Mediocrity stares Broncos right in the eyes

**dirk digler** · 01-10-2005, 11:14 AM

I know it is from Kisla but hey it makes for a good read especially the mediocare part.

Indianapolis - So who is Mike Shanahan going to fire this time? The Broncos have not won a playoff game in 2,170 days, and he is running out of fingers to point.

Who is looking for a soft place to fall now, after a 49-24 pounding Sunday by Indianapolis?

Something has got to change for Denver. But what, pray tell, can divert the Broncos off the road to nowhere as the league's poster children for the false hope of parity?

"That's a dumb question," snapped Broncos veteran Rod Smith, 34 years old and no happier with his team than 12 months ago. "What's the difference? What's the difference? What's the difference? I'm asking you. What are the results?"

Something has got to change.

I feel sorry for Ted Sundquist, Denver's general manager. He owns a cool business card, but might have the most thankless job in football.

On a team just good enough to tease Broncomaniacs with championship expectations impossible to fulfill, Sundquist is condemned to have all the responsibility and zero authority.

Chronic mediocrity follows Denver like warm bubble gum on a shoe. But none of the blame ever seems to stick to Shanahan. At least not in the eyes of franchise owner Pat Bowlen.

For those of you keeping score at home, what Shanahan now does best in January is sacrifice scapegoats.

In 1999, cornerback Dale Carter infected the Broncos with the bad attitude Shanahan let in the locker room.

In 2000, all the stench of the season was traced to the door of defensive coordinator Greg Robinson.

In 2001, flighty receiver Eddie Kennison rewarded the faith Shanahan misplaced in him by quitting.

In 2002, quarterback Brian Griese removed the mask, revealing that he was not really Joe Montana, absolutely shocking Shanahan.

In 2003, all playmaker Clinton Portis did was rush for 1,500 yards, but when Shanahan shipped those pink tennis shoes and championship-belt cockiness off to Washington, the chorus of Broncomaniacs shouted amen.

So who takes the hit for another fine mess? Someone has to accept the blame. Trouble is: The Broncos have so few remaining players who really make a difference that blaming a street free agent or a rookie cannot fool all the people in Denver again.

If Shanahan genuinely wants to return to the Super Bowl, he must give complete control of revamping the team to Sundquist. Or fire him as a waste of time and money.

If Bowlen is committed to upholding the public trust that built a new stadium for a Denver civic treasure, the owner should demand Shanahan accept a general manager respected as a co-equal of the coach.

Something has got to change.

"I'm sure they were saying the same thing last year," said Broncos safety John Lynch, signed specifically to end the tired, old story of Denver's playoff regrets.

One of these years, when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning finally strolls into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Shanahan should hold open the door. If football is a game of inches, then I'm going to need a calculator, a degree from MIT and a six-pack of Red Bull to figure out how Manning passed for 360 yards against Denver. In the first half.

Linebacker Al Wilson deserves a better fate than these redundant humility lessons. Any scribe with a heart under his press credential cheers for guys like Wilson, the rare millionaire as passionate about winning as fans who live and die with the team.

After the blood, sweat and tears of six NFL seasons, Wilson still does not know the joy of postseason victory. Last week, he sat alone in the Broncos' locker room and made a sad confession: "A playoff loss hurts worst of all. Because it's the end. And you know it's the end. As a player, you have no opportunity to redeem yourself. You're going home."

With each successive playoff failure, ever notice how Shanahan looks less like a football mastermind and more like actor Bill Murray?

The Broncos could have saved the airfare to Indy and rented "Groundhog Day." For the umpteenth time.

In the movie, the weatherman portrayed by Murray awoke every morning to the same blasted Sonny and Cher song, until he wanted to crush the clock radio.

Shanahan. We've got him, babe.

Mile High Mania · 01-10-2005, 11:15 AM

Kiszla was so anxious to write this one...

Amnorix · 01-10-2005, 11:17 AM

Let's hope it's also Groundhog Day for the Colts (in New England next Sunday).

**dirk digler** · 01-10-2005, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Kiszla was so anxious to write this one...

So is he right about Sundquist and does Mike have final say on who they sign? Just curious.

Hammock Parties · 01-10-2005, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Kiszla was so anxious to write this one...

Reporters love being right.

Mile High Mania · 01-10-2005, 11:21 AM

I'm sure he is... if Mike doesn't want it, it won't happen. And, that is part of the problem.

I think a coach should just coach. I understand the "if I'm going to cook dinner, you gotta let me buy the groceries" mentality. But, I dunno... coaching is such a huge task.

**dirk digler** · 01-10-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I'm sure he is... if Mike doesn't want it, it won't happen. And, that is part of the problem.

I think a coach should just coach. I understand the "if I'm going to cook dinner, you gotta let me buy the groceries" mentality. But, I dunno... coaching is such a huge task.

I agree I have never thought it is a good idea to have a coach be the general manager. Too much conflict of interest there and they are rarely successful.

King_Chief_Fan · 01-10-2005, 11:27 AM

It is fun to blast Shanahan.......I dislike him. Why? because he is the coach of the cheating, lying, asswipe Broncos.

I bet if he was available when DV leaves, several on this board (including me) would want him as a head coach for the Chiefs.

Hammock Parties · 01-10-2005, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

It is fun to blast Shanahan.......I dislike him. Why? because he is the coach of the cheating, lying, asswipe Broncos.

I bet if he was available when DV leaves, several on this board (including me) would want him as a head coach for the Chiefs.

Hell no. He consistently gets outcoached at the end of the year, every year.

jspchief · 01-10-2005, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Kiszla was so anxious to write this one...

...I was pretty anxious to read it.

Clint in Wichita · 01-10-2005, 11:30 AM

What a bunch of whining. It's only been 6 years since Denver won the second of its back-to-back Super Bowls.

Try being a Chiefs fan & tolerating Carl Peterson year after year.

Mile High Mania · 01-10-2005, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint in Wichita

What a bunch of whining. It's only been 6 years since Denver won the second of its back-to-back Super Bowls.

Try being a Chiefs fan & tolerating Carl Peterson year after year.

I have said this MANY times ... it's only been 6 years. Some Denver fans and writers seem to forget how long it took to win it all. They got there several times with Elway and Reeves and we know what happened.

6 years... phhhhhhhttt, it's just time. I have plenty of time. It's not like 6 years of 7 or 8 wins and nothing to hope for. It's not Cincy, AZ, Detroit or even Dallas of the last 6 years.

Hammock Parties · 01-10-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

I have said this MANY times ... it's only been 6 years. Some Denver fans and writers seem to forget how long it took to win it all. They got there several times with Elway and Reeves and we know what happened.

6 years... phhhhhhhttt, it's just time. I have plenty of time. It's not like 6 years of 7 or 8 wins and nothing to hope for. It's not Cincy, AZ, Detroit or even Dallas of the last 6 years.

Yep, you guys got spoiled by Elway and the mini-dynasty.

But it's funny when TJ proclaims SB after a 5-1 start and the Donks don't even sniff it.

Garcia Bronco · 01-10-2005, 11:42 AM

LOL...Kizla hates the Broncos.

Garcia Bronco · 01-10-2005, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

So is he right about Sundquist and does Mike have final say on who they sign? Just curious.

Shanahan does have the final say....so did Dan Reeves....

But that doesn't mean that Mike Shanahan vetos Ted everyday or at all....that would be stupid. Mike Shanahan has a bunch of people working under him and why hire them if you don't trust their imput?

01-10-2005, 11:14 AM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3014644	Mediocrity stares Broncos right in the eyes I know it is from Kisla but hey it makes for a good read especially the mediocare part. Indianapolis - So who is Mike Shanahan going to fire this time? The Broncos have not won a playoff game in 2,170 days, and he is running out of fingers to point. Who is looking for a soft place to fall now, after a 49-24 pounding Sunday by Indianapolis? Something has got to change for Denver. But what, pray tell, can divert the Broncos off the road to nowhere as the league's poster children for the false hope of parity? "That's a dumb question," snapped Broncos veteran Rod Smith, 34 years old and no happier with his team than 12 months ago. "What's the difference? What's the difference? What's the difference? I'm asking you. What are the results?" Something has got to change. I feel sorry for Ted Sundquist, Denver's general manager. He owns a cool business card, but might have the most thankless job in football. On a team just good enough to tease Broncomaniacs with championship expectations impossible to fulfill, Sundquist is condemned to have all the responsibility and zero authority. Chronic mediocrity follows Denver like warm bubble gum on a shoe. But none of the blame ever seems to stick to Shanahan. At least not in the eyes of franchise owner Pat Bowlen. For those of you keeping score at home, what Shanahan now does best in January is sacrifice scapegoats. In 1999, cornerback Dale Carter infected the Broncos with the bad attitude Shanahan let in the locker room. In 2000, all the stench of the season was traced to the door of defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. In 2001, flighty receiver Eddie Kennison rewarded the faith Shanahan misplaced in him by quitting. In 2002, quarterback Brian Griese removed the mask, revealing that he was not really Joe Montana, absolutely shocking Shanahan. In 2003, all playmaker Clinton Portis did was rush for 1,500 yards, but when Shanahan shipped those pink tennis shoes and championship-belt cockiness off to Washington, the chorus of Broncomaniacs shouted amen. So who takes the hit for another fine mess? Someone has to accept the blame. Trouble is: The Broncos have so few remaining players who really make a difference that blaming a street free agent or a rookie cannot fool all the people in Denver again. If Shanahan genuinely wants to return to the Super Bowl, he must give complete control of revamping the team to Sundquist. Or fire him as a waste of time and money. If Bowlen is committed to upholding the public trust that built a new stadium for a Denver civic treasure, the owner should demand Shanahan accept a general manager respected as a co-equal of the coach. Something has got to change. "I'm sure they were saying the same thing last year," said Broncos safety John Lynch, signed specifically to end the tired, old story of Denver's playoff regrets. One of these years, when Colts quarterback Peyton Manning finally strolls into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Shanahan should hold open the door. If football is a game of inches, then I'm going to need a calculator, a degree from MIT and a six-pack of Red Bull to figure out how Manning passed for 360 yards against Denver. In the first half. Linebacker Al Wilson deserves a better fate than these redundant humility lessons. Any scribe with a heart under his press credential cheers for guys like Wilson, the rare millionaire as passionate about winning as fans who live and die with the team. After the blood, sweat and tears of six NFL seasons, Wilson still does not know the joy of postseason victory. Last week, he sat alone in the Broncos' locker room and made a sad confession: "A playoff loss hurts worst of all. Because it's the end. And you know it's the end. As a player, you have no opportunity to redeem yourself. You're going home." With each successive playoff failure, ever notice how Shanahan looks less like a football mastermind and more like actor Bill Murray? The Broncos could have saved the airfare to Indy and rented "Groundhog Day." For the umpteenth time. In the movie, the weatherman portrayed by Murray awoke every morning to the same blasted Sonny and Cher song, until he wanted to crush the clock radio. Shanahan. We've got him, babe.
Posts: 66,395

01-10-2005, 11:15 AM	#2
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3457229	Kiszla was so anxious to write this one... __________________
Posts: 30,343

01-10-2005, 11:17 AM	#3
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	Let's hope it's also Groundhog Day for the Colts (in New England next Sunday).
Posts: 43,125

01-10-2005, 11:21 AM	#6
Mile High Mania #triggering Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tejas Casino cash: $3457229	I'm sure he is... if Mike doesn't want it, it won't happen. And, that is part of the problem. I think a coach should just coach. I understand the "if I'm going to cook dinner, you gotta let me buy the groceries" mentality. But, I dunno... coaching is such a huge task. __________________
Posts: 30,343

01-10-2005, 11:27 AM	#8
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: none ya Casino cash: $5865486	It is fun to blast Shanahan.......I dislike him. Why? because he is the coach of the cheating, lying, asswipe Broncos. I bet if he was available when DV leaves, several on this board (including me) would want him as a head coach for the Chiefs. __________________ No Jesus No Peace Know Jesus Know Peace Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Posts: 12,181

01-10-2005, 11:30 AM	#11
Clint in Wichita Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	What a bunch of whining. It's only been 6 years since Denver won the second of its back-to-back Super Bowls. Try being a Chiefs fan & tolerating Carl Peterson year after year.
Posts: 4,458

01-10-2005, 11:42 AM	#14
Garcia Bronco No Keys, No Problem Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Denver Casino cash: $5043136	LOL...Kizla hates the Broncos.
Posts: 30,960