Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com, which earned distinction for its online-exclusive series of Mailbags at this year’s Colorado AP Reporters and Editors Awards.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Why is it that Matt Lepsis never seems to get the credit he deserves as one of the best left tackles in the game? For the last three years he’s protected Jake Plummer’s blindside while shutting down everyone from Dwight Freeney to Richard Seymour. Nevertheless, his name is rarely mentioned during telecasts or during any discussions of the league’s best tackles. Your thoughts?
— Brendan Nolan, Granby, Conn.
Brendan – I think it’s because he is part of Denver’s system. No one stands out in the system. Plus, Lepsis was an undrafted player. Usually, offensive linemen are only ballyhooed when they come in the league and they keep their status, whether they’ve earned it or not. But, yes, you’re right, Lepsis is a stud. Most importantly for him, Denver knows it, and that’s why he was paid handsomely as a free agent in the offseason.
Has Elvis Dumervil been inactive each game so far? Why? Weren’t the Broncos counting on him to play a good deal? And then aren’t there only three other defensive tackles on the active roster? Is this an issue?
— Michael, New York
Yes, Michael, Dumervil was inactive for the first three games. Dumervil was active Monday for the first time this season, and the fourth-round draft pick played on the first series of the game. Dumervil is still learning the defense, and the team wanted to make sure he was ready to go. He got plenty of time in the preseason. Coaches are happy with his progress, and he could get a look later in the season.
I think Javon Walker is looking great! Last week, one of the writers opined that Ashley Lelie was being missed. Yeah, like a headache. One more game like this last one from Walker, and Lelie will be reduced to a footnote. Thoughts?
— Charles Truitt, Meridian, Idaho
Charles – The Broncos are very happy with Walker. He is what they were hoping for. As for Lelie, he just wasn’t going to get a lot of playing time in Denver. He is doing fine in Atlanta – so it has worked out for both sides.
Last year the Broncos blitzed more and got more turnovers. I believe I’d rather have turnovers than sacks. I’m worried we’re getting a few more sacks and a lot less turnovers this year.
— Brian Liford, New Tazewell, Tenn.
Good point, Brian. Turnovers are much better than sacks. Of course, the key is to get both sacks and turnovers. That’s what all defenses strive for. I think a big reason why Denver’s turnovers are down some is that defenses are completely staying away from Champ Bailey. The star left cornerback had eight interceptions last season. But no one throws at him, and Denver’s turnovers are down a bit.
I was just wondering what your thoughts are on size vs. talent. After watching Darrent Williams whiff on a play near the end zone that someone who was 6-foot-2 or above probably would have made, I’d have to say there’s no substitute for a pure athletic frame. What do you think?
— Brandon Lende, Carrington, N.D.
Brandon – I’m a big Darrent Williams fan. He is a fabulous football player. He is tough, rugged and plays with a ton of confidence. I think he makes up for his 5-foot-8 frame very well. But … you are right. Size doesn’t hurt. But I tell you what, if Darrent Williams was four inches taller, he’d be an all-pro player. But he’d be doing it elsewhere. There’s no way he would have fallen so deep in the second round of the draft. He would have been a top-10 pick.
Had Arizona taken Jay Cutler instead of Matt Leinart, do you think the Broncos would have traded up and taken Leinart?
— Robert Draper, Parker
I’ve heard different things, Robert. But the answer is probably yes. While Cutler fits Denver’s system much better than Leinart because of his mobility, Leinart can be special, and the Broncos were looking for a special quarterback. So, yes, I think Denver would have, at least, entered serious talks with the Rams if Leinart was available instead of Cutler.
Does Rod Smith have any aspirations to go into coaching after his illustrious career with the Broncos is over? He’s always been a team-oriented guy and a locker-room leader, so I think it’s a sensible next step for him.
— Todd B., Colorado Springs
I don’t think so, Todd. But Rod is a natural teacher. He is always giving his younger teammates pointers.
I have followed D.J. Williams since his unbelievable high school days at De La Salle in Concord, Calif. I expected much more in his pro career. Bill, how do you assess his short pro career to date and his future with the Broncos?
— Danny Svetich, Glendale, Calif.
Danny – D.J. had a great rookie season. Last season, though, he didn’t get on the field much because Denver was in nickel defense – having just two linebackers on the field – and Ian Gold and Al Wilson are the nickel linebackers. But D.J. Williams had a great game against New England. The coaches want him on the field often. Because of the presence of Gold and Wilson, however, it is difficult. But if D.J. Williams continues to make big plays, it’ll be difficult to get him off the field.
I’ve noticed that John Lynch looks faster and more agile this year. What did he do during the offseason to get that way? I hope he’s got a lot more seasons in him because I don’t want to see him go.
— Ben Fleishman, Vernon Hills, Ill.
Ben – Lynch is a great natural athlete and a smart guy. He takes great care of himself and is having another good season. He turned 35 in the locker room after the New England game. He is getting up in age, but it looks like he has at least another season in him.
Why haven’t we seen Cedric Cobbs get any runs? I feel that he had a better preseason than both Bells and looks like the type of runner who would fit in perfectly with the Broncos’ style of offense (dating back to his days at Auburn). Will he get a chance in the regular season?
— Tommy, Denver
Tommy – He’s been hurt for the past three weeks and may miss another couple of weeks.
Everybody is calling for Jay Cutler to replace Jake Plummer, but do you think that we might see some changes on the O-line before that happens? I’ve heard Chris Kuper looked pretty good in preseason.
— Chris Nordensson, Tucson
Chris – The one potential change is at right tackle if – and that’s a big if – George Foster doesn’t show more consistency. Former Colorado State standout Erik Pears or veteran Adam Meadows may get some playing time if Foster doesn’t tighten up. As for Kuper, the team has high hopes for him down the road.
Do you think Jake Plummer plays worse when he is getting booed and the fans are chanting for Jay Cutler? To me, it would be like playing on the road 100 percent of the time. The fans are not making it any easier.
— Brad Spelts, Grand Junction
Yes, Brad, players count on support at home. So Plummer could press if he’s booed at home. You make a great point; it is not easier on Plummer at home.
If Mike Shanahan decides to keep Paul Ernster, what are the chances that the Broncos could trade Todd Sauerbrun?
— Mandy, Bismarck, N.D.
Mandy – They could make calls around the league, but the decision is going to be made by Tuesday. So, a move would have to be made quickly.
Bill Williamson is in his third season as a Denver Post NFL beat reporter. To drop a question into his Broncos Mailbag, which runs each Tuesday of the 2006 NFL season, .
