Skinny
08-30-2007, 08:05 AM
Coach says he can handle heat
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
08/30/2007
Welcome, Jim Bates, to coaching in Denver.
When it comes to the Broncos, coaches aren't introduced with press releases or news conferences. A Broncos coach doesn't become indoctrinated until he's received some heat.
Consider Bates formally greeted.
Bates wasn't even allowed the chance to coach a regular- season game before people started wondering what the heck is wrong with his defense.
"If you can't handle it, you don't need to be in the business," said Bates, who is in his first year as assistant head coach of the Broncos' defense. "People may not see it, but we're making progress. We could be blitzing all game and destroy people in the preseason. But we're not going to fall into that
trap. We're making progress. It isn't as fast as anybody anticipated or wanted, but we are making progress and that's the main thing."
In a little less than six preseason quarters, the first-string defense has allowed 44 points and 574 yards in total offense. There was improvement in the most recent exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns, who scored a touchdown on their first drive but managed only three more points in their next five series. Denver's defense took its time getting the ball back to the offense. But it did stiffen when the ball moved to its side of the 50.
In the middle of it all
In the first two games, much concern was focused on middle linebacker D.J. Williams, an erstwhile outside linebacker who made only three tackles in three combined quarters.
But Williams was in on a team-high nine tackles against Cleveland and Bates said he is not considering moving outside linebacker Nate Webster to his more familiar middle linebacker spot. "No, we feel very comfortable where we're at and the decisions that we've made," Bates said.
Should a switch be deemed necessary later, Webster's experience at middle linebacker, and Williams' at both outside linebacker positions, would make for an easy transition.
"We like the talent we have at linebacker," general manager Ted Sundquist said. "I agree with Jim - we feel very confident about the decisions that have been made. But none of this is set in stone because we have such great flexibility at linebacker."
Hamilton update
Left guard Ben Hamilton, who started all 80 regular-season games the past five seasons, underwent a battery of neurological tests Wednesday. Hamilton has missed the entire preseason after suffering a concussion early in training camp.
His agent, Peter Schaffer, said not all tests were completed and the results wouldn't be determined by a neurospecialist until today. Until Hamilton returns, Chris Myers is the Broncos' starting left guard.
Broncos book
Imagine the stories Jim Saccomano can tell now that he's in his 30th season with the Broncos, his 26th as the team's public relations boss.
Fortunately for Broncos fans, Saccomano has written a book about his experiences. Titled, "Game of My Life: Denver Broncos," Saccomano will appear at Barnes & Noble, 1565 Briargate in Colorado Springs from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 to promote the book, as well as the Broncos Team Store at the south end of Invesco Field at Mile High from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Time's a-wastin'
A look at five goals of the Broncos heading into tonight's home game against Arizona in the preseason finale:
1. The defensive line: The Broncos' defensive line will continue to be a work in progress in the early season and many of the backups playing tonight have a chance to make a case for more playing time. Players to watch include draft picks Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas.
2. The young receivers: Second-year players Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark should make the team, and they could have a decent impact. Tonight, they will be showcased.
3. Selvin Young: The undrafted rookie impressed coach Mike Shanahan Saturday against Cleveland. With many running backs hurt, Young took the rock and gained 91 yards on 17 carries. The Texas product could force his way onto the roster with another nice game.
4. The backup quarterbacks: Patrick Ramsey may not play much. If that's the case, youngsters Darrell Hackney and Preston Parsons, the No. 3 and No. 4 quarterbacks, respectively, may be fighting for practice-squad consideration.
5. Win: This game is all about the backups, but with the season 10 days away, it wouldn't hurt to get the taste of two straight losses - albeit preseason - out of the Broncos' mouths.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6754178
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
08/30/2007
Welcome, Jim Bates, to coaching in Denver.
When it comes to the Broncos, coaches aren't introduced with press releases or news conferences. A Broncos coach doesn't become indoctrinated until he's received some heat.
Consider Bates formally greeted.
Bates wasn't even allowed the chance to coach a regular- season game before people started wondering what the heck is wrong with his defense.
"If you can't handle it, you don't need to be in the business," said Bates, who is in his first year as assistant head coach of the Broncos' defense. "People may not see it, but we're making progress. We could be blitzing all game and destroy people in the preseason. But we're not going to fall into that
trap. We're making progress. It isn't as fast as anybody anticipated or wanted, but we are making progress and that's the main thing."
In a little less than six preseason quarters, the first-string defense has allowed 44 points and 574 yards in total offense. There was improvement in the most recent exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns, who scored a touchdown on their first drive but managed only three more points in their next five series. Denver's defense took its time getting the ball back to the offense. But it did stiffen when the ball moved to its side of the 50.
In the middle of it all
In the first two games, much concern was focused on middle linebacker D.J. Williams, an erstwhile outside linebacker who made only three tackles in three combined quarters.
But Williams was in on a team-high nine tackles against Cleveland and Bates said he is not considering moving outside linebacker Nate Webster to his more familiar middle linebacker spot. "No, we feel very comfortable where we're at and the decisions that we've made," Bates said.
Should a switch be deemed necessary later, Webster's experience at middle linebacker, and Williams' at both outside linebacker positions, would make for an easy transition.
"We like the talent we have at linebacker," general manager Ted Sundquist said. "I agree with Jim - we feel very confident about the decisions that have been made. But none of this is set in stone because we have such great flexibility at linebacker."
Hamilton update
Left guard Ben Hamilton, who started all 80 regular-season games the past five seasons, underwent a battery of neurological tests Wednesday. Hamilton has missed the entire preseason after suffering a concussion early in training camp.
His agent, Peter Schaffer, said not all tests were completed and the results wouldn't be determined by a neurospecialist until today. Until Hamilton returns, Chris Myers is the Broncos' starting left guard.
Broncos book
Imagine the stories Jim Saccomano can tell now that he's in his 30th season with the Broncos, his 26th as the team's public relations boss.
Fortunately for Broncos fans, Saccomano has written a book about his experiences. Titled, "Game of My Life: Denver Broncos," Saccomano will appear at Barnes & Noble, 1565 Briargate in Colorado Springs from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 to promote the book, as well as the Broncos Team Store at the south end of Invesco Field at Mile High from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Time's a-wastin'
A look at five goals of the Broncos heading into tonight's home game against Arizona in the preseason finale:
1. The defensive line: The Broncos' defensive line will continue to be a work in progress in the early season and many of the backups playing tonight have a chance to make a case for more playing time. Players to watch include draft picks Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas.
2. The young receivers: Second-year players Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark should make the team, and they could have a decent impact. Tonight, they will be showcased.
3. Selvin Young: The undrafted rookie impressed coach Mike Shanahan Saturday against Cleveland. With many running backs hurt, Young took the rock and gained 91 yards on 17 carries. The Texas product could force his way onto the roster with another nice game.
4. The backup quarterbacks: Patrick Ramsey may not play much. If that's the case, youngsters Darrell Hackney and Preston Parsons, the No. 3 and No. 4 quarterbacks, respectively, may be fighting for practice-squad consideration.
5. Win: This game is all about the backups, but with the season 10 days away, it wouldn't hurt to get the taste of two straight losses - albeit preseason - out of the Broncos' mouths.
http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6754178