Gerard Warren Traded to Raiders

Reports indicate that the Broncos have completed the long-rumored trade of DT Gerard Warren. Their trade partner is a team that hasn’t completed a trade with the Broncos since 1993 – the Oakland Raiders. The Broncos received an undisclosed draft pick in return for Warren.

My opinion on this matter is mixed – if Warren didn’t want to come in and compete, then the Broncos did the best move they could. However, he was probably the most talented defensive linemen of all our starters, and our defensive line has looked horrible through two preseason games.

Bottom line: I’m pissed.

This whole thing just reeks of stubbornness. Was Coach Mike Shanahan thinking of what was best for the team when he completed this trade, or was he just focused on moving Warren?

Any fan who has watched the past two games in any kind of detail has seen our defensive line getting manhandled, and our linebackers struggling to make their impact. 350+ lbs. Sam Adams is getting pushed around like a rag doll – he just isn’t eating up space like the coaches had brought him in to do.

Warren wasn’t a space eater. His forte was penetrating the opponents’ backfield and making a play behind the line of scrimmage. God forbid the defensive line do that! We wouldn’t want a tackle for loss, now, would we?

On top of that, it’s another veteran leader on this team gone. I don’t think this team can survive another. With Ebenezer Ekuban out for the year, who is going to stand up in the front seven of our defense and lead this group?

At the end of the day, I believe we’re a better football team with Warren than without him. And now we get to see him in silver and black twice a year.