Will Simms make this team?
by Broncoman on Jun 14, 2009 2:24 PM MDT
30 comments
I will admit I was a little stunned to see that Kyle Orton was named as starter after a very limited time in practice and mini-camps. Which brings me to the idea of what happens to Chris Simms now?
When we signed Chris Simms, I was very happy, I thought it was a significant upgrade over Patrick Ramsey and I saw Simms as someone who could win games if he had to play for an extended period of time. I was somewhat torn on my evaluation of Simms in having watched him at Texas I saw a QB that could not win when it mattered, but I saw a gutsy leader in Tampa Bay that looked like he had run into some bad luck. Now when the Broncos signed him, I was somewhat stunned at the amount of money for someone that was supposed to be a back-up QB. But I figured since he had some good starting experience that he was worth it. Then came the Jay Cutler ordeal and I looked at Simms as someone who may be allowed to start should the Broncos trade Cutler, and his signing made a lot more sense (as far as the dollars). When we traded for Orton, I figured that the two QBs would be given an open opportunity to compete for the position of starting QB, and the best QB would get the nod.
Generally I may be of the conspiracy vision that Orton was given the reigns because McDaniels could not justify the trade and start Simms. However, I think that any coach will generally start the guy who gives them the best chance to win, with some exceptions for high first round picks. But as we saw in Arizona and Tennessee, that good coaches will start the guy who can win the most games for them, regardless of the money owed to a rookie or high draft pick. Even though I have disagreed with many choices that the head coach has made, I figure that McDaniels would also have the same mindset and would start the best QB, regardless of the political implications from the fan base or ownership. So this leads me to believe that Orton obviously has shown that he is far superior to Simms or that Simms just is not that good, which I fear may be the case. Coming into the competition, I figured Simms would have a leg up on Orton because he had been able to study and practice more than Orton had. I thought their skill set was very similar and I figured that the battle would not be settled until training camp. Obviously McDaniels has seen something in Orton or conversely not seen something in Simms to name Orton as starter this quickly.
I now wonder whether Simms will even make this team. McDaniels obviously drafted a player in Brandistar that he sees as a good potential developmental project. In addition, the Patriots have shown a willingness to go into a season with backups with limited or no starting experience (see Matt Cassel), it may not be too much of a stretch to think that Simms may be playing for a spot on this team and that McDaniels may feel comfortable enough to have Brandistar as the Number 2 QB for this season. Maybe that is reading too much into the situation, but again, the inability of Simms to keep this an open competition going into training camp leads me to believe that there may be some more issues with Simms versus Orton being that much superior. But I have some serious doubts that the Broncos will want to carry Simms salary and have to worry about resigning Orton next season if they know that Simms will never be a suitable starter.
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I don't think Simms goes.
Not after everything he and Orton are both going to be putting in this offseason. Remember, the starting job is not guaranteed to Orton. Simms has even more incentive now to come out and prove his worth. At this point in the offseason, nothing will surprise me. I would be sort of happy to see Simms take the starting job from Orton. Not because I like Simms more, but but if he does manage to take the job away it’s because he’s done strides to overcome his shortcomings in McDaniels’ system. Whichever quarterback gets the job will deserve it. That’s for sure.
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
by Joe Medina on Jun 14, 2009 2:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I really, really want to vote for Jake Plummer.
But I think it’ll be Simms, and Brandstater will fill the “emergency third QB” spot. Remember, we can use him there and he will not count against a roster spot.
No stairway? ...denied!
by papigrande on Jun 14, 2009 2:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Simms signed on as a backup and he knew that coming in.
Announcing Orton as the starter was a shock being early as it was. This makes me believe that maybe McDaniels had his eye on Orton all along even when jay was still here. You never know how people think sometimes. And if McDaniels did in fact have his eye on Orton then all the other picks that came with him were just extra dividends. Hmm.
by bfree2bronc on Jun 14, 2009 2:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think there is any question for this year, Simms stays.
Next year could be interesting if Brandstater comes along.
by Bronkfan on Jun 14, 2009 3:00 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
BM
I’m not really sure where your ‘conspiracy’ thing comes in, my friend, but Simms, McDaniels and Orton all stated that Orton just picked up the offense faster. Simms commented that he does feel the rust of not playing for a while and I’m sure that was a factor in why he was slower developing. I, too, just like the guy.
On the other thing – I’m sure that Simms stays. We need an experienced back-up QB and you made a very good point that he’s a huge upgrade over Ramsey. He will have a chance to run the 2nd team, learn the detail oriented approach to the QB position that McDaniels teaches much as Cassel did and if, heaven forbid, Orton ever does go down he’ll get his shot. Brandstater is raw and his scouting reports have indicated that he’s not NFL ready yet (I have a Tales coming out on him this next week) so in a year, two or three we could see that competition developing, but it’s unlikely to be this year.
Hillis/Moreno in '09
by Emmett Smith on Jun 14, 2009 3:09 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I am not surprised at all.
Like I have said before, Orton is a very intelligent guy. He is a purdue graduate, one of the most impressive public academic colleges in the country. I am not shocked in the least. This system really suits him because of his intelligence and the complexity of the offense.
Expect great things.
Bringing Bronco love from 1,114 miles away.
by broncointheville on Jun 14, 2009 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have just seen some posts and speculation that Orton would be the QB
regardless because the theory being that if Orton was not the QB, then it would show we made a big mistake in trading Cutler and getting Orton. Like I said, not really my theory, but I have seen it and I am not really following the logic. Like I said this was more a post if Simms is really the guy who can be a legit starter or is he a guy who is a fringe player.
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by Broncoman on Jun 14, 2009 4:25 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I’ve heard that conspiracy too, it just doesn’t hold water in my opinion. I think McD is already on a pretty hot seat, and the only thing he can do to fix it is to win. He can’t really get a black eye over the Cutler-Orton fiasco since both of his eyes are already blackened 3 fold by the MSM and others. So best move? Start the guy who gives you the best chance to win.
by ten_fiver on Jun 14, 2009 6:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
and both McDaniels and Simms
said that Orton picked up the mental part of the offense faster than Simms. I see Simms as being the #2 guy who pushes the #1 guy to get better and better
Pray for the best, prepare for the worst, and know you will come down somewhere between the two.
by BShrout on Jun 15, 2009 7:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with these assessments
Simms hasn’t really hit his stride yet. He was developing quite nicely before his malady. He is fully recovered from his splenectomy and admittedly has some rust. Also he may not be at peak conditioning level yet. He is a very capable back up and I would feel comfortable whether he started or remained 2nd string. Perhaps you are reading too much into it, but I don’t feel you are wrong.
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
by KaptainKirk on Jun 14, 2009 3:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Tom Brandistar needs time to adapt
Simms was signed as a backup and should be willing to take on that role. I am sure that he is disappointed that he did not win the starting job, but if their comments to the media are to be believed, both Simms and Orton feel that they were given a fair opportunity to compete for the starting job. In addition, just because Orton is the opening day starter does not mean that he is guaranteed the job for the entire season. If Orton does not perform then Simms will get his shot. I feel good knowing that we have a capable player to step in should Orton get injured or prove ineffective.
As far as Tom Brandistar is concerned, who knows how he will work out in the long run. I would like to believe that McD can work the same magic with Brandistar that he did with Brady and Cassel, but only time will tell. What I do firmly believe is that Brandistar is more of a “project” type player. He needs time to adapt to playing QB at the NFL level. He needs time to learn the offense. He needs time to develop into a confident, mature leader on the field. The less I see him on the field this season, the happier I will be (well, after preseason that is). Brandistar may be the future at QB, but he is not the present.
By the way, does anyone know how Simms contract stacks up with other backup QBs?
by DoubleJay on Jun 14, 2009 3:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Simms got a good contract.
2 mil per year is good pay for a backup. This guy will be here and Brandstater will make the 53 man roster as well.
We will have a good QB, a quality backup and a future QB learning the system up close. I like the lineup.
by AlanC on Jun 14, 2009 3:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
i was tempted to vote for jake
but i believe that McD said something about having 3 QBs on the roster before the draft so unless jake really is coming back i dont think any of these guys are going anywhere
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by BroncoJoe311 on Jun 14, 2009 4:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
Your reading too much into it Broncoman
McDaniels was wise to name the starter now. The team needs leadership(outside of McDaniels) and that can only come from Orton. Imo, it’s debatable as to whether there was a competition to begin with. Orton clearly had the better track record in both the NFL and college. I believe that McD needed time to get to know Kyle and see him in action. Once Josh felt comfortable, he announced the starter. The Brandon Marshall situation might have also been a factor in speeding up the announcement. The BM situation is a major distraction and was clearly eroding the momentum that the team had established. You never know how long that will take to work itself out. It could drag on for months.
I’ll tell you one thing, Chris Simms is a class act! He is the perfect backup. Sure he has some rust, but I am really impressed with the way he handles himself. This kid is just excited to play football again after the serious injury a few years ago. I believe Orton and Simms with make an ideal QB unit for the Broncos. Chris will continue to work hard and keep improving. He’s young and will get another chance to start in the NFL.
by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2009 4:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
If I didn't know you any better rocko I would think you were a Broncos fan.
The kid (Simms) took a heck of a hit and played on, that right there tells me he has a lot of heart. I hope the best for Chris whether he be a backup or a starter. You are very gracious rocko, and I see by the way you post that you have a lot of compassion and spirit. Thanks.
by bfree2bronc on Jun 14, 2009 9:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Broncos became
my 2nd team the day Orton was traded. Ok I’ll bore you. The Chicago Cubs became my second baseball team(Sox fan) the day the Sox had a brain cramp and traded Sammy Sosa to the Cubs for George Bell. Sosa was a promising, skinny, young RF for the Sox with lots of potential. Bell was near the end of his career, but a HR guy. The Sox felt they were one player away from a championship and Bell was the missing piece. Bell played for two horrible seasons with the Sox and retired. Sammy Sosa…well you know how that went for the Cubs. I hated that trade as much as the Kyle Orton trade. I still root for the Cubs when they aren’t playing the White Sox.
by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2009 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure that Sims will be on the roster...
but I believe Jedi said that the competition is still on: “Chris wants it and Kyle wants to keep it.”
Methinks Orton has adapted to the new offense quicker, but Sims may have the better arm and if he catches up with executing the offense… who knows?
The matter may not be truly decided yet. Heck, camp hasn’t even started!
" Life is what happens while you're making other plans "
by hairybear on Jun 14, 2009 4:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
You may have a point hairybear but I don't think McDaniels is wishy-washy in any way.
And if he announced Orton to be the starter then he will be the starter, barring any injury.
by bfree2bronc on Jun 14, 2009 9:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
not so fast
I’m sure that Sims will be on the roster…
At least until the Bronco medical staff finds out Simms doesn’t have a spleen. It won’t be long now. I hear they’re starting to suspect something’s amiss with Darius Watt’s hand.
But who will guard the guards themselves?
by Agent Jerry Fletcher on Jun 15, 2009 7:34 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree rocko1
with regards to the BM situation. I believe that it is only a distraction in the media. My defense is that our former QB’s “situation” didn’t seem to affect the team at all, but sure took up a lot of RAM in the MSM. To add to hairybear’s comment, it appears that the only thing definite is that there is a #1 next to Kyles name, and a #2 next to Simms. At this time of year, the Depth chart is written in pencil.
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
by KaptainKirk on Jun 14, 2009 4:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
The depth chart has been engraved.
Just my opinion, but I have never bought the open competition line from McD. I really never made sense to me. From the moment Josh said “It’s real! It’s real” about the competition, I had my doubts. Earlier in the year he stated " Jay is my guy! Jay is my guy! ". Based upon their NFL and collegiate records, an open competition just didn’t add up. Maybe there is a different end game with Kyle Orton and that ties into his contract status.
You maybe right about BM, but I get the feeling that McDaniels is pretty steamed. Sure Marshall is very talented, but he also appears to have unreasonable demands. What team would re-work a contract with damaged goods? BM is also in and out of trouble with the law. Based upon what I have learned about Josh, is that he has zero tollerance(Patriots way) for that type of behavior. Could Marshall be on his way out?
by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2009 5:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
He might be
With the 12th pick, the Broncos select Knowshon Moreno - Roger Goodell
That'll move the chains - Andy Samberg
by KaptainKirk on Jun 14, 2009 6:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he geniunely wants Marshall on that field.
His demeanor towards the whole subject is different than the Cutler situation. Sure he’s got that Patriot way instilled in him, but even he knows that Marshall brings more positives to the table than negative. Deep down, I think McDaniels needs someone like Marshall because he can really bring another dimension to the offensive game. If by some odd reason he is on his way out though, I think they will make a move that will work in our favor. If it gets to that point, I’d like to see Denver make a move for Boldin. I love Anquan Boldin and even though he’s the number 2 in Arizona, he’d make the number 1 spot here for sure.
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
by Joe Medina on Jun 14, 2009 6:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marshall is great
and I believe it will work its’ way out. Maybe they wait and somehow get confirmation that his hip will not be an issue. Then re-work his contract. If things fall apart, there are many trade avenues. Boldin like you suggest or maybe a defensive all pro. Somebody like Lance Briggs would shore up the 3-4 in a heartbeat.
by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2009 6:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed it would. Say rocko, you seem like a pretty thoughtful guy
what’s your thoughts on Julius Peppers? Is the reward worth the risk of having him on a team?
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
by Joe Medina on Jun 14, 2009 8:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good player
but imo too expensive at $1million per game. The Panthers already have Steve Smith as well. I believe the Panthers, who are switching to a 3 – 4, are going to covert Peppers to a OLB. I really hope the Broncos can come to a resolution with BM.
by rocko1 on Jun 14, 2009 9:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very good point on the rate of pay.
That guy isn’t going to take any less either.
"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win" -Brandon Marshall
by Joe Medina on Jun 14, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
McDaniels has said...
…that Orton is going into training camp as the starter, and the competition is open.
I think this just states the obvious. I think most folks reasoned that Orton was the starter, unless Simms did a hell of a job in camp. The real news isn’t that Orton was named starter, it is that there is going to be a real competition at all.
This shows confidence in Orton (which any QB wants from his coach), and gives the back-up confidence too (since most back-ups don’t get a real shot at competing to start anyway).
Simms stays.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Jun 15, 2009 8:35 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
A voice of reason prevails!
I do hope McD has enough confidence to go around… it certainly won’t hurt!
My roots are in Denver and my branches in Nebraska.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Jun 15, 2009 2:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone know whether Orton has had any contact with Marshall?
"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" -- Wimpy J. Wellington
by Broncs Cheer on Jun 15, 2009 6:32 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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