This is our attempt to step up our game a bit… presenting Episode #1 of the Broncos Stable Video Podcast. I think it’s decent for our first stab at it… but I am not too happy with my own performance.

The idea is simple. We want to present the news surrounding your Denver Broncos in a unique fashion up front, just doing a quick hit on the headlines to let you know where we are at and to set the scene. We then turn to the “Sit Down” segment… this is where I’ll have friends, colleagues and guests come in to take part, converse, answer some questions.

This time around I simply wanted to rant on Brandon. After all, he’s the news of the hour, day, week, month, offseason… he IS the Denver Broncos at this moment. We were lucky in getting news to break our way. Just before the shoot Mrs. Stable sent me a text with the ProFootballTalk.com story stating the Seattle Seahawks would not be signing Marshall to an offer sheet. He spent some time with the team (we presume… to be frank, I’m not sure he did) and was sent home without a definite future.

(This would be Part 2… for whatever reason YouTube wouldn’t let us load more than 10 minutes at a time… I apologize for the abrupt and somewhat annoying cut.)

I adjourned on Sunday only to find another Twitter fight with Frank Schwab, the man on the Broncos scene for the Colorado Springs Gazette, as we both hit the social media to ponder the future for Brandon, the Broncos, and everyone involved. Putting our disagreement about Brandon’s future in Denver aside, in general we agree on our views towards the reactions to the lack of “progress” in negotiating with the Seahawks… and that was the message I wanted to send in this podcast.

I failed.

It was my first time in front of the camera and I did a horrendous job in following my own notes and voicing my opinion, but I will make a brief addendum and clarification here.

Those who proclaim Brandon has no future in Denver are wrong. Those who claim the Seahawks played Denver as the fool are incorrect. Those who claim Brian Xanders and Josh McDaniels have done nothing but paint the Broncos into a corner they cannot enjoy and will not endure don’t base their lives in reality.

The truth is this: the Broncos hold all the cards, the rest of the NFL world is frustrated, and you would be wise, when you hit your knees at bedside this evening, to thank the Almighty for giving this team worthy guidance.

If you aware of recent NFL history I will simply state “Anquan Boldin” and my case is made. If you are not aware we offer the Cliff Notes version. For over three years Boldin has been screaming and yelling for one of two events: a new long-term contract with the Arizona Cardinals or a trade to a new employer. Each season he launches his public campaign for action and each season he is met with frustration. The Cards would hit him with the franchise tag or would offer promise of a new deal once he would hit free agency. The organization refused to relent, offering Boldin the same terms with the arrival of each year’s training camp: this is your contract, we are not going to trade you and we are not going to renegotiate, and you are welcome to sit without pay or you can play under these terms.

He played.

I bring this story back to the stage, I present it to you, and I proclaim, “The Broncos are doing just fine.”

This proclamation is what started the tweet spat between Frank and I, and I would bet it would start a debate between myself and most of the Bronco fans on the planet… and to those that look at today’s landscape in Denver and see nothing but carnage and doom, I offer the same facts I spoke of at the park (in the podcast), that I put forth on Twitter, and that stand as facts today (and I’ll spice ‘em a bit, just for fun).

1) The tender is specific in the demands to make Brandon Marshall an offer. You will be giving your first-round draft pick Denver, you will be giving Brandon a new contract (and based on recent numbers, that means a substantial check will be presented to Brandon right after he signs on the dotted line), and that’s that.

2) Seattle holds no cards in this “negotiation” and proved as much in the way they played the game. They have no desire to give up the 6th-overall pick… they simply wanted to get Denver to the trade table. They did, it didn’t go as hoped, and they backed off. It may be they didn’t care for the requested terms from Brandon. It is clear they care for the requested terms from the Broncos. Some might point to the recent trade Baltimore pulled off to get the aforementioned Boldin and suggest the Broncos are asking too much… I might point to the recent trade between Detroit and Dallas involving Roy Williams and suggest the Broncos could have been asking for too little. Pull those two trades together and you can justify either. The fact remains… Seattle played their cards and failed to convert. The Broncos reacted to the situation (as they have to all of these situations) and I find it difficult to suggest they have lost.

Those that suggest they have lost will point to one fact…

… they still own Brandon Marshall, they’ve made it clear they do not want him, and Brandon doesn’t want to be here. To those folks I point back to the facts and proclaim, without hesitation or qualification…

3) Brandon will play for the Denver Broncos if another team fails to meet the organization’s price. “Brandon will be a pain in the ass”… he was a pain in the ass last year. He posted 101 receptions, 1,120 yards, and 10 touchdowns. “Brandon will hold out and be a distraction in training camp”… Brandon was a holdout in training camp last year, the Broncos withheld his paycheck, he emerged and was a brat… and then he played. “Brandon will not play for us and will simply not show”… folks said the same about Anquan Boldin for three years in Arizona, and for three years he played because Anquan realized the unavoidable truth.

My friends, the unavoidable truth is this…

Denver will wait for their price to be met (whether it’s Cincy, Seattle, or someone else) and won’t be trading him until another team does.

Pat Bowlen isn’t respected as a leader amongst NFL owners for nothing, and you should be placing your trust in him.

If some team sitting in the 1st round wants to sign Brandon to an offer sheet they are certainly welcome to do so and yes, that puts the Broncos in line for 1st-round compensation you may not like (as in a late first rounder)… but those are teams (Saints, Colts, Jets, Vikings, Chargers, Cowboys, Cardinals) have already spent their money on receivers, they are proven by their success and leadership to understand the financial realities of today’s NFL (and thus they value the costs associated with low 1st-round picks), and they are proven in their abilities to maximize those commodities (they are consistently low in that first round yet they continue to draft and develop players that contribute). Nothing is certain but assertions claiming the Broncos will be screwed by one of those teams is nothing more than a paranoid reach… and if the value of the pick coming in return doesn’t match, the Broncos can simply match the offer sheet and move on (that bullets stays in their pocket, just in case).

If Denver doesn’t trade Brandon, he will play in Denver and will be worth the cost paid, both financially and emotionally…

… because Brandon won’t make any money, Brandon’s image won’t improve, and Brandon’s value on the NFL trade market will not rise unless he is on the field and producing… and besides, Denver has already proven they can get work done whether Brandon’s happy or not.

(BTW, I’d like to invite you all to subscribe to our new Broncos Stable YouTube Channel where all of our video podcasts will be featured.)

Thanks for stopping in.

I would assume you’ve heard the news since it was, for all intents and purposes, the highlight of the day in NFL free-agent “negotiations.” The market is about the open and before the mad rush to put forth offer sheets the Broncos announced tenders had been given to three of their six restricted free agents including defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil (getting the team’s high tender that would bring a first- and third-round picks if he were to sign with another employer in free agency), quarterback Kyle Orton and guard Chris Kuper (both tabbed as first-round tenders).  Then came news the Broncos were also giving tenders to tight end Tony Scheffler (a second-round tender) as well as the one free agent every league patron wanted to hear, Brandon Marshall.

Marshall was hit with a first-round tender… and the stories (as you can see above) have streamed from there.

Rumors of the pending onslaught of suitors started with Chicago… I’m not sure if the ties to Jay Cutler or the lack of offensive prowess at the position or sheer laziness prompted those suggestions from Neil Harris with the Chicago Sun-Times but there was a quick response from the respected members of the media (namely the man from the Worldwide Leader above via Twitter but also by Chuck Carroll) that suggest it won’t happen (I would never say never… bring Tommie Harris to the table and a discussion centered around trade could get interesting… after all, they hired Mike Martz… seems nothing is out of the realm of possibility).

Other suggestions for trade partners were just as predictable including a list of “usual suspects” including Seattle, Washington, and Baltimore from the Mile High Report. John Bena came in quick with his view of the situation, suggesting Broncos GM Brian Xanders is calculated in an attempt to lure more offers… and he’s probably right. It is simple insurance and due diligence… that was my immediate reaction as well, and like Bena I take it as a move worthy of tempered praise.

Unfortunately I was wrong… in my immediate reaction I simply noted that we had learned nothing. That’s not true. In the hours since that tweet I’ve thought about the scenario long and hard and I have found a lesson to be learned from today…

… and it didn’t come from Brandon Marshall, Adam Schefter, Neil Harris, or John Bena.

The decision to tender Kuper was either a note to ignore or to quickly gloss over in the wake to rush a meaning to Marshall and the same designation put on him. Schefter didn’t note it at all. Neil Harris probably couldn’t tell you who Chris Kuper is (trust me, the only guards Chicago can a name these days are Roberto Garza and Trojan Magnums). Bena noted Kuper’s tender by simply suggesting he’s staying put… no team would be foolish enough to give a first rounder for an offensive guard.

I disagree, and while Bena is likely correct on suggesting Kuper isn’t going to be fielding any offers, I would suggest more than a few teams would like to one forth… and that’s the lesson I pull and use as my torch of hope.

Consider this…

The Cardinals extended second-round tender to offensive guard Deuce Lutui. Tackle Tyson Clabo earned a first-round tender in Atlanta as did guard Harvey Dahl. The Saints put their high tender (1st- and 3rd-round picks) on guard Jahri Evans. The Ravens extended first-round tender to tackle Jared Gaither. The Ravens put a third-round tender on backup guard Chris Chester. The Niners extended second-round tender to guard David Baas. The Packers extended tenders to interior linemen, Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz. The Steelers offered first-round tender to guard Willie Colon.  The Patriots have yet to announce their decisions but all rumors suggest guard Logan Mankins will pull the team’s high tender. Rather than letting Eugene Amano, one of the top three guards teams were pondering for free-agent window shopping this season, hit the market the Titans simply informed center Kevin Mawae he would no longer be needed and then gave his money to Amano with a lucrative new contract (surprising considering most teams are withholding on contract talks until the salary cap issues get settled).

That’s a long list of offensive linemen, leaving almost nothing to be found in free agency for teams in need of interior help… a team like Denver. In designating Kuper the Broncos join the list of teams playing safe with contributors at positions not only of need but of scarcity, but more importantly, they solidify their efforts to improve the rushing offense. This is a move suggesting the Broncos do in fact have one guard that could offer beneficial contributions in 2010, that Kuper has gained the respect of McDaniels and crew and that he has a place in the gameplan moving forward. It disproves the “Shanahan Guy” theory (Kuper was drafted by Shanny in 2006 yet McDaniels isn’t in a hurry to rush him out the door). It serves as another move – as Bena noted with Marshall – representing fiscal responsibility and emphasis on efficient, reliable players and a deeper understanding and pursuit of value.

More than anything, it proves Josh, Brian, and Company understand the job at hand and they are committed to the man they sacrificed to add last season.

And that’s what I learned today.

Thanks for stopping in.

So I’m going to run through some links, I’m going to throw some freebies at you from the work I’ve been putting in on the publication side of the Fanball menu, and I’m going to make it easy on all of us.

- I was intrigued by the thought of Stan Kroenke becoming the owner of the Denver Broncos.

He is a man known to indulge in spending sprees on athletes from time to time and I tend to believe he would be of benefit for local fans who enjoy watching star talent. But let’s be honest. This town has been spoiled by Bowlen and if he sticks around, I see no reason to complain. I just wish he would ditch the Johnny Cash look and go back to good ol’ days when animal pelts pulled chics… not red paint and spit.

- Knowshon appears to have fallen in a bit of trouble. To be clear, this did not happen in Denver (we have enough negative press). He goes back to his old haunts in Georgia to see his buddies and gets a little rowdy. Hopefully he learns his lesson and gets it in the rearview. (BTW, Fanhouse also offered a solid interview with The Know during Super Bowl coverage… on the positive tip.)

- This was the most intriguing story I read today.

- The Darrent Williams trial continues to move along. I have to say, it is upsetting to see it has taken this long. Like I already said… we have enough bad press. Letting this horror drag on for so long is… concerning.

- Before I offer some of my own offensive line submissions I wanted to note a respectable offering from Tim Lynch at the Mile High Report, taking a look at the centers in the Draft. It’s not too shabby… but I’d roll with another suggestion than the kid from Notre Dame. If I were Brian Xanders I’d actually stay old and see if the hometown kid wanted to come back to learn behind him. Speaking of which…

- I recently authored a bunch of player capsules to be published in the upcoming NFL Draft Guide from Fanball, focusing my efforts (as always) on the offensive linemen. I’d like to offer you three players – one from each position – that excite me (for the Broncos or any other team you might prefer). It’s just a small taste and I’m giving it to you early… but if you want the rest (and a ton of other Draft info and commentary) make sure you pick up the Guide when it hits the stand.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
STRENGTHS Veldheer is widely respected as the best lineman from the Division II ranks and has recently earned praise as one of the best-kept secrets in the game. He has dominating size and outstanding athletic talents but scouts drool over his wingspan and wide frame. He demonstrates an advanced knowledge of proper blocking techniques despite existence in a league where technique is not a necessity.

WEAKNESSES Much of the evaluation is based on potential as Veldheer, though dominate, has limited experience against quality competition. He often used brute strength to do the job for Hillsdale and is likely to need time to adjust to NFL speed. Tape shows he can play a bit erect at time but technique concerns are minimal. 

BOTTOM LINE Veldheer is the ultimate gamble for teams to consider. His athletic skills are undeniable and he has showcased surprising comprehension of advanced techniques despite the second-tier environment. Following the Texas vs. The Nation game some scouts touted Veldheer as “the best offensive lineman there.” His stock is on the rise and a positive combine will add to the intrigue.

 OFFENSIVE GUARDS

Mike Iupati, Idaho
STRENGTHS Iupati is a massive physical specimen with outstanding athletic gifts. Standing 6-foot-5 with 330 pounds on his frame, Iupati plays with intent to maul and has the strength and straight-line speed to put it to efficient use. He has a large wingspan and will engulf at the point of attack. If he stays upright he can serve as a benefit in the second level.

WEAKNESSES Iupait has hit the IR on several occasions, all blamed on a damaged shoulder. Scouts believe he can be compromised by double takes, a sign of technique flaws that will need to be addressed. Being so large Iupati has also struggled in longer games and may need better conditioning. He has a motor but his ability to bring it with consistent effort is in question.

BOTTOM LINE Few of the offensive linemen selected in the first round will not be tackles, but Iupati is one target a team might consider. He is experienced, polished, and tailor made for any team looking to support improved gains on the ground. Iupati is one of the largest, strongest commodities on the market this season and a team will see immediate benefits from his presence.

OFFENSIVE CENTERS

Jeff Byers, USC
STRENGTHS Byers has produced at every level of the game, the former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year with four productive seasons spent at an elite collegiate program, named for three consecutive seasons as an All-American. He has advanced recognition skills, displays strong technical acumen, and has no long-term durability concerns. Coaches rave about his leadership skills and character.

WEAKNESSES Byers failed to earn immediate promotion at USC as expected, leading some to question his passion. He is studious and patient and fails to display a mean streak some scouts covet. He is not a mauler and has been tabbed as finesse blocker, leading some to wonder if he would be better suited for guard at the professional level. He has adequate (not excellent) mobility and will need time with professional coaching to improve technique in run blocking.

BOTTOM LINE Byers is a sound commodity and would be a worthy candidate in later rounds for a team seeking depth for the position with hopes for the future. His resume may not scream for attention but there are no major points of downfall or worry.

- The organization offered their own views on free agency.

- Our friend Sayre Bedinger thinks (like us) the Broncos should go offensive line with the 10… though we differ on the target of choice.

- Frank Schwab from the Gazette has his idea of team needs.

- Noticed Mel Kiper is looking at the same DT the Stable has tabbed as a hopeful target for Denver on Sportscenter this evening, though the Worldwide Leader hasn’t posted the version of Draft Lab on their YouTube channel yet, so instead…

- Broncos are raising season ticket prices this season.

- The Broncos added the final piece to the coaching puzzle.

- You may not like Josh… but he is missed.

- Kissing Suzy Kolber’s take on Tim Tebow (trust me, it’s for lovers and haters alike).

- And if you don’t like that, you might like this.

- If you enjoy golf I have you covered there as well.

That’s all I’ve got… thanks for stopping in.

I stated my adoration for Casey Wiegmann shortly after entering the Stable (not quite one year ago) and expected he would be the leader of men under the new regime. On numerous occasions I pointed to Wiegmann as my crutch for hope. Just two weeks ago I put forth offensive line updates on the AFC West and, while struggles were noted on the interior, we put the full force of the blame on the guard positions. In film study there were signs of trouble, but the undying sense of failure at the positions on both sides of Wiegmann led me astray.

I didn’t want to believe Wiegmann was falling short. And to be fair, neither did Josh.

Coming into training camp, I wasn’t the only one using Wiegmann as the crutch for hope. While the roster was suffering massive overhaul at various positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, defensive backfielders), the offensive line remain unchanged. Not only did it remain unchanged but Wiegmann was rewarded with a new two-year contract extension paying him enough duckets to rank his services among the most costly in the NFL at the position.

I don’t believe McDaniels and Xanders signed on for the plan thinking one year later that number would be used as a convenient and totally justified gain for the salary cap (if there is one).

None of us thought Wiegmann was going to be an issue. We all thought he would be the bull at the front of the herd… but he wasn’t. In another offensive line offering produced during a small break from the blog (the NFC East) I spoke at length about the Dallas Cowboys and the fates dealt by simply getting old. In 2008 that crew was responsible for what was one of the most feared offenses in the league, supporting Marion Barber, a late-season surge from Felix Jones, and Tony Romo. In 2009 Flozell Adams turned old, Marc Colombo turned old, and everything crumbled from there.

In Denver it was Wiegmann turning old, suddenly looking like less of a Pro Bowler and more of a 37-year-old veteran in his fading years… but I didn’t analyze it that way coming in. Josh didn’t analyze that way coming in. None of us saw it coming and, without notice, like Flozell and Colombo, he just got old.

The hard part is that I still wasn’t saying it when the season ended. I pointed the finger at the guards, assumed their failures and downfalls were to blame for it all, and continued to keep the faith. Maybe I didn’t want to believe the Broncos needed this many pieces to get back on track. Maybe I wanted to believe Wiegmann and his contract were signs of confidence and not liability. Maybe I didn’t want to be wrong.

I was (at least I had good company). His game and his paychecks were liabilities. And the Broncos do need that many pieces.

Thanks for stopping in.

The time has come to address the Denver Broncos first-round draft pick in support of the 1st Annual Fanball Sports Network NFL Mock Draft. To provide a bit of background, we’ve pulled all of the NFL correspondents from the Network together to provide our own version of what may or may not happen in a few weeks when the 2010 NFL Draft comes down… each of our writers (including those that are turning their picks over to other teams, as the Bears will be doing per terms of the Jay Cutler trade) has come in to represent their respective teams in our virtual draft… and I’m on the clock.

I’ve spent a good portion of the last week pondering how I would approach the opportunity. To be honest I don’t feel the pick, in and of itself, means anything… we can sit and debate this player and that player to the ends of the earth my friends. It means nothing.

The true value of a mock draft would be the insights the experience might provide. We gain an opportunity to reflect on our squads and those that manage the team, and we will find numerous avenues to pursue in representing our crews. For some in this mock draft it is a chance to voice opinion, to make a case for the player we as individuals would desire.

I’m not down with that… to be frank, I don’t see the value and I certainly don’t feel it provides you, my loyal readers and the Mile High faithful, with anything of worth. I don’t work for the Broncos, Josh couldn’t give two shizzles what I think about this player or that player, and it would be honest to admit I have no insights into the true process the team will employ in making this decision.

I’ve decided the best use of this opportunity would be an educated, informed attempt to provide an objective opinion on what I feel Pat Bowlen, Brian Xanders, Josh McDaniels, and the rest of the scouting and coaching staff for the Broncos might do. Granted, it is an impossible task, and there is no true way to achieve that goal without personal reflection and motivation inserted into the process… but that’s my goal.

With this in mind I want to address the candidates I am rejecting for our selection here, along with simple thoughts on why I feel those players do not accurately represent a realistic view of what will be done with this pick. You can hit the blogosphere (as I have done) and collect opinions on team needs, areas of concern, players of interest, scouting reports, and potential options for this pick… they are all over the board and they are reached by a long and varied list of beliefs.

If we have learned anything from the Josh McDaniels experience thus far, it would be this: expect nothing. No one expected Jay Cutler to be wearing an orange and blue jersey without a horse on it today. No one anticipated (well… to be fair, Bill Williamson anticipated, and I tend to believe he had some help from insiders with the organization on that one) Knowshon Moreno would be the name read over the PA when Denver was out of time on the draft clock in the first round last year. No one (including Andy Reid) saw Brian Dawkins leaving Philly for Denver. No one anticipated a 6-0 start and no one expected the demise that followed.

Expect nothing.

Through my travels on the net I would put forth this list as the consensus catalog of candidates most feel would be worthy of consideration for Denver today.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Each and every mock draft put forth by the experts at ESPN has listed that name under the heading of “Denver” in the 10th selection of this draft, and each time it is qualified with the same statement… “Assuming Brandon Marshall is shipped out of Denver.” Sorry, but I’m looking at the roster as we sit at this moment and Brandon Marshall is still cashing checks signed by Pat Bowlen.

Expect nothing.

More to the point I would ask what bullet points you see on Bryant’s resume that suggest he is worthy of consideration in this slot. McDaniels comes from a system and has employed a strategy that emphasizes intelligence, proven performance, and a concept of team. Bryant has displayed NONE of these… he was dismissed from his collegiate program for improper and illegal dealings with an agent (that’s not intelligent and it would certainly rate as selfish), he left a surging Oklahoma State program vying for a banner campaign in one of the most competitive leagues in college football without their best offensive weapon (that certainly fails in support of a team mentality), and he missed the vast majority of his final season in the collegiate ranks (proving nothing on the field of competitive play).

I’d also ask you to reflect on the draft choices spent on wide receivers by teams McDaniels has worked for in the past that would suggest a move to target Bryant in this draft would make sense. During his time with Bill Belichick the Patriots drafted several receivers, most notably Chad Jackson, P.K. Sam, and Bethel Johnson. How did those wagers work out? You could bring Deion Branch to the table if you like… he was a 2nd-round draft pick (and a late 2nd rounder at that) and was eventually shipped off after his rookie contract came to an end.

This team is not using the 10th pick to draft a wide receiver. Why any team with ties to reality would draft a receiver in the early rounds is beyond me.

HERE…

There’s a list of every receiver taken in the first two rounds of the draft from 2005 through 2009. How many of those guys would you trade for today? I count four, but I’ll go five if you want to be generous.

Earl Thomas, S, Texas or Taylor Mays, S, USC
The growing age of the secondary is of undeniable concern and there are many who suggest the Broncos need to address that situation sooner rather than later.

I suggest this:

- The Broncos added Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, David Bruton, and Tony Carter in last year’s draft (Carter was an undrafted rookie, eventually brought up from the practice squad)… they have addressed the need to look forward at this position.

- The age on the current roster in those positions is there because of Josh. Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Ty Law, Andre Goodman… ALL were added by McDaniels. Champ Bailey and Vernon Fox are the only backfielders on the roster that weren’t added by Josh (and they are both veterans with years on the books).

If the Broncos wanted to chase Taylor Mays I’d be all for it… but I’m finding it hard to believe they would do so with this pick. They might attempt to trade down (and they would have suitors… teams hesitate to jump into those top five spots but once they come off the board the trade talks get going) and compile, targeting Mays with a later pick where he is projected to fall. That would fit in line with draft school McDaniels comes from… but it wouldn’t fit with the 10th pick in this draft.

Since I’m not allowed by rules to trade down in this mock, I’m moving on.

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
This is not a name I’ve seen mentioned in most Denver circles but there were suggestions on the RotoJunkie board that this should be considered. To that I point to a quote from Todd McShay from a recent article published on ESPN titled, “Most Common Draft Mistakes”…

3. They will pay no mind to minds. As one scout told me recently, “You can’t win with dumb players in the NFL anymore.” This Jeff George-inspired rule isn’t so much about human intelligence as football intelligence, not book-smart guys but playbook-smart guys… Here’s a good test for this season’s GMs. Watch where South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul goes in comparison to Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan. Pierre-Paul is a physical freak, and a team may get flak for passing him by to get to Morgan. But what that team will know is that Morgan is far more versatile and game aware than his counterpart, who hasn’t shown much more than pure pass-rushing ability.

We turn to Pierre-Paul’s scouting report and note the following bullet points:

Started career at College of the Canyons, transferred to Fort Scott Community College, still developing versus the run, struggles to generate leverage against the run, easily rooted off the line of scrimmage, still learning to use hands properly, will rely on athletic ability to compensate for missteps and bad angles, still developing instincts, struggles to sniff out stunts and screens.

In other words, he couldn’t make grades for those early years, he isn’t known for intelligence, he’s struggling to match his athletic gifts with his mental grasp of the game and he sucks against the run.

Josh prefers intelligence over athletic prowess (i.e. Kyle Orton over Jay Cutler), Denver is atrocious against the run (giving up 4.5 yards per carry, 128.7 rushing yards per game, ranked 26th in the NFL), and we have every reason to believe Elvis Dumervil will be getting a new deal coming off a record-setting campaign as the primary pass rusher.

No.

So… that leaves a few positions to debate. The team could be in search of a quarterback and that could put Sam Bradford in our conversation. The team could use an offensive-minded tight end and that could put Jermaine Gresham in the conversation. Watching tackle Anthony Davis fall could serve as a catalyst for debate, but if the Broncos are going to target an offensive lineman with the aim of achieving value capable an immediate impact, I see only one player on the board I would support.

Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
Based on what we have seen I believe it is fair to suggest McDaniels has a desire to turn the focus of the offense to the run. Ben Hamilton, once viewed as a supreme option at left guard, was demoted for his failures to provide adequate support for that effort… and he fits the stereotypical Mike Shanahan mold for offensive guards. He was lean and quick, without overwhelming power, unable to anchor at the point of attack. He failed in opening interior rushing lanes designed for Knowshon, he struggled to support center Casey Wiegmann in work against speedy bull rushers, he proved incapable of walling off would-be tacklers through the middle. He was then replaced by Russ Hochstein, signed away from New England in free agency by Josh, who also struggled to perform as desired before falling to injury. The offensive failures that followed the Broncos’ Week  7 bye flowed from those failures… and I believe the Broncos would, more than anything, wish to rectify those problems.

I’d also note the scenario at the position as a motivation for the pick. Eugene Amano ranked as the top option via free agency for the guard position and he signed a new multi-year contract with Tennessee a few days ago. The rest of the options available for consideration from the free agent market – David Baas, Daryn Colledge, Harvey Dahl, Evan Mathis, Stephen Neal, Chester Pitts, Deuce Lutui, Max Jean-Gilles – fail to inspire with two exceptions, those being Logan Mankins and Jahri Evans. It seems those two might only be obtained through a substantial offer and I tend to believe that price tag wouldn’t bring the Broncos to the table. Not that some of those players are viable options… but all indications suggest Iupati would possess the same skills and attributes any one of those players might bring, and the cost associated with the 10th pick in this draft would likely be at the same level (possibly lower) than the cost incurred for one of those free agents.

Add the complete and total lack of depth at this position in the draft – scouts believe we will only see three or four guards selected from this crop of rookies, none approaching the value presented by Iupati – and it seems wise to make the leap in this direction.

Iupati is a mauler, an absolute beast, and his skills translate both on the field and in film study. There are concerns about his durability due to shoulder injury suffered late in 2007 that required surgery, but the only other negative mark on the scouting report would be his lack of speed (the guy is 6-foot-5, 325 pounds… kind of hard to be quick at that size). He carries no discernable flaws in technique that can’t be improved by professional coaching, his coaches rave about his work ethic and mental grasp of the game, and he appears to be ready for a share of starting duties at the professional level.

I may be off the mark but, from this chair, Iupati fits just about every desire I believe the Broncos would bring to this year’s NFL Draft… and thus I’m going with him.

As always we welcome comment and criticism in the comment section below and you are always encouraged to send thoughts my way via email, Twitter, or Facebook… but I’d like to encourage you all to check out the entire mock draft and to take part in the growing conversation at RotoJunkie.com. We have our own thread working and the commentary thus far has been highly entertaining… it’s a wonderful community of fans we enjoy over there and I’d like to invite you all to become Junkies with us!

Thanks for stopping in.

… and gettin’ overwhelmed, by Bebe kids.

The stories floating around Mile High’s finest haven’t been as engaging as you might have hoped. We’d start with recognition of the promotion of Don Martindale (I’m not calling him “Wink”… like Highlander, there can be only one)…

… to defensive coordinator. I commented on Twitter that nearly every report made the day of this announcement was “rather vague” in that, while there are achievements, there is nothing at the college level that screams memorable dominance and he has never seen any time in anything but a secondary role at the professional level. He was a defensive coordinator of IAA schools in college, and our friend Kyle notes one year in which the team ranked sixth in yards allowed per game. He mentions Cincinnati and Notre Dame in seasons I wouldn’t recall as noteworthy resume bullets. In the professional ranks he has been a linebacker coach, and while I would agree with Kyle in noting there have been players at the position for the Broncos that have shined under his care, I would also suggest the ability to evaluate and draft that talent fell on bigger shoulders (that would be shared by Mike Shanahan – Elvis and DJ – as well as a small taste of Josh – Andra Davis).

There just isn’t much meat on that bone… until I read this report from Mike Klis at the Post. The connection and level of respect shown by the Ryan family towards Martindale is all I need to know. If there is anything I would associate with potential for this position it would be a tie to that family and a lean towards this style of football.

You are talking about a tree with the most impressive roots you would ever hope to see. I have been open and honest about my ties to Chicago (and yes, I am excited for the arrival of Mike Martz in Chitown, not to mention Mike Tice) and a suggestion that Martindale would share carry the same goals and theories and desires is alluring to say the least. You have to admit the Jets’ defense was rather impressive this year as well… I think that connection is as revealing and, I hope, rewarding as any.

BTW, the guy we thought would be getting the job ended up in Baltimore… that doesn’t really fall in line with the rumors put forth that had Pees working the vines for some big promotion elsewhere that supposedly tainted the pursuit by Denver. He actually took a step backward if you ask me. What up with that, Florio? Opie finally called him on it here.

The entire world is gettin’ their uproar on about Bryant McKinnie and his decision to blow off the Pro Bowl (and another… and another… and another… and another, though this one is pretty good… it goes on forever). Normally we would pay this no mind as the Pro Bowl has never and will never be covered from this spot… I despise the Pro Bowl and all of the demonstration “all-star” games that are offered through professional sports… but this is a story I will acknowledge on several levels, the first being my own submission that McKinnie didn’t deserve to be there in the first play. If you left the Minnesota season saying anything it was either “that coach is a total turd” or “Brett Favre got beat down,” and that’s an undeniable truth in review of McKinnie’s season. The guy has the talent to be one of the most dominating pass protectors in the history of the game (and was headed in that direction under Mike Tice… that’s why I’m excited to see him land in Chicago folks) and he officially ceased to live up to that potential.

However, I would be honest in suggesting that (a) I find McKinnie’s form of reversal on this commitment no more offensive than the same decision made much earlier by Philip Rivers, (b) I find no reason to suggest that any offensive lineman volunteer time to this game (they are the players absolutely guaranteed to be in harm’s way by the simple act of participating), and (c) I would suggest that any owner not asking their players to withdraw is putting forth a much more viable reason for my complaint. I don’t want the commodities of teams I support to be on the field risking any form of injury in games that aren’t tied to the team’s success… whether it’s Larry Fitzgerald taking surfing lessons or Ben Roethlisberger sporting a crotch rocket or Bryant McKinnie protecting the sixth, seventh, and/or eighth choices for the NFC at quarterback, I find it hard to suggest that a game that means nothing is worthy of this much risk.

And don’t give me that financial debate either… the NFL has no problems generating profit and could do just as well, if not better, with some good ol’ fashion fun that didn’t put these guys in the line of fire.

If I was Pat Bowlen I would have called Elvis and said, “Listen, I’m going to pay our Pro Bowl bonus plus 25% and we’re getting your agent in here now to talk about this new deal, so take the day off and enjoy the beach.” No one cares.

Besides, I find this headline much more juicy, and in all honesty, much more offensive (and no, he didn’t reply because he’s not all that anxious to tell it like it is… like most).

The NFL wants to claim they own rights to this that local fans can’t use the slogan or in any way make a profit off of those two words… and where is the uproar of national support on this? Type it into Google… NFL + Who Dat… you have one link on that front page noting opposition to the NFL’s stance. You get to the bottom of page 2 before you find another story noting any disdain for the NFL’s incredibly ridiculous take on this, but the original source of the story (or at least the first to break it online) was also, once again, the wisest. There is a reason the Wall Street Journal can pull of what so many other newspapers can’t: they do it better so you don’t mind paying for it if necessary online. They hit this from both sides rather than offering the bland AP offering that fails to dive into local sentiment and, you know, the facts.

You can’t fight with the biggest bully in the yard… and I don’t understand why the NFL feels they need to act like it.

Seems most are starting to turn to talk of the NFL Draft and that means most are either wonder who the Broncos will draft and if that will include Tim Tebow, because everyone loves Tim Tebow. Actually, it feels like everyone doesn’t love Tim Tebow because all we can talk about is his troubles in taking snaps… like so many of the quarterbacks in the NFL these days are taking snaps from under center all that often, like other collegiate passers aren’t finding the same woes (or others), and like most of the teams shouldn’t be worried about other things.

(Quick note… Mort from ESPN did this guy a favor in tweet praise for his site and now I feel like a jerk for missing it for this long… at this time of year you should hit up MoveTheSticks.com… Mort’s right, he’s doing an AWESOME job.)

Turning back to Denver, the talks also revolve around the pending trade of Brandon Marshall, which seems to be all but a certainty at this point. If you hit the search engines again you’ll find rumors sending him to Cleveland, Baltimore, the Jets, the Bears, the Niners, and others. Whatever… I want to know what’s coming back in return.

The general consensus would put, if Josh goes after draft picks, a 1st and 3rd in Denver’s lap. If it were my fantasy team I’d trade him to move up in the 1st with a 3rd and 5th this year and, of course, a player… and I wouldn’t be looking at wide receiver so much as other pressing needs, say defensive lineman or maybe even tight end. One team not mentioned above that might make sense is Tennessee, working a sign-and-trade for local product Bo Scaife. The Titans would like to get something for Scaife… they have multiple players worthy of the franchise tag… I’m not sure the change in draft positions means too much but I think there would be positive options to discuss there.

I’d say of the teams listed in rumors online, the Jets and the Niners make the most sense to me (though I don’t envision, as put forth in the story linked, Michael Crabtree as the target of choice for Denver… that Niners squad has some great young defensive commodities many of which were drafted by Mike Nolan, so they would tend to be a natural fit with the work done in Season 1 of the McDaniels experience). For me, a trade in the 1st with a 3rd and Justin Smith might make sense (if you don’t mind the continued emphasis of experience on D)… or if you want to go way off the reservation of sanity…

… why not inquire about Vernon Davis?

Other news/links of note…

… the Football Outsiders show the Broncos enjoyed some of the best health in the league.

… thought Thomas George, former member of the team at the Post, had a take on Shanahan that sounded awfully familiar to another take from our own scene.

… another local boy made good, Bill Williamson thinks Josh will sink or swim with Martindale.

… my favorite read of the week.

… I’m telling you… it will be a mistake if the Broncos do not consider Taylor Mays, though most would be happy to see this.

… you will enjoy this. Well, at least I did… Sam, you might want to stay away you right-wing nut job.

…. here’s another edition (3 of 4) of the Blogger Blitz from my good friend Josh at Bronco Zone.

… think the Rams could move north of the border? Bernie thinks so.

… I’ll be drafting Joe Flacco in fantasy leagues again next year.

… a solid look at the evolution of the Denver rushing attack for 2010.

… a different way to look at the upcoming draft from good friend Steve O’Reilly at the Skinny Post.

… if you are into golf.

… if you are into seams.

… if you are into hoops.

… if you like Balls Deep.

… if you just like ball…

… if you like to think ahead.

… if you like to think at all.

And that’s all I’ve got… sorry it took me so long.

Thanks for stopping in.

The vines have been rather active with news and you would think I would have learned this lesson by now… but I reached out for some insights from friends and associates based on what I thought would come to fruition.

In the NFL, nothing comes to fruition until the ink is dry on the contract.

Coming into the weekend we had every reason to believe former New England cohort Dean Pees was on his way to Denver to join Josh as the new defensive coordinator. That was the expectation as I posted thoughts on the offensive lines of the playoffs, taking my eye of the Broncos for only a few moments.

Come back to find ProFootballTalk.com is reporting Pees may not be the man… followed by reports current Denver linebackers coach and local hero Don Martindale might be the top choice for the job… followed by further reports indicating it might be Pees that is looking in another direction… and they continue to stay on the case.

(We get news from tons of sources but have come to trust Mike Florio and the ProFootballTalk crew as the leaders of the new school… they are part of the Liberty family and they treat us all so well. You should hook in via Tweeter to keep up with the latest.)

The day was spiced by messages and tweets from all over the industry from there… including our friends at RotoWorld noting words from Josh that indicate the emphasis will be pushed towards the power run… including the announcement of a new tight ends coach (Bob Ligashesky, fresh off duties as the special teams coach for the Steelers)… including the official notice on the acquisition of new running backs coach Eric Studesville (we will be taking a focused look at this soon)… including the promotion of some of the boys already on the scene… including rumors of various Brandon Marshall trades… including rumors that Miami and their recently-pilfered defensive coordinator will be talking with Elvis Dumervil during the offseason.

Needless to say, it’s been a crazy 24 hours for the football faithful in Denver and there is little reason to believe it will stop… and while we are beyond ecstatic to have news and notes of a factual nature to discuss, we continue to ponder what may happen with the defensive coordinator position.

We’ve learned anything from yesterday, not to mention the countless days that came before, it is this: Expect nothing, believe nothing, and trust nothing until it becomes an undeniable reality.

With this in mind I want to bring some thoughts on the man we now think may not be joining the Denver wolfpack…

… by introducing the most recent addition to my own.

The fans of the New England Patriots were spoiled by coverage from my good friend Eric Cunningham this season, but the end of their ride brought a new adventure for Eric as he enters the challenges of grad school. In the midst of woe I received an email from another good friend in the Boston area, Mr. Darryl Johnston (SoxTeaParty.com) who had an associate with the necessary passion to take that baton and run it forward.

I would like to officially welcome Tim Magoon to the post at PatsChowder.com by tossing him right in the fire. He’s wasted no time in getting busy with updates and coverage for the Network and I was so impressed with his passion and knowledge that I felt it best to bring him in for the Denver faithful seeking knowledge on our potential addition as the defensive leader moving forward.

And yes… I still think Pees could be signed and delivered to the Mile High. Expect nothing, believe nothing, and trust nothing until it becomes an undeniable reality.

Welcome Tim and enjoy this brief but insightful back and forth we enjoyed via email.

1) Alright my man… Dean Pees. Whaddya’ got in background info on him?

- Pees has been coaching for a long time, and has focused only on the defensive side of the ball.  He started his career as a secondary coach on the University of Findlay in Ohio in 1979.  He has been with the Pats since 2004, starting as a linebackers coach and then becoming the defensive coordinator in 2006.  This year along with D-coordinator responsibilities, Pees worked very closely with the secondary.

2) The reports as put forth by most sources indicate Pees watched his contract expire without persuing a new deal. I believe I also read a report that indicates Pees told Boston reporters he wanted to take time off to determine his next move just days before signing in Denver. Whats the story put forth out east? Is it even that big of story, or is it business as usual for Belichick and Company?

- There is actually a lot of mystery surrounding his departure from the Patriots.  The Providence Journal first reported that he was fired.  Later that the day Pees released a statement saying that his contract expired and they mutually decided not to extend it.  Some thought this had to do with Pees’ medical history – he has dealt with cancer in the past and had to be rushed to the hospital during the Patriots last regular season game against Houston this year with chest pains and shortness of breath.  Now that he is going to Denver, it makes the story even more difficult to understand.

McDaniels and Pees have a history, they were assistants under Belichick in New England and, on top of that, Pees actually recruited McDaniels’ little brother, Ben, to Kent State when he was coaching there.  It could be that they just have a very good relationship with each other.  Pees and  McDaniels may have had some conversations about the position in Denver when the decision was made to move on from Mike Nolan this offseason.

In terms of the opinions on it in New England – it is pro-Patriots.  No one really questions Belichick on any coaching decisions and many assume that he was let go because of performance.  The Patriots will never let out the true reason for his departure but everyone here just assumes that there is another coach in the wings – Matt Patricia and Pepper Johnson come to mind – that will be ready to take over.

3) In review of the performance of the New England defense it seems fair to suggest the Pats made good use of free agency and the draft (not counting Adalius Thomas). Did Pees get any credit in this facet of the Pats’ organizational efforts, or does that praise fall to Big Bill and the Scott Pioli once known as GM?

- Belichick does a great job bringing in his assistants to get feedback on potential player personnel decisions.  However, he never lets them in on the entire process.  I think that is actually a reason that coaches under Belichick have had such varied success when they get their own gigs.  Some try to mimic him but they have never been exposed to every aspect of his job.  I’m sure that Pees had his hand in player personnel decisions but to what extent is not really known because things are kept so close to the vest down in Foxboro.

4) Over this last season the Pats seemed to find struggles against the run. Is this the case, and if so, is it a common trend under the guidance of Pees? The fans in Denver know way too much about lackluster defensive efforts against the run… is this concern going to subside, or get worse?

(Ed.Note: No… that clip has nothing to do with this conversation, but I figured you’d want it. I aim to please.)

- Pees and Belichick worked very closely together on designing schemes and strategy week to week, which is a good thing for Denver.  Any coach that can learn defensive strategy from Belichick is in really good shape.  The Pats ranked 12th in pass defense and 13th in rush defense during the regular season so they weren’t good against the pass and weak against the run.  The struggles came more from a lack of playmakers rather than the defensive scheme.  The Patriots lacked a consistent pass rush all season on top of that.  The lack of a pass-rusher meant they had to blitz more often, which caused their corners to be left on an island way too often.  In addition, their best run-stopper, Jerod Mayo, either was playing hurt all season or took a big step back from his rookie year.

In the Pats system, the defensive line is supposed to occupy blockers and the linebackers are then supposed to come up and make the plays against the run.  The linebackers had issues making plays consistently this season, allowing opposing teams to run all over them.  Belichick has always designed his teams to play “bend but don’t break” defense – meaning they will give up yards, but not the big play, and also come up with big stops on 3rd down.  This did not happen in 2009 because of their lack of playmakers.  This falls more on poor draft decisions rather than the work Pees did with the defense.

5) If you were sittin’ on the barstool with a local Denver fan stressing the arrival of Pees and the unknown future, what would you tell him?

- I would tell him to relax.  Pees has been coaching a long time and I’m sure he has learned a lot from the great defensive mind of Bill Belichick.  McDaniels is an offensive whiz and on top of that, he really seems like he has a plan for the way he wants his teams to play on both sides of the ball.  Because he has worked with Pees in the past, I think they will be on the same page from the beginning in terms of scheme and strategy.

I want to thank Tim for taking time out of his schedule to share some insights and background on the DC we may or may not be hiring… and make sure you check out his work at PatsChowder.com if you are a fan of the Pats or just a fan of the game in general. He’s been a great addition for our wolfpack and you may want to add him to your own.

And see… no sooner do we check out the latest from the Twitter wall and find more fodder for the Brandon Marshall rumors… and the questions just keep on coming.

Thanks for stopping in.

This will be the first Friday/Saturday in some time that hasn’t been spent analyzing offensive lines… and that’s nothing short of ironic when  you consider the environment and tension of the weekend. The four teams left in the hunt for the lucrative trip to the land of Cuban coffee, Trick Daddy, what used to be top-shelf college football, and Scarface would be, in no particular order, the Colts, the Vikings, the Jets, and the Saints.

In review of the season it would be safe to suggest those four offensive lines will, at the very least, be in the discussion as we ponder the top offensive lines of 2009. I, for one, couldn’t be happier… we are fresh off a season in which the Steelers somehow managed to put a second ring on Ben Roethlisberger’s motorcycle-ravaged hand despite what may have been the worst offensive line to ever win a Super Bowl. After a season spent watching and commenting on chaos in Denver, it’s nice to see some tradition… takin’ this sum bitch back to the old school, when the o-lines were the the Moses of the NFL, parting the Red (or green, or blue, or purple, or even gold) Sea to insure rushers kept the games under control while passers finding only the best of protection made use of the opportunity for greatness.

Not the Big Ben isn’t amazing (the fact he pulled it off with Chris Kemoeatu and Max Starks on a completely inept left side is unbelievable)… but it’s nice to see my assertions – a belief that you would be wise to know more about offensive lines than you do now – are getting on the right side of truth.

Since I’m not putting out any specific playoff predictions (I’m going Saints btw, because of Drew Brees and Drew Brees alone… I’m offended that the MVP trophy was handed to anyone but Drew Brees, and I wouldn’t be quick to argue against a torch-and-pitch fork gather to go after those responsible for that failure) and I can’t seem to stop obsessing about it, I wanted to come in and offer my thoughts on the four lines left on the war field. These are guys I’ve been covering all year for the mothership and it’s in my blood… so here’s what I’ve got, and what the hell, we’ll rank ‘em, too (you like rankings, correct… the Sports Guy makes a living off rankings, so I’m going to assume that’s legit).

(First, a quick word from the best offensive lineman of all time…)

4) The Minnesota Vikings
It may be fair to suggest this line could have the best individual talent in the playoffs (they don’t, but it could be debated), and it may be fair to suggest left guard Steve Hutchinson is the best offensive lineman in the game (he was last year, he’s not now… that would be Donald Penn), but it is also fair to note this line seems to consistently fail in meeting expectation more than any other line in these playoffs.

Bryant McKinnie has suffered through his worst season ever at left tackle and has been helped immensely by the play of Brett Favre. Still, the guy has been sacked 34 times (almost double the number absorbed by Peyton Manning) and he has been rushed more often than not. Those highlight-reel plays with Favre scrambling and improvising? Those come compliments of struggles at the tackle spots. Rookie Phil Loadholt is on the other side and started the season well, but as is often true with rookies, the game tape got around and folks have put him on his heels as a result.

And to make matters worse, this team is still led by Brad Childress… as long as he puts the emphasis on Brett Favre (or as long as Brett Favre puts the emphasis on Brett Favre… and you know what I’m talking about), the emphasis will actually fall away from this line’s strength (Steve Hutchinson) and to those tackles are struggling.

3) The Indianapolis Colts
The lack of stability at left tackle forces us to downgrade a line that, by all statistical reviews, has been strong. Manning was a safe as ever in the pocket and the sack numbers are low. However, that narrow view of the world will not allow you to understand how much trouble lurks on this offensive line.

Start over at left tackle Charlie Johnson has been solid but he’s going to be working against some of the pass rushers he has seen thus far. The fall of Tony Ugoh suggests the team isn’t entirely happy with their situation on that side, and while Ryan Lilja is a veteran at left guard, he is far from rank as an elite individual performer. Johnson and Lilja work well together, but it would also be fair to suggest the talents of Peyton Manning and the precise design and execution of this passing offense keeps them out of trouble.

In objective review it would be fair to note center Jeff Saturday as the true force of nature for this crew. He keeps the line in check, he is outstanding in working with Manning on defensive recognition, and he has been key in this team’s success… and that normally translates into positive numbers for the rushers.

Not for Indy… averaging 3.5 yards per carry on the ground, suffering through (instead of surging with) Joseph Addai and Donald Brown (one of the most disappointing rookies in a season when rookie rushers shined), and representing what is easily ranked as the most lopsided offense left in the fight.

2) The New Orleans Saints
‘Nawlins may tout the single best offensive lineman you’ll find on the field in these playoffs… the Jets have two guys nipping on his heels, but in all fairness…

… Jahri Evans is going to make his statement in these playoffs. In fact, he’s already started. The Saints came out after a week off and while the rest of the world prepared for an onslaught of passing in what was billed as the most promising aerial assault to be watched since Kurt Warner was playing in blue and gold (rather than red and white), Evans pushed the load and Saints punched the Cardinals right in the mouth with Reggie Bush and a rushing attack they could not stop. Not that Brees wasn’t on his game, but the passing offense wasn’t the driver at the wheel in the divisional playoff win. It was Evans and the ground game.

The rest of the line, with one minor exception, is as formidable as any. Carl Nicks may be one of the best guards no one notices in the league (and I think he likes it that way). The Saints paid more than a few dollars to keep Jonathan Stinchcomb in the fold and the investment has paid off. Brees has been more than comfortable in the pocket this season and those looking to advance via the carry has also done well.

The only asterick on the line may be left tackle Jermon Bushrod. Bushrod was fabulous during the season in relief of Jammal Brown (one of the best rising OL stars in the league) and his ability has been worthy of applause. However, as the playoffs approached a few of the opposing pass rushers gave him problems. The Saints fell in those game as Brees was a hurried as ever the decision to put a tight end in the mix (taking one of those potent receivers off the field) to help took some time… but he played well last week and appears to be on track for an adequate performance moving forward.

There are depth concerns… one injury will put this team in concern (especially at tackle), but if they stay healthy, that front five could push the Saints to the top of the mountain.

(BTW, make sure you check out this great feature from Pat Yasinskas on Evans… good stuff.)

1) The New York Jets
As we stand today it seems more than fair to suggest this offensive line is, without serious debate (though I believe one line in the league might be as good and possibly better), the best offensive line in the National Football League.

I might go as far as to suggest this line could battle with any we have seen in recent memory as the best of this era.

If there is one weakness on this line it is Brandon Moore at right guard… and he is not a weakness. To the contrary, he is a proven supporter of the run (he’s been there for a while folks, and the Jets have always enjoyed strong rushing gains with him in that spot). He just happens to be the bottom rung on the strongest ladder in the playoffs.

Nick Mangold has been outstanding this season. I’ve spoken at length before about his evolution to this point… we awarded him as the best center in the NFL in the Fanball Peripheral Contributor Awards (I gave Kevin Mawae the Best OL in the game… but Mangold is still a kid and that advantage in age can’t be oversold)… he’s leading a group full of veterans and he’s doing it like he’s been playing for decades. The kid is as much responsible for the Jets’ offensive success with a rookie quarterback (and their efforts in hiding him) and a rising rookie also working out of the backfield.

He worked with Alan Faneca, a man that needs to be mentioned when Hall of Fame talk hits the board, and Moore in formulating the most dangerous rushing attack in these playoffs. Adrian Peterson may be the bellcow but the Jets pushed Thomas Jones to another outstanding season and now, with Jones wearing from the journey, they are pushing Shonn Greene into definition as the most alluring sleeper of the 2010 fantasy season.

Add Damien Woody at right tackle – proven, strong, technically sound, reliable – and some strong talent coming off a bench deep with options and you have a line that could be held on high as the true catalyst for any and everything this team achieves this offseason… no matter how far they go.

So there ya’ go… how about one more for the road?

Old school.

Thanks for stopping in.

Seriously… not that there isn’t some great stuff to read out there this evening…

… Josh hired himself a running backs coach. [BroncoTalk]

(I’ll have thoughts on this of my own soon.)

… the new guy at the Colorado Sports Desk is worried about the guy that just walked out the do’. [Colorado Sports Desk]

…. I still think Woody Paige is a pretentious jackass, but give him credit… he’s offering facts (at least those he appreciates) for the first time in a long time. [The rag that lands on your front porch.]

… might find Dave Krieger’s take a bit more digetstable. [Denver Post]

I have some stuff of my own, like…

… talking rushers with the boys from the blogosphere. [BroncosZone]

… spent time sifting through rubble in Detroit with Josh Pung. [RoarOfTheLions]

… handed out some awards to a bunch of offensive linemen not named Ryan Clady. [Fanball]

… golf, anyone? [Comcast]

… but for the most part, it’s too negative for me. Its enough to make you drink.

I have it in me to be negative, trust me. That’s not a problem. Today’s negative community is, in my humble opinion, based in shallow, selfish, unsubstantiated misery without credible merit. I’m not going there… it’s been done. I’m too damn original to bang that drum AGAIN (at least not tonight).

So here’s the deal. My wife came home from PTA tonight – if you don’t understand PTA then you aren’t a parent and I’ll only tell you that it is a wonderful experience that you MUST indulge in at some point, even if you have to borrow your neighbor’s kids – and was sick. Sick as a dog I tell ya’. Fever, flushed, no appetite, all clammy and such… in a bad way. She is tasked with typing the monthly PTA newsletter and asked… in one of her most brilliant moves to date… if I would consider doing this for her.

Understand I spend so much time covering sports – taking an honest, objective, unfiltered eye to the ever-growing serious environment of professional (and sometimes collegiate) sports – that THIS particular opportunity is OOOOOHHHHH SOOOOOOO WONDERFUL.

OOOOOOHHHHH SOOOOOOOO WOOOOOONDERFUL!!!

I cherish these moments… when a fellow adult makes the mistake of forgetting I’m a complete and total moron, and I’m going to juice this for all of the fun I can.

This is going to be printed on school letterhead and sent home with every kid in the school. This… is exactly what I’m going to email to the printer… right… now.

PTA NEWSLETTER
January 20, 2010
Heather Douglass

- Donuts for Dads will be held on Friday, February 5th from 7:20 to 7:55. We encourage any and all of the Welchester fathers (and grandfathers, or uncles, or any of the significant male figures in your life) to come out, enjoy breakfast, and hob nob with the other so-called men from our community! Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event has been a raging success for several years and seating fills quickly… it’s an amazingly awesome time so come in early and stuff their gullets on the PTA’s dime!!!

- The Welchester Annual Science Fair is approaching quickly – Wednesday, February 10th. (Our apologies as the last Science Fair reported THURSDAY… we promise the 10th will fall on Wednesday, at least this time around… next year we can make no promises.) We would ask for any parents willing to volunteer help during this event to contact Heather or Bryan Douglass (303-7XX-XXX2) and let ‘em know you would like to take part (if you call Bryan just leave a message… he’s a hermit and probably won’t answer the phone). Please remind your children to submit entries by February 1st . Details can be found with teachers or in the main office… or maybe in your kid’s backpack… you just NEVER KNOW what you’ll find in there!

- Did you know our principal Mr. Younger was in a musical play during the holidays and that he has grown the most outstanding display of facial hair you will find in the school today? Stop by his office and congratulate him today!!!

- The Welchester PTA would like to thank all of you that attended our annual Barnes & Noble Night over the holidays. The school raised over $1,000 with one of the best turnouts we’ve ever seen, and it was heartwarming to see so many attend with families. We’ll see you there next year!

- Valentines parties are on the horizon for classrooms. Please save the date, if available to serve as room parents, for Thursday, February 11th from 2:00 to 2:45 in the afternoon. Please contact your assigned room parent and/or teacher for more information on your child’s party!

- Dominoes Night Update… Mr. Jordan’s 2nd-grade class won the race in November while Mrs. Applegate’s 5th graders pulled honors in December (honestly have no idea what grade Mrs. Applegate teaches… guessing 5th grade, and it doesn’t matter because ALL of these kids are great no matter what class they are in). As a reminder, this is held every 3rd Wednesday night of the month. Order from Dominoes, pass along the form sent home with your kids, and send some of that money back to Welchester Elementary!

- The continued effort to gather Box Tops has put $860 for the school’s general fund. Make sure you watch out for those Box Tops on all of the products you might find at your local grocer. We will be collecting these through April 30th and will be totaling those collections for your kid’s classroom as we go, so keep your eye on the prize and turn in those Box Tops!

- We do the same with Campbell’s Soup labels. If you aren’t too thrifty with the checkbook and are splurging dollars on high-end Campbell’s products these days, save those labels, thrown ‘em in your kid’s backpack and tell them to turn those bad boys over to the proper authorities up in the Welchester hizzy (that would be the teachers). Those folks will kick back a few of those duckets to the school so get yo’ labels up and represent!

- We use a TON of exclamation points, huh?!?!

- The always-exciting season of CSAP testing is also approaching and the Welchester PTA is not too proud to beg for parent volunteers to assist in additional needs that arise around the school during those days. We will be distributing a wide variety of illustrious refreshments provided by parents and staff from our wonderful community to those educators that work so hard during the year only to find a treacherous run of painful testing hours that caps the entire experience… and to avoid the fears and hazards of dehydration and starvation, the Welchester PTA likes to encourage any and all with a penchant to contribute to bring a snack of your choice to the school and maybe even stick around to make the traverse around these hallowed halls to replenish our teachers during these trying times. If you would be interested in contributing to the cause, contact your teacher or local PTA member (we run rampant all over this school, at all hours of day… seriously, just walk up to any adult wandering around the property and ask and they could well be a PTA member… why aren’t you?).

And that… is how a moron like me gets his kicks. Let’s go bowling.

I’ll come back to talk Broncos soon… promise.

Thanks for stopping in.

I’m going to take a couple of quick jabs at it with some links to help spice the offering. Let’s go over all of the news and nonsense first.

Mike Nolan quit today. I’m trying like hell to read between the lines on this one folks… Miami wants to interview him (understandable), and Nolan quits, followed by a stream of vague and somewhat tense statements about it… as tense as typed words can be.

The objective side of me wants to believe this is all part of the business. Watching Dennison and Turner leave was not a surprise. Shanahan jumped back into the frey and his disciples are all over the league. This loss, the loss of Nolan, seems to carry much more weight. The defense was a definitive improvement for the bulk of this first season under this new crew and it would be fair to say we have all jumped in line to praise Nolan for the transformation. I am also going to throw the “he was once a head coach and will want to be head coach again” log on this fire and remind that every new offer is an opportunity to change motivations and potential for advancement, and Nolan’s work this season certainly suggests he should be given due consideration for such an opportunity.

But that’s the problem… this is not really a new offer. It’s the same offer. All rumors and reports indicate Nolan is going to Miami to serve as the defensive coordinator there.

That’s a lateral move. As such, it leads us all to wonder… why?

From there all suggested motivations and stories, as we sit at this very moment, are rumor and thus are lacking objective resolution. Nolan’s motivations could be all over the board. Maybe he feels Miami is a better fit in personnel. Maybe he feels the build of the Denver defense isn’t designed for success next season. Maybe Tuna is offering an entire bathtub full of clean, crisp $1,000 bills to jump ship and lead Miami to the playoffs (and I think he will… I thought that team had such potential before the addition, and now… please). Maybe he feels a move to head coach would be more likely on the sunny side of life.

And yes… maybe he feels like Josh is on the highway to hell.

None of those admissions from Nolan would surprise me at this point… and I have no idea if we will ever get the truth (from him or Josh).

I do know this. I will be the first to reserve judgment until Josh responds and reacts. This defense is a bit aged but there is also loads of talent with substantial of room to improve and I, for one, might suggest that this could be a blessing in disguise. While I’m willing to remember the 6-0 start that included 10 points surrendered to Dallas and just 17 to New England, I am also willing to remember a Mike Nolan defense that surrendered 30 to Baltimore, 27 to Washington, 32 to the Chargers, 30 to Philadelphia, and a painful 44 to Kansas City… a defense that made Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Jamaal Charles look like they were reliving their collegiate heroics in some kind of demented-ass, Twilight Zone feature to close it all out. One could argue (as we did) that the offense had as much to do with those results as the D, but the fact remains it wasn’t nearly as strong a defense as you might tend to believe… and it could improve.

Early rumors suggest Josh already has his guy set for a plane ride in, that being Dean Pees. Reviewing his track record offers, for me, early relief… the guy tabbed commodities like Vince Wilfork, Brandon Meriweather, Tully Banta-Cain and Jerod Mayo in recent drafts (all difference makers) and did well with scraps from free agency like Junior Seau, Rodney Harrison, Leigh Bodden and Derrick Burgess (gained via trade, picking Al Davis’ pocket… atta’ boy Bill). From the way it is worded in Williamson’s link Pees is “letting his contract expire,” suggesting he is leaving New England on his own terms (not fired, but looking to test the market and make a move).

However, this year’s version of the Pees defense struggled against the run… sound familiar?

We will see.

Other news hits…

Had another offering from the Blogger Blitz series hit the pages at the Broncos Zone today… hit the link to check it out. I’ll offer in full here at the Stable some time tomorrow.)

Also handed in the final NFL feature of my season at Fanball, handing out awards to our favorites from the offensive lines (including fullbacks and blocking tight ends)… the only mention of a Denver product would be Ben Hamilton, and no, that’s not good.

Continued to play the whore and offered up some commentary on guard Eugene Amano for my friend Josh Pung at RoarOfTheLions.com (again, if you’ve been reading here at The Stable you know why Amano – and more importantly, Detroit’s interest in Amano – would be important… sent a ton of stuff to Josh and he’ll be throwing more out as time comes).

McDaniels has requested an interview with Bills running backs coach Eric Studesville. Doubt he served as the mentor for the Marshawn Lynch after-school crime spree program, and if you follow fantasy you might suggest his work with Fred Jackson was nothing short of inspiring… so why not?

The Broncos are going to London next year. Makes the whole Revolutionary War seem like farce, huh? Huge war, kick ‘em all out, and sell professional football to ‘em? Don’t think G-Dub and the crew had that in mind. I hate this. I don’t want to see games in London. Send soccer back their way and we’ll keep our own football to ourselves.

Javon Walker will be testifying in the case of Willie Clark, accused of killing Darrent Williams.

The Chargers lost… and then lost again. Always does my heart well.

Thanks for stopping in.