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Showing posts with label Denver Broncos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Denver Broncos. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2015
What will this jersey resonate in a few weeks, few years, even a 'decade?!'
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Gary Kubiak sees NFL Teams signing two-point Specialists (Pro Football Talk)
Posted by Michael David Smith on Pro Football Talk of NBC Sports
Does the +NFL's new rule moving extra point kicks back 13 yards make much of a difference to how teams assemble their rosters?
It does according to Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, who sees NFL teams signing players specifically for their ability to score on two-point conversions.
“I think there [are] going to be two-point specialists from the standpoint of how you go about doing it. Coaching, those are things that you work on,” Kubiak said, via +Lindsay H. Jones of +USA TODAY Sports. “You probably practice those things during camp. It’s not very much and, all of a sudden, it becomes part of the game. That’s a big part of practice. It’s going to change the way you go about doing things. I know that.”
The player most often named as a potential two-point specialist is Tim Tebow, whose presence on the +Philadelphia Eagles' roster has some thinking that Chip Kelly must have some two-point conversion tricks up his sleeve.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
NFL Owners vote to have PAT moved back amongst a couple minor changes for the "Point(s) After Touchdown"
SAN FRANCISCO -- As expected, +NFL owners on Tuesday voted 30-2 to approve a change in the rule governing extra points after touchdowns.
The owners considered three proposals but ultimately approved a rule change endorsed by the competition committee. The new rule pushes the kick back to the 15-yard line and leaves the two-point conversion at the 2-yard line.
It also makes the play "live," meaning the defense could return a blocked kick or a turnover on a two-point play for two points.
The +New England Patriots proposed snapping the ball from the 15 for a one-point kick or placing the ball at the 2-yard line for a two-point try. According to the Patriots' proposal, a team's choice was not final and was subject to change following a timeout or penalty.
The +Philadelphia Eagles proposed snapping from the 15 for the kick but moving the ball to the 1 for a two-point conversion. The Eagles also wanted the defense to be able to score points if it returned a turnover on the two-point conversion to the other end zone.
+Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith pointed to the high rate of success of extra points as a reason for the change.
+Washington Redskins and Oakland were the only teams to vote no. The rule change will be reviewed after one year.
While many are happy that the NFL extra point has been altered, some are still having issues. One of those people is former kicker Jay Feely, who played 14 seasons in the league. After the rule was announced, which is taking the extra-point snap from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line, Feely went on Twitter and blasted the NFL. Click here for remainder of story on +FanSided
It also makes the play "live," meaning the defense could return a blocked kick or a turnover on a two-point play for two points.
The +New England Patriots proposed snapping the ball from the 15 for a one-point kick or placing the ball at the 2-yard line for a two-point try. According to the Patriots' proposal, a team's choice was not final and was subject to change following a timeout or penalty.
The +Philadelphia Eagles proposed snapping from the 15 for the kick but moving the ball to the 1 for a two-point conversion. The Eagles also wanted the defense to be able to score points if it returned a turnover on the two-point conversion to the other end zone.
+Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith pointed to the high rate of success of extra points as a reason for the change.
+Washington Redskins and Oakland were the only teams to vote no. The rule change will be reviewed after one year.
Click here for the remainder of the story: H/T +BRONCOS CR3W +ESPN Eric Williams of +ABC6NEWS in Philadelphia
What did the NFL really accomplish? It's still nearly automatic (90%vs 99%) but greater risk of injury to Oline https://t.co/PgEpxEE3CT
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 19, 2015
Another PK, Connor Barth, who is currently on the +Denver Broncos roster is not a fan of the rule change either. He was not emphasizing the injury or risk of injury aspect in an interview with +The Denver Post. Barth was focused on the fact that if they are aiming to make PAT's more difficult and a bit more uncertain, that the +NFL should make the FG posts thinner whereas pushing them back to a 32 yard kick won't affect the 99% success rate much.
+SPORTS CR3W actually finds this enlightenment much more practical and sensible. We speculate the issue with this concept is that it means the NFL stadiums would have to provide alternative field goal posts as well as installing the new ones. Which probably made the +NCAA push back as they would eventually be forced to looking into changing hundreds of fields, not to mention the thousands of high school fields down the road. Still with all things considered, makes one wonder if any PK's practice on narrower FG posts? One that we will seek to find the answer from previous or current NFL place kickers.
Last season, Barth was perfect from the 20-yard PAT distance (15-of-15) and from 30-39 yards out (5-of-5). In his career, he has hit 100 percent of his PATs (149-of-149) and 88.6 percent (31-of-35) of his 30- to 39-yard field goals.
Barth, who says he's "kind of old school," sees no reason to change a game that is so popular.
"It'll probably change the percentages a little bit, but we're all pretty good kickers, and I still think we'll be in the high 90 percent range on extra points from the 15," he said. "I think they're just trying to find something to change."
Barth, who prides himself on his accuracy more than his power, sees a silver lining, however.
RELATED: NFL players have mixed reactions to new PAT rules
"It would weed out the strong-legged kickers who aren't accurate," he said. "It would make our value go up."
Last season, Barth was perfect from the 20-yard PAT distance (15-of-15) and from 30-39 yards out (5-of-5). In his career, he has hit 100 percent of his PATs (149-of-149) and 88.6 percent (31-of-35) of his 30- to 39-yard field goals.
Barth, who says he's "kind of old school," sees no reason to change a game that is so popular.
"It'll probably change the percentages a little bit, but we're all pretty good kickers, and I still think we'll be in the high 90 percent range on extra points from the 15," he said. "I think they're just trying to find something to change."
Barth, who prides himself on his accuracy more than his power, sees a silver lining, however.
RELATED: NFL players have mixed reactions to new PAT rules
"It would weed out the strong-legged kickers who aren't accurate," he said. "It would make our value go up."
Thursday, March 26, 2015
$Two Billion nearly signed thus far by NFL teams in 2015 Off Season
This year will go down as having one of the wildest +@NFL free-agent periods in recent history, with 153 total signings.
As The Post’s Mike Klis reported earlier this week, at least six teams were forced to spend big bucks to avoid a penalty because of the collective bargaining agreement.
The CBA that was agreed upon by the league and players in 2011 requires teams to reach a minimum salary-cap threshold (89 percent of cash spent) from 2013-16. Which meant the Jaguars, Raiders, Titans, Eagles, Browns and Jets had to hand out big contracts to players who may not have received such hefty paychecks.
But as surprising as some of those deals may have been, the total figures provided by the NFL Players’ Association for the 2015 free-agent period so far are more astounding. To wit:
$1,802,821,620: Total contract value of the 153 free-agent signings
$788,491,999: Total guaranteed money in the 153 free-agent signings
97: Unrestricted free agents who signed with new teams (guaranteed: $644,104,999; total value: $1,413,501,620)
56: Unrestricted free agents who re-signed with current teams (guaranteed: $144,387,000; total value: $389,320,000)
The four teams that spent the least from 2013-14: Oakland (80.16 percent), New York Jets (80.97 percent), Jacksonville (82.24 percent) and New England (82.82 percent). Those four teams have collectively accounted for the following in this year’s free-agent period so far:
30 percent: of guaranteed money
27 percent: of total contracts
24 percent: of first-year cash
All figures are through March 24.
Monday, October 13, 2014
The 'Sheriff' Approaches the "Gunslinger!"
Peyton Manning is within striking distance #SNF pic.twitter.com/xKdizLIrvr
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 13, 2014
Let's keep the task at hand and focus on the tough +San Francisco 49ers squad coming to town. +Denver Broncos still have yet to put a full 45, let alone a full 60 together this season. QBs will only get more uncomfortable with the Orange Crush tandem of Ware, Miller. +NFLThursday, April 24, 2014
Justin Gilbert, 2014 Defensive Backs Draft Prospects, Appears to have the Physical & "Social" Tools
Justin Gilbert plans visit to Broncos ahead of 2014
NFL Draft
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Oklahoma State defensive back Justin Gilbert runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 25, 2014. (Michael Conroy, +The Associated Press ) |
They are looking to add depth, if not immediate contributors at cornerback, linebacker and the offensive line. Even with the addition of Aqib Talib, the Broncos could use help on the perimeter to protect themselves as Chris Harris recovers from knee surgery.
Justin Gilbert fits the bill. The 6-foot, 202-pound Oklahoma State star tweeted that he will visit the Broncos this week in advance of the upcoming May 8-10 draft.
Would love to see @JGil_4 in that Black and Gold! #whodat #wedat #saints @CowboyFB @OSUAthletics pic.twitter.com/P1sDRolaAK— MsMayHemDat (@msmayhemfamous) April 15, 2014Gilbert is long, rangy and fast. He clocked a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and ran back six kickoffs for scores for the +Oklahoma State Cowboys. From his account @JGil_4: New York Tmrw to visit the +New York Jets, followed by +Denver Broncos, +Detroit Lions, & +Atlanta Falcons ✈️✈️ wish me luck #Business #BusyWeek #Blessed #Grateful
Never hate on others success. We all making it. Just taking different ways to get there! @jgil_4… http://t.co/LppJEIhiSQ
— Chris Parks (@cparks01) April 22, 2014Fail Mary Rematch as NFL Opener for 2014 - Season Schedule Released
NFL releases 2014 season schedule; Seahawks begin season vs. Packers at home
By Clinton Haws
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| Russell Wilson (3) and the Seahawks will kick off their title defense against the Packers in Seattle. (John Biever/SI) |
The last time these two teams played in the regular season was Sept. 24, 2012, when the Seahawks beat the Packers 14-12 on the controversial “Fail Mary” touchdown at the end of the game.
The Seahawks also have a Super Bowl XLVIII rematch with the Denver Broncos in Week 3 in Seattle.
Other games on the opening weekend include the Indianapolis Colts visiting the +Denver Broncos on Sunday night Sept. 7, and the Monday night doubleheader featuring the +Detroit Lions at the +New York Giants and the San Diego +Chargers traveling to Arizona to face the +Cardinals.
The almost-annual Tom Brady-Peyton Manning matchup will take place Week 9 in +New England.
This season, the schedule can be flexed as early as Week 5. Before, “flex scheduling” did not start until Week 11, with the announcement of the change coming no more than 12 days prior to the Sunday night contest.
The +San Francisco 49ers will open their new venue, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., against the +Chicago Bulls in Week 2. Levi’s Stadium will also be the site of Super Bowl L in 2016.
The three London games on the slate feature the +Miami Dolphins against the Oakland Raiders at 1 p.m. ET in Week 4, the Lions taking on the Atlanta Falcons at 9:30 a.m. ET in Week 8 and the Cowboys playing the +Jacksonville Jaguars at 1 p.m. ET in Week 10.
MORE: 2014 NFL Mock Draft | Top QBs | Top WRs | SI64: Our definitive Big Board
Thanksgiving’s tripleheader will pit the Lions against the Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, the +Dallas Cowboys versus the +Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30, and a late game NFC Championship rematch between the Seahawks and the 49ers at 8:30 p.m. ET.
According to the combined 2013 record of their opponents, the +Indianapolis Colts have the league’s easiest schedule. Their 16 foes went 110-146 (.430) last season. The +Oakland Raiders have the toughest schedule, with their opponents winning 58 percent of their games in 2013.
The playoffs are scheduled to start on Sat. Jan. 3, 2015 and Super Bowl XLIX will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, Ariz. on Feb. 1, 2015.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Preseason schedule: Broncos to help 49ers break in new stadium
H/T to +The Sacramento Bee - sharing author Matt Barrows
Which NFL opponent gets to break in Levi's Stadium?
The honor goes to Peyton Manning and the +Denver Broncos, who will visit the 49ers in the second week of the exhibition season (Aug. 14-18). The +San Francisco 49ers will open the summer schedule on the road against the Ravens (Aug. 7-10) before testing out their new home against the Broncos and then the +Chargers on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. They will finish the preseason on the road on Aug. 28 against the +Houston Texans. The start times for three of the four games have yet to be determined.
The 49ers' game in +Baltimore means that Jim Harbaugh will have faced his brother, John, in the regular season, the postseason and now the exhibition season. Preseason games held three time zones away are rare but not unprecedented. The 49ers traveled to the +Indianapolis Colts in 2010. This year's game is the first time they've played the Ravens in the preseason.
This will be the third straight year the 49ers and Raiders will not face each other in the preseason. Violence during and after the teams' game in 2011 at Candlestick Park suspended what had been an annual summer meeting. The 49ers will visit the Raiders during the regular season. They also will visit the Broncos and host the Chargers during the regular season.
The first game played at $1.2 billion Levi's Stadium will be a soccer match between the +San Jose Earthquakes and the +Seattle Sounders FC on Aug. 2. That match will be used as a test run to make sure all of the stadium's operations - from parking to concessions to the video boards - work properly.
The regular-season schedule is expected to be released later this month. Team officials have said they will be on the road in Week 1 before hosting their first real game at Levi's Stadium in Week 2 on Sept. 14. The City of Santa Clara has asked that the 49ers not host any weekday games in the first year of the stadium. A percentage of the parking spaces that will be used on game days belong to nearby businesses, which ostensibly will be occupied on weekdays.
That means the team will not host any games on Monday or non-holiday games on Thursday in the inaugural season at the new stadium. However, it's possible they could host the last of the three games played on Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, the NFL today announced that next year's Pro Bowl will be played in Glendale Ariz., the site of the Super Bowl, which will be played a week later. Santa Clara will host the following year's Super Bowl, but the Pro Bowl game is expected to return to its usual location, Honolulu, that year.
-- Matt Barrows
Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2014/04/which-nfl-opponent-gets-to.html#storylink=cpy
Which NFL opponent gets to break in Levi's Stadium?
The honor goes to Peyton Manning and the +Denver Broncos, who will visit the 49ers in the second week of the exhibition season (Aug. 14-18). The +San Francisco 49ers will open the summer schedule on the road against the Ravens (Aug. 7-10) before testing out their new home against the Broncos and then the +Chargers on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. They will finish the preseason on the road on Aug. 28 against the +Houston Texans. The start times for three of the four games have yet to be determined.
The 49ers' game in +Baltimore means that Jim Harbaugh will have faced his brother, John, in the regular season, the postseason and now the exhibition season. Preseason games held three time zones away are rare but not unprecedented. The 49ers traveled to the +Indianapolis Colts in 2010. This year's game is the first time they've played the Ravens in the preseason.
This will be the third straight year the 49ers and Raiders will not face each other in the preseason. Violence during and after the teams' game in 2011 at Candlestick Park suspended what had been an annual summer meeting. The 49ers will visit the Raiders during the regular season. They also will visit the Broncos and host the Chargers during the regular season.The first game played at $1.2 billion Levi's Stadium will be a soccer match between the +San Jose Earthquakes and the +Seattle Sounders FC on Aug. 2. That match will be used as a test run to make sure all of the stadium's operations - from parking to concessions to the video boards - work properly.
The regular-season schedule is expected to be released later this month. Team officials have said they will be on the road in Week 1 before hosting their first real game at Levi's Stadium in Week 2 on Sept. 14. The City of Santa Clara has asked that the 49ers not host any weekday games in the first year of the stadium. A percentage of the parking spaces that will be used on game days belong to nearby businesses, which ostensibly will be occupied on weekdays.
That means the team will not host any games on Monday or non-holiday games on Thursday in the inaugural season at the new stadium. However, it's possible they could host the last of the three games played on Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, the NFL today announced that next year's Pro Bowl will be played in Glendale Ariz., the site of the Super Bowl, which will be played a week later. Santa Clara will host the following year's Super Bowl, but the Pro Bowl game is expected to return to its usual location, Honolulu, that year.
-- Matt Barrows
Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2014/04/which-nfl-opponent-gets-to.html#storylink=cpy
5 Headliners from NFL Preseason Schedule Release - Super Bowl rematch of Broncos - Seahawks
Seahawks - Broncos to rematch in Broncos first NFL preseason game (despite slated in regular season as well)
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| Nate Irving (#56 of Denver) breaks up pass intended for J. Kearse (#15 of Seattle) in 1st quarter of Super Bowl. They'll rematch in the 2014 regular season as well. Photo Courtesy +Denver Broncos (AP) |
The Five Most Intriguing Games On The 2014 NFL Preseason Schedule
Are you ready for some (pre-season) football? With the release of the NFL Preseason schedule earlier today, football-starved fans across the Internet finally have something concrete to look forward to, and talk about. While the games will be meaningless come December, there will be position battles to be won and lost and, of course, the longer extra point experiment. For the first two weeks of the preseason, the ball will be spotted at the 20-yard line for extra point kicks, which will turn extra points from 20-yard chip shots into something slightly more interesting. Last year, close to 99% of extra points were converted, which created little incentive for fans to stay in front of their televisions after the first six points. With that in mind, we've broken down the five most interesting preseason games, starting with the Chargers opener against the Cowboys.Week 1: Cowboys at Chargers: Last season Chargers PK Nick Novak had the worst success rate for kicks between 30-39 yards, going 13-16, or 81%. At the equivalent of a 38-yard field goal, the extended extra point could be an adventure for Novak. The game may also be as expensive some of the games on the Chargers schedule for the regular season, as the Cowboys almost always drive up prices on the road, even for their preseason games.
Week 4: Jets at Eagles: Week 4 is typically the week when starters take a seat. If Geno Smith beats out Michael Vick for the Jets starting job, this game could be a match-up of Michael Vick vs.Mark Sanchez, two once-franchise QBs. While not exactly the return of Andy Reid last year, it will be the most interesting pre-season game on Eagles schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with football. Vick spent five years in Philadelphia and he has the franchise to thank for giving him a second chance and a deal worth $100 million. In return, he delivered two wild-card playoff losses, and it will be interesting to see how the ever-honest fans at Lincoln Financial Field greet Vick in his return.
Week 2: Broncos at 49ers: If not for Richard Sherman, this could have been a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. It will be the second year in a row the Broncos Schedule sets up a pre-season visit to San Francisco. While last year was Peyton’s final visit to Candlestick Park, this year will be his first to Levis Field. It will also be the first football game played in the $1.2 billion stadium, aka, the Field of Jeans. Given that novelty element, it will likely be sold out or close to sold out. Levis has a capacity of 68,500, which makes it on the small side for a football stadium. As a point of reference, the first ever game at Metlife Stadium brought in 67,511 fans for a game against the Jets and the Giants. The game was technically a home game on the Jets schedule, which may have been part of the reason almost 20,000 seats went unfilled.
August 3rd, Hall Of Fame Game: Giants Vs. Bills: While this would have been a potential Super-Bowl Matchup in the early 90s, in 2014, it’s a match-up of two teams just looking to compete. It is, however, the first snap of the football, and therefore, exciting.
Week 1: Seahawks at Broncos: While the preseason is often meaningless, this rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII should have a lot of meaning for the +Denver Broncos. After getting demolished by the Seahawks in the SuperBowl, a win in the rematch could allow the Broncos to shake some of the nightmares that they’ve surely lived with since February. For Broncos fans, a close game will give them a chance to imagine what could have been. A win would likely give them confidence about success for the Broncos schedule that’s ahead. Another blowout loss could lead to some serious soul searching, even if Peyton manning only takes a quarter of the snaps. (This statement should put any sports, football casual journalist on suspension for its miraculous attempt at making keyboard millennial trolls jump all over this and ride it for what it is worth, nothing) Something we see on +Bleacher Report and others horrifying articulation of pointless things. Sports CR3W would like to hope that we admit when we are following the lead of such a fuss on anything and will delineate what is worth keeping up in the brain for future use, reference.
We say, "In what way is this even feasible?? Soul searching from ONE quarter in the "bleep,,, bleeping,, bleeeping" PREASEASON!! You're 'bleeeeep!ng' joking, right?"
+SPORTS CR3W will have to disagree with this statement or any other 'pundit' and/or 'analysis / insight' about a PRESEASON match whether it is a rematch or not. The same will be said of the +Seattle Seahawks and Broncos regular season matchup in Seattle that has all sorts of variables in it that weigh no significance regarding the Super Bowl debacle.
To say and buy into ANY hype of a preseason game and its results is just plain misleading, ignorant, and naive. Sorry to all those expert journalists that will make so much of this matchup and the writers that are actually qualified to vote on matter of Hall of Fame inductees to MVP awards, etc. If qualifications pass for them on the latter matter's mentioned, they should know better than to say the result of this preseason game merits a single ioda towards a possible meeting about 5 months from then. Sorry preseason, John Fox and the Broncos use base defense, do not gameplan on offense and the point of the preseason is to give fringe players (especially the 1st and 2nd preseason games) a look at how they mesh or play with starters and players that are deeper on the depth chart. Mainly to see if they can make the cut or not, of course.
Especially, in special teams analysis of who could/should make the team for defense/special teams and hone their other skills at the perspective position. Simply said, do not give a damn about the result here, it has no relevance as to how the regular season will unfold for either club. Broncos will be using a lot of new faces on defense as well as old that were not on the team's Super Bowl roster. A reminder to all those that forget. 8 turnovers, the Broncos would have lost to the Canadian Football League champs to put it lightly. Suffice it to say, the Seahawks did not beat the Broncos "A" team as we've written before.
h/t +Forbes
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Champ Bailey, longtime Broncos All Pro DB, signs 2 year deal with Saints (per CBS Sports)
By +John Breech | +CBSSports.com
April 4, 2014 4:20 pm ET
Champ Bailey is headed to New Orleans. (USATSI)
More NFL offseason: Mock Drafts | Prospect Rankings | Pro days | Top free agents
It looks like Champ Bailey still has some gas left in the tank. The 35-year-old cornerback, who was cut by the Broncos in March, has agreed to terms on a two-year deal the Saints.
"We are excited to be able to add a future Hall of Fame player with the addition of Champ Bailey," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "His career accomplishments mirror that of his high character and he's a very prideful and competitive player who we believe will add to our defense. Having spent time with him recently and in our discussions with him, I know that he's thrilled to be joining the +New Orleans Saints and starting a new chapter in his professional life."
Although Bailey missed most of 2013 after suffering a preseason foot injury, the 15-year veteran told +The Denver Post he expects to compete for a starting cornerback job in New Orleans, "That's where we're starting. That's all I wanted," Bailey said.
Bailey will make the jump from a +Denver Broncos defense that ranked 19th in the NFL last season to a Saints defense that ranked fourth overall, including second against the pass.
Champ Bailey Visits the Saints - +NFL
The 12-time Pro Bowler only played in five games last season, marking only the second time in Bailey's 15-year career that he's played in less than 10 games. The 35-year-old has been amazingly durable for a cornerback: Since 1999, Bailey has started in 13 or more games in 13 of his 15 +NFL seasons.
Bailey's 12 Pro Bowl selections are the most in NFL history for any defensive back and the second most for any defensive player, trailing only Reggie White's 13 appearances.
New Orleans will be the third team that Bailey has played for since entering the league with the Redskins after being the seventh overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. After five seasons in Washington, Bailey was traded to the Broncos where he spent 10 seasons, before being cut last month.
April 4, 2014 4:20 pm ET
Champ Bailey is headed to New Orleans. (USATSI)More NFL offseason: Mock Drafts | Prospect Rankings | Pro days | Top free agents
It looks like Champ Bailey still has some gas left in the tank. The 35-year-old cornerback, who was cut by the Broncos in March, has agreed to terms on a two-year deal the Saints.
"We are excited to be able to add a future Hall of Fame player with the addition of Champ Bailey," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement. "His career accomplishments mirror that of his high character and he's a very prideful and competitive player who we believe will add to our defense. Having spent time with him recently and in our discussions with him, I know that he's thrilled to be joining the +New Orleans Saints and starting a new chapter in his professional life."
Although Bailey missed most of 2013 after suffering a preseason foot injury, the 15-year veteran told +The Denver Post he expects to compete for a starting cornerback job in New Orleans, "That's where we're starting. That's all I wanted," Bailey said.
Bailey will make the jump from a +Denver Broncos defense that ranked 19th in the NFL last season to a Saints defense that ranked fourth overall, including second against the pass.
Champ Bailey Visits the Saints - +NFL
The 12-time Pro Bowler only played in five games last season, marking only the second time in Bailey's 15-year career that he's played in less than 10 games. The 35-year-old has been amazingly durable for a cornerback: Since 1999, Bailey has started in 13 or more games in 13 of his 15 +NFL seasons.
Bailey's 12 Pro Bowl selections are the most in NFL history for any defensive back and the second most for any defensive player, trailing only Reggie White's 13 appearances.
New Orleans will be the third team that Bailey has played for since entering the league with the Redskins after being the seventh overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. After five seasons in Washington, Bailey was traded to the Broncos where he spent 10 seasons, before being cut last month.
H/T to CBSSports.com - Original link here
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Giants sign Robert Ayers, Broncos DE, for a 2 year deal
+NFL
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have signed former Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers.
Ayers' addition Wednesday makes him the 13th veteran the team has signed since free agency started.
Ayers had a career-high 5.5 sacks last season for the AFC champion Broncos. A 2009 first-round draft choice out of Tennessee and a New Jersey native, he is the fourth participant from February's Super Bowl, and the third from the Broncos, to join the Giants. The others are cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and return specialist Trindon Holliday. Cornerback Walter Thurmond left Seattle to join the Giants.
The Giants lost defensive captain Justin Tuck to Oakland in free agency, leaving Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka and second-year pro Damontre Moore. Pierre-Paul was limited by injuries last season.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me, coming to a great organization like this," Ayers said. "They hate losing and they're always about getting better and preparing, and I've heard nothing but good things about the general manager and the owners, the coaches. Everyone speaks highly of them across the league. They're a blue-collar organization."
Ayers played in 72 regular-season games with 27 starts for the Broncos and had 141 tackles (101 solo), 12 sacks and three forced fumbles.
The Giants have been the NFL's most active team in free agency. Along with Rodgers-Cromartie, Thurmond and Holliday, they have signed offensive linemen Geoff Schwartz, J.D. Walton, John Jerry and Charles Brown; defensive backs Zack Bowman and Quinton Demps; wide receiver Mario Manningham; linebacker Jameel McClain; and running back Rashad Jennings.
The +New York Giants have also retained 10 of their own free agents - linebackers Jon Beason, Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich; cornerback Trumaine McBride; safety Stevie Brown; kicker Josh Brown; quarterback Curtis Painter; running back Peyton Hillis; fullback Henry Hynoski; and defensive tackle Mike Patterson.
Read more: Robert Ayers, former Broncos defensive end, signed by New York Giants - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25476158/giants-sign-free-agent-de-robert-ayers#ixzz2xnYbTK8z
As reported by +BRONCOS CR3W:
NEW YORK - The +Denver Broncos have lost another contributor on defense, as Robert Ayers joins the +New York Giants. Ayers, 28, inked a 2-year deal with the Giants worth $4 million with $1.75 million guaranteed, according to +ESPN. Ayers drafted by the Broncos in the first round with the 18th overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. Last season he played in 15 games with three starts, posting a career-best 5.5 sacks and 29 tackles. The 6-3, 274 pound lineman is moving closer to home as he was born in Jersey City, N.J. This is the second Broncos defender the Giants have swept up from the team during free agency. The Giants signed cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie on March 18.
Read the rest of the article (full article): +BRONCOS CR3W publish Ayers on way to +New York Giants.
Robert Ayers, former Broncos defensive end, signed by New York Giants
+The Associated PressAyers' addition Wednesday makes him the 13th veteran the team has signed since free agency started.
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| Robert Ayers +The Denver Post file) |
The Giants lost defensive captain Justin Tuck to Oakland in free agency, leaving Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka and second-year pro Damontre Moore. Pierre-Paul was limited by injuries last season.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me, coming to a great organization like this," Ayers said. "They hate losing and they're always about getting better and preparing, and I've heard nothing but good things about the general manager and the owners, the coaches. Everyone speaks highly of them across the league. They're a blue-collar organization."
Ayers played in 72 regular-season games with 27 starts for the Broncos and had 141 tackles (101 solo), 12 sacks and three forced fumbles.
The Giants have been the NFL's most active team in free agency. Along with Rodgers-Cromartie, Thurmond and Holliday, they have signed offensive linemen Geoff Schwartz, J.D. Walton, John Jerry and Charles Brown; defensive backs Zack Bowman and Quinton Demps; wide receiver Mario Manningham; linebacker Jameel McClain; and running back Rashad Jennings.
The +New York Giants have also retained 10 of their own free agents - linebackers Jon Beason, Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich; cornerback Trumaine McBride; safety Stevie Brown; kicker Josh Brown; quarterback Curtis Painter; running back Peyton Hillis; fullback Henry Hynoski; and defensive tackle Mike Patterson.
Read more: Robert Ayers, former Broncos defensive end, signed by New York Giants - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_25476158/giants-sign-free-agent-de-robert-ayers#ixzz2xnYbTK8z
As reported by +BRONCOS CR3W:
Former Denver Broncos Defensive End Robert Ayers signs 2-year deal with New York Giants
 |
| Former Denver Broncos Defensive Lineman Robert Ayers signs a 2-year deal with the New York Giants. Courtesy: Steve Dykes/Getty Images |
+BRONCOS CR3W says thank you, to yet another class act, on and off the field, and wishes him the best on his next chapter of his football career as he joins the +New York Giants with a 2 year deal. Did it the "Broncos' Way" and that is a standard that we all can hope for really. Doing it the "Broncos" way is a quite difficult task to do, set by greats like Tripucka, Elway, Terrell Davis, Karl Mecklenburg, and so on. There is no doubt, if that's the standard set by those Hall of Famers, it is very much appreciated when a player does it as such. He really was a young leader with this team beginning early into his 2nd year. Granted, we figured this was the fate with the defensive line depth, in the draft, but mainly with Ware signing and Derek Wolfe expected to be back. Wolfe returning is nearly adding a free agent since it was uncertain regarding his future in the sport. Add to the main ingredient of that, Malik Jackson really blossomed last year as a 3 or 4 technique DT/DE and he provided interior pressure at DT, which is much more difficult than at DE. Nonetheless, Mr. Robert Ayers did it the right way and we appreciate the guy becoming such a great man entering the league at the age of 22ish. That is not an easy load to carry, let alone, going out and playing football as expected.
@TheMalikJackson @1_900_ayersjr #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/uOy35wmVqt
— UnitedInOrange187 (@UIO187) March 29, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Manchester United Reps Stop by Sports Authority at Mile High, Broncos Home
+BRONCOS CR3W
.@ManUtd team reps visited @SportsAuthField Sunday to prep for the squad's visit to Colorado: http://t.co/QordD3jDKc pic.twitter.com/4Hw4rb4qNk
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 10, 2014
Original Photo from +Denver Broncos +NFL Monday, March 17, 2014
Giants sign CB Rodgers-Cromartie to 5-year deal
+The Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The +New York Giants secondary has gotten a lot stronger in the past couple of days.
A year after missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Giants continued to be a player in free agency, signing cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
+FOX Sports 1 - +NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reports the deal is for five years, $35 million.
The deal comes just a day after the Giants confirmed the signing of former +Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond and +Kansas City safety Quintin Demps.
Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara are probably penciled in as the starters at cornerback, with Thurmond, Jayron Hosley and Trumaine McBride backing them up. The safety spots will be just as strong with Antrel Rolle, Will Hill, Demps, and Stevie Brown on the roster.
The Giants have been very active since free agency started last week. They signed running back Rashad Jennings, guard Geoff Schwartz, re-signed free agent middle linebacker Jon Beason and added former Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. They also re-signed running back Peyton Hillis, placekicker Josh Brown, Stevie Brown, McBride and fullback Henry Hynoski.
"The main thing, bringing in guys from Kansas City, Seattle, you can see what they're doing, trying to bring guys that are going to come in and lead by example," said Rodgers-Cromartie, who started in the Super Bowl along with Thurmond. "That's always a plus."
A 2008 first round-draft choice and 2009 Pro Bowler, Rodgers-Cromartie is entering his seventh NFL season. He has also been with +Arizona Cardinals and +Philadelphia Eagles, playing with Rolle while with the Cardinals.
"He brought me in, took me under his wing and took care of me," Cromartie Rodgers said of Rolle. "So to be reunited with him is just a blessing. I know the things that he's done in his career and the man he's become. That's going to be a help for me."
Rodgers-Cromartie has played in 92 regular-season games with 75 starts and has started all nine postseason games in which he played. His career totals include 239 tackles (205 solo) and 19 interceptions.
Rodgers-Cromartie excelled as maybe the top CB in the NFL last season when you look at completion percentage allowed and the WR he went up against. DRC won Defensive Player of the Week during the season.
Rodgers-Cromartie joined the +Denver Broncos last season as a free agent and played in 15 regular-season games with 13 starts at right cornerback. He finished the season with 31 tackles (25 solo), a team-high 15 passes defensed, and tied for the Broncos lead with three interceptions, including one of an Eli Manning pass late in the second quarter in Denver's victory over the Giants at the Meadowlands on Sept. 15.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The +New York Giants secondary has gotten a lot stronger in the past couple of days.
A year after missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Giants continued to be a player in free agency, signing cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
.jpg) |
| DRC, Week 11 of 2013 vs +Kansas City Chiefs, signed with the Giants. Original Photo: +Denver Broncos (AP) - Post edit: +BRONCOS CR3W |
The deal comes just a day after the Giants confirmed the signing of former +Seattle Seahawks cornerback Walter Thurmond and +Kansas City safety Quintin Demps.
Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara are probably penciled in as the starters at cornerback, with Thurmond, Jayron Hosley and Trumaine McBride backing them up. The safety spots will be just as strong with Antrel Rolle, Will Hill, Demps, and Stevie Brown on the roster.
The Giants have been very active since free agency started last week. They signed running back Rashad Jennings, guard Geoff Schwartz, re-signed free agent middle linebacker Jon Beason and added former Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain. They also re-signed running back Peyton Hillis, placekicker Josh Brown, Stevie Brown, McBride and fullback Henry Hynoski.
"The main thing, bringing in guys from Kansas City, Seattle, you can see what they're doing, trying to bring guys that are going to come in and lead by example," said Rodgers-Cromartie, who started in the Super Bowl along with Thurmond. "That's always a plus."
A 2008 first round-draft choice and 2009 Pro Bowler, Rodgers-Cromartie is entering his seventh NFL season. He has also been with +Arizona Cardinals and +Philadelphia Eagles, playing with Rolle while with the Cardinals.
"He brought me in, took me under his wing and took care of me," Cromartie Rodgers said of Rolle. "So to be reunited with him is just a blessing. I know the things that he's done in his career and the man he's become. That's going to be a help for me."
Rodgers-Cromartie has played in 92 regular-season games with 75 starts and has started all nine postseason games in which he played. His career totals include 239 tackles (205 solo) and 19 interceptions.
Rodgers-Cromartie excelled as maybe the top CB in the NFL last season when you look at completion percentage allowed and the WR he went up against. DRC won Defensive Player of the Week during the season.
Rodgers-Cromartie joined the +Denver Broncos last season as a free agent and played in 15 regular-season games with 13 starts at right cornerback. He finished the season with 31 tackles (25 solo), a team-high 15 passes defensed, and tied for the Broncos lead with three interceptions, including one of an Eli Manning pass late in the second quarter in Denver's victory over the Giants at the Meadowlands on Sept. 15.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Shady Agent? NFL Executives of Chiefs and Buccaneers Thrown by the way Emmanuel Sanders' Agent Negotiated: Contract reached with Broncos
Emmanuel Sanders has agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Broncos worth $15 million, +BRONCOS CR3W reported, but the process that led him there left the other teams involved fuming and crying foul. One team official claimed Sanders' agent broke "every rule in negotiations."
Agent Steve Weinberg, on behalf of the wide receiver, accepted a deal with the Chiefs in principle, according to one team source. Weinberg then engaged in negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to another source involved in the process.
While shopping the +Kansas City Chiefs' offer to the +Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Weinberg never explained that he had already accepted the terms of Kansas City's offer. Later in the night, Sanders' agent had agreed to terms with the +Denver Broncos, which is where he is currently headed. Sanders and Weinberg also rankled the +San Francisco 49ers by agreeing to visit, then blowing it off.
"This was one of the worst situations in modern football negotiations," one executive involved said. "Totally wrong. This needs to be stopped."
Reached at his home late Saturday, Weinberg declined to comment on the record when informed of the allegations.
The Dallas-based agent recently was reinstated by the NFL Players Association, which had barred and decertified him in 2003 because it had reportedly found he diverted assets to an offshore account during a dispute with a partner and collected a fee from a client prematurely. Weinberg later filed suit against the NFLPA and its top officials, alleging they illegally took away his certification for eight years, along with past, present and future income of clients.
Agent Steve Weinberg, on behalf of the wide receiver, accepted a deal with the Chiefs in principle, according to one team source. Weinberg then engaged in negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to another source involved in the process.
While shopping the +Kansas City Chiefs' offer to the +Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Weinberg never explained that he had already accepted the terms of Kansas City's offer. Later in the night, Sanders' agent had agreed to terms with the +Denver Broncos, which is where he is currently headed. Sanders and Weinberg also rankled the +San Francisco 49ers by agreeing to visit, then blowing it off.
"This was one of the worst situations in modern football negotiations," one executive involved said. "Totally wrong. This needs to be stopped."
Reached at his home late Saturday, Weinberg declined to comment on the record when informed of the allegations.
The Dallas-based agent recently was reinstated by the NFL Players Association, which had barred and decertified him in 2003 because it had reportedly found he diverted assets to an offshore account during a dispute with a partner and collected a fee from a client prematurely. Weinberg later filed suit against the NFLPA and its top officials, alleging they illegally took away his certification for eight years, along with past, present and future income of clients.
Weinberg has two clients currently on NFL teams, not including Sanders. He had 42 before he was barred.
While Weinberg broke no laws in accepting a deal, the entire situation infuriated those he dealt with. It is commonly accepted in the league that once two sides agree to a deal -- in writing or in handshake form -- that's the end of the story. Instead, Weinberg's shopping the Chiefs deal and then not informing the Bucs that an agreement had been reached showed another side of the business. A Broncos source said the team had no knowledge of any prior agreements before it agreed to terms with Sanders.
"When a man gives you his words and pulls out," one executive said, "then gives another team your word and pulls out, then gives another team his word ... not proper."
While Weinberg broke no laws in accepting a deal, the entire situation infuriated those he dealt with. It is commonly accepted in the league that once two sides agree to a deal -- in writing or in handshake form -- that's the end of the story. Instead, Weinberg's shopping the Chiefs deal and then not informing the Bucs that an agreement had been reached showed another side of the business. A Broncos source said the team had no knowledge of any prior agreements before it agreed to terms with Sanders.
"When a man gives you his words and pulls out," one executive said, "then gives another team your word and pulls out, then gives another team his word ... not proper."
Monday, March 10, 2014
T.J. Ward, a wanted man, by a reported 11 NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward has drawn interest from 11 teams, Browns still in mix
 |
| Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward could be gone when free agency begins Tuesday. (PD File) |
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward has drawn interest from about 11 teams during the free agency negotiating period, and the Browns are still in the mix, a league source told cleveland.com. The Browns began talking to Ward's agent, Josh Arnold, at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, and have engaged in talks since then. One team expected to pursue Ward is the +Denver Broncos, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. Former Browns general manager Tom Heckert, who drafted Ward in the second round of the 2010 draft out of Oregon, is the Broncos Director of Pro Personnel.
Broncos expected to pursue Cleveland SS T.J. Ward when market opens Thursday. http://t.co/NHGhH8UmJC via @denverpost
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 10, 2014
AND THIS is precisely why we cannot emphasize enough! The rating(s) that is released by +Pro Football Focus are meaningless. The manner in which the ranking is formed is skewed and far too flawed. PFF's do get one accolade for being consistent. A manner in how the rating system set to make average players better and the better players appear average Ward's agent released a statement last week saying that he had several talks with the Browns about an extension for Ward, but had been unable to reach an agreement. "Detailed contract discussions with multiple front office executives of the Browns began last month at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis,'' he said in the statement. "Since then several conversations have occurred in an attempt to secure a new deal for T.J., but we've yet to agree on terms that work for both sides. “T.J. has proven himself to be not only an elite NFL safety, but an elite and top NFL player league wide which is evidenced by him earning both All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition this past season. With the passing of the franchise/transition tag deadline, we remain open to further discussions with the +Cleveland Browns in working towards a long-term deal and look forward to that possibility.
"However, if things don't work out in Cleveland, we likewise look forward to the opportunity that can coincide with becoming an unrestricted free agent. Several factors will be considered before making a final decision that will provide best for T.J. and his family.”
Ward told foxsports.com last month that he wanted to return to Cleveland.
"That's definitely my goal," he said. "I want to stay there. I've been there from when things were rough and for me to be a part of it when we get on top would be something very special. Hopefully, we can raise that Lombardi Trophy. It would be great for Cleveland. It would be great to bring a championship there and for me to say that I was there when we weren't good and now we're on top would be great.
But he also sounded resigned to the fact that he might be gone.
"I'm definitely looking for the situation where it can provide for me best,'' Ward said. "If not (Cleveland), I'll have to be somewhere else.''
As of mid-February, he hadn't yet met coach Mike Pettine, but heard good things about him from Byrd, Ward's former Oregon teammate "I heard from Byrd that Pettine's a good coach. He has a great scheme and he allows players to make plays. He tailors the defense to what people do best. If I'm back I'm sure it'll be a pleasure to play for him.''
If the Browns don't re-sign Ward, they'll most likely either look for another strong safety in free agency or draft one.
Keselowski wins as Earnhardt runs out of fuel
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS • +Dale Earnhardt Jr. knew he probably did not have enough fuel to finish. Being in Vegas, he decided to gamble anyway.
And when Earnhardt’s tank went bust on the final lap, Brad Keselowski was right there to clean up.
Keselowski surged ahead when Earnhardt ran out of fuel, claiming a dramatic victory Sunday in the +NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Earnhardt’s Chevy sputtered and slowed out of the second turn, and Keselowski roared past him on the backstretch in his Penske Ford for the first weekend sweep in his career. Keselowski followed up Saturday’s Nationwide Series victory with his first Las Vegas Cup win, doing it in exhilarating fashion against the friend and mentor who gave him his first big break in racing.
“That’s what you live for as a driver, at least I do,” Keselowski said. “Those moments where you’re side by side, and you lay it all out on the racetrack and bring back the car with the tires smoking, engine smoking, and you’re worn out inside because you gave it all you had. It was one of those races there at the end.”
Keselowski knew all about the fuel shortage faced by Earnhardt and +Carl Edwards, who both made their final pit stops about 10 laps before him. So Keselowski decided to force the issue, getting around Edwards and pushing for the lead so Earnhardt would be forced to abandon his conservative, fuel-saving lines.
“I felt like we could run him down,” Keselowski said about the driver who put him in his first Nationwide ride. “He was going to have to burn fuel to keep me behind him. At that point, it was just a matter of whether a yellow (flag) came out or not, because it was just a ticking time bomb. It worked in our favor today.”
Earnhardt finished second and didn’t regret it, secure in his overall position thanks to the new rules in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, which puts increased emphasis on wins. Still, Earnhardt and his Hendrick Motorsports ride were just a few ounces of fuel shy of earning their second victory in three races to start the season.
When Earnhardt sat down for his post-race news conference in front of two cans of his sponsor’s energy drink, he picked up one can wistfully: “That’s all we needed, just 16 ounces.”
The Daytona 500 champion was disappointed but not discouraged after his spectacular start to the NASCAR season. He also finished second last week at Phoenix.
“We weren’t supposed to make it,” Earnhardt said. “We were trying to save as much as we can and make it work, but we knew we were short. We wouldn’t have finished second if we didn’t have that strategy.”
Keselowski, the 2012 Sprint Cup champion, virtually assured himself of a spot in the Chase after missing it entirely last season.
“It’s just such a reliever for everyone on the team to get that win in early, and be able to enjoy the races and opportunities that we have instead of being stressed out about them,” Keselowski said. “You know, I think if anything it actually lends itself to better racing.”
With his wife due to give birth at any minute, Paul Menard finished third in his Richard Childress Racing Chevy in front of Keselowski’s teammate, pole-sitter +Joey Logano and Edwards was fifth in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford.
Results for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kobalt 400
RK DRIVER POINTS BEHIND
1 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 133 — 1
2 Brad Keselowski 132 - 1
3 Kevin Harvick 83 - 50
4 Jimmie Johnson 117 - 16
5 Joey Logano 116 - 17
6 Jeff Gordon 115 - 18
7 Carl Edwards 105 - 28
7 Matt Kenseth 105 - 28
9 Denny Hamlin 101 - 32
*** Chase for the Sprint Cup cut-off ***
17 Casey Mears 80 - 53
LAS VEGAS • +Dale Earnhardt Jr. knew he probably did not have enough fuel to finish. Being in Vegas, he decided to gamble anyway.
And when Earnhardt’s tank went bust on the final lap, Brad Keselowski was right there to clean up.
Keselowski surged ahead when Earnhardt ran out of fuel, claiming a dramatic victory Sunday in the +NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
 |
| Brad Keselowski won Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after Dale Earnhardt Jr. ran out of gas mid-way though the last lap. |
Earnhardt’s Chevy sputtered and slowed out of the second turn, and Keselowski roared past him on the backstretch in his Penske Ford for the first weekend sweep in his career. Keselowski followed up Saturday’s Nationwide Series victory with his first Las Vegas Cup win, doing it in exhilarating fashion against the friend and mentor who gave him his first big break in racing.
“That’s what you live for as a driver, at least I do,” Keselowski said. “Those moments where you’re side by side, and you lay it all out on the racetrack and bring back the car with the tires smoking, engine smoking, and you’re worn out inside because you gave it all you had. It was one of those races there at the end.”
Keselowski knew all about the fuel shortage faced by Earnhardt and +Carl Edwards, who both made their final pit stops about 10 laps before him. So Keselowski decided to force the issue, getting around Edwards and pushing for the lead so Earnhardt would be forced to abandon his conservative, fuel-saving lines.
“I felt like we could run him down,” Keselowski said about the driver who put him in his first Nationwide ride. “He was going to have to burn fuel to keep me behind him. At that point, it was just a matter of whether a yellow (flag) came out or not, because it was just a ticking time bomb. It worked in our favor today.”
Earnhardt finished second and didn’t regret it, secure in his overall position thanks to the new rules in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, which puts increased emphasis on wins. Still, Earnhardt and his Hendrick Motorsports ride were just a few ounces of fuel shy of earning their second victory in three races to start the season.
When Earnhardt sat down for his post-race news conference in front of two cans of his sponsor’s energy drink, he picked up one can wistfully: “That’s all we needed, just 16 ounces.”
The Daytona 500 champion was disappointed but not discouraged after his spectacular start to the NASCAR season. He also finished second last week at Phoenix.
“We weren’t supposed to make it,” Earnhardt said. “We were trying to save as much as we can and make it work, but we knew we were short. We wouldn’t have finished second if we didn’t have that strategy.”
Keselowski, the 2012 Sprint Cup champion, virtually assured himself of a spot in the Chase after missing it entirely last season.
“It’s just such a reliever for everyone on the team to get that win in early, and be able to enjoy the races and opportunities that we have instead of being stressed out about them,” Keselowski said. “You know, I think if anything it actually lends itself to better racing.”
With his wife due to give birth at any minute, Paul Menard finished third in his Richard Childress Racing Chevy in front of Keselowski’s teammate, pole-sitter +Joey Logano and Edwards was fifth in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford.
Results for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Kobalt 400
(Las Vegas)
1 - Brad Keselowski
2 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Standings following Las Vegas
1 - Brad Keselowski
2 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3 - Paul Menard
4 - Joey Logano
5 - Carl Edwards
6 - Jimmie Johnson
7 - Ryan Newman
8 - Kasey Kahne
9 - Jeff Gordon
10 - Matt Kenseth
11 - Kyle BUsch
12 - Denny Hamlin
13 - Brian Vickers
14 - Martin Truex Jr.
15 - Jamie McMurray
16 - Austin Dillon
17 - Jeff Burton
18 - A.J. Allmendinger
19 - Kyle Larson
20 - Trevor Bayne
21 - Danica Patrick
22 - Greg Biffle
23 - Clint Bowyer
24 - Marcos Ambrose
25 - Aric Almirola
26 - Kurt Busch
27 - Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
28 - Casey Mears
29 - Michael Annett
30 - David Gilliland
31 - Justin Allgaier
32 - David Ragan
33 - Tony Stewart
34 - Reed Sorenson
35 - Ryan Truex
36 - Cole Whitt
37 - Alex Bowman
38 - Timmy Hill
39 - Travis Kvapil
40 - Parker Kligerman
41 - Kevin Harvick
42 - Josh Wise
43 - Michael McDowell
RK DRIVER POINTS BEHIND
1 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 133 — 1
2 Brad Keselowski 132 - 1
3 Kevin Harvick 83 - 50
4 Jimmie Johnson 117 - 16
5 Joey Logano 116 - 17
6 Jeff Gordon 115 - 18
7 Carl Edwards 105 - 28
7 Matt Kenseth 105 - 28
9 Denny Hamlin 101 - 32
10 Ryan Newman 97 - 36
11 Kyle Busch 95 - 38
12 Jamie McMurray 93 - 40
13 Greg Biffle 86 - 47
11 Kyle Busch 95 - 38
12 Jamie McMurray 93 - 40
13 Greg Biffle 86 - 47
14 Austin Dillon 84 - 49
15 Kasey Kahne 83 - 50
16 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 80 - 53
15 Kasey Kahne 83 - 50
16 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 80 - 53
*** Chase for the Sprint Cup cut-off ***
17 Casey Mears 80 - 53
18 Paul Menard 76 - 57
19 Marcos Ambrose 69 - 64
20 Brian Vickers 64 - 69
21 AJ Allmendinger 63 - 70
22 Clint Bowyer 55 - 78
23 Kyle Larson 55 - 78
24 Aric Almirola 54 - 79
25 Martin Truex Jr. 53 - 80
26 Reed Sorenson 51 - 82
27 Tony Stewart 48 - 85
28 Kurt Busch 47 - 86
29 Justin Allgaier 45 - 88
30 Cole Whitt 41 - 92
31 David Ragan 38 - 95
32 David Gilliland 38 - 95
33 Danica Patrick 36 - 97
20 Brian Vickers 64 - 69
21 AJ Allmendinger 63 - 70
22 Clint Bowyer 55 - 78
23 Kyle Larson 55 - 78
24 Aric Almirola 54 - 79
25 Martin Truex Jr. 53 - 80
26 Reed Sorenson 51 - 82
27 Tony Stewart 48 - 85
28 Kurt Busch 47 - 86
29 Justin Allgaier 45 - 88
30 Cole Whitt 41 - 92
31 David Ragan 38 - 95
32 David Gilliland 38 - 95
33 Danica Patrick 36 - 97
34 Michael Annett 32 - 101
35 Alex Bowman 31 - 102
36 Bobby Labonte 29 - 104
37 Jeff Burton 27 - 106
35 Alex Bowman 31 - 102
36 Bobby Labonte 29 - 104
37 Jeff Burton 27 - 106
38 Terry Labonte 24 - 109
39 Josh Wise 22 - 111
40 Parker Kligerman 21 - 112
41 Ryan Truex 18 - 115
42 Michael McDowell 12 - 121
43 Travis Kvapil 11 - 122
44 Timmy Hill 6 - 127
45 Joe Nemechek 4 - 129
46 Michael Waltrip 4 - 129
39 Josh Wise 22 - 111
40 Parker Kligerman 21 - 112
41 Ryan Truex 18 - 115
42 Michael McDowell 12 - 121
43 Travis Kvapil 11 - 122
44 Timmy Hill 6 - 127
45 Joe Nemechek 4 - 129
46 Michael Waltrip 4 - 129
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Done in Denver, Champ Bailey has no plans to Retire
Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports
March 6, 2014
The Denver Broncos released veteran cornerback Champ Bailey, the team's longest tenured player, rather than pay him a $9 million salary in 2014.
Bailey, 35, will become a free agent for the first time in his career.
"I'm good. It's bittersweet. Now I get to go see what is out there," Bailey told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "I'm looking at the positive side of it."
MOCK DRAFT 2.0: Who will Texans take No. 1?
JIMMY GRAHAM: Packers should go after him
Bailey said the Broncos did not offer him a pay cut. He was set to earn a $1 million bonus if he was on the roster March 15.
Bailey met with executive vice president John Elway and coach John Fox to be informed of his pending release, which became official Thursday. By cutting Bailey, who had the team's second-highest salary in 2013 behind only quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos will save $10 million toward the salary cap.
"It sucks, but at the same time, I have to move on. I can't dwell on it. I know they're not dwelling on it," Bailey said.
The team thanked him after making the announcement.
FTW: How does Bailey rate against recent star CBs?
"This was a difficult decision for our team with everything that Champ Bailey has meant to the Denver Broncos and this community over the last 10 years," Elway said in a statement.
"Without question, he's among the best cornerbacks to ever play the game and one of the finest players in the history of the Broncos. You couldn't ask for more in a player than what Champ brought to this team. His combination of elite talent, class, leadership and competitiveness made him one of the all-time greats.
"On behalf of everyone with the Broncos, I wish Champ all the best and thank him for everything he did for this franchise. Champ will always be a Bronco. We look forward to his Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame election in the years ahead."
Bailey arrived in Denver in 2004 in a blockbuster player-for-player trade with the Washington Redskins for running back Clinton Portis. He re-signed with the Broncos in 2011 before he could hit free agency.
ONE-YEAR DEALS: How they actually can benefit veterans
PORTLAND RAIDERS? Oregon fans start petition for team
Bailey leaves Denver with 52 career interceptions (34 as a Bronco) and 12 Pro Bowl selections (eight with the Broncos). He was a first-round pick by Washington in 1999.
Bailey is coming off the most difficult year of his 16-year career, starting only three games in the regular season because of a nagging foot injury. He returned to the starting lineup for the AFC Championship Game and played in his first Super Bowl in the Broncos' loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bailey said he does not plan to retire and is looking forward to being a free agent for the first time in his career. He said he would like to continue playing cornerback but would consider a position change to safety.
"I just want to see what people will want me to do. My vision is to still play corner, but I'm a little more open-minded about the season I had last year." Bailey said. "I'm a corner at heart. If a situation made sense to play safety, then I would consider it."
Expect the Broncos to focus their free agent attention on the secondary, with starting right cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie set to become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday. Denver's other starter, Chris Harris, is a restricted free agent and is waiting for a tender offer the team that will determine his 2014 salary — and how attractive he might be to other teams looking for a starter.
Harris had surgery in early February to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Denver's divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.
Follow national NFL reporter Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
 |
| (Photo: Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports) |
Bailey, 35, will become a free agent for the first time in his career.
"I'm good. It's bittersweet. Now I get to go see what is out there," Bailey told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "I'm looking at the positive side of it."
MOCK DRAFT 2.0: Who will Texans take No. 1?
JIMMY GRAHAM: Packers should go after him
Bailey said the Broncos did not offer him a pay cut. He was set to earn a $1 million bonus if he was on the roster March 15.
Bailey met with executive vice president John Elway and coach John Fox to be informed of his pending release, which became official Thursday. By cutting Bailey, who had the team's second-highest salary in 2013 behind only quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos will save $10 million toward the salary cap.
"It sucks, but at the same time, I have to move on. I can't dwell on it. I know they're not dwelling on it," Bailey said.
The team thanked him after making the announcement.
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"This was a difficult decision for our team with everything that Champ Bailey has meant to the Denver Broncos and this community over the last 10 years," Elway said in a statement.
"Without question, he's among the best cornerbacks to ever play the game and one of the finest players in the history of the Broncos. You couldn't ask for more in a player than what Champ brought to this team. His combination of elite talent, class, leadership and competitiveness made him one of the all-time greats.
"On behalf of everyone with the Broncos, I wish Champ all the best and thank him for everything he did for this franchise. Champ will always be a Bronco. We look forward to his Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame election in the years ahead."
Bailey arrived in Denver in 2004 in a blockbuster player-for-player trade with the Washington Redskins for running back Clinton Portis. He re-signed with the Broncos in 2011 before he could hit free agency.
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Bailey leaves Denver with 52 career interceptions (34 as a Bronco) and 12 Pro Bowl selections (eight with the Broncos). He was a first-round pick by Washington in 1999.
Bailey is coming off the most difficult year of his 16-year career, starting only three games in the regular season because of a nagging foot injury. He returned to the starting lineup for the AFC Championship Game and played in his first Super Bowl in the Broncos' loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bailey said he does not plan to retire and is looking forward to being a free agent for the first time in his career. He said he would like to continue playing cornerback but would consider a position change to safety.
"I just want to see what people will want me to do. My vision is to still play corner, but I'm a little more open-minded about the season I had last year." Bailey said. "I'm a corner at heart. If a situation made sense to play safety, then I would consider it."
Expect the Broncos to focus their free agent attention on the secondary, with starting right cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie set to become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday. Denver's other starter, Chris Harris, is a restricted free agent and is waiting for a tender offer the team that will determine his 2014 salary — and how attractive he might be to other teams looking for a starter.
Harris had surgery in early February to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Denver's divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.
Follow national NFL reporter Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Broncos' Manning gets Physical all-clear for 2014 Season
CREDIT: REUTERS/CARLO ALLEGRI
 |
| Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning leaves field after being defeated by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, February 2, 2014. |
(Reuters) - Peyton Manning, who led the +Denver Broncos to an appearance in last month's Super Bowl, has been fully cleared to play next season, according to a report on the National Football League's website on Monday.
The 37-year-old quarterback's annual checkup was mandated as part of the five-year, $96 million contract he signed in 2012 after missing the 2011 +NFL season following multiple surgeries on his neck.
The examination was considered a formality since Manning played in each of his team's 19 games during the 2013 campaign, which ended with a loss to +Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
After getting the all-clear, Manning's $20 million salary becomes guaranteed for the 2014 season, according to a report that cited a source in the Broncos' organization.
Manning, who set single-season records in the 2013 campaign for touchdown passes and passing yards, is expected to take aim at Brett Favre's career touchdowns record, needing 18 more to lead the all-time list.
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Frank Pingue)
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