Horse Tracks 1/20/10 - Pees still frontrunner, Broncos considering Martindale

by Douglas A. Lee on Jan 20, 2010 5:42 AM MST in Horse Tracks Comment 44 comments

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DB - Dumervil Asks for Help for Haiti - Broncos TV

DPP - Familiar signs point to Pees being picked - Jeff Legwold

"Pees would provide McDaniels a New England version of the 3-4 scheme that can adapt week to week to whatever opponent it faces. Because he worked with the multitasking Belichick, Pees is used to co-existing with a head coach who is heavily involved in all facets of the game planning...Under Pees, the Patriots did not finish lower than eighth in the NFL in scoring defense in his four seasons as defensive coordinator and never allowed opponents to average more than 19.3 points a game. The 14.8 points allowed per game in 2006 set a franchise best for New England."

DPP - NFL coordinators predict a Belichick-like defense for Broncos - Jeff Legwold

"Nolan preferred to take risks in the pass rush, blitzing players from unexpected places — 10 of the team's 39 sacks came from inside linebackers or defensive backs. Pees likely will play something closer to Belichick's style. When Belichick springs a surprise on opposing quarterbacks he does it with coverages — moving players into passing lanes from unexpected angles, trying to disrupt a quarterback's timing as he goes through his reads — rather than adding to the rush."

NFP - Broncos lose structure with Nolan’s departure - Matt Bowen

"And now, those defensive players who are returning have to start over with a new coach and a new scheme. It doesn’t matter what type of front Pees runs, because the terminology will be different, as will the meetings, the techniques and the way this team practices and prepares for Sundays."

NFL - Swim move: Nolan leaves Broncos, joins Dolphins as D-coordinator

BG - Broncos considering Pees - Albert Breer

"Pees, 60, battled his share of health problems last year. During the summer, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery. Soon thereafter, he had a blood clot in his leg."

DB - Teammates Tuned In - Chris Gentilviso

DB - 2009 Season Review: Second Quarter - Gray Caldwell

DB - Coaching moves & this weeks picks!! - Mark Cooper

NSR - Broncos Still Seeking Respect From Hall Of Fame - Joseph Anthony

DPP - Nolan right guy, unjust end - Woody Paige

Read at your own peril...

AFC West News

SFC - Davis talks to possible coaches - David White

SFC - This, that and the other - David White

OT - Coach Tom Cable's fate with Raiders not on timetable - Monte Poole

NFL News

NYT - Giants’ John Mara Cites Lack of Progress in Labor Talks - Judy Battista

"The Giants co-owner John Mara said Tuesday he was resigned to an uncapped season in 2010 and thought the union and owners might be moving further apart in talks toward a new labor agreement."

NFL - Second chance: Ex-Cowboys coach Gailey back in NFL with Bills

FH - Bills' GM Pokes Fun at Raiders - Anthony Olivieri

"Trust me, it's a good job," Nix said of the Bills' coaching gig at news conference to announce the man who now holds that job, Chan Gailey. "Don't ever think you can't fill coaching jobs, even if they're bad. Oakland gets a lot of calls. Don't say I said that." WOW. Who doesn't love Buddy Nix?

NFL - Cowboys will pick up Phillips' 2010 option; is new deal coming, too?

NFL - Schneider returns to Seahawks, this time as general manager

NFL - Deuce is done: Saints' rushing record holder retiring at age 31

NYT - In Selling Jerseys, N.F.L. Is Squeezing Out Small Retailers - Ken Belson

NFL Opinion

NFL - Turner, Phillips seemingly given new life -- for now - Vic Carucci

NYT - Zeus Approves of Norv Turner’s Onside Kick - Frank Frigo & Chuck Bower

Sweet. I was getting some strange looks at work yesterday for defending Norv (yes, the only time I've ever done that) for his decision...

NYT - Comparing 2009 Jets With 2000 Ravens - Luis DeLoureiro

NFP - Why I like the future of the Seahawks - Matt Bowen

NFP - Diner morning news: Bills take ‘Raider-ish’ route - Mike Lombardi

SI - Chan Gailey's hiring by Bills is easy decision to knock - Peter King

PFW - Gailey just what Bills were looking for - Michael Blunda

PFW - Receivers, 'backers stand out on All-Rookie team - Michael Blunda

"Denver's Knowshon Moreno led all rookies with 947 rushing yards, adding 213 yards receiving and scoring nine times despite sharing the workload."

Playoffs?!?!?!

ESPN - Championships are won in the trenches - Gregg Easterbrook

NFP - A Jets fan’s lament and hope - Robert Boland

Y! - Saints' Bush evokes images of glory days - Charles Robinson

Y! - Childress getting little credit for Vikes' success - Dan Wetzel

SN - Vikings have a lot of substance behind Favre hype - Clifton Brown

Y! - Schottenheimer cheers former team's loss - Mike Silver

SN - Hunt or be hunted: Expect Jets, Vikings to go after star QBs - Vinnie Iyer

SI - Saints seeking first trip to Super Bowl; NFL kickers had bad year - Don Banks

CBS - Intriguing conference title tilts will yield strong Super Bowl - Charley Casserly

CBS - Remaining QBs: Manning the easiest to trust, Sanchez the hardest - Clark Judge

FOX - Young Jet invites himself to gathering of NFL's top QBs - Adam Schein

FOX - Ryan's success with Jets makes dad proud - Mark Kriegel

NYT - Super Bowl XLIV and the Hall of Fame - Chase Stuart

ESPN - Playoffs raise historical stakes - John Clayton

Ugh. This has been on my mind this week...

FH - Dream Matchup: Old Gunslinger vs. Jets - David Whitley

Draft

NFL - Fifty-three players granted special eligibility for 2010 NFL Draft

NFP - The signing race is over - Jack Bechta

NFP - East-West Shrine practice begins - Wes Bunting

SN - Draft Dish: Prospects to watch at East-West Shrine Game - Russ Lande

NFL - Mock draft 1.0: Where's Tim Tebow? Not in this first round - Bucky Brooks

"11. Broncos - Rolando McClain - LB Alabama - A rugged interior defender in the center of the Broncos' 3-4 would allow D.J. Williams to act as a playmaker."

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How about, considering Pees' health concerns, and the Team support for Martindale...

Pees – Special Assistant / Defensive Consultant
Martindale – Defensive Coordinator / LB Coach

Just a thought?

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Jan 20, 2010 5:52 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

Thanks, NYC

I made the mistake, again, of reading Woody Paige. I get that opinion is supposed to be opinion, but it also needs to be an argument based on facts, and there were few in that article. Right from the beginning of the article he says that he believes “parted ways” means “fired”. No rationale; just decided that was the best interpretation for his cause.

by jwkcsu on Jan 20, 2010 6:16 AM MST reply actions

I like reading Jack Bechta — always fun to see that side of things [plus he seems like a nice guy].

Coaching thoughts:
   Martindale = DC
   Barone = O Line
   Bills guy = RB
  Eric Campbell / Reese Morgan = TE
   Rocky Seto = LB

by Todd Jewell on Jan 20, 2010 7:00 AM MST reply actions

Studesville = signed — one down and a few to go!

by Todd Jewell on Jan 20, 2010 11:03 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks Doug

The more I hear about Pees, the more comfortable I feel. I’ve been so fixated on some of the Patriots’ big defensive lapses in recent years, that I’d forgotten the overall track record remains solid.

The fact that McDaniels and Nolan got acquainted through their agent was also news to me. Makes me feel better about the whole thing. The quick hire got the system in place and allowed the team to plan well. It makes me more receptive to the idea that this is well thought-out fine-tuning, and not the rashness I had feared.

by Chibronx on Jan 20, 2010 7:04 AM MST reply actions

Nice..I was getting a little worried about you Chibronx

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Jan 20, 2010 7:11 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks Doug.

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

by UB3 on Jan 20, 2010 7:06 AM MST reply actions

thanks Doug

I’m going to pass on Woody…unsually it’s the national guys that dont take the time (or care) to know what is going on with a particular team. It’s sad that a DP guy is also in the same catagory.

I agree with Chibronx, the more I hear about this guy, the more I like him.

by RalphW on Jan 20, 2010 7:15 AM MST reply actions

Norv didn’t make a bad call on the onside kick. That kick was a great one and their kickers (both SD’s punter and FG guy) are best in class. Well at least when the FG guy is not choking like he does in the playoffs.

What undid San Diego was simply a lack of talent. Their D is not good enough to stop the J E T S running game. Injuries and father time have robbed San Diego of the talent advantages they enjoyed in 2006ish. Time doesn’t stand still in the NFL and windows to win open and CLOSE. Sorry SD. Don’t blame Norv, blame TIME and AJ Smith for all his crappy draft picks from 2007 thru 2009.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 7:58 AM MST reply actions

Is SD still going to renew Norv’s contract? I can only hope so. PLEASE, PLEASE renew him AJ!

by Gristle McThornbody on Jan 20, 2010 8:53 AM MST up reply actions

already happened

a few days ago

Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.

by MrFNSunshine on Jan 20, 2010 8:54 AM MST up reply actions

here is the link btw

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jan/18/turner-contract-extended-through-2013/

Man is not a rational animal, he is a rationalizing animal.

by MrFNSunshine on Jan 20, 2010 8:56 AM MST up reply actions

CEEEEEEELEBRAAATOIN TIME!!!

by Arimaris on Jan 20, 2010 10:05 AM MST up reply actions

Wish Granted

We get San Diego coaching mediocrity for another 3 seasons!!! :)

"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV

by sadaraine on Jan 20, 2010 9:08 AM MST up reply actions

So...

San Diego is undone by a lack of talent and execution which is NOT the coaches fault, but the Broncos were undone this season by a lack of talent and execution which IS the coaches fault?

I think Norv did the Norv thing and forgot to adjust to what the Jets were doing to his offense to slow them down. From what I saw the Jets started relying on a 6 man box to stop the run because Norv was showing off his passing talents AND the Jets were very prepared for the screens Norv always goes to as soon as he has a 2 TD lead.

Both situations where if Norv adjusted he would have been able to keep the pressure on and eventually just let his team outscore the Jets if necessary.

by Arimaris on Jan 20, 2010 10:09 AM MST up reply actions

Oh, the irony.

So this is war...misfortune at every bend in the road. Misery and murdered mules and sudden death in a ditch.-- Rick Atkinson

by PredominantlyOrange on Jan 20, 2010 11:03 AM MST up reply actions

All I said was the onside kick was not a bad call by Norv. I like to rub in the fact that San Diego is not nearly as talented as they were in 2006 and that makes Dolt fans crazy mad. It’s good fun and it’s true. I happen to be thrilled Norv is the coach in San Diego since he is not a good HC IMO.

I find the Bronco talent excuse falls apart when you consider a few things.

- We killed KC in KC a few weeks before we were not talented enough to hang with them. Same with San Diego. We didn’t have enough talent to spot Oakland, but we did have enough talent to stay in the game with Philly?

2-8 over the final ten games speaks to several things. Lack of talent being one, bad coaching being another and both played a big role in our collapse. The bad coaching aspect of our 2009 demise seems to be lost on several of you.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 2:14 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

+1

good take

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Jan 20, 2010 7:32 PM MST up reply actions

NYC – Elway won us TWO Super Bowls and walked off into the sunset as Super Bowl MVP. I don’t think it’s possible to end a career any better than El-dog.

Who cares where he stacks up in the history of NFL QBs. IMO, his legacy and Bronco fan joy over the conclusion of his career is timeless and will endure.

Unless he goes OJ Simpson on us, we’re good.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 8:08 AM MST reply actions

I know, I know

But I still want to have a decent argument that he was the GOAT…
Thanks, McG

formerly known around these parts as nycbroncosfan

by Douglas A. Lee on Jan 20, 2010 8:15 AM MST up reply actions

It’s like arguing over which Playboy centerfold is hottest.

They’re all hot so who cares.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 9:59 AM MST up reply actions

Yes, but

Candy Loving dude…Candy Loving

by Arimaris on Jan 20, 2010 10:23 AM MST up reply actions

Like I said. They are all hot.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 2:06 PM MST up reply actions

Marino is like Fouts

Both have big mouths and more importantly no Rings…

by CombatChuk on Jan 20, 2010 1:00 PM MST up reply actions

Thanks, Doug.

…that can adapt week to week to whatever opponent it faces.

There’s that philosophy difference thing again… but this sounds good. It fits the amoeba mold McD wants on offense, too.

"All by their heads, he places crowns."

by Tempestuous Binary on Jan 20, 2010 8:12 AM MST reply actions

Knocking Woody

I don’t know why the knock on Woodhead Paige. Its just information and opinion, subject to how you read it. For example, Woodhead predicted something like a 4-12 season for the Broncos in 2009. He was off by 4. So, his recent prediction of 8-8 for 2010 can be read as also being off by 4, making expectations for the Broncos in 2010 to be 12-4. Will anyone here be unhappy with 12-4 in 2010? I’ll be happy with at least 10-6, which was my prediction in 2009 before the season started. I missed by 2, but the Broncos should have won at least two of the last 4. As far as Nolan, I also hated the hire at the time it was made. It was the only move McDaniels made in the off-season that I absolutely hated. I lived in the Washington-Baltimore area when Nolan was DC for Washington and Baltimore. Sure, his players loved him. But his defense in Washington was spotty at best and he was fired. In Baltimore, he had Ray Lewis and friends, who made him look good. As head coach in SF, not even his defense looked good. He’s a nice guy and I wish him well in Miami, but I’m glad he is gone from Denver. As far as his contributions, the only one I expect he made himself was bringing in Ron Fields. Dawkins, Hill, and Goodman I expect were McDaniels choices, especially from playing Miami twice a year and knowing how good Hill and Goodman were. McDaniels started as a defensive coach before moving to offense. I expect the early success was a combination of McDaniels and Nolan, not just Nolan alone. With Pees coming in, probably as asistant head coach defense since he is looking for “new opportunities,” and Martindale maybe being elevated to DC under the tutelage of Pees and McDaniels, I think there will be a combination of consistency and newness for the new defense, not a complete overhaul. The Broncos are moving forward.

by opinion8r on Jan 20, 2010 8:14 AM MST reply actions

Thanks Doug

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Jan 20, 2010 8:38 AM MST reply actions

Thanks NYC

11. Broncos – Rolando McClain – LB Alabama

I know its months away and I’m breaking the cardinal rule of being a draft fan by fixating on one player but the more I read about and the more I see of McClain the more I like. And we’re either appointing our own LB coach or the Pats former LB coach (who picked out Mayo). Lets make it happen.

by mikebirty on Jan 20, 2010 8:50 AM MST reply actions

I know it is only one game

But watching him in the title game he did look very good. He wasn’t running around over pursuing, he covered a WR a couple of times on a switch. Could be interesting to see what happens.

Or maybe we draft Bradford and start the “Orton’s replacement” storyline!

by Arimaris on Jan 20, 2010 10:21 AM MST up reply actions

this quote:

“Nolan preferred to take risks in the pass rush, blitzing players from unexpected places — 10 of the team’s 39 sacks came from inside linebackers or defensive backs. Pees likely will play something closer to Belichick’s style. When Belichick springs a surprise on opposing quarterbacks he does it with coverages — moving players into passing lanes from unexpected angles, trying to disrupt a quarterback’s timing as he goes through his reads — rather than adding to the rush.”

This type of defense makes more logical sense to me than the blitz. The great QB’s like Manning are far too good at picking your defense apart and getting rid of the ball before the unexpected blitzer can get to him. Conversely, sticking with Manning, if memory serves me correct the Patriots historically have had decent success against him by throwing players into passing lanes. Blitzing is an “all of nothing” approach. If you’re on and everything’s clicking, it can work great. But if not…..

by Gristle McThornbody on Jan 20, 2010 8:51 AM MST reply actions

Thanks, Doug!

Jeff Legwold = Solid

John Clayton should leave Dan Marino off any list, except the one where we measure how often you can yell at your teammates in the huddle. T

"But I hate the way our identity has changed..Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that’s the truth." --Brian Urlacher

by TJ Johnson on Jan 20, 2010 9:16 AM MST reply actions

LOL

Dude looked like a tool as a teammate. He could hit a defender between the numbers with a wobbling duck and then bark at his hypothetical receiver with protracted outrage for the next 10 minutes. Its no wonder that his teams were perpetually disappointing.

So this is war...misfortune at every bend in the road. Misery and murdered mules and sudden death in a ditch.-- Rick Atkinson

by PredominantlyOrange on Jan 20, 2010 9:31 AM MST up reply actions

But let's not forget...

…he did buy his linemen Isotoner Gloves each year :-)

Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein

by c_style on Jan 20, 2010 1:46 PM MST up reply actions

uh huh. i bet they looked forward to that every year.

hmm… but then, i had a boss who gave us all big cans of popcorn as christmas bonuses….

by oxmouth on Jan 20, 2010 3:33 PM MST up reply actions

I was working at home yesterday and accidentally heard John Clayton

pontificate about this. The disdain in his voice when he opines about Josh McDaniels never fails to anger me. I guess it should amuse me. McDaniels must remind Clayton of someone who took his lunch money when he was a shunned adolescent.

And Woody Paige, I’m shocked, shocked! that he didn’t respond to my twitter to him pleading with him to stop writing about the Broncos. He just riles up the masses of already riled up yahoos on the Denver Post.

Sigh.

Broncos need to just win, baby, to borrow a phrase from a rival, and all the idiocy will be quieted.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Jan 20, 2010 9:27 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

LOL

-Richee
-Stick to the fight when you are hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you must not quit!

by BroncoSense72 on Jan 20, 2010 12:05 PM MST up reply actions

hahaha

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Why has nobody made a live-action game of Chutes and Ladders? I'd be first in line.

by kentuckybronco on Jan 20, 2010 12:18 PM MST up reply actions

Michael Lombardi Article

by Todd Jewell on Jan 20, 2010 9:45 AM MST reply actions

Great stuff

McDaniels is a head coach, not just a play caller, which is why I think he’s going to win big in Denver. Most Broncos fans are skeptical about the strategy he employs, but for me, McDaniels clearly knows where he’s doing and knows the best course of action to take along the way. He must transform the Broncos into his team, and in spite of the initial progress they showed last season, it’s going to take time. It’s going to take him being involved in all three phases of the game to get them to behave and play the way he envisions. Losing Nolan allows McDaniels to become more involved with the whole team and lets Nolan obtain the security he wants. I really believe this is a win/win for both.

I linked to that in a comment on the DP, hoping 1 or 2 less irrational fans might read it instead of reading Woody Paige…

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Jan 20, 2010 10:02 AM MST up reply actions

I read this guy a lot and I generally like him. But this is the same guy that was bagging Denver a few months ago. He is wishy washy.

McDaniels did enough well in 2009 for Denver fans to say the ship is not sinking. McDaniels did enough poorly in 2009 for Denver fans to say this ship still has some leaks and the charted course remains unclear.

8-8 in 2010 won’t be as acceptable as it was this season. He’ll need to produce an above .500 team next year. His younger players will need to play better than they did in 2009 and his offense will need to score more points. If the Broncos take a step back in 2010, it will be time to start looking for his replacement.

If Denver plays well in 2010, it will be time to start talking contract extension.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 10:12 AM MST up reply actions

Completely true

You are 100% right, the Broncos MUST finish better next season (barring injury to a major player)

by Arimaris on Jan 20, 2010 10:23 AM MST up reply actions

Injury is a cheap excuse. We don’t have a Payton Manning or Revis on our team.

Ryan Harris was a big loss, but Polumbus was not the root of our demise. It was bad coaching down the stretch.

I'm so angry at the Broncos right now.

by McGeorge on Jan 20, 2010 2:17 PM MST up reply actions

Bad Coaching played a part

But lack of execution by the players was also a part of it. In the games where the players executed they won. When they didn’t, they lost.

The players and the coaches are all equally at blame for our demise. It wasn’t just bad coaching down the stretch.

Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein

by c_style on Jan 20, 2010 6:21 PM MST up reply actions

I think all of us agree that we need to be 9-7, 10-6 next year and that this draft needs to produce at least 1-2 starting caliber players as well as continued improvement from Moreno, Ayers, McBath, Bruton and actual productivity from Smith.

by Todd Jewell on Jan 20, 2010 10:26 AM MST up reply actions