Mike Shanahan is 19th on all-time coach list
May, 24, 2013
May 24
2:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Former Denver coach Mike Shanahan is No. 19 on ESPN’s list of top 20 NFL coaches of all time.
Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008, leading them to the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98. He is now the coach of the Washington Redskins.
Denver owner Pat Bowlen often said that Shanahan, who ran the franchise when he was the coach, would be his coach for life. But his time in the Rocky Mountains finally ran its course. Shanahan made the Broncos a perennial contender in the AFC West. There is no question that the apex of his time in Denver was the Super Bowl years.
“There’s one thing to me that was a great thing about Mike: He did not treat the playoffs any differently than he treated the regular season,” former Denver star quarterback John Elway said. “You can see him make a comment during (the final minute of) Super Bowl XXXII. It was fourth and 6 when John Mobley knocked the ball down. They had Mike on highlight. He said, 'Play the defense you would’ve played normally in the regular season. Don’t change the play because it’s the Super Bowl. Call the defense you did during the season.' That’s why we had success. The postseason wasn’t treated any differently, so we didn’t feel the pressure. His mindset was the same whether it was the first game of the year or the Super Bowl. That was a great quality that he still has.”
Shanahan coached the Broncos from 1995-2008, leading them to the back-to-back Super Bowl titles in 1997 and '98. He is now the coach of the Washington Redskins.
Denver owner Pat Bowlen often said that Shanahan, who ran the franchise when he was the coach, would be his coach for life. But his time in the Rocky Mountains finally ran its course. Shanahan made the Broncos a perennial contender in the AFC West. There is no question that the apex of his time in Denver was the Super Bowl years.
“There’s one thing to me that was a great thing about Mike: He did not treat the playoffs any differently than he treated the regular season,” former Denver star quarterback John Elway said. “You can see him make a comment during (the final minute of) Super Bowl XXXII. It was fourth and 6 when John Mobley knocked the ball down. They had Mike on highlight. He said, 'Play the defense you would’ve played normally in the regular season. Don’t change the play because it’s the Super Bowl. Call the defense you did during the season.' That’s why we had success. The postseason wasn’t treated any differently, so we didn’t feel the pressure. His mindset was the same whether it was the first game of the year or the Super Bowl. That was a great quality that he still has.”
» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.AFC West links: Starks expects competition
May, 24, 2013
May 24
10:33
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he wasn't surprised that Wes Welker opted to sign with the Broncos. "I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL," Brady said in an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston. "I've been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that's Wes or Randy Moss being traded by the Raiders or Brett Favre and playing for the Jets and Vikings."
What made Tom Nalen, who will be inducted in the team's Ring of Fame, such an effective offensive lineman? "One, he was really strong and nasty," former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "And two, he was extremely intelligent. He knew fronts, knew defenses, knew where and when to go and where to send guys. I just remember him in the study room. He knew a check before I even made it. He helped me with the stuff if I was overloaded."
Kansas City Chiefs
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster hurt his hamstring during Thursday's voluntary workout, the AP reports. Andy Reid said that McCluster had a "mild" hamstring injury.
The Chiefs signed safety Sanders Commings, a fifth-round pick, according to the team's website. Only three of Kansas City’s eight draft picks remain unsigned.
Tight end Tony Moeaki is reportedly sidelined until training camp due to "a knee scope over the offseason," according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead's Pride.
Oakland Raiders
Former Raiders wideout Tim Brown weighed in on the return of his former teammate, Charles Woodson, to the Raiders. "I think it's great. I think for C-Wood, it was probably the only move that he could have made," Brown said in an interview with Dan Brown of Bay Area News Group. "Once you get up there in age, you saw what (Brian) Urlacher did. He just said, 'I don't want to put on another jersey.' I think when you get up there in age, you want look around and say, 'OK, I have to go some place where I'm comfortable. Because I'm not trying to learn new people at 36 years old.'"
Rebecca Corman of Raiders.com has a report wrapping up the first week of organized team activities.
San Diego Chargers
Max Starks isn't taking it for granted that he'll be handed the starting left tackle job with the Chargers, who signed tackle King Dunlap earlier this offseason, writes Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Starks: "I wouldn't want them to say, 'Hey, we've got a guy here, but as soon as you sign, we're just going to move him out. No. To my understanding, he's been here longer; he's been taking the reps so far. I'm a brand new guy, so I don't mind being the new kid on the block and earning my opportunities.”
Former Denver center Tom Nalen admitted he tried to hurt Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky in a 2006 game. According to a U-T San Diego report, "Nalen dived at Olshansky’s knees in the waning seconds of a game the Chargers held on to win 35-27 on Nov. 19, 2006. Olshansky threw two punches at Nalen and was ejected. Nalen insisted it wasn’t a cheap shot but payback for what had happened on the previous play."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he wasn't surprised that Wes Welker opted to sign with the Broncos. "I don't think anything surprises me anymore in the NFL," Brady said in an interview with WEEI sports radio in Boston. "I've been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that's Wes or Randy Moss being traded by the Raiders or Brett Favre and playing for the Jets and Vikings."
What made Tom Nalen, who will be inducted in the team's Ring of Fame, such an effective offensive lineman? "One, he was really strong and nasty," former Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "And two, he was extremely intelligent. He knew fronts, knew defenses, knew where and when to go and where to send guys. I just remember him in the study room. He knew a check before I even made it. He helped me with the stuff if I was overloaded."
Kansas City Chiefs
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster hurt his hamstring during Thursday's voluntary workout, the AP reports. Andy Reid said that McCluster had a "mild" hamstring injury.
The Chiefs signed safety Sanders Commings, a fifth-round pick, according to the team's website. Only three of Kansas City’s eight draft picks remain unsigned.
Tight end Tony Moeaki is reportedly sidelined until training camp due to "a knee scope over the offseason," according to Joel Thorman of Arrowhead's Pride.
Oakland Raiders
Former Raiders wideout Tim Brown weighed in on the return of his former teammate, Charles Woodson, to the Raiders. "I think it's great. I think for C-Wood, it was probably the only move that he could have made," Brown said in an interview with Dan Brown of Bay Area News Group. "Once you get up there in age, you saw what (Brian) Urlacher did. He just said, 'I don't want to put on another jersey.' I think when you get up there in age, you want look around and say, 'OK, I have to go some place where I'm comfortable. Because I'm not trying to learn new people at 36 years old.'"
Rebecca Corman of Raiders.com has a report wrapping up the first week of organized team activities.
San Diego Chargers
Max Starks isn't taking it for granted that he'll be handed the starting left tackle job with the Chargers, who signed tackle King Dunlap earlier this offseason, writes Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Starks: "I wouldn't want them to say, 'Hey, we've got a guy here, but as soon as you sign, we're just going to move him out. No. To my understanding, he's been here longer; he's been taking the reps so far. I'm a brand new guy, so I don't mind being the new kid on the block and earning my opportunities.”
Former Denver center Tom Nalen admitted he tried to hurt Chargers defensive lineman Igor Olshansky in a 2006 game. According to a U-T San Diego report, "Nalen dived at Olshansky’s knees in the waning seconds of a game the Chargers held on to win 35-27 on Nov. 19, 2006. Olshansky threw two punches at Nalen and was ejected. Nalen insisted it wasn’t a cheap shot but payback for what had happened on the previous play."
AFC West links: Nalen to enter Ring of Fame
May, 23, 2013
May 23
9:38
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Adam Gase, making the step up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, credits predecessor Mike McCoy for helping him feel prepared. "Mike did a great job in letting me help him in everything we did," Gase told the Denver Post of McCoy, now the Chargers' head coach.
Tom Nalen, the former center who spent 14 seasons with the Broncos, will become the 24th member in the team's Ring of Fame, reports the Post's Jeff Legwold.
Will the Broncos sign any other free agents prior to the season starting? Legwold weighs in.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs defenders are liking the system being installed by new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, they tell the team website.
Tamba Hali expects the Chiefs' defense to get a lot more sacks this season, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to put numbers on it but, yeah,” Hali said when asked if the Chiefs would put the opposing quarterback under more pressure than they did last season. “With the type of thing coach Sutton is doing with our entire defense, yeah. From cornerbacks to safeties to linebackers, we’re coming. We can get a lot of sacks."
One player who has stood out to quarterback Alex Smith during organized team activities is Dexter McCluster, writes the Star's Randy Covitz. “Not knowing much about Dexter McCluster ... he was the running back/receiver, and seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice.
Oakland Raiders
Coach Dennis Allen sees the return of Charles Woodson putting a swing in his squad's step, the Bay Area News Group reports. "Charles ... he's got that swagger and I think he can bring some of that to our team," Allen said, "not just defensively, but to the whole team in general."
Why did Woodson choose to return to the Raiders? There were the passionate fans and the money, but Woodson said his relationship with GM Reggie McKenzie also played a role, reports Vic Tafur of SFGate.com. “I got a good feel about how he felt about the team and that just really gave me confidence that they’re going in the right direction,” Woodson said. “The game is about fundamentals and playing good football, and they have some good players, and if we can put it together then we’ll win games.”
San Diego Chargers
Ten months after he suffered an ankle injury that cost him the entire 2012 season, receiver Vincent Brown told the team's website that he feels "like a 10-year old kid running around, just happy to be out there" on the road to recovery.
The Chargers are making a mistake by shielding Manti Te'o from the media, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
Adam Gase, making the step up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, credits predecessor Mike McCoy for helping him feel prepared. "Mike did a great job in letting me help him in everything we did," Gase told the Denver Post of McCoy, now the Chargers' head coach.
Tom Nalen, the former center who spent 14 seasons with the Broncos, will become the 24th member in the team's Ring of Fame, reports the Post's Jeff Legwold.
Will the Broncos sign any other free agents prior to the season starting? Legwold weighs in.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs defenders are liking the system being installed by new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, they tell the team website.
Tamba Hali expects the Chiefs' defense to get a lot more sacks this season, writes Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “I don’t want to put numbers on it but, yeah,” Hali said when asked if the Chiefs would put the opposing quarterback under more pressure than they did last season. “With the type of thing coach Sutton is doing with our entire defense, yeah. From cornerbacks to safeties to linebackers, we’re coming. We can get a lot of sacks."
One player who has stood out to quarterback Alex Smith during organized team activities is Dexter McCluster, writes the Star's Randy Covitz. “Not knowing much about Dexter McCluster ... he was the running back/receiver, and seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice.
Oakland Raiders
Coach Dennis Allen sees the return of Charles Woodson putting a swing in his squad's step, the Bay Area News Group reports. "Charles ... he's got that swagger and I think he can bring some of that to our team," Allen said, "not just defensively, but to the whole team in general."
Why did Woodson choose to return to the Raiders? There were the passionate fans and the money, but Woodson said his relationship with GM Reggie McKenzie also played a role, reports Vic Tafur of SFGate.com. “I got a good feel about how he felt about the team and that just really gave me confidence that they’re going in the right direction,” Woodson said. “The game is about fundamentals and playing good football, and they have some good players, and if we can put it together then we’ll win games.”
San Diego Chargers
Ten months after he suffered an ankle injury that cost him the entire 2012 season, receiver Vincent Brown told the team's website that he feels "like a 10-year old kid running around, just happy to be out there" on the road to recovery.
The Chargers are making a mistake by shielding Manti Te'o from the media, writes Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Charles Woodson had gotten word that Oakland fans had mobilized through social media to hold a rally at his free-agent visit to the Raiders.
Even Woodson was blown away by the reception, which included more than a hundred fans decked out in Raiders gear and costumes waiting at the team facility for his arrival Tuesday.
"It was overwhelming," he said Wednesday. "I think that if at any time I'd ever forgotten what the love was like in Oakland, I was definitely reminded yesterday."
The love from the fans, the belief in general manager Reggie McKenzie's rebuilding project and a one-year contract worth up to $4.3 million all led to Woodson's decision to return to his original team seven years after leaving as a free agent for Green Bay.
"I was actually scared of leaving the facility and not having a deal done," he said. "I don't know if I would have made it out of there. But that was a big deal, and receiving that kind of welcome, it definitely put me in a mindset that it would be a good decision to make it happen."
Woodson came into free agency after being released by Green Bay in February looking to play for a Super Bowl contender and met with upper-echelon teams San Francisco and Denver during the process.
Nothing came together with the 49ers and the Broncos weren't willing to make the same commitment as the Raiders, leading to Woodson's decision to sign with Oakland.
For the full story, click here.
Even Woodson was blown away by the reception, which included more than a hundred fans decked out in Raiders gear and costumes waiting at the team facility for his arrival Tuesday.
"It was overwhelming," he said Wednesday. "I think that if at any time I'd ever forgotten what the love was like in Oakland, I was definitely reminded yesterday."
The love from the fans, the belief in general manager Reggie McKenzie's rebuilding project and a one-year contract worth up to $4.3 million all led to Woodson's decision to return to his original team seven years after leaving as a free agent for Green Bay.
"I was actually scared of leaving the facility and not having a deal done," he said. "I don't know if I would have made it out of there. But that was a big deal, and receiving that kind of welcome, it definitely put me in a mindset that it would be a good decision to make it happen."
Woodson came into free agency after being released by Green Bay in February looking to play for a Super Bowl contender and met with upper-echelon teams San Francisco and Denver during the process.
Nothing came together with the 49ers and the Broncos weren't willing to make the same commitment as the Raiders, leading to Woodson's decision to sign with Oakland.
For the full story, click here.
Video: 'Mike & Mike' on Woodson's decision
May, 22, 2013
May 22
11:31
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg discuss Charles Woodson's decision to sign with the Raiders instead of the Broncos.
AFC West links: Max Starks joins Chargers
May, 22, 2013
May 22
10:10
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
San Diego Chargers
Left tackle Max Starks, who spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. GM Tom Telesco deserves credit for upgrading a position that was a serious weakness last season, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.
Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos made a firm commitment to staying in San Diego Tuesday as the team continues to press for a replacement for Qualcomm Stadium, reports NFL.com's Albert Breer. "I've said this the last 10 years. The Chargers belong in San Diego," Spanos said at the NFL spring meeting. "That's where we want to be. We're going to continue to try to get something done in San Diego."
Oakland Raiders
More than 100 fans were waiting in the back lot of the Raiders' team facility in Alameda, waiting for Charles Woodson to arrive. Woodson later agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.3 million, including a $700,000 signing bonus.
Since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, why did things go so bad for the Raiders? Former agent Joel Curry takes an in-depth look at the trades, draft picks and bad contracts that have gotten the Raiders in trouble.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a photo gallery from Tuesday's organized team activities (OTAs) at the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility.
Quarterback Chase Daniel described the pace of practice during OTAs. “I think right now it’s just tempo," Daniel said. "Get up and down, get on the ball. Completions, completions, completions. Run our plays; don’t worry about what the defense is doing. Just really press them -- we like to blitz the defense by getting a lot of formations and a lot of shifts and motions, our tempo. Stuff like that, that’s what we’re really looking like.”
Denver Broncos
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio expects an even better Von Miller for this upcoming season, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post. "He can get better," Del Rio said. "Yeah, he can get more consistent. Certainly he had a tremendous number of impact plays -- tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits. He even had the interception for a touchdown, things like that. You want to maintain those impact plays, but we want to find a way to be more consistent, make less errors."
Fans need to let go and move on from the Broncos' heart-breaking playoff loss to the Ravens last season, writes the Post's Mark Kiszla.
Stuart Zaas of DenverBroncos.com looks at the team's record of plucking undrafted free agents who end up making the regular-season roster.
Left tackle Max Starks, who spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. GM Tom Telesco deserves credit for upgrading a position that was a serious weakness last season, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.
Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos made a firm commitment to staying in San Diego Tuesday as the team continues to press for a replacement for Qualcomm Stadium, reports NFL.com's Albert Breer. "I've said this the last 10 years. The Chargers belong in San Diego," Spanos said at the NFL spring meeting. "That's where we want to be. We're going to continue to try to get something done in San Diego."
Oakland Raiders
More than 100 fans were waiting in the back lot of the Raiders' team facility in Alameda, waiting for Charles Woodson to arrive. Woodson later agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.3 million, including a $700,000 signing bonus.
Since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, why did things go so bad for the Raiders? Former agent Joel Curry takes an in-depth look at the trades, draft picks and bad contracts that have gotten the Raiders in trouble.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Star has a photo gallery from Tuesday's organized team activities (OTAs) at the Arrowhead Stadium practice facility.
Quarterback Chase Daniel described the pace of practice during OTAs. “I think right now it’s just tempo," Daniel said. "Get up and down, get on the ball. Completions, completions, completions. Run our plays; don’t worry about what the defense is doing. Just really press them -- we like to blitz the defense by getting a lot of formations and a lot of shifts and motions, our tempo. Stuff like that, that’s what we’re really looking like.”
Denver Broncos
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio expects an even better Von Miller for this upcoming season, writes Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post. "He can get better," Del Rio said. "Yeah, he can get more consistent. Certainly he had a tremendous number of impact plays -- tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits. He even had the interception for a touchdown, things like that. You want to maintain those impact plays, but we want to find a way to be more consistent, make less errors."
Fans need to let go and move on from the Broncos' heart-breaking playoff loss to the Ravens last season, writes the Post's Mark Kiszla.
Stuart Zaas of DenverBroncos.com looks at the team's record of plucking undrafted free agents who end up making the regular-season roster.
ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Free-agent defensive back Charles Woodson has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders, a return to his original team.
WoodsonWoodson's deal is worth a maximum of $4.3 million and includes a $700,000 signing bonus, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported.
The move will be popular with Raiders fans, many of whom staked out the team's facility Tuesday to greet Woodson on his visit and urge him to sign with Oakland.
They got their wish a few hours after he arrived when the team announced the deal.
Woodson, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft by Oakland, returns to a vastly different franchise than the one he left following his eighth season with the team in 2005. Owner Al Davis died in October 2011 and the team is now run by Davis' son, Mark. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski is the only player left from Woodson's eight years in Oakland that included three consecutive AFC West titles and a trip to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.
For the full story, click here.
The move will be popular with Raiders fans, many of whom staked out the team's facility Tuesday to greet Woodson on his visit and urge him to sign with Oakland.
They got their wish a few hours after he arrived when the team announced the deal.
Woodson, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft by Oakland, returns to a vastly different franchise than the one he left following his eighth season with the team in 2005. Owner Al Davis died in October 2011 and the team is now run by Davis' son, Mark. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski is the only player left from Woodson's eight years in Oakland that included three consecutive AFC West titles and a trip to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.
For the full story, click here.
AFC West links: Woodson to visit Raiders
May, 21, 2013
May 21
10:30
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
With the addition of Wes Welker, the Broncos now have three receivers who caught a combined 291 passes last season. So how will Peyton Manning distribute passes next season? "What we try to develop around here is the idea that everyone wants to touch it, everybody wants the ball," Broncos coach John Fox said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "But what our guys understand is this game is about matchups. And you put it on the defense who gets the ball each game."
Negotiations with Charles Woodson have hit a snag, and the free-agent safety is visiting the Oakland Raiders Tuesday, reports Klis. Manning, Rahim Moore and Champ Bailey expressed support for adding Woodson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be much more blitz-happy under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, writes the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher in his notes from organized team activities (OTAs).
Undrafted free agent Rico Richardson has been impressed with what he's seen so far at Chiefs OTAs. "These guys are the real deal, there's no fake advertising," Richardson said via Michael Kerekes of the Natchez Democrat.
Oakland Raiders
Woodson, expected to visit the Raiders on Tuesday, sounds open to finishing his career where he started it. “It would be a really big thing to go back to Oakland being that I played there really most of my career,” Woodson said via Matt Pargoff of MaizeandBlueNews.com. “I played there eight years and Green Bay seven. So I spent most of my career in Oakland and I still have a lot of friends there. I still know people in the organization. It would be a homecoming of sorts if it were to happen, so we’ll see.”
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group has seven reasons Woodson and the Raiders should reunite.
Every eligible player was present during the first day of OTAs, reports Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group.
San Diego Chargers
Rookie Keenan Allen heard about it from Chargers fans after he tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a Raiders cap, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego. "It won't happen again," the receiver said.
Newly signed Dwight Freeney will not participate this week in OTAs, reports U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. Freeney hasn't arrived in San Diego due to what the team has called a “prior commitment.”
Manti Te'o is off limits to the media and will continue to be until minicamp in mid-June, the AP reports.
With the addition of Wes Welker, the Broncos now have three receivers who caught a combined 291 passes last season. So how will Peyton Manning distribute passes next season? "What we try to develop around here is the idea that everyone wants to touch it, everybody wants the ball," Broncos coach John Fox said via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "But what our guys understand is this game is about matchups. And you put it on the defense who gets the ball each game."
Negotiations with Charles Woodson have hit a snag, and the free-agent safety is visiting the Oakland Raiders Tuesday, reports Klis. Manning, Rahim Moore and Champ Bailey expressed support for adding Woodson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be much more blitz-happy under new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, writes the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher in his notes from organized team activities (OTAs).
Undrafted free agent Rico Richardson has been impressed with what he's seen so far at Chiefs OTAs. "These guys are the real deal, there's no fake advertising," Richardson said via Michael Kerekes of the Natchez Democrat.
Oakland Raiders
Woodson, expected to visit the Raiders on Tuesday, sounds open to finishing his career where he started it. “It would be a really big thing to go back to Oakland being that I played there really most of my career,” Woodson said via Matt Pargoff of MaizeandBlueNews.com. “I played there eight years and Green Bay seven. So I spent most of my career in Oakland and I still have a lot of friends there. I still know people in the organization. It would be a homecoming of sorts if it were to happen, so we’ll see.”
Monte Poole of the Bay Area News Group has seven reasons Woodson and the Raiders should reunite.
Every eligible player was present during the first day of OTAs, reports Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group.
San Diego Chargers
Rookie Keenan Allen heard about it from Chargers fans after he tweeted out a photo of himself wearing a Raiders cap, writes Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego. "It won't happen again," the receiver said.
Newly signed Dwight Freeney will not participate this week in OTAs, reports U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. Freeney hasn't arrived in San Diego due to what the team has called a “prior commitment.”
Manti Te'o is off limits to the media and will continue to be until minicamp in mid-June, the AP reports.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos insist they have moved on from last season's playoff loss to Baltimore and remain behind safety Rahim Moore, who was beat for a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of regulation. "I think he's over it; I think we're all over it, you know," Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told the Associated Press. "I think we all look back and see things that we could have done better. We also look back with a great deal of pride in what we accomplished. We played some very good defense and he was central to that. So, we want to feel good about what went well. We want to feel the sting of what went bad. And we want to get ready to be better this year."
Mike Klis of the Denver Post asks questions the Broncos need to answer as they begin OTAs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs wide receivers coach David Culley is already making a positive impression on his players. "Coach Culley, he’s been with some guys that have done great things in the NFL," Chiefs WR Jon Baldwin said. "So, for him to be able to be with those guys, who have been doing it for a long time and have proven that, it lets him be able to rub some of the stuff that he taught those guys and seen those guys develop into and bring it to us. It’s a great thing to have him as a receiver coach."
Oakland Raiders
Raider Nation would really like to see veteran cornerback Charles Woodson back in an Oakland uniform.
San Diego Chargers
Former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer fully expects to be playing somewhere in 2013.
Matt Calkins of U-T San Diego: "It is completely understandable that Chargers coach Mike McCoy would want to shield his celebrity of a linebacker from prying media members, and if the request came from Manti Te’o, one can empathize with that as well. But this story isn’t like a headache or a bruise that will go away if you just leave it alone. It’s more like an anxiety disorder -- the only way to kill it is with exposure."
The Broncos insist they have moved on from last season's playoff loss to Baltimore and remain behind safety Rahim Moore, who was beat for a 70-yard touchdown in the final minute of regulation. "I think he's over it; I think we're all over it, you know," Denver defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told the Associated Press. "I think we all look back and see things that we could have done better. We also look back with a great deal of pride in what we accomplished. We played some very good defense and he was central to that. So, we want to feel good about what went well. We want to feel the sting of what went bad. And we want to get ready to be better this year."
Mike Klis of the Denver Post asks questions the Broncos need to answer as they begin OTAs.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs wide receivers coach David Culley is already making a positive impression on his players. "Coach Culley, he’s been with some guys that have done great things in the NFL," Chiefs WR Jon Baldwin said. "So, for him to be able to be with those guys, who have been doing it for a long time and have proven that, it lets him be able to rub some of the stuff that he taught those guys and seen those guys develop into and bring it to us. It’s a great thing to have him as a receiver coach."
Oakland Raiders
Raider Nation would really like to see veteran cornerback Charles Woodson back in an Oakland uniform.
San Diego Chargers
Former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer fully expects to be playing somewhere in 2013.
Matt Calkins of U-T San Diego: "It is completely understandable that Chargers coach Mike McCoy would want to shield his celebrity of a linebacker from prying media members, and if the request came from Manti Te’o, one can empathize with that as well. But this story isn’t like a headache or a bruise that will go away if you just leave it alone. It’s more like an anxiety disorder -- the only way to kill it is with exposure."
I will be on vacation until May 28.
But please stick around. I will periodically have a few posts on special project that is upcoming. Our blog editing teams will keep you updated with headlines around the AFC West while I am away. Take care. Talk to you soon.
But please stick around. I will periodically have a few posts on special project that is upcoming. Our blog editing teams will keep you updated with headlines around the AFC West while I am away. Take care. Talk to you soon.
Husain Abdullah returning to football
May, 19, 2013
May 19
11:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Back in the United States after a life-altering experience last fall, Husain Abdullah allowed himself to take a glimpse back at the world he temporarily gave up.
“I’d watch some NFL games on television last November,” Abdullah said. “I missed the game, but I was not upset or sad. I was at peace with what I did. I wouldn’t change it.”
A safety who worked his way from undrafted rookie to starter in Minnesota, Abdullah surprised many in NFL when he hit the pause button on his football career at the age of 27 to fulfill a spiritual and family commitment last year. He is back in the NFL after signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
“It was totally worth it,” Abdullah said in a phone interview this week. “It was life changing, energizing and spiritual. ... Now I am back and I feel great about everything moving forward.”
Husain and his brother, former Denver and Arizona safety Hamza Abdullah, made news when they took the 2012 season off to make the Muslim hajj to Mecca in October (their story is chronicled above in an "Outside the Lines" video from last year). The brothers and their parents were gone for 3 1/2 weeks. The focal point of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, which draws Muslims from around the world, is prayer.
For Abdullah, the experience was all about fulfilling a lifelong spiritual quest. The highlights? Simply being able to pray at the hajj pilgrimage. Asked what he most remembers, Abdullah said: “Seeing Muslims from France, Brazil, Pakistan, all over the world, everyone being together for the same reason. … It was all about asking for forgiveness and guidance.”
[+] Enlarge
Denny Medley/USA TODAY SportsHusain Abdullah is back on the football field this month, working out with Chiefs during organized team activities.
Denny Medley/USA TODAY SportsHusain Abdullah is back on the football field this month, working out with Chiefs during organized team activities.“I couldn’t just ask to leave during the season,” Abdullah explained. “I know I had to take the whole time off leading up to the experience. It was not really a tough decision, because it was something I always wanted to do. I felt the need to go.”
Abdullah admits it did cross his mind that if he left the league on his own, he was risking the chance of never returning. He resumed heavy football training when he returned from his pilgrimage in November and had hopes of joining a team late in the season.
“But teams figured that I missed OTAs and training camp, that I might not be ready,” Abdullah said. “I understood. So I had to wait. It crossed my mind that I wouldn’t get a chance. I was at peace with that. I was so grateful do to something I waited my whole life for.”
Now that he is back in the league, Abdullah is thrilled. He said he is enjoying the NFL experience greatly, even though it’s just the organized team activity season.
“It’s as fun as ever,” Abdullah said. “To get the opportunity to be back is really special. I’ve really enjoyed the entire experience.”
The Chiefs aren’t simply giving Abdullah a chance to put on an NFL helmet one last time before he is cut. The team is high on Abdullah. He was signed shortly after he had a workout in February.
The Washington State product was known as a quality player when he left the game. He started 15 games in 2010 and he started nine games in 2011 in Minnesota before getting injured.
New Kansas City general manager John Dorsey jumped at the chance to take a look at Abdullah. Dorsey was previously in Green Bay and had a strong knowledge of him. He was always impressed by Abdullah’s ability to work his way up the Minnesota roster. Dorsey said Abdullah has been a diligent worker this spring and he expects him to not just compete for a roster spot, but compete for a significant role on the team.
Dorsey looked at Abdullah’s pilgrimage as an impressive feat. He had no worries about Abdullah being away from the game for a season.
“The way he works, you can tell that this is important to him,” Dorsey said. “Anytime you get a chance to get a quality person, you should do it. He is one of the most refreshing guys I know. He is mature beyond his years. He has great self confidence. He is a wise, intelligent, deep guy. He is clearly spiritual and it’s neat thing to have a guy like Husain in our program.”
Abdullah said he plans to make the hajj pilgrimage often in the future. For now, though, he is back to concentrating on football in the fall.
Keep it up, Manti Te’o.
Showing he has a sense of humor and showing he is not hiding from the embarrassment, the San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker is embracing his notoriety.
Maxim Magazine had some fun at Te’o's expense by naming his fake dead girlfriend, who was at the center of a hoax, among Maxim's Hot 100 women of the year. Yes, it was piling on.
But Te’o responded great – he attended the party to honor the list the magazine threw. Moves like this show Te’o has a handle on the situation. By playing along with the jokes, eventually the snickering will go away.
Showing he has a sense of humor and showing he is not hiding from the embarrassment, the San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker is embracing his notoriety.
Maxim Magazine had some fun at Te’o's expense by naming his fake dead girlfriend, who was at the center of a hoax, among Maxim's Hot 100 women of the year. Yes, it was piling on.
But Te’o responded great – he attended the party to honor the list the magazine threw. Moves like this show Te’o has a handle on the situation. By playing along with the jokes, eventually the snickering will go away.
Give the San Diego Chargers credit. They were forced into a bad situation, and they answered it by securing arguably the best player remaining on the free-agent market.
Pushed into a corner, rookie San Diego general manager Tom Telesco responded with his highest-profile acquisition of the offseason by signing pass-rusher Dwight Freeney on Saturday. Freeney agreed to a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder. Telesco was in Indianapolis' front office when Freeney played for the Colts from 2002 to 2012.
Their reunion had little chance of occurring until 2012 San Diego first-round draft pick Melvin Ingram tore his ACL in noncontact OTAs on Tuesday. It was a crushing blow. Not only did the Chargers think Ingram was ready to dominate but he was their top pass-rushing option after the free-agent departures of Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes.
San Diego has a young, exciting defense, but the Ingram injury left a glaring hole. No NFL defense can truly succeed without a legitimate pass rush. There were no better pass-rushing options available than Freeney.
Yes, he is aging at 33 and he has just 13 of his 107.5 career sacks in the past two years. There is no doubt that Freeney, who is known for having one of the best spin moves in the history of the game, is near the end. But this pairing makes sense simply out of desperation. The Chargers weren’t going to find a better replacement for Ingram than Freeney, and Freeney was not going to get a better situation than San Diego. There were few places Freeney would have had a bigger role.
There are questions of whether Freeney is an ideal fit for the Chargers’ 3-4 defense. He played in it last season in Indianapolis and wasn’t as strong of a fit as he was in the 4-3.
I don’t think it is going to be an issue, however. San Diego coach Mike McCoy told Werder that the team would adjust to Freeney. That doesn’t mean the Chargers (whose defensive coordinator is John Pagano -- the brother of Chuck Pagano, who was Freeney’s coach in Indianapolis last year) are going to totally scrap the 3-4 for a 33-year-old player. It means that the Chargers are multiple in their pass-defense looks and that Freeney could line up often in his customary 4-3 defensive end position.
In short, the Chargers will put Freeney in his comfort level. Many think he will succeed in San Diego.
“I like it, and I do think he has something left,” ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson said. “The Chargers are not a super strict 3-4, and Freeney did show that he can still be disruptive last year. … I wouldn’t give him all the snaps, but he certainly should be useful.”
ESPN analyst and former Indianapolis general manager Bill Polian told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen this: "There's no question he can fit with that scheme. There are no strict 3-4 defenses, or not many. … You take Dwight, you get his hand on the ground and play him for 30 to 40 snaps, let him get after the quarterback."
One of the quarterbacks Freeney will be going after twice a season is close friend Peyton Manning. The two were longtime teammates with the Colts. Manning tried to recruit Freeney to Denver this offseason after Elvis Dumervil departed to Baltimore. Denver was considered the front-runner for Freeney, but the two sides couldn’t come to a financial accord. Somewhat ironically, Denver signed Phillips from San Diego instead. Had Freeney ended up in Denver, it likely would have been Phillips who would have replaced Ingram. USA Today reported that Denver had late talks with Freeney, but I suspect those were more cursory just to gauge whether it could steal him at the last moment.
In the end, I’m not sure whether the Chargers are better than they were before Ingram’s injury. They spent more money than expected, especially with a hole remaining at left tackle. The team is still talking to Max Starks, and the Chargers will get some cap relief June 1 as part of the Jared Gaither cut.
But the Ingram injury and Freeney signing are prime examples of the always-changing NFL world. The Chargers were put in an emergency situation. I don’t think they could have responded better than securing a potential Hall of Famer as a solution.
Pushed into a corner, rookie San Diego general manager Tom Telesco responded with his highest-profile acquisition of the offseason by signing pass-rusher Dwight Freeney on Saturday. Freeney agreed to a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder. Telesco was in Indianapolis' front office when Freeney played for the Colts from 2002 to 2012.
Their reunion had little chance of occurring until 2012 San Diego first-round draft pick Melvin Ingram tore his ACL in noncontact OTAs on Tuesday. It was a crushing blow. Not only did the Chargers think Ingram was ready to dominate but he was their top pass-rushing option after the free-agent departures of Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes.
[+] Enlarge
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports At 33 years old, can Dwight Freeney give San Diego's pass rush steady production?
Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports At 33 years old, can Dwight Freeney give San Diego's pass rush steady production?Yes, he is aging at 33 and he has just 13 of his 107.5 career sacks in the past two years. There is no doubt that Freeney, who is known for having one of the best spin moves in the history of the game, is near the end. But this pairing makes sense simply out of desperation. The Chargers weren’t going to find a better replacement for Ingram than Freeney, and Freeney was not going to get a better situation than San Diego. There were few places Freeney would have had a bigger role.
There are questions of whether Freeney is an ideal fit for the Chargers’ 3-4 defense. He played in it last season in Indianapolis and wasn’t as strong of a fit as he was in the 4-3.
I don’t think it is going to be an issue, however. San Diego coach Mike McCoy told Werder that the team would adjust to Freeney. That doesn’t mean the Chargers (whose defensive coordinator is John Pagano -- the brother of Chuck Pagano, who was Freeney’s coach in Indianapolis last year) are going to totally scrap the 3-4 for a 33-year-old player. It means that the Chargers are multiple in their pass-defense looks and that Freeney could line up often in his customary 4-3 defensive end position.
In short, the Chargers will put Freeney in his comfort level. Many think he will succeed in San Diego.
“I like it, and I do think he has something left,” ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson said. “The Chargers are not a super strict 3-4, and Freeney did show that he can still be disruptive last year. … I wouldn’t give him all the snaps, but he certainly should be useful.”
ESPN analyst and former Indianapolis general manager Bill Polian told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen this: "There's no question he can fit with that scheme. There are no strict 3-4 defenses, or not many. … You take Dwight, you get his hand on the ground and play him for 30 to 40 snaps, let him get after the quarterback."
One of the quarterbacks Freeney will be going after twice a season is close friend Peyton Manning. The two were longtime teammates with the Colts. Manning tried to recruit Freeney to Denver this offseason after Elvis Dumervil departed to Baltimore. Denver was considered the front-runner for Freeney, but the two sides couldn’t come to a financial accord. Somewhat ironically, Denver signed Phillips from San Diego instead. Had Freeney ended up in Denver, it likely would have been Phillips who would have replaced Ingram. USA Today reported that Denver had late talks with Freeney, but I suspect those were more cursory just to gauge whether it could steal him at the last moment.
In the end, I’m not sure whether the Chargers are better than they were before Ingram’s injury. They spent more money than expected, especially with a hole remaining at left tackle. The team is still talking to Max Starks, and the Chargers will get some cap relief June 1 as part of the Jared Gaither cut.
But the Ingram injury and Freeney signing are prime examples of the always-changing NFL world. The Chargers were put in an emergency situation. I don’t think they could have responded better than securing a potential Hall of Famer as a solution.
Video: Dwight Freeney heading to Chargers
May, 18, 2013
May 18
12:09
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
In this video, John Clayton discusses Dwight Freeney's new deal in San Diego. AFC West blogger Bill Williamson will have more thoughts on this upcoming on the blog.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
