Plummer Guarantees Playoffs - Page 23

Coach · 04-13-2005, 09:13 AM

Plummer: Broncos will return to playoffs
Quarterback excited about off-season upgrades on defense

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
April 13, 2005

It was during the Denver Broncos' free-agent courtship of Courtney Brown that quarterback Jake Plummer first voiced the attitude that apparently permeated the team's locker room during off-season workouts this month.

While considering whether to join the Broncos, Brown said he was tired of the teams he played on failing to make the playoffs.

No worries, Plummer replied, that is not a chief concern for the Broncos.

"We know we're going to get to the playoffs this year," Plummer boldly said Tuesday in retelling the story during an informal sit-down with Denver media. "Now it's a matter of getting past the first round."

Plummer was asked to clarify the statement regarding the postseason.

"Right now, the way the team is going, we've got the same team back," he said, noting the exits of safety Kenoy Kennedy and running back Reuben Droughns were tough but replaceable losses. "But we've got the same core leaders, guys that have been here for many years and some new additions, so we're excited about our prospects. If everything goes right, we definitely should be there."

Among the new players Denver recently added were Brown and three of his other former Cleveland Browns defensive linemates, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban. Denver also persuaded linebackers Ian Gold and Keith Burns to return, further adding to the team's emphasis on defense.

Meanwhile, only tight end Stephen Alexander and running back Ron Dayne were added to the offense.

That apparently is fine with Plummer, who is entering his third season with the Broncos.

The addition of Gold will be "huge," Plummer predicted, and the other defensive reinforcements likely will help lessen the pressure on the offense to score and will allow the group to take over possessions quicker and with better field position.

"I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback."

Denver will have to avoid another lull after a fast start if it is going to come close to fulfilling Plummer's playoff vision.

The Broncos started last season 5-1 but finished 5-5 to finish second in the AFC West.

Plummer threw for 27 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 4,089 yards, calling it a "successful" individual season.

But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome.

Getting over that hump will "take a team commitment," said Plummer, who got a taste of it this month while working with 72 other players in Denver's strength and conditioning program.

Plummer reiterated his belief he needs to improve and said he already has begun the process by reviewing some basics from last season. He expects to address specifics with coaches during the team's passing camp in May and through training camp.

"Going into my third year, I'm really comfortable with everybody on this team," he said. "Some guys obviously stepped up last year, with (tight end) Jeb (Putzier) and (receiver) Ashley (Lelie). That's exciting. To get a Tatum Bell back there (at running back) and they are going to get more weapons, you have to love the position I'm in.

"I just have to keep working hard."

ON TAP: The NFL schedule will be released today. When it is, do not be surprised if the Broncos have a Thanksgiving game at Dallas.

The team also believes it might receive a couple of prime-time home games because Denver's opponents at Invesco Field at Mile High include Super Bowl finalists New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, plus the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens

Taco John · 04-14-2005, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

You realize that Gannon threw for 98 yards that day?

You know why they call them stat "boys." It's because their nuts haven't dropped yet. I'm not even going to bother. Apparently you didn't follow football too close back then based on your performance in this part of the conversation. First there were no such thing as "Grbackers," now we're hashing over the stats of a guy who came off the bench on fire to steal a game from us in during our magic season.

So what again was the significance of that 98 yards that you felt that it was such a crucial interjection in this part of the discussion? Am I supposed to be less impressed with his performance that day or something?

Hammock Parties · 04-14-2005, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

You know why they call them stat "boys." It's because their nuts haven't dropped yet. I'm not even going to bother. Apparently you didn't follow football too close back then based on your performance in this part of the conversation. First there were no such thing as "Grbackers," now we're hashing over the stats of a guy who came off the bench on fire to steal a game from us in during our magic season.

So what again was the significance of that 98 yards that you felt that it was such a crucial interjection in this part of the discussion? Am I supposed to be less impressed with his performance that day or something?

No, I know exactly what happened in that game. Our defense and special teams bailed us out after we fell behind 13-0. Gannon put together a drive at the end of the game, but...that was it. If the rest of the team hadn't stepped up, Gannon would not have been able to bring us back.

**Rausch** · 04-14-2005, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

Actually, it's just the icing on the cake... Blackledge is the cold, cold comfort. Not to mention the jettisoning of Rich Gannon in his prime. To this day, I believe Elway would have retired Ringless had Gannon started that fated game.

I don't.

The entire game was a comedy of errors from a Chiefs' fan's perspective.

You look at the numbers, douche-nozzel-back outplayed Elway.

Running the punter on 4th and 3 with the best short yardage back in history might have cost us the game. Pulling Greg "I just ripped a 27 yard run but I won't see the field again" Hill was another. Playing conservative enough that you give the refs a chance to fug you is yet another (and again, that's the COACH'S fault, not the Ref's.)

There is a reason we lost every playoff game in the 90's.

93 Montana (and our hopes) were killed in Buffalo.

95 the offense, Bono, and he-who-is-not-to-be-mentioned CHOKED.

97 was 100% coaching in my book. If you make crap decisions as a HC you can hand anyone a loss...

Hammock Parties · 04-14-2005, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

97 was 100% coaching in my book. If you make crap decisions as a HC you can hand anyone a loss...

Don't forget Tony G's phantom TD, Stoyo's phantom FG and "PAMgate."

htismaqe · 04-14-2005, 04:44 AM

Nice to see Taco is still the biggest ****ing joke on the Planet...

tk13 · 04-14-2005, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I think Chiefs fans are prone to homer their quarterback in the hopes that they will live up to the hope. I don't think you guys are any more hard on your quarterback than any city, least of all Denver (but hardly limited to).

No way. This was the place that coined TrINT... he got bagged on hard in 2001 and early in 2002. I was one of the few people that thought he'd come around, it's probably the sole basis why some people considered me a "homer", and it sure didn't seem like there were many people on that bandwagon at the time... I think he got criticized for even the slightest mistakes sometimes. People expected him to be perfect, there was a big X on his back because he was traded for a 1st and had to come up big.

Pants · 04-14-2005, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Nice to see Taco is still the biggest ****ing joke on the Planet...

OWNED!

**alanm** · 04-14-2005, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

Actually, it's just the icing on the cake... Blackledge is the cold, cold comfort. Not to mention the jettisoning of Rich Gannon in his prime. To this day, I believe Elway would have retired Ringless had Gannon started that fated game.

Don't even go there man.. I feel the veins rising in my temples. fucking Shotenheimer!!!!

04-13-2005, 09:13 AM
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5938476	Plummer Guarantees Playoffs Plummer: Broncos will return to playoffs Quarterback excited about off-season upgrades on defense By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News April 13, 2005 It was during the Denver Broncos' free-agent courtship of Courtney Brown that quarterback Jake Plummer first voiced the attitude that apparently permeated the team's locker room during off-season workouts this month. While considering whether to join the Broncos, Brown said he was tired of the teams he played on failing to make the playoffs. No worries, Plummer replied, that is not a chief concern for the Broncos. "We know we're going to get to the playoffs this year," Plummer boldly said Tuesday in retelling the story during an informal sit-down with Denver media. "Now it's a matter of getting past the first round." Plummer was asked to clarify the statement regarding the postseason. "Right now, the way the team is going, we've got the same team back," he said, noting the exits of safety Kenoy Kennedy and running back Reuben Droughns were tough but replaceable losses. "But we've got the same core leaders, guys that have been here for many years and some new additions, so we're excited about our prospects. If everything goes right, we definitely should be there." Among the new players Denver recently added were Brown and three of his other former Cleveland Browns defensive linemates, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban. Denver also persuaded linebackers Ian Gold and Keith Burns to return, further adding to the team's emphasis on defense. Meanwhile, only tight end Stephen Alexander and running back Ron Dayne were added to the offense. That apparently is fine with Plummer, who is entering his third season with the Broncos. The addition of Gold will be "huge," Plummer predicted, and the other defensive reinforcements likely will help lessen the pressure on the offense to score and will allow the group to take over possessions quicker and with better field position. "I think we're loaded on defense," Plummer said. "And now they're going to make some moves in the draft on offense, which you never don't like as a quarterback." Denver will have to avoid another lull after a fast start if it is going to come close to fulfilling Plummer's playoff vision. The Broncos started last season 5-1 but finished 5-5 to finish second in the AFC West. Plummer threw for 27 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 4,089 yards, calling it a "successful" individual season. But it was not enough to keep the Broncos from avoiding a second consecutive road game in the wild-card round against the Indianapolis Colts and a blowout loss at the RCA Dome. Getting over that hump will "take a team commitment," said Plummer, who got a taste of it this month while working with 72 other players in Denver's strength and conditioning program. Plummer reiterated his belief he needs to improve and said he already has begun the process by reviewing some basics from last season. He expects to address specifics with coaches during the team's passing camp in May and through training camp. "Going into my third year, I'm really comfortable with everybody on this team," he said. "Some guys obviously stepped up last year, with (tight end) Jeb (Putzier) and (receiver) Ashley (Lelie). That's exciting. To get a Tatum Bell back there (at running back) and they are going to get more weapons, you have to love the position I'm in. "I just have to keep working hard." ON TAP: The NFL schedule will be released today. When it is, do not be surprised if the Broncos have a Thanksgiving game at Dallas. The team also believes it might receive a couple of prime-time home games because Denver's opponents at Invesco Field at Mile High include Super Bowl finalists New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, plus the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens
Posts: 53,213

04-14-2005, 04:44 AM	#335
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $10269900	Nice to see Taco is still the biggest ****ing joke on the Planet...
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