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 .
How many more times can we ask the defense to bail out the lethargic offense? The Broncos defense did it once with three minutes left at Oakland, but the offense can’t put the game away, so we ask the defense again to do it. It seems like the defense is giving the offense every opportunity to win.
— Jesse, New York
Well, Jesse, the offense was a big part of the Pittsburgh win and it kept Denver in the game against Indianapolis. What is needed is a complete game where both units perform at a high level.
At Oakland, it was back to the defense being the premier unit for the Broncos. The offense made plays when it had to, but it was the defense that had the better game.
The bad news for the team: The Broncos are still looking for that game that they put it all together. The good news for the team: The Broncos are 7-2 without having a complete game.
Going for it on fourth-and-1 from the 1-yard line at Oakland might be the turning point of the season if the Broncos get deep into the playoffs.
— Josh, Grand Junction
The beautiful thing is, Josh, there would probably be a similar question had the Jake Plummer-to-Kyle Johnson touchdown not worked. I think the turning point of the season is coming in the next two weeks. We’ll know a lot about this team when the pumpkin pie settles on Thanksgiving night.
Paul Ernster has been great on kickoffs this season but struggled with punting against Pittsburgh. Any chance we bring Todd Sauerbrun back into the fold?
— Bryon, Fort Carson
Bryon – This question had to be sent before the Oakland game. Ernster struggled against the Raiders, too. I do think if Ernster continues to have trouble, the possibility of another Sauerbrun sighting is real. But the kid is working hard and he is a positive member of the team, so he will be given a chance to work out of his issues.
I really believe the Broncos can play with and beat every team – save Indy – in the league. San Diego, Baltimore and New England are right up there, but we’ve proven we can beat them. The next time we see Indy, it likely will be a playoff game at the Colts’ place. I know we can move the ball on them, even there. We are going to have to blitz some to put pressure on Peyton Manning. We waited to the last second one year to show blitz and it was effective against him. One other thing is that I think we need to give Darrent Williams some safety help.
— Tony Ellsworth, Papillion, Neb.
It seems you are solely focused on the Colts, Tony. You know what? It’s not a bad idea. Because if the Broncos are going to get to the Super Bowl – and that’s the only goal this team has – they will have to figure out a way to get past Indy.
Besides Javon Walker, Rod Smith and the running backs, there isn’t anybody else getting involved on offense. What do you think is the main reason for lack of participation from other receivers and tight ends?
— Jose Valdez, Gonzales, Calif.
Jose – Again, another question that had to be sent before the Oakland game. The tight ends, , broke out and had a huge receiving game. The two combined for nine of the Broncos’ 21 completions. The two tight ends caught balls on five straight plays on Denver’s go-ahead drive. The tight ends have been terrific in run protection this season, but weak on receiving. Perhaps this was an awakening.
In my mind Champ Bailey is the most athletic player on the team. This year our punt returning has been awful. Do you think the Broncos will consider ever using him as the returner late in the season or in a desperate situation?
— Todd Schultz, Evergreen
No, Todd, Bailey is a cornerback. Yes, he’s great, but he’s too valuable at left cornerback to mess with putting him on punt returns.
Isn’t it obvious by now that Jake Plummer’s strength is throwing downfield, and the areas where picks occur (as with ex-Broncos QB Brian Griese) are the slants and other short passes into higher-traffic areas? Throwing deep also loosens up the defense for the running game. Please tell me the coaches are smarter than I am.
— Mark Mascarenas, Great Falls, Mont.
Yes, Mark, Plummer has issues in traffic. But his strength is the short-pass play. He can move this team down the field when he is in a groove. He made 11 straight completions against the Raiders, and most of the plays were shorter routes. He just pecked away, going down the field.
Any word on how former CU football/skiing great Jeremy Bloom is doing with the Eagles?
— Ben Guindon, Colorado Springs
Ben – The rookie is on injured reserve after battling hamstring injuries during training camp.
Is the NFL going to fine Hines Ward for his HELMET-TO-HELMET hit on Nick Ferguson that took Ferguson out of the game at Pittsburgh? Broadcaster Jim Nance was too busy drooling over Ward to notice that Ward hit Ferguson right in the mouth with his helmet!
— Randy Wishon, Kansas City, Mo.
Randy – Ward was not fined for the play. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said last week that he thought it was a legal play, by the way. But I believe it was another indicator by Ward that he is not the classiest player in the league. Many players around the NFL think Ward is a cheap-shot artist.
Champ Bailey is rarely thrown to, but he has five clutch interceptions near or in the end zone. He was the AFC defensive player of October. He’s a great tackler and leads a defense that has carried a division-leading team for most of the season so far. Why haven’t we heard a peep about him in early MVP talk?
— Steve Leavitt, Longmont
Steve – That award almost always goes to an offensive player. However, Bailey should be a strong candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year. I thought he should have gotten serious consideration last season, but he was overlooked. If he gets another five picks or so, and Denver wins the division, maybe he’ll have a shot.
It seemed as though a number of teams where high on signing Adam Meadows. When the Broncos got him, it sounded like it was such a great thing, but he has been inactive week after week. Why was it such a big deal for teams (including the Broncos) to try signing a player who has yet to dress for a game?
— Jeff, Orlando, Fla.
Jeff – Another question that was answered in Sunday’s Broncos-Raiders game. . He replaced George Foster, and Meadows may continue to play. Meadows was signed to push Foster. Meadows has shaken the rust off and has played well. Don’t be surprised if he gets more opportunities to play.
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, .
