Arturo Bandini
Apr 28, 2008 Nov 18, 2008 12 29
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It looks as though we might have been wrong in our evaluation of the Broncos.
The Kicking Battle: Hartley vs Prater
by Arturo Bandini on May 26, 2008 8:58 PM EDT
on Mile High Report
Although I originally posted this in HT's positional upgrade article, I felt it was worth improving and moving so people can get a better feel for the past performance of the kickers dueling to be the new Denver Broncos' kicker in '08.
My personal feeling is that with the loss of Jason Elam, the FG kicking unit of Special Teams took a definite step back (at least in terms of its ability to inspire confidence in the field players---see Champ's comments); however, I do believe that no matter who wins the upcoming roster slot, Prater or Hartley, we’re better off in the field position game, and one roster spot better (to use for O-Line perhaps?) by not having to carry the dreaded kicking specialist. So, in a way, it’s a net gain. Though I must admit that in doing this write-up I was swayed somewhat by Guru’s excellent archived piece on Elam. That said, I still think a clutch kicker is extremely difficult to replace, and few things can kill a team’s confidence quite like a terrible kicking blunder, much less consistently terrible kicking blunders.
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Shanahan doesn't like Bill Williamson either
May 24, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The ESPN.com NFL power rankings served as a nice talker during a slow time in May. At least, that was the goal.
Apparently, the power rankings also served as motivation for at least one NFL team. Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan read the rankings and duly noted that his Broncos were ranked No. 23. Shanahan sees it as a good sign.
I know one thing about Shanahan after covering him for the past four years. He looks for anything to motivate his team. This is a man who piped in the words of former Broncos running back Clinton Portis in the team's locker room all week leading up to a game against the Redskins. So, it's no surprise that Shanahan, coming off the second losing season in 13 years in Denver, has taken noticed of his team's low ranking, even three-plus months prior to the season. He doesn't miss any chances to rally the troops.
Hedge-fund boss bilked big-name Broncos
May 25, 2008 8:28 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The jailhouse suicide of convicted hedge-fund boss Kirk Wright is being noticed in Denver.
Wright's case in Atlanta was familiar in the Rocky Mountains because Wright was guilty of bilking key Broncos out of money. The players affected by Wright included former Broncos' stars Steve Atwater, Terrell Davis and receiver Rod Smith, who recently went on the reserve/retired list.
Alexander falling off Denver's radar
May 25, 2008 2:18 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
All has been quiet on the Shaun Alexander front recently and it could remain that way.
At least one team that has been mentioned as a potential suitor is moving away from the idea of bringing in Alexander. According to a Denver source, the former Seattle star running back is not on the Broncos' radar at this point although the notion isn't 100 percent dead.
Denver had one conversation with Alexander's agent a few weeks ago. The Broncos considered bringing in Alexander for a visit but backed off the idea. Because the Broncos are close to budget for this season and they are satisfied with their tailback crew, they likely won't change their mind about Alexander unless there is an injury. Alexander may have to wait for any team to suffer an injury before getting signed.
Rookie Contract Progress, A Few Q's
by Arturo Bandini on May 25, 2008 1:01 PM EDT
on Mile High Report
I noticed the other day that the Miami Dolphins were almost done with signing all their drafted rookies, which has to be some kind of record. That said--and perhaps I've just not seen the news on this--how is the team coming along with signing its drafted players? I figure MattR may well know all this, but I had to ask out of sheer curiosity.
And in the interest of making this post seventy-five words long:
- Forgive me if I missed this, but were all drafted players accounted for at the first week of QB Camp?
- If so, does the presence of unsigned players at QB Camp indicate team-first players, good faith, and a willingness to get going, or am I reading too much into this?
Denver Broncos on the CBA (NFL.com Video)
Veterans John Lynch and Domonique Foxworth discuss owners opting out of CBA.
Marcus Thomas is thrilled the state attorney's office in Florida has decided not to pursue felony cocaine possession charges against him. Yet, the troubled former Florida star and current Denver Broncos' starting defensive tackle knows the court of public opinion is a different story.
"I know people are probably thinking that it's one thing after another with this guy," Thomas said Saturday. "I don't blame them. But I have to go show that that I am staying out of trouble and that I can be a productive player. That will be the only way to show people that I mean business."
Denver took Thomas in the fourth round of the 2007 draft after he was dismissed from the eventual BCS champion Florida Gator 2006 team after testing positive for marijuana use several times. Thomas stayed out of trouble as a rookie but he was arrested near his Jacksonville home in March for drug possession.
However, charges were dropped and then pursued against the driver of the vehicle Thomas was a passenger in. Both Thomas and the driver told arresting officers that the drugs, found in a compartment in between the driver and passenger seats in the driver's truck, were not in Thomas' possession.
"I know I didn't go anything wrong, but still it's not good," Thomas said. "I'm just glad I have the support of coach (Mike) Shanahan. I have to show him it's worth supporting me."
The Broncos took Thomas because they thought he had first-round talent and he became a starter during the season.
Hashmarks, posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson on May 10, 2008 6:40 PM.
Schefter & Shanahan Chat (NFLN Video)
Shanahan's thoughts on Jay's diagnosis, the Broncos, the summer, and the upcoming season.
Broncos 2008 Outlook (NFLN Video)
Solomon Wilcots with a realistic, yet positive, perspective on the Broncs heading into the '08 season. It isn't the most in-depth, but it's nice to see a national media outlet doing something other than dumping on Denver.
Clady was a gift for Denver. Perfect fit. Great athlete. Needs to get stronger, but that won't kill him in that system. If he works hard with the playbook, he will be fine. I like Jake first, Clady second, Albert third and Williams fourth. I didn't see Cherilus or Otah as LTs and Baker and Brown may end up at OG if they fail at LT, which is quite possible. However, I give Gibbs all the credit in the world and he could really coach up Brown in Houston.
The Broncos' interest in running backs Shaun Alexander and Dominic Rhodes remains in the preliminary stages, according to sources close to the situation. Denver could bring in either player for a visit, but it isn't focusing on either player at this point.
If Denver were to bring in a veteran running back, the team would likely have to part ways with veteran Travis Henry. There is likely little chance Denver would hold onto Henry and bring in another veteran. The Broncos also like second-year player Selvin Young and fifth-round pick Ryan Torain. So, if a veteran like Alexander or Rhodes comes in -- and it doesn't seem close to happening at this point -- it may be the end of a rocky, short era in Denver for Henry. His contract was chopped to about $1 million this season with incentives after a 2007 season which was disrupted by a drug case and injuries.
Henry ended up averting a one-year drug suspension by winning an appeal, but he was a distraction to the Broncos. If the Broncos decide they don't want to deal with him again, perhaps Alexander or Rhodes could be brought in.
Haskmarks
May 6, 2008 10:57 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
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