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Broncos facing tough lineup decisions
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Some problems, NFL head coaches don't mind having, and the dilemma that will soon be facing Mike Shanahan is certainly one of them. His team has been riddled with injuries throughout the season, a situation that promises to get better in the coming weeks when the Broncos are set to welcome back cornerback Champ Bailey, linebackers Nate Webster and D.J. Williams, and running back Selvin Young, which figures to force Denver's head man to make some tough decisions. With backup players playing well, do the one-time starters automatically get their jobs back?
It's a good problem to have from the standpoint of providing evidence that a team has plenty of talent, with multiple people capable of filling vital roles. But it could be tricky in terms of dealing with something that is an inexact science at best -- locker room chemistry. Do the guys on the Broncos roster want the veterans to get back on the field or do they believe the fill-ins have done enough to warrant continued playing time.
To me, the answer is simple: It depends on the situation. Sometimes, the veteran comes back and gets his job back. Other times, the new guy stays in the lineup. It all depends on which one is the better player. So with that in mind, here's how it breaks down for the Broncos:
Champ Bailey vs. Josh Bell - The rookie cornerback has performed admirably, but this is no contest. Bailey is arguably the best in the league at his position; when he's healthy, he plays.
Nate Webster vs. Spencer Larsen - The rookie middle linebacker / fullback has been a nice story, getting some national pub for starting on both sides of the ball, but he's not a long-time answer in the middle. Neither is Webster, which brings up another option (more on that in a minute).
D.J. Williams vs. Wesley Woodyard - The undrafted free agent out of Kentucky has been a huge surprise. He's gone from a guy nobody thought would make the team to a solid contributor. He flies around and makes plays, something the Broncos desperately need more of on defense. Williams is a great player, clearly Denver's best linebacker, so he has to get back on the field. Thus, it's about finding a way to do both. Last year, Williams played middle linebacker. While his natural position is on the outside, he's certainly capable in the middle, evidenced by the fact that he was the league's second-leading tackler in 2007. So, the best answer is to bench Webster and Larsen, and play both Williams and Woodyard.
Selvin Young vs. Peyton Hillis - Where did the fascination with Young come from? Everyone talks about his game-breaking speed, yet I can't recall a game-breaking play since he's been in a Broncos uniform. Hillis, on the other hand, has proven to be a reliable weapon, both running and catching the ball. Stick with one back, spread the offense out and let Hillis pound it up the middle against teams' nickel and dime packages.
The guys in the locker room have to see the same things. They watch the film; they know who makes plays. If Mike Shanahan wants to avoid controversy, he should do the common sense thing: Play the best players.
What will he ultimately decide? Stay tuned.
