While on the Dan Patrick Radio Show, the San Diego Chargers’ running back LaDainian Tomlinson stated

Ladainian Tomlinson Broncos

that the Broncos were on the short list of teams he was considering if the San Diego contract fell apart. The other teams Tomlinson was considering were the Saints and Ravens. Tomlinson in Denver probably wouldn’t help ease the Broncos-Chargers rivalry. The article states,

“Tomlinson said he did start to think about where he might play next when things got dicey with the Chargers. The first team he mentioned was New Orleans, which he said was everyone’s obvious choice. He agreed, the Saints made a lot of sense. He also thought Baltimore would be great because his former coordinator Cam Cameron is there. Also, Denver would have been a good fit.”

I know, L.T. a Bronco. That would have been a sight to see, with a hefty price tag of course. This is all water under the bridge at this point, but it’s still crazy to ponder what could have been, for better or worse. What do you think Denver? Would L.T. been worth Denver’s time and money? IMO, I think things turned out for the best.

Styg50 over at our Bronco blog counterpart, Mile High Report has an excellent theory writeup detailing how Bus Cook (Jay Cutler’s Agent) could be behind this recent fiasco along with very plausible motives.  Interesting pieces of history on Cook’s QBs in this article as well.  I’ll leave you with a section off of Styg’s article, but I highly recommend the full read.

Jay Cutler Saga

This one has only just begun, but make no mistake, Bus Cook is after something, and he will use Cutler and the Broncos to get it.  It could barely be avoided when it was about Bus, Favre and the Packers.  Now it is about us, and we won’t get away from it anytime soon.  Before the Shanahan firing, Cook was sure that Cutler was going to get the largest contract in NFL history in 2010.  But with the advent of McXanders, and the Broncos new cap-friendly cash plans, that contract isn’t realistic.  For the Broncos.

Depending on who you talk to, the Denver Broncos and Jay Cutler either came to an understanding or grew further apart on Tuesday, when the two groups participated in a conference call discussing last week’s trade rumors. The conference call involved Head Coach Josh McDaniels, owner Pat Bowlen, GM Brian Xanders, the young signal caller, and his agent Bus Cook.

If you listen to the Denver Post or CBS4, the rift between the Broncos and Cutler grew larger on Monday. McDaniels was said to have led the discussion with a firm hand, indicating that no one is untradeable, and Cutler was left with the impression that he could still be traded despite Bowlen insisting it wouldn’t happen.

There are also reports that earlier, Cutler would not return Pat Bowlen’s calls, a claim that would certainly indicate that the rift between the club and Cutler has become venomous.

However, the latest Associated Press article details a much smoother discussion. According to the AP, the conference call went much better than that, and the two sides are ready to move forward. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Jay Cutler

According CBS4 Denver Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels finally spoke, the conversation was via conference call with McDaniels and Pat Bowlen. The conversation apparently did not go smoothly. According to CBS4,

McDaniels made it clear to the quarterback how the team will be run, and how Cutler was expected to fit into that plan. McDaniels reiterated the Broncos position that they have no intention of trading Cutler, but he also made it clear that all players are being constantly evaluated and could be traded if management thinks it will make the team better.

Per CBS4, Pat Bowlen called Cutler twice last week and both of the calls went unreturned. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

J'Vonne Parker #69 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against the Chicago Bears in a preseason game at Soldier Field August 30, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos on Tuesday announced the signing of free agent defensive tackle J’Vonne Parker. The club also finalized a previously reported deal with DL Kenny Peterson, who has spent the previous three seasons with the Broncos.

Parker (6-4, 325 lbs.) is a fifth year defensive tackle who has already spent time with Carolina, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, and Cleveland. An undrafted free agent out of Rutgers, Parker has appeared in 11 career regular-season games (0 starts), totaling six tackles (4 solo) and one fumble recovery.

Peterson (6-3. 300 lbs.) played at both defensive tackle and defensive end in his career and will provide versatility for a rebuilding Broncos defense. In 60 career regular-season games (1 start), Peterson has totaled 108 tackles (68 solo), seven sacks (36 yds.), seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He has appeared in two playoff games (0 starts) for his career, registering four tackles and one sack (2 yds.) in those contests. He tallied career bests in tackles and sacks in 16 games for the Broncos last season.

The Broncos continue to add depth to the defensive line. While Parker will have to compete for a roster spot in training camp, I’m excited to see Peterson get a contract. I’d expect him to compete for one of the starting defensive end spots in training camp. Full press release after the jump. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Brian Dawkins talks with the media while holding up his new jersey at Dove Valley on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 in Denver. (Denver Post/Reza A. Marvashti)

When the Denver Broncos signed seven-time Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to a five-year deal last week, Philadelphia Eagles fans were understandably upset. Perhaps “upset” doesn’t quite do it justice; many of them were devastated or just plain pissed off.

One such fan was Dan Leone. In fact, Leone was more than a fan. He was an Eagles employee for the past six years, working as the chief of Lincoln Financial Field’s west gate on game day.

Leone, frustrated at the Eagles for letting Dawkins come to Denver, vented on Facebook:

“Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver. . .Dam Eagles R Retarted!!”

In response, the Eagles fired Leone. Can you say, “overreaction?” Click here to read the rest of this entry »

September 24th, 2006. The Tampa Bay Bucanneers are down 21-23 to the Carolina Panthers in the 4th quarter. Starting quarterback Chris Simms had taken a series of ferocious hits, including one en-route to a touchdown scramble. Simms stepped onto the field in great pain, but he knew what had to be done… score. After two plays it’s third down three yards to go. Simms drops back guns the ball to Ike Hillard who pulls it in for 16 yards. The following play Simms airs it up to Alex Smith for 27 yards. The next set of downs resulting a pair of running plays going three out but on fourth down kicker Matt Bryant easily nailed a 28 yard field goal to put Tampa Bay in the lead 24-23. Sadly Carolina came back and kicked a field goal with 4 seconds remaining winning the contest 26-23. What was even more sad is that Chris Simms was immediately taken to the hospital after the game. The problem? Simms was hit so hard on his touchdown run that his spleen had ruptured. That means he played through all of that during his lead changing drive. Or as WithLeather.com eloqently put it,

“He played the entire 4th quarter of the Bucs’ loss to the Panthers with his ruptured spleen bleeding all over his other organs… Nice work by the Tampa team doctors there: Aw, you just got your ribs banged up! Quit cryin’ and get back out there! Chris Simms could have f—ing died.“

That’s a warrior.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Free agent defensive end Marques Douglas.

The other morning I had the privilege of interviewing free agent defensive lineman Marques Douglas over the phone to discuss a few questions regarding a myriad of topics. Douglas played under Mike Nolan for both the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, and could be on Denver’s radar. He was a very well-spoken, humble guy and it was a real pleasure talking to him. Douglas runs a blog of his own for Yardbarker, which you can find here.  Thanks to the folks at YB and Mr. Douglas for taking the time.  Enjoy!

What types of qualities do you have as a player and a person that would make you a quality fit for the Denver Broncos both on and off the field? Secondly, what do you feel are the best aspects of your overall game?

I’m an accountable player that will play every down like it is my last. I’ve played under Coach Nolan and have experience in the 3-4 defense. Another big thing is consistency. Throughout my career I’ve been a consistent player who has always laid it on the line. Football is a team game, and sacrificing yourself for the betterment of your teammates allows for a very productive Sunday. I’ve also played against the All-Pro players in the NFL that get the best out of me.

Have you or your agent been in contact with the Denver Broncos regarding the possibility of signing with the team?

I know my agent has been contacting several teams, and right now he is getting the word out and hopefully something happens within the next few days. I feel that I’m a productive player that would definitely fit into Nolan’s 3-4 schemes in Denver. I was very successful and had my best years playing under him. I’d love to play for him again.

What is your most memorable NFL moment to date?

The AFC Championship Game this year. When you get that close to the Super Bowl, and when you realize that every down you play is important – it made it a memorable experience. We played hard to get to the playoffs, and we played hard to get to the Super Bowl, and though we fell short, playing in that atmosphere was very memorable. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

With the combine past, many players proved what they’re worth. For some players their worth was a good thing, for others not so much. For the pre-combine version check out this link.

Round 1

 

1. Detroit Lions
   Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Post-Combine: The Lions have yet to land a starting quarterback, actually they lost Dan Orlovsky, well lost might not be the right word. Lost would more describe Orlovsky’s behavior, seeing how he ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety. Depending on their free agency moves this pick could be Jason Smith or even Eugene Monroe

Pre-Combine: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. 

 

2. St. Louis Rams
   Jason Smith, T, Baylor

Post-Combine: I’ll state it again… Marc Bulger has been sacked 126 times over the past three seasons. It’s time to get with the program St. Louis. Michael Crabtree was here before but now that he’s damaged goods and was two inches shorter than expected he won’t go second overall. Jason Smith is starting to emerge as the premier tackle of this draft class. Just check out his interview at NFL.com, he’s just overall a great person.

Pre-Combine: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.  Click here to read the rest of this entry »

The Cowboys have officially confirmed that they have released Terrell Owens. They are going to take a $9M salary cap hit by doing this, but with his welcome more than worn out the team decided this was a small price to pay for a healthier team morale.

So, just to stir up another internet rumor, do you think McD & Company will be interested?

The case against signing TO for personality and morale issues is strong (and well known), so I won’t even attempt to go into that… I’ll assume you all know the negatives on that point. The other negatives for me would be his price tag. The Cowboys, just last year, signed him to a 4-year deal worth $34M. And, as I stated, he’s going to cost them $9M against their cap this year after releasing him. So, with the work we need to do on the defensive side of the ball, can we afford to drop that kind of cash for a player with Owen’s baggage.

The case FOR pursuing Owens is the possible Brandon Marshall suspension, plain and simple. If Brandon gets the max he could be out for half the year, and that would sideline our most talented wideout.

So, just for kicks and giggles what are your thought? Would you like to have T.O. and Baby T.O. on the roster for at least this year? Would McD and Xanders even consider it? Sound off Broncosnation… let’s hear what you think!