Broncos Choose Character Over Richie Incognito
Sep 22, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) blocks Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux (95) as quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops back to pass in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Pat Bowlen spent the better part of 30 years making the Denver Broncos a model franchise.
THE model franchise in the NFL.
He worked tirelessly to ensure his organization did right to the community and was one all citizens of Denver, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West were proud to have represent them.
Mr. Bowlen succeeded in that regard. The Broncos not only win on a consistent basis, they are a fixture of this community.
There’s no doubt there have been the bad eggs and the people brought in didn’t live up to that standard he’s set at Dove Valley. But Mr. Bowlen rid his organization of that stench as soon as it was clear it would not work.
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Win, but do it the right way.
Win, but do so with character guys who don’t make people cringe and feel dirty when they see that success.
Win, but not at all costs.
That’s why the Richie Incognito talk was so shocking. And to be honest, irksome.
Thankfully, at least according to Vic Lombardi, Denver will pass.
Mr. Bowlen would never reach on a player like Incognito – no matter how bad the offensive line is. He’s not the type of character people associated with this franchise.
Never has. Never will.
I’m the first to admit the offensive line has been a major disappointment at this point in the season.
Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
It says a lot when the guy who put forth the best game of any offensive lineman played his first game against the Oakland Raiders (Will Montgomery). As I’ve said since after the Seattle Seahawks game, Montgomery couldn’t do any worse than Manny Ramirez. I thought he would be an upgrade.
It’s too soon to say the problem at center is solved, but it’s a good sign. A very good sign.
Ramirez is back to his more natural position at guard. Louis Vasquez didn’t play great but he was better than anything Denver has had at right tackle to this point. That will improve as he gets more accustomed to the position.
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Orlando Franklin still looks lost but there’s still hope.
Ryan Clady has to turn into Ryan Clady … right?!?
No matter how bad the Broncos offensive line is or gets, Incognito is not the answer.
This is not about a second or third chance. He’s gotten that and then some over the course of his life. It started in college and has carried over to the NFL. It started in 2002 at the University of Nebraska and followed him to the University of Oregon – where he never played, despite his “talent.” Still, teams in the NFL looked beyond his past behavior because of that “talent.”
He’s still the same guy. He’s been the same guy for over a decade.
You don’t want that in your locker room or as a representation of your franchise. There’s a reason he’s not playing right now.
It’s not about the media circus that would come with Incognito.
It’s not about any one instance.
It’s about the character of the man. And over the course of his life in college and professional football, he’s proven he has none.
Doesn’t it say a lot when even the Baltimore Ravens won’t sign him?
Mr. Bowlen spent more than 30 years building the Broncos into what they are today.
Thank you for not soiling that with Incognito.
Jul 21, 2013; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito (68) during training camp at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports