One man’s note is another man’s novel. …
Coincidence or not? The Broncos, who keep getting beat by a 5-foot-8, 187-pound kick returner, used their top draft choice on a 5-8 1/2, 188-pound kick returner.
Hey, if you can’t catch Dante Hall, copy him.
The Broncos hope second-round pick Darrent Williams can provide the kind of spark for their special teams that Hall gives the Chiefs’ special teams. That’s a tall order, but there’s no denying Williams’ credentials as an uber-playmaker.
He averaged 21.9 yards per punt return at Oklahoma State, scoring three times on 22 touches. He intercepted 11 passes and took five to the house. No wonder Mike Shanahan ordained Williams as the Broncos’ No. 1 kickoff and punt returner moments after drafting him.
How big an impact can Williams make in the return game? Consider this: The Broncos last season had 53 kickoff returns, 43 punt returns and 17 fair catches. That’s 113 touches – three more than (79 catches) and (31) combined for in the passing game. …
From Bill Livingston of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland: “At Ohio State on Saturday during the Scarlet-Gray Game, the buzz was that (Maurice) Clarett might not be drafted at all, and, hoo-boy, that would show him. It was wishful thinking.” …
Add Livingston: “Morality, despite lip service to it, goes under the heading ‘does not apply’ in pro sports. It certainly seems to be the case with Denver coach Mike Shanahan. Even before taking Clarett, he had been busy taking players the Browns perceived as either riffraff (Gerard ‘Big Money’ Warren) or fragile (Courtney Brown).” …
A show of hands, please, by those who give a rodent’s rump where Phil Jackson‘s next coaching gig is. Thought so. …
Jackson met with Knicks president Isiah Thomas for six hours Monday. They didn’t come to contract terms, but did agree on one thing: As if six hours are enough to address all the Knicks’ problems. …
The Full House Celebrity Poker Tournament, benefiting the (Adam) Foote Foundation, May 7 and 13. Your genial host promises several celebrity appearances, including the DU hockey team. Info: 303-419-1339 or www.AmberHomes.com. …
Charles Barkley, when asked by CNBC’s Tim Russert why he hasn’t followed through on his vow to run for political office in his native Alabama: “I saw what the governor makes. That’s like four hands of blackjack.” …
Not that the White Sox have some pitching, but they’re 4-1 in games in which they score two runs or fewer. They were 1-44 when they scored that many in 2004. …
The Sox, winners of eight straight going into Tuesday night, leading the American League Central. Yeah, but what Chicago ballfan would go to one of their games when he or she can stay on the North Side and watch weeds grow on a wall? …
Rockets guard Bob Sura, after seeing Tracy McGrady light up the Mavs for 62 points in two playoff games: “After seeing him for 82 games, I really didn’t think he had another gear. But apparently he does.” …
The SEC accounted for 37 draft choices, more than any other conference. Now for the interesting part: It was the fewest selections for the conference since 1997. …
Just wondering: If the Blake Street Bombers could have a road record of 28-53 in ’96, one year after making the playoffs, where will the Gen R Rockies finish away from Coors Field? …
Coors Canaveral turned 10 on Tuesday. Why am I thinking Mike Hampton would like to send it a cake with 10 sticks of dynamite on top? …
ESPN.com’s Phil Rogers, on the LoDo Launching Pad: “As it was back in the minor-league days, Denver baseball remains entertaining. But if the Rockies don’t find a way to win, fans will lose their hope, and a decade from now this franchise will be the Montreal of the early 2000s – only with a much prettier park.”
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM, and Thursday nights on Fox Sports Net’s “Insider Edition.” He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
