SB Nation User Blog: jadunn

Nic Clemons as a DE

jadunn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:54:01 -0000

My apologies to those who may have written about this subject in the comments to other posts. But, to me, what has been lost in all of the belly-aching and gnashing of teeth since the draft is an appreciation for the players that we currently have on the roster. Among these, one, in particular, who I feel should be mentioned is Nic Clemons. For the past two seasons, he has played as a rotational DT in the previous 4-3 scheme. While I can't vouch for his responsibilities in this defensive scheme, he seemed to do pretty well when asked to clog the middle. Now, let's take a look at how he could project as a 5 technique DE in the 3-4.

Clemons is 6'6'' and around 300 lbs. More than adequate for what one would hope for in a prototypical 3-4 DE. In addition, though lacking in great pass rushing moves, he seems to be the kind of player who can and will selflessly stack up the point of attack. I remember thinking that New England was nuts for moving a player with his dimensions from DT to DE. That player? Richard Seymour (another converted DT out of Georgia.) This isn't to say that Clemons will be a star. Or, even that he will be a decent starter. But he may just have the tools. And, just how many 3-4 DE's are stars in the NFL? It's a job that doesn't have the cachet that a 4-3 pass-rushing DE has.

Lastly, a general point regarding the same belly-aching and gnashing of teeth mentioned earlier. I was not in favor of Shannahan being fired. Nor was I in favor of Cutler being traded. But, I am not a football coach. Nor do I work in the front office of a professional football team. Nor do I work as a scout. My experience with football is limited to having played LB in high school, and also for a few weeks at the college level until I realized that slow guys weighing less that 200 lbs. should look elsewhere for contact. As a fan of the Denver Broncos, I may feel that I know what could be best for team. But I am only a fan. My skills and expertise lie elsewhere. Therefore, I will defer to the better judgment of those people for whom professional football is their living. Most fans should do this to. Please don't read this as discouraging dissent and opinion. Rather, understand that most of us have never actually dealt with football on the same level that the staff and players of the Broncos are dealing. While they may not all be perfect, I'll let them do their job in the same way that I would expect them to let me do mine.

Change is afoot, and it's an exciting time to be a fan of the Denver Broncos.

Best Wishes to All,

JAD

Altitude as it affects player sizes and schemes...

jadunn — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:26:13 -0000

This is something that's been lurking in the back of my mind but was brought into focus this week when the "big" and "powerful" Dallas Cowboys came into town.

As has been thoroughly written about by HT and others, teams build their rosters with the types of players who fit their systems. To use the examples we'll see this week, the Broncos run what I still like to call the "rocky mountain" offense (HT calls it zone block one cut / west coast passing). An essential component of this offense is a smaller, quicker, and more athletic offensive line - it's been this way for a while - anyone else remember the lead-up to the Green Bay Superbowl during which the popular consensus was that the Broncos were substantially out-manned on the line(s)?

The Cowboys are different up front: massive and powerful. This is directly related to their offensive philosophy - power running and pocket passing.

The contrasts exist in the same way on defense due to Denver using a 1-gap 4-3 and Dallas using a 3-4. Now, after all of this babbling, I'll get to the point. Coaches obviously prefer doing things a certain way when it comes to offensive and defensive philosophies. But what effect do the unique conditions presented by playing in Denver (at 5'200) have on these philosophies, if any? Is it just a coincidence that Denver traditionally fields light and athletic (read well-conditioned and fit) linemen and linebackers? Or, did someone figure out pretty quickly that too much beef would mean too much time on the bench sucking O2?

These questions just kinda smacked me over the head a few hours ago and I'd be curious to see your thoughts, if any, on the matter.

Cheers.

Broncos Sign WR Darrell Jackson

jadunn — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:21:45 -0000

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8947201

"The Wednesday afternoon snow in Denver didn't scare off Darrell Jackson.

One of the most productive NFL receivers of the past nine seasons, Jackson and the Broncos reached an agreement on a one-year deal Wednesday following a meeting with team officials at Dove Valley.

"There were three or four other teams interested in Darrell, but everything aligned perfectly for us with Denver," said Brian Mooney, Jackson's agent. "The Broncos gave us the best fit from the offense they run, the coaching staff they have and the opportunity he has both short-term and long-term. Darrell is planning on playing for a while."

With 487 career receptions and 50 touchdowns in eight NFL seasons, Jackson, 29, will compete with Keary Colbert for the No. 2 receiver spot. Other Broncos' receivers are Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley and Samie Parker.

Jackson's best years were with the Seattle Seahawks. He had 87 catches for 1,199 yards in 2004 and 63 catches with 10 touchdowns in 2006.

Traded to San Francisco last year, Jackson's production slipped to 46 receptions 497 yards as the 49ers encountered problems with a new offensive coordinator and injuries to quarterback Alex Smith.

"Just as the stars didn't align last year with all the injuries, it's just the opposite with Denver," Mooney said. "With Jay Cutler as the quarterback, I think the Broncos are going to be a fun team to watch."

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Looks like the depth-chart is starting to fill up. I like this move but I wonder whether signing both Jackson and Parker means that drafting a Wideout is now out of the question. If nothing else, what had been a major area of concern as of two days ago is now more shored up.

Player Sizes

jadunn — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:45 -0000

I'm writing this in response to opinions that I've seen expressed by the MHR community over the past few weeks about player size. Specifically, there are two players (one current, and one a prospect) who have been written about in depth - one has been described as 'small', and the other as 'not a workhorse[which may be a critique of style, not size, but bear with me for the sake of argument.]'
The guys I am referring to are Earl Bennett and Selvin Young. Just to provide a point of comparison:

Selvin Young 5'11 207 lbs.
Terrel Davis 5'11 210 lbs.

Earl Bennett 6'00 209 lbs.
Rod Smith 6'00 205 lbs.

While I am in no way arguing that either of the young guys can even come close to the Bronco greats as far as talent and production, they are comparable physically.
Now, when they were playing, I don't ever recall hearing anyone refer to T.D. or Rod Smith as being small.
I don't remember if the NFL in 1998 had anyone like Brandon Marshall at WR (6'4 - 230 lbs.) or Brandon Jacobs at RB (6'4 - 264 lbs.) but it just seems strange to me that Bennett and Young are now seen as small for their respective positions.
I'm not trying to pick an argument here, but has the physiology of NFL players changed that much in the past ten years?

A somewhat Bronco related question for the MHR community.

jadunn — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:13:36 -0000

I just noticed that Bill Williamson (who I have never warmed up to) is writing for ESPN.com
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3335750

Does anyone know whether he's finished writing for the Post? Not that it's a life or death occurence, but I definitely felt as though there was a big drop-off in the quality of Bronco coverage when Adam Schefter left for the NFL network. In a complete role-reversal from a few years ago, I now read the RMN before the Post.

Godspeed Jason Elam.

jadunn — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:38:36 -0000

Jason Elam to Falcons:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8644012

Seems like he was our kicker forever - I'm not sure that I understand this move, unless it comes down to not wanting to carry three kickers on the roster and not having confidence in a punter to kick off. But still...he was as close to automatic as it came. What I'll remember is the assured feeling I always had when he came on the field to kick. I was never nervous, and his consistency was something to be admired.
Prater leaves me cold. So, as a Bronco and Dawg fan let me throw out a dame: Brandon Coutu - huge leg and good under pressure.

I really hope that the shrinking front office at Dove Valley knows what it's doing.

DeAngelo Hall to Faders

jadunn — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:15:23 -0000

It looks as though Crazy Al is bringing in another low-priced high character guy ;) :

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3295344

From a disinterested standpoint, it's getting pretty sad - shouldn't this year's personnell moves be compelling evidence in support of commiting the wack job to a nice peaceful padded room?

As a Bronco fan, I just love watching a division rival waste money like this.