Horse Tracks 5/6/09

by Douglas A. Lee on May 6, 2009 5:32 AM MDT in Horse Tracks Comment 50 comments

Horsetracks_new_medium

NFL - The NFL announced its schedule of 16 "Legacy Games" which will commemorate the 50th year since the AFL's inception. Denver's two Legacy Games will be the Sunday, Oct. 11th home game vs. New England and the Monday night, Oct. 19th game at San Diego.

DP - Here we go, again...Armstrong is going to get everyone riled up about the defensive line, on May 6th. He rehashes the draft and free agency. Never mind the UDFAs Denver signed, or the possibility (probability?) of acquiring more linemen in the coming months.

DP - Thankfully, Denver's practice bubble is air-supported, with no metal trusses to collapse in extreme weather, so there's little risk of the Cowboys' tragedy befalling the Broncos.

NFL - Although he assigns the Broncos' draft a moderate grade (B-), Bucky Brooks follows the pattern with his AFC West evaluations; he likes the players Denver selected, but he doesn't think they filled the proper holes.

EX - I can't believe I forgot to give everyone the heads up on this one, but John Elway was on Rick Reilly's Homecoming show two Thursdays ago. Head to Reilly's ESPN page for some video clips and more.

SN - Savannah State may soon retire Big Play Shay's number 2 jersey. What took so long? Thanks to Jenna Talia for the link!

NFP - UPDATE 11:26AM EST - Mike Lombardi is puzzled that the Vikings are interested in Brett Favre, yet did not pursue Jay Cutler.

KCS - Babb and Teicher think recent Chefs #1 picks Tamba Hali, Dwayne Bowe and Glenn Dorsey have a lot to prove to the new coaching staff and front office.

SFG - David White interviews UDFA D-Lineman Desmond Bryant. Wow, a Harvard guy was dumb enough to sign with the Raiders. As a Cornellian, I'm not surprised...

ESPN - That didn't take long...Brett Favre is reportedly meeting with Vikings coach Brad Childress later this week to discuss yet another comeback. Actually, don't call it a comeback because we all knew he would pull this garbage at some point...

Y! - Dan Wetzel just thinks Favre is a diva.

SI - Peter King says he's in the dark on Favre's mindset this time.

SI - Ross Tucker considers what a Favre signing in Minnesota would mean for Sage Rosenfels.

NFL - Tony Dungy visited Michael Vick in prison.

NFL - Just-released Stillers LB Larry Foote already has an offer from his hometown Lions, with the Chefs, Cards and Colts also reportedly showing interest.

NFL - Cleveland signed former Lions WR Mike Furrey.

NFL - The Pats have signed former Bears S Brandon McGowan.

NFL - Arizona signed TE Dominique Byrd, formerly of the Rams.

NFL - The Saints cut two players who had been arrested last weekend, WR Biren Ealy and TE Kolomona Kapanui.

NFL - The Colts have brought back DT Ed Johnson, who they had cut in September after his arrest on a drug possession charge.

NFP - Mike Lombardi examines the Super Bowl hangover the Cardinals are suffering, as players demand more money.

NFP - Jack Bechta looks at the last chance for undrafted players to catch on with an NFL team, via mini-camp tryouts.

SI - Don Banks lists some NFL sophomores who need to step up their games. Of course, there are no Broncos on that list!

FOX - John Czarnecki examines ten veterans who need to hang onto their jobs, with rookies breathing down their necks.

CBS - Clark Judge loves the offseason moves of five NFL teams.

NFP - Matt Bowen evaluates the Stillers' offseason.

NFP - Andrew Brandt is relieved that mini-camp season has arrived.

NFP - Here were some sixth-round choices that caught Wes Bunting's eye.

NFL - Bucky Brooks evaluates the AFC East teams' drafts.

0 recs | Comment 50 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Thanks, NYC.

"Upon the instruments of death, the sunlight brightly gleams."

by Tempestuous Binary on May 6, 2009 5:36 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Morning NYC

My Dad told me about the 4 seasons:
Pre-season
Regular-season
Post-season
Off-season

by KaptainKirk on May 6, 2009 6:32 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Doug!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 6:37 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

morning all

and thx NYC

"They need a hero to tell them that the impossible can become possible..... WHEN... YOU'RE... AWESOMMMME!" -- Rhino the Hamster

by broncosmontana on May 6, 2009 6:38 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Mornin nyc, Looks like many Horse Tracks===many Thanks...

Real Power, comes with the realization that One cannot change the Moment;
only ones perception of it: Atitude! JQM

by UB3 on May 6, 2009 6:43 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the links

And once again, the DP tries to dredge up a fear, I’m assuming for the purpose of increasing readership — since so many readers seem to have come to MHR for their information. :)

Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope you come down somewhere between the two.

by BShrout on May 6, 2009 7:11 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Appreciate the work

I am sure you get told this all the time, but thanks for taking the time to put together Horse Tracks, it is a time saver searching for Broncos news…

by yallas on May 6, 2009 7:12 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Yallas!

The internet is a beautiful thing. I used to rely upon weekly one-paragraph updates on the Broncos in the mailbox, via the Sporting News. Now, the information is a mouse-click away! I’m glad you enjoy Tracks.

by Douglas A. Lee on May 6, 2009 7:52 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

by yallas on May 6, 2009 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone's up early Today

BTW thanks NYC, So does anyone think Jay Cutler is looking at this Favre thing and saying if I dont do something this will be me one day?

by diviesti on May 6, 2009 7:27 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

that or:

wow, someday i can be just like him. (just kidding)

Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and hope you come down somewhere between the two.

by BShrout on May 6, 2009 7:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or...

Bus Cook was saying to himself, “Man, my clients haven’t dominated the headlines in over a month! I’ve gotta do something about it!”

Yes, it seems everyone’s up with the roosters!

by Douglas A. Lee on May 6, 2009 7:54 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or....

Favre and Cutler- “Gee, Bus what are going today? Cook-”The same thing we do every day, try to take over the world!"

by diviesti on May 6, 2009 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

used to love that cartoon

by trumanj on May 6, 2009 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the Links

Wow, that Armstrong piece is something else. Does he realize how he contradicts himself within the span of three sentences and really kills his whole complaint?

Early speculation had the Broncos signing a free-agent nose tackle for McDaniels’ 3-4 base defense. Didn’t happen. Instead, the Broncos used the bulk of their free-agent dollars on the secondary, where they signed three projected starters in safeties Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill and cornerback Andre Goodman.

Two defensive linemen came aboard: former 49ers tackle Ronald Fields and former Colts defensive end/linebacker Darrell Reid.

I guess he meant to say a nose-tackle, “I like,” or something like that.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 7:53 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

He probably meant a top shelf type of player

Armstrong should know that NT aren’t plentiful and that we did do the best with what was available…….having said that we do need an upgrade at some point

by yallas on May 6, 2009 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The DP is a joke when it comes to talent evaluation

What bothers me about the DP writing staff is that they never look at the total picture. It would be nice if the DP would acknowledge that McDaniels pulled on of the biggest coups with the hiring of Wayne Nunnelly from the San Diego Chargers. Under Nunnelly’s coaching, the defense (defensive line) was ranked in the top 10 in rushing defense in 7 of the past 10 seasons. They were ranked 8th last season. Even more impressive is that most of the guys he coached were late round picks or undrafted free agents. Of the starters and backups, only Castillo and Olshansky were early picks (1st and 2nd round, respectively), 2 were undrafted free agents (Cesaire and McKinney), 1 was a 2nd round supplemental draft pick (Jamaal Williams) and 1 was a 7th round draft pick (Ryon Bingham). Does any of this sound familiar? I think our defensive line is just fine. All it really needed was a coach that new what he was doing.

"The men who have done big things are those who are not afraid to attempt big things, who were not afraid to risk failure in order to gain success."
- B.C Forbes

by HSFBCoach on May 6, 2009 2:06 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Where do you think Marcus Thomas fits?

I think as an end…..

by yallas on May 6, 2009 2:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree . . . and Chris Baker (the UDFA) at NT

"The men who have done big things are those who are not afraid to attempt big things, who were not afraid to risk failure in order to gain success."
- B.C Forbes

by HSFBCoach on May 6, 2009 2:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope Baker is the stuff

that will solve a lot of problems!!!

by yallas on May 6, 2009 2:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are right.

That is what I meant with my final comment. Either that or Armstrong doesn’t realize that he is a nose tackle. However, I would argue that the LAST thing you want to do is go after a “top shelf” guy when he is known to be top shelf. Take buying Haynesworth last year, after his best year ever you are guaranteed to pay top dollar for the guy, you just bought hight.
It would be like buying Exxon stock last year when they posted their biggest earnings ever. You want to buy guys either on the upswing, someone underrated or under the radar (Fields), or after someone else thinks they are done but you feel they have some left in the tank and can get value, (Dawkins).

Buy low Sell High, sadly this doesn’t translate to snappy headlines during the offseason.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great point.....time will tell on these guys

I really want to hit it big with Baker

by yallas on May 6, 2009 8:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you much!

For the daily dose of Broncos news.

Ya really have to respect Tony Dungy…. If anyone can help turn around a wayward miscreant like Vick, it’s probably Tony.

A proud prognostication of 10-6 in 2009!!!

by Broncotodd on May 6, 2009 8:31 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Dungy is Awesome

Anyone who hasn’t read them I recommend both his books.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 8:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Totally agree

If I could trace the root of my discontent with McD (and McD friction with Cutler) is that I had it in my mind to get a Dungy type coach (which is what many were saying Leslie Frazier would be) ….obviously I need to get over it but I LOVE Dungy and how he carries himself and how he views football, faith, and family.

by yallas on May 6, 2009 12:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morning Bronco fans.

Thanks for the Elway homecoming clips. I remember hearing it was going to be on and totally forgot to record it. These shows are fun to watch.

Well here Favre goes again. Can this guy just realize that he isn’t the player he was and just call it a career.

I don’t think I could find so much info all rolled up in one place. This is something that sets MHR from all those other sites. Nice job NYC.

GO BRONCOS IN 2009 AND BEYOND!!

Lakers down 1-0

by weazel on May 6, 2009 10:33 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone Read This

I think this is the first draft analysis of Denver that made sense to me.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 10:36 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good link...

I dont agree with his take on Qb. Getting a guy with a 21-12 record to me seems like a pretty good deal.

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you.

What surprised me about this was his take on Ayers and Moreno was spot on and he rated Denver well if not great. At least I understood his thinking if I didn’t totally agree.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed man...I though the KM draft was a no brainer too...and Ayers is a great pick!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Knowshon is the real deal

I live in SEC country now and everyone I talk to about Moreno LOVE his game…..If we had to lose the franchise QB then the best way to cope is a stud RB and for that I am very thankful……can’t wait to see him run in a Bronco uni……

by yallas on May 6, 2009 12:32 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here in lies the problem with MSM

They would have us believe that QB’s who manage a game well are not good QB’s. You’re only a good QB if you throw for mega yards and to the Pro Bowl regardless if you actually win games. We are coming to realize or already knew that was a bunch of croc.

That was a very good analysis by Brooks though.

by bchiper on May 6, 2009 10:58 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Allow me to chime in today...

I find myself more & more coming here first for news…Thanks for all the work that allows me to!

by Whidbey Bronco on May 6, 2009 10:46 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Happy to help, WB!

by Douglas A. Lee on May 6, 2009 10:53 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Whidbey

I don’t get here enough…..way to busy in life but the compacted info here helps me stay up to date….and to answer your question last week on an old post….no I don’t play fantasy football….I want to pick all Broncos and I can’t stand rooting for other players on teams I don’t like…

by yallas on May 6, 2009 12:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am that way too!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????

by boydy2669 on May 6, 2009 12:44 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get how you could have Tony Gonzales on your fantasy team

I would choose Scheffler all day and in the end it would cost me so what’s the point?

by yallas on May 6, 2009 2:26 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got Gates

Frankly, I got so tired of Gates destroying me every year that I decided to acquire him.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 3:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

From San Diego via Colorado

I save my greatest dislike for the Chargers (as least when they are a threat) and that is my main problem with fantasy football……don’t think I’ll ever get over it ….I played ONCE…

by yallas on May 6, 2009 8:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I never draft a Raider cause I hate them. It helps that none of them are any good though.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 7, 2009 10:06 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

WB -aren't you getting married today?

"From the get-go, we targeted a certain type of player: tough, smart, competitive, versatile, a good person that loves football and wants to win." -Coach McDaniels

by Colorado_Kitten on May 6, 2009 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great article links

Your links never fail me whether they are good or bad NYC, Thanks They have certainly kept me on top of my converations about the NFL with some of my peers that is for sure.

by bchiper on May 6, 2009 11:05 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Who's Ready for a Laugh

Check out this masterpiece.

Tis better not to throw it to the deep receiver but the open receiver.

by Kfustud on May 6, 2009 12:59 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ha the guy that wrote that must not even follow the

Broncos. He does not make one good point in the entire article. His quote:

The right move would have been to select Orakpo and then hope that Moreno fell to No. 18

is really funny. Do you really think Moreno would have fallen to 12 when teams behind Denver where calling us to trade up and get him. The Orakpo thing is funny becuase the guy has bust written all over him. He has all the physical tools but he is alway injured and disapears in games sometimes. I will take Ayers over Orakpo any day of the week.

by gnarlybroncodude on May 6, 2009 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and he said Ayers was a reach at 18

With is completely untrue. We were lucky he droped to 18. He is very versatile, more so then Orakpo. Orakpo might have be a better workout warrior but Ayers is a better football player. Ayers Dominated in the SEC where teams run more pro style offense and Orakpo played against teams that play the spead. Orakpo played against teams that threw the ball more than running so his sack numbers are a little inflated.

by gnarlybroncodude on May 6, 2009 1:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs