Notes from the deep end …
The Broncos could be looking for a No. 3 wide receiver on June 1, when NFL veterans hit the waiver wire en masse, but that doesn’t mean they’ll find one.
To hear Rod Smith tell it, their No. 3 wideout is already on the roster. Dude name of Darius Watts.
A funny thing happened to Watts on his way to a solid rookie season: He disappeared. In his first eight games, he caught 21 passes for 259 yards and a touchdown. In his last eight, he went 10-126-0 with two critical drops in the end zone.
Aberration, or a sign of things to come?
“Mental fatigue, that’s all it was,” Smith said. “He went through a learning curve. Everybody goes through it. Even Jerry Rice went through it.”
Smith has taken Watts under his wing during the Broncos’ offseason workout program. So what does he expect from Watts in his sophomore season?
“He’s going to have a big year,” Smith said. “His fear of failure is amazing. That’s what will drive him. I know, because it’s the same thing that drives me.” …
Smith, on the horde of Browns D-linemen-turned-Broncos: “I like their mentality. It’s like they got released from jail or something. They didn’t bring their baggage. They left it at the airport in Cleveland.” …
From Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “Now that Maurice Clarett is a Bronco, do we pencil him in for 1,500 yards rushing? For that matter, if Mel Kiper Jr. were a Bronco, would we pencil him in for 1,500 yards rushing?” …
I have a better question. With that hair of his, would Kiper have to wear a helmet? …
Smith and several Broncos teammates will be on hand for the Colorado Sickle Cell Association’s bowl-a-thon June 4 at the AMF Aurora Lanes, 16700 E. Mississippi Ave. Tickets are $20, shoes and food included. Reservations: 303-333-2606. …
Who says Mike Shanahan doesn’t talk during the offseason? He’ll be the keynote speaker at the John Lynch Salutes the Stars luncheon May 18 at Invesco Field. The luncheon honors local youths for their accomplishments in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. Tickets are $100 for individuals, $1,000 for corporations. Info: 866-553-4747. …
Today’s Yogi Berra award goes to Cavs forward Drew Gooden. Said Gooden, when asked by The Orlando Sentinel about his up-and-down NBA career: “I’ve had to overcome a lot of diversity.” …
Yeah, yeah, I meant to play the 50-to-1 shot in the Kentucky Derby, too. I also forgot to call Cindy Crawford to tell her our date was off for Saturday night. …
Money can’t buy you love, and apparently it can’t buy you the Mendoza Line, either: Jason Giambi, hitting a buck-95 for the Yankees. …
Rocker Alice Cooper, on the “Tee It Up” radio show, on the three sports kids play in his native Detroit: “Baseball, basketball and grand-theft auto.” …
Meanwhile, in Phoenix, the swimming pool at Bank One Ballpark reportedly has undergone a $150,000 renovation. And you thought the Rockies spending 300 grand on some of their relievers was a waste of money. …
Talk about your classy gestures. Gary Bettman, working round the clock in his
attempt to ruin hockey, finding time to meet with Todd Bertuzzi about a possible reinstatement. …
Turns out part of Rickey Henderson‘s deal with the San Diego Surf Dawgs calls for him to hit leadoff in every game. Makes sense if you think about it. At his age, you don’t dare wait to hit second. …
Go figure. Ryan Klesko, nine home runs last season, eight through Tuesday. …
This just in. Barry Bonds is expected to miss two more months after undergoing another knee operation. Unless, of course, the IRS decides he’s going to miss two more years.
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM, and tonight on Fox Sports Net’s “Insider Edition.” He can be reached at 303-820-5452 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
