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Published on 04/21/2010 at Wed Apr 21 19:57.
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Truth hurts Denver

Posted Wed Apr 21st by

Jay Cutler gone…

Brandon Marshall gone…

Tony Scheffler gone…

Times the Denver Broncos went to the playoffs with the three players on the roster? Zero.

Josh McDaniels leads his depeleted team against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Josh McDaniels leads his depeleted team against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

So what are fans worried about? That Denver won’t make the playoffs? That Josh McDaniels is destroying the team? Was anyone watching in 2008 or 2009? Those players pretty much did that on their own.

For every eleventh rocket Cutler sent to Marshall he sent one to the opposing team.

For every broken tackle Marshall had he dropped a pass.

The same could be said for Scheffler, the guy was amazing at getting extra yards after the catch, but that was after the catch.

It’s tough for me to be critical of Josh McDaniels when he did something in 2009 that the great Mike Shanahan did in 2008 with the prodigal son at the helm.

The bottom line is that the draft picks that McDaniels is accumulating are going to be the ones that lead Denver back to the playoffs, not the draft picks that Shanahan acquired.

“After spending time with Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels yesterday, I’m further convinced he’ll produce an eventual Super Bowl winner for the city of Denver. As I wrote the other day, this decision to trade Marshall was an organizational decision because the Broncos were never going to spend the money needed to keep Marshall, given all his off-the-field problems.” – Michael Lombardi (via National Football Post).

Not that Lombardi is the end all be all of predictors in the NFL, but he was so good that they named the trophy after him…

So let that lay in your heads as we prepare for draft day Broncos faithful. Watch with anticipation and know that you’re not following blindly just because you’re following. Denver fans were down on Wade Phillips at one point too, but he turned out to be a pretty good NFL coach. Shanahan inherited a team from Wade Phillips. The Pat Bowlen pedigree is a rather strong one: Dan Reeves, Phillips, Shanahan and McDaniels. He doesn’t pick losers.

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  • http://broncoszone.blogspot.com/ Jon

    Good post Ian, but why throw Wade Phillips in there? I don't think he turned out to be a very good coach.

  • waylon

    Amen! Let's get some real leaders who are more interested in winning games than scoring contracts and win that mother-effing Michael Lombardi trophy. Can't believe how many people are upset that mcd got rid of these guys. Football is a team sport and you can't win with 'leaders' who publicly undermine the coach and put individual accomplishments ahead of the team. I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt to the guys with the rings.

  • Laramiefan

    When people would start running my Broncos down I would simply ask them who their team is and how long they have been a fan . It usually causes some silence and eye rolling as they quietly say the team . Not too many teams are always that good . Come on it is football, cheer for your team and hope for the best .

  • mokptt

    I can not wait till Thursday!!

  • steeplebomb

    I keep reading mock drafts that make me cringe. ESPN did a mock today with beat reporters picking for their respective teams. I didn't see who picked for denver but we took Clausen at 11. No thanks. That and I keep reading that Denver is going to trade back and take Tebow late first, early second. No thanks again. Why can't we just be boring and flesh out the interior of our o line? No flash. All functional.

  • dbroncs24/7

    Finally some optimism from someone on this site! I loved cutler for his arm but the man just flat out didn't win and Marshall is a great talent but has a head full of shit and Scheffler doesn't fit the scheme, which worked out well for the Pats. So it's time to look forward and focus on getting players with a team-first mentality. The future will be bright

  • juancampana

    I could not agree more with this post. Cutler was traded to Chicago for reasons other than lack of talent. I think those reasons were evident this last year when he almost threw more interceptions than touchdowns and led his team to a losing record. Marshall cannot be trusted in the off-season with all of his antics in the last three years. It's not worth extending a big contract to a guy that has serious potential for suspensions in the future. And although Scheffler is a good talent, he seems to lack the mental makeup for the tough games down the stretch. The Bronco organization will be much better off now that it can find team-first, leaders in the draft. Great post.

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    In response to Steve O'Reilly (http://twitter.com/SteveOReilly/status/12612897841) and (http://twitter.com/SteveOReilly/status/12613146720).

    Jay Cutler – I only need to reference last season to show you why Denver got rid of him.

    Brandon Marshall – led the NFL in dropped passes in 2007 and finished fourth in 2008. It's only a matter of time before his 'potential' blows up on someone else.

    Tony Scheffler's fine, but in a system where tight ends are only called upon to catch passes several times a game our roster spot is better off elsewhere.

    Further point, don't know why you referenced 2007, but the Broncos went 7-9 that season not 8-8. Defense was ranked 28th and offense was ranked 21st, I'd say it was a more overall team effort for them to finish as mediocre as they did. Surprised it wasn't worse.

  • NMBronc

    Really F'n tired about hearing “team first mentality” to make up for McEgo's roster moves…….. BUT you are spot on with your post and assesment/my feelings towards this team and the above players. We are a different team, a less interesting team, but likely from this point forward (once we get a real QB), a better team. Now bleed Phyllis and win another championship!

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    I just don't think the answer is in the draft. The draft is an all out crap chute. I would have rather traded all of them for players (minus the cutler trade) instead. It seems like EVERY rear we keep saying “we're going to get younger and better”…EVERY YEAR. I don't care about winning down the road…I want to win now! as as fan i don't want to spend $2000 a year on season tickets and say “we'll be good in 3 or 4 years”. I want to see them win. And by trading away proven talent you don't do that.

  • AL

    Cutler will win a Super Bowl before Denver ever sniffs the playoffs! Mark my words!!

  • TheTroglodyte

    “The draft is an all out crap chute.”

    Amazing that the Steelers, Colts and Patriots were/are able to all maintain over a decade of dominance based on their drafting ability then isn't it. Or maybe it is because they draft high character, high football IQ people in the draft that fit the “system” they want to run. Amazing concept isn't it.

    Maybe not so surprising is that is the exact same concept self-made millionaires use to build million dollar company after million dollar company.

  • http://i-lenta.info/ Shmeedt

    Выход – спамеров нужно отстреливать, потому что этот срач в комментариях превращается в откровенный бред.

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    Preach whatever you want, but I stand by what I said. You gamble in the draft on a few people that you think have the ability to become great. You have no idea whether or not they will for sure. That's called a crap chute. I do not believe that the draft carries the answers to Broncos problems. I really don't. The Colts, Steelers, and Patriots all HAVE a system and players (QB specifically) that have been there and can lead the team as well as teach the system. The system has been there for many years.

    Our system is nowhere to be found. We continue to run Defensive coordinators out of town… we just lost half of our coaching staff… and we continue to send our DRAFTEES out the door. Tell me again how you see the draft fixing that again?

  • ALizacunt

    I hope you die in the woods smothered in BBQ.

  • ALLUVSGAYBEARS

    AL fumbled Funtlers balls into his FUNT mouth and hasn't realized what a interception percentage is.

  • sencunnane

    Hahaha, excellent post Shmeedt, finally someone that understands the concept, why cant everyone else get it?! well done sir…

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    Haha, thanks Waylon.

    I think every year we're contenders for that Michael Lombardi trophy =P

    I agree with you on the need for leaders, especially if you look back at our Super Bowl teams. Full of badasses, but also full of leaders: John Elway, Howard Griffith, Terrell Davis, Tom Nalen, Gary Zimmerman, Brian Habib, Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Steve Atwater, Alfred Williams, Neil Smith, Bill Romanowski, John Mobley, Keith Burns, Ray Crockett (the list could go on, but it won't).

    We have the blueprint, now we just need the pieces to fit of those players only seven were drafted by Denver, the rest were brought on via free agency. A no-name signing here, a no-name signing there, building on vets whose current team had given up on them (Brian Dawkins, Jammal Williams, Jabar Gaffney, Correll Buckhalter, Brandon Lloyd, Mario Haggan, Justin Bannan, Andre' Goodman, Darrell Reid). Not to mention players that we've drafted and traded for (Ryan Clady, Ryan Harris, Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Champ Bailey, Knowshon Moreno, Darcell McBath).

    It's only a moment or two before we blow.

    When your second string tight end nets you a fifth round draft pick, you're a pretty decent team.

  • http://www.moveonscientist.wordpress.com/ Zebtron A. Rama

    Orton all the way!!!

  • guest

    agreed wade phillips is a bum. no pun intended.

  • troyn

    To say Shanahan inherited Wade's team is akin to saying Phil Jackson inherited Doug Collin's Bulls. Did they both inherit good teams with a superstar leader? Yes, but it was superior coaching coupled with those players that took those teams to the next level. I'm not down on Josh yet, but every “system” still needs great players to work. Belichek was nothing until he got lucky with Brady. Josh needs to find his players and a couple of them have to be not just “system” guys, but superstar players, if he wants a SB.

  • guest

    how many of the mdx draftees have been sent packing? none. you cant find the system only because you refuse to look for it, because you have a dislike for the coaching staff. last year the coach had to fit round pegs in square holes. he has had another off season to bring in his players, now has the draft.

    in contrast to what you are saying regarding the draft… i think the teams mentioned above draft for contributors- not draft for greatness. they take the guys that they have as best available at the time they pick- rather than solely on need. sure they hope that some turn out great, but they dont take risks on unpolished huge upside guys at the top of the draft. they get the solid contributor types, and plug them in right away and spend time and effort developing them.

  • mikebirty

    13 and 3 baby!

    Draft starts at midnight BST – should I stay up?

  • herc_rock

    Crap chute? Seriously?

  • Banjo

    Or maybe it is because they don't draft undersized average speed corners with a top 15 pick, they don't draft blocking tight ends in the 2nd round, they don't draft tweener players requiring a position player in the 1st round. Why are folks worried? Simple Cutler, Marshall, Sheffler shown the door. Ayers, Smith, Quinn coming in. Last years draft was an abortion. It is fine to move players on if you have the ability to replace them with similar talent. The fact is Denver put one of the worst offenses in franchise history on the field last year. Compare that to Ryan coming into NY and instantly improving their defense. Coach McD is on the clock and it is not just a couple of players on the line. If he fails this year, the way he failed last year he will be gone before his contract expires and Denver will be facing a decade without a playoff appearance.

  • NMBronc

    They were not prepared last year and have admitted that publicly. So, yes, I fault McD for some of the trades.

    I also cannot imagine McD making the same mistakes this year, because he is on the clock and has had time prepare. Looking forward to some better picks this year.

  • fergenator

    Look at how the Pats always have about 5-6 picks in the 5-6th rounds. They seem to just pick the best of anyone that gets passed over by other teams. They take a few years to develope and contribute for a few years and then they trade those low experienced choices for more 2-6 draft choices. Keeping the gems like TB…etc.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    It was Mike Klis. If Clausen is available, I'd be floored if the Broncos don't pick him.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Hmmm….. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm………….

    Yes.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I really couldn't disagree with this post more Ian (but you knew that). There is no sense of direction with McDaniels' regime. So far the only moves he has done are letting unhappy players go (coincidentally crippling an offense that was built to not only last, but dominate) and made band-aid moves along the defense.

    If any one of Kyle Orton, Chris Kuper, or Elvis Dumervil had long-term deals in place, I'd say, “Fine, I can see a vision of us going somewhere.” But we're in this weird limbo where we don't have a starting-caliber quarterback or any real star under contract for 2011, and all but a pair of starters on the defense are over 30, and the offensive line is full of holes while moving away from a system that still saw Clady, Kuper and Harris have success.

    I'm not optimistic, and frankly, I'm pissed. The Broncos are full of huge gaping holes EVERYWHERE beyond 2010.

    Today McDaniels gets to give the team a sense of direction again. He needs to nail it, or he'll be gone. And he'll have left the Broncos a steaming pile of rubble where a young promising team once was.

  • herc_rock

    With the eleventh pick…the Denver Broncos select….Tim Tebow…Quarterback…University of Florida.

    You KNOW it's happening. These are dark days…

  • NMBronc

    If this was last years draft, guaranteed. This year, not a chance.

  • NMBronc

    He is on the clock. He has to nail this draft.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I think we trade back up into the first for Tebow. Bryant with the first pick, or McClain if he's there.

  • stav

    No, No, NOOO!!!!! The 2nd pick wherever it may end up at has to be a WR. Benn or Thomas, just give me one, I'll go with Benn. If Tebow is there at #45, whatever, I won't complain, but I'd rather see McClain, Pouncey, Benn as the first three picks (two-three starters with our first three picks, a reach I know but I can dream). Gotta throw a quality interior OL in there with the 2nd or 3rd pick, no choice on that one – gotta build from the inside out at one of our glaring weaknesses.

  • Peter the great

    Cutler will never win a super bowl too many mistakes!!!

  • TheTroglodyte

    Actually Banjo, the Jets defense ranked higher last year in an awful lot of categories and they had a better offense. Good effort though :)

  • TheTroglodyte

    Kyle your the man for having writers with polar opposite view points posting on your blog. Especially when they (Ian) are right :)

  • inrodwetrust

    Poor drafting for years is what may have ultimately cost Shanahan his job. Look at how many people we have on the team from draft picks pre 2006 (when Shanny finally started listening to the scouts) 1 whole draft pick in six years of drafting (D.J. Williams). Free agency is just as much a crap chute(shoot) as the draft. Look at Javon Walker….Sam Adams….Dre Bly. This is not the year McD has to prove himself, it takes longer than a year to know if a draft pick is even a bust or not, that's why they call them rookies…I hope Pat Bowlen is more patient than most fans. Look at Cutlers first year it was pathetic, Marshal in 15 games his first year got 20 catches and no TD's. If a player does not want to be on the team, no matter how talented they are, it is a liability for the locker room, that is a good direction if you ask me. The jury is still out on McD of course but give the guy a chance at least. For all the talent guys like Randy Moss, Steve Smith, Ocho Cinco etc have, they have never won a super bowl because they are never really part of the team.

  • SivNiz

    I still can't figure out why we haven't locked up Doom and to a lesser extent Kuper.

  • mikebirty

    Ok – I'll tell the boss that Kyle told me I could stay up.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    Lol. Variety is the spice of life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

  • nogopostal

    Ya know..what ever folks feel about Shanny/Cutler/Marshall etc…
    imagine being a Steelers fan. Look at what Big Ben did for them and now..he is worth?

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    And thanks.

  • areferee

    It's all Steve Antonopulos to me!

  • TheTroglodyte

    You are welcome and thank you. Hands down the best NFL Team Blog on the internet I have ever found. I appreciate the work you and your team put into it.

  • Matt

    I've heard of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, so what the hell is the Michael Lombardi trophy? I seriously hope the guy that wrote this was trying to make a joke.

  • BroncoJoe1

    I don't know why people keep saying that McDaniels is on the clock!! Who's clock are you guys talking about because it's not the Broncos clock. I could almost guarentee that he will not be fired after this season I don't care what their record will be!!!

  • Tom9798

    I was answering Kyle on a previous blog . . . and I said the Broncos would draft Tebow with the first pick . . . . I still think that is what will happen . . . .

    Last year we drafted Moreno . . . . he was the best player available . . . . this year I think he feels the same way about Tim Tebow . . . .

    The guy has won a Heisman Trophy as the best college player . . . . he won Two National Championships . . . .

    He has so much work ethic and character that McD is salivating . . . .

    McD does not want to see Tebow as a Patriot . . . .

    This to me seems like a done deal . . . . .

    I would like to see McClain with the first pick . . . but I don’t know how McD will not take Tebow . . . .

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    troyn – Only real difference in the 1994 roster vs. 1995 roster is a 6th round draft pick (Terrell Davis) and a guy named Ed McCaffrey. Other than that it's basically the same: Elway, Zimmerman, Sharpe, Anthony Miller, Glynn Milburn, Atwater.

    Allen Aldridge, Tom Nalen and Keith Burns were all drafted by Phillips.

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