This off-season we've discussed a very large number of topics as we've tried to keep busy during the down time. Now my desire to learn more about topics has lead me to do a lot of my own research. This have lead to a lot of articles, one of which dealt with salary and winning. It was started by a fanshot that Kirk posted with a quote from former GM Brian Xanders about how the Broncos would be more active in free agency. The comments quickly developed into a great discussion of the balance of spending and it's affect on wins. I wrote my article to build upon the discussion with a few numbers and discussion points. The main conclusion I gained from my earlier study was this:
Here we see a bit clearer picture, teams that spent efficiently also won. Teams that spent a lot of money AND spent it well won games more than those who just SPEND or those who just use money EFFICIENTLY. This is the key, while spending money is very likely to help you win, there is more volatility, or a larger difference between the top 10 when just looking at spending compared to a low volatility in the Cost per Win.
To summarize, if you spend you are more likely to win, but if you spend and spend that money efficiently, you are set.
But there is more to this than just base salary numbers. I wanted to see which players were cost efficient, which players produced but cost a lot and which players were just overpaid and never played well. To do this I set out to try a variety of metrics to measure cost efficiency.. Now this won't be a comprehensive study across all positions since some positions are incredibly hard to look at, but I hope this provides a starting point of discussion, and I will be trying to complete a study of all positions, when that happens I'll publish the results at that time.
The final installment of the post draft look at the NFC South division concludes with a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who the Denver Broncos host during Week 13 of the 2012 NFL season. Here’s how Florida’s scalawags measure up.
Elway: Brock Osweiler is Broncos' QB of the future - NFL.com
Shortly after the Denver Broncos signed free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning to a five-year, $96 million contract, the club raised eyebrows by using the 57th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Demaryius Thomas: Peyton Manning 'another coach' - NFL.com
We're starting to see signs of the Peyton Manning Effect in Denver, where the Broncos quarterback (by the way, that still sounds strange to us) is working closely with skill players to install an offense certain to look different in 2012.
Elway: Hillman brings Sproles-like threat to Broncos - NFL.com
The Denver Broncos believe they've acquired a secret weapon in the form of rookie running back Ronnie Hillman.
Armstrong Gets Call to College Hall of Fame " DenverBroncos.com
When Otis Armstrong came to Denver as a first-round pick in 1973, he said he was just looking to follow in fellow running back Floyd Little’s footsteps. On Tuesday, it was announced that Armstrong has done just that, joining his former Broncos teammate in the College Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2012.
About noon Mountain Time today, about 6,000 Denver Broncos season ticket holders were able to visit and ask questions with Broncos Executive V.P. of football operations John Elway and head coach John Fox. A sort of "State of the Team address" if you will. I personally was unable to listen in live, but I do have some interesting points due to the marvels of the Twitterverse. Those of you who do not Tweet will likely find this post as informative as I did while gathering the information.
I have some Tweets from Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post, but most are straight from the official team Twitter. Enjoy.
Per the team site, the Denver Broncos have announced the tour dates for the 2012 Broncos Country Caravan Tour. Some of you may remember me covering the event in Colorado Springs in 2010. I brought back pictures of the Holy Grail (1998-99 Lombardi trophies), cheerleaders and former players signed some goodies. Circumstances prevented my attendance last year, but I hope to make it to one of the events this time around.
"I’m excited, man," Thomas said, smiling from ear to ear. "I’m just excited to get healed and work with the team and not sit here and look around – to actually be on the field doing stuff. This is my first year in the NFL being healthy. I’m feeling good, I’m in the right shape, good size. It’s just exciting and I’m looking forward to it."
Rodgers Takes Over as Defensive Line Coach " DenverBroncos.com
With Wayne Nunnely retiring, Jay Rodgers — who spent the past three seasons as a defensive assistant with the club, including working primarily with Nunnely and the defensive line in 2011 — now takes over as the club’s defensive line coach.
Today’s Unknowns Can Be Tomorrow’s Stars " DenverBroncos.com
One of the things that fascinates me in sport, as well as in life, is the vast number of fans and followers who know everything.
Former Colony HS Star Takes His ‘Positive Living’ To The Broncos " CBS Los Angeles
Denver Broncos rookie Omar Bolden considers himself a budding cornerback and CEO.
Denver Broncos Defensive Line Coach Wayne Nunnely is retiring today. I have mixed emotions over that fact. The last couple of years at Training Camp it was common to hear the rich baritone announce the theme for the Denver Defense, "Nobody runs on the Broncos!" This is a coach that players and even the fans loved. Nunnely has a good nature to him and a contagious laugh to go along with it. He was always cordial to the fans at Training Camp and would come over to chat and sign autographs.
