PDA

View Full Version : Players excited about new coach



Italianmobstr7
01-12-2009, 03:35 AM
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/jan/11/broncos-players-excited-about-young-coach/

NEWARK, N.J. — At age 32, Josh McDaniels won't be much older than some of the players he'll coach in Denver.

That doesn't seem to bother Broncos players, who, themselves are skewing Generation Y.

"Oh, man, I think that's going to be great," Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall said Sunday night, shortly after learning of McDaniel's hire from team personnel executive Jim Goodman. "Our locker room definitely has changed from a very veteran team to young guys with good character, but at the end of the day, still young.

"And from that standpoint, to have a coach in there around the same age as the guys in the locker room, he can relate to things we're about; it makes it a little easier as far as the transition.

"A lot of the guys are excited."

McDaniels, 32, has worked eight years with the New England Patriots, the past two as offensive coordinator. He joined the club as a personnel assistant, then advanced up the ladder to a defensive assistant with the Patriots (2002-03), quarterbacks coach (2004) and to his last position in '06.

New England set records for scoring, with 589 points, behind MVP Tom Brady last year and just missed the playoffs despite untested Matt Cassel forced into action at quarterback this season. Cassel ended up having a breakout season under McDaniels' tutelage.

McDaniels, an Ohio native, replaces Mike Shanahan, who was fired after Denver missed the playoffs for the third straight season. He'll be the Broncos' 12th head coach in franchise history.

"That's enthusiasm, man," cornerback Dre Bly said of his new coach, who's only one year older than he is. "Coach Shanahan had a lot of respect. Guys looked up to him and had a good relationship. But with a guy like him, it's like with (Broncos 2007 passing game coordinator) Jeremy Bates - exciting, enthusiasm. It's like what Mike Tomlin brings to Pittsburgh. He brings excitement to that team. It's good for our team. And I hope we respond to him."

Some players still were trying to figure out just who their new coach was, with only a cursory knowledge of McDaniels' background.

"I just know that he was the offensive coordinator," left tackle Ryan Clady said. "But it's going to be exciting to see what he can do with the personnel we have and his scheme."

"He's shown that he can win in New England," defensive end Elvis Dumervil added. "We'll see what happens."

That holds true on both sides of the ball.

Denver's offense ranked second in the NFL but was only 16th in scoring, at 23.1 points per game.

"Even though we had some good coaches here - and still do - the things he was able to do on the offensive side of the ball with them last year with the awesome run the Patriots had, undefeated all the way to the Super Bowl, and all the records they broke, it goes further than the players making plays," Marshall said, adding that Denver's coaches previously took elements from New England's offense, given that significant success.

"Somebody has to coach the guys up, and it says a lot about him," Marshall added. "And if he can get someone to help on the defensive side of the ball, too, we can go a long way."

That defensive architect still is to be determined, as is the accompanying philosophy.

"He's been around a 3-4 system. That might be the direction he goes. I don't know," Bly said. "But that's the nature of the beast. Coaches bring in coordinators and use the schemes they're comfortable with. And that affects us. . . . I'm sure guys will be excited either way because of the fact we landed a new coach, a young guy and can move forward knowing the direction we're going."

Denver interviewed seven candidates in all. And there was a widely held belief publicly that the team, given its 29th-ranked defense, would hire a coach with a defensive background. But the Broncos obviously didn't feel obligated to make that call.

"It's an offensive town, starting with (John) Elway and coach Shanahan. That's what they're used to here," Bly said. "It really doesn't matter. As long as we get things worked out and we're effective out there."

That'll be kid's play, with McDaniels on board, possibly augmented by some veteran assistants.

"I've had young coaches before, especially in college," Clady said. "So I'm used to it."

JKcatch724
01-12-2009, 03:42 AM
Has Brandon Marshall been lurking around here?

silkamilkamonico
01-12-2009, 03:54 AM
Funny.

Jay Cutler declined to comment.

Rift?

Maybe McDaniels will bring Cassel in next year.

PatricktheDookie
01-12-2009, 04:29 AM
Funny.

Jay Cutler declined to comment.

Rift?

Maybe McDaniels will bring Cassel in next year.

I don't see anything about that.

Italianmobstr7
01-12-2009, 04:32 AM
I don't see anything about that.

That's because there is nothing in there about it. Silk is just trying to start stuff cuz he's upset about us not getting Mike Holmgren or Bill Cowher. No where in that article does it say Jay "declined to comment." He just noticed how there was no quotes from Jay. Funny this is, there was no quotes from about 49 other players on the team either. Everyone must be really upset....blah. Get over it Silk.

Bozo Jr.
01-12-2009, 05:08 AM
I'm personally not excited! :tsk:

PatricktheDookie
01-12-2009, 05:24 AM
I'm personally not excited! :tsk:

I don't believe you!!

claymore
01-12-2009, 06:17 AM
I love it. If he gets a really good D Coordinator, its the most logical route by far.

Tned
01-12-2009, 12:42 PM
A couple players addressed the age thing, which was raised as a concern last night.

As Marshall said, it could be a positive. He could be seen as a positive, him being closer to the age of the players. Their generation.

omac
01-12-2009, 12:56 PM
"Somebody has to coach the guys up, and it says a lot about him," Marshall added. "And if he can get someone to help on the defensive side of the ball, too, we can go a long way."

LOL, Marshall takes a not-so-subtle stab at our defense. I hope they don't try to go after him in scrimmage. :D

NightTrainLayne
01-12-2009, 12:58 PM
LOL, Marshall takes a not-so-subtle stab at our defense. I hope they don't try to go after him in scrimmage. :D

They didn't catch him all last season. He's probably not too scared.

CoachChaz
01-12-2009, 01:01 PM
They didn't catch him all last season. He's probably not too scared.

Our defense didnt catch ANYONE this past season. Why should a Pro-Bowl receiver be worried?

TXBRONC
01-12-2009, 01:03 PM
LOL, Marshall takes a not-so-subtle stab at our defense. I hope they don't try to go after him in scrimmage. :D

Without Champ and D.J. in the lineup who would be able to tackle him? :D

Broncolingus
01-12-2009, 01:07 PM
Players excited or not, the coach has been picked - by the person who does the 'picking' - and now it's time (for the players) to start worrying about executing on the field...period.

broncogirl7
01-12-2009, 01:10 PM
I'm still not sure about the pick, but Bowlen shocked alot of people with Shanahan many years ago...so I hope he knows what he's doing. I will be very interested to see who he brings in and what positions he will concentrate on in the draft.

Tned
01-12-2009, 01:13 PM
I'm still not sure about the pick, but Bowlen shocked alot of people with Shanahan many years ago...so I hope he knows what he's doing. I will be very interested to see who he brings in and what positions he will concentrate on in the draft.

Actually, Shanahan's hiring wasn't a shock to anyone back in the '90s. Him hiring Wade Phillips instead of Shanahan to replace Reeves suprised many, who thought because of the relationship with Elway and offensive mind that Shanahan should have replaced Reeves.

When Phillips was let go, Shanahan, who now had success as a 49er OC, was the popular and expected choice.

broncogirl7
01-12-2009, 01:14 PM
Actually, Shanahan's hiring wasn't a shock to anyone back in the '90s. Him hiring Wade Phillips instead of Shanahan to replace Reeves suprised many, who thought because of the relationship with Elway and offensive mind that Shanahan should have replaced Reeves.

When Phillips was let go, Shanahan, who now had success as a 49er OC, was the popular and expected choice.

Thanks Tned, I got Phillips confused with Shanahan for a moment.:confused:

GEM
01-12-2009, 01:27 PM
A couple players addressed the age thing, which was raised as a concern last night.

As Marshall said, it could be a positive. He could be seen as a positive, him being closer to the age of the players. Their generation.

After the Pitts game last night it was cool to watch their coach go up to guys patting them and telling them good job. I didn't see Shanny do that a whole lot. Perhaps that's what we can expect with our young guy now. More of a players coach. I'm excited about the change. I think Bowlen is thinking long term. Perhaps he doesn't want to take the offense a step back while trying to move the defense forward. The new coach must have had a pretty good plan laid out for what his vision is otherwise I think Bowlen certainly would have gone defense or taken more time in his decision.

TXBRONC
01-12-2009, 01:49 PM
After the Pitts game last night it was cool to watch their coach go up to guys patting them and telling them good job. I didn't see Shanny do that a whole lot. Perhaps that's what we can expect with our young guy now. More of a players coach. I'm excited about the change. I think Bowlen is thinking long term. Perhaps he doesn't want to take the offense a step back while trying to move the defense forward. The new coach must have had a pretty good plan laid out for what his vision is otherwise I think Bowlen certainly would have gone defense or taken more time in his decision.

Someone posted an article that said that McDaniels laid out a blue print of what he need to do and how he would it and the front office was impressed.

GEM
01-12-2009, 01:53 PM
Someone posted an article that said that McDaniels laid out a blue print of what he need to do and how he would it and the front office was impressed.

:rockon: I was right. :lol: I kind of figure he would have had to. No way is Bowlen going to let the defense continue a downward spiral just for the sake of another offensive guru type guy.

My other question. I though O'brien (special teams coach) was supposed to have been some kind of super genius. Why is it that these types (Bates, O'brien) come to Denver with all this big talk and somehow we never deliver. Is it all big talk to bring us into believing or is it the talent is really honestly that freakin low?

It will be interesting to see if we stick with ZBS since NE has started using that a bit. I think he has to at least consider it since we had so much success with the OLine this past season.

GEM
01-12-2009, 01:59 PM
Added bonus for us ladies.....I think we now have the best looking coach in the NFL. :rockon:

TXBRONC
01-12-2009, 02:11 PM
:rockon: I was right. :lol: I kind of figure he would have had to. No way is Bowlen going to let the defense continue a downward spiral just for the sake of another offensive guru type guy.

My other question. I though O'brien (special teams coach) was supposed to have been some kind of super genius. Why is it that these types (Bates, O'brien) come to Denver with all this big talk and somehow we never deliver. Is it all big talk to bring us into believing or is it the talent is really honestly that freakin low?

It will be interesting to see if we stick with ZBS since NE has started using that a bit. I think he has to at least consider it since we had so much success with the OLine this past season.

From what I understand O'Brien had been very successful with other teams so I don't know.

JONtheBRONCO
01-12-2009, 02:15 PM
Added bonus for us ladies.....I think we now have the best looking coach in the NFL. :rockon:

What? No love for this guy???

http://blogs.citypages.com/sports/CHILDRESS.JPG

GEM
01-12-2009, 02:19 PM
What? No love for this guy???

http://blogs.citypages.com/sports/CHILDRESS.JPG

If he just grew out the stache a bit, he'd be rockin porn. :laugh:

Lonestar
01-12-2009, 02:20 PM
Actually, Shanahan's hiring wasn't a shock to anyone back in the '90s. Him hiring Wade Phillips instead of Shanahan to replace Reeves suprised many, who thought because of the relationship with Elway and offensive mind that Shanahan should have replaced Reeves.

When Phillips was let go, Shanahan, who now had success as a 49er OC, was the popular and expected choice.


IIRC he was not hired because mike wanted total control of the team and Pat was not yet ready to give it to him.. But we all know after two years of Wade he was..

Denver Native (Carol)
01-12-2009, 02:28 PM
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=51635@kcnc.dayport.com

TXBRONC
01-12-2009, 02:28 PM
IIRC he was not hired because mike wanted total control of the team and Pat was not yet ready to give it to him.. But we all know after two years of Wade he was..

That's not what I remember. What I recall is that Shanahan turned the job because he had left on bad terms just year earlier.

Lonestar
01-12-2009, 02:36 PM
That's not what I remember. What I recall is that Shanahan turned the job because he had left on bad terms just year earlier.


You could be correct there I do remember seeing an article about his tiff with reeves and with his past experience with Al he wanted more control than Pat was willing to give up at the time.. Now whether that was factual I do not know but that was pre INTERNET days so news reports here in ELP where shaky at best..

Ziggy
01-12-2009, 02:50 PM
:rockon: I was right. :lol: I kind of figure he would have had to. No way is Bowlen going to let the defense continue a downward spiral just for the sake of another offensive guru type guy.

My other question. I though O'brien (special teams coach) was supposed to have been some kind of super genius. Why is it that these types (Bates, O'brien) come to Denver with all this big talk and somehow we never deliver. Is it all big talk to bring us into believing or is it the talent is really honestly that freakin low? It will be interesting to see if we stick with ZBS since NE has started using that a bit. I think he has to at least consider it since we had so much success with the OLine this past season.



As far as Obrien goes Gem, special teams are mostly made up of backups. LB'ers and RB's are prominent among those. The talent level of our backups and injuries to RB's had to have played a big role on special teams. It'll be interesting to see how Obrien does at his next job.

Lonestar
01-12-2009, 02:54 PM
As far as Obrien goes Gem, special teams are mostly made up of backups. LB'ers and RB's are prominent among those. The talent level of our backups and injuries to RB's had to have played a big role on special teams. It'll be interesting to see how Obrien does at his next job.

it will be interesting to see what the new kid does as his boss has always been a proponent of playing starters on ST.. his bosses thoughts on it were..

the punt is just the last play on defense and kick offs are the first play on offense.. Other that the specialists like snapper and kickers, why would we play second teamers on either of them?

GEM
01-12-2009, 02:54 PM
As far as Obrien goes Gem, special teams are mostly made up of backups. LB'ers and RB's are prominent among those. The talent level of our backups and injuries to RB's had to have played a big role on special teams. It'll be interesting to see how Obrien does at his next job.

Thanks Ziggy. :) Hopefully our ST unit learns how to tackle under the new coach. :laugh:

Could be worse....could hit the guy in the helmet like Weddle in the game last night and he can look around for the ball like he didn't feel it hit him in the head. Funniest play I've seen in awhile.

G_Money
01-12-2009, 03:05 PM
Because of injuries, JR.

You see how many STers get carted off the field?

Everett got paralyzed against us, Smith our FB and ST ace busted his face on a return...

The more of your million dollar starters you play on special teams, the more of them you risk injuring. You can live without your 7th DB for a while if he gets hurt on ST, but if Champ pulls a hamstring or separates a shoulder doing it you’re gonna look like a moron.

And coaches hate looking like morons. Some, like the NE guys, got away with it. Of course, any guys they lost to injury were also quickly replaced - NE was the king of replacing players.

But making the best out of backups is one reason why special teams ace coordinators are in high-demand. There’s nothing about running down the field full-speed, staying in your lane, and making a tackle that requires starters. Most of the greatest special teamers of all times were not starters on either side of the ball. They were backups who just killed it at special teams.

Organizing and unleashing a set of those guys is the job of the ST coach. Unfortunately, our team’s total inability to tackle or follow instructions made it really hard to tell who the problems were or how to fix them.

Hopefully the next regime brings in a tackling specialist to help the guys take their guys down, and if we run a gap-control defense maybe it’ll help the special teams guys get familiar with staying in their lanes as well.

~G

Lonestar
01-12-2009, 03:10 PM
Because of injuries, JR.

You see how many STers get carted off the field?

Everett got paralyzed against us, Smith our FB and ST ace busted his face on a return...

The more of your million dollar starters you play on special teams, the more of them you risk injuring. You can live without your 7th DB for a while if he gets hurt on ST, but if Champ pulls a hamstring or separates a shoulder doing it you’re gonna look like a moron.

And coaches hate looking like morons. Some, like the NE guys, got away with it. Of course, any guys they lost to injury were also quickly replaced - NE was the king of replacing players.

But making the best out of backups is one reason why special teams ace coordinators are in high-demand. There’s nothing about running down the field full-speed, staying in your lane, and making a tackle that requires starters. Most of the greatest special teamers of all times were not starters on either side of the ball. They were backups who just killed it at special teams.

Organizing and unleashing a set of those guys is the job of the ST coach. Unfortunately, our team’s total inability to tackle or follow instructions made it really hard to tell who the problems were or how to fix them.

Hopefully the next regime brings in a tackling specialist to help the guys take their guys down, and if we run a gap-control defense maybe it’ll help the special teams guys get familiar with staying in their lanes as well.

~G

Hey I do not totally disagree with you on this but it has worked pretty good in NE.. I'm not saying you keep the entire starting defense on the field during a punt but you have those DB and Fast LBs that are supposed to know how to open field tackle out there.

But then that pretty much disqualifies all but Woodyard and Champ doesn't it..:laugh::laugh: