SB Nation - Matthias Askew

Wednesday Notes: Lions Sign Matthias Askew to Practice Squad, Release Brock Berlin

Sean Yuille — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:10:51 -0000

The Lions signed defensive tackle Matthias Askew to the practice squad and released quarterback Brock Berlin. Askew played for Michigan State in college and has been on the Bengals, Redskins, and Broncos in the NFL. Berlin was likely released because Drew Stanton returned to practice today, meaning the Lions no longer need a QB on the practice squad for insurance purposes.
I haven't heard anything yet about the ticket situation for this week's game, but we should know how many tickets are left shortly. My guess is that there are more available than there were at this time last week, and although another surprise could happen, I don't have a good feeling about the game not being blacked out.
Free agent linebacker Matt Wilhelm worked out for the Lions this week.
Jim Schwartz invented a couple new words when asked about his style of coaching.

"A lot of my philosophy is Belichickian," he said. "I like to tell people that I got a Ph.D. in footballology from the University of Coach Belichick," he said.
Do you get a free hooded sweatshirt upon graduating?
Albert Haynesworth, now a Washington Redskin, has good things to say about Schwartz.
Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick will be the announcers for this week's game against the Redskins.
DIRECTV is having a contest to find the "Ultimate Displaced Fan." The way it works is you have to live over 100 miles away from your favorite team and submit a picture or video along with a short write-up about how big of a fan you are. The winner will receive a trip to the Super Bowl along with some other cool experiences, so if you are a displaced fan (I know there are a lot of you out there), enter the contest.

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Preseason Wrap-up: Can We Build a Team That Can Beat the Raiders? Yes We Can!

Sugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:22 -0000

I understand how important this last preseason game was for roughly 20-30 players per team. I do. For some it was the difference between making the 53-man roster or getting cut. For others who were relatively certain of their impending unemployment, it was a chance to get on tape for potential future employers. For coaches, it was one last look at a few players they may try to retain on the practice squad. But for just about everybody else (in the world) these games were simply painful to watch.

As a Redskins' fan, I of course watched the game against the Jaguars intently and hung on most every play. But as I watched the games around the league, I found myself losing interest quickly as penalty flags rained down on my living room as if Pacman Jones himself were throwing them.

To write a recap of each game would be worse than having to read Peter King rate every latte he has ever drank. So instead, this week I thought I would put my preseason watch-a-ton to the test. Every team has made their final cuts. I will attempt to build a 53-man roster from all the players released by the Saturday deadline. This may include some players who ended up on the practice squad, but you'll have to excuse that. After all, even though I did watch pretty much every preseason game played in the last month, my knowledge of certain teams' backups probably doesn't go much further than guys who should rightfully land on the practice squad. This already feels like a poor man's version of Madden fantasy draft. I get to decide who I am going to keep and at what position they will play. My ultimate goal: a 53-man roster capable of beating the Oakland Raiders final 53-man roster. Our team name: Sugartime Ballers. At the end, you'll get to vote on whether you think the Ballers can take down the Raiders. The first picks after the jump...

QB (3): Jeff Garcia, Joey Harrington, Chase Daniel

This team is going to have a questionable offensive line, so I am going to need a veteran quarterback capable of escaping pressure and getting rid of the ball. I watched as much of the Raiders' preseason as I could stomach and to me it seemed like Jeff Garcia was the quarterback that gave them the best chance to win now. My guess is that they sensed that too and decided that going with a guy staring down 40 years old would be the nail in the coffin for the JaMarcus Russell era, at least from a confidence perspective. Joey Harrington (cut by the Saints) is experienced in the art of art of hand signaling, which is what I want in my backup QB. Plus he is a great pianist so he can play getaway music on the piano as Jeff Garcia is running fro his life behind whatever offensive line I can put together. Chase Daniel gave it a good run in D.C., but failed to be named as the 3rd quarterback when the team decided to go with nobody instead (ouch).

RB (5): Dominic Rhodes, Anthony Alridge, Ian Johnson, Fui Vakapuna, Isaac Redman

It struck me as a little odd when the Bills jettisoned Rhodes. With Lynch out for the beginning frames of the season and Fred Jackson a little dinged this preseason, I figured a veteran like Rhodes would have value for that team. Alridge just barely missed being the last running back kept by the Redskins and adds speed out of my backfield. Ian Johnson is a young buck that got bounced by the Vikings. I have a soft spot in my heart for this guy after watching him have such a great career at Boise State, not to mention the now famous Statue of Liberty play against Oklahoma a couple seasons ago. Vakapuna is a guy I picked because I need a blocking fullback and I have been watching HBO's Hard Knocks this season featuring the Bengals. He is a big, athletic dude, and we are going to need a Samoan presence in the backfield on this team. Redman had a great preseason in Pittsburgh but the numbers game beat him. We are lucky to have him and Vakapuna muscling up in our backfield.

TE (4): Leonard Pope, Alex Smith, Bear Pascoe, Garrett Mills

The Cards cut Pope and the Pats cut Smith. Both are capable receivers that understand the position well. Bear Pascoe was on the 49ers squad and I remember hearing his name for the first time late in the game against the Raiders I think. He was described by his college coach at Fresno State as the "most devastating blocker" they had ever seen. He started out there as a quarterback. He blocked 6 kicks on special teams, and keeps his edge by participating in rodeos. He's an old-school kind of player and on my team he will play an old-school role: Iron Man. At 6'5", 250+ lbs, he will never leave the field. Our wildcat offense will be called the "Wild Bear" formation and we will direct snap it to him. He will rush the passer on defense and he will line up all over the field on offense. His importance on this roster almost necessitated adding a 4th tight end to help carry the load at the position, and Mills, fresh off the Vikings roster, will fit in nicely. The Raiders will not have a chance.

OL (9): Damien McIntosh, Tony Pashos, Andrew Crummey, Kynan Forney, Jeremy Bridges, Scott Burley,Justin Geisenger, Mike Butterworth, Mark Wilson

McIntosh (Chiefs), Pashos (Jaguars), Crummey (Bengals), Forney (Chargers), and Bridges (Redskins) are my starting five. Burley (Redskins), Geisinger (Panthers), and Butterworth (Falcons) are my backups. Burely went to University of Maryland and has been hanging around the league the last two years. Geisinger is a journeyman lineman who spent a season with the Redskins but has also been a member of the Bills and Titans. The Raiders gave Mark Wilson his walking papers, but he has had steady employment as a backup since 2004. Mike Butterworth made this team because I simply ran out of guys that I really knew much about...and I love maple syrup on pancakes.

All of my starters would likely be welcome on most squads in the league after a few weeks when teams are all of a sudden hit by injuries and become starved for guys who have played before. Forney was a huge shock getting cut by San Diego. He might be one of the two or three best players on the Ballers.

WR (6): Keary Colbert, Robert Ferguson, David Tyree, David Patten, Trent Shelton, Steve Sanders

Ferguson (Falcons), Colbert (Lions), and Patten (Browns) have all been unfortunate members of previous unfortunate fantasy teams of mine. So they owe me. Hard to argue against Tyree (Giants). He can start on special teams and catch balls with his helmet. With Bear Pascoe behind center, he might have to catch a few wild pitches. Shelton (Redskins) should make their practice squad and Steve Sanders (Cardinals) was great on Beverly Hills, 90210.

DL (8): Shaun Smith, Alex Buzbee, Ryan Boschetti, Darryl Richard, Rob Jackson, Tommie Hill, Matthias Askew, Terrance Taylor

The Patriots drafted Richard last April, and that is pretty much good enough for me. I recall Tommie Hill made a huge play late in the first Monday Night game against the Panthers, scoring a touchdown with no time left on the clock. Not being good enough for the Giants defensive line does not necessarily make you bad. Rob Jackson and Alex Buzbee both got cut from the Redskins so I have seen plenty of them and are comfortable with them as backups. Boschetti got dumped by the Raiders--can't remember anyone listing their personnel decisions as better than...well, anyone's. Shaun Smith was a shock to get sent home by the Lions. He is definitely good enough to anchor the Ballers' defensive line. And Terrance Taylor was a 4th round pick for the Colts. I am little surprised to see him gone from there, but we will not ask too many questions and scoop him up.

LB (8): Tim Crowder, Zach Thomas, Rocky Boiman, Khary Campbell, Bruce Davis, Jeremy Leman, Robert Thomas, Cody Glenn

Crowder should have cracked the Broncos' Final 53. Our squad will benefit from the veteran presence of Zach Thomas, who might not really have ever been realistically in the Chiefs' plans. Rocky Boiman has been around, most recently ending his second stint with the Titans. He has a ring from the Colts' Super Bowl victory and his experience will be put to good use for the Ballers. Khary Campbell is a special teams standout that did not make the last cuts in Houston. Bruce Davis was a huge underachiever for the Steelers. Here's hoping he can turn it around for the Ballers. Leman (Panthers) was a guy who I thought played well enough in the preseason to stick. I guess that is why my phone isn't ringing off the hook to become anybody's GM. Thomas and Glenn were both waived by the Skins. Thomas has plenty of experience in the league and Glenn (while still an odd draft choice by Vinny Cerrato--read: "wasted draft choice") is a raw player from the Nebraska Cornhuskers' program.

DB (8): Deltha O'Neal, Brian Russell, Brian Williams, Bernard Pollard, Corey Lynch , Deangelo Smith, Corey Ivy, Lendy Holmes

O'Neal (Texans), Williams (Jaguars), Russell (Seahawks), and Pollard (Chiefs) are my starting defensive backs (first two are CB's, second two will man the safety positions. Smith (Cowgirls), Lynch (Bengals), Ivy (Browns), and Holmes (Redskins) round out our scrappy secondary.

P: A.J. Trapasso - Any guy who takes aim for a $40 million video board in a preseason game, ESPECIALLY one bought by Jerry Jones, gets a spot on my team.

K: Brandon Coutu (Seahawks) - The 'Hawks kept this guy on their roster all season last year behind Olindo Mare in the hopes they could trade him. He has a hell of a leg and will get a shot from another team very soon.

Give Me the Numbers, Stat!

27-17, Ballers over the Raiders. Bear Pascoe has 78 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 blocked field goal and 3 sacks. Jeff Garcia runs in for the other TD and throws the ball straight into the owner's box where Al Davis is sitting. Davis sues the NFL.

Next week at this time, we will be through the first weekend of meaningful football. Imagine...four quarters without any fourth-stringers (God willing). The season of excessive penalty-calling is over. Let the games begin. We'll see you back here on Tuesday--with nary a mention of any battles for the backup long snapper position.

Poll

Can this team I have constructed beat the Raiders today, on a neutral field, with a run-heavy offensive philosophy behind the Iron Man Bear Pascoe?

Yes, handily

164 votes

Maybe 51 times out of 100

142 votes

Maybe once in a 100 tries

51 votes

Not a chance

42 votes

399 votes | Poll has closed

Broncos Release Nine Players; Place G McChesney On Injured Reserve

Tim Lynch — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:00:22 -0000

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos on Friday released nine players and placed guard Matt McChesney on their reserve/injured list, it was announced.
The following nine players were released by Denver on Friday:

Released September 4, 2009
Player	NFL Exp.	College
DL Matthias Askew	3	Michigan State
G Kory Lichtensteiger	2	Bowling Green State
QB Ingle Martin	3	Furman
CB Rashod Moulton	1	Fort Valley State
T Clint Oldenburg	2	Colorado State
DL Carlton Powell	2	Virginia Tech
ILB Lee Robinson	R	Alcorn State
WR Nate Swift	R	Nebraska
RB Marcus Thomas	2	Texas-El Paso

2009 Denver Broncos - Breaking Down the Roster -- Defensive Tackles

Jeremy Bolander — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:30:09 -0000

Denver Broncos defensive lineman, Marcus Thomas, takes part in drills during the team's football training camp at the Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Sunday, Aug 14, 2008. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

View full size photo »

Listen to the pundits, and this position is the ONLY position on the defense (and quite nearly the team sans Cutler) that has any significance.

And Denver COMPLETELY ignored it.

Of course, many of you are here reading this report because those same pundits have confused, mocked and irritated you, and in the process have even unleashed magnificent contradictions onto their readers regarding what matters, what doesn't, and on a very basic level, what is actually going on.

But, folks, there is perception and there is reality.

And the job of the first has been and always will be to grasp the second, not to create it. In that vein, let's provide the antidote to the type of evasion that the media at large (minus a few isolated examples of rationality) engages in, even as they accuse the Broncos of similar evasion. Let's look at Existence and Identity.

As in, let's look at the existence of certain DT/NTs on our roster, and their identity, that which separates one from the other.

Marcus Thomas

#79 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-3

Weight: 305

Born: Sep 23, 1985

Age:24

College: Florida

Contract: 2009: $460,000, 2010: $550,000, 2011: Free Agent

Acquired:Draft #4 (121st overall), 2007

If you haven't seen Marcus Thomas maturing before your eyes, you haven't been watching Broncos football. With sub-par coaching he has still managed to get steadily better, following a familiar progression for even elite DTs. Going into his third year, the big question is whether this slowly-accelerating talent is for real, or if we are just seeing things.

Where are the stats that show him getting better? The sacks and pressures? An uptick in tackles? They just aren't there. In fact, he has yet to record his first sack in the NFL, quite a drought for a player touted as one of the top rookie interior pass-rushers in 2007.

But Thomas has made significant progress as a Bronco despite the setbacks of the defense around him. To begin with, he was always a one trick pony as a pass rusher. He didn't really have a lot of moves, and he really only rushed at one speed. The secret to his college success was his elite burst and explosive ability out of his stance. Slightly leaner than a typical "heavy" on the inside, 3-technique really seemed to be his ceiling. His off-field persona had issues as well, including a series of terrible decisions, starting with a positive test for marijuana, that ended with his dismissal from the Gators as his team was making a run at a championship.

Fast forward to his rookie season, and he seemed to take an even farther step back. Altitude coupled with being out of football shape robbed him of his explosive ability, making him play like the equivalent of roster fodder. On top of that he had an incident 'back home' in Jacksonville involving cocaine possession which seriously threatened to ruin his career before it even started. Things weren't looking good, but two lights could be seen by the concerned observer; the first was Thomas' on-field ethic. While his play lacked, his effort did not, and it was only after the season did he acknowledge to anyone just how much of an effect conditioning had had on him. With that acknowledgment came a simple promise to come into the next season in better shape. The second light was his apparent understanding of just how close he had come to losing his future with the cocaine incident. Another simple promise: he was done with that old life, his old haunts, his old problems. The only currency backing up either promise was the specter of his ethic and effort as he struggled silently throughout the long 2007 season.

Look ahead to 2009, and the light is getting brighter with Thomas. Nary an incident has cropped up since his promise to end the off-field issues, and he was even awarded the Federal Bureau of Investigation's 'Director's Award,' given to someone who provides excellent service and support to the law enforcement community. His conditioning has been excellent, and he logged his first 16-start season in 2008. What I liked to see most as an evaluator was how he was no longer out of the play if his initial burst was met with a sound block. Early in his career the play would have been over for him at that point., but now he has developed a number of moves, and more importantly speeds, with which he can counter and compensate. He also moved well between lining up at the 3-technique position and the 1-technique. Both positions will be premiums in a "gap-shooting" style of D-Line play, so Thomas' familiarity with both will make him an asset on pass-rushing downs as either a NT or DE. That type of versatility meshes well with the defensive philosophy that is being talked about by the new staff, and with new D-Line coach Wayne Nunnely keeping a careful watch there is a tremendous expectation for Thomas.

The new staff talks about tailoring a defense to fit the skills of its players. To Thomas, this matters more than to almost anyone else. His trending indicates that he is ripe for a breakout, if there can be consistency and coaching around him.

Carlton Powell

#75 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-3

Weight: 300

Born: Aug 14, 1985

Age:24

College: Virginia Tech

Contract: 2009: $385,000, 2010: $470,000, 2011: $555,000, 2012: Free Agent

Acquired:Draft #5b (148 overall), 2008

An enigma wrapped in a mystery, hidden behind a painting of the Mona Lisa (as if he'd fit), and what little we know about Carlton is limited to reports that he is bulking up, and that his Achilles rehab has gone well. But will he be any good? That isn't really the best question. A better question is, "Will he be any good, again?"

In college Powell was an elite run-stuffer, whose stats in that area are truly stunning ( a career runs-against total measured in negative numbers!), but what is impressive is HOW he got those stats. He made his name going up against double teams, and unlike one-on-one matchups, offensive talent can often be overlooked when evaluating a player's ability to take up space and fight double teams.

This translates well to the 3-4 aspects of Denver's new defense, but it does have a disclaimer. Like Thomas, Powell was primarily a 1- and 3-technique tackle, though his strength was in reestablishing the line of scrimmage and holding his ground, not closing in and pressuring the pocket. What Thomas has in speed, Powell makes up for in brute strength.

One thing to bear in mind, is that again, we are looking at a tackle prospect who is used to lining up in a 1-gap fashion, so we are seeing a need to tailor the defense to attack single gaps in order to draw double teams, whether we run a 3-4 or 4-3.

Which is what Nolan and McDaniels have said they will do. A significant, but often overlooked point.

Ronald Fields

#91 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-2

Weight: 315

Born: Sep 13, 1981

Age:28

College: Mississippi State

Contract: Signed a two-year, $5 million contract. 2011: Free Agent

Acquired:Unrestricted Free Agent (San Francisco), 2009

At 315 lbs. (and rumored to be bulking back up to 322-330) we are starting to see a more typical version of a 3-4 NT build. But looking beyond just weight, there are a few things that stand out about Fields. The first that jumps out to me is the 34" wingspan, always an asset. I also like that he moved between the 5-, 3-, and 1-technique on the San Francisco line. His bulk is well-distributed with a very strong lower body, so anchoring is definitely within his toolbox.

His power has always been exceptional, and he may be the most powerful defensive lineman on the roster at this point. Unfortunately, that power doesn't always take shape on the field, and now we are starting to get into my concerns over this prospect. There is a reason he was on the fast track to a reserve role in San Francisco, and it wasn't coaching or scheme fit.

Since college, Fields has always been a player that needed that little bit of extra incentive, and who failed to consistently produce at the level he was capable of. But he was worth a chance because when he was 'fired up' it was amazing to watch. His power combined with what can only be described as exceptional quickness led to fits of masochistic destruction in the interior of the line. He plays like a man possessed, and mauls whoever stands in his way. But only sometimes. The rest of the time? Swallowed up in the chaos of defensive line obscurity.

He started to get on the right track when he entered the league, due to coaching changes at his alma mater, and his rise in college production showed how good he might be. But in the NFL, his strong start, even for a rookie, diminished quickly, and soon he was being fitted for a spot on the bench. A short stint where Nolan himself, as head coach, insisted that Fields be put on the field as a 5-technique DE, resulted in a series of good games, only to see him break his arm and miss out on that opportunity.

Fields is essentially without a pass rush move of any significance, and has been since college, but his strength in the running game is excellent, where he reestablishes the line of scrimmage and then holds his ground. He also has a bad record against double teams since entering the pros, though when he is playing well, he seems to perform much, much better in this department.

In the same vein as his ability to intensify and motivate his play, I worry about his ability to focus on the field and in the film room - just one of a number of little things that contributed to his play lacking consistency in San Francisco.

Fields is going to get scrutinized heavily by Broncos fans going forward, so it is important to understand where his lacking may be coming from. One thing that no one should let take them by surprise, is if Fields sees most of his action as a run-stopping, havoc-creating defensive end, part of a very deep rotation. Nolan saw something for Fields there before, a plan derailed by injury and Nolan's own battle to keep the Niners competitive. Now that Nolan can focus solely on the defense again, he may try to finish what he started with Fields, and there is no doubt that 3-4 end was part of that plan.

J'Vonne Parker

#69 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-4

Weight: 325

Born: Jun 07, 1982

Age:27

College: Rutgers

Contract: Undisclosed

Acquired: Free Agent, 2009

Parker is a space-eater who has spent 4 years drifting from Atlanta's and Baltimore's practice squads to Carolina's reserve, to Cleveland's reserve, to Dallas' reserve, and finally to Arizona's reserve. Arizona saw enough potential to protect Parker as a restricted free agent, but declined to actually tender an offer sheet when push came to shove.

He ran a 5.2 40-yard dash, recorded a 32-inch vertical and pressed 225 lbs 27 times, none of which stand out. For all intents and purposes it looks like we are talking about roster fodder here, with little chance of a surprise. He has trended from being picked up by one of the best defensive-line situations in the league (Baltimore) to being a no-name prospect for the team perceived to be the worst D-Line in the league. Not a good trend.

Matthias Askew

#99 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-5

Weight: 302

Born: Jul 01, 1982

Age: 27

College: Michigan State

Contract: Reserve/Future Contract

Acquired:Free Agent, 2008

I liked everything about this player's career at Michigan State, and his upside was excellent going into the draft. A player with top potential. So what happened?

Let's start with what Askew can do right. He had excellent athleticism, and good size to man the traditional left-DT role, and had experience lining up as a 5-, 3- and 1-tech, just like many of our other prospects. While not exceptionally fast, he was phone-booth quick, and could rely on pure strength much of the time, though he went into the draft having impressed greatly with his accelerating knowledge of pass rushing. One thing to like in particular was how well he sniffed out the ball, both in play recognition and in stripping the ball-carrier. He frequently came away with a forced fumble or deflected pass if he got anywhere near the QB. Excellent closing speed and terrific handwork had him pegged for the fourth round, where he was selected by the Bengals.

After an injury-plagued rookie season, he came along very slowly, but won the fourth DT spot in 2005 to stay on the roster. But, in the end, he failed to impress on the field. Then early in 2006 he was charged with resisting arrest in a typical Cincinnati drama that involved Askew being tasered by the police, and then suing the city for excessive force, and finally ended with Askew being found not guilty, and having all charges dropped. Through this drama he stayed out of football after being waived by the Bengals 'for being a malcontent,' and was picked up by the Redskins for their practice squad, but was waived before the start of the season. He finally ended up on Denver's practice squad last year at the end of the season, and now he waits for what will likely be his final chance in the NFL, in McDaniels' and Nolan's first Broncos training camp.

If Askew can find a way to tap into his raw athleticism, while listening and learning, then he may still have a chapter or two to write in his NFL story. But if he can't shake the mistakes and problems of his past, they will drag him out of camp in the first cut-down.

Chris Baker

#75 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-2

Weight: 329

Born: Oct. 8, 1987

Age: 22

College: Hampton

Contract: Undisclosed

Acquired:Rookie Free Agent, 2009

First, do yourself a favor and refresh your memory of BroncoBear's excellent Tales writeup on Chris Baker.

Back? Time to talk about what we have on our hands. I won't say that the character issue is erased, but I will say that we should all have enough data to feel comfortable with what we know, and how it will affect his chances at making the team, good or bad. What is more important at this point is to ask what positives he brings to the position battle.

Let's start with the versatility to man the 5-tech, 1-tech and 0-tech (true NT), the big body (has played at 330 lbs, but could slim down to 320-325 and still be plenty big), the long wingspan (34.5 inch arms), and impressive pro-day numbers (35.5 inch vertical? Are you kidding me?) Versatility has been a hallmark of the front-seven prospects whose services have been sought by McDaniels and Co., and Baker produced at both End and Tackle in a 3-4 alignment, though mostly against lesser competition. His body type is refreshingly typical of a true NT, and even if he slimmed down to help alleviate some playing weight concerns (fatigue mostly) he would still be the largest Tackle on the roster.

His pro-day numbers are quite impressive, and it is this freakish, raw athleticism that Denver is counting on in Baker.

Perhaps the biggest risk is that Baker needed more time to learn the ins and outs of his positons on the DL. The type of trench warfare he saw at Hampton leaves him ill-prepared for what awaits at the NFL level, despite his athleticism. I would expect him to practice and play like what he is: a very young player who is behind the curve both in terms of competition and coaching. It is doubtful that he becomes a major contributor this year, and may spend most of his time learning the basics, learning what it is like to go against NFL-caliber players, and prepping for a stint on the practice squad this season. There will be some who believe that he is our best D-Line prospect, and over the very long haul, that may be true. But in terms of 2009, and even 2010, Baker is very unlikely to be the cure for what ails the Broncos.

Summary

McDaniels and Co. have added only two experienced NT/DT mixes to the roster, in Baker and Fields, and appear to be intending to move forward with much of what was left to them by Shanahan and Goodman. With the group as a whole possessing the skill sets of a penetrating one-gap defense, we are definitely going to spend the majority of our time lining up that way, whether in a 3-4 or 4-3. Unfortunately, none of our guys are true "do it all" tackles yet, and they have only limited time to jell on top of that, so execution will be of the highest importance early on.

We can expect to lose at least two of the above players in the preseason numbers crunch, and may rely on a veritable 'skeleton roster' at the position, rather than hedging our bets too much and impacting the roster math negatively, so I am waiting to see just how intense the DT/NT competition gets. Many of these players are good bets to move out to DE regularly, and Nolan has always used his DTs as ends when calling a 3-4, but the NT/DT position may be their best chance to nail down a spot on the roster. Outside of this group there really aren't any legitimate challengers to the 1- or 0-technique slot, and even within this group itself there is no clear-cut player who is right for the position, let alone a significant amount of competition for the spot.

These line prospects limit our already limited options for running the 3-4, and clearly put us in 5-2 type of territory, covered here by SlowWhiteGuy. There is no doubt that the Broncos will continue to scout, search and scrape to try and bring some talent to their 3-4 scheme; but in the meantime, what they have appears to be a mix of risk and blue-collar ethic, all still quite young and all quite capable of making the kinds of strides needed to make our line a serviceable one in 2009.

And with a little luck, we may just find that we have a gem or two in the group.

Poll

Best surprise at the DT/NT position for 2009?

Marcus Thomas' breakout year.

271 votes

Carlton Powell: 'SuperRookie'

189 votes

Ron Fields, steal of Free Agency.

147 votes

J'Vonne Parker, surprise starter.

7 votes

Mathias Askew, rejuvenated career.

1 votes

Chris Baker, undrafted standout.

174 votes

789 votes | Poll has closed

It's coming...MHR's 'Breaking Down the Denver Broncos' 2009

John Bena — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:30:09 -0000

Training Camp gets under way (for the rookies at least) in just 3 weeks. That means we are going to get to talk football, real flesh-and-blood NFL Football before you know it. As has been the case the past 2 years, MHR has all the bases covered - from Matthias Askew to Wesley Woodyard - and everyone in between!

Starting Monday, MHR's crack staff will break down the roster day-by-day, position-by-position as we lead right to the doorstep of Training Camp 2009. To get you ready, here is a schedule of what positions to expect, and when to expect them -

July 13 - Tight End

July 14 - Safety

July 15 - Quarterback

July 16 - Cornerback

July 17 - Guard/Center

July 18 - Punter/Kicker

July 20 - Running Back

July 21 - Defensive End

July 22 - Wide Receiver

July 23 -Defensive Tackle

July 24 - Offensive Tackle

July 25 - Linebacker

There are over 40 new faces on the Broncos this season, as well as a new Head Coach and the majority of the coaching staff. Together, during the next couple of weeks, we'll find out who these guys are and what we can expect as we charge towards the 2009 season.

Starting Monday, we come together as a fan base, as Broncos Country, to do what we all do best, cheer the Denver Broncos.

As always, thanks for making the MHR what it is, and GO BRONCOS!

Reader: Thirty different NFL teams with at least one arrest since Bengals last arrested player

Kirkendall — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:27:59 -0000

Ever since the Bengals signed Tank Johnson, we've been keeping our eye on (meaning I'm preaching from my soapbox) people's reactions while it relates to a long-forgotten issue with players being arrested. The issue before was players already on roster, which by default threw Johnson and Cedric Benson under the same umbrella because of the past issues -- which were mostly (but not totally) DUIs, caught with pot and the such.

In 2006 (chart after the jump), the Bengals had eight different players that were arrested in some form with ten different incidents. Since then, they've had three (Quincy Wilson for disorderly conduct, A.J. Nicholson with misdemeanor assault and Chris Henry for assault and disorderly conduct). In Henry's and Wilson's case, the charges were dropped and Nicholson was released. In fact, since 2006, when all the "issues" were picking up mainstream media momentum, only two players remain with the team (Henry and Frostee Rucker).

A reader sent me the link that details arrested NFL players. Doing his own research, the reader said that 30 NFL franchises have had players arrested since the last time any Bengals player got in trouble with the law. That includes seven in Jacksonville and five in New York (Giants). You guys can make more analysis if you want by clicking here and defending your Bengals. (Note: I didn't notice Ahmad Brooks on this list.)

I apologize to those of you that are tired of hearing about this, or just don't care.

The 2006 String of Arrests in Cincinnati

Date	Player	Incident	Resolution
12.9.06	Deltha O'Neal	Charged with DUI at a checkpoint.	Pleaded to reckless ops
12.3.06	Reggie McNeal	Resisting arrest	Fined and placed on probation
9.25.06	Odell Thurman	DUI	Pleased no contest
8.5.06	Eric Steinbach	BUI (Boating)	Diversion program and fine
7.22.06	Matthias Askew	Obstruction of police business, resisting arrest and two parking violations	Acquitted. In turn, he sued the city for unlawful arrest and excessive force. City paid him $500,000
6.21.06	Frostee Rucker	Two counts of spousal battery and vandalism	Sentenced with 36 mounts of summary probation, one year domestic violence counseling and 750 hours of community service.
6.14.06	Chris Henry	Provided alcohol to three teenage girls	Two days in jail, 88-day suspended sentence
6.3.06	A.J. Nicholson	Burglarizing apartment of former FSU teammate	No contest, two years probation, 60 days work program
6.3.06	Chris Henry	Speeding and DUI	Reckless ops, 30-day suspended jail sentence
1.28.06	Chris Henry	Concealed weapons charge	Hundred hours of community service, two years probation

Breaking down and ranking drafted positions in Cincinnati since 2003

Kirkendall — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:47:42 -0000

Breaking down Cincinnati's draft since 2003, I wanted to see how many players were left at each position and the strength of that position based on the foundation of the team's drafted players. There were some positions I didn't bother listing. Like quarterback, since there's no emphasis of improving the position after the team drafted Carson Palmer. I didn't list Tight Ends, because the last Tight End taken before Matt Sherry in 2008, was Matt Schobel in 2002. We're not going to grade positions based on arbitrary made-up numbers and letters; rather simply point out how many players are left, and perhaps some equation of how many are (and were) starters. I placed a strong emphasis on where the team is today based on these draft picks; not how they've performed during their Cincinnati career, other than possibly being starters. We can have that discussion if you'd like, but that's not the heart of this post.

I am, however, going to rank the positions we've drafted. This is nothing more than my opinion, and not some concocted Football Outsiders formula.

Here goes.

Dating back to 2004, the Bengals have drafted eight defensive backs -- six of whom have multiple starts, two of whom are first-round draft picks. During the 2006 and 2007 draft, Lewis drafted four guys at all four defensive back positions that started at one time in multiple games. Of the nine defensive backs since 2003, five remain, one signed a rich contract with the Vikings and another helped the Colts into the playoffs. There has been talent drafted by the Bengals at defensive back.

Defensive Backs	Year	Round
Corey Lynch	2008	6
Leon Hall	2007	1
Marvin White	2007	4
Chinedum Ndukwe	2007	7
Johnathan Joseph	2006	1
Keiwan Ratliff	2004	2
Madieu Williams	2004	2
Greg Brooks	2004	7
Dennis Weathersby	2003	4

If you look at the list of offensive linemen, there is a lot of good. Eric Steinbach wasn't just a starter -- he played tackle and center. He was signed to one of the richest contracts in NFL history as a guard. Andrew Whitworth took over Steinbach's departed role as the team's starting guard, that can play tackle at a moment's notice. Anthony Collins was perhaps the biggest surprise when he was asked to block some of the league's best pass rushers at the tail-end of 2008. Stacy Andrews started several games, and left for more money in Philadelphia. While we're generally not happy about the way Ghiaciuc's career panned out, he has been the team's starting center since 2006 -- perhaps that's just lack of options? Of eight drafted offensive linemen, four remain and only one has significant starting experience -- however, Collins is on pace to be the team's starting tackle for this season and beyond.

The problem with the offensive line is the lack of players drafted that are starting today. Levi Jones was a 2002 draft pick and has possibly already played his final game in a Bengals uniform. Bobbie Williams was a free agent and Ghiaciuc and Andrews are likely gone. Heading into this season and next, the Bengals are lacking a core of drafted players because most of them have already left Cincinnati, or are, at best, backup talent.

Offensive Linemen	Year	Round
Anthony Collins	2008	4
Dan Santucci	2007	7
Andrew Whitworth	2006	2
Eric Ghiaciuc	2005	4
Adam Kieft	2005	5
Stacy Andrews	2004	4
Eric Steinbach	2003	2
Scott Kooistra	2003	7

I was conflicted with our defensive line. Since 2003, we've drafted ten defensive linemen -- six of whom remain with the team. Both of our projected starting defensive tackles are our draft picks, and the team's best pass rusher, Robert Geathers, was drafted in 2004. Toeaina was favored with some -- but having placed him on the practice squad for a significant period of time in 2007 opened the door for the Chicago Bears to sign him away. Pat Sims has a high ceiling and could be the team's starting defensive tackle for some time, while guys like Frostee Rucker, Jonathan Fanene and Jason Shirley remain fixed as backups. I don't believe we've drafted great with defensive linemen, but there we have picked up a few pieces that figure into the team's long-term vision.

Defensive Line	Year	Round
Pat Sims	2008	3
Jason Shirley	2008	5
Matt Toeaina	2007	6
Frostee Rucker	2006	3
Domata Peko	2006	4
Jonathan Fanene	2005	7
Matthias Askew	2004	4
Robert Geathers	2004	4
Langston Moore	2003	6
Elton Patterson	2003	7

I realize that ranking wide receivers could be the most premature of all positions. First of all, there was little reason to draft the best wide recever in any draft because the team had already invested in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh -- even Peter Warrick was figuring into the team's long-term vision until a degrading knee condition suffered in 2003 ended his NFL career. Between 2003-2007, the teams drafted six wide receivers, primarily looking for depth and that viable #3 receiver. Even though he's embarrassed the team, and stunted his own growth, Chris Henry had both the talent and size to be the league's best #3 receiver. He's still with the team and reportedly working hard to have his talent and potential realized. During the last off-season (between 2007-2008), Chad Johnson cried and negotiations for T.J. Houshmandzadeh weren't going well. So the Bengals drafted three wide receivers, two of whom were thought to be replacements for both 30-plus year-old receivers. The 2008 draft was definitely considered a rebuilding draft for wideouts, therefore it's hard to really grade this. You can't based their projected careers on their rookie season's because of the talent that they had to leap-frog to get there. This season and next will be critical for them.

Wide Receivers	Year	Round
Jerome Simpson	2008	2
Andre Caldwell	2008	3
Mario Urrutia	2008	7
Ethan Kilmer	2006	7
Bennie Brazell	2006	7
Chris Henry	2005	3
Tab Perry	2005	6
Maurice Mann	2004	5
Kelly Washington	2003	3

Linebackers have always been cursed during the Marvin Lewis era. David Pollack, Odell Thurman, Ahmad Brooks and A.J. Nicholson never really had their careers realized for one reason or another -- ranging from injury, off-the-field issues to simply not being good enough. Landon Johnson started many games, led the team in tackles then left. Of the nine linebackers drafted since 2003, six have started. What makes linebackers ugly, is that only drafted linebacker remains on the team today.

Linebackers	Year	Round
Keith Rivers	2008	1
Angelo Craig	2008	7
Ahmad Brooks	2006s	3
A.J. Nicholson	2006	5
David Pollack	2005	1
Odell Thurman	2005	2
Caleb Miller	2004	3
Landon Johnson	2004	3
Khalid Abdullah	2003	5

Drafting running backs has been terrible for this team. If you exclude Jeremi Johnson, the Bengals have drafted Kenny Irons and Chris Perry since 2003. That's it. Irons' NFL career is likely over and Chris Perry has suffered through several season-long injuries that's hampered his production and development. Our ranking of running backs is mostly degraded based on the fact that we've picked up so few, and of those we did pick up, have been disappointing at best. Perry's 2005 season was cause for hope that he'd become the team's "two" or a one-two punch with Rudi Johnson -- or another powerback. That vision never fulfilled itself and if Perry isn't cut by the regular season, he's likely playing his final season in a Bengals uniform.

Running Backs	Year	Round
Kenny Irons	2007	2
Chris Perry	2004	1
Jeremi Johnson	2003	4

That's my opinion guys, what's yours?

The Denver Broncos Dust Ups and Defense in Free Agency

Brian (DaBolts) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:59:49 -0000

The Broncos have been much busier than the Bolts this season, but not all the steps were forward. The prime soap opera involved their lotsa drama quarterback Cutler. Whether they made the first step or simply listened to an offer, there is no doubt they entertained swapping their quarterback for Matt Cassel. Despite offering a better deal, the Broncos ended up on the sticky side of the stick when the Patriots dealt Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs and news of the potential trade leaked out. With a more confident quarterback it might have ended there, but Jay Cutler uncorked a particularly vinegary bottle of whine. He both asked to be traded and initially refused to meet with team officials to iron things out. Since then things have evened out; ultimately this looks like a tempest in a teapot as both sides have vital interests in doing well next season. The only possible damage would be to Cutler's ego, which does seem somewhat tender.

The second story that has stirred up less controversy was Brandon Marshall's arrest for getting into a fight with his fiance in an incident in which both were arrested. While that might be chalked up as one incident, it is not the first time he has been arrested for laying hands on a woman. For a 6'4" and 230 pounds the flaccid excuses for this behavior strike me as fatuous at best. He may not get the suspension, but there is a problem there and I'm certainly glad he doesn't wear blue and gold. Much like Brian Giles; I just couldn't find myself rooting for him to do anything but get the hell off the team. He may end up getting off lightly again as charges were dropped; but there is an indelible odor about him now.

Brian Dawkins in flight via blogs.courierpostonline.com

The Broncos have been very busy in free agency acquiring a number of starters and reserves. One area that appears to be strongly upgrades is Safety. The pick up of Brian Dawkins looks to me to be their best move this off season. A perennial Pro Bowler and huge hitter; he is a bit long in the tooth but still has a lot to offer on the field and as a leader. They also picked up free safety Renaldo Hill who did good work when he was with the Dolphins last year and looked good against the Chargers when the Bolts locked up with them in Miami. They also raided Miami of Andre Goodman who played corner for the 'Phins in all 16 games. Coming back from several shoulder injuries he put together a great campaign with five picks and 16 passes defensed; I see him starting opposite Champ Bailey with Dawkins and Hill at safety; but you never know until the season starts. That looks to be a pretty competent secondary if they can stay healthy; but given the age and history that could be an issue.

The Broncos also added tackle Ronald Fields who was coached in San Francisco by the new Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Coming in at 315 pounds, he might be the starting Nose Tackle as the Broncos make the big shift to the 3-4. His stats thus far haven't been stellar, but clearly Nolan saw something he likes. At ILB the Broncos picked up Andra Davis; he had an ankle injury in 2007 but bounced back fairly well in 2008. He looks to be a stabilizing influence in the middle of the field; he wore the radio helmet for Cleveland so is a leader on the field. He appears to be another sound pick up.

In terms of backups they added Matthias Askew who has only played in a handful of games so far for the Bengals at defensive tackle. Darrel Reid played mostly on special teams for the Colts last year, but is also a backup defensive tackle. That will likely continue next season. The additions to the secondary have been the best moves the Broncos made this off season. What would concern me were I a Broncos fan is the lack of action on the front seven thus far. While free agency is not over and the draft is yet to happen; this doesn't appear to be a defense poised for a massive turn around. Tomorrow we will take a look at the pickups for the Broncos on the offensive side of the ball.

Poll

Have the Denver Broncos Improved their Defense?

Dawkins is awesome, absolutely!

33 votes

Perhaps, but it's hard to tell before the draft.

37 votes

It doesn't look like enough for a big turn around to me.

32 votes

No way, they will be worse than last season!

11 votes

113 votes | Poll has closed

Broncos place Andre Hall and Michael Pittman on Injured Reserve

John Bena — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:38:04 -0000

BRONCOS ALSO SIGN DT MATTHIAS ASKEW TO PRACTICE SQUAD

The Denver Broncos on Monday placed running backs Andre Hall (left hand) and Michael Pittman (neck) on their reserve/injured list, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. Both players were injured during Denver's game against Miami on Sunday.

The club also on Monday signed defensive tackle Matthias Askew to its practice squad.

Hall, a second-year running back in his second year with the Broncos, saw time in all eight games for Denver this year and registered 35 rushes for 144 yards (4.1 avg.) along with three receptions for 25 yards (8.3 avg.). He also returned a team-high 21 kickoffs for 469 yards (22.3 avg.) and tied for the Broncos' team lead with six special-teams tackles (5 kickoff, 1 punt).

Pittman, an 11th-year running back in his first year with the Broncos, appeared in all eight games (3 starts) for Denver this year and posted 76 rushes for 320 yards (4.2 avg.) with four touchdowns along with 10 receptions for 112 yards (11.2 avg.). He recorded his 11th career 100-yard rushing game with 109 yards on 20 carries (5.5 avg.) during the Broncos' game vs. Jacksonville on Oct. 12.

Askew (6-foot-5, 302 pounds) is a third-year defensive tackle who joins the Broncos' practice squad after competing in the Redskins' 2008 training camp. Selected by Cincinnati in the fourth round (114th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft from Michigan State University, Askew has appeared in six career games (all with the Bengals) and owns six tackles (2 solo) along with one forced fumble. He was a two-time all-state selection at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and was born on July 1, 1982.