do" - Mike "The Mastermind" Shanahan
by DesertBroncoFan on Jan 15, 2009 3:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think she ever noticed his arms...
she did make a comment about Justin Tuck during the Super Bowl last year though. lol Though I’d rather she keep her arm comments to herself….it sort of annoys me. :P
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 15, 2009 4:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
You know, come to think of it...
My wife must like tall skinny guys with bulging arms. I at least have two of those going for me. lol
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Jan 15, 2009 6:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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