A few years ago, the Broncos elevated Ted Sundquist’s status within the organization, in a move to de-lever Mike Shanahan’s control on the organization. Shanahan, like many other coaches in the late 90s and early part of this decade, was able to become the de factor GM in addition to head coach. And like most of those coaches, it eventually became apparent that it’s probably not the ideal situation. Coaching an NFL team is a full-time job and then some. Successfully managing a team’s personnel needs including contract terms, free agency and draft preparation is, also, a full-time job many times over.
Enter Sundquist. Sundquist was the long-time director of player personnel and effectively answered to Shanahan. But in 2002, ownership promoted Sundquist to the role of General Manager which SUPPOSED to give him more power and autonomy.
Yet, those close to the Denver situation never really believed Shanahan lost ultimate say. Which is why today’s firing of Sundquist is an odd one. Yes, the Broncos haven’t been as competitive in the 2000s as they were in Shanahan’s early years. But, if Shanny never really lost control of personnel decisions, why must Sundquist go? Was it REALLY his fault?
At some point, Shanahan is going to run out of other people to blame for the Broncos recent return to mediocrity. But, at least for another season, it appears he’s found a scapegoat.
Interesting comments in the Denver Post from Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan regarding the future of RB Selvin Young:
Selvin Young is ideal for 10 to 15 carries a game, but Shanahan said he’s not a 20-to-25 carry back.
“No, definitely not,” Shanahan said. “Any time a guy’s been hurt as many times as he did, you know that there’s no possible way he can carry the ball 20, 25 times a game. The body just won’t hold up. He went down too many times this year. But you are looking at a guy that you know has big-play potential.”
Not really a surprise, but given the struggles of Travis Henry this season, it seems a foregone conclusion that Denver will ONCE AGAIN be looking for someone new to carry the load at the RB position. It was Young, not Henry, who led the Broncos in rushing this season, marking the FIFTH CONSECUTIVE season that someone different topped Denver’s RB ledger:
| Year |
Name |
Carries |
Yards |
TDs |
Where Are They Now? |
| 2007 |
Selvin Young |
140 |
729 |
1 |
Backup in 2008 |
| 2006 |
Tatum Bell |
233 |
1025 |
2 |
Lions Backup |
| 2005 |
Mike Anderson |
239 |
1014 |
12 |
Ravens Backup |
| 2004 |
Reuben Droughns |
275 |
1240 |
6 |
Giants Backup |
| 2003 |
Clinton Portis |
290 |
1591 |
14 |
Redskins Feature Back |
It’s hard not to notice the diminishing returns the Broncos have gotten from their lead rusher since Clinton Portis’ trade. This year Travis Henry was supposed to erase the need for a committee approach, but nagging injuries and legal concerns regarding a possible failed drug test curtailed a strong start to the season.
Will Henry be back and, if so, provide the 1,400+ yards we forecast for him in 2007? According to the Post article, only if he’s willing to take a significant pay cut. With so many mouths to feed, and a history of financial problems, somehow I wonder if Henry will be willing to do that.
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