Competition: The greatness that ensues

by Jon Tollerud on May 8, 2009 12:26 PM MDT

So sitting on my couch last night unable to move and having the channel changer 6 feet from me I had to listen to Jared Allen and the NFLN talk about the impact of Brett Favre on the Vikings. Jared Allen was asked a question that go t me thinking:

"Does the attempt at Brett Favre hurt Jackson and Rosenfelds?"

Jared said something that I believe but have yeat to hear the Media allow a player to say:

"I hope not... in this business you always have to compete for your job... either with a vet or a new guy but the competition is always there."

As a person and sports junkie I agree with this. "The best player should play." One of the questions that popped into my mind at that point was "Was Jay Cutler the best Quarterback on the team when the trade happened?" Most people would shout yes off the bat, but I sat and thought for a second. I can't answer truthfully but some speculation comes to mind.

When Josh McDaniels got here he said EVERYONE would compete for their position. This is a fair statement as the head coach you want fierce competition to drive the best gems to the top of the pile. So possibly Chris Simms, who was brought in at a larger price than most would pay for a guy who was "going to be the back up," was doing a little better in progression to teh new system than our start QB. I don't know, and that is not what this post is about.

Competition drives people to either strive to be the best possible, or drives them out . As a Black and White guy I see no third option. Competition will weed out the problems and show us what we or others are made of. For the sake of my post: Fair Competition showed us what Jay cutler was made of and he made an exit from the Mile high City.

Now, We have 2,640 running backs and 2,640 WR on our roster. This is to breed an air of compitition on the team that shows us who are men and who are boys. Who can play and who can't. As some one said in a fan post comment (please claim this) "Look at the roster when we cut to 53." Who knows who will make it out of camp, but they will be battle tested, and ready to show they deserve the roster spot.

Last year for example, and I know there are many others, Donavan McNabb was benched in a game. The next game he cam back on fire because he knew that his job was not set, and that he had to earn his job with every throw, with every pitch and with every touchdown. Think of the Washington Redskins a few years back. Almost a different QB starting from week to week, but they got their ring right?

Competition is the theme of this years training camp and OTA's. In my personal opinion, we will see guys in our jerseys , be they orange, white, blue or brown, that want to play for this team and that have earned the roster spot they carry.

Poll

Competition

Breeds Greatness and weeds out the problems

83 votes

can be an effective tool

44 votes

is something for college not the pros

0 votes

is devisive and breeds nothing but animosity between players

1 votes

128 votes | Poll has closed

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

Tweet Comment 39 comments | 7 recs |

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Comments

Jon

It was I who said the comment regarding the final 53. I believe that you need to bring in as many talented players as possible and then seperate the men from from the boys!

Moreno in 2009! - Check
Taylor Mays in 2010!

by Steve O' on May 8, 2009 2:32 PM MDT reply actions

I was a little confused with the title

Wouldn’t it sound better like “With Competition greatness ensues” or something like that.

Dictionary definition of ensues:
to follow as a consequence; result: When those two friends meet, a battle of wits ensues.

Anyway solid arguments for strong competition!!!
Thanks

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on May 8, 2009 2:49 PM MDT reply actions

better?

thanks Steve

http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif

"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"

Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on May 8, 2009 3:14 PM MDT up reply actions

Nice!!!

BTW I have tried to imagine how it would have felt if somehow Cutler stuck around and HCMcD had brought in Simms to compete for the starting role.Hmmmmmm

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on May 8, 2009 4:00 PM MDT up reply actions

Good post

But I absolutely hate Jared Allen

"Really, I'm a high-motor guy. Tough, hard-nosed, a hard runner, can make you miss at times. And just competitive. I love to play the game and I bring that energy to my team. So, we'll see how that goes." - Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno is the boss!

by stedtfeld on May 8, 2009 3:06 PM MDT reply actions

cant stand the guy either

but the remote was too far away

http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif

"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"

Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on May 8, 2009 3:12 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm lucky I have this little 4 year old retriever...

need the remote? No problem my retriever responds to voice commands " hey lil buddy could you get Daddy the remote"? I even get a smile, pretty handy if you can through the dirty diapers phase!!!

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on May 8, 2009 4:03 PM MDT up reply actions

single guys dont have as much luck

http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif

"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"

Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!

by Jon Tollerud on May 8, 2009 4:16 PM MDT up reply actions

my daughters are 21 & 23

the response is usually, “Get it yourself, I’m busy” LOL

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

by Brian Shrout on May 8, 2009 6:09 PM MDT up reply actions

lol my 23 year old doesn't even reply he just glares, when he's around the house that is...

but I love him, he’s a good boy and I’m proud of him, he would of made a helluva running back if I would have gave him the chance but, like my Dad, I needed him on the job, so he ‘s got a lot of life experience that’s got to be good for something!!!

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on May 9, 2009 1:16 AM MDT up reply actions

I have 2 of those...pretty hard to miss...most of the time one of them likes you!

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 8, 2009 7:09 PM MDT up reply actions

Careful

by 6 or 7 the retriever may become the pirate who like to make treasured items disappear, or he may dismantle it to figure out how it works!

by DBinKC on May 9, 2009 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions

lol

so true I know because I was one!!!!

"even a stopped clock is right twice a day" Yosemite Sam

by lovewatchinthegame on May 9, 2009 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Right there with ya LWTG!

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 9, 2009 2:59 PM MDT up reply actions

When he sacks Cutler 5 times this season

you’re going to love Jared Allen! Haha

"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall

by Joe Medina on May 9, 2009 2:13 AM MDT up reply actions

lol

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

by broncosmontana on May 10, 2009 1:12 AM MDT up reply actions

Bingo! and rec'd

I think you’ve (as well as many others at MHR) found the missing link John. I also believe that for whatever reason that has not been the case for some time at Bronco camp. We’re all motivated by carrots and sticks and while the carrot is more attractive the stick is more effective!

by asinsoin on May 8, 2009 3:14 PM MDT reply actions

If competition does cause problems--with McDaniels I think the problems will be gone...

I’m a little concerned that we have brought in so many at a few positions that a gem might be missed. Other than that those that make the final 53 will know they worked and studied their tales off to be there. That can only be good.

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on May 8, 2009 3:27 PM MDT reply actions

I thought about this also.

I am all for competition. The points in the post are very valid. But, in all things, moderation is required. For example, if we bring in 35 receivers, the amount of snaps for each is reduced. If we bring in 80 receivers, is is reduced more and the ability to determine consistancy is diminished.

Competition does call out for greatness, and there are those who answer. Sometimes, however, a single moment brings greatness forward. I offer you this sound waive link. You will remember the moment, and it was the begining of an excellent career.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=1862&audioID=508&type=audio&year=2006&month=12

Strength and honor

by kybroncomaniac on May 8, 2009 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions

Check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dwOoIoJYUA

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on May 10, 2009 3:59 PM MDT up reply actions

cool link

thanks

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

by Brian Shrout on May 10, 2009 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions

Good article Jon

Guardian of the Gate to La La Land!
Gonsoulin, Taylor, Little, Wright, Gradishar, Atwater, Davis, and Sharpe...
Why are they not in the Hall...I just don't understand.

by Mike Clark on May 8, 2009 3:38 PM MDT reply actions

Nobody has the right to say they deserve to play,

it would be childish for anyone to think that. To play in the NFL is not a right just as we don’t have the right to a drivers license, it must be earned. That’s why I like all the picks we have on the team, it will make the veterans train that much harder. Believe me, there will be a lot of cuts (even players we thought would be on the roster). Only the strong survive.

by bfree2bronc on May 8, 2009 4:57 PM MDT reply actions

rec'd & appreciated

bf2b, I think you’re right that saying “I deserve to play” is not a right; that attitude breeds complacency and we’ve seen enough of that over the last 10 years. Competition is from week-to-week, with the best prepared getting to play.

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

by Brian Shrout on May 8, 2009 6:11 PM MDT reply actions

Amen BShout.

by bfree2bronc on May 8, 2009 7:03 PM MDT up reply actions

Best Player Gets the Field

I have the suspicion that these last few years Shanahan voiced the opinion that the best player would be on the field. However, over and over we saw players drafted higher with bigger contracts, or veterans with deteriorating skills have more playing time. When there is a disparity between what is said and the reality players have a loss of morale that can’t help but affect the locker room. I get the sense that McD really means best players play. Thank heavens!

by Ponderosa on May 8, 2009 9:22 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs

The last Denver Bronco that DESERVED to play

played his last game against the Falcons in 99. He wound up being the MVP.

"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall

by Joe Medina on May 9, 2009 2:15 AM MDT reply actions

competition and playing well together?

kinda a balancing act…maybe? if there is lotsa competition…and Jedi picks only the best…what best is he picking? is he picking the best guy at each position…or is he picking the best guy who can work and play with the others? Do we want a bunch of chest thumping guys who are all selfish and won’t share…and won’t teach the younger guys the ropes? Guess thats why i’m not a coach…giggles

MHR...and proud of it!

by MHRsGirl on May 9, 2009 7:32 AM MDT reply actions

i would think it would be a combination of both

you want the best talent in each position, but he’s also got to be able to stick to his role and not be trying to make all of the plays himself.

i’ve only coached college intramural teams, and we always seemed to do best when we were able to mesh together and think alike and everyone took care of their own role

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

by Brian Shrout on May 9, 2009 11:32 AM MDT up reply actions

how to measure?

for a player…its like who runs the fastest…or catches the most…or tackles the most…but how do you measure playing well together?

MHR...and proud of it!

by MHRsGirl on May 9, 2009 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions

scrimmages and practices

good point — that is the hardest thing to measure

so you run lots and lots of scrimmages and practices to see, for example, if the 5 guys on the OL are all going where they’re supposed to go, when they’re supposed to go there & picking the defender they’re supposed to block, or the qb and receiver who practicing timing routes where the qb releases the ball before the receiver makes his cut

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

by Brian Shrout on May 9, 2009 2:26 PM MDT up reply actions

Kuper / Harris

When a certain O-lineman showed up over weight and out of shape, it provided an opportunity for Kuper and Harris to work side-by-side. Turned out that the chemistry was more than the non-mentioned lineman could over come.

Strength and honor

by kybroncomaniac on May 9, 2009 4:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Too add to BS's point

That’s most likely why teams talk about having “a culture of winning” and why chemistry is such a cherished prize and common element amongst the great teams — because it’s hard to measure.

Consider the ability of QBs and WRs to communicate without words, just little signals or actions or understandings about specific situations. Or the ability of the O line to move in unison as one animal. How do players respond to each other when things go wrong: do they pick each other up or stare each other down? And how does one quantify that chemistry?

I’m not a coach, but I can tell when a QB and WR have that relationship, and when an O line does not. It’s easier to see the problem when things aren’t working than to formulate a roadmap for a young team to get there. Ultimately, I think it must be partially good coaches and game plans, but just as importantly you have to have talented players who are predisposed to respond to challenges by uniting with their teammates and facing adversity together as mentally collected men.

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

by broncosmontana on May 10, 2009 1:22 AM MDT up reply actions

here here, well said

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

by Brian Shrout on May 10, 2009 8:57 AM MDT up reply actions

Yes

Remember Bobby Humphries? He decided that he was worth a lot of money after a 1,100 yd. season and held out for more money. When he finally signed and came in to the game, all the O-lineman said “ole” to their blocks and let him do it himself. Needless to say, he was squashed in the backfield. I don’t know if he learned his lesson (ego sometimes prevents this), but he found out what his teammates thought about it.

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

by KaptainKirk on May 10, 2009 10:11 AM MDT up reply actions

lol ole

That comes with a great visual! but not for BH! lol

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

by broncosmontana on May 10, 2009 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions

Prater needs competition.

We have one kicker who, frankly, deteriorated down the stretch. At the beginning of the season, when he walked onto the field, I felt confident we would get 3. However, as the season progressed, I was scared every time. He needs another kicker to make him a better player and hopefully he won’t fade as the season goes on.

by broncointheville on May 9, 2009 12:57 PM MDT reply actions

This is a good post JT

I can only agree that competition breeds a better product, and you all have very valid points. GIRL, I like your POV, that is an interesting thought. and thanks for your input.

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

by KaptainKirk on May 9, 2009 2:19 PM MDT reply actions