SB Nation User Blog: Jon Tollerud

Kudos to Dante Stallworth

Jon Tollerud — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:08:34 -0000

With all the news surrounding Brandon Marshall the last week I thought I would point out another man who has had some legal trouble recently. Roger Goodell has suspended Donte Stallworth indefinitely for his drunk driving incident this spring. What does this mean for Denver? It could have some effect on the current situation with Brandon Marshall and the league.

Stallworth was sentenced to 30 days in Jail , two years of house arrest and a lifetime suspension of Stallworth's driver's license.

sounds lenient at first but now take in to account what Stallworth has done since the incident:

He was the guy who called 911 after the accident and he cooperated fully with the police. Stallworth also gave the Reyes family an undisclosed financial settlement that led to his plea arrangement's being so light. At no point in this case has he given the indication that he's a rich, spoiled athlete who doesn't understand the magnitude of his actions. - Jeffri Chadiha

Doesn't sound like the standard we are used to from Athletes. Look at Brandon's situation a little bit:

As John (The Sports Guru) has outlined in his Fanpost there are many issues. What bothers me is how it will look to Goodell when it comes time to hand down a suspension or any action at all.

All the listed problems and altercations since joining the league
The initial suspension Appealed for "turning around"
Acting spoiled by holding out on his current team despite league action still in his future. (No one wants to pay for something they have no right to use, its like buying a car and then shipping it off to Switzerland on the off chance you may go there someday)

Stallworth, while his decision to drink and drive was horrible, has faced the consequences AS A MAN.

Brandon's hold out and refusal to "get with the program" is not helping his case in front of the Commish either!

Some points for Brandon Marshall

Jon Tollerud — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:41:25 -0000

Brandon,

My friend the world of football is your playground. You have a chance to be a legitimate threat in one of the most potent systems in the NFL. Your payday will come, I am assured of that but do you want your payday to be with a legitimate franchise such as Denver or would you prefer the cyst that is the oakland raiders? Lets look at the facts my friend...

You came into the NFL a fourth round pick. You were paid at the time as such and have been given EVERY opportunity to earn your next paycheck. You have seceded in becoming a true #1 Wide Receiver as far as talent. However your off field concerns leave a lot to be desired. That being said I have faith in you until you don a different jersey! Your current attitude about wanting out or getting paid is a bit disturbing. I am sure your agent is telling you Denver is screwing you this year money wise. No doubt his Ferrari's insurance is about to expire and that is what caused this but none the less there are some facts you have to look at:

Tender amounts as of 2009 Free Agency:

Low tender – right of first refusal & original draft pick – $1.01 million
Middle tender – right of first refusal & 2nd round pick – $1.545 million
High tender – right of first refusal & 1st round pick – $2.198 million
Highest tender – right of first refusal & 1st and 3rd round picks – $2.792 million

Low Tender:

this is less than you are making now. If the Broncos offer you this one it pretty much screws your payday. No one is going to give a guy 10-12 million a year who was offered a low tender by his original team. they may offer you five million but then Denver can match that offer and keep you and then you get in a Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin Situation. Not a good Idea plus there is no real incentive for Denver to go any higher because you are fourth round pick and they will get it back.

Middle Tender:

Again less than you are making now, and not a lot of reason to offer you 10-12 million. Plus your team is willing to part with you for a second so there are concerns from a team why.

High Tender:

This tender is about what you are making right now. Remember you want more than you are making now so this one can end better because a team is more likely to give you 10-12 million at this stage but they also would part with a 1st round pick. If you get tendered this one helps your cause the most.

Highest Tender:

you DON'T want this one cause it almost guarantees you stay in Denver. no team is going to pay you 10-12 million AND part with a 1st and 3rd round pick. the risk is just too much.

OTHER THINGS:

if you want to be traded can you pass a trade physical? that's a hard hurdle to overcome. What about your court date? do you KNOW how it will turn out? What about a possible suspension? I think you already paid for it but that is besides the point! Do you KNOW that you will not be suspended?

I am all for you getting your payday but you need to do it the right way. Look at how Casey Weigmann and how he handled it. He let management know he wanted a new contract and came in did what was asked and got his pay day. Jay, your buddy ol' pal, did something similar, wanted a new contract and then complained and complained. That turned out less than satisfying. Don't alienate the best fan base in the NFL, stay a Bronco!

What makes MHR so special?

Jon Tollerud — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:17:10 -0000

This is your chance to tell your story. Why you came to MHR, why you stayed at MHR and why you enjoy MHR. My story is a bit of a interesting one but worth a little time reading. Then, I want to hear your stories in the comment section!

I stumbled on MHR in 2006 looking for a good breakdown of our defense. I found it and so more. It took me a year to realize I could actually be a member so my start date is 2007. That being said I have learned a lot over the last 3 years and enjoy all the new posters and people who have joined. When you have intelligent conversations, thought out well written posts and great people there is no reason to leave. To top it off there are opportunities afforded us here like no other.

Example:

I had the privlidge this past weekend to have lunch with some great gentlemen. First Fan and Arctic Bronco. Both live up here with the other Frozen Chosen in Alaska but we had never met. The conversation was great the food great and the memory priceless. First Fan and I are a liitle different in age. He has seen many seasons while I have not had that privildge. Arctic too is a little more seasoned than myself but these two gentlemen treated me as an equal in Broncodom! THIS IS WHY I AM WTH MHR!

lets hear your stories!

GO BRONCOS

Are we supportive or blind?

Jon Tollerud — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:52:51 -0000

First off, I would like to say I would rather see my team go 16-0 instead of 0-16. This is not a negative post by any means but it is not as blue and orange colored as some may think. I want to be honest with my opinion. So here it is:

Below is a list of Ideal and reality players:

Quarterback:

Ideal- Peyton Manning

Reality- Kyle Orton

Why Kyle Orton will work out : Josh McDaniels is a Quarterbacks coach, he plays to their strengths. Kyle Orton has many strengths the biggest of which is the ability to accept his mistakes and work hard to CHANGE them.Peyton Manning is not perfect, he has thrown interceptions. Manning also LEARNS from them and tries not to be in the same situation again. Am I saying Kyle Orton is as good as Peyton Manning? No way, but he is from the same mold and school of thought.

Running Back:

Ideal- Adrian Peterson

Reality- Knowshon Moreno

Why Knowshon Moreno will work out : Moreno is considered not just the top running back out of this year's draft class but the top offensive player drafted. Knowshon runs similar to Adrian Peterson and Terrell Davis in that he fights for the extra inch. He falls forward not back and he finds the hole very well. Add to the fact that Bobby Turner and Ron Dennison got 1,000 yards out of Olandis Gary and you can't go wrong right? Is Knowshon AP? No! Will he do his part in every facet of the game he can? Yes

Wide Receiver:

Ideal- Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss

Reality- Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal

Why Marshall and Royal will work out: Name a tandem in the NFL you would rather have... Moss/ Welker? Ok. Fitzgerald/ Boldin? Fine but who is after that still running routes together? I would say these two are one of the top 5 tandems in the league. Crisp in their routes, ability to make things happen AFTER they catch, ability to read defenses, there isn't a whole lot these two lack.

Offensive Line:

Ideal- Denver Broncos/ New England Patriots/ New York Giants/ Indianapolis Colts

Reality- Denver Broncos

Why we can smile: We return a top tier line in its entirety. 12 sacks in 16 games? 5 yards per carry? good stats but on top of that they worked together. Add to the fact that we kept Ron Dennison and we have EVERY reason to smile about our O Line.

Defensive Line:

Ideal- Pittsburgh Steelers/ Baltimore Ravens/ New York Giants

Reality- NEW Denver Broncos

Why it isn't doomed: Denver will show a new face not only in three men but three DIFFERENT men on the line. Ronnie Fields, targeted and acquired. Add to the fact that guys WANT to play for the positions, and you have guys hungry for field time.

Linebackers:

Ideal: James Harrison, Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, Shawn Merriman

Reality- Wesley Woodyard, D J Williams, Andra Davis, Elvis Dumervil, Jarvis Moss, Spencer Larsen, et al

Why it looks good: With DJ in a position that he is comfortable in and the ability to use the rest of the corps as needed we look to be in good shape. Add the fact that there are 3-5 guys are vi eying for the rush linebacker position and we have some more competition! Competition breeds character.

Cornerback:

Ideal- Champ Bailey, Nnamdi Asoumugha (or however you friggin spell his name)

Reality- Champ Bailey, Andre Goodman

Why it is ok: it may not be the IDEAL tandem but it does create a mismatch problem. Champ blankets one side of the field which leads to almost HAVING to throw the other way. Nickle Packages and Dime packages will also be pretty strong as well with guys like Jack Williams and our draft pick Alphonso Smith in the wings.

Safety:

Ideal- Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed

Reality- Brian Dawkins, Reynaldo Hill

Why is this good? an upgrade over what was one of the WORST safety tandems last year. Steve Atwater wont have to hit his TV now that we have competent safeties in the backfield.

Special Teams:

Ideal: Virginia Tech

Reality: Denver Broncos

A College Team? Yes because at VT (where Eddie Royal played) they FOCUSED on special teams play. We need a team that focuses on that third of the game as much as the other two.

Depth:

Ideal- USC

Reality- Denver Broncos

It's ok: USC is continually competitive because they have the depth if someone is injured or leaves the team, to continue to play at a top level. Are we there? NO. Are we closer than last year? Yes.

In the end, this is not a team of headliners or superstars but rather a team of guys who will grow play and learn together.

13-3 until we lose 4!

Poll

Well?

Too shaded, get back to reality 0-16 to 5-11

18 votes

We are getting there 6-10 to 8-8 this year

84 votes

We are in the thick of it 9-7 to 11-5

187 votes

Top of the crop 12-4 to14-2

19 votes

TOP OF THE WORLD BABY!!! 15-1 or 16-0

9 votes

317 votes | Poll has closed

Who Would YOU Cut?

Jon Tollerud — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:55:07 -0000

So I have seen people up in arms over cutting JJ Arrington. We shoudlnt have signed him in the first place, he cost us a lot, why did we draft Moreno among other questions. We all know there are only 53 roster spots on the team so the question becomes who do you cut?

How many QB's do you keep?

How many RB's do you keep?

How many WR do you keep?

TE? OL? DL? LB? CB? DB? PK? P? LS?

if you know there are only 53 spots you cant keep ALL your RB's and have good depth in other places. Like I have said before. Alot of our off season aquisitions could end up Camp fodder!

SO...Who do YOU Cut/KEEP?

So which Jersey do you get?

Jon Tollerud — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:50:05 -0000

I was looking at the AFL 50th Jersey today trying to decide who I would like to get. And it got me wondering? Who represents our team the best right now? Does Brandon with his recent interview? Does Eddie with his continued commitment to the fans? Dawkins Bailey for Leadership? or Moreno for the fresh new look? Here are the options as they stand right now:

Marshall?

Royal?

Dawkins?

Moreno?

Bailey?

Customizable

I am inclined to buy a Royal jersey but I figured I would ask the populace here and see what you think?

Poll

If you were getting a 50th Jersey who would you Purchase?

Champ Bailey

28 votes

Brian Dawkins

9 votes

Brandon Marshall

15 votes

Eddie Royal

45 votes

Knowshon Moreno

41 votes

Customizable (see below)

12 votes

150 votes | Poll has closed

What I am looking for from the Denver Broncos in 2009

Jon Tollerud — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:29:47 -0000

Many people are starting to wonder or “predict” how Denver will fair and what they will do this year. Will the Broncos be competitors? Will they win 2, 3, 8, 9 games? This is not that type of post. I want to explain my point of view, where I am coming from and what I want to see from each position and players at that position. From the team all I ask is that when you suit up on game day you play the entire 60 minutes of football.

Offense:

As a group we didn’t lose a whole lot. What I am looking for is a team that plays well between the 20’s but more importantly, a team that comes away with points inside the 20. At this point I will take 3 if the other option is a turnover.

Quarterback:

Obviously from a sheer talent perspective we have taken a step back. I do not think we have replaced talent for talent. What we have done this offseason is become more competent and coachable. Things I noticed towards the end of last season included Jay being unwilling to change his style to keeps us competitive. Sheer talent we stepped back, overall I think we have progressed. All I ask is that we field the QB who wants to win most, the guy who will do his best to get the ball to the guy that makes the play and not turn it over.

Running backs:

This is probably our best position when it comes to depth. Moreno, Hillis Buckhalter, and the others bring different things to the table. You have your Power backs highlighted by Hillis, you have your speed backs highlighted by Buckhalter and then you have Moreno who you would say is coming as a franchise back. Remember, Davis had his spell and fullbacks as well. All I want is a RB or even tandem of guys who are going to pound it and pound it hard and efficiently.

Wide Receivers:

What a crop and we just keep adding. Brandon Marshall is a player many teams would covet. Eddie Royal brings his own skill set to the table. Brandon Stokely is arguably the best Slot in the game and then you add guys like Jackson, McKinley and Gaffney. They all may not be the best WR in the NFL but they play their roles well and are going to study to be better. I want guys who will catch that ball and make a play but more importantly I want NO fumbles.

Tight Ends:

Daniel Graham is the top dog here but Branson Scheffler, Quinn and Putzier all have roles to play. Scheffler and Putzier are receiving TE and have little to offer on the blocking end. Graham and Quinn are blockers who have unannounced soft hands for the ball. Branson is the unknown but looks a little like a mix of both types of TE and could possibly run the ball a little in “H” back type roles like Hillis is expected to get. All I am asking is play your assignment. If it is block, than block if it’s running a route, then hustle your kiester out there and run the route.

Offensive Line:

The Secret Service did their job well last year so they just need to keep doing their thing! All I want is these guys to stay healthy and do their thing. Not much more needs to be said.

Defense:

The group was dismal last year and its hard to say there is nowhere to go but up when your defense couldn’t even find the door to get out of the basement last season. That said it looks like there is some strong competition at all positions. Show up and play that’s all I ask.

Defensive Line:

The bane of our existence last year, our front line was horrendous. What I want this year and what I am seeing is guys HUNGRY to be there. Guys who want to crush heads every time the ball is snapped and aren’t afraid of the occasional (not a lot) off sides call to keep offensive lines scared.

Linebackers:

What we have here is a collective group that when entirely healthy, is one of the best. This isn’t the tandem we had in Gold Williams and Wilson but it is a good group of hungry players. What I want is to put players who want to play guys who will put it all out there EVERY play of the game. That’s all I want.

Defensive Backs:

Easily our defensive strength but as HT has said you can’t keep your man FOREVER. No pass rush = reception. Pass rush = Interception. What I want are guys who spend time with film and learn how to play their assignments.

Special Teams:

North of the 50 I want to start every offensive series north of the 50. How? Learn your post and learn the plan. Block for the runner and tackle the other team’s runner. If we start north of the 50 and the opposition starts south of the 30, we will win! Promise! I also want less of our games to rely on our kicker and punter but I want them to be good as well. Inside the 40 I want our kicker to be money. Our punter needs to keep them starting south of the 20.

That’s all

Eddie Royal, the 2008 & 2009 Denver Draft Classes

Jon Tollerud — Sat, 16 May 2009 06:40:38 -0000

First off for those of you who don't know I Love sports. That being said the Chad "Ochocinco" or whatever his name is this week and the T.O.'s of todays sports are killing me. The big 5 (Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Baseball) rely on 5+ people to get the win. I am sure there are other sports out there such as Volleyball Rugby and the like that are the same way. For now Focus on football.

Football is played with 11 guys per team on either side of the ball. In any given offensive play the basics rely on at minimum two guys. The QB and the Receiver/ Running Back. Add the offensive line that keeps the QB upright and you are at 7. Throw in the extra receivers and running backs that sell their side of the play and it come to 11.

On Defense you have the front seven who collapse the pocket and sack the QB, but if one guy misses his assignment and doesn't hit his man, Touchdown. Defensive Backs, if they mis-read or have to compensate for a blown coverage assignment, BAM touchdown.

With so many things requiring 11 players you would think that some of these numpties would get it in their head that its "not all about them." WRONG some of these guys are so full of themselves that they are gimme players.

Enter Eddie Royal, the 2008, 2009 draft classes and a few others...

Eddie is not a me player. Eddie is a team player. So follow suit many of his fellow draft mates and the new rookie class. Elvis Dumervil a quiet man who does his job EVEN when not expected to is another good example of what some call the consummate professional.

What you see from these two and the others is their desire to play the game and regardless of performance draw attention only to the team.

In interviews Royal frequently reverts answers back to "The Team." Dumervil always comes back to "The Defense." These guys get it. They aren't the only ones.

Listen to Knowshon Moreno, Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath Carlton Powell, Ryan Clady, you name it. It is constantly about the team.

Some players "Hold Out" on their team to get more money. Casey Wiegmann shows up does his job and says I would like more please. I think Player salaries are becoming a little rediculous but the only way to PROVE you are worth it is to show up and EARN it. you want 10 million a year? fine throw for 3000 yards 40 TD's and 5 INT's and you can have it? Or go catch 100 balls and score 20 TD's I am ok with that too.

Eddie and Co. get it and honestly, I look at this "sophmore" WR as one of our Team Leaders. Clady, Royal, Lichtensteiger, Larsen, Torain, Hillis et al, they all understand what it takes to be a team player. Maybe guys like T.O. Chad Ochocinco and Julius Peppers can take some notes from the "Young Bucks!"

Competition: The greatness that ensues

Jon Tollerud — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:00:58 -0000

So sitting on my couch last night unable to move and having the channel changer 6 feet from me I had to listen to Jared Allen and the NFLN talk about the impact of Brett Favre on the Vikings. Jared Allen was asked a question that go t me thinking:

"Does the attempt at Brett Favre hurt Jackson and Rosenfelds?"

Jared said something that I believe but have yeat to hear the Media allow a player to say:

"I hope not... in this business you always have to compete for your job... either with a vet or a new guy but the competition is always there."

As a person and sports junkie I agree with this. "The best player should play." One of the questions that popped into my mind at that point was "Was Jay Cutler the best Quarterback on the team when the trade happened?" Most people would shout yes off the bat, but I sat and thought for a second. I can't answer truthfully but some speculation comes to mind.

When Josh McDaniels got here he said EVERYONE would compete for their position. This is a fair statement as the head coach you want fierce competition to drive the best gems to the top of the pile. So possibly Chris Simms, who was brought in at a larger price than most would pay for a guy who was "going to be the back up," was doing a little better in progression to teh new system than our start QB. I don't know, and that is not what this post is about.

Competition drives people to either strive to be the best possible, or drives them out . As a Black and White guy I see no third option. Competition will weed out the problems and show us what we or others are made of. For the sake of my post: Fair Competition showed us what Jay cutler was made of and he made an exit from the Mile high City.

Now, We have 2,640 running backs and 2,640 WR on our roster. This is to breed an air of compitition on the team that shows us who are men and who are boys. Who can play and who can't. As some one said in a fan post comment (please claim this) "Look at the roster when we cut to 53." Who knows who will make it out of camp, but they will be battle tested, and ready to show they deserve the roster spot.

Last year for example, and I know there are many others, Donavan McNabb was benched in a game. The next game he cam back on fire because he knew that his job was not set, and that he had to earn his job with every throw, with every pitch and with every touchdown. Think of the Washington Redskins a few years back. Almost a different QB starting from week to week, but they got their ring right?

Competition is the theme of this years training camp and OTA's. In my personal opinion, we will see guys in our jerseys , be they orange, white, blue or brown, that want to play for this team and that have earned the roster spot they carry.

Poll

Competition

Breeds Greatness and weeds out the problems

83 votes

can be an effective tool

44 votes

is something for college not the pros

0 votes

is devisive and breeds nothing but animosity between players

1 votes

128 votes | Poll has closed

I am not a stat. guy

Jon Tollerud — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:01:28 -0000

So you all know, I follow a few stats and know a few but I am a production guy. Like Brandon Marshall said "4500 yards... means nothing" I want a tick in the "W" column on the sports page. Hillis and knowshon each had 150yards? great, did we win? no, then I dont care. I am not saying that stats are bad or that you can't tell anything by stats but look at this:

Name /Gm

Cmp

Att

Pct

Yrds

Avg

Int

Rat

Player 1 16

297

467

63.6

3497

7.5

88.1

Player 2 15

302

471

64.1

3227

6.9

85.3

Who's stats are the first? Who's are the second?

Hint:

Player 1 ended 7-9 (2007)

Player 2 ended 9-7 (1992)

Need more?

Player one is Jay Cutler and Player 2 is Brett Favre. Both Players were in their second season. neither made a big enough impact on their team to lead them to the playoffs. I know Jay had undiagnosed diabetes but that has little ,in my opinion, to do with the bottom line here. 20 TD's to 14 INT does not bode well for his career.

Now I am not trying to pick on Jay Cutler OR Brett Favre, I am showing that those "nice" statistics meant nothing in the end. Sure you need to rack up yards and complete passes but if you dont score the touchdown you can't win the game. I would rather start every series north of the 50 and have my QB throw for 1500 yards and 40TD's than have my QB throw for 3000 yards and 20 TD's

anyway enough rambling ha ha