A "Mile High" Pickup?

Some like the move, others are puzzled by it. With the signing of LenDale White to a two-year contract, the Denver Broncos take an interesting route to increase their depth at running back after Correll Buckhalter (back) and Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) were injured on the first day of training camp. Judging from the photo, LenDale (No. 26) looks to be in shape. Ironically, White will miss the first 4 games of the season after violating the NFL's substance- abuse policy. Additionally, LenDale is a native of Denver, so he coming back home to play for his hometown team.

This move comes as odd to many after Coach Josh McDaniels has made it his mission to bring in players with high character, it seems that he's willing to offer second chances. "We're going to judge him and make our judgments on LenDale White going forward as a Denver Bronco. Everybody makes mistakes," said McDaniels after practice on Wednesday evening. So, is this a marriage of situation or desperation?

I say it is situation, not desperation. Coach McDaniels is looking for individuals who are ready work and put team first. LenDale has gone through some serious adversity in recent months and found out it can be taken away from you as quickly as you get it. McDaniels described him as "humble person now." That is key to understanding the reason for the move. LenDale has the talent and skills to give Denver a solid rushing game. When Buckhalter and Moreno come back, this trio could truly balance out Denver's offense play calling. Injuries are a part of the game and you can not depend solely on your starters to have a success season.

LenDale is coming back home after walking through the valley of trouble and confusion. He like a "Prodigal Son" and hopefully with the Denver Broncos, he can find a place to enjoy being a part of the NFL in his hometown. Time will truly tell if this "Mile High" pickup pays off.

Time is Ticking . . . . And Mouths are Flapping!!

Tick . . . Tock . . . . says the clock.

The clock is moving but it seems the Broncos and Tim Tebow are still working on finalizing his contract. They are likely looking at between five-year, $10.25 million deal with a $7.345 million guarantee the 2009 No. 25 overall pick last year received and the five-year, $11.8 million contract with an $8.3 million guarantee Dez Bryant received as this year’s No. 24 overall pick.

All the noise being raised over this is plain silly, in my opinion. Denver does not want to over pay and Tebow's agent is looking to get the best deal possible for his client. Rushing into any multi-million dollar venture can end up being bad for one or both parties. I have to laugh at the folks on blogs challenging Tebow's ethics and stating "I really love it when these guys all talk about God and ethics except when it comes to money." Please!!! Unless you have personally been a part of an professional athlete contract negotiation, you are just talking out your "other hole!!" These are the same folks when Chris Johnson started complaining about his compensation said "Hey man, you signed the contract so be a MAN and live with it!!" You can not have both ways. You either work hard to get the contract right the first time or be ready to make mid-course corrections if marked improvement occurs and incur a higher cost.

It is in everyone's best interest to get this one right the first time, period. There is more to a contract that just money and incentives. Rushing in to meet some artificial "fan expectation" created by the zealous media is not a sound business practice. Getting it right will pay bigger dividends over the course of time. All of the bitching, moaning, and complaining is just that. In the mean time, the clock continues to move and the Earth is still spinning on its axis so let's just chill and have some patience for a change. Everything will work out as it was meant to be.

Decker Signs . . . But Is He Fully Recovered?

Eric Decker, the 87th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, signed a four-year $4.8 million max deal with a $732,150 signing bonus today with the Denver Broncos. The University of Minnesota wide receiver has been rehabbing a left foot injury during the off-season. Decker suffered a devastating lisfranc injury to his left foot at Ohio State on Oct. 24 which caused an end to his college career.

Critics are wondering whether Eric will be able to regain his form and have the pro-speed required for wide receivers in the NFL. There are some who compare Decker to Ed McCaffrey because of his ability to read defenses, run clean and accurate routes, along with his reputation of gathering everything thrown his way.

I would think Denver would not being signing Decker to a four year deal if his foot was not recovering as predicted; however stranger things have happened in the NFL. My question you all is simply . . . . would you sign Eric Decker, yes or no, and why. Pretty simple!!

Tough Road to Success - Demaryius Thomas

As you all know, Demaryius Thomas was the first receiver picked the 2010 draft. This Denver Broncos rookie has the size and talent to upgrade the Broncos passing game. Maybe his strongest trait is his maturity and focus. In a recent article, we find out that Demaryius could have ended up like many outcasts in our society. His family life was initially full of drugs and strangers with crack pipes entering his house. Lindsay H. Jones, of the Denver Post, provides a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, of this young man's journey from Montrose, Georgia to soon becoming a Denver Bronco and playing in the NFL.

Broncos rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas has run a tough route to success

It is a deeply moving story about this young man's ability to overcome seeing his mother and grandmother sent to prison at the age of 12, finding stability with extended family, and growing up to be successful in life and football. Take the opportunity to read the complete article because it will (or may if you are manly man . . . LOL) a tear to your eye and warmth to your heart.

Regardless of you are rooting for in the AFC West, this story brings positive energy about a man, who just happens to be a football player. DT will be success in life . . . period. We Broncos fans just hope he can be a success in Denver for years to come!

WELCOME TO "THE REAL AFC WEST FANS" ALTERNATIVE BLOG, PLEASE READ FIRST!!!

Welcome! If you are here then you are like me. You love football. You are a die-hard fan of your respective AFC West team. You thoroughly enjoy talking about football with others who share a similar passion.

If you are also like me, then you have grown completely weary from the childish back and forth immature verbal excrement found on the ESPN Blog, NFL.com or Yahoo! Sports boards.

Well, I created this little blog for us. This is where we can all respectfully converse, debate and YES, talk a little smack about the teams we root for and root against.

I believe in democracy. I believe in capitalism. I believe in free speech. But I also believe in being responsible and not acting like a complete dooshbag. You are free to let your voice be heard here. Everyone is welcome to join the debate. All I require is for you to follow a few simple rules:

1. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS. Be respectful. You can tell somebody they are wrong. But back up your reasons with valid, well-thought out points. Please don't resort to using childish name-calling tactics. It makes you look like a doosh.

2. NO POLITICS UNLESS IT PERTAINS TO THE NFL. Politics are a hotbed for dooshbag activity. There are political boards out there... go to them if you want to discuss your political points of view. Thank you.

3. NO RELIGION UNLESS YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE SAINTS OR FIGHTING IRISH. I have no problem with people's faith. Personally, I believe in God. But this is an NFL blog... not a God blog. There are plenty of those around for you Bible-thumpers as well. Thank you.

All I ask is that you respect these guidelines. By posting your comments you are agreeing to abide by them. If you cross the line and violate these simple requests you will get banned.

This blog is yours. Not mine. I just set it up and appointed myself as the uber-moderator to police against the dooshbags.

BTW, my real name is Nick (a.k.a. dinoartist). I'm a Charger fan. Been so for all my life. I know my team... I know more about the Chargers than most Charger fans. I'm a realist and I try to keep things in focus. You don't need to tell me the Chargers are a team without a Super Bowl. Don't you think I already know that??? LOL

Have fun guys and GO CHARGERS!!!