Listen in your head to this line, on the night of last season’s Super Bowl by Dan Quinn, the game’s real MVP:
“We played this game on our terms,” the Seahawks defensive coordinator said. This is who we are.”
What a bone-chilling line. Our terms. Our defense played the Super Bowl, against the record-breaking Broncos offense, on our terms.
Watch:
I’ll tell you, this is the type of bark and swagger that surely entices John Elway, virtual recipient of the Seattle’s smack down that ill-fated night.
Elway said Quinn is one of six candidates for the Broncos coaching job, and at The Duke’s news conference on Tuesday, it became clear want Denver wants.
“The next guy, what do I look for?” Elway said. “I look for a guy that’s very smart, that’s competitive, that is aching to win world championships like I am.
“You want to get like-minded people. I think that helps a lot, or even to have a great conversation, agree to disagree, but come out with the right decision for what’s best for the Denver Broncos, which is our main goal.”
Later, Elway used hand motions to show the steps that a championship team takes.
“I do believe that there is a huge jump from just getting there and having the ability to win it. Can I put my finger on it? No. But I was around it and I saw it, so whether I know it consciously or subconsciously, I know what it feels like and I know what it takes, especially with players and a coaching staff to be able to do that.”
He wants a guy who knows how to win — a guy who coaches a unit to play the best team in a conference on their own terms.
The 44-year-old Quinn, man, seems like a get. No need to bore you with fancy stats that shows the prowess of the Seahawks defense — you’re still emotionally bruised by those boys after their vicious and pernicious Super Bowl performance (oh, and when they beat Denver this season, too).
Here are some bullet points about Quinn:
• He was originally hired by Seattle in 2009 to coach the defensive line and be the assistant head coach. He did that for two seasons, and then went to Florida to be the Gators defensive coordinator in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he returned to Seattle to be defensive coordinator, and we all know what happened.
• In a column after the Super Bowl, I wrote this about Quinn: He is Seattle’s defensive coordinator, who not only developed a historic defense with many overlooked low draft picks but also admitted he found a flaw in Denver’s offense, a mole on Mona Lisa. After the game, Quinn and some Seahawks told The Newark Star Ledger that quarterback Peyton Manning often reveals where he’ll throw the ball with his eyes. As explained by the vicious Kam Chancellor, Seattle’s fifth-round safety: “It just allowed us to see the routes develop. We were able to jump a few routes. Just see everything that develops in front of you, playing off Peyton’s eyes. He takes you right to the ball every time. He’s a great quarterback, but he definitely has tendencies and he takes you to the ball.”
• Quinn coached under Nick Saban in Miami in 2005-2006, as the Dolphins’ defensive line coach. During Super Bowl week last season, Quinn was asked if he considers himself part of the Saban coaching tree.
“I learned a lot of football from Coach (Saban). The biggest thing I learned … Coach Carroll and Coach Saban maybe are different in some respects but both are very successful coaches. I think one of things I learned from Coach Saban and Coach Carroll is that both of these guys have a really, really clear vision about how they want to play football. That is one of the biggest things I took away from Nick (Saban). I learned as much in two years with him as I have in any other time in my career. I had a great time working with him.”
• He is not .
Chew on this
• The Broncos have innumerable roster questions to answer in the offseason, but the offensive line must improve. Especially if Peyton Manning returns.
“Those guys are not good enough, that’s the bottom line” former Broncos center Mark Schlereth said on 105.5 ESPN on Monday. “Get a group who can protect him.”
Honestly, I can see three new linemen get a crack next season, with only left tackle Ryan Clady and right tackle Louis Vasquez returning, with Vasquez moving back to right guard, his Pro Bowl position from the previous season. And you’d have to think that Denver gives a hard look at offensive lineman Michael Schofield, otherwise why did Elway waste a third-round pick on him?
• If Manning returns, one has to wonder if he’ll play all 16 games. He played through the quad strain this December, and we all know what happens. So, get ready — I bet Brock Osweiler starts at least one game next season.
I asked Brock about Peyton’s injury, and the backup quarterback said, “You know, football’s a tough game, and it takes a special person to play for 17 years, week-in, week-out, to go through those things. What he did this season, especially the last month with the playoffs and the injury is just a true testament to how tough he is and the character that he has.”
• Let’s hope that Manning’s 2015 isn’t like Kobe Bryant’s 2014-15. The dude is delusional, taking a ridiculous amount of shots, and he’s missed numerous game-winner opportunities, including . He was 3-for-19.
• And finally, today’s celebrity birthday?
Benjamin Hochman: bhochman@denverpost.com or
