Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Tremendous job behind the glass. And you know what that
opened means. It's what the funk? On a Wednesday with
Broncos color analyst Rick Lewis, Rick, how you doing tonight?
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Man?
Speaker 3 (00:09):
Do it okay?
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Grant? Nick? What the funk?
Speaker 4 (00:12):
I came home with a cold that I got in London,
and I think I got it from what they call
an American werewolf. In London, I was hanging around on
the moors for real, seriously.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
By the hotel.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
Spent a lot of time just walking through the countryside.
I think where wolf might have got bit me or something. Man,
because I started feeling bad Sunday morning, game day of
all times, right, and you guys know the feeling when
you think.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Oh man, I'm getting sick.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Yep, And I called the game with a fever and
I actually had to take off, you know, a couple
of layers of clothing. I asked Dave. I said, hey, man,
I'm burning up. Is it okay if I call the
game and a T shirt? He's like, yeah, go ahead, man,
whatever you got to do. First time I've ever done that.
Then I thought I had it beat. When we got
back on the bus after the game, I'm like, hey,
(01:04):
you guys, I feel better. I think I think I'm
gonna beat this thing. Then we fly all night back
to Denver. I woke up the next day wrecked. So yeah,
a werewolf got me in London.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, that sounds like you need to write a new
song for the Rick Lewis Project.
Speaker 5 (01:17):
Hey, man, I recover some were wolves in London.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
To be an easy choice.
Speaker 6 (01:24):
Only thing I thought of you I was listening to
you telling that story was uh, ohio players five.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Yeah, one of my favorite songs too, man five. Yeah,
great song from the seventies. Hey, Nick, I'm sure you
played a game is when you were sick. I mean
everybody does same thing. You know, as a broadcaster, you know,
you just gotta you do what you gotta do. Matt
Peart the Broncos left guard. Yeah, they played the whole
game with a torn mcl so, uh, you know you
(01:56):
just gotta be tough man.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You got a man up, Well, I got it?
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Well, what would that being said?
Speaker 6 (01:59):
Becaucause the idea was that Matt Parrott played through an injury,
and Ben Powers before him will play the left guard
position played through an injury, and the idea is that okay, Well,
why push those two guys to play through those injuries?
Speaker 3 (02:14):
One did they not tell the team how badly.
Speaker 6 (02:17):
They were hurting or the team did they know and
they looked at their backups and said, well, those guys
are not ready. So when you look at that situation
and great, though, those guys powering through that is awesome.
What do you think that was about. Do you think
it was more about you know, not having a guy
ready to play or the players possibly not letting on
how injured they were.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
Yeah, I think it's a combination of all of that.
And it's the interesting Ben Powers. His injury happened near
the end of the game, so I could see how
you know, he was able to finish the game, but
part they're saying on the third play of the game
he injured his knee. Now, in his case, he may
have looked at the situation that said, hey, man, I'm
last man standing now, you know, I got to just
(03:01):
gut this out, and all the guys on the team
are giving him big props for doing that and hopefully
he'll be okay. You can really do some damage when
you're going to play an entire football game with a
torn ligament in your knee, But kudos to him. You know,
some guys are just built a little bit different, you know,
And Matt Peart's been a journeyman. He's been a guy
(03:22):
in the bubble every year. Nick, I'm sure you can relate.
And he's he was thinking, man, I can't get hurt today,
and I'm not going to get hurt today.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And he played the entire game. He didn't play well.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
You know, we were all wondering, like, you know, what's
going on here with with Matt Peart. I was expecting better.
But now in hindsight, we know why. You know, he
was gutting it out.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Bronco's color analyst and now where Wolf rick lewis joining
us on Broncos Country. So we lost a couple offensive
linemen to injury in the past couple of weeks, but
we got a big return on the defense. Dray Greenlaw
back at practice today and according to Dave Logan earlier
on a Sports he definitely thinks he's playing this weekend
against the Giants. What could this mean for the linebacking
(04:05):
corps and the defense as a whole. Who's already clicking
on all cylinders.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
He's a dog man.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
We all know that, But what if Sean Payton said.
Sean Payton said, he reminds him of Mike Tyson. You
couldn't get a better compliment for a warrior, and Drake
Greenlaw is that on the football field, you know what.
I hate to say it, but I'll believe it when
I see it. He hasn't played the entire season, He's
(04:30):
missed most of training camp, he didn't play much last year.
It would be great if he comes back healthy. He'd
be a huge.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Addition to an already elite defense.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
I gotta say, I think Justin Stronads played pretty darn good.
In fact, I think better than expected. Alex Singleton seems
to slowly be coming around to me as well. I
think he started really slow. I don't think he was
really fully recovered from that ACL from last year. But yeah,
you bring green Law back in the mix, and then
(05:02):
maybe Drew Sanders at some point.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Man, you've really got something now on defense.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
Well, let's stick on that side of the bar, because
I have been pounding the table since last season when
I started calling this Broncos defense mcgiver for the way
they continue to show up.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now I've gotten my high profit.
Speaker 6 (05:22):
On board Grant is now on board. Ryan Edwards is
very stubborn. But I'll ask you, if you were to
give this Broncos defense, I know it's early to give
them a nickname. You know, what would be a fitting
nickname and what in the funk type of way.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Well, based on that game we watched in London, I
would call them American Werewolves. They showed up in London, man,
and that's one of the best defense performances I've ever witnessed,
maybe the best ever.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
When you hold the.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Team to minus twen passing yards and you get nine sacks.
I mean, they just completely dominated the New York Jets.
You know, the one thing I think that this defense
can do better, they have to start forcing some turnovers.
In four of six games they have not forced a turnover,
So there's one area where they could improve. But other
(06:22):
than that, Man, you got to be pretty excited about
this defense, especially you Nick, being a defensive player. There's
nothing more fun, I think than playing on a really
good defense, man, because defense is a lot different than
playing on the offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Man.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
You know, offense, it's all structured. You know, in a defense,
you're reacting and you're reacting in a very organized way,
but it's way more aggressive and it's way more fun
and the reaction and it's a different dog that plays
defense than guys that play offense, as you know. And
(06:59):
I think it's got to be really fun to be
on this football team right now on the defensive side
of the ball.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
You sound like you are a defensive minded the type vannalyst.
And I'm loving everything that I'm hearing because once again,
everything in this league has been kind of pushed towards
propping up the offense, the play callers, the guys who
are under center, and rarely do you hear people speak
(07:25):
about a defense the way that you said eloqu when
he spoke about the Broncos defense. And I think it's time,
you know, Rick, for that to actually to happen. So
Greg gave some stats earlier when we were I and
I were on the other night that the Broncos right
now are.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
At thirty sacks on the season.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Were they trending towards Grant eighty five?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Eighty five?
Speaker 6 (07:47):
Now, remember last year they had sixty three. Now, I
know you talked about the Broncos not having any turnovers.
Would you be satisfied with the Broncos defense if they
finished the season no turnovers, but they reached that point
of like eighty four sacks, well, that's a great question.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
I think I'd like to see more turnovers than you know,
shattering the sack record, because turnovers change the game. You
force the turnover, you're gonna win football games. Sacks are great,
of course, but I'd like to see them get more turnovers.
I you know, when what we're seeing here with this
(08:29):
pass rush, it's complimentary, you know. So the great pass
rush elevates the back end of the defense and the
back end of defense, which is also really really good,
especially with PS two and Riley Moss and hof I'm
and the rest of them. They elevate the pass rush,
so they're working together. Complimentary, that's what you call complimentary football.
(08:52):
And it just feeds on itself the pass rush in
the secondary. I mean, this is a perfect combination right now.
The week link has been the inside linebacker play. Although
I mentioned earlier Strenad's gotten better. In fact, I think
he's been pretty impressive. Singleton continues to get better. You
get green Law in there, now you might have something
(09:14):
really really special. I mean comparable to what we saw
the Super Bowl fifty year for this Denver Broncos defense.
Speaker 5 (09:22):
Yeah, I think you're right.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And of course they're honoring the Super Bowl fifty team
in Damarius Thomas against the Giants this weekend and in
power field at Mile High. And we got to talk
about the Giants because I think the Broncos have a
chance to get some turnovers against the young quarterback rookie
Jackson Dart. But Cam Skataboo, Man, how good does it
feel for you to be right about him, your Arizona
(09:43):
State player that you said was going to be a
wrecking ball in the NFL, just like he was in
college football, and it's proven to be true.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Thank you for giving me my flowers on that grant. Yes,
I've been talking up Scataboo for two years now, and
that being said, I'm a fan. But of course I
want the Denver Broncos to win. I want up to
win big against the Giants. But Scattaboo, fourth round draft pick,
this is the guy. Here's another thing, Nick, I think
you can relate to. He was a zero star recruit
(10:14):
in high school. Nobody wanted him, and despite the fact
the guy had I think He had like over thirty
five hundred yards rushing in one year in high school
with like forty two touchdowns. Nobody wanted this guy. Sacramento
State offered him. He played their two seasons, played great.
He was big s guy player of the year. So
then he goes to Arizona State once again. He plays
(10:35):
grade at Arizona State and still nobody in the NFL
was impressed with this dude. And man, now he is
the talk and the sensation of the NFL. I was
just seeing today Pro Football Focus has him as the
second highest graded running back in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
So big props to him.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
And you know, he should be an inspiration for underdogs
everywhere because that's what he's been his entire life. And
he's gonna be fun to watch on Sunday. That being said,
go Broncos. Broncos got to get a win on Sunday
against this Giants team.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
We can tell you a radio pro how did you
know we were going to talk about Pro Football Focus in.
Speaker 5 (11:10):
The next segment and grading players?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
And I think that's perfect that he is the second
ranked player in PFF for running backs, But I don't
know if they should keep grading players and we'll talk
about more more about that later on in the show.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Yeah, how did I know I could need the cough medicine?
Speaker 4 (11:27):
Talking now? Yeah, I don't remember the game Sunday. I
don't know what we just talked about.
Speaker 6 (11:34):
Well, you know what big game on Sunday for the
for the Broncos. Obviously you have the Giants coming into town.
And I don't know about you, Rake. At the beginning
of the season, as I started looking at this stretch
of games, I counted the Jets game and the game
against the Giants as w's. But right now, based on
the way that Cam Scautabule and Brian Dabol and Jackson
(11:55):
Darted playing, I can't really say that that is going
to be somewhat of a pushover type of game. What
do you expecting because when you look at the Giants defensively,
they can get after the quarterback just like the Broncos
defense can get after the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
That front four for the Giants I think is very,
very talented and kind of nasty too. That could be
a challenge for the Broncos. Certainly the offensive line beat
up now with whoever is going to play left guard
on Sunday, I think it's probably gonna be Pelchesky is
what it looks like. We'll see what he can do. Yeah,
(12:33):
I feel like on Sunday the bubble is going to
burst a little bit for Jackson Dart. You know, he's electric.
His energy is contagious, just like Scataboo. I think Skataboo
will play better Sunday than Dart. I think Dart is
about to find out what it's like playing against the
best pass rush in the National Football League. I think
(12:55):
you'll see him make some mistakes. I'm not so much
worried about him as I am Scataboo, you know, just
running the ball right down their throats. You know, at
times the Broncos defense has been vulnerable against the run.
That's what that doesn't happen on Sunday. But he Scataboo
scares me more than dark does.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
I think Scataboo scares everybody that looks at him. One
last question for you Rick on the ka Common Spirit
l Tex line five six six nine zero. This from
the seven to Zho. Did Rick ride the countryside on
the right side of the road while he was over
the pond?
Speaker 4 (13:29):
I never, you know, I talked about running a motorcycle
over there.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
I did not, and I'll tell you why. We took
a couple uber.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
Rides there that kind of scared me a bit, even
just being in the in the uber on that left.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Side of the road. They've got all these roundabouts.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Man, it's like one roundabout after another, and I got
very confused. And these guys they drive really fast out there.
They look they're just ripping around these roundabouts. And so
I decided I made a smart choice that I wasn't
going to run a motorcycle. But I had a free
day Saturday. It would have been great to explore the
countryside in the motorcycle. Maybe next time.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Yeah, Instead, you're just getting by a werewolf.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
If we hear you how on Sunday's broadcast, we'll know why.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Thanks as always for the tip.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
You seem to be growing a little more body here.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
To give some of that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
To the top of Benjamin Albright's head, would.
Speaker 4 (14:20):
You, well you could use so, all right, I'll do it,
thanks as always.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Rick, all right, guys, thank you that broncos color Anlester
Rick lewis.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Ready I mean donating.
Speaker 6 (14:34):
So now you're donating chess hair? Are you donating our
bit hair?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Too as well.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I think whatever band can get in that little bald spot.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
On top of his head, he'll take it.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Rick's the best, joining us even when he's under the weather.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
What a guy.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
Now we talk about the cosmic professional for real. Yeah,
that is Ray.
Speaker 6 (14:54):
He had no reason to join us being sick. But
I know you mentioned cough syrup. Now, remember when I
was a kid, my grandmother used to mix cough syrup
and yak together. And what I mean by yack that kolnak. Yes,
now she never gave me to us, but she drinks it.
So I'm wondering, is he dealing with a little of
(15:15):
that con conscient to help him kind of relieve that
that that chest pain?
Speaker 5 (15:19):
Little three six mafia style?
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Yes, Hey, I won I won't recommend it, but we've
all had our time there the five six six nine.
You know Collin spirit health text line from the eight
one six Harold Wade Phillips equals eighteen letters.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Vance Desmond Joseph equals eighteen letters.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
It's Destiny going back to you mentioning that this is
Advance's second stint after being a head coach.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Yes, saying now, DC, maybe we're super Bowl bound.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
Listen, you know it could happen this year if the
offense comes along and finds her groove like the defense.
And that's the that's the the great part of where
the Broncos find themselves right now because they haven't played
that type of offensive game.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Now, someone would argue and say, well, hey.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
They did against the Cincinnati Bingals, but I'm like, you
were supposed to do that.
Speaker 5 (16:13):
Yeah, it could have done more, Yeah you could have
done more, but.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
Now it was like it's a continuation and continue to
put back the back games together.
Speaker 5 (16:20):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
And we're going to hear some of your conversation with
the legendary Wade Phillips coming up next on Broncos Country
Night on KAA fifty am ninety four to one FM.
Smith filling in for Benjamin Allbright alongside Nick Ferguson and
our guy Zach Seekers doing a great job behind the glass.
Speaker 5 (16:39):
Got to give Segar some love.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
You know, he had never touched a board before he
started working here, and now.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
It's like I'm back there running that just seamless.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
So I wanted to give Seger some props learn from
the best best in the this Grant Smith right here.
Speaker 5 (16:53):
So thank you.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
We did that last night when we have shared validation.
So zach c I'm sitting here too, so if you
want to throw some praises my way, I'll take them.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Hey, I'll say this about Nick Ferguson.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Man, he makes me feel like what it must have
felt like to be a rookie at an NFL locker room.
I'll just be hanging out, going about my business and
He'll pop in and give me some incredible words of
wisdom and insight and motivation out of the blue, and
I'm like, all right, I'm ready to run Ryans truly live.
Speaker 5 (17:24):
Now let's go.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Yes, yes, you know what. And once again, man, it's
all about.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
Paying it forward when you see individuals like yourself working
hard and I know how difficult this injury, this industry
can actually be and trying to get into it, and
now that you're into it, maybe not in the exact
way that you want to, but you're still in the
path where you can kind of push.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
To upward movement.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
But for me, it's like I want to give encouragement
because here's what I know about life. And sometimes in
this industry, see, you're gonna be told more or less
more times what you did wrong. Opposed validated for what
you did right. So for me, I just felt it's
on my heart when I see people like yourself working
hard like Grant to pass out along, I think that
(18:11):
goes a long way to validate people for what it.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Is that they do well.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
I'm extremely grateful for it, and I'm curious, do you
think that colored your coaching the philosophy or style when
you were learning with the Super Bowl fifty Broncos or
the Kyle Shanahan forty nine ers later on?
Speaker 6 (18:28):
Yeah, I did, because once again, here's a great thing
about being around Way Phillips. And I love this man
dearly because just like David Bruin said that Way gave
him a chance.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Way gave me my opportunity to in Buffalo. And I've
been around Way. I did a.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Coaching internship here when both he and Vance were in Houston.
I did a coaching internship there. And he is a
very even kill guy. He's like that Grandpaul that he
wanted to go over to his house because he got
all the good treats and he's gonna let you jump
on the sofa where your parents won't let you jump
from the sofa at home. He's that guy and you
love him for you know, when you hear David Boutin
(19:08):
talking about Wade and the way that he is for me,
it just feels my heart because I know that Wade
is the type of guy that cares and being around
him in Buffalo and the places that I've been, Yes,
that's how to impact on me and how I approach players,
how I try to educate players.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
On the game of life and the game of football.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Well, speaking of Wade Phillips, you had a chance to
catch up with him on your tremendous show, The Nick
ferg Show, and he talked about that Super Bowl fifty
team and dealing with personalities like Vaughan de Marcus and
many others.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
Yeah, put to leave in there somewhere.
Speaker 6 (19:45):
No, I.
Speaker 8 (19:47):
Think the better players have those kind of personalities. I
mean they're outgoing. The best players I've.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Been around, you know, been that way.
Speaker 8 (19:56):
They're you know, they're not afraid to say, coach, where
you think we're going to do this for that or
change this. So getting feedback from the players sometimes, you know,
coaches are too authoritarian where you know the same as
this and that's the way.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
We do it. But you know, certain different players.
Speaker 8 (20:12):
You know, different players do it different ways and could
get it done, so.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
They were great to work with it that way.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
You know, there's there's plenty of different coaching styles, but
it seems like Wade was a player's coach.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
But he also didn't become too buddy buddy.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
He still got the best out of the guys and
they knew that he demanded excellence.
Speaker 6 (20:30):
Yeah, and that's kind of the way that you have
to kind of juggling and to manage it as a coach,
because for me, you don't want to be too stern
and to me, you don't want to give too many
freedoms where it's such a Lasa dais ago attitude because remember,
you know, the last Brunkles coach, it just seemed as
though that was the case with that. Then you hack
(20:50):
it and then when the team needed a swift kick
in the butt, now you're trying to be assertive and
they're like, wait a minute. You were a playful guy
at first, and now you're trying to be a stern guy.
And I know Wade has been criticized for the way
that he coaches, but for me, I love it.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
I love the way that he coached.
Speaker 6 (21:09):
And being able to understand your players and understand, like
he mentioned a guy like a keep to Leave, It's like, because,
once again, how did you corral that group of guys?
You got Bradley Robe with Chris Harris, Darren Stewart, David
Brutman was on that team, right, and a keep to
Leave and TJ. Ward just think about that.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Job.
Speaker 6 (21:34):
No, and then Joe Woods was the defensive back coach
you know at the time, trying to keep all those
guys together. But there was a certain level of respect
that they had for guys. And sometimes it's almost like kids.
As a parent, you give them enough rope, enough runway,
and then you have to know how to reel those
(21:54):
guys in. And we saw a play out with Super
Bowl fifty because that defense within itself.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
And I don't think I'm out of pocket.
Speaker 6 (22:03):
And I'll ask our resident to dever. Broncos historian Zach Seekers,
am I out of pocket by saying that Super Bowl
fifty team, they were the catalysts of that team getting
to the Super Bowl.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Oh not at all.
Speaker 7 (22:17):
Again, I think that's that's subjectively true. I figured dead on.
I mean, I don't know if there's any other way
you could interpret it, right, dam.
Speaker 5 (22:24):
I mean we saw the struggles to the offense.
Speaker 6 (22:26):
Yes, and that's why once again I'm just making a comparison.
Think about what that defense did with that Super Bowl
fifty team. And if we get the offense to come
to the party, bring your plastic cups, your ice, whatever
you want to bring. We just need you to come
to the party. We can flip this NFL right on
(22:47):
this head, and we can easily we would say that
bands would have now done exactly what way Phillips did.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
How about that.
Speaker 7 (22:57):
One point I thought David Brutin made that was so
dead on comparing those two units, was how clutch the
Super Bowl fifty defense was. I think there's five ten
games probably closer to ten you can go through that
year where if not for this one critical defensive play
in the biggest of moments, who knows if the Broncos
win that game, and if the Broncos drop any of
(23:19):
those games along the way, they're playing the AFC Championship
in Foxborough instead of Denver, who knows how that goes.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
I mean Week one, I think it was David.
Speaker 7 (23:28):
Bruden actually with a clutch interception to seal that one away.
Week two, you've got the Bradley Robie fumble six, and
I think you could go on and on and on
through just about every Broncos victory that year.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
Yeah, I think they won.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Like eleven to one score games or something that during
that Super Bowl run.
Speaker 5 (23:43):
I mean, absolutely incredible.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
And I think that's why Rick Lewis he made the
point earlier, like you asked him, do you want to
see more sacks or more turnovers?
Speaker 5 (23:51):
You want to see those game changing turnovers.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
And I know we.
Speaker 1 (23:54):
Talked about it off air, where you know, third down
sacks basically a turnover, but the momentum shift you get
when you have a big fun force fumble in the
recovery or a pick six, it's just hard to It's
hard to replicate that with any other play on the field.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
It is hard.
Speaker 6 (24:09):
And obviously when there's a turnover that leads to points
or puts the offense and advertageous position where they can
score points. To me, that now goes into that stat
turnover differential, the number of turnovers offense have given up
and surrender opposed to the ones that the defense have
taken away. And for me, yes, you don't want to
(24:32):
force turnovers the ideas.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
That they should come, and when they come, they come
in bunches. The ideas.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
Don't play outside of the scheme trying to make something happen.
Do your job. I don't do anyone else's job. Do
your jobs. The players will happen. So the way that
the Broncos are playing right now, especially with that pass
us being what it is, the turnovers will come.
Speaker 5 (24:52):
The levee is gonna break.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
It's going to break.
Speaker 3 (24:55):
And if it doesn't.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
To me, if you're sacking quarterbacks the way that they
had and they continue to do it, that means all
the teams that they're playing Kansas City, right, teams like that,
that those teams are kind of been brought back down
to earth. They're not as dominating as they once were.
And to me, that's still a winning strategy. You're sacking quarterbacks,
(25:18):
you're preventing them from scoring. So is it a pick six? No,
but you're putting your quarterback back on the field.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
So I'm all for it.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
I know Rick Rick wanted, you know, more turnovers, that's great,
that's great, But I love this. I love the sacks
man because guess what, the sack force fumble is coming.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
Yes, it is coming.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
It is, especially when Jonathan Cooper and Nick Benito meet
in the backfield at the quarterback. I feel like it's
too early for this conversation. But if this trend continues
with Cooper and Nick Benito, do you think they have
a chance to become the best pass rush duo in
Broncos straight hodo in right now it's von Miller DeMarcus Ware. Okay,
(26:05):
that was the duo number one?
Speaker 5 (26:07):
Well, okay, so are we I mean saw Coop and Nick.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
I believe they led the league as a pass rushing
duo last year in sacks. They're probably going to do
that again this year with the pace that they're at.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
So are we.
Speaker 6 (26:17):
Talking Broncos duo edge rushers or we're talking Lee Why
just Broncos? Okay, as far as Broncos, yes, they have
the capability to actually do this, and you know what
happens helps them even more. Once again, if you get
the offense grooveing and the offensive scoring scoring points at
(26:39):
a high.
Speaker 5 (26:40):
Clip, playing with the lead.
Speaker 3 (26:41):
They're playing with the lead.
Speaker 6 (26:42):
They're putting pressure on the opposition because now the opposition
they can't have a balance attack anymore. They can't just
run the ball they now have to throw screens and
they have to get the ball down the field in
the vertical passing game, and you know what we love,
especially in the secondary tips and over those and that
I was with pressure. If you and Broncos country, I
(27:04):
know we're talking about this mcgiver defense. Well, this put
a colt together to motivate paid in this offense to
get going. Because if they get going, it' scoring more points.
That's more sacks and we get closer to eighty four.
Speaker 5 (27:17):
Yeah we could. I think we're on our way.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
Man, ridiculous eh four.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
Going back to that Super Bowl fifty team in your
conversation with Wade Phillips, I thought this was an incredible answer.
Speaker 5 (27:28):
You just asked her.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
You didn't ask him about the Super Bowl fifty team,
but you said, what were your favorite memories? And think
of his legendary coaching career and all the stops along
the way, and he said, what's your You said, what's
your favorite memory as a coach?
Speaker 5 (27:39):
And this is what he had to say.
Speaker 8 (27:41):
The Broncos team, I think one of the all time
best teams that Iver coached certainly did for defensively, you know,
we led the league in what eleven categories going into
the playoffs and then to beat Roethlisberger and Tom Brady
and Cam Newton, the MVP.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Of the league.
Speaker 8 (28:01):
I hold him to like twelve percent on third downs,
seven sacks in the Super Bowl, I mean scoring and
Test von Miller Player of the Super Bowl, Player of
the Game. You know, those are great memories, certainly.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
Man, what a cool answer, And that's that conversation, your
full conversation with him.
Speaker 5 (28:20):
Tell people where you can find it.
Speaker 6 (28:21):
Yeah, So that full conversation, the interview with Waye Phillips
will drop tomorrow morning. You can catch that and I'll
post a little lean for that on X and Igen
and TikTok. But you can find it tomorrow morning on
YouTube on my YouTube channel of the Nick Firks Show.
But it was great sitting down with Wade and just
giving a lot of football knowledge about his time as
(28:45):
a coach, just the philosophy that he has and also
you know, just being with the Broncos. And you're right,
I mean, his career spans a long time in the
league and he once was a defensive coordinator for the
Rams and they lost Super Bowl to Tom Brady and.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
They only gave up thirteen points.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
But once again, he's seen a lot and to know that,
like on his tagline, you guys should follow him on
X if you're not son of bum And to know
the history of his dad coaching, you know, down there
with the oilers and everything that they did. Man, he
just a great guy in the wealth of knowledge, and
(29:25):
it was a pleasure to just kind of sit down
and rent with him.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Five six six nine zero the Common Spirit health text line.
And speaking of that Super Bowl fifty tribute this weekend
at the Broncos and Giants game from the three to
zero three, our family bought extra tickets to the game
this weekend just because of the celebration. Well, you and
your family are going to have one hell of a time,
I'm sure, and hopefully we'll also get a Broncos win.
(29:48):
One other thing I wanted to get your thoughts on
before we have Sean Keeler coming up at the top
of the hour. JJ Watt was on Pat McFee show
earlier today and they're talking about Pro Football Focus. I
want to take you want you to take a listen
to this and tell me your thoughts on it.
Speaker 6 (30:03):
Is that some.
Speaker 9 (30:06):
Personal stories of Uber drivers telling NFL passengers that they
break down film for pfs and that they watched the
TV copy only and put a.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Grade out after the game.
Speaker 9 (30:24):
You can't watch film on the TV copy and create
a grade. You can't break down a person's grade and
know what they're supposed to do if you don't know
their exact assignment. Like d Butchers said it, I know
defensive line play unbelievably well. I could not go and
grade a game for a player and give him a
definitive grade without speaking to him, his coach, the scheme, everything.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
It's just a fact.
Speaker 9 (30:51):
THEFF has a ton of great sub player grading.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Sus stop putting it out.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
Hell yeah, we had so.
Speaker 1 (31:03):
Obviously the Pat McAfee show crew we're in agreeance with him,
and I am kind of too. I love all the
stats and the nerd analytical stuff you can get into
with PFF, but the grades and them showing them on
Sunday Night Football and you're like, oh, this offensive lineman
is ranked seventy second out of one hundred and seventeen, Like,
I don't think that should be there, and especially if
(31:25):
you got I don't know if there's a truth to this.
You heard Pat McFee say that Hooper Driver's trolling, but
if Uber drivers are just watching the TV copy of
the broadcast ingrading.
Speaker 5 (31:35):
Players, I mean, that just seems like it's not doing
a justice.
Speaker 3 (31:38):
You know what. This is just kind of the world
we live in now.
Speaker 6 (31:41):
And everyone has a phone, everyone has a blog, everyone
has a podcast. And they're individuals who feel as though
since they've been lifelong or lifers as far as the
sport is concerned, and they have an objective and sometimes
subjective opinion that somehow that makes them a football analysts.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
And some of.
Speaker 6 (32:02):
Them don't even work for reputable scouting organizations right well,
they feel as though they know how to break down
tape because guess what, I have a couple of friends
who are NFL scouts, So since I talked to them,
that somehow makes me.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
A scout as well.
Speaker 6 (32:20):
When I can break down film and I can tell
you this, I mean, I play the game in that
coach this game, and I had the luxury things to
the Broncos and George Payton, big shout out to him.
Had a chance to work with the scouting department last
year and it helped to enhance my perception and my
evaluation of this game.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
And then when I.
Speaker 6 (32:40):
See individuals give certain grades and you think, if you're
putting PFF grades on Sunday Night football, you got to think, well,
Chris Collinsworth is involved with that group. So that was
just another way to promote what he's doing. But don't
get out there acting as though you were a scout
when you're a.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
Basement scout, abasement scout. I like that term of Gris
Smith filling in for Benjamin Albright. Our very own wet
blanket is not with us tonight, so we thought we'd
bring in a guest West guest wet blanket, and that's
Sean Keeler from the Denver Post. He's coming up next
on Broncos Country tonight on KOA A fifty am ninety
four to one FM
Tremendous job behind the glass. And you know what that
opened means. It's what the funk? On a Wednesday with
Broncos color analyst Rick Lewis, Rick, how you doing tonight?
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Man?
Speaker 3 (00:09):
Do it okay?
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Grant? Nick? What the funk?
Speaker 4 (00:12):
I came home with a cold that I got in London,
and I think I got it from what they call
an American werewolf. In London, I was hanging around on
the moors for real, seriously.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
By the hotel.
Speaker 4 (00:25):
Spent a lot of time just walking through the countryside.
I think where wolf might have got bit me or something. Man,
because I started feeling bad Sunday morning, game day of
all times, right, and you guys know the feeling when
you think.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Oh man, I'm getting sick.
Speaker 4 (00:42):
Yep, And I called the game with a fever and
I actually had to take off, you know, a couple
of layers of clothing. I asked Dave. I said, hey, man,
I'm burning up. Is it okay if I call the
game and a T shirt? He's like, yeah, go ahead, man,
whatever you got to do. First time I've ever done that.
Then I thought I had it beat. When we got
back on the bus after the game, I'm like, hey,
(01:04):
you guys, I feel better. I think I think I'm
gonna beat this thing. Then we fly all night back
to Denver. I woke up the next day wrecked. So yeah,
a werewolf got me in London.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Well, that sounds like you need to write a new
song for the Rick Lewis Project.
Speaker 5 (01:17):
Hey, man, I recover some were wolves in London.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
To be an easy choice.
Speaker 6 (01:24):
Only thing I thought of you I was listening to
you telling that story was uh, ohio players five.
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Yeah, one of my favorite songs too, man five. Yeah,
great song from the seventies. Hey, Nick, I'm sure you
played a game is when you were sick. I mean
everybody does same thing. You know, as a broadcaster, you know,
you just gotta you do what you gotta do. Matt
Peart the Broncos left guard. Yeah, they played the whole
game with a torn mcl so, uh, you know you
(01:56):
just gotta be tough man.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You got a man up, Well, I got it?
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Well, what would that being said?
Speaker 6 (01:59):
Becaucause the idea was that Matt Parrott played through an injury,
and Ben Powers before him will play the left guard
position played through an injury, and the idea is that okay, Well,
why push those two guys to play through those injuries?
Speaker 3 (02:14):
One did they not tell the team how badly.
Speaker 6 (02:17):
They were hurting or the team did they know and
they looked at their backups and said, well, those guys
are not ready. So when you look at that situation
and great, though, those guys powering through that is awesome.
What do you think that was about. Do you think
it was more about you know, not having a guy
ready to play or the players possibly not letting on
how injured they were.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
Yeah, I think it's a combination of all of that.
And it's the interesting Ben Powers. His injury happened near
the end of the game, so I could see how
you know, he was able to finish the game, but
part they're saying on the third play of the game
he injured his knee. Now, in his case, he may
have looked at the situation that said, hey, man, I'm
last man standing now, you know, I got to just
(03:01):
gut this out, and all the guys on the team
are giving him big props for doing that and hopefully
he'll be okay. You can really do some damage when
you're going to play an entire football game with a
torn ligament in your knee, But kudos to him. You know,
some guys are just built a little bit different, you know,
And Matt Peart's been a journeyman. He's been a guy
(03:22):
in the bubble every year. Nick, I'm sure you can relate.
And he's he was thinking, man, I can't get hurt today,
and I'm not going to get hurt today.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And he played the entire game. He didn't play well.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
You know, we were all wondering, like, you know, what's
going on here with with Matt Peart. I was expecting better.
But now in hindsight, we know why. You know, he
was gutting it out.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Bronco's color analyst and now where Wolf rick lewis joining
us on Broncos Country. So we lost a couple offensive
linemen to injury in the past couple of weeks, but
we got a big return on the defense. Dray Greenlaw
back at practice today and according to Dave Logan earlier
on a Sports he definitely thinks he's playing this weekend
against the Giants. What could this mean for the linebacking
(04:05):
corps and the defense as a whole. Who's already clicking
on all cylinders.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
He's a dog man.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
We all know that, But what if Sean Payton said.
Sean Payton said, he reminds him of Mike Tyson. You
couldn't get a better compliment for a warrior, and Drake
Greenlaw is that on the football field, you know what.
I hate to say it, but I'll believe it when
I see it. He hasn't played the entire season, He's
(04:30):
missed most of training camp, he didn't play much last year.
It would be great if he comes back healthy. He'd
be a huge.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Addition to an already elite defense.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
I gotta say, I think Justin Stronads played pretty darn good.
In fact, I think better than expected. Alex Singleton seems
to slowly be coming around to me as well. I
think he started really slow. I don't think he was
really fully recovered from that ACL from last year. But yeah,
you bring green Law back in the mix, and then
(05:02):
maybe Drew Sanders at some point.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Man, you've really got something now on defense.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
Well, let's stick on that side of the bar, because
I have been pounding the table since last season when
I started calling this Broncos defense mcgiver for the way
they continue to show up.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now I've gotten my high profit.
Speaker 6 (05:22):
On board Grant is now on board. Ryan Edwards is
very stubborn. But I'll ask you, if you were to
give this Broncos defense, I know it's early to give
them a nickname. You know, what would be a fitting
nickname and what in the funk type of way.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
Well, based on that game we watched in London, I
would call them American Werewolves. They showed up in London, man,
and that's one of the best defense performances I've ever witnessed,
maybe the best ever.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
When you hold the.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Team to minus twen passing yards and you get nine sacks.
I mean, they just completely dominated the New York Jets.
You know, the one thing I think that this defense
can do better, they have to start forcing some turnovers.
In four of six games they have not forced a turnover,
So there's one area where they could improve. But other
(06:22):
than that, Man, you got to be pretty excited about
this defense, especially you Nick, being a defensive player. There's
nothing more fun, I think than playing on a really
good defense, man, because defense is a lot different than
playing on the offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
Man.
Speaker 4 (06:39):
You know, offense, it's all structured. You know, in a defense,
you're reacting and you're reacting in a very organized way,
but it's way more aggressive and it's way more fun
and the reaction and it's a different dog that plays
defense than guys that play offense, as you know. And
(06:59):
I think it's got to be really fun to be
on this football team right now on the defensive side
of the ball.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 6 (07:05):
You sound like you are a defensive minded the type vannalyst.
And I'm loving everything that I'm hearing because once again,
everything in this league has been kind of pushed towards
propping up the offense, the play callers, the guys who
are under center, and rarely do you hear people speak
(07:25):
about a defense the way that you said eloqu when
he spoke about the Broncos defense. And I think it's time,
you know, Rick, for that to actually to happen. So
Greg gave some stats earlier when we were I and
I were on the other night that the Broncos right
now are.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
At thirty sacks on the season.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Were they trending towards Grant eighty five?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Eighty five?
Speaker 6 (07:47):
Now, remember last year they had sixty three. Now, I
know you talked about the Broncos not having any turnovers.
Would you be satisfied with the Broncos defense if they
finished the season no turnovers, but they reached that point
of like eighty four sacks, well, that's a great question.
Speaker 4 (08:06):
I think I'd like to see more turnovers than you know,
shattering the sack record, because turnovers change the game. You
force the turnover, you're gonna win football games. Sacks are great,
of course, but I'd like to see them get more turnovers.
I you know, when what we're seeing here with this
(08:29):
pass rush, it's complimentary, you know. So the great pass
rush elevates the back end of the defense and the
back end of defense, which is also really really good,
especially with PS two and Riley Moss and hof I'm
and the rest of them. They elevate the pass rush,
so they're working together. Complimentary, that's what you call complimentary football.
(08:52):
And it just feeds on itself the pass rush in
the secondary. I mean, this is a perfect combination right now.
The week link has been the inside linebacker play. Although
I mentioned earlier Strenad's gotten better. In fact, I think
he's been pretty impressive. Singleton continues to get better. You
get green Law in there, now you might have something
(09:14):
really really special. I mean comparable to what we saw
the Super Bowl fifty year for this Denver Broncos defense.
Speaker 5 (09:22):
Yeah, I think you're right.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
And of course they're honoring the Super Bowl fifty team
in Damarius Thomas against the Giants this weekend and in
power field at Mile High. And we got to talk
about the Giants because I think the Broncos have a
chance to get some turnovers against the young quarterback rookie
Jackson Dart. But Cam Skataboo, Man, how good does it
feel for you to be right about him, your Arizona
(09:43):
State player that you said was going to be a
wrecking ball in the NFL, just like he was in
college football, and it's proven to be true.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Thank you for giving me my flowers on that grant. Yes,
I've been talking up Scataboo for two years now, and
that being said, I'm a fan. But of course I
want the Denver Broncos to win. I want up to
win big against the Giants. But Scattaboo, fourth round draft pick,
this is the guy. Here's another thing, Nick, I think
you can relate to. He was a zero star recruit
(10:14):
in high school. Nobody wanted him, and despite the fact
the guy had I think He had like over thirty
five hundred yards rushing in one year in high school
with like forty two touchdowns. Nobody wanted this guy. Sacramento
State offered him. He played their two seasons, played great.
He was big s guy player of the year. So
then he goes to Arizona State once again. He plays
(10:35):
grade at Arizona State and still nobody in the NFL
was impressed with this dude. And man, now he is
the talk and the sensation of the NFL. I was
just seeing today Pro Football Focus has him as the
second highest graded running back in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
So big props to him.
Speaker 4 (10:53):
And you know, he should be an inspiration for underdogs
everywhere because that's what he's been his entire life. And
he's gonna be fun to watch on Sunday. That being said,
go Broncos. Broncos got to get a win on Sunday
against this Giants team.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
We can tell you a radio pro how did you
know we were going to talk about Pro Football Focus in.
Speaker 5 (11:10):
The next segment and grading players?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
And I think that's perfect that he is the second
ranked player in PFF for running backs, But I don't
know if they should keep grading players and we'll talk
about more more about that later on in the show.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Yeah, how did I know I could need the cough medicine?
Speaker 4 (11:27):
Talking now? Yeah, I don't remember the game Sunday. I
don't know what we just talked about.
Speaker 6 (11:34):
Well, you know what big game on Sunday for the
for the Broncos. Obviously you have the Giants coming into town.
And I don't know about you, Rake. At the beginning
of the season, as I started looking at this stretch
of games, I counted the Jets game and the game
against the Giants as w's. But right now, based on
the way that Cam Scautabule and Brian Dabol and Jackson
(11:55):
Darted playing, I can't really say that that is going
to be somewhat of a pushover type of game. What
do you expecting because when you look at the Giants defensively,
they can get after the quarterback just like the Broncos
defense can get after the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
That front four for the Giants I think is very,
very talented and kind of nasty too. That could be
a challenge for the Broncos. Certainly the offensive line beat
up now with whoever is going to play left guard
on Sunday, I think it's probably gonna be Pelchesky is
what it looks like. We'll see what he can do. Yeah,
(12:33):
I feel like on Sunday the bubble is going to
burst a little bit for Jackson Dart. You know, he's electric.
His energy is contagious, just like Scataboo. I think Skataboo
will play better Sunday than Dart. I think Dart is
about to find out what it's like playing against the
best pass rush in the National Football League. I think
(12:55):
you'll see him make some mistakes. I'm not so much
worried about him as I am Scataboo, you know, just
running the ball right down their throats. You know, at
times the Broncos defense has been vulnerable against the run.
That's what that doesn't happen on Sunday. But he Scataboo
scares me more than dark does.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
I think Scataboo scares everybody that looks at him. One
last question for you Rick on the ka Common Spirit
l Tex line five six six nine zero. This from
the seven to Zho. Did Rick ride the countryside on
the right side of the road while he was over
the pond?
Speaker 4 (13:29):
I never, you know, I talked about running a motorcycle
over there.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
I did not, and I'll tell you why. We took
a couple uber.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
Rides there that kind of scared me a bit, even
just being in the in the uber on that left.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Side of the road. They've got all these roundabouts.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Man, it's like one roundabout after another, and I got
very confused. And these guys they drive really fast out there.
They look they're just ripping around these roundabouts. And so
I decided I made a smart choice that I wasn't
going to run a motorcycle. But I had a free
day Saturday. It would have been great to explore the
countryside in the motorcycle. Maybe next time.
Speaker 5 (14:07):
Yeah, Instead, you're just getting by a werewolf.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
If we hear you how on Sunday's broadcast, we'll know why.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
Thanks as always for the tip.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
You seem to be growing a little more body here.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
To give some of that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
To the top of Benjamin Albright's head, would.
Speaker 4 (14:20):
You, well you could use so, all right, I'll do it,
thanks as always.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Rick, all right, guys, thank you that broncos color Anlester
Rick lewis.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Ready I mean donating.
Speaker 6 (14:34):
So now you're donating chess hair? Are you donating our
bit hair?
Speaker 3 (14:38):
Too as well.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I think whatever band can get in that little bald spot.
Speaker 5 (14:42):
On top of his head, he'll take it.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Rick's the best, joining us even when he's under the weather.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
What a guy.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
Now we talk about the cosmic professional for real. Yeah,
that is Ray.
Speaker 6 (14:54):
He had no reason to join us being sick. But
I know you mentioned cough syrup. Now, remember when I
was a kid, my grandmother used to mix cough syrup
and yak together. And what I mean by yack that kolnak. Yes,
now she never gave me to us, but she drinks it.
So I'm wondering, is he dealing with a little of
(15:15):
that con conscient to help him kind of relieve that
that that chest pain?
Speaker 5 (15:19):
Little three six mafia style?
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Yes, Hey, I won I won't recommend it, but we've
all had our time there the five six six nine.
You know Collin spirit health text line from the eight
one six Harold Wade Phillips equals eighteen letters.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Vance Desmond Joseph equals eighteen letters.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
It's Destiny going back to you mentioning that this is
Advance's second stint after being a head coach.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Yes, saying now, DC, maybe we're super Bowl bound.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
Listen, you know it could happen this year if the
offense comes along and finds her groove like the defense.
And that's the that's the the great part of where
the Broncos find themselves right now because they haven't played
that type of offensive game.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Now, someone would argue and say, well, hey.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
They did against the Cincinnati Bingals, but I'm like, you
were supposed to do that.
Speaker 5 (16:13):
Yeah, it could have done more, Yeah you could have
done more, but.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
Now it was like it's a continuation and continue to
put back the back games together.
Speaker 5 (16:20):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
And we're going to hear some of your conversation with
the legendary Wade Phillips coming up next on Broncos Country
Night on KAA fifty am ninety four to one FM.
Smith filling in for Benjamin Allbright alongside Nick Ferguson and
our guy Zach Seekers doing a great job behind the glass.
Speaker 5 (16:39):
Got to give Segar some love.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
You know, he had never touched a board before he
started working here, and now.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
It's like I'm back there running that just seamless.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
So I wanted to give Seger some props learn from
the best best in the this Grant Smith right here.
Speaker 5 (16:53):
So thank you.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
We did that last night when we have shared validation.
So zach c I'm sitting here too, so if you
want to throw some praises my way, I'll take them.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Hey, I'll say this about Nick Ferguson.
Speaker 7 (17:07):
Man, he makes me feel like what it must have
felt like to be a rookie at an NFL locker room.
I'll just be hanging out, going about my business and
He'll pop in and give me some incredible words of
wisdom and insight and motivation out of the blue, and
I'm like, all right, I'm ready to run Ryans truly live.
Speaker 5 (17:24):
Now let's go.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
Yes, yes, you know what. And once again, man, it's
all about.
Speaker 6 (17:29):
Paying it forward when you see individuals like yourself working
hard and I know how difficult this injury, this industry
can actually be and trying to get into it, and
now that you're into it, maybe not in the exact
way that you want to, but you're still in the
path where you can kind of push.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
To upward movement.
Speaker 6 (17:49):
But for me, it's like I want to give encouragement
because here's what I know about life. And sometimes in
this industry, see, you're gonna be told more or less
more times what you did wrong. Opposed validated for what
you did right. So for me, I just felt it's
on my heart when I see people like yourself working
hard like Grant to pass out along, I think that
(18:11):
goes a long way to validate people for what it.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Is that they do well.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
I'm extremely grateful for it, and I'm curious, do you
think that colored your coaching the philosophy or style when
you were learning with the Super Bowl fifty Broncos or
the Kyle Shanahan forty nine ers later on?
Speaker 6 (18:28):
Yeah, I did, because once again, here's a great thing
about being around Way Phillips. And I love this man
dearly because just like David Bruin said that Way gave
him a chance.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Way gave me my opportunity to in Buffalo. And I've
been around Way. I did a.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Coaching internship here when both he and Vance were in Houston.
I did a coaching internship there. And he is a
very even kill guy. He's like that Grandpaul that he
wanted to go over to his house because he got
all the good treats and he's gonna let you jump
on the sofa where your parents won't let you jump
from the sofa at home. He's that guy and you
love him for you know, when you hear David Boutin
(19:08):
talking about Wade and the way that he is for me,
it just feels my heart because I know that Wade
is the type of guy that cares and being around
him in Buffalo and the places that I've been, Yes,
that's how to impact on me and how I approach players,
how I try to educate players.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
On the game of life and the game of football.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
Well, speaking of Wade Phillips, you had a chance to
catch up with him on your tremendous show, The Nick
ferg Show, and he talked about that Super Bowl fifty
team and dealing with personalities like Vaughan de Marcus and
many others.
Speaker 3 (19:41):
Yeah, put to leave in there somewhere.
Speaker 6 (19:45):
No, I.
Speaker 8 (19:47):
Think the better players have those kind of personalities. I
mean they're outgoing. The best players I've.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Been around, you know, been that way.
Speaker 8 (19:56):
They're you know, they're not afraid to say, coach, where
you think we're going to do this for that or
change this. So getting feedback from the players sometimes, you know,
coaches are too authoritarian where you know the same as
this and that's the way.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
We do it. But you know, certain different players.
Speaker 8 (20:12):
You know, different players do it different ways and could
get it done, so.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
They were great to work with it that way.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
You know, there's there's plenty of different coaching styles, but
it seems like Wade was a player's coach.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
But he also didn't become too buddy buddy.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
He still got the best out of the guys and
they knew that he demanded excellence.
Speaker 6 (20:30):
Yeah, and that's kind of the way that you have
to kind of juggling and to manage it as a coach,
because for me, you don't want to be too stern
and to me, you don't want to give too many
freedoms where it's such a Lasa dais ago attitude because remember,
you know, the last Brunkles coach, it just seemed as
though that was the case with that. Then you hack
(20:50):
it and then when the team needed a swift kick
in the butt, now you're trying to be assertive and
they're like, wait a minute. You were a playful guy
at first, and now you're trying to be a stern guy.
And I know Wade has been criticized for the way
that he coaches, but for me, I love it.
Speaker 3 (21:07):
I love the way that he coached.
Speaker 6 (21:09):
And being able to understand your players and understand, like
he mentioned a guy like a keep to Leave, It's like, because,
once again, how did you corral that group of guys?
You got Bradley Robe with Chris Harris, Darren Stewart, David
Brutman was on that team, right, and a keep to
Leave and TJ. Ward just think about that.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Job.
Speaker 6 (21:34):
No, and then Joe Woods was the defensive back coach
you know at the time, trying to keep all those
guys together. But there was a certain level of respect
that they had for guys. And sometimes it's almost like kids.
As a parent, you give them enough rope, enough runway,
and then you have to know how to reel those
(21:54):
guys in. And we saw a play out with Super
Bowl fifty because that defense within itself.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
And I don't think I'm out of pocket.
Speaker 6 (22:03):
And I'll ask our resident to dever. Broncos historian Zach Seekers,
am I out of pocket by saying that Super Bowl
fifty team, they were the catalysts of that team getting
to the Super Bowl.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Oh not at all.
Speaker 7 (22:17):
Again, I think that's that's subjectively true. I figured dead on.
I mean, I don't know if there's any other way
you could interpret it, right, dam.
Speaker 5 (22:24):
I mean we saw the struggles to the offense.
Speaker 6 (22:26):
Yes, and that's why once again I'm just making a comparison.
Think about what that defense did with that Super Bowl
fifty team. And if we get the offense to come
to the party, bring your plastic cups, your ice, whatever
you want to bring. We just need you to come
to the party. We can flip this NFL right on
(22:47):
this head, and we can easily we would say that
bands would have now done exactly what way Phillips did.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
How about that.
Speaker 7 (22:57):
One point I thought David Brutin made that was so
dead on comparing those two units, was how clutch the
Super Bowl fifty defense was. I think there's five ten
games probably closer to ten you can go through that
year where if not for this one critical defensive play
in the biggest of moments, who knows if the Broncos
win that game, and if the Broncos drop any of
(23:19):
those games along the way, they're playing the AFC Championship
in Foxborough instead of Denver, who knows how that goes.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
I mean Week one, I think it was David.
Speaker 7 (23:28):
Bruden actually with a clutch interception to seal that one away.
Week two, you've got the Bradley Robie fumble six, and
I think you could go on and on and on
through just about every Broncos victory that year.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
Yeah, I think they won.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Like eleven to one score games or something that during
that Super Bowl run.
Speaker 5 (23:43):
I mean, absolutely incredible.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
And I think that's why Rick Lewis he made the
point earlier, like you asked him, do you want to
see more sacks or more turnovers?
Speaker 5 (23:51):
You want to see those game changing turnovers.
Speaker 3 (23:54):
And I know we.
Speaker 1 (23:54):
Talked about it off air, where you know, third down
sacks basically a turnover, but the momentum shift you get
when you have a big fun force fumble in the
recovery or a pick six, it's just hard to It's
hard to replicate that with any other play on the field.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
It is hard.
Speaker 6 (24:09):
And obviously when there's a turnover that leads to points
or puts the offense and advertageous position where they can
score points. To me, that now goes into that stat
turnover differential, the number of turnovers offense have given up
and surrender opposed to the ones that the defense have
taken away. And for me, yes, you don't want to
(24:32):
force turnovers the ideas.
Speaker 3 (24:35):
That they should come, and when they come, they come
in bunches. The ideas.
Speaker 6 (24:38):
Don't play outside of the scheme trying to make something happen.
Do your job. I don't do anyone else's job. Do
your jobs. The players will happen. So the way that
the Broncos are playing right now, especially with that pass
us being what it is, the turnovers will come.
Speaker 5 (24:52):
The levee is gonna break.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
It's going to break.
Speaker 3 (24:55):
And if it doesn't.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
To me, if you're sacking quarterbacks the way that they
had and they continue to do it, that means all
the teams that they're playing Kansas City, right, teams like that,
that those teams are kind of been brought back down
to earth. They're not as dominating as they once were.
And to me, that's still a winning strategy. You're sacking quarterbacks,
(25:18):
you're preventing them from scoring. So is it a pick six? No,
but you're putting your quarterback back on the field.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
So I'm all for it.
Speaker 6 (25:29):
I know Rick Rick wanted, you know, more turnovers, that's great,
that's great, But I love this. I love the sacks
man because guess what, the sack force fumble is coming.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
Yes, it is coming.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
It is, especially when Jonathan Cooper and Nick Benito meet
in the backfield at the quarterback. I feel like it's
too early for this conversation. But if this trend continues
with Cooper and Nick Benito, do you think they have
a chance to become the best pass rush duo in
Broncos straight hodo in right now it's von Miller DeMarcus Ware. Okay,
(26:05):
that was the duo number one?
Speaker 5 (26:07):
Well, okay, so are we I mean saw Coop and Nick.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
I believe they led the league as a pass rushing
duo last year in sacks. They're probably going to do
that again this year with the pace that they're at.
Speaker 3 (26:17):
So are we.
Speaker 6 (26:17):
Talking Broncos duo edge rushers or we're talking Lee Why
just Broncos? Okay, as far as Broncos, yes, they have
the capability to actually do this, and you know what
happens helps them even more. Once again, if you get
the offense grooveing and the offensive scoring scoring points at
(26:39):
a high.
Speaker 5 (26:40):
Clip, playing with the lead.
Speaker 3 (26:41):
They're playing with the lead.
Speaker 6 (26:42):
They're putting pressure on the opposition because now the opposition
they can't have a balance attack anymore. They can't just
run the ball they now have to throw screens and
they have to get the ball down the field in
the vertical passing game, and you know what we love,
especially in the secondary tips and over those and that
I was with pressure. If you and Broncos country, I
(27:04):
know we're talking about this mcgiver defense. Well, this put
a colt together to motivate paid in this offense to
get going. Because if they get going, it' scoring more points.
That's more sacks and we get closer to eighty four.
Speaker 5 (27:17):
Yeah we could. I think we're on our way.
Speaker 3 (27:19):
Man, ridiculous eh four.
Speaker 1 (27:22):
Going back to that Super Bowl fifty team in your
conversation with Wade Phillips, I thought this was an incredible answer.
Speaker 5 (27:28):
You just asked her.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
You didn't ask him about the Super Bowl fifty team,
but you said, what were your favorite memories? And think
of his legendary coaching career and all the stops along
the way, and he said, what's your You said, what's
your favorite memory as a coach?
Speaker 5 (27:39):
And this is what he had to say.
Speaker 8 (27:41):
The Broncos team, I think one of the all time
best teams that Iver coached certainly did for defensively, you know,
we led the league in what eleven categories going into
the playoffs and then to beat Roethlisberger and Tom Brady
and Cam Newton, the MVP.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
Of the league.
Speaker 8 (28:01):
I hold him to like twelve percent on third downs,
seven sacks in the Super Bowl, I mean scoring and
Test von Miller Player of the Super Bowl, Player of
the Game. You know, those are great memories, certainly.
Speaker 1 (28:15):
Man, what a cool answer, And that's that conversation, your
full conversation with him.
Speaker 5 (28:20):
Tell people where you can find it.
Speaker 6 (28:21):
Yeah, So that full conversation, the interview with Waye Phillips
will drop tomorrow morning. You can catch that and I'll
post a little lean for that on X and Igen
and TikTok. But you can find it tomorrow morning on
YouTube on my YouTube channel of the Nick Firks Show.
But it was great sitting down with Wade and just
giving a lot of football knowledge about his time as
(28:45):
a coach, just the philosophy that he has and also
you know, just being with the Broncos. And you're right,
I mean, his career spans a long time in the
league and he once was a defensive coordinator for the
Rams and they lost Super Bowl to Tom Brady and.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
They only gave up thirteen points.
Speaker 6 (29:04):
But once again, he's seen a lot and to know that,
like on his tagline, you guys should follow him on
X if you're not son of bum And to know
the history of his dad coaching, you know, down there
with the oilers and everything that they did. Man, he
just a great guy in the wealth of knowledge, and
(29:25):
it was a pleasure to just kind of sit down
and rent with him.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Five six six nine zero the Common Spirit health text line.
And speaking of that Super Bowl fifty tribute this weekend
at the Broncos and Giants game from the three to
zero three, our family bought extra tickets to the game
this weekend just because of the celebration. Well, you and
your family are going to have one hell of a time,
I'm sure, and hopefully we'll also get a Broncos win.
(29:48):
One other thing I wanted to get your thoughts on
before we have Sean Keeler coming up at the top
of the hour. JJ Watt was on Pat McFee show
earlier today and they're talking about Pro Football Focus. I
want to take you want you to take a listen
to this and tell me your thoughts on it.
Speaker 6 (30:03):
Is that some.
Speaker 9 (30:06):
Personal stories of Uber drivers telling NFL passengers that they
break down film for pfs and that they watched the
TV copy only and put a.
Speaker 2 (30:21):
Grade out after the game.
Speaker 9 (30:24):
You can't watch film on the TV copy and create
a grade. You can't break down a person's grade and
know what they're supposed to do if you don't know
their exact assignment. Like d Butchers said it, I know
defensive line play unbelievably well. I could not go and
grade a game for a player and give him a
definitive grade without speaking to him, his coach, the scheme, everything.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
It's just a fact.
Speaker 9 (30:51):
THEFF has a ton of great sub player grading.
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Sus stop putting it out.
Speaker 3 (30:59):
Hell yeah, we had so.
Speaker 1 (31:03):
Obviously the Pat McAfee show crew we're in agreeance with him,
and I am kind of too. I love all the
stats and the nerd analytical stuff you can get into
with PFF, but the grades and them showing them on
Sunday Night Football and you're like, oh, this offensive lineman
is ranked seventy second out of one hundred and seventeen, Like,
I don't think that should be there, and especially if
(31:25):
you got I don't know if there's a truth to this.
You heard Pat McFee say that Hooper Driver's trolling, but
if Uber drivers are just watching the TV copy of
the broadcast ingrading.
Speaker 5 (31:35):
Players, I mean, that just seems like it's not doing
a justice.
Speaker 3 (31:38):
You know what. This is just kind of the world
we live in now.
Speaker 6 (31:41):
And everyone has a phone, everyone has a blog, everyone
has a podcast. And they're individuals who feel as though
since they've been lifelong or lifers as far as the
sport is concerned, and they have an objective and sometimes
subjective opinion that somehow that makes them a football analysts.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
And some of.
Speaker 6 (32:02):
Them don't even work for reputable scouting organizations right well,
they feel as though they know how to break down
tape because guess what, I have a couple of friends
who are NFL scouts, So since I talked to them,
that somehow makes me.
Speaker 3 (32:19):
A scout as well.
Speaker 6 (32:20):
When I can break down film and I can tell
you this, I mean, I play the game in that
coach this game, and I had the luxury things to
the Broncos and George Payton, big shout out to him.
Had a chance to work with the scouting department last
year and it helped to enhance my perception and my
evaluation of this game.
Speaker 3 (32:39):
And then when I.
Speaker 6 (32:40):
See individuals give certain grades and you think, if you're
putting PFF grades on Sunday Night football, you got to think, well,
Chris Collinsworth is involved with that group. So that was
just another way to promote what he's doing. But don't
get out there acting as though you were a scout
when you're a.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
Basement scout, abasement scout. I like that term of Gris
Smith filling in for Benjamin Albright. Our very own wet
blanket is not with us tonight, so we thought we'd
bring in a guest West guest wet blanket, and that's
Sean Keeler from the Denver Post. He's coming up next
on Broncos Country tonight on KOA A fifty am ninety
four to one FM
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