Bleacher Report - Articles by brian clothier

Darrent Williams Slayed, Justice Postponed

brian clothier — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:30:45 -0400

At 2:30 am on the morning of Jan. 1, 2007, Darrent Williams was pronounced dead.

An apparent altercation between some club goers and gang members would cost Williams his life.

The 24-year-old Williams had been at a New Year’s Eve party at a Denver nightclub. He was there to bring in the New Year and celebrate the birthday of Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin.

Williams left the club around 2:00 in the morning. Just 12 hours before, Williams had played the final game of the 2006 season for the Denver Broncos against the San Francisco 49ers.

As Williams and friends settled into their rented limousine, a second vehicle pulled alongside and fired shots into the limo. Darrent Williams was struck by a single bullet to the back of the neck and slumped into the lap of then-Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker. At 2:10 am, Williams would take his last breath.

The Denver police department would impound the car of a known Crips gang member, Brian Hicks. Hicks was already in prison and awaiting trial for attempted murder and drug charges. Immediately, the police turned to known associates of Hicks for answers.

On May 30, 2008, the Rocky Mountain News posted a story claiming they possessed a letter in which Willie Clark had confessed to firing the shot that took the life of the Broncos defensive back. That October, a grand jury indicted Clark in the murder.

Clark was set to stand trial on July 6, but a judge in the case has postponed the trial until Oct. 13 as per the request of Clark’s attorneys.

The attorneys claim that Clark was influenced by police officers trying to force a confession and, therefore, the letter should not be admissible in court. District Judge Cristina Habas will rule this week on the matter.

Handwriting analyses obtained by the Rocky Mountain News confirm that Clark was the author of the letter. The letter was examined by an independent with certification from the National Association of Document Examiners. The Denver Police also had the document examined and authenticated.

Clark’s letter was matched against 14 other samples, including a letter to the U.S. District Judge Wiley Y. Daniel.

Sources: Rocky Mountain News, ESPN

Forever My Favorite: The 1997-'98 Denver Broncos

brian clothier — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:50:10 -0400

I really enjoy these assignments where I get to talk about my favorite subject, me. It’s an opportunity for me to impart all my opinions on the world, making it a better place.

So now I’ll tell you my favorite football team and why they should be yours, too.

As I stated in a previous article, I became a Denver Broncos fan in January of 1988. The Broncos had just been destroyed by my other favorite football club, the Washington Redskins, in Super Bowl XXII. That day, I found a new respect for this team.

A team that lost the game with dignity. A team that kept its pride and held their collective heads high when they fell short of their goal. A team that said, “Congratulations, but we’ll be back.”

Well they did come back...twice.

After an early exit in the 1996 NFL playoffs (a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars), the 1997 Broncos were back with a vengeance. Posting a record of 12-4, the Broncos made the playoffs as a wild card team.

Their opponent in the first round would be the Jacksonville Jaguars. Things would finish a little differently this time, as the Broncos rolled to a 42-17 victory.

Denver would then dispatch the (AFC West Champion) Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers en route to a matchup with Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers (13-3).

Super Bowl XXXII, ten years after losing that game to the Redskins, they were to challenge for the Lombardi trophy again.

So there they were. The Denver Broncos, four times defeated in the big dance, now up against the defending Super Bowl Champions (and 11 point favorites).

The Packers had noticeable talent on both sides of the ball. Brett Favre, the gunslinger, was surrounded by sure-handed targets. Mark Chmura was a Pro Bowl tight end. Antonio Freeman and Robert Brooks were known for making the big plays downfield.

And in the background, fullback William Henderson and running back Dorsey Levens had the option of making the catch or running the ball down opponents’ throats.

On defense, Green Bay had a host of terrors. Among them were safety Eugene Robinson, cornerback LeRoy Butler, defensive tackle Santana Dotson, and defensive end Reggie White (later inducted into the Football Hall of Fame).

Luckily, the Broncos came prepared. Lead by a defensive backfield consisting of Steve Atwater, Tyron Braxton, and Darrien Gordon, the Broncos were the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL. Up front, Denver had newly acquired defensive end Neil Smith, defensive end Alfred Williams, and a linebacking corps that had John Mobley and Bill Romanowski.

The No. 1 ranked offense in the NFL that year was lead by (future Hall of Famer) John Elway. Elway had lead the Broncos to three previous Super Bowls.

All three were losses.

And to be fair, those Denver teams were John Elway. This was the first time the QB would have a host of talent around him.

Pro Bowl running back Terrell Davis would have 15 touchdowns and 1,750 yards on the ground that season. He also would amass 287 yards in the air on 42 passes.

The wide receiver group consisted of such talent as Ed McCaffery and Rod Smith. They were joined by Pro Bowl tight end Shannon Sharpe.

The offensive line was anchored by two Pro Bowlers as well, Tom Nalen and Gary Zimmerman.

Green Bay jumped out to an early seven point lead in the game, but it would soon be answered by a Terrell Davis TD run. Then, Denver would go up by 10 before the Packers knotted the score at 17. In the end, the Broncos would prove to be too much and they’d put the game away, 31-24.

The 37 year old Elway had won his first Super Bowl and Denver was alive with celebration. Everyone was excited for John Elway, a quarterback who had played his entire career in Denver and failed three previous times to capture the Lombardi trophy.

Now, he could retire “on top.”

There was just one thing...he didn’t retire. Elway and the Broncos would return the following year to finish what they started. It was time to defend that League championship.

The encore was better than the previous performance. The team was 14-2 in 1998. They were second in the league in offense and eighth in the league on defense.

Terrell Davis ran for 21 touchdowns and 2,008 yards on 392 carries that year and won the League MVP award. Davis would lead the team in scoring with 138 points.

He would never return to that glory as an ACL and MCL injury would shorten his career.

McCaffery and Sharpe both caught 64 passes that year. The team leader was Rod Smith with 1,222 yards on 86 catches.

The challenger in Super Bowl XXXIII was the Atlanta Falcons (also 14-2 in the regular season). The “Dirty Birds” had grown a following because of a silly celebration dance and a high-powered running back, (Pro Bowler) Jamal Anderson.

They were lead by Head Coach Dan Reeves. Reeves was the coach in Denver the three times Elway and the Broncos failed to capture the Super Bowl title.

The squad also had a Pro Bowl quarterback (Chris Chandler) and the second ranked defense in the league. That defense included Pro Bowler Jesse Tuggle, Ray Buchannan, and Eugene Robinson. Robinson had played for the Green Bay Packers team that lost to Elway and the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII.

There was no denying John Elway in this Super Bowl either. He received the Super Bowl MVP and the Broncos won 34-19. The 38 year old Elway retired after 15 years in the league. He left on his terms, with back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

A lifetime of “almost” cashed in at the end.

John Elway is the reason I became a Denver Broncos fan. And after ten years, my loyalty was paid and paid again. Elway gave me my two favorite teams in football and my greatest football moment. The 1997-98 Denver Broncos, forever my favorite. They should be your favorite too.

Sources

Retrieved May 29, 2009, from NFL.com.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/recap/sbxxxiii.

Retrieved May 29, 2009, from NFL.com.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/recap/sbxxxii.

Sonia Sotomayor: Baseball's MVP

brian clothier — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:59:46 -0400

September 6, 1995. Four banners hung from the B&O Railroad warehouse.

2130.

It was a packed house that night in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. And before the home team took the field in the bottom of the fifth, there was a small matter to attend. Cal Ripken, Jr. officially broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive game record.

2131.

There was a 22 minute standing ovation for the man that shattered a 56 year old record. The Iron Man had surpassed The Iron Horse and America fell in love with baseball all over again.

None of this would’ve happened had it not been for a Yankees fan from the Bronx. Judge Sonia Sotomayor may become the first Hispanic to be seated on the US Supreme Court, but first she was the woman that saved baseball.

In 1992, a group of baseball owners (lead by Bud Selig and Jerry Reinsdorf) incensed by then Commissioner Fay Vincent’s interference in the 1990 lockout submitted an 18-9 vote of no confidence. Fay Vincent would have to step down from his post.

On August 12th of 1994, the MLBPA would create another work stoppage by going on strike until a new collective bargaining agreement could be signed. The Players Association felt owners were grossly abusing their power and the Senate Judiciary Committee had failed to approve an antitrust legislation filed by the MLBPA.

The owners withheld nearly $8 million due, in the previous agreement, to the players’ benefits and pension plans. They were also intent on enforcing a salary cap in hopes of mending prior mistakes accrued from the mishandling of finances.

Without a Commissioner, and with no neutral ground in site, the 1994 postseason was cancelled in its entirety. There would be no World Series winner that year, but the fans were the clear losers in this outcome.

The fans would miss Tony Gwinn’s pursuit of .400 and Matt William’s attempt to beat Roger Maris’ single season home run record. Believe it or not, the Montreal Expos may have even made a World Series appearance.

Bud Selig and the owners would agree to field replacement players at the beginning of the 2005 season. Orioles’ owner Peter Angelos stood in opposition.

Angelos was an attorney with a history of standing on the side of unions. Of course, there was also the tiny matter of Orioles shortstop Ripken, Jr. and his consecutive games streak. The Maryland House of Delegates would then step in and set legislation barring replacement players from playing in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Though many teams cancelled their entire spring training, the regular season was spared replacement players when on March 31st of 1995; judge Sotomayor placed an injunction on the owners and their use of replacements. The strike ended, 232 days after it had started, on April 12th and baseball resumed under the rules of the previous collective bargaining agreement.

Matt Williams would never get so close to Maris’ record again, but another fellow from San Francisco would smash it in 2001. No one has broken Ted William’s record of .400. But, that evening in September, the world celebrated baseball again when the number “0” was replaced by a “1.”

Cal Ripken, Jr. would end his consecutive game streak in 2001. The only two-time All Star Game MVP would finish his career with 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, a World Series ring, AL Rookie of the Year honors, two AL MVP awards, eight silver sluggers, a gold glove, the Roberto Clemente award, the Lou Gehrig award, along with most home runs by a shortstop, most All Star Game votes (36,123,483), most All Star Game selections (American League) with 19, most ASG appearances by a shortstop (15), most consecutive ASG starts(17), most consecutive innings played (8243), and most consecutive games played (2632).

Cal Ripken, Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. He garnered the third highest percentage of votes in history.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor was nominated to Federal Judicial service by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. In 1997, she was nominated to the Federal Court of Appeals by President Bill Clinton. On May 26th of 2009, President Barack Obama nominated judge Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.

Not bad for a Yankees fan from the Bronx.

Beltway Blah: The Battle for Bragging Rights (and Nothing More)

brian clothier — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:31:07 -0400

This Memorial Day weekend, be sure to spend some quality time with your family. Have a cookout. Play horseshoes or wiffle ball. Visit a war memorial and say a prayer for the troops, both past and present.

Whatever you do, stay away from MASN (Peter Angelos owned Orioles/Nationals television affiliate). Friday is the beginning of the not-so highly contested “Battle of the Beltways.” This menagerie of mediocrity pits not one, but two fifth-place teams against each other for a geographical grudge match.

The Baltimore Orioles (16-25, 5-14 on the road) just finished up a three day visit to New York by giving it up like a horny prom date. The Yankees won the three games 9-1, 11-4, and 7-4. The Orioles last win? May 16th, a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

What’s worse than being in fifthplace in the AL East? Being fifthplace in the NL East and owning baseball’s worst record.

The Nats (12-28, with an identical 6-14 record at home and away) take a one-game winning streak (I know it’s not technically a streak, I’m bringing levity to this sad situation) back home to host the lowly Birds. The Nationals were able to put away a 5-4 winner last night versus the paltry Pittsburgh Pirates (16-22).

It was a come from behind victory no less, as the Teddy Roosevelts (more popular than “Screech” the eagle) were down by a run going into the eighthinning. I wonder how many fans actually stuck around to see the finish.

But, if you think it’s only the fans that are feeling frustration over the futility of these two also-rans, take a look at what Nick Markakis had to say to Orioles dot com.

"It's tough," said Markakis, who snapped a three-game hitless streak. "You can only do so much as a hitter, and the rest is out of your hands. I thought we did a good job—not necessarily me—but we hit the ball well as a team this series. Twelve hits today, 10 hits yesterday. ...Like I said, there's only so much you can do."

Orioles pitching is ranked 29th (the offense is ranked 13) in the majors with a team ERA of 5.25. They’ve given up a league leading 63 (Orioles batters have 46) home runs (not that they’ll be in any REAL danger in DC) to 255 strikeouts. The Uh-O’s are 7-12 in save situations.

But who is No. 30, you ask?

The Washington Nationals (ranked No. 6 offensively) have a league worst 5.75 team ERA and have allowed for 44 (Nats hitters have 47) homers to 237 strikeouts. In 19 save opportunities, they’ve been lucky enough to cash in on seven.

So you see, there’s plenty of bad news to go around. And though there are a plethora of potentially prodigious hitters to watch for (on both teams), the perpetually pathetic pitching will be enough to make you weep in your potato salad.

Sure, Markakis and Jones and Huff will do their part. Zimmerman (Ryan, probably not Jordan) and Guzman and Johnson will try to help out as well. But at some point, the hitter showcase has to end in someone’s heartache. The good news is neither team can sink any lower (is there anything lower than “rock bottom”?).

I have a feeling that watching this weekend’s match-up of cross-town rivals will be much like witnessing a public execution or watching old people making love. It will turn your stomach. And, that would ruin a perfectly good cookout.

Sources

Retrieved May 22, 2009, from the Baltimore Orioles team site.

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090521&content_id=4867736&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal.

Retrieved May 22, 2009, from the Washington Nationals team site.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090521&content_id=4863302&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=was.

Retrieved May 22, 2009, from MLB.com.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/.

The Summer Could Get Sticky For The Baltimore Orioles

brian clothier — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:24:06 -0400

Beware the ides of July.

Before beginning the “Beltway Series” against the Washington Nationals this Memorial Day weekend, the Baltimore Orioles will finish up their disappointing appearance in the new Yankees Stadium (losing game 1 and game 2 of the three game series). Assuming that the O’s allow for the sweep (because they might), their record will be 16-25 and 10 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East division.

After the Nats, the Orioles will finish the month of May against the AL East leading Jays (27-16) and AL Central leading Detroit Tigers (22-16) in a pair of three game series. Let’s speculate that Baltimore is good for at least one win in each of those series while adding another because the Nationals are “less than or equal to” the Birds in futility (see May 19 or 20 vs. Pittsburgh for visual affirmation). Baltimore would sit with a 20-30 record.

June does not get any easier for the Orioles.

They will begin the month on the road facing the three and four in the AL West, Seattle and Oakland (19-22 and 15-22 respectively), before returning home to face the Mariners once more. Then we move to Interleague Play and the real test, the National League East.

The NL East is highly contested with less than four games separating the first place Phillies (21-17) and fourth place Marlins (19-22). Washington is ten games back.

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets will come to Oriole Park before the Birds leave the friendly confines of Camden Yards (11-11 at home vs. 5-13 on the road) for the armpit of America, Philadelphia. After those nine games, Baltimore gets a break (kinda) when they travel to Miami to face the sub-.500 Marlins.

Luckily, the schedule allows the Uh-O’s to challenge the Nationals in another three game stand at home before welcoming the Boston Red Sox (2^nd in the AL East at 24-16). The BoSox are one-and-a-half games behind Toronto for the AL East lead and by this time, they could very well be in first (that’s right, Big Papi’s slump is over).

Two series on the road against the West (four games against the 20-19 LA Angels and another three games versus the Mariners) will culminate with a trip back home to face the Blue Jays once more.

At best, I see the Orioles at 33 wins to 54 losses by the All-Star break. The deficit for the O’s (45-48) before the All-Star Game in 2008 was 10 games back. This year, it could be much, much, worse as the rest of the AL East have stepped up their game.

The combined record of the teams facing the Orioles from May 22-July 12 is 295-304. In that same period, the Jays (296-300), BoSox (296-299), Rays (295-306) will all be facing similar competition. New York (302-300) would be the exception as their combined competition carries a winning record.

With another 74 games left on the schedule following the MLB ASG, the Birds have little room to make up for lost time… barring a complete meltdown of the rest of the division. The best we have to look forward to will be a glance at future talents.

Amongst those talents, are catcher Matt Wieters, outfielder Nolan Reimold, and RHP Chris Tillman.

People have been calling for Matt Wieters since spring training. Wieters is batting .282 with 4 dingers in 117 at bats for AAA Norfolk. The switch-hitting slugger has power from both sides of the plate. He’s also No. 2 on MLB.com's "Top 50 Prospects" list.

Reimold has belted 9 homers in 109 plate appearances while batting-in 27 runs for the Norfolk Tides. Reimold was called-up last week and got his first taste of the bigs on May 14th. With Luke Scott being added to the 15-day DL, we will get to see a bit more of him this weekend.

Fellow Tides teammate, right-hander Chris Tillman, sits at No. 16 on that same list. With a 5-0 record and a 2.25 ERA, the 6’5” Tillman tosses at speeds in the mid-nineties. With the pitching struggles the Orioles currently face, he may find his time sooner than later.

Another point to consider is the sensational individual stats that the Orioles hitters are putting up. Adam Jones (36), Nick Markakis (35), and Brian Roberts (34) are three of the top five producers in the AL in runs. Jones is also fourth in the league in batting average (.370) while Aubrey Huff is fifth in the league with 34 RBI.

The games before and after this year’s MLB ASG in St. Louis may not be too spectacular for O’s fans. However, chances are we’ll field a few All-Stars in that game. The emerging prospects and big league youngsters we’ll be fielding in the games following will give us plenty to anticipate in the near future.

Try not to lose hope O's fans when the Birds are getting dogged during those dog days of summer.

Sources

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from MLB.com.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/prospects/y2009/.

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from the Orioles team site.

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=bal.

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=460099.

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from the Blue Jays team site.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=tor.

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from the Red Sox team site.

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=bos.

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from the Yankees team site.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=nyy.

Retrieved May 21, 2009, from the Rays team site.

http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=tb.

Will the Real Superman Please Stand Up?

brian clothier — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:35:30 -0400

Often there is discussion generated about sports clichés that have been overused. By definition, a cliché is anything that has become trite or commonplace through overuse. In that respect, I would like to address the label “Superman.”

Superman is the beloved DC Comics hero with super-speed, super-strength, super-sight, and the ability to fly. This most certainly would be the reason for comparison in the athletic arena. The problem here, is that every few years, a NEW Superman will be indoctrinated into the sports pathos.

Here, I offer a look at the current Supermen in today’s sports environment.

Baseball

Barry Bonds – All-time Home Run King (with an asterisk).

This guy has been linked to illegal substance scandals and perjury. Possibly his biggest offense though, he doesn’t get along with the media. Louis Lane is a newspaper reporter.

Josh Hamilton—Blasted a home-run derby record 28 dingers in 2008.

Hamilton has battled injury and drug addiction (a sincere congratulations and well wishes on recovery, Josh). But, Superman’s only weakness is kryptonite. Besides, wouldn’t a baseball player rather be Batman?

Basketball

Dwight Howard – NBA All-Star and two-time gold medalist.

Howard turned heads by winning a slam-dunk contest and his ability to leap. His vertical is about 40 inches. Superman can leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Shaquille O’Neal – NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, and two-time gold medalist.

Shaq was the original ‘Man of Steel’ in the pro-basketball ranks. But with the Phoenix Suns, the Diesel has been hampered by injury. Superman gets his strength from the Sun.

Hockey

The debate is on right now as to who is the NHL’s Superman. The popular thought being that it is either Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins or Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.

Crosby was born in Canada and works in Pennsylvania. Ovechkin was born in Russia and works in Washington, DC. Superman was born on Krypton and worked in Metropolis.

Football

Michael Vick - Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and current piece of human garbage.

Michael Vick can run, jump and throw. But forever more, he will be linked to illegal dog-fighting and gambling. Superman operates within the confines of the law and never assumes he’s above it.

On an aside, I own an American Pitbull terrier. I rescued her from an abusive home. She’s the best pet I’ve ever owned. She’s even-tempered and great around people and other dogs.

I can’t express enough that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. If you are looking to own a dog, consider adopting a rescue dog, everyone deserves a chance at happiness.

Tim Tebow – Heisman trophy winner (2007) and two-time college football National Champion.

Tebow has done everything right in his young career. He lead the Florida Gators to an SEC Championship over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2008 as well as a National Championship victory over Oklahoma in 2009.

Tebow underwent shoulder surgery to remove a bone spur early this year (not very Superman-like) and most notably, his uniform is blue and orange. Superman wears red and blue.

Other Sports

Michael Phelps – 14-time Olympic gold medalist, including an amazing eight medals in a single Olympics.

Phelps carries the moniker ‘The Baltimore Bullet’ and though his feats are incredible, he is limited to greatness in the water (much like Aquaman). After photographic evidence surfaced of Phelps smoking marijuana, he was suspended from competition. Superman is faster than a speeding bullet and he doesn’t smoke weed.

So as you can see, everyone on the list of “potential supermen” has been eliminated for some reason or another. My hope is that until an athlete arrives that can catch a bullet and not bleed or can survive a stadium implosion from the inside, we’ll leave the Superman tag alone and just recognize them for their above-average prowess.

Sources

Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Dictionary.com

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cliche

The Baltimore Uh-O'S: Here We Go Again

brian clothier — Mon, 18 May 2009 10:30:56 -0400

In 1997, the Baltimore Orioles were the class of the American League East going wire-to-wire and amassing over 100 wins in the regular season. The Birds lost in the ALCS for a second year in a row (the Yankees in 1996 and the Indians in 1997) and Davey Johnson resigned as the manager.

1998 was nothing like ’97. Not only did the Orioles fail to win the AL East, they failed to make the playoffs with a record of 79 wins to 83 losses. This was the beginning of what is still the end.

Big name free agents like Albert Belle and Will Clark were added to bolster the roster. It wasn’t enough, as the Orioles finished the 1999 campaign fourth in the AL with a 78-84 record.

The 2000 season was more of the same as the Orioles clinched fourth place in the division and secured a third straight losing record, going 74-88. By the way, Cal Ripken, Jr. got hit No. 3000.

2001 (63-98), 2002 (67-95), and 2003 (71-91) completed six consecutive fourth place finishes in the division. Thank God for the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays or I’d be writing about last place finishes.

There were some bright spots along the way. Rodrigo Lopez, Erik Bedard, and BJ Ryan, to name a few. But, where has the mission gone? Where is the solidarity? What happened to “The Oriole Way”?

I guess I could tell you now (if you don’t already know) that the 2005-2008 campaigns all ended in losing records and hurt feelings. It would appear the only consistency Orioles fans have enjoyed is inconsistency. That is to say the Birds never fail to disappoint.

Baltimore fans have suffered through 11 consecutive sub-500 seasons since 1997. And now, the O’s are poised to make it 12. To be fair, I should mention that prior to the 1996 campaign, the Orioles were backing up 11 consecutive losing seasons as well.

At the beginning of this week, the Orioles are 16-22 (nine games behind Toronto). They don’t have a true “Ace” in the starting rotation and the bullpen operates much like assisted suicide. Not even closer George Sherrill is reliable, unless given a three-run lead.

And though I appreciate this (too little, too late) youth movement, the young hitters are far exceeding the young pitching staff. And, if these junior starters are going to develop with any kind of confidence, they need an established bullpen. One that’s not going to blow hard-challenged leads when called upon in the sixth.

It’s like Russian roulette with a completely loaded gun.

These hitters are averaging five runs a game and that’s still not enough firepower to contend with a pitching staff that allows an average of six runs per outing.

Adam Jones is fourth in the AL with a .370 batting average. Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff are amongst the league leaders in RBI (34 and 33 respectively). Yet the Orioles wins leader (Jeremy Guthrie, 3-3) posts an ERA of 5.21.

When do the Orioles hope to amend the problems with this pitching staff? How long can Peter Angelos continue to hire and fire managers and GMs before these issues are addressed (though I feel Johnson, Hargrove, Mazzilli, and Trembley are all fine managers).

And in that respect, isn’t Angelos the biggest contributor to the losing tradition?

And let’s face it, teams like the Angels and Red Sox are utilizing “The Oriole Way” to great success while Uh-O fans are left resting at the bottom and looking up.

I fear that at this pace, it may be some time before we see another season like 1983 or 1966. So brace yourselves, Orioles fans. I think we’ve been down this road before.

Sources

Retrieved May 18, 2009, from MLB.com

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/index.jsp.

Retrieved May 18, 2009, from the Baltimore Orioles team site.

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bal.

Know Your Enemy (Part Three): The San Diego Chargers

brian clothier — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:42:05 -0400

In the third and final installment of the "Know Your Enemy" series, we look at the AFC West champion San Diego Chargers. For more on the AFC West, be sure to read

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177033-know-your-enemy-part-2-the-oakland-raiders

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177007-know-your-enemy-the-kansas-city-chiefs

The San Diego Chargers took the AFC West crown in 2008 with a regular season record of 8-8. This year, it may take one or two more wins to repeat as the division champs.

Unfortunately, most Bolts fans will probably remember last season for the controversial officiating rather than the division title. That being said, there were some bright spots in the Chargers’ season to celebrate.

LaDainian Tomlinson was playing injured (toe) throughout most of the 2008 campaign and still managed to rack up 1,110 yards rushing. Darren Sproles (recently tagged as the team’s "franchise player") also made an impact when given opportunity.

Sproles was a rock in the backfield with Tomlinson’s nagging condition, and gained 330 yards rushing in 61 carries. He also gained nearly 350 yards on 29 receptions, proving his value to the team dynamic.

With Sproles’ rise in stock and LT’s worst performance statistically in his eight-year career, it’s likely we’ll see more of a platooning of the two backs this season. In that possibility, Tomlinson would be fresher longer and he’d only have to be healthy, not spectacular.

Speaking of injury-prone superstars, Antonio Gates struggled in 2008 as well. And, 2009 is playing that familiar tune already. Gates did manage over 700 yards on 60-plus catches last season while battling with ankle and toe injuries, but he was not the type of impact player he has been in seasons past.

Keeping Gates and LT pain free in 2009 will be a top task of San Diego trainers. Good luck with that.

Phillip Rivers made the trip to the upper echelon of quarterbackdom last season. The often outspoken Rivers cooled his tongue and heated up his arm in 2008, tossing 312 completions on 478 attempts and compiling 34 TDs versus 11 interceptions. He would finish the regular season with a 105.5 QB rating.

And aside from the injury bug and a weak offensive line (the right side of the ball is porous at best), the Chargers look poised to put up the types of numbers that made them the 11th ranked offense overall in the NFL.

On defense, the not-so Super Chargers looked like any other defense from the AFC West. Ranked 25th overall in 2008 (ahead of No. 27 Oakland, No. 29 Denver, and No. 31 KC), San Diego selected a defensive end in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft (No. 16 overall). The team hopes that Larry English (Northern Illinois) will eventually add a third high-octane rusher to the sack duo of Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman.

The other bright spots on defense, of course, are DBs Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer. This cornerback tandem totaled 152 tackles and four interceptions (one for a touchdown) in 2008.

Ron Rivera will transition from the linebackers coach position (2008) into the spot vacated by Ted Cottrell. His last stint as defensive coordinator was with the Chicago Bears (2004-2006).

Rivera’s weapon of choice is the 4-3 defense.

A quick study of the San Diego Chargers’ 2009 schedule leads me to believe the team will not have an easy journey back to the top of the AFC West. Early obstacles come in matchups against AFC North powerhouses Baltimore and Pittsburgh before the bye week (Week Five). Games against the NY Giants, Eagles, Titans, and Redskins will all be substantial tests out of the division.

All in all, it’s possible the Bolts will finish the regular season with a record slightly higher than 8-8 and a wildcard berth into the playoffs. The good news for Broncos fans is that prediction is an optimistic one. With the huge shakeup division wide, the AFC West looks to be a crap shoot.

Sources

Retrieved May 17, 2009, from CBSsports.com.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/SD.

Retrieved May 17, 2009, from NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/teams/sandiegochargers/profile?team=SD.

Know Your Enemy (Part Two): The Oakland Raiders

brian clothier — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:39:07 -0400

In part two of this three-part series, “Know Your Enemy”, we’re going to take a look at the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are Denver’s most bitter rival, although in recent years, the Raiders’ record has taken some of the intensity out of the rivalry.

In 2007, the Raiders organization welcomed Lane Kiffin as the 16^th coach of the franchise. In 2008, they handed him his walking papers.

Enter Tom Cable.

The team finished 5-11 and in third place in the AFC West. It was the first time in six years they didn’t finish in last. The Raiders, ranked 29^th in total offense, amassed a paltry 263 points. The defense, ranked 27^th overall, allowing 388 points.

The team hoped to address the offensive line and the wide receiving corp in the draft. Well, with the seventh pick overall, the Raiders selected swift-footed wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey from the University of Maryland. Heyward-Bey will probably have the opportunity to make an impact. The other six rookies selected in the ’09 draft will, more than likely, have to wait their turn.

JaMarcus Russell sort of came into his own this past season with a QB rating around 77, 2423 yards in the air, and 13 touchdowns versus eight interceptions. The Raider Nation hopes Russel to Heyward-Bey will be a phrase repeated many times this season.

With little altered from 2008 to 2009, it would seem the Raiders will be hard pressed to greatly improve upon their situation. Still, a brief look at the 2009 schedule and I could see them winning anywhere from four to seven games this year.

And, that may be enough to keep them out of the basement for a second consecutive season. Only Al Davis knows if it will be enough to give Cable a second season as head coach.

Next up in the assessment, the San Diego Chargers. Be sure to check out:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177486-know-your-enemy-part-3-the-san-diego-chargers

and

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/177007-know-your-enemy-the-kansas-city-chiefs

Sources

Retrieved May 16, 2009, from NFL.com

http://www.raiders.com/Newsroom/Default.aspx?id=132

Retrieved May 16, 2009, from CBSsports.com

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/depth-chart/OAK

Know Your Enemy: The Kansas City Chiefs

brian clothier — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:00:23 -0400

In order to accurately predict how well your team will do in the upcoming season, it is not only important to evaluate the steps taken by that team to improve, but also to evaluate the status of the teams they will be competing against.

In this three-part series, "Know Your Enemy", I will be dissecting the Denver Broncos AFC West opponents.

The Denver Broncos: How the Grinch Stole the 2009 NFL Playoffs

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:26:16 -0400

Change.

Barack Obama ran an entire presidential campaign on the idea of change. When life becomes stagnant or the status quo just isn’t good enough anymore, change is the cure-all.

After 14 seasons as the Denver Broncos head coach, Mike Shanahan (146-95-0 in the regular and post season, including back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998) was released from the team.

It was time for a change.

That change came in the form of Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels is a graduate of the Bill Belichick (102-42 in the regular season and three Super Bowl Championships as the head coach of the New England Patriots, 2000 to present) school of football.

Fellow graduates include Charlie Weis (29-21 as the head coach at Notre Dame, 2005 to present), Romeo Crennel (24-40 as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, 2005-2008), and Eric Mangini (23-25 as the head coach of the New York Jets, 2006-2008).

In some cases, it would appear the apple falls quite far from the tree.

Please don’t get me wrong. McDaniels is his own man and the Broncos are nowhere near the shambles that Notre Dame and the NFL’s Browns and Jets were in when these men took over.

However, aside from the hiring of Mike Nolan as the Broncos' defensive coordinator, McDaniels' infancy in the head coaching arena has been mired by bad decision after questionable decision. In fact, many of his more recent moves have looked awfully "Shanahanish."

If Mike Shanahan had made these moves (the botched Cutler fiasco or the No. 12 draft pick used to pick up Knowshon Moreno instead of addressing the defensive front seven), we’d say it was just Mike Shanahan being Mike Shanahan. Unfortunately, Pat Bowlen and the Broncos fans called for “change” and McDaniels has only given them "more of the same" (thank you, Democratic National Convention).

Some of the biggest changes came in the cuts/signing department

The Broncos not only bobbled the situation with Jay Cutler, but Patrick Ramsey was released. That means Kyle Orton and Chris Simms are their likely one and two quarterbacks.

Cornerback Dre Bly, 5'10" and 31 years old, was cut and his likely replacement is 5'9" Alphonso Smith of Wake Forest. Did I mention the Broncos gave up a first round draft pick for Smith?

Thirty-five year old Brian Dawkins becomes the new safety for the Broncos. They’re going to need him to play in 30-year-old form.

Although Knowshon Moreno may be a game-changer some day, was it necessary to pick him up with the No. 12 when the Broncos already had Buckhalter, Arrington, and Jordan? And just recently, Denver added Darius Walker. The smart money would have guessed that pick was being applied to the OL or DL.

With a 2009 schedule that pits the Broncos up against six teams that qualified for the 2008 NFL playoffs (Baltimore and Pittsburgh back-to-back following the Week Seven bye) and five of those games are against eight of the past nine Super Bowl champions, an 8-8 finish looks like a highwater mark for this team. A 6-10 season may be a little closer to how this year plays out.

Change has come to Denver…and it may not be for the best.

Sources:

Retrieved May 12, 2009, from NFL.com

Retrieved May 12, 2009, from denverpost.com

Retrieved May 12, 2009, from Denver Broncos team page

Retrieved May 12 2009, from ESPN.com

Denver Broncos work to patch holes in defense

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:18:24 -0400

The Denver Broncos may not have made a huge splash in the 2009 NFL Draft, but they have drawn from the free agency pool to address some glaring weaknesses.

After an 8-3 start where a win in any of the final five games would have given them a playoff berth, the Broncos pulled on the emergency brake and changed course.

The obvious problems with the 2008 roster were quality at defensive line (particularly nose guard) and safety on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback (the loss of Cutler was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg) and running back proved to be the trouble spots on offense.

Early in free agency, the Broncos added running backs J.J. Arrington (Cardinals), Correll Buckhalter (Eagles), LaMont Jordan (Patriots), and Darius Walker.

After acquiring Kyle Orton (Bears) in an attempt to have something to show for blowing it with the Pro Bowl selection Jay Cutler, the Broncos moved on Chris Simms (Titans).

Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense added a few free agents as well. Linebackers Andra Davis (Browns) and Nick Greisen (released by the Ravens) were snatched up with defensive tackles Ronald Fields (49ers) and Darrell Reid (Colts) and defensive backs Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman, and Renaldo Hill. Finally, defensive end Kenny Peterson was re-signed.

On a team lacking a star to headline its 3-4 defense, the Broncos had hoped to land a defensive lineman in the draft.

Well, with pick No. 18 the Broncos nabbed Robert Ayers.

The 6’3”, 270-pound Ayers was a run-stopping defensive end for the Tennessee Volunteers who will likely see some outside linebacker duty for Denver as well.

The Broncos addressed their hole at safety with pick No. 48, Darcel McBath and pick No. 114, David Bruton.

Running back Knowshon Moreno was taken with the first of Denver’s two first-round picks (No. 12 overall) and with the first pick in round six, Tom Brandstater was selected (No. 174).

Moreno will have a real opportunity to make an impact on the Broncos squad. Brandstater is lucky there are only two other quarterbacks on the team (for now).

Following the draft, the Broncos took a look at the undrafted collegiate free agents. In all, Denver would sign 15 of these free agents (four WRs, one RB, one TE, two OTs, two CBs, one P, two DEs, one DT, and a LB).

Let's liken this to pickup football games we played as children. Remember the short, chubby, uncoordinated, asthmatic kid whom always got picked last? He was important for one reason … he was No. 8.

Without him, you had a four on three or an all-time quarterback situation on your hands. You let him play strictly because you needed an extra body.

Among the free agent acquisitions was wide receiver David Grimes, who played for head coach Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.

Weis was the offensive coordinator who preceded Josh McDaniels in the Patriots organization. It would be fair to predict the two systems will be comparable.

If we look at the projected depth chart objectively, six of the 11 defensive starters did not play in Denver last year. The offense is a bit more recognizable (aside from Orton and the running backs).

Most people would agree that the Broncos’ offense was mostly fine before Cutler was run out of town, so there wasn't much to improve on that end.

The defense was 30^th in scoring and 29^th overall. Nothing short of an overhaul was going to help.

I believe the Broncos did a fair job addressing their weaknesses efficiently.

Are the holes filled? Yes.

Will it be enough to take the division? I say probably not, but only time will tell.

The Orange Crushed: How I Became a Denver Broncos Fan

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:08:11 -0400

When I was seven years old, the world of sports opened up to me with a clarity I have yet to realize in any other form in any other portion of my life. At seven years old, sports, all sports (at least the four major North American sports) made sense to me.

That year, I watched so much baseball and basketball and football and hockey, I became a pocket sized human almanac. My newly found favorite players were all from my newly found favorite teams. It was 1982 and I fell in love with sports.

Cal Ripken, Jr. was a rookie for the Baltimore Orioles. It seemed right that we would mature together. The next year, my favorite baseball player won AL rookie of the year honors and my favorite team won the World Series. So far, so good.

My favorite basketball team was the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1982, they won the NBA Championship (over the 76ers) and my favorite player, Magic Johnson, won his second finals MVP. Wow, look at me go.

I chose the Pittsburgh Penguins as my favorite NHL team after watching them beat up the Washington Capitals one night in 1983. The next year, they would select my favorite (or favourite for you hockey fans) hockey player, Mario Lemieux, with the number one pick overall. Lemieux would lead the Pens to back to back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992.

My father was a Baltimore Colts fan. I chose the Washington Redskins. In 1983, the Baltimore Colts finished 7-9 (fourth in the AFC East) and the Redskins defeated the Dolphins 27-17 in the Super Bowl. I was really good at this.

By 1987, my father’s Colts had left Baltimore for the greener (indoor) pastures of Indianapolis and the Washington Redskins were on their way to a second Super Bowl appearance (technically, in 1988).

It was January 31, 1988 and the Redskins (11-4) would face the Denver Broncos (10-4-1), lead by NFL league MVP John Elway.

The Redskins won Super Bowl XXII, 42-10. The score isn’t important. Doug Williams would become the first black quarterback to start and to win a Super Bowl. He would be named Super Bowl MVP. None of that is relevant to this story.

Ten minutes into the game, Denver was up 10-0 after Elway tossed a 56 yard TD to Ricky Nattiel on the first play from scrimmage and a 24 yard field goal attempt by Rich Karlis. And with players like Elway and Vance Johnson on offense and guys like Karl Mecklenburg, Rulon Jones, and Tony Lilly on defense, I was sure the AFC champs had all the breathing room they needed.

The Broncos sat there, on the sidelines, cool and collected. They looked like paratroopers waiting for a jump or firefighters on their way to a blaze. Only the task at hand mattered. As the fans celebrated, the Broncos just sat there and anticipated the next play. They were professionals and they knew there was more football to be played.

Then came the most points ever scored in one quarter. On five consecutive possessions, the Washington Redskins scored 35 unanswered points. As a Redskins fan, I was in heaven.

That’s when something else grabbed my attention. The Denver Broncos were not broken. They were not distraught. They were not finished.

The game of football is played for a full 60 minutes (in regulation). Whether the score was 10-0, 10-10, or in this case 42-10, the Denver Broncos had a game to play. The sideline mirrored that first quarter, up by ten team. Cool, calm, and collected.

True, at this point the Washington Redskins defense was pinning their ears back and pursuing aggressively, but John Elway and the Bronco offense went out there and played each down like it was the first. On their last possession of the game, Elway was sacked twice. He didn’t show anger or frustration. He exuded maturity, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

In losing the Super Bowl, by all rights a blowout, the Denver Broncos showed the league how a true champion should carry themselves. It’s easy to look good winning. It’s tough to look good when you’re down.

With John Elway as their quarterback, the Denver Broncos always looked like a class act. That day, John Elway became my favorite football player and the Denver Broncos, my favorite team.

Sources

Retrieved May 13, 2009, from NFL.com.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history.

Retrieved May 13, 2009, from NFL.com.

http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/recap/sbxxii.

Retrieved May13, 2009, from USAToday.com.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/super/superbowl-xxii-plays.htm.

Broncos 2009: New Coach, New Playbook, New Quarterback: No Worries?

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:01:52 -0400

After finishing the regular season 8-8 and missing the playoffs, Pat Bowlen decided it was time for a change.

Well, here it comes.

Mike Shanahan was fired on December 30, 2008. His replacement, Josh McDaniels, was hired on January 12, 2009.

Shortly after taking over the new job, McDaniels shook up both sides of the ball. He brought in Mike Nolan to run the Broncos defense, and the scheme was changed from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

The Denver D was ranked 30th in points, 19th in yards, 26th in defending the pass, and 27th against the run.

There is plenty of room for improvement there. The problem comes when addressing the personnel. Six of the 11 defensive starters have changed and aside from Brian Dawkins, none of those changes scream improvement.

Ronald Fields, Darrell Reid, and Kenny Peterson will be the starters on the defensive line. Dumervil, Boss Bailey, DJ Williams, and Andra Davis will be the backing corps, while Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill will team up with Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman in the backfield.

Before the offensive playbook could be addressed, there was a meltdown at the quarterback position and Jay Cutler fled the scene.

McDaniels added Kyle Orton to run his offense, which is not Mike Shanahan’s offense. No, we have not seen the end of the west coast offesne, or the running back-by-committee. McDaniels will implement some variation of the offense he was running in Foxboro.

In fact, it’s not easy to narrow down the Patriots offense. With the receivers constantly moving around and playing off each other, the offensive system is like water. It constantly shifts and moves to better adjust to defenses around the league. Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall should shine in this offense; think Welker and Moss.

You will not be shown the same offense two weeks in a row and for a team that just drafted University of Georgia standout Knowshon Moreno, it should be noted that the Patriots were sixth n the NFL in rushing last year. Buckhalter will likely get the bulk of the load in carries this year.

Jeremy Bates was released to make room for the Broncos’ new QB coach, Mike McCoy. McCoy worked with Steve Beuerlein and Jake Delhomme in the Carolina organization and will now be an asset to Orton and the Denver O.

It’s unfortunate to see a Pro Bowler run out of town, but points on the board and a stack of ‘W’s can make that bitterness disappear. One thing’s for sure, if the Denver Broncos don’t succeed, it won’t be because they didn’t make moves.

20 Questions for Ben Hamilton

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:54:58 -0400

If given the opportunity to engage one of the Denver Broncos players in a sit down interview, I believe these would be the 20 questions I would ask Broncos guard Ben Hamilton.

No. 50 has been a Denver Bronco for nine seasons, longer than any other player on the squad. The 6’4” center/guard was drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 draft.

1) You anchored the offensive line in 2003 when the Broncos set a franchise record for yards from scrimmage. Clinton Portis, Mike Andersen, Reuben Droughns, and Quentin Griffin (as well as Cecil Sapp for 1 game) amassed 2629 total yards that season. Who gets the credit for that, Mike Shanahan, the RBs, or the big uglies?

2) You’ve spent your entire professional career with the Broncos, and more notably, Mike Shanahan. How did you feel about the organization releasing your head coach?

3) What are your expectations for your new head coach, Josh McDaniels?

4) From 2002 to 2006, you started every game of the season. You missed all of 2007 with symptoms due to concussions. Then in 2008, you started all 16 games again. That’s 96 starts in 96 games. How important is it to be on that field when the game starts?

5) You’ve had four different starting quarterbacks since joining the Broncos: Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler, and now Kyle Orton. Who has been your favorite field general and why?

6) Let’s fast-forward to 2013. You’ve started all 176 games you’ve played in. Do you make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

7) Who’s better, John Elway (48 years old) now or Kyle Orton (26 years old) now?

8) If you were going to be traded to another team in your division, where would you want to go?

9) Who was your favorite player when you were growing up?

10) This will be your last football question. Next we’ll get to know Ben the person. What do you enjoy more, pass blocking for that long strike or run blocking for the big gain?

11) Okay, now it’s time for some fun. If you weren’t in football (in any capacity), what would Ben Hamilton’s dream job be?

12) What songs are getting heavy rotation on your ipod right now?

13) Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, (NFL favorite) Jessica Simpson, or Jessica Rabbit?

14) You’re on a desert island with only your carry-on bag. What did you bring along?

15) They’re making a movie about your life… “The Gopher Who Became a Bronco”, who plays you?

16) Who plays the female love interest?

17) What do you like best about Germany (former Berlin Thunder)?

18) Orange Crush or Bronco Blue?

19) If you could have dinner and a conversation with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?

20) Heads or tails?

Sources

Retrieved May 14, 2009, from the Denver Broncos team site.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=720.

Profiling the Denver Broncos' Journeyman Coaches

brian clothier — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:45:45 -0400

The 2009 Denver Broncos will look quite different from the 2008 squad.

And though a lot of attention will be paid to the new QB, the new running backs, and the new 3-4 defense, success starts with the coaches…who are also mostly new.

Let’s take a look at some of the key personnel who will be sharing the sideline this year.

Josh McDaniels, head coach

How many times have you heard that old cliché “It’s in his blood”? Well, that phrase couldn’t fit anyone better than Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels.

McDaniels father, Thom, is a coaching legend in the Ohio high school football world. In fact, Thom coached his son (as the team quarterback) at Canton McKinley.

After high school, McDaniels was able to benefit from his father’s friendship with Nick Saban. Josh landed a graduate assistant role at Michigan State then joined the Patriots' organization.

He spent 2001 as a personnel assistant with the Patriots before taking on a defensive coaching position in 2002. In 2004, he traded defense for offense as he became the team’s quarterbacks coach.

Two years later, he parlayed that role into the offensive coordinator’s position (following the exit of Charlie Weis to Notre Dame in 2004).

In 2007, under McDaniels’ guidance, the Patriots' offense set NFL records for touchdowns and points scored.

Now McDaniels has the opportunity to showcase his style of offense in Denver.

The assistants

Though Mike Shanahan had hoped his staff would be retained, McDaniels thought it best to bring in some new minds.

The newcomers include special teams coach Mike Priefer, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, wide receivers coach Adam Gase, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely, and secondary coach Ed Donatell, who is back for a second term (1995-99).

Mike Priefer has been in the coaching ranks since 1994, when he coached at his alma mater, Navy.With four college coaching positions under his belt, Priefer made the jump to the NFL in 2002 when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before coming to Denver, he spent time in the Giants' organization and, most recently, with division rival Kansas City as the Chiefs' special-teams coach.

Mike McCoy spent time as quarterback at Long Beach State and Utah before making a jump to the pros (Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League).

His short-lived pro career segued into a coaching career when he became an offensive assistant for the Carolina Panthers in 1999. McCoy made his way to quarterbacks coach in Carolina before making the transition to offensive coordinator for the Broncos.

Speaking of noted pedigrees, Mike Nolan's father, Dick, was a revered coach for the 49ers, and Mike has worked with Brian Billick, Al Groh, and Norv Turner, as well as Dan Reeves in Denver.

Nolan lettered three years at safety for Oregon and then took a graduate assistant position with the Ducks. From there, he moved on to Pac-10 rival Stanford to be linebackers coach. Nolan also coached at Rice (defensive line) and LSU (linebackers) before joining the Broncos' staff in 1987.

He coached the linebackers in Denver until 1992 then worked for the Giants, Redskins, Jets, and Ravens before getting his own head coaching position in San Francisco in 2005.

Nolan, who will run a 3-4 (last year, the Broncos worked from a 4-3), inherits a defense that has given up over 400 points in each of the last two seasons and last year ranked 29th in the league.

Josh McDaniels has assembled a fine staff of coaches to help the Broncos add another Lombardy Trophy to their collection. After several disappointing seasons, they may have the pieces in place to begin their ascension back to the top.

These journeymen coaches hope they have finally found a home.

Sources

Retrieved May 14, 2009, from the Denver Broncos team site.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/coaches?coaType=head&team=DEN.

Retrieved May 15, 2009, from NFL.com.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&role=OPP&offensiveStatisticCategory=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&season=2008&seasonType=REG&tabSeq=2&qualified=true&Submit=Go.