Building the Team
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 10:47 AM MST
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Many of the posts at MHR have get me thinking – sometimes in ways I haven’t thought before. Mostly, I think about how the Broncos have changed in this year, how I see McX building the team and the way I (and others) feel about that.
This is my first post but I’d like to have reactions on a couple of things.
I’ve kind of divided it into three sections: First, some considerations that I often forget but which I should keep in mind because they are probably important; second, how I see what has happened so far under McX; and third, what I look forward to and expect in the immediate future.
Considerations
One – More and more “Special Teams” ranks almost equally with offense and defense as a team category. In the past, it was regarded more like an appendage and players were picked for their abilities on either offense or defense.STs were then configured from use of these players (often non-starters) who hopefully had ability to play STs. The current trend seems to be that ST is its own equally important category with some players selected who excel at ST who hopefully have ability to play other positions on offense and defense (as both starters and backups), just the reverse of the approach in the past.
Two – The concept of starter is becoming more fluid for several reasons.
A - The increasing size, strength and speed of players has increased the number and severity of injuries a team experiences during the year. Depth at every position has become much more essential to compete on a high level..
B – All three categories – O, D, ST – have multiple situations that thrive on versatile personnel. (Offense & Defense – down & distance, red zone, etc.: Offense – no huddle, etc.; Defense – “amoeba” configurations, etc. ST – punt, kickoff, field goal/extra point, etc.)
Three – Roster spots are very valuable and the 53 spots on the active roster should be considered in conjunction with the 8 practice squad spots for a total of 61. Injured reserve should also be viewed as both a place for players not able to perform and possibly for players who might show promise but would not be ready for at least a year.
Four – If the average life of an NFL player is 3.5 years than an average team should lose 17.5 players each year. This includes retirements, cuts, and waived players who are not picked up by other teams. It does not include players lost through trades or who are picked up by other teams. On a building team, this 3.5 year NFL life average should raise each year (Players stay longer in the NFL).
Five – the actual number of roster changes might not actually be too significant because the number of players leaving the team to join other teams (through trade or pickups of waived or cut players) might actually reflect an improvement in the talent and skill level of the team with higher level skill replacing lower skill which is still capable of playing on a team with a lower skill level at a position (the more changes in this area might mean a rapidly improving team).
A look at the Broncos so far under McX.
One – According to my analysis (subject to modification and corrections) of the 61 players McX inherited last year. 27 stayed on the roster (meaning 34 left. One – Cutler – was traded. I don’t know how many of the others were picked up by other teams (Paymah, Bly, ??). However, I suspect an embarrassingly low number were picked up by other teams which would reflect the low level of talent McX inherited.
Two – FA (not including Rookie FA) last year, according to my count (again subject to modification and correction) added 24 players to the roster, supposedly all upgrades or potentially so.
Three – 9 of 10 draft picks last year made the 61 man roster (only Schlueter didn’t)
Four – 5 of the 16 Rookie FAs last year made the roster.
Five – this total of 63 includes 1 who was eventually placed on Injured Reserve (Griesen) and 1 who was eventually cut (Kern).
Six – Up until now in 2010 as far as I can tell, 4 players have been cut or waived (Wiegman, Jordan, Erickson, Petersen).
Seven – And as far as I can tell, in 2010 until now 13 have been added to the roster as FAs: Batiste, Fry, Ball, Powell, Atkins, Trapasso, Colquitt, Bannon, Green, Williams, Arrington, Jones and Hall. (which means already, before including the draft and Draft FAs, 9 current team members will have to be cut or waived or traded for draft picks).
Some thoughts
One – Looking at these numbers, I’m kind of surprised we won 8 games last year.
Two – So far, 37 (according to my count) FA’s have been added to the team and many have played important roles. Not all, however, will make impacts or stick (i.e. - Jordan is already gone and I do not expect Berger or Law to be back).
Three – almost every area has been addressed. The most uncertain up till now IMO is the OL, but part of that is my lack of knowledge or feeling about Batiste and Fry and my uncertainty about how Harris, Kuper, Polumbus, Hochsteing or Olsen might fit into next years plans. (Polumbus, Hochsteing or Olsen at center?, etc.) I know McX appreciate flexibility and they may expect that a very serviceable OL can be molded from this group. They certainly would be a lot bigger. In addition, they may still attempt to land at least one OL in free agency.
Four – I wouldn’t be surprised at any pick at any draft position. Each pick will replace someone on the current roster so will be viewed as a potential upgrade. Consequently, I suspect McX feel that they are in a good position to follow BPA in their picks. I also suspect that their picks will surprise because of their concentration on some characteristics that I won’t have enough information to judge – i.e. smart, versatile, leaders. They may have some players rated higher than I do (or lower) because they have better information in these areas that are important to them.
Five – specifically, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a OT or CB or S or ILB or OLB picked early. For instance, a player like Taylor Mays might be very highly regarded as an immediate impact player on STs with a potentially large upside as an almost freakish SS. The only picks that might surprise me would be RB, WR or QB for I see the better values (if not actually better picks) available in the later rounds.
Six – If McX are as big on versatility as a necessary characteristic for players, I assume they also expect it from coaches. Which means one underlying assumption (seldom discussed) is that McD expects himself and his coaches to be versatile in making the most of the talent that can be collected. Like the players, the coaches also have to be adaptable.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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Should have proofed it again! Sheesh!
“Have gotten me thinking.”
“Hochstein”
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 10:55 AM MST reply actions
most excellent post (+1) Fully in agreeance.
I so agree on your FA/Draft take. With respect to the OL players we don’t know enough about (as you noted), I’d like to see them continue to address the OL in FA…. Actually I feel an upgrade to our back-ups at RB and especially QB (!) need also be addressed before we’re truly in a position to draft BPA. I think it’s clear this is McX’s goal and I’m loving it.
Guys like Taylor Mays intrigue me… I wish I knew how his interview went and our staffs opinion of his coverage skills. His upside is HUGE. I too would NOT be surprised by an early pick in our defensive backfield.
Thanks for the breakdown of the numbers… gives us an early idea of the guys that are on the hotseat in preseason. Quite a few fellas will be leaving us soon.
I wonder how your concept #2 will conflict with #3… A flexible player will be more likely to retain a roster spot while the mass substitutions will conceivably require more players at those positions. The team will have to make some tough decisions there I think with respect to young versatile talent vs some of our veteran, uni-dimensional talent.
Finally – I sure hope the Broncos read MHR. I’ve no doubt that even with their professional knowledge, there’s fresh looks at the whole of things to be had here!!
by Whidbey Bronco on Mar 11, 2010 11:39 AM MST reply actions
Great 1st post, Rec'd!
Love your handle as well!
Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein
excellent first post
love the way you concisely stated your views. makes for an easy to read/easy to understand post. well done.
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
by Brian Shrout on Mar 11, 2010 12:34 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Ivan
You were so kind to Doc and I a while back – I’m happy you’ve started posting and hope you continue to do so. You’re a big-picture kind of guy.
I agree with you that best player available is just about always the way to go. I’ll add that best player availble for your (Denver’s) system is the most important. Looking at the 2009 Draft Scout Round Projections (which is by no means the be-all-end-all but is a site we all seem to respect) 3 of our 10 picks last draft (McBath, Quinn, and Olsen) were “reaches” by a full round or more. McBath turned out pretty well (or is at least on the path as far as I can see) and most of us think Olsen is a G/C/RT of the future – so that worked out pretty well.
I’m 100% with you on expecting the unexpected. Players like Kyle Wilson, Sean Weatherspoon, and Maurkice Pouncey are seen as players who should go in the 20’s. Ideally, if McX really likes one of them – we’d trade back – but if we can’t, I also wouldn’t be shocked if one of those guys did go at #11. Maybe a guard or center with a third ground grade will be ours at #45. My point is that if you reall really like a player – and see him as a better fit for your team than a higher rated player – you don’t risk it, you take him. Doc made a great point that New England’s scouts were never penalized if a player they had a high grade was a bust on another team. It’s apples and oranges. In other words, if Tom Brady was drafted by his boyhood team, the 49ers, instead of the Patriots he could very well be in the UFL right now.
by Vortex7 on Mar 11, 2010 12:53 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Whidbey Bronco
If I understand your point about the relationship between #2 & #3, I tend to think that two things might happen. The first is that high injury risk positions – OL & DL – will add a player to the roster (OL – 9 instead of 8; DL – 6 or even 7 instead of 5). The second is that players for these positions will become more flexible (OTs used as OC and OG; NTs used as DTs, etc.)
Practically, I would not be surprised (in fact, would like it) to see the first three draft picks comprised of 2 OTs and 1 NT. The OTs would be expected to be able to play all three OL positions, plus situational TE. The NT would be expected to play DT as well. One of the things I liked about Chris Baker is that his 40s time was 4.95. He could be an awesome DT next to Jamal Williams. None of the NTs this year are that fast (Linval is the quickest, followed by Williams, Cam Thomas and Cody). Cody, however, for all his bulk, is apparently pretty athletic. At 6-4, 370, he could dunk a basketball. He’s already lost 15-20 lbs. Might be a beast at 340, Jamal Williams weight. Hypothetically, having these three (or Dan Williams or Cam Thomas instead of Cody) for goal line and 4th down could get interesting. When I see Fields, Thomas, Pedescleaux (the most athletic of all), Bannon and Green as the possible candidates for DT, two with potential as backups at NT is situations, I feel good. I’m just sorry we can’t keep all of them.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 1:30 PM MST reply actions
ivan...
very nice post…and I agree with your points about Cody. I actually have a very strong feeling that McX will pick Cody with #11 this year, for a number of reasons:
- it would be similar to the strategy last year: McX identified certain roster weaknesses (last year it was RB & secondary ) and then proceeded to do BOTH, sign FA’s AND draft at the position. The Williams signing indicates that McX felt this was a roster weakness and while they have signed a vet at the position, I think it is almost a certainty that they will draft a NT.
- The Patriot Way (and most likely the McD Way also) clearly places very high value on NT (see V. Wilfork contract). Williams is also clearly not a long term answer at NT for the Broncos and it would make sense to bring use your former pro-bowler to mentor a young, rough NT with big upside.
- Cody has major upside given his combination of athleticism AND size, and while some view him as overweight/lazy/etc he would have a tremendous opportunity to learn, grow and develop a strong professional work ethic underneath J. Williams (especially with Nunnely coaching him)
- Whatever people might say about his work ethic, he was an incredible performer and a strong anchor in what was probably the best defense in college football at Bama.
- McD was reported as having mentioned being impressed by Cody at a Senior Bowl practice
So, IMHO, I think McX drafts Cody at 11 and then we cut Parker or Pedesclaux (or both).
Anyway, nice job & rec’d
"A man can fail, but he is not a failure until he blames someone else." J. Paul Getty
by SteveAssassin on Mar 11, 2010 4:15 PM MST up reply actions
We might be able to get Cody in the second round, if the draft was today. He's probably a reach at 11, though.
I’m not saying I wouldn’t want to have him, it’s just we could probably get him a little later and save ourselves a little bit of money.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by Troy Hufford on Mar 11, 2010 4:37 PM MST up reply actions
I see your point...
Cody is probably not BPA at 11…BUT I don’t think he makes it to the 2nd round in a League that places such high value on NTs.
"A man can fail, but he is not a failure until he blames someone else." J. Paul Getty
by SteveAssassin on Mar 11, 2010 5:10 PM MST up reply actions
That's fair. We could trade down in the first round, if McD feels it necessary.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by Troy Hufford on Mar 11, 2010 5:17 PM MST up reply actions
i like it
I suppose in the new, less sophisticated run scheme, O-linemen could more readily be interchangeable… as far as the D-line, I’d see it more a problem if we ran a standard 3-4. With our version though (by my understanding) the true NT becomes less critical and more versatile….? This all sounds very good for our pass rush and run defense. Still though, with the extra players allocated to these positions, where do we stand with our LBs & Dbacks? It seems as though we’re going to have an infusion of youth amongst the vets here as well… I suppose if we do devote so much attention to the trenches, we could stand pat for another year at LB/safety (unless one of the stars fall to us) but I don’t see how we can not address our aging CB and shaky nickle back situation. OL/OL/NT as our 1st three may indeed be our approach but I’d SO rather we landed a starting type OL in free agency! Having the option to take a Berry/Thomas Devin McCourty/Kyle Wilson or even a Mclain type…. would to me be important!
by Whidbey Bronco on Mar 12, 2010 5:19 AM MST up reply actions
Vortex
Following your point about last year. In early February of last year, looking at the reports I on another Bronco related site decided that Razi, if he was available should be the 1st pick, followed by Orakpo. Missed those, but am willing to say that I’m happy with Moreno and Ayers.
However, on the same post in early February, I said that I’d take a very long look at Tom Brandstater in the 5th, Chris Baker in the 6th, and Everette Pedescleaux in the 7th. I suppose you can say I had them rated too high. But then again, maybe not, currently I like their chances to contribute this year or next.
Overall, I agree that the MSM rating system is more subjective than the give the impression it is. Each team has its own rating system (as do I). I just wish I had as much information about some things as the coaches do. I, by the way, had Alfonso Smith rated in the first round, just not as a Bronco pick. For him, and the others above, its much too soon IMO to judge their eventual worth.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 1:42 PM MST reply actions
Vortex
By the way. I love your and Emmett’s (and others) posts and comments. They help to make this site a very pleasant indulgence for me.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 1:44 PM MST reply actions
Whidbey Bronco
I also am intrigued by Taylor Mays. He’s very big and very fast for a safety. And is reported to be very aggressive. The concerns seem to be his ability to pass cover and to discipline his aggression (over runs or over plays). I can envision a team thinking that his aggression can be most easily channeled on STs and that his ability to cover and discipline his play could be improved through coaching and experience giving him a huge upside.
But, alas, Oakland might take him and doom him to failure.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 1:57 PM MST reply actions
We already have a Taylor Mays but he goes by Josh Barrett
About the same size, fast, over pursues. Sounds about right? Mays probably beats Barrett out in head to head competition but his cost in terms of salary and a high draft pick seem too much to me.
a dangerous pick no doubt
but the thought of having another Atwater or maybe an Ed Reed/Troy Paluamalo SP? that change the game….? tempting.
by Whidbey Bronco on Mar 12, 2010 5:21 AM MST up reply actions
First thing that came to my mind when you said ST's were an appendage was Steve Tasker.
Steve a 7 time ProBowler and MVP was listed as a wide receiver, but was used primarily as a gunner on ST’s. Some have even stated that he belongs in the Hall of Fall and is listed 9th on the list of players shunned by the Hall. St’s have been a big part of football for a long time, it’s just in the past few years where field position has been recognized as an important factor and outcome of the game. Thanks ivan for the very insightful post and keep it up, that’s the kind of reading we need on here.
bfree2bronz
Agree with you that recently field position has been recognized as crucial. Shroud or Sayre did an analysis, I think, somewhere of its importance. Tasker was HOF caliber IMO.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 3:05 PM MST reply actions
Andre Davis Cut
Just saw a post that said Andre Davis was cut.
If true, its interesting.
My feeling is that if the DL is big, stout and run stuffing, the ILB skill set changes. Instead of run stoppers, it now becomes a position where good tackling and pass coverage become pre-eminent. Size is not as important as before. Perhaps Larsen and Woodyard have an expanded role.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 3:08 PM MST reply actions
I am still of the opinion, unlike others that we will take Rolando McClain in the first.
I liked Davis because he is a humble human being and a leader on the team, but with the lackluster play between him and DJ at the end of the season, I figured one would get the shaft. I’m not shocked by this at all.
3/10/10: Rolando McClain ran a 4.69 40 and leaped a 35-inch vertical at his Pro Day. However, the big news is that McClain was diagnosed with Chrohn’s disease, which sounds a lot worse than it is. Chrohn’s will not affect McClain’s play on the field. Lots of people, including David Garrard, have Chrohn’s and it really doesn’t impact their lives all that much as long as it’s monitored. McClain is still a top-18 pick.
Unless McD/X/Wink see something in the later rounds McClain is still the stud of the ILBer draft and this years draft isn’t heavy ladened with great prospects. There are some later though that could develop and maybe, just maybe Spencer Larsen will indeed get his day in the sun!
G Seth Olsen 6'5 306 lb
Seth is a very strong handed player who played mostly on the right side of the O-Line at Iowa. He played some as LT too, making him one of McDaniels’ physical and versitile prospects. He played on defense in high school as well.
Millard North had a 36-2 record in his three years as a starter. … as a senior, helped pave the way for a running game that averaged 473 yards per game. … also played defensive tackle for three years, amassing 92 tackles (44 solo), nine tackles for loss and three sacks.. … attended same high school as DB Adam Shada and LB Jeff Tarpinian. … high school coach was Fred Petito.
J'Vonne Parker also cut
Apparently J’Vonne Parker was also cut. He was injured early and didn’t see much action.
Always wonder if he had an upside. Apparently not much.
The cutting of Davis and Parker raise the total of this years cuts/waivers to 6.
Clarifies the DL some.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 4:08 PM MST reply actions
bfree2bronc
You’re right about Chrohn’s disease. It’s less of an issue IMO than diabetes.
I still have McClain ranked high and would not be surprised if he’s picked at #11, depending upon who falls.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 4:10 PM MST reply actions
The difference is predictability.
Diabetes is able to be well managed with known outcomes and the ability to control blood sugars with insulin. Crohn’s is totally unpredictable because the cause is not known and therefore unable to be effectively controlled by current therapy. Recent developments using immunosuppressive drugs have allowed better control, but with the risk of serious infections as a consequence. I just can’t advise taking any player with this chronic disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 11, 2010 6:29 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think I said that ivan.
Chrohn’s disease can be very debilitating if not treated properly. It would be kind of hard to perform on the field when your guts are burning to high heaven…
bfree2bronc
Also, agree on Seth Olsen. I see him starting this year probably at OLG.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 4:12 PM MST reply actions
olsen
Here’s my thought about olsen. If he’s so good, why wasn’t he playing late last year? Were there rules that meant he couldn’t?
He may have been picked up as a developmental project.
Here’s his NFL combine report:
Positives: Naturally large man with good weight distribution. Good initial quickness off the snap. Very good hand placement and upper-body strength. Seems to enjoy the physical hand-to-hand combat inside the trenches. Good strength to latch onto the defender, turn and either sustain his position or toss the defender onto ground for a pancake block. Underrated short-area lateral quickness and balance to hold up in pass protection. Plays with good leverage despite his height. Versatile blocker who has started at right guard, right tackle and left tackle over the past two years. Impressive week of practice at the East-West Shrine game.
Negatives: Strong and technically refined, but isn’t an elite athlete. Only phone-booth quickness. Struggles adjusting in space at the second level. Lumbers after a few steps and is forced to lunge at defenders. Lacks the deep kick-step and elite lateral quickness to handle the left tackle position, though he has experience there. May struggle on the outside at right tackle.
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
by Brian Shrout on Mar 12, 2010 2:43 PM MST up reply actions
Very good post Ivan
I have thoroughly enjoyed your comment as well relating to other posts. To be completely honest you thru your comments have helped to educate me as much as the others here at MHR. Keep the great posts and interesting line of thinking comming. You have the ability to be a valuable contributor to MHR and make this a continual learning experience for me. Thanks again
btw I gave your post a rec. It really deserved it.
Ponderosa
Don’t know much about Crohn’s disease. Know of people who have it and live with it with apparently little effect for pretty much a normal life. You obvioulsy know more about it than I do.
However, our family does have a history of diabetes. And it’s nasty. Depending on its type and level you can treat it some with diet and insulin (and other medications like Metformin, Gliepiride and others). But it regularly results in conditions that are degenerative and/or fatal. The most frequent conditions are blindness and heart disease. I have two aunts, three uncles and two cousins, all who have died of the disease in one form or another. All but one became totally blind and all died of diabetes induced heart disease.
My family’s experience may be extreme, but I’d personally take Crohn’s disease over diabetes if I had a chance to choose.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 11, 2010 6:49 PM MST reply actions
Every disease has a variable course depending on multiple factors.
Diabetes has well defined goals which limit or even eliminate consequences of the disease. Foremost is tight glucose control, meaning normal blood glucose, which is accomplished by diet and glucose lowering medications of various kinds to keep glucose in the normal range. The consequences of uncontrolled disease are vascular disease, kidney disease, eye disease and premature death. In Crohn’s disease there are no dietary or medical regimens that predictably prevent progression or acute episodes which are debilitating or even life threatening. Just because a person has had no severe attacks previously has no predictive value for the future. It’s just like the stock market – 10 years of prior gains have no predictive value for the next year. Roll the dice however you want. Taking a player with any high draft choice with an unpredictable chronic disease is just plain bad business in professional sports.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 12, 2010 9:23 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
It's not a choice that we get to make, my friend
No one suggested that some forms of diabetes aren’t horrible – and if they did, they were being foolish. Folks die of Crohn’s as well, and pretty terribly too. Disease is a fearsome visitor, and few of us ever avoid it during our lives.
It all starts with the lines
Ain't that the truth. And after they said Gerrard had it, I wondered how he got along with it.
My father and sister had it and there are times when episodes just show up at the wrong time. The Broncos would be ever so watchful of him if they took him. It might not be a good idea, but I don’t know how severe his disease is and how it has progressed or regressed since he was 8. My sister deals with it and lives a good life, so, I don’t know what to think of McClain.
bfree, no matter what folks think
People in McClain’s situation usually experience some degree of incapacitating exacerbation (debilitating flare-ups – pardon my tendency to talk in jargon, please) over the next decade – I looked up more info on the disease the day after this broke. It is always possible that someone won’t have those issues, and that’s where folks sometimes lose track. the odds are very poor for a player with the disease.
It is also true that once in a while, you’ll have someone who is truly fortunate and doesn’t have that experience, but just as a matter of the odds, he will probably have a few (or more) of those experiences. It’s important to keep in mind that past experiences do not foretell what will occur with a patient of this disease in the future. To me, that takes someone off the board in the first round. To others, it doesn’t. That’s fine, too. Either perspective might be right. The odds just aren’t that good.
It all starts with the lines
Emmett
I did not intend to appear flippant with my comment about diabetes versus Crohn’s disease. I was just reacting to someone who said that diabetes could be controlled and regulated with insulin. It’s not that simple.
I also looked up some more on Crohn’s disease since most of my experience with it has been with people who live fairly normally. I honestly did not know it to be as dangerous as it is in some forms. Mostly, I thought that with medication and some attention to diet it could be kept pretty much in remission (as it appears to be in the cases of Garrard and McClain).
I have more personal experience with diabetes as I indicated (and said to myself “Oh, sh*t”, when it was revealed that Cutler had it – still thought Cutler was the franchise savior at that point). It’s a disease that is degenerative in some, often fatal, worrisome and somewhat incapacating in almost all, and in many instances, is very hard on athletes especially if they have to take insulin.
I discovered recently that I am susceptable to diabetes and take extensive precautions to control blood sugar levels (at best a nuisance).
I’ve already had quadruple by-pass surgery, so am actually probably serious when I say I’d prefer Crohn’s to diabetes (I could lose the weight that should come from the diet and medication).
And I definitely agree that we don’t get to make those choices; I know that first hand.
by ivanthenotsobad on Mar 12, 2010 4:09 PM MST up reply actions
I understand completely, ivan
(I could lose the weight that should come from the diet and medication).
that made me laugh – about once a day, a patient would ask me how to lose weight. I mentioned caloric intake and exercise, and you could watch the shades come down over their eyes.
Again – it depends on the case, with both. Cutler can control his disease with meds and careful diet – that’s obviously not true with other forms of diabetes. I’ve known Crohn’s patients who lived in hellish pain and some that got by with a much easier existence. I hope that you never have to experience either – it sounds as if you’ve got more than enough on your plate. All the best to you on that, my friend.
Mostly, I thought that with medication and some attention to diet it could be kept pretty much in remission (as it appears to be in the cases of Garrard and McClain).
Garrard, yes. McClain is going into the years where a flare is more likely and the fact that he’s been spared that so far doesn’t predict anything. As I’ve noted – I hope that this never is a problem for that talented young man. It would matter to me if I was responsible for pulling the trigger on the draft – anything else is opinion.
It all starts with the lines
ivan and doc, I have a hunting partner who is 65 and has insulin dependent Diabetes.
We backpack several miles up in the mountains and I have a hard time keeping up with him. I look at him sometimes and shake my head in wonderment of how he can be so robust and full of energy (hauling out an elk on backpack is quite a chore). The thing that kills me is, he drinks beer like a fish and it doesn’t seem to bother him. One thing that might be helping him is that he keeps busy working building custom furniture ou of burl wood he harvests by hand out of the woods. He’s an amazing character to say the least.
Excellent post, ivanthenotsobad. Rec'd.
Dang good for a first post. I agree that I sometimes wonder how we won 8 games last year. Our new scheme both on O and on D helped, I think. Then when there was enough film, the weaknesses became apparent.
I am with you on the OL. There are a number of unknowns there – how good are those guys currently on the roster? If Fry, Batiste, McChesney, and Olsen turn out to be very good in all blocking schemes, we only need to add depth. The condition of Harris makes me nervous. When Jeremy did his post on Bannan and Edwards in the BAL game – where Harris went down – Polumbus appeared to do pretty well against Edwards. I would not be surprised to see an OT drafted at #11. If it is a DE, I will be mumbling WTF for a few days.
Good work on the ST. They helped us tremendously against SD in SD. Difference makers.
Thanks for your energy and time.
I have Crohn's disease
I have suffered from Crohn’s disease for over 20 years. Mine first flared up when I was in Lima, Peru. I have had periods where I have been unable to work and confined to bed. It can be very debilitating. If Rolando McClain has been able to play and perform at a high level in college I think it’s safe to say his condition is not as severe as mine and others, although it could be at some point in his life. I have been a big fan of drafting McClain and was shocked when I heard the news. Having been through what I have I would be cautious, but not rule out drafting him. The 11th pick might be too risky even for a top level player.
Thank you for your personal perspective on a challenging disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Ivan great post
Great to read. thanks
I would hope you would support who we are. Not, who we are not. Coach Norman Dale "Hoosiers"
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