Denver Post staff writer Bill Williamson posts his Broncos Mailbag each Tuesday during the 2006 NFL season on DenverPost.com.
To drop a question into the Broncos Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Mike Shanahan looks pretty stressed out this season. He doesn’t seem to project the same confidence. Could that be affecting the team’s confidence this year? I have yet to see Shanahan smile all season (even when Denver was in first place).
— Toeny Hill, Prince George, Va.
Don’t really see it, Toeny. In fact, during the four-game losing skid, I thought Shanahan was remarkably calm.
In my third season here, I had heard that Shanahan can get quite testy when he loses, like any coach can. However, I thought he was very collected. I think it’s because he knew there would be better days ahead with Cutler. The young quarterback gives the team hope for a brighter future.
Fans owe Rod Smith a collective “thank you” for his years of professionalism and outstanding performance. That being said, isn’t it time for him to move on? We have a promising youngster in Brandon Marshall to team with Javon Walker, and Rod’s dropped too many critical balls this year.
— Brad Casey, Longmont
Brad – I don’t think it’s time for Rod to move on. But at 36, it’s clear that his career is slowing down. I think he is likely to come back next season as the No. 3 receiver to wind down his career, much like Ed McCaffrey did. Smith is a team player, and he will go out gracefully. But he can still help the Broncos especially as Marshall continues to grow.
In your opinion, which of the three rookie QBs has shown the most potential: Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler or Vince Young?
— Matt, Englewood
Great question, Matt, and you could go several different ways.
As far as potential goes, how can anyone argue against Young? With that size, speed and skills, his potential is unlimited, especially if he grows as a passer. But with questions still about his arm and his increased chances of being hurt because he is a runner (Michael Vick is always nicked up), the nod could go to Cutler.
After three games, Cutler is further along than most quarterbacks were. Plus, his brains and the quarterback coaching he’ll get both give him an edge.
Leinart is and will be good, but the other two may have better overall skills.
But, Matt, the bottom line is, I believe, that all three will be long-time standouts and collect tons of Pro Bowl berths.
Who are Denver’s unrestricted free agents this season? Of those, who will the Broncos try to re-sign?
— Wade, Indianapolis
Wade – They only have six. The two biggest names are defensive tackle Michael Myers and guard Cooper Carlisle. They will re-sign Myers early in the offseason, and Carlisle could come back. But the team also likes rookie Chris Kuper, so Denver may opt to go his way.
The offseason will not be major as far as Denver needing to shed players from the current roster. The biggest move will likely be the release (or trade) of right tackle George Foster.
Darrent Williams, stop trying to make the ESPN highlights and try to cover your man. If Broncos coach Mike Shanahan can bench Jake Plummer, why can’t he bench Darrent? Do you think that Mike will ever bench Darrent?
— CML, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
CML – Any player who struggles will be sit down, like Plummer and Foster. But Williams will get plenty of chances to redeem himself. Shanahan loves Williams’ guile and ability.
The Broncos signed Gerard Warren to a fat $36 million deal last offseason. I rarely, if ever, hear his name called during a game; in fact, I hear Michael Myers’ more. Is Warren another Daryl Gardener ($49 million; never played a meaningful down in Denver)?
— Bryon, Fort Carson
Bryon – Warren has been a good plugger this season. He’s been solid. But you are right about Myers. He is having a very good season. The coaching staff loves him – loves him. And that’s why he’ll be re-signed.
Since I am in Miami, I see the Dolphins all the time, and their defense is very good. They always seem to pressure quarterbacks well. Why can’t the Broncos use similar schemes? The Broncos probably have better players except for Jason Taylor. Do you think Larry Coyer is as good as people think?
— Jose Gonzalez, Miami
Jose – Schemes are built on personnel, so it’s difficult to compare different teams. As for Coyer, he is a good, smart and dedicated coach. I do believe he is an effective coordinator.
I like Jay Cutler as our long-term quarterback, and he can move some on scrambles. But he appears to be more of a pocket passer. Does this really work with this “small but mobile” offensive-line strategy we have?
— Dan Nace, St. Louis, Mo.
Dan – The big knock on Plummer was that he couldn’t stay in the pocket and that he was only effective outside the pocket. The team wanted him to be a better drop-back quarterback, so the line had nothing to do with it. What makes Cutler special is that he can play in and outside of the pocket.
With the possible exception of Rod Smith (and I could be wrong about him), I believe every contributing veteran on this team will be back next season. So, do you think there is a sense in this team right now of playing it out this year and letting the rookie develop a little bit and aiming to be even better to go next year on both sides of the ball, most importantly at quarterback?
— Alex, Los Angeles
After the win at Arizona, Alex, I think the answer is no. This team controls its own playoff destiny, so I expect to see a very focused team in the final two games.
My question is a bit left of center (given our precarious position regarding the playoffs – maybe not a bad thing). I need to get a collection together and was wondering what are you favorite 10 NFL/gridiron movies of all time? I may need to watch a few to get me through the offseason until “the kid” gets us to the Super Bowl next year. Thanks.
— Darren Jones
Don’t know about 10, Darren, but how ’bout three? The original “The Longest Yard,” “Brian’s Song” and “Remember the Titans.”
Terrell Davis and several other Broncos were in the running for the Hall of Fame. Any new info on how their chances are going? And is it true: The only Bronco in the HOF is John Elway?
— Milt, Roswell, N.M.
Milt – Yes, Elway is alone in Canton. Davis, tackle Gary Zimmerman and linebacker Randy Gradishar are among the 25 people being considered for election. The list will be cut to 15 next month, and the election will be Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl. I’d say Davis and Zimmerman each have a decent chance, with Davis likely having a better chance.
Champ Bailey seems to live by reputation alone. He seems to be very selfish and aware of his numbers – something Mike Shanahan usually weeds out. Am I the only one who sees this? Am I crazy?
— Ron Luke, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Ron – Champ is a superstar. He is unmatched. A hall of famer. He is a team guy who is unselfish. The guy never gets any action in the passing game, still he flies around the field and is a great tackler in the running game. Broncos fans are fortunate to get to enjoy him every week.
Has Todd Sauerbrun been picked up by another team?
— Stephen Hemschoot, Parker
Stephen – No. He has worked out in New Orleans and Tampa Bay, but he has not been picked up. Expect him to sign in the offseason. But it is a bit of a surprise he is still out of the league.
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, .
