AFC West: Denver Broncos
Mike Shanahan is 19th on all-time coach list
May, 24, 2013
May 24
2:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Former Denver coach Mike Shanahan is No. 19 on ESPN’s list of top 20 NFL coaches of all time.
Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008, leading them to the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98. He is now the coach of the Washington Redskins.
Denver owner Pat Bowlen often said that Shanahan, who ran the franchise when he was the coach, would be his coach for life. But his time in the Rocky Mountains finally ran its course. Shanahan made the Broncos a perennial contender in the AFC West. There is no question that the apex of his time in Denver was the Super Bowl years.
“There’s one thing to me that was a great thing about Mike: He did not treat the playoffs any differently than he treated the regular season,” former Denver star quarterback John Elway said. “You can see him make a comment during (the final minute of) Super Bowl XXXII. It was fourth and 6 when John Mobley knocked the ball down. They had Mike on highlight. He said, 'Play the defense you would’ve played normally in the regular season. Don’t change the play because it’s the Super Bowl. Call the defense you did during the season.' That’s why we had success. The postseason wasn’t treated any differently, so we didn’t feel the pressure. His mindset was the same whether it was the first game of the year or the Super Bowl. That was a great quality that he still has.”
Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008, leading them to the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98. He is now the coach of the Washington Redskins.
Denver owner Pat Bowlen often said that Shanahan, who ran the franchise when he was the coach, would be his coach for life. But his time in the Rocky Mountains finally ran its course. Shanahan made the Broncos a perennial contender in the AFC West. There is no question that the apex of his time in Denver was the Super Bowl years.
“There’s one thing to me that was a great thing about Mike: He did not treat the playoffs any differently than he treated the regular season,” former Denver star quarterback John Elway said. “You can see him make a comment during (the final minute of) Super Bowl XXXII. It was fourth and 6 when John Mobley knocked the ball down. They had Mike on highlight. He said, 'Play the defense you would’ve played normally in the regular season. Don’t change the play because it’s the Super Bowl. Call the defense you did during the season.' That’s why we had success. The postseason wasn’t treated any differently, so we didn’t feel the pressure. His mindset was the same whether it was the first game of the year or the Super Bowl. That was a great quality that he still has.”
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How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.AFC West links: Starks expects competition
May, 24, 2013
May 24
10:33
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he wasn't surprised that Wes Welker opted to sign with the Broncos. "I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL," Brady said in an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston. "I've been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that's Wes or Randy Moss being traded by the Raiders or Brett Favre and playing for the Jets and Vikings."
What made Tom Nalen, who will be inducted in the team's Ring of Fame, such an effective offensive lineman? "One, he was really strong and nasty," former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "And two, he was extremely intelligent. He knew fronts, knew defenses, knew where and when to go and where to send guys. I just remember him in the study room. He knew a check before I even made it. He helped me with the stuff if I was overloaded."
Kansas City Chiefs
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster hurt his hamstring during Thursday's voluntary workout, the AP reports. Andy Reid said that McCluster had a "mild" hamstring injury.
The Chiefs signed safety Sanders Commings, a fifth-round pick, according to the team's website. Only three of Kansas City’s eight draft picks remain unsigned.
Tight end Tony Moeaki is reportedly sidelined until training camp due to "a knee scope over the offseason," according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead's Pride.
Oakland Raiders
Former Raiders wideout Tim Brown weighed in on the return of his former teammate, Charles Woodson, to the Raiders. "I think it's great. I think for C-Wood, it was probably the only move that he could have made," Brown said in an interview with Dan Brown of Bay Area News Group. "Once you get up there in age, you saw what (Brian) Urlacher did. He just said, 'I don't want to put on another jersey.' I think when you get up there in age, you want look around and say, 'OK, I have to go some place where I'm comfortable. Because I'm not trying to learn new people at 36 years old.'"
Rebecca Corman of Raiders.com has a report wrapping up the first week of organized team activities.
San Diego Chargers
Max Starks isn't taking it for granted that he'll be handed the starting left tackle job with the Chargers, who signed tackle King Dunlap earlier this offseason, writes Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Starks: "I wouldn't want them to say, 'Hey, we've got a guy here, but as soon as you sign, we're just going to move him out. No. To my understanding, he's been here longer; he's been taking the reps so far. I'm a brand new guy, so I don't mind being the new kid on the block and earning my opportunities.”
Former Denver center Tom Nalen admitted he tried to hurt Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky in a 2006 game. According to a U-T San Diego report, "Nalen dived at Olshansky’s knees in the waning seconds of a game the Chargers held on to win 35-27 on Nov. 19, 2006. Olshansky threw two punches at Nalen and was ejected. Nalen insisted it wasn’t a cheap shot but payback for what had happened on the previous play."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he wasn't surprised that Wes Welker opted to sign with the Broncos. "I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL," Brady said in an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston. "I've been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that's Wes or Randy Moss being traded by the Raiders or Brett Favre and playing for the Jets and Vikings."
What made Tom Nalen, who will be inducted in the team's Ring of Fame, such an effective offensive lineman? "One, he was really strong and nasty," former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "And two, he was extremely intelligent. He knew fronts, knew defenses, knew where and when to go and where to send guys. I just remember him in the study room. He knew a check before I even made it. He helped me with the stuff if I was overloaded."
Kansas City Chiefs
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster hurt his hamstring during Thursday's voluntary workout, the AP reports. Andy Reid said that McCluster had a "mild" hamstring injury.
The Chiefs signed safety Sanders Commings, a fifth-round pick, according to the team's website. Only three of Kansas City’s eight draft picks remain unsigned.
Tight end Tony Moeaki is reportedly sidelined until training camp due to "a knee scope over the offseason," according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead's Pride.
Oakland Raiders
Former Raiders wideout Tim Brown weighed in on the return of his former teammate, Charles Woodson, to the Raiders. "I think it's great. I think for C-Wood, it was probably the only move that he could have made," Brown said in an interview with Dan Brown of Bay Area News Group. "Once you get up there in age, you saw what (Brian) Urlacher did. He just said, 'I don't want to put on another jersey.' I think when you get up there in age, you want look around and say, 'OK, I have to go some place where I'm comfortable. Because I'm not trying to learn new people at 36 years old.'"
Rebecca Corman of Raiders.com has a report wrapping up the first week of organized team activities.
San Diego Chargers
Max Starks isn't taking it for granted that he'll be handed the starting left tackle job with the Chargers, who signed tackle King Dunlap earlier this offseason, writes Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Starks: "I wouldn't want them to say, 'Hey, we've got a guy here, but as soon as you sign, we're just going to move him out. No. To my understanding, he's been here longer; he's been taking the reps so far. I'm a brand new guy, so I don't mind being the new kid on the block and earning my opportunities.”
Former Denver center Tom Nalen admitted he tried to hurt Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky in a 2006 game. According to a U-T San Diego report, "Nalen dived at Olshansky’s knees in the waning seconds of a game the Chargers held on to win 35-27 on Nov. 19, 2006. Olshansky threw two punches at Nalen and was ejected. Nalen insisted it wasn’t a cheap shot but payback for what had happened on the previous play."
AFC West links: Nalen to enter Ring of Fame
May, 23, 2013
May 23
9:38
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Adam Gase, making the step up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, credits predecessor Mike McCoy for helping him feel prepared. "Mike did a great job in letting me help him in everything we did," Gase told the Denver Post of McCoy, now the Chargers' head coach.
Tom Nalen, the former center who spent 14 seasons with the Broncos, will become the 24th member in the team's Ring of Fame, reports the Post's Jeff Legwold.
Will the Broncos sign any other free agents prior to the season starting? Legwold weighs in.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs defenders are liking the system being installed by new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, they tell the team website.
Tamba Hali expects the Chiefs' defense to get a lot more sacks this season, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to put numbers on it but, yeah,” Hali said when asked if the Chiefs would put the opposing quarterback under more pressure than they did last season. “With the type of thing coach Sutton is doing with our entire defense, yeah. From cornerbacks to safeties to linebackers, we’re coming. We can get a lot of sacks."
One player who has stood out to quarterback Alex Smith during organized team activities is Dexter McCluster, writes the Star's Randy Covitz. “Not knowing much about Dexter McCluster ... he was the running back/receiver, and seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice.
Oakland Raiders
Coach Dennis Allen sees the return of Charles Woodson putting a swing in his squad's step, the Bay Area News Group reports. "Charles ... he's got that swagger and I think he can bring some of that to our team," Allen said, "not just defensively, but to the whole team in general."
Why did Woodson choose to return to the Raiders? There were the passionate fans and the money, but Woodson said his relationship with GM Reggie McKenzie also played a role, reports Vic Tafur of SFGate.com. “I got a good feel about how he felt about the team and that just really gave me confidence that they’re going in the right direction,” Woodson said. “The game is about fundamentals and playing good football, and they have some good players, and if we can put it together then we’ll win games.”
San Diego Chargers
Ten months after he suffered an ankle injury that cost him the entire 2012 season, receiver Vincent Brown told the team's website that he feels "like a 10-year old kid running around, just happy to be out there" on the road to recovery.
The Chargers are making a mistake by shielding Manti Te'o from the media, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
Adam Gase, making the step up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, credits predecessor Mike McCoy for helping him feel prepared. "Mike did a great job in letting me help him in everything we did," Gase told the Denver Post of McCoy, now the Chargers' head coach.
Tom Nalen, the former center who spent 14 seasons with the Broncos, will become the 24th member in the team's Ring of Fame, reports the Post's Jeff Legwold.
Will the Broncos sign any other free agents prior to the season starting? Legwold weighs in.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs defenders are liking the system being installed by new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, they tell the team website.
Tamba Hali expects the Chiefs' defense to get a lot more sacks this season, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to put numbers on it but, yeah,” Hali said when asked if the Chiefs would put the opposing quarterback under more pressure than they did last season. “With the type of thing coach Sutton is doing with our entire defense, yeah. From cornerbacks to safeties to linebackers, we’re coming. We can get a lot of sacks."
One player who has stood out to quarterback Alex Smith during organized team activities is Dexter McCluster, writes the Star's Randy Covitz. “Not knowing much about Dexter McCluster ... he was the running back/receiver, and seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice.
Oakland Raiders
Coach Dennis Allen sees the return of Charles Woodson putting a swing in his squad's step, the Bay Area News Group reports. "Charles ... he's got that swagger and I think he can bring some of that to our team," Allen said, "not just defensively, but to the whole team in general."
Why did Woodson choose to return to the Raiders? There were the passionate fans and the money, but Woodson said his relationship with GM Reggie McKenzie also played a role, reports Vic Tafur of SFGate.com. “I got a good feel about how he felt about the team and that just really gave me confidence that they’re going in the right direction,” Woodson said. “The game is about fundamentals and playing good football, and they have some good players, and if we can put it together then we’ll win games.”
San Diego Chargers
Ten months after he suffered an ankle injury that cost him the entire 2012 season, receiver Vincent Brown told the team's website that he feels "like a 10-year old kid running around, just happy to be out there" on the road to recovery.
The Chargers are making a mistake by shielding Manti Te'o from the media, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
AFC West links: Max Starks joins Chargers
May, 22, 2013
May 22
10:10
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
San Diego Chargers
Left tackle Max Starks, who spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. GM Tom Telesco deserves credit for upgrading a position that was a serious weakness last season, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.
Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos made a firm commitment to staying in San Diego Tuesday as the team continues to press for a replacement for Qualcomm Stadium, reports NFL.com's Albert Breer. "I've said this the last 10 years. The Chargers belong in San Diego," Spanos said at the NFL spring meeting. "That's where we want to be. We're going to continue to try to get something done in San Diego."
Oakland Raiders
More than 100 fans were waiting in the back lot of the Raiders' team facility in Alameda, waiting for Charles Woodson to arrive. Woodson later agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.3 million, including a $700,000 signing bonus.
Since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, why did things go so bad for the Raiders? Former agent Joel Curry takes an in-depth look at the trades, draft picks and bad contracts that have gotten the Raiders in trouble.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a photo gallery from Tuesday's organized team activities (OTAs) at the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility.
Quarterback Chase Daniel described the pace of practice during OTAs. “I think right now it’s just tempo," Daniel said. "Get up and down, get on the ball. Completions, completions, completions. Run our plays; don’t worry about what the defense is doing. Just really press them -- we like to blitz the defense by getting a lot of formations and a lot of shifts and motions, our tempo. Stuff like that, that’s what we’re really looking like.”
Denver Broncos
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio expects an even better Von Miller for this upcoming season, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post. "He can get better," Del Rio said. "Yeah, he can get more consistent. Certainly he had a tremendous number of impact plays -- tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits. He even had the interception for a touchdown, things like that. You want to maintain those impact plays, but we want to find a way to be more consistent, make less errors."
Fans need to let go and move on from the Broncos' heart-breaking playoff loss to the Ravens last season, writes the Post's Mark Kiszla.
Stuart Zaas of DenverBroncos.com looks at the team's record of plucking undrafted free agents who end up making the regular-season roster.
Left tackle Max Starks, who spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. GM Tom Telesco deserves credit for upgrading a position that was a serious weakness last season, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.
Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos made a firm commitment to staying in San Diego Tuesday as the team continues to press for a replacement for Qualcomm Stadium, reports NFL.com's Albert Breer. "I've said this the last 10 years. The Chargers belong in San Diego," Spanos said at the NFL spring meeting. "That's where we want to be. We're going to continue to try to get something done in San Diego."
Oakland Raiders
More than 100 fans were waiting in the back lot of the Raiders' team facility in Alameda, waiting for Charles Woodson to arrive. Woodson later agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.3 million, including a $700,000 signing bonus.
Since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, why did things go so bad for the Raiders? Former agent Joel Curry takes an in-depth look at the trades, draft picks and bad contracts that have gotten the Raiders in trouble.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a photo gallery from Tuesday's organized team activities (OTAs) at the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility.
Quarterback Chase Daniel described the pace of practice during OTAs. “I think right now it’s just tempo," Daniel said. "Get up and down, get on the ball. Completions, completions, completions. Run our plays; don’t worry about what the defense is doing. Just really press them -- we like to blitz the defense by getting a lot of formations and a lot of shifts and motions, our tempo. Stuff like that, that’s what we’re really looking like.”
Denver Broncos
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio expects an even better Von Miller for this upcoming season, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post. "He can get better," Del Rio said. "Yeah, he can get more consistent. Certainly he had a tremendous number of impact plays -- tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits. He even had the interception for a touchdown, things like that. You want to maintain those impact plays, but we want to find a way to be more consistent, make less errors."
Fans need to let go and move on from the Broncos' heart-breaking playoff loss to the Ravens last season, writes the Post's Mark Kiszla.
Stuart Zaas of DenverBroncos.com looks at the team's record of plucking undrafted free agents who end up making the regular-season roster.
AFC West links: Woodson to visit Raiders
May, 21, 2013
May 21
10:30
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
With the addition of Wes Welker, the Broncos now have three receivers who caught a combined 291 passes last season. So how will Peyton Manning distribute passes next season? "What we try to develop around here is the idea that everyone wants to touch it, everybody wants the ball," Broncos coach John Fox said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "But what our guys understand is this game is about matchups. And you put it on the defense who gets the ball each game."
Negotiations with Charles Woodson have hit a snag, and the free-agent safety is visiting the Oakland Raiders Tuesday, reports Klis. Manning, Rahim Moore and Champ Bailey expressed support for adding Woodson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be much more blitz-happy under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, writes the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher in his notes from organized team activities (OTAs).
Undrafted free agent Rico Richardson has been impressed with what he's seen so far at Chiefs OTAs. "These guys are the real deal, there's no fake advertising," Richardson said via Michael Kerekes of the Natchez Democrat.
Oakland Raiders
Woodson, expected to visit the Raiders on Tuesday, sounds open to finishing his career where he started it. “It would be a really big thing to go back to Oakland being that I played there really most of my career,” Woodson said via Matt Pargoff of MaizeandBlueNews.com. “I played there eight years and Green Bay seven. So I spent most of my career in Oakland and I still have a lot of friends there. I still know people in the organization. It would be a homecoming of sorts if it were to happen, so we’ll see.”
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group has seven reasons Woodson and the Raiders should reunite.
Every eligible player was present during the first day of OTAs, reports Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group.
San Diego Chargers
Rookie Keenan Allen heard about it from Chargers fans after he tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a Raiders cap, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego. "It won't happen again," the receiver said.
Newly signed Dwight Freeney will not participate this week in OTAs, reports U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. Freeney hasn't arrived in San Diego due to what the team has called a “prior commitment.”
Manti Te'o is off limits to the media and will continue to be until minicamp in mid-June, the AP reports.
With the addition of Wes Welker, the Broncos now have three receivers who caught a combined 291 passes last season. So how will Peyton Manning distribute passes next season? "What we try to develop around here is the idea that everyone wants to touch it, everybody wants the ball," Broncos coach John Fox said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "But what our guys understand is this game is about matchups. And you put it on the defense who gets the ball each game."
Negotiations with Charles Woodson have hit a snag, and the free-agent safety is visiting the Oakland Raiders Tuesday, reports Klis. Manning, Rahim Moore and Champ Bailey expressed support for adding Woodson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be much more blitz-happy under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, writes the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher in his notes from organized team activities (OTAs).
Undrafted free agent Rico Richardson has been impressed with what he's seen so far at Chiefs OTAs. "These guys are the real deal, there's no fake advertising," Richardson said via Michael Kerekes of the Natchez Democrat.
Oakland Raiders
Woodson, expected to visit the Raiders on Tuesday, sounds open to finishing his career where he started it. “It would be a really big thing to go back to Oakland being that I played there really most of my career,” Woodson said via Matt Pargoff of MaizeandBlueNews.com. “I played there eight years and Green Bay seven. So I spent most of my career in Oakland and I still have a lot of friends there. I still know people in the organization. It would be a homecoming of sorts if it were to happen, so we’ll see.”
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group has seven reasons Woodson and the Raiders should reunite.
Every eligible player was present during the first day of OTAs, reports Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group.
San Diego Chargers
Rookie Keenan Allen heard about it from Chargers fans after he tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a Raiders cap, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego. "It won't happen again," the receiver said.
Newly signed Dwight Freeney will not participate this week in OTAs, reports U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. Freeney hasn't arrived in San Diego due to what the team has called a “prior commitment.”
Manti Te'o is off limits to the media and will continue to be until minicamp in mid-June, the AP reports.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos insist they have moved on from last season's playoff loss to Baltimore and remain behind safety Rahim Moore, who was beat for a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of regulation. "I think he's over it; I think we're all over it, you know," Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told the Associated Press. "I think we all look back and see things that we could have done better. We also look back with a great deal of pride in what we accomplished. We played some very good defense and he was central to that. So, we want to feel good about what went well. We want to feel the sting of what went bad. And we want to get ready to be better this year."
Mike Klis of the Denver Post asks questions the Broncos need to answer as they begin OTAs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs wide receivers coach David Culley is already making a positive impression on his players. "Coach Culley, he’s been with some guys that have done great things in the NFL," Chiefs WR Jon Baldwin said. "So, for him to be able to be with those guys, who have been doing it for a long time and have proven that, it lets him be able to rub some of the stuff that he taught those guys and seen those guys develop into and bring it to us. It’s a great thing to have him as a receiver coach."
Oakland Raiders
Raider Nation would really like to see veteran cornerback Charles Woodson back in an Oakland uniform.
San Diego Chargers
Former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer fully expects to be playing somewhere in 2013.
Matt Calkins of U-T San Diego: "It is completely understandable that Chargers coach Mike McCoy would want to shield his celebrity of a linebacker from prying media members, and if the request came from Manti Te’o, one can empathize with that as well. But this story isn’t like a headache or a bruise that will go away if you just leave it alone. It’s more like an anxiety disorder -- the only way to kill it is with exposure."
The Broncos insist they have moved on from last season's playoff loss to Baltimore and remain behind safety Rahim Moore, who was beat for a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of regulation. "I think he's over it; I think we're all over it, you know," Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told the Associated Press. "I think we all look back and see things that we could have done better. We also look back with a great deal of pride in what we accomplished. We played some very good defense and he was central to that. So, we want to feel good about what went well. We want to feel the sting of what went bad. And we want to get ready to be better this year."
Mike Klis of the Denver Post asks questions the Broncos need to answer as they begin OTAs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs wide receivers coach David Culley is already making a positive impression on his players. "Coach Culley, he’s been with some guys that have done great things in the NFL," Chiefs WR Jon Baldwin said. "So, for him to be able to be with those guys, who have been doing it for a long time and have proven that, it lets him be able to rub some of the stuff that he taught those guys and seen those guys develop into and bring it to us. It’s a great thing to have him as a receiver coach."
Oakland Raiders
Raider Nation would really like to see veteran cornerback Charles Woodson back in an Oakland uniform.
San Diego Chargers
Former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer fully expects to be playing somewhere in 2013.
Matt Calkins of U-T San Diego: "It is completely understandable that Chargers coach Mike McCoy would want to shield his celebrity of a linebacker from prying media members, and if the request came from Manti Te’o, one can empathize with that as well. But this story isn’t like a headache or a bruise that will go away if you just leave it alone. It’s more like an anxiety disorder -- the only way to kill it is with exposure."
NFL.com reports the Denver Broncos have offered safety Charles Woodson a contract, but will likely need to up the offer. Next week, Woodson is planning to visit Oakland, where he spent the first eight years of his career.
I would be surprised if the Raiders engage in a bidding war. They have not done so this offseason as they have begun to rebuild their roster.
They are giving players short, inexpensive deals. Trying to win a bidding war for a 36-year-old player doesn’t seem like it would fit the plan of G.M. Reggie McKenzie. But if Oakland thinks Woodson can help on the field and in the locker room, perhaps McKenzie will change course. Denver is still considered by many league observers as a favorite to land the future hall of famer.
I would be surprised if the Raiders engage in a bidding war. They have not done so this offseason as they have begun to rebuild their roster.
They are giving players short, inexpensive deals. Trying to win a bidding war for a 36-year-old player doesn’t seem like it would fit the plan of G.M. Reggie McKenzie. But if Oakland thinks Woodson can help on the field and in the locker room, perhaps McKenzie will change course. Denver is still considered by many league observers as a favorite to land the future hall of famer.
Charles Woodson planning Oakland visit
May, 16, 2013
May 16
9:35
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Charles Woodson AFC West race may be extending into next week.
WoodsonESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that Woodson’s agent said the Oakland Raiders have invited Woodson to visit on Tuesday. He ended a visit to Denver on Wednesday. Agent Carl Poston had previously said the Raiders made an initial offer.
The Giants and Panthers have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the 36-year-old safety. He was cut by Green Bay this offseason.
The Broncos are said to still be interested. Some observers see Denver as the favorite because it could give him a chance to play a lot, a decent salary and a chance to stay with a contender.
Woodson played his first eight years in Oakland. He has a relationship with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie dating back to their Green Bay days. The Raiders have not been paying free agents much and they have been looking for youth. But they could be interested in having Woodson’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Dwight Freeney, the other big-name defensive player linked to the AFC West, ended his visit with the Chargers on Thursday.
The Giants and Panthers have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the 36-year-old safety. He was cut by Green Bay this offseason.
The Broncos are said to still be interested. Some observers see Denver as the favorite because it could give him a chance to play a lot, a decent salary and a chance to stay with a contender.
Woodson played his first eight years in Oakland. He has a relationship with Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie dating back to their Green Bay days. The Raiders have not been paying free agents much and they have been looking for youth. But they could be interested in having Woodson’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Dwight Freeney, the other big-name defensive player linked to the AFC West, ended his visit with the Chargers on Thursday.
Mid-week mail call:
Rick Johnson from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., wants to know why quarterback Ricky Stanzi may be on the outs in Kansas City.
Bill Williamson: He was a low-round pick of the previous regime. He hasn’t shown much in two years in the program and the new regime is looking for its own young quarterback to develop. The Chiefs signed the intriguing Tyler Bray out of Tennessee as an undrafted free agent. I expect Andy Reid and his staff to try to develop Bray. If Stanzi impresses, he has a chance, but I think Bray has the edge to stick around over Stanzi.
Rick Cole from Kansas City wants to know how long I think Peyton Manning will play in Denver.
BW: I think we should start with two more years and see how it goes. Manning is 37. He has four more years remaining on his contract.I expect him to play at a high level for another two years. I bet the situation is re-evaluated after the 2014 season. If Manning is still playing at a high level and he feels good, I could see him returning in 2015.
Ibetonart from Oakland wants to know if the Raiders could ever trade Terrelle Pryor to Philadelphia.
BW: Well, I think that wouldn’t happen until 2014. Pryor seems to fit Chip Kelly’s offense and Kelly did try to recruit him to Oregon several years ago. But Kelly is loaded at quarterback. I would think if Kelly doesn’t have his answer at the position next year and Pryor is not in Oakland’s plans, perhaps the idea could be broached.
Rick Johnson from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., wants to know why quarterback Ricky Stanzi may be on the outs in Kansas City.
Bill Williamson: He was a low-round pick of the previous regime. He hasn’t shown much in two years in the program and the new regime is looking for its own young quarterback to develop. The Chiefs signed the intriguing Tyler Bray out of Tennessee as an undrafted free agent. I expect Andy Reid and his staff to try to develop Bray. If Stanzi impresses, he has a chance, but I think Bray has the edge to stick around over Stanzi.
Rick Cole from Kansas City wants to know how long I think Peyton Manning will play in Denver.
BW: I think we should start with two more years and see how it goes. Manning is 37. He has four more years remaining on his contract.I expect him to play at a high level for another two years. I bet the situation is re-evaluated after the 2014 season. If Manning is still playing at a high level and he feels good, I could see him returning in 2015.
Ibetonart from Oakland wants to know if the Raiders could ever trade Terrelle Pryor to Philadelphia.
BW: Well, I think that wouldn’t happen until 2014. Pryor seems to fit Chip Kelly’s offense and Kelly did try to recruit him to Oregon several years ago. But Kelly is loaded at quarterback. I would think if Kelly doesn’t have his answer at the position next year and Pryor is not in Oakland’s plans, perhaps the idea could be broached.
An AFC West battle for Charles Woodson is brewing.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that the future hall of famer is flying to Denver for a visit this week. Later, Anderson reported the Raiders sent Woodson an initial offer. Woodson spent his first eight years in the NFL in Oakland. He knows Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie from their Green Bay days.
The strong safety was cut by Green Bay in March and has received little interest. But it is heating up. Anderson reports Carolina is also involved.
If it comes down to Denver and Oakland, it will be interesting to see what happens. I think the playing time in both places would be about similar. Finances could be an issue, but I don’t see either team offering him too much. Oakland has been very cost-conscious, has been mostly giving out one-year deals, and most of those have been to younger players. I don’t see Oakland breaking the bank to get Woodson.
An advantage Denver might have is it is expected to be a Super Bowl contender, while Oakland isn’t. Oakland could have an advantage because of Woodson's familiarity with McKenzie and the franchise.
If Denver decides it wants to sign Woodson, it could try to finalize a deal during his visit to keep him from considering other offers.
In other AFC West notes:
The Chiefs cut 2012 fifth-round pick, safety DeQuan Menzie. He didn’t play last season. It’s not surprising. Late-round picks from a previous regime usually aren’t safe when the new regime comes in. The Chiefs concentrated on adding to the secondary this offseason.
This ESPN video looks at a possible free-agent fit for the division.
The Jets don’t believe Josh Cribbs is recovered from a knee injury. He has visited with four teams in the past week, including Oakland. It will be interesting to see of the Raiders feel the same way.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that the future hall of famer is flying to Denver for a visit this week. Later, Anderson reported the Raiders sent Woodson an initial offer. Woodson spent his first eight years in the NFL in Oakland. He knows Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie from their Green Bay days.
The strong safety was cut by Green Bay in March and has received little interest. But it is heating up. Anderson reports Carolina is also involved.
If it comes down to Denver and Oakland, it will be interesting to see what happens. I think the playing time in both places would be about similar. Finances could be an issue, but I don’t see either team offering him too much. Oakland has been very cost-conscious, has been mostly giving out one-year deals, and most of those have been to younger players. I don’t see Oakland breaking the bank to get Woodson.
An advantage Denver might have is it is expected to be a Super Bowl contender, while Oakland isn’t. Oakland could have an advantage because of Woodson's familiarity with McKenzie and the franchise.
If Denver decides it wants to sign Woodson, it could try to finalize a deal during his visit to keep him from considering other offers.
In other AFC West notes:
The Chiefs cut 2012 fifth-round pick, safety DeQuan Menzie. He didn’t play last season. It’s not surprising. Late-round picks from a previous regime usually aren’t safe when the new regime comes in. The Chiefs concentrated on adding to the secondary this offseason.
This ESPN video looks at a possible free-agent fit for the division.
The Jets don’t believe Josh Cribbs is recovered from a knee injury. He has visited with four teams in the past week, including Oakland. It will be interesting to see of the Raiders feel the same way.
Earlier Tuesday, we examined whether Charles Woodson would fit in the AFC West. We might be talking about the subject more.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the Denver Broncos will visit with the safety this week.
The interest makes sense. The Broncos could use help at safety, and Woodson would provide strong leadership. The future hall of famer is 36. Denver coach John Fox has long valued veterans. I wouldn’t be shocked if an accord is reached between Denver and Woodson.
Meanwhile, a Denver source said the Broncos are not interested in former Chicago middle linebacker Brian Urlacher at this time. There was a report out of Chicago on Tuesday that said the Broncos were talking to Urlacher.
In other AFC West notes:
The Cardinals are visiting with left tackle Max Starks. He visited with the Chargers last week and is considered the best left tackle on the market. The Chargers badly need a left tackle.
The Chiefs are visiting with defensive lineman Ryan McBean. He is a rotational player.
As expected, left tackle Branden Albert is working with the Chiefs for the first time this offseason. Th sides are trying to get a long-term deal done.
The Eagles will honor former quarterback Donovan McNabb on Sept. 19 when they host the Chiefs and former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted McNabb in his first year in Philadelphia.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that the Denver Broncos will visit with the safety this week.
The interest makes sense. The Broncos could use help at safety, and Woodson would provide strong leadership. The future hall of famer is 36. Denver coach John Fox has long valued veterans. I wouldn’t be shocked if an accord is reached between Denver and Woodson.
Meanwhile, a Denver source said the Broncos are not interested in former Chicago middle linebacker Brian Urlacher at this time. There was a report out of Chicago on Tuesday that said the Broncos were talking to Urlacher.
In other AFC West notes:
The Cardinals are visiting with left tackle Max Starks. He visited with the Chargers last week and is considered the best left tackle on the market. The Chargers badly need a left tackle.
The Chiefs are visiting with defensive lineman Ryan McBean. He is a rotational player.
As expected, left tackle Branden Albert is working with the Chiefs for the first time this offseason. Th sides are trying to get a long-term deal done.
The Eagles will honor former quarterback Donovan McNabb on Sept. 19 when they host the Chiefs and former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted McNabb in his first year in Philadelphia.
Alex Gibbs returns to help Broncos' O-line
May, 12, 2013
May 12
4:35
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
John Elway the quarterback won two Super Bowl rings with Alex Gibbs directing his offensive line. Now, Elway the executive hopes Gibbs can help the Denver Broncos win another ring.
The Broncos have brought Gibbs out of retirement to serve as a consultant for their offensive line. He will work with offensive line coach Dave Magazu. The two have worked together in the past.
The team is bringing in Gibbs, 72, primarily to work with the younger linemen, those players who often don’t get a lot of repetitions. Gibbs will be in charge of helping them with technique.
Gibbs is known as an authority on the zone-blocking scheme. He was the Broncos’ offensive line coach from 1995 to 2003, when the team excelled using the scheme. Denver now uses more of a power-blocking scheme with some zone-blocking influences. That will not change.
The Broncos have brought Gibbs out of retirement to serve as a consultant for their offensive line. He will work with offensive line coach Dave Magazu. The two have worked together in the past.
The team is bringing in Gibbs, 72, primarily to work with the younger linemen, those players who often don’t get a lot of repetitions. Gibbs will be in charge of helping them with technique.
Gibbs is known as an authority on the zone-blocking scheme. He was the Broncos’ offensive line coach from 1995 to 2003, when the team excelled using the scheme. Denver now uses more of a power-blocking scheme with some zone-blocking influences. That will not change.
Broncos stock up on young D-line talent
May, 12, 2013
May 12
2:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
For the second time in his short tenure as the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio last month saw the team take a defensive lineman with its first draft pick, stealing North Carolina defensive tackle Sylvester Williams at No. 28. (Williams was expected to be a top-20 pick.)
Last year, Denver traded down and took defensive lineman Derek Wolfe out of Cincinnati. The versatile Wolfe was a mainstay as a rookie, and he looks to have a promising career ahead of him.
Del Rio knows these two players are major building blocks for his defense. And while they are different types of players, Del Rio expects both to have huge roles.
“Both of these young men, you’ve watched them come in the building -- they both have approached it very similarly,” Del Rio said. “Come in kind of determined, serious, mature in their approach. I think you’re going to see Sylvester be able to come in and impact us in a similar way [as Wolfe did last year], but he has a little bit more in front of him. Terrance Knighton can play and [Kevin Vickerson] can play. So he has to come in and earn and fight for his time, much like Derek did last year with [Robert Ayers] and Jason Hunter. You never know how it’s going to play out, but when you come in with that mentality and that approach, that gives you a chance. That is what I like about the way he’s started here, that he’s come in here very determined, very serious, very mature, very much about his business. That is good for all of us.”
We found something Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is not very good at.
ESPN’s Playbook offers this amusing video of the Broncos’ star trying to sign Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues” with country star Luke Bryan during Manning's recent Children's Hospital gala in Indianapolis. The event earned more than $1 million for the hospital.
Enjoy … Bryan’s voice.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
