Michael Myers has played for three NFL franchises. At age 30, and in his free-agency season, he knows what he wants.
“I want to retire here in Denver,” Myers said. “I don’t want to be anywhere else but here.”
If Myers finishes 2006 the way he has played since being a throw-in on the trade that sent Reuben Droughns to Cleveland in exchange for Ebenezer Ekuban in March 2005, he shouldn’t have a problem getting the Broncos to agree with him. Myers, a defensive tackle, has been a stout run stopper and a solid, blue-collar worker for Denver. He had another strong game in the Broncos’ 9-6 win over Kansas City on Sunday.
With few Denver players scheduled for free agency in 2007, Myers likely would be a priority for the team to re-sign. Myers, who should be affordable, said his agents and the team have had brief discussions in the past, but he is willing to wait until the offseason to begin serious contract talks.
“That’s fine with me,” Myers said. “This is where I want to be.”
In his ninth NFL season, Myers said he believes he has improved because of the way coach Mike Shanahan handles veterans.
“In Dallas, they pound, in Cleveland they pound you,” Myers said. “In Denver, they keep you fresh for Sundays. I just feel better here.”
QBs, receivers work out
Denver worked out seven players Tuesday. Among them was quarterback Stefan Lefors, whom Denver considered drafting in 2005. He was taken by Carolina in the fourth round and cut this month. Tuesday’s workouts were exploratory, with no moves expected by Denver for now. The Broncos also looked at rookie quarterback Darrel Hackney from Alabama-Birmingham, who had been in Cleveland’s training camp.
Denver native and Wyoming product Jovon Bouknight was among five receivers the Broncos worked out. The others: Craig Bragg of UCLA, Carlton Brewster of Ferris State, Glenn Martinez of Saginaw Valley State and Brandon Rideau of Kansas.
Meanwhile, former Colorado State star Bradlee Van Pelt worked out in Seattle on Tuesday, the quarterback’s first workout since the Broncos cut him Sept. 2. Van Pelt is expected to work out for the Giants next week. Former Denver tight end and offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell also is expected to work out for the Giants next week.
Charlie Adams, cut Monday to make room for wide receiver and kick returner Quincy Morgan, cleared waivers Tuesday and is free to sign elsewhere.
Winning the numbers game
While the Broncos’ slow start merits concern, a comparison between this season’s statistics through two games shows some favoring this year’s 1-1 start over last season’s.
Running backs Tatum Bell and Mike Bell have combined for 274 yards rushing. Last season, Tatum Bell and Mike Anderson totaled 101 yards after two games.
The Broncos have committed six turnovers this year to five at this point in 2005.
This year, the Broncos have converted 30.8 percent of their third-down plays. Last year, they converted 25 percent.
This year, Denver has committed four penalties (none on defense) for 30 yards. Last year, the Broncos had 12 penalties for 118 yards.
Denver’s opponents have converted 28.6 of their third-down plays. Last year, it was 44.4 percent.
In the red zone, Denver’s opponents are 0-for-7 this year.
Don’t blame staff changes
There has been some concern that the Broncos’ slow start offensively could be attributed to staff changes. Gary Kubiak, Denver’s offensive coordinator the past 11 seasons, now coaches Houston. Mike Heimer- dinger was brought back to the Broncos to be the assistant head coach in charge of the passing game. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison was promoted to offensive coordinator and oversees the running game.
“Since I’m involved with that, it’s the same thing as before. It’s always tough to lose coaches, especially great coaches like Gary,” Shanahan said. “But I think Mike Heimerdinger has done a great job. I’m still involved. Rick Dennison, our offensive line coach, is here. (Running backs coach) Bobby Turner is here.”
Bill Williamson can be reached
at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
