…Have written this a couple times now, but one Broncos source said that Mike Shanahan did not like Jason Campbell when he was coming out of Auburn. Has he changed his mind five years later? Maybe. Those who know Shanahan well say they don’t think Campbell will be his guy.
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All Shanahan would say is, “I’m looking forward to working with him. I love the way he handles himself. I look forward to sitting down and talking to him.”
Later, when asked what qualities he wants in a quarterback, Shanahan said, “No. 1 you have to be accurate. No. 2 you have to be passionate about what you’re doing. You have to love what you’re doing and study the game inside-out. Some guys are talkers and others are quiet. I’ve seen people lead in a lot of different ways, the Joe Montanas and Steve Youngs. Each guy is different in their own way. And all Hall of Fame quarterbacks. And then you get a guy like Steve Beuerlein who would just go out there and find a way to win. Everyone had different characteristics, but you have to have a burning desire to be the best you can.”
…Shanahan said he wants Bruce Allen to disagree with him. A Broncos insider predicted this the other day, “Initially he’ll come out and say the right things, that I always wanted a strong GM or this or that and want people to bring me suggestions. I promise you that he was given plenty of suggestions and alternatives.”
I did hear from one NFL source who said many people in Denver liked working for him. However, there’s no doubt he likes to make the final decision.
…Shanahan on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth: “I’ve gone against Albert for a number of years. He is a difference maker. You don’t want to go against him if you’re on the other team because he is disruptive. The thing I’m hoping is we can keep him healthy. What that takes is a great offseason program. I’m sure glad he’s on our team.”
Like Clinton Portis, Haynesworth did not endear himself to teammates this season. Some were frustrated because he missed four games with injuries and parts of others. Meanwhile, a number of players on defense played hurt.
…Shanahan on how involved he’ll be with the defense, “The only way I think you can stay in the position of head football coach is, you better know offense, defense and special teams. You’d better know it as good as your assistants, or at least try to, because your team knows it. … You’re in charge of the whole team. They have to understand that all three areas are very important.”
…I know what you’re thinking after reading that last statement: He sounds just like Steve Spurrier.
…Yes, I’m kidding.
…Owner Dan Snyder looked almost giddy as he shook hands with Shanahan and Bruce Allen, before taking a seat elsewhere in the auditorium. It was in contrast to the drained look he had for Allen’s first press conference, the morning when he accepted Vinny Cerrato’s resignation.
