speardog
11-10-2007, 07:27 AM
Stole from another site.
Shanny get DEs to fit Bates mold
"In the current situation, we felt like we were better with the younger players that we do have," Shanahan said [announcing cutting Simeon Rice]. "They gave us the best chance to win. That's the direction (in which) we're going."
Step right up, newcomers. Tuesday signees Paul Carrington and Larry Birdine are each 24 years old, while fellow arrival Josh Mallard -- a defensive end in the past who is listed as a third-team tackle -- is 28.
While Birdine came to Denver from the Tennessee Titans' practice squad, both Carrington and Mallard played in Atlanta last year under Bill Johnson, the Broncos' defensive-line coach who handled similar duties in Atlanta a year ago.
"They were two players that we knew would fit into what we do and had played; we've got numbers on the books," Johnson said. "They're good up-and-coming young players and they've got a lot left in front of them. ... We just felt like they're good prospects to get into the program and see where they're at."
In 2006, Atlanta ranked ninth in the league in rush defense, allowing 103.6 yards per game, while logging 37 sacks, 14th in the league. The Falcons' sack total came in spite of losing starting defensive ends Patrick Kerney and John Abraham for a combined 15 games.
"You know, we had a pretty representable defense," Johnson said. "We were eighth in the league in rushing and we had our share of sacks. (Carrington and Mallard) fit right in and did a good job.
"Josh came in as a replacement player, and we signed Paul as a rookie free agent, (so) he had to play before his time."
Indeed, Carrington had more sacks last season (three) than Rice has amassed in the last two seasons (two). His familiarity with Johnson ought to help the rangy 6-foot-7, 260-pounder become acclimated rapidly.
"I know what he looks for as a coach -- what he expects of his players," Carrington said. "It's good to already know that. The main thing is just to learn the system now and learn the way the head coach and defensive coordinator want things done. I think it's a great advantage for me coming in."
"I knew it was time to go get him because somebody else was going to get him and put him back on their roster," Johnson said. "There's no doubt that some teams had him on their radar. I thought the timing was good and the personnel people knew it was time -- unfortunately the injury (to Moss) made us able to bring him and shuffle some things up."
Carrington had been out of work since the start of the regular season. Mallard was only sidelined three and a half weeks, as the Falcons waived him on Oct. 13.
"I definitely have an opportunity," Mallard said. "The question is, 'Can I execute?' The answer is, 'Yes I can.'"
At the very least, their position coach has no qualms about sending them into action rapidly -- which he might need to do given the release of Rice and the loss of Moss.
" I'm glad they're here. I'm comfortable with them for the fact that I've played and won games with them."
Josh Mallard
98 Josh Mallard, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 259 lbs.
College: Georgia
Born: in Savannah, Ga.
Acquired: Free Agent, 2007
Pro Year: 3rd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 30/1
Postseason: /
MALLARD AT A GLANCE:
* A third-year defensive lineman who joined the Broncos as a free agent on Nov. 6, 2007.
* Played three games with Atlanta earlier in the season, but did not record any stats.
* Saw action in 13 games with Indianapolis as a rookie, totaling 20 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries and two passes defensed.
* Notched 12 tackles, two sacks, two blocked punts and two passes defensed with Amsterdam during the 2005 NFL Europe season.
* Selected by Indianapolis in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Indianapolis as a draft choice 7/15/02; Waived by Indianapolis 8/31/03; Signed by Cleveland 12/10/03; Waived by Cleveland 12/12/03; Signed by Miami 2/4/04; Waived by Miami 8/30/04; Signed by Indianapolis (future contract) 1/13/05; Waived by Indianapolis 9/3/05; Signed by Atlanta (future contract) 1/4/06; Waived by Atlanta 9/2/06; Signed by Atlanta 9/11/06; Waived by Atlanta 10/13/07; Signed by Denver 11/6/07.
2006: Mallard recorded eight tackles (7 solo), including four sacks (23 yds.), four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and defensed two passes in 14 games (1 start) for Atlanta for future Broncos Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson. Mallard recorded his first sack of the season vs. Pit. (10/22) when he dropped QB Ben Roethlisberger for a 5-yard loss, forcing a field goal. Posted one sack in three consecutive games as he recorded a sack at Det. (11/5), vs. Cle. (11/12) and at Bal. (11/19). His 5-yard sack of Lions QB Jon Kitna forced a fumble. He dropped Browns signal-caller Charlie Frye for a loss of eight yards, forcing a punt in the fourth quarter.
2005: Mallard spent the season out of football after competing in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals where he registered 12 tackles, two sacks, two blocked punts and two passes defensed.
2004: Mallard spent the entire season out of football after competing in training camp with the Miami Dolphins. He was waived by the Dolphins on Aug. 30.
2003: Mallard spent training camp with Indianapolis, but was waived on Aug. 31. He was out of football until Cleveland signed him on Dec. 10. He was out of football after the Browns waived him on Dec. 12.
2002: Selected by Indianapolis in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft, Mallard played in 13 games (0 starts) for the Colts. He registered 20 tackles (15 solo), including a sack (7 yds.), and three fumble recoveries. He was declared inactive for the Colts postseason contest at NYJ (1/4). Mallard recorded two tackles in his pro debut at Jac. (9/8). He recorded the first sack of his pro career when he dropped QB Chad Hutchinson for a 7-yard loss vs. Dal. (11/17). He also recovered two fumbles, including one that set up a touchdown. He added three solo tackles at Was. (10/27) and matched it vs. Jac. (12/29). He also recovered a fumble at Phi. (11/10).
COLLEGE: Mallard played in 43 games (7 starts), totaling 74 tackles (50 solo), 18 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes defensed. He finished his career fifth on the Bulldogs' all-time sacks list. As a senior, Mallard played in 11 games (1 start) posted 20 tackles (12 solo), including five sacks, despite being limited by a knee injury. As a junior, Mallard was credited with 28 tackles (20 solo), including three sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defensed in 11 games (6 starts). Against Auburn, Mallard had 10 tackles and two quarterback pressures. As a sophomore reserve lineman, Mallard played in 11 games (0 starts) and notched 12 tackles (8 solo), two forced fumbles and four sacks. He played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman and made 14 tackles (10 solo), including six sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Paul Carrington
90 Paul Carrington, Defensive End
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 260 lbs.
College: Central Florida
Born: in Guyton, Ga.
Acquired: Free Agent, 2007
Pro Year: 2nd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 15/2
Postseason: /
CARRINGTON AT A GLANCE:
* A second-year defensive end who joined the Broncos as a free agent on Nov. 6, 2007.
* Played in 15 games (2 starts) for Atlanta as a rookie under current Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson, totaling 33 tackles (23 solo), including three sacks (18 yds.), a pass defensed and a forced fumble.
* Compiled 46 tackles, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and an interception as a senior at Central Florida.
* Accrued 70 tackles to earn recognition as a first-team all-region selection at Effingham County High School.
* Entered the NFL as a college free agent with Atlanta on May 1, 2006.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed with Atlanta as a college free agent 5/1/06; Waived by Atlanta 9/1/07; Signed by Denver 11/6/07.
2006: Entered the NFL with Atlanta as a college free agent, Carrington played in 15 games (2 starts) and registered 33 tackles (23 solo), including three sacks (18 yds.), one forced fumble and two passes defensed while also posting a pair of special-teams stops. Carrington was inactive for the season opener at Car. (9/10) before making two tackles in his pro debut vs. T.B. (9/17). He added two tackles vs. Ar. (10/1) before recording five stops, including a sack and a forced fumble vs. Cle. (11/12). On the last play of the first half, Carrington stripped QB Charlie Frye for a sack (0 yds.), allowing Rod Coleman to recover for the Falcons. Carrington made his first pro start the next week at Bal. (11/19) and responded with six tackles and a sack. In the third quarter, Carrington dropped QB Steve McNair for a 6-yard loss. He added his third sack of the season at Was. (12/3) when he corralled QB Jason Campbell for a 13-yard loss in the fourth quarter. Two weeks later, he made five tackles and batted down a pass vs. Dal. (12/16). He posted a career-high seven tackles in his second career start vs. Car. (12/24).
COLLEGE: Carrington recorded 46 tackles, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and an interception (20 yds.) as a senior at Central Florida. In his junior season, he started seven of 11 games for the Golden Knights and registered 30 tackles, four sacks, three passes defensed, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and an interception.
Larry Birdine
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 265 lbs.
College: Oklahoma
Born: in Altus, Okla.
Acquired: Practice Squad Signee (Tennessee), 2007
Pro Year: R
Year with Broncos: 1
NFL Games Played/Started: 0/0
Postseason: 0/0
BIRDINE AT A GLANCE:
* A rookie defensive end who has spent his rookie season on Tennessee's practice squad after entering the NFL as a college free agent with Green Bay on May 4, 2007.
* Earned four letters at the University of Oklahoma where he played in two BCS national championship games (2003 and 04).
* Totaled 103 tackles (61 solo), including 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception among seven passes defensed in 41 games (14 starts) for the Sooners.
* Half-brother, Jason Gildon, played 11 seasons in the NFL and was selected to three Pro Bowls.
Shanny get DEs to fit Bates mold
"In the current situation, we felt like we were better with the younger players that we do have," Shanahan said [announcing cutting Simeon Rice]. "They gave us the best chance to win. That's the direction (in which) we're going."
Step right up, newcomers. Tuesday signees Paul Carrington and Larry Birdine are each 24 years old, while fellow arrival Josh Mallard -- a defensive end in the past who is listed as a third-team tackle -- is 28.
While Birdine came to Denver from the Tennessee Titans' practice squad, both Carrington and Mallard played in Atlanta last year under Bill Johnson, the Broncos' defensive-line coach who handled similar duties in Atlanta a year ago.
"They were two players that we knew would fit into what we do and had played; we've got numbers on the books," Johnson said. "They're good up-and-coming young players and they've got a lot left in front of them. ... We just felt like they're good prospects to get into the program and see where they're at."
In 2006, Atlanta ranked ninth in the league in rush defense, allowing 103.6 yards per game, while logging 37 sacks, 14th in the league. The Falcons' sack total came in spite of losing starting defensive ends Patrick Kerney and John Abraham for a combined 15 games.
"You know, we had a pretty representable defense," Johnson said. "We were eighth in the league in rushing and we had our share of sacks. (Carrington and Mallard) fit right in and did a good job.
"Josh came in as a replacement player, and we signed Paul as a rookie free agent, (so) he had to play before his time."
Indeed, Carrington had more sacks last season (three) than Rice has amassed in the last two seasons (two). His familiarity with Johnson ought to help the rangy 6-foot-7, 260-pounder become acclimated rapidly.
"I know what he looks for as a coach -- what he expects of his players," Carrington said. "It's good to already know that. The main thing is just to learn the system now and learn the way the head coach and defensive coordinator want things done. I think it's a great advantage for me coming in."
"I knew it was time to go get him because somebody else was going to get him and put him back on their roster," Johnson said. "There's no doubt that some teams had him on their radar. I thought the timing was good and the personnel people knew it was time -- unfortunately the injury (to Moss) made us able to bring him and shuffle some things up."
Carrington had been out of work since the start of the regular season. Mallard was only sidelined three and a half weeks, as the Falcons waived him on Oct. 13.
"I definitely have an opportunity," Mallard said. "The question is, 'Can I execute?' The answer is, 'Yes I can.'"
At the very least, their position coach has no qualms about sending them into action rapidly -- which he might need to do given the release of Rice and the loss of Moss.
" I'm glad they're here. I'm comfortable with them for the fact that I've played and won games with them."
Josh Mallard
98 Josh Mallard, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 259 lbs.
College: Georgia
Born: in Savannah, Ga.
Acquired: Free Agent, 2007
Pro Year: 3rd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 30/1
Postseason: /
MALLARD AT A GLANCE:
* A third-year defensive lineman who joined the Broncos as a free agent on Nov. 6, 2007.
* Played three games with Atlanta earlier in the season, but did not record any stats.
* Saw action in 13 games with Indianapolis as a rookie, totaling 20 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries and two passes defensed.
* Notched 12 tackles, two sacks, two blocked punts and two passes defensed with Amsterdam during the 2005 NFL Europe season.
* Selected by Indianapolis in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Indianapolis as a draft choice 7/15/02; Waived by Indianapolis 8/31/03; Signed by Cleveland 12/10/03; Waived by Cleveland 12/12/03; Signed by Miami 2/4/04; Waived by Miami 8/30/04; Signed by Indianapolis (future contract) 1/13/05; Waived by Indianapolis 9/3/05; Signed by Atlanta (future contract) 1/4/06; Waived by Atlanta 9/2/06; Signed by Atlanta 9/11/06; Waived by Atlanta 10/13/07; Signed by Denver 11/6/07.
2006: Mallard recorded eight tackles (7 solo), including four sacks (23 yds.), four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and defensed two passes in 14 games (1 start) for Atlanta for future Broncos Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson. Mallard recorded his first sack of the season vs. Pit. (10/22) when he dropped QB Ben Roethlisberger for a 5-yard loss, forcing a field goal. Posted one sack in three consecutive games as he recorded a sack at Det. (11/5), vs. Cle. (11/12) and at Bal. (11/19). His 5-yard sack of Lions QB Jon Kitna forced a fumble. He dropped Browns signal-caller Charlie Frye for a loss of eight yards, forcing a punt in the fourth quarter.
2005: Mallard spent the season out of football after competing in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals where he registered 12 tackles, two sacks, two blocked punts and two passes defensed.
2004: Mallard spent the entire season out of football after competing in training camp with the Miami Dolphins. He was waived by the Dolphins on Aug. 30.
2003: Mallard spent training camp with Indianapolis, but was waived on Aug. 31. He was out of football until Cleveland signed him on Dec. 10. He was out of football after the Browns waived him on Dec. 12.
2002: Selected by Indianapolis in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft, Mallard played in 13 games (0 starts) for the Colts. He registered 20 tackles (15 solo), including a sack (7 yds.), and three fumble recoveries. He was declared inactive for the Colts postseason contest at NYJ (1/4). Mallard recorded two tackles in his pro debut at Jac. (9/8). He recorded the first sack of his pro career when he dropped QB Chad Hutchinson for a 7-yard loss vs. Dal. (11/17). He also recovered two fumbles, including one that set up a touchdown. He added three solo tackles at Was. (10/27) and matched it vs. Jac. (12/29). He also recovered a fumble at Phi. (11/10).
COLLEGE: Mallard played in 43 games (7 starts), totaling 74 tackles (50 solo), 18 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes defensed. He finished his career fifth on the Bulldogs' all-time sacks list. As a senior, Mallard played in 11 games (1 start) posted 20 tackles (12 solo), including five sacks, despite being limited by a knee injury. As a junior, Mallard was credited with 28 tackles (20 solo), including three sacks, a forced fumble and two passes defensed in 11 games (6 starts). Against Auburn, Mallard had 10 tackles and two quarterback pressures. As a sophomore reserve lineman, Mallard played in 11 games (0 starts) and notched 12 tackles (8 solo), two forced fumbles and four sacks. He played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman and made 14 tackles (10 solo), including six sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Paul Carrington
90 Paul Carrington, Defensive End
Height: 6' 7"
Weight: 260 lbs.
College: Central Florida
Born: in Guyton, Ga.
Acquired: Free Agent, 2007
Pro Year: 2nd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 15/2
Postseason: /
CARRINGTON AT A GLANCE:
* A second-year defensive end who joined the Broncos as a free agent on Nov. 6, 2007.
* Played in 15 games (2 starts) for Atlanta as a rookie under current Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson, totaling 33 tackles (23 solo), including three sacks (18 yds.), a pass defensed and a forced fumble.
* Compiled 46 tackles, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and an interception as a senior at Central Florida.
* Accrued 70 tackles to earn recognition as a first-team all-region selection at Effingham County High School.
* Entered the NFL as a college free agent with Atlanta on May 1, 2006.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Signed with Atlanta as a college free agent 5/1/06; Waived by Atlanta 9/1/07; Signed by Denver 11/6/07.
2006: Entered the NFL with Atlanta as a college free agent, Carrington played in 15 games (2 starts) and registered 33 tackles (23 solo), including three sacks (18 yds.), one forced fumble and two passes defensed while also posting a pair of special-teams stops. Carrington was inactive for the season opener at Car. (9/10) before making two tackles in his pro debut vs. T.B. (9/17). He added two tackles vs. Ar. (10/1) before recording five stops, including a sack and a forced fumble vs. Cle. (11/12). On the last play of the first half, Carrington stripped QB Charlie Frye for a sack (0 yds.), allowing Rod Coleman to recover for the Falcons. Carrington made his first pro start the next week at Bal. (11/19) and responded with six tackles and a sack. In the third quarter, Carrington dropped QB Steve McNair for a 6-yard loss. He added his third sack of the season at Was. (12/3) when he corralled QB Jason Campbell for a 13-yard loss in the fourth quarter. Two weeks later, he made five tackles and batted down a pass vs. Dal. (12/16). He posted a career-high seven tackles in his second career start vs. Car. (12/24).
COLLEGE: Carrington recorded 46 tackles, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and an interception (20 yds.) as a senior at Central Florida. In his junior season, he started seven of 11 games for the Golden Knights and registered 30 tackles, four sacks, three passes defensed, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and an interception.
Larry Birdine
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 265 lbs.
College: Oklahoma
Born: in Altus, Okla.
Acquired: Practice Squad Signee (Tennessee), 2007
Pro Year: R
Year with Broncos: 1
NFL Games Played/Started: 0/0
Postseason: 0/0
BIRDINE AT A GLANCE:
* A rookie defensive end who has spent his rookie season on Tennessee's practice squad after entering the NFL as a college free agent with Green Bay on May 4, 2007.
* Earned four letters at the University of Oklahoma where he played in two BCS national championship games (2003 and 04).
* Totaled 103 tackles (61 solo), including 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception among seven passes defensed in 41 games (14 starts) for the Sooners.
* Half-brother, Jason Gildon, played 11 seasons in the NFL and was selected to three Pro Bowls.