Post Season Catch-up

As I have milked my wounds at the embarrassing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII with a final score of 43 – Seattle, 8 – Denver I am finally able to write about the postseason and the developments around the league. As the end of March approaches and news of Champ Bailey being released sets in, as well as Eric Decker signing a five-year $36.25 million contract with the New York Jets on March 12, 2014. With the first Bronco to go on March 11 being Guard Zane Beadles who signed a 30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Maybe no Super Bowl contender there but hey who can pass up 30 million? With the retirement of Chris Kuper, the cap money freed up enough for John Elway and Head Coach John Fox to move fast signing Safety TJ Ward to a 23 million 4 year contract, Defensive End DeMarcus Ware to a 3 year 30 million contract and in the most surprising move Cornerback Aqib Talib to a 6 year 57 million contract.
In true fashion from Bill Belichick, the drama in signing Aqib Talib was the controversial Wes Welker hit knocking out Talib in the AFC Championship Game, infuriating in Patriots coach. Belichick of course attempted to call the hit illegal, but the NFL ruled otherwise. Talib holds no grudges and believes Welker did nothing wrong. No drama there, thank goodness as they are teammates now. 

The Broncos are also hoping to keep several starters that ended the last season on injured reserve back in the lineup. Defensive end Derek Wolfe, defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson, linebacker Von Miller, cornerback Chris Harris and safety Rahim Moore all who started for Denver in 2013 and ended the season on injured reserve.

So are the Broncos looking at Wide Receivers in the upcoming draft? Currently we have Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas, only problem there both of their contracts expire next year. However the Broncos retained Andre Caldwell and Emmanuel Sanders, both of whom played reserved roles last year. And Sanders will be able to fill multiple roles. Reportedly the Broncos are still interested in Moreno, but so far nothing has been offered. Of course we have tight end Julius Thomas, so our offense is still looking pretty good, with the hopes of everyone staying healthy, including our starting Quarterback Peyton Manning. There is competition coming straight from the practice squad, Nathan Palmer and Greg Wilson and reserve-future signee Jordon Norwood. Norwood coming from Cleveland had 36 receptions for 405 yards and a touchdown in 16 games during the 2011-2012 seasons. It may be unlikely Elway is done with Wide Receivers, but it does seem with Caldwell and Sander resigned we are set. So bring on the Draft.

Other News around the League

It is with deepest regret that Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson passed away at the age of 95, the news was announced Tuesday March 25, 2014 by the Bills. Wilson was the longest active owner in the NFL and inducted into the Pro-Football hall of fame in 2009. He was also co-founder of the American Football league. Wilson was a World War II veteran; he purchased the Buffalo Bills in 1959 making the Bills one of eight original American Football teams which also included the Denver Broncos. Ralph Wilson will truly be missed as one of the true American Football Founders and leaders. May he Rest in Peace.