Denver Native (Carol)
01-30-2010, 11:07 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/premium/broncos/ci_14298558
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Ryan Clady may not say much, but he listens.
Like all the Broncos' offensive linemen, Clady heard criticism from coach Josh McDaniels during the season's final weeks.
While defending the otherwise pedestrian rookie season of highly touted running back Knowshon Moreno, McDaniels said, more than once, the problem was less about the ball carrier and more about the lack of running room provided up front.
"He's the head coach, he's the boss, so you respect what he says," Clady said here this week after an AFC Pro Bowl practice. "As an offensive line, we were disappointed with how we played, especially in the second half of the season. I know we'll improve and be better next year."
In his second NFL season, Clady is already the cornerstone of the Broncos' offensive line. He was selected with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2008 draft to become the left tackle of the Broncos' zone-blocking scheme, and he will be the anchor of the team's pull, trap and power blocking scheme in 2010.
"Clady can play in any system," NFL analyst Ron Jaworski said.
"Whatever works to get us where we need to be, it's fine," Clady said. "I think we'll be able to improve and get better."
The Broncos felt Clady should have made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2008, but he still received the honor sooner than most by getting voted in as a starter as a second-year tackle.
"I've watched him on film, and it's no surprise that he's here," New York Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson said. "He's had great years back-to-back. It's always good when you can have a young guy come in and have such an impact."
Just checking.
There are two nose tackles who play in the 3-4 scheme on the AFC Pro Bowl team who are unrestricted free agents — Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton and New England's Vince Wilfork.
Based on what the Broncos ask from their 3-4 nose tackles, Wilfork's style would probably be a better fit for Denver. New England, though, may slap Wilfork with the franchise tag, which could possibly put in play a trade.
Whether through trade or free agency, would Wilfork consider the Broncos and former Patriots assistant McDaniels?
"I'll weigh all my options," he said. "Right now, it's a waiting game."
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Ryan Clady may not say much, but he listens.
Like all the Broncos' offensive linemen, Clady heard criticism from coach Josh McDaniels during the season's final weeks.
While defending the otherwise pedestrian rookie season of highly touted running back Knowshon Moreno, McDaniels said, more than once, the problem was less about the ball carrier and more about the lack of running room provided up front.
"He's the head coach, he's the boss, so you respect what he says," Clady said here this week after an AFC Pro Bowl practice. "As an offensive line, we were disappointed with how we played, especially in the second half of the season. I know we'll improve and be better next year."
In his second NFL season, Clady is already the cornerstone of the Broncos' offensive line. He was selected with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2008 draft to become the left tackle of the Broncos' zone-blocking scheme, and he will be the anchor of the team's pull, trap and power blocking scheme in 2010.
"Clady can play in any system," NFL analyst Ron Jaworski said.
"Whatever works to get us where we need to be, it's fine," Clady said. "I think we'll be able to improve and get better."
The Broncos felt Clady should have made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2008, but he still received the honor sooner than most by getting voted in as a starter as a second-year tackle.
"I've watched him on film, and it's no surprise that he's here," New York Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson said. "He's had great years back-to-back. It's always good when you can have a young guy come in and have such an impact."
Just checking.
There are two nose tackles who play in the 3-4 scheme on the AFC Pro Bowl team who are unrestricted free agents — Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton and New England's Vince Wilfork.
Based on what the Broncos ask from their 3-4 nose tackles, Wilfork's style would probably be a better fit for Denver. New England, though, may slap Wilfork with the franchise tag, which could possibly put in play a trade.
Whether through trade or free agency, would Wilfork consider the Broncos and former Patriots assistant McDaniels?
"I'll weigh all my options," he said. "Right now, it's a waiting game."