Denver Broncos - The Untold Story - DMason084's Dynasty

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Denver Broncos - The Untold Story

Posted on December 15, 2011 at 09:10 PM.

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Denver Broncos � The Untold Story

Turn the clock back to 1983, yes the legendary draft class that featured future Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, and John Elway, but before the trade for Elway was ever conceived by the Denver Broncos there were talks of another quarterback to be taken much later in the draft from a smaller school. There were many whom considered this young man, out of the University of New Mexico (a school not known for pro caliber players during this time), a steal. Only one problem: it was said this quarterback suffered a knee injury during his days in high school. One story says one of his own lineman fell onto his knee, another said he hurt it during a weight lifting session. No one knows for sure and this young man kept the truth very well guarded, as did his high school coaches when he was recruited by the local college. Draft day came and went, but no word from the Broncos as they had made their trade with the Baltimore Colts for Elway. It was later found out that the team decided to draft Gary Kubiak out of Texas A&M instead to compete with Elway for the starting job, although some inside the organization said Elway was the starter from day 1. As for the UNM star QB, he went back to his alma mater and started coaching.

Life as UNM�s quarterback coach was never easy as he would always be looking for quarterbacks out of high school that were like him in his heyday; intelligent and always situationally aware with a good arm, yet still able to make plays with their feet. Prospects like that were always difficult to find in-state, and all those that actually fit what the coach was looking for out of state went elsewhere. Years went by and his success was varied in college as the coach went from UNM�s QB coach to their Offensive Coordinator. During the 90�s, however, he was offered to coach in the NFL with the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars under Jack Del Rio, but the coach declined as he was in line for the head coaching job at his alma mater. He has seen his best mentor Dennis Franchione depart for Texas Christian University, but was shafted once again on December 20, 1997 when the UNM athletic department signed their star QB from 1969-71 Rocky Long to coach the team. Hurt by this decision, the coach threw his hat in the pro ring not sure who would snap him up.

Super Bowl XXXII had finished and the coach had watched the team he could have been a QB for all those years ago win their first Super Bowl. Off-season began for teams around the NFL, and things were looking pretty grim for a pro coaching career for the longtime QB coach-turned OC of the New Mexico Lobos. With no luck, he decided to coach his son�s high school team, which ironically enough was the same high school he attended in the 70�s. During his tenure the Highland Hornets actually garnered national attention as an elite school, having won 3 Division 5A state titles and making the state playoffs in each of his years as head coach for the Hornets, and his son was recruited by the University of Southern California underneath newly signed head coach Pete Carroll in 2001. After the end of his son�s senior season, he was approached by the USC athletic department to join Carroll and his son. Confused at first, the coach signed a small, 2-year contract, and is quoted for saying, �I may be here since my son kind of dragged me here, but he�s going to have to work at it like the rest of our guys lining up under center this season.� Those 2 years ended up stretching themselves out to 2004 when the dominance of the USC was capped with a National Title over Oklahoma; 2005 looked to be a shot at back-to-back National Championships, but the Trojans lost to the Texas Longhorns.

After coaching both Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at QB, and running back Reggie Bush to Heisman Trophies, the coach felt really accomplished and confident going into the 2006 season with USC as they were primed to go for another National Title with John David Booty freshly recovered from off-season back surgery. All systems were go until he received a call from Ted Sundquist, the General Manager of the Denver Broncos. No one exactly knows the details of their conversation, but one thing is certain someone in the organization actually remembered the �83 draft and how Kubiak was drafted instead of him. Long story short, Kubiak, who was the OC underneath 2-time Super Bowl winning HC Mike Shanahan, moved on to coach the expansion Houston Texans. Overjoyed, USC�s OC was psyched to enter the 2006 draft given the chance to run the offense for the Broncos, hoping to draft either one of his former players from USC in Leinart and Bush.

As the coach, Shanahan, Sundquist, and defensive coordinator Larry Coyer sat in the War Room on draft day with the 15th pick in the first round, Shanahan and Sundquist had a plan. They managed to trade up to the 11th pick and draft Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler after missing out on Leinart only one pick prior as he headed for the Arizona Cardinals. Drafting Cutler was a huge surprise for everyone in the organization, even for Cutler himself. With Jake Plummer and young Jay Cutler as his �style� of QB�s, the OC was excited to get things started. Sadly, the Broncos missed the playoffs, losing a wild card spot to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cutler got the start in week 13 and looked promising closing out the season. The 2007 draft showed some promise while addressing the issue of pass rushing on the defensive line with the additions of DE�s Jarvis Moss (Florida, 1st round #17) and Tim Crowder (Texas, 2nd round #56). However, the Broncos finished 7-9 with Cutler passing for nearly 3,500 yards and 25 TD�s. Rumor had it after missing the playoffs again meant the winds of change began to stir in the Mile High City�.

Pat Bowlen, owner of the Denver Broncos, called a meeting during the off season and decided to make a change in the organization by promoting the Executive VP of Business Operations Joe Ellis up to the Chief Operating Officer, making him Bowlen�s right hand man. After only making the playoffs 4 times since their long-time franchise QB John Elway retired in 1999, Shanahan�s job was on the line. The offense was improving with top-flight receiver Brandon Marshall being Cutler�s favorite target, but the defense suffered, even with key players such as Champ Bailey (CB), John Lynch (FS), and D.J. Williams (OLB). After the meeting Bowlen pulled aside both the OC and Shanahan, and looked them both in their eyes. Not a single word had to be spoken before Shanahan knew it was time for him to move on. Finally, Bowlen turned to his new head coach and said, �Joe (Ellis) was our Director of Marketing back in �83 before I bought the team, and he remembers the team�s talks of drafting you instead Gary (Kubiak) out of little ol� UNM. The gentleman I purchased the team from never did tell me why that decision was made, but I think making you our new head coach more than makes up for it. Now I�m going to go talk to our PR department and set up a press conference to announce your promotion.� As he leaves, the coach recalls that fateful day back in �83 and chuckles to himself. �Now�s my chance,� he whispers to himself.

Press Conference � February 14, 2008

Pat Bowlen, dressed in his Sunday�s best, started the press conference off with reporters eagerly awaiting the owner�s words. �Today marks a turning point in our historic franchise. Mike Shanahan has been relieved as our head coach, and we have decided to promote from within rather than searching for someone from the outside. This man has been our offensive coordinator since 2006, but long before he was a coach for us, heck even long before joining Pete Carroll at USC in 2001, he was a quarterback. A young and spry quarterback from then little known University of New Mexico eagerly waiting for a chance in the NFL back in 1983. Yes the same year we acquired both John Elway and Gary Kubiak to be our quarterbacks. As no one in here knows, the front office back in �83 were actually talking about taking the UNM prospect rather than Kubiak, but now that is all ancient history as I proudly introduce the twelfth head coach of our Denver Broncos�. Mr. Daniel Mason!!!� Camera�s flash and the room erupts in cheers as Daniel enters the room, fighting back tears of joy with a huge smile on his face as he takes the podium for his first statement as head coach.

�Well�� he started taking in a deep breath, �never did I think back in 1983 when I took that job as UNM�s quarterback coach after missing out on the NFL Draft that I would be standing here as the Head Coach of one of the more historical franchises in the history of football, and a favorite of mine since I was a kid� Colorado�s own Denver Broncos!!!� The room erupts again in cheers and this time it takes the crowd of reporters and a few dozen fans allowed in the press room quite a few moments to quiet down. Daniel raises his hands, and the crowd settles themselves back into their seats. �Now I know everyone is wondering what changes I am going to be making to the team after Shanahan�s departure, and the first thing to improve is our defense. We have the basis of a strong 4-3 defense, with defensive ends Elvis Dumervil and Tim Crowder providing a decent pass rush, but we need more help along the interior of the defensive line. Marcus Thomas is good, don�t get me wrong, but he needs someone else reliable to help him plug up the middle.

�During Shanahan�s time, he managed to field arguably the best linebacking corps in the NFL with Al Wilson, Ian Gold and D.J. Williams when I was hired on as the offensive coordinator, but now only D.J remains. I feel that is my biggest priority when trying to improve this defense is to acquire not one but two quality linebackers in either free agency or the draft this season. Our defensive backfield is starting to show its age with free safety John Lynch at 36, and Champ Bailey recently turning 30. With these two veterans I feel they are the foundation of a DB group that can cause mishaps for opposing quarterbacks and receivers. On offense we have an up-and-coming group of players mingled well within core veterans. Jay Cutler is our franchise quarterback, and will be for years to come, but questions need to be answered at the tailback position. Yes Selvin Young is a promising young running back, but he needs someone to tag-team with, perhaps someone with power to compliment his speed. I�m not going to outwardly bash our group of fullbacks for those were the decisions of the previous coaching staff, but some improvement is needed there also. Our receiving corps is led by the impressive Brandon Marshall, the likes of whom I was able to draft back when I took the offensive coordinator�s job in 2006. After him there isn�t really anyone that opposing defenses truly fear.� Several boos started to rise from the back of the room as fans said their piece about Daniel�s comments. �I know, I know. It�s not what you wanted to hear, but I�m not going to sugar coat it nor am I going to bash my predecessor. We need to move forward, ladies and gentlemen, not only as a team and a franchise but together as a city. You have been searching long and hard for someone to fill the void that the great John Elway left when he retired after winning his second Super Bowl; you�ve been looking for another Terrell Davis, but most of all you as fans have been looking for another reason to believe in this organization. You all have been dreaming of the day the Lombardi Trophy would return to the Mile High City, and so have I. That is why I guarantee by the end of this decade we will bring home another Lombardi Trophy to place alongside the pair left by Elway and Shanahan.� All the seats in the room immediately empty as the crowd is on their feet in a standing ovation at Daniel�s last statements.

Over the roar of cheers, whistling, and outright joy Daniel adds one final comment: �Now I am sure the press has a bunch of questions for me as to roster changes and the like, and all I am going to say is to keep your heads on a swivel because things around here are about to get fast and furious. Thank you for your time today folks. Now it�s time to get serious.� Coach Mason makes his exit waving and smiling as the PR crew do their job to end the press conference.