Champ Bailey was only named to second team all-pro by the AP, and Dr. Z dissed him for his All-pro team as well. Ordinarily I like Dr. Z a lot, but ol’ Z is running on a different set of stats than I like.

As I’ve said before, I’m a big fan of Football Outsiders; and one thing their stats does is that it says that Bailey is one of the two best corners in the league, year-in and year-out.

In a Football Outsiders’ mailbag article, Aaron Schatz says:

Skipping nickelbacks and guys who allow a low number of yards per pass because of Cover-2 schemes, we can still find some much better choices than Newman for the title of “best cornerback in 2007.” For starters, Bailey would have been a better choice. He was 30th in yards per pass, but first in Success Rate with a very low number of targets for a first-string cornerback. … Finally, there’s Nnamdi Asomugha. He would have been in the top ten for both Success Rate and yards per pass but teams were so busy avoiding him that he doesn’t even have enough passes to qualify for my lists. The Pats may have avoided Antonio Cromartie in the AFC Championship game, but over the whole season, evidence is pretty strong that the only cornerbacks who actually scare quarterbacks away are Asomugha and Bailey. Those are my All-Pro corners.

Thanks for the reminder, Aaron!

It’s easy to forget how effective Champ is; he didn’t get 10 interceptions this year because the line couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain, but quarterbacks didn’t want to throw to Bailey; and when they did, no other corner in the league was as effective at breaking up the pass..

“I think it’s pretty common knowledge our last labor agreement is not our smartest move, and that we’re way beyond, and I’m not talking about just the Denver Broncos, I’m talking about just the league in general . . . we being we collectively, 32 teams, can’t live with this deal.”

Damning words concerning the CBA from the chairman of the league’s labor committee, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. On November 8, 2008, the league will have an opportunity to opt out of the current agreement with a mere 9 of 32 votes, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Such a move would put labor issues back at the forefront of the league, potentially sending the NFL back into labor disputes with the players.

Right now the players are earning 59% of the league’s revenue. In recent statements, Bowlen indicated that the 32 teams are now facing the repercussions of giving out such a large piece of the pie.

On a separate note, Bowlen also said the change in the league’s revenue situation will spur changes in the way the Broncos do business, particularly in free agency. Jeff Legwold speculated that this will mean more of a “slow-and-steady approach rather than the big splash” in his report. Legwold floated names like the Lions’ Boss Bailey as an example o a lower-profile free agent the Broncos could (and should) pursue this offseason.

Labor deal has caused pain [Rocky Mountain News]

I have nothing against Brett Favre. I’m rooting the hell out of the Packers now that the Jags are eliminated.

I’m simply standing by my man.

If Brandon Marshall can be fined $7,500 for the deplorable act you see below, then why should Favre be able to get away with throwing snowballs at Greg Jennings?

I’m just saying.

Heimerdinger Gone? [Image: Denver Post]

The Denver Post is reporting that there are more coaching changes on the way for Denver this off-season. Mike Heimerdinger has been granted permission to interview with Jeff Fisher in Tennessee for an expanded Offensive Coordinator position. As we all know, Mike Shanahan and Jeff Fisher are close friends and Heimerdinger came to Denver from the Titans when Kub left. However, the news that Heimerdinger is returning to Tennessee strikes me as odd. His current position of Assistant Head Coach, is nearly as high as you can get as a coordinator so it seems unlikely this move would be for a better title. One of the reasons is that he wants more control of the total offense (we all know Shanahan is the major play caller in Denver). It might also be a good move for his future — as Fisher has talked for the last few years about retiring or leaving Tennessee. Regardless of the reasoning, Heimerdinger is all but out of Denver.

“The opportunity in Tennessee would give Mike the chance to go back to an organization and work with a head coach with whom he is very familiar, handling the entire offense and having full control over game-planning and play-calling responsibilities,” — Mike Shanahan 1/16/08

So, Mike Shanahan has now lost both his Offensive and Defensive assistant coaches. And like his move on the Defensive side (promoting from within), the Post is reporting that it’s possible that Denver will expand the role of Jim Bates‘ son, Jeremy Bates. Jeremy Bates is a fast rising assistant coach that has worked very well with Jay Cutler and our stable of young receivers over the last year in his position as QB and WR coach.

With Rick Dennison still overseeing the running game and O-line, the Post suggests an interesting scenario for 2008. In this scenario, Shanahan would do the playcalling with Rick advising on the ground game and Jeremy advising on the passing game. I’m not sure how that would work, but it’s an interesting idea.

Another possibility being considered is bringing in former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell (he served as Denver’s receiver’s coach from 2000-02).

FULL STORY [Denver Post]

So, Broncos fans… What do you make of this and what would you like to see happen in the Offensive staffing for 2008?

Gradishar is a finalist again

17 finalists have been named for consideration for the 2008 Induction Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Among them are Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar and offensive tackle Gary Zimmerman.

Left behind is running back Terrell Davis.

Zimmerman was a finalist last year and four of the last five, and Gradishar has been a finalist several times as well. To date only one Bronco has been named to Canton, a grave injustice that is slowly garnering attention.

Gradishar was the leader of the vaunted Orange Crush defense and gained over 2,000 tackles in 10 seasons (yes, averaging over 200 tackles per season). He led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance. Read more about Gradishar here, and why he belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Zimmerman joined the Broncos through trade in 1993 and helped some of the best offenses in the NFL during his career. John Elway made a personal trip of over 300 miles to beg the big guy to return, and won a Super Bowl the Broncos did. He’s definitely due. Read more about Zimmerman here, and why he belongs in the Hall of Fame.

With any luck John Elway won’t be alone in the Hall anymore.

Well, I am officially back in school, hoping to graduate with a degree in computer science and mathematics in the coming year.  Sorry no posts yesterday – blame it on the “first day back” blues.  Or that I’m busy.  I’m literally blogging this while my teacher goes through orientation today.

• Some close to Javon Walker say his initial comments saying he wants out were closer to the truth.  [Denver Post]
• Brandon Marshall performance compared to his contract makes him a great catch, and Vizio.com has a great way to honor him.  Go vote for him now. [Denver Post]
• Dre Bly sent John Lynch a text message begging the veteran safety to return another year.  I second that motion.  [Denver Post]
• Now that the Chargers are on a roll at the perfect time, it makes many wonder which is more impressive, their performance on the field or their big mouths off it.  [Denver Post]
• Taking a look at the wide receivers and tight ends, and our needs for 2008.  [Thin Air]

Tight end Daniel Graham was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning on suspicion of criminal mischief and harrasment, the Rocky Mountain News reports. The incident took place at his ex-girlfriend’s house, where Graham entered uninvited and began a verbal confrontation with her.

Graham was arrested by Arapahoe County sheriff’s deputies following an argument Thursday afternoon, when Graham allegedly showed up at the woman’s residence in the 5600 block of S. Helena Court and the two quarreled about selling the house, according to a press release. He is the father of her son, according to the release.

When police responded to that call, the woman reported a previous incident when Graham allegedly entered the house without permission on Sunday. The woman told police she asked Graham “several times” to leave, but he refused.

During the argument, police said, Graham struck a bedpost with his hand and damaged the bed.

I was of the opinion that Graham was a straight shooter, so I am a bit surprised. I’m getting tired of hearing about our Broncos on the police blotter after last offseason, and now it seems we’re jumping to a head start. Let’s hope this is the last we hear of off-field incidents for some time.

Broncos tight end Daniel Graham Arrested [Rocky Mountain News]

Mike Shanahan‘s season-ending presser was full of nuggets. In the end, Shanahan was certain to pin the blame on himself while mentioning the host of injuries and setbacks that had befallen the Broncos in 2007.

Before I get to the juicy stuff on players and coaches, here’s his take on 2007 –

“Well, going back to me, I am in charge of this thing. I just think if I were to have done a decent job coaching, we would have won 10 games or more. And so, it goes back to me. You have to make the decisions that you think are in the best interest for our football team, and sometimes it doesn’t work out.”

Before the season started I, along with many fans, thought this was a Championship-caliber team. This season was lost in the trenches, and a huge part of that had to do with injuries.

On Javon Walker –

“Well, I’m not going to talk about the guys that we have who are up for possibly free agency or contracts for obvious reasons. We will talk with Javon and some guys like (RB) Travis Henry, (S) John Lynch and different guys who have question marks on where their career will go from here.” …

“The doctors thought that after his surgery that it would take five to six weeks to get back full speed. There’s talk of a microfracture (procedure) somewhere down the line. I don’t know when that’ll be, it could be two to three years from now, it could be four years, you just don’t know.”

With the virtual certainty of more knee work down the line, the Broncos will definitely ask Walker to restructure part of his deal. Announcing that Walker needs more surgery some time down the line isn’t a big surprise, but doing it in such a public manner can only hurt Javon’s trade value. I have faith Javon can return healthy, and I think Shanahan believes it too. But I get the impression that Shanahan isn’t willing to put up with Walker’s comments again, and is taking this month to let cooler heads prevail.

On Travis Henry –

“Like I said, I’m not going to talk about those situations. But any time there’s a setback with a guy, I think you have to look at what he did in his first four or five games then you make the decision on what you thought he did in those four or five games.

“I don’t think he ever recovered [from his knee injury]. He had the MCL and I don’t think he ever recovered, never got back in football shape and tried to work though it but never did so I don’t think he ever got healthy. Any time you’re out 3-4 weeks with an MCL, you kind of get out of football shape unless you can really work. He tried but never could get back in shape.

“I’m hoping not, but could [future injuries] be an issue? Sure if he keeps on getting hurt but with a good offseason program he should be coming back to full speed. I think the question everybody has, you take a look at the money involved, you have to make a decision about what you think is best for the organization because once you make that commitment, it’s a big thing, so you’ve got to look at everything.”

To me, it sounds like Shanahan is fed up with Travis Henry. Henry said after he won his appeal that he would run through a brick wall for Shanahan, in gratitude for Shanahan’s support of Henry during that time. It’s time to show your gratitude, Travis. You did not earn a $6 million signing bonus, and it behooves you to restructure your deal.

Click here to read the rest of this entry »

• 56 minutes later, you can find a detailed recap of Mike Shanahan‘s season-ending presser here. [Mason’s Morsels]
• Or in less-detailed article format, if you prefer. [Denver Post]
• In the end, Shanahan pinned the blame on himself. [Rocky Mountain News / Photo Courtesy]
• The offensive line struggled, but Coach likes the direction it’s heading. [Denver Post]
• When questioned about the poor 2003-2004 drafts, Shanahan insisted that the draft is the most important way to build a championship football team. [Rocky Mountain News]
• Shanahan will let a little time go before deciding on Javon Walker. [Denver Post]
• The Broncos faced a ton of injures this year. [Rocky Mountain News]
• The Rocky Mountain News does their usual anti-Shanahan rant. [Rocky Mountain News]

I’ll have some more notes from the presser in a bit.

Former Broncos All-Pro linebacker Al Wilson has been cleared to resume playing football.  The news comes from back and neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, who said Wilson is healthy enough to begin football activities right away. Wilson is a free agent after the Broncos released him last year, and can sign with any team.

The Broncos tried to trade Wilson last spring to the Giants, but he failed a physical in New York due to neck injuries.  He was ultimately cut from the Broncos before the draft.

Because of Wilson’s talents and his free agent status, he will surely garner interest from several teams. Peter Schafer, Wilson’s agent, added the following comments:

“Al is training and is ready to play. There is no greater risk to his health than normal football risks. He is thrilled to get the chance to play again.”

When asked if Wilson would consider Denver, Schafer replied, “There are 32 teams and Al will go to the best situation for him and his family.”

Story/Photo Courtesy [Denver Post]

Wilson’s agent is based in Denver, and as far as I know Wilson still lives there as well. Get him in the building right now, Shanahan. Tie him up before he can go on the open market, where he will surely grab a lot of attention. The Broncos are a much better defense with him than without him, and if Wilson can return to form at all (and I believe he can), it will be the best move of our offseason.