Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM
I don't think that's an accurate assessment of Champ's overall play for us in the post season.
I just can't see Champ in the top 4 due to his craptastic play in our playoff games he's been part of. Agree with your offense vs. devense comment above, so my 4 would be Elway, T. Davis, Gradishar and Mecklenburg. I've been a fan since 1976, so can't include Little because I never saw him play as a Bronco.
Do you think Champ deserves consideration? Considering he is one of the best corner's to ever play the game, and he is a Bronco... I think so.
I agree completely. Injuries are something that just happen and are worrisome for everyone, although I think we're in GREAT shape with Luke Richesson leading the way in progressive training methods to keep players from piling up injuries.
Foxball is the only real worry I have for this team. I pray that Fox learned his lesson last season, but everything I've heard him say since the playoff loss points to him not learning one bit from it. Scary.
I don't think a team that first came to national prominence behind the play of their defense can justify having four offensive skill position players representing the franchise. I believe Gradishar or Bailey should be substituted for Sharpe.
I love you Shannon, but it's a numbers game.
Sorry, as noted by skinnytony I had skimmed through that column and didn't realize they were career numbers, rather than 2012-specific ones. I've changed the entry to reflect that.
Ah, crap. I squeezed that one in late, and should have read it better. You're right, good call. Stuart's earlier post said the Broncos were the 9th-most pass-happy team of 2012.
I read a baseball website that tracks all the articles every spring that proclaim this player or that one to be in the Best Shape Of His Life. By the time opening day rolls around, there are dozens of them. Russell Martin of the Pirates holds the distinction of being in the BSOHL five years in a row.
Sheesh, I've been doing that a lot lately. Thanks
Just looked it up, the Broncos had a 55/45 pass/run split last season. That's probably more conservative than average, but not a ridiculous figure.
I'd love to edge Gradishar in there, but who would you move? Can't say.
No, no. Clarett had too short a stop here, and was only a 3rd rounder. Now Dale Carter - that's the ticket. Denver gave him a record contract at the time, and he snorted his way out of town. Revolutionary acquisition that started a string of free-agent busts and organizational tailspin.
I disagree with the conclusion that "Foxball is alive and well" from the Chase Stuart article you linked. Those figures are from John Fox's career, not just last season. Foxball may be alive and well, but these stats don't prove that's the case.
1. Tim Tebow (He's a winner, won us a wild card playoff game for christ's sake!)
2. Jarvis Moss (The man was an athletic freak who LOVES Denver!)
3. Ashley Lelie (Thanks for catching the deep ball just deep enough to get us draft picks!)
4. Maurice Clarett (Decided he would be too good for the NFL, so he took his talents to the prison league and then to the UFL!)
Top 4 Broncos? That's tough. The top 2 are easy -- Elway and Little. I think you could argue for guys like Gradishar and the Albino Rhino. Steve Atwater is a personal favorite mine for various reasons, but I wouldn't argue very long with anyone who wanted to disagree that he is top-4 all-time. I do love me some TD and Sharpe, though.
I'd like to make case for Randy Gradishar, Mike Shannahan, Tom / Rich Jackson and Karl Mecklenburg as one of the top four Broncos, but, Doug, I couldn't tell you which of the four I'd drop.
Foxball and injuries are the only things that scare me about the upcoming season. I'm not sure I will be comfortable that it won't screw up our chance at a Super Bowl.
Doug, I think you mean June 11-13 for minicamp.
