Offseason News

Here are some newsworthy moments from the past week that I wanted to touch upon. First, Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas tore his Achilles tendon this week while he was working out in Atlanta. This is a huge setback for Thomas, and it is just another blemish on his young career. He was injured in pre-Draft workouts last year, and then he was injured again in training camp. Finally, Thomas was healthy and had a big game in Week 2 against Seattle. Thomas then suffered a concussion against Baltimore in Week 5, and then he was hurt later on in the year and missed five of the last six games. I just have a feeling that Thomas might be one of those guys that just can't stay healthy. This is a major injury and the Broncos stated that Thomas could be facing a 6-8 month recovery. Eight months would put Thomas back on the field in October, but you have to wonder how effective he is going to be. Fortunately, the injury to Thomas was the one posistion that the Broncos actually have quality depth. Brandon Lloyd is a Pro Bowler and our best receiver. Jabar Gaffney is a solid pro and solid player. Eddie Royal, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery, is due back in training by May, and he is obviously a good player for us-especially underneath and in the slot. Plus, throw in the development of Eric Decker, the third round pick in 2010. Decker got more playing time as the season went on, and he will have to step up next season. Hopefully, Thomas can make a full recovery and make some sort of contribution in 2011.

I forgot to mention that I was very happy to see that Shannon Sharpe was elected into the Hall of Fame. In my opinion, Sharpe is one of the greatest Tight Ends in the history of the NFL. I am very happy another member of those great Super Bowl winning Broncos teams is getting recognition. John Elway and Gary Zimmerman are already in the Hall, now Sharpe joins them to make three members of that 1997 offense are in the Hall of Fame. He was a great receiving tight end, and he became a better blocker year after year. The Broncos killed teams over the middle with Sharpe for so many years. He would take advantage of linebackers in coverage, and even domintated safties who tried to match up with him. From a personal standpoint, Sharpe was/is my second favorite Bronco after John Elway. He was a great player, made big plays in big games, dominated his position, and was a well needed personality and mouthpiece for those Broncos teams. I was devastated when Sharpe left Denver to go to Baltimore as a free agent in 2001. I was overjoyed when he signed back with Denver in 2002. The moments that always stand out for me are these when I think about Sharpe's career: His 1993 season finale game at the Raiders in the LA Coliseum. He caught 6 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns and he completely dominated the game. Sharpe followed that up with a 13 catch day for 156 yards and a touchdown in a wildcard loss to the Raiders the next week. Sharpe was unstoppable in those two games, and he really jumped in the conversation of big time players because both were national televised late games. The 1994 season opener at home versus San Diego also jumps out as well. It was a Sunday Night Football game on TNT, and Sharpe was fantastic. He caught 9 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown late to give Denver a 34-30. Unfortunately, Denver lost the lead and the game 37-34, but Sharpe was again showed up on the big stage, and he was really all that Elway had in 1993 and 1994. One thing about Sharpe's career was that he made big catches and big plays in a lot of big games. The biggest play and most memorable play Sharpe made in my mind was the AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh in 1997. On third down and six with the Broncos backed up in their own end and up by three, Denver needed a first down to ice the game. Sharpe got open over the middle and basically snatched a line drive throw from Elway to secure the victory. People will remember the famous "Calling the President" routine in the rout of New England in 1996, they will remember his funny sideline banter, or his flexing routine after a touchdown, but I will always remember Shannon Sharpe as a tight end who dominated from his position and made big plays in crucial and pivotal games. Congratulations goes out to Shannon Sharpe. The newest member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.