A Case For Keeping Ebenezer Ekuban

by Tim Lynch on Feb 22, 2009 3:00 PM MST in 2009 Re-Loading Season Comment 29 comments

#91 Ebenezer Ekuban

Before Ebenezer Ekuban is released or allowed to leave through Free Agency later this month, I wanted to make my argument for keeping him on the roster. During the 2008 season, the one guy on the defensive line that seemed to have the most consistent motor was Mr. Ekuban.

Ekuban didn't even become the starter until near the bye week, yet he tied Elvis Dumervil to lead the defense in sacks with five and came up with some key tackles in some of our wins later in the season. He also provided some valuable leadership to our young guys while possibly playing on the worst defensive system ever deployed in Denver Bronco history.

He has also been a model of consistency throughout his years with the team. Ekuban registered eight sacks in his final season with the Browns, then grabbing four in his first season with the Broncos. He picked up seven in 2006 and five in 2008, after missing the entire 2007 season with an injury. He may not be a starter on defense and if he is willing to be paid around twice the veteran minimum for his position then his value on our defense would more than warrant consideration for keeping him on the roster.

Ebenezer Ekuban registering his second sack of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 of the 2008 season.

I understand that we are purging the defense, but realistically we will need at least a few veteran leaders on our young team and E.E. has always been a positive force on the team. More than likely he will walk and we will find the veteran leadership we need elsewhere, but out of all the soon-to-be former Broncos that are going to be hitting the street in a couple of weeks, Ebenezer Ekuban is the one guy I want to see come back and sign with us.

I also understand that five sacks to lead the team is a joke, but if I was given a choice between a guy like Tim Crowder and Ekuban, I'd pick Ekuban. I know Crowder is one of the young guys and all that but his potential is about what we already have in Ekuban. Crowder isn't a long-term solution for our team, so why not stick with the short-term sure thing in Ebenezer and part ways with Crowder now?

As for Jarvis Moss, he is still developing. In our instant-gratification culture, we tend to expect instant results from first-round draft picks as well. Even so, I am impressed with how Moss has carried himself in his first two seasons and I am also satisfied with his progression thus far. He is going to have a place on our team in the future, and having a good role model he can relate to like Ebenezer Ekuban will only help our rebuilding cause.

For these reasons, I consider Ekuban to be the only must re-sign defensive free agent on our roster. I acknowledge that this probably won't happen, but I will be more than pleased if it does.

Ebenezer Ekuban's Career Stats
Year	Team	Games	Tackles	Sacks
1999	Dallas Cowboys	16	23	2.5
2000	Dallas Cowboys	12	29	6.5
2001	Dallas Cowboys	1	2	0.0
2002	Dallas Cowboys	16	31	1.0
2003	Dallas Cowboys	15	27	2.5
2004	Cleveland Browns	16	39	8.0
2005	Denver Broncos	16	27	4.0
2006	Denver Broncos	15	63	7.0
2008	Denver Broncos	15	38	5.0
--	Career Totals	122	279	36.5

Poll

Should the Broncos keep Ebenezer Ekuban, or dump him?

Keep Him

421 votes

Dump Him

111 votes

532 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Keep him!

EK has – like you say – been a model of consistency in his time here. In ‘06 when the defense was unraveling in the 2nd half of the season, I heard one of the commentators say that he was the most effective defensive player Denver had at that time. I don’t remember the game or the guys name. Sorry.
Nice post Zappa!

by Blackknigh on Feb 22, 2009 4:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.

by Tim Lynch on Feb 23, 2009 10:14 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

value value value

good call zappa

"show me a good loser and i'll show you a loser" - coach

by chikndnnr on Feb 22, 2009 4:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yes but if we are planning to run 3-4???

If we are planning to run a 3-4 defense Ekuban’s value drops considerably because he is not going to be able to get bigger and stronger this late in his career. The change in the 3-4 was one of the reason the Browns didn’t want him. His leadership skills are there I’ve read Doom, Thomas, Moss and Crowder state that he was some one they look to for help. But you compare him to Crowder who could put on the extra 20 or so pounds and play the 5 technique. In the end Ekuban doesn’t fit the new defense.

by maritimebronco on Feb 22, 2009 4:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ek's skills

He has played the 4-3 DT or DE. He’s not ideal for the 3-4 DE, but he is adequate. That wouldn’t be great except for the fact that we will be playing some hybrid and his versitility – McD’s favorite word – is very high. I’ve also read that they are trying to do something where he is let go and brought back with a better contract from the teams side, for what that’s worth

Ek is also a very good mentor who teaches the younger players his techniques for pass rush, something we could use more of.

Hillis in '09

by Emmett Smith on Feb 22, 2009 4:39 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but...

At 275 lbs, he’s not a DE in a 3-4.

However, McDaniels said we will see SOME 3-4, so there still might be a place for EE.

That being said, I’d suspect Doom will get traded, and Ekuban might just be one of those guys we need to let go.

by jvill on Feb 22, 2009 5:01 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Doom isn't getting traded...if he does, then I will be surprised.

by broncoholic on Feb 22, 2009 6:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Ek and

as I previously posted I think he should be a keeper. Having said that, I’m afraid he really doesn’t fit with McD and Nolan’s vision for the future. Which is too bad because I think her has been one of the few bright spots on the D-line the last two years.

I suspect that the team will offer him a minimum salary and let him test the market. However, since the defense was so abysmal last year it’s quite possible there will be no takers and he does get re-signed for another year. It probably comes down to how much McD values stand-up guys versus measurables.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Feb 22, 2009 6:10 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

We are of like mind in that regard. :)

by Tim Lynch on Feb 23, 2009 10:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

question about rey rey

It seems like he would fit better in a 43 defense. Is it good value at 12 to get an inside 34 lb? I can see olb in a 34 because the pressure they bring on the qb being worth almost any pick but inside? Moreno ran a 4.55 unofficially.

"show me a good loser and i'll show you a loser" - coach

by chikndnnr on Feb 22, 2009 6:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Good point....

If the second coming of Randy Gradishar were available I’d say draft up if you have to. But normally, because there’s two ILBs you don’t need them to be as dominant as the MLB in a 4-3. I think there’s a bigger issue with Maualuga. The defensive schemes I see us moving toward place a premium on players not making bad plays as opposed to emphasizing players making great plays. It’s an approach that places the system above the player. To me, Rey Rey’s style of play doesn’t fit well into that system, hence I don’t see the Broncos brain trust evaluating him very highly in the context of what they are looking for. Rey Rey may be the next coming of Ray Lewis, but I just don’t see him being the next Bronco.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Feb 22, 2009 7:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno, Rey Rey has played in a 34 predominantly...

Though, so has Spencer Larsen…

by Tim Lynch on Feb 23, 2009 10:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I was referring to player type...

not system. I think Rey Rey could excel in many systems. But I don’t see him as the TYPE of player (smart and disciplined) that I think McD is looking for.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Feb 23, 2009 12:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That last post was a ? not a statement......any answers would be great......okay, only smart answers please :)

"show me a good loser and i'll show you a loser" - coach

by chikndnnr on Feb 22, 2009 6:30 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

i wanted rey rey last year

SWG i agree. His nasty, physical style is perfect for a 43 ala ray Lewis, but remember Lewis hated the 34.(which makes this Dalles talk interesting). SWG…..your right about 2 ILB’s not needing to be as dominant ,but is rey rey,s skill set suited for the 34ILB anyways?

"show me a good loser and i'll show you a loser" - coach

by chikndnnr on Feb 22, 2009 7:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it's a 3-4 vs. 4-3 issue

as much as an issue of systems. Some coaches, Rex Ryan comes to mind, look for individuals who make great plays then try to surround them with good supporting players. Rey Rey could be a good fit in such a system. Other teams, like NE, stress the system over the individual and look for players who will consistently execute the system, rather than try for the big play. Rey Rey doesn’t seem like a good fit in that type of system, just not disciplined enough. In the right system he can probably excel but I think Denver is headed for more of a NE approach.

by SlowWhiteGuy on Feb 22, 2009 8:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Flexibility

McDaniels values flexibility very highly in his players, the ability to play multiple systems and the ability to play multiple schemes. Ekuban is a very effective 4-3 DE, he can get to the passer when in single blocking and he is adequate against the run. He is a very bad fit for 3-4 and has little in terms of versatility with the hybrid we figure to be running while we move towards 3-4.

I think it is a problem if we spend a roster spot on a guy who can’t contribute to the defense we want to play. With the very limited roster spaces you have, it is just not feasable to have a guy who will only be effective on a few defensive plays, doesn’t play special teams and into his 30s.

I really like Ekuban and I thought he should have been a starter all along in 2008, but now he doesn’t fit into what we are trying to do.

by gyldenlove on Feb 22, 2009 9:25 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

If its flexibility (which it is) then Cushing is the best fit for the Broncos outside od Currie...

Thats why I hope we take Moreno if anyone with the 12th. First preference is to trade down.

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

by boydy2669 on Feb 22, 2009 9:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wanna keep him so, so badly but I honestly don't think he can play in a 3-4...

Still, I think he can do SOMETHING on this team. If he’s cheap, I’ll be mad if we don’t…

Yes, I'm a Diamondback and Suns fan. So you may be wondering, "Why does this fool like the Broncos so much?"

A: The Cardinals are too hard of a pill to swallow. Oh yeah and that Elway dude....

by Elway4Prez on Feb 22, 2009 9:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

That's what I am saying.

He can play DE in the 34…he just won’t be a starter. Nothing wrong with having a little veteran backup help to spell the starters for a limited number of plays per game.

by Tim Lynch on Feb 23, 2009 10:21 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Good case btw zappa

Yes, I'm a Diamondback and Suns fan. So you may be wondering, "Why does this fool like the Broncos so much?"

A: The Cardinals are too hard of a pill to swallow. Oh yeah and that Elway dude....

by Elway4Prez on Feb 22, 2009 9:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I have Ek's rookie card, so he needs to stay!

Probably not big enough to do much a 3-4 end, but he is such a hard worker and leader that I hope he can adapt.

I agree, Larsen shouldn’t get any bigger. I am getting tired of his bone crushing hits knocking the pixels off my TV, once they fall to the floor they are very hard to find.

by Arctic Bronco on Feb 22, 2009 10:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

+1 You had me at hello

by mikebirty on Feb 23, 2009 12:23 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ek can contribute in 2009

The question is: at what price? I agree with Zappa that a one-year deal at twice the veteran-minimum would give the team good value. Ekuban is a replaceable part on the field, but his leadership in the locker room may tip the scales in his favor. He would provide needed consistency as we transition to the 3-4. The word transition is key here, as we will still need players capable of running the 43. If the price is right, I’d be more than happy to welcome Ebenezer back.

That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is let go. With a very few exceptions, the defense looks to be a relatively blank canvas heading into 2009.

by NTSBusMan on Feb 23, 2009 5:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

McD did say we were going to run a combination of a 34 and a 43....soooooo.... :)

by Tim Lynch on Feb 23, 2009 10:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm for keeping him, but...

I’m all for keeping Ekuban for now, he’s been a solid contributor the past few years, barring his injury in 07. At a time when change is coming drastically to the defense, if he can contribute and provide leadership, then I am all for it.

When you set out to do what no one else can do, the first thing you do is look to your blood, you look to your buddies, you look to your friends...

by thejbow on Feb 23, 2009 8:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Defensive Line

Ok….Yes, Ebenezer Ekuban is still a decent player. However, he doesn’t fit what our team is trying to do moving forward. And though his leadership is great, his play is far inferior. Therefore, I say let him play elsewhere.

The guy that I think we should re-sign is Kenny Peterson. He is a guy that was a tweener between end and tackle in a 4-3 and was always playing out of position. However, I believe he’s an ideal fit in a 3-4 as a DE. And with Marcus Thomas on the other side, and with Gabe Watson at NT, I feel we will have a rock sold DL and do it at a relatively affordable price. While picking up a 2nd round pick on the DL and rotating in.

With the other positions on Defense as this:

OLB: Jarvis Moss (his athleticism would be ideal in a 3-4)
ILB: D.J. Williams
ILB: Ray Maluuaga
OLB: Boss Bailey (Worrell Williams in Draft)

This will give us an ideal linebacking corp for this rebuilding year, while staying young and building for the future.

CB: Champ Bailey
S-Atari Bigby or James Sanders or Jim Leonard
S-Jason Barrett or Wesley Woodyard
CB: Bryant McFadden

Ok, the secondary will be sound, as well, and though we will have to invest in a couple FA’s that will cost a little bit of money, luckily we have SOME money to spend.

This get’s us somewhere in the 12-15 range defensively. Then with next year, re-upping some more of our guys in advance of their contract years and drafting well, we should be a perennial super bowl contender year in and year out.

The key to our free agency spending will be intelligent spending on non-bust players obviously, and the catalyst will be Gabe Watson @ NT, he is the key.

Let me know what you think of this restructured defense, i’ve factored the contracts into our cap, and even with Brandon Marshall and Casey Weigman getting new deals and our draft picks signed, as well as, a back up quarterback, we should be around $10-$12M under the cap.

Go Broncos!!!!

by BroncoBen on Feb 24, 2009 7:45 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Another thing about Kenny Peterson not to overlook

He has worked with McDaniels before, so I think McDaniels knows what he can do.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Feb 24, 2009 10:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You are probably right about EE in the 34 defense, but he is a class act and at the right price deserves to be on this team...

by the way, I don’t think wesley woodyard is a good fit at safety. He is a solid backup linebacker though…maybe we can develop him at safety. I just don’t see him in that position in coverage.

by Tim Lynch on Feb 25, 2009 10:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs