SB Nation - Chad Mustard

Chiefs Not the Busiest but Having the Best Off Season in the AFC West

Chris Thorman — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:59:08 -0000

I know it's always fun to give Broncos, Raiders and Chargers fans a good ribbing now and then about their respective teams but the joke is really on the AFC West.

The Chargers, 8-8 last year, won their final four games of the year to snatch the divisional crown away from the bumbling Broncos. The Chiefs and Raiders were never in it. As a whole, the teams of the AFC West averaged about 5.5 wins each last year and no team's record was over .500.

So, you'd expect a lot of changes in personnel in the AFC West after such a poor showing by, well, everyone. The Broncos have been by far the busiest AFC West team in free agency and the activity dwindles as you go from the Chiefs, to the Raiders and to the Chargers.

The Chiefs cut a few salary cap heavy veterans and traded for a franchise quarterback and a defensive leader. Not too shabby for the first three days of free agency.

Let's see how the rest of the AFC West fared in the first wave of free agency.

Denver Broncos

Cap space before free agency: ~$37 million

ADDITIONS (8)	SUBTRACTIONS (15)	RE-SIGNED (0)
RB J.J. Arrington (FA, ARZ) RB Correll Buckhalter (FA, PHI) WR Jabar Gaffney (FA, NE) FS Renaldo Hill (FA, MIA) G Matt McChesney (waivers, MIA) LS Lonie Paxton (FA, NE) DT Darrell Reid (FA, IND) S Brian Dawkins (FA, PHI)	RB Anthony Aldridge (waivers, WSH) CB Dré Bly (cut) DE John Engelberger (cut) CB Domonique Foxworth (FA, BAL) RB Alex Haynes (cut) TE Nate Jackson (cut) LB Niko Koutouvides (cut) S John Lynch (retired) S Marquand Manuel (cut) TE Chad Mustard (cut) RB P.J. Pope (cut) DT Dewayne Robertson (cut) WR Cliff Russell (cut) DT Josh Shaw (cut) LB Jamie Winborn (cut)

It says something about how unhappy your new head coach is with the team when there have been 23 transactions on your team and nobody was re-signed. New Denver head coach Josh McDaniels wants no part of Mike Shanahan's legacy, even QB Jay Cutler.

Brian Dawkins is a decorated safety who will turn 36-years old in October. J.J. Arrington and Correll Buckhalter are the exact type of running backs you'd expect the old Broncos to sign (and subsequently get injured). Considering Denver was down to it's 7th running back or something close to that last year, it's probably a good idea to nab at least two of them in free agency.

To add to those sub par signings, WR Brandon Marshall was arr ested over the weekend and charged with disorderly conduct. ESPN is speculating that an 8-game suspension in 2009 could be in order for Marshall. Whatever the punishment is, it's good to see a great rival WR go down the tubes. Even if nothing comes of this latest arrest, you know Marshall is going to get arrested again. And again. And again. He's that stupid.

Verdict: Lots of movement by the Broncos but little of it was in a forward direction.

Oakland Raiders

Cap space before free agency: ~$8 million

ADDITIONS (1)	SUBTRACTIONS (5)	RE-SIGNED (3)
QB Bruce Gradkowski (waivers, CLE)	WR Ronald Curry (cut) DE Kalimba Edwards (cut) FB Justin Griffith (cut) OT Kwame Harris (cut) S Gibril Wilson (cut, MIA)	CB Nnamdi Asomugha CB Chris Johnson P Shane Lechler

If it wasn't for the whole winning thing or putting together a solid football team, it wouldn't be that bad to be an Oakland Raider. CB Nnamdi Asomugha was re-signed in mid-February to a deal that guarantees him $28.5 million in the first two years of his contract. I mean, if you hang around in Oakland for a couple of seasons and keep your mouth shut, Al Davis is going to throw you a bunch of cash.

Right now, the Raiders don't even enter my thoughts as AFC West competitors. And they probably won't until Al Davis leaves his ownership post. Despite putting together a Super Bowl team in the early part of this decade, Davis has fallen even further off of literal rocker in the last few seasons.

Verdict: Still the Raiders, which is like being the Keystone Cops of the NFL.

San Diego Chargers

Cap space before free agency: ~$14 million

ADDITIONS (0)	SUBTRACTIONS (1)	RE-SIGNED (1)
	LB Anthony Waters (cut)	G Kynan Forney

The big news isn't about any of the Charger's moves but only about one potential move- LaDainian Tomlinson. Rumors have surfaced mentioning the New Orleans Saints as a potential LT landing spot but nothing concrete has occurred. Moving LT would be contract related, as the Chargers will have to re-sign QB Philip Rivers to a huge contract next season.

The Chargers were the most stable team personnel wise in the AFC West, which may account for part of their lack of activity in free agency.

Verdict: Still the most talented team in the AFC West but the gap is closing quickly.

Poll

Which AFC West team did the best in the first wave of free agency?

Chiefs

930 votes

Raiders

4 votes

Broncos

160 votes

Chargers

7 votes

1101 votes | Poll has closed

MHR 2008 Position Reviews -- Tight End

Steve Nichols — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:00:08 -0000

The first thing one notices about the TEs in Denver is that there are two exceptional ones. Graham and Scheffler are a great duo, each with advantages and disadvantages. Together, they helped the Broncos offense when it shined, and had little to do with offensive shortcomings in 2008.

With two players at TE that could start for most teams, Denver is pretty lucky. But Denver also has had effective #3 TEs ranging from a terrific run blocker in Mustard (who, like Graham, is proving he can catch) to Jackson (a pure catcher).

The Review

Scheffler is a 25 year-old TE in his 3rd year. He is a magnificent receiving TE, with a combination of good hands, speed, power and agility. His salary was only around $612,000 in 2008. His run-blocking and pass-blocking skills are above-average, but not excellent. He is hampered by a foot injury that has cost him a bit of playing time.

From FoxSports.com comes the following chart:

Regular Season

CAREER SEASON STATS

RECEIVING RUSHING FUMBLES

Season Team G GS REC YDS AVG LNG TD ATT YDS AVG TD FUM LOST

2006 Broncos 13 5 18 286 15.9 29 4 1 3 3.0 0 0 0

2007 Broncos 16 7 49 549 11.2 41 5 0 0 0.0 0 1 1

2008 Broncos 13 7 40 645 16.1 72 3 1 -1 -1.0 0 1 1

Career 42 19 107 1480 13.8 72 12 2 2 1.0 0 2 2

Graham is a 30 year-old in his 7th year. While many saw him as the best blocking TE in football, there was a rumor that he was being brought to Denver to catch passes. Flubbing a couple of passes in his first year with Denver, many fans gave up too soon. But Graham's blocking skills (a skill perhaps valued by coaches and players more than fans) remains elite, and Graham went on to prove that he is a very effective receiver. Graham is a double-threat whenever he hits the field.

From FoxSports.com comes the following chart:

Regular Season

CAREER SEASON STATS
				RECEIVING					RUSHING				FUMBLES
Season	Team	G	GS	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	FUM	LOST
2002	Patriots	12	6	15	150	10.0	31	1	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2003	Patriots	14	9	38	409	10.8	38	4	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2004	Patriots	14	14	30	364	12.1	48	7	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2005	Patriots	11	9	16	235	14.7	45	3	0	0	0.0	0	1	0
2006	Patriots	12	11	21	235	11.2	29	2	0	0	0.0	0	1	1
2007	Broncos	15	15	24	246	10.3	28	2	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
2008	Broncos	16	16	32	389	12.2	28	4	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
Career		94	80	176	2028	11.5	48	23	0	0	0.0	0	2	1

What did this mean for Denver in 2008, and what will it mean moving forward?

In 2008, Denver's offense was both explosive (gaining multiple yards in the air game), and disappointing (red zone issues and key interceptions). Despite the issues with injured RBs, the offensive line (with close TE support) kept the Broncos' OL producing. Denver's offensive tackles absolutely shined in '08 in pass-protection, with at least one TE pass-blocking on most plays.

As a group, the TEs also were responsible for their share of first downs in the air, TDs, yards and value as "safety valves" for Jay Cutler whenever he was under pressure.

Because Denver boasted two starting quality TEs, the team could play a deadly two-TE set, allowing protection from 3-4 defenses while adding complexity to whether the offense was using players as blockers or receivers.

The Future

Moving forward, the team has a lot to smile about, but a little to worry about, too.

Positives -

1) The team retains the dynamic duo of Graham (#1 TE) and Scheff (#2) in 2009. That's the best news so far.

2) Both players are being paid below their worth.

Negatives -

1) Graham will be getting older. His route-running skills will improve, and he shows no signs of slowing, but he won't be around forever.

2) While Scheff is young and can stick around for a while with the team, he can't be counted on to play every game. Injuries other than foot injuries could be attributed to how he compensates for his foot (as has been discussed by MHR resident physician BroncoBear).

All in all, Denver is fortunate at the TE position and has time to worry it further down the road. #3 TE Mustard is an above-average blocker (even for a starter), and his receiving skills continue to improve. But, he is a year older than than Graham.

Grades

I would give Denver an "A" in 2008 for the TE position. I project the same grade for 2009. The defense will likely get the most attention this reloading season, but most of the offense (including key retirement candidate OC Wiegmann) should return.

What are your thoughts on Denver at TE?

Broncos release five players

John Bena — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:22:31 -0000

The Denver Broncos on Wednesday released five players, it was announced.

The club released running back Anthony Alridge, running back Alex Haynes, tight end Chad Mustard, running back P.J. Pope and wide receiver Cliff Russell.

Broncos place Nate Jackson on I/R, re-sign Chad Mustard

John Bena — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:46:48 -0000

Nate Jackson is headed for Injured Reserve.......again.

The Denver Broncos on Thursday signed free-agent tight end Chad Mustard to take Jackson's place.

Jackson was placed on the reserve/injured list with a right hamstring injury suffered in practice on Wednesday. Jackson, a sixth-year player, appeared in all 10 games (3 starts) for the Broncos this season and caught 11 passes for 84 yards (7.6 avg.) with one touchdown while posting four tackles on special teams.

Mustard (6-foot-6, 277 pounds) is in his fifth NFL season and third year with the Broncos, who waived him on Nov. 4. He saw time in three games (vs. Jac. 10/12, at N.E. 10/20 and vs. Mia. 11/2) for Denver this season after signing with the club on Oct. 6, and he also competed in its 2008 training camp.

In 44 career games (6 starts) with Denver (2006-08) and Cleveland (2002-04), Mustard has totaled 12 receptions for 123 yards (10.3 avg.). He entered the NFL with the Browns as a practice-squad signee in 2002 following a stint with the Omaha Beef of the National Indoor Football League.

Mustard played two seasons of football at the University of North Dakota after competing on its basketball team for two years. He finished his collegiate basketball career ranked eighth all-time in UND annals with 1,568 points scored.

Born on Oct. 8, 1977, Mustard attended Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, Neb.

MHR Chalk Talk -- Week 6 - Jacksonville at Denver

Steve Nichols — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:00:05 -0000

YOUR SOURCE FOR THE VERY BEST

IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

MILEHIGHREPORT.COM

For Everything Jags Related, Check Out BigCatCountry

What a difference a few weeks makes! Teams that looked tough going into the season have suffered injuries (Brady in NE) or declined (SD and INDY) while other teams have shot ahead (TENN and DEN). If you had asked me before the season what my thoughts were on JAX, I would have told you that the only thing holding them back was INDY. But their offensive line was decimated by injuries, and the team has never bounced back.

As for Denver, I expected them to sweep KC this year, but to win two of four games against SD and OAK. I also thought that either TB or NO could sneek up on DEN. But KC managed to beat Denver, while Denver beat the other four teams. Denver's offense is playing at a SuperBowl level, and while the defense has looked weak, it showed a lot of talent in week five.

Let's take a look at the Denver / Jacksonville match-up this week, and discuss some if the issues surrounding the game.

Read on...

Denver's progression in the first five games have been instructive.

In game one, a Monday Night Football showdown in Oakland, the Broncos destroyed the Oakland secondary with a rookie receiver, while the number one receiver was under suspension. Denver fans enjoyed beating their arch-rivals, but they enjoyed the air show too.

In game two, Denver was treated to the return of Brandon Marshall. Denver not only repeated a masterful pass game, but beat a division rival that the media was crowning as SuperBowl contenders. But now Denver fans were becoming concerned. The defense declined towards the end of the Oakland game, and seemed absent during the SD game.

In game three, fans were thrilled to beat the Saints. The Saints have a terrific QB, big names on both sides of the ball, and a smart, young coach. But Denver fans began to see a disturbing pattern. The 3-4 was being used quite a bit, but with only three men rushing much of the time. Just as problematic, the CBs were playing zones, and the defensive line was being pushed around. Questions arose about the coverage teams. Some observant fans felt good about going 3-0, but worried that the team would have a hard time winning without a defense.

The KC game came along, and the house came crashing down. Despite a respectable 3-1 start to the season, most fans came together to express concerns about the state of the defense.

Week five (against TB) seems to have answered a lot of questions. Denver played one of the best practioners of the Tampa-2 defense, and did it the right way, by being patient with underneath throws and running the ball. More importantly, the defense looked much improved, and moved away from a vanilla zone scheme to a true zone blitz system (one of the two systems predicted for Denver right here at MileHighReport). Special teams also looked solid on coverage and with several touchbacks. A new hero was born, as Denver fans started to realize they have a star for a kicker.

Now, against Jacksonville, the prime thing to watch is whether or not the defense just had a good week against TB, or whether the defense is for real. This week can go far towards predicting how far Denver can go this year.

Jacksonville in Decline

The first thing you should know about Jacksonville is that they have two seperate identities, something like Jekyl and Hyde. On the one hand, Jacksonville worked hard to build a reputation for running the ball with two solid RBs, Taylor and Drew. But this year, Taylor ranks 31st among RBs and Drew ranks 38th. Jacksonville is also known for their fearsome defensive line and exotic blitz packages. This year Jacksonville is having problems stopping runs, is ranked 21st in the NFL for defense, and will likely be without a starting CB and a starting SAF for this game.

Denver on Offense

Denver can't take Jax lightly. While Jax isn't performing well, they still have the playmakers to turn around a suffering defense. Jax's defensive line remains very physical, as much or more so than TB's. While the OL of Den has demonstrated an ability to protect Cutler from anything, Jax (if playing at their best) will be perhaps the second best test of the year (with the NE defense being first). Denver has the QB and the receiving threats to rip apart the Jax secondary (even without the above mentioned injuries), but an effective pass rush or blitzing would be a new wrinkle for Denver. The line must protect Cutler.

Another consideration is the run game. WHich Jax DL will show up in this game? Is it the one that plugs gaps and wraps runners as they hit scrimmage, or the one Jax fans have been seeing lately? Denver's OL has a reputation this year for being 100% on pass protection, but only "improving" in run blocking. The answer? It may be Pittman.

Denver has a terrific opportunity to wear down the defense this game. The best way to beat a powerful DL is to run at it and wear it down, and with Coach Shanahan talking about mixing Pittman in the rotation instead of just playing short yardage, this may be the time.

Expect Graham to be used often in the pass game, but as a pass blocker. Expect him to be used even more often in the run blocking program. This is the kind of game where Graham earns his money. Many fans love the flash and fireworks of a Tony Scheffler (as I do), but this match-up begs for run and pass blocking skills more than a receiving TE. (Scheffler is likely out with an injury anyway). While Jackson is the likely TE for receiving, Mustard has just been activated, and may have even more value as a blocking TE.

In the passing game, there is some question as to whether Royal will play or not. Recent comments from the team look hopeful. However, with a banged up secondary for Jax, Denver should do well even if Stokely is forced up to #2.

If healthy, I would prefer for (WR) Jackson to play as the #2. In football depth charting, a "sandbag" refers to the clever practice of promoting one man up the chain, instead of bumping several people up. By playing Stokley at #2, we make him play a tougher CB and make Jackson play a tougher CB. By just jumping Jackson, Stokley remains a dangerous threat at slot. Keep in mind that Martinez has been recently activiated by the team, and could see time also.

I expect Denver to run very few 2-TE formations. Denver will keep a FB in (likely Larson over Hillis) to give added protection to Jay, and to hep the inside runs. Denver may also try to stretch the defense by running to the edges. Denver should also try to establish a lead they can protect. Jax will likely try to establish a run game to keep Cutler off of the field.

Denver on Defense

Here again, the trenches should determine the game. Denver has the secondary to stop Jax in that air, but as we have seen through the season, it must be paired with a pass rush. The strength of the Jax offense has been running, and the OL of Jax is built for that purpose. Denver must not get pushed around like last year's game. EIther the defensive line will have to stop the runs at the line, or the LBs will have to tackle effectively.

Jax is built to run, but hasn't been getting it done. Denver's defensive line has been questionable this season, and even in the improved TB game didn't prove that they are ready to stop runs outright.

Will Denver use the zone blitz to slow down the Jax pass game? It was used in the TB game with great effect, and the LBs have the speed to stop QB breaks from the pocket. A good indication of Denver's intentions is to watch formations this week. If Denver plays a 3-4, they will probably make this their base formation. I say this, because a 4-3 would likely be more effective against Jax. Using a 3-4 shows a strong commitment to the system we saw last week. Using a 4-3 may indicate the team is not yet finished establishing their identity.

Special Mention: Special Teams

I don't often include special teams in the break downs. This week I will, because Denver has slowly morphed into a special teams threat.

Kickoffs are becoming touchbacks. I believe I heard that Prater is practicing from 60 or 70 yards for FGs? And our coverage units are quickly improving too. Our kicker is perfect from over 50 yards (four times so far). This means several nice things.

We have an excellent opportunity to win the field position game.
Third and long can become 3 points on the board instead of punts from more places on the field.
Opposing teams may have less of a chance for good returns.
Good special teams coverage can be good for a few turnovers in a season.

Keys to the Game

Den

Protect Cutler.
Limit interceptions.
Stop the Jax running game.

Jax

Either get to Cutler or control the clock.
May have to double cover Marshall.
Must convert 3rd downs (currently the worst in the NFL).

Overview

I see this game as being won in the trenches. The biggest match up to watch is Denver's OL against Jacksonville's DL. The next area to watch is to see if Denver's defense is for real, or if last week was a flash in the mist instead of being part of an improvement in stages.

If Jax plays the way they have been, Denver should win in a blowout. If Jax plays to the potential of its current roster (particularly at HB and DL), this game could be very close. If the latter is the case, Denver's special teams may be the cavalry.

Jacksonville's incentive is to get to the .500 mark, and have a bye and three teams with losing records ahead. Denver's goal is to establish confidence in the defense and special teams, and to establish a record that can't be denied. Currently ranked as the third best team in the AFC (by tie-break), a 5-1 record would clearly establish Denver as a first tier team.

Poll

Prater (Kicker)

We don't have to miss Elam now.

268 votes

I'm still not sold.

37 votes

He's a kicker. Who cares?

19 votes

324 votes | Poll has closed

Broncos Sign Chad Mustard, Release Dylan Gandy

John Bena — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:15:47 -0000

The Denver Broncos on Monday signed free-agent tight end Chad Mustard, Head Coach Mike Shanahan announced. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Broncos also on Monday waived guard Dylan Gandy.

Mustard (6-foot-6, 277 pounds) is in his fifth NFL season and third year with the Broncos. He competed with Denver in its 2008 training camp before he was waived on Aug. 30.

In 41 career games (6 starts) with Denver (2006-07) and Cleveland (2002-04), Mustard has totaled 12 receptions for 123 yards (10.3 avg.). He entered the NFL with the Browns as a practice-squad signee in 2002 after a stint with the Omaha Beef of the National Indoor Football League, and he played both football and basketball at the University of North Dakota.

Last season with the Broncos, Mustard saw time in 12 games (2 starts) and had a personal-best five receptions for 62 yards (12.4 avg.). He started a career-high four games and appeared in a total of 12 contests for Denver in 2006.

Mustard played two seasons of football at North Dakota after his basketball eligibility expired. He finished his collegiate basketball career ranked eighth all-time in UND annals with 1,568 points scored.

Born on Oct. 8, 1977, Mustard attended Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, Neb.