Good Bye Blog World

I've decided to stop blogging. I may start up again some day in the far future. Thanks to my few loyal readers :)

Being a columnist on the Broncos has got in the way of other things in my life that are much more important. I love blogging, and I don't want to stop. If I had my way I would not. But it's not about my way. This is the direction I need to go in my life, and I think farther down the road I'll be glad I did this.

See ya, Go Broncos!!

NFL Update: Niners

Adam Schefter of nfl.com not only thinks that Vick will be signed in June (like I've already said multiple times) but he's already found a great team for him:

"The 49ers are being secretive about their offensive plans, but it’s not hard to connect the dots in this case. The 49ers are interviewing former Falcons head coach Dan Reeves today for their offensive coordinator vacancy. Reeves was Atlanta’s head coach in 2001, when the team traded for the No. 1 overall draft pick to use on QB Michael Vick.
One day earlier, the 49ers interviewed Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, who used to coach Vick in Atlanta. And San Francisco also has expressed some interest in former Falcons wide receivers coach Mike Johnson, who coached quarterbacks in Baltimore and also knows Vick well. So, some of the candidates the 49ers have begun to focus on all have connections to Vick, who could be back in the NFL as early as this summer after being released from federal prison.
No team has a greater need for a quarterback than the 49ers, but this isn’t to say they will pursue him. But the coaches they’re pursuing now all know and have worked with Vick.
And if that’s not enough of a conspiracy theory, then consider this: On Thursday, the 49ers signed former Falcons CB Jimmy Williams, Vick’s college teammate who lives in Hampton, Va., the next town over from where Vick has a house.
Might all just be coincidence. But might not."

NFL Update: Chiefs

The only that could be worse than the Broncos firing Shanahan, is if he went to the raiders, chargers, or Chiefs. Well, ESPN is reporting that that is a possibility! This would be the worst thing on earth!

"ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reports the Chiefs have targeted former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan to replace Edwards as their next coach, according to league sources. One source claims there have been negotiations with Shanahan and that a deal was near but another said Chiefs owner Hunt has targeted Shanahan without a clear-cut result." You can read the whole story here.

*A Niners update is coming.

Two Broncos Make "All Joe"

USA Today's "All Joe Team" had the 17th annual All-Joe team which honors the overlooked, the overachievers, the hard-working guys named "Joe" (but not the Plumber) who don't grab the headlines. Casey Weigman a long timer "Joe Teamer" did not make the list this year because he made the Pro Bowl. And "All Joe" on awards those that have not been awarded. But, another Broncos offensive linemen did make it. Ryan Clady, along emerging Jamie Winborn did. Here is USA Today's AFC "All Joe Team":

OFFENSE

• OT: David Stewart, Tenn. Nicknamed "Big Country." No missed starts since jumping into the lineup in 2006; Jared Gaither, Balt. Huge figure who can shut down top pass-rushers; Ryan Clady, Den. A No. 1 pick who stepped right in and gives line hopes of a return to greatness.

• OG: Bobbie Williams, Cin. A team captain who hasn't missed a game since 2006 appendectomy; Brad Butler, Buff. Bills' ground game faded when he went out, perked up (150 yards in three of four games) when he returned; Mike Brisiel, Hou. Texans run to the right side a lot. Helped clear the way for star rookie RB Steve Slaton.

• C: Jason Brown, Balt. At the heart of a sound run-blocking line that also protected a rookie QB; Justin Hartwig, Pitt. Steadying influence inside with first-year starters flanking him at both guard spots.

• TE: Marcedes Lewis, Jac. Growing into sound receiver, had most receiving yards by a Jaguars TE in eight years; Dallas Clark, Ind. Dependable receiver who can run in the open field; Heath Miller, Pitt. Excellent blocker on the edge who takes shifts on kickoff, punt and field goal special teams.

• FB: Ahmard Hall, Tenn. Former U.S. Marine was undrafted, now a three-year starter for a run-loving team; Vonta Leach, Hou. Takes on LBs so Slaton can hit the holes.

•RB: Sammy Morris, N.E. Old plugger overcame injuries and helped the Patriots' ground game do the same; Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac. Topped all RBs in receptions and receiving yards.

• QB: Matt Cassel, N.E. Who knew? Passed for 400 yards in consecutive games, which Tom Brady never did; Kerry Collins, Tenn. Another rebirth for ancient head.

• WR: Vincent Jackson, S.D. First Chargers receiver to surpass 1,000 yards since 2001; Kevin Walter, Hou. Became a clutch receiver but Texans love his downfield blocking; Dwayne Bowe, K.C. Rips through tackles. Most catches and yards in first two seasons of any Chiefs player in history.

• K: Phil Dawson, Cle. Last player left from the '99 expansion Browns, set club record for FGs this season; Rob Bironas, Tenn. Tremendous accuracy, plus power on kickoffs.

• KR: Ellis Hobbs, N.E. Explosive returner who is also a starting cornerback; Joshua Cribbs, Cle. Only player in NFL the last two years to lead his team in kickoff return yards, punt return yards and special teams tackles.

• Off. coord.: Dan Henning, Mia. Coached power running in the past, now big on guile and trickery.

• Coach: Bill Belichick, N.E. Might have been his finest coaching job, with no playoff berth to show for it.

DEFENSE

• DE: Ty Warren, N.E. Sturdy, solid presence who fortifies front against the run, battled nagging groin injury; Shaun Ellis, N.Y. Jets. Led Jets in sacks; Aaron Smith, Pitt. Led Steelers defensive linemen in tackles, draws blockers and frees up sack artist LaMarr Woodley.

• DT: Haloti Ngata, Balt. Space-eater who makes plays, doubles as FB on goal-line offense; Vince Wilfork, N.E. Wide-body who occupies the middle, pushes the pocket; Kyle Williams, Buff. Second-leading tackler among Bills' defensive linemen was fifth-round pick in 2006.

• ILB: Stephen Cooper, S.D. Led team in tackles despite missing first four games. Sound in pass coverage; D'Qwell Jackson, Cle. Had 20 tackles and 2 INTs vs. Tennessee, led Browns in tackles; Larry Foote, Pitt. Longest-tenured of the Steelers' backers and the most overlooked in a star-studded constellation.

• OLB: Rashad Jeanty, Cin. Starter and special teams ace who had played in Canada; Justin Durant, Jac. Active tackler who gets in the backfield and makes hits for losses; Jamie Winborn, Den. Eight-year vet played mostly with two rookies, had second 100-tackle season and set emotional tone for injury-battered defense.

• CB: Jabari Greer, Buff. Undrafted free agent in 2004, he had two INT returns for TDs; Kelvin Hayden, Ind. "Reminds me a lot of Ronde Barber," says recently departed Colts coach Tony Dungy, who helped develop both; Brandon Carr, K.C. First Chiefs rookie to start 16 games at CB since 1984. Division II player picked in fifth round played most snaps of any Chiefs defender.

• S: Melvin Bullitt, Ind. Undrafted in 2007, this super sub for Bob Sanders led Colts in INTs with four; Yeremiah Bell, Mia. Dolphins' leading tackler is always around the ball (a sack, three forced fumbles); Ryan Clark, Pitt. Team's second-leading tackler and a solid hitter.

• P: Mike Scifres, S.D. Any doubts? Go watch a rerun of the playoff win against Indianapolis and see what those boomers did for field position; Sam Koch, Balt. Can boot them long or drop them neatly inside the 20.

• PR: Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oak. Three TDs on punt returns, four more on receptions.

•ST: Antwuan Molden, Hou. Rookie proved to be solid tackler, recovered one fumble; Montell Owens, Jac. Scored TDs on faked punt and fumble return.

• Def. coord.: Dick LeBeau, Pitt. Belongs in Pro Football Hall of Fame for sterling career as player and as creative force behind the zone blitz.

• Special teams: Bobby April, Buff. Even with stud returner Roscoe Parrish often hurt, Bills' specials excelled again.

• Long snapper: David Binn, S.D. Old reliable is last remaining Charger from the 1994 Super Bowl team. Broncos Mike Leach should have made it.

You can view the whole All Joe Team here.

I expect Clady won't make it next year, because he'll be headed to Miami, says Jamie Dukes: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e4b3e3

NFL Update: Chiefs

After a 2-14 season Herman Edwards has been fired by KC. Hermie would fit in somewhere in the NFL very good as a DC. We'll see what happens.

A Look At Our Staff

Via Denver Post:

Busy Man

Reported From DenverBroncos.com:

Head Coach Josh McDaniels has begun to assemble his coaching troops. On Tuesday the Broncos officially announced the hiring of several assistant coaches.The team officially named Mike McCoy as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Ed Donatell as secondary coach, Wayne Nunnely as defensive line coach, Adam Gase as wide receivers coach and Mike Priefer as special teams coordinator.

On Wednesday Head Coach Josh McDaniels made another step in assembling his coaching staff for the 2009 season. On Wednesday the Broncos officially announced the hiring of three more assistant coaches. Don Martindale will join the team as linebackers coach, and Ben McDaniels and Jay Rodgers will be a part of the staff as coaching assistants. -denverbroncos.com

McDaniels rased many eyebrows with the resent hiring of McDaniels. Yes, he hired his little brother to be the Broncos QB Coach. Ben McDaniels, who was a QB Coach in High School. And Yesterday he hired Clancy Barone as TE Coach. He coached Atlanta, and San Diego. And names like Alge Crumbler, and Antonio Gates. Tony Scheffler looks to improve from his worst season.

Madden Pro Bowl

NFL Update: Bucks

NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired head coach Jon Gruden.
"We will be forever grateful to Jon for bringing us the Super Bowl title, and we thank Bruce for his contributions to our franchise," said Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer. "However, after careful consideration, we feel that this decision is in the best interest of our organization moving forward."

Saturday's Horsing Around

This week over at BM we took a look at Josh McDaniels, and want some help finding a nick name. Be sure to check out the link:

Saturday's Horsing Around

Will Someone Settle Down This Wild Man

Jay Cutler has a thing with doing stuff like this:

He will scramble all the way over to one side of the field, and then on one foot, throw all the way across the field! He's been compared to Brett Favre for his "braveness" in his arm. Brett is a great QB headed to the HOF, MVP's, and he's a Super Bowl champ, but he also led the NFL in interceptions. When I was at the Browns game Cutler did his little thing a couple times, and when watching the chargers game he did it then too. Every young QB has a little thing, and this ain't all that bad, but he over does it. Most all his picks are off passes like the one above. Also Peyton Hillis got himself on IR while trying to catch one of these wild balls.He is a "Wild Man" and when ever I see him play I have a heart attack. He scares everybody to pieces they way he handles that little big skin. If nothing else his playing style could get him hurt.

His playing style came partly from Shanny, Mike liked the John Elway "hero" playing style. And Shanahan was far from conservative, do the opposite of what is normal. The New coach Josh McDaniels we hope will teach Jay to keep his feet on the ground like Brady. I don't want him to be a doll QB, I love watching him be crazy, some times it's funny. But he needs to tone it down. McDaniels was able to talk to Jay this past week (Cutler's on vacation) and McDaniels said:

"We're going to work hard to get (Cutler) just as comfortable with my system and this system as he was in Mike's system."
"We had a great conversation about where we're going, what we're going to do and some of the things we've done in New England in the past and some of the things they did here,we had a very, very lively conversation. I can't wait to meet him." --McDaniels told KCNC-4.

Jay looks to have good success under the man that taught Tom Brady. It's a bit like the sutiation Shanahan was in when he came from the Niners, after working with Steve Young, he was placed with the task of a Wild Horse in John Elway.

McDaniels Press Coverage

DenverBroncos.com has full coverage of Head Coach Josh McDaniels' press conferences from Monday.
>>Click here for Monday's top story.

>>Click here for the Broncos TV piece covering the press conference.

>>Click here for the Live Blog from the press conference.

>>Click here for a photo gallery of Coach McDaniels' career in New England.

>>Click here for NFL Network coverage of McDaniels' introduction.

It's Official

"Mike Nolan, the former San Francisco 49ers coach who was a member of Dan Reeves' defensive staff here from 1987-92, has agreed to become the team's defensive coordinator." -Denver Post

Mike is a very good coach, he's a good communicator and he's been around this league for a long time, and he's been a head coach in this league," McDaniels said. "All those things are very valuable, and his experience on the defensive side is absolutely a value to any organization."

3 Broncos going to Hawaii

We knew Jay Cutler was going, and that Brandon Marshall would be at the receiving end. But now another Bronco is headed to the Pro Bowl. Due to Kevin Mawae of the Titans is gonna miss this one and let his torn triceps muscle have a rest. To replace him is Casey Wiegmann. The Broncos now have it's 3 most important passing players in the Pro Bowl.

Casey was on the line that was tied for the fewest in the league. He was joined by Broncos' vet Ben Hamilton, outstanding rookie Ryan Clady, growing Ryan Harris, and Kris Kuper.

Congrats to all three Broncos, let's get more in next year Bronco Fans.

A New Era Begins In Denver

I've not been keeping BZ up-to-date, and made Friday the "post" day. Due to personal reasons. So stop by every Friday throughout the week to get updated on all the Broncos Buzz. While I'll be making exceptions to post only for huge reasons such as this:

The Denver Broncos have named Josh McDaniels it's Head Coach. And McDaniels has names Mike Nolan his Defensive coordinator. The 32 years young former Patriots offensive coordinator and QB coach should have good success with Jay Cutler. He's already made Niners former Head Coach Mike Nolan our defensive coordinator. Here's some math for you:

McDaniels is younger than 7.8% of the Denver Broncos players. And he's just 2 years older than, or younger than, 20.8% of the players.

I think this is a good move for the Broncos, though I have bad gut feeling of him not lasting long. That's not the way I hope it goes, I hope it does not.

He's got a four-year deal with the team. Every move he makes will be compared to Mike Shanahan, and what he would have done. He will not have half the power Shanny did. And Nolan will be controlling the defense.

"Josh McDaniels is one of the finest people and brightest, most talented coaches I have ever worked with, Since joining us eight years ago, Josh performed a variety of roles and excelled in every one of them." --New England Head Coach Bill Belichick

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens, I hope we can keep some of our offensive coaches and keep the continuity that we built last year." -- Broncos WR Stokley

His goal coming into Denver is to win the Super Bowl, he's got my support, and we're all looking forward to next year. We now really start the LONG off-season.McDaniels seen above arriving in Denver, and seen below with his wife Laura. Mike Nolan seen below.

Saturday's Horsing Around

Over at BM I got up another Horsing Around, it includes a "Dream D". Be sure to check it out:

Saturday’s Horsing Around With Jon Krause

The Beast

I put together some B-Marsh images, via Picasa. Photo credits: Reuters Photos, Getty Images, and AP Photos.

Romo Want's To Coach The Broncos!

Bill Romanowski has found the perfect coach for the Denver Broncos, a " dark horse" "out of the blue " "on nobody's radar" --- himself.

NFL.com reports:

" 'I can't stop thinking about this,' said Romanowski, who played for San Francisco, Philadelphia, Denver and Oakland during a standout 16-year NFL career that was marred by a bad temper and his admitted use of THG, the designer steroid at the center of the BALCO scandal. "

Multiple sources say he gave a Lengthy Power Point to owner Pat Bowlen.

Here's nfl.com's story: Romanowski wants in

Brandon Marshall's Awesome Blog

B-Marsh has created a blog! It's wicked awesome! Be sure to check it out. Here's what he had to say about Shanny:

"Like everybody else, I was shocked when I heard the news that Mike Shanahan was no longer our coach."

http://bmarshall15.com/

Clady Makes All Pro

Gray Caldwell of DenverBroncos.com reports:

"The Associated Press released its 2008 NFL All-Pro team on Friday, and Ryan Clady made the cut. Clady is the first tackle listed on the second team offense.
The rookie had an impressive debut season as a professional — he didn’t allow a full sack in 16 starts at left tackle, part of an offensive line that set a Broncos franchise record by allowing only 12 sacks all year. He was named Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week in Week 14."

Way to go Clady! He'll be playing in Miami next year.

Done, Going To The Hall?

Shannon Shapre is among 17 finalist for the HOF. While long time great center Tom Nalan is going to retire. We give a Mile High Salute to both former great Broncos!

More Coaching News

NFL.com -- Associated Press

"ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Team owner Pat Bowlen wrapped up his first round of interviews for the Denver Broncos' coaching vacancy Thursday when he met with Miami Dolphins assistant head coach/secondary Todd Bowles

Bowlen hasn't spoken publicly about the search since he began interviewing candidates, starting with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels last weekend on the East Coast.

He returned to team headquarters Monday and interviewed defensive coordinators Raheem Morris of Tampa Bay and Leslie Frazier of Minnesota, along with offensive coordinators Jason Garrett of Dallas and Rick Dennison of Denver.

Bowles, 45, joined the Dolphins as assistant head coach in charge of the defensive backfield last season after three years as Dallas' secondary coach, and he was a part of Miami's historic turnaround from 1-15 to 11-5 and the AFC East title.

He played eight seasons in the NFL with Washington and San Francisco and started at cornerback in the Redskins' 42-10 blowout of the Broncos in the Super Bowl following the 1987 season."

A Dolphins guy is in the mix! Are you kidding me? I know they won their division, but come'on, the Dolphins!

Saturday's Horsing Around

Over at BM we put together the best pictures from the 2008 season. See if your fav photo made it:
Saturday’s Horsing Around With Jon Krause

Another Possible Coach

Mike Klis of The Denver Post reports:

"The Broncos have received permission from the Dallas Cowboys to interview offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The Broncos' short list of candidates now has a blend of two defensive coordinators, two offensive coordinators, coaches with vast NFL experience, coaches who are considered young by NFL standards and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who has no NFL experience, but is one of the most successful college coaches in the country. Garrett, 42, joins New England's Josh McDaniels, 32, as the offensive coordinators who have drawn the Broncos' interest. The defensive coordinators who will interview with the Broncos are the New York Giants' Steve Spagnuolo, 49, and Tampa Bay's Raheem Morris, 32.
Garrett and Spagnuolo have been considered the most sought-after head coaching candidates of the past two years. Both turned down NFL coaching offers last year - Garrett with the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons and Spagnuolo with the Washington Redskins.
The Broncos will interview Spagnuolo on Saturday night in the New York area, McDaniels on Sunday in the Boston area, Morris on Wednesday in Denver and Garrett sometime next week." Garrett seen above in his playing years.

Be Quiet

NFL.com always puts up great videos, this one is pretty good:
New Year's resolutions

Congrats Manning

Peyton Manning of the Colts has been named the NFL's MVP.
Go smash the chargers this Saturday Manning.

Remembering Shanny