Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back Broncos Country nine.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Nick feruson Free Masist Zach Seekers is over there, and
i'd like you all audio listeners to understand what's happening.
Of course, you're audio listeners to understand what's going on here,
as I am now playing the mitigator and the middleman
between Nick and Zach as they continue to have a
conversation about Sherfield being brought in. And I think this
(00:25):
is going to be a little bit different than what
you guys were talking about. But we've been mentioning Josh Reynolds,
we've been mentioning Matt Collins, We've been mentioning contract terms
and offensive production. And you guys aren't seeing eye to eye,
which is fine. I'm not here to get you to agree.
But this conversation is ongoing. I feel like it's important
for Broncos Country to hear it.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
See.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
I feel as though you just stepped between two hungry
dogs and dropped the piece of meat and.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Said, let's get it.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
We're all hungry.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Yes, So here's what I'll say, and all this en
off on this.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
As far as this situation when Trent Schuirfield, I don't
have any malice against him, All I'm just doing is
looking at it from a logical standpoint, because the Broncos
will have more money in twenty twenty six to go
out there and spend. I'm thinking, like, if you're bringing
a guy in just to be a special teams player,
you better be a hell of a special teams player.
(01:16):
And that's coming from a guy who cut his teeth
in his league under Mike west Off, I might add,
so I like to think I know a little something
about a little something.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
All I'm saying is that if Tris Sheffield is just.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Coming in to solidify a position and with your explanation
is that that's been vacated by Tremon Smith, I don't
like it. The reason I don't like it because the
two years, six million dollars deal that you're giving, you know, Sherfield,
you could have gone out in the draft and you
could have used that to get younger talent. And the
(01:50):
reason I say that is you look at the combine.
Look at how fast these dudes were running from four
fours to four threes. You can take that guy, he said,
you know what, I want you to run down? Not
on kickoff because kickoff is a little different now. On
punt team as a gunner. That's what Tramon Smith is doing.
You put a receiver out there and you tell him
(02:11):
or dB, you're not number one, number two, number three,
you're number four in a depth chart.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
You want to stay on this.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Team, how fast can you get from point A to
point B and make an open field tackle.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
That's how you stay on the team.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
But that's how you build depth and ad depth, which
is very vital, very important to this team, and to
get them on a Walmart discount, getting them on the
lowe teams.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
Love that, they absolutely do. I think that's a good point.
I just my counter would be, I don't think it's
in either or. I'll play the role of the little
girl in the Del Taco ads.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
So I think it's a both.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
I think yes, he's replacing Tremont Smith, and I think
he's also replacing Lil Jordan Humphrey and that kind of
blocking receiver role we saw them lean on so much.
So you're getting the two for the price of one.
So if he's knocking out those two roster spots, you're
freeing up a spot and that allows you to, hey,
let's grab one of those guys. Because Trent Sirfield is
(03:10):
not answering the problem at receiver. I fully agree there.
I think the Broncos agree with that. I think that's
why the signing's kind of done in response to the
Tremont Smith move. But now, yeah, let's go out and
draft elick iomin Or in the second round, or heck,
why not even Luthor Burton in the first round.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
You know, draft one of these dudes and they.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Can you know, cut their teeth on special teams, they
can make plays for us on offense, and those are
the guys that are more the answer there. I don't think,
for as good as Mac Collins is, I don't think
Mac Collins in and of himself is fixing the need
for wide receivers in Denver.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I would have liked to.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
See them go into the idea for special teams help
through the draft, because nik I think is just more
cost effective when you do it that way, especially when
you're gunning after the idea that they can have both
a production on special teams and offense. So that's why
I find this move just a little bit of a
question mark. Was this Darren Rizzy decision? Like, where is
this actually coming from? Where's the mindset? This sets this up,
(04:05):
and only time will tell as we see the twenty
twenty five season play out of was this a good
move that.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We don't know? And like you said, only time to tell.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
My thing is just looking at it from a roster
standpoint is figure out how guys make this team, how
many wide receivers are going to keep, and the idea
of looking at what happened last year with Josh Reynolds.
I know Josh Rental had his situation that you know,
it was what it was, but at the same time,
I don't feel I didn't feel as though Josh Rennold's
(04:38):
production was where it needed to be. And all I'm
saying is, I know how reps are really hard to
get in training camp, and there's a possibility you bring
in some of these young guys, whether they're drafted or
they're just kind of college street free agents, but those
guys start to show promise. Now you had a two
year deal with six million dollars to a guy and
then you may have to say and him pack, and
(05:00):
it's just like you couldn't that money could have went
somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I mean, that money could have went to Evan Ingram.
How about that it could have.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
I think Evan Ingram is going to sign for a
lot more than that, though that would I go that
would have been a part of it.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Well, don't you.
Speaker 5 (05:13):
I don't think I could say the same thing about
Alex Singleton, you know, but no, no, hat I let
it out.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
No, you can just get that money back.
Speaker 5 (05:24):
But I would say the last time, most of the
players on special teams make nos doubts about it. Will
be guys on rookie deals, will be undrafted free agents.
But when you have a group that's fully made up
of that, that's how you get.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
I think that's where you get kind of turned off
the case there, And so I'm a little worried if
the Broncos you brought up Evan Ingram, let's talk about
that being a concern that you actually let him leave
the facility yesterday and there's still no deal done. Nick,
Does that give you a little bit of a pause
on some of the directions They're going to really ramp
up the offense and the weapons that boat Nicks has
(05:58):
at his disposal. If he walks, then you're in an
even tighter squeeze.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Because Jaelon Johnson went back to the Saints.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
No, you know, I'm not really as concerned because the
only reason I would have been, let's just say that
you didn't have talent in this tight ends class that's
coming out in twenty twenty five. Then I would have said, oh,
they missed the window, but there's talent, because once again,
we got to think, with any veteran player, you're getting
veteran experience, but you also paying for that experience, that
(06:28):
premium price for a rookie guy, you're not right. And
the pros and cons with the veteran guy you figured
so they can acclimate themselves to the system. They pick
things up right away, the verbiage young guys that may
take them a little time, so that there's pros and cons.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
But the Broncos, in my opinion, are not.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Out of the tight end conversation because the Broncos have
tight ends on their roster, some better than others and
some were not. Well, none of them were used the
way that I feel as though they could.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Have been deployed. Now.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
Nate Atkins is a fullback, but he wants you to
call him a tight end.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
So I called him a tight end.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
You know, he caught a couple of touchdowns this season,
but that was him coming out of the backfield. I mean, no,
the way this game is now is a vertical passing game.
You want your tight ends moving vertically, not just getting
into the red zone, running into the flat, because what
if you have stalls on third downs with the Broncos
had last season. If you can't get down to the
red zone, then how can you run that kind of
(07:28):
arrow route to the flat.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
You can't, and you're not getting any help from the
run game to sort of create any dynamic movement there.
So you're not getting help on either front. I think
that's really important. I was laughing a little bit earlier
because you were looking at combine times right for fast receivers,
but you're saying go.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Deep, yes, I mean, listen, these dudes are fast.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
I don't know what they're put in the water now,
I don't know how they're training.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Right.
Speaker 4 (07:54):
So here's the two things that we know, right, Guys
getting paid a lot more money and they're running a
lot faster than they did when I play right. So
the idea is how many of those guys with the
picks that you have and compisitatory picks, can you select
those guys and make your team better. Because here's my mindset, Zach,
here's my mindset. If bow Knicks is the guy, which
(08:16):
he has proven to be the guy, you got to
set him up because he's still on.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
A rookie deal. That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
And I fully agree, and I think you have a
lot of resources still to do that. And again, if
this one takes Lil Jordan Humphrey off the roster, who
at times was a problem for bo Nicks as a receiver,
but keeps his run blocking element to help that run game,
which also has to take a step forward this year,
but you keep that one positive aspect that ljh brought
to the roster, then I think you are having your
(08:46):
Kike and eating it too. You're helping bo Nicks, You're
keeping the special teams intact. Now it just comes down
to they have to make those additional moves on top
of this one, because this, to your point in and
of itself, is not getting the job done.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Well, I'll say this, I don't want anyone to.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
Think that I don't like Trent Surefiel. I don't know him,
but if he can come in and he can help
the team out, I'm all for it, But this team
is not in a place where you just need a
bunch of one trick ponies.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
You only could do one thing.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
The one thing I know about the NFL is that
the more you can do, they're gonna have you to
do it.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
And the other thing, they're only gonna give you one check.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
Ill for you one check to do a multitude of
different things, so they're gonna max you out. So I'm
looking for those types of guys, guys that you can
max out in so many different ways.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And this may be a little bias.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Maybe I'm a little biased, Maybe I'm a little sensitive
because I was one of those guys that could do
a multitude of thing and they only gave one check.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
To you give a different perspective, and I think it's
important always to note that. And I appreciate you for
bringing that up, because there's a lot of different directions
that you could go with this. But it begs the
question of you're talking about okay, fast tight ends. Then
you've got a Terrence Ferguson who's available in the off
Colorado Kids, So there's a connection there and it's a
great story. So that's where my mind immediately goes. But
(10:05):
what about proven talent in the tight end field, which
would look something like a if the Ravens would maybe
possibly trade for trade Mark Andrews, who They're not going
to do that. I know he's he's Lamar Jackson's favorite,
but why not. He had a disappointed end of a
season and maybe he wants a clean fresh start. Or
(10:28):
perhaps the Eagles are fire sailing their entire name at
the moment.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
So no, that's not going to happen. The Ravens just
you know, sign New Hopkins, right yeah, and Baltimore. They
have two good tight ends, two good tight ends. Even
though we saw Mark Andrews drop the pass, you know,
the two point conversion against the Buffalo Bills, that does
(10:51):
not make him a bad tight end.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
He had a bad game play.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
That's what I want.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
They're not trading Andrews. I mean, if they.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
If they were considering it, yes, So if they were
going to do that, if the constant was gonna do that, yes,
of course you you you're in the running form. But
that's not gonna happen. So the Broncos right now, you're
now working on your second tier free agents and you're
still trying to find value with those second tier free agents,
(11:21):
and you're looking on either side of the ball, where
if do you have if a guy plays the corner position,
All right, well you're not cracking the line up first
and foremost, let's just keep it one hundred because you
got rolling, you got p s two.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
What else can you do? Right? It's almost like a
talent show, right.
Speaker 1 (11:40):
You want them to tap their way into.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Someone you.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
But you have to be a multiple threat person versatility
because versatility is key to longevity in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
I got told you they're gonna match you out. What
having you doing?
Speaker 4 (11:59):
The multiple do different things, but if you can do
those things better than anyone else, you stay around longer.
You make the team better. And once again, remember there's
three phases of the game. Offense, defensive, special teams, and
we saw in the Bills game special teams didn't really
contribute other.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
Than that fake but other than that not so much.
So he's trying to get this.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Team better where they not only have the conversation, oh no.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
We can just compete. No no, no, no, no no no.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
The Broncos are past that, ladies and gentlemen, So you
pass the idea of just competing now it's about winning games,
winning meaningful games in the month of January and February.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
I mean, if arguments that the Special Teams wasn't good
enough in the playoffs and wasn't making an impact, I'd argue, yet,
you need invest in that. You need good players on
that side of the ball. You need guys who can
be leaders on that side of the ball and contribute
on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
I agree. You don't want to be paying guys to
just be a.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
Pure kick returner, just be a pure gunner, even like
a pure long snaper.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
I don't think that's ideal, but I.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
Think it's man, especially when you're not just paying him
to do that, you're also paying him to take some
of those receiver snaps on early downs and.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Help you block.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
Like I don't think little short Humphrey's making the roster
this year. I think that's what this signing tells us.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
I don't know if I like that either, but we
can get into that a little bit later. I just
wonder if it BIG's the question if the Special Teams
fell off not because of roster talent, but because of
the coaching departure of my questoff, And I think there's
a lot of variables that come into play with where
the moves are going. I'm not necessarily saying it's a
bad thing. I didn't think we would continue to have
this conversation, but it's opening up my eyes to what
(13:33):
exactly the Broncos can do to continue to put the
pieces together. And maybe because they are working although with
a little bit of Walmart money, they have to roll
back their expectations for what they're going to get out
of each pivotable piece that they bring on to this roster.
And sometimes it's going to have to do both.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Yeah, I'm smarking at me because you use Walmart and
roll back in the same sentence.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Oh yeah, it's redundant. I guess I didn't have it.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I could have.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
I could have been smoother on that segue. Thanks Nick.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
No, I like that, because yes, there is Walmart money
in the building, but once again, no one ever gets
rich by just giving it all the way.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
You have to learn how to.
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Budget, and that's kind of where the Broncos are right now.
You're just trying to get the biggest bang for your dollar,
and that is what I'm looking at. I'm putting not
just my GM had on but also just my ownership
hat on and say, okay, well where can I get.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The most value from, Like think about running backs, which
we have yet to talk about.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Once again, it is dollar figure, but also value and
production on the field.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
What does that look like.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
Guys out there right now that can come in and
possibly give the Broncos those two things and checks those
two boxes.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
I think I'm usually pretty risk adverse and I'm fiduciarily
responsible and all those things. But when it comes to
having one of the richest owners in sports and its entirety,
I spend the money, do the thing, and structure the
contracts as you will. I know it's not fake monopoly money.
I know there's limitations to what you can do. But
I just find that there's a little bit of excitement
that we have the ownership group that can kind of
(15:10):
grab some of those keysco places.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
To see I'm a little different. See you all, you're
all in. It's in the Penner's money. Yes, I'm trying
to help them, buzz it. I'm almost putting them away.
Tell you what about what about trying to compete right now?
Speaker 3 (15:26):
While you got Bonix cheap and that's brow Bonix.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Why you got to do it to maximize it.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
It's going to it's going to cost money.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
It is.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
You just want to be careful so that you turn,
don't turn into the Saints and whatever they're doing over there.
The Broncos lose Javonte Williams to the Cowboys, and already
tattered room is going to need an upgrade. Does it
come in the package of a high caliber veteran? What's
going to move the needle? In twenty twenty five, this
Broncos country to night k Wait eight fifty AM ninety
four one FM hitting the air drums, and so I
(15:58):
was hoping that they would get him here with the
what you should all know as the R soundtrack. A
great show. But you might be wondering why why that's
relevant here as we jump into the conversation of running
backs and maybe the run game for the Denver Broncos.
But there are some issues and the departure of Javonte
Williams going to the Cowboys, although we anticipated his departure,
creates a creator of need in the backfield. And I
(16:19):
say creator because I feel like this is a pretty
instrumental got to either select a dynamic running back in
the draft, which there's plenty of options there, but Nick,
the conversation opened up with us trying to understand what
had been happening in the run game in twenty twenty four.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Cold Blue, Cold Blue on A three.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
Basically, what you're saying is that the run game is
being in purgatory and needs to be resuscitated.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
So you have to find some way to get a
defibrillator in here and fix the run game.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Well flatlining.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Yes, at that point I think called the I don't
know no medically, No, you don't breed.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Well, you know what, here's what we know about breede.
Ajo will make sure you make sure that that bree
is nowhere around some casus power and he's talking about
pulling the plug.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
I don't have the decision making capabilities.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Breeze, not a like, how can we get away from
this bear together? Person? I only got to run faster
than you, person.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Funny story. You don't got to be the fastest. You
just can't be the slowest. And I carry a bat
for that very reason.
Speaker 4 (17:28):
See, you can't do that when it comes to the
Broncos run game. Yes, was it on life support last season? Absolutely?
Twelve rushing touchdowns?
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Right, that is far fewer than what you need, and
four of the twelve was by Bo Nicks.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Your quarterback well right, and you can just negate those No.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
No, I love the fact that Bow rushing and getting
those touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Sure, but it's not adding to the run game and
its efficiency.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
No, he's not. But having more options at the running
back position I think will revitalize, almost like a home makeover,
like let's look at the room Running back Room over
Running back Room, Denver, Broncos Home Makeover Edition.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Yes, yeah, I'm not ready for the review, Oh.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
No, but we are ready for the reveal because the
Broncos run game needs to get going because that opens
play pass. If a team understands that eighty to eighty
five percent of your offense is with Bow and the shytgun,
guess what I mean. They're playing They're playing the past.
Do you tell your edge rushers you know what? They
don't even worry about the run. They're not gonna run it.
(18:38):
Get a feel, But I do have some ways to
revitalize it.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Now hang with me, if you will, please.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
Now, yesterday I mentioned about JK. Dobbins, right, being one
of those types of guys because he's a versatile to
do everything guy. But also I like I like Kareem Hunts.
I know it doesn't sound sexy because he's older back
and he's played with Kansas City, but because he's played
for Kansas City and he's come in when Isaiah.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Bachenko was injured and he gave them quality production.
Speaker 4 (19:12):
Could you imagine handing a ball off to either one
of those guys and having the ability to run downhill
and keep the Broncos ahead of the chains, like we're
talking about positive yards on first down and second down. Now,
this would keep the Broncos out of the situation they
were in last year, those third and long, those third
(19:33):
and forevers that they never converted and losing a.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Lot of momentum when trying to do so, which I
think is important to point out. And I can feel
Zaxe their sax sears. I was gonna call him Zack. See,
there's seething in the background because when you talk about
running backs and older running backs might as well just
kick them to the curve.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
So you have some question marks. I'm gonna ask him.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
But JK.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Dobbins with Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Adding Najie Harris, it almost seems like there's got to
be a place where Dobbins could go because he's going
to need to have more impact elsewhere talent production is there.
I like that choice could be an immediate upgrade right
to the room. AJ Dillon is another younger twenty six
years old, only with the packers.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
If they're not looking to that's a big bag.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
That's a big bag.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
I love the way that you're phrasing that because I
think that's the only concern that there may be maybe
not the fastest individual, but you need some power, you
need some speed, you need some strength, and you need.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Someone's gonna be able to open up that offense.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
But it also is very limited to what they're going
to be able to do, is if they're going to
be utilized in the way where they have the opportunity
to gain momentum down there on the field.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Rico Dowdell's one that really excites me, and it was
a Dallas leisure right he was he was now. I
think people sleep on.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Him because he started off as the backup to Zeke
and it was this is at the tail end of
Zige's career and he didn't do much his first several
years in the league, just kind of toiled on the
back end of Dallas his roster. Finally, last year he
got a chance. I guess the year before he did
to an extent, but wasn't all that productive. Twenty twenty four,
he gets his chance, averages four point six yards per carry,
gets almost eleven hundred yards on the ground. Would that'd
(21:09):
be comfortably the Broncos' best season from a running back
since about twenty twenty or so. I think he also
offered a lot more juice than a lot of the
other backs on the market. I would have taken him
over Najie Harris. I would have taken him, maybe even
over and Aaron Jones when you consider how cold Aaron
Jones was at the end of the year and how
he's getting up there. I also love the JK. Dobbins one,
(21:29):
though I hate to be a caricature of myself, A
little Kareem Hunt. I think we saw it with the Chiefs.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
It worked, but I think he is not moving the
same way he was even three years ago. It is
a little rough out there. I think he's been hitting
those three yards, but I think it's limited out there.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
Of you agains at twelve twelve, twenty five, but I
haven't gotten beat up like Kareem Hunt.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Okay, so you're.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Twenty five, right, you say, he Kaream Hunt is not
moving the same way he did cover a couple of
years ago. Or are you still moving the same way
you did when you were sixteen?
Speaker 5 (22:05):
No, And I would say I would say if my
profession was largely based on how well, I'd be awfully concerned.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
I think we need to test that the everybody's sending
you through a car wash and off all those little
turning wheels and see if you can run through those
real quick. And I'm not moving the same way. And
I'm not going to reveal how old no one.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
No one does, but why you should maybe get a
younger guy, but that the Broncos still can do that.
So if that begs a question for you too, like, okay, well,
I'm in favor of the Broncos bringing in the veteran
guy and also keep you know, having a rookie too
as well, because when you look at the Broncos running
back room and Javante isn't here anymore.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
And George Payton said to himself.
Speaker 4 (22:45):
When you look at the guy who was able to
stand in there and pick up a Blinz. No one
did it better than Javante. So when you look at
the Broncos rosters, okay, well, Julia McLoughlin, all drick.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Estimate who, by the way, didn't even play in the
Bills game, right, tala is a bid day?
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Was he called the day?
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Now it is bod Day.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
So all those guys, and once again, I'm not trying
to cast spurs in on anyone, but we're just talking
pure football and pure production of those guys. Would you
be willing to take any one of those guys over JK.
Dobbins or Kareem Hunt?
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Yes or no.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
No, as it stands, I don't think that there's been
anything that we've seen that would put them ahead of
the game there, which is why I think you could
rehaul and retool this room exactly as you see fit
and kind of draft somebody new in and replace that
value there that you wouldn't already get with what exists
on the current Denver Broncos roster.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
No.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
On JK.
Speaker 5 (23:42):
Dobbins, I don't think anyone's close to that level. Julia McLoughlin.
I think the speed element he brings is I value
that a little more than what Kareem Hunt would give me.
Though Kaream Hunt has the past protection ability you want
to protect Poe Nicks.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Those two are close to me, I'd say those who
are very close for me. See for me, I like
I like Hunt because he still is a due thread.
You can handle it off to him.
Speaker 4 (24:06):
Those fourth and short, those gold lines, those third and ones,
he can pick that up.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
But also he's great in the screen game as.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
Well, so you're gonna ultimately help out in pass protection
as well.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
So you're getting well, yeah, we just think about what
we're talking about.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
Remember what I said earlier, it's the most production for
the value and versatility is king because last year when
Jalil was entered into the game, what did defensive units
know already?
Speaker 2 (24:34):
They already knew what was coming, they knew they knew.
Speaker 3 (24:37):
It was like, let's change it up. I think Kareem
Hunt is a big tail too.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
I don't think he was doing that much in Kansas
City outside of those three four yards runs.
Speaker 3 (24:45):
Now you gotta keep him money.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Let me step in here.
Speaker 3 (24:49):
How was gonna tail? Because I don't think he offers
a very expansive skill set at the running back position.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
I think he can pass protect for you where he
can kind of fall forward for two yards. He hasn't
averaged over four yards per carry. He hasn't even average
four yards per krry since twenty twenty one, hasn't gone
over three point seven since.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Twenty twenty two.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
The cream hun's ability to turn his wheels out there.
Speaker 3 (25:11):
Yes, I mean twenty four speed Chiefs.
Speaker 5 (25:15):
He's one of the slower starting running backs in the nfl'sive.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Line had a little bit to do with that, I
think simply.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
I mean they're one of the best offensive guards in
the league.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
They are in protecting Patrick Patrick Mahomes.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Listen, I can understand you wanting a home run threat.
You still can have that in Juliu or drafting another
running back. Well, what it comes down to is getting
those tough yards right. You want a running back, And
I'm gonna speak to you from a defensive standpoint.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
Like I play with guys who were afraid of guys
like Fred Taylor.
Speaker 4 (25:52):
Those big running backs that are coming downhill, they may
not have the same speed they had when they first
came out. They may not run a ford to It
may be a four to sixty seven that they're breaking
those times. But all I know is when they're coming downhill,
you're moving the hell out of the way right and
you're trying to soften guys up. That's the one thing
that the Broncos offense from the run game standpoint, didn't
(26:15):
really have a guy that was going to run between
the tackles and really soften things up. So maybe a
Jelil McLoughlin can come in and did.
Speaker 3 (26:24):
Slice and dice.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
You're making me think too that that's kind of a
problem with the offense as a whole. Predictability aside. I
don't think you're really cutting up defenses. There was a
lot of I know what they're going to do here,
that most likely they're going to go through the air,
and there's not a lights out connection. Although BONICKX and
Courtland Sutton was a great chemistry evolution there and it
was a great tool for Bonnicks, but there's nothing that's
(26:47):
really cutting into individuals and challenging players on opponents defenses
to really get an offense that's high powered and explosive,
and that's what we talked about it a lot through
the season that just lacked explosivity.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Is Kareem Hunt somebody who adds spark to that room.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
I for me from my standpoint, I say yes, because
let's think about what Sean Payton wants this offense to be.
He wants it to be explosive in the passing game,
not the running game. The passing game last year showed
us exactly that. So as Zach you mentioned about Kareem
Hunting not being that fast, all you need to do
(27:25):
is keep it in second and manageable.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
Second and manageable. Now, with Kareem Hunting the.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
Backfield or that type of back the defense gotta respect
that because they got to come down here because they
don't know if it's a run.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
They don't know if it's a pass. Now you pull
it out little Pope fake and Pope fake.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
All that is is you show the defensive ball, you
mesh point, you put in the belly of the running back.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
You pull it out.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
By that time you got all those lineback and stepping
up and guess what you got to tie it.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
End running right down the hashes and you throw it
to him. Now credit whords do.
Speaker 5 (27:57):
I was looking up Kareem Hunt's numbers and he's one
of the better backs in the league in terms of
staying ahead of the sticks.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
So you're talking about avoiding those third and lungs. Just
sit in the league in rushing success rate, Mike Guy,
rico'dowell right there at six. So we're thinking somewhat similarly.
Speaker 5 (28:11):
I'll give myself credit there, but I do think Sean
Payton also values.
Speaker 3 (28:16):
The explosiveness in the run game. You know, he's the
same guy.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
Who drafted Reggie Busch second overall and Alvin Kamara was
nothing if not explosive.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
That said, maybe you're better served to going that or
serving that need in the draft. Okay, you bring that up.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
How successful were those Let me rephrase that the part
of the game that you're talking about with Reggie Bush.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
And Alba Kamara. Those guys were successful.
Speaker 4 (28:39):
In the screen game because you get them out on
the perimeter where there's less defenders, in more space and.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
More room to run. Yes, but they were also very
and they were very dynamic there.
Speaker 5 (28:49):
But I think they were very explosive runners in their
own right out of the backfield.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Very true.
Speaker 4 (28:55):
But go back and look at the running backs that
play for tem Payton, Deuce, Yeah, Latavius.
Speaker 3 (29:03):
Murray, you know Ingram played there as well.
Speaker 4 (29:08):
It was kind of bigger body type backs guys that
can wear down the defense because you do need speed guys.
Don't get me wrong in that you need the guys
who have that explosion. Once they get to the second level,
it is hard to catch them. They rarely do you
see guys catching them from behind.
Speaker 3 (29:24):
But you still need.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Blood, force, trauma. You need a guy from physicality standpoint.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
It wasn't adric Estimate supposed to be that this year
for then what did you say you or is you
said yeah, I'm speaking for potential to be the most
dangerous thing you can possibly do, and talk about the
idea that there was supposed to be this entry into
the pack in where that was your bowling ball, and
it was to take away from what Chavonte Williams probably
(29:54):
isn't still physically capable of doing.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (29:56):
His skill set had to evolve a little bit after
that injury. But it didn't turn out the way that
we had hoped. But I don't think you're really necessarily
throwing in the towel on Estimate's production. What he's able
to do physicality physically, just due to his physicality, he's
a giant human.
Speaker 1 (30:13):
I was hoping that that would be the more crashing
bashed running back.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Yeah, but for some reason, that is honest, beknownst to me,
it just didn't manifest that way.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
Wasn't it from a lack of talent or no?
Speaker 4 (30:28):
I mean Alldrick estimated was that dude at Notre Dame. Yeah,
So I don't know what happened. The only thing that
I can think is that maybe when he fumbled the
ball and he was put on the shelf for a while,
that wrecked his confidence. And I can tell you this,
if you get a running back and he's fum with
before and then you put him back out there, he's
(30:51):
not thinking about how quick he can he hit the hole.
Speaker 3 (30:54):
You know what, he's thinking about holding onto the.
Speaker 4 (30:57):
Ball with two hands, which slows him down, which he
is thinking and not reacting.
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Right when you are thinking and you're not reacting, it
slows you down.
Speaker 4 (31:08):
And the way that I've heard at phrase in my
time playing in the league, especially being around Bill Parcells,
a running back that fumbles is someone else's running back.
He is someone else's problem, because you can't told the
rocks for us if you're constantly putting.
Speaker 3 (31:26):
In on the turf.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
I mean, we saw a play out with a Melvyn
Gordon you have and all those how much was he
in his head? It was all And it's a mindset.
You talk about the instincts of if you're not reacting,
if you're not reactionary in that you're losing half seconds,
half steps and missteps. And I don't think that you
can afford that at the NFL speed, And maybe that
that's something that he can and speaking of he estimate
(31:50):
can prove on in the future. But there's free agency
frenzies which you can keep up with the Broncos Free
Agency tracker from our very own Zac sears On. Let's
talk at Broncos dot com being updated and all the
waiting that we have done. But what about the players
who are due in twenty twenty six. They're in this
position right now. What decisions need to be made soon
that keeps them current and on the team, nice and happy.
(32:12):
This Sproncos Country Night KA eight fifty AM ninety four
one FM.
Welcome back Broncos Country nine.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Nick feruson Free Masist Zach Seekers is over there, and
i'd like you all audio listeners to understand what's happening.
Of course, you're audio listeners to understand what's going on here,
as I am now playing the mitigator and the middleman
between Nick and Zach as they continue to have a
conversation about Sherfield being brought in. And I think this
(00:25):
is going to be a little bit different than what
you guys were talking about. But we've been mentioning Josh Reynolds,
we've been mentioning Matt Collins, We've been mentioning contract terms
and offensive production. And you guys aren't seeing eye to eye,
which is fine. I'm not here to get you to agree.
But this conversation is ongoing. I feel like it's important
for Broncos Country to hear it.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
See.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
I feel as though you just stepped between two hungry
dogs and dropped the piece of meat and.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Said, let's get it.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
We're all hungry.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
Yes, So here's what I'll say, and all this en
off on this.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
As far as this situation when Trent Schuirfield, I don't
have any malice against him, All I'm just doing is
looking at it from a logical standpoint, because the Broncos
will have more money in twenty twenty six to go
out there and spend. I'm thinking, like, if you're bringing
a guy in just to be a special teams player,
you better be a hell of a special teams player.
(01:16):
And that's coming from a guy who cut his teeth
in his league under Mike west Off, I might add,
so I like to think I know a little something
about a little something.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
All I'm saying is that if Tris Sheffield is just.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Coming in to solidify a position and with your explanation
is that that's been vacated by Tremon Smith, I don't
like it. The reason I don't like it because the
two years, six million dollars deal that you're giving, you know, Sherfield,
you could have gone out in the draft and you
could have used that to get younger talent. And the
(01:50):
reason I say that is you look at the combine.
Look at how fast these dudes were running from four
fours to four threes. You can take that guy, he said,
you know what, I want you to run down? Not
on kickoff because kickoff is a little different now. On
punt team as a gunner. That's what Tramon Smith is doing.
You put a receiver out there and you tell him
(02:11):
or dB, you're not number one, number two, number three,
you're number four in a depth chart.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
You want to stay on this.
Speaker 4 (02:16):
Team, how fast can you get from point A to
point B and make an open field tackle.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
That's how you stay on the team.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
But that's how you build depth and ad depth, which
is very vital, very important to this team, and to
get them on a Walmart discount, getting them on the
lowe teams.
Speaker 5 (02:33):
Love that, they absolutely do. I think that's a good point.
I just my counter would be, I don't think it's
in either or. I'll play the role of the little
girl in the Del Taco ads.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
So I think it's a both.
Speaker 5 (02:48):
I think yes, he's replacing Tremont Smith, and I think
he's also replacing Lil Jordan Humphrey and that kind of
blocking receiver role we saw them lean on so much.
So you're getting the two for the price of one.
So if he's knocking out those two roster spots, you're
freeing up a spot and that allows you to, hey,
let's grab one of those guys. Because Trent Sirfield is
(03:10):
not answering the problem at receiver. I fully agree there.
I think the Broncos agree with that. I think that's
why the signing's kind of done in response to the
Tremont Smith move. But now, yeah, let's go out and
draft elick iomin Or in the second round, or heck,
why not even Luthor Burton in the first round.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
You know, draft one of these dudes and they.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Can you know, cut their teeth on special teams, they
can make plays for us on offense, and those are
the guys that are more the answer there. I don't think,
for as good as Mac Collins is, I don't think
Mac Collins in and of himself is fixing the need
for wide receivers in Denver.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
I would have liked to.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
See them go into the idea for special teams help
through the draft, because nik I think is just more
cost effective when you do it that way, especially when
you're gunning after the idea that they can have both
a production on special teams and offense. So that's why
I find this move just a little bit of a
question mark. Was this Darren Rizzy decision? Like, where is
this actually coming from? Where's the mindset? This sets this up,
(04:05):
and only time will tell as we see the twenty
twenty five season play out of was this a good
move that.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
We don't know? And like you said, only time to tell.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
My thing is just looking at it from a roster
standpoint is figure out how guys make this team, how
many wide receivers are going to keep, and the idea
of looking at what happened last year with Josh Reynolds.
I know Josh Rental had his situation that you know,
it was what it was, but at the same time,
I don't feel I didn't feel as though Josh Rennold's
(04:38):
production was where it needed to be. And all I'm
saying is, I know how reps are really hard to
get in training camp, and there's a possibility you bring
in some of these young guys, whether they're drafted or
they're just kind of college street free agents, but those
guys start to show promise. Now you had a two
year deal with six million dollars to a guy and
then you may have to say and him pack, and
(05:00):
it's just like you couldn't that money could have went
somewhere else.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
I mean, that money could have went to Evan Ingram.
How about that it could have.
Speaker 5 (05:07):
I think Evan Ingram is going to sign for a
lot more than that, though that would I go that
would have been a part of it.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Well, don't you.
Speaker 5 (05:13):
I don't think I could say the same thing about
Alex Singleton, you know, but no, no, hat I let
it out.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
No, you can just get that money back.
Speaker 5 (05:24):
But I would say the last time, most of the
players on special teams make nos doubts about it. Will
be guys on rookie deals, will be undrafted free agents.
But when you have a group that's fully made up
of that, that's how you get.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
I think that's where you get kind of turned off
the case there, And so I'm a little worried if
the Broncos you brought up Evan Ingram, let's talk about
that being a concern that you actually let him leave
the facility yesterday and there's still no deal done. Nick,
Does that give you a little bit of a pause
on some of the directions They're going to really ramp
up the offense and the weapons that boat Nicks has
(05:58):
at his disposal. If he walks, then you're in an
even tighter squeeze.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Because Jaelon Johnson went back to the Saints.
Speaker 4 (06:05):
No, you know, I'm not really as concerned because the
only reason I would have been, let's just say that
you didn't have talent in this tight ends class that's
coming out in twenty twenty five. Then I would have said, oh,
they missed the window, but there's talent, because once again,
we got to think, with any veteran player, you're getting
veteran experience, but you also paying for that experience, that
(06:28):
premium price for a rookie guy, you're not right. And
the pros and cons with the veteran guy you figured
so they can acclimate themselves to the system. They pick
things up right away, the verbiage young guys that may
take them a little time, so that there's pros and cons.
Speaker 3 (06:43):
But the Broncos, in my opinion, are not.
Speaker 4 (06:46):
Out of the tight end conversation because the Broncos have
tight ends on their roster, some better than others and
some were not. Well, none of them were used the
way that I feel as though they could.
Speaker 3 (06:59):
Have been deployed. Now.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
Nate Atkins is a fullback, but he wants you to
call him a tight end.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
So I called him a tight end.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
You know, he caught a couple of touchdowns this season,
but that was him coming out of the backfield. I mean, no,
the way this game is now is a vertical passing game.
You want your tight ends moving vertically, not just getting
into the red zone, running into the flat, because what
if you have stalls on third downs with the Broncos
had last season. If you can't get down to the
red zone, then how can you run that kind of
(07:28):
arrow route to the flat.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
You can't, and you're not getting any help from the
run game to sort of create any dynamic movement there.
So you're not getting help on either front. I think
that's really important. I was laughing a little bit earlier
because you were looking at combine times right for fast receivers,
but you're saying go.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Deep, yes, I mean, listen, these dudes are fast.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
I don't know what they're put in the water now,
I don't know how they're training.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Right.
Speaker 4 (07:54):
So here's the two things that we know, right, Guys
getting paid a lot more money and they're running a
lot faster than they did when I play right. So
the idea is how many of those guys with the
picks that you have and compisitatory picks, can you select
those guys and make your team better. Because here's my mindset, Zach,
here's my mindset. If bow Knicks is the guy, which
(08:16):
he has proven to be the guy, you got to
set him up because he's still on.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
A rookie deal. That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
And I fully agree, and I think you have a
lot of resources still to do that. And again, if
this one takes Lil Jordan Humphrey off the roster, who
at times was a problem for bo Nicks as a receiver,
but keeps his run blocking element to help that run game,
which also has to take a step forward this year,
but you keep that one positive aspect that ljh brought
to the roster, then I think you are having your
(08:46):
Kike and eating it too. You're helping bo Nicks, You're
keeping the special teams intact. Now it just comes down
to they have to make those additional moves on top
of this one, because this, to your point in and
of itself, is not getting the job done.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Well.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Well, I'll say this, I don't want anyone to.
Speaker 4 (09:00):
Think that I don't like Trent Surefiel. I don't know him,
but if he can come in and he can help
the team out, I'm all for it, But this team
is not in a place where you just need a
bunch of one trick ponies.
Speaker 3 (09:16):
You only could do one thing.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
The one thing I know about the NFL is that
the more you can do, they're gonna have you to
do it.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
And the other thing, they're only gonna give you one check.
Speaker 4 (09:26):
Ill for you one check to do a multitude of
different things, so they're gonna max you out. So I'm
looking for those types of guys, guys that you can
max out in so many different ways.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
And this may be a little bias.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Maybe I'm a little biased, Maybe I'm a little sensitive
because I was one of those guys that could do
a multitude of thing and they only gave one check.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
To you give a different perspective, and I think it's
important always to note that. And I appreciate you for
bringing that up, because there's a lot of different directions
that you could go with this. But it begs the
question of you're talking about okay, fast tight ends. Then
you've got a Terrence Ferguson who's available in the off
Colorado Kids, So there's a connection there and it's a
great story. So that's where my mind immediately goes. But
(10:05):
what about proven talent in the tight end field, which
would look something like a if the Ravens would maybe
possibly trade for trade Mark Andrews, who They're not going
to do that. I know he's he's Lamar Jackson's favorite,
but why not. He had a disappointed end of a
season and maybe he wants a clean fresh start. Or
(10:28):
perhaps the Eagles are fire sailing their entire name at
the moment.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
So no, that's not going to happen. The Ravens just
you know, sign New Hopkins, right yeah, and Baltimore. They
have two good tight ends, two good tight ends. Even
though we saw Mark Andrews drop the pass, you know,
the two point conversion against the Buffalo Bills, that does
(10:51):
not make him a bad tight end.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
He had a bad game play.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
That's what I want.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
They're not trading Andrews. I mean, if they.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
If they were considering it, yes, So if they were
going to do that, if the constant was gonna do that, yes,
of course you you you're in the running form. But
that's not gonna happen. So the Broncos right now, you're
now working on your second tier free agents and you're
still trying to find value with those second tier free agents,
(11:21):
and you're looking on either side of the ball, where
if do you have if a guy plays the corner position,
All right, well you're not cracking the line up first
and foremost, let's just keep it one hundred because you
got rolling, you got p s two.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
What else can you do? Right? It's almost like a
talent show, right.
Speaker 1 (11:40):
You want them to tap their way into.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Someone you.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
But you have to be a multiple threat person versatility
because versatility is key to longevity in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (11:56):
I got told you they're gonna match you out. What
having you doing?
Speaker 4 (11:59):
The multiple do different things, but if you can do
those things better than anyone else, you stay around longer.
You make the team better. And once again, remember there's
three phases of the game. Offense, defensive, special teams, and
we saw in the Bills game special teams didn't really
contribute other.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
Than that fake but other than that not so much.
So he's trying to get this.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Team better where they not only have the conversation, oh no.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
We can just compete. No no, no, no, no no no.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
The Broncos are past that, ladies and gentlemen, So you
pass the idea of just competing now it's about winning games,
winning meaningful games in the month of January and February.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
I mean, if arguments that the Special Teams wasn't good
enough in the playoffs and wasn't making an impact, I'd argue, yet,
you need invest in that. You need good players on
that side of the ball. You need guys who can
be leaders on that side of the ball and contribute
on offense.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
I agree. You don't want to be paying guys to
just be a.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
Pure kick returner, just be a pure gunner, even like
a pure long snaper.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
I don't think that's ideal, but I.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
Think it's man, especially when you're not just paying him
to do that, you're also paying him to take some
of those receiver snaps on early downs and.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Help you block.
Speaker 5 (13:07):
Like I don't think little short Humphrey's making the roster
this year. I think that's what this signing tells us.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
I don't know if I like that either, but we
can get into that a little bit later. I just
wonder if it BIG's the question if the Special Teams
fell off not because of roster talent, but because of
the coaching departure of my questoff, And I think there's
a lot of variables that come into play with where
the moves are going. I'm not necessarily saying it's a
bad thing. I didn't think we would continue to have
this conversation, but it's opening up my eyes to what
(13:33):
exactly the Broncos can do to continue to put the
pieces together. And maybe because they are working although with
a little bit of Walmart money, they have to roll
back their expectations for what they're going to get out
of each pivotable piece that they bring on to this roster.
And sometimes it's going to have to do both.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
Yeah, I'm smarking at me because you use Walmart and
roll back in the same sentence.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Oh yeah, it's redundant. I guess I didn't have it.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I could have.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
I could have been smoother on that segue. Thanks Nick.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
No, I like that, because yes, there is Walmart money
in the building, but once again, no one ever gets
rich by just giving it all the way.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
You have to learn how to.
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Budget, and that's kind of where the Broncos are right now.
You're just trying to get the biggest bang for your dollar,
and that is what I'm looking at. I'm putting not
just my GM had on but also just my ownership
hat on and say, okay, well where can I get.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The most value from, Like think about running backs, which
we have yet to talk about.
Speaker 4 (14:36):
Once again, it is dollar figure, but also value and
production on the field.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
What does that look like.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
Guys out there right now that can come in and
possibly give the Broncos those two things and checks those
two boxes.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
I think I'm usually pretty risk adverse and I'm fiduciarily
responsible and all those things. But when it comes to
having one of the richest owners in sports and its entirety,
I spend the money, do the thing, and structure the
contracts as you will. I know it's not fake monopoly money.
I know there's limitations to what you can do. But
I just find that there's a little bit of excitement
that we have the ownership group that can kind of
(15:10):
grab some of those keysco places.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
To see I'm a little different. See you all, you're
all in. It's in the Penner's money. Yes, I'm trying
to help them, buzz it. I'm almost putting them away.
Tell you what about what about trying to compete right now?
Speaker 3 (15:26):
While you got Bonix cheap and that's brow Bonix.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Why you got to do it to maximize it.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
It's going to it's going to cost money.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
It is.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
You just want to be careful so that you turn,
don't turn into the Saints and whatever they're doing over there.
The Broncos lose Javonte Williams to the Cowboys, and already
tattered room is going to need an upgrade. Does it
come in the package of a high caliber veteran? What's
going to move the needle? In twenty twenty five, this
Broncos country to night k Wait eight fifty AM ninety
four one FM hitting the air drums, and so I
(15:58):
was hoping that they would get him here with the
what you should all know as the R soundtrack. A
great show. But you might be wondering why why that's
relevant here as we jump into the conversation of running
backs and maybe the run game for the Denver Broncos.
But there are some issues and the departure of Javonte
Williams going to the Cowboys, although we anticipated his departure,
creates a creator of need in the backfield. And I
(16:19):
say creator because I feel like this is a pretty
instrumental got to either select a dynamic running back in
the draft, which there's plenty of options there, but Nick,
the conversation opened up with us trying to understand what
had been happening in the run game in twenty twenty four.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Cold Blue, Cold Blue on A three.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
Basically, what you're saying is that the run game is
being in purgatory and needs to be resuscitated.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
So you have to find some way to get a
defibrillator in here and fix the run game.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Well flatlining.
Speaker 2 (16:54):
Yes, at that point I think called the I don't
know no medically, No, you don't breed.
Speaker 4 (17:03):
Well, you know what, here's what we know about breede.
Ajo will make sure you make sure that that bree
is nowhere around some casus power and he's talking about
pulling the plug.
Speaker 1 (17:14):
I don't have the decision making capabilities.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
Breeze, not a like, how can we get away from
this bear together? Person? I only got to run faster
than you, person.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Funny story. You don't got to be the fastest. You
just can't be the slowest. And I carry a bat
for that very reason.
Speaker 4 (17:28):
See, you can't do that when it comes to the
Broncos run game. Yes, was it on life support last season? Absolutely?
Twelve rushing touchdowns?
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Right, that is far fewer than what you need, and
four of the twelve was by Bo Nicks.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Your quarterback well right, and you can just negate those No.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
No, I love the fact that Bow rushing and getting
those touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Sure, but it's not adding to the run game and
its efficiency.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
No, he's not. But having more options at the running
back position I think will revitalize, almost like a home makeover,
like let's look at the room Running back Room over
Running back Room, Denver, Broncos Home Makeover Edition.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Yes, yeah, I'm not ready for the review, Oh.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
No, but we are ready for the reveal because the
Broncos run game needs to get going because that opens
play pass. If a team understands that eighty to eighty
five percent of your offense is with Bow and the shytgun,
guess what I mean. They're playing They're playing the past.
Do you tell your edge rushers you know what? They
don't even worry about the run. They're not gonna run it.
(18:38):
Get a feel, But I do have some ways to
revitalize it.
Speaker 2 (18:44):
Now hang with me, if you will, please.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
Now, yesterday I mentioned about JK. Dobbins, right, being one
of those types of guys because he's a versatile to
do everything guy. But also I like I like Kareem Hunts.
I know it doesn't sound sexy because he's older back
and he's played with Kansas City, but because he's played
for Kansas City and he's come in when Isaiah.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Bachenko was injured and he gave them quality production.
Speaker 4 (19:12):
Could you imagine handing a ball off to either one
of those guys and having the ability to run downhill
and keep the Broncos ahead of the chains, like we're
talking about positive yards on first down and second down. Now,
this would keep the Broncos out of the situation they
were in last year, those third and long, those third
(19:33):
and forevers that they never converted and losing a.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Lot of momentum when trying to do so, which I
think is important to point out. And I can feel
Zaxe their sax sears. I was gonna call him Zack. See,
there's seething in the background because when you talk about
running backs and older running backs might as well just
kick them to the curve.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
So you have some question marks. I'm gonna ask him.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
But JK.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Dobbins with Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Adding Najie Harris, it almost seems like there's got to
be a place where Dobbins could go because he's going
to need to have more impact elsewhere talent production is there.
I like that choice could be an immediate upgrade right
to the room. AJ Dillon is another younger twenty six
years old, only with the packers.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
If they're not looking to that's a big bag.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
That's a big bag.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
I love the way that you're phrasing that because I
think that's the only concern that there may be maybe
not the fastest individual, but you need some power, you
need some speed, you need some strength, and you need.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Someone's gonna be able to open up that offense.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
But it also is very limited to what they're going
to be able to do, is if they're going to
be utilized in the way where they have the opportunity
to gain momentum down there on the field.
Speaker 3 (20:39):
Rico Dowdell's one that really excites me, and it was
a Dallas leisure right he was he was now. I
think people sleep on.
Speaker 5 (20:46):
Him because he started off as the backup to Zeke
and it was this is at the tail end of
Zige's career and he didn't do much his first several
years in the league, just kind of toiled on the
back end of Dallas his roster. Finally, last year he
got a chance. I guess the year before he did
to an extent, but wasn't all that productive. Twenty twenty four,
he gets his chance, averages four point six yards per carry,
gets almost eleven hundred yards on the ground. Would that'd
(21:09):
be comfortably the Broncos' best season from a running back
since about twenty twenty or so. I think he also
offered a lot more juice than a lot of the
other backs on the market. I would have taken him
over Najie Harris. I would have taken him, maybe even
over and Aaron Jones when you consider how cold Aaron
Jones was at the end of the year and how
he's getting up there. I also love the JK. Dobbins one,
(21:29):
though I hate to be a caricature of myself, A
little Kareem Hunt. I think we saw it with the Chiefs.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
It worked, but I think he is not moving the
same way he was even three years ago. It is
a little rough out there. I think he's been hitting
those three yards, but I think it's limited out there.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
Of you agains at twelve twelve, twenty five, but I
haven't gotten beat up like Kareem Hunt.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Okay, so you're.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Twenty five, right, you say, he Kaream Hunt is not
moving the same way he did cover a couple of
years ago. Or are you still moving the same way
you did when you were sixteen?
Speaker 5 (22:05):
No, And I would say I would say if my
profession was largely based on how well, I'd be awfully concerned.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
I think we need to test that the everybody's sending
you through a car wash and off all those little
turning wheels and see if you can run through those
real quick. And I'm not moving the same way. And
I'm not going to reveal how old no one.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
No one does, but why you should maybe get a
younger guy, but that the Broncos still can do that.
So if that begs a question for you too, like, okay, well,
I'm in favor of the Broncos bringing in the veteran
guy and also keep you know, having a rookie too
as well, because when you look at the Broncos running
back room and Javante isn't here anymore.
Speaker 3 (22:44):
And George Payton said to himself.
Speaker 4 (22:45):
When you look at the guy who was able to
stand in there and pick up a Blinz. No one
did it better than Javante. So when you look at
the Broncos rosters, okay, well, Julia McLoughlin, all drick.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Estimate who, by the way, didn't even play in the
Bills game, right, tala is a bid day?
Speaker 2 (23:04):
Was he called the day?
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Now it is bod Day.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
So all those guys, and once again, I'm not trying
to cast spurs in on anyone, but we're just talking
pure football and pure production of those guys. Would you
be willing to take any one of those guys over JK.
Dobbins or Kareem Hunt?
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Yes or no.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
No, as it stands, I don't think that there's been
anything that we've seen that would put them ahead of
the game there, which is why I think you could
rehaul and retool this room exactly as you see fit
and kind of draft somebody new in and replace that
value there that you wouldn't already get with what exists
on the current Denver Broncos roster.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
No.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
On JK.
Speaker 5 (23:42):
Dobbins, I don't think anyone's close to that level. Julia McLoughlin.
I think the speed element he brings is I value
that a little more than what Kareem Hunt would give me.
Though Kaream Hunt has the past protection ability you want
to protect Poe Nicks.
Speaker 3 (23:55):
Those two are close to me, I'd say those who
are very close for me. See for me, I like
I like Hunt because he still is a due thread.
You can handle it off to him.
Speaker 4 (24:06):
Those fourth and short, those gold lines, those third and ones,
he can pick that up.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
But also he's great in the screen game as.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
Well, so you're gonna ultimately help out in pass protection
as well.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
So you're getting well, yeah, we just think about what
we're talking about.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
Remember what I said earlier, it's the most production for
the value and versatility is king because last year when
Jalil was entered into the game, what did defensive units
know already?
Speaker 2 (24:34):
They already knew what was coming, they knew they knew.
Speaker 3 (24:37):
It was like, let's change it up. I think Kareem
Hunt is a big tail too.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
I don't think he was doing that much in Kansas
City outside of those three four yards runs.
Speaker 3 (24:45):
Now you gotta keep him money.
Speaker 2 (24:47):
Let me step in here.
Speaker 3 (24:49):
How was gonna tail? Because I don't think he offers
a very expansive skill set at the running back position.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
I think he can pass protect for you where he
can kind of fall forward for two yards. He hasn't
averaged over four yards per carry. He hasn't even average
four yards per krry since twenty twenty one, hasn't gone
over three point seven since.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Twenty twenty two.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
The cream hun's ability to turn his wheels out there.
Speaker 3 (25:11):
Yes, I mean twenty four speed Chiefs.
Speaker 5 (25:15):
He's one of the slower starting running backs in the nfl'sive.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Line had a little bit to do with that, I
think simply.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
I mean they're one of the best offensive guards in
the league.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
They are in protecting Patrick Patrick Mahomes.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Listen, I can understand you wanting a home run threat.
You still can have that in Juliu or drafting another
running back. Well, what it comes down to is getting
those tough yards right. You want a running back, And
I'm gonna speak to you from a defensive standpoint.
Speaker 3 (25:46):
Like I play with guys who were afraid of guys
like Fred Taylor.
Speaker 4 (25:52):
Those big running backs that are coming downhill, they may
not have the same speed they had when they first
came out. They may not run a ford to It
may be a four to sixty seven that they're breaking
those times. But all I know is when they're coming downhill,
you're moving the hell out of the way right and
you're trying to soften guys up. That's the one thing
that the Broncos offense from the run game standpoint, didn't
(26:15):
really have a guy that was going to run between
the tackles and really soften things up. So maybe a
Jelil McLoughlin can come in and did.
Speaker 3 (26:24):
Slice and dice.
Speaker 2 (26:25):
You're making me think too that that's kind of a
problem with the offense as a whole. Predictability aside. I
don't think you're really cutting up defenses. There was a
lot of I know what they're going to do here,
that most likely they're going to go through the air,
and there's not a lights out connection. Although BONICKX and
Courtland Sutton was a great chemistry evolution there and it
was a great tool for Bonnicks, but there's nothing that's
(26:47):
really cutting into individuals and challenging players on opponents defenses
to really get an offense that's high powered and explosive,
and that's what we talked about it a lot through
the season that just lacked explosivity.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Is Kareem Hunt somebody who adds spark to that room.
Speaker 4 (27:04):
I for me from my standpoint, I say yes, because
let's think about what Sean Payton wants this offense to be.
He wants it to be explosive in the passing game,
not the running game. The passing game last year showed
us exactly that. So as Zach you mentioned about Kareem
Hunting not being that fast, all you need to do
(27:25):
is keep it in second and manageable.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
Second and manageable. Now, with Kareem Hunting the.
Speaker 4 (27:30):
Backfield or that type of back the defense gotta respect
that because they got to come down here because they
don't know if it's a run.
Speaker 3 (27:37):
They don't know if it's a pass. Now you pull
it out little Pope fake and Pope fake.
Speaker 4 (27:41):
All that is is you show the defensive ball, you
mesh point, you put in the belly of the running back.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
You pull it out.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
By that time you got all those lineback and stepping
up and guess what you got to tie it.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
End running right down the hashes and you throw it
to him. Now credit whords do.
Speaker 5 (27:57):
I was looking up Kareem Hunt's numbers and he's one
of the better backs in the league in terms of
staying ahead of the sticks.
Speaker 3 (28:02):
So you're talking about avoiding those third and lungs. Just
sit in the league in rushing success rate, Mike Guy,
rico'dowell right there at six. So we're thinking somewhat similarly.
Speaker 5 (28:11):
I'll give myself credit there, but I do think Sean
Payton also values.
Speaker 3 (28:16):
The explosiveness in the run game. You know, he's the
same guy.
Speaker 5 (28:18):
Who drafted Reggie Busch second overall and Alvin Kamara was
nothing if not explosive.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
That said, maybe you're better served to going that or
serving that need in the draft. Okay, you bring that up.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
How successful were those Let me rephrase that the part
of the game that you're talking about with Reggie Bush.
Speaker 3 (28:35):
And Alba Kamara. Those guys were successful.
Speaker 4 (28:39):
In the screen game because you get them out on
the perimeter where there's less defenders, in more space and.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
More room to run. Yes, but they were also very
and they were very dynamic there.
Speaker 5 (28:49):
But I think they were very explosive runners in their
own right out of the backfield.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Very true.
Speaker 4 (28:55):
But go back and look at the running backs that
play for tem Payton, Deuce, Yeah, Latavius.
Speaker 3 (29:03):
Murray, you know Ingram played there as well.
Speaker 4 (29:08):
It was kind of bigger body type backs guys that
can wear down the defense because you do need speed guys.
Don't get me wrong in that you need the guys
who have that explosion. Once they get to the second level,
it is hard to catch them. They rarely do you
see guys catching them from behind.
Speaker 3 (29:24):
But you still need.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Blood, force, trauma. You need a guy from physicality standpoint.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
It wasn't adric Estimate supposed to be that this year
for then what did you say you or is you
said yeah, I'm speaking for potential to be the most
dangerous thing you can possibly do, and talk about the
idea that there was supposed to be this entry into
the pack in where that was your bowling ball, and
it was to take away from what Chavonte Williams probably
(29:54):
isn't still physically capable of doing.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Right.
Speaker 2 (29:56):
His skill set had to evolve a little bit after
that injury. But it didn't turn out the way that
we had hoped. But I don't think you're really necessarily
throwing in the towel on Estimate's production. What he's able
to do physicality physically, just due to his physicality, he's
a giant human.
Speaker 1 (30:13):
I was hoping that that would be the more crashing
bashed running back.
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Yeah, but for some reason, that is honest, beknownst to me,
it just didn't manifest that way.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
Wasn't it from a lack of talent or no?
Speaker 4 (30:28):
I mean Alldrick estimated was that dude at Notre Dame. Yeah,
So I don't know what happened. The only thing that
I can think is that maybe when he fumbled the
ball and he was put on the shelf for a while,
that wrecked his confidence. And I can tell you this,
if you get a running back and he's fum with
before and then you put him back out there, he's
(30:51):
not thinking about how quick he can he hit the hole.
Speaker 3 (30:54):
You know what, he's thinking about holding onto the.
Speaker 4 (30:57):
Ball with two hands, which slows him down, which he
is thinking and not reacting.
Speaker 3 (31:03):
Right when you are thinking and you're not reacting, it
slows you down.
Speaker 4 (31:08):
And the way that I've heard at phrase in my
time playing in the league, especially being around Bill Parcells,
a running back that fumbles is someone else's running back.
He is someone else's problem, because you can't told the
rocks for us if you're constantly putting.
Speaker 3 (31:26):
In on the turf.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
I mean, we saw a play out with a Melvyn
Gordon you have and all those how much was he
in his head? It was all And it's a mindset.
You talk about the instincts of if you're not reacting,
if you're not reactionary in that you're losing half seconds,
half steps and missteps. And I don't think that you
can afford that at the NFL speed, And maybe that
that's something that he can and speaking of he estimate
(31:50):
can prove on in the future. But there's free agency
frenzies which you can keep up with the Broncos Free
Agency tracker from our very own Zac sears On. Let's
talk at Broncos dot com being updated and all the
waiting that we have done. But what about the players
who are due in twenty twenty six. They're in this
position right now. What decisions need to be made soon
that keeps them current and on the team, nice and happy.
(32:12):
This Sproncos Country Night KA eight fifty AM ninety four
one FM.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.