Saunders: ESPN radio sports talkers to try three Denver voices By Dusty Saunders The Denver Post July 1, 2013 Three usually is a crowd in a broadcasting booth during game coverage. How about a trio yakking during a high-profile afternoon sports-talk show five days a week? We'll hear how this works beginning July 22 when Denver's two ESPN FM outlets 102.3 and 105.5 introduce "The Locker Room" (3-6 p.m.), featuring Gary Miller, Nate Kreckman and Tom Nalen. The show, destined for a lot of advance tub-thumping, will air opposite Dave Logan and Dave Krieger on KOA 850 AM, Alfred Williams and D-Mac (Darren McKee) on KKFN 104.3 FM and the Mile High Sports duo of Mark McIntosh and Eric Goodman on 1510 AM and 93.7 FM. The ESPN show is part of a major career change for Miller, who recently signed on as the play-by-play talent for Colorado State football and basketball, airing this fall on 105.5 FM. Miller ends his 22-year KCNC- Channel 4 career Thursday. Kreckman has been teaming at 3 p.m. with Charles Johnson, who may move to noon-3 p.m. with Les Shapiro. Kreckman and Johnson have worked well together, mixing news, opinion and humor. Nalen, a man of very few words as an honored Broncos center, has been voicing a multitude of opinions with Shapiro. The winds of change never stop blowing in the competitive world of weekday sports-talk radio. Remember when Miller and Channel 4's Vic Lombardi had a morning show on 102.3 FM for 2½ years beginning in July 2009? Lombardi is replacing the departed Joel Klatt (now with Fox Sports 1) in the 5:30-9 a.m. time period on 104.3 FM, working with Mike Evans and Nate Lundy, The Fan's program director. By the way, whatever happened to Jo Jo? Let's bring back Doug Moe and Tom Green, a popular chatting duo.
Anyone ready for a "Jeopardy!"-type TV show dealing with Denver sports-talk radio down through the years? More broadcasting names. Noted college basketball analyst Bill Raftery, an ESPN staple for 20 years, has joined Fox Sports 1 to cover Big East basketball, teaming with Gus Johnson. Raftery will remain with longtime partner Verne Lundquist during CBS Sports' coverage of the NCAA Tournament. An example of job security: ESPN has signed lead college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit to a new contract through 2022. He also will continue as an analyst on the Saturday morning "College GameDay" pregame show. Former CNN morning anchor Soledad O'Brien, now a member of HBO's "Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel," made a positive debut last Tuesday with a report on how Iraq war veterans are battling post-traumatic stress disorder through organized mixed marital arts activities. "America's funniest dumb blond" put on a two-night stage show at the Mirage in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday nights. Don't go through your list of noted blond female entertainers. This performer was Terry Bradshaw, who provided 70-minute shows singing and telling stories about his growing-up years and lively career, which included being a blond toupee model. While the 64-year-old Bradshaw is not giving up his Fox broadcasting career, he indicated to reporters he may be preparing for departure when quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning retire and move into studio work. Bradshaw also told Sports Illustrated he might take the show "on the road" when not involved in covering the NFL scene. Ratings roulette. The NHL season was a roaring audience success for NBC Sports. Examples: The last contest of the Stanley Cup Finals was the most-watched sixth game since 1994 and a 91 percent increase over 2012. Overall audience ratings on Stanley Cup play on NBC, the NBC Sports Network and CNBC provided the largest viewership since 1997. Manning rates as NFL's No. 2 player
Broncos fans surely remember Peyton Manning placed second last season behind the Vikings' Adrian Peterson as the NFL's MVP. That pecking order remained during the NFL Network's recently completed poll of the top 100 players going into the 2013 season. Von Miller, Denver's all-star linebacker, finished ninth. Three other Broncos were in the top 100 wide receiver Wes Welker (44), cornerback Champ Bailey (53) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (68). Manning placed 50th in the 2012 countdown. While some media experts criticize the annual poll as not necessarily a correct gauge of talent, the TV specials, aired in June on Thursday nights, drew strong audiences because highlight films of the honored players were plentiful. Counting down the top 10, as compiled by active players: 10. Calvin Johnson, Lions wide receiver 9. Von Miller, Broncos linebacker 8. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback 7. J.J. Watt, Texans defensive end 6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers quarterback 5. Aldon Smith, 49ers linebacker 4. Arian Foster, Texans running back 3. Patrick Willis, 49ers linebacker 2. Peyton Manning, Broncos quarterback 1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings running back
No. 1 hardest ticket to buy in NFL this year: Peyton Manning vs. Eli Manning By Mike Klis The Denver Post June 30, 2013 You might be getting tired of those Peyton Manning commercials but don t call the Broncos quarterback overexposed. His demand suggests fans can t enough. According to the the secondary ticket market broker Vivid Seats, Peyton vs. brother Eli Manning quarterback matchup in week 2 is the hardest ticket to buy. Peyton Manning vs. rival Tom Brady is the second-hardest ticket to buy and Peyton vs. his Indianapolis heir apparent Andrew Luck is the fourth hardest. The NFL season opener between the Broncos and Ravens in Denver which is more about the playoff rematch between AFC teams than it is Peyton Manning vs. Joe Flacco is No. 7. That means Manning and the Broncos have the top two, three of the top four, and four of the top 7 attractive games on the NFL schedule in 2013. Here s the list, according to Vivid Seats: Secondary ticket price.. Game Date 1. $505 Broncos at Giants Sunday, Sept. 15 2. $498 Broncos at Patriots Sunday, Nov. 24 3. $479 Steelers at Patriots Sunday, Nov. 3 4. $467 Broncos at Colts Sunday, Oct. 20 5. $453 Cowboys at Bears Monday, Dec. 9 6. $419 Jets at Patriots Thursday, Sept. 12 7. $405 Ravens at Broncos Thursday, Sept. 5 8. $390 Vikings vs. Steelers (in London) Sunday, Sept. 29 9. $379 Cowboys at Giants Sunday, Nov. 24 10. $369 Ravens at Steelers Sunday, Oct. 20
Ranking the AFC West defensive backs By Bill Williamson ESPN.com July 1, 2013 Our AFC West 2013 positional rankings series marches on with a deep, strong group of defensive backs: 1. Eric Weddle, San Diego: He is everything you want in a safety. He is a complete player. 2. Eric Berry, Kansas City: With extended health, the sky is the limit for this special player. 3. Champ Bailey, Denver: He is 35, but he still is a high-impact player. 4. Brandon Flowers, Kansas City: Coaches and scouts around the league rave about this player. 5. Sean Smith, Kansas City: Big, athletic player should strive in Kansas City. 6. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver: Playing opposite Bailey should benefit this talent. 7. Tyvon Branch, Oakland: Having Charles Woodson on his side should take pressure off this solid player. 8. Dunta Robinson, Kansas City: Robinson s versatility will help the Chiefs. 9. Derek Cox, San Diego: A solid player who was badly needed. 10. Charles Woodson, Oakland: He still has something left in the tank. 11. D.J. Hayden, Oakland: If his heart issues are behind him, he has a chance to make a big difference. 12. Chris Harris, Denver: A tremendous nickel cornerback. 13. Kendrick Lewis, Kansas City: A steady performer to assist Berry. 14. Rahim Moore, Denver: Everyone remembers the horrible playoff gaffe. But he
has ability. 15. Mike Jenkins, Oakland: He should help Oakland s secondary. 16. Quentin Jammer, Denver: The Broncos have a plan for him at safety. 17. Mike Adams, Denver: He always gives a high-effort. 18. Tony Carter, Denver: Backup cornerback has big-play ability. 19. Tracy Porter, Oakland: Raiders hoping for a bounce back season from former Bronco. 20. David Bruton, Denver: Special teams ace will get a chance to play more on defense. 21. Darrell Stuckey, San Diego: Ditto. 22. Shareece Wright, San Diego: Inexperienced player who get a chance to start. 23. Brandon Taylor, San Diego: He has ability, but is coming off a torn ACL 24. Phillip Adams, Oakland: He played well at times last season. 25. Marcus Gilchrist, San Diego: Versatile player will get a chance to play. 26. Brandian Ross, Oakland: He showed some nice flashes last year. 27. Joselio Hanson, Oakland: He is decent injury insurance. 28. Sanders Commings, Kansas City: Rookie showed flashes in the offseason. 29. Husain Abdullah, Kansas City: He took year off last year for personal reasons. He has starting experience.
Guest MMQB: Jabari Greer on postbounty Saints; an inspirational tale By Jabari Greer Sports Illustrated July 1, 2013 Peter King is taking his annual vacation, and he's lined up some special guests to fill in on MMQB in the meantime. This week, New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer takes over. *** Each summer in the searing sun of southern Louisiana, 90 men leave their individual life behind and dream of becoming one. The goal is simple: forsake yourself for the fortune of group, rise above the immediate trials of the time, and become timeless. The summer progresses, the heat intensifies and the number of men sacrificing together dwindle; and although your body tires, your resolve must strengthen. This is the life of a New Orleans Saint preparing for the season, and if you are one of the 53 few chosen, this is the place you want to be. Coming into this season, like every season before, there is a sense of promise. If you take a poll of all 32 teams, 32 of them will believe that there is something different about this year's chances; the offseason breeds hope, but only when hope is challenged, does resolve flourish. The 2012 New Orleans Saints season was well documented, from the loss of Sean Payton, our coach; to the rest of the sanctions dealt to our program in the alleged bounty case; to, ultimately, the performance of our team -- a 7-9 finish that left us out of the playoffs for the first time in three years. What was not told in the headlines or on the news, however, was the spirit of our men in the locker room. Experiencing an unprecedented ordeal in the history of the NFL, our men never wavered. Although our spirit wasn't reflected in the final score of nine of our games, we endured Goliath's wrath last season, and now Goliath has to pay. So forgive me if I sound the trumpet of preseason enthusiasm. It was out of tune for a year, in the shop being repaired. This year holds no promise of a better timbre for the orchestra that is the Saints; but now, in our coach, we have our first chair back, and he has brought in a badass sax player in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, some new songs and some new steps.
So, for this summer, in the searing sun of Southern Louisiana, 90 men leave their individual life behind and dream of becoming one; and although the goal is simple, and hope profuse, becoming timeless is going to take a lot of work. And now for a story... Along the stream that ran between his house and mine, my friend and I sought to perfect the art of play. He would seek while I would hide; we built forts amongst the giant boulders and, amongst the old oaks, we would climb. The unimaginable amusement we experienced validated the joy of youthfulness in our life; it encouraged us to play more, to shine brighter, and led us to fulfillment. There, along the base of the tranquil stream was the oak of wisdom. The grandeur of the old oak was astonishing, and reminded me of the stories my father would tell me before bed as a child. As we gathered closer, we discovered two seeds. As I glanced upon my friend's seed, I noticed imperfections he thought perfect; I commented on cracks in his seed he deemed creative. One glance upon my seed, and my soul's thirst was at once satisfied; my heart's hunger was finally filled to excess. To me, my seed reflected a truth within my spirit that until then remained silent, but now spoke clearly. My friend and I cared deeply for our two seeds, and out of exhilaration decided to return home as champions. As I entered the house, my father greeted me. I opened my hand slowly, revealing my seed, and at once my father's face beamed with joy. "My son, this is the Seed of Destiny," he said, "given as a gift by the Gardener to one chosen for the task." I was given precise instructions to wash it off and place it under my pillow. As I prepared for bed, after thanking the Gardener for this gift, I blew out my light. The luminescence from my seed filled my room, creating amazement in my mind and peace of purpose in my soul; I closed my eyes, and at once I was asleep. I arose the next morning refreshed and assured, renewed with a sense of purpose. Clothed, fed and collected in a matter of minutes, I prepared to leave for the day. "Where is your seed, son?" my father asked in a voice calm, but convicting. "You must understand that this gift requires great sacrifice," he told me as he approached the door. "Continue to carry this seed, my son, nurture it, water it, and in time, it will bloom into something so beautiful." The seed I loved, once smooth and manageable, over time had become jagged and course, almost unbearable to carry. Content with my effort, I put my seed down and walked away. My father, returning home to see my seed jagged and alone, summoned me to the table. "Son, although our destinies can sometimes become rough and seemingly unmanageable, we must strengthen our grip. Although painful at first, our hands callous and contour into a strong support, giving a firm foundation for something so special." He asked me to hold my hand out across the
table, placed the jagged seed in my palm, and used his callous hands to close mine. Applying tremendous pressure to my grip, he assured me of my own strength; the excruciating pain drew blood from my hands, tears from my eyes, and a smile from my heart. For I knew I could bear this pain, and enjoy the passion that runs through it. That fall, as the first foliage lay upon our acreage, I understood that I too must lay to rest that which enticed me as a child, and with my seed sprouting, find a place for it to lay its roots. As I approached the door, my father with a joyful heart stood at an arm's grasp: "Son, I have seen you grow from a child, concerned with life's fulfillment, to a man, searching for life's truths. Stay humble, serve others, and always allow the Gardener to grow through you. I love you, son." He embraced me and kissed my forehead, signifying that I was no longer his to protect. With my own destiny coming to pass, I knew I must strengthen my grip, and continue to endue. So I left. After many years passed, I returned to the land of my youth. Although I had left a young man, inexperienced, and oft naïve; I returned inspired, while once my seed was thought to be the solution to life's problems, it had become weathered, beaten and almost broken by the torrential winds of life. I had to become firmly rooted in the lessons I had learned, and truths I had found. My seed continues to comfort me with a patience that only a few understand. I reminisce on my father's wisdom, not fully understood until now: "Son, our trees must be strong, with roots locking our foundation securely in love, and we must provide not only home for fowl but a place of respite to the weary. It is in your shade that your children will find their seeds, and they will climb your sturdy branches and tell you secrets in a time you will never visit. And when the wind blows... we can tell them stories of a place they've never known." *** And so, here we are... Although I use allegory in explaining the story of the two seeds, the principles I wanted to express in this Monday Morning Quarterback are in harmony with the task set before us this day. Monday is a day in which we start new, and we often compound the expectations and tasks facing us, even before realizing that our own seeds still scream to be cultivated. We all have a seed of destiny that has been nourished by each and every one of our joys, pains and mistakes. These seeds grow into the tree of our life, and although it's never perfect, we must be acutely aware that it is not about the immaculate presentation of the flowers bestowed upon our tree, they will quickly wilt in the summer's sun. It is about the shadow
that our tree casts; our shadow is our life, it is our legacy, in which our children's children can take respite and refuge when the heat of ostracism or the shifting winds of seeking their identity try to take hold. We must be the shade to the oppressed, the Fatherless and the poor. We must be the encouraging catalyst to the young who come after us, seeds in hand and full of promise. With their seed, we must cup their hand and apply great force. For out a river of pain, Their passions shall flow. no one understands me. Ten Things I Think I Think 1. I think that you guys will read the Two Seeds story, and get to the tagline of "no one understands me," and some of you will invariably reply, "I don't get it?" 2. I think that the nation's sidewalk-sign-twirlers should look into getting a union. I consider that a high risk, low reward gig. Nobody should tear a rotator cuff flipping a sign promoting ½ price off haircuts for kids*. *Applies only when you purchase full price adult hair cut. 3. I think it grinds my gears when someone who has lived in Portland his or her whole life starts to root for the Heat. You're not a LeBron fan, you like winners. Just say so! 4. I think one of the most confusing comments I sometimes hear when I'm with my children in a restaurant is, "Oh, you're such a good daddy, I wish there were more like you." Really? More what? More men who realized that they are too lazy to make pancakes on Saturday, so instead pay twice the market value to have someone else make them? Another comment I often hear is, "Your children are so well-behaved." That's because every time we go into a restaurant, we have a Greer Family Meeting. Here are the rules: Don't stick your nasty fingers in someone else's pancakes. Don't you dare dance on the table; they don't tip in there, so leave your break dance routine at home. I better not hear anyone of you go up to a customer and ask, "Who is you?" or we're leaving.
5. I think, when writing comedy, the best place to look for conflict is the waffle house during the morning rush. There should be a reality show called Hot off the Grill: Drama in the Waffle House. 6. I think the worst place to rush to the restroom is at a Cracker Barrel. If you're trying to picture what it's like, think less NASCAR, more bumper cars. 7. I think the media's perception of fatherhood has been devastating over the last 20 years. There are not enough Cliff Huxstables, and too many Homer Simpsons. 8. I think no matter how insightful, inspirational or moving my writing may be, I'll always hear it from Falcons fans: "Loved the article, but I hope that Roddy White 'drops his seed' on ya'll Week 1! Rise Up!" 9. I think I have been truly blessed to know Steve Gleason. I had to confront my own mortality and prejudice, and get to know him on a personal level. But now, in addition to my friend, he is my Go-To Music Man: Lord Huron, Alt-J, all from the Great Glease. I love you, man, you're a true living hero. 10. I think if you met me for coffee, the last thing you would think I did professionally was play football.
Ryan Clady, Broncos 'aren't close' on extension National Football Post June 30, 2013 The Denver Broncos have resumed talks with offensive tackle Ryan Clady about a contract extension, but the two sides are not close to reach a deal, according to National Football Post. Clady, the No. 12 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, has played five seasons with the Broncos and is working on an extension that will be his second NFL contract. He played the final year of his rookie deal in 2012. That contract guaranteed him $23.375 million. According to reports, Clady is seeking a contract extension similar to the seven-year, $80.5 million deal that Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas received last August. The Broncos gave Clady the franchise tag, but the three-time Pro Bowler still has not signed it and appears intent on getting a long term deal before he suits up.
Gray Matter Mailbag: Camp, DRC and Matchups By Gray Caldwell DenverBroncos.com June 28, 2013 In this week's mailbag, Gray Caldwell answers questions about training camp practices, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and more. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to take this time to admit a very embarrassing trait. I'm a Charlotte Bobcats fan. So after watching them take Cody Zeller at No. 4 overall last night, I'm glad to get back to thinking about a happier subject -- Broncos football. Maybe Zeller will be a good pro, and I was happy to see former Tar Heel Reggie Bullock go in the first round, but it feels good to get back into a football mindset. Let's get to this week's questions. Thanks, as always, for submitting them. You can do so all week -- just tweet to me using the hashtag #GrayMatter. Jon Heath@JHSMDEN @GrayCaldwell #GrayMatter Will there be any more practices that are not listed on the schedule that will not be open to public? Good question, and the answer is yes. There are 16 practices open to the public, including the club's Summer Scrimmage Sports Authority Field at Mile High, but the team has some afternoon sessions throughout camp as well. Those are closed to the public. The team alternates between a one-a-day and two-a-day practice schedule, with the occasional day off and preseason game making it so it's not exactly every other day. This year, on eight occasions the team will also have an evening walkthrough practice session that is open to media only. Gray Caldwell@GrayCaldwell Putting together this week's #GrayMatter mailbag right now. Any last-minute questions? What do you want to read about? pshin8670@pshin8670 @GrayCaldwell Did the Broncos re-sign Koppen to return as a starter or to build depth? Will Blake, Ramirez, or even Kuper get a look at C?
Covered this a little bit last week in terms of Chris Kuper getting a shot at center -- I don't see that happening, if only because he's never played center in college or the pros. As far as Dan Koppen is concerned, I do expect him to step in as the starter. He was a late signing last year -- not until the club had already played its Week 1 game -- and still stepped right in when J.D. Walton went down in Week 4. With a full training camp with the team, not to mention his experience working with Peyton Manning last season, it seems safe to pencil in Koppen as the starting center. You're also right in the sense that Manny Ramirez and Phillip Blake provide depth at the position as well while Walton aims for a mid-october recovery. Gray Caldwell@GrayCaldwell @metalheadmushin Thank you, that's good to hear. Metal Mushin @metalheadmushin @GrayCaldwell I have two questions. @1_900_ayersjr (Robert Ayers) told me that DRC is FAST. Exactly how fast is he and how he'll contribute? I saw Ayers already helped me out with the answer on Twitter -- "You'll have to tune in to see." But I'll delve in a little. DRC ran a 4.33 at the NFL Scouting Combine back in 2008, and Demaryius Thomas said during OTAs that "he's still fast." "He s probably one of the best I ve seen that can recover if he gets beat because his hips are so fast," Thomas said. It's his combination of size (6-foot-2) and speed that makes him such a talented cover corner. Right now it looks like Rodgers-Cromartie will line up as the outside corner opposite Champ Bailey, though he has some competition for that spot in a deep secondary. Bailey said he and DRC are similar in that they both pride themselves on being able to cover anybody, and Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio said he's seen nothing but hard work from Rodgers-Cromartie as he looks to use the abilities he been blessed with to become a more consistent player. That hard works looks to be paying off already, according to Von Miller, who was asked about the newcomers on defense. I think DRC,' he s been looking like he s been here for the longest," he said. "He came right in and fits in with the locker room." ANGEL@AO350legend @GrayCaldwell Are the #Broncos gonna keep 3 QBs?? #GrayMatter That's up to seventh-round pick Zac Dysert and college free agent Ryan Katz. The club had three last year -- Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler and Caleb Hanie. With a year under his belt, Osweiler has given the team confidence that he could handle
the offense if he had to, so it wouldn't be all that surprising if the team went into the season with just Manning and Osweiler. That would save a roster spot for another position. Either Dysert or Katz could end up on the practice squad, as well, so there would still be another arm to work on the scout team throughout the year. If I had to guess right now, I'd say that's how it shakes out -- Manning and Osweiler on the active roster with a third quarterback on the practice squad. Chris @PsychoChief @GrayCaldwell hey which game this season will you be looking forward to most: ravens, colts or patriots (Welker). Also which has most story? All three are good choices. And don't forget about the Redskins game -- when Mike Shanahan will make his return to Denver -- or the Giants game -- the battle of the Manning brothers. Personally, I'm most excited for the Ravens game. First and foremost, it's the first game of the season. And the only show in town -- I think it's going to be awesome to be a part of the NFL Kickoff Game, and hosting it makes it all the better. Then add on the fact that it's a test against last season's best team, and it just so happens to be the team that knocked the Broncos out of the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion, AND that team has since added former Broncos pass rusher Elvis Dumervil. It's just too perfect of a scenario. Now I'm all excited about it. Let's get training camp started.