Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images
The Broncos legend was named one of the 25 modern-era semifinalists and seems to have momentum on his side.
Steve Atwater is one step closer.
The Denver Broncos legend was one of the 25 modern-era semifinalists for the 2020 Class to the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced earlier this week. Yes, Atwater should already have his bust in the Canton, Ohio, museum, but there is momentum on his side and a lot of people, including the members of the selection committee, think this should be Atwater’s year.
As I told Adam Malnati on the MHR Radio Podcast (Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify), Broncos Country knows not to put the cart before the horse when it comes to Denver and the Hall of Fame. Too many great players from Denver have been overlooked to ever feel “confident” about their prospects. Still, I really feel this is the year for the “Smilin’ Assassin” to get the knock on the door from Hall of Fame President David Baker. Atwater is a semifinalist for the ninth consecutive year. The 15 finalists will be announced on Jan. 2 and the 48-member selection committee will narrow it down to the five inductees on Feb. 1 in Miami (the day before the Super Bowl).
What may help Atwater take the final step this time around is the lack of players considered first-ballot selections. Only former safety Troy Polamalu seems to be the one this year. For those wondering if the Pittsburgh Steelers great may hurt Atwater’s chances, the last two Broncos to get inducted did so with a player from the same position — Terrell Davis went in with LaDainian Tomlinson and Champ Bailey with Ty Law. I think the same happens for Atwater.
By now, everyone in Broncos Country knows why one of the greatest safeties in NFL history needs to get inducted. MHR did our 27 reasons in 27 days last year. Atwater came up just a little bit short.
The time has come to get the “Smilin’ Assassin” in the Hall of Fame.
Randy Gradishar
Speaking of another Broncos legend who is long past due, Gradishar falls into the Seniors Class (players who have been retired at least 25 years). In honor of the Centennial Year for the NFL, the Hall announced it will expand this year’s class to 20 members — 10 seniors, three contributors (non coaches and players) and two coaches. That’s to go with the five modern-era inductees.
While Atwater seems to have momentum, Gradishar does as well.
There is a chance Denver gets two inductees for the 2020 Class.
MHR Radio is now on ApplePodcasts, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher,TuneIn and anywhere else you get your podcasts. Please subscribe to the one that fits your fancy, and also rate and review what you hear.
Horse Tracks
The Pro Bowl Push: Why Phillip Lindsay deserves a second Pro Bowl selection
Phillip Lindsay's teammates tell you why his second NFL season is worthy of your Pro Bowl votes.
Broncos notes: Miller's 95-game playing streak officially in question | 9news.com
Yiadom gets starting cornerback job back as he replaces Davontae Harris. Ja'Wuan James listed as questionable even though he was full participant in practice.
Broncos keys to upsetting Chargers
The Broncos look to begin new chapter at quarterback. The Broncos are 14-15 in Denver since Super Bowl 50. Can Denver's seventh starter since Peyton Manning get the franchise back on track?
The next slash? Broncos want to 'run the offense through' Courtland Sutton - Denver Broncos- ESPN
The talented second-year receiver out of SMU has demonstrated an ability to run and pass the ball in addition to catching it.
Star safety Derwin James activated by Chargers - NFL.com
Chargers strong safety Derwin James, who's been on injured reserve due to a stress fracture in his foot, has been activated by Los Angeles ahead of the team's game against the Broncos on Sunday.
NFL Tracks
NFL playoff picture 2020: Which teams can clinch in Week 13 and how? - SBNation.com
For the first time all season, teams can start punching their ticket to the playoffs.
Cowboys’ playoff chances are alive despite the drama after Bills loss - SBNation.com
Jerry Jones was crying, Michael Bennett was screaming, and Dak Prescott was there to remind everyone everything is gonna be OK after a loss to the Bills.
Who should replace Jason Garrett as the next Dallas Cowboys coach? - SBNation.com
In this week’s mailbag, Geoff Schwartz talks about coaching candidates, whether Dak Prescott has really improved, and how he got into football in the first place.
Jerry Jones: 'Not the time' to make a coaching change - NFL.com
On the eve of the Cowboys' Thanksgiving meeting with the Bills, owner Jerry Jones said coach Jason Garrett simply needed to win. After a 26-15 loss, Jones said he is not considering making a coaching change.
Former NFL WR Terrelle Pryor in stable condition - NFL.com
Terrelle Pryor, currently a free agent who played parts of seven seasons with five NFL teams, was stabbed in Pittsburgh overnight and is in critical condition.
Snyder evaluating Bruce Allen's status with Redskins - NFL.com
Bruce Allen's status with the franchise is truly being evaluated by owner Dan Snyder, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reporter per sources Saturday on Good Morning Football Weekend.
Lane Johnson gets 4-year, $72M extension with Eagles - NFL.com
Right tackle Lane Johnson and the Eagles have agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension that includes $54.595 guaranteed, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.
from Mile High Report - All Posts https://ift.tt/2RiQmLp
No comments:
Post a Comment