Is Brady Quinn's Career Over?

As a Bronco fan this preseason has been pretty interesting to say the least. Not only has the most exciting draft pick since Jay Cutler set foot in Dove Valley but the team seems poised to become a dominate defensive team, something they were never close to under the leadership of Coach Shanahan. Unknown to the rest of the NFL the Broncos are quietly turning the corner into a legit perennial playoff contender.

But that's not the topic of my article. What I want to talk about is Brady Quinn. Why is he doing so bad?

He had a lot of talent coming out of Notre Dame and playing under Charlie Weiss. He helped make Darius Walker and Maurice Stovall household names for about 3 years while they were in college. Al Davis even considered taking Brady #1 overall... but went with that Jamarcus guy instead.

None of those things could have predicted how bad Quinn would do in the NFL. He never could outseat Derek Anderson as the Browns full time Quarterback (what's up Matt Leinart) and now it looks like Tim Tebow is going to take his backup duties before the season even begins.

Is it a mental thing with Brady Quinn? Was the anguish of playing for the Browns enough to shoot his chances of being productive at the NFL level to nothing? Is it a talent question? Does he just not have "it" in the arm department?

The numbers say that he is a middle-of-the-road QB at best so far. His career completion percentage is a pedestrian 52% . His 10 career touchdowns to 9 interceptions isn't setting the world on fire as well. In 2009, he appeared in 10 games, of which the Browns only won 2, and Quinn threw 8 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. To his credit the cupboard was bare in Cleveland with a aging Jamal Lewis and no Braylon Edwards, but still you have to wonder.

I don't know what is in store for Brady. But what I do know is that if Quinn doesn't do something to turn it around quickly he may be trying out for the Omaha Nighthawks pretty soon.

Tim Tebow Makes His Debut For the Broncos

Tim Tebow’s debut.

Where do I begin? It was pretty normal for your average rookie QB. He made a few mistakes, that were saved due to the collective inexperience of his competition. Tebow would have thrown two interceptions against first string competition and would have been credited with a fumble in any normal situation. He also ran with the ball too much and failed to make quick decisions.

On a positive note, he threw a nice deep ball to Matt Willis that was dropped and showed the ability to get away from pressure.

All in all, I do not think that the throwing motion will ever be “fixed” nor will he ever be the best Quarterback in the league, but he looks to be a serviceable starter with the ability to scramble.

And thus begins the most interesting career in the NFL.

Here is the video of Tebow’s debut:

Jarvis Moss is the Broncos Secret Weapon

Hold your laughter, please.

I know that you are probably thinking that I've lost my mind or am smoking that good "Snoop Dog" but I assure you I'm perfectly sober as I type this. After losing Elvis Dumervil and his 17 sacks for most of the year due to a torn pectoral muscle, it is time for the Broncos' 2007 first round selection to earn his keep.

Elvis Dumervil, a former 4th round pick turned himself into the league's premier 3-4 pass rushing linebacker in less than one season. This summer Elvis was able to cash in on that talent to the tune of a $61.5 million dollar deal. To lose him before ever playing a down this year is going to cripple the Broncos to a certain degree without a doubt.

But fear not Broncos fans.

There is a secret weapon on the roster. And his name is Jarvis Moss.

Ok, I don't really believe that. Up to this point the Broncos have gotten nothing on their investment in the former Florida Gators star defensive end. In college Jarvis looked like he was the next Javon Kearse, coming off the edge blocking kicks and disrupting plays in the backfield. However as a Bronco none of those talents have seen the light of day.

We don't know why or what has been the problem with Jarvis thus far. Last year he contemplated retirement at the grizzled age of 25. The only play I remember him getting on the field for the Broncos he flew 5 feet off sides, tripped, and fell down behind the line of scrimmage. Things just haven't clicked for him to say the least.

Things could be looking up. All reports from training camp is that there is another guy running around in the #94 jersey this year. Jarvis Moss has reportedly worked on maintaining strength and bulk during this off season and was seven pounds heavier coming into camp. He is also reportedly playing with more awareness and comfort as he grows into the outside linebacker position.

This could be the break (pun intended) that Jarvis needs. If it is ever going to happen for him this year will be the year. With Dumervil out for the immediate future the Broncos finally need for their 2007 first round selection to play like one.

Tim Tebow Gets $33 Million... Wait a Minute

So Pro Football Talk reported that Tim Tebow has signed his contract and will report to the Broncos on Friday. All is well. Here is the details of the contract:

The Broncos signed the No. 25 overall pick to a contract with a base package of $11.25 million, and an "absolute maximum" of $33 million.

Rumor is that Tebow will have to make the playoffs, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl to hit 9 of the $33 million. Another $24 million if he becomes a full time starting contract. A lot of if's here....

When its all said and done it looks like the deal isn't that bad. And considering how incentive heavy the deal is the Broncos know what we all know... this guy could easily flame out in 3 years. In fact I'd say the odds are actually on him not succeeding. As a Broncos fan I still don't like the pick from a football point of view, or do I like all these BroncoGator's running around. But if the contact is any indication, I might not have anything to worry about.

Brady Quinn Out In Denver Already?

Either Josh McDaniels is the smartest man in the room, or the McDaniels haters were right all along. Rumor is from Dove Valley that the Broncos have come to a conclusion in their quarterback merry-go-round, and that decision won't bode well for newly acquired Brady Quinn.

Yes, that Brady Quinn that McDaniels was interested in trading Jay Cutler for last year. Yes, that Brady Quinn that McDaniels traded Peyton Hillis for. Yes, that Brady Quinn who has been splitting reps with Kyle Orton.

ESPN.com reports that the Broncos have decided to carry just two active quarterbacks during the regular season and Brady Quinn is likely the odd man out.

Our View: Kyle Orton is the clear starter and first-round pick Tim Tebow has impressed coach Josh McDaniels with his versatility, so that doesn't leave any room for Quinn. Tebow will likely be used for situational work, while Orton takes the majority of the snaps, making Quinn interesting trade bait if this situation comes to fruition

Last season Quinn finished with a QB rating of 67.2 with a 53% completion rate, 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Needless to say it wouldn't be the end of the world if he is cut but Broncos fans would love to see if a change of scenery would help Brady any. It would be quite the buzz kill if he didn't even make it out of training camp as a member of the Denver Broncos.

Is Josh McDaniels a quarterback genius? Does he know something we don't? It seems like he believes that Tim Tebow as a lone backup is going to be sufficient. Many around the game believe that Tebow cannot even play the position effectively as a professional. That is another article for another day, but I'll just say that I am not surprised at all by this rumor. You have to assume that Pat Bowlen, one of the non-billionaire NFL owners, would like to put his prized pony from Florida out there sooner than later.

We'll see if this potential huge transaction happens...

Tebow Struggles at Practice

Is it too early to say he won't make it? Of course. But for the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow fans these reports cannot bode confidence in the first round pick.

Early in practice he missed receiver Alric Arnett, then a couple plays later threw way behind tight end Riar Geer. He had a pass tipped at the line that was intended to tight end Richard Quinn. A few plays later he missed badly to Quinn on a pass that hit the ground before it got to him. Tebow himself singled out another bad pass - a crossing route to open receiver Patrick Honeycutt that was behind Honeycutt and too low, and hit the ground.

Colorado Springs Gazette

We still have a long way to go before preseason where Tebow will likely be thrust into the NFL spotlight more than any other player in history as a rookie. If he struggles in the preseason then maybe the critics have a very valid point. However we will not know the answers to any of the questions until live game action.

The season cannot get here soon enough.

Broncos Release Brandstater

Well I guess it's official now. The Tebow era is about to start in Denver. Although its unofficial, rumors are that the Broncos are going to release last year's third stringer Tom Brandstater from his contract today.

According to BroncoTalk:

Six weeks after the Denver Broncos selected quarterback Tim Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Broncos shallowed their quarterback pool Friday by releasing backup Tom Brandstater, per multiple reports.

I'm kind of sad because I think Tom has talent that just needs to be refined some. He looked good in preseason and he will undoubtedly bounce back with another team. Maybe even in the division (remember who said it first!)

Greg Cosell says Tim Tebow will Fail

Greg Cosell, some guy who produces a show called NFL Highlights (no, I have no idea who he really is) is making waves on the net right now. A story on Profootballtalk has been posted with Mr. Cosell making some not so nice comments about Timmy.

"On film, there is very little in Tebow's game that projects well at this point to the NFL," Cosell tells Ross Tucker in an interview at SI.com. "I could never draft a quarterback in the first round who does not show on tape the skill set and physical attributes that are demanded in the NFL."

Cosell says that as a passer, Tebow simply isn't on an NFL level.

"Number one, he has questionable and limited arm strength with a slow and ponderous delivery," Cosell said. "Number two, in college he did not throw with timing or anticipation because the offense that he was in did not require it. In the NFL, there are certain throws in certain situations that necessitate that the ball is delivered before his receiver makes his break. He wasn't asked to do that at Florida."

He also goes on to break down Tebow's pocket movement and foot speed, two things that Tebow struggled with at the Senior Bowl. In Timmy's defense, people said a lot of similar things about Steve Young and he came out alright. Then again he had time to develop in the USFL and then again on the bench behind Montana. Tebow probably will have to play as early as next year. It is going to be very interesting to see who's right about the great Tebow debate.

For the record, I personally think Tebow will find his niche in the league as a gadget player but not a quarterback.

Response to Tim Tebow Supporters Pt. 3

After getting a shoutout on Westwood's blog by Michael Roberts for my articles on my coverage on the Tebow debate, the comments started to pour in. And just like with every Tebow article, the comments contain more hyperbole and hype than that of any athlete than I've ever seen.

And this ladies and gentlemen, is why I didn't want my favorite team the Broncos to touch this guy with a ten foot pole. Do we really need these crazed people who thump their rhetoric and broken logic (amongst other things) wearing Broncos colors?

Just look at this fantabolous logic from "JP" (Jake is that you? lol):

All be it he is not alone with his character, I can guarantee that his devotion to his faith and to charity is unmatched by ANYONE in the NFL... just check how many community service hours he logged while being a full time student and while being one of, if not the best college football player of all time!!!! truth... swallow it!!!

Really? Tebow is the best Christain in the NFL? So I'm supposed to ignore the fact that Warrick Dunn built homes for single mothers EVERY YEAR he was in the league? I'm supposed to ignore the fact that Vince Young is mentoring and stepping in as a father figure for Steve McNair's children with NO expectation or obligation to do so? According to JP a few trips to a remote jail in the Philippines cancels all that out and gives the crown of "MAN OF THE CENTURY" to Timmy.

But it gets better, JP comes back with another long-winded festive comment.

really....he is the only player ever to finish in the top four of the heisman voting 3 times.. and he does hold a sugar bowl record for both passing yards and total yards... and he did go 3-0 in bcs games and he has 2 national titles.. not 1.. yes he did not start.. but he did account for 2 touchdowns in that national championship game against ohio st. and you wont find a single knowledgeable fan of college football that believes the florida gators would have won a national title that year without tim tebow... he delivered time and time again that season and they won a multitude of games by single digits that were a direct result of third down conversions and touchdowns by tebow.. check your stats and see if any of those guys you mentioned had more td's than tebow for career... they didnt.. how bout passing efficiency better than tebow... they didnt... how bout td to int ratio. they didnt. how bout yards/completion..they didnt... get off your hatorade horse and own up to the facts.. we were blessed to have witnessed one of the most dominant players in history!!!! if you dont believe that then i would love to embarass you in a live debate!!!!

Once again I can throw Vince Young right back in your face. Vince Young's Texas teams depended on him as much as if not more than Tebow. And yes, Vince won his ring as a starter, not a goaline fullback..... err... I mean "freshman backup Quarterback."

I don't drink but I think I'm going to toast a cold one the day Tebow is cut or traded and we weed some of these types of "fans" away from the Broncos family.

Response to Tim Tebow Supporters Pt. 2

I've been following this thread I blogged about a few days ago from Bleacher Report. Once again Gerald Ball makes a fantastic comment to counter some of the Tebow hype. I love seeing the debate go back and forth and Gerald is making some of the best counter arguments in the Tebow debate I've ever seen.

"Call it a cult of personality, call it what you will, but the fact remains there simply hasn't been another quarterback in history with his athleticism, his success on the field, his evangelical nature, and his charisma."

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Vince Young, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Steve Young, Brett Favre, Matt Jones, Pat White, John Elway, Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, Charlie Ward and Terrelle Pryor would run circles around Tim Tebow athletically. Vince Young, McNabb, Cunningham, and Ward are all evangelical Christians: Baptists. Also, Vince Young and Charlie Ward let their teams to the same number of national titles that Tebow did: 1. Young and Ward had better records as starters. Pat White was 4-0 in bowl games, a record. Goodness, Ward won a national title in football and played on an Elite Eight basketball team in the same year. McNabb played on a Final Four basketball team in addition to being the Big East player of the decade in football.

Please, end the hyperbole.

Response to Tim Tebow Supporters

The following was a fantastic comment I read on Bleacher report by Gerald Ball. It details the frenzy around Tim Tebow and why there are so many people who support Tim in a cult like manner.

1. Claiming that Tebow is more hated than Donte Stallworth, Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick is simply untrue. Most people love Tebow, most dislike Vick (who wasn't very popular even BEFORE the dogfighting charges), haven't even heard of Stallworth, and are irate at Roethlisberger. You are engaging in victimization that is commonly indulged in by members of the political right. More on that later.

2. Again, most people love Tebow. But you folks can't accept that. You want EVERYONE to love Tebow OR ELSE and can't accept ANYONE choosing to dislike or root against him FOR ANY REASON despite the fact that SPORTS BY NATURE is based on rivalries and adversaries. Look, if your team has been pummeled by Tebow's Gators the last 3 years, chances are YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LIKE TEBOW NEARLY AS MUCH AS GATOR FANS DO. And I bet a lot of Tebow fans got sick of Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, remember? Also, here's news for you ... NOT EVERYONE ROOTS FOR THE GOOD GUY ALL AMERICAN TYPE! Some people root for the underdog (and being a homeschooled 5 star recruit who played for a loaded team Tebow WAS NOT an underdog, and even now is going into the NFL with a lot more going for him than most players), others root for the bad guys. Yes, there were people who rooted for the Raiders back in the day, who rooted against Michael Jordan and for the Pistons, who root against the Yankees, and are happy every time Peyton Manning falls flat on his face. It happens. Get over it. Stop making the failure of everyone to love Tim Tebow a sign that our society is going down the drain. Look, there were people who didn't like Babe Ruth. Couldn't stand him. Yet Roger Maris and Hank Aaron were stalked, sent hate mail and death threats, and Maris in particular despised for breaking Ruth's records! Until Tebow goes through a FRACTION of what guys like Maris, Aaron, Doug Williams and Jackie Robinson had to put up with, you are being ridiculous.

3. Lots of people LOVE Tim Tebow and STILL don't think that he will succeed in the NFL. Why? Because HE IS A RUNNING QUARTERBACK. It is AMAZING that you Tebow fans ARE JUST NOW DISCOVERING THE HOSTILITY THAT A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF NFL FANS, SCOUTS AND MEDIA MEMBERS HAVE TOWARDS RUNNING QBS. Really, did you folks just start watching the NFL this year? Where were you when Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, Brett Favre, Kordell Stewart, and Steve Young went through all their grief? Where were you when guys like Tony Dungy weren't even allowed to play QB in the NFL and had to switch to defensive back? Where were you when Charlie Ward was tagged "the next Randall Cunningham" (and the media and the NFL DESPISED Cunningham) AND NOT DRAFTED AT ALL? And where have you been while the vicious sharks have been swimming around and hounding Vince Young? Even most of the fans of his own NFL team don't support the guy, and he has a winning record as a starter! And then there is all the nonsense that Donovan McNabb has been through. Tebow is just another in a LONG LINE of dual threat QBs that the passing game fanatics have either doubted or haven't wanted to see succeed in the first place. Why you think that he is different or special you will have to explain.

4. I am sorry, but Tebow is FAR from the first or only person of exemplary character and/or strong religious conviction in the NFL. What you want Tebow to get so much credit for, other guys have always done and stood for, and gotten absolutely nothing, and this includes guys who are treated with disrespect by their fans and organizations. The NFL is FULL of evangelical Christians. The NFL is FULL of guys who don't get into trouble. The NFL is FULL of guys who do great charity and community work. There are LOTS of guys in the NFL who have been on overseas charity and missionary trips. Most of these guys get NO MEDIA ATTENTION for the good that they do other than a one sentence blurb in the paper IF they win that "NFL man of the year" charity work award, yet you Tebow fans want the whole sports world to pretend as if Tebow is unique, a noble prince in a league filled with zoo animals and savages.

The truth is that Tebow isn't even the only QB from his church who was drafted. Have you ever even heard of Rusty Smith, the FAU QB who was drafted in the 6th round? Well, he attends Tebow's church. Lots of folks question his NFL prospects because he went to a small school, was drafted very late, and oh yes will be backing up NFL veterans in Vince Young, Chris Simms and Kerry Collins. So why don't you go produce a post bewailing why the sports world hates and is disrespecting this Smith person?

You won't, because your issue isn't that a great and accomplished person like Tebow (allegedly) isn't getting his due, because Smith is an evangelical Christian, good and talented athlete, and nice fellow just like Tebow is. Instead, your whole agenda and motivation is the failure of EVERYONE to universally bow down and worship at Tebow's cult of personality.

Well let me tell you something: even if Tebow wins 7 Super Bowls for Denver while throwing for 5,000 yards and rushing for 1000 yards a season, people are still going to hate his guts, including but certainly not limited to Raiders, Chargers and Chiefs fans, and others are going to attribute his success to having a great team around him. That is just the way the sports world is, and that would be true whether Tebow were Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or atheist. Grow up and accept it.

Tebow Moves Up Depth Chart

Depending on what you believe, Tim Tebow has moved up the depth chart with the Denver Broncos. The team is currently wrapping up passing camp and Tebow is now taking snaps after Brady Quinn and before the incumbent third stringer Tom Brandstater.

Video of Tebow in passing camp is on DenverBroncos.com

Tim Tebow: A Lot is Still to be Seen

Thousands of words and hours of television commentary have been published on Tim Tebow. His career stats, passing motions, and intangible qualities have been evaluated, reevaluated, and evaluated again. He's easily the most polarizing man in the NFL and he's a fourth string Quarterback who's yet to play in a professional game.

Granted, the criticisms are valid. Tebow in fact stunk up the Senior Bowl. He did drop multiple snaps from center. He did score a pedestrian 22 on his wonderlic. All of this has been documented and is completely fair to bring up in any anti-Tebow argument.

On the other hand, the Heisman is there. The two national championships are there. Almost every Florida passing record in the book is there. The perennial SEC player of the year awards are there. All positives for the pro-Tebow argument.

So who's right in this argument? No one knows. There is strong evidence on both sides. All we know for sure right now is that Tebow is the Quarterback of the Broncos immediate future, like it or not. He will be judged as the first round Quarterback he is and he will be expected to get the Broncos over the hump and into the playoffs. Just like every other first round Quarterback he will be expected to eventually hold the Lombardi trophy above his head.

Can he do it? Will he do it? Will those against the Tebow pick be proven correct? Will the Tebow fans be proven correct? The answers to these questions and more are yet to be seen. Everyone calm down and enjoy what will be the most pressured, intense, scrutinized, and interesting career in Denver Broncos history.

5 Reasons Why Denver Could Draft Dez Bryant

I'm going to make this short. I'm going to make this sweet. I know many of my fellow Bronco fans don't like Dez Bryant. I also know that many (including me) were beyond happy to get rid of Brandon Marshall and get better compensation than the Santonio Holmes and Anquan Boldin trades combined. But one thing remains clear. The Broncos need to add a playmaker on offense, maybe two if Eddie Royal is still in the witness protection program come fall 2010.

That is where Dez Bryant can step in. I know, I know the kid has had some troubles in his life off the field. He's getting painted with the broad brush of Brandon Marshall, an Randy Moss but if the Broncos want to make an impact at pick 11 Dez is the guy they should be looking at.

Here are just five reasons why.

1. Dez Bryant is only 21 years old.

Age is in his favor. Josh McDaniels inherited a 25 year old, unhappy, reckless football player in Brandon Marshall. There was really nothing Coach McDaniels could do to reel him into the program. With Dez, things are a bit different. At age 21 he is a blank slate that McDaniels and leaders like Kyle Orton and Daniel Graham can take under their wings. Not to mention Rod Smith is a phone call away. I bet that his streak of tardiness to meetings instantly stops soon as he's a pro.

2. Dez Bryant does not have a police record.

The character movement is strong in Denver. Dez Bryant doesn't seem to fit into the program on paper but when you look closer at his "character issues" you find a young man who made it out a rough background and has found immense success at such a young age. The only thing he did "wrong" as far as breaking a rule was violating an NCAA bylaw by having lunch with Primetime and failing to fully tell the NCAA about it. He was also accused of receiving a cell phone from someone which would break an NCAA rule as well, but never found guilty.

3. Dez Bryant is the best prospect at his position to come along in a long time.

Here's a list of first round talents at the wide receiver position.

2009: Mike Crabtree, Kenny Britt, Jeremy Maclin

2008: NO FIRST ROUND RECEIVER TAKEN.

2007: Calvin Johnson, Ted Ginn Jr., Dwayne Bowe, Robert Meachem, Buster Davis, Anthony Gonzalez

Coming out of college, Dez is better than every wide receiver in the last three years, barring Calvin Johnson. Michael Crabtree is arguable.

4. Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney aren't scaring anyone.

I think Eddie and Jabar are great guys and good players, but they aren't scaring any cornerback duos in the NFL. Eddie Royal suffered the sophmore slump last year and Jabar is a guy who came out of college as the next big thing but never made consistent contributions until he was a 3rd or 4th receiver in New England. In the division alone we have to see Nnamdi Asomugha twice. As I said before, a playmaker who can contribute right away is needed at the receiver positon in a big way.

5. Just Win Baby.

I find it very odd and irrational that many of the same fans that are calling for Josh McDaniels' head after one season are many of the exact same fans that don't want to draft Dez Bryant. Well you tell me, what other receiver not only looks the part but has the talent to step right in and fill Brandon Marshall's shoes? You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Either you want to win and draft Dez now, or you want to become a rebuilding team and draft players we will have to wait on like Dannario Alexando or Dezmon Briscoe. It's one or the other, and I think if you ask any fan they want to win.

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If you enjoyed this article please check out more of my insights on the NFL Draft at Mock Draft HQ.

Broncos Trade for Quinn? Why?

It's been two days since Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders brought the former Notre Dame Quarterback into Dove Valley. As a fan I am still scratching my head. Sure, Quinn has been coveted by McDaniels for over a year now but was it necessary to trade for him with Kyle Orton already tendered as the starter for 2010? To McDaniels the answer seems to be yes.

In his defense, I can understand it from a fiscal point of view. It's like getting that pair of shoes you always wanted but couldn't afford off the clearance rack. Quinn was clearly not wanted in Cleveland and all it cost the Broncos was a backup fullback and two low round picks. For what that's worth, probably three guys who would never make the roster. Quinn also will only make $700k unless he takes a certain percentage of the snaps. Thats a third less than what the Broncos paid Chris Simms.

From a football point of view I really do not get it. You know the old saying, if you have two quarterbacks you have none. This move just seems to complicate things. Kyle Orton has one year on his deal, and was tendered as the presumed starter. Bringing in Quinn at this point makes it look like Orton could very well be playing his last season in Denver next year. How long will it be before CBS cuts to Brady Quinn warming up on the sideline after another three and out by Orton?

I understand that McDaniels couldn't resist coaching a player he covets at the cost of a player he didn't use plus two unknowns. I just hope it doesn't shake up what the Broncos had going in 2009. Sure, Orton is conservative and doesn't throw with the best of them. But he got the Broncos through a .500 season after no one thought they'd win four games. Quinn hasn't done anything up to this point in his career and replacing someone reliable during his career for someone that has been a disappointment could be a huge mistake.

Eages and Cheating Refs Defeat Denver Broncos

I have never been this upset over the officiating in a Broncos game in my entire life. I am physically sick.

First the non call on Brandon Stokely. He knew we had no chance. Thats why he went off. The Broncos werent going to get a call all day. And they didnt.

Then you had the 30 yard pass interference on Champ Bailey. To me it looked like he just waved his hands in DeSean Jacksons face then they got tangled up as the ball got there, not that he went and pulled the arm. But whatever.

The hands to the face call was a gift. Jeremy Maclin's 30 yard BOBBLE was a giftwrapped win. I cannot effing BELIEVE our season is going to end on THAT CALL. He did NOT have the ball on the way down. Did not. Did not. DID NOT.

Eff Phil Simms. The ball clearly squirts around and bobbles out as he goes down. That is not a catch. Last time I checked you have to (1) catch the ball ALL THE WAY TO THE GROUND. And (2) HAVE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE.

There is no way the Broncos should have lost this game on THAT call. None the less the other phantom calls, and the no calls against our receivers.

I'm done with the NFL this season. I hope they are locked out. Maybe they'll get these BS judgment calls out the game and stop them from determining a teams season.

Denver Broncos Mock Draft and Offseason Plan

If I am Josh McDaniels I am trying to accomplish a few goals this offseason no matter how far the 2009 Broncos go in the playoffs.

Goals

1. Sure up the interior part of the offensive line.
2. Find depth and quality youth at cornerback.
3. Add playmakers anywhere I can find them.
4. Get rid of more of Shanahan's overpriced players.
5. Find young developing offensive players who fit the spread offense.

In his words own "smart, versatile players."

Possible Retirements

C Casey Weigmann
CB Ty Law

Cuts/Unsigned Free Agents

RB Lamont Jordan
QB Chris Simms
G Ben Hamilton
T Brandon Gorin
P Mitch Berger
DE/LB Jarvis Moss
DT Marcus Thomas
S Joshua Barrett
WR Brandon Lloyd
Surprise Cut: TE Daniel Graham

Traded

TE Tony Scheffler (franchised) - DEN receives 2nd round pick

Resigned

WR Brandon Marshall
OLB Elvis Dumervil RFA
TE Tony Scheffler RFA (traded)
OG Chris Kuper RFA
QB Kyle Orton
OG Russ Hochstein
K Matt Prater

Yeah a lot of this is taken from BroncosTX77 but I will spice it up, read on.

Now that we have effective cut or traded both tight ends, a backup QB, RB, Punter, and two offensive linemen we go into free agency. Spencer Larsen has moved to FB fulltime as well.

FA targets: CB, OL, QB, P, RB, TE

Free Agents

CB Carlos Rogers, Washington Redskins
G Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams
3-4 OLB/DE Chike Okeafor, Arizona Cardinals (probably won't be available but if he is, get him)
TE Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams (basically an older version of Richard Quinn he can learn from and start with)

Draft Targets: C, DT, DE, OG, QB, RB, WR, TE

2010 Draft



Round 1: Rolondo McClain LB, Alabama
At pick #9 or 10, I am absolutely not comfortable taking Joe Haden or Terrance Cody here. Rolondo McClain is a great prospect and LBs have more of a shot to give you bang for the buck than a CB or a two down DT. As BroncosTx77 said, the departure of Dawkins (already one of the greatest Broncos of all time) is looming and the Broncos have no heir apparent as far as leadership is concerned. This pick is as important off the field as it is on it.



Round 2: C JD Walton, Baylor
Not a sexy pick but a necessity pick. He anchored the Baylor line along with Jason Smith and helped develop one of the nations better rushing attacks. I'm sure Josh McDaniels covets a run blocking center.

Round 2 (Possibility from Scheffler trade): DT/DE Arthur Jones, Syracuse
He will drop into the late first or into the top half of the second due to injury concerns. (Pectoral tear and knee surgery alone in 2009) I personally think he has as high a ceiling as anyone in this draft. McDaniels takes him because he understands great teams stock their lines with talent, and Jones fits the mold of a smart, versatile player.

Round 3: CB/S Kyle Wilson, Boise
His stock is getting better, but he isn't getting any bigger. At 5'10 185 he could be great depth for us when Champ/Goodman leave after 2010. We'd simply reload and keep it rolling.


Round 4: RB Keiland Williams, Lousiana State
I'd take LeGarrette Blount here in a heartbeat but he doesn't fit in the "smart" part of our mold. Keiland has played on a pretty stacked LSU offense and hasn't gotten a proper chance to shine. Who knows, maybe he becomes the change of pace guy in the future. I believe he catches the ball as well, so versatile, check!

Round 6: Brody Eldridge TE, Oklahoma
The former blocking back for Oklahoma turned TE. Sounds versatile to me!

Round 7: Matt Dodge, P, East Carolina
You got to love the bodybuilding punter. This kid will actually make tackles if he has to.

Undrafted FAs
WR Carl Moore Florida
QB Max Hall BYU
QB (WR) Matt Grothe USF

Let me know what you think.

Dick Jauron Fired, Bills to ShanaDraft?

The Buffalo Bills fans finally got their wish. The Bills have let go of their incumbent coach Dick Jauron halfway through the 2009-2010 NFL Season. Yes, not even a full year after acquiring Terrell Owens and drafting a slew of linebackers and defensive backs the Bills have decided to part ways with Mr. Jauron.

Terrell Owens tweeted "its a good day in Buffalo" shortly after the incident but later went on to say he was talking about something else. Is it ever going to be a great day for those hands ever again TO? Just sayin...

Back to the subject, the Bills have decided for goodness knows what reason to talk to Mike Shannahan first of all coaches. I personally think that Coach Harbaugh from Stanford would be a great infusion of energy into a franchise that needs it badly. Not a old Stalwart like Shanahan.

Some of you know I am a die hard Bronco fan. I had to endure a decade of Mike Shanahan's mediocre teams and draft ineptness. I'll give him credit. He struck gold once in 2006 with Brandon Marshall, Jay Cutler, and Elvis Dumervil. But that doesnt make up for the shudders that still run in my body when I envision the commissioner announcing the names of Marcus Nash, Ashley Lelie, George Foster, and Jarvis Bleeping Moss. Yes. Bleeping is his middle name.

I wouldn't wish a Mike Shannahan draft on my worst enemy. Bills fans get ready for strong-armed Quarterbacks and babying them when they throw redzone interceptions, drafting first day receivers like they are going out of style , stocking tomato cans on the defensive line, and plugging undrafted free agents at running back praying that they somehow find the spirit of Terrell Davis. Be careful what you wish for Buffalo, be very careful.

Why the Broncos Made Out Like Bandits

It's no secret by now that I love the Jay Cutler trade as a Bronco fan. Getting a malcontent off your roster is always a good thing, but when you get PAID in the process it becomes a great thing.

For one, Jay Cutler is a good quarterback. I'll give him that. But a great quarterback? Not so fast my friend. His 3,000 passing yards were inflated by Mike Shanahan's fake spread offense, and throwing to Brandon Marshall & Eddie Royal makes life easier. Combine that with Jay's inability to take blame after critical mistakes and you start piecing together a recipe for disaster.

On the Broncos side, they will be much better off without Jay Cutler. He and Bus Cook will not be missed in Dove Valley. Also look at the fact that he was traded for not one, not two, but three players! Including a starting quarterback in return. Kyle Orton does not pass the eye test but he does the one thing Jay Cutler could never do. Win football games. The two first round players the Broncos will be able to draft will make the team much better in the long run as well. And if just one of the three players Cutler was traded for becomes a Pro Bowler this trade becomes down right criminal.

The Bears get a great arm. I won't deny that. Jay Cutler's game as a QB has little to no flaws other than his Plummer-like decision making. The only thing that will hold him back is his weak mental fortitude. The Bears are already Christening him as the franchise's savior, yet they have a very old defense and no legit players on offense other than Matt Forte to pair with Cutler. Cutler has never posted a winning record in his career. How will all the losing and all the pressure effect him? If it's anything like his era as a Bronco look for drama to ensue once Cutler starts becoming accountable for the teams lack of success, deservingly or not.

Broncos Trade Jay Cutler to Chicago

The Broncos and Bears went dealin' today. Here's the breakdown.

The Bears receive:

• An arm stronger than Elway's, and an ego bigger than Kanye's
• A 5th round pick

The Broncos receive:

• Mushin Muhammad's old punching bag
• 2 first round picks
• a 3rd round pick

I'd say that the Broncos make out like bandits here. The picks will help build the defense for years to come, and they can now drop Kan-Jay from their MyCircle.