Bleacher Report - Articles by Jeff Peters

Denver Fans Are Hoping For a Legacy With McDaniels

Jeff Peters — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:22:12 -0400

This week's news in Bronco-land centers around three bad passes thrown by Kyle Orton, passes that head coach Josh McDaniels admits were, "three throws that I've seen him make every day in practice. Kyle is a good player."

It's no shock that McDaniels would stick up for his quarterback this early in the preseason, especially with all of the controversy surrounding the position. But the question must be asked: is this just another case of a head coach trying to calm the media hype, or does he really see something special in Kyle Orton?

Flashback to week seven of the 2008 season. Broncos fans may have purged their memory of this debacle, but let me refresh it. It was a Monday night at New England. As a Broncos fan who lives very far away from Denver, I've been in the unfortunate position of trying to see my team at away games on the east coast. I've witnessed far too many losses, including the mess at New England.

At the time, I wasn't aware I was watching the current and future head coaches of the Broncos on the same field. But what I did start to realize was that Josh McDaniels had transformed Matt Cassel from a career-backup quarterback into a viable threat who was worthy of starting in the NFL.

Statistics speak louder than words. Going into their Monday night blowout of the Broncos, Cassel had put up a meager 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 5 games. That night he put up 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, albeit against a weak defense with an injured Champ Bailey.

Following his spark against Denver, Matt Cassel continued a high level of play by leading the Patriots to a 7-3 win/loss record, including 15 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. The Patriots narrowly missed the playoffs and finished with a formidable 11-5 record. Not bad for the equivalent of a rookie at quarterback.

It would have been easy for the Patriots to make excuses and lose several games after Tom Brady went down in the season opener. But Josh McDaniels saw something in Matt Cassel and helped him become a better player. Couple this with a good defense, and suddenly the Patriots no longer needed a Hall-of-Fame quaterback to win games.

It would not be surprising if all of this was a major factor in Pat Bowlen's decision to hire Josh McDaniels as head coach of the Broncos. Bowlen and the fans can only hope that Matt Cassel's New England performance was not a fluke, but instead a product of excellent coaching by Josh McDaniels.

Now fast forward to the present, still amidst all of the chaos surrounding the Broncos and their most important position. Three bad passes aren't helping to ease the craziness.

Maybe it would have been much easier for McDaniels to have a more naturally talented quarterback like Jay Cutler to work with. We are all left to wonder what would have been if Jay hadn't been so offended by the fact that the NFL is a business where players can be traded. Instead, Josh McDaniels finds himself in a familiar position of having to take a quarterback, or perhaps two, and make them better players. Does he see something in Orton? Does he see something in Simms?

Broncos fans should certainly be hoping that a great player can emerge from the status-quo and help to build the McDaniels legacy.

Will Pat Bowlen's risky decisions pay off? Let's at least wait until midseason. Historically speaking, that's when we might see the fruits of Josh's labor.

If the NFL Used the BCS System...

Jeff Peters — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:26:50 -0500

Every year college football fans are left to ponder how far their teams would really go, if only the NCAA had a playoff system like the NFL.

But what if the tables were turned? What if the NFL decided that the best way to choose its championship was with power rankings, computers and opinion polls?

This article represents a depiction of this imaginary and bizarre NFL…

The NFL has announced the selections for the 2008-2009 BCS Bowl Games based on the Week 18 Power Rankings.

Super Bowl Championship: Tennessee Titans (1) vs. New York Giants (2).

The Titans had the top record in the NFL this season at 13-3.

The Giants finished the season at 12-4, along with the Colts, Steelers and Panthers. They managed to retain their No. 2 slot based on strength of schedule.

Fiesta Bowl: Pittsburgh Steelers (3) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10)

The Steelers (12-4) clinched the No. 3 ranking with a strong finish to the season, blowing out the Browns 31-0.

Head coach Mike Tomlin was “happy to be playing in a top bowl game,” but he “really believed we had a team that could compete for the championship. I guess we’ll have to wait until next season.”

The Vikings (10-6) shocked the NFL by upsetting the No. 2 ranked Giants, thus cementing a top bowl bid.

Sugar Bowl: Carolina Panthers (4) vs. New England Patriots (8)

After star Tom Brady was injured for the season, many thought the Patriots would have a losing season. However, the solid play of the defense and the emergence of backup QB Matt Cassell were enough to retain their top-tier status and a big-time bowl game.

Rose Bowl: Indianapolis Colts (5) vs. San Diego Chargers (11)

The Chargers sneaked into the Rose Bowl by winning a very weak AFC West Division, even with 8 losses. Many have questioned the BCS selection procedure, as it is widely believed that the Chargers have little chance of competing with bigger division teams, such as the Colts.

Orange Bowl: Miami Dolphins (8) vs. Baltimore Ravens (6)

The Dolphins surprised the NFL this season by winning the AFC East division and securing an Orange Bowl berth. Both Miami and Baltimore finished with formidable 11-5 records.

Notable Non-BCS teams

Although the Arizona Cardinals won their division, they did not secure a BCS berth. By rule, teams that win the NFC West must finish in the top 12 to have a shot at a BCS bowl game.

Fans of the Atlanta Falcons felt slighted by the BCS process this year, as they did not place in a top bowl game while being ranked seventh overall. Many believe that their poor performance in past seasons has haunted their bowl chances this season, despite their 11-5 record.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ strong performance over the last five weeks was not enough to secure a BCS berth. Early in the season the team was thought to be a championship contender, but they quickly faded after a poor first half of the season.

Now back to your regularly scheduled reality, already in progress…Thank God for the playoffs.

Denver Broncos' Head-Coaching Search Should Focus on the Young Guns

Jeff Peters — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:18:08 -0500

The Broncos certainly have an interesting selection on their hands.

Today's list of possible NFL coaches ranges from proven, old-school veterans like Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer, to new and innovative young minds like Steve Spagnuolo and Josh McDaniels.

Whom should they pick?

My first instinct, along with several Broncos fans that I know, was to blurt out "Cowher!"

Bill Cowher is a proven coach with a solid philosophy and a track record to prove that it works. He provides a defensive strategy that is basically still in tact today in Pittsburgh. This strategy produces not just defensive stops but also scoring opportunities.

Cowher's philosophy is an exciting prospect for Broncos fans, and we certainly won't be disappointed if he becomes the next head coach. However, upon my own further review, Cowher should not be the No. 1 choice for Bowlen and Company.

Many NFL insiders suggest that Cowher will either want General Manger-like control of an organization, or to at least bring in "his people" to manage player personnel.

This model, in my opinion, seems too old-school for today's NFL. While it may provide for some interesting short term improvements, even playoff appearances, will it work for the long term?

Bowlen would like nothing more than to have another coach that provides him with a good gut-feeling for the next 10 years. A coach with total control, or at least control of the people who manage personnel, will likely create conflicts and power struggles within the organization.

This struggle can wear down the organization to the point where a coach like Cowher, who's already proven and Super-Bowl-ringed, would simply retire again and go on about his merry way (see Bill Parcells after his short Jets and Cowboys tenures).

If I were in charge, I would shorten the list down to the "Young Guns." Get a smart, up-to-date General Manager. For head coach, hire a fiery coordinator with a chip on his shoulder.

Fill the rest of the staff with coaches that all have something to prove. And keep Jeremy Bates. His young, innovative mind is the main reason why Denver was second in total offensive yards last season.

They say the NFL is a copycat league. The team to copy is the one with the best track record in the modern NFL: New England. They have a great GM (whom Denver should go after) and a very talented coaching staff.

Belichick started as a relatively unsuccessful and unproven head coach with a chip on his shoulder and became a Hall-of-Famer under this very model. The Patriots have created a dynasty with this model.

Get out your Xerox, Bowlen, and make some copies!

The "Instinct" Behind Mike Shanahan's Firing

Jeff Peters — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:34 -0500

What a difference 10 years make...

It was just 10 years ago that Mike Shanahan seemingly cemented a "Coach for Life" status with the Broncos by winning a second Super Bowl title. In his fourth year as head coach, he racked up a stunning 47-17 win/loss record.

His offensive genius had earned him the nickname of "Mastermind." Denver fans knew that they had their greatest coach ever, and it was time to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Ten years, four playoff appearances, and only one playoff win later, and the "Coach for Life" has been beheaded in Denver.

Those of us who follow the NFL closely know that regardless of the lackluster playoff performance in the post-Elway era, Mike Shanahan still had the skills to produce competitive and playoff-worthy teams. This is why the announcement of Shanahan's firing on Tuesday produced such shock around the NFL and among fans.

He was, and will be, a great coach. He is likely destined for the Hall of Fame. So the obvious question is: Why did Pat Bowlen fire Mike Shanahan? Wasn't this the same owner who once proclaimed that Shanahan could "be coach of this franchise for as long as he wants to coach?"

The answer is not obvious. During the Broncos' press conference on Wednesday, Pat Bowlen found himself trying to provide this answer. "It's difficult to explain to anyone in this room. That was my instinct." So his gut told him it was the right decision.

While this may seem strange to those who don't closely follow Denver, to many Broncos fans (myself included), it's actually right on the money.

Right or wrong, Broncos fans have expected a Super-Bowl-caliber team since Shanahan set foot in the door. Even after Elway left, Denver fans expected that at some point, Shanahan could again put the components together for another championship. But teams that are truly Super Bowl contenders do not get beaten by 20 or more points.

This happened four times in 2008. Sadly, The Raiders were one of the teams to put up such a beating.

It happened three times in 2007, including an embarrassing 44-7 drubbing by the Detroit Lions. The Broncos have a 24-24 record in the last three seasons. Super Bowl contenders must rise well above the 0.500 mark.

While Denver's offense appeared to have made great progress this season, the defense simply became worse. Numerous missed tackles, missed assignments, long scoring plays for touchdowns and a minus 17 turnover margin made for possibly the worst defense in Broncos history. Super Bowl contenders must have an exciting defense that can generate turnovers.

Most realistic fans realize that Denver is far from a Super Bowl contender. Watching a Broncos game over the last three seasons has just not offered the same excitement that it did 10 years ago.

I can't count the number of times that Denver has blown a lead, or simply been blown out, and my only thought has been, "Well that doesn't surprise me." I, and many other Broncos fans, had begun to grudgingly accept mediocrity. The air became stale in Denver.

I believe this is much the same "instinct" that Pat Bowlen was trying to describe. Call it heartburn, indigestion, nausea...Whatever it was, swigging a bottle of Pepto was not going to cure it. Something bigger was needed. A spark...Something that would take things in a completely new direction...A new path to glory.

Mike Shanahan is a great coach, and Denver fans owe him an endless debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. During his long tenure in Denver, Shanahan was given great latitude and huge resources to whip up another Super Bowl contender.

Bowlen's gut, and the guts of many in the Broncos Nation, have realized for some time now that this Super Bowl dream remains a thing of the past. It's time to move on, to find someone with a new kind of passion, new ideas and a new spark.

Time to light a fire under the Broncos. Time for Mike to light a fire under a new team, and excite a new fan base. Good luck to both.

The Oakland Raiders and their "Commitment to Suck"

Jeff Peters — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:19:41 -0400

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. Well, this picture of Al Davis (or is that the Crypt Keeper?) says it all...On the outside, a nice, shiny black jacket, menacing Silver and Black helmet, and even a cup of booze to keep that "rebel" spirit alive.

On the inside, a crusty shell of a man, a wrinkly road map that has "excellence" buried somewhere within, and a painfully confusing look on his face, leaving us viewers completely perplexed.

On the outside, the Oakland Raiders appeared to have a talented team. Russell finally has a few notches on his belt and has a chance to explode onto the NFL scene. The defense was already decent, and should have become better in the off-season with the addition of DeAngelo Hall.

Not to mention a young coaching staff who won more games last year than they probably should have. And last but not least, two powerful running backs—one of which was considered by many as the best of the 2008 Draft class.

But as week one proved, you can polish up the Raiders, but deep down inside they are still Al Davis.

As a Broncos fan, this is nothing but bliss. I know that the city of Denver shared in my joy as they ESPN cameras caught a glimpse of old Al in his stadium box with that bewildered look on his face after the Broncos had easily put up 41 points.

Perhaps the pain in his face was driven by rookie Wide Out Eddie Royal, who made fellow Virginia Tech alum DeAngelo Hall look like he just came from a community college.

But for the first time in my life of bleeding Orange and Blue, I actually felt a little bit bad for the rabid fans of the Oakland Raiders. How could this be, you ask? There is one simple reason: Right now, the Denver/Oakland rivalry means absolutely nothing.

When the Broncos play the Raiders, both fan bases get that feeling of excitement. Memories of the 70's, 80's and 90's fill our minds and we get geared up for the game. And up until 2002, this rivalry was the most important game of the season for both teams.

But over the last six years the Raiders have gone from one of the best teams in the NFL to quite possibly the worst. This is arguably the sharpest and deepest decline of any team in the last 15 years.

By contrast, the Broncos have had their ups and downs, but have remained competitive in the AFC. When the Broncos play, they have a shot at the playoffs. The Raiders simply don't have a shot, and they haven't for the last six seasons.

Early in the ESPN broadcast, Mike Ditka pointed out that "the NFL is better when the Raiders are good." At first I scoffed at this comment. But then I watched the game. It was great in the first half as I watched my team put up 17 hard earned points on their hated rivals. Admittedly, the Defense got lucky on a play or two. But the first half actually felt like a football game. The 2nd half made me realize what Ditka was saying was true. It's hard to watch a team completely melt down, even if they are an arch enemy.

Oakland seemingly gave up and the frustration was instantly present in the whole stadium. Then the camera pans to Al Davis, and it becomes obvious... Al is the King of this frustration.

His controlling ways allow not for Kiffin to coach his game, or for Russell to shine. His pride and stubbornness still pump through the veins of the team, and poison any chances of improvement. His team gets mad and makes stupid mistakes, and continue their "commitment to penalties."

His legacy is tarnished by his unwillingness to let go, and let the team move in a different direction. As a result, the Raiders completely suck. The rivalry that once stood for dominance in the AFC now stands for nothing.

Just another win for the Broncos. Just another reason for Raiders fans to get all geared up and excited only to watch a meltdown occur. Just another reason for Al Davis to throw yet another coach under the bus. Meanwhile, Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden are smiling, happy to be coaching for owners who let them coach.

It will always be fun for the die hard fans, when the Broncos play the Raiders. It's even more fun when the game has playoff implications. But for Broncos fans, now it's only fun because it's not really the Broncos versus the Raiders...it's the Broncos versus the Ghost of Al's Legacy.