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Corrective action was already taken on offense. Remember that Jake guy?
He didn't have a pass rusher and last years experiment of bringing 8 and 9 guys didn't work, i.e. the Pittsburg game.
And it wasn't plummer's fault either. His running mates were worse than any of the playoff teams. Yes even the Jets, compare RB Tatum Bell, that Oline, Tight End and group of receivers on to any team in the playoffs.
Wake up Denver, Shannahan is trying to win games with mediocre talent.
Why does everyone think that benching a quarterback and firing a coach is going to solve all the world's football problems.
Bring back Kubiak that would be a start. Our offensive play calling stunk without him.
Even in the last game against a poor 9ers team we had them almost shut out (and if they fall on a fumble it would have been a shut out) in the first half. Second half, they moved the ball up and down the field. We held them to field goals mostly, but obviously the other team made adjustments and we couldn't keep up.
Indy, San Diego (at home), Seattle and the 9ers... all with 7 points or less at halftime.
Some of that was probably getting tired, but most was one team seeing holes, and Coyer unable to fix them.
Obviously, the talent was there, because you don't dominate like they did without the talent.
Yes, the offense needed to be better to give them more rest and score more points. Yes you can pick 4 or 5 games that we could have put away with one more drive... but your D has to make a stop to preserve leads and they didn't against Indy, SD, Seattle, Cincy, or SF... add Pittsburgh to that cause their sloppy play stopped themselves.
At the point a team has scored on you 4-5 straight drives, could you try to change up a bit?
Hey, I know we had some injuries and definitely need a couple pass rushers, but we have the best corner in the league by far and one the best linebacking corps. There's plenty of talent around them... you gotta be able to come up with a better scheme than rush 4 and drop into a soft zone.
Ian Gold is the fastest linebacker in the league... he can't disrupt other teams like a Merriman? You can't design blitzes to get him coming free on a qb?
Coyer is a great guy, and he comes into games with good game plans, but you need to adjust and he either was unable or unwilling.
Anyway, we were pretty effective, or at least consistent back in the days when we had Greg Kragen at NT, Mecklenburg, Fletcher, Rulon Jones, and what not. Right now we don't have enough physical guys upfront to pressure the QB.
The offense play calling this year was atrocious. It made Dan Reeves look like an aggressive play caller. Lol!
We needed to use our tight ends, and full backs a lot more than we did. We need a big bacl. I can't believe we let Ron Dayne, and Mike Anderson go. We missed those guys in a big way!
How about Dennis Green, or Mora Jr to replace him?
To all you "Fire Shanahan" people: just give me 2 names (NOT college coaches, they don't work out- See Nick Saban for latest example) that'll be better than Shanahan, right now or within a year or so. That's all I want. Just 2 names.
Otherwise, save it please.
Jeeze you people in Ft. Fun really ARE dumb, aren't ya?
It wasn't the offense that blew the leads in multiple games this year. Coyer's predictability, lack of adjusting during games and lack of adjusting schemes as his defense was hit with injuries led to his firing. Sure we need a stud pass rusher, but you stil have to plan and scheme with the talent you have and MAKE ADJUSTMENTS!!
Who’s next for Shanahan to throw under the bus: Plummer, Rod Smith, a few linemen, Tatum Bell…..? The sacrificing of an assistant coach or players are always signs of desperation; that’s how badly Shanahan has managed this franchise.
Unfortunately, Shanahan is on his downside. If not for his mistakes, the Broncos really should have been 16-0 this year and the huge favorite to win the Super Bowl right now, even with Plummer or Cutler.
Why would I say this?
Shanahan’s GREATEST MISTAKE this season was when he prematurely cut Trevor Pryce and let him go the Ravens without getting anything for him. Look at the year Trevor Pryce had with the Ravens: Trevor Pryce matched his career high in sacks this season with 13. He fit perfectly into the Ravens defense, which finished as the top-ranked unit in the NFL on a team that finished 13-3 and the No. 2 seed in the AFC. This could have been the Broncos Defense instead. And to top it off, the salary cap was adjusted and the Broncos could have kept Trevor Pryce.
If Shanahan had kept Pryce, the Broncos would now be the favorite for the Super Bowl this year instead of being an also ran. Remember how the defense started out like hall of famers? With Pryce in the Bronco defense, his sacks, and the attention he demanded from the other team's offense, the Broncos (with Plummer or Cutler) would never have lost any games to the Colts, Chargers, Seahawks, KC, Rams, or 49ers. The Bronco defense would have gone down in history as one of the best with a legit pass rush and improved interior defense. This would have been the Bronco team everyone here envisioned and expected by the NFL to seriously contend this year for the Super Bowl.
The Bronco players all know this too. Only the fans who continue to worship at the altar of Mike Shanahan, based on his success 8 and 9 years ago, are content with Shanahan's failure to get the Broncos into the playoffs or contend for the Super Bowl, as they should have this year.
Father time has passed Shanahan by, its time for new coaching blood. And don’t be afraid Shanahan fans, there are budding Belichicks, Walshs, Johnsons, Manginis, Paytons, and other innovative coaches out there waiting to bring their new winning concepts to the field.
LeBeau first choice,
get the 3-4 back in denver.
Shanahan was hoping that he could pin the season on Plummer and a rookie QB, but then we lost to San Francisco. Oops..too bad for Colyer.
The 49ERS!!!! I still don't understand how this happened. Maybe I drank too much at the game. Maybe Shanny should start drinking during games too, spice things up a little. At least we would have something to watch other than our team blowing double digit leads in the 2nd half.
They started off great, but soon the lack of talent on the D-Line was evident. Every team needs another pass rusher, so no good ones are available (Like Cleveland) Dumervil was good, but no replacement for Trevor. The real problem seemed to happen after Brandon (used a lot in the Big Nickel) and then Ferguson (the real pro bowl safety) went down with big injuries. I don't think it's the scheme (blitz or no blitz) or the coordinator, it's the players. Greg Robinson , Ray Rhodes, now Coyer? The problem was on offense Shanny...
Cecil, lets be smart here, when was the last time a team went 16-0.... about 1972. Also, the only reason why Pryce has 13 sacks is because of the class of players he is around. The Ravens always have had some kind of all-pro defense players. Yes, Pryce does have good talent, but when other teams are focused on so many other brand name players like Reed, Suggs, Ngata, McAlister, Lewis... of coarse a quality guy like Trevor is going to have a break out year, because for once in his career he is not the main focus. Plus a 3-4 defense is very effective.... hint hint.. next defense for Broncos!!
As for Coyer (the point of this blog), it was time to go. Hopefully Shanahan brings in someone hungry and passionate, like our defensive leaders, to charge them up. I'd like to see D.J. Williams and Elvis a little more involved as they really are young impact players that can take us to the promise-land.
In the end, we will be in good shape next year. We should go after Adam Archuleta (sp?) and get him in the room with Lynch so he can take over when the beast is gone. We will miss the young energy that Darrent had. Foxworth needs to step it up and take on that starting corner role...
Best of luck to Larry. He'll fit in well with a college program...perhaps with the RAMS?
The offense under performed for most of the season, this is true. But it was Coyer's defense that lost several games for us. Mark my words, after what happened to D-Will, they are going to dedicate next season to him, and come out with fire in thier eyes and the Broncos are going to be feared throughout the league.
Oh, yeah - that's right. He would have asked the offensive coordinator, wouldn't he?
Cecil, you've said that before, and I don't doubt that it's true. WHO, though?
Why don't you provide a name or two? Being as wise as you are, that should be easy!
I'll eagerly await your response.
In regards to someone suggesting Ron Rivera for the next d-coordinator...FORGET IT!!! He's looking for a head coaching job not another d-coordinator job. Do you really think that he would be dumb enough to leave the Bears defense for the Broncos? Who you kidding...
Ssshhhhreeeehawwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!
It's utterly amazing in reading these "Fan Comments" from clowns that don't know how good they have it. Try never having a winning season.
We'll take the Broncos any day, any time and sell out the stadium just like Denver does. You guys really need to get a grip on what being a fan is all about. If you think I'm kidding, just read the comments from "broncoed" in elsewhere in this newspaper about "wanting a drive-by on Shanahan, Bowlen and Javon Walker. You have a great team but the fans are idiots.
#18, I hope you're just being wishful and not stupid regarding Kubiak. No way does a head coach deliberately quit to go back to his old assistant gig, not to mention, the Texans would never give the Broncos permission to talk to him.
Please prove this seemingly pulled out of your butt statement. Where did you get this? What player(s) do you personally know that have personally expressed this view to you? Yeah, that's what I thought.
Also, you must be Nostrodamus with your ability to *know* what never happened except in some alternate timeline: Denver "would never have lost any games to the Colts, Chargers, Seahawks, KC, Rams, or 49ers."
So, they would've gone undefeated if only they would have kept Pryce. Yah. OK. Sure.
Is it always sunny on your planet?
Cecil you love to make grandiose, sweeping statements without one iota of proof or factual information to back it up. Blahblahblah, sayeth o Wise Cecil.
Another schmuck with an opinion that his ego mistakes for reality and fact.
Last year Trevor was invisible except for that night game (Monday?) against the Chiefs when he dominated the rookie tackle. Big whoop. Impressive. Wow. He has admittedly been decent this year with Baltiless but he definitely was NOT worth the 9 million they gave him.
3-4 D!!!!! we're better suited!
The last three times we played Indy they've absolutely shredded us. I know Manning shreds most everyone, but ask him how he likes facing the Broncos. Each time we sat in a zone, evidently afraid to blitz. He just dissects us. The last three times he's faced this defense, he hasn't so much as gotten hit, averages about 375 yards and four tds on roughly 80 percent passing.
Fool me once, shame on me, yet Coyer never seemed to change his approach. Ditto against Pitt last year. While Pitt attacked Plummer and pummeled our receivers right from the start, throwing our offense completely out of whack, we would stuff Pitt only to sit back in a soft zone and watch Roth pick us apart in third and longs.
These gameplans are the coordinators fault, but Shanahan deserves some blame here too.
I think Shanahan teams are kind of soft overall. The Steelers hammered us, and I think that's a result of Cowher being a streetfighter type, and Shannahan being the smarter professor. Unfortunately, games aren't played on projectors or Shanahan might never lose. At one time he had a team full of hall of famers, and they got it done. Since then, I think he's been pretty ordinary. And if you judge him by this season's work in particular, he's especially bad. An AFC championship veteran team was basically sent to the salvage yard, with promises of brighter days ahead. I think that was an incredibly arrogant move for a coach to write off a season. It's hard to win in this league, and it might be a while before we're that close again.
was coyer really in charge of
the defense, or was mike shanahan
making the calls. this is his
team, he built it. this team
played like a group of players
looking over their shoulders
constantly, remember bubby? these
guys dont trust m. shahahan!!
It would be nice to see a pass rushing DE come from FA or the draft. I'd like to see the new D coord. use Elvis D. as more than a 3rd down specialist as he proved that he can pressure the QB. Perhaps some youth at LB/MLB as they are getting older. As well one of those 325 LB DT that clogs up the middle would be a nice addition.
As for Trevor Pryce it was a money decision....Keep a guy towards the end of his career, pay a ton of money and hope he doesn't get injured again, or go with several younger guys and try to develop them. It's not like he was the only decent player on defense we had. if Courtney Brown had been healthy not to mention others, we'd have been just fine.
Many are totally blaming Coyer saying we blitzed all the time last year and none this year. Well, Pittsburgh played the perfect game against the blitz last year. Look it up...the tactic is a GAMBLE. We had good personnel to play a straight defense, again without the injuries. As for blaming Coyer for it all....do you all really believe that he just ran the defense and Shanny had no input? That if Shanny though he was too conservative and predictable he wouldn't have said something and Coyer wouldn't have had to change? No, this is a fan based political move, like "look, we're making a change on defense!" All the players talked miles about how much they liked Coyer, liked playing for him and how smart he was with defensive schemes. Face it, it just didn't work this year. A lot of that was our offense giving the ball away constantly in games and putting the defense in terrible positions. NO defense can keep the other guys from scoring all the time in those situations. Plus then you get tired players and by the end of the game, opposing teams are driving on you. No, the blame was far more than just Coyers and it had to do with our personnel and injuries as well. I fee sorry for the poor old guy. I hope he goes somewhere and turns a poor defense totally around so everyone is moaning last year about how Denver shouldn't have let him go!
Anyway, it's done. No matter who we get, if the offense doesn't stop throwing the ball to other teams and not moving it, our defense won't do any better in the last half of the season. Hopefully that WILL change though and I believe it will.
This is the team, defensive coordinator and all, that went 13-3 last year and has several key UPGRADES at some positions. No reason it can't be there and better again next year if we keep who we've got and possibly upgrade some more. I agree that defensive line needs at least one major stud to help on pass rush, that one was a killer and it's all on your defensive line personnel. Hopefully Brown is healthy and/or we draft someone great or get a good free agent. Regardless, I'm sure this next year will be a great one...can't wait to see it!
Still, I think the offensive play calling this year was lackluster at best. I think that needs to be addressed as much as the lack of pass rush.
the broncos are a first class org. have been for a long time, and will be for a long time.
so who's your team? faiders or queefs? idiot!
i think your jealous and want shanny on your team!
As for the players: the offense will keep getting better with all of the young talent. Remember Cutler has started a grand total of 5 NFL games- the sky is the limit. Smith is declining but Marshall and Walker are studs, Scheffler has the tools to be great and Lepsis will be back to anchor the line. Draft a solid every-down RB and all will be good.
The defense has the parts and now needs someone to point them in the right direction. Schemes like Baltimore's and San Diegos's would be perfect with our speed at LB. Drafting Lamar Woodley out of Michigan would be a great move. He will be the next Merriman- minus the steroids.
As for comment #89 by JerseyGirl- if you had read or listened to the news Shanahan and Coyer met all night Monday and Tuesday morning before reaching the decision. Shanahan didn't "just" drop the axe.
Good luck to Coyer wherever he goes. Likeable guy but change needed to happen.
Slowik. New blood and a 3-4. Nows the time.
who ever a new 3-4 look.
So for all you experts out there, relax Mike knows what he is doing, I am sure he will call you when he needs your expert opinions, in the mean time save us the brain damage!!
GOOO BRONCOS!!
Hey #86! I'll take 2-4 in the superbowl and 6-2 in the AFC championship anyday. How does your team stack up?
There were some injuries, but that's when the backups have to shine. I hate to say it, but look at New England. They consistently compete at a high level with all kinds of key injuries.
As much as I love John Lynch (one of my all time favorites) and the way he levels people, I think he is starting to lose a step or two. Al Wilson plays hurt a lot, but we would have won the game against SF if he had played. He is such a warrior, he must have really been hurting to have not been in there.
It seems the players were comfortable with Coyer's system. I remember them saying the previous defensive schemes were too complicated, they just wanted to go out there and use their talents and speed and not rely on a lot of smoke and mirrors.
I don't know about Shanahan being a 'control freak', he is a great coach, but maybe this was a bit premature.
It will be interesting to see who stays and who goes, and what happens in the draft and free agency.
Go Boise State !
There's a Bronco's team we can all be happy for.
What a switch. The Chiefs objective was to control the clock and keep Peyton off the field. But what happened was the Colts controlled the clock and their defense stayed fresh and was able to handle KC's running attack.
I always get a laugh when I read a stupid comment like yours, especially when you can't even spell! That's 'organization', with a 'z', not an 's'!
But seeing as how you're an 'only kidney', I guess we have to cut you some slack for not having any brains!
Interesting that you didn't put down which team you like. Raider's perhaps?
Who's laughing now?
In all of the Bronco 2nd half defensive breaks downs or especially the againt the Colts, adjustments were not made. I felt bad for the players after a big play and they just locked around confused. The offense in the second half of games were an issue THIS year, but not years past.
Later Mr Coyer. I heard that they were looking for a true life look alike for Cotton Hill, the Veteran, shinless father of hank hill. you look and walk just like him.
While we are at it why not look for a new conditioning coach and special teams coach as both are needed. Kickoff and punt coverage were horrible this year. The team looked like it was out of gas by the end of the 3rd quarter. Conditioning wins games as well.
Kubiak isn't coming back.
He has his dream job in Houston.
Watch them have a winning season next year.
Don't be suprised to see Plummer as the starter at some point. He and Kub have an excellent relationship.
Denver will be fine as long as they can stay healthy and get some help through free agency and the draft.
The Ravens have great defensive talent and schemes. They design their schemes to maximize their talent. It's two sides of the same coin. If you can't design a good scheme that changes and flexes as the game goes on, you give up yards, points and lose games.
That's why Coyer is gone.
And #99, that's the best comment I've read on this whoel DPO board. I love people who think they know everything. If those people are so damned smart about football, they should go apply for a coaching position with the Broncos -- they've got openings!
Special teams coaching needs a hard look also, worst team in the league for field position.
Offense needs work on play calling inside the 5 yard line, whoever is making those repeated blunders.
Denver should search for some proven talent like we did when we got DE Neil Smith from KC. We won two superbowls with him. He wasn't spectacular either but he had to reckoned with so others were freed up. We need to really entice a proven free agent like Dwight Freeny (hopefully they don't franchise tag him)or Simeon Rice. Trevor Price was good but he collected checks his last two seasons as walking wounded. Didn't play much, so why give him another contract when he's a question mark? He probably invigorated himself because he had to prove himself on another team just to start. I don't think he would have had the same season at Denver. That same vigor could work by bringing in a proven DE from another team that has a couple years left in him. Picking up an impact player in the draft is rare. And picking up a player from the draft that eventually will be a starter is a crap shoot. don't roll the dice if you don't have to.
Did we have a championship defense under Larry Coyer?
NO.
In 4 years, we got blown out of the playoffs in 3 straight years, and the defense definitely faltered this year giving up lead after lead in the second half.
Nobody is blaming Coyer for everything, but it just wasn't working. And he had no answers when other teams started gashing the defense after halftime each week. You can't question that.
The offense and special teams definitely had their hands in the meltdown this year, but that doesn't excuse the defensive schemes and the lack of adjustments by the defensive coaches.
Obviously, the talent is there... yes, they need a dominant D-lineman or 2 to complete a dominant unit... but the talent was enough to hold off teams like KC, Seattle and the 9ers. Or to hold the chargers to under 80 points in 2 games. No excuse for that.
The offensive struggles had alot to do with Jake and Tatum playing poorly, not coaching. If Jake had played even OK, we might still be playing. If Tatum had stepped up to be the #1 bigtime back he's claimed he could be for 3 years, we might still be playing.
Its a team game, if the O is more consistent, the D would have looked better and been fresher. If the D didn't bend so much or created some turnovers, the O wouldn't need to drive 80 yards all day... if the special teams didn't stink, both units would have been better.
No one is solely to blame, but it doesn't mean you can't try and bring in someone who can do a better job.
They also made the defensive lineman from Seattle look like the second coming of Jim Brown.
Yes, Coyer should be canned for the horrible decision of letting Trevor Pryce go and instead giving the money to the bust out of Vandy at QB.
John Lynch: one big hit per game and at least 2 big plays given up because of his 7.5 40 time.
Foxworth: Too early to tell, but should be an upgrade from Darrent.
Ian Gold: Fast as lightning. What does he weigh about 195? Can't shed a blocker even if its the QB. Makes great sideline to sideline plays. Only problem is they're usually 20 yards down field.
D.J. Williams: Mr. Missed Tackles. Gets fooled on just about every misdirection play. Plays like he doesn't have much between the ears. Would really fit nicely with the Raiders.
D line: YIKES!! Oh my God. Guys like Lionel Dalton, Leon Lett, Daryl Gardner and Kavika Pittman are an significant upgrade from what Denver has now!!
Don't let the firing fool you. It doesn't mean a thing.
Bob, do you know you're an idiot, or does that come as a surprise to you?
Our beloved Broncos, in order to avoid the same salary cap hell the 49ers and Cowboys went through, have had to rely on MEDIOCRE talent for quite a while now. Yet somehow,every year, they are ALWAYS competetive, and gives us fans at least some hope that something great may happen, and that's all because of who's in charge.
Stop kidding yourselves into thinking the Broncos have all the talent in the world and are being somehow held back by Mike Shanahan. The D-Line is average, the O-Line gets bullied most of the time when it has to pass block, Rod Smith would have been a second receiver on every other team in the league 3 years ago, and our only good running back since T.D. was Clinton Portis, and he was hardly here long enough to even count. Oh, and as much as I love Jake Plummer, he needs a lot of help to be good.
This has been a patchwork team for years, and the fact that they got as far as they did last year is a testament to Mike Shanahan's coaching abilities.
Mike Shanahan hasn't won without Elway? Well Elway never won without Shanahan, and you people can't have it one way...
Unfortunatly, he can only do this by firing himself!!!
Talk about a catch 22!
Smith was usually stationary. The other receivers were still running routes when Plummer was in, he just couldn't get it to them.
Cecil/#43, you are in over your head. True, Pryce would have helped us this year, but he wouldn't have notched 13 sacks in Denver. Don't you think having Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas also rushing the passer opened things up for him a little bit? We don't have any Terrell Suggs' on our roster.
Pryce's effectiveness in Denver ended when they moved him from DT to DE and Coyer had him dropping into zone coverage or acting as a blocking dummy to open things up for the linebackers.
These other guys who are pressing you for specifics about where we can find these budding Bill Walshes are dead-on. Put up or shut up.
And "budding Manginis"? Sure, he had a good first year, but you're lumping him in with Walsh? Dolt.
Unbelieveable. The lack of intelligence in this place is simply staggering.
For the record, I'm keeping a looooooooooong list of idiot quotes from all the dipsh--s in here who bag on Cutler and say fantastically stupid things about him.
Then, in about 10 years, after he's led the Broncos to a Superbowl or two, I'm going to publish them all in here and make all the nimrods eat crow, so keep 'em coming dummies!
Next time you want to slam the Broncos or another fan, you better get a clue that some of us have been loyal fans awhile longer than you probably have been on this earth. We remember the really bad years before Shannahan, Elway and Champ, when a .500 season was considered good.
Gee, I'm SO surprised. Really.
Here's another challenge for ya, Cecil (not that you have the capacity to meet it) since you know SO much about budding Bill Walshes, enlighten us dummies with your wisdom:
WHAT young coach has had lots of success recently in the NFL? Now, before you start shouting "Mangini" or "Peyton", I want to you to tell me about a young buck coach that was hired 5 YEARS AGO, and has been successful in the NFL ever since. More than Shanahan. Gruden? Del Rio? Puh-leeeeze.
Here's the point, Cecil: just because those rookies had ONE GOOD YEAR, doesn't make them better than Shanahan, who's been doing it in Denver for 12 freaking years.
When THOSE guys go 12 years in one place, and have the winning record that Shanahan does, THEN you can talk to us. Otherwise, keep posting that nonsense and keep showing us your ignorance.
126- azbroncofan is STILL as dumb as a box of freaking rocks, I see. You're already calling Cutler's "career a disaster" after 5 games, and are "waiting for him to get his walking papers"?? Wow. I mean, WOW. ROTFLMAO.
You REALLY don't know ANY damn thing at all about football, much LESS the NFL, do you. Not one damn thing. The sun has baked your brain into "Jake is GOD" mush.
Dude, sell the Plummer jersey in next year's garage sale and GET OVER IT. IF you're a real BRONCO fan, that is.
Which you're not, of course. Hey, did you find that place to share with Jake yet?
Seriously guy, the man-crush you have on Jake is creepy.
It's getting tired for the presumably Vanderbilt-come-BRoncos faithful, if not Cutlers friends and family, ripping the snake and vomitting stats and projections on us about how great Cutler was (?) and is going to be. For me, the jury is still out. He might be the next Elway, might be average. In a couple of years, we'll know a lot more.
Jake had a sub par year this season, but certainly wasn't alone. He's won a lot of games for the Broncos, made a lot of great plays and handled his demotion with class.
We get it, Jay's the new man in town, but quit acting like Plummer was garbage the whole time he was here.
We have to play the AFC South, the NFC North, and Pittsburgh next year. Plus KC and SD twice each.
Looks like the .500 trend will continue - Coyer or not.
jake did ok, but thats it!
and he did not win a buch of games FOR the broncos,he won a bunch of games WITH the broncos.
imagine what his win-loss record would be if he played in az the last 3 years.
he took a good team to the playoffs.i can think of at least 20 QBs that can do that.
im not saying he was garbage.
he did ok.
but in this town,with this team, ok is not good enough!
your right about cutler, he may be good, he may not be.
im hoping he is. but if he's not, i still would not want jake back at QB.
Anyone who would attempt to make a judgment about Jay Cutler at this stage of his career is a complete mouth-breathing idiot. So far he appears to be the real deal. His physical skills are without question. He also has no memory, which is vital for quarterbacks and cornerbacks. He seems calm and in charge in the huddle and on the field. His appearances so far have been outstanding for a rookie. However, five games do not make a career. He is the best chance the Broncos have to win and win now, so shut up, sit back and watch what he does in the next couple of seasons. My guess: he'll be great.
As for Shanahan: if you morons got your way and he was fired, who would you put in his place? What better coach is out there than what we already have? Maybe Bill Cowher, but he's sitting lakeside in NC for the next several months. Let Mike go and see how many of the 31 teams scramble to hire him. That should tell you something about the man. No coach has a better won/loss percentage over the last 15 years than Shanahan. And the bottom line is winning, baby.
In many ways this season was both the best and worst coaching job Mike has done since he's been in Denver. The way handled the Plummer/Cutler situation led to Jake playing like a "dead man walking". The play calling was less than inspired in crucial instances. On the other hand, Mike had the stones to make the QB change to Cutler when it needed to be made. He showed real guts going for it in some vital fourth down situations during the season. Clock management needs to be improved significantly as they wasted opportunities throughout the season. Special teams weren't very special in every phase except for the consistent excellence of Jason Elam.
Those of you who would rant about firing Shanahan need to save your breath. Bowlen has said he can coach as long as he wants to. Obvously the organization is committed to Mike so worrying about anything else is a wast of time. Again, who's better that could be brought in? Nobody, that's who.
The play calling this year was Mike's attempt at getting Jake out as early as possible. He doesn't like Jake. Maybe because he broke most of Elways records. Maybe because he's an A-hole in traffic. When Jake was in, Brandon Marshall barely played, the TEs didn't run downfield and we never rolled out. We didn't play to Jake's strengths - probably purposely. Why did Cutler come back in the 2nd half against SF? He obviously was still foggy. (3 time-outs in 4 plays). Mike's ego couldn't let Jake win the game that gets us in the playoffs.
The most promising rookie in my mind is Marshall. If not for him, Cutler's numbers would be pretty bad. The two picks for TDs and the 8 fumbles are NOT "rookie mistakes". Not reading a defense correctly, confusing some offensive calls, not recognizing a blitz are "rookie mistakes". Inability to take the snap is more of a "head up ass" problem.
You can post all the stats you want, but the only one that matters is win %. I guess you fantasy football dorks don't get "points" if your QB wins. If Elway played in the fantasy football era, you "fans" would have benched him in '89. Fantasy football is for losers who know very little about a TEAM sport - it's fantasy. Like Dungeons and Dragons. I suggest you fantasy players go back to playing with 13-sided dice. Maybe you can become a 9th level douchebag by next season.
Question: If the Broncos were so good they could win despite a stiff like Plummer, why could they only manage to go 2-3 against mediocre teams with the playoffs on the line with Cutler at the helm?
Also, Rex Ryan was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying Trevor Pryce was the best defensive player in football this year. Of course we cut him, but Shanahan doesn't ever make mistakes, does he?
Reality Check you can bash my grammer errors all you want and all you will be doin' is pounding sand. You question my post because my post actually have good points. Yawn.... I get bored reading your comments because they are all the same. CRY CRY CRY, I want Pryce back, CRY CRY CRY I want the MISTAKE back. You want to know why Pryce is in Raven land.. The Pryce tag! Trevor may of had one of his best seasons ever in Raven Land,but take in that Pryce is playing with the best Defense and is surrounded by All-Pro defensive players. Not only is Pryce Prycy he is also old(10 vet), and there is no need to pay that kind of money for a player who only has one more year of productivity. Without a doubt next year Pryce not have the same productivity he had this year.
Also Rex Ryan is dumb. That guy should not be able to hold a pencil in front of a piece of paper. And you are a sap for listening to him. Tell me MR. Reality Check, when was the last time the best defensive player of the year did not make the pro-bowl?.... If Pryce was so good, why is he not on the 2007 Pro-Bowl roster? Hey, Reality Check, the next time you post up some rubber chicken quote like that of Rex Ryan you might want to look up some good quality info. That comment just makes you look like you are from there Sticks of Tenesie!
Also, I will answer your question of why the Broncos went 2-3 in a "mediocre" (spell check) schedule. Lets look at the schedule shall we.
1. Seattle, went to the Superbowl last year and also won a playoff game this year.
2. San Diego, finshed 14-2 this year and won the AFC West, also has the leagues MVP
3.Arizona, Great WR athletic Defense.
4. Cincinnati, Has one of the best QB in the NFL, also has the best depth at wide out in the NFL. Were major playoff contenders this, pretty good defense.
5. San Fran, One of the leagues best rusher (Frank Gore)- Mentioned as one of the Most improved team in the NFL by NFL.com.- Hungry to Play a spoiler
Reality Check you bring up some good comments but they just don't amount to anything. Bring some hard core evidence if you have a problem with what Shanny is doing. Also, you question your own smarts by doubting Cutler ability. Lets not forget that this guy was a rookie. But most off all nobody thought that in his rookie season he would not see a chance at some playing time, but Jaked f*&# that up didn't he. ha ha ha
Did Mike Shanahan steal your girlfriend or something? The paranoia and the conspiracies, my my. Perhaps you should ask your doc to up your dose.
Plummer is, and always will be, an average QB. Get that thru your thick, man-crush on Jake havin' skull. He had his BEST "win %" and years playing for Shanahan in Denver, idiot. That's not an accident, nor is it a coincidence.
Shanahan has HOW many rings? And your boyfriend Jake has.... oh right. NONE.
Jake owes his success to the guy that built the good team that he had the good fortune to play on and GET that "winning %" that you're so focused on. The architect gets the credit for the design of the house, NOT the guy that hammers the nails while following the plan.
Look Plummer's "win %" with AZ, and then compare to Denver. What, he gets ALL credit for winning in Denver, but NO criticism for his abysmal numbers in AZ?
You can't have it both ways, knucklehead.
You mean the Ravens D coordinator complimented one of HIS players? Oh my gosh, stop the presses!! He MUST be right. He sure doesn't have a dog in that hunt, totally objective that Rex.
So freaking what, dude. TP benefited from a MUCH better scheme than here, and better players on the line to absorb blockers.
Get a grip. If you hate the team so much, go away.
The problem as a coach in the NFL is that they have to deal with the salary cap. You cant have great players every year its imposible. Shanny has done a great job with the players and resourses he's had.
I would like to remind everyone that when the broncos won the two superbowls they were loaded on offense and defense special teams and all. The Bronco organization was desperate to win one for Johnn.
Elway didnt win it alone he had great talent around him not to mention a GREAT COACH.
Look for Shannie to do the same soon, his days/years as the Broncos coach are numbered. We are not going to have him as a coach for ever. I ask anyone to name another coach besides Belichik has won two or more superbowls since 1996?
Stop crying about our coach you girly men. I am willing to bet my house that Shannie only has a couple of more years left as the broncos head coach. He drafted Cuttler because he wants to win a championship soon. Look for him to reload with talent the next couple of years and win at least another championship.
Then he will retire for a year, come back as a coach for another team and all you moroons will be crying when his new team is kicking our butts!
Comments from #1CABRONCOFAN
Your first ignorant statement " play calling this year was Mike's way of getting Jake out ". ARE YOU JOKING ? That has got to be one of the stupidest comments I have ever read. You are right Shanahan called the throw the interception play too many times in the St. Louis game and then another 8 or 9 times in the next 10 games. I watched every games this year and Jake is lucky he only ended up with 13 INTs this year because I saw another 5 - 6 that were dropped. Mike also called the QB fumble 7 times and Jake executed that play very well.
Moron statement #2 Mike never called the roll out play for Jake and played to his strengths. This statement shows your low football and every day IQ. If you knew anything about football you would know that the Steelers figured out last year how to take away the boot leg or roll out by having the ends stay home on the handoff and run to the outside and the fake which is where they ran the bootleg. Let me dumb it down for you, the defenses took away the boot leg. Why, because the entire league knows that Jake can't pass from the pocket and will throw the INT if made to pass from the pocket. Sorry to shatter your " Jake got screwed " fantasy you live in.
Moron statement #3 Mikes ego kept Jake from winning the SF game. Again just amazed at this statement. WHAT F ING GAME WERE YOU WATCHING? Jake came in and threw two passes, one incomplete the other complete to the other team. Did Mike call the interception play again, maybe I don't know but Jake looked like he did the rest of the year, pathetic.
Moron statement #4 too many rookie mistakes by Cutler. Hello dork, he is a rookie !!!
How do you explain Jakes rookie mistakes in his 10th year ? You say Cutler fumbled a snap and that is a " head up ass problem ". Dude you need to pull yours out of Jakes because Jake had 7 fumbles in 11 games and many of those were just from the ball slipping out of jakes girl hands.
Moron statement # 5 last but certainly not the stupidest, winning % is the only stat that matters. This is the only way you can support your creepy I love Jake he got screwed theory. Winning % is only a stat that bolsters the fact that Mike Shanahan is one of if not the best coaches in the league. This team has won is spite of Jakes mistakes. There would have been no AFC championship game last year without Champ Baily who took a pick to the house and won that game against New England. Shanahan has one of the best winning percentages and does it while having to draft late in each round and let great players go because of salary cap.
I look forward to the off season so we can find out what stupid team will take Jake and all you no clue Plummer dorks will go with him.
Lets look at the draft shall we..
Out of 32 players that were selected in the first round there are only 8 guys that have been succesfull.
1. Carson Palmer
3. Andre Johnson
10. Terrell Suggs
11. Marcus Trufant
16. Troy Polamalu
23. Willis Mcgahee
24. Dallas Clark
27. Larry Johnson
Out of the top ten choices here are the busts or sub par players
2. Charles Rodgers
4. Dewyne Rodgers
5. Terrence Newman
6. Johnathen Sullivan
7. Bryon Leftwich
8. Jordan Gross
9. Kevin Williams.
So that means that 70% of the top 10 picks in the 2003 draft are not worthy of being top ten picks today.
So you can go onto the NFl.com and go under the 2003 NFL draft and identify all the great or good players that came out of the draft.
2006
1 (11 overall) Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt
2 (61) Tony Scheffler TE W. Michigan
4 (119) Brandon Marshall WR UCF
4 (126) Elvis Dumervil DE Louisville
4 (130) Domenik Hixon DB Akron
5 (161) Chris Kuper OG North Dakota
6 (198) Greg Eslinger C Minnesota
2005
2 Darrent Williams Oklahoma State
3 Karl Paymah Washington State
3 Domonique Foxworth Maryland
3 Maurice Clarett Ohio State – didn’t even make it thru training camp
6 Chris Myers Miami (FL)
7 Paul Ernster Northern Arizona
2004
1 D.J. Williams Miami (FL)
2 Tatum Bell Oklahoma State
2 Darius Watts Marshall
3 Jeremy LeSueur Michigan
5 Jeff Shoate San Diego State
6 Triandos Luke Alabama
6 Josh Sewell Nebraska
7 Matt Mauck Louisiana State
7 Brandon Miree Pittsburgh
7 Bradlee Van Pelt Colorado State
2003
1 George Foster Georgia
2 Terry Pierce Kansas State
4 Quentin Griffin Oklahoma
4 Nicholas Eason Clemson
4 Bryant McNeal Clemson
5 Ben Claxton Mississippi
5 Adrian Madise Texas Christian
6 Aaron Hunt Texas Tech
7 Clint Mitchell Florida
7 Ahmaad Galloway Alabama
2002
1 Ashley Lelie Hawaii
2 Clinton Portis Miami (FL)
3 Dorsett Davis
4 Sam Brandon UNLV
5 Herb Haygood Michigan State
6 Jeb Putzier Boise State
7 Chris Young Georgia Tech
7 Monsanto Pope Virginia
2001
1 Willie Middlebrooks Minnesota
2 Paul Toviessi Marshall
3 Reggie Hayward Iowa State
4 Ben Hamilton Minnesota
4 Nick Harris California
6 Kevin Kasper Iowa
2000
1 Deltha O'Neal California
2 Ian Gold Michigan
2 Kenoy Kennedy Arkansas
3 Chris Cole Texas A&M
4 Jerry Johnson Florida State
4 Cooper Carlisle Florida
5 Muneer Moore Richmond
6 Mike Anderson Utah
7 Jarious Jackson Notre Dame
7 Leroy Fields Jackson State
1999
1 Al Wilson Tennessee
2 Montae Reagor Texas Tech
2 Lennie Friedman Duke
3 Chris Watson Eastern Illinois
3 Travis McGriff Florida
4 Olandis Gary Georgia
5 David Bowens Western Illinois
5 Darwin Brown Texas Tech
6 Desmond Clark Wake Forest
6 Chad Plummer Cincinnati
7 Billy Miller USC
7 Justin Swift Kansas State
1998
1 Marcus Nash Tennessee
2 Eric Brown Mississippi State
3 Brian Griese Michigan
4 Curtis Alexander Alabama
5 Chris Howard Michigan
7 Trey Teague Tennessee
7 Nate Wayne Mississippi
1997
1 Trevor Pryce Clemson
3 Dan Neil Texas
4 Cory Gilliard Ball State
1996
1 John Mobley Kutztown (PA)
2 Tory James Louisiana State
3 Detron Smith Texas A&M
3 Mark Campbell Florida
4 Jeff Lewis Northern Arizona
4 Darius Johnson Oklahoma
5 Patrick Jeffers Virginia
6 Tony Veland Nebraska
7 Leslie Ratliffe Tennessee
7 Chris Banks Kansas
7 L.T. Levine Kansas
7 Brian Gragert Wyoming
1995
4 Jamie Brown Florida A&M
4 Ken Brown Virginia Tech
5 Phil Yeboah-Kodie Penn State
6 Fritz Fequeire Iowa
6 Terrell Davis Georgia
7 Steve Russ Air Force
7 Byron Chamberlain Wayne State (NE)
Get after it.
But it appears we will continuie to run the 4-3 and suffer from our corners needing to cover for 10 seconds in order to get pressure on the QB...If your are going to change the coach, try changing the philosipy as well.
Truth is, lots of fans have no desire to look at the big picture. Case in point, less than a calendar year ago, we're talking about one of Shanahan's best years, now 9-7 and a year later and he's lost it? Wow. Do a little research.
Two Super Bowls in the past ten years. I'd like another but I'll take it. For those of you with longer memories, where were the Patriots for several years before this recent streak of success? Nowhere on the football map. And as much as I'd like to rattle off the long list of NFL cities who would love to have anywhere close to the amount of success we've had, I don't feel like typing that much.
Defense (specially D-line and linebackers) must be shored up. DBs look good when you have complementary front seven. If they cannot make it to the QB or affect the passing rhythm then DBs cannot do much. I think Mike did very well in getting rid of Coyer - he will also redesign the defensive line. Welcome to Bates Motel.
Linebacker are set. DJ Williams and Wilson are the strong points. Williams by far has the brighter and better future out of all of them. I wish D-Will was still around because not only was he a heck of a person, he was also a young very talented player, that could have done some great things....
Safeties are old, Lynch still produces (Pro-Bowl), Ferguson will be washed up because of injury, so that needs some focus too.
Offense:
Needs a solid younger RB (Cedric Benson anyone) who can take the majority of the load.
WR are good, I see Marshall and Walker starting with Smith as 2-3 WR. Although adding young talent could help Jay.
TE are good. Tony looks to be a great or at least a productive player.
O-Line could use a revamp.
QB at this point looks to be bright. Cutler has the strengh of arm and body to be great. Also plays good under pressure, umlike defense. The only problem with next year that I can forsee with Cutler will be more experiance and how he is able to learn from his mistakes, something Jake was not able to do. I predict and 10-6, 11-5, record.12-4 record at best. Overall the Future does look good and maybe a SB in the next 2-4 years.. IT TAKES TIME PEOPLE!!
The 2006 draft class was given a D- by Dan Pompei of the Sporting News. Truth is, Shanahan and the broncos may have had their best draft in one year in the entire history of the organization.
Of course time will have to tell, but the early results are extra positive. Also, you have to consider Walker as a part of the draft class, whom we acquired by a draft trade.
And some people think Shanahan has to go.
Geeessh!!
I know there are lots of Broncos historians more knowledgable than me, I'd like anyone's opinion of what the best draft year was in our history. I think everyone has to agree 2006 ranks up there, if not #1.
WITHOUT A DOUBT THE 1983 DRAFT FOR THE BRONCOS WAS THE BEST!!!
Although, if Jay becomes the player that I think he will become, Elway like, the 2006 draft could go down as one of the luckiest drafts in Broncos history.
And whiners in general.. since shanahan came to denver, the broncos own easily one of the top five records in the NFL since. I would not be surprised if it was collectively #1.
My vote without a doubt is '95. It gave us the one player that won us two Superbowls.
BTW, Elway was drafted by the Colts.
This team was built to beat Indianapolis, they didn't. The offense scored plenty of points to win but the defense could not hold them back. That is when the season went in the tank, they lost any confidence that they had, and the rest of the season saw teams come in with the knowledge of how to get in to the end zone on the defense, because Indy showed them how. It was the right decision to show Coyer the way out. It's too bad he didn't go to an AFC West team, we could have been assured of at least 2 wins next year.
In the long run, Jay will be a lot more productive and a lot more helpfull to the Broncos than Jake.