TXBRONC
01-06-2011, 09:34 AM
Woody's Mailbag: Broncos fans are worrying about Champ Bailey
Lindsay and Brook ask Woody if the Broncos will let Champ Bailey go.
By Woody Paige
The Denver Post
Posted: 01/06/2011 01:00:00 AM MST
With Pat Bowlen and the Broncos so worried about recapturing the fans' trust, how in the world could they let Champ Bailey go? He has been the one constant, shining light and the fans love him. If the Broncos let him go, it will be another blow to fans that are already losing faith!
— Lindsay Hayden, Bayfield, Colo.
Woody, what are the odds that Champ Bailey is a Bronco next season and beyond? He is the lone bright spot in the league's worst defense, and he is still playing at an All-Pro level. To not keep him as the cornerstone as the new regime rebuilds the Broncos would be foolish beyond belief. Was the decision to pull his contract extension off the table made by Josh McDaniels or Pat Bowlen/Joe Ellis? Thanks!
— Brook, Lakewood
Lindsay and Brook: This was written before John Elway's Wednesday press conference, so it's a bit unfair for me to answer all of these questions without knowing any more than Elway, Pat Bowlen, Brian Xanders or anybody else knows. They don't know who the coach will be, and I don't, either.
But I will try to answer, mostly based on my own beliefs, which could be changed by how everything comes down in the next two weeks. Champ left the locker room (after not playing) early Sunday night, and I caught up with him at the exit to the parking lot, and we talked for a few minutes.
I wouldn't blame him for a second if he wanted to go somewhere else and try to win a ring, and I thanked him for always being a class act and a great player. He said he loves playing here and hope it's not over "as long as they are going in the right direction." I said: "Can't go in any more of a wrong direction."
He laughed and said: "That's true." I get the indication he wants to come back.
Josh McDaniels was responsible for pulling the offer off the table. Josh McDaniels is, of course, gone. I believe sincerely the Broncos will go back to the bargaining table with Champ; he will give them a hometown discount because he does love living here, and all will get this done.
I'd be shocked if it didn't. I told you guys last summer, when everybody was in a panic, that the Elvis deal would get done. It got done.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17020984
The line about McDaniels caught my eye because someone else in another thread quoted an article that said Ellis is the one that pulled the plug on the Bailey contract negotiations. I would guess the truth is somewhere in the middle. He also interesting thoughts on Studesville, what we need in the draft and the receiving corps.
Lindsay and Brook ask Woody if the Broncos will let Champ Bailey go.
By Woody Paige
The Denver Post
Posted: 01/06/2011 01:00:00 AM MST
With Pat Bowlen and the Broncos so worried about recapturing the fans' trust, how in the world could they let Champ Bailey go? He has been the one constant, shining light and the fans love him. If the Broncos let him go, it will be another blow to fans that are already losing faith!
— Lindsay Hayden, Bayfield, Colo.
Woody, what are the odds that Champ Bailey is a Bronco next season and beyond? He is the lone bright spot in the league's worst defense, and he is still playing at an All-Pro level. To not keep him as the cornerstone as the new regime rebuilds the Broncos would be foolish beyond belief. Was the decision to pull his contract extension off the table made by Josh McDaniels or Pat Bowlen/Joe Ellis? Thanks!
— Brook, Lakewood
Lindsay and Brook: This was written before John Elway's Wednesday press conference, so it's a bit unfair for me to answer all of these questions without knowing any more than Elway, Pat Bowlen, Brian Xanders or anybody else knows. They don't know who the coach will be, and I don't, either.
But I will try to answer, mostly based on my own beliefs, which could be changed by how everything comes down in the next two weeks. Champ left the locker room (after not playing) early Sunday night, and I caught up with him at the exit to the parking lot, and we talked for a few minutes.
I wouldn't blame him for a second if he wanted to go somewhere else and try to win a ring, and I thanked him for always being a class act and a great player. He said he loves playing here and hope it's not over "as long as they are going in the right direction." I said: "Can't go in any more of a wrong direction."
He laughed and said: "That's true." I get the indication he wants to come back.
Josh McDaniels was responsible for pulling the offer off the table. Josh McDaniels is, of course, gone. I believe sincerely the Broncos will go back to the bargaining table with Champ; he will give them a hometown discount because he does love living here, and all will get this done.
I'd be shocked if it didn't. I told you guys last summer, when everybody was in a panic, that the Elvis deal would get done. It got done.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_17020984
The line about McDaniels caught my eye because someone else in another thread quoted an article that said Ellis is the one that pulled the plug on the Bailey contract negotiations. I would guess the truth is somewhere in the middle. He also interesting thoughts on Studesville, what we need in the draft and the receiving corps.