Horse Tracks - 5/27/10
by John Bena on May 27, 2010 6:24 AM MDT
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Get to Know: Matthew Willis - DenverBroncos.com
Matthew Willis has always been versatile.
Getting Eddie Involved - DenverBroncos.com
"I really can't put a finger on it," Brandon Stokley said of Royal's 2009 statistics. "He worked hard in the offseason, he was kind of the same guy that he was the year before, just sometimes it doesn't work out for you. Sometimes that year your numbers are down, and you really can't put a finger on it."
Smith poised for bigger role in '10 - The Denver Post
The Broncos signed a cornerback in free agency and selected two more in the draft, but don't exclude 2009 second- round draft pick Alphonso Smith from playing a big role.
Broncos' O-line battles injuries first, foes later - The Denver Post
As Kuper and the Kids lined up to block, an imposing portrait of pessimism limped out of the nearby weight room.
Broncos' Ayers plans to start at OLB in second NFL season - The Denver Post
The Broncos would like Ayers, one of their first-round picks in the 2009 draft (running back Knowshon Moreno was the other), to be a defensive starter when the season begins in September.
Q&A: Climbing the Broncos' depth chart a big challenge for Brandstater - The Denver Post
Q: Why don't we hear more about Broncos quarterback Tom Brandstater? It's always Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn or Tim Tebow. From what I saw in the last preseason game last year, Brandstater looked pretty good. Is he not an NFL quarterback? At 6-feet-5 and 223 pounds, he has the size. And from what I saw, he has a good arm for the longer throws. But I'm not sure about his mobility. What is your take on him? Who actually has the best chance to be the Broncos' starting quarterback this year?
Broncos fantasy football forecast: Not good | All Things Broncos
I figure that since the NFL world has spent so much time this week focusing on something that won’t even happen for three more years (the 2014 Super Bowl), it is totally fair game to talk about something that normally I would consider out of bounds for late May: Fantasy Football.
Woody's Mailbag: Orton not the guy to lead Broncos to Super Bowl championship - The Denver Post
Hey, Paige, why do you spend all your time ragging on Kyle Orton? He is a great young quarterback and will lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl championship. The coach says that Orton is No. 1 and will be the starter, and you want to trade him. When are you and Tim Tebow getting married?
Teammate: Moss did not use HGH - The Denver Post
Washington Redskins receiver Santana Moss has told teammates he received three treatments from the Canadian doctor who was charged last week with smuggling and supplying human growth hormone.
2014 Super Bowl should be labeled the Big Chill - The Denver Post
February in New Jersey — what better place to spend thousands of dollars for a ticket to watch your team in the Super Bowl . . . outside?
Ex-Browns RB Reuben Droughns heads overseas to coach in the CEFL | cleveland.com
Reuben Droughs, who gained 1,232 yards for the Browns in 2005 and built a reputation for toughness in his short NFL career, is moving to Belgrade to coach in the Central European Football League, according to the CEFL's online arm.
Inside the playbook: Brady to Moss | National Football Post
Today, let’s look at another route, one that was put on display by the New England Patriots during the ’09 season when they traveled to Indy to take on the Colts — a club that still plays plenty of Tampa 2. First, we’ll break it down on the chalkboard and then move over to the video replay to see how Tom Brady was able to use play action to get the ball down the field to WR Randy Moss.
Diner morning news: Is Fisher a voice of reason? | National Football Post
Titans head coach Jeff Fisher wants to sit down with star running back Chris Johnson in an effort to bring Johnson into camp. Little known to many people, Johnson’s agent, Joel Segal, was in Nashville last week discussing multiple proposals with general manager Mike Reinfeldt in an effort to reward Johnson for out-playing his rookie contract. Segal knows he’s fighting an uphill battle, but he has Johnson’s two-year production on his side. Segal is attempting to be proactive in his effort to get the team to reward Johnson, and the Titans want players to honor their contracts — at least for the first three years. Both sides have strong positions, and working behind the scenes is best for both.
A deep group of underclassmen DBs | National Football Post
There are no elite Eric Berry-type prospects expected to enter the 2011 draft class, but what we have is a deep, athletic group of players at both safety and cornerback who have the skill sets needed to mature into talented high draft picks by next April. Today, the National Football Post takes a look at the nation’s top underclassman DBs and breaks down their games going into the 2010 season.
A philosophy for a successful career | National Football Post
Over the last 60 days, I’ve had the opportunity to chat closely with my 2010 rookie class about their transitions into the NFL, what to expect and how to be successful.
American Needle decision affirms status quo | National Football Post
Everyone, from the leagues to the teams to the unions to the sports law experts, waited for it, as it was going to potentially be a game-changer in sports. But then the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in the American Needle v. NFL case on Monday, and the only real change or surprise came from the court itself, which seems divided 5-4 on just about everything from abortion to whether it’s blue cheese or ranch dressing with Buffalo wings. It was unanimous in striking down two lower court decisions which said the NFL enjoyed a blanket antitrust protection as a single entity.
Owen Daniels to miss Texans' training camp | National Football Post
Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels will be out for training camp due to his torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Former Ravens, Browns scout heads to Philadelphia | National Football Post
The Philadelphia Eagles have hired former Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns scout Daniel Jeremiah, author of the popular Move the Sticks blog and podcast.
Orlando Scandrick sidelined with "shattered" finger | National Football Post
Orlando Scandrick, who in two seasons has gone from a fifth-round draft pick to a building block for the future of the Dallas Cowboys defense, will be sidelined perhaps until the start of training camp.
Keith Bulluck nearly back from torn ACL | National Football Post
Veteran free agent linebacker Keith Bulluck is nearly healthy enough to get a job.
Agnone to work out for Dolphins today | National Football Post
Former New England Patriots tight end Robbie Agnone is set to work out for the Miami Dolphins today, according to his agent, J.R. Rickert.
Dwayne Bowe tells Eddie Kennison he didn't make 'importing' comments | National Football Post
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has come up with a novel explanation for his controversial claims about players 'importing' women to the team hotel during his rookie season: He didn't say it.
Travis Johnson signs his restricted tender | National Football Post
San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Travis Johnson signed his first-round restricted tender, a one-year contract worth $1.226 million.
Ray Rice: 'It's all about having fun' | National Football Post
Ray Rice accelerated into the end zone and didn’t break stride until he left the ground, leaping into the air to dunk the football over the crossbar.
Judge dismisses lawsuit against Brady, Gisele | National Football Post
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, scored a touchdown in the courtroom today.
Reed Doughty signs tender with Redskins | National Football Post
The Washington Redskins announced that veteran safety Reed Doughty has signed his tender as a restricted free agent. That leaves the team with only two RFA’s who have yet to sign – linebacker Rocky McIntosh and cornerback Carlos Rogers. The deadline for RFA’s to sign before clubs can reduce the amount of their tender to 110 percent of their 2009 base salary is June 15.
In New Orleans, four RFA's remain unsigned | National Football Post
In the first week of OTA’s, four of the club’s restricted free agents have yet to sign on the dotted line. With 20 days until the deadline where teams can reduce an RFA’s tender offer to 110 percent of his 2009 base salary, it is unclear when those players will be under contract.
Antonio Gates gets his foot examined | National Football Post
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was excused from minicamp to have his foot examined by a North Carolina specialist, the team announced.
Chargers tell Ellison to skip minicamp; Gates to see foot doctor
Many players were noticeably absent Wednesday when the San Diego Chargers reconvened as a full team for the first time since their playoff loss to the New York Jets.
Don't buy into myth that rookie pass rush flops will improve
A few weeks ago, I presented what the expectations should be from rookie pass rushers in the NFL. Even the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Tamp Bay's Gerald McCoy, agrees with me that 30 tackles and three-to-four sacks is a heck of a rookie season.
Don't buy into idea that NY/NJ Super Bowl is a one-time thing
Before and after the New York/New Jersey area was awarded the 2014 Super Bowl, several NFL owners said not to expect a rash of cold-weather teams to apply for or be awarded Super Bowls in the future. It's New York. It's New Meadowlands Stadium. It's a one-time thing, with the New York element carrying major sway, some of them said
Urlacher, defense need to lead charge if Bears are to rebound
Brian Urlacher took exception to the critical comments recently issued by Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, but the former Bears great was simply pointing out the elephant in the room.
Giants hope rehabbing safety Phillips will be back for training camp
The New York Giants remain optimistic that they will have top safety Kenny Phillips back for training camp this summer, a source with knowledge of the situation revealed Wednesday.
Labor issue about to blow up on NFL - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
In homage to one of television’s greatest action shows, here is a 24-style way to view labor negotiations between the NFL and its players union.
Natalie Gulbis calls Ben Roethlisberger 'a great guy' - News - FOX Sports on MSN
LPGA golfer Natalie Gulbis played a round of golf with ex-boyfriend Ben Roethlisberger and called the troubled Steelers quarterback "a great guy.''
Holmgren shows why he's the boss - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
He is a man in charge of everything now and yet nothing is like what Mike Holmgren’s football world has ever been.
Jared Allen abandons the mayonnaise-laden mullet lifestyle - Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Minnesota Viking defensive end Jared Allen(notes), perhaps the world's foremost proponent of the mullet, is abandoning the lifestyle for his future wife. It's a lifestyle to which he seemed to have committed to just a few months ago.
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Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
All I want is 53 Rod Smiths. Is that asking too much????
"Peyton Hillis didn’t rip the sleeves off his jersey, they flew off out of fear."
Calijoefornia.
Ditto!
"To be honest, I will wear whatever number they want me to wear. If that's 15,
I'll wear 15. If that's 95, I'll wear 95. I don't really care, just as long as
I can wear a Denver Broncos jersey. That's my approach and my attitude."
TT 4/23/10
Ha ha
From Woody’s mailbag: “And how’s it going, Dolphins, with Brandon Marshall and his latest reason for not showing up?”
The article on Matthew Willis is good
maybe he can be a returner for us.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Indeed
He will make the team based on his ability to be the gunner. That is what distinguishes him from McKinley and Lloyd.
by ocbroncomaniac on May 27, 2010 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Jared Allen's mullet will be back. You can count on it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5221140
“The mullet isn’t just a hairdo. It’s definitely a lifestyle. You’re carrying on a legacy,” he said “If I approach you from the front, it’s like, wow, that dude is pretty serious. Then I walk away and you’re like, damn, he likes to party. With two Rs.”
“The things dude’s do for love….initially….” Is how the quote should go. :)
by Gristle McThornbody on May 27, 2010 8:38 AM MDT reply actions
Jared Allen
I’m glad this guy plays for someone other than the Chefs because he is really funny and I like rooting for him.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
Thanks John
I used to think Pat Kirwan knew a thing or two about the game. This article showed one thing that the MSM measures everything based on Fantasy game stats value and that’s it.
Great interview with Willis, sounds like a kid who’s driven to try and make this team.
"I cannot give you a formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: Try to please everybody."
As someone that despises fantasy football, I was very glad to see that the Broncos don’t stack up as a good fantasy football collection of individual players.
Kirwan had some good points. A guy’s rookie season does count and many (most) of very good players in today’s NFL hit the ground running as rookies. Much more so than the number of current great NFL players that really struggled as rookies.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
Overall I'd agree
That second year players who didn’t have a huge impact in their first year usually don’t in there careers. There are exceptions to that as in everything else. Here’s to Ayers being one of those exceptions. I’d say most become journeymen, who aren’t the highlight reel type players, but do add value to their teams.
"I cannot give you a formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: Try to please everybody."
Ayers had to make a huge adjustment from college to the Pros. It didn’t go well in his rookie year, but that makes a lot of sense considering the jump. I hold out hope he gets there in year 2. Unlike a player like Vern Gholston, Derick Harvey or Glenn Dorsey that has sucked since day one when they should have been much better.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
Woody’s take on Orton was logical stuff for those that can stomach the concept that Kyle may not be a Top 10 QB nor have the goods to ascend to one.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
Perhaps it is blasphemous but I would rather have the future sooner and lose now than wait for the future and win a couple more games now.
We know the team doesn’t think he is the future. If they did, they sure as heck wouldn’t trade for Quinn and draft another QB in the first.
It will be better for McD’s future to have a good young QB heading into 2011 than a mediocre 2010 W-L record and no QB with experience heading into 2011. Just one more reason why Orton should get traded (obviously not until well into TC at the earliest) if he continues playing like he did in the 2nd half of 2009.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
One of his better mail bags. Woody seems to have sobered up since we drafted TT.
by SlowWhiteGuy on May 27, 2010 9:05 AM MDT up reply actions
If someone really thinks Orton is a top-10 quarterback, I would like to hear from them. Until proven otherwise, the population of people saying that is about as big as the number of unicorns who belong to MHR. Not exactly a contingent to argue with.
Most of the energy spent has been in pointing out that he’s a serviceable-to-serviceable-plus NFL quarterback. Good enough in the right situation (which the Broncos aren’t). I think he’s fine, but want better. And I think that’s the case with most folks here.
Seriously, where is this Orton-is-the-one contingent? You can find lots of people saying anything on the Internet, and until the Orton-love becomes dominant, it’s hardly a point worth quibbling with.
As a former Orton backer
IMO I don’t think any of us were saying he was a top-10 quarterback. It was my belief that McDaniel’s was such a great quarterback coach that he could give a game manager top-10 statistics. I have long ago switched flavors of kool-aid though, and all the points Woody made in his mail bag reaffirm my decision to do so. Not even McJedi can get a super bowl with someone who won’t go deep and can’t scramble. Viva las Tebow y Quinn.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
I don't think Orton is top-10...
But I think he can be.
The guy is currently ~top-15… and that with a string of nagging injuries, a new team, relatively poor running game/oline, and new scheme. Given the things holding him back last year, I firmly believe Orton has the potential to be a top-10 QB this year… but of course, that depends on the oline, WRs, injuries, etc. stacking up in a way that enables him to succeed. He’s not a guy that will carry the team, but he can be highly successful and better than the vast majority of NFL QBs. He won’t lose games for us, which is better than many QBs.
That level of performance can easily be good enough for regular playoff runs and with some luck at the right time, a SB. I mean, we very close to a playoff team last year even with all the things holding us back, and including the collapse of our run defense. He won’t ever be a HOFer, but he can be a consistent winner.
I also am very excited to see what Tebow can bring.. I think he’s definitely a year-plus away, but he has the potential to be one of those top-5/HOF-caliber guys that carries a team to multiple championships. But I also like hedging my bets, because he has enough flaws that I only give him a 50%-60% chance of ever being better than Orton is today.
Quinn is another guy with some upside, but I have a lot less hope for him. His top-end is probably only a top-10 or so, and the chances of him ever being better than Orton are probably only ~35%. He can be a solid backup however.
Brandstater probably has an upside as a top-5 guy given his physical attributes (probably 2nd only to Tebow), but he probably only has a 10% chance of ever being better than Orton is today. He could be another solid backup however.
There you go ChiBronx. Another Bronco fan that thinks Orton can win a SB. There are more of these guys at MHR than unicorns.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
If Trent Dilfer can win a SB...
KO certainly can….
by cjfarls on May 27, 2010 2:13 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Give me a break!
Trent Dilfer didn’t win a Super Bowl, the Ravens D won that Super Bowl and just about every game the Ravens won that entire season.
Hell, the Ravens went several games that year where their offense could barely move the ball let alone score.
If Denver puts together a D like that one the Ravens had, Cody Hawkins could QB a Super Bowl winner. Okay, I went too far.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
Trent Dilfer was also a Top 10 NFL draft pick and considering an elite QB heading into the NFL. Don’t ask me why, but the guy did have several physical talents Orton does not.
Brad Johnson would be a better example than Dilfer.
Apparently this was the awesome, pre-injury Alphonso Smith.
So...
Dilfer was NOT a good QB. Orton may not be an elite QB, but he’s a lot better than Dilfer ever was. Brad Johnson, Kerry Collins, etc. were other examples that had a good DEF behind him, but I think Orton is/can be a better QB than them as well.
… as such, since he’s potentially BETTER than either of those guys, Orton will need to have a good DEF, etc., but it doesn’t need to be an all-time great DEF like Balt, etc.
No one is disputing that Orton won’t single handedly carry the team like a Peyton Manning, etc. The team will have to have some other great players to succeed.
I put Orton in the same category as Hasselbeck, Boomer, Neil O’Donnel, Stan Humphries, Joe Theisman, Doug Williams, Phill Simms, etc… all QBs good enough to get their team to a Super Bowl and give the team a shot to win… but none of those guys could do it alone like a Manning, Elway, Farve, etc.
We’ll never have a dynasty with Orton as QB unless the team really does get a Balt quality DEF…. but we can have a team that consistently makes the playoffs, and with some luck and/or other elite pieces of the team, has a shot at winning a SB. In my mind, thats pretty good…. and thats all anyone is saying.
I think you moved the goalposts on this one, McG. “Can the Broncos win a Superbowl with Orton” is a radically different question than whether the could win one because of him. The 2000 Ravens are an unflattering comparison because the guy is a better QB than Trent Dilfer.
But the same logic applies: Could Kyle Orton, given the keys to a football Cadillac, get the job done? Absolutely? Are the Broncos as presently constituted a Cadillac? Hell no. To say they could win a Superbowl with Orton doesn’t mean a person thinks he’s a top-10 QB. It means that his/her view of football is such that a pedestrian quarterback can thrive in the right circumstances. I’m in that camp, and I have Orton as about the 20th-25th-best quarterback in the NFL minus McD.
by Chibronx on May 28, 2010 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the Tracks!
Take my advice... I'm not using it!
"If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague."
does anyone else think that the NY/NJ superbowl
is the greatest thing to happen to football in a long time? i cant even imagine how crazy NYC is going to be that week and id bet that it will set the bar for the future super bowl cities.
im also probably a little biased since im from jersey and my dad works at the meadowlands so there is a very very small outside chance i can at least get into the stadium sometime in the days leading up to the big game in 2014 (or maybe get to go to the dance!!!!)
"Have you ever heard of the emancipation proclamation?"
- "I don't listen to hip-hop"
Unless you're actually going to the game,
what difference does it make? Although it would be nice if this results in cities like Denver having the potential of hosting a future Superbowl.
the difference is
that NYC is an awesome city and IMO is on a an entirely different scale. how can you not be excited to see a cold weather super bowl played in one of the most recognized cities in the world? and yes since i am close to East Rutherford id have an easier time getting to festivities so thats mostly why im excited…. but still the super bowl being played in new jersey? thats awesome
"Have you ever heard of the emancipation proclamation?"
- "I don't listen to hip-hop"
by BroncoJoe311 on May 27, 2010 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions
I couldn’t care less that it’s in New York, “scale” or no. If it means that Denver’s in the run in the future, and it should, great. If it’s an exception because “it’s New York” well, that sucks.
by AllBroncsallday on May 27, 2010 3:59 PM MDT up reply actions
I like it
For the 99.9% of fans who watch the Super Bowl on TV, it’s a nice change of pace from the New Orleans/Florida routine. For the suits and wine sippers who actually go to the game and may have to endure a little cold weather, suck it up princesses!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=drink+the+kool-aid
It's reassuring that
when the lockout happens, we can always fall back on the Central European Football League…
Thanks for the Tracks
I have to admit that I sincerely hope Walton impresses McDaniels enough, so he won’t start Hochstein at C. He has been a back-up for most of his NFL career, and last season he was quite inconsistent at LG.
Hochstein is the one player who makes me think the tinfoil-hat ranting about the “Patroncos” may inadvertently be on to something. I hope he’s gone.
Patroncos = worst neologism ever.
I like
the Denver Beariots better. Lol
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
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