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 .
It amazes me that a guy like Donovan McNabb, whom many regard as an elite quarterback in the NFL, can throw two picks for touchdowns, lose the game and not catch the amount of heat that Jake Plummer gets with a 6-2 record. Am I right?
— Craig Levin, Rapid City, S.D.
Good point, Craig. Plummer is one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks in the NFL. Other players get a pass, but Plummer is a whipping boy. It has a lot to do with perception. But don’t get me wrong, McNabb is a big-time player. So, he deserves a pass once in a while. But perhaps so does Plummer.
I thought Jake Plummer’s best game of the year so far was at Pittsburgh? What made the difference?
— D.C., Lakewood
D.C. – It’s right up there. Plummer was pretty good against New England in the third game of the season as well. Really, it seems like Plummer has gotten his season in order. For most of the game in Cleveland two weeks ago, Plummer was solid. He was good against the Colts, too. It’s taken a while, but the offense has jelled. Plummer is much more comfortable than he was for four of the first five games.
After reading the quote from Peyton Manning about how hard he works on timing with receivers in the offseason, doesn’t it make sense for Denver to decide in January on its starting QB for next year and have him working year-round with the top three receivers?
— Dan Nace, St. Louis
Well, Dan, I believe you are talking about the possibility of Jay Cutler taking over for Plummer. That probably will happen in the offseason. A quarterback always benefits from each passing year. But yes, an offseason will be enough time for a quarterback and his receivers to at least establish a relationship.
Do you think the Broncos will consider changing to the 3-4 defense in the offseason, given the debacle against the Colts?
— Trey, Denver
Trey – No. They did talk about it after the 2004 season but didn’t go for it. They do talk about it occasionally, but this is a 4-3 outfit.
I have been a Bronco fan since Craig Morton, and I enjoyed the two Super Bowl times. The thing I miss is a strong fullback. I feel Howard Griffith is the most unsung hero of those two Super Bowls. He could catch, run and block like a lineman. Do you think it would make a difference if we could find a fullback like him again?
— Tony Loughmiller, Oklahoma City
Tony – I wasn’t here, but I am aware of the great impact Griffith had on the offense. The team likes what its current fullbacks give the offense. Kyle Johnson has been banged up, but he is a solid receiver out of the backfield. Cecil Sapp may be emerging as a very good player. He is a tough player. He runs well and blocks well. The former Colorado State star is someone to keep an eye on.
What do you think about the Broncos’ next draft? Where do we go? I think wide receiver in the first round to replace aging Rod Smith, and offensive lineman in the second round.
— Pono Warner, Haleiwa, Hawaii
It’s early, Pono. But yes, receiver is an area to watch. Also, look for Denver to consider defensive ends and safeties. Do expect Denver to try to move up in the draft as it did last season. This team has extra picks and will try to move up and get an impact player.
Last week in the Broncos Mailbag, you said that Larry Coyer is “considered one of the better adjusters in the NFL.” How so? I don’t want to attack Coyer, but I see a defense that has “adjusted” by simply changing the amount of blitzes it throws at opposing teams. Everything else is the same.
— Jon Waldman, Madison, S.D.
Jon – Well, last week was really the first time this season that Denver needed to make halftime adjustments. No, they weren’t made. But this is a coach who has a reputation as an aggressive guy who will do what it takes.
I’ve been dying to ask someone this question. When teams play Indy, why doesn’t the defense wait until Peyton Manning is done audiblizing before getting into final position?
— John Shonka, Aurora
Good question, John. But the deal is, among all of his other great attributes, Manning has an unreal clock-management ability. When he is done his magic with audibles, there is usually just a second remaining on the play clock. So, there is no time to react for defenses. It’s one of the reasons why Manning is so great.
Why don’t we implement more from the shotgun position on offense? We need to incorporate our receivers as well as mix it up with the running game!
— Hayden, Dallas
Hayden – The Broncos use it occasionally. I get the feeling Mike Shanahan doesn’t like overusing any particular alignment. You never want to get too stale or allow defenses to totally read your plan.
The Broncos have been weak at the third wide-receiver slot for a few years now, and that was obvious the past couple weeks. Any chance they’ll make a move to get some more talent on the field before the trading deadline?
— JJ, Killeen, Texas
This is it, JJ. The trading deadline passed three weeks ago.
It’s been a couple weeks now since any update on Bradlee Van Pelt. Anything new to report?
— Barry Campbell, Highlands Ranch
Barry – Bradlee has been touring the NFL. His latest workout was at Buffalo. He has worked out for several teams. Getting the feeling, unless there is a few major injuries, Van Pelt probably won’t sign with a team until the offseason. Once Van Pelt signs somewhere, expect him to be sent to NFL Europe. He has said he is willing to go overseas in the spring to get more experience.
Can Brandon Marshall move ahead of Rod Smith?
— D.J., New Mexico
This year, D.J.? No. Next year? Maybe. Marshall is a player on the rise, and Smith is 36. It will happen someday.
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, .
