December 3, 2008 4:16 PM
Open Mic chat transcript, Dec. 3
sam_adams: Three o'clock, on the dot ... Sam's in the house!
sam_adams: Denver must be satisfied with its sports teams ... no questions ...
sam_adams: Everyone's .500 or better
BroncoRick69 joined.
RockySports: What's going on, rick?
sam_adams: Rick, whaddaya know?
sam_adams: The Broncos are three games up with four to play ... I think BroncoRick69 might be stunned!
raidersfreek joined.
kyle23 joined.
raidersfreek: You guys are gonna choke against the Chiefs
sam_adams: What, like your boys the Raiders choked up last Sunday? I thought Oakland was supposed to win their last five games and take the division (ha-ha)
kyle23: oh raiders buddy no way shannahan lets the team overlook the chiefs again especially after losing to your lowly raiders
curtaloki joined.
jlen2008 joined.
raidersfreek: The Broncos got lucky against Brett Farve and their gonna pay by losing to KC -- again
sam_adams: It's Favre, and the Raiders are below .500 again ... you should turn in your eye-patch!
jlen2008: lol
kyle23: Lucky we won by seventeen points on the road geez
sam_adams: Turn in your patch and you'll see the light ... but Bronco Fan will be rooting for your Raiders on Thursday ... if the Raiders win and Denver wins on Sunday, the Broncos clinch the AFC West
BroncoRick69: Clinch
PolarBear14 joined.
BroncoRick69: In a sinch.
sam_adams: I think you're already bombed -- is it happy hour in Oakland already?
kclifford22 joined.
kyle23: So sam have the nuggets given up on trading Chucky. I don't know who would want him he has looked bad in limited duty for the nuggets
curtaloki left.
raidersfreek left.
kyle23: haha there he goes
BroncoRick69: ha ha Sam. Thats too funny.
sam_adams: That's the thing -- who wants to take on Atkins with his injury problems? He'd have to go in a package deal of some kind
sam_adams: Yeah, Raider dude had to run, huh
sam_adams: Probably stole the computer he was on!
dartis joined.
kyle23: Yeah what about trying to deal Carter for another big man we have all the outside talent we need
sam_adams: Sorry, but I'm a little vindictive toward all the Raider fans who talked trash after Oakland won in Denver ... those people disappeared when KC beat Oakland last week
jlen2008: sam where do you think the knicks will send marbaury?..other than home?
dartis left.
sam_adams: I think they'll have to buy the guy out, and then we'll see if a team like Dallas picks him up
PolarBear14: anyone want to talk Broncos?
sam_adams: I still think the Nuggets have issues to deal with at the two-guard
sam_adams: What you got, PolarBear? ...we're open on all topics!
kyle23: I don't know JR is starting to look like JR and Dantay is a beast on Defense he could be our Bowen (except nowhere near as lame as bowen) and JR could be our Ginobli
kyle23: JR just has to work on his flopping
trniedz joined.
jlen2008: speaking of all topics sam....i have a few rockies comments when you get a chance....
sam_adams: JR's game is improving on offense - he's going to the hoop more, which I like to see ... Dahntay definitely has intensity on defense ... too bad you can't merge the two into one player
sam_adams: go for it, jlen!
downinbellum joined.
sam_adams: dowinbellum, welcome
PolarBear14: if we win the division before the SD game do we sit the starters?
PolarBear14: I think so...
PolarBear14: SD will be looking for any damage they can get
downinbellum: hola
downinbellum: our starters are our backups, our backups are our starters. I don't think it really matters. Except for Jay
kyle23: Oh yeah SD will be out for blood in SD no way do we play the starters more than a quarter just to keep them from getting rusty
PolarBear14: good point...on the back ups being starters...hahaha
sam_adams: I think they have an interesting dilemma if the division is clinched before SD ... I think Mike Shanahan remembers Jacksonville in the '96 playoffs ... and this is a young team that hasn't tasted playoffs -- I don't know that you want to let them lose some rhythm ... maybe they play a half
PolarBear14: yeah 96' last year of the oragne jerseys...f'n jacksonville!!!
jlen2008: alright...i know they had some interest in brad penny earlier..what do you think they are feeling now...its been such a slow off season (free agency wise) so far...and what about atkins---twins?
sam_adams: trniedz, what's up?
trniedz: hey sam
PolarBear14 left.
trniedz: good q's on resting starters
sam_adams: I'm not sure where he goes, but I think they trade Garrett Atkins ... As for Penny, he'd probably be a better bargain in 30-45 days ... notice there aren't a lot of signings ... teams are letting the market prices go down
sam_adams: I'd take Penny at $3 million plus some incentives
kyle23: I don't know if we can get him with the Yankees and the mets out for pitching
downinbellum: What'd you guys think about those nugs? looks like our offense is starting to get in the groove, and our 4th quarter d has been stifling. I think I saw a stat or two a few days ago- Nugs top 3 in FG%?
jlen2008: I would too..but i'm sure they are a little concerned about his health..and that may play a part in it as well
downinbellum: defensively i mean
trniedz: sam ... what do you hear about helton? If there is some risk with his health, we really need to be hanging on to atkins
sam_adams: George Karl preached defensive through the preseason and it seems like they got the message ... question is, can they keep it up into March and April
sam_adams: Helton talks like he's feeling good and ready for a comeback in '09
downinbellum left.
kyle23: Nene is the difference there is no big man in the NBA who can guard him one on one he frees everyone up hopefully he stays healthy and Melo gets back healthy
sam_adams: And they've the kid that's been hanging on at TripleA the past couple of seasons, Joe Koshansky
sam_adams: That's the key with the Nuggets -- staying healthy ... their depth at a couple of positions isn't good
trniedz: so you are thinking Atkins is expendable?
Elwaysmom joined.
sam_adams: I think he's their most valuable bargaining chip -- I'd like to see him stay, to be honest ... but I believe he'll leave when he becomes a free agent, so you might as well get something of value now
sam_adams: elwaysmom, good afternoon!
Elwaysmom: Hi!
Elwaysmom: What's the chat on right now?
trniedz: good point. i really like how stewart stepped up last season.
sam_adams: a little bit of everything ... what would you like to talk about?
trniedz: what rumors have you heard about trades for atkins?
Elwaysmom: Billups as a nug
sam_adams: There was talk with Cincinnati early on
jlen2008: how good of chance do you think the angels sign CC..he wants to pitch in Cali..if that happened do you think they could be in the atkins mix more..they have good pitching
sam_adams: You like having Billups in Denver?
jlen2008: even if they don't get CC
sam_adams: Atkins is a SoCal guy ... grew up an A's fan, actually ... I'm sure the Angels would like his bat ...
kyle23: Billups is an absolute stud I just worry about us playing him too many minutes and wearing him down but billups has to be an all star right behind Chris Paul right now
sam_adams: I'd want a starter in return for Atkins
Elwaysmom: I only wish we could have kept Billups here in CO after CU. He is the best athlete this state has ever porduced
trniedz: what are folks offering?
trniedz: we definitely need a starter who can chew up some innings
jlen2008: yeam same here...saunders or santanna could be available if they get cc
sam_adams: And there are a lot of athletes that have come from Colorado that have gone pro in different sports ... if you take some time, you'll find it's an interesting list -- and Billups would be right at the top
Dynamicdave joined.
sirpat01 joined.
sam_adams: I really haven't heard 'names' in offers for Atkins ... but if he stayed here for another season, I wouldn't be mad!
Elwaysmom: He really has the kind of class and leadership that Nugget B Ball has been in need of. I think the thug days are over and professionalism is here to stay with Billups
sam_adams: The guy can hit and he's a 'decent' fielder
sam_adams: I'm amazed at how quickly the players latched onto Billups as the team leader
sam_adams: Shows how he can command respect ... I think that NBA Finals MVP carries A LOT of weight with the peers
kyle23: I will say that Nuggets fans need to careful about getting too excited I mean name one team besides Boston that we have beat during this run that wasn't a lot less talented than us
jlen2008: yea I like atkins too...i hope he doesn't leave...but I have the feeling..he will be gone...possibly sooner than later
Elwaysmom: I was too, the pace that he likes to play is not the speed of basketball that a lot of Nuggets are used to. It is a credit to all the players on the team I believe.
Elwaysmom: Houston
sirpat01: greetings Sam and all, i have a broncos question for you all. will the broncos get a mean safety again. I miss steve atwater , dennis smith and even john lynch. what are the prospects out of college for SS and FS?
sam_adams: Kyle, I hear what you're saying ... but also remember the Nuggets have beaten some teams thus far that they didn't think they would before getting Billups ... that says something about their expectations before the season
Elwaysmom: Close game with Hornets
Elwaysmom: Back to back too...always hard
Daddy21 joined.
kyle23: No Tmac banged up Yao and Artest and the Rockets were on a back to back as well
trniedz left.
sam_adams: sirpat, I've been begging for this team to get a safety in the draft for the past 5-6 years ... Nick Ferguson used to get on me because he felt like I was trying to make him lose his job ... fact is, they've been weak at safety
kyle23: Hornets have been bad besides Paul and no Tyson Chandler and we still lost
Elwaysmom: Ferguson was funny
sam_adams: I brought this up last week -- in 2002 the Broncos drafted Ashley Lelie No. 19 overall ... At No. 24 overall the Ravens took Ed Reed
Memento joined.
sam_adams: There are a few safeties coming out, and I know the Broncos realize they don't have a playmaker at the position
sam_adams: Bob Sanders ... Troy Polamalu
sam_adams: I say this, Kyle ... judge the Nuggets come March ...
Elwaysmom: Maybe Hillis can play safety too
kyle23: I agree Sam I want to see us play Portland
Elwaysmom: PORTLAND>>>BRING IT!
Dynamicdave: Hey, Sam. What did you think of Vernon Fox? Coaches said he played well. I saw him out of position, including the run that cost Denver a TD?
sam_adams: Or Spencer Larsen at safety
kyle23: Nene will work Odom just like he worked Bosh and O'Neal last night
jlen2008: and utah..with billups..they lost to them already but before the trade of course
sirpat01: Our secondary is getting old. Bly is a good corner not a shut down I do like the youth movement for the team. We need help over the top for Bly and someday even champ. Is there any cover safetys out there are convert corners? I like Troy and Sanderson but the cost would be way hight for this t
kyle23: Yeah I will hold out judgement on Utah until they get healthy
sam_adams: I thought Vernon Fox was adequate considering their situation, but yeah he looked real bad on that long run ... they don't have a guy with the instincts of a Polamalu ... not too many teams do, but there are some good ones out there and Denver needs to latch onto one
sirpat01: Spencer Larson would be great im not sure about his cover skills?
kyle23 left.
jlen2008: question is will they though?
sam_adams: I look at at team like USC -- they have that tradition at safety ... Mike Shanahan has made comments in the past couple of weeks that make me believe safety FINALLY is a top priority for this team
Dynamicdave: Larsen is not a safety. He's quick but he is better at the line.
sam_adams: I just threw Larsen's name out there 'cause he plays everywhere!
sirpat01: Do the Broncos have much cap room next year. I think that is the last capped season under collective bargaining agreement.
sam_adams: But Josh Barrett has a chance to play and hopefully he'll make the most of it ... he has what you're looking for -- speed and size ... can he be in position is the question
Dynamicdave: True, he is a hybrid.
Elwaysmom: Sam, I have a question about the Broncos O-Line. Do you think this one is better than the Broncos line that won the Superbowl?
sirpat01: NFL and players union need to get this fixed. Team contracts are going to get out of control.
sam_adams: The Broncos will have some cap room -- the question is, will they have the upfront signing bonus monies to lure a big name or two? Players want that $6-$10 million bonus
rudy joined.
Dynamicdave: I think the O-line is good. They get better every game.
sirpat01: Josh did play well last week. O-line is outstanding
joe_maz joined.
sam_adams: O-Line question ... good one ... this current group is surprising strong considering its their first year together ... but the SB lines were just tough ... I mean, HOF in Zimmerman ... those guys were a wall ... time will tell on this year's group, but they've been good
Dynamicdave: Sam, I thought I read that the salary cap will be put in place for rookies, next year?
sam_adams: rudy and joe_maz ... welcome!
Daddy21 left.
joe_maz left.
sam_adams: and aloha!
rudy: Thanks, Sam. Speaking of Canton, do you think TD finally gets in the Hall this year?
d joined.
sirpat01: TD should for Denver fans, but I don't think East Coasters will ever agree he should be in.
johnnyboy joined.
sam_adams: That's interesting on TD ... first, Dave, I'm not sure about a rookie cap -- but they need to do something ... it's out of control with guys who haven't done a thing in the league getting millions up front
sirpat01: IE Ryan Leaf
Elwaysmom: Dre Bly
sam_adams: TD ... for him to make the final 25, it says something ... maybe those voters believe in his numbers before the injury ... but I think Sharpe will get in and TD will miss this time
rudy: I can't help but notice that everybody's stretch running play resembles the Broncos old toss left; I think a lot of that is connected TD's success.
Dynamicdave: Agreed Sam. These kids get paid bigger money then most of the Veterans.They could turn out to be a diamond in the rough or a Leaf that's not too tough.
sirpat01: What about the class of 06 for broncos - how many can the Broncos keep.
sam_adams: Don't get me wrong -- TD's my man, and I hope he gets in -- in '09 or some time afterward
Dynamicdave: Just for the fact that he ran for over 2000 yards in a season and was MVP at the SB and has 2 rings, should be enough.
Elwaysmom: What do the Broncos need to do so that they stop dropping so many perfect passes?
sam_adams: I think they'll be able to keep the core of '06, and that's what they have to address in this off-season ... but the creativity that you can come up with against the cap can work -- getting Cutler to agree to a, say 7-year deal with a $15-$20 million bonus, but the base salaries are low
sam_adams: That's a cap-friendly deal that might allow you to sign a big free agent on defense ... and then you hope Cutler will take the bonus in deferred payments
sirpat01: Collective bargaining agreement status? Sam you are in the know - Any progress with players union and NFL?
sam_adams: Lester Hayes would say use stick-um!
Dynamicdave: Cutler mentioned in one of his interviews that he would consider a pay cut if it were asked or needed to get quality help.
Elwaysmom: LOL
sirpat01: That move would be very ELWAY like.
sam_adams: There's no progress ... those guys are going to wait like they always do
rudy: Is Champ definitely back this week?
sam_adams: Champ says he's back ... Coach Mike said today that he's still questionable ... I think Mike wants to be very careful with the groin injury ... they should be able to win against KC without Champ ... you want him full-go against Steve Smith and the Panthers next week
Dynamicdave: Champ is still game day. Shanahan is still limiting his practice.
sirpat01: Sam and cats - it was a pleasure chatting with you all. thanks for your time. Oh and lets say GO BRONCOS!
sam_adams: take care sirpat!
sirpat01: asta la pasta!
rudy: "Should be able to win" is a dangerous thing to say this season, Sam
Elwaysmom: hasta la pasta
n joined.
sirpat01 left.
Elwaysmom: nfw
Dynamicdave: What is your take, Sam, on Webster coming back into the lineup?
mershon17 joined.
sam_adams: Yeah I know, especially with this bunch ... but fact is, they've won three of their past four games --
sam_adams: Webster should be back on Sunday
sam_adams: I don't think DJ is ready yet
Dynamicdave: Yeah, the kids are playing with heart and excited energy.
sam_adams: Larsen's probably going back to fullback
Elwaysmom: good
Elwaysmom: is hillis going to play some tightend?
rudy: I have to say I'm pessimistic about the playoffs though. They'll probably get the Ravens, who usually beat them up, or the Colts, who never have to use their punter, in the first round. Hope I'm wrong.
sam_adams: Hillis is the starting tailback
Dynamicdave: Hopefully, Webster will watch his gaps, better?
Elwaysmom: I think it could be dangerous with Hillis and Tony S at TE
sam_adams: The Colts would be coming here, and not in the comfort of their home dome ... That might be a break for Denver, finally
fflintstone joined.
n left.
Elwaysmom: Shanahan said something about some special packages for Hillis and he played TE in college
rudy: When is the last time Peyton lost here, though?
mershon17: we can beat da colts easy this year
Dynamicdave: Shanahan said he's throwing aroud the idea of using Hillis as a TE, on occasion, if the situation is right. He is a playmaker.
behmer joined.
Elwaysmom: ok
sam_adams: He started in a game a couple of years ago ('04 maybe) ... but he was pulled early and Denver won ... then they crushed Denver in the playoffs a week or two later
sam_adams: Hillis can catch the ball, so they wouldn't mind putting him out in a passing situation ... he might line up at TE for a play, but that would be just to cross up the D
Dynamicdave: I don't care who we play. Just get better, as we have, each week, and we can play with the best.
Elwaysmom: of lose to the worst
BroncoRick69 left.
sam_adams: I watched the Colts-Browns game and I wasn't impressed with the Colts in the cold weather
Dynamicdave: Well, Sam, outta here. Take it cool, and if you can't be cool, be cool at it.
kclifford22 left.
mershon17: did u see raptors fired there coach after last night
sam_adams: DD -- 'preciate it always, man ... take care and check in on Sunday!
rudy: Thanks Sam. Peace out from southern California!
Elwaysmom: thanks sam ! I have to head out myself...U going to the nugs spurs game?
Dynamicdave: I'll be at the Broncos bar on Sunday, not the Internet. Sorry.
rudy left.
sam_adams: Yeah, the Raptors fired Sam Mitchell
sam_adams: Rudy, take care ... we chat on Sunday, an hour before the game ... stop by if you can
Dynamicdave left.
Elwaysmom: What?
fflintstone left.
sam_adams: elwaysmom ... stop by again
mershon17: they should let alex english coach them
Elwaysmom: he was COY a while back wasn't he?
behmer left.
sam_adams: They're letting another assistant take over, not English
d left.
Elwaysmom: that is crazy
Elwaysmom: too much
Elwaysmom left.
johnnyboy: sam, live in CA and don't see nugs very often. is jr smith in karl's doghouse for some reason? I thought jr had turned it around.
mershon17: wish the nuggets could pay like that every night
sam_adams: Hey everybody ... I gotta run ... and I do appreciate that you all stopped in to chat ... On Sunday, we talk Broncos and NFL an hour before kickoff of the Chiefs-Broncos game ... please jump in ... and tell your friends!
Join the discussion