Getting Choppy WIth Mike Shanahan



from the Associated Press :

Angry that people around the league are calling his offensive line dirty, Mike Shanahan set out to prove the Broncos are really no different from anyone else.

"We're taking a field trip," he told reporters Wednesday after his weekly news conference.

And off they went to the video room, where the Denver coach showed a series of plays involving other teams who have used the same kind of cut blocks that Broncos linemen have been lambasted for using over the years.



(one of the many chopping exhibitions found in Shanahan's private stash)

"I've been talking about it for 10 years," Shanahan said. "It's one of those situations where the average football fan really doesn't understand that all teams do that."

Denver is viewed as doing it the most, however, in part because of the success the Broncos have had in the running game since Shanahan became head coach in 1995. Denver has ranked in the top five in rushing in all but two of those seasons.




The Broncos came under withering criticism from coaches, players and ABC announcers Al Michaels and John Madden after offensive lineman George Foster (above) broke Cincinnati defensive lineman Tony Williams' ankle Monday night by diving at his lower legs. Williams had surgery Wednesday and is expected to take six months to recover.

Posted: Wed - October 27, 2004 at 09:32 PM      

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