Football Season 2 Months Away

It is now only 2 months and 13 days until the broncos go to San Francisco to play the 49ers at Candlestick Park. Hard to believe, but that is really not a long time.

This year marks a complete change in Bronco strategy, similar the the change that happened when Shanahan took the helm and brought the West Coast Offense to town many years ago.

Now we will see the end of that type of offense and what will we get? Probably a strong running offense with passing plays worked in as a side line strategy. I hope we will see a better defense this year and a whole new set of players to do it.

New coach, new players, new offense and a different defense. I believe it is safe to say the Broncos will have a whole new look this year. Ya think?

Mike Nolan will bring a new approach to the defense too, and one I welcome. In fact Alphonzo Smith, a recent draft pick out of Wake Forrest, said of Nolan ..."Coach Nolan, who’s the d-coordinator, (runs) basically the same defense we ran at Wake Forest. Being comfortable with that would give me a chance to play early. And just having the chance to play with guys I’ve admired like Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill and Andre Goodman and guys like that. I’ve admired all of these guys and just to get the chance to work with them......"

I think it is safe to assume Nolan will be a good defensive Coordinator for Denver, and his experience will give the guys a different take on their jobs. I am hoping for success in the defense this year.

Overall I am very optimistic about the possibilities, and will reserve my opinions on McDaniels until we have seen at least 3 regular season games in September. Offense is the open discussion until we actually see what plays he uses, but I am guessing there will be a lot of running this year.

Some stories of note - Denver Broncos news items

Graduating to the NFL -- Richard Quinn was one of thousands of college students to attend graduation ceremonies over the past few weeks. But he didn't just don the traditional cap and gown -- he represented his school and his new team.

Friday, May 22
• One-on-One with Richard Quinn -- One-on-One with Richard Quinn -- Broncos TV sits down with the team's third second-round pick, Richard Quinn.

• Rice: Meeting the New Guys, Part II -- In his latest entry, 850 KOA's Mike Rice shares some interviews with the Broncos draft picks. This week, Robert Ayers.

• Cooper: Jimmy Johnson, Gary Dunn and I -- Former Bronco Mark Cooper recounts his latest trip to the Florida Keys and a radio show he did with some NFL legends.

Thursday, May 21
• Dumervil: Getting Closer -- Elvis Dumervil and the rest of the Broncos are getting ready for another round of camps. He checks in to write about how offseason conditioning is going, getting another look at the rookies and inching closer to the season.

Wednesday, May 20
• One-on-One with Darcel McBath -- Broncos TV sits down with the second of the team's second-round draft picks, Darcel McBath.

Tuesday, May 19
• Watch and Learn -- The team's rookie defensive backs, including Alphonso Smith and Darcel McBath (pictured), have the opportunity to learn from a talented veteran secondary. Heading into another round of camps, they're ready to soak it all in.

Monday, May 18
• One-on-One with Alphonso Smith -- Broncos TV sits down with the first of the team's second-round draft picks, Alphonso Smith.

Houston Texans have Ties to the Denver Broncos

he Houston Texans coaching staff seems to have one thing in common in their coaching background.

Most of them made stops with the Denver Broncos, as either a player, a coach, or both.

Texans head coach Gary Kubiak was very familiar with Houston before coaching there. He grew up in Houston. Kubiak was also the starting quarterback for Texas A&M from 1979-1982, earning all-Southwest Conference honors as a senior.

In 1983, Kubiak was drafted in the eighth round by the Denver Broncos, playing for them until 1991. Kubiak backed up eventual Hall of Famer John Elway. From 1983-1991, Kubiak played in 41 games and started five. The Broncos were 26-15 in the games Kubiak played and 3-2 in his starts.

Kubiak also played in four of the Broncos' playoff games, including Super Bowls XXI and XXIV. The Broncos were 1-3 in the games Kubiak, played with their only win being a 34-10 victory over the Houston Oilers in the 1988 divisional playoffs. Kubiak completed 84 percent of his passes in the playoffs for 212 yards.

Continue reading this great story .....

Champ Bailey on 2009 Bronco Season

Hi - It's been a few months since you've heard from me but with the NFL Draft behind us and Fan Fair rapidly approaching, I'm back with another issue of Broncos Zone, sent exclusively to Comcast subscribers. Now that the Draft has passed and the schedule is out, it's time to start getting excited about next season. There have obviously been a lot of changes within our organization and I'm excited for the chance to play for Coach McDaniels. Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill and Andre' Goodman will bring a lot of experience to our defensive backfield while Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath and David Burton will add youth and athleticism. Hopefully you'll take advantage of the opportunity to see these new faces and meet the rest of our draft picks at Fan Fair on June 6. If you do make it out, be sure to stop by the Comcast Fan on Demand set near section 105. For the first time since I've been a Bronco, I'll get the chance to return to FedEx Field to face my former team, the Washington Redskins, on November 15. Week in and week out, our schedule is packed with great matchups whether you're at the game or watching at home on Comcast. (Look for a chance to win tickets in future Broncos Zone e-Newsletters.) To help you follow the Broncos all season long, Comcast is offering a FREE Champ Bailey wallpaper graphic for your computer desktop containing the entire 2009 Broncos schedule. Click here to download this graphic in various sizes. Until next time, take care and Go Broncos! Champ Bailey

The Good Old Bronco Days and the Good Old Bronco Players - When Broncos were Broncos

I know, the new Broncos will never be like the old Broncos ever again, thanks to the New England influences we now have in play. These items are my offering before the season begins to help you older guys to stay sane while all this New Bronco stuff plays out. Sigh


Jay Cutler Denver Broncos 8x10 Photo

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Tom Jackson Denver Broncos Signed 8x10 Photo W/coa

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Jay Cutler Denver Broncos Reebok Authentic Jersey

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Jay Cutler Denver Broncos NFL Kids Navy Reebok Jersey

If your child is a football fan this Reebok Kids replica jersey from NFL Equipment is for them! This v-neck jersey is screen printed with your favorite player's name and number and features a body ... more info.

John Elway Denver Broncos Replica "D" Helmet

John Elway hand autographed Denver Broncos Throwback Replica "D" helmet. Elway and Creative Sports Hologram and Certificate of Authenticity.

John Elway Denver Broncos Navy Reebok Premier Jersey

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Bernard Jackson B/w Denver Broncos Signed 8x10 Photo

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Jay Cutler #6 Denver Broncos Youth NFL Replica Player Jersey (Team Color)

Support your favorite team by wearing this NFL youth replica jersey. This officially licensed v-neck jersey is made of durable; quick-drying nylon diamond back mesh and displays the player's number ... more info.

Jay Cutler Denver Broncos NFL Youth Reebok Jersey

If you are a football fan this Reebok youth replica jersey from NFL Equipment is for you! This v-neck jersey is screen printed with your favorite player's name and number and features a body ... more info.

Jay Cutler Denver Broncos Navy NFL Replica Jersey

If you are a football fan this Reebok replica jersey from NFL Equipment is for you! This v-neck jersey is screen printed with your favorite player's name and number and features a body constructed ... more info.

John Elway Autographed Denver Broncos Full Size Helmet W/sb Mvp

JOHN ELWAY AUTOGRAPHED DENVER BRONCOS FULL SIZE HELMET W/SB MVP. THIS HELMET WAS SIGNED 10/21/06 IN CHANTILLY, VA. COMES WITH COA AND A PICTURE OF JOHN SIGNING. HE ADDED SB XXXIII MVP TO HIS ... more info.

Mark Jackson Autographed 8x10 Photo - Denver Broncos

Mark Jackson Autographed / Signed 8x10 Photo - Denver Broncos Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Sportsmemorabilia.com

Jay Cutler Denver Broncos NFL Player T-Shirt

This 100% cotton Reebok NFL Player Name and Number T-Shirt sports screen prints of your favorite player's name and number on the back plus the team logo on chest. Great for any fan! Officially ... more info.

Shannon Sharpe gets picked to Ring of Fame at Broncos

photo courtesy of SI.Com - Shannon Sharpe

Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe has been picked to join the team's Ring of Fame.

The Broncos announced Tuesday that Sharpe will become the 22nd inductee into the Ring of Fame.

Sharpe played 12 seasons for Denver, including 1997 and 1998 when the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowl championships. He was selected for seven straight Pro Bowls, tying a franchise record.

He held the record for receptions by a tight end with 815 until Tony Gonzalez broke it.

Sharpe will be inducted on Sept. 20 during the Broncos home opener against the Cleveland Browns.

The ultimate question is still ahead of us; Will he reach the NFL Hall of Fame?

Allsports Bio on Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois. He played his college football at Savannah State College (now Savannah State University)
Details:

* Height: 6'2"
* Weight: 230 lbs
* Date of Birth: June 26th, 1968
* Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
* College: Savannah State College
* Position: Tight End
* Draft: 7th round, 192nd overall, Denver Broncos
, 1990

Bio: Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois. He played his college football at Savannah State College (now Savannah State University) where he also participated in basketball and track and field
by way of the triple jump. Sharpe was not drafted very high in the NFL, but he ended his career as one of the best tight ends in NFL history.

The Denver Broncos selected Sharpe in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games as a rookie but caught only seven passes for 99 yards. Sharpe began his career as a wide receiver
but was switched to tight end after his rookie season and he stayed at the position for the rest of his career. His breakout season came in 1992 when he caught 53 passes for 640 yards and was named to his first of what would be eight Pro Bowls. He recorded his first 1,000 yard receiving season in 1994 and had two more over his career in 1996 and 1997. He also had two seasons with 10 receiving touchdowns. Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion, twice with the Broncos and once with the Baltimore Ravens. He decided to retire following the 2003 season with career totals of 815 receptions, 10,060 yards, and 62 touchdowns.

Career Highlights, Awards, and Accolades:

* Three time Super Bowl champion

Who is Mike Nolan - Bronco Defensive Coordinator?

Mike Nolan - Defensive Coordinator (50) - Unlike the two coaches above him, Nolan has bounced around to pretty much every team imaginable. Nolan has coached everywhere from the west coast (Stanford Cardinals) to the east coast (Baltimore Ravens), and from the north (Oregon Ducks) to the south (LSU Tigers). Simply put, he's been on the road more than you have.

Nolan has a ton of coaching experience. Starting in 1981, Nolan has more experience than McDaniels and McCoy have combined. Though his most recent job with the 49ers was his first head coaching job at any level, Nolan should be extremely versatile for the Broncos.

Nolan started the most recent season with the 49ers 2-5, before being fired midway though the season. At his time in San Francisco, Nolan went 18-37, and never finished above 3rd in the NFC West in the standings. It doesn't seem like head coaching is Mike Nolan's gig.

Mike Nolan will be making one big change in Denver, and that is implementing the 3-4 defensive scheme. Denver, who usually plays the 4-3, didn't have much success in 2008, as they allowed 28 points per game last year, which was 30th in the league. They also finished in the bottom half of most of the key defensive categories, including yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing yards allowed.

This will be Nolan's tenth defensive-related coaching job, and his fifth different NFL team he was a defensive coordinator for. Nolan has coached ten different teams in his career.

read the entire article by Kyle at the Bleecher Report - Kyle is a 16 year old emerging sports writer and reporter with huge talent.

Broncos Sign Darius Walker - Running Back

Walker, who will be entering his third professional season, split last year between Houston and St. Louis. He appeared in uniform for five games with the Texans, but did not see any action before joining the Rams' practice squad for the week of November 4. The running back then returned to the Texans' practice squad on November 25 where he spent the rest of the season.

The University of Notre Dame product has seen limited playing time in four NFL contests, all with Houston, which picked him up as a college free agent in 2007. He has 58 rushes for 264 yards and a touchdown to go along with 13 catches for 81 yards.

Walker will compete for a job in an already-filled Broncos backfield. Denver selected highly-touted running back Knowshon Moreno of Georgia with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft. The Broncos also added Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and LaMont Jordan as free agents in the offseason.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed (Sports Network)

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Elvis Dumervil made a splash in Broncos Country by registering 21 sacks in his first two years. Entering his third year, the defensive end sees nowhere to go but up. Get the player's perspective in his blog.

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