The Sports Guru

This is an interview I did with a San Francisco 49′er blogger for my Denver Broncos Blog Check out the MHR if you are into football, or just want to see more of my great writing!!!

Fooch over a NINERS NATION took some time to answer some burning questions about Frank Gore, Alex Smith, and the state of Niner Nation.

MHR — Frank Gore is a stud, no doubt about it. By nature, the running back position is short-lived, the average career just under 4 years. Are the 49′ers worried about Gore’s long-term potential. Do they have a depth available moving forward to protect themselves now that the Kevin Barlow era ended?

NN — Even though Gore had a very solid rookie season, the team wanted to see if he could make it through a full season before rewarding him with a long term deal. Outside of a concussion in Week 10 I think Gore has shown he can handle a full work load and carry things the entire season. Depth at RB is quite suspect as Hicks is solid as a backup but nothing special and Michael Robinson is a converted QB, meaning PROJECT. Rather than draft another running back the team will have plenty of money in free agency to bring in a solid veteran backup (Correll Buckhalter or Arlen Harris are a couple of solid options to fill the backup role)

MHR — Alex Smith showed flashes this season after a horrendous rookie campaign. What is the feeling in ‘Niner Nation’ about Smith, and do you think he is the guy to lead this team well into the future?

NN — Alex Smith is a tough sell to some, while others saw the Seahawks game and think he’s the next great thing. Prior to being drafted he’d never played in a Pro-Set offense which certainly increases the learning curve. At the same time, he’s a smart guy (graduated in 2 years) who’s one of the youngest players in the league. He’s got the arm strength and just needs another weapon or two. It’s just a matter of learning to trust his abilities.

MHR — It’s a safe bet to say the Niners surprised some folks this year, including a fair share of 49′er fans. What is the pulse of the fans. Was the loss last weekend to Arizona a huge disappointment despite the fact that no one thought the team would be in the race, or is there optimism towards the future because of this year success.

I can’t imagine anybody thought the team would be competitive for a playoff spot in week 15. I personally stated at the beginning of the year that I’d be excited with a 6-10 finish. It was quite disappointing to get eliminated by a team they should have beat, yet at the beginning of the year the Cardinals were viewed as the sexy sleeper pick in the West. Circumstances can change so quickly. There is definite optimism going ahead, particularly with the development of Frank Gore. Many think a solid draft and free agency period (49ers will have tons of cap room) will take them to the next level. There is worry of regression but I think the team has so much room for improvement and in fact a guy like Alex Smith improved but not nearly as much as many think. He was clearly better than last year, but still has a lot to learn in terms of managing the game and avoiding mistakes.

MHR — After some tumultuous moments, everything seems to be ok between Niner Fans and Niner ownership. Is that the case, is there still some distrust there? What is the status of the new stadium and it’s location?

NN — I think the fact that the York’s were willing to turn things over to Nolan in terms of football operation has breeded a little more trust than in the past. However, you ask any 49ers fan and they’ll probably say they prefer Eddie D. Personally, he just seemed like a football owner, while John and Denise York just don’t seem to fit the mold. In terms of the stadium, I think fiasco would best describe it. The team abandoned the city plans and introduced their own plan for down in Santa Clara (the South Bay near San Jose). However, nothing is done anywhere and the politicians are trying to get San Francisco and the team back to the negotiating table. Outside of the phone company baseball field, developing new facilities in the Bay Area creates such huge problems that it’s a wonder anything gets done.

MHR — I have said on the MHR that I am concerned about this game because the 49′ers have shown flashes and can do some things that usually give the Broncos fits. What concerns you about the Broncos and what must the Niners do to win the game.

NN — Frank Gore has to dominate this game for the 49ers to win. I mean 150 yards and a TD or two type of domination. The worry for the 49ers is two-fold. The offensive line has been decimated by injury which could allow your superior linebackers to bust through and wreak havoc. The worry for the 49ers on defense has to be stopping the run, considering how well Shanahan teams move the rock. As on offense, the defense has been rocked with injuries which makes stopping the Bell’s that much more difficult. I really think this game will come down to the running game and who can dominate time of possession. A little old-school Nebraska-Oklahoma option battle!

MHR — BONUS – Prediction Time – Who ya got?
NN — Broncos come out tight and the 49ers take advantage behind Frank Gore and a big game from Vernon Davis - 49ers 23 - Broncos 20

Technorati Tags: San Francisco 49′ers, Denver Broncos, Frank Gore, Alex Smith, Broncos-49′ers Game

A big stink was made a couple days ago when Jason Taylor, Defensive Player of the Year candidate, stated on a conference call that Merriman shouldn’t be in a position to win the DPOY award or go to the Pro Bowl becuase it sends the wrong message to kids.  ”You really shouldn’t be able to fail a test like that and play in this league, to begin with,” Taylor said Wednesday. “To make the Pro Bowl and all the other awards, I think you’re walking a fine line of sending the wrong message.”

Merriman, of course, shot back, “If I wasn’t having the kind of season I’m having, this wouldn’t even be a conversation,” Merriman said. “The NFL will always have the level of integrity. That’s what makes the NFL. In my situation, everything happened in an appropriate way. I sat out my four games, my money was taken away from me, my four games were taken away from me, and I came back and played my rear off.”

Merriman has a point.  Julius Peppers was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002 despite being suspended for 4 games for the same indiscretion.  There was no outcry then.  

You can now add another DPOY candidate to the list of guys coming out against Merriman winning the award.  Champ Bailey.  I just don’t like cheating in the game, there’s no room for it,” Bailey said Thursday. “I don’t think there is any place for steroids or performance enhancers in the NFL.”

Hey, for the record I agree that a cheat is a cheat, and there is no place in football for it.  But I also beleive in the system, and Shawne Merriman did his time, and if was the best defensive player in the 12 games he’ll play compared to the 16 games everyone else played then so be it.

I, for one, do not.  Champ Bailey is my choice of DPOY, simply for the fact that a team can make the decision to take Bailey out of the game bu not throwing at him.  In some cases they have, excpet for one or two throws and Bailey has made the most of thos opportunities.  Even more impressive is the success Bailey has had given the style of play the Broncos’ defense has employed.

Bailey does have some good points when it comes to Merriman.  ”After testing positive, I don’t think he should be given anything this year,” Bailey said. “I hope he didn’t do it. I hope he took it unknowingly. I don’t want to throw him under the bus any more than he already has been. I think he’s a great player and I love talking to him.  But I don’t think guys who tested positive should win anything the year they test positive.”  I just hope it doesn’t come across as sour grapes.

Anytime you take the field, against any opponet, memories of past battles can’t help but creep into mind. The same cna be said for players on both sides of the field this Sunday when the Broncos and Niners end their respective regular seasons. For the Broncos and their fans, the Niners coming to town brings back thoughts of December 23, 2000 when the two teams met in what would be the final game ever played at Mile High Stadium. For the Niners the thoughts will be much darker, with players remembering the events of August 21, 2005 when Thomas Herrion collapsed and dies in the locker room after the game. The end of an era is trivial when compared to the end of a life, but thoughts on each will surely be there for the fans.

The Broncos 38-9 victory over the Niner’s in the last game ever at Mile High Stadium propelled them back into the playoffs after a disappointing 6-10 mark the year prior. The season would end just a week later with a loss in Baltimore, the eventual Super Bowl Champions. Mile High Stadium was easily the toughest place to play for opposing teams, and the feeling that was alive there on game days has yet to be fully reproduced at Invesco Field @ Mile High. The stands rattled, TV Cameras shook, and opposing quarterbacks struggled to call signals. The Broncos jumped out to a 38-0 lead after 3 quarters before coasting to the 29 point victory. Though six years have passed since that final game, there will no doubt be thousands of fans this weekend in attendance that were there that day and will give a moments thoughts to times gone by, for better or worse.

The Niner’s memories are much more vivid, much clearer in their minds. It was the 3rd pre-season game of the 2005 season and the Broncos had just finished off a 26-21 victory over the Niners and their new Head Coach Mike Nolan. Nolan had just addressed his team when Herrion, 23, a 6-3, 310 pound guard collapsed. CPR was administered immediately but attempts to resuscitate Herrion were unsuccessful. A heart defect was later found to be the cause, and nothing could have been don to prevent his loss. There is no doubt when the Niners head into the locker room before the game memories of that night will be close at hand.

Everyday life has events, small and large, that bring back memories of the past. Some good, some not so good. When the Broncos and Niners take the field, they’ll do so with their own memories of times gone by.

There are still several teams alive for a playoff spot, but only Denver and the surprising New York Jets control their own destiny.  If each takes cares of business this Sunday they will be in with the Broncos taking the #5 seed and the Jets nabbing the #6 seed.  Here is the team by team breakdown, and what each needs to do to sneak in –

1. 1. San Diego(13-2(10-2), ARI) — The Chargers keep winning, and they need to if they want to stay home for the playoffs.  It’s pretty simple for the AFC West Champs, beat Arizona and they clinch the #1 seed
2. 2. Baltimore(12-3(9-2), BUF) — The Ravens made a statement, driving the final nail into the Steelers coffin, in Pittsburgh no less.  With the win the Ravens have kept the pressure on San Diego and if the Chargers slip can get the #1 seed themselves.  They need to beat Buffalo and hope for a SD loss.
3. 3. Indianapolis(11-4(8-3), MIA) — The Colts are in deep trouble, and really need to regroup, and quickly.  After losing to Houston for the first time ever the COlts find themselves looking at having to play Wild Card Weekend.  They haven’t played real well with the BYE so it might be just what they need.  A win coupled with a Raven loss and the Colts regain the #2 seed
4. 4. New England(11-4(6-4), @TEN) –The Patriots finally clinched the AFC East with a tough win in Jacksonville and can still back in to the #3 seed with a win and a Colts loss.  More likely, however, is the #4 seed and a first round matchup with Denver.
5. 5. Denver(9-6(8-4), SF) — Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good, and the Broncos got a bit lucky beating the Bengals.  I am a firm believer tha tyou make your own luck, and forcing the Bengals into 4 turnovers meant the defense came to play.  Very simple for Denver - beat San Francisco in Denver and they are the #5 seed.  Lose, and it becomes a convoluted mess.  Just win.
6. 6. NY Jets(9-6(6-5), OAK) — The Jets always seem to find a way to win, and last night victory in Miami has the Jets on the cusp of the playoffs.  A win over hapless Oakland in the Meadowlands on Sunday and the Jets lock up the #6 seed and a probable trip to Indianapolis.  If Denver should stuble the Jets can slip in to the #5 seed and a third matchup with the Patriots.  Either matchup would be a lot of fun.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN –

7. 7. Cincinnati(8-7(6-5), PIT) — The Bengals will probably be the most talented team not to make the playoffs, kinda like the Chargers last season.  With the way they played at certain times this season they probably don’t deserve to get in.  There are a couple ways the Bengals can get in — Win + Jets Loss, or Win + Denver Loss + KC Win.  Not looking good.
8. 8. Tennessee(8-7(5-6), NE — What a run by the Titans.  Another win, this time in Buffalo, has them right there heading into the last week of the season.  It isn’t likely, but if the Titans do get in no one will want to face them.  For Tennessee, there is only one way to get in, but in four parts - Win + Cincy Loss or Tie + Denver Loss + KC Win
9. 9. Jacksonville(8-7(5-6), @KC) — Backup quarterbacks are backups for a reason, and after having a couple decnet games David Garrard has fallen back to earth and brought the Jags playoff hopes with him.  Jacksonvill needs alot of help to get in — Win + NYJ Loss + Cincy Loss or Tie + Tennessee Loss or Tie
10. 10. Kansas City(8-7(4-7), JAC) — A tie-break advantage over Denver has the Chiefs alive for a spot, though it is still a long shot.  They need — Win + Cincy Loss or Tie + Denver Loss + Tennessee Loss or Tie

     @      

That’s the first thing I thought when that snap went wide left(of the holder that is…). I have seen “Hail-Mary” plays win games, I have seen touchdown’s scored on an on-side kick, and of course there is the ‘Music City Miracle’. But until 7:30PM EST today I have never seen a missed extra point in that type of situation.

Ok, ok. Before I start seeing comments about when this has happened before I believe I have seen it, but it was the best opening to this post I could think of(a little too much egg nog I guess).

So obviously this is a huge win for the Broncos, and the toughest of tough losses for the Bengals. Thougn the magnitude of the win won’t be known unless the team gets to the post-season, I put alot of weight into it. It is the first time this season that the Broncos won a game they arguably should have lost. They played well, and forced four Cincy turnovers, but for a major part of the game it had the feel of the Indy game, a game the Broncos led for most of 4 quarters, only to give it away at the end.

I little luck never hurts, but I am a huge believer that one play doesn’t define a game, just epitomizes the day’s events. That was the case today, with the Bengals playing sloppy with the ball. Dropped passes, fumbles, interceptions in the red zone, all major no-no’s. All week I talked about how much these teams have mirrored each other this season, and never more-so than today.

One last thought. If there was any doubt, any non-believer, any supposed Bronco fan beating the Jake Plummer drum, proclaiming Mike Shanahan ‘gave up on the season’ today should be the day it stops for once and for all. Even if the Broncos fall flat next week, and miss the playoffs Jay Cutler became the unchallenged alpha-dog of the Denver Offense. Very much like another QB we all might know, Cutler used a field lentgh drive, while behind in the game and it’s outcome in doubt, to write himself into Broncos lore forever. That 99 yard drive will go down as one of the greatest in team history, given what was on the line in the game and the elements provided by Mother Nature. Jay Cutler emerged today, and if he has the type of career tha most expect him to have people will look back on that drive asa the launch point, similar to the way we look back to ‘The Drive’ for John Elway. I just feel fortunate to have watched it.

That’s it, that’s all I can think of. What a game, what a win, what a future for the Denver Broncos.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you out there. Enjoy your holiday, I know I will thanks to a guy from Santa Claus!

Technorati Tags: Denver Broncos, Jay Cutler, Cincinnati Bengals, Missed Extra Point, Carson Palmer, AFC Playoffs