Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Friday during the 2005 NFL season on DenverPost.com. Also, check back Sunday for more Q’s and A’s in our Sunday supplement, which runs in The Sunday Denver Post print edition, too.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
We still need a go-to receiver. Ashley Lelie has not shown that he can be a consistent threat. Rod Smith is getting long in the tooth. What’s behind those guys as far as possible replacements? What are your thoughts about trading Champ Bailey to upgrade the receiver position?
— Robert, Atlanta
Trade Bailey? Seriously? Come on, Bailey is the best player on the roster. Have you noticed what he’s done this year? He has six interceptions and has been outstanding despite being very banged up. Yes, the receiving corps needs to be upgraded, but that will be addressed early in the draft. Bailey stays.
How do you expect Jake Plummer to react after the interception against Dallas? Will he continue with his consistency and composure, or will the real Jake begin to appear again?
— Bradley, Hempstead, N.Y.
We saw how Plummer reacted after the interception, and he reacted well. He was picked off on his 11th pass of the game. He then threw 13 more passes and played more than half the game after the interception. He played very well. Plummer was not shaken by the interception because he had such a good attitude about the streak anyway. He always downplayed it and said he was lucky. So he knew it could end at any time. As for the “real” Jake, we are seeing it. Plummer has been outstanding this season, so it would be unfair to say that this isn’t the real Plummer. For now, it is the real Plummer.
Why isn’t spiking the ball as illegal as intentionally grounding the ball? I think it takes away from the game.
— David, Pueblo
Sure, it does take away from the game for viewers, as do timeouts. But it can also be an effective way for teams to regroup and prepare. The spike only happens at critical parts of games, and it’s done for a reason. Remember, teams lose a down when they spike the ball, so it’s not without risk.
When the Broncos get into the postseason, what changes on offense do you foresee? We all know the Colts have their number. What schemes do you think will be different this year?
— Dallin, Salt Lake City
They’ll likely be subtle and will depend on the opponent. The Denver coaching staff has done an excellent job this year tweaking the game plan – on both sides of the ball – to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. That will continue in the playoffs. Remember, this is a staff with plenty of postseason experience, so don’t expect any over-thinking if Denver indeed makes the postseason.
Why do the Broncos have so much trouble at Arrowhead Stadium?
— Jonathan, Pueblo
Everybody has issues at Arrowhead, especially late in the season. The Chiefs haven’t lost at home in December since 1996. It’s often cold, and the fans are legendary for their support. Winning at Arrowhead Stadium is certainly no easy task.
Do you think Mike Shanahan will ever give Jason Elam another shot at breaking the record of a 63-yard field goal?
— Walt, Omaha
If the situation is right, sure, perhaps at the end of a half. Elam is in his 13th year, and his leg is likely not getting stronger, but if there’s a home game and it’s a low-risk, high-reward situation, I can see an attempt happening. After all, Elam has proven he could do it.
Percentage-wise, what are the possibilities of the Broncos beating the Colts at this point of the season?
— Enrique, Chihuahua, Mexico
That’s, of course, subjective. But if you’re asking what are the chances if the Broncos visit Indianapolis in the AFC title game, I’d say 40 percent to 50 percent. But again, it’s a long way off.
Bill Williamson is in his second season as a Denver Post NFL writer. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag .
