Shanahan Addresses The Media, Answers A Few Questions

by John Bena on Apr 1, 2008 12:42 PM MDT in Strictly My Opinion Comment 30 comments

Mike Shanahan has a policy. He'll talk with the media at the end of the season, then not again until the Owner's Meetings in the spring. Alot can happen during that time, of course, which means these meetings are chock full of information. This meet and greet with the media was no different, with Shanny at long last answering some of the questions bothering Broncos fans everywhere --

* Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who suffered a severe gash on his forearm, will be "ready to go" for training camp if the doctors projections hold true in his recovery from surgery.

* D.J. Williams will move back to weak-side linebacker, a position he played in 2005, his first year as a starter. Williams had played middle linebacker this past season.

"I thought D.J. was a more natural (weak-side) linebacker," Shanahan said.

Free-agent signee Niko Koutouvides will line up in the middle when the team begins on-field work and free-agent Boss Bailey will play the strong side.
The firing of general manager Ted Sundquist was "a very tough decision," but it was one Shanahan believed was necessary for the team to shake itself out of two consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
Free-agent signee Keary Colbert is projected to be a starter in the offense, alongside Marshall. Shanahan compared Colbert to Ed McCaffrey in that McCaffrey's career didn't fully take off until he joined the Broncos.

"I like the type of person he is, you could see the way he played in the running game and the passing game, that's what we look for in a player," Shanahan said.

* The San Diego Chargers are still the class of the AFC West until proven otherwise.

"Personnel wise, I'd say they're probably ranked No. 1 in the National Football League, I think a lot of them, they're a pretty good football team," Shanahan said.

* If the team lined up today to play a game, the offensive line would be Tom Nalen at center, Ben Hamilton and Montrae Holland at left and right guards, respectively, Chris Kuper at left tackle and Erik Pears at right.

"It will depend on how we go through (offseason workouts), but Kuper would probably get the nod over (Ryan) Harris because of how he played last year," Shanahan said.

A few things stand out to me....

When Shanny makes a decision, he certainly doesn't beat around the bush. The D.J. Williams debate has been a hot topic here, and everywhere this off-season. When Shanny, at long last, answered the question, he did so with barely a blink. It was the thought of many here, me included, that D.J. is just a better football player at WILL and it is a credit to his freakish athleticism that he performed as well as he did last year. This move makes the Broncos a better defense and football team.

For all those who don't think Ted Sundquist wasn't the fall guy for the team's recent failures, well, think again. "a tough decision, but one that was necessary for the team to shake itself out of two consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance"? Translation -- "Hey Ted, we aren't going to do things your way anymore. Your way has led us to 2 straight disappointing seasons and countless draft failures. Now, get out!"

The O-Line configuration, with Chris Kuper lining up at Left Tackle if the season started today. Maybe OL is a First Round priority for the Broncos....

Hattip to 100percent for the DIARY

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Anyone else get the feeling that Shanny

purposely gives people the idea that he "shifts" blame away from himself?

I am wondering if having us all think he fired Sunquist because we were not getting to the playoffs is what he wants us to think, rather than him having to tell us the real reasons behind the abrupt firing...

Just a random thought. He has to know that he gets critizied by media outlets for "shifting blame" to his underlings each and every season, so for him to come out and do it again seems more intentional than unintentional this time around.

Anyone else get that feeling too? I think there is more to the Sunquist firing that just because we've missed the playoffs two straight seasons. If anything, Sunquist should be praised for positioning this team to be young and highly talented. We have a completely different team than we did in 2005, yet our future looks as bright as it did on the eve of the 1996 season.

There is definately more to this than he is letting on and I don't think for a minute Sunquist was fired because of our failure this past season. Mike is smart, he is just playing us all for fools. The media took the reasoning hook, line, and sinker.

OOMPA LOOMPA DOOMPADEE DOO
OOMPA LOOMPA, DOOMPADAH DEE
It's JaMarcus Russell, RRRRRUUUUNNNN!!!!!

by Tim Lynch on Apr 1, 2008 2:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

WHAT?

I get almost everything that Mike said. I think we all knew that the LB group would be WILL - DJ, MIKE - K2, and SAM - BOSS.

I'm a little surprised we are showing so much faith in Colbert. I still hope we draft a WR to compete for the position.

But where in the heck is Harris? I thought everyone and their mother thought Harris was starting LT and bumping Pears to RT. All I've read about Harris is how much they love the guy, and how he was expected to start in '08 (and even bump Pears). This news came as a shocker to me. Anybody else suprised at this?

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Apr 1, 2008 2:36 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Like I've said

nothing with Shanny surprises me anymore. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a comeptiotion type idea though. Mike and Tatum didn't know who was gonna start and that made them work their butts off in camp and pre season. I think Harris will be a Rushing situation guy no question, he just has the grit for it.

Davis to the Hall! "A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must be undaunted when the going gets tough." Ronald Reagan

by Jon Tollerud on Apr 1, 2008 2:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

regarding Harris

Maybe he stated this to give harris more motivation during spring and training camp...after all everybody loves a little positition battle

Baby TO My new Fav Player

by TommyTSlice on Apr 1, 2008 9:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Zappa's Theory...

It sounds good, but I don't know. Nothing ever surprises me anymore with Shanny. Maybe everything has been Bowlen forcing Shanny's hand and in that respect he is willing to take the heat over the guy who signs his check. No Clue but I like me a little mystery with my football

Davis to the Hall! "A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must be undaunted when the going gets tough." Ronald Reagan

by Jon Tollerud on Apr 1, 2008 2:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Right you are Guru...

If Ryan Harris hasn't done well enough to be projected ahead of Kuper, then we are in trouble.

Remember last year? Kuper was projected ahead of Holland because of he did well during practices his rookie year. He couldnt keep the job. If Harris isn't even projected to start ... wow.

Either that, or Shanny is playing mind games with everyone.
* * * * * * * *

All that said, I won't be disappointed if Harris doesn't make it at LT. He played a year or two at Guard in college, and may draft "experts" thought he would project as a Guard in the NFL. So I think he can be the future at G.

Then the in 09 the O-line could look like this:
RT Pears, RG Holland, C Hamilton, LG Harris, LT Kuper (or 08 draft pick)

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 2:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

One more point.

If you were the coach wouldn't you start Pears at LT? He played there for half a season and did an ok job. It would just make sense to have him start there and put the new guy at RT.

So I am a bit suprised to see Kuper at LT rather than RT.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your take Amir

Maybe they really want Kuper at back-up guard and want to get a few draft picks for the OL?

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Apr 1, 2008 3:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am not saying that he is forever doomed to...

... to backup. Maybe he would take over from Holland in a year or two.

Whatever happens, Kuper is a valueable player with good experiance.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 4:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Learning from DJ?

Maybe instead of moving Pears around, they want him to get comfortable as a RT. Kuper played LT in college (I don't think he played RT). I am thinking Shanny called Kuper the starter just because he has a higher comfort level with what Kuper can do (he has seen him in practice a whole bunch more than Harris).

by MattR on Apr 1, 2008 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know

I have no idea which side Kuper played at in college, but I would think that we would use the more experianced guy (Pears) at LT. That's if Harris (who was drafted for the spot) fails to earn the spot. It just makes more sense to me that way.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 4:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

New tricks

I think this is a very astute observation, though I would say Pears is a bit of the opposite from DJ. DJ could and would do anything and excel, but the TEAM should excel with him at WILL.

I think Pears has a developmental ceiling that he will hit, from a speed standpoint. He can be a super solid RT if he develops this year how I think he can, but he will probably never be elite at LT. Moving him there might be an upgrade in the sort term, but a downgrade at two positions in the longterm. He could play RT for eight more years at a high level, or he could move to LT, save us some sweat for a year, maybe two, and then have no spot on this roster after we spend a few drafts selecting and developing guys.

I wish my sig was as cool as mdierks!

by Jeremy Bolander on Apr 1, 2008 5:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point, but keep in mind...

A long term view of the O-line won't help you much if your QB gets killed today.

I agree with everything you say as being true, but I just don't want to see Cutler spend half the game on his back or on the strecher.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 10:37 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kuper

Shanahan said he listed Kuper ahead of Harris "because of how he played last year." You used Kuper being listed over Holland as an example of why we'd expect Harris to be listed over Kuper, but keep in mind that Holland had just been signed as a FA, and was expected to be a backup. Kuper had a fairly successful year with us last season (albeit at LG) so it's not unreasonable to make him the default at LT, and force Harris to work himself into the job (or alternately, work himself into the RT job)

by Jack on Apr 1, 2008 4:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mmmm

It might just be that Shanny is trying to throw people off for the draft. You never know. The ideal situation for our 09 O-line (in my opinion) would be:

LT Harris, LG Kuper, C Hamilton, RG Holland, RT Pears

This means that all of our draft picks and FA signings would come to fruition. A line with 3 young guys is pretty good. We would need to start looking for a C, but that's ok.

The most important factor is that we would then have the luxury to address other positions that are true needs.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 1, 2008 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't imagine...

...that Nalen wouldn't start at center, and Hamilton at guard. If they didn't get the start, I imagine they would retire (as Jerry Rice did). If they couldn't start, I think Mike would pull them aside before camp.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Apr 2, 2008 1:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you notice?

I was talking about the 09 season... we all seem to agree that 08 is going to be Nalen's last, right?

And I have Hamilton starting at C for a couple of years, until we can draft a new one.

Orange County is hot. Really! Haven't you seen the weather report?

by amirebram on Apr 2, 2008 3:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhm, oh yeah.

(Looking sheepish)... I guess that's what the "09" in your first sentence was for, huh?

Ok, disregard.

LOL

Still, with Hamilton's injury issue I think he's taking a big risk. I hope (for his sake) he retires soon.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Apr 2, 2008 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely off topic

I didn't know where to post this, but did you see the comments Cutler made about Brandon Marshall's situation saying it's always something with him and kind of getting on him for his off field actions? This is exactly and I mean exactly what I want to see out of Cutler! Leadership, that's what it's all about. I love that Cutler took a stand and said you can't be pulling this kind of stuff to Marshall. I honestly didn't know if Cutler had it in him but this is awesome to see.

by Make It Rain on Apr 1, 2008 2:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

I think whether Marshall's latest is an accident or not, his behavior is drawing attention from his teammates. It's a good thing we have teammates who pay attention to these things and speak up.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Apr 1, 2008 3:19 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

CBS4 is already throwing it out of proportion...

They're already saying that Jay Cutler "ripped into" Brandon Marshall. This is totally not true. Yeah he is frustrated and dissappointed with the whole situation. Wouldn't you be if your friend and favorite person to throw to was going to be out of commission for a few months because he was "horsing around"....I know I would be.

100%

by sirsam on Apr 1, 2008 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

K2

Has anyone here seen any kind of extensive film on Koutouwhatzit? I'm really curious to see how good of a tackler this guy really is.

His build looks adequate, and from listening to him speak he sounds at least half-way intelligent.

Also, would anyone know how to find his wunderlicht(sic?)score?

N/a

by kwool79 on Apr 1, 2008 3:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

2004 Wonderlic scores

are here (ordered by college - K2 went to Purdue)

K2 got a 28, DJ a 21 and Maurice Clarett a 20

by MattR on Apr 1, 2008 3:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

test scores

Ryan Clady got a 12. Don't draft this retard!!!

N/a

by kwool79 on Apr 2, 2008 9:36 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

a 12!

seriously? Then again Frank Gore probably got a -50 and he can run the ball so....

Davis to the Hall! "A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must be undaunted when the going gets tough." Ronald Reagan

by Jon Tollerud on Apr 2, 2008 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Koutouvides

I am told the proper pronounciation is
koo-too-vee'-des. The emphasis is on the vee.
I can't wait to hear Madden pronounce that one!

by firstfan on Apr 1, 2008 5:27 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha madden

abrer brew dddd the the the the middle linedbacker kkkkkkk kkkkout tee vu dus with a great tackle on that play on that play

Baby TO My new Fav Player

by TommyTSlice on Apr 1, 2008 9:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

K2 and Kuper

I see a lot of Seattle press and Niko is very highly thought of in the Pacific Northwest. As for his tackling, just look what he did in open-field tacking on special teams for Seattle. I think we got a steal. Seattle hated to loose him.

As for Kuper, were we watching the same team last year? Every time Cutler got flushed from the pocket the DE was coming over the right side. That means Pears and Holland. That is why we had to keep Graham in to block so much, which limited our TE pass receptions. It looks to me like Kuper is a keeper and a starter even if Harris proves to be the stud we thought he was.

by firstfan on Apr 1, 2008 5:19 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Shanahan/Sundquist/Bowlen

After Sundquist's dismissal, a list of salaries, relative to the cap, was posted. It showed a number of players (e.g., Walker, Warren) still receiving money being applied to the Broncos' salary cap. This was undoubtedly due to the structure of the contracts. How involved is Shanahan in the minutia of negotiating contracts? Most of these agreements were with FAs. Could it be that Ted was held responsible for what seems to be a series of financial blunders which are now having a cause and effect relationship on the Broncos' ability to acquire new talent? The players involved seem to be from the recent heyday of FA signings, As I recall, one of the new FO people is an attorney w/experience in sports management.

Prior to Sundquist's removal rumors were afoot involving: trading Foxworth; trading Paymah; acquiring Shaun Rogers and others. Subsequently, Bowlen spoke with the media and hinted that a cleanup of some sort had happened. He was vague as to the exact nature of it, but at this point it seems likely that it included finances and those responsible as well as some issues involving players. Chris Myers was traded to Houston. The Denver sporting press had reported some kind of an investigation into a scandal allegedly involving some Bronco players.

We will never know. Bowlen seems to have faith in Shanahan.

As far as the OL is concerned, Kuper has experience and Harris doesn't. The idea that an OL can play one tackle spot and not another goes against what I've seen w/OL. I can surely see a guy being better on one side than another, but that's about it. Any OL coach will tell you (Dennison has said it) that you take your best five and line them up in their best positions. You have #6, #7, #8, etc. When one of the first five goes down, #6 comes in. With the departure of Myers, the retirement of Lepsis and the anticipated return of Nalen and Hamilton, Kuper finds himself in the starting five-no big surprise. Harris is probably #6...for now. That might change after the draft.

"Ipsa scientia potestas est."-Sir Francis Bacon

by dardarsh on Apr 1, 2008 5:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Denver Broncos' Coaching Bureaucracy

In addition to the front-office changes, a layer of bureaucracy has been removed with the departure of Jim Bates and Mike Heimerdinger. One would assume that this will place Shanahan one step closer to what happens on the field during a game. At times last season it just seemed that he realized his message was not getting through and that certain basics had neither been emphasized by the coaches nor absorbed by the players.

We all expect that he will be heavily involved with the offense as usual. Don't be surprised if he appears in the meetings and practices of Defense and Special Teams.

One wonders whether the increased involvement in the front-office as well as all phases of the football team will be too much of a burden. Either ALL of his assistants had better step up and do a good job with everyone on the same page at the same time, or Shanahan's hair may turn white this year; right before our eyes.

"Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit."-Seneca the Younger/Philosopher

by dardarsh on Apr 3, 2008 12:14 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs