The Sunday notes. Made in the US of A. …
And now for the most significant development of the Broncos’ season. …
They haven’t tweaked their defense. They’ve overhauled it. They’ve fundamentally changed how they do business, what they ask of their players, how they put pressure on the quarterback.
How profound has the change been?
John Lynch, when asked how many times he has blitzed this season: “Maybe three.” Lynch, when asked how many times he had blitzed through three games in 2005: “Oh … 40. Honest.”
That explains why all of the Broncos’ four sacks have come from defensive linemen – as opposed to last year, when Lynch tied for the team lead with four. …
The Broncos’ MVP through three games? The defensive line, which been very solid despite the absence of Courtney Brown. And to think, the state of the D line was the team’s No. 1 issue during training camp. Said Lynch: “I was nervous going in, to be honest. And then Courtney gets hurt. I was going, ‘Oh, boy.’ … But the guys up front have done a real nice job.” …
Not that the Broncos have a loose locker room, but a certain player has the name “Suede J Beautiful” taped over his locker. I could tell you who it is, but I’d have to make you run the Oklahoma drill. …
Philly cops are heck-bent on keeping Terrell Owens’ return under control. Question is, will T.O. do anything to incite the crowd? Knowing that guy, the Eagles’ logo is about to get an Albert Haynesworth foot facial. …
By the way, look for Haynesworth back in a Titans uniform about the time Jen starts washing Brad’s boxer shorts. …
You’ve got your death, you’ve got your taxes, and you’ve got the Broncos’ special teams stinking up the stadium. Not that they’re alone. Average starting field position for Raiders opponents? The 43. The forty-freakin’-three! …
So, if all goes as Christian Laettner plans, he’s going to buy a chunk of the Memphis Grizzlies, then sign a contract to play for them. Finally, somebody in the sports world with more job security than Mike Shanahan. …
Where do the Raiders begin in their attempts to rebuild a once-proud franchise? A new name might be nice. I’m thinking the Oakland Crash Test Dummies has a nice ring to it. …
The reality is, the Raiders’ only hope is to get a young stud at quarterback and build around him. In other words, welcome to the asylum, Brady Quinn. …
So, Dan Hawkins, what do you think of the NCAA’s new clock rules? “I hate ’em. Don’t you guys hate ’em?” …
Hoops junkies rejoice. The Horse is back on the air. Dan Issel joins Post NBA maven Marc J. Spears for “Roundball Rap” on Thursday afternoons on 560 AM, Our Town’s ESPN radio affiliate. Issel has been low-keying it and spoiling his two grandkids, but wanted to dabble again in the media game. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything,” Issel said. “I just thought it would be fun. I appreciate that Marc asked me to do it.” …
Issel on the Nuggets’ prospects: “Everybody talks about shooting guard, but to me, their No. 1 issue is keeping their big guys on the floor. I can’t imagine George (Karl) showing up every night at the gym not knowing if he’s got four big guys playing or no big guys playing. If (Marcus) Camby, (Kenyon) Martin and Nene play 75 games, they could be very, very good.” …
Sure, it’s possible, but come on, let’s be honest. Do you really think the Rockies’ starting pitching will be as good next season as it was this year? An amazing stat that went up in smoke amid the Rox’s offensive struggles: Opposing leadoff hitters batted .257 with an on-base percentage of .314. …
The Broncos have scored more first-quarter points than any other NFL team during the Shanahan era. This year, they’ve laid goose eggs in three straight games. So, Shanny, what the heck fire is goin’ on? “We thought we’d try something different this year.” …
Uh-huh. Either that or the failure of the Broncos’ offense to cash in on scripted plays is steadily becoming a major issue. That’s the difference between the first quarter and the other three: scripted plays. …
Far be it for me to punk somebody for how he looks on TV, but this is getting out of control. Two words, Barry Melrose: buzz cut. …
And finally, happy 32nd birthday to Rashaan Salaam. Here’s to what could have been, my man.
Catch Jim Armstrong from 6-9 a.m. during “The Press Box” on ESPN 560 AM. He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
