Official Denver Broncos Thread

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Just saw a mock draft for nationalfootballpost.com and they had us taking Curry. Didn't make sense. They said that he wouldn't work in Cleveland because they use a 3-4 and yet he had us taking him. The other thing was they had SD taking Maualuga. That I do not want at all

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Just saw a mock draft for nationalfootballpost.com and they had us taking Curry. Didn't make sense. They said that he wouldn't work in Cleveland because they use a 3-4 and yet he had us taking him. The other thing was they had SD taking Maualuga. That I do not want at all

I assume the author of this mock-draft studies the scenarios as full-time job, but knowing that the Broncos need to build in the middle (even if they stay with the 4-3 scheme) I can't see how they would pass up Malaleuga over an OLB like Curry.

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I assume the author of this mock-draft studies the scenarios as full-time job, but knowing that the Broncos need to build in the middle (even if they stay with the 4-3 scheme) I can't see how they would pass up Malaleuga over an OLB like Curry.

Curry is a great talent. I'd be surprised if he is still there when we're up. Even so, because of our needs i'd say go with Maualuga, as well.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

The whirlwind of firing and hiring has died down, here's a nice little article from yesterday with McDaniels

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_11543218

Josh McDaniels hasn't visited the Denver Mint, the stock show, Molly Brown's house, Buffalo Bill's gravesite or John Elway's restaurants.

But, a few days ago, like "The Tourist" from Radiohead, he did slow down and wander through the empty, echoing halls beneath the football stadium.

The Broncos' new coach has his cap and his priorities on straight. McDaniels knows where he must do serious business.

"It was the first time I've ever been in the home locker room and the coach's room here in Denver. I savored every moment of it. This is one of the best stadiums in football, one of the best cities for football," McDaniels said. "This is my home now."

This is where he must win games and the uncompromising support of Broncos fanatics.

"I'd been at the stadium several times before with the Patriots, and I always remember that '5,280 feet' sign above the visiting locker room and the warnings about what can happen to you at this altitude. We always studied the oxygen effects on players when we came to Denver.

"Altitude can be a real asset if you control the football and don't turn it over. If you're not playing well, it doesn't matter," McDaniels said in his first exclusive newspaper interview since being introduced Jan. 13 as the Broncos' 12th — and, at 32, youngest — head coach.

McDaniels hit the high ground running, although he loves passing.

What has he learned about being a head coach that he didn't realize two weeks ago?

"Today somebody came into my office and asked me about a yoga instructor helping the players. I never thought I'd be talking about yoga. I don't know anything about yoga.

"And I'm picking out blinds for the office windows."

Otherwise, McDaniels sounds confident and well-prepared for the job.

"Ever since I realized I was too small to play in the NFL, I've been working to become a head coach at the highest level," he said.

McDaniels played quarterback in high school and was a small wide receiver at tiny John Carroll University in Cleveland. The Jesuit college's top academic graduate in 1998 has become its second NFL coach.

Don Shula was the first.

McDaniels spent 1999 as a graduate assistant under Nick Saban at Michigan State, was in the plastics business (see Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate") for a year and joined the Patriots as a personnel assistant in 2001. He became a defensive assistant in 2002, quarterbacks coach in 2004, offensive coordinator in 2006. He owns three Super Bowl championship rings.

"The most important thing I did was to listen and learn," he said. "I tried to absorb everything that the coaches said. I spent eight years listening to Bill (Belichick) and the other coaches, and I learned so much from them. I feel I've utilized all that knowledge, all those years of their experience, all their success to become the coach I am."

Maturation process

McDaniels is comfortable, organized, passionate and commanding — "I am a confident person" — in his new role.

A year ago at the Super Bowl, McDaniels spoke to a media gathering and was hesitant, reticent, said "uh" too frequently. He was considered a Whiz Kid, but seemed like a kid. After that event, despite overtures, McKid still needed refinement.

"I worked with my agent and by myself on my communication skills, and I understand more about dealing with the media as a conduit to the fans," he said.

In a long, relaxed interview, McDaniels showed that he is personable, sharp and smart — and can laugh and be humorous. But he is serious about proving that youth has not been wasted on him.

McDaniels said he is typical of his age category: "I can text message. I can use a computer."

I don't think that was a slam at Mike Shanahan, who admitted he didn't know how to text.

He's a "clone" of Jim Rome's "jungle" radio talk show: "Age isn't a factor, except I think a lot of players can relate to me. And I think I'll get better at things I haven't done before. I can process information."

Josh is a name and a leader from the Y Generation, and he occasionally utters the word "awesome."

Immediately after taking over, McDaniels assembled his staff. That critical task is over.

"We feel we have brought together an exceptional group, a diverse mix of coaches, some older, some younger, some from the division, some from the other conference. I'm excited."

He retained running backs coach Bobby Turner, 60, and hired as an offensive assistant Ben McDaniels, 28 (and Josh's brother).

While living in a hotel (he just moved into a temporary apartment), McDaniels began watching tape of his team and individual players.

"I reaffirmed that they have a lot of talented players," he said."I mean, we have a lot of good players."

Room for improvement

The emphasis from within and outside the franchise has been on a Reconstruction period for a poor, poorer, porous defense, "but we've got a lot of room for improvement on offense, in our kicking game, on defense. There's not one specific area. We need to get better everywhere. I am all about all of them."

McDaniels will sit down with his assistants this week — "I'm not going to the Super Bowl," he said emphatically and probably with some remorse — and talk seriously about systems, schemes, players and plans.

McDaniels came to the Broncos when he had other choices, because "I was so impressed with Mr. (Pat) Bowlen" and the other members of the front office he met with, and because of his belief the Broncos' organization strives to be the best.

"Just like New England. We had an owner, a coach, a staff and players who were committed to being the best, and that's the same dedication in Denver," he said. "The fans, the environment, just about everything about Denver — and I've found out the weather is better than I thought — helped make my decision."

Opinions of McDaniels in an NFL-frenzied, old dusty cowtown could change as swiftly as the weather.

"When I'm raked over the coals (by the fans and the media), I believe I can handle it," he said.

The coach hasn't met the players, but he spoke by phone with one — the quarterback.

Jay Cutler was unhappy about the firing of Shanahan and couldn't have been thrilled about the parting of Jeremy Bates.

"I'm aware of that," McDaniels said, "but I hope he's as excited about what we're doing here as I am having him here. I know he's going to have a whole lot of fun playing in this offense."

McDaniels personally coached New England quarterback Matt Cassel, who took over last season for the injured Tom Brady and played remarkably well as the season progressed.

"Matt was very, very dedicated. He was the backup for three seasons and prepared himself for that opportunity," he said. "We told him we would rein in the offense early in the season, but we kept doing more as it became apparent that he was responding exceptionally well."

McDaniels has responded exceptionally well, too.

His wife Laura returned to Massachusetts to be with their children, Jack and Maddie. When she comes back, "we'll sightsee a little. But I'm here to work. This is what I've always wanted to do. I'm ready."

Always ready.

Maybe that should be the insignia placed above the Broncos' locker room door.

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

^^I've been waiting for an article like this. Didn't learn anything from it, just reassured my small amount of confidence I have in him.

Thx, avrbas

[Hammerhunker]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

One thing, the kid is going to work hard. That is all that you can ask. When Pat Bowlen is impressed with an individual, you know that it is legitimate.

One wish: Cutler better get his lower lip picked up and get to work. He hasn't done jack yet and doesn't deserve any imput. He better be licking his chops.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Martinadale officially announced as the LB coach. McDaniels bringing in his little brother who coached QBs in high school.

Nothing else going on today.

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I Read that (link?) McDaniels is going to ease into the 3-4 defense. And, that D.J. would be a key factor. McDaniels said that he still has to evaluate personel and to make an announcment about their plans right now would be immature, because they honestly don't know.

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I Read that (link?) McDaniels is going to ease into the 3-4 defense. And, that D.J. would be a key factor. McDaniels said that he still has to evaluate personel and to make an announcment about their plans right now would be immature, because they honestly don't know.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11577284

If it's the Broncos' offseason, it must be time to wonder which linebacker position D.J. Williams is about to play.

"We're going to try and put every player in the best position that allows us to be as successful as we can," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels. "Whatever combination that winds up being, obviously D.J. will be a big part in that. And we'll look forward to getting him out there and putting him in position to where he can be a really good football player."

Williams first has to get healthy. He recently underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. He has begun light rehabilitation, although his arm will remain in a sling during his downtime.

At linebacker, Williams has played the weak side, strong side, middle and weak side again in the past five seasons. If the Broncos move to a 3-4 defense for the 2009 season, he could be considered for an inside linebacker position.

About 3-4
McDaniels and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have the 3-4 base defense in their background, but perhaps because the Broncos' current roster was built for the 4-3, the transition may be gradual. McDaniels is not ready to divulge specifics about his defensive plans.

"The system that we'll ultimately use will be versatile, no matter who the players are," McDaniels said. "But at this stage, the big thing is to evaluate what we have and see what the roster looks like as we go forward. To sit here in January and say we're going to be this or going to be that would be very far-reaching and probably not accurate. You'll see a lot of different things, I'll tell you that."

Either way, DJ will be the building block since he's really the only guy besides Champ that can hold his own. McDaniels will be somewhat hard to get a straight answer from at any point while he coaches here. People say we dont have the personnel to play 3-4, hell we dont have it to play 4-3.

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11577284



Either way, DJ will be the building block since he's really the only guy besides Champ that can hold his own. McDaniels will be somewhat hard to get a straight answer from at any point while he coaches here. People say we dont have the personnel to play 3-4, hell we dont have it to play 4-3.

This kind of attitude from McDaniels makes me very optimistic. The fact that he and Nolan both have been 3-4 guys and aren't dead set on going to that scheme immediately shows that they are willing to do what fits the needs of the team.

Personally I would love to see a 3-4. But I like the idea of going into the offseason with the mind set of "lets get the best defensive players available" rather than "lets get the best 3-4 defensive players available.

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This time of year is by far the worst time of year for sports. The draft couldn't get here soon enough...

[av7]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

This time of year is by far the worst time of year for sports. The draft couldn't get here soon enough...

I haven't been hunting through like a few weeks ago.

Brandon Marshall did get engaged (not to the pyscho).

Dumervil said he would try OLB in 3-4.

Peyton Manning broke Cutler's diabetes machine by tossing it in the pool, thought it was his cellphone. Speaking of the PB, I might watch this year to see Marshall, Cutler and Weigman.

Atleast the combine is in a few weeks

[Salhus]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

I haven't been hunting through like a few weeks ago.

Brandon Marshall did get engaged (not to the pyscho).

Dumervil said he would try OLB in 3-4.

Peyton Manning broke Cutler's diabetes machine by tossing it in the pool, thought it was his cellphone. Speaking of the PB, I might watch this year to see Marshall, Cutler and Weigman.

Atleast the combine is in a few weeks

Good news all around. I thought Peyton actually through Jay himself into the pool with his monitor in his pocket?? That would be a joke. Throwing a guy's cell in the pool? Kinda messed.

It kind of went unnoticed this year, but B. Marshall didn't make any off-the-field news at all during the season. I kept hearing how he's a headcase and all this during the offseason and summer. Maybe it was just the occurences that happened were a fluke sort of thing and he's actually a good guy?

What are the flaws of being a 5'11 OLB??

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

Good news all around. I thought Peyton actually through Jay himself into the pool with his monitor in his pocket?? That would be a joke. Throwing a guy's cell in the pool? Kinda messed.

The story I read said that they grabbed his phone out of his hand but were unaware the monitor was in his pocket. Manning said they wanted to ensure his phone wasn't thrown into the pool with him.

[kehlis]

Re: Official Denver Broncos Thread

What are the flaws of being a 5'11 OLB??

He would have to learn how to cover WR's in the rare case he would be called upon to do so. He would still line up on the line quite a bit though so it could work.