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 .
I was frustrated to see Oakland, although struggling, being the more aggressive team Sunday night – throwing down the field, etc. The Broncos will need to score against good teams, so why didn’t Mike Shanahan use the game against Oakland to get the offense in gear?
— Josh Williams, Butte, Mont.
Josh – Remember, that aggression occurred when the Raiders were down 13-0. The Raiders had no choice but to be aggressive. Yes, the Broncos’ offensive scheme, once again, was conservative. But it was conservative with a big lead.
Why is Broncos fullback Kyle Johnson in Mike Shanahan’s doghouse? To steal a phrase: “All he does is score touchdowns.” Unfortunately, it appeared that his replacement has hands of stone.
— Blake Kleppe, Wakefield, Mass.
Blake – Johnson was out because he has a serious ankle injury. He may be out for a few weeks. Yes, his replacement, Cecil Sapp, should have caught that touchdown pass.
Whatever happened to using Champ Bailey on offense? I know the Broncos avoided it last year because of injuries, but this year it seems he could use the action considering no one is throwing his way.
— Aaron Eischens, Honolulu
Aaron – Don’t be surprised if you see it once in a while. But only as a surprise. Bailey is such a great athlete that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see him on offense once in a while.
In the Baltimore-Denver game, we did not see Mike Bell. There were multiple plays with Cecil Sapp in for a resting Tatum Bell. Where was Mike Bell? I thought Mike Bell was second in line.
— Gary Twitchell, Las Vegas
Gary – Mike Bell has played sparingly in the past three games but he is getting some playing time. Cecil Sapp was getting those carries because the Broncos were looking for a bigger back to get tough yardage late in the game.
Given the way the Broncos’ “D” has played this year, do you think that’s why the team put (thinking he will recover), or do you see him fading from the picture as a perennial injured liability?
— Dave Nelson, Knoxville, Tenn.
Well, Dave, I don’t think his future has anything to do with the Broncos’ success. It all has to do with his health. The Broncos want Brown to be healthy. But he has to get healthy.
Honestly, I don’t think Brown will play again. It is highly unlikely the Broncos will bring him back. He is a great guy, and he is a solid player when healthy. But at age 28, the injuries have taken a toll. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe Brown wants to play, but it will difficult.
What are the league rules concerning uniform numbers? I understand that Reggie Bush was not permitted to use his No. 5 from college, yet several receivers (like Keyshawn Johnson with No. 19) wear numbers outside the traditional 80s.
— Andy, Centennial
Andy – A couple of years back, the NFL started to allow receivers to use numbers from 11-19. You’re right, Bush was blocked on his attempt to wear his college number.
Is there any possibility that we would employ the no-huddle offense in certain situations? I think our Broncos would have an absolutely overwhelming advantage due to lack of oxygen; smaller, conditioned linemen; great running scheme, etc. Our last two opponents used it, so I say, “Let’s make them suck air!”
— Mike, Purcellville, Va.
Yeah, Mike, but eventually the offensive players would get tired, too. Mike Shanahan isn’t much of a gimmick guy. He generally uses the no-huddle offense only in two-minute drills.
Do you think we’ll see Jay Cutler play possibly late in the fourth quarter if the Broncos can get a big lead? I’m a huge Cutler fan but realize this is still Jake’s team.
— Mike, Broomfield
Mike – Yeah, but first the offense has to blow someone out. Denver’s biggest win this season has been by 10 points. The team has won its past three games by 10 points apiece. For Cutler to get in the game, Denver would likely need a 20-point lead or so in the fourth quarter.
Javon Walker is a great player, but I have noticed that he tends to get upset – throw his arms up, etc. – when the ball is not thrown to him or when Jake may miss him in a route. It is not big, but I wonder if he would be a complainer and a cancer to the team if the Broncos were not winning?
— Steve, Minneapolis
It’s something to watch, Steve. I’ve only noticed it once. But that seems to be the way in the NFL these days. Guys show emotion. Did you get a load of Randy Moss on Sunday night?
How would you assess George Foster’s play against Baltimore’s Trevor Pryce last week? Was it Foster or someone else who stoned Pryce, because Pryce was a non-factor – surprise, surprise.
— Mark Mascarenas, Great Falls, Mont.
Mark – Foster had a good game. He has been inconsistent, but Foster did play well against Pryce, who had one assist in his return to Denver.
What is the relationship like between Jake Plummer and Jay Cutler? Is Jay comfortable learning from the sidelines for a while?
— Stephen, Nassau, Bahamas
It appears to be good, Stephen. The two seem to talk frequently and enjoy each other’s company. It doesn’t appear that Plummer has been anything but classy and friendly to the rookie.
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, .
