Broncos release OL Maurice Williams, Sign FB Kyle Eckel
by John Bena on Jun 4, 2010 6:02 PM MDT
in 2010 Denver Broncos Offseason
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The Denver Broncos on Friday announced several transactions, including the free-agent signing of fullback Kyle Eckel.
The club also on Friday waived quarterback Tom Brandstater and released offensive lineman Maurice Williams.
Eckel (5-foot-11, 237 pounds) is a fourth-year player who has appeared in 24 career regular-season games (2 starts) in the NFL with New Orleans (2009), Philadelphia (2008), New England (2007, '05) and Miami (2005-06). Eckel, who entered the NFL with the Patriots as a college free agent from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005, has totaled 59 career rushes for 175 yards (3.0 avg.) with two touchdowns along with three receptions for 20 yards (6.7 avg.).
In the postseason, Eckel has seen time in eight games, including the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV win against Indianapolis on Feb. 7.
Eckel totaled 2,906 career rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns and 13 100-yard rushing games during his time at Navy. He became only the third player in school history to register two 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
A three-year letterwinner in football and baseball at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pa., Eckel was born on Dec. 30, 1981.
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Too bad
about Williams. He really could have helped out if he was anywhere close to his old form.
too bad, yes
OT is still a concern, and having a vet would alleviate that concern greatly.
I’ve been talking about reserve OT for a number of years and I still can’t feel comfortable.
The positive is that we acquired a FB with — apparently — the skill set we’re looking for. I didn’t think that we needed to invest much to get a power back, as I was looking at the situation before the draft, but the problem was always a dilemma of finding the right skill set. A good blocker who catches and plays lights out STs is all we need. Having the ability to run is a bonus but not essential.
no goats, no glory.
Maybe Williams was insurance for Clady and Harris and they have good news on that front. Also I am hoping they are moving the Stormin' Mormon back to ILB!
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.
Thank god you posted a picture
For a minute I thought you were talking about this guy.
I like Josh. But I need Ws.
LMAO!
Future 2010 MHR Fantasy Football Champion! ;)
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Not sure about the guy
I’m never a fan of someone who can’t honorably fulfill their military commitment.
The service academies have modified their agreements for players that reach the pros
I believe he has met that with reserve status obligations.
According to Greg Doyle
Eckel was, in essence, “fired” by the Navy. Neither the Navy nor Eckel have been willing to discuss the details. Doyle’s story can be found here.
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
I really wonder what...
Hillis did to piss off McD. Kind of the same player except Hillis runs alot better and I think Eckel might block better. Oh well. Lets play ball!!!
Eckel is more an ISO Blocking FB than Hillis and is a better fit in power running system.
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.
AND Eckel looks more like Eric Estrada.
by oxmouth on Jun 5, 2010 10:30 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
THIS
is the only explanation!!!
- Nick
"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
"if you look close, there’s a hoodie lurking in the background of picture 4. similar to the classic sasquatch shot and equally stunning, as the denver temperature today is relatively fair."
-oxmouth
and Hillis wasn't a former Patri-cheat
That goes a LONG way for McD; NE cast-offs are like gold – to him.
Yet another sloppy second…
Yep, terrible work by McD to get a player that is a good fit for his scheme...what a putz!
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.
no kidding!
:)
So, I guess that means Paxton fits his scheme better than Leach did?
Yep...actually he does....and he was cheaper than Leach.
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.
And in a year when one of the best longsnappers in the league was up for free agency
they chose to get that position cemented away for 5 years, instead of the one year that Leach had remaining on his contract.
Also, there is an overlooked element to Leach’s release, namely that he asked to be released and the Broncos obliged. Granted, the signing of Paxton sent a signal to Leach that he wasn’t guaranteed a spot, but the Broncos didn’t make a move to cut him. Leach asked them to release him so he could sign elsewhere, and they did. Just a small nuance to the situation that I think has been largely forgotten.
Another interesting element to all this was that Leach replaced Nathan Hodel in Arizona. Where did Hodel go? To New England to replace Lonie Paxton. And of course Paxton replaced Leach. Are your eyes spinning yet?
And let’s not leave out the (literally) biggest consideration: Leach 6’2" 240 lbs, Paxton 6’2" 310lbs.
Bear Claw Chris Lapp: You've come far pilgrim.
Jeremiah Johnson: Feels like far.
Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Were it worth the trouble?
Jeremiah Johnson: What trouble?
by Jeremy Bolander on Jun 5, 2010 10:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Not sure being 300 plus pounds is actually a good thing for a long snapper
because it’s always nice if they can actually contribute to covering a punt; but I guess it’s not a big deal if you are a clutch long snapper
But yeah great point in saying that Paxton was extended five years, four more than Leach was under contract for.
I don't know if being 300+ rules him out of punt coverage
But I have “Watch paxton” on my list of things to watch for on STs this year, along with noting the STs roster and responsibilities for each player. I’ve needed that info a lot this offseason, and it simply isn’t available without filmwork.
Bear Claw Chris Lapp: You've come far pilgrim.
Jeremiah Johnson: Feels like far.
Bear Claw Chris Lapp: Were it worth the trouble?
Jeremiah Johnson: What trouble?
by Jeremy Bolander on Jun 5, 2010 6:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Good points about OL depth, especially at tackle
I wonder if this means there is a greater chance of us bringing in Flozel. That would be good veteran depth.
by OrangeandBlue27 on Jun 5, 2010 12:10 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
No!
Not the tripping machine!
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
RIP Barrel Man - 12/5/09
by DesertBroncoFan on Jun 5, 2010 8:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Interesting
But they should have signed LenDale White. Maybe playing in his hometown will help him get his head straight and there is a big upside.
big is right! :)
I think it would take more than that to get the kid’s head on straight…
White is a RD...Eckel is a FB...we dont need a running back!
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.
And I agree Merlin....lendale is not worth the risk....bringing him to his home town only exaserbates the problem.
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.
Why bring on White?
I don’t know of a way to get through to a man who doesn’t want to hear it that he’s screwing up his career. If a player is dedicated to making a hash of his time in the NFL, why introduce a cancer into the locker room? Denver now has KM, Buck, JJ, Toney Baker, the comedy team of Ball and Hall (jk) and fullbacks Larsen and Eckel, plus Marquez Branson, who took some snaps at FB during the OTAs. That’s a very good, diverse group. White has gotten himself driven out of two teams in the past 7 months. Doesn’t that give us a hint?
Gnothi Seauton
by Doc Bear on Jun 5, 2010 2:54 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, I'm afraid it is the opposite
Getting back to his hometown to be surrounded with his old buddies is a huge risk for a guy with behavior/attitude problems. Just gives one more excuse to go out every day and eventually do something stupid.
Two crazy ideas
1. Is this a sign that McD might run a bit of option with Tebow at the helm? A few wrinkles? This guy has a ton of experience in that Navy offense.
2. Is this a sign that Spencer Larsen is being moved back to LB? If so, is his job safe? I read a bunch of comments on this site that basically state that Larsen is untouchable because of his play as a fullback, but this would mean his roster spot is up for grabs.
One more alternative
could this be nothing more than a further attempt to make sure there is competition at every position?
We live in an age when instant gratification isn't fast enough
Could be. FB is about the only position without much competition.
If that is the case, I’m afraid Larsen may not keep the starting FB position. This guy isn’t some slouch. McD is already trimming the roster and it seemed that Larsen’s playing time at LB was limited. I always loved him on special teams though, and I hope this is a move so he can concentrate on playing full time ILB.
After all, Larsen isn’t a true FB anyway. It stands to reason that a guy like Ecker would be able to give a converted LB some stiff competition for the spot.
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