Denver Broncos News: Horse Tracks - 1/24/11
by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 24, 2011 7:19 AM MST
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Welcome to the "Broncos? What Broncos?" Edition of Horsetracks. There was barely a whisper of Broncos news out there today, and frankly, unless it is bad news, there probably won't be anything until after the Superbowl and Trgovac stops playing. Today's news was dominated by discussion of, what else, yesterday's championship games, and something about a guy named Jay Cutler...
Power trip to Arlington, Texas: Traditional winners Steelers and Packers meet for the ultimate prize in Super Bowl - The Denver Post
But even with all that, this game's signature will likely be written by the two former co-workers now calling defensive signals for these two teams. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers were on Bill Cowher's first coaching staff in Pittsburgh, Capers as the coordinator and LeBeau as the defensive backs coach.
Former Bronco Trevor Pryce a fan of Fox | All Things Broncos
"I think they are heading in a direction that will make that town very, very pleased. They hired the correct man for that job. That’s the best decision they could have made," Pryce said. "You guys watch what happens."
Paige: The real America's teams will stand up in Super Bowl - The Denver Post
They convene near Dallas, home of the counterfeit America's Team. The Pack is back; the Steel is for real.
Steelers-Packers Super Bowl a dream scenario for fans, more Snap Judgments - Don Banks - SI.com
If there are two more fervent fan bases in the NFL, with loyalists who are willing to pick up and travel wherever their favorite team is playing, I couldn't imagine who would rank higher than the good folks of Pittsburgh and Green Bay. By the time the hype ends, Super Bowl XLV might just wind up being one of the toughest tickets in NFL history.
CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
Super Bowl XLV, Packers and Steelers, is one for history books - Peter King - SI.com
The matchup is a reward to two organizations that built teams. Part of the reason is history, part is big-time quarterbacks, part is that it's the Super Bowl. But I contend part is what each team has gone through to get here. The depth that Steeler director of football operations Kevin Colbert built may be rivaled this year by the depth built by only one man -- Green Bay GM Ted Thompson.
Dusty Saunders: Analyst Aikman makes his words count - The Denver Post
Aikman's analysis was superior to that of CBS' Phil Simms in the AFC title game. Simms, who also has an extensive quarterback background from his playing days with the New York Giants, is knowledgeable but tends to talk too much. Aikman, unlike many of his mouthy contemporaries, rarely offers commentary or hindsight after leaving the Sunday booth.
Steelers Notebook: Running game took flight against Jets
Pouncey said he knew he would not be able to return to the game as soon as the injury occurred. He said he heard a pop in the ankle after a Jets defensive lineman rolled up on him. "It was the worst pain ever," he said. Pouncey said he had a similar injury when he was a sophomore at Florida, and he came back to play the next game. He said he expets to hear from trainers today how badly the ankle is injured.
NFL Playoffs: Mark Sanchez says headset malfunctioned during New York Jets' loss - ESPN New York
"It never really happened for that long of a time," Sanchez said. "We had to use a walkie-talkie at one point and [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] was just yelling calls in at one point. It was just another challenge, and we almost overcame it."
NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive By the numbers: Jets-Steelers "
The Steelers will make their eighth Super Bowl appearance, which ties the Cowboys for most all-time. It’s their third Super Bowl appearance in the last six seasons.
Vegas insiders install Packers as slight Super Bowl favorite - NFL - SI.com
The Glantz-Culver line made the Packers an early 2 1/2-point favorite and put the total score at 45 1/2 points for the Feb. 6 game in Arlington, Texas.
Rex Ryan says those who criticize the Jets "really got no right" | ProFootballTalk
A defiant Rex Ryan took to the podium after Sunday's AFC title game loss to the Steelers. And he said plans to be back next year. And he said he plans to make good next year on this year's vow to get to the Super Bowl and win it. "Our goal for next year, I got news for you," Ryan said.
VA JAY JAY
Jay Cutler Branded a Quitter by NFL Players on Twitter -- NFL FanHouse
Derrick Brooks, former Buccaneers LB -- @DBrooks55 "HEY there is no medicine for a guy with no guts and heart"
Criticism of Cutler mounts | ProFootballTalk
Former NFL lineman and current ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth wrote, "As a guy how had 20 knee surgeries you’d have to drag me out on a stretcher to Leave a championship game!"
Lovie Smith's Postgame Remarks on Jay Cutler - NYTimes.com
On whether Jay tried to talk his way back in "Hey guys, he hurt his knee and he was out, alright. There’s nothing else for me to tell you on that. I don’t know exactly when it happened, he couldn’t go and that was that. Let’s go to some other questions."
Don't question Jay Cutler's toughness - Jim Trotter - SI.com
Cutler appeared genuinely hurt when asked about the comments, saying: "No comment on that." He then turned his back to reporters, fiddled with some things on a shelf and bit his lip as tears welled.
Brian Urlacher: Don’t question Jay Cutler’s toughness | ProFootballTalk
"Jay was hurt," Urlacher said.. "I don’t question his toughness. He’s one of the toughest guys on our — he’s tough as hell. He’s one of the toughest guys on our football team. He doesn’t bitch, he doesn’t complain when he gets hit, he goes out there and plays his ass off every Sunday, practices every day. So, no, we don’t question his toughness."
OTHER NFL NEWS
Dick Jauron Joins Browns' Coaching Staff as Defensive Coordinator -- NFL FanHouse
Jauron made his mark in the NFL in 2001 when he was selected by the Associated Press as the NFL Coach of the Year, in which he led the Bears (1999-2003) to their first Central Divisional title since 1990 and topped the league in total points allowed at 203 and second in rushing yards allowed at 82.1per game with a 13-3 record. After the former fourth-round selectee (from Yale where he set numerous records) by the Lions in 1973 left the Bears, Jauron had a two-year stint with the organization that drafted him before he ventured to Buffalo to coach the Bills from 2006 to 2009.
NFL.com news: Report: Colts make first contract offer to Manning's agent
Manning's franchise tag, at 110 percent of last year's salary, is projected to be slightly more than $23 million, according to ESPN.
NFL.com news: Report: Palmer might retire if Bengals don't grant trade request
The Bengals' official website said text messages and phone calls to Palmer weren't returned. The Bengals, whose coaches arrived in Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl, didn't have a comment on the report.
Dick LeBeau's contact with Pittsburgh Steelers expires after season, sources say - ESPN
The Cardinals have been suspiciously quiet while other NFC West teams have made high-profile moves. The 49ers hired coach Jim Harbaugh, the Rams hired offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the Seahawks hired former Raiders coach Tom Cable and former Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
NFL.com news: Idonije, Asomugha, Williams nominated for Man of the Year
Three community-minded NFL players will be recognized during Super Bowl week as finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, it was announced Sunday. Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders, Israel Idonije of the Chicago Bears and Madieu Williams of the Minnesota Vikings are the top candidates for this year's award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back who died in 1999.
Sonar search finds what Kenner police suspect is NFL safety's brother | NOLA.com
Volunteer searchers in the Mississippi River today found what was thought to be the body of the missing brother of Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, Kenner police said.
ROCKOUT WITH YOUR MOCKOUT LOCKOUT
DeMaurice Smith Takes On the N.F.L. Owners - NYTimes.com
"Nobody gets strong without fighting," Mr. Smith, 46, said to the players. "Nobody stays strong without fighting. Nobody negotiates their way to strength. Nobody talks their way to a good deal. Nobody sits down and just has miraculous things happen."
Roger Goodell refutes counterpart on labor talks: This is not 'a war' - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
"This is not anywhere near a war," Goodell said. "This is a business dispute that we've got to get resolved."
Gene Upshaw, N.F.L. Union Chief, Dies at 63 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com
Mr. Upshaw was the longtime head of the N.F.L. players association and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [Ed.note- I'm linking this older Upshaw profile for comparison. Let me know what you get from the differences between Upshaw and Smith.-styg]
Will Goodell Take The Fall For A Lockout?
Initially, I believe that most "mainstream" media types will turn against the players. The most visible faces and outlets naturally gravitate toward the supposed authority figures, the commissioner and the NFL owners....But the anti-player sentiment is unlikely to win mass-market appeal. Football fans want to see football players. They don’t want to see owners or commissioners (unless some sort of trophy presentation is involved). The media depends on these figures for sources and access, but the customer base at-large has no need for either. So when the time comes to assign blame, most folks will be looking for someone in a position of authority.
NFL Labor Dispute: Should Owners Show Players the Money? - TIME
And for fans, well, no football wouldn't just be a bitter disappointment that could rearrange their fall weekend schedules, but also a betrayal of intense loyalty that could permanently damage America's best sports brand.
Poll: 99% oppose Congress acting on NFL lockout - Game On!: Covering the Latest Sports News
HotAir.com took a poll on whether Congress should intervene in the NFL labor dispute, and the answer was a resounding no. Out of 3,798 votes, a whopping 3,762 (or 99.05%) said no.
Potential NFL labor dispute clouds future of draft picks | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
While peers such as Stocker and Boling would at least know which teams they'd eventually be playing for, Reveiz and his fellow undrafted free agents — who'd normally be signed in the days after a draft — wouldn't get that answer for who knows how long.
DRAFT
Cam Newton to work with Ben Roethlisberger's QB tutor before NFL draft - ESPN
Whitfield Jr. said he will start preparing Newton for pre-draft evaluations on Monday. Whitfield said that Newton came to him on the advice of Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.
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Mark me down for picking Chicago to go something like 5-11 next season. Jay Cutler will never get that close to a Super Bowl for the rest of his career.
I’ve seen much better football in the playoffs than the games yesterday. I hope the Super Bowl is played better than the conference championship games.. It’s an interesting match up at least.
I don't want to read your mock draft.
Yesterday should have been a HUGE wakeup call to Cutler
I think next year is a make or break year for him in terms of stepping up and finally becoming a leader after being humiliated yesterday.
He's a pansy
bustafluff, so he’ll shrink just like every other time he meets adversity. Talk about the anti-Drew Brees….
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 1:03 PM MST up reply actions
Didn't you say something similar last off-season?
Oh yea, here it is, link. I don’t think saying something every off-season till it comes true is a good form of prediction.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
by Topher Doll on Jan 24, 2011 10:24 AM MST up reply actions
“The Lions are not a playoff team but won’t be a league joke with top shelf players at QB, WR, DT and Best.
With Chicago’s O-line, Cutler won’t make it 16 games and they may turn out to be one of the worst teams in the NFL."
What can I say. One for two. I didn’t factor in tons of luck (Seattle in round 2) and some huge officiating breaks that propelled Chicago this season. I’m sticking to 6-10 for them next season. Cutler is no franchise QB and they’ll be playing a harder schedule in 2011.
I don't want to read your mock draft.
Maxwell I think mcgeorges comment is an observation based on what we know about cutler, what the bears have and the rest of that division. Do you trust curled?
by always broncs on Jan 24, 2011 2:09 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Could be
But I laugh a little when people make the same predictions over and over again, because eventually they will be right, and rub it in our faces, but how many times are they wrong first. I don’t Cutler to win a Super Bowl, but I would trust him at quarterback in general, he’s a solid quarterback, not great or elite or anything, but he’s in the upper half of the league.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
Maxwell I think mcgeorges comment is an observation based on what we know about cutler, what the bears have and the rest of that division. Do you trust cutler?
by always broncs on Jan 24, 2011 2:10 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
It's the year of the Lion
in the NFC North next year, McGeorge, Suh will spit out Cutler’s ribs.
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 1:02 PM MST up reply actions
I don’t know. I’d still have Green Bay owning that division in 2011. I expect Minnesota and Chicago to be a little below average and the Lions to be a playoff contender.
But Stafford is made of glass and they still suck in the secondary. I’m also not sure their coach is any good.
I don't want to read your mock draft.
Schwartz
is an inspiration, Lions players say, at least from what I’ve heard on Detroit online radio.
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 2:27 PM MST up reply actions
I disagree that Stafford is made of glass
His O-Line couldn’t hold back a D-line made up of Pop Warner kids. The Lions are really pi$$ing that investment away, by not protecting him.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk
IDK about 5-11, McG
Even this year’s success was based on a very stout defense, and that is not liable to go away in one season. A strong defense is a pretty good immunization against a 5-11 season. I would agree that they have a real probability of going 8-8 or 9-7, though.
Trevor!
I’ve missed that big lug.
In good times and bad times, I'm a Bronco fan. Sucka.
by broncosmontana on Jan 24, 2011 8:13 AM MST reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for Nothing
Seriously, for a “nothing” news day, you pulled together some interesting news items. A lot of questions in a nothing day. With Jauron gone to the Browns, who is left (and by the way, if the Eagles are looking for a DC, why didn’t they want to promote Jauron)? Will Lebeau retire or continuing coaching? Will LeBeau “retire” to Arizona as DC of the Cardinals? If so, would he be interested in Denver as, say, Assist. Head Coach Defense? Would Denver be interested in him? With GB moving on, will Fox wait for Trgovac or will he pull the trigger on available DCs so he can have his staff together for player evals (Fox knows Trgovac well and may not need to interview him to make a decision on Allen, so I’m thinking no Allen decision means Trgovac is the front runner) and Fox is willing to wait? Was Cutler a Quitter or smart to leave the game so someone else could play (he was doing nothing to help da Bears even before he was injured and maybe the Packers had such good book on him that a 3rd string QB could come in and surprise the Pack)? Did Cutler really cry after the game?
Cutler played like well, ah just like Cutler
Kind of seems strange that the Post has not a word to say about Cutler’s conference Championship play ?
They ran an AP article on the subject
It would be refreshing if they avoided the subject because there are more interesting narratives to follow, with the Steelers and Packers, but that may not be the case. They were pushing Jay narratives hard leading up tot he game, and then peepless afterwards… We’ll see what shakes out in the next few days.
Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.
by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 24, 2011 9:19 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
All Jim Rome
talked about today, Cutler this Cutler that, I hate to SUGARCOAT anything so I say Cutler sucks rocks
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 1:05 PM MST up reply actions
Pittsburgh showed we can win big with Tebow because he makes plays. We have to get committed to a great defense and a running game and let Tebow make those red zone plays. Tebow may not look pretty between the 20’s but he has that it to make plays when it counts.
by always broncs on Jan 24, 2011 9:28 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Pittsburgh showed?
Or did you mean Green Bay?
Aaron Rodgers outrunning both Briggs and Urlacher on separate occasions to make a first, was what comes to mind in this regard.
A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill
First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! ( =
by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Jan 24, 2011 1:27 PM MST up reply actions
Meaning big ben can look bad between the twenties but clutch in the red
by always broncs on Jan 24, 2011 2:04 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Ah, gotcha... For some reason my brain was focused on
“in between the 20’s” – hence the running for first down examples (with A. Rodgers, both occurred between the 20’s, against Briggs and Urlacher).
A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill
First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! ( =
by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Jan 24, 2011 3:16 PM MST up reply actions
why did the broncos get rid of Trevor Price again?
He would have made a big difference the last few years.
by tiderfootball09 on Jan 24, 2011 11:42 AM MST reply actions
Good Question
Trevor Pryce once told Jim Rome he’d still love to be a Bronco
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 1:03 PM MST up reply actions
shanny wouldn't spend the money on a Pass rush
And the Broncos haven’t addressed the problem (in the draft) since.
Instead, they draft shiny new toys.
Reeves had Tommy Maddox.
Shanny had Cutler.
McD had Tebow.
That equals about 8 players that could have been drafted on Defense.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk
Denver’s actually drafted a lot of DLine in the past 8ish years. They all sucked though is the problem – drafting guys like Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder.
They really need to draft some scouts
=)
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow me on Twitter @MHR_KaptainKirk
by KaptainKirk on Jan 24, 2011 10:47 PM MST up reply actions
I am just cracking up with this whole Cutler media line lately
He beats the suckiest playoff team ever and is a hero…he has arrived and is growing up finally before our eyes. He is “Teh Franchise Quarterback”™
He tears his MCL and doesn’t finish a game and no one but the athletes are saying much at all about him…..where are all the DP articles about how bone-headed McDaniels shouldn’t have gotten rid of him now?
Cutler is a punk and he always will be. Jeff George v 2.0 FTF
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
How DARE you
disrespect the great Jeff George with such a comparison :))
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 1:04 PM MST up reply actions
Thanks for the Tracks Jeremy!
Yeah, no matter what anyone says, I was hoping for a ‘green superbowl’ because, well… Maybe it’d inspire more people to recycle. ; )
Plus, Pittsburgh doesn’t need another SB, in my opinion.That and it’s been a whiiiile since the Jets went.
I’d like to see the Bears in the Super Bowl, but only if it’s The Broncos and the Bears. An orange and blue SB’d be just the thing. Well, it would if We win anyway.
A pessimist sees the difficulties in every opportunity.
An optimist sees the opportunities in every difficulty.
- Winston Churchill
First (and only, in our lifetimes) team to three consecutive SB wins!!!! ( =
by PearlJamBroncoGFunk on Jan 24, 2011 1:31 PM MST reply actions
A fellow Bronx fan on Facebook:
“Cutler is a drunk, immature, whiney, crybaby. We knew it here in Denver and now you know Chicago. He was probably hung over again and things weren’t going his way so he went to his pout corner. Even if he was hurt, get involved, help your young 3rd string QB out. I didn’t see Pouncey acting like he didn’t care about the outcome of his game. Cutler is selfish, and once he wasn’t in the game he believed that the game didn’t matter anymore.”.-Courtesy of Jake Stewart
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 24, 2011 2:26 PM MST reply actions
Just a side-note related to Woody's article...
How are the Cowboys “America’s Team” if Texas is the most likely state to secede from the Union? (Not 100% sure if they legally could, though I’ve heard that plenty before.)
"Mr. President, call in the National Guard! Send as many men as you can spare! Because we are killing the Patriots! They need emergency help!" - Shannon Sharpe
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