Bleacher Report - Articles by Sayre Bedinger

Back to the Xs and Os: How the Denver Broncos Can Win at Arrowhead

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:11:43 -0500

A week after taking a 43-13 pounding from the San Diego Chargers, the Kansas City Chiefs will once again try to dethrone an AFC playoff contender when the Denver Broncos visit Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Broncos ended a four-game slide when they beat the New York Giants 26-6 on primetime television Thanksgiving night. It seems if the Broncos lost that game, they would undoubtedly be on the outside looking in on the playoff picture, possibly for good.

Now they are set to make what has turned out to be one of the most difficult December road trips any team can face with a visit to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.

The last time the Broncos made their way to Arrowhead, Jay Cutler almost single-handedly gave the game to the Chiefs, ending the Broncos' 3-0 start in 2008 with a 33-19 reality check.

This time, the circumstances are quite different.

Again, the Chiefs are looking to play the role of spoiler. But for the Broncos the stakes are higher. The playoffs are potentially on the line.

This is the quintessential trap game, one which the Broncos will most certainly be ready for.

Denver is better in every major statistical category. On paper, they should dominate this game.

But games are not won on paper.

Here is how the Broncos can win on Sunday.

1. Get Knowshon Moreno his First 100-Yard Game

The Chiefs are allowing nearly 135 rushing yards per contest and the Broncos' running game is clearly on the rise, thanks to rookie tailback Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno has nearly broken 100 yards multiple times this season, but for some reason he always seems to hit a bit of a wall. If the Broncos are going to win this game, they need to ensure that Moreno and the rejuvenated running game control the line of scrimmage and the game clock.

A huge key for the game on Sunday for the Broncos is the return of right tackle Ryan Harris, who went down with a toe injury earlier this season. Harris was playing at a Pro Bowl level before his injury and the Broncos have lost four of the five games he has missed.

Harris' athleticism and mere presence will help the Broncos in the running game. He really does add another dimension to the Denver offense.

Expect the Broncos to show a heavy dose of the running game on Sunday. If they do it effectively, expect it to lead them to the winner's circle.

2. Force Early Turnovers

The Chiefs' offensive line is among the worst in the NFL and the Broncos need to exploit it. Sack-master Elvis Dumervil, who leads the league with 14 quarterback takedowns, needs to cause havoc for Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel.

It is almost certain the Broncos will force turnovers, but they can put this game away by forcing Cassel into poor throws early on or causing fumbles via sacks.

It's clear that the Broncos' offense thrives with a short field and the defense needs to make that scenario possible as often as they can.

Kansas City has gotten a jump in the passing game from waiver-wire acquisition Chris Chambers, a player the Broncos are familiar with from his days in San Diego.

Another area the Broncos can exploit is the Chiefs' quarterback position, where Josh McDaniels essentially has the task of taking down his own project in Cassel.

McDaniels groomed Cassel in New England and he knows every strength and weakness the kid possesses. The Broncos should be able to exploit Cassel and the weak passing offense of the Chiefs.

3. Oh Kyle Orton, Where Art Thou?

Okay, so the heading is lame, but here it goes.

The Broncos are facing one of the NFL's worst pass defenses this week and quarterback Kyle Orton needs to have a big game. With a fully healthy offensive line and receiving core, he has no more excuses to be anything but the Orton we all saw in the first six weeks.

The Chiefs have good cornerbacks, but the Broncos have better wide receivers and tight ends. Brandon Marshall will be a strong focus of attention by the Chiefs and the Broncos should look to intermediate routes over the middle of the field to exploit Kansas City.

Orton should have a big game against the Chiefs, provided he is smart with his passes, as usual.

This is a game the Broncos cannot overlook. And as disciplined as this team has proven to be this season, it does not seem like an option.

The Broncos need to improve to 8-4 in the heated AFC playoff race, with the potential to catch the San Diego Chargers for the AFC West title as the season progresses.

Josh McDaniels "Zwah's" The Media, Shaun Phillips, and Ryan Clark

Sayre Bedinger — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:55:02 -0500

On ABC's hit television show “Scrubs” there is a very colorful character named Ed, an intern who is known for his laziness and timely humor. In the show, Ed makes popular the verb "zwah,” which according to Urban Dictionary is defined as "a word that you yell only when someone has been completely owned."

We will come back to that.

Josh McDaniels has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, and he finally set the record straight.

The first incident was that he allegedly shouted at San Diego Chargers' linebacker Shaun Phillips, a player known for running his mouth constantly, yelling, "We own you" at him. McDaniels was apologetic, and a little frustrated by the accusations, also saying that Phillips was one who should also be at fault.

"I was two or three steps out of the tunnel when Shaun Phillips raced up to me with his helmet off and said, 'I'll kick your [expletive] ass, too,' " explained McDaniels. "I'm not saying I felt physically threatened but that's exactly the way it went down. It surprised me in a way but we played them a lot when I was in New England and he's always been that kind of guy.

"I wasn't out there trash-talking their players, going through their drills. This guy has been doing this since I've been in the league and, because they won, he takes the liberty of telling his side of the story. I didn't swear at him or threaten him. What I actually said was, 'I've heard the same thing from you for four or five years now, and when I was in New England, we owned you.'"

McDaniels apologized for saying even that, but said also that it was nothing near what Phillips portrayed.

In fact, McDaniels was so rubbed the wrong way that he has asked the league to look into the events of that particular day further. He also added that maybe the Chargers don't know the whole story either.

"I don't think [Chargers coach] Norv Turner knows what happened and I know he wouldn't approve of it," said McDaniels. "If one of my players ever did that, I'd be livid. I think any coach would be."

Shaun Phillips, if what Broncos coach Josh McDaniels is saying is true, (and for the record, we'll take his side in the matter because you are known for running your mouth) then you have just been "Zwahed!”

After the incident and the reports that McDaniels tried to start a fight with the San Diego ball club by saying, "We own you," Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark felt the need to throw in his two cents on the situation.

Might I add in a very immature manner.

Essentially, what Clark suggested was that if a coach came to you and said something along the lines of what McDaniels said, the opposing player(s) should be able to retaliate in a physical manner.

Despite my thinking that he might be joking, he actually had the gall to go on and say he wanted to petition something to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Absolutely laughable, and McDaniels was stunned as well.

"I'm hearing that I'm being called a renegade coach and that I'm always trying to stir things up and [media] are asking questions based on erroneous information. I even read where [Steelers safety] Ryan Clark wanted the commissioner to do something about a coach taunting players. I have a lot of respect for Ryan Clark and that bothers me.

"I'm not trying to exacerbate the situation by talking about it but if somebody is going to make a judgment about me, I'd appreciate it if they had all the facts and properly report it."

Ryan Clark, you also have just been "Zwahed!”

The other incident McDaniels was involved in recently was the NFL Network not editing out one of his atomic F-bombs on live television.

McDaniels was heard accross the nation saying, "All we're trying to do is win the motherf***ing game!"

Now, this is commonplace in the NFL, as sad as it may be. I do not approve of swearing, nor do I promote it.

Nonetheless, it is a huge part of the game today because people often get caught up in the moment and say things they shouldn't (not that we haven't seen countless coaches mouth these things on the sidelines).

"I'm not going to apologize for coaching the game but I apologize that people had to hear that," McDaniels said.

McDaniels has been ridden pretty hard by the media all year long, and this was just fodder for them apparently. The statement above is worthy...

Media, you have just been "Zwahed!”

McDaniels and the Broncos are fresh off of what turned out to be the biggest victory of their season so far, and this is how the media rewards them.

Now that they have finally bugged the guy to the point where he was obligated to address the situations, they got what they deserved.

A verbal slap in the face, also known as the "zwah.”

Will Tim Tebow Be Running "Wild Horses" With the Denver Broncos In 2010?

Sayre Bedinger — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:15:40 -0500

Alright Broncos fans, here's the deal. Obviously many are under the impression that Josh McDaniels' squad does not need a quarterback in the upcoming draft because of the emergence of Kyle Orton, and some with good reason.

Orton has completed over 62 percent of his passes for 2,447 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He has a decent quarterback rating of 87.9 and has been very effective in the Broncos' offense as a leader.

He has shown great toughness, playing through a devastating ankle injury and leading the Broncos to a gutsy Thanksgiving night victory over the New York Giants.

Personally, I still feel there is a persistent need for a true playmaker at quarterback. To me, it feels like Chester Taylor is playing when Adrian Peterson is somewhere out there.

Is Taylor a good backup? Yes. Is he capable of starting whenever called upon? Yes. Is he smart? Yes. Is he tough? Yes. Is he Adrian Peterson?

No.

Obviously it's a little different with the quarterback position, and I know the Broncos are doing more than just getting by with Orton as they are on top of the AFC wildcard race and just as recently as last week they held sole possession of first place for the first two months of the season.

If the Broncos decide to pursue Kyle Orton in the offseason as a free agent, there will be no major change at quarterback without an injury. He will be the starter, and likely for the foreseeable future.

This year, the Broncos added a new formation to their offense called "Wild Horses” that is essentially the team's version of the "Wildcat". Currently, the player taking the snaps out of this formation is Knowshon Moreno, and while the rookie tailback is one of the team's most versatile players, he is not fit to run the "Wild Horses.”

That is one of many reasons I believe the Broncos will give Tim Tebow a serious look in the NFL Draft. Many people are giving Tebow a hard time when it comes to his NFL prospects, mainly because of his accuracy issues and release point.

Let me go on record as saying that I believe Tebow will be an extremely effective player in the NFL. There are a variety of reasons I believe he is a good fit for the league, and the Denver Broncos in particular.

It is not because he already looks good in orange and blue.

1. Versatility

If there is one thing I took from Josh McDaniels' first crop of draft picks, it is that every single player's main strength is versatility.

    * Knowshon Moreno: Very multi-talented back. Powerful runner, willing blocker, excellent receiver.
    * Robert Ayers: Able to play standing up or with his hand in the ground. Excellent run-stuffer and powerful pass rush capabilities.
    * Alphonso Smith: Good cover corner, solid tackler, and an asset in the return game.
    * Darcel McBath: Willing tackler whose main strength is in coverage. Ball-hawking safety with speed to play cornerback. Also a solid special teams player.
    * Richard Quinn: Blocking tight end specialist with surprisingly reliable hands despite his college numbers.
    * Seth Olsen: Strong, athletic, and quick. Played both tackle and guard in college.
    * David Bruton: Excellent special teams gunner, and strong leader of a defense. Great tackling safety.
    * Kenny McKinley: Good hands at receiver, but maybe more promise as a kick return specialist. Can be a good slot receiver and is deceptively fast.
    * Tom Brandstater: Smart quarterback prospect with a strong arm.

Essentially, my point is the Broncos love and clearly value versatility in players, and I have to ask, is there a more versatile player in the entire draft that Tim Tebow?

Some are saying he could be a tight end or H-back prospect. Some are saying he will be a scrambling quarterback. Heck, I have even heard that he might be a good fit for the linebacker position.

Tebow, statistically is one of the most dominant players in college football history, and may even be the best college player of all time. He is a good passer with great escape ability, and he is a powerful runner who has set numerous rushing records from the quarterback position.

This guy has the chance to be a scrambling star at the next level and is one of the best quarterback prospects on the run.

2. Leadership

Tebow is famous for his ability to lead a team, and people might remember him best for the shot where he is bleeding all over his face, and he has the I’m-going-to-kill-someone look in his eyes.

This guy commands the huddle without getting under his teammates’ skin. He is a fiery competitor and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win a game or to gain an extra yard.

The Broncos clearly value leadership, as nearly every captain from the 2008 squad changed in 2009. Brian Dawkins, the team's main free agent acquisition, was named a defensive captain along with Champ Bailey and Mario Haggan.

On offense, Kyle Orton, Casey Wiegmann, and Daniel Graham were all named captains.

Wesley Woodyard, a second-year player who was undrafted in 2008, was named special teams captain.

Andra Davis was a team captain for the Cleveland Browns for a few years prior to signing with Denver, and D.J. Williams was a defensive captain in 2008.

Kenny Peterson also seems like he could be a strong candidate for a defensive captain.

The point I'm trying to make here is that the Broncos place a high value on leadership, and Tebow brings that to the table. Here is a scouting report from ESPN.com on Tebow's leadership abilities:

“Rare intangibles and work ethic. The ultimate team player. Exceptional mental and physical toughness. Temptations that can accompany NFL money and lifestyle will have zero affect on Tebow.

“Rare mental toughness. Very few are blessed with his natural competitiveness, leadership skills and work ethic. Both a vocal leader and leader by example. However, there are some concerns regarding his mental aptitude in the passing game. He comes from a unique spread-formation offense so it can be difficult at times to differentiate instincts from inexperience. The bottom line is that he's nowhere near ready to make the kind of coverage reads necessary to succeed as a passer in the NFL.”

3. Intelligence

This one is basically self-explanatory, and unless you have been living under a rock for the last four years, you should know that Tebow is one of the most intelligent players in college football today.

For two years in a row, he has been named an ESPN Academic All-American and likely will be named to his third straight after the 2009 season. He is also extremely involved in community events, mainly related to mission works.

Tebow is an extremely mature young individual, and I think the Broncos will be hard-pressed to come away from interviews with him without being impressed. He is an outstanding young man, and it translates onto the football field.

So, if the Broncos are not looking at a quarterback to replace Orton, they most certainly will be looking for a backup as Chris Simms simply is not cutting it. My question is, why not Tebow?

Versatility, intelligence, and leadership are three things that clearly the Broncos value in draft picks, and Tebow possesses all three at an elite level.

He brings the offense another huge weapon, and quite frankly another dimension with the wildcat formation.

So if not Tim Tebow for a replacement at quarterback, what about another offensive weapon?

2010 Denver Broncos Mock Draft Part Two: Could Denver Trade Down?

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:06:42 -0500

The Denver Broncos are fresh off of their biggest victory of the season, defeating the New York Giants 26-6 on Thanksgiving night.

In light of that victory, it's time for a new mock draft.

My last draft segment had the Broncos taking Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, and I have since realized that taking Bradford will be all but impossible unless the Broncos trade up, which is something they simply cannot afford to do.

The Broncos have only five picks going into this draft, and they will likely try to move down on draft day unless a "can't miss" prospect falls into their laps.

Certainly it will be hard to pass on a guy like Rolando McClain, the star middle linebacker from Alabama, but the Broncos have to.

One interesting scenario would be for Josh McDaniels to go back to his New England roots and strike a deal with Bill Belicheck and the Patriots, who are armed with three second round picks.

The Chicago Bears are reeling right now, and the pick that they are sending to the Broncos is likely to be in the top 15 at the very worst. They currently have a record of 4-6, and still have two games left against division leader Minnesota.

In all likelihood, the Bears will finish the season with eight losses or more, putting the Broncos in very good position for a high draft pick.

How does this all come together?

The Broncos could choose to trade down to New England's pick by giving up a prospect like Florida's Carlos Dunlap, who could fill in for the Pats' departed Richard Seymour. New England would be able to move up to, let's say pick number 10, and the Broncos would move down to pick 27.

Moving down 17 picks is a huge discrepancy in the NFL Draft, and the trade value chart is often a good depiction of how much a team is willing to give up.

The 10th overall pick is worth 1,300 points on the trade value chart, and the 27th pick is only worth 680. The Patriots would likely include both of their late second round picks to account for the difference in points.

The Patriots hold Jacksonville's pick, which is currently projected at 22nd and worth 360 points in the second round. New England's pick is worth 300, and the difference would be 40 points—essentially nothing.

Armed with three second round picks, the Broncos really would be in business.

In this projected sequence, they hold the 27th, 54th, 56th, and 60th picks in the first two rounds of the draft.

At this point, Broncos fans are salivating.

Here's how I would spend those picks if I were Josh McDaniels and the rest of the Broncos' brass.

First Round, 27th overall: Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas

I love his intangibles and leadership as a quarterback prospect. He has a much better arm than he's given credit for and he is extremely accurate with his throws. If you missed the Texas-Texas A&M game, then you missed out on just how mobile this kid really is. He is a phenomenal athlete.

Second Round, 54th overall: Javier Arenas, Cornerback, Alabama

Extremely versatile player, might not last to this pick. He is an elite-level return man, and is more than just a good cover corner with excellent speed. He has five sacks in his senior season, and is also a phenomenal tackler. If he were a couple inches taller, he would be a top-20 pick.

Second Round, 56th overall: Corey Wootton, Defensive End, Northwestern

Wootton is a versatile defensive lineman, who could potentially be the best five technique available in the draft. He excels in stopping the run, but also gets a solid push in the passing game. He is athletic enough to stand up in the 3-4 or put his hand in the ground.

Second Round, 60th overall: Jerry Hughes, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, TCU

Hughes is an elite pass rusher who has really gone under the radar. He reminds me a lot of current Bronco Elvis Dumervil, though Hughes is a couple of inches taller. He is a phenomenal tackler who would transition well to the 3-4 defensive scheme, and he would add great depth to the Broncos' linebacker core.

Third Round, 88th overall: Jordan Shipley, Wide Receiver, Texas

The Broncos' wide receivers are a fairly elite group as it currently stands, but Brandon Stokley is aging, and why not give first round pick Colt McCoy his favorite college target at the next level? Shipley is an intelligent receiver with deceptive speed, and he is also an asset in the return game.

Fourth Round, 120th overall: Eric Olsen, Offensive Lineman, Notre Dame

Again, here is some more versatility, which the Broncos' coaching staff loves. Olsen started last season as an offensive guard, and has been the center for the Fighting Irish in 2009. He would be an ideal pickup for the Broncos at this point in the draft, as he adds both size and versatility to the interior of the line.

No Fifth Round Selections

Sixth Round, 184th overall: Dexter McCluster, Running Back, Ole Miss

McCluster is Darren Sproles version 2.0. He is a small back with blazing speed who does virtually everything well. He has excellent hands out of the backfield and would be a great weapon in the passing game for the Broncos.

Knowshon Moreno is the Broncos' power back, and Correll Buckhalter has obviously lost a step or two. McCluster would be a nice addition.

Future Iowa Hawkeyes Punter Jonny Mullings the Steal from "Down Under"

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:40:01 -0500

If there is one thing Iowa Hawkeyes fans take for granted, it is the value of a great punter.

For almost three seasons now, the Hawkeyes have been spoiled by the All-American caliber play of Ryan Donahue, who is a finalist to win the award for nation's top punter.

Donahue averages over 41 yards per punt in his Iowa career, and he has become a huge weapon in the field position game, helping pin opponents' offenses deep in their own territory on a very consistent basis.

Iowa and its fans have the privilege of one more season of Donahue's spectacular gift unless he declares after this season for the NFL Draft, which appears unlikely at best.

Either way, it seems that Iowa has found a long-term replacement in the very talented Jonny Mullings, a native of Australia who has accepted a grayshirt offer and will be the Hawkeyes' next punter.

Though he is built more like a quarterback or small linebacker at 6'4" 215 pounds, make no mistake about it—this kid can play.

Mullings is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to special teams play, and one of his skills is in kickoffs. He can consistently put the ball midway into the end zone with over five seconds of hangtime, enabling most D-1 college athletes to get down the field to make a tackle.

The Australian native can also help the Hawkeyes in the field goal kicking game if needed, with a range stretching to 40 yards.

Still, his biggest asset is his punting, which is absolutely off the charts. Not only can Mullings boot the ball nearly 60 yards in the air with consistency, he can make it hang for over five seconds almost every time. He also excels in directional punting, and is able to consistently put the ball inside the ten yard line from short distances.

Need proof? Check out his recruiting video, and prepare to be amazed.

It seems the Hawkeyes always seem to find a gem or two in their recruiting classes, but this time, they had to go way down under to find one.

Top TE Prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz Switches Commitment, Joins Iowa Hawkeyes

Sayre Bedinger — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:25:30 -0500

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that four-star tight end prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz has switched his verbal commitment from Illinois to Iowa after an official visit last weekend.

Fiedorowicz, a native of Johnsburg, IL, committed to Illinois back in July. After Illinois' horrid season and Iowa's first 10 win season since 2004, Fiedorowicz decided winning was more important.

And it helps that Iowa's top tight end Anthony Moeaki is heading off to the NFL after this season.

The Army All-American had a very, very good senior season catching 44 passes for 921 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 42 touchdown grabs rank second in Illinois high school football history.

He is the fifth rated tight end prospect in the country, and the second best prospect in all of Illinois according to Rivals.com.

Fiedorowicz's commitment gives the Hawkeyes a total of four four-star commitments so far this season, and the coaching staff is hard after the top player in the country, Seantrel Henderson.

The 6'7" 240 pound tight end should see significant playing time as a freshman and could become a quick favorite target of quarterback Ricky Stanzi.

Turns out, the off week for the Hawkeyes proved to be more productive than anyone ever could have imagined, and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl would be icing on the cake.

2010 NFL Mock Draft Round One: QB Jake Locker To St. Louis?

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:51:00 -0500

For some reason, the NFL Draft is a really hot topic right now even though the NFL playoff race is in full form. There is just something about this event that NFL fans simply love.

Here's my first projection of what could happen in April's draft.

1. St. Louis Rams: Jake Locker - QB, Washington

Marc Bulger is simply not cutting it for the Rams anymore. It doesn't really help that their offensive line is inexperienced for the most part, and they have no legitimate wide receiver targets to speak of. Locker will be an instant hit, creating offense on his own at times.

2. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry - S, Tennessee

When rebuilding, you've got to start somewhere. Fortunately, Brady Quinn showed a little bit of promise in his most recent game. Granted, it was against the Detroit Lions, but an improvement nonetheless. If he can continue to play moderately well, he will save the Browns of yet another project at the quarterback position in likely a new offense. Berry may be the best prospect available in this draft, and will have an immediate impact.

3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh - DT, Nebraska

Suh is probably the best defensive line prospect to come along since Mario Williams back in 2006. He is not as effective in the pass rush area, but he is a dominant force who demands double teams. The Buccaneers are a huge rebuilding project and this would be a good start.

4. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy - DT, Oklahoma

McCoy draws comparisons to former OU defensive lineman Tommie Harris of the Chicago Bears. He would bring instant credibility to a line that now features Grady Jackson and Sammie Lee Hill.

5. Buffalo Bills: Russell Okung - OT, Oklahoma State

The Bills' pass protection is horrendous, and it's unlikely that owner Ralph Wilson is going to want to shell out the cash for a big name quarterback. This is a deep draft for QB's and a good one could be had in the second or third round. If the Bills bring in Mike Shanahan, this pick will be Jimmy Clausen.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Morgan - DE/OLB, Georgia Tech

The Chiefs' pass rush is not great, and Morgan may be the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He is an athletic freak and would bring some legitimacy off the edge for Kansas City. The Chiefs could also look for a replacement for Derrick Johnson if they decide to let him walk in free agency.

7. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays - S, USC

You can all but start printing Taylor Mays jerseys for the Raiders. He is exactly what Al Davis craves athletically, and he would pair well with either Michael Huff or Mike Mitchell in the defensive backfield.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Bradford - QB, Oklahoma

Unfortunately, this one is all but a lock to happen if Bradford's arm checks out fine in the offseason workouts. There is always a chance he could go higher, but it is hard to believe the Seahawks will pass on a franchise QB prospect.

9. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams - OT, Oklahoma

The Redskins need a lot of help, mainly in the coaching area. The one area their team struggles most is along the offensive front. Williams would come in and likely start for this team, though it's unclear who he would be protecting at this point.

10. Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Rolando McClain - LB, Alabama

The final piece to the Jay Cutler trade comes down to this pick. The Broncos could go a number of different directions here, but if Sam Bradford is off the board, the team will likely look for a partner to go alongside D.J. Williams in the middle of their defense. McClain would help form a nice quartet with Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams, and Robert Ayers for the future.

11. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina): Jimmy Clausen - QB, Notre Dame

The Alex Smith project may finally be over. Clausen could be too good to pass on here for the 49ers, who desperately need someone to sling the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

12. New York Jets: Dez Bryant - WR, Oklahoma State

Bryant would either pair with Braylon Edwards or replace him if the Jets choose not to retain him. Either way, this is a good pick for the Jets. Bryant is a dynamic receiver and really the only elite one in this draft class.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden - CB, Florida

The 49ers' secondary is not porous by any means, but again, Haden is too good to pass up at this point. He is undoubtedly the best corner in this draft, and he gives the Niners a legitimate top cornerback.

14. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap - DL, Florida

The Titans' defensive line has long been a strength of the team, and Dunlap is just another piece to the puzzle. He is athletic enough to line up inside or out, and the Titans will love that about him.

15. Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Spiller - RB, Clemson

The Falcons lack a pure speed back in their offensive attack, and Spiller could really put them over the hump. He is also a guy who can return punts and kicks, and he adds another dimension to their offense. This would be a great pick.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham - TE, Oklahoma

Joe Flacco needs a more athletic safety valve than Todd Heap, who is nothing of what he used to be. Gresham is the top tight end in this class by far, and he would be a great addition to the Ravens' offense.

17. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas - S, Texas

Thomas' stock is fast on the rise. The Texans' only weakness defensively is at the safety position, and this guy would help fill a major void.

18. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Spikes - LB, Florida

Spikes would pair well with Channing Crowder to give the Dolphins a dynamic young duo of middle linebackers. Spikes is extremely athletic and would be a great fit for this defense.

19. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jahvid Best - RB, California

Jahvid Best is one of the best playmakers in college football. His injury is minor cause for concern, and it shouldn't hurt him too much on draft day. This is a pretty popular pick among mock drafts, and Best could very well wind up heading north to play for the Seahawks.

20. Green Bay Packers: Anthony Davis - OT, Rutgers

Aaron Rodgers has been sacked over 40 times already this season, which is simply unacceptable. They need to keep that kid on his feet or they will be sorry. Davis is a huge offensive tackle prospect who would start protecting Rodgers' blind side immediately.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow - QB, Florida

There are a lot of connections here, but the Jaguars are struggling to sell tickets. Tebow would help that immensely. He fits what this offense does perfectly, and he would be a terrific weapon for Jack Del Rio and the Jags.

22. New York Giants: Arthur Jones - DT, Syracuse

The Giants are always looking for depth along their frontline defensively, and that is why they consistently put out a great pass rush. Jones would be a nice addition up front for these guys, though they are already pretty deep at this position. They could also look for a middle linebacker with this pick.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jason Pierre-Paul - DE, South Florida

The Eagles have one of the top pass rushes in the league almost annually, and they need to continue adding kindling to the fire. Pierre-Paul is a hot prospect right now who would fit the Eagles' defense perfectly.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati - OL, Idaho

The Steelers' offensive line simply is not cutting it. Ben Roethlisberger loves his group of guys, but they simply don't keep his jersey clean enough as it currently stands. Iupati is another hot prospect who could wiggle into the first round come draft day.

25. Arizona Cardinals: Greg Hardy - DE/OLB, Ole Miss

Hardy is a top pass rushing prospect who would help fill the void left by Antonio Smith this past offseason. He was considered a top prospect last season, and has not disappointed this year.

26. Cincinnati Bengals: Navorro Bowman - OLB, Penn State

Bowman would be a steal with this pick and would pair very nicely with Rey Maualuga as a young core of linebackers for the Bengals, one of the surprise teams of 2009.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Arrelious Benn - WR, Illinois

Benn would pair nicely with Miles Austin in Dallas, though the Cowboys may not look this way if Roy Williams breaks out of his year long slump. Benn is a physical receiver with good size.

28. New England Patriots: Jonathan Dwyer - RB, Georgia Tech

The Patriots really don't need much. They could look to offensive line depth, but it makes more sense to go after a guy like Dwyer who can run between the tackles and give them another weapon on offense.

29. San Diego Chargers: Marvin Austin - DL, North Carolina

San Diego's run defense is horrid, and it all starts up front. Marvin Austin could help rectify their woes defensively, and particularly against the run. They could also look to Terrence Cody with this pick.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Terrence Cody - DT, Alabama

Pat Williams isn't getting older, and the Vikings cannot afford to be missing that absolutely critical part of their defensive success. A successor for Williams like Cody is just what the doctor ordered, though the Vikes could also look to a quarterback of the future here, or defensive end.

31. New Orleans Saints: Sergio Kindle - OLB, Texas

And the rich get richer. New Orleans' defense is already vastly improved, but their linebacker core is not anything to write home about. Kindle is a top tier pass rusher, and he would help them on multiple fronts.

32. Indianapolis Colts: Bruce Carter OLB, North Carolina

The Colts' defense always plays better than the players they have, and this is certainly an area they need to improve. They could also go with a defensive back, which may be even more likely.

On Second Thought, Is Josh McDaniels Solely To Blame for Denver's Slide?

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:04:58 -0500

It is always easier to point the finger at someone else.

The Denver Broncos' recent four-game losing streak has pointed out weakness after weakness, but maybe not coincidentally, the horrid slide can be traced back to one roster move.

Earlier, I suggested that the Broncos' four game losing streak was due to lack of an elite quarterback. That is still partly true, but how is this for a statistic:

The Denver Broncos were 6-0 with Brett Kern at punter and are 0-4 without him. Inversely, the Tennessee Titans were 0-6 before signing Kern and, since bringing him in to be their punter, the Titans are 4-0.

Coincidence?

Probably, but the evidence is undeniably odd. Obviously, the Broncos' major problem is not the lack of the second-year punter, but that Josh McDaniels foolishly messed with his roster.

Prior to the Broncos' Week 8 matchup with Baltimore, McDaniels gave Kern the boot in favor of long-tenured veteran Mitch Berger. Berger proceeded to punt the ball a grand total of nine times against the Ravens in the Broncos' first loss of the season.

Then, just days before the Broncos' Monday night showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team's first home game in over a month, McDaniels and company showed promising second-year cornerback Jack Williams the door in favor of the older, slower, but more savvy Ty Law.

Williams appeared to be a player on the rise with the Broncos. He was considered to have a similar skill-set as former Bronco Darrent Williams and he is probably best known for his play in the end zone to help the Broncos beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4.

When the Broncos cut Williams, they ranked first in the NFL in pass defense. Since his departure, their pass defense has decreased to third in the league.

Now, don't get this wrong. I'm not trying to say that Jack Williams and Brett Kern are the difference between the Broncos being 10-0 and 6-4. But Josh McDaniels tried to fix a team that was not broken.

Was the punting game a concern? Maybe.

Was Williams a liability to the secondary? Possibly, at times.

The fact remains that McDaniels tampered with team chemistry by cutting two lesser-known players in favor of veterans who are far past their prime.

Thus, the Broncos' Thursday night game against the New York Giants is solely the responsibility of McDaniels. He needs to get his players jacked up. He needs to renew the chemistry this team had when it was rolling with a six-game winning streak into the bye week.

If not, he may be kissing his own season goodbye.

Fast.

2010 NFL Mock Draft, Denver Broncos-Style

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:47:57 -0500

For me, the NFL Draft is never too far away. If I have said it once, I have said it dozens of times. This is the single greatest event of the sports year in my opinion, and it's one of the most fun to speculate on.

The Denver Broncos' recent struggles have given way to lofty criticism, and they have exposed various obvious weaknesses on the team as well. As of now, this team has five draft picks. They own the rights to Chicago's first round pick, and they traded away their own to the Seattle Seahawks.

If the season ended today, the Broncos would have the 11th overall pick in the draft, which is the same pick they took Jay Cutler with back in 2006.

I firmly believe at this point that the Broncos need to look to an elite quarterback prospect with this pick, and this is the perfect year to do so. This year's quarterback class is very talented at the top end, featuring four or five legitimate potential first round picks.

As it stands, the teams that could potentially be looking for a quarterback who would theoretically be picking ahead of the Broncos are the St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and the Washington Redskins.

To get a moderately accurate idea of what the Broncos could be looking at in terms of prospects, let's mock the draft until the proverbial 11th overall pick, in which the Broncos will be selecting in this case.

1. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee

2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska

4. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma

5. Buffalo Bills: Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Rolando McClain, Middle Linebacker, Alabama

7. Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap, Defensive Lineman, Florida

8. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame

9. Washington Redskins: Taylor Mays, Safety, USC

10. Tennessee Titans: Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida

The Denver Broncos are now on the clock.

A lot of really good prospects off the board, and quite a few of which the Broncos will be keeping a close eye on come draft day. Still, this draft is extremely deep at almost every position, and the Broncos need to take advantage. Here are some of the top available prospects they could be looking at in this situation.

WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

Ultimately, general manager Brian Xanders and Josh McDaniels have the final call of which player is picked. McDaniels has not been known to be part of a team which selects a quarterback very high, but the only constant in this world is change.

McDaniels and the Patriots never picked a quarterback very high, but they never really had to either. Drew Bledsoe was the quarterback of the team early in the 2000's, and he was a former first overall pick. He was replaced by Tom Brady, who is a once in a lifetime gem found late in the sixth round.

The Broncos picked quarterback Tom Brandstater in the sixth round in 2009, but it's unhealthy at best to assume he is the long-term answer at the position. He seems to have the tools to potentially excel at this level, but you can't really bank on it.

Thus, this pick is an absolute no-brainer.

With the 11th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select...Sam Bradford, quarterback from Oklahoma University .

I love the sound of that, and Broncos fans would too. Bradford has a great head on his shoulders, and because he suffered a season-ending injury this season, he could wind up as the biggest steal of this draft.

Bradford is a near perfect fit for the Broncos' offense. He is the most accurate quarterback in the draft with above average arm strength, and he is a great leader on and off the field.

The Broncos likely will part ways with Chris Simms after this season, and if the price is reasonable they could retain Kyle Orton. In fact, they probably should. That way, Orton could be good insurance in case Bradford's development is slow, or if the Broncos simply do not want to start a rookie quarterback. Denver would then hold three quarterbacks in Bradford, Orton, and Brandstater.

After this pick, the Broncos have to wait a little while to select again. They would be in line for a mid-late second round pick with their 6-4 record. As it stands, that pick would fall somewhere in the early 50's, and right now at exactly 51st.

Using Scout's Inc.'s rankings, the top available prospects are:

G Jon Asamoah, Illinois
TE Aaron Hernandez, Florida
DE/OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU
G Mike Iupati, Idaho
RB Joe McKnight, USC
DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern

At this point, there is no real standout prospect the Broncos have to have. A wise decision here would be to trade down for a second, fourth, and sixth round pick.

Let's say the Broncos move down ten spots, to the bottom of the second round. They have acquired an extra fourth and sixth round pick to potentially maneuver again if they wish.

In this case, the Broncos still get the guy I would have taken with the 51st pick.

With the 61st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select...Corey Wootton, Defensive End, Northwestern.

This is a player I really like for the next level. He has outstanding size for a defensive lineman at 6'7" 280 pounds, and he could be a good five-technique prospect. The Broncos are a little thin on depth and youth at the defensive end position, and Wootton would be an ideal addition at this point in the draft.

The Broncos' next pick would come a little way past the middle of the third round, somewhere around the 83rd overall selection.

This pick may be a bit of wishful thinking on my part, but I'm going to go for it. Scout's Inc. rates this kid as the 75th best prospect in the draft, but the one thing I know about the NFL Draft is that the 75th best prospect could go in the first round, and the 10th best prospect can sometimes fall to the third.

With the 83rd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select...Vince Oghobaase, Defensive Lineman, Duke.

What in the world? A Duke football player?

You heard it here first. Vince Oghobaase is a very solid defensive lienman who is athletic enough to play inside in a 4-3 or as a five-technique in the 3-4. He and Wootton would give the Broncos a good pair of young defensive linemen with great athleticism, versatility, and intelligence, something which is valued very highly by this coaching staff.

In the fourth round, the Broncos have, as this situation has played out in this mock draft, two picks. This is a place where they can certainly address a wide variety of areas.

After taking their quarterback of the future and solidifying their defensive front, the Broncos can now focus on other areas of the team.

With their two fourth round picks, I like the Broncos to take Florida State safety Myron Rolle and Oregon cornerback Walter Thurmond .

Myron Rolle is a very intriguing prospect to me. He was a top prospect for the Seminoles coming out of high school, and showed why in his first three years at Florida State.

He graduated from FSU in 2009 and accepted a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University, and has been studying there for what would have been his senior season at Florida State. According to Rolle, he planned on maintaining football shape in his time in England, and he would return to the United States for the NFL Scouting Combine and a career in the NFL.

This is a man who has very lofty goals and dreams, and one who is inspiring. He gave up millions of dollars in the NFL to research in England a potential cure for cancer. He is an outstanding student who would have an opportunity to learn from the very best in Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey.

Thurmond is a very underrated prospect. He has been a four year starter for the Ducks and he will go later in the draft than he should because of a knee injury he suffered earlier this season. He is a very good tackler and has 12 career interceptions, and when he gets the ball he certainly knows what to do with it, scoring six career touchdowns.

In the sixth round, I think the Broncos will turn back to the offensive side of the ball.

Since they have two picks in this projected situation, they have a lot of flexibility in the earlier rounds.

With their first sixth round pick, I think the Broncos should take Iowa tight end Anthony Moeaki.

Moeaki has been oft-injured in his Iowa career, but head coach Kirk Ferentz calls him, "The best tight end I have ever coached." Those are some high praises considering Dallas Clark once roamed Kinnick Stadium.

Moeaki is undoubtedly a complete tight end. He could very well go higher than the sixth round, and he probably should simply based on his skill set. His biggest asset is his ability to run block, which often goes unnoticed. That being said, he is also a very good pass receiver. He does not have great speed, but he finds a way to get open.

The need for a tight end could come up if the Broncos lose Tony Scheffler to free agency.

With their other sixth round pick, I think the Broncos need to address the center position. I think the best senior center prospect in the draft is Baylor's Justin Walton, and the Broncos could go after him. Walton has good size for the center position, and would help the Broncos greatly with inside pass protection which is really lacking at the moment.

To recap, here are my projected draft selections at the moment if this situation were ever to play out.

Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma
Corey Wootton, Defensive End, Northwestern
Vince Oghobaase, Defensive End, Duke
Myron Rolle, Safety, Florida State
Walter Thurmond, Cornerback, Oregon
Tony Moeaki, Tight End, Iowa
Justin Walton, Center, Baylor

I think this would be a very solid draft for the Broncos. Not only do they get their quarterback of the future, they solidify their defensive front as well as add much needed depth, speed, and youth to their secondary.

Obviously, this is all just my speculation and maybe a little bit of wishful thinking. The holiday season will do that for a guy.

The Denver Broncos' Problem? An Apparent Lack of Quarterback

Sayre Bedinger — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:50:03 -0500

After starting 6-0, the Denver Broncos hit an apparent high. For once, the bye week killed momentum, and teams finally have the Broncos figured out.

Eliminate the short pass, and you can win by 20 or more every time.

The Denver Broncos' four game slide can be traced back to a number of different things. Lack of running game, lack of deep passing game, lack of pass protection, and below average special teams play.

Still, the most prevalent and obvious area that the Broncos lack is a legitimate passing threat.

Kyle Orton was an MVP candidate through the first six games of the seasons. He had nine touchdowns compared to only one interception, and he was arguably the most efficient quarterback in the league through that time.

He was getting the job done, and the Broncos did not hardly have throw the ball further than 15 yards on any given play.

Then, after the bye week, the Baltimore Ravens did something that no other team had done all season long, and that was blitz nearly every play, and take away the middle of the field on passing plays.

The Broncos were stunned.

Their offense became predictable, especially in the passing game. They have thrown only two touchdown passes since week six, and rank only 19th in the NFL in passing offense.

It would appear, through ten weeks of the season, that the Broncos need Jay Cutler, and Jay Cutler needs the Broncos, but that is beside the point.

What is the Broncos' answer at quarterback?

It certainly is not Chris Simms, who is the second highest paid backup in the NFL today, and one who has since proven that he is not an NFL starter, and maybe not even a backup anymore.

Simms' decision making is slow to develop, and his arm strength is nothing like what it was in the preseason.

For now, and probably for the rest of the season, the Broncos will ride it out with Kyle Orton, who is far and away the most experienced quarterback on the team.

He is a leader, winner, and he rarely makes stupid mistakes. He is as accurate as any quarterback on short passing routes, and he is efficient.

But he can't move the ball down the field with regularity or when the Broncos need it.

Orton is what we all thought he is: A game manager. He is not capable of driving the ball down the field at any given time in a game when the Broncos need a score.

Now, the Broncos have come back a few times this season, largely thanks to the arm of Orton. An 87 yard pass on opening day to win the game, a 51 yard strike to Brandon Marshall against the Cowboys to win the game, a game-winning drive against the Patriots, and a clincher touchdown toss to Brandon Stokley in the Broncos' last win against San Diego.

But it all means nothing now that the Broncos' offense has seemingly become anemic.

This is a team that started the season plus seven in the turnover margin, and minus seven in the last four games. The Broncos' offense was able to capitalize on turnovers, which the defense has been unable to force in recent games.

When the Broncos have the ball on offense, they are not able to move downfield with the passing game at any given time.

So, what is the answer to Denver's passing woes?

Like I said before, the team is likely to stick with Orton for the rest of the season, but there are plenty of other options for the future.

Rookie Tom Brandstater showed a bit of promise in the preseason, and many fans are calling for him to take snaps already. He is a very intelligent player who has quickly adapted to the offense, and was even seen warming up on the sideline yesterday in case Orton's ankle wasn't okay.

Though Brandstater has showed promise, it's unhealthy at best for any team to believe they can plan the future around a rookie sixth round pick.

Lucky for them, the up-coming draft is absolutely littered with elite-level quarterback prospects.

Many believe Washington quarterback Jake Locker to be the number one overall quarterback prospect, and unless the Bears' pick is in the top five, he is unlikely to be a Bronco without a blockbuster trade.

Jimmy Clausen is another likely top ten pick if he leaves early, and he reminds me a lot of Jay Cutler both in ability and attitude. He has a bit of an anger problem it would seem, and the Broncos might stay away from that anyway.

That leaves the original "Big Three" for the Broncos to choose from, and I cannot say I would be disappointed if any of these guys ended up in orange and blue.

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was said to be the top quarterback prospect coming into this season, and thanks to a season ending injury, he may be the biggest steal of the NFL Draft.

Bradford is at his best when he is playing behind an elite offensive line, something the Broncos certainly have. He is the most accurate quarterback in the draft, bar none. He can make all the NFL throws, and he has good mechanics.

He can scramble for a first down when he needs to, and he is a very smart player. He is a good leader, and he has the potential to be an elite quarterback at the next level.

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is another guy the Broncos could target, but they could likely trade down and get him. He is arguably the most productive passer in college history, and he has more wins than any other quarterback in college football.

He is overall a very sound player, and there is not one area where he is not fit to play at the NFL level. He has prototypical size, and his arm strength and accuracy are both good. Like Bradford, his short-range arm strength is superior to his longer range. He is a leader in every sense of the word, and a proven winner.

Speaking of proven winners, how about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow? This guy is an absolute jack of all trades, and if scouts continue to dislike his mechanics, he could be had for the low, low price of a second round pick.

Though Tebow is not the most accurate quarterback, he places excellent touch on his passes. In my opinion, he is the greatest college football player of all-time, and I do not believe for one second that this man could not adapt to an NFL offense.

He is a physical marvel, so much so that some are considering him as a tight end/h-back for the next level. He is both a vocal leader, and leader by example. His mental toughness and makeup are second to none, and he is an outstanding student.

The Broncos could also look to rising prospects like Western Michigan's Tim Hiller, whose scouting report reminds me of Peyton Manning.

Other than his laser, rocket arm strength, Hiller is a stellar student who graduated in only three years and is currently working on a masters. He stands at 6'4", 229 pounds, and he has a great sense for timing and when receivers are going to break out of their routes. His mobility is well below average, but he is an accurate, strong-armed passer who could be a diamond in the rough.

Penn State's Daryll Clark, Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour, and Pittsburgh's Bill Stull are also solid quarterback prospects for the next level. At the very least, the Broncos are going to need to look into one of these prospects for at least a backup option if Brandstater happens to be the long-term option.

Either way, the Broncos need someone who can consistently make a clutch throw or move the ball down the field when the offense needs to answer an opponents' score.

Because right now, they can't, and as a result they are in a four game losing streak.

NFL Jerseys I Would Want My Kids to Wear

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:29:27 -0500

In a day and age in which professional athletes are often depicted as criminals or over-greedy, grown up babies, I feel that the need for specific role models in sports is absolutely critical. While the media often only highlights the negative aspect of off-field activity, there are plenty of players and coaches who spend a considerable amount of time off the field doing charity work, promoting foundations, going into the community, or creating a cause of their own. Whenever I have kids, I want them to share my passion in sports, particularly football. If they don't, I will love them just the same, but for those growing with their kids right now, I will raise the question: Whose uniform do you let your child walk around wearing? Being a Bronco fan, I will use myself as an example. Before the whole Jay Cutler fiasco in Denver, there is not a doubt in my mind that Cutler was the most loved athlete in the city of Denver. Everybody had his jersey. I had his jersey, and I bought a pink one for my fiancee, who later bought herself a blue one. My brother had a white No. six hanging on his wall. Our good friend Tanner Thoms, who writes here on B/R, received a white Cutler jersey from my family for Christmas. I bought a blue Cutler jersey for my little nephew for his birthday. We were a Cutler family. Then, it happened. Jay Cutler displayed arguably the most childish acting I have ever seen from a quarterback, and unless you have been living under a rock, you saw it too. Cutler forced a trade out of Denver and is now a Chicago Bear, where he leads the NFL in interceptions. Talk about a bad case of karma. And so, the whole moral of the story is: Get to know a player before you spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on his jersey. Here are ten sure-fire bets of players who exemplify not only greatness on the field, but integrity and respect off of it.

Begin Slideshow

Big Weekend for Hawkeyes Gets Bigger with Recruiting Visits

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:13:34 -0500

The Iowa Hawkeyes are getting ready for the biggest weekend of their season thus far. A home game against Minnesota is the last chance they have to potentially earn a bid for a share of the Big Ten title after two straight losses to Ohio State and Northwestern.

Now, arguably the biggest weekend of the season just got a little bit bigger.

Seantrel Henderson, the nation's top prospect according to Rivals.com, will be visiting Iowa City this weekend to watch the Hawkeyes finish out their regular season against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

It does not end there.

Four-star tight end prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz, a 6'7" pass catching specialist out of Illinois, will also be making an appearance in Iowa City after already verbally committing to Illinois earlier this season.

Henderson, and offensive lineman out of St. Paul, MN is a massive offensive lineman prospect who has received offers from nearly every major program in the country.

At 6'8", he has the frame to grow and become a dominant offensive lineman at the next level, something which the Hawkeyes could certainly use to protect quarterback Ricky Stanzi a bit better next season.

Fiedorowicz would be a huge signing because redshirt senior tight end Tony Moeaki will be heading to the NFL after the Hawkeyes' bowl game this season.

Iowa already has a very solid young core of players, and adding even one of these special prospects would be a big boost for this team.

Have Sports Mascots and Stadium Names Crossed The Line?

Sayre Bedinger — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:35:24 -0500

Where do professional sports teams draw the line? Is there a line to be drawn?

All across the sports globe, there are questionable if not borderline offensive and derogatory mascots and stadium names.

Or are there?

This topic was recently brought to my attention by fellow Bleacher Reporter Chaz Mattson, a fellow Denver Broncos columnist who sparked my interest with an enlightening debate.

The topic at hand was the Washington Redskins, and we were at disagreement over whether or not their mascot was offensive to Native Americans.

Maybe it is, but any offense taken by those whose heritage is that of the Native Americans is simply selfishness on their part.

I mean no offense by this whatsoever. I realize, acknowledge, and am embarrassed at the fact that this nation of people suffered mass genocide and horrid treatment from European men taking over this country.

It is absolutely wrong, but that does not mean that the term Redskin cannot be used in good spirit. The team means no offense by it, and as the 90,000 plus who visit the biggest stadium in professional football eight weeks a year prove that not only is this mascot loved, its name is held in high regard.

But what if this team were called the Washington Whiteskins? The Washington Blackskins?

Would it be offensive then?

As a white person myself, I can honestly say no.

Now, my family and ancestors did not suffer the same way Native Americans did. They did not endure genocide in this way. But in this day and age, the term "Redskin" is often considered pejorative and a good majority of Native Americans are enraged that this term is being used so loosely.

My advice: Don't watch the Washington Redskins.

If you don't like something, then don't support it. But don't ruin it for those who do support it either. For a vast majority of the people who support the Redskins, they do not take the name in vain. They hold it in high regard.

But if the term "Redskin" as a sports team is offensive to someone, then we might as well throw out every other pro sports team's name and mascot.

The Bears play at Soldier Field. Should soldiers be offended by it? Should those who have seen war or lost loved ones at war file a lawsuit against the Chicago Bears for the stadium they play in?

The Miami Hurricanes better change their nickname as well. There have simply been too many people lost to hurricanes to associate a game with the term.

Let's not forget the hundreds of other Native American nicknames in sports like the Indians, Seminoles, Illini, and Fighting Sioux.

The New Jersey Devils had better change their nickname for Christians, because Satan is the enemy of God.

As a Christian myself, my parents never allowed me to follow anything Devils or even the Tampa Bay Rays when they were called the Devil Rays. It's okay to not follow a team because you do not agree with their name.

Do I take offense to the Devils because of their choice of mascot? Absolutely not.

Do I agree with it? Absolutely not.

We all need to remember what we are talking about here--sports.

The Redskins are part of the game of football. There is no blasphemy going on whatsoever.

Obviously, this is only my opinion, and there are those who will hate me for it. I am sorry.

I respect the views and customs of all races, but I do not agree with boycotting or taking offense to sports nicknames. If you are one who does, I simply say with all due respect do not follow those teams, and please do not ruin the game for those who do.

Denver Broncos Must Sweep San Diego To Keep Season Alive

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:42:11 -0500

So what is the remedy for a three game losing streak? How about a division showdown with your biggest rivals?

The Denver Broncos are reeling. They have not won since a Monday night match-up on the road against the San Diego Chargers. Inversely, the Chargers have not lost since that contest.

Both teams have a 6-3 record going into this game, arguably the biggest game of the year for either team thus far.

For the second straight season, the Broncos have seen a three game lead in the division disappear. Now it is time to prove that this team is not a fluke after their 6-0 start.

During the losing streak, the Broncos have not been able to do two things which are absolutely essential to victory in this league: Stop the run and score points.

Thankfully, they are playing a team ranked 32nd in rushing offense and 20th in scoring defense. This is a huge trap game for the San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos are, like I said, reeling, and they are banged up at key positions. Kyle Orton is considered questionable for Sunday's game, though it seems unlikely he will miss a game of this magnitude. Ryan Harris is not going to play on Sunday, and that has proven to be a lot bigger of a deal than anyone could have imagined.

All of that being said, the Broncos are in great shape to win this game. They are in a similar situation to the Baltimore Ravens from week eight, who broke a three game losing streak of their own to beat the red-hot Broncos.

The Chargers cannot stop the run, and rookie tailback Knowshon Moreno is literally on the brink of cracking 100 yards for the first time in his short career. He will likely be a focal point of Denver's offensive attack with Orton likely limited.

The Broncos are at home for this game, and they need to come away with a win. The only way they can lose this game is to let the Chargers control the clock by running the ball well. That doesn't seem so likely with San Diego having the worst rushing attack in the game today, but we did just watch Ladell Betts go for over 100 yards and a touchdown this past weekend.

The most likely formula for success for Denver is to get up 7-0 right away. They need the Chargers to play from behind at an early stage because they want them to be one dimensional offensively. The key for Denver is the number seven.

If the Broncos lose this game, their season is not lost, but with a short week to work with, it certainly wouldn't hurt this team to have a 7-3 record and a one game lead over their biggest division rivals.

NFL Midseason All-Pro Team

Sayre Bedinger — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:40:57 -0500

Now that the NFL has reached a midway point, it is time to start dealing out premature awards and accolades.

For this particular piece, I am going to recognize the NFL's elite through eight games this season with an All-Pro team, chosen entirely by myself.

Offense

Quarterback : Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings

Favre is my leading candidate for league MVP at this point, because he has turned the Vikings from pretender to contender with his laser arm. He is only a tenth of a point behind Drew Brees of New Orleans with a 100.0 quarterback rating, and has thrown 16 touchdown passes compared to only three interceptions.

Running Back : Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

Johnson is on pace for just under 2,000 yards, is averaging nearly 120 yards per contest, has six touchdown scores, and averaging a staggering 6.7 yards per carry. Not to mention he has only fumbled the ball once. He leads the league by far with six runs over 40 yards and 12 runs over 20 yards. He also has 21 receptions, one of which went for a score.

Running Back : Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Peterson has lived up to the hype of his nickname, "All Day", and is playing excellent football for the Vikings this season.

He has rushed for 784 yards on 163 carries, nine of which have gone for touchdowns. Peterson is one of the toughest players in the league to bring down, and he gives the Vikings a very powerful, versatile weapon on offense that not many teams can adequately defend.

Wide Receiver : Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

Jackson is certainly playing for a big paycheck in his contract season with the Chargers. The 6'5" phenom out of Northern Colorado has only 42 receptions this season, but is tied for the league lead with seven touchdowns and is averaging over 17 yards per catch.

Wide Receiver : Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Wayne is really proving why he was considered a No. 1-"A" receiver when Marvin Harrison was still playing with the Colts. In his first year without Harrison on the other side, Wayne has caught 59 passes for 753 yards and six touchdowns. He also leads the league with 44 first-down receptions.

Tight End : Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts

I realize the tight end position is not all about receiving, but Clark's numbers deserve special recognition. Through eight games, the former Iowa tight end has 60 receptions for 703 yards, which both lead all tight ends by a long shot. He has become an even bigger part of the Indianapolis offense this year, and is proving to be one of the top, if not the very best, tight end in the league.

Left Tackle : Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos

Clady is a guy who simply does not get the credit he deserves. He has allowed one sack in 24 games as a professional, which is downright outstanding and quite frankly unheard of. He is a dominant force at his position.

Left Guard : Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings

You know those huge holes opened up for Adrian Peterson? You know why the Vikings have the most feared left side of an offensive line in the league? It's all thanks to the best guard in the game, Steve Hutchinson.

Center : Nick Mangold, New York Jets

The Jets have a stellar running game, and Mangold is a huge part of their success. He is the leader of their unit, and has really become an elite player at his position since coming out of Ohio State in 2006.

Right Guard : Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints

Disappointing for Saints fans that Evans is the first player from their team to appear on this list, but he is most certainly deserving. The Saints have the league's most feared offensive attack, and for the first time in a long time, they have an elite rushing attack. Drew Brees loves this guy, and I'd be willing to bet Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, and Pierre Thomas do too.

Right Tackle : Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans

No stranger to this accolade, Roos is the best right tackle in the game today. Unfortunately, this run-blocking phenom is buried under Tennessee's poor record, but he is still an elite player.

Defense

Defensive End : Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Allen has to be considered the most feared pass rusher in the league. He is simply outstanding at his craft, and when he smells blood, he doesn't just get a taste—he has a feast. Allen has 10.5 sacks this season, tied for the NFL lead, and has also forced three fumbles to go along with a touchdown.

Defensive End : Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

Freeney is another pass-rushing specialist, and he is good at it. No one has more sacks since 2002 than this undersized end out of Syracuse, who causes havoc for opposing offensive linemen every week. His 9.5 sacks are second in the NFL, and he has also forced a fumble.

Defensive Tackle : Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings

Williams is a dominant force at defensive tackle for the Vikings. He is an excellent pass rusher, and is equally as capable against the run. He has five sacks this season for the Vikings.

Defensive Tackle : Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens

Ngata doesn't have gaudy statistics like he did last season, but he takes on a double-team almost every play. He is that dominant. I have never seen anyone with the imposing size of Ngata who is as athletic as he is.

Outside Linebacker : Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos

Dumervil is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with 10.5, and he also has two forced fumbles. Dumervil is playing the best football of his career in a contract season and is proving why undersized pass-rush specialists can still make an impact in this league.

Outside Linebacker : James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

Harrison is following up on his Defensive MVP performance from 2008 with an equally dominant 2009 season. He has 48 tackles, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles. He, like Freeney and Dumervil, is an undersized pass-rush specialist, and has got to be the leading candidate for Defensive MVP after his performance thus far.

Linebacker : Brian Cushing, Houston Texans

Cushing is not only the leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year at this point; he could very well be the league's top defensive player overall this season. Second in the NFL with 78 tackles, he also has 1.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a safety.

Linebacker : Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Willis is the most complete defensive player in the NFL today, and has the best coach to improve his craft in Mike Singletary. The former Ole Miss product has 77 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, seven passes defensed, and a touchdown.

Cornerback : Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals

Leon Hall is having a banner season. Though he was on the wrong end of the "Immaculate Deflection" in the Bengals' week one contest against Denver, he has had a Pro Bowl caliber season. He has 41 tackles, four interceptions, 16 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.

Cornerback : Darrelle Revis, New York Jets

Revis is capable of shutting down an entire half of the field, which is oftentimes the case. He is a dominant player in this league, and usually, the cornerbacks who don't have the greatest statistics are the ones who never get the ball thrown their way. This guy is one of those cases.

Free Safety : Darren Sharper, New Orleans Saints

Nobody plays center field better than Darren Sharper, the active NFL leader in interceptions. This season, three of his seven picks have gone back for touchdowns and he leads a resurgent New Orleans defensive backfield.

Safety : Brian Dawkins, Denver Broncos

Dawkins doesn't have gigantic numbers this season, but it could be argued that he has had the greatest impact on a team, more than any other acquisition this offseason. He is electric on the field, and a phenomenal leader.

Special Teams

Kicker : Rian Longwell, Minnesota Vikings

Longwell is as good as gold. There is simply no other way to put it. He has hit on 13 of his 14 attempts this season, and has been a very reliable weapon for the Vikings offensively.

Punter : Shane Lechler, Oakland Raiders

Lechler will go down as arguably the greatest punter this league has ever known. He leads the NFL with an average punt of 52.3 yards and a net average of 44.9. He is the highest paid punter in the league, and for good reason.

Return Man : Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

Harvin is tied for the league lead with 860 kick return yards and has two scores in that category. It was hard to put him in over Joshua Cribbs, but the Vikings don't let Harvin return punts because he is also a key component to their offensive attack.

There you have it, NFL fans. I hope you enjoyed it and I am ready to hear about all the players I left off of this list!

Denver Broncos Draft Preview, November Edition

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:01:52 -0500

As fellow Bleacher Reporter John Lorge pointed out to me today, it's never to early to be thinking about the draft. His mock draft really got me thinking about the NFL's annual selection process, which is by far and away my favorite part of the season, as pathetic as it may sound.

With the draft, your team cannot lose. Dreams are made for over 256 young men on this day (or three days) and hundreds more following as free agents.

As if enough change has not already happened to the Denver Broncos, here is some more food for thought as the future approaches.

As per this moment in time, the prospect I think the Broncos need to have on the very top of their board is Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

McCoy has been a four year starter for one of the Nation's best teams, and is considered to be one of the most durable players in the entire draft, regardless of position. Here is one intriguing scouting report from ESPN.com on McCoy.

"Exceptional intangibles. His mental and physical toughness are outstanding. He's a proven leader and winner. Enters his senior season with a starting record of 32-7. His teammates respect and believe in him."

McCoy has an above average arm in terms of strength, and his accuracy is nearly unmatched by any other quarterback in this draft. It is a marvel to me that he is not projected to go higher in the draft, though that is usually the case for fifth year senior quarterbacks whose college numbers are absolutely outstanding.

This is a guy who is a dual-threat quarterback, though his passing is more of a strength than his running. He has great escape ability and is very good at throwing on the run.

In short, I think Colt McCoy could end up being one of the bigger steals of the draft. He is vastly underrated to me, and I think that if he were two inches taller he would be a top five pick, even though he stands at 6'3".

The major aspect of McCoy aside from his natural, God-given talent is his ability to lead a team to victory. He is clutch. He is poised. He is the perfect fit for the Josh McDaniels system, and though many fans feel Tom Brandstater is the long-term answer at quarterback, if McCoy is staring the Broncos in the face on draft day, it will be tough to pass him up.

Should the Denver Broncos Explore Signing Larry Johnson?

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:21:56 -0500

Not surprisingly, former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson and his massive salary cleared waivers today, officially making him a free agent for the first time in his career.

The talented, yet troubled tailback was waived from the Chiefs after using homosexual slurs on his Twitter page, which resulted in a suspension by the team.

Instead of reinstating him, the Chiefs parted ways with the former Penn State superstar, a move that was probably best for both parties involved.

Amidst reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter that Johnson wanted to return to the state of Pennsylvania to play for the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers, the free agent tailback's status is still in limbo.

Will he play again in 2009?

Smart money says that Johnson will find a home soon.

Will the Broncos express interest? I think they should, and here's why.

The Broncos' rushing attack is on the decline, and it's going nowhere fast. A group that once ranked fifth in the NFL in yards per game this season has gone from elite to mediocre in a month's time.

Denver's running game now ranks 18th in the league with a meager 111 yards per contest.

Knowshon Moreno has not done as well as expected, and Correll Buckhalter has been frequently injured. LaMont Jordan plays sparingly, and when he does, he makes little impact.

Larry Johnson is a player who, not long ago, was considered to be among the NFL's elite and a real load to tackle. Even as recently as last year, he tore apart the Denver Broncos in a regular season game that shattered the Broncos' confidence.

This year, he is not quite averaging three yards per carry behind a Kansas City offensive line that is among the worst in the NFL.

Even if he is limited in his ability to play, the Broncos should seriously consider bringing Larry Johnson in for a short stint. Their struggling rushing attack could use his skill between the tackles, and games like the one they just had against the Pittsburgh Steelers (27 yards, zero rushing first downs) simply cannot happen.

Plus, Johnson would have two opportunities to stick it to the team that just cut him.

Is Taj Gibson Ready To Start For The Chicago Bulls?

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:59:45 -0500

When the Chicago Bulls drafted Taj Gibson 26th overall back in July, many considered him to be an after thought; a guy who would come in with the rest of the scrubs and get meaningless minutes at the end of a blowout win or loss.

How quickly the tables can turn.

During the preseason, Gibson proved he was an asset to this Chicago Bulls team, not just as a lanky, shot-blocking defender, but he could score the ball a little bit as well.

His preseason performances earned the rookie a chance to play in the regular season, far more substantially than fellow first round pick James Johnson of Wake Forest who has played a mere fraction of the minutes of Gibson.

In the Bulls' most recent game, an 86-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gibson posted a career high in points (11), rebounds (seven), and minutes (33:47), and that stat line proved to be much more important than any Bulls fan originally anticipated.

Starting power forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a freak injury while lifting weights on Friday when he broke his arm, just a day after playing with some form of a flu virus.

Thomas' injury will set him back four-to-six weeks, opening the door for the six-foot-nine rookie out of Southern California.

Starting on Saturday night, Gibson and his seven-foot-five wingspan will be on display as the Bulls take on the Charlotte Bobcats.

Is Gibson ready to be a starter in the NBA?

The Bulls are certainly willing to find out, as this 24-year old rookie has shown poise and defensive ability beyond his years.

Denver Broncos Sign Veteran Cornerback Ty Law

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:25:32 -0500

If only they had put this unit together at the start of the decade...

In a relatively unexpected move, the Denver Broncos have agreed to a contract with veteran cornerback Ty Law, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Law re-joins the league after stints with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and you guessed it: The New England Patriots.

Pending a physical, Law will join the Broncos tonight and will give the Broncos the NFL's most illustrious defensive backfield along with Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins.

This sign comes as a bit of a surprise, and no word was given as to whom Law will be replacing on Denver's roster. Jack Williams has been limited in practice of late with an injury, and Alphonso Smith has also been battling injury this season.

My Interview With Denver Broncos Ring of Fame LB Karl Mecklenburg

Sayre Bedinger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:57:18 -0500

I recently had the privilege of sitting down and having a phone conversation with one of the best players in Denver Broncos history, linebacker Karl Mecklenburg.

Mecklenburg was drafted by the Broncos in the 12th round of the 1983 NFL Draft as a nose guard out of Minnesota. Throughout his NFL career, he proved to be more versatile than a Swiss army knife, playing every position on the defensive front seven.

He performed all the way to a Ring of Fame career with the Denver Broncos that included six Pro-Bowl appearances and four All-Pro selections.

As a player, Mecklenburg helped the Broncos to three AFC titles and a regular season record of 114-65. Still, Mecklenburg didn't keep the experience of and lessons learned from the NFL to himself, as he has just finished writing his first book entitled Heart of a Student Athlete: All Pro Advice for Competitors and Their Families.

You can find more information on purchasing the book at www.studentathlete.us , where there is a sample chapter and a guest page.

I strongly encourage all of you to check out this book even if you are not a parent or a student athlete. The lessons it teaches are absolutely outstanding, and reading the experiences of a professional athlete, to me, are always interesting.

In addition to his book, Mecklenburg operates the REACH (Rewarding Experiences for All Children) Foundation and performs motivational speeches all across the nation. Check out www.karlmecklenburg.org for more information about this program, and see a later segment in the interview for more details.

I am honored to have spoken with him personally, and I would like to share our conversation with you readers after we reminisced about the great city of Sioux Falls.

Sayre Bedinger: What was it like writing this book? What was your experience and what did you learn from it personally?

Karl Mecklenburg: The book was a challenge for me. I have dyslexia, so the writing part was really a challenge. It took more than five years to put together. I had another book from 1987 with a ghost writer and I was not happy about the experience. I really wanted to finish a book myself and I am pretty happy with the result but it was a long haul.

SB: Early on in the book, you state multiple times that success is overcoming obstacles on the way to your dreams. Why do you feel this interpretation of success is so important?

KM: I think a lot of people on the outside looking in, just getting started, they will realize that everybody who is successful has overcome. If you have an extravagant dream, the obstacles can be daunting. Both of my grandfathers worked in the stockyards of south St. Paul (MN), my dad went through grad school in three years then into the Army for med-school, and my mom had a daunting road to her eventual work in the government.

You decide your own future. God has given us all different talents and abilities, and He also gives us free will. It's up to you to go out and try new things.

SB: Do you feel, having been drafted in the 12th round that this particular derivative of success was prevalent in your playing career very early on?

KM: It really was, you know, I went through challenge after challenge after challenge in football. Every one of them reinforced in my mind that I had to decide whether it was important enough for me to go through this. Doing things to get to the next day of practice, it really was a big part of it.

SB: You were part of some of the best teams in Broncos history, winning multiple AFC titles and going to six pro bowls; What is your greatest memory from your experiences with the Broncos?

KM: So many, but the obvious one is "The Drive" game when we went into Cleveland and won that game. It was such a hostile environment with the fans throwing dog biscuits at us, honking their horns outside of the hotel trying to keep us awake—Going into the situation and getting that win on the road; it was just a great feeling and I'll never forget it.

SB: You have been honored by the Broncos by being named a member of the "Ring of Fame." Do you feel you should be in the Hall of Fame or is it all just a bunch of politics?

KM: Well, it obviously is a political situation. I mean, if I could vote for me, I would, but you do what you do on the field and it's out of your hands after that. I have a lot of respect for the players I played with and I feel there are a lot of guys from those Bronco teams that deserve to be in as well. You know, Pat (Bowlen, Broncos owner) has got to be disappointed that only John (Elway) and Zim (Gary Zimmerman)—you know, only two guys in the Hall of Fame. I know he is doing a lot with the committee to get some of these guys in.

SB: You said in your book that you grew up a Minnesota Vikings fan. Does playing for a team for over a decade change your loyalties?

KM: I'm a Bronco guy, there's no doubt about it. The Vikings passed on me for 12 rounds, and I'm glad they did because with my knees, I probably wouldn't have been able to play as long as I did on that artificial turf. I love it here in Denver; the people, the fans, being gracious for what this team has done. They have accepted me.

SB: The book talks about how the media favors the negative aspect of off-field life of NFL players in particular, but you go on to make a very compelling argument about how only one player from your team in 1983 has had legal issues. Do you feel that trend is still true in today's NFL world where it seems like a player is arrested every day?

KM: I think it applies, I really do. The characteristics that allow you to succeed in the NFL are the same characteristics that allow you to succeed in life. The vast majority of NFL players are great guys, wonderful guys. In fact, there is a player from the Minnesota Vikings out of Maryland; young guy (safety Madieu Williams) who has started a foundation for his home town of Sierra Leone where children often die before they turn five years old. I think it's really admirable what he is doing and, you know, it's a shame that that sort of thing doesn't make the news. If he were to hit his wife, it would be the front page headline. I can speak at a church every week, and that barely gets any news but you can guarantee if I were to hit my wife, my name would be all over the place.

SB: Going along with that, what was your reaction to everything that happened in Denver this offseason: The Shanahan firing, the Cutler trade, Brandon Marshall demanding a trade and acting like a fool in practice?

KM: A wait and see attitude. I know Mike had gotten to a point where he'd lost the ear of the team. It became apparent that players were becoming much more concerned with themselves than the team. You know, you saw last year with the Denver Nuggets trading Allen Iverson. Iverson is a great player, but he's a selfish player. Chauncey Billups is a team player and a leader, but if you were to put him up against Iverson, Iverson would win nine out of ten times. Billups is just a great leader and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

SB: It's interesting that you make that comparison, because some have compared Iverson and Billups to Jay Cutler and Kyle Orton. What do you make of that comparison?

KM: Well, I have gotten to know Jay through the Broncos and golf tournaments, and he is a child still. He is more concerned with himself than the team, and when Josh McDaniels came in, he came in with a system that wasn't going to throw as much, and Jay saw that and put McDaniels in a tough place where he had really no choice but to get rid of him. He wasn't happy with his contract or the prospect of not throwing the ball as much as he did in the past.

SB: With the Cutler situation and all of the negativity in the media surrounding for the Broncos—they tried to sugar coat it by saying they didn't pay any attention to what the media was saying, but it's got to feel good to stick it to everyone who doubted them.

KM: Certainly, every ball-player can get that blackboard material. We're competitors, that's what makes us athletes. You want to succeed. I think they have done an amazing job defensively, the way they play fundamentally. You know, I have been paying attention to the Broncos' defense since I was drafted in 1983, and I am really impressed with the changes they have made on that side of the ball.

SB: Mike Nolan was a coach while you were there, correct?

KM: Yeah, Mike coached me he was a young guy. He got his first coaching job as a linebackers coach with the Broncos and I think he learned as much from us as we learned from him. He coached fundamental football; a lot of tackling drills, shedding blocks—He has taken things to a whole other level He's a good guy and he really cares about his players.

SB: Talk about the REACH Foundation and what people can do to get involved.

KM: Yeah, we just started a program called "Reach for a Book" where kids in Denver elementary schools are encouraged to read 100 minutes a week. If they complete that goal, they get a free pizza. There is also a scoreboard on the classroom doors, so there is a little competitions between the kids. The top two readers are invited to Invesco Field to be honored for their efforts. The website is www.karlmecklenburg.org , and we would love to hear from people. As far as getting involved, donations help, but we do a golf tournament. This past year we held a poker tournament, and there are other volunteer opportunities.

My interview with Mecklenburg, along with reading his book, have shed a whole new light on professional athletes and the NFL in particular. It has also been a key tool for me in focusing my goals and what I want to do in life.

I hope you all enjoyed this experience as much as I did, and again, I strongly encourage purchasing this book. It is great for aspiring youth, parents, coaches, pastors, or simply someone who is a fan of the NFL and likes a good story. Mecklenburg did an excellent job in his first solo book, and it is a great gift idea for the coming holiday season.

Why the Iowa Running Game Will Be Revitalized With Brandon Wegher

Sayre Bedinger — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:44:24 -0500

The Iowa Hawkeyes have lost more at the running back position in a year's time than any other team I have ever seen.

Doak Walker Award recipient Shonn Greene bolted after his stellar, record-setting junior season for the NFL where he was selected in the third round by the New York Jets.

Jewel Hampton—the true freshman from 2008 who set an Iowa football freshman record with seven touchdown carries—hurt his knee in offseason activities and opted to end his season by taking a medical redshirt for the Hawkeyes.

Paki O'Meara, a junior tailback who has been a solid special teamer for the Hawkeyes, stepped in as the starter for the Northern Iowa game. Long story short, he didn't cut it.

Then came Adam Robinson, a redshirt freshman whose game is similar to that of Maurice Jones-Drew, in that he uses his low center of gravity and power to run between the tackles. Robinson led the team in rushing with an impressive 629 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.

But his success would also be short lived.

Robinson went down with what appears to be a potential season-ending ankle injury against the Michigan State Spartans, leaving the Hawkeyes with nobody to tote the "rock", right?

Wrong.

Though Iowa is not known for its ability to recruit All-American caliber high school athletes, they were gifted with a local kid by the name of Brandon Wegher this offseason.

Wegher, a 5-foot-11 206-pound freshman out of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, IA, was a four-star prospect that the Hawkeyes and their fans were extremely excited about.

As a senior at Bishop Heelan, Wegher rushed for an unbelievable 3,238 yards and 51 touchdowns. If that weren't exciting enough, the Hawkeyes were getting an athletic marvel with track star speed, recording a 4.42 40-yard dash time.

Many expected this kid to return kicks as a freshman for Iowa, but he has done much more than that.

After not recording any statistics in Iowa's first game against UNI, Wegher burst onto the scene against cross-state rival Iowa State, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown.

The Hawkeyes gave a good bulk of the carries to Adam Robinson until he got hurt in the Michigan State game, and Wegher's numbers suffered a bit because of it. Still, he ranks second on the team with 439 yards and first on the team with six rushing touchdowns.

When Robinson hurt his ankle, many thought it was over for the Hawkeyes' running game, especially because guard Dace Richardson, a player many thought to be having an All-America caliber season, also went down for the season with an injury.

It wasn't looking good for the bread and butter of Iowa's offense.

In Iowa's most recent game against Indiana, quarterback Ricky Stanzi helped the Hoosiers get out to an early 21-7 lead with his foolish interceptions and errant passing.

In fact, the only score came on a Brandon Wegher touchdown run from one-yard out to cut the Indiana deficit to seven at that point in the game.

Despite questions as to whether the true freshman could become the featured back and carry a full workload, Wegher had arguably his best game as a collegiate player. He helped Iowa to a stunning comeback victory over Indiana to the tune of 25 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

Wegher's emergence in the Indiana game should encourage Iowa fans greatly.

Never once did it cross the mind of Iowa or its fans that they would have to go four deep in their running back rotation at any point this season, yet here we are.

Brandon Wegher proved that he is more than capable of becoming Iowa's featured back, and not only is Iowa's running game going to be revitalized by his presence, the passing game will flourish as well.

This young tailback is truly a star in the making, and he has been a key part of Iowa's best start in school history. If he continues running like he did against Indiana, this Iowa team will find itself in Pasadena in early January.

Broncos Add RB Lance Ball, Re-Sign DL Carlton Powell to Practice Squad

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:38:55 -0500

For the second time since the season has started, the Denver Broncos made changes to their roster. This time, they subtracted and added two players to their practice squad.

Joining the Broncos are running back Lance Ball and defensive lineman Carlton Powell. Running back Darius Walker was waived from the team and defensive lineman Everette Pedescleaux was placed in injured reserve.

Ball is in his second year in the NFL out of Maryland, and he has spent time with Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Tennessee already.

In his only NFL action thus far, he helped the Colts' offense in a 2008 regular season game when he carried the ball 13 times for 85 yards, as well as catching a pass for five yards.

Powell is in his second stint with the Broncos after having spent time on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad. The Broncos selected Powell in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech, where he was a teammate of current Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal.

Ball will wear No. 35 for the Broncos, and Powell will be wearing his third number with Denver in No. 96.

NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Setting the Records Straight

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:56:12 -0500

And then there were two. The Denver Broncos have been dethroned and their undefeated season has come to a close. The other undefeated teams, Indianapolis and New Orleans, remained perfect though both games came down to the wire. Who has taken the number one spot over? Here are some rules to consider as you make your guesses: 1. Wins and losses; win percentage/ Opponents beaten win percentage This is the biggest factor. A team who wins more often than not should logically be placed higher on this kind of a list. For instance, if a team is 6-0, they are automatically given superiority to a team that is 5-0. They have played more games, thus, they have been tested more, and it is fair. Similarly, if a team is 0-6, they are automatically placed higher than a team that is 0-7. The 0-7 team has had more chance to win, and they have failed. 2. Head to head victory. If two teams have the same record and have played each other, the winning team is ranked higher than the losing team. This is probably the most logical of all the factors. 3. Opinion As is rarely the case, if all other factors are a complete tie, then I implement my opinion. Enjoy!

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Ravens 30, Broncos 7: Denver Handed First Loss of 2009

Sayre Bedinger — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:21:22 -0500

The Denver Broncos have come crashing down to earth, and rightfully so.

Denver went to M&T Bank Stadium early Sunday afternoon and had their lunch served courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens.

Denver lost its first contest since week three of the preseason in an ugly 30-7 rout by Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, and Baltimore.

Both teams were coming off bye weeks, but it was clear which team was more prepared for this game. Baltimore never trailed in their first victory in four games, and they made the Broncos look silly with their resurgent defense.

Denver had multiple matchups they could have exploited this afternoon, but the Ravens' pass rush was simply unstoppable. They confused Denver's usually reliable offensive line, and Kyle Orton (who usually has time enough to knit a sweater) was chased around all day long.

The Ravens were simply better in every facet of the game on Sunday, both offense and defense.

Despite allowing 23 points, the Denver defense actually held their own for the most part. The one area they really struggled was in third-down conversions, where the Ravens were able to convert over half their attempts.

The Broncos crossed into enemy territory only three times, and entered the red zone only once.

Their best drive of the game consisted of the biggest play being a 40-plus yard pass interference call on Domonique Foxworth. Denver did capitalize on their only red-zone attempt, which is encouraging, but they had a lot of help from Baltimore in getting there.

This was a very discouraging game for the Broncos and their fans, but all of the pessimism is unwarranted.

The Broncos are a team that has exceeded all expectations this season, and a 6-1 record is of elite caliber. Denver is behind only Indianapolis in the standings, and they lead San Diego by two games in the AFC West, with a head-to-head victory and a home game left against them.

This loss should be considered a reality-check for the Broncos, who undoubtedly will be more prepared for their Monday night matchup with Pittsburgh next week.

One thing that needs to be fixed is the special teams, believe it or not. Denver has allowed a return touchdown in two straight games, and Eddie Royal could get absolutely no room on his returns today. Simply no blocking was happening.

The Broncos looked lackadaisical and downright undisciplined. One of the reasons Denver has been so good this season is because they have been able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and Baltimore simply played Denver's game today.

Denver got a taste of its own medicine, but this fan thinks a return to the winner's circle is coming sooner rather than later.

Broncos-Ravens Preview: Keys to Victory for Denver in Week Eight

Sayre Bedinger — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:12:43 -0400

The Denver Broncos are off to one of the most magical starts in recent NFL history. After an offseason of verbal beatings, Josh McDaniels has led his resurgent Denver team to a 6-0 start, and following their bye week, they face one of their toughest tests yet.

For their Week Eight matchup, the Broncos will travel east to take on the Baltimore Ravens, one of the NFL's feel good stories from the 2008 season.

After a quick 3-0 start, many considered the Ravens to be one of the best teams, if not the best team in the entire NFL. Since then, they have dropped three straight games and find themselves two back of the Steelers and Bengals in the AFC North.

Denver and its number one defense travel to Baltimore to take on one of the league's most explosive offensive units, led by Joe Flacco and Ray Rice.

If Denver is going to improve to a perfect 7-0 this season, they are going to have to do so against a balanced Baltimore attack. Here are my keys to victory for Denver in Week Eight.

1. Imprint Joe Flacco's No. 5 on the turf

By this, I obviously mean that Denver and its top pass rush need to keep the pressure on Joe Flacco, and often.

Elvis Dumervil leads the NFL with ten sacks through six games, and is on pace to absolutely shatter Michael Strahan's single season record of 22.5 quarterback take-downs.

The Broncos do a great job of mixing things up with their blitz packages with disguises and eight or nine man fronts. They are able to blitz much more often than not because of their superb talent in the defensive backfield.

The Ravens have been able to throw the ball all over the field this season due to a partial lack of talent on behalf of their opponents, because Baltimore does not have the most imposing group of receivers.

Baltimore will try to counter Denver's pass rush with a barrage of screen passes, which were extremely effective in the second half of their bout with Minnesota two weeks ago.

2. Denver's Passing Attack

The Ravens' clear weakness lies with their defensive backs, who combined with a relatively quiet pass rush have given the Ravens the NFL's 24th ranked pass defense.

This is an area Denver clearly needs to take advantage.

The Broncos are ranked 13th in the NFL in passing offense, but that number has risen every week so far this season. Kyle Orton's only interception this year came on a hail mary pass at the end of the first half against the New England Patriots, so the Broncos play an efficient pass offense.

They may need to be a bit more aggressive against the Ravens to exploit this weakness, and there is no reason Orton shouldn't be able to pick and choose where he wants to throw it.

Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal clearly overmatch Baltimore cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington, who are speedy but not very physical.

The key for Baltimore lies with Ed Reed, who is bound to have his hands full on Sunday. The Broncos boast a bevy of talent offensively, and a scouting report given to me by a Vikings analyst indicated that the Ravens were susceptible to the pass over the middle.

Denver needs to exploit this weakness with their physical receivers and with screen passes. Tony Scheffler saw a career high in receiving yards in Denver's last game and he could be a huge factor on Sunday as well.

One of the most underrated aspects to Denver's aerial attack is its offensive line, which is absolutely dominant. This group is arguably the best in the NFL, and they have been a huge reason for the Broncos' offensive success thus far.

3. Create Turnovers

The Broncos started the season with a ton of turnovers, but the last couple of games they have been relatively quiet in that category. Baltimore is plus two in the turnover margin, so they do not often hurt themselves in that venue.

Denver is going to have to instigate the situation, and it starts with my first key to victory which is the pass rush. Joe Flacco is a good quarterback, but his strong arm can get him into trouble at times, and the Broncos need to take advantage.

4. Get out to an early lead

This one is pretty simple, actually.

Denver is the best defensive team in the second half of football games this season, allowing only 10 points through 12 second half quarters.

If the Broncos can get out to an early lead, statistics would indicate that they can hold on to it. The Broncos have had to come back in over half of their games this season, and while the comeback win is still a win, Denver is ninth in the NFL in total offense, and is more than capable of putting up points.

The Broncos have scored 17, 20, and 34 points in their last three games, so their offense is obviously improving.

Getting out to an early lead helps a lot in terms of defense as well. Obviously, if the Broncos get out to a hot start, they will be able to pin their ears back on defense and get after the quarterback.

Final Thoughts

The fans in my earlier article picked the Broncos to win by a final count of 231 votes to 27 in favor of Denver.

Obviously, the Broncos are a team that is gaining respect across the league, but many still consider them to be an underdog in this game. It seems like if a team like New England had similar numbers to Denver, they would be double-digit favorites, but I digress.

This should be a great game, one filled with great coaching and good defense. When it comes down to it though, it seems that this game will be decided on the offensive side of the ball. Which defense will give in first?

Can the Broncos improve to 7-0 on the season and continue their magical run?

NFL Power Rankings Week Eight: Setting the Records Straight

Sayre Bedinger — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:27:28 -0400

Welcome to my third edition of NFL "Power Rankings", which are based on what I believe is the most fair system offered out there for any rankings. Most people believe Power Rankings should be based on opinion or hypothetical situations of which team is better than which, but I firmly believe that wins and losses are the only thing that should matter when it comes to this type of list, so here are some rules to consider as you read along my rankings. 1. Wins and losses; win percentage/ Opponents beaten win percentage This is the biggest factor. A team who wins more often than not should logically be placed higher on this kind of a list. For instance, if a team is 6-0, they are automatically given superiority to a team that is 5-0. They have played more games, thus, they have been tested more, and it is fair. Similarly, if a team is 0-6, they are automatically placed higher than a team that is 0-7. The 0-7 team has had more chance to win, and they have failed. 2. Head to head victory. If two teams have the same record and have played each other, the winning team is ranked higher than the losing team. This is probably the most logical of all the factors. 3. Opinion As is rarely the case, if all other factors are a complete tie, then I implement my opinion. I hope you enjoy!

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Early Thoughts on The Broncos-Ravens Week Eight Matchup

Sayre Bedinger — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:42:24 -0400

For Denver Broncos fans and Baltimore Ravens fans alike, the bye week is finally over and it is time to get back to work.

Sunday's matchup pits the Broncos (6-0, first place AFC West) against the Ravens (3-3, third place AFC North) in what figures to be a pivotal matchup for both teams.

Denver has a flawless record following their bye week and only one injury to report. This has some fearing the off-time came a bit too early this season, though it was nothing they could control.

The Ravens are a very intriguing matchup for the Broncos, especially on the road.

After starting the season 3-0, the Ravens appeared to be one of the NFL's top teams following an impressive 2008 campaign which saw them win 11 games. It appeared as though they were on track to improve on last year's total following victories over Kansas City, San Diego and Cleveland.

Then it went downhill.

The Ravens lost three straight games by a combined 11 points, including a two-point loss against Minnesota in Week Six on a missed field goal by kicker Steven Hauschka as time expired.

Three losses by 11 points would lead one to believe that the Ravens are much better than their record would indicate, and I think they are.

For the first time this decade, Baltimore boasts a better offense than they do defense, led by their passing game and quarterback Joe Flacco.

Flacco has had an outstanding season so far, but the MVP of Baltimore's offense has to be undersized running back Ray Rice, who leads the team in both rushing and receiving.

Rice has rushed for 441 yards and three touchdowns on a six-yard per carry average. He also has 33 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown.

The Ravens are in the top 10 of every major offensive category and boast the league's ninth-ranked run defense. This is a team that can get out to a large early lead and hold on to it.

How will the Broncos counter?

The biggest thing for Denver will be running the ball. The Broncos have the league's seventh-best rush offense, but they did not look great running the ball against San Diego for some odd reason.

If the Broncos are unable to run the ball, Baltimore will be in the game until the very end, if they haven't already run away with it. Inversely, if the Broncos can run the ball effectively, they will most certainly control this game from the outset.

Denver's defense has been absolutely suffocating this season, ranking in the top 10 of every major category.

Denver's defense is aggressive. The Ravens like to run a lot of screen plays. If the Broncos blitz early and often, the Ravens will take advantage by dumping the ball to Ray Rice or Willis McGahee.

Mike Nolan will have his unit well prepared, and the Broncos always seem to make proper adjustments during the game anyway.

If Denver can limit the big play on screen passes, it will be hard for the Ravens to get anything going on offense. It doesn't appear as though they will match up well with Denver's outstanding defensive backs, either.

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos have some very favorable matchups. Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney and Tony Scheffler could have a field day against a Ravens defense that ranks 24th against the pass.

Kyle Orton has played exceptional football so far this season, virtually mistake-free. If he can keep the ball away from Ed Reed's grasp, the Broncos will have to do a lot to beat themselves offensively.

The Ravens have home-field advantage in this game, but the Broncos are hungry for their seventh consecutive victory. If Baltimore is going to keep pace in the AFC North, they need to win this game and move to 4-3.

It should be an exciting contest in Baltimore on Sunday.

Denver Broncos Waive Brett Kern, Sign Punter Mitch Berger

Sayre Bedinger — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:45:01 -0400

It wasn’t the flashiest move, but the Broncos have finally fiddled with their roster, waiving second year punter Brett Kern and signing veteran Mitch Berger.

Kern has been on the hot seat for a while with the Broncos, and there were rumors he would not beat out Britton Colquitt for the punter job earlier this off-season. Head coach Josh McDaniels and the Broncos have seen enough from Kern, and they decided to go with the veteran Berger who will wear number 17 with the Broncos.

Berger was most recently seen in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, where he filled in very nicely last season to help the team to a Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He has also played with Arizona, New Orleans, St. Louis, Minnesota, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

Berger has connections to this state, graduating from Colorado (Boulder) in 1994. He is a two-time Pro Bowl performer and will serve the Broncos as the punter and holder on field goals.

Four Star TE Prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz Still Planning Iowa Visit

Sayre Bedinger — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:15:53 -0400

Winning changes everything.

It might just change the mind of four-start tight end prospect C.J. Fiedorowicz, who verbally committed to Illinois back in July.

Fiedorowicz was heavily recruited by colleges like Notre Dame, Ohio State, and LSU, but the team he is considering leaving his home state for is the red-hot Iowa Hawkeyes, where he still plans on making his official visit in a couple of weeks, according to Rivals.com

The 6'7" 240 pound Johnsburg, IL native essentially stated that because of Illinois' recent struggles and Iowa's great success, he has not completely ruled out playing for the Hawkeyes in 2010 and beyond.

Fiedorowicz is such a compelling recruit, mainly because of his elite level of size, but the pass catching specialist would fill an absolutely huge void left by current tight end and probable All-Big Ten Performer Anthony Moeaki, who was a four star recruit for the Hawkeyes five years ago in his own right.

One scout touted that if Fiedorowicz could improve his run blocking skills, he would be a "sure fire" NFL player.

This kid has room to grow with his body frame, and he could become an imposing threat at the collegiate level very soon.

The U.S. Army All-American selection will be on display later this football season along with fellow Hawkeye recruit (and U.S. All-American) quarterback A.J. Derby, which could also help out the Hawkeyes.

If the Hawkeyes can continue their impressive winning streak, there is no doubt it will be tough for Fiedorowicz to turn down Kirk Ferentz' scholarship offer, especially because he would get to catch passes from Ricky Stanzi for an entire season.

This red zone threat would be a huge addition for the Hawkeyes, and a huge loss for the Fighting Illini'.

Illinois is losing a lot this offseason, and Iowa really isn't. If this top tier player is willing to leave his home state and join the Hawkeyes, he will not be sorry.

Chicago Bulls End Preseason With Dominating 90-73 Win Over Washington

Sayre Bedinger — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:51:07 -0400

The Chicago Bulls finished their impressive preseason at 6-2 with a dominating 90-73 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night, and they did it without a good portion of their roster.

Guards Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, and Jannero Pargo were held out of the preseason finale with minor injuries.

Still, the Bulls were able to come away with a huge win, led mainly by the play of their frontcourt.

Tyrus Thomas led the way for the Bulls with 19 points and five rebounds, and fellow starter Joakim Noah added 13 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and a steal to take away the game MVP award, for whatever it is worth.

Reserve center Brad Miller added 18 points, six rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block, and rookie power forward Taj Gibson continues to play impressive ball, contributing 13 points and five rebounds.

The fact that Chicago has played so well in the preseason without star point guard Derrick Rose is extremely encouraging for Bulls fans, as this team appears to be one on the rise after an impressive playoff run just a year ago.

Chicago has a pretty deep roster with a good, solid mix of wily veterans and young athletic players; and they appear to be much more balanced offensively than they have in recent years despite the departure of shooting guard Ben Gordon.

That deep roster will decrease a bit in size before the season starts, however.

After waiving power forward Chris Richard earlier this week, the Bulls now have 14 players on their active roster and need to trim it down to 12 by the start of the regular season, which is Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.

The likely candidates to be on their way out of Chicago are center Jerome James and small forward Derrick Byars.

Because the financial situation with James is sticky, there is a good chance he will land on the injured list to start the season, then become a piece to a trade later on.

Byars has played pretty well this preseason, and has warranted a spot with Chicago's NBDL affiliate. He has shot the ball well from beyond the arc, and that could prove to be very valuable for the Bulls during the season at some point.

Last season, Byars led the NBDL in three point shooting and the Bulls were fortunate to pick him up.

As I stated earlier, the Bulls begin their season this Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs, and that game will be aired on TNT, so fans will get a taste of their new-look squad with Derrick Rose on opening night.