The Broncos, Sun Tzu and the Art of Poaching From the Enemy
by KaptainKirk on Feb 12, 2012 1:00 PM MST
in 2012 Denver Broncos Offseason
Email
Print
I'm sure everyone has at least heard of Sun Tzu and the Art of War, the oldest known military manual. It has been used down the age of history as a practical learning tool to best an opponent whether it be on a battlefield, playing field or in the business world. The ancient Chinese War general had a wealth of annotations that are true to modern day and some of these truths could keep the Denver Broncos riding on top of the AFC West Division for quite awhile if they were to be enacted.
Defeating the rest of the West by foraging their provisions (players) helps to break the enemy's resistance without fighting (before the season starts). Upgrading the Broncos personnel by signing away players from the San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders puts a head start on winning the West in 2012 -- six months before the season even starts!
Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength. -- Sun Tzu
The San Diego Chargers are currently the Broncos biggest competitive roadblock to maintaining hold of the AFC West. This offseason, the Chargers are sitting on a Salary cap of $111,960,165. The salary cap for 2012 has not been set, but it is projected to be between $121-125 million. That means San Diego has some room, but they must spend wisely. It should be noted first, that each team will need to set aside $5 Million to sign their Draft picks. That makes the picture a little clearer. Now let's take a look at who is in the mix.
Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson is one of the biggest names available in Free Agency this offseason. The Chargers have been hesitant to sign V-Jax to a long-term deal because of his offseason DUI's as well as other issues, but 1,000-yards receiving in 3 of the last 4 years speak volumes. San Diego would like to keep him and will do everything in their power to do so. Jackson wanted $50 million for 5-years in 2010 and if the Chargers pay him, poaching season opens and that brings us to a player I'd like to see the Broncos obtain.
Tight End Randy McMichael is available, but I would not petition for his services. To begin with, he will be 33 in June. He is a decent receiver and an above average blocker, but McMichael wouldn't be an upgrade from Daniel Fells or Dante Rosario.
Nose Tackle Antonio Garay had a good 2010 season at age 31, but his production dipped slightly last season. He will be 33, in November and even though John Fox would like to utilize a Nose Tackle, bidding on Antonio would not be advantageous.
I don't expect the Broncos to make an offer to Vincent Jackson even though it would please some of the fan base to have a premiere Wide out join the Broncos, the player to grab for the greatest advantage in this situation, is most definitely Mike Tolbert.
The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. -- Sun Tzu
The Kansas City Chiefs have a bit more room to maneuver this offseason as their Cap situation presently sits at $95,844,195. That is even lower than the Broncos own figure of $101,389,121. Both teams have the room to make moves and the Chiefs have some good players to re-sign.
Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe is another player ripe for the plucking. He has emerged into Kansas City's number one receiver. At 6-2, 221 lbs, he's a big body with a big catch radius, something that would help Tim Tebow's completion percentage. Bowe is a good route runner with a propensity to make the acrobatic catch and has three 1,000 yard seasons under his belt. He had an impressive 15 Touchdown catches in 2010. That number dropped to 5 last season, no doubt due to the loss of Matt Cassell. In my mind, the Chiefs will be busy trying to re-sign Brandon Carr and Bowe, with Bowe ahead of Carr in priority for the Franchise tag. Perhaps the Broncos can pry one of these players loose, but it may leave another opportunity open.
Full back Le'Ron McClain could work very well in Orange and Blue. While not as dynamic as Mike Tolbert, McClain blocked for Willis McGahee for the 4 years they were in Baltimore. Le'Ron made $1.5 Million in 2011 and would be an acceptable alternative to Mike Tolbert. I see the chances of getting either one about the same.
Other poaching options include WR Jerheme Urban, TE's Anthony Becht and Leonard Pope, or CB Travis Daniels. Urban wouldn't be an improvement over any of the Bronco Receivers and Becht is 33. Pope has never had a 250 yard season, but is a large blocking presence at 6-8, 264 lbs. Travis Daniels would be a cheaper and at 28, younger trade off to Andre' Goodman.
I wouldn't mind displacing Brandon Carr and/or Le'Ron McClain from the Chiefs and adding them to the Broncos roster.
Running Back Michael Bush has shown talent for a couple years serving mainly as the back-up to Darren McFadden. He filled in quite well when McFadden was injured again this season. free agency should he reach that point, there seems to be plenty of it at home where the Raiders need to place a high priority on a back-up to the oft-injured McFadden. The 27 year old ran for 977 yards and 7 Touchdowns while starting 6 games in 2011 for a $2.61 Million Salary. That is solid #2 RB money and it would take more than that to pry him away from the Bay area. Broncos starter Willis MaGahee is drawing an average $3 Million per year on his current deal, so a creative contract would be required, but new Broncos capologist Mike Sullivan could make it work.
Strong Safety Tyvon Branch might be just be what the doctor ordered for the Broncos. With back-to-back productive campaigns at Strong Safety for the Raiders, Branch fits the bill as an effective run support near the line of scrimmage. Though he isn't adept in man coverage, he is very capable and consistent in zones. Tyvon made $555,000 in his 4th season last year and at 25, is young enough to play out a second contract and cost efficient to pursue.
These two players could help the Broncos hold off the rest of the West from Day one.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. -- Sun Tzu
Kick em when their down. As noted above, the Raiders were forced to liquidate expenses and their first move was to rid themselves of a ridiculously over priced contract by cutting ties with Cornerback Stanford Routt. They had paid him #1 money after Nnamdi Asomugha bolted for Philadelphia. Trouble is, Routt is not a #1 Cornerback and wouldn't be on any team in the league. He is however, a decent #2 guy who would fit quite well with the Broncos. A #2 Cornerback is worth anywhere from $2.75 to $3.5 Million per year these days and that would not upset the Cap balance the Broncos currently have. The Broncos no longer have the $6 Million (before restructuring) contract of Brian Dawkins looming and could safely replace the $3.42 Million Andre' Goodman is due to make on a new Strong Safety and Cornerback. The best part about this, is that Stanford Routt can be signed immediately. No need to wait for the Ides of March to begin refurbishing the Defensive Backfield. Not only that, but it takes care of a position of need prior to Free Agency and the Draft. A veritable win-win situation if I ever saw one.
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. -- Sun Tzu
This is my solution to break our opponents before the War even begins. What's yours?
63 comments
|
8 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Tyvon Branch is my first choice. If Dawk retires I'd feel much better about Branch replacing him than Carter.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Carter but I think he can be a good FS (possibly better than Moore) and Branch and Carter would do well in the secondary.
I would love to grab Bush or Tolbert but I think both of them stay. I think the Chargers may have learned their lesson in letting sproles go and might keep Tolbert. He is a TD machine though and both those guys are my second choice. I however think we’ll draft a RB to compete with McGahee and Moreno but I would still love to get one. There are better RB in the draft than S this year.
My third choice is Routt. I think he is a good #2 and would make Goodman expendable. I would love Carr but I think he will be way too expensive. Routt would be less but he is already talking to teams and it doesn’t seem like we are interested in his services.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
Seems kind of funny to me that the Chiefs would be interested in Routt in the first place, especially when they have two pretty good corners in Flowers and Carr...
I think Kirk is right in that the Chiefs will franchise tag Flowers and let Carr go if they can land Routt…
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
yeah I think they believe they can get Routt much cheaper than re-signing Carr.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Feb 12, 2012 5:34 PM MST up reply actions
I think ol' Routt's head may be way to swollen to except anything less than what Carr would get...
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
Maybe, He could also realize that he was over paid and also that there is a lot of competitino at the CB spot in FA this year.
He has the jump on everyone and can sign before FA starts so he gets his pick of teams and may take a discount to get on the team he wants before the other CBs are available to hit the market. We’ll see. I think he’ll sign before March 13th.
Tim Tebow wears 3WM and drinks Tuscan whole milk.
by BroncoMath101 on Feb 12, 2012 8:54 PM MST up reply actions
Awesome write up!
I think that the only ones that will be available and worth the money at the end of the day would be Flowers/Carr, Branch, McClain, Tolbert and the one you left off your list Marcus McNiel. I think McClain will be cheap, and would be an upgrade at FB. Only one of Carr/Flowers will hit the market (but they are both upgrades over any other #2 CB we have) and there is no way that Branch hits the market, he is the raiders best DB. And as much as i like Tolbert, I think that DMartin in the 2nd or Polk in the 3rd is a much better option financially and in the long-term.
And for the record Bush scares me.
He had the same amount of carries as McGahee and is 5 years younger, yet he broke down more then willis did in the second half. I dont like the prospect of a big money RB that has never even been prominant in his own offense.
Excellent Write up Kap
I’d take Branch and Carr for defense…and Tolbert or McClain for Offense…
by BroncosFaN88 on Feb 12, 2012 1:45 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Nice work Kirk.
I love the poaching from the enemy plan.
I read on rotoworld Branch is a high priority for the Raiders to re-sign. They won’t have to put aside 5 mil for their draft picks :)
Flowers has a six-year, $49.35 million contract signed last year. They will keep Carr to I think.
We may not get Jackson or Bowe, but I hope someone poaches them.
Thomas Jones is a FA I think.
I would like Tolbert too, but say he re-signs and Hester is left open, do we want him?
"I am not better than anyone else just because I play football."
Tim Tebow
I knew about Thomas Jones
and figured age would prevent us signing him. From what I heard, the Chargers are leaning toward keeping Hester over Tolbert.
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 @MHR_KaptainKirk
KaptainKirk on FaceBook
Tyvon Branch and Mike Tolbert
Tolbert has vexed us for so long, he deserves us so he can learn what winning and a competent front office is like
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:16 PM MST reply actions
Are you saying Bucky Larson isn't competent......
by OrangeCrushT.O on Feb 12, 2012 2:21 PM MST up reply actions
yes, something like that
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:23 PM MST up reply actions
also, A.J. Smith and Norv Turner
along with Mr. Spanos, are incompetent
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:24 PM MST up reply actions
These are the 2 we need to sign immediately! Branch replaces Dawkins and Tolbert is the bruiser we need to back up Willis! He catches out the backfield and a good outlet for Tebow!
by BRONCOFAN4LF on Feb 12, 2012 6:35 PM MST up reply actions
Kapitan....
My sig and I cannot begin to thank you enough. I haven’t started reading yet, but the combination of Kaptain Kirk and Sun Tzu has me already doing a slow clap!!!
- Nick
"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
Thanks
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 @MHR_KaptainKirk
KaptainKirk on FaceBook
And count me as a huge NO to Dwayne Bowe
Talented, yes. Also a head case and troubling tendency to check out when he doesn’t like how things are going…
- Nick
"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
the Steelers game
tells me all I need to know about him, every Chief is working their butt off to win that game, but Bowe says aw screw it, I won’t jump for that pass #loser
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:38 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
And I think he did it a few times that game.
But the one short-arm was completely disgusting. Would never see Rod Smith doing something like that….
- Nick
"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
They could be down by 30 and the ROD would still be going up for them!
by OrangeCrushT.O on Feb 12, 2012 2:53 PM MST up reply actions 4 recs
God Bless Rod!
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:55 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
lol have another one
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby
There are only 2 FA'si really want at the end of the day #1 Mario Williams (and who doesnt want him) and #2 Dan Connor.
And all of you will have to continue listen to my push for Connor till he signs elsewhere! lol
Speaking of recievers, is anyone else as high on Marvin Jones of Cal as i am.
I think he is the type of reciever that could step right in as the #2 and allow decker to move back to the slot, which i feel he is much better suited for
Interesting
If we can find someone who is a “more legit” #2, do we focus on moving Decker to the slot and letting Eddie leave?
- Nick
"Know the enemy, know yourself, and victory is never in doubt, not in a hundred battles."
- Sun Tzu
I don't like hearing about Eddie leave
but whatever is best for the team must transpire, as always, I trust EFX, we make the playoffs with them, if nothing else :)
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 Feb 12, 2012 2:56 PM MST up reply actions
+1......
I’ve had my eye on Marvin Jones for a couple months. I was impressed with him even before the Senior Bowl. Also, a FA I would like to see us sign is the CB from the Jags. I think his name is Middleton. He filled in nicely for them, when their starter was knocked out for the year. I’m hoping that JDR has some influence with him. I think he could be a very good #2 CB for us.
I know Rasheen Mathis has been linked to us.
Supposedly those close to him say that he would like to follow JDR
by OrangeCrushT.O on Feb 12, 2012 3:43 PM MST up reply actions
I love Rashean Mathis
that guy has the game but not the name!
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 Feb 12, 2012 4:08 PM MST up reply actions
I hope the same is true about Middleton...
William Middleton is much younger (26) than Mathis, & from what I’ve read, has loads of potential. Played very well this year after Mathis was knocked out with an ACL injury. If I remember right, I think Mathis is listed as 32 years old. At that age, & coming off the ACL, I would vote for the youth & potential.
According to Rotoworld, Middleton is a RFA
If this is the case, then we probably will avoid him.
In Tebow I trust
I love Eddie, but you could see it in his face during interviews, he is on his way out.
I actually think DT is more of a #2 wideout and hope that we can get Jones. I watched about 6 Cal games last year and all the senior bowl stuff. He has the potential to be a Star reciever and the one i hope could take over the#1 spot after a season or 2 of adjusting to the NFL.
As much as I would LOVE to land V-Jack,
I don’t think we will be able to land him. He will go somewhere he can get with a good, more experienced, QB. I personally think he stays in SD. That is good because then we can get the #1 guy I think we need…Mike Tolbert. I think he gives us a big time power runner. Put him with Willis McGahee and Timmy Tebow and who is going to stop us???
Then we can add McNeil to compete with Ryan Harris for RT, Then Franklin and Beadles can compete for LG. Then we have good back-ups in whoever doen’t start. I think a OL of Clady, Franklin, Beadles, Kuper, and McNeil would be the best in the NFL. Then run behind that with McGahee, Tolbert, and Tebow…#1 in the NFL 2012 baby!!!
I would also like to add Carr, Flowers, or Routt and cut Goodman.
I like the Idea of McNeil, but i think he is looking for elite Tackle money.
I would rather that go to Clady in an extension.
by OrangeCrushT.O on Feb 12, 2012 3:16 PM MST up reply actions
Tolbert's signing means Vaya con Dios Moreno
have fun making my chicken extra tasty crispy
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 Feb 12, 2012 3:19 PM MST up reply actions
I'm def in the minority on this one......
But im one of those that thinks Moreno is more a product of misuse. I think if they tailored his role similar to that of how bush and sproles were used in NO, he would be quite productive. Get him in space cause his specialty is Swerving at high speeds!
swerving at high speeds
is partially why things are amiss for him :(
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 Feb 12, 2012 3:30 PM MST up reply actions
He would be "okay"...
meaning he would be far more productive than he has been, but only “okay”. One doesn’t build one’s offense around someone who will be “okay”. I would still tailor some plays for him, might as well get some production, but no way is he in Sproles category.
by Keyworthpunch on Feb 13, 2012 8:27 AM MST up reply actions
Awesome article, Kaptain.
Enjoyed the theme, the write up and all the info you brought here. Thank you for the job.
I voted Michael Bush, because I’d like to see a power back in our unis. I’d like to have all of your options though. It’s impossivel, but dreaming is costless =)
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
Oh, and give me Norv Turner as OC also....
This signature was sacked by Von Miller.
I bleed Orange & Blue. GB².
by Fabio Broncos on Feb 12, 2012 5:28 PM MST up reply actions
I would hate having to see him on TV every week when i watch the games.
All his loose neck skin freaks me out. looks kinda like Swamp Thing
by OrangeCrushT.O on Feb 12, 2012 5:39 PM MST up reply actions
Dean Spanos is about as dumb as ol' Al Davis was...I figured AJ Smith and Turner were as good as gone.
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
I don't understand the pulling of switchblades and carving up our receivers for a Bowe?
Please, I thought I was in the company of sensable men and women. Bowe in no way would make our receiving corp championship material, hard work and determination by the group of guys we have. We have unkown talent onboard that we don’t even know what they have. Let me ask you this… How would of known the talent that Chris Harris has if we didn’t have the need to put him on the field? Yeah, that’s right, we would all be wondering just like we’re wondering about Andre’ Goodwin or Mark Dell and other positional players that haven’t had the chance to produce like Harris did.
I voted for Brandon Carr and I would of voted for Mike Tolbert if there was an opportunity to do so. Brandon Carr is a talented young CB that could replace Andre Goodman from day one, so I look at that as the GREATEST need for the defense. Another need is a veteran at safety and Tyvon Branch would be an excellent find…
But, you know what makes a secondary look awesome? Yeah, that’s right the front seven. Now there is where the work really needs to be done.
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
How would *we* of known...
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
Awesom post Kirk, thanks...
"You hate to think you have to censor your language to meet other people's lack of understanding" -Julian Bond
Follow @bfree2bronc
One of you best yet KK. Great article..
I want Carr and Tolbert/ Bush…and Branch would be awesome too!
Foxy...you WERE on the hot seat, but you fooled me you rascally old deveil...keep building that team mate!
"Tebow is a special player. I have never seen a player quite like him in my whole career! I’m gonna play all out for the guy! I know he will be out there giving 110% every play every week, so I’m gonna give 120%!:
Champ Bailey.
Thanks my friend
Hope your Mum is okay.
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 @MHR_KaptainKirk
KaptainKirk on FaceBook
Another great post Kaptain.
I like the war room tactical point of view. It’s the best civilized war on network TV, and has captivated the world. For that matter, the NFL hires employees from all over the planet. Poaching as much as we can from our own division makes a lot of sense.
We all know that they will have to be replaced, and hopefully we win the talent battle. Let the Poaching begin. Hopefully, we lose only the players we don’t want to keep anyway. I’d love to pick three or 4 players from the above list but I’m guessing that the cap would put a stop to that.
It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.
I second the motion!
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 Feb 12, 2012 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
IMO snagging Carr would be our ideal move
Freeing up our 1st pick for a DT,MLB,or BPA. He might like the idea of working w/ Champ & possibly filling his shoes in the not too distant future.
by Mike@4th&99 on Feb 12, 2012 10:42 PM MST via iPhone app reply actions
Carr and Branch. Would be ideal if we go poaching.
I would rather draft RBs. Bush and Tolbert are similar to Willis McGahee. Although they are younger.
We still need team speed in my mind and drafting a RB for that role might work in our favor as opposed to signing one.
I agree grasshopper
I wanted the Broncos to draft Mike Tolbert. Now that he’s been a Charger I don’t know if we could get the stink off him
Nice write up
Thanks for another top notch article Kaptain.
by ColumbusBronco on Feb 13, 2012 10:47 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Great Post
A classic example of this principle in action is when NE signed Welker away from the Dolphins.
I think that move ended up being pretty ok.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Getting Social With MHR
Web Stuff
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
