Rice, Shanahan Discuss Mile High Reunion

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » May 20, 2005, 2:32 am

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/8483344

Rice and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, who worked together for three years in San Francisco, were scheduled to talk at some point in the past 24 hours about the possibility of working together again this season. Shanahan also conducted preliminary talks this weekend with Rice's agent, Jim Steiner. Now the question becomes: Can they work out a deal?

Didn't see this one coming, but it almost makes sense. The dude can still run, but at 42, would he be a help or a hinderance?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 20, 2005, 3:14 am

Hinderance. He's way over the hill. If you need Rice at this point, your receiving corp must suck some serious ass.

THe problem is that he still thinks he can play so he'll be a definite hinderance as opposed to a player/coach type.

Post by **Sylvus** » May 20, 2005, 11:10 am

I'd take Jerry Rice as a (backup) receiver any day of the week. The guy would totally improve all of your young receivers, how could you say no to the greatest receiver of all time?

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » May 20, 2005, 11:49 am

i'd take him on the Falcons, but he can't play anymore against a good corner.

THe Falcons rookie CB shut him down last year, and physically manhandled him. As i mean pushed him down at the line of scrimmage 2 times.

Rice is done i think, but i am a fan of his, and if he can still play, more power to him.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » May 20, 2005, 2:01 pm

At least the distraction of getting the old man a reception each game to keep a streak alive came to an end last year.

There's nothing worse than watching a washed up former all pro cling to their past. He must not have the skills to be a sports commentator.

Favre should be on his way out as well although he has skill left, he's on the decline. It's always one year too long (except for a few like Elway who went out with a Superbowl win)

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » May 20, 2005, 2:38 pm

I've never understood the idea that there is some appropriate age to retire. Not as good as you used to be? Still enjoy the game? Who gives a fuck, play anyway.

More power to Jerry Rice. I hope someone gives him a contract.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » May 20, 2005, 2:47 pm

The current Broncos receivers are Rod Smith, Ashley Lelie and Darius Watts. Smith is a veteran that produces every year, he is a stud. Lelie is starting to grow into his potential and can be amazing at times. Watts had an up and down rookie season last year--he started out great, then fell flat after Week 8.

Rice would most likely be on the sidelines for 2-3 receiver sets but still get a ton of looks as the Broncos often go to 4 and 5 receiver sets. Once again, they are loaded to the gills on RBs. Having a veteran the likes of Jerry Rice in the lineup could potentially be dynamite. This is assuming he does well enough in the offseason/preseason to be deemed fit to continue in the NFL.

So, taking this into consideration as well as not having him on a rival team, I say sign him. Hard to turn away the best receiver ever to play the game.

Jice Virago · Post by **Jice Virago** » May 25, 2005, 12:35 am

Rice was the best reciever there ever was, but he is deffinitely past his prime. I think if a team were rebuilding its recieving corps (as the Broncos probably are at this point) he would be good to have around for a year or two just to get the new guys broken in.

Winnow:
Favre is far from done, but I would expect him to retire in about three years simply for family reasons, if not for physical ones. Honestly, he has not had a premeir reciever since the days of Sharpe and he still put up two of the best games of his career in the last two years. The issues with the packers stem mostly from Sherman having too much power and fucking up with contracts, especially on the defensive side of things. That total fuckup in the philly playoffs two years ago put Sherman into a situation where he basically canned the defensive coordinator as a scapegoat to protect his own ass. Sherman is no longer GM, but the damage is done I think. I expect Favre to have another Pro-Bowl level season or two but not get into the Superbowl, largely because the packers hands are tied by poor personel choices sherman made.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » May 25, 2005, 2:59 pm

Wide receiver Jerry Rice reached agreement with the Denver Broncos on a one-year deal that will allow the NFL's all-time receiving leader to finish his career in Denver. Rice's agent, Jim Steiner, informed Broncos coach Mike Shanahan of the decision.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/8503373

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » May 25, 2005, 3:22 pm

I think its great he still wants to play and can still do it. I hope the Broncos actually throw him the ball 5-8 times a game so he can contribute.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » May 25, 2005, 3:58 pm

I think he will, especially if Watts does not perform or there is an injury.

A common passing scenario for the Broncos is to put a RB in motion to the slot or flank in 2-RB sets, but they very often employ 4-5 receiver sets, namely on 3rd down. The loss of Sharpe has them a bit wanting for TEs, so the 2-TE set is not quite as common.

I really hope Rice does well and ends his career on a positive note. Tony Dorsett, one of my favorite all time players, ended his career in Denver due to a blown knee, but he had a strong season there in the previous year.

All in all, Jerry may have lost a step, but I think he will have a positive impact in Denver.....that, and it will be nice to not see him burning the Broncos secondary wearing a different jersey.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » May 26, 2005, 1:00 pm

Anyone who thinks that Jerry Rice cannot still perform up to NFL standards as a #3 or #4 receiver are crazy. He's not as fast as he once was, but he is still Mr. Fundamentals, which can only benefit the young guys.