Update: John Lynch

I was in person to witness John Lynch's debut as a New England Patriot tonight. The game was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots, John Lynch was announced during the starting lineups as the starting free safety. Lynch's hometown crowd went crazy.

John Lynch didn't start of course, he was on the field a handful of times and looked lost. Can't blame him, he's been incorporated into that defense all of what four days? However, were I Brian Griese or Luke McCown I would have targeted him.

By the way, two minutes into the third quarter, the score was Tampa Bay 24, New England 3. Then I left...

The Darkside of John Lynch's Decision

Do you think that when John Lynch made the decision to leave the Denver Broncos last month that he thought for a second that the Denver Broncos had a chance at a Super Bowl? Of course not, he wouldn't have left, fear around these offices was that he would return home to San Diego... He did one better, he moved in with the New England Patriots. Yet, with the Patriots John Lynch will see even less time then he would have with Denver. How does that feel for a backhand Denver? Smarts a little bit and every little bit helps, because Denver plays New England mid-season and they don't really have anything to prove, just Lynch- who won't be on the field much. Denver, however, will be on the field the whole time.

Quick question, with all of the discussion of legacy and athletes playing out their careers beyond their time. What if Denver were to go to the Super Bowl this season and not New England. Would John Lynch become this years Tiki Barber? There's a man who lost a lot of respect, I'm sure not just in New York. Tiki Barber's decision to retire couldn't have backfired worse, he's been the butt of a lot of jokes and probably will continue to be now that Michael Strahan has a job in broadcasting.

Lynch signs with Patriots

John Lynch has signed with the New England Patriots. The Patriots had been exploring a position similar to the one Lynch may be taking over, for Tank Williams. Williams is now on the injured reserve.

The Patriots already have a safety, very similar to Lynch in Rodney Harrison, except Harrison is younger and most likely to see the base defense, as well as the nickel reps.

Although according to Bill Belichick, John Lynch is not under contract.

UPDATE: The source was correct, Lynch is officially a member of the New England Patriots. Hope he makes it to Tampa, so I can see him on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos Ageist?

I know that I've been critical of the media in Denver as of late, from my chair high atop the ivory tower (sarcasm). However, Mark Kiszla's newest column for The Denver Post suggests that, John Lynch's departure looks bad for the Broncos. I have to agree with him, in a week that's been full of radio stations calling out suspensions, reporters doing features on players who don't even play defense and rookie writers reporting mis-info.

Yes, I know I didn't link any of those proclamations, everyone makes mistakes, but when you're paid, I think you deserve to be held to a higher standard. Especially when you have an editor, I of course have none...

I was troubled when I saw the crooked team doctor in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday. Then I was even more troubled when truth started surfacing about former Bronco middle linebacker Al Wilson and the situation surrounding his release. Now I've read Stefan Fatsis' new book A Few Seconds of Panic and I'm downright convinced. I'm not saying anything here that's going to get me in trouble with anyone in the NFL, but I might eventually. Especially in my next three films.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Denver Post reads my blog (and steals my titles, word for word) =)

What If?

I'm not particularly worried about John Lynch going to San Diego to play football. Some fans seem to be livid over the idea, if Lynch were to return to his hometown and play for the Chargers this season... What would that really be saying about former Charger safety (and current Bronco) Marlon McCree? San Diego let him walk, to apparently, "get younger," at safety.

Marlon McCree is in fact the main reason that Lynch was cut from the Broncos. McCree replaced Lynch in the nickel and dime formations, he will also most likely replace Lynch in the base 4-3 formation as well. San Diego let McCree go, McCree comes to Denver, knocks Lynch off of his depth chart spot and then Lynch goes to San Diego to play?

Come on... I don't see how San Diego fans can justify that one. Seriously, it will be a laughable point to make in any conversation between a Bronco and Charger fan for years to come.

Lynch Out: What's next for Denver?

Sad, sad news out of Denver, I responded to Kyle's post over at fellow Denver Broncos Blog - BroncoTalk by saying that, "I feel like my girlfriend just broke up with me (out of nowhere)." When my cell phone started lighting up with text messages, I assumed that Brandon Marshall had been suspended... Is that wrong of me? Then the news came in, Marshall's fine, but John Lynch is splitting with Denver!?

Good news/bad news, if John Lynch does in fact decide that he'd prefer reporting or manning a chair with CBS Sports/ESPN/Fox/NFL Network, et cetera and he retires... Could John Lynch and Rod Smith actually go into the Hall of Fame the same year? It's possible, if in fact Lynch does decide to retire as a Bronco.

Early word out of San Diego is that they would love to have him. I'm sure that Herm Edwards over in Kansas City would as well. Though he's not likely to get more playing time at either location than he would in Denver. Anywhere Lynch goes, if he does in fact stay in the NFL, is fine with me as Lynch will not join a program unless it is a perfect suit for him and his family. Bless the Lynch's and thank you for being such great citizens to the great city of Denver. Most of all John Lynch, thanks for the memories, the fans of Denver Broncos will not soon forget you.

Now, let's get down to business. The killer in me, the day the Denver Broncos picked up Marlon McCree from San Diego, wanted to see both Lynch and McCree lined up together in the deep Denver backfield. Would anyone dare go over the middle against Denver? Not realistic though, as they are both just a bit iffy in coverage. However, as this training camp has shown, outside of the base package- four defensive line men, three linebackers, to corners and two safeties- Denver was not going to utilize Lynch. McCree was brought in for all passing opportunities and rookie Josh Barrett was also utilized in the nickel formation and 4-3-3-1 formations.

Hamza Abdullah has placed his flag atop the depth chart of strong safety and even as a strong safety has been quite the ball hawk in passing situations. You never heard from me that John Lynch had lost a step, I don't think that's fair to say of a man who made the Pro Bowl last season and has started and been effective in all of the four-years that he played in Denver. However, Marlon McCree was brought in as Lynch insurance and McCree is just as capable of splitting someone's helmet as John Lynch was.

However, there's a dark horse in Denver, his name is Marquand Manuel. Ever seen the video of Manuel thumping Dallas running back Marion Barber? If I could find it, I'd share it, but the man's an animal. Fans of the Broncos should feel very happy with the hands that they're left in, given the absence of John Lynch. Both Manuel and McCree look to be very effective and true to Denver safety form. There will still be fireworks coming from the safety position Denver faithful, not to worry.

Here's some vintage Marlon McCree:

BREAKING NEWS: John Lynch is leaving Denver

KCNC-TV is reporting that "[Mike] Shanahan gave Lynch permission to look for a new team, consider a broadcasting career or retire." John Lynch was apparently not happy with the amount of time he was spending at the safety position in training camp.

The Broncos appear to be well prepared for this in that, Marlon McCree can immediately step up to fill in where John Lynch was playing before. Also on the depth chart is head splitter Marquand Manuel as well as rookie Josh Barrett (who looked very sharp today in pracitce).

UPDATE: Denver will release safety John Lynch tomorrow (7/31/08).

2008 Game by Game Preview: Week 7 New England, Week 8 Bye Week

With the NFL Preseason weeks away we here at Broncos Denver Broncos will be previewing the entire season ahead, two games at a time. This is all in fun, but in reality it will be our best effort at predicting how the 2008 season will actually shape up for the Broncos. It should be fun to look back in January or February and laugh...

So here goes any credibility that we have, hope that you enjoy and feel free to add, subtract or crack my orange tinted glasses in half. Just do it in the comment section:

Week 7 (Mon. October 20th, 2008)
at New England.

some facts: Denver and New England are tied for 2nd in the NFL for Super Bowl berths, with 6. Denver was the 6th team in the NFL to go to back to back Super Bowls, New England was the 7th. Denver was the only AFC team to do it in two decades, until New England joined them. Patriot's coach Bill Belichick and Mike Shanahan are the only active coaches to have won two Super Bowls and are members of an elite fraternity (12 coaches) to have ever won two Super Bowls. Since 1995 (under Shanahan) Denver is third (130-78-0) for most wins in the NFL, New England is first (135-73-0). In that same time span Denver is third in the NFL for points scored (5,079), while New England is fourth (4,883). Shanahan is 8-3 against the Patriots as a head coach, 4-2 at home and 4-1 at Foxborough. In the 2003-2004 seasons New England surpassed Denver's record of most wins in a two-year span (33), setting it at 34. Champ Bailey had one of the most dramatic interceptions in NFL Playoff history picking off New England's Tom Brady in the end-zone on January 14th, 2006, setting an NFL record for longest interception return not for a touchdown. Bailey's career was foreshadowed when he picked off former New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe in his first preseason game, returning it 46 yards for a touchdown. In 2005's regular season corner back Domonique Foxworth had 10 total tackles against New England (the second highest in his career). Denver tight end Daniel Graham was drafted by New England in the first round in 2002. Both safeties John Lynch and Marlon McCree's last interceptions took place against New England. McCree's best game in 2007 was played against New England (10 total tackles, 6 solo).

They're going to 'murdah' me for this one, but it is undeniable that Shanahan has owned the Patriots, whether it be in Denver or Foxborough. Actually the Patriots would probably be better off if this game were in Denver. Last year, as stupid as it sounded, the Patriots were lucky that they didn't have to play against Denver, with the way that teams were playing every game against them as if it were the Super Bowl (see the game vs. the Ravens or any game following week 7).

New England has the least difficult strength of schedule of anybody in the NFL (go figure) and partly because they're playing the AFC West. This is also likely the most difficult game that Denver will have all season, given the respect for the opponent coupled with the fact that the game is on Monday Night Football, the team should shine. That as well as the fact that the team has nothing to look forward to the next week except a well deserved break, following the most difficult stretch of their season.

Expect many players to step up in this game that haven't been necessarily heard from before. As always when Denver plays New England, fans will see formations on both sides of the ball that they haven't seen all season. Look at how great some of these match-ups will be, Champ Bailey vs. Randy Moss, Ryan Clady vs. Richard Seymour/Mike Vrabel, Tom Brady vs. Denver's Secondary, Boss Bailey vs. Ben Watson, Daniel Graham/Tony Schefler vs. Tedy Bruschi/Victor Hobson, Dre Bly vs. Wes Welker, et cetera...

New England for whatever reason, seems to never be able to defend against the safety blitz, when it comes to Denver (or even certain other AFC West teams). Denver had extreme trouble competing with teams that played the 3-4/5-2, the good news is this season, by this game, they will have already faced two of the best 3-4/5-2 defenses the NFL has to offer in Jacksonville and San Diego. So the Broncos offensive line will hopefully be ready for whatever it is that New England has to throw at them.

The scary part is on defense for the Broncos. Do they have what it takes to defend a full-on Brady attack? I think that they do, even with the likely emergence of Chad Jackson and Jabar Gaffney the talent in the secondary in Denver is going to be too much for anyone this season. Couple that with the fact that Brady will be avoiding joint rushes from Marlon McCree and John Lynch the whole game.

In the end, this will be the definitive game that makes the rest of the NFL take a look back and say, "Huh? These guys are really that good," and I'm looking forward to it. Got my tickets to Gillette Stadium already.

Denver emerges from Week 7, victorious 6-1, as they head into a perfectly timed Bye Week.

Week 8 (Sun. October 26th, 2008)
Bye Week.

Denver comes off the most difficult part of their entire schedule with a much deserved one-week vacation. Back to Denver to prepare for Miami and lick their wounds, in the upcoming weeks they face Miami, Cleveland (in Cleveland) and Atlanta (in Atlanta).

Denver is 6-1 with their sights set on Miami.

Marlon McCree: In His Own Words

"I think it's going really well," Marlon McCree said. "I think guys are learning the defense, I think the scheme is great, every day it's a battle and we're all having a lot of fun."

"It kind of makes you settle a little bit, especially when you have a number that's been pretty good to you," he said. "I've only lost about seven games with No. 20, so hopefully we can carry that over."

"I'm definitely just trying to help out any way I can," he said. "Wherever the coaches feel I'm needed, that's what I'm trying to do."

"It's interesting, because there are a lot of similarities and there are a lot of differences, too [between San Diego and Denver's practices]," he said. "The guys on this team, the work ethic is extremely hard -- I've never worked this hard in an offseason program before."

"I'm in the best shape of my life, the guys on the team are in the best shape of their lives, and it's going to be a great year for us."

When Marlon McCree was brought in, Denver not only got a great player that has been essential in San Diego. He comes with a total of 404 tackles, 16 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and three sacks and fumbles. Speculation is that McCree may have been brought in to replace John Lynch, who may or may not be in his final season in Denver (or the NFL).

However, it would be great to see the utter havoc a combo Lynch/McCree defensive backfield could unleash. If only for a year, wide receivers would tremble in fear of catching over the middle against Denver with these two skull crackers snarling somewhere in the mist.

Camp Fodder

Hope that you had the time to read Sam's latest post this morning. If not just keep reading it's below this one, you probably don't know this, but Sam's currently sitting impatiently on the Broncos Denver Broncos P.U.P. list. I can't wait to get to Training Camp and see what he can really do...

Speaking of Sam, he brought up an interesting point during a recent e-mail exchange. Sam brought up the dis respectfulness of a term thrown around by journalists, fans and message board enthusiasts alike. That term being "(training) camp fodder", seriously think about it, but that group of words into context. Then think about your favorite Broncos, then take a look in the mirror, you're filthy. I can think of a couple players who were camp fodder at one point: Rod Smith, he's one of them, Karl Mecklenburg, he's another, Terrell Davis,.. Can you name the teams Ed McCaffrey or Bill Romanowski played for before Denver? Remember a guy named Craig Morton? He led us to our first Superbowl, you know who he used to backup? A guy his team choked to in the Superbowl, Roger Staubach, sorry that was a bad point, KARL MECKLENBURG! There, I cleansed your pallets.

Camp fodder, high school students have died during two-a-days attempting to be camp fodder, boys and young men train their entire lives to be camp fodder. The reason they all push so hard is because they know, in that locker room the only difference between them and anyone who sits above them on the depth chart is one perfectly timed play; a block, a tackle, a step, a hand, instinct, training or natural ability and they are in and once they're in, they'll show everyone, they should have always been there.

It's the reason John Lynch isn't, "getting old," why Champ Bailey's a first ballot Hall of Famer, why Rod Smith's still out there, unrecoverable hip injury, helping out where he can, Tom Nalen could have retired, no one would have blamed him, the same could be said for Mike Shanahan, really what does he have to prove? He's got his place amongst Bill Walsh, Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Tom Landry and Chuck Knox... Literally a living breathing legend and has fans scream for his head. See these men, they are great men, gladiators, people who put their lives on the line, literally for what amounts at the end of the day as entertainment to us. And we as fans put just as much back into it, wives, sons, husbands, mothers, fathers and daughters take hours, days, weeks, months and years out of their lives to dedicate to something that may or may not be greater than them. Football.

Is it Sunday yet?

Denver Broncos will go 13-3, Part II

This took just a bit to come out, but I just wanted to add a quick update. The last time Denver went 13-3 (2005) this was their roster:

Offense

• Quarterback: Jake Plummer and Bradlee Van Pelt
• Runningbacks: Mike Anderson, Ron Dayne, Tatum Bell and Cecil Sapp
• Fullbacks: Kyle Johnson
• Wide Receivers: Ashley Lelie, Rod Smith, Darius Watts, Charlie Adams, Todd Devoe and David Terrell
• Tight Ends: Jeb Putzier, Stephen Alexander, Nate Jackson and Wesley Dukes
• Right Tackle: George Foster and Cornell Green
• Right Guard: Ben Hamilton
• Center: Tom Nalen
• Left Guard: Cooper Carlisle, Chris Myers
• Left Tackle: Matt Lepsis

Defense

• Defensive Ends: Trevor Pryce, Courtney Brown, Ebenezer Ekuban and John Engleberger
• Defensive Tackles: Gerrard Warren, Demetrin Veal and Michael Myers
• Linebackers: Al Wilson, DJ Williams, Ian Gold, Keith Burns, Patrick Chukwurah and Louis Green
• Cornerbacks: Champ Bailey, Darrent Williams, Domonique Foxworth, Karl Paymah and Roc Alexander
• Free Safeties: John Lynch
• Strong Safeties: Sam Brandon and Nick Ferguson

That was the roster the last time it happened, packed full of all pros and all stars. People who no less than three years later continue to dominate in the NFL (wait, that was me being sarcastic). A majority of those players no longer play in the NFL, are currently free agents, even knocked off the two-time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots (Jan. 2006) and only about six (who happen to still be great players) are currently employed by the Broncos.

My point? Mike Shanahan did it with these guys, why would you doubt that he can do it with the current roster? Are we weaker in any of the above positions? Is Darrell Jackson not a more capable receiver than Ashlie Lelie? Selvin Young no more capable than Mike Anderson? Jay Cutler worse than Jake Plummer? Dre Bly less talented than Darrent Williams was? Doubters will continue to doubt of course, but I've given the believers a better argument.

Is it Sunday yet?

Links

• BroncoTalk allowed me to post an article, and participate in Smack Talk Week, regarding the AFC West (thanks guys!).
• Dan Rooney, Jerry Jones and Pat Bowlen amongst NFL's most respected owners.
• More than a few writers are pointing out Javon Walker's situation may have been a drug deal gone bad.
• Some people are confused, this betting site has the Broncos winning nine games, then wraps up by saying they're winning 10? I already said, they're winning 13, nobody listens...
• John Lynch & Mike Shanahan are both quoted in this Hines Ward article. (Bill Williamson must have written it).
• Speaking of John Lynch, coaches voted him the 3rd smartest player in the NFL.
• LaMont Jordan could be heading to New Orleans.
• Champ Bailey & John Lynch on the list among the best Defensive Backs of all time. As I pointed out last month Bailey is already better than Deion Sanders, but this guy agrees.

'08 Denver Broncos' Defense: Position Breakdown

With the possible exception of ST, Broncos D will be the most changed from '07. We will see as many as seven new starters, perhaps as many as eleven new defensive players. When one considers there are four rookies and four players new in '07 left over from last year, that's a major rebuild! There could be as many as 19 new faces among the 25 or so on D, in the past two seasons. Add to that a new DC, LB coach and a couple of new defensive assistants, the Broncos' '08 D will be almost brand new.

The position with the least turnover, and therefore the strongest headed into '08, is cornerback. Two proven veterans, Bailey and Bly, backed up by two experienced young players, Foxworth and Paymah with a promising rookie in Jack Williams. It may be the deepest set of corners in the NFL. Just in case you were wondering how important they are, remember how they came flying off the draft board in April? The Broncos may have the luxury of planning ahead for the future of this position. Not many question marks here ... yet.

The DL was joined by three rookies in '07, ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder and tackle Marcus Thomas. Moss's season ended early with an injury, Thomas was never really in shape having missed '06; he and Crowder got a lot of playing time. DL usually show great improvement in their second season, Mario Williams a case in point. Elvis Dumervil continues to develop as a PRS getting into double-digits in '07. DeWayne Robertson joins the Broncos DL from the Jets switching back to a more one-gap 3 tech. after having been NT a couple of seasons. A rookie DT, Carlton Powell of Va.Tech., was added in the 5th round. Most of us expect to see these six joined by two or three from: Ebenezer Ekuban, John Engelberger, Thomas Harris, Alvin McKinley, Kenny Peterson, Josh Mallard (trying out at LS), Nic Clemons, Larry Birdine and Paul Carrington. Question marks would appear to be: how will Robertson's knee hold up; how well will the sophs (Moss, Crowder and Thomas) mature; will Dumervil morph into a PRS with about 20 sacks; how much will Powell contribute in a DT rotation this year? A DL will need to be drafted or otherwise acquired in '09. After all those Browns' DL, the situation finally starts to look more promising and manageable.

The last time Denver had a great D, there was a high motor/thumper/emotional leader named Al Wilson at MLB. Bronco fans miss him. His replacement is yet to be found. DJ Williams, who has played all LB spots very well, did a good job at MLB in '07. We are all excited about his return (finally) to WLB where his talents can shine. Nate Webster has yet to show he is the answer at MLB. Niko Koutouvides was signed as an UFA from Seattle. He will get his chance to play MLB and maybe we should have the Greek flags, music, food, drink, etc. ready just in case. Spencer Larsen is a 6th round pick from Arizona (which has produced some great LBs) who has the look of a thumper in the middle. The Bailey brothers finally get their wish to play together yet again, maybe even on the same side of the D most of the time. Jamie Winborn (who played very well in relief) and Jordan Beck (who excelled on ST) are in the mix as well. Also listed as a LB is the top-ranked undrafted player in '08, Wesley Woodyard. Is he a LB or a S? The Broncos will retain six or seven on the roster. Louis Green and Nate Webster will have their hands full just making the team.

The defensive position which I and others have no clue about is safety. Part of it is that we out here really don't know what they in there are up to. Hey, send me to Denver with an expense account and a press pass to all practices, and ... There are six of them; seven if you count Woodyard as a S. But, what is a box S in the Broncos' D? Same as a LB in a split-six (4-4)? Even if the the Broncos intend to play eight in the box, they still need a FS type/center-fielder/break on the ball/big hitter. Could Abdullah, Barrett and Rogers be the FS types with Lynch, McCree, Manuel and Woodyard the box/SS types? Who knows? How many will they keep? Four? Five? Who will the '08 Bronco safeties be? Like I said, no clue. Stay tuned. It will be a big surprise, especially to other NFL teams ... I hope.

Best of the Week Links

• Finally an article on Darrell Jackson!
• How did Dre Bly bounce back from his non-hamstring, "pop?"
• Brandon "Marshall, Marshall, Marshall"...
• Peyton Hillis Senior Bowl analysis, including some time at tailback.
• Jay Cutler, "Until I start winning ballgames around here, there's always going to be question marks."
• A look at the recently acquired guard Dylan Gandy.
• John Lynch needs a nose job.
• A fan's personal Michael Pittman story (written With Random capital Letters).
• The Denver running back depth chart after two camps: Selvin Young, Andre Hall then Michael Pittman.
• Samie Parker beats out Anthony Aldridge and is the undisputed fastest man on the Broncos.