Tag: Mark Schlereth

Making the case for 10 Broncos who should be in the Hall of Fame

Randy Gradishar appears to be on the verge of reaching the Hall of Fame, but these Broncos players continue to be overlooked by voters.

The Denver Broncos are represented by 10 former players and late former owner Pat Bowlen in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and another former player will likely join them in Canton next year.

Former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar was named a senior finalist for the Hall of Fame last August, and he seems likely to be elected as a member of the 2024 class in January. Even with Gradishar seemingly on the verge of getting in, though, Denver remains underrepresented in Canton.

Two months ago, 16 former Broncos were named among 173 modern-era nominees for the 2024 Hall of Fame class. That list of nominees was narrowed down to a list of 25 semifinalists announced Tuesday and not a single Denver player made the cut.

Granted, many of the modern-era semifinalists this year are more than deserving — Antonio Gates, Julius Peppers, Dwight Freeney and Devin Hester among them — but the Broncos also have many deserving players who have been overlooked for years, and they are now one more year removed from possible enshrinement.

Here’s a quick look at ten Denver representatives who should already be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Former Washington OL on Commanders’ O-line: ‘They are awful’

Mark Schlereth feels bad for Sam Howell.

Mark Schlereth played 12 NFL seasons and was a part of three Super Bowl champions. Schlereth spent the first six years of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins, before finishing his final six years with the Denver Broncos.

Since his retirement, Schlereth has been a prominent NFL analyst, first with ESPN for several years and most recently calling games on FOX since 2017.

He keeps up with the entire NFL but pays particular attention to his two former teams. Schlereth recently ripped the Broncos.

But what about the Commanders?

Working for FOX, Schlereth usually calls multiple Washington games each season. He’ll be on the call for the Commanders’ Week 8 game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

In preparation for Washington’s game on Sunday, he reviewed the Commanders’ film from their ugly Week 8 loss to the New York Giants.

Let’s say he wasn’t impressed. And as a former offensive lineman, he was highly unimpressed with Washington’s current offensive line.

“Things aren’t going really well right now in Washington,” Schlereth said this week on his “Stinkin Truth” podcast. “They can’t get out of their own way on the offensive side of the football.”

Schlereth then talks about Washington’s sack problem. The Commanders have allowed 40 sacks, some of which are on Howell for holding the ball too long.

“I was watching the film, and I wanted to be sick for Sam Howell,” Schlereth said. Schlereth and his host then discuss how not all sacks are on the offensive line, and as a former offensive lineman, Schlereth is often quick to defend those who play in the trenches.

“In this case, they are awful,” Schlereth said of Washington’s offensive line. “They cannot pick up a blitz. They cannot snap a game off. Like, it is…..unreal. They should dress up for Halloween as vampires because I ain’t never seen so many neck-sucking bloodsuckers that don’t see anything going on around them……..Pull your head out and actually look for the twister. Pay attention — to the blitzer. It’s as bad as it gets.”

He wasn’t done.

“They can’t run it,” Schlereth said of the Commanders. ‘They can’t throw it. They didn’t separate from man to man…….They couldn’t do anything.”

Please tell us what you really think, Mark.

Here’s the full podcast, and you can find Schlereth talking about the Commanders at around the 14:25 mark.

Broncos legend Mark Schlereth took a savage (but inaccurate) swipe at an underperforming Jerry Jeudy

Jeudy tried shooting down his “haters” before Schlereth blasted him.

After a woeful 2022, the Denver Broncos have somehow become an even worse football team. The magnitude and scope of their ongoing 2023 failure is a lot to process. But while the root of Denver’s issues might be Sean Payton and Russell Wilson not being quite good enough, they’re not the only underperforming people in the organization.

Enter Jerry Jeudy.

A Denver first-round draft pick in 2020, the former Alabama product has a total of 174 receptions, 2503 yards, and nine touchdowns in 36 career starts. Put another way, he averages about four catches, 69 yards, and zero touchdowns a game. Woof. Once a highly-touted playmaker of the future, this is probably who Jeudy is in his fourth NFL season — a consistently inconsistent receiver.

That didn’t stop Jeudy from taking to his Twitter timeline to seemingly rip the “old heads” who criticize him and these dreadful Broncos:

Later that evening, Denver sports media personality and Fox color commentator Mark Schlereth — a two-time Pro Bowler and starting guard on each of the Broncos’ Super Bowl championship teams in the late 1990s — had some thoughts for Jeudy appearing to come after his “haters.”

He seemed to think Jeudy was partly referring to him with the “old heads” reference. That, or the Broncos legend just wanted to aptly roast Jeudy. So, Schlereth proceeded to drop the hammer down about Jeudy’s availability and notorious underperformance:

Oh. My. Goodness. Wait, let me check Schlereth’s math here. He has 16 career playoff starts between stints with the Washington Commanders and Broncos. Jeudy, again, has 36. Hmm, that doesn’t quite add up, Mark. It’s a good dunk attempt, but it’s a whiff.

Let’s have some fun and try another one. Schlereth has 16 career playoff starts to Jeudy’s total career touchdowns (9). Let’s try another one again. Schlereth has three Super Bowl rings to Jeudy’s career 100-yard games (2). I’m not quite sure which number is more brutal. Let’s just go with … both.

But at any rate, that context is much better. That’s how an “old head” can forever maintain bragging rights.

Rod Smith among 16 former Broncos nominated for Hall of Fame

Five players who won Super Bowls with the Broncos have been nominated for the Hall of Fame, including wide receiver Rod Smith.

Rod Smith headlines the list of former Denver Broncos players who have been nominated for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The Hall of Fame announced 173 modern-era nominees on Tuesday, including 16 players who spent time with the Broncos.

Smith might have the strongest case. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Smith’s numbers (849 receptions for 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns) are similar to those of Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irving (750/11,904/65). Smith is also the NFL’s all-time leading receiver among undrafted wide receivers.

Four other Broncos Super Bowl winners were also nominated — center Tom Nalen, guard Mark Schlereth, defensive lineman Neil Smith and kicker Jason Elam. Those four players and Smith helped the team win back-to-back championships in the late 1990s.

Two more recent wide receivers — Brandon Marshall and Wes Welker — were also nominated, as was hard-hitting inside linebacker Al Wilson.

Here’s a quick look at the 16 former Denver players who have been nominated for the Hall of Fame.

Former Washington offensive lineman is a big fan of Saahdiq Charles

Saahdiq Charles received some high praise.

Mark Schlereth played the first six seasons of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins. A 10th-round selection in the 1989 NFL draft out of Idaho, Schlereth appeared in 75 games for Washington, making 59 starts. He earned a Super Bowl ring from his time with Washington as a member of “The Hogs.”

Schlereth left Washington for Denver, where he would spend the final six seasons of his NFL career, winning two more Super Bowls. After retirement, Schlereth joined the media world, appearing on ESPN for years before moving to FOX Sports in 2017, where he remains today.

Schlereth will be on the call for Washington’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, something for which he is excited. Schlereth has spoken out in support of Washington’s new ownership group since Josh Harris took over as owner in July.

In studying for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Schlereth did what all good analysts do: He watched the tape. Which Washington player stood out on tape? Fourth-year guard Saahiq Charles.

Of course, Schlereth would choose a guard.

He explained what he saw in Charles, noting Charles was “absolutely freaking killing people.”

Here’s further context, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Charles was in competition with Chris Paul to start at left guard this offseason. Charles missed some time with injury, but it was clear Washington wanted Charles to win the job. Head coach Ron Rivera has always praised Charles, noting his biggest obstacle has been his health.

If Charles can remain healthy this fall, he could finally solidify what has been a revolving door for the Commanders at left guard.

As for Schlereth, he knows what good guard play is supposed to look like. The Commanders enter Sunday’s game with two former drafted tackles — Charles and Sam Cosmi — now the team’s starting guards.

Mark Schlereth helps explain why the Broncos parted with TE Albert Okwuegbunam

“That is just absolutely garbage,” Mark Schlereth said of Albert Okwuegbunam’s blocking against the Rams.

Story update: Just before the roster cut deadline, the Broncos traded tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to the Eagles instead of cutting him. See our original post below. 

The Denver Broncos waived tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on Tuesday, a move that was not particularly well-received by fans.

“Albert O” has shown flashes of great potential as a receiving tight end, including a big performance in the team’s preseason finale last week. Against the Los Angeles Rams, Okwuegbunam had a huge game with seven receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown.

That monster game wasn’t enough to make the 53-man roster, though. Why not?

Mark Schlereth, who played for the Broncos from 1995-2000, helped explain the Okwuegbunam cut on Tuesday with a video breakdown of one of Denver’s running plays against the Rams.

Schlereth pointed out a play where he says “Albert O” had “the easiest block on the field.” Despite having inside positioning, Okwuegbunam is driven off the line of scrimmage and is pushed all the way past the hole that the running back ends up running into.

“That is just absolutely garbage,” Schlereth says in the video. “And that’s why ‘Albert O’ is looking for work.”

Schlereth knows a thing or two about blocking — he won three Super Bowls (two with Denver and one with Washington) during his 12-year career as a guard in the NFL.

Okwuegbunam will now be subject to the NFL’s waiver wire.

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Commanders season opener in 69 days: Washington’s best No. 69

69 Mark Schlereth days until Week 1 for the Commanders.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 69 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 69?

R.C. Thielemann (1985-88) came to Washington in a trade for Washington wide receiver Charlie Brown. Thielemann had come to Arkansas when Joe Gibbs was an assistant coach. A three-time Pro-Bowler with Atlanta, when Washington needed another “Hog,” the trade was made. Thielemann made 34 starts in the last four seasons of his career, including Super Bowl XXII. He was plugged in at right guard as Washington moved Mark May to tackle and George Starke retired.

Perry Brooks (1978-84) was drafted as the 202nd player overall by the New England Patriots in the 1976 draft. Brooks persevered and finally earned his way onto a roster with Washington in 1978. Brooks was a backup his first three seasons to Dave Butz and Diron Talbert. A starter in 1981, Brooks achieved a career-high 6.5 sacks. He was again an effective backup to Butz and Darryl Grant in his last three seasons. Brooks finished with 27 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries. The Redskins released Brooks during the 1985 preseason.

Mark Schlereth (1989-94) played in 75 games, starting 59 for Washington. Though drafted the 263rd overall player (10th round) in 1989, Schlereth was making 6 starts his rookie season. In his third season (1991), he started all 16 games at right guard for the Super Bowl champs, as the offensive line only allowed 9 sacks all season. Schlereth was a Pro Bowler along with left tackle Jim Lachey. As a free agent, Schlereth signed and played for the Broncos his last 6 NFL seasons, winning two Super Bowls.

 

Former Washington players react to the news that Dan Snyder has agreed to sell the team

Some former Washington players speak on the potential new ownership group.

Since Daniel Snyder bought the then-Washington Redskins in 1999, some former players have been complimentary of him over the years. Others, not so much.

Several former players always believed in Snyder’s desire to win, choosing to focus less on how the owner treated people. Some of that support waned over the years as the franchise twice changed its name, leaving some former players feeling like their old team was now an expansion team. The constant losing didn’t help things either.

On Thursday, news broke that Snyder has agreed to sell the Commanders to Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris. Sure, the deal is not yet done, but it’s closer than ever.

Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., caught up with three former Washington players to see how they were feeling: Quarterback Mark Rypien [1986-93], offensive linemen Mark May [1981-90] and Mark Schlereth [1989-94].

Rypien:

“I’m really looking forward to the change,” Rypien said. “I think everyone is kinda got to take a breath of fresh air. I don’t think there’s any one of us who needs to hate on anything or anything that Dan wanted to do. Because Dan wanted to win, you know, it just didn’t happen. Hopefully, this next group that comes in here, the Harris group, will lead us to bigger and better things.”

May couldn’t contain his excitement.

“It’s a celebration, baby; it’s party time,” May said, smiling and waving his arms. “But I’m just glad it’s a good group; it’s a solid group that they know professional sports.”

How did Schlereth feel:

“I’m glad that they have moved on,” Schlereth said. “I’m glad that the deal in principle is set, and I’m glad they’ll be new ownership in Washington.”

Most Washington fans are feeling like May.

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Broncos expected to hire Zach Strief as offensive line coach

The #Broncos are expected to hire Zach Strief as their new offensive line coach, according to NFL Network.

It sounds like neither Mike Munchak nor Mark Schlereth will coach the Denver Broncos’ offensive line in 2023.

The Broncos are expected to hire Zach Strief as their new offensive line coach, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Strief, 39, played 12 years in the NFL as an offensive tackle, spending his entire career (2006-2017) playing under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints. Three years after he retired, Strief returned to the Saints in 2021 as an assistant offensive line coach.

Now, with two years of coaching experience on his resume, Strief is expected to reunite with Payton in Denver as the team’s new offensive line coach. The Broncos had an opening at the position after Butch Barry was fired with two games remaining in the 2022 season.

After the team fired Nathaniel Hackett in December, interim coach Jerry Rosburg made several additional changes to the coaching staff, including firing Barry. We are tracking all of the team’s coaching staff changes on this page.

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Mark Schlereth open to coaching Broncos’ offensive line if offered role

“I’d be interested if that opportunity arose.,” Mark Schlereth said of the possibility of coaching the Broncos’ offensive line.

Mark Schlereth won three Super Bowls during his 12-year career in the NFL, including two titles with the Denver Broncos. He now works for 104.3 The Fan, but the player-turned-radio host has not ruled out a potential return to the Broncos, this time as a coach.

Schlereth said 104.3 The Fan‘s “Schlereth and Evans” show last week that he has spoken with new coach Sean Payton and would be open to coaching the team’s offensive line, if offered the job.

“I talked to Sean several weeks ago. I haven’t talked to him since,” Schlereth said, via DenverSpots.com’s Will Peterson. “But, yeah, would I be interested? Certainly I’d be interested if that opportunity arose. I don’t know that it will. I would imagine that we’re going to have a chat about that, but maybe not, I don’t know. Let’s just say that we talked about it several weeks ago, haven’t talked about it since.”

The fact that “Stink” hasn’t heard from Payton lately might be a sign that returning as offensive line coach is a longshot. Perhaps returning to the club as an assistant coach would be a more likely scenario.

Post update: Schlereth clarified in a tweet that he has not spoken to Payton about coaching with the Broncos. Payton also responded to the tweet.

Payton would be wise to also talk to Mike Munchak, who was let go by Nathaniel Hackett last year and then took a year off from coaching. Munchak would quickly return to being counted among the best offensive line coaches in the NFL if Denver managed to bring him back.

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