Conference Call with Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox

by KaptainKirk on May 2, 2011 5:00 PM MDT in A Few Good Questions With...

It was my privilege this afternoon to listen in on a Season Ticket holders tele-conference with Broncos Head Coach John Fox. Along with 6,500 other people on the line, I heard echoed sentiments welcoming the new coach and including opinions on the recent draft. Of course the big questions were regarding the lack of new Defensive Linemen and a Running Back. I was even allowed to ask a question and I thought about it real hard.

My question to John Fox went something like this: "Welcome Coach Fox. I'd like to say first that the drafting team did a terrific job and I am real excited for this year. I like the character of the new players and I am hoping that this will dissipate the off-season and off-the-field drama for this team. I understand the Defensive Tackle position will be addressed in Free Agency and the Undrafted College Free Agent pool. I see Brandon Mebane and Barry Cofield of the Giants as the top tier Free Agents available and I hope you re-sign Justin Bannan and retain Marcus Thomas. My question is--What size of Linemen fit your scheme? Are you looking for big 325+ pound guys, or is 300-310 big enough?"

Coach Fox replied (and I am paraphrasing a bit):

"Great questions Kirk. First of all, I can't discuss player names because of the rules, but certainly bigger is better. But quickness is important, so we will look for guys with that short burst to get to the quarterback. We would certainly like to acquire a big Nose Tackle and a 3-tech. That would be nice."

He also told the listeners that they will be adding a Running Back in Free Agency.

Another question was asked about the Linebacker positions and where each guy will play. Fox explained that they haven't anything to go by other than last year's film, but that D.J.Williams should play the WILL, Joe Mays would fit at the MIKE and Von Miller the SAM. Keep in mind these are projections only. Coach Fox is happy with Nate Irving and Mike Mohamed too as he asked the listeners not to count them out either.

Another questioner asked about the Tight End position. The coach said that, "a good Tight End is a quarterback's best friend. I'll bet if you asked that question to John Elway, he would say the same thing. We have 4 Tight Ends now to work with and we like Virgil Green."

One of the last questions was a plea for the return of the Orange jerseys. Coach Fox tried to tell the questioner that he didn't know if they would wear them against the Raiders in the season opener on Monday Night Football and he said, "I don't know that orange jerseys would make a difference in the outcome of the game. I'd like to think we will win in the Blue or white uniforms. We are in a uniform transition period and these things take time. I'm not sure which games we will be wearing orange, but look for them to return in 2012 for sure."

"Bronco Betty," a long-time fan and probably second in line behind the Barrel man in Bronco Fan popularity even got to extend a Mile High welcome to coach Fox. I would say that the conference call lasted about an hour and 10-15 people got to submit a question. It was my privilege to represent MHR, because Jezru, who is a season ticket holder, is on vacation. I hope I represented him and you well.

Go Broncos!

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I would love to know if there were any other pertinent questions...

Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.

by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on May 2, 2011 5:05 PM MDT reply actions

Not really

One guy wanted him to start a tradition of a fight song after a TD like they do in MINN, NY, MIA and WASH, instead of the Mile High Salute etc. Fox almost laughed out loud at the guy, but told him that winning takes care of a lot of things.

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 May 2, 2011 6:31 PM MDT up reply actions

uh... that was me. I think a fight song WZOULD be awesome. Why ya gotta hate, Kap?

-Harvey J. Neptune

Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

Pro-Bowl Press Conference:
Interviewer: Do you want to wink to the three teams that cut you and tell them, "I told you so?"
Brandon Lloyd: "No, I want to say, ‘F— you,’ and I mean that in the most professional way."

by HarvJNep2n on May 2, 2011 7:44 PM MDT up reply actions

dude there is already a tradition here

it’s called the mile high salute. I guarantee if Tebow does it the crowd will go crazy.
Not some lane fight song like “Shipoopi” lol

by valas40 on May 2, 2011 8:32 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I agree. I was being sarcastic. LOL.

The Salute is the BEST, classiest move I’ve ever seen on an NFL team. Love it! And THAT isn’t sarcasm.

-Harvey J. Neptune

Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

by HarvJNep2n on May 4, 2011 6:29 AM MDT up reply actions

Ok Harv

since I don’t see italics, I sincerely apologize.

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 May 2, 2011 9:28 PM MDT up reply actions

There should have been italics.

I was totally being sarcastic!

-Harvey J. Neptune

Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

by HarvJNep2n on May 4, 2011 6:28 AM MDT up reply actions

Lol

That’s okay. I just don’t want to alienate my buddies. =)

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 May 4, 2011 8:31 AM MDT up reply actions

KRIS JENKINS, Trevor Pryce & Justin Bannan

WE NEED SAVY VETERANS IN CRUCIAL SPOTS.. they will sniff out the play & call it out to put our LBs in perfect position to REAK HAVOC! cant stress this enough.. all could be cheap & i would love to see Pryce retire were he started with that BIG #93 on his back!!!

NO PRESSURE= NO DIAMONDS

by SH3LL on May 2, 2011 5:11 PM MDT reply actions

I would love Bannan back playing with Kris Jenkins, Thomas and Big Vick...would be pumped!

FIRE DE MAURICE SMITH...he can go suck dog balls for all I care!

NFLPA??? National Fools and Lame Pricks Association!

ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT WE HAVE IN TEBOW? Watching Kyle orton is like watching re-runs of the Brady Bunch...you always know whats going to happen and makes you feel sick at the end!

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

by boydy2669 on May 2, 2011 5:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Can't believe what a steal Virgil Green was...

This guy had an ELITE combine AND had college production.

We got him in the 7th round because of a microfracture surgery FOUR years ago. He hasn’t missed a game since.

Draft Peterson. Elway fears him.

by ChristianL on May 2, 2011 5:24 PM MDT reply actions

Yeah..agree CL...he could be a player!

FIRE DE MAURICE SMITH...he can go suck dog balls for all I care!

NFLPA??? National Fools and Lame Pricks Association!

ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT WE HAVE IN TEBOW? Watching Kyle orton is like watching re-runs of the Brady Bunch...you always know whats going to happen and makes you feel sick at the end!

"I actually watched the World Cup. I HATE baseball. Hockey’s over. Hey, at least we have the WNBA. Oh, man. I’m making a noose. Want one?"

Harv Neptune.

by boydy2669 on May 2, 2011 5:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Could be the steal of the draft...

he will need to muscle up some a develop, but in the end I think we got our guy.

by bfree2bronc on May 2, 2011 6:29 PM MDT up reply actions

Our tight ends will be like

the Patriots’ Gronk and Hernandez!

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 May 3, 2011 12:47 PM MDT up reply actions

Great job Kirk and much appreciated...

I think it would kick off the year in high spirit to wear Orange uni’s on Monday Night…Bring it!

by bfree2bronc on May 2, 2011 6:30 PM MDT reply actions

Glad you liked it Bill

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 May 2, 2011 6:32 PM MDT up reply actions

Virgil Green

I am a Nevada Wolfpack season ticket holder and we did steal him. He is a good blocking tightened. He also is very fast and a good pass catcher. I can’t believe he made it to the seventh round.

by RenoBronco on May 2, 2011 7:01 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

Here's what Fox said about the Orarge uni...

Fox said fans could “take it to the bank” that the team will be wearing orange jerseys at home in 2012. There was a strong push last fall for the team to return to the orange jerseys fulltime for the first time since the uniforms were redesigned before the 1997 season.

Oh, I wonder where that ‘strong’ push came from? Right here folks with a petition…Yeah…

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17976789?source=rsssimplepiebroncos

by bfree2bronc on May 2, 2011 7:05 PM MDT reply actions 2 recs

I would like to see Michael Bush In an Orange Jersey

I think Bush would look a lot better in an Orange Jersey In the home opener on Monday night . He sure would look better than wearing that silver and black rag . It also would be kinda nice to stick it to the faiders .

by ultraclassic04 on May 2, 2011 7:28 PM MDT reply actions

I would love to see Michael Bush in a Bronco uniform...

And Kirk living here in Illinois (and being a fan for 39 years) I can’t even relate to actually talking to the head coach much less going to a home game. I can’t thank you and the many members of MHR enough for giving me a little taste of being there.

A very sincere thank you!!

Go BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

The QB position is set!

by broncofaninIL on May 2, 2011 7:56 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs

Probably be a ton cheaper than DeAngelo as well...

"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

by Broncotodd on May 3, 2011 7:41 AM MDT up reply actions

Re: ultraclassic04

I think we will see a fire storm of FA acquistions and trades as soon as the lockout is lifted. We need a couple of RB if Fox is going to balance out the offense. I’m not sure where Lance Ball fits in all of this, but he did start getting better. I really think we need a FB as well. A bruiser who can move people around and knock them down.

by bfree2bronc on May 2, 2011 7:55 PM MDT reply actions

and I think we could see Virgil Green play a little FB in certain formations

The QB position is set!

by broncofaninIL on May 2, 2011 7:58 PM MDT up reply actions

I would venture to say..."H" Back more likely, but yes in blocking or passing situations

by bfree2bronc on May 3, 2011 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions

i wonder...

What happens to spencer larsen. Hes an ace special teamer, but does he fit foxs FB or LB mold? I would hate to see him go. But we do need guys that fit our scheme best.

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

"Excellence can be obtained; if you care more than others think is wise…risk more than others think is safe…dream more than others think is practical…expect more than others think is possible." - Anonymous Author

by Alexander Wall on May 4, 2011 5:06 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions

I've been wondering the same thing Alex

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 May 4, 2011 8:32 AM MDT up reply actions

Interesting response by Fox

“We have 4 tight ends and we really like Virgil Green”

Don’t the Broncos have 5 tight ends? Quinn, Gronkowski, Coats, Thomas, and Green?
Was one of the first three cut? Or does Fox consider the first 4 as TE and Green as H Back?

by OrangeandBluesBros on May 2, 2011 8:11 PM MDT reply actions

Well I said I was paraphrasing

It may be me or else he was on the spot. To be fair, it wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t know everyone on the roster, since they haven’t been around Dove Valley very much.
I’m not used to being part of an interview or asking the questions for that matter. Lol

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 May 2, 2011 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions

You did great

Nice set up, very specific questions. Good job.

by OrangeandBluesBros on May 3, 2011 6:58 AM MDT up reply actions

Thanks

I knew you weren’t picking on me. =)

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 May 3, 2011 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions

great Qs!

I don’t see Coats, Gronkowski or Larsen making the team next year (as far as TE and FB goes)

by valas40 on May 2, 2011 8:29 PM MDT via mobile reply actions

sad...

I really like spence, maybe hell carry as a backup LB since he is smaller and faster than most of ours. He probably wont be playing any FB though…

"It is better to be rougly right than precisely wrong." - John Maynard Keynes

by Alexander Wall on May 4, 2011 5:08 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Great questions and congrats on being heard by Foxy Bear!

Albert Haynesworth is pretty heavy, like 350lbs worth of heavy. Did anybody ask about him? Or Ryan Harris?

Is there an audio transcript that you know of anywhere?

Von. Doom. Pow!

by Rodney A on May 2, 2011 10:05 PM MDT reply actions

No one brought up Haynesworth

But I would bet that Fox would love a guy his size. Ryan Harris was mentioned during a question, but it was more a question regarding Orlando Franklin. I don’t know that there is a transcript, but here is a little more of the Q & A.

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 May 2, 2011 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions

Great job KK

We conquered this territory with our bodies and souls, then we watered it with our tears.
Go Denver!

by SSinSD on May 3, 2011 12:03 AM MDT reply actions

Wicked awesome opportunity there Kap'n!

Thanks for sharing the experience and a very pertinent question you asked! I also love to hear the confirmation of the return of orange home jerseys in 2012. That’s just music to my ears. ( =

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 May 3, 2011 7:35 AM MDT reply actions

My pleasure

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 May 3, 2011 8:40 AM MDT up reply actions

Great question KaptainKirk on the D Tackles

Fox keeps saying the cupboard is not bare who is he talking about could it be Louis Leonard 6’4" 325 lbs. that was signed dec9,2010 . I had forgotten about this guy as it turns out he was on Carolina’s roster last year so he is no stranger to Fox . There is also Johnthan Stewarts old team mate at Oregon Jeremiah Johnson a running back that was also added at the same time last year . His name alone make him a fit lol . Am I the only one that has forgot about these guys ?

by ultraclassic04 on May 3, 2011 9:52 AM MDT reply actions

I doubt that you are the only one UC

Out of sight, out of mind I think. If we had seen a 325 lb. behemoth, I don’t think we would forget.

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 May 3, 2011 10:11 AM MDT up reply actions

I would love it if Dennis Allen did a conference call as well so we can get an idea of what is he is thinking

by Adam Manter on May 3, 2011 11:11 AM MDT reply actions

That would be cool.

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 May 3, 2011 4:10 PM MDT up reply actions